by Alicia White
“Katie. Oh, my God. I’m so glad to see you. I did try to call you this morning, but I guess it was too late. Where have you been?” Chloe pulled her into the house, wanting to be close to her, loving that she was here with her to meet Adam and Brandon.
“Me! Why don’t you ask Ranger Ryan? I’ve been here, in town, for almost a freakin’ week.” Katie was shrieking, and Chloe backpedaled, unsure of what to say, shock freezing her in place.
“What? Ryan…what’s going on?” She looked at him, wanting to know the whole story but scared to actually hear about it. Adam walked over with Brandon, both of them watching her closely. “Adam…what’s going on? Why are you looking at him like that?” She knew there were unspoken words, even a full conversation happening. She felt left out.
“They kidnapped me, Chloe. These freakin’ barbarians tricked me, said they were taking me to you, and then locked me in a cabin.” Katie was fuming. This was completely unusual for her. She had always been such a calm, sweet thing.
“Who? Did Adam and Brandon have anything to do with this? I’m waiting for an answer. Someone answer me!” Chloe felt herself getting angry. Ryan wasn’t speaking. He looked heartbroken and defeated.
“It was Ryan and those other Neanderthals.” Katie walked farther into the house, away from Ryan. Every time she moved, Ryan followed her, trying to get closer.
“Adam…did you know about this?” Chloe whispered the words, hoping that he didn’t know anything.
“Yes. They came here, that day before the ceremony and told me. They said that she was their mate and they wanted time with her. They asked permission to keep her for a while.” His face was serious, and his words shocked her. He had lied and kept Katie away from her.
“Like she’s what…property? You gave them permission. She’s my sister. I can’t believe that you actually had something to do with this.” Chloe shook her head, shocked that either Adam or Brandon could be involved with her sister being taken by men who were strangers to her.
“No. I didn’t tell them they could keep her. They just wanted some time to woo her. I gave them until after our ceremony. I told Ryan she needed to be here today. I knew they would be at the door,” Adam said. He was the leader of his clan. She tried to understand what he must have been thinking.
“I’m surprised he did. I wouldn’t have. Where are your brothers?” Brandon added, looking at Ryan. Chloe hadn’t expected him to be involved. She didn’t want to be mad at them both. It was easier to just focus her anger on Adam.
“They weren’t exactly on board with bringing her here. I snuck her out of the cabin. I knew that if we didn’t come today, you’d come for her and there might be a fight. Nathan, Lucas, and Ethan will be coming here soon I’m sure.” Ryan said it quietly. He looked sad, and Chloe felt sorry for him until she remembered her little sister being scared and stuck in a house with four men.
“Damn right there is gonna be fight! You committed a crime! You took my sister, you ass. Leave. I want you gone, and keep your brothers away from this house.” She pulled Katie close and wrapped her arm around her shoulder.
“Chloe. It’s not that easy. We aren’t completely human, baby. They did what was necessary.” Adam spoke calmly, and she hated hearing his voice. He irritated her when he was calm.
“The others will be here soon. I doubt Ryan will leave. She’s his mate. You know how serious that is.” She heard Brandon’s words but ignored him as she ushered Katie into the living room, wanting some alone time to talk, wanting to create some distance and move Katie away from Ryan. She didn’t care what any of them had to say. Her only concern was her sister.
* * * *
They left the men in the entryway, talking and went to get comfortable on the couch. “I’m so sorry, Katie. You must’ve been so scared. I’ve only seen them twice, and both times that big one scared the hell out of me,” she said, feeling sympathetic and horrible that her sister must’ve been through a traumatic event.
“Nathan?” Chloe nodded her head, and Katie continued. “No…he’s not too bad, he’s a big teddy bear compared to those twins.”
“Teddy bear?” She didn’t know if her sister knew all the facts concerning the clan or even if she knew what it meant to be a mate. She wasn’t sure if she should tell her or if she should just keep the information to herself. She argued in her head, feeling a bit confused.
