Cursed by Fate

by Renee Shearer

  “Why is that a bad thing?”

  Jayden chuckled again, staring into her eyes. “Normally it’s not, but I need to make sure you have fun as well.”

  “Oh.” It wasn’t very articulate, but it was the only thing her brain could come up with.

  “Tell me it’s okay, Ariana. Tell me you want this as much as I do. If you don’t we can stop. Hell, we can stop at any time you want. You’re in control.”

  “I’m in control you say?”

  “Yes. I will do whatever you want.”

  Ariana got a heady rush at that. She had never been in control. Could she actually have sex if she was in control? She didn’t know but was eager to find out. It was time for her to truly step into womanhood. Thinking about what she wanted, she lightly pushed him back. Jayden’s face fell for a moment, thinking she was stopping this. Silly man.

  His mouth fell open in shock as she waved her hand and the candles in the room lit up and his phone started playing Beautiful with You.

  She wanted him to know how she felt standing in front of him.

  Jayden

  Holy fucking shit! Jayden couldn’t believe she was here. He had been thinking about her while taking care of his blue balls from earlier. He thought it was a dream at first, until she touched him. Sweet baby Jesus, she’s really here.

  Jayden gulped when she grabbed the hem of her shirt. He was the luckiest man on earth right at this moment. His tiger was content to sit back, for which Jayden was eternally grateful. If he scared her off with his beast now, he wasn’t sure if she would ever come back. Jayden didn’t think he could get any harder, then she took off her shirt in one fluid motion, like she had to hurry or she wouldn’t complete the action. He forgot how to breathe, how to speak. Hell, he swore he forgot his own name in that moment. Yes, he had seen her naked before, but never like this. Never willingly. Standing here in front of him with a hesitant but hopeful look mixed with desire. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was everything he could have ever wanted in a mate.

  Ariana straightened under his gaze, a determined look crossing her face. He should say something to reassure her that she was beautiful. Anything dammit! Why couldn’t he think of anything to say?

  “I… I… shit.” He swallowed hard as her lips twisted up into a smirk. “Fuck, Ariana… I… Why can’t I say anything?”

  Her laugh was low and husky as she stepped even closer to him, erasing the scant few inches between them. His heart was racing, threatening to beat right out of his chest, and his breathing was even more erratic as he caught her scent. Arousal mixed with sweet rose and apple blossoms. Jayden’s cock was throbbing, desperate to be inside her if she would let them go that far. He would do anything she wanted no matter what it was. At this moment, he worshiped the ground she walked on. More than likely he would for the rest of his life.

  She stood on her tiptoes and lightly pressed a kiss to his lips and whispered against them, “Get on the bed, Jayden.”

  Breathing out sharply, he nodded. “As you wish.”

  He backed up, never taking his eyes from her, and Ariana followed him step for step like she was stalking prey; he fucking loved being her prey. As he spread out on the bed, she went around the other side. Curious as to what she was doing, he watched, licking his lips when she took off her panties. He couldn’t help himself as he palmed his erection again, and Ariana purred low in her throat. Climbing up on the bed, she ran her hand over his cock. Jayden shuddered in pleasure, moaning at her touch. It was bold and yet innocent at the same time. “I’ve watched you do this many times, Jay.” Her voice was husky and hesitant.

  He smiled at her. “I know. Aiden told us he could feel you watching. We… uh… we may have made it a game to see who could give you the most shows.”

  Ariana threw her head back and laughed. “I figured something was up when that was all I saw you guys do.”

  As she laid down with her head at his feet, Jayden was confused as to what she wanted.

  “You know there is just something about watching someone pleasure themselves that is hot as fuck.”

  “Oh, what do you have in mind then, Sugar?”

  She blushed and looked to the side, and he brushed his foot against her arm to get her attention.

  “Don’t be shy with me. I think I know what you want to do.” At her raised eyebrow, he continued. “You want us to pleasure ourselves first. If it doesn’t go anywhere after that, that’s okay with me, but if it does it will make it all the sweeter.” Ariana nodded, her eyes wide. He put another pillow under his head and tossed two to her.

