Exitus (Emberhold Academy Series Book 4), page 5
“It’s about time. I will be back to discuss my information with you when this problem is resolved.” Pantar disappeared from the room.
None of us acknowledged his departure.
I jumped down off the counter and turned to them both in fury. “I can’t believe you two are ganging up on me!”
Oliver was starting to get mad now, “That’s not what this is, and you know it! I’ve let this go on as long as I’m going to.”
“Oh, really. You think it’s your decision?” I knew I was being irrational, but I’d gone too far to back down now.
“Firefly, you’re only hurting us both. If you can look me in the eye and honestly say you don’t want me, I swear I'll leave you alone. But if you feel the same way about me as I do about you, then you need to stop running so fast and let me catch you already.” Deshawn looked at me with a pleading expression.
Oliver pulled me into his arms and hugged me. Saying he spoiled me and tolerated my theatrics is an understatement. So, for him to stage this intervention, he must be fed up with me denying Deshawn.
I struggled for a moment, infuriated that they were making me face this now.
“You’ve denied him long enough. It’s time to come to terms with this.” My gentle giant said firmly.
I looked into his beautiful eyes and felt my anger draining away. It was time, and I knew with my very soul that Reverie would want me to be happy.
I nodded, then kissed his chest, taking comfort in his arms for a few minutes.
I pulled away reluctantly, then approached Deshawn. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“With everything that I am,” Deshawn spoke solemnly.
“Okay then. I’m done running.” I stepped closer to him.
“It’s about fucking time!” He pulled me into his arms and began spinning me around.
“Stop! I’m going to be sick, you crazy fool!” I couldn’t hold back my laughter.
He stopped spinning and squeezed me tightly. “You know what this calls for?”
“What?” Oliver asked, grinning.
“Sunday snuggles.” He lifted me and carried me over his shoulder back to my room, leaping onto my bed with me in his arms.
Oliver was right behind us and cuddled me from behind.
For the first time since Reverie left, I felt whole.
Before guilt could sneak in again, I felt Oliver kiss the back of my neck. “How about we take our Sunday Fun Day to the next level?”
“What did you have in mind?” Deshawn grinned.
“Maybe a little Faction bonding time?” Oliver asked, teasingly.
I turned onto my back, where I could look into both of their faces. I could feel Oliver's breath on my neck and Deshawn’s hand brush mine in a silent claim. Their gazes pinned me in place, different but equally consuming-one fire, one storm.
No one moved. Not yet.
My heartbeat stuttered, caught between them, every second pulling the air tighter, heavier, until it felt like the world itself was holding its breath.
“Look at me,” Deshawn said finally, voice low, deep, threaded with something dangerous.
I obeyed-not because I wanted to, but because resisting him had always been a losing battle. His eyes caught mine and held, heavy with heat and promise, the kind of look that unraveled walls brick by brick.
From behind, Oliver shifted-a subtle movement, but it made my breath hitch. His heat brushing my spine, his presence coiled tight like a predator waiting for the right moment to strike.
“You know what this means,” Oliver whispered darkly.
My lips parted, but no sound came out. I could feel the storm gathering around me.
“There is no turning back,” Deshawn finished Oliver's thought, then continued. “You belong to neither of us…” he paused, just long enough for his words to sink in. Then his gaze sharpened, “…we belong to you.”
And in that instant, I understood; this wasn’t about choice.
It was about surrender.
I nod in agreement just as their hands began to move simultaneously, undressing me like they’d worked together a million times before.
Deshawn’s hand slowly trailed from my shoulder to my stomach, the tip of his finger just barely brushing my nipple. At the same time, Oliver began to kiss and bite at my neck and the curve of my shoulder.
Deshawn whispered, softly, “Your skin is like silk.”
My breathing became erratic as their hands continued to explore my body.
Deshawn touched his lips to mine.
The kiss wasn’t rushed.
It wasn’t desperate.
It was reverent—like he was offering something fragile and sacred with every touch of his mouth. There was no urgency in it, only a quiet devotion that unraveled my carefully built walls one heartbeat at a time.
When the kiss ended, I was done.
My body ached, and I needed them both at a level that couldn’t possibly be healthy.
Oliver smiled knowingly, and his hands followed the curve of my stomach, and then lower.
I spread my thighs just as Deshawn’s hand trailed behind Oliver's until he spread my pink lips with two fingers.
I gasped and arched my back when Oliver pushed one of his large fingers in my opening… then another joined the first.
“That’s it, Firefly. Let us make you feel good.” Deshawn murmured, biting the shell of my ear.
I was past answering, and when he began to flick my clit, I thought I was going to die of pleasure.
Oliver continued to fuck me with his fingers, slowly moving in and out of my body. “Come for us, La’ u alofagia.”
I had no choice but to obey.
My orgasm tore through me, a loud moan falling from my lips. I might have even blacked out for a moment; the pleasure was so intense.
Before I could catch my breath, Oliver flipped me over and demanded in his deep, rough voice, “Spread your legs.”
I did as he said, knowing my pleasure was far from over.
Oliver entered me abruptly.
“Oh, fuck.” I arch my back, taking him as deep as possible.
