Noble Desire

Nature's Nobles 1

Noble Desire They call themselves Nobles, a new legion created decades ago at the hands of nature, which bestowed upon them unique abilities. Reese Matthews, the strongest Noble of her generation, was born with the power to kill, a perfect weapon the government intends to possess. In order to capture Reese, they hire one of her own kind to hunt her down. This Rogue will go to any lengths to obtain his target, not because he was commanded by the Fray, but for personal reasons. Her only salvation comes in the package of an ex–federal agent named Jagger Malone and fellow Noble Theo McKay. Jagger and Theo set out to convince Reese of their love while trying to protect her from their enemies. But how can Reese protect them from her powers when any emotion can set off lethal waves of energy…even desire? Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal Length: 37,190 words

NOBLE DESIRE Nature’s Nobles 1

Peyton Elizabeth

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

NOBLE DESIRE Copyright © 2012 by Peyton Elizabeth E-book ISBN: 978-1-61926-663-6 First E-book Publication: June 2012 Cover design by Les Byerley All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Noble Desire by Peyton Elizabeth from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Peyton Elizabeth’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Elizabeth’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION To my family–I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support. I love you.

NOBLE DESIRE Nature’s Nobles 1 PEYTON ELIZABETH Copyright © 2012

Prologue No one could really know the force of nature, could they? Decades ago, in a small farming community on the outskirts of Montana, a meteor crashed into a field, causing mayhem and destruction among the people. Days upon days of smolder and dust rose from the crater and circulated its way through town. The soiled air seeped into the townsfolk’s skin and descended into their lungs with each mouthful they inhaled. Foreign particles traveled through mazes of tissues, merging with cells inside their blood, uniting in a way that would change creation among descendants of this small population—change that ignited fear throughout the world. Each generation became stronger in their newfound powers. From simply being able to see the future or read people’s thoughts, to more complicated abilities such as mind control, these mutated chromosomes shifted the makeup of a new legion and beyond. Opinions of these altered humans varied. The unaffected who feared the transformation quickly united to see these aberrations wiped from existence. Others embraced the deviation, claiming a new revolution was taking place in order to extend human life and help those in need. A civil war started between the divided sides, causing

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the afflicted ones to go into hiding or blend into society to hide their true nature. They called themselves the Nobles.

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Chapter One They were here. Reese slowly let the curtain fall into place, shielding her presence inside the window. Dusk was falling outside the cabin, but not enough to camouflage their dark shadows darting through the thickness of the forest or stop the glints of moonlight reflecting off their weapons. One, two, three, four… She meticulously counted the men as they grew in numbers and scoffed at the final count. Only twelve? What did they hope to accomplish besides their deaths? These amateur hunters might not know of her power, but Jagger certainly did. And she was positive Jagger was responsible for them being here, just as he would be responsible for their deaths if they tried to take her with them. Turning from the window and knowing a confrontation with Jagger or his men was unavoidable, Reese used the time to pull her long dark hair together at the base of her neck and manipulated a black band to secure it in place. Leaning down to secure the zippers on her black boots, Reese caught sight of herself in the mirror across the room and paused. Tilting her head, she stared at her reflection. Reese knew others saw her as a stunning, tall brunette with a slender build and an exotic face, but all Reese saw was a woman with the ability to kill. She was a Noble, made by a freak accident of Mother Nature, and the atypical that humans feared and despised. She shook her head at the label her ancestors had given themselves, thinking they would use their powers in an honorable way. How moral were they when society turned on them? When society no longer looked upon them as humans? They certainly

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weren’t honorable now in their fight to live, were they? Everyone, including the unaffected, did what they had to do to survive. Little had they known their powers would be a death sentence, not only for themselves, but also for any self-sacrificing human who sought to help the Nobles. Yes, there were sympathizers out there who supported them in their right to be free and even put their lives on the line when need be. Even the government publicly stated the Nobles were to be left alone unless they used their abilities to harm or kill, in which case, they would be treated like any other criminal. But everyone knew different, that the government wanted them captured or exterminated. Which brought Reese back to the present, where again, she was placed in a situation where she would do what she had to do to live. For a split second, Reese’s mind took her back to that almost fatal night in Jagger’s arms, and just as quickly, she tried to block it. Him above her, looking down in a satisfied, sensual half smile right before his face contorted in sheer agony as his body fought against the damage she was inflicting upon him. The lamp on the side table of the couch wobbled and then slowly steadied as she contained her reaction. There could be no emotion tonight. Giving a quick shake of her head to try to dispel the memory, Reese dropped her eyes from the mirror and finished securing the zippers on her boots while the lamp stopped trembling. Standing tall, Reese closed her eyes and blocked out all thoughts and restricted the energy she was emitting. Taking a deep breath, she whispered, “No emotions, Reese.” A knock at the door made her breath catch, as she realized she would set her eyes on Jagger for the first time in a year. Did he hate her? She wouldn’t blame him if he did. She hated herself. Reese closed the short distance to the door and finally, sucking in some much-needed air, opened the door to the one man who made her yearn for something she could never have. Jagger Malone.

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**** “We go in five minutes. Have the men ready,” Cane ordered, walking toward his Jeep and coming up short when he noticed one of the men blocking his way and gripping the butt of his rifle, making his knuckles strain from the pressure. What was his name again? Ah, yes. “You have a problem with me, Rafuse?” “No, sir,” John Rafuse replied, giving his superior a tight smile while lying through his teeth. Cane knew exactly what Rafuse was thinking. What made Cane Latcher, the best Tracker in the Noble species, think they could capture and contain Reese Matthews, also known as the Deity? She was, by far, the most advanced Noble alive today. No one could match her talent, and no one could suppress it long enough to get her in their clutches. He heard that the government tried once and failed. Twenty-some people died during that operation. Just because they had over fifty men surrounding the woods where her cabin was located didn’t mean she couldn’t take them out either. Cane heard through the grapevine that once you heard the Deity’s piercing scream, the pain that radiated through your body was so unbearable, you were praying for death within seconds. Although, how would they know if no one ever survived her attacks? Cane shook his head at the lore that trailed in any Noble’s wake. He knew personally, though, what the rare Noble could do. Yes, she could emanate energy from her body in deadly waves, but every Noble had a weakness. Fortunately for him, she had two. The first, she had no control, emotion ruling her precious gift over her mind. The second, if she sent out too much energy at once, her body shut down. Rafuse, the fool that he was, was assisting Cane in his capture of the illustrious Deity because he was promised more riches than he ever dreamed. What a sucker.

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“I can smell your lie,” Cane told him, giving a derisive smile at the fear in Rafuse’s eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t kill you. After all, you think the Deity’s going to kill all of us anyway, right?” “I–I swear, sir. It’s not you I have a problem with. I just d–don’t think—” “I didn’t ask you to think,” Cane cut in. “I didn’t come here to die, Rafuse. I have too many things I need to accomplish before I pack it all in. And I didn’t spend a year tracking the Deity for your damned government only to suffer a painful death at her hands.” Cane leaned back against the dark-green Jeep, crossing his arms as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He wore his night goggles around his neck, a 9mm glock on his right hip, and a Boeing knife on his left. Appearances were everything to humans, he thought in disgust. They based their judgments solely on what they saw. Unfortunately, this tended to be superficial attributes such as hair, clothes, and shoes. He, on the other hand, judged with what he was born with. The five senses. As a Tracker, his senses were enhanced. His ability to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell were a hundred times stronger than that of a regular human. The stench that permeated from the man standing before him reeked of cowardice. He was useless in Cane’s assignment, just like the other humans working beneath him. Cane knew what this group of men assumed of him, and it was exactly as he intended. To them, Cane was lethal. Standing at six five, with black hair that hadn’t seen clippers in months, along with a fiveo’clock shadow and a scar that ran diagonally from his right temple to his lower lip, he came across as menacing. It was ironic, really. He used their preconceptions against them. “Do you have so little faith in me?” Cane questioned with a smirk, knowing this coward in front of him was quaking at the knees. “It’s not you, sir. The men, uh, they’re just not too trusting when it comes to the Deity. You heard what happened when they held her the last time. The Fray lost a lot of good men.”

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The Fray was an underground division the government created to wipe out the Nobles. They were paying him, the most infamous Tracker of their generation, to bring down one of his own. If anyone even suggested the Fray existed, the government shut down the leak within minutes. They didn’t want the sympathizers up in arms and having the situation out of control. Worse, the Nobles that weren’t killed were taken to facilities for testing. The Fray only kept those with unique talents. If their DNA could be recreated, the assumption was so could their abilities. It had yet to happen. “What’s the old adage? Don’t believe everything you hear?” Cane lied, knowing these men were most likely going to die and not giving a rat’s ass. Cane pushed off the Jeep with his boot, tired of having this conversation. “Fall in with the rest of the men. We go in three.” Giving Rafuse a dismissive glance, Cane walked around to the Jeep and opened the door to slip into the driver’s seat. Cane settled back into a comfortable position, knowing he would be safe one mile away when she annihilated his men. Cane wouldn’t be going in after her the way the initial plan called for. Not a chance, Cane thought, because he heard the helicopter from here knowing no one else could. Would she kill the men he was sending in for her? Definitely. But that was the Fray’s casualty, not his. He knew Reese would be flown out before he had a chance to go in and capture her himself. But that was fine with him. Let Jagger Malone and Theo McKay rescue the Deity. The Fray might want Reese Mathews, but he didn’t. He wanted all three of them. **** Reese couldn’t stop her eyes from drinking him in. Six feet two inches of pure masculinity stood in front of her and the physical sight of him almost made her reach out and touch him. He was dressed in dark camouflage to blend in with the darkness of the night, but it could not hide the lean, hard muscles beneath the rough material.

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Bringing her eyes to his sun-kissed face, she took in Jagger’s prominent features, high cheekbones, and short black hair with longer bangs that hung over his flawless green eyes. Feeling desire brimming to the surface, Reese slammed it down and put on an impassive air. “Jagger, to what do I owe this honor?” Reese asked mockingly, setting the stage of the argument sure to come. It was a quarrel she knew would make him leave. “Pack. You’re coming with me,” Jagger ordered, taking a step across the threshold and forcing her to take a step back in the process. “You know that won’t happen,” Reese replied, quickly turning and walking into the room, not wanting him to know that she was avoiding his touch. Jagger’s deep voice brushed over every exposed nerve in her body as she tried to keep her emotions contained. A year was a long time to go without being near a person, especially the one she desired most. “There’s no reason for me to leave.” “They know you’re here.” The statement gave Reese pause. That was so not what she expected to hear. She slowly turned around to face him and had no doubt he was telling her the truth. Jagger never lied. She, the strongest of their kind, had been found. “How much time?” “Ten minutes. You’re not going to ask who served you on a platter to our enemy?” Jagger asked, raising his right eyebrow. “Our enemy? You mean mine,” Reese replied in a flat tone. “After all, you’re human.” Jagger’s teeth grit together so hard, the muscles on either side of his jaw showed their strength, making her want to run her hands down both sides to relieve the tension. But isn’t this what she wanted? She needed to make sure the hostility remained intact so she wouldn’t do anything foolish. “Do you really want to start this conversation now?” Jagger asked, with a warning in his voice even she should heed. “We have ten minutes to get you out of here and someplace safe.”

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“Safe?” Reese asked daringly, knowing she was taking a risk in riling him. “There is no safe place. You, on the other hand, are not the one they want. So leave.” “Just like that?” “Yes, just like that. It’s not like they can reach me, is it? Unless they’ve come with enough sharpshooters and enough drugs to take me out. And even then, I’d be fine. So, I’m telling you to leave.” She didn’t even count to five before his passionate temper exploded. “You really think my ass hasn’t been on the line for the last year? That they haven’t been hunting for me? I’m the one who got you out of that facility. I’m the one who’s hid you for a year. I’m the one—” “Who what, Jagger?” Reese cut in, letting some of her pent-up anger show through. “Almost died? Go ahead, say it,” she dared him. “You were the one that almost died because I wanted to get laid!” **** Jagger stared at her for a moment without speaking, trying to rein in his anger and hold back saying something he shouldn’t. Reese stood before him like she could take on the world, her back held straight and her brown eyes darkened with anger. It was a big difference from a year ago when she was hesitant in every word or action she displayed. Reese had acquired a confidence he’d never seen her possess, and the result was beautiful. She was stunning. She was maddening. She was his. Jagger knew a year was too long to let Reese stay here by herself and wallow in blame she shouldn’t feel. They both made the decision to make love that night, and they both knew the potential outcome. He wouldn’t have changed a thing. But he needed that year to make sure she was safe from his government and figure out a way she could be around others, especially him. Unfortunately, they didn’t have time for this conversation now. He needed to relocate her before the Rogue

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agent his government hired came in with orders to capture her. But her callous attitude to what he endured this past year was more than he could take. She wasn’t the only one who suffered. Reese’s outburst only showed her guilt over that night, guilt that he didn’t want her to feel. That’s when reality set in. “You contained it,” Jagger accused her in a whisper. He looked around the room, noticing that every item was still in place. “I didn’t feel any energy from you. Nothing moved.” “Back to your question about who ratted me out, there are only two people who know where I’m at, you and Theo McKay. And since I know that neither one of you would give me up, the question is, how?” Jagger knew she was trying to redirect the conversation, but he wasn’t going to allow her to hide. “Don’t avoid this. Either you’re losing your ability or you’ve finally learned to control it. Which is it, Reese?” he demanded. “According to your calculations,” Reese said, sidestepping the question, “we don’t have time for discussions. We now have seven minutes left, so take your men and leave. If the others come after me, I’ll take care of it.” “Reese—” “I didn’t lose my ability,” Reese cut in, giving him the answer he so desperately wanted. “No one can match my power. I’m not drugged, like before, with serum to block my release. And since we know from experience that I can destroy any machine they might have, there’s no reason for you to be here. Get out.” “Energy that you just controlled,” Jagger said, with a touch of resentment in his voice. “Why didn’t—” “Don’t you dare ask me why I didn’t call you after I almost killed you,” Reese harshly responded. Jagger heard the quiver in her voice and watched as she laid her hand across her stomach. Was Reese trying to suppress her energy? “I’ve had a year of doing nothing but concentrating on my gift. My curse. A year of being by myself, alone,

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knowing what I’m capable of. Suppressing this when I’m alone is totally different than trying to maintain control when we want to—” “Don’t you dare lessen what we have,” Jagger warned, cutting off the four letter word he was sure she was about to utter. “Had, Jagger. What we had. It was over the night you almost died.” Turning and walking toward the window, Reese peeled back the curtain, leaving him staring at her back. “Take your men and leave before the Rogue agents get here. They’ll never succeed in taking me. You and I both know that. You and your men, on the other hand, aren’t safe.” Jagger wanted to make her turn and face him, so he could see every expression on her beautiful face. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that what they shared wasn’t over, but now wasn’t the time to force his hand regarding their relationship. Jagger needed to concentrate on getting Reese out of here, unharmed, which he knew was easier said than done. “I’m not willing to take that chance. They’re coming for you, which means they’re confident they can take you. I don’t know how or with what, but they are coming. Either you pack and come with me willingly or I carry you out of here now and take my chances you won’t hurt us.” **** Reese dropped the curtain and faced him, knowing by his tone that he wasn’t bluffing. But given the year she learned to control her power, she was still afraid on so many levels. What if she could only contain her energy here? What if being near people was too much? What if being near him was too much? Reese glanced around the room and knew it was probably time to leave and see if what she accomplished could be used around others, but it felt too soon. She laughed inwardly at her cowardice and knew

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it would always be too soon, at least when it came to Jagger. But she didn’t have to be around Jagger if she left this sanctuary, did she? She could start off slow somewhere. Theo could help her. He was the only one she had allowed at the cabin during her isolation. Theo could set her up in a lower-populated area so she could test her limits. Baby steps. That she could do. “Fine. I’ll go with you now. But once we’re in the clear, Theo will find me a place.” “Meaning?” “I don’t want you near me. Theo will take over from here. He’s just as capable as you are, if not more so.” Reese knew that comment would set him on edge, but it was the only way she would leave and she trusted Theo with her life. **** “Because I’m human and Theo is a Noble?” Jagger closed the distance between them and was pressing his body to hers before she had time to react. He knew he was taking a chance, but wanted so badly to see if her control was real. “Don’t forget, my beautiful Noble, I’m the one that makes your heart beat faster and your skin tingle. I’m the one you long for in the dark when you’re lying by yourself and—” “Jagger, don’t. Please,” Reese murmured. “Fine,” Jagger said, abruptly taking a step back, knowing this wasn’t the time, but satisfied he didn’t feel the waves of energy she usually produced when he was that close to her. “I’m not going to argue with you right now. We’ll discuss it when—” “We’ll discuss it now because that’s the only way I’m leaving this cabin,” Reese retorted, having regained her composure. “Let Theo take over.” Jagger glanced at his watch. Five minutes. Not wanting to waste their time on an issue that neither would budge on, he nodded his

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head in what she would perceive as a concession to do things her way and crossed to the door, opening it. “Let’s go.” Jagger didn’t expect the rounds of gunshots or screams of agony that pierced the air as they tried to leave. His men were being ambushed when they should have had more time. Throwing her back, Jagger slammed the door shut and pulled out his gun, while immediately reaching for his phone with his other hand. Accessing the person on the other end, he yelled, “You want to tell me what the hell happened? I should have had five minutes left to get her out!” **** Reese couldn’t hear the other end of the conversation, but knew it wasn’t good by the look on Jagger’s face. She walked to the other side of the room and peered outside. Sure enough, dozens of men surrounded the area waiting for the authorization to take her in while Jagger’s men lay at their feet. They wouldn’t kill her, not unless they had to. Looking for the lead Rogue, but not seeing him, she had no choice in what she had to do. Hoping that this past year had given her the control of her power that she so struggled with and had ruled her life, Reese closed her eyes and summoned the energy her body hoarded in its center. As the force curled itself in her core, Reese concentrated on growing it without releasing it too soon while simultaneously creating a bubble to protect Jagger, just as she had been practicing for months on end. Sensation tingled and zinged over every inch of her skin and the inside of her body felt as if fire was emanating from her pores, but still, she hung on to the power. She heard a whisper and knew Jagger was calling for her, but she was past the point of stopping. With a loud scream, she spread her arms wide and released the force that radiated from her core. The echo that followed gave Reese knowledge that she hit every one of

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the targets outside, and she unfortunately knew that she had also hurt Jagger’s team in the process. That is, if they were still alive from their ambush moments before. Reese reached for anything to break her fall, but Jagger was there to catch her. She couldn’t hear what he mumbled under his breath, but it really didn’t matter as Jagger guided her to the well-worn gray matted couch. Reese leaned back, struggling for air as she watched him make his way across the room. Jagger gradually opened the door, peering through the crack. Whatever he saw must have been awful, as he slowly closed it and leaned back against the heavy wood. Reese closed her eyes at the anguish she observed in his eyes and knew that more deaths were added to her sins. “How bad?” The words were rough to get out because she really didn’t want to know the answer. Ignoring her question, Jagger pulled the cell phone back up to his ear and asked, “How soon can you get the chopper in?”

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Chapter Two “Thank you, Theo.” “Anything for my favorite Noble,” Theo replied, giving her a wink but unable to hide the worry in his blue eyes. Reese gave a small smile in reassurance. Theo McKay was her one and only friend. Standing a couple inches taller than Jagger, he still held the same arrogant stance. Long, blond hair pulled back in a leather tie with a boyish charm originating from his left dimple, he had always been there for her. And having no family to call her own because the government had eradicated most of their kind and the family she did have left would have sold her to the highest bidder, Theo and Reese had created an allegiance all their own. Through good and bad, their friendship had grown until they were caught by the government and separated, given up by one of their own. These types of Nobles are called Rogues, a nickname earned when they turn against their own race to work for the government. It was amazing what money could buy. “What time should I be ready tomorrow?” Theo threw a glance at Jagger, who didn’t comment, so he answered, “I’ll call sometime in the afternoon. I’ll need the morning to make the proper arrangements.” Theo came to stand in front of her and lifted a hand to brush a stray hair back behind her ear. The feel of his finger caused a shiver, and Reese stepped back automatically, unnerved by the feeling. They were friends, and Jagger was the only one who ever caused her body to react that way. She had definitely been on her own too long, Reese thought. She was just feeling lonely and reacting to things that weren’t there.

