Fabric of Fate

Chapter Fourteen

Abrah tasted desperation on her lips, felt it in the way her fingers dug into his shoulders. He didn’t understand Audrey. Obviously, she felt something for him and Heroc, so why wouldn’t she stay?

Because this world was foreign to her. Because she would be alone and at the mercy of men here.

He was still reeling over the confession of her past. How could a man leave his wife and child? Abrah couldn’t even imagine such a thing. It was unknown to his culture. If a man died, his brothers and family would care for his woman and child. She would not want for anything.

Her past had tainted her thinking and Abrah knew he was asking the impossible of her. Yet he’d had to ask. He’d offered her his entire wealth, such as it was, but she’d rejected the silver and jewels the same way she’d rejected his home and his heart.

That wasn’t quite true. He’d offered her the wealth but not his heart. That, he’d kept locked up tight in his chest. He could not afford to have it offered and rejected. It would kill him.

He cupped her breasts and thumbed her nipples and she rewarded him with a moan of pleasure. Here in bed, Audrey never held back. She gave of herself freely, offering untold treasures. But it was borrowed treasure.

He couldn’t wait any longer, knowing that the tapestry could appear at any time and steal her away from him. Abrah released her lips and lifted her. “You will remember me,” he promised her. Her nails dug into his flesh as he lifted her and positioned his cock against her opening.

“I will,” she promised, but it was cold comfort.

Abrah met his brother’s gaze and saw the sorrow there. Heroc no longer believed. It was a deep blow to see the hope bleed from his brother’s eyes.

He pulled Audrey downward and gritted his teeth as his cock forged inward. She was tight, but wet and warm. Welcoming.

It was a lie. She might welcome his body but nothing else. She would not risk more and stay.

Abrah tilted back his head and roared his pain to the heavens.

Heroc did not want to think about the coming night. He wanted this moment to last forever. He pressed his cock against Audrey’s warm, supple spine, clasped her hips in his hands. She’d brought life to his home and to his heart.

And she was leaving.

There was nothing left to be done. Abrah had shocked him by offering Audrey their small treasury. That was held in keeping, to be used for only the direst of emergencies. They produced all they needed to survive, but the silver and jewels would see them through any dark times. To offer it to Audrey was as deep a declaration of love as Heroc could imagine his brother giving.

He wondered if Audrey even realized that.

To Abrah the well-being of the people came first. Always. To offer the wealth of their entire holdings to her was unprecedented. It also told him how deeply Abrah cared for her.

His brother’s cry of pain echoed off the walls. Desperation seized Heroc and he wrapped his arm around Audrey’s waist, trying to anchor her to him, to his home and to his life.

He buried his face in the curve of her neck and inhaled her sweet scent. She smelled of the soap she’d used in her bath and he knew he’d never be able to use that blend again. It would forever remind him of Audrey.

Audrey’s heart beat faster than a runaway train and her lungs were struggling to get enough air. Abrah’s cry was filled more with pain than pleasure. She was hurting him and Heroc. She hadn’t meant to. She bit her bottom lip to keep from echoing his cry.

His cock filled her, stretching her pussy, but there was more pain than pleasure. Not physical pain, but the ache of loss, of separation even though they were joined in the most intimate way.

She ran her hands over his wide shoulders, down his muscular biceps and across his thick chest. She wanted to touch him everywhere, to memorize every inch of his body.

There was so much about Abrah she didn’t know. There hadn’t been much time to talk and he hadn’t exactly been offering. Heroc was the more open of the two and even he was quiet now.

Their harsh breathing and the occasional moan were the only sounds in the room. There were no words of love, no offer of comfort, only the physical act of coming together.

Heroc’s hand slipped low and he found her clit, pressing it with his forefinger. She began to move, undulating her lower body to find the most pleasure. Abrah was still inside her, letting her motions rock them to oblivion.

She cried out, her entire body clenching. Warmth flooded her core.

Abrah gave a roar and before she realized what was happening, he had her flat on her back and was pounding into her. Sweat beaded his forehead as he thrust heavily. She clung to his forearms, helpless against the storm of his passion.

He yelled again and she felt the hard jerk of his cock as he came. When he was done, he pulled out and flopped onto his back. He’d barely left her when Heroc was over her, supporting his weight on his forearms.