  Ariana still seemed hesitant, so he palmed himself once more, stroking himself slowly. She finally touched herself, and Jayden couldn’t hold back his groan at the site of her touching her folds. He could see how wet she was already. As she slid one, then two fingers inside herself and moaned, Jayden nearly lost it then and there. She looked so fucking beautiful, reclining back and pleasuring herself. Jayden had the perfect view of her swollen, pink pussy. As she kept up her rhythm, he matched his pace to hers, imagining being inside of her, his cock thrusting in and out.

  Ariana gasped and looked at him with hooded eyes. He knew she had seen what was in his head, so he kept it up, playing out his fantasies with her there. His gaze locked onto hers. In his head he kissed her long and slow as he thrust deeply into her. Ariana’s legs bent slightly as he imagined her wrapping them around his waist. His pace quickened, Ariana following with her fingers. Her breath was coming in short gasps, their moans mingling in the quiet room.

  He imagined bringing his hand down to her clit, rubbing and stroking the hard nub. Ariana threw her head back and let out a strangled scream as she came. Jayden imagined her clamping down on him, and he quickly followed her over the edge, spilling his seed across his stomach. Reaching for the towel on his nightstand, he cleaned himself up before laying back and getting his heart rate under control.

  Jayden laid there staring up at the ceiling. He had never done anything like that with a woman, yet he was still immensely satisfied. He knew it was only like this because it was Ariana. He glanced at her to make sure she was okay, and to his relief she had drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face. He didn’t want her to feel scared after what just happened. As he grabbed another blanket to cover her with, he marveled at her yet again. Jayden was so proud of her, the strides she had made with them all, the way she had quickly grown her powers by herself.

  He was glad she had chosen him to do this with. He felt honored, and that was not a feeling he was used to. He just hoped she didn’t regret it in the morning—he knew he wouldn’t. The image of her coming, her head thrown back, face flushed from pleasure with her delectable mouth shaped into an O, would stay with him forever. Laying back down on his side so he could watch her, he didn’t think he would be able to sleep. But soon his eyes were closing, and he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

  Thirty

  Ariana

  Waking up slowly, she didn’t know where she was at first. Scanning her surroundings, Ariana realized she was still in Jayden’s room and the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon. Glancing at Jay, she slipped from the bed. He looked so relaxed and peaceful she didn’t want to wake him. Ariana groaned inwardly when she remembered that she never asked him about the news report. She had gotten so caught up in him that she had never asked.

  Smiling softly, she dressed and snuck out of the room. Making her way back to her room on the third floor, she was lost in her thoughts of last night. Rounding the corner, she ran into a solid wall of muscle.

  “Oomph.” Ariana stumbled back a step. Looking up, she met the dark green eyes of Roman. Her eyes scanned his face of their own accord—his high cheekbones were surrounded by his beard that he normally kept neat and trimmed, but now it was long, bushy, and slightly scraggly at the ends. It was as if he hadn’t trimmed it in a while. Her gaze moved over his straight nose and full lips. Lips he was currently biting. Ariana had noticed he did th
at quite often when he didn’t know what to say. She exhaled in frustration. She missed him, missed talking with him and hearing his brogue. Ariana wished they could start again. But how?

  She cleared her throat. “Umm… hey, Ro. Sorry, I didn’t see you there. What are you doing up so early?”

  He raised one of his eyebrows. “The same could be asked about you, Ari-Lass. You’re not known for being up this early.”

  Ariana didn’t know how to answer him. Should she tell him she just came from Jayden’s room? He could probably guess, but since he had said he didn’t want to be her mate, would telling him that be like rubbing it in his face? Even if she and Jayden hadn’t done anything more than touch themselves? Shit. On the other hand, if he did come around and change his mind he would have to get used to it. Wouldn’t he? Better to hear it now, right?

  “I fell asleep in Jay’s room,” she blurted out. “Woke up early. I was on my way to my room to get dressed when I bumped into you.”

