Tamed (Exchanged Power #6)

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

“ H alt! State your business.”

The uniformed guard’s authoritative order sent resentment surging through Verbet. Never before had he been confronted when he entered Mercelon Palace. This had been his home for years before Jevara was born. How dare anyone question his presence here?

“The emperor is expecting me,” he snarled and kept right on walking.

The guard grabbed his arm and brought him up short. “You must pass through the munitions scanner, sir. I’m sorry. There are no exceptions.”

Choosing to believe the intrusion was part of his half-brother’s paranoia, Verbet walked through the scanner then hurried toward the private elevator on the far side of the entrance hall. The palace was gaudy, all done up in gilt and cream. He preferred a more soothing environment. The observation wall, on the other hand, was spectacular, making visitors feel as if they floated in the ocean much like the palace itself.

Verbet stepped off the private elevator into an antechamber nearly as ostentatious as the lobby above. The male attendant, who was seated behind a transparent desk, didn’t bother looking up from the data feed he was scanning. Another wave of annoyance washed over Verbet. Never before had he been treated with such discourtesy.

“Tell my brother I’ve arrived,” he insisted angrily. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

The attendant glanced at him, made a subtle motion with his hand, then said, “Your appointment just arrived.” Without speaking to Verbet, he returned to the data feed.

The blank-faced guards flanking the doors to Jevara’s presence chamber made no move to open them, so Verbet took a seat. Waiting around to see Jevara was also new. This wasn’t paranoia. Jevara was putting Verbet in his place. He was also making Verbet’s final decision much easier. They were blood relatives. Verbet had nearly died trying to fulfill Jevara’s irrational need for a conduit, and still this utter disrespect was his reward.

“The emperor will see you now,” the attendant announced twenty minutes later. He didn’t bother to make eye contact.

The guards opened the doors and Verbet walked into the lavish room, hands clasped behind his back. Jevara used to receive him in the royal apartment where they would often drink and fuck together. This formality was another reminder that Verbet was no longer family.

Jevara sat upon his ridiculous throne, another set of guards standing on either side of him. The throne was elaborately carved from polished wood and rested upon a marble dais. The guard on his right was Raajel, head of security for the emperor. Verbet had known him since childhood and had gone drinking and whoring with him frequently in his youth. Raajel offered a subtle nod, his dark gaze filled with regret.

“What do you need?” Jevara sneered, crossing his legs. “I don’t have a lot of time.”

Verbet had no intention of groveling before this creature. If their relationship was over, so be it. But Jevara was the only family he had left, so Verbet wanted to give him one final chance to pull his head out of his ass. If that didn’t happen, they would become enemies. “I’ve decided to relocate, start over somewhere else.”

“That’s probably wise,” Jevara agreed without hesitation, his face tipped up arrogantly.

“Because of our past connection, I still feel responsible for you,” Verbet said, forcing false sincerity into his tone. “With me gone from your life, who have you chosen to lead your army?”

Jevara shrugged. “General Stilton is next in line. I see no reason to look elsewhere.”

“Stilton is a trustworthy soldier,” Verbet agreed. “He is also expected to retire within the year.”

Jevara’s gaze narrowed and his lips pressed into a thin line. “Is this where you argue with each name I propose and prove that you’re indispensable?”

Actually, that was his basic plan. Some kernel of hope deep inside Verbet kept him believing that Jevara would realize how valuable they were to each other. “No one is indispensable.” This was all so ridiculous. Coming here had been a mistake. He started to ask how much longer Jevara intended to punish him, but he refused to speak the words. He had done nothing wrong. Jevara had no right to punish him. “If you’re satisfied with the choice. Why the fuck should I care?”

Jevara snickered as he pushed to his feet. “So you are angry with me. I would have been disappointed if you were not.”

“Is this some sort of twisted game?” Verbet snarled. “I nearly died for you.”

“You’re responsible for the loss of my most valuable ship.” Jevara paused dramatically between each statement as he descended the stairs one at a time. “Over a hundred of my best warriors died while under your command.” His voice rose with each new charge. “And where is my fucking conduit?” By the time he reached the bottom, Jevara was shouting.

“You sanctimonious prick,” Verbet sneered, jaw clenched. “Every planet in this star system had ships out hunting for those females. No one could have done better.”

“You promised not to fail, so where is my goddam conduit?” Jevara accented the question with a forceful shove.

Verbet folded his hands into fists and glared at his half-brother. “I tried to bring you one, but there were complications beyond my control.”

“A good commander anticipates complications.” Jevara shoved him again. “You are fucking useless!”

“I had no idea the warship would be there and you know it,” Verbet shot back, tired of being shoved around like a lackey. “I set my trap for a hunter team. Cylex ambushed me in a warship.”

“Irrelevant!” Jevara yelled, stomping his foot like an enraged child. “You failed. You failed. You failed! At every fucking turn you failed.”

Blinded by anger and frustration, Verbet drew back his arm and punched his half-brother squarely in the face.

Jevara’s head snapped back, arms flailing, as he pitched over backward. He landed flat on his back across the dais, his head slamming down against the edge of a marble stair. A sickening thunk sounded in the room and reality seemed to pause. White noise filled Verbet’s ears and his body refused to move. Then a river of blood flowed out from beneath Jevara’s head, drawing Verbet out of his shocked stupor.

“Oh, fuck,” Verbet muttered as he rushed forward.

The guards arrived first.

“I didn’t mean to hurt him.” Verbet glanced toward the door, knowing there was no way he’d be allowed to leave. Blood pooled on the first stair and started to cascade onto the next. “Call a medical team! What are you waiting for?”

With no apparent urgency, Raajel checked for a pulse. The other guard reached for the comm band on his inner arm, but Raajel stopped him. Turning to Verbet, he informed, “It’s too late, sir. I’m sorry.”

Verbet shook his head, disbelief making his voice shrill. “Check again. I did not just kill my brother. I didn’t.”

“You ended the reign of a tyrant,” Raajel said firmly as he stood and faced Verbet. “This was self-defense. We both saw it. Jevara went after you first. You had no choice but to defend yourself. It was a lucky punch, an accident. That is the truth.”

Verbet looked around but saw no security drones and there had never been surveillance cameras in the throne room. Jevara wanted no permanent record of the deals that were struck here. “This is not what I wanted. I came here hoping to reconcile.”

“I know, sir. And that is why you will make a good emperor. I always thought you were a better choice than your brother.”

Jevara needed to be replaced, but Verbet had yet to decide if he wanted to be the successor. Well, the decision couldn’t wait any longer. It was time to step up or step aside. He was the last living Torretian with royal blood. He had received the best education and extensive training. Why the fuck shouldn’t he be emperor? As Raajel said, he’d always been a much better choice than Jevara. But did he want the responsibility that went along with all the privileges?

