by Jenny May
The crying grew louder and one of her arms wrapped around his neck while the other went around to his back. For nearly half an hour Zara cried, and not once did he or Cooper say anything. They knew she needed to release it, and as her mates, they were there for her as much as they could be. Sometimes silence was just more powerful than words.
Chapter 5
Zara eased herself from Cooper’s arms feeling completely drained. Even though her limbs felt heavy, somehow deep within her she’d felt lighter than she had since she’d heard the news about George. The men’s eyes followed her as she walked into the small kitchen. Lord only knew what they were thinking. Or maybe they already knew. Rogue and Cooper’s support was everything she could have asked for, and more. It was nice, for once, not to have to go through the heartache alone.
She glanced back toward the living room. “Would either of you like a drink?” The voice Zara heard didn’t even sound like her own. It was hoarse and left her throat on fire.
Cooper stood. “That would be great. I’ll take whatever you got.”
“Same here,” Rogue said, quietly.
That man is something else. She studied his profile as he stood and looked at the floor. He was stern, yet there was a softness deep within that drew her to him. Zara opened her fridge and looked inside. She blinked and twisted her mouth. Well, this wasn’t good.
“How would you two feel about running into town with me? I’m afraid I’m out of…everything.” She was going to say drinks, but she didn’t have food, either. And after her cry, she was feeling damn hungry. She’d still hadn’t had a chance to eat. All she could do once she’d gotten inside was stare at the barn. The moment she’d seen them racing for her house, she’d panicked. The whole time Zara had been fighting to go back up there. For what, she wasn’t sure. She even thought about starting a fight, just so she could see them again. The bonding was taking over fast, and she couldn’t deny that a part of her was thankful for it. As much as she loved George, she missed someone in her life. Maybe it was time to move on. It hurt to think about it, but it had been a year.
Ugh, she was so wishy-washy. Although she knew the time length, she still couldn’t get over the fact that she’d meant forever when she’d said “I do” to her previous mate. Plus, what if he wouldn’t like her bonding again? What if for some reason it made him sad or angry. Would he view it as her betraying him? Too many thoughts were going through her mind and she suddenly noticed that the men were looking at her. “I’m sorry. What?”
A small grin came to Rogue’s face. “I said it’s kind of dangerous, don’t you think?”
“Oh. Right.” Zara took a deep breath. Well, this was a problem. Sure, she could go alone, but she didn’t want to be parted from them. Her hands were shaking as she reached for her phone. She pressed her dad’s number and turned on the speakerphone. The deep tone of her father’s voice echoed throughout the room.
“Zara?” The way he said her name was as if he couldn’t believe she was actually calling him.
“Hey, Dad.” She’d almost called him Nikolas. It felt weird thinking of him as her actual father.
“Are you okay? I mean, you never call.”
Of course she didn’t. But neither had he. “I’m great, actually. I have news, and I needed to tell you before word got out.”
“Oh?”
The way his tone deepened, she knew he was bracing himself. One of the last times she’d spoken to him, he had the same pitch. It was when she told him about bonding to George. “I’ve been going on rides at night, and,” she glanced at her men who were looking at her nervously, “Dad, I’ve kidnapped two men who were spotting on Dark Days land.”
Rogue’s eyes got big as he looked at her.
“You did what! Zara Cathleen, what were you thinking? Have you lost your mind?”
A smile came to her mouth. “I think I have. But you gotta understand, they’re mine. They’re my mates. I had to.”
Cooper was smiling and shaking his head, and Rogue was hiding his behind his hand.
“Zara, do you know how much trouble we’re going to be in if Logan Harrison finds out you took two of his men?”
“A lot.” She sighed.
The sound of her father’s boots pacing on the wooden floor of his living room could be heard over the speaker. “Who are they? Do you know their names?”
“I do,” Zara said, lowly. “One’s name is Cooper, and the other,” she looked at Rogue, “the other I had to knock out to get back to my house. It’s Rogue, Dad. The one I was telling you about a long time ago.”
