27. Frankie

Chapter 27

Frankie

Run. Run with the darkness.

Everything’s a blur as I tear through the woods. God, I’ve never moved this fast in my life. My paws barely touch the ground, each stride propelling me forward with a speed and grace I’ve never known before. Exhilaration rushes through me with my first shifted run.

To my left, Leo’s massive shadow lion effortlessly keeps pace, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief and excitement. On my right, Matteo’s sleek shadow panther moves with calculated precision.

The cool night air rushes through my fur as we weave between ancient trees, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers against the star-studded sky. Every scent and sound is heightened in this form. I can smell the rich earth beneath my paws, hear the rustling of small creatures scurrying away from our approach, and feel the pulsing energy of the shadow realm that now seems to flow through me.

As we burst into a moonlit clearing, I feel a sudden urge to return to my human form. I slow to a stop, my chest heaving with exertion and excitement. Leo and Matteo flank me, their large feline bodies radiating warmth and strength.

I close my eyes, focusing on the shift. It comes easier this time, a fluid transformation that leaves me standing barefoot in the cool grass, my skin tingling with residual energy. The night air hits my skin, and I realize I’m buck naked. I should feel exposed, but weirdly, I feel stronger than ever.

I’m naked, but the shadows seem to cling to me, offering a semblance of cover.

I look around, trying to make sense of it all. It’s our island, but... not, like someone took reality and twisted it sideways. The trees, while familiar, hold a magic that doesn’t exist elsewhere.

I’ve jogged through this forest more times than I can count. I know the path, and I know the trees, yet as I look at it now, I realize I know nothing.

The trees look darker and kind of creepy, but to me, it just feels right, like this is how trees are supposed to be.

Shit, am I even making sense?

The shadows pulse and undulate before me, stretching and gripping the ground before snapping back into place. There is so much to see and learn that I feel overwhelmed and yet at home all at once.

I turn to face Leo and Matteo, who have also shifted back to their human forms. Their eyes are wide with wonder, and I feel a blush creep up my cheeks under their intense gazes.

“Damn, Frankie.” Leo grins, looking like an excited puppy. “That was freaking awesome!”

He takes a step toward me, the excitement in his eyes never wavering before he stops. I do my best not to look down, because he is very naked, and I want to look everywhere.

Somehow, he is respectable enough not to drag his gaze down my body, even though that is exactly what I want from him right now.

Matteo nods, his dark eyes analytical as they scan me. “Your adaptation rate is extraordinary, Frankie. The speed at which you’re mastering these abilities... You’re perfect.”

I bite my lip, trying not to look down. Damn, his words make me feel all tingly. My body’s practically humming, and an electrical surge strikes my clit with fierce pulses.

“It felt incredible,” I admit, my voice a mix of excitement and introspection. “Like I was finally tapping into a power that’s always been there, waiting. It just needed to burst free to...” I shake my head, words failing me. “Break through.”

Leo chuckles, closing the distance between us. He reaches out, gently brushing a strand of red hair from my face. “You just needed a push.” His eyes dip to my lips, and I watch as he swallows before dragging his gaze back up to mine. “You’re beautiful, Echo.”

For the first time since he chose that pet name, I finally ask, “Why do you call me Echo?”

His eyes soften, a mix of playfulness and something deeper flickering in their depths. “Because, Frankie, you’re like an echo in the shadow realm. You resonate with it and amplify its power. Every move you make, every shift, it’s like the shadows are singing back to you.” He pauses, his voice lowering to a near whisper. “And because, like an echo, you’ve left an indelible mark on me since the first moment I heard your voice.”

I feel warmth spread through my chest at his words, touched by the thoughtfulness behind the nickname. It’s so quintessentially Leo—playful on the surface, but with layers of meaning underneath.

“Echo,” I repeat softly, testing the name on my lips. “I like it.”

Leo’s grin widens, his hand moving to cup my cheek. “Good, because I wasn’t planning on stopping anytime soon.”

Matteo steps closer, resting his hand on the small of my back. The touch sends a shiver up my spine. “You’re a true shadow shifter, and an exceptional one at that. Your progress is unprecedented.”

The intensity of the moment washes over me. Standing here, bare beneath the moonlight, with these two incredible men looking at me like I’m something precious and powerful is almost too much. I feel a connection to them that goes beyond the physical, a bond forged in shadow and strengthened by shared experiences.

“As exhilarating as this is,” I say, my voice low, “I feel as though I can’t even enjoy this moment.” Sadness brushes against my senses, and I look up into the dark sky. It’s a mirror of the human realm, and yet it feels so different. “This world is dying, and I just got here.”

