One of the most difficult aspects of being an Empath is the need to protect ourselves from the emotions of others. It can become an obsession, preoccupying so much of our energy that we have nothing left. I am fortunate to have Papa, a powerful Empath with enough experience to help me gain control of my Gift and manage some semblance of a peaceful existence.

Working so hard to keep foreign emotions out leaves a void within. Empaths walk a fine line and maintaining balance is crucial. Many of us turn to suppressive substances or strong drink to dull our Gift so we can have any chance at interacting without dire consequences.

I was grateful for my knowledge of herbs, which helped me avoid going down a darker path, but like many Empaths, I craved human emotions. It was impossible for me to experience them directly without my concoction, so my time at the Clubs was the best I could manage. 

Absorbing the wild emotions of others was the only way I could fill that Void within. The few times I attempted to interact directly with potential lovers, I either lost myself in the morass or drew too much and harmed my lover.

The other difficulty comes with parsing out my emotions from those around me. It was one of many reasons why I rarely left home, and only spent time in select locations when I did.

My anxiety grew as the day of my meeting with Ambrose loomed near. I was eager to see him and reveal myself. Despite Papa's assurances, I was still afraid that my chance to be with him was lost or that he would decide friendship was all he could offer me.

I gave up on my lectures and rescheduled them all. I simply could not pay attention and I didn't want to waste time sitting in auditoriums when I was getting nothing from it.

I had no more solitary suppers, but Papa didn't speak of Ambrose again. I fought with myself daily to swallow the questions I wanted to ask. The date of our meeting dawned bright and cool and I spent the morning wandering the Market. I wasn't terribly interested in anything on offer until I saw a pair of dark steel dirks.

Each one was etched with a narwhal of all things and sat snugly in a dark leather sheath that could be attached to a belt or strapped to a thigh. I didn't even care what they cost or why they called me. I scooped them up at once and felt a deep sense of calm when the merchant handed them over with a smile.

I was too anxious to eat breakfast, but I knew I couldn't bypass a meal completely. I nibbled on a small meat pie from a roaming vendor to still hunger pangs.

I spotted Robin Fanche grudgingly clearing weeds from a flower bed while Steward Kovacs looked on. I saw him a few times before and he never acknowledged or spoke to me. I wondered what penance he was paying, but only in passing. I didn't really care, but it was something to keep my mind off the pending meeting.

I was so wrapped up in not worrying about the meeting, that I was nearly late arriving at the florist. I approached quietly, easily spotting the two tall men sampling various scents of the selection of flowers. The florist kept trying to offer them roses and other common blooms, but they politely declined.

"No," Ambrose shook his head. "That's not her at all. I know you're trying but roses aren't right."

"Too cliched," the slightly shorter, far stockier man with him agreed. "She's earthy, full-bodied. Sweet but not delicate."

"She sounds intriguing," I quipped and froze when two pairs of vibrant blue-gray eyes locked onto me.

"She is indeed," Ambrose breathed. "Kayla D. Makayla Dyxn."

"The fuck you say!" the man beside him laughed, seeming delighted. "Your Kayla is Johann's daughter? That's fucking beautiful, Fala."

Hearing myself referred to that way made my heart trip a bit. If this was who I thought it was, those words went a long way toward soothing my anxiety.

The man I presumed was Ramsi Thorne wore a dark gray Ranger uniform. His polished black boots sported silver caps at the heels and toes, capturing the sunlight as he moved alongside Ambrose. His golden-brown hair was shaved bald on the sides and braided down to the crown of his head. A feathered tuft fell into his bright blue-gray-green eyes and down between his shoulders.

Ambrose was dressed casually in black trousers and a vest under a long light coat. His dark leather gloves molded his large, elegant hands. He had cut his hair since I last saw him. It fell in layers to the middle of his back and just over his eyes.

"I hope I'm not too late, my Lord," I said softly. "And I do hope you'll forgive my deception."

"Deception?" Ambrose seemed truly confused.

"I think if Fala can be Ambrose, you can be Kayla," his companion smiled, and my heart skipped again.

How was it possible to be attracted to this man when the man of my dreams was standing right before me at long last?

Ambrose cleared his throat and placed a gloved hand on the other man's shoulder. "This is Lieutenant Commander Ramsi Thorne, my cousin," he introduced. He pursed his lips and peered at me closely. "He's very dear to me, Miss Kayla," he added. "As dear as you, in every way. Rams, meet my Kayla."

Ramsi Thorne dramatically clicked his heels together and bowed deeply to me, sweeping one arm across his trim waist. "My Lady," he declared, "it is an honor and a pure pleasure to meet you at last."

