The Naughty Angel and Her Three Very Wise Men: A Christmas Ménage (12 page)

Nervous did not adequately describe what she felt as she was introduced to Doug and Chris. The way she stood behind him and said nothing made Annabelle furious, but she guessed that was what she wanted. But she'd be damned if she'd do that. She gazed up at Marcus and frowned. “I don't mean to be rude, and I'm sorry if I am, but Marcus, there is no way I could do what she is doing.” Marcus rubbed her arm and smiled at her. “You're not being rude. You're just not used to it. See Doug would never make Chris stand behind him if this was a normal lunch. She is his partner, lover, friend, mate, and slave. Like you are to us. You will learn that at certain functions, or if we are at the dungeon, this is how it's done.”

He nodded to Doug, who held out his hand, and his wife placed her small hand in his. Chris looked up and smiled at Annabelle. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Annabelle. Rest assured that if this was just a normal party or event, my mate is right by my side. Yes, it took many months for me to get used to this, but in the end, the rewards were well worth it.” She hugged her and stepped back. Marcus guided her back into the dining room and to her seat. Lance sat on one side and Marcus on the other. Doug placed Chris right in front of her on the opposite side of the table. He reached around her and unzipped her long winter coat to reveal nothing underneath. She was stark naked. Lance snapped his fingers and nodded to Annabelle. She glanced up to see Brad step behind her. He reached around her and began unbuttoning her blouse. She looked at Lance, and he smiled. “Not a word during lunch. If we ask you a question, you may answer, but nothing more. Is that understood?” He gave her a stern look. “Yes.” Her voice wavered just a bit. “Yes, what, Annabelle?” Marcus said. She thought for a moment, then knew the answer. “Yes, Master.”

They both smiled as Brad lifted one arm, then the next and removed her blouse. Doug sat next to his wife watching, as he played with her nipple. “This is a learning lunch, Annabelle. Stand up, please,” Marcus ordered and nodded to Brad, who removed the last piece of her clothes.

“You may sit. We are going to feed you, touch you, and play with you. That means Doug, Brad, Lance, and I will have access to you, Annabelle.” He stopped and stared at her. She fidgeted in her seat. If they were going to touch her, were they also going to touch others? She frowned and opened her mouth to say something, but Lance reached over and slapped her breast. “Ouch…” She jumped a bit, and glared at him. He sighed and shook his head. “You were told not to say a word, Annabelle. That is one punishment coming.” Annabelle glared at him, then at Marcus, but didn't say a word. She ground her teeth together and focused on the table. “Look at me,” Marcus demanded. She slowly turned her head and glared as hard as she could at him. “You're mad, aren't you?” Marcus asked. “Yes, Master,” she snipped. “Why?” Lance asked. “Because all I wanted to do was ask a question, since this is new to me, but I'm not allowed to ask, so I'll keep my mouth shut as a good slave does. Master!” She held Lance's gaze. Marcus's shoulders slumped and he got up. “If you would excuse us, please? Lance and I need to talk to our mate for a minute.” Tears slipped down her face. They were going to punish her again and she didn't do anything wrong. She got up and followed Marcus out of the room. Lance trailed behind her and didn't say a word. They led her into an office that was right around the corner and closed the door behind them. “Sit.” He indicated the soft leather chair in front of the desk. Lance had turned it so it faced Marcus. Annabelle sat in the chair and gazed down at the floor and waited.
Would she ever get anything right?
“Look at us, please,” Lance asked as he got down on his knees before her. Marcus followed and kneeled before her. “You did nothing wrong. Once again we didn't explain something to you and we hurt you. We're sorry. Please forgive us.” Lance pleaded and laid his head in her lap. She brushed the side of his face. “I don't understand. Lance, please tell me. You didn't hurt me. I was just confused.” She glanced at Marcus. “In our lifestyle, masters must explain to the slave that if there is a question, or something is wrong, she must signal her masters so she may be allowed to talk. We did not set up such a thing for you and we punished you when we shouldn't have.” Marcus cupped her cheek. “So what will be my signal, Marcus? You are forgiven. We all make mistakes. I'm bound to make many, so I hope you will be patient with me.” She leaned over and kissed his lips softly, then lifted Lance's head, kissing him. He smiled at her and sat back. “Just say ‘master.’ We won't penalize you for it. And, Annabelle, if you're really afraid of something or don't want to try something, we want you to say ‘red.’ We'll know to stop and talk to you then.” “Now, what question did you have earlier?” Marcus stood up and held out his hand. She put her hand in his and he helped her up. “Are you going to let others…. Well, have sex with me? Are you going to have sex with others?” Her hand got sweaty in his and she tried to pull it out, but he held it. “Sex can mean many different things, Annabelle. If you mean are we going to fuck someone else, then no. We are yours alone, as you are ours. No one will fuck you, but they might touch you, or use toys on you. If any man tries to fuck you, we would kill him. Yes, Annabelle, we will touch others, but you will be there watching everything. We would never hide anything from you.” Marcus kissed her lips softly as Lance hugged her from behind. “No man will make you come either. We will be the only ones to bring that pleasure to your body.” Lance nibbled her neck. “Now, let's go. We have kept our guests waiting long enough.”

