As we said the last word, a visible blast went through us, blinding white and nearly scalding. I gasped, sucking in the essence of both of them. Atlas’s raging fury mixed with Wes’s calm demeanor and forced itself into my lungs. It was almost as strong as the original ceremony, almost as potent. We were nearly there.
The energy died away, leaving us all wide-eyed and panting. I looked at Wes, who raised his eyebrows and grinned, and then at Atlas, who seemed as shocked as I felt. I broke our hands and grabbed the knife again, knowing what would come next. It would be the most challenging and most tender part of this ritual, but it would seal our words and our vow. It was the third mark. Right over the heart.
Stepping toward Atlas, I held the blade toward him, gulping as I met his hesitant stare.
“Now’s your chance, witch,” he whispered, raising an eyebrow. “Push too deep and this is all over.”
I scoffed and shook my head. “Quiet, warrior. I promise not to make it hurt too much.”
He chuckled as Wes came to stand next to me.
“By moon that shines, by sun that dies. I bind thy heart. I seal these ties.” I pressed the blade into his chest, right over his heart, and sliced half of the triangle, trying not to let his trembling muscles ruin the design. This was, after all, meant to scar. Wes took the knife from me and completed the sigil as he repeated the spell. Then, together, we leaned down and licked the marks, taking Atlas’s blood into our bodies, making it our own. I closed my eyes against the sweet, delicious taste. I expected it to be metallic, but oh, it flowed down my throat like ambrosia, and I had to physically force myself to stop.
Atlas balked when I opened my eyes again, and Wes stepped closer, running a finger over my cheek.
“Your eyes,” he murmured.
“Here.” I held the knife out to him so we could do the same to Wes. “Do it quick.”
He seemed surer of the outcome, his torso sturdy and upright. When Atlas and I licked over his skin, the hum of magic grew steadier, settling in my torso, wrapping my heart in comfort and ease like a fluffy blanket on a cold winter day.
Finally, it was my turn. I lowered the straps of my dress and covered my breasts, holding them so Wes could slice the first half of the sigil. It burned with euphoric fury, pain and pleasure combined, and I grimaced, maintaining my composure as Atlas completed the mark. And when they lowered their heads to lick the blood from my body, I gasped as pure, unfiltered rapture raced through my nerves. My head fell back on my shoulders. Bliss erupted over my skin. The blood tie was almost complete, almost at its height. And if this was the result of a sigil marking, I trembled with anticipation of what would come once the last word was said.
They stood, lips red with blood, the same blood dripping down my chest, and I tried to hide the shaking in my muscles at the amplification of power connecting us. They looked magnificent in the glowing firelight. Fierce and powerful and covered in our life force. I wished I had a camera to capture this moment forever. I had never been more attracted to two people with equal ferocity.
And they’re both mine.
When they opened their eyes, I understood what had happened. The iris and pupil were gone. In their place was a sparkling ruby color that filled the entire space.
I barely had time to register that before a blast of magic shot through us like a shockwave, nearly debilitating in how forceful it hit us. I stumbled back, clenching against it, but when it subsided, warmth and contentment vibrated through my gut, leaving me with the unfettered knowledge of being supported by them.
Them.
Atlas.
Wes.
Mine.
The ritual was complete, but we were far from done.
CHAPTER 15
Atlas
Things got blurry after we carved the sigil into Marta’s chest. Magic ripped through us, almost knocking me off my feet, and then I wanted…I didn’t know what. Both of them. All of them. All of us.
It was fucking confusing and absolutely fantastic. It was the best high I’d ever had, more potent than the best whiskey, more exhilarating than the purest cocaine. I could have gorged myself on this ecstasy for the rest of my life.
Marta glanced between us, our blood fresh on her mouth, crimson dripping down her naked chest, a similar look of desire and energy twinkling behind her sensuous gaze.
For half a heartbeat, we stood there, staring at each other. Then Wes acted. He grabbed Marta behind her neck and pulled her to his mouth, devouring the remnants of our spell. He licked and kissed, wrestling his tongue with hers while she moaned into the touch.
Fuck me.
The sight made my cock twitch, sending that delicious heat coasting down to my balls and the back of my legs. It was like watching them in the supply closet, except this time, I felt the kiss on my own lips. Their combined passion rattled through my torso, echoing through my heart and stomach. I should have been jealous. Maybe some small part of me was.
But Wes had hit the nail on the head. We’d spent our entire lives together. What was mine was his. Forever. Marta was gorgeous; I couldn’t deny that. But Wes was…powerful. Strong. Beautiful. I’d always thought it, but I could never admit it, at least not out loud. Not until now.
