Revealing the Fae King: Reverse Harem Romance (Bramble's Edge Academy Book 3) Read online

  The professor turned his gaze to Ryker. “Someone used magic here to eliminate the Dark Artifact and that signature gave them hope. At least that’s my best guess.”

  “Do you mean the King is really back?” Tani blurted as she shifted closer to the professor. Ryker’s heart started racing in an attempt to flee his chest and take off. Surely no one knew that for certain.

  He glanced around, taking it all in and trying to act like he was a six-year-old boy in a candy store for the first time. When Daine smacked him on the shoulder, he guessed he wasn’t pulling it off.

  “No. If there was a new king then he would have made an announcement,” the professor denied. “Don’t believe the rumors.”

  “But who cleared the area then?” Tani pressed. She was like a bulldog with a bone. Just let it the fuck go already.

  “Some very talented Fae. No one knows for sure. I think it was some students. Not many wanted to risk burning out all of their power. It had to be someone willing to throw caution to the wind,” Desirata informed them. The professor stood there with his hands on his hips as he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

  Desirata’s eyes popped open and he clapped his hands. “After years of not teaching down here it’s good to be back. Let’s see how each of you do with transferring water to a jar. The energy will be wilder and more difficult to control. You will need to use everything you have to obtain the desired outcome.”

  “This should be fun,” Daine told Ryker as they crossed to water’s edge.

  Beside them he heard Andris asking one of his friends if they would see a nymph. Ryker had never met a nymph but couldn’t deny his curiosity. “Do you think they’re as experienced as the stories?” Andris postulated to his friend.

  Daine chuckled and selected a jar from a table as they passed. “What did the professor just say? You can’t believe what you hear. I’d say they are no different from others.”

  “But you don’t know for sure. I prefer to believe several lusty females will stride from the water and beg me to take them to bed,” Andris countered before he strode ahead of them.

  Ryker couldn’t help but laugh at that. This was what his days at the academy should be like. He should be focused on studying and bedding beautiful women. Not that he had a desire for anyone except his Maurelle.

  His attraction to her was instantaneous and undeniable. She was his everything. Never before had he imagined a female meaning that much to him. And it wasn’t just her. His closest friends shared a bond with him and a relationship with Maurelle.

  Initially, he struggled to share his mate with anyone else, but he’d come to accept she was meant for them all. It ensured they remained on the same page and had little strife.

  Ryker believed fate had a hand in that, as well. It wasn’t as if it would be easy for his Guard if they had three other females to protect and consider. Ryker’s life depended on them. He couldn’t bring himself to ask them to choose between him or their females. They all agreed Maurelle’s safety was as important as his. Having anymore in that mix would make it impossible.

  Ryker picked up a glass jar with Daine following behind him. “How is this power affecting you?”

  Water splashed to the ground behind them, soaking his shoes. Laughter filled the cavern along with vibrant energy that turned this into the best class he’d ever attended. Turning around he approached the water.

  Focusing on his energy, Ryker wrapped his energy around tendrils of the water. His blood sizzled in his veins and his heart skipped in his chest. When his head spun he realized how much the professor was downplaying the energy before them.

  This was a disaster in the making and precisely what he imagined his education at the academy entailing. It was a struggle for him to wrangle the water and create a steady stream into the glass he was holding.

  Water poured over the top of his head as he tracked his progress. Daine burst out laughing while he stood there shaking his head to displace the water. He couldn’t even remove it from his hair and clothes like usual.

  “You have to practice patience,” Desirata called out as he walked between them. “This water will not answer your call. You need to coax it into following your lead.”

  “Not fucking likely,” Daine muttered under his breath so only Ryker heard him.

  Ryker tilted his head in his friend’s direction. “What do you mean? You can do this. You’re one of the best in our year.”

  Daine shook his head. “No. That would be Sol. And if you can’t manage this the rest of us have no chance. After all, this should be child’s play to you.”

  Ryker placed his hand on Daine’s shoulder and squeezed. “Just because I have more power doesn’t mean shit. It’s about learning control and finesse. That’s why we are here.”

  One corner of Daine’s mouth twitched and he nodded. “You have a point. Come on, let’s try this again.”

  Ryker turned to the water and accessed his water element and tugged it toward his body. There was resistance at first then he felt Daine’s power join in and the water flowed over their heads. They both lifted their hands in rapid movements before the water drenched them again. The water froze in place and they looked at each other with wide eyes.

  “What the fuck?” Daine blurted.

  “Someone had to save you from wasting the water we spent weeks replacing,” came the reply from a female walking out of the water.

  Ryker’s jaw dropped and Andris and his friend wore stunned expressions. The female was wearing a liquid gown that glowed bright blue. The water was see-through which was likely why Andris was speechless. It did nothing for Ryker.

  The elemental had to be the source of illumination in the cavern. And, she wasn’t the only one living here. Ryker had so many questions. How many were there? Where did they go when their water was poisoned? Do they know where the Fae responsible is living?

  Professor Desirata approached the nymph with a smile. “Melinda? Is that you?”

