Katie's Mates

Novikov Clan 2

Katie’s Mates Katie Kaltman had been taking care of her older sister Chloe since her husband's sudden death. For over a month, she went to her sister's house to cook and clean. When her sister gets a letter with her late husband's last wish, Chloe immediately packs up and heads off to Alaska. After a week goes by with no word, Katie decides to take things in her own hands. She goes to Alaska searching for her. When she finally reaches Alaska, she meets a charming man who promises to take her to her sister. Ryan Novikov knows the woman looking for his Alpha's mate is his mate. He takes her home to his brothers instead of taking her to her sister. Nathan, Ethan, and Lucas know that she is their mate as well. Now they just need to charm her and convince her that she belongs to them before she can run away. Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal, Shape-shifter Length: 47,074 words

KATIE’S MATES Novikov Clan 2

Alicia White

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

KATIE’S MATES Copyright © 2012 by Alicia White E-book ISBN: 978-1-61926-758-9 First E-book Publication: June 2012 Cover design by Les Byerley All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Katie’s Mates by Alicia White from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Alicia White’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. White’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION For all the fans who loved Chloe’s New Beginning. I promise that this book won’t make you cry, like that one did (cross my heart). This book was fun to write, one spunky woman with four Alpha men. I hope you love Katie just as much. Happy reading!

KATIE’S MATES Novikov Clan 2 ALICIA WHITE Copyright © 2012

Chapter 1 Katie unlocked the door to her sister’s house in downtown Portland. She’d been trying to contact her, calling and texting with no response. She was starting to get worried. She had sent her sister off to Alaska to visit her deceased husband’s family and hadn’t heard a thing for a week already. She walked into the house, and the smell of stale cigarette smoke still lingered in the air. The whole house was littered with alcohol bottles. It was depressing, and she felt her sister’s sadness all around her. Katie wasn’t at the house to clean, though. She’d already done that too many times to count. Her only thought was to try to find her sister. She needed to know where Conner had sent her. She looked through the house, hoping that her sister didn’t take the letter that Conner had left her. She needed a clue, somewhere to start. She started in the kitchen, searching the counters, moving the trash out of her way. “Damn it, Chloe.” She grabbed her cell phone and dialed her number once more. She got her voice mail after only one ring. “Chloe…it’s me. If I don’t hear from you I’m flying to Alaska. This is your last chance. Where are you?” She hung up the phone and ran upstairs to check the bedroom. She needed to get to the airport. She

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kept seeing her sister crying and begging for her. When Chloe left, she’d been so fragile, so depressed and emotional. It wasn’t normal for Katie to not hear from her sister. They had always been close, but since Conner had died, their relationship had been strained. Katie looked around the bedroom, seeing clothes thrown around the room and their wedding pictures everywhere. It was sad. The whole house was a tribute to Conner. Everywhere she turned, there were signs of their life together, and it looked like her sister was purposely hurting herself. Katie walked to the bed and sat down, looking around the room, feeling her sister’s sadness like a heavy blanket around her. She looked down on the bed and found the letter she had been looking for. It wasn’t hidden, just lying on the bed in plain sight. She read it over, Conner’s words ringing in her ears, especially at the word secrets. It seemed that he had some. What had Chloe walked into? What could her late husband have been hiding from her? What if he was already married or had a child with another woman that he had kept hidden in Alaska? Was Chloe safe, or was she in danger? Questions ran through her mind, making bile rise in her throat. She took a deep breath to get her mind under control, took the letter, and headed out to her car. It was time to go to Alaska. She needed to get her sister and bring her home. If she got there and she needed help, she could call the police. Right now, she just wanted to get to the north entrance of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and find where her sister was. Someone had to know what happened to her. Someone had to have seen her. Chloe wasn’t the adventurous type. She wouldn’t do anything to put her own safety in jeopardy. At least she wouldn’t have before Conner’s death. Now she wasn’t so sure. Her attitude had been so full of despair lately, she’d shut down completely, and now Katie wasn’t sure what was happening with her sister. She had tried to reach her, even went to her house to cook and clean, but the loss had been

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such a shocking blow that she’d never seen her sister break down like that before. Katie drove toward the airport. She knew buying a ticket and heading for Alaska was extreme, but her only thoughts were of Chloe. She had packed light, only taking her backpack with a couple outfits. This wasn’t a vacation. She just needed to make sure her sister was safe and find out why she had avoided all her calls and text messages. **** Katie was able to get to Alaska with no issues. The flight was relatively short, although her stomach churned the whole way. She walked down the aisle, holding her backpack and purse, trying to get off the airplane as quickly as she could. She moved between all the people, speed walking, needing to get to the rental-car place. She knew her sister rented a car and hoped that maybe she could get some information. She got in line at the counter and stood there feeling impatient. When the next representative was available, Katie walked to the counter, ready to start getting some answers. “Hi. My name is Katie Kaltman. My sister was here renting a car a couple weeks ago. Her name is Chloe Novikov. Did she return the car?” Katie smiled, hoping that the woman would tell her something helpful. “I’m sorry. I can’t give you that information.” The woman smiled at her. “Is there anything else I can help you with?” She typed on her keyboard, and Katie knew that she had more information. “Look, my sister came here to visit her late husband’s family. I haven’t talked to her since. I’m worried. I just want to know if she rented a car here, if it was returned, if you remember her.” She knew her voice was pleading, and she wasn’t far from begging. The woman made a face and looked around, obviously looking for something or someone.

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“Okay. I’m only doing this because I have sister and I remember yours. She had an urn, and she looked so sad. Spell her last name for me.” “N-o-v-i-k-o-v.” She bit her lip, waiting. She now knew her sister had rented a car and this woman had been the one to help her. “It looks like she did rent an SUV a couple weeks ago. It was returned. I’m not sure who returned it, though. I wasn’t here when the vehicle was checked in. I wish I could give you more information.” “Do you have the SUV here?” At her nod, Katie asked, “Can I rent it?” She went through the process, renting the vehicle. Her only goal was to get out of the airport. She knew her sister wasn’t dead, but she didn’t believe that she was completely safe either. She wasn’t going to rest until she saw her, yelled at her. “Thanks for your help.” Katie grabbed the keys off the counter and headed outside. The freezing air greeted her and she ducked her head down, trying to protect her face from the force of the wind. She ran across the street and into the parking garage, searching for the SUV. She found the car quickly, jumped in, and threw her backpack on the front passenger seat. She started the car and let the engine warm up. Her body was shaking, and she rubbed her hands together quickly, trying to warm herself. Katie pulled out of the parking garage and headed toward the interstate. She felt anxious, wondering how her sister was, her stomach in knots, her body numb. Her only thought was to get to the north gate, and she pushed harder on the gas pedal. She grabbed her cell phone and dialed her sister’s number again, hoping to hear her voice, hoping that the panic she felt was nothing. “Hi. This is Chloe. Leave a message and I’ll call you back. Thanks.” Her sister’s sweet voice sang through the speakerphone, and Katie rubbed her forehead, feeling completely exhausted and stressed out. “Dang it, Chloe.” She let out a deep sigh. “I’m here in Alaska. I’ll see you soon.” She hung up the phone and turned on the radio,

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wanting to take her mind off the situation. She moved the tuner around trying to find something pleasant to listen to. When she landed on an eighties station she smiled and started singing to a great Pat Benatar song. Time seemed to move a bit faster after she stopped looking at the clock. Driving for four hours hadn’t been something she wanted to do, and she hoped that she would make good time as she drove down the main highway. There weren’t a lot of cars on the road, and she was glad she wouldn’t be stuck in any traffic. **** When she finally pulled up to the north gate, she felt exhausted. The drive really hadn’t been that bad, though. She rubbed her eyes as she pulled closer to the gate, and a man dressed all in black stepped out of the small security building. He was extremely tall and well built, wearing a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and a beanie over his head. He wasn’t wearing a huge jacket or anything, and she was surprised that he wasn’t shivering. He smiled and waved her forward, and she took her foot off the brake pedal and coasted closer to him. Katie lowered the window down a crack, not wanting to lose the warm air from the car. Deep blue eyes greeted her, and she stared at him, taking a minute to gather her thoughts. “Hi. I know this is probably a silly question, but I’m hoping you can help me. I’m looking for my sister. She drove this exact car here about a week or so ago. Do you remember seeing her? Or…maybe one of the other guards saw her. Her name is Chloe Novikov. She’s kind of petite, has long, curly, blondish brown hair, hazel eyes. I can’t remember what she was wearing. Crud. Um…I’m sorry I’m babbling. Have you seen her?” Katie bit her lip and took a deep breath. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes off him. His features were way too perfect, and she wondered how he lucked out. Women probably threw

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themselves at his feet. She was tempted to do the same, and that thought caught her off guard. His smile grew, and she wondered if he read her mind, or maybe it was the look on her face. She schooled her features, trying to look blank, not wanting to give too much away. He walked closer to the car and Katie leaned back, needing more space. “Yeah. I know who you’re talking about. She’s staying with Adam and Brandon just down the road a bit. I could take you to her.” He leaned closer to the window and took a deep breath and she felt paranoid, wondering if maybe she hadn’t applied enough deodorant. Did she stink? When he leaned back his eyes looked darker, the blue more vivid, and her heart kicked up a notch, pounding rapidly against her chest. “I know you’re probably very busy. I don’t want you to have to take me.” When he arched a brow, she knew he wanted to drive her, and she really wanted to remain in his presence a bit longer. “Okay. Thanks. I really appreciate you driving me.” Instead of getting out of the car and walking around, she shoved the car in park and climbed over the center console. She adjusted the seat and buckled up. He opened the door and pushed the seat all the way back in order to accommodate his long legs. “I’m Ryan. Ryan Novikov.” He didn’t bother buckling up, just put the car in gear and pulled away from the gate. “What? Wow… So you’re related to Adam and Brandon? Are you their brother?” Katie relaxed further, realizing that she would be safe and arrive at her destination. She felt calm, knowing that she would soon see Chloe, and since Ryan’s reaction hadn’t been surprise, she knew that she was okay. “Cousin. We all grew up together. This is a tight-knit community. Not a lot of outsiders come here. You look a lot like Chloe. I knew you were her sister right away.” He sent her a side smile and kept his eyes on the road. “Thanks for the compliment, Chloe’s beautiful.”

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“You’re beautiful.” After that sweet comment, they drove in silence, and Katie couldn’t take her eyes off him. He was amazing. His face was sculpted, with strong lines, and dimples that made him look almost boyish although she knew he was probably older than she was. She hadn’t noticed the gun strapped to this thigh until she started inspecting him. She assumed that here in Alaska there were probably some wild animals and maybe he needed it for protection. Katie moved in her seat, trying to get comfortable. She rubbed her thighs together and stopped when she realized that she was turned-on. When was the last time she had gotten wet just from looking at a man? Never. She wanted him to pull the car over, wanted to touch him and make sure his muscles were real. His clothes hugged him, and his muscles moved as he drove. He tightened his hands on the steering wheel, and Katie thought that maybe they were thinking the same thing. She smiled to herself, grateful that she wasn’t the only one excited by their contact. When they finally reached a long driveway, she perked up, looking around, taking her eyes off Ryan. She couldn’t be sidetracked now. She needed to see her sister first. Maybe after she saw Chloe she could make plans to see Ryan later. Maybe go on a date. When he stopped the car, he reached out an arm, stopping her from opening the door. He got out of the car, and she waited for him to come around and open her door. She looked at the cabin, tucked between massive trees. The place looked beautiful surrounded by snow. Smoke bellowed out from the chimney, and she felt herself relaxing further. Maybe this place was exactly what Chloe needed. Somewhere she could be that wasn’t a constant reminder of Conner. She smiled as Ryan opened her door. He reached out his hand, and Katie took it. She felt a sizzle, and she gasped, staring into his eyes. He must’ve felt it, too, because he gave her a lopsided grin and very slowly started rubbing his thumb over her hand.

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“Let’s go inside. There are people looking forward to meeting you. I don’t want them to wait.” Katie wasn’t sure what he meant. Chloe never answered her calls. Her trip had been rather quick and unexpected. She shook her head and focused on enjoying the moment. She didn’t want to overanalyze what he said. Ryan pulled her close, and she enjoyed feeling his warmth. He smelt like the outdoors, pine, and fresh air. She followed his lead, staying close to his side, avoiding the cold air around them. The snow crunched beneath her feet, and they walked quickly to the front door. Ryan opened the door and she stepped inside. A fire roared across the room, and she walked to it until she was standing in front of the flames. She shivered and rubbed her hands together, enjoying the heat. Once she was warm, she started removing the layers of clothes until she stood in front of the fire in only tight yoga pants and a longsleeve T-shirt, her clothes at her feet. “Jesus.” Those whispered words had her turning around quickly. “I’m glad you’re not shy. You look amazing.” His eyes looked her up and down, and she felt giddy. “You’re looking at me like I’m naked. I’m just getting comfortable. Thanks for the compliment, though. And…um…thanks for bringing me here. I’ve been so worried about my sister. I can’t wait to see her.” She saw some unknown emotion cross his features but couldn’t quite place it before it was gone. She walked around the room, looking at the pictures, wondering which men were Adam and Brandon. “So…thanks. I’m gonna go look for Chloe.” She started to leave the room, but Ryan grabbed her arm. “She’s not here right now. I have someone else for you to meet, my brother Nathan. He’s here, in the office. Go sit on the sofa and enjoy the fire.” He led her over to the couch and she sat down, leaning into the cushions. When she felt his lips on her forehead, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the fire. ****

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Ryan left Katie in the living room and walked to the office to see his brother. They had all been waiting for this moment, to meet their mate. He felt guilty, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue. This wasn’t the way to start a relationship, but he also knew that he couldn’t take her to see Chloe yet. He needed some time with her, and he knew his brothers would want the same thing. If he would’ve taken her to Adam and Brandon’s house, it was possible that they wouldn’t be able to have anytime alone with her. He always believed that honesty is the best policy, but having Katie here in their home, he was willing to do anything to keep her here. That scared him most of all. He walked into the office and saw his brother, leaning back in his office chair, staring at the ceiling. He stared at him for a minute, wondering if bringing Katie here was the best idea. He knew that all his brothers were a bit too dominant. Although he knew Nathan would be the first to claim her, both Ethan and Lucas might be too much for her and scare her off. He wanted to turn around and take her to Chloe, but he couldn’t. “Jeez…either you’re home early or the work day is done. I haven’t been productive at all today.” Nathan stared at him, and Ryan realized that he wasn’t taking her away. They all needed her, especially Nathan. He had been waiting a long time. “I’m home early. I have someone I want you to meet.” Ryan didn’t say any more than that. He walked out of the office, knowing that Nathan’s curiosity would have him following. He walked back into the living room and found a glorious sight in front of him. A tight, round bottom greeted him, and he groaned. The tight yoga pants hugged her. There wasn’t a panty line in sight. She couldn’t be wearing anything under them, he realized, his eyes moving over her curves in fascination. She had the shapeliest little ass and legs he’d ever seen.

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Katie… Her name whispered through his mind. God, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. She had an innocent smile, and she was comfortable in her skin. This was all so unbelievable. She must’ve heard them, because she turned around and smiled at him. Everything clicked into place, and he realized that he wasn’t going to let her go. He wouldn’t be taking her anywhere. She skipped over and he turned to watch Nathan’s reaction. He was in shock, staring at her with wide eyes, his mouth parted into a little O. **** “Hi. I’m Katie.” She moved gracefully toward him, and Nathan felt like an old fool, staring at a young girl. She had to be half his age, granted shifters did age at a slower rate. He couldn’t look away. He felt frozen in place. He could tell she wasn’t wearing a bra. Her nipples were hard and her breasts perky. He licked his lips and finally was able to look away for a minute. “I’m Nathan.” His voice felt rough even to his ears. He stared at her, and then he inhaled, hoping that she was the one. He hoped that Ryan brought him here to meet this perfect creature because she belonged to them. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. She smelt like pure seduction. Melon, plum, and freesia, the sweetest thing he’d ever smelt in his long, lonely life. The beast inside him rose, and so did his cock, going hard and pushing painfully against his zipper. He tried to control himself, but that was impossible. It had been too long already, and he thought all hope was gone after meeting Chloe, Brandon and Adam’s mate. Within in minutes he felt alive, and all because of this woman standing here in front of him. “Mine.” He moved quickly, pulling her into his arms. She stood tense, but he didn’t mind. Having her here changed everything. He didn’t know anything about her, but that didn’t matter. They had time to get to know one another.

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“Whoa. Yours, huh? Let’s wait until we’ve had a date first.” Her little giggle was music to his ears, and she wiggled, moving in his arms. Her breasts rubbed against his chest, and he groaned deep in his throat, feeling her tight nipples. Her body was soft, and he wanted nothing more than to keep her against his body. He let her go, though, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. **** Katie pulled away slowly, although she enjoyed being in his arms. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted two men walking by with a woman between them. She moved toward the hallway, leading out of the living room. She followed them quickly, “Chloe?” The woman turned around, and so did the two men. “Oh sorry. I thought you were my sister. Are you Adam and Brandon? Is my sister here somewhere?” First Ryan and then Nathan had sidetracked her. She needed to remember why she was here, her mission of finding Chloe and yelling at her for making her worry. Both of the men stared at her, and she felt weird. They looked at her as if she were speaking a language they didn’t understand. “Why would you think Chloe was here? She’s at her house with her mates, and no, we aren’t them.” “God…her smell. It’s driving me crazy.” “Ethan, Lucas. Shouldn’t you take your friend home, you know, before you disrespect our mate anymore?” Ryan’s voice was harsh, and the woman stepped back, moving away from the two men. As their words sunk in, Katie found herself moving toward the fire and her clothes that sat in the same spot on the floor. “Wait. My sister isn’t here. This isn’t Adam and Brandon’s house. Ryan?” She looked at him and wondered how stupid and naive she could be to trust someone she didn’t know. She felt scared, but more than that, she was confused. Why did he lie to her? Why did he bring her here? Where the hell was she?

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“I’m sorry, Katie. I brought you to our house. My brothers and I live here. I didn’t want to lie to you, and I know what you’re thinking. You can trust me. I needed you here.” He walked toward her and Katie backed up, needing space, wanting to get away from them all. “That’s freakin’ crazy. You will take me to Chloe right now!” She didn’t take any time to think. She grabbed her clothes and started pulling the layers back on. “Katie, wait, please. Damn it. Ethan, Lucas, take your friend home now.” “Don’t worry about it. I’m leaving. Your friend can stay.” She tugged on the snow pants first, moving in sharp choppy movements. “No, you’re not. Ethan, take your friend home. Lucas, set up the guest room across from mine. Katie, I’m sorry Ryan brought you here under false pretenses, but you’re here now. A huge storm is coming in. You can’t leave.” Nathan’s voice was calm as he ordered everyone around. “That doesn’t make sense. You’re letting him leave with that woman. Why can’t I go as well?” Katie was fuming. She tried to stay calm, though. She was in a house full of strangers. She started putting her boots on, tying them tighter than usual. “He’s walking her home. We’re used to the weather. There isn’t any reason for you to be angry about that woman. She means nothing to them.” Nathan was still calm, watching her closely, and she knew that she would have to either run fast or sweet talk him into letting her go. “Ouch. Poor girl. I’m not angry that they were on a date or whatever. I’m mad at Ryan for lying to me. I am leaving. Point me in the right direction and I’ll be fine.” She was slowly edging around the room, trying to get to the exit. Ethan had left already and so had Lucas, she assumed off to do what Nathan commanded. She just needed to get around Ryan and Nathan, both of whom were watching her too closely.

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“I said no, Katie. If I have to lock you in here, I will.” Damn that man! Katie pulled her jacket on and remembered that her cell phone was safely tucked in her pocket. She started pushing buttons, hoping that Chloe would answer before they realized what she was doing. She pulled her phone out of her pocket, listened to one ring, and Nathan lunged. She shrieked and ran, heading for the front door. Her phone at her ear, she begged Chloe to answer. She made it outside but didn’t get farther than that before she was grabbed. Strong arms pulled her close, turned her around, and threw her over a broad shoulder. It happened so quickly that it took a moment for her to start screaming. She knew it was Nathan, and she pounded his back, kicked her legs, and tried everything in her power to get free from his tight hold on her. “Let me go! Put me down! Why are you doing this? I just want to see my sister. Ryan! Ryan! Help me!” She was screaming, yelling, even begging, anything to make Nathan let her go. “Jesus. Katie, calm down. I’m right here.” He rubbed her back, obviously trying to calm her down, but Katie was hysterical. She knew that she had dropped her phone and hoped that Chloe could hear her. Hoped that even now her sister was going to rescue her. “Lucas, can you get her phone and put it in my office?” Nathan’s voice never changed, and that scared her even more. How could he be so calm while she was freaking out? “Yeah. I’ll shut it off and put it on your desk. The guest room is ready. I’ll get her bags out of the car as well.” She heard footsteps and realized that Lucas followed Nathan’s orders too well. He was in charge, and she needed to convince him to let her go. She continued to kick, hit, and even bite him, but Nathan never reacted, never changed his course or put her down. “Katie, calm down. You don’t want to upset Nathan.” Ryan’s voice rang out loudly, and she heard the threat for what it was. If Nathan lost his cool, then she was going to be in trouble. She stopped moving instantly, and she felt a hand rub circles on her ass.

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“Good girl.” Nathan’s voice rang out, and she felt small and fragile, two things she hated most. “Fuck you. Don’t talk to me like I’m a child.” Her words were harsh, and she knew it the moment Ryan let out a gasp. A heavy hand come down hard on her bottom, and she shrieked to move away. “Don’t talk that way. It’s beneath you, and, frankly, you sound disgusting using words like that.” Nathan’s words hurt her more than they should’ve. “I can’t stand the way she smells right now, full of hurt and anger. God, I wish I would’ve had the strength to take her to her sister’s.” Katie moved so that she could see Ryan. He pushed a hand through his hair. He looked upset, and she wanted to reach out and comfort him, until she realized that she needed to be mean. Maybe then they would let her leave. “You did the right thing, Ryan. We’ve all been waiting for her. It’s going to be okay. Let’s take her to the guest room, and then we can all chat.” “No…it’s not all right. Ryan, you are a liar and a jerk. I wish I never had met you.” Katie went silent as Nathan continued walking toward what she knew was the guestroom. She wasn’t a guest, though. She was a prisoner. “Go to my office, Ryan. I’ll be there in a minute.” After a minute Nathan continued. “That was mean, Katie. Trust me when I say that he is the nice one. I’m going to lock you in the guest room, and I’ll bring you something to eat after we have a quick chat about what we’re gonna do with you.” She heard the door open and saw the carpet color change. She knew they had arrived. He walked farther into the room, and before she knew what was happening, he tossed her off his shoulder and onto the bed. She bounced for a minute, trying to get her bearings as the blood rushed from her head. When she opened her eyes, the door was closed. She heard a click of the lock.

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Chapter 2 Nathan leaned his back against the door and listened as Katie banged on it, crying. She sounded so sad, and what he really wanted to do was to go back into the room and comfort her. The whole situation had deteriorated, especially after Ethan and Lucas had joined them. Katie hadn’t even realized her reaction to seeing them. She was angry, her words slashing out like venom when she realized that his brothers had been on a “date.” How in the hell were they going to explain that to her? She was their mate, and she caught them with another woman. He didn’t even know where to begin, first Ryan bringing her home under false pretenses, then his twin brothers with another woman, and now he had locked her in a room. This was going to get a lot worse before it got better. Katie was sobbing behind the door, and from where he was standing, he could tell that she was sitting on the floor now. He didn’t want to leave her yet, not until she was calmer. He didn’t have to be in the same room to know what she was feeling. The animal in him could smell everything. She’d been so turned-on when he walked into the living room. Her sweet pussy had beckoned him. If only that was what he was scenting now. Instead, he could tell that she was scared, confused, frustrated, and angry. All the things he never wanted to have his mate feel. He’d been waiting for this moment for so long, had rehearsed it in his mind almost daily. He touched the door, sending her comfort the only way he could at this point. When he heard her move away from the door, he hoped that maybe she would lie down on the bed and relax for a bit. He needed to get to the office. His three brothers should be there by now, waiting

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for him. They had some planning to do. He pushed off the door and headed back to his office. When he walked in, his three brothers were sitting in different places, not speaking. “Okay. I’m not sure where to start. Ryan, how did Katie end up in our living room? Let’s start there.” Nathan thought it best to start from the beginning, that way everyone could be on the same page. There couldn’t be any confusion where Katie was concerned. They all needed to know every detail. “I wish I wouldn’t have brought her here. She drove up to the gate, asked if I remembered her sister. She was trying to find her. Her smell…I’d never smelt anything so amazing in my life. My only thought was to bring her here, and now I wish I hadn’t. She’s so upset with me.” Ryan placed his forearms on his thighs and leaned down, putting his face in his hands. Nathan knew he was upset but only because their mate was. “You did the right thing. Now we just need to figure out how to keep her. Of course, you two idiots bringing a woman here. Have you lost your mind? When Katie knows that you two are her mates and that another woman was here with you, she is going to freak out.” Nathan shook his head. “We only had one rule. Now, you saw her reaction. She wasn’t unaffected.” “That can’t be held against us. We hadn’t even met her. She is gorgeous, though. I can’t wait to claim her,” Ethan said. “I’m sure she’ll understand,” Lucas added. “You two can’t possibly believe that? Seriously? She is totally going to freak out. Even if you hadn’t met her, you shouldn’t have had a woman in this house. This is Katie’s house. You were completely disrespectful.” Ryan’s words were harsh but true. Nathan agreed completely. When Katie knew that they were her mates, she’d probably want to burn the house down, knowing another woman had been here with her men. They belonged to her already. Maybe he should start building a new house for her.

