Chapter Six
Haven
I’m smooshed in the back seat between Lawson and Bane.
I’m not complaining. Lawson has a wild scent, filled with spice and a hint of fire.
Bane’s cologne smells yummy, but he has an underlying smell of pine.
Why do I want to lean close and sniff? I feel like I entered another world.
The weird thing is, I don’t want to run away.
There has to be a reason I'm drawn to them. Rylee assured me that they won’t hurt me, and I believe her.
She wasn’t too happy about their claim that I'm their mate. I appreciate her, and the moment she gave us alone. I could have asked her all the questions I have about mates and the brothers' lives, yet I didn’t. Their past is theirs to share, just as mine is. Something inside me is telling me to listen and learn. I’m supposed to be here, now, with them.
Maybe it is fate that brought me to this place.
Thinking about being with four men is mind-blowing.
What do they expect? How does it work? The car is silent, and I wiggle.
It’s not awkward, yet isn't it the perfect time to get answers?
I like to be informed. My father said I annoyed the hell out of him, peppering him with questions when I was young.
As time went on, I learned to keep my mouth shut.
“How does it work?” I ask, glancing at the two men beside me.
“Which part?” Bane asks.
“Will you all be my boyfriends? Are we together at the same time?” I press my palms against my stomach.
“Do you get jealous? I’ve heard of sharing a woman, but it always seemed like a lot of work to me.
Rylee told me you know I’m your mate because of my smell.
How is that possible? Do you think you made a mistake?
What if I don’t want four boyfriends? Do I have a choice?
” I press my lips together, and drop my hands to my lap.
My nervousness is surfacing. Their presence is powerful, and I’m not sure how to handle it.
“Boyfriend is a tame word,” Lawson murmurs, dragging his finger down my thigh.
“Technically, we would be your fated mates. You can call us whatever you want,” Remy says.
“Your men, or your mates.” Bane shrugs, his shoulder brushing against my side. “All that matters is that we're yours.”
“And you are ours,” Hunter adds, glancing in the mirror as he drives.
“We won’t get jealous because this is how it’s supposed to be.
Shifters like to share. You will get the full attention of four men.
My brothers will be there when I’m unable to.
The universe picks the perfect mate for a shifter.
We don’t question it. Our animal knows we're meant to be.
It'll be difficult to be away from you.”
“We'll do all the work,” Lawson drawls, tilting his head and taking a deep breath. “We won’t force you. We won’t have to. Do you feel the pull?” I turn my head toward him, trailing my fingers over my sore knuckles.
“I feel something,” I whisper, staring at his lips.
“Good,” he rumbles.
“Our relationship will be like any other, times four,” Remy says, and I face forward.
“Except we turn into animals,” Bane says, glancing at my hands. “And our bond will be stronger than anyone you would have with a human.” He touches my hand lightly, tracing my fingers.
“Curious?” Remy asks.
“Yes.” I’m fascinated with the dynamic. Could I get my heart broken? Sure. It wouldn’t be the first time. Their dedication is alluring.
“You always have a choice,” Hunter says.
“You have all the power,” Bane whispers, removing his touch. “But we'll do everything we can to persuade you to choose us.” I miss his touch. Lawson’s caress continues up and down my thigh, and I don’t want to tell him to stop.
“Can I see your animals?” I’ve never seen a shifter, and the concept of turning into an animal is intriguing.
“You want to?” Lawson asks.
“Yes.” I stare into his eyes, and once again, he makes me curious. His demeanor is gruff, yet I sense his vulnerability.
“We'll gladly show you,” Remy says.
“But not tonight.” Hunter turns into a parking lot. “The club is owned by two vampires.” My eyes widen. “They are very old and powerful.”
“Rylee didn’t say much about vampires.” I have a visual of getting my blood sucked out of my body.
“They won’t hurt you,” Bane says.
“Ryker and Bash are mated. They respect the bond and are completely devoted to their mates.” Hunter parks the car and turns slightly in his seat. “We would never allow anyone to hurt you.”
“This is so weird,” I whisper, staring out the window at the huge building.
“We understand,” Hunter says. “We won’t rush you. Ryker and Bash are just like everyone else.” Lawson scoffs. “Yes, they have many gifts, but they would never hurt a woman.”
Remy opens his door, and the others follow.
I wait for Lawson to get out and scoot across the seat.
He holds his hand out to assist me. It is strong, yet I’m surprised at the rough texture.