Oliver moaned darkly, “Our Nexus feels divine, brother.”
I gasp as his strokes become quicker and so deep I swear I could feel him in my throat.
I felt a hand tip my chin up, and Deshawn was kneeling in front of me, holding his massive cock to my lips. “Can you take me too, Firefly?”
I nodded, not knowing if it was true, but wanting him so badly, I was willing to try.
“Get me good and wet first.” He panted as I began to lick up the side of his dick, pressing my tongue firmly to the veins bulging under the delicate skin.
Oliver pulled out, and Deshawn slid down under me, holding his cock up in a silent invitation.
I gasped as I slowly lowered myself, enjoying the feeling of him being inside me for the first time.
I felt Oliver push me down onto Deshawn’s chest, then a warm tongue licking around my back hole. I startled and looked over my shoulder, surprised by the unexpected, taboo pleasure of his actions.
Oliver raised his head; the heat in his eyes was scorching. “Are you ready?”
I nodded slightly, then gasped out in pleasure-pain when he began to enter me slowly. “Breathe, sweet girl.” He moaned, “Fuck, you’re so tight. I’m not going to last.”
The feeling of both of them inside me was insane. The stretch was almost more than I could take.
They both paused, giving me a moment to adjust. Then they started to move.
Deshawn began moaning and cursing as they both found their rhythm. Both of my men growling filthy things that intensified our desire.
The pain was completely gone now, and nothing but pleasure was coursing through my body. They fucked me like I was their salvation, owning my body in a way that wrecked me.
The room was filled with gasps and moans; each one of us was lost to the intensity of the moment.
I felt Deshawn stiffen. “Cum for us, Firefly.”
At his words, I shattered. The pleasure was so intense that I thought I would die, my entire body shaking with the force of my orgasm.
“Fuck!” Oliver growled in a voice that didn’t sound human, right before I felt both men stiffen, finding their pleasure, and filling me with their warm cum.
We lay wrapped together, shivering in the aftermath of our bonding. My only regret was that it wouldn’t be official until we could perform the ritual.
Oliver stepped away, then went to the bathroom to get a rag. He started gently cleaning me as Deshawn went to wash up in the bathroom.
When we were finished, we all lay back down to cuddle…for real this time.
I hated that my bestie wasn’t here to talk to. But at the end of the day, I had to do what was right for my men and me.
Hopefully, Pantar and Mira would have the answers we needed to find her soon.
Chapter 5
Nathan
Iprowled the hallways looking for Jet.
We’d just returned to Emberhold around one in the morning. Deshawn had gotten information about a small group of DF moving near Copper Creek. Likely scoping things out for the bigger force they were going to be bringing through the portal.
Jet and I had managed to capture all five of them…with a bit of help from Hayes— dammit, Sly. It was tough to get used to the name change.
Sly had been punishing the DF’s forces since my Nexi was taken. He, along with John and Jesse, had shown us the reason their Faction’s reputation had become legendary after the first war.
Sly and Damien had planned out every operation we’d been part of so far. Their expertise in strategy and the DF’s capabilities were invaluable.
Adelaide hadn’t participated in the fighting for several reasons. The first being that her abilities weren’t stable. She’d lost most of them before Sly returned and, even after their re-bonding, hadn’t regained them all. She probably wouldn’t unless her entire Faction was recovered.
The second reason was to make her even more elusive to the DF, increasing their desperation to capture her. Selene wanted Adelaide more than anything else. We hoped that if a rumor were spread implying that Adelaide would be in Copper Creek at a specific time and date, she would become reckless and open a portal directly into town, giving us the chance to take control and reach Reverie.
Especially if she believed her information came from a trusted ally.
That was the advantage we had now that Jet was a part of this Faction. His contacts had been involved in Aurathion politics even more than we were aware and had planted a spy among them.
None of us knew this person's identity, but we had come to believe they were completely loyal to our side. Oren had tried his best to find out because the bastard didn’t like being kept out of the loop, but up to this point, it had been impossible.
I didn’t care who it was.
All I wanted was Reverie back in my arms.
Imagining what she was going through kept me up most nights. I’d survived it and knew she could too. But Reverie was the daughter of Selene’s most hated enemy, and there was no telling how she was treating her.
I saw Zane coming towards me, mumbling and laughing to himself. What the fuck was the crazy bastard doing now?
“Hey fuckwit, who the hell are you talking to?” I grinned, anticipating his answer.
He tilted his head and just stared at me for a few moments, then a huge grin overtook his face. “Drakk says to tend to your own business.”
“Who the fuck is Drakk?” This dude was losing it. There was no one here but us. The Passives roaming the hallway around us didn’t even register with me. They were completely insignificant.
“My Draxon.” He mumbled under his breath, then grinned once again. “Drakk the most incredible Draxon ever to grace us with his presence… to be exact.” Zane smirked. “He likes a more elaborate introduction.”
I shook my head but couldn’t contain my grin. “Sounds like someone I’d like to meet.” I raised my brows, “Just when does he think he’s going to make an appearance?”
Zane tilted his head, listening to a voice only he could hear, “In good time.”
“That’s it…in good time, really?” I rolled my eyes.
