POWER OF LIES

THE DARK ORCHID TRILOGY: BOOK 1

 AURYN HADLEY

SPOTTED HORSE PRODUCTIONS

 CONTENTS

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Epilogue

Books by Auryn Hadley

About the Author
Power of Lies is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and
incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used
fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead,
is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and
trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which
have been used without permission. The publication/ use of these trademarks is
not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Copyright © 2019 by Auryn Hadley

All Rights Reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the
scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the
permission of the publisher and the copyright owner constitute unlawful piracy
and theft of the author’s intellectual property. Thank you for your support of the
author’s rights.

First Edition: January 2019

Cover Art by Spotted Horse Productions

 CHAPTER ONE

M agic hung in the air. It sparkled beneath the

perfectly blue sky like glitter in the wind amidst
the debris from the shattered walls and sundered buildings.
The smell of it, bitter and a little too potent, left no doubt
that the worst was yet to come. At dawn, Kurkevy had been a
beautiful city. The vivid colors painted on the adobe
buildings were supposed to make this place look like a
collection of jewels. Now, only a few hours later, there was
nothing but grey dust and magic. It coated everything - even
the soldiers.
As soon as the walls came down, they'd rushed in. From
her hiding spot, Jaeda thought the sound of their boots was
loud, which meant there had to be a lot of them. She pressed
back against the wall, hoping her dark skin and the debris
from the building's shattered second story would hide her
from the Adevians. Her latest home had fallen, the town's
pathetic militia no match for the powers of a dark mage. The
roundups had already begun; the raping and pillaging would
be next.
Mere feet from her, a unit of the mage's soldiers marched
past. Screaming women and defiant men were carried along
with them. Jaeda said nothing. These weren't her people, and
they reminded her of it every chance they got. She was just a
whore. A common, cheap, easily-replaced whore, because
that was all they'd let her be. If she could just make it
through the day, her life would be no different than it had
been last week. A new brothel, a new madam to take three-
quarters of her income, but the men would be the same. They
always were.
When the steps faded, she relaxed, remaining motionless.
It would be futile until she knew where they'd already
checked, otherwise -
"Well hello, beautiful."
She whipped around. Behind her, a red-clad Adevian
smiled cruelly, but his body blocked her retreat. That left her
only one way to go. Pushing away from the wall, she bolted,
darting around the corner and right into the deep, rumbling
laugh coming out of a man big enough to be a mountain.
Hands grabbed her, a hard chest blocked her escape, and
four men eyed every line of her body. The dress that had
once been seductive was now tattered and dust-covered, just
like her skin, but there was no mistaking her profession.
Respectable women would never be seen in fabric so sheer.
They laughed, drunk on the easy conquest of this pathetic
town. The man holding her leered at her chest; the pair
behind him muttered crass comments in some foreign
language. She didn't know their words, but the tone was
clear enough.
Soldiers were all the same. They wanted to be comforted
when far from home. They wanted a woman to dote on them.
She might be filthy, but so was everything else in this gods-
forsaken town, and she had a feeling they wouldn't be too
picky.
"Hi, boys." Her eyes moved from one to the next as she
forced a sweet, sensual smile to her lips, wondering which
would take the bait.
None. Possibly because they didn't understand her?
Instead, the leader stabbed his arm toward the temple before
any of the men could reply, cutting off her attempt at
seduction before she could even start.
"The Jackal said all women go to the cells." He'd changed
to the local language. "I don't care how much she flirts -
don't touch her unless you want to explain it to him."
The mountain holding her sighed. "Walk," he demanded
with a heavy accent, shoving her toward the street.
Jaeda walked. Like the unit before, they marched toward
the large temple in the middle of town. It was the only thing
untouched by devastation, at least on the outside. The men
talked little, and what they said was in a language she
couldn't understand, but their eyes searched every shadow. A
few blocks farther on, her captors found a matron and her
daughter hiding in the remnants of a destroyed store, adding
them to the procession. They were nothing like her. The girl
couldn't be older than eighteen, the mother easily in her
forties, and their clothes looked to be from the merchant
class.
They screamed.
On the next block, they found a group of four: two
children, neither more than ten; a boy who was only a few
years too young to take up arms; and their mother. Crying,
the woman tried to huddle her family together, desperate to
keep them safe. Just when Jaeda was convinced the soldiers
would execute the young man, the party began moving
again, joining up with another unit at the crossroads. She
was shocked to see even more men held among them.
The guards changed out, the ones who'd found her
heading back into town, most likely for more prisoners. The
new group of Adevian soldiers kept their prisoners secure
with a knife or sword held at the ready, but they hadn't
started killing yet. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to
make Jaeda hope she might survive this ordeal.
 She'd seen the aftermath of the mage wars before,
managing to live through the fall of two other cities. The
magic these men wielded made people like her strive to go
unnoticed. Surviving usually meant staying out of their
hands, but it was too late for that. Now, she had to think of
another plan, and fast.
She could only guess what kind of atrocities awaited her.
Public executions were all too common, because a mage
would be thirsting for his power. That was why they were
being taken to the temple - to refuel him.
This mage was called the Jackal. His portion of the
Adevian army had been moving toward Kurkevy for weeks,
and it was said he practiced the dark arts. At dawn, he'd
demanded that everyone in town lay down their weapons,
throw open their doors, and swear loyalty to him and the
Sultan of Adevia.
When that didn't happen, he'd simply pulled apart the
walls and shattered anything in his way. Kurkevy didn't
stand a chance. This mage easily commanded some of the
most powerful magic she'd ever seen - as the quick
destruction of the city had shown - and she had no idea what
sacrifice fueled him.
Still, because of what he was, he'd need sacrifices.
Depending upon which dark arts he followed, torture, death,
or worse awaited them all. Jaeda's feet slowed, but the man
behind her just kept going, forcing her to stumble along
before him.
The other women cried, the children wailed, but the men
walked forward stone-faced. They all knew. The closer they
got to the temple, the shorter the prisoners' lives became. If
she was going to make her escape, it was now or never.
Without warning, she shoved her feet against the stones,
twisting, hoping the soldier would be caught off-guard. If
she could break his grasp, she could run. She could flee. She
just needed to make him let go!
His hand loosened on her arm and Jaeda surged away -
but in vain. Before she'd made it even a step, the man
laughed, grabbing a fistful of her braids to yank her back
against his chest. Held like this, all she could see was the sky.
The tension in the soldier's grip proved he wasn't amused.
Using it, he shoved her forward, holding the hair at the back
of her head like it was her leash.
"You run," he growled, "and I'll catch you. Then I'll beat
you. The Jackal didn't say a thing about bruises."
One of the women behind her wailed. Jaeda marched on,
leaning back to lessen the pull on her head, as she vowed not
to cry. She would not act like the pampered wives around
her. She would not become a victim. She was stronger than
this! She'd lived through worse. All she had to do was be
smart, and she'd make it through the fall of Kurkevy, too.
They were marched into the lower level of the temple,
then down. Once, this had been a place to worship the gods,
when they died, it had been claimed by the magistrate.
Evidently it was now the domain of the mage.
The stairs were musty, but dry. The walls were cool, and
with each step the temperature dropped, making it almost
pleasant. Ahead, the sobs of defeat filled the air, proving they
weren't the first prisoners to be brought down here. Behind
her, the sharp orders from soldiers blocked the hope of
retreat. Her neck was starting to ache, the stone of the
ceiling offering little to reassure her. That was when the man
shoved her forward.
She managed two steps before tripping to the floor. Stone
bit into the heel of her hands, her skin left behind like a
sacrifice, and she turned, bracing for what came next, only
to find herself in a cell. A large cell. And she wasn't alone -
the women were being separated from the men. Over a dozen
dust-covered ladies of various ages watched the guards
silently. Tears streaked faces, bruises marred cheeks, but
they were too scared to even cry out. Slowly, Jaeda backed
away, seeking the wall.
When her back hit it, she curled tightly, hugging her
knees to her chest. Her yellow gauze dress was one more
thing to mark her as different from the others, and the last
thing she wanted was to be noticed. There was no way it
would go well for her.
The females of the town, regardless of age, were all
herded in the cell with her, but not the boys. Not even the
child. When the youngest tried to follow his mother, a soldier
grabbed his arm. That was when the wailing started in
earnest. The child screamed for his mother; the woman cried
out as she rushed toward the bars, but the men blocked her,
closing the iron door in her face. Shoving her arm through
the gaps, the mother strained to reach her son. Desperation
was written on every line of her body, but the soldiers kept
going down the hall, the bawling boy's toes barely touching
the ground as he was hauled along.
"Not my baby!" The mother's voice bounced off the stone.
Jaeda made no move to help. The other women moved to
comfort the mother instead. The younger children were
huddled toward the back, far away from where the enemy
would return. For a long time, no one seemed to notice her.
They cried, they begged, and they prayed to long-dead gods.
Only after they'd tried everything else did they start to
blame. Naturally, she was the target.
"Why did they lock her in here?" snapped one.
A few heads turned, their eyes cold. These women knew
her. Oh, they all knew her, but Jaeda only knew their
husbands. She couldn't even tell which man went with which
wife, but it didn't matter. In their pretty dresses, with their
cruel words, they were all the same. Their husband would
never. Their husband loved them. Their husband had probably
paid for the privilege of time in Jaeda's cheap straw-filled
bed, and they hated her for it.
She hated them just as much, so she said nothing. It was
the only answer that wouldn't cause more problems. These
were the same women who'd told her she wasn't good for
anything else, and now they wanted to blame her for it.
"Give her to the guards," one said.
"Let them take their turn on her. She obviously enjoys it."
The mother looked at her with hollow eyes. "If they hurt
my boy, I will kill you myself."
Jaeda just sighed and nodded. There was nothing else to
say. She'd been like them once. She remembered thinking
that touching her meant love, not just pleasure. She
remembered valuing herself by her purity as if it were a
currency. She also remembered when she learned that it was
all a lie, just before life stripped her pride and left only
selling her body to keep her alive.
"I can accept that," Jaeda told her, as she stood. "Since it
means they won't get the chance."
Her words cut through the buzz of their hysteria. Those
who'd already noticed her glared; the ones who hadn't
finally looked her way, making her the center of attention.
Refusing to cower before them, Jaeda first surveyed the
children, then their parents. Most of them had lived here
their entire lives. The only thing they knew of the mage wars
were the stories spread by merchants passing through. She
was willing to bet none of them had seen the aftermath.
"They just want ransom," an older woman said, sounding
like she was trying to convince herself.
Jaeda shrugged. "And sex. Probably torture. Most likely
death. The mage will need his power. I lived through the fall
of Brunsmith and Jorin. The Owl and the Lion. Their only
concern after spending their power is to refill it."
 "But Brunsmith was taken by a light mage!"
She looked at the crowd, trying to identify the speaker,
but couldn't. They all looked terrified. "Yes, that was the
Owl. The Mage of Joy. He forced his prisoners to drink and
dance until they dropped. I'm sure it was a very wonderful
experience for them to die by laughter. In Jorin, the Lion
wanted sorrow. Children were torn apart before their
mothers. Wives were raped in front of their husbands. The
method is different; the result is the same. We die."
A wealthy woman draped in heavy brocade surged
forward, shoving at Jaeda. "Then we'll give them you."
She nodded, refusing to fight back. "I'll volunteer."
"What?"
"Why would you do that!"
"She's lying."
Torn between years of being told to act civil and acting on
their fear, the women crowded closer. Jaeda did nothing.
They were almost a mob. It wouldn't take much for them to
turn on her. She was the outsider, the whore, the disposable
one, and her only options were to volunteer to please the
mage, die quickly as the example, or be tortured by this
group to fuel the man who'd just sundered Kurkevy in less
than an hour. Only one had a chance of survival.
She understood their fear. She knew their pain. She could
even feel sorry for them, but she was not foolish enough to
taunt them, not now. Instead, Jaeda looked past them at the
groups of people being hauled in, hoping for a distraction.
"Why are they doing this!" one woman wailed, turning to
the bars of their cage. "We didn't fight back!"
Jaeda envied them a bit. She also hated them. Most of all,
she pitied them. None of these women owned their own lives
and they never would. Jaeda might be a common whore and
recognizable because her skin was dark, but at that moment,
she realized that she was the only woman in the room who
could claim to be her own master. She might sell her body,
but at least she wasn't a slave to her husband.
She also wasn't ashamed of doing what she had to in
order to survive. It made her stronger. It gave her a power
that none of these women would ever understand. Jaeda
liked who she was, even if society - and the women
panicking in the room around her - thought it was
disgusting. Leaning her head back, she smiled and closed her
eyes. She might die today, but she wouldn't die screaming
about the injustice of it all. She'd do whatever it took to take
care of herself, because no one else was going to do it for
her, no matter how much these pampered wives hated her
for it.
 CHAPTER TWO

W hen the sun reached its peak in the sky, the parade
of victors arrived in town. The sound of
trumpeting horns carried all the way to the cells in the
temple jail. Dutifully, citizens outside cheered their new
master, knowing it was better to lie with a smile than fight
for the previous man who hadn't even known they existed.
Inside, Jaeda and the other prisoners said nothing. None of it
mattered. Kurkevy didn't care who claimed to rule it. The
people just wanted to make a living, pay their bills, and
survive another day.
The mages, however, wanted magic - and people were the
best source. Joy, sorrow, pride, pain, and more, they were all
harvested from the citizens to fuel those abilities, then cast
at each other in an attempt to gain more. The Owl, the
Spider, the Viper, the Jackal - all mages carried the name of
a beast, for their own held too much power to give out freely.
Every tavern and brothel was filled with stories, every dark
night brought whispers. They lived in the age of magic, and
it was a hard time. The gods were dead, replaced by men just
as powerful who truly walked among them.
While they waited, the women kept to themselves, all but
ignoring the whore in their midst. Outside, the sounds of the
town eventually returned to normal, but still, no one came
for the prisoners. It wasn't until the last rays of the sun were
sliding through the narrow window before the guards finally
returned.
The women crowded against the back wall as the cell
creaked open, expecting the worst. The man who walked in
was huge and beautiful. He stood well over six feet tall and
was as broad as an ox, with a face carved by an artist. His
clothing consisted of a pale linen skirt called a shendyt that
fell above his knees. A thick leather belt, well-studded with
gold and jewels, wrapped around it. He wore sandals like the
people of Kurkevy, but gold encircled his neck and arms.
Jaeda had never seen a man so wealthy, and she wondered
if he was the mage. While the women cowered away from
him, she pushed herself to the front, drawing his eye.
Without shame, he looked her over as if assessing a horse.
She looked back. Slowly, the man smiled.
"Please tell me this town speaks a civilized language?"
"We do," Jaeda assured him.
His smile grew. "Good. Remove your clothing." He looked
across the room. "All of you. If you will not do it yourself, I
will have the guards do it for you. Am I understood? You will
be cleaned before the Jackal sees you."
So, not the mage. This must be an advisor or someone
high in the ranks. Jaeda refused to look away as she untied
the two pathetic laces holding her clothes on and let the thin
gauze fall to the floor. He nodded, then flicked a finger at her
legs.
"All of it. Shoes, undergarments, jewelry."
A handful of women began to timidly take off what they
wore, but others refused. The rich man sighed and shook his
head, then ordered the guards to give them incentive. While
Jaeda worked her shoes from her feet, the other women
whimpered in fear.
"You're so brave." Behind her, the girl's voice was the
barest hint of a whisper, but it touched her.
 Jaeda wasn't brave - she was practical. She knew that
making it fast meant it would be over. These men would
savage them, one way or another. What she wanted was to
keep control of the situation so she could survive it. But if
the girl thought Jaeda was brave, then she'd be brave. She'd
be braver than she'd ever been before. Someone had to be.
Using her body as a shield, she covered the girl's nudity
as they both stripped from their underthings. The teenager
wasn't the only shy one in the group. Blondes, brunettes,
and even women with autumn hair used their arms for
modesty, but Jaeda's brazenness was unique. So was her
dusky skin. The guards noticed. They smiled, all trying to get
a better and longer look. Jaeda judged them all. She looked
for gentleness in their eyes and swelling in their pants.
Unfortunately, she got more of the second than the first.
"Clothes in the basket," the rich man demanded. "And
everything else. Just drop it in."
A younger guard stepped in carrying a wicker basket. He
moved to Jaeda first, since she'd been the most cooperative.
In went the pale gauze, lace undergarments, and suede
sandals. Before he could ask, she picked up the girl's
clothing as well, allowing the frightened teen to keep her
hands over her breasts and pelvis. Watching the other
women try to obey without exposing themselves was heart-
wrenching. They only knew how to value themselves based
on their husbands. Their only purpose was to be his
plaything. Their only justification for waking up every
morning was their belief that they were just and proper
women, and the guards were stripping all of that away
without laying a single finger on them.
Only when their last possessions had been collected did
most of the guards leave. A handful shuffled just out of sight
in the hall, but the rich man stayed. He directed a crew of
four beautiful women into the cell. They glared, looking at
each prisoner with unveiled contempt, then set to washing.
Jaeda went first, giving the others the chance to see what
was expected. It made it easier.
The servant girls weren't local. Their skins were shades
that even Jaeda had never seen, and each one was different.
Yellow skin, red, and ivory; round eyes and tear-dropped;
tall and short: the four proved just how diverse humans
could be. They looked like they'd been picked merely because
they were exotic. Jaeda's heart beat faster. None of them
were the shade of freshly-tilled soil.
They washed her completely, the rags rough and abrasive.
There was no care or compassion, just a sense of urgency.
They needed to get all the women clean; the whole time, the
rich man just watched.
When they finished with her, two more men carried in
another bucket of water and removed the first. Over and over
it went until all seventeen of them were considered good
enough. Their captor seemed unimpressed with the entire
ordeal, as if it was just another job for him to oversee, but
his eyes kept returning to Jaeda's. To her eyes, not her bare
breasts, and not the triangle of closely-trimmed hair
between her legs. He always looked back to her eyes.
She didn't trust him. Men always looked. They couldn't
help it. He should've been aroused by her nudity, or at least
by the vulnerability of the other women, but instead, he just
looked bored.
With each woman cleaned, the others began to relax. The
Adevians hadn't touched them with more than their eyes,
and the pathetic things started to hope. It was palpable in the
room, their soft voices adding flavor to the feeling as the
quavers stilled and the fury began to emerge. The washers
were halfway through the crowd when the captor moved
closer to Jaeda.
"How long have you been in Kurkevy?" he asked.
 "Four years."
He nodded, and his eyes finally dropped, falling to the
scar on her hip. The brand was easy to read for anyone who
knew that alphabet: harlot. It marked her shame and her fall
into this life. The touch of his eyes brought back the pain of
the judgment and the smell of her own flesh burning under
the hot iron. Slowly, he looked back at her face. His eyes were
nearly the same black-brown as her own.
"From the Taren Islands?"
"Yes, sir."
He nodded once, then stepped away. It seemed he could
read it. Evidently he also knew about the world beyond. Not
many knew where such dark-skinned people lived, and more
refused to believe that civilization existed beyond the coast.
It was odd that he hadn't asked how she'd earned the mark.
One more thing to make the hair rise on the back of her neck.
Everything about him screamed that he was much more evil
than the silly wives knew. They saw a gentleman - as much
as a man could be under the circumstances. Jaeda saw a
sadist.
"You," their rich captor said, pointing at the wealthy
woman. "You're first. Then you, you, you..."
With each repetition of the word, he singled out another
person from the cell, lining them up. The kind girl was the
sixth and Jaeda was the seventh. She was still close enough
to protect her.
When they were all in a line, he ordered the guards to lead
them out. One man in front, four split into pairs on each
side, and the sixth trailing behind them. The men were
armed, and each one looked like he would have no problem
cutting down a terrified, naked woman who tried to run.
Thankfully, none of them made the effort.
They were led through the temple basement, up the
stairs, and across the massively ornate halls. The rich man
walked with them, daring to smile at a child hanging onto
her mother's fingers. The girl might have been five and was
not ashamed to be naked. She smiled back broadly.
Then they turned to the main room. Two large doors,
built to impress the faithful in the time of gods, were pulled
open. Each was wide enough to let four men walk in side-by-
side. They were tall enough that a tree would barely brush
the top, from the way the guards strained to move them,
they were also very heavy.
Beyond lay riches like none of them had ever seen. In a
building designed for a god, gold was everywhere. Plus, for
the last decade, this temple had served the Magistrate as his
palace. Where the citizens of Kurkevy enjoyed simple lives,
that man's tastes had run to velvet and gems, using them for
accents wherever he could. Massive stone columns lined the
room, supporting the gold-trimmed arches above. In the
very center was a raised platform, just large enough to hold
the massive gold throne that was intended to be the center of
attention.
Each footstep echoed out in the cavernous room. The
beautiful floor was cold, tiled in an ornate geometric pattern
of the most lavish stone. Black, white, green, and even blue
marble had been polished to shine like mirrors. The bare feet
of the women left smudges in their wake.
"Line up here," their captor ordered, pointing his finger
at a line where the color changed.
The women obeyed. Most still clutched their bodies, even
more hung their heads, but Jaeda was no longer the only one
who'd given up caring. At the back of the line, someone
sobbed softly. Ahead of her, another sniffled, but most of the
women clung to their pride like a lifeline. It was the only
thing they had left.
When they were correctly spaced - the rich man making a
few corrections - he stepped away, relaxing the guards with
a wave of his hands only after the entrance thundered closed.
As if it had been scripted, the sound signaled another door
opening at the back of the room. Through it walked
perfection.
The man barely stepped into sight before the women
sighed. He was the most beautiful thing Jaeda had ever seen.
As if by magic - and probably because of it - heads lifted and
shoulders eased. Something in the very air was different,
marvelous, and tempting. The sound of his boots filled the
room like the beating of their hearts, and all eyes followed,
even the guards.
Like a flame calling to a moth, Jaeda felt his pull.
Everything about this man had been designed - it had to
have been - to seduce. Red silk hung across his chest, tucked
into liquid leather pants. The shirt had no buttons. Only the
cut of it held it closed at all, and sun-kissed skin gleamed
beneath, begging to be touched. Hard muscles cast shadows
in the burning light, even through the cloth, and his thighs
flexed with each step.
Someone gasped in pleasure, sounding like a hormone-
flushed maid. Beside Jaeda, the young girl swayed forward,
her lips parted by desire. The man ignored it all as he walked
to the heavy golden throne and dropped his beauty into it,
letting his eyes take in the view.
"Is this all of them, Treb?"
The rich man spoke up from behind Jaeda. "So far. The
Captain assures me his men will find more if you need them.
These were just the ones out in the open."
"Mm." The beautiful man shoved a hand across his
forehead, into his hair. "And children?"
"You did say bring every captured female, my lord. You
sounded rather adamant."
That made the beautiful man smile, tilting his head in
acknowledgment. "Right. Sorry, Treb, I was distracted." He
tossed a leg over the arm of the throne and leaned back. "If
you're less than seventeen years old, go over there." A long,
finely-shaped finger pointed to Jaeda's left.
One of the guards walked to the location and crooked his
own finger at the girls. The first person to move was a
brunette near the end of the line. Jaeda was pretty sure the
woman was well over seventeen, but she wasn't about to say
a thing. After her, another woman spoke to the child beside
her, sending her toward the guard. Then the rest of the girls
followed, forming a cluster around the Adevian. The adult
women just waited. On the throne, Perfection smiled at
them.
Jaeda leaned toward the kind girl beside her. "Go with
them."
"I'm fine, thank you," she answered as if she was in a
trance.
A soft chuckle sounded behind her. Glancing back, Jaeda
saw the rich man, Treb, watching. He leaned against the
wall, his arms folded over his muscular chest, looking very
amused. For a split second, their eyes met. The sparkle in his
dared her to complain.
Then Perfection moved. His leg slipped back to the floor,
and he leaned forward, surveying the women before him. His
eyes were hot and severe, weighing each of them as they hit.
When he reached the third woman in line, he scratched at his
jaw.
"Treb, send the grandmother to watch the children? She
does nothing for me. Unless you've gained a new interest I
should know about?"
"Not yet," Treb replied.
His steps were soft and, from the corner of her eye, Jaeda
saw Treb gently touch the old woman's arm. Turning her
slightly, it was as if some spell was broken. The matron
gasped, blinking hard, then looked at their captor. Fear
returned, but when Treb pointed toward the children, it
faded. She didn't need a second invitation. Scampering after
them, her wrinkled skin exposed for all to see, she gathered
the girls around her like a mothering hen, and the guard
moved them toward those massive doors. Slowly, they
opened, letting the group escape to the other side.
The crash of them closing echoed throughout the room,
making a few women flinch. Without a word, the beautiful
man stood, forcing all eyes onto him. He took one slow step
toward them, then another.
"I," he said, his voice like feathers on flushed skin, "am
the Jackal."
 CHAPTER THREE

T he closer the Jackal got, the harder he pulled at them.

His seduction was palpable, like tangible lust, begging
them all to stroke it. He aimed for the end of the line,
moving near enough that they could almost touch him, then
turned and walked the length of it. Each woman he passed
was judged with his eyes. Each one lifted her face to his like
she was a lover. The corner of his mouth never dropped,
amusement holding it up.
Then he passed Jaeda. His feet paused, and his eyes
flicked over her shoulder to where she knew Treb stood. That
was the only change. His face stayed the same, as if this
entire ordeal was a game. Nine nude women were left to beg
for his attention, Jaeda no different than the others, even if
she knew how to hide it. She could feel the need for him, feel
the way his mere presence set her ablaze. Unlike the others,
she didn't pant like a cur in heat.
When he reached the first lady, he stopped. "Kiss me," he
told her, his tone as if no one else were around. "Kiss me,
and prove that you deserve my hands on your body."
The woman, who minutes before had been ashamed to
have men look at her, threw herself against him. Her mouth
hit his, parted, her tongue ready to be claimed by him. The
Jackal kissed her as if it were a script. Their lips met, slipped
along each other, and his tongue flicked over hers once, then
he leaned back.
"Predictable." He moved to the next.
She tried to improve on the first, grinding her body
against him, but that only made him chuckle, thwarting the
kiss. The third and fourth were the same. Then he turned to
the kind young girl. She shifted, tilting her body, and the
Jackal's smile softened. He looked into her eyes, air sliding
through his lips like a man who'd just found his prize. He
stepped forward, willing to offer the pretty blonde her
chance to impress him, and Jaeda acted.
She was a whore. She paid for her existence by knowing
how to make a man feel what he wanted. She knew his every
desire by the subtle signs of his body, and the Jackal was
bored. He wanted something to excite him. The girl's
virginity might do that, but the cost was too high. Too much
for such a sweet thing to pay for an evil spell.
Before the girl could inspire him, Jaeda stepped into the
mage. Her teeth caught his lower lip, a warning that she
wouldn't play nice, and her hands pushed the silk aside to
expose his chest, twisting him away from the line of women.
Focus on me, her body told him. Ignore her. I can make you feel.
I can make you a man. If you can conquer this town, then you
might be enough to satisfy me, but you'll have to prove it.
Her tongue apologized for the gentle wound as her mouth
begged him to show he could take it. Tease, torment,
promise, and taunt, that was how to make this man forget
about the innocent girl. Show him there was more to life
than pain. Show him -
The mage's mouth claimed hers, his tongue delving
through her teeth as his hand grabbed the braids at the back
of her head. While their lips clashed, seeking dominance over
each other, he pulled her hips against him, fingers digging
into the swell of her ass, and he walked her backward. She
growled softly in her throat, and the Jackal wrenched his
mouth from hers.
"You," he promised, pushing her away from the other
women, "just made a very bad mistake."
"Prove it," she breathed.
Her back hit the stone, and his chest pressed her into it.
The column was twice the width of her body, painted with
ancient art, polished smooth by years of servitude. The cold
made her nipples tighten, the peaks of them grinding
against the skin she'd exposed over his chest. So many
times, she'd sold her body so she could survive, but this was
different. This time, she wanted him. It made no sense, but
not all of her reactions were intentional. Something about
this man set her body on fire.
His mouth moved to the corner of hers, then her jaw,
teasing his way to the hard tendon of her neck. White teeth
grazed dark flesh as his hands found the hollows of her body.
He was pure perfection, seductive and powerful in ways
she'd never imagined, but she only won if he didn't have
control. She couldn't let him distract her, but he wasn't
making it easy.
His thumbs moved to her breasts, sweeping over the hard
peaks before every person in the room and she pressed into
his hips. With a shift, her pubic bone slid higher, taunting
the swelling, inciting it, showing how close he was to his
prize, and she felt him harden just before he ground his
erection into the soft skin beside her hip.
"Dismiss them," he breathed, his eyes catching Jaeda's.
They were amber, like liquid resin, but not nearly as warm.
"Yes, my lord," Treb said. "Ladies, the Jackal thanks you
for your service. Please follow the guard before you and we
will find you something clean and respectable to wear."
The Jackal's mouth was on hers again, demanding, and
Jaeda lifted her leg over his thigh. She was distracting him,
doing everything she knew to keep that gentle girl safe, and
he responded eagerly. Grabbing the back of her knee, he
yanked her higher, using the stone to support her. Her leg
trailed over his ass, her bare flesh spread before him, her
chest raised to his face. He held her there, grinding the
buttery leather of his pants against her, then let his burning
eyes fall to her breasts. Slowly, each movement making her
pant with anticipation, he kissed the dark tip, then licked.
Finally, he suckled, his mouth a pleasure like she'd never
known before. Jaeda let the air escape from her lungs.
His hand wrapped around her throat, he shoved himself
against her once more, then he slid her body down his until
she could stand. Only then did his other hand palm the back
of her head, his thumb lifting her jaw, forcing her face to his.
The Jackal smiled. "Gold, I think. I do like it." His hands
squeezed, and he hissed a single, strange word.
For the space of one heartbeat, she was sure he would kill
her. His grip was tight, intense, then he released, but the
weight didn't vanish. In its place was cold, hard metal. Jaeda
pulled back, her eyes flaring open, and she grabbed at her
neck.
The man before her watched with depraved amusement.
"You thought you could stand before a dark mage and tempt
me? You think you are strong enough to take me on? Well,
prove it." His finger hooked under the weight around her
throat. "It's gold. It's expensive, worth more than most of
those women will ever see, but do not forget that it's a collar.
You will come when I call." He smiled. "Both ways."
She swallowed and nodded.
"I will have men fuck you. Lots of them. You will even like
it. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir."
The Jackal laughed and shifted against her again, proving
his interest hadn't faded. "You will suck them, fuck them,
and cum, over and over. If you're good, I'll put a little stone
in this collar for each orgasm." He trailed his nail around the
base of her throat. "Diamonds? Do you like those, my wild
little orchid?"
Slowly, she licked her lips and jiggled her head slightly,
the barest hint of a nod.
His eyes narrowed. "But not as much as..." He looked
between her eyes. "Emeralds? Sapphires? Rubies?" He kissed
her again, hard and fast. "Answer me," he growled.
"I've never seen them, sir."
"It's lord," he corrected. "I am the Lord of Lust, my dear.
The Empire wants to own the world, and to make that
happen, I need to be recharged." His mouth worked toward
her ear. "It's exhausting, ripping down walls. It's so much
more exciting to make jewelry, don't you think?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Rubies," he decided. "Deep red ones, wonderfully dark
like your skin." Gently, he caressed her braids. "My little
dark orchid, I love your mouth. Hot, passionate, and
demanding. I think I'll save it for myself. Treb?"
"Yes, sir?"
Jaeda's eyes flicked to the mage, wondering if there would
be a correction. The Jackal noticed and moved against her,
everything about him designed to make her drunk on desire.
When she didn't look away, he nodded ever so slightly.
"He's allowed to call me sir. I won't abuse you if you
forget, but it's lord. The people need to know who's in
charge. Treb, bring in the men?"
A feeling like ice trickled down her spine, her body
tensing beneath his hands, and the mage felt it. Slowly, he
began to ignite her again, warming what his words had
chilled even as people entered the room. He seduced her
before them without shame, driving her body higher while
dragging her mind to his with intimate looks and a breathy
conversation held between them by the press of their bodies.
"Was it worth it? Do you desire passion so much that
you'd throw away everything for that stupid little girl?"
"Yes," she breathed, shocked that he'd noticed. "She was
kind."
"Mm." His tongue caressed the soft skin just under her
chin. "I'm not. You traded your safety for hers? Do you know
what I could have taught her?"
Jaeda closed her eyes. "How to hate men." She waited for
the blow.
It didn't come, but the mage paused. His insane desire
slaked, and he moved his hand from her breast to her face,
tracing the line of her high cheekbone. "A whore?" he asked.
"Yes, my lord."
"Here?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Orchid, I'm not going to hit you. Look at me." He waited
until she opened her eyes. "I want lust, not fear. Lust: pure,
carnal, and primal. I don't want shame or pain. I want the
pleasure."
"A sex mage?"
He chuckled, his chest rumbling against her bare body.
"Yes, you could say that."
Something about him dared her to ask, "Why did you
choose the dark arts?"
He traced her cheek again, his hand sliding back until the
tips of his fingers tangled between her braids. "I didn't. They
also aren't dark. It's the stupid mundanes who try to set us
on sides. Magic is just emotion - raw, unfiltered, and so very
intoxicating."
"You're still conquering us."
"Yes," he purred, twining a braid around his finger. "I
am."
 "They're ready, my lord," Treb said, breaking into their
conversation.
The Jackal nodded, showing he'd heard, but didn't move
away. "Over there are twenty-six men aroused by the sight
of your body pressed to mine, and two that are disgusted.
The girls I refuse to touch until they're women. The boys?"
He shook his head. "In places like this, they're taught they're
men as soon as their dicks can get hard, so I'm willing to
treat them as such. How shall we sort them?"
The question was meant to be answered, and his tone said
as much. "I don't know, my lord."
"Look at them," he said softly, sliding against her again.
He made it hard to concentrate. She'd been with plenty of
men, most to keep a roof over her head, but the Jackal wasn't
like them. His every move seduced. The rich sound of his
voice pierced her like no other. The heat of his breath on skin
wet from his kisses made her want to throw her head back
and beg for more, but he'd told her to look, so she did.
She saw faces she knew. Lined up just like the women, the
men stood naked, their hands cupping their genitals. It
didn't hide them well. Engorged heads peeked past their
wrists, and heavy breathing pumped chests.
"It's you," she realized, looking back to the mage. "You
make them delirious."
"Mhm. I don't have the same effect on you." He slowly
leaned back, letting cool air reach her skin. "Why? What is it
about you that calls to me?"
"You have a taste for exotic women?"
He huffed a laugh but shook his head. "No. Exotic is
another word for strange. I love beautiful women, regardless
of where they're from. You're not the first Tareni I've
known."
Jaeda couldn't stop her lips from smiling. "Fucked?"
"I haven't fucked you."
 "But you want to."
His eyes moved over her so heavily she could feel their
touch. "Not yet. First, I think you need to be worshipped.
Walk with me, Orchid. Let's show these men that you're not
their whore."
"Lord, I am."
"No!" His head snapped to hers, and the muscles along
his jaw clenched. "No," he said again, softer. "You're mine,
am I clear?"
She dropped her head. "Yes, my lord."
"Good. Now show me which men have touched my pretty
little flower."
 CHAPTER FOUR

T he Jackal offered his arm as if she was some well-

dressed woman at a noble's ball. Instead, she was a
foreign whore, wearing nothing except a gold collar and her
skin in a room full of men, but none of them cared - except
the one named Treb. Once again he'd taken up his place on
the far wall, amused at the entire ordeal. When her eyes
drifted over him, the Jackal noticed.
"Is he beautiful or repulsive?"
"He's a man, sir. I mean, my lord."
He guided her braids across the back of her neck. "True.
Treb? What do you think of my orchid?"
The man - for she didn't know his purpose yet, only that
he obviously served the mage - lifted his chin as if agreeing.
"I think these idiots couldn't look past her differences to see
the beauty. She has a mouth that could make a man beg and
tits heavy enough to clench a cock. She's a banquet that any
man would be lucky to feast on."
The Jackal looked back to Jaeda. "Now, let's try this again.
What do you think of him? Is he beautiful?"
"He's built like a warrior."
The mage shook his head. "Warmer, but still not honest.
Look at him, girl. Does he make your body warm and your
heart beat faster? Could you imagine having him?"
 Treb spread his arms, allowing her to look. "You're killing
me over here, my lord."
"You did the same to her." He turned to Jaeda and trailed
a finger from her shoulder to her breast, his pad tripping
over her nipple pointedly. "Still tight. So he must not be
displeasing."
"No, my lord." She took a breath and looked into his eyes.
It had to be the magic that made them seem so bright. "He's
a very handsome man."
"Should I be asking you about the women?"
Jaeda licked her lips, letting out her breath slowly. "I've
performed that way as well."
He sucked in a tiny breath. "Oh, the men like that. Shame
they won't get to enjoy it. Now, this one?" They'd reached
the end of the line of captured citizens. "Has he had the
pleasure of your body?"
She shook her head, her hair swishing across her back.
"Good. His lack of interest is appalling. This one?"
She didn't even need to look. The next man was a regular
client. Before Jaeda could speak, the Jackal gestured, moving
her to the next. By the fourth, he'd stopped asking, watching
the expression on her face instead. No matter how she tried
to hide it, he knew, almost like he was reading her mind.
Near the end of the line was the man she dreaded most.
Adar was massive and handsome, but cruel in ways she
wished she could forget. She'd hoped to never see him again,
doing her best to be busy whenever he came to the brothel.
So long as she stayed out of sight, she often stayed out of his
mind, but often didn't mean always.
The Jackal stopped. "Really?" he asked, releasing her to
step toward Adar. "But you despise her. Why would you even
bother?"
The mage's spell captivated the men as much as it had the
women. Like a drug, they waited for their fate, seduced by
his mere presence, yet Adar was different. When the Jackal
moved toward him, the man's lips parted and he leaned in
like a dying man begging for his last drink of water. Jaeda
realized what he'd been hiding with his cruelty. He spent
time with the whores to be seen, not because he wanted
them.
When the Jackal stepped toward him, she was shocked.
Adar responded, his hands moving to the beautiful mage's
shoulders, reaching, and the Jackal let him. Muscle to
muscle, they entwined, the Jackal shorter by an inch. When
the mage kissed the man's jaw, Jaeda couldn't help but gasp
in surprise, but Adar melted, clinging to him like a lover.
"Have you ever been with a man?" the Jackal asked.
Adar turned to him, completely seduced. "No."
A perfect finger teased the poor man's lips. "Should I
treat you the way you treated my orchid? Would you like
that?"
"Sir..."
"Lord."
"Yes, my lord," Adar almost begged.
The Jackal nodded and moved away. "Treb?"
The rich man groaned. "Really? You taunt me with your
new toy, then give me this?"
"Rough life. Deal with him. I don't have that much left."
The tone between the two of them was oddly comfortable,
as if they were more than master and servant. Only then did
she realize that Treb was also immune to the Jackal's spell.
Even the guards were seduced by the man's mere presence,
and Jaeda couldn't say she was completely unaffected. Then
again, Treb appeared to care about the Jackal - as if they
were very old friends who had an unspoken understanding.
"Redemption, Lord?" Treb asked, making the title sound
like a joke.
 The Jackal made a dismissive gesture. "Revenge. Let him
see what it's like to be cruel, then show him the other ways.
Go as far with him as you want, but make sure he learns
something. At least he's pretty enough."
Treb nodded and moved toward Adar. The Jackal,
however, gestured to the last two men. One was dismissed
for Jaeda's lack of recognition, but the other stayed. That left
a group of twelve. Twelve men she'd had to lie with to keep a
roof over her head. Adar was escorted to the side, leaving
eleven.
"Come," the mage whispered, taking her hand. "Sit with
me while we prepare."
He meant that literally, leading her to the throne.
Dropping into it like the gold was the softest cushions, he
pulled her into his lap. As he kissed the back of her neck, he
shifted her so she could see the proceedings, pressing his
thigh between her knees. His mouth moved behind her ear
then back toward her shoulder, and he gently, slowly, leaned
her back until she rested against his solid chest.
"Relax," he whispered. "You're the guest of honor."
"Why are you doing this?"
She heard the sigh. It sounded almost sad, but he spoke
before it made a statement of its own. "I have to."
"You're a dark mage - you don't have to do anything!"
"Shh," he soothed. "The world isn't that simple, Orchid. I
have two options. Burn myself out and die, or this. I choose
this."
She watched Treb guide the large man toward the wall.
The Jackal flicked a hand and thick gold chains appeared,
dangling from the ceiling. As if he'd expected them, Treb
reached for the first, securing it around Adar's wrist.
"What do you mean by 'this'?" she asked.
"Lust. Most mages would kill you for asking about our
powers, so do not make a habit of it."
 "I understand, my lord."
He kissed her neck again. "I mean to another mage. At the
dawn of magic, some of us were cursed to live on emotion.
That was more than two decades ago. Well, we didn't get to
choose. If we drink it in - and it's almost impossible not to
as children - then we become addicts. We crave it. We live on
it." His hands slid down her thighs. "We need it to survive."
"But this spell you cast?"
"Spell?" His hands found the sensitive skin on the inside
of her knees and moved back up. "No. Spells take words.
Your pretty little collar is from a spell. My effect on those
around me? It's my nature. I've learned to use it to my
advantage."
"Treb's immune."
"So you're not just beautiful, you're observant. You also
don't hate him. That's good." He pointed toward Adar.
"Watch and learn. If you're wise, you might even
understand."
Treb, who was honestly a beautiful man, had Adar
secured against the wall. He paced before him like a lion,
judging the man's reactions, then reached over and caressed
him. It wasn't a sweet touch. It wasn't proper. No, the
Jackal's assistant grabbed Adar's balls and slid his hand up
the man's shaft. Adar's knees softened, and he lowered into
the grip, proving just how much he wanted it.
And the heat of the Jackal's mouth found her neck one
more time. "Lean back, Orchid. Relax. We have all night."
She was a whore, and she was here because she was
supposed to please him, so she obeyed. If she was lucky, he'd
shower her with jewels. It wouldn't take much to support her
for the rest of her life, and she'd never have to worry about
what others thought again. Jaeda closed her eyes and let her
head fall back against his shoulder while his hands played
across her skin.
 "Watch," he said again.
It was hard to pay attention to anything but him. The tips
of his fingers teased her stomach and legs, moving slowly up
and down, but Treb was doing the same to Adar. Then he
kissed the brute. Jaeda had never seen two men kiss before.
It wasn't accepted, but that didn't mean it wasn't erotic.
Watching them perform something so taboo with a line of
witnesses made it even more so.
With his arms chained above him, Adar submitted
completely, his dick bouncing upward with excitement,
catching the hem of Treb's shendyt. Bare skin flashed. Treb's
flesh didn't fade beneath the cloth. He was the same
burnished color even in his most private areas.
"I think you like him," the Jackal breathed in her ear. His
hands moved to cradle her breasts, gently pinching at her
nipples, but he moaned instead of her. "I think you like
something. I can feel your moisture on my thigh."
"You have mastered erotic, my lord."
"I haven't mastered you."
He lifted a hand and snapped his fingers, then pointed to
the floor before him. Without a word, two of the guards
moved to obey, and the Jackal returned his hand to her body.
While Treb fondled Adar, the Jackal fondled her. His hands
teased all of her except her actual sex. His fingers brushed
those lips but nothing more, daring her to writhe.
Jaeda knew how to play this game. She reached back and
grabbed him, letting the mass of his erection fill her hand,
but he didn't moan. He laughed against her neck and thrust
into it. Before her, Adar did the same. Across from her,
eleven men stared in complete fascination. All of them were
hard, and she was the only woman in the room.
"Lust," the mage whispered. "It's not pain, Orchid. Let
them dream. Give them a show. All of those men are
watching you, wanting you, and I need a very big drink."
 She turned her head slightly and met his eyes. "I can do
that, my lord."
Then she moved her hands to her own body. Beneath her,
the Lord of Lust sighed. He shifted his arm to her waist, his
fingers tight against the skin of her belly, and he let her
taunt the watchers. There was something about the show
that drove her higher, most likely the power of the man
whose lap she sat on, but she embraced it.
"Don't go too far," he whispered. "I have plans for them,
and I want you ready to explode."
That was when the two guards returned carrying a table.
Smooth and simple, it was out of place in the luxury of the
temple. Before she could wonder, the first man left again,
returning a moment later with a large cushion shaped to fit.
It went over the top, turning the whole thing into a bed of
sorts. Across the room, Treb worked on Adar, running his
hands across him, enticing him, exciting him, and the man
was moaning.
The Jackal tensed his arm as he kissed her neck, the
gesture almost possessive. "Come earn your first gem."
He stood, lifting her with him, then eased her to the floor.
Being around him was heady stuff, allowing the reality of her
situation to fade the same way too much wine did. Holding
both of her hands, walking her forward like a dance partner,
the Jackal moved her to the table and turned her back to it.
He quickly looked to his assistant, then grabbed her waist.
The muscles of his biceps bulged as he lifted her up and set
her on the edge. Then he pressed between her legs and
claimed her mouth again.
"These men used you. It's our turn to use them." He
sucked her lower lip between his. "Will you do this for me?
You're allowed to say no."
His eyes begged her to say yes. His perfectly beautiful face
taunted her to say yes. The heat of his body so close to hers
demanded that she say yes. Jaeda had never been given a
choice before, so she nodded. The relief she saw was more
payment than she'd ever had.
The Jackal exhaled in a rush as if he'd just been doused in
cold water. His eyes widened. "Fuck," he hissed, then
slammed his mouth into hers, his tongue begging her to
forget his reaction. She tried - she tried hard - but she'd
seen a weakness in the dark mage. It could be her death if
the stories were true, or it might be her salvation.
"Lie back," he whispered, his hands guiding her onto the
cushion. "Spread your legs and put your hands over your
head." He trailed his fingers across her belly, between her
breasts, and along her neck as he walked around to her head.
"Reach down, I'm going to tie you."
She obeyed, aware that her posture arched her back,
shoving her breasts into the air. The man knelt behind her
head, and a soft rope twined around her wrists. It was loose,
little more than a reminder. If she pulled, she could probably
be free easily. Then he stood, slowly, and moved her fingers
to his groin. She caressed him through his pants without
hesitation, knowing it was what he wanted.
"You," he moaned, bending to kiss her mouth, "make me
ache. Tell me, which man was the most selfish?"
"Drauth."
He kissed her again. "And the most giving?"
"I don't know."
"Hm." He didn't sound pleased. "Who did you prefer,
from the group?"
"Enaw. He's handsome."
The Jackal chuckled against her mouth. "And here I was
hoping you preferred brunettes, but I'm sure you mean the
blonde."
Jaeda smiled, hearing the same friendly tone he used with
Treb turned on her. "I do, my lord. He's handsome even
though he's a blonde." Beneath her fingers, he throbbed.
"Good. Now I want you to enjoy this. I want them to make
you feel amazing." He made a gesture just at the edge of her
sight. "And I'm going to watch."
She felt a man's mouth slide between her legs as the
Jackal leaned away. Turning her head, she watched the dark
mage return to his throne, his clothes taunting her with the
beauty that lay beneath. All she had to do was relax. She just
had to lie here and let these men play her body like a harp. It
was no different than what she did every day to feed herself,
but that was not how it felt.
This time, she got to be important.
The Jackal sat and tossed his leg over the arm like he had
the first time he entered the room. His crotch was visible, his
erection straining the laces, and his eyes were on her as he
flipped his hand toward the Kurkevy men. "Please," he said,
sounding like he was inviting them to a meal, "enjoy. For
those who haven't been chosen to touch her, your hands will
work just fine."
 CHAPTER FIVE

O ne by one, the men in the room got themselves off.

Adar was first, under Treb's tutelage. Next was Enaw,
straddling her chest, thrusting himself between her breasts.
Then, the dazed men masturbating at the Jackal's command
couldn't hold off. Drauth was not as lucky. His ministrations
between her legs were lacking, little more exciting than a
warm bath, and no matter how hard she tried to do her job,
it just wasn't working.
She felt him jerked away. What took his place was
amazing. For the first time in her life, Jaeda writhed out of
control. As each man spilled himself onto the intricate
marble floor, the Jackal relaxed like he'd finished a good
meal, until she was the only member of the strange orgy still
unsatisfied. Looking more vibrant, the dark mage pushed
himself from the chair and walked toward her.
"Cum for me, Orchid," he begged, leaning over to kiss
her. "Close your eyes. Feel it. Enjoy it."
His mouth found hers, and she exploded, her body
twisted with lust and pleasure while the Jackal drank in her
cries. She panted like a virgin as the waves subsided. A gentle
kiss caressed the inside of her thigh, then another on her
belly. The corner of the Jackal's lip curled up.
"Send the men out and get my orchid to rest."
 "Yes, my lord." The words were whispered against her
stomach.
Glancing down, she saw Treb peel himself away from her
and begin issuing orders. The men of Kurkevy were herded
out, servants began to stream in, and Jaeda lay tied to the
makeshift altar with the Jackal looking down at her. His hand
caressed her neck, his thumb trailing across the metal on her
throat, and when he closed his eyes, a single word passed his
lips. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't make sense
of the sounds, but it felt like if she heard it again, she might.
When his lids lifted, they fell on her throat, and he
smiled. "Make me powerful, and I will make you very rich. So
rich you will never have to do anything you don't want." He
paused, letting that sink in. "Betray me, run from me, lie to
me, or do anything to displease me, and I will leave you
penniless and broken. Am I clear?"
She nodded. "Yes, my lord."
"Good." He lifted his head. "Treb, I'm off to bed."
"Untie her." The assistant's tone held as much command
as the master's.
The Jackal had made it two steps, but paused. "She's the
object. Don't get attached."
"Doesn't mean you need to be a cock about it." Treb
stormed over and wrenched the ties free. "Damn it, lord. She
did everything you asked."
The Jackal spun to face them, anger on his face. "Out!" he
yelled at the servants. "Every last one of you. Get out of my
room!"
People scrambled, leaving their work half done. Everyone
hurried except Treb and Jaeda. She couldn't leave. One wrist
was still wrapped in the softest rope she'd ever felt. She
tried, though, pulling at the binding, but she couldn't see
what she was tangled in.
 "Hush," Treb said gently, bending over to release her. But
before she could slide off the table, he wrapped his arm over
her shoulders, shielding her with his mass. "He doesn't
mean you."
"I meant no offense, my lord," she whispered.
Treb sighed, helping her to sit up, then ran his hand over
her hair. "She's trying. You didn't tell her a damned thing,
but she's still trying to get it right. Stop being a cock."
"She's touched by magic," the Jackal growled. "Can't you
sense it?"
"No," Treb told him. "I can't feel another mage on her.
Why?"
"I told her she could say no - "
Treb interrupted him. "What?!"
The conversation was speeding past her, but one thing
was clear. The Jackal might be the master, but Treb was
certainly no ordinary servant. He wasn't afraid of the mage.
In fact, his tone sounded like he respected the man, even if
he didn't always agree with him. He also seemed rather
shocked.
Treb looked at her, then back to the Jackal. "You gave her
a choice? She needed a choice?"
"Yeah." The Jackal groaned and shoved his hand through
his hair. "She's not drunk on my presence."
"He's not either," she pointed out.
They both looked at her. Treb chuckled, but the Jackal
stepped closer. "He's not. Why aren't you?"
"Why isn't he?"
"That," the mage hissed, "is not a question you should
ask."
She ducked her head. "I'm sorry, my lord."
Treb rubbed her shoulder, ignoring the mage's warning.
"I'm his partner. It's complicated, but I'm mostly immune to
his essence. Doesn't the Jackal make you feel beautiful and
seductive?"
She dared to look at him, hoping for someone to be on her
side. "He makes me feel horny, if that's what you mean?"
The Jackal laughed. "Blunt, but honest. Girl, who sent
you?"
"You did, my lord."
His head tilted. "Remember what I said about deceiving
me. Why are you here?"
"Lord, the guards captured me in town. I was trying to
hide until the change in government was complete, but so
many buildings were destroyed - and I think the brothel
burned." She took a breath, hoping she wasn't going to upset
him. "I seem to have bad luck with the towns I choose. This
is the third one to fall to the battle of mages. I know what
happens to women afterward."
His eyes narrowed, and at his side, one fist clenched. "Not
my army. Have you served a mage before?"
"No, sir." She tensed. "Lord!"
"Pain does nothing for me, Orchid. I'm not going to beat
you for a stupid title. I can't trust you, though." He looked at
Treb. "Get her a soft shackle. Her ankle, I think. And find her
a softer place to sleep, but we can't risk her leaving. The
spell has begun."
"The room is secured," Treb reminded him. "Who could
get through your wards?"
The Jackal gave him a pointed look as if Treb should know
the answer. A heartbeat later, the darker man sucked in a
breath and nodded. Jaeda looked between them, trying to be
subtle about it, but she had no clue what was going on.
"I understand," Treb said. "I'll take care of it."
"Don't get attached," The Jackal said, gently. "She's not
like you."
"She's not unlike me, either. Go to bed. You look worn."
 "I feel it. Sorry about the man."
Treb chuckled. "It happens, but you might try listening to
your own advice. I know why you did that."
The Jackal smiled, the look on his face almost
embarrassed. "Fuck off." He paused. "Oh, speaking of that,
take one of the twins, if you want. I'm releasing them
tomorrow or the next day, so you might as well enjoy it."
"Sure. You should let this one have a bath and a real meal,
too."
"Chained," the Jackal reminded him. "Handle that, then
do what you want. I need sleep as much as the refueling."
"Night, lord," Treb teased as the man walked away. The
Jackal tossed back a rude gesture but didn't stop. Treb just
chuckled as he turned back to Jaeda. "So, I'm under orders."
He reached up to help her down from the table. Behind
them, the door to the stairs closed, the sound echoing
around the massive, empty room. She flinched, but Treb
ignored it, holding her until she had her feet steady. When
she looked up at him, he smiled awkwardly.
"Trebar, by the way," he introduced himself. "Most
people call me Treb for short. It's nice to meet you."
She bit at her lower lip, realizing the foolishness of the
situation. This man had just been intimate with her. He'd
done things to her body she certainly hadn't expected - and
quickly. Her cheeks grew warmer and her pulse dropped
lower just thinking about it.
"A pleasure, sir." Poor choice of words. They were true,
but awkwardly so.
He smiled and looked away, trying not to laugh. "Was it?"
"I meant to meet you."
"Yeah. I didn't." He turned back to her. "Was it a
pleasure?"
She couldn't meet his dark eyes. "Yes, sir. I would've
thought you'd notice."
 "Mm." He lifted her chin. "That boar was making a mess
of things. You deserve more than that. I'm sorry, I got
frustrated."
Her mouth flapped once, looking for words. She'd never
dreamed she'd have a conversation like this with a man. "I
tried to enjoy it."
"You shouldn't have to try." He gently pushed her braids
back over her shoulder. "Our job is the same. We're here to
seduce. We're meant to be beautiful and erotic, to encourage
those around us to experience lust so the Jackal can recharge.
He'll ask you to do many things, but he will not allow anyone
to abuse you."
"And yet you're supposed to chain me up?"
Treb sighed. "Until you prove that you can be trusted, yes.
I'm sorry." He lifted a shoulder, almost shrugging. "Do you
have a name?"
She huffed out a laugh, looking at him incredulously. "No.
They don't give my kind one of those."
Her sharp tongue just made him smile at the stupidity of
his question. "Not what I meant. Rather, do you have a name
you're willing to share? I don't care if it's your real one, just
something for me to use."
"Jaeda."
He nodded. "Can I call you Jade? He hates knowing the
names of his objects."
"Objects?"
Treb rubbed at his face, delaying. "Let me get the room
finished. Don't run."
"No, I'll just stand here naked." She flapped her arms,
making a point of it.
He ground his teeth together for a moment, then released
her, storming across the chamber toward a stack of linens
left when the servants were dismissed from the room.
Without hesitation, he grabbed one of the golden sheets and
yanked, pulling it free. Trailing it behind him, he returned to
sweep it around her shoulders as if it were the finest cloak.
When the material touched her skin, she realized it might be.
At least it was the finest thing she'd ever felt.
"I think the throne's the only furniture in here so far." He
pointed toward it. "Relax. This won't take long."
Wrapped in gold silk, she lowered herself onto the gold
chair and pulled her feet under her. The great doors opened
before Treb even reached them, and he issued orders to the
people outside. The stream of bodies started again, and Treb
made his way back, dropping onto the floor in front of her
feet. He yanked at his linen skirt, making sure he was
decently covered before he started explaining.
"Every town we take, the mage needs to recharge. I'm
sure you've heard rumors of that."
She nodded. "Yeah. Sacrifices and such for the dark
mages."
He flicked a hand at the table. "That's the kind of sacrifice
the Jackal demands. Sex. Usually a lot of it. His magic is
fueled by it, and each town we take burns everything he has.
Normally, it takes a couple of days for him to completely
recover."
"So, objects of desire?"
"Exactly." He looked pleased. "The official title to those
outside this room is the Chosen. So, you're the Chosen of
Kurkevy. That's what the whole ordeal was with the captured
citizens."
"Finding the Chosen?"
Treb rocked his hand back and forth. "Finding a local
woman who is naturally willing to enjoy sex. It's not as easy
as you think. They usually try to hide it, and often those who
seem the most wanton are faking. The very nature of the
Jackal's power, though, leaks out and inspires human
desire."
 "Lust." She nodded, all the pieces falling into place. "So
I'm his whore now?"
He opened his mouth and let the air rush in. "No.
Probably closer to say you're his altar."
Jade grunted, her expression making it clear that fancy
words weren't helping. "I'm a whore."
"Were." Treb shrugged that off. "So was I."
Not what she expected. "A male whore?"
"Yeah. Hence the ordeal with your former client."
"So you prefer men?"
"Not at all." He leaned back, his face honest. "I've fucked
them. I've been paid to fuck them, but nope. I prefer women.
Usually. Thing is, when you're addicted to poppy, isn't much
difference between a man's ass and a woman's. Close your
eyes, convince yourself it's the Sultan's daughter, and you
get paid."
"I always went with the sun god, from those marble
statues."
He nodded, grinning at her. "I can see that. See, Jade,
we're going to be here about a month. Most days that means
sex will happen." He leaned forward, draping his arms over
his knees. "You and I? We will fuck."
"Ok."
"I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm."
She lifted one brow. "I'm a whore. Did you want me to put
on the act?"
Chuckling, he waved that away. "No, but doesn't mean I
want you to close your eyes and think of the sun god. I was a
whore. I'm now the Jackal's catalyst, but I'm still a man. I
promise, the idea of getting you off over and over appeals to
me." His dark eyes held hers with no shame. "You're
beautiful, you're sensual, and I will make sure you enjoy it."
"Whore to whore?" She leaned forward, clutching the
sheet over her breasts. "You're very handsome. I may have to
replace the sun god. I'm also a professional."
He nodded once, accepting that as nothing more than the
truth, then offered his hand. "Whore to whore, let's enjoy
this assignment." He smiled. "I may be putting a chain on
your ankle tonight, but I'll do my damnedest to make sure it
comes off tomorrow and stays off. I think working with you
might actually be fun."
She accepted his hand and shook, sealing the deal. "I
thought you were a sadist."
"When?" He sounded appalled.
"In the cell. You looked at us with such a bland
expression."
"Boredom." He shoved a hand across his face. "Whining
women? Been there, done that, wish I could give the job to
someone else. I prefer them hot and wet, and enjoying being
the center of attention."
"So, basically my job description, huh?"
"Pretty much." He paused to look over his shoulder.
"They're almost done. A bath, a meal, and a mattress on the
floor. The chain should reach all of them." Then he pointed
to the door. "And I'm in the first room to the left, so yell if
you need me. You'll get an hour or so of privacy before I'm
back to put out the lights."
"The twins?"
He shrugged. "Babe, I'm not actually immune to him. I'm
not affected like the others, but that bastard is walking sex. I
spent almost two hours teasing some arrogant brute of a
man, then ended the night tasting you? My balls can only
take so much. Yeah, I'm gonna go fuck something." He
pushed himself to his feet and offered a hand. "Since we're
being blunt and all."
"Ever consider jacking off?" She let him lead her toward
the corner that was about to become her prison.
 Treb smiled. "One of those girls is a redhead. She loves
sucking cock. The other is a blonde who can't keep her hands
off the redhead. My hand pales in comparison, and they like
it. Dumber than shit, but they love to fuck. Probably why he's
retiring them. The blonde keeps hoping he'll fall in love with
her and they'll get married."
Jade groaned. "Because sex means love, right?"
Treb knelt to secure the cuff to her ankle, but paused.
"What?"
"Women are taught that sex is love, but it's not. They
have nothing to do with each other. Sex is just physical
pleasure. Love enhances sex, but doesn't need it."
Carefully, he closed the latch, checking to make sure it
was neither too tight nor too loose. "Jade?" He looked up at
her. "You make me hope we can actually be friends. It never
works, but it would be nice to have a partner I can trust."
"Yeah. I've never had one." She lifted her eyes to meet
his. "Enjoy the twins."
"Night." He smiled as he left.
 CHAPTER SIX

T he chain was gold, like most everything else in the

room. That meant it was very heavy, but it reached the
bath. Scrubbing herself clean from the secretions of men and
the sweat of her own exertions, she relaxed. It was a chain
around her leg. The thing was a little awkward, but not
painful. She was also being offered conveniences reserved for
the very wealthy.
Jade decided to enjoy her strange new position. It wasn't
often that sex was enjoyable, not with her clients, but she'd
ended up a whore because she did like it. She'd also learned
that most of what women were taught were lies. That was
how she'd earned the brand on her hip. She'd been foolish
enough to believe that when a man said he loved her to get
laid, he meant it. That one lousy decision had ruined her life.
No, changed. She slid lower in the tub, relaxing in the hot
water. Her life wasn't ruined, even if her social standing was.
She didn't have a herd of children needing to be cared for.
She didn't have a husband who could beat her any time he
desired. She earned her own way, doing something she was
good at, even if it made the town look down their noses at
her. She was still a lot better off than if she'd become a wife.
And now this? She was lying in a full-sized tub of hot
water - not just warm, but hot - in a room large enough to
host a ball. The restraint on her ankle could buy the town.
Her mattress was covered in velvet and silk, with down
pillows. The meal set at the end of the bed looked like beef
and smelled amazing. All she had to do for this luxury was
have sex with a man who looked better than most ancient
statues?
Never mind the mage. The Jackal was perfection. His
kisses burned her to the core in a way she'd never
experienced. His hands always knew where and how to
touch, and his voice made her want to hear him satisfied. All
he had to do was look at her, and her body responded.
She'd tolerated so much worse for her freedom, yet here
she was, with a chain on her leg, being given more than
she'd ever really wanted, and all she had to do was enjoy
having sex with them? Jade leaned her head back and let her
hand slide between her legs. Oh, the things Treb had done
with his mouth. She would be happy to let him do that over
and over, and knowing he'd been a whore made it easier to
accept. He wouldn't look down on her. He meant it when he
said she was beautiful.
Water gently rocked in the tub as she envisioned what lay
under that shendyt. The man was broad and fit. If his body
was proportionate, he should be very nicely endowed. In her
mind, Treb pressed her against the wall, his body slick with
sweat, and worked her until she screamed. He'd be the kind
of man to groan when he came, deep, in the back of his
throat. She wondered if he'd use her flesh to hold the sound
in. The thought of his mouth on her body...
Alone, in a room being redesigned for sexual pleasure,
Jade felt the release of her own imagination. Her back
arched, her core pulsed, and she sighed, washing away the
evidence of her self-pleasure. Now she could eat without
being distracted. After that, she'd sleep, because it sounded
like she'd need her rest.
 The food was as good as she expected. The mattress was
softer than she could have imagined. The master of the
house was treating her like a pet, but a very pampered one.
With all of her needs met, she figured out how to work the
chain under the sheets without pulling, then closed her eyes
against the dim torchlight.
When the room got darker, she woke, gold rattling as she
shifted her leg. Another lantern went out, then another after
that, until only one was left beside the door. The sound of
bare feet told her there was only one person in the room, so
probably Treb. She snuggled back into the pillows, but he
walked toward her.
"The Jackal said to tell you thank you." He took a breath.
"And I want to tell you that you don't need to finish alone.
We aren't prohibited from touching each other. We just need
to put on a show during business hours."
She realized he was talking about her masturbating in the
bath. Embarrassment made her lash out. "I'm not looking
for some love-struck whore."
He crossed his arms over his chest, making his biceps
bulge. "Me either. I also enjoy comfortable and lazy sex, but
it doesn't get the masses riled up. The offer's there. You
choose what sounds better."
The last lantern illuminated his outline as he padded
toward the stairs at the back. Jade replayed his words in her
head twice, realizing that there was no better way for him to
say it. He was being kind, not obsessive. "Treb?"
The last light went dark. "Yes, Jade?"
"I'm a bitch. Sorry."
She could hear the door open. "You're taking all of this
better than most. Good night, Orchid."
"Night, Treb."
She lay there for over an hour, her mind whirling, as she
tried to convince it to stop long enough to sleep. Eventually,
it just happened. She dreamed of beautiful men and the
freedom to do what she wanted. Silk covered her body,
driving her skin mad with desire, and the rich tones of
perfection seduced her with sound. Her skin was hot, her
pulse pounding, and her core ached with need. Jade stirred,
reaching to satisfy the desire, and caressed her own breast.
Her other hand slid lower.
"Gonna wake her?" The sound seemed far away.
The rich voice from her dreams was closer. "I am, in a
very enjoyable way. Go away, Treb."
Her hand stopped and her eyes jerked open. Leaning
against the tub beside her bed, the Jackal smiled. His eyes
flowed over her body, the silk suddenly too little to count as
cover, and she felt the need building.
"Finish," he said softly.
She moved her hand back into place, pushing the sheets
lower with the other. He shook his head, stopping her.
Leaning over, he pulled the sheet back up.
"I said finish, not show me. Do it for you, not anyone else.
Close your eyes and forget I'm here."
"You make it impossible."
He tilted his head slightly. "So I hear. Close your eyes,
Orchid, and finish. Under the sheet, however you want. I just
need the end result."
She did, exciting her own body until it repaid her. She
brought herself to orgasm with a soft sigh, her voice barely
tinting the sound, and felt moisture slicking her thighs.
Beside her, the mage inhaled deeply, letting his breath out
the same way she had.
"Treb?" he called, bending down beside her legs.
From across the room came the answer. "Yeah?"
"Get rid of this shit? There's no reason for the Orchid to
sleep on the floor if she's willing to make me so powerful."
He released the lock on the chain and caught her eyes, but
his voice was for Treb. "Your bed's big enough for two, if
you're willing to make sure she doesn't run?" He lifted a
brow, proving the real question was for her.
Jade sat up, leaning closer to him. "Lord, I assure you, I
have no intention of leaving silk sheets and warm baths to
live as a whore in a broken and newly conquered town. I'd
much rather be your whore here."
He smiled. "I'll degrade you. I'll expose you. I'll have men
put their hands, mouths, and dicks in you."
She waved that away. "Typical day at work."
"I'll use you to drive both men and women to perform
their own sexual acts. I'll build power from what we do, I'll
use that power to rebuild this town, and then I'll demand
more so we can take the next." He sounded weary, as if it the
whole thing had become tedious.
"Do you get tired of it?"
His head twitched, her question catching him off guard.
"What was that?"
"A question. Do you get tired of destroying a town just to
rebuild it and start over again?"
"Yes," he said, distracted. "Orchid. What did you just do?"
His eyes were too intense. She remembered when he'd
placed her on the table and reacted the same. "I asked a
question."
"What were you feeling? Be honest." He snarled the last
word.
Her eyes dropped to the mattress, and she thought,
replaying it all in her mind. "I think I felt sorry for you, my
lord. I'm sorry." She bit off the last word and looked up,
hoping she hadn't just made him even more upset.
Instead, his lip was curling up into a half smile. "Pity?"
She shook her head. "I think closer to empathy. I think
your job isn't that much different than mine."
His lips raised more. "Compassion?"
 "That's a good word for it, sir." She sighed. "lord."
He chuckled at her slip. "You can call me sir when it's just
us. Treb is one of us."
"Told you," Treb called out.
"Blow me," the Jackal shot back.
That made Treb laugh. "I have a feeling you wouldn't like
it. Find her something to wear besides a sheet? Breakfast is
ordered."
The Jackal offered a hand, making no move to rise.
"Favorite material?"
"My tastes are plebeian, sir."
"It's too warm for wool. Cotton? Linen?"
"I've never worn linen."
He nodded and closed his eyes, breathing out another of
those heavy words. With a twitch of his other hand, cloth
materialized. "This," he said too softly for Treb to hear on
the other side of the room, "is a fraction of what you made
possible just now. You share with me, and I'll give back what
I can. Our lives are not much different from prostitutes, we
just aren't as shamed."
"We call them whores."
The Jackal shrugged. "Where I'm from, a whore is cheap
and a prostitute serves the elite. You're certainly not cheap.
You are seductive, but there's nothing wrong with that. Not
with us." He lifted his hand again, silently asking for hers.
She gave it, and he helped her to her feet, then offered the
dress. It was a simple thing, cut modestly but not prudish.
Jade slipped it over her head and arms, letting the airy fabric
tumble down to her ankles. Before she could do it herself, the
Jackal lifted her braids free of the collar, so she put her
hands to tightening the laces. Then he kissed her neck.
She giggled and leaned her head back. "Do you enjoy
keeping my mind off center?"
 "Nope." He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I enjoy
the feel of your skin and the relaxed way you let me touch
you. No fear, no demands, just complete acceptance."
The doors began to creak open as an exclamation point to
his words. She turned to face him, ignoring the servants
making their way in, and nodded to show she understood. He
liked being treated like a person. It was no different than
what she'd said, or Treb's words last night. He was the new
ruler of this town, but he just wanted to have a few moments
of peace, and this life was more work than play.
"I enjoy the regular meals." She glanced at the table being
carried between two men.
He cupped the back of her head and leaned forward to kiss
her brow. "Gems, cloth, and fine food. We'll make sure you
sample them all." Then he caressed the gold collar at her
throat. "And you look beautiful in rubies. If we run out of
room, I'll add chains and put more jewels on them."
"Hm." She thrust out her lower lip and nodded, thinking
about that. "Get enough, and I would never need clothes
again, so that's one less waste of your magic, huh?"
He groaned and turned her toward the table. "Not nice.
I'm trying to resist your temptation, and you're encouraging
me."
Treb was already seated. Jade took the chair beside him,
and the Jackal claimed the one across from her. Between
them was a feast. Eggs, ham, bacon, fowl, and pastries were
all laid out. Carafes of juice, wine, and milk sat within reach.
Treb waved a hand at it. "No manners when we're alone,
just eat. Preferably lots, because we're entertaining the
merchants today."
"So an easy day?" She began filling her plate, glancing
over at the mage shyly.
His amber eyes watched her. "The purpose is to bind each
group to my control and seduce them with the promise of my
lifestyle. I need them to fear me so they won't fight back, but
I need them to want me in power. It's a delicate balance."
"So offer them something they can't turn down." She bit
into a pastry and paused. "By the gods, this is good!"
Both men laughed. It was strangely comfortable. She sat
with one of the most powerful men in the country - well,
technically she was a part of a new country now, but he was
still an impressive mage. Treb was his friend and advisor.
These people ranked above sheiks and just below the Sultan
but were laughing with her over breakfast.
Treb leaned over and tugged a braid. "I think it just hit
her."
"From the look on her face, I'd say you're right," the
Jackal agreed.
She took a drink of juice, ignoring their teasing. "Lord?
Have you ever met the Sultan?"
"Yes. Treb has a thing for his daughter."
"She's beautiful!"
The Jackal ducked his head to hide his grin. "Never was a
fan of blondes, and she's a prude."
Treb waved that away. "Like I'm gonna end up in her bed.
You, maybe, but not me."
"Not me," the Jackal assured him. "Flat-chested,
narrow-hipped girls do nothing for my libido."
Jade took another bite. "What does?"
His eyes flicked to her. "Curvaceous, smooth skin,
luscious lips, and intelligence." He dropped his elbows onto
the table then propped his chin on his hands. "The one thing
that always makes me hard is a brain. I can fuck any pretty
girl I want, but finding a pretty one that's not an idiot? Our
society doesn't make them like that."
"Society?"
He nodded slowly, judging her reaction. "Think about it."
 "No, sir, I agree, I just didn't expect to hear it from a
man." She lifted her chin. "We women are taught to be
possessed. We're told to value ourselves based on the status
of what's between our legs. Virgins are worth something,
whores are not. Men are judged by what they can make,
women by how few men have known them."
His eyes burned with amusement. "What do you think
women should be judged on?"
"Just like men. Not all of us are strong, but some are. Not
all of us are smart, but some are. Not all of us are artists, but
some are." She shrugged. "I think we should be judged on
our abilities, even if that's how well we can make a man
scream with pleasure."
Treb choked, quickly swallowing his drink. "Whoa."
The Jackal watched him recover with a chuckle. "So,
Orchid, you decide my catalyst is appealing enough for you,
yet?" He flicked his eyes back to her. The question wasn't an
empty one.
She nodded once. "I'll fuck him. He's pretty. He's nice
enough. I'm not gonna fall in love with him, though."
"Didn't want you to." The mage almost purred as he said
it. "I just want you to make the men in this room delirious
and let us handle the women. You want to be judged on your
abilities? I'll give you one day. Convince me you're an asset,
not a liability, or I'm wiping your mind and sending you back
to a brothel. It's only been a day, so it won't be a problem to
start over with a new girl."
She looked at Treb. "I'm so gonna make you moan."
"Sounds like a competition." He lifted his glass. "May the
best whore win, and both of us enjoy the show."
 CHAPTER SEVEN