I laughed aloud. I couldn't help it. His eyes were twinkling with humor and interest and his smile was pure devilry.

Good heavens. Could I handle both of them?

The thought made my center clench.

I was grateful for my parasol and my veil. I was growing far too warm under their close regard.

"Likewise, Commander," I murmured, offering a hand. 

He clasped my fingers and brushed a lingering kiss on my knuckles. Ambrose caught my hand seconds later. His thumbs caressed me as he bent and gallantly kissed my knuckles. Both left tingles of awareness and pleasure racing up my arms, despite the gloves.

"We were just trying to decide on flowers for you, my Lady," Ambrose told me with a considering look. "It's difficult because we can't seem to agree on the right scents. Do you mind if we refresh our memory?"

Slightly confused, I nodded. "Of course, my Lord."

I gasped in surprise when Ambrose stepped close enough to kiss and yelped when Ramsi came just as close behind me. I stood very still while both men dipped their heads to my throat and inhaled. I shuddered when their breath warmed my flesh, absently wondering at my great fortune to wear a sleeveless gown today.

"Mm, not roses, no," Ambrose murmured.

"No, not that sweet, not cloying," Ramsi agreed.

They switched sides and inhaled again, slowly and perfectly synched. My heart thundered in response.

"Ah," Ambrose smiled. "Lillies."

"And orchids," Ramsi breathed behind my ear.

"Iris," they said together.

They stepped back and I swallowed a moan of longing. Holy hell. I was trembling with desire, and they hadn't laid a hand on me. Under almost any other circumstance, I would be overcome with nausea and anxiety which would send me fleeing people in such close proximity.

No such malady struck me. Ramsi and Ambrose didn't fill me with fear. I was breathless and excited.

I was fated to fall for both of them. I knew it the moment I looked into Ambrose's eyes and he knew it as well. His smile was sweet and welcoming, full of hope and promise.

I was eager to explore the breadth of that promise.

Ramsi darted around me and went back to the florist, leaving me and Ambrose staring into each other's eyes.

"I want to thank you," he began quietly, "for being at Mama's memorial."

I nodded quickly. "Of course. Dru was a dear friend for most of my life."

"She mentioned you often," he sighed, "I had forgotten. It's coming back," he flashed an apologetic smile. "I seem to recall her wanting us to meet. She made a point of saying we might be a good match."

I cleared my throat delicately. "My father only recently revealed their attempts to match us without forcing it. I had no idea. I must confess I was... I was not interested in meeting Prince Rafal," I peered at him through my lashes as Ramsi returned with a large bouquet, "because I was infatuated with Master Ambrose."

Ambrose grinned at me and his lovely eyes sparkled.

"You and me both, milady," Ramsi winked and presented the flowers to me with a flourish.

"Holy hell, if I'd known that, this last week would have gone much easier," Ambrose chuckled. "Ah, Kayla, dearest. We have so much to discuss and so little time to do so. Will you walk with us?"

I accepted the flowers and linked an arm with each of them. I felt no anxiety, no overwhelming flood of emotion from either of them. They gave me nothing but eager interest and hope.

Ramsi was watchful and oddly aroused, and Ambrose was poised and calm as if waiting for me to decide what was happening next. I was comfortable with them, as I had never been with anyone since Dru.

"So, may we call you Kayla?" Ramsi asked.

"I don't see why not, Commander."

"Right, so I'm Ramsi," he insisted and pointed at Ambrose, "and you call him Ambrose," he added with a grin. "No one else does, you know."

"His students do," I pointed out.

"I mean no one in his life," Ramsi clarified.

"His students are in his life," I disputed, enjoying the pointless debate far more than I probably should have. "Just because they are not physically present doesn't mean they are not in his life."

Ramsi tilted his head in thought and then nodded. "Yeah, all right. So, you're not like any other student. You're focused on herbs and overall physical and emotional wellness. What got you into that?"

I blinked at Ramsi and glanced at Ambrose.

"I thought if Ramsi read some of your letters it would help him get to know you," he explained, "and care for you, as I do."

I frowned, slowing my step. I wasn't sure how I felt about that. I laid myself bare in those letters. I reached a level of intimacy with Ambrose that I never dreamed of with anyone else. I didn't know if Ramsi was as open and accepting of the various quirks I had revealed to Ambrose over the course of two years.

"I'm sorry," Ambrose murmured. "I didn't think it through. The thing is, I love Ramsi, with everything I am, but we are very new. When I agreed to meet you, I had no idea that he loved and wanted me this way. It wasn't until we got here to Karami that we spoke our true feelings for each other."

"And acted on 'em," Ramsi added quietly.

