“I thought they couldn’t do that,” she said, her voice breaking.
“They can’t,” Hunter spat then cursed.
“Cheat!” Balin yelled, and Jamie turned to her mate. He and Ambrose broke through their chains as Ambrose’s crystalline white wings burst from his back, spreading out, and he grabbed Balin around his torso and flew to the center of the fighting area. They dropped to her side, pulling her into their hold. She pulled back to stand on her own two feet, though she loved that they were close.
Their scents surrounded her, grounding her.
“You can’t be in there!” Fury yelled over the din as the other demons quieted. “You’re an angel; you’ve started a war.”
Ambrose shook his head as he brought Jamie to his side. “No, you have. If there will be a war, you have caused it. You’ve broken your own laws by bringing those demons in here. This game is forfeit.”
“Jamie and Hunter are ours,” Balin yelled. “We claim them in consequence of your deceit. Now, give us our freedom, and we’ll leave. You have no say here, Fury. You’ve lost by your own impatience and lies.”
Jamie wanted to cry in relief but held back everything she could. She didn’t trust Pyro or Fury, not in the least.
One of the other council members held Fury back before speaking.
“It is the law, my son,” he said, his voice old but strong. “Let them go, and they can try to leave hell.”
She wasn’t too sure she liked the emphasis the demon made on try.
Fury smiled, his teeth looking sharper by the minute, even if it was only a feeling. “Yes, you can go. If… no, when we find you, we’ll kill you.”
“You have no say and no jurisdiction outside of this realm,” Ambrose stated as his grip tightened on her hand.
“So be it,” Fury spat, and Pyro shook beside him.
Balin pushed her toward a side gate as the three men flanked her. “Let’s get out of here.”
Jamie wanted to sink to her knees and weep, but she didn’t think this was the right time. By the look on Hunter’s face, she wasn’t the only one warring with their emotions. The wolf looked as if he couldn’t believe his fate, as if he’d resigned himself to dying and now had a chance at life.
She didn’t know what came next, but whatever it was, she’d survive. She had to.
Anything was better than what she’d just seen.
She knew the demons might come after them at any moment, but she’d take a breath because she could.
Because she had to.
At least she hoped.
Chapter 12
The fear slowly slipped from him as Ambrose led the way to a group of rocks outside the coliseum doors. He knew they weren’t safe until they were behind wards in the human realm—or really any other realm other than hell—but the jagged fear he’d had watching helplessly as Jamie ran for her life ebbed away.
As soon as he could, he’d take her in his arms and never let go, just to confirm she was really there.
He’d never been so helpless and so proud at the same time, watching her in the games. She’d never shown a hint of fear, though he’d been able to feel it through the bond. He and Balin had been forced to watch on their knees, chained to the ground.
Though he could have—and did—break free easily, he didn’t at first. If he had done that before Fury had cheated, it would have cost Jamie her life, and there was nothing in the world more precious than her. He’d had to stand back and watch, holding his own emotions in check while everything he’d ever wanted could have been lost. He’d had to wait for his moment—one he hadn’t been sure would come.
Now they had even more things to worry about. Namely, how to get out of hell. He could hear the crowd behind him and knew it would not be easy to make a portal and leave with them ready to give chase.
“Balin!”
Ambrose turned to find Fawkes running toward them, a huge smile on his face.
“Fawkes!” Balin said as they hugged each other, relief in the younger man’s stance evident from his sagging shoulders.
“I couldn’t watch, but I heard what happened. Congrats by the way on finding your true halves.” He turned to Jaime and bowed. “I’m Fawkes, a friend of Balin’s.”
Jamie hugged him tight, surprising him. “I know what you’ve done for both of my men. Thank you.”
Fawkes blushed and shook his head. “It was nothing. I do know that an angry mob is on its way, so I’m going to go make a distraction so you guys can divine a portal.”
Ambrose smiled. This young demon was a far greater man than he gave himself credit for.
