Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

C elebrating Alvablot with a black-tie event is ironic. Originally, this was meant to give an offering to the elves to appease them after the harvest. Yet here we are dressed to the nines to eat tiny expensive canapes, drink sparkling wine, and feel important.

My dress is a tiered lavender number that evokes whimsy. Trailing out around me in multiple layers of chiffon the design is sickeningly feminine. Thin straps show off my shoulders and fold down into a ruffled sleeve that kisses my fingertips.

"I look like a cupcake wrapper." I stick my tongue out at the reflection I don't recognize in the mirror.

"Come out, Brat. It can't be that bad."

Leaving the hot rollers in my hair, I stride to the door of my room, careful not to trip on the excess fabric. I yank it open and the four men go silent.

"You hate it."

"No." Cadoc steps forward and runs a calloused finger down my bare shoulder. I shiver.

"You're beautiful like this. Soft and touchable like a flower petal, but edgy like the Brat I know."

"Oh." My tone is hushed.

"I'll be proud to have you on my arm." Cadoc tilts my head up and I blink, wondering if I was in a dream. The ritual opened up something between all of us.

"The dress is stunning, but it's the wearer that matters." Kirk admired me with a sincere smile that makes my heartrate increase.

My eyes shoot over to him, surprised by his candid answer. Doc likes to hold things close to his chest until the moment is right.

"Thank you, Kirk."

"I could stroke your ego more, but you have eyes. You're going to blow everyone away tonight."

Bo runs a hand over his clean-shaven sharp jaw. His dark eyes rake over me, making me feel indecent. "All the men are going to envy us because we get to come home with you. Do you know what the best part about that is?" Bo asks.

Cadoc turns my head to face him.

"No." I meet Bo's heated gaze.

"They can't because you belong to us." Bo flashes a sharp toothed smile.

"If they even attempt to do anything more than cast longing looks from across the room, we're going to have problems."

Bo wraps his tattooed hand around my throat. "Because I don't share with anyone other than this clan. Do you understand?"

"Yes." My panties dampen.

"I never minded making a scene. If I have to prove a point tonight, I will. And you're going to let me. No protests or lip service." Bo taps his thumb against my trembling lower lip. "I know how hard that is for you."

My eyelids flutter to half-mast.

"Tonight is about appearances, and no one plays the game better than me. So, you follow my lead and we'll be just fine."

For once, Bo's cockiness is deserved.

"I'm not a doll."

"No, you're too smart for that. You understand better than most what it takes to survive." Bo's voice is shaded with an unusual emotion, admiration.

"Are you trying to scare her?" Fell's voice drips with scorn.

"Princess and I are coming to an important understanding, aren't we?" His minty breath brushes against my face.

"Yes."

Bo squeezes my neck tighter and finally releases his hold, stepping back.

Fell holds my gaze. "We're going to put our bullshit aside for the night, Yl."

I bite my tongue to keep my caustic response to myself. "Of course."

"I'm going to hold your hand, touch you, and smile at you, and you're going to reciprocate."

Fell's commanding tone weakens my knees.

"Laying it on thick while you have the chance, huh?" Bo asks.

"We need to get along," Kirk reminds us.

"And we will." I offer a fake smile. "Better?"

"No." Fell frowns.

"It'll pass," I insist.

Fell turns away from me.

"We'll let you do the finishing touches. The car will arrive to pick us up in the next thirty minutes." Fell grabs my wrist and pulls it to him, pressing something in my palm.

I look down, stunned to find my old cellphone.

"There are things Alpha didn't give you yet from college," Cadoc explains.

"I made sure it was charged." Fell gives me a half-smile.

"Don't say we never gave you anything, Princess."

Kirk chuckles. "We thought you might like to have it back."

"You were right. Thank you—all of you." I pull the phone to me, grateful to have a piece of my old life back. "I'm going to get ready." As they leave, the room suddenly feels three times bigger.

My clan has large personalities and bodies to match. I study the missed calls on the phone. Kez hasn't stopped calling or leaving messages. I want to hear her side of the story.

Agitated, I feel my hormones surge. Not tonight. I move to the bathroom and toss back two pills to keep my raging lust in check.