  His eyes darkened further, now almost black instead of the green they were usually. Was he mad? Jealous? But as she continued to look into his eyes, she noticed the heat there. The desire. Hmm… he wasn’t as unaffected as he tried to portray to her. Interesting. Before she could think on it further, his voice broke through her thoughts.

  “The boys are going ta bring you someplace for me tonight. Easton is going ta watch the girls. But… I need ta show you something lass.”

  “Okay. Why don’t you just take me?”

  His eyes grew wide at her words, and Ariana chuckled when she realized the implication in them. She was not about to change them though. She meant every word.

  “I want it ta be a surprise. I h’ve already discussed it with them.”

  “Okay. But are you sure it’s safe enough with just Easton? I mean, I know he’s powerful, but I heard on the news yesterday that a fifth body was found.”

  “We know, and we are looking into it. No one knows we are here, so everyone will be safe. Please, just say you’ll be there?”

  “Sure, Ro. I would like that.” Ariana smiled at him, stroking her hand along his shoulder as she passed him and headed for the second set of stairs. She started humming the song, Shatter Me, under her breath as she went.

  For the rest of the day, Ariana’s mind was on what Roman was going to show her. As she was getting ready, Avery and Zoey ran into the room.

  “Momma!” Zoey squealed, tossing her hands up into the air.

  “Zo-bug!” Ariana smiled and bent to pick up her daughter for snuggles before she finished getting dressed. Kissing her little cheek, Ariana set her on the bed where Zoey proceeded to jump around. Avery was looking at the black dress that Ariana had yet to put on.

  “You’re wearing this one?” Avery crinkled her nose at Ariana.

  “Yes. Why is something wrong with it?”

  “No. If you’re going to a funeral. Come on, Mom. You’re going on a date!”

  “It’s not really a date, Av’s, Roman just wants to surprise me with something. The others are just bringing me there.”

  Avery rolled her eyes. It was a bad habit of hers that Ariana was trying to break her of. Easier said than done. “That spells date to me. I may be six, but I know things.”

  Ariana put her hands on her hips and chuckled. “Okay, Ms. Sassy Pants. What would you have me wear?”

  Ariana got a chill as her daughter gave her one of her signature evil smirks. “That’s easy.” Avery went over to her closet and riffled through it.

  “Ah HA! I knew I stashed it in there for a reason.” Avery came out of the closet with a short cobalt blue dress. The dress had a sweetheart neckline that was covered in silver rhinestones with spaghetti straps that criss crossed in the back. It came to about mid-thigh on Ariana. Narrowing at the waist, it flared out slightly around her hips. It really was beautiful. Jazz had bought it for her to wear to one of the few parties Ariana had gone to, and she hadn’t had a chance to wear it since.

  “Don’t you think that’s a bit much?”

  “Depends on where you end up going.”

  “I don’t know, that’s part of the problem I have right now.”

  Avery had a mischievous glint in her eyes that put Ariana on edge. Nothing good ever came from that look. “I do. So just wear this, okay?”

  “You do?”

  “Of course. You didn’t think I would let them take you out without grilling them first, did you?”

  Ariana laughed and ruffled Avery’s hair. “Of course not, Munchkin. Okay help me into this thing, will you?”

  After Ariana had the dress on, she sat down to pin up her hair. “Avery honey. Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure, Mom, shoot.”

  “How are you with all of this? With me dating six men?”

  Ariana bit her lip as Avery thought about it.

  “Well, I feel lucky.” Sitting down on the bed, Avery looked at her earnestly.

  Done pinning her hair up, Ariana turned around. “What do you mean?”

  “Instead of one dad to love me, I have six! They’re all different too. Easton has been helping me read. Roman helps me with my writing. Aiden has been teaching me some moves.”

  “Moves? Like what?”

  “You know. Karate. He’s helping me practice and showing me some new ones. It’s great! And then Jayden plays games with me. He likes to play Sorry even though I beat him at it. Oh! And he’s teaching me chess! Although, he’s not as good at it as Mateo.” Ariana smiled as Avery got more excited the longer she talked about the guys. She was practically bouncing on the bed.

  “What do Mateo and Grayson help you with?”

