Chapter 47

Hanna

Dare and I didn’t have to travel far to find Jaia and Azora. They were entering the castle’s muddy courtyard as we came out. They were both caked with dust from their travels, their eyes swollen from the fog and almost unrecognizable.

“Finally,” Dare said, though there was no hiding the relief that darted across his face. “You two took your sweet time getting here. Good thing we didn’t need you.”

“Dare, I will stab you in the eyeball,” Jaia warned him, even as the two of them shared a tight hug. He gathered Azora into the hug too. She laughed as she pressed into him, the three of them rocking together as if they had an abundance of feeling none of them could ever express.

I stood on the fringes of their tight little circle and felt like an outsider.

Then Jaia broke away and flashed me a grin that was bright white and transformed her face back into familiar lines. “So there are rumors circling about a fierce dragon queen.”

Had those rumors made their way to the Snake Queen? “Not a queen yet.”

“Well, we’ll fix that soon,” Dare said, and I threw a glance his way, not entirely sure how to read him. Ever.

They wanted to see Thorne. He grinned when the four of us entered the room. It was such a rare burst of joy from him that it brought a smile to my lips too.

When he hugged Azora and Jaia, the cuff on his wrist glinted. Relief flooded me. Kaelan had given it back to him, and losing the jewelry he always wore was one thing I didn’t have to feel guilty for… anymore.

Though there was plenty of other things.

“Where’s Kaelan?” Jaia asked.

As if speaking his name had summoned him, Kaelan strode in.

“You’re both alive,” he said. Finnias clung to his shoulder once again, riding on his broad shoulders as if he were a magical familiar instead of just a common house cat. Though perhaps all cats are a little bit magical.

“Older and wiser,” Jaia said teasingly.

“I doubt that very much,” he said, reminding me so much of how one of my brothers-in-law would’ve spoken to me that I felt a sudden lurch of homesickness.

But I didn’t want to go back to the isle, either.

Somehow this cursed, cold land felt like it was… mine.

And so we were these two stubborn men who stood in front of me.

“Can I talk to you two?” I asked.

Jaia and Azora exchanged knowing glances. No one but me saw the way Dare’s face changed—a flash of emotion that I couldn’t quite read. Regret, maybe? Loss? I regretted asking to speak to just Thorne and Kaelan; the three of those men had been the closest of friends for a long time.

“Actually, Dare, can you stay too—” I began, trying to make up for it.

He shook his head. “I doubt very much that this involves me, princess… or that I want for it to.”

His cool words prickled on my skin. Maybe it was just a misunderstanding, or maybe he understood what I was thinking all too well and this was a rejection. Either way, I let him go.

Maybe I shouldn’t have.

“Can we have this conversation back at Caer Far?” Thorne asked. “I need to make sure the enchantments are back up. We’re not sure if it’s safe to begin rebuilding.”

Kaelan nodded. Neither of them lingered on the subject of Caer Far, though I knew they both felt responsible for its destruction.

“I want to see Hanna fly,” Kaelan said.

So the three of us flew back to Caer Far. The tension between the three of us seemed to ease when we were dragons. I wheeled into them, shoving them, and Thorne and Kaelan snapped at each other playfully in the air. It felt right to stretch my wings and soar, ready to blast fire at any monsters…. But the barren land was free of them for once.

And it felt right to fly between the two of them.

The mood grew more somber once the ruins of Caer Far came into view. We landed in what remained of the castle’s courtyard. The marble floor was scratched and stained with blood, and enormous pillars rose above us, leaning precariously as if they might crash down at any moment.

“It will take years to rebuild,” Kaelan said.

“But it will be rebuilt,” Thorne said. “Once we know Edric can’t order the protections destroyed again.”

“I’ll take care of him,” Kaelan promised.

“I know.”

They sounded the same as they always had. Maybe the tension I felt was purely my own.

I swiped my hair behind my ears, shifting as I tried to think of the best way to phrase things so no one would feel defensive or hurt.

“What?” Kaelan demanded without looking at me. “You’re fidgeting like a child. You obviously have something to say.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re?—”

“Grateful that she doesn’t have to keep up a fa?ade with us?” Thorne asked. “That’s what Kaelan meant to say.”

Kaelan’s brows arched above those icy blue eyes.

I was suddenly keenly aware that we were in an abandoned castle a thousand acres from the nearest other Fae. There was no one to stop them if these two decided to tear each other apart. No one but me.

“I love you both,” I said in a rush. “I don’t want to choose between you.”

Kaelan crossed his massive arms across his chest. “How could you?”

His tone was low and cool. How could I even choose, when I was already his wife? He must think there was no choice to be made.