Removing my rollers, I fluff my hair, pin the curtain bangs, and artfully style the hairpin. Adding a sharp cat's eye, I roll lavender oil on my pulse points, slip my feet into heels, and return to find my cell dancing across the nightstand. Kez calling.

I walk away from the conversation I'm not ready to have and hurry down the stairs. Descending, I admire the snug fit of Cadoc's black tux. His diamond cufflinks glint in the light.

He's styled his hair in a way that frames his masculine, square face. The dark blue bow tie brings out his cerulean eyes.

Fell's navy-blue suit highlights his paler skin tone and golden blond hair. The black lapel makes him stand out and contrasts beautifully with his white button-down.

My neutral doctor is dressed in a smoky gray formal suit with a pattern carefully overlaid on the rich material. His body is impossibly perfect in the be-spoke suit that'll shock the women who'd overlooked him over the years.

Bo rounds out everyone with his brash velvet maroon tux with a silken black lapel, onyx cufflinks, and a white handkerchief in the pocket. They're a walking luxury ad.

"Why did he send us a car?" My question is an attempt to distract myself from the puddle of desire forming in my silk panties.

"Control," Cadoc spits the words out.

"We can't just leave if we're at his whim." Kirk nods in agreement.

I frown. "This doesn't seem paranoid to you?"

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Bo adds.

"We're not the enemy," I glance up and close my eyes momentarily.

"He doesn't know that yet," Fell says.

"Alpha is the one who put us all together. If he's worried, it's his fault." I scowl.

"Logic never applies to the person who holds all the cards and power." Kirk shrugs.

"That doesn't make it any less screwed up." I sigh.

"All you need to worry about is thinking happy thoughts, Brat. They'll smell you a mile away if you go in with your blood boiling."

"You're emoting, hard," Bo cautions.

I turn to him, astonished by his insight. "People usually don't notice my emotions at all."

Fell clears his throat. "That was before last night."

We'd talked about what the ritual might've changed.

"You were bigger in wolf form," Kirk adds.

"The car is coming. Show time."

Cadoc's rumbled warning sets the tone for tonight. We're a happy family learning to work together for the greater good.

Nothing to see here folks, look away.

One hour later

Tucked between Bo and Cadoc, I'm a shiny bit of fluff with a serene smile. We walk into the ballroom off the main entrance of the Jensen home.

Musicians play throughout the home. The strings, woodwinds, and brass blend beautifully, creating a magical atmosphere. I feel like I've stepped back in time for a royal ball.

Bo's mother and father are holding court in front of us in a pretentious receiving line. I keep my back straight and step carefully, mentally chanting, be graceful .

Growing up with an older brother, I'd always been a bit of a tomboy. I cared more about my artwork than I ever did fashion or make-up, though rooming with Kez helped that immensely. I miss my old friend. Or the woman I thought was a friend.

Conflicted, thoughts of my old roommate bring melancholy. Shoving her out of my mind, I hold my head. Cadoc squeezes my hand.

"Mother. Father." Bo flashes a blinding smile. He steps partially in front of me. He kisses his mother's cheek and shakes his father's hand.

"May I present my new clan, Cadoc, Kirk, Fell, and the lady of honor, Ylva."

The petite brunette with glossy chestnut curls, a rich tan to her olive skin, and a flawless heart-shaped face with full red lips twisted in disgust as she peers at me. The scarlet mermaid gown is painted onto her curves, highlighting her generous bosom, tiny waist, and full hips.

She studies me with disdain filled doe-shaped, cold amber eyes. "Welcome to our home."

"Thank you for having me, Mrs. Jensen."

"Looks like we'll be seeing more of you." His father's appraisal is more unsettling. Calculated and thorough I sense him sizing me up and deciding how he can use me to push his agenda.

"I'm glad you could attend. I know what an exciting time it must be for you now." His mother says the right things, but her smile is tinged with evil.

"It is. There are so many new things to learn and decisions to make. But we wouldn't miss it."

A glimmer of shock glints in her eyes. I can play the political game just fine. I simply chose to stay out of it before now.

"We shouldn't hold the line up any longer. You understand." Bo places a hand on the small of my back and leads us away from my future in-laws.