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“It wasn’t her house earlier. Yes…we made a mistake. I told Emily that it would be better if she didn’t come over again. She feels awful. She knows how serious mates are.” Ethan stood up and started pacing around the room. They all felt a little out of it. Since meeting Katie, he felt as if his skin was tight. He needed to go for a run and get rid of the nervous energy he was feeling, he needed to be at his best for their mate. “We have to tell Adam and Brandon that she’s here. We have to say something. Otherwise, we’ll be inviting all kinds of trouble we don’t need.” Ryan had always been the rule follower in the group. Nathan wasn’t worried about trouble, though, at least not from his cousins. They weren’t allowed to take Katie from them. She was their mate, and mates were a rare thing. “We will, not right now, soon though. First, we need to give Katie time to calm down, and then we need to spend lots of time wooing her. We will go to Adam and Brandon soon. Let’s give them time with their mate first.” He hoped that then they would catch them in a good mood and maybe they would give them more time with Katie. Although, they couldn’t take her away from them. “Fine. Do you have a plan? You do realize that she’s going to be pissed, right?” Ryan asked. Nathan realized that both Ethan and Lucas weren’t talking. They seemed to be staying away from this particular issue. Both of them had spent years sowing their oats, mostly together, on a single woman. They were all a lot older than Katie was, as well. She looked like such a child compared to them, especially with her big doe eyes and innocent pixy face. How she managed to stay that way in today’s society was astounding. He was the oldest at forty, then Ethan and Lucas the twins at thirty-seven, and Ryan was the baby at thirty-two. They didn’t even know how old she was. He never even thought to ask. “Did you already take her bag to the room?” Nathan asked Lucas. “Yeah, but don’t worry though, I went through it. The only thing she had was a driver’s license and clothes. Nothing else.” Nathan

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knew his orders would be followed, but he had hoped for a moment that maybe he could learn more about her. “I know that look, and yes I got all her information. Her full name is Katie Ann Kaltman. She’s twenty-six and lives in Portland, Oregon.” Lucas shot him a sly grin, and Nathan nodded, giving him the unspoken version of a job well done. “At least she’s legal. I can’t believe how young she looks. For a minute, I was nervous.” Ryan said the exact thing he was thinking. She was almost half his age. Would that turn her off? Would she find the age difference too much and deny him? The thought of the possible rejection had the beast in him snarling. It took a few deep breaths to calm down, something he was finding harder and harder to do with her being so close. **** Katie lay in the middle of the large bed, staring at the ceiling. She hadn’t removed the layers of clothing and was now feeling sweat trickling down her back. She wanted to blame Ryan, Nathan, and those other two men, but she knew this was her fault. She’d always been too naive, too trusting, and now she was paying for it. She let a virtual stranger drive her here to his house, and now she was locked in a bedroom. She didn’t even know these men. They could be killers or rapists, and she’d actually been lusting after them, wanting to beg Ryan to pull over so that she could feel his large hands rub her naked body. She rolled to her side, feeling disgusted with herself. Her eyes felt swollen from crying, and she knew she probably looked like hell. Whenever she cried her nose turned bright red and her eyes would get so swollen she could barely see straight. It was ridiculous. She finally allowed herself a minute to look around the spacious room. The furniture looked to be solid oak, and the walls were painted a moss green. The carpet looked like it could almost be shag. It was

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thick, and she knew that walking around barefoot would feel wonderful. There were also two huge windows overlooking the forest, the view spectacular. Katie slowly rose from the bed and walked to the windows. She looked around, seeing that she could open them. She looked to see if there was a safe way to get to the bottom floor without killing herself. She needed a plan. After walking around the room multiple times, she decided to strip the bed and tie the sheets together. She remembered watching a movie once that had someone tying sheets together, tying them to the bed frame, and then going out a window. If only she could remember if they were successful or not. That would be a good piece of information to have. By the time all the knots were tied, she was really sweating. All the layers were killing her, but she couldn’t remove them. She needed to get out the window. It seemed as though hours had passed. The sky was almost completely black, and she wondered if this really was a good idea. None of the men had come to check on her, and she knew it was only a matter of time before someone did. Katie opened the window and pushed out the screen, taking her time, trying not to make too much noise. She made sure the knot was tied tight around her waist, pulling hard a few times, trying to get her bearings. She was scared. Her heart hammered in her chest. She needed to get out of the room, away from the house, and away from the four men keeping her prisoner. She stepped over the windowsill and tested her footing, making sure the roof wasn’t slippery. When both feet touched the roof, she crouched low, trying to keep her body balanced. The cold air whipped at her, and the power of it was almost hard enough to send her falling off the side of the roof. She wasn’t sure she had the courage to go through with this experiment. She didn’t want to end up with a broken leg or, worse, dead. She gave herself a quick pep talk, took a deep breath, and started moving along the roof,

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looking for the best place to climb down. There didn’t seem to be a place that she could jump down without getting hurt. Katie steeled herself against the inevitable. She was going to get hurt, but it would be worth it to leave. She hoped. She moved down the deep slant of the roof, making her way toward the edge, one small step at a time. She looked down at the hard ground that awaited her and realized that she was higher than she originally thought. “Stop! Don’t move, Katie. You’re gonna get yourself killed.” Nathan’s voice broke through her thoughts, and he made her feel powerful. She jumped without a second thought. She could hear Nathan yelling as she fell closer to the ground. “Go outside! She jumped!” His voice was frantic, and she could hear it laced with worry. When she hit the ground, Katie tried to untie the knots she’d tied. Her heart was pounding, and she could feel the blood racing through her system. She needed to move faster. Time was running out. When the last of the knots were free, she started running toward the forest, wanting to hide in the trees. She had always been athletic and knew she could run for hours if she needed to, but for some reason her legs weren’t moving as fast as they should be. She felt weak, and she knew something had to be wrong although she wasn’t feeling any pain. She moved closer to the trees and away from the house. She could hear footsteps and voices approaching, but she never took her eye off the prize, never looked back once. A white streak caught her eye, and Katie turned her head. What she saw had her screaming and scrambling back. A huge, eight-foot polar bear stood to her right on his hind legs, growling at her, moving in her direction. Different thoughts flashed in her mind. She didn’t know if she should run or play dead. As the bear moved toward her, Katie dropped to the ground and rolled into a ball, the decision made. She couldn’t run. She was panting, and her muscles protested as she moved her body tighter on the ground. She heard heavy breathing and she closed her eyes tight, willing herself not to move.

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Katie felt something touch her bottom, and her eyes shot open. She didn’t want to move, afraid that the bear might attack her. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she was shaking, not just from the cold but also from the situation. She stayed firmly planted in place as the bear moved around her, circling her. The only reason she knew he was moving around her was that the bear’s large body brushed against her. He stopped next to her and rubbed his body against hers. His actions were confusing, unless that was how bears played with their prey. He used his big paw, rolling her over, and she laid there unmoving, staring at him. She couldn’t take her eyes from him. His huge teeth gleamed, and his face looked fierce, a complete predator, and she was his victim. She went from one bad situation to another, and she had nobody to blame but herself. She had come all this way to see her sister, and now she was going to die and nobody knew where she was. Her last words to her sister were angry, and she didn’t get the chance to kiss her mom good-bye. Katie’s vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes and leaked out. The bear didn’t move. He cocked his head to the side and watched her. She stopped crying and feeling sorry for herself and used a different tactic. “Nice bear. You’re a nice bear. You don’t want to eat me. I taste terrible.” The bear growled low, and she kept talking. “Please, please, please, don’t eat me.” The bear moved back a little, watching her closely. She could hear voices moving in and turned to see Nathan. She’d never been so happy to see anyone before. “Are you okay, Katie? Are you hurt?” Nathan’s voice was the sweetest thing she heard. “I’m okay, just trying to talk this bear out of hurting me. Nathan, how do we scare him, make him leave? Why isn’t he moving to attack you?” She stayed on the ground, wanting to run to Nathan but worried that any sudden movements would make the bear attack. “Back off.” Nathan tilted his head toward the forest. It only took those two words for the bear to leave. He turned and trotted off.

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“Who are you, the bear whisperer? Jeez, I actually thought I was gonna die.” She didn’t move to get up, even though a part of her wanted to jump into his arms. Nathan walked over and knelt down next to her, moving his hands over her body, touching her everywhere. She couldn’t move. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of his big, muscular hands moving along her legs. “Are you hurt? Jesus, Katie, I can’t believe that you jumped out that damn window.” She couldn’t speak. The feel of his hands on her body was almost too much, but then again it wasn’t enough. She wasn’t shivering. Her body felt hot, and she moaned deep. “Where are you hurt? Right here?” He put his hand on her hip, and she moved, wanting him to cup her pussy, wanting to feel the friction on her clit. She shifted, forcing his hand where she wanted it. When his fingers brushed against her pussy, she groaned deep in her throat. “She’s not hurt, Nathan. Look at her face. She just wanted your hand on her little pussy.” She had been so deep in thought, wanting Nathan, that she never heard Lucas walk up. He was watching her, and Katie rolled her eyes. The moment was over. She had been so close to begging Nathan for more, but with Lucas staring at her, she realized that now wasn’t the time. She moved, stretching her muscles before she stood up. It took her a minute to get her bearings. When she put pressure on her right foot, she cringed and realized that she must’ve hurt it when she jumped out of the window. “Shit. You did hurt yourself.” Nathan moved quickly, picking her up and pulling her close to his chest. He felt good, and she let herself relax against him as he walked back toward the house. “Why won’t you let me see my sister? Why are you keeping me prisoner here? Nathan?” She looked deep in his eyes, trying to plead with him without using words. “You aren’t a prisoner. You’re our guest. We aren’t keeping you from your sister. We’ll take you to her soon. Right now, she’s bonding with her new men, Adam and Brandon.” His voice was

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smooth, and she realized that she really wanted him to talk more. His voice did something to her. “Why do you keep saying ‘we’? Just for clarification, locking someone in a room is making them a prisoner, not a guest. You’re keeping me here, so that your cousins Adam and Brandon can ‘bond.’ I’m thinking that means fuck my sister.” She knew she sounded a little harsh. If her sister needed a little privacy, then fine, but they could’ve explained that earlier. “Uh-oh, I hate to point this out, Nathan, but Katie just said a very naughty word.” Katie turned her head to look at a smirking Lucas. It seemed like he went out of his way to tattle or just to point things out, and it was really starting to irritate her. “Seriously? What, are we in elementary school?” She shook her head and focused on Nathan, completely ignoring Lucas when he tried to get her attention. Both of the men stopped walking, and she knew then that what she did was wrong. She had dismissed him. Nathan kissed her forehead and handed her off to Lucas. It looked like they were a team after all. That answered her “we” question. He never spoke for himself, and she realized that he never would. “Be careful with her. I need to check her foot. Take her to her room.” Nathan walked ahead, leaving her with Lucas. She crossed her arms firmly across her chest, unwilling to touch him. She refused to look at him. She didn’t want to see the smug grin he always seemed to be wearing. “It’s just you and me now, princess. You should know from the beginning that we, the four of us, work together all the time. With you, there won’t be an exception. It’s all or nothing, sweetheart. I’m sure you know what I mean, but just in case you want to play innocent, I’m talking about the four of us taking this hot little body. It won’t just be Nathan. You will belong to all of us.” He took slow, steady steps, holding her close, even though she tried to put distance between them. She let his words sink in, digesting them, not willing to speak. She did want Nathan. There was something about him that

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pulled at her. When he was around, listening to his voice was enough to arouse her. The idea of having one man was nerve racking enough. The thought of four was too much. She now realized that they thought they were giving their friends alone time with Chloe, but it didn’t change the fact that she didn’t want to be here, stuck with them, in their home. She needed to talk to all four of them and explain a few things. “You should know that we have amazing senses. We can smell different emotions, especially when you’re aroused. It’s the sweetest smell, and you can’t hide it, so don’t deny it. You wanted Nathan to touch your pussy. You should’ve asked him. He would’ve pleasured you.” Katie looked at Lucas, and he gave her an evil grin, lifting his brow, wanting a response from her. “You’re right. I did want Nathan until you came over and ruined it. Did you notice the smell change when you arrived?” She smirked back, hoping that he realized she wasn’t really that interested in hearing his smart-ass comments. He was great-looking. They all were, dark, gorgeous, blue eyes that had a way of looking through her. It was his attitude. He acted as if he owned her, as if she should be grateful to have him. It was irritating. His eyes narrowed on her, and she turned her head, watching as his long legs ate up the distance to the cabin. It was dark out, almost completely black, and she was grateful not to be trekking through the forest trying to find where her sister was. Lucas climbed the steps and Ryan was there, opening the door and holding it for them to enter. The warm air from inside consumed her and warmed her almost instantly. She felt herself shaking again, her body finally able to defrost from the bitter cold outside. She was glad that at least she’d been smart enough to wear layers. Otherwise, she would have probably frozen to death. Lucas didn’t waste any time. He took her back to the room they had locked her in. There was a fire lit, and the orange glow made the

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room feel welcoming now. She hadn’t noticed that before. Ryan walked out of the bathroom just as Lucas put her in the chair by the fire. She didn’t speak, just stared at the dancing flames, enjoying the heat as it soaked in through her jacket. It felt amazing. Nathan walked in carrying a large black bag and kneeled next to her. “We need to get these clothes off. They’re damp, and I don’t want you getting sick. Then I’m going to look at your foot. I want to make sure you didn’t break anything. I’m also going to check the rest of you to make sure you aren’t injured anywhere else. I want to check your fingers and toes. What the hell were you thinking? Did you really think we were going to hurt you?” He started undoing her boots first, removing them and her socks. He didn’t waste any time unbuttoning her jacket and pants either. She let him, too stunned to stop him. He looked like a fallen god kneeling next to her, taking care of her, and the girl in her found it charming and romantic. The woman was spitting mad, though. She didn’t want to be taken care of. She sat in the chair unmoving, almost limp, while he quickly stripped her down. He handed her clothes off to one of the other men. She didn’t turn her head to look, though, too focused on Nathan and what he was doing to her body. “I asked you a question, little girl, and I want an answer.” When she was wearing only her yoga pants and long-sleeve T-shirt, he stopped and looked at her expectantly. “I told you that I wanted to see my sister. You locked me in here. I don’t like feeling helpless.” She whispered the last word, not wanting anyone else to hear what she had to say. If their sense of smell was good, maybe their hearing was as well. She felt fragile and petite with Nathan in front of her. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans now, the jeans sitting low on his hips. She could make out every line and muscle on his chest, and she found herself reaching out, wanting to touch him.

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When her hand made contact, she felt his muscles ripple, and he groaned, coaxing her to touch more of him. “Your little hands feel so good on me, baby.” She couldn’t help but smile at his words. **** Nathan was losing his mind, and it was all her fault. Ever since she first walked into their house, she had consumed his thoughts. Seeing her jump out the window, his life flashed before his eyes. The sheer panic he felt was so overwhelming he nearly choked. He pushed himself to look out the window, hoping he wasn’t going to see her broken body lying on the ground. She was their mate, and she nearly killed herself to get away from them. That sense of rejection had him running down the stairs and out the door after her. He had known his brothers would follow. They had been waiting a long time for her as well. Ryan had taken the rejection the worst, his animal jumping to the forefront, needing its mate. When he turned and stalked her, Nathan knew he wouldn’t hurt her, but he had scared her into submission. How long would they have to play this game, how long would she run from them? He knew she’d only been in their house a matter of hours, but didn’t she feel anything at all? The pull Chloe felt had been almost instantaneous, but maybe that’s because she had bonded with the youngest brother Conner first, so the transition was easier for her. Having her hand on him now, he was able to calm down. It was almost as if she knew exactly what to do. He let her explore him as he moved his hands up and down her body, searching for any broken bones. He leaned back, needing to check her feet, and her hand fell away. She couldn’t reach. He looked up and caught the little pout on her face, her lower lip sticking out. It reminded him how young their mate was. She would need to be treated gently, he realized. He pulled her feet into his hands and applied some pressure, wanting to warm

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them. He looked for any signs of discoloration, hoping they wouldn’t have to deal with any serious weather issues. “Ryan ran you a bath. The warm water should help you lose the chill. He also brought you a pair of sweats and a clean, long-sleeve Tshirt. When you’re done, get dressed and come sit by the fire. I’ll bring you some soup.” He pulled on her feet to get her attention. “Katie, did you hear me?” He kept his voice quiet, trying to keep the commanding tone at bay. “Yeah, okay. Thanks.” He helped her to stand and watched as she walked into the bathroom and closed the door. He heard the click of the lock and smiled. That wouldn’t keep him out if he wanted to get in, but he knew it made her feel better. “I’m going to the kitchen to heat up some soup for Katie. Ryan, why don’t you stay in here, just in case she needs anything. Lucas and Ethan can help me.” He walked out of the room, trying to figure out what their next step should be. He didn’t want to come on too strong. He wasn’t sure if Katie could really deal with four men. She was such a small thing, and she looked so fragile. How was this going to work? He felt confused. How could she be a mate to them all, and could she even handle them? He’d been waiting so long, and now she was here. They needed a plan, a real plan.

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Chapter 3 Katie stepped into the tub, and the warmth shot through her body instantly. She moaned loudly as she moved to sink herself deep into the water. She leaned her head back against a towel that was lying on the edge of the tub and closed her eyes. She floated in the water, thinking about Nathan, Ryan, Lucas, and Ethan. She tried to think of other things, anything but them, but her mind kept returning to the same picture. She kept replaying the same images in her head. She stood in front of four perfectly dressed, hugely muscled, and extremely gorgeous men. They all stared at her, eyeing her, judging her, and she couldn’t stop shaking. Her throat was dry, and she tried swallowing the lump that made it hard to breathe. She was shaking uncontrollably, and she felt scared but also excited. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest, and she looked down, realizing she was naked. They weren’t talking, and that’s what scared her the most. Nathan sat on the far left of her. He was the biggest, and he was the leader of this group. The brothers all looked very similar with deep blue eyes and large, broad shoulders. They stared at her, moving their eyes up and down her body, but none of them said anything. She wanted to speak, but something prevented her from doing so. Maybe it was their eyes, smoldering, growing deeper, and the pupils expanding. She felt like their prey, as if they were assessing her to see if she was good enough for them. Did she even want to be with them? It was all of them or none of them, but the choice didn’t really seem to belong to her. They were in charge. They would decide what to do

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with her. She felt sexy. In a weird way, she knew they wanted her, craved her, would do anything to possess her. She stood up straighter, fixing her posture. She would show them just how sexy she could be. She wanted them to remove their suits, to touch her, to lay her naked body out on the table and pleasure her. Katie moved then. She walked toward the table that stood in her way, blocking her path. She climbed onto the table and crawled toward them. Their eyes never left her, not once, and she started feeling powerful, a hidden vixen rising to the surface. She moved until she was within reaching distance and lay down on her back, opening her legs, exposing her sex to the four of them. They didn’t move, like she hoped. They didn’t automatically reach for her. They sat, staring, licking their lips. She was wet and achy, needing to be filled, needing the release that was boiling so close to the surface. She moved her hands down her body, stopping to pinch and tweak her nipples. She moaned and shifted, moving her hips in invitation, wanting one of them to do something, to at least touch her, but again they didn’t move, just shifted in their seats. She pushed her hand down until her fingers reached her pussy. If they weren’t going to do anything, then she would. Using her left hand, she spread her nether lips apart, giving them a perfect view of her wet pussy. With her right hand, she moved her fingers, touching her clit first, rubbing in slow circles. Finally, she got what she wanted, male groans and growls. They were affected. The sounds they made pushed her on, made her want to come, made her want to really give them a show. She pushed two fingers into her pussy, but it wasn’t enough. She needed more, she needed one of her men to do something. She focused on them, on their faces, as she pumped her fingers. She pictured them taking her together, pictured Nathan fucking her pussy, Ryan pushing into her ass, sucking on Ethan’s cock, and using her hands to pleasure Lucas. It made her hot, and her juices leaked out, soaking her hand.

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Katie moved her left hand to her clit. She was getting close. She moved her hips, fucking her hand as she played with her clit, flashes of the different men popping in her mind, thinking of all the ways she could give and receive pleasure. She threw her hand back and screamed as she came, yelling their names and begging for more. The bathroom door flew open, slamming into the wall, jolting Katie. She screeched, threw her eyes open, and stared at Ryan. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and she looked around, wondering what had made him run into the bathroom the way he did. He took a deep breath and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I heard you yell my name.” He cocked his head to the side. “Did you masturbate?” She looked down and realized that she had, and she actually came. Holy cow, that had never happened before. “I don’t mean to embarrass you. Shit, I’m sorry, Katie.” Ryan backed out of the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Katie got her breathing under control before grabbing the towel and standing up. Her legs felt a little shaky as she dried herself off. She wrapped the towel around her body and stepped out of the tub. She looked at herself in the mirror as she got dressed in the clothes Ryan had put there for her. The sweats and shirt were huge and hung loosely on her body. She rolled the pants a few times so they didn’t fall off her waist. When she walked out of the bathroom, all four of the men were in the room waiting for her. “Did you masturbate in there?” Lucas asked, throwing her a sideways grin. She looked around at the other men in the room, all of them with matching curious looks. It had only been a dream after the long day she had. She was tired. It wasn’t that big of a deal. “Shut up.” She whispered the words fiercely as she walked past him toward the chairs by the fire. Nathan was waiting for her, holding a tray of food. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her she hadn’t eaten most of the day.

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“Baby, if you need some cock, just ask.” His words stopped her, and she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and plastered a fake smile on her face. His words went through her mind again, all or nothing. “Nathan, Lucas said something earlier, and I just wanted to clarify. I want to make sure I understand.” “I’d be happy to answer any questions you have, baby.” Nathan sent a look to Lucas, and she knew it was to shut him up. He helped her into the chair and put the tray on her lap. The tomato soup looked heavenly, and her mouth watered. “Yum, this looks fantastic. Thank you.” She leaned toward him and brushed her lips against his cheek. She really did like him. He was turning out to be such a sweet man. “You’re welcome.” He smiled back at her and moved back to the seat across from her. “Lucas told me that the four of you work together, and that if I wanted to move forward with you, Ryan, or Ethan”—she turned and made a face at Lucas, excluding him on purpose—“I’d also be stuck with him. Is that true? Is it really all or nothing?” She made her best sad face at him, hoping that she could get Nathan. Her body was on fire. “Oh, Jesus, cut that boo-face crap. You aren’t fooling anyone, princess.” Lucas moved to the sitting area by the fire and sat down on the couch. He looked annoyed, as if he had any right to. “Why are you so upset with me? Nobody said you had to sit here. Why don’t you go play with your little friend from earlier and leave me alone?” “You think I want to be here? Do you think I want you for a mate? I’m stuck.” His words were harsh, and they affected her more than she wanted them to. They sliced her heart open, and she had a hard time breathing. “Oh, shit, I’m sorry, Katie. I didn’t mean that.” He watched her closely, pain evident on his face. She couldn’t understand why she was so affected by him, and she needed some space and time alone.

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“I want you to leave. All of you, please. I want to be alone.” She stared at the fire. She could hear them talking to her, but she seemed to zone out, lost in thought. Her emotions were a huge, confusing mess, and she couldn’t seem to follow her body’s response either. She felt broken. Nothing connected. Her body, mind, and heart were all pulling her in different directions, and she couldn’t understand it. She hadn’t been at their house a whole day yet, and she felt them. It was weird. She took a few more bites of her soup and laid the tray on the ground. She walked in a daze to the bedroom door and moved the lock into place, blocking them from entering. The bed looked inviting, and she moved to climb in, covering herself completely, closing her eyes. She just needed some sleep. Tomorrow everything would be clearer. **** Things had gone from bad to worse in such a short amount of time. Ryan filed out of Katie’s room and headed toward the living room. It seemed that Nathan, Ethan, and Lucas’s little trip to the kitchen earlier hadn’t been very productive. They were supposed to be on the same page. They were supposed to be trying to make Katie feel comfortable. She was in a new place, surrounded by four men. Any woman would feel wary, but she belonged to them. The only woman in the world who mattered, and they were all messing things up. He should’ve taken her to Adam and Brandon, and then he could’ve gone on a few dates, taken things slow before introducing her to his idiot brothers. He was pacing, fists clenched, angry with himself and at Lucas for not being able to keep his big mouth closed. Nathan took on the role right away, gaining her trust and becoming her favorite quickly. Ethan kept his mouth shut, unsure of what to say, nervous energy surrounded him, but Lucas was another story. He was angry, and it made no sense.

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“What the fuck is wrong with you?” He moved quickly when Lucas walked into the living room, grabbing and pushing him against the wall. He kept his voice low, not wanting to upset Katie more than she already was, not wanting her to hear what Lucas had to say. The pain she felt only a few minutes ago had his stomach in tight knots. “Is she your mate? Do you feel the pull? Is it just me and Nathan?” He needed answers. If she wasn’t a mate to Lucas and Ethan, then they could move out and he could move forward with Nathan. “I don’t want a mate,” Lucas said behind clenched teeth. His answer seemed to surprise everyone. They had been looking and waiting for a mate for longer than he could remember. She was the one person who could hold their hearts, who could have their children and complete the bond. Most brothers mated with the same woman, but every once in a while, it didn’t work that way. That was the case with his uncles and fathers. He stepped back, realizing that maybe that was the case with Lucas and Ethan. They were twins. Maybe they were meant for another woman. “That didn’t answer my question. Is she your mate or not?” He looked over at Nathan, wondering if he was thinking the same thing. Did Katie only belong to the two of them? Lucas stayed quiet, so he turned to Ethan. “Well?” “Yeah, she is.” Ethan’s voice was quiet, as if he wasn’t sure he wanted to claim her or not. “Okay, Lucas? I’m going to assume she’s your mate as well and that you’re an ass. You’re treating her horribly. If you don’t want Katie to be your mate, then you need to leave. Every time we make a little progress, you ruin it by opening your mouth. Do you want her or not? Make a decision and follow through. I’m finished with this shit.” Ryan stalked out of the living room and headed toward his bedroom. His room was to the left of Katie’s. He changed his clothes quickly, pulling on a pair of sweats before getting in bed. He sent a silent little prayer that tomorrow would go easier and that Katie would let them have a fresh start. He closed his

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eyes, thinking about her beautiful little pixy face and her expressive eyes. She was everything he had wished for, and he wanted her to choose to stay with them. Ryan could hear doors farther down the hall closing and knew that everyone was going to bed. He hoped Nathan told them off, hoped that maybe Lucas and Ethan would make the decision to either stay or leave without hurting Katie any longer. His bedroom door opened, and he turned over, ready to face his brothers. He sat up when he realized that it was Katie. Her scent hit him before his eyes adjusted. There were subtle hints of pain that still lingered with an underlying scent of arousal. He stopped himself before he groaned, not wanting to scare her off. “Hey, baby. Are you okay? Is there anything I can get you?” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Umm, I’m a little cold. I was hoping that maybe you’d consider holding me for a little bit.” “Did you know this was my room? Or were you expecting someone else?” He tried to keep the hurt out of his tone. However, he knew she couldn’t have known which room was his. “I heard you talking to yourself when you came upstairs. My bed is on the other side of the wall. I knew I was coming to see you.” His heart swelled at her words. He felt an unbelievable tenderness he had never known. He knew then that she had the ability to break his heart, to break him. “Climb on in. I’d love to warm you up.” He scooted his body back, giving her room to climb into his bed. He pulled the covers over them both and opened his arms, letting her move, letting her get closer if she wanted to. She didn’t stop moving until they were chest to chest. He could feel her nipples pebble against his chest. She fit perfectly in his arms, her head under his chin. She shivered a little, and he lifted his left leg over hers, trying to let his body heat sink into her.

