by Betty Legend
Cadmar curls his thumb and index finger around his facial hair as he thinks it over.
“There are rare medicinal mushrooms that grow on the Mordeeves pine tree this time of year. The mushrooms grow where it’s too high to climb, and the pine needles release a toxin that makes it difficult for me to reach the mushrooms, but with your wings and fire,”—he points to Emeric—“You could reach them.”
Emeric looks at Griffin. “Do you know where to find these trees?”
“I do.”
“I’ll get you your mushrooms tonight.” Emeric puts out his hand for Cadmar to shake.
“Trade for a trade.” Cadmar stands from his stool and shakes Emeric’s hand. “You have my word. I’ll need the sword to measure the leather.”
Emeric glances at Griffin, and he nods with approval. Emeric reluctantly hands the sword over to Cadmar.
“I’ll keep it secure. I assure you.”
Cadmar opens an aged, wooden box next to his stool. The box is no larger than a small toolbox and definitely not big enough to fit an entire sword. As he opens it, the interior glows with an ethereal blue light. Sliding the sword into the box, the blade disappears as he releases it.
“Wow,” I say in awe.
Cadmar smiles at me. “The box of secrets has been in my family for generations, Druid. Only blood of my Elvin line can open it.”
Druid. It’s the first I’ve been called this, and it leaves me with a new feeling of excitement. That’s what I am—a gifted druid witch, living in a beautiful world full of magic.
“Thank you for taking great care with it. It’s extremely valuable to me,” Emeric tells him.
“Of course, Guardian. It’s my honor.”
Emeric gives the man a pat on his shoulder and the two smile at one another. Griffin leads us out of the tent as my stomach grumbles with hunger.
“Why don’t you and the others find something to eat while Emeric and I get the mushrooms.”
Cyrus takes my hand. “I’ll take her to the food tents.”
Griffin leans in and kisses me. “Enjoy yourself. We’ll see you later.” He and Emeric disappear into the crowd while the rest of us follow Cyrus. As soon as we round another end of an aisle, Killian’s nostrils flare.
“There’s wild boar here.” His wolf senses have kicked in, entranced by the scent of what he wants. He veers toward the tent, and we follow him. Phoenix caresses my back, gathering my attention.
“I’m going to hunt in the woods.”
Killian snaps out of his scent spell. “I’ll join you in wolf form. I need to run free, and my wolf would enjoy fresh, wild boar.”
Phoenix waves his hand, and the two venture off in the direction of the dark forest.
Cyrus kisses me on the cheek as we walk past tents of steaming meats and vegetables. “What are you hungry for?”
“I think I could pick anything here and enjoy it. Is the wild boar good? Killian was excited about it.”
“It is. It’s smoked, thinly sliced, and seasoned to perfection.”
“I’m sold.”
Reaching the tent, we wait in line and accept the thin, square wooden plates piled with smoking meat and vegetables. The aroma of the fresh food and seasonings makes my mouth water.
“It’s strange not paying for this and not having utensils.”
Cyrus leads me to an open area of grass lit up with hanging lanterns, where Fae are sitting and eating.
“It took a while for me to get used to it as well.” Cyrus sits, and I sit next to him, our shoulders touching. “Griffin educated me on their ways. They work together as a community. Some hunt, others garden, cook, or work with medicine. Whatever their talent is, they move into that area of skill by the time they’re older teenagers.”
Cyrus uses his hand to pick up half of a potato from his plate and eats it. I go for the meat first and moan after the first bite.
“Oh, my goodness, this is delicious.”
“Better than mainland food, isn’t it?”
“Yes. It’s nice to eat fresh food that’s not packed with preservatives and chemicals.”
“I agree. Nothing beats fresh food from a garden or woods, right to these reusable plates.”
“I like it here. The way of life is peaceful, generous, and social.”
Cyrus watches the children near us chase one another, his mouth curling.
“It’s a stark contrast from my lecture hall of detached young adults hunched over their phones.”
“I’m sure. That is the only thing I struggle with here, not being able to communicate with my mom or Rachel.”
“I have an idea about that.”
“What is it?”
“We can spell three mirrors and link them. Anytime you want to reach out to your mom or Rachel, you cast the spell, then you’ll appear in their mirror, and they will appear in yours, kind of like video chat calls.”
“I love the idea! We can use the mirrors at the same time every week, so they know when to be at their mirror. Do you mind if we head back home and work on it?”
“Not at all.”
After clearing our plates, we leave them at the tent that collects them to be cleaned. It amazes me how the Fae think of everything here. Taking my hand, Cyrus leads the way back to our house. We’re the only ones to have returned. It’s quiet when we enter, and Cyrus and I use the advantage to focus on our project. In the magic room, I set out spell books and look over the herbs.
“We’ll have to portal to a store for the mirrors.”
“I’ll go,” Cyrus insists. “It won’t take me long.”
“All right. Pick out pretty ones.”
“Of course, gorgeous. Would you expect anything less of me?”
With a grin, I walk up to him and curl my fingers around the fabric of his shirt to pull him closer.
“Not with you. You pay attention and know what everyone likes. You’re thoughtful like that.” Our lips touch and the warmth of our love spreads through me. “Be safe. I love you.”