"No," I shook my head slowly. "Papa mentioned you two were together. He told me I should be prepared to share you," I arched a brow at Ramsi, "if the Commander was as well."

"Holy shit," Ramsi breathed. "I need to sit down for a minute."

Ambrose laughed, a deep and wildly sensual sound that sent a frisson of desire bolting through me.

"Sharing is something we've been discussing. I hope you don't find us too bold, my Lady," Ambrose murmured. "Please understand. We have every intention of wooing you with vigor. It is our desire to fulfill your desires. Whatever they may be."

"Holy hell," I whispered and swallowed. "I think I need to sit down as well."

Ambrose steered us to a bench along the walkway and I settled with a deep breath. He perched on one side of me, and Ramsi slouched on the other.

"You do realize, we have no shame whatsoever when it comes to each other," Ramsi pointed out. "And if you have a problem being openly and publicly adored, we should discuss that now."

I laughed in surprise and pure exhilaration. This man!

"I think you are presuming rather arrogantly, Commander," I teased, and his smirk made it clear he saw right through me.

"Ramsi is a Ranger," Ambrose told me, "so his manners occasionally lapse. It can be endearing," he cast a possessive eye at the muscled young man beside me, "and oddly sexy."

I glanced around us and marked several Rangers lounging, strolling, and watching us.

"May I ask, why you are guarded?"

Ramsi cut his eyes to the nearest Ranger, who moved further off.

"Fala is a high-value target," Ramsi explained. All appearances of indolence faded to reveal the sharply focused soldier underneath. I was riveted by the tensing of his muscular form and the cool focus of those blue-gray eyes. "And under the current circumstances, we decided to take steps to ensure his safety."

As soon as I nodded, Ramsi slouched carelessly again. Intrigued, I turned to Ambrose. "So, he is your personal guard?"

"Very personal," Ramsi purred, and Ambrose gave that sensual, deep laugh that thrummed my core.

Ambrose pursed his lips and Ramsi shrugged with a smirk. "Shall we continue? There is a lovely little bistro just ahead that I understand ships in fresh seafood from home."

"Oh? It must be new," I replied. Most of the eateries around the Plaza had to settle for the local fare. Some went to the trouble of procuring spices for variety but most of it was common Karim venison, beef, or pork.

"So, I've heard," Ambrose murmured, and Ramsi stood with a sheepish grin to offer me a hand up.

Something passed between them, but my escorts said no more about it as we moved away from the bench. Ambrose watched my face with interest, and I arched a brow.

I wore a longer pale blue veil that fell in handkerchief points over the high collar of my matching gown. The slouched arms left my shoulders bare but covered my scarred bosom in layers. The gown cinched my waist gently and floated over my hips to a narrow skirt. I always wore tights or leggings under my gowns and the warmth of the mid-autumn day called for heeled sandals. 

I wasn't a petite woman, so my heels often had me staring down at men of average height. Thankfully, neither Ambrose nor Ramsi were even close to average. I was pleased when both men towered over me, making me feel small and dainty for the first time in my adult life.

Ambrose laughed and shook his head. "I remember your veil from Mama's memorial," he explained. "I didn't give it much thought at the time. Of course, I wasn't thinking much, but," he grinned, "I do recall that when you spoke to me, I felt better, for just a moment, until you moved away."

I smiled, feeling a wave of tenderness and gratitude from this beautiful man. "I must apologize. I didn't mean to do that," I sighed. "You were just in so much pain. I couldn't bear to leave you that way. And," I chuckled, "I was rather out of sorts. Not only was I mourning my oldest and dearest friend, but I had just learned that the man I was most intrigued with was standing right in front of me and had no idea who I was."

"What exactly did you do?" Ramsi asked.

"I'm sure you know my family Gift is Empathy," I explained. "Certain Empaths can pull dark, harmful emotions from others and replace them with lighter, positive emotions. I saw how Ambrose was suffering and I...I couldn't let it continue.

"The flip side of that, however, is that I leave something of my own behind," I added and bit my lip, turning back to Ambrose. "I'm afraid in spite of the circumstances, I found you as attractive in that moment as any other."

"Oh, that might explain the dreams," Ramsi snapped his fingers.

I knew my cheeks were aflame in mortification. If Ambrose was that close to Ramsi, to tell him about his dreams, they truly were a couple. "I am so sorry," I sighed again.

"I'm not," Ambrose's gaze caressed my face. "Those were some of the most erotic dreams I ever had."

Holy hell. My knees wobbled and I was so very grateful when we arrived at the bistro. Ambrose was greeted profusely, and we were quickly seated in an intimate booth with a curtain for privacy. I slid into the middle of the horseshoe shape and my escorts sidled up on either side of me.

