by Jana Downs
“It’s okay, Layden. Devon just finally woke up.”
Devon’s heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of Layden’s defined muscles in the shadows.
Their eyes met, and Layden licked his lips as though he could sense Devon’s desire. His heart beat erratically inside his chest as the memory of his dream came flooding back to him.
Layden leaned in close. So close in fact, Devon could feel his breath against his neck as he inhaled his scent. Layden’s hands pressed against his waist, and his cock jumped in anticipation.
“God you smell a thousand times better than my dreams. It must be your pheromones my dragon’s reacting to because I can’t seem to keep my hands off of you.” His hand traveled lower, resting on Devon’s thigh.
“Dreams?” he asked, breathless as Layden trailed kisses along his neck. “You’ve been having dreams, too?”
He sat up almost instantly and looked at him.
“You mean you’ve been dreaming about us as well?” Layden asked, and Devon nodded. He and Abraxas exchanged glances.
“What? What does that mean?” Devon looked at them perplexed.
“Usually dragons can only share dreams with their true mates. It’s supposed to be one of the signs, indicating that they are destined by Ryujin to be together,” Abraxas explained.
Devon raised his eyebrows. “So does that mean you think we’re mates since I’ve been dreaming about both of you?”
“I don’t know,” Abraxas answered honestly. “The only sure way to know that is to stand before Ryujin’s judgment and pass his test, but that could also mean death if we failed so I don’t know what this means. I just know I’m having a really hard time controlling my animal instinct to claim you right now.” His eyes darkened with desire, but he didn’t move.
“Me, too,” Layden agreed. “It’s almost as though there’s something about your scent that’s perfectly in tune with my dragon side and every instinct in me now says to make you mine.” Layden’s breathing was heavy as his gaze raked Devon’s body. The tank top and boxers he had on seemed like very little clothing now.
He couldn’t deny the impulse inside that demanded he oblige their desires. He’d never felt something so strong in his entire life. Everything about this felt…right.
“I wouldn’t mind,” he admitted with a blush. He’d never been one to sleep around, but he was finding himself needing them with such ferocity that he couldn’t deny the impulse despite his better judgment.
Abraxas let out a low growl before his lips collided with Devon’s. It was all the affirmation he needed, and his kiss was rough and demanding as he explored every inch of Devon’s mouth.
“You taste even better,” he said, pulling back and lifting Devon’s shirt above his head. There was no going back now as passion consumed his every rational thought. Devon reached out, pulling Layden to him as he captured his lips with a confident kiss. There was a little hesitation in his touch at first, but Devon quickly gained confidence as he felt Layden’s rough hands wrap around his waist.
Abraxas stripped, shredding every last bit of clothing. He was already hard and eager for Devon’s touch. Devon flashed him a wicked smile before pulling him closer. He needed them both, and he needed them now.
Devon’s hand wrapped around Abraxas’s cock as he eagerly lapped at the bulbous head. Abraxas ran his fingers through Devon’s hair as he encouraged him further.
“That’s it, baby,” he moaned as Devon moved his hard cock in and out of his mouth. He swirled his tongue on the head before taking all of him deep in his throat. He loved the feel of Abraxas inside him.
Layden pulled on Devon’s underwear, seeking to free his hard cock. Devon spread his legs, giving Layden what he wanted, and Layden slipped a slick finger into his tight hole as he took Devon’s cock into his mouth. He whimpered at the sensation.
The feel of Layden sucking on his cock drove him crazy as he took Abraxas deep into his throat. His pleasure became more and more intense as he neared orgasm.
Layden slipped another finger inside, stretching his tight hole. Devon groaned as he nearly came undone just from Layden’s touch. His sounds of pleasure were muffled by Abraxas’s hard cock as he fucked his mouth, taking control of the pace. Devon could sense Abraxas was nearing the edge when he pulled his cock out of his mouth.
He looked up at Abraxas with pleading eyes, yearning to feel him inside his tight ass.
