Happily Harem After Read online

  “Will be? He already is,” I huffed, and Laren laughed.

  Chapter Eleven

  I wanted to stay beneath the surface, swimming over the reef and among the bright sea-life. The ocean was like an alien landscape where we flew through the air instead of walking over land. Its horizon stretched out into dark indigo shadows, but there, in the bay, the sunlight was able to trickle down to the pale sand floor and light up a world of swaying seaweed, branching coral, and curious sea creatures.

  Laren swept me along quickly, his arms firmly around my waist, so there wasn't any time for sightseeing. We reached the ship in a few minutes, all of us breaking the surface silently near the hull.

  “The three pirates are standing at the pointy end of the ship,” Tinker Bell said. “If you climb aboard now, you should be able to sneak past them.”

  But there was a problem. The rope ladder hung on the opposite side of the ship–the side facing the shore. If we used it, we'd surely be spotted. So, I came up with another option. I closed my eyes and focused on happiness. My body floated up out of the water and along the side of the ship. Straton grumbled angrily, but within moments, I was level with the rail and climbing over.

  I saw the men at the prow, talking while they lounged on a pile of rigging. They didn't even glance my way. A quick search of my end of the deck resulted in the discovery of a length of rope, which I tied to a hook and then tossed over the side. The men climbed aboard silently, and we headed for the hold.

  The cargo area of the ship was separated from the living quarters, so we didn't have to worry about the other men below deck. It was doubtful that anyone would be in the hold unless they were doing just as we were–stealing. We eased open the trap door and slipped below, closing it behind us. The hold was dark, without any portholes to let light in. Akylas cursed as he knocked into something.

  “You're welcome,” Tinker Bell said as she burst into light.

  We gaped at her shining body, and she smirked.

  “I know; I'm glorious,” she said.

  “Yes, you are, Tink.” I waved her forward. “Could you shine some of that glory over here?”

  Tinker Bell followed us through the hold as we sifted through crates and chests of silverware, gold, jewelry, rich clothing, fabric, fur, oil, and spices. Most of the stuff was useless to us, but I put some of the silver and jewelry into my bag, and I saw Drakon loading up on olive oil and spices. We didn't need treasure on the island, but we could trade several things with the Indians and possibly the faeries. So, I also tossed in some gold items and tools.

  Then Straton found the weapons.

  There were crates of swords, daggers, and shields sitting beside stacks of armor. The men eagerly went through the weapons, choosing pieces that would suit them best. I found a little dagger and strapped it to my belt, then came across a bow. I slipped it over my shoulder and put a quiver of arrows into my oiled bag. A couple of other weapons went in, then I looked over to the others.

  We nodded to each other and slipped back on deck. After the men had climbed down the rope, I untied it and put it back where I'd found it. I was hoping that our theft would go undiscovered. Then I slipped over the side of the ship and floated down to where the mermaids were waiting for us. Laren took my hand, and we swam back to shore together.

  “Thank you,” I said to the mermaids as I trudged into the shallows. “I grabbed some things for you as well.”

  The merfolk came forward with surprised smiles as I pulled the loot out of my bag.

  “I have silver daggers and jewelry.” I showed them the contents of my back. “The silver won't rust in saltwater, so I thought you might be able to make use of them, and the gold jewelry will remain bright. Please take what you like.”

  The mermen chose daggers while the maids squealed as they each chose a piece of jewelry.

  “Thank you, Pan,” they called to me as they swam away.

  “And you may call on me anytime,” Laren said before he kissed my cheek. “Safe waters, Pandora.”

  “Safe waters, Laren.”

  I left the sea to find five men glowering at me on shore.

  “What?” I huffed. “We were just saying goodbye. I thought you guys were okay with Laren?”

  “We were”–Drakon grimaced–“until you became more okay with him than the rest of us.”

  “Come on, my silly thieves”–I shook my head as I passed them–“let's go get cleaned up and look over our haul.”

