Page 2

A STRANGE INVITATION

E MILY

After delivering the proof of both Davis’ involvement in the sex trafficking ring, and his untimely demise, to the bus station locker as agreed upon, I head home and collapse on the bed. I had to shower before I could leave the apartment to do the drop, so I don’t have to worry about ruining my sheets now.

I glance at the clock and chuckle. Twelve minutes after midnight. That’s not bad for everything I’ve managed to accomplish since I left the guys’ apartment. Something leaning against my clock catches my attention. Is that a piece of paper? As much as I want to ignore it and sleep, I feel drawn to whatever it is. I must know. It can’t wait.

I drag myself out of bed and stumble across the room. Why is my alarm clock so far away? Oh, yeah. Because I’ll turn it off in my sleep if it’s closer. Of course, I can still turn it off when it’s across the room by using my powers, but I guess whatever works to trick my mind into not ignoring the damned thing. A small hot pink envelope is propped up against the back of my clock. How did that get there?

I look around the room, confused. I know I locked the door and set the security system when I left. There’s no way someone could get inside without me knowing. I have the most state-of-the-art security system that exists. Turning the envelope over in my hands, I slink back to bed. I’ll read this and sleep, then I’ll figure out what’s wrong with my security. If someone wanted to kill me, they already could have. Somehow that thought is less comforting than I want it to be. A quick check of the system can't hurt.

I tap into the system and see that nothing is amiss. It seems to be working fine. I’ll run a full diagnostic on it later to be sure, but for now, I think everything is okay. Besides the mystery note, that is. And the fact that someone got into my apartment without triggering my alarm. I’ll worry about that tomorrow. I’m too wiped to deal with it right now.

There’s no writing on the outside of the envelope, and it’s not sealed. I ease it open, wondering if it’s filled with some sort of poison, or if it’ll explode. When nothing poofs out at me, I look inside, and find a single sheet of matching hot pink paper. Upon opening it, I see glowing white letters adorning the dark sheet.

Emily,

You have been selected for an opportunity to audition to join the Cursed Blade.

If recruited, you will be provided targets that align with your moral compass. You will be given access to unlimited funding and equipment. You will also have the opportunity to recruit your own support team.

If interested, be at the docks in exactly twenty-four hours. Come alone. This is a one-time opportunity, and will not be offered again. We appreciate your discretion in this matter.

We hope to see you soon.

~B

I read the glowing words over and over. Of course, there are rumors in my dark web circles of a guild of assassins, but I never expected to receive an invitation for an audition. This seems almost too good to be true. They guarantee that no mark will be against my moral code. And I’ll have access to more money than I’ll ever be able to spend. Why would they choose me? How did they even find me?

But it also means I’ll never have a normal life. Would I have one if I don’t accept? I don’t know. I have twenty-four hours to consider the offer. If they really know everything, then they’ll know the exact moment I read this. I glance at the clock again. That means I have until a quarter after midnight tomorrow to decide. How do I even go about making this big of a decision?

If I do this, I’ll have to be at the docks at a quarter after midnight tomorrow. I need sleep, then I’ll be able to give this decision the attention it deserves. I slip the paper back into the envelope and put it in the drawer beside my bed. No one ever comes here, but I want to protect it anyway. Especially if someone broke into my home to deliver this. There’s no way to know if they’ll come back.

I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, sinking back into the soft mattress and dragging the covers over me. With images of money and danger dancing in my head, I drift off to sleep.

I wake early, the weight of my decision looming over my head. I was so proud of myself for what I did last night, but now I’m feeling melancholic. I’m still proud, but now I can’t chase the worry from my mind. I don’t feel guilty for killing Davis, but I am a little sad about taking a life. I guess that means I’m not a complete monster. There is no way to make a major life decision while I’m in this state. I can’t clear my mind enough, and I don’t want to make this big of a decision on impulse. I need something to distract me.

I know that Luke won’t be up yet, because my vampire boy always sleeps in. A quick check of the time tells me it’s even too early for my favorite wolf shifter, Jeremy. Which leaves Will, my insomniac shapeshifter. There’s a chance he’s up already, but I don’t want to bother him if he’s not. Sometimes I feel like I relate more to him because we’re both rare shifters. He doesn’t know that, but maybe someday I’ll be able to share. So far, I’ve hidden my powers from them. I’m worried that they’ll see me as a monster if they learn my secrets.

Using my powers, I tap into my phone and check social media. The moment my status changes to online, Will hops into my DMs. Good, he’s up.

Hey, sugarplum. Why aren’t you sleeping?