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“I appreciate it,” Reese said, giving a small smile, not wanting to let on that his touch disturbed her. “I’ll be in the guesthouse if you need me for anything,” Theo said. The knowing look in his eyes made her uncomfortable. Reese turned, looking around at her surroundings as Jagger walked Theo toward the kitchen door of his house, pushing what had just happened to the back of her mind. Their friendship spanned over ten years, right when her ability started to develop. Nobles were born with their gifts, but they didn’t appear until puberty. Theo rescued her from a family she would never call her own. Theo was her family. When Jagger had rescued her from the Fray, Theo also aided Jagger and two other Nobles being kept there. Jagger knew of their friendship and requested Theo’s help in keeping Reese safe for the last year. Jagger had stayed away per Reese’s request but had Theo fly in once a month to stock her with supplies. Never once did she think of Theo in the way she thought of Jagger. Not wanting to think about the past right now, Reese looked around Jagger’s home. The place was more like a fortress in the wilderness than a house, she thought, with the surrounding fence and guards posted in four tower checkpoints forming a square around Jagger’s home. It was a secure compound. As much as it looked like a jail from the outside, the inside was pure Jagger. Warm and rich earth tones blanketed the room, with dark brown wooden beams outlining each room. The kitchen held cherrywood cabinets with dark brown and rust granite countertops surrounding an island centerpiece. Complementing the warm room was a fireplace encased by caramel and gray rock with two brown leather chairs on either side of a single couch to cradle a person while they sought the heat from the flames. A russet-colored rug lay under a long but stunted large leather ottoman to complete the setting. She loved the layout of a living area backdropped against the kitchen.

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Sinking into one of the chairs, Reese pulled her legs up underneath her and let the fire warm her. Using the amount of energy she had at the cabin had drained her and left her cold. Hell, it left her feeling empty. A feeling that I should be used to by now, Reese thought. Jagger finally returned from seeing Theo off with two coffee cups in hand. Handing one to her, he settled himself in the chair across from her. She felt sparks in the room that had nothing to do with the fire in front of them and tried her best to ignore him. Reese took a sip of her coffee, not wanting to be the one to break the silence. **** Jagger’s eyes ran down her slim form, looking sleek and flawless in dark jeans that covered her long legs and a black turtleneck that accentuated her impeccable round, small breasts that he knew from experience fit perfectly into his hands. Bringing his eyes to rest on her face, her velvet plush lips caught his attention and his desire for her slammed home once more with the memory of them wrapping around his cock. His dick stirred, remembering as well. Staring into Reese’s coffee-colored eyes, which held every emotion she was feeling despite her best effort not to show them, only strengthened his resolve to reclaim her. And now that he knew she could somewhat control her power, Jagger desperately needed to know if could she control it with him. “Why wasn’t I hurt?” Jagger asked quietly. Reese was able to take the energy of everything and everyone around her, draw it into her body and release it with an astronomical force that would destroy anything within a quarter-mile area. The area could encompass a farther distance, the more emotional she became. That’s why the government had targeted her. She was a perfect weapon.

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Jagger had been one of the agents overseeing her case, ordered to use her against the Nobles once the scientists were through running their tests. The government supplied drugs made to inhibit her power so they could keep her close at hand until they needed her. But the more he’d learned about her, the more Jagger hadn’t viewed her as the enemy. In fact, after the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, he’d begun to see Reese in a new light. She was beautiful, intelligent, and pure. She was empathetic to everyone, not just her kind. She craved love and compassion, but up until Jagger, had only received it from Theo. She was also loyal to a fault. But any emotion would set off her gift. The list was vast, including anger, joy, and sadness. Unfortunately, passion topped out at number one. The only answer was solitude until Reese was able to contain her reactions. Jagger knew that other Nobles worked hard to manage their gifts after puberty, but others were harder to control, such as Reese’s. It took a long time for her to place her trust in Jagger as he had been working for the Fray to try and use her. Upon realizing that would never happen and, yes, losing his heart to her in the process, he helped plan an escape. What they hadn’t banked on was how badly the Fray wanted her and the lengths they would go to find her. When they realized she wasn’t safe anywhere, Jagger used all his resources and found a piece of land close to where it had all began in Montana, knowing the government would never look there. Reese had relished her solitude. “I guess we got lucky,” Reese said, interrupting his thoughts. Reese took another sip of the hot liquid and then closed her eyes. “Lucky?” Jagger’s hand clenched as he gripped the mug to prevent himself from reaching for her and forcing her to look at him. “You aren’t the type to take chances. Which means you’re controlling your power and you didn’t tell me or Theo.”

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The silence dragged on between them. The fire crackled. The wind whistled outside the windows while snowflakes danced in the air. “How long?” he asked. Reese stood and walked to the fireplace, keeping her back to him. “A while. Practicing in the woods with animals is totally different than trying it with humans, though.” “When did you start trying?” “Soon after I arrived,” Reese answered, staring into the fire. “I wasn’t emotionally stable those first few months. Theo—” “Theo what?” “Theo pointed out that the animals were staying away from the area. He said we had to be careful not to cause any hikers or hunters to be suspicious of the area. He also told me it was time to be what others claimed me to be. The Deity of the Nobles.” “Ah, the famous and dreaded nickname.” She gave a soft laugh. “I really do hate that name.” “You were labeled that because of your ability to kill who you wanted, when you wanted. Society had to give you and the Nobles names to separate you. It’s always easier to destroy something you hold at arm’s length.” “I guess it is,” Reese consented. “Having control will only give them reinforcement to call you the Deity. You’re the most dangerous of your kind. So, what happened after Theo left that time?” “It was weeks after and I spotted a few birds. It was by happenstance that I realized I could create a type of encasement around me. If I’m not hurt when I release it, then why can’t I do the same with those around me? Theo constantly asked me that. So I made my emotions as blank as possible until all the animals returned. I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say it worked. I’ve been practicing daily.”

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“And when were you going to tell me?” he whispered roughly in her ear. She gave a startled gasp at feeling him behind her. He pressed up against her, relishing the feel of her body. It had been way too long. They stood like that for several moments. They both watched the flames move as if a wind had brushed their tips, and she gave a sad smile. “Controlling anger and sadness is one thing, Jagger. What you want me to control is something else, and we both know what happened. I won’t place you in danger that way. Don’t ask me to.” Reese slid around him without making eye contact and left the room. Jagger cursed under his breath as he watched her leave. Slamming the mug down on the coffee table, he walked over to the kitchen counter to retrieve his cell phone. Punching in the numbers, he barked, “Tell me you have something.” “It hasn’t even been an hour. Don’t you think I need a little more time than that?” “Theo, don’t mess with me right now.” Jagger rubbed his forehead to ease the tension that was building there. “You and I both know what you can accomplish in twenty minutes. How did they find her?” Theo was a Watcher. His ability to read minds by being in a place his subject had been was so fine-tuned, he likened it to watching a million movies a day. The target didn’t even have to still be in the vicinity for Theo to grab a hold of their thoughts. “I was able to reach the outskirts of the Rogue’s camp.” “Do you know who the Rogue is?” “Oh, yes. And so do you,” Theo replied with a warning in his voice. “They bought the best.” “Don’t be vague with me, Theo. I’m strung too tight right now. Just tell me.” “Cane Latcher.”

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“Cane? He’s a Tracker, Theo. There is no way he got her scent. We flew her in personally. Is it possible they have a Reader and you aren’t picking him up?” “No. It’s definitely Cane.” “Cane would never turn on his own, Theo. He’s as proud of who he is as you are. He would die before he went to work for the Fray. If you remember, he was also on my list of targets the government wants to acquire for testing. They had a profile written up on him.” “All I know is he’s doing very well at hiding his agenda or why he’s working with them, because he knows I’m here and only giving me glimpses of his thoughts. He’s giving me pieces of information, but everything else is useless.” “Can you see how he was able to catch her scent?” “Animals. Somehow, he retrieved her energy from the animals. Either by sense or smell. Not being a Tracker, I’m not sure how it works. If I were to guess, I’d say the Fray has hundreds of agents scouring every secluded area in the world because they know she’s not around civilization, and Cane got lucky. As to the reason why he sold out, he’s treading very carefully and not thinking of it. So the obvious step is to make sure she doesn’t give off her energy right now.” “Easier said than done, my friend,” Jagger replied, remembering the movement of the fire. “Maybe easier than you think, if you weren’t injured tonight. Think about it. During the entire flight to your compound, she didn’t cause any false readings on my dash. Only means one thing, my friend.” “That she has full control,” Jagger finished saying what Theo was thinking. “Are you okay with what we talked about?” Theo asked, his voice deepening. “I saw her reaction when you touched her. I know you care for her and kept things platonic for the very reason I’m in my predicament

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now. Seeing her fight her response to you means she’s ready to face her feelings, even if she doesn’t know it yet. So yes, if you think she can handle us sharing her, then we go for it.” “I know it’s not what you imagined. But I can’t live without her, Jagger. Both of us loving and protecting her will only give her more of a chance to live out the life she was meant to,” Theo urged, emotion thickening in his voice. “I’m in agreement,” Jagger concurred. “I’ll touch base tomorrow.” Jagger disconnected, tossed his cell phone on the counter and leaned down, bending his head. Theo was right. Loving and protecting her together was the only way they could keep Reese safe. It was only a matter of time before Cane found them. No one knew where they were, this haven he had created, but Cane was the best Tracker in the Noble species. He would find them soon.

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Chapter Three The following evening, after waiting all day for Theo’s call, Reese finally got the hint. Jagger had set her up. He never intended to let Theo take her out of here today and now she was stuck here because a snowstorm that had hit mid-afternoon decided to take Jagger’s side over hers. That meant Theo was siding with him, too. Since when did Theo not back her up? Reese stood facing the fire while Jagger sat in the chair looking out at the snow piling up on the windowsill. She was afraid to turn around and see the wanting in his eyes. He walked around the house, not bothering to cover up the bulge at the front of his jeans. What had Jagger been thinking, keeping her here knowing what might happen? She could already feel her grip on desire loosening just thinking about his touch, let alone actually feeling it. She could feel the desperation building and felt panic at not knowing where to turn. “You knew I wouldn’t let you walk away,” Jagger said, breaking the silence as if he knew where her thoughts had gone. “What I know is you have a death wish.” “I might as well be dead if I can’t touch you.” “Stop it,” Reese whispered forcefully. “You’re making me feel things that should best be left alone.” “Really? Just leave it alone? Is this really how you want to live the rest of your life? It’s time we faced the past, Reese. Look at me!” Reese turned to see him standing in front of her and was terrified of the emotions he was wrenching out of her. “Do you want to die?” she questioned harshly. “Is that really what you want? Because I am this close to losing it.”

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“I want you to be honest. I want you to face reality.” “Reality? Fine, let me tell you my reality. I love a man that I almost killed. Is that what you want to hear? That I love you?” “It’s a start,” he replied, taking a step closer. “Don’t.” Reese held up her hand as if to shield herself. “Don’t you see? It changes nothing. I’m dead inside no matter what I choose, Jagger. If I let you touch me, that is how you’ll die, and I’ll be left with nothing. If I walk away, I’m leaving you my heart and will have nothing to live for but the knowledge that you are here on this earth.” “Why is it black and white? Let me touch you. Show me you want me as much as I want you. Your love for me will not let you hurt me. Have faith in us, Reese.” Jagger closed the distance until her hand was on his chest and his palms cupped her face, causing her eyes to close at the contact and her breath to tremble. “I couldn’t stop it before,” she reminded him. “You were dying and there was nothing I could do to stop it.” “I let it go too far last time,” Jagger admitted, his breath caressing her lips. “I felt your energy. I felt the waves and didn’t do anything to stop it, hoping you could control it. You are not the only one to blame, since there were two of us in that bed.” He tilted his head until his lips hovered over hers. “Control it, Reese.” His lips covered hers, silencing any words she was about to speak. Warmth spread over her body, and air was no longer needed as his moist tongue entered her mouth. She felt the silky heat slip past her lips, and his tongue slid against hers, sending sparks of desire down her spine. Unable to help herself, her hands ran up his solid chest and into his thick hair, holding him in place, knowing she’d never get enough of his taste. Not releasing her, he slowly guided her to the couch and gently laid her down. Reaching between them, he unbuttoned her shirt and pulled it off her shoulders, only then breaking from her mouth and running his tongue down her neck to nip at her shoulder.

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“How did you protect me, Reese?” he asked in a low voice. “In the cabin, how did you protect me?” “Jagger—” “Tell me!” Reese knew he wanted her to say it aloud. “I create a bubble! All right? I close myself off.” “Then do it know. I can feel the energy starting to radiate off your body.” “Stop,” she cried, panic spreading through her. “Get off—” “No.” He took her face back into his hands until she looked directly into his eyes. God, he was beautiful. “We’re not going to stop. Control it. You have full control of it now. Don’t let your fear stop you.” He leaned down and reclaimed her mouth, not giving her an inch. His hands quickly rid her of her shirt and then continued to do the same with her bra, not giving her a chance to speak. He all but forced her to enclose him in her bubble and protect them. Her waves of energy slowly receded. She looked up at Jagger to find him looking down at her with a small smile. “We’ll do this together, okay? I won’t let you slip this time.” Reese knew her apprehension was apparent, but he kissed her deeper until she felt the wetness of his tongue slide across her lips again and all thought left her mind. He slowly guided his tongue inside and lightly touched hers, asking her to play. She responded, skimming the tip of her tongue over his. In swift movements, he had both their clothes off and was covering her body with his, warming her with his heat. “What if—” “No more talking,” he whispered, need evident in his voice. “I’ve waited a lifetime for this. To touch you, feel you, taste you. It’s all I dream about, day and night.” His tongue trailed down her neck, to that soft sensitive curve near her shoulder. She was helpless as he went lower and grazed her nipple

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with his tongue, circling the peak he created. His hand curved around the other breast, and he lightly pressed his fingers together over her nipple, creating just enough tension to send nerves dancing all the way to her womb. Gradually, he increased the pressure short of pain and her breathing turned ragged. Jagger pulled back up and stared down at her with his captivating green eyes, baring his soul while his fingers tightened and pulled her nipples, making her shiver in anticipation. Her breathing labored, she couldn’t get enough of him and arched herself against his fingers, hoping his hand would travel lower. She really needed to feel his touch down there. The sharp tightening of his fingers sent tremors through her body that made her gasp. “Jagger, please,” she cried desperately. “We have all night, sweetheart,” he whispered, sending trails of kisses from her lips to her ear, using his tongue to circle the inside. Finally, ever so slowly, he moved his mouth lower to hopefully replace his fingers. “I need to feel every inch of your skin. I need to taste you.” His hand grazed lower to her mound as his mouth closed over her nipple. She cried out as his teeth held her nipple hostage while his tongue skimmed over her tip where his demanding fingers had been, the contrast sparking a craving for more. His hand cupped her while his palm put pressure on her clit. Time stood still as both sensations stole over every part of her body, and somewhere in the back of her mind, she realized her protective sphere had grown wider. She had complete control. She tried to tell him, but the words got caught in her throat when his teeth released her sensitive pebble and his lips trailed over her stomach and down to replace his hand. He used his thumbs to separate her silky folds, nipping her nub with the edge of his teeth and then soothing it with unhurried licks. He traced the outside of her labia and then speared his stiffened tongue through her pussy, moving in and out, showing her what he wanted to do with his cock. Her pussy creamed, and he lapped it up.

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There wasn’t a part of her body that didn’t feel electrified, and when his finger slipped inside to replace his tongue, ecstasy claimed her, and she felt her muscles clamp down to keep his finger in place. Bliss overcame her, and nothing else existed but the two of them in this moment. Reese knew she was moments away from orgasm and was suddenly afraid she would lose hold of her control. What if the bubble burst? She started to struggle when he pulled away and climbed up her body. “You’re beautiful,” he sighed into her ear. “You taste like fresh honeydew.” Reese opened her eyes to find him above her, love and adoration shining in his eyes. He positioned himself between her thighs. His green eyes were captivating. She couldn’t look away as he gradually slid inside her, seeing them darken with desire. Her earlier panic receded as she stared up at him, witnessing the depth of his feelings. She couldn’t break away while he slowly thrust in and out, making her juices flow more freely, her cunt gradually adjusting to his penetration. When he could push in without resistance and with enough lubricant to make his thrusts graceful, he flipped them so that she was on top of him, looking down. Grasping her hips lightly, he let her lead, so Reese used her knees to rise above him, feeling the glide of his cock along her walls. Jagger had put a condom on at some point, and she found herself mourning the loss of his velvety skin. Regardless, the thickness of his cock stretched her to the point of a continuous burn that added to her pleasure. Seating herself back down on his rod, Reese found she needed more and moved her hips in circles, causing friction on her clit from his groin. Perfect, she thought, soaking in the pleasure. Rocking back and forth, she set the pace that steadily got faster until Jagger’s hands lifted her hips and slammed her down. They had both been climbing a rope and with that shift of movement, it snapped and suddenly gave way into freefall. Her head back, hair band long gone, she rode the waves and relished his cry of her name.

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When they both came down from the pinnacle, Jagger pulled her down and tucked her against his body. She felt him grab and cover them with a throw blanket, nestling them deeper into the couch. Had she ever felt like this, so satisfied and complete? Reese marveled at the protection she had created around them, but as always, there was still a twinge of doubt swirling around her brain. “You’re going to ruin the moment, aren’t you?” he asked, a smile evident in his voice. “For a human, you have pretty good instincts. Maybe a Reader?” She felt the vibrations of his chuckle, and that feeling of contentment grew stronger. Was this how it could be? Reese had never seen such a relaxed Jagger. “I’ve always told you I was a force to be reckoned with.” “So you did.” Tilting her head, Reese looked up at him with happiness. “Nothing broke. At least, on the inside of the house.” “Nothing on the outside either.” Reese jumped at the sound of Theo’s voice and grabbed tighter to the afghan Jagger had placed over them, pulling it away from his body. What was Theo doing here? He was supposed to be elsewhere, securing her transportation away from this fortress. Oh, that’s right. They had tricked her. “Theo! What are you doing? You can’t just walk in here unannounced!” Reese exclaimed in disbelief, pulling the cover more securely around her breasts, ignoring the surprised thrill she got at seeing desire in his blue eyes. This was Theo, she reminded herself. Not Jagger. “Actually, I invited him,” Jagger corrected her, carefully moving her aside so he could stand up, apparently not having a shred of modesty. “What are you doing, Jagger?” Reese whispered loudly, confused and feeling completely out of her element. He stood there naked as the day he was born, appearing as confident as Reese had ever seen him. She had been on her own for a year, and now Jagger and Theo

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were making decisions for her that she wasn’t aware of. It was starting to make her mad. “He’s stepping aside for a moment while you and I discuss a few things,” Theo informed her while walking across the room. His presence made the room shrink, as his stride was predatory. What happened to her easygoing friend, the one who always made her feel at ease? She certainly wasn’t feeling that now, seeing a steel determination glittering in those blue eyes. Reese scrambled to her feet, making sure she kept the blanket wrapped tightly under her arms. The look on Theo’s face was causing her alarm, and she averted her glance to see Jagger slip on his white briefs. He wasn’t even semisoft, and the used condom was still in place. His cock was bulging, and her pussy was answering by dripping cream down her thigh. Bringing her attention back to the Noble who was standing in front of her now, she started to shake. “Breathe through it, Reese. If you can control your energy while we made love, you can control it now,” Jagger instructed sharply, taking a step closer to them. “Then stop whatever it is you two are doing. You’re both making me nervous. Theo, we’re friends,” Reese said a little desperately. “This is between Jagger and me, no one else.” “That’s where you’re wrong, my favorite Noble. You’ve ignored what’s been between us because I’ve let you. I saw the agony you went through when you couldn’t control your power and almost destroyed Jagger, so we decided to let you get stronger before—” “Wait a minute,” Reese cut in, holding her hand up to Theo’s chest, but not actually touching him. She grabbed a hold of her anger like it was her lifeline. “Let’s get a few things straight. You didn’t let me ignore anything, because we are friends and that’s it, nothing more. As for ‘we’ deciding something without me, please let me know what that something might be, because I have a feeling I’m not going to agree.”

