by Skye Jones
“No, it wasn’t awful. Unless you’d count the most incredible sex I’ve ever experienced as awful?”
“Whoa! So you go from no sex in four years to the best sex ever. I can see why you’re freaking out, nothing like going from zero to sixty to raise the blood pressure.”
“I need to get home. Back to my own space for a while, give myself time to think.”
“So who’s the lucky guy? It is a guy right, you’ve not suddenly found yourself attracted to the fairer sex and fallen for a girl?”
“Noooo…it’s not a girl.” Should she tell him? Desire to blurt it out built, her lips twitching.
“Oh good Lord, spit it out girl. You’ve got me climbing the walls here.”
“Not a girl, and not a guy either but two.”
“You fucked two different men? In the space of what? Three days. Jeez girl, zero to sixty’s right. Wow, I’m seriously jealous…oh, wait.” His face fell. “Are they both members of that team Will has joined?” She nodded and his eyebrows shot to his hairline. “You must have caused some serious problems there. Does Will know? Do they know about one another? Did they fight for you like something out of the Tales of King Arthur?” He laid one hand over his heart in a dramatic gesture.
Kayley gave a weak smile. “Will doesn’t know anything, which is another reason I need some space. There’s not only myself to consider in this. As for the two men, they more than know about one another. We were all there when it happened.”
“You…you took part in a threesome?” Adam’s eyes bugged so wide it looked painful. “No. Fucking. Way. You did not! Shit!”
“It’s complicated.”
“Oh, don’t over analyze it.” Adam brushed the back of her hand. “Guys love shit like that. They’ll still be friends tomorrow, they got their rocks off, and so did you. End of story. Plus, you got back in the saddle, which you know, is a really good thing.”
“It wasn’t like that.” She tore at the napkin in her hands, worried about Adam’s reaction to the next part. “They’re together, they’re in a relationship.”
“They’re gay?”
“Clearly not…well, not totally.” Saying it out loud suddenly made the whole thing sound crazy. Maybe this was a huge game to them? Something they did regularly to amuse themselves. It didn’t seem that way. The way they looked at her and touched her—it held something deep. Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time she’d been fooled.
Her jaw tightened. How could she be so stupid? Her ability to judge people clearly sucked. She’d proven as much by ever getting involved with Dane. Okay, she’d spent years in therapy, and done a lot of work on her self-esteem, but did people ever really change? She might be stronger now, but that didn’t mean she’d gotten any better at reading people.
“Let’s get you home.” Adam’s voice sounded strained.
“You don’t approve.” It came out as a whisper.
“It’s not that darling. It’s only…I know what some guys can be like. They fuck around, lie, and cheat. I’ve seen it all and more. Straight, gay, or bi, there are some dudes who think only with their dicks and use people to get exactly what they want. I guess as long as you had a good time, no harm, no foul. I hope you used protection?”
A ripple of fear caused her to shiver. Stupid, stupid, stupid. The word drummed a beat through her head. Not wanting to admit how reckless she’d been in the heat of desire, she nodded at Adam and muttered an annoyed ‘of course’. She hadn’t though, had she? She’d taken their word for it that shifters couldn’t get ill or sick, couldn’t carry disease but what if that was a lie too? Will wouldn’t lie to her, but he got his information from them.
Adam’s car sat right outside the front door and she clambered gratefully into the passenger seat, mind whirring. They’d be putting themselves at risk too if they’d lied to her about that, surely? She’d seen how quickly the marks on Luke’s arm healed, so it wasn’t a stretch to imagine they didn’t catch normal human illness. A hysterical laugh forced its way out. No mere giggle, she actually guffawed. Adam jumped next to her.
“What?” He turned to her, eyebrows raised.
“Oh, nothing. Just thinking how crazy it is to be celibate for years and then have two guys at the same time,” she lied.
Not wanting to tell him the real reason for her laughter, she turned and stared out the window. It struck her as pretty funny that she sat worrying about whether Luke and Sean really cared for her, when less than twenty-four hours ago she’d witnessed the two men turn into wolves. Her priorities were kind of screwed.
