29

IVY

IT didn’t take long to find Elias and Maeve once I sent them a thought to meet us outside the alcove. They were waiting about halfway around the balcony from where we’d been abandoned and were livid when we finally reached them.

Elias pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my hair. “What the hell took you so long?”

I laughed as I gave him a quick hug back. “We weren’t gone that long.”

Maeve’s worry filtered down the bond. I untangled myself from Elias and stepped into her embrace, not giving her a chance to shy away from it.

Are you okay? she asked, one hand moving to curl around my back, while the cupped to the back of my head.

Of course I am , I replied. And I was. Maybe I was a little pissed about our guide ditching us, and maybe a tad afraid that Ry was somehow here, but tonight wasn’t about either of those things.

Tonight was about us. All of us.

Maeve’s heart pounded. But as she breathed a sigh of relief, her heart rate slowed to a crawl.

Somewhere behind me, Rowan clapped, just as the lights above us darkened.

“Okay, let’s go in. The show’s about to start, and our girl needs to be fed.” I was grateful for that reminder, because since leaving the palace—for the first time since arriving in Avalon—my stomach wasn’t in knots.

I blew out a shaky breath as we entered the alcove. My skin tingled with the magic that rolled over us, and I watched the shadows separating each alcove from the balcony shimmered and settled. But our view wasn’t obscured by the darkness; in fact, we could see the stage clearly from our vantage point.

The alcove itself was actually a private room. At the forefront was a comfortable looking booth with tables set up in front. Plates of food decorated the deep-red linen, and my stomach grumbled as I breathed in the scent of spices and tangy citrus.

I didn’t get a chance to take in the rest of the room; instead, I was guided to the booth and shuffled into the centre, lodged between Maeve and Rowan, which brought a smile to my face. It made my heart warm, knowing Elias and Adrian were looking out for my new bonds. I still wasn’t entirely sure how it would work out, but it gave me hope, knowing that they were working together.

The lights outside our room dimmed, and I was too transfixed on the stage to notice the plate of food that appeared in front of me.

“Eat something, a mhuirnín ,” Maeve murmured, resting her hand atop my knee. I shivered at the contact, though it had more to do with the ease in which she touched me, more than the tension coiled tightly in the pit of my stomach.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the lighting changed, and different creatures spilled across the stage. Still, I had no idea what it was about. They wore what looked like the equivalent of leotards, similar to the ones professional dancers wore on stage. But these were made of plants.

Throughout the performance, I ate pieces of the different foods added to my plate, but I was caught up in the intense sensuality of the performance playing out before us. It was a dance, but not quite. And there was a story, one I was understanding in pieces; it was enchanting, addictive even. And there was zero modesty.

It was most definitely something the kids weren’t allowed to see. Unless there was a child friendly matinee, but even then, I was sceptical.

Hell, I wasn’t even sure if I liked the idea of my mates watching. I tried to locate any unnecessary jealousy, or even a twinge of that earlier insecurity, but there was none to be found. I even tested the bonds, to see if they were reacting at all to the show, but Adrian, Elias, and Maeve had no uneasy feelings. Was it because this was the norm here? From the corner of my eye, I watched Rowan for any sign of, well, anything , but he wasn’t watching the show—he was watching me.

He caught my stare, grinned, and leaned in until his lips were a whisper against the shell of my ear. “Something the matter, Ivy?”

I shivered, and this time it had more to do with that pesky little lust bug uncoiling within me. “Nope. How are you enjoying the show?” I asked instead, trying to ignore the heat blooming across my cheeks, and the uncomfortable dampness between my legs.

I should have worn underwear , I thought, biting down on the inside of my cheek. This is so inappropriate, and maybe the byproduct of having access to sex twenty-four-seven. I was not a fan of the needy bitch I was becoming.

Rowan chuckled. “I’ve been enjoying it perfectly fine. Your reactions have been...interesting.”

At that, I scowled. “You haven’t been watching the show?”

I wasn’t sure why I asked, because as soon as the words left my mouth, I felt utterly stupid. Especially when a group of performers crawled up the railing of the balcony to appear at the intersection between the private rooms. There was more sensuality, a boom of music, and a darkening shift to the tone of the show. Flashes of light erupted like lightning across the stage, and electricity trailing along my skin. I sucked in a sharp breath as Rowan’s fingers traced the length of my bare arm, down to my hand.

“Why would I watch them, when I could watch you instead? ” he said. The slight rumble of his voice sent shivers down my spine. His hand slipped over mine to my thigh, where the hem of my dress rose up like a band around my flesh, the only fabric between us. If he moved his hand beneath it, he would be trailing his fingers over the wetness between my legs.