  “Mateo has been helping me to understand my dream walking better, and Gray has been teaching me guitar. Did you know they all play instruments?”

  Ariana was speechless as she shook her head. She had no idea the men could play. Where the hell was she when they practiced? “Where am I when all of this happens? I knew Easton was reading to you because he took over my job.” She winked to show she wasn’t too upset. “And I knew Roman was helping you write. But not the rest.”

  Avery shrugged again before hopping off the bed. “Training. But don’t worry, Momma. I will still need you for lots of things. You’re not mad, are you?” Avery threw her arms around Ariana.

  “No, baby. I’m happy that you are okay with all of this. I know it’s a lot to take in.”

  “I love all of them, Momma. Do you think it would be okay for me to call them all Dad?”

  Tears gathered in Ariana’s eyes and her heart swelled with emotion. “That is something you will have to ask them, sweets. But I know they love both of you very much.” Ariana was very lucky to have been gifted with two wonderful, kind hearted, accepting little girls. No matter how they came to be here.

  Zoey let out a happy squeal as she face planted on the bed, causing Avery and Ariana to laugh.

  “You look beautiful, Mom. Let’s go!” Avery clapped her hands and stood up.

  Laughing, Ariana scooped up Zoey and let Avery pull her out of the room. As they walked down the stairs, all the men except for Roman were standing at the bottom. Each had the same look on their faces—awe and love. Ariana had never felt more beautiful than she did in that moment.

  “You are a vision, Love.” East came forward and took Zoey from her arms. He placed a kiss on Ariana’s cheek then snuggled Zoey, kissing the top of her head.

  “Stunning,” Aiden added.

  “Ravishing,” Jayden piped up.

  Grayson was not to be outdone, stating, “Dazzling.”

  Mateo strode forward and grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “Enchanting as ever, baby doll.” He winked when she giggled.

  Ariana gave both girls a hug and kiss before she left.

  “Be good you two! Listen to East, okay? No tricks!” She narrowed her eyes at Avery’s innocent look.

  “Bye Bye! Wove you!” Zoey yelled happily, waving her hand frantically.

  Looping her arms
through Aiden’s and Gray’s, she let them lead her to the car. They drove in comfortable silence for about a half an hour before stopping. As she stepped out of the car, she saw they were at a bar called The Shady Moon.

  “What are we doing here?” she groaned, “I am severely overdressed for this, dammit!”

  The guys chuckled and started walking towards the bar. “You’re perfect, and you will find out soon enough. Now in we go.” Mateo grabbed her hand, pulling her along behind him.

  Ariana looked around as she stepped inside the dimly lit bar. The place was packed with not one seat left open, not that she could see anyway. People were standing along the walls, and some were even on the dance floor, but she didn’t see any signs of Roman. As Aiden dragged her to the bar, she saw a stool at the very end with a reserved sign. It was the only empty seat. She hadn’t seen it before because of the crush of people. What in the world was going on here? Glancing back at the guys, she was startled when she noticed that Mateo, Jay and Gray were all gone.

  “Where did they go?” she asked, sitting down on the stool and crossing her legs. No need to go around flashing everyone her panties.

  “Don’t you worry your pretty little head. You’ll see, just be patient.”

  Ariana huffed. “Patience isn’t one of my strong suits.”

  Aiden laughed and tweaked her nose. “So, I’ve noticed.” He signaled the bartender and ordered drinks for them.

  “What will it be?” he asked her.

  “Appletini please.” Ariana loved those and hadn’t had one in a long time. She was ready to have fun. To put the stress of the past few months behind her.

  Suddenly, a loud cheer went up. People started chanting, “Roman, Roman.”

  Ariana whipped her head around to the stage where Jayden was sitting down at a piano, Roman was sitting on a stool up front, and Mateo and Grayson each held acoustic guitars and were sitting down next to Roman. Roman looked nervous as he tugged on his shirt collar. Mateo, Gray, and Jay all wore matching grins. Like the cat ate the canary grins. What the fuck? Ariana was speechless for the second time that night. What are they doing up there? She didn’t have to wait long to find out as Roman started to speak.