“Audrey.” He said her name and nothing more as he slid into her. The sensitive tissues were swollen and tender, but he forged inward and her pussy rippled around him, accepting him easily.

Heroc’s possession wasn’t quite as frantic as his brother’s had been, but was no less powerful. He flexed his hips over and over, thrusting in and out, claiming her as his own, making a place for himself in her body and heart. Muscles rippled along his shoulders and arms as he continued his relentless pace.

Audrey felt buffeted by the winds of passion, unable to stop her reactions. Her pussy clenched around his cock, clasping it tight. He drove home one final time and she was thrust into another orgasm that rocked her to her soul.

Heroc threw back his head, teeth gritted, thick cords of his neck tense. His cock jerked as he found release. When it was over, he did what his brother had done and rolled off her to lie on her other side.

This time had been different. She understood that now. The other times they’d come together they’d been making love. This was about sex, pure and simple. It was a physical joining tinged with desperation—an act of goodbye.

Audrey missed the closeness of the other times even though she understood the need for separation. She shivered, cold to her bones, even though the room was warm.

Heroc reached down, grabbed a thick covering and threw it over her, tucking the edges around her.

The ache in her heart grew so great she was surprised the organ didn’t explode. There were no words. Not this time. No comfort. No promises.

There was nothing left to say.

Abrah and Heroc were lying beside her but she might as well be back in her cold, lonely bed. She was alone even with them.

It hurt after the closeness of the past few days.

She must have dozed because she came awake suddenly, her heart racing, her body covered in a light sheen of sweat. The fire had burned down, leaving the room dark, but a dim golden glow emanated from near the doorway.

Audrey slipped as soundlessly as she could from the bed and glanced at the men to make sure they hadn’t awakened. Both of them slept soundly, which surprised her. She peered down at them, once again taken by their handsome good looks. But there was so much more to them than physical appearance. Looks alone wouldn’t have held her attention. She’d worked with handsome men for years and been immune to their charms.

No, it was the strength of character of these Dannon brothers, which had touched a heart she’d believed long ago turned to stone.

The floor was cold against the soles of her feet. The clothing she’d worn here was sitting on the chest at the end of the bed. Audrey frowned. She couldn’t remember seeing it there earlier when Abrah had pulled the cask of silver and jewels out of it.

Since it was the only thing around to wear, she pulled on her panties and yoga pants. They felt strange, almost foreign, after wearing the soft leather pants and tunics for several days now. Her cashmere sweater was a little worse for wear but it was warm and soft against her skin. She didn’t bother with the bra, leaving it on top of the chest.

Her socks were there, so she pulled them on hoping they give her some protection from the icy floor. She was searching for the boots she’d worn the past few days when the glowing light by the door caught her eye again.

It was a mesmerizing light and she was propelled toward it, compelled and curious at the same time. Audrey turned the door handle slowly so she wouldn’t make any noise. Not that it seemed to matter. Even Carn was snoozing by the cold hearth, not twitching so much as an ear. It was then she knew what the light was. It was the tapestry calling her home.

Audrey gently opened the door and took one final look at the men sleeping in the large four-poster bed. The empty space between them beckoned to her but the call of the light was greater.

The glow didn’t lead her down the stairs, but up. She hadn’t had time to explore in this direction in the short time she’d been here, but she followed the light, moving unerringly to a room at the very top of the turret. The heavy wooden door was thrown open in welcome. The light was positively blinding so she held up her arm to shield her eyes. But she didn’t turn back. The light was warm and inviting.

Audrey paused on the entrance. “Am I dead?” It was the only explanation she had. She’d heard stories of people seeing a bright light when they died.

A light female laugh seemed to surround her. “No, child. You’re not dead. Come here.”

There was something about the summons she couldn’t ignore. She moved cautiously, unable to see well with the light blinding her.

“I’m sorry.” The light faded slightly. “Is that better?”

Audrey lowered her eyes and blinked at the beautiful woman who came into view. She was ageless. Her hair was pure white but her skin was smooth and unlined. “Who are you?”

“That is of no import. What does matter is your decision.” The woman motioned to her right. The tapestry floated off to the side, suspended in midair.

Audrey jerked away from the magic tapestry. Now that the time was here she was filled with trepidation. She wanted to go home. Didn’t she?

