Trinity Bound

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  Josh stood by Hannah’s side, protecting her from wolves getting too close. She might be amazing with her magic, but if she missed just one wolf, she’d get hurt just as badly as a human. Josh couldn’t take that. A muddy brown wolf leaped from the bushes toward Hannah, and Josh swung with the bat. The metal clanged against the side of its head, the sound of its skull crushing echoing in his ears. The vibrations from the connection of aluminum to flesh and fur ran up his arm, jarring the bite. Josh cursed under his breath at the pain.

  “Josh, behind you!” Hannah yelled over the growls and wind.

  He pivoted, hitting the gray wolf in the flank as Hannah used her power to bury another wolf. Shit, the wolves kept coming, with no end in sight. What should they do? Was it time to run?

  Out of the corner of his eye, he checked on Reed. The sandy-haired wolf fought off two of the mangier wolves, growling and biting. Josh wanted to help, to see if he could hit the other wolves away, but he couldn’t leave Hannah’s side. Was this what it meant to be in a group of three? To constantly be in the middle, trying to choose between mates?

  Reed twisted his head towards Josh, caught Josh checking on him and glared, before turning back to his fight. Okay, apparently Reed could handle himself.

  A chocolate brown wolf with black ears and the left side of its face black, stared at him. His green eyes looked familiar to Josh, but he couldn’t quite place why. Startled, Josh raised the bat, ready to swing at the wolf, but something tugged at his sleeve. He looked down at Reed’s pleading eyes, as Reed shook his head.

  What the fuck?

  Wolf-Reed yelped at Josh then barked at the other wolf. They really needed to find a system to talk when Reed was in his wolf form. The other wolf gave a nod then turned his back to Josh, blocking him from the fight.

  This stranger was going to protect them? How did Reed know him? Was he part of his Pack?

  Josh looked toward Hannah, but she shared his confused look. Josh shrugged, no time to deal with it. He’d take any help he could get.

  A growl sounded behind him. Josh turned quickly to see a wolf coming at his face, teeth bared. He slammed his bat into the wolf’s side, and it let out a yelp. He pivoted, hitting it again with all his strength. The wolf went down and Hannah buried it in dirt and snow. Teamwork at its best.

  Wolves came from all directions. Josh worked with Hannah in tandem, fighting them off, killing those who dared too close. Despite the freezing temperatures, sweat rolled down his back. His vision darkened as his arm throbbed. A wolf came from behind a bush and bared its teeth at Hannah, ready to pounce. Before he knew it, he was at her side, beating the fucking thing to a bloody pulp.

  Josh looked around and exhaled. They seemed to be winning—for now. He took what he could get and grabbed Hannah’s hand.

  “We need to run. Now.”

  Hannah nodded, gripping him tightly. The other wolf, Reed’s friend, stopped in front of them and beckoned them with a nod. Apparently they were following this stranger to a safer place. Anything sounded better than the debris of dead wolves and enemies they were currently facing.

  They trailed the dark brown wolf as Josh looked for Reed, the man he’d kissed like his life was on the line less than an hour ago, followed with a slight limp and blood on his paws and flank.

  Some fucker hurt Reed. Made him bleed.

  Oh, Josh was gonna kick some ass. That was for sure.

  Thank God, Hannah looked unharmed, though she was quiet and out of breath. It could have gone worse, and they weren’t out of danger yet.

  He pulled Hannah through the trenches, the snow up to his knees. A wolf howled over the blowing wind, and she tightened her hand around his. Reed and the other wolf had almost no problem navigating through the snow, and Josh was glad he only had to pull one person. Off in the distance, a tan SUV came into view. A godsend in the middle of an icy hell.

  Cold had leached through his jeans, numbing his legs, but he held on, praying he’d make it before Hannah froze or the other wolves came back. Once they made it to the car, Josh wrenched opened the door, thanking God the other wolf had left it unlocked. Using whatever strength he had left, he set Hannah into the back seat and tossed the bat in behind her, careful not to hit her.

  He looked at the two wolves at his feet and, after nod from Reed, got into the back, holding Hannah close to his side for whatever warmth they could find. Josh watched as both Reed and the other wolf change back into human forms. The other man looked a lot like Reed. Too cold and full of painful adrenaline to stare at any naked bodies now, he handed Reed the clothes that he had carried for him. Josh looked in the back of the SUV and found another set. He gave them to the stranger who helped save their lives.

  “Josh, Hannah, this is my brother, Adam.” Reed motioned to the stranger. Taller than Reed, and a bit bulkier, he had the same green eyes but had dark cropped hair. They could have been twins.

  Adam pulled his brother into a deep embrace.

  “It’s good to see you, Reed, but let’s get the fuck out of here before someone comes back for us,” Adam grunted.

  “Sounds good to me, this is Josh and Hannah.” Reed nodded towards them sitting in the back seat.

  Hannah squeezed his hands, tense like he was, waiting for Adam’s reaction.

