Grayson walked through the halls of the castle with his mate, unable to believe that his home was now a beautiful big castle. When he’d first seen it, he’d thought he was sleeping. It looked just like the castle he’d always dreamed of, along with the mountain on the right. The ground was covered in snow, but the sun shining down on them was warm.
“How come this place isn’t covered in dust?” Adam asked.
“Magic. It’s kept this place running until now and it will continue to do so,” Ethan replied.
“Whose magic?” Grayson asked, both curious and wary.
Ethan glanced at him and smiled before turning his head to face forward in order to continue guiding them. He pointed out rooms as they went along. “It’s all my magic, and Beema’s, although I suspect that now the Shades of Power have been united, they’ll add to the magic here.”
“Yeah, speaking of that, what the fuck?” Adam asked, stopping his progression through the halls. Grayson halted when Ethan did, and so did Russell.
Sighing, Ethan looked at all of them. “I promise to tell you everything, but can we talk over dinner? I’m exhausted and I really could do with a nap.”
Grayson wanted to immediately take his mate to bed, however there were two problems with his idea. Aside from not knowing where their bed was, he wanted to give Adam and Russell the opportunity to decide if they needed the information now, or if they could wait for a few hours.
“Okay, Ethan, go get your beauty sleep and we’ll talk over dinner. But first, where are we sleeping? Because I gotta tell you, I could do with some rest and I didn’t even do much today.” Adam winked, and Grayson smiled when it caused Ethan to laugh.
“Come on, your rooms are near ours. You’re close enough that if you need to reach us quickly, you can, yet far enough that you can feel like you have your own space and privacy.”
“What if you or Grayson need something?” Russell asked, ever mindful of the security of an area, which Grayson was grateful for.
“We’ll never be in danger in our home, and neither will you. This castle will protect us. No one can enter without our permission, and even then, the magic will protect us first, the guests second. Unless either of you find your mates, then the castle will protect them just as it would you.”
“How—” Russell started to say when Adam cut him off.
“No! No more questions to make my head explode. The castle will take care of all of us, so get used to it. Now, let’s all get some sleep before its time for Ethan to give us more answers to bring our heads closer to their detonation point.”
Ethan and Grayson burst out laughing as they watched Russell glare at Adam, while Adam made funny faces at Russell. Eventually Russell couldn’t resist, and soon the four of them were practically giggling in the hallway.
When they settled down, Ethan once again led the way and finally showed them all their rooms, making sure that everyone knew where the others were. Knowing that his betas were close and safe eased some of the tension in Grayson’s chest. Adam and Russell were his closest friends, and he was relieved that they finally had a safe place to call home. Even if it was a magical castle that could apparently protect its own.
“Come on, mate, time for us to head to our own room. If you’re good, I’ll let you pound me into the mattress before we get some sleep,” Ethan said, dragging him toward their own room as Grayson’s cock started to take an interest.
“And if I’m not good?” he couldn’t resist asking.
“Then I’ll fuck myself on your dick while you just lie there and take it.”
Grayson’s cock became rigid at the image in his head, and without waiting a second longer, he scooped Ethan up into his arms and practically ran to their room. Once there, he kicked the door shut before dropping his mate onto their bed and using his claws to shred his clothing. The sight of Ethan’s naked body stole the last of his restraint and he dove onto the bed, more than ready to worship his mate.
****
Ethan awoke hours later, his body pleasantly sore from the pounding Grayson had given him. He was surprised that they’d had any time to sleep, considering the two rounds of sex on the bed and then another in the shower before they’d finally collapsed under the covers and gone to asleep.
Beema? What time is it?
Time to wake up, my witch. Adam and Russell are in the kitchen and you and Grayson need to refuel.
Hearing his familiar’s snickers in his head, Ethan groaned at the same time Grayson tightened the arm around his waist and pulled him back until Ethan’s ass was pressed against Grayson’s hard cock.
“Fuck, we need to be quick, Gray. The others are already eating,” Ethan whispered, moving his hand until he could grip Grayson’s thigh and use it to try to bring his body closer.
At Grayson’s growl, Ethan shivered.
“Move your top leg, mate,” Grayson ordered, and Ethan hurried to obey.
As soon as he did, Grayson thrust his cock into Ethan’s still stretched and lubed hole. Feeling nothing but pleasure, Ethan moaned and tilted his ass back, allowing Grayson to slip in that little bit farther. Knowing they should hurry, Ethan started squeezing his muscles, milking Grayson’s dick. It seemed to be enough to push Grayson over the edge, because seconds later, his fangs pierced Ethan’s neck and he started pounding into him without restraint.
Screaming, Ethan came, with Grayson following him almost immediately. As they lay panting, Ethan tried to find the energy to move when all he wanted to do was go back to sleep.
“Come on, mate, we need a shower and then food,” Grayson said, groaning as he pushed himself into a sitting position. Although he was saying the right things, it was obvious that Grayson didn’t want to leave any more than he did.
Reluctantly Ethan got up and followed his mate to the bathroom and into the shower.
Half an hour later, the two of them entered the kitchen to find Adam, Russell, and Beema sitting at the table off to the side. Beema was no longer a dragon, nor was he a house cat anymore. His familiar was sitting there in his new form as a black panther.
“Well, look who’s finally up,” Adam teased.
Ethan just poked his tongue out at him, earning a chuckle from the man.
As soon as he and Grayson took a seat, food magically appeared in front of them. Ethan hummed in pleasure at the steak, mashed potatoes, and vegetables that were on his plate. He’d already cut a piece of steak and shoved it into his mouth before he realized that Grayson was staring at him.
What?
Food magically appearing is common here?
