Page 58 of The Anointed's Paladin

I heard a faint shuffling noise and turned over, reaching for my sword, but it was only Nidori, hugging herself and nudging the ground with her foot.

“Can’t sleep?” I asked quietly. She shook her head. “Me either,” I said, sitting up. “What’s up, little bean?”

She climbed up my arm, settling on my shoulders and starting to braid my hair again. She was quiet, not humming, like she normally did.

Kaine stirred, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “Are you having a party without me?” he mumbled, resting his head on his knees.

“I’m sorry I can’t stay with you two,” I said gently, trying to guess what she was upset about.

She nodded and peered up at me with her forest green eyes. “Am I a pretty girl?” she asked, taking me by surprise.

“You’re beautiful,” I said, looking to Kaine for help. Just like the last strange conversation we’d had with Nidori, he was useless, but this time because he was still half-asleep.

“I know that.” She shook her head. “I mean, am Iattractive? Like, if I was big, would I be someone you’d want to fox? To have something special with?”

“Yes,” said Kaine, without hesitation.

“Even if we weren’t already married?”

“Absolutely.” Kaine rubbed his eyes, and I looked at him, eyebrow raised. He yawned, waving his hand in our direction. “Oh, come on, Talon. Don’t deny it.”

I couldn’t really deny it. If she wasn’t the size of my hand, yes, she’d be very attractive. Nidori looked at me expectantly, and I sighed.

“Well, yes,” I said. “You are attractive.”

She nodded, looking relieved and tracing a circle on the ground with her foot. “I’m just curious. IthinkI would. If I could. And I wish Icould.So, I wanted to know if you felt the same.”

“Is that your plan?” I asked. “You’ve mentioned Lei Lei said she could make you big. Is that something that happens?”

“I mean, it’s definitely possible,” said Kaine. “We’ve got motherfuckers out there turning into wolves, bats, even trees, for crying out loud.”

“I’ve only heard about it in stories,” Nidori replied. “But Lei Lei…she said she would… If I win, that is.”

“Well, there you have it.” Kaine yawned again. “When that happens, I promise I’ll fuck you so hard, you see stars.”

Nidori gaped at him, eyes wide. “Wow.” She turned to me. “What about you, Talon?”

“Hey. You’re not married tohim,” Kaine said.

Nidori stuck out her tongue. “Neither are you. It’s not fair if you don’t share.”

“Don’t I get a say in this?” I asked.

“You’ll do as you’re told.” Kaine wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close, brushing his fangs over my shoulder. Heat pooled in my core.Yes, sir.

Kaine turned back to Nidori. “Ah, fine.” Kaine trailed fingers down my chest, causing my cock to stiffen. “I’ll share. IfI can join in.”

My cheeks heated as I pictured it—Nidori’s brown curls splayed out around her as she lay back, arms stretching out to me. Her cheeks flushing as Kaine kissed her abdomen, his hand trailing along her skin, squeezing her breast. Her lips parting as I pleased her with my tongue. I pictured gripping her hips, her legs winding around me as her wetness slid on my cock. Kaine, ordering me to wait, to watch, to touch.

The thought was intoxicating.

Fuck.If she and Kaine won, if they got their blessing, I’d be dead. The scene I had pictured was a cruel paradox.

She still was looking at me, and I smiled at her, hiding my pain. “Yes,” I said, ruffling her hair. “It’d be my pleasure to make love to you if you get your wish.”

She sighed, curling into my shoulder. “That’s nice. I think I’ll marry both of you, then.”

“I don’t think you can marry us both,” I pointed out.

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