Chapter Nine
Haven
Rolling over, I groan into my pillow. Once my brain finally shut down and I could sleep, I had a very hot dream about Bane.
He was shirtless, sitting at the table, and I was serving him breakfast. The hotness was that I was naked.
His soulful eyes watched my every move. It was ridiculous since he didn’t even touch me.
Plus, who is crazy enough to cook bacon without a shirt?
I cringe just thinking about grease popping on my boobs.
This whole situation is bizarre, and I should be speeding away, leaving the world of shifters behind me.
The thought makes my body rebel. I can’t leave them.
I don’t know anything about them, and I know I would regret it every minute if I didn’t stay.
I do know that they are in pain. Not physically, but in their souls.
I want to delve into their lives and fix them.
Probably not the healthiest way to start a relationship, but there it is.
Huffing, I push off the blankets and scoot to the edge of the bed.
I brush my hair back and frown. I hear voices.
Multiple voices. I have to face them. I stumble my way into the bathroom.
I shiver as I lift Bane’s shirt and sit on the toilet.
Yes, I left it on. There was no way I was taking it off to sleep.
His scent is on the fabric, and I never want to remove it.
I pull up my pants with one hand and hold the shirt to my nose with the other.
This is normal. I roll my eyes and go to the sink.
When he took it off, I almost passed out.
Miles of tan, silky, tattooed skin inches away, and I wanted to touch.
I’ve been turned on before, but these men are a different level of hot.
I wasn’t upset that he shared my story with his brothers.
I agree that honesty in a relationship is important.
After the last experience, I believe it even more.
Mornings aren’t my favorite part of the day, so although there are four hot guys who claimed me in the living room, all I do is brush my teeth.
My hair is wild, and last night’s makeup is still on my face.
If they want to be with me, they’ll have to get used to me in the mornings.
Grabbing my phone, I notice I have several missed calls from my father, and an unknown number.
I’m guessing Brian called from another phone since I blocked him.
Neither of them left a message, so I decide to pretend they didn’t reach out.
I can’t ignore them forever, but for now, I want to get to know the brothers.
I don’t hesitate, swinging the door wide and entering the hot guy universe.
Remy is in the kitchen cooking. Hunter is holding a plate beside him, waiting for it to be filled. Lawson is sprawled in a chair at the table, and Bane is sitting across from him. Rylee is at the head of the table, eating. All of them focus on me as I walk toward them.
“Shit,” Remy whispers, staring at my hair.
“Morning, Princess,” Hunter says, smiling.
“Morning,” I mumble, stopping beside them. “Just so you know, I’m not a morning person.” I lean against Remy, and he kisses my head. “It smells yummy.”
“Coffee?” Remy asks.
“Please.” I don’t move, enjoying the warmth.
“Is that Bane’s shirt?” Lawson asks.
“Uh-huh.” I sigh as Hunter holds a cup in front of me. “Yes,” I hum, wrapping my hands around it.
“It looks good,” Bane says.
“This is how it’s going to be,” Rylee says, glaring. “You’re going to be all gooey and shit.”
“Really? Gooey?” I laugh. Standing straight, I move around the counter and walk to her side. “How did you sleep?” I brush my hand over her hair, sipping my coffee.
“Good. I was out.” She smiles.
“Breakfast.” Remy places a plate beside me.
“Bacon,” I whisper, staring at the food, and set down my cup.
“You don’t like bacon?” he asks, tilting his head.
“I love it.” I bit my lip and avoid looking at Bane. Hands wrap around my hips, and I’m pulled onto Lawson’s lap.
“Permission,” Bane grunts.
“Do I need permission?” Lawson asks, and I turn sideways.
“I would leave your lap if I didn’t want to be on it,” I say, and then look at Bane. “But thank you.”
“Lovely,” Rylee grumbles. “So, should I expect five roommates?”
“Is that a problem?” Hunter asks, sitting beside us.
“I guess not,” she sighs.
“We don’t want to take over your place,” Remy says.
“Listen, I get it. She’s your mate, and I don’t want to stop you from seeing her,” she says.
“Does it make you uncomfortable?” I ask. As I wait for her answer, Lawson holds a fork to my mouth. I love scrambled eggs, so I eat them.
“No. I’ll adjust. I was surprised. Your visit isn’t turning out how I pictured.” She stares at Lawson as he feeds me another bite. “We have to have ground rules.”
“More rules,” Lawson mumbles.
“We can take turns,” Hunter says, pushing away his plate.
