The First Mate

Chapter 5: Snarls and Tumbles

I woke to only Theo in the bed with me, soothing me that Xavier had gone to the restaurant before school and Dane wanted to deal with some Pack business while I was asleep.
I nodded and we dozed off again, I snuggled into his chest until his alarm made us wake up.
He told me Dane had informed him and Xavier of my nightmares, holding me close.
"We want you to wake us when you have them, at least one of us." He nuzzled me.
"If one of you is already awake?" I asked, slightly bratty.
He chuckled. "Then you can decide if you need the rest of your mates to comfort you, or if one of us can handle it."
I wrapped my arms around his neck. "You may never sleep again." I warned.
He gave a warm laugh that made me smile.
He kissed me gently as we showered together, holding me close and dried my hair for me before braiding it into a bun.
Something I couldn't do.
"I hope it's okay." He kissed the top of my head.
I giggled. "I love it. Where'd you learn to braid?" He led me to the closets.
"I have a younger sister, well two, Cassie and Betty, they're six and enjoy me doing their hair for their dance classes." He smiled, grabbing a pair of black jeans and boots from my side before he found a shirt of Dane's and a blue flannel of his to put me in.
"Aw! That's so sweet! Well, I'll have to thank them for making their big brother so skilled." I smiled, grabbing out a pair of black panties and a bra.
He rose his brow at them. "Oh, so now you want to wear them?"
I rolled my eyes, throwing them back and sighed as he smiled at me.
"You can meet our families this weekend, they come to every game." He kissed me gently.
"I hope they'll like me." I twisted my mouth with worry.
He chuckled, nuzzling me. "I love you, so I know they will."
I blushed at his words, but Annie howled in delight and I kissed him. "I love you too, Theo."
He held for a few moments, kissing me gently and our bond grew stronger.
He took his time dressing me, enjoying squeezing my ass, not only into my jeans but also his hands and pulling me into his hips when he spun me to do the button and zip.
I kissed him after he pulled Dane's shirt onto me.
"If you keep going," he growled at me. "We'll be late." His hand cupped the back of my neck and he stepped me back into the wall between the sections.
I moaned, feeling his hardness pressed against his jeans and me.
"If you keep going," I bit his lip. "We will be."
He growled at me, reaching under the shirt and grabbing my breast.
"I'll keep going until you beg me to stop, Rosie." He promised, kissing me deeply as he palmed my breast and pulled at my nipple until I gasped his name.
He chuckled, removing his hand. "I'll take that for now." He grabbed my hand after I pulled on his flannel, pulling me behind him and grabbing a jacket as we left the room. "Don't want to be late for your first class."
"It's just English," I sighed. It wasn't I didn't like English, it was just boring since I'd already done everything we were working on.
He grabbed our bags and opened the garage door.
"I know, I suck at it." He admitted.
Annie and I perked up. "You're in my class?" I pouted then. "You weren't there yesterday."
He shrugged, putting me in the smaller four-wheel drive out of the three cars they owned. "I wouldn't have skipped if I knew my mate was there."
I giggled, rolling my eyes. "I guess I'll have to help you not suck, then. Can't look bad for me."
He laughed at me, climbing into the driver seat.
Theo let me choose the crappy music, singing along with me with ones he slightly knew.
By the time we got to the carpark, we'd worked out his rendition of a Celine Dion song to be completely wrong, but something I'd committed to memory.
He kissed me before we had to split and dash for homeroom.
I found Lisa, avoiding Mr Tiet's glare as I apologised and partly ran for her.
I barely fell into my seat before she smelt me.
Her light hazel eyes widened, a broad smile on her face. "You smell like-" she cut herself off, her eyes scanned my clothes and her brow rose in teasing. "Are those-"
I hissed at her to shut up, seeing a few eyes look up at us while Mr Tiet ran us though what was coming up over the next week, including the game on Saturday.
I couldn't help the small smile at the thought of going, my hand stroking my braid Theo had done.
Lisa leaned in, her dark brown hair tickling my face. "I bet you'll be at the game to support Dane and Theo." She made kissing noises in my ear.
I elbowed her. "Yeah, and your brother." I hissed at her.
She beamed at me. "Really?!"
