Chapter Twelve

Helian

O nce the satyrs were assured I was no longer demon-touched, they were kind enough to outfit me with a clean robe and even an old, rusty sword and shield. They offered me nowhere private to sleep, though, saying I'd have to sleep in the common bunk area with the single satyr males, about a hundred of us sharing the same bunks and shitter. No thanks.

After trudging back up the long, steep ramp, I breathed in warm, fresh air when I surfaced. Carrying a lantern with me, I trudged through a worn path in the jungle, hacking a few wayward limbs until I found the abandoned temple with vines growing up the bamboo columns that held up the thatch roof. The temple had only three walls, the side facing my path exposed, either on purpose or else the wall had fallen. I imagined it was purposely that way so that a dragon could easily climb inside. I knew Radnor was in there, and not just because his snores echoed across the jungle. I sensed my bonded drake was sleeping inside, which explained why he didn't answer my calls.

My feet dragged and sweat pooled down my back and brow as I climbed up the mossy steps to the temple. A fire was lit in the pit in the center, dark smoke from the flames licking the ceiling. Radnor opened one golden eye when I ascended the final step.

"Hey." I dropped my sword and shield at my feet. "Mind if I sleep with you?"

I thought your demon was gone. He opened the other eye as he sat up with a yawn. Why do you not sleep with your mate?

"She hasn't forgiven me." My shoulders sagged with the admission, and I feared my family would never forgive me.

Radnor's nostrils flared as he blew out twin puffs of smoke. The female species is heartless and stubborn. I don't understand why we bother with them.

Maybe I would've agreed with him last week, but how could I fault my mate when I'd so callously turned her away. "I don't think An—Tari is heartless and stubborn. I've hurt her. I don't blame her for guarding her heart."

Radnor looked over his shoulder, staring longingly at the point of the big temple that poked above the thick canopy of trees behind us. Isa has no reason to guard her heart. I've done nothing wrong.

"Do you think Triss is heartless and stubborn?" I asked, thinking of Radnor's hatchling who reminded me of a happy puppy.

His eyes narrowed as a low growl rose up from his throat. Watch your words, Fae. Do not speak ill of my hatchling.

Ahh, so I'd touched a nerve. "I was trying to make a point."

He arched a scaled brow. What point?

"That maybe it's us." I sank onto a bench, hanging my head in my hands. "Maybe we're the heartless and stubborn ones."

He blew out a long breath, fogging the air with smoke. How can she be angry with me when I don't even remember what I did wrong?

"You weren't there for her when she needed you, just like I wasn't there for Tari."

He flinched as if I'd struck him. I'm here now, and she won't let me near my hatchling. She has no right to deny me access to my child.

I sat back, leaning against the unforgiving bamboo behind me. "I understand."

Do you? he asked, a condescending look in his eyes. Imagine the white witch never forgives you. She carries your child, does she not? Imagine she won't let you hold your babe?

My veins solidified into thick rivers of sludge. "She wouldn't," I breathed, but my words felt false to my own ears. What if my mate never forgave me? What if she wouldn't let me near our babe? Would I be so understanding then? And how would I survive such heartache?

Tari

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TIME I woke up, for our bedchamber cavern had no windows, but it felt like I'd slept well into the afternoon. The room was lit with a few soft candles, though it was still gloomy. I slowly sat up and reached for a water goblet beside the bed, drinking the cool, refreshing liquid while watching Demon and Angel munch on a pile of grass. They looked at me while they ate, their backs twitching with enjoyment each time they discovered a flower among the grass. Then Demon hopped up on the bed, demanding pets. Angel hopped up behind him, demanding attention, too. I rubbed their soft heads while inhaling their sweet scent. They smelled like the herbs I fed them to prevent babies. If not, we'd probably have a hundred extra rabbits.

I suddenly realized that I felt more connected to my rabbits than before, almost as if a new pathway had opened between us, and I felt their emotions of contentment channeling through me as I ran my fingers over that soft spot behind their ears. Eventually, I could feel their restlessness and hunger, and they each nosed my hand in thanks before returning to their grass.

