by Brenda Trim
“Dey shouldn’t cut da bond. You all belong together,” Izzy announced. “Nate!” she screamed. “Time to go for a ride.”
“Sorry,” Elsie told Brianne as she gathered Izzy in her arms and set her on the ground. The little girl ran off shouting for Nate. “You don’t need any more pressure on you,” the queen added.
“Don’t worry about it. I think I’m going to turn in. It’s been a long day,” Brianne announced, extricating herself from the males’ hold.
“You can use my room,” Cade offered.
“Not a chance. I need space and my own room,” Brianne told the twins.
“Come on, Brianne,” Elsie replied. “I will show you to your room.”
“Thank you. And, can I grab some Red Vines? Maybe a refill?” Brianne asked as she lifted her empty cup.
The Queen chuckled, “No problem. Let’s go.”
“I will see you two tomorrow,” she told Cade and Cael as they went to follow her from the room.
“I’m not leaving your side,” Cael announced.
“Neither am I,” Cade agreed.
Brianne rolled her eyes. “Have fun on the hall floor because neither one of you will be in my room.”
She hoped she kept that promise. They were unapologetic about their desire and need for her, and it was enticing. One thing was certain. It was going to be a long, lonely night for her.
8
A growl escaped before Brianne could stop it. She punched the pillow beside her, venting her frustration. It didn’t help. What she needed couldn’t be soothed by beating the crap out of a stuffed rectangle.
She glanced at the clock on her cell phone and sighed. It wasn’t even midnight. She was a night creature, like the vampires outside her door, and her Harpy came to life the moment the sunset. She knew it would be hours before she settled into sleep mode.
She retired to the bedroom, needing space from the twins that had turned her world into a Lifetime movie. The channel’s dramatic films were either tearjerkers or utterly ridiculous. And, they never failed to suck Brianne in when they came on the television. She snatched the remote and pointed it at the large flat-screen TV on the opposite wall. An episode of Family Feud was the first channel she saw. Oh, how she loved Steve Harvey, she thought as she settled against the upholstered headboard.
Brianne was still reeling over the fact she was Fated to not one, but two males. Every being in the Tehrex Realm was still adjusting to the news that Fated Mates were an actual thing rather than myth. Until a few years ago, the idea was relegated to stories of old, and no one believed it was a real phenomenon.
She wanted to kick her own ass for not steering clear of the Goddess Morrigan’s creatures. Her sister was going to laugh herself sick when she heard what happened. She glanced to her palm and the scar that symbolized their childhood pledge. They swore on a blood oath to remain eternal maidens, and now it was in jeopardy. Brianne shook her head. No. She refused to break their vow. She hadn’t agreed to anything besides giving her blood.
A loud bang sounded from the hall, making her jump to her feet and run toward the door. She flung it open and saw Cade and Cael slumped against the wall. They were covered in bruises, in various stages of healing, and both males looked like Hell warmed over.
“Why aren’t you guys celebrating with everyone else? I know the baby was born and yet you sit here like creepers outside my bedroom door,” she huffed with narrowed eyes. Why did they insist on making each other, and her, miserable?
Cade stood, rubbing the back of his head. “I will not leave you. You are my mate, and I must protect and watch over you.”
The declaration warmed Brianne’s heart while at the same time it annoyed her. Aside from Raquel, no one had ever looked after her. Harpies may be a matriarchal society, but they weren’t nurturing. Her mom gave her food for survival until she could steal her own, but that was the extent of maternal love. Hugs and kisses didn’t exist in her childhood.
To have someone other than her sister care about her well-being brought about unfamiliar emotions which softened her towards the male, yet pissed her off. She wasn’t going to mate him. Caring only complicated matters. Brianne would never forget the first lesson her mother taught her. To develop feelings for any male gave him the power to manipulate and control, and that was forbidden.
“Fuck you, dick. You’re my mate, and it is my duty to protect and pleasure you,” Cael added with a sexy grin as he stood beside Cade, chest puffed.
