Page 30 of Redemption (Deliverance Duet #2)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ciaran

T ucked in the corner of the living room of my comfy home, I watch Iris as she curls up against Alaric. The fact that she’s with another male should enrage me, but it’s different with the prince. We share a connection through Iris. Her love for him is strong and resonates in my chest, and I know this works both ways, so he can feel how much she loves me too.

Seeing the way he looks at her now makes me want to snort. He’s just as besotted with her as I am. Lifting his head, he catches me watching them together on the couch, his arm wrapped around her as she rests her head on his chest. Our eyes meet, and his lips twitch up into a ghost of a smile. He rolls his eyes at me before returning them to our mate.

When it comes to her, my vision is skewed, the world becoming hazy as my eyes lock on her. Flowers become dull and uninteresting, and things I once thought beautiful pale in comparison. She is the light that guides me and makes me want to be a better male. I am the luckiest fucking man in the land to be mated to someone as amazing as her.

It’s been almost a week since Iris and Alaric woke in the healers’ quarters, and as soon as the prince was stable, we came to my residence on the outskirts of the city. Sure, I have a lavish, official residence where I host those who need an audience from me or carry out my duties as a lord of the court and second-in-command, but that’s not home. I can’t be myself there, as the mask of the unflappable lord always has to be firmly in place.

Here, everything is decorated to my preference. It’s small and cosy, with no servants milling around and no one expecting anything from me. At the edges of the city, I’m close enough to enjoy the vibe and attend the palace in an emergency, yet far enough away that it’s quiet and no one bothers me. I’ve never brought anyone here before, but I didn’t even hesitate in bringing them here.

They both needed somewhere safe and quiet to recuperate. Alaric may have been the one who was suffering, but Iris used a lot of magic to heal him. She likes to think she’s fine, but I’ve seen the slight wobble in her step when she first stands up, as well as how quickly she falls asleep in the evenings.

Lady Solanum, or Sola as I know her, has requested the three of us attend her at her palace in the city. Usually court business is attended to in the old hall on the edge of our land, but this way we can have a private conversation without an audience. I’ve been putting her off, though, wanting to give Iris more time. The summons in my back pocket feels like it’s burning, but I ignore it, keeping my focus on the female I love.

When I first saw her on that fateful day and I realised she could be the one to break our curse, I had no idea what was about to hit me. At the time, the pull I felt was incessant, but I assumed it had to do with the curse, not because she was my mate. Mates are rare, both for the Seelie and Unseelie. As time passed and we were trying harder and harder to get her from Prince Alaric, I realised she was something more important to me.

I am constantly amazed by her kind heart and her willingness to accept the Unseelie even after what she’s been through. There aren’t many who could keep hold of that kindness after being attacked and hunted down.

Feeling my gaze on her, Iris looks over at me and smiles. Whatever she sees on my face makes her bond hum with affection. She sits upright, making sure to keep physical contact with Alaric while keeping her attention on me.

“Back at the healers’,” she begins, her head tilted to one side. “What were those creatures?”

A barked laugh of surprise escapes me. Of all the things I thought she was going to ask, that was not one of them. How long has she been pondering this? Even Alaric is smiling, stroking her arm in soothing motions.

Our healers are the best in the land, but their appearance is certainly different from anything she would have seen before. With a smile on my lips, I clear my throat. “Wood dryads.”

A slight pull of her brow tells me she’s thinking over what I said, so I stay quiet as she processes. “Like nymphs?” she asks.

My grin is wicked, knowing exactly how the dryads would react to being called nymphs. “Don’t let them hear you call them that.”

Alaric hums beside her, wearing a small smile of his own. “The wood nymphs live in Seelie territory. We saw some before when we were travelling,” he reminds her, earning a shallow nod from her. “Dryads are more powerful. They are the literal souls of the trees in fae form. They bring life to the land and are found in both courts.”

This is an understatement, but a good basic description of what they do. Every tree has a soul, and most of them lie dormant within them. Some become dryads. Without the dryads, our forest would die. They coax plants into growing, lending them some of their life force to keep everything wild and green.

“He’s right. Each dryad looks different depending on what tree they originally come from,” I add, crossing my arms over my chest as I explain. “They are neither good nor bad. Their goal is to restore nature, but some choose to help the fae, such as healers, for example.”

While most dryads stay away from the rest of the fae and the hustle and bustle of the courts, there are several who are fascinated with us, choosing to help us in exchange for the opportunity to observe us.