W hile they ate, the throne room was cleaned, Jade's

sleeping area was removed and her bedding was
carried through that door at the back. Basins were hauled in
and arranged near the throne. Jade tried to figure it out, then
a woman brought out freshly folded cloths. Just like a
whorehouse, it seemed the mage's chamber included the
means to clean and lubricate as needed.
When the meal was finished, the men removed
themselves to primp. A meek and plain woman guided her to
a room just inside the stairs to do the same. Little more than
a powder room, the main feature was a mirror large enough
to see all of her face at once. Jade stepped in and froze.
Staring back, her reflection wore the most massive gold
necklace she'd ever seen. In the center was a dark red stone
the size of an egg. On either side of it were smaller gems.
What the Jackal called her "collar" was a simple band of
metal that seamlessly encased her neck. There was no clasp.
It was shaped to be comfortable and narrow enough to give
her complete freedom of movement.
It was also worth a fortune.
She pulled her attention back to her task, preparing for a
long day of work. Re-braiding a strand that was starting to
frizz, she made sure her hair was as good as it could get. She
didn't have the silky locks of the local women, but the small
braids mimicked it well enough. What she needed were
cosmetics. On a whim, she opened the door, not surprised at
all to see the same girl waiting.
Jade asked for makeup, and the servant bobbed quickly
then rushed off to get it. She returned with a selection like
Jade had never seen. Powders, perfumes, and paints for her
eyes and lips - if it could be imagined, it was on the tray. It
was also exactly what she needed. Jade was going to prove to
the Jackal that she could do this. He'd given her a day, and
she had no interest in going back to the life she'd had last
week.
She left the dress in the powder room along with
everything else. When she stepped out, the poor maid gasped
and forced her eyes to the ground, but Jade didn't care. She
knew the way back to the throne room. She was curious
about what was up the stairs, but if she didn't get this right,
she wouldn't be here long enough to ever find out.
The Jackal lounged on the throne, one arm bent behind
his head, visible even from the back. Trebar was nowhere to
be seen. Jade walked around the side, making herself
available for the mage, and he turned, a slow smile claiming
his lips.
"I expected you to dawdle. I did not expect you to amaze
me so soon." He shifted his hips. "Come, Orchid. Sit on my
lap and be a pretty little trinket."
"Yes, my lord."
She eased herself down like a gentle lady, his muscular
thigh becoming her cushion. The Jackal made an
appreciative noise and caught her closest hand, raising it to
his lips. Slowly, he kissed the back, then the palm, and his
touch inflamed her senses. He kept going, moving to her
wrist and down to her forearm. By the time his mouth
caressed the soft skin inside her elbow, she was nearly drunk
with desire.
 His fingers were twined in hers. As his lips kept moving
closer to her body, he lifted his hand behind his head once
more, pulling her arm with it. Jade leaned back, letting him
have his way with her. The sex mage groaned as he reached
her neck.
"These," he whispered, trailing his fingers along the
swell of her breast, "drive me insane." He lifted his hips,
proving that she wasn't alone in her desire. "I'm dying to
start the show early."
She was breathing hard. "Maybe you should?"
"Don't move your hand." He squeezed the fingers behind
his neck, then released them.
She didn't. Instead, she dropped her head back to rest on
his shoulder, giving him an unobstructed view of her body.
Air hissed in through his teeth, and he cupped her breasts,
enjoying the weight of them before he teased her nipples.
She arched into it without thinking and his erection
throbbed in response. Then he kissed her neck again as his
hands caressed, swirling the hard peaks while his lips
soothed her throat. Over and over he touched her, moving
with her heaving chest, then he grabbed her other arm.
"Feel free to join in." He guided her hand between her
legs. "But I want a taste."
She slid her fingers over slick folds then raised them to
his mouth. His lips closed over the first, soft but so hot, and
his tongue trailed down the underside, then he teased her
breasts again.
She moaned, her core tightening in response. Being toyed
with by a mage wasn't the same as pleasing her usual clients.
This man was in control. Everything he did was delicious,
every move he made was seductive. When he finally released
her hand, she needed no encouragement to repay him with
another drink of power. The Jackal grabbed her thighs and
shifted them to lie outside his, then leaned even further
back, carrying her with him. The door opened, a line of well-
dressed men walking in behind Treb, and the mage spread
his knees.
"There's no reason to wait," he whispered. "Show them
what it means to be my toy."
Like an obedient dog, she came, her hips lifting from his
body and pumping with the shudders. The Jackal kissed her
again, moving from her neck to her jaw until the sensation
subsided. When she opened her eyes, she saw ten men
watching, and Treb leaning against the back wall with heat
in his eyes. When he realized she was looking, he smiled and
tipped his head in recognition.
The Jackal pulled her arm from his neck. "Good girl,
Orchid. Do it again."
"Yes, my lord," she panted.
The men were all merchants, and they were all trying to
hide the effect the display had on them. Uniformly, they
clasped their hands before their groins, but their eyes were
drinking her in. Jade realized that for this moment, she had
all the power. She could make them distracted enough to
promise anything, the erotic display unexpected enough to
keep them mentally off balance. By giving herself to the
mage, he'd given her power over some of the most important
men in Kurkevy.
She used it, sitting in the Jackal's lap like a pet. His
chuckle rumbled across her back. "Forgive her," he told the
men. "It's one of the consequences of my power. Women
seem to be insatiable." He grabbed her wrist, halting her
performance, and again raised it to his mouth. "Amazing,"
he whispered.
She whimpered at the praise, melting into him.
"Did anyone else want a taste?" he asked the men. They
shifted, they looked, but not a single one spoke up. The
Jackal sighed as if disappointed. "Your loss. Treb? Can you
keep the Orchid entertained?"
From behind the line of merchants, the man who'd acted
like the mage's most trusted advisor spoke up. "It would be
my pleasure, my lord."
Treb pushed through the group and marched toward the
throne, offering Jade a hand. She stood, but the mage refused
to let her leave so easily. Clearing his throat, he caught her
attention, then beckoned her closer.
"One kiss," he demanded.
Kissing the Jackal was never a simple kiss. His mouth was
like sunshine, warm and so sweet, urging her to thrive. Her
knees weakened and her body ached, but she wouldn't let
him undo her. Her competition with Treb had been spoken,
but the one with the Jackal was implied. She wouldn't just be
adequate, she would prove to the mage that he couldn't
survive without her at his side. One kiss became one
declaration, and the man felt it.
"Enjoy," he breathed against her lips, then leaned back.
Treb politely escorted her to the side, toward a well-
placed marble pillar. She thought it was the same one the
Jackal had pressed her against the day before, but wasn't
sure. The Catalyst - since that seemed to be his title - turned
her back to it, then kissed her cheek, using the gesture as an
excuse to hide his words.
"What's off-limits?"
That simple question proved his experience more than
anything else. Everyone had limits, even if they refused to
admit them, but every whore knew them well. Most learned
them the hard way. Some things could kill the mood, wilt an
erection, or dry up a woman. If their purpose was to seduce,
then they had to enjoy it. If their pleasure was fuel for the
mage, then more was better than less.
Jade ducked her face into his neck. "Intentional blood."
 His finger trailed down the center of her chest. "Hm.
Same here. We're going to get along nicely."
Then he kissed her. Treb was a powerful man. His mass
pushed her into the stone, his hand caught her face, but his
mouth was gentle. Behind him, the mage was discussing his
expectations for the merchant guilds, but Treb demanded all
of her attention. He was everything she'd imagined the night
before, and all man. She let herself be just a woman, refusing
to care about who was watching.
Reaching for his waist, her fingers trailed over the ripples
of his abs, and she found his belt. It wasn't like those she
knew, the buckle hidden, the design meant to hold the entire
shendyt to his body. When her fingers fumbled at the
leather, his lips curled against hers, but he helped, shoving a
hand between them to dismiss his clothing. The gold rang
out when it hit the stone - and the room stilled.
Jade looked at her prize. Treb only gave her a second, then
claimed her mouth again, pressing his pelvis into her. He
was even more well-endowed than she'd hoped. This time
she was the one who smiled into the kiss, then her leg
wrapped around his. With one hand, he lifted, setting her
bare ass on the marble lip that ran around the column at
waist height. It was no more than a handspan, but it would
serve. They just needed a little leverage.
He slid across the length of her once, groaning softly to
find her slick and ready, then plunged in. She couldn't help
it, she groaned loudly as he filled her, hitting every sensitive
spot along the way. Then he withdrew and did it again.
She knew the merchants were shocked. She knew the men
were trying not to stare, but all she could think of was
clinging to her partner's shoulders. Her fingers bit deep, her
nails carefully angled away, and she bucked into him. Treb
grunted in pleasure, grabbing her hip to pull himself even
deeper. Soon her shoulders were the only thing holding her
in place, Treb's arms supporting her completely.
He leaned into her, kissing her, fucking her, suckling her,
working her as much as she worked him, and they twined
together. Her knees were against his back, his tongue was in
her throat, and the room was much too warm. Together, they
danced, perfect complements, every last joint involved in
their passion. She'd never experienced anything like it and
stopped caring about who was better. It didn't matter. They
fit. They were partners, and he felt so damned good.
With a loud breath, her voice crawling the length of it, she
lost control and let her orgasm win. Her body clenched and
Treb groaned. They crashed back into the stone, and he
grabbed her face between his palms, panting between the
moist sound of their lips while their bodies caught back up.
The Jackal chuckled softly. "I do believe we're done here.
Since my Vizier is occupied, the captain of the guard will
show you out." Jade looked over and saw him rise from the
throne, gesturing toward the doors. "Bring me your
proposals tomorrow. Each guild will tithe to the city's
welfare. The more you give," the mage paused with a wry
smile, "the more you get."
Treb kissed her again, then pressed his forehead to hers.
"Can you stand?"
"No promises."
He moved an arm to her back, the other pressed against
the stone, and lowered her to the ground, sliding out of her.
The massive doors closed, but she wasn't acting. The
Catalyst had done his job a little too well. From the way he
was breathing, she wasn't alone.
"I need a minute," he gasped, his voice little more than a
whisper.
"Yeah," she agreed. "Me too."
 A damp cloth was shoved between them. "I have
another," the Jackal said. "Relax. The Orchid stays. There's
no way she's working for someone else. Not with the rush of
power that just hit me."
"A catalyst?" Treb asked.
"I don't know what that means," she admitted.
"No," the Jackal said. "Pretty sure she's not." He pressed
the cloth against Treb's chest, but his eyes were on her. "I
got her. Clean up, Treb. She just rode you hard."
"No shit," he agreed, stretching back. "Never been fucked
like that. Thought my balls were gonna come out my throat."
Treb wiped at his crotch, a silly smile on his face.
The Jackal ignored him, sweeping Jade into his arms. He
carried her across the room toward the door at the back. His
expression was oddly tender, so she dared to lean into him.
She could walk, but she liked the way this felt. He carried her
like a damsel, as if she was worth caring about, and for just a
moment, she was going to let herself wallow in the feeling of
bliss.
He opened the door with a whispered word and turned
into the first room on the left. Then he lay her down on
gold-colored silk sheets. She expected him to leave, but the
mage had perfected proving her wrong. He grabbed a damp
cloth and began slowly washing away the signs of her tryst
with Treb. When she tried to take it from him, he just shook
his head.
"You're not like the others." His eyes flicked between her
body and her face, trying to watch both at once. "Every other
woman hates me. She wants to spread her legs for me, but
she hates me. You don't. Why?"
"Lord - "
He cut her off. "I can't tell you my name. I can't, but I can
tell you half. Will that do?"
"I was content with lord."
 "Xel." He shrugged. "I prefer that to lord."
She caught his wrist, stopping the cloth over her body.
"That's why, Xel. Because I've figured out that it's just a
show. You're the great Lord Jackal when you need to be, then
you turn around and banter so easily with your friend." She
nodded toward Treb, who was just entering the room. "He
gives you just as many orders as you give him. You treat your
man-whore like an equal."
The Jackal followed her eyes. "He's my only friend. He's
not a whore, not anymore. Neither are you." He looked back
at her. "I am."
"No. You're the ruler of this city. There's little difference
between being a politician and a whore, but don't confuse it.
And it's Jade." When his eyebrow lifted, she grinned. "No,
that's not the whole thing. So we're still even."
 CHAPTER EIGHT

T he Jackal tossed away the cloth and shifted onto the

bed, lying beside her. "Treb will want his bath. You, I
think, need a nap. Your throat is getting crowded with jewels
already." He pulled her against his chest and gently traced
the edge of her face, sweeping his fingers through her hair.
"Those men enjoyed the show. I can feel it, you know? The
lust. It's like the waves of the ocean rolling against me."
"I remember the ocean." She snuggled into him, inhaling
the clean scent of his skin, so different from the men she
was used to.
He bent and kissed the top of her head. "Those men will
go home, fuck their whores or their mistresses - because we
all know they won't spend that kind of lust on their wives.
They were so distracted that they agreed to pay enough to
almost make this city self-sufficient."
"Guild leaders?" she asked groggily.
He made an impressed noise. "Exactly. All the merchant
guilds. For the rest of the day, you can relax. Tomorrow, we
see the nobles. That will take a little more finesse, though. I
need them to want me to stay in charge. Their pedigrees
make them think they deserve it."
"So what do you offer them?"
He chuckled. "Typically, money."
 She traced the edge of his gaping shirt, enjoying the feel
of silk on her fingers. "Make a deal with the whore's guild.
Make them tithe as well. There's one in Kurkevy."
"What does that have to do with nobles?"
"The girls work six nights each week. Make one of those
be here. There should be dozens of small rooms. Offer the
nobles free access and complete anonymity, due to their
birthright, of course."
"Hm." He sounded intrigued. "That would take me the
rest of the night just to set up."
She kept going. "But it would work. There are more rooms
than whores. Set the extras aside for liaisons. Affairs. They
were all married much too young, and it will probably appeal
more than you know. If they can simply come here and have
the world assume that they're partaking of their rights, it
gives them the thing they want most."
The mage let out a deep sigh. "Love. What about the
women?"
"That's not as easy because of pregnancy."
He hugged her tightly. "No, Jade, it is. The first thing I do
is enspell the building. Otherwise, the nature of my power
could have long-term side effects for those who fuel it.
Conception will not happen in the temple." He looked down
at her. "You fuck Treb outside of here, and I make no
promises."
There was something in his voice. She opened her eyes
and looked at him, trying to read his face, but his masks
were too perfect. His eyes, though, burned brightly, the
unidentifiable emotion leaking out. He looked at her the way
she always tried not to look at him, like he was delirious with
something.
"Jealous?" she asked, daring to guess.
The corner of his lip quirked back. "Just warning you."
"What if I fuck you outside of here?"
 The glint flared brighter before he blinked and glanced
away. "I'm a very powerful mage. I have control over these
things." Then he looked back. "How many kids do you
have?"
"None."
"Never married?"
"No. I fell in love with the wrong man." She pulled away
and rolled onto her back, caressing the brand on her inner
hip. "Didn't Treb tell you? I'm pretty sure he can read it."
Treb chuckled from the bath set up in the corner. "I
didn't. It's not a language he knows, and I saw no reason to
point it out."
"What does it say?" Xel asked her, not his friend.
Jade traced her finger along the word branded beside her
pubic hair. "Harlot."
"Why?"
"When I was a girl, I met a man who made me feel special
and magical. He seduced me, showing me just how
intoxicating passion could be, convincing me the feeling was
love. I spread my legs for him, believing his lies that we'd be
married. When his wife walked in on us, well, I had nothing
left to save. My family cast me out, the woman demanded
that I be punished - hence the brand - and I earned my way
to the mainland with my body because it was all I had."
Xel reached over and traced the scar. "I'm sorry."
"I'm not."
He took a deep breath and whispered one of those words,
then looked back at her hip. "There's no reason for you to
wear a lie. Being passionate should not be a crime."
It was gone. Where her skin had been branded was once
again smooth and dark, just like the other side. It was as if
the mark had never been there. Her whole life, Jade had
cursed it, until she realized that very few people could even
read it, but it still reminded her of that foolish decision and
the man she'd learned to hate. Now? It was as if the whole
thing had never happened.
Her mind wavered between grief for what she'd grown
used to and relief. The relief won. With little more than a
touch, the mage had given her back her pride, even if it
didn't change who she was. It was such a kind gesture that
she wondered why his magic had earned the reputation of
being evil.
"What's the difference between dark and light magic?"
she blurted out.
"There isn't one." Xel shrugged lazily. "Mundanes like to
classify it, but that's not how magic works."
Treb was listening. "Mages don't usually like to tell how,
either."
She nodded, putting the pieces together. "It's just
emotion, right? The ones people like are called light, the
ones they don't are called dark."
"Yes." Xel sounded impressed. "Pain, anger, lust, we all
get put into the bad category. The interesting part? There's
no such thing as a love mage."
Jade chuckled softly and wrapped herself back against his
chest. "I see. Probably not faith or courage either, but I bet
there's hunger and fear. Only the simple, primal emotions,
not the complicated ones."
"Among others, but you're correct." He caressed the back
of her head. "Some are stronger than others. As an example,
mercy may fade before lust, but it weakens pain."
Treb suddenly sloshed in the tub. "Sorry," he mumbled.
"So, I heard you gave her a name?"
"Yeah, half of one."
"Gotcha. This means she's gonna stick around a while?"
The Jackal made a content noise and curled around her.
"If she chooses to stay. She doesn't refuel me as well as you,
but she's damned good. Better than most mundanes."
 "I can be better," Jade promised.
Xel chuckled. "Not as good as him. He's made that way.
It's called a catalyst. A person who can amplify the emotions
a mage needs. Treb's one of the most powerful I've ever
heard of. I get about ten times as much from him as anyone
else. You hit hard, too. Four, maybe five times as much as a
normal woman. Together, you two could probably give me
enough emotional energy to repair the entire town in a
week."
"Ok. So, can I go with you?"
"What?" The Jackal looked shocked. "You mean, to the
next town?"
"Yeah. Maybe even the one after that?"
"Why?" he asked. "Why would you want to do that?"
"Because here I'm just a whore." She shrugged, her face
burrowed in his chest. "I'll always just be a whore, but
neither of you care."
"I'll give you enough that you'll never need to work. You
won't have to go back to a brothel."
"Doesn't change what I am. They all know it, and it's not
like I'm easy to miss." She gestured to her dark skin. "The
black whore, they call me."
"Then we'll take you with us and let you start a new life in
the next town."
That wasn't quite what she wanted either. She didn't want
to have her existence bought and paid for. She wanted to
earn it. She wanted to do something, be someone, and help
make a difference. She didn't know these men, but their
lifestyle meant something. Even more than that, they made
her feel like she belonged, and it seemed to be the best
option a woman like her could hope for.
"This may sound stupid, but..." She flicked her eyes up to
his face. "I don't really want to spend the rest of my life
living on someone's charity. Not even yours. I know I'm not
young, but I'm good at what I do, and I'm not ready to retire
any time soon. I promise I'm not some heart-struck girl.
You're beautiful, Xel, but I know that's just your power. I can
do this without getting in your way. To me, it's a job, and it
comes with pretty nice benefits – or so it seems."
"Let's see if you last the month. After that? We can talk."
"Deal."
"Now rest a bit." His hands moved to her back, holding
her body against his. "Whether you admit it or not, fueling
me will wear on you. Sleep, Orchid."
It was oddly comforting. She'd just had fantastic sex with
Treb and now lay cradled in Xel's arms, but it didn't feel
strange. She thought it was, but her body disagreed. The men
didn't seem to care, either. Treb made it clear that this was a
job, no different from what she did as a whore, but unlike
her clients, they were all working for the same purpose. It
offered something more. Not love, at least not the romantic
type, but friendship, as tentative as it was. She felt relaxed
around these men, the same way she did with the girls who'd
worked in the brothel beside her.
They could joke and talk about it. They could discuss
intimate things openly. The barriers that held her tongue
and set her beneath the notice of people on the streets gave
her a peek into the true character of the two men the entire
town was trying to impress, but they were just whores, all of
them. They just weren't the same type of whores. The best
part was that neither Treb nor Xel seemed to think there was
anything wrong with what they did. They thought there was
nothing wrong with her.
Jade's breathing slowed and she let her mind drift,
savoring the companionship she was wrapped in. These two
strangers somehow managed to make her feel so safe. Her
body relaxed. The soft sounds of Treb reclining in the tub
mingled with the bass of Xel's heart under her ear. She was
nearly asleep when Treb spoke softly.
"I knew this one was different from the moment I saw her
in the cell."
Xel replied softly, keeping his voice pitched to not wake
her. "She's definitely different. I assumed it was because
she's smarter than the rest, but I'm not so sure anymore.
She's done it twice."
"The magic?"
"Maybe. I'm not sure if it's her or something about her.
She could be ensorcelled."
Treb stood, the slush of water betraying the movement.
"But that's not what you think, is it." He wasn't asking.
"No," the Jackal purred. "No, I think our little orchid is
very special. I need you to take good care of her."
"Not you?" Treb sounded surprised.
"Me too," Xel assured him.
The edge of the bed dropped as Treb lowered himself onto
it. "Why haven't you fucked her?"
Xel let out a heavy breath, then tightened his arms. "I
will."
"Not what I asked. The last five towns, at least, you
rammed the chosen into delirium before anyone else touched
her. This one? You gave her revenge. What's going on?" Treb
stretched out on the bed, his weight shifting the mattress.
"You didn't even enjoy the twins last night. You ok?"
"I retired them. Two grieving widows now. Altered some
records to list them as married to a pair of men killed in
battle. The Empire will pay them for the rest of their lives,
and they can comfort each other in their grief."
"Nice. And no one will suspect anything when they're
inseparable. That works. Still doesn't answer about Jade."
"I'm enjoying the anticipation."
 Treb grumbled. "You're worried about the damned
curse."
"And that." The Jackal tried to sound nonchalant. "Let's
just say that I'd rather not expose my weaknesses this soon."
"Even to her? She's on our side, man. Shit. She wants to
stick around."
"I know." A gentle hand swept across her back and
shoulder. "Twice she's made it through my protections to
tickle me with something. It's potent, almost like a rush of
lust, but not. Yesterday, I thought she was planted. Today? I
want to believe her, but I just can't yet."
"Mm." Treb shifted. "I can see that. And yet you've spent
more time with her than any of the other objects. I know she
gets you hard. Impossible to miss that, with the way you've
been kissing all over her."
"She has an amazing mouth."
"Yeah, she does. Fucks like a woman should, too. I'll go at
her as often as you want."
Jade's head bounced softly as the mage tried to smother
his laugh. "Don't fall for her. Love doesn't do anything for
me, Treb."
"You're so full of shit. Love does the same thing for you it
does for everyone else. It just doesn't help you rebuild towns.
I'm not falling for her. She's not my type, not like that.
Doesn't mean I don't want to talk to her either, ya know?"
"She kinda reminds me of you. Maybe a little of me, too."
"I'm sure," Treb agreed. "Xel, I'm still a whore at heart. A
person can only sell their body for so long before they draw a
very hard line between sexual gratification and emotional
bonding. I don't ever want to go back to working on the
streets, but I enjoy fucking. I think most people do if they get
rid of the baggage that comes with it. So yeah, I like fucking
her. Pretty sure she likes fucking me now, too. Also pretty
sure that she and I can keep it professional. You don't need
to get jealous."
"I'm not jealous." It was said softly.
Treb chuckled. "So why haven't you fucked her? The curse
only kicks in if you care."
Silence hung between them for a long moment before the
mage answered. "I want to show her the luxuries in life.
She's never seen gems before I put rubies around her neck.
She didn't have a favorite fabric because all she knows are
gauzes and cotton. She throws herself into carnal pleasures
with abandon, and the world is going to punish her for it, so
I want to reward her. And all of that is really damned close to
giving a shit." Xel sighed. "But yeah, I want to see what that
mouth of hers can do."
"Tomorrow night," Treb told him. "After your last
meeting. I'll make sure you're ok."
"Don't need to be babysat," Xel insisted. "Pretty sure I, of
all people, know how this works."
"Right. And if the curse kicks in? You think she's going to
be able to pick your ass up? If you fight it, you'll need my
help anyway - in the way I most enjoy giving it - and I bet
she won't refuse to be the party favor."
"Fine, but if there's no problem, you're not sticking
around for a free show." He paused. "Not sure that wouldn't
make it worse."
Treb made a sympathetic sound. "Don't really want to.
I'm just worried that the Spider's getting to you more than
you want to admit."
"That fucking bastard has me chained by the balls with
just enough leash to keep the Sultan happy." Xel growled
softly. "I'm gonna castrate them both. Just wait. We'll slip
the leash soon enough."
"Bet the girl will help."
 Xel wrapped his arm around her back. "No. The Spider's
coming, Treb. She's just an object. If she knows too much,
we can't protect her."
 CHAPTER NINE

J ade didn't bother to tell the men that she'd heard their
conversation, and they didn't ask. The three of them
caught a nap, all lying in the same bed, then shared
another luxurious meal. After that, she was left alone,
restricted to only Treb's room and the massive one with the
throne in it. Bored to tears, she ended up falling asleep early.
The next day started slower than the last. The men woke
up later, but she was invited to break her fast with them
again. While they ate, they discussed the plans for the day,
then she was given leave to make herself presentable for the
most elite citizens in town: the nobility. Once again, the
selection of cosmetics was made available, as well as an
assortment of things she'd need for her type of hair.
Then, just before their meeting with the nobles, Xel
surprised her with a beautiful dress. When he handed it to
her, to replace the linen she wore when they were alone, he
smiled. That was her only hint that it wasn't just a sweet
gesture.
Made of intensely red silk, it draped across her body like
the sheets on the bed, but she'd never seen anything cut the
same way. The clasp lay at her throat, above an opening that
bared most of her breasts, making her cleavage the center of
attention. With a simple flick, the entire thing would be free
to slide from her body. Not that wearing it was much better.
The long slit up the leg was scandalous, and the lines of it
proved that she wore nothing beneath. A pair of perfectly-
red heeled shoes completed the outfit.
Treb dressed for the occasion as well. Gold hugged his
biceps and the chain around his neck matched. He wore a
simple vest of red silk - a match to her dress - and dark
black pants. Jade didn't even try to hide her gaze as she
looked him over. His style mimicked the Jackal's without
being an exact copy.
"Wow," Treb breathed, looking at her. He swallowed.
"Jade, I think red and gold are your colors."
She turned before him, a smile on her lips. "I can get used
to this."
He caught her after the spin, pulling her into his arms as
if for a dance. "Aren't you supposed to have had your first
crying spell about how we've ruined you?" He spun her out,
his fingers holding hers.
She twirled back, light on her toes and caught his hand.
"No, someone else got that privilege. You know how to
dance?"
This time he was the one to laugh. "Oh yeah." His hand
shifted to her back, and he stepped into music that only he
could hear, Jade letting him lead. "Women paid for me to
escort them to functions. I'm very cultured when I want to
be."
"Then I know where to learn the finer points." She
caressed the gold on his arm as they waltzed. "Are these
magic too?"
"Yep. He's got a fondness for gold because it carries his
spells longer."
She stepped through a change in the silent music, moving
against his hips. "Nice, because they look good on you. Same
with the pants. You should wear them more."
 "The shendyt comes off easier. Damn, you have nice tits. I
could play with those a while." He pulled her to a stop with a
mischievous grin and trailed a finger along the side of her
breast. "Mm. I think I like this damned town. What's it called
again?"
"Kurkevy. And you probably say that to all the new girls."
"Nope. Usually, I don't say much to them. We fuck 'em,
then fuck 'em again, then let someone else fuck 'em, then
move on. When they want to talk, we stick our cocks in their
mouth. If they stay stupid on lust, they love it, but he can't
always be around, and well, eventually they have that
moment of regret." Treb lifted his hands, almost frustrated.
"They want it, or he wouldn't choose them, but then they
feel bad because they want it, you know?"
"Yeah." She reached up to fix his vest. "You need more
whores. I think we've given up feeling bad about it."
From behind her, the Jackal spoke up. "That's the
problem with most. They don't enjoy it. We won't rape
them."
"I know." She turned to face him.
He shook his head. "I'm not sure you do. They always
have to make the first move. If they say no, we're done. They
want it, but they're taught that it's bad to want it. It's the
same reason I never would have chosen that innocent young
girl you were so worried about. I planned to do nothing more
than just show her what a real kiss should be like. So why are
you different?"
She paused, a little surprised to find that Xel's admission
made sense. "Because I have no stupid fantasies? I am what I
am, and fuck anyone who doesn't like it. I'm alive, and I
control my own life."
Xel smiled and let his eyes roam across her. "Gods, that
dress is perfect for you." He stepped closer and offered his
arm. "Orchid, would you be my lady this afternoon?"
 "I'd be honored." She wrapped her hand around his
forearm, her fingers brushing hard metal hidden under the
silk sleeve.
His eyes flicked to her hand. "Good, because I may trade
your honor for theirs. There's only one thing wrong with
that dress."
He paused, turning her to face him, then reached for the
clasp beneath her throat. His fingers released it expertly, and
he guided the silk away from her breasts. As her areolas were
exposed, his chest rose, then his eyes dropped to take in the
view. Jade made no move to stop him, feeling her body
respond to the mage's touch.
He caressed the sides, his hands taunting with their
proximity, and stepped closer, bending to whisper in her ear,
"I think you like that."
"I think you're getting me wet." She turned to see his
face, aware that her nipples were now hard.
"Damn," he breathed, moving the silk back into place. His
eyes held hers as he closed the clasp. "Now that dress is
perfect."
He guided her toward his throne as Treb aimed for the
great doors. She noticed they always opened before he
reached them, even if no one was in the room. Evidently,
there were quite a few practical benefits to magic.
The Jackal dropped into the gold throne, guiding her
around to perch on the arm this time. Jade let her legs dangle
down the side, the slit exposing her uppermost thigh, then
stretched her arm along the back. While the mage sat like a
sheik on his throne, she draped herself over him like a true
prize, ready to serve. Xel reached up and caressed her knee
almost absentmindedly.
"Lord Jackal," Treb said, moving to stand properly on the
other side. "May I introduce the noble lords of Kurkevy."
 "Gentlemen," he greeted them. "I hope you're finding the
change in government easy enough for your liking?"
An older man stepped forward. "Does what we like matter
to you, sir?"
The Jackal smiled cruelly. "Lord. All of you will address
me as lord."
"And if we refuse?" The man wouldn't back down.
Xel looked up at Jade. "Orchid? Would you please show
him our kindness?"
"Yes, my lord," she said gently.
She slid from the chair and crossed toward them. Each
step made her shoes click on the marble, making the sound
echo. Every eye was on her, and she did her best to make
them think of something besides the mage's demands. Her
job was to keep them off center, to give the Jackal the
advantage, even if this idiot was disgusting.
She stepped right into him and curled her body around
his. One arm swept across the back of his head, the other
hand slid over his soft chest, then she kissed him, hoping to
let him feel seductive for just a moment, treating him like
the man he wished he was. The lordling tensed, but
something happened. Magic. She could feel it a moment
before the man succumbed to her. With a strangled sound,
his hands grabbed at her ass, pulling her closer as his tongue
dredged at her mouth. He kissed like a frog, but she could
make up for it, working him toward something beautiful.
"Now, Lord Roth, my lady has given you the kiss of
hospitality. Will you still disrespect me in my own home?"
She pulled away, smiling at Lord Roth sweetly before
moving down the line of men. They all watched her. They all
reacted the same way women did to the Jackal. She shifted
her eyes to the mage, but he was intent on that arrogant man
before him.
 "I meant no disrespect," Lord Roth said, tearing his eyes
away from Jade's hips. "I was simply not aware that you
came from noble birth."
"The most noble," Xel said, his expression threatening.
"My birth was the kind that made magic. Or have you
forgotten? I assure you, I would be happy to give another
demonstration."
From the other end of the line, a man spoke up. "That's
not necessary, Lord Jackal."
"Mm." The Jackal looked at her, then toward the speaker.
"Lord Trom, correct?"
"Yes, my lord."
Jade moved behind the line, toward him, then stepped to
his side. She waited for a sign of what the mage wanted. Lord
Trom turned to her with a pasted-on smile and offered a
hand. Without hesitation, she placed hers in it, and he lifted
it to his lips, bowing over her properly.
"My lady. It's a pleasure."
She accepted it like a queen, choosing to take the position
of the superior. She didn't curtsey, just lowered her head
slightly in acceptance. When he released her hand, she
turned back to Xel. He slowly caressed the arm of his chair, a
pleased smile on his lips. It was her signal to return to the
master.
"You, I think," Xel said, "can keep your position. As for
the rest of you, have you not yet realized how precarious
your situation is?" He leaned forward, and Jade moved her
hand to his shoulder, caressing where it met his neck. "My
lady can wrap you around her little finger with the slightest
touch. You're powerless before her beauty - "
"Your whore," one of them dared to mutter.
Like the predator he was named after, the mage surged
from the chair, storming toward the sound. His eyes locked
on a younger man. "Beg her forgiveness!"
 Jade sat frozen in place. The Jackal was truly angry - in a
way she'd not seen. The air crackled with the power of it, the
scent of ozone wafting in the air. His feet didn't slow as he
reached the lord, but his hand grabbed the man's throat,
shoving him back, forcing him toward the wall. When he
slammed him into it, the very stones changed, forming
bonds around the Lord's wrists and ankles before the he
could even react.
The man screamed, trying to pull free, but it was futile.
Xel flung his hand before the man's face and his lips sealed
to themselves, leaving only muffled cries behind. While the
others tried to accept what just happened, the reality too
strange to believe, the Jackal glared until the man gave up,
wilting into silence.
As fast as the anger came, it vanished. Xel turned to face
Jade. "I'm sorry, my dear." He jogged back toward her. "The
man is a fool, he didn't mean it."
She couldn't help but smile, so ducked her head. He'd just
publicly made it unacceptable to speak poorly toward her.
When he reached her side, he didn't take the chair. Instead,
he cupped her face and bent to kiss her, his lips so amazingly
gentle.
"You're not a whore," he whispered.
She looked up at him. "I'm your orchid."
"Beautiful and designed to entice. Yes, you are." He traced
the line of her cheek, then turned back to the nobles. "You
will respect my lady just as you will my reign. If you do
not..." He gestured to the man trapped in the rock.
"However, if you're willing to hold open discourse, you will
be rewarded." He looked at Lord Roth, whom she had kissed
so sweetly. "I am a generous lord. When I want to be."
"My Lord?" Trom asked, raising his fingers slightly. It
was a sign of his nervousness, even if his mannerisms were
nearly perfect. The Jackal lifted his chin and the man went
on. "Kurkevy previously was ruled by a noble parliament.
How do you intend to handle city laws and appropriations?"
"Naturally, I will assign a governor to vote in my place."
Xel dropped into the chair again. "The laws of the Empire
will all be upheld, but local issues must be addressed as well.
My chosen representative will hold the position of
Parliamentary leader."
"And the rest of us?" Trom stood calmly, or at least he
tried to.
The Jackal looked them all over before he answered,
weighing each one. "Lord Trom, are you aware of the
authority I have under the Sultan?"
"Not completely, my lord."
The mage nodded. "So long as this city sends two percent
of its monthly income to the seat of the country, I can do
almost anything I want. You all noticed that breaching your
walls was inconsequential, I assume?" He waved at the man
chained with stone, then gestured to Lord Roth. "His kiss
fueled that. One single kiss allows me to turn rock to water."
He reached up and caressed the back of Jade's neck. "One
woman is all I need to bring you to your knees."
Trom dared to smile. "That is true for most men, my
lord."
"Isn't it, though." The Jackal chuckled, seeming honestly
amused, then gestured to his right, at Treb. "One man can do
the same to your wives."
He let that sink in for a moment. While the Lords looked,
Treb didn't move. He stood beside the throne like a proper
official, his clothes and jewelry designed to enhance the
image, but everything held nuances of sensuality. There was
no denying that both Treb and the Jackal were the type of
handsome that made women foolish.
"All I need," Xel said softly, "is the desire. My orchid
walks before you, and you can't help but want her. My Vizier
smiles at your wives, and they will swoon. Either of those
things will give me the power to destroy your homes, your
families, and your very existence. Kurkevy got lucky. You
were assigned to me, not the Spider. I assure you, he would
not be as generous. The needs of a blood mage are not nearly
as pleasurable."
He paused for a heartbeat. "Every city does the same
thing. You smile at me, you bow to me, and you plot behind
my back. You think you can overthrow me with little more
than a quickly-planned coup. I'll make you this deal. The
man who brings word of rebellion will be rewarded. Gold,
jewels, titles, an hour between my lady's thighs - the
rewards will be considerable." He smiled and stretched back.
"Your wives will be given the same offer. Power, control over
her own life, the pleasure of my Vizier - or myself - in
exchange for exposing the rebellion before it can ruin my
city."
Jade could feel the tension growing in the room. They
weren't immune to the Jackal. They could feel the simmering
lust that wafted off of him, and each of them directed it to
her. It made them no less aware that years of living in
boredom paled in comparison to the offer he would make
their wives, and there wasn't a damned thing they could do
about it. Years of misusing their women had just become the
one thing they couldn't overcome.
Xel's lips curled into the most seductive smile. "And if
this city does rebel? Well, I won't be the mage coming back
to re-secure it."
 CHAPTER TEN

T he Jackal held their complete attention now. The

citizens of Kurkevy weren't used to thinking of sex as
a weapon. Such things weren't spoken of openly, but he'd
just changed that. The nobles knew how quickly their wives
would betray them, even if they couldn't understand the
horrors of being ruled by a blood mage.
"So, let us be honest, gentlemen." Xel leaned on his
knees, looking nearly bored with the proceedings. "I want
this city to run smoothly. I want the citizens to be happy and
preferably lascivious. The brothels will operate with
impunity. My temple will be open to all lovers: those who
come in pairs, those who meet here, or those who pay to find
a partner. You will make no laws prohibiting this. Am I
clear?"
"You're going to make the temple a whorehouse?" The
noble was so shocked he spoke out of turn.
Xel chuckled at him, dismissing his tension. "Something
like that. Those of noble birth, being born above the common
man - or so you assure me - will be given free access. That
includes your wives."
"And the resulting bastards?" Roth asked.
"I'm a mage, Lord Roth." The Jackal turned his smile on
him. "I'm a very powerful man. There will be no children
conceived in my home. I believe the offer works for all of us.
You can risk having your women sneak behind your backs to
satisfy themselves or let my 'whores,' as you call them, show
them how to truly enjoy the act. They will reward you for the
experience." He looked across them all. "And you will have
no bastards to explain away. Or you can worry about how
improper the idea is."
"And the whores?" Trom asked.
"They will be available to everyone. Most will be required
to pay. A portion of that will go to the city coffers. It should
be enough to cover your Imperial taxes."
Before the throne, the men all looked at each other. Their
gazes were filled with unspoken thoughts, but they were
coming to a consensus. Xel made no effort to stop them.
Roth stepped forward again. "May we discuss this, Lord?"
"Certainly." Xel held up a finger. "You should also know
that I have little interest in having any of you grovel to me.
All I want is for this town to become a functional part of the
Empire. Work within my restrictions, and it will be like I was
never here. Fight me, and I will remove you and create a
whole new class of nobility. Am I understood?"
"Yes, my lord," the men said as a group.
The Jackal nodded then flicked his wrist to the door.
"Have your answer ready for me in a week so we can work
out the details. At the end of the month, I will host a grand
ball - here - in celebration of my new reign, where I will
name the man to speak for me. Oh, and bring your wives. I
honestly can't wait to meet them. Treb, if you would?"
Treb finally moved, stepping forward to show them out,
but he paused. "Lord? I believe Lord Rabin may have trouble
joining his party."
"Mm." The Jackal looked to the man encased in the wall.
"Yes, right. He's not the most attractive decor." A flick of his
fingers and a word barely whispered under his breath
released the man completely.
 The lordling crashed to the floor, landing on his hands
and knees. For a moment, he did nothing but gasp for breath
before struggling back to his feet. His eyes were wide, his
fingers shook, but he was not stupid enough to anger the
Jackal again.
"My apologies, my lady. Lord Jackal." He bowed deeply,
reverting to his manners because he knew nothing else.
Xel flicked his fingers, sending the man away. "The Lady
Orchid is my guest. Please make sure your peers are aware
that I do take offense at slights against my guests."
Treb led them out, as proper as any Vizier in any other
court. When they crossed the threshold, Xel relaxed,
dragging a hand down his face. Then he looked at Jaeda and
lifted an eyebrow. "You realize that at least one of them will
be back to rut on you?"
"Two, if I had to guess. The weakling on the left side and
the silent man just beside Lord Roth."
He nodded, seeming impressed. "And who is leading the
rebellion?"
She shot him a disgruntled look. "Lord Trom, naturally.
It's why he's so willing to speak sweetly. Lord Rabin will take
a little wooing, but he should make a good representative."
Xel's mouth hung open slightly, and he blinked twice
before he could speak. "Never," he insisted, "call yourself a
whore again. Granted, I think you're wrong about the
weakling. It'll be the ass beside him - Lord Dalry, I think his
name is. The weakling is just his sidekick and not as adept at
masking his intentions, but the brute will want the prize."
She sighed and nodded. "I dislike brutes, my lord."
Xel caressed her knee again. "Orchid, I told him he could
have an hour with you. I did not tell him it would be alone. I
swear to you, if you ever say, 'Jackal,' without lord or any
other word to buffer it, I will stop it. I will not let them hurt
you."
 She looked at him quickly, shocked. "Thank you."
Shoes clicked on the marble as Treb escorted a lady into
the room, reminding them they weren't yet alone. Slowly,
the great doors began to close. Xel reached over for her hand.
"I will also make sure you're compensated for whatever
happens. Now, what is this woman's name?"
"Madam Shira. She will not easily be seduced."
He chuckled, giving her a sly look. "I do have an
advantage there, you know. But no, she won't be, and I'm
not stupid. I've been doing this for eight years, Orchid."
Then he turned to the woman, smiled, and stood. "Madam
Shira, what a pleasure."
The elegant woman walked right up to him without fear
or foolishness. Where the previous guests had dressed to
impress, the leader of the Whores Guild dressed to seduce.
Her gown was brocade, which was too warm for the season
but the cut exposed enough flesh to make up for it. She was
mature but not old, yet beyond the age for which most men
would pay a high price. From the look in her eyes, she didn't
care. She still knew how to make her living from sex.
"Lord Jackal." She ducked her head slightly, showing
respect but no fear. "How can whores help a man like
yourself?"
He walked toward her and offered his hand. When she
placed hers in it, he did not bow over it in some foolish
attempt to flatter. Instead, he shook it, treating her as an
equal and a business partner. Madam Shira slowly lifted a
brow, impressed.
"A man like myself is as susceptible to a beautiful face
and pendulous tits as the next." He shrugged slowly,
unashamed of the truth. "I need you to convince the
business owners to tithe for the city's welfare."
"Sir - "
 He cut her off before she could object with a simple lift of
his hand. "Madam, let me explain. The nobles despise your
business. I would like to give it legitimacy. I would also like
to make Kurkevy self-sufficient. The Whore's Guild is the
only business that can do this. It also gives you, and all the
brothel owners, an increase in power in the overall city
structure."
He'd caught her attention. "And what exactly do you
expect?"
"Whores." The Jackal smiled. "Every registered
entertainer will perform one night each week here, at the
temple. One-quarter of their wages will go to the Imperial
taxes. One-quarter will go to the artist, and one-half to the
brothel owner."
"So we'd still get paid?"
"Yes," he purred. "It's also a lot less 'shameful' to come
here than your well-established operations. Never mind that
my temple offers protection against conception."
"Oh?" She looked truly interested.
He nodded. "Yes, Madam. I fuck for a living, so it is
something I think about. Although I suggest you consider
adding males to your employment."
The Madam was smiling broadly. "Lord Jackal, what if we
would like to tithe above the minimum? Would that be
acceptable?"
"I'm sure we could make accommodations. There is
limited space, though." He looked her over, making it
obvious. "I would need someone to make sure that the
assignments are allotted fairly. Can you think of anyone with
the skills, position, and experience to handle such a task?"
She ducked her head. "You flatter me, my lord." The flush
on her cheeks said he was doing a lot more than that.
He reached between them and rested his palm on her
upper arm. "There's one catch. I had to agree to give the
nobles free access in exchange for no restrictions for your
guild."
"No restrictions?" She looked up slyly.
The Jackal smiled knowingly. "Exactly, Madam. None. You
will no longer be required to keep your operations in the
poorer section of town. Imperial laws do still apply, which
include a minimum age requirement and voluntary service. I
hope you understand, that's out of my control."
"I do, sir."
Xel smiled, then gently ducked his head. "Technically,
Madam Shira, it's lord."
Her eyes caught his. "So, that makes you nobility as
well?"
He twisted his body into hers slightly. "It does."
The woman laughed at him, daring to reach over and tug
at the lapel of his silk shirt. "Lord Jackal, my guild knows
your business. We cannot afford to constantly entertain you
for free."
"One," he paused, "woman," he paused again to make
the point, "each night. I will agree to take no more than that,
but I ask a favor in return."
"Let's hear this favor."
He nodded, shifting even closer. "I need fifty whores by
the end of the month. Only your best. I need them ready to
mingle at a ball for nobility. Can you do that?"
Madam Shira's brow wrinkled for a second, and her eyes
flicked to the side. She was thinking quickly. "I can promise
forty. I will try for fifty, but it will cost you."
"By the night, not the clientele."
She shifted her eyes back to him. "Fine. Five ounces per
girl."
Before Jade could say a word, the Jackal turned to her.
"Orchid? What's the going rate?"
 "Nightly service for courtly functions, my lord? An ounce
and a half."
The mage turned back to the Madam. "I'll offer you two,
with an additional ounce paid directly to the performer. That
should be adequate to make sure they're properly attired."
"Paid in advance."
"Naturally. I intended to have a pair of my guards escort
you home, to ensure your wages make the journey." The
corner of his lip was sliding up again.
Madam Shira laughed. "Have I just been outplayed, Lord
Jackal?"
That was when he stepped forward and trailed his finger
beneath her chin, lifting her face ever so slightly. "Wear
green, Madam Shira. It will compliment your eyes. I'll supply
the emeralds."
Slowly, she bowed her head, accepting that she'd just met
her match. "I believe this partnership will be equitable to us
both."
"I'll make sure it is." The Jackal caught her hand, and this
time he did lift it to his lips. "I'll let you know the exact date,
Madam Shira. I assure you, I'll be waiting. Treb?"
Without a word, Treb held his hand toward the door,
gesturing for the woman to make her way out when she was
ready. Madam Shira finally flicked her eyes to Jade, tilted her
head slightly, then turned. She made it one step before
pausing.
"Lord Jackal? Are you aware that the black whore is still
listed as a member of my guild?"
He laughed. "Why yes, Madam Shira, I am. You agreed to
give me access to one of your girls a night without payment.
I choose her. That, or I could simply pay her remittance fee.
You decide which is more profitable."
Shaking her head, the Madam continued walking toward
the door, Treb a half step behind her. Before she stepped out,
she paused again, looking back. The Jackal was waiting.
"Lord, thank you for leaving my pride. If the event goes
without complications, you will have the full support of my
guild as payment for your generosity." She ducked her head
and left, the staccato of her shoes declaring her departure.
Xel turned back to the throne. "And the Jackal has just
taken Kurkevy," he said softly. "But my dear, your customer
should be - "
"Lord Trebar?" One of the guards called out.
"Yes, Captain?" Treb pitched his voice to carry.
"I have a Lord Dalry to see Lord Jackal?"
Treb looked at the throne, waiting for the mage's
acceptance. Xel glanced at Jade, closed his eyes, then looked
back, lifting his hand and crooking his fingers. With the
motion, Treb informed the guard that he'd be pleased to
escort the Lord to see the mage. Jade's heart beat faster.
"Orchid," Xel whispered. "He will not hurt you. I gain no
power from pain, and my enemy does. I swear it, but this is a
political gesture. Will you help me?"
She bobbed her head, seeking his eyes, hoping he was
sincere. That magical amber color was waiting, filled with
compassion, then his hand found hers. Their fingers twined,
and he lifted her wrist to his lips, kissing her gently as he
leaned closer. The fear inside vanished, replaced with
something warmer and much more pleasant.
"Jade, you are beautiful. Let me watch."
She couldn't take the heat in his gaze, his essence tinting
the air between them, so she looked down. "I'd like that, my
lord."
He leaned even closer, until his lips were beside her ear.
"I'd like to see that mouth wrapped around my dick. What
will it take for that to happen?"
A smile found her lips, and she turned her face to his.
"My fee for this? Take off the shirt."
 Again, their eyes met. He seemed surprised, yet pleased,
then pulled her onto his lap. "You want it off? You do it."
 CHAPTER ELEVEN

J ade moved her leg across his lap, straddling him, and
the Jackal grabbed both sides of her face. Kissing her
passionately, he completely ignored the Lord walking
his way. In fact, he ignored everything but the woman before
him, lifting his hips into her. Jade sucked in a breath, drunk
on the full intensity of his appeal, and grabbed his shirt to
yank it open. While she tugged the silk free of his waist, the
mage just leaned forward, his mouth making its way down
her neck.
"Moan," he demanded, catching her breasts in his hands.
"Writhe."
The silk of her dress moved at his touch, inflaming her
nipples and she obeyed. The sound slipped from her throat
as she pressed her pelvis against him, dragging her body
along his shaft. The Jackal sucked in a breath and kissed her
again and again, worshiping her mouth with his. She wasn't
sure he would stop - until Treb cleared his throat.
Beneath her, Xel groaned in disappointment. He trailed
his fingers down her spine but pulled his mouth away. "And
they say I'm the mage. Let me up, Orchid."
She turned in his lap, pressed her feet to the floor, and
stood as gracefully as possible. Standing before the throne
was the large, brutish man she'd disliked so much when he'd
appeared with the other Lords. Behind her, the Jackal moved,
stealing another quick kiss on her neck before walking
toward their guest. He wrenched off the shirt, since it had
been so completely disheveled, and tossed it back. Then his
eyes caught hers. The corner of his mouth was curled a little
higher than normal.
She'd just gotten her payment, and what a treasure it was.
The Jackal looked like perfection wrapped in gold. His
shoulders were defined and broad, but not hulkish. His
biceps were muscular, the one on the right trapped in a plain
gold armlet. Gold cuffs lay at his wrists as well, and around
his throat was an intricately woven chain. Looking him over,
she remembered what Treb had said earlier. Gold held the
spells longer. Jade was willing to bet his jewelry was not due
to vanity.
"Lord Dalry," he greeted the man, sounding bored.
"Please tell me you've disturbed my favorite past time for a
reason?"
"I returned as soon as I could, Lord Jackal. You said you'd
compensate us well for speaking against the other nobles."
"Mm." Xel sighed. "I did. Gold?"
Lord Dalry huffed. "No, Lord Jackal. I assure you, I have
plenty of that."
"Titles, I suppose. Yes, I'm sure we can arrange that."
The man glanced toward the throne where Jade still stood.
"I want to outrank Betrin."
Xel lifted a brow at Treb. The darker man nodded and
turned, obviously on a mission. Then the mage looked back
to the lord. "If what you tell me is good enough, then yes,
you can have an hour with her. I assure you, Lord Dalry, it
had better be good."
"Lord Trom believes he can usurp the throne."
The Jackal sighed. "I already knew that. Try again."
"He has over half the nobles in agreement, but they aren't
sure if it's worth the risk. Trom intends to have you assign
him as your representative, repel the Empire, then brace the
city against another attack. After you leave, of course."
"Naturally." Xel pressed his lips together. "How are they
coordinating? Who is supporting him? Who is resisting?"
Lord Dalry sang, giving all of the information he could.
Naturally, he and his closest friends were painted as saints,
in complete agreement with the mage's control of the city.
When he started listing the benefits of Imperial control, Xel
stopped him.
"Please," he muttered. "We both know the Empire wants
the tax revenue and cares nothing for the land beyond old
Adevia. Don't weaken your own argument with patronizing
words."
Lord Dalry chuckled, then nodded. "I'm sorry, my lord. I
seem to have gotten carried away in my praise."
That was when Treb returned carrying a rolled
parchment. An elegant seal and gold wax were in his other
hand. He caught Xel's attention as he made his way to the
table beside the throne. The Jackal followed, quickly
scanning the document before pressing his finger to the
page and whispering a word. Jade could see the paper sear,
dark lines racing across where a signature should lay, gilding
themselves at the edges. In seconds, the outline of a Jackal
was evident. Apparently, it was better than any handwritten
name.
Treb bowed his head and rolled the paper, then secured it
with the wax. Xel said nothing as he grabbed the seal and
pressed it. Tossing the metal back onto the table, he took the
paper and thrust it at the man.
"Lord Dalry, Celnik of Kurkevy. I do hope that will
suffice?"
The lord tilted his head to Jade. "I'll have her back in an
hour."
 Xel just chuckled. "No. You've earned the pleasure of her
time, but I never said you could take her. I merely offered an
hour between her thighs." He smiled, quickly returning to
the arrogant mage. "Fuck her here, or don't. You've just
improved your fortune considerably."
Dalry glared at the mage, then crossed his arms over his
chest and smiled. "Right. Sex mage. Sure, I'll play."
"Orchid?" The Jackal refused to look away from the
pompous lord.
Jade moved to his side. "Yes, my lord?"
"This man is going to fuck you. You are not to kiss, suck,
or lick any part of him, am I clear?"
She ducked her head, mostly to hide the smile. "Yes, my
lord."
The mage hissed a word and tossed his hand toward the
empty floor before the throne as his body turned toward her.
He caught the back of her head, kissing her, and her hands
hit his chest - bare, smooth, and exposed as payment. The
realization made her breathless, but his attention made her
body respond, moisture gathering between her legs as her
blood rushed lower. With a surprised gasp, she realized what
he'd just done. The Jackal had used his own seduction to
make her job that much easier.
"Your mouth," he said, threat evident in his tone, "is
mine. In here, no one else shall touch it." Then he looked at
the Lord and released the clasp of her gown. "Enjoy."
Silk cascaded down her body, sliding over inflamed flesh.
Lifting her head proudly, she stepped over the puddle of
cloth and toward the noble. The man raked over her with his
eyes, something cruel lurking beneath. When she'd called
him a brute, it wasn't his physical appearance, but his
attitude. Lord Dalry was the kind of man who enjoyed
making others miserable, and every one of his mannerisms
screamed it.
 Where the Jackal had gestured was a deep red reclining
couch. The bed of it curved in a gentle arc that would tilt her
hips toward the sky and bend her back. At the head was a
large, padded roll, perfect for leaning over. The foot was
similar, but lower, and the back only stretched a bare third of
the length, making it ideal to straddle. Gilded wood trimmed
the edges, carefully recessed to make it feel as opulent as it
looked. This was not furniture to relax on, but a place to
fuck. It was also a lot more forgiving than a wall or the
marble floor.
"My Lord?" Jade asked the man, leading him toward the
couch. "How would you like me?" She paused before it,
turning to him with a seductive smile.
He didn't bother to speak to her. Grabbing her hip in one
hand, her shoulder in the other, he pushed, spinning her face
down into the cushions. She tossed her head back at the last
second, bracing with her arm, and tried to recover from the
manhandling. Lord Dalry didn't give her a chance. With her
ass in the air, he shoved a knee between her legs and pushed
them apart.
Jade looked toward the throne. Xel lowered himself into
the gold, but his eyes were narrowed, and one finger trailed
slowly over his upper lip, waiting. She'd handled worse than
this. The man hadn't hurt her, but he wanted to make sure
the mage knew his woman had been used. This entire ordeal
was a display of control between them. Dalry thought he was
winning, but only because the Jackal let him. The problem
was that she'd become the pawn.
Xel's eyes found hers as Dalry pulled open his pants.
Slowly, he nodded, then looked to her partner. His jaw
clenched just as she felt the man drag his swollen dick
through her cleft. She was slick and ready, Xel had made sure
of it, and Dalry snarled. His intention wasn't to enjoy the
mage's offer but to prove that she was no lady. She was a
whore, and he intended to treat her like one. The man's dick
slid toward her ass, pausing at the tight opening.
"Stop," Xel called out. He glanced back at Treb. "When a
man loans out his favorite toy, he expects it to be returned in
the same condition. Damage her at your peril." One finger
tapped dangerously on the gilded arm. "Am I clear?"
Treb moved a small table toward the sofa. It held a basin
of water, a vial of oil, and a selection of clean cloths. Jade
could feel the man shift and knew he was stroking himself,
trying not to lose his erection at the disturbance. She tilted
her ass higher and pressed into the red material, sliding
against it with a dramatically delirious whimper. Xel's lips
lifted just as warm oil trailed over the seam of her buttocks.
Jade was working, and this time she had a real purpose.
Her lord needed his power, both the magical kind and the
political, and she could provide it. Glancing back, she leaned
toward Dalry, her ass bared and spread. "Fuck me," she
demanded.
He rammed into her hard enough to lift her chest from
the couch. The gasping cry was real, but mostly from shock,
not that Dalry's attentions were very pleasurable. Then the
brute grabbed the back of her head and pressed her face
toward the cushion. She turned her cheek and gave in, using
her hips to wring every sensation from him, but her eyes
were anchored on her safety.
Xel was perched on the throne, his arm tensed, his hand
grasping the chair, ready to propel himself forward. Treb had
returned to his right, one hand clutching Xel's shoulder. It
looked to be the only thing holding him in place. Jade blinked
and moaned, sliding her hand beneath her belly. When her
lids lifted, the Jackal had relaxed. When she began to
stimulate herself, he sighed.
"Oh, that feels good," she breathed, meaning her own
attentions, not the man fucking her ass crudely.
 Dalry increased his efforts, rocking her whole body, but
this wasn't about him. For this one moment, in this way, she
was pleasing herself with a man who was so much more than
he seemed. Their eyes were locked, the only way they could
touch, and Xel was breathing faster. She rubbed, stroked,
and penetrated herself, but she didn't need to close her eyes
and think about the sun god. Perfection sat right there, his
muscles tense, breathing harder, watching.
Her eyes dropped, and she bit at her lip, straining to see if
his breeches had grown tighter. He shifted in the chair,
leaning into the corner, and tossed his leg over one side. His
stomach muscles rippled, hard ridges proving they were
used often, and his laces strained. With a half-smile, Xel
pushed at his waistband, exposing smooth pink flesh. Then
his thumb swept over it.
Jade moaned with passion this time. Twenty feet and
silence separated them, but it didn't matter. The Jackal had
her completely entranced. With another man using her body
and one more standing beside Xel, the moment had become
private. The Jackal's eyes captivated her, his subtle
movements spoke volumes, and she let him seduce her
without a single touch, her own hand doing his work for him.
Her lips parted, her body trembled under his gaze, and
she allowed herself to be enraptured. Dalry's touch became
Xel's. His coarse thrusts turned into a trial to prove she was
worthy, and those eyes promised rewards beyond her
comprehension. When her orgasm hit, she screamed, every
muscle in her body clenching, wringing a snarl of his own
from the man behind her. Warm and wet, his cum filled her
ass while she shuddered, gasping into the fabric, her lips
open to find air.
The Jackal smiled and lowed his head slightly in
acknowledgment. "Treb?" He refused to look away from
Jade's eyes. "Lord Dalry has twelve minutes."
 The noble withdrew, flopping against her thighs before
shoving himself back into his pants. "Your lady has a tight
ass, my lord."
"Yes, she is amazing, isn't she?" He wrenched his eyes
away, and the smile faded. "Should I assume you're satisfied
with our agreement?"
"Raised to Celnik? Yeah, I'm satisfied. Nice couch."
"Mhm." Xel touched Treb's arm without looking. "I find
the right furniture makes all the difference. Did you need to
be shown out, Lord Dalry?"
"Been in this temple more times than you have, Lord
Jackal."
"I see. Then please, have a good evening." Xel waited
until the man had almost reached the door before adding,
"And if anything you told me is false? I will kill you. Are we
clear?"
"Perfectly, Lord Jackal."
"Good. Do not test my patience again."
The doors opened for the man, but he was barely through
them before Xel flicked his wrist. Like a child with a tantrum,
he magically slammed the heavy wood. The resounding crash
was thunderous.
"I fucking hate nobles," the mage snarled.
 CHAPTER TWELVE

J
hip.
ade giggled, rolling onto her side to grab a cloth.
"Why did I think you were a noble?"
"The Lord thing, usually," Treb said, moving to her

She looked up at him, and he lifted a damp cloth. Jade

shrugged and allowed him to wipe away the excess oil down
her back and the semen dripping along her thighs. Sex was a
disgusting business, but she'd grown used to it. Evidently,
Treb had as well.
Then he held up a red silk wrap, dangling it on one finger.
Jade grabbed it, shoving her arms into the sleeves, but
paused when she caught the scent clinging to the material.
Pulling it across her chest, she looked up at the throne. The
fabric that reached to her thighs was the same shirt he'd
worn all day. Xel smiled and leaned back, inviting her to
come closer.
"Lock down the room, Treb?" Xel asked.
With a grumble, the Catalyst obeyed, muttering words
under his breath in a language she didn't know. From the
amused expression Xel wore, he did. Jade looked between
them as she pulled herself from the couch. Thankfully, she
wasn't sore, but she was aware that she'd been used hard.
The Jackal didn't seem to care. As soon as she got close, he
pulled her onto his lap.
 "A bare chest is not enough compensation for the snare
that man just put his neck in." He stroked her cheek.
"Tomorrow, we'll put our claim on the military. The day
after, you get to take off, away from the temple."
"Did I do something wrong?"
He chuckled but shook his head. "So I can rebuild some
walls. Probably a few buildings, too. I assure you, there is
nothing sexy about it."
"There is," Treb yelled. "He flexes a lot."
"Flexing could be pretty sexy," she agreed, stroking Xel's
washboard abs. "I like these." Then she traced his bicep.
"These are nice too."
"Holding a woman against a wall is a workout." He
smiled, looking pleased with the attention. "Tell me, Jade,
are you tired of men touching you, yet?"
"I fucked one man today, my lord. Typically, that
wouldn't even pay the bills."
Xel tugged at the silk lapel draped over her chest, hooking
his finger under it. "Definitely no orgies today, although
they do happen." His finger trailed lower, parting the cloth
to reveal her body. "Does that mean you'll cum for me
again?"
She pulled the wrap open, baring her breasts. "Tease me,
and I'll cum as often as you want." She leaned forward and
tossed her leg over his to sit astride his body. "Suck on those,
and it won't even be an act."
He dove to her breast, wrapping one arm around her back.
His other hand slid between her legs finding her overly-
stimulated clitoris quickly. She bucked into his palm and
gasped, arching into his mouth. He raised his head to find
her lips, caressing them with his as he soothed her gently.
"I believe I already gave you an orgasm. I think it's my
turn." He guided her lower.
 Sliding back, her hands found the laces of his breeches
while her mouth savored his chest. She flicked her tongue
over his nipple, and he grabbed the back of her head, holding
her there. Again she licked, then sucked, while she released
his pants. The cloth parted as his erection struggled for
freedom. Gracelessly, Jade dropped to her knees to behold
his glory.
Smooth, hairless, and hard, his dick wept for attention.
She kissed the swollen head and grabbed as low as she could,
aware that her fingers couldn't reach around his girth. He
was hard and ready, veins lacing the shaft like perfectly-
formed pleasure ridges. She had to taste them, so licked,
pressing her tongue from his balls to the mushroomed head.
The sex mage grabbed the arms of his throne and groaned.
"Gods," he whispered. "That's amazing."
Jade couldn't ask for more encouragement. She leaned
forward and swallowed him, trying to take as much of his
magnificence as she could handle. Then she gave up every
inch slowly, sliding toward the tip while her hand stroked
what her mouth couldn't reach. She worked him, treasuring
every reaction her touch made. He gasped, he sighed, and
then he slid his fingers into her hair, begging with his touch.
"Xel," Treb said softly.
The mage's desire made her glow, and she increased her
efforts. Faster, barely. A little squeeze, an extra lick, she
wanted to make sure this man never forgot her. He'd seen
hundreds of women, had experienced most of them, but she
had a feeling that none had cared about what he wanted.
They were all trying to steal a little piece of fame, a bit more
money, or were dreaming of an easy future. How many times
had he been pleased just because he was kind? How many
women had ignored their own needs to fulfill every last one
of his?
 The Jackal was trying to take care of her. He'd given her
one thing no one else would: respect. She'd give it back. Even
if all she had to offer was her body, her mouth wrapped
tightly around his shaft, he deserved every moment of it.
Jade swallowed him again, cupping his balls, sliding her
fingers back farther, and stroked him as she slid off. Again,
then again, until he began to swell in her hands. She sucked
and licked, his pulse racing deep in the shaft, then his grip
tightened in her hair.
"Stop." Xel said in a whisper.
She paused with her lips just over the head and looked up.
His eyes were closed, but he smiled weakly. Slowly he took a
deep breath and tapped his left wrist against the throne. Gold
clanked against gold.
Blood trickled from under his metal cuff, sliding down the
chair. It wasn't a small amount. Jade sucked in a breath and
grabbed his arm, reaching over for a cloth to wrap around
his wrist. She tossed another at the puddle forming along the
corner of the seat.
"This is your curse?" she asked, checking the bleeding.
He yanked at the edge of his breeches, covering himself.
"The most obvious part, yes." Slowly his eyes opened. "So
you're smart enough to listen. What else did you learn?"
"Nothing that makes sense on its own. Xel, I can't stop
the bleeding with your damned magic bracelet on."
One bark of laughter fell from his lips, but it was dry and
harsh. "It's not my cuff, girl. The torture stopped as soon as I
took my dick out of your mouth, the bleeding will soon. I'll
live. Trust me."
"Xel, why are you cursed?"
His burning eyes turned back to her, the glow filled with
resentment. "Every mage learns from another. We're found,
usually aware that we're strange - cursed or blessed,
depending upon what emotion we control. Our power sings
like a beacon to anyone trained to recognize it, and the one
who finds us has a little magical treasure, able to convert a
second emotion into the power they need."
"What does that have to do with your wrist?"
He gestured to Treb. "Wine?"
"Yeah, man." He patted Xel's shoulder as he headed
toward the stairs at the back.
When the door closed, the mage leaned closer, but pain
etched his features. "Jade, even a weak mage can create
magic; put them in a situation to experience their chosen
emotion - such as lust - and you don't need to worry about
ruling cities or managing temples to funnel the power back
to you. All you'd need is one horny sixteen-year-old boy.
Keep that mage beside you, powerless and ignorant, and you
could turn his emotion into yours to double your power, and
a catalyst enhances our power."
"Fuck," she breathed, pulling the cloth away from his
wrist.
"I'm sorry, we can't." He smiled weakly at the poor joke.
"My master is the Spider. Pain fuels him, and I won't give
him any if I can help it. He takes my suffering and steals it,
but leaves me drained of lust. When that isn't enough, he
tortures me."
"And not just physically."
Xel's head snapped to hers. "What do you mean?"
She grabbed the cuff, turning his wrist. "I'm sure that
hurts, but is it as bad as the knowledge that you can never
have a complete relationship with anyone? Friends are fine,
but you can never make it physical. Lovers only work if you
stop caring. Everything about this damned curse is designed
to warp your mind as much as bleed you."
He barely nodded, watching her closely. "Exactly."
"So, how do we break it?"
 He smiled, but it was devious. "We? You're just here to
fuck."
"Yeah? So why is your wrist bleeding? You want to show
me jewels and fabric and fancy meals, and that's pretty
damned close to giving a shit." She looked at him pointedly
as she quoted his own words. "So I'm giving one back. We,
Xel. I'm pretty sure that you can't fuck Treb either, even if
you wanted to. That means you need a plaything, and I'm
really good at it."
"No pain," he said. "I will not give that bastard any
power."
She nodded, readily agreeing with that. "I'm not gonna
complain. How do we get the cuff off?"
"Find someone to do it for me. I can't break the spell from
inside it." He licked at his lips. "The problem is mages don't
generally get along because we like chaining each other up
too much."
"Why? Is your power that addictive?"
"Yes, just like air. Lock me away from humanity, and I'll
starve. When the gods died, Jade, the world was warped.
Some of us live on an emotion; others amplify them but are
immune. That's why the Spider lets me keep Treb, because
taking him away cripples my master as much as it does me."
She stared at the floor, putting the pieces together. Treb
was Xel's only friend simply because he was the one person
in the world the mage could trust. He didn't want to know
the Object's names because he didn't want to care. He also
said he wanted Treb to protect her. Slowly, she smiled,
glancing up as Treb returned to the room, but she didn't let
him break her line of thought.
"Lord Jackal? I think you need a whore."
He chuckled, refusing to deny her accusation. "I only
bargained for one."
 "Then it's a good thing you're rich, huh?" She leaned
back, looking at him flirtatiously. "You can't get that cuff
off, but you can work around it. It obviously didn't hurt you
when you had sex with me on that couch."
"It didn't."
"Why?" She was smiling.
He chuckled, looking almost embarrassed. Almost, but
not quite. "Because I wasn't the one inside you."
She nodded and stood, leaning over to catch his chin.
"Hire a whore. Use me, befriend me, trust me, and fuck her.
The Spider doesn't win."
Treb placed a carafe beside Xel's elbow and passed over a
glass. "Know what she said to me that first night?"
"I'm scared to ask," Xel muttered.
"That love and sex aren't the same thing. Any kind of
love, man. Friends, partners, family, or whatever. Not the
same. We're keeping the Orchid."
Xel took a drink, then turned the glass slowly between his
fingers. "Don't I get a say?"
"No." Treb patted his shoulder. "Not this time. Pretty
sure Jade's not gonna go all stupid about you sticking your
cock in another girl. She's not like the idiots we always get."
She pointed at Treb. "I like him. Right to the point."
The mage took another sip of his wine. "Good. Suck him
off. I need a long drink."
"Whoa," Treb said, shocked. "What happened to the
mouth thing?"
"I can't use it," Xel said with a shrug. "Not putting
anyone else's dick where my mouth will be, but yours is
allowed. She can decide what tongues get access. And yes, I
get to watch."
"Kinky." Treb pulled at his vest, dropping it onto the
floor. "On your knees, girl."
 Xel waved a hand. "No. It's just us. No performance art. I
just need a rush."
Jade looked at Treb, smiling before she turned to Xel.
Leaning over the mage, she took his glass and set it on the
table. "Fine. You still owe me, and I want to watch you please
yourself. I'll suck him off so good that he screams, but you're
gonna stain those pretty black pants with cum."
His eyes dropped to her chest. "And who finishes you?"
"He does - later. If you want to starve the Spider, then the
three of us are going to end up as really good friends." Jade
looked at Treb. "And you're damned good."
"You too, honey. Hot little pussy and all."
She stepped toward him. "Yeah? Like that? My mouth's
better, and I love doing this. Let's see if I can make him
groan by touching you."
Treb leaned back and unlaced his breeches. "I am
definitely up for this. She's better than the damned twins
and fun to ... " He sucked in a breath as her mouth closed
around him. "Talk to," he finished.
 CHAPTER THIRTEEN

S he managed to get a very satisfied grunt from the

Jackal, but Treb clawed at the wood table he leaned
against. She was rewarded by a hand offering a mostly full
glass of dark red wine, the mage behind it looking so very
pleased. Without bothering to rise from her knees, Jade
accepted it and drank, shocked to find it better than
anything she'd had before.
Xel smiled. "Enjoy the rest with dinner. Tomorrow we'll
find something new to show you." Then he pushed himself
to his feet. "I'm done, Treb. Make sure she's pampered?"
"No chain tonight, huh?" Treb sounded amused.
"No," Xel assured him, glancing down to Jade. "His bed is
soft and comes complete with a man to satisfy you. I don't
need to watch to gain the power. You take care of us - and I
don't mean sex - and we'll take care of you. Am I clear?"
"Perfectly, my lord," she promised as he turned for the
stairs, but she was smiling.
The words were all scripted to make the point, but their
stance, their smiles, and their air of acceptance said so much
more. Jade was no longer just an object of desire. In just over
a day, she'd gone from a woman to be enjoyed to an
acquaintance. They didn't trust her, not yet, but they weren't
shutting her out. The offer the mage just made was clear. He
was willing to add her to his very short list of friends - if she
could prove she was worth that title.
Jade had a feeling it meant more than being called a
queen or an empress. The Jackal played the part of the evil
mage, but over the course of the day, she'd learned one thing
about him: he might be the sweetest man she'd ever spoken
to. She also had a funny feeling that he hated what he was.
Xel paused at the door, grabbing the frame. "What was
that?" he asked.
Jade looked at Treb, but he was looking back at her,
confused. Xel turned to them, his eyes on Jade. "What was
that?" he asked again, insistent. "What were you thinking,
girl?"
"That being your friend meant more than any other title I
could think of, even queen." She took a breath, suddenly
nervous. "And that you're nothing like the Jackal. Xel is
really nice, the Jackal is powerful. I think you hate the
Jackal."
Xel stared for a moment, then rubbed at his face. "You're
right. Jade..." He let out a breath. "Don't do that around
anyone else. We'll talk about this tomorrow."
He left, the door closing gently behind him, and she
looked at Treb. "He hates sympathy?"
"Doesn't get much." Treb offered her a hand. "Go crawl
in the bath, I'll get dinner sent in."
She headed into his room, glad to be out of the massive
throne room and into someplace almost comfortable. The
tub was beside the bed, and while she hadn't seen anyone
come to clean it, it was still clear, and the waft of steam
proved it was nicely warm. The water promised her muscles
could relax. Jade tossed her silk wrap onto the foot of the bed
as she passed and stepped in.
Their operation was efficient. Dozens of small wood
tables, carved to be beautiful, were placed near any space
that might need them. One on either side of the throne in the
other room, both sides of the bed, and next to the tub. She
took the soap and scrubbed away all traces of the brute, then
slipped lower, enjoying the way the water eased her aching
body.
The clink of glass made her open her eyes. The sound
came from the wineglass he'd set on the tiny table. Treb
chuckled and tapped her shoulder, encouraging her to sit up.
"Let me enjoy that too." He slipped in behind her, then
tugged her back against his chest. "The bath is my weakness.
For years it was a luxury I couldn't afford, so Xel makes sure
I never need to worry."
She stretched back, using the man as a chair. Oddly, they
fit together well in the tub of water. "Magic?"
"Naturally. Water clears itself, and it's always the
temperature desired. One of those glasses of wine is for you."
She flapped her fingers at it, just out of reach, and Treb
passed one over before claiming the other for himself. "I
could get used to this," Jade said softly.
"That's what they all say."
"No," she assured him. "I mean all of this. The luxuries,
the clients, all of it. That idiot noble was what I get for the
typical client, but without the dark mage to insist on
lubrication to keep my ass in one piece."
Treb laughed, the sound rumbling through his body.
"Jade, what won't you do?"
She lifted the glass. "Pain. The whole getting smacked
around or cut up thing was never my scene. A little choking
or a slap on the ass, sure. True pain? Thanks, but no. I'll take
just about anything, anywhere, so long as it's not intended
to do more than sting."
"Doesn't mean you like it," he said, but the tone was
conversational, as if they were discussing the color of bed
coverings.
 She shrugged. "No, doesn't mean I like it, but doesn't
mean I hate it. I guess it's like boiled oats. Not something I'd
ever choose to eat, but I will if I don't have anything else. I
don't hate it, but it's bland and boring."
He tilted his glass and tugged at her, shifting her over
slightly. "So, what do you actually enjoy?"
"Hm." She took a drink while she thought of that.
"Fucking my ass doesn't usually get me off. My tits? Yeah,
that's a go button." She took another drink. "Mostly,
though, the things I crave are things clients don't care
about."
"Like?" He leaned around to see her face.
She smiled, a little embarrassed to admit it. "Kissing my
neck. Caressing my spine, especially the small of my back."
Her eyes flicked to his. "A gentle kiss inside my thigh when
we're done. Those things."
"Yeah," he sighed, leaning back again. "That little touch
that proves it's not all about the end result. The gestures that
say I want you, not just some warm hole or hard cock. I get
it." He chuckled. "Xel's is kissing. I always know when he is
gonna have trouble because he kisses the girl."
Xel had kissed her every time they were near each other.
"Oh."
"Exactly," Treb said. "I see you've already put the pieces
together. He can't keep his mouth off you."
"That's a problem, isn't it?" She looked back.
He shrugged, lifting his glass slightly with the gesture.
"Doesn't have to be. The problem is the Spider. If that
bastard figures out that Xel gives a shit? Yeah, he'll take you
away, quite literally." He took her glass, setting both back on
the table before turning his hands to her shoulders and
gently massaging. "Jade, I'm gonna tell you something, and
I'd appreciate it if you don't let Xel know, ok?"
"Sure."
 He moved down toward her arms, his touch skilled at
finding the aches. "Our little mage is a romantic. A twisted
and depraved one, but his dreams include candlelit dinners
and cuddling. Unfortunately, he wasn't kidding about
starving. That's what mages will never tell you."
"But he did, and you were listening?"
"Yeah. Lean forward so I can get your back." When she
did, his hands kneaded between her shoulder blades. "Have
to say, that shocked me. He basically just told you the only
way to kill him - starve him of his lifeblood, the one emotion
his body is wired to live on. He needs lust like we need air.
His very essence is made of it, which is why he has the effect
he does. There's just one little problem. It's really hard to be
romantic when you live in the middle of an orgy."
"I can see that."
"Yeah," Treb said softly. "You can. You also don't think
less of him for it. See the problem?"
"No."
Treb's lips were pressed together, and he was nodding.
"His dream girl is one that won't hate him because he's a
lust mage, hun. A girl who will fuck, who likes to fuck, but
doesn't think an orgasm means love."
Her. His dream girl sounded a lot like her. She pressed her
hand over her mouth and giggled at the stupidity of it all.
She'd never been anyone's dream girl. She was foreign,
different, and exotic. She was something to lust over, not
care about. Her few friends were little more than favorite
acquaintances.
"Well, he's pretty."
"Hey!" He slapped her damp skin playfully. "I'm pretty,
bitch."
"Yeah, you kinda are. He's pretty too, though." She
turned in the tub to face him. "Treb, I don't know what he
has on you, but I can see that you're as loyal to that man as a
dog. I get it. You owe him, and whether we're friends or not,
you won't let me do anything to him."
"Friends?" Treb nodded at the word. "I like that, but
you're right."
"So how about I don't. Xel's a nice guy. Too nice of a guy,
if my instincts are right. But I'm a poor black girl in the
middle of people who think they're better than me - "
Treb tapped the collar around her throat. "Not that poor,
Jade."
"Ok, I was. I also know that even a really nice house and
all my bills paid won't mean I'll have a nice life. I'm pretty
sure I can guess what the Jackal is doing. He just gave that
brute a very nice raise in his rank but didn't give him a way
to explain it. He distracted him from that little loophole with
my body. Then he played the leader of the Whore's Guild. He
smiles, he seduces, but he's winning."
"Yep."
She looked at him pointedly. "And I'm helping. I get to
treat all these bastards like they deserve, and those idiots
have to call me a lady. Treb, I'm tired of being ashamed of
who I am. He makes sure I don't have to be, and you treat me
like a friend." She leaned back and pressed her foot to his
chest. "Gonna do the legs too?"
He laughed, but began massaging the sole of her foot.
"You try to make it sound like you're in this for what you
get, yet you worry about him hating himself?"
She flicked that away with a wave of her hand. "Human
emotion. Believe it or not, even whores have them. He's nice,
and I think it's sad that he has to suffer because he likes sex.
Sounds like something I'm pretty familiar with."
"Yeah, me too." He moved up to her calf. "How did you
manage to never end up with kids?"
She moaned as he found a sore spot. "I worked my way up
to being a courtesan in Jorin. The upside? Learned which
herbs and tinctures can be used to prevent that. The
downside? My client taught me all about bondage, and not in
a safe way. Evidently, it's not acceptable for what they call a
peer, which is the upper class of nobility."
"Mm. Never been to Jorin." He shifted to her other leg. "I
started at the bottom and worked up. Turned sixteen,
decided to run away from home rather than get betrothed to
some horse-faced weaver's girl. Bartered to be a ship's boy
for passage around the cape, thinking I'd start over in
Adevia." He sighed, his face falling. "Three-week trip. Got
raped halfway through and every night after that until we
arrived. Took up using poppy to try to forget."
She pulled her foot away and leaned forward, wrapping
her arms around him. "I'm so sorry."
He hugged her back and pressed his face into her neck.
"Me too. Everyone thinks it only happens to women, but it
doesn't." He took a deep breath and pressed his forehead
into her skin. "Sorry. I don't know why I told you that."
"Treb, it's ok. I won't tell anyone."
"That's how I ended up serving men, you know? They
paid, and I figured, you know, I knew what would happen."
He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the tub.
"Then I realized that there's a bit more to it than just
bending over. First time I sucked a man off, I puked."
She couldn't help it. Jade giggled, even as she stroked the
dark hair at the back of his neck. "I'm sure that was pleasing
to the client."
"Not that much." He chuckled, too, then hugged her
tighter. "Thanks, Jade. I eventually got better at it. Then one
day, I found this guy that made me enjoy it. Figured out that
it wasn't that I hated fucking men, it's that I was taught that
I should hate fucking men. What I'd really hated was myself,
for what that sailor had done to me. That one guy showed me
that pleasure has nothing to do with self-worth."
 "No, it doesn't," she agreed.
Slowly, he relaxed, cradling her against his big, broad
chest. "Anyway, now I just kinda go with it. In our line of
work, it's not like we get attached or anything, but I didn't
want you to worry if you see me with a man."
"I would have, you know." She snuggled her head into his
neck. "The same way you kept that brute from hurting me
today. I figure our job is to take care of each other, right?"
"Partners?" He whispered against the top of her head.
"Yeah. I just have to figure out when you don't like
something so I know how to help. Xel told me to call him
Jackal, without a lord or a buffering word to go with it."
"He gave you a safe word?" Treb tensed in shock.
"Already?"
"When I told him I dislike brutes who try to push their
woman around, yeah."
"Yeah, I can see that. We'll need to find better ones that
aren't as obvious. Rubies for you, I think, since the men will
never wonder why you'd put that in a sentence. I can use
gold. Xel? He never does anything he doesn't want. I'll make
sure he knows. Now get out of the tub so we can have
dinner."
 CHAPTER FOURTEEN

T hey chatted over the meal, but it was comfortable.