Silence met her for a few seconds, and she heard him take in a deep breath. “The…Rogue. One of the brothers?”
“Yes.” Zara grabbed her purse. “Anyway, they’ve given in to the bonding and we’re going to live here at my house. I just thought you should know, and I was hoping for your consent on this mating.”
“Of course. But I’m going to have to call Logan. Come up with a story, or something.” The excitement in her father’s voice was evident. Rogue would have been a dream for him to have as part of the pack. But if what her mate said was true about her dad, she wasn’t sure she wanted him to be involved with her father at all. The man she’d known wasn’t corrupt or shady. At least, not that she had been aware of. But if he’d somehow turned that way, she couldn’t have that for Triple Z. It was time to find out what was going on with her dad. Her leader.
Zara grabbed the keys off the counter. “Well, do that. Tell him they came to me willingly. They’ll say they did.” Rogue nodded at her. “Anyway, we’re off to buy groceries. I just didn’t want you to get a call and freak out if someone said there were enemies in our territory.”
“Sounds good.” He paused. “Wait. I want you to all come for dinner, Saturday. How does that sound?”
She looked over to her mates. “I’ll talk to them. I’m sure they won’t mind. I’ll call and let you know our answer.” Zara hung up the phone and slipped it into her purse. She couldn’t deny she was surprised by how fast Nikolas wanted to see them. Saturday was only a few days away. Usually, her father’s schedule was extremely tight. She’d once had to wait a month to have a meeting with him. They’d never been close, and he’d never given her special treatment.
Her entire life she’d pretty much just viewed him as Nikolas, her father, but also her alpha. He didn’t feel much different than anyone else she’d known. Where most kids had stories told to them, and got hugs on occasion, all Nikolas had ever done since she was five was throw her from one training camp into another. Maybe he did want her to be the best alpha there was, but she’d never truly wanted it. All Zara dreamed of was leading a normal life. And she had. Even if only for a short amount of time.
She glanced toward her mates. “Well, that’s taken care of. Would you both like to go to the store now?”
“You are one amazing liar,” Cooper said, in shock. “That’s a little scary.”
“She’s an alpha, Coop. The way her mind works isn’t like others. She’s meant to survive and thrive in any environment possible. Even if it’s lying to get what she wants. That’s what makes some leaders bad ones. It comes too natural.” He narrowed his eyes at her, but it wasn’t angrily. It came across to her more as him trying to figure out what she was up to. She had no doubt that they were confused by her back and forth. But reality was, if she was going to be mated to them, she wanted to stay here, at Triple Z. Now, she’d made that possible. At least she hoped.
“What Rogue says is absolutely true. The words just flow when I feel the need to protect myself. But it was either I make the move and say I did it, or tell him that you snuck in. I’m perfectly happy with taking the blame. I wish to stay here at Triple Z. I’m sorry if I took the choice away from both of you, but I can’t leave my home. Please understand and don’t be upset.”
Cooper looked over at Rogue, and she could tell he was taking it the hardest. “Wow, I never thought we’d be going back, but this kind of sets it in stone, I guess.�
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“So you’re not mad at me?” Zara lowered her head.
“No,” both of them said.
Rogue held out his hand. “I’m just happy you’ve come to the decision to give us a chance. I promise you won’t regret it. Now how about we go get us some food.”
Taking his hand made butterflies come to her stomach. She reached around and laced her fingers with Cooper’s while they headed to the side of the house where her Ford Escape was parked. The poor SUV was in need of a major wash. The dark blue color looked gray from all the dust.
As they loaded in she tried to remember the last time she’d actually driven anywhere. Her brothers had brought her food since she’d become reclusive to her house. Damn, she’d been out of the loop for a long time.
The key slid in and she turned the ignition. Nothing.
“Battery’s probably dead. You want to pop the trunk for me, Zara?” Cooper climbed out of the backseat and she did as he asked. Rogue was quick to follow him. As they messed around under the hood, she hit Zain’s number.