My ear drum popped at her pitch and I didn't quite hear what Mr Tiet shouted at her as they rang.
The morning siren rang, Lisa grabbed my arm, keeping me to her.
"That means that you're mated to the-"
"Again, shuddup!" I hissed at her.
A girl snickered across the room, my neck snapped up, finding Alison looking at me with her group of clones, all giggling.
The group of males who sat around her noticed her staring.
I blushed as one of them winked at me.
I turned away, meeting Lisa's rolling eyes and a smirk.
"Okay, my bad. Come on," she grabbed my hand and pulled me around the group.
"Hey!" Alison's voice made me freeze and turn, Lisa's hand dropped and I felt claws.
Annie rose in anger.
"What?" I raised a brow at the pretty blonde.
She looked over my clothing, sniffing me as I raised my lip in disgust at her and stepped back into the hallway, covering my scent with the others that filled the halls.
There were other students passing us, some slowing seeing Alison take another step towards me growling.
I growled back, Annie making me step towards her and letting her smell Theo and Dane on me.
"Like what you smell?" I snarled at her.
Her eyes widened in insult. "You little bitch!" She snarled at me, stepping in my face.
I smirked. "What's wrong Alison? Mad they insisted I wear their clothes today? Or did they just never offer?" I tilted my head at her, pouting sadly.
Lisa giggled beside me, a few other students around chuckling as well.
"Just because you're fucking half the Triad, doesn't mean shit." She crossed her arms across her large chest. "I've fucked all of them since we were pups, they'll get bored of you and come crawling back to me."
I snarled at her, Annie calling her a liar.
I'd felt enough through the my bond with Dane and Theo to know they had never slept with Alison.
Fucked her mouth, probably.
Let her hang off them at events, definitely. She was beautiful, even I couldn't deny that.
But, hearing her lies of mating with them pissed Annie off.
Even at half her size, I wanted to rip the lying Wolf's throat.
I raised a clawed hand, snarling violently. "Say that again!"
She smirked, seeing she'd hit a nerve.
"Tiny," Xavier's voice cut through my anger, making me turn and whimper at the clipped and disapproving tone.
Most looked around for who he was scolding.
I ducked my eyes as he pushed through the crowd that had gathered.
He put a finger under my chin and raised my eyes to his amused, but stern expression.
"You don't want to be late for English, Theo will come looking." He leaned down and kissed my forehead, Alison's eyes widening as he did and a snarl escaped her.
Xavier turned on her, snapping sharp teeth in her face, making her fall back as she screamed.
"Disrespect the Triads mate again, Alison," Xavier rose to his full height, towering over everyone. "I will let her kill you herself."
His hand stayed loving and gentle on my chin and I heard whimpers, but my eyes stayed on Xavier, smiling at him.
"I would have, if you hadn't stepped in." I admitted, Annie winking at him.
He chuckled, stroking my cheek and gave me a quick kiss.
"If she does it again, have at it, my love." He smiled, he rose and looked at the other. "Get to class!"
The crowd jumped at his booming voice and everyone scrambled except Lisa and I.
He looked at Lisa, who smiled up at him.
"Don't let her get into trouble." He rose a brow at her.
She stayed smiling and nodded, walking ahead and waiting for me.
Xavier gave me a gentle kiss. "Go on, before I give you personal detention."
I smiled up at him, my eyes flashing to the gap between the lockers. "We could-"
He growled at me, biting my lip. "Go."
He slapped my ass as I giggled and ran to Lisa who was rolling her eyes and curling her lip in fake disgust.
We laughed as we linked arms and ran for English on the other side of the building.
Theo was waiting out the front for me, Lisa running past him with her head down, hiding a smartass smirk.
Theo flicked her ear when she past, making me giggle as I got to him.
"You're late." He scolded, taking my hand and tugging me into the class that was already seated.
I was glad to know it was just Lisa I'd known in this class, now Theo.
He pulled me to the back of the class, a row of tables already filled with four other large Shifters who regarded me with amusement and curiousity as I went to sit between Theo and Lisa.
Theo pulled me into his lap, making me giggle when his hands pinned my waist.
"Rose, this is Quade, Vaughn, Tobie and Finn." He introduced.
I blinked at them, having a moment to realised they were identical.
