I ride his knee with wild abandon. My moans mix with his in a cacophony of gratification. “Come for me, sweetheart.” It’s not a request, but a command.
Every inch of my body comes alive in that moment, and the world around me fades to nothing but us. Nothing but our bodies moving against each other, the moans and pants leaving our lips, and our need coming together.
I’ve never come from grinding against someone’s knee before—but with Niko, there’s no holding back. The pressure builds fast, sharp and undeniable, until it crests all at once.
“Niko!” His name rips from my throat, a half sob, half moan, equal parts curse and prayer as my body shatters around him. Pleasure tears through me in waves, myhips rocking instinctively, chasing every last flicker of sensation. I’m greedy, not wanting to lose a single moment of him.
He holds me through it, murmuring filthy, reverent praise against my neck, his hands gripping me like he’ll never let go.
Even after the climax passes, my breath comes in broken gasps, body trembling in the aftermath. I’ve never felt so undone, and I’m not sure I want to be put back together. My body is spent, exhaustion washing over me.
“Well, that was quite the show,” a deep, familiar voice says from behind Niko.
At first, Niko stiffens. I gasp, burying my head against his neck. I know who it is before Niko even speaks. And there’s no denying what we did. Niko’s hand is still up my shirt, and my leg is wrapped around him.
“Zephyr, I didn’t hear you come in.” Niko's voice is clear, though I can’t distinguish his tone. Is he nervous? Mad? Did we just cross a line we shouldn’t have? I mean, I’m his mate too, so we shouldn’t feel guilty, but I can’t help the dread coiling low in my belly, sobering me up quickly.
“No, I suppose you wouldn’t. You were…distracted.” Zephyr doesn’t sound upset—well, no more upset than normal. So maybe he’s not mad. “I see why Evangeline couldn’t look away when she walked in on us.”
And just like that, the tension in the room evaporates. Niko chuckles, removing his hand from my shirt, and lowers my leg from around his hips. I can’t bring myself to look at Zephyr yet, even though I feel his eyeson me. It’s like we just got caught with our hands in the cookie jar.
“We were cooking,” Niko explains. “Evangeline is making another soup to bring down to the infirmary.”
“Was this before or after she came on your knee?” Zephyr asks, deadpan.
“Oh my god,” I groan, hiding my face in his back. That’s it. I officially want the ground to open up and swallow me whole.
Instead of answering him, Niko reaches around and pulls me in front of him, wrapping his arms around me. “Did you learn any news from the forest folk?”
Zephyr sighs, and I imagine him shaking his head. “Not much. They claim the woods are quiet, but they also hadn’t sensed the Nephilim that attacked two days ago, so we have to take their words with a grain of salt. The Nephilim are becoming even stronger if they can hide their tracks.”
“I feared that would be the case,” Niko says.
“I came to find you,” Zephyr continues. “It’s late. And you hardly slept last night. I’m taking you to bed, even if I have to tie you down to it.”
“Sounds fun.” Niko chuckles, and I can’t help the groan that leaves me. Men and their one-track mind, but apparently I’m no better.
“You’ve had enough fun for one night. I’ll inform Lady Thalia the soup is ready for the sick. The healers can divide it up. You’ve done enough for one night—both of you.”
The last part is meant for me, and I manage to pull away from Niko, tilting my head back to see Zephyrlooking at me. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something in his eyes that gives me pause. Lust? Need?
Maybe I’m imagining it.
“Fine. I’ll sleep, but—” He pauses, cupping my face again so I’m forced to look up at him. “I will sleep better if you move into our room. I don’t like you sleeping alone. I want you in our bed, Evangeline.”
“Our?” I squeak, knowing exactly what he means but not able to fully process that.
“Zephyr and me. We want you with us. We’ve discussed it, and we both agree it’s best if you stay with us for now.”
Even though Niko says it’s true, I can’t quite believe it. I break free of his hold and turn to see Zephyr again. “Is that true? You won’t mind me in bed with you?” The thought of sleeping with both of them sends a thrill through my body. I want it. I want it badly.
“My mate wishes to have his other mate with him. I will not deny him that pleasure,” he says simply. It’s confirmation, but I still feel disappointed. I had hoped maybe Zephyr would want that too, but of course he doesn’t. I’m just Niko’s mate. Not his, and I need to remember that.
“Very well. We can go. Evangeline, we’ll stop by your room so you can get your things. Do you need to eat before bed? I haven’t seen you eat today.” Niko would pick up on that. He’s more astute than I give him credit for.
I am hungry, but it’s not a dire need. I can wait to eat until later. Besides, I want this entire batch of soup to go to the cursed. “I’m fine,” I promise, quickto change the subject. “I just need to freshen up before bed.” Considering I just came all over his leg, I want to get out of these soiled clothes.
“Let’s go then, Wife.” Niko reaches out his hand, which I take. He leads me out of the kitchen, Zephyr falling in step behind us. I can’t help but feel Zephyr’s eyes on me the entire time.