I thought of Bea and even Isa, wondering if my connection to them would be stronger, too. Then I thought of Enso. Would he have any say over what happened to his own body now, or would Nox completely control him? I was no longer mad at Shiri and Helian for putting the demon in Enso. I knew they had no choice, and Enso had volunteered. Still, I wouldn't rest until I figured out how to get Nox out of him and banish the demon, and all other demons, to hell for good.

Footsteps echoed outside the hall and Finn drew back the curtain, bearing a tray of food. "Sleep well?" he asked with a wink as his two little shadows followed behind him.

"Very well, thank you." Smiling at the girls, I held my arms open as they climbed onto the bed. "What is this feast?" I asked as Finn set the tray beside the bed. There were pastries, porridge, smoked fish, and all kinds of fruit.

"We knew you'd be hungry, Mommy," Ember said as she snuggled against me while twirling one of my sex flowers between her fingers. Thankfully, she didn't ask where they came from.

I kissed her forehead. "Thank you, darling."

I used the toilet and washed up in the bathing room and then returned to Finn as he helped prop me up by piling pillows behind me. He also stole a few kisses, not that I was complaining.

"Here, Mommy." Aurora handed me a goblet of juice, only sloshing a little on the bed before she crawled to my other side.

"Mm." I took small sips, cool citrus and sugar exploding on my tongue, as I relished having my girls so near.

I was feeling a little nauseous, so I ate my food slowly. The girls helped me finish my pastries, despite Finn's gentle reprimands that they'd already had sweets this morning. He was a pushover, and they knew it. I must've been a pushover, too, for sharing with them. I couldn't help it. I still felt guilty for leaving them and would do just about anything to make them happy.

"What time is it?" I asked Finn while dabbing my mouth with a cloth.

"Almost noon time," he said as he took my breakfast tray and sat beside me on the bed.

Sinking against the pillows, I let out a groan. "Why did you let me sleep so long?"

"You needed it." He took my hand in his, kissing my knuckles and giving me a look that turned my knees to porridge. A flower fell between us, and he flashed a knowing grin.

You know what else I need ? I projected to him, biting my lip.

He flashed a wolfish grin. Later. I need it, too. One night wasn't enough.

I playfully batted my lashes. One night with you will never be enough, my darling.

He let out a wolf's rumble, startling the girls. But then they giggled, pointing at his chest.

"Will you teach us how to growl like a wolf, Dada Finn?" Aurora asked.

He slanted a smile and ruffled her hair. "Your wolf won't come in until you're older."

Aurora pouted. "I want my wolf now."

"I don't," he said, frowning. "Then you won't be my little girls anymore."

Aurora climbed into his lap, her brows drawn in an adorably serious expression. "We'll always be your little girls, Dada Finn."

Emotion welled up in my chest and my eyes misted as Finn hugged her tight. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing when he looked at me, his eyes shining with moisture.

Finn held his arm open, and Ember and I crawled to him, the four of us sharing a hug.

When I heard footsteps outside, I expected Ash to join us in bed, but he stood at the threshold, his mouth drawn in a grim line. "Helian requests an audience."

"Oh," I breathed, suddenly feeling awkward.

Ash sat protectively on my other side as Helian came into the room wearing a clean tunic and shoes, his pale hair slicked back, and his skin looking freshly washed. Most importantly, his eyes were clear, not fogged or glowing red. Though I hated what they'd done to Enso, I couldn't deny my relief that the demon was out of Helian.

"Tari, Ash, Finn." Helian stoically bowed then slowly stood while smiling at the girls. "Ember, Aurora."

It pleased me immensely to see him acknowledge his nieces.

The girls squirmed in Finn's lap. He whispered something to them, and they crawled off the bed and went to the rabbits. I inwardly cringed when Aurora pulled a vine from the wall, feeding the rabbits my sex flowers.

I breathed out a slow breath while looking into the eyes of the Fae who'd pulverized my heart. "Helian." He looked handsome, those high cheekbones, dark brows, and silver hair that looked like a curtain of silk. I curled my hands inward, recalling the memory of running my fingers through his hair while we made love beneath the moonlight. Though it had been just a few weeks ago, it felt like a lifetime since he'd held me.