“Zara?” He sounded just as surprised as her father had. It almost made her laugh.
“I need you to come jump my car.” She paused. “And meet my new mates.”
The sounds of crickets could have been heard if any would have been around. As it was, the only thing she could hear was her brother’s breathing.
“Zain.”
“What mates? You never mentioned that earlier.”
It was going to be harder to convince them than it had been her father. “I’ve had them tied up in the house for the last few days. Why do you think I wanted you to leave so bad, earlier. And don’t worry. I already called Dad so there’s nothing to worry about. Are you going to come jump my car or not? I’m starving and we need to go buy food.”
“We’re on our way.”
The line disconnected and Zara climbed out and walked next to Cooper and Rogue. “My brothers are going to come give us a jump. I told them the story about me kidnapping both of you. Let’s just say you’ve been here for three days. As long as we’re all on the same page with the story, everything should be fine.”
They both nodded, and it wasn’t long before Zavier’s truck came hauling ass in their direction. The dust billowed and she could tell from their faces, as they approached, that they weren’t happy about the situation at all.
Zain was the first one out. His eyes went right to Rogue and he slowed considerably. Zavier was quick to catch up with him.
“Men, these are my brothers, Zain and Zavier. Zain is the older of the two.” She turned to her mates. “Brothers. My new mates. Cooper.” She paused. “And Rogue.”
The energy of their wolves pushed against Zara’s skin and she knew they were testing what they were up against. At both of her mates pushing back, she had to look down as she smiled. Her brothers didn’t stand a chance, and the faster they knew that, the quicker they could get over the whole testosterone battling that most of the men did when they first met.
“So yeah. Wanna give us a jump or what?”
“Not yet,” Zain said to her. “Explain, Z. I’m not buying your bullshit story about kidnapping these two for a second. First off, there’s no way you could have gotten Rogue…Rogue,” he said, emphasizing his name, “back to your house by yourself. No fucking way.”
She raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you doubting my strength? I assure you I did. Took me a while, but I got them here just fine.”
“When? How?” Zain looked her mates up and down.
Zara groaned. “Easy. I was going for a ride down by the pass the other night when I picked up their scent. I snuck over to Dark Days—”
“Dark Days!” Zavier growled. “You fucking jumped the border for them, Zara?”
“No,” Zain snapped at him. “She didn’t. She’s lying about all of it. We would have heard her if she was down by the pass. We’ve spent nearly eighteen hours a day spotting. No way she would have gotten by us. Think about it, Zavier.”
The anger coming from them was overwhelming. Zara shrugged. “Maybe you’re not as good as you think. I did it, I’m telling you. Now let’s get past this.”
Zain turned to Rogue. “I don’t know you, but I know enough that I’m not stupid. She can’t out-alpha you. There’s no way she got anywhere close enough to you to knock you out. No way.”
Rogue pressed his lips together and looked at Zara. She shook her head, no, but she knew it was pointless.
“I came to Triple Z to take over. We were hiding in her barn. Cooper and I had no idea that she was our mate. Now that we do, I guess you can say things changed. I have no desire to put her through any more pain. If she can get your father to stop dealing in illegal activities, I’m sure we can get everything straightened out.”
Zara lowered her head. Dammit, Rogue!
“I knew it.” Zain glared at her. “Don’t ever lie to me again, Zara. As for the two of you.” He brought his attention back to her mates. “I should kill you.” His eyes cut to her. “If I didn’t love my sister, I would. Count yourself lucky. But I assure you one thing, if you do anything to make her unhappy, you’re mine. I don’t care if I have to shoot your legs out from under you, first, just to get to you. I will.”
Cooper rolled his eyes. “That’s the last thing you’re going to have to worry about. We want to help her heal. To make her happy with us. We’d never do anything to hurt Zara. You forget that we can feel her pain. We know what she harbors inside, and it is not something me or Rogue enjoy feeling. I can assure you of that.”
