16
The plan worked.
Like… It worked .
Amazingly well. When did that ever happen?
Yeah, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop on that too.
But it was a month since we implemented it and things were so, so much better that it was amazing. Noel and Josephine were superstars of efficiency and management. Arpa had really found herself being a right hand and was fierce in protecting not only her sister, but princesses and what we suffered. She was amazing.
I even admitted to her sister’s nobles that I wanted to keep her. Not adopt her, but make her my second. I wouldn’t, but seriously she was that amazing and Lawan was lucky to have her.
Work got done . The plan for Ohio University was long up and running. So was University of Illinois, and the vampires who had been lazy and on the chopping block took the threat seriously because in their free time, they got more in place at Salt Lake City’s colleges which had only been discussed in passing. It made sense with all of the vampires living there and hotels online, but it was just done.
Awesome.
The humans were thrilled and could breathe—have more space and really stretch out even. Yes, they were still behind fences and trapped, but it was ridiculously safe and they weren’t stuffed like sardines in a can. They had yoga classes now and—things were awesome.
We had construction going on at the castle again. The city planning was really happening, and it wasn’t a huge focus, but it was happening. The precast concrete was going on in Salt Lake City as planned and—progress. Lots of progress.
We brought in a lot more shifters. More than I could keep up with, but they weren’t all going to be my knights. No, they were sort of “adopted” into the clans where their leaders were my knights. That was their call and that made those people their responsibility. I was just glad because it was more help even if more mouths to feed and people to provide for.
Everyone still took cross-training seriously and—no one was slacking, but we could all breathe. It was more balanced instead of people pretending to work and doing dick while the rest of us killed ourselves.
All the human settlements in North America were safe with us—the good people at least. And we’d gotten one in Mexico. They’d figured out something was going on, and apparently Moon and a few others had made contact and handled all the normal drama. Others were planning to reach out to any others left in South America, but we didn’t think there was much.
We’d decided on a coven name, and next month people were going to start filling out applications to officially apply like for citizenship. Say the pledge—all of it. That had taken a bit longer than planned because something always came up. It always did, and our focus was in a million different places.
We handled the situations of those we brought from Fort Knox. They were very clearly not in charge anymore, and a few of the generals even stepped down and were helping in Canada or remote areas as they cooled off.
It was that or Kristof had said he’d bury them under the next mountain he’d make and showed them how easy it’d be. They just couldn’t let it go that they wouldn’t be in charge in the end, especially after seeing how I was “mismanaging” everything.
Right, when they couldn’t do all of this? Whatever.
Boston was up and running now too. We had teams who hunted corrupted during the day with the snakes and we’d brought in more snake shifters. Not any from Travis’s clan. We were still working on how to handle that or I thought Cerdic might have been already.
Again, there was too much to always juggle.
Things were even good with most of the men in my life. I had my date night with Branko on Wednesdays and Petre had Thursdays. I tended to have lunch and flying lessons with Darius three days a week. Jaxon and I had taken to being bums on Sundays or at least from lunch on. Cerdic and I were working out a few days a week and had had a handful of dinner dates.
Enough that I knew I missed having intimate times with my husband and wanted to get back to that.
Vitor seemed really happy with his current place and the few dinners we’d had. He didn’t need a lot, but he did like giving presents. I think that was—he needed validation more than dates. And he gave me everything I wanted in bed anytime—craved it. It was great.
So that left my cat. We were fine.
Just fine.
Keres had been mostly quiet too. One attack on New Orleans that seemed more like a test. It weirded people out, but it seemed like she was pushing her power or testing if she could still do it. Probably after failing Erebus or pissing Him off.
It would be what I’d do if I’d failed Aether. I wasn’t doing everything She wanted of me. That was very different than failing her.
Well, technically, I wasn’t not doing what She wanted. Currently, I was very, very close to Tian. He was chained down, but we were about as close as two people could get.
I’d thought he’d regain his sanity after I let the cat out of the bag about Aether’s visions of him. Nope. He traded his guard shifts for a few days saying he needed a breather but then came right back to me when he found me alone and told me he’d done something that impressed me.
So I asked if he accepted still and wanted a reward.
Yes. Yes, he did.
And I learned how fucking hot it was to chain up a man. He found the perfect spot for our fun and I bolted his wrists and ankles before blowing him. I also fed from him and kept him there while Vitor fucked my brains out.
I loved it. I fucking loved it .
He could get out and we both knew it, but he wouldn’t because of what he risked.
That was where we started, and weeks later we hadn’t progressed much. Today, I straddled his head and let him finally eat me out while I sucked him off. He was very into sixty-nining and oral sex.
