by Alicia White
“Mine.” That one word was growled, and it touched her heart. How could one word affect me so much?
“I love you, Beth,” Kaden whispered, kissing the top of her head. “We’re yours. We belong to you, baby, and you belong to us. Only me and Jason.”
Her eyes burned as they filled with tears. It seemed that everything these two men did and said made her feel more in her life she’d ever felt before. She felt complete in a way she’d never been before. As if they were the missing pieces, filling her, accepting her. How was it even possible that a woman who’d been married twice, burned and broken, could now feel utter peace?
“I love you, too.” She whispered the words, directing them at both men.
She didn’t need to say their names or specify. Her men were a package deal, and she wanted them both in her life for as long as they wanted her. Maybe the old saying was true. Third time’s a charm. This could be her happily ever after. Closing her eyes, Beth snuggled in between Kaden and Jason and drifted off to dream land.
* * * *
Don’t look back. Keep moving. Don’t stop. Those words played in her mind like a scratched record…never moving forward, just jump and repeat. The forest was dark as she ran, never slowing. Newly awakened grass covered the bottom of the forest. Large stumps arose from the ground like living things, making her lose her footing and trip over each one. Yet somehow she managed to move forward…all the while her heart beat frantically in her chest. It was an effort to keep breathing.
She knew she should be frightened. Somewhere deep inside she was aware her fear and anxiety were misplaced. After all, someone or something was chasing her, right? Then, why did she feel more alive at this moment than any other time in her life? Everything seemed to slide into place. This is what she was meant to do.
A loud roar sounded from somewhere behind her. Her eyes widened and she pushed herself harder, moving faster. Anticipation tickled her senses. The air around her was warm, making her wish that she wasn’t wearing so many clothes.
She was aware she would be caught. She also knew that he would chase her forever. She wasn’t sure where this knowledge came from, but it floated deep inside her, from the unknown reaches of her mind. He wanted to claim her. Only he wasn’t alone. There were two men.
Her mind whispered something she couldn’t grasp. It was there, just on the edge of her conscience. You belong to them. She shook her head and continued on. She busted through to a clearing and stopped. This place was familiar to her. This was the place that Kaden had brought her to.
Slumped over to catch her breath, she put her hands on her knees. Something seemed out of place here. She slowly straightened and glanced around. Something slammed into her from behind. Her scream was cut short when she twisted around only to land on something warm and solid. Air came out in a whoosh and her hands made contact with hot skin.
“Hold still.” His voice was slightly distorted.
Her body obeyed him instantly. She wanted to do everything he said. He flipped them over and she opened her eyes. He was huge, and her breath caught in her throat. His eyes were solid black and his breaths were low rumbling growls. She realized immediately if she were sane, she would be afraid. Some instinct told her this man wouldn’t hurt her. She trusted him.
“Arms above your head,” he grated, and once again Beth obeyed without question.
Loud footsteps moved closer, and she jerked her head to the side, watching as another man stepped into the clearing. She couldn’t see his face, only his naked body rippling with muscles. She couldn’t shake the feeling of recognition, these men, they were hers. Kaden and Jason.
The ripping of clothes got her attention, and Beth stared at the man above her. He’d sliced open her clothes to strip her, snarling and growling while she stared at him in a daze.
He positioned himself over her, bending down to kiss or lick, moving a hand or a knee. Something was happening that she didn’t understand. This wasn’t just a random act. This was some sort of ritual. The other man circled them, but he didn’t make a move to touch her, only watched closely.
As the beastly man moved above her, she was tempted to go to her hands and knees in front of him. She wanted to tilt her neck, to present it to him and show her submission. He dragged his rough tongue across her nipples, and she arched her back, feeling wet.
“Turn over,” he commanded, and Beth immediately obeyed.
He growled and she knew that she’d pleased him. Shifting her hips, she waited for him to touch her, anticipation making her slick. She ached. She felt empty, needing to be filled. Large hands caressed her hips, moving up her back, and finally cupped her breasts, tweaking her nipples. With a gentle push, he pressed her shoulders against the ground. She laid her head on her jacket and relaxed her body. He was going to claim her, mark her. They both were. After this night, she would belong to them, exclusively, forever.
Slowly, taking his time, he pressed two fingers into her, and Beth stayed still, panting.
“You’re so wet for me,” he groaned. No, not he, Kaden. This was Kaden and Jason.
“Yes…take me, please, Kaden. I need you both. I love you.” she begged him.
“We love you, too, baby. We’re going to claim and mark you together. Jason and I, then you’ll be ours forever.”
Beth jerked awake with a start. It had all seemed so real.
Chapter 14
Beth was in the middle of the dinner rush. Had the entire town come out to eat? Heck, she had no idea that this many people lived in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park or the surrounding area. It was worse since there were only four employees total including herself, Mack, Gavin, and Susanna. She was supposed to get off work in an hour, but she didn’t see that happening anytime soon. It was a tad disappointing.
