Metal Mage 2 Read online

  Chapter 1

  “Are you ready?” I asked the two beautiful women beside me.

  It was the morning after the feast, and we stood at the outer gate of Serin as the sun rose in the eastern sky.

  Aurora turned to me with a smirk and placed a hand on her curvy hip. “I believe that is what I asked you two hours ago, but someone couldn’t get out of bed.”

  I grinned as I leaned over and tugged the sexy maiden against me. “Can you blame me? Who would want to get out of bed with the two of you tangled naked beneath the sheets?”

  The Ignis Mage rolled her eyes, but Cayla’s cheeks turned bright red.

  “Mason,” the princess whispered harshly as her eyes darted around. “Not so loud.”

  “Sorry,” I laughed as I reached out and pulled the princess to my side as well. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, no one’s even paying attention to us. They’re all too busy drooling over my baby.”

  I gestured to the crowd of people that stood huddled ten yards away. As they shuffled back and forth, I caught a few flashes of silver metal, but they disappeared quickly as everyone tried to get closer to the gleaming mechanical steed.

  “Your baby?” Cayla asked with a furrowed brow.

  Aurora actually snorted. “Really, Mason?”

  “Hey, I built her from scratch with my own two hands,” I pouted as I clutched at my heart. “I molded each and every part and screw with love. She is my baby.”

  “Oh, it is a ‘she’ now, is it?” Aurora asked as he narrowed her eyes, but I could tell she was joking by the way her lips twitched.

  “You have nothing to worry about,” I replied with a wink. “The love Bobbie and I share is a different kind than the love I have for the two of you.”

  The half-smirk fell off Aurora’s face, and her eyes went wide. On my other side, Cayla inhaled sharply.

  “Love?” the Ignis Mage repeated quietly, and my heart shot up into my throat.

  Damn, I didn’t mean to say that. At least not yet. I had only known Aurora for a few weeks, and hell I had met Cayla basically days ago. I didn’t want to come on too strong.

  But… that was how I felt. No question. When I woke up this morning with both women asleep against my chest, I knew right then that I wanted to wake up the same way, every day, for the rest of this life.

  I loved them, pure and simple, and since we were riding into certain danger and the vast unknown, I didn’t see a reason to keep this truth from them.

  So, I took a deep breath, looked first at Aurora and then Cayla in the eyes, and nodded my head.

  “Yup,” I replied as I shrugged and slipped my hands into my pockets. “That’s not a problem is it?”

  A slow smiled crawled over the Ignis Mage’s beautiful face. “Not at all.”

  My heart did a little somersault in my chest, and I couldn’t help the goofy grin that spread across my face.

  Then I turned to the princess and squeezed her hip as I held her against me. “I know we haven’t known each other very long--”

  “I love you, too,” Cayla cut me off, and her ice-blue eyes gleamed as her lips curled up at the edges.

  My breath caught in my throat, and my heart slammed against my ribcage like a battering ram.

  “Then how about we go save your kingdom, yeah?” I grinned at the raven-haired beauty, and before she could respond, I swooped down and pressed my mouth swiftly against hers.

  She still tasted like the fresh strawberries we had fed each other in bed this morning.

  When I pulled away, Cayla blinked up hazily at me, and her lips were pink and swollen from my attention.

  “We best set off,” Aurora said with a sly grin. “Or we’ll be tempted to fall back into bed.”

  Cayla shook her head and cleared her throat. “Y-yes. Cedis awaits us, and we have a long way yet to go.”

  “Distance-wise at least,” I said with a smirk as I willed down my libido. “But you’ll see. Once we get going, we’ll soar across the countryside. We’ll be in Cedis by tomorrow or the day after, not a week from now.”

  The princess’s blue eyes sparkled as she laughed. “I believe you. The ride from your workshop to Serin was so quick, I would have sworn we sat astride a dragon.”

  “Now, there’s an idea,” I chuckled as I rubbed at my stubbled chin. I said it mostly in jest, but Cayla got me thinking.

  How hard could it be to build a plane?

  Aurora cocked her head, and then her eyebrows knitted together. “What is it, Mason? You have the most mischievous look.”

