Page 17 of White Little Lies (Four Ways to Fate #3)

17

I sat in a cushioned chair near the fire, a full glass of floral goblin wine in hand. The heat melted into my tired bones, and the wine was enough to make me feel like I might doze off at any minute. Ringo had already done just that at the dinner table, his belly full of roasted potatoes.

Now, why had I been so reluctant to come here?

Oh yeah, the goblin watching me from the other chair with his storm grey eyes and otherworldly beauty. His white hair fell long across the shoulders of his charcoal shirt. I knew the shirt was buttery soft, but not as good as the smooth skin underneath.

One corner of his mouth ticked up. He had a glass of wine too, but hadn’t yet sipped it. “What are you thinking about?”

I frowned. No way I was telling him my actual thoughts, but we had a bargain of truth between us, so there would be no lying. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

He leaned forward in his seat. “I would, very much.“

He had taken all the news in stride, as was his way. Sebastian was often irritated, and Gabriel had a temper. Crispin was calculating. But Mistral? The waves always just seemed to part around him. Even with his realm in danger, and his own life at stake, he sat there watching me perfectly calm, waiting to see what I would do.

Gabriel had left us to take a shower, and our silence had been comfortable, until now.

Now , for some reason I found myself blushing. “What do you think of Fiorus’ plan?”

He crossed one ankle over one knee, leaning back in his seat. “I think it was wise of him to snatch the opportunity for outside help. He’s in over his head.”

I shrugged one shoulder. “Yeah, that’s if he’s telling the truth about everything.”

“He was desperate enough to poison his own daughter. I believe the danger he faces is very real.”

And that danger was his own family. Even after all the things I had thought of my mother, it was still difficult for me to wrap my mind around it all. Currently, Fiorus was the patriarch of their clan. He controlled their magical well, and made the rules. But his brother, the one he’d had poisoned, had hatched a plan with several others to overthrow him. It would have meant Fiorus’ death, and the nymphs taking over part of the city for themselves. They didn’t want to stay stuck in a pocket realm anymore. They wanted their own true realm, with a boundary like the goblins, elves, fae, and angelics.

But that would require moving their well, and risking everything.

Mistral finally sipped his wine, still watching me. “You wonder if it’s the right thing to do—aiding Fiorus.”

“Well he did poison his own daughter.”

“But that’s not why you’re questioning things.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I had almost forgotten how annoyingly perceptive you are.”

“I prefer charmingly perceptive.”

I smirked. “Sure. If that’s your preference.”

He leaned forward again, and my breath caught as he stroked a finger between my brows. “I prefer to know just what is causing that little worried crease right there.”

I scowled. “I do not have a crease right there. And what isn’t there to be worried about? The increase on the bounty? Your unstable realm? Involving myself in nymph politics I know nothing about just to acquire the name of a certain devil?” Sebastian had acted like he didn’t recognize the name, but I had a feeling he would already be on the case while I sat by the fire and sipped wine.

His smile remained entirely serene. “You believe people should be free.”

“Of course I do, I—” I shut my mouth, realizing that was exactly what was bothering me about the Fiorus thing. He wanted Sebastian to return to his realm, to spy and ferret out any other nymphs plotting against him. And to do that, Sebastian needed me to bring him across.

It was Fiorus’ own business what he would do to those who opposed him, but the real issue was, I thought they were right. I thought if they wanted to have their own boundary and be a part of the city, then they should be allowed to do just that.

Only, that would take the well and the pocket realm away from everyone who wished to stay behind. So maybe there were no right answers.

Mistral stood and offered me his hand.

I looked up at him, suddenly nervous.

“I know something that might relax your nerves.”

“I’ll just bet you do.”

He rolled his eyes playfully. “Not like that. Of course, I’ll gladly keep that option open.”

I slid my hand into his and magic prickled across my skin. I reacted to all of the guys, but Mistral… It was like he embodied the pure wild magic of the land. It was simply what he was, and what it had taken to unleash my own power.

I kept my wine glass in my free hand as he helped me stand, but instead of leading me from the room, he pulled me close. His cheek brushed mine as he slid light kisses down my neck. His soft hair smelled like lavender and vanilla .

“What are you doing?” My voice was breathy, his kisses sending tingles from my neck to between my legs.

“Keeping the options open,” he breathed against my skin.

When I didn’t move away, he pulled back just enough to claim my lips. His tongue slid into my mouth and I molded my body against him, holding my wine glass awkwardly out to one side.

Never breaking the kiss, he deftly took it from me and set it on a small table, then his hands were massaging my lower back. A moan escaped me, and he took it as an invitation to delve deeper.

I reached for the waist of his pants, and he broke the kiss. The heat between us made his eyes go from stormy to almost silver. “I still have something to show you, Eva.”

“I thought that’s what was happening.” I smiled.

“ That , we will continue as well.”

He took my hand again, this time actually leading me away from our seats. I grabbed my wine at the last moment, then allowed him to guide me from the room.