* * * *

They led Annabelle back into the room. Chris was now tied to the chair. Marcus nodded to her chair and Annabelle sat. “Chris is tied to the chair with rope. It's a little rough on the skin, but I believe you'll be fine. Doug is an expert in rope binding. As a matter of fact, he and Chris put on demonstrations at the club.” He turned to Doug. “Would you do the honors, please?”

Doug stood up and took the rope from Brad. “It would be my pleasure.”

Annabelle sat still as Doug pulled her hands behind the chair and wound the rope around her wrists. Next he took one of her feet and pulled her leg to the side of the chair, tying her ankle to the back leg. He repeated the process, opening her up for them. His hand traced down the inside of her leg, as he scanned her body. “She's a beauty and very responsive. You've done well, Marcus, Lance.” He got up and sat down in his chair.

“Thank you. We'd like to apologize to you three. It seems that having a mate has made us forget certain things. We were wrong earlier to punish her. We never explained the rules to her.” Marcus sighed. “I'm afraid we'll be apologizing a few times to her.” He laughed and nodded to Brad. “Let's eat, shall we?” Brad put the sandwiches and fruit on the table and stood behind them. He grabbed a sandwich and put it to Annabelle's mouth. She licked her lips and took a small bite. Marcus couldn't wait to stuff his cock into that beautiful mouth, but not yet. Her watched as Doug applied nipple clamps on Chris. Then he picked up a strawberry and ran it across Annabelle's lips. She lowered her gaze and jumped back so hard her chair flew backward. “No!” Lance caught the chair before it hit the ground. “What the hell was that for? You could have hurt the babies.” “I'm allergic to strawberries. Please untie me. My lips are already starting to itch,” she begged. Marcus stood and untied her ankles and arms. As soon as she was free, she dashed out of the room, not waiting for anyone. He glanced at Lance. “Will she still have an allergic reaction, now that she's one of us?” Lance shrugged. “I have no idea. We might have to ask Mom on that one, but we'd better make sure she's okay. Doug, sorry about today. It seems our little party is not going to happen.” Lance shook his hand and nodded at Chris. “Please stay and eat. It's the least we can do. If she's okay, we'll see you tonight.” Marcus took the stairs two at a time, Lance right behind him. They rushed into their room, but she wasn't there. He glanced at the bathroom door and it was shut. He tried the knob, but it was locked. “Annabelle, open this door. We need to make sure you're okay.” He turned to Lance. “Remind me to have the locks taken off the damn doors.”

“Go away, Marcus. I don't want you to see me like this.” Her words were slurred and he could hear the tears in her voice.

