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.

She was going insane.

Out on the deck she fled, looking for privacy in a space that allowed none. Laurin lay on the deck and closed her eyes, her bikini an attempt at modesty when usually she would have lain in the nude.

The heat of the afternoon sun faded in comparison to the reaction in her body when she heard their footfalls approach. Two sets, walking slowly around her. Pausing at her head and feet.

She opened her eyes slowly, looking up into a stormy ocean of blue as Matt squatted at her head, leaning over. His dark hair fell across his forehead is a smooth wave.

“Do you want to go for a swim with us?”

Laurin sat up quickly. “With both of you?” She turned to stare at Kallen in shock. “You swim?”

He tilted his head politely.

“You’ve gotten good enough—and it’s a warm day. Come on, lazybones, time for a little exercise.” Matt reached down a hand to her, and she slipped her fingers into his, wondering why she tingled so hard all over.

Of course, the fact two virile men were staring intently at her nearly naked body had nothing to do with it. No, nor the fact she knew they both wanted to make love with her. Needed to make love with her.

Laurin stepped toward the ladder. She still hadn’t worked her way up to throwing herself over the side of the ship like Matt enjoyed. Only her movement was blocked by a rather large, warm body. Her entire front made contact with Kallen’s chest, the heat of his bare skin searing hers. She retreated and found herself up against Matt’s solid frame, his hands catching her upper arms to steady her shaky body. Wet need bloomed between her legs, instant desire for her lover spreading like a flame over the water’s surface.

She leaned back into Matt’s support. Maybe if she hid in the forward berth… “Do I have to swim now? The water looks cold.”

One of his thighs slipped between hers as his arms surrounded her. A blanket of heat covered her, spilling from his torso. “We’ll keep you warm.”

We’ll? Oh my God. She looked forward into Kallen’s face and a shiver rolled down her spine at the expression she found there. Need, desire, admiration. She was so intent on finding a reason for the emotions she almost missed when he bent slightly, bowing before her.

Only a second later she realized he wasn’t being polite, but removing his borrowed shorts. The muscles of his upper body tapered in at the waist, the bold cuts of his abdomen clear and firm. She tried to keep her gaze from dropping lower, but there was no way to ignore his groin, the way his cock rose from his body, fully aroused.

She’d seen his naked torso when he arrived, but now…she couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t swallow. Couldn’t think.

The air that had been trapped in her lungs escaped as she realized not only was she staring, she was rubbing against Matt in the most provocative manner. Her hands pressed to his thighs as she leaned back, her own body on display for Kallen as she reveled in the heat of her lover’s body.

How could she look at one man while in another’s arms and want to touch? To taste?

Embarrassed, overwrought and excited, she twirled and buried her face in Matt’s neck. Laurin clung to him tightly, looking for a little balance in the midst of the shaking her heart had experienced.

“Shhh, it’s okay, love. I’m here.” He stroked his fingers over her shoulders, light, easy. She took long, slow breaths and let his peace roll over her like the smoothest of seas.

Laurin pulled away and stared into his eyes. “Are we going swimming?”

She wasn’t going to let fear overtake her. She’d come so far, she’d been so strong. This situation was highly unusual, but nothing she couldn’t handle. Not with Matt at her side.

His smile lit her inside. “We swim, and show your friend from the mountains how much fun the water can be.”

He stepped back and she gasped in shock. He’d untied her bikini top without her knowledge, and the tiny triangles fell to the deck like tired flags in the calm of a storm. Her hands shot up involuntarily to cover herself, but he shook his head slowly, eyes wide with desire and admiration.

“You don’t need to cover yourself. I want to enjoy watching you. I want you to feel the water’s caress on your bare skin. As if I have a million fingers, each one dedicated to your pleasure.”

Oh God, the images. She closed her eyes and the reaction of her body to his words filled her senses until there was nothing but the two of them. Her nipples tightened, breasts suddenly gone heavy. She sensed him move closer, felt his mouth approach her own. His kiss was gentle. Lip to lip, tongues only meeting with the fleetest of touches. In her mind she saw them standing on the deck, suddenly aware of Kallen at their back. His arousal growing as he witnessed them body-to-body.

Embarrassment morphed into something else. Into a new kind of pleasure. Having Kallen watch was—beyond good. It added richness and a depth to her commitment to Matt. She threaded her fingers through Matt’s hair and gave back more. Offered herself with enthusiasm.

His hands roamed her body, rubbing and touching and stroking her higher. She was going to need to jump overboard soon to put out the flames licking over her entire torso from his touch. His magic swirled around them. Not for healing, but simply there—a part of him, and a part of her now as well.

When another large hands grasped her hips, she froze in mid-kiss. Matt held her face, cupping her cheeks as he pressed their lips harder together. It was Kallen who grabbed the edges of her bikini bottoms and slipped them from her body, the thin fabric stroking slowly down her legs like an erotic tease.

Her heartbeat raced. Heat from the air shifter’s body brushed her from behind while Matt paused his adoration of her lips for long enough to stare at her.

She found herself lost in the depths of his blue eyes. Uncertain how she could want another when the man before her held her heart. Held her soul in a way that she never wanted to be freed.

