In the beginning, it had just been the three of us. Then came Maggie, our baby calico gargoyle I'd saved from a demon's lunch box. After Maggie came to stay, it was obvious we needed a nanny and housekeeper, so we'd taken in Iris-a Finnish house sprite (or Talon-haltija as her proper t.i.tle was) who was also a whop-a.s.s kind of woman. She had a lot of secrets, but we'd ferreted out a few, like the fact that she was a pledged Priestess of Undutar, the Finnish G.o.ddess of mists and snow. What Iris was doing here, working with us, we still weren't sure, but we knew she was heart-and-soul loyal.

And then the men had come. My ex, Trillian, showed up and once again reentered my life. A Svartan, he was currently missing, but we were due to go home to Otherworld in a few days and bring him back. And then Morio and Smoky had interrupted my life. Rozurial, an incubus, lived with us, too, and Vanzir, a turncoat demon who had defected to our side.

There were others who came and went-Menolly's girlfriend Nerissa and Delilah's other suitor-Zachary-were both werepumas from the Rainier Puma Pride. And our cousin Shamas lived with Roz and Vanzir out in the shed that had become a studio.

Yes, our family had increased multifold. And even though it meant we'd lost some privacy, I liked the feeling of security it provided.

The house was silent when we pushed through the door. Iris had left a note on the bulletin board saying she and her leprechaun boyfriend were in bed, and Maggie was sleeping, and would we please avoid disturbing any of them. Rozurial and Vanzir were either out or in the studio.

Morio and I checked the wards to make sure everything was secure, then trudged up the stairs. The only thing I wanted was a hot bath, but both Morio and Smoky had other ideas.

Either Morio had let Smoky know how I was feeling, or the tall drink of glacial water had tuned into my mood, but the six-foot-four dragon was waiting by the bathroom door, his ankle-length silver hair unbound and coiling around him like snakes on a medusa. Without a word, Morio pushed me toward Smoky, who whispered something I couldn't catch. In silence, two thick strands of his hair rose up to wrap themselves around my wrists and gently but firmly spread my arms wide.

I caught my breath as another strand of hair slithered behind me, taking hold of the zipper on the back of my gown and slowly lowering it. As the tendrils of hair slid the dress down my shoulders, over my arms, and to the floor, I stood breathless, naked except for my bra, panties, and stiletto ankle boots and I realized I was at the point where I wanted Smoky and Morio to take over. I didn't want to do anything except let them play me as they would.

Morio unhooked my bra. My b.r.e.a.s.t.s jiggled free. Too tired to move, I closed my eyes as his hands slid around from behind to brush my nipples, his long black nails raking over the skin. He was leaving faint marks, but the burn brought me back to life, reminded me that I was still here, still in my body.

He slid his hands down my sides, curving along my waist, over my hips, setting off minor explosions all along the way until he hooked his fingers around the waistband of my panties, and just as slowly, lowered them to the floor, taking hold of my ankles to lift my feet one at a time. Tossing the flimsy silk to the side, he untied my boots and eased them off. I moaned gently as he worked his way back up the inside of my legs, over my calves, running his hands along my inner thighs, his touch exquisite and firm. I started to spread my legs but Morio stopped and gave a soft laugh.

"Not yet," he whispered. "You need your bath."

Smoky stepped forward and swept me up in his arms as Morio slipped into the bathroom. I leaned my head against my dragon's chest, inhaling the familiar scent of his musk as I slowly began to unwind.

The bathroom was dimly lit, violet candles lining the vanity. The oversized tub was filled with bubbles that smelled like lilac and lavender and narcissus.

Smoky nodded to Morio. "Go and take your shower. We'll meet you in the bedroom. I'll bathe her."

He lowered me into the water and I leaned back against the warm porcelain, drawing a deep breath of the fragrant steam and letting it settle in my lungs. Morio silently withdrew as Smoky knelt beside the tub. He picked up the bath sponge and dipped it in the bubbles, softly circling my b.r.e.a.s.t.s with the warm soapy water, pressing against my nipples, trailing the loofah down the center of my chest. My breath quickened as he moved the sponge to bathe my arms, then pulled me forward to gently scrub my back.

When I started to speak, he brushed my lips with his finger. "Quiet."

Smoky was the only man alive who could make me obey with a single command. Whether it was because he was a dragon, I didn't know. But when he spoke, I listened. Though I put on a show of arguing with him in public, when we were alone or with Morio, I welcomed the chance to let go, to surrender control, to let someone else make the decisions.

