Sinful Sister

by Kendall Oliver

  Cam decides the risk is worth it and interrupts Samuel. “You’re not making any sense, Professor. Can you back up a little there, or try to put it in terms we understand? I feel like we’re missing most of the story.”

  “The hidden lectures, I had to find a way to teach you, without the others knowing. It was the only way,” Samuel explains. “There are many descendant legend theories. One of the hypotheses states that as bonding starts, the alpha witch or most powerful will begin to glow. The glow then magnifies until completion of the bonding act, which happens with penatrative sex. Others say signs or markings to designate lineage will become apparent when all fated mates are discovered.” He looks at me with a reverence I have yet to see from him. “And now look at her. Her beauty is magnified so much by her radiance. The mystifying glow.”

  “I still don’t understand,” Cam says.

  Before Samuel gets frustrated with him, I jump in. “For some reason, this place is different for Cam. He doesn’t see what goes on. He never heard your special lectures like Julian and I did. It has to mean something, but we haven’t been able to figure that out yet.”

  “Come on,” Samuel instructs. “We’re headed to my secret chambers. No one else knows it exists, we can talk more there. This cave isn’t protected. I don’t trust this place.”

  We start to walk again, Samuel leading us to our destination. “Not far now,” Samuel calls back to us. I’m at the tail of our group to allow my glow to light our way. I see the light ahead, dulling the need for my own shining, when there’s a slight breeze at my back. I turn to see what’s there, and everything fades to black.

  Eighteen

  I fly through the air with darkness surrounding me. I don’t know what happened. One minute I was about to walk with the guys into the hidden den of secrets, and who knows what else, the next I’m… well, I don’t know.

  Logically I know I should be scared, and I am but I’m not at the same time. It’s similar to when I arrived at the reformatory. It feels like that ecstasy induced rave fog of false euphoria. The misty haze of my mind gives way to images. Me stealing Ana’s dress the night she had a date, or wanted to impress some chick, I can’t remember. I didn’t need it, I just wanted to be mean. Me, masterbating, while everyone mourned below us. My body clams up, and I pull into myself trying to roll into a ball. It’s just like that first day here. I can’t take it. I won’t survive a second time. Why? Just when I learned to tame what comes to me in my room at night. The fears pulled from my innermost insecurities. It’s hard to fight them as truths when voiced by the monotone mystery voice in my head presenting a trial of my worst deeds, reminding me of who I really am.

  My calm gives way to rising panic and the urgent need to see what’s around me. To emerge from the darkness. It can’t be nearly as bad as my subconscious makes it out to be, can it?

  “Oh, it can. It can get even worse from here, dirty girl.”

  I start to shake, small shocks of electricity move inside me throughout the insides of my body. Stomach churning as my head twirls like I’m on the teacups ride. My breath coming in short pants getting shorter, lungs tighter with every attempt to expand. The force in which I try to pull in air grows with manic speed, until blackness spotted with white dotted stars overtake me fully. I know somehow that’s what they want. That I should just slow myself and breath in slow breaths, in and out, on counts of ten. But, I’m too far gone. I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of self-loathing. Goddess knows I have enough material to work with throughout the years.

  Somewhere in the fog of the darkness, pinpricks of light appear. They’re far away and tiny beacons calling me. A new voice competes with the droll of my tormentor, it’s rich, playful gravel familiar but fresh. I’m drawn to it. To the light no matter how far.

  “Fight!” it calls. It gives me a small but growing sense of being needed and loved, and I know I will exhaust my very existence to get where it is.

  I’m falling. I wonder if this is my doom, how I finally go out. I didn’t even get to say goodbye. Regrets flood me. My guys, because they are all mine. They are mine on a soul-deep level. I vow if I make it out of here, they’ll know how much they mean to me. Once again, the creepy voice sounds, but this time it has a shred of emotion and an eerie laugh.

  The voice that makes me tingle inside washes through me. “Time is inconsequential when you’re linked by fate.”