I can’t wipe the sappy grin off my face at the cutesy nickname he uses for me when we’re alone. He never says it in front of the other two, and I make a mental note to ask him why. I won’t admit, even to myself, the feelings that these men stir inside of me.

Hey, handsome. I could ask you the same question. The sun is barely up.

It’s probably not a good idea to flirt too heavily with him this early in the morning. I might end up inviting him over to distract me so I can work out what to do about this invitation.

Eh, you know me. I sleep a few hours at a time. I’m sure I’ll catch a nap later. You’re welcome to join me.

Yes, please. I’d been hoping to stay with them tonight, but I have a limited time to make this decision, and if I’m leaning toward yes, I have to be at the docks for the audition.

Am I leaning toward, yes? Maybe. After dreaming about being chased by faceless monsters for making the wrong decision, I’m still not sure. Perhaps some time alone with Will is just what I need. Since they already figured out my cam girl persona, there’s no real reason to keep them out of my apartment anymore. It’s not like he’ll find my secret room unless I show him. I could just invite him over.

What if you come join me right now? We could snuggle.

I know that he loves snuggling as much as I do. I change into a skimpy pajama set while we chat, because I’m certain he won’t pass up the chance to finally get in my apartment.

You want me to come to your apartment? I didn’t think anyone was allowed in there. Don’t you have your enemies held captive or something?

I laugh out loud at his joke. If he only knew how close he was to being right. Of course, I would never bring the men I target into my home. I’m much more comfortable taking them out in their own spaces.

Is that a no, then?

I tease him, knowing that he won’t turn me down, no matter how surprising my offer is. I’m tempted to send him a sexy pic of me, but I don’t think I’ll have to.

I’m on my way.

I smile at the response.

Less than five minutes later, there’s a quiet knock at my door. My apartment isn’t messy, but I probably should have cleaned it a bit better. Too late now. Besides, I don’t really have many material things. I check the peep hole before opening the door slowly. “Good morning. Can I help you, sir?”

Will scoops me up in his arms and forces his way into my home, closing the door quietly behind him. “I’m here to help you, ma’am. I heard you were low on cuddles and could use a refill.”

I laugh and point toward my bedroom. “I can’t believe you actually invited me over. This is a huge step for us, sugarplum.”

“About that,” I say, squinting at him.

“What?” he asks as he tucks us both into my bed and pulls me close.

“Why do you only call me sugarplum when we’re alone or in texts?” It shouldn’t matter, but I’m dying to know.

“I didn’t know if it would make you uncomfortable for me to do it around the guys. I guess I was just keeping it our special thing,” he says, running his fingers through my blonde hair. This man melts me.

I straddle him and capture his mouth with mine. I don’t want to admit to any of them how attached I’m getting. It’s not possible to have a real, serious relationship with three guys, is it? Especially if I’m a hired killer who can’t tell them about my abilities.

“I don’t know why you guys want me. I’m kind of a mess,” I admit, not holding back my thoughts for once. I just don’t go into details. I see the moment Will realizes that I’m not guarding myself the way I usually do. I want to pull back and hide from him, but it’s too late.

He tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Sugarplum, you are not a mess. And we want you because you’re awesome. I wish you could see that.” Will kisses me again, all passion and desire. Somehow, I know he’s not trying to get me naked though, even if that’s what I want. This is bigger than just sex, and I’m terrified. I can handle sex; I’m not sure I can handle falling in love.

I was worried about choosing or rejecting the guild because of how it would affect my life. But how will that decision change things with the guys? I don’t want to make the wrong choice and ruin what could be the perfect relationship.

At the same time, can I really turn down this opportunity? Fuck, I wish I had someone to talk to about this. I want to spill it all to Will, but I know I can’t. Knowing everything would put him in danger, and I cannot do that. I don’t need comfort that badly.

I’ve spent so long alone that I can’t seem to let anyone in. Given my choice of profession, it makes sense. But it’s not like I really chose this. Death and vengeance found me, not the other way around. And I have enough money now that I really could walk away from it all. I’d live comfortably for the rest of my life. I could settle down and have kids; raise a family; get a normal job. But is that the life for me? I wish I knew.

Will pulls me down beside him, tucking me under his arm, and resting my head on his chest. I feel safe here. I don’t want to lose this. “You don’t have to tell me what’s bothering you. Just know that whatever it is, I’m not going anywhere. Neither are Jeremy or Luke. We’re here for you; always.”

He reaches down and wipes a tear from my cheek. What the fuck? I’m crying. I never cry. What is this man doing to me? The thought of losing him or the other two breaks my heart. Can I trust his words? I want to, more than anything.

