Page 18 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 4

Puzzle Pieces and Stressed Muffins

Morning light streamed into the room, kissing Callum’s soft features as he slept. Snored, really. My cinnamon roll was definitely noisy in bed—both meanings. Wanting to let him sleep for as long as possible, I tried to ease from his hold.

He tugged me right back and shoved his face into the crease of my neck. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To snoop in your room while you sleep.” I lightly headbutted him. “Sir Snores a Lot.”

“I don’t snore.” Callum frowned. “Do I?”

I laughed.

“Is it always like this?” he asked.

“What?”

“Love.” He held me closer. “Terrifying but also exhilarating. As if my heart’s going to beat right out of my chest.”

“Yep.” I rested my head against his, loving the warmth of his skin first thing in the morning. “So, you better get used to it.”

“Or you’ll do what?” He cracked a sleepy smile.

“You know those blueberry muffins you love so much? I’ll bake a huge batch of them… and then give them to Maddox.”

“Rude.” He playfully bit at my ear. “Isn’t that what you always say?”

I bit at his chin before trailing my mouth to his and kissing him.

Voices came from outside, as did distant whacks and clinks of armor. The knights had woken and started their daily duties. Twittering birds perched in the tree beyond the window, singing their morning song. It was peaceful.

A peace disrupted as the door swung open.

“Morning, Lieutenant,” Duke said, his red hair free of its usual hold. The spark of mischievousness in his eyes told me he’d come to be a pest. Probably encouraged by the other knights. A theory proven correct as they entered the room behind him, all wearing smirks. “We’ve come to check on you.”

“To check on me?” Callum tucked one arm behind his head and held me with the other. “As you can see, I’m more than fine. Feel free to see yourselves out.”

Quincy poked his head around Duke, the scar on his face wrinkling as he grinned. “This’ll take some getting used to. Seeing you snugglin’ the captain’s sweetheart.”

I smiled. “I know why you’re all really here. You want me to cook breakfast.”

“Now that you mention it...” Duke rubbed at his chin. “Bacon would certainly be appreciated. Slightly charred and crispy.”

“And biscuits,” Baden added. “With blackberry jam.”

“I’m quite fond of the cakepans,” Quincy said.

“Cakepans?” I asked, confused.

“Aye. Those little cakes you made the other morning. Round, golden, and delicious. Great when drenched in butter.”

I tried not to laugh, but he made it hard. “Do you mean pancakes?”

A puzzled look crossed Quincy’s face. “Was that its name?”

Baden clapped him on the shoulder. “Quite fortunate you’re skilled in a fight. You’d never make it far with intellect alone.”

“All right,” I said, pulling the blanket higher. “Give me a moment to get dressed, then I’ll make breakfast.”

No way in hell was I showing all of Maddox’s knights my junk. I might’ve had a harem, but I drew the line somewhere.

After the knights left and closed the door, I pecked Callum on the lips and scooted out of bed. I cleaned up using the water basin in the small connecting room before dressing in the clothes I’d worn the previous day. A certain knight was right where I’d left him when I finished.

“You’re still in bed.” I put my hands on my hips.

Callum wiggled more into the mattress and tossed me that crinkly eyed grin. “I’m injured, Ev. Forget making breakfast for them and cuddle with me.”

I blinked. That was way cuter than my pre-coffee brain could process.

A knock came at the door. When it wasn’t forced open like earlier, I figured it wasn’t one of the bratty knights and went over to answer it.

“Good morning, love,” Briar said, his brown hair tousled from the morning breeze. A satchel was slung over one shoulder. “Apologies for the intrusion. I’m here to check on Callum.”

“Morning.” I hugged him. “You’re not intruding. Seeing you always makes me happy.”

“Not as happy as you make me.” He kissed my temple and stepped through the doorway.

A familiar smell wafted from him. Magnolia blossoms… but something else too. My mouth watered. “Briar? What’s in your bag?”

He peered at me over his shoulder, brow arching. “A surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” My stomach grumbled as he reached into the satchel and withdrew a wrapped bundle. “Oh my god.”

“Fig bread.” He smiled. “It’s been too long since I’ve made it for you.”

“Have I ever said how much I love you?” I flung my arms around him in my excitement.