  The fog around me clears each time I hear the voice that fills me with hope; I’m heated by the warmth of the light as it slowly moves nearer. But each time I think I might be close to breaking free, I remember yet another person I’ve hurt, who I am deep down inside. Am I really this blackness?

  Yes, I think as Ana’s face in it’s beautiful, mischievous innocence floats before me. Ana, my sweet Ana. She’s been left to fend for herself. I don’t even know where she is, what happened to her. I didn’t fight hard enough to find out, too consumed in my own shit.

  The sharp voice sounds in my head again. “You’re selfish. She needed you and didn’t care. It’s always all about you.”

  Just as I start to pull away again, I hear it. Are those actual voices? They’re distant, but I’ve never wanted anything more in my life than to go to them. To pull me free from this hell for the beauty they exude, not just for them but for me. I deserve it. My mistakes start morphing into visions filled with acts of love. I have done good in this world, even if I hid so others wouldn’t know. I have loved.

  “Fight!” becomes a chant in my head; the rejuvenating voice continues to save me from myself as it grows more apparent and loud. As I become more aware of my surroundings the voice splits into more than one.

  In a moment of realization, I hear him. Cam. If anyone can help me save myself, it’s him. Julian breaks through too, much more faintly but still here. I push myself past the heaviness around me, past the rocks lodged in my throat and boulder on my chest.

  “Where’s Samuel?” My croak is so faint I’m unsure they can even hear me. My eyes are unfocused, disorienting me. I feel the too soft mattress under me and know I’m on my bed. My limbs are heavy as I try to move, but the effort is too great. I need to leave this bed to believe I’m okay. A multitude of questions swirl in my mind. What happened? How did I end up in my room?

  “Thank fuck,” Julian says, and lets out a relieved sigh. “You can hear me.”

  “Izzy. Goddess, Iz,” Cam says in his rich, steady voice. “We’ve been going crazy.” His voice cracks. “You better not ever leave me like this again.”

  I groan, wanting to tease him that it’s not like I did this on purpose, but I know what he means. I can feel his despair as our connection slowly returns.

  “Can you move? What happened?” Julian sounds thrown off, unlike himself. “I was scared too. If it’s who I’m guessing, these are not good witches we’re dealing with. They’ll go as far as they need to get what they want.”

  “Can’t move yet, but I think I’m okay,” I reassure him. My connection with Julian is faint, but it’s still here. I can’t feel Samuel at all. While he never admitted he was part of us, I guess based on what was said—fated mates—I know in my depths that he is. I need him here.

  “What’s wrong?” Cam asks, his voice unsteady with what I assume is concern over my heightened agitation.

  My voice slightly louder but still hampered by the haze that I continue to float in, I ask again, “Where’s Samuel? I need him. We need him. Don’t ask how I know, I just do. We’re lost without him.”

  “We’ll find him,” Julian and Cam say in unison, both sounding more resolved.

  Julian pushes the feeling of love and desire through our connection. “Stay strong, Princess. I need you better so you can fuss at me for that.” I groan in response but am only left with the sound of their retreating footsteps. I fade back into the waiting pool of my pain, but this time light shines much brighter to lead me from the dark.

  Nineteen

  I awake to warmth all around me, not sure I’ve ever felt
more comfortable or cared for. When I wiggle into my cocoon of pure bliss, a deep groan escapes from behind me. It’s almost instantly I feel the hard press into my back, and I’m aware I’m not alone.

  The unmistakable chuckle of Samuel sounds in the otherwise quiet room. Relief washes over me. He found me.

  “What happened? How did you find me? I want to know everything,” I demand as I reluctantly pull from Samuel and Cam’s embraces. Pushing hands and limbs off me to sit up, I notice Julian behind Cam, his arm thrown over him to rest on my hip, it holds me protectively.

  “Hello,” I say to them, my eyebrow raising and hand circling in a hurry-up motion.