Zane just shrugged. “That’s what Drakk the Incredible said, so I guess that’s all the answer you’re going to get.”
“Well, I think the first meet-cute between us should be a ride. We’d both look amazing flying through the air, charring our enemies to ash.”
“Fuck no—and that comes from both of us,” Zane growled at me. “No one is riding us but my precious girl…no one.”
“No need to answer in haste, both of you take your time, mull it over.” I slapped him on the back.
“There’s no—"
“I’ve got places to be… talk to you both later!” I rushed off before he could deny me again.
I was determined to ride a Draxon, and if my Faction brothers weren’t willing, I might have to find my own in Aurathia. The idea of riding into battle and leaving our enemies a pile of blackened ash appealed to me greatly.
I decided the most likely place to find Jet was in the dungeons, so I headed in that direction. When I got to the bottom of the steps, that’s when the smell hit me.
“What the fuck?” I gagged.
The smell of shit and puke mixed with copper was so strong I could actually taste it. I’d have to brush my teeth immediately upon leaving.
I followed the terrible smell to a room at the very end of the long corridor. When I opened the door, surprise-surprise, that’s where I found Jet. He was standing in front of an enormous fireplace, heating a branding iron in the hot coals.
Two men were hanging from shackles that were attached to the high ceiling. Both were naked and covered in burns that were red and bleeding, and in some cases, actually smoking. One word branded into their skin over and over.
I squinted my eyes and tilted my head to the side... what was the word? Was that an R, E, ... holy shit... Reverie? The crazy fool had covered them in our Nexus' name.
Vomit and shit covered the area under both men, and I was pretty sure they were both dead.
Before I could pull myself from my astonishment at what I was seeing, Jet had pushed the brand into the closest man’s forehead.
The sizzle, along with the smell, almost made me lose what little I’d eaten today. “Damn man…” I gagged, “I think you’ve gotten everything from them you’re going to.”
Jet just shrugged and returned the iron in his hand to the coals, presumedly to brand the other man’s forehead next. “You never know for sure—until you’ve made damn sure.”
I blinked, then looked back at the two men hanging from the ceiling. “I don’t think either one of them can tell you anything more… and I’m pretty damn sure.”
“How can you know?” Jet walked to the second man and stuck the brand to his forehead. When he removed the iron, ‘Reverie’ appeared clear as day.
“The fact that neither has moved since I entered this room, even when a hot brand was stuck to their foreheads, is one clue.” I eyed him with caution. “And if that’s not enough, the fact that they're not breathing is your second.”
Jet slowly examined both bodies. “I guess you’re right.” He calmly returned the iron to its stand, then moved to the sink and began washing his hands. “Did you need something?”
“I wanted to know if you found out any more information.” I grabbed the hose from the wall and started washing the mess down the drain in the floor.
“Actually, I did.” He splashed water on his face, then turned, taking off his shirt and throwing it into the fire.
I glanced from his over-the-top muscles to my chest and made a vow to triple my workouts. “Well, no need to build the tension. What was it?”
“Reverie is being kept at the coliseum, as we suspected, and has been participating in the battles regularly.” He walked back to the sink and grabbed a rag, wiping the blood and gore off his chest.
I felt my knees weaken with this new information. I’d known instinctively that we would’ve felt if Reverie had been killed, but confirming she was alive through an eyewitness was everything.
“He also confirmed that they will be opening a portal into Copper Creek to try and capture Adelaide. The only disappointment is that Selene herself won’t be coming through.” He headed out of the room with me following close behind.
“Where are you headed now?” I asked, my mind busy with plans I needed to make, but finding it hard to focus, knowing it was only a matter of time until my Nexi was back where she belonged.
“To let Oren know. The man really gets pissy if he doesn’t have all of the information we’ve collected as soon as possible.” Jet took the stairs two at a time.
I smirked. He wasn’t wrong. Oren could even scare the psychos in this Faction at times. The man was highly organized, with charts and shit hanging on every wall in his room. He was a big hypocrite though because I seriously doubted that he kept us informed of everything he knew.
When Jet entered the hallway, everyone gave him a wide berth. Some of them had learned the hard way that he wasn’t to be fucked with. Others had been smart enough to recognize the predator in their midst.
Oren was leaving the house when we caught up with him. “What do you have for me?”
“Reverie is alive and being kept at the coliseum,” Jet said, with no preamble.
Oren reacted just as I had. “Thank the Ancestors.” He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Now that we know exactly where she is, we can finalize our plans.” He headed quickly toward the academy.
Jet entered the house, presumably to clean up, but I kept pace with Oren. “What do you need from me?”
He glanced at me, “I need you to contact Reverie's parents and let them know what we’ve learned. They’ll all want in on finalizing our plans. Also, see if you can locate Pantar. I’ve called for him numerous times in the last few days and haven’t heard anything.” This last was said in annoyance.
“Will do. He’s probably still prowling Copper Creek looking for more of the DF,” I shrugged. The giant Fellat didn’t keep us updated on his plans. I wasn’t as butthurt about it as Oren was. I wanted her returned immediately; how it was accomplished was irrelevant.
