Page 50 of Freed

A chill runs down my spine.

“It was too much,” she continues. “Your body didn’t know how to regulate it yet. That’s why it only worked when they were all there holding it steady.”

“And now?” I ask quietly.

“Your power level is balanced now.” She smiles at me as she adds, “You don’t need them to force it open anymore,” she says. “Because there’s nothing left holding it shut.”

Something settles in my chest. Sometimes I had wondered if my shifting problems would be explained by some strange curse or something Dr. J had done, but the truth was, I did it to myself.

I had forced myself to stay shifted for so long that my power level was thrown off balance, and only my mates could stabilize me.

But considering what might have happened if I shifted at the facility, and that being in my wolf form led me to my mates, I don’t regret anything.

Chapter 18

Bain

Ipress my face into Cherry’s neck, hugging her tightly against me, as I take in a deep inhale of her sweet cherry vanilla scent.

I’m beyond happy to get out of that witch’s house. She seemed nice, and my mate is definitely happier than she was going in there, however Cherry didn’t tell us what they’d talked about, and the weird power coming from the witch made my skin itch. Not to mention all the wards and spells she has on her home.

What kind of woman sends her mates away when meeting strangers?

“Angel?” I ask, pulling her head back from where she’s seated in my lap.

“Yeah?”

“Promise me you’ll never meet anyone without at least one of us with you?” Her cute little brows pinch together in a frown as I ask again, “Promise me? I don’t want you alone with anyone besides us, ever.”

“Okay, Bain,” she says, pressing a soft kiss to my lips then leaning her head back against my chest and turning to look out the window at the passing trees.

That small press of her lips is enough to make my cock jerk with eagerness. My hands tighten on her hips before I have to force myself to take a deep breath and loosen my grip.

It’s so hard to believe that I’ve only slept with her once, when we sealed the bond. I must be some sort of fucking saint to have this gorgeous mate and not be inside of her every day.

At first, Maddox and Gage were worried about giving her too much of a power surge from us if she completed the bonds at once, but I wasn’t sure why that meant I had to hold back. Something about making it fair.

I scoff. There are five of us. Unless someone, Gage most likely, planned on keeping some sort of schedule, we shouldn’t be worried about such things. Even in her wolf form, she was always dividing her time between us, seeking someone out if she hadn’t seen them in a while. Like she did with me yesterday when I was chopping wood.

The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced there is no reason to hold back anymore. Maybe the bond was gone for good, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t be intimate. A fact my dick currently agreed with. I’m surprised she hasn’t commented on it jerking against her ass.

By the time we get home, my body is practically buzzing with desire. I’m tempted to follow Cherry to her room as she tells us, “I’ll be right back!” But I need to talk to my brothers first, to let them know what I plan, whether they are on board or not.

Chase goes to follow her, but I step in front of the hall, blocking his way.

“What’s up?” he asks when he sees my face. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I just wanted to talk to all the guys quickly.” He nods and we move into the living room, standing in a small circle as I lower my voice. “I’m not waiting any longer.”

Gage frowns and Maddox face twitches, like he wants to argue. I stare him down as I ask, “Give me one good reason we shouldn’t be sinking our cocks into her every chance she gives us.”

“The bond⁠—”

I slash my hand through the air, cutting him off. “No. That’s bullshit.” I try to let my face relax a little as I tell him, “Don’t hide behind your fear, Mad. You’re only hurting yourself, and her.”

He lets out a long breath, pushing his hair back from his face as he glances at each of us. “I⁠—”

“Ahem.” Cherry’s sweet voice has us all turning to where she’s currently standing at the edge of the hall, in nothing but some skimpy red thong and bra.