At least with me.
When we were done, I flipped around and straddled his cock, smirking when hope filled his eyes. “Do you want me to ride you, Tian?”
“More than I can put into words, My Princess,” he whispered.
“What do you really want to call me?” I pushed.
His fangs slid out. “Mine.”
“Ohhh, you poor thing.” I rocked my hips and taunted him. “What else?”
“Inez.”
“That’s fine when you’re locked up but only then,” I agreed after a moment. “I’m very happy with you, my well-behaved man.”
“Why? What did I do now?” he gasped as I moved faster.
“Don’t play coy or I won’t finish us,” I threatened. I chuckled after a moment, realizing he really couldn’t focus enough to answer or he did so much good for me he didn’t know which thing I meant. “You found more planners.”
“Oh yes, for the high-speed trains, yes,” he panted. “Yes, Inez. I did. For your coven.” He swallowed loudly and met my gaze. “For your future.”
That he wanted to be a part of.
“You’ve been so good that I believe you really want me as yours and this isn’t a psychotic break, but I still think it’s because Aether wants it,” I told him, being completely honest.
“I know, but only time will convince us both of what is true.”
That was fair and I grunted. I leaned over so my hands were on either side of his head and my breasts ran over his chest. Then I smirked and moved one hand over his heart and sent little shocks into his skin. I loved that flash of fear in his eyes before they filled with heat and challenge. “You are so fucking fun to play with.”
“You are too, Inez,” he breathed.
I gave him a quick kiss. “I’m going to out us soon.” I nodded when he swallowed loudly. “I can’t keep this from Kristof. Not when we’ve progressed to this and I want more.”
That hope came back. “I understand. Whatever you think is best.”
“I didn’t say you’d fuck me, Tian. I just want to fuck with you more, and I think Vitor’s going to get the first ancient ulcer keeping this secret for so long.”
“Thank you for caring enough to notice,” Vitor mumbled. “But Kristof is no fool, and I’m pretty sure he’s long since figured something is going on with the three of us always sneaking off.”
That was for damn sure which was why I had something beyond special planned for my husband.
“Tell me you’re fine with it, Tian. I won’t ever fuck with you publicly or humiliate the name Lui, but I need more.” I chuckled when he didn’t respond, practically seeing the wheels of his mind turn. “Yes, you will be rewarded more too.”
“That’s not my concern,” he admitted. He sighed—Tian always sighing, but at least I was used to it now and understood what it was.
“Tell me,” I ordered. “Tell me, and I’ll let you finish on my pussy like you’ve wanted, Tian.”
He growled because it wasn’t like how he really wanted and we both knew that. “I’ll have a hard time saying no to something if others are around. I would like to talk what I’m comfortable with privately even if we’re to fuck around with others present.”
That was beyond fair especially since he’d let me push him to the brink of snapping and practically egged him into doing something unthinkable. Yeah, I had issues.
Shocker.
Something about what he said sent a thrill through me and I felt a dark laugh building. I moved my hands to his neck and worked my hips faster. “Are you asking to discuss limits and safe words like you’re my sub, Tian? Am I your princess but also now your mistress? Punish and reward you as I want? Not to everyone, just when it’s us and—” I orgasmed.
I cried out and came all over him as I kept moving my hips. My fangs were out as I stared at him and felt how close he was.
“Yes, that’s what I want,” he immediately told me.
No, no, it wasn’t. He was lying.
Well, maybe it was what he wanted now because he wanted anything he could get from me.
I leaned over and licked his lips. “What do you want your safe word to be, my well-trained man?”
“My mistress should pick. Tell me what it is, Inez,” he breathed.
“Why?”
He swallowed loudly and glanced at my breasts. “May I?”
“Yes,” I hissed, moving faster. Every so often he got bold and asked to bite my breast again and I loved it. “Why, Tian?”
“Because I’m yours,” he said so quietly I could barely hear it. We both knew Vitor could, but that was fine. I didn’t care.
I smirked down at him, glad he finally said it. “Break free and finish what I started and cum on me.” I grunted as I was suddenly against the wall and he was thrusting his cock against me. I screamed when his fangs pierced the sensitive skin of my breast and orgasmed again.
And Tian finished too.
Yeah, it was time to tell Kristof. Past time. He knew something was going on. That was the only reason I’d let it go on this long.
Really. I wasn’t cheating. He’d said something after the first time I’d touched Tian that he accepted whatever I needed to do as long as I wasn’t hurting myself and I’d tell him when I was ready.
