7. Emma

Ishiver on the ground, not wanting to move, but knowing I need to get going. My body is aching with a soreness I've never experienced in my life. I clench my thighs and my pussy aches. I wince and moan into the ground. It's not a good ache. Not at all. Tears prick and they're purely from the pain. And then I remember. I remember Luke and his authority, his desire for my body. I remember his eyes as he watched me find my release. The feeling of him inside of me.

My heart clenches in my chest with desperation and a sadness I've never imagined I could feel. I hear his word "leftovers." I cry harder into the ground. I've never been hurt so much in my life. I'm saddened by Owen and what he really thinks of me. I don't know how I managed to feel so much for men I don't even know. I can't believe I've given so much of myself to each of them. Physically and emotionally.

I wince and remember them fighting. Fighting over me. Over their plaything. I fist my hands and pound them into the dirt in frustration, but also the need to feel something other than this sadness. Each movement reminds me of the soreness between my thighs.

I pick my body up off the ground slowly, relishing the pain. I fucking deserve this. What did I honestly expect, coming here, hunting down wolves? What a fucking idiot I was.

I've sacrificed my whole life in order to research their species. I have no friends. I've lost all contact over the years as I've traveled from town to town, questioning as many people as I could about the shifters. I've interviewed dozens, if not more, of families of the women who were taken. None of them had ever heard from their loved ones after they'd been taken. They also never understood why they were so at peace and calm while they were being taken from their homes.

That was my first clue. Werewolves don't possess magic. They can't calm someone with a touch like a witch can. Yet each time, the women go easily, willingly with the wolves. The only exception was the Shadow Falls' offering. I still don't understand what happened, and I intend to get to the bottom of it. I watched the news clip of the women. Elizabeth and Grace. I saw how the shifters calmed the women. How they looked at them. With devotion and love. There's no doubt in my mind that there was true love between them. I studied the historical texts over and over, searching for a hint of human and werewolf relations.

I didn't find anything. Nothing at all. But I found old scripts about beasts and their fated mates. Tales of how the beast was only tamed by his beauty. True love. I believed in a legend. A fairytale. I was a fucking idiot. Fairytales are for children. Romantic knights in shining armor are for books; there aren't princes waiting to come rescue damsels in distress. I look down at my battered, aching body and feel as irrational as I look.

I wrap my arms around my chest and look into the woods. I haven't a clue which way is safe or where I'll end up. I know we were heading toward Shadow Falls, toward the Dark Valley. So I'm not fucking going in that direction. Fuck that.

I start to walk in the opposite direction, the way we came, but stop immediately. That would mean more than a full day in the woods. So I turn ninety degrees and start walking. I can't remember on the map what it is that I'm walking toward, but at least I'm walking away from the asshole shifters.

I sigh and push my hand against my chest to relieve some of the pain. It fucking hurts to be leaving them behind me. It physically pains me. My body shudders with the cold, but also with a sense of loneliness.

What is wrong with me? My head hasn't been right since I first saw them.

I was dead wrong.

Werewolves don't have fated mates; they don't hold the offerings so they can claim the ones they love. A deep frown mars my face as unwanted emotions settle in. Not paying attention, I step on a pine cone or nut or something that really fucking hurts. As I shriek and pull back, my bare back falls against a tree and I suck air through my clenched teeth to keep from screaming as I grab my foot. Fuck! My eyes stay closed shut and I start rubbing the sore spot with my thumbs. The pain slowly subsides and just as I'm about to put my foot down and continue my probably-going-to-lead-to-death journey, a large, warm hand takes my foot. My eyes pop open and I scream in terror. My hand shoots to my chest as the air freezes in my lungs and I stare at Owen's massive chest. He's kneeling, but his chest is at my eye level.

My heart pounds. He came for me.

I resist the urge to lean into him. The force between us threatens to make me submit to him once again. I have to remind myself what happened. And what he thinks of me. I can't let myself fall for him. I can't be blinded by lust like I was by Luke.

