I do what she says, pressing harder on her skin, digging into her muscles slightly. When I slide my hand up by her shoulders and neck, she lets out a moan that almost makes me jizz my pants. She’s probably so sore from all the stress. I bet this feels amazing. I drop the loofah into the water and begin to massage her muscles with my hand instead. I add the other as she turns her body slightly, giving me more of her back and shoulders. She’s tense and I do my best to work out what I can, but I’m starting to get light-headed with how hot it is in here and how hard my cock is.

  My fingers are curled around the front of her shoulders as my thumbs knead into the back muscles by her neck. She reaches her hand up, placing it over mine. I freeze, not sure if this is her telling me to stop, that she’s had enough.

  Does it no longer feel good? Did I hurt her? Does she want me to leave?

  I’ve never been so unsure about a girl in my life. Dealing with girls has been one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. They’re simple creatures, really. But not Leona. I get all crazy when I’m around her, like my mind goes blank and I suddenly don’t know a damn thing. I didn’t like it at first, it totally threw me off guard, made me feel vulnerable. That was the icing on the cake for me. The lying thing was what got me first. But now… I’m realizing how stupid I was because I can’t believe I believed she was lying to me. How could I think that?

  She latches onto my hand, slowly dragging it forward. I slide over her chest, allowing her to lead me wherever it is she wants me to go. She leans back against the side of the tub, guiding my hand down until it’s over her breast, her nipple already hard.

  I swallow thickly and squeeze my eyes shut.

  She hums in satisfaction as my fingers brush over her nipple. So I do it again. And again. Each time her sounds get slightly louder. I watch as her lips part, letting out the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard. She slowly begins to spread her legs apart, my eyes watching as they move through the water. As I look back, I see her staring at me, a need in her eyes. I brush over her nipple once more before bringing my hand lower, finding her pussy nice and slick with her own juices, even in the water. I circle the outside of her hole before trailing up towards her clit. I pinch it gently, rubbing back and forth. Her hand wraps around my wrist, digging her nails in as I work her up to an orgasm that she desperately needs. She tries to force my hand to move faster, but I don’t let her.

  “All in good time, mio tesoro, all in good time.” She whimpers in protest and I can’t help but laugh. The water sloshes against the tub walls, some even splashes over, landing on the floor with a slap as I move my hand over her, each stroke of my fingers bringing her closer to the peak she’s reaching for.

  “Oh my god,” she whispers under her breath, her fingers digging further into my skin. My cock is pulsing in my pants, needing its own release, but I ignore it as best I can. I enjoy watching how hardened her nipples are, feeling how slick she is. Watching as her eyes stay squeezed shut and her lips parted. For me. Her moaning grows louder and I pick up the pace, knowing she’s close.

  “You gonna come for me?” I ask, my voice husky.

  “Yes,” she moans. “Don’t stop,” she pleads.

  “Wasn’t planning on it.” Her mouth opens a bit more, her face twisting into pleasure as she gasps for air. Her body tenses up as her orgasm hits, her hips thrusting into my hand. I slow my movements, allowing her to ride out the waves of pleasure. I pull my hand from the water, brushing my thumb across her lips as she settles into the back of the tub, her cheeks flushed.

  “You’re fucking gorgeous when you come.”

  I place a kiss on her warm forehead and get to my feet, walking out of the bathroom. Closing the door behind me, I lean up against it and quickly pull out my cock. I swear I’m about to explode in my pants. I stroke myself once and already feel the orgasm about to hit. Three more and I’m done for, coming into my hand within seconds like a fucking thirteen year old who’s watched porn and touched his dick for the first time. I tear my shirt over my head, cleaning myself up and tossing it into the pile of dirty laundry. I’m still hard as I walk downstairs and settle on the couch, but I can’t do anything more. Like I said, I’m not sure Leona is ready for this yet. Best we tell her everything and allow her to make this decision for herself.