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“You’re going to deny you feel something more for me? When I touched you—” “When you touched me yesterday, I was overly sensitive,” Reese frantically explained, feeling her control start to slip. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been around people, and I’m not used to touching.” Theo was her friend – the only one she’d ever had – and there was no way Reese was going to allow him to change that now. He never pushed her like this on his monthly visits, so why now? “You’re lying to yourself. The reason you’re reacting to my touch now is because I’ve always avoided touching you in a sexual way in the past. I knew if I let myself, I wouldn’t be able to hold back. If you don’t believe me, let me show you,” Theo closed the gap between them. Reese saw the intent in Theo’s blue eyes and, before she could protest, felt his warm lips press against hers. His kiss was so different from Jagger’s. Jagger seduced where Theo devoured. His hand tangled in her hair, slanting her head perfectly so their lips formed together in a perfect meld. He created a responsiveness she never would have believed, but she felt it run through her system. The lightbulb in the lone lamp on the side table shattered. “Reese, bring it in,” Jagger demanded, his voice getting closer in the darkness. Reese tried to pull away from Theo’s hold, but he wouldn’t release her hair. “Theo, stop!” “No. Do you see now what I’ve avoided?” Theo questioned, anger and regret evident in his voice. “You feel it. I’ve stayed away long enough, and Jagger and I knew if the two of you could make love to each other with your power under control, we could make our situation work.” Reese shoved against his chest at the same time Jagger turned on the overhead light, causing them to blink at the intruding beam. She stared at both men in disbelief. They had set her up. She turned her anger toward Jagger, and tried to govern the sparks of energy she felt

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attempting to exit her pores. “You’re in on this? What, you two think you’re going to share me? That I would allow that?” “Reese—” “You’re my only friend, Theo. Do you know how pathetic that is?” Reese paused to give herself a minute, knowing her voice was about to crack under the emotional duress they were placing on her. “And as tragic as this may sound, you want to take the only healthy relationship I’ve ever had and replace it with sex?” “Reese, stop it. You’re losing control and you need to rein it in,” Jagger commanded, his voice rising over hers. “If you’d just listen to what Theo is saying, he doesn’t want a quick fuck. He’s loved you a long time but didn’t want to burden you because you couldn’t control anything back then. He risked his life to save you, helping me get you out of that fucking shithole they put you in! At least listen to what he has to say!” Reese’s life had altered course in a matter of twenty-four hours, and she didn’t know how to get it back on track. Jagger was right about one thing, she needed to calm down, and she couldn’t do that standing in front of them wearing a blanket like a shield. Reese didn’t look at either of them as she walked toward the doorway, still firmly wrapped in the throw blanket, and the safety of the bedroom. “Find me another safe house. I can’t deal with this on top of trying to stay alive.” **** “Well, that went well,” Jagger said sarcastically, yanking his jeans up sharply. “Great after-sex conversation, by the way. You couldn’t have given me a little more time?” Theo didn’t say anything as he went to the couch and dropped down on the cushions. It was still warm from the lovemaking he’d witnessed. It had taken everything he had to stay in the doorway, watching Reese ride Jagger with her head thrown back in the throes of

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passion. He could only imagine the ecstasy Jagger felt being buried to the hilt in her pussy. His dick was throbbing so hard, it’d probably never lose its erection. Theo shifted his groin to try and relieve the pressure, but the abrasion of fabric only made it harder. “At least you got to come, asshole. I’m in agony here, so I don’t want to hear anything come out of your mouth that isn’t sympathy.” “You knew it probably wasn’t going to go well, so I don’t want to hear you complaining. I don’t even know how you talked me into this to begin with. I’m not the type of man who shares,” Jagger spitted out, sitting in the leather chair next to the couch. “Neither am I, but I will always do what’s best for Reese.” “She’ll come around,” Jagger conceded, as though he knew Theo had reached his limit on the ribbing. “She’ll have to come around sooner rather than later. My sources are telling me Cane is heading this way.” Theo stood up to ease the pressure in his dick. Going around the back of the couch, he started to pace back and forth while relaying the important information he’d found out hours earlier. “I think we need to make a stand—here. We shouldn’t move to another safe house where we can’t control everything around us. That would weaken our advantage, because the setup on this land is perfect for what we need to accomplish.” “How did Cane locate me?” “Does it really matter? With Cane in the employment of the government, he has access to every satellite ever created. We know the government is erasing Nobles that are of no use to them, but we also know that the powerful ones are being kept in facilities around the world to be used at their discretion. Whether to aid in war against foreign countries or simply to be dissected for them to figure out how to create a perfect mutant weapon, I don’t know. I don’t want to know. All I want is to keep Reese safe, and we can’t do that with Cane breathing down our necks.” “So what do you suggest?” Jagger asked, reaching on the floor for his shirt. Theo knew he was itching to remove the used condom.

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“We give Cane the access he wants. I’ll bring in some friends to help take out whomever he brings with him. You still have contacts as well,” Theo said, laying out a plan that wasn’t even close to foolproof. “And then?” Jagger asked skeptically. “Then we let Reese do what she does best. Kill.” **** “What the hell happened out there?” Cane stood in the dingy hotel room looking out the window, not even seeing the snow fall in waves to the ground as his attention was directed at the man on the phone. Night had fallen, claiming the mountain view that had been visible during the daylight hours. It was the same mountain where his targets were now located. “Exactly what I had planned,” Cane calmly stated, refusing to take the bait Richard Howell was clearly trying to place in front of him. “You killed close to thirty of my men,” Howell yelled from the other end of the phone. “How does wiping out a third of my man power work in your favor? Look, you son of a bitch, we gave you immunity because you stated you could get me the Deity. Leading my men into a death trap wasn’t part of the plan, and you have now depleted my unit. Your Noble ass will be mine if I find you are fucking with me!” Cane let Howell rant and rave while he turned from the window and walked to the bed where several weapons lay. Grabbing his black satchel, Cane started to pack what he needed for the hike he would be making up the mountain in the morning. When he realized Howell was done with his tirade, Cane let the silence drag on while he walked his bag over to the door. Turning to face the device he left on the bed, Cane broke the static. “Let me make one thing clear. You gave me immunity to bring you Reese Matthews with the agreement that I do it my own way. You made the mistake of assuming I would want those

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men with me when I first attempted contact. That’s your mistake, not mine. I used your error of judgment to our advantage.” “And how is taking that many lives to our advantage? For fuck’s sake—” “Enough,” Cane’s voice snapped like a whip over the phone. “While Jagger Malone and Theo McKay were busy saving our target from your men, I tracked them to Malone’s hideout in the mountains of Montana. It’s amazing what a live feed from a Russian satellite will show when the proper channels are infiltrated.” Cane deliberately misled Howell into believing he was hunting his targets in Montana, when in reality, the mountain he had been staring at was in Colorado. “What mountain? I’ll have—” “You’ll do nothing, or I walk.” “You can’t walk away. I own you now, Cane. If you bail, I’ll put a bounty so high on your head that every human, Fray, or Noble would come out of the woodwork.” “And how did that go when you placed that reward on the Deity?” Cane counterattacked, confident he would win this tug-of-war game Howell was playing. “She’s the most powerful one in existence, that we know of. You, on the other hand, are a dime a dozen.” “Then it looks like we’re at an impasse.” Cane let heavy silence descend across the wires one more time. He knew Howell needed him more than Cane needed the Fray. He was the best Tracker in existence. And he wasn’t blind to the fact that once he brought the Deity in, Howell would have him sequestered as well. Being a Tracker taught him patience early on in life, and if it was one lesson he learned, it always paid off. “Fine,” Howell barked, relenting. “Go at it alone if you think you can complete your mission without my men. But let’s make one thing clear. If you don’t bring her in…alive…you’ll be joining her in hell.” The line went dead, and Cane tossed his cellphone on the bed, ignoring the threat that Howell threw at him. Picking up the black box

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he hadn’t packed, Cane turned it several times over in his hand to study the piece of metal. A few modifications and this little black box had been revised to keep at bay any type of power force. What would it do to Reese Matthews? During one of his meetings with Howell, Cane had met a scientist claiming to have made a machine to contain energy. Wanting that device, but not wanting it in the Fray’s hands, Cane had waited for the right moment and eliminated the inventor, destroying his research and swiping the contraption. It was always in one’s best interest to be prepared, and he hadn’t wanted Howell to swoop in take what was his. Cane threw the box back onto the bed and took up his place by the window. He couldn’t see the mountain in the darkness but could definitely feel its presence. By tomorrow night, Cane would have his hands on the Deity and the two men who thought they could save her. “I’m coming, Reese Matthews.”

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Chapter Four Morning dawned and the relentless snow had lightened during the middle of night, leaving only a few falling flakes in its wake. Reese lay on the guestroom bed, not bothering to get up. She stared out the window, watching the wind catch the flurries and move them about weightlessly, wishing it were that easy to be carried away. Reese thought of last night’s confrontation with Theo and Jagger and was still having trouble coming to terms with what they wanted. Jagger never really said what he needed, although he had certainly helped stage last night’s setup. Jagger had stood on the side trying to keep her emotions in check so she didn’t let loose and bring the house down. Theo had indicated that Jagger was okay with sharing, but she couldn’t wrap her mind around two virile, possessive men wanting to share. How would that even work? Her face flushed as thoughts of the three of them in various positions ran through her mind. A vision stood out of her on her knees, Theo taking her from behind while Jagger stood in front of her, offering his cock to her mouth. She groaned and pulled the pillow out from beneath her head, using it to cover her face. Did Theo know her better than she knew herself? Reese had never thought of Theo in sexual terms before, and now that he said he wanted her, all she could see was his body claiming hers. Another vision of Theo’s head between her thighs while Jagger helped spread her legs danced in her mind, and she stifled another groan. Wanting to alleviate the pressure that was building in her clitoris but not ready to face the men that were somewhere in the house, Reese let her hands slide down her body to remove her panties.

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During her time alone in the secluded cabin, Reese had worked on containing all other sentiments while exploring desire. Desire was the cause of everything having been torn away from her when she almost destroyed Jagger. She had used thoughts of Jagger to bring her to arousal and then masturbated almost every day with the intent of controlling her arousal when she hit climax. It had taken months, but she eventually obtained the skills needed to self-indulge. Once she kicked the dainty fabric away, Reese used her fingers to gather the liquid that was pooling at her entrance. She brought the tips of her middle and ring fingers up to smooth her cream across her clit, causing it to swell and poke through the engorged tissue. Arching her back at the incredible feeling she was creating, she didn’t hear the door open. “You should be careful what thoughts go through your head with a Watcher in the house.” Reese gasped and yanked her hand from between her legs, looking up to see Theo standing above her. She struggled to get the white sheet up around her body and scooted back against the headboard. “Damn it, Theo, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” “It’s very hard to eat breakfast when I’m getting visions of me thrusting into you from behind while you suck off Jagger. It’s very distracting,” Theo said, amusement shining in his eyes. “Then shut off your damn mind, McKay! I know you have the ability to turn it on and off. Get out!” Reese demanded, refusing to get out of bed until he left the room. “Not until we talk.” Theo sat on the side of the bed, making Reese grab on tighter to the sheets and scoot over. “I’m not ready to talk.” “Too bad. Anyway, you don’t have to. You just need to listen.” “You don’t have anything to say that I want to hear right now, so move it. Get out so I can get dressed,” Reese ordered, not liking this Theo as much as her “friend” Theo. “Reese, how long have we known each other?”

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The question threw Reese for a moment, having seemingly come out of nowhere. Why was he asking her something like that? “You know how long we’ve known each other, Theo. Since we were teenagers. Why would you ask me that?” “And during that time, did I not watch out for you? Care for you? Keep you safe? Take you away from your father who only wanted to use you? I took you to that farm, located in the middle of nowhere, so you could live your life free of people who only wanted to exploit you. You have no idea the anguish I went through when you were taken by those Nobles who had taken refuge with us. The ones that turned Rogue.” “Theo, that wasn’t your fault. I begged you to let them stay with us, thinking they could help create a safe haven.” Reese hadn’t known Theo lived with this guilt and thinking he was to blame for her capture. She wanted to reach out and touch him, but was afraid to start something that she wasn’t sure they should begin. “The months they had you in captivity were the most hellish days I’ve ever had to live through. Not for me, being held by them. But knowing the testing they were doing on you. And then knowing Jagger was falling in love with you, well, that was hell but also a godsend. When I realized you were returning his feelings, it tore at my gut, because I’ve loved you since the day I met you,” Theo confessed. Reese stared at him, not knowing what to say. He was changing their relationship without her consent, and the thought of losing him terrified her. She hesitantly broached the subject that was on her mind all night. “This idea you and Jagger have come up with about…sharing me. You two are very dominant and possessive. Even if I accepted what you’re saying, you can’t tell me this would work.” “We’re not saying there won’t be issues that come up. But keeping you safe is our number one priority,” Theo explained. “Theo—”

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Theo cut her off with his kiss. Not touching her with his hands, he leaned over and pressed his lips to hers, mouth closed. He licked hers open, feeding her the taste of mint and coffee. It was a succulent flavor Reese didn’t expect. He was gentle, so different than he was last night, that she let Theo take his fill. She didn’t like that he kept her off-kilter. He slowly pulled away. “Theo, I’ve learned to be strong,” Reese whispered. “But do you understand what you’re asking of me? You want me to trade in our friendship, which I value more than anything, for something we don’t know will last. I can’t lose you over something I can actually control.” “That’s where you’re wrong. You have no control over my feelings. And I’ve let you believe, for so long, that they were only platonic when they were so much more. I refuse to wait any longer.” With that said, Theo seized the sheet and yanked. Grabbing her thighs, he pulled her down until she lay flat underneath him before she could utter a protest. Now this was the Theo from last night. Leaning his weight against hers so she couldn’t move, he used his mouth to convince her where his words had failed. Hungrily taking her mouth, he tasted every crevice, the roof of her mouth, her teeth, and the sides of her cheeks. Running his tongue inside her bottom lip, he sucked hers in and bit down gently. Heat blossomed through her when she felt his hands roam up and down her sides. “Just feel,” Theo murmured against her mouth. Touching her breasts, he squeezed lightly and massaged everywhere but her nipples. The non-contact made them pucker, turning them into hardened pebbles, begging to be touched. She felt him graze her areolas and arched into him, wanting more. He wouldn’t give it. He brought his thumbs down on the underside of her breasts, pushing them up and kneading the tissue. His fingers wrapped around the upper side of her cleavage, forcing her tits to push against his thumbs. Again, her nipples were ignored. Bringing her hands up,

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Reese covered his and silently tried to move them where she wanted them to be. “Uh-uh. You won’t rush me. I’ve waited over ten years to touch you and I want this first time to last.” Reese released his hands and clutched the pillow on either side of her head in frustration. Scrambled thoughts tried to break through. How had she not known how he felt all those years? Could this really work? Would their love extend to this type of relationship without being damaged? Was Jagger okay with this? “Shut off your thoughts like you’ve learned to do with your ability,” Theo whispered as he slid down so he was face to face with her breasts. “Keep you hands up there. I don’t want anything in my way while I taste you.” Reese whimpered when she felt his hot breath on her right nipple. His hands were still wrapped around both breasts holding them up and away from her body. When he shaped them into cones and her nipples were jutting out, Theo used his tongue and gave her right nipple a long, leisurely lick like he was enjoying his favorite ice cream. Having been withheld from sensation, her nipple jolted at the zings he created, her body jerking against his mouth. When she couldn’t take the feeling of his tongue rasping back and forth anymore and thought she’d scream from the pleasure, Theo enclosed his mouth over her entire areola and sucked hard, pulling her nipple straight up to the roof of his mouth. That’s when she screamed in pleasure. **** Theo had waited his entire life for this instant and wasn’t going to rush through loving her. All the torturous moments when he thought they wouldn’t make it through and then knowing he needed to let her have the time to study, learn, and restrict her powers…He deserved this moment. There was no doubt in his mind that he and Jagger could make this work with Reese as their center.

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Continuing to suckle her tit, he pulled and lapped, not letting up until she was begging. Not until he heard the tiny pleas come from her mouth did he turn his attention on her other nipple, still tight in his grasp. Going from one to the other, he concentrated on nothing but her now-distended and inflamed nipples. Theo stared down at them with pride, knowing he had made them that way. He loved that her body now craved his touch. He felt her hips gyrate against his abdomen and smiled at the change of heart. He knew that once he touched her, really touched her, Reese would feel their connection. It was undeniable. Theo leaned his head down, not done torturing her nipples. Now that they were swollen from his previous attentions, he used his teeth to grab the round, red nubs and nipped them until he felt her juices from her cunt being rubbed against his skin. This is how he wanted her, abandoned in her sexuality. “I can’t take anymore, Theo, please! Touch me.” “Where, my favorite Noble? Where do you want me to touch you?” Theo asked around her nipple clenched in his teeth. He swiped his tongue over the trapped pebble. “Ahgggggg, Theo! Touch me…down there!” “Say where, Reese. Let me hear the words and I’ll do more than touch it.” “Touch my pussy…please!” Theo finally released her breasts and trailed kisses down her flat, toned stomach. Stopping at her belly button, he stuck his tongue in the tiny indentation and licked in and out until she, again, brought her hips up. Her cream now covered his chest. He trailed lower until he found the treasure he was seeking. Using both hands, Theo spread her thighs apart as wide as he could make them. When he felt her hands run through his hair, Theo shook his head. “Hands back up, Reese.” He felt her moan in anguish and gave another smile. Torturing her was fun. Unfortunately, his dick wasn’t any better, but he refused to

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accept anything less than her unrestrained gratification coming from her lips. He would have it. Theo inhaled her sweetened scent, and it took a while before he could place it. Hmmmm, she smelled like honeysuckle. He licked his lips in response and used his fingers to separate her glossy folds. Holy shit, Theo heard her say in her head. He loved being a Watcher. There was her pearl, standing at attention and waiting for his touch. It would have to wait. He would enjoy her bare pussy like he enjoyed her breasts—at his leisure. He would tell her later how grateful he was she kept herself bare. Using his lips, he sucked in one side of her labia and got a hint of her flavor, just enough to want more. Using his teeth, he took his time, nipping from the bottom of her lip to the top, careful to avoid her clit. Sucking in the other side, he went from top to bottom, causing what he knew would be a stinging sensation that she would want soothed. The little sounds she was making were music to his ears. Giving her what she wanted, he used his tongue to sooth the pricks he created, unhurriedly stroking up and down. When Theo was done savoring her satiny skin, he slowly entered her using his tongue, lapping up the cream that was now flowing freely. Damn, she had an addicting taste. His saliva was now mixing with her juices, and it was like a waterfall. He placed his tongue as low as he could go, on her puckered rosebud. When Reese bucked up in disagreement, Theo used his forearms to hold her in place. He wanted to taste every inch of her, including her forbidden hole. The way Theo had her displayed, she couldn’t clench her cheeks together to prevent his tongue from exploring around her ring, causing her to make more of the incoherent sounds he loved. He made his way back up to her pussy entrance and slipped his tongue inside, feeling her cunt muscles tighten. Pulling out, he trailed up to her clit, which was now distended. Lightly, he swiped over it while simultaneously slipping a thumb inside her. The dual sensations brought her hips off the bed again, so he pushed her back down and murmured, “Uh-uh.”

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Drawing in her nub, Theo suckled her while pushing his other thumb in and using both to rub the muscle at her entrance. Moving deeper, he pressed both thumbs as deep as he could and widened them to stretch her sheath. Her tiny moans were now turning into loud wails, and Theo relished the sounds. He kept up the pressure until he felt her muscles contract and then eased up, pulling his hands and mouth away. Reaching into his camouflage pants, Theo snagged the condom Jagger had given him on the way to her room. Undressing above her as fast as he could, he used the time to watch her face and see the desire simmering in her gaze. How had he ever lasted as long as he did? This was absolute heaven. **** Reese watched as Theo undressed above her and rolled the condom down his cock. My God, he was long. The length curled up toward his abs at the tip, and the veins stood out as if they were ready to burst. Jagger was wider with a blunt end that stretched her to the point of burning, but Theo’s cock was likely only to make it in halfway. Bringing her gaze back up, Reese still had a hard time believing the charming, dimpled, gentle man she had come to know was the dominant, controlled lover on his knees before her. His long blond hair, usually tied back, was now loose and wild around his face. His usually soft and tender blue eyes were darkened with arousal, causing a shudder to go through her when his eyes raked over her body. He was an intense, slow lover. Not that she had anyone to compare to except Jagger, who definitely gave her the foreplay she needed, but never strung her along until she thought she’d go insane. Was he always like this? Reese wasn’t complaining, but wasn’t sure her body could take the stimulation he submerged her senses in. She

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was so wet, there must be a puddle underneath her. What would it be like to have two different lovers at the same time? Theo finished covering his length and dipped down for another taste of her pussy, making her whine in annoyance. The stern look in his eyes warned her to keep her hands up on the pillow, which was now fisted in her hands. He finally made his way up her body and placed his tip where she craved it most. Not moving, he just rested it there while making her patience stretch thin. Just when Reese was going to protest loudly or let a little energy out to warn him she’d had enough, Theo pressed so his head pushed through and he stopped. She growled and clutched the pillow tighter, pulling it over her ears. Reese tried to lift her hips, but his hands kept her in place on the bed. Once she stopped moving, he pushed in another inch. When Reese realized that unless she held still, he wouldn’t continue, she forced her body to relax and accept what he gave her. Reese knew Theo recognized her submission, which only made her juices flow more. Who would have thought she, the Deity, would relish the feeling of submission? Lying there and accepting what he dished out only made her wetter and feel more...feminine. She felt every inch Theo gave her, and when she didn’t think she could take any more, he flipped her so she was on her hands and knees, knocking the pillow on the floor. He even made sure he remained lodged inside her. She let Theo guide her shoulders to the bed while keeping her ass in the air, keeping her position in a submissive pose. He pulled back and thrust, somehow seating himself fully, much to her amazement. In this position, she couldn’t have kept him from reaching her cervix if she tried. The feel of him bumping against those nerves made her reach for the edge of the mattress to have something to hold on to. Theo retreated again, only to plunge back in. He might be the slowest lover when it came to foreplay, but when he fucked, he was a powerhouse. Over and over, he plunged to the hilt. Reese hung on the edge of orgasm, needing something—a touch to her clit, anything—to

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send her over. When Reese went to move her hand from the edge of the mattress, he snarled, “Don’t.” Reese crooned in her throat, taking what he gave her but dying for more. In this position, when his thumb gathered her cream and came to rest on a place she had never been entered, she couldn’t tighten her muscles to keep him out. In doing so, her pussy muscles clenched around his dick, making her need more. When Reese felt his thumb pop through that forbidden ring, the sensation of being full sent her over. Zings shot down to her toes, making them involuntarily curl up. Her clit throbbed at the release of blood, and the tightening of those muscles seemed to suck his cock in deeper. When Reese’s body couldn’t spasm anymore, she collapsed against the sheets, damp with sweat. She had no idea when Theo pulled his thumb out but felt him release his cock from her body and lay down next to her, pulling her back to him so they were spooning. Reese was drifting off in exhaustion when she heard him whisper, “Don’t ever doubt what we have, my favorite Noble. I’m yours forever.”