  Samuel looks around me, making eye contact with the other two who nod back to him almost imperceptibly. “This is the short version, because some important decisions need to be made, and quickly.” He pauses, propping himself up. “You disappeared, we freaked out before rallying, and Julian and Cam came here but couldn’t get past the door.”

  Unable to push down my curiosity, I ask him, “Where were you?”

  “Conveniently called the Warden. It was bullshit. He has to know at least something of what’s going on. Or maybe he’s under a spell or enchantment like the school. Ether is possible. I started to press him, but I felt a pull. It wasn’t you though it felt close. I couldn’t waste any more time. So I walked out. By the time I left and was on my way to search for you, Julian and Camden found me. They told me you were trapped here in your room and not fully aware.”

  There’s a noticeable pause. “What am I missing? I still have no idea what happened,” I tell them. My throat is still too raw to talk more than needed.

  Cam’s hand finds its way through his adorable curls, his off kilter tell. “I was panicked. We were all so scared. One minute we’re about to walk into Samuel's secret hole of surprises and the next you’re gone.” Cam’s entire face lights in satisfaction when I manage a giggle at his teasing of Samuel.

  “Go on,” I encourage him.

  With a wink he speaks again, “You went offline. I couldn’t reach you and neither could Julian or Samuel. We went back to Samuel’s office to make a plan. We didn’t know where to start. We all know bits and pieces and that bad shit is happening but didn’t know what or who. Still don’t.”

  “You’re gonna pull your hair out if you keep running your hands through it,” I tease Cam.

  He sticks his tongue out at me and picks up his story. “After the most terrifying hour of my life, I felt you again. It was light like a dandelion seed flying in the wind but it grew as the minutes went by. After a bit more time Julian felt you too. So faint but real. Samuel was called away. But we found you!”

  Cam stops, face reddened with the emotions he’s trying to hold back. Julian gives him a nod. “I’ll take over. We found that as we moved around, you felt stronger in certain directions. When we realized you were heading toward your dorm, we rushed to your room. We couldn't get in at first but we wouldn't give up. We’d destroy the world for you, Iz.” Julian's eyes shine, face more serious than I’ve ever seen him. “You were naked. Tied to your bed.” His voice cracks. “We had no idea what had happened to you.”

  Like a wounded animal I let out a choked cry. The idea that someone undressed me and had me tied up and I don't remember has ice-cold fear running through my veins. I snuggle into my men needing them to surround me with their love. Julian, Cam, and Samuel murmur comforting words and envelope me in their strong embraces.

  I’m not sure how much time passes but it’s enough that I feel a little calmer from today’s events. We’re all sitting up in the bed now. I look around at my room and note that nothing has changed, but its essence is so very different. For the first time, I notice we’re in a makeshift bed on the floor, all of the extra blankets and pillows I hoarded for winter used to make sure we all fit. I laugh, the vibration scratching my tender throat, but I can’t stop.

  “I see you found my winter stash,” I point out, the fading laughter still present in my words.

  Cam chortles. “I knew you wouldn’t disappoint.”

  Our eyes lock, and I swear I warm from the inside. “Well. I wasn’t sure if I’d have you to warm me. I figured I’d be sent somewhere cold and dreary. Thank goddess they didn’t realize the extent of my powers when they said I could pack a duffel to bring.”

  It’s Julian who lets out a snort of amusement this time. “I had wondered but know from experience it’s not wise to underestimate you.”

  I lean over Cam to reach Julian and give him a soft kiss on his cheek. I’m rewarded with a devilish smile. He grabs me, dragging me over Cam, until I fall into his lap. All of the movement causes the covers to fall off us. My eyes take in the men around me, my guys, clad in only underwear. My huntress warrior has kicked in fully. I’m ready for a large meal, so I have to lure in plenty of prey. This girl is more than ready to throw some men around.

  Julian kisses my neck. “If you want to know more, you need to quit looking at us that way. I’m sure they agree.”

  I push his face away from me. “If you want me to be able to understand and not have a mushy brain, that needs to stop.” His tongue darts out to lick along the length of his pick lower lip. “For now, anyway,” I amend.

