by Jana Downs
“I spoke with him last night,” Asher answered, returning to his own wardrobe. He was debating between the silken black tunic he’d recently had made for him and the traditional crimson garb of his family.
“What did he say we should do?” Ezekiel approached him until he stood next to him.
“He said we should keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t do anything suspicious.” Asher fixated his gaze on his clothing options, too afraid to trust his emotions to chance looking at Ezekiel.
“Well, I’ve been doing some research and I think I know what kind of spell Maeva did to enthrall Layden and Abraxas with Devon.”
“Oh?” Asher raised his eyebrows, chancing a peek at him from the corner of his eye.
“Yeah, I think it was a soul binding spell. It’s very powerful. Luckily, I found this herb that’s said to reverse its effects.” He lifted up a small pouch with some dried leaves inside to show him.
“I don’t know.” Asher rubbed his chin with his hand as he inspected the contents of the bag. “They seemed awfully happy earlier today. Maybe the spell backfired on her.”
Ezekiel stared at him pointedly and snatched the bag out of his hand defensively. “You don’t know that! For all we know this could just be the beginning, and besides, it won’t affect any real emotions they may have for one another, just the spell. Shouldn’t they have the right to decide if they want to be together or not?”
Ezekiel looked at him with accusing eyes, making Asher recall a memory of Demetri staring at him with those same accusing eyes.
“Shouldn’t we have the right to decide if we want to be together or not?”
Asher could still hear the words he spoke on that day as they echoed across his mind. They had been arguing over their duties as clan heirs and whether or not their relationship should be sacrificed for the sake of their duty to their family and people. Asher had tried to be the rational one, telling Demetri there was no point in continuing with their love affair since they would just be forced apart by their duties, but when he looked at him with those beautiful amber-colored eyes with tears forming and trickling down his cheek, he’d caved, too weak to lie to himself and to Demetri.
The memory brought with it a ripping pain inside his soul, and he turned his back to Ezekiel, too afraid he would see inside his thoughts. Zeke didn’t need him to be reminding him of all that he’d lost.
He bit his bottom lip until he tasted blood at the thought of Cerilius. He couldn’t believe that lowlife had been the one behind the death of everyone he’d cared about. He’d pay for it. Asher would see to it, but now wasn’t the time or the place.
“I know,” he said at last, and he felt Ezekiel place a gentle hand on his shoulder. He wiped away the tears that had formed before Ezekiel saw them and turned around with a smirk on his face. He held his hand out for the herbs.
“Here, I’ll tell my cooks to put some in their food tonight. That way they should be cleared of any enchantment placed upon them by nightfall and free to listen to their own hearts’ desires as they wish.”
A slow smile spread across Ezekiel’s face as he handed him the pouch.
“Thanks, Asher. I just hope we can keep Maeva and Cerilius from doing anything else. I know it must be hard on you, especially since you were best friends with both Layden and Abraxas growing up and now that you’re competing for the throne and all.”
Asher shrugged. “Layden, Abraxas, and I are still great friends, and I honestly I have no interest in the throne. You of all people should know that.” He lightly pushed his shoulder and winked at him as he grabbed up the black tunic, finally making his decision.
“I have way too many responsibilities here to even think of ruling over the rest of the clans. Abraxas and Layden are much better suited for the job. I just hope Devon’s decision doesn’t cause disastrous problems for them in the future. You know how their clans are. They’re constantly fighting, and I’m afraid without the mediation of the white dragon race there’ll be war breaking out between the two Draconian factions before long.” He spoke his worries aloud as he pulled off his traveling clothes and made his way to the bath his servants had prepared for him.
“I know what you mean.” Ezekiel sighed as he headed in the opposite direction toward the door. “Who knows, maybe fate will bless us for once.”