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Chapter Five It was midafternoon when Reese woke up again. She was covered with the same white sheet that Theo had clearly arranged. She was alone in bed and heard muted voices coming from the kitchen. A part of her was embarrassed that Jagger had been in the house when Theo had made love to her. And that’s pretty much what had happened. She had been made to lie on the bed and accept Theo’s lovemaking. Who would have thought her kindhearted, boyish, charming friend could be so demanding? Not that she was complaining. It was a heady experience to take what was given and accept the pleasure that was being offered. What would the two men be like together? And was she really considering this arrangement? “Yes, you are. Get your ass in the kitchen! We have things to go over,” Theo yelled from down the hallway. Damn his ability. He always said he could shut it off and on at will, so what the hell was he doing, using it now? “Heard that, too!” Grumbling under her breath, Reese got out of bed and pulled on her clothes. She would take a shower later. Grabbing her hair band, she pulled her thick hair high on her head and twirled it around until it hung in a ponytail. She did stop off at the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth before stepping into the kitchen. Theo and Jagger were sitting at the island on the leather barstools, sipping on coffee and studying what seemed to be a blueprint of some type. Jagger was in his usual jeans and a white T-shirt while Theo was wearing his camouflage pants and dark-green shirt from earlier. Walking past them without a word, Reese went to the cupboard she had seen Jagger use last night and picked out the biggest mug she

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could find. She poured herself a cup and, since she took it black, took a sip before turning to face them. While resting her lower back against the counter, she found them staring at her as if she were their next meal. The thought sent shivers up her back. “Theo, it’s not nice to eavesdrop on people’s thoughts,” Reese reprimanded. “Especially mine. I thought we had an agreement.” The arrangement Reese referred to dated back to when they were teenagers. She hadn’t felt comfortable with Theo knowing her every thought, so in order to reduce her anxiety, he had promised he wouldn’t use his ability on her. “That agreement is null and void. A new one is in its place,” Theo countered, leaning back on the stool and taking a sip from his cup, his pretty blue eyes staring at her over the rim. “Jagger, have you noticed a change in the easygoing, laid-back, go-with-the-flow Theo that we used to know?” Reese asked, glancing over at Jagger to see him cover up his smile with his own cup of coffee. “Definitely,” Jagger responded, after having swallowed the hot liquid. “I’m pretty sure it started when he decided to claim you.” “No one’s claiming me. I’ve given myself freely.” Reese’s mug stopped in midair when she realized what she said and glanced up to see Theo and Jagger watching her with satisfied looks. That came out so wrong. That wasn’t exactly what she meant. “What I meant to say, is no one can claim me. I’m my own person, and if I were to be with someone, it would be of my own free will.” “We wouldn’t have you any other way,” Jagger said, amusement displayed on his face. “And don’t think you’re off the hook for your part in that stunt last night,” Reese reminded Jagger, trying to give him an icy glare. It was hard when her body was so satisfied from last night’s loving with Jagger and then this morning with Theo. “Are you going to tell me?” Reese turned her attention back to Theo. “Tell you what?” Theo asked, clearly trying to bait her.

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“What this new agreement is. I don’t remember giving you permission to change the original one.” Reese took the three steps to where the island was and grabbed the blueprint they were looking at, turning it to face her. “Until we know you’re safe, I’ll use my abilities as I see fit,” Theo informed her, his boyish charm vanishing. A firm tone with icy blue eyes replaced it when he said, “Which brings us to who found you at the cabin.” “Who?” Reese asked, surprised they had waited this long to tell her. A vision of Theo taking her from behind and using his thumb to— “We were a little preoccupied,” Theo replied with no shame that he was listening to her mind. “Stop it, Theo! I’m standing in front of you. Safe and sound. There’s no need to do that.” Reese slammed her mug on the counter. “She’s right, Theo,” Jagger agreed. “Unless she’s in danger, she deserves her privacy. If you have a question you want answered, stop digging in her mind and just ask her.” Theo and Jagger faced off, and Reese felt herself tense at the potential argument. There were a lot of reasons why this whole sharing thing might not work out, and this was one of them. Two people in a normal relationship had enough issues when it came to disagreements, but throw in a third? It was a recipe for disaster. She was surprised to see Theo sit back and give a sigh of defeat. “You’re right, Jagger. I apologize, Reese. This entire situation has me a little tense.” Theo looked at Reese and raised one eyebrow, asking, “Truth time?” Reese couldn’t help but smile at the memory he raised, using the familiar question they would always ask each other when they were teenagers. “Sure.” “I want this to work. We want this to work,” Theo explained, referring to Jagger with a nod of his head. “We’ll both admit to being scared that you’ll say no.”

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Theo stunned her into silence, and she just stared at them. Scared? These two strong men who had faced death to save her numerous times were scared that she would walk away? It humbled her. Not that his declaration made her reservations disappear, but it certainly made clear their feelings for her. Looking down at where her mug was, she studied the black liquid as if it had all the answers. She really wished it did. Taking a deep breath, Reese asked the question that had been on her mind since last night. “How would it work?” she asked in a low tone. “How would we…be together?” “However you want us,” Jagger said in a confident tone. “Look, Reese, when Theo first proposed the idea, I admit, there was no way in hell I was sharing you. You know that I love you. Our love has never been in question. But seeing this man beside me bare his soul and knowing he would lay his life down to protect you, well, I couldn’t tell him no. Especially when he convinced me we could make it work. Two men to protect you, to love you, to cherish you…We would never leave you wanting.” “I’m sure we’ll have issues just like any other relationship, but we’ll deal with them as they arise,” Theo added. “What about—” Reese felt her face flush at where her thoughts were going and stopped mid-sentence. “Sex? However you want it to happen. If you want what your thoughts were shouting out this morning and slamming into my brain, then that’s how we’ll love you. If you don’t want that and only want to be with us separately, then we’ll work it out. Whatever you want is what we’ll give you,” Theo said, his voice thickening with desire. Reese felt a pull between her legs as the depictions from this morning flashed in her mind. She wouldn’t lie and say that the thought of the three of them together didn’t turn her on. It did. It just seemed so scandalous and naughty. She’d had sex twice in two days, and just the thought of what the two men could do together to her made her want more. “Truth time?”

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Theo returned her smile. “Shoot.” “I won’t deny the attraction I have for you. I love Jagger. I love you, although I never would have thought it would be in a…lover’s way. You certainly showed me differently this morning but I need time to adjust to these feelings. And I’m not only dealing with what I’m feeling for you. I’m still trying to maintain control of my energy,” Reese said a little desperately. “I’m scared I’ll slip up and hurt you or Jagger. Every minute of the day, I am constantly working to make sure my body doesn’t control my mind and make something happen that I’ll regret.” “We’re okay with giving you time, Reese,” Jagger assured, “as long as you know you’ll be staying here with us. We won’t let you go to another safe house to be alone. Theo aside, I’ve given you enough time, and I’m done being apart from you. I was there the night things went wrong. I know exactly what can happen, and I’m willing to take that chance. That’s not your choice, but mine. And let’s face it, with the control you have now, I can help you with the rest.” Reese took a deep breath and nodded in concession. She owed it to them, as much as to herself, to give this unusual relationship a try. The Nobles were a different breed. It stood to reason they would do things differently. Although Jagger was human, progression happened. She was lucky Jagger loved her the way she was, flaws and all. Her flaws could kill, but he loved her anyway. “As I was saying earlier, we found who located you,” Theo said, bringing the conversation around to the beginning. “You’re not going to like it.” “Who? It was impossible for anyone to find me. You and Jagger flew me in and then flew out. My scent was nowhere,” Reese exclaimed, not believing what he was saying. “Not impossible for a certain man.” The implication that Theo made sent Reese’s heart racing, and she searched his eyes, seeing the truth. There was one man who could find anyone. A Noble, the best Tracker ever born, would have been

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able to locate her, but she refused to believe it. “No. He wouldn’t turn Rogue.” “I’m sorry, Reese,” Theo sympathized. “I didn’t want to believe it either. I had heard some chatter underground that the Fray was offering immunity and a lot of cash for anyone who would be willing to find you and bring you in alive. No one would touch the offer because they knew it was a death wish. But Cane stepped up.” Reese just shook her head in disbelief. Everyone knew of Cane. The tall, dark, and mysterious Noble who carried a scar on his face and kept people at a distance, never letting anyone get close to him personally. He was always on the outside of the goings-on between the Nobles and the Fray and refused to get involved. While he made it seem he was always out for himself, Reese saw in him compassion. She had caught him a few times helping other Nobles in a way that no one noticed. She had also seen honor in the way he carried himself. He was proud to be a Noble. How could she have been wrong about him? Was the offered immunity his way at self-preservation? Was he willing to give up his own kind to get freedom? And once you sold your soul to the Fray, were you ever really free? The government would try to use him over and over again, until he was just a tool. That’s when it hit her. “If you’re right and it is Cane, then he knows we’re here,” Reese said, panic starting to set in. “You’re not safe. Either of you. We need to fly out immediately!” “We’re not running,” Jagger declared. “We’re making a stand.” “Are you crazy?” Reese looked at Jagger in disbelief. “Do you know how many men he will bring with him if he’s working with the Fray? I don’t care what kind of security you have in this place, Cane will find a way in.” “We have you,” Jagger stated, as if that would solve all their problems. “What don’t you understand? He knows my ability as much as Theo. I can only use so much energy before my body gives out. He

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knows this. The Fray knows this. That’s why you guys hid me, because all that time I was in the government facility, they became aware I only had so much output.” “Not if we use your power the right way,” Theo calmly explained. “What right way?” Reese couldn’t believe they were even having this conversation. They should be leaving immediately. The storm had lightened to flurries, so there was no reason they shouldn’t be on their way. Standing here was just inviting death. “Let me explain how he’ll get to me. He’ll use a wave of men to come in first, so I deplete my energy. If he’s really smart, which we know he is, he’ll use a second wave, so I’ll use whatever is left. By the time he gets here, I’ll be unconscious, you two will be unprotected, and we’ll all be fucked!” “Look at the printout of the mountain and tell me what you see,” Jagger ordered, standing up and coming around behind her. Putting his arms on either side of her and resting his hands on the counter, Jagger looked over her should at the blueprint, pointing to the east side. “What’s here?” Reese studied what Jagger was pointing at. The blueprint showed the outline of the mountain and the small fortress Jagger had built at the farthest point. The side where Jagger’s finger lay, the mountainside was steep. A person couldn’t climb landscape that extreme after a snowstorm, even with the proper equipment. “What do you see here?” Reese looked up to the north of the printout and saw rocks and cliff overhangs. The terrain would cause rougher conditions than the east side. “And here?” She followed Jagger’s finger to the south. Was that supposed to be slate? “It’s covered in slate from an old mine that used to operate here. It’s been closed for many years. No one could climb that without causing the entire side of the mountain to collapse.” “So that leaves the west side?” Reese still wasn’t seeing where they were going with this. “I know you don’t have an access road and you use your private plane to come and go as you please, but the west side is climbable.”

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“Yes, but not to an entire team. They would have to come in phases. You would have plenty of time in between to recover, if that’s what we needed to do. But Theo had friends fly in last night. We’ve positioned them to our advantage. My guards on the towers will keep us apprised as well. Also remember, they don’t want media coverage on something like this. The sympathizers would go up in arms and create all kinds of hell for the Fray. So that would rule out an air strike. As for the west side of the mountain, it’s too visible to the town. So they’ll need to be careful on how many men they use.” “And how long do you think this will go on, Jagger?” Reese turned in his arms and lifted her face to his. “Say we win this time. What about the next time? We will forever run because of who I am!” Brushing his arm aside, Reese walked to the side of the counter where she could see both men. “You two say you want to be with me. Share me and share my life. Have you really thought about what that entails? My God, we’ll always be looking over our shoulders, not knowing who we can trust!” Theo stood and walked toward her, while Jagger took the few steps to her other side. Theo pushed the last stool aside and leaned his hip on the counter, crossing his arms. “We know exactly what we’re getting into and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. You seem to forget that I’m Noble, too. The Fray doesn’t need my ability because I’m one of many, and they would kill me on sight. You also forget that’s how I stayed alive when we were captured. I always led on that my abilities were more powerful. By the time Jagger managed to get me out, they had figured me out and I was to be executed the following day. I’m of no use to them. So whether I’m with you or not, I’m being hunted. At least I can be with you and love you this way.” “I’ve been looking over my shoulder since the day I rescued you,” Jagger continued where Theo left off. Jagger leaned forward, placing his hands on the counter to lean down so they were face to face. “I’m considered a traitor. You know this. You also know that I’m not going

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to leave your side. So what’s the real problem? And don’t make Theo probe your head. I know the headache it causes.” Reese fought the laugh that Jagger was trying to get out of her and looked down at her clenched hands. These two men would stand by her side and protect her, even though she could protect herself. If they were hurt or even worse, killed, because of her… She didn’t think she could live through that. “You’re doing good,” Jagger said. “What do you mean?” Reese asked, looking back up at him with confusion. “Even through your panic, you managed to regulate the energy. I can see the emotions in your eyes,” Jagger said, bringing his hand up to her face and caressing it with the back of his hand. “They turn almost black when you’re upset or mad. The progress you’ve made in a year is astounding. Look, only a little coffee splashed, but nothing even rattled.” Reese looked at where his mug sat and saw some coffee splats on the counter. She looked back down at her knuckles. She watched the whiteness disappear and she opened them. If only it were that easy to make Cane and his men go away. “You have so much faith in me,” she whispered in disbelief, not hiding the skepticism that showed on her face. “They’ll never let us live in peace.” “You’re right,” Theo agreed. “But we can find peace in each other. We will face the war one battle at a time. We’ve already won numerous battles. We’ll be ready for this one. Jagger knew what he was doing when he bought this land and built this place. This is where we will make our stand. This mountain is where we will call home. We can use it to our advantage.” “I’ll kill one of our own, Theo,” Reese sadly expressed. “It’s hard for me to see him as a Rogue.” “But he is,” Jagger countered, referring to Cane. Reaching out, he pulled her into his arms. Whether to make sure she was comfortable with where their relationship was going or just to give her time to

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come to terms with finding out Cane turned Rogue, she didn’t know. What she was coming to find out was that she craved their touch. She could rationalize that it was due to being alone for the past year, but what her body accepted, her mind needed a little more time to accept. Reese placed her cheek on Jagger’s white T-shirt, soaking in his heat. She felt Theo stand behind her and place a kiss on her head above her ponytail. “Let us show you what we have planned.”

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Chapter Six “What is he doing?” Reese asked, not understanding why there was only one red dot on the screen. Theo, Jagger, and Reese were in Jagger’s security room off the side of his office. They had spent the rest of the day talking and planning for the fight ahead. They weren’t sure when Cane would attack, but Theo’s people were in place and Jagger’s security system was up and running. They had been in the living room, listening to Theo communicate with the other Nobles outside by a two-way radio when the security system alerted them of a breach. The security room was tiny, filled with six different monitors that displayed real-time footage of the surrounding property. She could see the guards suited up against the weather, pacing back and forth, vigilant in their watch. There were eight other monitors that differed from the others, sitting on another platform that revealed a heat source, whether it be animal or human. Seeing the different motions between the animals and the human climbing up the mountain was very evident, even to Reese. Jagger had placed the advanced security system to show all four sides of the mountain, but used the realfootage cameras for the adjacent land. Theo was leaning against the table while Jagger had seized the black leather chair. Reese stood behind Jagger as they watched the blotch of red continue to climb. “Who the hell knows?” Jagger responded in frustration. “It might not even be Cane. Maybe it’s one of his lackeys.” “He did send that army of men in at the cabin while he stood back. I’m still not sure why he didn’t close in on you two,” Theo wondered

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aloud. “It’s not like he didn’t have ample opportunity before I landed the chopper. Reese, you used a lot of power when you took them out and wouldn’t have been able to take out another line without having a good half hour to recuperate.” “So why didn’t he?” Jagger asked, staring intently at the screen. “This doesn’t make sense, unless they are coming in by air. But if they do that and Reese unleashes, those choppers will crash, causing enough damage that the media would descend upon the town. The Fray are smarter than that.” “Maybe they don’t care anymore,” Reese speculated, trying to hold her fear at bay. What if they were wrong and their plan backfired? Theo and Jagger, on the assumption Cane would bring with him numerous Fray soldiers, had called in a handful of Nobles they trusted with different abilities that would aid them in their upcoming confrontation. Strategically placed at the top of the mountain, they would try to take out as many Fray as they could until Reese had no choice but to use her power. They agreed that they were far enough up the mountain that her energy wouldn’t reach the bottom and jeopardize the town. “There are too many human sympathizers for the government to alienate. The more the Nobles use their abilities to help mankind and the media covers it, the better reputation they obtain,” Theo rationalized. “Yes, we still need to hide among the humans, but the storm is starting to turn in our favor. Trust us, we’re not wrong.” “Then what is he doing?” Reese pointed toward the computer, frantic that things weren’t going as they had planned. “I’ll grab my rig and head down the mountain. If I can circle around, I’ll hear his thoughts,” Theo said, starting to turn to walk out of the room. Reese caught him by the sleeve. “No, you won’t. We both know he’s keeping his thoughts to a minimum anyway. It’s foolish to risk your life when we know you won’t get anything.” “She’s right,” Jagger said.

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“It’s worth a shot. I have good men outside that will watch my back.” Theo took Reese’s hand and brought it up to his mouth, gently running his lips across her knuckles. “And you.” “I can’t protect you if you’re not around me, you know this. I still don’t know why you think the Nobles out there will go unharmed if I send a blast of energy out.” “I’ve taken care of that,” Jagger informed, turning from the monitor and picking up her other hand, placing it over his heart. “I’ll give each of them a two-minute warning. There are hidden entrances that lead inside the old mine. During the past year, I had each outfitted with a safety-room in case we ever needed it. We have ten Nobles out there, and I purposefully placed them so they could reach cover in two minutes. Just don’t release your energy until I say so.” “Whether or not that’s Cane climbing up here, it is his plan that’s being implemented. It’s counter to what we thought he was going to do,” Reese said, worrying her bottom lip but not letting go of her men’s hands. “So what do we do now?” Jagger turned toward the screen and watched the dot move higher and shrugged his shoulder. “We watch and wait.” **** Cane smelled them. He counted eight to ten scents permeating down the mountain. Equipped with his well-stocked backpack, he continued on the path he’d mapped in his head before leaving the motel this morning. He was dressed in black, including a black face mask more for protection against the weather than anything else, thermal clothes, hiking boots, and climbing gloves. Attached to the outside shoulder strap on his backpack was the little device he clipped for easy access, and on his wrist, the apparatus to detonate the deliberately placed small bombs he had planted six months earlier. He gave a rare smile underneath his mask. It always paid to be one step ahead.