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“You smell good.” Her whispered words carried across his chest and made little goose bumps appear. “Thank you, so do you. Your shampoo smells like honeysuckle, like a warm summer day.” He took a deep breath, keeping his face against the top of her head, enjoying the small bundle in his arms. “A warm summer day in Alaska. Do you even have those here?” She giggled and moved so that she could look at him. “Yeah. Sometimes. Are you getting warm?” He could tell that she was. She had stopped shivering. “Yeah. My lips are still cold, though.” He arched a brow and smiled widely. She amazed him. Even after everything that happened, she was in his bed, in his arms, asking for a kiss. “We can’t have that now, can we?” He leaned down and slowly brushed his lips against hers. When she let out a little gasp, he took advantage and pushed his tongue in her mouth. He moaned and moved his body, wanting a better angle, needing more of her. He moved her easily, pulling her underneath his body. She surprised him by opening her legs farther and allowing his body to move closer to her heat. He tried to ignore his demanding cock begging for freedom, to be released from its prison. He focused on Katie, wanting her to feel comfortable. His heart beat rapidly in his chest, but he moved slowly, being gentle, eating at her mouth, enjoying her taste. Her reaction to him was almost immediate. She moved her hands from his shoulders to the back of his neck. Her body relaxed further under his, and she kissed him back, pushing her tongue in his mouth, playing with him. He pulled his mouth back, licking his lips, and looked down into her dazed eyes. Her lips were swollen, and he found himself smiling. Her flushed skin made him feel alive. “You’re so beautiful.” Her smile widened, and her eyes sparkled from the compliment. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, her jaw, and her neck. He inhaled her unique fragrance, and he moaned. He wanted to push her, to pull her clothes from her body and feast for

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hours. Instead, he moved to his side, pulling her into his arms. She trusted him, she had come to his room, and he wasn’t willing to push her too fast. His body was going crazy, though, and he was having a hard time keeping his hands from roaming over her body. “Ryan…why is Lucas so upset with me?” Her voice carried a sad tone to it, and he wondered if she realized how she sounded. Usually when mates met, they couldn’t stand to be apart. There was something that pulled them. It happened with shifters and humans alike, as if your subconscious and body recognized the other as belonging to you. He couldn’t figure out what Lucas’s problem was, though. It didn’t make any sense, unless he just really wanted her attention and he didn’t care if it was negative. “He’s not upset with you. You haven’t done anything wrong.” He rubbed her back, trying to reassure her. “Will you take me to see my sister? I don’t want to be here anymore.” Her whispered words stung him, but he understood the confusion she was having. She wanted them, but at the same time, the new feelings were too much, too soon. “I will, I promise. I just can’t right now.” He exhaled sharply, not sure what he should say, knowing he wanted to tell her everything, but his brothers most likely would want to be a part of that conversation. “What are you going to do with me? Why do you want me here?” She pulled back and looked at him, searching his eyes for the answers. “I want to answer all your questions. I want to put you at ease. I hope that you’ll be able to trust me when I tell you that we aren’t going to hurt you. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. We just want to make you happy.” He wanted to say more. He wanted to tell her that they would take care of her, pleasure her, and always make her happy. She was meant to be with him, with all of them, but the words stuck in his throat, and he didn’t want to risk losing her with the truth right

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now. He was content having her in his bed, in his arms. This was exactly where she belonged. A look mixed of disappointment and relief ran across her face. She was so expressive and easy to read. He loved watching her, knowing what emotions she was feeling so easily. “I can tell you wanted me to say more. I’m just not sure of what I can tell you.” “I knew there was more.” She pulled back from him, and Ryan immediately felt the loss. She came to him. He still couldn’t figure out why she hadn’t run to Nathan. They seemed to have bonded right away. Yet, here she was in his bed, practically begging for answers, and he didn’t know what to say. “I will tell you this, I’ve never wanted a woman more than I want you. I’ve waited for so long to have you in my arms, to be able to kiss you and touch you. I know that must be hard to believe, but it’s true. My brothers feel the same way.” He added that last part because she did belong to all four of them. He wasn’t able to keep her for himself. Leaning forward, he brushed his lips against hers. His body melted, pulling her closer once more, until there was no division between them. She moved her hips, rubbing her hot pussy on his thigh. **** Oh, God, she wanted him. She wanted so much more than she should. His lips set her on fire, and shivers of need racked her body. She wanted to touch him everywhere. She moved her hips, wanting to get closer, wanting to touch the huge erection tenting his pants. Ryan’s hand slid down her back to cup her bottom, pulling her closer until she did feel his cock against her stomach. She was panting, slowly losing her mind and needing more from him. “Too many clothes, I want to feel you.” She started pulling at her shirt, moving it out of the way. She wanted to feel his warm chest against hers. She wanted to be skin to skin. Ryan helped her, moving her

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body until she was lying under his. His skin an inferno, she felt hot, and she wiggled, wanting to feel more. Ryan licked his lips and moved down her body slightly until he was face level with her breasts. He didn’t waste any time. He leaned his head forward, and she felt his breath against her skin. He scraped his teeth against one nipple. She gasped and moved, wanting to beg for more but unable to find the words. He pulled her nipple through his teeth and suckled before biting down. He released her and laved the sting. Shudders racked her as he turned his attention to the other nipple and repeated the process. She was on fire, and she could feel her desire growing. She moved her legs, opening them farther, wanting more contact, and he didn’t disappoint her. He moved, making a trail of kisses down her chest, her stomach, and finally reached the sweats that were loosely rolled at her hips. He stopped for a minute, looking at her with his intense eyes, before pulling the sweats down her legs, exposing her body completely to him. She shifted and moaned, pushing her hands through his hair, applying some pressure. She knew exactly what she wanted—his face buried in her pussy. Ryan didn’t need any more encouragement than that. He leaned down and blew on her tender flesh before snaking his tongue out and licking her. His moan of delight was almost too much for her, her hips coming up off the bed. His large hands moved, holding her hips, keeping her in place, as he took his time licking her. “Oh, Ryan, so good. Don’t stop.” She was panting, moaning, and moving as much as she could. He moved faster, licking and nibbling her clit. Finally, he moved one hand from her hip, pushing two fingers into her pussy. The pressure felt amazing, but she needed more. She wanted to be filled completely by him. He added another finger, never taking his mouth from her clit. He lashed at it with his tongue, the pressure inside her body, building. “That’s it, baby, ride my fingers. You’re so sexy. Tighten those muscles. Pretend it’s my cock.” She moved faster as he pumped his

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fingers in and out of her pussy. She closed her eyes and pretended it was his cock filling her instead. “I need more.” She shrieked. She was so close. She could feel her orgasm building, but for some reason she wasn’t flying over the edge. She thrashed her head from side to side, wanting to cry, feeling frustrated that she couldn’t reach the peak. She felt another set of hands on her body, and her eyes flung open. She licked her lips, looking at Ethan standing naked next to the bed. “Ryan, put a finger in her ass. She needs to be completely filled. Don’t you, baby?” Ethan didn’t take his eyes off her as he spoke to Ryan. She eyed his cock, and he gave her a sly smile, as if he knew exactly what she needed. He was right. She did need more, so much more. “Good girl, get those lips nice and wet for me.” He moved forward, climbing on the bed, crawling toward her like a predator. “I think our girl needs to be filled with cock. That’s gonna make her come. Am I right, baby?” His words came out as a growl, and Katie found herself nodding. For some reason that was exactly what she needed, to be filled and overwhelmed. “Is Ryan filling that sweet little ass? Can you feel his fingers fucking you? Close your eyes. We’re all here, we all want you.” Katie did what he said, closing her eyes. She pretended all four of the men were in the room, all loving her. Ethan moved, rubbing his cock across her lips, and she snaked her tongue out and licked the pre-cum from the tip. His taste exploded in her mouth, and she wanted more. She opened her mouth wide, taking as much of him in as she could. She moved her hand into the mix, grabbing the base of his cock and pumping him slowly at first. Ryan didn’t waste time. He ate at her pussy, and she could feel him moving a hand down, coating her bottom hole with her juices. He pushed a finger in, taking his time, and she relaxed and let go. She felt her orgasm resurface, growing, becoming something bigger than she had ever expected. She moved her hands quicker, swallowing around Ethan’s cock, fucking Ryan’s fingers. She felt naughty, and it was

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becoming the most amazing feeling. Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest. Stretching. Burning. He drove those fingers in and out of her, and she was so wet they glided smoothly. Pressure was still building, and her blood felt like fire in her veins. Her only thought was that she wanted to come, was desperate to come. He tortured her clit, and she found herself moaning around Ethan. She sucked and she devoured. She pulled his cock from her mouth, “Harder. More. Don’t stop.” She knew she was commanding Ryan, but she didn’t care. She moved back to pleasure Ethan, hoping that he, too, could find release. It didn’t take any more than that. She was flying, screaming, coming apart at the seams. Stars exploded behind her eyes, and her inner muscles clenched around him, holding him inside her. Ethan followed her, quickly pulling out of her mouth and pumping his cock, letting his cum jet out across her chest. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of her body twitching in the aftermath of a mind-blowing orgasm. She felt a warm cloth touch her skin, and she moaned. “Holy hell, that was amazing. I’ve never come in my pants. Watching you, baby, was amazing.” She felt the bed dip and knew that Ryan was getting back on the bed. He pulled her in his arms. “I’m gonna stay in here for the night. If that’s okay?” Ethan’s voice was quiet, and she could hear the longing and hope. She reached her arm back, and he took her hand. “I think you’ve got your answer.” Ryan kissed her, and she could taste herself on his lips. It didn’t disgust her like she thought it would. Instead, she kissed him back, moving closer into his warmth. Ethan climbed back on the bed and moved his body behind hers, putting one large hand on her hip. It felt wonderful being surrounded by their heat. She kept her eyes closed and leaned her head back against Ethan’s chest, wanting to give him some attention as well. “Kiss me good night, Ethan.” She moved her head a little more, trying to give him more access to her lips. He didn’t waste any time

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diving for her mouth. The kiss was passionate and ended far too soon, but she was glad he had walked in the room and joined in. “I’ve never felt so warm.” She moved closer, cuddling between them both, enjoying their heat and the warmth of their skin. “You’ll never be cold again, baby.” Ethan’s voice whispered in her ear, tickling her neck. She felt content, comfortable, and she wondered briefly if it would be safer for her to go to the other room. She should put some distance between them, but she didn’t want to. She wanted to stay warm forever.

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Chapter 4 Nathan stood outside Ryan’s bedroom door. He could imagine what the goofy smile on his face looked like. He had heard Katie get up and open her bedroom door. He had held his breath, hoping that she would come to him. When she went into Ryan’s room, he had felt disappointed at first. Then, his curiosity got the best of him and he walked down the hall toward Ryan’s bedroom. Ethan was already standing at the door, licking his lips, looking like he really wanted to join in the fun. Hearing her quiet moans, groans, and pleas was almost too much. He wanted to charge into the room and give her pleasure as well. He wanted to hear his name on her lips. “She’s so close. I just want to watch her come. I am trying to give them privacy, but I really want to be in there with them.” Ethan’s voice held so much longing, and Nathan wanted him to feel a connection to her, especially since Lucas was pulling back. “You should go in there and help her…help Ryan.” He pushed his arm. Ethan looked at him, unsure, and he nodded his head, giving him more encouragement. Ethan, the shy, quiet one, always letting everyone else take the lead, surprised him. He walked into the room, taking off his clothes, telling Ryan what to do to help their little mate climax. It seemed as though she was having an effect on them all. He could’ve joined in but decided instead to watch from the hallway. They each needed time to accept their mate and to be accepted by her. The only one he was concerned with was Lucas. If he decided not to be Katie’s mate, he would be excluded from the bonding ceremony. The worst part, though, would be if he never

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found a mate. This was their opportunity to finally have everything they had been waiting for. Hearing Lucas’s words that he didn’t want to share a mate, and then him pushing her away, could end badly for him. It didn’t take long, and Katie was screaming out her release. He could feel her happiness radiate through the room and out toward him. He couldn’t take his eyes off her, her head thrown back, her skin flushed, her body shaking. It was the most amazing thing he’d ever experienced in his long life. Ryan winked at him as he walked to the bathroom. He knew he couldn’t hide from his brothers. He hadn’t been trying to hide his presence, he just didn’t want to interrupt. He wanted to give Ryan, Ethan, and Katie some time together. The three of them cuddled together in bed, and Nathan stood there for a little longer, until he knew that she was asleep. His mate, cuddled between two other of her mates. The room was quiet, so he turned and headed back to his room. He needed to talk to Lucas in the morning. There was no way he couldn’t have heard Katie. It was possible then that Lucas had made up his mind. He had no idea what he was missing, what he would miss by rejecting her as his mate. He walked into his bedroom and lay down, getting comfortable. He envisioned Katie next to him, wanting to hold her and take care of her. He planned to take things slowly, wanting to create a relationship, something that would last. So far, things had been developing, and luckily, they had some time. The only problem they still had to deal with was Adam, the alpha of their clan, and Brandon, his second-in-command. They couldn’t just keep Katie here without her becoming their prisoner. They had some time, though, since his cousins were busy with their new mate. They wouldn’t be missed around the main house, at least not for a while. Time wasn’t on their side. The longer they kept Katie, the more problems they would have to deal with. Technically, both of his

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cousins couldn’t do anything. They couldn’t keep her away from them. He didn’t want to think about that now, didn’t want to think about the different possibilities. He just wanted to focus on Katie. They didn’t have much time. He’d have to talk to his brothers in the morning. **** Katie woke up and stretched, yawned, and moved around the bed a little, not feeling ready to get up yet and face the day. She wasn’t sure what had woken her but soon realized that she could hear raised voices coming from somewhere in the house. She pulled the blanket down and strained to listen, hoping she could hear something. She nibbled on her lip, wondering if she should follow the voices. After a few minutes, she climbed out of the bed, dressed quickly in her pajamas from the night before, and tiptoed down the hall. The voices grew louder as she got closer, and she knew they were talking about her. All four of them were together with the door closed. She had never believed she could hear such anger in Ryan’s voice, especially with their time together the night before. “Damn it! If you don’t want to be with her, Lucas, that’s fine with me. I don’t want to share any more than I have to.” “We aren’t talking about Lucas anymore. If he doesn’t want Katie, that’s up to him. Stop, Ryan. You don’t need to freak out anymore.” Nathan’s voice was clear. She knew it was him taking the commanding role. “Of course you don’t care, especially after last night. It wasn’t enough that you and Ethan fucked her. The only two that should be pissed is Nathan and I. We didn’t get a chance.” Lucas’s voice cut through her. It made her feel dirty that she had let both Ryan and Ethan touch her. She didn’t know why she cared what Lucas thought of her. She also didn’t know why she had needed to be near them all

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either. She felt a horrible feeling in her heart, torn between needing to be with them and wanting to run away. She stood frozen, a tight ball stuck in her throat, and she couldn’t breathe. She moved her right hand up around her neck and massaged, hoping the lump would go away. She wanted to march into the office and slap that horrible grin off Lucas’s smug face. She could see him in her mind. When she heard a fist connect with flesh, she realized that someone had done the job for her. The door suddenly opened, and she saw Ryan standing there. His face fell, the angry look replaced by resignation and a little sadness. “Good morning. How long have you been standing there?” His voice came out in a gruff whisper. “Long enough.” That’s all she could manage to get out. “I’m sorry you had to hear any of that.” He shook his head and walked past her, grabbing her shoulder for just a moment and giving it a squeeze. She still didn’t move, just looked into the office. She saw Nathan sitting behind his desk, Ethan standing across the room, and Lucas holding a hand over his nose while blood trickled through his fingers. They were all looking at her with varying looks of concern. “Fuck.” Lucas stood up and walked toward her. He wiped his hand down the side of his pants. The blood had stopped almost instantly. She wasn’t sure if the lights were playing tricks on her or not, but his nose seemed to be fixing itself as he moved to stand in front of her. She stared at him for a moment, and when he reached out, she moved. She didn’t want him touching her, didn’t even want an apology for his harsh words. She just wanted him away from her. He put his hand back down, said a few more curse words under his breath, and walked away. She didn’t move until she no longer heard retreating footsteps. “I’m going back to my room. I think I woke up too early.” Katie turned and walked quickly back up the stairs and to the room she was staying in temporarily. She climbed onto the bed and moved to get under the covers, pulling them over her head. She closed her eyes,

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doing her best not to think, trying to erase her memory, wishing she hadn’t gotten out of bed. **** Ethan followed Katie to her room. He watched her climb into the bed and pull the blankets over her head. She looked lost, and he felt guilty for their conversation and even worse for all the stupid crap Lucas said. He didn’t understand what Lucas was feeling. They had always been close, especially since they were twins. They had a bond that their other brothers didn’t understand. Nathan and Ryan both turned to him when Lucas was out of control, and he always seemed to have the answers, except now. He closed the door, wanting to give her the privacy she obviously needed. He walked down the hall, searching for Lucas, needing to talk to him. When he looked through the house and couldn’t find him, he grabbed his jacket and headed outside. He found him sitting in one of the chairs on the wraparound patio. “Why?” He didn’t have to say any more. He knew that Lucas would know exactly what he meant. “We were supposed to have our own mate, Ethan.” Lucas looked out toward the forest. “What do you mean?” He moved and sat down next to Lucas, really wanting to know exactly what Lucas was thinking. “Our uncles and dads. We are twins, just like our dads. We are supposed to have a mate, just the two of us. We shouldn’t have to share with Nathan and Ryan.” That was true. His dads had gotten lucky. They didn’t need to share with their three uncles. “We do have a mate, Lucas. She’s upstairs right now. Devastated. You hurt her.” He searched his brother’s face, hoping to see a reaction to his words. Lucas looked over at him, his face serious. “You don’t get it.”

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“I do. You don’t want to share. Instead of showing Katie how great you are, getting her attention and affection, you’re being an ass.” Ethan raised his eyebrow, challenging Lucas, wanting him to open up. “I don’t know what to do.” He moved again, looking at the trees, probably wanting to run. “Keep acting this way, and you’ll end up without her, without a mate. Is that what you want, to not have Katie in your life at all?” Ethan was completely serious. He wasn’t sure if Lucas realized what he was throwing away. “There might be another mate out there for us. Just the two of us.” His voice held such hope, and Ethan realized that if he wouldn’t accept Katie, then it would be his loss. “You can’t be serious. You want to give Katie up and hope that there might be another woman out there for us. No way. I’m not going to do that. If you don’t want to stay here with Katie, then I’m going to agree with Nathan and Ryan. You need to leave. She doesn’t deserve your anger.” Ethan got up and walked back into the house. He couldn’t listen to Lucas feel sorry for himself any longer. He didn’t want to abandon Katie, even if there was the possibility of another woman being their mate. He wanted to keep her. It had never bothered him that their community was full of ménage couples. He had known that he would probably share a mate. That’s just the way things worked out. She had only been in their home for a short period of time, and already he was starting to have feelings for her. **** Katie opened her eyes, feeling a bit disoriented. She didn’t want to move, so instead she pulled the covers up high and stayed hidden for as long as possible. Straining her head, she listened for any activity or voices in the house. The last thing she wanted to hear was another

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conversation between Nathan, Lucas, Ethan and Ryan. Silence greeted her, and she relaxed back against the bed. A knock sounded at the door and she cringed, unsure of what to do or how to react. The door pushed open, and she moved to look at who walked in. “Hey, beautiful, I hope you slept well. We made you dinner. Why don’t you come downstairs?” Ryan flashed her a smile, and Katie found herself smiling back. “Um, okay. I’ll be down soon.” Ryan closed the door quietly behind him, and Katie stretched. She took a few minutes trying to find the confidence she needed to confront them again. She felt like a nervous wreck, especially since she was going to see Lucas. He was the only one out of all of them that freaked her out. He really didn’t like her, and for some reason that affected her greatly. She climbed out of bed and thought about taking a shower but decided not to. She grabbed a hairbrush and put her hair in a ponytail. She looked down at her outfit and cringed. She went to her backpack and changed into a clean pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt. Katie walked out of the room and headed for the stairs. She was hungry and her stomach growled loudly. She stopped when she saw Ethan standing at the bottom waiting for her. He was dressed in a suit, and she felt underdressed all of the sudden. He looked handsome standing there, and he smiled widely at her. She walked down each step slowly even though she really wanted to run to him. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she took his outstretched hand. “Ready, sweetheart?” Ethan asked with a smile as he claimed her hand. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles as she stared up at him, wanting him to kiss her. Almost as if he’d heard her thoughts, he leaned forward and pressed his lips gently against her own. “We made dinner for you. We want you to know how much you’re starting to mean to us. We are going to take things slowly, sweetheart.” He pulled her into his body and they walked to the dining room. She let him hold her close to his body. She could feel his warmth almost instantly. When they walked into the dining room, Nathan was

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seated at the head of the table. He gave her a smile and stood up, walked to the empty chair next to him, and pulled it out for her. She moved away from Ethan and sat down, letting him push her toward the table. She nibbled on her lower lip, wondering what they had planned. “Did you sleep well, beautiful?” Nathan whispered in her ear, and she shivered, enjoying his warm breath on her neck. “Yeah.” She gave him a small smile and turned in time to see Ryan walking into the dining room with a large tray in his hands. He walked toward her, a big smile lighting up his face. He laid the tray down and quickly grabbed the chair next to her. Nathan moved away, sitting in his chair. Ethan was already sitting across from her. It seemed like it was only going to be the four of them. She searched for Lucas but realized that he wasn’t going to join them. She didn’t need to look around the table to see the looks on their faces. She felt disappointment weigh heavily on her. “Don’t be upset, baby. We want you to be happy. The three of us worked together making dinner. We thought this could be considered our first date.” Ryan reached a hand over and rubbed her shoulder, pushing his thumb into the sore muscle. It felt good, and she knew he was trying to get her mind off Lucas and onto their date. It was sweet, she had to admit, even though her heart felt a little sick without Lucas. She couldn’t understand why, though. She didn’t know him, shouldn’t care if he showed up or not. “Thank you. Everything looks delicious.” Her stomach gave her away when it growled loudly, and she looked around wondering if they had heard that. From the knowing smiles on their face, they had. She laughed a little and watched as Ryan loaded up her plate with turkey breast, mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, and green beans. She didn’t know how they knew what all her favorites were, but she was grateful that they had all been so thoughtful. Katie grabbed her fork and started eating, not waiting for them to serve themselves first. Everything tasted amazing, and the flavors

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exploded in her mouth. She could taste the sage in the stuffing and the garlic in the mashed potatoes. She closed her eyes and moaned, enjoying her meal. When she opened her eyes again, three sets of eyes were staring at her. “What?” Nathan cleared his throat. “Um, nothing. You make the sweetest sounds when you eat, that’s all.” He gave her a wink and then took a slow bite of his food while she watched him. The fork went into his mouth and he pulled it out slowly, licking it and then licking his lips. He went for another bite and her heart nearly stopped at the look of pleasure on his face while he watched her. She licked her lips, wanting to be the food, wanting his mouth on her. Her heart beat frantically in her chest, and before she knew what she was doing, she was walking toward him. Nathan arched his brow, and she had a hard time reading his expression. Instead of stopping herself, she reached the table, grabbed his plate, and pushed it toward the center of the table. She shut her mind off, ignoring her inner voice protesting her next move. She climbed onto the table, stretching out in front of him, offering herself to him without words. She spread her legs farther apart so that they lay on either side of his wide thighs. Nathan didn’t disappoint her. He reached for the waistband of her pants along with her panties and pulled them down her legs. She felt exposed and vulnerable and started to shake a little. She closed her eyes on a groan when she felt his fingers touch her exposed flesh. She heard the scraping of two chairs and knew that both Ethan and Ryan had moved. She didn’t know if they were leaving the room or just trying to get a better view of the action.

