Alyssa’s Wolves(48)

Alyssa broke the silence. “When you saw my parents, did they say anything? I guess you could hardly ask them anything.”

“No. I’m sure they miss you terribly. I can tell you this though. If you’d have stayed and married Dwight, you would hardly see much of them anyway. He isn’t known for letting his wives out from under his thumb often. His mates do not enjoy many freedoms.” Tyler gripped the comforter next to him, anger making him clench his jaw as he finished. The thought of Alyssa mated to that old geezer made his blood boil.

Alyssa lifted her head toward him and changed the subject. “What about your parents? How do you suppose they’re taking this?”

“My parents are probably about to tear the house down. I was supposed to head home yesterday and at the very least would have called them. Instead I chucked my cell phone, so I couldn’t be traced and left without a word. I bought a disposable phone on my way to Denver. I hated doing that to them, but it couldn’t be helped. If I’d given them even a hint of my plans, they’d have been forced to rat me out.”

“I’m sorry.” A tear formed in the corner of Alyssa’s eye. There was no way to know for sure if it was for his loss or her own. Probably both.

Michael reached toward her and cupped her cheek. “Me too.”

Tyler stared at Alyssa. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. My heart aches leaving my parents like that. But you know that feeling all too well…”

Alyssa nodded while fresh tears streaked her face.

These people were so … nice to each other. Open. Talkative. It was amazing what he’d missed out on all his life.

He could get used to this. Well, except for the whole Oregon, middle-of-nowhere, cold-as-hell dairy farming part. Shit.





Chapter 12


Alyssa finished her dinner slowly. She didn’t think she could do otherwise without choking.

Her body was in a rush to get past the meal, but her brain was frightened.

If she went by her physical response—sweaty palms, knees shaking, gut clenching—she’d think she had the flu or something, if she didn’t add the dampness between her legs, and the flush stealing up over her cheeks that wasn’t the cause of a fever.

She sat across from the two men and tried to avoid brushing against them as though she’d go up in flames at any human contact.

When they’d all finished, she leaped up and grabbed everyone’s plate. They’d somehow grown awkward after the small talk was over. Alyssa was nervous, more than she’d ever been in her life. This decision was huge. She wasn’t just going to have sex with a man; it was two men, and afterward, her life would never be the same. She’d be able to communicate with them without speaking. They’d know her every thought. They’d be permanently connected for better or for worse.

There were a pile of issues still unresolved, but she had to admit to herself none of them really changed anything. This was fated. The rest would have to fall into place.

Her chest beat rapidly. There was no more stalling. She couldn’t sleep another night without Tyler and Michael.

Sure, she was chicken shit, but she was willing to admit it. Even if only to herself. She’d been unprepared for the onslaught of emotions she’d felt in the last hour. When Tyler and Michael had left for their run earlier, she’d have bet money they couldn’t work things out between them so quickly. But circumstances had brought the men closer and forced her to take notice. Her need to mate with these two had increased exponentially.

Michael took the tray of dishes out of her hands. She hadn’t realized she’d been standing in the same spot just staring at her mates until Michael stood. “I’ll take this to the kitchen,” he whispered. “Sit back down.”

She glanced at the door. What about Nancy and Richard? As much as she craved this union  , it felt awkward having sex with anyone under the roof of the people who’d taken her in, given her a home and a life, and loved her like their own daughter. “Your parents…” she mumbled.

Michael grinned. “Babe, we’re mates. Everyone knows it. It’s not a secret that we’re going to claim you as soon as possible.”

Her heart raced. She leaned against the edge of the bed.

Michael dashed out of the room but returned before either she or Tyler moved an inch. He shut the door with a soft snick that sounded more like a gunshot to her ears.

“Relax. We aren’t going to maul you like animals … or do anything you aren’t ready for.” Michael held up both hands in surrender. “We just want to … be with you. In whatever capacity you’re willing.”