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Kellan allows me to take it without protest. “It will help them too. But you first. I can’t stand seeing you injured like this for another moment. It’s testing my willpower not to disobey the command of my alpha.”
Tristan scowls. “And what command is that? You’re already here, so be straight with us. What the fuck is going on and why are others trying to kill us and kidnap Eliana?”
“I’ll give you as many answers as I can, but first...our girl. She needs my attention and care. Then you, Chase, will go next. I don’t want your stab wound to become infected.” Kellan holds his hand out, and I automatically take it. His comment stirs something inside me.Ourgirl. I’m not sure how I feel about it.
“I thought you’d prefer that over being called mine.” Kellan’s voice swirls through my mind as he extends his hand to Chase next. Chase raises an eyebrow and doesn’t take his hand. I offer mine to him instead, and I let the two of them walk me deeper into the cave. Tristan, Adam, and Evander follow behind us. I whisper a silent prayer that Davian is okay outside alone. I don’t know if he’s injured like the others, but I’ll make sure that Kellan checks him out as well.
Kellan picks up his pace, and I let him tug me along because my feet won’t keep up. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the constant change in light. I find myself standing in a beam of sunshine coming in from above.
And then I see it. A small pool bubbles within this cave. The water flows but not fast enough to sweep any of us away. It must be connected to the creek or something. I can’t really tell where it comes in from, but I realize it’s not freshwater. The scent of salt permeates the air, and I stare at the crystal-clear seawater.
I knew this cave was near the shore, but I hadn’t realized that it must exit into the ocean.
“You don’t have to worry about getting swept away. The seawater fills the pool with the high tide. There is an opening in the cliff. The drop is too far, so don’t try to leave that way. No one can get in through there either.” Kellan motions toward the other side of the pool. “I can show you after I take care of your injuries if you’d like.”
“I’d like that,” Chase says, speaking for me. I know he purposely does it because Kellan acts as if none of the others are here. His attention remains completely focused on me like I’m the only one he cares about. And that might be the case. I don’t know what to think about it. I know that he is being cordial on my behalf, but I want to be able to trust that if I’m not here he would still help these guys. We’re all in the same situation, and just because I’m a woman, doesn’t mean that I’m the only one deserving of care.
“That’s fair enough, my love. My apologies if it seems that way, but I can’t get attached to those who have not been chosen yet. It makes things easier. You shouldn’t either. Not until the moon calls.” Kellan’s voice whirls into my mind as he talks to me telepathically once more. I’ll never get used to it. Now that I know he can listen in on my thoughts, I can’t help but wonder what else he’s heard from my mind. It annoys me to an extent. It’s as if I no longer have privacy.
“You don’t have to worry about that, Eliana,” he adds, continuing to listen in on my mind. “I’ll never judge you, and I only hear things when you think of me. Your thoughts are your thoughts unless your soul calls.”
It takes everything in me not to speak out loud. I choose to ignore him completely and step toward the pool. He and Chase both stay by my side and clutch onto me as I dip my toe in. It feels amazing with the perfect temperature. It’s not too cold like the creek water but it’s not hot either.
“Damn, must feel good. Here, Eliana. I’ll get in first and help you. Your knee is all fucked up.” Adam strides around us and jumps into the water without hesitation. Tristan joins him next, and the two of them each hold out a hand for me to take. I have to tug myself from Kellan to get him to let me go. He acts a bit protective. Maybe even possessive. All I know is that I’m not going to stand for it.
I side-glance him. “Do you understand? I don’t belong to you.” I think the words, wondering if he can hear them.
His jaw twitches but he doesn’t respond. The bastard. His face is enough for me to know his answer. He doesn't like it, but he will give in to my demands.
“For now,” he murmurs under his breath, probably thinking that I wouldn’t be able to hear him, but it’s like I’m ultra-aware of his presence. Even when I take Tristan and Adam’s hands, letting them help me into the water.
“Looks like there’s a rock shelf. Come here. You can sit on my lap since it’s a bit deep and rough.” Tristan pulls me with him.
I tip my head back and laugh. “Just the way I like it.” Heat flushes my face at my comment, and I realize just how comfortable I am with everyone. I can’t believe I just said that out loud.
They obviously can’t believe it either, because the expressions they give me...damn.
“Shit. Move over. She’s going to sit on my lap. I’m the doctor.” Chase splashes into the water, sending a wave at my stomach, soaking my white shirt.
I tilt my chin down and look at the sheer fabric and how my boobs press against it. This might have been a terrible idea. But also a fun one. I could use some entertainment and lighthearted teasing. Flirting. I hadn’t realized how much I truly enjoy all the attention. It’s different than back home. I want it, not like with other men or clients. Before, I just accepted it and fake-smiled my way through it. Now? My cheeks hurt from the genuine smile crossing my face.
I swing my hand through the water and splash Chase in the chest. He scrubs his palms over his scruffy face, grinning the whole time. I let Tristan pull me onto him, and I feel the hardness of his body awaken beneath me. Obviously my comment got to him. It got to me too. Now that I can feel his cock pressing against my ass, I can’t help remembering what he looks like naked. How hot he is.
“Keep squirming, and we’re both going to get in trouble,” Tristan whispers in my ear. “I know all these guys have a thing for you, but so do I. I’m willing to do whatever for my chance with you. I don’t even care if I sound desperate.”
Should I feel like a whore? Many people would think as much. Maybe even the guys. But I don’t think they do. They don’t seem like the double-standard type despite them being chivalrous and macho. It makes we wonder what they were like before all of this. Would they have given me the time of day then? Or is it because I’m the only female here? I know I’m not ugly but is it possible that I’m all their types? I know they’re all different, but I find them attractive in their own way. Smart and funny too. Talented and sexy. Maybe it is this island.
“No, Eliana. It’s all you.” Kellan’s voice tugs at my attention, trying to drag it away from Tristan.
“You don’t sound desperate,” I murmur, answering Tristan, shifting to look into his eyes. “And as for giving you a chance...that’s what makes this so complicated. I like you all, except it makes me feel...easy. I don’t know. You know how it is for women. You guys get to be fuck boys while I’d be shamed.”
“Never with me. Fuck that. We’re on a damn island. The rules have changed.” Tristan darts his gaze to my mouth. “I’ll prove it.”
I know what he’s thinking before he even closes the space to my mouth. Everything happens so fast that I don’t have a chance to react as something locks to the back of my shirt. I scream out as I sink underwater, and I nearly inhale a breath. Just as fast as I go under, I pop to the surface.
Warm arms wrap around me protectively, and my body buzzes.
“They’re not ready, my love. You can’t test them just yet. They all have different boundaries.” Kellan’s voice hums in my ear. “Human men tend to be greedy. They want it all and for you to only have them.”
