Brian chuckled, appearing rather pleased. "I'll be nice and not say a word."
"Thank you." Liam seemed relieved, making me wonder what their parents were like in person.
Brian returned his attention to me. "Alright. I'll make sure not to touch your cacti."
"You have to water them though if I forget," I added.
Brian lifted his eyebrow at me. "Really?"
"I'm 110% serious," I replied.
He sighed. "Sure."
"And you have to be nice to Pix. He's not here all the time, but he normally minds his own business unless he's hungry or super bored," I pointed out.
"Meow meow meow." Pix began meowing over and over again while his tail slowly moved back and forth.
"Fine. Just don't break anything." Brian stressed, looking at Pix.
"Annie breaks more items than Pix could possibly manage to do as a cat," Liam acknowledged.
Brian and I nodded. "True."
The three of us smiled, and I relaxed. "Guess I accept your terms and conditions."
"Then be ready for a challenge because I'm not as easygoing as my brother," Brian announced. I grinned as I gave him a confident look.
"Challenge accepted. Do your worst."
"Sia."
"Mhmn, cactus bunny run," I mumbled.
"What does that even mean?" Brian asked.
"Don't know. She's probably dreaming about cacti and bunnies? Sia, baby. Wake up."
I stirred and turned over as my hand clenched onto whatever was draped over me. I didn't remember having something to cover me when I went to sleep, but it felt nice to have it in my half-asleep state.
"The world would end, and she wouldn't wake up," Brian stated.
"It's just really hard to wake her up," Liam defended.
"Clearly."
Liam sighed, giving the impression he'd given up on trying to disturb me from my deep slumber. Yes. Leave me to sleep.
"She's your mate, isn't she?" Brian whispered. The comment left me curious, and I fought to stay awake a bit longer to listen in on what Liam would say. I felt something gentle brush my cheek.
"Yes. Realized it during our trip to the resort," Liam said softly.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Brian hummed.
"How did you know I had a girlfriend?"
"An intrigued secretary told me."
"Tell Jaiyana to stop snooping," Liam grumbled.
Brian chuckled. "Hey, you found your mate. Don't get all cranky."
"You're okay with that?"
"With you having a mate who, frankly, is pretty badass for a secretary? You sure she ain't no secret agent?"
"I'm pretty sure."
"I'm actually happy for you," Brian confessed. "She brings out the real you which I haven't seen for awhile."
"The real me?"
"The laid back version who doesn't worry about being someone he’s not. I know we switch a lot, and most of the time it’s because of the shit going on with the pack and stuff, but I don't want you losing yourself. I guess with Sia around, you shouldn't have a problem."
"What about you? Isn't Mom pressuring you to find your mate?"
"Yes, but no way am I going to mate with Lilith. Annie's already scheduled to mate."
"With who?"
"Can't say. Swore not to tell. She was an apparent candidate for me, but Mom said she'd break every plate in her kitchen."
Liam chuckled quietly. "Annie is the clumsiest individual I've ever witnessed in all my life. I'm impressed Sia can handle her and her tardiness."
"She's good at direction when she's in wolf form."
"Ya, because she can smell her way back. I swear, your senses are heightened in human form though," Liam mused.
"I think that was a miss on Annie's part." Brian sighed. "She does mean well though, and that's why I keep her here. Who else will pay her when she breaks everything and takes years to come back from an errand?"
"She's a strong shifter though," Liam conceded.
"Third in our pack and thus, why she was a potential candidate," Brian replied.
"Lilith is second then? When did that happen?"
"Before I left. We had a new wolf join our pack, and it made sense to retest everyone. I didn't want anyone getting comfortable and thinking their spot in the pack was safe," Brian admitted.
"True," Liam agreed. They were silent for a moment before Liam sighed. "I'm worried about telling Dad about Sia."
"Because she'd be queen when you take over?"
"Yes. I don't want her involved in all the drama and power struggles."
"She'd handle it just fine in my opinion. She's CEO of her self-made company and a billionaire at that. She's what? 25?"
