[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
again, moving closer to me. You said you felt my panic, and I think
you got more specific readings off of Jared, but what was I feeling
exactly?
You were sad, confused, and afraid, I whispered, thinking I
understood where he was going with this line of questioning. But I
didn t get anything more than that with everything going on.
I kept my mouth shut for years how I felt about Rhyce and
Jared, Cameron said softly as he moved even closer, lying down next
to me. And it was a bonehead move. I swore I d never make that
mistake again, Tristan. When they told me what they were feeling and
why you got so upset, I realized I couldn t keep my mouth shut this
time. I can t risk losing you over a misunderstanding.
What misunderstanding? I asked, turning towards him. I wanted
to yell at the part of my heart that was suddenly filled with hope, but
staring into Cameron s eyes, I saw the same fear of rejection I was
feeling.
I was scared, so scared because of what s happening to you, he
whispered as he pulled me to him. I felt afraid that you d hate us
because of what s going on and blame us. I m scared because the man
I m falling in love with is hurting and I can t stop it or fix it.
Tristan 91
You re falling for me? I gasped, scooting closer so that our lips
were almost touching. I thought you were all sad because I wasn t
small anymore and wouldn t want me.
Yes, I m totally falling for you, baby. I was sad because you
were in pain and freaking out, he replied before brushing his lips
over mine. It never crossed my mind about how you wouldn t be
small anymore. I was sad that you re having to go through this. And I
didn t feel guilty until later because we didn t do this on purpose, you
have to know that. I mean once I thought about it and realized it was
our fault for being with you, yeah, I feel guilty.
I thought you were being selfish, I m sorry.
Don t be sorry, baby, Cameron said as his eyes filled with tears.
This is more than anyone should ever have to go through, and you re
allowed to freak out. But I couldn t just sit by and let you think the
worst when it s not how I felt. So I talked to Amanda and told her
everything. She gave me the green light to come and try and talk to
you.
I m glad she did.
And this whole idea that I won t want you because you re not a
pip-squeak anymore just isn t true, he said firmly as he rolled on top
of me. Cameron was incredibly careful and gentle as he ground his
erection against my hip. Does this feel like I don t want you? You re
still sexy as all hell, baby. But I m falling for the kind-hearted, loving,
funny, smart man you are, not just the package you come in. Did I
like you being small and letting us carry you around? Yes, I liked it a
lot.
But I m not that size anymore, I cried out, trying to get away
from him as he talked about my worst fear.
So fucking what? He growled, punctuating each word with a
thrust of his hips. You re more than a twink to me, Tristan. I was
scared for you, wanted to help you, and you shut me out. I wanted to
pull you into my arms and make it all better and I couldn t, so I was
92 Joyee Flynn
sad and confused. Just because you got that from us doesn t mean you
know exactly why we were feeling that way.
I heard Jared loud and clear, I snarled as I wiped away my tears.
Fine, I shouldn t have jumped to conclusions as to why you and
Rhyce were feeling that way, but I heard Jared s thoughts.
Then that s something you have to take up with him, Cameron
said as he cupped my cheek. But you need to know that he s a mess,
baby. I get why you d be pissed at him for his initial reaction, I do. He
can t help his thoughts and feelings, Tristan, no more than you can
help hearing and feeling them. It s what he does with those feelings
that counts, and his immediate reaction was to help you.
Not soon enough, I replied and tried to pull away. I could
forgive Cameron, but I didn t need him to come in here and be an
advocate for forgiving Jared.
No, you are not going to bolt again, he growled as he held me
down firmly by my shoulders. He lightened his hold when I winced in
pain, but I stopped fighting him. There are things you need to know
about how you ended up here. I ve begged Jared to tell you, but he s
afraid you ll leave if you know.
I can t I started to argue, but Cameron cut me off.
We know about the secret accounts and passports, baby, he said
firmly with a raised eyebrow, daring me to refute it and lie to him.
We re in charge of the safety of seventy plus pack members, and it s
our jobs to know everything there is to know about someone. The
only reason I bring this up is because I m scared you ll leave if he
doesn t tell you how he bid for your contract.
You say he s upset? I asked, not meaning to sound callous or
like I wanted Jared to suffer, but if he was upset he might still want
me then.
Yeah, he s in a ball on his bed, completely destroyed, Cameron
nodded. He won t talk to me or Rhyce, and he just keeps sobbing
that he s lost you for good. It sucks that was his initial reaction to
your new size, and yeah, I can see wanting to smack him for it. But it
Tristan 93
wasn t his only reaction, Tristan. You need to hear his other ones and
give him a chance to show you that he cares instead of just reading his
feelings that he can t control.
Okay, help me to him, I said after a few moments. Cameron was
right. I d flown off the handle and while I think I was allowed given
the situation, Jared had earned the right for me to hear him out. I d not
been fair to him or our mating. He deserved a chance to explain.
See, that s the big heart I love so much, Cameron cooed, giving
me a quick kiss before rolling off the bed and reaching for me. I rolled
my eyes at his antics as he helped me out of bed. When I stood up, I
was only about two inches shorter than Cameron. He glanced at me as
if able to read my thoughts. Yeah, it s going to take some getting
used to. But you re still the man we want, just not so compact.
I hope so, I whispered as he wrapped an arm around my waist. I
leaned on him heavily since my bones and muscles still felt like
gelatin as we left my room and made it across the hall. Rhyce rushed
over to us as we entered the room, having been seated on the bed.
Jared first, then you.
Guess I m never going to be your priority, Rhyce said as he
went to move back. I reached out and grabbed his wrist before he
could get far.
Him first because he s the one I m furious with, I replied firmly.
I have no doubt in my mind that you and I just need to iron things
out like Cameron and I just did. But Jared s suffering. Would you
rather I just leave him like that while we kiss and make up?
No, but I thought you were just as pissed at me, he said as he
shook his head. So it s not that you care about Jared more than me?
No, I love all of you idiots equally, I replied, pulling him in for
a kiss. And you ll always be my special mate who defied his Alpha
to make sure I was happy. If anything, I fell for you first, Rhyce.
I love you, too, baby, Rhyce whispered against my lips and then
kissed me. We ll get you through this, okay?
94 Joyee Flynn
Even if I can t fit on your lap or in your arms anymore? I asked,
tears filling my eyes. I was scared for his answer, but I was also sad
that I wouldn t fit anymore. I d loved when they picked me up,
carried me, or pulled me onto their laps. It made me feel so special
and loved.
Fuck that, I m strong enough to still carry you, Rhyce growled
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]