Laurie replied, “I have no idea about these blue pills, but your type of magic is for more than fun or adventure—it can also genuinely help people. In fact, we want to ask you to help someone we know. Or, rather, he’s the brother of one of the regular patrons, but he’s still a good male who deserves some pleasure after what he went through.”
She glanced between them. “What are you talking about?”
Laurie nodded at Joseph, since he knew the person in question better.
Joseph stroked his thumb on Meadow’s cheek as he said, “The person who needs your help is named Michael. He fought with the shifter unit of the British Army, at least until he was gravely injured a few years ago. While most of his injuries have healed, he’s struggled to get an erection ever since. And one night, when he was in his cups, he told me he found his fated one and scented her orgasm. However, he can’t fully claim her because…”
Meadow finished, “He needs to bite her as he orgasms to mark her.”
Joseph nodded. “Exactly. He’s seen every fae witch doctor he could, including your brother. However, none of them could help him, not even with magic-infused potions. Their last suggestion was to hire a fae witch with the power to control lust and desire. And since you have extremely strong magic, you’re his best chance at being able to claim his fated one.”
Laurie held his breath as Meadow glanced between them. He wanted her to accept their request and see that her magic could do good. Because a shifter who’d found their fated one but couldn’t claim them would become overly protective, irritable, and even possessive. Sometimes it changed their personality completely, and if their fated one ran away without being marked, they could go insane, much like a vampire if they didn’t bite and orgasm inside their fated bride or lord.
Meadow finally replied, “I want to help, but all I can do is unleash my magic without any kind of finesse. That was fine back home, since I was a super affordable fae witch for hire and they didn’t expect anything more. However, from all I’ve heard from my former mentor, shifters want someone skilled for their claimings, and I can’t do that.”
Joseph smiled at her. “Trust me, Michael doesn’t care about finesse. He wants to complete the claiming, and if successful, will continue to hire a fae witch to help with his problem in the future. Your brother said that after a while, he might not need magic. Especially if it’s partially a mental block that keeps him from getting hard.”
Given Laurie and Joseph’s work, they spoke bluntly about sex. A lot of paranormals would scold them for doing so, but when Meadow didn’t even blink at the mention, Laurie mentally sighed in relief. The last thing he wanted was to hold back with her.
Laurie squeezed Meadow’s hand in his. “Will you use your magic to try to help him? We can clear out Nyx’s Kingdom of anyone who doesn’t have a magic-blocking ring or bracelet, and it’ll be just us three, as well as Michael and his fated female. His brother has even offered to pay whatever it costs.”
After looking to the side, she whispered, “But what if it all goes wrong? Or that I get so nervous that I mess it all up?”
Joseph moved his hand to the back of Meadow’s neck and kneaded his fingers. Since Laurie had been on the receiving end of Joseph’s skilled fingers, he wasn’t surprised when Meadow’s body softened a fraction.
Joseph said, “We can help you relax beforehand. And no, I’m not talking about orgasms, although those are always on offer. But if Laurie and I massage you, and give you wine, and make you less anxious, you’ll probably worry less about doing something wrong and focus on merely unleashing your magic.”
Taking his cue, Laurie began to massage Meadow’s hand and fingers. She soon started moaning, and it took everything he had to keep his cock soft. As much as he wanted to be inside her, this was too important. Because his gut told him that if Meadow didn’t take this first step, she might never break through her wall of fear and shame.
Eventually she pulled away, and they both let her walk to the side of the room. She wrung her hands a few seconds before saying, “I’ll try. But I want you to tell him the truth about it being an amateur attempt at best.”
Joseph nodded. “Of course. Since it’ll take a few days, or maybe a week, to set it all up, will you meet with Nadia for more lessons until then?” Meadow opened her mouth to protest, but Joseph beat her to it. “She told River that your magic didn’t affect her today, and she even offered to wear a magic-blocking ring like ours the next time, if it’ll help you focus. However, she believes in you and sees your potential.”
“But Dark Lord Khan…will he want to waste more time and resources on me?”
Laurie arched an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t he? Wielders aren’t overly common, and that male has a web of plans I can’t even begin to understand. If anything, he’ll see you as another piece on his massive chessboard.”
Joseph jumped in again. “Besides, he’d be a fool not to invest in you now, given how much you can charge in the future and be able to tithe to him later. Fae witches are quite mercenary about their powers, at times.”
Laurie resisted rolling his eyes. Leave it to Joseph to bring in the business aspect of things.
However, it seemed to give Meadow the push she needed, and she stopped wringing her hands. “That’s true. And I have to admit, I’d like to make enough to earn my keep and pay everyone back.”
Part of him wondered if she was planning a future without him and Joseph, and Laurie wanted to haul her close and tell her she was theirs.
But he held back, aware that until Meadow was more comfortable with herself, she’d never trust her wants and desires. Ones that Laurie hoped included them as well.
Joseph nodded. “Right, then that’s all settled. As soon as everything’s in place, we’ll send you a note. You should probably come to the pleasure house again before then, though, to get a feel for the place.”
“I can go through the secret hallways again, right?”
Laurie replied, “Of course. Besides, it means we’ll have you all to ourselves.”
He winked, and Meadow’s cheeks blushed. Just as he thought to tease her again, she yawned.
Given her busy day, she had to be exhausted. Teasing would have to wait.
The need to take care of her coursed through him, so Laurie strode over, swept her into his arms, and headed for the bed.
