ANITA
"Is something wrong? "Rumi asks, eyes assessing every miniscule facial expression.
Something tells me i should keep this to myself, at least for now.
Strange things started happening the moment i met Anthony and Asher.
I'd chalked it up to individual coincidences, not anymore.
My instincts are telling me that there's more to everything that's happened.
"Nothing, nothing. It's just...big." I finish lamely.
She tilts her head in suspicion but turns back and continues towards the house.
Guess she's not as sweet and innocent as she seems.
If i want to figure out what's going on that means I'll have to stay here a little longer.
"Hey, Rumi!" I call, "where are we headed?"
"Oh, i thought we could just hang out in the dining room for the next couple of hours before dinner, you could get to know the others..." She says.
"Well, i kinda wanted to-" I bite my lip
"I was wondering, if i could see my- my mates. If that's okay."
She smiles, eyes glinting.
"Of course that's okay. I'm just sorry you even had to ask." She says.
"The alpha's alpha's are usually in their study at this time of the day. Come, I'll take you.
****
I knock gently.
"Come in." Anthony says roughly.
I push the door open and step inside. Taking in the scene in front of me.
My mates, hard at work. Both their brows are furrowed as they pore over the documents spread out on the desk.
I clear my throat softly
"Ani, you're here..." Anthony's voice trails off.
When did everyone start calling me that? I wonder.
"Yup." I say akwardly.
"Why don't you take a seat, ma bichè?" Asher smiles shakily.
He sounds nervous. It dawns on me- i did that.
I walk over to the sofa and take a seat. Anthony takes the chair opposite where I'm perched.
Asher, of course sits right next to me, leaving what I'm sure is literally an inch of space between us.
I've noticed he likes to stay close. Looking at him now, i can sense the way he's restraining the urge to touch me.
I should probably find this overbearing, maybe a little irritating. But i don't.
I've never had someone cling to me before. It feels kinda good, great, in fact.
Here and now i decide I'm going to give into this a little.
I'll play Luna, until I'm ready to leave.
"I want to apologize, love. The man you saw today... well that wasn't me. At least not usually. That's not the type of mate i want to be to you." Anthony says.
He takes a deep breath and continues,
"And i know this is no excuse. But, the thought of something bad happening to you when I'm not there to help... it drives me fucking crazy, love." He drags his palm down his face tiredly.
"We understand that you might need some space after our display this morning, ma bichè" Asher says in his quiet voice.
"We would take you back to your life in the city- with protection of course- if that's you wanted."
They both look at me nervously, arms clasped.
"Actually, I'd like to stay a bit. If that's okay." I say, picking at the hem of my sweatshirt.
Asher clasps my hand excitedly. The harsh lines of Anthony's face breaks into a smile.
This moment, it's beautiful. A fierce wave of possessiveness washes over me. I want them all to myself.
I've never had something this good before. I plan to enjoy it while it lasts.
Before they realise that I'm not enough for them, just like everyone else.
"Love, we need you here as much as we need to breathe air. We're so glad you decided to stay." Anthony says.
"Do tell me if it's too soon, Ma bichè. But i need to touch you. We both do." Asher says, his voice gravelly and heavy with something unspoken.
I look to Anthony who searches my eyes. His fists are clenched, anticipating.
I nod slowly.
Anthony crosses the room in two steps, takes a seat beside me.
He drops his hand in my lap, content with the contact.
Asher brushes my hair off my face and runs his fingers through it.
"Your hair is luscious, Ma bichè. Soft and sweet- like you." He lifts my hair to his nose and sniffs.
I feel tingly.
"You always call me that Asher. What does it mean?"
His eyes flash.
"My name. Say it again." He growls.
Anthony grabs my chin and turns my face towards his, winking. "Mine too."
I wiggle out of his grip, giggling.
"Seriously, Asher, what does it mean?" Anthony smirks.
"It means, that you're soft and sweet, far too innocent for all the things i want to do to you." He says, staring deep into my eyes.
Anthony laughs as i flush a deep red.
They both stand up and i blush harder when i see them adjust their pants.
Goddess, they're sexy.
"We actually have something we need to talk to you about love." Anthony says.
"So do i." I say.
They glance at each other and Asher stuffs his hands in his pockets.
"Ladies first." Anthony winks.
"Well it's about my friend Emma. I need to talk to her in person. She must be worried sick."
They look at each other again. They seem to be communicating silently.
A pack link maybe?
"We'll arrange it." Asher says.
"Great, i also forgot to ask, what was i supposed to do earlier, when i had a panick attack? What was that place?" I ask.
I have my suspicions about what that place was.
But i need to hear it.
"That's actually what we wanted to talk to you about." Anthony says.
"Really? " i laugh akwardly.
"Yeah" Asher replies.
A few seconds pass and none of them say anything.
"Well? what's this about?" I press.
"It's your attacker." Anthony says, pressing his lips together.
"We've tried everything, he says he'll only talk to you." Asher says.
"I don't want her near that bastard! He tried to kill her!" Anthony yells, glaring at Asher.
"Well you don't seem to have a better plan-"
"If you would just give me time to think, Asher"
"Just admit it! You don't have a plan Ant-"
I clear my throat, interrupting them.
"I'll do it."