Under a Blood Moon: Beaux Rêve Coven, Book 2 Read online

  Thinking of Mathias sent another quiver of anger through her. What was it with demons? Why did they think the sun and moon rose just for them? If Mathias had had even an ounce of empathy for her fears regarding their union, she might not of have fled Michigan with her sisters, although she would have missed them. But she’d left behind her friends and the community, left the comforts the wife of a future leader promised.

  Not that she had any true regrets. Sure, she worked hard running her own small shrimping company. She ran three boats, manned by experienced human crews, and her own trawler, only because she loved keeping the connection to the water, whether she was dragging the canals for shrimp or out in the shallow waters of Barataria bay.

  As angry and confused as she was, all those hands applying pressure and soothing over knotted muscles had her yawning.

  “Time to roll over.”

  She wasn’t sure which of the twin of the twins spoke. They were identical—in looks and voice. Without gauging their expressions, she couldn’t tell them apart. Mikkel always had a twinkle of mischief in his dark blue eyes. Elias was the more thoughtful, quiet one. He studied her when he thought she wasn’t looking.

  Both mermen were extremely handsome, but she wasn’t tempted to allow them deeper intimacies. Her heart was set on Renner, and she wouldn’t betray him although he’d already broken her trust. “I think I’m ready to sleep. But thank you so much.”

  A sigh sounded, hands petted, but they only provided comfort.

  “You’re in love with Renner.”

  She knew it was Elias speaking. His quiet tone said he’d read her agitation when she’d exited her bath. Knew the source. Had likely known longer than she had that Renner was the one who tempted her to throw away her freedom. “I don’t know.”

  A hand ruffled her hair. “Liar,” he said softly. “We understand. And we would like to offer our help.”

  She glanced over her shoulder at the two men, torsos bared, but their trousers still cloaking their lower halves. Neither showed disappointment, just quiet resignation in their faces. “It’s not fair to you,” she answered.

  “There are only four of you who are available. And already the other witches have their favorites. We know we’re out of the running. Renner’s our friend. We would see you both happy, Miren. What is it you need from Renner before you commit?”

  Miren held his gaze for a long moment. “I need to know that he won’t seek to control me. That I’ll still be allowed my freedoms. That he loves me, not just the magic I will share.”

  “Renner’s not a selfish man. He would never attempt to enslave you.”

  “You know that, but I have my doubts. I can’t afford to take that on his promise or your vouch of his good character. I need something more substantial.”

  Elias gave her a small smile. “Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. You have to learn to trust.”

  She remembered how Mathias had changed after graduation, once he’d started working for the council. As a dragon, his strength was his immense physical power, which he used to intimidate. He’d become an enforcer, and when he’d been with her, because she’d been promised since she was a child, he’d taken for granted that everything she offered was his to take. To use.

  “I need more time,” she said softly. “To know his true nature. I like his playfulness, but he took advantage, used his special gifts to seduce me. How can I trust him?”

  “He’s frustrated, Miren. We all are.” Elias glanced at Mikkel and they both shrugged at the same time. “We’re demons, and our needs run deep and aren’t easily met with human women. And here you are, alone. You are tempting in ways I don’t think you fully understand. It’s not just about the sex, sweetheart.”

  Mikkel nodded. “Someone like us, from the lower echelons, could only dream of a union with a witch. We settle for liaisons with sirens and other demons. But the pleasure you can bring, the power you can share—”

  “And that’s the problem, isn’t it?” she said, coming up on her elbows and then rolling to her side, moving a thigh to shield her sex. “How can I know that he loves me for me? And not just for what I would bring him?”

  Elias blew out a breath that billowed his cheeks. “You are lovely. Skin like a pearl, sweet curves a man or demon would treasure holding in his hands.” His gaze narrowed on her breasts. “He should not have marked you. Not without your permission. Perhaps our being here will keep him from being sure he has conquered you. He’ll work harder to please you.”

  “We’ll work hard to please you too,” Mikkel said, a sly note in his voice. “You should let us finish that massage. We won’t overstep. And if we take long enough, he will finish his run and come back to discover you can find pleasure from another, even if it’s not the kind of pleasure my brother and I crave. We can make you moan, sweetheart. Don’t you think he deserves a little doubt?”

  Remembering how she’d felt when she’d awakened and realized Renner had been making love to her body, pleasuring her for real, something he’d said he wouldn’t do, she felt a flare of renewed anger. The last thing she should allow would be for Renner to think his ploy had worked. That she’d crave only his touch and succumb easily to his seduction.

  Would she really be wicked enjoying the twin’s attention, allowing their touch? She was awake, could stop them at any point if she grew uncomfortable.

  If she grew uncomfortable.

  Goddess, her body was tightening. The lingering tingle in her nipples grew. She could let them pleasure her breasts. Maybe even allow them to touch her between her legs. She’d be breaking no vows because she hadn’t made any. A sensual massage was all it would be.

  Mind made up, Miren lay back, every inch of her front exposed. She wasn’t sure why, but she trusted them. Thought perhaps they could be friends. Renner had promised not to come to blows with them if she indulged in a little play. And since he’d left her this way, breasts stinging and her clit hot and engorged, why not let him wonder, as Mikkel had suggested, whether she was balanced on the edge of a decision?