“Not yet, love. I want to savor this moment.”
Layden stood up and moved to Abraxas. They kissed as Abraxas reached between Layden’s legs, stroking his erect cock.
The image of watching the two men touching sent another wave of desire coursing through Devon’s body as his hand wrapped around his own thick cock.
Layden whimpered, and Abraxas moved from his dick to his ass and tight hole.
“Abraxas,” Layden whispered breathless.
“I want to watch you fuck him,” Abraxas stated as his gaze raked over Devon’s body.
Layden grinned. “Your wish is my command.”
Layden grabbed a bottle from the side table and poured an ample amount of lube into his hand. He leaned Devon against the bed as he positioned himself between Devon’s thighs.
Devon’s breath hitched as he felt Layden’s cock press against his tight hole. He’d dreamed about this moment since the first time he laid eyes upon them.
Layden’s hands roamed across his small waist, bracing Devon’s hips as he inched himself inside. The feel of Layden’s hard cock filling his hole was unlike any other sexual experience. It was almost as if their souls were one as he became intensely aware of not only his pleasure, but Layden’s as well.
Layden moved his hips, setting a slow rhythm as he shoved deeper and deeper with every thrust.
“How does he feel?” Abraxas’s voice was masked with desire and want as his gaze fixated on their lovemaking.
“He feels unbelievable,” Layden panted. “He’s so tight around my cock.”
Devon arched his body in eager anticipation of each pleasurable thrust. He gripped onto Layden’s shoulders, kissing him as Layden drove inside him deeper.
Abraxas moved behind Layden and poured a good amount of lubrication into his hand. Layden shoved into Devon and spread his legs, allowing Abraxas access. Abraxas slid his cock into Layden, gradually stretching his tight hole until he’d taken every inch of his cock.
Layden began moving his hips, pinned in between both men as he fucked Devon and Abraxas fucked him. Their bodies moved in unison as all three men came together.
Devon’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as he felt himself nearing climax. Layden gripped Devon’s hips as he slid in deeper, hitting Devon’s sweet spot. Devon cried out as he came hard, his sticky seed spilling onto his abdomen.
Two more thrusts and Layden joined him, filling Devon’s tight ass full. Abraxas came last, his cock buried deep inside Layden. They collapsed in exhaustion onto the bed, each one panting, trying to catch their breath. Abraxas wrapped an arm around Devon, pulling him close.
Devon enjoyed the feel of both men as Layden placed a gentle kiss atop his forehead. Devon smiled weakly, feeling whole for the first time in a long while. He fell asleep with the comfort in knowing that they’d both be there when he woke.
Chapter 8
Devon stretched as he opened his eyes.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Layden said as he pulled on his pants. He gave him a sideways grin as he sat up and swung his bare legs over the edge of the bed just as Abraxas walked through the tent entrance.
“I brought you some of Ezekiel’s tea.” He leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on Devon’s lips before carefully handing him the steaming hot cup.
“Thank you,” he said with a smile. He could definitely get used to this. Abraxas motioned for Layden to follow him back outside, and Layden pulled on his shirt.
“Uh, yeah, we’ll be waiting outside.” He pulled on his shoes and stumbled after Abraxas.
Devon took a
deep breath and sat his teacup on the nightstand.
He closed his eyes as he remembered last night. Shivers ran down his spine, and he could almost feel Layden and Abraxas’s touch on his skin. Mixed emotions filled him as he thought about them. When he’d first arrived in Draconia, the only thing he could think of was getting back home to his work and brother. Now he didn’t know what to think. He didn’t expect to fall so fast and so hard for two very gorgeous men.
Could he really return home, knowing he may never feel their touch again? He didn’t want to think about that. He just wanted to allow himself this moment of pure happiness. It had been so long since he’d felt anything like it. He could deal with reality later. For now, he just wanted to pretend that there was a chance that they could all be happy together.
He slipped on some shoes to match his outfit and made his way out of the tent. Everyone was already waiting for him.