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Cane figured they would let him reach the compound gates before taking action, which would give him plenty of time for what needed to be done. He saw the cameras immediately and knew they would show the infrared heat his body produced and knew they had to be wondering why he was coming in alone. Cane found from experience that when he kept his prey off balance, they were easier to catch. They preoccupied themselves with the “whys” instead of carrying out their defensive strategy. Cane knew that Jagger Malone and Theo McKay were not stupid. They were anything but. Unfortunately for them, they were his targets along with the Deity. Too bad he wouldn’t be handing them over to Richard Howell or his division. **** “Target in sight. Confirming object,” a feminine voice resounded loudly from the two-way receiver Theo held in his hands. Jagger had taken his position back and sat in the chair observing the monitors. Reese was pacing while clenching and unclenching her hands to keep her energy from building too fast and releasing too early. “It’s definitely Cane. I have visual on his mask, and there’s no mistaking those dark eyes of his.” “Stand by,” Theo ordered, walking over to stand behind Jagger. Watching the red haze reach the summit and pass the other scattered dots indicating his team, he said, “Wait for my word.” They had all agreed to wait and see who their trespasser was before adjusting their strategy. Now that the confirmation had come through that it was Cane, they needed to figure out the next step. “He’s playing with us.” Jagger turned in the chair to face both Theo and Reese. “Whatever he’s doing, it’s with the intention of taking Reese and making us second-guess things. He’s the best Tracker there is. I have no doubt he knows your people are situated around the peak. He’s way too confident they won’t take him out. I say give the signal.”

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“Does he have a death wish?” Reese asked, walking over and seeking Theo’s warmth. He placed his arm around her and pulled her in closer. “I know two of the Nobles out there working for Theo, and both have the capability of taking him down. Tavia can bring a person to their knees in agony with just a thought, and Shane can alter Cane’s perception if he can get close enough to look into his eyes. Both of them working as a team can have Cane debilitated in seconds. By now, he not only knows there are Nobles out there, he knows exactly who they are. Why would he keep coming unless he has others flying in?” “He’s not flying them in, Reese,” Jagger spoke confidently. “And I made sure they couldn’t access the lower mine entrances. I—” The explosion rocked the mountainside. Theo immediately pulled Reese down to the floor and covered her with his body, using his arms to shield her head. Jagger quickly turned to see the live-footage feed of the compound. “What the hell happened? Theo, give me the radio!” Theo slid Reese to where she had cover in case of another explosion. Despite her glare, he motioned for her to stay there while he grabbed the radio from where it had fallen to the floor. “I’ll do it,” Theo said, getting to his knees but not moving away from where Reese lay. “Tavia, can you hear me?” Nothing but static came over the line, and Theo studied each monitor. The red haze was still heading toward the front gate, and the others were still in their designated spots. “Tavia, answer me, damn it!” “We’re okay. The bombs took out the entries to the mine,” Tavia informed. “Don’t have Reese use her power, Theo. She’ll kill us all.” “Fuck! Can you get close enough to take him down?” “I’m too far away now. The bastard knew what he was doing.” Silence claimed the line for a few seconds before Tavia continued. “The ground is unstable. Trying to climb after him could cause an avalanche of rocks and snow. Shane is carrying. Can he get close enough to stop Cane?”

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“Negative,” Shane’s voice cut in. “Tavia, the mine above you was where we were located. We’re stuck in the rubble. Cane will make it to the gate before we can reach him.” “Base to home, target is in sight of the gate,” came another voice, this time over the monitor system. It was one of the guards from the towers. “Please advise.” Holding his hand out, Theo helped Reese stand, confident there would be no more detonations. Cane had gotten what he wanted. He had disabled their team and knew Reese wouldn’t endanger other Nobles trying to take him out. But Cane had to get through him and Jagger before getting to Reese. “Tell your man to stand down. Reese, Jagger’s going to take position and use the sniper rifle to take him out. We’re done playing.” “He must have planted those bombs months ago before I ever got the surveillance up and running.” Jagger grabbed his sniper case and slung it over his shoulder, stopping only long enough to tell his man to do nothing. “Which means he’s been planning this since right after I built the compound and started the outside security. That was right after we placed you in the cabin,” Jagger said to Reese. “Something doesn’t add up,” Theo said, confused. “If he knew where your compound was that long ago, why not hand you over to the Fray then? You’re a traitor to the government, Jagger.” “Aeeeehhhhhhh!” Theo caught Reese before she hit the ground. The sound that came out of her was like nothing he had ever heard. Her face contorted with pain, and her arms wrapped around her middle as if to ward off whatever pain she was feeling. “Reese, what it is? What’s wrong?” Jagger dropped his case and also reached for Reese, but Theo had already lifted her into his arms. He watched as Jagger pulled the chair around for him so that he could sit with Reese in his lap. Running his hands down the length of her body, Theo couldn’t find out what was causing her pain.

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“Reese, focus. Look at me,” Jagger demanded. Theo watched as Reese struggled to focus on Jagger’s face. “If your energy is too much, then release it. Do you hear me? We’ll worry about casualties later.” Theo knew Jagger referred to his team outside, and his words were like a knife to his gut. He cared for every person out on that mountain who came to help, but he agreed with Jagger. They loved Reese and would deal with the collateral damage later. She would always come first. Reese shook her head, but was still in too much agony. “Listen to him,” Theo said, backing up Jagger, his voice thick with anguish. “I can’t,” Reese whispered so low they could barely hear her. Clutching her stomach, she doubled over again. “Yes, you can,” Jagger said sternly. “Do it, now!” “You don’t understand,” Reese moaned. “My energy is building on its own, and nothing I do can get rid of it. It’s boiling up inside me.” “What do you mean? You can’t release it at all?” Theo was trying hard not to panic at the thought of losing her. There had to be something they could do to trigger a release. “Open the gate.” Cane’s order came across the two-way radio like a crack of a whip. **** Reese heard Cane’s voice through the veil of pain. Theo held her in his lap, arms wrapped tightly around her upper half. Jagger was telling her what to do, but she couldn’t get her mind to cooperate. It felt as if her body was in a vise and someone had pressed the button to constrict her. “He’s doing this. Cane is causing her pain and taking away her ability to release the energy,” Theo yelled out as Jagger yanked the radio from his hand.

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“What the hell did you do, you little fuck?” Jagger screamed into the machine. “I swear I will kill you on sight.” “No, you won’t,” Cane countered confidently. “You’ll open this gate or I’ll let her suffer. Don’t worry, she won’t die. Unless her mind just shuts down her body from the pain of it all.” “Son of a bitch!” Jagger shouted out, turning the other way so Reese couldn’t see his face. “Don’t let him in,” Reese begged. “Don’t let him in. He’ll kill you both. I’d rather die.” She felt Theo rock her, his lips pressed to her hair. “You’re not dying, my favorite Noble. But we can’t let you suffer.” “I’ll suffer if he takes me back,” Reese cried, finally breaking under the pressure, tears starting to roll down her face. “Please, don’t let him in.” Theo stood with Reese in his arms and handed her off to Jagger, his face tight with anger. Reese started to struggle, but Jagger held her secure against his chest, moving out of Theo’s way. “Whatever happens, follow my lead.” Theo directed his words to Jagger, walking out of the room without looking back. “Please don’t let him do this, Jagger,” Reese sobbed, sanity starting to recede from the pressure her body was under. “I can’t help us anymore, and they’ll take me away. I wouldn’t survive going back there. You know that, Jagger.” **** Jagger couldn’t take her pleas any longer. Following Theo through the house, he kept her close to his body. Reese was starting to shake, and her words were starting to slur as she kept imploring him to not let Cane inside the compound. How had everything gone straight to hell? They’d had every plan in place, every person situated where they needed to be, and Reese as their major weapon. Now, Cane was outside with no army backing him up, the Nobles were

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useless due to Cane’s placement of explosives, and Reese was out of commission. Jagger mulled over Theo’s words regarding Cane being on the mountain months ago. If Cane had known that Jagger had purchased this land, then why not turn him in to his superiors? If he were out of the picture, Cane would still have had Theo to find Reese. Theo would have eventually led Cane to Reese, although that hadn’t happened in the year they had Reese at the cabin. Theo had been using different venues to travel from the compound to where Reese had stayed and used his gift to read the thoughts of anyone in the vicinity. Jagger hadn’t set up the security system until three months ago because the expert that he required was a Noble, who happened to be hard to locate. It had taken him seven months to find the Noble and two months to have it installed. Shit, he thought, plenty of time to stage an ambush. The question was why. And how did Cane know things would play out this way? Did he have access to a Seer? Theo and Reese said legend had it a Seer did exist, but no one knew of his or her location. Some say he or she was living among the humans. Others say he or she lived isolated in some faraway land. “Theo,” Jagger called out. “Theo, we have to talk about this. You can’t take this decision out of her hands.” “Too late.” Theo appeared in the kitchen doorway, facing the living room where Jagger and Reese had made love. “He’s on his way in.” “Damn it, Theo! I’ve always given her a choice. She’s had enough decisions taken away from her because of who she is. I will not—” “Won’t what, Jagger? You want her to die all because you might hurt her feelings? Let me tell you something,” Theo yelled, stepping into the room and coming to stand before them. “I have loved that woman for over ten years. I witnessed her father try to sell her to the highest bidder for his immunity from the Fray. I watched her struggle day after day to rein in every emotion she ever felt so she wouldn’t

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end up killing what ‘family’ we had left. I then had to watch as they carried her drugged body away from me as we were locked away like animals to be dissected. And the kicker? I was powerless to stop her from falling in love with someone else. I’ve had enough, Jagger. I’m taking control from here on out. If you don’t have the guts to keep her alive despite your good intentions, then fine. Let me be the bad guy. At least she’ll be alive.” “You’re letting your anger get the best of you, Theo,” Jagger warned. “I love her just as much as you do and will do everything in my power to make sure she’s safe. But Reese is right. If Cane walks in here and takes us out, he’ll deliver her back to those crazy-assed scientists who’ll do God knows what. And if by chance we survive and rescue her again, do you think she would ever look us in the eye after that, let alone love us? It’s not so much hurting her feelings as destroying her faith.” “You think I don’t fucking know that?” Theo screamed, his face turning red in anger. “But I will not watch her die in our arms, do you understand me?” Jagger looked down at Reese, who had slipped into unconsciousness right after leaving the security room. Her breathing was ragged, and her body remained tense. “What do you want to do?” Jagger asked, lowering his tone. Fighting now would get them nowhere. Theo ran his hand through his hair, which had come undone, letting it fall into his face and cover his shoulders. Pushing it back, he stepped away from Jagger and Reese to walk back through the kitchen. Jagger followed and went over to the couch in the open area by the fireplace to lay Reese down where she would still be in their sight. Turning, he saw Theo pull out a handgun, unclip the cartridge to check for a full round, then snap it back in. “Take this. You’ll know when I signal to take him out. I’ll hear what he’s thinking and try to decipher what device he’s using to block

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Reese and, once I find the location of it, eliminate him,” Theo ordered. They both turned at the sound of the kitchen door opening. Jagger didn’t bother to hide the gun. Cane would only have to sense the air to know that Jagger was armed. Jagger would watch the scene play out in front of him and wait for Theo’s signal. Moving to where his body blocked the sight of Reese, Jagger stood with his feet apart and hands at his side, gun in his right hand, ready for anything. **** Theo studied Cane as he stood in the entryway. Even to Theo, this Noble was menacing. The scar gave his face an ominous tenor, while his long black hair did nothing to hide it. Dressed in black, Cane held his face mask in one hand and a long hunting knife in the other. A backpack was strapped to his back, with an apparatus clipped to the shoulder strap. Was that the device that was hurting Reese? Theo tried to probe Cane’s mind, but it was blank. Cane let the door shut behind him. “You’re good. I’ll give you that.” Theo spoke first, breaking the silence. “I do my best,” Cane replied, not having moved an inch. Theo figured Cane was taking in the air around him to make sure there was nothing amiss but what stood before him. Cane’s eyes went from him to Jagger and then to the area behind where Reese was laying. Theo saw Jagger tense when he realized Cane knew exactly where she was. Giving a shake of his head, Theo warned Jagger not to do anything too soon. He didn’t want to act too quickly until he knew if that was the device they needed to help Reese. “I would never have figured you to be the type to sell out. We know they offered you immunity. How much cash will you get for turning in one of your own?” Theo asked, trying to get Cane to break concentration long enough to hear what he needed.

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“Is she unconscious?” Cane asked, ignoring Theo’s questioning. “What did you do to her?” Theo countered him, not wanting to give Cane any information on Reese. “I already told you, she won’t die.” Cane finally took a step close, causing Jagger’s arm to twitch. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” “Why not? Killing you seems like a great idea right about now,” Jagger tightly replied. “For one, you don’t know how the mechanism works,” Cane answered. “I highly doubt you’re willing to let her suffer longer than she needs to.” “You have another reason?” Theo asked, praying Jagger didn’t take aim and pull the trigger. “Yes, I do.” Theo waited for Cane to answer, but it was obvious that Cane liked playing with them. Theo spared Jagger a glance when Jagger raised his arm and pointed the barrel at Cane’s head. Shit, things were going from bad to worse. The only thing flashing through Cane’s mind was Reese and the gun in Jagger’s hand. Nothing else was forthcoming, and one wrong word would make Jagger shoot, regardless of what Cane threatened. Jagger had apparently seen the black box attached to Cane as well. He obviously didn’t want to wait anymore. “And what would that be?” Theo questioned, praying Jagger didn’t shoot. “Reese’s sister.”

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Chapter Seven Reese came awake with a jolt and sat straight up on the leather couch. Her thoughts a jumbled mess, she couldn’t sort them out and started to panic, making the house shake. She heard her name through the fog, but couldn’t grasp on to anything. Her energy built, and she heard loud voices trying to get her attention. Still, she couldn’t stop herself from struggling to stand. It wasn’t until Jagger’s hands shook her shoulders that she heard what he was saying. “Reese, I’ve got you! Stop struggling! Eyes on me.” Reese’s vision cleared enough to see Jagger’s green eyes staring intently back. “Breathe in. That’s right, breathe in and let it out.” Gradually, the shaking and rattling settled as she held on tightly to Jagger’s shoulders. He seemed to have become her anchor. She did as he asked and took even breaths, relaxing as the tension eased out of her. She wasn’t in pain any longer, and her body felt fine. Jagger was in front of her and standing on his own two feet. Pieces from the day slowly filtered in, and she took a minute to let her brain process things. Jagger pulled her to him, one arm around her waist, the other cradling her head to his chest. She burrowed as deep as she could, inhaling his calming scent and cologne of sandalwood and nutmeg. “That’s my girl. I’ve got you.” Jagger’s deep voice washed over her. The sighs of relief came from the island in the kitchen, making her turn her head to see who was there. Tavia, Shane, Ace, and Kalen sat on the four stools, all of them looking a little bit shaken. Feeling bad she had scared them, Reese closed her eyes to block them out. “Sorry about that, guys. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

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Reese felt Theo come up behind her and rub her back in assurance. She lifted one hand up to her shoulder, reaching out for his. He must have heard her thoughts that she wanted to touch him, so he placed his hand on her shoulder, letting her hold on to him. Both men were here and alive. Somehow, someway, they must have taken Cane out and been able to get the Nobles back up the mountainside. Where were the other six Nobles? Reese opened her eyes again to look into the kitchen, and terror overtook her. Cane. He was leaning back against the countertop, staring at her with his dark eyes, loose black hair that hung around his unshaven face, and his intimidating scar. One of the lightbulbs exploded above the island, causing shards of glass to shatter against the marble. Shane jumped out of the way, as he was in its path. The other three stood and shoved their stools back, yelling at Jagger and Theo. Everyone moved but Cane. He stood still as a statue just watching the events unfold like he was invincible. “Stop it right now, Reese! You’re going to hurt someone,” Jagger said sternly, taking her face in his hands so she looked at him instead of the imposing figure in the kitchen. Theo had yanked her back against him, capturing her arms to her chest. “He’s not going to hurt you.” Reese brought her power down a notch, hearing the items around the house settle. She never took her stare away from Jagger’s eyes, watching them dilate, hiding the beautiful green color she loved so much. Focus, Reese, she told herself. Just focus on Jagger. Finally, when she felt in complete control of her body, she pushed against Theo’s arms and reached up to cup Jagger’s face like he was doing to hers. “I’m okay.” Both men stepped back cautiously, as if they were afraid she was lying. Reese wasn’t. She let her hands fall from his face. She saw the truth in Jagger’s eyes and instinctively knew that neither Jagger nor Theo would ever let Cane hurt her. If he was still alive and standing in their kitchen, it was only because Jagger and Theo let him be there.

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“I apologize, again,” Reese said, directing her apology to the Nobles at the island, blatantly ignoring Cane. Though she trusted her men, she didn’t trust Cane. She watched as Ace cleaned up the broken glass and everyone uneasily took their seats back. “It all right, Reese,” Shane answered. “Come over here, Deity. Give me a hug. It’s been a long time.” Shane was a Compeller, able to alter a person’s perception of reality. Standing as tall as Theo at six four, his massive build was more in line with a linebacker, although he was gentle as a warm summer breeze. His black hair was never out of place with his military cut. And, always the touchy-feely one in their group, he never ran out of hugs. Reese walked over to where Shane stood up, holding his arms open. She stepped into them and returned his embrace. It was good to see friends from the past, especially these four. They had been part of her and Theo’s group back when they were in their teens and their abilities complemented each other’s. Tavia was a Sadist, able to inflict pain. Ace, an Immobilizer, was adept at immobilizing his prey, while Kalen was known as a Feeler, able to feel other’s emotions. She knew that Theo had maintained contact after their rescue from the facility, but she had been too preoccupied with the safety of her cabin to really even think of them. She gave each Noble a warm hug and then stepped back into Jagger’s waiting arms. Theo stood on her other side, cocooning her in warmth. When she felt strong enough, she brought her gaze up to meet Cane’s intense stare. “Why are you still alive?” Cane smirked, the first sign of any movement she had seen since spotting him in the kitchen. “Your men were lenient on me. They decided I should live to see another day.” “I might not be so merciful,” Reese answered, miffed that he was acting so casual, like he hadn’t been the cause of damage these last few days. “You got a lot of Jagger’s men killed near my cabin.” “Casualties of war, nothing more. Things happen for a reason. I made things happen for a reason, and once you hear what I have to

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say, you’ll agree.” Cane studied her for a second then said, “On second thought, you won’t. Any loss of life to you is an insult. I see things differently.” “Where are the other Nobles?” Reese asked, ignoring Cane and his little regard for the lives of good men who were killed trying to help her. She directed her question to Theo. “Are they all right?” “Yes, Jagger’s pilot flew them out to town to keep an eye on things,” Theo answered, taking a hold of her hand. “After you hear what Cane has to say, you’ll understand.” That brought Reese’s eyes back to rest on Cane, who was still wearing that irritating smirk. It didn’t look right on him. “Fine, spit it out. But just know, if I don’t like what you have to say, I have control over my ability now and will be able to kill you without harming anyone else.” “I’ve been warned then,” Cane conceded. “First, though, I have to ask…Since when have you taken Theo as a lover?” Reese felt Theo’s hand tighten on hers and felt Jagger tense against her side. Tavia gave a gasp and the other three men hid their laughs by coughing. “Who I take to my bed is of no concern to you, Cane. I could have a dozen lovers, and your opinion of the matter means nothing to me.” “Fair enough,” Cane acknowledged with a slight nod. “I just don’t want a lovers’ quarrel to get in the way of rescuing your sister.” Reese heard Theo and Jagger curse underneath their breath, but was still grappling with what Cane said. A sister? She didn’t have a sister. What kind of game was he playing? “You have no couth, Cane. Damn it, if I’d known that’s how you were going to tell her, I would have done it myself,” Jagger grated through his teeth. “I don’t believe in beating around the bush,” Cane informed them as he turned around to grab a cup of coffee. Once his cup was filled, he turned back. “I’ll give it to you straight, Reese. You do have a sister. She’s being held in the same facility where you were before

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Jagger got you out. Once I realized she had been taken, Jagger had already taken you underground and off the radar. I tried various ways to find you, but didn’t have the manpower. I couldn’t locate either Jagger or Theo because all of Theo’s ‘friends’ were a little overprotective.” “Then why didn’t you just tell them you were looking for me? I would have come to meet you someplace safe,” Theo stated, disbelief evident in his tone. “You were one of us, man.” “You and I both know Rogues are everywhere. I don’t trust anyone.” “This, coming from you?” Reese couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You come in here saying I have a sister, which I don’t, and that you wanted to find me to tell me when we all know you’re working for the Fray.” “I tried rescuing Addison on my own, but the facility is too secure. They doubled their security after your escape. The only way for me to locate the three of you was by using the Fray’s manpower. All I needed was for one person to ask the right question. I had close to a hundred people at my disposal to send all over the world because the Fray thought you were overseas. I figured Jagger would want you close to him. And then I found that the Noble community was saying Jagger was holed up with Theo. My bad on not realizing how he was holed up with Theo.” “Don’t be a dick,” Jagger sneered. “Leave it alone. We both love Reese, and how we handle our relationship is between us. Back off.” Cane held up his hands as if in surrender, not bothering to hide his smile, making his scar appear lighter. When he wasn’t smiling, the scar took on a deeper shade of pink. It wasn’t pretty. Neither was his smile, a little forced looking like he didn’t do it often enough. “Can we please get back to the conversation at hand?” Tavia interjected. She had spikey red hair that totally matched her spunky attitude. Tavia was never afraid to speak what was on her mind and everyone knew it. “We heard you were given immunity and paid a lot

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of cash to find Reese. If you don’t bring her back now, the Fray will hunt you down and kill you.” “They’d have to find me first.” Turning to Reese, he said, “After I give you the information you need on Addison, I’m disappearing. I’ll have paid my debt.” “What debt? What are you talking about? Damn, but you talk in riddles,” Reese said, irritated. “You can’t just drop a bomb like this and walk away. Why would you think this Addison is my sister?” Cane took a minute before answering, making Reese a little nervous about what he might say next. Sure enough, the rest of his story didn’t help any. “She’s actually your half sister,” Cane corrected her, putting his coffee cup down with a thud. “Look, it’s a waste of time for me to tell you how I know this, but the bottom line is simple. When you and Theo were abducted, the Fray researched your family through your DNA. They found that you had a half sister through your biological father. Her mother was human. She’s a few years older than you, Reese, and was living her life not knowing she had Noble blood running through her. They wanted to see if Addison had your abilities, so they planned to take her. I got to her first.” “What?” Others echoed her question, causing the kitchen to explode in questions. She raised her voice to be overheard, wanting answers. “You kidnapped my sister?” “I didn’t kidnap her. I saved her…at least for a while,” Cane said, his expression blank. The only time Cane had showed any emotion on his face was when he had teased the three of them about their relationship. Other than that, he was a blank slate, but Reese caught the tick in his eye every time he said Addison’s name. Did he feel guilt over not keeping her safe? But why would he feel that it was his responsibility? Cane’s voice brought her back to the conversation at hand. “I was able to get Addison to believe her life was in danger. She didn’t know about you or her biological father, but I convinced her if she wanted to live, her best bet was with me. I took her into hiding.”