"Ya. I know she could handle it, but I don't think it's fair."
"You're scared to lose her?"
"Yes."
"She won't leave."
"A part of me knows that...but...sometimes, I'm just scared. We're lucky our parents stuck by one another when we were born. The chaos and drama they must have endured and continue to deal with today. I just don't want to push her away. She deserves the world, and I want to give that to her. She's the first person I've really had a connection with. Like, in a loving manner."
"Awww. My brother is all vulnerable and shit."
"Fuck you!" Liam huffed.
"I may have just met her, but I got the impression she could handle whatever is thrown at her. I don't know what happened in her past that contributed to her becoming such a strong individual at her age, especially with shifters who've walked this world for centuries and still act like little children, but she'll be fine, and I think Dad will like her. If she lands on his good side, he won't let the clan try and walk over her when he's around."
"So you are smart at times," Liam teased.
"Fuck off. Let's get going, it's already late," Brian grumbled.
"Sia? Wake up," Liam whispered, shaking me gently. I groaned and snuggled into the soft sofa.
"Give up already. Succubi are difficult to wake up, period."
"Who said that?"
"The new guy who owns McDonald's now is an incubus. He told me."
"An incubus owns McDonalds?"
"Yup. Weird right? Seduce me with some salty fries."
"No wonder why he’s loving it." Liam sighed. "Bet he's living the life."
"The more flings he has, the stronger he becomes."
"Is that rumor true? I know they have to have sex a lot and some of them have sex slaves, but I didn't actually think they gained strength from it."
"It’s because succubi are rare now. There are plenty of them in South Asia, but they stay away from the United States. I'm surprised though. Sia doesn't act like the typical succubus."
"I have to agree with you there, but she's a hybrid, so maybe that has something to do with it."
"She is?"
"You didn't notice?"
"No. She hides it well," Brian admitted.
"Then I'll let you figure it out." Liam chuckled.
"You just like making my life harder."
"When I can, brother. When I can. Aww shit!" Liam cursed.
"What?"
"Was supposed to take Sia home early today. Well, she's not waking up anytime soon." Liam sighed.
"Why? She's independent, isn't she?"
"She is. You'll understand later. Let's get going. Pix?"
I felt something brush my nose before I heard a low purr. "Meow?"
"There you are. You were sleeping next to Sia the whole time?"
"Meow."
"You don't even talk cat," Brian grumbled.
"Don't get all antsy just because wolves don't like cats."
"They're evil."
"Uh huh."
"Hmph. Don't even care about me."
"Pix can fit in my hand,” Liam exaggerated. “He's not hurting you."
"You say that now. Wait till he's older. Boom, one scratch and you're a goner."
"For a huge ass wolf, you have the weirdest fears
."
"I'm not afraid of a cat."
"Meowwwww."
"Oh, fuck no. Don't come near me you demon."
"I'm not afraid my ass! Oh, torturing you is going to be so much fun. I'm going to ask Sia to bring Pix everywhere."
"Fuck you, vampire breath."
"Sticks and stones-"
"Nope. Don't want to hear that shit from you. Had enough of it since we were little. Don't need that reminder. Let's take Sia home. Are you crashing at her place?" Brian asked.
"Probably. We'll see when we get there."
I felt my body being turned on the sofa and lifted into what I believed was Liam's strong arms. I shifted slightly, resting my head against his chest before I relaxed. My sleepiness seemed to return on cue, and my mind started to drift.
"Hey, Liam."
"What?"
"Just make sure you keep an eye on Sia. If the people who keep bothering me find out about her, she could be in danger."
"I doubt it. You think they would sink so low as to involve an outsider? That would be really bold. If Succubi are anything like wolves and vampires, the moment they find out one of their own has been attacked, shit will go down," Liam revealed.
"True, but maybe they think she's human. You can't tell what she is at first glance."
"Fine. I'll keep an eye out and maybe talk to Nick about it. For now, I think we have nothing to worry about."
"Cool. Let's get going. Where's that stupid c-OW! Fucking cat! This is why I hate them."