A quick nod came from Zain as he took in Cooper’s words. “Well.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “This is why you’ve changed.” He glanced toward her mates, but settled back to looking at her. “I’m glad. We’ve been so worried about you. These men will be good. I know you, Zara. You’re stubborn as hell. Embrace what they have to offer. Take it and be happy. You deserve this.”
Her eyes lowered, but so did his face. He was making sure the connection of their gaze wasn’t broken. “I mean it, Z. You’ve been so strong this last year, and you shouldn’t have survived. But you did. Now take this gift and make it everything. You, better than anyone, know what a good match these men are for you. They’re strong. Healthy. Wolves. You have nothing to worry about.”
Zara stepped back. She knew what he spoke was the truth. The biggest fear she had was losing another mate. Even if she could get past the guilt for having them to begin with, the thought of going through a loss again was downright terrifying.
“He’s right,” Zavier said, lowly. “George would have wanted this for you. He would have wanted you happy. Not alone and crying all the time.”
Would he? How did Zavier know? She almost asked but kept her mouth shut.
A frown came to Zain’s face. “We won’t tell Dad about Rogue’s plan. I don’t think he’d take to the news too well. He hasn’t been himself lately.”
The wolf inside her stirred. Zara could feel the alpha within hum through her body. Regardless whether her dad was the leader or not, they shared the same blood. Triple Z belonged to her, just as much as it did to Nikolas. Her people were the top priority, and she couldn’t help but wonder how they were fairing under his rule.
“Tell me what you mean by that? What the hell happened? I’m so lost and the more I hear, the more I can’t help but worry. Tell me about Dad. I want to hear everything.” At the growl of her stomach, she put up her hand. “Wait, I have to get some food first. I seriously am running on empty. Would you two like to come over for dinner tonight? We can go over everything then. Dad wants us to come to his house on Saturday, so I’d like to be caught up to speed by then.”
Her brother’s nodded. “Let’s get your car going, and we’ll be back around seven tonight. How does that sound?”
“Great.” Zara watched as her brother brought the truck around and the men started talking. She couldn’t help but have a weird feeling in her stomach. They all got along so naturally. George had ne
ver warmed to her brothers. Their wolves always set him on edge. But her mates, now, they were laughing and talking. It was so different, and yet wonderful. Maybe having Cooper and Rogue come into her life wouldn’t be such a bad thing. She did want them here. Zara just hoped her brother was right about George. Hopefully, he was happy for her.
Chapter 6
Rogue’s hands were shaking as he set the table. This was not what he was used to. Cooper seemed to be right at home, helping Zara cook spaghetti in the kitchen. Although it warmed his heart to see the two of them hitting it off wonderfully, he couldn’t get over how fast things were going. He knew he was committed to their mating one hundred percent, but it still didn’t make things easy. Loneliness had been his companion for so long that getting used to two people’s energy consuming him constantly was a little overwhelming.
The beer was cold as he sucked it down. If the little grocery store would have sold something stronger, he’d have gladly gotten it. But they hadn’t. Just beer and wine coolers, and he was not about to resort to the latter.
“Rogue, what’s your favorite movie?” Zara glanced over at him and he was thrown off by her question.
“Uh, I don’t. I don’t watch much television.”
“At all?” Shock covered her face. At the shake of his head, she nodded. “What about song?”
A laugh came from his mouth. “I’ve heard a few songs here and there, but I don’t think I could tell you the names of any of them.”
“Color?” Her white teeth flashed as she smiled big at him. To see her so happy all of a sudden had his heart racing.
Rogue tilted his head. “Guess.”
“Black.” She laughed.
“Bingo, darlin’.” The beer was starting to sweat against his hand and he rested it on the table. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“Not at all.” Her hip swung out and connected with Cooper’s thigh. “What about you, cowboy. Movie. Song. And color. Ten seconds. Go!”