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Reese wasn’t sure what to believe. In a span of three days, her life had been turned upside down. She went from being alone, thinking that was how she would live the rest of her life, to being back in the arms of the man she loved only to find out she had two men who loved her. Then they had dealt with the potential threat on their lives, which technically would never go away, and now Cane was telling her she had a sister. Feeling a little overwhelmed, she sought out Jagger and Theo, who were only two steps behind her. Shuffling back, Reese leaned into both hard bodies behind her, taking their offered comfort. “So what happened?” Jagger asked for her, knowing she was having trouble assimilating everything. Cane didn’t answer right away and seemed to be trying to find the right words. He took extra time by reaching for his coffee and gulping down what was left. He set it carefully back on the counter before saying, “I didn’t hide her good enough. Six months after I took her from underneath their noses, they found Addison and took her away.” “Just like that?” Reese questioned, her voice back and filled with incredulity. “I don’t believe you. There’s no way you—” “It doesn’t matter how. They got her and have had her this entire year while I’ve been searching for you. You three are the only ones who can get her out.” As if he didn’t have a care in the world, Cane walked over to where a black backpack leaned up against the wall next to the kitchen door. Pulling open the zipper, he reached in and grabbed a folder with some papers inside. Walking back, Cane handed them to Reese. “Everything you need to know about Addison.” “Wait a second,” Tavia said. The four Nobles had been quiet for the most part, taking in everything that was being said. “You save Addison from the first threat of abduction, then waste a year searching for Reese, Theo, and Jagger, only to hand everything over and leave? That doesn’t make any sense.”

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“It doesn’t need to. I don’t need to explain myself to you. Jagger still has connections in the government, sympathizers who will help. Theo has access to you guys,” Cane said, motioning to the four Nobles sitting at the island, “and others, and Reese has her power. I’ve done what I needed to do.” “And what are you going to tell the Fray?” Ace asked. “Nothing. When I leave here, I’ll disappear. They’ll never find me,” Cane replied, although Reese heard the end of his sentence. Like they found her. “You’re in love with her,” Reese exclaimed softly. It finally dawned on Reese what Cane was trying so hard to hide. Her anger and skepticism had clouded her judgment, but standing back and letting Tavia and Ace question Cane, she caught a glimpse of sorrow in his eyes. He loved Addison and felt guilty that he hadn’t kept her safe. Reese watched as his scar turned a deep shade of red as fury flushed his face. But she gave him credit when he didn’t say anything, just walked over to his bag. Bringing it over to the island, he dumped the weapons and a device she didn’t recognize. “Love doesn’t exist. Nothing exists but the will to survive. She means nothing to me. She’s an innocent bystander who got caught up in a mess she didn’t deserve.” Cane reached for a black metal box, effectively dropping the subject. “This is what I used to shut down your body. I killed the scientist who made it and destroyed any documentation pertaining to any other prototypes. It doesn’t mean they aren’t working on others, but at least this will buy you some time.” His cavalier attitude at killing someone stunned her speechless. On one hand, Reese was very happy this machine created to hurt her was the only one in existence and she could see it destroyed. But someone had lost his or her life because of her. She wasn’t soft. She knew the Nobles were at war to protect their lives, and yes, she would go to any lengths to protect herself and those she loved. But Cane

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seemed to be able to kill as if life meant nothing. Maybe he really wasn’t able to love. “I’m…sorry…I had to make you all believe I was Rogue,” Cane apologized, although Reese could tell it wasn’t something he did often as his scar once again turned red. “Good luck in getting your sister back.” Reese watched as Cane walked over to where his mountain gear was and started to prepare for his climb back down. He was really going to leave? He’d given up almost two years of his life helping a woman he claimed meant nothing to him, and he was just going to leave without knowing the outcome? “Cane, wait,” Jagger ordered, “we can have the plane take you off the mountain. Just wait until it gets back from town.” “No.” That was all Cane said as he finished pulling on his climbing gloves and reached for his face mask. Reese pulled away from Theo and Jagger and walked over as he tugged his face mask down over his scar. “Cane,” Reese pleaded as she placed her hand over his on the doorknob. “You’ve done so much to help her. Stay and help us get her out of there. She trusts you. Seeing a familiar face when we get her back—” “Stop it,” Cane demanded. “I told her about you. She knows you exist and will be fine. Just get her out of there because God knows what those bastards are doing to her. They’ve had a year to break her.” “But she trusts you,” Reese repeated, not giving up. The more people they had on board to rescue her sister, the better. “No, she doesn’t,” Cane responded. “That’s why she got caught.” Reese dropped her hand from his as he yanked the door open. No one said a word as he walked through the doorway. Cane stopped in midstride and looked over his shoulder at Reese, his eyes dark behind his mask.

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“One more thing. Addison might not have your gift, but she does have one. If she’s lucky, she’s managed to hide it from them. If not…she might not be worth bringing back.”

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Chapter Eight “Have you found out what her gift is?” Reese jumped at the sound of Theo’s voice. It was ten o’clock in the morning, and she was curled up on the couch in front of the fire with papers strewn everywhere from the file she had been reading. Cane left last night after having dropped a third bomb on all of them. He wasn’t working for the Fray, Reese had a sister, and this halfhuman sister had a power. They had tried to get Cane to come back into the house, but he never once turned back around. Reese was conflicted on what she felt about Cane. How could someone go to the lengths he had for Addison and then up and walk away at the eleventh hour? She just didn’t get it, and the more she tried to figure it out, the angrier it made her. The group all had the same sentiment and had stayed the rest of the night to discuss options until Reese couldn’t keep her eyes open. Around four in the morning, Jagger had had his pilot take the four Nobles into town with the promise of sticking around for the forthcoming rescue. Theo had made Reese crawl into bed for some much-needed sleep. She’d had no energy to stop him from sliding in next to her and pulling her close. Not that she had wanted to. Little by little, she was coming to accept how things were among the three of them and a feeling of contentment had come over her as she let sleep claim her. She liked the feeling of protection she got when he or Jagger held her tight. “Not yet.” Reese took the offered coffee Theo had brought her and wrapped both hands around the black mug, the big one that was her favorite. “According to this file, she really is my half sister.”

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“How do you feel about that?” Theo’s large form folded as he sat on the floor in front of her and the couch, placing his hand on her thigh. His long blond hair was tied back again, taking with it the wild look she was coming to love. His striking blue eyes were more prominent when his hair didn’t cover them, and she could see the concern in them. “I’m not sure. A part of me is sad that we missed out knowing each other growing up, but then we really wouldn’t have had much of a childhood anyway. My father wasn’t the normal loving dad, and who knows where my mother is. She was smart to leave him and go into hiding when she did.” Reese liked the feel of Theo’s hand rubbing up and down her thigh, although it was causing butterflies in her stomach. Jagger’s face flashed through her mind as well. How could she want them now when they really needed to be concentrating on figuring out how to get Addison out of the facility? “Your mother was a coward. What woman leaves her child with a man who would sell his own daughter?” Theo’s hand tightened on her knee. They had spoken of this often after she and Theo had left and struck out on their own. Reese didn’t regret for one moment walking away and starting somewhere fresh. She wasn’t one to get caught up in the past and have regrets. None if it mattered, because she’d always had Theo by her side. “What I don’t understand is if she does have some type of ability, wouldn’t it have come over her in her teens?” Reese asked, returning the subject back to Addison and trying not to react to his touch. “Nowhere in this file does it say something unnatural occurred. She lived with her mother, had a normal childhood, and even finished college. Before Cane got to her, Addison was living on her own in an apartment and worked as a nurse.” “Whether or not the Noble part of her brought her power to the surface doesn’t change the fact we need to get her out of there. Jagger’s been calling some of the contacts he has left in the government,” Theo informed her as he moved himself lower so he

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could reach her foot and use his thumbs to massage her arch. It reminded her of what Jagger had done with his thumbs when they made love the other day. Ugh, mind back on the topic at hand, Reese. “There are one or two Sympathizers that he can trust who work on the inside. They’re not at the same facility, but they have access to information that we don’t.” Damn, he was good with his hands. Theo continued to press the arch of her foot, starting at her heel and working up. Her panties were starting to get a little damp and Reese shifted a little so the sticky feeling wasn’t at her entrance. What were they walking about? Oh, yeah. “Do you guys have any ideas on how to get her out?” “We’re working on it,” Jagger answered, walking into the room wearing faded jeans and a white turtleneck that didn’t disguise the outline of his chest. She watched as he got closer and studied how the shirt moved with his muscles, and when he spoke again, the vibrations went straight to her clit. His black hair falling over his eyes was in direct contrast to the white of his shirt. “I still have the blueprints of the facility from when I got you and Theo out, but there have been some changes. They’re being faxed to me within the hour. Unfortunately, a lot of security provisions have been put in place because of last time, which is going to make it a little harder than we thought. But things should go smooth since we have Tavia and Shane.” Ever since yesterday morning when Theo and Jagger said they would love her however she wanted them to, whether separate or together, Reese couldn’t get the images of the three of them out of her head. It was becoming a nuisance and distracting her from what needed to be done. She heard Jagger ask Theo whom he could get within a twenty-four-hour period to help with the impending rescue, besides Tavia and Shane, and chided herself to get her mind back on task.

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“If Reese doesn’t stop blaring those thoughts into my head, I’m going to be useless for the rest of the day,” Theo said, not stopping his massage on her foot. Jagger shot him a confused look. Reese took the file folder in her lap and hit Theo on his shoulder. Papers that were scattered on her lap went flying, and she hit Theo again when he laughed. “Stop that! You said you wouldn’t invade my privacy!” Jagger caught on and made his way slowly over to the couch, obviously enjoying the banter. Theo stopped laughing, although his smile was firmly in place. “I wasn’t, but when you keep thinking thoughts like that, they tend to be a little louder than most. It’s hard to block something like that.” “Please share, Theo,” Jagger implored, reaching from behind the couch and scooping Reese up into his arms, not caring that the papers landed on the floor. “Jagger, put me down! We can’t be carrying on when my sister is being held against her will.” Reese struggled and kicked, but Jagger kept walking. “This is wrong, guys! Cane left and now we have to figure out who can help us.” “You were so lost in giving me those earsplitting sexual thoughts that you didn’t hear Jagger say it would be a while before he was given the information he needed. And I’ve already made the calls I need to make and am waiting to hear back, so we have time to kill,” Theo explained, following them into Jagger’s bedroom. “What was she thinking about?” Jagger asked again as he carried her over to the bed. “She’s wondering what it would be like if we both loved her together. I think we should show her so she can concentrate on other things, don’t you?” Jagger placed her in the middle of the bed and since she was still wearing the T-shirt and boxers she had slept in, it was easy for Jagger to slip them off before she even noticed she was naked. Theo didn’t give her time to say anything when he covered her with his body and

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devoured her lips. Maybe he was right. She wanted to feel the three of them together. Maybe if they could relieve her ache, she’d be able to think about everything else. As Theo used his tongue to taste the side of her neck, Reese pulled on his tie that bound his hair and threw it away, not caring where it landed. His hair fell all around him and she tangled her hands in the long blond strands, loving the silky feel. She liked him wild like this, and it dawned on her she would have never known this side of him if he hadn’t pushed her for more. He moved lower, using his hands to bring her breasts together so he could alternate between the two. He was definitely a breast man. The way he’d paid attention to them yesterday had made them more sensitive than usual. Instead of denying her nipples his touch like he did then, Theo went right for them, sucking her left one deep into his warm, moist mouth. She arched her back at the intense suction and felt the zing clear down to her pussy. Opening her eyes, Reese saw Jagger use both hands to pull his turtleneck over his head, giving her a clear view of his chest. His bronzed skin was contoured like that of a statue, and she couldn’t wait to run her hands over his smooth muscles. Not even a hair blemished his skin. How was it that he could live in the snowy mountains and still maintain a tan like that? She knew Jagger was watching her but couldn’t bring her eyes away from his fingers, which were now unbuttoning his jeans. With a flick of his finger and a drag of the zipper, his cock was displayed. Hardened, his thick head was huge with pre-cum leaking from his slit. She licked her lips, wanting to taste him when she felt the sting of Theo’s bite on her peaked nipple, causing her body to jerk from the bed. “Is he making you feel good, Reese?” Jagger finished pulling his jeans off and now stood naked by the side of the bed. His cock hung there, moving to the throb of his heartbeat. She reached out to touch him, but Theo growled against her breast, making her pull back her

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hand. “Theo’s talent for listening in is about to be used in a whole different way.” Jagger put his hand exactly where she wanted to touch, wrapping his thick fingers around his wide dick, pulling on it with leisurely strokes. The act was so sensual. Using his thumb, he gathered enough pre-cum to lubricate his shaft, not stopping his tugs. “If you touch me, I’ll lose it before we even begin. I’m letting Theo listen in so we can work together to bring you pleasure.” Reese moaned when his words penetrated through the fog of arousal they were creating. “This is new to all of us, and we want to do it right.” Reese tried to tell him whatever they did would be right, but Theo stopped her when he let go of her breasts and slid straight down her body, spreading her legs wide. Again, not teasing her like yesterday, his mouth landed directly on her clit, making her cry out. Jagger stood looking down at her, his green eyes almost black with desire. Having him just stand there and watch was so stimulating and arousing, Reese felt her muscles tighten up in an impending orgasm. Theo sucked in her button and used his teeth to clamp down, his tongue lapping roughly on the nerves, sending shooting sparks throughout her cunt. Just when she thought she’d be sent over the edge, Theo pulled back. The abrupt stop made her pussy spasm, almost creating a pain that had her howling out again. “On your hands and knees,” Theo roughly spoke, using his hands to help her into position. “Let’s see if we can make your fantasy come true.” Reese let out a harsh groan of need when Theo referred to her fantasy from yesterday morning when she had been caught masturbating. The image of the two of them taking her, Theo from behind and Jagger in her mouth, was seared into her brain. How could she ever have been afraid of taking what these men offered? This felt so right, so perfect, that she couldn’t imagine any other way.

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“Did you know that Reese likes to control how much pleasure she receives?” Theo asked Jagger. “She tends to try to hold onto my head when I’m licking her pussy and pull me away if it gets too intense.” “Really?” Jagger got on the bed and stood before her on his knees, his thick cock dangling right in front of her mouth. “Any thoughts on how to deal with that?” How could it turn her on to have them talk about her in such a naughty way? Her inner thighs were wet, and she felt a drip go lower as her juices continued to flow. Her arms were shaking with trying to hold herself up, and she closed her eyes to try to even out her breathing. Reese felt Theo nudge her knees farther apart and almost screamed in relief when she felt his finger slip inside. Her cunt tightened on his digit, trying to keep him there. He felt so good. “Oh, yes,” Theo replied, “I know just how to give her what she needs. Reese, take him in your mouth.” She opened her eyes. Jagger’s cock was now purple on the end and looked angry, throbbing up and down. She stuck her tongue out when a drop of cum fell, catching it and savoring the flavor. She looked up to see Jagger’s eyes smoldering and a wave of need washed over her. She wanted to be as desirable as they were making her feel. Reese opened her mouth and closed her lips around Jagger’s tip, outlining his head with her tongue, prompting another spurt of precum to land on her taste buds. Hearing the rumble come from his chest, Reese felt a wave of power run through her at making this virile man lose control. No wonder Theo got off on her surrender yesterday. She felt Jagger’s hands at the back of her head as he instructed her to take him deeper. Gladly, she thought, pulling her cheeks in and sucking hard. She sucked him right to the back of her throat and then pulled back, using the edge of her teeth as she came back to the tip. Right then, Theo used his finger and twisted it, so he was rubbing against her sweet spot. She was so wet, he didn’t waste time with one finger and slipped in a second. She hummed to show her appreciation.

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When he used three, Reese arched her spine and pushed back against him to get him to go deeper. “There she goes again, trying to control her pleasure.” Jagger tried to reply to Theo, but Reese sucked him so hard and took him a little deeper, that all that came out of his mouth was a gurgle. She had to stifle a giggle at the sound. He hit the back of her throat, so Reese reached up and used a hand to place it at his base. Reese continued to pleasure him enthusiastically, thinking if she could get him to come, Theo would take his pleasure and give her the orgasm she wanted. Finally, Theo pulled his fingers out and replaced them with his sheathed cock. She remembered how the curved tip of his hit just the right spot and couldn’t wait for him to be in her again. “Reese, give me your hands,” Theo ordered, his voice thick with need. Reese didn’t understand. She was on her knees and using one hand for balance, while using the other to help pleasure Jagger. There was no way she could give him her hands. “Reach back. Jagger’s got you, and I won’t let you fall.” Reese felt Jagger help her into position the way Theo wanted. He reached down and grabbed her left wrist while taking her right hand away from his erection. Pulling them in back of her, he handed her wrists off to Theo, who grabbed them with one hand, resting them on her lower back. The only thing holding her up was Theo’s pull on her arms, using her wrists, and her mouth being impaled by Jagger. They had essentially taken any movement away from her. A thrill shot through her body and another burst of cream dripped out of her pussy onto Theo’s cock. “Now we’ll give you pleasure, my favorite Noble.” In one thrust, Theo pushed his long cock straight into her cunt, not stopping until he hit her cervix. The move pushed her further onto Jagger, making Jagger place his hand on the back of her head and curl his fingers in her hair to keep her from gagging. Every time Theo pulled out and pushed back in, it was in sync with what her mouth did

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to Jagger. She was bombarded with sensation from both ends and fell in love with the feeling of pleasuring them both. Jagger tugged on her hair, making her head tip backward. “Open your throat, Reese. I want to feel my dick slide further in.” His words made her pussy contract, and she heard Theo grunt at the clamping of her muscles. With her hands held together behind her and Jagger’s hand pulling her hair, Reese didn’t have much of a choice. Not that she would have said no. She trusted them to know her limits, and the way her body responded to their commands was hot. So she let Jagger tilt her head a little further back and opened her throat. When Theo drove into her again, Jagger’s dick went through her tonsils and slid down inside her throat. He was holding her head at an angle that the penetration was perfect, not causing any gag reflex. “Breathe through your nose. That’s right. Perfect.” He kept her like that for three more thrusts until she swallowed. Jagger yelled out at the feel of her throat closing around his cock. She kept swallowing, not wanting to loose any of his cum that shot out, filling her mouth. She didn’t stop until he was soft and clean, and then let him slide from her mouth with a soft pop, hearing only his ragged breathing. The entire time she was concentrating on Jagger, Theo never stopped his thrusting on her cunt. She couldn’t control the force, and the more powerful his strokes became, the higher he took her. Reese finally let her body relax into his rhythm and then felt his hand reach under her. One stroke was all it took. Theo swiped her clit with his middle finger, and her body broke. Wave after wave of contractions washed over her, but instead of pulling away, Theo pressed harder. Instead of lightening up, the spasms increased in time with his fingers until her lungs froze. **** Theo felt Reese’s cunt tighten to an almost painful pressure on his cock and relished the feeling so much, he kept stroking her clit, not

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letting up until he felt his sac draw up into his body. On her last violent seizure, the pressure was so tight around his dick, his balls exploded, and he was lucky the force of his cum didn’t burst through the end of the rubber. His hand fell away, and he let go of her wrists to hold on to her hips to keep from collapsing on top of her. Theo slowly laid her down on the bed and gently pulled out of her, groaning at the loss of heat. He flopped on the opposite side of where Jagger now lay, pressing against Reese’s side. Finally able to catch his breath, he drew in some much-needed oxygen into his lungs. Ever since Jagger had agreed to try a ménage a trios, at his own urging, Theo had still had reservations on physically loving her together. But after what they just experienced, Theo’s doubts were put to rest. He would never have guessed that sharing the woman he loved would be such a heightening experience. Theo noticed his hands shaking as he tried to caress Reese’s face. “Are you okay, my favorite Noble?” Reese mumbled something incoherently and burrowed deeper into his body. He pulled his arm over her and let Reese use his shoulder. She placed both hands between her breasts, and snuggled against him. He loved the feel of her warm lips against his neck. He chuckled at the childish way she curled into him. “You could at least ask me the same question, man,” Jagger strangled out through his rough breathing, his hand rubbing Reese’s back. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like that in my life.” “You and me both,” Theo agreed, lowering his voice as he felt Reese’s body relax into sleep. “If that didn’t settle any of our doubts that this could work, I don’t know what would.” “Agreed. Honestly, when you first brought up the idea, I thought you were crazy. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of going commando and, well…performing in front of another man,” Jagger tried to explain, shifting on the bed so his head was propped up and he was

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laying on his side, still able to stroke Reese’s skin. “But it just seemed natural today.” “Are you going soft on me?” Theo chuckled softly. “You’re sounding like a girl.” “You are such an ass,” Jagger replied. Theo fell into silence as he listened to their woman breathe evenly in her sleep, finally knowing what contentment really meant.