Lance waved his hands, magical words flew out of his mouth and the door opened. Both of them stepped into the bathroom to see Annabelle on the floor covering her face, rocking back and forth. Marcus kneeled down next to her and pried her hands away from her face. Sure enough, both of her lips were swollen, and her eyes were red, but he didn't know if it was from her crying or the allergic reaction. “I'm so sorry, baby. I think I need a list of things not to do to you.” He laughed and kissed her nose. “I'm sorry I ruined your lunch, Marcus.” She wiped her cheeks. “I swear, every time we have something planned, it gets ruined.” Lance bent down next to them. “You didn't do this on purpose. Things happen. Now come on. Let's get into the bed. Do you know how long it will take for the swelling to go down?” He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom and placed her on the bed. “It all depends if I've eaten them. Since I didn't, the swelling should go down in a couple of hours, I hope. Shit!” She sucked on her fat lip. Marcus glanced at her from the end of the bed, and she smiled. “I bit my lip, sorry.” He laughed and headed towards the door. “Well, since you didn't eat, let me at least go get some sandwiches and some dessert for you.” He stopped and looked at her. “Anything else you're allergic to?” She smiled and nodded. “Carrots, peaches, and I can't wear any jewelry that is plated. It either has to be real silver or gold. Oh, and I'm allergic to penicillin.” Shaking his head, he opened the door. “Lance, why don't you take her upstairs to her studio so she can work on her painting while we feed her? Plus, the thought of watching her painting in the nude does have its advantages.” He wiggled his eyebrows and she laughed. He loved to make her laugh. The twinkle she got in her gaze and the dimples on her cheeks made him hard every time he saw her like that. “Hey, Marcus. How about some ice cream? Chocolate, maybe?” She got off the bed and walked towards him. “The coolness might help with the swelling and I love chocolate ice cream.” Lance wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her head. “I think Marcus can come up with some chocolate ice cream.” Marcus smiled and read between the lines. Yes, they might not have had their lunch, but they were still going to play with their beautiful mate. When Marcus walked into the kitchen, he was surprised to see Doug sitting on one of the bar stools. “What's wrong, Doug? I thought you would have left. Is Chris still here?” He opened the freezer and pulled out the ice cream and set it on the counter. He took out a glass cup for the ice cream.

“I got a call from the dungeon. It seems Alocer wants a meeting with you and your brother tonight. He's heard that you're holding a private party and he wants to be there.” Marcus slammed his hand on the glass, shattering it. He turned to Doug. “And how did Alocer learn about our party? Only the senior members were to be told. I know for a fact there is not one demon in our private club,” he growled. Doug grabbed Marcus's hand and started to pull out the pieces of glass. “We don't know, but I have Darius on it. He did mention something about a peace offering and for you to call him.” Doug pulled out a piece of paper with a number and laid it on the counter as he pulled the last piece of glass out of his hand. Annabelle came running through the kitchen door with Lance. She gazed at his hand and ran to him. “What did you do? Are you okay?” She took his hand from Doug and tried to lick the holes, but he pulled away. “Don't, Annabelle. There still might be some glass in it and I don't want you hurt. I'm fine. I'm sorry I worried you. I thought you were going to paint.” He glanced at Lance, who shrugged. “She knew you had hurt yourself and rushed out of the room before I could catch her. But I do think we need to start keeping everyone out of the house. I like watching her run around all naked, especially when these nice big boobs start a-bouncing.” He grabbed them from behind and pinched her nipples. She swatted his hands. “Your brother is hurt. Now stop.” She glanced at Doug and turned away from him. “I'm sorry about this afternoon, Master Doug. Maybe you and Chris could come over after the holidays for dinner one night, if it's okay with my masters?” “I'm fine. Why don't you go back up and get your painting done? I have some business to discuss with Doug before I join you up there. Lance, grab the tray from the dining room with the sandwiches and take those up with you. I'll bring the ice cream up when I'm done. Oh, and Annabelle, we'll pick a date and have a little party after the holidays so you can meet everyone.” He kissed her cheek and nodded to Lance, who guided her out of the room. “Give me your phone, Doug. If it will end this threat against my mate, I'm willing to try, but I want double the security and I want Annabelle's father there also. He can act as a go-between with her brothers.” Marcus wrapped the dish towel around his hand and grabbed Doug's phone. “And Doug, we'll have the meeting in the Old Master's room. I don't know if we'll have time for introduction to the family, but we'll see. He'll be in attendance at the introduction, so make sure the others are aware of it. I don't want anyone offending him. Is that understood? All will be made clear soon. We'll have the meeting first.” Marcus punched in the phone number and waited for Alocer. He had met him a few times and knew he kept his word when he gave it.
He should have stepped forward sooner. Then none of this crap would have happened.

