She closed her eyes and soaked in the experience.
When he tugged her shoulder, rolling her to the side, she went willingly. Oh God, his eyes—his eyes glowed like a lightning storm over the water. He touched his lips to her forehead. Held them there. Spoke against her skin so quietly she had to strain to hear.
“I love you, Laurin.”
The words blessed her ears and stirred something deep, deep within her heart. “I love you too.”
Chapter Five
Somehow a small portion of hell had broken free from the depths of the earth and risen to surround his ship.
Matt sat at the prow of the Stormchild staring at the coastline as he tried to decide the proper tack to take. Below him on his bed, his heart slumbered. He’d well and truly worn Laurin out, and she hadn’t moved when he’d reluctantly crawled away from her warmth. The soft protest that rose from deep in her throat had made his body react, but he had to deal with his uncertainties before the next stage happened or he’d go mad.
He was fairly certain they could heal the air shifter. Kallen’s curse, now that Matt had identified it, was one that he should be able to wipe clean. Laurin’s ability to enhance his strengths meant a cure was possible. As long as the three of them had sex together.
And not just any sex. Wild, passion-filled, off-the-charts sex linked with magic.
Above him, the sky shifted colors as sunlight reflected off the mountains and hit the drifting clouds. Out toward the west there was a warm haze rising from the ocean, but over the mainland and Interior Mountains clouds gathered, clinging to the peaks. Matt would have given anything to simply sit on the deck and stare at the amazing beauty surrounding him with Laurin at his side.
He loved her. Wanted her in his life. They had so many questions still to solve, and he had been looking forward to a lifetime of finding the answers. Heading to the mountains with her—all of it was important and still a part of his plans, but now…
High overhead the shadowy outline of an eagle blotted out the sun, bringing into focus exactly what was on his mind.
There was no way to deal with this situation without confirmation that Kallen was completely on his side.
The air shifter descended, shifting on the wing to land lightly in human form on the deck not two feet from Matt. Kallen’s wide grin and pleased body language said it all.
“Nice day for a flight. Did you see anyone else?” Matt asked.
Kallen shook his head as he reached for the shorts Matt had loaned him, pulling them on to cover his nudity.
There was no reason to make small talk. To the point, before Laurin woke. Matt wanted to make it clear what was, and wasn’t, going to happen.
“Kallen, I love her.” The man nodded slowly. “Among the People of the Sea, sex is often treated more casually. The idea of having two lovers or more in a bed isn’t unheard of. But it’s not what I had planned for us. For Laurin and my relationship.”
Kallen grabbed the pad of paper and wrote rapidly, passing over the notepad with a raised brow.
I do not intend to attempt to steal her from you. But I refuse to take a woman who does not desire me.
“She does desire you.” The air shifter frowned. Matt sighed, stomping off to the side. He picked up a loose rope from the deck. As he coiled it, he leaned back on the mast, watching Kallen carefully. This had to be a part of the whole. Curing Kallen—that was one part of the picture. Laurin’s doubts, and her desire to be there for her people needed to be considered as well. Allowing Laurin a chance to find exactly where she belonged—to the water or the air—was vitally important. “She also loves me. Your brother is an evil genius. He’s managed to come up with the only plan that ensures the maximum chance of you not getting healed.”
Kallen stared out over the water for a long time before turning to the paper.
Laurin is of my people, but she has never truly belonged there. When she disappeared, I was glad. I hoped she had found a new home. While I do not love her, I wish the best for her. There is nothing I can do to prove it beyond telling you—if it is right for Laurin to stay with you, I will honor that. If she desires to return to the mountains for good, then I will do whatever is needed to make that happen, including take her as a partner. I’m sorry if that angers you, but it’s the truth.
Another ache formed in Matt’s soul. “You know, this would be a lot easier if you were an asshole, Kallen. I’d simply tell you to get the hell out of here and never have to look at your ugly mug again.”
The air shifter grinned.
I find myself enjoying our time together, Shaman. Tell me, do you ever hunt?
Matt laid aside the coil of rope. “What are you thinking?”
Kallen wrote and then strode to the railing, leaving the paper behind for Matt to read.
An animal when hunted runs to safety. Finds the most attractive location. An animal being wooed by a mate reacts similarly—showing their preferences without even saying a word. Shall we hunt Laurin together? Let her reactions tell us what her desires are?
An uneasy peace settled over Matt. He didn’t want to like Kallen, but every step the man made reassured him more and more.
“You want us both to seduce her.” Kallen shrugged, but the heat in his eyes echoed the sensation Matt always felt when he thought about Laurin. “Remember, I love her, and it’s still her choice.”
Kallen bowed low. A formal, dignified motion that carried years of tradition and respect. He was truly a prince of his people, worthy of someone like Laurin. Matt stared toward the lower compartment of the ship. Only he wasn’t going to let her get away without a fight. Even if this battle would be fought on a far more sensual stage than the earlier one with Kallen’s brother.
Over one full day had passed since Kallen’s arrival and Laurin was ready to jump out of her skin. No matter where she turned, one or the other of the men seemed to be right where she was. Reaching into a cupboard, her arm brushed past a bare shoulder. Bending in the tiny galley to light the burner, her hip bumped into a groin, Matt’s arousal instant and noticeable. The weather had turned unseasonably warm, and all three of them wore only light clothing. Shorts and a tank top for her, nothing but shorts for the men. Kallen and Matt had worked around the ship and generally got in her way, no matter where she was.
She had slept in Matt’s arms, the door to the cabin wide open to let the light breezes float past. When she opened her eyes, Kallen was standing at the stove, lighting a flame under the kettle. His rigid body was all darkness and light, swaying in the shadows. Strong muscles curved over his abdomen, a trail of dark curls led down under the elastic of his shorts. Laurin watched from under half-lidded eyes, hiding from him, feeling his gaze roam over her naked body under the crumpled sheet.
Matt’s skin flamed against her back, his hand nestled possessively over her breast. He nuzzled her neck, and instantly she grew wet and ready.
And Kallen watched, eyes black as midnight filled with clearly written need.
She had the power to heal him, but she had to choose. Matt had made that clear. Yet she was torn between loving Matt and feeling guilty she felt desire for Kallen. Even as her lover touched her, stroking her nipple with his thumb, she wondered what it would be like to have Kallen join them. To thread her fingers through his dark hair and draw his lips down to hers. To taste him for the first time, run her tongue along his strong jaw. Drop her face against his neck and breathe in his scent. Pull his muscular body over hers and feel his length fill her sex.