"I never knew you could be so civilized, Princess."

"If you want me to keep this smile on my face, you'll shut that irritating mouth of yours," I keep my words low so we're not overheard by others.

Cadoc snickers. Bo leans in and brushes his lips against my ear.

"Careful honey, others might hear you."

I am not turned on by his husky tone.

Bo's brother appears in front of us. "I'm shocked you decided to show."

"Why Brooks? I've always enjoyed a party."

The black-haired boy with amber eyes takes after his mother. Shorter, and thin, he's got the elfin look of one who's been touched by the fairy folk.

"I figured you'd be too embarrassed given how you tormented your future mate."

Bo's hand wraps around his brother's throat. He presses Brooks against the wall.

The others surround us, blocking the confrontation from prying eyes.

"Little brother, you know better than to test waters too deep for you to swim in. Because we're family, I'll let it slide this once. But if you ever bring up my past with my mate or question the bond we're creating, you're going to regret it." Bo tightens his hold. Veins in his hands stand out, and his eyes narrow to slits, the brown nearly black as he stares at his brother emotionlessly. His lips thin and his jaw turns to granite.

His brothers' face turns red.

"Understand?"

"Yes," Brooks rasps.

Bo releases him, and steps back, straightening his clothing before he slaps his cheek, with a sadistic grin. "Spread the word. Ylva is off limits."

"You're crazy." Brooks he hurries away.

"Nice chatting with you, Brookie." Bo waves.

Shivering I watch him flee from his own kin. I'm mated to a monster. But he's willing to protect me at all costs. Does that make his actions justifiable?

"So much for lying low," Fell says.

"That never works for anyone in the long run. Better to set boundaries early on. You look parched, Princess. Let's grab you a drink." He leads us to a server carrying a black tray full of champagne glasses. Snagging two, he hands me one and downs his own.

"That's better." He replaces his glass while I sip from mine and the others grab one for themselves.

The amount of money being worn by the people around us could feed a family of four for a year. It looks more like a fundraising event than an old Norse celebration.

The divide is clear as the old families gather in small clusters that everyone else moves around.

"You look stunning tonight."

I turn to the kind, familiar voice and grin.

"Jen," I'm relieved to see the friendly face of the perky blonde who'd helped me find new clothing.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm the one who chose it."

I laugh, "Job well done."

"Yes. Keep dressing her like this and we'll never want to take her to anyone else," Bo agrees.

Jen claps her hands. "That's my plan. I wanted to make sure everything fits well."

"It was perfect, Jen," I assure her.

"Good. I'm going to make my rounds and use you as my muse for the night. If anyone asks."

"I'll let them know you were the genius behind the look."

"That's my girl." She winks, stalking away on four-inch black stilettos that match the mid-thigh sparkly number molded to her body like a second skin.

"Jen is a force." Bo laughs.

"I noticed."

"Well, hello there, Bo." A sultry syrupy voice speaks from behind us.

The smile fades from his face and he turns to face Andrea. The young wolf who refuses to bow out gracefully.

"Excuse me for a moment, Princess. I have something to take care of."

Her eyes dilate. I grip Cadoc's arm tight. What the hell does he think he's doing? I'm horrified by the anger that curls my hands into fights. Shaking, I try to calm the she-wolf inside me who's out for blood.

We haven't been here ten minutes and he's already ditching me for a girl who's supposedly in his past.

"She can say whatever she needs to right here," Kirk's sharp voice shocks me.

"You don't speak for him." Andrea's shrill screeching hurts my ears.

"We're a clan. What affects one of us, affects all of us." Fell steps closer, forming a semi-circle around her.

"Are you going to let them threaten me?" Andrea bats her false lashes at Bo.

Digging my elongating nails into the fleshy palms of my hands I focus on the pain to remain grounded. I cannot lose control of my wolf here.

"No, but I might." Is that guttural voice mine?

Andrea's brow lines, and she takes a step back. "What's wrong with your eyes?" Her voice raises an octave.

"I'm a wolf the same as you." I snarl. I'd never exhibited the normal signs of shifting before. It was one of the main reasons I'd been ridiculed. Poor Ylva, so weak she's more human than wolf.

