Reckoning: A Reverse Harem Tale (Mountain Magic Book 3)

here. It's safe here."
Doc squeezed me tight before relaxing his grip. "I feel the same way."
"All right." I groaned, and sat up, just a touch sore all over, but so worth it. Gathering my magic, I cast Nikolai's cleaning spell over myself, Doc, and our clothing. My skin tingled and he grunted as the magic washed over us. Then we got dressed and prepared to head back into the world.

Chapter 3
Sofia
The sun was high in the sky, and I was comfortable without pulling on my jacket, when we finally left my grove. If my new senses weren't telling me we were in for a heck of a snowstorm sometime soon, I would have thought we would enjoy some nice weather for a while.
I didn't see Ed or Allan, but Nikolai was sitting cross-legged on the pickup's tailgate.
He turned when he sensed us, eyes shining happily.
"You look much more relaxed." He nodded. "Good. I made us a yurt. Well, mostly." His expression fell for a moment. "Still need canvas and rope."
He hopped off the tailgate and came over to us, putting one arm around Doc's waist and one around mine, before he led us back into the trees. "I would not normally put it in trees, but we can heat it without fire, and unlikely to be fire this time of year in woods. We will need furnishings, but it is comfortable. Spent many winters in yurts."
Nikolai led us to small clearing in the woods right next to where the cabin had stood. He had cleared the space in the middle, probably with magic, and somehow built a circular lattice frame of pine branches.
"Used trees already here. Many were willing to shed a few branches, asked with magic. Made the task much easier when the wood is willing. The land likes you and Ed and Allan."
"Wait, are you some sort of druid now?" I asked.
Nikolai shook his head. "No. I am not good with earth magic overall, simply very familiar with this particular task. On the Steppes, we learn this or die. We normally bring our own frames, because not many trees on Steppes, but still, is easier to get wood from willing trees."
"You're amazing, Nikolai." I hugged him.
"Thank you," he replied modestly. "We need to get canvas and ropes, though. Doesn't matter how they're cut, just enough. We can shape with magic. Can we do this?"
Doc nodded. "Yeah. Shouldn't be an issue. We can drop Sofia off at the dorms," his lips twisted at that idea, "and get whatever you want. We need to buy more clothing for everyone and deal with the insurance company, too." He shook his head and I could see his shoulders tensing again.
"Hey, we'll get through this." I wrapped my arms around his waist.
"Thanks. I know. There were a few things I didn't like about the cabin anyway. We can rebuild it a little differently."
"Yes. If we get wood delivered, Sofia and I can work on the cabin. It is a good project."
Doc raised his eyebrows, clearly not having considered that possibility.
"You will probably need to hire someone to do your electricity. Don't understand that enough to use magic, but seems fairly minor compared to the rest."
I clapped my hands together in excitement. "That actually sounds fun."
"What sounds like fun?" Ed asked as he and Allan joined us by the yurt frame.
I let my eyes roam over their muscled torsos. Both were shirtless and their jeans hugged their muscular bodies in a way that made me hope I wasn't drooling on myself. I never got tired of looking at any of my guys.
"Sofia and Nikolai are going to build us a cabin once we can sort through some of the details, like insurance, and getting wood delivered," Doc answered.
"Oh, neat." Ed put his arms around me. "So, how do you like our temporary house?"
I nodded and leaned into his embrace, enjoying his bare skin under my hands. "Once it has canvas it should be cozy."
Allan took me from Ed and buried his nose in my hair. I pressed against him.
"If we're going to accomplish anything with what's left of today, we should get going," Doc said.
Allan swept me up into his arms before I could protest. I laughed. "I can walk, you know."
"Yes, but I can also carry you." His steel gray eyes shone with amusement as he carried me toward Doc's truck.
I let him. When he put me down, I left my arm hooked around his neck and tugged him down into a kiss. He responded enthusiastically, leaving me breathless when we finally broke apart.
Ed claimed me a moment later and I melted into his arms, his lips working against mine, his hands pressed against my ass.
He released me from his strong grip and, winking, put my hands in Nikolai's before climbing into the passenger seat of the truck.
I knew why they always put me in the back when they had a choice, so I could touch whoever was in the back. Doc was the only one who never sat back there with me because he always drove.
Nikolai brushed my hair out of my face before cupping my face with both hands and leaning in. I pressed forward, and remembering Doc's suggestion, bit at his lip and dug my fingers into his back. He rumbled in pleasure and kissed me deeply.
"Maybe I will keep Sofia here, you all go shopping," Nikolai said in jest, as he offered me his hand to help me in the truck.
"If we didn't need you to tell us what canvas to get, I'd tell you to stay," Doc said, starting up the diesel.
Nikolai shut the door behind him and we headed back toward town. I was no longer afraid of being alone, but I wasn't ready to be separated from my guys. Still, the dorms were open and I thought Victoria would be back. I definitely wanted to see her, and they could come get me tomorrow.
∞ ∞ ∞
"Girl! You're back, for real?"
I nodded, and Victoria