Chapter 26

MADELINE

~The Next Day~

We make our way to Haven’s library first thing in the morning. The place is enormous, with underground chambers for safeguarding scriptures, dedicated areas for students, tutors, and teachers, and of course, aisles for the public.

It’s so dreamy, I can’t help but think how wonderful it would be to work here every day.

And speaking of those who do.

I sneak a peek down one of the book-filled aisles, pulling out a random book to see what Hael is up to.

Hael returns the book he borrowed as soon as we arrive, but now he’s engaged in conversation with a pretty redhead, leaning on the counter and asking about more relevant titles. At least, that’s what I think he’s doing.

Hael’s dressed in a large robe today, complete with a hood to cover his hair. I’m also wearing a robe and hood, mainly because it’s colder.

Lochness doesn’t come in with us because he wants to visit Faustina in her shop down the road to pick up something extra he ordered.

Both my mates take precautions when bringing me here — they pay to have the library empty for an hour, just so their precious mouse can search in peace.

Well, isn’t that something.

I am thrilled until I feel the sting of jealousy.

I hear the female librarian laughing in a friendly manner, and when I sneak a peek, she’s blushing and stuttering about something.

I strain my ears, trying to catch every word.

“We don’t have books about that, me Lord,” she says in a thick accent. I can tell she’s from a farming family.

But me? I’m royalty — I have aristocratic blood! She’s just a peasant and she’s getting all this attention! I bet she’s loving talking to Hael! He’s notoriously ruthless, but as a man, he’s captivating and charismatic.

Ugh. This is so frustrating! I need to go get him.

I walk over to Hael, standing by his side as he continues his quiet, intimate conversation with the librarian. Neither of them notice my approach.

“I thought mortals documented their love affairs… you read them, Bonnie, I can read your mind…” Hael’s voice is low and seductive. I know it’s because we’re in a library, but there’s no one else here but us!

I place my hand on his elbow, sliding it down to his hand.

“Don’t interrupt me, sweetheart. I’m trying to find your type of readings,” Hael dismisses me quickly, while simultaneously asking Bonnie, “Where do you find these scandalous pieces of female literature?”

“It’s for female-eyes only, I cannot tell you me Lord,” Bonnie whispers back. She won’t even look at me, she’s too captivated by Hael’s emerald eyes.

Am I invisible?

“I suggest you do, little mouse,” Hael smirks wickedly. “If you waste my time… do you know what’ll happen?”

“Oh, no… w-what?” Bonnie blushes even more, thinking he’s flirting!

“Mortals who waste my time, give me their time, all of it — until your unfortunate end.” Hael reaches over the counter and takes a clipboard from her trembling hand, placing it on the desk. “If you withhold the information further, you will face consequences, p–”

I pinch Hael’s elbow hard and he turns to me. “Hmm, what is it, Maddie?”

“I know where the romance novels are. I found them,” I lie, glancing at Bonnie. She’s now busying herself tidying up papers as an older librarian comes forward — a man with spectacles and hairy hands.

He seems more reasonable.

“We have seating, a reading lounge to the right at the back over there. That area includes what you’re searching for,” he says.

“I appreciate the clarity,” Hael responds in a monotone, glaring at the redheaded flirt.

~Useless mortal,~ Hael growls in my mind. ~She couldn’t answer a simple question and kept imagining very inappropriate advances about me as her Lord. Pfft.~

She~ what?!~

That b — ugh!

I grab Hael’s arm and pull him back to the reading lounge. I explain in a hushed tone, “You look like the men she reads about, she can’t help it — you’re handsome and tall and devilish. She thought you were flirting. With your charming laugh and deep voice.”

“I am just being me, mouse,” Hael laughs. “Are you jealous?”

“No,” I whisper back, my tone suggesting otherwise. I justify myself, “You were going to say you’d punish her.” I squeeze his hand tightly as we reach the lounge and a loveseat.

I stand in front of him, pushing him down onto the couch. Hael reclines back, looking confused by my aggression.

I stand back, hands on hips, trying to catch my breath. “I’m the only mouse you punish,” I say a bit louder, pointing to myself. “Do not ever suggest punishment to another female.”

Hael beckons me with a finger, barely hiding a smile.