Helian blew out a long breath, looking squarely at us. "I have not been a good mate and brother." His gaze focused on me, his eyes filled with longing and regret. "I did not see you for the goddess you are."

Flames fanned my face as I looked down at my hands fisted in my lap, a maelstrom of emotions swirling through me, from rage to joy to sadness to relief. I was grateful for Finn, who squeezed me close to his side.

"I did not respect my brothers' bond with you," Helian continued. "I see you all now." He nodded toward Ash, Finn, and then the girls. "My brothers, my mate, my nieces." He paused, looking at me again, his gaze so piercing, it felt as if he was staring into my very soul. "And my babe."

I instinctively settled a hand on my abdomen.

"You are my family." He splayed a hand across his heart, his eyes glossing over. "I'm sorry for hurting you. I would die protecting you."

Ash stood, smoothing his hands down his tunic while speaking in a strained voice. "You've already risked your life for us many times."

I looked over at Ash, at the tenderness reflecting in his eyes. Was he about to forgive Helian? If so, did that mean he expected me to forgive his brother, too?

I did my best to hold Helian's stare. "Do you respect Ash's position as my alpha?"

He nodded. "I do."

"We can both be betas if you want," Finn said.

I squeezed Finn's knee. I loved him so much. He was always thinking of his family, always trying to negotiate peace between us.

"Thank you, brother." Helian offered his brother a slight smile before looking at me again, the longing pulsing off him a tangible thing, making me want to climb off the bed and jump into his arms. "None of that matters as long as my family is happy and safe."

Ash crossed his arms, widening his stance. "Tari and Finn told me you retrieved the fire ball in our stead."

"And I would do it again and again." Helian visibly swallowed, a knot working its way down his throat. "I have been a stubborn fool, and I'm so sorry for hurting you."

Ash bowed, a hand splayed across his heart. "I accept your apology, brother. Thank you."

My heart raced, pounding loudly in my ears like a drum. What was happening? Were we accepting Helian into our pack? Was this truly what Ash and Finn wanted? Was this what I wanted?

You're not forgiving him just to please me? I projected to Ash.

I have many reasons, Ash answered while looking at me through sideways slits. Don't worry. I forgive him willingly.

I hadn't realized I'd been holding my breath until it poured out of me. Thank you, I answered back, grateful we could communicate telepathically, for I was too choked up to voice my thanks aloud.

Finn got off the bed and hugged Helian. "I accept it, too."

I swiped tears from my eyes when Helian clutched his brother tightly and let out what sounded like a cry of anguish.

Then Ash joined in the hug, and I realized this was the first time I'd seen all three brothers together like this. I couldn't stop the tears from falling. My mates. My loving, wonderful mates.

By the time they pulled apart, I was ready to fly from the bed into Helian's arms, but my limbs felt like deadweights as I stared at him and he at me. I could scarcely draw breath, let alone move.

"Come on, girls. Let's give them some time alone," I thought I heard Finn say as he and Ash left with the children, though my focus was on Helian. My handsome Fae prince. My mate.

Helian sat beside me, taking my hands in his. "Darling," he whispered, squeezing my hands. "Are you okay?"

No. Helian was here. In bed. With me. My thoughts were a jumbled mess as my emotions warred with each other. Ash and Finn had forgiven him. Could I? He'd flown away from me, telling me he didn't love me and leaving me in that cave after he knew we were fated mates. He'd almost married Arabella. He'd retrieved that bomb, knowing he'd likely die, so I wouldn't have to go to battle. Then he flew off with that bomb to save my children. Damn him for shattering my heart and then sweeping up the pieces.

Damn him. Damn him. Damn him!

"Tari." He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, the act so simple yet so intimate. "My love, say something."

Something in me snapped, breaking me from my trance as I glared at him. "Your love?"

He nodded, squeezing my shoulders. "My one and only love."

His one and only? Then why did he pledge himself to Arabella? I cried out then reared back and slapped him so hard the sound ricocheted across the cavern, and my hand stung like it had been split open. Shock replaced rage as I looked at my hand and my swelling handprint on his face.