“I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you, Kae,” I told him softly. “Your love is wild and exciting, all barbed banter and sharp edges. It’s a struggle for control that makes me feel alive.”

“It should, given that it almost killed you.” Kaelan’s voice was still casual, unapologetic. But he wouldn’t keep bringing up how he had threatened me if he weren’t haunted.

“But it’s not… everything I need,” I said, and his brows arched more. It certainly sounded like I was saying he wasn’t everything I needed, and I wished I’d found a better way to express my feelings.

“Thorne,” I turned to him, blundering on.

“It’s alright, Hanna,” Thorne said. “You don’t have to say anything.”

“I do,” I said. “You’ve been there for me, all the time?—”

“And I will always be there,” he interrupted. “You don’t have to do anything--”

“She does,” Kalean rumbled, cutting him off. “Let her finish.”

I glanced at Kaelan, who didn’t exactly look warm and friendly with his massive arms crossed over his chest, and gave him a tiny smile that he did not return.

Then I returned my gaze to Thorne, who was watching me with his usual calm stoicism—and a flicker of hope in his dark eyes.

“I love you,” I told him. “And I’m not letting you just… take care of me from the shadows. I want you with me.”

“Even though you’re married to another man?” Kaelan demanded.

I turned to Kaelan. “Are you going to be a jealous bastard, Kae? Who just wants me to himself? Even though I need both of you?”

“Probably,” Kaelan admitted.

Then he crossed the distance between us with a few urgent strides, before yanking me against his body.

Kaelan kissed me as if he were claiming me. His lips were always cool, but his fingers tangled in my hair, gathering at the nape of my neck to control the angle of my face. He tilted my face so he could deepen the kiss, his lips wild and urgent.

I pulled away from him, though my lips tingled and I wanted to lose myself in the power of that kiss.

“I want Thorne too,” I told him. “Don’t make me choose. I might?—”

“Stop there,” he warned me, “Or I might regain my homicidal impulses.”

I let out a laugh, though I didn’t think he was entirely kidding. He couldn’t stand it if I rejected him.

Kaelan straightened, spinning me around and resting his arm across my chest so I was drawn against his hard body. Now the two of us faced Thorne, who’s jaw was stiff and tight after watching us kiss.

“Are you going to help me keep her alive and somewhat under control?” Kaelan asked dryly. “I certainly can’t manage her on my own.”

I elbowed him swiftly, though he didn’t seem to register the painful jab in his stomach.

Thorne stared at the two of us as if it might be a trap.

“Kiss me, Thorne,” I whispered.

And even if it might be a trap, Thorne closed the distance between us in a few quick strides and cupped my face with his hands. He stared down at me for a second before he kissed me.

Being held between the two of them as Thorne kissed me felt so perfect.

Thorne”s kiss was different than Kaelan”s. It was just as passionate, but there was a tenderness to it that made my heart flutter. His hands gripped my face gently, and I could feel the warmth radiating from his body as he pulled me closer. It reminded me of how the first time I had kissed him, I had known he wasn’t Kaelan from the way he kissed me…as if he needed me.

As Thorne explored my mouth with his tongue, Kaelan”s hands began to roam over my body. His fingers traced patterns on my arms and stomach, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel his arousal pressed against my back, and I couldn”t help but push back against him.

Thorne broke the kiss, leaving me gasping for air. He trailed kisses down my neck, nipping at the sensitive skin. I tilted my head to the side, giving him better access. Kaelan took the opportunity to claim my lips with his own.

Their kisses ignited a fire within me, their touch sending waves of desire through my body. I felt like a flame caught between two forces of nature, each one stoking the flames higher and higher until I was consumed by the heat of their passion.

Thorne”s hands roamed over my body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. His touch was gentle yet possessive, as if he wanted to memorize every curve and dip of my form. Kaelan”s kisses were fierce and demanding, his cool lips leaving a trail of longing wherever they grazed.

I moaned softly against Kaelan”s lips, the sound muffled by the intensity of our kiss. He pulled me closer, his body flush against mine, igniting a hunger deep within me that only he could satisfy. Thorne”s hands moved lower, tracing the lines of my hips and thighs, sending jolts of electricity through me.

Lost in the haze of desire, I surrendered myself to them completely.

Thorne”s hands began to unfasten the buttons of my shirt, his fingers sure and precise. Kaelan”s lips trailed down my neck, nibbling at the sensitive skin, while Thorne”s began to explore new territory.

For a moment, I was lost in the sensations of their touch, their lips, and their bodies against mine. My breath hitched as I felt the rough fabric of my clothes against my skin, giving way to the silky touch of their hands.