I really, really loved that man.
“You’re thinking of him when I finally get more from you,” Tian seethed, his monster in his eyes.
Shit. I swallowed loudly. “It was my guilt. I have to tell him. I seriously enjoyed that and guilt hit me.”
Still, Tian was far from happy about that. If I wanted my well-behaved man to stay well-behaved, I needed to give him more.
“Vitor, cover your ears,” I told him, rolling my eyes when the ancient chuckled. I pressed my lips to Tian’s ear. “I plan on you taking me with Kristof for our first time. You fucking my pussy and Kristof in my ass. I have plans for us like that.”
“What about now?” he bit out, the dangerous monster before me that I’d pushed too far once again.
This time I didn’t want to risk him going over the edge. I wanted what he offered now. “What do you want? I just let you eat me out. You should be thanking me and grateful for—”
He kissed me unlike any kiss we’ve had. He thrust his tongue in my mouth and made it clear he planned on owning me just as much as I owned him. We were both gasping for air when he was done. “I want a fucking piece of jewelry as well if I’m going to be your sub . I’m tired of him throwing the earring in my face.”
I studied his eyes a moment. “I see you as a bracelet man. One of those sexy silver ones that make your hands stand out with how strong they are—how long your fingers are.”
The monster was settled with that. Good.
“Kiss me again and finger me.”
He did, but that was it. We cleaned up and headed back since we only had so much time before we’d get caught or people would figure out what was really going on.
Or maybe someone already had because there was a cat waiting for me when we arrived at the castle, and even if he was leaning against a wall with his arms crossed over his chest, I could practically see his tail flicking around. Something dark filled his eyes when he took in that it was Tian and Vitor with me.
Yeah, my smart kitty had figured out something was up.
And he ran his fingers over the necklace he was still wearing. The pink diamond sub collar that I’d never once seen him without unless he was in his animal form.
I didn’t even play off or ask if he was waiting for me, going right for him. “What’s up?”
“Can we please talk in your tower?” he asked quietly as he leaned in and kissed my cheek in greeting. “Without your guards? Or at least those guards?”
“You’re too angry, and no matter what you’re thinking, she’s not going to tell you before Kristof, so tone it back and we’ll stay out of it,” Vitor said quietly as he gestured for us to go ahead.
I let his answer stand, nodding for James to come with.
He didn’t say anything until we were in the elevator. “Whatever he’s doing for you, I could too, Inez. I told you—”
“No, you couldn’t, James,” I said quietly. I reached over and took his hand. “Please, I’ve given you a lot of understanding and acceptance. I need it this time.” I let out a slow breath.
“You remembered something. Yeah, we’ve figured that out. I even heard Vanessa assuring Kristof that you’ve spoken to her about how you’re acting out and you seem to have a reasonable grip on the situation. I’m glad and I’m trying, Inez. I’m really trying but—”
“But what?” I demanded, dropping his hand. “Where have you been? Not asking to spend time with me.”
“When could I have caught you that you’re not hiding out with them?” he threw right back.
I scoffed at him and was glad Vitor had hit the floor for the lounge instead of my bedroom. Yeah, that was better for sure. “You knew how to get me now. Others leave notes. I’m like clockwork with breakfast. Someone manages my schedule and gives me all of the requests. You could have asked for a fucking date day like others or put in some fucking effort.”
He ran his tongue over his teeth and stared at me. “You’re right. You are, spicy snack.” He waited until that seemed to take some of the wind out of my sails. “You put the collar on and acted like you were taking the reins of what was going on between us.”
Vitor cleared his throat, waiting until I looked at him. “I actually thought the same and you were intentionally punishing the cat. Most do.”
James lost the rest of his upset when he saw my reaction, whatever expression was on my face. “Okay, so we had a miscommunication. I get it. I’m glad that’s… What’s going on then?”
“I’m going to come clean. In a few days. You’re part of it, but it’s for my husband and… You might want to wait to push for more until you know you can handle this side of me, James.” I cleared my throat and took a step back from him. “I’ve gotten a bit dark and mean since—things.”
He caught my hands and moved closer, kissing my hair. “Are you hurting yourself?”
“No,” Vitor and Tian said together and Vitor continued. “It might bite her in the ass later and that’s her hesitation. But she’s not self-harming or anything you’re worried about. I do think she needs to finally try the fucking pot instead.”
“I don’t disagree,” Tian sighed.
Wow, that said a lot since that meant skipping a blow job for him.
I would reward that.
“Are you hurting one of them?” James asked after a moment.
