Chapter 22
Brigid
The space in front of me shimmers as I focus on the small wisp of magic in my palm.
"Good, Brigid. Feel the connection. No need to force it," Tiernan says encouragingly.
His deep voice reverberates right down to my toes. I try to concentrate, but my eyes keep drifting to his strong forearms. His sleeves are loosely rolled up, despite the cool autumn day. The way his muscles flex as he gestures is... distracting.
Focus, dammit . The Harrowing is coming up fast. I need to nail this.
With renewed concentration, I narrow my eyes at the wisp. It trembles slightly, then slowly rises an inch off my palm. A thrill of excitement courses through me. Then it disappears.
"You’re thinking too much."
I grit my teeth. “I can’t help it.”
"Breathe," Tiernan reminds me gently. "Let the energy flow naturally."
I inhale deeply, trying to relax. Another black wisp appears in my palm, this one bigger and less ephemeral.
“Good girl," Tiernan praises. "You're improving quickly."
A warm glow of floods my chest at his words. I'm about to try to produce another shadow in my other hand when I notice movement at the edge of the grove.
Rory lounges against a tree, watching us with interest. His shaggy blond hair falls across his forehead as he grins. The heat I’m feeling in my chest rises to cheeks as memories of our encounter on the training grounds flash through my mind—his hands on my breasts, tongue in my mouth…
The shadow in my palm grows larger before spiking up into the sky like a smoky firework, extinguishing itself.
"Shoot."
Tiernan quirks an eyebrow. "Perhaps we should take a break."
I nod sheepishly.
We make our way over to Rory, my skin tingling with awareness of both men. As we approach, Rory's grin widens.
“Well, if it isn't my two favorite magicians," he drawls, pushing off the tree.
“Not a magician.” Tiernan rolls his eyes.
Rory pays no attention."Brigid, love, you're looking particularly irresistible today."
I join Tiernan in rolling my eyes, but can't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Rory."
"Ah, but it's not flattery if it's true."
The three of us are just standing there and I find myself caught between the two men, too aware of their proximity. Rory's arm brushes mine, lighting little sparks inside me. Tiernan stands close on my other side, his earthy scent enveloping me.
I can feel the tension in the air. Good tension.
Rory's hand lands on my lower back, fingers splaying possessively. Heat pools low in my belly. I glance up to find Tiernan watching us, his eyelids lowered and his gaze with unmistakable desire.
Arousal and confusion war within me. I want them both, and I think they both want me. The realization is as terrifying as it is thrilling.
The energy between us is thick and heady. My skin tingles and I shiver. My breath comes faster, heart pounding. I want Rory to kiss me again.
Hell, I want them both to kiss me.
Suddenly, unbidden, a memory flashes—cruel male laughter, rough, dirty hands.
Donal said we could share you.
Ice floods my veins.
I stiffen, jerking away from Rory's touch. My eyes drop to the ground, arms wrapping around myself protectively.
"Brigid?" Tiernan's voice is soft, concerned.
I can't look at them. Shame tangles in my gut.
"Love, what's wrong?" Rory asks gently.
I shake my head. "It's nothing. I'm fine."
"Bullshit," Rory says, but there’s no harshness in it. Just worry.
Tiernan moves closer, not touching, but I can feel the warmth of him. "We're here for you."
"Did...did someone hurt you?" Rory's voice is soft, but there’s a hint of danger in it.
I flinch.
"It’s okay," Tiernan soothes. "We've got you."
I swallow hard, struggling to find my voice. The concern radiating from both men is palpable, threatening to crack my carefully constructed walls.
"I..." My voice breaks. I clear my throat, trying again. "It's stupid. Just bad memories."
Rory's hands clench. "Not stupid. Never stupid."
I risk a glance up. Tiernan's face is a mask of quiet intensity, while Rory looks ready to murder someone. The protectiveness in their expressions makes my chest ache.
"You don't have to tell us," Tiernan says softly. "But we're here if you want to."
I nod, grateful for the out, but find myself speaking anyway. "It's just... being between you both. Wanting you both. It reminded me of... something that happened before. Before I came here."
I’m not sure why I don’t want to look into their eyes. I shouldn’t be ashamed of what happened. I did nothing wrong.
So why do I feel the shame?
I take a deep breath and give them the short version of what happened in the woods before Callen and Lochan found me. How Donal must have sent his friends after me, knowing full well what they’d do.