Dark brown hair, dark skin of rich chocolate and the only difference was the shades of brown in their eyes.
"Quadruplets?" I tilted my head at them.
Quade, his eyes more caramel than the other, chuckled. "We are. First of our clan." He tilted his jaw with pride and I smiled.
"They're rare for any Shifter clan. Are you like Theo?"
Vaughn nodded, his almost black eyes shining. "We're his... Beta's I guess is the best analogy."
I nodded. "Okay, so you're the second in commands....well I guess... Quad in command." My brows narrowed, unsure if that was right.
The five laughed at me, Theo squeezing me sweetly as he hugged me. "Pretty much, yeah." He kissed my shoulder.
I giggled, leaning back to nuzzle him for a moment before he started to talk to the brothers and I turned to Lisa, talking about the essay we had to write on the book we were reading.
"I do not get what we're even meant to do." She sighed, flicked the pages of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
I giggled, slapping her hand to stop her. "I can help you, just need to pick a topic and I have some books that'll make it easier." I smiled at her.
She rose her brow. "What kind of books?"
I shrugged. "Ones about Adam, it made me love him to be honest."
I felt the gazes behind me and turned to see Theo and the boys looking at me with raised brows.
"Who's Adam?" Theo asked in my ear.
I rolled my eyes. "Is that all you heard?" I giggled at his serious scowl. "The monster Victor Frankenstein created is named Adam," I leaned against him. "I'll educate you, don't worry."
He nuzzled me, growling softly.
Miss Giles stared to speak and I turned, nudging Theo to pay attention.
He gave a dramatic cough, grabbing his rib.
Miss Giles rose a silver brow at him, annoyed and a small smirk on her lips as he put me in my chair.
I didn't take any notes, finding myself realising I'd offered books I wasn't sure I could go get.
Theo's hand touched my thigh as I rang my hands together under the desk.
"Are you good, baby?" He whispered in my ear.
I bit my lip, pushing on our bond for the mindlink.
All my books are at my....guardians house.
His hand tightened on me, squeezing me gently. Xavier will go get them today for you, he'll deal with them.
I paled, my head snapping up to him. Theo.... they're dangerous.
He met my eyes, black against my green. You doubt the strength of your mates?
My thighs tightened as his hand slid higher on my leg, his eyes flashing with a dominance I wasn't use to from him.
I'm sorry. Annie whimpered at him.
He smirked down at me, his eyes settling to crystal blue.
"I just want my books. It's all I really own." I admitted quietly.
He nodded, patting my leg and taking my hand. "Xavier's already heading there now, he'll have them in PE for you after lunch." He kissed my cheek, settling my panic.
I wished for a moment Xavier had marked me, so I could mind-link with him.
Tell him I loved him.
I felt a caress against the back of my mind. Xavier's voice shuddering through me.
I love you, too Tiny. He whispered, a smile in his voice. As a Triad, he could contact any of the Clan while unshifted, though it was rare the Clan could talk back unless Shifted.
I smiled and leaned into Theo, knowing he'd told Xavier of my worry. "Thank you."
English and Geology went by without issue, Lisa in all of my classes making it easier for me to relax.
We sorted a schedule for her to come over to the house and study with me every few days and stay over on the weekends.
When I'd mentioned if I had to ask the guys, Lisa laughed at me. "We all grew up as family, I'm their favourite." She beamed as we walked for the cafeteria for lunch.
A scent crossed my nose, fear flashing in my heart for a moment as a strong arm fell over us, Dane's scent covering the fearsome scent and I rose my head to meet his lips as he smiled down at me.
"Hey, Killer." He smirked.
My fear disappeared, replaced with the swell of love and adoration for him.
I rolled my eyes, smiling as he turned to Lisa, ruffling her hair. "You are not the favourite. Maybe, the most tolerated."
Lisa growled, elbowing him. He playfully shoved her, holding her at arms length and growled back when she tried to shove back.
She stuck her tongue out then ignored him for the rest of our walk.
Theo's hand wrapping my waist as we entered the cafeteria building.
"Ready for PE?" Theo smiled at me as he led to to a seat outside, Lisa and Dane heading for the line.
I frowned, looking over my shoulder. Theo laughed, pulling me into a sun warmed stone seat. "Dane will get you a burger, fries and soda." He tapped my nose.
