The Guardian Read online

  “It just makes her unique and pretty.” I set the sandwich aside, worried about overfeeding her. “She’s all shiny, like an opal.” The little dragon chirped, and I grinned. “You like that, huh? Opal?” I glanced at River. “Is it ok if we call her that?” River chuckled, pure joy and amusement flowing with the sound.

  “Tori, you’ve been here only days, and you’ve changed everything for me. You can call her whatever you want. As long as she’s willing, she’s yours.”

  “You’re giving her a dragon?” Onyx roared in frustration. Opal spun, her wings spreading to protect me as she hissed in anger at the large man.

  “She could always use another guard,” Terran offered. “Come on, Tori. Enough practice today for the both of you. It’s time for rest, and I want to talk to you. Bring your little guard with you.”

  I cradled Opal against me, soothing her with long strokes across the tip of her wings as she continued to hiss at Onyx. Apparently, we had a lot of talking to do.

  18

  I followed Terran to their suite next door, Opal still clinging to my arm like a vine. Terran ushered me in, letting me take a seat on one of the plush couches. I tried to conceal my yawn, though Terran’s chuckle showed there hadn’t been a point.

  “I won’t keep you too long,” he explained, as he gathered up a plate of food to set before me. Opal squeaked eagerly, and I began to feed her pieces in between bites for myself. “We’ll set you up to face Birch tomorrow, and I think it’s only fair that you know what you’re facing.”

  That sounded vaguely ominous. I bit into a cake so I didn’t have to answer, waiting to see what was coming. “You do know you are not required to do this?” Terran’s expression was serious as he crouched on the floor beside me. “You do not have to face him. We can continue to protect you from him, keep you sheltered to avoid him.”

  I swallowed hard. “I’ve been sheltered my whole life. If it’s taught me anything, it’s taught me that hiding may keep you safe for a little while, but it doesn’t help in the long run.” I bit my lip, fighting back the anger coursing through me as I thought of my mother. I was glad she was at peace here, though I still wasn’t strong enough to ask to see where they’d laid her to rest. “I can’t be concerned about what some bitchy pretty boy is trying to do. I have far bigger things to worry about, and finding her killer is the main one. This is all part of it. If I can’t take on Birch the Bitch, how am I going to face whoever was searching for us — for me?”

  Terran nodded slowly. “You’re very strong, especially for someone not raised in our world. I would have expected you to scream or cry, not dive head first into learning everything.”

  I shrugged. “Magic has always been a part of my life, even though I hated it and didn’t believe in it. You bring Odin down to talk to me, I’ll consider acknowledging that the old gods exist.”

  “Well actually…” Terran trailed off, and I nearly dropped Opal in shock.

  “Seriously?”

  Terran’s laughter rolled over me, warm and husky. He clutched his stomach with a hand, nearly falling over from his crouched position. “No, Tori. As far as I know, none of the gods are real. I just couldn’t resist.” I scowled at him to hide my amusement. It was nice to know that he had a playful side as well.

  He sobered up, shifting back into a comfortable position as he faced off with me. “Birch isn’t going to pull any punches. He will fight dirty, you will always need to watch your back. He will not care that you’re female, that you’re untrained. Birch will do his best to destroy you and prove that you could not have humiliated him, no matter what the damage to you may be.”

  I pushed back against the fear that was tightening my chest and creeping over my skin like an icy oil. “I figured as much,” I admitted. Although they hadn’t been this blunt with me, they hadn’t exactly hidden what I would be facing.

  “I do not know why the Ancients have decided on this method for you.” Terran’s words shocked me enough that I nearly fumbled the cake in my hand. “It is unheard of for a charge to train as a Guardian, and yet they were insistent. It goes against our every instinct, our every piece of training, to allow you to face Birch on your own.”

  “Maybe it’s because I’m not your true charge?” I suggested.

  Terran hesitated. “I understand you grew up in the human world, yet even there they have the idea of souls who were simply made for each other.” He held up a hand to stall the objections he could see were about to fall from my lips. “Nevertheless, we do understand your hesitance to tie yourself to three men you don’t know.”