But his fingers massaging my aching foot feel so damn good. The heady haze comes over me once again. His kind silver eyes don't meet mine. He concentrates on the small red mark on the arch of my foot. My eyes travel up his muscular arm to his broad shoulders and down his chiseled chest. His tanned skin tempts my fingertips to run along rippled muscle. I feel a strange urge to lick his neck. To nip his ear lobe.

Every thought I had only moments ago drifts away. I can't think of anything other than his touch and how easily he could make me feel better.

I want nothing more than for him to make this pain go away. Innately, I know he can. I know he wants to.

My eyes roam his body, causing my pussy to clench and dampen. Owen's head falls back and his lips part with the sexiest groan I've ever heard. The sight of his throat. Holy fuck, it makes my libido scorch for him. A werewolf exposed his throat to me. I still don't know if he's an Alpha. Especially after what happened in the cave. But Alpha or not, exposing a throat is nearly identical to bowing. Another wave of lust rolls through me and has my toes curling as I resist my instincts.

His silver eyes heat as he sets my foot down and takes a step away from me.

"First, I'm making one thing absolutely clear." His voice is so fucking sexy I hardly hear his words. He inhales a deep breath, closing his eyes and shuddering with desire. "Then I'll take care of you." The way his eyes stare into mine with primal need causes a wave of fear to hit me. But it's gone as quickly as it came.

"We're not letting you leave." His words are hard and final, but his eyes linger on my throat and he licks his lips. The action distracts me and it takes a moment for the words to register.

Suddenly I'm aware of everything that happened. Of what they said. It's like a bullet to my heart and a goddamn ice bath between my legs.

What the fuck? I haven't had enough punishment already?

"Fuck you!" The words fly out of my mouth before I'm able to stop them. Anger makes his eyes narrow and nostrils flare. My small hands fly to my mouth in horror. What the hell is wrong with me? I must truly have a death wish. I shrink as he takes a step toward me.

"Don't worry, sweetness, you will be fucking me. There's no doubt about that."

"You know what? I'm going to die out here anyway. I guess it doesn't really matter how." Tears leak from my eyes as I scream at his face, his chest really. "Fuck you! I'm not some damn toy for you and Luke to pass around. I deserve better than that. I deserve better than either of you!" Shock and then remorse passes across his face.

"Toy?" He seems genuinely hurt and confused. Like they weren't talking about me like I was a plaything that they didn't want to share.

"You said so yourself. That I wasn't just for Luke." I spit the words with distaste and try to keep my shoulders squared and my words hard, but my voice and my composure crack. I stifle my emotions and continue to glare at him.

"You aren't just for him." I turn my back to him and brush my shoulder against the tree as I walk away. Fuck him. I hope he breaks my neck for disrespecting him. I really do. I don't want this ache of regret in my chest. I just want it all to end.

His strong arms wrap around my body and pull me into his hard chest. I try pushing away, but I'm so fucking weak. It doesn't take long for me to give up. I just don't have any strength left. I hang my head in shame and wait for him to do what he will.

He loosens his grip and turns me into his chest, letting me bury my head in his chest as he rubs my back. I don't know why he's attempting to calm me, but I'll fucking take it. I need a peaceful touch. The day has taken too much out of me.

I dare to pull away from him to look up at his face. He's so damn sad. He looks wretched with remorse. He leans down to kiss me, slowly. Slow enough for me to turn my head away. I want to kiss him. My soul is begging me to kiss him. But I refuse. I'm not going to fall for it again. Not after what happened with Luke. I'm not going to be anyone else's leftovers.

A low, warning growl rumbles in his chest and vibrates through my entire body. I close my eyes in fear, but I hold my ground.

"Kiss me." It's a command and I feel a crushing weight on my body to obey. But I close my eyes tighter and prepare for his rage. My breath fails me and I feel lightheaded. But I'm not going to fucking do it.

"Kiss me." I can feel his eyes on me as he speaks his words louder. As though I didn't hear him the first time. I feel the weight of his dominance and nearly crumble. I shake my head and whimper as his grip on me tightens.

I'm ready for death. A sob rips through me and I almost cave and turn into him to kiss his soft lips. Lips that I desperately want to feel against mine. But I can't. I won't let myself be demeaned. Not again.

