by Betty Legend
“Of course.”
They reach the steps, and the shifter males take sight of me, their gazes lingering.
“This your mate, Killian?”
“Yes, this beautiful woman is my mate,” he emphasizes. “Selene, these are my cousins, Garrett, Everett, and Bennett.”
Garrett, who I assume is the oldest, is as large and wide as Killian, with the same auburn hair, now wound in a bun at the back of his head. Everett, the middle brother, is maybe two inches shorter than Garrett. His hair is a more ginger red, the same length as Killian’s, and he has more freckles coating his cheeks. Bennett is the shortest of the three but stocky, his hair cut short and clean. He’s without a single freckle on his smooth skin. All of them have the same amber eyes with bronze-gold gleaming in them.
“Oh, we know she’s yours,” Everett tells him. “We can smell your mark all over her, as well as the rest of your pack.”
All of us are crowded on the porch with my guys at my sides as Killian’s cousins approach. Garrett licks his lips as he admires me.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Selene. I’m the alpha of my pack, Pack Redwood. Don’t mind my younger brothers. We haven’t found our mate yet, so they can be a bit randy.”
Killian chuckles next to them, slapping Bennett on the shoulder. “Admit it, you’re a bunch of lustful wolves.”
Emeric crosses his arms over his chest. “We do enough sharing around here. Sorry, pups, there’s no room for more.”
Garrett laughs and walks past my guys. “Didn’t think there was.”
Giving Emeric a pointed look, I examine his injuries. “We’re talking about that.” I point to the claw marks on his bicep. Looking at Killian, I frown. “I see you’re all healed.”
Killian shrugs. “We fought and made up.”
Emeric squeezes my ass. “Now we want to make up with you.”
Killian glances at Phoenix, his brows creasing. “Seems like you’re getting your hunger under control.”
“Seems that way,” Phoenix agrees. Putting an arm around me, he leads us inside.
Garrett, Everett, and Bennett have clearly been here before. They already found jeans or sweats and have beers in hand. Garrett drops onto the leather couch, clicking his tongue in his cheek.
“What a pack you are.”
Killian closes the door behind us. We disperse throughout the house, some of the guys getting beers of their own, except Phoenix. He stands behind me, massaging my shoulders, and the tension eases, thanks to his skilled fingers and strong pressure.
“Yeah,” Phoenix agrees. “We’re a strange mix.”
Emeric drops onto the couch on the opposite side of Garrett and pops his beer open. “You considering yourself a member of this family now?”
Killian comes out of one of the rooms wearing flannel lounge pants. “Let’s hope so. Sweetheart,”—he dips his chin at me—“there’re leftovers from dinner in the fridge if you’re hungry.”
“That I am.” Taking Phoenix’s hand, I kiss it. “Thank you.”
Caressing his hand over my shoulder and down my arm, he’s reluctant to release my hand. Looking back at him, I wink. The guys watch the interaction with a mix of different expressions.
“What’s it like sharing her and living together?” Bennett asks Killian as the two of them perch against the wall with open beers in hand.
“We’ve become a family. We have our good days and our bad ones.”
Emeric snickers. “Like today, when you couldn’t mind your own business.”
“Shut it. My wolf heard her cry out. You know why I came.”
“Why did she cry out?” Garrett asks them, curiosity narrowing his lids.
Putting my burger in a skillet, I turn the burner on.
“Emeric gave me a tattoo.”
Griffin and Cyrus turn their attention to me.
“What is the new tattoo?” Cyrus asks, his brows furrowing.
“Wings on my back.”
“You mind showing us?” Griffin asks, a hint of something unfamiliar in his tone.
“No, can you lift my shirt for me?” Griffin leaves the backside of the couch, sets his beer on the island, then kisses me before lifting the back of my shirt so all the rest can see.
“Wow,” Griffin gasps, “That looks beautiful on you.” Griffin’s fingers caress over my skin, his cooling, tingling touch soothing and blissful.
“That feels really good.”