“What would you like us to do, sir?”

He looked around the presence chamber, determination welling within him. Ruling was his birthright. Mercelon Palace was his home. It always had been and always would be.

“My reign cannot begin until it is officially determined that Jevara’s has ended.” He squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. “Comm a medical team and the court historian. They will need to bear witness to the transition of power.”

“May I make a suggestion, sir?” Raajel asked as the other guard covered Jevara’s body with some sort of cloth.

“Of course.”

“Keep this quiet until you choose your advisors and have rid yourself of anyone you cannot trust. This sort of transition must be fast and seamless, or others will take advantage.”

He meant the rebels and the Citadel, and he was absolutely right. Until Verbet’s administration was rock solid and he was surrounded by loyal troops, he could not announce that Jevara was dead. His enemies would see it as a weakness and attack. “I agree.” His mind whirred with all the things that needed to be done if he were going to make this work. “Take the body to a small ship with a stasis chamber.” That would preserve Jevara well enough so they could make it look as if he had just died when they were ready to announce this to the public. “Then stash the ship on one of our lesser developed moons.”

Raajel nodded. “That should work. I’ll send in a team to clean up the blood. The one I’m thinking of is very discreet. I’ve used them for years.”

“As far as everyone else is concerned, Jevara has gone to visit our partners on Elitor,” Verbet mused. “He has been meaning to do so for years but has not found the time. And now that our personal conflict has been resolved, I will be left in charge.”

“Sounds like a plan, sir.” Raajel nodded enthusiastically. “I will go make the arrangements.”

Three days later

Arcon paused outside Zevon’s apartment to collect his thoughts. He’d never been summoned to the president’s private quarters before and couldn’t imagine what Zevon wanted now. The self-defense classes were going well. The first four security teams had been assembled, and all of the conduits seemed to be excited about beginning their new lives. Now if he could just banish a certain redhead’s image from his mind, life would make sense again.

Kendra was haunting him, filling his mind with erotic fantasies and his nights with graphic dreams. He’d jerked off while thinking about her so many times in the last three days that he’d literally lost count. The simulators didn’t help. The images and sensations they created barely managed to get his cock hard. Then all he had to do was think about Kendra and his entire body came alive.

He hadn’t seen her since their wrestling match. Perhaps that was the problem. If he saw her, spoke with her, renewed their friendship, maybe he’d be able to rid his mind of her image. He shook away the possibility. It was more likely that he’d shove her against the nearest wall and fuck her senseless.

He was clearly in the grip of mating fever and he had no idea what to do about it. She had chosen her destination. In a matter of days she would be on Houkdi, well out of his reach.

Welcoming whatever distraction Zevon intended to provide, Arcon positioned himself in front of the door and waited for the computer to announce his arrival. The door opened a few moments later and Arcon hesitantly stepped inside.

The room was much larger than his but just as sparsely decorated. The realization made him smile. Apparently, neither of them spent a lot of time in their apartments.

“Welcome.” Zevon walked over to him, holding out a glass of finolt .

Arcon took the glass but didn’t partake. He could throw back a shot with the best of them, but he wanted to keep his head clear until he found out what this was about. Zevon was dressed in black pants and a bulky sweater. Arcon had never seen him out of uniform before. He wasn’t sure how to take any of this.

“You’re not in trouble,” Zevon assured. “Let’s just sit and have a drink.”

Arcon wanted to bluntly ask what the hell Zevon wanted but decided not to insult the president of the Citadel. Instead, he walked over to the nearest chair and sat down. He even took a minuscule sip of finolt .

Zevon sat on the couch facing Arcon. “Are the self-defense classes going well?”

“I believe so. Have you heard otherwise?”

“Not at all. I’m just trying to figure out why you’re so adamantly opposed to joining my team. Do you have obligations elsewhere?”

Finally understanding the purpose for the meeting, Arcon relaxed. This was the third time Zevon had tried to recruit him. “It’s nothing personal. I seldom stay anywhere for more than a few months. My home is space. That’s simply the way I have always lived my life.”

“And you have never longed for something more?”

The question surprised him. Zevon needed soldiers and military support staff, yet the way he’d posed that question made Arcon think of a mate and children, not war. “You would have to define ‘more’ before I could answer that question.”

“All right, I’ll stop being subtle. I’ve decided to claim a mate and I need a source. I think you and I would work well as a team.”

Arcon’s eyes widened. Was he serious? Zevon’s abilities were whispered about with awe. If he could do half of what Arcon had heard, Zevon could attract the most powerful sources in existence. “Why me?”

Zevon chuckled and downed the rest of his drink. “Can’t you guess? The female I’m interested in wants you, and I told her I’d do my best to convince you.”

Starting to feel uncomfortable again, Arcon tossed back his shot then set his glass aside. “Which female have you chosen?” His heart was beating and his cock began to harden. Was it possible that… No, Kendra was going to Houkdi. This could not be about her.

“Then you’ll consider joining my triad?”

“It depends on the female. I have no problem with you. I think our personalities and priorities complement each other, but I have no wish to spend the rest of my life with some of the females on this station.”

Zevon smiled as he reached over and set his glass on the small table beside the couch. “I thought this was going to be a much harder sell. I was prepared to?—”

The door slid open and Kendra walked into the apartment. She looked from Arcon to Zevon and back, her eyes widening more with each movement. “Oh, shit, were you doing this tonight? I thought…”

“Obviously, I’m courting Kendra.” Zevon held out his hand toward her. She hesitated for a moment then went and joined him on the couch. “When I asked her who she would like as her source, you were the only one she wanted.”

Arcon’s gaze locked with hers and his mouth went dry. How had this happened? Everyone knew Zevon was not ready to claim a mate. When and why had he started courting Kendra? Well, the why was obvious. She was the most desirable female on the station. “How long have you been courting?”

“Three days ago she walked into my office. She was wet and aching after wrestling with you. I was bastard enough to take advantage of the situation, so now the only question left is, did wrestling with her have the same effect on you?”

“Gods, yes.” Unable to resist her a moment longer, he rose and crossed to where she sat. Pulling her to her feet, he wrapped one of his arms around her waist. “I didn’t think I was ready for a mate until I had you beneath me.” He fisted the back of her hair and kissed her mouth with all the passion he’d been suppressing for the past three days.

Her lips parted sweetly and her arms wrapped around his back. Arcon kissed her deeply, but what he really wanted was to rip her clothes off and bury himself inside her wet pussy.

“He’s been simmering for three days, pet,” Zevon said as they continued to kiss. “I think you should take the edge off his desire so we can finish our discussion.”