  “Desi. So good to see you,” Melinda replied with a smile. She pushed her white hair over one shoulder and walked to the edge of the lake. “I came to see the new students.”

  “It’s been too long,” the professor said. “And it’s great to be back here. If there is anything, I can do to help you and your sisters, please let me know.”

  “We will. I’m going to work with these two students today if that’s okay,” Melinda said as she gestured to Ryker and Daine.

  “Yes, yes. That’s wonderful,” Desirata beamed and ushered the other students a few feet away from them. Andris griped about how lucky they were the entire time.

  The hair on the back of Ryker’s neck stood on end. He knew better than to think this was anything but a trap. It was possible he could place himself and those closest to him in danger by letting down his awareness.

  “Why do you want to help us?” Daine demanded as he took a step to place his body between Ryker and Melinda. It was instinct to want to pull his friend back, but he needed to allow his Guard to do their job.

  “I sensed who he really is,” Melinda said in a low voice that didn’t carry beyond the three of them. “His magic is the one that healed us. If not for him, we would still be languishing in the tainted waters below the surface. I came to thank him and offer help.”

  Ryker’s head spun. There were so many being harmed by Savelle’s destructive spells. How much of Mag Mell had been lost forever because he hadn’t done anything sooner? It was impossible to know. He wasn’t just purposely ignoring the need.

  That knowledge did little to assuage the emotions rushing through him like wildfire. He bristled with the need to find Savelle and rip him limb from limb. The need was nearly impossible to ignore. The murderous urges were becoming common place for him over the past two years. He prayed that wasn’t an omen for his future.

  He wanted nothing more than to claim his mate and his throne. He’d take the Fae lands back and restore his people in positions of power throughout Mag Mell. That left the problem of
humans to deal with.

  Before he could get overwhelmed by the daunting task ahead of him, he focused on the nymph. There was nothing he could do about Savelle or the humans. He could establish a relationship with this powerful being.

  “How do you know it has anything to do with us?” Ryker asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

  “You pulled me to you. That’s how. I had no idea you were here until we all felt the tug from your mantle,” she informed him.

  Ryker dropped is arms to his sides and glanced around. They were in an underground chamber that echoed. Using his air element, he surrounded them with a containment bubble hoping it kept their conversation private. He was certain she was referring to his heritage and he didn’t need that getting out just yet.

  “I had no idea that’s what I was doing. There’s too much I don’t know. I’m glad my efforts restored your home rather than destroying it even further. You wouldn’t happen to know how to find Savelle would you?” Ryker asked.

  She shook her head, making her hair and dress shift with the movement. It actually blurred his view of her skin through the dress. “I cannot tell you where to find him. You wiped every trace of him from our cavern. It’s the only reason we were able to return to the surface and bring back the lake and foliage around us. For the first time in decades we are stronger and healthier. And, it’s all because of you.”

  “Decades? Did this start before my parents, were uh, killed?” He believed everything started when the humans attacked their realm, and his parents were killed. It was assumed that Savelle took advantage of the nuclear bombs and eliminated those standing in his way.

  “Yes. Close to a century before. We lost some power when the courts were abolished. Little by little our magic was stolen as time went by, until we nearly perished. When the Dark Artifact was placed in our lake, I feared we would die. I still don’t know what kept us alive.”

  “I’d say it was because Ryker was alive,” Daine interjected. “Sol postulated that the realm wasn’t entirely lost because Savelle failed to kill the entire royal line.”

  Melinda was shaking her head, her blue eyes wide. “That actually makes sense. Thank the Gods you are here. As Queen of the aquatic races, I offer my support and pledge my loyalty to your throne.”

  Ryker bowed in response and returned her smile. “Do you have an army?”

  Her laugh filled the cavern with the tinkle of wind chimes letting him know his containment wasn’t keeping their conversation entirely private.

  Every eye landed on their group, making Ryker stiffen. He’d lost track of their surroundings and spoken too freely about issues that needed to be kept quiet. There was no saying if any of the Fae present were working with Savelle. He reinforced the bubble, pouring more energy into it.

  Just because he was surrounded by students didn’t mean anything. They were manipulated easier than the general population thanks to the tincture added to their food. And then there was Gullvieg’s team of assassins, some of whom were students.

  “The nymphs are a peaceful people,” Melinda told him. “But we will be here to assist in any way we can. We sat by and that cost us dearly. We might be nearing extinction, but we will not remain impassive any longer. You have my assistance and that of my people anytime you need it.”

  “Thank you. We cannot win unless we all band together. Savelle’s poison flows far deeper than anyone realizes. It will take us all to overcome him. And once we do, we have to rebuild our realm,” Ryker informed her.

  Realizing their professor was still watching them, Ryker lifted a hand and called more water to his side, cognizant of the way the energy tugged at the mantle of power in his gut.

  He wondered how he’d gone his entire life without realizing what he held inside. He was so far from a normal Fae it was shocking he didn’t release any energy and give himself away sooner. It had to be the intervention of the Gods that prevented such a catastrophe.

  Melinda pointed at the water and encouraged him. “Feel the signatures running through each particle. Every one of my people added a piece of themselves to this pool. Respect that power and it will follow your commands.”