  The men muttered for awhile, but by the time we reached the tree, they were perking up. We had stolen the pirates's booty without anyone the wiser. It was a bit of a rush, and excitement was still racing through us.

  Instead of heading toward the river to wash off, I followed it upstream to its source. Tink flew ahead gleefully, knowing exactly where I was going; the waterfall.

  I cast my bag upon the banks of the deep pool before the rumbling falls, and began to strip. I heard the men come up behind me and go silent. I smiled secretly to myself as I followed another of my mother's instructions–baiting the hook. Just like the fishing I'd done with Drakon, I needed to cast something tasty before the men I wanted to catch.

  Even Straton kept quiet as I flung my cotton shirt aside and then pushed down my pants. I stepped into the water casually, like I got naked before them every day. But I took my time wading into the deeper center, letting them all get a long look at my backside. When the water reached my thighs, I turned around, and they inhaled sharply.

  “Aren't you going to join me?” I purred.

  The men started shucking off their clothes as if they were on fire.

  I turned away before I gave in to my smug smile, and then I dove into the pool. The cool water rinsed away the salt of the sea and revived me. I felt powerful and beautiful, able to conquer pirates and warrior hearts. I broke the surface and tread water, watching as my men rushed in after me.

  Erastos reached me first and instantly reached for me. I laughed and swam away, splashing him. Akylas came up behind me and grabbed my waist, but I slid out of his grasp. I dove and swam for the falls, Drakon hot on my tail. He caught me near the rushing water; his body pressed tight against mine as he took my face within his palms. Tricky man. He held me tightly and kissed me as water rushed around us.

  I let Drakon have his way for a moment, then dropped out of his kiss, sliding down his body and brushing his manhood as I passed. He jerked in shock as I gave in to my desire and took him in my hands briefly. He was long and grew hard in moments. I rubbed my hands over his sleek flesh and then swam away. Drakon was still groaning when I broke the surface several feet from him.

  “Playing at being a mermaid?” Praxis asked with a wide smile, right before he dove under the water.

  I frowned, watching him shoot forward and grab me by my hips. Then I felt his hot mouth cover my nipple, and I gasped in pleasure. Praxis sucked greedily, and I almost succumbed to it, but I heard my mother's voice in my head again. Don't give in too easily, Pandora. Men want to feel as if they've won you.

  So, I jerked away from him and rushed across the pool, evading grasping hands as I went. Just when I thought I had made it to safety, Straton struck. Strong arms caught me from behind and pulled me against a wide, muscled chest. I felt him hard between us and shivered. Straton angled himself between my thighs and eased forward, grazing my intimate flesh as he set his mouth to my neck. He growled as he bit and sucked my skin, holding me prisoner as the rest of the men closed in around us.

  “No more running, pretty Pan,” Erastos purred.

  “Now, you'll pay the price of your games.” Praxis winked at me.

  “I caught her,” Straton rumbled as he closed his hands possessively over my breasts. “She's mine, boys. Give in and admit that you've lost.”

  “All of you are lost,” I purred. “You're lost to the rest of the world forever, but you'll never lose me.”

  “We've come to an understanding,” Drakon explained, glancing at the others. “We were going to ease you i
nto it, Strat.”

  “We've decided to share,” Erastos went on.

  “And Pandora is in agreement,” Akylas finished.

  Straton looked at me in surprise, and I just stared at him, wide-eyed and waiting for him to make a decision. Instead of answering, he turned me around and claimed me with a kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and clung to him as he took what he'd been pushing away so adamantly. I wasn't surprised to discover that he had wanted me the most.

  “All right,” Straton agreed breathlessly. “But I'm going first.”

  He pulled me up by my thighs and thrust up into me. I shouted in shock and pleasure from the sudden impalement When Straton made a decision; he acted on it, there was no sense in waiting. Instead of drawing away, the other men stayed where they were and watched, chests heaving with their ragged breaths.