He left the room without further comment, and Asher stripped off the rest of his clothes before sinking neck-deep in the hot water. It warmed his tired and aching muscles as he closed his eyes, grateful for the relief. He sighed in hopelessness and prayed to whatever deity was listening, for all their sakes, that they could stop Cerilius and Maeva once and for all. At least then, they had a chance at happiness, however slim that chance may be.
* * * *
The dinner Asher had prepared for them was more like a feast, and Devon had savored every last mouthwatering bite. He had forgotten what a real meal tasted like and was glad that they had decided to stay the night in his palace.
They made their way outside and down the palace steps. The full moon shone brightly in the sky as night settled upon them. The warm breeze felt good against his skin as the traditional clothes Asher had given him glistened under the stars. It was a sheer white tunic complete with a gold embroidered belt and intricate beadwork.
This was definitely not something Devon would wear back home, but he was enjoying Abraxas’s and Layden’s lingering gazes as they watched him throughout the duration of the entire evening. He felt sexy and confident as he turned to face Layden and Abraxas.
“Did I mention you look incredible?” Abraxas grinned as he looked Devon up and down.
“Only about five hundred times since dinner.” He smiled playfully at Abraxas as both men extended their arms for him. Devon linked their arms, and they walked the rest of the distance down the staircase together.
Devon couldn’t help but notice how formal their attire looked. Abraxas wore a black silk tunic with a white sash around his hips, used to hold the nicely donned scimitar he’d brought mostly for looks. Layden on the other hand had on a royal-blue tunic with a golden sash. Devon noticed he had a weapon attached to his side as well. It was a rapier with a dark-blue handle. He glanced to the others of their group and realized all the clan heirs had weapons.
“What are the weapons for?” he wondered aloud, asking no one in particular.
“Every clan heir has their own family weapon that they’re trained with at an early age. We carry it with us to not only symbolize which clan we hail from, but also as a sign of our royalty. You see, each weapon is fused with our own insignia magics and emits a special aura, letting others know who we are,” Layden explained.
Devon took a second look at the rapier around his waist. It looked ordinary to him, but he guessed it must be something to do with their dragon blood that enabled them to sense the auras surrounding them.
Drums and flutes from the festival greeted them long before Devon even saw the masses of people. They rounded the corner and were instantly greeted by a thousand smiling faces, cheering their beloved leader. He watched as Asher and his siblings took their place in the designated seating areas set aside for the royal family.
There was a huge bonfire in the center of the clearing and Devon was held captivated as he watched the Mercer clan people manipulate and control the flames, making them dance around their skin as they moved their hips to the rhythm of the tribal music.
“That’s incredible,” he said, fascinated by the red dragon-born people’s ability to control fire. He had seen a little of their powers from his journeys with Asher but had no idea they were capable of anything like this.
Layden cocked a half grin as he sat down in one of the vacant seats Asher had designated for them. “If you think that’s amazing, you should see Abraxas and his clan when they celebrate the coming of the rainy seasons. Anything within a ten mile radius runs the risk of being electrocuted.”
Devon looked at Abraxas and smiled. “I could believe that.”
Asher’s siblings began running around them, singing songs to the tunes that filled the atmosphere, and Devon was enjoying watching how happy everyone was and seeing how lively their culture and traditions were. At one point during the night, there was even a group of professional dancers that took center stage in front of the fire. They performed a well-choreographed routine mimicking the movements of the red dragon they were impersonating as their bodies were covered from head to toe in body paint and various costumes that were used to symbolize the anatomy of the dragon itself.
As the night dragged on, Devon was beginning to feel restless. He longed to join the others in their dance but was unsure if it would be appropriate to do so. As though reading his mind, Abraxas stood and offered his hand.
“Would you care to join me?” His voice was low as Devon stared up into his turquoise eyes. His luscious lips were curved slightly upward as he waited for his response. He glanced at Layden.
“You want to dance with us?” Devon asked.
“Sure.” Layden ran a hand through his black hair as he stood up. Devon took Abraxas’s extended hand and let both men lead him to the crowd of people surrounding the fire.