  “Nothing,” I replied with a quick smile. “Just daydreaming about some future experiments and things to try out. I’ll fill both of you in on the journey.”

  “Uh-huh.” The half-elf didn’t look entirely convinced, but on my other side Cayla bounced on the balls of her feet and kept throwing glances at the crowd that surrounded Bobbie 2.0.

  “Ready to return to your kingdom, Princess Balmier?” I gave a short bow as I held my arm out to the anxious noblewoman.

  Cayla whipped her head around and frowned at me. “Yes, but you cannot call me that once we leave here. The road to and through Cedis is a perilous one.”

  I held up my hands with an apologetic smile. “Got it. Don’t blow your cover. But when you say the journey is a dangerous one, you’re forgetting about one thing.”

  “Oh?” the princess asked as she cocked an eyebrow at me. “And what’s that?”

  “Me,” I replied with a broad grin. “And my trusty sidekicks, magic and metal.”

  To further emphasize my point, I let a small tendril of my power unfurl, and then I used it to tug on the chains Cayla had attached to her outfit.

  Her blue eyes went wide as my magic tickled her legs, and she threw back her head and laughed.

  I held out my arm again to the princess, and when she took it, I turned to Aurora with the same offer. The Ignis Mage smiled at me before she threaded her arm through mine.

  “After you, Metal Mage Mason,” she teased, and her bottle-glass green eyes were bright with mirth.

  “Can I make a request to be called Triple M from now on?” I asked as I led the two beautiful women on my arm toward our mechanical steed.

  “Most certainly not,” Cayla replied at the same time that Aurora pulled a grossed out face.

  I faked a pout and sighed. “I never get to do anything fun.”

  Then I dropped my head and shuffled my feet as we drew closer to the crowd around Bobbie 2.0, but it was hard to keep up the façade when my crowning achievement came fully into view.

  I hadn’t found the time, or the proper way, to paint her yet, but Bobbie 2.0 was already gorgeous. The crowd of people that surrounded her parted easily for my team of beautiful women and me. More than a few eyes turned to us in awe, but my gaze was locked on the bike I had so lovingly and painstakingly created.

  Most of her frame was the color of silver steel, but I had worked a few dark gray iron embellishments onto the fuel tank and rear fender, purely for aesthetics.

  “I did not notice these before,” Cayla mused as we stopped next to the bike.

  “I didn’t either,” Aurora added as she ran her fingers over the crossed revolvers I had etched into the metal. Then she craned her neck to see Bobbie’s other side, where I had embossed a pair of crossed rifles.

  “I may or may not have been awake extra early this morning,” I admitted with a shrug. “I was double checking that everything was ready for our departure, but then I decided I’d have a little fun.”

  “So that’s where you went,” Cayla teased as she cocked her hip to the side. “I woke up in the middle of the night and thought perhaps we had scared you off when you weren’t next to me.”

  “Never,” I replied with a broad grin, and then I patted Bobbie’s seat.
“I just have to divide my time evenly between all my loves.”

  Aurora rolled her eyes as she swung one of her legs up and over the bike. “We should leave before you start composing sonnets.”

  “Yes, Defender Solana.” I snapped a salute, and then I pointed to the leather saddlebags I had attached to the rear of the bike. “I took the liberty of stowing both your bags already. We also have enough provisions for at least two days, so we’re good to go.”

  “Excellent,” Aurora said with a grin as she stroked the seat behind her. “Then get on and let us be on our way.”

  I smiled back at the beautiful Ignis Mage and then swung my leg over the bike. My hands went automatically to her narrow waist, and I held on tightly, kind of like I had the night before when the two gorgeous maidens had taken turns as they rode me.

  “I think I have the best seat in the house.” I winked as I squeezed at Aurora’s hips.

  The half-elf arched an eyebrow at me, and then she wiggled backward until her butt was flush with my groin. I stifled a groan as my cock twitched in my pants.

  “That is what I thought,” Aurora smirked as she turned back around.

  Cayla giggled as she slid onto the extended seat behind me. “I believe this journey will be a lot more fun than when I traveled alone to Illaria.”

