Page 69 of Of Gods and Pain

Sitting here arguing with my sorid is not helping. Actually, it’s making me feel more guilty. It’s not like I’m running from them again…but there’s still a sour taste coating the back of my throat.

She huffs—definitely pissed with me—and runs in the opposite direction, shifting mid-jump into her panther. Talyn squeals in delight while Karis watches in awe.

The two guards that joined my bonds and me know Xamira is different, but they haven’t experienced it up close. A wave of pride settles in my chest; everyone on Europa grows up with sorids, so there’s never any novelty when one is around. Not like I feel. So, it’s nice to see others appreciate her as much as I do.

She is magnificent.

They all watch as I instruct Xamira to do some of our favorite maneuvers; I can see her relax more with each minute that passes. Sorids are creatures of nature…they shouldn’t be stuck in a cage, or a deteriorating apartment for years, unable to even shift. My soul squeezes tightly, knowing that she went through all of it for me. She could have left at any time, and waited; but she sat in that apartment, decade after decade, being the crutch I needed to keep going.

She’s saved me more times than I could ever thank her for. I would have attempted to end my life without her.

After a couple hours of training, I walk back over to my males with sweat and jitters lining my skin. This is the part I don’t like; the part where I go behind their backs. But it’s necessary.

I breathe deeply as I think of how I can make this seem like their idea. Shouldn’t be difficult…Emrys is easy to provoke.

“Mmm,” he groans, closing the last few steps between us. He pushes the hair from my shoulder and bends, trailing his tongue up my neck and pinching my ear between his teeth. “You taste like my favorite flavor.” Broken air leaves me as I shudder against his touch, biting my lip and inwardly begging my pussy to stop throbbing so I can focus.

“And you sound like you’re trying to sweeten me up for something.”

He pulls back, smirking, and pinches my chin, forcing me to meet his fierce gaze. “Love, you’re already the sweetest thing my tongue has ever had the pleasure of drinking. Though, you also taste fucking divine with Cas and me inside of you.” I laugh as a warm, bright entity settles in the hollow of my chest.

“You have a filthy mouth.” I run my hands up his chest, flattening them over the rapid beating.

“You could clean it for me,” he murmurs, staring at my mouth.

“Hmm…I don’t think you’ve earned that privilege yet, Captain.” I push off him, sauntering over to Casmir, who’s walking back over to our horses after finishing with the others. I snatch his hand, and he immediately narrows his eyes, amusement falling from him as he looks between Em and me.

“And what exactly must I do to earn such a privilege?” He crosses his arms, calculating my every move.

I step in front of Cas, leaning my back to his front and wrapping his arm over my shoulder. He chuckles behind me. “How about a little competition?” Em’s lips twitch, eyes darkening as they run over my body. I feel the touch of his gaze as if it were his hands. It’s intoxicating. “If you win, you can have me however you like.”

He grins, licking his bottom lip and shifting on his feet. “And if you win?”

“Then you get to watch as our prince fucks me until I can’t stand.” Cas makes a small noise, coughing to cover up the almost laugh. Em is a jealous male; telling him he can only watch as his bonds fuck is probably more painful to him than any injury he’s ever had.

His brows raise, and he shakes his head. “Fine.” He stalks forward, stopping only when our noses brush, so I can see the fiery determination in his eyes. “But when I win, you’re going to regret challenging me.” He places a kiss on my forehead, the gentleness contrasting every emotion emanating from him.

“First one back to the castle wins; let’s go because I am dying to claim my prize.”

The desperation in his voice encourages me to fuck with him a little. “What!” I feign exasperation. “You have the fastest horse! There’s no way I’ll win on mine!”

He chuckles darkly, backing towards his horse. “I warned you, love.”

Once we’re all on our horses, giddiness overtakes my anxiety.

“Since I’m in a generous mood, I’ll give you a head start.” I look over at him, rolling my eyes.

He did exactly what I needed him to. We’re nearly an hour away from the city, so that will give me plenty of time without their attention on me.

“Are you sure you want to do that?” I smile sweetly, tilting my head in question.

“Of course, love; it’s only fair to you.” I scoff, turning forward and signaling my horse to run. We break from the group, Xamira waiting patiently behind everyone for my signal.

After a couple minutes, a stomping grows loud behind me. I grin, feeling exhilarated and free. Emrys passes me, cackling mumbled nonsense about this being nothing personal.

I slow my horse, falling into that familiar head space that is reserved for Xamira. She’s seconds away, so I stand on the saddle and call to my air to push me over the distance between the horse and sorid. I land on her back perfectly, having done this particular maneuver with her many times. She doesn’t need direction, as I’ve already instructed her where to go. So I enjoy the moment, smiling back at the prince, Talyn, and Karis as they laugh loudly. Emrys hears them and turns his head, eyes gaping when he sees me.

“No fucking way, Nell! That’s cheating!”

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