AllFreeNovel
Share Us
No one liked rejection. I was pretty sure that was my problem with Talin. I'd been worried that he wouldn't want to be my guardian. Instead, he seemed excited about it. Committed, even. The chemistry was definitely there, but between my concern over that ring around his dick, and his awareness that he was the new guy in an old group, it was just a little weird. But tonight, it finally felt like it would work out.
I stepped into the bath, sliding down so I could soak my hair, and let out a heavy sigh. Why did him being attracted to Eladehl make me like him more? I'd seen so many girls rage in jealousy over things like that, but for me it was the complete opposite. Watching the two of them kiss so passionately made me feel...
Like Talin belonged with us. Like he wanted to stick around. Like he wouldn't tear us apart.
I poured a handful of shampoo into my hair and began to lather it, leaving it in a lump on my head, and then dipped my shoulders back under the water before they got cold. With the suds crackling by my ears, I just lay there, replaying everything that had happened tonight. Talin whipping out his dick jumped to the front of my mind.
He was as proud of his body as Eladehl. Strangely, that dark ring also looked really good there. I just wished it didn't have the teeth on the inside. If only there was something Zeal could do about that. I had a feeling my guys were willing to learn how to control their reactions to our displays withouttorture!No, it wouldn't be easy, but they were both the kind who wouldn't give up, and we had plenty of time. As initiates, we weren't given our first official assignments for another year, and those would be with priests in other temples.
Then fingers began to massage the back of my head. "I can't change them."
I smiled because I recognized the voice. "Hello, Zeal. I'm glad you came back."
"It's easier when you're alone."
I looked up to find him sitting on the edge of the tub, leaning over to wash my hair. Those kaleidoscope eyes slid down my body, then slowly back up, and the god smiled. I was just glad he'd decided to wear clothes this time. The black robe was gone, replaced with a rather casual outfit, but everything else about him was the same, and it only became more beautiful the longer I looked.
"I've only ever seen you in a robe before. I didn't know you could change."
"Rinse," he said, reaching beside me to wash the suds from his fingers. "And I find it amusing that you're more worried about what I'm wearing than the fact that you have a god washing your hair."
"Mm. I just assumed you had your reasons." Then I dunked my head.
When I came back up, he sluiced the water from my hair while I wiped my face. Then he poured the cream into it and began working it in. "I do. Nariana, I need you to follow the Path you've decided. Do not let anyone turn you from it. There will be a lot of priests who do not like a young woman showing so much potential. They will try to knock you down. Probably mentally, but I wouldn't rule out physically, either. Keep your guardian close. One of them, at least."
I sucked in a breath. "So theyareboth mine."
"All three of them. I chose not to mark the golden child with Protection, but I thought about it. I simply didn't want his faith to waver any more than it already does."
"What?" I asked.
He grabbed the length of my hair and pulled, gently forcing me to look away from him. "Stop squirming, woman. I haven't done this in a while, and certainly not on a moving target."
"Ok," I said, refusing to look this time. "But what do you mean about his faith?"
"There are four types of people in this world. Those who believe so strongly that no proof could shake them. Those who believe, but have moments of doubt. Those who want to believe, and those who absolutely refuse to. Your lovers waver between the middle two. They believe, or they really want to, but they just don't have the blind faith you do."
"Because they haven't seen you," I pointed out.
"Your bloodline are the only ones who can. Well, that's too simple. Anyone can see a god if they believe enough. Only your bloodline can see us no matter what, but it tends to make you believers. At least if you're given the chance."
"So what does..." I trailed off when my wet hair slapped against my back.
Zeal growled in frustration. "And the less faith a room holds, the less strength I have. You're going to need to finish that on your own, I'm afraid."
I turned to see him, simultaneously reaching back to smooth the conditioner through the ends of my hair. "What do you mean the less faith a room has?"
"You talking to me?" Eladehl called from the other room.
"Nope!" I yelled, eyeing Zeal. "Wait. Because he came home, you can't... what?"
"Can't manipulate your world," Zeal explained, reaching out to touch me. His hand landed on my arm, but I could no longer feel it.
"But I'm still tangible to you?"
Eladehl peeked his head into the bathroom. "You ok, my love?"
"I was talking to Zeal."
