by Betty Legend
“No, they’re all so different. Killian is pure alpha and all heart. I always feel at peace with him. Emeric doesn’t shy away from telling me what I truly need to hear. Under his devilish charm and badass exterior are layers of honesty, loyalty, and deep emotion. Cyrus is very intelligent. I learn so much from him. He’s patient, sweet, and likes to take care of me. Griffin… Griffin is like dipping into the hot, muscle-soothing water of a hot tub. He’s tender, caring, and kindhearted. Emeric said they called him Griffin the Golden at university because the girls thought he was perfect and dazzling.”
Lifting her glass of sweet tea, she glances over her shoulder to ensure Mom and Emeric are still inside.
“What are their tastes and skills in bed?”
Setting down my half-empty glass, I grab the strawberry off the edge and pop it into my mouth, giving her a wink.
“Griffin likes to make love—every movement and touch is drawn out. Emeric is wild—he likes to fuck and is amazing at oral. Cyrus is between the two—sometimes he wants slow and sensual, sometimes he likes to get more creative.”
With her cheeks flushed, she takes another drink of her sweet tea.
“And Killian?”
“He’s a wolf shifter, so he’s more carnal. Every time we have sex, it’s like he’s claiming my body, demanding I submit to him, and I have no problem with that. I enjoy him claiming me.”
Giggling, she glances over her shoulder again.
“Damn, the sex sounds so good. What about this Phoenix guy… vampire… person?”
Rubbing my temple, I think back on our time together.
“He’s complicated.”
“How so?”
“He had a partner. She was a vampire but was recently killed. I think he partially blames me for his circumstances and having to bond with me. Yet when we did bond some, it was amazing. The chemistry is explosive, but it’s a hard balance between pleasure and pain. He hurts me, then wants me and starts to open up, then shuts me back out.”
“What do you mean, he hurt you?” With her brows pinched, it’s clear concerned thoughts are churning in her head.
“We didn’t have a good start to our relationship. He made a poor impression, then later, he threw a tantrum and kicked me out of his house after we’d had sex.”
“What a dick.”
“He can be, but I think it’s how he protects his own feelings. Killian told me vampires feel emotions much deeper than other supernaturals because of their heightened senses and emotions.”
Leaving her seat, she cuddles up next to me and pulls the throw off the back of the patio couch we’re sitting on.
“What was sex with him like?”
After helping her cover us with the blanket, I bring my knees up, resting my feet on the edge of the cushion. As I think about him fucking me against his living room wall, a strong sensation of desire aches between my legs.
“Untamed, chaotic, overwhelmingly orgasmic.”
“Damn girl, you’re turning me on.”
Laying my head on her shoulder, I place my fingers between hers.
“Nothing is the same anymore. I love four men and long for one who resents me. The world I thought we knew is larger, scarier, and more beautiful than I could’ve imagined.”
“How do you feel about being the one to break the curse? And how do you break the curse?”
“I don’t know. The prophecy says I must bond heart, body, and soul magic with each of them. I believe that’s happened with four of them but not with Phoenix. I’m worried if we’ll ever fully bond, and if we do, what happens after.”
“I wonder if once you do, if any of you will feel different, like a feeling that passes over all supernaturals, or if the change will be gradual over time?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
Emeric and my mom exit the patio door, bringing our attention to them. Smiling at us, Emeric stops in front of my feet and rubs my knees.
“Your mom wants to meet all your boyfriends. I’m going to bring them here so she can.”
“Tonight?”
“Yeah, you good with that?”
The excitement of seeing all my guys takes over my melancholy.
“Yeah.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He gives me a knowing look. “Are you good while I’m away?”
“Yeah, don’t worry.”
“All right. Be back soon.”
Leaning over my knees, he pulls my chin up, and I savor the heated kiss he leaves on my lips.
“Love you.”
Emeric pulls back slowly. “I love you.”
