Chapter Forty-Four
Willow
W: Anyone have status updates? How are we all doing?
O: I’m okay. Just writing and waiting.
R: Okay, here. What did you do to piss off the protectors? G and C were in a terrible mood at today’s check-in.
W: I… well… they wanted me to leave. And I decided to stay.
R: I’ve looked into your ‘situation’ and have to agree.
The brothers are all highly trained. Other than not being hidden anymore, I think if it came down to it, your guys could take out PM without breaking a sweat.
Still trying to find them though. Either they just don’t use much tech, or they are amazing at covering their tracks.
W: You’re doing everything you can. Maybe the trial will bring them out.
O: I’m torn between wanting to locate them and wanting you safe.
W: I’m not. I need A back.
R: Send video if your guys get their hands on them. Tell them to make it hurt. Also tell Fen I say hello.
W: What? How do you know Fen?
R: …
W: What are you doing to him?
R: …
The delicious aroma of bacon fills the air as I make my way down the hall to the kitchen. Inside, there’s loud clanking, and I wonder whether both my Alphas are home.
My chest thumps with the bond, amusement and desire filtering through. It’s less powerful than last night, but still strange and a bit uncomfortable. I pause at the doorway, unsure whether I’m ready to face them after the emotional rollercoaster that was yesterday.
Bruce nuzzles my fingers, his soft nose bolstering my confidence.
With my dog at my side, I enter the room, coming face-to-face with a barely clothed Linc.
He’s got on nothing but low-slung shorts and a rag sitting over one shoulder.
My mouth waters as I stare at the god before me, muscles rippling, tattoos on full display.
He clocks me as soon as I come in; his gaze snaps to mine with a cheery smile.
“Good morning, beautiful. I hope you’re hungry. ”
The rough rumble in his voice lights up my body, filling me with desire.
I am hungry, but not for food. Instead, I swallow hard and nod, unable to tear my eyes from the exquisite tattoos snaking up his abdomen.
“Wow, these are all amazing,” I say, getting closer and reaching for him.
My fingers brush his skin, and goosebumps break out across his abs.
There are lines of black fire shooting up his belly, along his ribcage.
Although I know I’ve seen them before, I haven’t had a chance to admire them. To follow every line with my tongue.
Wandering behind him, I find the Hellbent Hounds’ sigil etched along his back.
“These are wonderful. I’ve always wanted a tattoo.” Something in remembrance of the me I used to be.
“My name along your neckline would look hot as hell.” Cujo’s voice causes me to jump. He comes over, stacked plate in hand, and guides me to the table.
As soon as his scent hits me, my instincts calm. “Sit, honeybee. You ought to eat, then let me tend to that bite.” His demand makes my pussy clench, but he brings out my inner brat with his orders.
“It’s fine. No need to do anything.” I take a seat and pull his plate toward me.
Cujo lets out a deep chuckle, amusement pulsing through the bond. The air whooshes from me as he lifts me effortlessly, then places me on his lap.
Heat flushes my face, and his big hand splays over my abdomen, holding me to him. “You’re sexy when you’re sassy.”
Ignoring my squirming, he drops his head and sucks his mark, sending electricity straight to my pussy. Slick moistens my panties, and I elbow him. “Cut it out.”
“Not when I can feel your lust. Say the word, and I’ll lay you on the table and have you for breakfast.” It’s a tempting offer, but I’m still prickly over yesterday.
Ignoring him, I stab into the eggs on my plate, then decide I’d prefer a slice of bacon.
I bring it to my mouth and bite into it viciously.
I can’t help but moan as the flavor hits my taste buds, but as soon as I release the sound, a rush of intense desire hits me through the bond.
“We got you something, baby girl,” Lincoln announces, bringing a box to the table. The Alphas have given me small gifts, but the size of this package makes my eyes widen. My food forgotten, I push it aside, reaching out with grabby hands. I deserve a treat after this giant clusterfuck.
Lincoln slides it in front of me without any delay, and Cujo wraps himself around my back like an octopus. “It was my idea, not Gy’s,” he attempts to take all the credit.
Boys.
When I lift the lid, I find myself staring at something made with supple leather.
At first, I think it’s a bag, but upon further inspection, I realize it’s similar to the MC vests—cuts.
It’s missing most of the patches they have on theirs, and I’m unsure why they’re giving it to me with giant grins on their faces.
Frowning, I look over at Lincoln and ask, “Does this make me a member of the Hellbent Hounds? I don’t know how to drive a motorcycle.”
“Not exactly. It makes you our ol’ lady. Means you have the respect of our brothers, and all the protection the MC has to offer.” Spinning the leather around, I see the back has the club’s logo on it—and underneath it declares ‘Property of Cujo and Gytrash.’
The words make me bristle. It’s like a dog-tag telling everyone who I belong to—except I’m a person who can think and speak for my own damn self.
“What the hell? I’m not livestock.” I launch myself off Cujo’s lap and throw the vest down on the table. “I’m my own person. Not something you can brand and claim.”
“I already did.” Cujo grins at me wickedly, smug satisfaction burning down the bond. “And you’ll wear the cut to keep you safe. No one messes with club property. Especially mine.”
“I won’t,” I shout back, hands on my hips.
“Ouch. Fuck!” Cujo looks down, shaking his hand. And this time it’s my turn to be smug—Bruce has left him with a pretty little mark on his palm for being a dick. “I thought we were good, man.”
But my dog just shows off his impressive set of chompers before coming to sit by my side.
“Baby girl.” Lincoln’s soft voice breaks through my rising irritation. “Don’t you know you own both of us? Mind, body, and soul?”
“That’s not what your gift says. Quite the opposite, actually.” Crossing my arms, I glare at the two Alphas. They are seriously on my last damn nerve. “I’m not wearing it. And I need my keys. It’s time for me to leave.”
Their heads snap around like my own personal exorcists.
“Where are you going?” “Absolutely not,” they shout in unison.
“To get groceries. And tomorrow, back to work.” It’s all false bravado. The very thought of leaving the property makes my head spin.
Before the spiral can truly begin, Lincoln pulls me into his side and then begins to purr. “You’re not leaving, Willow. We’re going to figure this all out together.”
Cujo, blood still smeared on his hand, bends down until we’re eye to eye. “I love you, sweet omega.” The truth of it careens down the bond, striking me in the heart. “I’ll be honored if you wear the cut. But it’s up to you.”
“You never apologized for biting me,” I voice my irritation. These Alphas are strong, single-minded, and possessive—and I refuse to let them dictate my life.
“Because I’m not even the littlest bit sorry. But I don’t own you—I’m yours. Your monster to command. The one who will keep you safe and reap the souls of anyone who’s dared to hurt you.” Cujo’s eyes turn jet black, the devil ready to destroy the world—for me.
I drown in them, my brain scrabbling for a stronghold as his love and utter devotion swamp the bond.
“But you don’t get to hurt me either. And taking my autonomy. Making me chattel, I won’t stand for it.” There, I can hold strong, even bonded.
“We won’t. I swear it.” Lincoln’s promise is genuine, but it’s Cujo I focus on.
“If you try anything like this again I. Will. Stab. You.” I pronounce each word, seeing the glint of desire in his expression.
“I’m counting on it, honeybee. Your stinger. Your fire. I never want to put that out.” His hand reaches forward, pressing warmly against my cheek and I lean into it. “I love you. So damn much.”
“Okay.” I can barely breathe. “And I want my taser back.”
“Okay.” His lips take mine, and everything else ceases to exist.
My mates. My monsters. My Alphas.