She pulled away and looked at Zevon. “Yes, Sir.”

Arcon watched in awe as she slipped to her knees and reached for the front of his uniform pants. “You don’t have to?—”

“I want to.” She smiled up at him. “You need this and I enjoy it.”

She was right. All he could think about was fucking her and that was unlikely to change until he emptied his balls into her at least once. She took out his cock and wet the head with the tip of her tongue. He groaned and shuddered, pre-cum beading on the tip. She caught the drops with her tongue then took him into her mouth. Arcon pushed his fingers into her hair and stared into her eyes. He’d imagined this so many times, yet never really hoped that it would happen.

Her soft lips slid up and down his shaft, making him even harder. The heat and slickness combined to blind him to anything but pleasure. Gods, how he needed this, needed this from her, only her. He started rocking into her mouth and she tilted her head back, allowing him to slide deeper.

She gagged once and Arcon immediately pulled back, but Zevon said, “Make her take it all. She can do it, but she needs practice relaxing.”

Arcon advanced slowly but didn’t stop until he was well into her throat. Fuck, that felt good. He pulled back then slid in faster. She tensed but stopped just short of gagging.

“Good girl,” Arcon praised. “So good.”

“You can rub your clit, pet. Give yourself an orgasm while he fucks that sweet mouth.”

She pulled up her dress to the top of her thighs, then eased her hand between them. Arcon couldn’t see exactly what she was doing, but the motion of her fingers made it obvious. Was she naturally submissive or had Zevon taught her to obey in three short days?

Arcon had shared females before, but this was different. It was obvious that Kendra’s training had already begun, and he couldn’t help but feel jealous. He rocked into her mouth, wishing his cock had been the first she’d ever swallowed. The possessive instinct wasn’t fair and it wasn’t quite rational, but it was impossible to deny. He felt feral, aggressive. His agitation made him thrust harder and soon she was taking his entire length down her throat. Tears streamed out of the corners of her eyes, but Arcon saw only desire in her expression.

Her hand moved between her thighs as she rubbed her clit in time to his forceful thrusting. Knowing that she was getting herself off only added to the carnality of the situation. She suddenly cried out around him and her eyes squeezed shut as an orgasm claimed her.

Arcon pulled back, resting his cockhead on her tongue as he came in her mouth. He wanted her to know his taste, wanted it to linger long after she swallowed his seed. She licked and sucked and swallowed until his cock slid from between her lips, damp but clean.

She looked up at him, flushed and slightly disheveled. He’d never seen anything more beautiful.

Unable to suppress the urge, he leaned down and kissed her lips and whispered, “Thank you, red. That was perfect. You are perfect.”

Kendra smiled at Arcon as he helped her to her feet. His taste lingered in her mouth and her lips felt bruised and swollen. “Does this mean we’re courting? That you’d like to form a triad with us?” He hadn’t really stated his intentions before he kissed her. He just admitted that wrestling with her turned him on.

“Yes,” Arcon said firmly. “I want you as my mate, more than anything, and I would be honored to join Zevon’s triad.”

“We need to make sure we still feel that way once mating fever has run its course,” Zevon pointed out. “All either of us can think about right now is getting our cocks inside her.”

Arcon nodded. “I know her pheromones are causing the urgency, but I’ve been attracted to her since I met her.”

“Then why did you spank me?” she objected.

Zevon arched his brows, looking annoyed by the revelation. “ When did you spank her?”

“She came on to me a few days ago,” Arcon admitted. “I’m one of her teachers. I had no right to touch her in a sexual way. I’m not rich or well-connected.” He glanced away from her face as he added, “I figured she was destined for better things than me.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Zevon beat her to the phrase. “I asked you here because your abilities are unique and extensive. You’re more impressive than any other source I’ve ever known. You were an obvious choice to join our triad.”

Suspicion narrowed Arcon’s eyes and his posture tensed. “You’ve never seen me use my powers. How would you know if I’m impressive or not?”

“I’ve spoken with several of your mentors as well as those you have trained. They all agree that you’re a rare talent and I’d be lucky to have you as an employee much less the source in my triad.”

Arcon just stared at him as if he couldn’t figure out if Zevon were mocking him or not. “Thank you, sir.”

Zevon chuckled. “You just had your cock sucked off in front of me. I think we can dispense with the ‘sir.’”

With a smile and a nod, Arcon sat down and Kendra returned to her place on the couch. “I know you consider your ship home, but where are your people from and what are your primary abilities?” Kendra only knew him as mentor and casual friend. She was anxious to learn more.

“In my opinion, most of the trainers in this star system limit the abilities of their apprentices. They focus on one element at a time. My training was different so my abilities are more integrated. I have always focused on the task I was trying to accomplish rather than manipulating one element. As you’re aware, I encourage this integration with my students as well.”

“Where did you receive your training?” Zevon wanted to know. Apparently, his research hadn’t delved that deeply. “And which planet or planets were your parents from?”

“I studied under several teachers, but my primary mentor was from a planet called Boadi. It’s in the Sarilian sector.”

Zevon nodded. “We’ve traded with the Boadi, but that star system is a long way from ours. How did you end up way out there?”

Arcon glanced at Kendra as he admitted, “The usual way. I followed a girl. The flirtation only lasted a few weeks, but her uncle was a well-respected mystic. He accepted me as his apprentice and we trained together for eight years.”

He didn’t answer Zevon’s other question. Had the omission been intentional?

“And your parents?” Zevon reminded, obviously not willing to let it go.

Arcon shrugged but his gaze didn’t reflect the same indifference. “My father was born on Pyron, but he lived most of his life in space. My mother was raised on Torret, but her mother was from Altor. There’s a Houkdi tribe thrown in there somewhere but I have never met them. Basically, I’m a space mutt.” He chuckled. “My relatives are scattered all over the star system. That’s why I feel no true connection to any of the planets.”

“A space mutt?” Zevon smiled. “I like that.”

“And you?” Arcon returned. “Most presume you’re Altorian elite, but I sense other elements in you. Do you move in earth or air?”

Zevon arched his brows, clearly surprised by Arcon’s statement. “I was raised and trained on Altor, but my mother was a Houkdi concubine so I can also manipulate most things found in nature.”

“Your mother was a concubine?” Kendra couldn’t hide the distaste in her tone. “As in a pleasure slave?”

Zevon’s features tensed and he scooted to the edge of the sofa. “My father bought her from her master so he could free her. But yes, she spent almost a year in a pleasure den.”

She had always tried not to judge sex workers too harshly. If consenting adults chose to buy and sell pleasure, why should she care? But this was something entirely different. Sex slaves had no rights, no choices. They were not allowed to say no. “I’m so sorry. That had to have been horrible for her.”