Annabelle studied the painting in front of her, but her mind was on Marcus. Something had happened and they were not telling her. Lance slid in behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “It's going to be okay, Annabelle. We'll tell you what's happening as soon as Marcus arranges everything. Hopefully, after tonight, we won't have to worry about any more attacks from demons.” He nibbled her neck. “Mom and Dad are going to love this painting. You've done a wonderful job of capturing them and the house. I can't wait to see their faces when they unwrap it.” She smiled and turned in his arms. “Thanks. Lance, I have this strange feeling like something big is going to happen soon and I don't know if it's going to be for the better. It's scaring me.” She laid her head down on his chest. “I sometimes get these feelings. When I do, something big usually happens.” Chills ran up her spine.

Her swollen lips had gone down faster than she'd thought they would. Lance believed that because of her change, her allergic reactions should be nonexistent in a couple of months. “Marcus is coming now. He'll tell us what's going on, but we're not going to let anything happen to you, I promise.” He pulled back and held her face in his hands, kissing her nose. “So how many more paintings do you have to finish?” He changed the subject and turned her back to the pictures. She sighed and knew she would have to wait for Marcus. “I have two more to finish. Then I'll have all my Christmas presents done. I'm hoping to finish them tomorrow. That way, it will give them time to dry.” Marcus pushed open the door and shut it behind him, no ice cream in hand. “Come sit, Annabelle. We need to talk.” He nodded to Lance as he sat down on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap. “Lance and I were hoping to introduce you tonight to our family at the dungeon if we have time after the meeting I had to schedule. It seems that Alocer, the demon who has been controlling those here in New York, wants a meeting at the dungeon.” He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tight. She sighed and leaned back against him as Lance paced back and forth in front of them. “I don't like this, Marcus. It could be a trap.”

Lance stopped and glanced at Annabelle. “We can't take her there with them at the dungeon,” he snapped. Annabelle didn't like the idea either. It scared the shit out of her. She'd her fill of demons to last her a lifetime and then some. “I agree,” Marcus said. “The thought of Annabelle there with them has me on edge, but I'd rather have her at my side knowing she's safe in our arms than to leave her here where they could attack while we're gone.”

He held up his hand to stop Lance from speaking. “The council has agreed to arbitrate the meeting. I've set it up in the old master's room. There will be plenty of guards and her father and brothers will be there also. Alocer would be committing suicide if he tries anything there with the council and he knows it. He has agreed to all the terms, under one condition. Annabelle, this concerns you too. We won't do it if you're not comfortable with it. We'll find another way to defuse the situation if we have to.” Marcus's grip around her loosened and he turned her to face him. She had been right. Something big was going to happen and her body shook as she waited to hear what Marcus had to say. “Tonight, as I mentioned, we had planned for you to be introduced to our lifestyle. What this means is that you would be on display to the senior masters only for the night. They would be watching everything we did to you. Some might even participate in the event just like we had planned for this afternoon, but with a bigger audience. Alocer wants to be included in your introduction. For some reason, it's very important that he is there. I don't know why, and he won't explain until tonight, when he talks with Lance and me privately after the meeting with the council, but this is up to you. If you can't do it, we won't do it.” “You've got to be kidding me!” Lance fumed. “He thinks we would let him touch her after all they've done to her? The hell with that. We'll think of something else. I'm not risking her for anyone.” Annabelle got up and looked out the window. If she allowed this, the fighting would stop, and so would the killings. There would be peace just in time for the holidays. It would only be for one night. Lance and Marcus would be there to guide and protect her. She turned and looked at them. “If I say yes, I don't want my family there, Marcus. It would be too embarrassing for me for them to see me like that.” She sat down on the window seat. “It would only be for one night and both of you would be there to protect me, right?” Lance kneeled down before her and laid his head on her lap. “Annabelle, you don't have to do this. We can find some other way to peace.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Yes, Annabelle. We'll be there and no one will hurt you. The other masters all know what's going on. They too have pledged to protect you, at all costs.” Marcus strolled over to them and sighed. “I've informed your family they will not be there.” Marcus sat down next to her and picked up her other hand, bringing it to his mouth and nibbling on her fingers. She sighed. She had no choice. “Then let's do it, but he'd better be in human form.” She smiled.