"Look at me, Brat." Cadoc cups the back of my head and turns me toward him.

"No one's going anywhere," I say.

"The slag was just leaving," Fell adds.

"Excuse me." Outrage clings to her words.

"I don't." I bark.

She jumps back and Bo turns to me and leans down.

"Did you forget your place, Princess?" He winds my hair around his hands and pulls it taut, forcing my head back. "Do you think you get to tell me what to do?"

"N-no." I lean into the tension he's causing as my she-wolf hums in approval.

"That's right. Now shut your mouth like the good little wolf I know you can be and let me handle this."

I clench my teeth. My she-wolf bristles at his quick dismissal of us for the other woman.

Andrea smirks. I turn my head to hide my glassy eyes.

"Let's mingle," Cadoc suggests. It's an unspoken rule they don't get too involved with my relationship with each of them.

Bo releases me and I stumble back into Cadoc, who hustles me out. Bo turns his attention back to Andrea.

I was stupid to think things would change. I let them lead me through the crowded room nodding in the right places during conversation, shaking hands, and giving meaningless responses.

I'm the face of the Alpha's new mission to save us, and nothing more. I ignore Fell's concerned look, retreating into myself.

"Excuse us, we're going to step outside for a moment," Fell leads me onto the balcony. I welcome the cool air on my face.

"Why are you acting like this?" Fell asks.

"I'm being the doll you all wanted." I stare into the darkness.

"Who said that?" Grabbing my elbow, Fell spins me to face him.

"I have eyes and ears," I say, my bravado fading. Away from the public eye, my fake confidence crumbles.

He reaches for me and I lean away. "I fucking hate this."

"Yes, I'm sure it's painful to be forced to spend time with me."

His mouth opens and closes. "I-I didn't say that."

I turn my back sick of the game I'm being forced to play. I cross the balcony, and place my hands on the cool stone.

The grotto lit by cool blue uplighting, and the waterfall in the rustic pool create a serene backdrop.

Fell steps up behind me and places his arms on either side. His firm body presses against mine and I stiffen to keep from leaning against him. I want to grind my ass into the bulge in his pants.

"Don't let this erase who you are. Once the pack gets their claws into you, they never let go. I don't want that to happen to you." He rests his head on mine. "You were right to leave."

"What?" I move to face him.

"Don't turn around," Fell commands in a gruff tone.

I swallow hard and press my thighs together. My breasts grow heavy in response, and my pussy clenches in anticipation.

Sex was always amazing between us. While my mind balks at the thought of being intimate, my body craves him.

"As much as you deny it, I can smell how wet you are. Your body knows it still belongs to me.

I shake my head, unable to speak. Had I leaked that thought into our link? Am I so touch starved I salivate at the smallest scraps?

"I wish I could've gone with you." The visceral pain coating his words is raw.

He sounds sincere. The part of me that loves him wants to believe his words and let them heal the hole he ripped in my chest.

"But you didn't."

"I know."

I allow myself a moment to enjoy the closeness before I disentangle myself from his embrace. I refuse to be swayed so easily by his regret.

"You can't run from me forever."

I ball my hands into fists. "No, but I can make sure you feel everything I did." I turn away without looking back, making my way back inside with Fell trailing, a silent shadow.

I find the others gathered speaking with Alpha.

I mentally curse my timing.

"Ahh, just the woman I wanted to see."

Alpha holds out his hand, forcing me to take it. I can't refuse with all eyes on us.

He kisses my knuckles. I force a smile, hiding the fact that my skin is crawling.

"It looks like the five of you are settling in nicely. I guess all the time hidden away in your new home has been working." He leans closer, narrowing his eyes at my unblemished neck. Inhaling above the mating gland on my neck. The invasive observation makes me want to scream.

"But still no claiming mark?"

It's my fault none of them have bitten me, creating a claiming mark for everyone to see. I thought we had more time. Regret and fear try to overcome me. I shove them both down and present a placid facade.

"That'll change soon."

I'm wary of the certainty in his words, and the smug expression he wears.

"We put a little something special in the bubbly drink this year. A special offer to the elves. It's a time of sacrifice, and this seems fitting."