Jade wrapped herself in the Jackal's shirt again, which
made Treb grin. He merely wore a towel. Afterward, they
relaxed over the bottle of wine, learning a little more about
each other.
It was nice in a way Jade had never experienced. They
spoke of past clients, right down to the most intimate
details, as if discussing the weather. A few of the stories were
funny, most were mocking, but between those, there were
tidbits of soul-baring. For the first time in her life, Jade had
someone who she could honestly talk to without trying to
become the person they expected. She could be herself, and
Treb didn't seem to mind. In truth, he seemed to be enjoying
it.
By the time they made it to bed, she knew this man was
the kind of friend she could trust. She didn't really know
him, but the chemistry was there; she just wasn't sure if it
was the romantic type. Not that he wasn't sexy. Oh, he made
that into an art form, but what was quickly forming between
them was true, complete, and honest friendship, the kind
with no expectations and plenty of acceptance. That was
nothing at all like any of the love stories she'd ever heard.
Eventually, she tumbled into bed with him, smiling from
too much wine, and saw no reason not to enjoy his body. He
was more than willing. Three times that night, they pleased
each other, but it wasn't frantic, and it wasn't beautiful. It
was just comfortable and felt very, very good. Wrapped in
luxury, with Treb's arm over her waist, she slept deeper than
she ever had before. Her last thought was wondering how life
could get any better.
She woke the next morning wrapped in silk sheets with a
heavy arm across her hips and blood rushing to her loins.
Beside her, Treb groaned and rolled onto his back.
"Morning, Lord Jackal," he croaked.
Jade giggled and shoved her head deeper into the pillows.
"That's one hell of a way to wake up."
Treb sat up and rubbed at his face. "Happens every time
he walks into a room. Easier to ignore when you know he's
there."
Xel chuckled from the side of the bed. "Figured you two
would be satiated after last night."
She rolled onto her back and stretched, shaking her head
around a yawn. "I was until you walked in. At this rate, I'm
gonna need a day off to recover or start walking bowlegged."
"Easier access," Treb teased.
Xel looked at her, his eyes sliding over her body.
"Speaking of that, do you know any acrobatics?"
"Mhm. Ribbon work, tumbling, and a few other flashy
tricks."
At the list, the mage's eyes lit up. "What exactly can you
do with a ribbon?"
"Ever see the girls wrap themselves in it and hang from
the ceiling? Yeah. Studied that for a year trying to get out of
whoring. Then I realized that it's the same job, just with
more work and better posters. Not exactly a lot of options for
someone like me to move into."
Nodding, he moved to the bed, sitting next to her.
Casually, he leaned closer, one hand gently caressing her hip
as his attention was locked on her words. It felt so normal,
even with Treb lying beside her. Xel didn't seem disturbed at
all.
"Can you do it with a chain? And how long can you
tolerate hanging there?"
She shrugged. "I've never tried to time it. I'm pretty sure
a chain wouldn't be bad if the links were thick enough."
Treb scooted higher, propping his back against the
headboard. "Want to do the chandelier thing?"
"Was thinking about it," Xel admitted. "I've got four
generals and six captains I need to bind. Figured the image
of conquest would be appropriate."
It was Treb who vetoed the idea. "Ten men? That's a lot
back to back. Chain her to the wall and let them have at her.
It'll make them just as happy."
"Between the pillars," Jade said. "Spread. Then they can
have me from the front or the back, but always as a display
for you."
His head tilted slightly, but his eyes never left hers. For a
moment, Xel said nothing, as if he was weighing her idea.
When he finally spoke, it wasn't at all what she expected.
"Go away, Treb."
The Catalyst laughed, hauling himself out of the bed.
"Sure. I need to get dressed anyway. I'll have breakfast
waiting in the other room when you're done."
Xel nodded, but still didn't look away. When the door
closed, he took a deep breath and shifted closer. "They will
fuck you. Every one of those men. They will suck and grope
and treat you like an object simply because I'm in the room.
My lust will incite them, and their egos will make them want
to prove they're better than me."
"I'm an object of desire," she reminded him. "I'm also
really good at my job. It's ok."
 He licked at his lips, finally glancing away. "You can say
no."
Jade sat up, her hand touching his chest lightly. "You
can't. Yesterday I ate better than I ever have. You gave me a
dress - two - better than anything I've ever owned." She
tapped her throat. "And this."
"Is a collar."
"It's a beautiful necklace made of jewels, and I'm pretty
sure there are some protections built in, right?"
"Yeah."
Her hand slid higher, across his shirt. "You take care of
me, and I'll take care of you. That's our deal."
He caught her wrist, holding her hand over his heart, the
thrumming vibrating through her palm. "I like it." He looked
up at her, his expression almost guilty. "It seems wrong,
enjoying watching men use you like that, but I can't help it. I
like it."
She shifted onto her knees, moving closer. "Would you
like it if I was scared?"
"No," he said softly. "I like that you aren't ashamed of
getting off. I like seeing you pleased. I love watching you
with Treb - it's like a symphony."
Something about the way he said it spoke volumes. That,
and Treb's story from the night before finally clicked
together. "The only reason you won't touch him is the curse,
isn't it?"
He laughed once, ducking his head. "I'm lust, Jade. A
pure, physical incarnation of lust. Men, women, somewhere
in between, it doesn't matter. What turns me on is depraved
and sick. Society despises it. That's why I'm a dark mage, but
I didn't ask for this."
"I want to watch."
Her words caught him off guard. Xel sucked in a breath
and leaned back. "What?"
 "Treb with Adar was the first time I've seen two men
together, and you kept me distracted." She leaned even
closer, her chest brushing against his. "You can't fuck me.
You can't fuck Treb. I can't stop thinking about seeing you
get off. So let's enjoy what we can. Those men can use me as
hard as they want, but I get to see some man suck your
dick."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah," she breathed, daring to kiss at his neck. "And
when you shove him against the wall, I'll be the one on the
throne enjoying the show."
He groaned as his hands caught both sides of her face, his
mouth just behind them. The kiss was hard and furious. The
silk sheet was still twined around her legs, but he didn't
care, pulling her across his lap. It was just one more layer
between them, one that taunted so nicely as he shoved his
hips into her.
"By the gods, you make me hard, girl."
She smiled against his mouth. "I see that. Tell me, Lord
Jackal, do my hands inflict the curse?"
"No." He let go, his arms out so she could do whatever
she desired. "You can touch me as much as you want, so long
as there is no penetration."
Jade pushed him back into the bed and yanked at the
sheets. Xel chuckled, fumbling at his laces. By the time she
freed herself from the bed coverings, his pants were pushed
down, a sly smile on his lips. When she moved to him, he
sighed and closed his eyes, lacing his hands behind his head.
"Tell me," she said, reaching over for the oil beside the
bed, "hard or gentle?"
"Hard."
She giggled. "Fast or slow?"
He lifted heavy lids to look at her. "Yes."
"Good. Don't open your eyes again."
 Her slick hand slid over his engorged head, and Xel's hips
bucked. With her other hand, she caressed his balls, then
back. When she reached his ass, he groaned, grabbing at the
sheets. If he wasn't picky about his lovers, then he wouldn't
be timid with his body. Her oiled hands caressed every
sensitive spot, teasing, taunting, and clenching.
Xel writhed, entirely in her control. This was the
repayment she'd planned the night before. It wasn't her
mouth, but her hands would do. All that mattered was that
he got back a little of what he gave. The Lord of Lust
deserved to be pleased. He had the right to the same desire
he invoked in those around him, and she knew how to do it.
Against her palm, his shaft was hard and throbbing. Each
stroke made him whimper in pleasure, the sound little more
than a breath, but she heard it. As her fist slid down him
once more, she shoved a finger into his ass, her thumb
pressing the skin beneath his balls.
As his back arched from the bed, he broke, spilling over
her hands, gasping for breath. Then she bent, licking the
proof from the overly-sensitive tip, making him writhe one
last time.
Xel caught the back of her head, but didn't pull her away.
"Do that again," he begged.
She did, licking him like a piece of candy. "Like that?"
"Oh fuck," he groaned. "Fuck. Get me a rag because I'm
not sure I can move."
One for him, one for her. "If you cum that easy, I think
we're going to have a lot of fun." She giggled, tossing her rag
to the side. "What am I wearing today, Lord?"
"Nothing." He tossed his rag beside hers. "Come here,
Orchid."
When she got close enough, he grabbed her, pulling her
down against him, laughing as he rolled above her. "Rubies
for your orgasms, so how do I pay you for mine?"
 "Something black."
Smiling, he kissed her gently. "I already have something
black."
"The stones, you fool," she teased.
"Mm, but you're much more beautiful than any gem.
What stone makes you think of me?"
She reached up and slid her fingers through his hair.
"Diamonds. Perfect, transparent, and the most valuable
thing I know of."
His eyes flared wider. "Diamonds it is. Jade..." He rolled
away.
"I'm sorry," she breathed, sitting up.
He shook his head. "You're fine. I just didn't expect that.
I'm used to being the monster, not the friend."
"And Treb?"
"He's my catalyst."
"Just yours?" She still didn't understand exactly what a
catalyst was.
Xel shook his head. "Now, but there's a catch. He doesn't
amplify the emotions of those around him, just his. So for
me to get the benefits of his lust, I need him to be aroused."
That made sense. She chewed at her lip, trying to
understand the nuances of his magic. "So what does it feel
like?"
"Lust, or Treb?"
"Both."
He cleared his throat and stood, straightening his clothes.
"Lust feels like a drink of water. When you're very thirsty,
it's so sweet and amazing, but when you aren't, it's just
there. Treb? He's like a fine wine. Doesn't matter if I need a
drink or not, it's always enjoyable."
"And when you're thirsty, you feel weak?"
His eyes snapped to her. "Empty. Like a glass that is
empty. I never let myself get drained completely because
then anyone could..." He paused. "Spider could destroy me. If
I have no power, then I have no defenses. But when I'm low,
it feels like there's something missing inside me, the same
way you feel hollow when a close friend dies or moves
away."
She nodded, thinking that over. "And Treb likes me well
enough?"
Xel laughed as he gestured for her to get out of bed. "Yes,
Jade. He'll tell you that he loves blondes, but that's so much
crap. He has a thing for the way your waist flares into your
ass. He loves your eyes. When you toss a look at him, he has
to remind himself just how easy it is to see an erection in
that shendyt."
"Good." She stood and flipped her hair back over her
shoulders. "That means we can make sure you never have to
worry, and I can convince you to keep me around for a while
longer."
"Or until you get sick of this life."
"Or then," she agreed, pulling open the door. "And every
day I learn just a bit more about you."
He caught her arm, stopping her before she entered the
throne room. "Be careful," he whispered. "Be very careful,
Jade. We don't want anyone to notice that you're different."
"I am?"
He nodded. "Very, and I'm not sure why, but I plan to find
out."
When his hand let go, she marched straight toward Treb.
She knew why she was different. It was because her pride
wasn't bound to her body. She didn't care what anyone else
thought about her. At least, she never had before, but for the
first time, she wanted to prove that she was worthy.
Thankfully, this was one task she was very good at.
 CHAPTER FIFTEEN

C hained a mere twenty feet from the golden throne,

Jade was at the Jackal's mercy. Treb had been sent out
to find the generals. She knew they were on their way, but
Xel was in no rush. He moved toward her leisurely, a golden
vial of oil in one hand, a smile on his lips.
"I plan to watch you," he whispered, filling one hand with
a pool of straw-colored fluid. "Every sigh. Every moan. Every
time you cum, I will see it."
"And them?" His presence made her nearly breathless.
He drizzled the oil over her chest. "They will be drunk and
foolish. They always are." Then he pressed his palm to her
skin, sliding it toward her neck. "That's not what I find
desirable."
"I don't get drunk on your presence."
His hand moved lower, across her bare breasts, to the soft
flesh of her belly. "I know, yet I still feel it from you."
"Feel what?" She could guess. Chained, helpless, she was
at his complete mercy.
He poured from the vial across her shoulders. "Your
desire. You do this because you know I need it, but I think
you honestly like it."
She leaned her head back as his hands moved lower. "I
do."
 Xel's greased fingers moved between her legs. "These
men will fuck you. They will shove themselves inside you
until you can't take anymore, and you will cum." He stepped
around her, lubricating every inch of her bare skin. "And
when you do, it will be me that you see. Watching, drinking
it in, feeling your pleasure like no other man ever could."
More oil trickled down her back, then he tossed the vial
away carelessly. She didn't even care where it landed because
his hands were still moving. One caressed the swell of her
buttocks, the other slipped over her ribs to tease her breasts.
He coated every single inch, lingering over the most
sensitive parts. Over and over, his hands came so close, but
never quite touched the inflamed areas she truly desired. By
the time he was done, her knees had already begun to
weaken.
Then Xel stepped before her. One slick palm cupped the
back of her head, and his mouth found hers. He kissed her
hard but fast, and then looked right into her eyes. "Next time
we do this, I think we should be alone. Just the three of us."
The mage turned for his throne, sinking into it just as the
main doors opened. Behind her, Jade only heard the sound of
feet. A lot of them. In matched step, a group of ten men
moved to stand in a perfect line between her and the Jackal.
A moment later, a hand pulled her braids away from her
neck.
"You look good like that," Treb whispered in her ear.
He stood just behind her, ignored by the self-important
military men. "That shendyt hides little," she said softly,
glancing back at him.
His only answer was a grin, then he changed the subject.
"From back here, you get to watch. Notice how they all lean
toward him? Even though they want to look precise, they're
still drawn by his essence."
 She tipped her head slightly. That much was obvious.
Everyone in the mage's presence could feel his lure. He was
lust, and it infected those around him. Unfortunately, it
wasn't enough to hide their true feelings, just to reveal them.
The more the military officers hated him, the less they
allowed themselves to succumb. Those willing to agree to his
terms were nearly panting in anticipation.
Rumors were probably running through the town already.
The guild leaders would have talked about their meeting. The
nobles would have bragged. The men and women from that
first day would discuss how lucky they were to have gotten
off so easily. By now, all of Kurkevy knew the Jackal's power
was fueled by lust, and sex was his greatest reward. This
time, he was going to let the military leaders conquer his
favorite pet.
"Scream," Treb whispered. "These men will love it. Beg
them. Let them think they're taking you, and give it all
back."
"Treb..."
One hand pressed into the small of her back. "Yell rubies,
or even Jackal without his title, or my full name, and we'll
stop them. If they hurt you, I'll kill every last one."
His eyes were serious. She nodded, showing that she
believed him, but that wasn't what she wanted. "Treb, make
sure he knows. He'll worry."
"He'll know. He can feel it. The more you want it, the
more he likes it."
He stepped back just as the Jackal lifted his eyes to her.
"This, gentlemen, is but a small example of why the
professionals are a better option than the citizens. In my
town, you may take only what is given. You can have her any
way you want, so long as she allows it. Am I clear?"
One of the men turned to look at her. "No raping. How do
you think we're going to enforce that?"
 "Try her," Xel suggested. "Take her. Break her if you
want, because she's allowed it."
Another man walked right before her. "Yeah? And how are
we supposed to know that? Looks to me like you're just
offering us the spoils of your war."
"I am," Xel purred. "I'm the one in charge. I'm the one
who your raping makes stronger. Every man who tries is like
a beacon, leading me right to him. If you touch a woman - or
man - without their consent..." He chuckled. "I will make
sure you never can again."
"You can't rule us through fear," the man spat at the
mage.
"No," Xel agreed, sounding exactly like the dark mage he
was supposed to be. "But you still want her. You want to
prove that I'm the monster in this room, and I am. Oh, I
definitely am, but I'm the kind of monster that will give you
your deepest and darkest desires. She's right there, chained
up just like the women your men took advantage of - but this
time you won't be punished."
"Until she changes her mind. That's what they all do.
Promise us a good time hoping they'll get free, then cry
when we take what they offered."
"Whores don't change their mind," Treb said, moving to
the throne. "He's giving you the chance to see for yourself,
and if she's all he's promised, then tell your men. If she's
not? Well, then I think you will have proven your point,
hm?"
Xel leaned forward, and it was like a wave of desire
washed across the room. "Exactly. Or are you saying you
don't want her? Is it because you can't?"
"Fucking show you can't."
Wrenching at his pants, the man made a straight line to
her, ducking under her arm so he was behind her. She heard
his pants fall free, then felt him grab her shoulder. A split
second later, he thrust himself deep into her ass. Jade
screamed. After all, that was what they really wanted.
Treb's hand dropped on the Jackal's arm, holding him in
place with that simple gesture. Seeing no reaction from the
mage, another man moved toward her, laughing as she
whimpered. A cruel smile found his lips as he reached up to
pinch her nipple. Hard. Not even the brute the day before had
been so harsh, but the oil helped. It made their hands - and
dicks - slide right over her.
"Please," she begged.
"Say it again, bitch," the soldier demanded. "Say it loud
enough that your master can hear."
"Please!" She looked at the mage. "I didn't do anything.
Don't hurt me."
"I'll show you what it means to be conquered." Laughing,
he looked back at the Jackal as he began unlacing his pants.
"Like I said, they're all whores. Your little bitch is gonna get
a lesson, so just remember that you gave her to us."
"Trust me," Xel purred, "I will. My orchid could take all
of you and come out the victor. Winning isn't as easy as
cramming your dick into something. You, General, need to
learn that, and I think she's the one to teach you."
"Fuck that."
With one man working her from behind and the mage's
lust fueling their need, the General before her was hard and
ready. When he pulled his pants open, she saw his dick flop
out, standing at full attention. The man followed her eyes
down, then stroked himself, sliding his finger along the clear
drop to moisten the head. Determined, he moved into her,
bending his knees to find just the right position.
As the man behind her slid out, the one before her shoved
in. Jade gasped, letting her head fall back, clenching the
chains by her wrists to keep herself upright. The general was
thick and filled her completely. Over and over the men
alternated, stuffing her full until she couldn't take it. She
screamed. She begged. She gave herself to the attention until
the first lost himself in her. Hot juice pumped into her ass as
he throbbed, but the one before her was still going. She could
feel him sliding against the one still buried inside her.
"Oh, yes," she groaned, aware of the lust surging in the
air. "I need more."
"Move." Another man stepped in. A fourth following.
Driven by the mage's essence, someone grabbed her leg.
Someone else took his place in her ass. A mouth found her
breast and sucked while callused hands pawed at the other.
When she felt yet another man probing at her opening, she
gave herself to the sensations and came.
Ten of them touched her, sucked her and fucked her until
her legs were like water. Some took turns, some didn't. Her
body protested, stretched to its limit when two men speared
her simultaneously. Inside her core, they fought for control,
making her body the conquest, and she let them. Over and
over, she let them, but each time an orgasm hit, it was Xel
whose face she saw.
"Cum." His eyes drank her in. "Again, Orchid. Cum for
me."
She couldn't do anything else. The heat in his gaze drove
her higher. The waves of lust pouring off him made her
delirious. For the first time, she understood what most
people felt in his presence. She knew the need, the crazed
passions he incited. Chained as the Jackal's plaything, she
realized the power was all hers - because he wanted her to
have it.
He wanted her to be his equal. He wanted her to know
that she wasn't less because she enjoyed this, she was more.
She was so much more than these foolish men. She was his
orchid. She was the one doing the conquering, because each
dick inside her body gave her mage more power.
 In the pit of her stomach, something began to tingle. The
feeling wasn't one she could describe, but it grew. Like
breathing, the thing she needed came so easily, she just had
to accept it. All she had to do was stop believing that being
different made her worth less and be proud of what she was.
Like a tall glass of water, she drank it in as her nerves cried
out in pleasure, then she broke.
Pleasure flared up her nerves, burning with more than
she'd ever felt before and she took it. She took all of it, giving
back only a primal cry as her partners exploded inside her.
As the spasms shook her body, she opened her eyes to find
the Jackal. His fingers clung to the gold armrests of his
throne, and his lips were parted, but his eyes burned. Like
the heart of a fire, she saw the power raging inside them,
and he inhaled. When the waves of pleasure began to
subside, his mouth curled into a devious smile.
"Send them away, Treb. These men are done."
The Catalyst marched forward, snapping out, "Put your
pants back on and get your dicks out of Lord Jackal's lady.
Tell yourself that you were forced, or not, but never forget
what you all just did together and how powerless you were to
stop it. If any of your soldiers rape a woman in this town, the
Jackal will put one of you in those chains. You will be the one
screaming as the Orchid pays you back for the way you
treated her. Now, let's go."
They went. She felt them leave but didn't see. Her eyes
only wanted one thing, and he was waiting, the look on his
face as delirious as she felt. The sound of the door closing
propelled him off the throne and straight at her, his mouth
crashing into hers like he never had before. She wanted him.
She needed him, and he took. Jade couldn't even explain
what it was, but she felt the frenzy begin to fade as their
tongues clashed. Slowly, kiss by kiss, her abused body
started to feel normal again. Normal, and completely
aroused.
That was when she realized he was holding her up.
"Orchid," he whispered against her lips. "You are amazing.
Just relax, beautiful. I got ya. You don't even have to stand,
just enjoy that. We've got you." He lifted his gaze over her
shoulder. "Treb, get her loose."
"She ok?"
"Yeah," he breathed. "I already healed her. She'll be
fine." The chains dropped away from her arms and Jade
reached for his neck, feeling Xel lift her against his chest.
"She's going to be just fine after we get her to bed. Treb, our
little orchid just filled me up completely."
When the cuffs were off her ankles, the mage started
walking. Like always, he headed to the door at the back. She
knew where they were going, so didn't need to look. They'd
done this before. Each time she gave him power, he rewarded
her with pampering. It was something she could get used to.
Jade let her exhausted head drop to his shoulder and just
closed her eyes.
"I liked it," she said softly. "I like you two watching."
He tilted his head to press against hers but didn't stop
walking. "That's good. I like it too. I like this so much."
 CHAPTER SIXTEEN

T he next morning, she woke to kisses on her neck as

Treb pulled her closer.
"Mm. Good morning, Xel," she mumbled, knowing the
cause.
"You going to wake him, or let him grind against you
until he leaves a mess in the sheets?"
Jade's laugh answered that, loud enough that Treb
groaned. "Damn it," he mumbled. "I was having the best
dream."
"And dry-humping Jade," Xel teased. "Works better when
you're awake."
With a weary sigh, she rolled onto her back, waving away
the idea. "I should've had a long soak before passing out. I
think my entire body is complaining."
"Well, there goes that," Treb said, pulling himself toward
the pillows. "Not as much fun if you're faking it."
"Baby, with you I never fake it," she assured him.
The mage couldn't help but chuckle, but he tried to hold it
in. "I sure won't complain, but I have other plans for you.
Treb, you and the Orchid are going out."
Treb paused, turning slowly to look at the Jackal. "What?"
"She needs a dress for the ball - something in the local
style. You need to have a dressing room arranged for her and
a maid assigned. We need to get some ideas for the food,
music, and other local customs, and she's the one who'd
know."
"Xel," Treb said gently. "You sure about this?"
"No, but she's not like the others, and I already promised.
I'm not the Spider. If she runs off, let her go. I can break the
collar from here, so she'll be compensated. If she comes
back..." He looked over to Jade. "If she comes back, she can
stay until she's ready to leave on her own."
"Really?" she asked, sitting up in excitement. "Like, the
next town, and the one after?"
Slowly, he nodded. "I'll need a whore to take your place,
and I will still use you to bind this town, but if you want to be
a mage's assistant, prove me right."
"I promise."
His eyes flicked to the ground, and he smiled softly.
"Yeah. I have a feeling it's not empty, either. Now go get
dressed, Jade. Common clothes so you won't draw attention
on the street."
She pulled herself out of bed and walked toward him, then
wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thanks, Xel. You suck at
the evil mage thing. I'll find you the best whore."
His hands had found her waist, but her words made him
freeze. "What? I thought..."
Treb flopped back into the bed with a laugh. "That I'd get
you one? Yeah, I'll help, but she knows the girls. I know you.
Between the two of us, we'll make sure you're charged up.
You sure she isn't a catalyst?"
"No," Xel admitted, looking at her strangely. "I'm not. I
don't think she is, but I'm trying to figure it out. That's why
I'll let her stay, because she's something."
"Something magic?" Now that was a nice thought!
"Unless someone cast a spell on you, yeah. Every time you
get all sweet and caring, you're refueling me." He pushed
back her braids. "Let me get the town settled this week, and
then we can try a few tests. Now go get dressed."
She kissed his cheek, thrilled, then turned to Treb. "Oh
yeah, I'm magic, too. Now you're gonna have to work for it."
"I worked you, hun. Don't tempt me to do it again." He
waggled his brows in a parody of flirtation.
She stuck her tongue out and headed to the powder room
across the hall. Behind her, the men were talking. She
strained her ears to listen.
"Sweet and caring, huh? Is that what she did to me the
other night? I got all sappy, and she reassured me, but not
just the normal way."
"Me, too," Xel said. "Spider won't like it."
"Spider doesn't need to know. She's smart enough to play
stupid."
"I hope so."
She found the linen dress from days before. Laid out
beside it were undergarments as well. They were beautiful,
not like the things she was used to. Neither designed to
seduce nor to merely support, they managed to do both.
When she put them on, she was surprised to find they were
also comfortable, and under the dress, completely hidden. A
new pair of sandals completed the outfit.
The dress was just nice enough that her necklace didn't
look out of place. Excluding the fact that no one wore gems
this large, she looked like a merchant's wife, not a whore.
Jade tied her mass of braids up, darkened her lids and lashes,
then added a touch of color to her lips.
She returned to the throne room to see Xel sitting at a
table, filling his plate. He was alone. "Treb, I want her in red
or gold for the - "
"I'm not Treb." She moved to the chair beside him. "But I
can do red and gold."
 He nodded. "Sorry. I just expected him to finish before
you. He's shaving."
"You two are pretty close, huh?" She reached over to help
herself.
Xel watched her for a moment. "Yeah. We used to be
closer, before my curse. But yes, it sometimes feels like we
don't even need to talk anymore."
"So you two know everything about each other?"
Xel shook his head. "No, every man keeps his own secrets.
I take what he gives as the prize it's meant to be. Jade, I'm
surrounded by people the world has hurt. I try not to demand
much of those I care about. If they want to, they'll offer it."
He glanced up. "Half of my personal guard worked in your
profession. Most of them hated it, so I gave them a choice. In
Persanera, they called me the Sultan of Whores."
"I like it. I also have no clue where Persanera is."
His smile was shy, and he leaned his cheek against his fist
as he looked at her. "East and a little south. Not quite
halfway between here and Adevia. You came from the west, I
take it. How'd you travel?"
"Foot, a lot. Usually with merchants. Town to town,
looking for a place where the people weren't terrified of me.
They never like me, but in the larger cities they usually avoid
me rather than throw stones."
"Because you're black?"
She nodded. "Yeah. People are even lighter out west.
Figured I'd keep moving until I found someplace really
brown."
"Go too far south and they turn yellow. Northeast, they
get bronze. Dark, but not the same color. Your skin has hints
of blue, theirs is more red."
"And it doesn't bother you?"
Again he offered that smile. "No. I know what Tareni are,
Jade."
 He pushed his plate away, looked over the table, then
grabbed the vial of salt. When he poured it out on the wood,
she gasped in shock. Salt was expensive. That much was a
fortune. To just waste it? She stared, unable to believe what
he'd just done.
"Relax, I'm a professional." He chuckled and spread his
hand over the white granules, muttering.
The powder obeyed his wish, smoothing into lines, hills,
and spaces. With barely an effort, he'd just made a map,
complete with elevation. It showed the coast, the southern
half of the mainland, and a long line of islands to the
southwest.
"This is Adevia, as the country currently stands. By next
week it will have grown again." A sharp line raced through
the map. "And I'm assuming you came from here?" He
pointed at the islands.
"The second one. Yeah."
He nodded, then pointed at the far end of the chain.
"Here, the people change." Then he moved south, toward a
large island by the cape. "Here is where the prisoners were
sent."
"From Adevia?"
"From a few countries. The waters are filled with sharks
and rays. The pirates cleared it, the natives were
slaughtered, and various rulers decided that criminals could
do less harm out there." He looked up at her. "That's where I
was born."
"From criminals?"
He nodded. "The most noble birth, I assure you. A thief
and a murderer. I could've spent my entire life on that island
without a clue of what I could do, but the Spider needed a
sacrifice, and no one cares what happens to criminals. He
found me seducing the neighbor's daughter. My own
damned lust gave me away. Thing is, we had Tareni on the
island." He snapped his fingers and hissed out another word.
The salt jumped back into its container. "My neighbors were
Tareni."
He screwed the lid onto the vial before looking at her.
That was when Treb returned, breaking the moment, but she
understood what Xel was saying. The neighbor's daughter,
who he'd been seducing when the Spider found him, was
black. He said nothing else, but his eyes searched hers as if
trying to read her thoughts. She looked up at Treb with a
smile.
"So it takes you an hour to shave?"
He dropped into the chair across from her. "You'll thank
me later."
She shrugged. "I'll thank you now. You look better
without the shadow."
Xel chuckled, muffling it with a large bite of pastry. Treb
however, was not as subtle. He reached over to dump food on
his plate, grinning at her. "Hun, the shadow isn't the
problem, it's the short curlies that would end up between
your teeth that are so annoying."
"Yeah, do hate those. Speaking of that, I should stop by
my salon today." She grabbed the pitcher of juice and filled a
glass, looking smugly at Treb. "Cute girl. Takes care of that
for me."
The men quickly looked at each other. Xel broke first,
choking back a laugh. Then Treb groaned, "How cute?"
"Very." Jade took a drink. "Used to be a whore, decided
she could make more keeping us well-groomed, and now the
Actors Guild uses her as well. Bet she'd be thrilled to add a
mage to her client list." She paused, looking at the salt.
"Never mind, you probably can just magic that away."
Xel was still giggling, trying his hardest not to. He cleared
his throat and looked at her. "One thing you need to know
about magic. It's not perfect. The user controls it, and um."
He chuckled again. "Not magicking my balls. That's a
mistake I'm unwilling to risk."
"What am I missing?" Jade asked.
Xel tittered like a boy, shoving his hand over his mouth,
but Treb sighed, obviously the brunt of the joke. "Fucking
cut myself shaving, ok? Nicked the backside of my balls."
She couldn't help it. Between Treb's grumbling and Xel's
boyish amusement, she giggled. That just made Xel laugh
more, which fanned her on. It wasn't that funny, but seeing
the Jackal, the supposedly evil mage, so amused at
something so childish? It didn't take long before even Treb
was chuckling with them. Twice, he tried to stop, but one of
the others would break, and it all started again until Jade and
Xel were streaming tears.
Treb tossed up his hands and leaned back. "The suffering
I go through for you, Xel."
"Never said you had to keep that shit short."
"Makes clean up easier." Treb looked at Jade. "Am I
right?"
She looked at Xel. "Ever tried to get the crunchies out
after it dries? Just no. I'd rather get rid of them than pull
them during cleanup!"
Grinning, he lifted a glass to her. "In case you didn't
notice, Orchid, I have less hair on my body than you."
"Haven't seen much of your body."
He took a long drink, his eyes sparkling. "Gives you
something to work up to. I also don't require the proof of age
you keep between your legs."
"Sorry, Xel, the guild still does."
"Shame." He leaned back, looking over at Treb. "I prefer
it completely smooth, what about you?"
"Definitely." Treb ran a hand over his mouth. "Less to
catch in my teeth, more places to kiss."
 "Guess I'm going to have to buy her out of the guild, then.
Take care of that last, if she still wants to come back."
Jade leaned over the table. "First. I'm staying, Xel. I like
having friends I can laugh with."
"Me too, Jade, but I can't promise to protect you. I'll try,
but I can't promise it. I'm still on a leash, even if it's made of
gold. Last. Think about what you're wanting to jump into bed
with."
"Hey," Treb grumbled. "That's my bed you're talking
about."
Jade was looking at Xel and shook her head slowly. "No, it
isn't. I understand, my lord."
The Jackal smiled.
 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

T he weather was beautiful. Blue sky hung overhead,

and large puffy clouds flowed over the city fast
enough to leave a pleasant breeze in their wake. Beside her,
Treb was gawking. He hadn't gotten to see much of the town,
or so he said. Standing by the Jackal, he'd watched the walls
fall, then ridden in surrounded by the army. Since then, he'd
been in the temple, refueling the mage.
To Jade, things were so different. The citizens had already
started cleaning up. The streets were mostly clear, the shops
were operating again, but the red and gold of the Jackal's
military was everywhere. From the smiles on most people's
faces, the Adevian soldiers were well-accepted. The takeover
was nothing like she'd expected. Nothing like the ones she'd
lived through before.
Heading toward the higher-class neighborhoods, she saw
enough exchanges to prove it. A soldier retrieved something
dropped by an elderly woman. A child playfully waved a toy
sword at another veteran - who joined in the fencing,
hopping about as the child beat him back. A store owner
tossed out a problem-maker, only to have the uniformed
men pounce on him before anyone could retaliate. Kurkevy
was a better place now that the Jackal ruled it.
"Which part has your mouth hanging open?" Treb asked.
 "The Owl's army raped every woman they could find. The
Lion's army was even worse, and they killed them when they
got done." She gestured to the armed men. "They're just..."
"Keeping the peace," Treb finished. "Yeah. Jade, people
don't fuck as much when they're scared. The Lord will start
putting the walls back up today, lifting the rubble too large
to do by hand, and the army will clean up anything too small
for him to bother with."
"And our job is to worry about some ball?"
"It is." He pulled her toward a clothing shop. "Can't keep
the people happy if the nobles change everything once we
leave. There are twenty pampered little pricks, and we need
to make sure they're either completely in the Jackal's pocket
or removed from power. To do that, our job is to keep them
busy. He'll distract them with politics - more as the month
goes on. You and I? We make it clear that sex is power - and
a threat. Which means you need to be gorgeous."
"And you," she teased, stepping into the store.
"Oh!" a woman gasped when they entered. "I wasn't
expecting customers today, I'm sorry!" She hurried toward
them, a broom in her hand. "Can I help you with
something?"
"I need a dress," Jade told her. "Fit for the Jackal's
upcoming ball."
Her eyes flicked over Jade, then toward Treb. "I assume
you're buying?"
"Something like that," Treb assured her. "Lord Jackal is
buying, I'm just here to carry his coin."
The change in the woman was obvious. The air leaked out
of her mouth, her eyes widened, then she scrambled into
action. Like everyone else, she recognized Jade, even if only
by reputation. Most likely the jewels they wore and the
promise of the mage's patronage were enough to make her
accept that she was serving a whore.
 "I have a lovely dress in your style - "
"No," Treb cut her off. "Something fit for a noble. She'll
be on the Jackal's arm, and unless you want to serve only
brothels, I think you need to find your best clothing,
madam."
"In red or gold," Jade added.
"Or black. Or a combination. He does have a preference
for those."
The woman nodded obediently and began to find suitable
options. Jade tried on dress after dress. Treb refused each
one. A few he set aside to consider, but he obviously wasn't
pleased with them. The woman was getting frustrated when
she pulled out her most lavish options. She dropped them
over the counter, and Treb immediately reached for one in
the middle.
"This one, Orchid. Try it."
Sliding it on, she realized Treb's fashion sense was
impeccable. This wasn't a dress, but a shirt and skirt that
connected with a long overlaid scarf to keep her covered. The
fabric was mostly gold. Interwoven throughout was a large
red pattern that mimicked climbing flowers. It was made to
hug her body, even if the fit wasn't yet perfect. The cut of the
top showed off her cleavage, and the skirt was loose enough
for her to move. The draped scarf would keep it all proper.
When she stepped out of the changing room to show Treb,
he smiled.
"Add black accents, tailor it to her bust, and it'll be
perfect."
"Sir," the woman muttered, gesturing to the dress. "That
fabric was imported from the islands - "
"I know," Treb said. "Southern Taren. Yes, the pattern is
distinct, as is the weave, but it's made in a local style." He
lifted a brow. "Black accents along the hem, scarf, and
bodice. She has the body to take the fit, so make it perfect.
You have two weeks."
"This sari style is usually reserved for the city's elite, sir."
"Lord," Treb corrected, absentmindedly.
"It's much too fine for a common whore, my Lord."
Treb slammed his fist on the counter, making the poor
woman jump. "The Lady Orchid is no common whore,
madam. She is the Jackal's esteemed guest. There is no such
thing as too good for his lady. Am I clear?"
"Yes, my lord."
The woman took the measurements, offered a selection of
trim to Treb, and haggled over payment. Jade shook her head
or nodded until the price was right for the local market. Only
then did she put back on her simple linen gown while the
store owner made promises to have it ready in time. When
Jaeda stepped out, Treb flopped his arm over her shoulder
and steered her through the door.
"And now I know why you want to leave. Funny, because I
really like this town." He pulled her closer and kissed her
temple. "Welcome to nobility, Lady Orchid. Let's get your
pussy hairless."
"Thought you were buying me out at the end of the day."
He huffed at that. "And we both know it's happening, so
no reason to go to your salon twice."
She slapped him playfully, then grabbed his hand,
dragging him through the streets of town. He paused once at
a vendor to buy a paper flower on a stick. Moving it in the
wind made the whole thing spin, and he was entranced. After
he handed over the coin, Jaeda grabbed the whirligig and
backed away, taunting him with her tongue. He growled,
quickly bought another, then pointed it at her.
"I'll show you what happens to ladies that stick their
tongues out at me." With a devious grin, he started after her.
 Jade squealed out a giggle and ran. In her hand, the toy
spun, the racket almost as loud as her feet. Behind her, Treb
was gaining. She ducked into an alley, knowing her way
around, and the Catalyst almost missed it, giving her back
her lead. She was laughing, feeling foolish and carefree, until
Treb's massive arm caught her waist, spinning her around.
She giggled and tried to pull away, but he was as strong as
he looked. Instead, Treb kissed her jaw, then tossed her over
his shoulder. Jade kicked her feet, but was laughing as he
hauled her back to the main street.
"Problem, Lord Trebar?" a soldier asked when he passed.
"Nope, was just appreciating this fine ass." He slapped
her rump. "What do you think?"
The soldier chuckled. "Lord, we all know who she is. I'm
not brave enough to have an opinion."
Treb groaned and lowered her back to the ground.
"Orchid, give the man a kiss? I think he's scared of you."
"Her?" the soldier said. "No. The Jackal? Yes, Lord
Trebar."
"Yeah? Well this one's mine, so you're safe." He slapped
Jade's ass. "Kiss her, soldier. Trust me, you'll like it."
The man chuckled and opened his arms, giving her the
invitation but refusing to make the first move. He was tall,
with dusty-blonde hair and shoulders almost as wide as
Treb's. Then there were his piercing blue eyes, just grey
enough to make the dark ring around the edges hypnotic.
The best part about him, though, was the lopsided way his
lips curled when he smiled.
Jade stepped in and slid her hands around his neck,
reaching up for his mouth. He made a pleased noise and
caught the side of her face, kissing her sweetly, as if he knew
no other way. She breathed it in. His mouth said more than
the smiles on the faces of Kurkevy citizens. This common
soldier, whom she'd never met before, kissed her like he
would the innocent girl he was courting. The cruelty she'd
known from other men simply wasn't in his mind, or his
lips.
"Thank you," she whispered, stepping away.
The man blushed, looking quickly at Treb. "You know I'm
going to be dreaming of her now."
"Brothels are open." Treb slapped his arm. "Serve your
lord, soldier, and get laid. C'mon, Orchid, time to get
beautiful."
When they were out of hearing, she tugged at his arm.
"Yours?"
"That rumor will spread quickly. Probably even to the
Spider's ears. Or at least I'm hoping. You know, our Lord
won't refuse you from playing with those men either."
"Hm." She grinned. "He's very pretty, just like you -
although that soldier did kiss sweetly. Have a feeling sweet is
not a word you remember."
"I'll get his name, and pretty is not how you should
describe me." He grabbed her ribs and tickled. "Sexy.
Seductive! I'm many things, but neither pretty nor sweet
apply."
"Lord Trebar, you're like a fresh flower!" She writhed but
couldn't get away. "A daisy, all pert and - "
His roar of laughter cut her off. "Pert? I'll show you pert,
girl. Just lean you up against this building, and let you get
the full effect of pert." He backed her toward a wall.
She let him, and his body pressed into her. When he
leaned in to kiss her, she finally got the upper hand, digging
her fingers into his sides quickly. He yipped. She slid away,
jogging again, her toy only slightly bent from the abuse but
still spinning. They got to the salon too soon, but her cheeks
ached from smiling so broadly.
"Madam Narsi's full-service body salon," she announced
stepping into the dim building. Every window was closed for
the customer's privacy.
At the sound of voices, a beautiful blonde woman stepped
into the room. She saw Jade and smiled, greeting her
enthusiastically. "I heard your building burned, where are
you working now?"
"The temple, actually. Narsi, this is Lord Trebar."
She turned to the man and paused, looking him over.
"Lord? Oh! Lord." Then she curtsied. "I'm sorry, my lord.
Our clients are typically actors and women."
Treb looked her over. "Full-service, huh?"
Narsi lifted her chin, and her mouth tightened at the
innuendo. "If that is the type of service you're looking for,
sir, I can recommend some fantastic professionals."
He gestured to Jade. "I know a few already. I honestly
meant services, as in no more bending over my knees trying
to see my own ass." He lifted a brow. "And wondering how
difficult it is to..." He paused. "Huh, a word I don't know.
Remove hair when a cock is hard. Sorry, this is my fourth
language."
"Really?" Jade asked.
Treb nodded. "Really. Jade, do I get to watch?"
Narsi gave him a pointed look. "Sir, this is a professional
establishment. If you're looking to get your kicks, then you
need to do that on your own time."
"He's a whore," Jade said. "Just like me. His kicks are a
simple curiosity about your business because it sounds like it
isn't common out east. He's honestly not trying to make this
anything more than it is."
The girl immediately relaxed, gesturing for them to
follow her into a back room. "I guess if you don't mind, I
don't. Where'd you find a man whore, anyway? Let alone one
called 'Lord'."
Jade grabbed Treb's hand and hauled him along. "Um, he
hangs out at the temple. Kinda, you know, beside the Jackal."
 Narsi stopped. "What?"
"Lord Trebar, Vizier to the Jackal, seventh general of the
Imperial army, and so on," Treb muttered. "I skipped a few
things in there. Basically, I'm the Jackal's walking cock, but
we don't need to tell everyone that. Sex mages, you know."
The woman turned back to Jade, shook her head, then
stepped into a private room. She was still shaking her head
while she gathered things and Jade undressed. Treb just
found a spot in the corner and sank to the floor. That made
Narsi look at him again, but this time she didn't seem upset.
"Ok, I have to know," she asked Jade, "are the rumors
true? The Jackal makes everyone around him delirious with
passion?"
"Yeah," Treb said. "And yes, men too. Let's see. Yes, he's
shockingly young, so very beautiful, has eyes like the fires of
the heart, his chest is as smooth as silk... What am I
missing?"
"And has a temper," Jade added. "Oh my, his moods
swing faster than a woman near the end of her month! The
magic is taking a little to get used to, but it's a decent
assignment." She moved to the chair and leaned back, lifting
her arms over her head. "The best part is that I'm getting
paid more for fewer clients, and the performances are a lot
more restricted."
Narsi looked at Treb again. "Really? I mean, you know
why I got out of the business."
"Didn't tell him," Jade assured her. "But no, they aren't
allowed to abuse us."
"He's a sex mage," Treb told the girl. "Not a blood mage.
The Jackal loses power if his artists are abused, so he's very
strict about the rules."
"And what do you do?" she asked over her shoulder.
Treb chuckled. "Um, fuck. Oh, and I handle everything
between the Lord and outside, and keep things organized in
the temple, but yeah. Mostly? Fuck."
"So a very well-paid whore?"
"Very." He said as he stood, leaning over to get a better
view. "Is that wax?"
"Of a sort. It's made with honey and beeswax. Keeps the
hair away for weeks."
"How's the regrowth?"
The two girls looked at each other. Jade nodded, so Narsi
gestured him over. "See here?" She pointed at the crease
between Jade's leg and pelvis. "That's four weeks, I think."
"Just over," Jade admitted.
Treb reached out and felt, then nodded. "Yep. I'm next. I
love this damned town."
"Doing your chest too?" Jade asked.
Treb nodded. "Oh yeah, babe. Next few days I'll probably
be in the shendyt again. Gotta make sure I can get a couple of
ladies to look at me with that bastard in the room."
Narsi giggled but never looked away from what she was
doing. "I assure you, Lord Trebar, you have nothing to worry
about."
"Thanks, but you haven't seen the Jackal."
"And I don't want to. I'd rather stay far away from a sex
mage."
Treb grumbled. "Well, that completely ruins my plans of
inviting you to the Temple later." He sighed dramatically. "I
have such a weakness for blondes."
"I'm not a whore," she told him.
He shrugged. "I am. Never stopped me from wanting to
buy a lady dinner. Where I'm from, we call it courting."
"Not sleeping with you."
"Didn't ask you to. Trust me, I get laid enough. Think
about it. If you decide it's an offer you like, tell one of the
guards you want to talk to me."
 She finally looked up at him. "Just go up to a Temple
guard and tell him I want to speak to Lord Trebar? Sorry, but
that's not going to happen."
Jade watched, keeping her lips clamped together. For
some strange reason, she hated the idea. Treb was just a
friend - a co-worker, and nothing else - but the idea of him
fawning over another woman actually made her jealous.
Narsi was her friend, but that didn't mean she wanted
anyone else involved in their happy little lifestyle. Then
again, she'd never admit such a thing to either of the guys.
That was not the kind of complication they needed in their
current situation.
 CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

W hen they left, Jade's body was completely hairless,

Treb's was close, and Narsi still hadn't agreed to
come to the temple. Oddly, Treb didn't seem upset about
that. Instead, he took Jade to a very late lunch at a place she
could never have afforded on her own. He refused to put on
his good manners, too, making the arrogant staff grovel to
them both while acting like a commoner. Jade matched him,
wondering if this is what life was like as a noble. For the first
time, she had access to anything she wanted, and the people
around her kept their faces polite. She knew they still hated
her, but she didn't care.
After that, the pair stopped by the Whores Guild, where
Treb paid off her contract with them. When that was done,
they made their way to the poorer side of town, Treb walking
with her hand in his. With each step, the buildings grew
shabbier and the people looked at them more desperately.
Jade wasn't worried. She knew this area and had no fears of
being attacked. It was the fastest way to be banned from the
brothels, and most people here had no other form of
entertainment.
Over the course of the day, she'd learned so much about
her new partner. The most obvious thing was that he liked to
touch. It didn't matter if it was a hand on her shoulder or
kissing on her for no reason, physical contact was important
to him. At first, she found it strange, but after a few hours,
she started to understand. He avoided contact with people he
didn't know and sought it out with those who mattered to
him. She never saw him touch a server or store owner, not
even when passing over payment. He chatted with a few
soldiers but made no move to touch them in any way. Yet,
every time she'd seen him with Xel, he'd found some gesture
that ended in the briefest of contact.
Treb made his living with his body. He was required to
touch people, so when he did it of his own volition, it meant
so much more. That he wrapped his arms around her or, like
now, walked with their fingers laced together, was one of the
biggest compliments he could give her. The strangest part
was how much she liked it.
By the time they reached their destination, she'd tossed
her arm around his waist. Treb smiled at her sweetly, and
she gestured to a large red door. Obediently, he reached out
for it, pulling it open to let her enter first. They shared a
look, then stepped into the best brothel Jade knew of.
The inside was decorated garishly. Women lounged on
every surface, most of them in some state of undress. A few
men sauntered through the room, each one large and
muscular. The pair barely made it inside before all eyes
turned toward them. A few went wide, recognizing Jade, but
most were assessing Treb.
A young woman walked over, wearing only gauze so sheer
it might as well have been nothing. "Good evening, can I
help you tonight?"
Jade shook her head. "No. I need to speak with the
Madam."
The girl looked at Treb. It was just a flick of her eyes, and
her smile never faltered, but they both noticed it. Treb
crossed his arms but kept silent, letting Jade handle the
business they were about to conduct.
 "I'll send her right out. Can we offer you refreshment?"
Finally, Treb spoke up. "No, thank you."
She ducked her head and glided from the room. Jade
watched her go, feeling like she was back at home. For years
she'd worked in places just like this. The smell of sweat and
sex clung to the air, the lights were dim to hide the stains
from spilled wine, and the women all looked perfectly
beautiful, except for their eyes. Those were all tired and
empty. Treb stepped closer, pressing his chest to her back,
and gently moved her hair away from her neck before
leaning closer.
"He won't be amused if you pick a blonde."
She ducked her head to hide the giggle. "No, I didn't think
he'd care for that. I expect your help, though, since you know
him well."
"How about this: you pick the girl you want to see him
with, and I'll tell you if she'll work?"
Jade nodded just as the Madam walked into the room.
Like the rest, she was lovely. Unlike them, she was neither
young nor dull-eyed. Old whores tended to retire. Smart
whores opened their own business.
"How can I help you two?" she asked walking up. When
she got closer, she paused, recognizing Jade. "Are you
looking for a position?" Her eyes flicked to Treb.
"No," Jade assured her. "Lord Trebar is not selling me off.
We're here to hire an entertainer for up to the next month,
renewable at the start of each day."
The woman smiled and gestured for them to follow her.
Jade slipped her hand around Treb's arm, moving with him
like the lady he'd been calling her. Without hesitation, he
picked up the role of the lord.
Down a long hall, around a corner, and into a large
private room, the Madam led the way. Inside, the lighting
was better, the furniture cleaner, and the space ample. She
gestured to a pair of beautifully-carved chairs at the back,
which Treb and Jade took, then sank into one at the side.
Only when they were comfortable did she start asking
questions.
"Do you require any specific accommodations?"
"No," Jade assured her. "The contract is for sex, nothing
more. If she can handle operating among nobility, it's a
benefit, but not a requirement."
"Singing, dancing, acrobatics?" she pressed.
"No," Jade assured her, "but such things may be seen as a
bonus."
The Madam nodded. "Physical appearance?"
"Curvaceous, not flat chested. No blondes."
"Scars, birthmarks, or any other flaws a problem?"
"No," Jade said again.
The Madam nodded, then sighed, looking up. "And Jade,
you know I have to ask this. What type of sexual contact is
expected? Will there be anything outside the normal
parameters?"
"Voyeurism, potential for multiple partners, oral, anal,
and vaginal sex, as well as extreme exhibitionism." Jade
smiled. "No pain, minimal bondage."
"Male, male?" The Madam asked. "Male, female?"
"Possibly all. It depends on the day." Jade shrugged.
"Think 'centerpiece'."
The woman smiled and nodded. "That, I can do. I have..."
She glanced to the ceiling, running through a list in her
head. "Seventeen possibilities. Would you like to see them
one at a time, or in groups?"
"Four to five at a time," Jade told her. "We'll retain any
potentials and choose from them at the end."
"Perfect." She stood and looked at Treb. "And you're
satisfied with this?"
 He chuckled. "I'm just here to offer advice, Madam. I'm
not the ultimate client."
From there, it became a stream of bodies. Jade dismissed
a few, moved a pair to the side, and waited for the next
group. Then she did it again. When the last potential girl had
been shown, she had four that might work for the Jackal. She
whittled those down with questions. The ones that were too
intelligent, she dismissed. The one that was pathetically
stupid, she dismissed. That left just one girl.
Long, dark hair hung to her waist. Her eyes were large
and teardrop-shaped, and her skin was a lovely copper color,
one shade darker than Treb's. She carried a few extra
pounds, but they only made her softer, not plump. When the
madam walked back in, Jade tossed her one of Treb's gold
ounces.
"I need a demonstration. Are you opposed to the use of
your wall?"
The woman blinked, her face carefully schooled. "No.
Marsis, you're at their pleasure for the next hour."
Treb stood, pulling off his shirt. "Won't need that long.
Don't worry, honey. I only need to see one thing." He moved
toward her and caught her waist, his strong arm pressing
against her lower back. "Fake it, or don't, but I need to know
if you can remember how to enjoy this."
The girl said nothing, but her eyes took in his body. With
a smile curling her lips, she reached for his pants. Jade
gestured for the Madam to stay, knowing her partner could
seduce the girl in minutes, if it was possible. The older
woman shook her head but made her way to Jade's side,
taking the chair Treb had just vacated.
"He is a handsome one, isn't he?"
"Very," Jade said softly. "He's also very good at what he
does."
 Which he was doing. Treb had the girl melting into him,
his mouth savoring the soft lines of her, knowing every
weakness a woman craved and men all too often ignored.
When the girl finally managed to free him from his breeches,
he took over.
The Madam bumped Jade's shoulder slightly, smiling.
"Where were the men like that when I was working?"
Jade grinned. "East, or so I hear. If this one doesn't work
out, I'll have to take the idiot."
"Mm. Berle. A few have complained that she's a bit lazy
between the sheets."
"I'm not surprised." Jade sighed. "But if lying there gets
the same pay, maybe she's the one with the right of it."
Muffled moans and whimpers made Jade look up. Treb
had the girl's legs around his waist, her ass in his hands, and
was holding her off the wall, using only his own strength to
support her. His pants had fallen to his knees and gold
winked on his arms.
"Never thought of it that way," the Madam agreed. "I
always took pride in my work."
Jade gestured at Treb, who was using his entire body now,
flexing his knees with each thrust. "Some of us do."
Then the girl threw her head back as her partner
reminded her how good sex could feel. She didn't scream,
but her gasp was throaty and primal as her hands clung to
his shoulders, letting her entire body flex into him. Treb
thrust again, grabbing the back of her neck, then again,
pulling her against his shoulder, then one last time before he
just sighed, turning his own back to the wall.
"She'll do," he panted. "I got ya, sweetie. Slide off my
cock, and let's find your feet."
The Madam chuckled and leaned toward Jade. "Does he
realize she does this for a living?"
 She smiled back. "Yes, but he does too, and he really is
that good. Can you have her bathed and primped before she
comes to the Temple?"
"Of course."
Jade leaned back for one of the soft cloths on the side
table. "That girl is about to entertain the Jackal. If she thinks
Treb is a skilled lover, she's going to get a whole new
definition." She caught Treb's eye and tossed him the rag.
"Need a breather?"
"Nah. Just give me a second to clean up." He wiped his
groin before lacing up his pants. Then he turned to the girl.
"You ok, honey?"
"Yes, sir."
Treb chuckled. "Technically, it's lord. I suggest you get
used to saying it." Then he kissed her cheek and grabbed his
shirt from the floor, tossing his rag into the bin hidden in
the corner. "She's not to tell Lord Jackal her name. He'll give
her one that suits him. She should be at the Temple by
midnight. Tell the guards that the Dark Orchid sent her and
they'll make sure she's taken to the right place."
"I understand, my lord," the Madam said.
Treb waved away her sudden respect. "I just want to make
sure the poor thing doesn't upset the mage. Never cared for
titles myself unless it's to put some arrogant ass in his
place." He offered the Madam his hand. "A pleasure doing
business with you. If this girl works out, we may contract
another."
"Since I have an idea what you're looking for, I'll try to
have a better selection in the building. That one, at least, can
sing and dance. It's her one skill - besides lying on her back
and spreading her legs."
Treb slipped on his shirt and offered Jade a hand up, not
even bothering to tuck the length back in. She stood and let
him guide her out, impressed with how quickly the rumor
mill had run. The women in the main room all looked at
them enviously, the subtle shift in their attitude apparent.
The pair escaped through the front door before anyone could
become brave enough to talk to them.
"You know," Treb told her once they were outside, "I get
the better end of this deal. That girl's good enough, but
damn, there's no fire left in her."
Jade grabbed his waist. "Aw, I think that was a
compliment."
"Sure was. I like fucking you, Jade. We're good together."
He rubbed her shoulder. "I dunno. You don't make me feel
like some pervert."
She pressed her head against his chest. "I understand,
Treb."
"Yeah?"
She nodded. "I saw it when you were with that girl. You
don't know her, but you want to please her, yet you're trying
to respect her, all at the same time. But, see, I didn't need
you to prove you respected me. I accepted what I got myself
into, and all the rest is falling into place."
"I do, you know." He kissed her head. "The respect.
Probably more than you can guess. I think you're pretty
amazing, and I'm really glad you ended up in that cell. It's
been nice having someone around I can laugh with."
"That," she told him, tapping his chest, "sounds almost
sappy."
He held up his hand, a gap between his thumb and first
finger. "Little sappy. Just a bit. I have to admit, though, my
fucking crotch is as smooth as it's ever been. That honey and
wax thing is genius."
"I wanna see the mage get his done."
He laughed and nodded emphatically. "Oh yeah. I wanna
see that pretty blonde girl holding his cock out of the way. I
mean, she'd end up with it in her mouth."
 "No," Jade assured him. "Not Narsi. She had a client
brutalize her. It was bad, Treb, and not just mentally. They
left scars."
"Damn." He shook his head at the thought. "Such a
shame, because she's gorgeous. Just my kind - "
A unit of soldiers marched down the road toward them.
Seeing people on the street, the man at the front called out,
"Make way. Clear the area by the wall! Make way for Lord
Jackal."
Treb turned her to the far side of the street, moving
quickly. "Looks like he's almost finished the south side wall
if he's this far. Hun, you're about to see magic up close."
Suddenly, her head got light and she felt like she was
going to faint. Jade grabbed Treb's hip, staggering, and he
hauled her to the far side of the street while she just focused
on breathing deeply. Not more than a few feet away, massive
chunks of broken city wall lifted into the air. Each one was
the size of ten grown men.
"Jade." Treb grabbed her face, leaning her back against
the wall. "Jade! Look at me. Right in my eyes. You ok?"
Her head felt full, like it was under pressure, but not
painful. Her ears were ringing, though, making it hard to
listen. She stretched her jaw, begging her ears to pop, and
pressed at her eyes. "What is that?"
"Look at me," Treb said again, pressing her hand to the
chain around his neck. "Hold that and look at me."
Her fingers closed on the gold and her head cleared. With
a sigh, she relaxed into the stone. "Oh, that's better. Treb,
what happened?"
"You," he said, his voice a whisper that wouldn't carry,
"can feel magic. We need to get you shielded." He brushed
back her hair. "Ears still ringing?"
"No, not if I'm holding your chain."
 "Then we're gonna wait until those rocks settle and then
go break up the Lord's work. Do not tell anyone else about
this. Do you understand me? No one but he and I."
She looked into his dark eyes and saw a hint of fear.
"Perfectly, Lord Trebar."
"That's my girl."
 CHAPTER NINETEEN

T he moment the massive blocks of wall locked into

place, Treb tugged her back toward the street. When
he saw a guard at the crossroad, he called out, asking for the
Jackal. The man pointed toward the right. That led them a
few more blocks through the poorer side of town before they
found another. He directed them deeper into the heart of the
city, up a winding road lined with shops. Block after block,
they walked, Jade awed at the reach of Xel's magic.
She knew when they got close. Even before they could see
the mage, the cluster of bodies proved something exciting
was going on. Treb didn't seem to care. Intent on his
mission, he pushed through, his eyes jumping from
guardsman to guardsman, using them for direction. Finally,
Jade caught sight of the Jackal's entourage. A group of
citizens stood around him, held back by guards in red and
gold while Xel gestured at the wall, speaking to an officer
beside him.
"Lord Jackal!" Treb called out.
Xel smiled as he turned to the voice. "Lord Trebar, Lady
Orchid. I must admit, I'm surprised to see you here."
The guards let them pass into the inner circle without a
word. A woman from the crowd tried to follow, but a man
caught her arm, chuckling softly as he turned her away. Jade
couldn't completely keep from laughing. Even in the street,
the mage pulled at people like a flame begging moths to give
their lives to his beauty.
With one last motion of his arm - obviously describing
the direction of something - Xel patted the soldier beside
him then made his way over. His eyes were on her, and his
smile was honest. As soon as he was close enough, he caught
her face in his hands and kissed her like they were lovers
who'd been separated for months. Only when her knees were
weak did he turn to Treb.
"You smell like a whorehouse." He tilted his head.
"Right." Treb slapped his shoulder. "You'll thank me
later. Hey, need a favor."
"Always."
"Orchid needs a little something to keep her ears from
ringing. Think you can swing that real fast?"
Slowly, he looked back at her. "How bad?"
"I could barely hear Treb."
He flicked his eyes to his catalyst. "How close?" His
attention returned to her.
"We were just walking up the street, right across from
where you were working. About seven blocks away. Four,
maybe five paces from the stones?"
Xel nodded. "Treb, wrap your arms around my girl,
because she won't like this."
Treb caught her waist, the gesture looking playful to
anyone watching, then wrapped his arms tight. With
intensity filling his eyes, Xel lifted his hands to her neck,
toying with the stones along her throat. Then he hissed a
word. Immediately, it felt like the world changed direction.
Her head snapped back, the air left her lungs in a rush, and
then she was completely, totally fine.
"What the..."
Xel's lips curled into a smile. "Go away, Treb."
 "Starting to get used to that," he grumbled, flapping his
arm at them.
"Mm," Xel purred. "Put those arms around me, beautiful,
because people are wondering what strange things we're
doing."
"Count me among them," her fingers found the back of
his neck and toyed with his hair.
He chuckled and bent to her ear. "This is something we
do not talk about in public. Does your head feel clear again?"
"Yeah. I didn't realize it, but I think it's been there a
while."
"Mhm. Probably started about the time I put that
necklace on you. I need to finish this so people can get
through the street. Go home and screw Treb a bit." His gaze
met hers. "Then come spend the night with me?"
"Your whore will be here soon, my lord."
His eyes slipped closed, and he sighed. "Right. Treb's
good to you?"
"Very." She tilted her head, her eyes scanning his every
expression. "Lord? Have you forgotten my profession?"
"No."
"Then why would you want that?"
He smiled sadly. "Because for a moment, I hoped that
you'd enjoy the company, even if all I can offer is sleep."
"Me?"
He nodded. "Maybe some conversation. It's a little-
known fact that I prefer it over more scandalous activities,
and yours is addictive." He kissed her forehead. "It's ok. Go
home and screw Treb. I really could use a drink."
"Yeah." She leaned forward and pressed her head against
his flat chest. "I think you should call this one Fawn. She has
big eyes like the deer out west and luscious curves. Not sure
she knows how to speak, though."
He chuckled. "You picked her?"
 "I did. Treb made sure she'd suffice."
He nodded. "Then maybe I won't have to think about the
sun god." A smile teased at his mouth.
"No, I replaced him with a mage, and need to kill Treb for
spilling my secrets." She bit her lip and stepped away. "I
shouldn't distract you, my lord."
"Probably not." He watched her leave, wistfully.
Jade caught Treb, snagging his arm, then tilted her head
to the Temple looming over the rest of town. "We're done,
right?"
"Yes, my lady. Just making sure the Jackal had everything
he needs."
She tugged gently. "Then I believe you and I have work to
do so Lord Jackal can take care of Kurkevy."
"I see." He turned her toward their destination, then
paused. "Lord? I'm taking the Lady Orchid back."
"Good. I'll be finished in a couple more hours. Would you
have my dinner sent to my room?"
"Yes, my lord."
Xel's eyes moved to Jade, and she grew brave. "My Lord?
Maybe next time?"
Something in his posture softened, and he nodded.
"Certainly, Lady Orchid. I'm sorry about the inconvenience."
With that, she left, looking up to enjoy the blush of sunset
as colors streaked the clouds. It had been a very long time
since she'd been able to enjoy such a simple thing. Even
longer since she'd had a man show any interest in her for
something besides sex, but she couldn't talk about that yet.
Not out in the open. Treb noticed her silence and copied it for
most of the walk, but he could only take so much. Halfway
back, he began to toy with her braids. Two blocks later, he
was ready to burst.
"Next time?"
 "Be patient." She poked his ribs. "I planned on talking to
you about it."
"Sure, then walk faster, because my mind is spinning."
She slapped his chest playfully, then ran, rushing ahead.
He let out a startled yelp and gave chase. Just like they had
earlier, the pair laughed through the streets, making a game
of it. Jade loved it. Such simple things made her feel like a
child again, carefree and utterly unconcerned with what
others thought.
Treb caught her and she got free, but he caught her again,
lifting her up to spin her around. After kissing him quickly,
she broke away, racing to the line of guards placed at the
temple stairs. She barely reached them before Treb almost
caught her once more. Somehow, she managed to duck
behind one of the larger men, buying her freedom with his
body. Treb leaned around him, but Jade evaded, keeping the
man between them as a shield.
"No fair," Treb teased.
She giggled. "I think he likes it."
The guard just lifted his hands. "Lord, when they make
you chase them, means she'll wear you out later."
"She always wears me out," Treb assured him. "Help me
out, Cal."
The guard grinned then snagged her, holding Jade while
Treb stepped around to the side she was on. Only then did he
grab her waist and kiss her neck. "Thanks, Cal. Oh?" He
glanced down at her. "Soldier in the lower west, just above
the poor side of town? Um, six foot, looks western, sandy
hair, blue-grey eyes? You know him?"
"I can find out," Cal assured him.
"Yeah. Get me his name?"
Cal's brows lifted. "Is there a problem, sir?"
Treb waved him down. "He was kind to the Orchid. She
just wanted to say thank you."
 "Will do, sir."
Then Treb steered her inside. With his arms wrapped
around her, they made their way back to the throne room
looking like a pair of young lovers. Only when the doors were
closed behind them, did Treb ask again.
"Next time?" He steered her toward the door at the back.
Jade nodded, letting down her hair as she crossed the
room. "Xel asked if I'd come see him tonight."
"And?"
She shrugged. "I reminded him that his fawn is coming."
"And?" he asked again, stepping into his room.
She sighed and bent to unlace her sandals. "And what?
I'm just here to fuel his magic, right? I don't need him to try
to coddle me or get all worried that I'm gonna have a
breakdown."
Yanking off his shirt, Treb made his way toward the bed.
"You, my dear, can be a complete idiot. You know that,
right?"
"What do you mean?"
Treb pointed to the stairs. "Only people who get to go up
there? Yeah. He calls them friends. Right now, that's me."
"And the twins."
He shook his head as he kicked off his boots. "Nope. Up
there's a really nice suite, which he's completely
redecorated, but that's beside the point. On the back side is
another set of stairs to rooms converted for staff. He kept the
twins back there. The throne room is to show off, the suite is
his private space. Whores? Yeah, he fucks them in their
room, then leaves."
"Ok?"
"And he just invited you upstairs? Jade. How long has it
been since a man tried to actually impress you?"
She ducked her head. "A very long time, Treb. More than
ten years?"
 "Yeah." He pulled her against his chest, reaching for the
laces of her dress. "I think he's trying. You and I are gonna
make sure there's a next time." Slowly, he slid the dress
away from her shoulders, his mouth finding her neck.
"Because I am enjoying having you around. Wanna fuck?"
"I'm pretty sure we're supposed to." She reached for the
laces of his pants.
His eyes closed. "Yeah, but wasn't what I asked." He
pressed into her.
Jade kissed his neck, her hands freeing him. "I think you
should show me what your mouth can do when you're not
frustrated."
"I can do that." He guided her back to the bed, working
out of his pants with each step until they were both
completely naked. "If I'm good enough, maybe you'll do that
thing with your tongue again?"
"Like that, did you?" She let him push her into the
mattress.
Treb nodded. "Oh yeah. And when you're done with that,
maybe I'll roll you over and kiss down your back until I'm
ready to go again."
She slid higher, giving him space to crawl between her
knees. "You certainly know how to set the mood."
Catching her leg, he pinned her, his mouth tracing a line
higher. "I'm learnin', honey. You're nothing like the other
women." He kissed inside her thigh. "I like knowing exactly
what you want, and being able to get what I dream of."
"You dream of?"
His tongue slid between her folds. "Yeah, a lover who
isn't afraid to enjoy it." The next lap teased her opening.
"And who can enjoy her power over my body. I'm gonna
make you buck, Jade, then I'm gonna ride you nice and
hard."
 His mouth found her clit, and he sucked, reaching around
her thighs to caress her breasts. With their bodies tangled,
she forgot to think. Treb knew how to please, but it was more
than that. Together, they felt so good. That was all the
reward she needed, but there was more. She couldn't forget
that their passion, their enjoyment, fed their friend. Losing
themselves in the moment took care of him, too. It only
added to her satisfaction.
Writhing under Treb, she wasn't a whore. She wasn't a
harlot. She was just a woman, treasured because she loved
the way their bodies made hers feel. She wasn't exotic. She
wasn't foreign. She was only herself, and every secret desire
was finally considered to be good. Every honest moan was
sacred. Her lust was power, and she was willing to give it all
to the man who was trying to make her feel special.
He worked her, he kissed her, he tortured her with
sensation, and she didn't have to think about how she
looked. She didn't need to concentrate on giving back. For
one moment, Jade could simply enjoy knowing she had a
beautiful lover between her thighs and, outside, a generous
man who thought she was worth talking to. It wasn't
something she'd fantasized about, but it would do. It would
do so well, and she was going to live every moment of this
crazy new life to the fullest.
If she could, she'd help them change the world. City by
city, they had the chance to teach people that sex wasn't evil.
It wasn't something reserved for men. It took two, and she
deserved to get as much out of it as her partner. Between her
thighs, Treb did his best to make sure she got more. She
didn't need to love him. She didn't need to marry him. She
just needed to give herself to him for a moment, and be
willing to take everything he offered.
With a strangled gasp, her back arched and she pressed
into his face, her body starting to tremble. He grabbed her
ass, pulling her into his mouth, licking, sucking, teasing
until she finally broke, her orgasm more intense than
anything she knew was possible. Jade cried out, the sound
ripped into the air, and she panted, crashing back into the
bed.
"Fuck," she breathed.
Chuckling, Treb moved to lay beside her, pulling her
against his chest with one hand as he wiped at his mouth
with the other. "I think that was honest."
Slowly, she nodded. "Oh yeah. That needs to be a daily
thing."
He gently kissed her. "I can do that. Knowing you actually
like being with me? Feels really fucking good."
She wrapped her arms around the back of his shoulders
and pressed her face into his chest. "I do. Even if we weren't
fucking. Treb? I just..."
His arms tightened. "I know." He buried his cheek in her
hair. "I do know. Let's make a deal. Just you and I in this bed.
Well, Xel, but not like much is gonna happen there. But just
the people we give a shit about." He shifted, begging her to
look at him. When she did, he smiled wistfully. "Out there,
we fuck. Here? We make love. Might be the kinda love friends
have, or maybe it's something more than that, but it doesn't
matter. It's safe and it's beautiful, and I didn't realize how
much I missed it."
"Me either." She stretched up to kiss him. "And I do love
my sappy new friend."
"Yeah, and I love my pragmatic pal. Where's my damned
blow job?"
She dropped a kiss on the end of his nose. "Can't do that
held against your chest."
Suddenly his arms released, and Treb grinned. "You
always swallow?" He pulled himself toward the pillows.
 She slid lower. "Nope. Costs more for that. 'Cept for
people I like."
"Mm." He leaned back, a smile on his lips. "And this time
I don't have to worry about keeping my hands out of the way.
Damn, you're amazing."
 CHAPTER TWENTY