“No,” they said together. I wasn’t so fast to answer or agree.
“You smell of guilt, spicy snack,” James worried.
“I told you that I’ve been mean,” I whispered.
He cupped my face and gave me a soft kiss that he took up a notch after a moment. I slid my hands into his hair, loving that he grew it out now instead of his short military cut. He lifted me up and wrapped my legs around him.
He cleared his throat and broke the kiss. “This wasn’t why I came here.”
“Don’t,” I warned Vitor and Tian, practically feeling when they both wanted to say something. My eyes were only for James then. “What did you come for?”
His eyes filled with sadness. “I miss you, Inez. Don’t you miss me too?”
I opened my mouth but closed it, hurrying to say something when he looked hurt. “I wished you would make an effort, but we talked now about why. I don’t think you’ve been around me enough for me to like miss you, James. Or I did and grieved you. It just felt like…”
“So you wanted me around, but things are too complicated to like miss me?” he checked.
I nodded. “And things are too complicated inside of me to know what’s really going on too much.”
He swallowed loudly. “Yeah, I want to help with that which is why I wanted you to send them away.”
“They will end you,” Vitor warned.
“What?” I asked, glancing between them.
“Yeah, see, I thought they weren’t telling you that I’m not the reason you haven’t gotten what you really need from me,” James bit out.
I was annoyed when I caught on and looked at Vitor and Tian. “Which of them told my knights they would die if they took me up in the fighter jets?”
“All of them,” they said together, Tian continuing. “And Branko. Petre agreed but kept his mouth shut.”
“Assholes. Seriously. They absolutely knew that I blamed James for that.”
“No, they think he is smart enough to agree with them and is just complaining that you’ll blame only him,” Vitor clarified.
“Will you really take me up?” I asked James, brimming with excitement.
“Yes, and not to score points with you. I think you need it and now is the right time. We control this continent and the weapons. Fully.” He searched my eyes. “But not far, okay?”
“Don’t do this without talking to them first,” Tian muttered. “This is a line with them.”
“It’s one they’ve crossed with me too,” I growled. “I would never have… Assholes. They knew how much I wanted this.”
“Look, I was against it at first too with how much was going on and the dangers,” James admitted. He nodded when I was shocked. “You’re our only hope, spicy snack. And we were using jets I didn’t know. Fuel that was too old. But we’ve got that all worked out now. Additives so the fuel is almost perfect and normal risks. A jet I know.”
I let out a slow breath. “Don’t back out on me, okay?”
“I promise. I prefer you not let them kill me. Trisha and Vance can’t take that.”
Neither could I. Which was why a conversation needed to be had first.
I had someone from security tell my husbands and a list of people to meet us where everything was in Albuquerque. Kristof arrived first, and death was in his eyes for James when he probably put together what was going on.
He focused on me then but flinched at whatever was in my eyes. Cerdic came next with his twin hot on his heels plus a few more from Matilda’s coven. Then Jaxon with Sebastian and Jamelle. Last was Darius with Branko, Moon, Sisay, and… A whole damn crew.
“Did you tell my knights you’d kill them if they took me up in the fighter jet like I wanted?” I demanded.
“Yes, and I told you that,” Kristof hedged.
“No, that was—you said pound them, and you say that about fucking cookies or the last filled donut,” I snapped. “And that was at first. Was that a standing thing and you knew I blamed James for not taking me up?”
If the situation wasn’t so serious, I would have laughed at the way James moved behind me like a shield.
“Don’t blame him,” I said snapping my fingers to get their attention. “Are you my fathers or husbands and lovers?” I flinched thinking about my murdered father I’d never known but then focused back on the conversation.
However, rage filled me seeing the parallel.
Dark rage.
I glanced between Jaxon, Darius, and Cerdic. “Though I guess you three are my daddy issues since you abandoned me like him, huh? Vanessa would probably say that’s a thing.”
“Not sure that’s a far dig, love,” Cerdic muttered.
“Not sure it’s unfair either though,” I chuckled darkly. “So I’m sure you really don’t have a vote in something like this that I’ve wanted . You don’t get to take it away from me without a fucking conversation when you’re not even in my bed or I wear your ring , love.”
He ground his jaw and nodded. “No, I suppose not. It was an old…” He cleared his throat.
I almost glanced over my shoulder. Something had been on James’s face. It wasn’t old. I almost thanked Cerdic for not lying to me.
Wasn’t it sad that was where we were at and I would thank him for that?
It was hard to not fall into depression and even get out of bed when thoughts hit me like that because they overwhelmed me and almost dragged me into the darkness.