“Once or twice.” Laughing, Briar handed me the bundle and softly kissed me. “Sit and eat while I check on your knight.”

I padded over to the small table and sat down, eagerly unwrapping my treat.

“How do you feel?” Briar sat on the edge of the bed and brought his satchel forward.

“Better.” Callum sat up and lowered the blanket, exposing his tight abs. “A bit sore is all.”

“Soreness is expected.” Briar examined the wounds on Callum’s torso. “You’re healing nicely.”

“Will I be able to return to my usual duties soon?”

I narrowed my eyes at him as I chewed. He was lucky I hadn’t woken to find him outside hitting trees with sticks again.

“I believe so.” Briar gently probed a deeper gash on Callum’s ribs, nodding to himself. “May I see your neck?”

The bread soured in my gut as he removed the bandage. The wound had closed but wasn’t nearly as faded as the others. How he’d survived it was a miracle. My heart wobbled.

“No tears,” Callum said, looking over at me.

“I’m not crying.” I wiped at my eyes and turned in my seat to face the window. “There’s just dust in my eye.”

“You’re a dreadful liar, Ev.”

“I find it endearing. Our Evan cares so deeply for all of us. Just as we care for him.” Briar smiled as he applied a salve to Callum’s neck and rebandaged it. “There. That should do for now. You may return to work but refrain from anything too strenuous for at least another day.”

“Thank you,” Callum said, lifting a hand to his bandage. “Not only for tending to my wounds but for… well, everything.”

Briar’s expression softened. “You’re part of our family now. As such, I expect you at the cottage this evening.”

They shared a smile. Which did not make me almost cry again. Nope.

Boots thumped outside the door before it slowly opened. Duke peeked into the room, followed by Baden. They were worse than children.

I laughed. “Okay, I’m coming.”

With my heart lighter than it’d been in quite some time, I kissed Briar and Callum before tugging on my boots and heading toward the mess hall.

***

Nothing beat a good pot of chili for dinner.

I hunted for my favorite large pot, mouth already watering at the thought of the hearty chunks of seasoned beef, peppers, black beans, and blend of zingy flavors. A touch spicy but not too much.

Eating chili wasn’t the only thing that had me smiling and bouncing around the kitchen. I was happy. Two days had passed since Briar cleared Callum to return to his duties, and he was almost back to normal. He’d also stayed the past few nights with us at the cottage.

Our only problem was the sleeping situation. Maddox had suggested again that Callum sleep on the rug, and I’d swatted at him. The big meanie.

Lake came through the back door holding a wicker basket. A warm wind blew in behind him, ruffling the strands of his silvery hair. He placed the basket on the counter. “Green bell peppers for tonight’s dinner.”

“Thank you.” I stepped into his arms. “How’s the garden?”

“Thriving for the most part.” His ears drooped. “Apart from the tomato plant.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s sad, I think.” He rested his cheek on the side of my head, releasing a heavy breath. “Several of the tomatoes have been torn from the vine and gnawed on. An animal, by the look of it. Which I understand. They need to eat as well. Yet, the plant’s spirit was low. So, I spent time with it before coming inside. Talking. Cleaning up the vine. Singing a bit. I hope it helps.”

Lake was too precious for this world.

“I’m sure it did.” I tipped my head back and nuzzled his cheek.

He helped me chop the vegetables before we threw it all into a pot to cook. I then whipped up batter for cornbread, adding jalapeno for an extra kick. Our redhead eventually joined us in the kitchen.

“Are you meeting Draven and Reign tonight?” I stirred the chili.

“Not tonight.” An odd expression crossed Rowan’s face before quickly transitioning to a smirk. One that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You have me all to yourself. What will you do with me?”

“Swat you with this spoon, if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong.” He rested his hip against the counter and flicked his hand. “Put your little weapon away.”

Despite his easygoing attitude, my nerves refused to settle. Something felt off. Like he was keeping something from me. Or maybe I was still just freaked out about the red spider lily and letting my paranoia get the best of me.

A thought then occurred to me. Maybe the lily had been for Callum. An omen about his attack. But then, why had it showed itself to me and not to him?

Curious and curiouser.

The clunk of boots came from the front parlor, followed by boisterous voices and the clink of weapons. Lake’s wolf ears shot upward.