If shifters heal fast, why wouldn’t he? I’m curious about all of them.
I leave my hand in his as they guide me toward the club.
Hunter walks on my other side. Bane is in the lead, and Remy follows behind us.
The line at the door is long and trails past the end of the building.
We don’t have to wait for our turn. One of the men at the door nods at Bane.
He holds the entrance wide. I gaze around in wonder as we enter the loud club.
The dance floor is packed, as are the two bars that line opposite walls.
I grip Lawson’s hand tight. Hunter slides his hand across my back, palming my hip.
A wall of muscle surrounds me. Bane must know where he's going as he makes a path through all the bodies. He pauses at the bottom of a staircase, glancing over his shoulder, before ascending. Once we reach the top, he turns to the right onto the balcony. We pass one open archway, but he stops at the next. I freeze on the threshold. Even if I weren’t informed that there are vampires in the world, I would know these men and women are different.
“Bane.” A man steps forward. He has black hair to his shoulders, piercing blue eyes, and two knives strapped to his waist. The woman beside him has blonde hair and a delicate, yet striking, face. She moves gracefully, yet with power.
“Haven, this is Ryker and his mate Serenity.” Bane holds his arm toward me, and I move toward him. He presses his palm to my back lightly.
“Hello.” I wave and smile weakly. How do you greet an ancient vampire?
“I love your dress,” Serenity says.
“Thank you.” I’m stunned by her beauty as she grins.
“This is Bash and Marie,” Bane continues, motioning toward a striking man and another beautiful woman.
They don’t move forward, but Bash nods politely.
He could star in your fantasy with his white hair and muscled frame, yet at the same time, kill you without breaking a sweat. I swallow harshly, but manage to nod.
“You’re making her nervous,” Serenity mumbles.
“How? I’m just standing here,” Ryker says.
“Mate, that’s all it takes. I told you to leave the knives at home,” she says.
“I didn’t wear them on my chest. You know I can’t leave the house without them,” he continues.
“You still wear them when spending time with our girl.” Serenity gazes at him, tenderness in her eyes.
“Why wouldn’t I? She’s mine to protect.” He narrows his eyes.
“I’m just saying, you don’t realize the image you portray to a human,” she mumbles.
“Haven, would you like me to remove my weapons?” Ryker turns his attention to me, and I barely hide my shiver. Not from fear. Any woman would tingle a little when he's focused on them.
“No. It’s fine. It’s not you. Two days ago, I didn’t know that vampires existed outside of movies. I’m a bit overwhelmed in general.” I smile widely. “Plus, everyone is beautiful.”
“I think it would help if you let her sit and not be the center of attention,” Remy drawls, moving forward. He clasps my hand, pulling me deeper into the room and to the long couch. I gratefully sink onto the cushions. He sits beside me, and Hunter moves to my other side.
I don’t have an active social life. Being in a club is unusual. Going out to drink and party has never been a part of my life. My father never let me leave the house much, and I suppose I would rather go home after work. I’m not shy, and I can usually make small talk. Yet, I’m out of my element.
The strained silence is shattered as Sally bursts into the room with her mates, Rylee behind them, along with the others who were at the fight.
“Hey, sexy vampire.” Sally grins at Bash. “You should have seen Rylee. Her fight was epic.” His face softens as he looks at her.
“I have no doubt,” he says.
“Why doesn’t Haven have food or a drink in her hand?” she asks, glaring beside me.
“She doesn’t drink,” Rylee says, and Hunter touches my arm.
“What would you like?” he asks.
“Water is fine.” I smile at him. As he gets up, the room fills with conversation. I’ve never had the desire to drink alcohol. My father would have a drink every night, and I still remember the smell of it on his breath as he yelled at me.
“Are you hungry?” Remy asks, leaning close.
“Not really.” I rub my stomach. The butterflies erupt as he slides his arm behind me.
“You should eat.” He frowns.
“I’m a little nauseous from all the junk food I ate on the drive,” I whisper, leaning close.
“I should have taken you to the restaurant.” He plays with the end of my hair. “Cooking for you would be a pleasure.”
“You’re a chef?” I unsuccessfully hide the shiver his touch causes, judging by his smirk.
“Yes. I also own the building.” His fingers trail down my back.
“Do you like it?” He’s gorgeous, successful, and talented.
“I do. I can ignore the world when I’m cooking.”
“What do you ignore?” I ask, wondering what he would need to escape.
“More things than I would like to admit,” he whispers, and eases back.