  Nine

  Leona

  I’ve been looking forward to the weekend since I knew the last one was ending. I can’t stand going to school anymore. It’s constant anxiety, always worried people are watching me. That those wolves got to another student who will try taking me. I doubt it’ll happen, but the worry is still there.

  I’ve had paranoia instilled into me since I was a young child. I thought I’d helped myself through it, but then Elliot had to change all of that. Trying to take me once and then effectively taking me the second time.

  And I wonder why I feel helpless?

  No. No, I don’t wonder. I know. And that’s why it’s so bad. Because there are facts. Legitimate reasons as to why I feel the way I do. And that only makes it worse. I’m in a funk and I don’t know how to get out of it.

  I was looking forward to lying in bed all day, maybe move to the couch and catch up on TV shows and eat way too much junk food, but the guys dropped a bomb on me this morning. Apparently, we’re going to meet Thorne’s parents.

  Normally, this would be exciting. Meeting my boyfriend’s parents, my mate’s parents. This is a huge step. But I’m not in a good state of mind and I’m not finding pleasure in the best of things. Nothing other than sex, that is.

  Castor.

  I can’t get the thought of his hands out of my head. I feel like I’ve become obsessed with them, with sex, but it’s the only thing that really makes me feel anything right now. And I know it isn’t just about the sex, it’s about them. The guys. Feeling closer to them. It’s a connection to them like no other. And it’s not like they’re complaining; they’re guys.

  I know there is some kind of ritual that must take place, and soon, because my birthday is only in a few short days. And after that, the countdown begins. I have no issue with Thorne, I’m getting there with Castor. Things with him look like they could be good. Clearly we’ve taken a bit of a leap in our relationship if that bathtub incident says anything. But Hunter? He’s an asshole, has been an asshole, and will continue to be an asshole… even though he’s a really hot asshole. But I still feel it. Still want to be with him, near him, touch him.

  But how do I tell him that?

  It isn’t me. It’s him. He’s the one who is making it impossible to get close to. I’ve realized that recently. I tried, I really did. I was nice to him in class, I even agreed to a date when it made no sense at all. And even after he treated me like trash, I was still nice to him. He is the one who has his walls up. And I need to find a way to get them down.

  Do I think Hunter would complete the ritual for the sake of Castor and Thorne? Absolutely. He would do anything for them, I can see that. But that’s not what I want. I don’t want him agreeing to be with me for them, I want him to be with me for me. Because he wants to. Because he can’t ignore that call. The same one that I feel. Because I don’t want to ignore it anymore. It’s tiring.

  I don’t know what this ritual entails, only that sex is involved and it has to happen under the full moon. If that is literal, I have no idea, but I’d rather not have to be naked outside in the snow.

  “You ready?” Thorne asks, leaning on the doorjamb.

  That’s right. Thorne’s parents. I was so lost in thought I forgot what I was doing.

  “Almost,” I respond. I’m putting the finishing touches on my makeup, something I haven’t done in a really long time because I haven’t cared enough. I was never overboard with makeup, but I cared a little. I had my morning routine: fix my hair, put on makeup, dress up. Now I’ve got the basic bitch look going on every day. Sweatshirts and messy buns. I should be surprised Thorne still looks at me the way he does, but I’m not. And the way it makes me feel… Well, let’s just say it helps with my bad mood, that’s for sure.

  I look good right now. I know that much, but I don’t feel good. My jeans are too constricting, my shirt isn’t soft enough, my hair is in my face, and these too stiff shoes on my feet… ugh, where are my fuzzy slippers? And why can’t I wear them in public?

  I force myself away from the mirror, knowing if I don’t get going, I won’t be going at all. I walk out of the room to see all three guys dressed rather nicely. Though they always look great. They always care about what they look like and for some reason, it just hits me now that we walk around school together, them dressed to impress and me looking like the homeless girl they picked up on the corner. I groan internally at the image.