“Sounds like they brought the entire Order with them,” Rowan muttered. “If they’re too loud, I’m gonna stab them.”

“Don’t you dare.” I wagged the stirring spoon at him.

“Such a dangerous little treasure.” He snatched the spoon from my hand and leaned in, brushing his lips over the pulse point on my neck. “You’ve been disarmed. What will you do now?”

Heat swirled in my veins.

“Step away from the muffin,” a deep voice said from the kitchen doorway.

Rowan smiled against my throat. “Make me, oh mighty captain.”

“Both of you need to learn to share.” Briar stepped into the kitchen behind Maddox and smiled at me. “Evening, love.”

“Hey, handsome.”

Rowan bit at my neck before moving over to the small table.

“Come here, you.” Maddox slipped his arms around my waist.

I returned his hold. “I missed you today.”

“Not nearly as much as I missed you.”

My favorite group of knights then trailed in. Callum, Duke, Baden, and Quincy. However, it was different now. One of those knights meant so much more to me.

“A certain lieutenant could use a muffin too.” Maddox nuzzled my check before letting me loose.

I padded over and hugged Callum. The bandage had been removed from his neck, and an ache burrowed in my chest when seeing the deep gash that had almost taken him from me. “How do you feel? Are you in any pain?”

“No pain.” His brown eyes crinkled with a smile. “Though, the same can’t be said for my heart. It’s been aching ever since we parted this morn.”

“Gross.” Rowan brought both legs up in his chair, resting his elbow on the table. “The two of you are sickly sweet.”

“Then avert your eyes,” Callum told him before kissing me.

Duke grabbed one of the bell peppers that hadn’t made it into the chili and bit into it like an apple, spitting out the seeds. He then looked at Lake. “What say you to a game of chess before dinner? Need to redeem myself from last time.”

“I should help Evan with dinner.” Lake’s ears drooped. “Perhaps we can play later?”

“Nah, go.” I swept a hand over his silver bangs. “Everything’s put together. It just needs time to cook.”

“You’re certain?”

“Yep.”

“All right.” Lake softly pecked my lips, then looked at Duke. And although I could tell he tried to keep it from doing so, his tail wagged. It happened more frequently now. He was more comfortable around not only me but the others too. “The board is in the parlor.”

“Lead the way.”

The two of them left the kitchen.

Once the food was done, Quincy and Baden went into the dining area and moved tables together to make one big one, just like we always did with family dinners. Maddox and Briar helped me carry out the skillets of cornbread, fill bowls, and pour drinks.

And then, we all sat to eat.

“I could eat five bowls of this,” Callum said between bites.

“Eat as much as you want.” I scooped more into his bowl. “It’ll help you get stronger.”

He playfully rolled his eyes. “You speak as though I’m on my death bed, Ev. My wounds have all healed and appear as mere scars now.”

I added a bit more to his bowl anyway, and Briar laughed.

Duke dunked a huge wedge of cornbread into his chili and shoved the entire thing into his mouth, nodding in approval. Quincy was oblivious to everything going on around him. He was too focused on scraping his now empty bowl, then diving in for seconds.

“I meant to ask…” Briar looked at Maddox. “On my way to meet with Lord Norwood earlier—the man was in quiet the state after indulging in too much wine last night—I overheard two knights from the Royal Order. They mentioned you met with Captain Stone and her crew.”

“The pirates?” I asked. “Did something happen?”

“Of sorts.” Quincy wiped at his mouth. “They—”

“We’ll speak on it after dinner,” Maddox interjected, then forced a smile when his voice came out harsher than he probably intended.

Baden glanced down at his plate. Duke slowed in his chewing and found the wall suddenly interesting. Quincy toyed with a string on his sleeve.

Callum was the only one who looked at me, and by the scrunch of his brow, I knew he wanted to tell me. He’d always been that way; not sugarcoating the truth in order to spare my feelings. It’s something I appreciated—and loved—about him. But one glance at Maddox had him looking away and reaching for his mug.

I narrowed my eyes at Maddox. He returned my stare, expressionless. He had one hell of a poker face—even if he sucked at playing actual poker.