“Yeah…he looks kind of scary, but really he’s nice. At least he was nice to me, both him and Ryan. The other two, they were more irritating than anything. I kept asking about you. They told me that they couldn’t let me go. It was so upsetting, not knowing if you were okay or not.” Katie grabbed her and hugged her tight. “I was so worried about you.” She sniffed, and Chloe knew she was crying.
“I’m sorry, Katie. I should’ve called you sooner. There was so much going on. Losing Conner then coming here and meeting both Adam and Brandon. Everything. I left feeling dead, and now I’m happy.” Chloe rubbed her hand up and down her sister’s back, trying to comfort her, consumed by guilt for not calling.
“Being locked in that cabin, away from you, I just wanted to get here. I tried to get here, but I had no idea where you were. Ryan’s right…they aren’t gonna just let me go. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re all here. I don’t want to see them right now.” Katie moved away from their hug and stared at her, her eyes vulnerable. Chloe knew that there was no way she would let those men near her sister unless Katie changed her mind.
“It’s okay. Even if they are here, they aren’t taking you anywhere. You’re safe. I promise Adam and Brandon won’t let anything happen.” She meant it, too. She wasn’t going to let anything happen. If Katie wanted to stay, she could use one of the many guest rooms.
* * * *
Adam led Brandon and his cousins toward the living room, he knew there was going to be a fight, but that couldn’t be avoided. He’d given Chloe all the privacy he could under the circumstances. When Nathan, Lucas, and Ethan showed up, he knew things weren’t going to play out in the calm manner he had hoped for. They wanted their mate, and he couldn’t stand in the way when it came to a mating. Their kind waited years to find the right one, the one that was meant for them and them alone. The rules changed when she appeared, and Adam knew this wasn’t going to be easy for any of them.
When they walked into the living room, Katie jumped up from the couch and retreated to the corner of the room, obviously wanting to put distance between her and her mates. He heard growls and knew that the rejection alone was having a negative effect on his cousins. The animal in them was surfacing, and he needed to get some order before things really got out of control.
“What are they doing here?” Chloe’s voice held an edge he had never heard. Anger dripped from every word. He wanted to reach out and talk to her, help her understand, but now wasn’t the time.
“Katie is their mate. We can’t keep them apart. It isn’t right. Just like Conner wasn’t right by keeping you from us. A lot of pain and anguish could’ve been prevented. I can’t keep her from them.” Adam searched her eyes, hoping for some understanding.
“She doesn’t want them. I told her she would be safe here.” Chloe got up and walked toward Katie, putting herself in front of her, blocking his cousins’ view.
“She’s mine!” Nathan’s voice came out deep and harsh. Adam knew that he was having trouble keeping his bear in check. Adam was standing in front of them, creating a barrier the best he could. He knew that Katie wouldn’t get hurt. If anything, she was safe. His cousins would protect her with their lives.
“No. I’m not yours. I want to go home. Please…just leave.” Katie’s words came out more of a plea than anything else, and Adam felt horrible. This was all new for her. Ethan and Lucas blew up, not being able to control their baser instincts, which he understood all too well. He wouldn’t have been able to handle any rejection from Chloe.
“You belong to us…you know it. Don’t say things like that. You know how upset it makes them.”
Ryan’s voice broke through. He was always the peacemaker, trying to help everyone. Even now when he was obviously hurt by her words, he was trying to help both his brothers and their mate.
“I’m too tired to handle this right now. I just want some time alone.” Katie’s quiet sniffles stopped all the angry voices in the room. Adam could hear Nathan’s voice telling both Ethan and Lucas to stop talking.
“You’re not going to be able to get rid of us that easily, sweetie. If you’re staying here, then so are we. This house is big enough for us all.” Nathan took deep breaths, and Adam knew that he was trying to stay calm and talk to her, not wanting to make the room fill with any more of her fear. They could all smell it in the air, and it was making him feel ill.