Leo’s expression sobers for a moment before a mischievous grin spreads across his face. “Well then, my shadowy queen, let’s enjoy every moment we have. Bet you can’t outrun me now!”

Before they can react, I shift into my wolf form, relishing the seamless transition. I yip playfully at them before darting into the trees, my heart racing with the thrill and underlying tension.

I hear their laughter behind me, followed by the sounds of their own shifts. Soon, the powerful presence of the lion and the stealthy grace of the panther are on my trail.

The chase is exhilarating. We weave through the forest, our shadows melding with the darkness between the trees. I can feel Leo’s breath on my tail and hear Matteo’s approach from the side. My heart races with the thrill of it all, even as a part of me remains alert for any real danger.

Finally, in a small glade, they catch up to me. Leo pounces playfully, and we tumble together in a tangle of fur and limbs. Matteo joins the fray, his movements precise even in play, and soon we’re a laughing, panting heap of shadow beasts.

As our laughter subsides, we shift back to our human forms. I find myself nestled between them, with Leo’s strong arm around my waist and Matteo’s hand entwined with mine. The air around us seems to crackle with energy and unspoken desire.

Leo’s lips find mine first, his kiss passionate and demanding, yet with an underlying gentleness that speaks volumes. I melt into him, my free hand tangling in his hair as I return the kiss hungrily. My senses are overwhelmed, a mixture of emotions and desire coursing through me.

When we finally break apart, I’m breathless. Leo’s eyes are dark with desire, a wolfish grin playing on his lips. I barely have time to catch my breath before Matteo’s hand gently turns my face toward him. His kiss is different—slower and more deliberate, but no less intense. It leaves me trembling, caught between these two powerful men.

As Matteo pulls away, his thumb traces my lower lip. “Beautiful,” he murmurs, glancing between Leo and me.

The tension in the air is palpable, crackling with unspoken desires and possibilities. I feel like I’m standing on the edge of a precipice, about to take a leap into the unknown. My body hums with energy, every nerve ending alive and tingling as Leo leans in again as though he can’t stop kissing me.

I hope he doesn’t.

As our kisses become more urgent and heated, Leo rolls over so he’s hovering above me. He trails hot kisses down my neck and collarbone, causing shivers to run down my spine. Matteo’s hands roam freely over my body, igniting every nerve ending and leaving me aching for more.

I press closer, wanting more. My whole body feels like it’s on fire, but in the best way possible. The cool grass beneath me contrasts sharply with the heat of their skin against mine. Leo’s mouth continues its torturous journey downward, his lips and tongue leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Matteo captures my mouth again, swallowing my gasps and moans as Leo’s tongue teases the crease of my thigh—he is so close to where I want him.

I feel Leo’s hot breath against my inner thigh, sending shivers of anticipation through me. His tongue traces tantalizing patterns on my sensitive skin, inching closer to where I ache for him. Matteo’s kiss deepens, his hand cupping my breast and thumb brushing over my nipple.

A low moan escapes me as Leo’s tongue finally makes contact, and he licks from clit to slit. He starts with slow, teasing licks that have me squirming beneath him. Matteo breaks our kiss to trail his lips down my neck, nipping and sucking my pulse point.

It’s too much and not enough all at once. Leo’s doing wicked things with his mouth while Matteo’s hands are everywhere. I can barely think straight. I tangle one hand in Leo’s hair, urging him closer, while the other grips Matteo’s muscular arm.

Leo’s hands grip my hips, holding me steady as he worships my body with his mouth. Matteo’s fingers tangle in my hair, tilting my head back to deepen our kiss. The dual sensations are almost too much to bear, pleasure building rapidly within me.

“Please,” I rasp, breaking away from Matteo’s kiss. “I need... I need...”

“What do you need, Echo?” Leo murmurs against my inner thigh, his breath hot against my sensitive skin. “Tell us,” he urges, his voice low and husky.

“Everything,” I murmur, my body trembling with need. “I need both of you.”

Matteo’s dark eyes lock with mine, filled with passion and a hint of possessiveness. “You sure about this?” Matteo’s voice is low, his hand on my cheek. “No pressure, okay?”

I nod, unable to form words as Leo’s tongue flicks against my clit again. A moan escapes my lips, and Matteo swallows it with another searing kiss.

Leo’s not letting up, and I swear I’m seeing stars. It’s like every nerve in my body is on overdrive. Matteo’s hands roam my skin, igniting even more intense sensations. My hips grind against Leo’s face, desperate for release.

Just as I am on the brink of climax, Leo abruptly withdraws. I whimper in frustration, but Matteo silences me with a deep, passionate kiss.

