A deep bark explodes from Lev’s mouth.
“Moss. There are things you may know but not understand fully. This is fate and nature coming together beautifully. They’d sooner bite their own hand off than hurt her. She couldn’t be in a safer place. But I don’t think in her sister’s home is the place you’d prefer to formalize your union.”
“No,” Lev and I say in unison.
“That’s it, then?” Moss croaks.
“They’re her mates.” Dahlia places a hand on Moss’s shoulder.
“And she gets no say.”
“We’re not monsters. We won’t claim Brook until she understands,” I assure her. Skin prickling, I tug on the neck of my black t-shirt as my core temperature spikes.
Brooks whimpers, and my wolf shifts restlessly.
“We need to go back to the house,” I say gruffly. Voice scratchy and dry.
“Not until she can consent to leave.” Moss crosses her arms over her chest.
“You want proof of our connection?” Lev smirks. “Fine.” He palms the side of Brook's face, rubbing his thumb over her plump lips. “Cub. Can you open your eyes for me?”
She moans. “Lev?”
“That’s right, Cub. I need to see those pretty hazel gems of yours.”
She groans. “Hot.”
“I know. Me and Orion are going to make you feel better. “
“Ori.” The nickname on her lips is a catalyst for the arousal engorging the rapidly growing problem in my pants.
Lev snickers. “Yeah. Ori.”
“Kay.”
“First. I need you to sit up if you can and open your eyes. Some people would like to say hello.
She releases a puff of air, and her eyes lids flutter open.
“Welcome back, Cub.” Lev holds her left, and I hold her right. Together we pull her into a sitting position.
“M-moss.” Her almond-shaped eyes widen in surprise and her lips spread into a wide grin.
“Hi, baby sister.” Moss rushes forward and pushes her hair back from her face. I choke down the warning growl. She’s tainting my mate's smell with her own.
“Why do I feel like this?”
“The Fellowship has kept us drugged. You’re pushing out the toxins, and your body wants to play catch up.” Moss darts a worried gaze. “Your wolf wants out.”
“’l’ll shift?” The wonder makes me want to burn down her old pack’s dwelling for denying her this basic right.
“Maybe not today, but soon.” Moss bows her head. “And Lev and Orion will help you.” She takes a shaky breath. “If you want.”
“Yes.” She nods, and my heart swells.
“I told you before you were ours. But I didn’t know how right I’d be.” She turns to face Lev.
“You’re our mate.” I skim the backs of my fingers down the side of her face. “Your body is going to crave certain things only we can give.”