"What kind of promises did you make?" It was Edgar, a little sharp, a little flushed. He knew what kind of man that Lucian was, and Cass felt his face warm at the hint of the implication in Edgar’s voice.
Lucian’s deep, rumbling laughter had both men jumping.
"Eddie, if you’re going to sound like that, it’s going to make Cass think you’re jealous. Who said you weren’t invited?" Lucian was practically purring. Edgar looked uncomfortable in Lucian’s arms, and Cass continued to watch them.
"I mean, we haven’t really done anything without you around since, right?" Cass added and both Lucian and Edgar stared at Cass, their eyes wide. Then, both men slowly relaxed, grinning.
"You like it when we’re both around?" Edgar asked.
"I think he more than likes it, Eddie." Lucian teased. "Cass loves it when we’re both around. I had a feeling that he would say something like that so I had planned to invite you up as soon as we got home." Lucian’s voice was soft. Deep and sultry, enough that Cass felt like his skin was being stroked while the man held another in his arms.
Cass licked his lips quickly, knowing that his heart was slowly picking up pace in his chest.
"What about Gideon? Is he alright?" Cass asked, needing to think of something else for a moment. They weren’t even in the damn house yet. Lucian’s expression cooled slightly but Edgar looked a little conflicted.
"He’s...okay. His Dad tried to bring him back to the manor, but of course, I told him to go fuck himself. He didn’t like it when I used such ’crass’ language, but I couldn’t care less what he thought. Gideon went to go work out some of his anger, plus he’s feeling a little frustrated that he isn’t able to control his powers the way that he’d like to." Edgar gave a slightly warped smile. "He’s being too hard on himself. Ava had years to master her powers before she was asked to be a part of the hero party. He doesn’t have the same courtesy. He’s had his powers activated and now with the announcement of the new dungeon, his time to train has been reduced even more." Edgar admitted and Cass honestly couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy.
It was a lot to put on someone’s plate so suddenly, and Gideon was already such a strange guy. No doubt that this would be a lot for him.
"He’s not ready for it, Cass." Lucian said quietly and Cass blinked, looking up to meet Lucian’s gaze, a little confused.
"Not ready for what, Lucian?" Cass asked and Lucian used his chin to gesture at them.
"Witnessing what we do. He’s not ready." Cass felt his jaw drop. Was that what Lucian thought he was going to do? Ask Gideon to come and ’hang out’ with them while they, uh, ’hung out’ together? Did Lucian think he was a damn voyeur and liked others watching them? Cass had no such desires, and honestly, he wasn’t even sure if Gideon would want to do something like that, let alone if Cass was okay with that.
"I was not even considering that as an option." Cass said a little too tartly and Lucian’s grin was damn near malicious.
"Oh good. I mean, oh no, poor Gideon." Lucian deadpanned and Edgar snorted.
"I also wouldn’t have felt okay with that." Edgar added. That was a bit strange to Cass, but when Cass looked at Edgar with a rather interested look, Edgar was flushed slightly.
"I didn’t think you would say that. Did something happen?" Cass asked, now concerned that something bad had happened between the two. Edgar huffed.
"No. Nothing happened." Edgar said, and with the intonation of his voice...that did not sound like a good thing. Edgar then grabbed the hat from the bench and placed it on his head, shifting out of Lucian’s grip. "The sun’s down. Let’s get back inside and let the carriage driver have a break for the day. Do you two need to eat?" Edgar asked and Cass shook his head. Lucian watched Edgar.
"We don’t, but do you?" Lucian asked and Edgar paused. His gaze darted to Lucian, then Cass, and watched as his brows furrowed.
"No? I’m fine." Edgar said and Lucian stared at him for a long moment.
"Edgar, did you eat today?" Lucian asked and Edgar stared at Lucian carefully.
"Did I eat today? You-oh. I don’t-I’m okay." Edgar said, his face flushing. It was clear that he hadn’t expected Lucian to ask, but now Cass was shifting in his seat too.
"You should keep up on your feedings, Edgar. We’re about to enter into a dungeon. I know you are always well prepared, but as I’ve been forced to look after my health more, I think you should too." Cass was only teasing Edgar a little bit about it, but he was mostly serious. It wasn’t like Cass and Edgar were that different in build.
They were both mages, and while Edgar was inherently stronger than Cass since he was more, uh, demonic then Cass was, that was no reason not to drink more. Well, maybe. Cass wasn’t actually all that sure.
"Does it hurt you to drink more?" Cass asked, figuring that was a rather important conversation to have. He didn’t know, and over-feeding was not mentioned in the book. Edgar flushed.
"No, of course it wouldn’t. I just get sleepy, like any human that overeats. Plus, I’m saving up my backstock, so unless one of you two is offering, I-" Edgar realised what he was saying, his eyes going wide however Cass didn’t hesitate.
