Finding Ryder

Chapter 2

Jessica POV

Twins are born with a bond that tethers their soul body together. As babies Conner and I held each other's faces, sucked each other's thumbs. We didn't need comfort from anyone but each other. Unspoken thoughts would pass through the tether of our bond with ease of breath. It took us years to learn how to be individuals. Two instead of one. To give one another privacy of thought. But we choose to keep our twin bond open to each other most times.

The connection is part of who we are. It has a heart beat of its own. Keeping Conner out of my head on purpose takes a fair amount of effort. The realization that our bond was fully silenced in the moments when my mate's wolf marked me was shocking. There was no effort involved, he just wasn't there.

Pushing the wolf away from me by inches, his long tongue lapping at the mark he left on my skin. The touch of his tongue leaves goosebumps on my flesh. Every fast inhale brings more sanity to my brain, unfurling the shackles of passion, desire, and dare I think love.

The mate bond works fast.

But now that the canines of my mate have left my skin I feel my brother's anger seeping through the left side of my heart. His place has always been on my left.

"Let me get up" Giving the wolf another not so subtle push.

The fur of his neck feels surprisingly soft on my face. I take another breath of him in, his fur tickles the inside of my nose, but his scent of the ocean and rains soothes my soul.

The animal relents in degrees, giving me some space.

In seconds I am pulled to my feet and shoved, unceremoniously, behind my brother. The alpha wolf does not appreciate Conner's handling of his mate. He is all sharp teeth, and growls. A promise of violence emanates in Conner's direction.

"Conner stop, what is wrong with you?" my hand on my brother's bicep grips him in warning.

"Aliah, get her cleaned up." Conner doesn't even look at me. Instead he takes a step forward to my wolf mate, showing the wolf his own brand of violence. Teeth gleaming in the low light Conner's aggression is controlled tightly.

"Shift" Conner orders the Alpha wolf. I am utterly confused. Why isn't my mate shifting back. And why is my brother angry? Sensing this I reach Conner through our twin bond.

"I am alright brother. It's ok. He is my mate."

"Please go wash. Please J, I need a fucking minute with your mate."

Conner's rage is leashed. I trust my brother above anything. Even the Goddess herself. The thought gives me pause. I feel Conner's conflict, and fear, for me. I am stunned. Quickly Conner shouts me out, shaking his head subtly.

Confusion starts taking hold. I look between the two males, who I realize with a fair amount of shock, mean everything to me. Their posture is startling. Ready to pounce, fight. Over me?

There is only so much I can do in my current condition. Conner is right I need to get clean up, then clean up whatever this mess is - thinking of the two males.

"Mate." I reached him tentatively. The wolf ears perk slightly. "I will be right back. Will you please shift? Please." I try a soft tone I've heard females use with their mates. It's odd to utter.

The wolf sits making no move to shift, but pulls back his dominance. Tongue lolling to the side.

Satisfied blood won't be spilled while I bathe, I let Aliah pull me away.

Ushered up the stairs by a very pregnant female nipping at my heels. The familiarity of my room hugs me in comfort. It smells of Conner and I.

"It's good to have you home". Aliah echoes my thoughts. Friendly arms wrap around me and I am engulfed in my best friend's embrace. The big belly housing her pup makes it hard to hug her back but I do my best.