His grip only tightens more. "Why?" Pain laces his words. I don't expect it. My eyelids part and I peek at him through my lashes. He looks nothing but hurt. "What have I done that's so horrible that you won't kiss me? You're willing to mate with my brother, but you won't even kiss me?"

His brother? Luke and Owen are brothers? He must see my confusion.

"Twins." I shake my head slightly. I'm not sure why, maybe to clear the haze coming over me. "Do you only feel the pull to him?" His eyes portray fear and he noticeably swallows, waiting for my reply. His fingers dig into me, not to hurt, but just to hold onto me. As though he's holding onto hope.

A thick lump grows in my throat. I barely squeak out the word "pull." He nods his head once, not willing to explain anymore and still demanding an answer. A pull? I have strong unexplained feelings for both of them. I don't understand it. A pull? I suppose I would call it that. Owen shifts slightly on his feet but maintains eye contact.

I have to lower my head and stare at his chest to tell him the truth. "I feel something for both of you." A heavy sigh of relief leaves him as he pulls me into his chest, lifting my feet off the ground and kissing my hair. I sigh softly and nuzzle into his chest, enjoying the affection. But then I remember, I can't forget. And I push away, not wanting to be swayed into making the same mistake. What is wrong with me? What is the pull?

He looks down at me with the same hurt in his eyes, but his brows are furrowed in confusion. "Why do you keep denying me? What have I done?"

I can't speak, but I'm sure my expression says enough. Disbelief and outrage are all I can feel, and I hope he can see that.

His eyes widen and he leans back to give me room. "What did I do?"

"Well for starters the only word you've said to me is ‘come.' And then you burst in while I was…while…" I flail my arms and shove his hands off me. I need space; I can barely breathe let alone speak. "And you talk about sharing me. And then you fight over me, like I'm some sort of prize."

"You don't understand." I part my lips to lay into him yet again, apparently I've completely lost my mind and my filter. Stupid. I'm still being stupid. He gently places a large finger across my lips and gives me a pleading look to listen to him. When I narrow my eyes the look turns into a warning. I pull away from him and stare at the dirt before deciding to hear him out. He waits to speak until I look at him.

His hand cups my chin and his thumb rubs along my bottom lip. I almost pull away, but it's so comforting I can't. "I can't speak to you in wolf form. I'm very sorry I didn't take a moment to talk to you when I could. We needed to travel quickly, and I wanted to keep you warm at night, that's why I stayed wolf. As for fighting over you…" He looks into the trees behind me, back the way we came, before staring into my eyes again. I nearly turn to see if Luke is behind me, but his hand keeps me facing him.

"I'm not ashamed to say I fought for you." His piercing eyes reflect his honesty. "And I'd do it again if I had to." I shake my head and try to free myself from his hold. He doesn't let me go though. "I won't deny it and I won't lie to you. I am sorry I hurt you though. That wasn't my intention." His sweet words tempt me to melt into him, but I hold on to the last bit of dignity I have.

"I'm not a fuck toy. I refuse to be demeaned like that."

Owen's hard words make me flinch. "You are not a fuck toy! You will not talk about yourself like that ever again. Do you hear me?" My shoulders collapse and fear cripples me. I whimper and nod my head as my shoulders hunch in.

"And you are not leaving. You. Are. Our. Mate." He growls the words and at first, fear is all I register. But as the words sink in, I feel my shoulders open and my fear lifts. A warmth settles in my chest as I look into Owen's silver gaze. The anger on his face dissipates as he sees my expression.

"Mate?"

He nods his head as his forehead pinches. "Yes." His hand gently pushes my hair behind my ear, and he strokes my cheek with his thumb. "You're our mate. Do you know what that means?"

A small smile graces my lips as I shake my head. I have an idea and if it's anything like I've fantasized… I need to hear him say it. My heart flutters in my chest with need, but my breathing stills, waiting to hear the words.

"It means you're ours forever, you are the one fate chose for us." A weight lifts off my body and I breathe in an easy breath. A blush heats my cheeks as my smile widens without my consent.

