by B F Worlds
I still remember the day I saw her. I was even more stiff back then than I am now. The boys used to call me Robo Wolf. Idiots, all of them. Anyway, I'm standing at my locker, twirling the lock, those things are impossible to figure out on the first try, when I see her round the corner. I mean, wow."
"I can imagine."
"Yeah. Anyway, I'm standing in the hall, staring at her like an idiot. Ever since my father was killed by rogues, my only goal was to prove myself to Franklin and be commander. I wasn't thinking about boys, girls, mates, or any of it. So, when my wolf starts howling its head off and forcing a change, I was taken completely off guard. I almost had a panic attack. And then she was there. She'd seen me too and next thing I know, she's got me by the arms and my wolf is rumbling in my mind like a kitten.
We became friends. It was fun, exciting. But then the other wolves figured out what was going on. They started making fun of us. You have to understand, Franklin encourages aggressive behavior between us. Says it makes us stronger. I could have handled it if it was just me, but I saw the look in their eyes. They were thinking about going after her.
Cats aren't pushovers, but they don't train the way wolves do. I was afraid for her. I was afraid for my future. How was I was supposed to lead them if they didn't even respect me? The walls were closing in on me. I didn't know what to do. There was only one thing I could do. It broke my heart, but I went to Rachel and told her to stay away from me. That I didn't want to be seen with a cat.
Of course, she got pissed. Cussed me out and stormed away, but I knew she was crying. She didn't get far enough away so I heard the hiccups. She made my life hell after that. Made it a point to flaunt her relationships in front of me. Dean, it took everything I had not to rip them away from her. But it was my choice. I had to accept the consequences. So I swallowed my medicine and re-dedicated myself to my goal.
Then, two years later, my alpha takes me to his basement to question a rogue for him and a familiar howling makes my ears ring. I was so shocked. I didn't know mates came along twice but I thanked whatever god had given me a second chance. Franklin wasn't going to be happy about two girls but I didn't care. I'd gotten my wish, a wolf for a mate, and gods damn it I was going to fight for it this time.
Then, because karma is a bitch, you didn't want anything to do with me!"
"Vikky...."
"No, let me finish. I still don't know the full story but you were avoiding me. It pissed me off so much but what could I do? I had caused this. It was my just desserts. I was mainly angry at myself. Then this morning, you kissed me, and I was over the moon. I thought I had finally got a breath of good luck. I was skipping through the halls, eager to find you so we could, um, you know....."
"Pick up where we left off?" Dean husked.
Viktoriya squirmed in her arms. "Something like that. I went looking for you. You can't possibly understand what I felt when I saw you and her together. I thought she had found out we were mates and was trying to steal you away from me. I saw the way you were looking at her and it looked like it was working.
Then we all locked eyes and the mate bond snapped into place and everything I was feeling tripled. I was terrified and relieved, anxious and excited. Everything I had sacrificed, for no reason. I was in the exact same position I had started in, probably worse, but this time, there was no way I could walk away. You feel the bond."
"I feel the bond," Dean agreed. "And I figured the same thing. Its not something you can walk away from once you find it."
"All that emotion came bursting out. I didn't even know what I was doing when I attacked. Thank you for stopping me by the way."
"Well, I couldn't let my girls swing on each other."
"...Do you think I'm terrible?"
"Nah." Dean shifted her grip so Viktoriya was straddling her lap, putting their faces level with each other. "I think you were in a rough spot and made the best decision you could. It might not have been the right decision...." She winced when Viktoriya smacked her on the arm. "But I don't think less of you for it."
"Thank you. And you have a story you need to tell me."
"I do. But first..." Dean leaned forward and brought their lips together. There was no hesitation on Viktoriya's part this time. She eagerly returned the kiss but shyly. Dean picked up on her hesitation, and took control over it. She gently grabbed her chin to hold her in place and devoured her mouth with excruciating slowness. Viktoriya tried to speed it up but she was ignored. Dean teased her until she was grinding against her leg before she let her go, putting a finger on the other girl's lips when she tried go another. "We keep going and we're going to give the street a show."
