BW5 CH1

Chapter One

Sean was surprised to find himself amongst the stars. The last thing he recalled was being at the Oaken Glen. Twin supernovas flared into existence and Sean smiled. “Hello, Morrigan.”

“Hello, Sean. You’ve been a busy man. There were only a few people offering prayers, but now, just moments ago, dozens. All of them are praying that you’re okay.”

“What happened?”

“You overextended yourself. Not intentionally, but nevertheless, you tapped yourself out to the extreme,” Morrigan replied. “You’re not in danger, but it did knock you well out of it.”

“I have a couple of questions.”

“I’m sure you do. I’ll answer as many as I can.”

“Is just being near me the reason the others are changing?”

“Yes. You are a nexus, Sean. They have to want the change, though; it will not occur without their own desire for change to happen.”

“Okay, so it’s not an unwilling change?”

“No, not unwilling.”

“Thank gods,” Sean sighed. “Is it because they are my friends that they are growing so much?”

“You mean that their power is growing? Yes. As I said, you are a nexus. Being near you and in resonance with you allows them to grow beyond what they were.”

“Did you change me? I don’t recall women crawling all over me like this before.”

Morrigan’s soft laughter filled the night sky. “Yes and no. The body crafted for you is a masterpiece. It does help when the woman you’re interested in is attracted to you, but other than that, no. They are drawn to you because of who you are. The fact that you are powerful doesn’t hurt, either.”

“I don’t want to hurt them.”

“Then don’t hurt them,” Morrigan replied. “Every relationship has some pain involved, even if it is unintentional. You fear that the larger your family grows, the more it will hurt them. That is possible, but as long as you are the same Sean that I spoke to in Asgard, you will never hurt them as you fear. However, you are hurting those you continue to look past.”

Sean exhaled, “Okay.”

“If you don’t accept their love, it will be worse than you fear accepting them will be. ‘Shared love is multiplied, shared sorrow divided,’ as you told one of your wives.”

“I remember.”

“Our time is almost over,” Morrigan said, her eyes dimming.

“Wait! Do the Queens know?”

“Not yet, though signs have started to appear and others who were spurned have set some events into motion. You have time yet to deal with the small troubles that are before you.”

“I had thought the blizzard or my Shaping Fiona’s skin might have given things away.”

“No. If either knew of you and where you were, they would be there already. That blizzard was because of something other than you. As for defying the Queen’s shame, it was done. She doesn’t keep hold of the energy she used. You could completely restore Fiona and Winter would have no clue.”

Breathing easier, Sean smiled, “Thank you, Morrigan.”

“Until we speak again, Sean.”

The eyes faded away, as did all the other stars. Darkness surrounded him for a brief moment before a familiar scene filled his vision. Standing on a bluff as a dragon flew overhead, a vast, untouched, green valley spread out before him. When he looked over his shoulder, dozens of people were cheering, smiling, and waving weapons as they proclaimed their support for him. He caught sight of Aria flying above the others with a bow in hand, smiling down at him. At the forefront of the group stood Fiona, Myna, Ryann, and Ida, holding their hands out to him. Identical tattooed bands circled their ring fingers. Just behind them, he thought for a moment that he recognized a couple of the others, but the figures’ faces were blurred like the majority of the group.

“Sean, dear husband, why do you worry us so?” Fiona’s voice filled the air. The vision wavered before shattering into nothingness.

~*~*~

Feeling soft hands touching his face and chest, Sean forced his eyes open. It took a moment for him to see again, but when he could, he saw all of his wives watching him with concern. “Sorry.”

“Shh, we just worried. No reason to apologize to us,” Fiona said softly, giving him a strained smile. “Getting you home was a bit of trouble, though. You do weigh a bit more than you look.”

“What happened?”

“That’s what everyone wants to know,” Myna said. “A wave of energy rushed out of you to everyone who stayed behind. You spoke of our Bonds being forged tighter, then you fell over and we could not wake you.”

“Tired,” Sean murmured. “Energy depletion. I don’t know what happened, though.”

“Everyone in the room has traces of energy now according to Mageeyes,” Ryann said. “Joseph tried to Shape something when he heard that, but he passed out after no more than changing the handle on the mug he was drinking from.”

“We don’t know what else might have happened... we were focused on you at that point,” Fiona said.

“Hmm. Did Mageeyes talk about houses for us?” Sean mumbled.

“I asked to see them today,” Fiona said, kissing his forehead. “Sleep. We’ll handle everything else until you are better.”

A soft knock on the door made Sean start to sit up, but Myna pushed him back down. “Stay there. We will handle it.”

“Fiona, is he awake?” Andrea asked through the door. “I have some broth for him if he is.”