  “You look great, babe.” Thorne kisses the side of my head. I catch Hunter staring but he quickly looks away. Castor gives me a smirk and turns to head down the stairs, his puppy following behind. Thorne takes my hand and pulls me after them. I take out my phone and send a quick text to Friday, letting her know we’re leaving and will be back later.

  We pile into Thorne’s Jeep, him driving and me in the front.

  The drive seems both longer and shorter than what I remember. I felt as if I was in the car for far too long, yet it seems we reached his house as quickly as a snap of my fingers.

  Unlike the last time we were here, there is a car in the driveway. A shiny, white BMW. An ache pings in my chest at the thought of Lina.

  I miss her so much. Each day has gotten easier but it still hurts. I think of her at least once a day, and not every thought is sad. Some are little things that make me laugh. I wonder if I’d still be in this funk if she were here? Probably not. She’d kick my ass for sure, wondering how I could be so grumpy when I have three hot as sin guys living with me.

  And she wouldn’t be wrong.

  I wish I could understand it, but I don’t. There are so many things about this I don’t understand. Like why I can’t feel my wolf. Why won’t she come to me? I know women aren’t supposed to shift for the first time without their mates, to stop them from being taken by others or even mating with someone that isn’t their mate. Of course, it happens, I’m not sure how it all works, but what I do know is even though they don’t shift before the mating ritual, they still have met their animal.

  So where the hell is mine?

  Children can’t help the shift when they’re little but are taught to control it as they get older. By the time they’re five, most have it under control. I did some research on this, trying to figure out what will be happening during this ritual since most don’t want to talk about it, but I can’t seem to find anything online since it’s considered sacred and each pack has their own way of doing things.

  I push those thoughts from my mind right now, not wanting to worry about this. I’m meeting important people tonight, I need to keep my spirits up and my mind clear. Not worrying about the hundred and one issues flying my way. It won’t be easy, but I can do this.

  Thorne opens the door for me and offers his hand. I take it and allow him to help me out.

  He looks over to Castor and Hunter who are already by the door. “We’ll be there in a minute.” Castor nods and they both head inside.

  “Is everything okay?” I ask.

  He brushes a stray strand of hair away from my face. “Everything is perfect. I just want to forewarn you that they may be a little… over the top. Okay, maybe a lot.” He laughs quietly. “I only just told them about you being our mate. There is so much about this life we need to explain to you, and I promise we will, but tonight, can we just go with the flow? One step at a time?”

  I nod my head. “Whatever you think is best.”

  “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, okay? I haven’t told them much of anything so they may say some things that don’t make sense, and that’s okay.”

  I love how sensitive he is to me and my feelings. He wants to make sure I’m not thrown off guard by whatever it is they may do. I should be nervous, but I’m feeling the excitement fluttering around in my belly. It feels good to be out of the house with someone who I feel safe with. I don’t think I’ll ever feel as safe as I do at home, but it’s stifling there. Home. School. Home. School. Every damn day.

  He kisses me softly on the head and then guides me to the door with his hand on my lower back. He opens the door and we step in. The house is exactly as I remember it, only it smells much, much better.

  Someone is cooking.

  “Oh my stars! Look at you, you are even more beautiful than they described!” His mother drops the dish towel she has in her hand and rushes over, her eyes welling with tears. She pulls me into a hug and all I can do is smile and take in her lilac scent. Something warms in my chest at her contact, at her hugging me. It’s strange because this normally makes me feel uncomfortable, but something about this woman is comforting. “I am so glad you are here.”

  And I think… so am I.

  Ten

  Leona

  “Okay, mother. Let her go before you crush her,” Thorne says with a laugh.

  “I’m sorry, I just can’t help it!” She pulls back, keeping her hands on my shoulders and looking me over. Thorne looks nothing like her, except for the eyes. She is the same height as me with a similar build. She has a young face, bright pink lips, and big, green eyes. Her hair is light brown and pulled into a tight french twist.