I wasn’t sure what he could show me that would be more exciting than taking his clothes off in front of the fire, but as long as I could have both, he could lead me into an ice cold river and I wouldn’t care.

Well, it wasn’t an ice cold river. Steam swirled across the surface of the natural spring, bordered by lush green grass and the stone pillars surrounding the courtyard. The stars were giving way to dawn overhead, but I couldn’t see the rising sun with the stone walls surrounding us.

I stepped toward the water’s edge. “Now I see what you meant about relaxing.”

Mistral came up behind me, his hands sliding down my shoulders to my upper arms. I had left my jacket back by the fire, and just his skin against my bare arms made my mind return to what we had started. “Would you like to go in?”

I looked at the surrounding stone walls. There were several windows, too high for me to see into.

He leaned his cheek near mine, pressing his chest against my back. “I swear to you if anyone sees us, I will know immediately.” He didn’t bring up the fact that plenty of his people had seen us in the nearby village when it had been overrun by vines, and I appreciated that. Despite that incident, I was still entitled to a little modesty.

And if he said no one would see us now, I knew it was the truth. I stepped away from him just enough to tug my shirt over my head, then I started unbuttoning my jeans. I glanced back at him as he watched me. “You’re coming in too, right?”

He inclined his head. “Gladly,” he hesitated, his eyes going distant, “but Gabriel is now searching for us. I believe he might find you before he would even find me.”

That hit a little too close to home with Gabriel having found me in the elven forest. We still hadn’t had a chance to talk about it, and I had almost forgotten with everything else going on. “How do you know he’s coming?”

Mistral’s gaze refocused on mine. I am bound to the land, and to the stones of the Citadel. They speak to me, in a way.”

I didn’t have time to ask more questions as Gabriel walked through the nearest stone archway.

A few droplets of water had soaked into his white T-shirt from his damp hair. His hair, while already pure black, held highlights of blue and purple in the early morning light. Now that he had found us, he just stood there watching, unsure if he was welcome.

Mistral looked over at me.

I crossed my arms underneath my lacy bra. “You planned this.”

“That is not true. I would love some time alone with you, but… I leave this choice to you.”

My throat was suddenly dry at the idea of both of them in the hot spring with me. Oh gods, what had I gotten myself into?

And why was the idea suddenly all I could think about, my entire body tight with need.

“Fine,” I said, pretending I was put out even though he knew I wasn’t. I turned my back on him, removing my boots and jeans and tossing them aside. The bra and panties went next, and I refused to look back to see what was happening as I stepped into the water.

Heat closed around my legs and I nearly groaned it felt so good. Mistral was right, it was exactly what my tired body needed. Smooth stones lined the pool, creating steps into the deeper water. I was in up to my waist when I finally heard a small splash behind me, drawing my eye.

Steam rose around Mistral, clinging to his gray skin before swirling up and dissipating in the air. Gabriel had stepped in behind him, and even though the second man was much larger, they were both a sight to behold. Mistral slender and tall, muscled but lithe, his skin and hair ethereal. And Gabriel, powerful, earthy—and looking at me like he wanted to devour me from the top down.

Mistral reached me first, taking my hand to guide me into the deeper water, now reflecting the purple and pink hues of dawn. The water reached my shoulders, pulling tendrils of my brown hair to float around me.

Mistral deftly moved my hair, cradling my back against his chest as he kissed my neck.

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed with the sensation along with my nerves about the entire situation. The connection I felt with both of them terrified me, and I wished I could read their minds. I wished I could know if it felt the same for them.

I had told Gabriel that it was my magic that had chosen them, but he had been right. The choice had been mine, or maybe fate. Maybe it was fate that tugged the invisible strings between us.

I hadn’t heard Gabriel move, but I somehow knew he was now standing in front of me. I opened my eyes. He watched me with heat in his expression, but even after everything, he was still waiting for an invitation. I knew if I reached out to him, that would be it. That first time, I had been trying to save his life, and after that trying to keep the wild goblin magic from consuming us.

But there was no danger now. No excuses. If I gave in to what I wanted, there would be no hiding it anymore. Magic couldn’t be blamed. I would have to fully admit that it was my choice.

There was a flicker of hesitation in Gabriel’s eyes, and I sensed what it might feel like to just let him walk away. My heart ached at the very thought. I could sense Mistral waiting on bated breath behind me.

I lifted one hand from the water, and held it out toward Gabriel.

His expression shifted, and I knew even after everything, he was surprised. He was still surprised that I was choosing him. His powerful body slid through the water, his exposed chest gleaming with condensation. It dripped in sparkling rivulets down toward the little trail of hair leading lower.

He took my hand, raising it to his lips, grazing my skin with a reverent kiss. His eyes remained locked with mine, even as Mistral’s hands skimmed my waist from behind, hugging me until he cupped my breasts.

My nipples hardened at his touch. I realized we had moved deep enough into the water that my feet were barely touching. I was sandwiched between them, both of them tall enough to have their shoulders above the water. I had a moment of panic being so deep in a spring where wild magic surely bubbled beneath the surface, then Gabriel lifted me by the waist and kissed me.