Griffin leans in close. “I’ll rub you after dinner and soothe away any pain from it.”
“Please do.” Turning my chin, I kiss him, breathing in his beachy, masculine scent. “What do you guys think?” I ask as I turn to face them.
Killian grimaces at Emeric, Cyrus sighs before forcing a smile, Emeric is grinning from ear to ear, and Phoenix rolls his eyes.
“Looks hot,” Everett answers.
“Thanks, I appreciate the compliment from you and Griffin. I wanted the tattoo, and I’m excited about it, but not everyone is happy for me. They’re too pissed Emeric branded me again.”
Everett’s eyes widen, and he leaves my comment without a response as he takes another drink of his beer. Turning away from them, I huff as I turn the burger over in the skillet. Griffin comes nearer, putting his chest to my back as he caresses down my arms. Kissing my cheek, he lingers his lips, then whispers.
“They’re jealous, my love, even I’m somewhat envious.”
“They’re making me feel bad about something I wanted.”
“I know, I can sense how upset you are.” Continuing his kisses down my neck and onto my shoulder, he settles my frayed nerves and rising temper. “Give us some time to get used to it. It is beautiful on you.”
“This is why I love you so much, among many other wonderful reasons.”
“I’d rather accept it than have you angry at me.”
“You’re the smart one.”
Griffin chuckles as his lips press to my shoulder again. Under my shirt, he gently rubs my back, his magic tingling along my tender skin.
“That feels so good. Please don’t stop.”
“Tell me when it feels better.”
Turning off the burner, I leave my reheated burger in the skillet, indulging in Griffin’s cool, soothing touch.
Cyrus approaches with a guilty look. “I’m sorry, gorgeous. It does look good on you.”
Accepting his hug, I kiss him.
“Let me see it again.”
Griffin lifts the back of my shirt, and the two get quiet.
“What’s wrong?”
“What did you do to her tattoo?” Emeric barks.
Looking over my shoulder, I watch him approach, irritation showing on his tight mouth and raised brow.
“I didn’t do anything to it,” Griffin chides. “I was using my magic to soothe the pain for her.”
“What’s wrong with my tattoo?”
Emeric sneers at Griffin. “His magic combined with mine. It changed the color of your tattoo.”
“I need to see this.” Leaving them, I walk into the bathroom and remove my shirt. Over my shoulder, I look in the mirror at the gorgeous wings that start just below my shoulders, the tips ending at my tailbone. From the left, they start out red, then fade to a light purple, and fade again to a teal blue. It’s stunning, the magic in them shimmering in the light.
“I fucking love them!” I scream.
All my guys crowd into the bathroom. When I see Killian’s cousins behind them, I quickly cover my breasts with my shirt. Killian examines it first, his fingers grazing my skin.
“If it worked for Griffin, it should work for all of us.” The next touch from Killian’s fingers is filled with his vibrating magic. Over my shoulder, I watch the transition in my tattoo as his bronze-gold color merges with the red, creating a burnt orange color.
“This is amazing!” A smile splits my lips, and my cheeks are puffy. “Cyrus, try it.”
Cyrus steps forward, his comforting touch of air magic caressing my skin. In the mirror
, the tattoo morphs again, teal blue fading to silver.
“It’s so beautiful!” Grinning with delight, I look at Phoenix. “Your turn.”
Phoenix places his hand on my back, the warm magic prickling over my skin, giving me goosebumps. I watch in the mirror as every color becomes more vibrant and the light purple changes to a darker reddish-purple. When he withdraws his hand, every color shines, the magic shimmering like glitter.
“I love it so damn much.”
“Now, none of you have anything to bitch about.” Emeric crosses his arms, an annoyed expression tightening his jaw.
Keeping my shirt on my chest with one hand, I tug him to me with the other.
“I love this so much, and I have it because of you.”
The annoyed look on his face fades away. Pulling me in close, he kisses me unabashed. “It looks stunning on you, baby.”
“Thank you.”