  “How is this fair to you? I won’t give you release. That would feel like a betrayal. And although I’ve given him no promises, I wouldn’t feel right about it.”

  “Would you mind if we took pleasure from your body, something that wouldn’t require your involvement, but something that would bother the hell out of Renner? Make him jealous enough, unsure enough, he will rethink his path?”

  She swallowed, half-aroused at the thought of watching these men take their pleasure, and admittedly intrigued to see what they planned. But mostly aroused wondering how Renner would react. “Can we take this slowly? Make sure he’s even here to see?”

  Mikkel canted his head toward the open window. “I’ll go find some wine and glasses. We’ll wait.” To Elias, he said, “Make sure you keep her body warm.”

  Chapter Five

  Renner leapt onto the porch and shook his skin. In human form and nude, he stood in the shadows, unsure about what he should do next. He’d screwed up. Pushed Miren too far. Lied to her. How could a witch who’d risked everything, lost everything, ever learn to trust him, a demon, if couldn’t control his own desires where she was concerned?

  “Think she kicked him out?” came an exaggerated, feminine whisper from the far end of the porch.

  “The other two are upstairs. If she didn’t show him the door, he’s a fool,” her companion said in gruff disgust.

  Renner aimed a glare at Bryn and Ethan. Bryn wore a sheet wrapped around her body. Ethan was naked.

  Ethan lifted his shoulders. “We were enjoying the garden.”

  “At night?” Renner said, glad the darkness hid his reddening cheeks. Bad enough to be caught outside in his birthday suit, but for the both of them to be completely aware he’d fucked up was especially embarrassing.

  “I was feeling nostalgic over our first time,” Bryn said, a smil
e playing on her lips.

  Forcing himself to be polite, Renner gave a terse nod. “Glad you both enjoyed yourselves.”

  “You really going to stand here, giving my wife a thrill? Or are you going to make sure those two salmon aren’t swimming upstream?”

  Renner felt his brows pull together, his shoulders and back tighten. “I screwed up. To make it up to her, I promised I wouldn’t interfere with their…massage.”

  “Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be there, Renn,” Bryn said softly. “If you aren’t, she’ll think you don’t care.”

  “If I am, I’m not sure I can keep my promise, and I’ve already broken one tonight.”

  Bryn sucked in a breath. “All the more reason to be there—even if it kills you not to interfere.”

  Renner’s head sank toward his chest. “I don’t know if I can.”

  Bryn came closer, cupping his cheek, forcing him to meet her gaze. “Whatever they do, make it about you. Let her see your desire. Let her know it’s killing you to give her this.” She glanced down at his erection and whistled softly. “And don’t bother with clothing. If she doesn’t already know she’s blessed…” She smiled up at him, an impish grin that tugged his mouth into a smile. “You can do this. Turn it around. She’ll see only you.”

  Ethan cleared his throat. A harsh sound that deepened Renner’s grin. “You’re a lucky man,” Renner said, giving her bared shoulders and rounded belly a quick perusal. And then he straightened and headed to the door. If Bryn was on his side, she must not think he’d done any lasting harm. He’d trust her instincts. She knew Miren better than anyone.

  Mikkel closed the door and glanced up at his brother, who’d just applied more oil to Miren’s belly. He gave them both a nod and strode toward them. Already, Miren’s skin was quivering, imagining Renner watching, while continuing to enjoy the soothing strokes of Elias’s hands.

  The thought was decadent. Not something she’d ever entertained in her wildest imaginings. Three men desired her. Two were bent on providing her pleasure while torturing a third.

  How would Renner react? Would he be angry? Inspired?

  “He’s coming. I heard him on the porch,” Mikkel said, then quickly unbuttoned his pants and left them on the floor.

  Elias grinned and rose from the bed to strip as well.

  Both men were aroused, their cocks thrusting from nests of brown hair at their groins. Both were beautiful, perfectly proportioned, typical for demons—and why there were so many tales in human lore of their ability to attract human women.

  The men settled on the bed on either side of her, resting on their sides, one hand caressing her while they bent to kiss her breasts. Miren bit her lip and held her breath, ready for whatever came. Hopefully, it would be her.

  This was the sight that greeted Renner as he opened the door. Moonlight filtered in from the open window, illuminating the tableau on the bed. Instant rage flushed his skin, but he tamped it down, kept his inner beast leashed while he padded to the arm chair beside the window and lowered himself slowly.

  He was sure all three engaged on the bed were aware of his arrival. Their play appeared staged. As though they’d waited with an ear at the door for his arrival and then rushed to take their places.

  Miren gave a moan and arched, thrusting her breasts against the other men’s mouths. Mikkel groaned and latched his mouth around one ripe areola, while Elias skimmed a hand down her belly and began to play in her soft curls. Her legs moved restlessly apart then together. She turned her head to find him in his chair, her gaze holding steady with his.

  Did she see the anger glittering in his eyes? Did she see how aroused he was? He gripped his cock and gave himself a stroke just to make sure she noticed.