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Chapter 5 Katie enjoyed the feeling of his fingers as he explored her sex. He moved closer, and she felt his hot breath on her thigh. Her muscles tensed, and she moaned, wanting to beg him, but the words were stuck in her throat. “Spread your thighs for me a bit more, beautiful.” She tried to move but couldn’t. “It’s okay, relax.” She felt a strong hand on each thigh and opened her eyes. She saw Ethan on one side of her and Ryan on the other, watching Nathan move his fingers. They each held tighter to her thighs and lifted them, making it easier for Nathan to have access to her. Katie moved, testing Ethan and Ryan’s strength. She felt trapped and even more excited than she had even been in her life. She had always enjoyed bondage, being tied down and pleasured. She was their willing slave in that moment. Nathan parted her pussy, exposing her clit to the cool air, and she moved her hips, wanting to entice him. He moved in and took one long lick. “Mmmm, someone is dripping wet already. Poor Katie, do you want to come?” Nathan didn’t wait for her to respond. Instead he moved his mouth in and sucked on her clit, lashing her with his tongue. Nothing had ever felt this good. He devoured her, ate at her, until she was speaking incoherently. Large hands gripped her shirt and moved it up, coving her face. Warm, hot mouths covered each nipple, biting and sucking. Her body was overloaded with sensation. She tried to move, but they held her down. Slow, soft licks, with a gentle rasp of teeth, ran down her stomach, and every muscle in her body flexed. “Please, please. Nathan, I need more. Ohgodohgodohgod.” She mumbled as Nathan pushed his fingers into her pussy. He started a

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slow pace that eventually became frantic as she rode his fingers, crying and begging for more. Spirals of light danced behind her eyelids as Katie squeezed her eyes tightly shut. Her entire body burned with need as she focused on the mouth on her mound. He slid his tongue along her folds, lapping at her with quick, heated curls that made her shiver. She was so close to coming. The cliff was in sight, and she raced for it, moving her hips. Just before she reached her peak, Nathan pulled back. Katie’s eyes flew open. “What? Why did you stop? Nathan, I need you.” She was panting, moving, ready to cry in frustration. “Do you want my mouth or my cock? I’ll make you come. However, you should know that you’re mine. You belong to us, Katie. Choose, what do you want?” He stood up, moving so that they stared at each other. She didn’t care. She’d be leaving soon anyway. She wanted his cock. She wanted to be taken, to be owned, even if it was for a short time before they took her to see her sister. “I want your cock.” She didn’t take long to think, she just wanted to come. Her body was on fire. Ethan and Ryan still held her legs apart, both of them smiling down at her. She felt awkward for a moment, wanting them to be involved. “Then that’s what you’ll have,” Nathan vowed. “I’ll feed you every inch of me until you’re so packed full of cock you don’t know where I end and you begin. Heaven have mercy on you then, because I’m going to ride you hard and fast, deep and rough, until you come apart. But, that kind of pleasure only belongs to one woman. Are you sure that’s you?” “Yes, it’s me,” Katie whispered back with such strained hope that Nathan flashed her a smile. His words had affected her more than any others. Her pussy dripped, and she was so close to coming just by listening to what he was going to do. She moved, trying to break free, wanting to grab his cock and force him.

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“Then you’re willing to be claimed as our mate?” She nodded her head and moaned deep in her throat. “Fuck me already,” Katie demanded. “Fine. Give it to her, Nathan.” Before Katie could wonder at what that barked order meant, her world exploded. With one single thrust, Nathan shoved his cock in her pussy. She hadn’t even realized that he didn’t have pants on. She had been so focused on her own satisfaction. “Oh, God, baby. So damn tight.” Nathan growled deep in his chest, an animalistic sound that she hadn’t been prepared for. It surprised her at the same time it pushed her to want him to completely lose control. She couldn’t move though, nor did she want to. She watched Nathan’s face as he slowly pulled out and pushed back into her. He groaned and moved, setting a faster pace. Ethan leaned down, his hair tickling her as he took her nipple in his mouth, biting, causing a flash of pain that shot straight to her pussy. “Please,” she begged. “Harder, Nathan, please.” “I don’t want to hurt you, baby.” His voice came out a guttural growl. He had to be dying for more, as she was. “You won’t. You can’t.” He pulled her to the edge of the table, pushing his hands under her ass to lift her higher in the air. He gripped an ass cheek in each hand and powered into her. As if completely in tune with her wants and desires, Nathan thrust into her, his tempo finally at the beat her body craved most. He seemed to know exactly what to do to make her body respond to him. He moved her hips in small circles so her clit brushed against him. The motion sent little bolts of excitement throughout her body. She grew wetter, her body opening more, making Nathan’s thrusts into her smoother. She closed her eyes and gave her body over to their demands. Ethan suckled her breast while Ryan squeezed and tortured her other nipple. She could feel her orgasm coming back to life as Nathan pounded into her already sensitive pussy. She let the sensations take over, letting them manipulate her body.

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“I know you’re close, baby. I can feel your pussy clamping down on my cock. Don’t come yet. I want us to come together.” Nathan’s voice was deep, and she could swear she felt his cock grow even harder inside her. She held on, trying to hold back, wanting to please him. Ethan and Ryan both moved, letting go of her legs, and she wrapped them around Nathan’s hips, holding his body closer to hers. He leaned down, and she felt his chest rub against her nipples and his warm breath on her neck. “Now, baby. Let go now!” With those fiercely whispered words, she felt her world erupt. Everything was spinning out of control, and her climax shook her body so badly she was surprised she wasn’t thrown off the table. She felt a stab of pain for only a moment before her body was shaking again with the force of a second orgasm. She was panting, her body having tiny little spasms. She opened her eyes and realized she was holding Nathan tightly against her body. He was holding her, his face buried in her neck, lazily licking the spot between her neck and shoulder. “My mate.” His words were spoken with reverence, and she felt special. “Wow.” Her mind felt fuzzy, and although she wanted to say more, she couldn’t seem to form the words to express the feelings running through her heart, her mind, or her body. Nathan moved, standing up, and pulled out of her. She felt the loss instantly. Thankfully, that feeling didn’t last long. Nathan picked her up off the table and held her close to his chest. He kissed her gently and carried her toward the stairs. She finally looked around and saw both Ethan and Ryan watching them with sad smiles on their faces. Her heart broke a little more when she realized that they had been watching her interactions with Nathan and hadn’t participated. “Wait.” Nathan stopped and looked down at her. “What’s wrong, sweetie? I can sense your sadness.” He stared at her, and she relaxed further into his arms.

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“I want Ethan and Ryan, too.” She bit her lip. She wanted Lucas, but she knew that would never happen. She felt sick. What was wrong with her? She needed to get the hell out of this place. Nathan laughed a little, and she looked up, humor dancing in his eyes. “You don’t have to choose. You get to keep all of us. And we get to keep you.” He looked over his shoulder at his brothers. “Well, let’s go. Don’t stand there sulking.” He moved toward the stairs once more, and both Ethan and Ryan winked at her and followed quickly behind. **** Nathan carried his mate up to the master suite. He had been waiting for this moment for most of his life. Nathan wasn’t planning on leaving his brothers behind. It was more of a test than anything else. He wanted to see if Katie would notice Ethan and Ryan waiting silently for her attention. She belonged to them as well. As the oldest brother, he got to have the privilege of marking their mate first, sinking his cock as well as his teeth into her body. It didn’t always happen that way, but he wanted to follow that particular tradition. The mating ritual wouldn’t be happening. Some of their clan followed it, wanted the chase through the forest, but he’d rather make love to his mate in their bed. He didn’t want to give any other males of their clan a chance to claim her. She belonged to them. He had been sitting at the table watching her mouth closely as she enjoyed every bite. Every moan affected him. Even watching her throat swallow had made his cock twitch in his pants. His thoughts scattered when her pink little tongue slid out to run over her lips, wetting them. He had wanted to show her how affected he was. He wanted her to think about his mouth and the pleasure he could give her. That’s why he had taken his fork into his mouth slowly, pretending he was worshipping her body. He’d never dreamed that she would react the

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way she did. She was a goddess, a siren walking toward him and climbing on the table. She wasn’t afraid to demand pleasure. He walked straight to the bed and lowered her down gently. He let her body slide down so he could feel every soft inch of her. She moaned as her body connected with the sheets, and he was glad that he had bought a completely new bed set. The room had been sitting untouched for a really long time. He had done everything in his power to make it perfect for his mate. Now she was here in the master suite, accepting their affection. Everything was moving in the right direction. **** Her body moved seductively down Nathan’s hard body, and she moaned deep in her throat, feeling a renewed sense of passion. The sheets were cool against her naked body, and she moved around, enjoying the feel against her too-hot skin. Nathan stepped back, away from the bed. Katie looked around, enjoying the view of a very naked Ethan and Ryan. Her heart stopped in her chest when she looked at them. They were both so beautiful. “You are so perfect. I’m glad the lights are on. I can see every curve of your delectable little body. Mmmm,” Ryan said as he walked closer and climbed on the bed, crawling toward her like a predator ready to eat his prey. Ethan followed quickly behind him, moving closer so that he could touch her as well. Katie looked around, trying to find Nathan. He pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat down. He looked comfortable and gave her a wink. She calmed down a bit, realizing he wanted to watch her with his brothers. He was giving them the space they gave him in the dining room. She winked back at him and then moved her attention back to Ryan and Ethan. Ethan moved then, leaning against the headboard. He pulled her into his arms so that her back was against his naked chest. She sat between his legs, feeling his cock grow harder and press against her

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lower back. “Ryan is gonna fuck you first, Katie, while I play with these beautiful nipples.” He spoke quietly while he moved his hands to cup her breasts. He weighed them in his hands first and then moved his fingertips around her nipples, exciting her. She wanted to beg, but instead she sat there panting, enjoying his touch. “Then, I’m going to fuck you, nice and deep. Do you want that, baby? Can you feel how hard I am for you?” He grabbed her nipples between his thumb and forefingers and squeezed until there was a small bite of pain, and she moaned loudly. His quietly spoken, vulgar words combined with the sensation to her nipples shot desire through her body, and her pussy gushed for him. She was staring at the lust in Ryan’s eyes. He rubbed her legs, spreading her thighs wider. He moved his hands up her thighs, and Katie held her breath, waiting for the first touch. “Oh, baby. You like that idea, don’t you? I can see your juices leaking out of your pretty pussy.” “Yes. Yes, I want you so bad I ache.” Ryan smiled and moved in. She spread her legs wider to give him easier access, and Ethan moved his hands down her stomach to her pussy. He spread her open, giving Ryan a better view. “She has the prettiest little pussy I’ve ever seen. Is she wet enough for me, Ethan?” Ryan’s voice was gruffer as he stared at her. Ethan’s fingers moved in, and he pushed a strong, thick finger into her pussy. She moaned and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of having his finger inside her. “Damn…I’m about to come just from touching her. She’s dripping wet. I can’t wait until it’s my turn.” She clenched against his finger as she watched Ryan stroke his hard cock. Ethan moved his hand away, giving her breasts the attention she craved. He started kissing her neck, nipping at it with his sharp teeth. She shivered as she watched Ryan move closer to her. He rubbed the head of his cock against her clit and opening, teasing her.

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Ryan leaned his body into hers and took possession of her lips as he slowly pushed his cock into her. He groaned and pushed deeper, moving his body slowly until he was fully seated. She felt him deep inside her, and she pulled her face back, needing more air in her lungs. “Fuck, you’re tight. Hot. Wet. Oh, damn. I’m not gonna last long.” Ryan was sweating, his forehead damp, and she could tell he was holding himself back. She moved her hips, encouraging him to move as well. He pulled out slowly, and she felt every ripple of his cock inside her pussy. “Move. Ryan, faster. I need more.” He was setting too slow of a pace, and she moved her hips, working herself on and off his cock. She watched his blue eyes turn even darker as he stilled and then pulled out entirely to slam his length back into her. Pleasure coursed throughout her body, and she couldn’t take her eyes off him. The heat and tension increased as she watched him pound in and out of her. His cock was huge and filled her completely, and she moved, wanting even more. She felt wild. Ryan grasped her thigh firmly, changing positions so he could pick up his speed. “I’m not gonna last. Come for me, baby. I want to feel your pussy clamp down hard on my cock.” His words did it for her, and her body exploded with a wave of pleasure as she arched her back, pushing herself against him. Just when she thought her orgasm was subsiding, she felt his teeth sink into her shoulder. The pain and pleasure mixed, and she was thrown into another mind-shattering orgasm. She cried out as one last pulse hit her and ran through her body. She went limp in his arms, leaning fully against Ethan. Ryan licked her shoulder, and then he moved to lay his head on her chest. They were both breathing heavy, and it took her a minute to calm down before she could speak. “That was intense. I really like the biting thing you did. I swear I’ve never come so hard in my life.” She moved her head to Ryan’s

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hair, pushing her fingers through his thick locks. He moved slowly and kissed her gently, taking his time now. “I’ve never felt anything so perfect in my life.” He kissed her once more and then moved slowly to lie next to her. “I hope you’re ready for Ethan, baby. He looks ready to burst.” Ryan laughed a little and helped her move. “I’m definitely ready for him.” Katie turned and saw the look in Ethan’s eyes. They were almost completely black. He looked wild, and she stayed on her hands and knees facing him. “Don’t move.” Ethan’s words froze her, and she didn’t know what to expect. She shivered a little, feeling a moment of fear. He moved then, going behind her, and she felt his large hands on her ass. “I’ve been dreaming of this ass. So perfect.” She felt his warm breath on her before she felt his lips kiss each cheek, and then she jerked when she sunk his teeth into her. She wondered if they realized how much biting affected her, had always been a secret turn-on. The harder the better. She wanted teeth marks all over her body. She relaxed her thighs and tilted her hips when she felt the broad head of his cock at her opening. “Lean down on your forearms. Keep your ass up high for me, baby.” He slapped her ass, and she moaned, moving her hips, wanting more. He surprised her by slowly inching every bit of his big cock inside her. She was expecting him to be rougher. He went slow and deep, working with short thrusts until she was accustomed to his size. He didn’t pick up his pace, and so she started moving, telling him without words what she wanted. He grabbed her hips, stopping her movements. “Not yet, baby. I’m too close to coming. Let me do all the work.” Ethan moved then, harder, and she loved the feeling of him inside her. He moved one hand from her hip and scratched down her back, hard. She arched her back and moaned deep. “Looks like Katie likes a little pain with her pleasure.” He sat up fully on his knees, pulled back, and slammed into her. He held her hips tight, digging into her flesh, and

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she loved the feeling of being owned. He slapped her ass hard, taking turns on each cheek. The intense pleasure built up in her body, and she didn’t think she was even capable of coming again. She arched and thrust against him as he continued the fast strokes. He moved one hand to her clit, grabbed it between his thumb and forefinger, and pinched. She came on a scream, throwing her head back, crying out her release. She felt his teeth bite down hard on her shoulder, and she collapsed onto the bed, all her strength gone. Ethan’s body covered hers, and he held her tight against his chest. She could feel his heart beating rapidly. She closed her eyes and yawned. She felt completely worn out. “Baby, are you okay?” Nathan’s voice washed over her. “Yeah. I’m just tired.” She was tired, exhausted. But more than anything, she had never felt so completely free in her life. She felt cherished and loved. Ethan moved, falling next to her on the bed. She finally looked up after having her face smashed in the pillows. It took her a minute for her eyes to adjust. Nathan pushed her hair out off her face and stared at her. “Why are you crying? Did Ethan hurt you? Was he too rough?” She could tell he was angry, but he still spoke calmly. She moved her hand and wiped her face. She hadn’t realized she’d been crying. Nathan grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. He turned fast and headed toward the bathroom. “Wait. Nathan. I’m okay. Ethan didn’t hurt me.” She reached a hand up and cupped his jaw. “Then why were you crying? I watched the whole thing. He was too rough.” He walked into the connecting bathroom and sat her on the bathtub rim. Ethan and Ryan followed them. She turned and watched Ethan’s face transform, and he became upset and wouldn’t look her in the eye. Nathan started the water, and Ryan handed him a box of Epsom salt from under the bathroom sink. Nobody spoke, and Katie started to feel sick to her stomach. Her happiness had been

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completely busted up. She moved into the hot water, keeping her head down, unsure of what to say. “I’m sorry, Katie. I guess I was a bit too rough. That won’t happen again.” She looked up when she heard Ethan’s quiet voice. He stood by the door, almost like he didn’t feel welcome. “Ethan, please, come here.” He looked at his brothers but didn’t move. “Please. Ethan, I swear that you didn’t hurt me.” She stood up in the tub and moved. She felt an overwhelming need to comfort him. He hadn’t done anything wrong. He finally moved and got into the water with her. He sat down but didn’t move toward her, and she started getting worried. What if he never touches me again? He did every dirty thing I crave. He made me feel so normal. “All right, everyone in the tub. Now.” She was going to solve this if it killed her. Ryan grinned and climbed in, and Nathan moved with sharp, angry movements. “Everything that happened tonight was perfect. Nobody hurt me. Nathan, I’ve never come so hard in my entire life, and it was a perfectly wonderful, emotional moment that you ruined. Ethan.” She moved to sit on his lap, and he hesitantly put his arms around her. “You fulfilled every dark desire I had. Everything. The spanking, the biting, the scratching. It was all so perfect.” She started crying again, this time out of frustration and irritation that her orgasmic high had been completely ruined. He held her tighter in his arms, and she relaxed, loving him even more. “I’m sorry, Katie.” Nathan moved in, rubbing her back. “I heard you crying and then I actually saw the tears on your cheeks. I thought that Ethan had hurt you and that I had just sat there watching and did nothing. I felt horrible. I should’ve let you talk. I’m sorry, baby. Can you forgive me?” She felt him kiss her shoulder, and she sniffled. “What about Ethan? You hurt his feelings.” She held him tighter, hoping that he knew how much he meant to her. “No, he didn’t. He thought I hurt you. He wanted to protect you. We would’ve talked about it. He didn’t realize how much pleasure

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you get from a little pain.” He moved then, pulling her away from his chest. “You’re perfect. My dream come true.” He kissed her lips then, just a gentle brush. “Why? Because I like your version of a little pain?” She winked at him and kissed him back. “Mmmm, that and so much more. Now, go to Nathan. He needs a little lovin’ right now.” Ethan moved her easily through the water to Nathan. She climbed up on his lap, enjoying the hard lines of his body against hers. “I love you, baby. I know it’s too soon, but that’s the way I feel.” She froze as he pulled her into his arms, kissing any of her that he could reach. She didn’t know what to say. Everything was happening too fast. Could it be love? She didn’t know. “Do you forgive me?” “Yeah. I just felt emotional after everything that happened. I care a lot about you and about Ethan and Ryan. If I had been hurt, I would’ve said something.” She snuggled closer in his lap. “I know. Let us wash you and then you go to sleep. It’s been a long day. I just want to hold you.” He moved her so that her back was against his chest. Ryan smiled broadly as he moved closer with an already-soapy washcloth in his hand. He started at her toes and moved slowly up one leg. When he reached her upper thigh, he stopped and went to the other leg. She leaned her head back against Nathan’s shoulder and closed her eyes. She loved being the center of attention, receiving affection from each of them. She never had a relationship like this before. Then again, compared to the boys she had dated, they were men. Of course, things would be different. Better. She did feel a small loss, though, and that weighed on her. How could she possibly miss Lucas? It didn’t make any sense. She had Nathan, Ethan, and Ryan. She didn’t need Lucas. She hadn’t realized that she had dozed off until Nathan moved, transferring her into Ethan’s waiting arms. He stood her up, and Katie felt like a rag doll, leaning against him while Ryan worked a towel

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over her body, drying her off. She felt like her legs were noodles as she moved from the bathroom to the large bed. She climbed up with a helping hand from one of the men and crawled toward the middle of the bed. It didn’t take long to fall asleep. The sheets felt good against her skin, and she nestled in deeper, pushing her face into the pillow.

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Chapter 6 Nathan laughed a little as he watched a very tired Katie make her way to the bed. She looked so adorable trying to climb onto their bed. He hadn’t been expecting Katie to be so open and passionate. She’d surprised him today, letting herself open up completely to them. Watching her make love to his brothers had been the most erotic thing he’d ever seen. He thought that he’d be consumed with jealousy, but instead he had watched her beautiful face transform. Her face flush, her head thrown back, and all the wonderful sounds she made had made the experience something he would never forget. He moved toward the bed and moved in behind her, pulling her against his chest. Her skin felt so soft, and he shifted, making sure that his body touched hers. He wanted to have the complete connection from head to toe. He felt possessive more than he ever thought was possible. He knew that when a man found his mate their lives changed. He never realized how much until today. When he sunk his teeth into her soft flesh and at the same time spilled his seed into her pussy, his life completely changed. He closed his eyes, inhaling her scent. It had changed slightly now that they had marked her. It made the animal in him relax as well. Ever since he’d met Katie, the animal in him had been prowling, wanting to pounce, to mark, and to claim. It took almost all of his strength to refrain from doing anything stupid. He was just glad that he hadn’t had to wait for long at all. He wasn’t sure that he would’ve had the strength to hold himself back. Ethan and Ryan both moved and got onto the bed as well. He didn’t think that they were going to leave the room. He wouldn’t have

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been able to walk away from her either, especially not after the amazing experience they all had shared. He needed to go see Adam and Brandon. He needed to tell them that Katie was here in town and that she was their mate. He needed to go first thing in the morning, too, before anything more happened. **** Katie groaned and moved, stretching her muscles, feeling a bit sore from the activities from the night before. She smiled, remembering everything from the night before. Pictures flashed through her mind, Nathan’s talented tongue, Ryan’s soft lips, and Ethan’s strong hands. She moved around on the bed, searching for a warm, muscular body but not feeling one. She sat up and looked around. The room was empty, so she started looking around, wanting to find them, wanting a good-morning kiss after a wonderful night full of pleasure. Where the hell are they? She walked around the upper floor, but the house was silent. She went downstairs, looking in each room as she went, but her men weren’t anywhere. She heard the shower water turn on and went back upstairs, stopping by the open bathroom door. She didn’t make a sound as she watched Ethan standing under the hot water. Large drops of water ran down his chest, and she licked her lips, wishing she could lick every one of those drops off. He had the most amazing body, the water sliced down his lean, muscular body, and she envied the shower tiles. He leaned into the water and was gifted with the most amazing ass she had ever seen. Katie slipped the shirt she was wearing over her head and threw it on the floor, walking to the shower. The sight was too much to not do anything but stand and watch. She climbed in the shower and licked his back, pushing her chest against his back. “Mmmm…I knew it. You taste delicious.” Ethan whipped his head around, and his eyes flared. He opened his mouth to speak, but she covered it with her

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hand. She wanted to be in charge for a minute. She wanted to seduce him. She moved into him, capturing his lips, loving his mouth on her. She licked his lips, demanding entrance, and moved her tongue into his mouth. She kissed him deeply, enjoying his mint-and-coffee taste. She leaned up against him, pushing him into the shower tiles, and moved seductively down his body. She kissed his neck, making her way down, stopping at his chest to lick both of his nipples. He jerked and moaned but didn’t stop her, and that encouraged her to keep going. She went to her knees in front of him, the hard ground unforgiving, but she focused solely on pleasuring him. His cock bobbed up and down in front of her face, and she moved in, grabbing him with her right hand and pumping slowly as the warm water helped to lubricate him. When a shiny drop of pre-cum glistened on the tip, she moved in and licked the heat. “Oh, fuck.” His groans filled the small space, and she looked up, watching his muscles flex further. She started slow, not wanting this to end too soon. She moved her mouth over his cock, taking small amounts of him farther into her mouth with each movement. Katie started a slow rhythm, and Ethan moved his hands, cupping her face. She didn’t mind him touching her. In fact, his hands were soft, and he was gently moving her on and off his cock. She smiled, realizing that regardless of how much she thought she was in charge, he would always take over. She moaned around his cock when she felt more pre-cum hit her tongue. He tasted salty and sweet at the same time, and she was enjoying her new treat. She gagged a little when she took him far into her mouth, touching the back of her throat. She changed the speed, moving faster, taking as much of him as she could fit in her mouth. Ethan tightened his hold in her hair and took over control, fucking her mouth in quick movements.