"Oh, Helian!" My hands flew to my mouth. "I'm so sorry."

His eyes watered as he rubbed his cheek. "It's okay. I deserve it." His shoulders fell as he scooted back. "I should go."

"No. Wait." My vision was blurred by the tears that flowed freely.

He wiped my eyes. "Please don't cry, darling."

"Say it," I demanded, my words puncturing the air between us. "Say you love me and only me."

He cupped my cheeks, desperately searching my gaze as his eyes flared with longing. "I love you, Tarianya Avias, and only you, with my whole heart and soul. I pledge myself to you from now until eternity."

Grabbing onto his elbows, I sat up on my knees while continuing to search his eyes for any signs of deception. "Say it again, Helian," I begged. "Please."

He traced my lower lip with the pad of his thumb, his gaze locked with mine. "I love you, Tari. You are the song in my heart and the breath in my body. You are the reason I wake. You are in my dreams when I sleep." His smile was so sublime, I thought surely I must be dreaming. "You are in every ray of moonlight that cuts through the clouds and the comets that streak across the sky. You are the starlight in my soul and the sunlight in my heart. You make me want to be a better Fae."

A better Fae? "I make you feel all that?" I rasped.

He nodded. "All that and more."

"Oh." A sigh escaped me as he took me in his arms. I crawled into his lap, resting my head on his shoulder. "In that case, I forgive you."

A shudder rolled through him as he pressed a kiss to my forehead, and I felt his bone-jarring relief deep in my soul. In that moment, I wanted him to make love to me more than anything.

Helian

WORDS COULDN'T DESCRIBE my shock and relief as I held Tari in my arms, my lips pressed against her smooth forehead. I didn't care about the burning pain in my face, though, holy elements, my fated mate was much stronger in her Fae body. All that mattered was that Tari and my brothers had forgiven me, and I was finally reunited with my family.

"Take me to bed."

Molten iron pumped through my veins at those four whispered words. My lips lingered on her skin as her thigh brushed against my hardened cock. "We don't have to make love. Just holding you in my arms is enough." I could hardly believe the words that had come from my traitorous lips. Who was this new Helian? Of course, I wanted to make love, but I didn't want her to feel pressured.

She blinked at me, hurt flashing in her eyes. "You don't want to make love to me?"

"More than anything." I tenderly dragged my knuckles down the side of her face, rewarded with a gasp of pleasure that made my balls tighten. "But I don't want to hurt you or the baby."

"You won't hurt us." She pressed her palm against my chest, her fingertips stroking my collarbone while I adjusted my cock that strained against my tight, borrowed trousers. "I remembered my mother telling Shiri and me she had made love to our father up until she'd delivered." She bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushing. "Do you want to complete the bond?"

I could scarcely draw breath. "I do." More than anything.

She held out a hand, and white magic exploded from her fingertips, creating a clear bubble much like the one she'd used to conceal us from Malvolia's mages. She had a sultry look in her eyes. "Then make love to me."

That molten iron turned to flame as a groan tore through me. And before I knew what was happening, we were tearing off each other's clothes like they were on fire. I gently lowered my mate onto the bed, anxious to probe her wet heat.

My jaw dropped when my love was fully naked beneath me as my hungry gaze devoured every inch of her curvaceous body, from her flared hips and smooth, thick thighs, to her tapered waist and large breasts with dusky nipples.

I let out a low whistle, scarcely thinking of anything beyond wrapping her legs around me while sinking into her.

Her face flushed, and she crossed her arms over her breasts.

I let out a cry of protest. "Why would you conceal such perfection?"

She bit her bottom lip. "I'm still getting used to this body."

"Let's get used to it together," I purred while devouring her long, soft neck.

I trailed kisses across her collarbone before working my way down to one plump breast, her nipple hardening beneath my tongue as I swirled around it. When she was in her other body, I could fit my entire mouth around one of her small, pert mounds, but not even my large hands could fully grasp these fluffy pillows, the skin molding around my fingers when I squeezed them. I'd always preferred curvaceous women, and heavens, her breasts were the epitome of perfection. I couldn't get enough of them, devouring one and then the other.