Clearly her feelings for these two men ran way deeper than she dared to admit, if they could override all the crazy of the last few days. Their intentions toward her mattered more than anything, the whole wolf deal fading into insignificance, which told her she wasn’t remotely rational. None of it made any sense. Her emotions were way too churned up over two guys she’d only recently met. Lust at first sight happened, but deeper feelings took time to develop.
The fear she might be losing her mind tapped away once again, because whatever label she gave the tumult of emotion swamping her, Sean and Luke mattered. They mattered far too much.
Chapter 9
“Is this it?” Luke turned to Sean.
“Yeah, according to the GPS. I still think we should have told Will where we were going.” Sean gave Luke another hard stare.
“Don’t start with me again.” Luke bit off the words. “You know if we’d told Will, we’d have to explain why, and that’s a conversation I don’t want to have. At least, not until we know what Kayley’s going to say.”
“He’s going to be pissed when he finds out we kept this from him.” Sean shook his head.
“And? I’m the alpha here. I don’t defer to Will, I don’t defer to anyone.”
Sean sighed and held his hands up. Sometimes, there could be no reasoning with Luke when he really set his mind to something. He’d insisted they keep Kayley’s text asking to see them quiet until they’d talked with her. Will’s reaction wouldn’t be pretty though, he’d bet good money on that. The guy had been worried sick about his cousin since she left the house her only communication a note saying she needed some time back at her apartment. Will would be livid when he found out they’d lied to him.
“We haven’t lied.” Luke cut into his thoughts.
“Do you know how freaky it is when you do that?” he muttered. “How the hell do you always know what I’m thinking? It’s taking your gift and our mating bond to extremes.”
Luke didn’t seem to be listening as he scanned the area.
“I don’t like her living here. It’s not a good location.” Luke’s brow furrowed.
Sean’s irritation melted away as he watched the worry etched across his lover’s face. Luke might be partly right. The area in general had a run-down vibe, but this particular block of streets held a safe, friendly atmosphere. There were stores dotted around, restaurants and a kindergarten one block up. Sean knew how expensive property in Miami could be and would bet Kayley’s apartment didn’t come cheap.
Sure, he liked lazing in the sun, but he also enjoyed spending a day or two getting away from the touristy areas and exploring where the locals frequented. For that reason, he’d read a lot about the various districts and cities that made up greater Miami and learned rental prices were extortionate in all but the most blighted areas.
“I think it’s fine. It’s not all million-dollar condos like Bal Harbour, but I think this area is as secure as anywhere these days. It’s got a community atmosphere that I like. And I don’t think Kayley would have moved here if she didn’t think it safe.”
“She may have had no choice.” Luke gritted his teeth. “She probably couldn’t afford anything else.”
“Not true. Will told me she had some money put away, and she cleared out her account and took it with her. Her father left her it, and she used it to set herself up down here. I think she chose this area because it’s busy and full of people and life. Look.” He took hold o
f Luke and pointed around him. “There’s shops, small businesses of various types and we passed that bustling little Italian one street back. I reckon Kayley knows a lot of people around here, and I’d lay good money that even at two or three in the morning the takeout place across the way is busy. Did you ever stop to think that this is what she needed? To be surrounded by life and people? Plus, she’s got Adam. Will says he’s good people and looks out for her.”
Sean paused, not sure if he should carry on, but did anyway. “She’s not weak, Luke. She doesn’t need some white knight on horseback to come take her away from all this, much as you want to be him. If she comes with us, it will be because she wants us, not because she needs a protector.”
“You never cease to amaze me. You always see the good, and you’re probably right.” Luke ruffled his hair. One of the few things the man did that really irritated Sean. “But I will be her knight in shining armor.” He grinned and mussed Sean’s hair again.
“Knock it off.” He brushed Luke’s hand away brusquely. “Come on then, if you’re insistent we do this your way, what are we standing around waiting for?”
Sean turned and walked into the dark stairwell of the building, Luke right behind him.
They found the door to apartment 6 at the top of the stairs and Sean rapped on the wood.