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“Oh, fuck yeah. You’re killing me. Swallow around my cock, Katie. Fuck yeah. God, your mouth is so sexy.” His words were rough, and he groaned loudly, the sounds echoing throughout the bathroom. She picked up her pace, wanting to please him, but mostly she wanted to taste him. She could tell he was getting close. His muscles were tight, and he held her hair in a viselike grip. “Oh, God. I’m not gonna last. Swallow me. Fuck.” He yelled, throwing his head back, and his cum filled her mouth. Katie licked him clean and leaned back on her shins, giving her knees the break they needed. She looked up at him, watching different emotions play across his beautiful face. “Lucas, are you enjoying yourself? She’s beautiful isn’t she? The mouth of a goddess.” Ryan’s sharp voice cut through the thick fog in her mind. She really looked at him and then turned to see Ryan’s angry face. She repeated his words in her mind. Wait, he said Lucas, not Ethan. Fuck. She turned and stared at Lucas, and he gave her a sad smile. She thought he might apologize or at least try to explain. “You never gave me a chance to say I wasn’t Ethan.” He looked at Ryan then, “You’re right, Ryan, her mouth is fantastic.” He shut the water off and climbed out of the shower. Katie sat on the shower floor, shaking when the cold air hit her. She couldn’t move, her mind in a complete haze. Her shoulders slumped, and she felt dirty. She felt used, and it made her sick. Ryan climbed into the shower with a towel and wrapped it around her. He picked her up and carried her back into the room. “I’m sorry, Katie. When I saw you, I knew that you thought he was probably Ethan. I’ll talk to Lucas. He’ll never touch you again, baby. I promise.” He kissed her forehead and laid her on the bed. Her only wish while she laid there was that she shouldn’t have gotten out of bed. “No. Please don’t say anything. I want to pretend that didn’t happen. It’s funny, though. I really did think he was Ethan. Don’t tell Ethan that. I feel stupid enough as it is.” How could I not tell them apart? She felt guilty that she didn’t realize sooner that it was Lucas

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in the shower. Maybe he was going to tell her, but she didn’t let him talk. He should’ve tried harder. She covered her face with her hands and wondered what the hell she was doing. She was staying in a house with four men, wasting time, when she should’ve been trying to break free and get to her sister. “I just want to get dressed and eat something. I’m starving.” Ryan gave her another kiss and then turned to leave the room. “Wait. Ryan. Where were you guys this morning? I looked everywhere.” “We went to see Adam and Brandon. I promised to take you there right after their ceremony.” “What ceremony?” She searched his face and saw that he was having a hard time staying tight lipped. “What? Is Chloe getting married? Ryan, I just want to see my sister and then get back to my life. This is supposed to be temporary.” “It’s a… It’s a bonding ceremony of sorts that’s traditional in our clan…umm…community. It’s kinda like a marriage but different. I’m sorry you want to be rid of us.” When she didn’t say anything, he continued. “You’re our mate. Maybe you don’t understand what that means. Let me clear up any confusion. You are ours! You belong to us! We belong to you! It’s forever, Katie.” She stared at him in shock. She had never seen Ryan so upset, and it was shocking. He didn’t give her time to say anything. Instead, he turned and walked out of the bedroom, slamming the door firmly behind him. She hadn’t meant to hurt his feelings, but promising to stay here in Alaska with them wasn’t something she could do right now. She had left her life behind to find her sister, not to end up locked in a house with four dominating men. She stared at the door, feeling guiltier by the minute. Finally, after a few minutes, the chill got to her, and she quickly finished drying off and went to get dressed. ****

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Katie made her way downstairs to the kitchen and went to make herself a plate. It seemed that these men knew how to cook. Food lay out on trays around the large table, and she loaded up on bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast. She barely finished sitting down before she started eating. She couldn’t remember a time when she felt so hungry, but then she remembered her activities the night before and smiled. Yup, quite an appetite indeed. “Slow down, baby. You’re gonna choke if you keep eating that fast.” She made a face at Nathan, and he laughed. “I won’t let anyone steal your food, promise.” He gave her a wink, and she finished chewing her food a bit slower. “Ryan said the three of you went to see Adam and Brandon. Did you see my sister?” She watched Nathan closely, wondering if he would stumble over his words as Ryan had. “We did. Everything is great.” She stared at him for a minute, waiting for him to say more. When she realized he wasn’t going to continue, she sent him her most intimidating look, which didn’t work on him at all. He just sent her a half grin and then got up from the table. “I’ve got some work to do. If you need anything, I’ll be in my office.” He walked over to where she was sitting, gave her a quick kiss on the head, and started to leave the dining room. “Wait. I feel silly for asking, but what do you do?” She felt bad. She hadn’t spent a lot of time trying to get to know them. “Don’t laugh.” At her nod he continued. “We create different video games. It can get a bit boring here at times, so we started messing around, and then one thing led to another, and now we design programs. The whole community takes care of each other, and we all have a lot of investments as a group.” “That’s really neat. Have a good day at work.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but instead he turned and left. She stayed at the table another minute, looking around, enjoying the view from the large window. The sun was out, and it glistened off the snow, inviting

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her outside to enjoy the winter wonderland. She got up from the table and dropped her plate in the sink. She went to the entryway and grabbed a large coat, hat, and gloves. She didn’t know who they belonged to, but it didn’t matter. She went outside and inhaled the fresh pine air. It was cold, and she shivered a bit but continued her journey, leaving the porch. Katie walked around the large wood cabin, enjoying the view. Large trees were scattered throughout the property, in a protective circle as if guarding the house. She could hear the crunch of snow under her boots as she made her way toward the long driveway. It was nice to be outside, to be alone, and to finally be able to have some time to think. As she walked, she thought about Nathan, Ethan, Ryan, and now her unfortunate run-in with Lucas. Every time she was around them, her heart beat erratically, and her body reacted, wanting them in a way she had never wanted a man before. It felt like she wasn’t in control of her body. It reacted to them instantly, even if her mind tried to reject them. When she finally made it to the street, she looked both ways, wondering why there weren’t any cars. The place looked deserted. She shrugged her shoulders and turned right out the driveway, needing more time to herself. The wind picked up, and she moved a bit faster trying to warm up her body. She walked farther down the road, looking for another house. It was probably silly, but now that she was out and away from the men, she wanted to find her sister. She needed someone else to talk to. She needed advice from her sister. She felt like they were purposely refusing to allow other people near her. Katie heard a deep growl and stopped immediately. She turned in a circle, trying to figure out what direction the sound came from. She heard the noise again and swallowed hard. She didn’t know if the owner of the scary noise was following her or if it was farther in the distance and just echoing toward her. She looked around again and

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decided that it was time to head back to the cabin. At least she would be safe there instead if wandering around, hoping to find Chloe. She stayed close to the road and away from the trees as she headed back. When the driveway came into view, she noticed a very agitated Ryan waiting for her. His lips were drawn in a straight line, and she could see his jaw flex as if he were grinding his teeth. He was usually the calm one compared to the other men, and his obvious irritation concerned her. She walked a little faster, different scenarios playing through her head of what could be wrong. “Where do you think you were going?” He growled the words, pointing accusingly at her. Katie stopped in her tracks and stared at him. Besides looking angry, he also seemed sad. “I went for a walk, Ryan. What’s wrong?” She slowly approached him, wanting to apologize, although she didn’t do anything wrong. The look on his face was enough for her to get closer to him. She could touch him and reassure him that she was fine. “I told you that I’d take you to your sister. I gave you my word.” She blinked a couple of times, trying to figure out what he was so upset about. “What exactly are you accusing me of?” She stared into his eyes, trying to understand what she had done. “Just forget it. Come inside.” He turned to walk down the driveway, but she stopped him. “What? Ryan, talk to me.” She grabbed his arm, preventing him from walking away from her. “I wish you wanted to be here with us.” He moved then, walking away from her, and she stood staring at his back. She couldn’t understand the horrible pain in her chest. His words were so genuine, and she felt bad that she had made him worry or believe that she was running away. Although, technically, I did try to run away. She followed him with her head down feeling completely consumed with guilt.

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Katie was so focused on her feet that she ran into a solid wall and fell back on her bottom. She looked up in shock when she realized that Ryan was standing there. The man was solid muscle. She looked at him and noticed he was looking into the trees. He didn’t seem to notice she was on her butt. She stood up and craned her neck to see what he was looking at. A large polar bear came out of the treeline and headed in their direction. She screamed and grabbed Ryan, pulling on his arm hard. “Ryan. Shit. We’ve got to get in the house. Come on.” Fear ran through her system, and she didn’t know what to do. Ryan reached out and pulled her close. He didn’t move, just stayed still and calm. “Shhh…it’s okay. He’s not going to hurt us.” “How can you be so sure? Is he like a pet or something?” She watched the bear as he came closer, taking deep breaths and trying her hardest not to shake. Ryan’s laugh threw her off for a minute. She looked up at him, loving the way his face transformed when he was smiling. “Nope…not a pet. That’s Lucas.” “You named the polar bear after your brother? Isn’t that a little harsh? What did the bear do to piss you off?” Ryan laughed again, and she heard a growl come from the bear. She preferred seeing him happy. He was an incredibly sexy man. **** Ryan had been pissed when Lucas had found him and told him Katie had taken off down the driveway. He had wanted to run after her, grab her, and claim her. He wanted to show her that she was theirs and wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. It had been Lucas’s brilliant idea to change and herd her back to the cabin, and before he could do anything, his brother had changed and charged into the trees surrounding the property. It took all of Ryan’s strength to remain

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calm. He hadn’t bothered with a jacket. Letting the cold wind cut through him helped to clear his mind. Katie was huddled close to him now, watching Lucas closely. He knew she was scared, could smell her fear, but he also knew that all their secrets needed to be exposed if their mate was going to stay. He wanted her acceptance. “There’s a secret that I want to tell you.” He kept his eyes on her, wanting to see her reaction. Lucas growled deep in his throat, and Ryan knew it for the threat it was. His brother didn’t want him exposing their secret. “You have a pet polar bear?” She gave him a suspicious look, but he just shook his head and smiled, pulling her closer into his body. “He’s not attacking us. The other night, Nathan came to my rescue, but I never was in any danger, was I?” “No. You’re never in any danger, and he’s not our pet. I’m not sure if you can handle this secret, Katie. I’m trusting you.” He took a deep breath and tightened his arms around her, holding her against his chest. He didn’t want her to be scared or to try to run away from them. “You can trust me.” She held onto him as if trying to comfort him, and he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. When she looked up at him, he realized that he really did want to tell her everything. He didn’t want to keep any secrets from his mate. “We aren’t completely human. I know this is hard to believe, trust me, I know. We live here with our clan. The cabins are spread out throughout this whole forest. We’re shifters, and I’m going to prove it you.” He kissed her once more, this time on the lips, and then turned her body so that she was facing Lucas. She didn’t say anything, so he hoped that she was keeping an open mind and not thinking he was crazy. “Lucas, shift. I want you to show Katie what we are.” His brother growled, and he knew Lucas was angry, but he hoped that he would

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just cooperate. “Shift. I want Katie to know all our secrets. She’s our mate.” He stared at Lucas, and finally he got a response. His brother moved closer, letting the change happen slowly for Katie’s sake. They had all been changing for years, since puberty, and it just became a part of them. Watching in slow motion was almost a new experience for him as well. He could imagine what Katie was feeling as he held her in his arms, hoping that she wasn’t scared, and dreaming that she would accept them. This was a completely new world for her. He didn’t want her to be scared, and he definitely couldn’t deal with her rejection or disgust. Lucas stood naked before them, with his hand on his hips, staring at Katie. She wasn’t screaming, so Ryan took that as a good sign. He changed positions so that he could see her face, tucking her into his shoulder. She looked up at him, her mouth open and her eyes glassy. He wondered for a minute if she was in shock. Maybe he rushed this whole thing. “Let’s get inside the house. It’s cold. We can talk about this later.” He tried to give her a reassuring smile but knew he had failed. If she wanted to leave, he wouldn’t stop her. He just needed to figure out what to do so that his brothers didn’t get too upset. He didn’t want to let her go, but he wasn’t going to keep her against her will. She didn’t say anything as he led her into the house. He went straight to the roaring fire in the living room, wanting to get her warm and comfortable since she was shaking a little. He stood next to her, letting the warmth seep into his body. He helped her take off the layers of clothes and then took them to hang up by the front door. When he got back into the living room, Katie was sitting in one of the large, overstuffed chairs in front of the fire, her feet propped up. He felt confused and a little worried. If she was upset, then Nathan and Ethan would be even more so since they didn’t feel like she was ready for the whole truth yet.

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When he walked back into the room, he sat in the chair across from her, wanting to see her face. “All of you can do that? I mean…Nathan, Ethan, and you can all change? How?” She was looking at him now, and that made him feel a lot better. Perhaps he hadn’t made a bad decision after all. “We can all shift. We were born this way, and living up here in Alaska gives us lots of open space and freedom to be who we are. It makes it hard to find mates, though. Usually it’s the youngest brother’s job to leave home and find that special person to bring back to share with his brothers. It’s always been that way. I guess I got lucky that you came here.” He moved closer, wanting to touch her. He sat at her feet, holding her hands in his. The contact made him feel better, and he took a deep breath, enjoying her scent. She smelled like sunshine and pine. “Okay. That means that Conner could do that, too…right? He’s the youngest brother. He was supposed to bring Chloe here?” “Yeah. I’m not sure why he didn’t, and it’s too late to ask him. Now that she is here, Adam and Brandon have been working hard to get Chloe to stay and be their mate. They’ve waited a long time knowing that Conner found her. We’ve been waiting a long time to find you as well. Did it scare you, watching Lucas change?” He rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles, enjoying the contact. His heart beat a bit faster in his chest, waiting for her answer. She seemed to be handling everything well so far. “No. I wasn’t scared, more surprised. I’ve always dreamed that there was more out there in the universe. I know that I’m your mate, and it’s a lot of information to take in at once. Then I think about Lucas. I’m supposed to be his mate as well, and he doesn’t want me. Can mates do that? I mean, can they just decide not to have a mate?” He knew she would have questions. The fact that she wasn’t disgusted was a great sign. He had been thinking about Lucas since he had decided not to accept Katie as his mate. His brother seemed to be watching and following her from a distance.

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“Nobody has ever rejected their mate. I don’t think it’s even possible. I can’t speak for Lucas, but I can tell you how I feel. When I first saw you, my heart stopped beating and I was overwhelmed with emotions that I never thought were possible. I looked at you and I knew that you were meant to be with me, with us. I can feel your emotions, and when you’re sad, I want to make you happy. When you went on the walk today, I was scared because if anything happened to you, I’m not sure I would want to live without you. Everything is more intense, and I’m really trying to control myself because I don’t want to scare you. But the truth is, I want to spend my life getting to know you and loving you.” He stared into her beautiful eyes, feeling completely exposed. He felt sick to his stomach wondering what she would say. He was shaking, wondering if he had said too much already.

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Chapter 7 Katie didn’t know what to say. She stared into Ryan’s beautiful blue eyes and wanted to cry. He was the first man to make her feel special. He laid his heart on the line, and she could tell that he was afraid of what she was going to say. She slid off the chair and into his lap, needing to hug him after such a huge confession. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight against his chest. She could feel his heart beat in an even tempo and closed her eyes, enjoying this moment with just the two of them. Out of the four men, Ryan was the most honest and forthcoming with his emotions and intentions. Nathan was her protector and security blanket, always making sure she was taken care of. Ethan was her silent, dominant lover. She had no idea if Lucas would ever come around, but she knew it didn’t matter because in the end she would be loved by his brothers. “I do care about you very much, probably more than I should at this point. You’ve been completely honest with me, so I’m going to be honest with you as well.” She pulled back and looked into his eyes, hoping that he would see the truth. “I do want to get to know you better, and I’m not against trying to figure out where this could go or what possible future we could have together. I came here to see my sister, to make sure she was okay, and instead I met you. I just need to see her, and then I’ll start being able to focus.” She did feel an incredible pull toward them. Something soul deep, but her heart and her head weren’t on the same page yet. Ryan nodded his head. He moved closer to her until she felt his warm breath against her ear and neck. “Okay. Tomorrow. I’ll take

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you to Chloe. It has to be our secret for now. I don’t want to upset my brothers. They will be upset, but they’ll get over it.” He kissed her neck then, and Katie smiled, feeling a huge weight lift from her shoulders. “Thank you.” Katie moved then. She pushed her fingers through his hair and pulled him to her, kissing him. His lips were soft, and she took her time enjoying his flavor. She swirled her tongue in his mouth, enjoying the dance they created. She had always loved kissing, and Ryan’s lips were full and lush. She pulled back and sucked on them. Hearing his growl turned her on more. That growl always seemed to affect her, making her insides clench. Ryan’s fingers skimmed across her nipples, and she shuddered. She had been so focused on his mouth that she didn’t even realize that he had unbuttoned her shirt. He tugged the material down off her arms, and she enjoyed his warms hands caressing her skin. She didn’t break the contact with his lips. Instead she pushed into him, wanting to be on top. He knew what she wanted without her saying the words. He wrapped his arms around her and lowered them to the floor. She rubbed her breasts against his chest, enjoying the rough texture of his shirt against her nipples. She moved her hips, feeling his cock harden against her stomach. He felt amazing. “Mmmm…I want to play, too.” Ethan’s playful voice stopped her, and she turned her head to see him leaning against the doorway. He smiled and sent her a wink. “What do you think, Ryan? Should we let Ethan play, too?” She knew she was being silly, but she wanted to play along. It was fun teasing them. “Maybe we should take this to the bedroom then. It’s not going to be a quickie anymore.” Ryan laughed a little and sat up with her in his arms. He helped her to stand, and she grabbed her shirt off the floor. “A quickie? How disappointing.” Katie purred the words, wanting to keep their attention focused on her as she headed out of the living room, not bothering to put her shirt back on.

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“It wouldn’t have been disappointing, I promise. I would’ve satisfied you. Completely.” She shrieked in surprise when Ryan ran up behind her, grabbed her, and threw her over his shoulder. She loved the whole caveman routine. It was sexy. She looked up and saw Ethan watching her closely as he followed Ryan toward the bedroom. Ethan pulled his shirt over his head, and Katie’s heart tripped and started beating faster as he exposed his beautiful, hard chest. His muscles flexed as he walked, and she licked her lips, wanting to run her mouth up and down his stomach. She was turning into a little nympho around these men. She squirmed on Ryan’s shoulder, willing him to walk faster. **** Ethan couldn’t contain himself. Watching her in the living room with Ryan, he was torn between letting them have some alone time and joining in. When Katie took her shirt off and leaned into Ryan, moaning, the decision was made. He wanted her, and he couldn’t stand there and watch without touching. His body clenched, and his cock hardened painfully. Ryan stood her up, and he moved forward to take over. He couldn’t wait another minute. He’d been craving her. Her simple white bra barely contained her full, round breasts. Her soft tummy disappeared into her jeans, her belly button peeking out. Reaching behind her, he unclasped the bra and guided the straps off her shoulders while she watched him. “Take off your jeans.” He knew he would tear them from her, which would more than likely terrify her at this point. He tried to keep his control tightly leashed. Her brown eyes sparkled, her chest heaving while her breaths came faster. “You take them off.” She challenged him, the hint of a smile forming on her pouty lips. He stared at her for a moment, making sure he’d heard her right. She’d ignored his instruction and countered him. Those brown eyes

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never strayed, watching him while her nipples hardened, her breathing almost coming in quick, little pants. Maybe she wasn’t as terrified as he thought. Not taking his gaze from hers, he reached between them, grabbing her jeans, yanking the top button free. His coordination was failing him, the zipper not cooperating. He tugged impatiently, refusing to focus on anything but the swirling of emotions on her pretty face. Finally the zipper loosened, her jeans sliding down her hips. He grabbed a hold of the material, shoving it down. Her body swayed into him, but she didn’t lose her balance. Never before had such little action on a woman’s part made the beast within him stir with such force. He knew the reason. She was his mate, and he could barely contain himself when she was around. She stood naked before him, and he felt light-headed at how truly beautiful she was. “Wow. You’re so perfect. I love looking at you.” He leaned in and kissed her lips more gently than he wanted to. He had to remember to stay calm with her. He didn’t want to lose control. Ethan turned his head and looked at Ryan. He was sitting in one of the chairs, smiling broadly at them. He felt a little guilty for a minute until Ryan nodded his head, and then he realized that his brother was giving him some alone time with their mate. A million pictures flashed through his mind, and he didn’t know what he wanted to do to Katie first. As if sensing his dilemma, she started unzipping his pants. She grabbed the sides of his jeans at his hips and took them down his legs, pulling them from his body. He stood before her naked, and he let her have a moment of control. She was down on her knees before him, looking up at him, her eyes never leaving his. Reaching out, her fingers tracing a delicate pattern over his shaft, she smiled so sweetly. He wasn’t sure if he had the willpower to let her do this. He didn’t want to be teased. He needed to fuck. “Be careful, sweetheart. I’m barely holding on here.” He grabbed the base of his cock, the pressure building within, making him dizzy.

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“I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just enjoy.” She put her hand over his and glided her mouth over the head of his cock. For a moment, he swore the world turned upside down on him. He braced himself, grabbing the side of the bed. He prayed for his vision to clear so he could enjoy the beautiful sight before him. She stretched her lips around his cock. Her tongue darted around his shaft, touching him, licking him, exploring. Her eyelashes fluttered and she closed her eyes while she worked more of him into her mouth. It took more strength than he knew he possessed to remain perfectly still and not force his cock deep into the heat of her mouth. “Katie.” He growled. He could feel the animal inside him wanting to shift and grow. His muscles were burning. He fought the urge, knowing the slightest change would alter the size of his cock. He wouldn’t allow anything to stop her from what she was doing right now. “I can’t make it all fit.” She sounded frustrated, and he found himself smiling a little. She was so perfect. Her small tongue scoured a heated path down his cock, and he grabbed her hair, holding her head in place. The urge to plummet deep inside her mouth, feel her throat contract around him, rushed through him. “Trust me. What you’re doing is perfect.” He groaned. He could barely talk. All of his concentration was needed just to hold still and allow her to do what she wanted. Her tight little mouth wrapped around him again, sucking and licking. She would suck the life right out of him, and he swore that was what she was doing. “Baby. I’m going to explode.” He warned her. Her response was to suck harder. She moved her head over him, forcing as much of him into her mouth as she could. Her tongue created havoc, swirling around his cock, stroking up and down. A dam broke inside him. Pressure released, causing a flood of sensation to rush through him. He almost fell forward but braced himself while

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his seed sprayed into her mouth. Her lips tightened around his cockhead while she continued to suck. “Dear God. Katie!” He couldn’t take anymore. Her little mouth, so hot and tight, just about brought him to his knees. She looked up at him, grinning. “Are you okay?” She didn’t look concerned about his well-being at all. Her smile was smug. She knew she had almost broken him. He had to force oxygen into his lungs. He took a few deep breaths trying to regain his strength. He reached down and helped her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her, holding her tight against his chest while he got his bearings. “Holy fuck! Ryan. Her mouth.” He couldn’t seem to form complete sentences. His brain felt detached from his body. “Lucas seemed to enjoy himself.” Ryan’s response surprised him, and he craned his neck to look at him. “What? Lucas?” He wasn’t upset at all, just a little shocked, especially after everything Lucas had said. “Yup. Caught them in the shower.” Ryan winked, and Ethan smiled, feeling like this could finally work out for them all. He kissed her neck, lazily moving his tongue around his mark on her neck. She would never be able to see it, but he knew it was there. **** She wasn’t sure how to feel about Ryan telling Ethan about the shower scene with Lucas. Maybe she was expecting him to be upset a little, but Ethan surprised her by kissing her neck instead, and she leaned into him. She started rubbing herself against his body, and she knew the picture she made. She was practically humping his thigh. She heard a low growl and looked up to see Ryan walking toward her. He was naked, and the look in his eyes made her shiver. He moved behind her, and she felt his hands on her hips. He got on his knees behind her and nuzzled her ass. He started kissing her lower back, moving his hands, massaging her legs.

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Ethan stroked his rough finger down her cheek and then outlined her collarbone, stretching his fingers around her neck, tightening his grip, and then relaxing it. Her nipples hardened painfully while her breasts swelled. He was so aggressive but then gentle, as if silently showing her he would have what he wanted but encouraging her to want it, too. What she wouldn’t do to experience Ethan’s mouth on her nipples, sucking, nibbling. Her pussy swelled and got so wet there was no way she could hide her need. Every inch of his hard body pressed against her. His cock was already hard as stone and pressing against her hip. Ethan moved down her body slowly, stopping to give her breasts the attention they craved. He cupped her breasts in his large hands, weighing them. He stared at her as he dipped his head down and licked each nipple. He blew cool air at each tip, making her nipples pebble and harden further. When she jerked, he moved in for the kill. He wrapped his mouth around a nipple and sucked hard. The pressure sent a jolt straight to her clit, and she moaned, reached out, and grabbed his hair, holding him to her. He moved to the next nipple and bit down hard. The pain had her hissing until he licked his tongue over the tip. “Let’s move to the bed, Ethan. I want to eat her pussy.” Ryan’s words were rough, and she silently agreed. She didn’t know how much more she could take and still remain standing. Her legs already felt weak. Ethan pulled back, and Ryan wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her to the bed. She didn’t need to climb on the bed. He was there grabbing her and laying her down. He shoved her legs apart, and she watched him take control of her body. **** Ryan traced a finger over her pussy, her body jerking from the small motion. He watched her mouth open with a silent cry, a vision of beauty. She opened herself completely, relaxing on the bed.

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“Oh. Shit.” She bucked against him when he ran his tongue down the length of her pussy. Heat swam around his face, matching the intense fire building inside him. His cock throbbed against the bedspread underneath him, demanding attention. Pressing his lips to her clit, he sucked and licked, holding her in place to keep her from bouncing off the bed while he feasted. “Dammit, Ryan.” She cried out, her muscles tightening enough that he knew she was getting close to coming. He wanted to be inside her. He wanted to feel her muscles tighten around his shaft. “What do you want, baby?” He enjoyed her tormented expression. “Fuck me. Please fuck me.” She opened her eyes, her gaze imploring him. When he climbed over her, she watched his cock. Her moist heat soaked his cockhead, making his blood boil. The overwhelming urge to dive into her almost consumed him. He couldn’t move for a minute, working desperately to control the beast that threatened to emerge and take over. Ethan moved onto the bed, then leaning down, he took her lips in a passionate kiss, giving him a minute to calm down. She moved her head, stopping the kiss after a minute, and whispered, “Take me.” Fire soared around his cock as he pressed inside her, entering her narrow hole. For a moment, he thought her heat would suffocate him. Tight. Wet. Nothing had ever felt this damned good before. He buried his cock deep inside her, until she had stretched enough to take all of him. “So damned good.” She moaned. She grabbed Ethan and pulled him down next to her, kissing him, practically inhaling his mouth. He could hold still no longer. Pulling out, he lost himself in her again, moist heat flaring around him, driving him farther inside her. With each plunge, he watched her body jerk. He was getting close, he could feel her muscles tighten around his shaft, and he knew she was

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almost there as well. He picked up her thighs and threw them over his shoulders, wanting to get deeper, wanting to reach her G-spot. “Oh, God! Ryan! I’m almost there.” She was moving with him, throwing her hips against his. Ethan moved down, sucking hard on one nipple while squeezing the other. She was panting, moaning, and sobbing his name. When he felt her muscles start to spasm around his cock, he knew she was coming, and that sent him over the edge. He growled, closing his eyes while he exploded “You…are…mine!” He kept moving until every drop of cum had left his body. He couldn’t move. His muscles twitched, and he laid his forehead on her chest to catch his breath. He was careful not to put all his weight on her. He didn’t want to crush her. He could feel the trickle of sweat down his back. The room started to smell of Katie’s completion, and he inhaled, loving her scent more and more. He moved, pulling out of her pussy. He wanted to spend all day inside her, though, in her tight heat. Ryan moved and laid next to her, pulling her into his arms. He relaxed, enjoying this moment. “I’ll get a warm washcloth. You both look too tired to move.” Ethan moved away from the bed, and Ryan was glad he was here to take care of Katie. He was on the brink of passing out. He kissed her neck and closed his eyes. So many thoughts ran through his mind. Did he really want to keep his promise? Would she decide to stay with them? Could he let her go if that’s what she wanted him to do? He felt conflicted but knew it was too late. He would keep his promise and take her to his Alpha’s house in the morning. **** Lucas couldn’t stand it anymore. His body felt itchy and uncomfortable, and he hated the feel of his skin. The animal paced at the surface, irritated, wanting his mate. He was stuck and he was scared. He had always planned to find a mate with Ethan. They were

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twins, and he had always thought it would be the two of them. He hadn’t planned to share with Nathan and Ryan, and that pissed him off. When he had gotten that first smell of his mate, he had wanted to take, to claim. Realizing that he would need to share with Nathan and Ryan was almost too much to bear. He didn’t want to be fourth in line, begging for her attention. Instead of accepting her, he had rejected her. He hadn’t just hurt her, he had severely injured himself. The thing about mates was that each person only was granted one in their lifetime. At least, that’s what he’d always been told. He had already waited so long, and he wasn’t sure if there was another woman out there chosen for him. Questions rushed through his mind. Should he wait for another woman? Should he accept Katie and take his place with his brothers as her mate to love and protect? If he didn’t accept her, would he be alone forever? When he looked at Katie, she astounded him, and he wanted to thrown himself on the ground and beg her forgiveness for all the shitty comments he had made. He couldn’t seem to keep his foot from his mouth when she was around. The look on her face after he said that he was not interested in being with her had broken his heart. She looked so sad and rejected. Thinking about it now, Lucas shook his head. He stood outside the bedroom door and listened to all the little gasps and moans, wishing he had the courage to go inside and love her. He knew exactly what Ryan and Ethan were doing, and the animal in him wanted to join, wanted to fuck her and taste her. He was completely miserable, and he had done it all to himself. He had created this horrible situation. He pushed her away, he rejected his mate, and now he was paying for it. This was his punishment. He would be in this house trying to survive while his brothers and their mate, his mate, lived on without him. He needed to make a decision. Should he accept her? Should he

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ask for her for another chance? Lucas groaned when he heard Katie come on a loud scream. He banged his head against the doorframe. He was such an idiot. How long could he go on like this? Listening to her was becoming his own personal hell, and it was a hell of his own making, which was the worst part. He did all of this to himself. Katie didn’t reject him. She hadn’t pushed him away. Even with the whole shower disaster she had never once been mean. She was kind, loving, and open. She was willing to accept them one hundred percent and embrace them as shifters. She didn’t run away screaming and crying. She never created any drama between his brothers. She loved them equally. What the hell was his problem? Was it too late for him? He felt sick to his stomach realizing that too much time had gone by. He was doomed to listen at the door while his brothers enjoyed his mate for the rest of his life. Lucas took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He had screwed up. **** Ethan walked out of the bathroom smiling broadly. It was so amazing to watch Ryan and Katie cuddle on the bed. They were both already sleeping, so he decided to forget about the washcloth. He didn’t want to disturb them. He leaned against the wall and just watched Katie, the rise and fall of her chest. She looked so small against Ryan. He watched as his brother pulled her closer into his body and moved his leg over hers in a protective move. A quiet noise outside the door drew him, and he walked on silent feet out of the room and into the hallway. Lucas was standing there against the wall. Ethan wasn’t surprised that Katie’s sounds drew some attention. He had been so focused on her that he hadn’t heard or seen anyone. “How long have you been here?” He whispered, not wanting to disturb Katie and Ryan.