With nerves rolling around in my gut, I somehow managed to eat all of my food before clearing the table and busying myself with the dishes. Callum came over to help. Soap suds covered my forearms as I washed a plate, then handed to him. He lightly bumped against my shoulder as he rinsed the plate and set it on the rack to dry.

“About the pirates…” I kept my gaze on the soapy water. “What did they want?”

“Well.” Callum’s brow pulled together. “Captain Stone and her crew were—”

“Sweetheart?” Maddox stepped into the kitchen. The tightness around his eyes was one I knew well. One that usually came with bad news. “Let’s join the others in the dining room. We’ll speak there.”

I dried my hands and walked with him and Callum to the other room, nerves rolling in my gut.

Lake and Duke sat at the table playing chess, both intently focused on the board. Rowan sat at the bar and watched them as he drank from his glass of rum, legs kicked up on the stool beside him.

“No cheating,” Lake told him.

“I’m not even playing.” Rowan sneered.

“You’ll help him win.”

Duke huffed. “I don’t need help winning.”

Lake made his move and swiped Duke’s bishop.

“Gods be damned,” Duke said with a sigh.

Briar sat next to Lake and tried not to laugh. It was nice seeing him so relaxed. He’d overdone it at the clinic lately. Thane was quickly progressing through his apprenticeship, however, and would be able to take on more work soon.

Quincy and Baden arm-wrestled at one of the two-seater tables near the hearth, a large brownie beside them. The prize for the winner.

Silly knights.

“All right, enough tomfoolery,” Maddox said in a serious tone. They stopped mid-wrestle and snapped their heads in his direction. His attention, however, shifted to me. “Callum and I met with Captain Stone today. She and her crew were doing a routine patrol of the waters along the coast when they discovered something.”

“What did they find?” I asked.

Wariness touched his eyes. “A ship.”

“Who was aboard?” Lake glanced up from the chess piece he’d just taken from Duke. A rook this time.

“No one.” A deep wrinkle formed in Maddox’s brow. “The ship was found abandoned. No damage or anything to explain why the crew left it.”

“Quite the mystery.” I shifted weight to my other leg as my thoughts raced. “Maybe a disease wiped them out? Or there was a mutiny, and they killed off the captain before killing each other.”

“Interesting theories.” Callum grabbed my hand and gently squeezed. Calming my nerves a little. “But no bodies were found.”

“They could’ve been tossed overboard and eaten by sharks.”

Maddox gave me a tight smile. “We believe the crew abandoned ship as a way to avoid detection. It would allow them to come ashore in secret.”

“But why would they… oh.” A chill ran down my spine as realization sank in. “Do you think they’re from Haran?”

“That’s one theory,” Maddox said. “There were no sails or markings to indicate where it came from, yet Stone recognized the ship design as one common in kingdoms across the sea.”

Briar took off his glasses and rubbed at his eyes. “Is it possible the ship is how the infiltrators entered the kingdom in the past and is only now being found?”

Callum shook his head. “Stone’s crew went aboard and said that while some of the food had spoiled, the ship had only been anchored for a fortnight at most.”

“We suspect our target is involved.” Rowan slowly moved his glass in circles, watching the liquid swirl. “He arrived in the kingdom around that time.”

“Can you bring him in for questioning?” Briar asked. “Surely, the discovery of the ship justifies such a thing, regardless of any obvious wrongdoing.”

“Would if we could.” Rowan took a drink. “He vanished late last night. We were tracking his movements from the brothel when the trail went cold. That’s when we made a discovery of our own.”

Something in his expression unsettled me, just like when we’d been in the kitchen earlier. What made it worse? The way Maddox tensed. He already knew what was about to be said.

“Reign and I visited the brothel to retrace his steps,” Rowan continued. “While using the shadows, I overheard one of the wenches mention the man she just fucked. She spoke of his beautiful bronze skin and skills in bed. She also mentioned his ring. It meant nothing to me, but Reign paled when I told him.”

“A ring?” Briar asked.

“You might know of it, Specs.” He downed the rest of his rum in one gulp, then stared at the empty glass. “The ring was black with a red stone. And it had a crest of a headless serpent and two swords.”

Briar paled. “This woman… she was certain that’s what she saw?”

Rowan nodded.

“What’s the significance of it?” Lake asked, ears lifting in interest. Apparently, he and I were the only ones left in the dark.

