Page 45 of Shadowed Fate

"Breathe," Tiernan reminds me gently. "Let the energy flow naturally."

I inhale deeply, trying to relax. Another black wisp appears in my palm, this one bigger and less ephemeral.

“Good girl," Tiernan praises. "You're improving quickly."

A warm glow of floods my chest at his words. I'm about to try to produce another shadow in my other hand when I notice movement at the edge of the grove.

Rory lounges against a tree, watching us with interest. His shaggy blond hair falls across his forehead as he grins. The heat I’m feeling in my chest rises to cheeks as memories of our encounter on the training grounds flash through my mind—his hands on my breasts, tongue in my mouth…

The shadow in my palm grows larger before spiking up into the sky like a smoky firework, extinguishing itself.

"Shoot."

Tiernan quirks an eyebrow. "Perhaps we should take a break."

I nod sheepishly.

We make our way over to Rory, my skin tingling with awareness of both men. As we approach, Rory's grin widens.

“Well, if it isn't my two favorite magicians," he drawls, pushing off the tree.

“Not a magician.” Tiernan rolls his eyes.

Rory pays no attention."Brigid, love, you're looking particularly irresistible today."

I join Tiernan in rolling my eyes, but can't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Rory."

"Ah, but it's not flattery if it's true."

The three of us are just standing there and I find myself caught between the two men, too aware of their proximity. Rory's arm brushes mine, lighting little sparks inside me. Tiernan stands close on my other side, his earthy scent enveloping me.

I can feel the tension in the air. Good tension.

Rory's hand lands on my lower back, fingers splaying possessively. Heat pools low in my belly. I glance up to find Tiernan watching us, his eyelids lowered and his gaze with unmistakable desire.

Arousal and confusion war within me. I want them both, and I think they both want me. The realization is as terrifying as it is thrilling.

The energy between us is thick and heady. My skin tingles and I shiver. My breath comes faster, heart pounding. I want Rory to kiss me again.

Hell, I want them both to kiss me.

Suddenly, unbidden, a memory flashes—cruel male laughter, rough, dirty hands.

Donal said we could share you.

Ice floods my veins.

I stiffen, jerking away from Rory's touch. My eyes drop to the ground, arms wrapping around myself protectively.

"Brigid?" Tiernan's voice is soft, concerned.

I can't look at them. Shame tangles in my gut.

"Love, what's wrong?" Rory asks gently.

I shake my head. "It's nothing. I'm fine."

"Bullshit," Rory says, but there’s no harshness in it. Just worry.

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