A cool breeze filled his lungs as he inhaled the burnt embers from the flames. The beat of the drums pounded loudly in his ears, and he began to twist his hips in rhythm with the music. Layden gripped his hips, and he pressed his hard body against Devon’s backside. Devon ground his ass against him, and Devon could’ve sworn he heard a low growl escape Layden’s lips.
Devon wound his arms around Abraxas’s neck as he moved in front, positioning Devon in between him and Layden. He placed a firm hand on Devon’s waist and began to sway in time with Layden.
Devon tossed his head back, exposing his neck. He could feel Layden’s lips against his skin as he trailed small kisses along his shoulder. Abraxas leaned forward, claiming his mouth with a demanding kiss. Devon could taste his desire as Devon’s hands roamed across Abraxas’s chest, feeling the muscles underneath the silk material.
He could definitely see himself falling for these men. Whenever they touched him, it was as though every nerve ending inside him came alive. He’d never felt so wanted in his entire life.
They danced for what seemed like endless hours, losing themselves to the music as it flowed through them. All sense of reason was lost in their lust, which only seemed to build in intensity with every touch between them until they could no longer deny themselves the urge to return to their bedchambers and succumb to their desires.
* * * *
Layden’s lips were like heaven as Devon lost himself in the feel of the hands that roamed across his body. He wasn’t even aware of when the dancing had ended and they had arrived back inside his bedroom. All he knew was how much he needed to feel them.
His heart was racing as Abraxas nibbled on his hip bone, slowly removing the bottom half of Devon’s outfit. Layden raised his hands above his head, his lips never leaving Devon’s mouth, as he pushed Devon down on the bed. He pulled off his top and ran his rough fingertips across Devon’s exposed nipples. He gasped at the sensation as he closed his eyes.
He could feel their desire and the pleasure that their taunting touches promised. Devon reached for Layden as he stripped off his clothes. He was already hard, and Devon licked his lips in anticipation.
His hands roamed the length of Layden’s cock as he swirled his thumb against the tip. Layden pushed Devon against the headboard and positioned himself so that his cock was pressed against his lips. Devon didn’t hesitate as he eagerly lapped at the beads of cum that were already starting to form, enjoying the taste of him. Layden buried his hands in Devon’s hair and pushed him down onto his hard cock until Devon’s mouth was completely filled with him.
“God, that’s hot,” Abraxas commented as he pushed apart Devon’s legs. He shoved two slicked fingers inside his tight hole, and Devon moaned at the sensation.
“Mmm, that feels good, baby.” Layden groaned as he quickened the pace, burying his cock deep in Devon’s throat, forcing him to take his full length.
Abraxas teased him mercilessly with the fingers buried inside Devon, preparing him to take his cock. When the pleasurable sensation stopped, Devon whimpered in protest, but Layden held him firmly, preventing Devon from moving to see why Abraxas had suddenly stopped with his touches.
His whimpering was quickly answered with the firm press of Abraxas’s hard cock against his entrance. He inched his way inside, allowing Devon time to stretch around his cock. When he was all the way in, Devon’s muscles tightened, squeezing his hard cock with eager anticipation. Layden pushed his cock deeper into his mouth until Devon was sure the back of his throat would be bruised tomorrow, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was Layden’s pleasure and the feel of Abraxas’s cock moving in and out of his tight hole.
Devon loved the feel of both men buried deep inside him. It was as though they knew exactly what he needed. Abraxas gripped his hips, pulling him closer him with every thrust. Devon felt his muscles tighten around his dick. He was so close.
His heart was pounding inside his chest, and he ground his hips in eagerness. Abraxas fucked him hard and fast, taking his own pleasure from Devon’s body.
They both did.
Layden came first, spilling himself down the back of Devon’s throat as Devon swallowed every drop. The sensation of him filling his mouth while Abraxas fucked his ass sent Devon over the edge. He came hard, moaning in ecstasy as he felt his muscles contract around Abraxas, squeezing him tighter and tighter until he, too, came.