"Insulting Pix isn't getting you on the friendship list." Liam chuckled.
I felt Liam lower me and something soft landed on my stomach. In seconds, I heard Pix's soothing purring and a small smile formed on my face.
"See? Sia's asleep and she can feel Pix's love. You shouldn't be such a scaredy cat. Get it?"
"No, I don't get it. Let's go home. I'm driving," Brian mumbled, sounding annoyed.
Liam just chuckled. "Have to admit, I miss annoying you all the time."
"I think we should reveal we're twins sooner or later. I'm impressed no one has noticed," Brian noted.
"Everyone is too busy to notice the differences unless we're together. Let them struggle."
"And Sia calls me evil. Hmph."
"Admit you like the nickname."
"You're walking too slow."
"I can feel the love."
"Fuck off."
"In the air."
"I'm leaving your ass behind, and piss me off enough I'll steal her from you."
"Can't steal her heart, but I'm willing to share."
"You know what? I take it back. I hate your relaxed self."
"Just like I hate your hair."
"Ugh! Get over here or I'm legit leaving your ass."
"Ya, ya." Liam chuckled quietly. I wanted to continue listening, but my mind was slowly being claimed by the darkness. I felt something soft press against my lips. I let the darkness take over and felt a wave of happiness at the whispered words that followed me to my dreams.
"Sleep well, Sia. I love you."
The smell of bacon hit my nostrils as I stirred and turned over to the empty side of the bed. I pondered whether to go back to sleep, but the soft sounds of purring grew louder and louder until it was right at my left ear.
"Meow?"
"Five more minutes," I mumbled, not ready to get out of bed just yet. It was so nice and warm, but I did miss Liam's body heat.
I wondered what time I'd fallen asleep. In fact, when did I get home? Maybe I'm still at the office. Man, that bacon smells good. Bacon means coffee, right? Coffee...bacon...naked Liam? Yummm, naked boyfriend motivation.
I opened my eyes and saw bright blue eyes peering at me. I gave Pix a lazy grin as I lifted my hand to stroke his little head. "Good morning, Pix. Are you hungry?"
"MEOW!" he replied with excitement before he rubbed his head against my chin. I giggled and leaned down to rub my nose against his.
"That's a yes. Let's get ready. I need coffee. Ugh, do I work today? No, what day is it? No, time...I really need coffee." My thoughts were scattered, and I needed coffee to set me to rights.
I got out of bed, noticing I was still in my red lace lingerie set. Damn, was I that tired last night? How did I get home anyway? Hmm...definitely need coffee.
I reached out for the nearest shirt, my eyes locking onto Liam's black top, and I slid it on. After ruffling my black locks with my fingers in hopes of taming the tangled mess, I dragged myself toward the kitchen. Maybe after a good cup of coffee, my body would reboot and feel energized to start the day.
Pix's little footsteps followed me and the smell of bacon and coffee grew stronger. I rubbed at my sleepy eyes that were barely open at this point and shuffled my feet on the floor. Coffee. Bacon. Naked Liam. Motivation at its finest.
When I walked into the kitchen, I opened my eyes slightly to see two Liam's. Both of them were bare-chested and their identical sweatpants were low enough for me to see those pleasurable V-lines that were clearly meant to distract me.
Both sported messy hair that stood up, and their eight packs remained on point. Where do they find the time to work out? I can't believe there are two of Liam. This dream is pretty nice.
The duo looked up from the plates they set on my kitchen island to stare at me.
"Morning Sia," they said together, and I knew in my mind I was dreaming.
"Two Liams. The world is ending," I mumbled before I shuffled to the island. One of them snickered while the other sighed.
"Is your girlfriend still half asleep?"
"Sia baby? You awake?"
I glanced left and right, looking at the two of them as if they spoke another language I didn't understand. I felt Pix poke my leg and I glanced down to watch him move to one of the stools. Yeah, sitting and coffee.
I walked over and pulled out the stool to sit. Pix hopped up and clung to Liam's shirt that I'd borrowed, and I lifted him up to the island to eat his bacon sitting to the right of me.