Zevon shrugged again, his features entirely void of emotion. “If she had not been captured and trained as a concubine, she never would have met my father. Her master was one of my father’s best customers.”

“What business was your father in?” Kendra was almost afraid to ask. It was obvious that her questions were annoying Zevon.

“He provided private security to those wealthy and powerful enough to need it.” Before she could ask any other questions about his parents, Zevon rattled off the surrounding facts. Clearly, he was ready for a different subject. “Both of my parents have passed beyond. I had three siblings, but my brother drowned when we were teens. My sisters are both mated and producing offspring at an alarming rate. I’m the only one in my family that can manipulate magic.”

He’d successfully anticipated most of her questions, so Kendra just smiled.

“How old were you when your power first manifested?” Arcon wanted to know.

“Eleven. I was with a group of friends and started hearing their thoughts and sensing their emotions. The ability was easy to hide and it allowed me to manipulate others so I didn’t tell anyone for almost two years.”

“But?” Kendra prompted. Testing at the Citadel was available to anyone, but there had to be a reason for the assessment. “When and why did you fess up that you had powers?”

“It was a couple of months before my thirteenth birthday and one of my friends made me furious. We were attracted to the same girl and each believed that she was responding to us. A fight ensued and I started manifesting spontaneous fireballs. I nearly burned down the school. Needless to say, I was shipped off to the Citadel a few days later and was immediately accepted as a trainee.”

“At thirteen?” she objected. “I’ve noticed a few baby-faced trainees, but no one that young.”

“Manipulating magic is dangerous, so the Citadel leadership has always preferred to deal with young adults. Eighteen is the average age for entrance into the programs. However, exceptions are made from those with particularly volatile powers. I definitely qualified.”

“You already admitted that you’re empathic and telepathic,” Kendra listed. “You can create fireballs. What else can you do?”

“My primary element is fire,” he reminded. “I have a scattering of Houkdi abilities, but mostly I just burn or blow shit up.”

Challenge arched Arcon’s brows. “Then the story I heard about the Rowitton is exaggerated?”

Zevon scoffed. “Depends which version you were told.”

“The Rowitton was a transport ship that dared to pass through Torretian space. They were slightly off course, but the Torretian patrol was preparing to shoot them down.” Arcon looked at Kendra to ensure that she was understanding the nuances of the story. “The ship was loaded with families, males, females, and children, many, many children. But the Torretians didn’t care. The ship didn’t have permission to be there so they had been ordered to shoot them down.”

“That’s ridiculous. Why would anyone do that?”

“The order came from Jevara’s father and anyone that dared to question one of his orders died. Anyway, Zevon—according to the story I was told—reached into the Torretian ship and fused their engines. It disabled the ship without causing an explosion that would have destroyed both ships. He disabled their weapons systems as well. Not one life was lost that day and the Rowitton held nearly two thousand.”

Smiling now, she looked at Zevon. “How accurate is that version of the story?”

He shrugged but amusement gleamed in his golden eyes. “I disabled the engines, but I only assisted with the weapons systems. There were three of us there that day. I don’t know why I end up with all the credit.”

“What about the fall of Jaefar or Sorrin Lantar’s rescue? Weren’t those solo missions?”

“Are you writing my biography?” Zevon waved away the attention. “Your accomplishments are just as impressive. Shall we review a few of those?”

“No,” Arcon insisted.

At the same time, Kendra urged, “Yes!”

Zevon laughed. “What we’ve done in the past is not nearly as interesting as what we will be able to do as a triad. I suggest we focus on convincing our female to accept our claim. That’s why we’re here after all.”

Heat cascaded through Kendra’s body and her nipples peaked beneath the clingy fabric of her dress. Her desire had been simmering all day, but she’d just learned more about Zevon in the past few minutes than he’d told her in the last three days. And they’d been together nearly the entire time. She didn’t want the exchange to end.

“What role do you see me playing if I remain at the Citadel permanently?” Arcon asked.

If? Kendra’s heart did a little flip. Was it still if? Of course it was. She wasn’t sure she wanted them to claim her. It was only fair that they make sure this was what they wanted too. Soul bonding was forever.

“That’s entirely up to you.” Zevon stood up and crossed to the beverage dispenser. “Is Pyronese wine all right?” She nodded so he looked at Arcon. “Do you want another drink?” Arcon shook his head. “You’re a damn good trainer,” Zevon went on as the printer created the first drink. “But I’m not sure that will challenge you for long. What sort of contracts did you accept as you jaunted around from star system to star system?”

Arcon shrugged. “I’ve always done a little of everything.”

Zevon returned to the sofa and handed Kendra the wine. He’d printed another shot of finolt for himself. “Well then, we’ll let you do a little of everything. You’ll just do it all from the comfort and security of the Citadel.”

“I think I can work with that,” Arcon decided.

“I sense controller energy from you as well as source,” Zevon noted. “Did you qualify as both?”

“I did, but my personality is more suited to being a source.” He looked at Kendra as he said, “My controller side tends to surface most often when I’m in bed, but even then the impulses are moderate compared to most controllers.”

“Luckily for us,” Zevon glanced at her too, “our mate enjoys being controlled. Don’t you, pet?”

She returned his smile but said nothing.

“What about my ship?” Arcon wanted to know.

“I can always use good ships and skilled commanders,” Zevon assured him. “Our mate will probably prefer that you shorten your voyages, but you can still spend time in space.”

She leisurely sipped the wine, but already her arousal was starting to build. The orgasm she’d given herself had only whet her appetite for a long night full of passion.

“What about you, red?” Arcon asked. “How are you going to fill your time now that you’re not going to Houkdi?”

“I’m not sure what my options are. All of my training has been focused on preparing me to join a triad. No one seems to know what happens after that.”

“It’s hard to determine your options until we assess your abilities,” Zevon explained then took the final sip of his drink.

“And my abilities will only develop after I’ve been claimed?”

“Your abilities can be released if you’re in a relationship,” Arcon clarified. “If you’re having sex on a regular basis with a source and a controller. They, or rather we, can help you control your power.”

“I didn’t realize that,” she admitted. “No wonder some of the conduits are farther along than others. They must have found a lover, or lovers.”

“Do you want to participate in the war?” Zevon asked, his gaze slightly narrowed and watchful. “Many of the conduits have indicated that they would rather not be directly involved.”

“I don’t feel that way at all,” Kendra assured him. “From everything I’ve heard about Jevara, he deserves to be removed from office, even if that means killing him. Sometimes that’s the only way to neutralize a pervasive threat.”

“Why do you feel so strongly about it?” Arcon wanted to know.

There was no judgment in his voice, no disagreement. He seemed honestly interested in her perspective, so Kendra explained. “I know what it’s like to have every area of my life dictated by others. I’m willing to fight for freedom, even if it’s not my own.”

