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Chapter 29
FOUR DAYS LATER
“You sure they’ll welcome us?”I asked, glancing around an open field surrounded by pines, the scent fresh, yet an eerie sensation crawled down my spine. We were in the Den. That was wolf territory and no one walked in here without being taken down. Everyone knew the drill—wolves attacked when you entered their territory.
Kahlo threw an arm around my waist, drawing me against him, and I adored his warmth, the way he stared at me as if only I existed. “Baby cakes, after all the fucked-up shit we went through, I’m ready to take on a wolf pack to protect you.” He leaned down and kissed me, his fingers pressing into my back.
I softened against his rock-hard chest, my insides twisting into a knot at how much he affected me. And he was mine, never leaving my side.
Someone cleared their throat behind me, and I broke free to find Gage cocking an eyebrow. “Really?” He leaned close and stole a kiss, but I laughed.
Movement drew my attention to four timber wolves standing twenty feet away. I shuddered in their presence because they were large beasts, and I bet more of them surrounded us. Reed strode ahead of us, his chest puffed out and proud, and damn, he had the sexiest ass, even in his trousers. Though I’d been getting used to seeing him naked.
From deeper in the woods, a man emerged dressed in simple black pants, no shoes or shirt. Built like a mountain, he swept the long, black hair off his brow with a hand, revealing the bluest eyes. My hand rose to my short, cropped hairstyle that was spiked across the top; I had every intention to keep it cropped.
“Oryn.” Reed took the shifter into an embrace, patting his back. “How have you been keeping?”
“Better than you, my friend.” Oryn broke the man-hug and studied Reed’s bruised face, which was littered with healed cuts. That was no different to the rest of us, but we’d survived a brutal fight for our lives. Injuries healed, but coming back from death was impossible. Or at least I hoped because I wasn’t ready to deal with Faye or Leon again, or to see another gargoyle for the rest of my life.
Reed laughed. “We’ve dealt with a fuckhead, stopped a psycho witch, and saved my kidnapped pride members. Plus, I’ve found my beautiful and loving soulmate.”
Just hearing him talk about me with such tenderness had me smirking. Oryn glanced over my way, and I waved, then felt stupid and dropped my hand. “Hi, I’m Elliana. And this is Gage and Reed.”
His expression beamed and turned back to Reed. “I see you took my lead and bonded with more than just a beauty.”
Reed chuckled and looked our way. “It’s the only way.” He called us closer, and we joined them. Oryn towered over me, but it seemed all shifters did, and I had no problems with that. Not when I called three my own. I waited for a response from my mind, but my subconscious had fallen quiet ever since the battle two days ago. Not a sound. Had she pulled back, figuring I no longer needed her? Or was she so tightly entwined with my curse? Though part of me missed her snarkiness.
“Come, the others are expecting you,” Oryn said, and we followed him deeper into the woods, the ground covered in dried pine needles. The wolves trailed behind us. Reed told me about a human female who’d once stumbled into this realm and had run into the three alphas who reign over the territory. They’d cared for her, and she’d aided them in fighting against a poison ailing their packs. She’d fallen for all three of them, and they’d loved her back. So just like me and my men, she’d also taken three lovers.
Now, I couldn’t wait to meet Scarlet, as she’d gone through shit before finding three shifters of her own. She might even offer me insight into how to handle all of mine, especially in the sleeping arrangement department. Did all of them share the bed every night or did she take turns sleeping with each? The four of us had decided we’d live in Reed’s territory, as he had a pride to lead and a family, and just knowing we were part of that made me smile. I’d been alone for so long, and now my life would change for the better.
Gage and Kahlo had already taken charge of preparing to build us a new house on the land. They’d both insisted on creating privacy for us a little ways from rest of the pride, who lived in smaller huts. Joy blossomed inside me at the notion of the men close, stealing kisses at every moment, and never being alone again. I yearned for that more than anything else. And once we built the house, Gage was going to fly out and collect Gingernuts. I missed him so much.
When we emerged from the dense woods, a new world came into view, and my mouth dropped open. An open field lay before us with a giant oak tree in the middle. An enormous wooden house was cradled on the thick branches. A circular veranda surrounded the building, windows covered in curtains, and a set of circular steps leading up to the home.
Kahlo’s fingers intertwined with mine.
“Wow! This is impressive,” I said.
Gage took my other hand in his and kissed it. “We’ll build you something bigger and grander. With a landing pad on the roof for me when I come in from my dragon escapades.” He wiggled his eyebrows, and I leaned in against his chest.
“Would those involve plundering villages and stealing gold?” I giggled.
“Nope. Because you’re coming with me, riding on my back.”
Kahlo nudged Gage on the shoulder. “Not before we build her a seat and harness, or she’ll fall off. I’ve seen your wild flying.”
Gage’s nose scrunched up. “I’m not a donkey to wear a saddle. Fuck that. She’ll be safe on my back, but if you want to join us”—he smirked—“I’ll carry you in my mouth.”
Kahlo burst out laughing. “You’re hilarious.”
Gage leaned closer to my ear. “He thinks I’m joking, but I’m not.” Mirth danced through his words, and I loved the antics between the two, always trying to better one another, but they’d proven they cared for each other like brothers. While Reed might be the serious one of the bunch, when he let loose, he put these two to shame.
A loud squeal drew our attention to a crowd of at least two dozen men, women, and children rushing toward us. Reed hurried forward, and I cheered on the inside. They had to be his pride, safe and protected by the wolves. They circled him, each embracing him as he spoke to them, probably telling them about the good news. Oryn stood aside, as did many wolves in animal form. Were they his guards?
“Elliana!” Reed called out and waved us over. Uncertainty sat in my chest. Would the rest of his pride accept a human for his mate? Would they embrace him sharing me with two non-lion shifters?
The crowd parted for us, and Reed took me into his arms, kissing me quick, then turned to his people. “This is my mate. Elliana. Each of you will have time to spend time with her, discover how incredible she is. She’s going to move in with us, along with her two other mates, Gage and Kahlo.”