“I’ll get it,” Ida said, getting out of bed first. Opening the door, Ida gave Andrea and Chastity a smile. “He’s awake but going back to bed.”

“Come in,” Fiona told them. “We know you were worried, as well.”

Andrea and Chastity walked into the room with slow steps, their robes tied tightly around their waists. “We don’t want to intrude,” Andrea said meekly.

“You are family,” Myna said. “Worrying for someone you love is natural.”

Both of them blushed and went to stand next to Fiona, who was still seated on the bed. “Did you want some chicken broth, Sean?” Andrea asked nervously.

“A sip,” Sean said once he saw how worried she looked. “You two okay?”

“Yes,” Chastity sniffled.

“Sorry for worrying you,” he said. Myna helped him lift his head so Andrea could give him a sip of broth. “Thank you. It tastes good.”

Andrea’s normal smile cracked, and tears almost started spilling from her eyes. “I’ll have something ready for you when you feel better.”

“Look forward to it.”

Another head poked around the open doorway. “He’s awake?”

“For a moment,” Fiona smiled at Aria. “Did you wish to say hello to him, too?”

“Uh, well… only if I’m not interrupting,” Aria said slowly. “How’re you doing, Sean?”

“Tired. Energy depleted.”

“Oh, yeah, been there once. I’ll leave you to sleep. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Tomorrow,” Sean mumbled, his eyes going heavy.

“We should go, too,” Andrea said.

“Thank you, Andie. You, too, Chas,” Sean murmured. “You’re good to me.”

Andrea was bright red as she passed the cup to Fiona. “Get your rest, Sean.”

“We’ll leave you alone so you can sleep,” Chastity added.

“Should get my sleep, too,” Aria said.

Ida closed the door behind them when they left. “Surprised by Aria, but not the other two,” she said as she went back to the bed.

“Not surprised by Aria,” Ryann said softly. “I’ve been where she is.”

“I’ll talk to him once he’s coherent, Ryann,” Fiona said softly. “This is still what you want?”

“Yes. Thank you, Fiona.”

“Now that we know he’s okay, we should sleep, too,” Myna said.

“Go ahead. We’ll keep to our plan and watch him in shifts,” Fiona said. “I have the first, as agreed.”

Stripping down, the women snuggled into bed around Sean, who was only dimly aware of them. “Sleep?” Sean murmured.

“Yes, husband,” Fiona said and blew out the lamp. “Sleep well.” She kissed his forehead and smoothed his hair. “One of us will be awake if you need anything.”

“Love you… all,” Sean managed before he began to snore.

“We love you, too,” Myna whispered as she snuggled against his back, her arm around his chest.

~*~*~

Sean came awake slowly, the hand stroking his head letting him know someone was there. “Is it morning?” Sean asked as he opened his eyes.

“It is,” Myna said softly. “How do you feel?”

“Better than when I woke up earlier.”

“That would be because it’s midday and not the middle of the night. Ven, let Andrea know that she can start making his breakfast,” Myna said.

“On it!” A silver streak was all Sean saw of Ven before they went shooting out of the room.

“Is everyone else okay?”

“Physically, yes. We were all a little concerned last night.”

“I had another dream of Morrigan last night,” Sean said. “She assured me that the Queens don’t know yet... Also praised me for accepting our wives. Oh, that reminds me of something I wanted to talk to you about, Myna.”

Myna looked at him curiously, “Did I do something wrong, Master?”

“Ida mentioned that you told her about my... proclivities... ahead of her being accepted as a wife.”

Myna looked at him with a smile, “Yes. She asked me, so I answered her. Should I not answer questions from the women who are sure to join us?”

Sean was about to tell her that she shouldn’t, but then closed his mouth. After a moment, he sighed, “No. Ugh... Look, this went differently in my head.”

Myna smiled, “I just want the best for you, Sean.”

“Yeah. Did Fiona talk to you about not trying to fill our family up with others?”

“She did suggest I be very selective in who I encourage.”

Sighing again, Sean sat up in bed. “I don’t want to grow the family too large.”

“I understand, Master. You are still tied to your old views, and the idea of having more wives is unsettling to you. Are there any you would be okay with so I may encourage them?”

A knock on the door stopped him from replying. “I have breakfast,” Andrea called. “My hands are full, though.”

Myna opened the door, letting Andrea into the room. “He is awake and hungry.”

Andrea settled the lap tray on Sean’s lap. “It’s just frumenty, sir. It’s the easiest to keep warm and ready.”

“That’s fine, Andrea. I see you already mixed in the fruit and honey for me.”

“I’ve seen how you like to make it. I hope that’s okay?”

Seeing her start to worry, Sean gave her a smile. “Thank you. It’s perfect just the way it is.”

