Page 12 of Awakened Destiny (The Dark Ascendant #3)
Brigid
The heaviness of everything that has happened settles on my shoulders as Callen portals us back to the academy, leaving me feeling physically and emotionally drained. My legs wobble, barely able to support my own weight, and I can't help but cling to Rory as we make our way down the corridors.
Marius watches me with concern. They all do, and I find myself wanting to tell them to stop it. He nods, albeit reluctantly, as Rory and Tiernan insist on staying with me, and I can't help but feel a pang of gratitude for their offer to stay. I don ’ t want the concern, but I also don ’ t want to be alone. Just the thought of it makes me feel cold. After some discussion, and reassurance from me that I ’ m okay, really, the others head off to get some sleep, leaving the three of us alone.
Rory and Tiernan guide me to my room, their hands gentle as they support me. Once inside, Tiernan heads straight for the bathroom while Rory helps me sit on the edge of the bed. The sound of running water fills the air, and I close my eyes, letting it wash over me.
"Let's get you cleaned up, love," Rory murmurs, his fingers gently removing the dirty green robe I ’ ve been wearing for too long. I nod, too exhausted to protest or help. His touch is reverent, careful, as if I might shatter at any moment. Maybe I will.
Tiernan returns, and the two of them work in tandem, lifting the garment clinging to my skin. When I'm bare, Rory scoops me into his arms, cradling me against his chest as he carries me to the bath.
The water is perfect - hot enough to chase away the chill in my bones, but not scalding. Tiernan's hand supports my back as Rory lowers me in, and a soft sigh that my lips as I sink into the warmth.
The water envelops me in a calming embrace, soothing my aching muscles. Rory and Tiernan move with practiced synchronicity, their touches gentle yet purposeful. Rory's large hands cup water, letting it cascade over my shoulders while Tiernan's strong fingers work a fragrant soap into a lather.
They take their time, methodically cleansing every inch of my skin. Rory's calloused palms glide over my arms, his thumbs working out the tension in my biceps. Tiernan's touch is lighter, almost clinical, as he washes my back, his fingertips tracing each vertebra with care.
I close my eyes, surrendering to their ministrations. Tiernan lifts each of my legs in turn, his grip firm as he massages my calves and feet. Rory's hands ghost over my collarbones, down to cup my breasts, washing them with reverent strokes that make me shiver despite the warmth.
When Rory's fingers dip lower, cleansing between my thighs, I let out a breath. His touch is chaste, but my body responds, heat kindling low in my belly. I open my eyes to find both men watching me intently, their eyes dark with desire.
"Brigid," Tiernan says. "What do you need?"
I swallow hard, considering. I want to sink into oblivion, to forget everything in a haze of pleasure. The way they look at me, like I'm precious—how they touch me, like I ’ m cherished—makes me ache for them.
"You," I whisper. "Both of you."
Rory's eyes flash. He leans in, his lips brushing my ear. "Are you sure, love? We can just hold you if that's what you want."
I shake my head, reaching for him. "I need to feel something else. Something good. Erase it all. Please."
They exchange a look, some silent communication passing between them. Then Tiernan's hands are lifting me up from the water, Rory wrapping me in a soft towel. They dry me with gentle efficiency before carrying me to the bed.
I expect urgency, but they take their time.
They lay me down on the bed, their bodies creating a protective barrier around me. Wrapped in Rory's strong embrace, I sink into the warmth of his protective arms. His familiar scent envelops me, grounding me. As Tiernan's firm touch joins us, a sense of unity washes over me, like pieces of a fractured picture finally coming together. In their presence, with shared breaths and entangled limbs, I find the place where my heart knows it truly belongs. My apprehension starts to fade and I clear my mind, not wanting to be anywhere but in this moment.
I ’ m naked while they remain clothed, fully vulnerable, exposed under their gaze, but instead of fear, I feel safety. My body hums with anticipation.
Tiernan's fingers trace the line of my collarbone, a whisper-soft caress that elicits a shiver while Rory's large hands follow suit, mapping the curves and contours of my body with reverence, with adoration. His thumb brushes against my nipple, and jerk involuntarily.
The cool sheets against my skin are a stark contrast to their warmth, which I ’ m left without as they wordlessly stand up. I watch as they undress, their movements fast and fluid.
Rory's blond hair catches the light of the fire glowing in the hearth, casting shadows on his rugged features. His brown eyes watch me, never leaving my body as he pulls off his last article of clothing and stands there naked in front of me. My gaze goes to between his legs, his cock already thick and erect, and I hear him chuckle. They ’ re both so beautiful, standing there like works of art, more deserving praise than any masterpiece in a museum.
My eyes drink in every detail of their magnificent forms. Rory's body is a testament to his animalistic power and strength, every muscle rippling with pure physicality. Golden hair dusts his chest, trailing down to frame his impressive manhood. His thighs are thick and powerful, reminding me of statues of Greek gods.
Tiernan presents a different kind of beauty. Where Rory is golden warmth, Tiernan is cool moonlight. His broad shoulders taper to a narrow waist, smooth, pale skin stretches over taut muscle, unmarred save for a few scattered scars that only enhance his attractiveness. His chest is bare, but a lower trail of light brown hair leads to his own impressive arousal.
They stand before me like living sculptures, breathtaking in their masculine perfection.
Tiernan ’ s light brown hair falls into his eyes as he leans over me, focused. His touch is firm, confident, a sharp contrast to Rory ’ s tenderness.
As they climb onto the bed, their bodies surround me. I feel small, delicate in their arms, like a moth cupped between gentle hands. Their touches grow bolder, hands exploring, taking ownership of every part of my body. I'm theirs, completely and irrevocably, and the knowledge fills me with a sense of peace I've never known but always wanted.
Tiernan's lips find my mouth, his kiss deep and possessive as his tongue tangles with mine. Rory trails kisses down my neck, his teeth nipping at my sensitive skin. I arch into their touches, not thinking, only my body reacting.
Their hands continue their inspection, their touches setting me ablaze. I'm a burning star, growing brighter, hotter under their ministrations. I'm lost, adrift in a sea of sensation, my mind blank, my body theirs to command.