Magi’s Path (Aether’s Revival Book 3)

Gregory’s nerves were rising as he entered the bedroom. It wasn’t because he was worried about sleeping with Jenn— he was looking forward to it. He was nervous because he was worried about Yukiko.

I’m not sure she’s really okay with this… She says she is, but is she? The idea of her with another man makes me want to punch someone… but the idea of her with Jenn is exciting. Jenn wants this, even if she’s as nervous as I was with Ria. Is she worrying about what Yuki might be feeling?

Shutting the door behind Jenn, Gregory swallowed and tried to calm himself.

“Greg,” Jenn said softly, “I know you might be having doubts. I know how much you love Yuki. I understand. I worry some, too, that she’s only putting on a front for us… that this will hurt her.” Swallowing, she turned to face him. “So I have a big request to make.”

Seeing her concern, Gregory nodded. “What do you need, Jenn?”

“I do want some time with it being just us, but maybe…” She hesitated before rushing the words out, “Maybe Yuki should join us this time? I could use her guidance, and then we’d both know she was okay, and…” She trailed off, looking at him and trying to see if her request disturbed him.

Gregory just stood there, blinking at her, as his brain latched onto the thought of Jenn and Yukiko with him in bed. He forced the thoughts down with difficulty. “I worry about her, too, Jenn. I think she told us to do this so you could have time with me alone, as she’ll obviously be with us later tonight for bed.”

Jenn fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot. “Yeah, but this won’t be the only time it’ll be just us, right?”

Gregory felt his heart warm as he watched the fierce fighter being so uncertain. “No. It won’t be, but those moments might come infrequently.”

“Then,” Jenn paused again and licked her lips, “can you ask her?”

Gregory walked across the room and put his arms over her shoulders, pulling her to him gently. “If that’s what you want, Jenn, I will. I know that asking that has to be hard for you.”

“It is, but I can’t stand the thought of Yuki being hurt because of me,” Jenn murmured, her face in his chest.

Gregory bent his head and kissed the top of hers. “I can’t stand the thought of her hurt either. I’ll go ask.”

Jenn’s arms wrapped around his waist and she hugged him tightly for a moment. “I’ll be waiting.”

Letting go of her, he leaned back enough to tilt her chin up so he could get a kiss. Jenn didn’t resist him, and her lips met his tentatively. Gregory didn’t push the kiss— he let it be a soft, sweet moment.

Jenn released his waist after a few seconds and broke the kiss, stepping back. She was breathing quickly and flushed, but not with embarrassment this time. “That was… nice.” A soft smile formed on her just-kissed lips.

“It was,” Gregory said. “Do you still want me to go ask Yuki?”

Jenn nodded. “Yes. I meant what I said.”

“I’ll be back,” Gregory said, moving to the door.

Stepping into the hallway, Gregory felt hot and his nerves tingled for a moment. After taking a deep breath, the feeling passed. He shook his head and went downstairs to find Yukiko.

Yukiko was seated by the window, looking out at the town. She had a melancholy look on her face as she sipped at a cup of tea.

“Yuki?” Gregory asked softly when he came to a stop beside her.

Yukiko jerked slightly, clearly not expecting him to be there. “Greg? What is it? Why aren’t you with Jenn?”

Gregory pulled the other chair over closer and sat down next to her so he could lower his voice, “She asked for you to come join us. Jenn said she wanted you there to help her.”

Yukiko just stared into his green eyes for a long moment. “What?” she asked as she set her cup on the table.

Gregory put his hand on hers. “We both worry that you’re putting on a brave face, and that us being alone hurts you. Jenn flatly asked me to come ask you to join us. She wants you to guide her so she would know that you aren’t being hurt.”

Yukiko swallowed, her eyes glistening. “She really asked and worried?”

“Yes. Honestly, I was still worried too, even with it being your idea.”

“But she won’t get many chances to have you to herself,” Yukiko whispered, looking down at their hands.

“Neither will you. We’ll make it work, though. When my heart is involved, I will move mountains.”

Yukiko’s lips twitched and she exhaled slowly. “Did she really mean it? Wanting me there to help?”

“She did.”

“Okay. I do care for her, and I don’t want to hurt her, either.”

Gregory gave her a soft smile when she glanced at him. “Our wife awaits us, dear one.”

“Yes. Let’s go ease her mind.”

When they entered the bedroom, Jenn rushed to Yukiko and hugged her hard. “I’m sorry, Yuki. I want him so bad, but not at the cost of your heart.”

Yukiko held Jenn in return and stroked the shorter woman’s hair. “That means a lot to me, Jenn. I want you to be happy, as well. I suggested you two be alone because either of us being alone with him will be rare, and a wedding night should be special.”

“What would be more special than to have the two people I love with me together?” Jenn murmured. “My heart ached when I thought you might be downstairs, crying over me being here with him. So please, stay? Stay and help me. We’ve hinted and danced around the idea before… we’ve even kissed,” Jenn paused, clearly embarrassed. “And I had a difficult night sleeping when we did, as all I could think about were your lips on mine.”

Yukiko blushed, her hands stilling on Jenn’s hair for a moment before moving again. “I had it easier because I had him, but I thought of the kiss even as I was with our husband.” Yukiko glanced over to Gregory guiltily. “I’m sorry, dear one.”

Gregory stood there, unsure of what to do or say as the two women consoled each other. When Yukiko apologized and gave him a guilty look, he smiled. “It’s fine. After all, she’s our wife now.” His lips twitched into a smirk. “Unless you’ve been thinking of women other than Jenn.”

Yukiko’s face flushed deeper. “Not while with you…” she mumbled.

Gregory just blinked at her, his mouth hanging open slightly.

“Even you stared at Dia, dear one. Do you mean to say you had no thoughts when you did?” Yukiko asked. “Or that you haven’t pictured any others, even in passing?”

Gregory coughed, and now he was the one that looked guilty. “I’m sorry.”

Yukiko eased Jenn back and went over to Gregory. “No, dear one, don’t worry. As long as we understand that those types of thoughts will happen and we do not get jealous, it’s fine.” She hugged him, pressing her face into his chest. “I will not be jealous of you entertaining thoughts. I will only be upset if you act, and Jenn and I did not agree to it.”

Gregory’s eyes nearly popped out of his head at her words. He looked to Jenn for help, but she was nodding.

“And it’s the same for us,” Jenn said. “We’ll likely have similar thoughts at times, but neither of us will act without the other’s agreement.”

“But why would I ever need others when I have you both?” Gregory managed after a few seconds.

“It isn’t a guarantee,” Yukiko said quickly, “but there’s the chance that, further in the future, others might want to join our family. If they love you as we do and are worthy…” She trailed off as she kissed his chest. “It also might never happen, so let us set it aside for now. For now… it’s time for us to welcome our wife into the marriage.”

Gregory had felt a tingle along his spine when Yukiko mentioned others joining their family, but it passed when she stopped speaking about it. He was distracted from the thought as Jenn came over and hugged him and Yukiko.