I'd always been dominant, the rock of the family, the anchor for my sisters. And they needed me to be that way still. But with Smoky and Morio, in the seclusion of our bedroom, I could let them take over, trust that they'd protect me and help me forget about demons and battle and blood.

He lifted a snifter of cognac to my lips. I took a few sips and smiled as the liqueur burned a trail down my throat, leaving the taste of honey and wine in its wake. Before I realized what was happening, the cognac was followed by Smoky's tongue as he leaned over the tub and pressed his mouth against mine. I opened my mouth to him as he gathered me to his chest, ignoring the fact that the water and bubbles were soaking his T-shirt and splashing on his white jeans. He gently probed my mouth, his tongue darting quickly between my lips as a strand of his hair rose up to curl around one of my nipples.

Dizzy, I leaned back and he reached for a towel. As I moved to get out of the tub he stopped me and lifted me up, pressing me against him as he wrapped me in the huge bath sheet, then carried me into our bedroom. Morio was waiting, lounging on the bed in a loose black and white silk robe.

As Morio dimmed the lights and pulled down the covers on the king-sized bed, Smoky lowered me into the soft folds of the comforter. He stepped back to pull off his shirt and unbuckle his belt.

I watched, breathless. He slipped out of the b.u.t.t-hugging jeans and stood there, elegant and muscled, his body a mirror of perfection, his c.o.c.k hard and erect. Morio laughed with an ever so slight rough edge, and slowly pulled off his robe. He was naked beneath it. His complexion was golden compared to Smoky's alabaster, and he wasn't nearly as tall, but he was fit and no less endowed. I gazed at them. Morio was right-I needed them tonight. I needed s.e.x. I needed to unwind and let go of the tension.

I rose up on my knees, my heart thudding. If only Trillian were here, my circle would be complete, the loves of my life would all fit in their proper niches. But until then . . . a sudden streak of hot l.u.s.t raced through my body and I tossed my hair back and laughed.

"Come and get me, boys."

"As you will, my love," Smoky said, pouncing on the bed next to me. He pushed me back so I was lying to his right.

Morio stretched out on my other side, propping himself up on his elbow, as he leaned down to lick one of my nipples. Smoky ran his fingers down my thigh and slid his hand between my legs, coaxing his way up toward my inner lips as I let out a small gasp. My body burned under their hands, sparks raging like a bonfire lighting up at the touch of a match.

Morio fastened his lips on my breast, nipping me with his teeth. The pain bordered on pleasure. I reached for his head, but two silken strands of Smoky's hair caught my wrists, pinning them above my head.

"Give us your control. Give yourself up to us," Smoky whispered.

I closed my eyes, then opened them again, wanting to see their faces, wanting to see them bearing down on me. Smoky's eyes sparkled as he slid his fingers inside me and thrust deep. Full and yet not full, aching for more, I let out a sharp cry.

"I want you inside me. Or Morio. Or both. It's all good." My p.u.s.s.y throbbed, aching to be used. "Take me, please."

"She's ripe," Smoky said, glancing at Morio.

"She's hungry," Morio shot back. "Shall we give her what she wants?"

"I think so, but not too too quickly." quickly."

I groaned as they joked together, ignoring my moans as they held me down. "Oh for the sake of the G.o.ds, just f.u.c.k me, boys."

Smoky's smile vanished and he leaned down to stare at my face. "On our our terms, in terms, in our our time. You time. You will will be silent, my pet, or I'll have to punish you." be silent, my pet, or I'll have to punish you."

I shut up. Smoky's punishments usually didn't hurt, though he had a thing for spanking and I allowed it because he put up with so much from me. But I knew from experience that he could string out s.e.x to last all night, and he knew how to keep me from coming till he was ready. Oh, at times it was glorious-a f.u.c.kfest that was divine agony. But right now I wanted release. I wanted to leap over the abyss and go barreling toward the bottom of the ravine.

Morio laughed aloud as Smoky leaned back against the headboards and bent his knees. He encircled my waist, pulling me against him, my back against his chest and groin. He was hard and demanding, and his c.o.c.k slid between the folds of my a.s.s, testing ever so gently against me. I tensed, but for now he was just making certain I knew he was there.

Morio knelt in front of me, spreading my legs wide. He leaned between my thighs, searching for my core with his tongue. Sucking, biting, and then darting away, he teased me before settling in to fasten his lips on my c.l.i.t.

The smoldering embers burst into flame and I let out a sharp cry.