Andrea exhaled in relief, but then fidgeted. “Sean... Thank you for saying that we’ll all be moving together. Chastity and I… we’d rather not be forced apart from each other… or from you.” Her last three words were almost inaudible.

Spoon halfway to his mouth, Sean paused before returning it to the bowl. “Andrea, your song the other day, The Hopeful Bride?” Sean hesitated for a moment before asking, “Have you found the one for you?”

Andrea’s face went scarlet, “You heard me?”

“Just the chorus.”

Breathing fast, her face flushed. Andrea swallowed hard and closed her eyes. “Yes. I think I’ve found the one for me… Sean.”

Sean set the tray aside. “Have you told Chastity?”

“We’re both in agreement, sir. Neither of us thinks we’re worthy, though. We can’t fight like Ryann, we can’t Shape like Fiona, or conceal ourselves like Myna. We weren’t your apprentice, either. We’re not special enough.”

“Myna, can you relieve Chastity for me and send her up here?” Sean asked.

Myna smiled broadly, “Yes. So you know, we all approve. Even Ryann.”

Sean chuckled, “Yeah, I thought she might for them.” Looking back to Andrea, he motioned her to the chair. “Please, Andrea, sit. I’ll try to get some food in before she gets here.”

Andrea was breathing a little fast. Her face was flushed and her eyes were uncertain. She kept looking to the door after Myna left, and Sean wasn’t sure if she was thinking of bolting or silently urging Chastity to hurry.

The sound of feet rushing up the stairs let Sean know that Chastity was on her way. He set aside what was left of his breakfast and gave her a smile when she stopped in the doorway. “Come in, please, and shut the door.”

Chastity looked to Andrea, who gave her an uncertain smile. “Of course, sir.”

Sean shifted in the bed so he could easily see the two of them. “Andrea suggested that you two would rather not be split up or separated from the rest of us.”

“She’s right,” Chastity said, wondering why he was bringing this up.

“It was also hinted that you’d both not want to be separated from me, specifically.”

Chastity turned deep red. Looking away from him, she saw Andrea who was just as red. “We…” She trailed off, unsure of what to say.

“Do you think you aren’t worthy?” Sean asked softly.

Chastity swallowed and nodded.

“This’s my fault,” Sean sighed. “I’m sorry to both of you. Sorry that it took me this long to see what was directly in front of me. You were both upset when Aria came home because she was Life Bonded and you thought she had married into the family before you, is that right?”

“Yes,” they answered in unison.

“Andrea Brandt, Chastity Bisset, I offer you the chance to become wives, equal to my other wives in all ways. All I ask is the same that they have given. It is your choice.”

Chastity began to cry softly, “But… but I’m not worthy of it…”

Andrea pulled Chastity into her lap and held her.

“All I do is cost you! Why? Why would you give me that which I’ve yearned for?”

Sean felt a sharp pang in his chest as she cried, and he pushed the blankets off so he could get out of bed. Bending down, he hugged them both. “Because as much as I’ve tried to deny it, I have always had feelings for you both. I’m sorry that it took me so long to accept this.”

Chastity shifted from Andrea to Sean, grabbing him and squeezing him. Andrea kept her hold on Chastity, but she had tears falling from her eyes, too. “What changed, Sean? We’ve been trying to let you know, but we were afraid you’d push us away,” Andrea asked.

“I dreamt of Morrigan last night,” he told them. “She told me that I was hurting the people who were waiting for me. She was right, but I was also afraid I was reading things wrong. I didn’t want to ask you only to find out I was wrong and have you hate me. I don’t want to be the guy who thinks all women want him.”

Chastity hiccupped, “You’d never be that person.”

“She’s right,” Andrea agreed. “Can we… vow?”

Sean lifted Chastity out of Andrea’s lap and stepped back, setting her on the bed. He took the seat next to Chastity and patted the bed on his other side. “Yes, Andrea. Will you join us?”

“Chastity is first,” Andrea sniffled as she went and sat beside him.

“I, Chastity Bisset, vow my life and soul to Sean MacDougal. I ask that he treats me as equal to his other wives. I will do everything in my meager power to support, protect, and care for him in return.”

“I, Andrea Brandt, vow my life and soul to Sean MacDougal. I will do everything to make his life happy and as easy as possible, and ask only that he treat me equal to his other wives.”

“I accept your Life Bond, Chastity Bisset, and your Life Bond, Andrea Brandt. I will treat you fairly and equally. You will be treasured, loved, and wanted. Please be patient with me and my awkwardness, but I will do everything in my power to shelter you, care for you, and love you.”

Both of them grabbed him and cried into his chest. Sean held them and rubbed their backs as they cried tears of joy.