“Can’t you come with us?” Jamie asked as Balin pulled her into his arms.
Hunter stood back, watching it all with that same fierce expression on his face. Ambrose was glad the wolf could escape, even though he looked more feral than sane.
“I can’t go,” Fawkes said, a frown on his face. “I still have a bit of time until I’m in my maturity…then…”
Balin nodded, and Ambrose took the kid by the shoulder. “When you make your choice, come to us. We’ll find a way to help.”
Fawkes gave a wobbly smile then coughed. “I might take you up on that.”
Balin moved forward to give the kid one last hug. “You better.”
“Now I’m going to go blow up a couple things, but don’t worry, I’m faster than they think. Make that portal quick though.”
Balin nodded. “I’m strong enough now to be able to take my mates easily, plus another, so it won’t be a problem.”
The roar of the crowd grew louder, and with one last nod, Fawkes ran off.
Ambrose hoped to God that the boy would make a choice that could lead him back to their lives.
That wasn’t for him to decide.
“I don’t want him to get hurt,” Jamie whispered as Balin started to draw his rune to open the portal. Absolute glee at the new power he held shone on their lover’s face.
His lover.
He liked the sound of that.
Ambrose tucked a stray hair behind her ear. She still wore her leather costume, that he had to be honest looked sexy on her, and he knew she was uncomfortable.
“He’ll be okay. He’s stronger than most. And I have a feeling we’re not done with him.”
“Good.”
“Ready?” Balin asked as he stood in front of the portal, a swirly vortex of light and darkness that would lead them to, presumably, the human realm.
“God yes,” Jamie said as she turned back to human. Ambrose had long since tucked his wings back, and Balin changed to his human form, which was still the same strong, good-looking man, just without horns and red specks in his eyes.
Balin took one of her hands while Ambrose took the other. Hunter grabbed Ambrose’s free hand, the desperation evident in his stance, and they made their way through the portal. Sharp pinpricks of pain danced along his body, but unlike last time, it wasn’t the flames of hell that greeted him, but the twilight of a setting sun in Jamie’s hometown.
They were home.
Well, not exactly home. At the moment, they were in an alley near Jamie’s home. He was pretty sure he’d heard Jamie give Balin the directions to where she lived before, but he’d been too caught up in making sure there were no demons following them, he’d missed it.
“Oh thank God,” Jamie whispered. He caught her around the waist as her legs gave out.
“Are you okay?” Balin asked, worry etched on his face.
“Was it the portal?” Ambrose asked, not knowing how she’d fare.
“I’m just glad to be home.”
Hunter came to her side and knelt before her. “Thank you, Jamie, and all of you for saving my life.”
Jamie shook her head as tears slid down her cheeks. “You saved mine.”
Hunter let out a breath. “I’m going to my Pack now since they’re close to here. I don’t know how long it’s been…” He closed his eyes, clearly struggling for control. “I will come back to all of you. I will
never forget what you’ve done.”
“Nor will any of us,” Ambrose promised.
“You’ve found an ally in me, all of you,” Hunter explained as he stood. “I don’t know the state of my Pack, or even if I have a title anymore, but when I come back, I will find a way to repay you.”
“You owe us nothing,” Jamie said.
“You gave me the option of a future. That is something I will never forget.” With that, the wolf walked away, wearing only leather pants and his boots.
Considering how they all were dressed, they should probably get out of sight soon.
Balin looked around as if he’d never seen the human realm before, and Ambrose brought him in for a hug.
“You’re home now,” Ambrose whispered, and Balin shuddered.
“I’ve been here once or twice, but it’s been too long.”
“Let’s get to my home, and then we can get clean and never move again,” Jamie said as Ambrose took her hand and led the way.
He used his powers to shield them from prying eyes in case anyone saw two leather-clad people walking with another man who didn’t wear leather, but looked just as dangerous.