Smoky's hair stroked my body, squeezing my b.r.e.a.s.t.s together as the dragon held me fast. I thrashed, trying to move, wanting to hold Morio's head as he tongue-bathed me, but Smoky's grip was so strong that I was helpless. Frustrated, I panted raggedly.

"Give it up," he whispered in my ear. "Give in to us. Let us take you down and bathe you in fire."

Tears forming in my eyes, I let out a harsh moan as Morio slid his tongue inside me, darting quickly in and out, curling around the edges of my p.u.s.s.y to set off a trail of fireworks in his wake.

He rose up, then, to stare in my eyes. Feral, primal, the energy rose around him like a silken green veil. Smoky's own aura flamed silver and when the two met they coiled like mating serpents, shrouding me in a cloak of pa.s.sion that reached far beyond the human part of myself.

Each time this moment occurred, I wondered if I'd be able to come back, if I could return from the realm into which these men who were not men dragged me. We were bound, on a soul level, and s.e.x had become so much more than just s.e.x. We were soul mates as well as lovers, connected forever by an ancient ritual.

My thoughts went silent again as Smoky trailed a circlet of kisses around the back of my neck. Morio pressed his lips against mine and I tasted myself on him-and yet, it was sweet honey and wine that touched my tongue.

Lifting me gently, Smoky flipped me over so I was on my hands and knees, facing the side of the bed. He slid his fingers inside me, drawing out my juices to bathe his c.o.c.k, then positioned himself at the center of my a.s.s. Gently, he tested, but I was ready and he slowly began to thrust forward, taking his time to penetrate, letting me rest between each fraction of an inch. I was tight, but he moved slowly and a sweet sensation began to rise through my body. As I squirmed, then gave in, he began to gently pump from behind.

His lip curled in a delicious smirk. Morio stood at the edge of the bed, his c.o.c.k poised at my mouth. "Taste me," he said, his voice l.u.s.ty. Smoky's thrusts making me hunger for more, I welcomed Morio in as he slid his girth between my lips, filling my mouth with his warm and salty taste.

Morio grasped my hair with one hand, his fingers tangled so tightly that my scalp ached, but the pain blended with the pleasure and I wanted more. I wanted both of them, inside of me, together. Now Now.

And then Morio was f.u.c.king my mouth, plunging just deep enough so that I didn't choke. I sucked hard, licking and teasing him as my own energy rose like a violet shadow to spiral up between the two men.

"That's it. Harder!" Morio's eyes shimmered with topaz flecks and I could see his form shift, mutating ever so slightly. I knew that he wanted to change, but there was no room on the bed for him in demon form, not with Smoky in bed, too, and so he abruptly withdrew from my mouth and slid beneath me, between my legs.

With one swift thrust, he drove himself up and into me, his chest pressing hard against my b.r.e.a.s.t.s as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pumped from below. The fire raged like a string of explosions up and down my body as Smoky and Morio began to synchronize rhythms. They filled me up, every inch of me, and the smell of their musk swept around me like the Goat G.o.d's perfume. Everything felt so right, so perfectly balanced, and I found myself rocking on the edge, the o.r.g.a.s.m building, knotting my stomach.

I raised my head, panting raggedly as Morio raked his nails-now sharp-across my thigh, and I knew he'd left welts across my skin but the pain enhanced the pleasure and I groaned loudly, willing myself to come, to soar, to fly. As he drove harder into me, his expression lost all sense of humanity as his vulpine nature emerged and pa.s.sion raged across his face.

"My demon," I whispered, tears sliding down my face from the intensity.

"Don't forget me," Smoky whispered behind me.

"How could I, my dragon lord? Tear me down, make me whole again."

And then, Smoky let out a groan as he, too, started to come. His ecstasy merged with my own, our pa.s.sion reacting like a creature, sentient and vibrating. It exploded in a brilliant blast of light as we shared one incredible, shattering o.r.g.a.s.m. With one last cry, I tumbled over the edge, sobbing uncontrollably, dragging both of them into that dark void where we had been bound together forever, three souls into one, connected on all levels, for all time.

We were up with the sun-figuratively speaking since the day was overcast and gray, like most Seattle days. I grabbed a quick shower while the boys dressed, Morio in black jeans and a green tank, Smoky in his usual white jeans and pale gray tee. As I toweled off and glanced out the window, the gra.s.s sparkled with dew and a light mist traveled along the ground. I hunted through my closet and found a burgundy velvet bustier and a spidersilk calf-length black skirt. Spidersilk was warmer than any Earthside weave and with a light capelet thrown over my shoulders, I'd be plenty warm.