"Will you begin with drinks, Your Grace?" Ambrose tore his gaze away from me and smiled at the eager owner hovering just inside our curtain.

"Rum, cognac, and..?" he arched a brow at me.

"Brandy," I supplied.

"And a bottle of wine," Ambrose added. "Anything that pairs well with your freshest catch of the day."

The little man bowed deeply and hurried away, carefully closing the curtain as he left us.

"Johann didn't give us a clue who you were," Ramsi remarked in admiration and possible relief. "Did he know you were meeting Fala?"

"Yes," I laughed quietly. "I had a moment of terror at the thought that Papa might tell you about me before I had a chance to. I was quite distressed at the thought that you could reject me once you knew I hadn't been forthcoming about my identity."

"How?" Ambrose asked with a frown. "You only shortened your name. And you used your last initial. That's not deception. It's no different than me using my middle name to avoid the foolishness of Peerage students who tried to take my courses for an easy pass because I happened to be a Peer as well."

The last vestige of concern over that matter vanished. Now, if only I could suss out exactly where I stood with these men, I would be greatly relieved.

Our drinks and wine arrived, and Ramsi leaned out of the booth enough to speak to a white-haired Ranger before he settled back and sipped his rum.

"So, you have questions," he smiled, arching a brow at me. "Ask."

Challenged, I held his gaze and narrowed my eyes. "Such a sassy boy," I tsked and Ramsi's grin became that playful smirk again. "I wonder just how naughty you're allowed to be?"

Ramsi blinked slowly, and I saw his eyes darken, the dark green ring around the blue-gray irises pulsed.

"Ramsi is a good boy when he wants to be," Ambrose put in. "If he wants to be."

Ramsi swallowed hard and I saw a shudder run through him. Intrigued I looked between them and sipped my brandy. "How good can he possibly be with that smirk?" I teased.

"So good, Madam," Ramsi purred. His body went loose and languid, his eyes growing darker. "As good as you wish, Madam," he promised, sounding breathless.

My heart swelled at Ramsi's instant deference. He was Submissive and well-trained from what I could see.

Ambrose watched the interplay but didn't speak. "Did you train him?"

"Me? No," he laughed. "I teach a class about Human Sexuality, but I've never had any cause to put any of this into practice before Ramsi," he admitted. "It is the most beautiful thing when he submits to my will. I've never been so aroused, so ensnared. Of course, if you are more versed in such things, I will happily follow your lead, my Lady."

Sublime pleasure flooded my being. In a flash of Empathic Intuition, I felt the beginning of our bond and I was starved for more. I now had no doubt that these men were key to my future.

Curious, I tapped Ramsi's chin with a gloved finger, and he obediently lifted his head. Under his scarf, I saw bruising in the shape of a large hand. "Your mark?"

Ambrose nodded, his eyes also darkening but unlike Ramsi, the green was in flecks that swirled deep within his eyes.

"What does he crave?"

"Control," Ambrose answered, and Ramsi nuzzled his face into my touch as I lightly caressed his cheek. "Restraints. Discipline. He seems to enjoy being handled roughly; choked specifically, but I don't think he wants sustained pain."

I nodded. "How have you restrained him?"

"By words," Ambrose smiled, and I was surprised. "And I have held him down, but he obeys verbal direction at once."

"What kind of restraints do you prefer, Ramsi?"

"Anything Sir wishes," Ramsi replied, "and anything that pleases, Madam. I am thrilled when Sir controls me with his words. His voice calms and excites me."

"Mm, yes it does," I murmured, and Ambrose laughed softly. "Go on." 

"Outside of Training, I never met anyone I wanted to Submit to," Ramsi said, still speaking softly. "There's never been anyone, man or woman, that I wanted to kneel to."

My heart skipped a few beats, as Ramsi's desire-dark eyes caressed both Ambrose and me. "Tell me your Words."

"Narwhal for good, horseshoe for slow," he peered at me through his lashes. "I can't use my regular safe word with Fala, though."

Ambrose frowned. "Why not, love?"

"It's Rafal."

I laughed, so thoroughly enchanted by them that I hardly noticed the staff quietly serving our food and pouring our wine.

Ambrose's lean cheeks darkened in a flush. "My name is your safe word," he murmured, holding Ramsi in a steady loving gaze.

"Cos I'm always safe with you," Ramsi sighed serenely.

"So, what are you using instead?" I asked, drawn into the whirlpool of adoration that flowed between them. I ached to join in, to be part of that circle of affection.

"Fala should choose something I would never say if I didn't have to."