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Chapter Nine “So why do you think Cane walked away after having spent over a year trying to help Reese’s sister?” Shane asked, sitting in the passenger seat next to Theo, his massive frame taking up most of the space. “I don’t have a fucking clue. Cane has always done what’s in his best interests, so it surprises me that he even helped her to begin with.” Theo was driving a dark-painted SUV with tinted windows courtesy of Jagger. That man had more toys than a rich man’s daughter. During the time that Jagger’s compound was being built, Theo had questioned him multiple times about how he was managing to financially secure all of the high-tech equipment, build a house surrounded with electrified fences, own a private plane, and have a paid staff of guards and a pilot. Jagger definitely hadn’t gotten the cash from being a federal agent. Much to Theo’s surprise, Jagger’s parents had been well off monetarily and a freak plane crash had left Jagger with no family and a very large inheritance. Having a three-way relationship was very unique. In a “normal” relationship, two people spent time with and got to know one another. With what Theo had proposed, he knew that he would have to get to know Jagger on a much more personal level, emotionally versus physically, if they were to make this work. While Reese had been at the cabin working on maintaining control over her ability, Theo and Jagger had taken the year to become friends. Theo could now say Jagger was his best friend, and sharing Reese with him made everything complete. Damn, now he was sounding like the girl he accused Jagger of being last week.

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The three of them had used this past week to formulate a rescue plan and test the waters of their new little family. Both came along exceptionally well, and now they were about to execute their mission. Reese now had complete control of her power, tossing away her fear of losing control around people. She had used the time to practice nonstop. Now, if they could complete their assignment and bring Addison home, all would be good. Jagger was given the building’s new security provisions from a fellow sympathizer, and Theo brought in his main group of Nobles to aid in the breakout. “I just find it odd. I know Cane can be a dick, but this takes the cake. The way I look at it, he’s totally abandoning Reese’s sister,” Shane continued, his tirade lasting until they could see the armed entrance of the facility where Addison was being held. “Let’s hope Jagger and Reese were able to access the delivery area via the medical truck they swiped.” Theo rolled to a stop, pulling up alongside an armed guard. Taking a quick glance around, he noticed the area was surrounded with stone walls at least ten feet high with coiled barbed wire, probably electric, placed on top adding another two feet. A booth was to the right with two armed guards— one inside, monitoring various security cameras, and the other standing at his window. “Good morning, sir. This is a restricted area, and I’m going to have to ask that you turn around,” the guard instructed, holding some type of rifle like it proved his manhood. He stood at attention, his green uniform crisp. “Good morning. We have an appointment with Clarissa Worthing regarding transference of a Noble from the Texas facility.” Theo saw the guard’s reaction to Worthing’s name, and with the jerk of his head toward the backseat, the man’s eyes widened at the sight of Tavia shackled in chains. “Sir, this isn’t proper protocol.” The guard took a step back, fear in his eyes at seeing Tavia. “Let me contact Ms. Worthing and—”

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“My associate is Mr. Moore,” Theo introduced, nodding his cue to Shane. Shane leaned over Theo and stuck his hand out, causing the guard to cautiously return his greeting. Once Shane had a hold of the guard’s hand, he gave a little pull and looked directly in his eyes. “Very nice to meet you. You will go over to the other guard and inform him Ms. Worthing instructed you to let us through. Then you will tell him to come to the vehicle to greet us. Once you let us pass and the gate closes, you will forget you ever spoke to us or let a vehicle through. Do you understand?” The guard’s pupils dilated until you couldn’t see his irises, and then he nodded his agreement. Letting go of Shane’s hand, the guard turned around and did as instructed. “Damn, you’re good,” Theo exclaimed, impressed by his cohort’s talent. “I’m glad we have the honor code, though. Would hate to piss you off and have you compel me to do something I would regret.” Shane laughed. “Just don’t ever piss me off enough to try it.” They watched as the two guards conversed. Seeing the doubt cross the second guard’s face, Shane asked, “Are you picking up what he’s thinking? Unless he’s close to me, there’s no way I can alter his thoughts.” “Yeah, he’s definitely leery, but he’s coming this way. At least he’s empty handed. Apparently, the mention of this Worthing lady’s name puts a little fear into them. Wonder why?” “Well, Jagger said her name would work wonders.” They both watched as the second guard approached the vehicle. Flicking his eyes to the backseat as if afraid Tavia would eat him alive, he hesitantly stepped up to the window. Theo took the lead again and said, “Good morning. I’m sure your coworker explained our situation. Ms. Worthing is expecting us.” “Yes, I understand that, sir, but I’m afraid we’ll still have to contact the main office to verify your credentials. My colleague seems

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a little confused at not relaying that information. May I see your ID, please?” Shane leaned over Theo again to stick out his hand, causing the guard to just look at it. Theo let the guard’s thoughts run through his head and knew he was about to step away from the vehicle, knowing something was wrong. Before the guard could turn around, Theo indicated for Tavia to take over. The guard immediately placed both hands on his head at the pain Tavia was bombarding into his brain, and he stumbled closer to the vehicle to grab ahold of the door to keep himself from falling. Once the man was close enough, Theo grabbed his uniform underneath his neck and jerked him closer to the window. “Now,” Theo ordered, signaling Tavia to stop her assault and for Shane to begin his. Once the pain cleared, the guard looked up, and that’s when Shane caught his gaze. “You will open the gate and let us pass through. Once the gate is closed, you will forget you ever spoke with us or ever set your eyes on this vehicle. You will continue with your day as if nothing has happened. Do you understand?” Again, Theo observed as the pupils of this second guard increased to cover the color of his irises. He also nodded his agreement and then turned to join the other guard inside the small security station. Without hesitation, he pressed a button to open the gates in front of them. “Very well done, team.” Shane turned around in the seat and started to remove the shackles from Tavia’s wrists and ankles. “Wonder how Reese and Jagger are making out?” **** “Are you sure this is going to work?” Reese asked skeptically. She looked over at Jagger driving the medical supply truck up to the

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delivery entrance. He was in a blue uniform accessorized with a blue baseball cap covering his dark hair. She was wearing a similar outfit. Jagger had used his old federal agent badge to confiscate the delivery truck from the company, claiming to be working undercover. The manager never blinked an eye and went right along with the storyline Jagger was feeding him. Jagger made up a tale of trying to bust a hospital crime ring in distributing illegal drugs, and the only access they had was his delivery company. When the manager, Bert, went along with it, Jagger said they would take over the route for the morning so it wouldn’t cause unwanted attention to anyone who might be watching. Reese shook her head at the lie, not comprehending why the man couldn’t see through it. He definitely watched too much television if he thought that was true, but Bert handed over the route and the van keys with instructions on what boxes got delivered where. It seemed relatively simple considering the names of the recipients were labeled on the boxes. “Oh, ye of little faith,” Jagger teased, trying to lighten the mood. The tension in the truck was mounting the closer they got to the entrance, and Reese started to clench her hands. “We’ll get her out. I’m proud of you,” Jagger said, looking down at her lap. Reese followed his gaze to her fists. It was such an unconscious movement, but effective. “You know, my fear will never go away.” She watched as he raised a dark eyebrow in question to her statement. “The fear that I might hurt you or Theo. That I’ll somehow lose my grip on the energy inside me and hurt you like I did before.” “It’s always a good thing to have a little fear, Reese. It keeps us on our toes and helps keep us balanced.” Jagger maneuvered the stick shift of the van into a lower gear as he prepared to come to a stop. “You have to agree this week has proven we can make our relationship work. And once we have Addison out of here and secured at our home, we’ll sit down with Theo and make long-term plans. Neither one of us is willing to let you go.”

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The conversation ended before Reese could reply when Jagger brought the van to a stop in front of the guard station. A man in a green uniform stepped out and made his way to the window. “You two are new. What happened to the old crew?” “Their delivery van broke down on the way here. Bert told us to transfer the boxes to our truck and continue with their route so the deliveries wouldn’t be delayed. Feel free to call him to confirm,” Jagger offered in a casual tone, feigning innocence. “Give me a minute.” The guard sauntered back into his station and picked up the telephone. “Shit,” Reese muttered underneath her breath, “what happens if he’s not calling Bert but someone inside?” “He’s not smart enough. He’ll ring Bert to cover his ass but won’t want to do any more work than necessary.” Jagger reached over and grabbed her hands, still closed tightly in her lap. “See, he’s already hung up and headed this way.” “Go ahead. You check out. Pull up to the loading dock and Sam will be there to help unload.” The guard walked away with a wave and pressed the button to open the gate. “Nothing to it,” Jagger said, smiling and giving Reese a wink. “This will be like taking candy from a baby.” **** Shane walked down the long hallway, fluorescent lights from above leading the way. It was way too quiet for his liking. The only noise was the shuffling of his shoes echoing off the blank white walls. The plan was for him to blend in as one of the scientists and gain access to the room where Addison was being kept. Theo and Tavia had taken off down another hallway to open the grey secure door that would allow Reese inside. Jagger had stayed out by the vehicle, keeping watch over an unconscious Sam and to be on the lookout for anyone entering through the loading dock. They were banking on

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Addison’s knowledge from Cane that she had a sister so they could use it to their advantage, hoping Reese’s presence inspired trust so they could take her out of here without much fuss. Shane had only run into one other person and was turning the corner on the last hallway leading to Addison’s door. Shane had purposefully bumped the woman’s shoulder and compelled her to think he was her coworker. He kept up the pretense of a minute conversation for the security cameras angled his way, hoping the feed into their security room was black and white so that whoever was observing them would think they were just two coworkers having a chat. Shane made it so she gave his shoulder a little tap good-bye, and they both headed separate directions. Coming to stand in front of the room Addison was allegedly being held in, Shane prayed Theo and Tavia would get here soon. He knew the minute he accessed the keypad and the security camera picked up that he entered the room, they would send someone down immediately to check things out. The one thing going for them was that no one suspected anyone would try to break her out. The element of surprise was on their side, and hopefully, they would be able to use it to their advantage. He looked up and down the hall, not seeing anyone. Where were they? Taking a deep breath and not wanting to waste time, Shane entered the code Jagger had been told would access the room, turned the handle, and quickly stepped into the room. Letting the door shut quietly behind him, Shane took a quick look around, and his gaze landed on a blonde goddess. This was Reese’s sister? She looked nothing like Reese, and a feeling of concern washed over him. Were they being set up? “Who are you?” the woman asked, her voice soft like a lullaby. Shane wasn’t sure how to answer. If this was a setup, they were all screwed. He didn’t speak for a few seconds, taking a look around. The room was stark white with a cot for a bed on the left side and a desk with a chair on the right. The woman standing by the window

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was wearing dark jeans with a plain white T-shirt. She was petite, no more than five two, and could weigh no more than a hundred pounds soaking wet. Her blonde hair had natural curls that hung to her shoulders with wispy bangs that ended just above her blue eyes. Glancing at her feet, Shane saw she wore a pair of white tennis shoes. Looking for the security camera, he found it above the bed, situated in the corner, its red light blinking that it was in commission. “What’s your name?” Shane asked, wanting the woman to confirm she was Reese’s sister. “You should know my name if you entered my room,” she said, fear starting to show on her face. “Wh-who are you?” Shane could see he was truly scaring her, and that’s the last thing he wanted, but he still wasn’t sure this wasn’t some type of setup. There was nothing he could do now but hope Theo, Reese, and Tavia showed up soon if things went to hell. He wouldn’t give her his name quite yet, but instead would test the waters. Shane studied her face as he said, “Your sister sent me. If you want out of here, you need to trust me enough to come with me.” Shane saw recognition in her blue eyes, but she quickly hid it. “I don’t have a sister. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He saw those pretty eyes dart to the security camera and didn’t know if she was thinking of signaling for help or if she was warning him. “I don’t know what they told you, but they can’t hear using those cameras. It’s only visual. Time is running out, Addison,” Shane warned, taking the chance at using her name and seeing it pay off when surprise showed on her face. “This is your only chance of getting out of here. Come with me now.” Shane was prepared to use his gift of compelling her when Addison took a hesitant step forward. He held his hand out and was surprised at the feeling of protectiveness that washed over him when she placed her tiny hand in his. Did Addison make everyone feel like this? Is that why Cane went through all he did to make sure she was rescued?

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Keeping her hand tightly in his, Shane opened the door and heard several footsteps running down the hall. Looking quickly to his right, he saw Theo leading the two women down the hallway and signaling that someone was coming up the other way. He must have picked up on their thoughts, so heeding Theo’s warning, Shane pulled Addison in front of him and shoved her into running. They both ran past the trio and kept going, Reese turning around and falling into step with them. Taking the chance at looking back, Shane saw Tavia stop the two security officers in their tracks. She had them both on their knees, clutching their heads in agony. Knowing those two had that end covered, Shane looked forward to Reese and Addison jogging ahead of him. When they came up to the corner, Reese ran straight into a tall woman with short jet-black hair wearing a white business suit. What was it with these people and white? As the woman stumbled backward, Shane stepped up and looked into her eyes, which were cold as ice. Before he could compel her to do anything, two security men came up behind her with guns, making everyone stop. No one made a sound. Everyone stared at each other as if waiting for the other to move. Addison reached for his hand, and Shane automatically took it, giving a squeeze of assurance that he didn’t feel. This wasn’t good. Where were Theo and Tavia? Shouldn’t Tavia have incapacitated the others by now and been right behind them? They could certainly use her help right about now. Just then, Jagger walked up behind the two armed men and pulled out his weapon. “Drop your weapons and slowly kick them behind you.” Shane watched as both men raised their arms into the air, not knowing it was only Jagger behind them. Unfortunately, the blackhaired ice queen took a chance and shouted out that there was only one man. At the same time, Jagger yelled for Reese to use her power. Reese froze. Shane pulled Addison behind him to give her any protection his body would allow, but Reese never released her energy. One of the guards turned and fired a shot. Jagger’s body was lifted

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into the air by the force of the bullet, and he landed with a thud on his back. Theo and Tavia came running around the corner, stopping when they saw the carnage. The ice queen smiled an evil smile with her redpainted lips. Shane felt more than saw Reese draw in a breath and would have laughed at the bitch’s face when she realized what Reese was about to do if he hadn’t thought they were all going to die. Reese was out of control, and the keening noise that came from her was like that of a wounded wild animal. Shane turned around and grabbed Addison up in his arms, covering her head, knowing it probably wouldn’t help, but his instinct prevailed anyway. He heard Theo yell as he tried to reach around him and Addison to stop Reese, but it was too late. Lights exploded, doors swung off their hinges, glass shattered, and people died.

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Chapter Ten All Shane heard was an eerie quiet. Darkness swallowed them except for the orange and yellow sparks dancing from the loose wires hanging down from the ceiling. He slowly pulled his arms away from Addison and placed his palms on her wet cheeks. They were alive. “You okay?” Shane whispered, not able to see her expression. Shane could feel her shaking and brought her back against his chest. “Answer me, Addison. Are you okay?” “Yes.” Shane closed his eyes in relief. Why did he feel the need to protect her? Bam! The generator kicked in, bringing on the emergency lights situated every two feet along the ceiling. Not a lot of light, but enough to now see what lay before them. Shane heard Theo yell and felt him push past, dropping to his knees in front of Reese, who now lay unconscious on the floor. He looked farther and saw the ice queen laying up against the left side of the hallway, her neck at an odd angle and her eyes staring straight ahead, the earlier smile wiped off her face. The two guards had been blown down the hallway and now lay dead. Jagger still remained in the place where he went down after being shot. Tavia ran around the trio on the floor and scrambled to her knees to check on Jagger. How could he still be alive after Reese took out the enemies? Jagger hadn’t been standing behind Reese to be absorbed into her bubble of protection, as had been explained to the team before this rescue operation. Reese had specifically told them

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where they needed to be if she was to use her powers, and Jagger certainly had not been in the right spot. “I’ve got a pulse! He’s alive!” Tavia hurriedly pulled off the jacket she had on and placed it on his chest to stop the bleeding. “Theo, we need to get him out of here. If Jagger’s still alive, then others could be, too, and coming our way.” Theo was still on his knees next to Reese, smoothing her hair back from her face. Theo kept glancing to where Jagger lay, but couldn’t seem to move. Shane glanced down at Addison, and she, too, was staring at Jagger. Letting go of her shoulders after making sure she wasn’t going to fall, he turned and walked over to Theo. Leaning down, he ordered, “Theo, carry Reese out to our vehicle. I’ll get Jagger into the delivery van and meet you guys back at the airstrip. We don’t have time to waste.” Theo didn’t utter a sound, but nodded his consent. “Tavia, go with them. I’ll fireman carry Jagger out and take Addison with me. Call that doctor Jagger knows and see if we can’t get him to the compound somehow.” “Okay. Have Addison keep pressure on the wound,” Tavia instructed as she ran after Theo and Reese. Shane walked over to where Jagger lay and knelt down beside him. Removing the jacket Tavia had used for pressure, Shane saw the bullet hole. Seeing the blood pool behind Jagger’s shoulder, he knew the shot went straight through. At least the bullet wasn’t lodged inside, but the amount of blood loss didn’t look good. Shane was just about to arrange Jagger in a way that he could put him over his shoulders in a fireman stance, when Addison’s tiny hand lay on his shoulder. “Wait.” Shane looked up from her dainty fingers into her blue eyes, which were now wet with tears. He wasn’t sure what her problem was, but there was no way they could wait a minute longer. At the sight of Jagger’s blood loss, it was doubtful he would live through the flight.

