Filed To Story: Between Two Kings: A Split or Swallow Book PDF Free
Gabriel was among them, and it was clear that he was just as at home as Tem was. She’d never seen him so happy, so fulfilled. Always, no matter who he was entangled with, he ended up back with Damon. Perhaps that was right; perhaps it was meant to be. Tem had no desire to place judgment or restriction upon his experience anymore. It was his to have in the way he was meant to have it. Eventually, they were before each other once more.
They kissed for a long time in the middle of the chaos, safe and content in each other’s arms. There was no one she’d rather see her like this. Gabriel was a lover at heart, and he loved her. There was no better person to be here with.
Caspen was behind her, holding them together.
He is doing well, Tem.
For some reason, it felt like a victory. Tem had been so worried about tonight, so indescribably scared that something would go wrong or Gabriel would get hurt. Instead, the opposite had happened-no one was getting hurt. Not even close. There was only community and climax and pleasure.
Apollo was never out of sight. He was always in Tem’s peripheral vision, just out of reach, hovering along the edge of her orbit. She wondered if he stayed away because of Caspen, if he was keeping his distance out of fear of what his brother might do if he tried to come closer. But in the chaos of bodies, Tem allowed herself to indulge in curiosity. She wanted to know how Apollo’s skin would feel against hers, if his breath would hitch if she touched him. She wondered what it would be like to kiss him in front of Caspen. It wasn’t something she’d allowed herself to think about before-not really and certainly not when her mind was open and she knew Caspen could hear her thoughts.
I told you, Tem. I will not stop you.
There’s nothing to stop me from. I don’t care that he has first rights. He’s insufferable.
Apollo was getting closer.
You say that now. But if I die-
You’re not allowed to die. You promised.
I understand. And I will endeavor to keep that promise. But if, for some reason, I break it, Apollo is next in line for your hand.
Suddenly, Apollo was before her-just out of reach, tempting her. Always tempting her.
Kiss him, Tem.
EXCUSE ME?
I want you to kiss him.
But Tem just shook her head. Caspen couldn’t possibly want anything of the sort.
You’re out of your mind.
And you are rather feisty tonight, little viper.
I’m only feisty because you’re being unreasonable.
I understand. But if my brother ends up marrying you in my stead, you must know that you are compatible.
Tem shook her head. She didn’t want to know anything of the sort. And she certainly couldn’t believe Caspen was telling her to do so. But Caspen was bound by the traditions of his people. First rights were given to the brother. It was absurd. And yet, her basilisk side purred at the thought of kissing Apollo in front of Caspen-to see which brother was a better match. But the answer was Caspen. It had to be. There was no need to search elsewhere, no kiss that would fulfill her in a way she wasn’t already fulfilled by him. Apollo could offer her nothing; that much had always been true. Or was it? Apollo challenged her, pushed her, tempted her. Those were qualities Caspen also possessed.
They are quite similar, Adelaide had said. Tem could see that now. But Caspen was still better.
Kiss him, Tem. Do it now.
Was it a punishment? A test? A way for Caspen to exert control after Tem had gone out of her way to bring Gabriel here? She remembered what he’d said in the banquet hall after he’d found Tem and Apollo touching themselves to the sight of each other:
Keep going. Caspen had won that day. Tem was not about to let him win today.
Apollo was upon her. His face was right before hers, his golden eyes in the forefront of her vision. He smelled like fruit-peaches-and Tem was utterly unprepared for it.
His voice entered her mind: My brother wants me to kiss you.
Tem was well aware of that. Apollo’s hand was on her neck. She shook her head. This is ridiculous.
I cannot disobey, Temperance.
Don’t you have control over your own actions?
Of course I do. But Caspenon is my king as much as he is yours. His word is law.
But
Tem’s word was also law. Tem was the one whose power the Senecas wanted; Tem was the one who could bypass the council. Tem was the one to fear.
Apollo’s gaze locked on hers. Kissing him seemed like an admission-like giving in. Tem was aware of Caspen watching her, of Gabriel just nearby. Yet the only thing she truly felt was Apollo’s presence before her, his body as it pressed against hers. Their minds were intertwined; there was no escape from him. He leaned in.
Stop.
Apollo stopped, his lips an inch from hers. He smelled so good. Yet everything in Tem told her that this was not the right time-that no matter how much she wanted this, it would have to wait. Tem was not ready. Perhaps she never would be. This was a step too far-a step beyond what she was prepared for. The ritual had been different; she’d had to do that in order to be with Caspen. But kissing his brother would be a choice made of her own free will, and Tem wanted it on her own terms-not at Caspen’s command. Perhaps there would be a kiss for them in the future, but it was not right now. Not tonight.
She turned to look at Caspen. His brows rose in surprise, then furrowed. His eyes flicked from her to Apollo, then back again. They’d both disobeyed their king.
Apollo brushed his thumb over her lip.
You wound me.
It was not the first time he’d said that. But it was the first time she believed it. There was true disappointment in his tone-genuine sadness that she was unwilling to take this step with him. Any other basilisk would have. Tem was painfully aware that she was the exception to the rule-that once again, her behavior was vexing to Apollo and to his people. But she would not be rushed. Not for something as paramount as this.
Nobody could wound you, Apollo.
It was also not the first time she’d said that. But instead of receiving it with a smile, as he had once before, Apollo gave her a grim look.
Once again, you underestimate yourself. Then he dropped his hands.
Tem blinked, and he was gone. She turned to Caspen, who was watching her with his brow furrowed.
Are you angry with me?
No.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Then why are you looking at me like that?
Caspen’s brow was still furrowed. At her words, his expression softened into gentle understanding. He leaned down to kiss her.
I am not angry with you, Tem. I am just observing.
They kissed, and Tem tried to believe him. But a part of her felt shame. This was yet another basilisk custom she was unwilling to take part in. She had long ago released feelings of jealousy and insecurity toward Adelaide, but in moments like these, they reared their head once more. A basilisk would be a better match for Caspen. A basilisk would have kissed his brother. That was the truth, and Tem could not so easily forget it.
Caspen kissed her harder. He was inside her mind; he could hear every insecurity and fear that gripped her like iron. It was a confusing mix of emotions. Tem knew basilisks were an ancient species, and she couldn’t possibly hope to understand them in one night. But after experiencing something like this, she felt no closer to understanding Caspen than she did before. Tem had no idea how he actually felt. She wished for clarity, but she knew she would not get it tonight.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of sex and bodies and elixir. It was not until the celebration had nearly run its course that Tem found Gabriel again. He was sequestered in a corner, intertwined with Damon.
“Gabriel,” she murmured gently, leaning over them. “Are you ready to go?”