“I’ve seen that man before,” Magna murmured as she and Kane climbed the steps.

“You… Where?” Kane demanded, grabbing her upper arm when he suddenly turned in front of her.

“He came up out of the depths as I was swimming,” she reluctantly admitted, biting her lip and looking back down toward the dock. “It took a moment for me to understand why I recognized him. He was wearing some funny clothing and a mask over his face, but I recognized his eyes.”

“Damn it,” Kane cursed, running his left hand through his hair. “We’ve got to warn Gabe. This could mean trouble.”

Magna took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “If it will cause you and Gabe trouble,” she said quietly. “I can leave. I won’t let you two be harmed because of me. Never again will I be responsible for harm to another.”

Kane slid his hand down her arm and pulled her close. The feel of his warm body against hers sent a shaft of longing through her. After centuries of horrible loneliness, she didn’t know if she was strong enough to return to the darkness and solitude. She would rather die than have to live like that again.

“No,” he whispered against her temple. “We’ll figure something out.”

Magna felt tears burn the back of her eyes. Burying her face against his chest, she breathed in the soothing scent of his skin. Fear battled with the knowledge that perhaps this was fate’s way of punishing her for all her previous misdeeds. What better way than for her to fall in love with Kane and Gabe, only to have them ripped away from her as she had done to so many others back in her world?

She lifted her head when she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Glancing over her shoulder, her gaze locked on Gabe’s grim face. The feeling of dread built inside her until certain knowledge pierced her like the metal from Mike Hallbrook’s weapon, ripping through her with a pain that threatened to overwhelm her.

“He knows,” she whispered, staring down at Gabe.

“Yes,” Gabe replied in a quiet voice. “He knows.”

They returned to the house, each lost in their own thoughts. Magna called to Buck and Wilson when they entered, and the two Huskies raced toward her. Kane and Gabe disappeared into the kitchen. She could hear them preparing a meal and quietly talking.

She laughed when Wilson ran to his basket of toys and started pulling them out one at a time and bringing them to her. Every time she would try to pick one up, he would grab the toy and hold it in his mouth until she sat still.

“He’s a clown. A total disgrace to Huskies around the world,” Gabe said, shaking his head when he peered over the bar to see what she was laughing about.

“I think he is adorable,” she responded.

That earned a lick up her cheek. A giggle escaped her when Buck started to join in. Soon, the two dogs were competing to see who could pile the most toys on her.

“I told you they didn’t need any more toys,” Kane dryly replied.

“I’d rather buy them another toy than have them eating my furniture,” Gabe retorted.

Magna knew that they were all avoiding talking about what had happened earlier. She wasn’t sure why the man knowing of her existence would cause so much worry – unless he also knew what she had done.

Was there a way for a man of this world to know that she was the dreaded Sea Witch? If there was, would the people of this world attack Gabe and Kane because they had helped her? She buried her face against Buck’s soft fur as a wave of pain struck her.

Drawing in a deep breath, she pulled back and looked into Buck’s sweet eyes. She would wait and grow stronger. If danger appeared, she would escape to the ocean and watch them from a distance like her father had watched her mother.

“Dinner!” Kane called out.

Magna laughed when both dogs took off for the kitchen, almost knocking her onto her back. She rose off the floor and followed them. A grin lit her face when she saw Wilson dancing around Gabe as he tried to put the food on the table.

“Down, you damn dog. No, this is not for you. Damn it, Kane. I told you to say supper! You have to say supper. Wilson thinks dinner is for him,” he growled.

“Well, why didn’t you train him with supper instead? Who calls out supper? Everyone I know says dinner,” Kane argued.

“I didn’t think about it, okay?” Gabe retorted.

Magna bit her lip as she sat down at the table. She whispered a simple spell and snapped her fingers. Two dog bones suddenly appeared under the table, and she picked up the fork next to her plate. She sighed when she saw her hand tremble.

“How did your day go?” she asked.

Kane shrugged. “Not bad. No heart attacks, a few stitches, a minor car accident, and some fevers and ear infections,” he said, sliding several large broiled shrimp, fresh vegetables, rice, and warm rolls onto her plate.

She grinned up at him with an appreciative smile. He winked at her before he stepped back around the table and sat down across from her. Her stomach growled as she drew in a deep breath of the delicious aromas from the food. She decided food tasted so much better when she didn’t have to hunt it and eat it raw.

“How do you treat those who come to you?” she asked, curious.