Layden removed himself from Devon’s mouth and lay down next to him, resting his head on Devon’s chest. Devon stroked his hair as he lay there, completely sated. Abraxas moved next to him and gave Devon a chaste kiss on the lips before placing a protective arm around them both.
He was beginning to feel like this was where he belonged as he entwined his fingers around Layden’s hand.
“Goodnight, Devon,” Abraxas murmured.
“Yeah, goodnight,” Layden said with a sleep-filled tone.
“Goodnight,” Devon sighed.
His mind began to drift the instant he closed his eyes. A deep love for both men was slowly melting the ice around his heart as Devon desperately clung to the feeling of belonging that only Layden and Abraxas could offer him.
* * * *
“The spell isn’t working.” Cerilius’s glared at Maeva from the enchanted mirror. She didn’t understand. Maeva was sure that her spells had been successfully cast. The only question remained was, why hadn’t Layden and Abraxas become consumed by their jealousy? No dragon born had ever been able to resist the impulse to claim their mate, especially if another male was threatening them. They should be fighting to the death over the human by now or at the very least arguing.
“I don’t understand. Are you sure—” she began, only to be interrupted by Cerilius’s angered shouts.
“Yes, I’m bloody well sure they’re not fighting. Hell, they were all over each other tonight at the bonfire, like it was normal to see two guys drooling over the same guy with no animosity.”
He was on the verge of losing his temper again, Maeva could tell. She tried to calm him.
“It’s okay, baby. Don’t worry. I’ll look into it and fix it, I promise.” She batted her eyelashes innocently at him, trying her best to distract him.
He sighed, and his nostrils flared.
“You better,” he warned. “I won’t be happy if you fail again.”
She exhaled in relief, grateful he wasn’t too mad at her.
They talked a little while longer before saying goodnight. It pained her to see his image disappear inside her mirror as her heart ached with his absence. It won’t be much longer now, she tried to reassure herself.
We’ll be together soon.
Maeva tried to imagine what their life together as rulers of all Draconia would be like. Their fu
ture was full of possibilities and endless power.
Oh god, the endless power.
She gnawed the bottom of her lip as desire coursed through her at the thought. She shook her head and resisted the urge to cave into her physical needs. She needed to check on Devon and his two dragons.
She waved her hand across her mirror and summoned forth the human’s image into its reflection. The sight that filled the glass completely dumbfounded her. She couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. Never in all her years amongst the dragon race had she seen two male dragons share a lover, but yet there they were, clearly in a happy three-way relationship. She tossed the mirror on the bed in disgust.
She hadn’t expected this. She rubbed the place between her eyes as she fought off a sudden tension headache that was building in intensity. This was going to be a problem. She couldn’t tell Cerilius just yet, not until she had come up with a solution. Reaching for her spell book, she began to look for new ideas to solve her little problem.
Chapter 9
Layden moaned against Abraxas’s mouth as Abraxas spread his thighs. Abraxas was already lubricated and ready for him. Their night of passion hadn’t been enough to sate him. Instead Abraxas had awoken this morning with a craving to feel his cock buried deep inside his lovers, and that was just what he’d planned on doing. He pushed his throbbing member inside Layden as he wrapped his legs around his waist. He was gentle, giving Layden’s body time to adjust to his intrusion. He licked at the vein on the side of Layden’s neck and glanced in Devon’s direction as he lay on the bed, naked with his legs spread and his fingers buried deep inside his tight hole.
God, he’s beautiful.
Abraxas shoved the rest of his length inside Layden’s. Layden whimpered, and Abraxas felt his muscles contract around his cock. He tried to keep control of his desire, reminding himself to take his time. He began a slow pace, working himself in and out of Layden. It didn’t take long for Layden’s body to remember his touch as he began to grind his hips, coercing Abraxas to fuck him harder and deeper. Abraxas obliged as he drove his dick in Layden’s tight ass.
