Chapter Twenty-One

They all went down on their knees around me, reaching out to gently stroke and telling me how beautiful I was. My fluffy bunny ate up the attention. She was all about love, and her little fluttery heart beat just for these men. She had no fear of their wolves and couldn't wait to run with them. Her top speed was probably close to theirs. Would they be surprised? But I had more to show, and there was no time like the present. In quick succession, I displayed my favorite animals to be. A big green parrot, a lioness, a golden retriever, and an anteater that I'd tried once after watching a nature show. I didn't know where all the animals lived inside me but supposed it might be like a human with multiple personalities, only a more functional situation. They actually were different beings.

Then I shifted back, retrieved my silky new teal-blue robe from the hook by the door, and wrapped it around me. "So you see why he wants me. I'm like him. I don't think any of my sisters are."

But Miles gently shook his head. "You are not like him just because the goddess gave you a similar gift. Even knowing you for such a short time, we are aware. And we will leave or stay or anything you like, but it's your choice. If you are willing, we can mate with you."

"Now?" It seemed like such a strange thing to do out of the blue. Oh sure, I'd heard the girls talking and saying that all males were horn dogs, but these three had been nothing but respectful to me. And I could sense their arousal. I wanted them too. Still… "I thought we were talking about how to keep my father from dragging me out of here against my will. You are all incredible males; any girl would want you. And I believe you are my fateds. But—"

"That's how we protect you. At least in part." Miles seemed to speak for all of them a lot, but the others were not arguing or disagreeing.

"This isn't a line, is it? I mean, I've seen guys on TV say some strange things to get a girl in bed."

"No." Jude smiled at me, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'd give anything if our first time together was not to keep you out of your father's clutches, but it is the best way we have to protect you. If you wear our marks, he can't. Not without severing all those bonds, and there's only one way he can do that."

I didn't like the sound of that. "Which is?"

"He'd have to kill us," Pax said. "Which we will not make easy for him. Even if you don't want us as mates, we will defend you to the death."

And I hated the sound of that. But standing there in front of three men who had just pledged their willingness to die for me, I wanted nothing less than to be their mate. Every animal inside me wanted them, too. I let my robe fall to the floor.

They stripped fast, so fast I blinked and all I saw was gorgeous male skin. And then they were all around me and kissing my face, my ears, my shoulders. My legs could not hold me up, but it didn't matter because my mates were handling that. I'd never really dared to dream of having a mate, at least not one of my choosing or even Fate's, since Father made it clear I was his to do with as he pleased. If ever a male did enter my life, it would be one he selected for me.

And here I was with three? Fate's gifts and my heart's desire?

They laid me on the bed, never ceasing their tender ministrations. My world was a haze of arousal in my room lit only by the bedside lamp I'd left on to make sure I could see every corner of the room when I came in. My legs parted and a hot tongue lapped at my most private parts, while other mouths fastened around my nipples, suckling and licking… I thrashed under all of them, flying over the edge into orgasm so fast I struggled to draw breath. Then Pax, it had been him between my legs, was kneeling, fitting himself to my virgin entrance.

"It might hurt, but I'll be gentle and then it will only feel good, promise, mate," he said.

I didn't want gentle, but when he pierced me, the flash of pain was sharp and fierce. And then gone, as he promised, replaced by the most exquisite pleasure. More than the physical, my spirit joined with his. He moved more quickly as I wrapped my legs around his hips and clung to his shoulders, my channel stretching to accommodate his length and girth. I came again and he spent inside me, hot jets of cum filling me before he leaned down and pierced the side of my throat, marking me. Jude took his place and brought me to yet another climax, marked me as well. I didn't think I could handle more and lay panting while Miles waited. "We don't have to rush, mate. We have our whole lives together."

I wished I was as sure. "No. Now." I wanted every moment we could have. Father was powerful, and he did not take thwarting in stride. My mates might be willing to die for me, but I was not willing to let that happen. The world would be a much sadder place without them. And even if I never saw them again after tomorrow, I would have these memories to warm me in the cold of the mountains for the rest of my life. And the knowledge that my mates still walked the Earth, well and strong. "Please."

Instead of kneeling between my legs as the others had, he lifted me astride him and brought me down to lie on his chest. His kisses were sweet and savage at the same time, as he bucked his hips and filled me in one sure stroke. Driving in again and again, he whispered naughty and loving things before he sank his teeth into my throat while hot cum poured into my core. I screamed and tumbled hard into one more orgasm, shooting stars and streaks of light filling my vision and then replaced with darkness.

Forever theirs…whatever happened next.