Page 53 of Tamed
Dread washed over Kendra. It was easy to imagine what a ‘notoriously superstitious’ village would do with a psychic revelation.
“My father wanted to leave, but my mother insisted on telling the village elders.” Arcon took a deep breath and rushed through the rest of the story. “The child was saved but my mother was arrested and charged with what amounted to witchcraft. The trial was a farce. They hanged her for using her evil powers.”
“I’m so sorry. That’s horrible.” She didn’t know how old Arcon had been, but he’d still been living with his parents.
As if hearing her thoughts, Arcon said, “I was only nine years old when it happened and my powers manifested a few years later. Not surprisingly, my father was terrified by the development. He insisted on concealing my abilities from everyone. His attitude taught me to be extremely cautious about who I told and why.”
Hurt tore through her sympathy and tears blurred her vision. “Does that mean you don’t trust me?”
“Of course I trust you.” He squeezed her hand and tightened his grip when she tried to pull away. “I was shocked when Zevon asked me to join the triad. I honestly couldn’t tell you what I said that night.”
“You’ve had three weeks to tell me since,” she pointed out, hurt rapidly giving way to anger. “Did it slip your mind?”
“Watch your tone,” Zevon cautioned.
She shot him a glare then turned her attention back to Arcon. “Please, answer the question,” she said with factitious sweetness. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She’d thought that Zevon was the one in need of trust exercises. Apparently, they could both benefit from them.
“I’m telling you the truth,” Arcon insisted. “If you had asked me about it, I would have explained. But I never bring it up on my own. It’s simply habit.”
“It makes him feel threatened,” Zevon expounded. “Is that so hard to understand?”
“You clearly know,” she countered. “How did you find out?”
“My research indicated the possibility, so I asked him about it.”
Some behaviors didn’t have logical explanations. They were simply an impulse—or a habit. Kendra sighed. Even if there was more to the story than Arcon was admitting, as soon as they formed the soul bond there would be no more secrets for any of them.
She looked at Zevon, brows arching. “Nadis also told me that your mother was a powerful seer, that she was one of the only people in recent history who could cast her spirit into others and experience what they were experiencing.”
“It’s true, but what does any of this have to do with accepting our claim?” Zevon wanted to know.
“When you claim me, our powers will merge. All three of us will finally reach our full potential. Provost Nadis believes we could become a sort of oracle.”
“Does the idea excite you?”
She detected a hint of challenge in Arcon’s tone but didn’t let it deter her. “It intrigues me. You two excite me.” She took a deep breath and scrambled off their laps, standing so she could see their faces. “I love you both with all my heart and I want to be your mate. I have no more hesitation. I’m ready for you to claim me.”
CHAPTER 7
Zevon rose from the sofa, Arcon on his heels. Both males moved with the predatory grace of jungle animals.
Kendra shivered. All their strength and possessive intensity was focused on her and would be for the rest of their lives. She’d thought she was ready, that three weeks in their bed had prepared her for this moment. She was wrong. Hunger glowed in their eyes and her insides turned to mush. Her legs wobbled, her knees threatening to buckle.
Arcon reached her first. He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his lean waist. “I wanted you the moment we met, but I never dared to hope that this would actually happen.”
“Nadis said it’s called anulix,” she told him. Both males chuckled. “You disagree?”
“I know better than arguing with Provost Nadis,” Arcon said with a playful grin. “That female is formidable.”
“I agree with her,” Zevon said firmly as he pressed against her back. “There is something mystical about our relationship. None of us knew about the other’s abilities when we felt drawn together. Yet here we are. Perfectly matched.”
“I don’t care what it’s called,” Arcon stressed. “We belong together. Period.” He paused for a kiss, his lips firm yet patient.
Kendra reveled in the tenderness, suspecting that it wouldn’t last long. They all enjoyed being swept away by aggressive intensity. This gentleness was precious because of its rarity. Arcon’s mouth lifted from hers and he carried her into the bedroom, setting her down at the foot of the bed.
Zevon wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. His lips moved hungrily against hers, his tongue venturing inside to claim her mouth. When she was breathless and restless, he lifted his head. “You need to apologize for being rude to our source. You raised your voice and became sarcastic while he attempted to answer your questions.”
Kendra fought back a smile. This was an excuse and they all knew it, but Zevon clearly needed to discipline her. Truth be told, it had been several days since he’d spanked her and over a week since he found a reason to retrieve one of his wicked implements.