And a lover third.
And it’s time to go face a brighter future.
Chapter Twenty-two
Clinton
After a long workout the steamy hot water from the shower feels divine. I like the burn on my skin, cleaning away the sweat and grime. My time is limited—dinner is in a few short minutes. Even though I’m in a rush my mind wanders to Morgan. Her strength, her beauty, and gods help me, her body.
I’m a man of maximum control. I’ve been this way for centuries, since I was nothing but ash. But the woman upstairs breaks my resolve. Everything about her keeps me focused. I want to protect her. Fight her. Love her.
It must be the steam that’s making my head spin—filled with images of the night before. My cock grows hard at the memory. My size may give the impression I’m a brute, but I’m skilled in many ways. Music flows in my blood. As much as I’m greedy over my time with Morgan, the way her skin feels against mine, she’s just as alluring when she’s with the others. I like to watch her move. Her face is a mystery as she struggles against each of us.
A mystery I hope to have an eternity to unlock.
I run a hand down my growing length, thinking of the way her lips taste, the way her ass curves. My hand presses against the tile as I recall the gentle swell of her breast and the scent that is uniquely hers.
Tonight is important. She’ll make her choice. I feel it in my bones as well as deep in my loins. I close my eyes and think of her, stroking myself into a heightened ecstasy.
There’s no room for distraction tonight. No time for lust. I groan under the blast of the shower, preparing myself for the next step in the battle.
Chapter Twenty-three
Dylan
Sue sets the table. Soups and salads first. She’s aware tonight is important. An evening to memorialize. How much she truly knows, I haven’t the faintest idea, but along with the secrets of this house, the Guardians, the magic, the history, she and Davis seem to be part of it. They may be pawns of the gods as well. I’m not privy to all things. It’s my job to be on the lookout.
Which is why I’m first here, waiting for the others to arrive.
We spent the hour before dinner preparing for the separation spell. The ingredients have been mixed. The incantation is ready. Once Morgan announces her mate, we can begin.
I feel the tension growing in the house. The Guardians are aware that what we’ve been waiting for—training for—is finally coming to fruition. One of us will be chosen. The others will focus on the spell—the battle ahead. It will be an honor to serve Morgan in either capacity.
I hear the first footsteps on the stairwell and brace myself. I may be the only one that is hesitant to become her mate. I may be a man of conviction but I’ve known from the beginning this woman could destroy me. If I win her heart it means she will consume mine—and if I let her inside will I be able to fulfill my duties?
On the other hand, if there’s one thing I detest, it’s losing.
Chapter Twenty-four
Morgan
We dine together like a happy household. Everyone in their seats; Dylan across from me, the others flanking the sides. Conversation is light—we talk about the gorgeous weather. The fantastic meal. I hold each of my Guardians’ eyes, letting them know I hear them. I’m with them. No matter what happens at the end of the night.
When the chocolate soufflé has been consumed and our plates are bare I pick up my glass of wine and say, “I’d like to make a toast.”
I stand, making it a dramatic moment—shouldn’t it be? I’m changing all of our lives. Holding my glass high, I begin. “I won’t bore you with a long speech about what tonight means. You all know—probably more than I do. I never dreamed this is where my life would end up—okay, maybe I dreamed it—wrote it in my journals, but I did believe that was a fantasy. I had no idea there was truth and history behind my words.”
I gaze at the men. “It’s been an adjustment,” I confess. “And frankly some would say I adapted too easily. That I fell into insta-lust and easily in love with my handsome roommates. But it was never that simple. I knew in my heart that we had something different. A bond. People outside this house would never understand. But we understand each other.”
“That we do,” Sam says, his green eyes twinkling.
The lustful desire I carry for these men grows in my belly. I’d been at peace all day but the more I talk about it—them—the more restless I become.
“I won’t drag it out any longer. I’ve made a decision.”
The men lean forward, all but Dylan, who looks a little ill.
“I’ve decided not to choose.” The words hang in the room. “I want you all. Each one of you. In my bed. In my heart. I know it’s the right thing to do.”