Damn her to Hell, but they were both sexy in their pursuit. As much as she wanted to invite them into her room, she stood her ground. What they wanted, she couldn’t give. The sooner they understood that and found a way out of this mating, the better off they’d be.
“Stop it, both of you,” she scolded.
Both males lowered their heads and clenched their fists, glaring at the other. Brianne hated seeing them at odds more than anything else. They needed to end this competitive nonsense. She wasn’t choosing either one of them.
Voices echoed from another hall, drawing her attention. “What did they have?” she asked out of curiosity.
“A boy. They named him Maddox. He looks just like Gerrick, but with his mother’s green eyes,” Cade replied.
“Is he a vampire or sorcerer, or a mix?” she questioned, wondering how it worked when different species.
For harpies, their female offspring were always born harpy while the males took after their fathers. If a mother let her son live, she left him on the father’s doorstep. A few decades ago, Cecilia tried to keep her son with her and was exiled from their cliffs.
“It appears he takes after his father,” Cael answered. “It’s early, but he hasn’t bitten Shae while nursing, and Jace said his aura is filled with color-indicating magic.”
“Would you like to meet him?” Cade asked.
“No. I don’t belong here. It would be awkward,” Brianne replied with a dismissive wave of her hand, even though she was dying to see the little guy.
“That’s where you’re wrong, my love. You are part of the family now. You are my mate,” Cael murmured at the same time Cade retorted, “She’s my mate.”
Not wanting to start another brawl, she turned in the direction of the celebratory voices. “You don’t think they’d mind a harpy visiting their baby?”
“You’re a welcome member of this household now,” Cade assured her as he grabbed her hand and led her down the hall.
Not to be outdone, Cael hurried and caught up to them, grabbing her other hand. A sigh left her throat as she allowed their warmth to envelop her.
This is how it is meant to be, she thought to herself. Brianne knew she would never be able to choose between them. She wanted them both with equal intensity. It was best if she walked away as soon as possible.
She’d talk with Jace about how she could get her blood to them when needed. The thought that they would perish without her made Brianne sick to her stomach. Nothing could happen to these perfect males. The world would be a dark place without them.
“I don’t have anything for the baby,” she suddenly blurted. Brianne wasn’t a thoughtful creature by nature, but babies were one thing that was celebrated by every supernatural in existence. “Of course, I haven’t really had time. First, there was Tristan, and then what happened with you two.” She was rambling as her nerves got the better of her. The excitement infected the home’s atmosphere and had her feeling more uncertain than ever.
“Don’t ever mention that warlock’s name in my presence,” Cade growled.
His hand tightened on her fingers, and Brianne gritted through the pain. Cael would attack if he thought Cade hurt her. A quick glance to the side displayed the lines around Cade’s gorgeous blue eyes. A glimpse in the other direction gave her a look at the tightness around Cael’s mouth. Despite their obvious displeasure, she felt their anger and worry.
A smile played at the corners of Brianne’s mouth as she relished in the connection she felt to Cade and Cael. And, then she st
umbled with realization.
How the fuck can I sense what they are feeling? I have NOT chosen them as mates.
The silent question was far more discerning than learning she belonged to them. This should not have been possible until she made the conscious choice to bind her life to theirs, but there was no denying its presence.
The elegant hallway receded as she fought to ignore the undeniable evidence. Perhaps she did carry parts of their souls.
“Are you ok, love?” Cael asked and cupped her cheek, drawing her attention to the sexy male. Cade answered his move by cupping her other cheek as he stepped closer to her body.
“I’m good. I just hate showing up without a proper welcome gift for little Maddox,” Brianne lied, hoping to divert their attention.
“Don’t worry. We purchased power crystals from the High Priestesses, and included you in our gift,” Cade stated.
“We always place extra protections around the children’s sleeping quarters so the parents can rest. Demons haven’t gotten past the barrier for months, but we don’t take chances with our young,” Cael explained, and Brianne knew he was reading her thoughts.