Thorne”s fingers brushed against the skin of my stomach, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through my body. Kaelan”s tongue traced the curve of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. I arched my back, pressing my body closer to Thorne, seeking more of his touch.

Thorne”s fingers grazed my nipples, and I felt a surge of heat between my legs. He returned to toy with them, his big, calloused hands cupping my breasts. Kaelan bent his head to draw my nipples into his mouth, the two of them teaming up to play with my breasts in a way that jolted heat through my body. I rocked back, finding Thorne’s hard body there to hold me up.

Their lips scorched my skin, leaving a trail of fire on my throat as they both continued to kiss me fervently. Kaelan”s cool hands wandered lower, while Thorne”s rough ones continued to caress my breasts. The contrast of their touch sent shivers through me, my body humming with desire.

Lost in the sensations, I gripped Kaelan”s shoulders, my fingers digging into his muscles. I pushed my hips forward, seeking the release I desperately craved. His hands found my hips, snaking around to the curve of my ass. His fingers dug into my flesh, holding me close to him.

Thorne turned my face to his, capturing my lips in a kiss as I moaned with desire. He kissed me as if he couldn”t get enough of me, his tongue sweeping across my lips, desperate to taste more of me. I met his kiss with equal fervor, my hands tangling in his hair as I pulled him closer.

Kaelan, meanwhile, held me steady, his fingers digging into my hips as he ground himself against me. His cool skin felt like a contrast to Thorne”s warmth, and I reveled in the sensation.

As Thorne and I lapped into each other’s mouths, I felt Kaelan”s hand sliding between my legs, his fingers teasing my sensitive folds. I moaned into Thorne”s mouth, my body arching towards him in response. Thorne responded by pulling me closer as he continued to kiss me, one hand sliding up my side to cup my breast and continue to tease my nipple.

The intensity of their touch and kisses was overwhelming, and I was lost in the sea of desire. I groaned against Thorne”s lips, my body craving the touch of both men at once. As Thorne continued to explore my breasts, Kaelan had begun to tease against my clit, waking new fire inside me.

”Please,” I gasped, my breath coming in ragged breaths as their touch set my body ablaze. ”I need you both.”

Kaelan”s lips found my ear, his breath hot and ragged against my sensitive skin. ”You aren’t ready to have us both inside you yet. But you will be… with training.”

“You perverted bastard,” I said, because of course Kaelan would turn our love into yet another game of training and punishment, and he laughed against my throat before he kissed me.

Before I could respond more, Thorne”s lips were on mine once more, his tongue plunging deeply into my mouth as he increased the intensity of his kiss. Kaelan kept teasing my clit, setting a pace through my folds that had me bucking and moaning. As my orgasm built, I tried to push Kaelan away.

He didn’t even have to say anything. Thorne seemed to know just what Kaelan wanted, and he gathered my wrists into one of his big hands, holding me steady against the hard angles of his body.

“No fair teaming up,” I grumbled.

“We’ll be teaming up every day for the rest of our lives,” Thorne promised me, his lips caressing my shoulder.

“You won’t be able to get away with anything,” Kaelan said in satisfaction.

“You’re ridiculous—” I began, but then Thorne smacked my ass and I let out a grunt that was half indignant, half eager for more.

“Take her on your lap,” Kaelan ordered Thorne, walking the three of us backward to a fallen pillar. I felt Thorne’s belt buckle press the curve of my ass before it was gone as he undid his trousers.

Thorne sat, and Kaelan pushed me down on top of him. The tip of Thorne’s big cock pressed urgently against my opening.

”Take him in, be a good girl,” Kaelan encouraged me as he pushed me down on Thorne’s cock, and I let out a groan as I slowly took him in, inch by inch. He filled me up completely, stretching me.

I gasped as I felt a hot rush of pleasure spiral through me, and my body tightened around Thorne. Kaelan watched me intently as he held my hips steady.

”You look so beautiful,” he whispered, his breath hot against my neck before he bent lower, trailing kisses down my breasts, my stomach, my thighs. “I never knew how beautiful you could look impaled on my best friend’s cock. But deep down, I think I always wanted this.”

I moaned and arched my back, thrusting myself onto Thorne”s cock, feeling his thick girth fill me completely. Kaelan gently pinched my nipples, sending shivers of pleasure through me.

”You”re going to love being ours,” Thorne growled, his hands roaming over my body, his touch possessive and demanding.

”I already do,” I whispered, my voice thick with lust.

Kaelan chuckled, his hand sliding between my legs, his fingers teasing my sensitive folds. ”Then prove it,” he commanded, his voice low and husky. “Show me you can handle us both. Don’t come yet.”