“Who is it?” The anxiety in Kayley’s voice easily penetrated the door.
“It’s us…Sean and Luke.”
After a long moment, the sound of a chain getting drawn back and a bolt coming undone could be heard, then the door swung open. Kayley stood before them in cut-off denim shorts and a tight tee. Sean paused to wonder at the things her female form did to him. His mouth watered at the sight of her long legs and slim, toned arms. She was incredibly beautiful in a way he’d have noticed even if not sexually attracted to her, but the attraction pounded within him with just one look. Her long dark hair sat atop her head, pulled up into a loose topknot, tendrils escaping to curl around her nape. Her clear, deep blue eyes shone out of her face, and he clenched his fists so he didn’t reach out to touch her.
“Hey.” He gave what he hoped was a relaxed smile.
“Come in.” She turned and walked into the room. “I think we need to talk but um, I’ve not got long…I’m going out soon.”
Sean could taste the lie in the air, but he let it go. If it made her less on edge to have an out, he could play along.
“Do you want a drink? I’ve not got anything much to offer so it will have to be water, I’m afraid. Or tea.”
“Water’s fine,” Sean said.
“Nothing for me, thanks.” Luke’s clipped tone let Sean know he struggled with his emotions.
Kayley walked off to the kitchen, and Sean looked around the place. Tiny didn’t cover it; shoebox-sized, the living space didn’t leave room to swing a cat. Off to one side there was a small bathroom, door slightly ajar. Two further doors led to what he guessed must be the two bedrooms. It might be small, but the space held so much of Kayley’s character that Sean loved it immediately.
Bright paintings hung all around the walls, leaving hardly any space for the yellowing wallpaper to show through. Books piled high against one wall and a sound system and CDs dominated another. A coffee table held a book on human anatomy and another on architecture. In a corner, a pile of tattoo magazines climbed toward the ceiling. Candles dotted most surfaces and bright peg rugs covered the floor. The odd clash of comfort and chaos appealed to him in a way he couldn’t quite figure out.
“Here you go.” Kayley walked back into the room and thrust a glass of water at him.
Sean turned and saw two chairs nestled into a small table placed against the wall. He took his drink over, pulled one out and sat, placing his glass down on the worn surface of the tabletop.
“Are you okay?” He feared her answer. She looked tired. Beautiful, but tired.
“I’m fine. Honestly. I…I needed some space.”
“Come back.” Luke’s voice startled Sean, and the desperation in it seared him.
Kayley looked to where Luke stood awkwardly by the door. “I can’t.” Her voice came out as a whisper. “Not tonight anyway. I need some time and space.”
“Why? Why do you need space? Didn’t you enjoy what we did? Do you regret it? Did we push you?” Luke moved into the room.
Kayley stepped back and held her hands up. “Whoa. Easy with the twenty questions, tiger.” She reached up and fiddled with her hair. “It’s not that. I…this…it’s all so weird. You ask me to join you for some sexy fun and…I thought it would be one thing, but it turned into something else. What should have been a night of no holds barred fun became something deeper. And that makes no sense. We’ve only known each other a few days. I don’t understand why I’m feeling this way, and I don’t know what you want from me. You’re deeply in love with one another. Anyone can see that. What do you want with me? Why do you want me?”
Sean held his breath as those blue eyes locked onto his. His throat dried up as he struggled to find a way to even begin to explain. She didn’t wait for him and before he could speak, Kayley turned back to Luke with laser beam focus.
“Did you pressure him into this?” She jabbed at Luke’s chest. “You wanted a woman for a change and so you pushed him to go for it? I can’t figure the pair of you out. My gut says one thing but my head keeps telling me not to be stupid, that I’m a pawn in some sort of game, and I don’t even know what the game is, never mind understand the rules.”
She shook as she spoke and Sean realized how hard it must be for Kayley to be so emotionally vulnerable, possibly for the first time in many years.
“It’s not a game.” Luke practically hissed. He moved into her space and reached out, gently running one finger down her cheek. “I wouldn’t play games with you.”