  Before Reed could think or feel bad, Josh spoke up. “We’re his mates. No need to be embarrassed. But it’s fucking cold out there, and I’d like to get away from those maniacs out there and get somewhere warm.”

  Adam stood there a moment longer as a pained look flashed across his face. But as quickly as it came, he brushed it away, putting on a blank mask.

  “Get in the car; we need to get moving.” Adam grunted again and went around to the driver’s side, keys in hand.

  Reed leaned into the back seat and kissed Josh then Hannah, surprising them both—and Adam. He gave an apologetic look when he backed away and jumped into the passenger seat.

  “It will be okay,” Hannah whispered in his ear, even though the wolves would hear them. She took his face in her hands and kissed him softly.

  Josh smiled and watched as they passed the trees outside of the Jeep’s window as Adam hightailed it out of the forest. Away from their cabin and captivity.

  And to think, only yesterday he’d been enjoying a reindeer hotdog with caramelized onions and cream cheese. He’d closed his eyes on a bench and heard two kids talking about people he didn’t even know.

  Now he had two people that might be his mates, one a beautiful woman with soft curves and the other a man who made him hard like no one before. A crazy Pack of werewolves were after him, bent on killing him and the two people he was falling for. He’d met a member of Reed’s family with a pained look and was now on the way to meet another Pack to explain one of their sons might be in a three-way relationship with a man and a woman.

  It was odd how things could take a turn so quickly. For the better or worse, Josh didn’t know. But it didn’t seem too complicated, right? Fuck.

  Chapter 12

  Tall trees blurred as they passed them as Hannah sagged against Josh’s side. No one spoke, either too tired or finding it too awkward to deal with the emotions running through the air, which became so thick it lay heavy on her tongue.

  Her body ached from all the magic she’d poured from her system, protecting herself and the men in her life.

  The way Josh had introduced them to Adam as Reed’s mates made her feel warm and soft inside. Whatever doubts he might have, he believed in at least something concerning them. Reed had said their names with such caring and affection, Adam would have known exactly who they were from his voice alone.

  And Adam. Poor Adam. The look of pain in his eyes when Josh spoke had hurt her heart. Something bad had happened to Reed’s brother, something no one should go through. What it was she could only guess, but she didn’t know for sure. Hannah knew there would always be a barrier between them and Adam for that reason alone. And she didn’t know if she could blame him for it.

>   “How did you find us, Adam?” Reed asked.

  “I didn’t really.” Adam answered. “I sort of stumbled across you. I’d been looking since they took you, but I couldn’t get onto the Central’s land and find you. Then after I drove around to the other side of the territory to find another way in, I came across your scent.” He took a deep breath and his hands tightened on the wheel. “I’d never been so relieved.”

  Reed squeezed his brother’s shoulder, but didn’t say anything.

  Josh rubbed circles into her wrist, infusing warmth from just his touch. She leaned into him once more and kissed his stubbled cheek. With a deep breath, she leaned forward and placed her free hand on Reed’s shoulder.

  He gasped at the touch and looked over at her, warmth in his eyes.

  “You’re hurt,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Let me help.”

  Reed smiled. God how she loved that smile. “Okay.”

  She used most of the power she had left and healed the wounds on Reed’s side and hands. It took more because she couldn’t put her hands directly over the wounds. But she didn’t want to wait any longer, not when she could still heal him.

  Adam inhaled loudly beside her.

  “You’re a healer,” Adam murmured, an odd mix of awe and resignation in his tone.

  Confused, she glanced at Reed. But he only mouthed “later” and shook his head.

  Okay, she could wait, but something was off.

  But Hannah nodded and leaned back into Josh’s arms, sighing when he held her close, kissing her forehead and temples.

  Goddess, he felt like heaven.

  As the drive continued on, no one spoke, all too tired to expend the energy. Hours passed, and Hannah reflected on the kiss the three of them had shared in the cabin before their time was cut short by the angry mob of wolves.

  The kiss felt right. Good. But could she live in a threesome? Ignoring the fact that people would scoff and call them names better left unsaid, could she deal with the emotional aspect? Having one man seemed too much for some women. The attachment, the overwhelming intensity, the sex… Everything added up to an emotional toll. But multiply that times two and it seemed astronomical.

  But the benefits and feelings of two men with her made Hannah want to ignore her misgivings and jump in head first.

  The car slowed down as they passed an ivy covered stone archway guarded by two people she could only assume were wolves by their energies. The two guards nodded at the Jeep, and Adam continued up the drive.

  Magnificent large trees covered the land. Between the trees, dark green grass was interspersed with a covering snow. She hoped the empty spaces of land would be filled with beautiful flowers come spring time. She was immediately sucked into the Redwood den. She loved it. The energy surrounding her pulsated and tugged on her, calling her home.

  This was it. The missing piece clicked into place, and she knew it. She’d never want to leave. She’d stay here with Josh and Reed forever if they’d let her.