“You’re not talking about this courtship, are you?” Arcon’s brows scrunched up over his nose. “Didn’t you choose us?”

“I did. I was referring to everything that came before. Life on the farm was extremely regimented. We were manipulated and lied to at every turn. And things haven’t been much better since coming here. If my powers hadn’t activated, I’d be on my way to Houkdi.” Both of the males nodded but neither commented. “I’m really glad my power decided to activate when it did, but I can’t help thinking about my friends. They’re still being bartered away as part of this alliance.”

Zevon sighed as he set his empty glass aside. “Their destinations are being dictated by the alliance but each conduit will choose who claims her. I understand your frustration, but you are being overly dramatic.”

“Overly dramatic?” Kendra set down her glass hard enough to make the glass ring and pivoted to face her controller. “I am not?—”

“Why did you wait so long to court a female?” Arcon interrupted, clearly trying to defuse the building argument.

Zevon’s lips curved into a subtle smile as he allowed the question to serve its purpose. “I thought it would be better to wait until the current crisis is over before I started looking for a mate. Now that it’s happening, I’m excited about all the possibilities.”

Following suit, Kendra let the spark of indignation sputter out. The conversation was far from over, but now was not the time. This was why there were three people involved in each power triad. Their personalities and abilities kept everything in balance.

“There will always be a crisis somewhere,” Arcon added. “I think we’ll make a solid team.”

“As do I,” Zevon responded.

Kendra looked from one male to the other and smiled. It still didn’t seem real that her life had changed so drastically in just three days. She’d begrudgingly agreed to travel to Houkdi and bond with two of their tribesmen, and now she was being courted by both the males she’d been infatuated with since her arrival at the Citadel. This was the sort of thing that made people believe in fate.

Heat spiraled through her body as she imagined all the things they would do together, all the pleasure they would share. Having sex with Zevon had been intense and amazing, but it had never felt complete. She wanted her source there too. That was how it was meant to be with triads.

“Our lovely mate is starting to squirm,” Zevon noted, his gaze gleaming. “I think we should continue this conversation in the bedroom.”

“You’ll get no argument from me.” Arcon grinned as he pushed to his feet. He walked over to the couch and held out his hands. “I know all this is still new to you. Are you ready to take on two lovers?”

Kendra drew courage from her imagination and reinforced it with the stories of love and support her friends had shared. Eden and Ansley had found happiness within the structure of a power triad. It gave Kendra hope that she could too.

“I say we find out.” She took Arcon’s hands and stood up. Their gazes locked and the rest of the room blurred.

Standing also, Zevon moved behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you going to be as obedient with Arcon as you’ve been with me?”

A tingle dropped down her spine and her pussy began to ache. She’d done everything Zevon told her without argument because she was enjoying her sexual exploration. She had no doubt that once the novelty wore off, she would find reasons to rebel. Her personality demanded it, and Zevon was a controller to the marrow of his bones. Of course, she enjoyed being overwhelmed by his aggression just as much as he enjoyed taking her in hand.

“Yes, Sir,” she whispered.

“It’s going to get confusing if you call us both ‘Sir,’” Zevon decided. “From now on you will refer to me as Master.”

She tensed. Hearing him whisper the word like a term of endearment made her feel special and adored. It was part of the fantasy in which she’d been living for the past few days. Saying the word out loud made the new dynamic feel much more real. “Commander would work also,” she pointed out. “Even president.”

“You will call me Master, and Arcon is now Sir.” The authority in Zevon’s tone made it obvious that it wasn’t a suggestion.

The secret to any relationship was compromise and learning to pick one’s battles. She hesitated, silently debating her options. This wasn’t a battle worth fighting, so she just let it go. “Yes, Master.”

“Good girl. Now, ask Sir what he would like you to do.”

“How can I please you, Sir?” She hardly recognized the breathy voice as hers.

Arcon took her by the hand and led her into the bedroom. He positioned her at the foot of the bed then stepped back. “Undress for us. Show us the lovely body that is now ours to enjoy.”

She kicked off her shoes then unfastened the knot holding the belt of her wraparound dress closed. As Zevon insisted, she wore nothing beneath so undressing took less than a minute.

“Turn around. Slowly,” Arcon directed, his heated gaze fixed on her naked body.

Giving them plenty of time to look at her, Kendra turned in a full circle. She’d never been insecure about her body. Life on the island hadn’t given her time to fixate on such unimportant things. She’d lived in a dormitory with a dozen other females. Privacy was a luxury she’d never known. Dressing and undressing while other people were present was simply a part of life. When she faced them again, she stopped and waited for Arcon’s next order.

“I’ve always thought you were beautiful, but… You’re breathtaking like this.”

Heat blossomed on her cheeks and need thrummed between her thighs. The intensity of his gaze was nearly tangible, but she needed his hands on her body. “I’m glad I please you, Sir,” she said softly, instinctively lowering her gaze.

Arcon approached and raised her chin until their eyes met again. “I want you to look at me. I need to know what you’re thinking and feeling. Unlike our controller, I’m not empathic.”

“Really?” The fact surprised her. “Most sources can sense emotions, at least to some extent.”

“I’ll discuss my abilities at length, after we make love.”

His phrasing sent a wave of desire over Kendra. Zevon never used the term. He ‘buried his cock in her tight pussy’ and ‘fucked her senseless’ but he’d never made love to her. Only when the two males worked together would she receive everything she needed to be content and happy.

Arcon swept her up in his arms and placed her on the bed then quickly stripped off his clothes before he joined her. Zevon moved to a chair across from the bed and sat, allowing her to focus on Arcon during their first encounter. Arcon kissed her tenderly, his lips sliding against hers, tongue tip teasing. He slipped one arm beneath her neck and caressed her breasts with the other. His large palm covered the mounds, squeezing one and then the other. He kept his touch light and never lingered in one place for long.

Kendra squirmed restlessly, running her hands over the corded muscles in his chest and arms. She wanted him over her, pressing her down into the mattress as he thrust deep between her thighs. Zevon was the only male she’d ever been with and his approach was much more direct, more forceful. Twisting her head to the side, she muttered, “Please, Arcon. I need you inside me now.”

“I’ll fuck you when I’m ready and not before,” he growled out, then nipped the side of her throat. “Now, be still and let me touch you.”

“Yes, Sir.” She forced herself to stop thrashing, but the effort heightened her desire. Her core pulsed with painful need. Despite her best efforts, her arms and legs shifted and her back arched.

His fingers caught one of her nipples and pinched hard enough to make her gasp.

“What was that for?”

“You’re still wiggling. I told you to lie still.”