Scrunched it at him, but my heart thrummed. "Are we playing Seekers again?" I asked, taking off his shirt, handing it back, only for him take it and stuff it into my bag.
"I think it's theory today." He muttered, sounding annoyed, then perked up for a moment. "Though, second half is archery."
I giggled. "You can teach me how to shoot." I rose my arms, trying to mimic a archers pose.
Theo laughed at me, shaking his head and rolled his eyes. "You look like you need it."
My mouth fell open, shoving him. "Meanie!" I whined, watching him fall backwards into a roll back onto his feet and laughed at me.
"Fighting everyone today, are we?" He chuckled.
I went to rise in my seat to tackle him, but I caught Dane's scent and my head snapped to find him smiling at me.
I smiled back as he sat next to me, Theo chuckling as he sat back on the other side of me.
"Thank you for lunch." I kissed Dane gently, glad to see Lisa placing another tray in front of Theo and Dane had a full tray.
I liked to know my men were fed, though maybe I should ask Xavier for cooking lessons so I could start to do it myself.
Dane interrupted my thoughts. "Our parents wanted you to come to the cook out on Friday." He said casually.
I blinked up at him. "Your what where?"
He chuckled, kissing my forehead.
I pouted at him and turned to my food, starting to eat.
Lisa took pity on me and explained.
"The Triad, currently running, like to throw a shindig every Friday before a game to get the Clans together. We all bring something to eat and drink until they tell us to get out of their house." She smiled. "Our parents may have got wind of a certain girl that's taken their sons interest."
I giggled, scowling teasingly at her. "You ratted me out, didn't you?"
She filled her mouth with a handful of fries, smiling with a shit-eating grin.
I turned to Dane. "I'd love to go, I'll try to make Mac and cheese."
He laughed, leaning down and nuzzling me. "I think Xavier has some recipes he has specially for you to cook with him."
My heart fluttered and Annie rolled as she yipped.
I kissed Dane, thinking for a moment about what Xavier had joked about last night. "And you'll take me shopping?"
He raised an intrigued brow.
I blushed, but continued. "I want to get a dress for it, and maybe a bottle of wine for your parents." I looked back at Theo and Lisa. "There's alcohol right?"
They all laughed at me, Dane and Theo sandwiching me with a kiss on both cheeks as they started to make suggestions of what each Triad parent enjoyed.
I settled on bourbon for their dads and something called faerie, some kind of spirit Lisa mentioned their mums drank during Book Club.
Lunch ended with Dane making sure I finished my tray, both him and Theo giving me a kiss before Lisa and I headed for the change rooms.
Xavier had changed the schedule. We had archery all afternoon, which I was okay with when Lisa led me to the field and I saw Theo shirtless with Dane beside him as they shot at targets halfway across the field.
My eyes widened when I saw them both hit the small centre red mark.
Lisa chuckled, nudging me to the left and I saw Xavier waiting with his arms crossed and a bag in his hand.
I couldn't stop the slight jog that picked up my speed as I headed for him, a desire to jump into his arms.
I slowed myself, seeing the few eyes of Shifters look at me as I approached him.
He ignored them, dropping the bag gently on the ground before he ran at me, covering the gap between us in two strides as he leaned down to wrap his arms around my waist and lifted me up, claiming my lips.
"Don't hesitate." He growled against my mouth, I moaned, opening for his tongue to do battle with mine.
The world melted away, only Xavier's hands and mouth on me mattered and I wanted him to mark me right there.
Take me on the field.
He growled feeling my lustful pulse through our bond, pulling back and I whimpered. "I have a class to teach." He smirked at me.
I blushed, remembering we weren't alone.
I heard Theo and Dane chuckle in my mind as Xavier placed me down next to the bag he had, picking it up and handing it to me.
"I hope I got them all." He gave a tight smile and I noticed the bruising on his knuckles. Before I could reach out for him, he growled softly.
I opened the bag, a flood of relief to see the few books I had saved over the years.
He'd gotten them all, and from the smell of them, he'd tried to cleanse them so it was only his scent.
I smiled up at him, a small tear breaking. "I love you."