A single finger stroked her skin. Kallen, smoothing his way up from the sensitive area on the back of her knee, up her thigh. Over her butt, pausing in the small of her back. Red-hot connection jolted through her as he flattened his palm over her lower back. He moved closer, and she felt his breath against her neck.

All the while Matt caressed her inside and out with his gaze. Held her tight with his love and longing.

Confusion, passion, wild desire and complete chaos tangled together in her mind, and it was suddenly too much. She broke free, chest heaving as she struggled to pull air into her lungs.

Matt’s face grew unreadable. Kallen watched, silent because of the curse, but she doubted he would have spoke if he could. Two sets of eyes, waiting for her to say what she wanted. Two men whose bodies clearly showed they wanted her.

“I need to fly.”

The words burst out of her like an explosion. As if all the sexual tension they had built in her core gathered together to send her propelling skyward.

Matt hesitated, his eyes dark, deep. “Then Kallen flies with you.”

God, no. “I need to be alone. I need…” Had to find a way to release the tension overtaking her before she did something she’d regret. Healing Kallen was important, but loving Matt was her future.

Wasn’t it?

If she were absolutely certain, none of this would be as difficult.

Matt’s deep voice caressed her ears. “I understand, but we’ve harbored too close to the inland mountains. If Kallen could find you, there might be others and I don’t want you to be harassed in any way.”

Another jolt shot through her system. Would she ever be free of this upheaval? “You want me to fly with another man?”

His expression smoldered and a million tiny fires lit all over her body, everywhere his gaze touched. “If I could, I would go with you myself. I trust you, and I trust Kallen…” Matt broke for a second, “…trust him to have only your good at heart.”

Laurin glanced at Kallen. The man she’d admired for so long stood motionless, waiting for her response. His body hard and beautiful in the sunshine. Jaw solid, but his dark eyes tender, and her throat tightened. The swell of desire that rose unbidden, it had to be wrong.

On her left Matt waited as well, every plane of his body familiar and well loved. He’d shown her the world of the ocean, and given of himself again and again, and yet…

The mountains called.

She turned and shifted, threw herself into the air and caught the minute breezes that changed direction every few feet as she fled from the deck of the Stormchild. Flew as if speed could help her escape. Not from Matt, not from Kallen, but from the uncertainty and the frightening thought that she might have to give up her heart to serve her people.

She couldn’t turn her back on destiny.

The ship receded rapidly, fading to the size of a child’s toy. As the land appeared below her, the air currents changed radically, allowing her to rise even higher near the rugged peaks. A piercing cry cut the air, and she faltered.

Kallen.

He trailed behind, letting her lead. Allowing her the illusion of privacy, but every single second she was completely aware of his presence. Knew when he turned with her, moving subtly into her air space. Felt the fleeting brush of wingtips against hers. She swore his gaze on her back burned, igniting the wick of desire she wanted to deny existed.

He was from her people, and a part of her past. Was he supposed to be a part of her future?

Onward she flew, attempting to find the answer. She had missed the familiar comfort of knowing when an updraft would hit as she rounded a mountain corner instead of the uncertainty of the ocean—she’d yet to learn to read the currents correctly. All she was guaranteed was that at some point in the day, someone would get her wet.

The thought made her smile. There was far more laughter in her life these past few years than there had ever been before. The People of the Air were volatile and impulsive, but they weren’t prone to many outbursts of joking or hilarity. In the ocean setting, she was guaranteed a slow buildup of joy each and every day.

Kallen touched her again, bolder now. Courting her as he cut in front and displayed a fine skill in flying. If she returned to the mountains with him, she could help rule. Perhaps take some of the lessons she’d learned and teach her people how to have a little more fun.

She admired Kallen even as the remembrance of lessons triggered an overwhelming sadness at the thought of leaving her students. Heartbreaking grief at the thought of leaving Matt.

It was official. Insanity had set in and there was no clear picture of the right path to take. One moment pulled one way, the next, the other.

Kallen stroked her again and her body reacted. Heat flared between them and she cursed it even as she welcomed it. After so many years of admiring him from a distance, to have him pursue her made her feel desirable in a totally new way. She wanted him, wanted to return home and see her family. Wanted all the past memories that were tied up with fear to be erased and healed with a future filled with serving and loving.

A future without Matt? Impossible.

With that, it hit. The utter certainty that no matter what else needed to happen, it simply had to be with Matt. He was no longer an option but a deep driving need at her core and a vital part of her life. Laurin cried out his name and wheeled. She would go to the mountains, would find a way to serve her people—with him by her side. It was possible for them to juggle the two worlds, especially since there was so much she could teach her people.

She prepared to fold her wings and dive from the heights, returning to where her heart waited for her. The flash of Kallen’s wing in her peripheral vision held her back.

Rejecting him wasn’t the goal, but accepting him in a totally different way than Matt—that she could do. She rolled, scooping under him and cutting off his wind, making his flight spin out of control briefly. Before he could do more than adjust his balance, she did it again, joy spiraling up in her belly as she considered what they must look like—two mighty golden eagles dipping and drooping like a birds drunk on overripe berries.

She knocked him off kilter three times before he returned the trick, catching her with his talons and spinning her away. Laughter pooled in her heart. He understood. He accepted. His touch turned light and playful instead of sensual like before and she rejoiced.

Laurin tucked, descending on the Stormchild like a bomb. She had to tell Matt before she exploded with happiness.