S he sucked him off good enough to earn a growl as he

spilled down her throat, but Treb wasn't done. She
barely had his cock out of her mouth before he rolled her
over and kept his promise. Starting at her neck, he kissed
every inch of skin down her spine, stopping only when he
reached the tip of her tailbone. She couldn't help but arch
into it, and he took advantage. Guiding her hands to the
headboard, Treb moved her to her knees.
"Don't let go," he whispered, guiding her braids over her
shoulder. "Your hands leave, and I stop."
She looked back to see his eyes roaming over her body. He
was hard and thick, and she was the cause. He touched her
almost reverently, his hands following the swell of her hips
as he moved between her thighs, then slowly, carefully, he
slid inside her. Jade let her eyes close and sighed, enjoying
how perfectly he filled her. It wasn't hurried. Each inch was
meant to be a caress, proving she was exactly who he
wanted.
"Oh, Treb," she moaned.
His mouth found her neck as he retreated languidly. "You
feel good, Jade. So damned good, just like this." Then he
filled her again.
Over and over, with painstaking care, he reminded her
that sex wasn't always about hard and fast. Sometimes
gentle was better. Every muscle, every ridge inside her body
was worshipped. He never touched her breasts or her clit, he
just stroked her higher from deep within. Soft kisses were all
the enticement she needed. This was what she'd missed. This
was how two people were meant to be together, and every
nerve in her body agreed.
"Treb..."
His mouth was by her ear. "Cum, baby. Stop thinking. Just
feel me. I want you to let me do this. For once, it's all about
you, so just let it happen."
"That's so good."
"Mhm." He shifted his hips and pressed against
something even better. "Yeah. You're so damned hot. I could
stay right here all night." She felt him retreat and return.
"I'll never get tired of kissing your soft skin, listening to
your braids rustle as you writhe, and those honest little
sighs." He stroked her again, eliciting one. "Just like that.
Close your eyes, Jade, and let it happen."
Never in her life had a man just wanted to please her. It
was always about him. They got her off because it made their
orgasm better, not because they cared about her, but Treb
was different. All he wanted was to give back.
She felt that tingle again. Not just the one from her
pleasure, but something more. As Treb seduced her body, his
words worked on her mind until she couldn't think of
anything but the sensations. Jade moaned. She panted.
Finally, she exploded, cumming in waves. Her back arched
and she let go, reaching over her shoulders to wrap her arms
around his neck. That was all he needed.
One hand grabbed a hip, his other arm pressed against
her chest, holding her back to him and Treb thrust. As the
surges racked her body, he drove them even higher, riding
her orgasm with her until she screamed. Then he broke,
throbbing in her core as his mouth found her shoulder.
Treb's grunt was rumbling and sincere, held back only by her
skin as she quivered around him.
"Fuck," he breathed. "You're the most amazing woman
I've ever had and so damned beautiful when you do that."
Trying to catch her breath, she looked back at him.
"That's how I always thought it should be."
"Mm, yeah. It is." He kissed her, refusing to move away.
"That's how I want to make you feel good."
"Why?" She tried to slide off him, but he held her.
"Patience," he breathed. "You may know how to fuck,
Jade, but I'm gonna teach you how to love. Can't you feel me?
Still hard, wrapped in your body like I belong."
"Yeah."
His hand slid over her belly, pressing lightly. "Together,
just like this, until we recover. Like we're tied together. That
connection means something. You don't always have to get
off and move on. Sometimes you can pause to appreciate
what just happened."
He kissed her, stopping any need for a reply. It was soft
and lazy, more comforting than delirious. Just as Jade let
herself stop worrying, he withdrew, his cock growing soft,
but his mouth was still needy. She let him guide her to the
bed and curled against him, seeking his lips one more time.
He complied, pressing her into the soft mattress with his
body until she just clung to him.
Then something changed. The world became heavy and
dense, sucking the air from her lungs. Treb jerked back, his
head snapping to the door as the pressure popped,
dissipating as fast as it had come.
"Fuck," he hissed. "Get dressed."
Scrambling, she obeyed. "What was that?"
"Mage gate." He snagged his pants from the floor.
"Means we have company, and not the good kind."
 She froze. There was only one mage who made her men
react like this. "Treb?"
He rounded the end of the bed and caught her shoulders,
looking deep into her eyes. "Prove me right, ok? No matter
what that asshole does, don't feel anything but lust. You're
just a damned whore. A stupid cunt here to be used." He
looked worried. "Promise me, Jade. Promise me you can play
this part."
She pressed her hand to his face. "It's the one I've
perfected. I can do this."
"Good, because if you don't, if you care about us in any
way, he'll kill us all."
Treb was serious. She could see it in his eyes, but his body
was as calm as ever. That was his role. Hers was the whore.
She had no idea who Xel was supposed to be, but had a funny
idea she'd find out very soon, because the sound of steps
warned there was someone heading toward their door.
Without thinking, she dropped to her knees. They were
still naked. His pants were in his hands, which meant a
whore would be doing one thing. She grabbed his soft cock in
one and shoved the whole thing in her mouth, sucking gently
as the door opened. Treb let his pants drop to the floor.
"Harder," he ordered, his back to the door.
She ignored him, licking the underside as she squeezed,
begging for it to swell. Treb grabbed the back of her head and
pushed her chin against his balls. This time, he wasn't kind.
She swallowed as her mouth became full, and began to bob. A
sarcastic laugh sounded from behind him.
"Hello, Catalyst. Am I interrupting?"
Treb's hand encouraged her to keep going. "The Jackal
demands a sacrifice. The Chosen is just doing her job." He
twisted but kept guiding her rhythm. "Did you prefer to
watch? Because you're kinda distracting me from getting
off."
 "No, I want to see his new toy. Put your dick away,
Trebar."
Treb's hand in her hair pulled her back, causing a soft pop
as he left her lips. She'd done her job well, and he was
perfectly hard and waving in her face. Without shame, the
catalyst turned to expose the old man behind him. For the
first time, Jaeda laid eyes on the Spider.
He looked perfectly harmless. His hair was thin on top
and white along the sides. Unlike the people she was used to,
his eyes tapered at the corners and his nose was nearly flat.
He most certainly wasn't from any area of the world she'd
ever seen. Ironically, he looked like some benevolent
grandfather: young enough to be spry, but old enough to be
safe.
He also wasn't alone. Just behind him stood a silent
figure. This man was blonde, pale-skinned, and massive. Her
eyes flicked between him and Treb, trying to decide which
was more substantial, but the Spider noticed. He laughed.
"Your little piece of ass seems to like Dorin," he sneered.
The blonde smiled. "I'm sure she does. Tareni are all the
same. Don't know how to do anything but fuck."
Treb made another attempt to get his pants, but this time
he managed to put them on. "She seems more than willing.
I've got no complaints. Gets wet easy, too."
"She got a name?" the Spider asked.
"Orchid," Treb replied. "The Jackal's exotic little flower."
"Good." The old man crooked a finger. "Stand up, Orchid,
and get dressed."
She glanced to Treb but stood. "I have no clothes, my
lord."
"Mm, and well-trained. Such an obedient little bitch."
The Spider hissed a word, creating a wad of black fabric that
he tossed at her face. "Now you do. Put that on."
 It took a second to sort out which way was up, but she
managed, pulling the simple sheath over her head. The cloth
had barely made it over her hips before the blonde, Dorin,
grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the door. She
staggered along looking as confused as she felt.
"What are you doing?" Treb demanded.
The Spider kept walking, following Jade and her captor
through the short hall and into the throne room. "I'm
reminding the Jackal why he calls me master. You think I
didn't notice a rush of pain from a mage? What about the
rush of power I siphoned off? Tell me, Catalyst. What else
could cause that but a toy that he likes?"
The curse, she realized. That was what he was talking
about. The night she'd tried to please Xel and he'd ended up
bleeding. Somehow, the Spider had felt it. He knew Xel had
found something to care about and wanted to torture him in
the worst way possible. That was what Treb had been trying
to say! That was why she had to be just a stupid whore,
because she really was the pawn in their game, and this man
intended her sacrifice to hurt.
"She's the Chosen," Treb growled. "You take her, and you
interrupt the cycle. The Sultan will be displeased."
They were halfway across the throne room. Without
saying a word, Dorin spun her around, then backhanded her.
The crack of her flesh echoed against the gilded walls as she
fell, crumpling to the floor. Pain flared across her cheek, and
behind her, she heard the Spider suck in a satisfied breath.
Pain. It fueled him. It was what he wanted most, but this
was the Jackal's temple. This was her home. She'd be
damned if she'd let a brute use her to his advantage. Oh,
she'd make him think he was, but she'd win. If Xel had
taught her anything, it was that the ultimate conquest was
insidious. She also knew something the Spider didn't: she
was a damned good whore.
 Shifting to her knees, Jade looked up at Dorin with the
tears in her eyes. Supplicant, she waited for what came next.
Behind him, Treb tensed, ready to tear the man apart, but he
couldn't. He had to treat her as nothing more important than
the object of desire. She, however, knew this game. She'd
played it before.
"I'm sorry I displeased you, master," Jade whispered.
Dorin hit her again. This time it didn't really hurt. She
was ready for it and doing her best to think of it as seduction.
No different than a bite on her neck or a hard thrust into her
body, the impact was only to seduce. Jade closed her eyes and
took it, seeking the pleasure so many found in this.
"Again!" the Spider snapped.
The brute hit harder, but she gasped, convincing herself it
was erotic. It hurt, but she'd heal. It also made her overly
aware of her body. Her bare knees were cold where they
touched the stone. Her core throbbed from Treb's attention
earlier. Her skin was caressed by the fabric sliding against it
like sheets. This was the only pleasure Dorin knew, and her
job was to enjoy it. She was a master of that.
Dorin reared back to hit her again when the gigantic
doors banged open. Before he was even in the room, Xel was
bellowing. "How dare you touch my object!"
"Object?" Spider sneered. "Or lover?"
"The crux of my hold over this town. You were the one
who devised the web of control. You demanded that we lock
each city to us so we would never run dry. Now you want to
take the woman who will make that possible? The one
willing to throw herself on me?"
Spider smiled cruelly. "And you liked it."
"Of course I did. She can swallow an entire dick and still
massage it with her tongue. That's why she's the Chosen,
and she takes every man I throw at her."
 "Hm." The Spider walked a slow circle around her,
inspecting her from every angle. "Then maybe I should try
this one myself. She's already fulfilled her duty for the day."
He flipped a hand toward Treb. "His room reeks of their
musk."
Xel crossed his arms and glared. "I'll need her again
tomorrow. Besides that, I don't give a shit what you do with
her."
"So if I take her to my temple and teach her the beauty of
pain, you won't mind at all? Do you expect me to believe
that, boy?"
"I don't really care." Xel honestly looked like he didn't.
"The first lesson you taught me was the best. Nothing
matters but the power."
"Hit her again," the Spider ordered.
Dorin obeyed, slapping her hard enough to knock her
over. Jade tried to lose herself in the submission. She was
powerless before this man, and that made her beautiful. It
made her frail and dainty. It made her feel like a proper
woman, there just to please her man, and she could almost
convince herself she wanted more.
Xel sucked in a breath. When she opened her eyes, she
found his closed, drinking in her pathetic arousal. That was
when she understood. His role was to be the evil mage. He
was supposed to crave nothing but power. That was what
this spectacle was all about. The Spider was trying to assert
his control, but to do that, he had to strip her of lust. He had
to steal the Jackal's power and turn it into pain. He just had
no idea that pain could be so easily confused with pleasure.
She smiled and looked to Dorin. He had to be the Spider's
catalyst. "Please punish me, master," she whimpered. "I
didn't mean to displease you."
From the corner of her eye, she saw the Spider twitch, but
Dorin complied. This time, Jade forced out a moan. She
wasn't truly a fan of pain, but she could convince herself -
for a moment - that she was. It was a lie, but it masked her
vulnerabilities. She was a fan of surviving. It was what she
did best, and if that meant she had to get off on playing as a
submissive, then she'd learn to love it. She'd take everything
they could give her and make it into the Jackal's power.
She wouldn't let them win.
 CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

T he Spider hadn't missed Xel drinking in her lust, he

just hadn't realized what caused it. The Jackal's
presence was known to drive women crazy, convincing them
anything was desirable. When the next hit made him inhale
again, the pain mage snapped.
"Dorin, get the girl up. She needs to learn her place."
Then he glared at Xel. "Everything you have is mine. Do you
understand?"
The Jackal looked more annoyed than worried. "I do. I'll
need her for an hour tomorrow, unless you'd prefer I start
the ceremony over?"
"I'll bring your bitch back."
When Xel finally turned his eyes on her, there wasn't a
hint of sympathy in them. "Preferably with at least one hole
still intact? I'm sure I can find someone willing to fuck her
when you're done, even if she's a mess."
"You really expect me to believe she isn't the reason for
your suffering?" The Spider pointed to the gold cuff on Xel's
arm.
He held it up. "Your leash is still working, but I retired the
girls and wiped their minds. I have no interest in helping you
torture me. Not like there's a shortage of whores in this
damned town."
 "How that must hurt." The Spider hissed a word, and the
air pressure tripled as a glow sprang up across the room.
"Just remember. Everything you have is because of me. If
you step out of line, Jackal, I will take it all back."
"You need me too much."
"Not that much. Where there's one horny boy, I'm sure
there's more. You can always be replaced."
Then he turned and walked into the light. Little more
than a glare emanating from thin air, it was too bright to see
what was on the other side. When Dorin shoved her toward
it, Jade realized they were taking her. She'd thought Xel
would convince them to ignore her. She wasn't supposed to
go with the Spider. She was going to stay here! Xel was
supposed to protect her!
She turned back, fear starting to rise, but found the Jackal
scowling. He made no move to stop them. He didn't beg for
her to come back. He hadn't even tried to barter for her. They
were going to torture her, and he was letting them.
Behind him, Treb stood with a hand over his mouth. He
was her only hope. "Treb?" she begged.
He took a step toward her, but Xel's hand stopped him.
"The Spider is going to play with your toy." His eyes were on
her. "It's better if you don't get in his way."
Beside her, Dorin chuckled. "Guess maybe you're good
enough for a catalyst, huh? Let's see if you like the games I
play." Then he pushed her into the light.
For a moment the world spun around her, making her feel
lost, then she staggered out the other side, into a pale stone
room. Unlike the Temple in Kurkevy, this one had no gold.
There were no happy voices in the halls outside. Somewhere
in the distance she heard wailing, but that was all. Except for
the single, anguished voice, this dungeon was completely
silent.
 Yet somehow it was beautiful. The walls and floor were
made of pristine white marble. The ceiling was covered in
burgundy fabric. If she had to guess, she thought it was
velvet. In the center of the far wall was a plush chair meant
to serve as a throne. It was the color of fresh blood. Not even
the temperature was intended to be comfortable. Unlike the
Jackal's temple, this place was cold. Her thin dress did
nothing to prevent her nipples from puckering.
"How may I serve you, Lord?" she dared to ask, stepping
forward.
The Spider sucked at his teeth, then dropped into his
chair. "Do you know what I am, girl?"
"A mage, my lord."
"Of what?" He gestured to the side and servants began to
move in.
She didn't dare look but thought one carried a tray. Jade
forced herself to swallow, trying hard to keep her voice calm
and seductive. "Pain, my lord. I can perform that way if it's
what you desire."
He leaned forward so fast she thought he was going to
charge her. "Do not speak to me of desire!"
"I'm sorry, my lord. Am I to be punished?" She forced
herself to breathe faster. It wasn't hard since she was scared,
but she wanted it to look like something else. Something a
lot more carnal.
His eyes narrowed. "Is that what you want?"
"Yes," she breathed, dropping to her knees. "I want to
make you happy, my lord."
"Not me." His eyes moved over her shoulder. "Dorin,
teach this little cunt that her games aren't fun. Pain is a
lesson. It shows us what we should never do." He looked
back to her. "And playing with mages is one of those things.
Never speak to me without permission again."
"Yes, my lord."
 The words were barely out of her mouth before pain sliced
across her back. Sucking in a breath, she tossed her head up.
As her braids slapped the stinging skin, she realized it was
from a lash. She could do this. Not only would she survive,
she'd enjoy it. She'd like this enough to fuel the Jackal and
starve the Spider. Right here, on her knees, this would be her
battle. She might be a stupid whore, but she was the one who
could make this man pay.
The lash bit into her again, this time across her lower
back and hips. Jade closed her eyes and imagined Treb's
kisses. When she jerked from the next hit, she thought of
how he'd held her against him. When her skin finally broke,
she remembered Xel asking her to spend the night, and the
way his eyes had begged.
Each spark of pain brought forth a memory. She hadn't
been with them long, but Xel and Treb had already given her
so much. It was the little things, like a shy smile or a timid
compliment. Those things mattered. They proved she wasn't
worthless. They touched something that no man ever had
before: her heart.
As the Spider's catalyst tried to wound her, she hid in her
mind, connecting the pain to their caresses until she began
to believe it. Then she moaned. Every bite of torture was a
promise of how they'd make it up to her. She refused to
accept anything else. If this was what they needed, then she
would enjoy every second of it and starve the enemy until he
gave up.
The whip was traded for a chain. That was locked to the
floor, but she never opened her eyes, not even as they cut the
dress away. Bound and posed for the pleasure of these men,
they abused her, but she would not give in. When the knives
cut her, Jade thought of nails on her skin. When the hot iron
seared her flesh, it called memories of the hot bath with
Treb. Eventually, she screamed, but it wasn't at all what they
wanted. She cried out in desire, longing for what only her
friends had ever tried to give.
"Give the bitch what she really wants," the Spider finally
ordered.
Dorin laughed as he moved to comply. Cold metal closed
around her ankle just before her leg was jerked to the side. A
moment later, he did the same to the other, leaving her
spread.
Then he leaned into her face. "I'm gonna cut you so deep,
next time you fuck the Jackal, you'll cry and think of me."
Her eyes flicked open, and the bastard smiled. The need
on his face was so cruel and desperate. For the first time,
Jade knew she wouldn't win. She'd tried so hard to starve the
Spider, but this was one thing she couldn't ignore. Taking
his time, Dorin trailed the tip of his knife down her body,
leaving shallow cuts in its wake. Her skin shivered, trying to
pull away, but he kept going.
Down, over her belly button and along the soft skin inside
her hip, he drew his design. It didn't hurt. The cuts were
light, little more than what paper would leave, and the sting
was nearly erotic. From the look on his face, he was enjoying
this thoroughly, but she knew what came next. Narsi had
told her all about it. Dorin didn't disappoint.
With a savage hack, he cut at her lower abdomen. She
bucked, trying to avoid it, but her scream was real. Flesh
parted, and hot liquid began to trickle down her sides.
Compared to the pain of the gash, it was almost soothing. He
cut again, then reached down and grabbed a handful of what
felt like her soul. It wasn't. She knew it was her intestines,
and her entire body twisted with the agony, but her mind
was too still, taking in the show like it was happening to
someone else.
Fear kicked in and she wanted to flee. No matter how hard
she tried, though, she couldn't get away. The chains held
her, and each thrash sent a new wave of pain through her
body. The man was too strong. She wanted to find someplace
safe, but she was chained - trapped - until they had enough
of her suffering. The more her body was tortured, the harder
her mind begged to find someplace where she could be
protected.
"Do you still like that?" the Spider demanded. "Is all of
this worth it?"
"No!" she wailed. "I just want to go home."
"Empty her out. Let her see what hides under all that dark
skin."
This time, not even writhing helped. "Don't. Don't!
Don't!" she begged. "I did everything you asked. I just want
to go home!"
The mage of pain chuckled from somewhere outside her
vision. "That's not how this works, little girl. The Jackal will
fuck you. Dorin will fuck you up. Between the two of us, we'll
use you until there's nothing at all left. You will never see
your home again." She could hear him walking, and it
sounded like he was coming closer. "Didn't they warn you
not to play with mages? Did you think we actually care about
you? Did you think fucking a sex mage meant he loved you?
You're just a resource to be harvested."
A tear broke free at the next flare of pain. Over and over,
Jaeda shook her head, trying to deny it all. "I just want to go
home. I didn't want this, I just want to go home."
She'd reached her breaking point. The Spider had won.
She couldn't starve him. She couldn't pretend this felt good.
She couldn't lie to herself and say this felt like pleasure. It
hurt! It was the kind of abuse she'd only heard of, and she
just wanted it to stop. She just wanted to go back to where
she was safe and pretend like all of this hadn't happened.
"Then help me break him." The old man's face appeared
above her, looking down on her broken little body. "You
won't even have to touch the Jackal. I just need you to take
care of his little friend."
"Treb has a thing for her," Dorin added.
"Mm." The Spider smiled. "All you have to do, girl, is
stick a dagger in him. Promise that, and I'll make it like none
of this ever happened."
Her eyes moved to the man kneeling by her waist. She
hurt so bad she couldn't think straight. "I can't," she
breathed, waiting for the next cut.
"Then strangle him. If you'd prefer, I can get poison that
even an idiot could use. I don't care, but I need you to
remove his catalyst."
She realized he was desperate. It was a weakness and
could be her only hope. She tried to sound confused when
she asked, "Why can't you? You're the one with all the
power."
The Spider sighed. "Because the Jackal wrapped his
catalyst in protections before I knew that idiot existed, but
the boy forgot one thing. You? You're the key. They have to
let you in if they want your lust. If my pupil can't feed
himself, then he'll come begging for me to do it for him, and
that means I get everything I want." He knelt and turned her
face toward him. "You, of all people, seem to know that pain
and pleasure aren't all that different. Do this for me, and I'll
make you a very rich whore."
But that wasn't what she wanted. Money had never been
her motivation. All she'd ever dreamed of was freedom and
respect. She'd rather be poor than live with herself, knowing
she'd harmed the only people who'd ever treated her as an
equal. Besides, there had to be a catch. With men like this,
there always was. If only she could make her mind ignore the
suffering of her body, she might be able to figure this out.
Jade looked between his eyes, hoping for some hint of
how to make him take her back. Agreeing wouldn't work.
He'd use some spell to force her to follow through. All that
was left was the one thing she knew men wanted so badly to
believe. She had to convince him she was weak.
"I can't," she whispered, barely able to get the words out
around the pain.
He nodded, looking down toward her navel. A second later
agony erupted inside her like she'd never known before. The
scream burned as it came out, and her body heaved away
from the stone, then back down with a crash. Jade surged,
trying to pull free from the chains, but there wasn't room.
Only inches from the ground, she jerked back, her skull
smacking on the floor hard enough to make her head spin.
"You can," the Spider said, waiting for her to agree. "Just
say yes, and Dorin will remove his hand from your insides.
Swear it, and I'll heal all of this damage without even a scar."
The floor. Suddenly, she knew the one thing that could
make this all stop. She might not have a weapon of her own,
but she didn't need one to make the torture end. She had
stone, and her skull wasn't that thick. All she had to do was
make sure she hurt herself more than they could hurt her.
The Spider couldn't make her suffer any more if she was
dead.
Narrowing her eyes, Jade glared at her captor. "Then you
know nothing about me. That's not how I serve."
The old man's brow twitched in amusement. "Have it
your way." Then she felt the knife again, this time working
its way up to her sternum.
Jade screamed and thrashed, but instead of trying to get
away, she just slammed her head back into the solid stone
floor. Then again. Over and over, using the misery of her
body to numb the ache in her head, she crashed her skull
into the rock with as much force as she could manage. In all
her life, only two men had ever been kind. She'd rather die
than betray them, and right now, she hurt so bad death
sounded like a welcome escape. She just had to hit her head
hard enough to scramble every thought she'd ever had.
When the man cut her again, she finally managed. The
crack was wet and echoed in her ears just before the
darkness took over. The last thing she heard was the mage
screaming in anger.
 CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

"A wake?" The man slapped her face again.

Jade opened her eyes to find the last person she ever
wanted to see. The Spider looked her over with a sneer on his
face, and she tried to pull away, but something held her
down. Then he caught her jaw and, turning her face right to
his, spoke a single word.
She felt something. Like ice, it coursed over her. Like
water, it seemed to penetrate everything, but it was neither.
The power tried to crawl into her mind but slipped off,
gaining no purchase. All she could do was close her eyes and
wait. She couldn't run. She could barely move, and she had
nothing to protect her against their magic. Her body was
ruined. Healed, maybe, but still destroyed.
"What's your name?" the Spider asked, his voice
sounding almost gentle.
With her scrambled thoughts, she replied before thinking.
"Jade."
"And who am I?"
Did he think she'd forget? Wrenching her eyes up, she
saw he was waiting for her answer. He had no idea what
she'd say, but... Then she remembered something Xel had
mentioned. He'd wiped the girls' minds. He'd threatened to
do the same to her. Maybe that was what the Spider had tried
- and failed - to do?
 "I don't know. I can't remember," she mumbled.
The old man smiled. "Good. Where are we, child?"
She shook her head. "I don't know."
"Perfect. Do you remember Xelas?"
Her brow furrowed. "Where?"
When the Spider laughed, she knew that had been
completely wrong. The problem was she didn't know Xelas.
She had no idea if that was a place, a thing, or... a person.
Xel. Xelas. He'd just told her the Jackal's real name.
"I think you're ready to be returned to your new master."
He gestured to someone on her other side, most likely Dorin.
"Try not to get any of that on you. She smells like a whore."
"Not anymore," Dorin said, heaving her over his
shoulder. "Now she smells like raw meat."
She bit back a yelp. Her arms were bound, and from the
strain on her ankles, those probably were, too. Thankfully,
the pressure came, indicating they were leaving, but the
Spider said her new master. Jade hoped it wasn't another
mage. She just wanted to go home.
For a moment, her world spun. When it stopped, all she
could see was the floor, but it was enough. Dark tiles in
multiple colors were in exactly the pattern she remembered.
She only got a second to appreciate it before the man heaved
her up and let her fall onto it. Once again, her head hit with a
crack - and she cried out.
"Everybody out!" That was Xel's voice, and he sounded
pissed. "Now!"
The Spider laughed. "Did you miss me that much, boy?"
Feet crashed on the tiles, marching closer. "What did you
do to her?"
"I taught her how to be a very good girl. Sadly, she
doesn't remember a thing. Have fun reminding her why she
has to fuck you, let alone touch you."
 "That won't work quite like you want. I won't rape her,"
Xel snarled.
"You will, because you're far enough into this spell. If she
doesn't fulfill her part, then it will break, and you'll be the
one drained. Either way, I win. You feed me, or you succumb
to me. Take your pick, Jackal."
Xel wasn't cowed so easily. "I'm sure Sultan Tarlan will
be thrilled that your student couldn't keep to the schedule.
I'll make sure he knows exactly why we were delayed."
The Spider made a dismissive noise. "Go ahead. You're
still the one who'll fail. Just remember that once you're
empty, all your wards go too, and then I can finally get that
power you've been hiding from me. I'll be sure to enjoy
that."
Jade rolled, trying to see the men talking about her, but it
hurt. When she gasped, someone dropped to her side. Hands
grabbed her, breaking open the scabs and she winced,
pulling away. Behind her, Treb sucked in a shattered breath.
"Enjoy," the Spider nearly purred. "Seems she doesn't
remember either one of you. I plan to savor this."
Then the air grew dense one more time and popped. Jade
sucked in a breath, hoping for her ears to relax against the
sudden changes, but that hurt, too. All she could do was curl
around herself and whimper. She didn't even try to stop the
tears.
"He wiped her?" Treb asked.
"Yeah." Xel squatted before her. "Hey. It's ok, Jade."
"Jaeda," Treb said. "Her name's Jaeda."
"Jaeda," Xel tried. "You're home, sweetie. Come here and
I'll take care of you, but I have to touch you."
She wiped at the tears and tried to look up. "Who's here?"
"Just myself and my assistant. I promise we're going to
make it stop hurting, Jaeda. We're going to take care of you."
 She nodded, then leaned into him, relaxing completely. "I
tried to like it. I tried to starve him, but I couldn't." Her voice
cracked, but she didn't stop. "So I hit my head as hard as I
could but I blacked out, and now I'm back."
Treb's hand trembled as he caressed the back of her head.
"Jaeda?"
"I want a bath, Treb. I just want a bath before I have to
see what they did to me."
Both men breathed a sigh of relief, but Treb asked, "You
remember my name?"
She looked back enough to see the wonder on his face,
and nodded. "He said a word, but the magic just slid off, and
then he asked my name, but I couldn't think straight so told
him Jade. Then he asked where we were, but I didn't really
know." She slowly looked up at the Jackal. "And he asked me
something else."
"What?" Xel's voice was gentle.
She curled closer against him. "He asked me if I knew
something, but I'm not sure you want me to say it. I thought
it was a place, so asked where, and he was sure his spell
worked, then I realized that I only knew half."
"Xelas," he whispered. "Treb knows my name. It's ok."
"But now I do."
He kissed the top of her head. "I know yours, so we're
even. Orchid, let me pick you up. I'm sorry, it's going to hurt,
but I need to take care of you."
"It's ok." She tried not to scream when he lifted her, but
it was hard. Instead, she clung to his neck. "I just wanted to
come home. I just wanted to come home so bad."
"And now you are. I won't let anyone hurt you again. I'm
so sorry, Jaeda. I'm so sorry, but if I tried to stop him, he
would have killed us all."
"I know. He said he'd stop if I killed Treb."
 "Fuck," the man in question grumbled, hurrying for the
door. "How'd he think that would work?"
"He said he'd even get me poison, but I had to do it since
you aren't protected from me. You can't be if you want my
lust."
Xel growled but didn't slow his feet as he climbed the
stairs. "A mage without a catalyst is basically useless. We
can't harvest the emotions as well. It's like trying to carry
water in your hands, it just leaks back out, but the catalyst is
a pail."
"And I've learned how to do it very well," Treb added.
"I'll run the bath, Xel."
"It's already run. Just find her something soft to wear and
go fuck that whore. I'm going to need a rush."
"Yeah, man." Treb moved beside them and leaned over to
kiss her shoulder. "Just take care of her, ok?"
"Promise. She took care of us."
Then Treb scurried ahead of them. When they reached the
top, she saw his head disappearing down another flight on
the other side. Xel, however, turned left. For the first time,
Jade got to see his suite. Unlike his clothes, which were
always in reds and golds, his rooms were tastefully decorated
in cool and soothing colors that reminded her of a peacock.
Blue was the main one, but greens and purples made their
appearance. It was nothing like she'd expected.
There were no ornate statues or gilded anything. The
chairs were plebeian, but well-made. The decor was more
suited to a farmhouse than a palace. It looked like the perfect
place to relax, but the mage wasn't stopping. He carried her
right into the bath. Unlike the others, this room was more
than merely functional. The tub was made of stone and large
enough to hold two. The lip around it was as wide as a bench
and just as smooth. On the side was a table piled high with
soft cloths and towels, but the steam coming off the water
was what caught her eye. She knew exactly how bad that
would hurt.
"Xel?"
"It's ok," he soothed. "I'm just going to sit you on the
side, but I have to get some blood off to see what they did."
He eased her down, but she curled her legs before her. "I
can do it."
Xel didn't stop; he just walked over to grab an entire
handful of washcloths. "We'll start at the top, ok?"
But she didn't want him to see her like this. She was
supposed to be beautiful, not mutilated. "I don't..."
Dipping one into the water, he rang it out, then passed it
to her. "It's ok. Wipe your face."
Carefully, aware of every cut and lump on her head, she
obeyed. Some places she avoided simply because they hurt
too much, but the warm water helped. It felt soothing and
made the wounds sting less. Xel took the soiled cloth from
her hand and passed her another. When he rinsed the first,
she realized his shirt was gone.
Then he began to help. The places she hadn't wanted to
touch, he took care of. Oddly, it didn't hurt. Like he'd done
this before, Xel carefully pressed the cloth to the injury
before wiping away the blood. When he finished the first
side, he moved around behind her back. Jade heard fabric,
but assumed he was only getting more washcloths until he
stepped over the lip and into the tub completely nude.
"Stick your feet in," he said, urging her to come closer.
"Xel, I don't want you to..."
With water rolling off his cloth, he let it run down her leg,
leaning over her body. "This is all temporary. Jade, I can
remove a brand with a word. I just have to be able to see to
make you whole again."
"But you'll remember!"
 "Yeah. I'll never forget what you did for us." He knelt and
kissed her knee. "I'll never forget that I didn't stop this.
Jade, I felt you trying to like it. I felt you fighting to starve
him. When it stopped, I thought you were gone. I thought
he'd killed you, and I swore you could stay with us as long as
you want if you were willing to do that."
The tears were trying to choke her. "Treb's my only
friend."
He paused. "Just Treb?"
"You're not like us." She shrugged, but it was weak and
limp. "Men like you aren't friends with people like me."
"I want to be, but I can't touch you. I'm so sorry, Jade. I
wanted you to like this. I wanted to show you how amazing
you are, but I can't touch you."
She grabbed the cloth from his hand. "I'm just a damned
whore, ok? I don't deserve having a mage wash my cuts. I'm
a fucking whore who gets paid to like whatever I'm given!"
"No!" He surged halfway out of the tub and caught the
side of her head, but his hand was tender. "Don't ever say
that. You're the strongest woman I know. I saw it when I
walked into that room. A dozen sniveling idiots and this
goddess with her head held high. Your eyes are an abyss I
could drown in. When you kissed me?" He leaned closer, his
mouth almost touching hers. "I never wanted to stop. I
wasn't interested in that sappy little virgin you were so
worried about. I was just trying to distract myself because
one kiss from you was more than I could take. Jade, I knew
when your teeth grabbed my lip that I couldn't touch you
because I want you so bad, and not just this." His hand
moved down her neck and across her clavicle. "But you. The
woman inside all of this. I don't want to be just your friend,
but I can't be anything else."
"Then what do you want?"
 "To take care of you. To worship you. Jaeda, I want to find
a woman who can forgive what I have to do. I want someone
who will fall asleep against me and not hate me for needing
more than she can give. Someone who can understand that
for me sex is more than entertainment. I want to find a
woman who can be my partner and dare to fall in love."
"But you need the lust. How could I hate you for wanting
to survive?"
He leaned back to look into her eyes. "You should. This
happened because of me."
"It happened because of him. The Spider. Xel - "
When she paused, his fingers tightened ever so gently.
"Say it, Jaeda. All of it."
"Xelas."
Finally, his lips touched hers. Gently and softly, he kissed
her. "That one word could destroy me, and I want you to say
it. You, my orchid. I want you to have that power."
"Why?"
He reached for the cloth, but never looked away. "Because
you're the only woman I've ever met who could destroy me,
and that was before you had my name. I don't care what's on
the outside. My weakness has always been what's inside, and
you're perfect." His eyes lowered, following the red marks
on her dark skin. "Let me make it stop hurting, Orchid."
She nodded, but couldn't manage to say anything.
"First, we have to get the blood off, then I have to see. I
have to know what I'm fixing so I can make it all like it used
to be. I swear I won't care." He moved the cloth up her thigh.
"Sit back, Jade. I need you to trust me."
She relaxed her knees and finally uncurled her torso. The
movement pinched, and she felt blood trickle against her
belly again. Xel just closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"He gutted you?" The next breath was filled with anger.
"I will make him pay. I will find a way to kill him that has no
pain so he can know what it feels like to be truly deprived."
He looked up and found her eyes. "I never should have let
you go, but I had no idea he'd do this."
She reached down for his wrist, wrapping her fingers
around the heavy gold band. "Sometimes it's worth it."
"Me?"
She nodded. "Yes, Xelas. You, the kindest man I've ever
known. And Treb. He makes me laugh. The only people I've
met who treat me like there's a person attached to my
vagina. I'd do all of that again if it meant taking care of you.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong somewhere."
"With us?"
"Yeah." She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed the skin
beside the cuff. "All I could think was that I wanted to go
home. I even begged them to let me go home, but they didn't
understand."
"I can do that," he promised.
"You already have. I meant here." She looked up and
blinked, taking a deep breath. "It's what you said when they
brought me back. You told me it was ok, I was home - and I
am. This is the only home I can remember. I want to stay."
Slowly, he licked at his lips, then looked back down to her
ruined body. "Stay with me, Jade? Let me fix you, then stay
all night and let me hold you?"
She gave him a smile, but it was weak. "Ok, but no
fucking. I'd kinda like to just talk and cuddle if you don't
mind."
He dipped the rag back into the bath. "Sounds perfect.
This will probably sting." Then he pressed it right over her
waist.
Leaning back, she sucked in a breath but refused to
scream. Then she realized it didn't hurt as much as she
expected. As she began to relax, his lips found the top of her
thigh, and he kissed before wiping away more gore, only to
repeat the process. After the third time, he leaned closer and
pressed a hand against the small of her back and breathed a
single syllable. The next time the cloth flowed over her, it
didn't hurt at all.
"Now, you can finally get into the bath. Come here,
Orchid. Let me fix every cut on your body."
Jade scooted forward and slipped into the water, aware
that her middle didn't feel like it was about to fall out
anymore. The tiny lacerations across her legs and torso
stung, but not bad. When Xel moved back to give her room,
she followed, crawling over his legs until she sat astride his
hips. He watched her with burning eyes, but shifted her to
his side.
"If you're down there, we might both get tempted, and I
think the Spider's had enough from us. Kiss me, Orchid."
She did, sliding wet hands over his hard chest, but he
didn't grab her. He pushed the cloth up her back, distracting
her from every bump and bruise with the power of his
mouth, pausing only to whisper those words she just
couldn't quite make out.
 CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

T reb found them like that. His shirt was in his hands,
and his hair was damp from exertion, but she was
almost healed. Xel still looked fine, which meant Treb had
done a very good job of screwing the Fawn. He also didn't
seem to care as he dropped to the edge of the tub.
"Hey, you hanging in there?" he asked.
She smiled and turned to lean against Xel's chest. "I think
I'm mostly in one piece. Thanks."
"Gods, you had me worried." He leaned over and palmed
the back of her neck. "You gonna be ok? I don't mean on the
outside, either."
Licking at her lips, she glanced back at Xel before meeting
Treb's eyes again. "I hope so."
"Yeah. Just tell me when the monsters creep up, ok? Even
if one of them is me. I can't take care of you if I don't know
it's happening."
"Food." Xel changed the subject. "By the time she's dry,
she'll be starving."
Treb nodded and stood, smiling down at Jade.
"Something light and warm." Then he looked over to the
mage. "I'll also have the staff take care of the Throne Room.
Cancel everything else today?"
"Please. Thanks, Treb. Get enough for three."
 With a nod, the Catalyst left, pulling on his shirt as he
stepped through the door. Jade leaned back and sighed,
feeling exhaustion hit her like a hammer. If Treb was
canceling stuff, that meant she'd lost more time than she'd
thought.
"How long was I gone?"
"Was just after sundown when they showed up. We're
going to have an early lunch, so not quite a day." He moved
her hair back and kissed the side of her neck. "After you eat,
will you lie down for a bit and sleep?"
"Yeah, but Xel?" She turned to face him. "Can I have a
really comfortable dress? Maybe something kinda too big?"
He slid out from behind her and stood. Stepping over the
edge of the tub, he found a robe made of some plush
material. With a smile, he held it up. "Good enough?"
"Perfect."
She stood, but he moved closer, offering her a hand. She
actually needed it. When she tried to step over the edge of
the tub, her world tilted. Only grabbing at him kept from
stumbling off her feet. Xel caught her, steadying her against
his chest.
"How bad did you hit your head?" he asked.
She pressed her cheek into his broad - and bare - chest.
"As hard as I could."
"Ok." He helped her into the robe, doing most of the work
for her. "Now sit down. I don't want you to fall." Her butt
was barely on the edge of the tub before he lifted her chin.
"Look right in my eyes. All the way to the back."
His hands were on her jaw, fingers on either side,
touching her collar as he held her head up to his. This time,
when he breathed out his word, she heard it. Like rustling in
the trees, she understood the sound. She wasn't sure she
could replicate it, but she wanted to.
"Shzgha?" she asked.
 His brow creased. "You heard it?"
"Kinda. I mean, I heard it, but I can't say it. Not like you
do."
"Don't." His thumb slid along her jaw. "The word is just a
tool. It's not the magic, but it makes it very easy to make a
mistake, especially when it isn't your word."
She shook her head, unable to keep up. "What?"
"Magic. I'm not sure how you can even hear the sounds,
but we'll worry about that tomorrow. How's your head,
Orchid?"
"It feels fine until I try to stand up."
So he held out his hand. When she took it, he guided her
to her feet, but this time her mind didn't try to swim. She
was better. She was so much better, but not completely good.
Not yet. Having Xel and Treb around made it a lot easier to
believe she would be, but the nightmare of what she'd lived
through was still waiting in the back of her mind.
Unfortunately, moving to the other room only proved just
how exhausted she was. Lunch consisted of soup and bread.
It wasn't fancy, but left her full and relaxed. It also made her
eyes want to slip closed. When her head began to bob, Treb
told her to go to bed. The problem was that she didn't want
to be alone. When she did it again, Xel moved their chat to
the couch, cradling her against his chest. It didn't take long
before her eyes were just too heavy to keep open.
"Treb?" Xel asked softly, just as her breathing slowed.
"Pour me a glass of that wine so I don't have to move her?"
He headed to the table for the remainder of their bottle.
"She out?"
"Think so. Pretty sure she won't want to be alone for a
few days, either. You willing to spend some time with her?"
"Of course. I mean, this is going to take a bit for her to
recover from. We'll take turns." He filled a glass and set it
beside the mage's arm. "Anything I should know?"
 Xel sighed and rubbed at his face. "Yeah. They carved her
up bad."
"Saw that." Treb sounded pissed.
Xel just shook his head. "The Spider tried to turn her
inside out. He gutted her, Treb, and only barely put her back
together. I have a feeling it's something she won't easily
forget."
"What?!" Anger flared across Treb's face. "Did he even
care if she died?"
"Probably not. I can heal the body, but the mind is out of
my reach." He paused for a long moment. When Xel spoke
again, his voice was little more than a whisper. "I'm sure it'd
be nice to know that a friend can understand. And just a
friend."
"I can do that," Treb said. "First, she just needs to know
that we don't care. When she believes that, we'll convince
her that she's not alone."
"I'll never leave her alone again." Xel slowly caressed her
head, careful not to wake the woman in his lap. "I should've
stopped him."
"You can't," Treb reminded him. "Not with those cuffs
on. She's tough, Xel. I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time
someone's tried to break her, but she just keeps going. Don't
take that from her. It's what she's the most proud of. She's
got this."
"If I can't protect my friends, what good is any of this?!
I'm supposed to do something with all this power, not just
tear down cities to rebuild them again."
"Like what?" Treb kicked his feet out before him and
waited.
Xel's eyes dropped to his Orchid, and his hand traced the
lines of her braids as he soothed her sleeping body. "They
say that when the gods died, we were made. Their power was
set free to settle inside us. Doesn't that mean we're
responsible for people? Shouldn't we be working to make
their lives better, not trying to harvest them like crops?"
"Not all gods were good."
"Were any of them?" The mage refused to meet Treb's
eyes as he reached for his wine. "We didn't have gods on the
island."
Treb just shook his head. "Not really. Some weren't as bad
as others, but they were all temperamental and vicious. They
were gods. They thought humans were made to serve them."
He shrugged. "Maybe they were right. What else is a catalyst
good for?"
"A second opinion? A shoulder to lean on?" Xel chuckled
softly. "An anchor to keep me grounded? No mage can
torture his catalyst without paying for it himself."
Treb cocked his head. "A weakness?"
"And a strength. Who else would pick me up when a spell
cracks and drains me to my knees? Without our catalysts,
most mages would've been killed off in their first year."
"Exactly." Treb stood and walked closer, bending to clasp
Xel's arm. "Without a friend, you would have become a
paranoid monster fighting for your own survival, just like
the Spider." He tipped his head to Jade. "She likes you
because you're not. She cares about you because you suck at
being a dark mage."
Xel's next words were little more than a breath. "I can't
love anyone, Treb."
"Yeah, you can. Sex isn't love. It's seducing a scared
young man before he could jump off the building. It's
picking her up when she's broken and protecting her until
she's ready to do it on her own. It's listening. It's caring
more about what someone else needs than what you do." His
hand moved higher, to the back of Xel's head. "But don't you
dare try to make her fit some mold you have in your head.
Before you can fall in love with someone, you have to
actually know them, not just think you do."
"I'm trying."
"Then stop," Treb told him. "This isn't a spell. It's not
some town to be conquered. You're a damned mage, not a
god. You're not supposed to be all-powerful and perfect. I
know you're lonely - I am too - but we can't make
emotions."
Xel chuckled at that. "It's kinda what we do. We
manufacture lust."
"But not the complicated ones. Sure, we can force people
to feel the most primal things. Lust, pain, joy, hunger...
Those are easy. Those are animalistic. If you want her to love
you, then you have to do what I have. Let her see the real
man, not just the act. Not just the big strong mage who is in
complete control."
That big strong mage sighed deeply. "In a few hours, I'm
not going to be much of anything. Treb, we're not going to
be able to complete today's sacrifice. I won't ask her to do
that."
"But..." Treb sat on the table, knee to knee with his
friend. "Xel, that'll fuck you up. You've already made her the
focus of this town. She can't skip a day."
"She's probably going to skip a few months!" Xel
snapped. "At midnight, the spell will snap, and I think we
both know Spider will be right back here to pick up what
pieces are left of me. Just make sure she's not around to get
caught in it?"
"No. Nuh-uh." Treb shook his head. "Just tell her what
you need, and I'm sure she'll think of a workaround. There's
got to be -"
But Xel cut him off with the wave of a hand. "I will not
make sex some kind of torture for her. Not with us, and most
certainly not with some stranger right now. The Spider will
drain me, abuse me, but eventually, he'll dump me right
back here because he needs me to make power for him. I just
need you and her to keep Kurkevy in one piece until we can
start over with a new Chosen."
"It was that bad?"
"Yeah." A bemused sound slipped out, and Xel nodded,
but his eyes were on the sleeping girl in his lap. "It was.
Those bastards tried to flay her skin away like she was
nothing more than a piece of meat. She didn't even want to
let me look so I could heal her. I think the least I can do after
all that is give her a break - no matter what that costs me. I
know I shouldn't put all of this on you - "
"You should." Treb leaned closer to kiss Jade's brow, but
she didn't stir. "I owe you a few, even if being a sap makes
your balls hurt. Trust me, she can do this. So you know, she's
a good listener, too."
"I have a feeling I'll need one when I get back." He
smiled, slowly lifting his eyes to meet Treb's. "And I don't
mean just her."
"I'll always be here, Xel. Always." Treb caressed Jade's
back, then stood. "I have a feeling she will be, too. My gut
says that girl isn't going anywhere. Now, why don't you
carry her to bed and just talk to her, even if she's asleep.
She's really not like the others."
Xel nodded. "Not at all. I've actually never heard of
anything like her."
Treb's head snapped up. "You know what she is?"
Carefully, Xel shifted Jade into his arms. "I have a very
good guess. One that may break every rule of magic we
know, but I have to wait until she's awake before I can test
it." Then he stood, lifting the woman with him.
"And that means you aren't about to tell me." Treb just
grinned, proving he wasn't offended. "Enjoy your afternoon
nap, my lord."
 "Fuck you," Xel called as he carried his most precious
burden into the other room.
Treb just lifted his arm with his middle finger pointed to
the sky. "Tried that. Didn't work so well. Besides, you need
me to fuck your girl."
"Bastard," Xel grumbled under his breath, but it made
him feel better. Treb usually did.
As gently as he could, the Jackal eased the broken girl
onto his bed, following her down to cradle her against his
chest. She made a soft noise and snuggled closer. Deep inside
him, something warm sprang up. Every time he was around
her, that happened, but this time it was different. This time,
he finally knew why. The woman he was slowly falling for
appeared to also be his salvation. All he had to do was be
man enough to give a shit.
If he could do that, the Spider wouldn't stand a chance.
 CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

B ehind her lids, everything was gold. Sucking in a deep

breath, Jade opened her eyes, surprised to find her
body felt fine. Tired, completely worn out, but healthy. She
also realized that the gold was from the sun, not some new
decoration in the Jackal's most private retreat.
Near the peak of the roof, a line of windows allowed the
last rays of the day to make this private chamber into a
treasure. Dark-stained wood glistened, looking almost
bronze. The blue silk over the bed sparkled like a jewel. And
beside her was the most beautiful thing of all. Lord Xelas, the
Jackal, slept soundly, his skin gilded with the light as if he
was carved from pure gold. For a moment, she just watched
him, shocked to find the man no less amazing in his sleep.
But something nagged at her. Pieces of things said over
the last week hinted that her job here wasn't just to fuel Xel,
but to do something more. She was the Chosen. Both of the
guys made a big deal out of that, and they'd mentioned
binding the town. From what little she'd learned of magic,
that sounded like some very complicated spell. Considering
that the Jackal had gone out of his way to make sure the
Spider knew he'd need her today, she was pretty sure it
wasn't complete.
Of course, asking him wouldn't get her very far. The way
he'd treated her in the bath? Jade knew she'd been allowed
across that hard line he kept between his objects and his
friends. Now, he was going to be worried about protecting
her. She could feel it. Like some ember simmering in her
chest, she knew he was concerned about her wellbeing, but
she was just as worried about his. Thankfully, there was one
man who'd tell her what she needed to know.
Slipping out of the bed as silently as she could, she found
her plush robe discarded on the floor. Bending to claim it
was harder than she expected. Not painful, just more work.
When she finally had it wrapped around her body, she made
her way out, only vaguely aware of where anything was in
the mage's suite. She did remember that he'd turned left at
the top, which meant if she went the opposite way...
Jade found the stairs that led down to the throne room.
Across from them was another set, but they weren't nearly
as ornate. That confirmed she was headed in the right
direction. Clutching the railing, she slowly worked her way
down, then stepped into a boring door on the right. Treb
spun in his chair, his head jerking up at the intrusion. At the
sight of her, he smiled.
"Hey, hun." Pushing a paper farther back on the desk, he
stood. "You doing ok?"
"I'm tired," she admitted, shuffling to the edge of the bed
so she could sit. "How long did I sleep?"
"Uh." His eyes flicked to the water clock in the corner.
"It's well past dinner."
"But still today?"
His eyes narrowed. "Not quite tomorrow. Why?"
Still groggy, she rubbed at her face. "So we can do the
spell?"
"Jade," he breathed, moving to stand before her. "He
won't make you do that."
"Do what?" she countered. "Treb, I'm not even sure what
this spell is. Neither of you told me it was anything more
than sex for the moment. I thought we were just giving him
power, but I'm pretty sure there's more."
"There's more," he agreed. With a sigh, he moved to sit
beside her. "It's called the web of power, and you're the
focus - or were."
She licked at her lips, aware of what he was insinuating.
"Did I ruin it?"
"No," he promised, reaching over to caress the back of
her head. "No, honey, you didn't do anything wrong. You
were amazing, which is why he's going to let it shatter
tonight."
She pulled her legs up under her and leaned into his side.
"The Spider said that if I don't fulfill my part, Xel will be
drained. Will you please just tell me what's going on? I'm not
going to tell anyone. I swear."
"Ok." He leaned back, pulling her down onto the mattress
beside him, then shifted so they could lie comfortably. "I'm
going to have to start at the beginning, ok?" When she
nodded, he turned his eyes to the ceiling and kept going.
"The more magic a mage casts, the more power he needs.
Emotions make that power, but harnessing it is a different
story."
"Like here in the temple, you mean?"
"Kinda. Jade, he can only reap power in his vicinity.
Something close enough for him to sense, and it seems to be
similar to the distance of smell. Unless he makes a net to
catch it."
"The web of power," she breathed, starting to see where
this was going.
"Close." He looked down at her and smiled. "Each town
gets a net over it when it's taken. The walls fall and he
throws the net. Mundanes can't see it at all, but other mages
can if they know how to look." He paused, chewing at the
side of his mouth as he thought. "It's like millions of mirrors
in the air, all aimed back here. Think of it like a funnel that
sends everything to the temple. The web of power is bigger.
It connects all of his previous towns together and directs the
lust to his current base. Right now, that's the throne room
here. He has a few dozen towns linked together, and
everyone in them is unconsciously helping him grow more
and more powerful. But the Spider is doing the same."
"And the Spider is stealing Xel's power, right?"
He nodded. "Exactly. Over half of everything Xel gets goes
right to his master. Even when he's not using it for magic,
he's still being drained, slowly but surely."
Jade sucked in a breath and turned, rolling to see Treb
easier. "That's why he always needs a drink?"
"Mhm. And the magic that's left for him to use, probably
half of that goes to maintain his net and all of his
protections." Treb touched the chain around his throat.
"Even the ones he puts on us."
"And this spell I was chosen for?"
"Is the one that will add Kurkevy into Xel's web. It takes
one complete phase of the moon. That's why we always take
towns on the eve of the full moon. Every day until it's full
again, his Chosen must present a sacrifice. Every group he or
she seduces will bind them to the Jackal until the whole city
is one big battery meant to keep him going just a little
longer."
She sat up. "Merchants, nobles, military, whores... that's
what's he's had me doing?" She pressed a hand over her
mouth. "And if I don't give some type of sacrifice every
day..."
"The spell breaks," he finished. "The backlash of that is
brutal, gets worse with each additional day he's invested,
and it will siphon off all the magic he's stored up so far."
"Making him vulnerable to the Spider." She turned back
to look at him. "But what about when it's just you and I?"
 "And what exactly are you?" he countered. "A whore, a
woman, a citizen, a foreigner? You, my dear, are a lot of
different things, and each sacrifice you give binds your
groups. You don't always need to be a centerpiece to help
him."
"Like what we did just before the Spider came?" She
meant when Treb had been so gentle with her.
"Yeah," he admitted. "So long as the Chosen makes a
sacrifice of some kind, the spell continues, but it's ok. He
told me - "
She cut him off. "Fuck me."
For a moment he just stared at her. "Jade..."
"I'm serious," she insisted. "Fuck me! You said it's not
tomorrow, so the spell isn't broken. Let's do this, ok?"
"Wait, wait, wait." Treb sat up to match her, grasping
both of her shoulders. "You're missing one important thing,
honey. You're not just the Chosen anymore. He doesn't want
to use you, wipe your mind, and throw you out when we're
done. He's fine with letting the spell break and starting over.
You and I are going to keep this town running until that's
possible and then -"
Jade didn't let him finish. She pushed him back into the
mattress and began fumbling at her robe. "Listen to me,
Lord Trebar whatever-the-fuck your title is. I swore to that
man that I'd take care of him. He already took care of me.
Now, I may not be as fancy or as showy as I'd like, but I can
damned well climb on your cock if I have to."
Slowly, a rumble began to build in Treb's chest until it
burst out as a breathy laugh. While Jade undressed herself,
he just lay there, pressing the back of his hand over his eyes
and chuckling. Occasionally he shook his head, but he made
no move to stop her.
"This will at least buy us another day," she insisted as she
reached for his pants.
 He waved her hands away. "It will. That's not what I'm
laughing at, hun."
She paused. "Then what?"
"You." He dropped his arm to look right at her. "I told
him you'd be ok, but he was so damned worried that he told
me not to try. If he comes down here and finds me balls deep
in you, do you have any idea which one of us is going to get
zapped? Big hint - not you."
"He's still asleep." She smiled and tugged the last knot at
his waist free. "The way I see it, he doesn't need all the
details all the time, right?"
"And you're really ok with this?" Treb asked, pulling off
his shirt without lifting himself from the mattress.
Jade tugged the flap of his pants open. "Can we see? I
don't hurt, Treb. He fixed all of that, but I'm so tired. I just
figured that, um..." She shot a quick glance up to his face.
"I'm not going to be like Narsi. I'm not. I won't let that
bastard take away the one thing I'm good at just because I'm
supposed to be some scared woman, ok? I won't let the
Spider change my own opinion of myself."
"Ok," he promised, pushing his boots off with his feet as
he shoved at his pants. "And I'm not about to let that bastard
hurt anyone else I care about, but this isn't a show." Naked,
he scooted toward the head of the bed until his back was
propped up on the pillows. "But Jade? I'm scared I'll hurt
you."
Her eyes dropped to his crotch, well aware that for the
first time, he wasn't immediately hard. It was proof that
there might be a little more to Treb than just sex. Pulling her
gaze back up, she looked across his sculpted abs and broad
chest, but paused at the luscious lip caught between his
teeth. Just above that were his dark eyes, taking her all in,
waiting for her to make the first move.
 "He said he fixed me," she promised, crawling toward
him.
Treb tipped his head slightly. "He said he fixed your body.
I don't have any idea what they did to you in there, and I
sure as fuck don't want to make you hate me. I spent enough
time hating myself, so I know exactly how easy it is."
"No," she promised, settling herself across his lap. "Treb,
each time Dorin hit me, I thought of you. Of the way you
were so gentle, making what we do into our own form of
love, and I'm not going to lose that." Leaning closer, she
brushed her mouth over his. "No one's ever touched me like
that before," she whispered.
He pressed his lips to hers again. "That's what you
deserve, Jaeda." Slowly, tenderly, his hands found her sides.
"Being with you is different. You're fun. You're beautiful."
He kissed her again. "And you're so amazing. I always
thought I liked blondes, but I was wrong."
The next kiss was deeper, his tongue slipping alongside
hers, but just as gentle. The feel of his hands wasn't
demanding. The press of his chest against hers wasn't
impatient. He made no move to grind his hips into her. Treb
just kissed her - like he meant it.
And that was exactly what she needed. Wrapped in his
arms, she didn't have to worry about letting him down. She
just got to be his for this one moment. No one was watching.
No one cared what they did, but something was changing.
Palming the side of his face, she held his mouth to hers,
pulling back only enough to suck in a breath before her
tongue found his again. In the back of her throat, she
moaned, the sound soft and fragile.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Jade," he promised. "I'm
going to keep you for a very, very long time, so let me take
care of you?"
"Make love to me, Treb?"
 "No, beautiful. I want you to make love to me this time.
Show me what you feel. Doesn't even matter what it is."
Gently, he eased her hips closer, right over him, proving his
interest had returned. "Take your time, but stop locking me
out." He shifted his hand, sliding it up and over her chest
until his fingers tapped the skin over her heart. "Just try to
let me in a little, because I'm tired of always being alone."
Slowly, she lowered herself onto him. "Me too," she
breathed against his lips. "I like whatever this is so much.
Just don't break me, Treb."
"We won't," he swore, leaning back to let his eyes close.
"Neither one of us."
 CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

S he took him slowly, letting him fill her, waiting for

something to hurt, but she wouldn't stop. For Jaeda,
this was her own battle. Sex was her power, her greatest
strength, and she wasn't about to let anyone make her regret
being touched. Beneath her, Treb understood. He made no
move to rush her, groaning softly each time she moved.
And it didn't hurt.
Not her body, not her heart, and not her mind. Too many
times, she'd heard the horror stories, how one bad
experience turned so many people away from the pleasures
of the body. For her, it was different. Feeling this man's
patience and understanding refueled her in a way she simply
couldn't understand. It made her feel invincible, and she
wanted so much more.
Slowly, she began to rock, taking him deeper just to give
him up. Treb's hands slid across her body, caressing the
places most people forgot. His touch proved she was
beautiful. His hands soothed away the memories of the
torture. And his lips, they promised that it would never
happen again. He wouldn't treat her like that. Whore to
whore, he just wanted to make her feel so good, and she took
it.
The pleasure, the desire, and something else, she drank
them all in. When she moaned louder, Treb sat up, his arms
wrapping around her back to hold her even closer. Carefully,
almost gently, his hips shifted into her, pushing just a little
higher, encouraging her to take whatever she needed.
Seamlessly, they writhed, becoming nothing more than a
tangle of arms, legs, and bodies.
His tongue twined with hers, their mouths crashing
against each other, making their breath come in short,
heaving gasps. She heard her name on his lips and felt the
rush as she breathed out his. Those were the only sounds
that made sense, but it didn't matter. The important thing
was that this felt good. It felt right.
And then it became almost delirious.
Jade knew the moment Xel entered the room, but he
didn't say a word. Behind her, the mattress dipped, and one
more hand slid carefully over her spine. The touch was soft,
almost reverent. A kiss followed, landing on her shoulder.
"Don't stop," Xel whispered, but she wasn't sure who
that was for.
She also didn't care. Each press of her body sent her a
little higher, brought her a little closer, and Xel's presence
only made it easier. She could feel his chest against her back,
Treb's against her front, and neither man seemed to care.
They were both focused on her, watching her, pleasing her in
their own way, and it was the more glorious thing she could
imagine.
"Deeper," she begged, wanting Treb to stop holding back.
And a hand moved around her ribs, down her body, and
between her folds. "Lean back," Xel begged.
She did, and he took her weight. One arm held her against
him, the other hand found her clit, pressing and rubbing it
just enough. Treb's hands found her thighs, and he thrust,
pushing against her front wall with the angle. All Jade could
do was hang on, wrapping her arm around Xel's neck while
her hips surged, moving with Treb. Faster, deeper, her
plunges became almost frantic until, with a gasp, it hit.
Jade cried out, the sound pure desire as her body
exploded, reminding her just how good it could feel. As her
hips twitched, shuddering on her man, Treb tried to finish,
but he'd been too careful, so worried about her own
satisfaction that he'd all but forgotten about his.
Xel hadn't. Just as the friction became more than she
could handle, he lifted Jade up and back, then reached down
to grab Treb in his fist. Her juices made the Catalyst's cock
slick and wet, so Xel pumped. Unwilling to be greedy, she
joined in, their fingers tangling as they stroked him, making
the poor man clench his eyes and fight back a groan.
"Faster," Treb begged. "Xel, harder. Yeah, man. Oh, yeah,
you know how I like it." Then he gasped, his ass lifting off
the bed a split second before he spilled across both of their
hands with a deep and feral growl.
Jade leaned to the right to grab one of those cloths from
the table. Xel leaned forward. With her out of the way, there
was nothing keeping him away from Treb.
"Thank you," Xel whispered.
Treb opened his eyes and reached up to caress the mage's
face. "It's been too long."
"Yeah."
Then, right there before her, they kissed. It wasn't deep
and passionate. There were no laving tongues or pawing
hands. Their lips simply touched, as if they'd been kept apart
too long and just wanted to know the other was still there. It
was painfully beautiful to watch.
And with it came something so strong Jade felt like she
couldn't breathe. Her body jerked as she gasped, trying to
handle it. Both men noticed, but it was Xel who caught her
and pulled her close.
 "It's ok," he told her. "That's magic. That's all it is, and
you want it. Take it, Jade. Drink it. Inhale it. Let it in, because
it will make you powerful." He pressed her cheek to his chest
and gently smoothed her braids down her back. "I got you.
You're not drowning, Orchid. You can still breathe - just
relax and let it happen."
Then she gasped, sucking in a deep, loud breath. As the
air hit her lungs, she stopped fighting, allowing her men to
hold her up, but Treb had leaned over to grab her hand. His
eyes were filled with worry.
"What happened?" he asked. "Did I do that?"
Xel laughed once. "It's nothing bad," he told them both.
"I just confirmed what our pretty little orchid really is."
"What?" Jade asked.
He smiled down at her proudly. "A mage. I don't know
what emotion, but you are definitely a mage."
"Xel?" Treb asked, scooting closer. "That's impossible."
"Has been impossible," he corrected. "But trust me. I saw
it the moment I walked in this room. That's why I stayed."
Belatedly, Jade passed him the cloth, aware that his hand
was sticky against her arm and Treb was still a mess. "What
did you see?"
"Emotion becoming magic." He wiped his hand, then
passed the cloth to Treb. "It starts as a feeling, like a
pressure. If I stop trying to focus, I can see the sparkles of it
at the edge of my vision, like glass dust in the air. When I
walked in this room, it was as thick as fog. The sparkles were
clinging to your skin but going nowhere, and they were
coming from Treb." He paused. "And me."
"What did you feel?" she asked.
"I don't know," he admitted. "Worry? Concern? Hope that
you would actually like what you were doing? Desire at
seeing you with him? Jealousy that it can't be me? So many
things, Jade." He looked at Treb. "You?"
 He crumpled the cloth in his hands, ignoring his quickly
softening cock. "I wanted her to like it, and I was scared I
might hurt her. Not her body, but her mind. I kinda wanted it
to mean something more than just an orgasm, you know?
Most of all, I wanted her to feel..." He glanced at Xel. "I
wanted her to know how much she means to me. That to me,
she's not a whore."
Jade had to turn away and blink her eyes clear. None of
those things were what she'd expected. Yes, she might be
their friend, but she was also their partner, and this was just
a working relationship. They were all here to gain an
advantage from their sex, nothing more. This was supposed
to be just fucking, but it hadn't even been a week, and they
were already crossing so many lines.
Would Xel send her away? She'd just watched them kiss
like lovers, and now she was getting between them. Would
they resent her for that? And what would they do if they
knew she was starting to like them just a little too much?
That moment of jealousy when Treb had flirted with Narsi
immediately sprang to mind. Never mind that if she was a
mage, Xel might see her as a threat, not a partner.
"I don't want to be a mage of jealousy," she said, mostly
to explain why she couldn't meet their eyes right now.
"Jade," Xel said softly, touching her arm to make her look
at him. "We don't get to pick. I also don't think that's your
emotion."
She finally looked back. "Why?"
"Because Treb wasn't jealous, and he was the one giving
you the most power."
"Oh."
Then Xel sighed. "You have a bigger problem."
"Shit," Treb said as he rolled off the bed, walking toward
the tub. "Are you sure she's a mage?"
"Positive," Xel told them.
 Treb dipped the cloth in the water, then wiped at his
crotch. He said nothing until he tossed the damp rag in the
corner. "There has never been a female mage before. The
Sultan has sent teams out to find every one he can, and not a
single woman has been brought back."
"There are female catalysts," Xel countered.
"A catalyst isn't a mage!" Treb snapped. "We're good for
one thing. We trot along at your side, experiencing an
emotion or forcing it from others, and we feed it back to the
man we bond with."
"Wait," Jade said, latching onto that word. "Bond?"
Xel sighed, but Treb was happy to answer. "Yeah.
Catalysts on our own are pretty useless. All we do is convert
an emotion into magic, but we can't do a thing with it.
Finding one of us is nothing more than chance. If a mage is
close and we just happen to be feeling the right thing, they
know. They can sense the magic we exude, but we can't. We
also have no way to store it."
"Ok," she said, trying to make sense of that. "But then he
binds you?"
"No," Treb assured her. "It's not like some magical
chains that make me his toy. It's more like when you get a
new client. The first time you fuck them, it's a lot of
guesswork, right? The second time, you have some idea of
what they like. The fiftieth? You have a bond, and you know
when he's going to need it harder or faster. You've figured
out that he likes you quiet or to talk dirty. Those things. That
connection that lets you work well together. The ties that
make it so hard to just walk away."
"So you could just leave at any time?"
He nodded. "Technically, I could. I won't, but I could. See,
I get a few things back from this arrangement too. It's
somewhat symbiotic. I never get sick anymore. When I met
Xel, I stopped wanting the poppy. And then there's the
luxuries that come with the job." He gestured to the tub.
"And the friendship."
"That..." She glanced over at Xel. "It didn't look like just
friendship."
"It is now," Xel explained. "My curse? The Spider can't do
a thing to my catalyst, but he can to me." His tongue darted
out to lick his lips. "I can't touch him any more than I can
you, so we agreed that friends is better."
Her eyes flicked to Treb. "And how's that working?"
With a sigh, Treb sat back down on the bed. "I've known
Xel for a decade, maybe more. He is my friend. He was my
lover. Just because one part of that had to change doesn't
mean both do."
"Sex isn't love," she reminded him.
"No, it's not, but loving someone doesn't mean they
aren't a friend. If you feel something but don't act on it,
what do you call that person?"
"A friend," she realized.
"It is a very broad term," Xel agreed. "But I want to talk
to you about a different kind of bond." He lifted his wrist,
showing the gold cuff. "Because the only way to prevent one
of these is to have something better in place."
Her eyes flicked from the cuff the Spider used to torture
him up to his amber eyes. He'd once said that this was what
mages did. They found a younger, weaker mage, bound
them, and used them to get control over a second emotion.
Where a catalyst could carry more of what they had, a bound
mage could harvest a completely different crop, giving the
master more options.
Now, he was saying she was the inexperienced, vulnerable
mage. She'd just gotten a first-hand example of how the
Spider tortured his victims, but what would that look like
with Xel in charge, and would that give the Spider control
over her? Never mind that she'd just spent a day with the
Mage of Pain and he hadn't noticed a single hint of magic on
her.
Was this a trick? Could it be the downside of a lifestyle
that seemed too good to be true? She was pretty sure the
Spider had been friendly to the Jackal until he had control.
Was that all Xel was doing? Was that what the inspection
that first day had actually been about?
Jade shook her head. "I don't think this is a good idea."
"And you shouldn't," Xel agreed. "After what you just
went through? No, you shouldn't trust me."
"But," Treb added, "the Spider will be back. If you slip,
even once, he'll notice. He won't give you a choice. Jade, I
swear you can trust Xel."
"And can I trust you?" she asked.
Treb's shoulders dropped a bit. "No, you're right." Then
he sighed. "What other options do we have, Xel?"
"I have no idea," Xel admitted. "We don't even know
what emotion she's locked to. There's no way to predict
when someone would trigger her, so I have no idea how to
stop it."
"Couldn't you just make me immune to all of them?" she
asked, desperately hoping these men weren't the best actors
she'd ever met.
Xel shoved a hand across his mouth, sighed, then pushed
himself to his feet. "I could," he admitted, "but it's called
binding. That's the only way I could have control over your
power in any way, and I'm not doing that without your
permission."
He turned for the door, but she stopped him before he
made it out of the room. "You could've lied to me."
He didn't bother to turn. "The Spider's name is Hian. He
told me that, giving me complete power over him to prove
just how trustworthy he was. Within the hour, I was trapped
inside my own gold. No, Jaeda, I can't lie to you. I wouldn't
be able to live with myself if I did."
 CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