“I’m trying,” she objected sharply. “But I’ve wanted you for weeks.”

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as his lips explored the side of her neck. “I’ve wanted you too, red. Now, be patient and I’ll make it worth the wait.”

He kissed her again, building the intensity slowly. She closed her eyes and lost herself in the kiss. She tried to go where he led, to accept the pace he was setting. Unwilling to anger him again, she greedily moved her hands all over his body, touching him everywhere she could reach. Zevon seldom allowed her to touch him, so this freedom was a rare treat.

Arcon caressed his way to her belly and then eased his hand between her thighs. She moved her legs farther apart, more than ready for his fingers thrusting inside her. Lifting her hips and rubbing against his light touch, she urged him onward.

“Look at me,” Arcon ordered.

She opened her eyes and met his smoldering gaze.

“Relax and accept what I’m giving you. I will not be pressured by your impatience.”

His approach was different than Zevon’s overt aggression, but this was still about control. Arcon wanted her to submit to him, to willingly surrender.

“Yes, Sir.” She released the tension in her muscles and went still against the bed.

He traced her slit with his fingertips, his gaze still locked with hers. “Offer me this soft, wet pussy. Promise that I can use it anyway I like.”

“My pussy belongs to you, Sir. To you and Master.” She hesitated before adding the second promise, unsure why he had chosen the phrase. “You may use it anyway you like.”

“Good girl.”

He eased two of his fingers into her needy core and Kendra squeezed him as hard as she could, intensifying the fullness.

“You do not have permission to come,” he warned. “Your pleasure belongs to us now. You will only come when we allow it.”

His long fingers slid in and out, arousing her already primed senses. She gritted her teeth and clenched her hands until her nails bit into her palms. “Please, Sir, I can’t wait.”

“You will wait,” he said sharply.

She ignored him. Lost in desire and greedy for release, she decided that a spanking would be well worth it. She had needed this for much too long.

“Your pleasure belongs to?—”

She cried out, back arching as an orgasm tore through her body. Her inner muscles rippled around his fingers and waves of pleasure washed away reality.

When her mind refocused, Kendra found Arcon sitting beside her, his handsome features locked in a mask of disapproval. “I told you to wait.”

“I tried to wait,” she said dismissively. “I needed it too badly.”

He rocked onto his knees and displayed his long, thick cock. “I need release just as badly. This is our first time. I wanted us to come together.”

She drew her knees up then spread her thighs. “We still can.” She smiled at him. “I promise I’ll wait this time.”

“You were selfish and disobedient. You understood my expectations and chose to ignore them.”

As the euphoria ebbed, she realized that he was seriously annoyed by her behavior. Well, she was getting pretty damn annoyed herself. “You came without me while you fucked my mouth. That’s why I needed you so badly.”

“You just earned a harsher punishment with your lies,” Arcon said sternly. “You made yourself come while I fucked your mouth. Our need for each other was equal and you chose to ignore my directive.”

She’d forgotten about that. Damn it. He was right. She was being greedy for pleasure and decided it was worth the risk. It was time to back down before she made this worse. “I’m sorry, Sir. I should have tried harder.”

Zevon handed Arcon something then sat down on the edge of the bed. He didn’t touch her, didn’t speak. He just watched as Arcon moved between her widespread thighs.

What had Zevon given Arcon? Arcon was intentionally keeping it out of sight. “I said I was sorry.” Anxiety surged through the lingering heat of her arousal. It was rapidly becoming clear that Arcon no longer had making love on his mind.

Arcon reached down and traced her lips. “You offered me your mouth and willingly swallowed my seed.” He ran his fingertips over her breasts and across her belly. “You displayed your naked flesh for me, showed me the true beauty of my mate.” He pushed her legs open even farther. “You said your pussy was mine to use, yet you denied me the intimacy of sharing your pleasure. It was selfish and disrespectful.”

“I’m sorry. I should have?—”

He pushed a thick dildo into her pussy, abruptly ending her apology. The toy stretched her inner muscles, instantly reigniting her need. “I want to fuck you so badly that my balls ache and pre-cum is leaking from my cock.” He stroked himself until several drops of the hot liquid dripped onto her belly. “You’re in desperate need of a lesson in control, so my pleasure, my release must wait.”

He pulled the dildo back then thrust it deep, drawing a gasp from Kendra. “I won’t come unless you tell me to. Please, fuck me. I promise. I’ll be good.” The fullness felt punitive. He wasn’t hurting her, but this was worlds away from what she wanted.

Over and over he drove the thick toy into her pussy. She was wet and open from her orgasm, so the shaft slid easily. Still, it made her feel ashamed and regretful.

It also made her mystic energy more apparent. Fueled by his domination, her Fire surged and simmered, more than ready to catch flame.

Arcon pulled the toy out and brought it to her mouth. “Suck it. Taste your selfishness.”

A sob tore free as she reluctantly spread her lips for the wet toy. Her juices liberally coated the length, spreading her taste through her mouth. He slid it in and out, fucking her mouth with the same punishing intensity.

“Your mouth belongs to us, mate,” Arcon reminded. “Say it.” He pulled the toy out so she could obey.

“My mouth belongs to you.” Her voice shook with emotion and tears escaped the corners of her eyes. He was right. She had been selfish, only thinking of her need to come.

He brought the dildo back to her pussy and thrust it in and out several times. “This pussy belongs to us. Say it.”

“My pussy belongs to you.”

With sudden aggression, he removed the toy and flipped her onto her belly. He pulled her cheeks apart and pushed the toy just past the tight ring of her bottom. She was spread wide, her pucker ruthlessly stretched around the toy.

Fire burst inside her, swelling and contracting, barely contained within its restraining bounds.

“Please, not like this,” she begged, sobbing even harder.

“Your ass belongs to us,” he insisted, driving the toy a tiny bit deeper.

Her stubborn opening burned, protesting the fullness.

“Yours,” she cried. “My ass is yours.”

Each time she submitted, to even the smallest degree, the intensity of her Fire eased, becoming less destructive.

He pulled the toy out and she exhaled, but her relief was premature. Cool, slick lube drizzled over her pucker and then the dildo returned. Arcon drove the toy inward, forcing her tightest opening to yield to his will.

Kendra buried her face against the bedding and sobbed out her misery. The pain was minimal compared to her shame and regret. Tonight should have been special. Arcon had been prepared to make love to her tenderly. All she’d needed to do was surrender and obey him, and he would have brought her fantasies to life. Instead, she’d indulged her own desires and this was the result. Deeper and deeper Arcon pushed the toy, staking his claim on her untried ass. Zevon had played with her there, teasing her with fingers and even a slender toy. This was a brutal invasion, an unmistakable domination.