“Demons broke your protections?” she asked aghast.
“Yes, and the last time almost cost Cael his life,” Cade told her.
The sudden sadness encompassing her heart wasn’t entirely her own. Cade was still traumatized by the thought of losing Cael, and it only reinforced the close relationship between these brothers. They needed each other more than they needed her. They’d just lost sight of that fact.
“Sheti attacked during the day which kept half of us from joining in the fight. If Orlando’s mate Ember hadn’t stepped up, Cael would’ve died.”
“True. Thank the Goddess for Ember and Cailyn’s healing ability,” Cael added.
“You guys are lucky to have two healers living at Zeum. Aurora would give away half her treasures to have one.”
“The Goddess looks out for her warriors. Cailyn is an outstanding female with as much talent as her mate, but she underscores herself. Jace is invaluable, but his mate is priceless. Not to mention, a great dancer and caring female,” Cade shared.
The affection on the vampire’s face when he spoke of the female had Brianne biting back her jealousy. She wanted him to look like that when he spoke of her. She was priceless to no one, and that detail stung considerably.
“Sounds like you’re in love with a female. Good thing I’m not your mate. ¿Es bruto?” Brianne hissed under her breath.
In her opinion, there was no worse crime than betraying how much you wanted another being and giving them the power to hurt you.
Without warning, Brianne was flung against the wall. The force of her impact made a nearby table rattle and a picture fall from the wall. Cael’s hard body pinned her in place, and her blood flowed like lava through her veins. Her body heated and flushed with a burning need to be filled by his rock-hard cock.
“Let me be clear on this, mate,” Cade growled in her ear. “The Goddess made you for me. You are mine, and no female on the planet can compare. Don’t ever doubt my desire for you.”
Brianne felt Cael’s shock and rage, but she was too consumed by Cade’s body pressed against hers. In the next instant, Cade’s lips crashed down on hers with skill and force. Her body automatically melted into his, her legs lifted, and wrapped around his waist.
Cade’s lips were the perfect combination of soft and unyielding. Sparks flew where their flesh met, illuminating the dim hall. Brianne’s eyes slipped closed, and she enjoyed the way he mastered her mouth.
Rarely in her life had she been kissed so thoroughly. In fact, the only other time was with Cael. Her skin shimmered with excitement, and her harpy roared deep within. The flapping of her wings drowned out the sound of her pounding heart.
She lost control as Cade consumed her. His tongue lightly ran across her lips, begging for entrance. Her body accepted him, desire racing through her veins like a freight train. The kiss was both soft and desperate for more.
This male was a master and Brianne had to force herself not to think about how he acquired such skill. Their tongues tangled, mimicking what she wanted him to do with the massive erection prodding her stomach.
Cade groaned and fisted her black hair, twining his fingers in the locks. Brianne shifted her hips and lifted so his hard length pressed right where she wanted. Her hands roved over perfectly sculpted muscles in his shoulders and arms. When they shifted to his back, she wondered how he didn’t have an ounce of fat on him. Her love of food, especially Enchiladas, gave her generous curves. The extra ten, okay fifteen, pounds gave her an hourglass that males loved. Most days she flaunted her flesh, but when Cade’s hands gripped her love handles, she prayed he didn’t think her fat.
“You’re perfect,” Cade murmured against her mouth, answering her concerns.
“Get off my mate!” Cael roared.
Brianne jerked her head, breaking the kiss. Dizziness assailed, and her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. Scrambling, she practically jumped from Cade’s arms and put herself between the brothers.
“Please don’t do this. I’m sorry, Cael,” she confessed and grabbed the male’s hand. “That was my fault. It won’t happen again,” she explained and gave Cade a look, telling him she meant every word. “Look, I don’t want to leave. Truth is, I’ve never been allowed close to a baby except for the chance encounters I’ve had with humans. Supernaturals assume I’ll eat their young or carry them off to my great grandfather or something,” she continued and gently squeezed Cael’s hand, hoping he understood.