I wanted him so badly. Needed him to release some of the pressure building within me.

“Your mate wants something from you, Archer,” Maeve mused, her eyes trained on the performers. “You should give her what she needs.”

Rowan shuddered, sucking in a sharp breath. “Is that right?” he asked. “Do you want to use me?”

My heart raced, pounding in my ears, drowning out the music.

Slowly, I nodded. It was all he needed before his hand slipped beneath the fabric of my dress to skim the inside of my thigh.

A low moan fell from my lips as Maeve brushed the bond. Will you let me feed, a mhuirnín ? I need to taste you. To sate the hunger.

My pussy clenched at the thought. Yes, I replied. Feed.

Maeve’s lips skimmed over the thin strap of the dress. Combined with the tickle of Rowan’s fingers as he widened my legs, I couldn’t hold back the gasp that passed my lips. The strap fell down my arm, bearing my shoulder and throat to Maeve, and my thighs parted with the promise of Rowan’s touch.

You’re going to sit there for Rowan and Maeve, Elias whispered down the bond. You’re going to let them take care of you like a good girl.

I bit down on my bottom lip as Maeve’s fangs scraped over my skin.

“No panties,” Rowan murmured. His fingers followed the seam of my pussy, gliding through the wet mess I’d already become. “You were walking around without any underwear?”

He didn’t give me a chance to answer, not as he slid his finger inside me, and certainly not as Maeve bit into my throat. Rowan slid his finger in and out of me slowly, almost teasingly, as Maeve fed.

He peppered kisses along my jaw. “Would you like more?” he asked, kissing the corner of my lips. “Do you want to come, Ivy? Will you be good and strangle my fingers with your tight, wet pussy?”

Pressure built in my lower abdomen, and I forced myself to whisper “ yes ” just as Maeve pulled back and claimed my lips.

As her tongue swirled around mine, Rowan hiked my knee up and added a second finger. The thrusts went from teasing to more as he circled my clit with his thumb. Magic built beneath my skin, barely contained by the charms Adrian had woven into my ring.

Maeve held my chin as she plundered my mouth, holding me still as Rowan’s fingers fucked me to my climax. I clamped around him and pushed myself into Maeve’s chest, arching away from the booth as it crashed into me hard and fast. Her mouth stifled my cry of pleasure, which was drowned out by the sound of drums echoing a crash of thunder.

As Rowan slowed his pumps and my climax finished, Maeve pulled away. It was a struggle to clamp down on the magic swirling beneath my skin, screaming at me to claim Rowan as my fifth mate. But I felt a tug in my chest, and soon, the magic dissipated.

“So good,” Rowan said, pressing a kiss to my forehead as he slid out of me.

I slumped into the booth. I was more wired now, and far more aware of my mates. The show no longer interested me, and neither did the food.

From the other end of the booth, Adrian spoke up. “I don’t think you took care of her enough.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice, light and teasing. “She so badly wants more.”

Rowan smirked down at me as he lifted his hand to his face. Two fingers glistened with my release, and after sharing a glance with Maeve, he sucked both into his mouth. I inhaled sharply as he groaned, and licked his fingers clean. “So very good,” he said again, “but since tonight is about sharing...”

I swallowed hard, watching as Adrian and Rowan swapped seats. Pressing my thighs together, I glanced at Maeve, though neither she nor Elias seemed remotely interested in moving.

Shit . When I’d mentioned getting along, I hadn’t meant like this.

Next time, specify that family-unit-date-night has to be PG. It was a wonder we hadn ’t been caught.

Adrian took my hand as he settled in beside me, forcing me to look at him again. Amusement played in his eyes as picked up a small, savoury tart from my plate. “If you think we’re the only ones enjoying the privacy, then you haven ’t been listening.”

My eyes widened. But was I shocked?

The smile widened. “Open.” Without thinking, I did as he said and parted my lips. He brought the tart up to my mouth. “Bite.”

My eyes narrowed, but I bit down. Are you going to tell me to chew as well? I asked, raising a brow.

Adrian leaned in, and under his breath, he said, “Chew.”

Curious about where this was going, I did as I was instructed. The flavours exploded across my tongue, spicy and aromatic. There was a slight bite to it, but it was warmer than anything, even as I swallowed. I hummed under my breath as Adrian offered me the rest, and I almost forgot what I was doing until he swiped his thumb over my bottom lip, eliciting a shiver from me.

“This isn’t leading into some kind of weird, feeding kink, is it?” I asked cautiously. “Because if it is, I’m out. I draw the line—”

Adrian cupped my cheek, cutting me off. “No. I just don’t want you to miss out on the food. I can’t make any of this for you at home.”

