I watched the front riders break away from the others as they approached the gates. Asher stared up, watching me from iridescent eyes that bespoke of sinful nights. His dark hair had been pulled back and placed into a folded ponytail that exposed his pointed ears. He wore a silver cloak, making the silverish brands on his arms stand out.
“Fuck me,” I muttered.
“I think Ryder may find issues with that, Syn. I’m not saying no, though, just so you know; if you need it, I’m here,” Dristan said, offhandedly pushing his fingers through his thick hair, staring down at the army approaching the gates.
“We have a problem, a big one.”
“I admit, having Seelie in the bloodline is not ideal, but Ryder seems to think these fuckers may be an interesting addition to the horde.”
“Dristan, do me a favor and look at Asher’s arms. Tell me what you see.” I watched Asher as he dismounted and started forward, oblivious to the soldiers who held the long spears up in warning at his informal approach.
Dristan stared and then swore beneath his breath as he studied Asher and the brands pulsing on his arms. He looked from Asher to me, and then back before he shook his head in disbelief.
I leaned forward, frowning further as Asher touched his hand against one of the spears, pulling his finger back when blood appeared. Instead of backing up as anyone else would, he examined the weapons and then the armor of the soldiers who watched him warily.
Sevrin gazed up at me, brow raised, waiting for my orders. I wasn’t sure if I should speak, or wait for Asher to finish his inspection of the armor and weaponry our men held ready to fight. The army stayed behind Asher, not raising weapons or appearing to expect a fight, which gave me pause.
“Asher, friend or foe?” I called down.
“Hmm, an interesting question, Goddess,” he called up, lifting those inhuman eyes to mine as a sexy smirk covered his lips. “I fear we are here to assist in the fight. My brothers and sister wish to go to war.”
“And you?” I asked, smiling at his disappointed look. “What is it you want to do?”
“Fuck, but fighting will have to soothe my ache for now. You were correct. The human world is filled with shit.”
“Let them in, but the army remains at the gates,” I announced to the soldiers who regarded the infamous Seelie warily.
Asher sifted, appearing beside Dristan and me without warning. The sex pheromones he oozed didn’t go unnoticed as they slithered over me, forcing my body to clench with need. Rainbow-colored eyes studied my response, noting the subtle effect his magic held over me.
“Good to know I turn even the gods on.”
“Turn it off,” I ordered.
“Oh, sweet thing, it isn’t even on yet.” He shrugged broad shoulders, observing me. “Would you like to see it on?” He ignited his power, causing my body to tremble. A moan of need slipped from my lips as he smiled roguishly. “Mmm, what delicious noises you make for me. I bet you are a dirty girl for your king. Aren’t you? I like dirty girls the most.”
“In case it has slipped your fucking mind, she is the Queen of the Horde, and you will give her the respect her position demands,” Dristan sneered, moving to position his body between Asher and me.
“Fucking Unseelie, ruining the fun as usual,” Asher frowned, looking at Dristan. “Brother, so nice to meet another poor fuck that our father sired. I’m rather exasperated with finding new kin, considering I can’t fuck them. Are you aware that every pussy in that army is related to us? My dick is feeling very neglected, so excuse me for reminding myself of Her Majesty’s grace that pussy still notices me, and that I can occasionally find some that aren’t blood-related within this world. Rarely, but Synthia proves there is hope for my cock yet.”
“Are you finished?” I asked, struggling to ignore the need he’d created