He smiled, leaning down to give me a gentle kiss. "I love you, too. Now, go get Theo to teach you how to hold a bow."
I giggled as followed his order, giving him a small salute he rolled his eyes at before turning to shout at the Shifters who had stopped to watch us.
I skipped to Dane and Theo who were chuckling at me while Lisa was the only one focused.
Theo stroked my cheek. "We enjoy your affection, don't be ashamed of it." He kissed me and then stepped behind me, putting a bow into my hand and Dane stood beside us with his arms crossed, watching.
We spent the next hour with Theo trying to help me and us finding out, I was too short for every bow the school had.
Xavier even tried to find the pups one from the primary school supplies.
I ended up just helping pack down the unused target, taking them to the storage closet at the back of the rooms in the sports building.
I stuffed the stand into a barrel and turned to leave, bumping into someone.
I yelped as I fell on my ass in a pile of basketballs in a net.
"Who're you and why're you in here?" A male voice asked and my head shot up, meeting dark eyes of another student in sports clothes but he had the trim from the year above. He was a Bear Shifter from the size of him, short dark hair and his smirk was unnerving as he looked at me.
"I'm in Xa- Mr Diaz's class. I was putting away the archery stuff." I tried to get up, but he stepped forward, his legs hitting my knees and stopping me.
"That didn't answer who you are." He growled at me.
I coward, fear shooting through me. "I'm Rose."
He took an inhale, my fear thick in the room. "You don't smell like one of the Clans."
I paled. "I'm a Foxen."
His brow rose and he moved.
The door closed, sealing us in darkness.
"That's why you smell so good." He growled and I felt him lower, inhaling deeper. "You smell like that Wolf cunt." I snarled at him, his hand grabbed my throat. "Don't want someone to hear." He cooed, pushing me back. "I've yet to fuck a Foxen bitch."
I panicked and kicked, my foot slamming into his chest and threw him back into the door, making him release me.
Help! I screamed through my body, feeling anger and rage flare.
I tried to duck under him when he rose back up, snarling at me.
I slammed my elbow into his ribs, throwing open the door and ran out, but he grabbed my hair and I screamed as he tugged me back, taking me off my feet by the waist.
Three snarls echoed the hall, the Shifter holding me dropping me instantly that I fell to the ground hard.
I looked up, seeing my mates.
Black eyed and snarling.
Relief hit me and I gave a whimper as emotions flooded me.
"Paul." Xavier's jaw twitched at the Shifter who took a step away from me.
"Rose." Theo met my tear filled eyes.
A sob broke from me as I scrambled to my feet and running into his chest.
"I'm okay." I wrapped my arms around his strong waist.
His arms covered me as Dane shouted.
"Explain yourself!"
I flinched, turning my head to see Dane and Xavier glaring at Paul.
He stammered for a moment. "I-I didn't see her-"
Theo spun me, facing me to Paul who stared at my mates in fear.
Theo tilted my chin, Dane's mark of healing silver scars. "Try again, asshole."
Paul's eyes narrowed, defiance at being caught out trying to claim he never saw my mark.
"Fine." He snarled. "I didn't know she was yours, Alpha." He spat at Dane.
I growled. "Wasn't it Wolf cunt earlier?" Paul glared at me, Xavier giving me a small smirk as he crossed his arms and looked at Paul with a bored expression.
"She's not just his mate." He said factually.
Paul looked over me, his eyes narrowed in confusion and anger.
I raised my shorts high enough for him to see Theo's mark.
He paled, his eyes snapping to Theo then Xavier's, a flash of fear in them. "All of you?"
They nodded as one.
"So, did you try to fuck her?" Xavier asked, his voice flat.
"I didn't touch her!" He lied.
Dane scoffed. "Rape her then?"
Paul snarled. "No!"
Theo's hand tightened on me when he felt me recoil slightly.
"Rose?" I met his eyes. "Did he say otherwise?"
My breath hitched as all their eyes fell on me, my mates gentle and patient, Paul's hateful.
Don't fear him. Dane soothed. We love you.
I met Dane's eyes. "He said he'd never fucked a Foxen before."
Dane nodded at me. Good girl. Thank you for the truth.
I blushed, Theo pulling my face into his chest.
"So, who's punishing this fucker?" Xavier smiled viciously.