“Take my mind off it. I can’t talk about it right now. Are you sure that’s okay?” The words flow out of me. I immediately want to take them back. This is the most vulnerable I’ve been around any of them, and I don’t like it. Why do I need his approval so badly?

WILL

I know something is up with Em, and she admits that she doesn’t want to talk about it. I should let it go. I have to let it go. I can’t force her to tell me what’s wrong if she doesn’t want to. I wish that she could trust me, trust us, more than she does. As much as I want to push her to talk, I won’t, because that’s not what she wants right now. It doesn’t seem to be what she needs, either.

It’s hard seeing her vulnerable like this, but part of me likes it. Maybe this is what she needs; to have alone time with each of us so she can be more comfortable sharing herself. I’ll have to talk to the guys about it and work out a schedule. I wonder if we should talk this over with her, but I don’t want to scare her off. She’s skittish about commitment, and I can tell that she’s not comfortable discussing relationships.

I’ll admit I was shocked when she texted and invited me over. I threw on clothes and raced down here before she could change her mind. She’s never let any of us into her apartment before. I’m sure if I asked why, she’d claim it was because of her cam girl lifestyle, but that’s a lie. She’s hiding more than that. And whatever those secrets are, that’s what keeps her from letting us in.

Right now, she wants a distraction, but she needs a shoulder. I’m not sure how to give her what she needs, so I’ll give her what she wants. I turn toward her and cup her face, bringing her lips up to meet mine. “I’ll take care of you.” I don’t mean to whisper the words, but once they’re out, I can’t take them back. I kiss her deeply, giving her everything I have.

I am falling for this girl so hard, but I can’t tell her that, because it will scare her off. I know Jeremy and Luke feel the same way. We’ve talked about it, and the fact that she doesn’t want to hurt us by choosing one over the others. The three of us are okay with sharing. We just have to convince her that this is what she wants.

EMILY

For a moment, I think Will is going to press me to talk about this. I have no idea what I would tell him. I can’t admit that I’m an assassin. He’d never understand why I’m so comfortable taking men’s lives for money. None of them would. They’ll think I’m a monster. Hell, sometimes I think I’m a monster.

Then Will’s lips are on mine, and my mind goes completely blank. This is just the distraction I need to clear my head and make this decision.

Part of me is dying to give myself over to my desire. I want to belong to these men. But I have to protect them from my dark side. I can’t fully let them in, because what I do makes me a potential target for those who want to get away with their crimes. They deserve better. Can I be so selfish that I’ll take the comfort he offers without giving anything more than pleasure in return? Yes, I can. And I will. I’ll deal with the guilt later, after I’ve taken what I need and made my decision.

Kissing Will is different this time, and I feel like we’ve turned a corner. Things are changing between us, and I’m not ready. I have to pull back, but I need this time with him. I’ll hate myself for using him later. For now, I’m going to enjoy everything about this.

I fist my fingers in his auburn hair while he kisses down my neck and collarbone. He pushes me back against the pillows and slides his hands down my body. I shiver at his touch anxious for our first one-on-one experience. I expect him to take my tank top and shorts off, but he doesn’t. It’s obvious he’s planning to tease me before he finally gives me what I want.

Will pinches my nipple through the thin fabric and I arch my back. I want him to touch me without anything between us, but he’s not finished taunting me yet. He settles his body on top of me, between my legs, and I can feel his erection as it presses against me. I roll my hips to feel more of him.

He groans and bites my shoulder. Tingles shoot through me, straight to my clit. I drag his shirt over his shoulders and drop it on the floor. His skin is warm against mine, and my body hums, confirming that this closeness is what I need. He kisses me as I rake my nails down his back.

I contort my body, pulling my feet up to grab the waistband of his shorts, then stretch my legs, taking his shorts and underwear with them. He breaks our kiss, laughing. It was an absurd move for sure, but it doesn’t dampen our desire. “Sorry, you had my arms blocked. I had to get creative.” I smirk at him before drawing him back down into another kiss.

He hums his approval and finally slides a hand under my shirt. I release a sigh at the touch of his skin on mine. “You’re wearing too many clothes now,” he growls against my neck. I gasp as he rips my tank down the middle, baring my chest.

“Will!” I exclaim. He covers my mouth with his hand for a moment and shakes his head.

“I’ll buy you a new one. And shorts too,” he says, shredding my shorts instead of trying to take them off me. I’m soaked from how hot this new side of him is getting me. Will is usually my sweet boy, but I could get used to him being forceful.