“The crest is well known within the magical community,” Briar explained. “It’s the symbol of an Order that goes back centuries called Nocturne. Only mages of the highest caliber are permitted to join.”

“But not just any mage,” Rowan added. “Reign said all within the ranks must be proficient in dark magic.”

“Dark magic?” The top of my scalp tingled. “That doesn’t mean they’ve done anything wrong though. You have dark magic and aren’t bad.”

“That’s debatable,” Maddox mumbled.

Rowan rolled his eyes at him.

“While I would normally agree with you, love, this Order isn’t known for their goodwill.” Briar lifted a trembling hand to his glasses and pushed them farther up his nose. “They’re mercenaries of sorts and are hired for nefarious reasons. To track someone. To assassinate. I’ve heard some of them can even bend a person’s will and control them. If a member of Nocturne is here in Bremloc, it’s unlikely that he’s merely passing through.”

“We think he realized we were shadowing him and hid himself,” Rowan said. “Probably using a concealment spell and laying low for a while.”

Briar pushed from his chair and started pacing. “Perhaps this is a stretch, but taking everything into account, it seems a logical deduction. If your target is indeed a member of Nocturne, he could potentially be casting spells on the demons. It would explain their strange behavior, such as the enhanced aggression toward the knights, and the mana sickness in the dead demon as well.”

Maddox frowned. “The two could be related?”

“It’s possible, yes,” Briar answered. “Controlling demons is beyond the skill of lower level mages, though more powerful ones like him could succeed with little effort.”

I mulled around the info. “Why would he cast spells on the demons? To cause some chaos, I guess, but if he’s a dark mercenary or whatever, that means he was hired for a job, right? Why waste energy toying with the knights?”

“He could be biding his time and keeping our forces engaged in the meantime.” Maddox exchanged a look with Rowan. “Waiting for the moment to strike. Such as the engagement ball.”

Anxiety flared in my chest. “You think he’s here for Prince Sawyer.”

My captain nodded. “Given the recent capture efforts, it makes sense. As does waiting for the ball to act. The knights patrol the castle grounds and cover every entry point during royal events, but with so many guests, it’s possible for someone to slip through.”

“Someone like me,” Rowan said. “As you recall, the guards and knights couldn’t stop me the night of the autumn ball. I came to you on the castle balcony undetected. If our target is as powerful as Reign says he is, it would be all too easy for him to find his way in.”

I felt sick. “And what better time to make his move than when so many people are gathered? He could snatch Sawyer and disappear into the crowd.”

“Not only disappear but turn that crowd against any guards that try to pursue them.” Rowan stared longingly at his empty glass. “We believe he’s behind the fights in the kingdom. Using dark magic to enhance people’s negative emotions. Turn their fear against them and cause them to lash out. It all adds up.”

“What’s the point of that?” I asked. “Just to be an asshole?”

My spy cracked a smile. “No, little treasure. The brawls and unrest have distracted our forces, as your captain said. Knights and spies alike. Keeping our focus on various threats and allowing our target and anyone working with him to move pieces across the board behind the scenes.”

“You said Nocturne is an order of magical mercenaries.” I fidgeted in place. “This guy might not be connected to Haran at all. Anyone could’ve hired him.”

“True.” Maddox nodded. “Word has spread by now of Voltas and Bremloc arranging an alliance through marriage. Several kingdoms across the sea would have reason to intervene, seeing as to how it’d unite two already powerful armies; Bremloc’s soldiers and the naval fleet from Voltas.”

“The trade as well,” Duke said. “Because of the canal.”

“I would be inclined to agree with that theory if not for one thing…” Briar sat back down and rubbed the back of his neck. “King Silas has hired the services of Nocturne once before. With Prince Elias.”

I froze. “What?”

He looked at me with a slight tremble in his chin. “The details around the matter are mainly speculation, though there are rumors that King Silas searched for Prince Elias for months with no success. Thus, he hired Nocturne to track him down.”

Fear squeezed my sternum. The mercenaries had killed my dad? And now one of them was in the kingdom.

The smallest flicker of pain showed in Maddox’s eyes. “So, it’s safe to assume King Silas has resorted to hiring them again.”

“It’s very likely, yes.”