Her moan of delight sent trills skittering across my skin and made my cock throb with need. But I wasn't through worshipping her. I kissed between her ribcage, my mouth traveling lower until I reached her stomach. I brushed my lips across the womb that cradled my child. Her stomach was still flat, though less firm than her human body. She had faint stretch marks on her sides, no doubt from carrying twins. Still, her soft curves were perfect.

When I traveled lower, my tongue swirling around her swollen bud, she let out a cry and bucked beneath me. "I need you inside me, Helian," she pleaded.

I sat up and nudged open her thighs, my length pressed against her slippery sex, and I feared I'd explode before I had a chance to make love to her.

"Please, Helian," she begged. "Don't make me wait."

And so I obliged, feeling as if I'd fallen into a portal to heaven as I sank into her welcoming, wet sheath. My lips found hers, and we groaned into each other's mouths, clinging to each other while I ground my hips into hers. Her sex fitting me like a silky glove was more exquisite than anything I've ever felt, while each deep thrust brought me closer to cataclysmic bliss.

It was so hard to continue while I was on the edge of exploding, but I feared I'd go mad if I stopped. I kissed her again, my hand digging into her breast, her peaked nipple tickling my palm. When she locked her ankles around me, thrusting her hips against mine, I knew I was on the edge of release. She stilled with a cry, her sheath spasming around me, and I lost all control, spilling into her with a roar and falling into oblivion with my mate in my arms.

Heaving a groan of satisfaction, I rolled onto my back, taking her with me. She made delicious mewling sounds while I was still buried deep inside her. I tenderly stroked her arms and back, my cock still painfully hard in the cradle of her heat. Elements, I never wanted to stop holding her, to stop loving her.

She sat up, frowning down at me, her heavy breasts swaying with the movement. "I don't feel the mating bond."

I latched onto both breasts, kneading them while she gasped.

"I think we need to share blood," I finally rasped, still under the spell of desire.

She arched a brow. "Oh, that's right." Her cheeks reddened. "That's what your brothers and I had to do."

I stared up at her. "I have a blade attached to my belt, but I don't want to hurt you."

Her smile was like sunshine breaking through rain clouds and driving away the gloom. "Maybe just a small prick on our thumbs."

Then she leaned over the bed with my cock still buried inside her and snatched my belt off the floor before handing it to me. I unsheathed the blade, holding it out. She winced pricking her thumb. I pricked my thumb, too. She leaned over me and placed her thumb in my mouth while sucking on mine with heavy-lidded eyes. I was vaguely aware of the coppery tang of her blood before she pulled back and took the blade from me. She sheathed it before tossing it on the floor.

Then she cupped my face in her hands and brushed her lips across mine. Do you hear me? her voice sounded in my skull.

I stilled. Elements! I do!

The warmth in her smile could've lit up all of Peloponese. We're mated.

Words couldn't express my gratitude to my goddess, not only for forgiving me, but for sharing such a sacred piece of herself. I was overjoyed and humbled all at once. If it was at all possible, my cock grew harder inside her, and I was more than ready to make love again.

As if sensing my need, she rested her palms on my shoulders and began to slide her sex on mine, our pelvises grinding while my mate set a maddening rhythm.

My cock was still painfully hard even after flooding her dripping sex. We made love slower this time, the thump of the mattress hitting the wall and our labored breathing the only sounds in the room. Her beautiful breasts bounced while she rode me with abandon. I dug my fingers into the globes of her round bottom and thrust my hips upward, driving deeper into her. She tossed back her head with a moan when I flicked and pinched her nipple.

She sucked in a gasp and stilled, clenching me again, her chest heaving as the lamplight cast a glow behind her, adding warmth to her already sun-kissed skin and auburn highlights to her dark hair. She looked just like a goddess. My goddess.

I thrust twice more into her before finding release, my heart thudding like cannon fire, Tari's name on my lips. She collapsed in my arms, my length still buried inside her. We kissed and caressed each other until I was hard for her again. We savored every touch, kiss, and thrust until we soared into oblivion once more.

I was indeed a lucky Fae.