She listened, fascinated. The world Kane was describing was so different from any of the kingdoms she had visited. Even on her mother’s isle, those who were ill visited a local healer for healing stones, spells, or potions. Those who were very ill might need the touch of a gifted healer, one who could connect with the patient.

“So, Gabe said you rescued a whale calf today?” Kane asked.

“Yes. His mother was very upset. She had even warned him to stay away from the net,” she said with a wave of her fork. “He really shouldn’t have snuck away from her.”

“It was Ross’s net. He said it was stolen,” Gabe said, his lips twisting in disbelief.

“So, the whales told you that the calf snuck away from his mother?” Kane asked, enjoying watching her eat as much as he was listening to her.

She nodded, her mouth full and her plate almost empty. With a sigh, she picked up a piece of shrimp. She was hungrier than she’d realized.

“Yes,” she mumbled around the food in her mouth. “The leader of the pod was concerned the others might get tangled. He isn’t very happy with you humans.”

“I’m sure he isn’t,” Kane chuckled ruefully, glancing at where Gabe was quietly sitting.

“He also said his species was thinking about banding together to do something about you land creatures’ habit of making the water a mess,” she replied casually with a twinkle in her eyes.

Kane leaned forward. “He really said that?” he asked with an incredulous stare.

Magna burst out, laughing. “No, not really! I could see evidence of your pollution in my swim. You should see your face!” she said with a giggle.

“I’ll show you my face,” Kane growled as he pushed back his chair.

Her squeal of delight rang through the room as Kane came around the table and she dropped her fork and slid out of her chair. Racing to escape, she made it as far as the living room before he scooped her up in his arms.

“You looked so funny,” Magna laughed, feeling light-hearted and young again.

“Yeah, well, take this,” Kane teased, tickling her sides.

“Oh! No fair,” she gasped.

“How about this?” Kane asked, his voice deepening.

She opened for him the moment his lips touched hers. The combination of everything that had happened melted into this one moment. She wanted him. She wanted Gabe. She wanted something that she could hold onto and never let go.

Wrapping her arms around Kane’s neck, she threaded her fingers through his hair. She kissed him as if there were no tomorrows. When he reluctantly pulled back, she continued to press desperate kisses along his jaw.

“Love me, Kane. Please. I want you and Gabe,” she murmured, running her tongue across the tip of his ear. “I have been alone for so long. I don’t want to be alone any longer.”

“Kane,” Gabe’s voice behind them sounded taut with need.

Magna partially turned in Kane’s arms. Her eyes were luminous with desire. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. She was stronger, healthier now. Her body had healed, and her mind was in a better place than it had been in centuries.

“Love me, Gabe,” she requested, not looking away from him.

“Bedroom, now,” Gabe ordered, his fingers moving to his shirt.

“Gabe,” Kane said hesitantly.

Gabe shook his head. “I don’t need to be told how to make love to a woman, Kane. You should know that by now,” he said, his shirt already hanging open.

Kane took a deep breath. “Remember she is a virgin,” he reminded Gabe in a quiet voice.

“I’ll remember,” Gabe said.

Magna gasped when Gabe suddenly pulled her out of Kane’s arms and into his. He bent and scooped her up. “Coming?” Gabe asked Kane, grinning mischievously. Magna looked over Gabe’s shoulder excitedly as he walked toward the bedroom.

“I’d really like for you both to be there,” she called.

“Well, shit,” Kane muttered as he reached down and pulled his sweater and the thin, black shirt under it over his head.

Magna’s eyes widened in appreciation at the display of Kane’s hard muscles and flat stomach. He might be leaner than Gabe and not have the same amount of hair on his chest that Gabe did, but he made her mouth water. She swore she had found the perfect combination between the two men.

Her appreciation grew as Kane continued to shed his clothing as he followed them down the hall. By the time they reached Gabe’s bedroom, Kane was nude. He walked over and jerked the covers back down to the end of the bed.

Magna held onto Gabe’s strong shoulders as he placed her feet on the floor. Her toes curled into the thick rug next to his bed while he shrugged out of his shirt and tossed it to the side. Within less than a minute, he, too, was standing proudly naked before her.

“There’s only one person with too many clothes on,” Kane commented to Gabe. “Do you want to remove them, or do you want me to?” he asked.

“I’ll take the top, you take the bottom,” Gabe countered.