Looking in the mirror again, I giggle. “I have all of you in my tattoo. I love it.”
“That’s some crazy magic,” Bennett says aloud, his voice drawing me to his fascinated expression.
Griffin chuckles. “That’s nothing. You should see what Selene can do.”
Nerves tighten in my gut. My magic is rapidly growing in strength. I know it’s from practicing, but I worry the stronger I get, the closer it’s bringing us to danger.
“Maybe I’ll show them sometime. I’m ready to eat and shower.”
“Let’s clear out,” Killian orders.
The guys leave the bathroom, but I remain, admiring the tattoo. It couldn’t be any more perfect and beautiful. I have a part of each of my guys with me. As I stare at it in the mirror, worry comes back to me. I never want to lose any of them. They’re all a part of me—heart, body, and soul. I fear the devil is capable of sensing our magic or mine. I don’t know how he found my ancestor, but I’m scared he’ll find me the same way, and I’m afraid it will be through magic.
Griffin enters the threshold, his hands hanging on the doorway. “Your dinner is getting cold.” Reading my expression, his hands drop, and he steps inside, closing the door behind him.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m scared, Griffin.”
Taking me in his arms, he hugs me to him. “Of what?”
“That the stronger my magic gets, it’ll become a beacon for the devil to find us.”
“I don’t believe that. There are supernaturals all over the world doing magic.”
“But do they wield as much magic as I do?”
“I don’t know, my love, but there are powerful beings that exist all over, like Ancor.”
Tears well in my eyes. “I’m scared of the devil finding us, of losing any of you.”
“We’ve taken down the Holy Accolades that knew about us. We’ve killed every demon that’s found you. We’ll handle whatever comes next together.”
“Since we took out the Holy Accolades, it’s been quiet, no demons, no new Accolades showing up. Do you think Kristo was right, that the devil went back to hell to regroup?”
“He’d have to. He can’t stay on this plane for long periods of time. Supernaturals still exist. As long as we do, he can’t merge hell and this earthly plane.”
“Once Phoenix and I bond fully, what will happen?”
“I don’t know, love.” Stroking my hair, he kisses my forehead. “But I have a gut feeling something will change, and that is what will trigger the devil to act.”
“So, we’re doomed if we bond, and we’re doomed if we don’t.”
Placing his hands on each side of my face, he meets my teary gaze.
“It’s far more dangerous not to bond. If you don’t, supernaturals will continue to wither away. It’s not a guarantee the devil will come after us. The future changes all the time by single events with rippling effects.”
“But your vision.”
Griffin strokes my back, the touch incredibly soothing to my tight muscles.
“Visions are warnings of something that can happen. If something changes, so do the visions.”
“I want to cast a spell.”
“What kind of spell?”
“A protection spell for all of us. If I use blood magic, it will enhance the spell.”
“Are you sure you’re comfortable with that?”
“I am, but I’ll need blood from each of us.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
SELENE
Stepping onto the back porch, the only male around is Garrett. Emeric is out flying, stretching his wings. Phoenix is sleeping while it’s daylight, and Griffin and Cyrus left to gather supplies I’ll need for my spell. Taking a seat on the patio chair, I set down my breakfast and coffee mug.
“Why aren’t you out running in the woods with Killian and your brothers?”
Garrett is standing with a foot perched on the chair across from me, leaning with his weight on his leg and a mug of coffee in his hand. Of course, he’s shirtless, and I can’t help my lingering eyes. He’s a beautiful specimen of a man, just like Killian.
“I wanted time to get to know you better.”
Lifting a forkful of scrambled eggs to my mouth, my brow lowers.
“Why?”
“You’re part of the family now, and word has spread about you. You’re the witch who will break our curse. Why wouldn’t I want to know you better?” His dark brow rises over the brim of his mug.
“How much are supernaturals talking about me?”
“A lot. Supernaturals finally have hope for the future.” Dropping his leg, he sits in the chair, setting his mug on the patio table. “How do you feel about that?”
