My thoughts drifted until the click of the door opening jolted me into alertness.
Alaric padded in, shaking snow from his head. It quickly melted in the steamy bathroom. He grinned at my shocked expression.
“Zane said it would take you ages to get back.”
“I had a spare portal potion in my pocket. The moment he left, I came straight back and sneaked in via the mudroom at the rear of the cabin.”
The sound of an argument drifted through the door, and when I checked the bond tether with Maverick, it vibrated with anger. He and Zane must still be bickering.
Alaric wasted no time stripping off his clothes. I gulped, momentarily stunned into lustful silence at the sight of my storm mage’s ripped abs.
Water splashed over the side when he stepped into the tub.
“Fuck, the water’s hot,” he hissed.
I grumbled at having my peaceful soak hijacked, but made room for him. Icy hands slid around my waist, provoking a yelp.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “It’s well below zero outside now.”
“Stars, I hope Kai’s alright!”
“I’m fine,” my merman said from the doorway. Like Rasmus, he had an uncanny ability to glide around like a ghost. Ice crystals glittered in his braids.
“Come and warm up,” Alaric offered. “The tub’s plenty big enough.”
“If you’re sure?”
“Yeah, get in. I don’t mind.” Alaric’s attitude surprised me, given his previous issues about sharing.
“I thought you hated sharing,” I teased.
“That was before I passed beyond the veil,” he replied, his arms tightening around my waist. “Being given a second chance at life made me realize I needed to stop sweating the small stuff.”
Any reply I might have had stuttered and died. I still had nightmares where he lay dead in my arms and nothing I did brought him back.
Kai slid into the tub in front of me, melting ice dripping down his chest. I followed each drop as it hit the steaming water. My merman shivered under my heated gaze, and behind me, Alaric stiffened. In all ways.
“We should make the most of the peace while the others are busy,” he said with a laugh.
“Where’s Rasmus?” I could still hear Zane and Maverick, but not my vampire.
“He’s gone hunting so we could have some meat. The freezer was lacking in that area. Dad mostly used this place to entertain, which meant booze and drugs were prioritized over actual food.”
Grim. I hope someone changed the sheets.
“Let’s not talk about your father.”
Alaric’s lips brushed the side of my neck as steam rose. “Agreed.” He slid his hands up my rib cage and cupped my breasts.
Kai’s gaze dipped, his eyes darkening. “Does Alaric’s touch feel good?”
I shuddered, despite how warm the water was against my flushed skin.
“Yes.” My eyes fluttered shut as Alaric pinched and twisted my nipples, sparking shocks of pleasure through my body. Kai’s hand dipped below the surface. Was he touching himself?
I hoped so because I wanted him to unleash his feral side.
“Do you want me and Kai to share you?” Alaric asked in a husky voice.