I practically pounce on him, landing on top of him and grabbing his shoulders, my cheeks flushed with anger and simmering jealousy because I can feel her eyes on us. “You made me mad. Actually mad. You gave her way too much attention —”

Hael slips his hands under my cloak, grabbing my ass under my skirt. “Deal with it, sweetheart. Now go find a book to check out, my little love. We can’t fuck in here. As much as I’d like to… behaving is in our best interest. We don’t want gossip spreading, do we, mouse?”

Hael gives me a playful glare as he kneads my ass before spanking it loudly, pushing me off the couch and off him. I straighten up before I fall.

I run my hands through my hair and turn to the bookshelves. “Fine.” I glare at him as I move to the books, shooting a glare over at the counter where the librarians are huddled together whispering.

Bonnie catches my eye and quickly turns away, looking annoyed.

I can’t help but smirk.

“So much anger in your little head. Do I have to poison her too, little mouse?” Lochness whispers in my ear and I scream.

I spin around to see that he appears from nowhere, his hands empty, but his chest is bare… he is only wearing pants.

“Where’s your cloak? Your robe?” I ask quickly. “Cover yourself up.” I stand in front of him, shielding his body from the librarians.

Lochness raises an eyebrow, answering me, “It’s by the door, near the fire, over there, drying… should I slit her throat instead and make a bold example of the idiot rat?”

“Sure thing,” I mutter, my voice dripping with sarcasm. But Lochness tries to breeze past me.

“Wait!” I snag his arm, pulling him back. “Hold on, hold on,” I squeak. “I am only kidding.”

Lochness whirls around, his hands cupping my face. He pinches my cheeks, a grin spreading across his face. “You’re adorable when you’re jealous,” he teases, raising an eyebrow in a cocky manner before moving past me to join Hael on a nearby couch.

Hael is right where I left him, his gaze fixed on me with a look of irritation. He probably thinks I’m making a big deal out of nothing. I turn my attention to the books, scanning the titles in an attempt to distract myself.

For a few minutes, it works. The first few books are pretty tame. ‘Farmer’s Maiden.’ ‘Maiden’s First Love.’

‘Knight’s Sweet Maiden.’ But then I find a lower shelf, and the titles become a bit more… risqué. ‘On Her Knees.’

‘His Favorite Concubine.’ ‘Married to a Dragon.’ ‘rogue’s Naked Flame.’

‘A Prince’s Pleasure.’ ‘A Dragon’s Naughty Slave’— Well, then! I’m about to pull that one off the shelf when a shadow falls over me.

“Mouse…” Hael’s warmth envelops me as he leans down next to me. “What are you reading?”

I jump up so fast I bang my head against his chin. “Nothing!” I exclaim, spinning to face him. “I’m just looking for fairy tales,” I stammer, twisting my fingers together and positioning myself to hide the titles I am just browsing.

“I hope so, Mouse, and not this filth.” Hael glances at the titles next to us, rubbing his chin as he dismisses my nervousness. “I’m just messing with you, Madeline… read whatever filth you want.” He moves past me, his eyes filled with curiosity as he heads to another aisle.

I glance over to see Lochness sprawled on a couch, his eyes closed. I also notice Bonnie creeping closer with another female employee—Janice. They’re holding newspapers that scholarly men like to read, rolled up in their hands.

“S-sir?” Janice peeks over the couch at Lochness, who opens one eye in annoyance. “Would you like something to read?” Bonnie offers a scroll, but when Lochness growls a warning, she drops it on his face in fright.

He sits up and snatches the scrolls, causing Bonnie to jump back. “I’m sorry, my Lord, Lochna, Lochnep?” she stammers, trying to guess his name.

“It’s Lochned, Bonnie,” Janice whispers. “Sorry, Lochned.”

Now sitting upright, Lochness tears the scroll in half, not even bothering to respond verbally. My heart is racing. I am going to intervene, but if they just walk away now, I’ll let it go…

“Would you like some coffee? Or tea, perhaps, my Lord?” Bonnie asks hesitantly, hoping for a response.

“Or maybe a footstool?” Janice adds. “You have… very long legs… sir.”

I can’t just stand by and watch any longer. I rush over, Hael watching me from behind another aisle as I sprint to stand in front of my rogue. “Excuse me, ladies. Lochness isn’t fond of mortals, he’s only here for me,” I explain, trying to sound calm despite my frantic entrance.