We clattered down the stairs and into the kitchen. Delilah and Iris looked up from the table. Iris was reading the newspaper and Delilah was making notes on a steno pad. Menolly was, of course, asleep in her lair. A stack of pancakes sat on a plate, along with bacon and a bowl of mixed berries.

I headed over to the cupboard to grab three plates and stopped by Maggie's playpen. She was sitting next to it, beating on one of the big stainless steel pots with a wooden spoon. As she looked up and laughed, her sharp little teeth gleamed. Her wings had grown about an inch over the past month and she wasn't having such a hard time walking now, but she still tumbled over if the slightest thing threw her off balance. As she saw me, she dropped the spoon, unsteadily pushing to her feet.

"Camey! Camey!" She toddled toward me, arms out, eyes bright. I swept her up and nuzzled my face in her soft fur. A woodland gargoyle, she would age slower than we would. She had years of babyhood ahead of her still.

"Hey, pumpkin," I whispered. "How's my girl? How's Maggie today?"

"'Kay," she lisped, then looking over my shoulder, she said, "Moky! Orio!"

Smoky plucked her out of my arms and gave her a soft noogie on the head while Morio chucked her under the chin. They handed her to Delilah as we sat down at the table. I managed to snag a few pancakes and some bacon before the guys emptied the plates.

"Where are the demon twins this morning?" I asked, looking around for Rozurial and Vanzir. Iris had given them the nickname and it stuck. They hated it, but we teased them with it every chance we got.

"Out. They're talking to Carter," Iris said. "He's been trying to pinpoint any sightings of Stacia for us."

I stopped in mid-bite. The last thing I wanted to think about was the demon general sent to replace Karvanak. We'd had enough trouble getting rid of him him. And Stacia-also known as the Bonecrusher-was somebody I really didn't want to tangle with. We had to at some point but I was dreading the day.

Morio placed his hand on my shoulder as Smoky handed me the jug of maple syrup. "Eat," the dragon said. "You need your strength."

I glanced up at him, his silver hair tendriling around him like a cloud of smoke. "Yeah, I know," I said with a smile I didn't really feel. "Henry's watching the store today. After breakfast Morio and I'd better head over to Harold's place and clear out the goshanti devil. Smoky, Delilah, want to come with?"

Smoky shook his head. "If you need me, I'll be there, of course, but I have some pressing business," he said, looking a little distant. In fact, now that I thought about it, he'd been relatively quiet ever since we'd woken up.

"We can take care of it without you." Morio glanced at the calendar. "The full moon is only a day or so away. We need to take care of this before then or the goshanti will use the power of it to lure more women into her trap. The devils can do that."

"Not only that, but I'll be useless when the Moon Mother rides high." Every full moon both Delilah and I were off and running-she in her tabby form, and I, with the Moon Mother's Hunt. The morning after wasn't pretty for either of us. I glanced over at Delilah. "What about you?"

She looked up from her notes. "Sure thing. I haven't got any appointments this morning. Say, remember that tomorrow's the primary."

"Will we know if Nerissa wins her council seat?"

"Nope, not till November," she said.

"That's right." I nodded. "It's not like we can vote. But for Menolly's sake-and the Supe Community Council's-I hope she wins by a landslide."

Nerissa was Menolly's girlfriend. As in lover. She was also one of the Rainier Puma Pride members. And Nerissa was running for city council, fully out of the closet as both a Were and bis.e.xual.

"If she takes the election it could mean great strides for the Earthside Supes toward being accepted by the general populace." Iris placed Maggie in her playpen for a nap and handed her a stuffed penguin. Maggie cuddled it and curled up under her blanket. Iris began to clear the table and load the dishwasher.

"Yeah, but you know that the Freedoms Angels and their Earthborn Brethren are going to stage a protest outside the polling places-" I stopped as the doorbell rang. "I'll get it."

I peeked out the door. Oh, h.e.l.l. Morgaine, the Queen of Shadow and Dusk, was standing outside the door. She was the last person I felt like seeing. Person Person was a misnomer, actually. Morgaine was one of the three Earthside Fae Queens and she was bad news. She was also one of our long-lost ancestors-half-Fae, half-human like ourselves. was a misnomer, actually. Morgaine was one of the three Earthside Fae Queens and she was bad news. She was also one of our long-lost ancestors-half-Fae, half-human like ourselves.