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“Addison, we don’t have time. We’ve got to leave now! Move your ass through those double doors. I’m right behind you.” “He won’t survive if you move him. The bullet nicked an artery and he’s bleeding out.” “You think I don’t see all this blood? He’ll die either way, but I’ll be damned if I leave him here!” For how small Addison was, she certainly had a lot of strength. When she used her hands to shove him aside, he landed on his ass next to Jagger’s head. “What the hell was that for?” “It’s too late.” **** Jagger pulled his gun and demanded, “Drop your weapons and slowly kick them behind you.” His hands steady, Jagger looked at Reese with a calm expression, like holding people at gunpoint was an everyday occurrence. A woman with raven-black hair who had no soul in her dead, cold eyes spun around. Reese looked back at Jagger to warn him, when she saw him mouth to her, “Use your power.” Was he crazy? Didn’t he understand if she used her power he would die? He was standing behind her targets. He would be a casualty. She wouldn’t do it. Everything went to hell. The woman shouted out at the two guards, they spun, Jagger yelled for her to expel her energy, and Reese froze, not willing to trust her ability to get them out of the situation without hurting Jagger. Time slowed when Reese saw the bullet slam into Jagger’s chest. By the time he landed on his back, the shock that pounded through Reese’s system was too much for her mind to handle. Jagger. Blood. Lifeless. Reese’s scream was cut off when two warm arms scooped her up off the couch. It was Jagger’s couch, she thought, as realization clawed through the leftover dream. They were back home, at the

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compound. Why didn’t she remember the flight back? She tried to get loose from whoever was holding her. Flashes of Jagger swam through her head. Jagger. Blood. Lifeless. Reese struggled to escape the security the arms offered, knowing she needed to get to Jagger. “I’ve got you, Reese. It’s okay. I’m fine.” The words didn’t penetrate, and Reese used all of her strength to propel her forward, stumbling until she stood a few steps away from the couch. “Jagger! Theo, where is he? Where’s Jagger?” Her shoulders were grabbed from behind to keep her from running to Theo, who was standing a few feet away. Reese was spun around to face startling green eyes wet with tears. “I’m right here, honey.” Sobs wracked her body when it dawned on her that it truly was Jagger. He was standing in front of her, and she could feel the tightening of his fingers into her skin. Reese launched herself into his arms. “I–I didn’t w–want to h–hurt you! I kn–knew if I used my power, you would d–die,” Reese cried into Jagger’s neck. “But you got sh–shot anyway! It’s m–my fault!” “Shhh, that’s enough now,” Jagger consoled, holding her just as tight. “I’m right here. You think I would let Theo get you all to himself?” “Th–this isn’t f–funny!” Reese pulled away to look at his chest, not bothering to wipe the tears streaming down her face. “D–do you realize that it was m–my fault?” “Where is my strong Noble, huh? I’m standing right here in front of you. Feel.” Jagger used his thumbs to wipe her cheeks and then grabbed both of her wrists and brought her palms to his chest. He had changed into faded jeans and a black T-shirt. At his urging, she ran her hands lightly over his chest. There was no bandage. She reached for the hem and pulled up carefully. His beautifully sculpted, smooth skin stared back at her.

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“I–I don’t understand,” Reese said, her crying diminishing to sniffles at the sight of his unblemished chest. “I saw you. You got shot.” “You’re right, I did.” “Your sister saved him, Reese,” Theo explained, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “She’s a Healer. Jagger’s going to be fine.” “What do you mean?” Reese asked, feeling like she’d slipped down a rabbit hole. “I saw you get shot in the chest. I saw the blood on the floor. And then I—” Reese stopped mid-sentence. She had used her power to kill the people responsible. By all accounts, Jagger should be dead, because he hadn’t been behind her. “Used your power.” Jagger finished her sentence, taking hold of her wrists and keeping her palms flat over his chest. “Yes, you used your power and still kept me safe.” Reese shook her head in denial. She didn’t have that kind of control. Yes, she could create a pocket of protection around herself and those in the vicinity, but anything more and she had always failed. “I can’t win,” Reese whispered sadly, staring at his hands around her wrists. “I either hurt you when I lose control of my power or I hurt you when I don’t use it at all.” Before either man could counter what she said, Reese’s sister walked into the kitchen. For how little she was, her presence overtook the room. “Are you okay?” Addison quietly asked. Reese pulled away from Jagger and Theo, wiping the rest of the tears from her face, almost grateful for the interruption. She wasn’t emotionally steady enough to talk about the danger her ability was to the three of them. How had she ever let them convince her this could work? Reese finished drying her tears, not wanting to face her sister for the first time looking like a train wreck. Taking a few hesitant steps in Addison’s direction, Reese asked, “Are you? I know how difficult being locked up by the Fray can be.”

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Addison averted her eyes, dodging the question. Reese took the time to look at the woman who was her sister. She looked nothing like her. Addison was the total opposite. Where Reese’s skin held more of a deeper color and her hair and eyes were dark brown, Addison was paler with striking blond hair that emphasized her blue eyes. She appeared timid, although there seemed to be an inner strength that radiated around her. Reese realized Addison wasn’t ready to talk about her time with the Fray, so she changed the direction of the conversation. “Theo and Jagger tell me you saved Jagger’s life. How is that possible?” “I present to you the Healer of our generation,” Shane’s voice bellowed from behind Addison. Addison’s body became stiffer the closer Shane got. Eventually, Shane stood right next to Addison, ignoring the tense way she was holding herself. Addison took a tiny step to the side, then, as if that wasn’t enough, walked through the room toward the kitchen island. “When Theo carried you out,” Shane continued, “I was going to get Jagger into the delivery van and meet you at the airstrip, but Addison refused to let me move him. That’s when she dropped the bombshell.” Reese felt both men move in behind her, but she was still feeling emotionally raw. Maybe that was the same reason Addison didn’t want to be near Shane, because she, too, was feeling overwhelmed. Stepping away, Reese made her way to the island as well and hopped up on the stool next to the one Addison claimed. Turning so their knees were almost touching, Reese said, “I have tons of questions and can’t wait until you and I have time to really talk, but I honestly can’t even begin to express my gratitude at you saving Jagger’s life. I owe you a debt that I will never really be able to repay.” **** Jagger, Theo, and Shane let the two women get to know one another as sisters, Nobles, and hopefully friends. The men each took

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seats around the roaring fire, Shane taking the oversized chair while Jagger and Theo claimed the couch. The trip back from that damned hellhole seemed to have taken the last bit of spunk Jagger had left, and he was exhausted. He settled into the corner, with his right leg tilted at an angle on the cushion, and let out air that seemed to have been stagnant in his lungs. They did it. They survived. “You all right?” Theo asked. “Yeah. Who would have thought?” Jagger adjusted his head to look over at Theo. Theo looked as calm now as he had before they infiltrated the Fray’s building. His long hair was back to being tied in a conservative manner, his change of clothes of jeans and a dark-blue T-shirt was casual, and the worry and grief Jagger had seen in his eyes when he’d stepped onto the plane was now replaced with relief. “It was weird, man. I could hear everyone around me talking but I couldn’t speak. I knew I was slipping away and wanted to be able to say so much. To Reese, to you,” Jagger admitted, running his hand through his hair in agitation. “I never want to feel like that again.” “What about physically?” Shane leaned forward to grab the water bottle he’d stolen from the fridge earlier. “She placed her hands above your wound, and I swear the air crackled. Shocked the shit out of me. After around a minute, you were breathing normal, the bullet hole had closed on its own, and then her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out. I had to carry her to the van, and then, well, you know the rest. You were awake when I came back for you.” “Physically, I feel fine. Tired, like I could sleep for the next twenty-four hours, but other than that, fine.” Jagger rubbed his hand over his chest where the bullet had hit, amazed there was no wound. “I don’t remember anything after hearing Reese scream, but I do know she protected me with some sort of shield.” “If Addison passed out after using her gift,” Theo contemplated, “then she must be like Reese and can only do so much before her body gives out and needs time to recover.”

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“I’m just wondering how she hid that kind of ability from everyone. Not only from the Fray inside that facility, but her friends and family. I mean, she lived a normal life for a long time.” Shane rolled the water bottle around in his hands. “I’m sure Reese will find out a lot of interesting facts from her sister. Speaking of Reese, you do realize she’s thinking of pulling away again,” Theo said, directing his attention to Jagger. Jagger looked over to where Reese was sitting on the stool. She must have grabbed the ponytail holder that was sitting on the counter earlier, because her hair was pulled back into some type of loop, like she didn’t pull her hair all the way through. She and Addison were now holding hands and talking animatedly about something. Jagger was pleased she had someone to connect to besides Theo and him. She often talked about not having true friends. Everyone thought of her as the Deity of the Nobles and not just Reese, the woman. But, then again, she wasn’t in control of her energy back then and that scared everyone. Jagger didn’t need Theo’s ability to read her thoughts to know she was pulling away. He remembered the look of terror that crossed her face when he silently asked her to use her power on those armed guards. He knew there was no way out of that situation without those men about to fire their guns. Jagger was more afraid that Reese would be the one injured. Was he confident that Reese could protect him? No. But to him, Reese’s life came before his. The majority of the time Reese had practiced this past week, the encasement had only extended to those around her, except that one time that she had brushed off as an oversight. They had been outside, Reese testing little bits of energy flow and also the direction of that flow, trying to learn to limit how much she released, when a deer came out of the woods outside of the compound. Reese caught sight of it as she was discharging her energy, and the next thing Jagger knew, the deer calmly walked back into the trees as if nothing had

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happened. When Jagger insisted it wasn’t a fluke and to try again, Reese couldn’t recreate the act. Reese looked over to catch him staring at her, and she offered him a small smile, albeit a sad one. Oh yeah, Jagger thought. She was pulling away because in her mind, if she lost control and released her power by mistake, she could hurt or kill them. But now she was dealing with another dilemma. If she didn’t use her power in dire circumstances, they would most likely die at the hands of their enemy. “She’s already pulled away,” Jagger answered. “We need to teach her trust. To trust us, trust our new way of life, and more importantly, to trust herself.” “Obviously, you three need some time to yourself. I’m taking Addison over to the guesthouse, if you don’t mind. I have some questions I’d like answered myself.” Shane disengaged his large form from the chair and walked over to Addison. “Oh, I like the way you think, my friend,” Theo said, as Jagger let him in on his ideas by opening up his thoughts. “I couldn’t agree more.”

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Chapter Eleven No one said a word after Addison and Shane left the main house. Reese still sat on the stool at the counter looking at the kitchen door like it was a lifeline, not ready to face the two men sitting on the couch. She was still wearing the blue delivery uniform from earlier and was about to say she needed to take a shower when Theo interrupted her plan of escape by saying, “Not yet. We’ll take a shower later. We need to settle some things first.” Anger was making its way in where only fear had been, and Reese jumped off the stool and faced the cause. “Stop reading my thoughts, damn it!” “Then stop hiding from us,” Theo hit back, standing up from the couch in his bare feet, looking sexy as hell in those faded jeans. “Nothing has changed from when we flew out of here this morning. We love you, and we will protect you.” “And who protects you two?” Reese didn’t move from where she stood. “If Addison hadn’t been there to save Jagger’s life—” “But she was! It’s a moot point.” Theo edged closer, but Reese refused to step back. “We both know our powers change as we get older. We control them better. We learn to live comfortably with what we’re given. You’re just finding your way, is all.” “Finding my way could cost you your lives. I’m not willing to take that chance.” “We are. It’s not your choice to make.” Theo walked up to her until Reese had to tilt her head back to see his face. “The only question is, do you love us enough?”

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“Don’t you see, Reese?” Jagger came to stand beside Theo, providing a united front. “You said something to me when you first arrived here. You said, ‘If I let you touch me, that is how you’ll die and I’ll be left with nothing. If I walk away, I’m leaving you my heart and will have nothing to live for but the knowledge that you are here on this earth.’ You are essentially doing that to us by considering walking away. We would be dead inside.” Her men stood side by side, looking ready to take on the world. They would do anything for her. Could she just walk away and leave them? Wouldn’t she also be dead inside? Reese felt the sob try to escape when she said, “When I saw you hit, I—” “I know exactly how you feel. It was the same feeling when I walked up behind two men holding you at gunpoint. Do you think we love you less than you love us? That your feelings are stronger than ours? It doesn’t work that way,” Jagger explained. “The way I figure it, you’re the strongest Noble in existence. Are you going to be strong and take what we’re offering, or are you going to be weak and walk away?” Theo tensed at the ultimatum, but never said anything to contradict what Jagger said. These two men were unified in their belief that they could make this work, and here she was, letting her fear win. Jagger was right. She was strong, and their love was stronger. She just needed to accept them and trust in their love to lead them through the battles that lay ahead. When both men lifted their arms, Reese took that last step and let them hold her. **** Theo picked Reese up, making her wrap her legs around his waist. He knew Jagger just didn’t have the energy, so he would take the lead in their lovemaking. He nodded for Jagger to go over to the couch and followed with Reese in his arms. When he reached the edge of the cushion, Theo set Reese on her feet and immediately claimed her lips.

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Taking as much as she would give, he turned her a little so her back was toward Jagger. Jagger’s hands came around and unbuttoned the hideous-looking uniform and peeled it from her body. Only when she was naked did Theo release her lips. She had somehow managed, again, to get rid of his favorite leather tie that bound his hair. His hair fell into his eyes, blocking his view of her small, pert breasts. Reese reached up and removed the obstacle by grabbing a fistful of hair, trying to pull him back down for another kiss. He wouldn’t be detoured. Her breasts were perfect to shape into cones for him to savor. Theo wrapped both hands around each mound and made them stick out, the way he liked. Dipping his head, he sucked in one peaked pebble, making it tighten into a hard nub. Rasping his tongue over the nipple, he trapped it on the roof of his mouth and sucked. There they were, those sounds that she made, coming from her throat. Theo never let up on her breasts but noticed her keening get a little louder. He felt, more than saw, Jagger make his way between her legs from the back, making her widen her stance. Jagger must have been licking her from the back, because Reese shoved her hips back to give him more access. Theo went back to working her nipples when Reese stiffened. He smiled against her breast when he heard Jagger say, “Just stretching you out a little.” Jagger must have been working her back hole. Sure enough, Theo probed Jagger’s mind and picked up his thoughts on what he wanted to do. In total agreement, Theo kept Reese occupied while Jagger stretched her anus enough to be able to take Jagger’s cock there. Theo didn’t need Jagger to tell him he’d added another finger to the onslaught because Reese’s gasp and moan did that all on their own. When Jagger was certain she was as ready as she would ever be, he stood up and quickly left the room to get what they needed. Theo never let up on her nipples and now they were red and inflamed from his constant attention. He knew they were extra sensitive now and started to nibble, making Reese start to plead for

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relief. Theo loved when she got to this point. She was incoherent and totally abandoned in her sexuality. Finally, Jagger returned with a bottle of lube in his hand and his dick in the other. He had undressed somewhere along the way and was already preparing himself to take Reese from behind, his condom in place and his hand full of lubricant. Waiting for Jagger to get situated in the chair, Theo started to move her backward. When the back of her knees hit the cushion and she would have fallen, Jagger reached up to grab her hips. They slowly settled her down to where her anus was touching the tip of Jagger’s wide cock. When Reese was about to shoot back up in a standing position, Theo leaned in and kissed her. Pulling away, he looked into her deep brown eyes and said, “Do you trust us?” She slowly nodded and then Theo instructed, “Then push out. When Jagger pushes in, push out. It’ll make it easier for his cock to slide all the way in.” **** Reese could barely breathe. The tip of Jagger’s cock was pressed against the one place nothing had ever been inserted, and the only thing holding her up was Jagger’s hold on her hips. Theo stood in front of her, leaning down to stare into her eyes. Having him watch her accept Jagger into her ass was so erotic that her cream dribbled down her inner thighs. “Push out, Reese. Take me in.” Jagger’s voice sent shudders through her body. Reese gradually pushed her muscles out while Jagger slowly slid his head through her sphincter. The burn he was creating assaulted her senses, and she didn’t know if she liked the feeling or if it was too painful. Theo never removed his eyes from hers, staring at her while she accepted what Jagger gave her. “Keep pushing, Reese.” Inch by inch, Jagger’s cock slid home, until he was all the way in. The feeling of fullness made her want to move, but Jagger’s hands

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held her still. She started to rock, but again, Jagger tightened his hold. Theo stepped away and started to undress. “Please let me move,” Reese pleaded, needing something. The burning gave way to warmth, spreading through her lower region and making her neglected clit throb. She was splayed wide open to Theo, whose eyes were now captured by the sight of her wet folds with her clit poking its head out. Reese wondered where her embarrassment was at the way she was displayed but was too turned on to care. Theo was staring at her like he wanted to eat her up, and she wanted him to. Jagger finally let go of Reese’s hips to put his arms around her body, securing her wrists between her breasts. She couldn’t move this way either and moaned her displeasure. Why wouldn’t they let her move? “If you move, Jagger’s not going to last,” Theo said, intruding on her thoughts again, but this time, she didn’t mind. “He can’t even talk, you feel so good. You’re so tight around his cock, he’s ready to explode.” “I’m not going to last either, so just move. We’ll come together,” Reese gritted through her teeth. Her clit was throbbing so badly, all it would take was one swipe and it would send her over. Having it so exposed, the feel of the air was almost painful. “You’re not touching yourself just yet,” Theo ordered, finally naked before her. “And when we come, it will be all three of us.” Reese realized his intent when Theo got to his knees. The chair was a perfect height for his cock to take her pussy. Her whole body tightened at the thought of being full in both holes, and she almost came on the spot. Her pussy contracted, making her ass tighten on Jagger, who grunted at the feeling. It made her ass burn again, shooting zings straight to her clit. Jagger’s hold on her tightened, and he secured her back to his chest, tilting her back a little so Theo would have full access. And with her hands held captive by Jagger’s arms, the access was unobstructed.

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Theo pressed his long cock at her entrance, which he had covered with a condom before kneeling before her. Ever so slowly, he pushed his way inside, having to stop a few times to retreat because Jagger’s cock took up so much space. It seemed to take forever, but finally, Theo managed to seat his cock in her pussy. No one moved. “You okay, my favorite Noble?” Since Jagger had his arms wrapped around her body, Theo took a hold of her hips. “Ready for us to move?” “God, yes!” Reese screamed. When Theo pulled out and thrust back in, Reese’s ass lifted off of Jagger’s cock. Then Theo pulled out, slamming her body back down on Jagger. The dual sensations of both holes were overwhelming, making her entire lower area feel like it was going to burst. Each place held different sensations. Every time Theo thrust in, his curved tip rubbed over her sweet spot with perfect accuracy, causing her muscles to contract, while Jagger’s thick cock kept her ass stretched, causing the burning and fullness that brought a bite of erotic pain to the pleasure Theo was administering. It was flawless, this ride of pleasure they were on. Over and over, Theo and Jagger worked together until she was screaming to come, begging them to let her fall over that precipice. Finally, when she felt Jagger’s cock widen, preparing to shoot his rivulets of cum into his condom, Theo released one side of her hips and brought his thumb up to his mouth and licked it with his tongue. Reese watched in fascination as he brought his wet thumb down to her exposed, needy clit and rubbed hard over the bundle of nerves. The electric feeling caused Reese’s body to tense, every one of her muscles tightening at the reaction of his touch. “Come now, Reese!” Theo yelled, as she felt his sac tighten against her perineum. On his command, Reese’s body exploded. It was almost painful to clamp down so hard on the two cocks that filled her, but the edge of pain just fed into her orgasm, taking her into a second one that was stronger. She heard both men shout out their

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releases and was grateful for Jagger’s hold on her as she collapsed against his chest. Theo, still in her, rested his head between her breasts, causing Jagger to finally let go, using his hands to rub her arms, which were now wrapped around Theo’s head. They stayed like that for ten minutes, letting each other recover. Reese gave a small chuckle at the fact neither man ever went soft, staying semihard in her body. When Theo went to move, she grabbed him back up, not wanting to feel the emptiness he would create by slipping out of her. “Got to move, my favorite Noble. I don’t think Jagger can stay awake much longer.” Reese sucked in air at the reminder he had almost died earlier today. She let Theo leave her body, her pussy starting to spasm from the loss. “Are you okay?” she asked Jagger, tilting her head at an angle and resting it on his shoulder. He opened up his beautiful green eyes and smiled. “I’m alive, holding our beautiful Noble in my arms, my cock tucked into her ass nice and tight. What do you think?” Jagger asked, his eyes closing again in contentment. “I think you’re exhausted and we probably should have waited until you were better to make love. Not that I’m complaining,” Reese reassured him. She waited until Jagger’s eyes reopened. “I love you. And I’m strong enough to stay and love you forever.” “I love you, too, Reese Matthews. No more running.” “No more running,” Reese agreed. “How about that shower you wanted earlier?” Theo interrupted, having rid himself of his condom and pulled his jeans on, leaving the button undone. He stood over them, his blond hair wild around his face, looking like a perfect male specimen. “We’ll let Jagger get some rest and I’ll wash you, before tucking us in beside him.” “I love you, too, Theo,” Reese declared, wishing there were more words in the English language to express the deep love she felt for both of them. “I can’t imagine going through life without you.”

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Theo, with Jagger’s help, removed Reese from Jagger’s cock, chuckling at her irritated mumblings of losing that feeling of fullness. “You’ll have us back in your body soon enough. And you’ll never have to imagine a life without us, because we are yours forever, my favorite Noble.” Reese burrowed her face in Theo’s neck as he moved her off a now-exhausted Jagger, who stood to walk behind them toward their bedroom. He gave her a tired, satisfied smile when she peeked over Theo’s shoulder. What would it be like to have Theo take her from behind and have Jagger in her pussy? “It’ll be heaven,” Theo responded.

THE END WWW.PEYTONELIZABETHAUTHOR.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I currently live in the Midwest with my wonderful son and too many animals to count. I have a very supportive family, which came in handy when I decided to switch my financial career of seventeen years to writing. As most authors, I have been an avid reader all my life and have dabbled in writing since my early teens. We all have those times when reality becomes too much and we need something to lighten our hearts. The passing of my husband happened way before it should have, and I live to write the happy ending I didn’t get to have. Here’s to lightening our hearts!

Also by Peyton Elizabeth Ménage Everlasting: Not So Common

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