  “Oh you can count on it,” I replied as I threw a grin over my shoulder. “Now, I suggest you hold on tight, princess.”

  The raven-haired beauty wound her arms around my ribs in response. “Like this?”

  “Perfect,” I said with a nod, and then I faced Aurora again and hooked my chin over her shoulder. “Well, Ignis Mage, start her up!”

  The half-elf squared her shoulders, and I felt the static of magic arc through the air an instant before a flame sparked to life in Aurora’s hand.

  I glanced down as the blue-haired maiden moved her hand toward the ignition port, and even though we had test driven the bike all the way from my workshop to the capital, my heart skipped a beat in anticipation.

  But then, as the Ignis Mage channeled her fire into the bike, Bobbie 2.0 growled to life beneath us, and my pulse pounded like a drum with joy.

  “Is it always so loud?” Cayla gasped in my ear as she clenched her arms tight around me.

  I nodded and looked back into the princess’s wide blue eyes. “Yup! Just listen to her purr. Now, hang on!” I turned back around as Cayla’s arms began to strangle my ribcage. Then I reached around Aurora and grasped the handlebars.

  The Ignis Mage threw a grin over her shoulder, and then she channeled a great burst of fire into the engine at the same time that I gunned the throttle. Bobbie 2.0 let out a roar, and the surrounding crowd gasped and jumped back.

  Dozens of wide-eyes stared at us in awe, and I couldn’t help the wild laugh that bubbled out of my throat.

  I shifted the bike into drive, let off the brake, and then we lurched forward across the cobblestones. The citizens of Serin let out a raucous cheer, and as we began to gain a little speed, they started to jog so they could keep pace with us.

  A young boy stood to the right side of the road with his jaw practically on the ground, and as we rolled past him, I threw him a wink and a broad grin. Then I squeezed Aurora’s hip to signal for more fire, toggled the throttle again, and we were off.

  The people of Illaria parted for us as we flew past, and the wind whipped at my cheeks. The outer gate of the city rose up before us, and I craned my head back a little as we rode through it, just for one last look.

  “See ya later, Serin,” I muttered affectionately as we officially left the capital behind us.

  It was crazy to think that a few weeks ago I sat at a desk in a boring office and dealt with paperwork all day.

  Now, I lived in a fantastical realm, power unlike anything I had ever imagined ran through my veins, and I was perched on a magical motorcycle while sandwiched between two insanely gorgeous women.

  I’d say I had it pretty good.

  The dirt road out of the capital was wide and worn smooth from frequent travel, so the initial takeoff was incredibly smooth and easy. We gained speed quickly, and then Aurora evened us out around fifty miles an hour, like a magical, sexy cruise control.

  Illaria’s countryside flew by around us in smudges of green and brown. Cayla had plastered herself against my back, and her arms were like bands of steel across my ribs, so I let go of one of the handlebars and rubbed soothingly at her wrist. The princess eased up a fraction, and then she leaned forward to press a soft kiss behind my ear as if in gratitude.

  Aurora, on the other hand, seemed to be in her element. The Ignis Mage had her hands braced on the engine as she channeled her fire into the metal, but her head was lifted high as she took in the road before us.

  I glanced over her shoulder into the side mirror and saw that the half-elf had a fierce and wild grin stretched across her face. I thought back to how exhilarating my first ride was. I couldn’t even comprehend what this felt like for the two women. Before yesterday, they thought horses were the fastest mode of travel imaginable.

  We rode straight through the rest of the day, though we made several stops to stretch our legs, drink some water, and relieve ourselves. The road we followed to Illaria’s border was mostly empty, but we did pass a handful people on horseback, and even several that hauled wagons behind them.

  Everyone stepped off the road to watch us fly past with wide eyes, and every time I grinned, waved, and signaled Aurora to gun the engine. The looks on those people’s faces were priceless.

  When the sun finally touched the western horizon and bathed the sky in fiery orange, I guided Bobbie 2.0 off the road and into a small grove of bald cypress trees. Aurora cut the engine, and I let go off the handlebars to shake out my arms.

