Stroke the Flame

27

Auric touched my cheek, his stormy eyes locked on mine. “I don’t know about the other guys, but I’m glad I’m stuck with you.”

“You are?” I asked, resting my hand over his. I remembered the moment we’d shared this morning when I’d healed him, and my eyes dropped to his mouth. I’d wanted to kiss him then, but the other guys had been watching. Now we were alone.

“I know you think none of us want to be here, but I do. Everything about this feels right.” He lowered his head, his fingers tracing my lips. “Including this.”

With one hand on my jaw he pressed his mouth to mine, while his other hand slid to my lower back to pull me against him. Sparks flashed between us as he teased my lips open, before stroking me slowly with his tongue. With a soft gasp, I wrapped my arms around his neck, wanting even more. It had been way too long since anyone had kissed me, but my body seemed to remember how to respond. Or maybe it was Auric who did that to me.

At first, I’d thought Auric might be snobbish or distant with his fine clothes and his head always buried in a book, but his kiss was anything but. He took his time with my mouth, learning what I responded to most, and soon he made me forget everything I’d been upset about. All I could think about was this rush of desire that swept through me at his touch, and how I wanted more.

“What the…” Jasin’s voice said from behind me, interrupting the moment.

Auric and I broke apart, although he kept his hand on my back as we turned to face Jasin. My soldier looked stunned and maybe a little angry, but he was still mouth-wateringly handsome. That would never change, I supposed. And with lust already coursing through me thanks to Auric’s kiss, it was hard not to want Jasin too. An image flashed in my head of being pressed between them with both their hands and mouths on me that sent heat straight to my core.

“Jasin.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. I didn’t know if I should feel guilty for kissing Auric or not. Soon I’d be kissing all of them, if everything went according to plan, but I still had no idea how to handle this or how to juggle the feelings of four men. Or my overwhelming attraction to each of them.

“Could we have a moment alone?” Jasin asked Auric.

Auric glanced at me. “Are you all right with that?”

I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for making sure I was okay.”

“Any time.” He brushed his lips across mine, then straightened and gave Jasin a smug look before heading into the inn. I could practically feel the tension crackling in the air between them, and this new development would only make it worse.

Jasin swallowed, and my eyes couldn’t help but linger on his strong neck dusted with stubble. “You kissed him.”

“What? Jealous?” I asked, throwing his earlier words back at him.

“I am, yeah.” He looked down at the ground, with a strand of hair falling over his forehead that I itched to brush away. “I thought I would be the first.”

My heart softened at the vulnerability in his voice. “You’re going to be the first in other things.”

“I know. And I’m sorry about what happened in there. I swear, all of that is in the past. Nothing is going to happen with Minda or her sister or any other woman.” His words warmed my chest, but then he blew out a breath. “But seriously, that guy?”

And now my heart hardened again. “What’s your problem with Auric?”

“He’s a stuffy nobleman!” Jasin’s eyes flared, his jaw clenching. “Although maybe you like that sort of thing. He is rich, after all.”

I propped my hands on my hips. “I like him because he’s smart and kind and attentive, not because of his money. I don’t care about any of that. And if you want to stay in this group, you’re going to have to find a way to get along with him too.”

I brushed past him as I made my way into the inn, my whole body flushed with both desire and anger. I’d never understand how Jasin could be so damn sexy while driving me crazy at the same time. And I was supposed to bond with him in only a few days? Not likely.

21

Slade

I

sat on the windowsill and observed the empty town lit with only moonlight and a few torches. I’d been on guard duty for an hour, but everything had been quiet so far. Nevertheless, I would remain vigilant to protect Kira and her other mates from any possible threats for the next few hours, when Auric would take my place.

Kira rose from the bed beside me and silently headed into the washroom. Jasin slept in the other bed, face down and completely out. He was a true soldier, able to fall into sleep the second his head touched the pillow and instantly alert the moment he got up. I had no doubt if I woke him now he’d be ready to fight on a second’s notice. The boy was a hothead, but I never once doubted his loyalty to Kira or his willingness to do whatever it took to keep her safe. The other two, I wasn’t so sure. Auric seemed a decent fellow, but I was wary of him due to his background. I didn’t have any great love for noblemen, but he was smart, I’d give him that. He seemed to be interested in Kira as well, but was it for the right reasons? Or did he only want to be a part of this for the knowledge and power he could uncover along the way?