stared back at him as if trying to see if he was being sincere while she frowned at him. The creases between her eyebrows finally eased, and she gave him a tentative smile.
“Look, I don’t know you well enough to make any decisions as yet. Just be thankful I’m letting you ride roughshod over me in making me come and live in your spare room.”
Rylan didn’t like what she’d said. “You wouldn’t be coming to our den unless you wanted to, Alyson, so please don’t insult my integrity by lying to yourself and me.”
Alyson pulled her hand from his and looked around her small living quarters before lifting her gaze to his eyes. She drew in a deep, ragged breath and then exhaled slowly. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t even realize I was fooling myself.” Reaching out, she placed her hand on his arm. “Why am I so drawn to you and your brothers?”
Rylan placed his hand over hers, offering comfort. “It’s because we are your mates. The physical attraction is so much more than what a human experiences.”
“Okay, I can understand that, but it’s not enough for me, Rylan. I need more than just attraction.”
Rylan pulled her into his arms and rested his head on top of hers. She felt so damn right in his arms. He hoped she would be comfortable with them soon. Not only was the wolf in him clamoring to claim its mate, but so was the man.
“I know you need more time, baby. Our feelings will develop more deeply as we get to know each other. We are meant to be together. All of us. You can deny it as much as you want to, but you know what I’m saying is true.”
“Are we ready to go?” Chevy asked as he entered the small house after loading the last of Alyson’s stuff into the truck.
“I have to let my landlord know I’m leaving. The elderly couple in the main house are nice people. It would be rude if I just up and left without a word.”
“I’ve already taken care of it, honey,” Tarkyn said as he, too, reentered her temporary home. “The owners didn’t mind voiding the lease after I explained that you’d be moving in with someone else.” Rylan saw the flash of fire in her eyes and knew his brother was about to get it.
Alyson pulled out of his arms and walked toward Tarkyn until her toes were nearly touching his. “You arrogant asshole. You had no right to do that. This place was leased in my name, and it was my responsibility to take care of the necessary arrangements.”
Tarkyn smirked at her and then leaned down until his forehead was touching Alyson’s. “I am one of your mates, and as such, it is my duty to help you and see that you are safe. Don’t get sassy with me, little girl. I was just trying to help you.”
Alyson was panting with ire, but she didn’t answer Tarkyn back. Rylan wondered if she was at a loss for words or if maybe she was starting to accept that she truly wasn’t alone anymore. He hoped it was the latter. She just continued to glare at Tarkyn, and Rylan could see his brother struggling as she unconsciously challenged him. His eyes changed to gold and began to glow. Alyson stepped back quickly with a gasp, but even as she backed up, she never removed her gaze from his brother.
Rylan moved in close until his front was touching her back and placed his hands on her hips to keep her still. “Are you scared, baby?” He inhaled deeply, but still he didn’t scent fear, only nervousness. “You need to learn not to confront a wolf, Alyson. If you continue to provoke a dominant animal, you may bite off more than you can chew.”
Alyson threw up her hands and spun around. “See, I knew I shouldn’t have agreed to come with you. You guys are going to be dictatorial, and I am not a submissive woman. This is never going to work.”
“Oh, it will work, honey,” Tarkyn whispered close to her ear, but Rylan could still hear his brother easily because of his wolf senses. “We don’t want a submissive woman. We like you just the way you are.” Tarkyn licked
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