Page 125 of A Brat's Tale
“No.”
I put a hand on my hip because I’m not sure what else to do and Papa did it to Father sometimes when he wanted his way, and Father was being an impossible brute.
He closes his eyes and opens them again, taking a scrupled breath. “Give me a little time and we can revisit it. At that juncture, you can ask permission like you’re supposed to.”
“Is that what this is about? Permission? I’m happy to ask for permission, sir.”
“That’s part of it. But I already share you with my brother. I don’t think I can handle a third person just yet.”
Right. He doesn’t know about Bayaden. “You do recall you’re the one who introduced me and Strobavik in the first place, yeah?”
“I didn’t say I was being rational or reasonable. I just know seeing the cuff on you made me want to cleave Strobavik in half a little bit more each day.”
An ocean-sized wave of tingles wash through me and I flush head to toe. Do I rile him that much? Is it wrong that I find it hot? “You’re a jealous beast.”
“I’m Elf. It’s how we are. Strobavik will understand. Now to bed with you.”
“Do I have to? I’ll bet we could have a lot more fun if I stayed,” I tell him trailing fingers up his thick arm.
He inhales my scent. “The thought of getting to use you while you’re in chastity is highly attractive to someone like me, but I’m going to wait.”
“What is it with youandCorrik waiting? I’m not chocolate cake.”
“Don’t pout.” He’s contemplative. “I need to digest this. I wasn’t planning on sharing a mate, but the Gods help me, I need you Tristan.”
I nod. It must be confusing for him. I think Alrik’s hardened himself to the world. I bite my lip, not wanting to go, needing something from him too, something only he can bring. He’s already spanked me and boy was it a good one. My cheeks are hot and aching some, but there’s something in his energy that I need to be near.
“I’m already getting to know that look. Fine, you may stay for a little longer, if you promise to sit there and behave.”
“All the way over there?”
His mouth forms a line. “You’ll be the death of me.” He heaves a sigh, collecting his sword and polishing tools and then collecting me as if I too am an item. He sits me on his lap, efficiently working around me as he finishes up with his sword.
“Will you mark me again?” I ask Corrik. We get a lazy day in the sun. It’s still a cold day, it’s always cold here save for two months of the year they call summer, which pales in comparison to summers in Markaytia or Aldrien. We’ve spread out on a blanket under a tree with food and drink. Corrik’s insistent we do more date-like things as per Markaytian tradition.
“Do I not mark you enough, my little Markaytian?”
I smile. “You do. I mean something permanent like this stupid thing.” Alrik made true on his tattoo threat. I had hoped Corrik would be upset about it and fight him, but he wasn’t. He was amused.
“You complained about that ‘stupid’ little thing or was that just for show?”
My face heats. “Maybe mostly for show.” I can’t help it. I love signsof ownership, it’s gotten worse now that I’m Elf. “But it’s a bit ridiculous.”
“Maybe I want my own tattoo, bigger than that one, hmmmm? What would you say to that?”
“What could I say? You three do what you will with me, no one cares about what Tristan wants.” I cross my arms. Yes I’m pouting.
“You have three alpha men who worship you, my darling. We all care a great deal about what you want. And what you want isProperty of Corrik Cyredanthemtattooed on your arse.”
“Over my dead body, Corrik!”
“Alrik will hate it. He’ll want to do something even grander. Maybe you’ll become a giant tattoo.”
Okay, he’s teasing. Right? Yeah, he’s teasing. Still, I have to make sure. “Is that really what you want?” If so, I already know I’ll do it. I have a hard time denying any of them anything.
“No. I get to marry you—again. You’ll wear my ring on your finger, you’ll call me First and Second husband. That’s a big deal to me. I’ll get to make all the final decisions about us and you.”
Right. I won’t be marrying Bayaden or Alrik. And even if I did, Corrik is my first and second husband. The ways of Elvish laws are interesting. “Alrik won’t want to marry me at some point too?” They have no laws around the number of marriages in any of the Elven realms like we do in Markaytia.