Callum brought me closer to his side. Lake looked at me, ears lowering and purple eyes faintly glowing. Rowan glared at the floor, a tic prominent in his jaw. That was the one thing none of them had known. The missing piece of the puzzle that brought everything into focus.

“Whether this mercenary is affiliated with Haran or not is of little consequence in regard to finding him.” Baden turned in his chair to face us, not seeing Quincy steal the brownie from the plate. “He’s caused harm to this kingdom and its people and must answer for it.”

“How will you find him?” I asked, blood pressure rising. “He’s not just an ordinary soldier. He has powers. You’re knights, not mages.”

“With our help.” Rowan slid from the barstool and retrieved his flask from the cloak he’d draped over the nearest chair. “The bastard can’t hide forever. Reign lost his scent last night but detected a faint trace of it leading toward the mountains.”

“Okay.” My stress level had skyrocketed in a matter of minutes. “What’s the plan now?”

“Our orders are to locate the mage and bring him in for questioning,” Maddox said, lacking inflection. Serious and to the point. “We’re meeting with the other knight captains at dawn to arrange a search party.”

Duke nodded. “As my fellow redheaded brother said, the bastard can’t hide forever. We’ll find him.”

“Redheaded brother?” Rowan cocked his head, as if considering the title. “I’ll allow it.”

I almost laughed at that, but the knots twisting in my gut made me feel sick.

“Don’t worry, Ev.” Callum tipped my face up to his. “We’ll be prepared this time. For demons and anything else we may encounter.”

“I’ll be there as well,” Rowan said. “Using the shadows to travel and keep watch of our surroundings. And I’ll use the Bone Crusher to save one of these fools if need be.”

“Save yourself,” Maddox told him with a sneer. “We are more than capable of protecting ourselves.”

“Wait.” Despite my nerves, I smiled. “Does this mean all of you will be working together? Spies and knights?”

“Unfortunately.” Rowan took a swig from his flask. “Captain Glutton better not get in my way.”

Briar snorted.

Maddox rolled his eyes. “You’d be the one in my way, thief.”

“Spy,” Lake corrected him. “He’s a spy now.”

Rowan gasped. “Why, pup, you’re gonna make me cry.”

Lake bared his teeth and flicked his tail.

“Welp. Guess I better head to the kitchen. I have some baking to do.” I smiled at Maddox, hoping it wasn’t as wobbly as it felt. “Can’t send my knights away tomorrow without a bounty of muffins.”

“There’s only one muffin I want right now.” He took my hand in his and held me like I was this delicate, precious thing, then placed a kiss to my middle knuckle. “If he’ll have me.”

“Always,” I said, voice cracking.

With a playful gleam in his eyes, he scooped me off my feet and threw me over his shoulder.

“No,” I whined, kicking my feet. “I’m not a sack of potatoes. I’m not.”

“You are.” He gently swatted my butt. “And as I said before, sack of potatoes do not speak. They don’t kick their feet like spoiled children either.”

I laughed as he carried me from the dining room and toward the staircase. Tears welled in my eyes though. I loved him so much it scared me. Loved all of them; my men and my knights.

Once in the room, Maddox laid me on the bed and hovered over me, resting both arms on each side of my head. Black hair fell in his face, and dark lashes surrounded eyes as blue and mysterious as the sea. They spoke wonders then, however, saying so much with no words at all. Saying he loved me. That he was worried.

“Hey, big guy.” I traced the sharp line of his jaw. “What’s on your mind?”

“You.” Maddox rested his face in the crease of my neck. “And how deeply I love you.”

A pang hit my chest. “I love you too.”

He didn’t show this side often. This vulnerability. He always stayed strong, being a rock for everyone else to lean on. But as our lips met, I felt him surrender in a way he rarely did.

We undressed each other, kissing in between the tugging of our clothing. Soft sighs joined the creaks of the bed as he prepared me for sex, using one finger, then two. I stared up at him as he settled between my legs, feeling so many things at once. Arousal. Love. And a desperation to hold on to him and never let go.

The sex was unrushed. Maddox drove himself into me, slow but deep, cupping my cheek and staring at me so intently I wondered what he saw.

Was he memorizing my face like I often did to him and my other men? Noting the faint line of freckles on my cheek and tracing the curve of my eyebrow. Pressing the pad of his thumb to my lips before kissing me.