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“Long enough to be jealous,” Lucas said, avoiding making eye contact, and Ethan wondered what he was thinking. “Why didn’t you come in and join us?” He meant it, too. Lucas should be with them, making love to Katie. “I don’t deserve to be in there with her.” He finally looked up, and Ethan could see the sadness in his eyes. “Yes you do. You’re her mate. You deserve to be with her, and she should have all of us,” Ethan told him. “I didn’t want to be. I said and did things I’m not proud of.” Ethan could tell that Lucas was feeling guilty. He knew his brother too well. “I know.” He nodded his head. “She’s gonna leave us.” Lucas stared at him, and Ethan wondered if she really would try to leave them again. “No she isn’t. We won’t let her. The four of us working together, loving her. She won’t want to leave. I know that she cares about us already. We have plenty of time,” Ethan said. “We have no time left. I talked to Nathan a little while ago. He told me about the conversation you all had with Adam and Brandon while I was home with Katie. He said that they are expecting her back tomorrow. The full moon is tonight, and their ceremony with Chloe. It’s over for me.” Ethan had never heard Lucas talk this way before, as if he was giving up completely. He knew they needed to take Katie to their Alpha’s house, but they weren’t actually planning on doing that. “That’s true. Didn’t Nathan tell you that we weren’t taking her there tomorrow? Adam and Brandon won’t come for her. She’s our mate. They can’t take her from us. I repeat…you still have time, Lucas. Don’t give up.” Ethan grabbed his shoulder and squeezed, wanting to show him that everything was going to be okay. “We have to come up with a plan to keep her here. I’m not sure how Adam and Brandon will react, but we should be prepared,” Lucas said.

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“Tomorrow morning, instead of going to the Alpha’s house, we should go see the elders. Maybe then we won’t have to take her anywhere. They won’t allow a mate to be taken away. Although, I doubt that’s what Adam and Brandon want to do. We just need more time with her. We can leave Ryan here to watch her and go first thing. I’ll go talk to Nathan now.” Ethan turned and headed down the hallway, leaving Lucas standing outside the main master bedroom watching Katie and Ryan. Ethan knew what needed to happen. He went to his bedroom first to get dressed and then headed to Nathan’s office. As he walked toward the office, he liked his idea more and more. They could talk to the elders, which was a respectable term for his fathers and uncles. Once they had their support, Adam and Brandon wouldn’t demand for Katie to be brought back. He wasn’t planning on keeping her under lock and key forever. He just wanted to have more time for her feelings to grow toward them. Being a shifter, he felt the pull toward her instantly. The animal in him recognized her as his mate. She was fully human. Her feelings would grow over time. He hoped that she felt the pull to them as well. That way it wouldn’t take a lot of time to convince her. She knew a lot about them already, and she accepted them. Ethan walked inside Nathan’s office smiling. Everything would work out. He had no doubts, not anymore.

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Chapter 8 Her eyes sprang open, and she stretched. She seemed to have the same dream or vision every time she closed her eyes since arriving in Alaska. Katie climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom. She needed a few minutes to think. She stared at herself in the mirror and relived the dream. It had seemed so real, and that’s what scared her. She never had a dream that she remembered. This time was different. She was running through the woods that surrounded the house, running as if her life depended on it. Her heart pounded erratically in her chest, she could see her breath, and she was cold and shivering. She wanted to stop, she needed a break, but she couldn’t. Loud noises surrounded her, growls and snarls. She didn’t know where she was exactly, only that she was being chased, chased down by some unknown being. Whoever it was was closing in fast. She could hear pounding feet getting closer. She should be terrified, frightened, or at least a little scared, but she wasn’t. She felt light, maybe even a little giddy, and those emotions confused her and had her running faster. Her muscles burned, but she didn’t stop or even slow down. She always woke up at that point. She never knew if she got caught or had escaped. She shook her head, walked over to the large shower stall, and turned the hot water on full blast. She climbed in, closed her eyes, and let the water pound against her body. She put her hands against the cold tiles and leaned into the water, trying not to think about her dream. “Can I join you?” She lifted her head to see Ryan standing outside the glass door, naked. It was nice that he had asked instead of barging

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in. She nodded and watched him climb in the shower. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. “Are you okay? I woke up and you were gone.” “I’ve been having weird dreams since I’ve been here.” She pulled back to look in his eyes. There was something about those deep pools of blue that drew her. “Tell me about it.” He grabbed the soap and a washcloth off the shelf. His goal was obvious. He wanted to clean her. It was sweet the way these men wanted to take care of her. She had never experienced that before. She knew she was caring for these men more than she should, especially since she had no idea what the future would hold. It’s not like she had some amazing life to get back to in Oregon. She was a regular woman, with a regular job and bills. She was nothing extraordinary at all. She was lost in thought, feeling Ryan’s strong hands soap her body up. He took his time, massaging her as he went. “I’m running through the forest. I’m being chased. Ummm…it’s dark. I’m kind of scared because I have no idea what’s after me.” She leaned back against the tiles as Ryan got to his knees and concentrated on her legs and feet. “Would it make you feel better to know who was chasing you?” He looked up at her and smiled, and she smiled back feeling a lot better. “What if I told you that I’m chasing you? That it’s me and my brothers? How would you feel then? Still scared?” He picked up her right foot and used his thumbs to massage her. The pressure was perfect, and she moaned. “I guess it would depend what you planned on doing to me once you caught me.” She really loved Ryan. He was changing her dream for her, making it something fun instead of scary. “What if our plan is to fuck you? The four of us seeing to your pleasure. What if it’s not a dream but a vision preparing you for a real event?” Ryan’s voice was deep and hypnotic. He grabbed her other foot and gave it the same attention, touching all her pressure points.

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“I don’t know. You and your brothers pleasuring me, that sounds like heaven. Being chased through the woods at night, that sounds a little scary.” She told him the truth. She did want all four of them. What she wouldn’t tell him was that she didn’t feel like she would be able to keep their attention for a lifetime. Four men and one woman… Yeah right. Things like that didn’t happen, and if it did it usually involved getting really drunk at a frat party. Temporary and awkward, with the walk of shame the next morning. “You already know so much about us. I have no secrets from you. You know that you’re our mate.” He waited for her nod and then continued. “There is a bonding ceremony that happens on the night of the full moon. It’s an old tradition dating back centuries. Most mated couples, ménages, whatever, participate for fun. It’s not mandatory. The ceremony seems to bond the mates, making them closer, able to read each other better. It’s also a hell of a lot of fun from what I’ve been told.” Ryan stood up and led her to the large bench in the shower. She didn’t say anything, hoping that he would tell her more. They sat on the bench, two naked bodies leaning against each other. “I thought we should get more comfortable. Anyway, the whole clan doesn’t join in and participate like the old days. It’s only the bonding mates. It happens on the full moon when our animals are closer to the surface, that way man and beast can both bond, making the mating even stronger. Were you scared the whole time?” She saw concern in his eyes and really concentrated on how she felt. “No. There were so many different things in my head. I do remember feeling a little giddy. So this dream, are you saying it wasn’t really a dream at all then?” She already knew the answer. Ryan was always so honest. He wanted to make sure that she knew everything. “It’s a dream that prepares you for the ceremony. We don’t have to do that, though. We’ve already made love, and I’ve marked you. Nathan and Ethan have as well. The bonding ceremony would be good, though, to bond us more than we are, and I’m sure at that point

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Lucas would be involved. Most males dream of the ceremony. We get to be wild, let our animals out to play.” Katie moved then, climbing on Ryan’s lap. She needed him to hold her. He wrapped his arms around her, and she kissed him. She took her time, enjoying his lips and tongue. She put her head on his shoulder. “The ceremony, is that like marriage for your clan? I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.” “The fact that you’re our mate and we’ve marked you, that’s the marriage part. The ceremony is the bonding, and that’s for the mates.” Ryan nudged her shoulder, and Katie sat up again. “There’s no going back, Katie. You are our mate. There isn’t anyone else for us. You are it. I know this is hard for you, and I’m trying to be patient and honest, but you have to know that we won’t let you go. I won’t let you go.” Katie stared at him, unsure of what to say. She already knew that he was taking her to her sister in the morning. When she was away from this house and away from these men, maybe then she would be able to think straight. Maybe then, they would realize that she wasn’t meant for them. Could that happen? Ryan stood up and set her on her feet. He climbed out of the shower and started drying off, keeping his back to her. She knew that she must’ve hurt his feelings and wanted to run after him and apologize. She shut off the water and stood there for another minute, letting the cold air reach her. Ryan walked over and handed her a towel, and she grabbed it, drying off without saying a word. She just needed some time to think. Everything was happening so fast. She had been there a handful of days. How was she supposed to come to terms with her thoughts and feelings that fast? Ryan, Nathan, and Ethan kept saying that she was their mate, that she belonged to them. They knew that because of the animal inside them, but she didn’t have any guidance in her. She did feel an unbelievable need and want to be with them. She couldn’t deny that. She walked into the bedroom and grabbed her clothes, getting dressed quickly. She put her long-sleeve shirt on and a sweater. She

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felt so cold now. She moved slowly and sat next to the fire, watching the flames jump and dance. She kept thinking about her dream, about Ryan and, of course, about Nathan, Ethan, and Lucas. **** Ryan watched Katie as she sat by the fire. His good intentions seemed to have made things a confusing mess. He wanted to be honest with his mate. He tried to explain things to her and hoped that she would be as excited as he was. He wanted to have the bonding ceremony. He wanted her to realize that they were her mates. It was a two-way street. When he was saying mine, he pretended she was saying it back. He wanted to belong to her. They only had a matter of hours before he took her to see her sister. He walked out of the bedroom and toward the kitchen. He wanted to make her something to eat and then sit by the fire and try to explain more about mates and answer more questions for her. “Hey,” Ethan said when he walked into the kitchen. “Hey.” Ryan walked straight to the fridge and started looking for something to make her. He decided on sandwiches, something simple. He wasn’t the cook in the family. “Tomorrow morning, we’re gonna see the elders. We want you to stay here with Katie.” Ethan’s words surprised him, but he kept his head down, focusing on making the food instead of showing Ethan his shock. How was it possible that things were working out so easily? He wouldn’t have to sneak Katie out of the house. His brothers weren’t going to be home. Maybe it was a sign or something. “That’s a good idea.” He couldn’t say more for fear that he might give something away. The only reason he was taking Katie was that he had promised, and if nothing else, he always kept his word. “I thought so. Lucas wants to go to the elders because he wants more time with her. He has a lot of making up to do. She should have

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all four of us. Maybe then the bonding will become stronger,” Ethan said. “Where are Nathan and Lucas?” Ryan asked. “They went for a run. Adam, Brandon, and Chloe should be having their bonding ceremony in a bit. Nobody is allowed to be out running. They don’t want her being embarrassed. Therefore, the clan is out now. They’ll be home in a bit.” Ethan grabbed one of the sandwiches before leaving the kitchen. Ryan didn’t try to stop him. He just made another one before heading back to the master bedroom. When he walked into the room, Katie was in the same place he had left her, still staring at the fire. He walked over to the chair next to her and sat down. When she looked at him, he handed her one of the plates. “I know this is confusing. It must be hard to understand. I grew up this way, knowing about shifters, about multiple partners in a relationship, and knowing that this is exactly what I want for my life.” He took a bite of his sandwich, trying to give her some time to gather her thoughts. “When I met you, I instantly wanted you. It was the same with your brothers, but I didn’t want to admit that. You are all so different, and I like you each in a different way. It hasn’t been that long. It’s weird. I’m thinking about changing my whole life after a week. That’s not normal.” “That’s true for non-shifters. I’m willing to change my life, and so are my brothers, and that was after knowing you one day. This isn’t exactly a normal situation.” He tried to emphasize the word normal by putting it in air quotes. Because what really was normal? He had grown up in a clan of polar-bear shifters. His parents were in a ménage marriage. It might not be human society standards of normal, but it was his life. She was his mate. “I guess you’re right. I didn’t think of it that way. This is new to me, and I really just need a little time wrapping my head around it.”

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She took another bite of her sandwich, not saying anything more. Ryan enjoyed the silence with her. Ethan walked into the room and went to Katie, dipping his head and kissing her on the lips quickly before sitting down on the floor in front of her chair. “Nathan and Lucas should be back any minute.” “I didn’t realize they were gone,” Katie said. “Yep. Went out for a run. It’s a full moon tonight.” Ethan grabbed her legs and put them over his shoulders, leaning his back against the chair as he stared at the fire. It was a funny-looking position, and Ryan shook his head. “Full moon huh? What does that mean?” Katie asked. “It means we’re a bit wilder tonight. I don’t know if you can handle all four of us tonight. Maybe we should let you rest and give you more time.” Ethan stared at the fire, and Ryan was wondering what he was thinking. “You’re probably right. I need more time to think about this whole mate thing anyways. I’m not sure if I’m ready.” She let out a deep breath, and Ryan swallowed, unsure of what she might say next. Would she reject them? “You are our mate.” Nathan growled from the doorway, and Ryan watched as Katie jumped and moved to look at him. Katie moved her legs off Ethan’s shoulders, and it seemed like she was already creating some distance. Ryan’s shoulders slumped. This wasn’t going to be good. It was a full moon, and he could see the strain on Nathan’s face. His animal was roaming, just at the surface. “I know. Ryan’s been kind enough to tell me everything. I’m just not sure I’m ready for this. I’m sorry. I’m not trying to hurt any of you. I came here to make sure my sister was okay. Ryan brought me to your house instead. I do care about all of you. I just need to think. Being around all of you is making it hard on me.” “Hard on you? Seriously? We’ve been completely calm and accommodating. We’ve been taking care of you. We’ve told you that you’re our mate. That’s forever! We all agreed to let Ryan talk to you

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and explain everything. What more is there to think about? You’re not some temporary girlfriend. We’ve marked you.” Nathan stalked into the room, and Ryan held his breath, hoping this little conversation didn’t turn into some sort of battle. Lucas followed closely behind him, smirking. Ethan changed positions as well, wanting to watch Katie. Oh, God. This isn’t going to turn out good, Ryan thought as he shoved his hands through his hair. “I told you so,” Lucas said, and Ryan groaned. “She isn’t going anywhere.” Ethan shot him a glare. “We’ll give you more time, Katie, if that’s what you need. We more than care about you. We love you. We want forever. This is different than what you’re used to. I’ll try to understand, but we won’t be letting you go anywhere.” Ethan got up then and left the room, and Ryan really hoped that Lucas would follow without saying anything stupid. “You can’t just keep me here!” Katie jumped up off the chair, and Ryan cringed. “Yes we can, sweetheart! You aren’t going anywhere!” Nathan added and left the room. Lucas didn’t say a word, just looked at Katie with a smirk on his face before following Nathan out. “Shit,” Ryan whispered. He was always the damn peacekeeper. It was a position he hated being in. Tomorrow when his brothers realized that he took her to their Alpha’s house, he was gonna get it. “What the hell just happened?” Katie turned and stared at him. “When you said that you needed time to think away from us, Nathan took that to mean you wanted to leave. He probably felt rejected. It’s hard for us. We aren’t just human, Katie, we have a lot of possessive, aggressive, dominant traits from our bears. You should probably take tonight to think. Tomorrow is another day.” Ryan got up and left the room. He needed some space from this whole situation. Tomorrow was going to be shitty. He could see it now, and he was taking their mate away. His brothers were going to freak out.

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How could someone who wasn’t a shifter understand? How could he make Katie understand that they needed her, craved her, and couldn’t be apart from her for long without going crazy? He wanted to give her time to think, to come to terms with things, but he was concerned that she might not. He went to his bedroom and closed the door. He could hear his three older brothers talking in the next room, but he didn’t want to be a part of the conversation.

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Chapter 9 Katie wasn’t sure how to feel as she drove down the long driveway with Ryan the next morning. So many thoughts raced through her mind, and she kept replaying the conversation from the night before. She felt torn between wanting to soothe Nathan’s worries and being upset at him for not understanding her worries. She knew her feelings were growing stronger each day, and her heart actually hurt. Nathan, Ethan, and Lucas had left a few minutes before Ryan led her toward his truck. She missed them. She had been waiting to talk to Chloe for weeks now. Ever since Chloe had left for Alaska, she had felt a little sick to her stomach. Now she stood outside the front door to where her sister was. She rang the doorbell, knowing Ryan was right behind her. When the door opened, Chloe was standing there. She looked so happy, the black under her eyes completely gone. She actually looked like she was glowing. Katie felt jealous. She could have this, she could be this happy. Why was she scared? “Well, it’s good to know you’re alive. I tried calling you every day since you left.” Katie knew her voice sounded angry. She was upset but not at Chloe. She was upset with herself. She had come all the way to Alaska. Gorgeous men had kidnapped her. She had to admit that it wasn’t horrible. Then she was kept away from Chloe. Now looking at her, she was pissed she ever worried at all. “Katie. Oh my god. I’m so glad to see you. I did try to call you this morning, but I guess it was too late. Where have you been?” Chloe pulled her into the house, and she went willingly, wanting to get out of the cold.

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“Me! Why don’t you ask Ranger Ryan? I’ve been here, in town, for almost a freakin’ week.” Katie raised her voice, and she watched as Chloe stopped and froze in place. “What? Ryan, what’s going on?” Chloe looked at him. Two very good-looking men walked into the room, and Katie assumed that they were Adam and Brandon. Both of them were watching her closely. “Adam, what’s going on? Why are you looking at him like that?” Chloe was looking back and forth between Ryan and her men. Nobody said anything. “They kidnapped me, Chloe. These freakin’ barbarians tricked me, said they were taking me to you, and then locked me in a cabin.” Katie knew she was being a little overly dramatic. “Who? Did Adam and Brandon have anything to do with this? I’m waiting for an answer. Someone answer me!” When Chloe finally started getting upset, Katie felt a little better. She just wanted someone to be on her side. Nathan, Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan worked together, and it felt nice to have her sister defending her. “It was Ryan and those other Neanderthals.” Katie walked farther into the house, away from Ryan. Every time she moved, Ryan followed her, trying to get closer. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t deny or confirm, and he didn’t try to defend himself. Maybe he would be glad to get rid of her. “Adam, did you know about this?” Chloe whispered. “Yes. They came here, that day before the ceremony, and told me. They said that she was their mate and they wanted time with her. They asked permission to keep her for a while.” His face was serious, and his words surprised her. Katie remembered that morning she woke up and Nathan, Ethan, and Ryan were gone. She also remembered the shower scene with Lucas. She shook her head, wanting to get rid of that picture. “Like she’s what, property? You gave them permission. She’s my sister. I can’t believe that you actually had something to do with this.” Chloe shook her head, her face saying it all. She was upset and hurt.

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“No. I didn’t tell them they could keep her. They just wanted some time to woo her. I gave them until after our ceremony. I told Ryan she needed to be here today. I knew they would be at the door.” Adam watched everything, his presence a dominating strength throughout the room. “I’m surprised he did. I wouldn’t have. Where are your brothers?” Brandon added, looking at Ryan. “They weren’t exactly on board with bringing her here. I snuck her out of the cabin. I knew that if we didn’t come today, you’d come for her and there might be a fight. Nathan, Lucas, and Ethan will be coming here soon I’m sure.” Ryan said it quietly. He looked sad, and Katie felt sorry for him. He was always so sweet to her, her loving, gentle man. “Damn right there is gonna be fight! You committed a crime! You took my sister, you ass. Leave. I want you gone, and keep your brothers away from this house.” Chloe pulled Katie close and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. “Chloe, it’s not that easy. We aren’t completely human, baby. They did what was necessary.” Adam spoke calmly, and his voice seemed to have an effect on her sister. Chloe let out a deep breath. “The others will be here soon. I doubt Ryan will leave. She’s his mate. You know how serious that is.” Chloe ushered Katie into the living room, and she was glad to be away from the men for a few minutes. She knew Ryan’s words were true. He had snuck her out of the cabin, and his brothers would be on their way. They left the men in the entryway talking and went to get comfortable on the couch. “I’m so sorry, Katie. You must’ve been so scared. I’ve only seen them twice, and both times that big one scared the hell out of me.” Chloe’s words were soft. “Nathan?” Chloe nodded her head, and Katie continued. “No, he’s not too bad, he’s a big teddy bear compared to those twins.” “Teddy bear?” her sister mimicked, looking a little confused.

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“Yeah, he looks kind of scary, but really he’s nice. At least he was nice to me, him, Ethan and Ryan. Lucas was more irritating than anything. I kept asking about you. They told me that they couldn’t let me go. It was so upsetting, not knowing if you were okay or not.” Katie grabbed her and hugged her tight. “I was so worried about you.” She sniffed and started crying. She couldn’t control herself. After everything Chloe had went through, her only thought was to get to her, and the men prevented it. “I’m sorry, Katie. I should’ve called you sooner. There was so much going on. Losing Conner. Coming here. Meeting both Adam and Brandon. Everything. I left feeling dead, and now I’m happy.” Chloe rubbed her hand up and down her back, comforting her. “Being locked in that cabin, away from you, I just wanted to get here. I tried to get here, but I had no idea where you were. Ryan’s right, they aren’t gonna just let me go. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re all here. I don’t want to see them right now.” Katie moved away from their hug and stared at Chloe, feeling a little vulnerable. She did want some space. She needed to sort out her feelings, reality versus fantasy. “It’s okay. Even if they are here, they aren’t taking you anywhere. You’re safe. I promise. Adam and Brandon won’t let anything happen.” She knew Chloe meant every word. Katie could hear raised voices coming from the entryway and knew it wouldn’t be long before they all were in the living room. Adam and Brandon led the way into the living room, followed closely by Nathan, Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan. She got up and moved away from the couch, needing some space. The room filled with aggression and testosterone. She heard growls coming from her men and stopped moving. “What are they doing here?” Chloe’s voice held an edge of anger to it, and Katie wanted to say something to stop her from being so upset. This whole thing was becoming a huger deal than it needed to be.

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“Katie is their mate. We can’t keep them apart. It isn’t right. Just like Conner wasn’t right by keeping you from us. A lot of pain and anguish could’ve been prevented. I can’t keep her from them.” Adam tried to talk to Chloe to calm her down, and Katie found herself being very grateful. “She doesn’t want them. I told her she would be safe here.” Chloe got up and walked toward her. “She’s mine!” Nathan’s voice came out deep and harsh. It seemed that everyone started talking at once, and she just wanted to relax and have some peace before having to deal with more. “No. I’m not yours. I want to go home. Please…just leave.” Katie’s words sounded like a plea to her own ears. She really just needed some time away from them to think. Everything had happened too fast. “You belong to us, you know it. Don’t say things like that. You know how upset it makes them.” Ryan’s voice was calm as he spoke, looking directly at her. “I’m too tired to handle this right now. I just want some time alone.” Katie sniffed and tried to control her emotions. It was pointless though. Tears dripped down her cheeks. She cared about them so much, and this whole ordeal was becoming worse by the minute. “You’re not going to be able to get rid of us that easily, sweetie. If you’re staying here, then so are we. This house is big enough for us all.” Nathan took deep breaths, and she knew he was trying to stay calm for her. He always was the one who took care of her and cared about her feelings. “No. Adam. You can’t let them do that,” Chloe said. “Chloe, he can’t. They have the right to be near their mate,” Brandon added. “I’m staying. I can’t speak for my brothers. It’s up to them, but I’m not leaving here without you, Katie. You mean too much to me.