“Where is home?” the woman asked, her voice sweet and non-threatening. “What is home?”

“I don’t know what to do,” she wailed. Three days wasn’t enough time to overcome the hurts of a lifetime, to trust two men she’d just met with the rest of her life. There was no going back from this decision.

“You do know. You’re just afraid to admit it.” The older woman’s smile was filled with compassion. “You can go back to your life and enjoy your career, maybe even make a change in your life. Eventually you might find a man to trust.”

Audrey already knew that. She was nothing if not resilient. Why then wasn’t she grabbing for the tapestry?

“Or,” the lady continued. “You can take a chance knowing you’ll never find two men who will love you more. Yes, you risk more but the possible rewards are enormous.”

Audrey closed her eyes. Her body felt heavy, her mind in turmoil.

“Make your choice or the tapestry will make it for you.” The lady’s voice was fading away, as was the light.

That threat galvanized Audrey. This was her life and she wasn’t about to let anyone else make her decisions for her. She was in control. Now and always.

She took a step toward the rest of her life.

Abrah came awake with a sudden jerk. He knew before his eyes even opened that Audrey was no longer in bed with them. The sheet beside him was cold. But more than that, the room and his heart felt empty.

Beside him, he felt Heroc sit upright. “She’s gone.” The flat tone of his brother’s voice burned his gut like acid.

“Yes.” He climbed out of bed and padded naked to the hearth. The fire had burned down long ago and he crouched and poked at the remnants at it with a log. Sparks jumped and the flames reignited. Abrah tossed the log onto the fire and stared into it as it grew.

Carn rose from his place near the hearth and padded around the room as if searching for Audrey.

The covers rustled and Heroc walked toward him. “You were right. You knew from the beginning she wouldn’t stay.”

Abrah stood and raked his fingers through his hair. He felt weary to his very soul. “I did not want to be right.” His eyes burned with unshed tears and he blinked them away. They’d had three days with Audrey. Not near enough time, yet a lifetime.

Something on the trunk at the end of the bed caught his eye. He walked toward it, knowing it belonged to Audrey. It was the odd contraption she’d worn around her breasts. The material was soft, much like her skin. He fingered the unusual cloth before lifting it to his nose.

It didn’t smell like her, her scent faded by the washing Tara must have given it. He strode to the fire and tossed it in.

“No.” Heroc pounced forward, dragging the burning garment from the flames and slapping at the fire with his hands. The thing was scorched but still intact.

“Why?” Abrah asked. “Why do you want a reminder of her? She didn’t want us enough to stay.” And that was what was eating at his soul.

“There was not enough time.” Heroc went to his knees, naked and broken. He held the piece of Audrey’s clothing to his lips, his eyes filled with tears.

Pure fury shot through Abrah. By the gods, it wasn’t fair! He threw back his head and roared. He wanted to pick up his sword and cleave the bed they’d shared into kindling. How could he sleep there, knowing Audrey would never share it with them again?

He couldn’t.

Yet he had to. There was no choice.

A slight scuffing noise sounded behind him. Abrah turned, expecting to find Carn watching him. But it wasn’t the dog. No, a woman stood just inside the open bedroom door, an expression of uncertainty on her face.

He scowled at her and Audrey took a step back. Fear flashed over her face, making him even angrier.

“The tapestry has not come yet then?” he snapped. He’d thought she’d already gone and now he had to live through it again. It wasn’t to be borne.

“It has.” Her low words were barely a whisper. She turned and raced back out the door of the bedroom.

“Audrey.” Heroc was on his feet running for the door, tossing aside the remains of the garment as he took off after her.

Abrah was hot on his brother’s heels. What had she meant? Had the tapestry not taken her home? Was she stuck here?

Audrey went up the stairs, not down. Abrah frowned as Carn shot by him, his nails scrabbling against the stone stairs. Her path led to an empty tower room that their mother had used when she wanted to be alone. There was nothing there now but a light layer of dust and a few discarded pieces of furniture. Why would she go there?

When he stumbled into the room, he found Audrey curled in a ball on the floor next to the window. Heroc was crouched next to her, his hand hovering over her shoulder as if he was afraid to touch her, while Carn paced before them and whined.