I wrapped my legs around him, suddenly safe and secure, feeling the hard length of him pressed against me.

I didn’t want to say anything to ruin the moment, almost as much as I didn’t want to admit my plans for being with them again. But I also didn’t want this moment to end. I broke the kiss, and panted, “I’m on contraception now.”

Gabriel’s eyes widened for a moment, then he smiled, pulling my mouth back toward his. His tongue delved between my lips, tilting my head back. Mistral chose that moment to come up behind me again, his lips sliding across the side of my neck, every kiss tugging an invisible string that traveled right between my legs.

Magic danced around us, warm like the sun for Gabriel, and twinkling like stars for Mistral. I had a thought about the moonlight glow for Crispin, and Sebastian’s auroras, but I pushed it all away.

Our hearts seemed to beat as one, pulsing along with the wild magic. The water around us was almost too hot. Steam and sweat gathered at my hairline, dripping down.

As if already sensing my discomfort, Gabriel walked us toward the edge of the pool, then leaned my back against the cool grass. I could see the sun overhead now, but only for a moment as he dove between my legs, holding me just above the water so that my lower back and part of my legs were still warm.

Goosebumps prickled the rest of my wet skin as the steam dissipated around me, then Mistral was there, claiming my mouth just as Gabriel’s tongue plunged into me. I groaned into Mistral’s mouth, and just as before, the feeling of both of their hands on me was almost too much.

Mistral moved to my breasts, sucking one into his mouth until it was almost painful.

“Yes,” I breathed, and he sucked harder as Gabriel licked shivering lines between my legs, building me toward climax. The little stars around us changed, glowing more warmly than before just as the orgasm hit me.

Delicious pulses of electricity coursed through my body and I could no longer tell if I was cold or hot, nervous or just excited for more. Whatever it was, I could feel both of them. I could feel those invisible cords connecting us, tenuous and shining gold.

I looked down across Mistral’s body. Even with the cold air, he was still hard and ready, his skin slick with steam. Gabriel helped me as I slid a little more into the water. Mistral was always so in control, guiding me, guiding us , and now I wanted to give him what he had given me. I wanted him to let go and trust.

He watched me with heat in his eyes as I slid my mouth over his shaft. Even just that first touch gave me exactly what I wanted. He threw his head back, his hands fisting the grass.

Gabriel came up behind me, kneading my hips with his fingers, a silent request. I wiggled my hips, and a moment later I felt him at my entrance.

I was suddenly reminded of just how big he was as he slid in oh so slowly, careful not to hurt me. I pressed my mouth around Mistral as far as I could go, then slid back, slowly finding my rhythm. The sounds reverberating from his chest spurred me on. He might be an ancient, cunning goblin prince, but for me, he was letting down his guard.

With one last thrust Gabriel filled me completely, and I groaned around Mistral’s shaft. He reached his hands down, knotting his fingers in my hair. Not guiding my mouth, but making it clear he wished for me to stay there.

But it wasn’t his hands in my hair nor Gabriel at my hips that bound us together. I could feel those cords even stronger now, like shimmering threads of gold. They didn’t just bind me to Mistral, and Gabriel to me. They went through all three of us.

Gabriel started thrusting into me with abandon, building a second wave of warmth between my legs. I fell into the same rhythm with Mistral, matching Gabriel’s pace. Even in the growing sunlight I could still see the glittering stars and warm glow of magic around us, pulsing with every thrust.

Gabriel cried out as he came, and the feeling of him inside me with no protection between us sent me over the edge. Mistral came into my mouth a moment later with Gabriel slumping lightly over my back, keeping the three of us together.

When I could breathe again, I blinked at the stars in my vision. But there was something else. Something strange. I lifted my head as much as I was able. “I can hear both your heartbeats. And I can feel them, like they’re in my own chest.” My words were so soft I wondered if they had even heard them.

Gabriel kissed the middle of my back. “I feel it too.”

Something touched my arm, and I knew it wasn’t Gabriel with his hands at my waist, nor was it Mistral with one hand in my hair and the other stroking across my shoulder blade.

I tilted my head to the side as a flowering vine curled up beside me. It turned a soft white flower my way, almost as if it was an eye looking at me. I knew I should probably be scared— the wild goblin magic was unpredictable—but something about it felt safe, like I could sense exactly what state it was in. It felt… content.

Gabriel slowly pulled me back into the water with him. He wrapped his arms around me protectively. “What’s happening?” He looked past me at Mistral.

Mistral lowered a finger to the little white bloom, lightly stroking across its petals. His striking eyes lifted to mine. “Do you feel it?”

Though he was being vague, I knew exactly what he was asking. I nodded.

“It’s the bond between us.”

Once again, I knew exactly what he was saying, because I could feel it. For better or worse, Mistral was bound to the land. And now with that golden cord between us—

It called to me too.