“How are you feeling?” Ezekiel asked.
“I’m feeling much better actually, so where are we headed today?” He turned toward Druis as he approached with a map in hand.
“I think our next destination is the Mercer clan. If you’re up for it that is?” His worried expression warmed Devon a bit. He was almost beginning to feel like they were family. Druis reminded him so much of his brother with the way he always seemed to look out for him.
“I’m up for it. Thanks to everyone, I feel great. Better than ever.” He smiled reassuringly. The truth was he still felt a little fatigued, but he didn’t want to hold everyone up. Two months was suddenly starting to feel like not enough time.
“All right then, let’s finish eating and then we’ll start packing everything up,” Dru ordered, and everyone headed in their own direction.
“Here.” Abraxas handed him a plate of food. “Ezekiel made breakfast.”
“Oh, thanks,” he said, taking the plate of food.
“I’m gonna go help Layden with the tent.” Abraxas motioned toward Layden, who was busy pulling the stakes out of the ground. Devon could’ve sworn he saw Abraxas’s cheeks turn a faint pink color as he ran his hand through his dark hair and cocked a half grin as he looked him up and down one last time before walking off.
God, he was so damn sexy. Devon watched his tight ass walk away as he headed in the direction of their tent. He licked his lips as he remembered just how sexy he was, naked and hard for him. Shaking his head, he pulled his attention from Abraxas and began looking for somewhere to sit down.
He spotted a rocky area and began walking in that direction, enjoying the feel of the warm sun on his skin. He was almost giddy with joy as he couldn’t keep himself from smiling. Today was definitely going to be a great day.
* * * *
They walked through the gates of the Mercer clan, and Devon was in awe at how magnificent the city looked. There were people bustling about the dirt streets with carts and mules. The market was like something out of an old-world fairy tale book. Everyone was dressed in tunics and sari-styled clothing, and Devon was glad he’d decided upon the tunic this morning.
“This is where you live?” he asked incredulously as he turned around, taking in the full sight of the city.
“Yup.” Asher grinned. “I actually live over there.” He pointed to the building that towered over all the other buildings in the city. The architecture was reminiscent of an Asian-styled imperial palace.
“It’s so big,” he said as he stared in awe at the massive structure.
“Well, I am the clan leader so I guess you’d expect me to live a little bit like a noble,” he teased. “If you’re interested, we could stay the night here and finish our search for the gem in the morning?”
Devon nodded eagerly at Asher’s offer.
“Can we, Dru?” he asked with pleading eyes, and Druis sighed in defeat.
“I guess. It’s already late afternoon anyways, and it beats staying another night in tents. Are you guys okay with that?”
Dru looked to the rest of the group, and they nodded in agreement.
Asher led them through the palace entrance, into the imperial gardens. Flowers decorated either side of the walkway, creating an ethereal scene, like something in a painting.
“There are so many flowers. How do you keep them all maintained, especially with the desert heat?” Devon wondered aloud.
“This was my mother’s favorite place. She was in charge of them when she was still alive. I took over the hobby after her death, and my servants help when I’m not here, constantly watering them and making sure they’re properly nourished. It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy doing it. It makes me feel like a part of her is still with me.”
Devon nodded. He understood what the garden meant to him. Devon felt the same way about his archeological work. Every time he discovered something new, it always reminded him of his father and he felt like wherever he was, he was looking down on him with pride.
“Big brother, you’re home!” a small child’s voice called out and was followed with a dozen more “big brothers.” They were instantly ambushed by six small children, most under the age of ten, as they rushed toward Asher’s open arms.
“We’ve missed you so much!” the smallest young girl spoke as she threw her arms around his neck.
“I’ve missed you, too, Kara.” The warm smile that spread across Asher’s face was different than the tough exterior he’d been portraying since the start of their journey, and Devon was beginning to see that there was a softer side hidden within Asher Mercer.