I moaned, feeling the heat building deep within me. Thorne”s hands gripped my hips, pulling me back onto him, his cock sliding in and out of me with a slick, satisfying sound. Kaelan continued to tease me, his fingers dancing over my clit, his touch feather-light yet passionate.

”Fuck, yes,” I groaned, my body responding to the dual sensations. My hips began to rock in a rhythm, matching Thorne”s thrusts. Kaelan”s fingers pressed harder against me, his touch becoming more insistent.

”That”s my girl,” Thorne praised me, his voice hoarse with desire. ”Take my cock, let me fill you up.”

”Oh, Thorne,” I murmured, my words becoming senseless. “Thorne. Kaelan.” I was chanting their names as Kaelan bent his head and began to lick through my folds. He pulled my thighs onto his shoulders so that I was powerless, unable to move against Thorne’s cock myself but dependent on his movement.

Thorne paused, though, keeping me trembling on the edge of orgasm. Kaelan licked all around my most sensitive places, and I would’ve ground forward against his mouth, eager for more, if I’d had any leverage. But I couldn’t move. I was helpless as he kept me trembling on the edge of my orgasm as it built, hotter and hotter.

I writhed, my body aching for release, but Kaelan and Thorne were not ready to let me go yet. They teased me, pulling me closer, and then ripping me away. My moans turned into desperate cries, my body screaming for satisfaction. I didn”t know how much longer I could resist; the pleasure was building to a point of unbearable intensity.

Thorne”s cock was still buried deep inside me, his hips moving in a rhythm that was driving me wild. I could feel Kaelan”s hands all over me, touching every sensitive spot, his mouth exploring every inch of my skin. I knew that if I came now, it would be the most intense orgasm I had ever experienced.

”Please,” I begged, my voice shaking from the intensity of my need. ”Let me come. Please, let me come for you.”

Kaelan smiled wickedly at me, his eyes shining with lust and mischief. ”We”re not done with you yet,” his voice was low and seductive, sending shivers down my spine. “But it will be worth it.”

I groaned in frustration, but I also knew that their promises were true. Kaelan was always a master of making me wait, making me beg, and then giving me the most intense pleasure I could ever imagine. Thorne was no different, his cock inside me, filling me up, driving me wild with desire.

Kaelan continued to tease me, his fingers dancing over my folds, his mouth exploring every inch of my skin. I felt his teeth graze my clit, and I cried out, my body arching towards his mouth. Thorne”s cock slammed into me, his thrusts becoming harder, faster. My mind was a blur of pleasure and need, and I knew that I was completely at the mercy of these two men.

Kaelan”s teeth nipped at my clit again, harder this time, and I could feel myself starting to unravel. My body shook with the force of my arousal, and I whimpered with each thrust. Thorne”s hands gripped my hips tightly, and he began to pound into me with a desperation that matched my own.

I was gasping for breath, my body tense and primed for the release that I knew was just a breath away. I could feel it building, the tension coiling tighter and tighter until I thought I would burst. Kaelan”s fingers teased me, his touch sending shockwaves of pleasure through me. My back arched, and I cried out, my orgasm crashing over me.

Every muscle in my body tightened as wave after wave of pleasure rolled through me. Thorne grunted and thrust harder into me, his cock sliding in and out with a wet, slapping sound. Kaelan continued to tease me, his fingers never stopping their relentless exploration of my most sensitive places.

My body shook and trembled as I rode out my orgasm, my mind spinning with the intensity of the pleasure that was coursing through me. I was still coming back down from the peak when Thorne groaned and thrust deep inside me one last time, filling me with his warm cum.

For a moment, we all held still, panting and sweating, our bodies still connected in the most intimate of ways. Kaelan rested his head on my thigh, and Thorne wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me affectionately against him as his cock pulsed inside me with the aftershocks of our orgasm.

Then, Thorne slowly pulled out of me.

Kaelan stood up, his eyes glazed with lust, and tousled my hair. It was something he hadn’t done since we were younger, and I found myself staring up at him, feeling a jolt of warmth and nostalgia. “That was just the beginning. There’s so much for the three of us to do together… and for Thorne and I do to you…”

“I can’t wait,” I murmured. “Even though right now, I don’t feel like I can move.”

“You don’t have to,” Thorne said, gathering me into his arms. He kissed me tenderly.

“I know Thorne is worthy of you,” Kaelan murmured into my ear. “He proved it over and over. I want both of you in my life… all my life.”

Tomorrow, we’d have to go to war with Edric.

But for today, I just wanted to enjoy being alive… and being theirs.