Once they made it to Jamie’s house, she almost collapsed in the doorway.
“Home,” she whispered.
Balin leaned into her side as Ambrose walked to the living room, noting the window that had been broken before had been replaced. He quickly went to the phone to check the date and cursed.
“What is it?” Jamie asked.
“It’s been two months.”
“What?”
“It’s been two months since they took you.”
“No, that’s not right.”
Balin shook his head. “Hell is the only plane that works on a different timetable. And, since it flows like a wave, you never know if you’re losing time or gaining it. Also, because it averages out, over time, it doesn’t really matter and people end up aging the same.”
Jamie’s eyes widened, and she sank into the couch. “Two months.”
Ambrose knelt before her. “I’m going to call Shade and tell him we’re back and to let the others know. I’m also going to tack on that they should give us time alone to process.”
Jamie nodded, her gaze far away. “We can meet at Dante’s tomorrow.”
“Dante? We can see him?” Balin asked, awe in his tone.
Ambrose nodded. “We’ll see everyone tomorrow and learn what we’ve missed. Though it’s going to be tough for Faith to stay away,” he teased.
Jamie cracked a smile. “Tell her I need to shower and sleep and that I will see her tomorrow.”
“Of course.”
He quickly made the call, and the relief in Shade’s voice was unmistakable. He and Lily promised to keep everyone away from the house, knowing the new triad needed time.
Everything had changed. He’d lost what mattered most to him before and almost lost it again. He wouldn’t be letting go easily.
He wanted Jamie in his life, his bed, and in every single aspect of his life. And as he looked at Balin, who stood shell shocked in the living room, he knew he wanted Balin by his side throughout it all.
He loved Jamie.
Loved her.
He knew he was falling for Balin.
It might have started with a bond and genetics, but it was more than that, more than fate. He saw the way they both took care of those they loved and fought for more than just themselves. They were true warriors, and he wasn’t about to let them go.
“We should get cleaned up,” Ambrose said as walked toward his mates.
Jamie absently nodded then shuddered. “I’d really like to get out of these clothes.”
“I can help with that,” Balin said, a smile on his face.
Jamie rolled her eyes. “Really? You’re thinking about sex right now?”
“Jamie, darling, I’m always thinking about sex.” Balin lifted her into his arms, and she let out a squeal. “I will say I like this leather number on you.”
Ambrose let out chuckle at the look of mutiny on Jamie’s face.
“You would, you deviant. I look like a whore.” She puffed up her cheeks and let out a breath. “At least they didn’t give me heels. I could actually run.”
“As much as I like that leather on you, we need to get you out of it so we can all be clean,” Ambrose said as he led Balin toward Jamie’s bathroom. “Though I might have to get you something with leather in the future.”
Balin groaned behind him, and Ambrose’s cock pressed against his pants.
“Done. We’re doing that as soon as possible,” Balin teased.
“Fine, but then I get to dress you both in leather.”
“Deal,” both men said at the same time.
Ambrose looked behind him at the younger man who had a more carefree air about him. He knew Balin had been through wars, near death, and in almost constant pain his whole life, but the demon still joked and tried to make light of things—completely the opposite of how Ambrose dealt with life.
He had a feeling Balin would be good for him.
He looked at Jamie’s tired face, yet he knew she was full of life and hope. Good for the both of them.
Jamie let out a small sigh as they entered her bathroom. Her house wasn’t the largest of houses. In fact, it could have fit in just one of his living rooms, but her bathroom was breathtaking. She’d bought the place because of it, and he knew from Shade that she was planning on building onto her home but would keep the bathroom the way as it was. She had a large claw-footed bath that could fit two people—something they’d have to work on since there were now three of them.
It was her shower that made Ambrose want to weep.
It was a large, glass-enclosed shower. One showerhead came from the ceiling then three more showerheads jutted from the walls to make sure every inch of skin could be heated, wet, and clean.