"Xavr, it is," Ambrose pronounced immediately, and Ramsi groaned.

"Yeah, all right," Ramsi sighed regretfully.

"From?"

Ambrose sipped his wine. "It's his middle name," he explained. "He hates it so much he didn't speak to me for half a day when I called him by it."

I laughed at Ramsi's unrepentant shrug. "I didn't even tell him," he added. "He must have learned it studying the family bloodlines."

I reluctantly removed my hand from Ramsi's cheek to taste my seafood stew. It wasn't as good as it was back home, but they were trying. It was obvious that their cook was not familiar with Hykini dishes. The seasoning was supposed to be subtle and complimentary. This was a sledgehammer to the palate.

"Not nearly as good," Ambrose muttered. He shook his head. "The spices are far too prominent."

"They made an effort, though," Ramsi coughed and took a long drink of water.

We shared a look between us and fell into barely contained laughter.

"It's fucking awful!" Ramsi chortled and I covered my mouth as I snorted, out of control with the hilarity of the moment.

"Ah gods," Ambrose shook with laughter. "How do we escape?"

Ramsi arched a brow and Ambrose suddenly looked alarmed.

"Ramsi..."

"Rafal."

My eyes went wide as Ramsi leaped to his feet and whistled loud and sharp. Suddenly a flood of armed and very serious-looking Rangers converged on our table. Within moments we were surrounded and quickly escorted out of the bistro. The Rangers moved us down the lane and across the Plaza before they parted. A few stepped forward to give us our coats with smug smiles and salutes to Ramsi.

"Well done, Rangers," he told them. "Carry on."

The Rangers fluidly dispersed, and Ambrose helped me into my wrap while Ramsi held their coats.

"I recall something else Mama mentioned," Ambrose gently tucked my hand in the crook of his arm while Ramsi did the same on the other side. "She said your mother was not well." He frowned. "That she was a danger to you, even."

I swallowed dread at this subject. It wasn't something I detailed in our letters. I had simply told Ambrose that my mother took her own life when I was seventeen. "Yes," I said softly. "In fact, she tried to kill me."

I was startled at the deep and menacing growl that rolled forth from Ramsi's broad chest. His blue-gray eyes were hard and steely.

"So that's why you wear the veil," Ambrose surmised, "and the gloves." His eyes were cold blue-gray lead as well.

I knew their fury was not directed at me but on my behalf. I was mystified, that these men, who hardly knew me, were so incensed by a threat to my person. I was touched and humbled.

"I escaped and when Papa caught up to her, she took her own life," I shrugged, stifling tears. "She never wanted me," I whispered.

Ambrose, pressed a tender kiss to my temple, lingering and brushing his nose along my ear. "We'll never have the chance to avenge you, my darling," he whispered, "but please be assured no one will ever harm you on our watch."

A soft sob escaped my control and Ramsi slipped his arm around my waist. He buried his face in my hair and held me close against his side.

"We've got you, Kayla," he murmured. "As long as you want us to have you."

"Ah, gods," I cried softly, overcome with the tender and loving treatment. "How are you real, either of you?"

Ambrose tucked an escaped curl behind my ear with a sweet smile. "We are as real as you, my darling," he said.

"Me and Fala are solidly together, but we're not quite complete," Ramsi added. His smile was like a sunrise when he caressed my face and smoothed his thumb over my cheek. "We need our lynchpin, our touchstone. I think that's you, Kayla-love."

I shivered, and they engulfed me between them. The warmth and comfort immediately calmed my inflamed senses. I was instantly serene and thrilled all at once. This was my place. I didn't need to make room between them. They were mine for the taking.

"You don't need this veil with us," Ambrose told me, staring into my eyes. "You know that don't you?"

I nodded, entranced by the green flecks that pulsed in his gaze.

"You'll tell us when you're ready to get rid of it, won't you?" Ramsi entreated.

"I will," I breathed, closing my eyes and surrendering to their strength.

"Don't leave us," Ramsi continued. He dropped a sweet kiss on my cheek. "We've waited so long for you. Stay with us, please, Kayla."

I shuddered with desire that I didn't try to seek the source of swept over us. I didn't care which of us it came from. I didn't care that I was in the middle of the Plaza, in the middle of an autumn afternoon, intimately embraced by two men. It felt right. I felt safe. 

"My father..."

"Link him," Ambrose whispered with a nip to my earlobe. "My Heartsire is getting married in two days. Come and stay with us, at least until then, darling."

Yes! My yearning soul cried and I couldn't stop the word leaping from my throat.

"Yes," I sighed. "I will."

How could I not? They were my home. There was nowhere else I wanted to be.