"I don’t mind." Cass said quickly. His cheeks were warm, but he really didn’t mind. "I feel like I get a lot of help from both of you. It’s the, uh, least I can do." It also wasn’t a bad thing that being bitten felt so damn good that Cass’ toes were already curling in his shoes.
Edgar’s mouth was open, his eyes wide as his face turned another shade of red. The hat in his hand was forgotten, his body frozen as he paused, mid move. Lucian even looked surprised, before a wicked smile touched his face.
"Oh, as long as you bite Cass on top of me. I want to be up close and personal when this happens. Hell, you can even bite me. I’m curious how dragon blood will affect you. Will it give you a boost? Immunity to fire for a short time? We can play around, find out what’s fact and what’s fiction." Even Cass felt his face go red from the seduction that was dripping from Lucian’s voice.
Edgar’s mouth was open, shock on his face, his cheeks flaming. Edgar’s eyes glanced towards Cass, clearly panicking in the moment before he managed to speak.
"Y-You were just on a date with Cass. I don’t think this is appropriate." Edgar was trying to draw a line. Trying to protect himself from Cass’ wraith. Without knowing that Cass wasn’t really angry.
"Cass doesn’t mind. He likes both of us. In fact, he really likes the idea of us doing something like that. Isn’t that sweet? Cass is happy to watch you experiment." Lucian teased with a wink. Edgar’s mouth slammed shut, his hand clenching around the hat in his hand, his breath leaving his lips in a shaky sigh.
"I’m fine. I don’t need to experiment. I’m just happy to be allowed to touch Cass." Edgar muttered, flushed, and Cass flushed too. Lucian let out a loud, boastful laugh.
"You two are just too cute. Look at you! Both blushing like new brides. How sweet." Lucian beamed, staring at the two men. "Come now, my future Dukes, let this old dragon take care of both of you, hmm? I’m sure Cass is rather anxious. He’s been squirming on the bench next to me, his sweet pounding heartbeat music to my ears." Lucian blinked, nice and slow, and Cass felt his breath halt.
He was showing off his eyes again, his grin teasing.
"That’s weird." Cass muttered and Edgar let out a shaky breath.
"No, it’s hot." Edgar breathed. Cass felt his face warm further. It took Lucian gently nudging both men for them to leave. Lucian thanked the carriage driver before he grabbed both Edgar and Cass around the waist and tugged them towards the front door.
Both Cass and Edgar protested, trying to break free from the dragon’s grasp but Lucian just laughed.
"You two are going to get too weak in the knees so I have to assist you. Would you rather I carry you both in my arms? I think Cass would certainly find that more embarrassing, but maybe you wouldn’t, Eddie? Just lift you up, placing your bottom on my arm and carrying you up the stairs?" Lucian was clearly enjoying himself. God, it was so frustrating that Cass wasn’t even mad at him right now. He was flustered but...he was kind of enjoying himself.
"You’re right that I wouldn’t like it. I seem to find myself being carried by others often. Edgar, however, doesn’t get to experience it that much. I think he would enjoy it." Cass teased. Edgar’s gasp was full of betrayal, his eyes wide as he glanced towards Cass.
"I would enjoy it? Are you serious? Who would-"
"I would enjoy it." Lucian said, puffing up his chest. "I would enjoy it a lot if one of you were able to carry me over the threshold. It’s a rather romantic idea, one that I’ve always enjoyed. Unfortunately, I am too heavy." Edgar looked about as flustered as Cass felt as he listened to Lucian’s words.
He wanted to be...carried over the threshold? Lucian? The big, brawny, strong dragon?
"Like a princess?" Cass voiced as they got to the front doors. Lucian laughed.
"Well, I guess that is one way to think of it, though I don’t think there are any princesses as handsome and worthy as me." Lucian said. "I think even my bosom is better than most princesses I’ve known." Cass felt his gaze dart down before looking away guiltily. Damn, Cass couldn’t help but agree.
That was a rather nice...bosom.
"I am not going to humour that." Edgar muttered while the front door opened and Sam was there. His eyes widened slightly at the sight, but instead of saying anything, he just held the door open for them.
Lucian’s ample bosom bounced as he laughed and Cass cleared his throat, turning his gaze away. Shit. At this point, he was feeling not quite like himself and his stomach was churning. It felt warm, tingly, and Cass’ breath felt a little too hot.
"Mm, well, maybe Cass will when he gets stronger." Lucian teased. "Hello Sam. Did you beat up the Dukes when they showed up?" Lucian asked and Cass glanced at Sam, wondering what his reaction would be. Sam twitched, sniffing.
"I wouldn’t do that without my Lord’s orders." Sam said stiffly. Lucian let out an appreciative rumble.
"Mm, good. I like that about you, Sam." Lucian said with a smirk, before his grip tightened on both Cass and Edgar. "However, we have the rest of a date to finish. Knock quietly, alright?" Lucian said with a wink. Cass groaned, but he couldn’t deny it.