“I’m sorry, Audrey,” Heroc said. “Maybe the tapestry will come back for you.” Abrah did not think his brother’s words would console her, not if the tapestry had come and gone she was stuck here.

Her head came up and the anguish stamped on her face almost brought him to his knees. In that moment, Abrah would have conjured the tapestry if it were within his power to do so. He would do anything to make her happy, even if that meant her leaving him.

“Don’t you want me?”

Her tearful question did finally bring Abrah to his knees in front of her. He cupped her face in his hands and leaned down so their lips were almost touching. “I want you more than anything else in this world. But I want you to be happy. I know you want to go home.”

She shook her head. “I thought I did. But then I couldn’t leave you.”

“What are you saying?” Heroc demanded.

“The tapestry was here and there was a lady too. She asked me what I wanted to do.” Audrey swiped at her eyes and sniffed. “I didn’t know. It’s such a huge choice to have to make in such a short time.”

Both men nodded. An emotion grew within him and Abrah almost didn’t recognize it for what it was—hope.

“She said I had to make up my mind or the tapestry would do it for me. I’m the master of my own destiny. It’s my decision to make.”

Her fierceness made Abrah’s heart clench with pride. Here was the spirit he’d gotten used to in the past few days. This was the real Audrey.

“And what did you decide?” Heroc asked.

“That I’m in control of my life. No one else.” She thumped her chest. “Me.” She sat back on her heels and stared at them both. “I chose to stay.”

Heroc let out a whoop of joy and swept her up into his arms. He stood and swung her around and around until they were both giddy. Carn let out a loud woof and followed them in a circle. Abrah watched them, still not able to truly believe she was here and she was real.

His brother finally released Audrey and joined him, standing to his left. They didn’t even look at one another but, as if the moment was choreographed, they both went down on bended knee. Abrah was the first to speak. It was his right as the elder brother.

The pledge was one every young man learned from his father from the time he was old enough to understand he might never have the opportunity to use it. It was a sacred oath, the foundation of their very civilization. Abrah took a deep breath and repeated the words that would change his life forever.

“You are the heart that beats in this chest and in this home and if you would take me for husband I will give you my love, loyalty and devotion for as long as I live. With me, you gain the love, loyalty and devotion of my brother as well, who will be lover to you, and would also be your husband should I die before you. In return, I ask for your love, loyalty and devotion and any children that the gods see fit to gift us with.”

Audrey shook with emotion, her limbs trembling and weak. She’d feared she’d made a horrible mistake when she’d gone downstairs to the bedroom to tell the brothers she’d decided to stay. Abrah had been so angry that she’d almost regretted her choice. She understood now, or at least she thought she did. He hadn’t believed she’d made the choice to stay, had thought the tapestry hadn’t arrived or had somehow left her here by mistake.

She’d hurt him and knew she had some fences to mend before he would completely trust her again. That was ironic really, considering it was she who had never been able to trust. Still, she couldn’t regret her choice. It felt right. No matter what happened in the days and years ahead, her life was here.

Heroc had been overjoyed but even he’d pulled away from her to return to Abrah’s side. The two men had suddenly gone down on one knee and placed their hands over their hearts. There was an aura of earnestness to their actions that made her straighten her spine and pay attention. Whatever was about to happen was important.

Abrah began to recite a pledge that made her heart almost stop as the words soaked into her befuddled brain. She put out a hand and leaned on the wall for support. He was offering her everything he was and would ever be, holding nothing back.

She wanted to blurt out her acceptance, but what about Heroc? She knew he wanted her too and she didn’t want to do anything to hurt him.

Her gaze flew to the younger Dannon brother and he smiled at her. He opened his mouth and repeated the same pledge, leaving her slack-jawed and staring at them both.

“I don’t know what to do.” Her mind was whirling. She couldn’t marry both of them. “I don’t want to hurt either one of you.”

Heroc laughed as he bound to his feet. “You are here with us. How can we be anything but happy?”

“Yes, but if I marry one of you, what about the other one?” She loved them both equally, but in different ways. She hadn’t thought such a thing possible until a few days ago.

Abrah put his hands on her shoulders. “It is formality. Only one of us can be the legal guardian of the children. But you can be with either of us as often or as little as you wish. It is up to you.”