“No. Adam…you can’t let them do that.” Chloe’s big brown eyes turned to him, and he wanted to give her the answer she wanted so desperately, but he couldn’t. If he kept Katie locked away, that would be against every rule they had when it came to mates.
“Chloe. He can’t. They have the right to be near their mate.” Brandon saved him by stepping in to talk to Chloe.
“I’m staying. I can’t speak for my brothers. It’s up to them, but I’m not leaving here without you, Katie. You mean too much to me. I’m sorry you’re hurt. I don’t like seeing you sad.” Nathan’s voice stopped all conversation. For the first time in a long time, Adam was shocked by the tone of his voice. He talked to Katie as if she was a young child. Very calm.
“Me, too.” Ryan moved to stand next to Nathan, and Adam smiled a little knowing they were showing her that they were willing to stay and make things work. She probably didn’t realize it yet, but Katie was in for some major wooing.
“Damn it. Nathan…Ryan…We came here to take her back with us. This is bull. I’m not staying here. This isn’t our house. Let’s just take her and leave. Four against two…we can take them.” Lucas’s voice was still full of anger, and Adam changed his stance, ready for a fight. He hadn’t wanted things to turn sour, but he wouldn’t let them take Katie.
What happened next, he wasn’t expecting. Katie started sobbing loudly, and both Nathan and Ryan turned, growling at Lucas. “Okay…Okay. Shit! I’m staying. Women…stop crying, Katie. We’re all staying.” Lucas shoved his hand through his hair. Ethan gave his twin a smirk, and he rolled his eyes.
Katie wiped her face and stepped forward, away from the wall, letting them all see her shiny face, with puffy eyes. She looked cute, but she also looked like she might be able to handle his wayward cousins. She gave a small smile and said, “Fine. We can talk later. I’m tired. Chloe, will you take me to the guest room.”
Chloe looked at him, and he knew that she wasn’t really sure where her sister should sleep. “The other wing of the house has a few bedrooms. Katie gets her own room, but you four have to share.”
“What about Conner’s room?” Adam made a face at her. They were newly mated. Did she want her sister listening to them all night? She paled a little, obviously understanding what he was thinking.
“Oh…you’re right. It’s an awful mess. I’ll take her to the other wing.” Chloe moved, taking Katie’s arm, and they left the room quickly. He stopped his cousins from following them. He had a few more things to add to their conversation.
“I’m letting you stay here because I know what it feels like to be separated from my mate. No…still means no. You four will not gang up on her. She’s way too tiny to fight you off. Has anyone claimed her? I didn’t notice any bite marks, but I really wasn’t looking.”
“Trust me…she’s in complete control. You heard her cry harder when she thought Lucas might leave. She may look fragile, but she’s not. She knows how to play them all,” Ethan said.
“Her charms don’t work on you, though, right? Please. She only has to bat those little brown eyes and you do her bidding.” Lucas’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“We’re all staying. We all want her. She belongs to us. We know the rules when it comes to mates. I’ve been waiting a long time, a lot longer than you. Nothing will happen unless she begs for it.” Nathan arched his brow and crossed his large arms over his broad chest.
“All right then, good luck. Brandon and I just were mated in case you’ve forgotten. I put you in the other wing so we could have some privacy. Don’t fight with her, and for God’s sake don’t make her cry. I’ve got work to do. Go get your things and get settled. I’ll see you at dinner. And please…hurry up with this wooing thing. I don’t want my house becoming a circus.” Adam left them all standing in the living room and headed for his office. He had a few things to do before dealing with Chloe. He just hoped she wouldn’t be too pissed.
Epilogue
Chloe lay in bed between her men. She couldn’t stop looking at them, their strong features relaxed in sleep. She loved them both so much. Their lives together had been quite chaotic, especially with Katie moving in temporarily. However, really her life was now what she had always wanted it to be. She was loved, and not by just one man but by two.