Cael roughly yanked her against his chest. His mouth claimed hers in a not-so-gentle gesture. Passion flared, and Brianne gasped at the rush of arousal that buckled her knees.
Cael supported her weight then murmured, “Just remember, you owe me,” against her mouth then pulled away as quickly as he started.
Brianne was speechless as she regained her balance. Her hand went to her lips that burned from the force of Cael’s kiss. His repertoire was vastly different than his brother’s. Just as skilled, but more aggressive. Cael took what he wanted without apology, and her core ached for him.
Cade and Cael shared a look then grabbed her hands, leading her down the hall. The voices got louder as they approached a door and when the three of them entered the bedroom, laughter filled the air.
“Cade, Cael,” a gorgeous female called out from the couch. She was elegant, and every piece of her red hair was sleek and styled perfectly. No way did this female just have a baby, Brianne thought. “And, I see you brought your mate. Thank you all for the crystals. Gerrick has already set them.”
“We are here to protect you and your family with our last breath,” Cade promised with a bow. Cael followed suit.
“Meet my mate, Brianne,” Cael said as he stood straight.
“I assume you’ve been informed of our unique situation,” Brianne mumbled. “Ignore these two. We’re here to meet little Maddox. I hear he takes after his father. It’s so different for my kind.”
“It’s good to meet you, Brianne, and we are beyond excited for you to meet Maddox,” Shae said with a smile before she looked over at her son cradled in Gerrick’s arms.
It amazed Brianne how the presence of a baby softened every Dark Warrior in the room, including Mack. She guessed this was how it worked in this family, and she couldn’t help but envy their loyalty and genuine care for one another. It reminded her of the closeness she shared with Raquel.
“You have a beautiful son,” Brianne told Gerrick and Shae. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to call my sister.”
“Can I go see Donovan, mama?” Izzy asked before Brianne could turn away. “Auntie Bri can take me, right?” she added.
Brianne was taken aback by the Vampire Princess’s endearment, but it touched her soul. She was a powerful little girl, and to be accepted by her made Brianne feel special.
“Uhh,” Brianne hedged, unsure how her parents would fee
l about turning Isobel over to her care.
“That would be wonderful, if you don’t mind,” Elsie replied. “He is with his family at Anthru, and this time of day doesn’t exactly agree with me,” she explained with a grimace. “And, I really want to visit this little guy some more.”
“No, I don’t mind at all. ‘Ven, Princesa,” Brianne replied and offered Izzy her hand. Raw energy coursed up her arm where they touched. Talk about a powerhouse, she thought.
Izzy chatted as they left the room, and Brianne tried to remain focused on the Princess, but she couldn’t keep her mind off the two males, and their electrifying kisses. She overheard Cade and Cael say their goodbyes to the group then made their way to her and Izzy.
When they reached the kitchen, she spun on her heels and faced the two males. “I’m going to drop Izzy off at Anthru, and then I’ll call my sister. Unless you two want a third-degree sunburn, I suggest you stay here. Plus, I need some space.”
“I’ll be in the gym if you need me,” Cael told her.
“I won’t be far,” Cade added.
“Have some ice cream. It always makes me feel better,” Izzy called out to the males.
The sun shone down on the little girl, answering one of Brianne’s questions. Apparently, vampire young could go out in the sun. Knowing that she’d guess they were like many other species and not vulnerable to most elements before they came into their full power.
“That’s good advice,” Brianne told Izzy. “My favorite flavor is cinnamon. What’s yours?”
“I love strawberry. So does Donovan. There he is,” the Princess cried out as she let go of Brianne’s hand, and ran toward a young male.
Having demonic blood, Brianne sensed the boy’s cambion nature. He was older than Izzy, with curly brown hair and blue eyes. She could see why Izzy was so taken with the stripling.
“Hey, Iz,” Donovan replied. “Who’s this?” he asked and looked her way.
“I’m Brianne. I’m friends with Cade and Cael. And, Tristan, too. Where are your parents? I was asked to deliver Izzy to them.”