“Only two of us will stay the night, and we can switch off.” Lawson growls, and Hunter narrows his eyes.
“We don’t want to invade your life and home.
As you know, it’s going to be difficult to be away from her.
I know she’s your friend, and you expected a different situation.
We'll try to give you time with her without us hovering.” I stare at Hunter, enjoying the timbre of his voice.
His hair is shaggy, and I want to run my fingers through it.
Between sitting on Lawson’s lap, him feeding me, and the presence of all four of them, I’m finding it hard to concentrate.
“Haven.”
“Huh?” I focus on Rylee.
“What do you want? Are you alright with that?” she asks.
“Yes.” I lick the syrup from the waffle off my lips.
“I need to go to the store.” She scoots back her chair.
“I’ll take care of it,” Remy offers.
“I appreciate it.” She stands and looks at me. “Let’s have a chat before I go.”
“Alright.”
“No listening,” she demands, pointing her finger.
“Promise,” Remy says, grinning.
Rylee grabs my hand, and I follow behind her. She pulls me into her room, then into the bathroom. She lets go and turns on the shower and the sink. I frown.
“Just in case they lied. It'll at least muffle the sound,” she says, and sits on the sink. “Now, tell me what you're thinking.”
“What I’m thinking…” I brush my hair back with both hands, fisting it.
“I’m thinking they cast a spell on me. All I want to do is whatever they want.
I have no control over my body, and I don’t want to.
They make me feel.” I drop my hands. “You know how long it’s been since I’ve truly felt anything.
But I don’t want to upset you. This wasn’t the plan.
I came here for you. I feel guilty because I do want to spend time with them.
This whole situation doesn’t seem real.” I pace to the shower and back.
“Rylee, I feel them.” I press my palm to my heart.
“Somehow, I know this is where I’m supposed to be.
How do you have a relationship with four men?
I thought one was a lot of work. My heart is urging me to give in, and trust that they won’t tear it apart. ”
“Shit.” She jumps down and grips my shoulders.
“I never meant to make you feel guilty. I’m being selfish.
I know how hard it would be for them to be separated from you.
I’ve seen the bond happen many times. They are already devoted to you.
I want you to be happy. I should be thrilled for them.
It’s not easy to find your mate, and I need to celebrate it.
” She smiles and steps back, leaning on the counter.
“You don’t have to stay here. It would be easier if you stayed with them.
I’m glad that this means you will move here, and after the bond is complete, I’ll see more of you. ”
“I don’t think I want to leave your place yet. I need some time.” I tangle my fingers in my shirt. “But it’s not fair if I don’t give this a chance.”
“Well, you know you’ll never be without food,” she snorts.
“I’ve never been fed in my life,” I whisper. “They’re obsessed with food.”
“They’re obsessed with you,” she drawls.
“I know the feeling. How is this possible?”
She shrugs. “It’s the universe at work. No one knows why. You just go with it.”
“I’m trying, and it’s easier than I expected.”
“I’ll give you some time. I need to go to the gym and the store,” she says.
“I love you.” I hug her.
“Love you too. I’ll text you when I’m coming home.” She pulls away, turning off the water, and walks to the door.
“You don’t need to do that. It’s your place.”
“I don’t want to interrupt sexy time,” she mumbles.
“I would never,” I gasp.
“Who are you kidding?” She opens the door, raising a brow.
“You're right. It’s entirely possible with them.” I smirk, and she laughs.
The guys are cleaning up the table as we leave the bedroom. It’s a delicious sight. In my experience, men didn’t do basic tasks like this. My father had employees who did everything for him. It makes them even sexier.
“I’m off,” Rylee says.
“Here.” Remy walks toward her, holding a card out. “Get what you need.”
“Any requests?” she asks.
“Bacon,” Bane says, and I turn wide eyes his way. There is no way he would know about my dream. He tilts his head, and I feel the blush on my cheeks.
“I made a list,” Remy says.
“I’ve changed my mind.” She grins at me. “I’m going to love having a chef in the house.”
“Thanks, Rylee,” Hunter says. “This means a lot.”
“No worries.” She winks at me and leaves.
Silence descends. I thread my fingers behind my back, unsure of what to say.
“You have to rinse the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher,” Hunter grumbles to Lawson.
“Why? That’s the point of the machine. Wash the dishes,” Lawson says.
“You just do.” Hunter takes the plate out of his hands.
“It’s ridiculous. That’s twice the work.” Lawson yanks the dish back.
“It’s easier on the dishwasher,” Hunter continues.