Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

S pit back into the world, I'm an empty husk, drained of energy and emotions. I could've had my family back, even if it was only in my head. Instead, I helped people who didn't deserve my loyalty. Guilt eats at my soul. Closing my eyes, I remember Hulda's plea and all the women who deserve far better than they were given.

"Ylva."

I pry my heavy lids open and sit up with a groan. My mates rush toward me. Cadoc reaches me first, kneeling beside me. He supports my back. Kirk runs his hands over my body. He touches my ribs, and I grunt.

"What the hell happened, princess?" Bo's face is pale, and he sounds worried. Times like this, I almost forget he was my childhood bully.

"I completed my trials."

"You scared the hell out of us," Fell's voice explodes like a bullet.

"Had to be done." I open my fist and reveal the broach.

"I should toss this fucking thing into the river." Bo snarls. He sneers at the small metal item in my hand.

"Don't-you-fucking-dare." I pull it toward my chest.

"You don't get it, do you? If we lose you, it's game over. There's no plan B," Bo rants.

"Follow my finger, please." Kirk moves his finger from one side to the other.

"Good." Kirk nods, pleased. "Do you have any dizziness or nausea?" He frowns.

"No. I just feel like one giant wound." I groan. Cringing, I try not to move.

"I can give you something for that." He rummages in his satchel.

Returning my attention to Bo, I arch a brow.

"What would you propose I have done instead, Bo?"

"Think before you rush headlong into shit for once." He speaks from between clenched teeth. Veins pulse in his neck as he struggles to restrain himself.

"Fenrir brought us here for a reason. It wasn't random. I had no clue this would be a family reunion or that I'd reclaim family heirlooms of power. We knew these tasks came with risks. Should I cower in fear when a challenge presents itself?"

"No one said that—" Kirk begins.

"I want to hear from Bo. Tell me, what should I have done? He's so wise, surely he can direct me." I stare the brown-eyed asshole down, refusing to excuse his shitty behavior. "Well?"

"Enough." Cadoc's voice ends our starring contest.

"Why are you yelling at me?" I gesture toward Bo. "He's the one being unreasonable." I immediately regret the quick motion when my muscles twinge in protest.

Cadoc continues talking, ignoring my outburst, "When your dysfunction poisons us all, it's a problem. No risk. No reward. We can't wrap Ylva in bubble wrap and shield her from everything coming our way. If we want to survive, it's going to take all of us working together." Cadoc's eyes bleed yellow, and his teeth elongate. Waves of his power wash over us, silencing any backtalk forming on my lips.

"Push your power around all you want, Jensen. It won't dissolve the bad blood between us," I mumble.

"That's your job, pretty boy." The ire in Fells' voice shocks me. "Fear has you clinging to the past when your future lies ahead," Fell continues.

"Don't lecture me, witch bitch," Bo tosses the insult. Men aren't known for magical talent. It can be seen as a sign of weakness.

Fell smiles sadly. "The truth won't change because you dislike the answer."

Bo narrows his gaze. "Stay out of my head."

"It'll all come out in the wash. Use your time making changes that matter."

Bo moves forward, standing toe to toe with an unflinching Fell.

"If you can finish measuring your dicks, I want to get our mate home." Kirk carefully lifts me into his arms. I clutch the front of his shirt.

"Aunt Liv?"

"Told us to wait for you here," Kirk explains.

"No." Cadoc holds a hand to Kirk's chest.

"This is Bo's job now."

Because I haven't been through enough today? Kirk settles me into Bo's arms. I grip his sweater tight as he takes off at top speed. Gritting my teeth while I'm jostled, I watch the landscape blur. The scratches on my back throb and itch.

"You're too hot." Inside the house, Bo places his lips on my forehead.

I squirm away from his gesture and the coolness of his lips.

"Be still," Bo commands.

"Why is she blotchy?" Cadoc steps beside us.

"I think she's reacting to something."

"I got scratched."

"By what?" Bo asks.

"I don't know." Memories of the dark creatures fill my mind as I look at him. "There are more things out there to worry about than gods."

"What does that mean, princess?" Bo stares down at me.

"Get her on the bed. Take her shirt off." Kirk gives commands like a general.

My vision grows fuzzy around the edge. They lift my arms, and I grunt. My t-shirt is yanked over my head.

"Shit."

"This looks bad."

"Ylva." Fell's face appears in front of me.

"Hmm?" I struggle to keep my heavy lids open.

"What did this?" Fell's cool hand is heavenly against my flushed face.

"Don't know," I slur. "Tired."

"No." Cadoc gives me a shake. "Stay awake, brat."

"Tell us about your trip," Bo insists.

"Hurry, Kirk," Fell commands.

"I fell."

"I'm right here," Fell says.

