“I’m going to try. But it’s going to take some time to come to grips with it all, especially about my magic.”
Laurie moved his hand to her training bracelet and touched it. “I believe in you, Emmy. You’ll conquer and master your powers. And maybe helping Michael will show you how much good you can do with them.”
“I hope so.”
There was a knock, and Joseph entered, pushing a cart into the room. “Breakfast is served.”
Meadow’s stomach rumbled, and she was about to apologize when Laurie rolled out of bed, scooped her up, and carried her to a chair near the fireplace.
For a split second, she was embarrassed about sitting naked on his lap.
But then Joseph sat on the arm of the plush chair, and they both offered her tidbits. And by the end, they were all kissing and spent the rest of the morning in bed, having sex and laughing and all-around giving Meadow hope that these two males really could become her future here in the past.
Chapter Nineteen
Meadow spent the next week working on her magic lessons with Nadia during the day and spending most of the evenings with Laurie and Joseph at Nyx’s Kingdom.
By now, she’d seen all the rooms inside their pleasure house, and had even mustered up the nerve to walk around one night with them, among all the people.
Seeing Laurie and Joseph in their element, in charge and competent and skilled in handling difficult members, only made her like the pair even more. Combined with them all being a little less aloof after sharing their pasts and troubles, and Meadow was falling hard.
It was still difficult to accept that they both wanted her so much, or even cared about her progress with her magic. And yet, they were always interested and never dismissed her.
But no matter how many affirmations she used or journal entries she made, her magic and fear around it was still a problem.
And tonight would be the true test of her progress.
Nadia had assured Meadow that she was ready to help the shifter and his fated one, especially if everyone else was clear ofthe building. In truth, Nadia believed Meadow could limit it to just the pair. But after what had happened with Giles Dawson the first time, she didn’t want to risk it, at least not until she’d had more training.
As her carriage slowed and stopped at the back entrance of Nyx’s Kingdom, Meadow’s palms were sweaty and her heart raced.
But instead of a footman, Laurie and Joseph opened the door and helped her down, kissing her hello as they did so. Once they were inside the building, she blurted, “I’m sorry again for your lost business tonight.”
Joseph raised an eyebrow. “And we told you to stop apologizing. We occasionally shut down for a private event, so our members expect it. Besides, helping Michael might give hope to those suffering from the same problem. Ones who’ve been too afraid to say anything before.”
Laurie jumped in. “Obviously we didn’t advertise what’s happening here tonight, but word will spread slowly, I’m sure of it.” He took one of her hands and kissed the back of it. “Is there anything we can do to help you now?”
Even a week ago, she never would’ve voiced her desire. But now she nodded. “You both giving me a hug and holding me for a few minutes would ease my anxiety.”
Joseph placed a hand on her lower back and gently pushed. “Of course. Let’s head into your room for some privacy.”
After he nodded at some of the top security people—those in charge also had infused items to block out magic—they walked upstairs to the room they’d designated as hers. Not that she’d used it yet, but they had always given her the option of sleeping alone, if she wanted.
And it was funny, but after so many years of being alone and never thinking she could sleep with someone else in the room,Meadow now had trouble sleeping without at least one of her two males.
Once they entered the bedroom decorated in light blue, Joseph pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her before Laurie did the same from behind. After closing her eyes, she focused on the heat and familiar presence of Laurie and Joseph, how they believed in her, and how she wanted to help their friend.
The longer they held her, the more she relaxed, until she reluctantly said, “I’m ready and should probably meet the pair now.”
Laurie released her, and Joseph kissed her long and slow. Once he finished, Laurie turned her toward him and kissed her a bit more urgently. By the time he finished, her cheeks were hot, and she wished she had a little more time to relax. With them naked and on the bed.
Laurie grinned. “You can have that later, pet. I know you’ve been curious about finally taking us both at the same time, after all.”
She lightly swatted his arm. “I told you we could’ve done that last night, but you wanted to wait. Something about motivation.”
Laurie winked. “Exactly.”
She glanced at Joseph, who was trying not to smile, and narrowed her eyes. “You always tell me not to encourage him, but you do it all the time. Honestly, I thought you were on my side last night.”