  “Why did we stop?” The half-elf frowned as she turned in her seat to look at me. “We still have maybe an hour of light, and Cedis’ border is close.”

  “I don’t want to be on the road in the dark,” I replied with a shake of my head. “Besides, you need to rest after using your powers all day, and I think it would be safer for us to make camp while we’re still in Illaria. We don’t know exactly what awaits us in Cedis.”

  Cayla’s arms clenched around me, and I could feel her exhale shakily against the back of my neck.

  I reached down and patted her hand before I carefully loosened her grip. Then I turned to look at the princess and saw that her brow was furrowed and her lips pursed tightly.

  “Everything will be okay,” I reassured her. “We’ll be back in your kingdom by tomorrow morning, and we’ll get to the bottom of these attacks. I promise.”

  “Thank you, Mason,” Cayla replied with a weak smile. “I’m… just afraid of what has become of Cedis and its people in my absence. Because of my father’s fears, I haven’t been able to contact him since I left home, and it’s been weeks since then.”

  “I know,” I said, and then I reached out to cup her cheek. “But whatever has happened, we’ll take care of it. Together.”

  “Together,” the raven-haired beauty echoed, and her smile grew a little more sincere.

  She was so beautiful sitting there, her hair mussed and cheeks reddened from the wind, that I couldn’t help but lean forward to kiss her. Her luscious lips parted easily beneath mine, and I slipped my tongue into her mouth to twine with hers.

  When I pulled away, the troubled look had faded completely from Cayla’s face, and she grinned back dazedly at me.

  “Come on,” I said as I patted the beautiful woman’s perfectly toned thigh. “Let’s make camp, eat some food, and get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.”

  Cayla nodded and then slid off the back of the bike. Aurora and I were quick to follow, and then the three of us paced around a little to stretch out our legs before we started to settle in.

  Dinner was a quick affair of fresh apples, preserved strips of salted pork, and a loaf of wheat bread baked just this morning. As the sun completely set, the night air grew cool around
us. Aurora grabbed some kindling from around where we sat and quickly got a small fire going.

  “How are you feeling?” I asked the Ignis Mage as we warmed our hands around the orange flames.

  “I feel fine,” Aurora answered quickly, but then her face contorted before her jaw cracked wide with a yawn.

  I silently raised an eyebrow at the half-elf.

  “Alright,” she grumbled. “Perhaps I am a little tired, but not greatly. Since I mostly maintained a consistent output of power, I feel like I had a long day training, not like I’ve overtaxed my magic.”

  “Okay,” I replied with a slight frown. “Well, that’s good, but maybe you should eat a little more. I don’t want you overexerting yourself.”

  I turned to dig more food out of my bag, but then Aurora reached out and put her hand on top of mine.

  “I am fine, Mason,” she said as she smiled at me. “I think I can handle a little fatigue, seeing as I am a Defender and have been for years. You worry too much.”

  I winced and then rubbed sheepishly at the back of my neck. “Sorry. Just want to make sure you’re okay.”

  “Well, thank you for the thoughtful sentiment, but it is not needed.” Aurora smiled warmly and then leaned over to press a kiss against my cheek. “Though you are quite handsome when you are being chivalrous.”

  I puffed out my chest a little, and Cayla giggled as she brushed against my shoulder and threaded her arm through mine.

  “I think he is quite handsome always,” the princess teased as she leaned against me.

  “This is true,” Aurora agreed with a grin.

  “I can’t hold a candle to either of you, though,” I chuckled as I threw my arms over both women’s shoulders and pulled them against me.

  Cayla’s cheeks flushed a sweet pink, but Aurora’s grin only widened before she tucked her face against my neck.

  A warm wave of contentment spread through my chest, and I leaned over to kiss each woman on the forehead.

  We went to sleep not long after, when the fire had burned down to embers, and the stars twinkled high overhead. I lied down on my back with my bag under my head as a pillow, and then Aurora and Cayla tucked themselves against me on either side. When they both laid their heads on my chest, I wrapped my arms around them and closed my eyes with a smile.