Audrey glanced at Heroc. He gave her an understanding smile and gave an almost imperceptive nod toward his brother. The enormity of his sacrifice rocked her and she gave a prayer of silent thanks for his capacity to love. Heroc had faith in his heart and hope in his soul. He also deeply loved his brother and understood that Abrah needed the commitment more than he did. He was trusting her not to leave him out of the new relationship they would all forge together.

She took a deep breath and plunged headfirst into her new life. “I accept.” She went up onto her toes and kissed Abrah. His lips were firm and unyielding and she began to wonder if she’d made a mistake. Maybe he didn’t want her as much as Heroc did.

Feeling self-conscious, she started to pull away. Abrah uttered an oath and took her mouth in a torrid kiss. He stole the very breath from her body, kissing her until she grew lightheaded. She swayed when he released her but he caught her easily, lifting her into his arms.

“Come. You are cold and need to be in bed.”

Heroc laughed at his brother’s pronouncement. “She is probably warmer than we are.”

Audrey’s eyes widened when she stared at Heroc. She’d been so caught up in the emotion and the enormity of the moment she hadn’t really looked at either of them. “You’re naked.” She glanced down over Abrah’s body. “And so are you.”

He laughed and she stared at his beloved face as his joy washed over her. She’d never heard Abrah laugh, not like this, unrestrained and totally happy. She’d done this for him.

The rightness of her decision settled over her. Yes, she was still scared to death. She didn’t know quite how she’d fit in here but she’d find a way. And they would help her. She trusted them to be by her side all the way.

She toyed with Abrah’s hair as he carried her down the stairs and into the bedroom. Heroc closed the door, locking the three of them and Carn inside. The dog went to his usual spot in front of the fire and settled back down ready for sleep.

But his master had other ideas and sleep wasn’t one of them. Audrey laughed when Abrah tossed her onto the bed. She felt as though a great weight was lifted from her shoulders. For a brief moment she wondered what would happen to her apartment and belongings and how long would it be before anyone reported her missing. She’d probably end up as the subject of one of those crime news shows somewhere down the road when no sign of her was ever found.

Those morbid thoughts disappeared when Abrah followed her down onto the bed. He pulled her into his arms and rolled her onto her back, all the while kissing her and running his hands all over her body. He made quick work of her sweater, pants and panties.

Something dug into her back and she yanked it from beneath her. It was the remains of her bra. It looked as though it had been burnt. “What happened to my bra?”

Heroc snorted with laughter and his eyes twinkled. “It is all Abrah’s fault.” He joined them on the bed and dropped a quick kiss on her lips.

There was a story there for sure, but it would have to wait. “I love you.” She blurted the words out. “Both of you.” They had to know, had to understand why she stayed, why she’d overcome a lifetime of fear.

Both men stopped and stared down at her. Abrah spoke first. “You are everything to us.” His voice shook with the emotion behind his words. His hands were gentle on her face as he stroked his fingers over her cheeks. “No one will love you more than we do. No man could ever cherish you the way we do.”

“You have given us a great gift.” Heroc brushed a lock of her hair away from her forehead. “Thank you.”

Audrey smiled and laid a hand on each of their faces. “Thank you for the gift you’ve given me. Thank you for giving me something to believe in.”

Abrah groaned and kissed her and it was a long time later when they all finally slept.

Carn rose from his spot in front of the hearth and padded toward the bedroom door. It wasn’t closed all the way and he used his nose to push it open. He climbed up the stairs to the abandoned tower and went unerringly toward the center of the room.

The older woman stepped out of the shadows and laughed as the dog let out a loud woof. “Thank you my friend for playing your part.” She petted his broad, furry head and smiled with satisfaction. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Using the tapestry so much in such a short span of years was messing with the magic she’d spun into it all those years ago, making it a little unpredictable. Audrey was supposed to have ended up inside the keep when she arrived three days ago, not lost outside in a raging storm. Thankfully, Carn had been more than willing to lend aid and lead the Dannon brothers to their perspective bride.

The sorceress shrugged. She’d have to see if anything could be done about that. But now it was time for her to go. The tapestry shimmered next to her, the design on the front constantly changing, and then both of them disappeared, traveling once again through time and space.

Carn stood and stared for the longest time at the place where the lady had stood. Then he padded to the door and headed back down the stairs toward the warm fire, the room and the woman already forgotten.