After most of the drama had settled, different members of the clan came to the main house to congratulate them. Having Adam and Brandon’s parents visit was always a treat. Chloe loved being a part of a large family and she especially loved Natalya. She was a wonderful second mother. When the day ended though, she preferred to be alone with her men.
She thought about Conner and everything that could’ve been, and that’s when the tears came. Every time she thought about him, she cried. Lately she found herself crying more frequently. She rubbed her stomach, feeling a little queasy. Doing anything lately made her feel ill. She couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep.
She crawled out of bed, trying not to wake up Adam or Brandon. She walked out of the bedroom, closing the door behind her, needing to walk around a little. Her mind was running, and she couldn’t find the peace she needed to fall into a deep sleep. She stared out the large windows looking out into the forest and felt little compared to her surroundings. Alaska was such a beautiful, majestic place.
“Hey. Baby, are you okay?” Large arms circled around her, and she moaned, moving closer into Brandon’s embrace.
“Yeah. I couldn’t sleep. My tummy’s bothering me.” She whispered the words, enjoying the silence around her.
“You haven’t figured it out yet, huh?” Adam moved, standing in front of her, and she looked up at him, feeling confused.
“What? I know that look, Adam. Figured what out yet?”
“That you’re pregnant.” He tilted his head to the side a little, staring at her. She knew he was gauging her reaction. He always did that, looking for a response.
“Oh, really? And how do you know that?”
Adam touched his nose. “I can smell it. Your hormones changed. Your smell changed.”
“How long have you known?” She searched his eyes, moving away from Brandon so that she could look at them both.
“We’ve known for a little while. We wanted you to tell us, but since you keep waking up and not feeling good I thought that maybe we should just tell you.” Brandon’s voice was quiet.
“Are you both happy?” She wasn’t able to read them, and that feeling made her feel lost and a little out of place. That was until both Adam and Brandon smiled broadly.
“We are overjoyed! God…just thinking about you having our baby is completely overwhelming.” Adam moved his hand to her stomach and rubbed her in small circles. “I love you. I can’t wait to be a daddy.” He moved toward her, kissing her lips gently.
“Me either. The question is…how do you feel?” Brandon moved to stand next to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, standing at her side.
“I’m surprised.” She started laughing, “I–I can’t believe I’m going to be a mother. I didn’t even know I could have a baby.” She started crying quietly, overjoyed that she was going to finally have a family. She had never had Conner wear protection, always wanting to be a mother. Every month that when by she became more disappointed. Maybe it to
ok having the bonding ceremony to make it happen. The reasons didn’t matter.
“Let’s go back to bed, baby…it will be my pleasure to tire you out nice and slowly.” Brandon picked her up and held her against his chest, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Adam gave her a smile and followed behind them to the bedroom.
This had been what she wanted all along, a loving family. Now, she was going to be a mother, and she had two husbands who loved and adored her. Conner hadn’t left her alone, he’d brought more to her life. And as both Adam and Brandon both started kissing her down her body, she sent a silent prayer up to Conner.
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I fell in love with romance novels after reading my first one about five years ago. I read everything I could get my hands on after that, and thousands of books later, I’m still reading. I love taking trips and meeting wonderful characters with various personalities.
I started writing Bella’s Rodeo after leaving a job I loved. Through Bella, I was able to take a journey and live out some dirty fantasies in the process. Handcuffs for Hannah was a little more challenging for me because the main female role was someone I had a hard time comparing my own personality to.
With this particular series, Novikov Clan, I feel like I’m starting to find myself as a writer. Chloe spoke to me throughout this book and I love her. I felt her sorrow, her joy, and her love. Katie’s Mates, the second book in this series, is coming out in May. She’s a little wilder than Chloe, and I had a ton of fun writing a naïve girl.
My hope is that readers will find something great in each book I write and that they will follow me on this journey. I’m learning as I go and my style changes and becomes better with each book.