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I’m sorry you’re hurt. I don’t like seeing you sad.” Nathan’s voice stopped all conversation. “Me, too.” Ryan moved to stand next to Nathan. She wanted to smile, but she didn’t. The only thing on her mind was a hot bath and then bed. The night before she hadn’t slept. She was scared and worried about the future. “Damn it. Nathan, Ryan. We came here to take her back with us. This is bull. I’m not staying here. This isn’t our house. Let’s just take her and leave. Four against two, we can take them.” Lucas’s voice was still full of anger. She wasn’t surprised. He was always ready for a fight. First, the rejection of him not wanting her to be his mate, and now he was ready to fight. He was sending too many mixed messages. Did he want her or not? Katie started sobbing loudly, and both Nathan and Ryan turned, growling at Lucas. “Okay. Okay. Shit! I’m staying. Women. Stop crying, Katie. We’re all staying.” Lucas shoved his hand through his hair. She felt a small victory for having him change his mind. She did want them to leave, she really did, but a small part of her screamed for them to stay. What was wrong with her? She was addicted to them. The idea of being separated caused her actual physical pain. She needed to think, but she wanted them close by. Katie wiped her face and stepped forward, away from the wall, letting them all see her shiny face and puffy eyes. She gave a small smile and said, “Fine. We can talk later. I’m tired. Chloe, will you take me to the guest room?” “The other wing of the house has a few bedrooms. Katie gets her own room, but you four have to share,” Chloe said. “What about Conner’s room?” Adam asked. “Oh, you’re right. It’s an awful mess. I’ll take her to the other wing.” Chloe moved, taking Katie’s arm, and they left the room quickly. Katie looked over her shoulder to see all four of her men watching her leave. She gave them a small smile, unsure of what to expect.

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**** “I’m letting you stay here because I know what it feels like to be separated from my mate. No still means no. You four will not gang up on her. She’s way too tiny to fight you off. Has anyone claimed her? I didn’t notice any bite marks, but I really wasn’t looking,” Adam said right when Katie was clear of the room. Nathan didn’t want to answer his question. He had claimed her, and so had Ethan and Ryan. The four of them still needed to work together for the bonding to be stronger. Lucas needed to be a part of the ceremony. When that happened it would be obvious to everyone that she had been claimed. “Trust me, she’s in complete control. You heard her cry harder when she thought Lucas might leave. She may look fragile, but she’s not. She knows how to play them all,” Ethan said. “Her charms don’t work on you, though, right? Please. She only has to bat those little brown eyes and you do her bidding.” Lucas’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “We’re all staying. We all want her. She belongs to us. We know the rules when it comes to mates. I’ve been waiting a long time, a lot longer than you. Nothing will happen unless she begs for it.” Nathan arched his brow and crossed his large arms over his broad chest. “All right then, good luck. Brandon and I just were mated, in case you’ve forgotten. I put you in the other wing so we could have some privacy. Don’t fight with her, and for God’s sake don’t make her cry. I’ve got work to do. Go get your things and get settled. I’ll see you at dinner. Please, hurry up with this wooing thing. I don’t want my house becoming a circus.” Adam left them all standing in the living room. Nathan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before he spoke again. There were quite a few moments where he almost lost control. “Ryan? What the hell were you thinking? I told you not to let her leave.”

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“I promised. She needed to see her sister, to make sure she was okay. I guess I was hoping that she would see her and want to go home with us. I never believed she could make a scene like that.” Ryan looked lost, and Nathan felt sorry for him. Their little mate was a drama queen. “Fuck. I can’t believe this. Ethan and Lucas can go to the house and grab some things for us. Looks like we’ll be here for a little while, gentlemen. I’m going to the other wing. Our mate needs some discipline.” Nathan headed out of the living room, marching down the long hallway toward the guest rooms. She wasn’t going to get away with this. She wasn’t going to embarrass them in front of his cousins and her sister. He was pissed. She had officially brought out the beast in him. He clenched his fists, moving faster. She had no idea what punishment was. He heard footsteps behind him and knew his brothers were following him. Today they would show sweet little Katie what it meant to be their mate. Today he would show her that there would be no secrets between them. She started this, and he was prepared to finish it. When he reached the door, he stopped. He knew she was on the other side, and he wanted to be calm. His fingers tightened on the doorknob, and he took one more deep breath before pushing it open. He scanned the room and found her sitting on the edge of the bed. Their eyes met and held. He noticed that her shoulders were slumped and she was biting her bottom lip, and for a moment, he wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her. He stopped himself, though. She didn’t deserve his comfort after the little scene she created. “I’m sorry.” She whispered the words as she stood up, but she didn’t move toward him, and he wondered if it was because he was standing in the doorway with his brothers all behind him. He was sure they looked intimidating. “Ryan kept a promise, so I can’t punish you for that. I am going to punish you for leaving and not giving us the chance we deserved. I’m

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also going to punish you for making that scene back there in the living room. That was unnecessary. We’ve tried to give you time. We didn’t lock you in a room and feed you bread and water. You made it seem like we treated you poorly, when in fact we didn’t. You know what a mate is, you know what we are, and you should’ve talked to us.” Nathan walked into the room, looking around. When he spotted a chair sitting in front of a small desk, he grabbed it and sat down. He watched as his brothers filed into the room, moving to different places, surrounding Katie but not close enough to touch her. From this moment forward, he silently vowed to keep her close to all four of them. He had kept a small amount of distance, wanting Katie to get to know them all separately. They needed to work together if this was going to work and if they were going to convince Katie that this was where she belonged. With them. She looked around the room, looking at each of his brothers before finally staring into his eyes. “Okay,” she said, standing a bit straighter. He wasn’t sure what she was agreeing to exactly, but he assumed it was her punishment. “I want you to take off your clothes. When you’re done, you will walk over to me and lay across my lap. If you argue or complain, I will make this punishment worse. Nod your head if you understand.” He knew he sounded harsh, and he watched her throat as she swallowed. She nodded her head slowly, and it seemed that she was going to say something, but she clamped her lips tightly shut. Her movements were stiff as she stripped off her clothes. She was breathing rapidly as she walked toward him, and he wanted to tell her how proud of her he was for not saying anything. When she stopped in front of him, his cock jerked in his pants. She was so beautiful. He wanted to calm her, to lovingly stroke her body, but he knew that he couldn’t stop what he was going to do. He didn’t help her. Instead he sat in the chair and watched her move into position, awkwardly lying across his lap. She grabbed his leg, holding him tight, and he finally moved to touch her. He skimmed his right

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hand over her ass, at the same time moving his left up her back, wanting to show her how he felt. He gently massaged her skin, wanting her relaxed, enjoying how soft she was. Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan moved closer now, wanting to watch their mate receive her punishment. Nathan wouldn’t keep them waiting too long. He wanted to warm her up first. The room was silent, except for Katie’s breathing. She was panting, and he knew she was scared. “I’m gonna go easy on you this time, Katie. Do you know why I’m punishing you?” Nathan asked her. He wanted to make sure she really understood before starting her spanking. He also wanted her to apologize to his brothers. They were hurt by her performance in the living room as well. “Yes.” Her face was against his pants, so her words were muffled. “Tell me. I want you to say it before we begin.” He stopped moving his left hand across her back. Instead he moved it to wrap around her waist to keep in her place. His right hand continued to move from one cheek to the other, kneading her skin. “The scene in the living room. I–I didn’t mean to embarrass you. It sorta got out of hand, and I promise I’ll talk to Chloe and straighten everything out. I’m sorry.” The last words were whispered, and he knew that she was sorry. Nathan didn’t say a thing to confirm or deny what she said. Instead, he pulled back his hand and slapped her ass, making her jolt and shift in his arms. He moved his hand rapidly, landing five more to each cheek, watching her ass turn a nice shade of pink before stopping and rubbing his handprints. She shrieked and moaned, trying to move, but he held her tight against his thighs. He moved his hand down between her legs, wanting to know if she was wet from her spanking.

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Chapter 10 Katie was panting as she lay across Nathan’s lap. Her ass felt hot against his cool hands as he rubbed her bottom. Silent tears streaked her cheeks, but she refused to cry out in pain. Instead, she bit her lip and moaned at his touch. The spanking had been horrible, not the pain of his hand but the reason behind it. When he had pushed open her door, she could see the anger and sadness in his eyes and regretted the scene with her sister. She shouldn’t have cried, she shouldn’t have said they had kidnapped her, and she shouldn’t have tried to deny that she was their mate. Nathan’s hand moved lower, and she held her breath, unsure of what he planned to do next. When his fingers brushed against her clit, she jumped but kept her mouth tightly sealed shut. He pushed two large fingers into her pussy, and Katie spread her legs, giving him better access. She wanted to rock and move, but she knew that he was completely in charge, so she willed herself not to do a thing. “What a good girl you are, Katie. I’m so proud of you. You did exactly what I said.” Nathan’s praise affected her. His voice was the soothing balm she needed, and she relaxed further into him. He moved his fingers slowly, pumping them in and out of her pussy. She could feel how wet she was and knew it was the spanking and Nathan himself that affected her. Her darkest fantasies were coming true, being at the mercy of strong men who pleasured and punished her at the same time. It wouldn’t take long for her to come, and maybe he knew that, because he withdrew his hand. “It’s time to stand up now, Katie. I’m going to help you.” She shimmied down off Nathan’s lap, and his strong hands were there,

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helping her to stand. She felt dizzy for a minute and watched the room spin. Nathan, Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan were around her, and she wasn’t sure what to do. She felt a pang of sadness and wondered if she had ruined everything. “Was that enough of a lesson, or do you need more? Do we need to tie you up and make you admit how you feel? Do we need to prove that we’re your mates? What do you need us to do, Katie?” Nathan stared into her eyes, and she didn’t know what to say. She could feel the other men staring at her as well, and she wasn’t sure if she actually enjoyed this sort of attention. So many questions raced through her mind. “Um…I…I’m sorry about that whole thing there in the living room. I really am. I had been so worried about Chloe, and then when I saw her I realized that she didn’t need me. She looked so happy, and I felt so miserable. I guess I was a little jealous. I knew you would come here, and I was so glad when you did, but I didn’t say that. And then Lucas wanted to leave because he doesn’t want me to be his mate, and I kinda freaked out more and cried.” She knew she was rambling. Her mouth just wouldn’t stop. “I’m sorry.” She bit her lip hard and forced herself to stop talking. Nathan leaned back in the chair, watching her closely, and she felt sick. She wasn’t sure what he would say. “You were jealous of Chloe? Why? Because she’s happy?” Ryan asked her, taking her attention off Nathan for a minute. She turned her head and saw him sitting on the side of the bed. “I was happy, too, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Chloe, and I really just wanted to make sure she was okay. When you brought me here, I was so upset that she was in a good place because the whole time I was at your house I could’ve been more relaxed had I known that. This is my fault. And now you don’t want me anymore.” She could feel the pressure building up in her eyes and knew she was going to cry.

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“That’s not true. We do want you,” Lucas said, surprising her. Katie turned slightly and saw him standing next to Nathan by the chair. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest, and she was scared to believe him. **** Lucas watched her closely, seeing different emotions play across her expressive face. He had been denying his feelings since scenting her as his mate. He heard her in their house making love to his brothers, and he had kept himself away. The memory of her on her knees in the shower was burned into his brain. He thought about her constantly. When he shifted in front of her, he had wanted to be the one to explain everything to her, but he let Ryan take her away. He wasn’t going to stop himself anymore. She was his mate, too, and he would have her. She wanted him as much as he needed her. There was no fight left in him. Lucas reached for her, and Katie flew into his arms. He picked her up and kissed her with all the hunger inside him, groaning when she wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her to the bed as their tongues clashed, his mouth covering hers. He laid her down and went down on top of her, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. He ignored his brothers and concentrated on her. He didn’t care if they joined in or left the room. He moved down her body, kissing her chin, her neck, and nibbling on her collarbone. His teeth would be there soon, next to his brothers’ marks. He made his way down to her perfect breasts. His tongue curled around one stiff nipple and drew it into his mouth, and he couldn’t contain the moan as he began to suck it. “Oh, Lucas,” Katie breathed out, her voice coming in gasps. “Oh, my God.” He growled around her nipple, feeling possessive of her. He took his time loving her slowly.

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“We are going to explore every inch of your delectable little body, baby. But before we do that, I need to know that you’re gonna be with us forever.” Lucas heard Ethan and ignored him. He wasn’t going to stop what he was doing. He wanted to own her body, heart and soul, the way she already owned him. “I do want to be with you,” she said, and words had never affected him more. She was theirs. “Tonight, Lucas and I are going to show you what having two men feels like, and then we’ll prepare you for the ceremony. You’ll get all four of us then, baby.” Lucas looked up from adoring Katie’s nipples to see Ethan stripping off his clothes. “Taste her pussy. Get her nice and wet for us.” Ethan sent him a wink, and Lucas smiled, brushing kisses down her stomach toward her pussy. He had dreamed of tasting her for a week now and couldn’t wait to get his mouth on her. He put his nose against her pussy and inhaled her unique scent. I’m going to devour her. **** Lucas’s fingers touched her first, strong, rough fingers that parted her folds. His lips touched her next, pressing against her clit, sending a jolt through her body. Then came his tongue. Wet and warm. He licked, caressing and sliding against her flesh. Her hips arched toward him. She was so close, closer than she wanted to be. “So sweet.” He growled the words against her. Then his tongue plunged deep, his fingers stroked her, and Katie came against his mouth. He growled, a long, ragged rumble, and the vibrations trembled against her pussy, making the pleasure last longer. She was breathing hard, twitching on the bed as Lucas climbed off, taking off his clothes. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he revealed his golden skin inch by inch. He moved to the bed then, crawling up next to her. He kissed her, and Katie moved closer to him, loving the feel of his warmth on her skin.

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“Get on top of me, baby. I need to be inside you.” Lucas helped her. She didn’t waste any time. She grabbed the base of his cock and guided him inside her. She leaned down and took his lips while his cock slowly filled her. Their tongues thrusting, tasting and taking, even has his body took hers. His cock drove into her, a deep plunge that stole her breath. He was in control, even though she was on top, and he made sure she knew that. He kept thrusting. Faster. Deeper. Harder. The pleasure shook her body, had her heart racing. She was close, knew her climax was right at the edge. A hand on her back stopped her, and she looked over her shoulder at Ethan. “Take it easy, baby. I want to take your ass. I need to get you ready.” She swallowed, feeling a little scared. Lucas cupped her face and moved her head so that she was looking at him. “Concentrate on me and what I’m doing. Just relax.” His eyes closed, and he kissed her. His mouth and tongue melted with her as she wrapped her arms tight around his neck. Her hips rocked, and she used her hold on him to press her pelvis closer so she could rub her clit against him. His cock filled her, so heavy and thick, and her pussy clamped around him as the lust built and built. She felt Ethan’s fingers pushing against her rosebud and stayed focused on Lucas and the pleasure. There was a bite of pain, but it was gone just as quick as she felt it. She kissed Lucas, leaned into him, and rubbed her breasts against his chest. “I’ll be gentle even if it kills me. You’re so tight. I’m going to push my cock in, and I want you to take a deep breath and push out.” Ethan’s voice was rough, and she did what he told her. She felt the tip of his cock breach her ass, and she tightened her muscles for a minute. She really wanted this. She wanted to be in the middle of Lucas and Ethan. She wanted to feel both their cocks inside her. “Relax for me, baby. I’m going to enter you slowly and make you come hard for me.” She could tell that Ethan’s voice was changing, becoming rougher.

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Katie moaned softly at the feeling of being taken, stretched, and parted by both Ethan and Lucas. She wiggled her ass, urging Ethan to continue. He pushed in until he was fully seated. She was full. She had never felt this possessed in her life. “Oh, God. You both feel so good.” Ethan’s hips rocked against her ass, a steady, slow motion. Lucas didn’t move, just held her tight against his chest. “How does that feel?” Lucas asked. “Amazing. I want you both to move.” She groaned. She could barely think straight having them both inside her body. “Let us move you in between us. Just relax and enjoy.” Lucas let her sit up. He gripped her hips and lifted her off his cock. He acted as if she weighed nothing as he guided her back onto his cock and Ethan pulled out. They set up a gentle rhythm, letting her get used to having both of them inside her. Ethan’s hands slid up her body, and he gripped both breasts. His fingers and thumbs rolled her nipples, pinched, and it drove her crazy. Her body jerked and she moaned. Shoving her hips back into his. He growled softly and shoved his cock into her ass faster, going deeper. One of his hands left her breast and slid to her clit. He rubbed fast, timing the beat to the thrust of his hips. Lucas and Ethan pounded harder into her, and Ethan squeezed her clit tighter between his fingers. Katie felt raw, but she didn’t want them to stop as the climax built. Her body suddenly exploded around their cocks as pure bliss struck. They fucked her harder as her muscles convulsed. Ethan pulled his hand away from her clit but kept moving, drawing out her pleasure. She didn’t think she could take anymore. Her heart was beating fast, and her muscles were shaking. She was ready to fall over. They didn’t let her go, though. She could tell they were getting close. She stared at Lucas, wanting to watch him come. His body trembled violently, and she felt him inside her, hot, thick, and hard. He threw back his head and drove into her deeply one more time. A

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roar tore from his throat. He came hard and hot, and she felt the warm blast of his cum. He is so beautiful when he comes, she thought. She collapsed against his chest, trying to breathe. She felt Ethan pull out of her slowly and realized that she was so focused on Lucas that she hadn’t realized that he finished. She sat up a little and stopped him, leaning into him. She kissed him, just a swipe of her lips on his, hoping that he knew that she cared about him. “I’ll get a warm washcloth for you. I’ll be right back baby.” Ethan kissed her then, a real kiss, and she smiled, feeling a lot better. “Okay.” Katie lay down against Lucas, and he wrapped his arms around her. She never really believed that she would ever be in his arms. She tried to enjoy the moment, but she kept thinking about Nathan and Ryan. She hadn’t expected them to leave. She wanted to be with all four of them. Then again, maybe she wasn’t ready for that yet. How could one woman be with four men? Three she could see in her mind, but that still seemed a little overwhelming. “You’re thinking awful hard.” Lucas’s voice brought her out of her mind, and she looked up and saw him watching her. “I’m thinking about the four of you together. We haven’t done that yet, and to be honest, I’m a little worried.” She searched his eyes, and he gave her a small smile in return. “The bonding ceremony will be on the next full moon. You’ll have all four of us then.” “I thought we didn’t have to do that?” She thought back to her conversation with Ryan. He said that since they had claimed her that they wouldn’t need to run through the woods. “We don’t have to, we want to. It’s an old tradition, but more than that, it makes our bond stronger. I haven’t claimed you yet. I want to do it outside, under the stars.” Lucas pulled her up his body so that they faced each other, and he kissed her slowly. Their tongues started a slow dance, twirling around, and she lost herself for a moment, enjoying his touch.

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A warm washcloth touching her ass got her attention, and she stiffened for a minute, turning her head slightly to see Ethan cleaning her up. She cringed a little, wanting to clean herself, but she didn’t pull away. She knew that they liked taking care of her even if it was something silly like wiping her off. “Lucas is right. We have some time now to get to spend together and for you to get to know all of us before the ceremony. We’ll stay here so that you can spend time with your sister. Maybe she will be able to calm your nerves about the ceremony. I know this whole thing has been a little shocking, but I’m glad that you’re our mate. We just want to make you happy.” Ethan threw the washcloth on the nightstand and climbed into bed. He kissed her shoulder, moving closer to lean his chest against her back. “Where did Nathan and Ryan go? I didn’t realize they left the room. I feel bad about that.” She whispered the last part. She had been so focused on Lucas and Ethan that she hadn’t even realized her other men had left. “They went to get some clothes and stuff from our house. Don’t worry about them. They could have joined us, but I think they wanted to give Lucas some time with you. I should’ve left with them, but I couldn’t seem to make myself go.” Ethan moved closer, wrapping his right arm around her waist to hold her close to his body. She snuggled between them, resting her head on Lucas’s shoulder. “I’m glad you stayed. I wish they would’ve. I miss them. I sound like a selfish jerk.” Katie felt bad. Two gorgeous men had made love to her and she was thinking about Nathan and Ryan. “No. Not selfish. You’re a woman with four mates, who is missing two of them. You own all of us. I wish I would’ve seen it sooner. Having you in my arms, I can’t even tell you what that does to me.” Lucas’s sweet words had her heart squeezing in her chest. He sounded so sincere, laying his feelings at her feet. The room was silent. She could hear them breathing and pretended to be asleep. Could she walk away from this, from these

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men? Could she really leave Alaska behind with Nathan, Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan? The thought made her feel sick to her stomach, and she realized that she couldn’t leave them. She didn’t know how a ménage relationship worked, but she promised herself that she could at least give it a chance. She sat up and looked from Lucas to Ethan. They were both watching her with curious looks on their faces. She needed the four of them here. The door opened, and Nathan and Ryan walked in carrying some luggage. Her heart beat faster in her chest, and she smiled at them. It seemed weird. She needed to talk to all of them, and then they walked in. Having all four of them in the same room thrilled her, and she realized Lucas was right. She did need them all. They were her mates, and they belonged to her just as she belonged to them. “What’s wrong?” Ryan dropped the bags he was holding and walked toward the bed. He sat down on the foot of the bed and held out his arms. She automatically crawled toward him. She moved to sit on his lap, and he wrapped his body around hers in a protective hold. “I missed you and Nathan.” She leaned her face into his chest, taking a deep breath and smelling him. They all smelt of pine, mint, and sunshine. It made her feel safe and relaxed. She lifted her face when she felt a hand on her leg and looked up, seeing Nathan crouched down next to them so that he was eye level with her. “We missed you, too. That’s why we hurried home to grab some clothes. We wanted to be here with you.” Ryan moved then, opening his arms and giving her to Nathan. It felt good to be near them all, her heart whole and her soul full. It was a heady feeling, and she had a hard time breathing when she realized how much they all meant to her. She felt like a fool for running to her sister, for worrying at all. At least she hadn’t lost them with her ridiculous tantrum. Katie wrapped her arms tightly around Nathan’s neck, her face pressed into his chest. He held her close as he stood up and walked across the room. She knew he sat down by the fire. She could feel the flames at her back. “I love you.” The words came out before she

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could stop them. She was feeling more emotional than she could ever remember. His arms tightened around her, and he kissed her head. “I love you, too.” He turned her around on his lap, moving her body easily. She saw Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan all kneeling around her, and she had to catch her breath at the look of vulnerability in their eyes. She looked at Ryan first. Their relationship had always been easy, and he winked at her. “We all love you.” Ryan moved toward her on his knees. He pushed her hair behind her ears and kissed her deeply, shoving his tongue in her mouth, and ravaged her. His dominant attitude had her squirming on Nathan’s lap. When he built her up and had her moaning, he stopped and pulled back. He moved back and gave her space, allowing Lucas and Ethan to move forward. They moved together, two identical men, and she felt like a goddess. Nathan put her on the plush carpet at his feet, and she crawled on her knees toward them, wanting to be in between them once more. She felt giddy and lighthearted when she reached them. Lucas grabbed her first, pulling her into his arms, and she rubbed her nipples against his chest. Ethan leaned into her back, and she felt his hard cock against her hip. He leaned his face down and licked a path from her shoulder to her ear, taking his time to suck and nibble on her. When he reached her ear, he whispered to her. “You’re so beautiful. I love how open you are, how free you are with your passion. I love you.” He bit down on her earlobe, and she moaned deep in her throat. Katie pushed her hands through Lucas’s thick hair and pulled his face down to meet hers. She felt aggressive and moved closer to him, straddling his thigh. She felt their hands on her, running up and down her body, and it made her feel wild. She moved, rubbing her pussy on Lucas’s thigh, feeling her clit swell. She was close to having an orgasm just from touching them. “She’s so perfect, isn’t she? Look at her riding Lucas’s leg. It looks like she needs more. Do you need more, baby?” She opened her

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eyes and looked up to see Nathan taking off his clothes. “Bring her into the bathroom. She’s gonna love the tub.” Ryan followed him toward the bathroom, taking off his clothes as well. She stared at their muscular asses as they walked away from her. She felt Ethan move, and when he was standing, he leaned down and picked her up, easily throwing her over his broad shoulder. She felt manhandled and loved every minute of it. She laughed aloud as he marched in the same direction as Nathan and Ryan. She knew that Lucas was following them. Ethan walked down the steps to enter the tub, and Katie used her hands to push herself off his back so that she could see where she was. The tub was the most amazing thing she had ever seen. It couldn’t really be called a tub at all. The bathroom wasn’t a normal size, and the room seemed to be bigger than her apartment. It looked like something that she had seen in an old Roman film. At least a dozen people could sit comfortably. Ethan helped her to stand up, and she finally was able to get a better view. Her men walked into the tub and sat down, smiling at her and, she assumed, enjoying the shocked look on her face. When the jets started, Katie moved to the bench and sat down. She stared at each of her men and knew there wasn’t any way she would ever be able to leave them. Alaska was her home now. She leaned back, enjoying the water massaging her back, and closed her eyes. She didn’t have to wait long for her men. Four sets of hands moved on her body, touching her everywhere. They pulled her away from the edge of the tub, holding her up as she floated in the water. She gave herself over to them, refusing to think, only feeling.