Sweat gathers on my upper lip and my mouth goes dry. My emotional outbursts from earlier seem sinister.

What did this monster do? Manipulating our mating match wasn't enough, he wants to control how we come together too. No decent leader would do this.

"Is there a better offering than the joining of bodies?" His smile is full of ill intentions and dominance. "Maybe you'll gift us with a public bonding."

I'm frozen in place, horrified at his machinations.

"You honor us, Alpha."

Cadoc's response turns my stomach. I move away, only to bump into Kirk.

"Water?" Kirk grips my wrists and leads me away.

"Where are you going? The fun and games are just starting." Alpha's jovial tone hides malice.

All around the ballroom, people are indulging in various public displays of affection. Bodies grind together on the floor. Some couples are pressed against the wall, rutting like animals.

The scent of sex and lust is mouthwatering. Slick drips down my thighs, signaling my bodies readiness to mate. A man rips the bodice of his wife's dress. I whimper, tasting their passion on the air.

Kirk presses his lips to my ear. "Just a little farther."

He grips my waist and guides me around the corner. Every step we take makes the flames licking at my insides jump higher. I can't go into a mating heat here. We duck into an empty room and he closes the door behind me.

"Kirk." I wince at the whine in my voice. This isn't me.

"You're going to be okay."

"It hurts." Bending over, I clutch my stomach.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck." He spears fingers through his hair. "I have something to help, but it's going to take time to kick in."

I shove my dress up and slip my hand into my panties.

He holds out a pill and I wrap my lips around his digits, moaning as I run my fingers through my hot slick and circle my clit.

Kirk groans. "You'd tempt a saint."

"Please," I rub faster, knowing his fingers would feel better. Need mate.

"It's the heat talking." Jaw tightening, he pulls his fingers free.

"I need you." Tilting my hips, I press two fingers inside and moan at the relief.

Flexing my walls, I thrust in and out of my cunt. Unable to reach the niggling itch, I rock my hips. The wet sound fills the room. Keening, I curve my fingers and move faster.

"Not enough." I shake my head.

"Just a little longer." His voice is strained. I stare at the large bulge in his pants.

"Kirk." I cry his name as an orgasm breaks, only to turn my need into a roaring fire. A strangled cry leaves my throat. I add a third finger.

"Shit. I can't watch this." Kirk drops to his knees and his head disappears under the layers of my skirt.

He tugs my panties, ripping them in his haste, and wraps his lips around my clit. I cup the back of his head. My back arches and my eyes slam shut.

Shuddering, I ride the wave of bliss. He continues thrusting his tongue into my pussy. His hands cupping my ass is the only thing keeping me standing as my knees go weak.

Lapping at my slick, he cleans me up before he sits back on his heels.

"Better?"

Unable to speak, I nod as I struggle to catch my breath. With my body calm and the she-wolf in my head silenced; I can think clearly. His brown skin glistens with my slick and his eyes are darkened with desire.

Bringing my hand to his mouth, he sucks my fingers clean. The medicinal qualities of his saliva sweeps through my body, cooling down the heat, and muzzling the animal I share my soul with.

"You back with me?" His rough voice cuts through the calm.

"Yes. Thank you."

Nodding, he stands and adjusts his bulge. My fingers itch to cup and measure it.

"What did you give me?"

"A Hail Mary dose of inhibitors and physical stimulation to quicken the absorption and appease your wolf." He gives me a sad expression.

"If it worked, why do you look like that?"

"I took the edge off, but I created a bigger problem. You can't take any more of the pills I gave you."

"What?"

"You have to let nature take its course now."

All of that and I feel like the bastard won in the end. I shove my fist against my mouth. I refuse to cry. Footsteps sound in the hallway. I relax when I smell the others.

Sniffling, I cram my fears and vulnerability to the back of my head and stand up straight. The door flies open and Fell stalks in first.

"What the fuck did you do, run off to take advantage of her?" He shoves Kirk back and I put myself between them, stopping him short.

"He only did what I begged him to do," I say.

"If you're done with your pissing contest. We need to figure a way out of here because I guarantee you, Alpha is waiting for us," Cadoc says.

Bo snarls. "This was meant to humiliate us."