  Nodding, Ryker did as she said. The water splashed over the sides of his jar. Daine tried his hand at manipulating the water while Ryker spoke to the nymph. “I will keep you posted as we gather information. In the meantime, will you let me know if the Dark Fae returns?”

  “I will get word to you right away through the academy’s water supply,” she promised.

  “How will you do that? Will you pop up in the shower? I doubt Maurelle will like that very much,” Daine probed.

  Melinda laughed and shook her head. “That is one of the ways we can communicate, but it’s been a decade since I peered at males while showering.” Ryker laughed at the Queen’s teasing. “I’ll make sure not to upset your mate in such a way. Now, would you like to learn how to create a fountain in the middle of the lake?”

  Ryker nodded his head and watched Melinda as she worked her magic. He picked up the subtle ways she manipulated her energy, adding more here and removing some there.

  Focusing on a section to the left of her water works, Ryker tried to replicate her efforts. By the end of the class he’d managed to flood them all, but he’d learned more than he ever had before. And he’d gained another ally.

  Perhaps they could pull this off after all.

  Chapter 4

  “Gods you’re so fucking sexy,” Brokk told Maurelle when he opened the door to let her in their room. Classes had been busy the rest of the day and he wanted to update his mate about their new alliance with the water nymphs, but not in the cafeteria where everyone could hear them.

  Maurelle shot Brokk a smile. “You’re welcome for the gift of my presence. You’re overwhelmed by desire now, I know.” Her sass was irreverent and one of the most attractive traits she possessed.

  Brokk grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to his chest while he kicked their door closed. Ryker’s mouth watered as he watched Brokk’s mouth lower to Maurelle’s mouth.

  Daine and Sol’s eyes went wide and traveled from the couple to Ryker and back again. They four of them had been involved together for several months now, yet none of them had made such a direct move on Maurelle. Ryker knew it was out of respect for him and his position, but he’d come to accept she belonged to them as much as she belonged to him.

  Maurelle’s safety and happiness was paramount to them all. It felt good knowing he wasn’t alone in protecting her or making her happy. The events had kept him from giving her everything she needed, and it helped him knowing he had these males there to pick up where he couldn’t.

  Not that he planned to miss any of these moments with his sexy mate. Needing to be closer to her, Ryker got up and crossed the room. Sol and Daine sat on the edge of the couch watching. For now. There was no doubt they would jump in when the time came. They were all still learning how they fit and worked together. Ryker was the only one of them that didn’t hesitate or question what he should do to her.

  Maurelle’s moan had his arousal sparking to life and rushing to his groin like an inferno. There was no hotter sound than her husky voice sounding out her pleasure. Ryker ran his hand up her side, brushing the outside of her breast.

  “Is this what you called me here for? I hoped you claimed your throne and demanded a suite of rooms that had a massive bathtub and a full-time cook.” Maurelle asked as she broke the kiss with Brokk. The male’s pupils were dilated, telling Ryker exactly how aroused he was. Something he understood. Maurelle’s presence made him think of sex, and her scent made him ravenous for her. A touch or a look and he had to use most of his energy to keep from pushing her against the wall and burying himself balls deep in her.

  A chuckle left Ryker as he shook his head. “Intriguing idea, Braveheart. I would do anything to give you what you want, but I can’t see where there would be space for such a room.” Although he would love to have a luxurious tub so he could share a bath wit
h her and do wicked things to her body.

  Life was nothing like he expected when the collectors came for him over two years ago. From the moment he entered the academy his existence had changed. The biggest being Maurelle’s entrance into his world. She challenged him when he needed it and went in guns blazing when the situation called for it. Next was the fact that he was the Fae king. That one boggled the mind, but not as much as having a female like this one love him.

  “I will be sure wherever we end up there is a tub made for five,” he promised.

  Daine jumped into the conversation from much closer than Ryker expected. “I like the way you think. But, we really called you here to tell you about the water nymphs we met in class today.” He and Sol were making their way to the action.

  Ryker pressed his lips to the back of her neck, making her shiver. His hands rested on her hips above Brokk’s. Maurelle arched her back, pressing her ass into his groin and her breasts into Brokk’s chest.

  “Mmmm. Lucky for you guys I’m not wearing anything under my pajamas,” Maurelle teased. Her black cotton pants were baggy on her muscular legs. He knew she bought several sizes too big in most clothes because she was bigger than the average Fae female.

  Her lush curves and plump breasts were her best features. And, they weren’t the only ones that thought so. Most males in the school gazed at her with open lust in their eyes.

  He couldn’t help but stare at her ass looking for any sign if she was telling the truth. His shaft hardened from the mere possibility she was bare beneath her clothing. Just like that the reason for wanting to talk to her was set aside as Ryker’s desire overtook him completely. The others were right there with him.

  “Gods you’re perfect,” Sol told her. “How did we get so lucky?”

  “I’ve been thanking the fates for the past year,” Daine added in a voice more gravel than anything else. The male sounded like he was one second away from nailing Maurelle. “I’ve pledged my soul to them for giving us the sexiest mate alive.”