I snort. "No. I fell." I roll the "l" sound. "Like Alice down, down the rabbit hole."

"Then what?" Kirk lifts my eyelids, and I yank back.

"Stop."

"I need to figure out what you ran into."

"Sharp-toothed, glowing eyes and midnight skin. Its saliva burned." My teeth chatter. "So cold."

"That sounds like a dwarf," Fell muses.

"Why the hell would one attack her?" Cadoc sounds angry.

"No, a dark elf," Bo says. "They're known for their unfriendliness."

"Fuck. Is she elf shot then?" Fell guesses.

"Is that a real condition?" Bo murmurs.

"I don't know," Kirk admits.

"How the fuck can you treat her then?" The husky baritone seems to come from far away. I slump forward.

"Whoa. Kirk."

"Okay. I'm going to try something. Get her in the bathtub."

Icy water blasts my system. Sputtering, I surface. Bo pushes my hair away from my face.

"We have to cool your body down." Cadoc's hand on my chest, keeping me beneath the water.

"Here." Fell dumps ice into the tub. Muscles tightening, cramps start in my legs and moves to my thighs. My feet curl. The bottoms of my feet arch, spasming painfully. I cry out as I start to twitch.

"She's seizing."

Choking on water, the light dims as I'm taken under.

"God, look at her eyes."

"Welcome back," Bo whispers.

Turning my head to see him curled beside me in bed, I frown. "What happened?"

"We've been watching over you since your fit in the tub. Whatever it was, you fought it off."

"I did?" I grimace at my hoarse tone.

"Eventually, but you scared the hell out of all of us."

"Fuck." I lift a hand and run it over my face.

"She's awake?" Kirk walks into the room with Fell and Cadoc trailing behind.

They exchange looks that make me uneasy. "What?"

"Your battle left behind changes." Kirk sinks onto the bed beside me.

"You should go look in the mirror," Fell suggests. His soft tone gives me a strange sense of foreboding.

"If you're up to it," Kirk adds.

Despite the previous unbearable pain, I feel rested and full of energy. "How long was I out?"

"Twenty-four hours, give or take." Fell turns to Cadoc.

"Sounds right." Cadoc nods.

I move my arms and legs, surprised when I'm pain-free.

"Take it easy." Kirk hovers beside the bed. I throw back the sheets and swing my legs over. I look down at my bare legs and gasp.

The thick scars are gone. I run a trembling hand over the smooth skin.

"How?" My voice cracks.

"We don't know. When we got you out of the water, it started peeling off," Cadoc answers.

"Terrified us until we figured out what was happening," Bo admits.

"I have to see." Jumping up, I rush to the bathroom, yanking the large t-shirt over my head.

The woman standing in front of the mirror is a stranger. Smooth-skinned, scar-free with defined muscles, she's the version of me never meant to exist. I haven't seen this reflection since before the fire.

"I don't understand." I run my hand down my chest and belly. "Is this my reward?" I yell to the ceiling. "My Judas gold?" Tears burn my retinas, and I swipe the ones that escape away impatiently.

"Hey. It's okay." Fell wraps an arm around me, placing a hot hand on my belly as he pulls me close. I sink into his warmth, enjoying the feel of his soft sweater against my exposed skin.

"I could have been with my family. What kind of daughter am I?"

"What do you mean, brat?" Cadoc cups my face, wiping my tears away with his thumbs. I stumble through a retelling of the last trial.

"You chose the pack over everyone." Bo's voice holds a tone I can't place.

Reluctantly, I lift my head, anticipating a tongue-lashing. "I did."

"Why?" Bo's voice is full of curiosity.

"Because it was the right thing to do. And what I know what my family would want. I made a promise to Hulda that I'd stop the Alpha, and I plan to keep that vow."

"You will. I won't pretend to understand your obsession with righteousness. But I admire your dedication."

His words shock me. "You do?"

"It takes a special bravery to save the asses of those who deserve it the least. And I'll be here with you every step of the way. Because just once, I'd like to know what it feels like to be on the right side." He tucks my hair behind my ear. "You were beautiful before, inside and out. Don't doubt that."

The sincerity in his words stills my tongue.

He kneels in front of me and presses a kiss on my quivering belly. "I can't take away the pain you experienced, but I can fill your head with more pleasant thoughts." His perfectly formed lips press against my pussy.

"We need to stop with the close calls, Ylva." Fell's eyes burn into mine as we lock gazes in the mirror. I catch streaks of white woven among my dark locks. What other changes will I find?

"I agree." Cadoc runs his thumb over my bottom lip.

I suck it into my mouth, and he groans. His eyes lower to half-mast, and I soak up the control. Despite all my changes, these four remain my rock. I hollow out my cheeks, running from the connections between me and my mates, morphing like rapidly shifting sands.