J ade wasn't quite ready to let this go. Sure, maybe the
talk they were about to have would bruise a few
feelings, but this wasn't a decision she was going to
just jump into without a whole lot more information.
Especially not after what the Spider had just put her through.
And yet, the Spider had just put her through all of that
because he was hungry for more power. He didn't care how
he got it, and Xel said she had some. She hadn't even had
time to wrap her mind around what any of this meant, but
the last thing she wanted was to be chained on that man's
floor again.
Before she could convince herself this was stupid, she
rushed after the Jackal, not caring about whether he'd allow
her upstairs or not. She also didn't stop for clothes. Not that
she needed them in a sex mage's temple. But as she reached
the hall, she saw him turn at the top, heading toward the
central part of his living space. For a split second, she hoped
she wasn't running into the same kind of trap he had, but
she had to trust someone, and she really wanted these men
to be the good ones.
"Xel?" she called as she jogged toward the stairs. "Wait!"
"Ah, fuck," Treb groaned behind her.
She knew he'd follow, but didn't care. Right now, she
needed someone to answer her questions. In her mind, one
word was on repeat: mage. She just wasn't sure it was a good
thing. If she was bound to an emotion, how would her life
change? Had it been with her the whole time, or was this
something new? Never mind that Treb said all mages were
men!
She reached the top and turned, just as Xel grabbed her,
pushing her up against the wall beside some ornate weapon
display. "Never," he growled, completely ignoring her
nudity, "follow a mage to someplace secluded! Binding takes
time, and it takes concentration. The first thing one will do is
try to get you alone, and then you'll be his puppet for the
rest of your life." He shook her slightly. "Do you understand
me, Orchid?"
Her eyes were wide, but she nodded. "I'm sorry. I don't
know these things, Xel. I just know how to fuck."
A heavy breath fell out, and he released her. "And I don't
want you to get hurt again. Not for me, and not ever."
Gently, he leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers. "I just
hope that being a woman is enough to make sure no one
bothers to look at you."
But there was one big problem with his logic. He didn't
seem to see it, but she did. "Why didn't you bind me?"
"I told you."
"But I just followed you up here, and we're alone. You're a
mage."
Xel gestured to the stairs, proving Treb had stopped at the
top. He'd also taken the time to pull on his pants, but neither
of them wore a shirt.
She huffed out a single laugh at the insanity of all this.
"He's your catalyst. An extension of your power, right? So
that would only make this worse?"
It was Treb who answered her. "Yeah."
"I'm just scared." She looked between the two of them.
"I've seen what mages can do. I was in Jorin and Brunsmith
when those towns fell. I've been cut open to please the
Spider. Over and over, everything I know about mages is bad,
the kind of thing I should stay away from..." She met Xel's
eyes. "But I don't know a single thing about what you can do
or how you do it. I'm scared, Xel, and you still haven't hurt
me."
"I won't hurt you," he promised, pulling her against his
chest just to wrap his arms around her. Gently, his fingers
trailed up and down the line of her spine. "You bled for me,
Orchid. You fought for us. I don't even know what else you
did, but you used his torture to give me power. I want to
protect you, not hurt you."
"I lied," she said softly.
His head twitched slightly. "What?"
"I convinced myself that pain is pleasure, and pleasure is
seductive. I lied to myself to forget that it hurt. As much as I
could."
Xel's breath fell out in a rush. Beside her, Treb whispered,
"Fuck."
So Jade decided to ask what she really wanted to know. "If
I'm bound to you, then wouldn't I be bound to the Spider?"
"No," he promised, stepping back to take her hand. "It
locks your magic to me and only me." Then he led her
toward the same couch where she'd sat with him earlier.
"The truth is that it's appealing to me. The power I could get
from you? I would never be empty, and the Spider couldn't
touch it. He'd know I had a reserve, but not why."
She nodded, letting him guide her down to the cushion
beside him. "How does it work? I mean, if I showed up in
gold cuffs, wouldn't everyone know?"
"I would never put you in cuffs," he promised. "They
chafe. Necklaces can come off too easily. Hair can be cut. No,
a real bond, done the right way, should be on the skin. It's
also the easiest kind to fight off."
 "Like a tattoo?" Treb asked, taking the chair across from
them.
Xel cocked his head to the side and shrugged. "Of a sort,
but it would only be visible when she cast a spell. Then, it
would glow with the magic that made it. Otherwise, it would
be completely invisible."
She nodded, taking all of that in. "And this is something I
need to do soon, right?"
"Yes and no," Treb told her. "The longer you're unbound,
the more chances you have of another mage seeing you.
Considering we don't know when the Spider might stop in to
see the damage he's caused?"
"So yes," she said, knowing that was what he really
meant. "And what happens if I change my mind?" She lifted
a hand, begging them to wait. "I know you both are
wonderful now, but what if the power I give you makes you
greedy, or if I find another way to take care of myself, or
even worse, we end up hating each other? If I'm bound, then
it's forever, or until the master releases the servant, right?"
Xel reached over to toy with one of her braids. "It doesn't
have to be. Yes, it usually is, but that's because mages are
greedy. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that for the exact
reasons you just listed." His finger moved to trace the line of
her jaw. "What if I created the spell so that you and only you
could release it? At any time, for any reason, you could break
the binding without a single word to me."
She bit her lips together and tried to find a problem with
that, but came up with nothing. "What would you get out of
this? You, the powerful Lord Jackal, are offering to protect
me out of the kindness of your heart? Xel, no offense, but
that's asking for a lot of blind faith on my part."
"No," he said around a soft laugh. "No, Orchid, I want
something very specific in return. I will protect you. I will
train you. And when you have full control over your power, I
do want something from you." He tapped the gold band
around his wrist. "I want to be free, but I can't break this
spell from the inside. I need you to do it, and then I'd ask you
to bind me. To you. You're a mage, Jade. I don't know of
what, but I would much rather serve you than any other
mage I've come across." He leaned a little closer. "I am
offering to bind you and give you complete freedom because
I hope that one day, you'll do the same for me."
Which made so much sense. She'd heard him say he
needed another mage to free him, but thinking of herself as
that person? That was the part that was so hard to believe. It
also meant she wouldn't truly be his servant. If he lied and
didn't give her the ability to break her own bond, or if he
pulled some other trick she didn't even know was possible,
she still had that one thing to protect her.
"I think I just have one more question if that's ok?" She
paused. "No, two."
"Ask away," Xel told her.
"First, if I'm bound to you, am I still the Chosen? And
when I'm not the Chosen, can I still go with you?"
His mouth split into a smile. "I'm assuming that just
counts as one?"
"Yes, sir," she mumbled.
"Xel," he corrected, catching her chin to lift her head
back up. "You're my equal now. I'm not your lord or a sir.
Just Xel."
"Except in public," Treb added. "Because you really don't
want anyone knowing you're a mage until you can use the
power."
"Or at least know it," Xel added. "But yes, you will still be
the Chosen. And yes, I have every intention of keeping you
very close to me for as long as I can. How else will you save
me from this prison?"
 Which left only one thing she needed to know. "Ok. So
how does a mage make another cast a spell for them?"
Slowly, he began to smile, the glint in his eyes just a little
too proud. "He can't. I can take a share of your power, but I
can't force your use of it. I can't make your emotion work for
me. I need the bond to convert it into something I can
manipulate. So to answer your real question, no, I can't force
you to release me without your consent."
She nodded, not really surprised that he'd seen through
her weak attempt so easily. After all, he'd spent years
thinking about his own bond. He must have asked all of these
questions himself. He'd also probably had to find the
answers on his own. She didn't see the Spider as the type to
offer up anything that wasn't absolutely necessary.
"Then bind me," she decided. "Because I'd rather be your
servant than anyone else's, but if you end up being like your
master, I will never break your spell, but I will spend an
eternity making sure you suffer for it."
"That," Xel said, standing up, "is something I can easily
agree to. Come, you'll want to be lying down for this, and
we're going to have to remove all of your protections to do
it." He glanced over. "Treb? No one comes up here. What do
you need to make that happen?"
Treb made a halfhearted gesture to the wall where she'd
just been leaning. An ornate sword and shield hung there as
decoration. "I'm good with those."
"They're gold," Jade said, confused.
He cocked his head slyly. "And the Jackal works with gold.
Those are magic, hun, and set where I'll most likely need
them, designed to look like art so no one thinks anything of
them being there." He lifted a brow. "You didn't."
"Good point." Then she thrust her hand out to Xel. "Take
me where I need to be."
 "My bed," he said softly wrapping his hand around hers.
"And it seems you're perfectly dressed for this." Because she
was wearing nothing but her skin and the necklace he'd
given her.
When he'd taken her to his private room earlier, she'd
been asleep. This time, she got to look at his apartment. Just
like in the main rooms, the peacock colors carried through
the rest, the blue emphasized only slightly more than the
green. The most impressive thing, though, was that it wasn't
lavish. His bed was thick and soft, but the rugs weren't. They
were functional. So was everything else, including a few
more displays of beautiful gold weapons.
"Can you use those?" she asked, pointing to a pair of
swords just inside his bedroom door.
He guided her onto the bed. "Yes, although Treb is the
warrior. He still needs someone to practice with." Then he
eased her back. "When I take your necklace off, it may be
disorienting."
"Xel," she said, reaching up to grab his arm before he did
that. "I don't want to be a man's slave. Not even yours.
That's why I never married. It's why I never had children.
Asking me to do this? It's hard."
"I know," he said. "Our world doesn't give you very many
options. That's how my mother ended up on the island in the
first place. She killed her first husband rather than take his
abuse." He eased himself down by her hip. "Orchid, there is
one thing you need to know. Powerful mages aren't born that
way. We can either touch magic or we can't. How strong we
become? The only thing that determines that is you. How
hard are you willing to try, how much will you learn, and
how fast can you do it?"
"What if I get stronger than you?" she asked, her voice
just a whisper.
 He smiled softly. "Then I hope you will be a kind master.
You are my altar, Jade, not my slave. I chose you because you
were brave enough to step up when no one else would. Now
close your eyes. You'll feel like you're falling or spinning.
That's just my magic smothering yours. It won't last long. I
swear."
She barely managed to nod before his hands were on her
neck. Xel breathed out one of those strange words and her
collar cracked. Immediately, she felt the pressure of his
power. It pushed at her and pulled, confusing all of her
senses. She knew she was breathing, but it didn't feel like it.
Forcing her body not to gasp, she couldn't help but think
that it was because his magic was lust. It was there, around
her, in use, but she couldn't do a single thing with it, making
her feel like she was trying to breathe in air that had no
oxygen.
But Xel would take care of her. Since the moment they
met, he hadn't done a single thing to hurt her. Sure, he'd
played his part as an evil mage, and yes, he'd made sure she
wasn't a threat to the safety of himself or Treb. But she
couldn't blame him for that. It was no different from the
fears she'd had only moments ago. The ones she would not
let take over her mind now.
Because Xel's hands were moving down, across her bare
skin, and she knew he was still speaking those words. She
couldn't hear it over the roaring in her ears, but something
was happening. It was warm and smooth, like silk against
her skin. She could smell the magic in the room, like the
musk of sex on the air. Every nerve in her body wanted more,
begged to be noticed, and she moaned softly at the intensity
of the sensation.
Her knees parted, her body convinced it knew how to deal
with this much stimulation, but Xel held her down. His
fingers pressed into her skin, his magic flowing beneath it,
inside her, teasing her to open, to give, and to be his. She
didn't fight it. No, she wanted more, loving the way this felt,
as if she was finally getting her chance to be with him. To
know him. And as the feelings built higher and higher, she
finally understood the true pleasure of a sex mage.
When the spell snapped into place, she felt like she
exploded, every nerve in her body firing at once. Warmth hit
her core, her back arched, and she cried out, reaching to hold
onto the man who'd done this to her just as her eyes flew
open. He was there, his body hovering over hers, those liquid
amber eyes waiting.
"And now," he said, his voice deep and silky, "you are
mine."
 CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

W hile she struggled to catch her breath, Xel yelled at

Treb that it was done. The problem was that she
had no idea how long that had taken. She only remembered
how it had felt, as if he'd been inside her in ways she'd never
imagined before. Good ways. Magical ways. Her pulse
quickened in response, but she forced herself to ignore it.
"Look at it," he said, shifting to expose her waist. "It's
already fading, but I thought you'd want to see."
There, just below her ribs was a golden mark, the color
like molten metal inside her skin. It was the pattern that
shocked her. This was the proof of her bond to the Jackal, the
Mage of Lust, but it wasn't an animal on her skin. The design
was beautiful, twining up from the front of her pelvis, across
her hip, and over her side to end someplace on her back. She
couldn't see it all, but she was sure of one thing. The flowers
were orchids - and with every second, they were growing
harder and harder to see.
But that added one more question to her quickly growing
list. Hopefully, he had answers. Before she could ask, he
sealed the necklace back around her throat, blocking out all
the magical noise from the world. Once again, her world
shifted direction; she was glad she was still lying down, but
it did make it easier to think.
 Xel heard her muffled complaint and laughed softly. It
sounded almost sympathetic. When he reached down to
smooth her braids back, she was sure of it, but he wasn't
done. Her new master was determined to take very good care
of her, so he found her a robe - this one made of red silk -
and helped her into it.
"Why didn't I notice that when you first put this on me?"
she asked, reaching up to touch the largest ruby on her
collar. "All the noise just goes away. Noise I never even
realized was hammering at me."
He helped her to her feet, focused on tying the robe closed
at her waist. "Usually because too much is happening. Partly
because I increased the protections after my magic almost
knocked you off your feet. It could also be because you didn't
get much exposure to your emotion until recently."
She nodded, hearing the sound of something in the other
room. Dishes? "Did Treb call the staff?"
"No," he assured her. "We all slept through dinner, and
the more you interact with magic, the more your body will
need energy to recover. For now, food will suffice, but I'm
sure he carried it up himself. Only three people are allowed
in my apartment - us - and I've terrorized the rest enough to
never try it again. Come, you've had a rough couple of days,
and I'm sure there are more questions."
She let him lead her toward the small table where they'd
eaten earlier, but he'd just given her permission to ask one
last thing. "How do I break the spell? The binding?"
"I made it easy," Xel promised as he sat down at the
table. "Press your hand to your mark and say, 'I am no man's
woman, Xelas does not own me,' three times." He gestured
to her side. "Skin to skin. If you say it once, you should feel
the response."
She slipped her hand inside her robe and did precisely
that. The words were barely out of her mouth before the
mark ignited, feeling like what she could only describe as
liquid power flowing beneath her flesh as it waited to
respond. Jade quickly jerked her hand away.
"It works," she breathed. "I know I should trust you,
but..."
"You shouldn't," he countered. "I have every intention of
being trustworthy, but you are now a mage. Trust no one.
Always protect yourself and your catalyst, when you find
her."
"Her?" Jade asked.
Treb claimed the chair beside her and began filling a
plate. "I wouldn't be opposed to another pussy around."
"What if she's married?" Jade asked.
"Hm." He added another piece of meat before setting it
before her. "What if he is?"
She paused, her eyes locked on the table. "I don't have to
claim a catalyst, do I? Can't I just use Treb?"
Xel shook his head. "Sadly, no. I would love to share him
with you, but it doesn't work like that. He amplifies lust.
Well, collects it for me. The problem is that lust does nothing
for you, and we don't even know what emotion you're
working with."
"Please don't let it be pain."
"I doubt it, but if it is," Treb said, "nothing says you have
to be cruel about it. There's no reason you can't use sexual
pain. Then both you and Xel would benefit from it."
She nodded, but that still didn't feel right. She wanted
something better, something more helpful, but she didn't
exactly have a list to know the possibilities. Still, it felt like
most of her options were things no one really wanted to
inflict on others. Anger, fear, hunger, grief, envy, or disgust.
Those were just the ones she could think of, and being
surrounded by them constantly would explain the foul
temper of most mages.
 "So, can two mages be tied to the same emotion?" she
asked, remembering the mage of joy.
"Not that we know of," Xel explained. "Keep in mind, the
gods only died like twenty-something years ago. It took a
while before most of us knew any of this was possible, and
longer to figure out how to do something with this magic.
It's only been in the last eight to ten years that mages have
risen to power."
"And most of that was because of the Adevian Sultan,"
Treb added. "He saw mages as a way to expand his country,
so he gathered them together and bribed them to share their
secrets."
She shoved a bite into her mouth and chewed, thinking
that over. "So what does the Sultan have on you, Xel, to
make you work for him?"
He shoved a hand over his face, scrubbing at it. "An army,
basically. Look at the position you're in now. On your own,
you're still a mage, but you have no money, no knowledge of
how to use your power, and no catalyst to help you build up
your reserves. If the Sultan offered you free rein to not only
practice your arts without punishment but to also pay you
for it, that would sound great. Then, imagine if the
alternative was the threat of death, knowing he has enough
soldiers and other mages under his control to make that
happen."
"Because you can't fight against all the mages alone, and
they would turn on you," she realized. "So even now, you
can create money and items with magic, but you're still
under his control because of all the others, right?"
"Exactly," he agreed. "It's the perfect system. Mages are
greedy. We're strong enough to take what we want, and the
only thing that can prevent that is another mage. That
makes us fear each other, and he encourages that. Nothing
else can stop us."
 "Mages are all-powerful," Treb said. "The limits of magic
are still unknown, and most of them are happy to focus on
simply forcing what they want from those weaker than
them."
She looked up at Xel. "But not all. Ok. Now, do you want to
explain this month-long spell I'm in the middle of?"
"Simple," Xel told her. "The Chosen agrees to fuel us.
Then he or she - because we have had men as the Chosen
before - ties a different group to us every day. Merchants,
nobles, commoners, men, women, locals, and foreigners.
There are so many groups, and each one we add builds the
web just a little bit tighter. After one full month, the tether
can be cut, the Chosen released, and the web tied to the
building. From there, the lust in this town feeds into a larger
web that I can access if I need to."
He'd chosen his words a little too carefully, and she
noticed. "But you don't. Why not? Why do all of this if you
have no intention of using it?"
Xel smiled deviously. "Because I also build a reservoir.
Each temple I control is like a lake of power. When the Spider
drains me again, and he will, I can immediately refill. The
bastard thinks he's winning, but I'm not that stupid." Then
he sighed. "And because I want him to think I'm a lot less
powerful than I am. One day, I hope to use all of my reserves
to destroy that man, and the power I'm hoarding will do it."
"How powerful are you?" she asked.
"There's no way to measure that," he admitted. "But
very. Trust me. I may even be the strongest of them all, but I
won't be sure of that until my master has no control over
me."
"The master who'll likely be coming back to see how bad
he hurt you when he broke me?" she asked.
"Yeah," Treb said. "And the Spider has to know by now
that your spell didn't snap."
 "I'm sure he does," Xel agreed. "Just like I'm sure he was
hoping I'd rape her to avoid the backlash. That would make
my talent fuel his even more, and the more I suffer for my
morals, the closer I come to giving in, to becoming the
puppet he really wanted." He sighed. "The problem is how
we explain you, Jade."
Yeah, she could see that. The Spider had hurt her. She said
she wanted to go home, but he'd wiped her mind - or so he
thought. She shouldn't remember that, just the pain when
she woke up. Slowly, she began to smile, realizing just how
easy this would be to explain away.
"We lie," she told them. "He thinks I remember nothing,
but I'm pretty sure Xel's protections prevented that." She
reached up and tapped the necklace. "But so far as the Spider
knows, I was dumped in this temple, lost and hurting. The
Jackal healed me and cared for me, so I worship him. I'm
also a little slut, which was why I was chosen in the first
place, and Xel's good at seducing women."
Treb was nodding. "So why couldn't we convince him
she's a catalyst. I mean, it would explain the magic around
her. Call her a weak and untrained catalyst, but tell him that
after what he did, you had to spell her to keep her from
running away? If he senses the mark, that would explain it."
"And all of this plays out right under his nose," Xel
agreed.
"I can do this," she told them. "Being a whore is nothing
but playing to the lies people want to see. The only thing we
still have to explain is why Xel won't touch me."
"Because you're his catalyst," Treb decided. "The moment
he realized you could fuel him like that, he knew you'd be
sticking around and started to care, but he didn't want to say
anything for fear the Spider would destroy you. Xel wanted
you under his control first."
 "Let the Spider assume Xel is acting as self-serving as he
would be," she realized. "Men like him expect everyone
around him to try to fuck him over. If Xel didn't, he'd keep
digging, but if we give him a small crime, one he could
eventually see as a benefit to him..."
"Exactly," Xel agreed. "And you, my pretty little flower,
have to convince the man that you're nothing but an idiot
who likes to spread her legs."
She smiled. "Oh, that's easy. That's what most men think
whores are."
Treb carefully pushed his plate away and crossed his
arms. "Ok, but I want to talk about something a little less
pleasant." His eyes were on her. "The next sacrifice."
"You mean fucking," she corrected.
He nodded once. "I do. Maybe I'm selfish, but I don't
want you on display tomorrow." He looked over at Xel. "I
agree that she'll be fine, but I also think that pushing her to
pretend she's normal is the fastest way to make her break.
What she went through?"
"But how do we make this work?" he asked. "Treb, she
can't keep fucking you over and over. Eventually, we will
need the rest of this town."
"Soldiers," Treb said, dropping that word out there like a
stone.
Jade sat a little straighter, but Xel noticed. His amber eyes
watched her intently, weighing her reaction. "What soldiers?
She already had the generals."
"Foreign ones," Treb told him. "Ours. That would bind
those passing through, the grunts, and who knows what else.
And I just happen to have a man in mind."
"Do I want to know?" Xel asked.
"We met him the day I took her shopping. He's a pretty
one, too." Treb looked just a little too impressed with
himself. "And gentle. I told him to kiss her, but he wouldn't.
He was willing, but he left the decision to her."
"Loyal?" Xel asked.
Treb chuckled. "I'll make sure of it, but Cal pulled his
record. He's been with your army for almost three years
now, and his superiors have nothing bad to say about him."
Xel nodded, showing he'd heard, but he turned back to
her. "And what do you think about this man? Be honest,
Orchid."
"I think he's handsome even though he's blonde." She
paused, remembering that one fleeting moment. "He kissed
me so gently, Xel, like he didn't know any other way. It was
the way a man would kiss his sweetheart, not a whore."
"Then have him summoned to the temple tomorrow," Xel
decided. "She can spend the day with him in the building. I
don't care where in the building, but until I meet the man
myself, I trust no one. I also think we can use him."
"And just fuck him?" Jade asked. "Xel, this guy isn't like
that."
"All men are like that," he assured her. "Oh, they may
honestly believe that taking it slow has a greater chance of
getting a woman to spread her legs, but we all want the
conquest of some kind. And a man who's served for years?
I'm sure he's very lonely by now. Spoil him, Orchid. Pamper
him. Remind him how good it feels to be in a woman's arms.
While you're at it, remind yourself how much you deserve to
be treated like the center of someone's world."
"That," she told him, "is what you give me every day.
Right here, I am the centerpiece, and there's not a damned
thing wrong with liking it. Don't you ever think there is. I am
not required to play by everyone else's rules, and I don't
have to sit down, shut up, and pop out brats because of it."
"Maybe not, but you do have to spend the night in my bed
tonight," he decided. "I think it's one of the few benefits of
being your master that I should claim. One night each week,
you will fall asleep at my side. I think both the Fawn and
Treb will survive."
She lifted her chin. "And why can't Treb fit in that bed as
well? After all, I am your centerpiece. Doesn't that mean I
should be in the center?"
The men shared a look. She wasn't sure what it was
stopping them, but she could guess. That one kiss had
spoken volumes. That Xel was willing to finish Treb had been
only mildly surprising. It was the tenderness of their kiss
that proved they longed for more, just like she wanted to one
day know what it felt like to be with Xel.
In other words, they all were looking for the same thing.
They wanted to be loved, to be accepted, and to have no
limits on that. What she'd just suggested would give them a
chance to come close to that dream. Maybe the Spider's curse
would leave Xel able to do nothing but watch, but she wanted
him to know she was ok with his feelings for Treb, for all
three of them to enjoy being together.
"We only stopped because the girls were scared," Treb
reminded him. "They thought the pair of us would terrorize
them or hurt them. She's never been like that."
"I don't mind sharing," Jade said. "Xel, you deserve to be
happy. Maybe you can't have either of us completely, but
that doesn't mean you need to be just a friend. You don't
have to be locked out because of that curse. That's doing
nothing but letting the Spider win!"
"And when I ignore you for him?" he asked, glancing at
Treb.
She shrugged. "Then it'll be a chance for me to watch. I
told you I want to."
The mage actually smiled at that. "And yet you want to be
in the middle."
 "Oh, I'll take the edge, too. I just thought you might be
shy about making out with him in front of me. Two men
together isn't exactly accepted in these parts, so I was trying
to give you an excuse."
Xel nodded. "I'll have the staff move both of your things
up here tomorrow. We can use the gold room for something
else."
"Like assigning her a guard," Treb said, looking a little
too pleased. "I'm so glad we picked her."
"Me too," Jade agreed. "More than either of you could
guess."
 CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

A good night's sleep was exactly what she needed, and

she slept hard. Jade woke wrapped in the softest
sheets she could imagine, and alone. Last night, she'd fallen
asleep between her men, but not even the heat of their
bodies remained. Still, Xel had a real washroom, complete
with a body-length mirror. Silvered glass that size was
nearly impossible to find, but it would let her see the damage
the Spider had done.
The memory of Dorin's hand inside her skin was
something she'd never forget. It was the sort of abuse that
had to leave a mark, but when she stood before the glass, she
saw nothing. Xel had completely healed her on the outside.
The only scars were the kind no one else should be able to
see. That didn't mean they didn't exist.
But somehow, Treb knew she'd need time. Xel was
waiting for her to break down. While she wanted to convince
them she wasn't that weak, realizing they understood felt
oddly... good. They hadn't known her long enough to
genuinely care, and yet time and time again, they still did. It
was as if those two men were determined to make her
reevaluate everything she'd thought she'd known.
Like her place in all of this.
Xel said she was a mage. He was convinced the
suffocating feeling she'd experienced last night was proof
she was taking in power. Too many times, she'd actually
heard the words no one else should be able to understand.
She'd seen the glitter in the air that very first day, so she had
to believe he was right. According to the guys, most people
couldn't make out the sparkle of power in any form, only the
result of its use.
She, a Tareni whore, was magical. She was a mage. If she
tried hard enough, she could learn to master this and
become powerful enough that no one could ever control her.
Then what? If she proved herself to be that strong, what
would her life look like? Would she have endless jewels and
wealth, yet spend her time feeling so alone, just like the
Jackal?
No, that was because of his curse, and she was
determined this would be a good thing. The Spider would not
be able to bind and torture her now. Besides, Xel said there
had never been a female mage before. Everything they knew
was from the few men who'd proven themselves able to
manipulate magic. They couldn't even be sure there weren't
more mages - of both sexes - out there in hiding. So nothing
said she had to be like the others. The Jackal wasn't.
While she thought, she primped. Her braids had been
disheveled by the Spider's abuse. Her face was clean, but she
wanted it painted. Today, she would be beautiful, just to
prove the Spider couldn't take that from her. In the other
room, she'd noticed a selection of dresses laid out for her to
choose from, and she intended to wear the most elegant.
Maybe not the sexiest, but for once, just today, she needed to
feel like she deserved the title of lady.
Best of all, she could take her time about it. Whatever Xel
and Treb were working on, they didn't need her. Last night,
they'd made it clear that her only responsibility today was to
make one single sacrifice. To have sex with one man that
wasn't Treb. To her, it was the same thing as a vacation.
That she got to do it her way, however she wanted, so long as
she was in the temple?
She touched the spot where golden orchids had bloomed
on her skin the night before. This was her new life. She was a
mage. A real, actual mage, and one of the few who had
complete control of her life. The whole thing sounded like a
fantasy. It also made her feel...
Powerful.
Just after lunchtime, she finally made her way down the
stairs. Unsure what would be waiting in the throne room,
Jade slipped in silently and paused beside the door. Xel was
in the chair, out of her view, but Treb stood beside him. His
arms were crossed and his muscles tensed. The person
before them had Treb's complete attention, but she couldn't
see who it was through the throne. Still, Treb's stance
actually looked threatening.
"And before you were transferred into my army?" Xel
asked, apparently in the middle of the conversation.
The answer came back in a wonderfully smoky voice. "I
served with the Sultan's cavalry, patrolling the border, my
lord."
"Mm," Xel purred. "And I assume that means you've seen
combat?"
"Yes, my lord. Before I signed into the Adevian army, I
was a mercenary. Our company contracted for merchant
caravans, noblemen's guards, and petty disputes."
"Petty," Treb said, catching that word. "And how likely
are you to change sides for a little extra coin if you value
your assignments so little?"
The man took a breath deep enough she could hear it at
the back of the hall. It sounded like he was offended. "By
petty, I meant minor. Disagreements that had no bearing on
the government of the region, my lords."
"Answer the question!" Xel snapped.
 "I can't," the soldier replied, his voice still the same deep,
calm, professional tone he'd used the whole time. "I have
never been in a position to judge. The two times I turned my
back on an assignment, coin had nothing to do with it." He
paused, then added, "Which is why I have served so
faithfully, my lord. In three years, I have yet to see you abuse
these people for your own power."
"He's loyal," Treb said. "And handsome enough to be
seen with her."
Her. That one word told Jade not only who they were
talking about, but also who they were talking to. The sultry
voice was the soldier she'd met in town. The one who'd
kissed her so gently. So why were they terrorizing the man?
Lifting her chin, she decided it was time to make her
presence known.
"Lord Jackal?" Jade asked as she glided over to his side.
Xel looked up at her and smiled. "Ah, Orchid." Then he
paused, letting his eyes run over the gold gown she'd picked,
pausing at her neckline before making his way back up to her
eyes. "I think that is an excellent color for you."
"What are you doing?" she breathed when she was close
enough.
He stood to meet her, one hand moving to her waist. The
other cupped her cheek. "You, my Chosen, do not need to be
a prisoner. Not anymore. I still need Treb at my side, but
there's no reason for you to be locked in this temple every
day for the rest of the month. I'm finding you a personal
guard."
"And the questions?" she asked.
He lowered his head to kiss her, taking his time about it.
Like always, his touch made her heart race and her nipples
harden. Jade didn't mean to, but she leaned into him
unconsciously, melting in his arms. Beside them, the soldier
didn't even shift his stance.
 "I need to make sure that my orchid is safe. You're too
special to risk," Xel said against her lips. Even spoken softly,
the words still carried in this room, letting both Treb and the
soldier hear.
She didn't care. "How can you be sure he's not lying?"
Xel looked over at the man who still stood at attention.
"Are you lying to me, soldier?"
"No, my lord."
Then he turned back to Jade and lifted a brow. "See?"
She took a deep breath. "Lord Jackal..."
But Xel's laugh cut her off. "The captain of my guard
reviewed his record. Then Treb did the same. There are only
two infractions listed, and both were done for the right
reasons." His thumb toyed with her lower lip, just teasing
the bottom edge. "You need a guard, Orchid. Now more than
ever. I thought you found him appealing?"
She refused to look at the man in question. "I don't know
him."
"Mm, but you didn't know me before you threw yourself
on me. Why should there be a difference?"
"Because you're not asking me to simply throw myself on
him. You're wanting me to spend hours with him every day."
She reached up to run a finger down the hard muscles of
Xel's chest. "He's pretty, but what if I absolutely hate him?"
"Then he'll be replaced, demoted back to working the city
streets." Xel returned the gesture, sliding his hand down to
play with the fabric beside her shoulder. "You can't seduce
me to get your way, my dear. I promise it does not have the
effect you want."
"A trial, then?" she suggested. "See if the man is too
stupid to hold a conversation before you permanently attach
him to my side?"
"Oh?" His finger moved a little lower, following her
neckline to just brush the top of her breast. "You want to talk
to him? Should I be jealous?"
"Would you rather I spent all my time fucking him?"
Xel smiled. "I wouldn't be opposed." Then he blinked his
eyes over to the man still waiting to hear his fate. "Means
more power for me."
"But, my lord," she went on, "you of all people should
know that words can be just as seductive as bodies. Yes, I
want to talk to the person you intend me to spend my time
with."
"No names," he told her. "You may give him half, or he
can call you Orchid, but that is all. And I don't care what you
call him, but I don't want to know it. Do you understand,
Chosen?"
"I do, Lord Jackal," she promised.
Because he'd just reminded her that her real name had
power. If she was a mage, then anyone who knew her name
could use that one word against her. She wasn't sure how,
but the rumors said it was the key to a mage's protections.
From the way Xel hoarded his own - and now hers - she had
a feeling there was some truth to that.
"And if he can... satisfy you," Xel went on, "then you can
decide what I shall call your toy. If he doesn't, then we will
find you one who'll work. Agreed?"
"Thank you, my lord," she told him.
Xel gestured for her to take the throne, then turned to the
soldier. "You know she is my Chosen, correct?"
The man dipped his head in acknowledgment. "I do, my
lord."
"Tell me, how do you feel about serving a whore?"
His reaction was not at all what Jade expected. The man
smiled - actually smiled - as his eyes shifted to land on the
Jackal. "There are some who'd say I've been doing that for
years. She is a beautiful woman, my lord, but I've had the
privilege to see that she's fun, intelligent, and persuasive. I
am also very aware of the power lust can hold."
"And the things she will do?" Treb asked. "Knowing what
we will demand from her? Will you still think the same of her
when you've witnessed it yourself?"
The soldier's jaw clenched, making the muscles along his
cheeks flex as he struggled to find an answer. "Lord Trebar, I
have seen enough to understand that there is little difference
between me selling my sword and her selling her sheath, for
one." He finally turned his head, breaking his perfect
protocol. "And you should be aware that the sudden interest
in the Chosen has been noticed. The men can't help but see
that you both treat this one different from the others." He
looked over to Xel. "And we're all curious as to why, but not
dumb enough to ask."
"Because I'm keeping her," Xel told him. "How do you
think they'll feel about that?"
The soldier simply blinked once before answering. "I
think most of your army serves you so loyally because we
don't belong anyplace else. The men I serve with have been
raped, tortured, or sold themselves simply to survive. They
want things they're told they should not. This is the first
place we all feel we won't be judged, and you are the one who
made that possible. I promise, my lord, that their only
concern is to protect your interests, and thus protect their
own."
"Good man," Xel told him, crossing the distance between
them to lean toward the soldier's ear. "She will need a friend.
In no way does that prevent you from sharing her bed, but
my catalyst chose you for one reason and one reason only."
"Yes, my lord."
"Didn't you want to know why?" Xel taunted.
He turned, their faces so close. "Because I gave her a
choice."
 "Mm." Xel touched the man's shoulder, patting it lightly
enough to be a caress. "Close. It's because you treated her
like a woman, not my Object. You, soldier, have one day to
convince her you deserve this promotion. I suggest you make
the most of it." He turned back for the throne, then paused.
"And her mouth is ours. Keep your dick out of it."
 CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

T he Jackal's order did nothing more than make the

soldier fight back a smile. He wasn't wholly
successful. Still, the moment he had his face under control,
he took a step toward her and offered his hand.
"My lady, may I escort you around the temple? I was
informed that you've yet to see the entirety of it, and the
weather is beautiful outside today."
Jade stood, walking right past Xel to place her palm in his.
"Yes, soldier. Please forgive Lord Jackal. He can be a
pompous ass, it seems."
"I hear that is true for most mages, my lady." He smiled
at her. "But I promise he's one of the good ones. Is there
anything in particular you'd like to do while they're busy?"
She glanced back. "Busy?" The question was for both Xel
and Treb.
"Believe it or not, we do more than just fuck," Treb told
her. "There are a few adjustments to be made in here, and
the Jackal has a few tasks he wants to finish."
Xel saw her confusion, so pointed up. "I'm redecorating
today. The gold room will become red, and you're being
moved to better chambers. The staff will be swarming
through here for the next few hours, so I thought I'd take the
chance to improve a few things I've neglected. Go play,
Orchid. It's better than sitting and staring at the walls."
 "Yes, my lord," she told him, turning her attention to the
soldier. "A tour would be great."
What would be even better was if Xel had invited her to
help. Then again, she had no idea how her untrained abilities
might distract him or interfere with his spells. She didn't
know anything about her own magic, so she would be ok with
this. It might feel like she'd just been kicked out the door,
but that was her history talking, not this new reality.
Like a perfect gentleman, the soldier led her to those
massive doors. When they opened, he acted like he expected
it as he guided her through, nodding to one of the men at the
side. The second man lifted a brow, proving there would be
questions later, but Jade's guard ignored it. He also kept his
mouth shut until they were well out of earshot.
"My lady," he said politely, "I'm not sure what title you
prefer. Orchid or Chosen?"
"Jade, actually." She glanced up, finding his blue eyes
waiting. "No, that's not my real name, but it makes me feel a
little more normal."
A moment of confusion crossed his face before he got
control over it. "Most Chosen have no interest in being
normal." With a smile, he added, "Jade."
"It seems I'm not most Chosen." Then she jerked her chin
up at him. "What about you? Calling you 'soldier' is going to
get very old, very fast."
"And yet I am a soldier. My rank is Selna, if that helps."
He steered her around another corner. "I'm not sure if I'm
allowed to give you my name."
"If you're comfortable with that," she assured him. "It's
only the Jackal who hates knowing them."
"Probably because he has to protect his own." The man
stopped and turned to face her. His arm slid back until his
hand was in hers, and he dipped his head respectfully. "It's
Civan, my lady," he pronounced it Si-von, "and I must say,
it's my great pleasure to have met you."
"And your manners are much better than most soldiers',"
she pointed out.
He merely offered his arm again. "Yes, they are." What he
didn't do was elaborate.
Instead, he continued walking. Outside the throne room,
the temple was just as impressive. Massive buttresses were
needed to hold up the high ceilings, leaving large stone
columns spaced out evenly. The gaps between them served
as halls, with grand arches placed to show access to other
areas. All of the stone was a soft, sandy color, the floor in a
pattern of browns that made ripple-like circles throughout
the building. Oversized windows high above let the sunlight
shine in, but the angle made it feel a little warmer, and the
light looked a bit closer to gold than it did anywhere else.
In other words, the place was beautiful and awe-
inspiring. Jade found her head swiveling as she took it all in,
but Civan seemed to have a destination in mind. After a few
turns, the floors began to look dusty. A couple more after
that, and she noticed cracks in the stone carvings. Then he
guided her to the right, and she saw something she hadn't
expected.
Plants.
In the very center of the temple was a courtyard. Up
above, the stone walled them away from the rest of the world
in layer upon layer of lacy arches. She could only guess that
behind them were more walkways, one on each of the four
levels, and more halls beyond. But all of that paled in
comparison to the wildly overgrown garden.
The space was no larger than the throne room, but it was
open to the blue sky above. A cascade of water flowed down a
set of stairs on the far side and into a pool at the bottom. At
the top was a broken and weathered statue of a man, most
likely one of the dead gods, but she didn't recognize him.
From around his feet, the water burbled up, proving there
had to be a natural spring beneath.
"It's beautiful," she breathed, taking a step closer but
pausing when she couldn't find a way to get through.
Civan pushed aside a clump of tall grass, revealing a stone
path. "I can have someone clean this up if you'd like to
spend more time here?"
"Really?"
He chuckled. "Yes, Jade. You are the Orchid, the Jackal's
favorite of all his Chosen. Granted, your reaction makes me
think you might be a lot less impressed with your own
importance than I expected."
"I'm just a whore," she reminded him. "A very lucky one,
who happened to get a comfortable assignment for a whole
month."
"I don't think so," he said, guiding her to the edge of the
pond. "The whore part, I mean. You're almost as comfortable
with your manners as I am, and I sure didn't learn them in
the army. I'm guessing you didn't learn yours in a brothel."
"A palace," she agreed, "where I was a whore."
"A courtesan, then." He gestured to a grassy area that
looked like it had once been paved, encouraging her to sit.
"In another life, we would've been peers. I grew up a
silversmith's son. That's like nobility among the nobodies.
My folks were the richest people in our poor mining town.
You?"
She eased herself down and smoothed her skirts around
her legs. "Ever heard of the Taren Islands?" she asked. When
he shook his head, she continued, "A string of small islands
out west where the ocean stops the land. It was a simple life.
My father was a huntsman. My mother beaded cloth that she
sold to the mainland."
"Do all the people out there look like you?"
 She glanced up, surprised to find nothing but honest
curiosity on his face. "Black?"
"Dark, at any rate." He reached over to let his fingertips
just graze the length of her arm. "You have the most
beautiful skin I've ever seen. It looks like silk, all smooth and
rich, but in the perfect shade of umber."
She had to glance away. No one had ever said anything
like that to her before. It was the kind of compliment she
couldn't just ignore. The kind that hit her right in her heart,
making her want to smile and blush like a stupid little girl.
"They are," she assured him. "Just like men on the
mainland, we have lighter people and darker, but we're all
black."
He leaned a little closer. "I'm sorry," he said gently.
"You're not supposed to be here to impress me, Jade. I'm the
one trying to make sure you approve my promotion.
Remember that."
"Promotion?"
He nodded. "I'm a unit leader right now. Ten men under
my command who keep the cities peaceful. In this army,
there's not a lot of chances to move up because the Jackal
doesn't throw away our lives recklessly, and very few of us
want to leave. Being assigned as your guard, even if that's a
temporary thing, is a very big promotion."
"Why don't you want to leave?" she asked, shifting to get
comfortable. "Don't soldiers get tired of always moving
around?"
He scooted just a bit closer, then gently pulled her
shoulder back until she leaned against him. "The Jackal's
army is made of nothing but misfits. Some were criminals,
cast out for crimes against humanity. Others joined us from
the first few towns he conquered. Whores looking for a better
life. In this army, it's rare to find a man - or woman, since
he allows them to serve as well - without a story."
 "There are women soldiers?" she asked, twisting to see
his face.
He moved again, subtly, until her back was against his
chest, allowing him to lean toward her ear. "Three," he said
softly. "Two are lovers. Yes, with each other. The third is the
leader of the central division, and not someone I'd ever want
to cross blades with. The Jackal offered her the job when she
met us at the gates, saying she'd rather fight and die than let
some man rut on her. He told her to make sure that no man
rutted on anyone without their permission."
"You sound like you worship him." She turned so she
could see him, facing the side with her legs curled beneath
her.
Civan carefully eased her braids away from her neck. "I
wouldn't go that far. Today was the first time I've ever met
him." The tip of his tongue darted out, and his eyes lost
focus for a split second. "He's not what I expected."
"What did you expect?" she asked, trying to read that
brief moment of openness on his face.
He blinked his eyes back to her. "Something more like
Lord Trebar. Distractingly attractive, exceptionally proud,
and with an easy humor."
"And instead?" Because now she wanted to know what he
thought of Xel.
Civan sucked in a breath and lifted his chin. "I didn't
realize they meant his aura was a literal one."
"Lust," she said, finally understanding. "I've watched
both men and women forget the rest of the world exists
when in his presence. It's a very powerful thing."
"I heard he..." Civan stopped. "No, I'm sorry."
"What?" she asked.
"That his power is so strong men will perform with other
men, right there in front of a crowd."
 "No," she breathed, reaching out to touch his arm.
"Civan, he doesn't rape. Yes, things happen in that room
that would shock many people, but desire doesn't know any
rules! We all want what we want, and sometimes the rest of
the world doesn't like it when we're different. Doesn't
matter if that's a woman with another woman or two men
together. Or me. I like my job. I'm good at it. I also don't care
if you or anyone else think I'm a slut because of it."
"I don't," he said quickly. "I didn't mean it like that, my
lady. Not at all. I just..." He paused to let out a heavy sigh. "I
meant the crowd part. Even within our army, it's not
something that's talked about openly. Definitely not
something they would do before anyone watching."
"I do plenty of things with people watching," she
reminded him. "Few of which would be considered
acceptable."
His eyes dropped to her mouth. "They made it clear that I
would be expected inside the throne room whenever you
are." Then he pulled them up to meet her gaze one more
time. "Lord Trebar said some men stop caring about the
woman they're with and are willing to hurt her." Slowly, he
lifted his hand to trail the backs of his knuckles across her
cheek. "Do they hurt you, Jade?"
"Not often. Some will try." She leaned into his touch,
loving the innocent honesty of the contact. "Most just want
to feel good for a moment. As soon as they're inside me, all
they care about is how our bodies move together." She let
her eyes slip closed. "Some need me to break. I'll scream,
yell, and even cry if that's what it takes, but the Jackal has
never let them hurt me."
"I won't either," he promised, his voice just a bit softer.
"But you'll stand there all day and watch them fuck me?"
His breath was coming just a bit faster. "Well, the
standing could get embarrassing."
 She glanced down to see a hard ridge in his pants. When
she looked back at his face, he cocked his head as if asking
what else she'd expect. It seemed Xel was right. All men
wanted someone willing to care about them, even if it was
for just a moment, but there was something else about this
one. Something deliciously naughty.
"Is that your thing, Civan? Do you like to watch?"
"I wouldn't know. The women I've been with were always
behind not only closed, but also locked doors."
He didn't have to say it for her to hear the unspoken
desire. Jade shifted to her knees so she could get just a bit
closer. "But you want to."
His hand caught the back of her neck, stopping her mouth
a handspan away from his. "The thought of you stretched
around a long, hard dick, wrapped in strong arms? With your
head thrown back, these braids swaying with the thrusts,
and your breasts bouncing? Yeah, that's not hard for me to
imagine. Tell me, Jade, do those men make you cum?"
"Often," she promised. "That's why I love my job."
"I want to make you cum." He pressed her back, following
as he made it to his knees. "Tell me no."
She resisted the pressure, letting him catch her. "I want
you to kiss me again, the same way you did before."
"It's the only way I know how," he breathed just before
his mouth found hers.
 CHAPTER THIRTY

C ivan's kiss was just as tender, just as careful as it had

been on that random street somewhere in the city.
His lips teased hers, sucking lightly before her mouth parted.
As his tongue accepted the invitation, he groaned, but he
didn't rush. He took his time exploring her mouth, stealing
her breath, and seducing her before his hand moved from
the back of her head, down her shoulder, pausing on her ribs
just beside her breast.
"We could be seen," she whispered, lifting her chin so he
could kiss down her neck.
The sound he made proved he already knew that. That he
said nothing else showed he didn't mind. To her, that was as
good as permission, so Jade reached for his belt, working the
buckle free.
"Take that off," she demanded, unfamiliar with the
fasteners of his uniform.
The moment his hands left her, she did the same, quickly
shedding her dress just to spread it on the ground. He
managed to strip his weapons and free himself from his
shirt, but when he saw her naked, his hands were still
working at the buttons of his pants. The soldier snarled and
forced them open, surprisingly, not losing a single button in
the process.
 "By the gods, you're beautiful," he said, crawling over to
kiss her down onto the pile of gold cloth. "I haven't been
able to stop thinking about you."
She took a deep breath, feeling that tingling again, the
rush that she needed more of. "I want you," she begged,
grabbing at his pants to pull him on top of her.
"Jade, I'm..." He shoved, pushing his pants beneath his
ass before giving up. "Just don't close your eyes," he begged
as he settled between her legs.
Then he slid his length across her, teasing her clit as he
gauged how ready she really was, but he only had to do it
once. The next twitch of his hips pushed him just inside her
slick, wet opening, then deeper, slowly, all the way into her
body. Jade gasped as she took him. Every last inch of him.
Her back arched, her knees tensed, but she did not close her
eyes.
She clutched at him, her fingers finding the hard lines of
his shoulder blades as he held his body above her. She could
feel them bunch and ripple, proving his strength, and she
loved it. Together, they rocked, her hips tilting every time he
sheathed himself in her just to slide her chest against his as
he withdrew. It was slow, deep, and sensual. Civan fucked
her. Not some woman, not an idea, or to chase an orgasm. He
wanted his partner to be her.
And she enjoyed every second of it. The feel of his skin,
the sound of his heavy breaths and muffled grunts, and the
magic. Because she could feel that too. Whatever he was
thinking, this emotion he was feeling, it was hers.
Completely and totally hers, just like the man working her
body with such patience and precision.
She didn't dare stop him to ask, refusing to risk losing
this moment. It also didn't matter. Right now, nothing
mattered but the next thrust, the kiss that would come after,
and those beautiful summer-blue eyes holding hers.
Everything about this moment, from the secret location to
the feel of this strong man flexing beneath her palms felt so
good, so right, and it wouldn't take much more before she...
Movement caught her eye. Jade turned to look and felt
Civan's face follow. There, across the pond, leaning against
the chipped and moss-covered banister, was Xel. She didn't
know why he was here or if he'd known that she was, but he
was definitely watching them fuck, those amber eyes
greedily taking in the show.
Civan froze, his dick buried deep inside her.
"Don't stop." She pulled her eyes from the mage and
pressed her hips into her lover. "I'm so close."
He throbbed with excitement as he reached down to grab
the very top of her thigh, holding her around him. Civan
refused to look away from Xel, but slowly, confidently,
almost arrogantly, he began moving again. Each thrust was
just a little more insistent, as if he was proving something.
Stretching higher, she reached up to kiss on his neck,
sucking lightly, then she bit hard enough to pinch. "Let him
watch," she breathed against his skin. "Let him wish he was
in your place, but do not stop."
"Gods," he growled, clearly liking that idea.
And they fucked. She wrung every sensation from him
that she could, but he gave back just as much. With their
audience, it didn't take long, both of them driven just a little
higher by both the Jackal's lust and the knowledge that this
should be taboo. It wasn't. Here, in this temple, what they
were doing was beautiful, perfect, and so very powerful.
It was amazingly erotic, but she didn't expect to climax
first. That didn't stop it from happening, tearing a cry from
her lips as her soldier pumped into her again and again,
riding the spasm of her pleasure before he simply couldn't
take anymore. With one last, deep thrust, he came, spilling
himself inside her with a rough growl in the back of his
throat.
Then he bent his head, pressing it to hers. "You," he
panted, "feel so good." He leaned back just enough to see her
eyes. "In my arms, against my lips, and yeah, wrapped
around my dick. You, Orchid, are complete perfection."
The sound of Xel's chuckle interrupted her response. "Get
dressed, soldier. I think you've just proven you can handle
the job."
Brazenly, Civan ignored the mage, leaning in just a hair
more to taste her lips. One brush of their mouths turned to
more. A caress of their tongues accompanied the sound of
footsteps coming closer, and she felt her soldier twitch
inside her even as he began to soften, a brief surge of
excitement that he couldn't control. It made her smile
against his mouth.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He carefully withdrew, turning on his knees to keep
himself between her and the mage. Xel just kept coming
closer, bending down to grab the man's shirt when he
passed. One step away, he held it out, almost like a peace
offering.
"Relax, boy," he said. "Neither of you are in trouble, and
if you were, your paltry little sword couldn't stop me from
killing you."
"And she deserves a little respect, my lord," Civan told
him. "At least let her catch her breath before you have your
way with her."
"You didn't tell him?" Xel asked, his eyes shifting to
Jade's.
She just stretched back on her dress, enjoying the feel of
the sun on her skin. "Didn't think it was something you
wanted known."
So he turned back to Civan. "I can't."
 "What?"
At the same time Civan spit out the word, Jade sat up in
shock. His curse was a weakness, and he'd done a good job of
hiding it from everyone but her and Treb until now. That
he'd just told some soldier whose name he didn't even know?
She hadn't expected that!
"I cannot fuck her," Xel said again. "The Spider made
sure of it, so I have to let others do it for me. You didn't seem
to mind a moment ago."
Jade couldn't take the tension between them. "Why are
you here, my lord?"
With a deep chuckle, he gestured at the walls. "Working,
actually. It appears my temple has been ignored for a very
long time. Long enough that the Storm God must've known
he'd been forgotten before he died."
She glanced back to the statue. "Storm God?"
"Wind and rain," Civan told her. "Something we need
badly in this area."
She waved that away, refusing to let the mage distract her
so easily. "So you want me to believe that you just happened
to be leaning against that banister at the exact moment I was
about to get off?"
"Mm." He flicked the shirt at her soldier again, proving
the man really should take it. "I meant that I was close
enough to feel it, so I wanted to see how your toy performed.
Not overly imaginative, but I think his honesty makes up for
it." His eyes were on Civan even as he talked about him.
"And he certainly has a..." He looked lower. "...gift for the
job."
Jade couldn't help but follow Xel's gaze. Civan's dick was
growing hard again with all the attention, so he yanked his
pants over it and fumbled to button them closed. The
problem was that she could still see his impressive length
straining against the fabric.
 "You like that," Xel whispered, taking a step closer.
Civan staggered to his feet, shoving his arms into his
sleeves. "I'm unused to it, my lord."
"Orchid?" Xel looked around him. "Did you need a hand
with the dress?"
"Nope. I was enjoying the show."
That made him smile, but it was the devious kind. Xel
took another step to Civan. "I can feel it, you know. Lust. It's
a part of me. I can tell the difference between desire for her,
for a specific act, or..." He caught the edges of Civan's
uniform, pulled them together, then began pushing the
strange toggles through the loops. "For me."
"It's your nature," Civan countered. "We're all made
aware of that, my lord."
"Doesn't make you want something you don't like. Most
men turn that desire on her in my presence. Not you. I can
tell you feel something around her." His hands moved a little
lower, working on the next fastener, but his fingers brushed
across the man's abs. "Something strong and powerful, but
it's not just lust. No, that you've saved for me."
Civan was breathing harder, but he refused to move. The
tension in his muscles proved it wasn't as easy as he wanted
it to look. The two of them were the same size, and except
for their coloration, similar in so many ways. Their faces
were strong and angular. Their hair was just long enough for
a woman's fingers to grab - or a man's. And their bodies
were both strong, fit, and hard. So very hard, straining at the
fabric of their pants. Leather for Xel, cotton for Civan.
"Oh, I think she approves." Then Xel reached down,
grasping Civan's dick against his palm as he leaned in.
The mage's mouth claimed the soldier's. Unconsciously,
Civan grabbed at him, his hand landing at the base of Xel's
throat. He gasped, and Xel's tongue invaded, meeting
Civan's briefly as the soldier twitched into Xel's grip. The
Mage of Lust let out a very pleased, deliciously seductive
sound, and his tongue delved a little deeper into the other
man's mouth.
And Civan shoved, pushing him away hard. "Get off me,"
he hissed, taking two steps back.
Xel just lifted his hands. "I won't force you, soldier."
"Don't know what you were thinking." He looked back at
Jade. "I'm not like that."
She was about to tell him it was ok, but Xel spoke first.
"Like what? What exactly do you mean by 'that'?"
"You know I was just with her. I like women, my lord!"
Xel actually chuckled. "One does not necessarily prevent
the other. Soldier, you can lie to yourself all you want, but
this is the one and only thing you can't lie to me about."
"You said I was here to protect her. Nothing more."
"And yet you found this place to impress her. You laid
with her, treating her like your sweetheart. And then, you
ignored me to prove that what had happened between the
two of you meant something. Is that part of protecting her?"
Civan lifted his jaw, glaring back without a hint of fear.
"Yes. It's also part of protecting me. Some of us need more
than just the fuck, Lord Jackal. Some of us need the
connection that goes with it. You said she needs a friend, and
I'm more than happy to be that, but to me, it means more
than just filling her and rolling off for the next thing."
"Mm, so I'm a thing now?" Xel actually laughed. "Jade, I
like this one. He's full of fight, and I think he means every
single word he's saying. Please tell me you're going to keep
him?"
"Are you going to terrorize him?" she countered.
His eyes raked across Civan's body. "Possibly. Most of it is
his own doing, though. He wants me. I'm pretty sure he
wants to touch me, but he's too ashamed to do a damned
thing about it."
 That was when she realized that the magic she'd been
feeling was gone. Whatever emotion Civan had been feeling
was forgotten, wiped away the moment Xel had kissed him.
So it wasn't shame, otherwise she'd be smothered with it.
"Be nice, Jackal," she scolded. "It's not easy for most
people to accept their desires."
"That," Xel snapped, pointing at her. "Whatever that is,
that emotion. That's it. Pity?"
"No!" she hissed. "Understanding!"
"That's not an emotion," he told her, completely
forgetting about Civan. "Think, Jade. What did you just feel?"
"Annoyance at you for being a dick." Then she paused.
"Desire at the idea of you kissing him."
"What?" Civan asked, spinning to face her.
"She likes it," Xel told him. "But no man has been brave
enough to let her watch. Not yet."
"You..." Civan shook his head. "Why would you want
that?"
"I like men," she explained. "I happen to think both of
you are very beautiful. His golden skin and your ivory? Like
the sun and the moon. And all those muscles? They flex and
bulge when you move," she said, letting her voice fall to a
seductive purr. "Strong hands, hard dicks, and demanding
kisses. Men don't melt or swoon, soldier. They take. They
conquer." She let her eyes slip closed and moaned at the
thought of it all. "I can't see a single thing disgusting about
that."
"Shit," Civan told her. "Two men fucking involves hair
and shit."
"Doesn't really work that way," she assured him. "Trust
me, I've had enough dicks in my ass to know."
His eyes widened, making both Xel and Jade pause in
surprise. It was Xel who managed to ask, "You've never..."
 Civan immediately closed down, his face returning to that
professional mask of the soldier. "My lord, I've had little
time to experiment while policing your cities."
"We're keeping him," Xel decided. "He can have the red
room, and when you're not with us, he will be at your side."
Then he smiled. "Show the boy the finer points, my dear?"
"But don't use my mouth," she said, making it clear she
knew the rule very well.
Xel just crossed his arms and looked back at her new
protector. "I'd prefer to taste his cum on my tongue before
getting it secondhand from yours."
Civan grunted, shifting his hips as if his pants were
becoming very uncomfortable.
"He's lust," she reminded the poor man. "The pure
incarnation of it. That means he doesn't have preferences.
He doesn't have hard limits. He wants what the people
around him desire, and as much of it as we'll give." She
glanced back to the decaying storm god in the pool. "Our
desire and pleasure is the sacrifice he needs, and he doesn't
care if it's something the masses consider acceptable."
"The Sultan of Whores," Xel said, turning to leave. "Oh."
He paused at Civan's side. "Treb fucks men. Just thought
you'd want to know that before you accept the position. You
will see it in my temple. If it's so disgusting, you should
rethink your ability to do the job. If it's not..."He leaned in
and dropped his voice to a whisper. "There's no question
that will shock me, soldier. Or her. Or my catalyst. All you
have to do is ask, because we all understand that it can take
time to accept what you really are." His lips brushed Civan's
ear almost like a kiss. "And I can be gentle."
Then he left, stepping just a bit too lightly for any of them
to believe his offer had been entirely innocent. That was a
threat, some instructions, and a very blatant proposal. Jade
just wasn't sure how her sweet soldier would take it. It did,
however, give her a lot better understanding of the man
who'd been assigned to her side - and sometimes her bed.
 CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

N othing more was said about the soldier and how Xel
had tempted him. She could only assume he didn't
want to talk about it because thinking about someone made
it easier to care, so she tried to respect that. Still, when she
crawled into the tub with Treb for their evening bath and
relaxation, there was one thing she had to know.
"Treb, why can't you fuck Xel?"
He actually laughed, stretching out beside her in the
massive tub. "Doesn't work so good for him."
"You mean, he's not into..." She sighed. "I don't even
know the right words. Taking it?"
"Those are the right words," Treb assured her. "And he
likes taking it, just not from me. Not anymore."
"But he wouldn't be penetrating you," she insisted.
"Jade." He tugged her to his side of the tub so he could
wrap his arms around her. "Honey, there aren't a lot of
people who are comfortable hearing about men being with
men or women being with women." Then he paused, making
a little hum like that wasn't quite right. "Ok, a lot of men
enjoy seeing women together, but talking about it is still
uncomfortable unless it's with close friends. Not family.
Friends."
"Ok?"
 "And when I jerked off that brute the first day we had
you? You'd never seen anything like it before," he reminded
her. "So Xel tried to make it easy. He explained his curse in
ways you could understand. Dick in pussy. Dick in mouth.
Dick in ass. The Spider's not that picky, though. Any
penetration sets off those magic cuffs."
"So the pain is on his arms?"
"Mhm." He leaned closer to look over her shoulder, his
hands sliding down to her wrist where he tapped. "He said
it's solidified magic slowly piercing him like a nail. First one,
then a second, and finally a third. If he doesn't stop, it
happens on the other arm as well. The wounds are always
minimal, avoiding bones, tendons, and any veins that would
let him bleed out. It's not meant to be an escape. It's a
perfectly designed torture." Then he sighed. "Xel's never
made it past six. For all we know, it could get worse."
"And he can't stop fucking. He needs lust to survive, but
being alone is its own form of torture." She turned to face
Treb. "But hands work?"
"Yes and no. Jerking him off also reminds him that it's all
he can have. It's like sitting down at a feast. If you eat
nothing, it's miserable, but if you have one single bite, it's
even worse. You know what you're missing, can see what's
being offered, and your body craves more."
"Which is why you're just friends," she realized.
"Yeah." He dropped his chin on her shoulder. "Why do
you ask?"
"Because of that soldier." She leaned her head back
against him. "Xel said the man desired him, but he pushed
him away and -"
Treb laughed, interrupting. "That's too many hims for me
to follow. Does this man have a name, Jade?"
"You want to know?" she asked, looking at him from the
corner of her eye.
 "Unlike Xel, I have no problem with knowing someone's
name. I get it, but I'm not the one who suffers if I get stupid
and start to give a shit."
"Civan," she told him. "He's a Selna, which I guess is
pretty decent, and it sounds like his sex life has been very
boring."
"And you like him!" Treb realized, sounding just a little
too amused at that.
She groaned. "I'm a professional, Treb."
"You still have favorites. Even if it's nothing more than
that client you look forward to because he's safe, or the one
that always gets you off. That's liking someone, honey, and
it's allowed. See, I liked you the first moment I saw you. The
proud way you stared me down in that cell? I knew you'd be
different from all the rest, and I wanted to see if you'd fuck
better because of it."
"Romantic," she teased. "But if that's your standard, then
yes, I like him. I dunno, I think I feel sorry for him in a way.
I'm pretty sure taking me from behind is what he considers
exotic."
Treb moaned in sympathy. "Although that surprises me.
He's very pretty. I would've thought women would throw
themselves at him. Granted, he probably gets the ones that
are looking to be married, not to get off."
"Yeah," she agreed. "And he's got these pretty blue eyes
that I can't get over. Oh, and he likes to be watched. I think
taking a woman on her back gives him that. He told me to
keep my eyes open."
"To watch, or to be watched?"
"Definitely to be watched," she clarified, "although I
can't rule out the other. See, there's this courtyard in the
middle of the temple, right?"
"I know it."
 She shot him an exasperated look. "I didn't! Still, that's
where we ended up. What started as talking ended up naked
with very little effort. He was riding me, almost had me there
when I noticed Xel leaning over the banister across the pond,
watching us. Civan liked that. A lot."
"So our little soldier is an exhibitionist." Treb sounded
pleased.
She chuckled at him. "Oh, but it gets better. See, we
finished, and Xel came over. Things happened, and you know
how Xel is when he's being the Jackal? So he was fastening
Civan's shirt, teasing the man, then he grabbed his dick
through his pants and kissed him. I thought I was about to
get a show, but Civan pushed him off." She sighed. "It looked
like he wanted it. All signs said he did, but I think he just
didn't want the audience, yet that doesn't make sense!"
"Kinda does," Treb told her. "Jade, being with a man? It's
a hard line to cross, especially for someone who likes women
as well. I mean, if we stay with the ladies, then no one will
ever know. There won't be the beatings, the taunts, or the
dozens of people who refuse to do business with you."
"In this army?" she asked. "He's served the Jackal for
three years."
"No, this is the sort of thing we learn well before that. It
starts young, when the boys are swimming and someone
looks at his friend's cock for a little too long. Then when
we're older and girls refuse to be with us because of the
jokes. When we're nearly grown and can't find a place
because they've heard the 'stories' and don't want that
around. I think most boys are curious at some point, and
more of us are interested than want to admit it, but society
makes it hard. It's easier to just never act on the curiosity."
She turned to meet his eyes. "Did you?"
"Once. I think I was twelve, so too young to really
understand. Was just a couple of boys trying to figure out
how things worked, but he put my cock in his mouth, and I
got so hard. I jerked off to that memory for years. Then I got
on that boat, and I thought it was my punishment." He
leaned closer and kissed her gently. "So I understand what
Civan might be thinking."
"Can you talk to him?"
He laughed. "No, Jade. No, that's not how it works with
men. I can nudge him in the right direction, but that's about
it." He tugged at her hip, begging her to turn toward him.
"You know, seeing what you do in that room might help even
more."
"Yeah?" She moved to straddle his hips, which lifted her
breasts just out of the water. "Does this mean I'm allowed to
go back to work tomorrow?"
"Mhm," Treb agreed. "We have the artists coming in. If
you're up for it, we can always find a man willing to share
you with me. Or make sure one will be."
"Oh, that sounds good," she agreed. "Just make sure I can
see him. Seems Civan really likes eye contact."
His hands slowly moved higher until they cradled the
weight of her breasts. "Sounds like you really want this guy
to work out."
She moaned as his palms brushed across her nipples,
making them tighten. "I want to see him with Xel. Gods, they
look so good together."
"Yeah, I could get off on that." He teased the hardened
peaks, the pads of his fingers grazing them lightly. "You've
never gotten to see Xel fuck, have you?"
"No," she said, breathing a little harder. "I've barely
gotten to see him naked, and never long enough to
appreciate it."
"He's irresistible. Kinda like you. Jade, I'm playing with
these until you slide over my cock. Just so you know." Then
he pinched enough to make her nipples ache perfectly. "And
Xel loves an audience. The more bodies on him, the better."
Treb lifted his hips, positioning his hard cock just before her
cleft.
Obediently, she ground her clit against it, writhing in
time to the stroking of her nipples. "One day," she breathed,
"I'm going to see him with you. I just don't know how to
imagine it."
Treb's voice grew deeper, more seductive. "Where would
you like it to happen?"
"Throne room," she decided, sliding higher, so her most
sensitive spot pressed against his.
He couldn't take it anymore, grabbing her hips to pull her
onto his body, but he only pierced her opening, refusing to
dive deeper. "Reach down there, honey, and play with
yourself, just like you would if you were sitting in that
throne." Then his hands returned to her breasts. "And I'd
lean Xel over in front of you, close enough that he could play
with these. He could suck, tease, and fondle them all he
wanted."
"What would you be doing?" she asked, taking him in
slowly.
"Oh, I'd grab that massive cock of his and stroke it with
one hand, reaching between his legs to grab his balls with
my other. The moment he started twitching, though, I'd
stop. Wouldn't want him to finish too fast, but standing like
that, I'd have perfect access to his ass."
"But I wouldn't be able to see," she reminded him, slowly
grinding herself on his cock.
"You'd see him swell and throb with excitement. The pre-
cum on his tip showing how much he liked it. My hand would
work him, squeezing him, and pumping him. You'd be able
to see his pretty eyes close and his lips part in pleasure while
I fucked his ass. But it would be you he kissed when he
needed more. It would be these amazing breasts he'd suck
on. And one day, it'll be your pussy his cock will slide into
when he's close enough, stretching and filling you, but the
thrusts would be mine, pressing him deeper until he couldn't
take it. He'd cum," Treb breathed, a little moan following as
her body began to tighten around him. "I'd cum, filling his
ass. And then -" he pumped into her, the water splashing
around them. "- you'd cum so hard, Jade. So fucking hard,
because you'd have both of us."
Oh, yes she would. Her hand was moving, his cock was
thrusting, and his fingers teased until she couldn't separate
all the amazing feelings. The sexy sound of his words only
made it better, but when he began to pump her faster, she
couldn't hold off. With a gasp, her body exploded. He knew
the moment it happened and sat up, his arms around her
back to drive her deeper, harder, faster, bouncing her down
onto him while she was locked in her own bliss, until he too
erupted with a perfectly pleased groan.
Letting out a deep sigh, she dropped her head against his
shoulders and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yeah, I
have to keep you."
"Mhm," he agreed, stealing a kiss. "We work well
together." Then he leaned back and laced his hands behind
his head, making no move to lift her off of him. "You know,
I'm not attracted to most men, not really. I like a few, but
I'm pretty selective."
"But Xel is one of the few, huh?"
He chuckled. "And Civan. That's why I told him to kiss
you. I wanted the chance to check him out."
"You whore," she teased, slapping lightly at his chest.
Treb laughed harder, but he didn't move his hands. Those
massive biceps were just right there, begging her to
appreciate them. "I definitely am, and speaking of that. How
would you feel about me asking Xel to put another spell into
your collar?"
 "What kind?"
Something in his eyes softened. "Pregnancy prevention. I
mean, so you and I might be able to spend some time away
from here."
"You think he would?"
He just nodded. "Yeah, Jade. We're keeping you. We have
to. You're the only one who can save him from the Spider. I
figure the least he can do is make it easy for you to fuck
wherever you want, right?"
On impulse, she grabbed one of those bulging muscles,
squeezing it to see how hard his body really was. "If you
keep doing this? Yeah, I'm definitely going to be tempted."
So he flexed, making it clear his arms were a thing of
beauty. "You just keep handing out those compliments.
Makes me damned glad I'm not the one with the curse."
Her eyes jerked away from his arm and right to his.
"Really?"
He just nodded. "I like you. Probably more than I should,
but I do like you."
She just bit her lips together, needing to look away. "I've
never met anyone who understands me like you, Treb. You're
like my best friend. I'm just worried it's the wrong kind of
friend."
"There's a wrong kind?"
She nodded slowly. "Like you and Xel."
"No," he promised. "We can't be tortured for this. The
Spider can't bind either of us, so there's nothing wrong with
it. Means we're allowed to feel something."
"I just wish he could too."
"Yeah," Treb agreed. "He'll be your lover, I'll be your
friend, and the pretty boy can be your protector. Don't worry.
I'll share you with both of them."
"Oh you think that's up to you?" she gasped playfully,
pushing herself off his body. "Ass!"
 "Yeah? I'll let you play with that, too, if that's what you're
into."
The best answer she could think of was to splash him
with a wave of water. The problem was that Treb had no
problem splashing back. Unfortunately, not all of it stayed in
the tub, but the laughter was worth the mess some servant
would have to clean up later.
 CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

T hat night, they fell asleep with Xel in the middle. Jade
was pressed against his chest with Treb hugging his
back. It felt so wonderfully comfortable. For the first time,
she was being accepted in a way she hadn't even known she
wanted. The best part was that there was no need to lie about
it. They were friends. They had sex. They made magic. None
of the rest really mattered.
Not yet.
She knew it would, and when emotions got involved,
things quickly became complicated. But that was the
problem: the emotions. Not just that she was starting to feel
something for these men, but because of the magic those
emotions made. She still didn't know which one was fueling
her, but it was getting easier to take it in when she felt it.
Xel promised that as soon as she had enough power, he
would start showing her how to control it, but he wouldn't
risk draining her to nothing. Not until they knew how to
refill her. That wasn't what she wanted to hear, but she
understood, and it gave her just one more reason to work
harder.
The next day started like usual. The three of them shared
a meal around the small table in Xel's apartment. She and
Treb dressed to seduce. Xel chose clothing meant to impress.
Yet, before she could head for the stairs, the mage stopped
her.
"Jade," he said, catching her arm. "I heard you might
need something." He waved for Treb to go on without them.
The Catalyst smiled knowingly before trotting down the
stairs, leaving them alone in the living area. Xel didn't say
anything else until he heard the door at the bottom open,
pause, and then close, proving Treb was in the throne room.
As soon as that happened, he stepped closer.
"How do you feel about him?" Xel asked, meaning Treb.
The way he said it made her feel like her answer was
important, as if this wasn't some offhanded concern, but
something that actually mattered. A brief thought about her
unknown emotion flickered through her mind, but that
didn't change anything. Xel wanted to know how she felt
about Treb, but the answer wasn't easy. She also had no idea
if it would cause problems, but she was done lying to the
only two people who'd ever seemed to care about her.
"I like him," she said, trying to hedge out of it.
A flicker of a smile touched Xel's lips. "I'm not upset,
Jade. I'm just making sure that two people I happen to care
about are both ok. There's no wrong answer."
She sighed, realizing just how tense the question had
made her. "I don't really know, Xel. I like him. I like you. I
like what we're doing. To me, all of this is like a dream -
excluding the Spider. I keep wondering if I'm getting in too
deep. I mean, this is just supposed to be about making magic.
That's why you call us your objects, to keep that distance."
He stepped just a bit closer and caught her hand, his
elegant fingers lightly caressing hers. "I'm asking because
he and I? We honestly want this to be more, but we're not
sure you'd be ok with that."
"More how?" She hoped he meant what she thought and
wasn't about to ask for something dangerous.
 His fingers slipped between hers. "You're already more
than an object. Not just your power, but you, Jade. I look
forward to hearing you laugh or watching you taunt Treb. I
like how you lift your chin when you're adamant and the
casual way you just fit with us. I've never had a sweetheart,
not like most men. I was bound before that was possible, but
that's what this is starting to feel like."
"I'm a whore," she reminded him.
He leaned toward her ear. "You're a mage. My mage. What
do we have to do to convince you to drop these walls and let
us in? Just a bit. Make this something more than business
partners, maybe? I don't think there's a word for what we
have, but I want to have it. I want you to get moments when
you're nothing but a woman with a boy chasing her -
whichever one of us stupid boys that happens to be."
"And you're a little old to be a boy," she pointed out.
"But you still make me feel like one. I like you, Jade, in
the way that makes my heart beat faster, not just the kind
that lifts my dick. Is that going to be a problem?"
Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, and she shook
her head. "No." Slowly, she looked up and met those glorious
amber eyes. "I just don't know how we can be more. Not if
I'm fucking half the city, and you're handling the other
half."
He laughed softly. "But we're mages. The rules of
mundanes don't apply to us, so let's make new ones.
Pleasures of the body? We will embrace them all, in any way
we want. Pleasures of the mind? Those we'll accept without
hesitation." Then he paused to swallow, a hint of worry in
his eyes. "And pleasures of the heart? Can we agree that
there's no reason to keep those from the people who know
our names?"
"Not just the three of us?"
 He shook his head. "One day, you'll have a catalyst. I'd
hope that person is the kind who'd understand that this
bond between us is more than just for magic."
"How much more?" she asked.
"I don't know," he admitted. "I'm just tired of fighting it.
I'm tired of treating Treb like he's some pal who does the
heavy lifting for me. I'm tired of waiting until you aren't
looking to let myself actually smile. I'm tired of being forced
to be someone I'm not because I have magic. I want to feel
something, and I want the chance to have it be returned. I
want it to be ok to let this thing with the three of us grow as
much as it wants, or as little."
Her head was nodding in agreement because that was
precisely what she wanted. "So this is ok?"
"Yeah, we'll make sure it is." The hand that wasn't laced
with hers reached up to her throat. "And Treb wants me to
add a protection to this. He wants it to be ok for you to fuck
him outside this temple. Are you ok with that?"
"I could have a date?"
"Mhm," he agreed. "You willing to let me show you how
to craft this so you can do it again when you want?"
She gasped and pulled her hands free just to wrap them
around his waist. "You'll teach me how to prevent
pregnancy?"
"Yeah, Orchid. I think giving you that power is the first
step in proving that you're my equal." He gently peeled her
off and turned her away so her back was against his chest.
"Step one, touch the collar."
She reached up to press her fingers against the gold, one
landing on a ruby instead. "Ok?" she asked.
His hands moved to cover hers, but his mouth was beside
her ear. "Emotion becomes power. Each of us controls one,
shifting it to energy inside our bodies. It's a substance that
most can't feel, but it's still there. A tingling feeling, like the
air before a storm, charged with something that only you can
harness. Let that in. Accept it and feel it course through you,
then imagine how it could be used. See the goal you want.
Build that in your mind as clearly as you can, however you
need to."
She tried, but she wasn't a midwife. She only had the
most basic knowledge of how to stop a pregnancy, but he
hadn't said to be literal. What she wanted was for a man's
seed to be useless when it entered her body. Ineffective.
Harmlessly sliding out of her without taking root. For the
walls of her womb to be impervious - and while she was at
it, she wanted her monthly courses to halt as well. For her
entire system to wait, doing nothing so no child would grow
and no blood would flow.
"That's it," he whispered. "When you know what you
need, find the word. It's your word, not one anyone else will
know. It is the sound of that desire made audible. A grunt, a
huff, or even a list of beautiful syllables. It doesn't matter,
but let it out so the magic can follow, always holding the idea
of what you want to happen at the front of your mind."
Finding the word was harder. For some reason, she felt a
downward sound, like the feeling of cum trickling down her
thigh. It was crass and disgusting, but something she knew a
little too well. As she imagined her womb as an impervious,
slick-sided fortress, she forced out the only sound that fit.
"Nnurah," she groaned.
And it happened. From her fingers, into her necklace, and
all the way through her own body, the power surged to do
her bidding. Her guts tensed, her nerves tingled, and she felt
something shift. It had worked. She knew it had worked.
Somehow, she had made this happen, and it hadn't even
been that hard.
"That's it?" she asked, unable to believe it.
 "Mhm, and that spell is in the gold." He paused, his hand
running across the necklace. "No, the rubies. It's in the
gems! Still, that means you can take it off if you ever change
your mind."
"And that I can fuck whoever I want, whenever I want?"
"Yeah," he agreed, bending to kiss her neck above the
collar. "Because my mage deserves to be happy. You no
longer need me to spoil you, Jaeda. You can do it yourself."
"Thank you," she breathed, turning in his arms to hug his
neck. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me,
Xelas."
The sound of his name made him smile. "I hope that one
day I'll be able to say the same, but we have things to do
still."
"Entertainers," she agreed. "Treb wanted to share me
with a man."
"I see. This wouldn't have anything to do with your shy
guard, would it?"
Stretching, she kissed his lips and turned away. "Maybe,"
she said a little too innocently.
"What are you planning, Orchid?"
She tossed a devious look back. "The Jackal needs a toy.
Treb and I both agree that we wouldn't mind seeing you with
him. I figure, since I'm now your equal and all, that means I
get a few shows?"
"Why him?" Xel asked.
Jade smiled. "Because Treb thinks he's pretty."
Xel laughed, crossing the distance to catch her in his
arms, but he kept going. "Then I think you and I have a new
goal, because I wouldn't mind seeing my catalyst balls-deep
in that man either. That's why we promoted him, because he
really is very nice to look at, and I like my altar to be
gorgeous."
 For some reason, she hadn't even considered Treb with
Civan, but she liked that thought too. As she descended the
stairs beside Xel, she realized that was what he meant about
new rules. She didn't need to be jealous. She didn't have to
own them to have a part of them. It was ok to want them to
enjoy their own pleasures. That didn't mean she didn't care.
It meant she cared more.
And that felt right. Wanting them to be happy, caring
about their needs, and being there for them no matter what
- that was the kind of relationship she'd always dreamed of.
Trust that mattered more than just the sex, and a bond that
went deeper than the trappings on the outside. She wanted...
understanding. She wanted a relationship built on friendship
and concern, not possession and what the other person could
give their partner.
She wanted this.
More than anything in her entire life, she wanted this
lazy, comfortable, awkward and insane thing they were
doing. She wanted her friends to care about her, and she
wanted to not be ashamed about caring for them. She wanted
to give them everything to make them happy, even if that
wasn't something she could understand or something that
didn't benefit her at all.
It was no different than how she and Treb made love. It
was their own kind of love, the type found between friends,
but it was safe, it was beautiful, and it was theirs. All of
theirs. And now, she didn't have to keep this thing between
them locked inside a temple. She'd just cast a spell, her first
one, and it might be the most powerful thing she could ever
imagine.
It had given her the freedom to be herself.
 CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