I shivered again, not from his touch, but from the warmth that flooded me at his words. Home . It still felt strange referring to the palace as home , and yet I couldn’t deny the odd feeling of belonging.

“Right,” I muttered, ducking my head.

My mate chuckled, but he didn’t remove his hand from my face. “We did bring you here, not for sex, but so you can experience more of our world.”

“That’s a relief.” I rolled my eyes. At least I wouldn’t have to specify that next time we spend more time together beyond orgasms.

“The show has about twenty minutes left.” He leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to the corner of my mouth. “When it—and you—are done, we have one last thing to do.”

~

No touches. No kisses. And certainly, no orgasms during the last twenty minutes of the show. There was still a need burning within me, one that begged for release, but I did my best to push that aside while I enjoyed whatever story was unfolding before me. I still had no clue what was happening, but by the time it finished, I could admit I appreciated it to some degree. But the food was better, and since I was no longer anxious about leaving the kids, or about Ry being nearby, I could actually enjoy it.

“What time is it?” I asked, as we entered the streets of the city once more. Somehow, we’d been able to escape the flood of people thanks to help from the staff by using a back entrance. I didn’t want to chance running into him .

Elias wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into his side, and bent down to kiss the top of my head. “Nearing midnight. Are you ready to go home? Or do you think you can handle this last activity?”

I chewed my lip as we walked, though I wasn’t particularly paying attention to where we were going. I was getting the best sleep of my life now that I was spending the nights in the arms of my mates, so I wasn’t entirely worried about being tired in the morning.

But I was curious, and excitement fluttered in my belly as I glanced up at him. “No. I’m interested in what else you have planned.”

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing naughty,” Rowan said as he snuck up beside me and took my hand. “Just something we thought you might like.”

“And yet I don’t think I believe you,” I replied, glancing at him, eyes narrowed. “I wasn’t expecting Endora to be naughty, either. ”

Rowan grinned, but his cheeks flushed pink. We followed the cobblestone streets towards what looked like a small lake with buildings circling it. Each one looked like some kind of bar or restaurant, though across the lake, the storefronts were dark. I bit my tongue to stop myself from asking about it, and just assumed we were still walking to some kind of shopping and food district, when my chest tightened unexpectedly.

I slowed my pace, looking around. Elias and Rowan’s questioning stares landed on me, but I couldn’t help but feel as if something was...not right. Not wrong, not dangerous, but not good, either.

Stepping out of Elias’s embrace, I walked towards one of the bars. Crowds of people swarmed the booths and tables while live music played towards the back. But there was only one person who caught my eye, one whose face I hadn’t expected to see again.

Hawk . The half-Fae leader was sitting at a table with the rest of his team—at least, the remaining three—with a petite red-head on his lap. My stomach twisted, and my magic burned harshly beneath my skin. But why? I didn ’t like him. As a matter of fact, I thought his handsome face was stupid looking. His entire personality was as interesting as a non-fiction book.

But I also couldn’t ignore the creeping anger and the strange sense of betrayal rising within me. It was ridiculous. Insane, even.

As if sensing my stare, Hawk looked up. I couldn’t read his expression, and I didn’t care to. Turning on my heel, I walked back to my mates. Guilt ate at me, but suddenly, I was exhausted. “I think it’s time to go home.”

They didn’t question me. Adrian gently prodded the bond, but I threw up walls to hide my thoughts from them. They didn’t need to know about Hawk. I wasn’t even sure I truly understood what the hell I was feeling.

Elias tucked me into his side, and Rowan retook my hand. I sensed Maeve had some idea of what I was hiding, but she didn’t comment on it, at least not while the others were around. Alone, she might, but I was glad she wasn’t trying to broach it through the bond.

We made it back to our suite after midnight, and I took a few moments to check if the children had been brought back, but their beds were empty, which meant they’d enjoyed their time enough with Queen Greer to stay with her.

I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or disappointed they weren’t here, almost missing the nights where I’d climb into bed with them. After Ry had left, Eloise had spent every night sleeping with me, like she somehow knew I was heartbroken.

The team was quiet when I finally made my way to the bedroom.

“You ready to talk about it?” Rowan asked. He looked up from where he sat on the ottoman at the end of the bed.

I shook my head. “Not tonight,” I sighed. “Please?”

I could tell they weren’t happy about it, and the guilt grew stronger. But how could I explain what I’d felt without seeming crazy? Or worse? It had to mean nothing, otherwise, I would have to admit to myself that it meant more. And I certainly wasn’t ready for that.