Understanding dawns in their eyes. Rory lets out a string of colorful curses, and Tiernan’s mouth sets in a hard, thin line.
"Brigid," Tiernan's voice is firm but gentle. "What happened to you was not your fault. And it has nothing to do with what's happening between us now. There’s a bond that’s forming between us, a pull. I know you feel it, I do too.” He looks at Rory, who nods.
"He's right," Rory adds, his accent thicker with emotion. “You’re new to all of this, Brigid, but among our kind—supernaturals I mean—there is something called a mate bond. No one knows how or why it happens, and it’s rare, but I think it’s what we’re feeling, the three of us. We'd never... Gods, we'd never hurt you. This is very different.”
I nod, tears pricking my eyes. "I know. I do. It's just…"
It’s too much. Mate bonds? What does that even mean? I don’t have the bandwidth to even begin processing this new information, not with everything I’m feeling, physically and emotionally right now.
“Brigid, can I tell you something?” Tiernan’s voice is soft.
I nod again.
“I promise I’m not trying to read your mind.” Tiernan must notice my eyes go wide. “It’s just that your thoughts are leaking all over the place. I know what you're feeling right now, and what you’re worried about. You don’t have to be. The way you feel is perfectly natural and more than that... it’s good. ” His voice is soft but clear. “ You are good, Brigid Ryan. Don’t let anyone make you think you’re not.”
I want to believe him. I really do. But a lifetime of being told I’m bad is a hard thing to shake. The memory of Laria's cruel words comes back to me. I wrap my arms around myself.
Rory's hand hovers near my shoulder, hesitant. "Can I...?"
I nod, and he pulls me into a gentle hug. The warmth of his body seeps into mine, chasing away the chill that had settled in my bones.
"You're safe here, love," he murmurs into my hair. "We've got you."
Tiernan steps closer, his presence a solid wall at my back. I feel the heat radiating off him, and despite all the doubt and shame I’m feeling, desire reignites low in my belly.
"We'll never push you further than you're ready to go," Tiernan says, his voice a low rumble that resounds all the way down to my core.
"And if I want to be pushed?” I close my eyes as I speak, not daring to say the words out loud while I have them open and can see their reactions.
Tiernan's arms tighten around me, and I hear his sharp intake of breath. Rory's brown eyes darken, pupils dilating.
"Then we'll push," Tiernan says, his voice husky. "But only as far as you want, and only when you're ready."
I nod, suddenly overwhelmed by the heat of their bodies. My breath comes faster, and I feel a warmth between my legs and my nipples hardening.
"I... I think I need a minute," I stammer.
They both immediately give me space, concern etched on their faces.
"Of course," Rory says, running a hand through his shaggy blonde hair. "Whatever you need, Brigid."
I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. I close my eyes, gathering my thoughts. When I open them, Rory and Tiernan are watching me intently, their bodies taut with restraint.
"Can I..." I hesitate, then forge ahead. "Can I touch you? Both of you?"
Their eyes widen, but they nod in unison.
I step forward, placing a hand on each of their chests. Under my palms, I feel the rapid beat of their hearts. And I feel it. Something in me is pulling toward them.
I can’t explain it. It feels like it’s coming straight from my heart. I’m not sure about the whole mate thing, but I know I feel a connection that I can’t explain with both of these men. And if I’m honest, I’ve felt the same thing with Callen, and even Lochan. Which makes no sense. But Tiernan and Rory, they are kind and they like me. That feeling, of these two men supporting and caring for me? That I can get behind.
"I choose this," I say, my voice stronger.
Rory inhales deeply. "Aye, love. All yours."
The world narrows to just us three, standing in this secluded corner of Grimstone's grounds. For the first time in ages, I feel truly seen.
Understood.
Safe.
I lean in, my lips a breath away from Rory's...
I press my lips to Rory's, and the world explodes in sensation. His mouth is hot, demanding, as he claims me with a possessive growl. My knees go weak, and he wraps an arm around my waist, supporting me.
"Fuck," He gasps against my lips.
Rory's tongue sweeps into my mouth, tasting, exploring. His other hand tangles in my hair, tugging gently. The slight pain sends a jolt of pleasure straight to my core.
I'm keenly aware of Tiernan's presence, his eyes burning into us. The knowledge that he's watching, approving, only heightens my arousal.