A t the bottom of the stairs, the temple staff were still

busy redecorating Treb's old room. The moment
they saw Xel, they all stopped, moving to the side to let him
pass, and the Orchid along with him. Just before she stepped
into the throne room, she glanced through the door to where
she and Treb used to sleep. That was the focus of the
servants. They were changing it to serve as something else.
But the bed was still there. The gold sheets had been
replaced with red ones just as nice. The massive tub hadn't
budged, but the table beside it now held decanters of liquor
instead of lubricating oils and cleaning cloths. That was
enough to prove Xel had a plan.
"What are you doing?" she asked when they were in the
throne room, keeping her voice soft enough that it wouldn't
carry.
He looked over at her with amusement in his eyes. "I'm a
very powerful mage, but not even I can see everything. A
dagger in the back will kill me as surely as it would you. So I
have a guard. Treb spent years learning swordwork so he
could fill the position."
"Uh huh," she said, knowing very well Treb wasn't going
to be sleeping in that room. Not anymore.
Halfway to the throne, Xel stopped and turned to face her.
"I hired a guard for you. You seem to approve of him. Now,
in order for him to do his job, he needs to be close enough to
come at your whim. We're moving the soldier into the red
room."
But there was one thing that didn't quite make sense.
"Why red? Wasn't the gold good enough?"
"My colors have always been red and gold. I like the way
they look on the men. Still, it's well-known that I prefer the
gold. Since I put you in rubies, it seemed fitting that your
staff take the red." He stepped a little closer and lowered his
voice. "Ironic, since those gems seem to be your preference."
"Yeah," she agreed. "That's why I asked."
"Nothing more than coincidence, but I'm going to
pretend like it was some mystical knowledge."
With a wink, he continued toward his throne. Jade
followed, knowing her place was at his side, to keep playing
the part of the pretty trinket, to be shown off as he needed.
But when she eased herself down beside him, she finally saw
the new addition to the room. There, standing beside the
massive entrance doors was a guard. Her guard.
Yesterday, he'd worn the typical uniform of red and gold.
Today, it was different. He had the same boots that stopped
just above his ankles, but his loose cotton pants were now
black. They draped over his thighs in the most tempting way.
Then there was the chest piece. Made of hardened leather
and gold plates, it was clearly meant to be armor, but his
arms were still bare. In this climate, that made sense, but it
also looked good on him, showing off his biceps nicely.
Every buckle, fastener, and connection had been switched
to gold, shining brightly against all the black, but that wasn't
the color she noticed first. It was the red sash around his
waist and the long caftan draped over his shoulders, tucked
into his belt, trailing down behind his back and over his
thighs, down to his knees. She knew that fabric would be
wrapped around his head in a sandstorm, but that it had
been built into his uniform in a way that looked so good?
Never mind the colors. Black and red were dominant, the
gold little more than a hint. He was still the Jackal's man, but
somehow Xel had made his point clear. Civan's loyalty was to
the Orchid, not her master.
Xel's hand slowly caressed the length of her thigh. "I
believe you approve."
"The colors are nice, my lord," she admitted.
"Soldier!" Xel called out. "Turn so my Chosen may see
your new uniform."
Civan said nothing, just stepped forward and turned
slowly. When he finished, he crossed his arms over his chest
and stepped back. What the poor man didn't realize was that
only made him look better. With a smile, she looked at Xel
and nodded.
"The drape of those pants is very nice."
"Almost like it was made by magic. Does he look good
enough to be seen at your side? I added enough ruby accents
that I thought you might approve."
"I approve, Lord Jackal," she promised. "Very much. Your
generosity is limitless."
"It is, isn't it?" He'd easily fallen into his role as the evil
mage, but he wasn't done tormenting her yet. "Soldier?" Xel
called, waving the man over. "Your duty is to protect your
charge, and you can't do that from over there. Come, stand
by the throne."
He was far enough away that Civan didn't bother
answering. He just marched across the expanse of marble
with his chin up, well aware that he was being treated as
decoration. When he reached the corner of the throne behind
both Xel and Jade, he snapped into place, his hands clasped
behind his back.
"Am I being punished, my lord?" he dared to ask.
 Xel chuckled. "No, soldier. You're being used, just like
every other person in this room. The Orchid finds you
appealing. I prefer it when she looks my way during her
performance. You will want to hide your dick behind this
massive hunk of gold until you learn to control the response.
Those pants are loose enough they won't bind, but that also
means they won't hide much. By putting you behind me, I've
just given you a shield. This, soldier, is how my generosity
works."
"Yes, my lord," Civan said, but easier this time.
The words were barely out of his mouth before the doors
opened and a line of people made their way in. These were
the city's entertainers. Musicians, acrobats, actors, and
more. They were all dressed flamboyantly, as if their
costumes were a declaration of their own, but in this room,
they didn't stand out. Instead, they blended in.
With Treb leading, they were escorted to the front of the
throne, where the group milled about nervously. From the
corner of her eye, Jade saw Civan lean over toward Xel's ear.
His voice was little more than a breath, making her strain to
hear it from no more than an arm's length away.
"I could handle escorting them in for you, my lord."
Xel turned his face, but this time Civan didn't pull back.
The two men smiled, reaching some kind of compromise,
and Xel nodded. "Tomorrow, then. For today, you're just to
watch. Learn how this works and offer any suggestions this
evening when you share dinner with us."
Civan's eyes widened. "An honor, my lord."
"Blame her. Seems she likes talking to you."
The moment Xel turned back to the front, Treb stepped
up to introduce the assembly. "Lord Jackal, may I present the
entertainment of Kurkevy. They claim no leader and have no
guild, but each of your guests speaks for their craft."
 "Tell me, how have the artists of this city been treated in
the past?" Xel asked, his eyes landing on a man at the back,
indicating he should be the one to answer.
The entire group shifted. Jade could see the heat in their
eyes, but unlike most groups that had entered this room,
these people knew how to hide it just a bit better. Not all of
them, though. One woman had her hand pressed to her
chest, and her cheeks were a brilliant pink. At the side, a lean
man held his hands clasped before his groin, proving they
weren't immune to the Mage of Lust's essence.
"My name is Ustas, my lord," the man said, his voice
carrying easily as if he was used to speaking to a crowd.
"Like in most places, while our art is appreciated, the artists
who make it are considered lower class. We're paid almost
nothing for the entertainment or designs, and anything that
defies tradition is considered scandalous."
Xel nodded at him. "The nobility say that your kind defy
the natural way of things. That in your plays, men dress as
women well enough that they refuse to allow their wives to
see such things."
"Because women are not allowed to perform," Ustas
explained. "Although, if they were, the nobility would simply
label them as whores for selling themselves in any way."
"And yet your companion is struggling not to beg for my
attention. Is that not proof that your morals are not those of
decent and civilized people?"
Ustas stepped forward, placing his body between that of
the Jackal and the almost feminine man struggling with his
urges. "Maybe those bent morals have allowed us to see the
truth of things, my lord. Maybe, because we live at the edges
of society, we're the ones with nothing to lose. Or it could go
the other way. Maybe we sell our hearts because they're all
we have left of value."
 "Pretty words," Xel told him, "from an actor. Tell me,
Ustas, what would you sell for the benefit of your entire
community? Where would you draw the lines on your
performances, if it wasn't for the standards of a civilized
society?"
"We do what sells, my lord. That's how we decide which
pieces to perform or create. We create because we can. We
allow others to see it because we need to eat."
Xel pushed himself out of the chair, languidly making his
way to the man. Reaching up, he snatched a piece of gold
from the air and held it between them. "Is this enough?"
Another gesture produced a second coin. "Or this?" Then he
pressed them into Ustas' hand.
"I don't understand, my lord," the actor admitted.
Xel ignored him, pushing past the man to stop at the guy
who clearly desired the mage's attention. "What do you
make?" Xel asked him, his voice almost kind.
"I am a painter, sir," he breathed.
"It's lord," Xel reminded him, but there was no cruelty in
it. "There's no reason to fear me, boy. We're more alike than
you know."
"Lord?" the painter asked.
Ustas made to step forward, but Xel lifted his hand,
stopping the man. His eyes never left the painter. "Desire is
your tool. Lust is mine. It should never be something you're
ashamed of." Gently, he reached up to caress the young
man's face, almost smiling when the painter let his eyes slip
closed. "It's ok to want it. It's beautiful to be different. It
takes strength and courage, and those are never things to be
afraid of."
Then Xel bent, pressing his lips to the painter's, sweetly
teasing the man's mouth open. The young man moaned,
leaning into the kiss, and the Jackal let him. One arm moved
around his back, turning the moment into something kind
and comforting - and so beautiful to watch.
When their mouths parted, the painter looked up at him.
"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
"Then paint me," Xel purred. "I will buy the portrait, and
I will put it in this room. Sign it boldly, my sweet artist."
"Yes, my lord," the young man breathed, nodding his
head quickly.
Xel turned back to Ustas with a smile. "And you? Can your
art be bought for a kiss?"
Ustas laughed once. "No, my lord, and don't think that
kiss makes any of us a whore. Not even him." He meant the
painter.
"But the line is a thin one," Xel pointed out. "I'll double
what you hold in your hand for a single performance, but I
want it from you."
"What kind of performance?" Ustas asked.
Xel gestured to the throne. "One with her." Then to Treb.
"And him."
"What kind of performance?" Ustas demanded.
"Fuck my orchid," Xel told him. "Convince me she likes
it. Convince her that she does. Make everyone in this room
believe for a moment that this is ok, and I'll give you
something you've been denied." He moved closer to Ustas,
his voice now a dare. "Perform by my rules, and I'll create a
guild for the entertainers and make it equal to that of the
merchants. Give me power, and I'll give it right back."
That was when Jade stood. As she made her way closer,
she released her dress, letting it slide down her body in the
best performance she could manage. It hit the ground and
she stepped over it, stopping when she was just behind Xel.
Like it was scripted, Treb moved behind her, wrapping an
arm around her body to pull her against him. She let out the
softest moan.
 "Are you brave enough for this?" Xel taunted. "Are you
willing to let all of these people see you at your most
vulnerable? Naked, lost in the pleasure of her body?" He
began to walk a circle around Ustas, talking the whole time.
"She's beautiful. That's why I chose her, and she wants you.
I refuse to force you, but this is a trade. You take her body,
and I'll give your profession legitimacy. All you have to do is
fuck my Chosen."
"With them watching?" Ustas demanded.
"Yes," Xel assured him. "It's a performance, after all. You
need an audience."
"Why me?" Ustas asked.
"Do you think I'd let you stand before me without
knowing all about you?" Xel scoffed. "You're not married.
Most of these men are. You've been seen with women. Not all
can say the same. I chose you, Ustas because you're not only
an actor, but the one person in this group who won't suffer
for it. See? Working with a mage isn't always torture."
"I want proof of the guild first, a gold ounce for each of
us, and you to remove the law prohibiting women from
performing."
"Done." Xel turned back to his throne, leaving all eyes on
Jade and Treb.
The Catalyst kissed her neck while his hands roamed
across her body, but he only touched the safest places. Her
stomach, her shoulders, and even her thighs. Still, the men
in the room were unable to look away. The women weren't
much better, but their cheeks had turned brighter, and their
glances were darting, unable to take too much in before
having to look away.
Behind her, Jade could hear Xel doing something with
paper. The bitter scent of magic wafted in the air, and she
knew he was making another of those documents, signed
with his symbol. The clank of metal confused her, until Xel
stepped back into her line of sight, holding a sealed
parchment. That had been his seal she heard. He thrust the
scroll out to Ustas.
"There's your guild. Fuck her - with him - and you get
the gold and the change in the law."
Ustas casually passed the scroll to the timid painter and
began removing his shirt. "Guess you just proved it, huh?
We're nothing but whores?"
"We're all whores," Xel assured him, heading back
toward his throne. "I'm trying to make sure that's nothing to
be ashamed of. You see, everyone has a price. The only
difference is that some of us are willing to admit it. Please,
begin."
 CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

U stas pulled the rough fabric from his chest, exposing

lines of lean but powerful muscles. There was no fat
on this man, probably because he couldn't afford it, but Jade
didn't care. He wasn't pretty like Xel or Civan. He didn't even
have the benefit of being chiseled and beautiful like Treb. No,
Ustas was coarse, but in a way that has its own appeal.
While her eyes devoured him, Treb kissed below her ear,
using it as an excuse to whisper, "Rubies. Don't forget about
them."
"Mm," she agreed, making it sound like a moan.
That was her safe word, the thing that would stop this
and keep her from harm. Treb's was gold. They were just
subtle enough to be slipped in a sentence, but the pair would
know the difference. Treb could tell when she truly enjoyed
it. He'd enjoyed her body enough to know her limits as well
as she did.
Which was why his hands moved to her breasts. While
Ustas watched, Treb fondled her, enticing her body, proving
that this would be good. Even if one man was inept, she
knew the other would make sure this was pleasurable. Before
her, Ustas watched, the tent in his pants growing evident as
his shirt hit the floor.
"Just tell me one thing?" he asked, his eyes proving the
question was for her. "Are they forcing you to do this?"
 "No more than you," she promised. "That also doesn't
mean I can't enjoy it."
He smiled and pushed his pants down. "So a real whore. I
see."
But his body liked that idea. His dick was hard and
straining, although he didn't seem to care. The actor's eyes
were locked on what Treb's hands were doing. Behind her,
the Catalyst pressed his hips into her ass, only his shendyt
separating their bodies. She couldn't help herself. Jade
reached back, her hand going under the skirt to grab him,
stroke him, and make it clear she was ready for more.
"Oil," Treb demanded.
On his throne, Xel chuckled, reaching over to grab a
sealed vial beside him. Made of gold - like everything else in
the room - he thought nothing of tossing it over. Treb
caught it with one hand and nudged Jade toward the actor.
Obediently, she stepped into his arms and pushed her mouth
against his.
They kissed like strangers, feeling each other out, but her
attention was on Treb. She heard when his shendyt hit the
ground. Not only did the weight of that belt ring out, but the
gasp of two women proved she wasn't the only one who liked
his body. It made her lips curl, and Ustas noticed. He kissed a
little harder, pushing his erection into her belly, all but
begging her to grab it.
So she did. Her fingers closed around him, lightly sliding
over his swollen head. The man's hips twitched in response.
Clearly, he liked that, so she reached with her other hand,
letting the tips of her nails touch the hair over his balls.
Light, teasing touches that would make him want more. She
took her time while her mouth dueled with his, her tongue
thrusting into his mouth, showing him that taking could be
just as good as giving.
 Then warm oil drizzled down her back, proving she'd
forgotten all about Treb for a moment. As he rubbed it down
her butt, into her seam, over her ass, and all the way around
to her slickened lips, she moaned, tilting her pelvis to give
him access. He took it, swirling a finger around her clit
before pressing the knot.
She moaned into the other man's mouth, unable to help
herself. He bent, lowering himself to slide through her cleft,
but Treb's hand was still there. Between her thighs, she felt
the men meet, one greased hand sliding over a hard dick
before Ustas flinched back, sucking a breath across her lips.
"It's ok," she said softly, meeting his eyes. "It doesn't
hurt."
He nodded once before doing it again. This time, she
could feel the oil trickle down her thighs just as a clatter of
gold proved Treb had tossed the vial away. His slippery hand
pulled her back against his chest, and Jade reached up for his
neck, exposing herself to Ustas. The actor groaned with
approval. His hand caught her thigh, he lifted, and impaled
her on his shaft without any grace.
She gasped, arching her back as she took him, but Treb
had her. His mouth found her neck, kissing it hard while
Ustas leaned in to suckle at her breasts, making her their
buffet. And she took it all, but knew there was still more. Just
a bit, and she wanted it so bad.
The moment Ustas found his rhythm, Treb's cock pressed
at her ass, begging her not to writhe. These men were so
close to her, the heat of their bodies surrounding her,
making her delirious, but she managed. She waited, feeling
the push, the pressure. With a breath, she relaxed enough to
let him in, and Treb gently slid into place.
Her body was so full, so stimulated. Every breath was
enough to make her moan. Each shift of one man or the
other had her clenching, trying to take just that much more.
It was good. It was so good, but there was one last thing she
needed.
Turning her head, her eyes fell on Xel first. The power
burning in his eyes was almost as intense as the swelling in
his pants. Without shame, he stroked himself, but there was
something more. Something in the air that made this even
better. Lifting her eyes over his shoulder, she found Civan
watching hungrily. His chest was heaving with desire, and
his eyes were locked on the spot where three bodies joined
together into one.
That. The hungry look on his face was what she'd wanted.
Civan looked beautiful in his desire, and beside Xel, it was
even better. Two men to pleasure her body. Two men to
tempt her mind. Two men to satisfy her heart. This moment,
right here, was perfection, and she gave herself to it
completely. She was fucked. Her pussy, her ass, and her
heart were all in the control of men, and somehow she knew
it would be ok.
It would be good. So good. Each thrust drove her higher,
the dicks sliding against each other inside her, and her own
audience liked it. They couldn't help but imagine themselves
as one of her lovers, giving her that extra rush she still
couldn't identify - but she didn't care. Thrust after plunging
thrust, she stopped trying to put on a show and just took
everything she'd been offered. Her cries were real this time,
filled with passion. Her fingers clinging to Treb's neck were
her tether, trusting him to be there. And the power of her
climax, when it hit, was inescapable, taking her partners
over the edge with her.
"Gods," the actor gasped, struggling to stay on his feet.
Beside her ear, Treb groaned out, "Orchid." The word was
as close to her name as he could get.
The power of whatever he was feeling hit her hard. In his
throne, Xel sat up, aware of what had just happened, but now
was not the time. She needed to catch her breath and extract
these men from her body, but slowly. Carefully. Thankfully,
Ustas wasn't a brute. He slid out of her body first, using the
hand still on her thigh to make sure she was stable. Only
then did Treb remove his cock from her ass, but his arms
stayed around her chest, just beneath her breasts.
"That's my girl," Treb promised. "I got ya."
"And I," Xel said, raising his voice for all of them to hear,
"have the rest of you."
He meant that literally, but none of them realized it. With
a flick of his finger, he demanded another paper from the
stack beside him, and Civan placed it in his hand obediently.
That, Xel carried to the shy painter, holding it out like a
reward.
"As promised, effective immediately, there will no longer
be restrictions on women performing any of the arts or on
the subject of your creativity. Oh, and one more thing. I will
be hosting a ball, here, at the end of the month. I need your
best musicians, able to entertain nobility, but with enough
skill to keep the rest of us from getting bored. The activities
will include fucking. Find me performers who can handle
this, and there's a finder's fee in it for your guild. Consider it
a sign of my appreciation."
"Thank you," the painter breathed.
Jade took the chance while Xel had their attention to wipe
away the men's residue on her body. Treb and Ustas were
putting back on their clothes. She tossed the rag into the bin
and turned to find Civan waiting silently with her dress in
his hands. The look in his eyes was hungry, but his face was
as calm and professional as ever.
"Lady Orchid," he said softly, "did you need a hand with
this?"
"Thank you, soldier," she whispered, sliding the cloth
over her body.
 He was fastening the clasp behind her neck when
something in the air changed, the pressure increased, and
the scent of magic became almost repugnant. Both Xel and
Treb looked up. For a single breath, they paused, but it was a
breath too long.
A burst of fire-white light made everyone in the room
clench their eyes, and then the pressure popped. What stayed
behind was worse. The slow, malicious laugh was a sound
Jade would never forget. It also meant that what she'd just
done wouldn't be her greatest performance today. No, that
would be the one she'd have to pull off to save her life.
Walking toward Xel's throne was the Spider, his catalyst
beside him, and she had to somehow convince these two that
she couldn't remember a thing.
"Well, well," Xel said smugly. "It seems you just missed
the show." Then he turned to the entertainers. "Thank you,
and if you have any concerns, please let my vizier know.
Now, if you'd clear the room, I need a moment with the
Mage of Pain."
That was enough to convince the assembly to leave
without complaint. One mage was bad. Two? Ustas was still
putting on his shirt, his belt on the floor beside him, but he
didn't care. Bending, he grabbed it and marched toward the
massive doors where they'd entered. The rest were more
than happy to follow.
"Soldier," Treb snapped. "Escort them from the building.
Take the Chosen to her room."
"Not so fast," the Spider said. "I need to see this girl.
Come, Jackal, let me look at your pretty little toy."
Her eyes jumped between Treb, Civan, and Xel in
confusion. Only part of it was feigned. She honestly wasn't
sure who she should obey. Thankfully, Xel spoke up to make
it clear.
 "Soldier," he snapped. "I want this room cleared of
people so our guest is not disturbed. I will send the girl out
when the Spider is done. Chosen, greet the Mage of Pain with
respect. Lord Trebar?"
"Yes, my lord," Treb said, helping to move the crowd
toward the door, but his path was designed to intercept
Civan's well out of earshot.
The whole time, her heart was pounding in her chest, but
Jade knew how to play this game. She was bound. The Spider
couldn't do anything to her that he hadn't done already, but
she wasn't supposed to remember that. She was just a stupid
slut right now, here to please the man and his catalyst. Her
best chance would be to mimic the way she'd behaved the
first time she'd met them and hope this time went a little
better.
"My Lords," she said reverently, lowering herself to her
knees before them.
The Spider lifted a brow and glanced at Xel. "It seems
you've trained this one well."
"Mm, you helped with that," Xel taunted. "When she was
hurt, unable to remember what happened, you brought her
to me. Naturally, I took care of her. I'm a generous master,
after all."
There were quite a few half-truths in there, but the Spider
seemed to understand exactly what Xel was saying. Jade
pretended that she didn't, focusing on nothing more than
the sensual lines of Xel's body and the lust he gave off. She
could feel nothing else. Not a single emotion besides lust.
Anything else before this man could be the one that exposed
what she really was.
"And you know how Tareni are," Treb added. "They love
to fuck."
That was what Dorin, the Catalyst, had said the first time,
which meant Treb was taunting him. Unfortunately, the idiot
didn't seem to notice. He clearly believed that nonsense, so
couldn't understand why it was anything more than a
statement of fact. That only made her hate him more, but
now was not the time. Lust. She needed to feel nothing but
lust.
The Spider took a step closer and grabbed her chin,
jerking her head up so he could see her face. "Do you know
who I am, girl?"
She glanced over to Xel quickly, then back. "My Lord
called you the Mage of Pain."
"Yes," the Spider assured her. "Would you like to please
me?"
So she looked at his crotch, or where it would be hidden
behind the robe he wore. Lust. She needed lust, and that
would keep her safe. Sucking her lower lip through her teeth,
she wondered if a man this cruel would have a dick worth
sucking. Hopefully a big one, the kind that would push into
the back of her throat. One like Civan's.
That was the thought she held onto, giving into the desire
it created. Big, pale, and hanging right before her face, she
could suck it and make him moan, letting her men watch.
No, letting them take her while she pleased her pretty little
soldier.
"Can I suck it?" she begged.
The Spider backhanded her without warning. "No! I said
please me, you stupid little slut. Not fuck, suck, or anything
else. I want you to hurt."
Honest fear made her eyes go wide, but thankfully, the
man didn't understand. He also didn't get the chance to
clarify. Xel stepped before her, putting his body between her
and that of his master.
"If you want her that bad, then fuck her. Find your own
Chosen to bleed. You do not get to use mine a second time."
"Or what?" the Spider asked. "You'll stop me?"
 "Yes," Xel promised. "We both know I can kill you. We
also know I'll die in the process, but the more miserable you
make me, the more tempting that option becomes. Don't
push me, Spider. I am not the same little boy you found all
those years ago. You've taught me a little too well."
The Spider sighed. "Send the cunt away. You and I, Jackal?
We need to talk, and neither of us want empty heads
repeating our words."
"Treb?" Xel asked.
A gentle hand touched Jade's elbow. "Come, Chosen. It's
time for you to go back to your room."
"Yes, my lord," she whispered, refusing to think about
anything but that vision of her men fucking her senseless.
Nothing but lust. Just lust. She could do this, then they
would do that. Soon enough, she'd have them all, and it
would be good, so good, and she wouldn't think about
anything else until she was outside this room. Just those
men's bodies, hard lines, and muscles - but it was the
longest walk she'd ever made.
 CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

T he massive doors opened, Treb pushed her through,

then they closed behind them. On the other side, Civan
was pacing. The rest of the guards watched him with
concern, but the moment the doors crashed shut, he spun,
looking relieved when his eyes landed on her. A moment
later, he realized she wasn't alone.
"Lord Trebar," he said, marching toward them.
Treb didn't bother mincing words. "Take her out of the
temple. I don't care where, so long as it's in town, but I need
her safe. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, sir, but - "
"Listen," Treb interrupted. "I'm not about to leave the
Jackal in there with that man. That's my job. She's yours.
Don't ask questions, just trust me. No matter what, do not
bring her back until sundown." Then he looked at Jade. "And
more is better. If you can do it, do it a lot. Do you
understand, Orchid?"
She nodded. He meant magic. Treb was convinced the
Spider would hurt or drain Xel, and she was the one thing
that could keep him from being completely vulnerable. There
was just one problem. She didn't know her emotion!
Never mind that she was dressed in clothes not even a
whore would wear outside a brothel. She was filthy, covered
in the residue of that last sacrifice, and penniless.
 Luckily, Civan didn't seem to have a problem with any of
that. "Go," he told Treb. "I'll make sure she's taken care of."
Treb turned, but paused, meeting her eyes one last time.
"This time, he and I get to be the heroes. Promise me you
will not do anything stupid until sundown?"
"I promise," she agreed.
He nodded and hurried back into the throne room,
looking as stern and in control as ever, but now she could see
the subtle signs of his worry. The way his steps were just a
bit too fast. The tension in his forearms that proved he was
struggling not to clench his hands into fists. And then there
was the hard line of muscles in his clenched jaw.
"Here," Civan said, pulling off the red cloth he wore as a
caftan over his armor. Like a gentleman, he draped it over
her shoulders, letting it hide her chest better than the sheer
material she wore. "Let's find you something you can be
seen in, then let you relax for a bit."
"Please tell me there's a chance of at least a wet cloth?"
she asked, wincing because she could only imagine what
he'd think.
Instead, he had to bite his lips together to keep from
laughing. "I have my room in the barracks for the rest of the
day, and since you don't seem to mind men staring, I'm
pretty sure that's a safe place for you right now."
"Selna?" one of the guards said, addressing his rank.
"Check with the cleaning girls. I bet one would loan a dress,
or sell it if you have to."
"No. Civan," she hissed. "I don't have any coin on me. No
pockets."
He wrapped an arm behind her back and started walking,
getting them away from the throne room. "I have money,
Jade," he said softly. "I'm also pretty sure that your master
will repay me for every ounce I spend. Even if he doesn't?"
He walked a few more steps before he managed to finish his
thought. "I don't mind, ok?"
"Why?"
With his free hand, he scrubbed at his face. "Do you want
me to lie to you, or give you an answer you'd rather not
hear?"
"Honesty," she told him. "I'm a whore. I just like to know
where I fit in the scheme of things.
He sighed and kept walking, holding his tongue until they
were almost at the side of the temple, the doors just in sight.
Only then did he stop and turn to face her. "Because I was
going to spend it on a whore, ok? I've been setting aside a
portion of my wages this week, ever since you kissed me in
that street. I figured I'd find me a pretty little thing and give
myself a little pampering. Serving my lord, you know? Then I
showed you the garden." He reached up to push his hair
back. "So I figure I owe you anyway."
He was right; that wasn't what she wanted to hear. Still, it
made sense, and she felt a bit less guilty about it. "I'll make
sure you're paid back," she said, heading through the door
and out of the temple.
He stretched his legs to keep up. "Jade, please." When she
kept walking, he growled out, "Fuck!"
"You're fine," she promised.
"But you aren't." He caught her hand. "Look, I can only
imagine how hard it is to do what you do, and I respect you
for it, ok?"
"Don't," she growled, turning to face him. "Do not act
like I need to be coddled. Don't you dare think I'm so weak
and fragile that someone's opinion will make me break. Most
of all, don't try to act like spreading my legs makes me
brave." She pushed her finger toward his face. "And don't try
to make this anything more than it is."
 He caught her wrist and pulled her hand down. "What is
it, then, Jade?"
"The Jackal said to guard me, so you're proving that
you're good at your job. The Jackal told me to fuck you, and I
just proved that I'm damned good at mine."
"You want to know how good I am at my job?" he asked.
"Good enough that I'm curious why Lord Trebar thinks you
were his hero. Good enough that I didn't miss how the first
thing both of those men tried to do was get you out of the
room, and when they couldn't do that, they sent me instead.
Now that raises a few questions. And I'm good enough that
I'm not about to ask about any of those things because I can
work just as well without the answers. There's just one thing
I do need to know, and you don't seem like you're about to
let it slip."
"What's that?"
"Why don't they want you near the Spider?"
She glanced around, aware they were in an open space
between the temple and a large warehouse beside it. She
could only guess that was the building they'd converted into
the barracks because it seemed to be where Civan was taking
her, but no one was close to them. Not a single soldier milled
around, and for the first time, her conversation was
genuinely private.
"What do you know about the Spider?" she asked.
"The Jackal's mentor, and the man he reports to, just
under the Sultan." He grumbled under his breath. "At least if
they were military, that's how it would work. I don't know
what titles mages use, but the Spider is clearly the Jackal's
commanding officer."
"He's a blood mage," she told him, because that was the
most important part.
"Mage of Pain," Civan corrected. "They work on emotion,
so it's pain and lust, not blood and sex."
 "Yeah," she agreed. "And his version of pain comes with
blood. Trust me. I got a front row seat. Because I lived
through it, you got a promotion. Just one problem: the Spider
has no idea that his spell didn't work on me, so I have to
pretend to be a stupid little slut whenever he's around so he
won't try it again. The stupid part's a bit hard for me."
He stepped closer, his hand finding her arm in sympathy.
"He attacked the Jackal's Chosen?"
"Had his catalyst carry me through a gate, chained me to
the ground, and pulled my insides to the outside." She
nodded. "Yeah, if you want to call that an attack. That's why
Treb wanted me to fuck you for the sacrifice. He thought
you'd be gentle, and they wanted to make sure I was
mentally ok with this. Trust me, I'm fine."
But Civan was slowly shaking his head from side to side.
"I don't... That's not..." Then he sighed. "I'm so sorry, Jade. I
had no idea."
"I'm fine," she insisted.
"I wouldn't be!" he shot back. "You know, there's no
shame in admitting your weaknesses so your support can
assist. This army is built on that idea."
But she was feeling that rush again. The one that only
came from her emotion. "Are you scared?" she asked.
"No, pissed. I'd hack that fat bastard apart if I thought I
could get close to him. What kind of a man does that to a
woman?"
Anger. Was that her emotion? It was one of the simple
ones, and it would be easy enough to test. The problem was
that she couldn't let Civan know. To him, she had to be just
the Chosen, nothing more. Just a pretty little whore who he
was paid to keep in one piece.
She also couldn't understand why he cared. "Is it your job
to protect every woman in the world?"
 "I happen to like women," he pointed out. "And yeah, I'm
a soldier because I want to protect people." He tilted his head
back to the temple. "And we're supposed to be a little farther
away. Look, I'm sorry, ok? I should've just lied and let you
think I was being all chivalrous or something."
She reached up for his arm and turned him back to the
warehouse. "That's not the part that annoyed me," she
admitted. "Since we're being honest."
"Should I ask which part did?"
She walked with him for a few steps, debating the wisdom
of answering, but she couldn't quite talk herself out of it. "It
was that you wanted to forget me. To erase me, as if fucking
another woman would make it so that I had never existed.
It's stupid, but I like to think that what I do could end up as
someone's treasured memory, and I guess you proved
otherwise."
"It's what men do," he admitted. "When we don't want to
admit a woman's power over us, we find another, like it will
prove we're not weak or something. Just so you know, it
doesn't work. No matter how many times we try, it never
works, but we all pretend like it does."
"Oh." That somehow made her feel better. "So you're
saying you would've closed your eyes and imagined the black
whore as you pumped some pretty little Kurkevy girl?"
One side of his mouth curled a little higher. "Probably."
"And who were you thinking about in the garden?" she
asked.
"A woman so seductive she's brought the Lord of Lust to
his knees. You, Jade. No lies. I can't even explain why, but
everything about you pulls at me, and..." He finally glanced
over. "I'm curious. I want to know why you're different, and
I don't just mean on the outside."
"Different?"
 Once again, he stopped, but this time it was because they
were almost to the warehouse. "It's stupid, but in that street,
when Lord Trebar had you over his shoulder? I was just
hoping to be noticed. I knew who he was, and I figured that
sometimes all it takes is to speak up, so I did. But when he
told me to kiss you? Those beautiful dark eyes of yours
looked at me, and I felt..." He shrugged. "Like you could
understand." This time, he paused to sigh. "I know that
doesn't make sense, but it's the best I have. I felt like you
were the one person who'd be there for me, and don't get me
wrong, I've got quite a few friends in this army, but that's
how it felt."
"But you don't know me," she insisted.
"I know," he assured her. "Trust me, I know, but I also
haven't been wrong. You have this strength about you that
I'm not used to seeing in a woman. It's subtle, but always
there. Even when you let me..." He clamped his mouth shut.
She couldn't help but laugh. "When we fucked?"
His head sagged in defeat. "Yeah. I mean, I knew you were
playing me. You were the one calling the shots and letting
me have all the credit. When the Jackal showed up, you did
the same with him, changing the subject and, I dunno,
protecting me? But you do it your own way." Then he lifted
his blue eyes up to meet hers. "The truth is, I do respect what
you can do. When I say that, you may think it's an empty
platitude, but it's not. Somehow, you've found a way to
become the strongest person in this city. Considering there
are two mages in the temple behind us? Yeah, I think that's
something worthy of respect. I also happen to think that
there's no place safer for you than these barracks."
"You're probably right," she agreed, refusing to address
all the rest. She was going to need a moment to let what he
said sink in.
 The look in his eyes proved he noticed. "Ok, now brace
yourself. These boys know exactly who you are and what
your job is."
"Then let's put on the type of show they expect," she
decided, grabbing his hand in hers. "You get me some way to
get the dried cum off the inside of my thighs, and I'll let you
do whatever you want to me."
"Yeah?"
She nodded. "Any of those wild and kinky things you want
to try? And I don't care how many people can see."
"I was thinking more about finishing this talk in my room
while you have that bath. Trust me, I have no problem
looking at you naked. I'll consider that payment enough."
Which was not at all what she'd expected him to say, but
it felt kinda nice. "I always liked the clients like you," she
admitted.
"Like me?" he asked, pulling open the door.
"Yep." She let him lead her inside. "The sweet ones."
Civan laughed once. "I have you fooled."
 CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

H e was right: the barracks were rowdy, and the men

were shocked to see Civan with a whore. Even more
to see him with the Jackal's whore, but not a single one made
a scene. Instead, they fell silent, heads turning to look at the
one person not wearing the Jackal's red and gold, and it
wasn't Civan.
"I promised my lady a bath," he said. "Where's the tub?"
A man wearing more gold than red stood up. "The Jackal
know she's with you?"
"Yes, sir," Civan told him. "Seems there's a problem at
the temple. It's an old building, after all. I thought the
barracks might be a safe enough place for her."
The soldier in gold started giving orders, making Jade
believe he must be an officer. Before she knew what was
happening, men were moving. One pair had been sent to find
a tub. More were ordered to carry pails from the main tap so
they could fill it, and it all happened quickly.
The whole time, Civan didn't leave her side. Clearly, there
was some unspoken understanding between the men, but
they all acted just a little too casual and much too respectful
about her presence in their space. She felt like some noble
guest who'd dropped by unannounced, not a whore. When
one of the soldiers called out that the tub was nearly full, she
couldn't have been more relieved, because she honestly
didn't know how to react to their reverence.
The line of buckets stopped, the men returned to their
leisure, and Civan led her to his room. It wasn't far from the
main area where she'd waited, but it was far enough down
the hall that the sounds faded, making it feel a little more
private. At least until she stepped inside, because this barely
qualified as a room. It wasn't much bigger than the bed. With
the tub in it, there wasn't enough space for two people to
stand inside with the door closed.
Civan solved the problem by climbing onto the mattress
and scooting up so his head was by the far wall. "Close that
and flip the bar down, if you would?"
The "bar" was little more than a piece of wood set on a
nail. It wouldn't hold if someone was serious about wanting
in, but it was just enough to make it difficult. Most of the
rooms she'd used in the brothels had similar locks on them.
Her next challenge was getting undressed without bruising
herself, and her sweet little soldier quietly watched her with
a smile.
"I can't believe they have you living in a closet," she said.
"A private room is a luxury, and they get bigger with
rank. Don't worry, there's enough space beside me for when
you're done."
Only if they were close. The bed was almost as small as
the room. Conversely, the tub was large enough for her
entire body to fit, and she stepped in, surprised to find the
water was actually warm.
"How?" she asked.
"Natural springs run under the temple," he explained.
"There's a tap in the main hall, and we're more than willing
to use it. Not worth drinking, least not from that tap, but it's
perfect for baths, and that's a luxury we don't get often."
 "You will," she assured him. "Your new room has a magic
tub."
"And a full-sized bed." He paused as she kicked her legs
up over the edge. "One of the servants mentioned my new
room used to be yours, shared with Lord Trebar."
"It was," she agreed.
He sighed in frustration. "So you know, that was your
opening to explain to me all about how you got a better room
because of something you did, and make sure I know exactly
where you're sleeping and why."
"Huh." She flashed him a smile. "Seems you're very
curious about where I'm sleeping. And so you know, that's
your opening to tell me all about the tension between you
and the Jackal at the garden yesterday."
"We're not talking about that," he assured her.
"And so we're not talking about my room either, are we?
Oddly, that leaves us with very little to occupy our time, and
we have a few hours until sundown." Plus a mage who was
probably being tortured right at this very moment, but she
couldn't talk about that.
"Ok," he agreed. "How about a trade? I'll answer one of
your questions - honestly - and you'll answer one of mine in
exchange? For those things we're not allowed to discuss, the
asker gets another question. Fair enough?"
"Sure. Who goes first."
He smiled. "I do, of course. Where are you sleeping,
Jade?"
"Up the stairs from your room, in the Jackal's
apartment." She pulled her braids over her shoulder and
made a show of checking the ends. "Why did you push Xe-"
She caught herself. "The Jackal away?"
He lifted a brow, making it clear he'd noticed her slip.
Then he paused. "No lies," he said softly, as he sat a little
straighter, almost bracing against what he was about to say.
"Because you were there, watching me."
"Fair enough," she agreed.
So he asked, "How do you know the Jackal's real name?"
"The Spider told me. Did you want him to kiss you?"
"No," he said immediately. Then, "Yes. Maybe." And he
groaned in frustration. "His aura is a powerful thing. I didn't
know I wanted him to, but for a moment, I didn't mind. Not
until I remembered you were there and felt..."
"Ashamed," she finished for him.
He nodded. "Yeah, I think so. So if you know the Jackal's
name, and use it enough to almost slip in front of me, why
did Lord Trebar call you his girl that day in town?"
This time, she was the one shifting as she tried to find an
answer. "I'm not sure how much of this I can answer, so
bear with me. The Jackal told you that he can't fuck me. Treb
can. The three of us have an arrangement that's working. I'd
like to think we're also friends, but not the innocent type."
"No, that makes sense," he assured her. "How does Lord
Trebar feel about this situation?"
"That's two questions," she pointed out, "but I'll answer.
Treb's a whore. A very fancy and impressive whore now, but
still a whore. For us, this works. We all get something we
need." She paused, realizing the truth of that. "It's like, for
the first time, I've found people who aren't going to tell me
to change to make them happy, you know? They can rejoice
in what I do, and still care about who I am, and it feels good.
The problem is that it's also a very bad idea."
"Because of the Spider," he said, putting the pieces
together. "You're the one thing that can cripple our mage.
No wonder he wanted you out of that room. I still can't figure
out why ordering me out was so important." Then he lifted a
hand. "Sorry, your question."
 "Questions," she corrected. "I get two. First, have you
always found men attractive?"
"You're stuck on this, aren't you?" He shrugged. "I don't
know, maybe? Doesn't everyone?"
"No," she promised. "There are plenty of men who can't
tell at all. What do you see when you look at a man? Say, like
Treb?"
"He's clearly a handsome man, in good shape, and
strong."
Jade wagged a finger at him. "Honest answers, Civan.
We're soul-baring to pass the time, remember? See, when I
look at him, I see broad shoulders, a flat waist, and a very
nice ass. His thighs are thick, and he has the most amazing
muscles in his arms. I'm amazed at how hard his entire body
is, and it's beautiful."
Civan slowly nodded his head. "Yeah." For a moment, she
thought that was going to be all he had to say, but
eventually, he gave in. "It's not the same as looking at a
woman. When I look at Treb, as you call him, I wonder. It's
just a general feeling that I can't even describe, but if I let
myself think for too long, it always ends up the same way,
with my hand sliding over his chest, standing a little too
close."
"Are you scared?" she asked. "Not quaking, but nervous.
The kind of fear that makes it easier to simply avoid
something than face it head on?"
His tongue darted out to lick his lips. "Maybe?" Then he
laughed once. "I just have to say that this is not at all what I
expected when the Jackal said you needed a friend. I thought
I'd be the one doing all the listening, not the sharing."
"You didn't answer the question," she reminded him. "Is
the reason you pushed the Jackal away because you're
scared?"
 "Partly." He pulled in a deep breath. "And partly because
I'm ashamed. See, that's why I became a soldier. I grew up in
a mining town, and miners are all built like soldiers. Before I
was even a man, people noticed my interest in the miners
getting off work with their shirts thrown over their
shoulders and their sweaty bodies. When they asked, I
always had an excuse, but I couldn't stop myself. When the
guys started pretending to flirt with me, I knew it was time
to leave, so I chose the one job that would prove I was man
enough: going to war."
"And then you ended up here," she pointed out, "where
it's ok to do something about that."
"Jade, things are different inside the temple. Even here,
in the army? Yeah, we know about it, but the shame is still
there. And on top of that, I like women. I really like women."
He let his eyes run over her to prove the point. "So why not
stick with the lovers I know I can satisfy?"
"Because what you want matters too," she told him. "It
really does, Civan. And because my friends think you're
attractive." She glanced away. "And I do, too. I just don't see
why this couldn't work out very well for me - if you'd stop
pushing these men away. It's selfish, I know, but that's why
I'm so curious."
"I, uh..." He cleared his throat. "One day, I'd love to do
what you did today. You know, with you in the middle."
"Yeah?" She glanced back up to find those blue eyes
waiting. "Front or back?"
"I've only ever had the front. I figured sticking my dick in
an ass would give me away." He scrubbed at his face, proving
it was a bit more red than usual.
"It doesn't," she promised. "Plenty of men want a
woman's ass and nothing else."
"What does it feel like?" he asked, the idea of taking turns
long forgotten.
 Jade shrugged, lifting her hands out of the water when
she did so. "I've never had a dick."
"Right. Sorry. Stupid question."
"Ask Treb," she told him. "Not only will he answer, but
he's good at finding the right way to say things so they make
sense."
Civan groaned and let his head fall back against the wall.
"I would like to point out that I am not some virgin farm boy
without a clue. I'm not normally this pathetic, I swear."
She couldn't help it; she giggled. "I think it's me! I can't
help myself, I ask the most inappropriate questions. I mean,
when the Jackal had just put a collar on me and told me I'd
made a mistake, my first thought was to ask why he chose
the dark arts instead of the light."
"You do know that most mages would've killed you for
that, right?" He was grinning at her.
"I do now! But see, this is how I learned. I'd have a client
do something, then I'd ask the whores I worked with about
it, and get more information than I could handle, so I'd try
something, learn something, and I kept getting better at
what I do."
"What do you do?" he asked, lifting a hand to prove that
wasn't a simple question. "Don't tell me fucking, because we
both know any idiot can do that. What do you do that makes
you so good at this? The thing that makes you proud of it?"
She opened her mouth to answer, but had nothing. It took
a moment before she could come up with words that would
even make sense. "Everyone wants to be special," she finally
said. "To someone, for some time, or for some reason. It
doesn't matter, but that's why we seek out the attention. We
want to feel good, and we want that connection - otherwise,
we could just take care of it ourselves. I know what it's like to
be lonely, and I hated it, so I give my partners everything I
can. I make them happy, Civan. I make them feel..."
 "Loved," he finished. "You take lust, and you turn it into
a moment of compassion, and that's what everyone really
wants. Someone who can just accept them for who they
really are."
"Exactly!" And she leaned back in the tub. "And I happen
to like orgasms. Those are definitely a bonus."
"The best part of this assignment, I assure you." He
reached over and rested his hand on her leg, just above the
ankle she'd propped on the edge of the tub. "Thank you. I
honestly had no idea I wanted to talk about this, but you just
kept pushing, and it feels - "
She jerked up in the tub, cutting him off as water sloshed
over the side. Something was wrong. She couldn't explain it,
but something had changed, and it felt like she was being
pulled out, as if she was... draining. That place of
contentment inside her, the one that had been slowly but
surely filling up while she'd been the Chosen of Kurkevy was
now being sucked dry, and quickly. The problem wasn't that
it hurt, but she didn't know how to stop it, and every instinct
told her that she should.
"Jade?" Civan asked. "Jade!"
When she didn't respond, too focused on what was
happening inside her body, he reached over and forcefully
pulled her from the tub, heaving her down beside him. His
hands checked her body, looking for some hint of what was
happening, and she managed to wave him off.
"It's not on the outside," she told him.
Then something else happened. A feeling so intense it was
replacing everything she was losing. Magic. Xel needed it,
and somehow Civan was giving it.
"How do I help?" he asked.
She pressed her face into his chest and held on. "You're
doing it," she promised, relaxing as the flow in stabilized the
flow out. "Whatever you're doing, just keep doing it."
 "Jade," he breathed softly, "I don't know what's
happening."
"And I can't tell you." Taking a deep breath, she looked
up. Worry filled those pretty blue eyes, along with something
else. Tenderness. "Please don't ask, because I can't tell you."
"Then I won't ask." He lowered his head and pressed a
sweet kiss against her hair. "And if you want, I'll even
pretend that it has nothing to do with magic."
"Thank you," she whispered, because she was getting
tired of all the lies.
 CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

S he fell asleep after that, and Civan laid there the whole
time, acting as her pillow. When she finally stirred, he
gave her one of his old uniforms - the red and gold kind -
and escorted her back to the temple. The place was strangely
silent, and the guards outside the door assured them it had
been that way since they left.
The moment she entered the throne room, she knew why.
The space before the massive golden chair was the same,
including the rag she'd tossed aside when she'd tried to
clean up. It was the open area behind it that made her worry.
It was covered in blood.
She pointed back to the main door. "Have someone clean
this. Someone who won't ask questions," she told Civan.
He nodded once but didn't move. "Where are you going?"
"To take care of the Jackal. I'm sorry, but dinner tonight
is canceled."
His eyes narrowed, aware that her answer didn't
completely make sense. "I'm here if you need me, ok?"
She was already heading to that door at the back. "I
know," she called to him. "Thank you."
Then she was racing up the stairs, terrified of what she'd
find. The sound of her feet announced her before she reached
the top, and Treb appeared, stepping into view like a sentry.
His shoulders relaxed at the sight of her, and he reached for
her hand, pulling her behind him toward the back of the
apartment. Toward the bedroom.
"The Spider's been burning as much of his own power as
he's making," Treb explained as they walked. "So he needs
more, and Xel's not giving it. He refuses to tap into his web.
Spider tried to force him."
She rushed into the room and stopped. Xel was laid out on
the bed, his entire body showing signs of damage. Bruises
marred his face, and she thought that was a cut across his
shoulder and chest. In other words, Dorin had been allowed
to play. Pressing a hand over her lips, Jade hurried to his
side.
"Xel," Treb said. "She's back, and she's fine."
Xel's eyes cracked open, and he turned to look at her.
"I'm so sorry," he croaked. "He drained me. Completely. I
tried not to pull from you, but I needed just a bit."
"It's ok," she promised "Civan was with me, and
whatever he felt balanced what you took. I think it was
worry."
Xel laughed weakly. "A worry mage. Yeah. We'll have to
test that, but it worked."
"No," she told him. "It wasn't enough. Can't you heal
this?"
He reached out for her hand. "I didn't want to take from
you without your permission." He sighed, clearly hurting. "I
don't rape, and I didn't mean to take what I did."
"It's ok," she promised. "I want to help you, Xel."
"Fuck Treb?"
She immediately pulled off her shirt, turning to Treb.
"Strip."
But Treb was still wearing his shendyt. A flick of his hand
sent the cloth and leather to the ground, then he gestured for
her to catch up. She pushed her military pants down and
stepped from her shoes, thankful she was wearing so little.
But before she could step into Treb, Xel caught her hand.
"The bed," he told her.
He meant beside him. With him. He might be too
damaged to join in, but she hoped that wouldn't last long.
Without hesitation, Jade crawled onto the mattress, finding
the space beside him, and Treb moved in behind her. Well,
this position did give her one advantage.
She leaned closer and kissed Xel while Treb caressed her
ass. On her hands and knees, it was right in front of him, but
that wasn't all he wanted. Treb had no intention of hurrying
this. Xel needed lust, not just sex, and his catalyst knew how
to get the most of it.
"Lean back," Treb told her while Xel pushed himself
higher. "Let him watch."
Because they were doing this for Xel. Right now, both of
them were worried about him, but that didn't stop them
from enjoying the way each other felt. Still, the trickle of
power didn't slow. While their lust was fueling Xel, their
concern seemed to be filling her, replacing what she'd lost
earlier.
"Xel," she begged, reaching back to curl her arm around
Treb's neck. "If you can't have me, take my magic? Take the
part of me you can without hurting?"
In answer, he pushed the sheets down, revealing all of his
naked body. The wounds marred the beauty, but not enough.
He was still complete male perfection, even in this state, and
for the first time, there was nothing stopping her from
looking. His ever-present lust was growing more intense,
driving her while Treb's hands slid over her body.
Then Xel whispered the first word. Treb reached down
between her legs, sliding through her folds to tease her nub.
She gasped, wanting to close her eyes and enjoy it, but the
wounds were healing. She had to watch, to learn how he did
it, but he needed her desire as well.
Caught between two men, two needs, and so much magic
in the air, she couldn't decide what she needed more, so
simply let them have her. All of her. When Treb slid inside
her body, she felt something else. The magic under her skin
came to life. Like warm silk, it caressed every nerve in her
body while Treb's hands only made it better. His gentle
rocking pulsed in time to the throb of the magic inside her,
and it was the best sensation she could imagine.
Until Xel leaned forward, shifting to his knees so he could
take her face between his hands. "Lamarkana," he breathed
against her lips before he kissed her. "Taraminaka." The
next kiss was deeper, his tongue tangling with hers
"Sevalinao!" he finished, and she felt the spell release,
carrying her with it.
Her body clenched, she gasped, and Xel's mouth drank in
her cries as he pressed her into Treb. They were whole. Xel
was healed. His erection was also pressing into her with his
excitement, and she couldn't help but grab it, ignoring the
overstimulation of her body. That would pass, but this?
Being with both of them? She had no idea when it would ever
happen again, and she wanted it.
Her fingers worked Xel's shaft, stroking him until he
pumped into her grip. Behind her, Treb rocked in time, their
three bodies writhing together so perfectly, if only Xel could
get a little closer. She knew he wanted to. She could only
imagine what it must be like to come so close, yet still be so
far from the ones who mattered most in your life, so she
wanted to make it up, to give him more, to...
"You feel good," Xel whispered as his chest slid against
hers. "Your magic, it's amazing." He pushed his mouth
beside her ear. "Like the way your mouth felt wrapped
around me. Hot, soft, and perfect. I never knew it could feel
like this."
Because he could feel it too. Their bond, the link that let
him pull from her was no different than allowing him to take
her body. That was why it felt so good. It also meant he
wasn't excluded. She could share something with him that
no one else could. Something he needed. Something they
both wanted.
"Kiss him," she told Xel. "You already have me, so kiss
him."
Inside her body, Treb twitched with excitement, the pulse
so intense she felt it even as he continued to rock. This time,
however, she was the one directing things. Reaching back,
she grabbed Treb's ass. That moved her aside enough that
her men could reach, and their mouths collided. The kiss was
hard and greedy, but so honest. None of them had anything
left to hide. This was their truth, their new reality, and it was
so good. So very good.
With a dick in one hand and an ass in the other, she could
please them, and they could please her. Six hands, three
mouths, and so many sensations. She moaned as the
pleasure began to build for a second time, knowing it would
only be better, and leaned her head back against Treb's
shoulder. They kissed, she watched, and all of them fucked.
Slowly, deeply, and honestly, they fucked for nothing more
than the pleasure of it.
"Tighter," Xel gasped between kisses.
She gripped him harder, letting him set the pace, but she
didn't expect Treb to also obey. He thrust just a bit deeper, a
little harder, pushing her body against Xel's. From the
panting breaths and soft groans, she knew they were close,
but she was too. Each plunge enticed something. Xel's chest
sliding over her aching nipples. Treb's cock working her
from the inside, and the sight of their passion seducing her
mind until she couldn't take any more.
Treb exploded first, swelling inside her as he spilled
himself. She couldn't help but clench, her fingers tightening
on Xel's shaft just enough to send him over the edge, but it
was the magic that brought her to climax. The rush of Xel's
pleasure racing through her skin, sparking every nerve,
made her cry out, and she released his dick to keep from
hurting him, feeling the warm slickness as he sprayed it
across her stomach, his dick trapped between their bodies.
And they held her. Both of them, panting with fulfillment,
made no move to pull away. Right now, this was the closest
they'd ever been, and she just wanted to feel their skin
against hers, to know this had been real. These were her
men, and she was their woman, no matter what words they
used to describe their feelings. That much was true; they
belonged together.
Then Xel chuckled and pulled away, reaching over for a
cloth. He caught her eyes as he came back to wipe away the
mess slowly oozing down her stomach. "Sorry," he said, but
he didn't sound apologetic.
She caught his hand as Treb extracted himself from her
body. "Xel, are you ok?"
"Yeah," he promised. "That's not the first time the Spider
has tried to tear me apart, and it won't be the last." Then he
looked over her shoulder. "But Treb always takes care of
me."
"It's my job," Treb promised, stepping around to press a
kiss against Xel's lips. "I should go clean the throne room."
Jade waved him away before flopping down on the bed
beside Xel. "My soldier's taking care of it. We saw the
blood."
"Your soldier?" Treb asked.
 She nodded. "Xel gave him to me. Like a present with a
huge dick."
A devious smile was taking over Treb's face. "Then I think
I should make sure he's doing just fine. I'll bring food when I
come back."
"Tell the soldier he can eat with us," Xel decided. "Let
him know he's welcome upstairs for as long as the Orchid
allows him, but he will not tell me his name."
"So he can be nothing more than a walking dick?" Jade
asked, giggling at the mental image of that. Mostly because
the afterglow of their lovemaking was still coursing through
her body.
"Oh yeah," Xel agreed, "and I promised you a show. You
think he's sexy, and I want to make you cum by touching
him."
"I approve of this plan," she decided. "Like a dildo, but
with reactions. Yeah, he can be a sex toy. You just have to be
a little gentle with him. I think he's nervous."
Xel rolled over her, his thigh sliding up between her legs
until it pressed against her overly-sensitive flesh. "Believe it
or not, I can be gentle. I can be caring. I take excellent care of
my lovers, Orchid. They're my lifeblood."
She sucked in a breath, grabbing at his arm. "That," she
told him, feeling a rush of magic. "I don't think you were
worried."
"No," he promised. "I was..." With a sigh, he rolled off
her to flop on his back. "I was turned on, wanting to prove to
you that I'm not always evil, and thinking about all the
people who deserve to know that sex can be safe." He
groaned, pressing the heels of both hands over his eyes.
"Well, I think we know one thing for certain."
"What?" she asked.
"Whatever your emotion is, it's certainly not a simple
one. Not only are you the only female mage I've ever heard
of, your power comes from something that is not one of the
primal emotions." Pulling his hands away, he turned his
head to look at her. "Jaeda, you're something new.
Something amazing, and I'm willing to bet you're going to
have the kind of power none of us can imagine."
"Why do you say that?"
He pushed out a heavy breath. "Because so far you've
been triggered by fear, worry, lust, and so much more.
Whatever is fueling you? It's like pieces of everything else,
and that means you won't have to look hard to find your
magic. It'll just be there, waiting for you to take it, and none
of the rest of us get that luxury."
"Except you," she promised, rolling closer to press her
head into that space between his shoulder and chest. "Xel,
you gave me this, so I want to share it with you."
He curled an arm around her back. "It feels good. My
bond with the Spider isn't like that. He pulls, and it hurts.
You? It feels like this."
"Yours feels like sex," she admitted. "Like how I imagine
it would be if I could have you."
"You have me," he promised. "As much as Treb does, you
have the most important part of me."
She just nodded against his skin, knowing exactly what he
meant. It wasn't love. No, that word was too heavy, filled
with too many complications. This was easier. It was trust,
the place from where everything else could be safely built.
 CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

T he next few days were wonderfully relaxing, as they

found a consistent schedule. In the morning, Jade
woke and shared a meal with Xel and Treb. When they were
done, the guys headed into town to handle the political side
of things, make arrangements for the ball at the end of the
month, or any of the many tasks that didn't require her
presence, leaving her alone with Civan. He was more than
happy to keep her entertained by showing her the rest of the
temple.
And she was honestly surprised at the amount of unused
space. Everyone in Kurkevy knew the temple was massive,
but being inside it was different. Hundreds, maybe even
thousands of rooms stood empty, doing nothing more than
collecting dust. Jade tried to explore them all. Often, she
found a space just private enough to explore her soldier's
body as well, and he never once complained.
Each day, they took a different path. That meant she
didn't get to see the garden again, but she could watch the
changes happening everywhere else. From one morning to
the next, there was a little less dust on the floors and a lot
more shine to the stones. When she asked about it, Civan
admitted that the temple staff, quite a few soldiers, and
almost everyone without a steady job had been hired to
restore the building to its former glory. After all, it was the
Jackal's temple now, these rooms would fuel his power, and
the populace actually adored him.
The same wasn't true for the nobility. They despised him.
Every time Xel changed a law, they tried to resist. Every
privilege he granted to the common citizens, they did their
best to inhibit. Their resistance was what Xel had to fight
each morning.
And while he fought for the people, she played. For the
first time in her life, she knew she'd have a bed and a meal at
the end of the day. She had the luxury of taking a few
moments to simply enjoy herself, and her soldier was always
willing to make the most of it. Those few hours in the
morning became her solace, because the evenings were
always filled with one more sacrifice, a little manipulation,
and the constant fear that the Spider would step into their
temple again.
It was at night when she had the real fun, and only part of
that was in their bed. Her comprehension of magic was
pathetic, but Xel was systematically correcting that. She
might not know her exact emotion, but it was something
familiar enough that she never actually ran out. Considering
that her lessons consisted of lighting candles, minor healing,
and adjusting her own protections, Xel felt comfortable that
she had nothing at all to worry about. According to him,
those were child's play.
Then, on the morning of the fourth day, Civan arrived
before the guys had left. The three men shared a look, Civan
nodded respectfully, then he offered her his arm without a
word. For a split second, she felt guilty about running off to
do absolutely nothing while Treb and Xel worked, but she
knew better. In Kurkevy, she was just a stupid whore, here to
be fucked. She couldn't help with the nobles. Those men
would never listen to a woman like her, so she'd make it up
to them in the next town, and the one after that. For today,
she'd simply stretch her muscles before she had to use them
later.
"So," Civan said when they were in the hall, "I learned
something about the Taren Islands last night."
"Yeah?" she asked.
He nodded, looking almost smug. "It's where orchids
come from. Supposedly, they grow on the branches of trees,
but I'm not sure I believe that."
"And the sides," she assured him. "Yeah."
"Huh." He shifted his arm to pull her against him. "So,
the Jackal randomly picked a name for you of a flower that is
not only beautiful, but native to your home country, and able
to thrive in some of the harshest conditions?"
She dropped her head against his shoulder. "Why do you
think I embraced the name so easily? I've always liked
orchids. Never would've thought of myself as one, but I'm
definitely not offended about the comparison." Then she
looked at him again. "Who did you ask about orchids?"
He smiled and turned her down a hall that looked only
vaguely familiar. "Lord Trebar, actually. While you were
doing something very secret with the Jackal, I invited him to
share a little of the liquor stashed in my room."
"And how'd that go?" she asked.
"Don't get any of your perverse ideas, Jade." Then he
made a turn to the left. "But I'll let you tell me yourself."
She passed the last column and realized he'd brought her
back to the garden, but this time it was different. The wild
overgrowth had been tamed, the stones cleared, and the
grass cut back to become a tolerable lawn. It wasn't perfect,
not after only a week, but it may have been the most
beautiful thing she'd seen since she left home.
"You did this?" she asked.
Civan gestured to the side, where another man leaned
casually over the stone banister. "Treb helped. We've been
working on it all week. Ever since you said it was pretty."
"Thank you," she told him, turning to wrap her arms
around his neck.
A deep chuckle sounded behind her. "So I guess that
means you approve?" It was Treb.
She turned to hug him just as tightly. "I can't remember
the last time I saw someplace this green!"
"Then we'll make a garden at every town we take," Treb
promised. "Civan picked the flowers, though."
She looked again, realizing that along the edge of the
pond were pots with plants. They were spaced evenly,
watered by the mist from the cascade by the storm god's
feet, and in bloom. Each and every one was an orchid, but
she'd never seen that deep ruby-red before.
"How did you get so many?" she asked, looking between
the men.
Civan smiled and glanced away, leaving Treb to answer. "I
happen to know this mage..."
"The Jackal did this?" she gasped. "All three of you?
When?"
"In the morning," Civan told her, "while you enjoyed
breakfast, and at night, when you were locked away. They
came before lunch, which was why I kept you on the other
side of the temple."
"I had no idea." She slipped around Civan's side for the
opening that led onto the grass. "It's beautiful!"
"Pond's clear, too," Treb told her. "Clean enough to swim
in, compliments of the Jackal."
So Jade kicked off her shoes and knelt at the edge,
dangling her toes in the cool water. It took a moment, but
the guys eventually followed, both of them smiling proudly.
Treb was the one who pulled off his shirt, dropping it by her
shoes before he started peeling off his boots.
 Civan just shook his head at them. "Guess this means I
get to guard your stuff."
"From what?" Treb asked as he stripped off his pants,
standing bare before both of them. "Not really worried about
thieves in the temple."
"I can't swim," Civan explained, keeping his eyes on the
grass. "Not something you learn when the local water source
is small enough to step over."
Treb glanced over at the pool, which wasn't exactly deep.
"I think it's more like wading, and I know you've been in a
bath. C'mon, pretty boy. Don't spoil the fun." Then he looked
at her. "Naked, Jade. Wet."
"Just the way you like me," she teased, but she still
obeyed.
She pulled her dress off while Treb waited. Civan still
hadn't moved. He sat in the grass a few feet from the edge of
the water with his knees pulled up against his chest and his
arms wrapped around them. His eyes were locked on the
water.
"You ok?" she asked.
He laughed once, then cleared his throat. "Gimme just a
second."
Treb eased around her and crossed his arms to glare at
the man. "Nuh-uh. Don't make me pull rank, soldier."
With a sigh, Civan started unbuckling his chest piece,
pulling away his caftan along with the leather. "This is only
going to take longer if you keep standing there, my lord."
"Yeah?" Treb asked. "Your cock hard? Feel better if mine
was too?"
So Jade moved behind him, reaching around to slide her
hand around his semi-hard shaft. "You know," she said, "he
likes to watch."
On the grass, Civan groaned, but he was finally removing
his clothes. When he pushed those loose black pants down
his thighs, his dick sprang free, harder than she'd ever seen
it before. Treb just lifted a hand at him and crooked a finger,
summoning the soldier closer.
"She has two hands," he said, his voice deep with desire,
but so gentle. "But she can't reach you over there."
Civan said absolutely nothing, and he tried to find
someplace to look, but his eyes kept returning to her hand
wrapped around Treb's hardening cock. Knowing he couldn't
hide his arousal, he scrubbed at his face instead. The man
was clearly nervous.
"Civan," Treb said, all but ignoring Jade, "I'm not going
to touch you." He gently lifted her hand away and stepped
closer to the soldier. "You've seen me naked before - every
day in the throne room. Why is it different now?"
"And every day, I stand behind that gold throne," Civan
shot back.
"You shouldn't." Treb's eyes dropped. "Seeing that gets
me going."
Civan was breathing faster, but he lifted his eyes, looking
right into Treb's face. "I don't like being in situations where
I have no control," he finally admitted. "I hate feeling
weak."
Treb leaned closer, right into his face. "Then do
something. Stop running from it and deal with this. You want
to touch me?" He spread his arms. "I have no problems with
that. You want to touch her?" He pointed at Jade. "I can
promise she'll cum. Around your cock or mine, doesn't
matter. You just want to watch? I'm good with that too, but
you know what I can't do?" He tapped his head. "Read your
mind. And if you're going to be working with us, this is
something you need to deal with, soldier."
So Civan shoved a hand out, palming the flat plane of
Treb's chest. Jade stepped around behind him, leaning closer
to whisper in his ear, "That's beautiful."
 And Civan grew a little braver. His hand slid down,
tripping across Treb's hard nipple, making the bigger man
moan. Those blue eyes followed his touch, entranced with
the body under his fingers, and kept going lower. He took his
time caressing each ridge of Treb's abs, but paused at the
last one.
"I like it," Treb told him. "Her hands are soft. Yours
aren't. Touch it if you want, but there's a damned good
chance I'm gonna groan."
Instead, Civan's hand landed back on Treb's chest, his
other at the back of Treb's neck, and he leaned closer. "No, I
think I'll kiss you first."
The moment his lips pressed into Treb's, the Catalyst
closed the distance, pushing their bodies together and
kissing back hard. One of them groaned, the sound muffled,
then the other matched it. Jade watched, refusing to
interrupt. Fingers tangled in hair, their dicks pressed against
each other, and she couldn't look away.
"Jade," Treb gasped, pulling his mouth away. "We both
need a hand on our cocks."
"Yes, my lord," she agreed, more than happy to comply,
aware he'd said a hand.
If Civan was willing to do this, then she'd make sure he
enjoyed every second of it. Her lips found Civan's shoulder as
she reached between them for his dick, not surprised at all to
find it hot and hard. The first stroke made him groan, but
she released him to pump Treb.
"Closer," she told them. "I want both of those."
Treb pushed his hips closer, and she finally got what she
wanted. Their dicks were in reach, and her hand caught them
both, each man pressed against the other. Treb immediately
rocked into her grip, sliding his length along the base of
Civan's.
"God," Civan gasped.
 Treb palmed the back of his head. "You feel fucking
good."
"I'm gonna cum all over your dick if you do that again."
So Treb did it again. "Good. Just need our little orchid to
lick those, make it just a little slippery."
Civan froze, but Treb leaned back enough for her face to
reach, surrounded by nothing but these two hard bodies and
harder dicks - and she licked. The flat of her tongue slid
between them, a man on each side, feeling both of them
twitch at the contact, wanting more of it.
"That's my girl," Treb said. "She's gonna hold you real
tight, soldier, and you're gonna cum." He pressed into Jade's
hand. "You're gonna groan like a man." Another thrust.
"And if I'm lucky, you'll hold on to me when it hits."
Civan held on, rocking his own hips to make it even
better, stroking themselves against each other, constrained
only by her fist straining to reach around them both. Again,
then again, and then Civan couldn't take any more. His
breath caught, his hips jerked, and he came hard, shoving
his face into Treb's shoulder with a muffled, "Fuck."
Treb's arms immediately wrapped around him. "Lean on
me, Ci'. Promise I can take it."
Civan's hand clasped Treb's shoulder, dimpling the skin
with the pressure while he panted. Then, seemingly out of
nowhere, he laughed once. "Now comes the awkward part."
"Yeah?" Treb asked. "That where you stick your cock in
her mouth or her ass? Because this beautiful, dark orchid is
going to ride me until my balls burst." He shoved a rough
kiss against Civan's brow then stepped back, reaching out for
Jade. "Willing to help a man out, honey?"
"Oh yeah," she agreed, "because that definitely got me
ready to go."
Civan just sucked in a deep breath. "The Jackal told me to
keep my dick out of her mouth."
 Treb just knelt, encouraging Jade to join him in the grass.
"Then I guess you're going to have to take her ass if you
need a second, huh?"
"Or watch," she told him. "Pretty sure either one will get
me off."
"Your call," Treb assured him, "but in this temple, we
will not be ashamed of what we want."
 CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