Long story short: I'd been responsible for helping the Earthside Courts of Fae rise again and while it had been part of my destiny, I wasn't so sure it had been a good thing. But what was done was done. Instead of just the Seelie and Unseelie courts, there were now three-the Court of the Three Queens.

I opened the door and knelt into a deep curtsy. "Your Majesty, you honor us with-"

"Cut the c.r.a.p, Camille, and let me in." She pushed past me and sniffed the air. "Dallying in the kitchen as usual, I suspect?" Without being invited, she swept down the hall and into the kitchen. I heard Iris let out a quick retort before she caught herself and shut up.

As I hurried in behind Morgaine, I saw that Smoky was glaring at her. That he didn't like the Fae Queen was an understatement. Morio stood tense and on guard. Delilah had dropped into an awkward curtsy, and Iris was looking put out, as if her territory had been invaded. And it had, when I thought about it. The kitchen now belonged to Iris.

"I see you're all so happy happy I've dropped by. Don't put yourselves out. I'll get right to the point," the pet.i.te sorceress said, ignoring everyone except Delilah and me. "You two-and that vampire sister of yours-need to think long and hard about the wisdom of refusing to join my court. We need you, and you're going to need us. The lines are being drawn between the Earthside Fae and the Otherworld Fae and you'd better choose your side before it's too late." I've dropped by. Don't put yourselves out. I'll get right to the point," the pet.i.te sorceress said, ignoring everyone except Delilah and me. "You two-and that vampire sister of yours-need to think long and hard about the wisdom of refusing to join my court. We need you, and you're going to need us. The lines are being drawn between the Earthside Fae and the Otherworld Fae and you'd better choose your side before it's too late."

"Say what? Are you threatening us? And what the h.e.l.l do you mean-lines being drawn? I haven't heard anything about trouble between the factions." I stared her down.

At first, I'd been starstruck when I met her. Now, I was over her. She was no longer the brilliant light I'd thought, but a shadowy troublemaker who kept trying to coerce us to defect from the OIA, along with our Otherworld heritage. All in order to join her court. Of course, we kept refusing and so she was thoroughly p.i.s.sed at us.

"Threatening? Of course not. Why would I threaten threaten my kin?" But her face was clouded, and she looked ready to smack me a good one. I held her gaze, not backing down. We were similar in looks-violet eyes, raven hair, but I was taller and my Fae heritage was closer to the surface than hers. On the other hand, she had eons of magic under her belt and the cloak of a queen on her shoulders. my kin?" But her face was clouded, and she looked ready to smack me a good one. I held her gaze, not backing down. We were similar in looks-violet eyes, raven hair, but I was taller and my Fae heritage was closer to the surface than hers. On the other hand, she had eons of magic under her belt and the cloak of a queen on her shoulders.

"We'll consider your advice." I folded my arms across my chest. "Anything else?"

"Better not be or I'll fry you for breakfast," Smoky said casually, tipping his chair back so that he was balanced against the wall. "No one threatens my wife and gets away alive." He gazed at Morgaine, an impa.s.sive look on his face.

She narrowed her eyes and though she didn't look his way, I saw a hint of fear creep across her face. So she was afraid of dragons. Well, she'd better be. Smoky could take her down with one nasty swipe of his claws, and he had his own forms of magic to guard against hers. If it came to a showdown, my money was on Dragon Dude.

Morgaine apparently decided it was not a good day to die. She turned back to me without saying a word to him. "Let me know what you decide, but make it quick. There are currents brewing and I wouldn't want to be caught walking between two worlds when they spill over."

"Consider us warned." I gently motioned to the door.

Morgaine let out a low hiss. "Stupid girls. Stupid, stupid girls Stupid, stupid girls. You think just because you're f.u.c.king dragons and cavorting with demons that you're safe? You think that having the blessing of that ancient husk of an Elfin Queen is going to offer you shelter? Think again, girls. You're playing on the wrong side and when the fire comes bearing down, you're going to get your fingers burned." And with that, she swept past me and stormed out the door, slamming it behind her.

I looked back at the others. Smoky was examining his nails. Morio was finishing up his breakfast. Iris was washing the counter. Only Delilah looked at me, and her expression-a mixture of worry and irritation-mirrored my own.

"So much for that," I finally said. "Okay, let's go bag ourselves a goshanti devil." But inside, I was mulling over the thought that our own kin were proving to be more problematic than the demon menace.

At least there were some things we could still control, I thought as I grabbed my capelet and headed for the car. Give me a fight with a simple demon or devil any day, over the whims of a p.i.s.sed off Fae Queen.

CHAPTER 4.