"Right. Sorry." She snaked a hand into Dean's hair and scratched at her scalp. Dean put her head on her shoulder, humming at the pleasant touch. "I was just, uh...."
"I'm not complaining. Stay uh. Just wait until we're somewhere a little more private first."
"Right. Sor-"
"Vikky."
"...Right."
"You got Rachel's phone number?"
"Yes, why?"
"Call her and hand me the phone."
"Bossy." Viktoriya pulled her out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. "Is it weird that I like it when you're bossy? I hate it when other people are."
Dean hummed louder as the ringing phone was pressed to her ear. "Not really. I think its hot when you get angry."
The phone picked up and a cautious voice came over the line. "Hello?"
"Rachel, it's Dean."
A sigh of relief. "Oh, thank the gods. I wasn't looking forward to having that conversation."
"Too bad. You're having it anyway. Remember that date I promised you?" She felt the shoulder she was laying on stiffen and Dean knocked her head against it to calm Viktoriya down. "Let's do that tomorrow but on one condition; Vikky's coming with us."
"Another condition? You sure have a lot of those." A pause. "You think that's a good idea? This can go bad a lot of ways."
"It could but both of you are mine and I don't like having you at each others' throat. I was taught to handle problems, not fret about them. We all need to sit down and talk so we're going to do it. Okay?"
"You are so a top. Alright, cupcake. I'll text Vikky the details. And tell her to wear something nice! I want eye candy!"
"She can hear you." Dean hung up and slipped the phone back into Vikky's pocket. "Cupcake? I don't understand."
Viktoriya rolled her eyes. "It's a good thing. Weird names means someone likes you."
"Hmmm. I have a feeling she's going to be a handful."
"Definitely. Dean?"
"Hmmm?"
"I know we should be getting back but do you mind staying out here a little longer? It's....nice."
Dean wrapped her arms around her tighter and snuggled into her deeper. "We can stay as long as you like."
CHAPTER 16
"Bowling?" Viktoriya paused in putting in her earrings to stare at Dean. "She's taking us bowling?"
Dean waved Viktoriya's phone in her hand. "That's what the message says."
"Call her! Tell her to change it!"
"I'm not very sure on this dating thing, but is it alright to just force her to change plans? I despise when plans change at the last minute. It never goes right."
"Dean, look at what I'm wearing!" Viktoriya gestured down her body. She had on a reserved 'little black dress'. The skirt was almost to her knees and the collar was modest but the tight material made the best of her curves. Her hair was thrown back into a braid and dark eyeliner made her eyes seem almost otherworldly in the light. The studs were the final touch. "I can't bowl in this!"
"I believe you can do anything you put your mind to."
Viktoriya growled and threw the ear rings to the floor. "Call her!"
"You know, it's your phone. You could call her yourself."
"I can't!"
"I believe you can do any-"
"DEAN!"
"Alright, alright. Relax." Dean chuckled as she d
ialed Rachel's number. It was answered on the first ring. "Rachel, someone's not happy with your date plans."
"What else was I supposed to do? There aren't that many activities three people can do without it being awkward. Tell Vikky to suck it up. She's just mad because she's bad at it."
"Nah, I think she's mad because she got all prettied up for you but she can't show it off."
"Dean!" Viktoriya screeched.
Rachel's voice perked up. "How pretty?"
"Very pretty," Dean said eyeing the other girl with a look that made her blush.
A groan came over the line. "As much as I want to see that, I'm not changing our plans. Tell her to put on some jeans but take a picture for me? I'd owe you one."
Viktoriya was expressing her outrage as Dean fiddled with the phone to find its camera. "Remember you said that. I'll see you when you get here."
"See you soon sugarplum."
They hung up and Dean tucked the phone in her pocket. "Sugarplum? Gods."
Viktoriya's shoulders slumped. "I'm changing, aren't I?"
"That's up to you. We're still bowling either way."
With a huff, Viktoriya rolled her eyes and stormed out of the bathroom. "Both of you owe me!"
