Haven
Rolling over, I groan into my pillow. Once my brain finally shut down and I could sleep, I had a very hot dream about Bane. He was shirtless, sitting at the table, and I was serving him breakfast. The hotness was that I was naked. His soulful eyes watched my every move. It was ridiculous since he didn’t even touch me. Plus, who is crazy enough to cook bacon without a shirt? I cringe just thinking about grease popping on my boobs. This whole situation is bizarre, and I should be speeding away, leaving the world of shifters behind me. The thought makes my body rebel. I can’t leave them. I don’t know anything about them, and I know I would regret it every minute if I didn’t stay. I do know that they are in pain. Not physically, but in their souls. I want to delve into their lives and fix them. Probably not the healthiest way to start a relationship, but there it is.
Huffing, I push off the blankets and scoot to the edge of the bed. I brush my hair back and frown. I hear voices. Multiple voices. I have to face them. I stumble my way into the bathroom. I shiver as I lift Bane’s shirt and sit on the toilet. Yes, I left it on. There was no way I was taking it off to sleep. His scent is on the fabric, and I never want to remove it. I pull up my pants with one hand and hold the shirt to my nose with the other. This is normal. I roll my eyes and go to the sink. When he took it off, I almost passed out. Miles of tan, silky, tattooed skin inches away, and I wanted to touch. I’ve been turned on before, but these men are a different level of hot. I wasn’t upset that he shared my story with his brothers. I agree that honesty in a relationship is important. After the last experience, I believe it even more.
Mornings aren’t my favorite part of the day, so although there are four hot guys who claimed me in the living room, all I do is brush my teeth. My hair is wild, and last night’s makeup is still on my face. If they want to be with me, they’ll have to get used to me in the mornings. Grabbing my phone, I notice I have several missed calls from my father, and an unknown number. I’m guessing Brian called from another phone since I blocked him. Neither of them left a message, so I decide to pretend they didn’t reach out. I can’t ignore them forever, but for now, I want to get to know the brothers. I don’t hesitate, swinging the door wide and entering the hot guy universe.
Remy is in the kitchen cooking. Hunter is holding a plate beside him, waiting for it to be filled. Lawson is sprawled in a chair at the table, and Bane is sitting across from him. Rylee is at the head of the table, eating. All of them focus on me as I walk toward them.
“Shit,” Remy whispers, staring at my hair.
“Morning, Princess,” Hunter says, smiling.
“Morning,” I mumble, stopping beside them. “Just so you know, I’m not a morning person.” I lean against Remy, and he kisses my head. “It smells yummy.”
“Coffee?” Remy asks.
“Please.” I don’t move, enjoying the warmth.
“Is that Bane’s shirt?” Lawson asks.
“Uh-huh.” I sigh as Hunter holds a cup in front of me. “Yes,” I hum, wrapping my hands around it.
“It looks good,” Bane says.
“This is how it’s going to be,” Rylee says, glaring. “You’re going to be all gooey and shit.”
“Really? Gooey?” I laugh. Standing straight, I move around the counter and walk to her side. “How did you sleep?” I brush my hand over her hair, sipping my coffee.
“Good. I was out.” She smiles.
“Breakfast.” Remy places a plate beside me.
“Bacon,” I whisper, staring at the food, and set down my cup.
“You don’t like bacon?” he asks, tilting his head.
“I love it.” I bit my lip and avoid looking at Bane. Hands wrap around my hips, and I’m pulled onto Lawson’s lap.
“Permission,” Bane grunts.
“Do I need permission?” Lawson asks, and I turn sideways.
“I would leave your lap if I didn’t want to be on it,” I say, and then look at Bane. “But thank you.”
“Lovely,” Rylee grumbles. “So, should I expect five roommates?”
“Is that a problem?” Hunter asks, sitting beside us.
“I guess not,” she sighs.
“We don’t want to take over your place,” Remy says.
“Listen, I get it. She’s your mate, and I don’t want to stop you from seeing her,” she says.
“Does it make you uncomfortable?” I ask. As I wait for her answer, Lawson holds a fork to my mouth. I love scrambled eggs, so I eat them.
“No. I’ll adjust. I was surprised. Your visit isn’t turning out how I pictured.” She stares at Lawson as he feeds me another bite. “We have to have ground rules.”