Magna’s heart raced as Kane stepped behind her, unsure of exactly how they were going to do this. He gripped her sweatpants and pulled them and her panties down at the same time. Her breath hiccupped when he followed the movement with his lips. The feel of his lips moving over her bare buttocks made her body heat up. Moisture pooled between her legs.

It didn’t help that Gabe reached down and pulled her long sweater off over her head. He tossed the top aside and reached for her breasts, lifting them up. His hot mouth closed over her right nipple at the same time as Kane slid his hand between her legs.

She felt his fingers pressing through the soft folds protecting her channel. Her hips jerked when she felt a slight sting as he bit her left buttock. The hot moisture increased until she swore he had ignited a fire in her belly. The ache between her legs grew, as did the throbbing of her nipples. She didn’t realize that they could be both super sensitive and painful at that the same time.

“I want to lick her,” Kane groaned, pressing his finger deeper.

“Kane,” Magna panted, her arms tightening around Gabe’s head so he couldn’t pull away from her breasts. “Harder, Gabe.”

She cried out when Gabe nipped her distended nipple, making it throb even more before he transferred his attention to her left nipple. While Gabe was driving her crazy by making her breasts ache for more, Kane was making her weak in the knees.

“Get her on the bed,” Kane ordered.

Magna gasped, her body stretching upward when she felt Kane stand behind her. She could feel his cock throbbing against her buttocks. Her body instinctively melted against his, seeking relief from the empty feeling he had left when he had removed his fingers.

Gabe released her nipple and straightened. He climbed on the bed, drawing her with him. She followed, crawling on her hands and knees when he sat with his back against the headboard and his legs spread. Her eyes were glued to the thatch of dark curls and his long, thick shaft. His penis pulsed with his desire. His cock was long, thick, and the bulbous head had a light film of moisture beading on the tip.

Magna wasn’t even aware that she was bending down until her mouth wrapped around the end of Gabe’s cock. It was as if some primitive instinct was guiding her. Pleasure poured through her when she not only heard Gabe’s reaction, but felt his response.

Her own breath caught when she felt Kane’s fingers again. This time, he was rubbing the small nub that had grown to the size of a pebble. His touch was both excruciating and exquisite. A shudder ran through her and she opened for him, spreading her legs even more.

Gabe tangled his left hand in her hair while his right hand played with her breasts which were gently swaying in time with the movement of her mouth. He leaned his head back against the headboard and watched her slowly slide her mouth up and down his cock.

A whimper escaped her when Gabe began guiding her head up and down faster while at the same time Kane stretched her with his fingers. It was as if the two of them were working in unison to make her body ignite into flames. She could feel the moisture of her desire begin to run down the inside of her thigh. Kane growled in satisfaction and tweaked her swollen nub with his finger, drawing a prolonged cry from her.

Magna was locked in a world of pleasure when Kane rose up behind her and aligned his cock with her feminine channel. He leaned forward enough to wrap his arm around her and once again torment her nub as he pushed into her.

Unwilling to break the connection she had with Gabe, she moaned around his cock as Kane’s long, smooth shaft stroked the lining of her channel. She felt the slight hesitation when he came to the barrier marking her maidenhood.

Another whimper slipped out when he started to pull back, as if to withdraw from her. The feel of Gabe’s hand releasing her hair and reaching down so he could pinch both of her nipples had her bending forward to suck him all the way down. At the same time, Kane surged forward and through the barrier, claiming her with a loud groan as he sank his cock as far as it would go inside her. He continued to play with her clit until she was bucking, trying to throw him off as her orgasm built.

In a double assault on her body, Gabe rocked his hips while playing with her throbbing nipples. Kane, sensing she was close to having her first orgasm, grasped her hips, his shaft moving in and out of her with increasing speed now that her body had adjusted to him.

Kane drove deeper and deeper into her which caused Gabe’s cock to slide farther down her throat, and Magna was overcome. Her mouth and body tightened around both men, pulling long moans of pleasure and a flood of seed from them as they all came.

“Yes!” Kane groaned, his head falling back as he emptied himself into her.

“Beautiful,” Gabe uttered in a hoarse voice, watching as Magna swallowed his cock, his hands still holding her breasts firmly in his hands. “Aw, baby, yes!”

A shudder went through her. Her body trembled when she felt Kane slowly pull his cock out of her. Her lips tightened, trying to hold onto Gabe when Kane reached down and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“What are you doing?” she whimpered, reaching for Gabe.