She had plans with Kaden and Jason and really had been looking forward to getting off work all day. She couldn’t worry about that now, though. She had way too much to do. Beth loaded up a huge tray with six plates and rushed out of the kitchen. The dream from the night before weighed heavily on her mind. It felt like more than a dream, it felt significant in a way she didn’t understand. Pushing it to the back of her mind, she tried to focus on work. She could ask the men tonight or maybe she could sneak off and give Emma a call.
Beth pulled out her notepad and pen as she walked up to yet another table. Would this night ever end? Moaning and groaning in her head, Beth threw a little tantrum. Her feet were killing her, and a headache was coming on strong. At this rate she’d be falling into bed and not for the gymnastics routine she’d been hoping for.
“Hello, Beth. How have you been?” She froze in the middle of flipping her notepad open.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to pretend she wasn’t affected. Looking up, she stared into the face of the man who’d ruined her life. Kirk. “How—what are you doing here?”
“I tried calling you almost a hundred times and when you didn’t answer, I went to the phone company. They tried to track your cell, but couldn’t since the phone was off. You didn’t use your credit card or ATM card either. Luckily, you still have the SUV. That’s how I was able to find out where you were. I’ve been worried, Beth.”
“I’m sure you haven’t been lonely though.” The words were out of her mouth before she could pull them back.
Instead of feeling any sort of pain at his betrayal, she felt absolutely nothing. Her heart didn’t hurt. It was so freeing. She stared at him for the first time with detached eyes and saw the pathetic man for what he was, an almost fifty-year-old, slightly overweight man with nothing to offer. He only had money and a nice house, nothing she wanted.
When they’d met she’d been in a different situation, a different person all together. She’d been so dependent. She had thought that he swooped in and rescued her, but in reality, he only paid her bills. He didn’t fulfill any of her needs. He hadn’t taken care of her in an emotional sense. His love came with conditions, and he didn’t know how to have a real relationship.
“Don’t call me that. I’m not your baby, sweetheart, princess, or honey. I’m nothing to you.”
He stared at her for a long moment. “I guess it’s a good thing I came prepared then.” Kirk put a thick manila envelope on the table. “All you need to do is sign on the dotted line. I’ll file the papers when I get back to Seattle. We should be divorced within six months.”
“It’s a good thing that I have a pen then.” Beth flicked the lid off and waited.
Kirk pulled the paperwork out of the envelope. “Why don’t you have a seat and read them before you sign. It’s never a good idea to sign a contract without going over it. Is there an attorney you can consult in this little place?”
Funny how every single word out of the man’s mouth made her want to roll her eyes. He’d always spoken to her the same way, as if she were too stupid to figure things out on her own. It was all so ridiculous. She couldn’t believe that he was sitting here inside Mack’s. She never thought she’d see him again or that he would even bother to locate her, but here he was with the divorce papers in hand. The only thing he was missing was the apology for wasting the last few years of her life, but she wouldn’t hold her breath. All she needed to do was sign.
He would be officially out of her life, and then Beth could focus on having a future. Beth pulled out the chair and sat down. She skimmed through the paperwork, scanning each word. Most of it was legal mumbo jumbo, but she got the gist. She wouldn’t be getting a dime from him, no property, or anything that she’d left behind in the house. The only thing she could consider hers was the SUV and the clothing she’d left with.
With her mind made up, Beth smiled as she signed her name. She half expected her heart to break in two, but that didn’t happen. She felt nothing at all. She hadn’t been with Kirk because he was her one true love. She realized that now. He was the man that swooped in when she’d been alone and needed someone. In a way, they had both taken advantage of each other.
Pushing her chair back, Beth nodded and walked away without a word. She didn’t know what to say. Thanks for coming by. Have a good life. She had to get back to work, but now she had way more on her mind.
Mack took pity on her and sent her home soon after her chat with Kirk. Maybe he could sense her stress or perhaps it was the fact that she’d dropped a few things. But either way, she was glad to be leaving. She wanted to spend some time alone.
Looking around the bar and grill, Beth spotted Kaden and Jason sitting that their regular table. She wanted to leave, but she didn’t want to just disappear without a word to either of them. She wanted to take a long hot bath in silence. There were so many things to discuss with the Schiller brothers, and Beth wanted to have the perfect words. How was she going to tell them that she’d been married twice? They hadn’t had all the important conversations and right now inside Mack’s wasn’t ideal.
“Hey, beautiful, are you off work already?” Jason asked sitting up straighter in his seat. He grinned wickedly, winking at her.
“Yeah.” Beth smiled, looking from Kaden to Jason. “I’m gonna head home though and relax for a bit. Can I meet you both at your place later?”
“Why don’t you come home with us? I can run a bath for you and you can relax there.” Kaden suggested.
“I just need some time to think. I’ll come over though, promise.” Beth leaned forward and planted a kiss on Kaden’s lips.
The kiss was supposed to only be a peck, but once their lips touched, she melted. Opening her mouth, she tasted him fully, letting their tongues dance. When she pulled back, Beth had a hard time catching her breath. She grinned and licked her lips before moving to Jason. There was no way she was leaving him out of this. Leaning down, Beth placed her hands on his shoulders, gripping his shirt before kissing him. Jason cupped her face, taking control. Where Kaden had been surprised, Jason wasn’t. He licked the seam of her lips and Beth opened her mouth, letting him sweep inside her mouth. She moaned before pulling away. She didn’t want to get too carried away, not yet.
