Free Emerald Fire by Valerie Twombly

escape she seemed intent on, Brock grabbed her arm. “Where are you going?”
    She swung to face him, panic on her face. “I need to leave before he gets here.”
    He suddenly wondered what had happened between the two of them. Did they have sex, and she’d lied about it? He couldn’t imagine what reason she’d have to not be truthful. “Did he do something to you? Hurt you in some way?”
    She shook her head. “No. I told you he kissed me, but that was it.” She gave a nervous glance out the window then back to him. “He’s your prince. What will he do to you if he finds out you’re the competition?”
    “Elias is a good man, and he’s not going to do anything to me.” He shrugged. “Besides, technically, he is not in charge. His brother is.”
    She tried to pull from his grasp, but he held firm.
    “Sarah, you keep telling me to face my demons and let go of the past. Perhaps, you need to take you own advice.”
    She stopped struggling, sucked in a deep breath then let it out. “You’re right.”
    “Well, well. What do we have here?”
    They both looked up to see Elias standing in the living room. Apparently, he’d come in through the front sliding doors. Brock released his grip on Sarah and crossed the kitchen to where his friend stood, looking a bit confused. Brock extended his hand, and the demon grasped it in a firm shake.
    “It would seem my friend that we share the same mate,” Brock said.
    Elias raised a dark brow. “So you’re my competition?”
    “I guess so.” Brock’s gut dropped. Things had changed. Earlier, he’d wondered if he was worthy of Sarah but had considered giving things a chance. Now? Things had changed. He was no fool and knew damn well Elias was the better man. He could provide everything Brock couldn’t.
    Elias chuckled. “I wondered who was in the area besides us, and now, I know.” He slapped Brock on the back. “I’d wish you luck, but you can understand why I don’t.” Elias moved away and stepped closer to Sarah. “You look lovely. So,” he crossed his arms over his chest, “when do I get my chance to show you the pleasures that awaits you?”
    Sarah was speechless and unsure how to handle the situation currently unfolding before her. Having two mates was bad enough, but this was ludicrous. She sifted through her memory and couldn’t remember hearing about anything like this. Two mates, yes. However, ones who knew each other? Never.
    Guilt settled in her gut and rolled around, causing bile to rise. Part of the process in choosing a mate was having sex. With both of them. Again, normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but these two were friends.
    “Thanks.” She intentionally ignored his question and cast her gaze in another direction. She couldn’t look at either of them. She shoved her hands deep in her pockets to keep from touching Elias. The need to trace her fingers across his hardened muscles was as alluring as drugs to an addict. Desperate. How the hell am I going to get through this day? The pheromones in the air would drive her to her knees.
    Brock stepped up. “Sarah, would you like to start upstairs with painting while Elias and I work down here getting the kitchen updated?”
    She let a sigh of relief escape. Working on the upper level would at least take some of the edge off. She could only imagine the tingling sensation that would rack her body if she had to witness both men with their shirts off, all slick with sweat.
    Shit. She pinched the bridge of her nose and wondered why she had to conjure that mental image. “I’d love to. Just tell me what I need to do.”
    Brock looked over at Elias. “Do you mind getting started while I show Sarah what needs to be done upstairs?”
    Elias’ brows shot up. “As long as you don’t take unfair advantage.”
    Sarah rubbed her forehead and looked down at the floor, wishing she could slither away. She heard Elias chuckle. Did he think her position she was funny? She lifted her gaze and shot him a