“Shower time, baby, then Kane and I will trade places,” Gabe chuckled.

“Yeah, we are not letting you off this easy, sweetheart,” Kane added, sliding off the bed and reaching for her.

Magna looked back at both of the men and grinned. “Thank the Goddess for that!” she giggled as they pulled her to her feet.

Later that night, Gabe pulled free of them, and said he needed to check on the dogs. Twenty minutes later, Magna was sleeping contentedly in Kane’s arms, but Gabe still hadn’t returned.

Kane slipped from the bed, threw on his jeans and a shirt, and walked into the kitchen. Grabbing a beer out of the refrigerator, he opened the back door and stepped out onto the deck where Gabe was standing, looking out at the ocean over the treetops. He walked over and leaned against the railing.

“She asleep?” Gabe asked.

“Yeah, finally,” Kane replied. “You should have stayed with us.”

Kane watched as Gabe lifted the beer bottle to his lips, taking a long swig before he lowered it. He knew his friend well enough to know that Gabe needed time to accept what was happening. Things were moving fast, even for them. This wasn’t like any of their other relationships; this one was serious.

Gabe finally looked down at his hands and spoke. “I needed to think,” he finally admitted. “That isn’t easy to do with her lying between us.”

“So, what are we going to do?” Kane asked, turning around so he was facing the house.

“We aren’t letting her go,” Gabe retorted in a harsh voice.

Kane glanced at him before turning his attention back to the darkened living area. He could see the hallway leading to the back part of the house. It had been hard for him to leave Magna, but he knew that he and Gabe needed to talk. Magna’s safety and all of their futures were at stake.

His gut tightened when he realized what Gabe was alluding to.

“Ross could be trouble,” Kane said moodily.

Gabe shrugged. “He has no proof of anything. If nothing else happens, he won’t have any fuel to start something,” he muttered. “Without fuel, a fire can’t burn.”

“What if he doesn’t let it go?” Kane insisted. “She’s been through enough.”

Gabe looked down at his hands before he straightened and turned to stare into the house he had built with Kane’s help. The house and the boat had always been his pride and joy. He loved living along the coast and being out on the water.

He had been twelve the first time he’d seen the view from the side of the mountain. He’d been out late, as usual. His old man hadn’t cared what he did as long as he didn’t get into any trouble with the law. He had sat in almost this exact spot and made a vow that one day he would build a home here so he could stare out at the water.

He had worked and saved every dime he made from that summer on. When his dad became sick and couldn’t fish anymore, he had taken over running the boat. His gaze moved to his rough hands. When he was eighteen, the economy tanked, and his dad had sold the boat. He got his high school equivalency and enlisted in the military.

He had also married. That had been the biggest mistake of his life. Louisa was a small-town girl looking for a ticket to the easy life. He had been young, horny, and she’d said the right things, at the right time.

Less than a year later, he was divorced and being shipped off to another base while his ex-wife took the last dime they had in their checking account. Life was a bitch, but he’d found out a week after the divorce that if you sold the puppies, it wasn’t so bad.

The month after the divorce was finalized, he received two letters in the mail. The first certified letter was from an attorney for his dad who had died a week after the divorce was final. It turned out that his dad had known about his obsession with the property and purchased the land with the money from the sale of the boat.

The second certified letter stated the mother he’d never known had died soon after his dad and had left him a modest inheritance from her life insurance policy. Free of Louisa, he’d been able to focus on the money he would need to build the house of his dreams and replace the boat he had sold.

During his tour of duty, he had discovered a love for learning. At first, he had just been content to read anything he could get his hands on, but soon he had wanted to know more. He fulfilled that hunger by enrolling in online classes.

Meanwhile, he had taken any assignment that offered a bonus. On his second of four tours, a fire fight had left him with two bullet wounds, which had brought him to the base where Kane was stationed.

Their friendship grew enough over the course of their deployment that Kane was drawn to Lincoln County when he got out. Gabe had returned two years later with enough money to buy the materials to build his house and buy the boat he now had. Together, they had outfitted the boat, then built the house. He had stayed with Kane at his place on the outskirts of town while his house was under construction. He had moved in after they finished it a little over a year ago.

Kane divided his time between both places. When his friend was on call or had to work, he stayed at his own place. Otherwise, Kane usually hung out at his, since they were usually working together on a project or out on the boat anyway.

Gabe sighed and answered Kane’s question.

“If he doesn’t let it go, we disappear with her,” he said.