S he crawled over Treb's body until she could lower

herself down on him, well aware that from where
Civan was still standing, he could see her stretch as Treb
slowly slid inside her. That was what he liked, and it
wouldn't take long before he was ready to go again. The
question was if Treb would finish first.
When the Catalyst's hands found her waist, she realized
she'd misjudged him. Treb was a professional. He knew
exactly what he was doing, and he was using her to make it
happen. As she rode him, their eyes met, and she felt the
rush. That fantastic, warm, feeling like being wrapped in his
arms. That was why it sometimes smothered her, because it
was an embrace, offering her everything. So she took it.
Sucking in a deep breath, she could feel the magic flowing
into her, not even worried about why.
Then another hand touched her back. A moment later, she
felt Civan behind her and Treb lifted, sliding out of her body
as he took control of them all once again.
"Pump that pussy a few times," he ordered. "Fuck it. Get
your cock nice and wet."
What slid inside her was large by comparison, and Treb
had nothing to be ashamed of. She gasped, arching back into
Civan, pressing down against Treb's shaft beneath her. Her
soldier was gentle but excited, thrusting deep enough to
bottom out as he leaned toward her neck, kissing her,
thrusting, then kissing some more.
"Tell me this is ok?" he begged.
"This," she managed to get out, "is good. So good. I want
you in my ass."
"Gently," Treb told him. "Don't break our girl, Ci'. That
cock of yours is gonna take a little patience to fit in there."
She tilted her hips, slipping off him just to press back
where they both wanted him to be. "I can take it," she
promised, looking over her shoulder to see his eyes on her
ass. "Fuck me, Civan."
He pressed closer. "I don't want to hurt you."
So she pushed her hips back, slowly taking him, easing
him inside her ass. "That's what I want," she promised.
"Just like that."
And he took over, keeping the same smooth, gentle
pressure until he slipped inside the first ring, the second,
and then deep into her body. When she sat up, reaching for
his neck, it pushed him even further, until he was balls deep
in her ass.
"Don't move," he begged, his words whispered by her ear.
"That's the most amazing thing I've ever felt."
"Lower," she told him. "Treb can't reach, baby."
She moved down, knowing her soldier would follow, and
Treb was waiting. His cock was in his hand, aimed right
where she needed. She glanced up at his face and found his
eyes waiting. The smallest nod of his head proved he had
this. If she would take it, he'd make sure all three of them
enjoyed it.
Then he lifted his hips and began to fill her. She moaned.
Civan gasped. Treb just smiled, pressing back so he stroked
both her and Civan, and she could feel them both. Their
bodies had her trapped between them, their hands promised
they wouldn't hurt her, and the magic in the air said this was
so much more. This wasn't just sex. That was Xel's power.
This was different.
This was about taking care of each other, pleasing each
other, and making sure it was nothing at all to be ashamed
of. This, the motion of three bodies sliding skin to skin, was
pure perfection. It was Civan's dream, until he found
another. It was her desire. It was Treb's passion. Combined,
it felt so good.
The garden was filled with groans, moans, and strangled
gasps, and she took them all. Each man fucked her, every
movement showing her how he liked it, what he needed, and
how she could become everything they desired. They were
using her, but she was using them, too, and not a single one
of them minded. This was supposed to feel good - it did feel
good. So good that she wasn't sure how long she could last.
"Cum," Civan said, kissing her neck. "Cum hard, Jade. I
want to feel it."
She shoved her fingers into his hair and held on. "Then
use that dick, soldier. Every inch of it."
"Oh yeah," Treb agreed. "This is gonna be good. Stroke
me, man."
He did, pressing his mouth to her skin as his body
plunged into hers. Each thrust was long, slow, and so deep.
Jade closed her eyes and just enjoyed it. All she had to do was
feel her man entering and leaving her body, driving her
higher, making Treb twitch beneath her. The motion shifted
her on Treb, fucking them both.
"Ci'," Treb groaned. "Don't stop. Gods, whatever you do,
that's it. Feels fucking amazing."
"Cum, Jade," Civan told her. "Close your eyes for once
and just let us please you. Let us - " She gasped, feeling the
rush starting. "- take care of you." Her body tensed as the
pressure built, and her fingers tangled in his hair. "You feel
so fucking good," Civan whispered. "Let me make you feel
what I want."
And he did. The next thrust pushed her over the edge. Her
hips shuddered as she cried out, the sound incomprehensible
because she could only think about one thing. She wanted
this to last forever. She wanted them, all three of these men,
to be hers, and for her to be theirs. The four of them just
worked, and she didn't want this to just be a temporary
thing. She wanted them to be the ones that could finally
make her happy.
Treb grabbed her hip as he lost control, shoving himself
as deep into her as he could. The yell that burst from his lips
was all Civan needed, and he came, the two of them pulsing
inside her, prolonging the waves of pleasure, but it couldn't
last forever.
When her body finally relaxed, Civan withdrew, allowing
her to climb off Treb. With a smile, he sat up, tilting his head
toward the pond. It was a blatant invitation, but she wasn't
quite sure her legs could carry her there. Civan understood,
bending to scoop her into his arms as he followed Treb to the
edge of the water.
"I'll get cum all over you," she gasped, wiggling to get
her legs down.
"More if you squirm," Civan pointed out. "And pretty
sure I've had cum on me before."
From the water, Treb reached up, taking her weight just
to gently lower her to her feet, but his arms didn't leave.
They wrapped around her waist, holding her back against his
chest tenderly. Together, they waited while Civan made his
way into the water to join them, then Treb slowly walked her
out to the center before easing her down to wash away what
they'd just done.
"I understand your obsession with the bath," Civan
admitted, scrubbing at his crotch. "And the grooming."
 Treb jerked his thumb toward the center of town. "Girl
named Narsi. She waxes. Just don't flirt with her or Jade gets
jealous."
"I do not," she hissed.
Treb kissed the side of her face. "You definitely do, and I
kinda like it."
"Oh."
Then he looked at Civan. "So you just checked a couple of
things off your wish list. You still ok with this?"
"Think I may have gotten a few more to add to it," he
admitted. "I'm just..." He laughed, shaking his head. "Not
quite sure how I'm supposed to act with you now."
"Just a couple of men sticking their cocks in a woman,"
Treb assured him. "That's all that was. You didn't do a single
thing with me that didn't have her in between us."
"Yeah," Civan admitted, reaching up to push back his
pretty blonde hair. "I did. I fucking kissed you."
"Gonna get jealous when I kiss the Jackal?"
Civan waved that away. "That's different."
Treb released her, moving closer to Civan. "Why?"
"He's a mage!" Civan groaned. "He's walking sex. No one
can be around him and not be attracted to him."
"I'm immune," Treb said, dropping the words out hard
enough to kill Civan's argument. "That's the thing about a
catalyst. We're not susceptible to them. Oh, there's a few
things we trade for that, but I don't get stupid from his
desire. I still want to stick his cock in my mouth and suck it
until he claws at the back of my head." Then he jerked his
chin forward. "Gonna call me names now? Try to beat my ass
and show me what it means to be a man?"
But Civan wasn't backing down. He just stood there,
glaring. "I've seen your mage tear down towns, and we all
know that no one fucks with his catalyst."
 "And I'm still man enough to take you without the Jackal
at my back. You fucking know it, so what the hell are you so
scared of, Ci'?"
"I don't know!" Civan admitted.
Treb slowly nodded. "You're scared because all your life,
you've been told this is wrong. Well, you know what? We're
the ones with the power now. The gods are dead."
A new voice spoke up from the far side of the garden, loud
enough to carry. "And I rule in their place." It was Xel.
"Shit," Civan hissed, glancing at Jade.
She didn't get the chance to tell him it was ok before Xel
was pulling off his own shirt. "I'd say this looks like a good
idea, but two little problems. First, my catalyst is fighting
with the Orchid's soldier. Second..." He looked at Jade. "After
what you just did, I canceled this evening's sacrifice. You
have a lesson with me."
"What did I do?" she asked.
He gave her a look that said they would talk about it later
before turning his attention to Civan, but his hands were still
removing his clothes. "I'm glad you touched him."
"How do you know about that?" Civan asked, taking a
step back even though the water separated them.
Xel gestured at the area around them. "This is my temple.
Lust is my emotion. Most mages? They get a rush from the
magic. A hit, you might say, kinda like a drug, but I'm not
most mages. I've learned how to feel the source. I may not
know the person, but I can tell if it's a man, where he is, and
what he's doing. I know your desires, soldier." Naked, Xel
stepped into the water, leisurely making his way closer. "And
you need to work your shit out if you want to serve in my
temple."
"I'm trying," Civan admitted.
Xel didn't stop until he could reach up and clasp the back
of Civan's head. "I know. Believe it or not, I even understand.
This? It's not easy. Everyone likes to think it is, but accepting
that you're not like them? No, your mind wants to fight
against that, but it never works. All it does is makes you
miserable."
"My lord," Civan said softly, "I'm a good soldier."
"And a better lay. Trust me, I've heard all about it. Your
skill isn't in question." He gently soothed the back of Civan's
head. "Your bravery is."
Civan nodded. "It's easier to meet something head-on,
Lord Jackal."
"But the things that will come at her? They won't be
head-on. I need you to keep her safe for me."
Civan nodded. "Will you answer a question for me, my
lord? I'm not sure if it's related, but it's tangled up with the
rest of this, and I don't know how to separate it."
"Ask," Xel told him.
"When the Spider arrived, why did you send me out? You
wanted to get her away, and that makes sense, but when she
couldn't leave, why did you send me away? I'm supposed to
protect her."
"Because the Spider would've killed you for fun." Xel
pulled in a deep breath and glanced at Jade. "And I have a
feeling that's one lie she couldn't make herself believe."
"I don't understand," Civan said softly.
"Not yet," Xel assured him. "All you need to know is that
someone I care about deeply would be hurt if her friend was
killed. I swore that my orchid would never suffer because of
the Spider again, and I keep my promises. Now, I'll make you
one. There's something special about you. I don't know
what, but if you'll stop fighting this - all of this - I will
figure it out."
"Special?" Jade asked.
Xel smiled, refusing to take his eyes off Civan. "I'm a
mage. Treb's a catalyst. You, Orchid, are my Chosen. Him?
Oh, he's ambitious and driven, but there's something else.
He's not here to get laid, but he can't resist. He's not here for
more money. He's been hoarding it already. It can't be love,
because he hasn't known any of us long enough to feel
something that intense. So why, soldier? What is it you want
that has you willing to stand naked before the Lord of Lust?"
"Ever consider that I want to get my dick wet?" Civan
asked.
Xel's hand clamped down on the back of his neck hard
enough to bruise. "Taunt me. I dare you."
"I don't know," Civan admitted, refusing to wince at the
pain. "I thought I just wanted a fucking promotion." He
gasped against the intensity of the grip. "My lord," he
added, breathing the words out as an afterthought.
"Jackal!" Jade begged.
He ignored her. "Tell me!"
"I spoke up, hoping Lord Trebar would notice me," Civan
growled back, "because sometimes that's all it takes, but
then I kissed her. Treb told me to, and she made the
decision, but it happened."
"I know that part," Xel hissed.
Jade took a step forward, but Treb lifted a hand, halting
her. "Don't," he warned.
Civan swallowed, his eyes flicking to her. "That's all I did.
You are the one who called me to the temple. You're the ones
who assigned me to guard her, and I have every intention of
doing just that."
"Why!" Xel roared in his face.
And Civan jerked away, braced for the punishment that
should follow. "Because I know what it's like to be on the
outside, and she needs someone to put her first! Because I
will stand up to you, my lord, if you make me choose.
Because of all the men in this army? I'm the only one who's
not scared of your magic. And that is why I pushed you off.
Because I can't be loyal to her if I'm under your spell."
Xel released Civan's neck to grab his arm instead. Those
resin-colored eyes flared with power as he hissed a single
word. While Jaeda watched, gold flowed from under his
fingers, spanning around the man's bicep until it met on the
other side. When the mage lifted his hand, he smiled.
Embedded in the gold was a pattern of rubies and black
gems, dozens of them, shaped like triangles that fit together
perfectly.
"And now," Xel told him, "you are truly hers. Any man
willing to face down a mage deserves the spells to protect
him from one. We're on the same side, soldier."
 CHAPTER FORTY

T he gold band Xel put on Civan's arm made him as

immune to the mage's lust as Jade and Treb were.
That meant he could still feel it, but it was no longer
overwhelming. The problem was that Xel's tantrum did
nothing to convince Jade's soldier to repeat their
performance in the garden. He was fine when he was alone
with her, but when either Treb or Xel were near, his guard
went up.
And no matter how many times she tried to explain to Xel
why that was a problem, she couldn't make him understand.
He'd just shrug and assure her that the soldier would come
around eventually. According to him, that sound she'd made
in a moment of passion had guaranteed it. Magic was
nothing more than an emotion twisted into a goal, released
with a sound. The trick was to put the right ones together
and push them out with intention, and somehow she'd done
it accidentally.
Too bad that sounded more like something a baker would
do than a mage. A pinch of this, a dash of that, with just
enough passion, and she could either have bread or a fireball.
On the upside, they were slowly narrowing down what
emotion fueled her power.
Hunger didn't do it. Treb went an entire day without
eating just to be sure. Anger had no effect unless it was
coupled with something else; in its pure form, it was useless.
Pain, joy, and fear were all off the table, although the last
had taken a while to be sure of. She felt the rush at the
strangest times, making it almost impossible to predict or
elicit. There was almost no consistency to it, but she was
learning to take it in easier. She was also growing her
reserves, since Xel refused to touch her magic, and that was
what would eventually make her powerful.
According to Xel, the urge to use magic could be addictive.
One little word and all a mage's problems could be solved.
Food could be created; plates could float away to be washed.
That was where most mages made their mistake. They
became reliant on magic to do everything for them, which
meant they spent more and more as they kept adding foolish
little tasks. For every drop of emotion they took in, they
burned it almost immediately, forcing them to make bigger
and more destructive sacrifices.
Xel went the other way. He used magic when he had to -
without hesitation - but he hoarded his power. Not just in
himself. He'd set up reservoirs in each of his temples, at the
hubs of his web, that he could draw on through ley lines
which kept him connected to it all. That held the temptation
a little farther away, but the magic was close enough for him
to call on it if he ever had to. He didn't need to feel it roaring
inside him, begging to get out - and in their next town, he'd
teach her how to do the same.
Because their power was based on different emotions,
there was no reason they couldn't work together. A web
could be made for lust, then a second in the same building
for whatever hers ended up being. Each of them would be
unable to access the stores of the other if it wasn't for the
bond. That link worked the same way as the web of power,
allowing Xel to treat her magic as his own reservoir. One day,
when he was no longer enslaved by the Spider, he'd bind
himself to her, giving her control of everything he'd kept
hidden so far.
Although, until she figured out her emotion, this was all
just theory. It couldn't be used in Kurkevy, and it had no
bearing on the spell that would add this town to the web. The
festivities he'd planned for the end of the month, however,
would. With Xel trying to handle everything else, Jade was
willing to help organize the details. It was one of the few
things she could do to lighten the load and repay him for
what he'd given her so far. Still, there were things she
needed him to decide.
The most important was the style of music. The
entertainers had given her a list of performers, but she
couldn't hire one unless she knew precisely what he wanted.
Xel said this would be a ball, but did he mean a lively one?
Was his goal for people to dance themselves to exhaustion,
or was he looking for something more sedate where the
songs were little more than ambiance? Did he want
traditional, something chosen to satisfy the nobility but
which no one else would find tolerable, or was he going to be
brazen and play only the most seductive cadences?
The first time she asked, he waved her off, saying he
knew nothing of music. The second time, he asked for
samples. This would be the third time, and she knew exactly
how to get his attention. She was going to use that pretty
little whore he'd been paying for. Treb was convinced Xel
had fucked the girl at least once, but it hadn't been recently.
It seemed the Lord of Lust would rather thrust into either
her or Treb's hands than walk down the stairs for a hole that
meant nothing to him, so the Fawn could earn her keep in
other ways. After all, she could dance and sing.
That night, when everything else was done, Jade had a
selection of cushions brought in to lay at the feet of the
throne. Civan made the request to the staff, giving her a look
that said he hoped this would all make sense. She knew it
would, because the Fawn was about to arrive any moment -
at least if the girl could keep a schedule. She'd been told to
present herself when the last guests were out of the temple
complex.
Treb was the one who took it all in stride, dropping onto
his pillow the moment it arrived. Jade took the other, which
placed Xel between and above his whores. He could reach
down and touch them both without straining and still have a
view of the presentation. Although naturally, the girl was
late.
"Orchid," Xel asked, "what are we doing?"
"You're helping me," she promised, leaning over to rest
her head against his knee. "It just seems that our guest has
never learned how to read a water clock."
The words were no more out of her mouth than the
entrance began to slowly open. Between the oversized doors
appeared the Fawn, wearing little more than sheer fabric
designed to entice. Xel murmured in appreciation and leaned
back into his throne, more than willing to see where this
would go.
"We need to talk about your ball," Jade told him. "How do
you see it going?"
"Same as every other grand ball we host," Treb answered.
"The nobility gets to show off, the citizens see that everyone
defers to the Jackal, and all of our agreements are ratified
into law. They all show up to see who he'll name as the next
leader of the town, well aware that we'll be moving on."
She nodded. "So is this a stand-around-awkwardly kind
of thing? Dancing and entertainment? I mean, you have
hired a few whores for the night, so do you expect there to be
fucking in the corners?"
Xel leaned over his knees to look at her. "In most of our
towns, civic functions are all the same. There aren't many
choices, and we go with the local customs."
"Not in Kurkevy," she assured them. "And the farther
west you go, the more nuanced it all gets. What do you want
from this, my lord?"
"Dancing," he assured her. "Entertainment. A reason for
all of the people to mingle, many unaware that they're in the
arms of someone supposedly below - or above - them. I want
eyes to meet and hips to grind, Orchid. I have every intention
of this ball binding them even tighter."
"Fawn?" Jade called out. "Could you please demonstrate
for the Jackal what an elegant presentation would be like?"
The girl nodded and moved to stand in the center of the
space before them. Her shoulders were back, her head held
high, and her body was just a little too posed, as if she were
made of marble. When her voice rang out into the throne
room, however, it was beautiful, if haunting. The most
formal events were meant to have an almost reverent song to
hide any lulls in conversation, the style chosen to be
reminiscent of those chanted to the gods.
"No," Xel decided before the Fawn finished the first line.
"I don't know about anyone else, but I'd be asleep within the
hour. What else?"
So Jade listed off the next option, and the Fawn
immediately performed. This time, however, she not only
sang but also gave a demonstration of the typical dance that
went with the music. Treb stretched his legs out before him
and leaned back with a smile on his lips.
"The girl can dance, I'll give her that much."
Xel murmured in agreement. "That she can. Fawn? Is
there something more elegant and active? The kind of thing
that would entice partners to press their bodies together."
"Yes, my lord," she assured him. "Formal gatherings."
Then she lifted her hands as if she had a partner and
moved into something that required a lot of hip action and
twisting. The mage and his catalyst shared a look. Treb
nodded, showing he approved, but Xel's smile turned
devious.
"I like that. It goes on the list. Now, do you have
something we can use to start this show off right?
Something sensual and seductive?"
"The Raqs Baladi," Jade suggested. "I think the Lords
would enjoy that."
Lifting her big, dark eyes to find Xel, the Fawn pulled
away the upper layer of her clothing, revealing little more
than a bustier on top and multiple layers of sheer fabric as a
skirt. This time, almost all her movements required her
body, mostly her belly and hips. It was beautiful, enticing,
and the two men leaned a little closer to appreciate the
performance.
"Soldier!" Xel called out, waving Civan over.
"Yes, my lord?" he asked professionally.
"What do you think? Two dozen of our most beautiful
women, all performing as the guests arrive, making the men
lust for bouncing flesh and the women wish they were the
ones being watched?"
Civan smiled. "I think that in this part of the world, Lord
Jackal, this is called traditional, and we're less shocked to see
women willing to move than the Adevians. I also think you
should see what happens when you get closer. The dance is
interpretive."
Jade looked back in surprise. "You're from this region?"
Because she couldn't miss him saying "we."
"Close enough," he assured her. "I was raised in the
country just east of here, but my family traded this way
when I was a boy."
"The blonde hair gives it away," Xel teased as he pushed
himself out of his throne. "But now I'm curious. Fawn, I
want a demonstration."
 "Take the chair," Treb offered, gesturing to Civan. "No
need for you to stand now that the doors are closed."
Instead, Civan offered Jade a hand. "I think you deserve
the best seat in the temple, Lady Orchid."
"Only if you promise to sit and relax," she countered.
So he tugged her up, holding her hand until she was
seated in the place of prominence, then claimed a cushion
for himself. Jade leaned back, tucked a leg beside her into the
hard gold chair, then realized she could still touch both men.
Almost absentmindedly, she let her fingers play down the
backs of their necks, but her eyes were on Xel.
The Fawn had turned her full attention on him, shifting,
shaking, and seducing him with her eyes. Every gyration of
her hips, her breasts, and each bend of her belly pulled his
eyes exactly where she wanted. Seeing his approval, she spun
around him with a purpose, enticing, exciting, and
promising all the things her body could do. Aware of the rest
watching, Xel made a point of reaching down to adjust
himself. The Fawn's dance was alluring enough to make even
the Lord of Lust hard.
"Does this mean I get a show?" Jade asked.
"That what you want?" he called back.
She gestured to the chair she sat in. "I am the one in the
throne. Please me, Lord Jackal. Give me the kind of
performance only a sex mage can do."
"That," he promised, "is a challenge I can rise to." Then
he reached out and caught the Fawn by her hip, pulling her
ass against him. "Tell me this dance involves your clothes
coming off, girl."
The girl leaned into him, grinding her body against the
length of his. "It can, my lord."
"It will." And he pressed his hips against her swaying ass.
"If you want this buried inside you, then prove it."
 Those words changed what had been an enticing dance
into an erotic one. The Fawn's hands joined in, stroking her
own body, sliding down her generous curves, and she
caressed her breasts. To Jade's left, Civan shifted, moving his
hips to be just a little more comfortable. Yes, he liked what
he was seeing, and she wasn't convinced it was the girl.
Treb just draped an arm over her knee. "You've never
seen him fuck, have you, Jade?"
"Nope."
Civan's head snapped around. "Really?"
She dragged her nails up the back of his neck. "It seems
I'm surrounded by more people who like to watch than who
like to be watched."
"I'm fine with both," Treb promised, "but there's
nothing like watching the Jackal. He can work his lovers like
no other. That man's body is a work of art."
And lucky for them, the Fawn was doing her best to get
out of her clothes. The girl's skirt hit the ground, and Xel
looked up. Twenty feet separated them, but it didn't matter.
The moment his gaze found Jade's, she understood. This
time, he was doing it for her.
Their eyes locked as he bent to kiss the Fawn's neck, but
Jade was the one who moaned. The Jackal had her completely
entranced. His gaze captivated her, his subtle movements
spoke volumes, and he seduced her without a single touch.
She was more than willing to enjoy it.
 CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

W hile the Fawn continued to sway, Xel removed her

top, slowly easing the straps down the girl's arms,
letting his fingers tease her skin from shoulder to elbow. The
Fawn moaned. Jade bit her lip. She could hear Treb and
Civan, but she didn't care. Right now, for this one moment,
it was her and Xel.
She couldn't touch him the way she wanted, but the Fawn
could. The girl meant nothing to either of them. She was
lovely, but that wasn't enough. It took more than a seductive
body to feel what they had. Sex was nothing more than
physical pleasure. This? It lived in the mind, eventually the
heart, and it was so much more.
It was the one thing she'd never thought she'd have.
The way Xel looked at her meant something. His hands
caressed the girl's ribs, sliding around her hips to pull her
ass against him, but it was his eyes, those pools of frozen
amber filled with power, that mattered most. They were soft,
pleading yet intense, and he never once looked away while
he undressed the body he was about to conquer.
"Treb?" Xel asked, his voice a silky rumble in the room. "I
need to please my girl."
The Catalyst's hand caressed Jade's ankle, slowly moving
higher, toward her knee. "I can definitely help with that."
 The Fawn sucked in a breath, and Xel's mouth returned to
her neck. He kissed her softly, his lips following the tendon
up to her ear while his hands began working his shirt free.
The Fawn tried to turn in his arms, but he stopped her,
forcing her to watch the group lounging by the throne.
"You," he told her, "are the entertainment. Enjoy it."
"My lord..." she tried, but Xel didn't let her finish.
"Hush," he hissed in her ear. "I have a much better use
for your mouth than words."
He tossed his shirt away, and Jade flicked her finger at his
legs. Xel smiled, reaching down to loosen the tie at his waist.
Somehow, he managed to lose his boots with elegance. Then,
as he pulled open the front of his pants, he finally allowed
the girl to turn, gently guiding her down to her knees.
The Fawn dropped to the floor, reaching up to ease Xel
from his clothes as if she were starving and he was her
salvation. Treb was pushing Jade's dress higher, above her
thighs, exposing the junction of her legs. She reached out,
her hand finding the back of his head to pull him closer just
as Xel did the same to the Fawn. The girl licked the length of
Xel's shaft. Treb's tongue teased its way between Jade's
folds. Civan, sitting between them all, moaned, struggling to
keep it in.
It was a small, soft sound, but it carried in the room. She
heard, and she liked it, leaning her head back while Treb
sucked at her clit. She could feel her body responding, the
blood rushing to make her pulse throb in the pit of her
stomach, but she couldn't look away from Xel. He was pure
perfection, every single inch of him.
His skin was golden, without a line to show he'd ever
hidden himself from the sun. His abs were tense, creating
shadows between each muscle in the lamplight. The crease at
his hips drew her eyes further down, to the hard shaft, slick
from the Fawn's mouth. The poor thing couldn't take him
all, but she tried. Her fist pumped the rest, working him like
a machine, and Xel seemed almost amused.
Pleasure was his tool. Desire was his weapon. Lust was his
power, and he wielded them all. That didn't mean it was
enough. He wanted more, and Jade was willing to give it. As
she pressed her hips into Treb's face, she refused to look
away from Xel, making him as much a part of what she was
doing on his throne as he was giving back to her out there on
the floor. The problem was that Jade's lover was too good.
Too skilled. He knew her body, and he wanted to worship it.
Xel didn't have that. All he had was a whore willing to
suck him dry, and the girl was trying - it just wasn't
working. As Jade felt her release building, her lover was
alone. He needed more, and she knew exactly how to make
sure he got it.
"Fuck her," Jade begged. "Please, fuck her and let me
watch before I cum."
A fist in the Fawn's hair pulled her off his dick, then Xel
nudged the girl's shoulder, encouraging her onto her hands
and knees. Gracefully, he knelt behind her, sliding a hand
between her legs from the back. His fingers swirled, paused,
then pumped her twice before he pulled his arm back to grab
himself. The girl's excitement let his fingers slide over the
swollen skin all the way to the base. Then he angled his dick
and leaned in, pressing deep into the Fawn's body in a single
thrust.
The girl gasped, shifting her ass back into Xel's hips. Treb
heard and lifted a hand to his woman, making the Jackal's
pleasure into Jade's as he slid two fingers into her body. She
whimpered, loving the way this felt, and forced Treb's hand
deeper. Right there. To that spot she needed most. He
understood but took his time. Slowly, languidly, he stroked
her as his tongue teased her higher. His other hand held her
down, preventing her from writhing out of his control.
 Then a mouth found Jade's neck. Civan leaned around the
throne, his hands claiming her breasts. Cradling them
through the sheer fabric of her dress, he offered her pleasure
up for Xel's view, and the mage growled with his need. His
hips pumped into the body before him hard enough to make
the Fawn's breasts sway, the girl mewling in pleasure at each
and every hard thrust.
"Cum." His voice was an order. "I will fuck you harder if
that's what you need, but you will come for me."
And Treb obeyed, even though the words weren't for him.
His hand plunged into Jade's body, working her, making her
arch away from the cold, hard throne. Desperate, she
reached up, grasping Civan's arm for balance as her mouth
fell open. Another thrust. Xel buried himself deeper in his
girl, his jaw clenching as he tried to resist, but Jade could
take no more.
She didn't cry out. No, this time she just gasped, able to
feel the magic so thick it made it hard to breathe, but it
wasn't hers. This was for Xel, her sacrifice to the dark mage,
and his to her. As her body shuddered against Treb's mouth,
Civan gently kissed her jaw, easing her back in the chair.
Before her, Xel leaned over his whore, grasping her shoulder
as he caught his breath, recovering from his own orgasm.
Slowly, he lifted his eyes, smiling subtly when he found
Jade's on him once again.
"That," he promised as he slid out of the girl's body,
"was worth the wait."
"Mm," Jade purred, glancing up to include Civan as her
hand slid across Treb's head, thanking him. "And all without
a single kiss."
Obediently, the Jackal rose, making no effort to cover
himself as he walked right to her. His hand landed on the
arm of the throne, and he leaned in, claiming her mouth.
Their tongues tangled, but when Civan leaned back, clearly
intending to slip away, Xel grabbed his arm, holding him
there.
He kissed Jade once more, quickly, then looked up at her
soldier. "This is where you belong. Never doubt it, and do not
let me push you aside."
Civan said nothing. For a moment, the men just looked at
each other, then Civan leaned, his hand reaching not for her,
but for Xel. The mage lifted his chin, his eyes slipping closed
- but a scream made everything stop.
"What has she done to deserve this!" the whore yelled,
her voice shrill with fury. "I'm worth twice what she is!"
Xel looked back, rage taking over his face, but he wasn't
fast enough. At her feet, Treb growled with rage. A wave of
magic crashed into Jade, stunning her, but Civan was already
in motion, and he had no intention of doing it quietly.
"You were not paid to talk!" he bellowed.
"I should be the one on the throne," the Fawn snapped,
grabbing her clothes from the floor as she staggered to her
feet. "I'm the one with his cum on my thighs, bitch. Not you.
I'm the one he comes to at night when he needs a release,
not you. And you want to know why? Because I'm not some
nasty, dirt-colored barbarian!"
Without warning, Civan grabbed her arm, forcing the girl
toward the door. "Out!" he ordered.
The Fawn wasn't about to make it that easy. She jerked,
trying to pull her arm free from Civan's grip and planted her
feet. "I should be the one showered in riches, pleased by
these men. Not you. No one wants you, Jaeda. They fuck you
because you're cheap, and everyone knows it!"
"Get her out of my room!" Xel roared. "And if she says
that name again - ever - I will let her rot in the dungeons!"
So Civan wrapped his arm around the Fawn's body,
pinning hers to her side, and he lifted. The girl screamed like
she was being tortured, kicking her feet against Civan's
shins, but he didn't slow. Hearing the commotion, the doors
were already opening, and four armed men surged inside.
Without a hint of compassion, Civan tossed her down at their
feet, leaving her to stand or fall on her own. The girl
staggered but kept her feet.
"I want her off the property," he demanded. "She will not
step foot in the temple again, am I understood?"
"Yes, sir," the soldiers agreed, grabbing the girl like some
common criminal.
They didn't give her the chance to put her clothes on, and
Jade had a feeling they wouldn't until she was tossed into the
street. She also wouldn't get an escort back to her brothel.
She wouldn't be allowed to collect her things from her room
and take them with her. At this rate, the Fawn would be
lucky if Xel had them delivered. But the mage didn't seem to
care. His eyes were on Civan, filled with intensity.
"What did you just do?" he demanded.
Civan marched back, ignoring the question until he was
close enough that he no longer needed to yell. "I fired that
cunt." Then he looked at her. "You ok, my lady?"
She waved him off, still trying to catch her breath from
the magical onslaught. "Nothing I haven't heard before."
And the rush slammed into her again, with force. She
gasped, but Xel ignored it, grabbing Civan by the collar of his
caftan, shaking the man to get his attention. "What are you
doing?"
Civan pushed him off. "Nothing!"
"Feeling!" Xel yelled. "What the fuck are you feeling?"
Civan's mouth closed, the anger on his face vanished, and
he slowly turned to actually look at Xel's face. "Protective.
Why?"
"Just protective?" Xel insisted, ignoring the question.
"I fucking hate what that little bitch said about my lady,
ok? I'm pissed that she could think she's better than Jade.
I'm a little bit worried that I heard a name you specifically
forbid, but not as much as the reason for your question. Why,
Jackal? Why the fuck do you care what I feel if it's not lust?"
Xel's answer was soft, but with the tension in the room, it
was just loud enough. "Because the power of it is so thick I
can barely breathe through it. It usually takes a crowd for
that."
"Fuck," Treb breathed. "How is that possible?"
And Xel's lips curled into a smile. "I have a feeling there's
a lot we still don't understand, my friend. I think it's just as
possible for a soldier to be standing in a street as it is for a
whore to approach a client, wouldn't you say?"
Civan was just slowly shaking his head. "What does that
mean?"
"Orchid?" Xel said, lifting his voice slightly. "I do believe
we've just found your catalyst." Then he smiled at Civan.
"And now do you understand why I'm partial to this one?"
"She can't be..." Civan looked at her. "Women are
never..." His breath fell out in a rush. "And I know her
name."
Treb grunted, proving that was inconsequential. "We
always do, since catalysts are the only people in the world
who can't hurt them."
"She's a mage?" Civan asked, begging someone to
actually say it.
"Most definitely," Xel assured him. "And she's bound to
me only because I will not leave her vulnerable to anyone
else." He carefully smoothed Civan's uniform back into
place, looking amazingly noble even as he stood there
completely naked. "Does that help you understand why I
sent you out that day?"
"Not really, my lord," Civan assured him. "Because you
thought of me as nothing but a soldier, and she's the one
who's important."
 "And every time you've been around her, soldier, you
make magic. Everyone else in this room feels nothing but
lust - except you. In front of the Spider, that's a problem."
Xel turned, walking in the direction of his pants, but he
called back, "Only the four of us know. There's just one
problem. I don't have a clue what emotion fuels her. I know
you just felt it, but every time it happens, not a single one of
us has been able to isolate the feeling that supplies her
magic." He grabbed the soft leather from the floor, looked at
it, his crotch, then tossed the pants aside. "I need a bath to
get that whore off my dick."
"Sir?" Civan tried to bite that back, but corrected with,
"Lord? If I'm her catalyst, then what am I supposed to do?"
Xel pointed at Treb. "He's the expert on that. Mostly, just
be close. When you feel whatever it is you felt, she'll get
power."
"You," Treb told him, "just became the Orchid's second
in command. The more powerful she becomes, the more you
will benefit. Wealth, luxuries, and safety, things like that.
Mm, and without her, you feel achingly empty, as if you
can't settle. Like the night before a battle, when all your
instincts say to run and fight, but there's not a single thing
you can do but wait."
Civan nodded. "And the Spider?"
"Never," Xel told him, closing the distance to grab his
arm, "let that man know. When he's around, feel nothing. If
you can't do that, then feel lust. Crass, basic, carnal lust.
Imagine another woman - or man - if you have to, but do not
let a drop of anything else come out. The Spider will skin you
alive and make her watch just to drink in the power of her
anguish." Xel looked over at Treb. "Because every mage is
bound to his catalyst as much as the catalyst is bound to him.
Like soulmates, but without all the flowers."
 "And you?" Civan asked. "Why should I believe that your
intentions to her are honorable?"
"They aren't," Xel promised. "Jade's my salvation. I'm
going to take excellent care of her because she's the only one
who can set me free."
"And then?" Civan demanded. "If you've bound her, what
do you plan to do once you get what you want?"
"We have an agreement," she assured him.
"Not good enough." Civan's eyes were on Xel. "I am well
aware of what you can do, Lord Jackal. What I want to know
is whether or not we'll come to blows for it, because I'm not
going to make the mistake of being with a man I can't trust."
"One day, she will make me hers. With each of us locked
to the other, we'll be safe from the greatest threat any mage
can face, with access to the power of both emotions." He
lifted a brow. "Is that what you want to hear? No? You still
don't believe me?"
Civan sighed. "I can't. I'm sorry, but if all this is true, I
can't because I know how easy it is for you to lie to my face,
and just how often you do it. Promises left hanging, tasks
forgotten when you move on to the next, and so many people
being destroyed in the wake of the mage wars because people
like you have no vulnerabilities to people like me. You take
and take. I won't let her be one of those things you
consume."
"Xelas," he said. "That's your promise, soldier, and
please don't tell me your name, but you now have mine. It's
Xelas, and that one word can shatter all of my defenses. It's
not easy, but we're all tied to our names, and I've just given
you mine because I care about her enough to take the risk."
Civan gently cupped Xel's face, meeting his eyes. "I'll
guard it as fiercely as I guard hers, so long as you never
make me choose." Then he leaned just a bit closer, their
mouths barely touching before Civan leaned back. "Thank
you for letting me understand, Lord Jackal."
"Yeah," Xel breathed before chuckling once. "Piss me off
again tomorrow? It's easier that way."
"Promise. And you need a bath, my lord. I have a feeling
the Orchid does too."
"You and I," Treb said, jerking his chin at Civan, "are
going to have a drink."
"A big one," Civan agreed. Then he shook his head,
muttering to himself, "A fucking catalyst."
 CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

"A re you sure he's my catalyst?" Jade asked as she slipped

into the tub.
Xel was already in the water, leaning back to watch her.
"Positive. Nothing else would give that kind of rush.
Typically, the emotion they're tied to is one that's an
integral part of their personality. Like Treb and lust."
"Well, my soldier's dutiful," she said, "and protective. I
wouldn't describe him as happy, but he's sympathetic, loyal,
and intelligent."
"Not an emotion," Xel said after the last one. "Neither is
beautiful, nor well-hung."
She slapped at his damp chest playfully. "So I get to keep
him, huh?"
"Just like a puppy," Xel agreed. "But bear with me, Jade. I
can't get attached to him. Right now, your soldier is just a
man who gives you an advantage. I don't want to know too
much about him. Let me believe that he's just a pretty little
piece of ass to decorate my throne room, ok?"
She crawled over his lap to sit astride him, his dick
satiated enough to not get in her way. "And what am I, Lord
Jackal?"
"Mm." He leaned in to kiss her neck. "My girl." His voice
dropped a little more. "My lover. My equal. You, Lady Orchid,
are the woman of my dreams, and I knew it the moment I
laid eyes on you. I was lost before your lips ever found
mine."
"Liar," she teased.
He twitched his head to the side, all but admitting she
was right. "Maybe so, but I wanted you enough that I knew it
wouldn't be worth the risk. Then you had the audacity to ask
me questions." His mouth found the spot beneath her ear,
kissing it gently. "I am going to have you, Jade. All of you."
His hand slid up her chest, pausing right over her heart.
"Even the parts that give me absolutely no power."
"And then?" she asked. "When I'm no longer your
Chosen, how will it work with us?"
He actually laughed. "Do you think I could be faithful?"
"No," she admitted.
So he dipped his head to meet her eyes. "Could you? Can
you honestly expect me to believe that you would never lay
with Treb again and be happy about it? Or that pretty little
boy who's so smitten with you?"
"No," she agreed. "This is why whores enjoy nothing past
the moment."
"Mm, but sex isn't love," he reminded her. "Is there
really a difference between me fucking my hand and fucking
some girl I don't care about? What makes a stranger's dick
mean more than one of those pleasure toys?" He shook his
head. "No, the Spider's curse has taught me one very
important thing."
"What's that?"
"Sex is inconsequential. It feels good, but in the long run,
it really doesn't matter. I can do more than stick my dick in
you, and I can like all of it just as much. It's everything else
that comes with such intimate contact which we really want.
The security, the ego boost from being chosen, and most of
all, the love." He lifted a finger, halting her when she tried to
cut him off. "All love, Jaeda. Friends, pity, and everything..."
His voice trailed off. "I really hope you're not a love mage."
She laughed. "I don't think I'd be very good at that.
Besides, it wouldn't work well with what you do, and I keep
hoping our power will somehow complement each other. I
mean, it has to, right?"
"Has to? No," he said. "But it does seem to. That you
never felt it before serving as my Chosen? Yeah, that makes
me think it's not something you've been around often." He
pulled her closer so her head lay against his shoulder.
"Hearing that bitch scream at you tonight? I can't help but
think that your life has been a lot harder than you're willing
to admit."
"I became a whore at fifteen," she told him. "My life
hasn't been easy, but I've survived. One man made sure I was
never welcome on the Taren Islands - because of that brand
I wore - and all the rest tried their hardest to keep me on my
back since."
"And now you'll be the one with the power," he pointed
out. "Kismet, karma, or, more likely, these coincidences in
our lives are nothing more mystical than the spells we
accidentally cast in our ignorance."
"Like the one I did in the garden?" she asked.
"Mhm." He gently leaned his head against hers. "And I
have no idea how that will work, but you spelled us all to stay
together."
She curled her arm around his neck. "Just promise me
there's no such thing as a love spell?"
"I've never been able to make one work," he assured her.
"And I tried. The best way for a starving mage to pay for a
room was to sell trinkets, so don't get any ideas. Plenty
ended up creating lust, but love? No, that's as impossible as
raising the dead."
"What else can't we do?" she asked.
 He patted her bottom, encouraging her to switch
positions. "Change minds. We can control bodies, but it's not
easy. Mostly, we can only control the environment, but that
leaves a lot of room to work. I can make the air lift your arm
or prevent you from passing, thus manipulating your
movement. I can't, however, stop your heart or insert
secrets."
"Fireballs?" she asked, turning to sit sideways on his
thighs, trying to ignore his arousal since she couldn't use it
anyway.
"Yes, Orchid, you can throw fire. Lightning, too, if you
really want. We can make it rain, but that's complicated and
tends to cause more problems than it's worth. Floods are
easier, less nuanced. Most importantly, though, you can
make gold, and money changes a lot of minds."
"Xel, why does gold hold the spell longer?" She touched
the necklace at her throat. "Treb said that's why you use it."
"For me, it does. You seem to have an affinity with rubies,
though. I don't know if you'd be stronger with another gem,
but I picked those because I've always thought red and gold
were the colors of power. Sultans and sheiks used them. At
least in my boyish imagination, they did. Granted, I'd also
never seen true purple until I stood before the Adevian
Sultan."
"Does it even matter? The color we use?"
He sighed. "The truth is I have no idea. It just seems like
when so many different people all fall into the same habits
without discussing them, then there might be a reason.
Every mage adorns themselves with a favorite metal or gem.
Every one of us flies a banner with our colors. So often, our
spells burn in that color - at least the ones we actually
throw. It could be nothing more than a subconscious urge to
mimic rulers and gods. It could be a coincidence. Or maybe
it's not?"
 "Like finding our catalyst isn't a coincidence?" she asked,
kissing him before moving to sit where she could see him
better.
He propped his arms on the sides of the tub and smiled,
somehow making a simple gesture look seductive. "The
Spider had no intention of teaching me magic. He wanted to
keep me ignorant and helpless, basically like a reservoir of
power that would trot along after him obediently. One
problem: I'm not obedient."
"No, you aren't," she agreed.
He flashed her a smile. "So, naturally, I ran away. Just as
naturally, he chased me, but I had the advantage. My father
was a thief, and a very good one. For two years, I ran from
the Spider. At one point, I ended up in an Adevian port. I was
thinking about buying passage back to the island where I was
from, but this young man - a few years older than me -
asked if I wanted a fuck in the worst Adevian I'd ever heard."
"Treb?" she guessed.
He nodded. "There he was, big, strong, and the kind of
guy who looked like no one would give him a hard time. Back
then, I was just a pretty little thing, lean like a thief. Told
him I couldn't afford it, but I was blushing."
"Blushing?" She sat up with her mouth hanging open.
"You?"
"Believe it or not, I was once a shy and awkward boy, just
like every boy in the world. Yes, when a very good-looking
man flirted with me, I blushed. He told me it was dangerous
for a boy to be alone on the boats, I bought us a meal instead,
and he shared his bed with me that night. A filthy, lice-
ridden thing, but to us, it was luxury. Over the next month,
we became friends. I'd never heard of a catalyst. I just knew
that I felt like I belonged with this guy, and he agreed.
Sounds like it's not that different with you and your
soldier?"
 "I guess not," she agreed. "When I'm around him, I just
feel..."
"Safe?" he guessed. "Or at least like he's safe? Like even
when he's an idiot, you still can't bring yourself to hate
him?"
"Yeah!"
Xel nodded. "It's worse for them." For a split second,
Xel's brow furrowed. "Treb may kill me for telling you this,
but I think you need to know. A few months after I met him,
the Spider found me. The bond can track us to an area, and
I'd stopped moving, so that wasn't surprising. But hoping to
keep my only friend safe, I tried to chase Treb off. I picked a
fight, and a big one. He told me to get out. I left, knowing the
Spider was close enough that my only option was to hide."
He sighed. "Treb spiraled out of control. He got in some
fights, accepted some bad customers, and started buying
poppy again."
"Damn," she breathed.
Xel nodded. "He was going to kill himself, Jade. I can't
swear it was because he's my catalyst, but I'm not worth
that. No one is."
"He didn't agree." She kept her voice gentle. "He needed
you."
"Like that soldier needs you," Xel explained. "The exact
same way. Oh, your soldier needs something to protect and
take care of. A way to remind himself he's still a man, but
what are the chances, Jade? What are the fucking chances
that you end up with a catalyst who isn't disgusted with
what your partner does?"
Men. Xel meant that he fucked men - and women - for a
living. He also had a point. For her catalyst to be in the
Jackal's army? For him to be the one soldier she bumped into
by chance? It was too much.
"And you think this is because of some accidental spell?"
 Xel lifted his hands, palms up. "Every mage I've talked to
has a similar story. We all meet our catalysts in the most
coincidental ways."
"But that's the same for most people." She tipped her
head toward him. "I evaded two mages in the past, but not
you? I was the woman who got Chosen, putting me in the
right place to be exposed to magic? We can make a
coincidence out of anything if we try hard enough."
"Yeah," he agreed. "I just can't help but think that the
gods died and their power settled in us. Is it really that big of
a leap to wonder if maybe this power may have its own
goals? I mean, after all, it outlived the gods."
"So did we," she reminded him, lifting her foot out of the
water to look at her toes. "And I'm starting to wrinkle."
"Mm, can't have that." He gestured to the side. "Grab me
a towel, Orchid?"
"Only because you asked so sweetly," she teased.
But before she could step out of the tub, he caught her
arm. "I do care, you know. This thing we have? Whatever it
is?" He slowly let her go. "It's not about the magic. It's about
the woman."
"I'm not in love, Xelas."
That earned her a little smile. "But you trust me, and
that's all I want. I trust you, and that's all I need. I don't care
what we call this thing we're doing, but I have every
intention of continuing to do it. Me, you, and our catalysts?
We work, my dear. And when I can slip my leash, there will
be nothing stopping us."
"Except the Sultan."
He just shook his head. "He doesn't own you. Being a
mage doesn't mean you have to play his games."
"Maybe not, but what are my other options? Run? Hide?
Fight back?" She grabbed a towel and thrust it at him. "His
plan works because no one mage can stand against the
power of the rest, right? I'm one mage. And one who doesn't
have a fucking clue what she's doing!"
"And I'm the second," he promised. "I will be beside you.
As soon as I'm free of the Spider? Yeah, I'm tired of seeing
good people trotted out and sacrificed. Adevia is half a year's
journey from here. Enough is enough, and I'm sick and tired
of being someone else's lap dog."
Those words hit her like cold water in the face. "You want
to fight back?"
"The expansion of Adevia works because there's no one
trying to stop it." He stood, letting the water run down his
body. "Everyone else is too vulnerable. One wayward spell, a
moment of unconsciousness, and we're bound into service -
just like I am now."
"But I can't be bound," she realized, "because I already
am!"
He nodded. "And I'll be bound to you. Our catalysts are
friends. Almost lovers. I trust that pretty boy of yours even if
I don't know his name. You trust Treb. Our power would fuel
each other. It could work."
Slowly, she began blotting the water from her hair. "Do
you really think we can do this?"
"Oh yeah." He stepped over the edge, right up against her
chest. "You and I? We have one thing that none of these
other mages can understand."
She lifted her face to his. "What's that?"
"We know how to survive. I'm tired of being a lap dog.
I'm tired of taking it and pretending to like it." He lifted a
brow, making it clear she should understand how that felt.
"Just once, I want to be the one doing the right thing, and I
really hope you'll be there with me."
She nodded. "Pretty sure I don't have anywhere else to be.
Besides, the magic bath makes it all worthwhile. All we have
to do is find my emotion."
"And we don't have much time left to do it."
 CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

T wo nights later, Xel ended their day early. The sun was
barely below the horizon when he told the catalysts to
go do their own thing and enjoy themselves. Treb casually
tossed an arm over Civan's shoulders, and the pair headed to
the soldier's room. Jaeda liked how comfortable they were
getting with each other, but she knew it would take a little
more before Civan was ready to cross that line.
Still, every day made him feel a bit more at ease, even if
Xel did his best to keep the poor man off balance. Those two
were volatile together, yet it was beautiful to watch. Treb
worked so well with Xel because he was easy-going by
nature. Civan was the opposite. To him, everything should be
serious. He didn't know how to do anything without putting
his all into it, and that included fighting with the Jackal.
She knew Xel was intentionally taunting the man. Partly
to be sure her catalyst learned that he should never fear a
mage. Partly because Xel didn't want to like him. He didn't
want to know about him. Civan was little more than an object
to desire and harass, for the Jackal to play with at his whim,
and it seemed Civan was always willing to rise to the
challenge.
Being around the two of them was almost dizzying,
though. Desire, rage, understanding, and respect were tossed
out too easily, only to be revoked in an instant. Like the sun
and the moon, they spun in opposition, each one beautiful in
his own way. She knew they would eventually collide, but it
wouldn't be today.
Instead, the Jackal had plans for her. While the catalysts
spent the evening discussing whatever they wanted, Xel
showed her one more mystery in the temple he'd claimed as
his own: the roof. Above the throne room was yet another
level. Beside that, the building climbed even higher, and Xel
guided her all the way to the top, eventually stepping out
onto an open area at least five stories above the city.
Jaeda stepped out into a star-filled sky, thankful for the
stone parapet that was high enough she couldn't fall by
accident, but the view was amazing. Behind her, Xel
chuckled, following her to the edge of the building. When she
leaned over the railing to look down, his hands landed on
either side, pinning her there, his chest just grazing her
back.
"That," he said, his lips teasing the shell of her ear, "is
your kingdom, Orchid. The whole world is out there, just
waiting for you to take it."
She looked back to see his eyes sparkling in the starlight.
"What would I do with a kingdom, Xel?"
And his eyes dropped to her lips. "Anything you want,
even if that's just setting it free. But to do that, you have to
learn how to use this power. It's easier to start where you
can see, but I promise that is not a requirement."
"A lesson?" she asked.
He pressed his hips a little closer. "Only if you promise
that I don't have to keep my hands to myself."
She laughed, turning back to the view before her. "I
promise, but magic first. What can I do?"
"You can manipulate anything in the world, forcing it to
obey your desires. Tonight, I think we'll improve the walls.
Kurkevy is too gentle of a town to fall into another mage's
hands. Believe it or not, I actually like this place."
"Me too. That's why I stayed."
"Mm." Then he pointed out and down, his finger aimed at
a well-weathered section of the city wall. "Adobe is brittle. It
cracks when too dry and erodes when it rains too hard. I
want my town to be safe, so I think I'll make that granite."
He shifted just a bit closer, so his entire body caressed hers.
"Grab my arms, Jade. I want you to feel this. All of it, because
the magic does course through us, and you need to know
what to expect."
So she reached up, her hands finding his forearms,
putting as much of her body against his as she could. He
moved his face beside hers, curling his body around her,
then he breathed out a word. It was just strange sounds and
syllables, but she felt the spark flow through him and out,
like a stream of water spraying from a fountain.
Xel made it look easy, but she'd never imagined so much
magic in one place. What she'd felt so far had been the
merest hint of a breeze compared to his hurricane, and for
the briefest moment, she wanted it. Needed it. Then he
lowered his hand, and the wall began to change. The brittle
surface split, condensed, and grew right before her eyes as a
section of granite blocks replaced the crumbling structure
that had been there only seconds before.
"Xel?" she asked, the sound filled with need.
"It's ok to crave it," he promised. "Just like the desire for
water in the desert, you want what you need most."
She turned to face him. "How'd you know?"
"Because no one warned me. The first surge of true, pure
magic I ever felt? It was in my own blood, seeping out from
my own skin, and I wanted it as bad as Treb wanted his
poppy. It's addictive, and the more you use, the more you
want, but I have a feeling you're not prone to vice."
 "I've never had the chance," she admitted.
"And you want your independence too much to let a
foolish need rule you." He gently turned her back toward the
wall. "I want you to try it. Just a small space. Make it look the
same way mine does." But he didn't step away. "Envision
what you want. Hold it in your mind until it's real, then
release the sound of it. Bend, move, or point if it feels better,
but you don't actually need to. Jade, you've practiced enough
with small things. You can do this."
But imagining something as foreign as changing adobe to
granite? That was easier said than done, unless... Maybe she
didn't need to know all the steps of how it would happen.
Perhaps she just had to know what end result she wanted? It
was worth trying.
But what sound would that be? No, Xel said not to plan it
out, but to release the feel of it. The same way stubbing her
toe made her yelp or climaxing brought forth a groan. The
sound had to be honest, natural, and without inhibition. It
also didn't have to be loud.
Closing her eyes, she saw what it would look like, trying
to imagine the size of the blocks to match what Xel had
made. She pushed at that, urging it to become reality hard
enough that when her eyes finally opened, it was there,
ready, and all she had to do was...
"Uyahna," she gasped, and the rush hit, flowing out
much faster than it had ever flowed in.
And it felt good. It felt strong. The zing of her power
coursing to do her bidding was as heady as feeling a man
melt in her arms, and just as enjoyable. A smile found her
lips, but she made no move to stop it, because the wall was
changing. The adobe was shifting. It wasn't as clean or
perfect as Xel's, but it was good enough to be proud of.
"I did it!" she gasped.
 He pointed the rest of the way down the city wall. "Do it
again. And then again. Faster each time, until you can feel
what it's like to be truly, completely empty, then cast again."
She shook her head in confusion. "Why?"
"Because I will not let you fail, Jade. I will not let you
suffer. I will never let you be in a position where you have no
options left, which means you need to learn your limits, and
do it where you're safe."
"But how will I refill? When the Spider drained you, you
couldn't help but pull from me."
He nodded. "Which means that tonight, you'll be sleeping
on red silk instead of gold. Even if he doesn't know what he
needs to feel, and he can't yet do it on command, your
soldier will feel it. He's your catalyst. It's as much a lesson
for him as it is for you. I'm just glad you're light enough to
carry back down there."
She rolled her eyes. "We both know you're going to use
magic."
"Probably a small gate," he agreed. "You have a date with
the chief of construction tomorrow, and he's already been
told what I expect. The man made it clear that he's married,
so he's bringing his grown son to fulfill his end of our
bargain. In exchange, I promised that the performance could
be private." He leaned closer. "Since the Fawn no longer
needs that room, it can serve a better use. The sacrifice will
be easy, so you can have as long as you need to recover."
She nodded and turned back to the city. Xel was right.
This was her best chance to know how far she could push
herself. She kinda wanted to, just because she'd always
worked better when she knew what the worst option was. It
let her balance the risk against the reward, and being a mage
who couldn't use her magic? That was very risky.
"Is it always the same word?" she asked.
 "Sometimes. Sometimes not. Just use the right word.
Yours will never be the same as mine."
So she nodded, sucking in a breath, and looked for where
the granite ended. The whole wall, he'd said. Each segment
faster than the one before, but what about bigger? Maybe she
could try both? Would it feel better? There was only one way
to know.
She cast. The rush was incredible, but she didn't pause to
enjoy it, she merely cast again, gesturing with each spell she
released. It didn't take long before she found the rhythm of
it, slowly increasing the tempo just like she would with a
lover. What surprised her was how far she got. She had no
reserve, nothing to pull from, but the wall just kept growing.
As it got farther away, small enough that she couldn't see
the details, the concept became harder to imagine, but she
improvised. She knew what it looked like up close. She knew
what the wall should look like down there. She could figure
out how the change would work because Xel was right. She
didn't have to see it. All she had to do was dig a little deeper,
push a little harder, and ignore the ache slowly growing
inside her.
Over and over, she strained just a little more, reaching
just a bit deeper. Each time it got easier, but there was still
more wall. Fewer places she could see, but they had to exist.
To reach them, she just had to...
Jade's eyes rolled back in her head, and her body relaxed.
There was nothing left to fuel her. The moment she used the
last of her magic, everything went dark. The last thing she
remembered was the sound of Xel laughing softly as his
arms kept her from hitting the ground.
She woke with a gasp in a dark room. In the split second
between her last spell and waking, the temple had grown
quiet, her clothes had vanished, and she lay against
something very solid and wonderfully warm. A man, but
which one? His hand pressed gently on her back, proving he
was also awake, but she was confused, missing a huge chunk
of time.
"Jade?" The voice proved it was Civan she was laying
against.
She sighed and relaxed back into him. "How long was I
out?"
"At least two hours before I fell asleep," he admitted, his
voice rough and smoky. "The candle burned out, so six
total?"
"Yeah," she grumbled, shifting against him to be more
comfortable, but all she felt was bare skin. "Are you naked?"
"I am, and no, you're not molesting me. Hate to break it
to you, but seeing Xel carry in what looked like a corpse? It
doesn't get me going."
She nodded, her face sliding against his chest. "I'm too
tired to fuck anyway. I just kinda like that we've reached that
point."
"That's a point?" he asked, sitting up enough to look at
her. "And what point would it be?"
"Comfortable," she decided.
He laughed. "We've been fucking for almost two weeks,
and pretty consistently. You don't think comfortable
happened a while ago?"
"Oh? So does that mean you're comfortable with Treb
now? I mean, since we all fucked a while back." She gently
patted his chest. "Comfortable is a lot harder to get to then
aroused. Comfortable is the point when you don't care if I see
your limp dick. It's when I'm not worried about how badly
my makeup will be smeared in the morning. It's a good
thing, and means a lot more to me than getting laid."
"You know," he said softly, "I want to."
"Get laid?" she asked.
 "Be comfortable with Treb. Or even Xel. That's what Treb
calls him, although I'd never say that to his face." Civan
sighed. "I'm just not sure what you'd think if I acted on
these urges."
She turned on her side to see him, barely able to make out
more than his silhouette in the darkness. "Why does my
opinion matter?"
"Because I'm your catalyst." He let out a breath that was
supposed to have been a laugh. "Because I like you. I don't
want you to think that I don't."
"Civan, I'm not your sweetheart. I'm a whore!"
"You," he said gently, "are a mage. They're sure of it, and
it sounds like you built entire walls with magic, so I'm
inclined to believe it. Mages aren't whores." He paused long
enough for that to sink in. "And you are my sweetheart.
You're the girl that makes me smile when she walks in a
room. The one I can't take my eyes off. The only one I want
to be with."
"That... No," she told him. "I have no intention of keeping
my hands off Xel or Treb."
"Shh," he breathed. "I know. There's nothing saying you
can't be theirs. That also doesn't mean you aren't mine. I
just don't know how you'd feel if I also crossed that line, so
I'm asking."
"You mean if you fucked a man?"
"No," he assured her. "You've made it clear you have no
problem with that. I mean if one of these days when Treb
comes to have a drink, things go a little further. If the next
time the Jackal taunts me, I stop resisting. I'm asking where
the line is Jade. If it matters who, or when, or even the why."
She had to sit up because her mind was spinning. She'd
never bothered to think about it. This was all supposed to be
temporary, but it wasn't. He was her catalyst. She was a
mage. As hard as those two things were to believe, the last
one was even more impossible. Somehow, the four of them
worked, and they all seemed to be ok with it - or getting
there.
"It's the feelings," she admitted. "Trying to imagine one
of you caring about someone else? I mean someone outside
the four of us. I hate the idea. It makes me jealous, and I've
never been like that."
"And it sounds like you've never let yourself care about
someone before, either," he pointed out. "What if I start to
feel something for Treb? Is friendship ok? More?"
"He's one of us. Xel, Treb, you, and me; we're 'us.' I can't
imagine being anything but happy about that, which is
weird. Thinking about you - or the other two - having
feelings for someone else just doesn't sit right. It makes me
feel replaceable, I guess, because that's the thing that really
matters. Not what you do with your body, or how you spend
your time. It's the emotions involved, and even if it's stupid,
I want the four of us to be able to share that with each
other."
"We do," he promised, gently encouraging her to lean
back. "The Jackal can't touch you, which is enough proof.
Treb told me you're his best friend, in a way he never
thought was possible. And me?" He pulled her back against
his shoulder. "I happen to have a crush on this beautiful
mage I know, but it works out because I'm going to be
spending a lot of time with her."
"I haven't had a crush since I was a girl," she admitted.
"No? So how do you feel about me?"
She draped her thigh across his and wrapped her arm
around his waist. "Comfortable," she said softly. "Like I
don't always have to put on a show, and I kinda like it."
"I think that's a step up from crush," he whispered. "Go
back to sleep, Orchid. I just want to hold you a little longer."
 She did, and it felt good. Warm, safe, and filled with the
power she really needed.
 CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

S omething changed after that. Something that made

magic. Sly glances were cast across the throne room
while Xel's court was in session. The sacrificial performances
became even more enjoyable, fueled not just by lust, but by
this feeling that was shared by all of them, and yet not a
single one of them had found a name for it.
It wasn't love. It couldn't be. Jade did not love these men.
Oh, she lusted after them. She liked them. She also trusted
them, but she wasn't committed enough to call what she felt
love. No, that word was too big, too important. They fucked.
That was it.
They also made her laugh. In their own ways, they
protected her, just like she protected them. Best of all, they
made her feel good about who she was. It no longer mattered
that her skin was darker, her hair and face made differently
from everyone else's. None of them sneered at her for liking
sex - or for being good at it. They judged her not for how
many men had been between her legs, but for what she could
do. For who she was, and that felt better than anything she
could imagine.
Still, in a matter of weeks, even if they spent almost every
moment together, it wasn't enough to fall in love. It couldn't
be! So that wasn't the emotion that drove her. She had a
feeling it was related, though. Something about the comfort
building between them made it even more powerful,
allowing them to slip into the emotion easier than when they
were strangers.
Then there was the lust. For twenty-five days now, Xel
had ruled Kurkevy, and every one of them, she'd been
seduced in one way or another. Sometimes with an audience.
Other times, it was just her with Treb. That was why, when
Xel was called away to sign contracts, pay his whores and
musicians, and finalize the last details for his ball, Jade knew
exactly how to pass her time.
Treb had thrown himself into the gold chair. A glass of
wine sat on the table beside him, almost untouched. Across
the room, Civan leaned casually against the wall, technically
still on duty. And Jade? Between her lessons, the power
flowing into her, and the pathetic client she'd had to tolerate
that morning, she needed a little release - so she decided to
crawl right up on Treb's lap.
He smiled immediately. "When the cat's away, huh?" And
his hands grabbed her waist pulling her up against his chest.
"I think this mouse wants to play."
She pressed her face into his neck, kissing his throat
gently. "I'm spoiled. I think it's your fault."
"But spoiled looks good on you, honey." He looked up, his
focus across the room. "You know, it's a little more
comfortable in his place and a lot more private."
"Mm." She turned her back to Treb's chest, sitting the
same way she had so many times with Xel. "But then, how
would I make my soldier watch? Besides, I learned a new
trick."
With a flick of her hand and a soft mumble under her
breath, the lights dimmed. Half the flames sputtered out,
bathing the room in sensual flickers that she knew would
play across her skin. Civan took a step forward, concern on
his face.
 That was when Treb understood. The power they'd been
pouring into her was its own aphrodisiac. Each day, Xel
focused more on governing and less on fucking, leaving her
to spend more time learning her spells. A lot more time, and
magic was known to be addictive.
"Jade?" Treb whispered. "Don't let the temptation of
power consume you. It's an easy trap to get lost in."
"I know," she promised. "Just like I know I have this pool
of it inside me, begging to get out. So I need you to distract
me, and a hot bath is not going to do it."
His arms wrapped around her waist. "How? Tell me what
you need."
It was Civan who answered. "Fuck her. Give her
something else to think about."
"Is that what we're doing, honey?" he asked.
Her eyes were on Civan. "I don't know, is it?"
He leaned back against the wall. "I think you like to be
watched."
"I like it more when you join in," she countered.
He glanced away and smiled. "Still on duty, Lady Orchid,
and fucking is not included in my job description."
"Yet," Treb added, slowly teasing the skirt of her dress
higher. "Tell me, soldier, what it would take to make you
abandon that duty?"
Civan smiled, and she could see the dare in it.
"Considering I like watching? Good luck with that."
And Treb shifted. Putting her calves outside his, he then
spread his knees, exposing her for Civan's view. "Like what
you see?" he taunted.
"There's a skirt in the way," Civan countered, "and I
don't mean hers."
"Naked," Treb told her, lifting her up enough to get to his
shendyt.
 He made no effort to be elegant about taking it off.
Instead, he just bounced his ass off the throne and yanked,
pulling the linen out from under him. That got tossed to the
side while she fumbled with the single clasp of her dress. The
moment it was free, Treb lifted the silky fabric up, over her
head, and sent it the same way his clothing had gone,
leaving them both completely bare, together, on that
massive golden throne.
"That is much better," Civan told them, gesturing to the
pair as if he were directing this show. "Continue."
Treb actually obeyed, catching Jade's wrists to lift them
up behind his neck. "You," he whispered into her ear, "are
the show. Just hang on and let that pretty boy see all of you,
because I'm going to make you moan."
She slid her fingers into his hair just as his hands found
her breasts, slowly caressing the swell of them. Her nipples
immediately hardened, and she lifted her chest, begging for
more. Across the room, Civan shifted, spreading his stance
before reaching down to adjust his hardening dick. Treb's
lips moved down the side of her neck, but she felt a smile
flicker across them.
"Close your eyes, Jade," he breathed against her skin.
"Stop trying to perform and just feel me."
Her lids slipped closed, and his teeth pinched her neck,
making her suck in a breath before he kissed it away. His
hands made slow circles around her areolas, slowly spiraling
in. Those hard peaks ached with the need to be touched, and
her hips wanted to move, to press into something, but there
was nothing there.
He teased her, taunted her, and tormented her with the
promise of pleasure before delivering. When he finally
caressed her aching tips, he also moved his hips, pressing
his length between her legs to slide against her clit. Finally,
she had a reason to writhe, and his cock would serve just
fine. Her hips gyrated, rubbing herself along his shaft, but it
angled wrong to let her take him, and Treb knew it.
He wasn't ready to fuck her yet. He was teasing her,
driving her higher, making sure she was ready to explode
before he filled her. She grabbed at his hair, begging for
more with gasps and strangled moans, yet he ignored that.
His hands moved, tracing her skin, teasing the peaks of her
hips, the soft skin beside her thighs, then back up her belly.
The whole time, his touch was light, gentle, and seductive.
"Treb," she breathed, refusing to beg.
"Not yet," he promised. "Oh, you deserve so much more
than a frantic fuck."
But she was ready. She could feel her slickness on Treb's
cock each time he stroked through her folds, hitting that
jumble of nerves to make her buck against him. It seemed he
wanted her delirious, and she was close. She needed him.
Needed...
She opened her eyes to find Civan panting with desire. Oh,
he liked the show, and the hard ridge in his pants proved it
just as a rush filled her, but this time it wasn't magic. It was
something she knew even better, proving they were no
longer alone in the room. Jade smiled as she met Civan's
eyes, distracting him from the man she knew had just
stepped through that small door at the back. The one she'd
bathed in shadows earlier.
"Join us," she begged, including both Xel and Civan in the
invitation.
Civan took a step forward before he paused, his eyes
shifting to Xel. "It seems you have perfect timing, my lord."
Xel was pulling off his shirt. "There's no way I could miss
the power in this room," he promised, but he wasn't headed
toward Jade and Treb. His eyes were on Civan. "Take off the
swords, soldier. I think two mages are enough protection for
one room."
 Without hesitation, Civan released his belt, tossing both it
and the sword hanging from it toward the wall. "So we're
doing this?"
"Armor," Xel ordered next, releasing his pants as he
walked. When he was between the throne and the soldier, he
pushed them away, removing his boots with them. Those got
kicked to the side. "Don't get distracted, Treb," he said.
Treb's hands started moving again. "I have a fondness for
that ass," he told Xel.
"And you like the Orchid better. Put your dick in her." Xel
closed the distance to Civan as he spoke.
Without asking, without giving the man an option, Xel
pulled his loose shirt away with one hand. His other grabbed
the soldier's jaw hard, holding him as their mouths met. It
wasn't gentle, but Civan grabbed him, pulling the mage even
closer. On Treb's lap, Jade groaned, pausing when Treb
obediently filled her, taking his time to slide his cock all the
way to the base.
Xel released the soldier's mouth to step behind him,
keeping Civan pointed at the couple entwined on the throne.
"You like that?" he asked, pushing Civan's pants down.
"You're hard enough that you must. Let me suck you,
soldier?" Xel's fingers wrapped around Civan's girth. "She
wants to watch. I want to give her everything. You want this.
All you have to do is say yes."
"Yes," Civan breathed.
Xel began pushing Civan's pants lower, kneeling behind
him to ease off the man's boots, then the last of his clothes.
When he stood, the pair were naked for Jade's inspection, too
far away for her to touch. She wanted them. She wanted
Treb, too, and he was holding her right there, making her
feel good without letting her go over the edge. She was
caught in that beautiful bliss, drunk off their touches, their
bodies, and the sight of her sun and moon pressed so close
together, Xel's lips caressing her soldier's neck.
Then he kissed Civan's shoulder. His chest. The line down
his chest. Touch by seductive touch, Xel worked his way
lower with his mouth, but his hands held the soldier's balls,
squeezing gently until his lips slid around that hard, long
shaft, and down. Deeper. Groaning as he swallowed every
impressive inch of Civan's dick.
"Oh, fuck," Civan breathed, reaching out to grab the back
of Xel's head. "Oh, that's amazing."
"Look at him," Treb said. "Look at the man sucking you,
soldier, then fuck his mouth exactly like you want to."
His other hand cupped Xel's face as their eyes met, and
Civan did, slowly tilting his hips to slide out of Xel's lips,
then back in. At first, he was timid, but the mage knew what
he was doing. He grabbed the soldier's ass and pulled, taking
over, driving Civan deeper, harder, and faster. His other fist
pumped in time.
It was beautiful, sensual, and the most erotic thing Jade
had ever seen. She began to thrust, forcing Treb deeper into
her body, and he understood. Each jerk of his hips matched
the men across from them, bringing the four together, and
Treb's mouth found her neck. His breath came out in gasps
of arousal and exertion, but she was close. She could feel the
pressure building, and she wanted this, for all of them to
finally share this one thing without shame.
Civan's knees began to bend, and Xel moaned in approval.
Jade groaned, her back arching, pressing her breasts into
Treb's hands where they bounced against his palms as he
fucked her. Each thrust lifted his ass from the throne to
plunge inside her, the sound matching that of the mage
sucking off Civan with determination until the soldier finally
cried out, his hips jerking as he spilled himself down the
back of Xel's throat.
 The look of pure pleasure on his face was enough to send
Jade over the edge. She came, clamping down on Treb's cock
while he rode her through it, growling as he lost control
himself, and warmth filled her.
Xel leaned back to lap at Civan's tip, smiling when the
soldier gasped. "I hope you recover quickly, because we
aren't done yet." And Xel turned him toward Jade. "She's
slick with Treb's cum. She's hot from watching me swallow
yours." Then his hand slid down the soldier's back. "And
you're going to be my piece of ass."
"Yes, my lord," Civan said, but this time, it didn't sound
like he was accepting an order. Somehow, he made it clear
that he was in complete agreement.
"Yeah, you know exactly how this game is played," Xel
purred. "Don't worry, soldier. I'll be gentle, but you're going
to help me finally fuck my orchid."
 CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

T reb slid out of her body as Civan leaned in. His mouth
found Jade's, but this kiss wasn't sweet. It was
demanding, pushing her back into Treb's body even as the
soldier's hand grabbed Treb's shoulder. She couldn't help
herself, she palmed the side of Civan's face, holding him to
her.
"You're amazing," she told him.
He smiled against her lips. "This time, we're going to
make you feel good, Orchid."
And wonderfully warm oil drizzled down her body,
finding that crease, and following it to Treb beneath her. He
was still hard when he pumped through her slit, greasing his
cock while Civan kissed her. Then, gently, Treb teased his
way back. The swollen head paused at her opening, but that
wasn't what he wanted. Back. He found the pucker of her ass,
and only then did he begin to press himself into her.
"Breathe," Treb whispered, but his words weren't for her.
"Relax. Take it, and it feels good. This isn't something to
fight."
Civan gasped, and she felt his dick bounce in excitement
as Xel moved in behind him. "That," the mage promised," is
my hand."
Jade pulled her soldier's face back to her. "It feels so good.
So full. Kiss me, Catalyst."
 He didn't resist, and their tongues entwined. So close, she
could feel him rock forward as Xel played with him. He
sucked in a breath, stealing the air she'd just exhaled, and
kissed her again, then again while Treb gently made his way
inside her. Jade moaned, pushing herself deeper onto him
and Treb reached around her for Civan's hip, pulling him
closer.
Dick slid against cock, then inside her body. Civan bit
back a growl of pleasure and grabbed the arm of the throne
to brace himself, pumping into her. Just once. That was all he
got before Xel joined in.
Jade couldn't see, but she didn't need to. She could feel it.
Her catalyst's dick throbbed with excitement. Treb's cock
pulsed in her ass, and then Civan's back arched.
"Breathe," Xel whispered, leaning closer.
"Yes," Civan whispered. "More."
"Fucking virgin ass," Xel growled. "Damn, you feel good,
soldier."
Then they all began to move. Xel pressed into Civan,
pushing him into Jade, lifting her on Treb. As he withdrew,
Treb filled her ass, and Civan was caught in the middle. His
eyes were closed, but in pleasure, complete euphoria erasing
everything else. This was right. This was how they fit
together. Two mages, two catalysts, their arms, legs, and
bodies in a tangle, and none of them cared.
The lines between who belonged together blurred. They
were all hers, she was all theirs, and it just worked. The only
thing that mattered was that this really could work.
Together, they could be happy. They could be free. They had
the power to make the world stop judging them, and the
whole time, it could feel this good.
She cried out, grasping at someone's arm. A man grunted
as he buried himself deeper. A hand was on her breast,
rolling her nipple under his palm, and someone's mouth was
on hers, but it wasn't Civan. No, he was kissing Treb. This
was Xel. Her Xel, controlling the show as always, and making
sure they all got exactly what they wanted.
But this time, Civan was taking care of him. The pretty
soldier flexed, his body instinctively understanding how to
entice the most from his lover, pumping her at the same
time. There was only one person not getting enough.
"Treb," she breathed, pushing down on him, rocking him
deeper.
"Oh, Jade, I'm so close," he promised. "His balls are
grinding against me. Fuck. I'm trying not to go first, honey."
"She cums first," Xel promised. "Orchid, look at me. At
us."
She opened her eyes to see the glory of their bodies all so
close. Three men, all with her, in her, pleasing her. No, she
wouldn't be first this time. For once, the Lord of Lust
deserved to be pampered. She might not be able to get him
off directly, but as soon as Civan came, Xel would be dragged
along, so she rolled her hips, wringing her catalyst with
every stroke. Civan met her eyes, and she knew he
understood. She could feel it like a rush.
And Civan fucked her back, taking control. He alternated
thrusting into her and pressing onto Xel, carrying Treb with
them. Tonight, the power was his, and he fed it to both of his
mages. One with magic, the other with pleasure, fueling
them, fucking them, being fucked by them. Four bodies
reacted, each person clinging to another. Their desires
swelled, passions flared, minds gave in, and something even
more important happened. They cared.
She couldn't explain how she knew, but she did. Treb
wanted her to finally be the one getting pleased, even as he
was thrilled to know Xel could be a real part of this. Civan
wanted both men to understand how beautiful they really
were, enough that he hadn't been able to resist. And Xel? He
wanted Civan to like this almost as much as he wanted to
give her everything. Every last thing.
It was too much. The swell of power, the press of their
bodies, and so many dicks moving inside her, with her, and
for her. Jade finally stopped trying to help and just let the
pleasure consume her. She hooked her knee against
someone's leg, her back arched, and she couldn't take any
more. She came with a cry, not caring what spell she might
cast or who could hear. She just let it happen, feeling Civan
being pounded into her, harder, even harder, until he was
shuddering as Xel forced him to ride the waves of her climax.
Treb's fingers clamped down, and his mouth pressed into
her shoulder, keeping them all together just as Xel leaned
back and groaned. The writhing stopped, but they were all
panting, all slick with sweat and more, each of them
completely satisfied. Turning her head to the side, Jade
pressed her face into Treb's neck, unable to get any closer to
him.
It was Xel who pulled away first, allowing Civan to extract
himself from her body. The mage immediately wrapped an
arm around the soldier, holding him close while Jade lifted
herself free of Treb and reached for a rag. Treb flapped his
hand, begging for her to pass him one, and wiped his cock
clean without shame. With a weary smile, she tossed one
over to Xel, but he didn't use it on himself. Tenderly, he
cleaned his mess from Civan's backside, one arm around the
man, holding him close.
"You should stay with him tonight, Jade," Xel decided.
She whipped her head around to look right at him. "After
all of that, you still expect us to sleep in two rooms?"
Xel sighed. "Jade, I can't. Do you think I can wake up in
bed with someone and still convince myself that he's just a
tight little ass?" He clenched his jaw, shaking his head once,
and she felt something. The same thing she'd felt in the
middle of their lovemaking. "He deserves to have someone,
and it can't be me, ok?"
"Don't worry," Civan said, shrugging off the mage's
embrace. "I just wanted the fuck. I got the fuck. Pretty sure I
don't need anything else. In case you missed it, I have my
own mage now."
Xel tossed his rag toward the bin placed out for them.
"Yeah. I'm going upstairs to get his shit off my dick. The rest
of you can sleep where you want, but that self-absorbed
prick can stay where he belongs."
"Jade," Treb said softly, pausing when the door to the
stairs slammed, "he doesn't mean it. Xel's fighting with
himself, not us."
"I know," she promised, looking back at Civan.
He laughed once. "No, I get it." Then he stepped closer to
Treb. "Thank you."
"You ok with this?" Treb asked.
Civan just nodded. "Yeah. Kinda feel like I'm gonna be
walking funny, but yeah, I really am."
"Good," Treb said softly, taking the last step as he caught
Civan's hip and pulled their bodies together. His mouth
followed only a second later, and the pair shared a hurried
but passion-filled kiss. "Because I'm starting to get a little
attached."
Jade moved beside them. "Me, too." And she reached up,
intending to kiss Treb, but Civan wasn't ready to be left out.
Her lips found Treb's mouth. Civan's pressed against the
corner of hers, and his tongue teased the gap between her
barely-parted lips, joining Treb's as all three tangled
together in her mouth. Their bodies pressed closer, lips
sliding over lips until Treb turned away to chuckle once,
making the other two look at him.
"This," he said, making a circle with his hand to indicate
the three of them, "has never happened to me before. Not
with Xel's curse fucking everything up. I like it."
"Yeah," she agreed, reaching over for Civan's hand.
"But," Treb said, jerking a thumb back at the door. "I'm
staying with him tonight. None of us deserve to sleep alone.
Not anymore."
"Clothes?" Civan asked.
Treb waved that away. "Someone will pick those up and
clean them. Just get yours, soldier-boy, because they'll try to
give them to the Jackal."
"And I only have so many uniforms," Civan agreed as he
headed over to pick up his things.
Treb caught her arm, holding her until Civan was a little
farther away. When he spoke, his words were soft enough
they wouldn't carry. "You know that healing spell?"
She nodded. "First time's always the hardest," she
agreed. "Make sure Xel knows how much that meant?"
"He does," Treb promised, "but I'll tell him anyway. Good
night, beautiful."
Civan dawdled long enough that Treb should be all the
way up the stairs. Only then did he turn her toward the back.
His clothes, armor, and weapons were held in a bundle under
one arm. The other he used to press lightly against her spine.
"Ever notice how the moments after are never as elegant
as the act?" he asked.
She tossed a smile at him. "I live in a building that has
conveniently positioned tables with lubricants and cleaning
rags. Yeah, I've noticed."
He nodded but didn't say anything else until they were in
his room and the door was closed. Civan dropped his things
beside the bed and waved her toward the tub, knowing she
always had a bath after being with a man. As she stepped
into the magically-heated water, she watched him pause and
take a deep breath, letting it out in a rush.
"Are you ok?" she asked.
 "Yeah," he promised, slowly turning to face her. "It's just
that every so often, it hits me that all of this is real."
"Me too," she agreed, crooking a finger to summon him
closer. "I know this tub can hold two, and your muscles will
thank you for it in the morning." She scooted back, pointing
for him to sit before her.
He pulled in a breath as he swung his leg over, but didn't
complain. Still, as he sank into the water, his eyes closed in
pleasure, and he didn't resist it when she pulled his back up
against her chest. He just caught her arm and wound it
around his waist, holding her to him.
"I've never been called a weak man," he said softly.
"There's not much in the world I'm afraid of, yet being
around those two? I feel like the delicate one." He dragged a
hand over his face. "Not sure I like that."
She wrapped her other arm around his chest and leaned
closer. "You regret it already?"
"The sex? No." He leaned his head back so it touched her
neck. "It's just that seeing those moments when they let
their guard down like that? It makes me wonder if we're
going to end up the same. It's not jaded. Guarded, I think."
"Probably," she admitted. "I mean, am I really that
different now?"
"Yeah, Jade, you are. Oh, you can play tough, but there's
something about you. It's like, every time I've seen you with
someone? You're there for them. Completely."
"Not always," she promised.
He made a little noise to show he could see that. "Maybe
it's because you're a woman, and I've been taught to think of
your sex as delicate? I don't know. I really don't. I just want
more of those moments. The ones where the Jackal is
worried about me being alone, or where Treb's worried about
him not having anyone, and all of us worrying about you
being pampered like you deserve."
 Her arm tensed around him as she felt something.
"That," she hissed. "What is that emotion?"
He turned his head back to meet her eyes. "Compassion,
Jade. It's called compassion."
 CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

"D o it again?" she begged.