“That’s amazing.” Iris’s eyes are wide, glittering with hope. She’s been thinking a lot recently about the two courts and how most of the fae are capable of living lives without violence. Knowing there are fae who actively help others, despite the court that person happens to belong to, will help strengthen her convictions.

During this conversation, Alaric has been watching Iris intently, and I can’t help but notice the subtle changes in him as we continue to speak. His pupils have narrowed, and his whole body has gone rigid. He looks like a starving man, and she is his meal.

“You are amazing.” His voice has dropped to a low grumble as he shifts his weight and leans forward, pressing against her back. His arms wrap around her torso, holding her close to him, and he drops his mouth to her neck.

Iris gasps, the sound loud in my ears. My entire focus is on the couple before me. That’s my Iris he’s kissing, my mate his hands are roaming over. It’s not me causing her to make those noises of pleasure. He’s biting her neck, a truly possessive fae move and one that I wish I was doing.

I’m torn. Do I leave, or should I stay? She’s watching me with wide eyes, but there’s excitement shining back at me. She likes having me here, watching her with her other mate.

Closing her eyes, she enjoys the attention for a few more moments, her head tilted back. Reluctantly, she lifts her head and places her hands on top of his in a gesture to stop. “Alaric, you’re recovering. We shouldn’t…”

None of us need her to finish that sentence, knowing exactly where this is going. We can all feel the sexual tension that’s been building over the last few days, and ignoring it hasn’t made it go away. If anything, it’s only intensified it. Alaric is a mated fae, so having physical contact with his mate will actually help heal him. His body is pretty much back to how it was before, but it’s his mind that’s not quite right.

A deep, possessive growl rumbles through his chest. “This will heal me, Iris. You will heal me. It’s you I need, not more rest.”

She looks so torn, clearly wanting what he’s offering but afraid of the consequences if he isn’t ready. Her bond will give her the answer, she just needs to look inside herself.

“He’s actually right,” I chime in, smiling as she shifts her questioning eyes towards me. Internally, I’m screaming at myself. What am I doing? Why am I encouraging this? I scan my mate’s face, taking in the trust and quiet hope in her expression. That is why. She needs this just as much as Alaric does. Making her happy has quickly become one of my top priorities.

“Being… intimate,” I continue, “will help speed up any final healing.”

These were obviously the words she needed to hear, determination crossing her features as she turns in Alaric’s hold. I watch as the two of them lock gazes, losing themselves in each other’s eyes. The feral edge that’s been in Alaric’s expression for the last week softens, and I see the person he once was. The love the two of them share is palpable, and you don’t need a bond to sense it.

A twinge of jealousy reminds me that this isn’t a moment that involves me. Alaric is healing and needs this, and although there is a part of me that’s curious about watching the two of them, I know I should offer them privacy.

Pushing away from the wall, I make my way to the door, planning to go for a walk around the city to waste some time. “I should give you some space.”

“No,” Alaric calls out, surprising all of us. He shakes his head with a frown, meeting my gaze. “My instincts are right at the edge of my control, and I need you to make sure…”

Oh. He doesn’t need to continue. I know exactly what he’s saying. He’s terrified he’ll lose control and could hurt Iris. How do I feel about sticking around and watching my enemy fuck my mate? If I’m honest, he stopped being my enemy the moment I realised we shared a mate. To my surprise, I’m not as upset about this as I thought I would be. Possessive, yes, but it’s no different than what Iris and I did with Nyx.

I shift my attention to Iris, trying to gauge her reaction. Is this something she wants? Her safety is my utmost priority, but I need her to be comfortable with me being here. Her cheeks are flushed, and she seems taken aback by the change in circumstances, but I can feel her excitement through our bond. The idea of me watching her and Alaric fuck is turning her on.

“If I stay, I’m not going to be able to keep my hands to myself,” I warn, arching a brow. She needs to know exactly what she’d be getting herself into. I’m not going to take this moment from them, but I know my limits.

Her pupils blow wide, and her swallow is audible. Every change in her body feels magnified somehow, as though I am extra attuned to her as her arousal fills the room like a delicate perfume. She needs this. We all need this.

Alaric narrows his eyes, scanning me from head to toe, and I’m expecting rejection. He’s so close to losing control that this could throw him over the edge. After all, he wanted me here as a safety net, not a participant. Several seconds pass, and his glare shifts into a confused frown.