“I want to do something different, but you have to promise that you’ll stop me if it weirds you out,” he whispers in my ear as his fingers find my clit.

“Okay, I’m game for different. What is it?” As distracting as the sensations of pleasure are, I want to know what he’s thinking of doing, and why he thinks it will freak me out.

He eases away from me a little and holds up his arm. It shifts from a human arm to a tentacle, complete with suction cups. My eyes go wide, and my breath hitches. I don’t know yet what he wants to do with that, but I am definitely into it.

“Yes, please,” I respond to what I’m seeing. I should probably ask what he’s planning, but I’m too distracted. Will smirks, then reaches for my breast with the tentacle. The small suction cups feel strange on my skin, but the way he tugs on my nipple sends sparks through me. He’s never shifted during sex before, and I’m realizing that this might be my new favorite thing.

The tentacle slides down my body, suction cups sticking and pulling at my skin. Will raises me up a little so I can watch as it reaches my mound. A moan escapes me when the tentacle dips inside my center, then moves to my clit, dragging my wetness with it. I wonder for a moment if I should be weirded out by this, but it’s Will’s hand, just in a different form.

I trust him and I want this more than I would have expected. He alternates thrusting the tentacle into me and rubbing my clit until I’m squirming and on the verge of my release. “Mmm, Will, that feels so good.”

He stops just before I come, dragging the tentacle up my body and teasing my nipples with it. I try to reach for his cock, but he grabs my hands and pulls them over my head. I play struggle against his grip, bucking my hips when I can’t get free.

Will shifts his arm back to normal, then lines himself up and thrusts into me. His balls slap my ass, and he adjusts me so he can go even deeper. I meet him, thrust for thrust, our bodies slamming together in the punishing rhythm he sets. Every thrust pushes me closer to my release. He moves faster and pounds into me harder. I try to take control, but he doesn’t let me. He keeps me pinned against the bed as he thrusts into me over and over.

I cry out when I come and feel the moment he joins me in ecstasy. I lay there for a moment with his weight on top of me. It’s warm and comforting, reminding me of the pleasure we just shared. As much as I don’t want to move, we should clean up so there’s not a sticky mess in my bed later. I crawl out from under Will and pad to the bathroom. After cleaning myself up, I bring a warm cloth back with me for him to wipe off with.

“You’re not kicking me out now, are you?” he asks with a sad smile. I hate that he expects me to ask him to leave after what we’ve just done.

I shake my head. “No. I thought we were taking a nap.” He grins at my response, dressing quickly and settling back in my bed. I grab another set of pjs from my dresser, putting them on before joining him. Once we’re snuggled up, I have no problem falling asleep.

WILL

I wait until Emily is almost asleep to whisper the words, I’m desperate to say. “I love you.” I know if I tell her when she’s fully awake and can respond, she’ll run from me. We’ve all tried to get her to talk about her childhood, but she refuses. All we know is that it was tough, and she says that thinking about it gives her nightmares. I think that’s why she’s so adverse to feelings.

It’s clear that she’s never really had someone take care of her or love her. The guys and I want to change that, but it’s a very slow process. I know that Jeremy and Luke both feel the same way I do. None of us have been brave enough to tell Emily, though. We don’t want to chase her off.

Holding her in my arms, I let myself relive what we just did as I drift off to sleep. I’m awakened a few minutes later by Em thrashing and crying out in her sleep. I’d hoped that having me with her would ease the nightmares, but it doesn’t look like I’m helping.

“It’s okay, sugarplum. I’ve got you,” I whisper. I press a kiss to her forehead. She whimpers and snuggles closer before calming down. I’m relieved, but don’t think I’ll get back to sleep now. I look around her room as the sun streams in through the partially closed blinds.

It’s pretty bare in here. She has a bed and dresser, but not much else. Her nightstand and a chair in the corner complete the furnishings. I wonder if the rest of the apartment is the same. I was too caught up with her letting me in earlier to pay attention. That and the sexy little shorts set she answered the door in were way more important to focus on.

I wonder if she’ll let me buy her some furniture or decorations; something to make this place more her own. Or if I can talk her into just moving in with us upstairs. That would make everyone happy. But there’s a chance she’ll run when I make the suggestion. Maybe I can find a way to make it her idea.

I know that the four of us need to have a talk. The guys and I want Emily to be ours, but she’s been so distant. I hope that her cam girl identity is the only thing holding her back. I feel like there’s more that she’s hiding, but I don’t want to push her away by digging too deep.

After snuggling closer and pulling Emily against me, I finally drift back to sleep. She sighs against my chest, and I’m certain I’ve chased away her nightmares for at least today.