-
Rachel hung up the phone, giggling.
"You're in a good mood."
She turned to see her mother leaning in her doorway. They could have been sisters how much they looked alike. Rosa Salvatore looked as if she was barely pushing thirty; her hair was brick red, her eyes were a light brown, and the tiny wrinkles by her eyes only made her more personable. She had just gotten off work and was still dressed in her suit; the top three buttons of her shirt were undone, her tie hanging around her shoulders. Her hair was straighter than her daughter's and she wore it long, the ends of it touching the middle of her back.
Rachel skipped over and scooped her mother into a strong hug. "I am."
"You want to tell me why?"
"I found my mates."
"Honey, that's wonderful!" Rosa squealed girlishly and lifted her daughter off her feet, twirling her in circles. "Wait a minute." She paused and narrowed her eyes. "Did you just say mates? Plural?"
"Yep. Mates."
"Ooooo. Lucky girl." Rosa put her down and moved to sit on Rachel's bed. "Details!"
Rachel took the spot next to her, her smile so wide it nearly touched her ears. "Well, first there's Dean."
"Dean? A boy?"
"No, a really handsome girl. She's so tall and fierce looking. She pretends like she's a submissive for some reason but she's a beta at least. When she glares at people, gods, its like a deity is angry with you. I get all weak in the knees."
"Sounds like a top."
"I know! That's what I said. The only thing is she takes some things way serious. She's more charming than anything else, not cute at all. Her expression is always so blank. I like calling her stupid pet names just to see her reaction."
"Aww. And the other one?"
Rachel sighed and fidgeted with her hands. "Vikky."
Rosa's eyebrows jumped to her hairline. "Vikky? Viktoriya Volkov?"
"Yessssss."
"The same Viktoriya Volkov who broke your heart?"
"Mama!"
Rosa huffed but dropped the scorn from her voice. "Fine. Tell me about it."
"...I wasn't…wrong exactly. She was my mate. It was just a little more complicated than I thought. She was scared of Franklin. I can't really blame her for that. More than anything, she wants to be commander. Mama, her father died for that pack."
"It's a big burden," Rosa agreed. "And, as much as I want to say otherwise, Franklin isn't an easy man to stand up to."
"I think she'll be better now. She broke down today but Dean was there and literally swooped her off her feet. I mean, we have things to work out between us, a lot of things, but now that we're together I have this feeling that we can accomplish anything."
Rosa ruffled her hair, making her daughter shriek in outrage. "That's beautiful baby. Really great. Bring these girls over soon so I can meet them, will you? I can't wait to interrogate, I mean, talk to them."
"Oh no. Please, you cannot embarrass me in front of them."
"I won't, I promise. But...."
"But?"
"Two wolves Rach? People thought I was a freak for hooking up with a lion."
"Guess it runs in the genes."
"Yow! That's my girl!"
"MOOOOOMMMM!" Leo's voice called somewhere in the house. "Why's there nothing cooked yet? I'm hungry!"
"BOY! I KNOW DAMN WELL YOU KNOW HOW USE A KITCHEN! AND I TOLD YOU TO STOP YELLING IN THE HOUSE!" She shook her head. "Gods help me, he is such a mama's boy."
-
Rachel honked her horn again, ignoring the look the Guard on the front porch gave her. It was embarrassing, but she could feel the butterflies fluttering away in the pit of her stomach and the sweat beading on her palms. This felt different than any other dates she’d been on. Everything felt more potent. Here she was a sexy, confident feline shaking in the car like a second grader on the first day of school.
It only got worse when Dean and Viktoriya walked out the door, thankfully dressed in casual clothes. Rachel's nerves tripled and she struggled to school her breathing. "Okay. It's okay. I'm okay. My mates are two totally hot chicks who I decided to take bowling because that's going to impress them. I'm an idiot. I'm a complete idiot. Vikky hates bowling. No, no, it's fine. Bowling is background. We're going out so we can talk. Gods save me, I hate talking about feelings."
The driver side door opened and Dean poked her head in. "You psyched yourself up yet?"