“I love the softness of your skin.” Maddox trailed his lips up my throat and to my ear, rocking into me. “And how your body clings to mine.”

He snapped his hips with more vigor and kissed my neck. I gripped his back and groaned, loving the way his muscles moved beneath my palms with every hard thrust. Loved the soft grunts under his breath and the sensation of his calloused fingertips as they dug into my hips.

“More.” I dug my nails into his ass cheeks, encouraging him harder. Faster.

Maddox braced one arm on the wall behind us and railed me into oblivion. A string of sounds left me as he fucked me so good I thought of nothing but the feel of him inside me. The stiffness of his cock. The rippling muscles of his torso and the roughness of his kisses. The graze of his teeth along my throat.

As he hit my sweet spot, I whimpered and rolled my hips up.

“Gods.” He dropped his head to my shoulder with a soft groan. Not an easy feat. The stoic captain often held back his moans.

A blinding pleasure crashed into me, so intense I couldn’t even make a sound. My mouth opened in a silent cry as my body convulsed, hips jerking.

“Evan.” Maddox grabbed my throat and turned his face into the side of my neck. “Gods. I…”

His cock swelled, and he came hard, biting my skin to keep from crying out. While hot as fuck, it told me he’d needed the release. That he’d been wound tight. With worry over me, probably.

“That’s it, big guy.” I lifted my hips off the bed and met his thrusts. “Give me everything you have.”

He didn’t disappoint. My captain always had a lot , and I loved milking every last drop from him.

Once spent, Maddox pushed his face against my throat and rolled off, taking me with him. Spooning me, he kissed my nape and worked on catching his breath. Laughter came from downstairs, as did clinks of dishes and mugs.

A while later, a light sound came at the door.

Briar entered first, then Callum and Lake. A flash of red hair trailed behind Lake. Rowan was the shortest of my men; only an inch or so taller than me. A fact that made him endearing, as well as deadly. Not that I’d ever say it out loud.

“I hope we’re not interrupting,” Briar said, sliding into bed next to Maddox.

“Never.” I smiled over at him.

Callum slid into bed on my other side and wasted no time before wrapping his arms around me, bringing a sweet scent with him. I pressed into him, feeling more of my earlier nerves trickle away. Lake took his place on my lap and nudged my hand with his head. Knowing what he wanted, I slid my fingers through his silver hair.

“We all love the same man.” Maddox grabbed Briar’s hand. “Yet, my heart is big enough to love you too.”

“As is mine for you.” Briar lifted their joined hands to kiss our captain’s knuckles.

“I hate all of you.” Rowan perched on the windowsill. “Apart from my little treasure, of course.”

Lake huffed. “Come to bed.”

“Bed’s not big enough for all of us.” Rowan shifted his gaze to the window. “I’m fine where I am.”

Maybe it was my post-orgasm brain, but it looked as though he were keeping watch. For what? The dark mage? The brownie stealing Reign?

“I didn’t want to say this in front of the knights, given the sensitive matter.” Briar dragged in a shaky breath. “But if the mage truly is a member of Nocturne, Prince Sawyer isn’t the only one in danger.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“It’s the manner in which they track their targets,” Briar said. “With the right spell, they can sense bloodlines.”

Callum’s hand stilled on my side.

“He’ll be able to sense me?” I asked.

“It’s a possibility.” Briar’s voice was unsteady.

“No harm will come to you,” Maddox said, dipping his face to the crease of my neck. His arm held me more securely, as if protecting me from every bad thing outside our room. “I won’t allow it.”

“Neither will I.” Callum pressed closer on my other side.

A powerful mercenary was in the kingdom. One who might be able to sense my bloodline. Not only that, but my men would be searching for him, putting them in danger too.

I thought of that damn flower again. How its red petals had drifted to the dead grass before withering away. Would this moment wither away too? Would this life we’d built together become nothing but a distant memory?

Lake lifted his head. The glow of his purple eyes stood out in the firelit room. “Shall I sing to you?”

My throat was too tight to speak. I could only nod.

As his melodic voice rang out, singing a familiar lullaby, I closed my eyes and eventually drifted to sleep. And dreamed only of them.