“I will.” With the wave of his hand, a portal emerges. Stepping through it, he and the glowing silver circle disappear.
At the countertop, I set out ingredients I’m nearly certain will work for the spell. As I place the last of them on the counter, I hear the front door open and close. Opening the magic room door, I peek my head out. Griffin sees me and joins me in the room.
“What are you working on?”
Moving a stool out from under the countertop, Griffin perches himself on it.
“Cyrus and I are spelling three mirrors so I can communicate with my mom and Rachel.”
“That’s creative.”
Double-checking a spell book, I run my finger below the words, then put several herbs into a bowl.
“Cyrus’s brilliant idea.”
“Of course,” Griffin smiles.
“Did you eat dinner?”
“I did after I left Emeric at Cadmar’s tent. He wanted to remain there. He’s quite attached to the sword.”
“That’s understandable. It’s the only thing he has of his mother that I know of.”
Leaning on the counter, Griffin watches me with interest.
“You’re right, it is.”
As I add crushed and sand-like kyanite stone into the bowl, I force my air energy to the bowl and watch with excitement as the ingredients blend together, forming a shimmering powder.
“I think it worked!”
Griffin leans forward, looking inside the bowl, and grins.
“Your skills have grown immensely since the first day I brought you here. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you.” Stepping closer, I kiss him. “That means a lot to me.”
Placing a few strands behind my ear, he admires me, his gaze holding mine. “We’re all alone. I’d like to take you upstairs.”
“Lead the way.”
Expecting him to take my hand, I’m pleasantly surprised when he sweeps me up in his arms and kisses me. Carrying me to the next floor, he enters my
bedroom and kicks the door closed. After locking it, he carries me to the bed, sets me on it, then fills the space between my spread legs as I lower onto my back.
Arousal springs to life as his tongue circles mine and his hand caresses up my side, lifting my shirt. Lowering my hand, I rub his growing erection, the thickness of his cock increasing the heat between my legs. A subtle moan vibrates against my lips.
“I need you, my love.”
“I want you just as much.”
Our lips stay tangled as we hastily undress one another. The first thrust has me gasping with pleasure. Holding my body tight, his thrusts are languid yet deliberate, filling me before pulling out, then pushing my desire higher with another deep thrust. Sweat dampens our bodies as we share the pleasure mounting between us. Shuddering and breathless against his body, he holds me steady, a smile curling his lips as I orgasm. As my trembling body settles, he increases his thrusts, bringing us both to orgasm minutes later.
Lying on our sides, he caresses me, his warm touch tingling my skin and adding to my relaxation.
“I could lie with you for hours.”
“So could I.” Griffin leans forward and kisses me. “Being with you gives me so much peace.”
“It’s the same for me.” Scooting closer, I lay my leg over his, and he rubs my thigh. “These last few months have been the best part of my life. I’m grateful for who I am and to have you.”
“I don’t know what any of us would do without you. You complete us.”
Brushing my hand through his hair, I rub my fingers over his pointed ear, and he closes his eyes, enjoying it.
“That goes both ways.”
Griffin opens his eyes, staring into mine. “Do you feel safe and comfortable here?”
“I do. Mordeeves Island is an amazing place. I don’t mind living here as long as I can take trips to the mainland when I need or want to.”
“Just not anytime soon. If we’re being hunted, it’s too great a risk.”
“I know, which is why I don’t like any of you going to the mainland. I hope Cyrus’s request for time off is approved soon.”
“It will be. He’s one of their valued professors.”
“Why doesn’t he work at the supernatural university?”
“No available positions. They don’t come open often, so he applied to human universities.”
“How did he apply with a supernatural university diploma?”
As I lean back, Griffin lies over half of my body. Curling his hand through my hair, he smiles.
“There are two supernatural universities, one in Wyoming and one in Maine. In all appearances, they seem like any other university, apart from only accepting supernatural students, but humans don’t know that. The universities review admissions, conduct interviews, and use magic to separate supernaturals from humans. Most supernaturals are easy to identify. We put our true nature on the applications.”
My mouth curls as I exhale noisily. “Wow, that’s incredible. I wish I could’ve gone to a supernatural college.”
“I wish you had gone there, too.” Griffin takes my hand and kisses it, the gesture loving. “I know I would’ve been smitten with you from the moment we met. I could’ve made many more memories with you.”
“If we ever have children, I want them to go to the supernatural university and know their lineage. I don’t want them to miss out like I did.”
“Would you want to have children with me?” Griffin’s eyes shine brighter as he holds my hand close to his chest.
“Later on, I believe I would.”
Coming forward, he kisses me in a passionate display of love.
“I would want to have a child with you, Selene.”
The way he says the words while his eyes fill with adoration increases the love I have for him. This Fae man wants a life and family with me, and I know I’m his world. Griffin is my anchor, my constant in a world of chaos.
“I love you, Griffin.”
He replies with a kiss that rekindles my arousal.
Footsteps and voices carry through the stairwell into my room.
“I think they’re all home.”
“They’ll be looking for us at any moment.”
The door handle jiggles, then a knock.
