Her Mates

24

Dinner had been a slow burn of tension, each of us hyper-aware of what was coming. Every glance, every brush of fingers, sent sparks through my veins. The air was charged, thick with anticipation, and by the time we left the table, my heart was hammering in my chest.

I wasn't nervous. Not exactly.

It was more like standing at the edge of something vast and unknown, something thrilling and inevitable.

I stood first, my chair scraping softly against the hardwood floor. For a moment, no one else moved, but I could feel their eyes on me. A silent question. A challenge.

I swallowed hard and turned toward the stairs. One by one, they followed.

The air in the bedroom was different—heavier, expectant. My pulse thrummed as I turned to face them, my mates, the people I had chosen and who had chosen me in return.

Hunter was the first to move, his steps slow and deliberate. His gaze met mine, full of fire and restraint in equal measure. "Are you sure about this, little fox?"

I shivered at the nickname, at the heat lacing his voice. "Yes."

That one word shattered whatever fragile control had been holding us back.

Hunter reached for me first, his hand warm as it traced a slow path down my arm before curling around my waist. His lips found mine in a kiss that was both soft and searing, stealing the breath from my lungs.

Behind me, I felt movement—Dorian. He was close, his presence a steady, grounding force. His hands brushed my shoulders before sliding down, fingers grazing my ribs in a touch that sent shivers racing down my spine.

Zac wasn't far behind, his breath warm against my ear. "You have no idea how long we've been waiting for this," he murmured, voice rough with want.

A thrill ran through me at his words, at the weight of their desire pressing into me from all sides.

Emilia's fingers ghosted over my wrist, her touch gentle yet teasing. "We'll take our time with you," she whispered, her lips brushing my skin. "Make sure you feel every second of it."

My breath hitched, my body already burning from the way they surrounded me, from the promise in their voices.

I turned my head slightly, meeting Dorian's gaze. He had been patient, holding back, but now there was something raw in his eyes, something that spoke of restraint fraying at the edges.

"Come here," I murmured, surprising even myself with how steady my voice was.

Dorian hesitated for only a second before stepping closer. His hand lifted, fingers brushing along my jaw before he kissed me, slow and deep. I melted against him, my body already attuned to his, to the way his presence settled something in me even as it set me aflame.

Zac wasn't idle. He moved behind me, his fingers tracing along my sides before slipping under the hem of my shirt, teasing at my skin. The contrast between Dorian's slow, consuming kiss and Zac's playful touches sent my senses reeling.

Hunter's voice was rough when he spoke. "You look so damn good like this, little fox."

I turned my head, lips parted, breath shallow. Hunter's gaze darkened at the sight, his fingers tightening at his sides. I reached for him, needing him closer, needing all of them closer.

A soft laugh—Emilia. "She's insatiable already," she teased, her fingers skimming over my collarbone.

I met her eyes, a challenge sparking between us. "You're the one who said we should take our time," I pointed out, my voice just a little breathless.

She smirked. "Oh, we will."

And gods, I couldn't wait.

This was what I wanted—them.

And tonight, I wouldn't hold back.