Taking a few steps back, he mutters the spell and rubs his charm. A silver portal forms in front of him, and my mother and Rachel stare in awe. With a single step, he’s gone, and the portal disappears.
“That was incredible!” Rachel enthuses. “What was that? Where did he go?”
“It’s a portal. Using air magic, you can go wherever you’ve been before. He’s probably going to Killian’s house first. Emeric gets along with him best.”
“That’s amazing.” Her attention whips to me. “Is that something I could do?”
“Possibly. It depends on which elemental magic you can wield.”
“I’m dying to know if I can do magic. I’d like to visit the Fae enchanter sometime soon.”
“Sure.” I give her arm a pat.
But not too soon.
About twenty minutes later, Emeric returns with Killian first. As they step through the portal, Mom and Rachel go silent, their eyes glittering as they look at Killian. He’s wearing an open red and black flannel with the sleeves rolled up near his elbows. His jeans are torn in the knees, and he looks like he was interrupted doing woodwork. Sawdust rains down after he puts a hand through his hair and drops his duffle bag.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
Tossing the throw blanket aside, I leave the patio couch and bask in his scent as he puts his arms tight around me.
“It’s good to see you.”
With his fingers curling in my hair, he holds the nape of my neck and consumes my breath as his lips cover mine with demanding need. When we pull apart, I’m breathless, and his eyes are sparkling golden-bronze.
“Killian, this is my mom, Claire.”
Killian puts one arm around me and extends the other to her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too, Killian.”
“This is my cousin and best friend, Rachel.” I point to her and Killian shifts directions, extending a hand to her as well.
“I’m pleased you’re both aware of the situation and accepting of all of us.”
“We’re looking forward to getting to know all of Selene’s boyfriends,” my mother tells him. “If you’re important to her, you’re important to us.”
Killian turns to me, brushing his hand down my hair.
“I want you to know Selene means everything to me. I’ve been waiting for her for a long time.”
“Waiting for her? What does that mean?” Rachel asks.
“Selene is my mate.”
Emeric rocks back on his heels, covering a thumb and index finger over his smirk.
“Mate?” Rachel asks, confused.
“I’m a wolf shifter. We have mates and bond with them for life. The bond is a deep connection, as strong or stronger than a magic soul bond. We know when we’ve found our mate. Our wolf senses the link.”
Emeric joins my other side and caresses a hand along my feathered forearm, our magic comes to life, and my tattoo brightens.
“Strong, but not stronger than a magic soul bond.”
Emeric lifts my arm, kissing the tender part of my wrist. The corner of Killian’s mouth curls, as he leans down, kissing my cheek. In my peripheral, I can see his gaze still on Emeric. The tension between them is unsettling.
“You guys should get Griffin and Cyrus. Mom and Rachel are eager to meet them.”
Emeric leans in, kissing the tender spot of my ear and neck. “B
e back soon.”
Stepping back, he opens the portal and walks through it. Turning to Killian, I fist his flannel and lean into his welcoming scent.
“You know the others get jealous about our mated bond.”
Killian strokes his hand over my hair, then rests his hands at the small of my back.
“Tensions are rising because they all want something special with you.”
“I don’t want you guys to fight.”
“There’s a lot of testosterone among us. It’s bound to happen. Let us work it out.”
My lip pouts, and he nips it. I giggle, and he kisses the tip of my nose.
“Oh, my goodness, you two are adorable!” Scooting down the couch, Rachel makes room for us to sit next to her. I take the middle, and Killian takes the end, then tugs me onto his lap.
“I’ve never met a wolf shifter,” my mom shares. “How does it work?”
“I live in a secluded section of the forest, so I can roam freely when I want. Because of the curse, I could only shift during a full moon, but after Selene and I mated,”—his hand strokes my back, and he looks at me with adoration—“I was once again able to shift freely.” Returning his attention to my mom, his cheeks redden. “Sorry for the directness. I grew up in a wolf shifter family. Discussing mating is as normal as discussing what’s for dinner.”