“The thought of anyone with Iris makes me want to tear the forest apart.” His lip lifts to reveal his sharp teeth with a quiet snarl. He tilts his head to one side, and his gaze becomes distant, almost as though he’s listening to a conversation in his mind. Suddenly, all awareness returns to his eyes. “It’s different with you, mate of my mate. Iris would be sad if I killed you.”

He can feel the sense of apathy towards each other as well. We are all connected in some way through our bond with Iris, and hurting that bond would have consequences for all of us. Rivalry and hatred have disappeared, replaced by a desire to keep Iris safe. Having three mates will help ensure that, so everything else seems pointless.

Alaric clearly comes to the same conclusion, nodding sharply before losing the battle with his instincts. In a flurry of movement, he turns to her, tearing Iris’s dress clear down the front before descending onto her.

Concern has me stepping forward. He handed the reins over to his primal self, and while that’s what he needs right now, it would be better if we were in a more controlled environment. This is why he wanted me here after all, to make sure he doesn’t go too far and accidently hurt her, but hearing the noises of enjoyment she’s making, I don’t think I need to worry.

Iris’s back is pressed into the couch’s cushioned seats, with Alaric straddling her hips as his hands work over her body, pinching and caressing her nipples. They kiss and lose themselves in the moment, their hands and lips everywhere.

It’s fucking hot. I can see why Nyx decided to hide in the shadows and watch me with Iris. There’s a thrill in watching. It’s dirty and feels borderline wrong, their impassioned noises only complementing this. My cock strains against the front of my trousers, and I’m desperate to join in. No, I need to give them this. My time will come. My own primal instincts scream in the back of my mind. I need her on my cock now . Gritting my teeth, I squeeze my hands into tight fists, my nails cutting into my palms and giving me a moment of clarity. I can’t touch her right now, so I go for the next best thing. Sliding my hand past the waistband of my trousers, I palm my rigid member.

I don’t bother to smother my grunt of pleasure as I slowly pump my cock, watching Alaric tear off the final piece of Iris’s clothing—her underwear. He cups her pussy. Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to be in his place right now.

Without any warning, he shoves two fingers inside her channel, turning her moan into a cry of pleasure. He’s rough, but she seems to be enjoying it, her end of the bond glowing with bliss. My jaw tightens, and I force back the low snarl of possession that’s attempting to work its way from my throat. I want her, and seeing Alaric’s possession is making my instincts surge forward.

I must not manage to hold it back, as Alaric’s head snaps up, his eyes narrowed, but his expression quickly shifts into a smug grin. He knows the effect he’s having on me. Chuckling darkly, he bites down on the flesh between her neck and shoulder, marking her as his mate as per fae custom. Iris moans as Alaric continues to pump his fingers inside her.

He moves again. Picking her up, he throws Iris over his shoulder and walks around to the plush end of the couch. Iris lets out a shriek of surprise and delight. Frowning, I follow, not sure what he’s up to.

Propping her over the couch arm, he bends her forward and kicks her legs apart. His hand disappears between her thighs, and the wet sounds he produces tells me just how turned on Iris is. He positions himself behind her, fisting his cock and notching it against her entrance. There’s a pause, and I realise they are both looking at me. What do they expect from me? Iris’s eyes are locked on my cock and the slow movements of my hand, whereas Alaric seems to be waiting for something.

Whatever he sees in my expression must be enough, because he rests his hands on her ass and plunges his cock into her pussy.

A bolt of pleasure fires through me, stealing my breath away, and it takes a moment for me to realise it’s not my own bliss I’m feeling, but Iris’s. I’m actually experiencing her pleasure, and it enhances my own to the point that I almost come right here on the spot.

Her back is arched, sweat glistens on her body, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful sight. Warmth fills me, expanding from my chest and through the bond. I’m unable to stop it, and I don’t want to. Sometimes you can’t put your feelings into words, and in this case, I don’t have to.

Iris looks at me, and the glow in her eyes tells me everything I need to know.

Alaric continues his relentless thrusts, his hands on her hips so he can push deeper. He stares down at our mate the entire time, totally focused on her and the bite mark on her shoulder.

Cheeks flushed, Iris grips the chair arm tightly, her breath huffing out of her with each slam of Alaric’s hips.

They need this, but she also needs me. There’s a reason I’m here. I’m not going to stop Alaric, but I am going to take back some of the control here. Iris is not just a fuck for us. She’s our mate, and that means something.