"Then we do the exact opposite." I lower myself to my knees.

"What are you doing?" Fell's eyes nearly bug out of his head.

I palm Kirk's half-mast cock through his pants.

"Getting proof that I thoroughly enjoyed myself."

I squeeze and he groans.

"He can force our hand, but he doesn't run a damn thing." I nuzzle the bulge and his cock twitches.

"Ylva." Kirk's voice is strained. His gaze is full of leashed passion.

"Show me, Doc."

He hesitates. "It's just me now, not the mating heat," I assure him.

His Adam's apple bobs, and he unbuttons the top of his pants and pulls down the zipper.

My arousal grows when he shoves down his black boxer briefs and reveals a turgid nine-inch monster. I want to lick the swollen purple mushroom-shaped head.

It's different from Fell's uncircumcised seven-and-a-half-inch, thick cock. Palming his girth, Kirk strokes and I flick at the head, gathering the milky pearl bead on his slit.

He's been at my side, helping me every step of the way. His softer touch and willingness to let me play is unlike any bond I've had before with a partner. I crave the small doses of control.

I want to do this. I circle the head of his cock. Holding his dark gaze, I chase his hand on a down stroke, choking on his length. We find a rhythm. The sound of zippers sliding down and hands moving over dicks surrounds me.

Quickened breathing and the spicy aroma of arousal has the ache in my core starting back up. Kirk moves his hips and buries his fingers in my hair.

I purr my approval as Kirk forces me to move faster. I open my throat, gagging as I relearn the skill. Tears blur my vision as he fucks my mouth, slamming down my throat. Kirk's animalistic noises have me rubbing my thighs together.

Seeing the man so unhinged has me creaming. He drives home and stills, spilling a salty stream of warmth down my throat.

I struggle to swallow it all down as it spills over and runs down the sides of my mouth.

Gathering the stray droplets, he pushes it back into my mouth. I swallow it, sucking his thumb clean.

"Delicious." I lick my lips and he bends, capturing my mouth. His tongue sweeps inside and I sway into him.

Breathless, I pull back and Bo grips the back of my neck. "Come here, Princess."

I step toward him and he squeezes hard.

"Crawl."

Glaring up at him, I freeze. He shakes his thick, weeping cock at me.

"If you want this, you'll do as I say."

I grit my teeth.

"Tick." He gathers his pre-come with his thumb. "Tock."

Yielding, I put one hand in front of the other, and he grins.

"That's my good, girl. You're so pretty when you obey me."

I pause at Bo's feet and he hooks a thumb into my mouth. The domineering style matches his abrasive personality. I like the tension between us, it reminds me exactly who I'm dealing with.

"Stick out your tongue."

Bristling, I comply, and he strokes his cock over my tongue. He's enjoying every minute of this. I'll show him I have power too, and bring him to his knees. It's an extension of the game of push and pull we play.

He looks down at me, making me feel like a filthy secret as he controls every aspect of our interaction. "Now suck." I close my lips around him and hollow my cheeks. Kirk watches with a heated gaze as his breathing evens.

"Jesus. You've got a mouth on you that does more than talk back." I grunt, and he drives to the back of my throat, gagging me. "None of that." He fists my hair.

I grip his thighs to stay upright. Keeping his tight grip on control, he uses me like a doll. There's a relief in not having to think.

I run my tongue on the underside of his dick, and he shudders. I hum and he groans.

"I'm going to coat that pretty dress in my seed. Gonna make sure everyone knows who you belong to. You want to wear it like a necklace around your throat?"

"Mm-hmm."

He presses to the back of my throat and grunts. "Ready?"

Pulling out he pumps his cock and paints my neck like he promised. Panting, I catch my breath as he rubs it into the gland, claiming me.

Dick hanging, Bo walks me over to Fell by my hair.

"You haven't earned this after the way you hurt her, but I'm going to let you experience her mouth because it's the tenth wonder of the world." Bo taps my jaw. "Open for him."

I like the tightness around Fell's mouth. I open wide. He taps his dick on my tongue and I circle his head and trace the pulsing vein that runs underneath the way he likes.

He reaches out and cups my face. Our eyes lock, and he makes love to my mouth.