  “Serena, come now. Let the poor girl be. She’s only just got here. Keep that up and you’ll scare her away before I get a chance to meet her.”

  “All right, I’m stopping.” She throws her hands into the air, giving me one last sad smile before heading back to the kitchen.

  “You’ll get used to her. She’s an emotional one.” Thorne’s father walks up to me, his hands tucked into his khaki slacks. I look from him to Thorne, and I swear they could be brothers, not father and son. The resemblance is uncanny. A little creepy, actually. His father looks like an older version of him, long hair and all. Only his is starting to get some grays in it, along with his beard. And I just have to say that if this is what I get to see twenty years from now, I am not complaining. He claps Thorne on the back. “How you doing, son? It’s been a while.” He pulls him into a hug and my heart warms at the sight in front of me.

  “Fine, pops. Just, you know, finding my mate and all.”

  His father pulls away and looks back to me. “Alistair,” he says, holding out his hand. I take it and shake it.

  “Leona. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Same to you, my dear. I think Serena could use some help in the kitchen,” he leans close. “Something about chocolate cake, I hear. Unfortunately, she doesn’t allow me in there while baking. I tend to taste test a little more than I should.” He chuckles and pulls back. A smile crosses my face and I look to Thorne.

  “Go ahead, we will be right here.” He points behind him towards what looks like a study, where Castor and Hunter are already sitting. I take a step towards the kitchen, but Thorne wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me to him, pressing a kiss to the side of my head. “I won’t be long,” he whispers, washing away every ounce of hesitation I had.

  I head into the kitchen as Thorne and his father disappear into the study.

  “I hear you’re making chocolate cake?”

  Serena looks over her shoulder at me, a warm smile on her face. She reminds me of the picture-perfect mother. The one who has all the smiles and hugs to cure every booboo you could ever have. The one who makes animal shapes out of your food and reads you bedtime stories at night. The kind of mother every child deserves. I take a deep breath, so happy for Thorne and how he grew up. Even the feel of this house is filled with love.

  “You heard correctly. Though I am almost finished now.” She scrapes the remaining bit of batter into the pan before dropping it into the sink. “How about helping with the appetizers?”

  “Anything you need.”

  “There is a platter of shrimp in the fridge. It’ll need to go to the table, along with the hummus and stuffed sweet peppers.”

  Initially, I think that is a lot just for appetizers, but then I remember who is here.

  I bring all the dishes to the dining room and lay them on the table as neatly as I can. This is more fancy than I am used to, but I think it looks all right. I lay out different types of crackers around the hummus and leave the cocktail sauce by the shrimp. The table is already set with the plates, silverware, and cups. I make my way back to the kitchen to see if she needs help with anything else.

  “No, darling. I think we are good for now. A few more moments and the soup will be finished. We can eat then. For now, let’s have a seat and get to know one another, hm?”

  The thought makes my stomach turn, but I know it’s for no reason. I have nothing to be nervous about, but for some reason I still am.

  “I’d like that,” I say, taking a seat in the same spot I sat in the last time I was here.

  “Thorne mentioned you come from a family of Paranormals. Tell me about them.” She sounds as curious as she does excited. I begin to tell her all about my family. What they do for work, what kind of powers they have. She listens intently and seems truly interested in what I am saying. I find she is very easy to talk to and my nerves instantly settle. She begins talking about the boys when they were younger. Apparently, Hunter has been a handful since before he came out of the womb. I also found out that both him and Castor each have a twin. They both have sisters… how have I not known this before?

  “Lovely girls, the both of them. They should be back tomorrow, you’ll meet them then.”

  “Tomorrow?” I ask.

  “Yes, darling. Did Thorne not tell you you’re staying the night?”

  “No, no he didn’t.” My hands instantly start to sweat. I’ve never been away from home for this long before. Ever. I’ve never spent the night out anywhere and away from my family. Did they know this? Are they okay with it? How did the boys talk them into allowing this? Serena places a warm hand over mine, pulling me from my almost panic attack.