“It’s fine.” My mom shrugs, her half-tilted smile pleasant. “There’s no judgment from me.”
“Or me,” Rachel adds. “As long as you treat Selene well, and you’re not a dick, I’m going to like you.”
“We’re going to get along great then.” Killian’s infectious smile spreads wide. “Selene is my mate. I’ll always cherish her.” Pulling me down to him, he kisses me, his loving gaze rendering me speechless.
“You love my daughter, don’t you?”
Killian glances at my mom. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yes,” Rachel chuckles.
Snuggling deeper into his arms, I breathe in his scent while his heartbeat is a comforting rhythm against my back.
“Am I welcome to stay at your home, Claire? I’d like to be with Selene.”
My mom looks at me, her mouth curling. “If it’s all right with Selene, it’s all right with me.”
“Definitely. Emeric is staying, too, so you know.”
Nuzzling his facial hair into my neck, he kisses me. “I figured he would be.”
“So how does the actual shifting work?” Adjusting her legs, Rachel brings her knees toward her chest, then rests her feet on the coffee table.
“Either when I will it to happen, or my emotions get the best of me, then my wolf takes over. My body morphs, becoming the form of the beast inside me.”
Rachel wiggles her feet, a telltale she’s excited. “Can you do it now?”
“Um, Rach, he has to be naked.”
“Oh,” she grimaces in disappointment.
Killian shrugs a shoulder. “I don’t mind if you don’t.”
I suppose if he’s not shy about his nudity, I don’t need to be, but it’s still awkward that my mom and Rachel might see his dick—his very large, thick penis he fucks me with. Of course, they’re both staring at me with hopeful expectation. I’m going to give them so much shit for this later.
I throw a hand in the air. “All right, have at it.”
Killian pats my ass, and I stand. Turning his back to us, he removes his shirt, and it falls as his strong back muscles flex while he’s unbuttoning his jeans. Rachel bites her lip and grins as his jeans and briefs come down, revealing a round, tight bare ass. My mom’s face reddens, and she half covers her eyes, still peeking through a slit between her fingers.
Extending his hands out in front of him, he transitions—skin turning to fur, nails becoming claws. Moments later, with four paws on the cement patio, he turns his massive wolf form toward us.
“Shit,” Rachel blurts, her lids lifting. My mom lowers her hand, studying him in detail.
“That’s extraordinary.”
Killian’s wolf form pads over to me, leaning his weight against my legs, marking me with his scent. He sniffs the air, his ears perking up. I look in the direction his eyes are staring. There’s a five-foot privacy fence around the patio and a couple of acres before the next house, so I don’t imagine there’s anyone out there.
“What is it? What do you smell?”
Killian’s wolf turns away from us, and within moments, his bare ass is in view as he reaches for his jeans and briefs.
“What did you smell?”
“Blood, a fresh kill from a wild animal.”
“How far away?” My mom’s brows furrow as she looks out into the darkness.
“A hundred yards or so.”
With them distracted, Killian finishes dressing. Standing from the couch, I settle back into his lap.
Rachel tucks the blanket farther up her body as the night grows cooler.
“That’s crazy you can smell blood that far away. What else can you do?”
“Hunt and kill quickly and efficiently, rapidly heal, create thunderous pulses against the ground that can throw enemies back many feet, as well as a few other tricks.”
“This magic soul bonding… it gives you both the same powers?”
“We already have the magic in us, but our bonds link our magic and give us a stronger connection and stronger magic,” Killian explains.
My mother tightens her sweater across her chest.
“What about the mated bond?”
“How about I tell you more inside? I can see you’re both getting cold.”
My mother smiles approvingly. “I’ll start the fireplace inside.”
Killian nudges me up.
“No, ma’am, I’ll start the fire.”
My mom rises from the chair. “Thank you, Killian, but it’s a gas fireplace. It starts with a remote.”