  He looks at me briefly and morphs back into serious Julian mode. “We raced back here but were still magically blocked from getting in. You were back to radio silence. We could each feel you in varying amounts, so we knew you were still here. Sammy, boy.”

  Samuel lets out what can only be described as a warning growl. Julian shoots him a playful kiss and starts explaining more, “Samuel did some voodoo magic shit that let us in.” Julian’s face darkens. I run my thumb over the back of his hand I hold in a soothing motion. “After Samuel let us in. You… you were…” Julian stops, his voice cracking. My severe, self-proclaimed evil to the core Julian breaking down over me. I pepper his face with kisses, whispering words of assurance.

  Cam, ever steady, picks up where Julian stopped. “You were stripped naked. Tied to the bed. Wrists red and chapped from trying to get away or your tossing and turning. Hell, probably both.” Cam pauses and runs his hand through his hair, face contorted in remembered pain. “I was so scared, Iz. We all were. It took so long to untie you. We all wanted you in our arms. We found your stash, made our nest, and have all been huddled since.”

  Goosebumps rise along my flesh at the sexy moan Samuel lets out. He’s been quiet, letting the others have their turns, but stands with his hand reached out to mine. I go to him without hesitation.

  He motions for me to sit on my actual bed and kneels before. Eye-level, his beautiful eyes stare into mine. “Open up for me, Pet,” he commands.

  I smile at him. “Silly man. I’ve been open all along. It has been you who’s closed off to me. We can let go together.” No longer able to resit his plump rosy lips, I lean in and kiss him. What is meant to be a short, reassuring kiss soon becomes urgent. I open to him, in more ways than one.

  Reluctantly he pulls away from me, leaving us both panting. Cam and Julian have moved closer to us but leave us room to finish our conversation.

  Samuel runs his hand along my cheek until it falls under my chin. Tilting my face up to look at him, he holds my face still, our gazes locked. “It’s time. If you do this, there is no going back. Each of us will join our bodies with yours as we pleasure you together. Once we’ve entered you our clan will be complete. Tied to you and each other for eternity. ” I’m already nodding. He shakes his head in response. “Take this seriously. I can see it inside you, it’s my only extraordinary gift. My power knows because you let me in. You are descended from greatness. You are a Warrior Witch, and incredible power lies within you. I suspect I wasn’t ready to know before. Still content to hide behind my books. But I am now.”

  Samuel swings his attention to Cam and Julian, his hand sweeping across the remaining distance between us. “If you join your body with ours, we will be one. As your fated mates, you will grow your powers by ou
rs and we’ll protect you no matter the cost.”

  Samuel backs himself up until the three of them make a line before me. They are so different in looks, all appealing and devastatingly sexy in their own right. Together they kneel before me in a pledge to me and each other. Once I go to them, none of us will ever be the same.

  “I’ve never wanted anything more or been more ready for anything in my life,” I admit, as I rise to beckon them to follow me back to the makeshift bed.

  Twenty

  Laid out on the blankets, the guys kiss my body. Lips tease with hints of warm wet licks mixed in to ensure I can’t think straight. A head moves to my right, hair tickling my skin as kisses trail my neck. “Mouth,” I groan. “Now.”

  The culprit silently laughs against my neck, swiftly moving to comply. I instantly recognize Julian by his tousled brown hair. Running my hand up along his lean back until I’m able to nestle it in his hair, I pull him down to me. My lips meet his in a delicious dance, and it’s as if someone is sewing his soul to mine. I felt him before, but the more he touches me, kisses me, the less difference I can tell between his bond to me and Cam’s.

  Cam moves his mouth to my breast, suckling my nipple into his mouth. I sense it’s him rather than see him. Our connection is already so strong. That means it’s Samuel who is stationed between my legs, his mouth working its way to my center. When he hits his target, warm heat and sensual kisses melt me. His tongue traces lazy circles. He follows the gentle motions with a loving nip to my clit, and I buck in pleasure so hard it feels like I almost throw them all from my body.