"You like that, don't you?"

Is this real? I nod and whisper my response. "I do."

All I keep thinking is that this cannot be real.

I brush my hand along his dark stubble and love the prickly feel. I was right. Werewolves have mates. And I'm his. My eyes widen as I realize he said our. "Both of yours?" I blink several times waiting for him to respond.

"Yes." His word is clipped, and I can tell he's holding something back. "So long as you'll have us, we're both yours." The way he says it makes me heat with desire. His nostrils flare and he licks his lips.

He groans out, "You need me, sweetness." The sheer heat in his gaze makes my thighs clench with a need I've never known before. I nod, not trusting my voice, and the second I do, his lips are on mine. That lust-filled haze comes again and I mindlessly wonder if that's what he meant by pull. This all-consuming desire.

His tongue slips past my lips and explores my mouth. He suckles my upper lip, teasing it and making me moan. His hands find my waist and lifts me into his chest as he lays me down on the ground. I moan into his mouth. Wanting more, needing more. My legs part for him and there's not an ounce of shame—only want. I feel his fingers on my clit and gasp at the sheer intensity of the pleasure it gives me. My back bows off the ground as he slips his finger into me, curling it and hitting my g-spot. I whimper as his finger leaves me, but he only adds a second and goes right back to finger fucking me and making my body heat and numb with my impending orgasm.

Yes! Fuck, yes. I moan loudly into the air, but he takes my mouth with his, smothering the noise. He shifts on top of me with one hand planted on the ground by my head, allowing his body to cage me in. The other leaves my heat, but before I think of protesting, he's lining the head of his cock at my opening. My body tenses, on edge and waiting for release.

He doesn't thrust into me like Luke did. He's not aggressive at all. Instead he moves slowly, his girth stretching my walls. I writhe under him as he stills deep inside me. The slight pain only adds to the intense pleasure. My body craves more while also demanding I move away. My head shakes on the ground as he moves slowly in and out of my aching warmth. Each thrust is slow and careful. Bringing me to the edge, but not taking me over. I bite my lip and stare at his face, the epitome of rapture. His eyes are closed and his lips part as he continues his slow assault. Pulling nearly all the way out and then burying himself to the hilt.

"More," I beg, pushing my hips to meet his. My clit throbs for attention and my nails dig in the dirt, trying to just hold on. "Please." I don't give a fuck that I'm begging. My breath comes in heavy pants. "Faster."

Owen's eyes glow as he looks down at me and shakes his head. "No." I part my lips to protest just as he pushes into me again, and instead of words, a strangled moan vibrates past my lips. So close, but so far away. My head thrashes on the ground as he continues his pace, pushing the limit of my pleasure to an intensity I've never experienced. My back arches and my hand instinctively flies to my clit. Needing that pressure to bring me over. Just a small touch would do.

His hand grabs my wrist and pins it above my head. "Don't you fucking dare." He growls his words, and the sound of his rugged voice only heightens my pleasure. I scream and beg for him to give me what I need. "You will get what I give you, when I give it to you." Fuck, his words send another wave of arousal to soak where we meet. He groans and clenches his teeth but doesn't increase his pace.

Both of them, both my mates, are aggressive and hard, but each in their own way. Luke gave me every pleasure without reservation, Owen is holding back. I need more. I crave more. His hand slides down my body as he kisses me with passion and raw heat.

I murmur a plea into his mouth as he kisses me. His lips leave mine, and I part my eyes to find him watching me intently. "You ready to come for me, sweetness?"

Without warning he slams into me and circles his thumb on my clit. His motions are nearly violent as my body bucks beneath him. A blinding light flashes before my eyes as he pounds into me mercilessly. My body tenses and trembles, frozen yet heated with the stunning pleasure. My lips open but nothing comes out. My pussy clamps down on his dick and my release tears through me viciously. My body shakes. As I stare blindly ahead, I make out Luke in the trees. I'm paralyzed with pleasure and unable to truly recognize what's happening. And then I realize I've been screaming. A cold wave washes through me as my body numbs and spasms. Although I'm staring at Luke, I cry out Owen's name.