  The Redwoods called to her.

  Adam wound along the road, passing homes hidden among the brush. Frankly, it was a beautiful den. They pulled up to a home, nestled beneath a canopy of two large trees with branches reaching up to the sky. It was a two-story, older looking home with fresh paint and shutters.

  “This is my home,” Reed said simply.

  Reed’s home. Could it be hers and Josh’s too?

  Hannah shook her head. This was too much too soon. She tucked away those promising and somewhat nerve-wracking thoughts for later.

  The front door to Reed’s home opened and people filed out.

  “Oh Reed! The sentries called to tell us you were coming.” A short light brown haired woman with warm eyes ran to Reed and held him close.

  “Hi, Mom. I’ve missed you,” Reed choked out, holding his mom and rubbing his cheek on her hair.

  Brothers, sisters, or sisters-in law, and his parents came at him, hugging, patting, and crying, reassuring themselves Reed was actually with them. That he was home.

  With such an out pouring of love, Hannah felt out of place.

  Goddess, she missed her Mother.

  How would it feel to be part of such a family, to never be alone? It was what she thought she wanted with Josh and Reed. But could they achieve it?

  Josh came from behind and held her hand. The feelings of reassurance and hope slid through her as he squeezed it. He understood. He was alone, just as she was. But it seemed like he had been alone longer. Would he want to give that freedom up and be a family? Their connection and the pulsating thread knitted between their three souls flared.

  Please, let this work. Please, let us be a family.

  “Come on, everyone. Get inside and get warm. I’ll introduce everyone once we do.” Reed ushered his family in, then stood back to take Hannah’s hand and nod at Josh.

  They walked into his home and found themselves in a cozy living room with a large L-shaped couch. She wanted to sink into the comfy cushions. Art covered the walls and framed pictures of family members dotted shelves layered with books. It looked like an artist’s home.

  Hannah fell a little bit more in love with him right then.

  Reed’s family talked above each other, eager to hear about his captivity. But they didn’t outright ask who Hannah and Josh were, though she could tell by their not-so-casual looks they wanted to.

  “Hannah, Josh, this is my family.” Reed laughed under his breath. “From the top, this is my father, my Alpha, Edward. And my mother, Patricia.” Reed pointed to a couple holding hands but looked to be Reed’s age. Edward had darker hair, almost black, but still looked like Reed enough there was no mistaking the family resemblance.

  Hannah waved.

  What was she supposed to do in this situation? Talk about awkward.

  “Over there is my eldest brother, Kade, and his wife, Melanie. She’s holding their son, Finn.” Kade looked a lot like Edward, only about an inch shorter and a soft blend of their mother’s features mixed in. Melanie was a short blond beauty, smiling and rocking baby Finn to sleep.

  “Next to them on the couch are Jasper and his wife, Willow.” Jasper had even darker hair than Kade and seemed taller, about six and a half feet. Willow had light brown hair and had pixie features. She was slender except for one noticeable thing.

  “And our soon-to-be baby.” Willow gave a radiant smile and held her protruding belly.

  A tug of maternal instincts Hannah didn’t know she possessed startled her.

  “I don’t think we can forget that, Willow. You’re a little hard to miss.” Reed laughed.

  Jasper growled. “Watch what you say about my mate, dear brother.” But his eyes were filled with laughter when he said it.

  Their family dynamics made her smile.

  “You’ve already met Adam. So here are the twins, North and Maddox.” The twins looked like wiry versions of Jamensons but with dark blond hair that obviously had come from their mother. They were practically identical but for the large scar running down the side of Maddox’s face.

  “And last, but not least, Cailin.” Reed gestured toward the most beautiful woman Hannah had ever seen. She had long indigo-black hair with blunt bangs, big, green Jamenson eyes and full lips.

  These brothers had a hell of a thing on their hands if they were typical big brothers and wanted to protect her from men and the outside world. And from the Alpha energy she felt swirling around the room, she would place money on it.

  “Hi, it’s nice to meet everyone.” Hannah’s voice was small. She didn’t know what else to say.

  “Yes, nice to meet you. Reed, can we get someone to look at Hannah? We haven’t seen a doctor yet.” Josh asked.

  “Of course, sorry, I’m being an idiot. North? Can you help?” Reed asked the twin who must have been the doctor.

  “Sure, let me take a look. I’m not a healer, but still a doctor.” North stood and walked over to her, placing his hand on her arm in a comforting gesture.

&nbs
p; Reed and Josh growled behind her at the touch. Talk about territorial, but she liked it. Who knew? Hannah noticed the looks passing between the family members but fought down the apology in her throat.

  Were they judging her? She didn’t want to be a burden to this family and she honestly didn’t want to hurt Reed.

  North walked back to the couch and opened his medical kit that he must have brought over when he heard Reed was home, and cleaned her visible scrapes and bruises. The lash marks on her stomach had healed overnight through the use of earth magic, thankfully.