Brian sighed. "She had 14 hours of sleep and she's still a zombie."
"Morning, Sia," Liam said.
"Hmm," I hummed, trying not to fall back asleep.
"She needs coffee," Liam suggested.
"Can I have some too? I'm not excited for work today," Brian whined.
"Sure."
I must have dozed off for a while because when I opened my eyes, I had gone from sitting at the kitchen island to resting in Liam's arms on the living room sofa.
"Liam?" I asked.
"Hmm?" he responded but sounded super tired. I opened my eyes slowly as I adjusted to the daylight that entered the room thanks to the large windows.
"What time is it? We have work," I pointed out, sitting up and scanning the familiar living room of my flat. Liam reached out and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me back into his arms.
"No work till this afternoon. Brian called into the office and said something came up. They'll move the meeting to a later date," Liam explained.
"But..." I trailed off with a yawn, and Brian walked over with a cup of steamy coffee.
"You fell asleep at the kitchen island. Clearly, you're tired. Coffee?"
"Yes please," I replied. Liam let me go after a quick kiss on my neck. Both of us sat up and I immediately reached for the coffee in Brian's hand.
One sip and I sighed in utter bliss. "Whoever made coffee should be anointed as a saint."
Liam chuckled and Brian grinned. "I'll agree with you on that," Brian replied.
"How are you feeling, Sia? You're not normally that tired," Liam noted.
"Ah. I don't really know. It must have been all the traveling and then working right away with little sleep. I have to kind of mentally prepare myself to work long hours or it hits me like a truck," I admitted.
"Makes sense," Brian replied.
"Did you guys bring me home last night?" I asked as I took another sip of the delicious coffee. It was perfect with the right amount of sugar cubes.
"Yes. L
iam tried to wake you, but you were mumbling nonsense," Brian noted.
I blushed and pouted my lip. "My bad."
I glanced at the window for a moment and wondered where Pix was. "Where's Pix?"
We heard something fall over in the hall, and Liam and Brian sighed. "Breaking shit," Brian grumbled.
"He's probably having fun knocking things over. Pix?" Liam called out. The room was silent for ten seconds before little footsteps could be heard. Pix appeared and walked from the hallway to where we sat on the sofa. He jumped right into my lap, prompting me to move my cup out of the way to avoid him tackling it.
"Morning Pix," I hummed.
"Meooww!" Pix cheered and began to purr with satisfaction.
"That cat is addicted to you. Why don't you just adopt him?" Brian suggested.
"Uh...I didn't think about that. He's Alexander's...OH FUCK!" I exclaimed, almost dropping my coffee. Liam took it from me while Pix gave me a startled look. I groaned.
"Sorry Pix. Oh, Alexander is going to fucking kill me." I ruffled my locks and tried to remember where I put my phone.
"Why?" Brian asked.
"I promised to have dinner with him last night. I didn't think I'd fall asleep. It didn't click in my head until now. Fuck...what if he's mad? I don't want him to think I did it deliberately." I tried to get up, but Liam's arm wrapped around my waist, stopping me from my new mission to find my phone.
"Relax, I already told him," Liam revealed.
"Huh? You told him? What do you mean?" I questioned.
"I told him you fell asleep at work after the long day we had. You didn't mean to miss out on dinner. He said you owe him a drink," Liam explained.
My shoulders sank in relief and I sighed. "Thank the heavens. He's not mad? He was okay with it?"
"Why would he be mad? You're an adult and if work goes overtime, why is it a problem?" Brian asked. I gave him a troubled look, unsure how to explain. Liam decided to comment.
"Alexander likes Sia but doesn't have the balls to tell her."
"That was totally the summarized version of the dilemma," I pointed out. Liam shrugged, and Brian shook his head.
"In man speak, his ass doesn't have the balls to tell you straight up that he's interested. Seeing as he hasn't, he technically shouldn't have his balls in a knot," Brian announced.
SEDUCE MY HEART Page 4