  Straton pumped his hips up furiously, jolting me with every move, and the water splashed around us. He held me as firmly with his gaze as he did with his hands, claiming with his cerulean eyes and thrusting member. I leaned back and closed my eyes in ecstasy, unable to bear the brunt of his intensity any longer. Straton set his mouth to my breasts and rolled my nipple with his tongue. It was all I needed. I came screaming in delight. Straton followed shortly after with a rumbling shout.

  The he let go of me.

  I slipped backward in the water, floating for a second before hands slipped beneath and around me. Akylas began kissing me, his hands stroking my face reverently as Drakon positioned himself between my thighs. I looked up just as Drakon drove home, and I moaned into Akylas's mouth. Praxis and Erastos claimed my breasts, working them with hands, lips, and tongues as Akylas moved beneath me to help support me against the power of Drakon's thrusts.

  My arms reached out wide to draw them all in, and I glanced over to see Straton watching us, a satisfied smile playing about his lips as his hand worked himself beneath the water. I smiled back at him before I went back to kissing Akylas. Erastos trailed a hand over my belly as he continued to suck at me, and then rubbed it against the most delicious spot. Drakon pounded harder, reaching his peak as Erastos brought me there with him.

  “My lost boys,” I whispered, “You're mine at last.”

  “We were yours from the start, Pan,” Erastos murmured as he traded places with Drakon.

  I was still trembling with pleasure when Erastos took hold of my thighs. But instead of taking me right away, Erastos lifted my hips from the water and covered me with his mouth. I screamed in shocked rapture as his hot tongue flicked over the spot his fingers had previously worked. Pleasure surged up my thighs and set them to shaking.

  “Sly bastard.” Akylas chuckled. “Enough of that. Save it for the next round, after we've all been sated.”

  “You ruin all my fun,” Erastos said as he lowered me to the water again. Then he set his stare on me. “I love you, Pan. I have from the moment I first saw you.”

  “I love you too, Erastos,” I whispered as he sank into me.

  I clung to the men around me as Erastos climbed to the peak of ecstasy with me, and by the time we crested, those who had gone before him were ready to begin all over again. But they had to wait for Praxis and Akylas.

  The men carried me between them to the shallows and set me on my knees. I looked up at them in curiosity as Akylas knelt before me and Praxis behind. Praxis eased my legs apart as Akylas took himself in hand and offered his proud length to me. I frowned, a little confused, until he pressed the wet tip against my lips gently. As I opened my mouth to Akylas, Praxis slid into me from behind. I gasped, and Akylas shoved himself in deeper.

  Moaning around his flesh, I began to find joy in the deed, learning what motions Akylas liked best. I sucked him in and ran my tongue over him, tightening my lips and then pushing them forcefully down his length. Then I lifted a hand and began to rub him as I licked. Akylas was shouting and shooting his desire into my mouth within minutes as Praxis tensed and pressed tightly to my hips.

  When the pleasure subsided, I opened my eyes to find the others closing in. With a soft smile, I went into their arms, and the pleasure started all over again.

  Chapter Twelve

  After an amazing evening at the waterfall, we went home to our tree and looked over our loot. Several of the items were things that I intended to take to the Indian tribe to trade. They made wonderful blankets and shoes, fresh ground cornmeal, and had plenty of buffalo meat to spare. I was sure that they'd be interested in bartering for the knives, iron tools, and gold we'd stolen. The metal could be melted down and made into jewelry; another art they excelled in.

  But there were a few things we'd taken for ourselves. Drakon, as I mentioned, took quite a few cooking supplies and he bustled about the kitchen putting them away. Straton sharpened the blades, casting satisfied smiles my way in between draws of the whetstone. Akylas was carving a piece of wood using some of the tools we'd taken, humming to himself. Praxis was polishing a gold statue of Aphrodite, which he said looked just like me. I didn't agree–the artist had obviously never met my mother. But Erastos simply lounged across my lap, playing with the ends of my hair.

  “The fools,” he whispered to me. “Playing with toys instead of you.”

  “Are you playing with me?” I asked him.

  “In only the most affectionate way,” he drawled, his hand slipping beneath the hem of my skirt.