Marcus pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. “Alocer, she has agreed, but you are to be in human form for tonight, nothing else.” He shut the phone. “Why don't you go take a hot bath and try to get some rest? It's going to be a long night.” Lance snapped, “So help me God, Marcus, if someone hurts her tonight, I won't forgive you.” He picked her up and carried her out of the room. Laying her head on his chest, she gazed up at him. “Lance, he is trying to save lives here. We have no choice.” She kissed his chest and smiled. “Who knows? Maybe this Alocer is cute in human form and it won't be too bad.” He stopped before they went into the bedroom and glanced down at her, smiling. “You don't need to think anyone is cute, my dear. You're ours and that is all there is to it, but you're right. It just makes me furious he would use your introduction to the family for his own gain. There just has to be something else we're not seeing.” He moved into the bedroom and headed straight to the bathroom. He set her down and started the bath. “Maybe that's why he wanted the private meeting, to explain his reasoning,” Annabelle said. “Have you met him before?” She handed him the bubble bath she wanted to use. “I've met him twice and so has Lance. He's not a full demon. His father was a drinker and comes from a very ancient line of drinkers. I believe this is the only reason Marcus has agreed to this meeting.” “Will I be at the meeting too?” She stepped into the warm water and sank into the bubbles. Marcus walked into the bathroom and smiled at her, handing her a cup of hot cider. “Yes, he wants you at the meeting as well. After the meeting, he will meet with Lance and me while you are prepared for tonight's events, but don't worry. While you are prepared, Doug and your two personal guards will be with you.” He smiled and flipped on the radio. “What exactly is getting prepared?” She eyed him as she sipped her cider. Lance laughed and shook his head. “That, you will have to wait and see.” He turned and looked at his brother. “What about dinner at the club? Are we still going to have time for that?” Marcus nodded and headed for the door. “Yes, I've got everything arranged and Alocer has ordered all under his command to back off for the night. So we are safe for now.” Annabelle laid her cup on the floor near the tub and closed her eyes. The hot water eased some of the tension out of her body, but the thought of what was to come was just so scary. Why was she so important to this meeting? It just didn't make any sense. “Annabelle, can I come in?” Sandy peeked her head in the door and smiled. She waved her in and nodded. “Have a seat on my throne. It's the only place where I can relax, it seems.” She laughed. “So have you heard the news?” Sandy frowned and nodded. “Your father is furious and so are your brothers. They want to be there for you tonight. Aren't you scared? I would be flipping out.” Annabelle studied Sandy and knew she was afraid and nervous for her. “Sandy, I have no choice. I can't let the killings continue if I can stop them. Plus Lance says that Alocer is only part demon, that his father was a drinker.” She shrugged. “Maybe it won't be so bad, but I'm terrified. Who wouldn't be? As for my family, I can't have my brothers and father in the same room as Marcus and Lance…well, you know. You've read the stories about what it's like at a dungeon, all tied up to let your masters do as they please. It would be too embarrassing and creepy for them to be there.” Sandy laughed. “Yep, I guess it would be. Your father would kill anyone who made you scream. He'd think they we're hurting you. Can you see it? There you are, all tied up, and one of the masters comes up and does something that excites you, and you scream. Your enraged father kills him. Oh, that so wouldn't go over well.” Sandy laughed so hard she fell off the toilet seat. Annabelle grabbed her stomach and laughed at her. “You are so bad! I can't believe you said that. Now how am I going to keep a straight face tonight imagining that? Oh, my God. Marcus and Lance are going to kill me if I burst out laughing at them.” Tears slipped down her face. Marcus peeked in the bathroom and glanced at them. “Okay, what's so funny? I heard my name.” Sandy glanced at her and they laughed again. “Oh, I wish I could be a fly on the wall tonight.” She giggled. Annabelle splashed water on her. “You are so bad. Never mind what were laughing at. It's girl stuff.” She smiled and batted her eyes at Marcus. He groaned and smiled at her. “I'm warning you, Annabelle. There will be no little pranks on me or Lance.” She rolled her eyes. “Please, this wasn't even about you. Now, go away and let us talk.”