A frown tugs at my mouth. “I hope I don’t let everyone down.”
“Killian tells me you’ve been studying spells and practicing magic daily, and your powers are formidable.”
“I have been studying and practicing daily.”
“You’re modest about your powers.” Garrett brushes back his long hair as his mouth slants. “It’s endearing.”
“My powers are strong. That’s all I know.”
Garrett watches me as I take a few more bites, and my cheeks flush.
“What?”
“It’s crossed my mind that Killian was born two days before me. Had that not been the case, you would be my mate.”
Breaking off a piece of toast, I look away from his alluring gaze.
“But I’m not.”
“You could be.”
My gaze snaps to him. “Excuse me?”
“I’d accept you as my mate. My wolf wants you.”
“Garrett, this is not an appropriate conversation. I’m Killian’s mate. I love him.”
Garrett reaches across the table and strokes my arm. Goosebumps rise on my arm, but I snag it out of his reach.
“You would accept me, wouldn’t you? You’re attracted to me.”
Pushing my plate away, I stand from the table.
“Attraction and want are two different things. I don’t want you.”
Jumping out of the chair, he encroaches my space as I back away from him. My back hits the railing, and he pins me between him and it. Touching my hair, he follows the strands down to my chest.
“You’re beautiful, Selene. You’re the queen of your pack. It would be your decision to accept me as your mate.”
My breathing elevates, my nerves ready to burst through and out of my chest. This is Killian’s own family, and I’m disgusted by his behavior. Will Killian believe me when I tell him what happened? Will he be angry enough to hurt Garrett? Will it start a family war? All of these worries rush through my mind as I contemplate how to handle this awful situation.
“I’m flattered, Garrett, but my heart and body belong to Killian and the other men I love. Nothing is ever going to happen between us.”
Garrett pushes his massive frame into me and forces a kiss. Jerking back from him, I slap him.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
Garrett places his hand on his cheek and laughs.
“There’s no one here, Selene. You can give in to what you want.”
“How much clearer do I need to make it?”
Garrett pushes his dick into me.
“Much more clear. I know you want me.”
Magic flares up in my palms the same as the anger inside me. Blue essence slams into Garrett, throwing him back several steps.
“Stay the fuck away from me.”
Garrett laughs, but it’s not cruel; it’s impish like his grin.
“That was cute, little witch, but weak.”
Reaching his hands out, copper-colored magic swirls out of his palms. Roots emerge between the railing, wrapping around my ankles. Coming forward, he unzips his jeans. Fear surges through me, and I outstretch my palms, fire magic swirling in them.
“What will you do with that? Roast some marshmallows?”
Creating a blazing fire between us, I block his approach. A malicious stare tightens his mouth and narrows his eyes as he walks through the fire, the flames singeing his jeans.
“That’s not enough to stop me from getting to you,” he growls.
Aiming his hands at the fire, a mist emerges, stifling the flames. Coughing, I lower my hands to the roots and burn them to ash. Running out of the foggy cloud of smoke, I’m slammed to the floor, the weight of his body heavy on me.
“Running isn’t going to stop me from catching you. I’m a predator, and you are my sweet little prey.”
Turning me over, he pins my arms above me, and his wolf fangs descend beneath glowing predatory eyes.
“Do better. If I truly wanted to hurt you, you’d be dead.”
Garrett climbs off me and lowers his hand for me to take it as his eyes return to solid amber.
“I’m not just here to spend time with Killian and get to know you. I’m here to push you and give you an adversary to practice your magic against.” His tone is normal, like the man I met and hung out with last night. With a wiggle of his wrist, he insists I take it. “I don’t want to fuck you, Selene, but I needed to push your buttons and see what you could do.”
Grimacing, I take his hand and stand as my brain tries to make sense of this.
“Whose idea was this?”
“Mine, but I told Killian my intentions. None of the men who love you are going to use their full strength of magic against you, but I will. You can practice against me and my brothers and learn to use your magic to fight.”