“Not yet,” Matteo murmurs against my lips. “We want to savor every moment with you.”

Leo shifts his position, moving up my body to capture my mouth in another searing kiss. The taste of myself on his lips only adds to my arousal, sending another surge of desire through me. I feel Matteo’s hands on my thighs, gently spreading them as he settles between them. His touch is reverent, almost worshipful, as he traces patterns on my sensitive skin.

“Damn, Gem,” Matteo murmurs, his voice husky with desire. “A true goddess of shadows.”

A sharp gasp escapes my lips as his warmth slowly invades my depths, stretching me to my limits. Leo devours my moans while our tongues tangle in a frenzied dance. Matteo moves slow and steady, driving me crazy. And Leo’s hands are everywhere, making everything feel ten times more intense. I’m drowning in feeling. It’s like my whole body’s a live wire, and I’m so close to losing it.

Leo breaks the kiss, trailing his lips down my neck as one hand cups my breast, thumb circling my nipple. “Come on, Echo,” Leo whispers, his breath hot on my skin. “We’ve got you. Just let go.”

I arch into their touch, my body aflame with pleasure. Matteo’s thrusts become more urgent, his rhythm intensifying as he drives me closer to the edge. Leo’s mouth finds my breast, his tongue and teeth teasing my sensitive nipple as his hand sneaks between our bodies to circle my clit.

As Matteo’s fingers dig into my hips, his thick length slides in and out of me with ease. I feel so full, like he’s everywhere. Each move sends sparks through me, and I can’t get enough.

Leo’s lips close around my breast, sucking and teasing my sensitive nipple with his tongue and teeth. His hand snakes between our bodies, finding my clit and rubbing it in tight circles that make me cry out with pleasure.

Matteo’s thrusts become more urgent, his hips rising to meet mine as he drives deeper into me. I can feel his cock throbbing inside me, and I know he’s close to the edge. Leo’s fingers increase their pace, and I feel my orgasm building, my muscles tensing and releasing as I ride the wave of pleasure.

“Fuck,” Matteo groans, his movements becoming erratic as he chases his own release. “You feel so good, baby.”

Leo’s mouth leaves my breast and finds my neck, kissing and biting my sensitive skin as his fingers continue to work their magic. I can feel my orgasm building, the pressure building inside me until I can’t take it anymore.

The dual stimulation is almost too much to bear. I cry out, my fingers digging into Leo’s shoulders as waves of ecstasy crash over me.

With a final thrust, Matteo follows me over the edge, his cock pulsing inside me as he fills me with his release. I cry out, my muscles clenching around him as I ride the waves of pleasure. Leo’s fingers slow but don’t stop, drawing out my orgasm until I’m a trembling mess in their arms.

As we catch our breath, I feel a mix of satisfaction and growing anticipation. My body’s still tingling from Matteo, but Leo’s heated gaze tells me we’re far from done. I wonder briefly if I can handle more, but as Leo’s hands start to roam my body again, I realize I’m more than ready for round two.

“Damn, Echo,” Leo murmurs, his eyes glinting mischievously. “That was something else.” I can feel his hardness against my thigh, and a thrill runs through me. “Looks like we’re not done yet.”

Matteo gently withdraws, pressing a soft kiss to my temple before rolling to the side. I turn to face him, cupping his cheek and drawing him in for a languid kiss.

“I hope you aren’t done yet,” Leo murmurs.

“Next time,” Matteo warns seductively, “you are going to take both of us at the same time.”

I feel a shiver of anticipation run through me at Matteo’s words. The thought of being filled by both of them simultaneously sends a fresh wave of heat through my body, but for now, I’m content to bask in the afterglow of our lovemaking, sandwiched between their warm, strong bodies.

Leo chuckles softly, his breath tickling my ear. “Look at you, always planning ahead.” Leo kisses my shoulder. “But yeah, he’s not wrong, Echo. We’re just getting started.”

I turn my head to meet Leo’s gaze, seeing the desire still burning in his golden eyes. Leo’s lips crash onto mine, and just like that, I’m on fire again. Matteo’s hands start roaming, and I gasp at how sensitive I still am. It’s almost too much, but in the best way possible.

“You okay, Gem?” Matteo murmurs, always checking in.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Too much? Maybe. But I want more anyway.

As Leo deepens the kiss, his hand slides down my body, his fingers dipping between my thighs. I gasp against his mouth as he begins to stroke me, my oversensitive flesh quivering under his expert touch. Seeds spills out of me, and Leo uses it to trace circles around my clit. Matteo’s lips find my neck, sucking and nipping the sensitive skin there.