“See! That right there is what I mean.” She pointed at him. “You go around saying shit like that as if I’m the most important person in the world to you. All the hearts and flowers crap you spout—you don’t even know me. I’m just a girl you met a couple days ago.”
“Kayley, you’re not. You’re more than that. We want to explain. If you’ll let us.” Sean spoke up, trying to wrestle the conversation back under control. “You already know what we are, we’re hardly your average guys, and this, what’s happening between us, is not your average hookup. We should have been straight with you from the start, but we were afraid you’d be freaked out. Now we’ve gone and freaked you out anyway.”
“I’m not freaked out.” She smiled for the first time since they’d arrived. “Trust me, this is not me freaking out. This is me uncertain and confused for sure, but I’m not completely losing it. Yet. I know there’s more going on, but I just don’t know what.” She lifted her head as if struck by a thought, and pointed a finger at them. “Wait here.”
She left the room and came back moments later holding a canvas in her hands. When she turned it to face them, Sean let out a gasp.
“I draw this wolf over and over again. Look familiar? I think you need to be honest with me. Tell me everything.”
Christ! Looking at the painting was like looking in a mirror. Sean couldn’t stop staring at it.
Beside him, Luke took a deep breath and grabbed hold of Kayley’s hands. He led her to the chair next to Sean. He gently pushed her down into it and kneeled in front of her, still holding onto her, looking up into her face. Sean could read the fear in his eyes, and his heart ached for the beautiful, serious man in front of him.
“You know we’re shifters,” Luke began. “Sean and I, we weren’t turned like Will was. We were born shifters. I’m an alpha. That means I lead a pack and my pack is the team, the people you’ve met. Alphas have life partners…some call them mates. It’s not like normal sex and relationships, it’s…different. Once we’ve partnered or mated with someone, we form a really strong attachment. We become bonded. It can go wrong, the same way a marriage can go wrong, but if it does, the alpha is left damaged, kind of torn up. The
y often don’t recover fully and some lose it. Some even go insane. Or so legend goes.”
“Oh my God!” Kayley’s eyes widened and a hand flew to her face. “Are we partners…what did you say? Mated? Is that what you did to me last night? Without telling me? It felt so incredible, so different from anything I’ve experienced before. Does it mean I’m bonded to you?”
“No.” Luke almost shouted the word, a muscle ticking along his jaw. “I would never, we would never, do so without your knowledge. Last night we all made love, but we didn’t mate. If I claim you in that way, you’ll know it, in a deeper way.”
“How?”
“I’ll mark you. Like Sean.” Luke nodded over in his direction, and Sean pulled his shirt collar open and down, to show Kayley the old bite scar on his neck.
“Um, that must have hurt.” She nibbled her lip and seemed to grow more agitated as they shared the truth with her, not less.
“It doesn’t,” Sean smiled. “You’re kind of gone by that point. Seriously, when this animal claims you, you’re too busy drowning in pleasure to notice any pain, and the bite is over in a second. It heals quickly, but it leaves a permanent mark so that everyone knows you’re Luke’s.”
“What about you?” Kayley asked. “Will you…claim me, after Luke does?”
“No,” he sighed. This all seemed so hard to explain, it was his reality, the only life he knew but putting it into words never came easy. “Only alphas carry out the mating bite, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be any less important to one another. We could still bite one another, leave a mark, but it won’t be quite the same thing.”
“None of this explains, why me?” Kayley turned back to Luke. Sean liked the way she already seemed to be slightly deferring to the alpha when she wanted answers. “Did you happen to meet me and think; oh she’s nice, let’s take her as a mate?”
“My bloodline is extremely powerful. I’m not only a shifter. I carry shaman blood. Legend says my great-grandmother could talk to the animal spirits, control the elements, and see the future,” Luke said. “My mother tells me, I’ve inherited some of those powers. However I acquired the skill, there are some…things I can do. I can communicate at times with animals, and I can sometimes pick up people’s thoughts and emotions. I also have a degree of pre-cognition. I dreamed about you for years. The same with Sean. My future sense told me I’d have two partners, one a dark-haired female, the other a light-haired male.”
