14. Valen
Chapter fourteen
Valen
Lia is avoiding us, which is impressive considering we’ve taken over her entire mansion. Still, she’s found a way to disappear, and I’m not sure why. Have Zaden’s growls finally worn her down? Were we too much for her?
So, I’ve done the next best thing.
I kidnapped Beezie.
Again.
If you can’t find the beta. Have the beta come to you.
The bear is hogtied to a long stick and is rotating over the stovetop, which is not on. But still, it looks awesome.
“Who’s hungry?” I shout into the house. “We’re having bear for lunch!”
I wait and hear a feminine squeal of outrage.
I bite my bottom lip and lean against the wall. She skids into the kitchen and rushes to free her bear. I grab her by her upper arms and drag her back up against me.
“You hurt my feelings,” I snarl and nuzzle the back of her head.
“You hurt my bear,” Lia protests and pretends to struggle, but damn, the way she presses her ass against my cock is criminal.
I grip her breast, squeezing and rolling the flesh until she moans and softens against me.
“I did. And if you ignore me again, I’ll shove that cooking rod up his fluffy ass and use him as an antenna.” I thrust my hips against her and catch that potent and growing stronger scent of marshmallows.
She elbows me hard and frees herself, whirling to glare at me .
“You leave Beezie alone.”
I cock my head to the side and watch as she frees the bear and cuddles him.
“Aww, is Beezie very upset? Has he got an ouchie?” I purr and move closer. “I have an ouchie. Are you going to kiss mine better?”
Her eyes are wide, and she slowly lowers them, taking my whole body in. “Where?” she stops, clears her throat, and repeats it.
I draw my fingers down my chest and then grab my cock, squeezing slightly. Her eyes widen, and she starts to pant.
No, she starts to sweat.
This is what this morning has been about. And drawing out our infamous host. I needed to know something, and I needed to see her reaction in the light of day where I’m clear-minded.
Marshmallows fill the air so strongly I can taste it. I step into her, gripping her hips, not giving her a chance to back away. I bury my nose in her neck and inhale deeply.
The scent is coming from her.
But that’s impossible.
I frown as she scurries backwards. The colour is high in her cheeks and her eyes are glassy.
“Beta?”
She shudders, and the scent vanishes from the air.
I let it go, gripping her arm as she tries to escape past me.
“Lia, don’t run away, there are people that want to see you.”
“No, I have to-”
I don’t let her go. I drag her after me until we get to the panic room. Outside in the sitting room, Ianto is lounging with Mills.
They straighten when they see her, but I drag her towards the open door of the hidden room. But then she stops. I look back and find her frozen, staring inside.
I reverse direction and peer through the crack.
Zaden is straddling Ranger, talking to him softly. We can’t hear what he’s saying, but whatever it is is giving Ranger a soft, melted expression on his face.
Zaden leans down and brushes his lips against each of Rangers eyelids before drifting down and kissing him.
It’s raw and real, and I forget that people never see us like this. It’s us, and it’s private.
But not for her.
She’s one of us .
I pull her towards Mills, and he drags her into his arms, murmuring in her ear. That scent swirls around us. I can see Mills and Ianto glancing at her in confusion and growing hunger.
I wonder if they realise there is something wrong here.
Lia is nervous and fidgety, but when we touch her, she relaxes. Zaden comes out and glances at her and looks away.
He’s fighting. I love how hard he’s fighting, but he’ll fall, eventually. He’s been as obsessed with her as we have.
I glance at Ranger as he hobbles out, his expression turning joyful when he spots Lia.
This is my family.
This is who I’d die to protect.
And something is very wrong with our beta.