Page 41 of Foxes of Legend

“Almost there,” he whispered, in complete control of his own voice, his breath on my cheek as his lips brushed away a tear.

Like a dark angel, he dragged me to heaven, imprisoned me in ecstasy. He kept a tight hold on me as I shuddered around his fingers.

His hand retreated, pulling my panties back into place. He was silent now, despite how talkative he had been seconds before. His red eyes watched me, and I watched him back, stunned as reality came back to me. What had we done?

He seemed as shocked as I was, in his own way, his expression hardening from temptation to regret.

“Dove?” Kairos’ voice echoed from behind us.

I panicked, reaching down for my pants, but Seven now wore his stoic scowl, holding my wrists as my other Fated came closer.

“No more hiding the truth, Fated. You wanted me as much as I wanted you.” His feral side flashed in his eyes. Possessive and dark.

Enko and Kairos stood side by side, both completely drenched from the heavy rainfall. Steam rose from every drop hitting Enko’s hot skin. I could smell his smoky cinnamon scent. Water droplets glinted off his toned muscles. Delirious thoughts still reigned over my mind, Seven’s attention making me yearn for more.

Seven released me and I hurriedly pulled up my pants, the rain made it harder than it should have been as I wiggled and jumped into the skinny legs.

“What’s going on?” Kairos repeated as a low rumble from Enko vibrated through us.

“It was the fight. I got too close and couldn’t stop myself. I tried to get away and she followed me. I can’t stand that I’m drawn to her,” Seven said, his words like stabs with his dagger.

“You say that after what you just did?” Enko growled, nostrils flaring as he pitched himself forward.

Kairos seized Enko’s arm, holding him back from attacking and looking down his nose at Seven, as though both actions were second nature to him. “I guess this means you’re ready to take some responsibility.”

Seven laughed. “What are you going to do? Make me? I highly fucking doubt that.”

Fire lashed out from Enko’s sword handle, forming sharp lava-red edges that could cut metal. Enko was taller and larger than Seven, but the threat didn’t phase him, drawing his own short sword and dagger, widening his stance. His blades absorbed the light of Enko’s on the overcast day.

“It’s two versus one, Seven. You can’t beat both of us.” Lightning sparked from Kairos’ mace at his hip, sensing his emotion, but he didn’t show it on his face. He nodded to where he held Enko’s arm. “Put your weapons away, or I’ll let him go. We’ve all seen what happens.”

Enko’s feral disposition faltered at the words, meeting my gaze before shaking his head and returning his full ferocity to Seven.

“Cut it out!” I cried, jumping between the outstretched weapons. They retracted the blades the moment I came between them.

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill them, Fated,” Seven laughed. “Just wanted a little payback for earlier.”

The hostility ebbed, weapons returning to their scabbards. Kairos released Enko, both inspecting me. My face was flushed, my lips swollen after the kiss-attack from Seven.

“What happened?” Kairos asked.

“I think you know,” Seven said. “My Fated needed some attention. I was drawn to pacify her. Apparently the two of you haven’t been keeping her satisfied.”

“We were giving her time to adjust,” Kairos barked. “Getting to know her.”

“Not from you. Not like this,” Enko snarled as he reached for me, wrapping his arms around me protectively, gently pulling me away from Seven as though he were dangerous.“You had no right to take advantage of her.”

“Take advantage of her? She’s my Fated,” Seven said, keeping his cool despite their anger.

Kairos grabbed Seven’s shirt in a flash, slamming him against the same pillar I had just been held against. “OurFated. You’re going to commit to her now. No more backing out of your duty. No more of your games. I don’t care how much of a cold-hearted asshole you are. You’re going to make sure Dove knows you’re there for her.”

Seven laughed heartily. “What does that entail? Carrying her books to class? Doting on her hand and foot? Worshiping the ground she walks on like the two of you?”

“Whatever she needs from you. Only the goddess knows why you were chosen,” Enko growled.

Kairos’ hand tightened, his jaw clenched. “Just because the Archfox ordered both of you to heal your bond doesn't mean you can use her for your pleasure.”

Seven frowned, his hubris replaced with confusion until he met my eyes, finding me peeking around Enko’s back as much as the buff man would allow me. “Rhys ordered you?”

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