"Kirk?" Cadoc glances at the healer standing behind me.

Kirk licks his lips. "I think we should show our mate how grateful we are and assure ourselves first-hand she's fully recovered."

My belly flips at the healer's husky tone. His eyes are wild and lust-filled. The wildness in his usual aloof demeanor is gasoline on the fire building in my gut.

I nip at Cadoc's thumb. Bo trails his tongue up and down my slit, teasing and torturing me with light caresses. Burying my fingers in his hair, I tug on his locks. Bo hums. Moaning as the vibrations ratchet my desire, I roll my hips.

"Are you going to give me a full bill of health, Doc?"

"After a thorough examination."

He bites my earlobe. I shiver. Bo parts my slick lips and trails his tongue up and down, gathering my wetness. He pulls away. The gloss on his lips mesmerizes me. "So wet for us already, princess?"

"How could I not be when my mates are so attentive?" His attraction and a new softness toward me flow through our link. The silver cords connecting us are lit up like Christmas bulbs. Right now, we're all on the same page, and it's electrifying.

Bo sinks a finger deep inside me and I clench around him. "Such a greedy princess."

"Do you like the way he's stretching you out for him?" Cadoc growls.

Fell plucks at my nipples, sucking the sensitive skin where my shoulder meets my neck. I can't take my eyes off the mirror. They're lined up behind me with Bo on his knees in front of me, pleasuring me with their mouths and fingers.

Bo flicks my clit.

I gasp. "Right there, Bo." I rock my hips, needing more friction.

Cadoc slaps my pussy, and I cry out. "You'll take what he gives you, brat."

Core pulsing, I whine.

Bo smiles up at me. "Like that, did you?"

"Fuck yes." Breathless and unrepentant, I bask in the moment, feeling fully alive.

The men chuckle.

"You like being the center of attention, don't you, brat?"

Bo plunges his tongue deep.

"Yes, sir."

I lean into Fell's chest. Bo's fingers dig into my hips, grounding me as he fucks me with his tongue. Nuzzling my neck, Cadoc sucks on my skin.

"I need you to come for him, sweet girl. Show him what a good job he's doing devouring your delicious cunt." Kirk's filthy command pushes me toward the edge.

Pressure builds in my belly. Shaking, I let go with a cry that celebrates my survival. Shuddering, my eyes slam shut. I float in a state of bliss, protected and supported by four men who against all odds are becoming my home.

"Bend over, princess. This time is just for us." Blinking, I peer in the mirror to find us alone and the others gone.

He strokes his cock, and I admire the pearly beads leaking from his slit. His mushroom-shaped head is rosy as he presses down on my spine.

"I took care of you while you were sick." He kisses up from the base of my spine. "And all I could think about was the things I'd left unsaid. I have a lot to make up for."

I look up so quickly that the bones in my neck snap.

He lifts my right leg, positioning me carefully as he runs his dick through my wet lips. "I'm an asshole. I own that. But you never deserved the focus I placed on you. Your light shone so bright; I was drawn to you."

He teases my entrance and my walls quiver. "I hated myself and you for it. Because I knew I couldn't have you." He taps my sensitive clit with his tip. "Now look at you, spread out and waiting for me to take you. I want you to watch while I fill you up and know I'm exactly where I've always wanted to be."

His head snags on my entrance and I groan.

"Tell me you believe me, princess."

"I—" the guttural sound is more wolf than woman.

"I need to hear it." His voice holds a plea.

"I do."

Fisting my hair, he drives home in one swift stroke. "You're fucking mine now." His eyes shift to amber as he thrusts inside. Our bodies slap together as he pistons inside me.

"Hurts so good."

"Look at you. Taking me like you were made for me." His balls slap against my ass. I slide across the cool counter, throwing my hips back as I let my claws grip the marble for purchase.

Our consummation is a war. Eyes locked in the reflective surface, neither of us gives. Sweat rolls down our bodies. I tighten around him.

"Fuck." He grunts, pulling my hips higher and driving deeper.

He hits the spot that makes me see stars and shake. An orgasm bursts over me abruptly. Thrusting three more times, Bo pushes deep and floods my channel with a satisfying warmth. There's healing in this consummation.

I press my face against the counter. Struggling to catch my breath, I feel his feather-soft lips kissing up my back to my shoulder.

"This is our do-over."

"You know it won't be this easy, right?" I push up and meet his gaze.

"I wouldn't expect any less from you, princess."

"Game on, Your Highness. We'll see if you can back up the statements that dripped off your silver tongue."

Bo pulls me against him, nuzzling my neck. I allow the peace to settle between us. Neither of us chose this, but we're coming to an understanding. The feelings developing are overriding my memories of the past. It frightens me.