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Chapter 11 Four weeks later “Shit! Ouch! That freakin’ hurts!” Katie lay on the bench in the bathroom. She gripped the towel underneath her tightly and took a deep breath. She hated this. She hated being a woman sometimes. She only wanted to look good for her men for the bonding ceremony “Seriously? This hurts, but having four cocks fucking you doesn’t?” Chloe taunted her with a huge, wooden Popsicle stick and warm wax. Katie didn’t have a lot of hair to get rid of, and she thanked god for that. She always kept herself well groomed, but today she wanted to do something to surprise her men. She wanted to be completely smooth and soft. “How much more?” She panted the words. “That was just the first one. It will be done in just a minute, only a couple more to go.” Chloe rolled her eyes, and Katie held her breath, waiting for the next quick flick of her vicious wrist. “Distract me. Tell me about the ceremony.” She had been asking her sister for weeks now, hoping to get an answer, but her sister refused to give her any details. “I’ve told you everything that I can. It’s fun and exciting. If you ever get scared, just remember that they’re your mates. It’s a bonding ceremony. The sooner it’s over the sooner you can go home with your men.” Chloe applied another line of warm wax, and Katie didn’t move. She knew that Chloe loved having her around, but she also wanted to be with her mates and enjoy some peace and quiet. The

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house had been crazy, tons of clan members coming and going. Katie and her mates tried to give the Alphas space to be with her sister, but it was obvious that they needed to have their house back. “I know. The ceremony is tonight. I’m just a little nervous, that’s all.” Katie gritted her teeth as Chloe ripped back the long piece of paper. “We’re all done now. Go take a bath and relax. You’ll need your strength.” Chloe winked at her, leaned down, and hugged her. Katie sat up and hugged her back. She knew she didn’t really have anything to worry about. The last month had been the happiest of her life. She had never felt such love. Every night, Nathan, Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan took turns making love to her, holding her, and pampering her. “Thank you,” Katie said. She watched Chloe leave the room. Chloe looked over her shoulder once more, smiling broadly. She needed to prepare for the ceremony. She had asked her men for some time alone to think. Katie walked over to the full-length mirror and studied herself closely. She no longer saw a woman lacking worth. Instead she saw a sexy, self-confident goddess. She stood straighter, admiring her curves, seeing what her men saw. Tonight she would be a worthy mate to four men and love them all under the full moon. She stepped into the bath that waited for her and sat down, letting the warmth seep into her. She had been waiting for this night for weeks, and the anticipation was killing her. Her body was shaking from the excitement of the unknown. She couldn’t seem to relax. Even sitting in the bathtub, she wasn’t able to fully calm down. She closed her eyes and took deep, cleansing breaths, trying to think of anything but the ceremony. She stayed in the bath until her fingertips looked like prunes. She climbed out of the tub and looked around the bathroom. The room was silent, and she dried off and walked into the bedroom, needing to get dressed. When she spotted the clock, she moved a little faster. She was running out of time. Katie got dressed in a couple of

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layers. She knew that it was going to be cold outside, but with all the running, she also knew she wouldn’t stay cold for long. She only knew the basics. She was supposed to meet her men downstairs, and then they would walk out into the forest alone. Nobody else from the clan would be there, and for that she was thankful. When she was dressed and ready to go, she stopped in the middle of the bedroom and stretched her muscles a little. She walked to the bedroom door and turned the knob. It was time to go. **** Nathan watched Katie walk stiffly down the stairs and smiled to himself. He knew she was nervous, perhaps even a little scared. He could hear her heartbeat with each step she took, and he wanted to reach out and comfort her. The bonding ceremony was an old tradition, and he wanted to experience it with his brothers and mate. It wasn’t necessary, but he wanted to have what his cousins had, a tighter bond, the kind of bond that only true mates could experience. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she walked to them, biting her plump lower lip. She looked so innocent in that moment, so much like the way she did when she first arrived at their house. It had only been a month, but it felt like so much longer since he was able to spend all of his time with her. He was so grateful that she was their mate, so happy that she had given them the opportunity to love her. He opened his arms and she walked to him, letting him hold her. This was exactly what he wanted, what he needed before the ceremony. He held her close, inhaling a mixture of vanilla and honeysuckle. He rubbed her back, loving the feel of her soft body against his. His cock jerked, and he could feel his blood pump through his veins. He was ready for the ceremony to begin. He pulled back and kissed her forehead, needing a little space. He could feel his animal pacing, wanting to break free, needing to chase down its mate. Both the man

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and the animal wanted her, needed her in a primitive manner that he was having a hard time controlling. “Are you ready?” He smiled at her, hoping that his voice would be able to calm her down a little. “Yeah. How much of a head start to I get?” Nathan watched Lucas open the front door, and they all walked outside. The cool air felt good. It was what he needed to help his heated body. He took a deep breath as his brothers walked down the steps and off the front porch. “How much time do you think you’ll need? It’s just for fun. You don’t really have to run that fast. I’d rather not be tired when I catch you. I have lots of wicked things I want to do to your body.” He winked at her, and her laugh echoed throughout the small clearing. “I’m taking this serious. I plan to run, and I want the full amount of time,” Katie told him with a straight face, and he was glad she didn’t think this was a joke. He had tried to ease her mind by wanting her to think that this really didn’t matter, and even though it wasn’t a necessity, it was important to them. “We’ll give you about ten minutes. You’ll be far enough from hearing distance by then. If you get scared, I want you to stop and sit down. You don’t need to wander around. We’ll find you. I promise you.” Nathan reached out, grabbed her glove-covered hand, and pulled her toward him through the treeline. Each step they took moved them farther into the forest and away from the clan’s main house. They moved together in a comfortable silence, enjoying the night. Nathan watched their surroundings and knew that they had the advantage in this chase. They had been raised in this forest, they had played here. Katie squeezed his hand and he looked at her, focusing on her beautiful face. Her cheeks were pink, and he could tell her breathing was becoming more of a pant with each step. He was feeling some doubts and wondered if he should just call this whole thing off and go to their house. They weren’t that far away. Maybe they could push Katie in that direction. He would rather tackle her

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onto their bed instead of the ground. He was about to say something when his brothers stopped walking. They had reached the clearing. “You don’t have to do this. We could just go home,” Lucas said, taking the words out of his mouth. Lucas walked over and kneeled down on the ground, right at Katie’s feet. “We love you. We can go home right now, and the four of us can make love to you. I’ll claim you, and we’ll have our own bonding ceremony by the fire. It’s okay. I just want you to be happy.” Lucas seemed to be able to speak his heart clearly, now that he decided to be with Katie. Nathan looked at his other brothers and saw acceptance in their eyes. If Katie wanted to go home, that’s exactly what they would do. “No. I really want to do this. I was feeling nervous, but I’m not anymore.” She leaned down and kissed Lucas. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sank into him. It was a beautiful picture to see, his stubborn brother with their beautiful mate together. The last four weeks, all of them had really bonded together. “All right, you two, let’s get this show on the road. I’m ready to fuck my mate under the stars.” Ethan’s crass words had Katie jerking back out of Lucas’s arms and laughing. “Okay, mate, it’s time. I want you to run, and I want you to have fun. This is all for our enjoyment. When we get you, we’re going to ravage you.” Nathan grabbed her once more and planted a kiss on her lips. His cock swelled even more, demanding that he take her, sink into her warm pussy, and fuck her until she screamed his name. His skin felt itchy, and he cringed a little, knowing that his animal was taking over, trying to break free. He turned her body so that she faced the forest. He wasn’t sure he was ready for her to see him lose control. “Go ahead. The clock starts now.” His voice had changed slightly, and he wondered for a moment if she could tell. It only took her a couple seconds, and she walked toward the thick trees. She didn’t sprint, like he initially thought she would. Instead she took her time. He watched her. She never once looked over her shoulder. Instead,

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she disappeared from his sight. He knew where she was. His hearing was perfect. He started stripping off his clothes, never once taking his eyes off the last spot he saw her. This race wouldn’t last long. He wanted to claim her once again and take her home. He knew his brothers were taking off their clothes as well. He could hear everything. One by one, they stood behind him, waiting for the time to come where they could shift and chase her. He could sense their excitement, and it made his heart beat faster. He tried to concentrate on the cold air, trying to calm his already-shot nerves. Time froze as he waited. “I’ve never felt like this before. I feel like my heart is going to explode from my chest.” Ryan’s whispered words said what he already felt. This crazy possessive feeling was taking over. The air was electrified, a living being, and he couldn’t control himself any longer. He let his animal take over, shifting slowly so that he could feel it happen. When the change was complete, he paced, waiting. He didn’t have much longer. Soon, he would be with his mate. He had to get to her. Nothing in his life had ever been this important.

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Chapter 12 Katie started walking, wanting to warm up her muscles before she started running. She knew how important this night was, not only for her mates but for her as well. Even though Nathan, Ethan, and Ryan had already claimed her, Lucas hadn’t. He had waited, wanting them all to be together under the full moon. She heard every noise and wondered when her time would be up. She knew it wouldn’t last that long. Did she really want to run at all? She wanted to be caught, but she knew that she had to. If her dreams were true, then she did need to run and try to get away from them. Katie started to run, wanting to make this chase satisfying for them all. She started to hear low growls and branches breaking in the distance and knew her time had run out. She pushed herself harder, glad that she had taken the time to stretch and to walk. She was a runner, had always loved to exercise. A smile spread across her face. She was going to make this interesting. She knew a little about the forest, but mostly she knew where home was and took a sharp right heading into that direction. Katie ran as fast as she could, struggling to get air into her lungs. It felt like she had been running for miles. It didn’t seem to matter how fast she ran, she could hear pounding behind her and knew they were getting closer and closer. She focused on moving faster through the woods, wanting to get to their house or at least to the yard. When she saw a flash of white from her peripheral vision, she turned her head and saw a huge polar bear coming toward her. A jolt of fear ran through her, and she started to freak out a little. One was intimidating, but four would be overwhelming. She started to doubt

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herself. Over the last four weeks they had all made love, but never together. They had all wanted this night to be special, but now she wished she would’ve had more than two at a time. Could she really do this? She didn’t slow down. Instead, she pushed herself, and her muscles burned from her effort. The thundering in Katie’s ears increased as her breath became shallow. Palms sweaty, she bit her lip and looked around at her surroundings. Another large bear cut right in front of her, and she jerked and stopped herself, almost falling. She was panting and had to hold her side to get rid of the horrible sharp pain. She looked around the dark forest, trying to be able to see, but darkness had taken over completely. She felt soft fur on her hand and screamed, unable to control herself. “Shhh. It’s just me. It’s Ryan.” She let out a harsh breath and felt herself calm down a little. He moved, stood right in front of her, and she placed her hands on his chest, wanting to feel his body. Sounds were all around her now, and she knew that all her men were surrounding her. Her mind went numb while her pulse quickened and every inch of her skin tingled with awareness. Moisture pooled at her slit, her pussy and clit coming alive in anticipation. Her breasts seemed to swell and become heavy, and her nipples pebbled, already aching for their touch. They circled her now, and she could feel the warmth of their skin without even touching them. They moved as one unit, slowly taking her clothes off her body and laying them on the ground. She could only feel the gentle touch of their fingertips on her skin as she stood in front of them only wearing her bra and panties. Lucas moved forward then, the intent clear in his eyes. He pulled her into his arms and helped her to lie on the pile of clothes. With one quick hard tug, he ripped her bra from her body. The material tore, scratching over her skin. She jerked from the abrupt action, a shriek escaping her. When he pulled it from her, it lifted her

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body from the ground momentarily. She fell against the ground with a thud. “Oh, shit,” she cried out, his sudden roughness turning her on more than she ever imagined. Her pussy throbbed, a dull, hard beat that swelled through her insides. Hot and wet, the sweet smell of her sex clung to her. Her breasts swelled, craving his attention. He grabbed both of her breasts, pulling them, kneading them, pinching her nipples. She wanted to move but couldn’t seem to do anything. Arching into his touch, not wanting him to stop, her head fell back as a groan escaped her lips. “Damn.” She cried out, unprepared for the hot moisture of his mouth when he covered one of her nipples with his lips. He suckled, tugged, twirled the puckered nub in his mouth. His teeth raked over her, shooting fiery currents straight to her toes. The roughness of his beard stubble scraped over her skin while his mouth soothed her with the steam of his lust. Her pussy ached for attention, throbbed with need, craved to be stroked, fondled, fucked. She moved her hips, wanting him to focus his adoration on her pussy as well. Lucas tugged on her nipple until it popped free of his mouth, his teeth scraping over the sensitive skin. “I can smell her from here. She’s ready. Who gets to eat her pussy first?” Nathan asked, and she moved, not really caring who did what. “I caught her first.” Ryan moved then, dropping to his knees. He pulled her panties down her legs and off her body before spreading her thighs wide. He dropped his face, and she could feel him breathing deep, smelling her. “She smells so good my mouth is watering. And she’s soft.” She heard him growl the last words deep in his chest as he leaned down and swiped his tongue through her folds. “Mmmm.” She shifted, moving her hips, wanting him to attack her clit. He didn’t give her the chance to do anything. Instead, Ryan grabbed her thighs and held her tight as he slowly devoured her. Her clit burned. Her pussy clamped

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down each time his tongue slipped inside her, releasing more of her juices. Every part of her body became hypersensitive, the need inside her growing like never before, a hunger that demanded to be satisfied. Her arousal had grown to the point that tears stung her eyes, her body so desperate for their possession. Ryan turned his focus to her clit, sucking it tightly into his mouth as he shoved two hard fingers into her pussy. It was too much and not enough. She was so close to coming. He pumped his finger, and her orgasm rolled through her, on and on in waves of bliss that made every inch of her body tighten with ecstasy. She arched her back, shoving her breast farther into Lucas’s mouth. Someone pinched her other nipple, and the jolt had her shoving her pussy farther into Ryan’s mouth. Her body was shaking, and Ryan kissed her inner thigh before moving back, letting Lucas take his place. Covering her like a warm, sensual blanket, an animal intent on possession, Lucas braced his hand next to her elbow as he positioned his cock at the entrance to her pussy. He moved, pushing his cock into her pussy. “Oh, God. You feel so good. Tight. Hot. Wet.” He didn’t stop moving until his cock was completely buried deep inside her. She flexed her Kegel muscle, loving the full feeling. “I’m going to roll, and I want you to come with me. I want you on top of me while Ethan takes your ass.” Lucas pulled her to his chest and held her tight as he moved. She was surprised that he stayed inside her as they rolled together. She sat up and moved her hips, riding Lucas up and down, almost pulling him completely free, just to sit down, forcing him deep once more. She was building up a good rhythm focusing her attention on Lucas when two large hands stopped her. “You’re so beautiful. I love watching you take control, but right now, we’re in charge.” Ethan bit her earlobe, and Katie shuddered. He used one hand to push her down against Lucas’s chest. She didn’t

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move. She knew what he had in store for her, and she started breathing harder knowing what was coming. “Hold her tight, Lucas. When I’m in her, we can fuck her together and claim her together.” Katie felt Ethan’s fingers work inside her bottom slowly. She knew the drill, and the last four weeks he had spent lots of time preparing her. “Good girl. Just relax. Soon I’ll be inside your tight little ass.” He used one hand to massage her ass cheeks while he pushed a couple fingers inside her, stretching her. The burn and pinch made her twist her hips, and she leaned into Lucas, wanting to distract herself. Lucas grabbed her face and kissed her, pushing his tongue into her mouth. She loved the taste of him, a mixture of mint and coffee flavor. She felt the head of Ethan’s cock breach her ass, and she held her breath. She relaxed and pushed out, letting him push inside her. She didn’t move until he was deep inside her. She loved the feeling of having both Lucas and Ethan deep in her. Lucas let go of her as he thrust his hips up. They moved slowly at first, one thrusting in deep while the other pulled out slowly. It didn’t take long, and they were moving at a faster pace. Ethan leaned down against her back, licking her shoulder. “Get those lips nice and wet baby. I want you to suck Ryan’s cock. Give him the same pleasure he gave you.” She turned her head to the side and saw Ryan and Nathan both stroking their cocks, watching her be fucked by their brothers. The looks on their faces made her feel sexy, and she moved more, feeling her body heating. She licked her lips as Ryan moved closer. Clear liquid coated the head of his cock, and she wanted to taste him. When he was within touching distance, he grabbed hold of her hair, tightly fisting it. “I’m not going to last long. You’re too fucking sexy. I’m on edge.” She could tell that he was serious, that he wasn’t himself. His eyes flashed, and she opened her mouth, letting him take control, letting him fuck her mouth. “Come on, baby, suck it, use your tongue on my cock.”

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When the salty taste of his essence hit her tongue, everything stopped. A new energy started deep within her body. The feel of him in her mouth created a craving that startled her. His voice had no meaning. She centered her attention on the feeling of euphoria when more liquid escaped into the back of her throat. Her tongue traced each ridge, moving up and down, stroking the velvet skin covering his cock. She ignored the hands pulling her hair. She felt the cock start to expand deep in her throat, and she swallowed. Hearing Ryan yell out his completion had her coming back to reality. Ethan and Lucas both quickened their pace, and Lucas sat up. He lowered his head to her shoulder and she braced herself, knowing what was coming. Ethan lowered his head to the other shoulder and on some quiet command, they both bit down hard. The pain was what she needed to be thrown into a hard climax that had her bucking and moving, rubbing her already-sensitive clit against Lucas, giving herself another orgasm. She yelled their names and heard her echo throughout the forest. She slumped against Lucas while they pulled back, disengaging their teeth. Lucas collapsed back down on the ground, taking her with him, and she could tell he was having a hard time breathing. “Wow. I never knew,” Lucas said. “I know. It’s amazing isn’t it? Being with your mate, claiming her. I didn’t want you to wait, but I’m glad you did.” Ethan slowly pulled out of her, and she held her breath until he was out and then relaxed her muscles. “I’m so tired.” Katie flexed her muscles, feeling a little weak and completely spent. “Do you have enough energy for me?” She looked over at Nathan and saw him hard and ready. She wanted him, too. She didn’t want to leave him left out after the magnificent event that she just had with Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan. “Of course. I’ll always want you.” She moved then, on shaky legs, off Lucas and walked on the cold ground to Nathan. He opened his

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arms, and she went to him, rubbing her body against his and feeling the warmth of his body immediately seep into her body. “It’s okay, baby. We can wait until we get home.” He kissed the top of her head, and Katie started to feel bad. “No. I want you. Out here under the full moon.” Katie scraped her fingernails down his chest, and his muscles flexed. She started to climb up his body, and he smiled, helping her to wrap her legs around his waist. Katie locked her legs tight, feeling his cock straining against her. She didn’t waste any time. She moved her hand down and grabbed his cock, wanting him inside her body. Nathan moved and pushed her back against a tree, moving her hands out of the way. Ryan walked up behind Nathan, and she moved her eyes from one to the other, wondering what they might have planned for her. Ryan grabbed her hands and moved them out of the way, pinning them against the tree above her head. “Unlock your ankles. I need a better angle,” Nathan said as he moved her legs apart. He moved his arms, shoving an arm under each leg, opening her up. She felt exposed, and she pushed back against the tree, wanting to help Nathan get the angle he needed. She watched as he lined up his cock with her opening and in one hard thrust was completely inside her. Katie gasped and leaned her head back. It felt so amazing that she ignored the bark pressing into her back. She loved the feel of his hard cock pounding into her. “Oh, Nathan. More. Please, give me more.” She wanted to move her arms. She wanted to touch him, but Ryan refused to let her move. The position made her feel helpless, and she enjoyed it even more. She could feel his balls slap against her while he rode her harder than she’d ever been fucked before. “You feel so good, baby. God. I. Love. Being. Inside. You.” Each word was said on a thrust as he moved his hips. She felt her insides tingle and knew she was getting close. His cock angled perfectly and rubbed her G-spot deep inside her pussy. It made her feel funny, as if she might have to go to the bathroom, but instead she focused on the

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coming, on the end. She stared at Nathan, deep in his eyes, and focused on the pure pleasure she was feeling. She could feel the storm inside her brewing, and she closed her eyes, wanting to come. The kaleidoscope of colors swirled behind her eyelids. “I’m almost there. God. Nathan. Please.” She knew her voice was pleading. “Me, too, baby.” He leaned his face down, and she braced herself for the sharp pleasure she was about to feel. She wanted to feel his teeth sinking into her neck more than she realized. She turned her head, exposing herself, making herself vulnerable, silently begging him. She felt the scrape of his sharp teeth and had a hard time getting her breathing under control. He teased her with his tongue and nipped at her throat, playing with her. Katie was shaking uncontrollably. She could barely control herself as her body tightened and she arched her back. Without warning, sharp teeth punctured her skin, and she screamed, her inner muscles pulsating. She gripped Ryan’s hands tight, arching farther into Nathan, certain that if he filled her any further he would split her in two but loving the sensations that rippled through her. His cock thrust deep inside her and she cried out, feeling the dam break, her orgasm rippling through her while cum seeped out of her pussy, dripping down her legs. He didn’t miss his cue. Hitting her deep inside one last time, his hot cum shot inside her, burning her with its intensity, and he roared his release. When she would have collapsed and fallen, Nathan and Ryan were there to hold her. Nathan let go of her legs, and Ryan let go of her hands. She slid down Nathan’s body. Her skin was moist with sweat when she collapsed against him. There were a few aftertrembles, and Lucas was there lifting her into his arms. “I’m taking you to bed. Let’s get home.” Lucas held her close to his body, and Ethan walked over, laying her jacket over her naked body. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She felt

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exhausted. This had been the most amazing night, and she smiled, realizing that she was looking forward to more. Lucas walked through a grouping of trees, and Katie opened her eyes, immediately seeing their house. “Oh wow. I was running toward the house. I can’t believe how close we were.” “You did a good job. You almost made it. Are you ready for a nice, hot bath? Then I want to get in bed with you and hold you.” Lucas had become her sweetheart, her gentle lover. She smiled looking up at him, loving the look in his eyes. She looked over Lucas’s shoulder and saw Nathan, Ethan, and Ryan following them. All of them looked at her, and she felt her chest expand. The look in their eyes said it all. They loved her, and it felt like a living force that surrounded her. Ryan walked ahead of them and opened the front door so that Lucas could walk into the warm house without stopping. He didn’t stop, just kept walking until they reached the master bedroom. “Ethan, will you start a bath for our mate? I’d like her to relax for a little while before I tuck her in.” Lucas stared at her as he spoke to Ethan, and she smiled. He sat in the chair by the fire, and she was glad that he didn’t put her down. She loved being in his arms. She leaned against his shoulder and closed her eyes. He moved his hand up and down her back. She couldn’t believe how comfortable they all were naked. She loved being in his arms. Just being near them made her feel good. “Bath is ready.” Lucas stood up and easily carried her to the bathroom. He stepped into the tub and sank into the hot water, never once letting go of her. His possessive nature seemed to double in a matter of hours. He wasn’t letting his brothers touch her or take her from him when they tried to get close. It was nice to have this version of Lucas instead of the man who didn’t want to be near her. “I love having you in my arms. I don’t want to let you go.” He held her tighter.

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“I love being in your arms. I’m so tired.” She told him, kissing his chest. “I’ll wash you since it looks like Lucas isn’t going to let you go anytime soon,” Ryan said from the doorway. “Thank you, Ryan. Get me clean so I can go to bed.” He walked over to the bathtub and kneeled down, grabbing the bar of soap. It didn’t take long before he got his hands nice and soapy and started rubbing his hands over her body. When he couldn’t reach her chest he handed the soap off to Lucas to take over. Lucas moved his right hand to soap her up while still holding her tightly against him with his left hand. “It’s time to hand her off, Lucas. I want to dry her off and get her in bed.” Nathan grabbed a towel off the rack and moved toward them, and she shrugged her shoulders, smiling at him. She tried to move, but Lucas held her tighter, growling at Nathan. “Lucas. It’s okay, he’s just gonna dry me off and then put me in bed. I’ll save a spot next to me for you. I promise.” She kissed his lips, and he let go of her, helping her to stand. She stepped out and Nathan wrapped the towel around her, drying her off. She was so tired. The day seemed to last forever, and she was ready to drop. Luckily, Nathan had a hand on her. Otherwise, she might’ve fallen to the floor. “Ryan and Ethan are waiting for you in bed. It might be tough to make one of them move. I’m not gonna fight for a place next to you, but good luck. Tonight is special, and we all want to hold you.” She walked into the bedroom and Ethan, Lucas, and Ryan were on the bed waiting for her completely naked. They looked like a dark fantasy come to life. She moved to the bed, slowly climbing up on it and moving closer to them, wanting to be in their arms. The three of them surrounded her, gently touching her. She looked over her shoulder and saw Nathan smiling at her. She lay down in the middle of the bed, and Lucas moved so that he was behind her, his chest

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touching her back. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her shoulder where his mark was. She looked from Ethan to Ryan, hoping that they wouldn’t get into a fight for the empty spot next to her. She watched as Ryan moved faster than Ethan, pushing him out of the way so that he would lie on the other side of her. Ethan didn’t seem to mind. Instead, he moved toward the foot of the bed and rubbed her thigh. She couldn’t keep her eyes open for another minute. She leaned against the cool pillow and closed her eyes. Her thoughts were no longer consumed with thoughts of running through the forest. Instead, she envisioned the future with her men. This was the way she wanted to go to bed every night, lying between her men. Warm, comfortable, and loved. For the first time her life truly felt complete. She had a crappy job she hated and a one-bedroom apartment with used furniture. There was nothing for her to return to in Portland. On the other hand, Alaska had her men and her sister. Tears filled her eyes, and she smiled to herself in the dark room. “I love you.” She didn’t need to tell each of them. They all knew she was talking to each of them separately and equally. A series of I love yous were sent back to her from each of her men. Katie closed her eyes. It felt good to be back in their bed. Her bed.

THE END ALICIAWHITEBOOKS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I fell in love with romance novels after reading my first one about five years ago. I read everything I could get my hands on after that, and thousands of books later I’m still reading. I love taking trips and meeting wonderful characters with various personalities. I started writing Bella’s Rodeo after leaving a job I loved. Through Bella, I was able to take a journey and live out some dirty fantasies in the process. Handcuffs for Hannah was a little more challenging for me because the main female role was someone I had a hard time comparing my own personality to. With this particular series, Novikov Clan, I feel like I’m starting to find myself as a writer. Chloe spoke to me throughout the book and I loved her. Katie’s story was a bit different. She’s young and wild. She also forgives fast and loves easily. That’s how she could end up with four sexy men. There are more books coming. I’m always working on a new project. My hope is that readers will find something great in each book I write and that they will follow me on this journey. I’m learning as I go, and my style changes and becomes better with each book. I love to hear from readers, so please feel free to contact me anytime. Happy reading.

Also by Alicia White Ménage Amour: Journey of a Thousand Miles 1: Bella’s Rodeo Ménage Amour: Journey of a Thousand Miles 2: Handcuffs for Hannah Ménage Amour: Novikov Clan 1: Chloe’s New Beginning

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

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