Paul gave a noise of fear, his footsteps receding.
Theo released me, his hold vanishing and I turned to see him stop Paul before he'd ran two steps, grabbing his throat and slammed him into the stone wall of the building.
Paul roared in pain. Theo lifted him off the ground, cutting off his noises.
"Shouldn't have run." Dane shrugged, the muscles in his back and shoulders flexing as he stepped beside Theo.
"Now," Dane sighed. "We know you don't like us," he gestured between Theo and himself. "So, we'll be nice." He turned to Xavier then. "He's all yours, big man."
Xavier smirked, his eyes glazed for a moment before two students and a male teacher I didn't know jogged from the field.
"You called?" The teacher rose a brow at scene before him.
Xavier looked at him and nodded, looking down at me. "Go find Lisa."
I flinched, looking back at Dane and Theo, they both threw their chins towards the field.
I nodded. "Thank you." I ran off to find Lisa.
She hugged me as soon as I did. "Are you okay?" She breathed, holding me at arms length.
I nodded. "He just scared me." I caught my breath for a moment, looking to see the building emptying and my mates walking towards us.
"Will they kill that guy?" I asked Lisa quietly.
Her mouth twisted. "Maybe."
I paled but she grabbed my hand.
"He's attacked another mated girl, Xavier gave him a chance, he blew it just now."
I shook my head trying to clear my thoughts. "So, he's a piece of shit who hates Wolves?"
Lisa shrugged. "Basically."
I thought for a moment. "Should have kicked him harder." We shared a look and started to laugh, heading for the bleachers until the end of class.
I barely made it up one step before I tripped on my own feet and fell backwards on my ass in the dirt.
My ankle twisted into the seating and I felt it crack.
Lisa laughed as me as I yelped and was suddenly covered by three pairs of hands checking over me with gentle care.
"Rosie," Theo sighed as he found the sprain and I hissed as he moved it, he stopped instantly and I looked up at them as they stared down at me, a mix of worry and amusement in their eyes.
"Haven't you be enough of a worry for today?" Xavier teased.
"I'm clumsy." I pouted at him, feeling guilty and stupid.
Xavier chuckled, waving off Dane and Theo's hands that reached for me.
"I'll take her home, you two go tell the nurse I've excused her for the rest of the day." He wrapped his arms under me and lifted me with ease.
They both scowled at Xavier, annoyed with his orders.
Knowing they had to listen to him for this one while in the school grounds.
Dane snarled at me while Theo kissed me before they both left in a jog.
Lisa bounced beside us, giggling. "I can take her home." She offered, holding my bags for me.
Xavier raised a brow down at her, heading for the carpark. "It's fine." He shifted me up his chest and I whimpered as my ankle ached. "Sorry baby."
I shrugged, nuzzling into his neck. "It's just a sprain."
He and Lisa chuckled.
"That's broken." Lisa laughed, pointing to my ankle.
I narrowed my eyes, looking at it and realising she was right.
The area was purple and as Lisa pulled my shoe off gently, I could see the bone pressing against the skin.
My mouth curled. "Oh."
Xavier nuzzled me. "I'll call the Pack doctor, even with Annie's healing, I want it checked."
Lisa piped up. "Dr Jones is at the hospital, you'll have to-"
Xavier sighed, cutting her off. "I'm taking Rose home, Lisa." He clipped. "I can call the hospital from there."
"You know you won't get through, you never do, not unless you go down there." She mused as we got to Xavier's car. "Plus you have to deal with Paul."
"I already dealt with it." He snapped at her, her face paling.
"Sorry," she said softly. "Just, let me help, Xav." She touched his arm.
He sighed again, looking down at me with a moment of hesitation.
I saw the worry and stress in his eyes, the set of his jaw.
"Lisa can take me home." I nuzzled into his chin, feeling it relax a fraction. "If it'll be quicker, I want you home soon when you're done though." He raised a brow in curiousity and I giggled, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "I want roast for dinner."
He laughed, kissing me and agreed.
He handed me to Lisa, her eyes widening as my eight was transfered.
"I'll be no more than an hour." He promised.
I nodded, kissing his bruised knuckle as he left.
You'll tell me later? I asked Dane through our bond.