She held still and forced her body to relax. Resisting the penetration only intensified the pain and brought her one step closer to activation. Over and over, Arcon fucked her ass with the toy. His rhythm was quick and smooth, the fullness inescapable. Her body was his to use. Her ass was his to punish.

Gradually the burning eased, forcing her to register the slide. Her clit twitched and her pussy fluttered. Despite her humiliation, her body was becoming aroused. She shifted her hips, angling her bottom to take the toy deeper. As if sensing her surrender, he slapped her cheeks to reignite the pain.

“You’re much too relaxed,” Arcon noted. “Punishments are not meant to be enjoyed.” With the toy buried in her bottom, Arcon pulled her up onto her knees and pushed his cock into her pussy.

Kendra cried out sharply as the double penetration forced her body open wider than it had ever gone before. “It hurts,” she cried in between sobs. “It really hurts.”

“Discipline is meant to hurt,” Zevon reminded. He still hadn’t touched her, but he could clearly see everything that Arcon was doing to her.

The toy stretched her ass wide, while Arcon roughly fucked her pussy. It might have hurt less if he slid the toy in and out, but he obviously wanted her focused on the fullness.

“Are you sorry for being selfish, mate?” Arcon growled out as his pace sped up even more.

“Yes! I’m sorry, very sorry.”

He drew the toy out of her bottom, but she waited, tense and trembling, suspecting what came next. Pulling out of her pussy, he moved his wet cock to her gaping bottom and drove his entire length into the still slick hole. Kendra moaned then shuddered. His shaft was even thicker than the dildo. Her inner muscles strained to take him, but she didn’t resist. The ring of muscles burned as she adjusted to an even more extreme stretch.

Reaching around her hip, Arcon slipped his hand between her thighs and rubbed her clit. “I know it hurts, red, but you’re going to come for me. I want to feel your virgin ass submit to my cock.”

“Yes, Sir,” she whispered, ready, even eager to obey.

She was a conduit, genetically engineered to surrender. Her energy churned, dangerously close to burning through the barriers. She opened her body and calmed her mind, using submission to control the flames.

His fingers stroked her clit and Kendra yielded, relaxing so her body could respond. Her pussy fluttered, drawing her attention to how tightly he stretched her other opening.

“Give it to me.” He pulled nearly out then drove in deep, the stroke long and slow so she felt every millimeter moving inside her. “Give me your pleasure now.”

Panting harshly, she began to move with him, driving upward as he thrust down. His fingers rubbed over and around her sensitive clit. Tingles erupted and tension built. It was happening. Despite the pain and her raw emotions, she was going to come around his cock.

She gasped and tossed her hair back, releasing the last of her inhibitions. The orgasm crested with his next thrust. Pleasure inundated her senses, cascading through her from head to toe. He filled her ass and her clit twitched beneath his stroking fingers. She cried out helplessly and her back passage tightened rhythmically around his cock.

Submitting to his demands soothed the raging Fire inside her. She sensed the energy receding. It was still present yet no longer threatening.

“Good girl,” Arcon praised as he fucked into her bottom. “Such a good girl.” He continued to rub her clit, prolonging her pleasure as he leisurely found his own release. He pulled out and spread her cheeks, spurting his seed over both openings. “This is your mates’ pussy,” he murmured, pushing some of his cum inside her. “And our ass,” he concluded, repeating the ritual with her bottom.

Kendra collapsed onto her belly, restless despite the powerful orgasm she’d just received. She felt weak and shaky, utterly used, yet she also felt incomplete as if the situation was not resolved.

Zevon. She realized. She had two mates and Zevon had yet to find release.

“This was not how I pictured our first time,” Arcon said a few minutes later. He sat beside her on the bed and cleaned her limp body with a warm cloth.

She looked up at him through her hair. “Me either.” The smile she attempted to form never quite materialized.

He parted her ass cheeks and spread something cool and soothing over and into her sore bottom. “This will make you feel better.”

The gentle gliding of his fingers against her oversensitive flesh made her squirm and moan. Why did she still feel so needy? She sucked in a deep breath, then let it out slowly through her mouth.

“Damn it,” Zevon muttered, sitting down near her head. “Your energy is spiking again. I’m not sure we can postpone this any longer.”

Alarmed, yet excited, she rolled to her hip and sat up, facing her controller. “What do you mean? I’m not ready to be claimed.”

“We can release your abilities without claiming you, but it will require a telepathic link. Are you willing to share your thoughts and emotions with us or just your amazing body?”

Challenge rippled through his tone. If she hadn’t felt the churning energy threatening to rip her apart, she might have argued with him. As it was, she knew he was right. They were out of time. “You already sense our emotions. This will just make things fairer for Arcon and me.”

“Then get on your hands and knees and bring that sweet pussy right to the edge of the bed.”

“Yes, Master.” She whispered the title, still finding it slightly objectionable. Shifting back to her hands and knees, she scooted back until her hips lined up with the edge of the bed.

Zevon moved up behind her and grasped her hips. Then he shifted the angle of her body so she crossed one corner of the bed. The reason for the angle was obvious. This would allow them to access her mouth and her pussy at the same time. She looked around and realized that Arcon had gone into the bathroom doubtlessly to clean up after fucking her ass.

“Open those thighs,” Zevon directed, drawing her focus back to the bed. “Show me what belongs to me, what belongs to us.”

She moved her knees farther apart until her pussy lips parted and her openings were fully on display.

Easing two fingers into her pussy, Zevon ran one hand up and down her back while he fucked her with the other. “So soft and hot. Your body is made for fucking.”

She tightened her inner muscles, encouraging him without words.

He chuckled. “Need more, pet. Are you ready for your master’s cock?”

“Yes, please.” His fingers slipped free and he slapped her wet slit instead. Kendra gasped and shot a glare over her shoulder. “I asked nicely?”

“If I want to spank your pussy, what happens?”

She clenched her teeth for a moment then said, “You spank my pussy.” It was a familiar game, a playful way for him to demonstrate his dominance. He slid his fingers back inside her, pumping them just long enough for her to start enjoying the motion, then he slapped her vulnerable flesh.

“Is this pussy mine to spank?”

“Yes, Master,” she cried after six teasing rotations. “It is also yours to fuck,” she added in a soft, beseeching tone.

“What’s the matter, pet?” He slid his fingers down and rubbed her clit. “Does your pussy ache for my cock?”

“Yes, Master. Very much so.”

He moved both hands to her hips and drove his cock deep into her pussy.

Kendra moaned, frantically fighting off an orgasm. “May I?—”

“Not yet, pet. You will wait.” He fucked into her with long, slow strokes.