Civan laughed once, but it was in surprise. "Um, ok. Hang
on." He took a deep breath and relaxed against her.
"Upstairs, Xel is probably bragging to Treb because he can't
do anything else. He can't let himself think of me as
anything but a toy to get him off, but it's not easy for him.
Town after town, I've watched the Jackal find ways to make
things work, but he can't fix this, and it's got to be tearing
him up. I have to piss him off almost every day to offset him
trying to do something nice, and to keep him from caring.
It's not fair!"
She gulped at the air, clinging to him to make sure she
didn't slide in the tub. "That's it," she managed to get out.
"Fuck."
"Jade?" he asked, turning onto his knees to check on her.
"You ok? What do you need?"
"Nothing," she promised, still breathing a little too hard.
"It gets easier, but when you do it on purpose?" She pulled
in a breath. "Wow. It's like a drink of water after a day in the
desert. It's amazing."
"Doesn't hurt?" he asked.
She waved him off. "Quit! You're doing it again!"
That got a laugh. "Sorry, it's kinda my..." He let the
sentence trail off as his eyes widened. "Nature," he finished.
"Jade, I became a soldier to take care of people. To make
lives better. What is that, if not compassion?"
"And I never got any until Xel made me his Chosen," she
realized. "Fuck me, I'm a compassion mage."
"This is good," he assured her. "Lust and compassion?
They can work. Sex as a reward? Proving that desire isn't
bad? All of these things can be used with compassion!"
She smiled deviously. "You fucking Treb to take care of
your mages?"
He groaned and sank back into the water, facing her.
"This might make me sound like a fucking wimp, but let's
save the fucking for a few days?"
"Sore?" she asked.
He tilted his head to the side like she was close. "Tender.
This is probably not weird at all for you to talk about, is it?"
"No," she promised. "Just tell me he used a lot of oil?"
"He did." Civan glanced away and chuckled. "Um, was it
like this for you?"
"Yeah, pretty much, so I actually understand. There's like
this little voice in the back of your mind screaming that it
happened, it finally happened, even as your body's going,
'ouch,' and you don't want to show either on the outside."
"That's pretty much it." He sighed. "I thought it would be
dirtier."
"Did you see the cum droplets before the throne?" she
asked.
"I definitely did not look," he assured her. "I was pretty
much only worried about staying on my feet and not acting
like the virgin in the room."
She tapped his leg with her foot. "And now you don't have
to worry about that again."
"Yeah," he agreed, then paused. "Jade? Can you lie to him
for me?"
"Ok?" she asked.
 He leaned forward to wrap his arm around his knees.
"Tell him I'm insatiable. That it was the best I've ever had
and how much I want to do it again. Make sure he knows
that him showing up in my room would be welcome - but
just for the sex. Doesn't have a thing to do with you or Treb.
Make it sound like now that I've tried it, I'm ready for
more?"
"And what's the truth?" she asked.
He laughed softly. "Brace yourself. I hate the idea of him
always being left out. He's a fucking sex mage, Jade. My
pride's not so fragile that I can't be his bitch for a while."
The corner of his lip quirked up. "And I did like it."
She nodded. "I just feel like I'm doing an awful lot of
lying to people I care about, but I'll do it."
"A lot?" he asked.
She waved a hand in his general direction. "Keeping my
name from you. Not telling you that Xel thought I was a
mage. Not telling you his name. Not telling anyone about any
of this. Pretending to be a stupid slut so the Spider won't dig
too deep. Lies. All of it!"
"But that's the power of lies. They reshape reality. If he
can believe what you say, he can have a little bit of
happiness. If you can keep the secret, then you're the one
giving that to him. Lies aren't always bad. Sometimes they're
the thing we need to keep going. To keep our enemies from
knowing we're actually a threat. To protect ourselves and
those we care about."
"And when he finds out?" she asked. "When he realizes
he can't trust me?"
"You're a mage. Of course he can't trust you, but he still
does. Just like you can't trust him, but you still do." Civan
shrugged. "It's proof that no matter how much power you
can wield, deep down, we're all still human. Just people
looking for a connection with someone else."
 "For a little compassion," she realized.
"And contact." He pointed up, to where Xel and Treb were
spending their night. "Lust and compassion - possibly the
most powerful of all emotions, wouldn't you say?"
"Anger?" she countered.
He scoffed. "It's fierce, but it's fleeting. Joy's the same.
Pain is potent, but compassion is stronger. Look at how
many people will suffer to protect another. Sorrow fades.
Fear? Yeah, that's another strong one, but I think
compassion's still stronger. Lust definitely is."
"Yeah," she said, dragging the word out. "But
compassion isn't one of the base emotions."
"And you're not a man, but every other mage is. No, I
already figured that out. Don't ask me what it means, but I
do put things together. The trick is going to be hiding who
and what you are. A female mage? The rest will notice, and
they will come for you."
She stood, letting the water run off before she reached for
a towel. "With Xel at my side, I should be safe."
"Jade?" he asked as she stepped out. "Are you sure?
Absolutely, completely, and totally convinced that he isn't
lying to you?"
"No," she admitted as she offered him a towel. "Need a
hand out?"
"Just tender," he reminded her. "Not wounded. I think I
can take it." But he did move a little slower. "All I know is
that when the Spider drained the Jackal, Xel immediately
pulled from you. When you collapsed on the roof, he gave
you nothing back."
"He can't yet," she explained. "It's like a drain. It only
flows one way, and my bond flows to him."
"Making you his slave, if he wanted?"
She shook her head. "No, he created it so I could set
myself free."
 Civan lifted a brow. "Are you sure about that? Are you
positive that breaking it would actually work?"
"No," she admitted. "Everything seems like it should, but
I'm not willing to break it just to have it remade. I can't be
sure, but everything seems like he's given me as much power
and protection as he can."
Civan thought while he dried himself off, then wrapped
the towel around his waist. "Ok, first, you need to wrap a
sheet around you or something, and I'm going to have some
food brought in. While I do that, I need to think." He picked
up his pants and pulled them on, ignoring everything else.
"Because this is one thing we don't want to mess up."
"We?" she asked.
He pulled open the door and paused. "We, because like it
or not, you and I are tied together now. According to Treb,
losing you would destroy me. I'll be back."
She watched him go, knowing he was right. She wanted to
trust Xel. She really did, but she couldn't. Time and time
again, he'd proven himself to her, and then he always told
her not to trust him. He made sure she knew how the Spider
had tricked him, and just how far another mage would go to
have their own little power source. Right now, that was
basically all she was good for.
But she could learn, and she was doing it fast. She was
already bound, so that wasn't a concern. The problem was
that Xel still needed her. For this moment, he had every
reason to not only befriend her but also train her. She was
his only chance of escape from the Spider's spell. The
question was how much he'd change once she broke it.
Xel was not only more powerful, but he was also almost
more knowledgeable. Was it that unrealistic to think that he
had a protection at the ready? Maybe even built into that
band he wore on his bicep? He'd told her about his reserves
of power, but why would he really want to share those? If he
was bound to her, could she force him? The Spider hadn't
been able to, but the Spider also didn't know that Xel had
been hoarding magic. In other words, the logical assumption
was that as soon as she fulfilled her side of this agreement,
Xel would lock her out and drain her dry. She didn't actually
think he would, but she had to admit that it was the most
logical thing for him to do.
Which meant she needed to learn how to bind him first.
She had to be ready. The moment she broke the Spider's
spell, she had to cast the one to contain Xel. So long as they
each owned the other, then things could stay the same. She
didn't have to abuse that power, but having the option would
keep her safe - and Civan. Xel would do the same for Treb.
She knew that. Those two loved each other, even if that
wasn't the word they used for it.
The sound of the door made her head jerk up guiltily, but
it was only Civan returning. He smiled at her, grabbed the
sheet off the top of the bed, and tossed it at her as he kept
walking to the small table at the side. The one she used to
share with Treb.
"Someone will be here in a few minutes, and I have no
interest in the staff eyeing your body." Then he lowered
himself into one of the chairs and gestured for her to take
the other. "This bond he has on you, is it in your necklace?"
"No," she assured him. "Those are protections."
He nodded. "So I can't just cut it off."
That made her laugh. "Civan, I'm pretty sure you can't
cut through magic. It would heal itself somehow, or simply
not be cut. I mean, don't you think those two tried to take off
his cuffs?"
"The cuffs, huh?" He glanced away, thinking about that.
"Ok, so how does he have you contained?"
"It's in my skin."
 Letting the red silk sheet drop to her hips, Jade turned so
that her left side and back were facing him. Then she lifted
her hand and called forth a single spark. The orchids
immediately flared to life like living gold. The power was no
longer distracting, but she could feel it if she focused. The
problem was that she had enough magic inside her that the
tattoo coming to life was no different from feeling the hairs
on her arm now. Subtle, negligible, and unobtrusive.
"It's beautiful," he admitted, "and there's no way I can
cut it out. There went that idea."
Which meant her idea was the best one. "I need to learn
how to bind him."
"Think he'd teach you?"
She shrugged before finally claiming the chair across
from him. "I think that if he doesn't, then I shouldn't break
his bond to the Spider."
Civan sighed, but for a long moment, he said nothing. He
also didn't look happy. "Jade? You know I'm hoping I'm
wrong, right? I want those two to be the kind of allies we can
trust. I honestly do."
"I know," she assured him. "But I've also lived a hard-
enough life to know that even the best people can turn on
me. If the situation was reversed, I would do whatever it took
to protect the people relying on me. Your Sultan has found a
way to turn mage against mage, and no one is willing to take
the risk of revolting. Not without risking everything."
"Serve Adevia or suffer," Civan agreed. "That's the deal.
If every mage refused to play the game, he'd have no power.
The problem is that he has them all convinced that the
others are perfectly loyal. Even asking if they aren't is a
bigger risk than they're willing to take."
"And he gives them enough power to keep them happy,"
she agreed. "Lords of towns, masters of their emotion, above
the law, and never held accountable for the lives they spend
like coin. Obeying is rewarded, questioning could cost a mage
his life. Yeah, no wonder it works. They're kept comfortable
enough to never want to rebel."
"It's not just the threat of mages," he told her. "It's the
armies, too. When we started, the Sultan assigned units to
mages by number. One through five with the Crow, six
through ten with the Jackal. Granted, more than that, but
you get the idea. As we've moved west, men have been killed,
new soldiers have joined, and the armies have diverged.
We're no longer Adevian soldiers. We're the Jackal's."
"Which means the Spider's are the same," she realized.
"Civan, I don't have an army."
"Then we'll have to build you one. Lucky for you, I know
what I'm doing."
She nodded, accepting that as nothing more than the
truth. "And if Xel really is everything we want him to be?"
"Then we wasted a few evenings being paranoid," he
assured her. "But it's always best to have a backup plan,
because the first one never works." He paused when
someone tapped at the door. "And now, I get to treat my girl
to dinner." He gestured for her to pull the sheet higher.
"Believe it or not, I do get jealous."
"Oh yeah?" she asked.
He smiled. "In my own way. After all, you're mine."
He had a point. She was, and she really liked how that felt.
 CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

X el didn't teach her how to bind him. He went one step

further: he gave her a book. It was nothing more than
a worn leather journal, but it was where he'd recorded every
single thing he'd ever learned about magic. It was filled with
theories - some scratched out when they were proven wrong
- and limitations. It seemed Xel had tried it all, and he'd
mastered a lot more than she'd expected.
One of the many things in the book was how to bind a
mage. He'd listed in precise detail what the Spider had done
to him, and then his ideas on how it could be changed to
become more of a protection and less of an inhibition. This
was what he'd done to her. It was one more reason to believe
she could trust him - and she did. The problem was that she
shouldn't. Not yet.
Not until those cuffs were gone, and they needed Kurkevy
tied into his web before they tried. He'd already invested too
much into the spell here for them to just walk away, and
there was a very real chance that if it shattered, it would
destroy not only the local reservoir but his entire line of
magical reserves, depending on how far he'd gotten with the
month-long ritual.
The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, but she
didn't dare forget how she'd ended up as a whore. A man had
promised her everything. In the end, he'd done nothing but
take, using the sweetest lies to do it, and she'd spent the rest
of her life paying the price. Xel was great. Treb was
wonderful. Civan was sweet. The question was if that would
be enough, and wanting didn't make things real.
For the next three days, she spent every spare minute
reading. Xel's handwriting varied between elegant and
illegible, but she managed. Most importantly, she learned
how to protect herself. Often, Treb was with her, pointing
out passages he thought she'd find useful - and they were.
Things like how to cast attacks - or block them. It wasn't the
type of knowledge a mage would share freely with someone
he intended to enslave.
So she was going to trust him, but with a backup plan.
Everything sounded like they really would be stronger
together than apart, but that wasn't all. She actually liked
him. Them. All three of these guys were quickly becoming a
little too important to her, and she didn't want to lose that.
She also knew she could survive just fine if she had to
walk away. She always had. Yes, Civan might be her catalyst,
but she couldn't worry about Xel's loyalties without
worrying about his faithful soldier's just as much. The
problem was that she also couldn't say anything to any of
them. Once again, she was on her own even as she did
everything to let them believe she was all in.
And she fucked. Every day, it was a different lover,
intended to bind every aspect of this town to the Jackal.
Then, on the twenty-ninth day, she lay with the last one.
The serving boy was sweet if inept, which was why the Jackal
had saved him for last. It was his gift to her, knowing she
had a fondness for partners who still were awed by the act.
When it was done, the young man kissed her gently,
whispered she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen,
then was escorted out. Xel leaned back in his throne with a
pleased smile, glancing up only briefly at their catalysts
standing side by side on the back wall. Letting his eyes slip
closed, he breathed in the power.
"That's from you," Xel said softly. "Your emotion, not
mine."
"Kindness?" she suggested, knowing very well that
wasn't what gave her power.
He smiled. "That would be a good one, but is it truly an
emotion?"
"It's what I gave that boy."
"Man," Xel corrected. "Trust me, I made sure."
"Regardless," she said, swinging her legs over the side of
the couch he'd allowed her to use, "I believe that's the last
one."
Xel just shook his head. "No, tomorrow is the final day,
but I have something special planned." He smiled. "A
surprise. Go bathe, my dear. I need to have this room cleaned
and prepared. Our guests begin to arrive at sundown, and I
intend to have the most beautiful woman in Kurkevy on my
arm."
"Yes, my lord," she teased.
"Soldier," Xel said, gesturing to Civan. "She's going to
use your room. Make sure she has everything she needs to
look like a true jewel."
"And you, Lord Jackal?" Civan asked.
Xel smiled, his eyes warming with something
dangerously close to affection. "I intend to look like a god.
Run along, boy. She needs someone to fetch on command."
Civan laughed once. "I fetch for her and cum for you,
huh?"
"Exactly," Xel agreed, the word a pleased purr.
Because Xel had visited Civan on his own, but only once.
Jade knew they'd fucked - Civan told her - but it hadn't
ended well. The moment they separated, the two had
immediately picked a fight, Xel leaving without even a final
kiss. That night, he'd come upstairs in a rage, throwing a
vase across the room just to magic away the shattered mess
when he was done.
It was proof that he was slipping. He was getting too
invested. Thankfully, they were almost done. After tonight's
ball, Kurkevy would be his, and tomorrow, his spell would be
complete. As soon as those things were in place, she could
start trying to break his bond.
Unfortunately, neither of them knew how long that would
take or how it could be done. Xel only knew it was possible
because all magic could be shattered, but no one had ever
managed to break a spell like this. The few mages who were
linked to a master had given in, given up, or given their lives.
The rest stayed to themselves, avoiding the risk of it
happening to them. That meant freeing him wouldn't be as
easy as reading something from a book and making it
happen.
While she dressed and primped, she tried to find the
answer. Anything could be accomplished with magic. It could
also be prevented. Somewhere in all of that was a paradox
she had to work around. The Spider had protected those cuffs
against a spell to release them. He'd made them solid and
impenetrable so they couldn't be split and removed. He'd
enslaved Xel in such a way that any direct attempt would be
repelled easily. That meant she had to do this indirectly.
And lucky for them, she was a whore. Her job was to be
subtle, to be precisely what was needed, when it was needed,
and to find the best way to please. Was this really any
different? She was playing the part of the Chosen while
learning how to become Xel's equal, all while convincing
everyone else that she was completely forgettable. It was the
same kind of dance, but with magic, and she would find the
solution.
 But first, she had to make it through tonight. Jade found
the dress she'd bought on the day Treb had taken her into
town. It was gold and red. Dozens of rubies adorned her
waist and chest, with a line of black tassels designed to sway
every time she moved. Over it all went a matching wrap,
turning the whole thing into something elegant. Underneath,
her midriff was bare, but that would be useful for the dance
they had planned for tonight, and Jade intended to be center
stage.
Her lips were a deep red to match the rubies. Her hair was
left long and loose, the countless tiny braids free to swing.
While the costume was traditional for this area, she loved
that the fabric was from her home, but she'd still look
appropriate on the mage's arm. As Civan buckled on his
sword belt, his eyes caressed her body, an approving smile
on his lips.
Sounding a little too casual, he asked, "Please tell me
you'll be doing the belly dancing with the rest?"
"The Raqs Baladi is how the Jackal's whores are opening
this show," she assured him. "As his Chosen, shouldn't I be
sure to please him?"
Civan stepped close enough that all he'd have to do was
lean down to kiss her. "Just him?"
"Jealous?" she asked, honestly curious what he'd say.
But he shook his head. "Oddly, no." With a sigh, he
stepped back. "I know I should be trying to prove I'm better
than him, to convince you to claim me not him. A part of me
wants to, but I can also see what he's going through."
"Compassion," she pointed out.
But that earned a grunt. "Sure, if you want to blame all of
my stupid decisions on magic. It's just as likely because I'm
fucking him. That's the thing, Jade, I am fucking him - and
you. It's not a huge leap to assume Treb could be next, and I
don't really know what happens in a few days when you're
no longer just the Chosen."
"I become his 'assistant' until we can break his bonds,
and then - hopefully - partners. If not, we run." She
shrugged it off. They'd talked about this enough.
"And how do I fit into that?" he asked. "How do you
explain sharing my bed when your lust is no longer the main
ingredient of some ritualistic spell? When you're crawling
into bed every night with the master of this army, where will
I be?"
She hadn't even thought of that. For her and Treb, their
place made sense. Xel already cared, so there was no reason
to hold back. For Civan it was different. He'd spent weeks
making sure the only thing between him and Xel was lust.
Sleeping in Xel's bed would ruin that. Not sleeping in it
would, too.
Even acting as her guard only helped so much. It put the
men closer. The more time they could relax and just talk, the
more likely it was that Xel would care, and the Spider's curse
didn't take much. The smallest emotional connection and
those cuffs would make intimacy into torture. They were
already dangerously close.
"I don't know," she finally admitted, "but I'll think of
something."
"Jade," he said softly. "It's not all on you. You're not the
only one looking for a solution, and I'm patient. I just hate
this - being stuck wondering if I can let myself care about
them, or if we're all alone in this."
"Soon," she promised.
Finally, his hand caught her waist, landing on bare skin as
he pulled her closer. "No matter what, I'm with you. I was
loyal to the Jackal because I thought he was the best solution
for the people. I think you're better. No matter what, you can
trust me."
 "Can I?" she countered.
He jerked his hand back as if burned. "Haven't I proven
myself already?"
Once more, she tossed his question back. "Haven't they?
Civan, what have you done except get promoted and fuck?
Not only did you get to fall into bed with a very skilled
whore, but two men were added to sweeten the deal. How are
you suffering for me?"
"I've done everything you asked. I've said nothing at all
about your emotion!"
"I know," she assured him. "All three of you have treated
me better than any men have before, but that doesn't change
anything. You're his soldier. He's a mage. I'm untrained and
vulnerable. Is it really such a stretch to take all of your
concerns about him and shift them onto your shoulders?"
Slowly, he nodded, accepting the truth of her words.
"That's fair. I just have one question. Do you trust me,
Jade?"
"I want to," she breathed, the words soft, but he still
heard them.
His pretty blue eyes met hers. "Then that will have to be
enough. I trust you. I'll follow you to the end of the world if
that's what you need, and I will keep you safe. I don't even
care if you want me to. I have to do this, and you have to
have me with you, so I'll take what I can get."
"Civan," she tried, reaching for his hand.
He wrapped his fingers around her palm, his touch gentle.
"I understand, because I want to trust them too. I really do.
I've just lived in a mage's army long enough to know how
foolish that would be. I'll wait, playing the obedient soldier if
I have to, but I will never leave you." His eyes dropped to
their hands. Light skin lay against dark, so different yet so
similar. "Treb made it clear that the bond between us is real,
whether we like it or not. Once a catalyst finds his mage, it's
a life sentence."
"Sentence doesn't sound like a good thing," she pointed
out.
His thumb caressed the back of her hand. "I think this
one is, but only the future will tell. And so you know, you
look beautiful, Orchid. Like a goddess." That sweet smile
touched his lips. "Let's show Xel what a lucky man he is."
 CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

T he Jackal met her at the base of the stairs. His attire

was red. Civan wore his best black uniform, the
crimson accents proving who he really belonged to. Treb's -
like hers - was gold. They were just early enough that she
got the chance to admire them all, but when it was time, Xel
offered his arm. Jade accepted, and together, they stepped
out into the transformed throne room, their catalysts
following a step behind.
Silk and gauze had been hung to soften the hard-stone
columns. Padded benches and cushions had been placed
where people were most likely to pause. Even the massive
gold throne had been moved, shifted to the left wall, forcing
every visitor to cross the room to greet their new ruler. And
spread between it all were the whores Xel had hired from
Madam Shira.
Fifty women wore the same style as Jade, but without the
scarf to go over it. Their dresses covered little, baring
cleavage and bellies, and a slit in the skirt showed either one
or both legs. The colors were bright and vibrant, many
resembling jewels, but each was unique. There were no veils,
but only because that would put one more barrier between
men's urges and the whores willing to satiate their lust.
Xel led her through them all and right to the throne.
When he sank into it beautifully, she claimed her place on
the golden armrest, draping her body alongside his. Catching
her fingers, he lifted them to his mouth and kissed the backs
of her knuckles. Their eyes met. Without looking away, he
signaled for the massive doors to open, allowing their guests
to come give their respect.
This was a formal affair, held only so that each lord's
loyalty could be seen by the others, and their rebellion
quashed before the mage moved on to conquer his next city.
The only reason they were willing to come was because one
of the noblemen would be named the new leader, his
decisions as binding as those of the great Lord Jackal. That
was the kind of power they all wanted, even if they hated the
man able to give it to them.
In pairs - always a husband with his wife - the most elite
members of Kurkevy made their way into the room. Each one
was announced, and they all aimed for Xel first, to give their
respects to the host. The line didn't end there. Next came the
merchants, then the guild leaders. One by one, every group
Jade had bound into the spell made their way through the
doors, and right to the mage who had control of them all.
Civan stood silently the whole time, just beside and
behind the throne. Treb matched him on the other side, but
he made no effort to be still. Jade knew the display looked
impressive - she could see it on the faces of everyone who
approached - but that didn't make it any less boring. And the
line wasn't a short one.
The only thing that made it tolerable was knowing how
close she was to being done with all of this. Soon, very soon,
she would no longer have to drop her eyes and act
subservient. Soon, she would free Xel from the Spider. After
that came the rest of her life.
Eventually, the last person made his way to the throne,
but this one wasn't noble. He was nothing more than a
young man with a gilded tray that held a single glass. The
same serving boy she'd been with that morning. His cheeks
were bright and his eyes flicked to her repeatedly, but it was
the shy smile that was the most charming.
Xel leaned forward and took the glass. "I believe my
orchid likes you, sir."
The serving boy's eyes jerked up in surprise. "Thank you,
my lord."
"Relax," Xel assured him. "For tonight, there are no more
lines. You are worth just as much as me. Never forget that."
"Yes, my lord," the man breathed, daring to glance at
Jade. "And yet you're the one with the jewel."
The young man tipped his head to Jade and turned,
walking back the way he came with his head just a bit higher.
Xel lifted his glass to the room, then took a sip. That was the
sign she'd been waiting for. It was the cue that the
formalities were over and the festivities had just begun.
On the other side of the room, the musicians changed
their song to something a little more lively and a lot more
traditional. All of those brightly dressed whores moved into
position, forming a half-circle before the throne, and Jade
eased herself from the arm of Xel's chair. Dropping her
outermost scarf on the stairs, she let her hips sway
seductively as she made her way to the center, to stand
before her Lord Jackal.
"My lord," she said, pitching her voice to be seductive, "I
give you Kurkevy."
Then she began to dance. The Raqs Baladi wasn't a
stylized thing with repetitive steps. It was about movement,
and the most seductive kind. Most called it belly dancing
because the point was to use the entire body, for the women
to entice the viewers. Tonight, it wouldn't be choreographed,
but that wasn't the point. The goal was for each whore to
find a man and dance for him. To make lust.
Jade danced for three.
 Xel leaned onto the spot she'd just left. Treb crossed his
arms, fighting a smile. Civan did nothing, but his eyes held
hers, filled with a promise of their own. These were her men,
and she moved for them. Her breasts, her hips, and her back
- they all bent and shook with the rhythm of the song. Her
body promised pleasures they could only imagine as she
flashed the inside of her thigh, gyrated her hips, and spun,
letting her fingers tease the back of her own neck.
For just a moment, the rest of the room faded away. She
danced, her hips bucking, her breasts bouncing, and her men
watched. They knew exactly how good she could feel
wrapped around them, with them, and for them, but she
promised even more. Sitting languidly on his throne, not
even Xel could stop the salacious smile from turning his lips
up or quench the fire burning so brightly in his eyes.
He wanted her. They all wanted her. This was the power
she held.
In an arc around her, the other women were doing the
same. Each time she turned, Jade could see another woman
with her eyes locked on her intended partner. The men
couldn't help themselves, but they weren't alone. Their
wives were getting ideas of their own, encouraged by Xel's
very presence. His lust permeated the room, making those
forbidden thoughts just a little more attainable, but that was
the goal. Tonight, they would fuck.
Each and every one of them would end the night in
someone's bed. For the timid, that would be their spouse's.
For the brazen, there were rooms for privacy and cushions
for display. In the temple of the Lord of Lust, nothing was
off-limits, and fifty-one women danced, doing their best to
convince their audience that it was all ok. It wouldn't even
take magic to make this crowd act on it. They already wanted
to. The Jackal's presence was little more than an excuse.
 As soon as the song ended, people began to move. Some
men approached the women who'd been enticing him with
her movements. Others drifted away to find friends or lovers,
but when Xel stood, the room paused as if taking a breath.
He didn't care. Storming down the stairs, he was aimed
right for her. Without slowing, lacking any hesitation, the
Jackal - Lord of Lust and ruler of Kurkevy - slammed into
her with desire. His hand found her back, the other palming
the side of her face, and his mouth followed. Right there,
before the entire assembly, he kissed her with abandon. His
tongue delved between her teeth, explored her mouth, and
his hands begged her to be closer, to give herself to him.
Every last piece. He wanted it all.
"You," he breathed when their lips finally parted, "were
my best decision. Now let me give our town a leader."
Our. That word was one more piece of proof that she
could trust him. Xel wanted them to do this together. He said
he'd give her everything, and it sounded like he meant it.
More than anything, she wanted to believe that, but not yet.
Not until the cuff was off his arm and her bond was in his
skin.
So she pulled herself away and made for the side of the
room, vanishing into the throng of bodies. In the center,
sheltered by a wall of whores, Xel gestured, calling all eyes
back to him. The red of his attire made him stand out, but
that wasn't all. Everything about him was pure perfection,
from the beauty of his face to the hard lines of his body. It
was harder to resist looking at him than to just give in.
"Lord Rabin?" Xel called out.
"Yes, Lord Jackal?" the man replied.
Jade recognized him. He was the same minor Lord who'd
been brave enough to speak his mind before the Jackal. Xel
had pushed him into a wall for it, but Lord Rabin hadn't
backed down. He'd also proven himself honest even in the
face of adversity, which was exactly what Xel had been
looking for.
"Tonight, I am raising your position to Governor, and I've
chosen you to speak for me as the Parliamentary Leader."
Xel didn't bother making the man come closer; he just
pitched his voice to carry. "Are you willing to accept this and
serve as my representative in Kurkevy?"
Rabin visibly sighed. "Lord Jackal, I cannot promise you
will like what I have to say, only that I will say it. I believe we
both remember the outcome of my last opinion."
Xel smiled. "Then phrase your opinions better next time,
but do not change them. No, Lord Rabin, I won't always like
what you have to tell me, but I promise that so long as you
show my lady respect while you disagree with me, and if you
govern for the interests of the people, there shall be no more
walls between us. It's why I chose you, after all."
Rabin bowed his head. "Then I would be honored, Lord
Jackal. And I promise to respect your Lady Orchid, even after
you've moved on."
"I intend to take my orchid with me. She's no longer a
concern of yours." That made a swell of whispers flow across
the room, but Xel ignored it. "But from this moment on," he
continued, "you shall be known as Governor Rabin, leader of
the Kurkevy noble Parliament and my personal
representative. Actions taken against you will be treated the
same as slights against me. I promise, I will return to handle
any disobedience."
"It is my pleasure to serve," Rabin replied.
"Then, please, enjoy my hospitality. Tonight, the temple
is open. The women are willing, the men are interested, and
the rooms have been designed for your pleasure. Make the
most of them, because Kurkevy is now a city of lust."
The moment he turned away, the musicians once again
began playing. This time, the song was much more sedate,
appropriate for the nobility among them, but that wasn't
where Xel was headed. His eyes had found a woman in green,
and with a smile, he headed straight for her.
"Madam Shira!" Xel greeted her.
"Guildmistress Shira, tonight," she corrected. "It's a
pleasure, Lord Jackal."
"Dance with me?" he begged. "I would ask for more, but I
have a feeling you'd respectfully decline my offer."
The woman actually blushed as she accepted. It wasn't
much, but her cheeks were just a bit brighter, and her eyes
warmed at his attention. Xel went one step further, pressing
his body a bit too close as he moved her into the first steps.
Jade couldn't help but be impressed with how easily the most
powerful whore in the city had been conquered.
"May I?" a voice said by Jade's ear, seeming to appear out
of nowhere.
She turned to find Treb with his hand out. "You," she told
him as she accepted, "look amazing in gold."
"I do, don't I?" He pulled her into his arms, making them
the second pair to step into the music, but he kept his face
close enough that their words were private. "You know, I
replaced the Sultan's daughter with a flower."
"What?" she gasped, turning to meet his eyes.
More people were joining them in the dance, but Treb
didn't care. "My idea of perfect? It's you. Maybe even more
than him, and that's a tough standard to measure up to. I
thought I liked blondes, but I was wrong. I love your umber
skin, your braids, and those dark, almost black eyes of yours.
Jade, he may be my master but you? Even knowing what you
are, you're still my best friend."
He couldn't say Xel's name, but they both knew who Treb
was talking about. So fuck being proper. She didn't care if the
nobles would be scandalized or if this would ruin some plan
of Xel's. Treb meant those words. They were his own version
of baring his soul, and she understood. The only way to
prove that was to wrap her arms around his neck as tightly
as she could.
"Always," she promised. "Whore to whore, nothing - not
magic, not men, and not the rest of this mess - will ruin
that. I swear."
His arms held her against him. "I've never felt like this
about anyone," he admitted, his voice little more than a
breath. "Not even him. You make me feel..."
"Safe," she finished.
"Important. Impressive. And yes, safe," he agreed. "I love
you in my own way, Orchid. Whore to whore."
Then he kissed her, but that wasn't enough to erase those
words. Sure, he'd tried to qualify them, but she understood.
Friends wasn't a strong enough word. Like didn't even begin
to touch what they had between them. Love was still too
heavy, but that was the name of this feeling. It was love, the
kind shared with the people she could trust.
And she did trust them, even if she was trying to fight it.
 CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

O ne dance became more. The people began to mix and

mingle, many of the noblemen seeking out those
brightly-dressed whores only to leave their ladies behind
alone. The commoners didn't hesitate. Slowly but surely, the
candles burned down, the wine was drunk, and the
inhibitions vanished.
Jade made her way through the room, subtly avoiding
every offer, often blaming someone else's attention for her
inability to accept. The glassy eyes locked on her chest or the
hands trying to slide up her skirt were no longer seductive.
Not after a month with men who knew exactly how to make a
woman feel desired.
She glanced back toward the throne to find Civan leaning
casually against the back wall. One leg was kicked out before
him, the other crossed over it at the ankle, and the stone
held him up. In his hands, he held a small knife, spinning
the tip absentmindedly on the finger of his opposite hand.
His eyes, however, were focused on something.
She followed his gaze to find Treb with a woman's skirt
around his hips. She wasn't a pretty thing, but her clothing
proved she was wealthy, most likely a nobleman's wife,
possibly a merchant's. Her head was thrown back in passion,
and Jade was willing to bet this was the first time a man had
ever cared about her pleasure during the act.
 A soft laugh made her turn to find Madam Shira making
her way closer. "Jaeda," the woman said, unaware how
dangerous the use of her name had become. "How is it that
you and I seem to be the only women in the room without a
dick buried inside us?"
Jade smiled back at her. "Because our cunts are no longer
affordable?"
"That man of yours does make it tempting, though." She
jerked her chin toward the side, where Xel had three
different women clinging to him. "And somehow, I have a
feeling he'll find a way to please them all."
"Most likely," Jade agreed. "He's very skilled at what he
does."
"Speaking of that," Shira said, lowering her voice. "Are
you truly leaving with them of your own accord? Because I
will argue for you. Fight, if I have to."
"It's my choice," Jade promised her. "We both know I was
never truly welcome in Kurkevy, just tolerated."
Shira nodded, refusing to deny the truth. "We also know
you were one of the best whores this city has ever seen. Even
though the Jackal paid your remittance, I have an offer for
you." And she stepped a little closer. "For the price of a kiss,
I will give you the one thing every whore dreams of."
"Oh?" Jade asked, shifting her voice to make that sound
seductive.
In one hand, Shira lifted a tangle of gold chain. The other
reached up to trail across Jade's chin, encouraging her to
come a little closer. "Your ankle is bare. This has a medallion
for my guild. Proof that you are registered, and paid for life,
should you ever need it."
What the Madam was offering was worth a fortune. It was
the one thing a woman needed to take that step from whore
to madam. It would also give her the right to solicit in
another town. Considering the nature of her position with
the Jackal, this was a very generous gift, and one worth a lot
more than a single kiss.
So Jade would make it the best kiss she could. Leaning in,
her lips gently brushed Shira's, and the woman's mouth
opened with a whispered breath. Shira's fingers softened,
and that was when Jade understood. The reason the Jackal
hadn't truly made an effort to seduce her was because she
wasn't interested in him. She wanted the soft touch of a
woman, not a man, but that didn't pay her bills.
As Jade's tongue met Shira's, the guildmistress moaned,
but it was honest. This wasn't an act for her. It was an
excuse, a chance to be touched by someone who wasn't hard,
wasn't forceful, and wasn't trying to take. Jade gave, teasing
the woman's lips with her own, their tongues flicking across
each other gently, and her hands caressed instead of
grabbed.
Then Shira tilted her head back, separating their mouths.
"Thank you," she whispered. "I'd almost forgotten what it
felt like."
"Shira," Jade said, but the woman knelt.
Her hand followed the slit in her skirt, caressing Jade's
leg from thigh to knee and down to her ankle. There, she
carefully clasped the gold chain with not just one, but two
beautiful pendants hanging from it. The first was the token
of her acceptance into the Kurkevy whore's guild. The
second? It was a simple, cut-glass orchid. The kind of jewels
a whore could afford, but given with compassion.
"It's beautiful," Jade said, and the woman smiled.
But the air was getting thicker. Something was
happening, and it came with the bitter scent of magic. Jade
had enough time to pull Shira to her feet as the mage gate
erupted in the room, making the air pop with the change.
There was only one person this could be.
"Help me?" Jade begged the Madam. "Seduce me!"
 Immediately, Shira grabbed Jade, and their mouths
crashed together. Like the professional she was, Shira
twisted their bodies together, both of them pawing the other,
disheveling clothes in an immediate and intense passion.
Jade hoped it was enough, that the woman's desire would
smother anything else.
The pressure vanished just as a fist landed in Jade's hair,
pulling her away from Shira's hands. The laugh that followed
was a sound from her nightmares. That was Dorin, the
Spider's catalyst.
"Let. Her. Go!" Xel bellowed.
The Spider made a disappointed noise. "I think not. You
see, I'm offended that I wasn't invited to your party."
Around the room, everyone had gone silent. Women were
trying to push their bodies back into their clothes and men
were jerking their pants back into place. Treb included. With
her head pointed up toward the sky, Jade could just make out
Civan, tense, angry, and much too far away.
"What do you want, Spider?" Xel demanded.
The answer came a little too quickly. "A sacrifice. Your
town is secure, and I'm longing for a drink. It seems my
glass has refused to fill me lately. Why is that, Jackal? What
is it about this filthy town that makes you so... happy?" He
pointed at Jade. "Is it the girl?"
Xel refused to answer. Squaring up, he crossed his arms -
gold sparkling on both - and glared.
"Then pick another for me," the Spider taunted. "Any of
your citizens. Give me one, Jackal. Just one to play with, and
I'll leave your little slut alone."
Dorin sighed. "But she screams so nicely."
Desperate, Jade looked at Xel. He didn't look back. This
was the game, their lie. He couldn't let the Spider know he
cared. She couldn't let the man know she was anything but a
stupid slut. One who didn't remember a thing about her last
visit to the man's torture chamber.
Taking a deep breath, Xel finally spoke, but it wasn't at all
what Jade wanted to hear. "Everyone out!"
That was all they needed to hear. His guests scurried,
Madam Shira included, all of them heading to the door at
once - but not her men. Civan used the movement to make
his way closer, nothing but murder in those pretty blue eyes.
Treb was on a path toward Xel.
"Bad decision," the Spider said, tsking like he was talking
to a child.
Xel didn't care. "You need a fix. Sure, I get it. Find your
own. This is my town. These are my people, and that was our
deal. You leave me alone, and I won't fight the drain. This,
however, is not leaving me alone."
"But you haven't been sharing," the Spider told him.
"You haven't tried to fuck your slut again. I don't know
where your dick has been, but you haven't felt miserable
about the cunt you're hiding it in. That, Jackal, is a problem.
How did you get around our agreement?"
"I learned to stop caring," Xel assured him. "Let the girl
go."
This time, it was Dorin who spoke up. "Why? What is it
about this one that makes you care so much?"
"It's the fact that she can fake it so well," Xel assured
him.
But those words were a reminder for her. She couldn't feel
a thing except lust. She couldn't touch her magic without
revealing the mark currently hidden in her skin. If she
wanted to live through the night, Jade had to be the stupid
little whore everyone assumed she was. She also needed to be
scared.
"Is this," she breathed, forcing her voice to tremble, "a
game, Lord Jackal?"
 "Smart," Dorin taunted, "she's not."
"Don't want her to be smart," Xel promised. "I want her
wet and willing."
The Spider made a gesture at Dorin, but his eyes never
left Xel. "How are you getting around my curse?" He paused
as Dorin pressed a knife against Jade's throat. "Answer me,
damn it!"
"She's my catalyst," Xel said in a rush. "I'm not fucking
her. She fucks for me. She's a second catalyst!"
Something in the Spider's demeanor changed. He
lightened, almost like he'd found a present, and turned to
her with a smile. "Two? You have two of them?"
"Yes, and Treb fucks her. I fuck my hand, but the view is
pleasing." Xel pulled in a breath. "That's why I'm not
miserable. She's a new toy, Spider. Nothing more."
Unfortunately, the Spider was ignoring him. "Do it," he
told Jade. "Push lust at him. Prove you are what he says."
Treb broke in. "She's not trained!"
"If she's a catalyst, there's not much to train. She'll make
lust. He'll drink it in, and I'll take the power I need."
Xel grumbled under his breath. "Your addiction's out of
control. You're spending more than you create, and you can't
keep draining me when you need a fix."
"Yes," the Spider assured him, "I can." Then he screamed
at Jade, "Lust!"
"I can't," she whimpered. "I'm scared."
Dorin pressed the knife a little deeper into her skin, not
quite cutting, but close. "What difference does that make?"
"My pussy's dry," she babbled. "I can't seduce when I'm
scared. I don't get hot."
The Spider sighed. "Cut her. Slowly." Then he smiled.
"Her face."
"No!" Xel screamed, reaching out for her.
 Civan was faster. That little knife he'd been playing with
earlier sailed through the air, impacting Dorin's shoulder
with a wet thunk. The man jerked back. His dagger sliced the
edge of her neck, but it wasn't deep. It still bled, but she
didn't care. The moment the Spider's catalyst let go, she
dove forward.
"Treb!" Civan yelled, tossing over a sword before pulling
another for himself.
Treb caught the blade in mid-step and swung. The Spider
hissed a word, so the sword collided with air, sending out a
rush of magic. Jade kept going. She had to get out of reach, to
get safe. Her men could handle this. Right now, if she did
anything - any single thing - this fight would get a lot
worse. Sliding around the back of a stone column, she
realized that nothing might be the hardest thing she'd ever
done.
She wanted to help, but they had this. Xel called forth a
burst of gold light and threw it. The Spider had to counter,
distracting him from protecting his catalyst. That gave Treb
the chance to swing. The problem was that Dorin had his
own protection. The same dagger he'd held against Jade's
throat was used to block, deflect, and hack at Treb's middle.
"Give up," the Spider yelled. "Stop now, and I'll let you
live, Xelas."
Xel actually laughed as he tossed another burst of gold.
"You think I'd believe you, Hian?"
"You can't kill me without killing yourself," the Spider
reminded him. "That's how the bond works, you stupid
boy!"
"You make it sound like death is such a bad option." Xel
thrust out his arm, deflecting a bolt of lightning. "Ever try
living as a slave? I agreed to master and pupil, not master
and servant."
That was when Civan slid in beside her. "Jade?"
 "Don't," she hissed. "Be pissed. Be afraid, but don't do
that."
He nodded, showing he understood. "I have to get you
out."
"No," she told him. "Hit the catalyst. Help Treb. Hurt him
bad enough, and the Spider will be helpless. He's almost
empty, Civan. That's what the Jackal was saying. He's here
because he's almost out of magic, and Xel has him casting!"
"Do. Not. Move," Civan ordered.
Then he rushed around the column the other way. The
look on his face was pure concentration. Every muscle in his
body pushed, reaching for a little more speed, a lot more
power. Civan was a soldier, and a good one. It showed.
He also had a plan.
Jade leaned out just enough to see, but she wasn't the
only one watching. Xel saw the movement and started
throwing. His spells were smaller, faster, each one aimed
directly at the Spider's face. The old man had no choice but
to deflect, focusing on keeping himself from taking damage.
"Gut him!" Civan yelled.
Treb swung, aiming for Dorin's waist. The man moved to
block, but that was exactly what Civan wanted. Lifting his
blade, he hacked as hard as he could, the angle upward,
coming in just under Dorin's sword. The edge met the flesh
of the man's elbow and sank in, sending blood spraying
through the room.
Dorin screamed.
And Treb's sword landed, slicing the man across the
middle. It wasn't enough to make his guts spill out, but to
Jade, it was close enough. Cloth tore and flesh gave way. Let
that bastard see how it felt. Let it be his last thought before...
The glare of a gate blinded her, forcing her back behind
the column. "You will pay for this!" the Spider barked.
 Xel just laughed, the sound cruel and powerful. "You have
your sacrifice, master. Leave my Chosen alone. Every one of
them. This is the last time I'll remind you so politely."
"I will break you," the Spider grunted, sounding like he
was pulling something. "Crawl, damn it."
"I can't," Dorin gasped.
Jade looked again to see the Spider tugging the man
through the glare of light. Treb and Civan stood with their
swords up, ready for another round. Xel was beside them, his
feet shoulder width apart, but the look on his face was
murderous. There was no doubt that they'd just come to a
stalemate, but her men weren't attacking. Why weren't they
finishing this?
As Dorin made it through the gate, the Spider looked back
and smiled. "There's a price for disobeying the master, boy."
And Xel dropped, a scream torn from his throat even
though no hand touched him. Cackling maniacally, the
Spider slowly stepped back until he was gone, but neither
Treb nor Civan moved. They weren't helping Xel. Why
weren't they helping Xel?!
And the gate popped closed.
"Jade!" Treb yelled, rushing to the Jackal's side.
Xel managed to close his mouth with a pained gasp, but
he was still writhing. Treb's cry was the only encouragement
she needed, so Jade hurried to his side, sliding down to check
him, but there was nothing wrong. Clearly he hurt, but there
wasn't a single thing she could see to stop.
"Give up, Xel," Treb was murmuring as he pulled the
mage's head into his lap. "Give up already."
"What's wrong?" she demanded.
"What can I do?" Civan asked.
Treb waved them both away. "They're still fighting.
Spider's trying to pull power, and Xel's fighting him. Fucking
give it up, man. She's got more. Hell, you have more."
 Xel just shook his head. "No," he managed to grunt.
"He..." Xel paused to gasp, his back arching away from the
stone. "Can't..." And he clenched his eyes shut. "Win."
"Let him win!" She screamed in his face. "We have one
day, Xel. Let him win. Lie to him and let him think he has you
beat. You don't always have to be the fucking hero.
Sometimes, the best way to get what you want is to be the
thief."
"The whore," Treb told him.
"Please?" Civan begged, dropping to his knees to grab
Xel's hand. "You have them. Don't hurt them for your
fucking pride."
And Xel sighed, the sound coming out for a little too long
before his head went limp. "The Spider has won," Treb said
softly. "Jade, get the door. Civan? Make sure I don't hit his
head." As gently as he could, Treb slid an arm under Xel's
knees, another around his back, and he pulled his mage
against his chest. "Jade, right about now, I wish we knew
how to refill you."
"Compassion," she told him. "My emotion is
compassion."
Treb just nodded, heading for the door that led to their
room. "I can definitely work with that."
 CHAPTER FIFTY

T hey managed to get Xel upstairs and into his bed

before the mage stirred. The moment he sucked in a
breath, Jade felt it. His body needed power, and it was willing
to pull from the closest source: her.
"I've got plenty," she promised, leaning over him to push
his hair back. "We've got you, Xel."
Weakly, he lifted his arm to clasp her wrist. "Just a little
more?"
"I have plenty," she told him again.
Treb clasped her shoulder. "You got him?"
"Yeah?" She glanced back. "Why?"
"It's tomorrow, Jade. The water clock in the throne room
ran dry just before the Spider showed up, so it's the last day.
If he's going to complete this spell, he needs a little
something to work with, and your catalyst has a big cock.
I'm gonna talk him into letting me stick it in my mouth
where the Jackal can't get any ideas about joining in."
She shook her head, not following that last part. "Why
can't he..."
"Because your soldier helped him, and I know that idiot
noticed. Not willing to risk him crossing that line and
burning himself back to nothing before we top him up."
Then Treb looked at Civan. "You good?"
 "Not exactly used to getting it hard on command," Civan
admitted.
"You'll learn," Treb assured him. "And we both know
you'll let me do this because you feel bad for him. Know
what? That works for you. This works for me. They're the
ones who'll benefit."
He grabbed Civan's arm and hauled him from the room.
Jade was staring after them in shock when Xel managed a
weak chuckle. "How's your neck?" he asked.
She turned her face to show him. "I'm fine, Xel."
"You should heal that. I would, but..."
She lifted her hand to her neck and tried. This time, she
didn't worry as much about the word as she did letting the
intention go. A soft sound came out, and she felt it. Her skin
warmed, the small amount of pain vanished, and it felt good.
No, that was something else. That was her catalyst.
Whatever they were doing was working. Second by
second, Xel looked brighter and got stronger. Strong enough
that he pulled her over his body and onto the bed, rolling
above her. Those cold resin eyes of his found hers and he
leaned close enough to brush his mouth across hers.
"Right now, the Spider is spending all his power to save
his catalyst's arm. He's not thinking about me, except that
the fuel source ran dry. That means I passed out, which I did,
but he has no clue about you. Instead, he'll think that when I
wake, I'll be in pain - and a lot of it -- giving him a second
rush."
"Can we stop that?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No, Jade. What I'm saying is that for
once, I can use it. Treb said it's the last day." He gently
pushed her braids back as his eyes shifted between both of
hers. "You've given me sacrifice after sacrifice. This one, I
want to be different. It's going to hurt, and I don't care. I just
want to have you once."
 "And the Spider won't realize why you hurt," she said,
finally understanding. "Xel, I won't ask you to do that. I can
fuck one of them and then it's done."
"Please?" he whispered. "Tomorrow, that man will come
to destroy me. The only thing I still want is to be with you at
least once. Ignore the blood. Don't worry about my pain. Just
let me finally be with you? Give me that memory to hold
onto."
How could she refuse that? The pleading in his voice was
honest, but knowing what had happened when she'd sucked
his dick? She wasn't worth that. No one was worth that!
"Xel, my pussy is no different from any other. It's not
that special."
"It is," he countered, "because of the woman that comes
with it. I want you, Jaeda. Not to get off, but to finally show
you how much you mean to me."
She jiggled her head in the weakest nod, because the truth
was that she did want him. Just once, to feel his body against
hers, inside her? She'd been dreaming of that since she first
saw him. She was also a mage. A compassion mage. There
had to be something she could do to help him. If not, then
what good was this ability?
"Fuck me," she decided, giving him permission.
Xel shook his head. "No. Orchid, that is not the word for
this." And he bent a little more, his lips pressing into hers as
he moaned in the back of his throat.
She arched her body into him, an arm sliding around his
back, her leg hooking around his thigh. His fingers slid into
her braids. Her palm landed on his chest, gliding over his
shirt. They wore too much to make this happen, but he
didn't seem to care. Xel's focus wasn't on getting his dick
inside her. It was her. All of her.
His mouth sucked at her throat. His hands caressed the
swell of her hips. His fingers worked down the straps of her
top, but each touch was a moment of reverence. Kisses that
started out planned and seductive quickly became feverish.
She nipped at the lobe of his ear. He growled as he sucked
her lower lip.
She broke first, reaching up to push away the silk of his
shirt. While he tried to free his arms, Jade just pulled. She
didn't care if the cloth tore. She couldn't wait any longer to
kiss those hard muscles. Her tongue flicked at his nipple. Her
hands reached for his pants, but Xel wasn't going to make it
this easy.
He leaned back, encouraging her to follow. The moment
she sat up, he caught her face, kissing her hard. His other
hand reached behind her and pulled. The thin laces that held
her top together had no chance against his impatience. She
felt the shirt fall open. Xel kissed her again, his tongue
taunting her mouth as he tossed the expensive fabric and
gems toward the floor.
"That," he promised, "was in my way."
Then his mouth found her breast. He sucked, encouraging
her nipples to harden, and she tried to manage the laces of
his pants. When they resisted, tied just a little too well, she
hissed out a word. The leather ties gave way, and Xel smiled,
pausing before he flicked his tongue to entice her more.
"You sure lust isn't your emotion?" he asked as he moved
to the other side.
She pushed his pants lower. "It's not. I think I figured it
out."
"Good. Tell me later."
He was trying to do everything at once. His hands were
seeking the clasp for her skirt. His feet were struggling to
push off his boots. Jade nudged him up, giving herself room
to remove the last of her clothes. He stripped from his and
came right back, starving for her touch, but she liked it.
 There was a playfulness about his desire. A confidence
that he would please her, layered with the knowledge that
she knew him. She actually understood him. He knew what
places to touch to turn her on. He also took the time to smile,
to meet her eyes, and to enjoy the less than perfect
moments, like with their clothes.
It was comfortable. It was safe. Most of all, what they
were doing? It was honest. What he wanted was to be with
her. With, not in. He wanted to share this one thing because
it was what had brought them together, not because he
needed to cum. Xelas, the Lord of Lust, wanted more than
just her body.
He wanted all of her, and she was ready to give it.
It didn't matter what name they gave the emotion. It
didn't matter how good he felt when he slid deep inside her
body, filling her. What mattered was that for the first time in
her life, this man desired the one thing she'd never been
brave enough to give. He wanted her heart.
"Xel," she gasped, reaching up for the cuff on his wrist,
feeling something damp and sticky.
He shoved that hand into the mattress by her head.
"Ignore it, Jade. You feel good enough that I don't fucking
care."
His body coiled and pumped against her as he filled and
withdrew. This did feel good. He felt good. His hips pressed
against the inside of her thighs, his chest grazed over her
aching breasts, and he made the sweetest friction. When she
gasped, he found her mouth again, stealing her moans to
replace them with his own deep, primal sounds.
There was nothing fancy as they ground their bodies
together. This wasn't a show. It was a promise. Their own
way of proving their commitment. She needed to feel him.
He wanted to please her, so he thrust a little deeper, harder,
and then faster, driving her into that place where she didn't
have time to think.
This time, she got to take, and it felt so good. He was the
sacrifice, and his blood trickled over her fingers as she held
his wrist, but he never whimpered. He didn't wince. He just
fucked her, slowly stroking her toward the kind of euphoria
only a god could provide. Or a mage.
Her mage.
"Xel," she warned.
"Hold me," he begged. "Just hold me when you cum,
Orchid. I want you as close as I can have you."
She wrapped one arm around his back, her other too
sticky to move, and pumped her hips into each and every
press of his body. As the pleasure built, she let her eyes close
and just gave in, hoping they'd be able to do this again. All
she wanted was for him to no longer suffer for caring. For
them all to finally be allowed to love him like this. To make
him feel as good as he'd made them, but he'd have to be free
for that. Right now, she just wanted it to be him, inside her,
pleasing her, with her. Loving her.
And as he pushed her over the edge, making her body
explode, she breathed out the only word that fit. "Xelas!"
"Yes," he gasped, riding her through the waves of
pleasure. "Oh, that feels so good. I've wanted you so. Damn.
Bad!"
One last thrust left him groaning, his body lifting up so he
could get just a little deeper as he came hard enough to
growl. Without thinking, Jade reached up for his chest.
And gold stuck to her fingers, the cuff flopping off his
arm, split.
For a moment, neither of them dared to breathe, looking
at each other as they hoped for an explanation. Then he
seemed to realize that his cuff really was gone. He
immediately looked to the other, not even bothering to pull
out of her body.
"It's split," he breathed. "What did you do, Jade?"
She grabbed the cuff and pulled, hearing the metal crack
like it was little more than cheap tin. "The word for this spell
is your name," she realized. "That's why they don't want us
to share them! Because it's also the key to set us free."
"The bond is broken," he muttered, mostly to himself.
"Shit. It's..." Then he realized he was still balls deep in her
body. "Sorry."
"No," she promised, sliding up to get off him. "I think
this is a little more important. Xel, I found my emotion. I'm a
compassion mage!"
"Treb!" Xel bellowed, before looking back at her. "Can
you feel my magic?"
She shook her head, stammering that she didn't know,
but that was a lie. She felt not only his, but Treb's
enhancement of it, yet it was combined with Civan's. The
room was full of it, and the mage who'd been drained dry
only a few minutes ago was now completely and totally fine.
"I feel it," she told him.
"Treb!" Xel yelled again. "Get your dick in here, we got a
problem!"
"Problem?" Jade asked as both Treb and Civan hurried
into the room.
Civan's pants still hung open, his and Treb's erections
clearly visible as they looked for some kind of threat, but
there wasn't one. Just Xel kneeling naked above Jade. Blood
stained the covers beside her. Enough that Civan took
another step.
"Jade?" he asked.
She didn't get the chance to answer. "Bind me," Xel
demanded, flopping down on his back. "You know how, Jade.
Fucking bind me, and do it fast, because the Spider will
notice that his cup isn't just empty, it's gone."
"How?" Treb asked, grabbing a half circle of gold from
the floor. "How the hell did you break the bond?"
"Don't know, don't care," Xel told him. "Just get the
gear."
Treb nodded and hurried out of the room. Civan looked
between her and Treb, debating following for a second
before he braced up in the doorway. "The balance of power
has just shifted," he said, his words a reminder that until Xel
was bound, she was the slave.
"Trust me," Xel assured him, "I know. Jade, you
remember how to do this?"
"Close enough," she promised. "Just please, don't prove
me wrong. Right now, you could break my heart."
Then she closed her eyes and pushed, looking for the
source of his power. She only knew about this in theory, just
like she knew he was the stronger mage. He was the one with
all the power, and until she tied him to her, he could force
her back easily. This was not a fair fight, but as she began to
work the magic into a pattern that would show on his back,
she realized something.
Xel wasn't fighting.
 CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

B inding the Jackal to her was the biggest piece of

magic Jade had ever managed. It was draining, but
having Civan standing there fretting about her actually
helped. The whole time, Xel didn't move. Not until they both
felt the link snap into place and the magic flared through his
skin.
"What is it?" he asked. "The pattern."
"A jackal," she told him. "In red, standing up on the right
side of your back." Then she leaned back and sighed. "I
thought it would be sexy."
"Also means my enemies can't see if I'm about to throw
something at them. Ready to test it?"
She shook her head. "I don't know if I got the release
right."
"Don't care," he promised. "I have no intention of
breaking this bond or being bound to anyone but a fucking
compassion mage." He caught her hand. "That's perfect for
you."
"Yeah?" she asked.
Civan huffed out a single laugh. "Works well with fucking,
too." Then he added, "My lord."
Xel's face softened, and he pushed himself off the bed,
heading right to Civan. "I have to know your name." He
didn't stop until they were chest to chest, Xel's palm pressed
against the side of the soldier's neck. "Please?"
"Civan," he said softly.
Xel nodded to show he'd heard. "Promise me you'll take
care of her?"
"Why?"
"Because the Spider is coming, Civan." He paused, a little
smile touching his lips before vanishing again. "Thank you."
He meant for the name, but then he continued. "He will have
felt the bond break, and there's only one way that could
happen. Another mage. If he didn't suspect her before, he
will now - or you. I'd rather he was left with questions, so I
need you to take her and run."
"And you'll just let her leave?" Civan asked. "Why not
come with us?"
Xel glanced back to her. "I can't leave my army. I will not
give them to the Spider to torture, and you just set me free.
Free, Jade. The next time he comes at me, I can beat him
back, and I don't have to stop. He can run, or he can die. But
moving five hundred men? Sometimes, it's better to stand
and face the enemy."
She headed for the rack of clothes, finding a simple dress
and slipping it over her head. "Ok. Where will we meet you?"
"Doesn't matter," Xel promised. "The bond? I can gate to
your general area. That's how the Spider always finds me. He
can feel it like a beacon, showing him where I've gone, and
once he's been there, he can come back."
That was when Treb made his way back in, pushing past
Civan. "I think I have everything." And he tossed it all on the
rumpled bed.
Jade recognized one thing. "The book?" she asked.
"My journal," Xel told her, as he pulled his pants on.
"Everything I know about magic. It can train you as well as I
can, and you have your catalyst. Civan will take care of you."
He picked up an empty leather pouch from the pile and
passed that to the solider. "Do not lose this. It's my greatest
trick. Inside there is a ring. If you're wearing it, that bag will
always have gold."
Treb picked up a cuff similar to the one Xel had worn, but
black. "This is for you, Orchid." And he tossed it across the
bed to her. "It has a normal release but should fit your wrist
perfectly." Then he flicked a finger at it. "He made it for you.
Look at the front."
Because she'd been looking at the clasp, one that
appeared to be completely non-magical. When she turned it
over, she pulled in a little breath and glanced up at Xel. The
surface of the bracelet was inlaid with onyx. In that was set a
beautiful red orchid made of rubies. Beside it was a golden
jackal. She let her thumb caress the design, knowing this was
one trinket she had no intention of losing.
"I made that," Xel told her, "so I can track it. Just in case
you ever have to break the bond, I can find you if you're
wearing that. If you don't want me to follow, just drop it in
the desert."
"I want you to follow," she promised. "I don't want to
leave without you. Either of you!"
Treb sighed. "And I don't want you to go, but I'd rather
miss you for a while than forever." He looked over at Civan.
"Either of you. Keep her safe, soldier?"
"Only if you keep him safe," Civan countered, tilting his
head to Xel.
Treb smiled. "Yeah. He and I have some catching up to do.
Look, head down to the barracks and get some horses. If the
men try to stop you, get Cal. Tell him Xel said it was ok - but
only use the first half of his name. He'll know what to do."
"The best horses," Xel insisted. "And you'll be riding into
the desert. Take water, but pack light- " He paused as the
pressure began to change. "Shit! Go!"
 "He's coming," Treb warned, grabbing the things off the
bed. "Civan, there's a bag beside you."
While they worried about shoving the rest of Xel's
presents into something they could use to carry it, Xel
caught Jade, pulling her against him. "I'm sorry. For that, for
this, and for all of it."
She nodded. "Not the way I planned tonight to end.
Kurkevy is yours?"
He smiled. "Yeah, it's about to be. Jade, if you need power,
for any reason, pull. Don't feel bad, just do it. I have plenty,
and you never learned how to make the web."
"Then you'd better make sure you find me to show me."
Treb interrupted. "You two need to leave, and we need to
stall the Spider."
Xel turned to find Civan right behind him. Without
asking, he grabbed the back of the man's head and kissed
him. It was fast, it was powerful, but there was no question
he meant it.
"Take the swords from the wall," Xel told him.
Civan followed where he was looking, and paused. "I have
-"
"Magic," Treb said, explaining everything. "He works in
gold, so take the fucking gold."
"Heading into the desert with gold swords," Civan
grumbled as he snatched the weapons, but the pressure was
growing more intense.
So Treb climbed across the bed to reach Jade. "Two
weeks," he said before kissing her fast. "Maybe a month. We
will find you."
Civan - with the swords in his hand - leaned around her
to press a kiss on Treb. "Bye, honey. We'll finish that next
time."
"Fuck yeah, we will," Treb promised. "Now go."
 Civan didn't need to be told again. He grabbed Jade's hand
and pulled, aiming for the stairs. Xel and Treb followed, the
feel of magic in the air making them all move just a bit
quicker. But everything was already happening too fast. She
was supposed to have gotten more time. This was supposed
to be the happy ending, not a reason to flee, possibly for her
life.
"The back stairs," Xel ordered. "Treb, use the gold." Then
he looked back one last time at Jade. "You owned me from
the moment I saw you, Orchid. Ride hard."
"Be safe," she begged, but Civan wouldn't let her stop.
He definitely wouldn't let her turn back. Her last glimpse
of Xel and Treb was with golden weapons in their hands and
determination on their faces. The men shared a look, both of
them nodded, and then they stepped onto their set of stairs
like warriors heading to battle. She just prayed they'd find a
way to walk away from this fight. If only there were gods left
to help.
Instead, there were nothing but mages. Petty, jealous,
power-hungry mages, addicted to the power of emotions. As
they raced through the back corridors of the massive temple,
she swore she would never be like that. She was the Orchid, a
mage of compassion. A good emotion. A good reason to use
it, and Xel had already proven to her that there were good
people still left in the world.
"They'll be fine," Civan promised. "We've faced much
worse than a powerless mage whose catalyst was just
wounded. They're just buying us time, so run!"
She ran. Just as they reached the side of the temple, she
felt it. Jade staggered, sucking in a breath as she tried to
identify what had just happened, because it hit as hard as a
punch in the gut. Her first thought was that something had
happened to Xel, but then it grew. And grew.
And grew.
 "Move!" Civan ordered, pulling her along. "I don't care
what they're doing. I will keep you safe, Orchid."
"I don't know how to ride!" she admitted as they hurried
across the space between the temple and the warehouse that
had been converted into their barracks.
"You will." Then he shoved open the door, pushing her
through first. "I need two horses, desert clothing, and
enough supplies to reach the next town! This is an order
from the Jackal."
Men began moving to obey. A few glanced at her, making
her aware that she still wore the collar of jewels on her
throat, and she had no idea how to remove them. She also
didn't care. That was the first gift Xel had ever given her. It
was what had started all of this.
The next few minutes were a blur. Somehow, she ended
up astride a black horse. A rope from its head was hooked to
the back of Civan's, meaning all she had to do was hold
tightly to the saddle, struggling to keep a leg on either side.
What they didn't do was run. The horses walked, sometimes
they bounced at a slightly faster pace, but they kept it slow
until they were outside Kurkevy and heading straight out
into the sands of the desert - and no one followed.
"Where are we going?" Jade asked.
Civan looked over at her. "The last place the Spider will
ever look. The first place Xel will." He tugged her horse up
beside his. "The men put desert clothes in our supplies, and
you'll want those before the sun comes up. I'm sorry, but
we're about to head straight into the heart of all this sand."
"Not my first time," she promised. Then, "Civan? He
didn't try to block me. He begged me to bind him."
His reply was soft, still carrying easily in the night air. "I
saw."
"I trust him."
 The horses walked on for a few more paces before he
found the words to reply. "We shouldn't. By the gods, all I've
ever seen are mages trying to kill each other for emotions
the rest of us feel so easily."
And he was right. She'd seen the same thing, over and
over. Before the Jackal, she'd been terrified of mages, even
hated them. Now? She was one. Didn't that change all the
rules? Could it?
"You remember when I stumbled at the door?" she asked,
waiting for him to nod before continuing. "He opened his
reserves. All of them. Every city he's added into his web has
been storing power, but locked away because he refused to
share with the Spider."
"Shit, that's a lot of power," Civan breathed.
She nodded. "He shared it with me."
He reined his horse to a stop and turned to face her.
"What?"
She swallowed before she could answer. "He said he
wanted to give me everything. Everything, and that's a lot of
power. I don't care if it pisses you off - I trust them, and I
will not try to pretend that I don't. I won't fight for any of
the reasons all those other mages do."
He pulled in a deep breath. "I trust them too. I've been
fighting it, and failing. There's just one problem."
"What's that?" she asked.
"You're made to trust, Jade. You and I? We need them.
You're compassion made tangible, and the more power you
hold, the stronger it will leak out. Just like his lust. It's
asking for you to be used by every single person we come
across."
She grunted, knowing very well that he had a point, but
refusing to agree. "I've seen enough to know the difference."
"So you say." He turned their horses and got them both
moving again. "You've learned to be hard, but that isn't the
same as knowing what you feel."
"I know what I feel," she promised. "Don't you?"
"I think some things are a lot easier to recognize when
we're not in the middle of them." He glanced back. "Like
how it's easier to recognize love when you're running away
from it."
She looked over in shock. "You love them?"
"No," he assured her. "Not yet, but you do. You'll realize
it soon enough. Probably right about the time you see them
again."
Which meant her catalyst was right. She needed Xel and
Treb, and not just to keep her safe. The next few weeks were
going to feel like an eternity.
 EPILOGUE

I n the middle of the desert, built around the spring of an

oasis, was a town. According to Civan, it was a haven of
sorts. It also had a reputation. Desert pirates, thieves, and
criminals all knew it. The merchants knew to avoid it, which
was how Jade's catalyst had learned of its existence.
This was the refuge of the unwanted. It was where stolen
goods were cleaned and sorted before moving to their next
destination. And for all of those criminals working in the
sands of the desert, it was a place of rest and relaxation.
Mostly, however, the hidden town was filled with whores.
Many were women who'd grown a little too old to make their
living elsewhere. Some had come to hide away from prying
eyes as their bellies grew swollen with an unknown man's
child. Then there were the soldiers who'd run from their
posts, retired, or simply given up. As the pair rode into town,
she saw plenty of those, all with skin in the same burnished
shade she'd come to realize was from Adevia.
They, however, couldn't see her. Gone were the elegant
dresses and scandalous fabrics she'd worn in the Jackal's
temple. Before the sun rose on their first day in the desert,
Civan had made Jade put on a pair of oversized pants and a
loose caftan over a matching shirt. Her head and hair were
wrapped with a long scarf that served as both a turban and
protection for her face from blowing sand. All of it was black,
and yet it wasn't as hot as she would have expected. Coming
from the Jackal's army, she was willing to bet it was magic.
But the desert attire didn't only protect her from the sun
and sand. It also hid that she was a woman. The loose-fitting
material draped just enough to hide all of her curves. Civan
wore the same thing, turning them into a matched set. With
nothing but their eyes and hands visible, the only way to tell
them apart was the color of their skin. Hers was black, his
white. Then there were the swords. Her catalyst wore both
because she didn't need them.
After all, she was a mage.
He'd promised to take her to the last place the Spider
would look, but the first one the Jackal would check. This
was definitely it. Even the name of the city was appropriate,
meaning lust in the native dialect. And there was one
building where she had a feeling they could get a room
without too many questions. Jade turned her horse toward
the brothel.
They had nothing to steal but the animals themselves, so
they left their mounts standing at the edge of the street with
a rein wrapped around the post intended for customers.
Without a word, the pair headed inside, their eyes longing
for the relief of darkness.
Unfortunately, this wasn't the kind of place Jade was used
to working. The moment she stepped through the door, she
was sure of that. Out here, there were no governments to
pass laws prohibiting abuse. There were no wealthy madams
ready to throw clients out. There were only women willing to
sell themselves to survive, and men who'd take advantage of
that.
And her.
"You stupid bitch!" a man yelled before the door had even
closed behind them.
 The noise of a chair scraping against a packed-dirt floor
betrayed his location. Jade's head snapped over, but Civan
didn't hesitate. To a soldier, it sounded like a threat, and he
put his body before hers. That put him close enough that
when the man lifted his arm to swing at the girl cowering
before him, the catalyst couldn't help himself. He grabbed
the bastard's wrist.
"A real man doesn't hit women," Civan said, the words
clearly a warning.
But the local turned and shoved, pushing him back. "Not
your business, stranger. Buy your own whore."
Jade felt the magic pouring off of her partner a split
second before he surged back in. "The rules have just
changed," Civan warned pushing right up into his face.
"Abusing women is no longer allowed in this town."
"Yeah? And who's gonna stop me? You and your silent
buddy over there?"
Jade pulled in a breath, drinking in the power of
compassion and slammed her hand down on the table. A
wave of magic burst forth, sending a burst of red through the
room, making everyone stop.
Behind the bar, a glass shattered when it hit the floor.
There was no doubt in anyone's mind that it was magic.
Even this far out, they'd heard of the mage wars. Everyone
had, and the Sultan of Adevia had no interest in slowing his
expansion. Lucky for them, she'd gotten here first.
"The next man to harm a whore will answer to me," she
warned. "I came here for a room. I'll gladly take the town,
and I dare any of you to stand against me."
The woman who'd been the target of the man's anger
shifted around him, easing herself to a position where she
could see Jade. "We don't usually lease rooms. They've
been..." She swallowed. "Used, ma'am."
"Lady," Civan corrected automatically.
 Jade reached over, pressing her hand to her catalyst's
shoulder. It was a silent plea for him to relax. "Which is as it
should be. I expect whores to fuck, men to pay," she glanced
over at the bastard who'd raised his arm, "and abuse costs
extra. A lot extra. Two testicles, to be exact. You won't be
warned again."
"Who are you?" the guy breathed, taking a step back.
She pulled the cloth away from her face and smiled, but it
was the same cruel, powerful look the Jackal had worn so
often.
"I am the Dark Orchid, and this town is now mine."
 BOOKS BY AURYN HADLEY

Adding Ink (Romance):

One More Day

Gamer Girls (Contemporary Romance):

Flawed
Challenge Accepted
Virtual Reality
Fragged (In Progress)

Rise of the Iliri (Science Fantasy):

BloodLust
Instinctual
Defiance
Inseparable
Tenacity
Resilience
Dissent
Upheaval

The Dark Orchid (Fantasy Reverse Harem Romance):

Power of Lies
Magic of Lust (In Progress)
Spell of Love (In Progress)

The Demons' Muse (Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance):

The Kiss of Death
For Love of Evil

The Wolf of Oberhame (Fantasy):

 When We Were Kings
When We Were Dancing
When We Were Crowned
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Auryn Hadley is happily married with three canine children and a herd of feral
cats that her husband keeps feeding. Between her love for animals, video games,
and a good book, she has enough ideas to spend the rest of her life trying to get
them out. They all live in Texas, land of the blistering sun, where she spends her
days feeding her addictions – including drinking way too much coffee.

For a complete list of books by Auryn Hadley, visit my Amazon Author Page, or
check out my website: aurynhadley.com

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