Not to mention the fact that it was large enough for six people and had a bench in it.
Perfect for what he had in mind.
“Well, Hades, I’m in love with your bathroom,” Balin said as he set Jamie on the bathroom counter.
Jamie smiled and wiggled, clearly uncomfortable in her skirt—something that could quickly be remedied.
“I love my shower, though now, I guess it’s yours too, right?” She blushed and Ambrose froze, not wanting to break the moment.
Balin stood by her. “Jamie, darling, I’m never leaving your side. Nor am I leaving Ambrose. I’d love to stay here with you and make a future. I love you, Jamie Bennett.” He cupped her face and kissed her softly.
Tears stained both of their cheeks, and Ambrose moved so he was closer to them. “And I’m not leaving you—either of you. Though we don’t have to stay here, we can go wherever you want, whenever you want. You both are my future, and I’m not going to be stupid and walk away from it—again. I’m going to do all in my power to show you that I’m worthy of you, Jamie. And you too, Balin.”
He kissed her then, her lips soft, needy beneath his. “I love you,” he whispered.
She pulled back and hiccupped a laugh. “Oh, I love you both. I can’t believe I got this lucky.” Then she laughed again. “I don’t know why that’s funny because, really, we just went through hell—literally—but I feel like the luckiest girl in the world that I get the both of you. I have no idea how we’re going to make everything work, but hearing you both say that makes me believe that it can work. That it will work.”
Balin wrapped an arm around Ambrose’s waist and leaned on his shoulder. Ambrose shuddered a breath and turned to let his lips rest gently on Balin’s. “I love you too, Balin,” he whispered. “I don’t know how it happened, and I wasn’t expecting you, but I’m not sorry.”
Balin grinned. “Good to know because you’re stuck with me, old man.” He leaned in to kiss him harder. “And, of course, I love you too. Right now, all the emotions in this room are a bit thick. Why don’t we shower and show Jamie what it means to be with two men? And let m
e show you what it means to be with me. We have a whole future to plan and figure out, but I’d rather take the next few hours just being us.”
Happiness spread through him as he slowly undid Jamie’s corset. Not a single mark marred her skin from her ordeal, and he was grateful that her newfound abilities seemed to have sped up her healing process.
Though he could have healed her, it was good to know she could do it on her own. He’d just have to make sure he pampered her in other ways.
She exhaled loudly as he undid the last of the strings and removed the binding. Her breasts fell, heavy, her nipples hard.
Smiling, he leaned down to press a kiss to the tip of one while Balin did the same to the other. When Balin turned slightly, Ambrose captured the other man’s lips above her chest and bit down hard.
Balin pulled back and laughed. “Feisty, are you?”
Ambrose merely raised a brow. “I am a warrior after all.”
“Oh, God, I really am the luckiest girl ever.” She leaned back and smiled, her eyes dark with arousal.
Balin undid her boots while Ambrose turned on the shower. The water flowed, and steam started to fill the room.
“How is it you two can get me so hot with just a little touch?” she asked as she squirmed on the counter.
Balin slowly slid off her skirt, and Ambrose cursed.
“You weren’t wearing panties this whole time?” he asked.
She blushed from head to toe, her nipples darkening. “No, and let me tell you, it’s hard to fall to the ground with your legs crossed so you don’t flash a whole mob of demons.”
“Was it really a mob?” Balin asked. “Or was it more of a gathering? Or a grouping?”
She smacked his shoulder as they both laughed, the tension easing.
Ambrose stripped off his clothes, glad to be rid of them. He had more clothes in his cache for himself and Balin later.
Balin stripped down as well, and Ambrose picked up Jamie and headed toward the shower.
“You two do realize I can walk, right?” Jamie asked as she buried her nose in his throat.
“Why should you?” he asked as he stepped in the stall, setting her down on the bench.
Her Warriors' Three Wishes (Dante's Circle) Page 14