His green eyes are brimming with emotions. I hum and he hisses.

"I think he likes that, Princess. Do it again."

Humming, I bob my head, ready to suck his soul out of his body. I want him to regret every second he's missed over the years.

"I missed this, Yl."

I smirk around his cock and continue to tease him. I pick up speed and Bo tightens his hold on my hair, forcing me to slow.

Evil prick wants me to torture him, and for once I don't mind his sadistic streak. Swirling my tongue around Fell, I take my time. His eyelids lower over his green eyes and his body shakes as his hip movement gets choppy.

"I'm going to come." Fell thrusts forward, once, twice, and gives up the salty, sweet liquid, I swallow down. Pulling out, he gathers some of his dripping seed and gives my neck the same treatment with a possessive gleam in his eyes.

"Oh, Brat. I've been dying to teach that sassy mouth of yours a lesson," Cadoc voice is husky as he strokes his fat cock. I tilt my head and smirk.

"You think you have it in you, old man?"

His nostrils flare. "You just sealed your fate. Put your arms behind your back.

I do as he asks and he walks over to me.

"For that, you'll get only what I give you."

He pauses millimeters from my lips. My mouth waters in anticipation.

"Mouthy brats don't get cock." His hand pumps faster and I stare at the veins in the back of his hand.

I lick my lips and he chuckles.

"Regretting that sass now?"

"No." I lift my chin higher.

He taps his cock against the side of my face.

"Keep it open."

I rub my thighs together, anticipating his next direction. I have his full attention, and all I want to do is please him.

"Stick out your tongue. Just like that."

Breathing harder, Cadoc aims and splatters his seed on my face and my neck, avoiding my mouth altogether.

"You look good covered in my cum." He bends down. "But it could've been your mouth."

He rubs his seed into my gland.

"I don't reward inappropriate behavior, Brat. You should remember that. If we were home, I'd show you how I handle disobedience."

My heart knocks in my chest. Is he going to make me leave the room with his cum dripping off my face?

"What a beautiful mess you make, wearing our seed like a proper mate." Cadoc tucks my hair behind my ear. "Stand up and show your mates."

I rise and he spins me around.

"You're ours, Brat. No one is going to take you away. There's nowhere you can go that we wouldn't find you."

His breath tickles my ear.

"It's time you accept that."

"This is clan Eskildson. You represent all of us." Bo's voice holds a softness I haven't heard before.

"And I won't have my good name sullied." He grips my chin gently.

"Understand?"

I nod. Bo wipes my face clean with a handkerchief he's pulled from his suit pocket. He turns my face away. The humiliation burns bright. I thought we were connected, but he discarded me.

"We're going to leave this room, head straight to the garage, and leave. I don't want to take any chances with you not being fully mated to us. People want you."

"We all smelled it," Fell nods his head in agreement.

"So you're going to keep your head down and do whatever we tell you," Cadoc adds.

"Yes, Sir." The words are out before I can think about it.

"I like that, Brat."

"Let's go. Right now, most people are occupied. We'll take the back way." Bo shrugs off his jacket and places it over my head.

They place me in the middle of their large bodies and usher me out of the room. Keeping my eyes trained on the ground, I make myself as small as possible.

The sound of rutting and bodies coming together drifts further away as we turn corner after corner. We hurry down the stairs while Bo rushes ahead to speak to a security guard.

Keys jingle and we move into a cooler space. The jacket is removed. Bo hits the car alarm.

"Get in, fast."

I scramble in the back, trembling as the sounds of people rushing towards us comes closer.

I'm pressed between Fell and Kirk. The door is flung open and the security guard is pushed aside.

Three of the Alpha's top enforcers burst into the garage. They run toward us. Bo floors the gas, and we skid over the concrete, clipping a side-view mirror on our way out.

The men chase us until we're halfway down the driveway, already hitting over a hundred miles per hour.

"What the fuck was that?" Fell takes a shaky breath.

"Are you okay?" Cadoc's voice drifts back from the passenger seat.

I nod, caught up in my racing thoughts. I place my trembling hands in my lap and try to calm my heart.

One thing's certain, we need to figure things out, now. Quiet settles over the car while we catch our breath. Before it's too late.