Rory breaks the kiss, trailing his lips down my neck. "So beautiful," he murmurs against my skin. "Tell me what you want, mo chroí."
His hands slide under my shirt, rough palms skimming my ribcage. I arch into his touch, desperate for more.
"Please, touch me."
With agonizing slowness, Rory pushes up my shirt and bra, exposing my breasts to the cool air. My nipples tighten instantly.
"Gods," Tiernan breathes.
I turn my head, meeting his heated gaze. His pupils are blown wide, his breathing ragged. The intensity of his stare makes me throb with need.
Rory's hands cup my breasts, thumbs circling my nipples. I moan, loud and unrestrained.
"That's it, love," Rory says. "Let us hear you."
I'm trembling, caught between Rory's touch and Tiernan's gaze.
Rory's lips trail down my neck, his tongue flicking against my collarbone. I whimper as his teeth scrape gently over my skin.
"Please," I beg, "please touch me."
He grins against my breast before taking a nipple between his teeth and tugging lightly. The sensation sends electricity straight to my core, making me moan even louder.
Tiernan's hand reaches out, fingers hovering over the exposed skin of my ribcage. His touch is hesitant at first, cautious, but then he dives in with confidence.
His rough palms glide over my skin, sending shivers through me. His fingers brush against the waistband of my pants before skimming lower.
I gasp as two fingers slip under the lace of my panties and find their way to my clit. His touch is light but firm, sending little shocks of pleasure through me.
Rory's mouth moves lower, trailing kisses down my stomach. He looks up at me with a glint in his eye before leaning forward and sliding my pants down, helping me step out of them with firm hands.
I'm now completely exposed to both men, and for a minute I feel self-conscious. But Tiernan's eyes are full of want and desire, and Rory's gaze is adoring. It gives me a surge of confidence and I arch into their touch.
Rory takes advantage of the new position by kissing from one thigh to the other, leaving no inch untouched by his lips or tongue.
Meanwhile, Tiernan continues to tease my clit with expert strokes. The pleasure builds and builds within me until I'm teetering on the edge of bliss.
But just as I'm about to tip over into ecstasy, reality comes crashing back.
The sound of footsteps and voices approaching snaps me out of the moment, and I quickly push Rory and Tiernan away from me.
"Someone's coming," I say, frantically pulling my clothes back on.
I manage to rearrange myself into a suitable state just as a couple of students pass close by to our clearing, discussing what they’re going to wear to the dance tonight.
"Shit," I gasp. “What time is it?” I reluctantly pull away from Rory's touch. "I promised Eira I'd meet her to get ready for the Masquerade Ball."
Rory lets out a frustrated groan, his forehead resting against mine. "You're killing me."
I can't help but giggle, even as my body screams for more. "Rain check?"
"You better believe it," Rory growls, nipping at my lower lip.
Tiernan clears his throat, his voice husky. "We should head back. Wouldn't want to keep Eira waiting."
As we walk towards my room, Rory's arm drapes around my shoulders, a comforting weight. Tiernan falls into step on my other side, his fingers brushing against mine.
"So, any hints about your dress tonight?" Rory asks, waggling his eyebrows.
I smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Tiernan chuckles. "I'm sure whatever it is, you'll look stunning."
Heat creeps up my neck at his words.
We reach my door too soon. I turn to face them both, suddenly shy. "Thanks for... everything."
Rory's eyes soften. He cups my cheek, thumb tracing my lower lip. "Always."
Tiernan squeezes my hand. "We'll see you tonight."
As I slip into my room, their warmth lingers on my skin.
I lean against the closed door, my breath coming in short gasps. The ghost of Tiernan's touch still burns on my skin, and Rory’s demanding kiss haunts my thoughts.
It's so different from anything I've experienced before. Part of me wants to run, to hide from the potency of it all. But a larger part, a part I barely recognize, craves more.
"What the hell am I doing?" I mumble, running my fingers through my hair.
The thought of being with both of them makes me weak in the knees. And then there’s Callen. It's wrong, isn't it? To want them all? To imagine their hands on me, their lips...
But it doesn’t feel wrong. It feels more right than anything I’ve ever known.
I shake my head, trying to clear the vivid images. But the excitement lingers, a low burn in my belly that refuses to be ignored.