Brigid
I push open the heavy oak door of the royal bedchamber, my fingers trembling against the ancient wood.
They're waiting for me.
Five pairs of eyes lock onto mine. Five men—my mates—arranged around the massive four-poster bed like hungry animals preparing to feast. My heart slams against my ribs.
Lochan stands closest to the hearth, flames casting shadows across his features, his dark hair loose around his shoulders. Callen lounges against the bedpost, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips. Marius lingers in the darkest corner, shadow magic swirling at his fingertips. Rory sits on the edge of the bed, golden and glowing even in the dim light. And Tiernan watches from a chair, legs spread, eyes analyzing every inch of me.
Callen pushes off the bedpost, moving toward me with that otherworldly grace. "Our little shadow queen, are you ready to submit to your consorts?"
My core clenches with anticipation.
"I'm not submitting," I lie, even as heat pools between my thighs. "I'm claiming what's mine."
Marius laughs, the sound dark as the shadows he commands. "Is that what you think this is, little bird? You claiming us?" He steps forward, my belly flutters. "Tonight we claim you. Every. Fucking. Inch."
My breath catches. There's danger in his words, in the way his shadow magic reaches for me, caressing my ankles.
"Your cunt's already wet for us, isn't it?" Tiernan's bold words make me flush. He hasn't moved from his chair, but his gaze is penetrating. "I can smell your arousal from here. Your body's more honest than your mouth."
I should be offended by his bluntness, but it only makes me wetter.
Rory pats the bed beside him, his smile sunshine compared to the others' darkness. "Come here, love. Let us see what our queen is wearing under that pretty dress."
I don't answer. Can't answer. My throat is too dry.
"Tell us what you want, Brigid," Lochan commands, moving closer until I'm surrounded. "Say the words."
I lift my chin, meeting his gaze directly. "Take me. Use me."
"Such a filthy mouth on our pretty little queen," Marius murmurs, his shadow magic sliding higher up my legs, underneath my dress. "I wonder what else that mouth can do."
"I know exactly what it can do," Rory grins, his hand adjusting himself through his pants. "It can take a cock all the way to the back of her throat without gagging."
My cheeks burn, but I don't look away. "Are you just going to talk about fucking me, or is someone actually going to do it?"
"So impatient." Tiernan finally rises from his chair. "We have all night to ruin you, Brigid. And we will. You won't be able to walk when we're done."
"Promise?" I whisper.
Lochan steps forward, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his body. "Turn around."
I obey without thinking, my body responding to his command before my mind can argue. This is what I want—to let go, to be taken.
"Good girl," he breathes against my neck. "Now, let's see if you can be just as obedient when we have you screaming our names."
I close my eyes, surrendering to the hands that now reach for me from all directions.
Lochan's large hands grip my shoulders. The others back away slightly, yielding the space to him. "No more games," he growls, his fingers moving to the laces of my dress.
I swallow hard, feeling my pulse quicken. "Lochan—"
"Quiet." His voice cuts through me, and my protest dies in my throat. "You've been teasing all of us for too long tonight, the way you look in this."
The roughness of his fingers against my skin sends shivers down my spine as he yanks at the fabric. I hear a slight tear, but he doesn't stop. The bodice of my dress gives way, exposing my breasts to the cool air of the chamber. My nipples harden instantly.
"Look at you," he murmurs, his eyes darkening. "So fucking beautiful."