Removing the rest of my clothing, I climb onto the couch and kneel before Iris. She watches me, curiosity and lust shining in her eyes. I reach out to her and thread my fingers through her hair, tilting her head up. Applying the slightest bit of pressure, I keep her head in place with my hand in her hair.

“Look at you, taking the prince’s cock so well,” I purr, staring down at her with a wicked smile. She gasps in surprise, and I sense a surge of her arousal. She likes the dirty talk. Noted.

“That’s it,” I continue, “take him deep. Remind him what your love feels like.”

There’s tension in the air, and it takes me a moment to pinpoint that it’s coming from Alaric. Is he struggling now that I’ve joined in their moment? I look up at him. His face is taut, and his movements are stiff. He’s holding himself back in fear that he’s going to lose control. This isn’t going to help either of them. He needs to be reminded that it’s almost impossible to hurt your mate. There are stories of mates who have killed themselves before hurting their mate. I understand the fear, especially considering how close he came to madness before, but he wouldn’t feel this way if he was truly about to lose control.

“Everything is alright, Alaric,” I tell him quietly but firmly. “I won’t let you hurt her.”

These seem to be the words he was looking for, as the tension leaves his body and his thrusts become smoother. Our gazes meet for half a second, and I see his gratitude before he returns to watching our mate. Iris instantly responds to the change, her gasps and moans becoming louder and more frequent.

Her cheeks flush brighter, making her eyes sparkle more. A low, satisfied chuckle shakes my shoulders as they let themselves go and enjoy the moment. It’s fucking beautiful. I tilt her head once more and stroke her cheek with the back of my free hand.

Now that I have her full attention, I drop my hand, knowing her gaze will follow. Lifting my aching cock, I stroke it slowly in front of her. It’s in her line of sight, and her gaze quickly locks onto it. With tight, smooth strokes, I pump my length, air hissing through my teeth at the sensations going through me.

A look of pure hunger takes over her expression as she watches every movement of my hand. She licks her lips, and I know what she’s going to say before the words even escape her mouth.

“Let me taste you.”

I quickly assess the situation to make sure Alaric is still okay with how things are progressing and see no signs of him losing control. Taking a deep breath, I shift forward and lift my cock to her lips. She wraps her slim fingers around my base, gripping tightly enough that I hiss through my teeth.

Fucking perfection.

She licks the head of my cock, and I think I’ve died and gone to paradise, but then she sucks me into her hot, wet mouth and starts to suck as she takes as much of me as she can manage. My mind goes blank, and I throw my head back at how fucking good this feels.

No, I don’t want to miss a moment of this.

Lifting my head, I look down at my perfect mate as she bobs on my cock, her movements only enhanced by each of Alaric’s thrusts. Fuck, I’m not going to last long, not with her looking so damn gorgeous and the little noises she’s making.

Iris hums as Alaric’s thrusts become harder, his face torn in exquisite agony. The vibrations around my cock are too much, and pleasure rips through me. My cock pulses, emptying my load straight into her mouth. I didn’t have the chance to ask if she wanted me to pull away, but from the way she’s humming and licking her lips, I’d say she’s happy with the outcome.

Exhausted, I sit back on my heels and watch Iris and Alaric. They are close now. I can see it in the way their eyes are glazed and their movements are less fluid. Iris drops her head, and I know she’s close to the precipice.

“Don’t look away,” I order her softly, gratification filling me as she does exactly that. “Keep looking at me.” If I hadn’t already come, then I would now, the look in her eyes so perfect.

She stares at me, scanning my body and the satisfaction written across my face. Surprise flashes across her features before she shatters, coming around Alaric’s cock. Her whole body shudders with the pleasure of her orgasm, cresting like a tidal wave. It hits both Alaric and me through the bond a second later, and my vision disappears in a bright, blinding light. Alaric’s ragged cry of pleasure tells me he’s coming too, the sensations running through the three of us in what seems like a continual loop.

Finally, the glow ebbs and my vision returns. My body feels weak, as though I have no bones to hold myself upright, and I flop back onto the couch. I look up at Iris and Alaric, the latter of which is draped over our mate’s back, the two of them exhausted but happy.

The heavy weight of sleep pulls at my mind, dragging me down into unconsciousness. The last thing I see before I fall asleep is a soft, satisfied smile on Iris’s face.