Page 36 of Bite for Sore Eyes

"Yes." Lana's response was immediate and fervent. "I want to do that a lot more times."

Rath's smile widened. The afternoon had been the most free and alive he'd felt in years. No council meetings, no security briefings, no sleuth members seeking his guidance or approval. Just him, Torren, and their incredible mate exploring the wilderness together like they had all the time in the world.

Something shifted in Lana's expression then—a mischievous glint that made both men go very still. Without breaking eye contact, she began peeling off her clothes with deliberate slowness. Her jeans hit the forest floor first, followed by her fitted blouse. When she reached behind herself to unclasp her bra, Rath's breathing became shallow.

She was gloriously bare before them within moments, her curves highlighted by the golden light filtering through the trees. Rath's body responded immediately, his cock growing fully erect as he took in every inch of her beautiful form.

She noticed his arousal right away, her smile turning absolutely wicked. "Good to know the afternoon hasn't tired you out completely."

Before either man could respond, she turned and ran toward the shallow pool near the waterfall, her laughter echoing off the rocks as she splashed into the crystalline water.

Rath looked at Torren, who shrugged with amused resignation. "Well, when our mate calls..."

Torren took off after her into the water without hesitation, and Rath followed immediately.

This is the most adventurous thing I've ever done, he realized as he waded into the cool pool. And it feels absolutely perfect.

The moment he entered the water, Lana splashed him playfully, droplets catching the light like scattered diamonds. He chased her through the shallow pool, his longer stride quickly closing the distance between them until he could wrap his arms around her waist and pull her against his chest. Torren hung back, giving them space in the way that had become natural between them—an understanding that they would each have their moments with their mate while trusting the other completely.

Then Rath captured Lana's lips in a fierce, hungry kiss that conveyed everything he couldn't put into words. She kissed him back with equal intensity, her tongue tangling with his as if he were the oxygen she'd been craving her entire life. Her hands fisted in his wet hair, holding him to her as water lapped around their bodies.

After long minutes that felt both eternal and far too brief, she pulled away and moved toward Torren. But Rath felt no hurt at her departure—only anticipation for what came next. This was their new reality, and he was discovering that watching her desire for Torren only intensified his own feelings rather than diminishing them.

She wrapped her arms around Torren's neck and began kissing him with the same passionate intensity she'd shown Rath. Through their mate bond, he felt her desire for both of them simultaneously—complete and unwavering love that somehow managed to encompass them equally.

This is everything I've ever needed, Rath thought as he watched his best friend and their mate lose themselves in each other.

The three of them together, learning to give and take, to share and trust and build something unprecedented. It didn't feel awkward or frustrating anymore. It felt like coming home.

Lana finally broke the kiss with Torren, her arms still draped around his neck as water from the waterfall misted their heated skin. Rath watched patiently, prepared to give them this moment, to wait his turn while Torren got to experience their mate first. His bear was surprisingly calm with the arrangement, trusting that their triad would find its balance.

Then her warm brown eyes shifted to him over Torren's shoulder. "Rath, come here."

He exchanged a glance with Torren, who looked just as curious about her intentions. But they'd promised each other during their first night together to trust themselves and let things unfold naturally. Rath moved closer, the crystalline pool rippling around him as he closed the distance, and he positioned himself directly behind her, his chest brushing her back.

The trust required for this—to let go of his rigid control and simply follow where their triad bond led—felt both terrifying and exhilarating.

"Would you two be open to sharing me at the same time?" Lana's voice was breathless.

Rath's gaze locked with Torren's over Lana's head.

I'm willing to do whatever our mate wants, Torren projected through their telepathic bear link, clear and unwavering.

Whatever she needs, Rath projected back his agreement.

"Yes, Lana," Rath said, his voice rough with desire. "We can do that."

"Whatever you want," Torren echoed, his blue eyes dark with promise.

Rath watched her hand disappear beneath the water's surface. Torren's sharp intake of breath told Rath everything he needed to know—she'd taken Torren's cock in her hand, guiding him to her entrance. Then Torren groaned, the sound vibrating through them as he began pushing inside her, and Lana cried out, her head falling back against Rath's shoulder. The sight alone was enough to make Rath's cock throb with desperate need.

He bent his head, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of her neck. "Are you ready for me?"

He'd never taken a woman this way before. The thought had never even entered his mind. But if this was what their mate desired, if this was how their triad could connect more deeply, he would explore every possibility with her.

"Yes," she gasped, the word breaking as Torren established a slow, deep rhythm inside her.

Rath guided his cock to her other entrance, pressing against impossibly tight resistance. He pushed forward with excruciating slowness, giving her body time to stretch and accommodate his size. Her cry was sharp, but through their mate bond he felt no pain—only intense, overwhelming pleasure that made his own control fracture.