  “I don’t want any man, let alone three. I just want to be normal and live my life. Since that’s not an option here, I need to focus on myself, what I can be here, on my own two feet.” My words were quiet, and Terran nodded his understanding.

  “We will not push it. Times have changed. I myself feel a connection to Onyx and Reed; I would contend that we are connected in a very deep way ourselves.”

  I froze, images of the three of them together nearly short-circuiting my brain. I had no idea if that was what he meant, but the idea of them having a physical relationship was enough to dial up the heat inside of me by quite a few degrees.

  “Maybe that is the type of relationship we are meant to have: a friendship–a partnership. I merely ask that you not declare your objections outside of our private rooms. A Guardian finding their charge is sacred; many of our people would be furious at the idea that you outright reject us as potential mates.”

  “Are you asking me to fake having a relationship with you?” I asked warily. I understood not offending a culture I was becoming a part of, but that felt like it was asking a bit too much.

  “No, of course not. Most are very reserved with their relationships in public. You would not need to act affectionate with us by any means or declare us as your intended mates. I’m just asking that you do not outright deny us or speak against the idea of soul mates.” He paused, pursing his lips as he debated with himself. I fed Opal another piece that she greedily snatched from my fingers, grateful that she acted as a distraction as I waited for what else was to come. “In a way I understand your training more than most. I was selected at a late age as a Guardian; I only joined their ranks five years ago.”

  I blinked, surprised by the admission. “You seem talented though.” I considered my words for a moment before adding, “The other two seem to look to you for direction.”

  Terran nodded, shifting himself into a more comfortable position. “It’s worked well for us. Reed is too logical; he doesn’t generally have the compassion or diplomacy needed. He’ll tell you exactly how it is, or he’ll try a new spell without knowing what may happen, or even put us in a dangerous situation because he is interested in what the outcome may be.” I smirked a little at the picture he painted. I could definitely see that being behavior Reed would engage in.

  “What about Tinkerbell though? He grew up fae, so I assume he’s been exposed to all of this for most of his life.” Plus, he was controlling as hell, so I would think he’d want a leadership position — not that I would actually say that out loud. I was really starting to enjoy my nickname for him, even more so when I knew it irritated him.

  Terran tugged at his beard, shaping it with his fingers. The movement was distracting, and I remembered the way it had felt against my skin when he had kissed me. “Onyx...” Terran trailed off with a shake of his head. “Onyx isn’t what he appears. He’s been through more than most could possibly handle without falling apart. He’ll always be an ass — there’s no avoiding it — but he isn’t innately cruel.” I snorted my disbelief and Terran shook his head. “He really isn’t. There’s a reason he’s with us. He’s loyal to a fault and will defend you with his last breath; if you mean something to him, he will give anything for you.”

  “So, you’re saying that he’s an ass because he had a sucky life growing up?” I snorted. “I had a crappy life compared to most people. I can be rough at times, and I’m not
always the most social of people, but I’d like to think I’m not a total ass to everyone.”

  “There’s rough, and then there’s what he’s gone through.” Terran’s cryptic reply had me growling. “No.” Terran interrupted when I opened my mouth. “I won’t explain it. It’s his story to tell you, if he ever chooses to do so. I won’t betray his trust. Just know that tomorrow is going to be harder on him than the rest of us — seeing you in a situation that he cannot control.”

  “Why would that matter? He doesn’t like me anyhow,” I argued.

  “He doesn’t dislike you,” Terran countered. “He just doesn’t know you and doesn’t like having any of his choices made for him. He’s afraid of you.” He waved a hand dismissively. “It doesn’t have an effect on tomorrow, but he’s going to be even more surly.”

  “Oh, joy. Something else to look forward to,” I muttered. Opal screeched her agreement and Terran grinned at the little dragon.

  “I just want you to be prepared. Most of the magic you have used has been instinctive, a response to the stimuli around you. You’ll need to tap into that tomorrow. Our training with you is just a beginning, and your talent is innate and raw. Keep studying. Know that no matter what happens tomorrow, we’ll be there with you.”