“Come on, big brother. We want to show you what we made for the festival tonight!” The one called Kara tugged at his hand with her tiny fingers as the others joined in, pulling him toward the entrance. He glanced back at the group as he was being dragged.
“Feel free to make yourselves at home. I’ll, uh, be back in few minutes,” he explained before disappearing behind the doorway.
“That Asher has his hands full,” Dru noted, shaking his head and making his way after him through the door.
“Were those all his siblings?” Devon looked up at Abraxas and he nodded.
“Yeah, mostly he’s more like a parental figure to them since their parents died when he was a teenager. He’s had to practically raise them all.”
“They were killed in the Fae Wars,” Ezekiel explained, answering Devon’s unasked question. “They died during the war like my parents. I admire him, though. He’s always been so strong. He even took care of me when I was young. I don’t know how he did it, but Asher definitely has a heart of gold, and god help any man who threatens him or his family.”
Ezekiel’s gaze narrowed on Cerilius. An awkward silence filled the room as everyone followed Druis inside the palace.
The inner chamber had huge vaulted ceilings with intricately detailed crown molding that rimmed the edges of the walls in golden hues. The walls themselves were painted a deep crimson-red color, which contrasted nicely with the trim. Ahead of them was a large staircase with two veering paths leading in the opposite direction. In the center of the wall at the top of the stairs was a large portrait of what appeared to be Asher and his siblings along with his parents.
A man dressed in a fine suit greeted them as they walked through the doors. “Welcome to the Mercer Imperial Palace. Please follow me to the seating area. Lord Asher will be with you momentarily.” He bowed, motioning them to follow him through the left doorway. They walked into a luxuriously decorated seating room, and the butler gestured to the seats. Cerilius, Druis, and Ezekiel each took one of the chairs as he, Layden, and Abraxas sat on the sofa.
“Can I get you anything to drink or perhaps some sort of snack while you wait?” His friendliness made Devon instantly like him.
“I’d like some tea, if you don’t mind?” Devon asked with a smile.
“Not at all and what about you gentlemen?” The wrinkles around his eyes crinkled as he smiled back at Devon before looking at the others. They each shook their head no, and he bowed respectfully out of the room in pursuit of Devon’
s tea.
Abraxas put his arm around Devon and grinned as he looked down at him. Devon’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of his devilish good looks. Layden reached for Devon’s hand and entwined their fingers.
Devon was intensely aware of the rest of the group staring at their public displays of affection, but nobody commented. Thank goodness. Devon didn’t know if he was ready to handle questions about them and their odd relationship.
“Sorry about that.” Asher’s voice boomed as he came through the doorway.
“It’s cool,” Dru responded nonchalantly.
“Big brother, don’t forget to ask them,” Kara called from the other room, and Asher shook his head, smiling.
“I won’t, Kara.” He turned around with a wide grin on his face. “She wants to know if you would like to attend the Summer Festival we’re having tonight?”
His eyes scanned the room as though he were trying to read everyone’s reaction. Devon was intrigued. He loved learning about new cultures, and this would be the perfect opportunity for him to see what the people of the Mercer clan were like.
“I’d love to. What about you, Layden? Abraxas?” Devon glanced to both men sitting on either side of him.
“Sure.” Abraxas shrugged.
“Sounds good to me,” Layden agreed. The rest of the group nodded in indifference, but Devon could feel his excitement already starting to build.
“Good. So it’s settled then? Tonight, we shall celebrate the coming season and our success with the first two gems,” Asher stated. “I’ll have the servants prepare your rooms immediately, so that you can get ready. The celebration starts in an hour.”
* * * *
“Have you spoken with Druis yet?” Ezekiel’s question startled Asher as he entered his private chambers. He turned to see Zeke just as he closed the door behind him. He was dressed in a sage tunic and had his hair pulled back with a thong at the nape of his neck. Asher’s breath caught at the sight of him. He looked almost identical to Demetri, and a sudden pain filled his heart.