“Oh, well, if there’s anything else you need, I have no problem helping.”
My mom glances over her shoulder, her cheeks swelling. “I appreciate the generous offer.”
Killian turns back to Rachel. Seeing her baby bump, he gives her a hand getting off the couch. Ensuring we’re all inside safely, he returns for his duffle bag. As he hoists it over his shoulder, Emeric and Griffin step through a portal. Griffin gives a polite nod to Killian, then the three of them come inside.
Griffin separates from Emeric and Killian, then hugs me. The tingling warmth of his caress strokes up and down my back. My head tilts backward as I look up into his ocean blue eyes.
“I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
The soft pressure of his kiss drowns me in decadent bliss. Putting his head against mine, he strokes my arms and back. I exhale a relaxed breath, happy to have his familiar and calming touch on my body.
With a warm smile, he flicks a finger under my chin and thumbs my lips.
“I’m glad you invited us to meet your family.” Putting an arm around my waist, he looks at my mom and Rachel, who are snuggled into the living room couch cushions, watching us.
“Thanks for having us. It’s a pleasure to meet you ladies.”
“Hi, I’m Selene’s cousin, Rachel.” She waves at Griffin, her legs already under another blanket.
Mom stands and shakes his hand. “You must be Griffin. Selene described you perfectly.” Griffin pushes his hair behind his ear, and my mom looks directly at it. “Even the ears, which are unique and adds to your good looks.”
A smile tilts his mouth. “Thank you for your kind words. I see where Selene gets her beautiful looks.”
The smile that lifts my mother’s lips reveals the flattery she feels. Stepping away, she presses the remote and ignites the fireplace.
“How about I make us some fresh drinks and set out some snacks?”
“I’ll help you.”
Killian joins Rachel on the couch and finishes answering her questions. Emeric disappears for the third time on a trip to find Cyrus. In the kitchen, Griffin helps my
mom mix drinks while I gather pastries from the fridge and cookies from the cabinet.
“Selene’s email said you were the first man she was dating. I assume then, you were the first she bonded with.”
Griffin’s mouth slants as he winks at me. “I was, yes. At first, she thought I was nuts and had abducted her for my own twisted game.”
“At least you came out of that unscathed,” my mom quips.
Griffin chuckles as he pulls as much of his hair into a ponytail as he can.
“I was worried there for a while, but our strong connection prevailed.”
“It seems you all have spent time teaching her how to use her magic.”
Griffin pops a cookie into his mouth, then slows his chewing, savoring the cookie. When finished, he grabs another. “These are delicious.”
“My mom owns a bakery.”
“Understandably. You have a gift.” After another bite, he waves his hand in the air. “I’m sorry, yes, we have. Cyrus has taught her a lot about her ancestry, her craft, and each of us has spent a significant time teaching her how to use the magic we possess.”
Lowering her voice, my mom steps closer to him. “What about the demons and Holy Accolades who will hunt her?”
Griffin doesn’t miss a beat. “The more she knows, the better she’ll be able to protect herself. It’s why we practice her magic often. Don’t underestimate Selene’s magic. She possesses incredible powers. And I hope it soothes your worries to know she has the love and protection of four powerful supernatural beings. We discuss her safety on a regular basis because we love her and want a lifetime with her.”
My mom exhales a sigh. “I’m beginning to feel some relief seeing how much you all love her and want to keep her safe.”
Griffin reaches out, placing a hand on my mother’s shoulder, and gently caresses.
“It’s why I built a home for us on Mordeeves Island. There, Selene is safe and able to practice her magic without attracting demons or the Accolades.” He glances at me, the love in his eyes evident. “I’d keep her there permanently, but I understand she has her job, her family, and another home with Killian.”
Turning her attention to me with watery eyes, her reddened cheeks swell with her smile.
“These men, they love you so much, my sweet girl. It gives me a lot of joy.”