The castle takes care of us.
He watched as Grayson shook his head, and then took a bite of his own meal before Ethan returned to his steak. In no time at all, the food was gone and Ethan was happily full.
“Now that you’ve eaten, how about some answers?” Adam asked pointedly.
“Okay. Come on, let’s get comfortable in the living room, and then I’ll answer any questions you have.” Ethan stood and made his way to the living room before anyone could respond. Soon, the four of them were seated on the couches and Beema was lying in front of the fireplace.
“So who’s going to go first?” Ethan asked, looking around the room.
“I will. How did Beema turn into a dragon? And how were you able to use the Shades of Power?” Grayson asked, their hands entwined.
Ethan paused as he thought about which question would be easier to answer. “Beema has always been a dragon, and as a dragon, he can choose any form to change into. A house cat was the most unassuming form and that is what he picked. Now that the Fae know about him, he can stay in a slightly larger feline form.” Ethan smiled over at his familiar.
“Is that why he didn’t burn when he was engulfed in flame?” Russell asked.
Turning to the man, Ethan responded. “Yes. As a dragon, Beema can control fire no matter what form he is in. Plus he likes the warmth it brings.”
Focusing back on his mate, he answered the man’s other question. “I can use the Shades of Power because we united them.”
“What? How?” Grayson exclaimed, and while he heard the other two ask the same questions, he didn’t take his eyes off his mate.
“Remember the passage Russell found? The one that said with the essence of Black, White, and Gray, the Shades of Power will unite and become the greatest power the world has ever known?”
When Grayson nodded, Ethan continued. “The essence of Black, White, and Gray was needed. I’m White, you’re Gray, and Beema is Black.”
“But they were names, not colors. I get why you and Grayson would make up two of the three, but just because Beema is black doesn’t mean he makes up the third,” Russell said, sounding confused, but Ethan’s gaze remained on Grayson.
“You’re right, it’s not about Beema’s color, it’s about his name. A name given to him by my sister when she tried to steal him away from me.”
“Let me guess, his name has Black in it,” Adam said sarcastically.
Facing the man, Ethan smiled. “Yes. Beema’s actual name is Black Magic.”
The gasps from the three men were not surprising. In fact, Ethan would have been more surprised if they had reacted differently.
“Say what now?” Adam squeaked out.
“When I was young, an Oracle visited us and she told me to hide. Hide my magic, hide my true self, and that if I was worthy, Beema would be mine. At that time, Beema had already shifted into a house cat form. Des didn’t know any of that. To her, Beema just appeared one day and she wanted him. She assumed that he would go to her. When he picked me instead, she was furious, yet there was nothing she could do. When we bonded, I found out his true name. Since I’m a white witch, I couldn’t really go around talking about black magic, so Beema and I discussed it and he agreed to the name Beema. While his true name will always be Black Magic, I just call him Beema.”
Ethan waited for them to digest everything and then to ask him more questions because he knew there would be more.
“Wait, you’re the white witch that uses black magic!” Russell exclaimed.
Nodding, Ethan answered the question he knew they all wanted the answer to. “A lot of people assume that women are witches and men are wizards, but that’s not the case. While there aren’t very many women who are wizards, there are a few men who are witches. It’s got nothing to do with power or how you use it, you’re just born either a witch or a wizard, it’s as simple as that.”
“And that’s how a white witch can remain white while using black magic. Black Magic is your familiar.” Grayson shook his head as he chuckled.
How is it that Beema carries a tiny portion of your soul? Grayson mentally asked Ethan, wanting to keep the conversation private, but it was Beema who responded through their link.
When a dragon becomes a witch’s familiar, they swap a tiny portion of their souls. It binds them and allows the witch to not be overwhelmed by the sheer power a dragon can generate. At the same time, it gives the dragon a connection it has never had before. Even so, it’s very difficult to convince a dragon to bond with anyone. There are not many dragons that are willing to part with even a scale, let alone a portion of their soul.
But you did, Grayson pointed out.
Yes, I did. I could see the man Ethan was. I could feel the goodness within him, the strength of character. He was a treasure in this world, and I knew that he was destined to have a dragon familiar. I wasn’t going to let any other dragon get the chance to have him. Giving him a portion of my soul was the best thing I’ve ever done, and I have never regretted it.
Ethan started to get emotional, so he bombarded Beema with as much love and affection as he could. Before he could burst into tears, Adam spoke and dragged his attention to another topic.
“I guess the only other thing I have questions about is the prophecy. It’s starting to make a lot more sense now, but have we covered all of the bases?” Adam asked, leaning forward until his elbows rested on his knees.
Ethan thought about it. “I believe so. The prophecy said, the time will come, when darkness spreads across the land. When evil has the strongest hold, and Destiny succumbs, the fight for survival will begin. The Fae hold the key, and once the Shades of Power unite, nothing will stop them. Black magic will be released, and good will finally triumph over evil.”
Ethan waited for all of them to nod before continuing. “Well, we knew that the time was coming up, however the fight for survival has been going on for years. The part about Destiny succumbing was referring to my sister, and she gave into the dark arts a long time ago. The Fae did hold the key. They were the only connection I had to a sane family member. We’ve established that Gray, Beema, and I were able to unite the Shades of Power, and the bit about black magic being released…well, he was. Beema was finally released into his true form and with his help, good triumphed.”
“And now we can all live together in peace and harmony?” Adam asked, pitching his voice higher and adding a breathless quality to it, making everyone in the room laugh.
Ethan snuggled into his mate’s side and absorbed his heat as he watched his new family interact.
I love you, he sent to Grayson and Beema.
I love you too, mate.
I have always loved you, my witch, that will never change.