* * * *

Marcus slipped out of the bathroom and smiled. He knew she needed this time with Sandy. Tonight was going to be a rough night for them all. He had an idea what Alocer was going to say, and if it was true, things were going to be more complicated than they all expected. Lance leaned against the dresser and stared at him. “You have an idea what Alocer wants, don't you?” He walked out of the bedroom, leaving the guards in the room. Lance followed him as they made their way down to the office downstairs. “Yes, but I want Dad and Annabelle's father with us before I explain. They should already be in the office waiting for us.” Marcus pushed open the office door and stood off to the side as Lance leaned against the door when he closed it. His father and Adam sat in the room waiting. “Well, what do you think Alocer wants with my daughter? I mean, it has to be personal since he has requested her to be present at the meeting and at your private party.” Adam frowned at him. Marcus ran his hand through his hair and glanced at Lance. “Remember the night we met Annabelle at the bar?” he asked Lance. He nodded and frowned. “There is no way I'd forget that. Go on.” He crossed his arms. “Alocer was also there that night. He and I were chatting before you came into the café. He was trying to get his men under control and wanted me to know he hadn't ordered those killings earlier and that he had ordered the ones responsible back to their planet. He wants peace and he will only let certain demons here in New York.”

He poured himself a brandy. “It seems he has been put in charge of those allowed to roam the human world since he was born into it. Anyway, he was leaving when he ran into Annabelle as she was entering the café. If I'm right, she might have another mate, the third.” Marcus turned to see Adam jump up, slamming his chair to the ground behind him. “There is no way my daughter is a mate to a demon. For God's sake, Marcus, that would kill her. Look at what Dave did to her,” he yelled and paced back and forth. “I was wrong once and she'd never forgive me.” Lance glared at him. “If you're right, you know this will be rough on her.” “Don't you think I've already thought of that? The only thing that would help is that he is a drinker and not a full demon, but with him being in charge of all the demons here on the surface, it's going to be rough. On the other hand, it could be what we need to bring peace between our races. Maybe Annabelle's the key for this.” He gulped down his brandy. “But we won't know anything until tonight. Adam, I want you to ask one of the council members to be with Lance and me when we talk to Alocer after the meeting. He'll be able to tell if Alocer is lying or not. I won't even mention this to Annabelle before we know for sure. I won't scare her like that if there is no reason to.” His father got up and patted him on the back. “You know this is going to take a lot of sharing and work, but if it's true, you two are the ones who can do it. This house is big enough for you four, but he will have to have an office outside this home. It would be too much for your mother and sister.” Marcus nodded to his father as he and Adam left the room. He turned to stare at his brother. “So, I know you have something to say.” Lance moved away from the door and sat on the chair Adam had been sitting on. “You know Alocer's father is still a member of the elders, right? If this is true, we're also going to have to deal with the elders. His father is going to be thrilled that Alocer's mate is a drinker and not a demon. From what I've heard, his father had hoped Alocer wouldn't show any signs of his mother's heritage. From what I understand, his demon form is mild compared to full-blooded, but he also has more power than most demons since his blood is from our oldest line. All three of us will be in the spotlight more then we have been before.” Marcus sat down behind the desk and put his feet up on the desk. “Yep, already thought of that, but there is something else to consider. He might be the third dragon if the Legend is right.” Marcus released the spell that hid the mark on their bodies. The dragon on his body roared to life and looked at Lance. Lance smiled and released the dragon he kept hidden inside. “You know the council knows of this. They didn't say anything that morning in the dining room, which surprised me. Only father knows of this, but once this happens, others will know.” Marcus smiled and stretched as the dragon moved along his neck. “Yes, I know. It's time the others know the dragon line hasn't died off. I also believe the elders will soon ask Father to join them once they realize he is one also.” He moved to the door. “We'd better get our mate ready for tonight.”