Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (best black authors .TXT) 📗

spoke up, “Darkness spoke with me alone for a few minutes. She said she was using the excess aether I had to push me along so I can catch you. She said I’d match you at the fifth rank.”

“Is that why you were so late to wake?” Gregory asked.

“No. She said that because I was behind you, the damage that could’ve been done to me would’ve been even worse. She stepped in and helped siphon off the excess that would have hurt us.”

“Thank you, Darkness,” Gregory said. “I almost got us all hurt just to make me feel better.”

Yukiko pushed herself to her feet and moved around the table to him. “No, dear one. You were doing your best to safeguard us from ourselves.”

Jenn winced as she went over to join Yukiko on Gregory’s other side. “Thank you, Greg. For being you, and for accepting me.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll wait for you to be truly comfortable with me… but please, don’t take too long?”

Yukiko giggled. “Maybe she should wait six months like we did. I’m sure Darkness can give her a dream or two.”

“I’ve been with you both for six months already,” Jenn said.

“But not betrothed and having to wait for marriage,” Yukiko replied. “Those six months were so difficult. If not for Darkness’ dreams, I would have failed.”

Gregory’s face was bright red and felt like it was going to combust as he sat there, flanked by the two beautiful women. “It was trying...” he croaked.

A knock on the door stopped them from saying more. Jenn hobbled over and opened it, revealing a maid with a bedroll. She thanked her and took it before shutting the door and wobbling back across the room.

“We should turn in for the night,” Jenn said.

“Take the bed with Yuki,” Gregory said as he stood up and took the bedroll from her. “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Greg,” Yukiko said softly, “the bed is large enough. We could all sleep in it.”

Gregory blinked at her, his face burning as he glanced toward Jenn. Jenn was blushing hotly and shifting from foot to foot, stealing glances at him before looking away. He was going to turn down the idea when a flash of insight hammered him like a plank of wood in the back of the head. All three of them were laying in the bed— Gregory beside Yukiko, and Jenn on the far side of her.

Taking a deep breath, he looked at Yukiko, then Jenn. “Sleeping only.”

Yukiko giggled. “Fine, dear one.”

Jenn swallowed, a wide smile on her face. “I’m fine with that.”

“We should get ready,” Yukiko said. “Jenn, did you want to get some clothing for tomorrow?”

“I’ll be right back,” Jenn said happily as she left the room.

Gregory watched her go, and his fear and anxiety over her joining them faded.

“Thank you, dear one,” Yukiko said, kissing his cheek.

“You’re welcome, dearest.”

Jenn was swiftly back, and paused at the door. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Gregory said. “Shut it and slide the latch. We’ll get ready for… bed.” He trailed off, thinking of the fact he slept in the nude.

Jenn slid the small wooden bar across the door so it was secured against being casually opened. She hesitated to turn around after Gregory spoke, obviously thinking of the same thing.

“Yes, it’s time,” Yukiko said and began to strip. “It’s not like we haven’t seen each other naked for weeks now. Come on, you two. Don’t back out of this now.”

With that gentle chiding, Gregory disrobed. “I’m not backing out. I’m just still warming up to what this will all entail.”

“I was just shutting the door,” Jenn said, turning back to the room. She went over to the table and set her clothing on it, then stripped, her eyes not staying in any place for too long.

Gregory was the first one naked. He went right to the bed, climbed in, and slid over to the wall. Yukiko gave him a smile before she slipped in beside him. They both looked over at Jenn, who was removing her shift. Cheeks hot, Jenn walked over to them, then got into bed beside Yukiko.

“Will you blow the lamp out, Jenn?” Yukiko asked before yawning.

“Yes,” Jenn replied and the room became dark. “Thank you, both. Good night.”

“Good night,” Gregory murmured, feeling sleepy again.

Chapter Sixteen

 

Gregory stirred. Rolling over, he put his arm around Yukiko. Her bare skin pressed against his, and a smile formed on his lips. When his hand landed not on the bed, but on more bare skin, his hand squeezed lightly on reflex. The firm, yet yielding flesh, brought only one thing to mind. He quickly let go, as he suddenly realized it wasn’t Yukiko he had squeezed.

“Sorry,” he whispered, not even sure if Jenn was awake.

“I… didn’t mind it,” Jenn whispered back. “I just didn’t expect it.”

“Neither did I,” Yukiko said. “I was a little shocked, but when you let go right away, I knew you hadn’t realized what was happening.”

“Oh...” Jenn said softly.

Gregory levered himself up and looked over Yukiko at Jenn. “I am interested, Jenn, but she’s right. I don’t want to give you the wrong impression about what I’m ready or not ready for.”

Meeting his eyes, Jenn smiled hesitantly. “Okay.” She licked her lips. “I’ll wait for you to be ready, Greg, but honestly, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Uh... Okay. I’d prefer that we have a ceremony first before anything physical happens.”

“You want her to have a wedding to make sure her honor is intact,” Yukiko smiled. She leaned over and kissed Jenn’s cheek. “That’s for the best.”

Jenn looked at Yukiko and smiled softly. “My parents would prefer that. It’s already going to be difficult for them.”

“And us,” Gregory said. “I’m sure that our relationship will be fresh fodder for Nick