  I chuckled humorlessly. “Great, so you’ll be there to mop up the blood he spills.”

  “That too,” Terran admitted. “All Guardians have their first fights. Yours is just coming quicker than most.”

  “And against a full-blooded Guardian rather than another trainee,” I pointed out.

  “Also, a consideration,” Terran acknowledged. “For now, you need to rest.” He pointed warily at the now dozing Opal nestled between my arm and my thigh, her tail wrapped around her like a blanket as she snoozed. “Take a page from her book. We’ll make River rest as well, she deserves it after today.”

  He pushed up to his feet, stretching the kinks from his back, pausing on the way to the door. “For the record, you will have many folks questioning you. There are set ways of life here, and you are testing them one after the next. It’s not a bad thing,” he hurried to add, raising his hands placatingly. “There are changes necessary, and we have stagnated for far too long. It won’t prevent anyone from fighting against those changes though. Keep thinking the way you do, Tori. We need more of that here; they will come around, you’ll see.”

  “Even Tink?” I quipped.

  Terran grinned. “Even Onyx. You’ll be safe in here, rest as long as you can. We’ll be in to check on you later.”

  He closed the door softly behind him, and I settled back into the chair. I didn’t want to try and shift Opal so that I could make it to a bed. Besides, it felt awkward to sleep in a bed that wasn’t mine — especially when I knew it would belong to one of the men next door. The idea of the three of them involved in some hot and heavy sessions was an incredible distraction for my already overworked brain. I rested my head against the back of the coach, letting the velvet rub against my skin and soothe me. Opal purred softly, a quietly contented sound that I had no idea dragons made. She acted more like a kitten than a reptile, or at least any reptile that I had known.

  I closed my eyes, breathing deeply and evenly as I let my muscles go loose, emptying my mind the way that I had been taught. With every breath I drew in, the sharply woodsy scent of the room permeated my senses. It reminded me of Terran, the scent of pine and musk, and I let my mind wander. It couldn’t hurt to daydream, right?

  I could use all the relaxation and distraction that I could get; I had the feeling that tomorrow was going to be a world of pain. Terran’s kiss had been hard and hungry, his mouth hot under mine. He had been pressed completely against me, letting me feel every inch of hard muscles as he had pinned me to the wall. I hadn’t been kissed like that before, though I had definitely enjoyed it. His hands had been large and hot on my hips, holding me tightly against him.

  I wondered what would have happened if I had encouraged him to kiss me again, asked to taste him again here when we were on our own. Would Reed have joined us too? His kiss had been no joke, proprietary and demanding, far different than I would have expected from the gentle scholar I was growing to like. My skin tingled, and I shifted, imagining the two of them joining me here away from all the confusion and the stress that this realm was offering me.

  Reed’s mouth was hungry on my throat, teasing and nipping, soothing with little licks over the sensitive, heated skin. Terran’s beard scratched lightly at the tender skin of my wrist as he laved his tongue over it in a heated tease. I whimpered, shifting slightly as Reed’s mouth moved over my skin. Terran chuckled, trailing his tongue up my arm, pressing himself against me so my body was swallowed by his heat. Reed lifted me easily, sliding me fully onto Terran’s lap, his busy mouth never leaving my throat.

  Terran was all hard, defined muscle — a veritable wall of heat as he tilted my head for his kisses. Reed’s body was slender, his muscles whipcord strong as they pressed into me. I whimpered at the dual sensations bombarding me, and Terran deepened the kiss. Terran’s mouth was darkly rich, reminding me of chocolate as his tongue stroked and twined around mine, drawing me deeper into his kisses. His mouth pulled from mine as he angled me, allowing Reed to take my lips with his, his kiss sweet as the cakes he loved with a salty undertone that reminded me of the sea.

  Reed gripped my wrists, dragging my hands up to his chest, letting me smooth my hands over all the muscle laid out in front of me. I stroked my fingers across his pecs and down his abdomen, sliding them under his shirt to greedily find hot, smooth skin.