“Okay, baby, we’ll meet you there.” Kaden did look a tad disappointed but seemed satisfied that she’d at least kissed them.
She wanted to talk about her dream and the future of their relationship. Relationship and future, those two words would’ve sent her running for the hills especially after just signing divorce papers. But, being with Kaden and Jason felt so right, it was as if she had just figured out what love really was. How had it taken her thirty-two years?
Pulling up to her cabin, Beth shuffled her feet as she walked inside and closed the door. Her whole body ached as she made it to the bathroom and turned on the hot water. As the tub filled up, she took off her clothes and threw them on the floor. She felt bad for not explaining things to her men, but it was hard to go into detail while her mind was a mess. When the tub was full enough to overflow, Beth shut the water off and stepped in, trying not to cause any waves.
The hot water sent a tingle through her body, making her shake slightly. She eased down, sinking fully into the heat. Beth exhaled, closing her eyes. It was amazing what a bath could do. Clearing her mind, she let go of the chaos. This was her time to just unwind. Kaden and Jason were always in her thoughts. They were permanently planted there.
“That was a nice little show I caught.” Beth jerked up, automatically covering herself, trying to hide her body from Kirk. “Two men, huh?”
The grin he flashed her was out of place and made her stomach cramp. It felt all wrong. He shouldn’t be here, shouldn’t be standing in her home. Her heart punched painfully against her chest, and a sense of foreboding covered her like a blanket. Her internal voice yelled in her head, “This is bad!”
“What the fuck!” she screamed. “Get out of my house! Get. Out. Now.”
* * * *
Something wasn’t sitting right with Jason. He didn’t understand what was happening with Beth. Was she pulling away from them? Did she really only need a little bit of space? He wanted to be rational, he really did, but he didn’t have a good feeling. The few bites of his steak sat in his stomach like a rock, the rest of his food forgotten.
“We need to tell her everything,” he told Kaden.
It was way past time that they talked to Beth about shifters and mates. It seemed that they both were avoiding that particular conversation, but they couldn’t any longer. The sooner she had all the facts, the sooner she would understand how serious they were.
“I know. We’ll tell her tonight.” Kaden nodded his head in agreement.
“I don’t want to wait. My stomach is a mess. Something’s not right.” Jason rubbed his chest. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. Shifters didn’t get sick, but he still felt ill in a way he couldn’t explain.
“You feel it, too? I thought I was just being paranoid.”
“Let’s go. I need to see Beth, now.” He felt jittery, and it worried him even more.
His bear was up and pacing around, anxious to break free. The predator fought him, wanting to shift and run to Beth. Jason just barely managed to keep him tethered back. Was Kaden experiencing these emotions? Looking over at his brother, Jason could see the uneasy feelings written all over Kaden’s face. It wasn’t just his facial expressions either. His body language told Jason that his polar bear wanted out too. It felt as if it was time to hunt, but he didn’t know what or who.
Jason sat in the passenger seat as Kaden drove in silence, fidgeting. The tension inside the cab built with each mile, and Jason felt as if he couldn’t breathe. What the hell was going on? What was happening? By the time they were pulling up Beth’s driveway, he was shaking.
He recognized two things right away. There was an unknown car parked next to Beth’s, and the front door was open. A bad feeling settled over him, making him panic. Jason was out of the truck before Kaden even parked. Adrenaline pounded through his body. He could no longer hold the bear back. The s
hift rushed through his system quickly.
White hair sprouted and grew over his body. Bones and muscles popped out of joints and melted back together, stronger than before. His claws grew and his teeth lengthened, distorting his face. He tried to maintain the human man, his normal form for Beth, but the bear wasn’t having any of it. The beast was free, pushing the man away. His clothing shredded as he charged directly into Beth’s cabin. The bear knew that his mate was in danger.
Protect. Save.
Inside the cabin, he was able to see only one thing. Beth was on the ground and a man was standing over her. He inhaled…fear and blood. He could smell his woman’s blood, and that made him snap. She was injured. This man dares to hurt our mate! His roar shook the cabin as he charged into the man, throwing him away from his woman. Using claws and teeth, Jason went after the intruder.
Hurt. Destroy. Kill.
“Mine!” He growled, slamming the offender against the wall.
* * * *
Holy fuck! Scrambling back, Beth shrieked. She didn’t know what she was seeing, couldn’t quite wrap her mind around what was happening. Shaking, she hit the far wall and rubbed her eyes, shoving her fingers through her hair. No, no, no, this can’t be happening. What the hell? Beth was stunned. She scrunched up her face as recognition smacked her upside the head. Is that Jason?
He was no longer just a man. The sheer size of him shocked her. He stood at least eight feet tall, towering over her ex, making him appear petite. Jason’s face had changed, but she knew it was him. Without a doubt, the huge creature was her man. He was slightly fuzzy, as if two beings were one. White hairs sprouted over his whole body. Nails no longer existed. In their place were long, daggerlike claws. What is he? Even stranger, why am I not scared of him?
