Free Two Times the Trouble by Mellanie Szereto Page A

her long loose braid tickled Ivan’s arm. “What do you think? Elf, fairy, or witch?”
    “Jesus, I don’t even want to know.” Liam adjusted her head to rest on his chest and ran his fingertip along her cheek. “What did I get us into? She has some evil guy with superpowers after her, and she says she wants both of us. I’m not sure how I feel about sharing her—even with you. Oh, and we’re trapped in this hellhole until who knows when.”
    “You know what? I don’t give a damn if we’re stuck here. She’s with us, and as much as I’d like to be selfish, I’ll take what she has to offer. I’m pretty sure at least three of her cousins and one of her sisters have two husbands. The one who had twins yesterday? Did you notice that the baby girl was dark like Amalric, and the boy was light-haired like Ranulf?”
    “Yeah, I saw. Bigamy is illegal in this country, though.” Leaning back against the wall, Liam sighed. “Why are we talking about marriage? We met her a day ago.”
    “There’s something about her. I always figured I’d know when I found the right girl, and she’s it. Somehow, I just know.”
    “Can we not discuss this now? You should drink some more water and eat a sandwich.” Liam closed his eyes, making his wish to end the conversation perfectly clear.
    Food and drink sounded too good to argue with his brother. Ivan rummaged through the basket to see what other supplies would have to last long enough for somebody to dig them out. Half a sandwich might have to make his stomach happy.
     
    * * * *
     
    Exhaustion tried to confine Jolán within the boundaries of sleep, but noises tugged her to the edge of consciousness and beyond. Cicadas chirped. The occasional thunk —a hollow sound that reminded her of stacking firewood. Male voices echoed in her head.
    “Are any of you injured?”
    “We’re all okay.” Ivan’s casual baritone triggered goose bumps on her bare arms and a contraction between her thighs.
    “Jolán has suffered no ill effects?” The formal language told her Amalric had to be one of the men talking.
    “I don’t think so. She’s resting.”
    How much time had passed since she’d linked with the women of the Macska clan to repair the tear in the protective spell around the estate? Had everyone else collapsed from the effort of expelling the enemy? The joy at being connected into a single entity with her family had to have saved her from the pure evil trying to invade their home.
    “Was anyone in the house hurt?” Liam asked the foremost question in her mind, his concern obvious in his tone. That he worried about the welfare of the others more than cancelled out his standoffish nature.
    “All are well. They only wish to know if Jolán is in good health. I will convey your assurances to them.”
    “Tell Romána we’ll take care good of her until we can get out.”
    “I shall. The day is nearly gone. Do you have need of anything for the night? Food? Water? Supplies for tending to cuts?”
    “We should be fine ’til morning.”
    After a long moment, Ivan spoke. “Hey, Amalric, can I ask you something?”
    “You may, and I will do my best to answer.”
    “Well, I was wondering about Jolán. Her family, too, I suppose. What kind of magic do they practice? You know, like elf magic or witchcraft.”
    She almost choked at the turn in the conversation. Ivan and Liam must have seen and heard much more than she remembered. Taking them as mates required their acceptance of her heritage, but that discussion should’ve followed vows of love and loyalty. A wave of nausea swept over her. They’d never give her a chance to make them love her if they already suspected.
    “I am sorry, but that is a question you must ask Jolán. It is hers to answer or not. Good night.”
    At least Amalric had the decency to let her decide whether or not to reveal her family’s secret. Not that it mattered. They were already suspicious, and when she told Ivan and Liam, they’d think she was