  Terran murmured approvingly as I slid Reed’s shirt up, allowing me to feast my eyes on what my fingers were enjoying. “Good idea.” Terran’s voice was deep and husky, his hands gripping the base of my shirt and tugging it up as well. Reed growled his approval, a sound echoed by Terran as I was bared to their sight. This close I was able to make out the golden freckles that dusted Reed’s cheeks, the green of his eyes brilliant as he studied my body as if memorizing me.

  “Gorgeous.” Reed’s voice was low, deeper than normal as his eyes caressed me. Terran’s hands stroked across my abdomen, the muscles tightening underneath his questing fingers. Reed bent his head, licking over my collarbone. Sharp, stinging nips were laved away by the soft heat of his tongue. I dug my fingers into his shoulders on a moan as Terran’s hands traced over my ribcage, stroking ever higher and inflaming me with a gentle, teasing touch so at odds with Reed’s mouth. I traced the triangle on Reed’s shoulder in wonder, pressing deep into the solid muscle, enjoying the feel of him under my fingers as I stroked my hands down his back.

  “Perfection,” Terran breathed in wonder as his hands cupped my breasts, drawing a gasp from me. I laid my head fully back onto his shoulder and he took advantage of my exposed throat, his hands molding and shaping my breasts, teasing the nipples into stiff peaks with gentle strokes of his palms over my sensitive flesh.

  Reed’s tongue slid over the curve of my breast and I bucked, arching my body toward him. He chuckled, his hands moving to my hips to hold me still against Terran, pressing me back into him. I could feel the hard length of him against my back and I ached to turn and push myself fully against him, to ease the pressure building inside of me.

  “Oh no, croí beag.” Reed’s voice was husky as he pulled from my breast, his eyes heating as he watched Terran’s hands on me. “We’re going to take our time with you. We’ve got all the time in the world, and I’m going to make every second count. I want the taste of you burned into me; I want to taste you in my sleep. If this is the only time I get to have you, I’m not going to waste it.”

  I groaned at the dark promise in his voice and Terran’s agreeing murmur. Terran’s beard scraped up my neck as he nipped at my ear, his tongue curving around the edge of it. “We’re going to enjoy every inch of you, over and over again. We’re going to etch ourselves into your body, so when you think of pleasure, you’ll think of us.” I arched against him, refusing to beg fo
r what they offered, though my body needed them desperately.

  Reed’s mouth tracked down my breast, Terran’s hand sliding aside to give him free rein. His tongue was hot and soft as he drew my nipple into his mouth, sucking hard before freeing me, flicking the peak lightly with his tongue. Terran’s mouth claimed mine again, mimicking Reed’s movement against my breast.

  I pulled Reed closer into me, needing to feel him completely. Terran spread his legs, opening his stance wide and tugging my knees over his, letting Reed press himself fully against me so that I could feel both of them, hard and hot against me. I gasped, reaching back to dig my hand into Terran’s abdomen, needing to touch both of them as the ache inside of me coiled tighter.

  “What in the realms?” Onyx’s voice dragged me from my fantasy and I glared at him, trying to calm my panting breaths. Onyx’s steely eyes were wide, his face slack in shock as he stared at me. Leave it to him to be the one to pull me from my fantasy, just when it was getting to the good part.

  “What?” I snapped, edgy and overheated, my skin sensitive and prickling even against the velvet of the couch.

  “It was my turn to check on you,” Onyx grumbled, though he continued to stare at me. “The others are napping.”

  “Well you checked, and I’m fine.” Or I had been before he’d gotten involved. Jackass. I was sure I was flushed, my breathing heavy. My skin tingled, and I ached fiercely. “Anything else?”

  Surprising me, his eyes flared for a moment — the steely grey going molten before he turned away, striding to the door. “Just get some rest.” His voice was a husky burr, an accent I hadn’t noticed before flowing richly through it. The door closed with a snap behind him and I grimaced, settling back into the couch. Hopefully this time sleep would come for me, since I wasn’t going to be able to come myself.