Another hot flash graced my skin, setting me on fire—literally. Vox dropped me into Titus’s waiting arms, where he soothed the flames with a few of his own. I doused myself in water in an attempt to cool myself off, but it didn’t help. If anything, it made me burn hotter.
I groaned into Titus’s chest.
“Claire?” Sol’s grip on my nape tightened, his earth essence somehow blocking the inferno cascading along my spine.
“I just need a moment,” I managed, my throat dry.
“I think you need longer than a minute,” Titus whispered, his lips at my ear. “Let us take care of you, sweetheart.”
Ugh, it would be so easy to give in to him. But what about Exos? It seemed wrong to, well, play, while he suffered from whatever had corrupted his mind.
I’ll be fine, he whispered, his conscious barely brushing mine. Let them distract you, princess. Only Cyrus can help me now, and we will destroy this thing. See you soon.
He left before I could reply, his essence stroking my heart along the way.
A distraction, I realized. That was what they were trying to do, to keep me occupied while Cyrus and Exos worked through his mind. Because whatever had consumed him was a threat to me.
I understood now.
They needed me otherwise engaged, to prevent my links to them both from interfering.
“Maybe you should take her back to your room?” Vox suggested, his lips twisting, his uncertainty written in the lines of his shoulders.
Sol grunted. “Not a chance. We’re in this together and I need you. Remember?”
Vox met the eyes of the Earth Fae, who seemed to be forever at my back—a protective rock who wouldn’t budge.
How times have changed, I thought, a little delirious but also extremely intrigued. What would the three of them do to me in bed?
My thighs squeezed together again, tighter, and Titus’s knowing gaze twinkled with interest.
“She’s not ready,” Vox replied. “I mean, this is all so new. And three of us? Let’s just let her do what she’s used to and play this slow.”
I frowned. Why is he rejecting me? “Who are you to tell me I’m not ready?” I poked him in the chest.
“I think he’s still sour over the ball,” Sol said, a teasing note in his voice.
Vox narrowed his gaze. “Could you not bring that up right now?”
“What’s the big deal about this ball?” I asked, flabbergasted. “I mean, I’ll take you both. Heck, I’ll take all three of you.”
“Not me,” Titus replied, his tone amused. “I’m banned, but you should absolutely take Vox and Sol.”
“Banned?” I repeated. Then shook my head. That wasn’t the point. Vox kept rejecting me, and I didn’t understand it. “We’ll all go.”
“Oh, don’t change your plans on my account,” Vox drawled, clearly unimpressed with my offer.
Seriously? What more does this guy want?
I kissed him earlier. Wasn’t that enough to prove I liked him? Or did I need to do more to convince him this wasn’t just a temporary thing for me?
The realization of this being it, our circle finally being complete, sent my heart racing.
I don’t want anyone else. These are my fae. And damn it, I’m keeping them.
My fire died, replaced by wind. Vox’s nostrils flared as my power wrapped around him, forcing him to acknowledge me. I reached for him, my fingers sliding into the loose strands of his thick hair as I yanked him down for a kiss.