Leo’s fingers are doing wicked things, and I can feel another orgasm building. Matteo’s mouth is on a mission south, and my brain is short-circuiting. It hasn’t been that long since the last round, but my body is already begging for more. These shadow shifter stamina perks? I’m definitely not complaining. He takes my nipple between his lips, teasing it with his tongue as Leo continues his relentless assault on my senses.

“That’s it, Echo,” Leo murmurs against my ear, his voice low and husky. “Let go for us again.”

I arch into their touch, my body trembling on the edge of release. Matteo’s free hand joins Leo’s between my thighs, his fingers circling my clit as Leo’s continue to pump in and out of me. The dual stimulation is overwhelming, and with a cry of ecstasy, I shatter once more.

As I come down from my high, panting and shaking, I feel Leo shift his position. He moves between my legs, his hardness pressing against my entrance. “Ready for more, my shadowy queen?” he asks, his eyes dark with desire.

I nod once, excitement humming in my veins.

“Roll over.” His voice turns dark, sending shivers to race over my body as I roll over and press my ass into the air. His sharp intake of breath sends another pulse of desire through me.

Matteo kneels at my head, tilting my face up. His hands caress my breasts, teasing my nipples into hard peaks, I feel Leo’s cock slowly push into me. The sensation feels exquisite, like a hot iron filling me up and stretching me in the most delicious way. I moan into Matteo’s mouth as Leo’s thrusts grow deeper and more insistent.

Leo’s fingers dig into my hips, pulling me closer with each thrust, as if trying to meld our bodies together. I feel his cock swelling inside me, hitting that sweet spot that makes my toes curl and my legs shake. My pussy clenches around him, hungry for more.

Matteo’s hands roam lower, sliding down my stomach and between my legs. His fingers find my clit, already swollen and sensitive from my earlier orgasms, and begin to rub it in slow, torturous circles. I buck my hips, desperate for more friction and pressure.

Leo’s breath is hot against my ear as he whispers dirty words, urging me to come for him. I feel my orgasm building, like a wave crashing over me, and I know I can’t hold on much longer.

“Fuck, you feel so good.” Leo’s thrusts become more erratic. “I’m going to come inside you.”

Hearing those words is all it takes to push me over the edge. I cry out as my orgasm washes over me, my pussy clenching around Leo’s cock as he comes inside me with a final, powerful thrust.

As we lie there, panting and spent, I feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. My body still hums with pleasure, and I know I will feel the aftershocks of this encounter for days to come.

Leo presses soft kisses along my shoulder as he carefully withdraws. Matteo pulls me close, cradling me against his chest, and I nestle between them, savoring their warmth and the lingering sensations.

“That was...” I trail off, unable to find words adequate enough to describe the experience.

“Incredible,” Leo finishes for me, his voice filled with awe and affection.

Matteo hums in agreement, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my skin. “You continue to amaze us, Frankie,” he murmurs. “In every way.”

We lie in comfortable silence for a while, basking in the afterglow. The forest around us seems to pulse with energy, as if the shadow realm itself is responding us and our emotions.

Eventually, Leo props himself up on an elbow, his golden eyes serious as they meet mine. “As much as I’d love to stay here forever, we should head back.”

I sigh, knowing Leo’s right, but I’m reluctant to leave this perfect moment. “I suppose we can’t hide from reality forever,” I murmur, slowly sitting up.

Matteo’s hand traces down my spine, sending a shiver through me. “Reality has a way of finding us, no matter where we hide,” he says, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.

We get up, ready to shift again, and I can’t help but stare at them for a second. How did I get so lucky? Leo is all golden warmth and mischievous energy, his eyes still dancing with the afterglow of our lovemaking, and Matteo is dark and intense, his gaze softened with an affection that makes my heart skip.

The cool night air kisses my skin, and I shiver slightly, suddenly aware of our nakedness. Leo notices and steps closer, wrapping his arms around me. His warmth envelops me, and I lean into him, savoring the moment.

“Come on.” Leo presses a gentle kiss to my head before he shifts.

We change back into our animal forms, the transformation smoother now. As we race through the shadowy forest, back toward the shed, I feel a sense of peace settling over me—one I embrace instead of worrying about what could go wrong. I deserve a moment of peace, no matter how fleeting it is.

We all do.

Shadow Locke Island blurs around us, familiar yet alien in this realm. As we race back, I feel the shadow world more than ever. It’s like what we did made everything sharper and more real. It’s awesome and scary as hell all at the same time, which is exactly how I feel about the two men racing beside me.