  Her lips curved at the corners, but there was moisture welling in her eyes. She was aroused and yet ashamed of that fact. And while he was relieved she felt as though she was betraying him, in that instant, he realized he never wanted her to feel that way. That he was stronger, their bond deeper. Nothing would ever change that. He felt that in his core.

  “It’s all right, love,” he whispered, relaxing his grip on the arm of his chair and on his cock. “I’m here. Take your pleasure. Give them theirs. When you are done, know you are still mine.”

  Mikkel lifted his head and gave him a hard glare. “You hurt her.”

  Renner nodded, never letting his gaze leave hers. “I did. And for that, I’m truly sorry.”

  “We concede your claim,” Elias said, although his fingers continued to swirl in her folds. “But we will remain her protectors. Know this. If you hurt her again, you’ll face us both.”

  Again, he nodded. Then he sat back, relief spilling through him. “Pleasure her. I want to watch. I promise no repercussions.”

  Mikkel and Elias shared grins and then bent back to their tasks.

  Miren’s mouth trembled as it stretched into a smile. “I think…I love you.”

  “You better. Because this is killing me.”

  “Then take your pleasure too. I’ll watch.”

  Bryn had been so right.

  Light from the gibbous moon bathed her skin, making it glow. She lifted a hand, sparkles on her palm, and laid it on the back of Mikkel’s neck.

  Mikkel shuddered and groaned, and Renner knew what the merman felt, that flash of witch’s heat that traveled down his spine. Mikkel rutted against her side, the muscles of his back and buttocks tensing and releasing in desperate pulses.

  Elias scooted down the bed and then moved between her legs, lifting her bottom from the bed and diving down to stroke her with his tongue.

  Her gaze grew unfocused, her mouth opened around a tiny cry.

  Renner smiled as he fisted himself, watching as his woman, his witch, drew pleasure from the mermen’s attentions. This wasn’t betrayal, wasn’t cheating, and Renner wondered if he couldn’t manage to share her with these two, at least occasionally in their shared future, because he found he loved watching her come undone. Strangely, knowing he was first in her heart was enough.

  It also occurred to him there were advantages he’d never considered to such an arrangement. His brain and body were consumed with arousal and he surrendered his jealousy. It had no place here with her.

  Miren shivered, and she covered the one exposed breast with her hand, kneading herself as she began to move, undulating, hips curving upward to meet Elias’s caresses.

  Elias groaned and the muscles of his shoulders and arms tightened, to hold her still. He must have sucked at her raw clit, because she hissed a breath and then whimpered, sliding closed her eyelids as more light infused her skin.

  He’d never seen anything so beautiful. He knew the moment she came, because she arched and held, then slumped to the bed.

  Elias gave her cunt a kiss and then came to his knees. Mikkel did the same. They flanked her, both within reach but bowing to her desires.

  Her eyes fluttered open, and Renner gave her a nod. She understood. Doubt darkened her eyes for just a moment before she lifted both hands, turned them toward the moonlight and filled them with glittering heat. Then she reached out and gripped their cocks.

  Both men flung back their heads and emitted garbled sounds of pleasure as she stroked them. It wasn’t long before they erupted and streams of white struck her belly and breasts.

  Renner let go of his cock and gripped both arms of his chair. He waited while the men slowly recovered, gave her cheeks tender kisses and then used towels to clean her. When they left, they gave Renner nods and slipped through the doorway, leaving him alone with Miren.

  Miren drew a deep, lazy breath. “You aren’t angry? Not disappointed in me?”

  “How could I be?” he said, surprised at the thickness of his voice. “I gave you my promise. And I will always hold your needs above mine.”

  “I don’t need Mikkel and Elias.”

  “
We’ll talk about them later.”

  She gave him a small nod. He didn’t miss that her hand stroked her skin in a languid up-and-down motion. Her nipples were still beaded, her skin still glowing in the moonlight.

  “Do you think you will grow to love me?” she asked, her voice husky. “Me, not the witch?”

  Renner swallowed, pushed up from the chair and walked to the bed. There, he settled on the edge and reached for that indolent hand and captured it. He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it. “Miren, I already do. But I don’t know how to prove it. Other than to promise that if you allow me to love to you, I won’t attempt to claim you. For however long you need, even if you never want to commit to me, I will still love you.”

  She pushed up and angled her legs over the side of the mattress. “I should bathe.”

  “Don’t on my account.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “But their scent is all over me.”

  “It will be again. And again, I won’t mind.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t love them. Why would you assume I’ll be intimate with them again?”

  Renner blew out a stream of air and held her gaze. “You will love them like family.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “They’ll be your protectors when I can’t be here. If you decide to share power, I would like you to share with them as well. Bind us all to you. We’ll keep you safe. We’ll see to every need.”

  “But only one of you will claim me, and Renner, I choose you.”

  Renner let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Don’t make any decisions now.”

  “All right, but would you do one thing for me now?”

  From the hunger in her eyes, he knew what she was about to ask. “Baby, name it.”

  “I need to know what it really feels like for you to be inside me. For real.”