  “Hey now”–I batted his hand away–“I need time to recover.”

  “Hardly,” he scoffed. “You're a goddess, remember?”

  “Leave her be, Erastos,” Straton growled. “We have exhausted our Pan.”

  “Our Pan,” Drakon repeated as he came out of the kitchen. “She finally knows how appropriate her name is.”

  “You're our everything,” Erastos purred, confirming Drakon's confession, and nestled closer. “Life is complete.”

  “I'm glad you're all happy.” I chuckled.

  “I hear a 'but' coming,” Praxis said. “And I don't mean Straton.”

  “Funny,” Straton said in a dry tone, but his lips twitched.

  “But, I'd like to take some things over to the Indian tribe to trade,” I said. “Who wants to join me?”

  They all stood.

  We packed up the items to trade, then made the trek out to the Indian village. I had once tried to explain to the men that the Indians weren't barbarians, as they had originally called the tribe. I went on to tell them that there were several tribes, each with their own name, but an explorer mistakenly labeled them all as Indians once, because he thought they were living on the continent of India. The continent wasn't India and was later named America, so the proper name for them collectively is Native American.

  The warriors hadn't understood anything past “Indians,” so that's what we called them.

  The Indians saw us coming and met us at the entrance to their village; a clearing filled with teepees and cooking fires. We were greeted warmly and taken to the chief. The chief's daughter, Tigerlily, sat beside him on a brightly colored blanket before their fire. Stew bubbled in a pot on the fire, and it mixed with the scent of tobacco smoke.

  The chief handed his pipe to Straton with a smile, and Straton accepted with a grateful nod. This was their ceremony that was performed every time we visited. It was like an unspoken agreement to remain friends. After Straton had taken a puff and passed the pipe back, the Chief spoke.

  “Welcome, Pandora and Guardians of Hope,” he said. “What has brought you to our village this night?”

  “We've just performed a successful raid on Kadmos's ship,” I said. “We've taken many useful things and have brought them here to see if you'd like to trade with us.”

  “Ah, you have stolen from the thief.” The chief chuckled. “Fitting, I suppose.”

  “They are just sad and lonely men,” Tigerlily said.

  “Tigerlily!” The chief looked sternly at his daughter. “You have not visited their village, have you?”

  “No, Father,” she said demurely, but I ca
ught the barest glimmer of rebellion in her eyes.

  Uh-oh.

  The chief didn't see it, though, and he smiled in satisfaction. “Good. Stay away from those pale men; they are full of hatred.”

  “And yet we sit with these pale men,” Tigerlily murmured.

  “Because they escaped the evil,” the chief said to his daughter, “and that is why we can be friends with them.”

  Tigerlily looked down at her hands.

  “Now, what have you brought us?” The chief asked me.

  We emptied the bags and began the haggling process. But as the men went over the qualities of the items, I watched the Indian princess. She looked sad and unsettled. I knew that look; I'd worn it myself until very recently.

  Tigerlily was in love with a pirate.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Come here,” Praxis whispered to me as he motioned me over.

  I'd been on my way back to the tree from picking berries for Drakon. He wanted to make a pie with the supplies we'd got from the Indians and the spices from the pirates. I had a basket full of ripe fruit, which I set down before I hurried over to Praxis.

  “What is it?”

  “Shh,” he hushed me and pointed.

  We were behind a wide oak, and in the clearing before it, Erastos was lying in the sun; hands behind his head and a smile on his face. He looked peaceful and so very handsome. I smiled and started forward.

  “Hey,” Praxis hissed and pulled me back. “Hold on; you'll ruin everything.”

  “What are you up to now?” I grimaced at Praxis, who was always playing pranks.

  “Look.” He pointed into the trees where a contingent of pixies was flying, a bucket held between them. “I bribed the pixies with honey.”

  “What's in that bucket, Prax?” I asked as I watched the pixies fly above Erastos.

  “Just water,” Praxis chuckled. “From the mountaintop.”

  “Praxis!” I hissed as the pixies overturned their bucket.