“For your own safety, please be careful around him… and don’t talk to my Dragons unless they speak to you first. They can be quite intimidating.” Bonnie twirls her red hair around her finger, her lips pursed as she tries to think of a reason to stay, but she won’t even meet my gaze.

Janice nods at me, showing some respect. “Yes, ma’am,” she mumbles, clearly embarrassed. Janice takes Bonnie’s arm and leads her away, their departure slow and deliberate.

They’re already gossiping about it. “…how can she have two husbands, Jane?” Bonnie whispers, her back turned to me.

“…husbands? Oh, no… she’s just a slave, they’re breeding with her,” Janice whispers back. “Did you see her belly?”

Bonnie bursts out laughing. “I did! That explains a lot… a breeding slave, how hilarious, and I just thought she was a little chubby for their taste—”

“Keep your voice down, Bonnie,” Janice scolds her friend.

But I’m already charging at the redhead, ready to tackle her to the ground. “I’m not a breeding slave!” I shriek, my hands grabbing her hair before she can turn around. But before I can start a fight, I’m lifted off my feet by Lochness, who uses his mind powers to stop my retaliation.

My mouth snaps shut, and I feel a small sense of satisfaction that I manage to pull out a few strands of her hair. Bonnie spins around, ready to fight back when she sees how quickly I am restrained. Now she’s frozen in shock, her eyes wide and her hair a mess.

“We’ll be leaving now,” Hael says calmly to Lochness, who holds me in front of him, turning and walking me toward the side exit. Lochness is laughing in my head. ~Oh, sweet, innocent mouse.~ It’s not until we’re outside the library, in the alley between buildings, that he lets me go.

I turn around and start pacing furiously up and down the uneven stones, trying to burn off my pent-up energy while Hael and Lochness wait. “Did you hear what she said?” I snap. “She was making fun of me.”

“Why do you care?” Hael asks, completely unfazed.

“Because that’s how girls fight, with words, petty words—well, I am about to make it a real fight,” I hiss, my fists clenched at my sides, my knuckles turning white. “She wanted your attention, then she wanted ‘Lochned’s’ attention,” I mimic her voice. “Lochna, Lochnep. That bitch only wishes she was me and had my life—and you are my husbands, technically!”

I point at them, not angry at them, just furious at the nonsense I have to deal with. Eventually, I stop pacing, but my anger flares up again and I start pacing once more, shaking my head. “The day I see her as a slave in the mountain will be the last time she lays eyes on me or my Dragons!” I shout, and then I huff and puff until my breathing finally calms.

I stop pacing and turn to Hael and Lochness, who have been standing there, frozen and silent. By the time I’m done, they both start laughing and give me handsome smiles. I feel my cheeks heat up and quickly pull my cloak’s hood over my face, spinning around and folding my arms across my chest.

“Go ahead, laugh,” I mutter under my breath. Suddenly, I’m wrapped in a comforting warmth. My mates pull me into a tight embrace, their arms enveloping me.

Hael plants a soft kiss on my temple, followed by Lochness.

They both then kiss my cheeks, tugging my hood down to reveal the pout I’ve been attempting to conceal. I glance up at them, trying to suppress it.

“Madeline, you’re absolutely adorable. They are both dreadful,” Hael murmurs gently. “Feeling better now, darling?”

“Hmph,” I grumble, but I can’t deny that my heart feels lighter. A burden seems to lift from my chest.

“I think she’s hungry.” Lochness diverts the conversation. “Want something to eat, mouse?”

“Yes,” I grumble again. “Please.”

“Well then, let’s go out for a meal,” Hael suggests, pulling me along. Lochness trails behind us, watching my back.

“Like… a date?” I glance up at Hael and then back at Lochness.

“Exactly, sweetheart,” Hael rumbles in agreement. His brother simply shrugs and grins at the spark in my eyes. I can feel their warmth seeping into me through our bond.

Those jerks ~love~ making me jealous. But I suppose it’s better than them enjoying the extra attention. So I don’t mind—

Hael reaches into his cloak and retrieves a hidden object. He hands me a book.

I take it and my eyes nearly bulge out of my head. He notices me looking at it. ~A Dragon’s Naughty Slave~.

“I swiped it,” Hael drawls down at me, looking pleased with himself. “For you, slave.”

All I can do is blush and clutch the book to my chest. I don’t say a word. That is… incredibly sweet of him.