He caressed it like a loving pat. Of course.
I sighed.
"You can put me down now, I'm okay to hobble." I said softly to Lisa as Xavier got out of earshot.
She put me down a little roughly. "Oh, thank goddess, you're small but I'm still not a fucking mountain." She gestured after Xavier.
I laughed. "He does seem to forget he can throw a stone boulder, while most of us can only throw pebbles."
Lisa giggled, rolling her eyes and wrapped my arm over her shoulder as she steered me for her car.
"Come on, I know Theo has pistachio ice cream at home and you can nap in one of the dens until Dr Jones rocks up."
"Den?" I rose a brow as we got to her small mini cooper.
She laughed. "The concaved loungeroom things everywhere. They're dens, designed for napping and lounging." She helped me into the car, careful of my foot that I told Annie to stop healing, the bone needed to be reset, if she tried now, it'd just make the break always painful.
"What else am I dumb about?" I frowned at Lisa.
She laughed louder. "The list of what you're not is shorter."
I scowled at her, but giggled, knowing it was probably accurate with that assessment.
I hadn't been exposed to much of the Pack life other than being seen as a slave and a toy to the son of my guardians.
I knew the basics of their laws, which was why there was no point dwelling on Paul.
If Lisa was right, he'd only attacked me because I smelt like a Wolf Shifters mate, his death was his own fault.
Not because he knew me.
Unlike....
I settled into a mind-link to Dane, feeling his surprise at my request.
Rose? He asked, his voice soft and curious.
I know I've already worried you enough today. He snarled lightly at me.
I smelt something that scared me today before lunch. I admitted, feeling the tension rise and two more presence entered my mind.
Tell us, Rosie. Theo encouraged softly, the feeling of his hold warming my skin for a moment.
The guardians have a son. I flinched at the rage that flowed, feeling the shame and fear from me. I smelt him. He goes to the school, I didn't know until today.
What did he do to you, Rose? The Alpha in Dane, Mathias asked.
Annie submitted to his rumbling voice, hearing it echoed by Theo's, Carter and Xavier's named Uric.
He used me as a toy. I... I couldn't find the words, wrapped in a veil of shame and terror about telling them how I'd allowed myself to be treated.
Ulric growled, possessively and his aura pressed heavily against my mind, forcing a connection to my memories that played like a horrid movie I tried to avoid.
While Jordon had left my virginity in tact, he had destroyed me in every other way.
The last memory of the wolfsbane weakening the day before I'd met my mates.
Jordon using my mouth in the back of the car, while his parents laughed at my choking and whimpering when he hit me or forced his hands into my clothing until he choked me unconcious as we'd arrived.
I remember crying and Annie sobbing violently at the feeling of another Shifters voice screaming at her, calling her pathetic and weak.
Deserving of the abuse.
His taunting of letting others do the same now I had Shifted. Letting them abuse Annie as they would me.
A feeling grew, possessive, rage and a need.
I shook in my seat, Lisa noticing and reaching for my hand before she stopped and touched my cheek.
"Hey, you're crying." She noted, seeing the look in my eyes, hers softened. "We're almost back to your house." She grabbed my hand and squeezed it as I sniffled and nodded.
We'll be back very soon. Dane promised.
I love you. I said to them all, feeling their caresses of love before the bond went silent.
The wall of steel rising and I turned to Lisa.
"I think I need...." My lip shook, not sure what to say other than my mates.
She giggled, smiling sweetly as we rounded up the mountain. "I can break into Xavier's good liquor cabinet for now."
We both shivered, hearing a snarl from Xavier through a mind-link.
We giggled, Lisa winking at me like it didn't matter.
I laughed, knowing she was probably right.
Xavier could spank me for it later.
That thought of dominance thrilled me, overriding my fear from another with a desire for a possessive hold from Theo, a gentle caress from Xavier and a demanding kiss from Dane.
I shivered with lust as we stepped into the house, their scents filling my nose.
They made me feel safe and secure. I could trust them with my body and soul, the Goddess had gifted them to me, to help me learn to be who I was.
Resilient, strong, fast and smart.
But, for my mates, I wanted to be a little brat, just to feel their dominating hands putting me in my place.
And Goddess, I hoped that would soon be on their cocks.