“We’re all back,” Cyrus announces.
“Great. Now go away,” Griffin shouts, his mouth curling.
Surprisingly, there’s no reply. They carry on with their conversations, their voices trailing off.
Griffin makes a face. “I appreciate them respecting our time alone.”
“I think everybody is getting better about that.”
“We are,” he agrees. “How about a shower or bath?”
“I’d love a bath with you. Will you massage my shoulders while we’re in there? They’re knotted up.”
“Yeah.” Griffin rises off me, then the bed. “You mind returning the favor and massaging mine?”
“Not at all.”
“Need anything else before we start the bath?” Griffin extends his hand for me to take.
“Coffee or tea. I’m tired, but I still want to work on the mirrors with Cyrus.”
“Get the water going. I’ll be back.”
With a kiss on my forehead, he leaves the room, naked without a care.
CHAPTER TWELVE
SELENE
My fingers graze along the edge of the wood-carved vines around the mirror.
“This is gorgeous. Where did you find them?”
Cyrus’s smile widens.
“A shop in Oregon that does custom work. I paid extra for the shop owner to make a sale after closing hours.”
Leaving the mirrors, I hug him tight. “Thank you. These are thoughtful and beautiful. Mom and Rachel will love them.”
Cyrus keeps me close and kisses me.
“That’s what I wanted. You’re going to be using them often, so I wanted to get mirrors that you all would love.”
“Anyone ever tell you how amazing you are?”
“Yes, and her name is Selene, and I hope someday, she’ll be my wife.”
Cyrus’s comment takes me by surprise. I hadn’t thought about marriage yet, let alone to five supernaturals. Can I even marry all of them? How would that work? I could never choose to marry only one of them.
Cyrus reads my confused expression, then smiles. “Marriage doesn’t have to be legalized in a state with a piece of notarized paper. We can have an authentic supernatural ceremony and marriage. You can marry all of us.”
“But what about making it legal in the states?”
“The only options in the states—you either don’t marry any of us, or you can only marry one of us.”
“I couldn’t choose between any of you. It won’t be legal in the states then. We’ll have our marriage the supernatural way.”
“Is that a yes, then? You want to be my wife?” Grinning, he caresses my arm.
Heat flushes my cheeks. “Are you asking me to be your wife?”
Cyrus lifts me, setting me on the counter before he stands between my spread legs. He kisses me with so much passion, I’m ready for him to undress me and have me on the magic room counter. When he pulls away, I’m breathless.
“Yes, gorgeous, I am. You’re my family, the only woman I want to spend my life with. It would be an honor to be your husband and to cherish you for the rest of our lives.”
“Cyrus, I love you so much.” My forehead falls to his, my heart leaping. “With all of my heart, I’m yours. I absolutely want to be your wife, but I do want to marry all of you at once. Is that something you’re okay waiting for?”
I lift my head, and he caresses my cheek before placing loose hair behind my ear.
“Yes, it is. I knew that’s what you would want, but I don’t want to waste another minute not telling you how I feel.”
My legs tighten around his waist as I put my arms around his neck.
“You are an incredible boyfriend, and I look forward to the day I get to call you husband.”
Above his enormous smile, Cyrus’s eyes glimmer with silver.
“That will be a very special day for me.”
“I love you so much. You know that, don’t you?”
“I do, and I’m grateful for your love.”
“After we finish these mirrors, make love to me.”
“Your bedroom or mine?”
“Let’s spend time in yours.”
Cyrus looks at the mirrors and the bowl of shimmering powder. “It looks like you have the mixture ready.”
“I believe so. All we need to do is add the powder into a solution or sealant, paint it on the mirror frame, then cast the spell.”
“Well done.”
“I’ve learned from the best.”
Cyrus kisses the tip of my nose. “Let’s get this finished.”
Pouring the powder and clear sealant into a bucket, Cyrus stirs the mixture, then hands me a paintbrush. Together, we coat the frames of all three mirrors. Laying them side-by-side, my hands over the first mirror, I release air magic. Cyrus steps back and watches as I cast the spell on each mirror. One by one, they glimmer with silver essence, then the glimmer fades.
“I believe it worked,” he assures me. “I’ll drop these off at your mother’s and Rachel’s homes tomorrow and let them know when you’ll appear in the mirror.”
“This was a brilliant idea.” I clap my hands together. “They’re going to love it. It’s magical.”
Cyrus gathers one of my hands and kisses it. “Let’s go upstairs.”
We make it to his room uninterrupted. As soon as the door is closed, his luscious lips are on mine, and his hands are lifting my shirt off. Neither of us says a word as we come together in a lengthy, sensual kiss, then remove more clothes. Laying me beneath him, he slides between my legs and thrusts into me, my wet, needy pussy eagerly accepting him. Holding the back of my head, he keeps us close, kissing me as he takes our intimacy on a slow dance of desire.
When I wake to the late sun shining into Cyrus’s bedroom, I sit up and look across the blue comforter and hardwood floor to where our clothes are scattered. I chuckle, and Cyrus wakes and rubs my back.
“Last night was amazing.”
“It was. That third time, babe, was so hot.”