Bracing her weight on her forearms, Kendra concentrated on the brutal slide of Zevon’s cock. He filled her completely with each firm thrust, but he was avoiding contact with her clit. Desire smoldered inside her, combining with the heat of her Altorian Fire.

“Don’t fight your instincts,” Zevon advised. “I will not let the Fire harm you, but you will be consumed by it.”

She nodded as she tightened herself around his thickness.

Fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her head up until she looked into Arcon’s brilliant blue eyes. “Open, red. It’s time for you to take both your mates.”

Quickly licking her lips, she opened her mouth and welcomed Arcon inside. He tasted clean and smelled faintly of some sort of soap. She was glad for the precaution, but she wanted his scent in her nose and his taste on her tongue. He pushed deeper, filling her mouth without using her throat. She sucked firmly on his tapered head and swirled her tongue around his rock-hard thickness. They synchronized their strokes, filling her deeply at both ends. It felt decadent and starkly carnal, and soon her senses were soaring again.

Heat swirled through Kendra, pushing against her mind. Instinctively, she resisted, struggling to keep the intruder out.

Arcon reached beneath her, cupping both breasts as Zevon began to rub her clit.

“Let us in, love,” Zevon urged. “You must submit to the joining.”

The tingling energy pushed harder, the penetration starting to sting. She murmured around Arcon’s surging cock. She wasn’t fighting intentionally. But each time their energy pressed against her mental shields, her need to resist was unavoidable.

Zevon slapped her ass hard, then accented the spank with a brutal thrust. “Enough. Open your mind right now.” When she didn’t immediately obey, he spanked the other side. Over and over he paired stinging slaps with demanding thrusts, possessing her body as he attempted to penetrate her mind.

Arcon fisted her hair and pulled her head back. She knew what that meant and quickly relaxed her throat. A moment later Arcon pushed his entire length into her mouth. He slid so deep she couldn’t breathe. A moment of panic urged her to fight, but she forced herself to yield instead. Her mind went blank, and she opened herself to the twisting currents of energy.

There was no pain, just the disorienting sense of being overcome. Their energy wove through her mind and the Fire burned hotter than ever before. Flames licked at her legs, her hips, then her torso. She was being consumed by her own power. A silent scream tore from her, the sound echoing in her mind. Fear and desperation forced her to struggle. She twisted and bucked, trying to dislodge Zevon. She brought her hands to Arcon’s thighs and tried to push him away.

They grasped her more securely and fucked her even harder.

“Submit, pet,” Zevon ordered. “I can’t control your power until you let go.”

Arcon held her face now, pushing well into her throat with each urgent thrust. “Trust me. I’ll take care of you. We’ll take care of you.” He pushed emotion into her mind, inundating her being with affection and need. This was more than just lust, so much more. Arcon honestly thought she was his mate and wanted to bond with her for all eternity.

Kendra stilled, gradually accepting that they were not hurting her. Zevon returned his fingers to her clit, rewarding her partial surrender with pleasure. She relaxed a little more, opening her body and mind.

Hot. She was so damn hot.

Raw power broke through the Fire forming a protective barrier all around her. For a moment, she thought it was Zevon, but then Zevon began to bring the flames under control. The wall of energy was Arcon, her source. She’d heard that the sheer scope of a source’s energy was like nothing she could imagine. Still, hearing it described had done little to prepare her for reality. Arcon had a vast ocean of energy at his disposal. And eventually all that energy would fuel their triad.

“Come for us, mate,” Zevon ordered, his fingers skillfully circling her clit. “Offer us your pleasure.”

She didn’t hesitate. Arching her back, she came in dizzying spasms. Her cry of pleasure was muffled by Arcon’s cock as it slid in and out of her mouth. Zevon rubbed her clit, prolonging the waves of sensation until she could barely hold herself up on her hands and knees.

Arcon thrust a few more times, then shuddered against her face as he released his seed down her throat. He pulled back in time to coat her tongue with cum. She sucked and licked, savoring his salty/sweet taste. All the while his emotions swirled through her mind, adding a layer of intimacy to the act that left her shaking.

Withdrawing completely, Arcon kissed her lightly on the lips.

Zevon pushed her upper body down but kept her ass in the air. Arcon moved back and let Zevon control her. Zevon grasped the back of her neck while he drove into her fast and hard.

She braced her knees and tilted her hips, offering him her wet pussy. Pounding into her didn’t satisfy him for long. He found her tender pucker with his thumb and drove inside. Kendra groaned as tingling heat spiraled through her lower body. Pain always made her pleasure more intense and Zevon knew it.

“Come again, mate,” Zevon ordered, his thumb fucking into her ass. “Come for your master.”

The surges of pain ensured that she obeyed. Hard spasms contracted her core around his cock and sent sizzling heat pulsing across her nerve endings. Kendra cried out helplessly, lifting her hips to take his length deeper into her willing body.

Energy cascaded through her along with consuming emotions. Possessive desire and protectiveness. She’d seen the feelings reflected in his eyes, but sensing their intensity was humbling. His attraction to her was real. It had been simmering ever since she arrived.

Zevon thrust one last time then shuddered violently. His seed spurted out in rhythmic pulses, sending tingling echoes of pleasure through Kendra. Zevon rubbed her back and hips as he reluctantly separated their bodies. She started to lie down on her stomach, but Zevon scooped her up and placed her on his lap instead.

“Your energy is no longer bound, but do not attempt to access it without assistance.” He brushed the hair back from her face and captured her gaze. “Your mind is untrained, your power volatile. You’ll need help controlling it for some time.”

She nodded. “I understand.” What she really needed was a triad to help her control her abilities, but that required a permanent bond. “I won’t attempt to use my powers unless you guys are there to help me.”

Zevon offered her a rare smile. “Your mentors can help you as well, but I will make time for you.”

His emotions were faint now. She could still sense the connection, but he must be shielding his mind.

He leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to her lips then eased her off his lap. “Go take a shower with Arcon. He needs some time alone with you.”

She took Arcon’s outstretched hand and followed him into the bathroom. The shower stall was a tight fit with both of them in there, but his embrace felt wonderful. She moved closer to his muscular body and wrapped her arms around his lean waist.

They stood beneath the warm spray and his hands ran up and down her back.

“Are you all right?” he sighed. His thoughts had obviously drifted back to her lesson. “I would never harm you. Why were you so upset by what I did?”

She eased back and tilted her head so she could see his face. She could no longer sense his emotions. Like Zevon, Arcon must be shielding his mind. His sculpted features were tense but affection warmed his expressive blue eyes. “I was upset with myself,” she assured him. “I’d imagined being with you for weeks and when it finally happened, I messed it up for both of us.”

Bending down, he kissed her tenderly then whispered against her parted lips, “We have the rest of our lives to get it right.”