"Nope," Rachel replied.
"Too bad. Out the car."
"What? Why?"
"Because I'm driving. You get to sit in the back with Vikky. So, out."
"Do you even have a license?"
"No. Your point?"
Rachel grumbled but obediently got out of the car. Viktoriya was standing by the passenger door and they met each others' eyes anxiously. Come on genius! Say something! "Hey Vikky."
"Hey Rachel."
"You look good."
"Thanks. So do you." They smiled at each other. It was just a little less forced, but the tension still crackled between them.
Dean honked the horn, making them jump. "Sorry, but can you get in the car? We have somewhere to be."
"Bossy," they both grumbled at the same time. There was a brief period of juggling before they decided on their places. Rachel walked around to the other side and they sat on opposite ends, the middle seat a gaping space between them.
Dean looked back at them with a raised eyebrow, but decided not to comment. She had a feeling it was going to be a long night.
-
Dean launched the ball and it barreled down the lane, impacting the pins with so much force that one of them flew into the adjoining lane. "Yes! Strike!" She pumped her fists dramatically, drawing laughs from behind her. She turned around and placed her hands on her hips. "What was that? You two losers have something you want to say to me?"
Viktoriya and Rachel quit laughing, the smiles staying on their faces. Junk food and light teasing had loosened them up and there was only a foot of space between them on the bench.
"Yeah," Viktoriya said. "We were saying that you're talking to the manager when he comes over here whining about his equipment."
Dean waved her comment away. "Please. He can't keep his drool in check long enough to form coherent words. Rachel, if he says something, you're in charge. I think he likes you best."
"Wow, Dean. Should I flash one tit or two?"
"Hey! The shirt stays down. A smile will do."
"Ooooo. I love it when you get possessive."
"Uh huh. You going to bowl?"
"Why bother?" Viktoriya scoffed. "We've already lost. Again."
Rachel nodded. "Agreed."
"Okay," Dean moved to the bench and the two girls made space for her between them. "Then we can do something other t
han bowling. Like talking. Something the two of you have been avoiding all night."
"Or we can get something to eat," Rachel suggested quickly. "I'm kind of hungry."
"Fine. Let's talk over dinner."
"On second thought, its getting late. Maybe we should head home. Wouldn't want your alpha getting worried about the two of you."
"Rachel..."
"Dean..."
Viktoriya groaned. "For the love of the gods, will you two quit it? Mainly you Rachel. Dean's being obnoxious, but she has a point. We need to talk and it looks like I'm going to be the one to start. Rachel, I'm sorry. So, so, sorry."
Rachel squirmed in her seat. Dean put her arm over her shoulder and pulled her closer. The smaller girl wrapped an arm over her stomach and relaxed into her. "Sorry for what?"
"Where do I start? For brushing you off? For being stupid enough to reject my mate? For hurting you and pretending I didn't know?" She shook her head. "Back then, I was confused. I was between a rock and a hard place and I didn't see a way for us to both squeeze through."
"Great. Apology accepted."
Viktoriya frowned. "Rachel."
"What else do you want me to say? I want to move pass this, I really do, but just saying the words isn't going to make me forget the two weeks I spent crying after my heart was torn from my chest!" She scooted further into Dean's side. "Vikky, I still care for you, but I can't say that I trust you. Not yet."
Viktoriya sighed. She lifted Dean's arm over her shoulder and copied Rachel's position. "That's fair enough. But I want you to know, I'll never turn away from you again. I'm not giving up my dream of being commander, no matter what Franklin thinks. Somehow, I'll make him understand that being with the two of you only makes me stronger."
"You mean that?" Rachel whispered.
"Yeah, Red, I mean that."
Rachel reached out and Viktoriya copied the motion. Their fingers laced together over Dean's stomach. "I never thought you'd call me that again, puppy."
Dean hummed in pleasure and she squeezed both of them tighter. It felt good having both her mates close and in good spirits. She just hoped she didn't break the peace when she related her story. Giggling brought her out of her thoughts and she found both girls snickering. "What? What'd I miss?"
