3#Unlikely Mates: BBW Shifter/Vampire Romance (Their Everything) (7 page)

“I
want what is mine. Becky is mine and I refuse to give her up.” He snarled, his
eyes firmly on both kings. She couldn’t help but to notice how they then moved
to Rushe. She was wrong to think that a wolf and a vampire had formed a truce.
Right now, she just wanted out of there. Home in her own bed with a slab of
chocolate and a good book, buried deep under her covers.

 The
bastard king scowled, making her forget her longing. For a second, she was
tempted to pull a tongue at Brant and to tell him that Ross could do whatever
he damn well pleased. She didn’t want to give Ross false hope though. She had
to try and defuse this.

Ross
was fighting for a lost cause. Namely her. “I told you both that I don’t want a
mate. That goes for you too. I haven’t changed my mind.” She looked up at Rushe
but didn’t try and move away from him. “Listen to your kings, Ross.” She looked
Brant’s way. “Promise me that you won’t hurt Rushe or Ross and I’ll be on my
way.”

“Ross
has been sufficiently punished. As for the beast, I agreed to send him back to
his pack. He’ll leave as soon as he is able. By the looks of things, that’ll be
soon. Ward is waiting.”

“Fine,”
she huffed. “I’ll be on my way then.” She tried to move away from Rushe but his
hold on her tightened.

“This
is not over.” Ross’ dark eyes bore into her. She couldn’t stand to see the
longing and the need in them so she turned away.

“You
will stay away from her or you will bleed,” Brant spoke softly.

“You
said that while in this castle and on your territory that I have to follow your
rules.” Ross locked his jaw for a few beats. “I will not rest until she is
mine. I will pack my things.”

Zane
cursed, when he had himself under control he spoke through clenched teeth.
“Let’s talk about this. Don’t make any rash decisions.”

“There
is nothing to say, nothing to talk about.” Ross said, sounding calm and very
much decided.

“There
is everything to talk about. This is your home. Where do you plan on going? You
can’t possibly live amongst the humans.” Zane said.

“I
would prefer to stay here and have your blessing, but if that is not possible
then I must leave. This female means everything to me. I will forsake
everything. I’ll lie, steal and fight if I have to. She will be mine.”

Becky
felt her jaw drop, her heart was slamming so hard in her chest that she could
hear it in her ears. What was this idiot doing? She didn’t want a mate. She
didn’t freaking need one. How many times did she need to tell him this?

“Don’t
do it,” she begged.

“Get
your shit together, wolf. You’re leaving,” Brant growled. “As far as I’m
concerned, Ross can go too. Think very carefully though”—his eyes narrowed as
they locked with Ross’—“if you decide to leave, then there will be no coming
back.”

“Let’s
discuss this first, Ross. Don’t do something rash. Not after what just happened.
You’re rattled…not thinking straight for fuck sake,” Zane snarled.

“I
know what I want. I don’t need to discuss or think about anything.” His teeth
gnashed together.

Oh
shit!
He clearly wasn’t listening and she was done trying
to convince him. If Ross wanted to be an idiot then so freaking be it.

“I’m
not going anywhere without the human.” Rushe said, looking down at her. She
rolled her eyes. So many idiots and so little time.

“I’m
a big girl I can take care of myself.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “As long
as no big, horny vampires are involved that is.”

Rushe
chuckled. “Well then, Ross needs to stay here.”

Ross
growled. It wasn’t the fear evoking kind of growl though.

Becky
shook her head, she couldn’t help but to smile. “Okay, let’s narrow that down.
Horny vampires that don’t understand the meaning of the word
no
.” Just
thinking of that asshole, Titan, made her feel nauseous.

“I
know you can take care of yourself on any normal day. Today is not a normal
day, I’m going with you.” Rushe threw her a half smile that even in these
circumstances made her belly quiver. The way he had fought tooth and nail for
her. Literally tooth and freaking nail, did strange things to her insides. It
should make her afraid. Should make her want to run in the opposite direction.
In truth though, it made her want him all the more.

“I’m
leaving too.” Ross yanked hard at his chains. There was a loud crack followed
by a thundering crash as a big chunk of wall collapsed behind him, freeing
Ross. With effort, he dragged the whole mass with him, putting his hand in
Becky’s. She knew she should pull away but couldn’t. He squeezed. Something
inside her clenched as she looked up at Rushe. The feeling only amplified as
she turned her gaze on Ross. What the hell was she going to do with them?

Leaving
the castle, Rushe scooped her up into his arms insisting that he carry her to
the vehicle even though she was quite capable of walking herself. It felt
really nice wrapped up in his strong embrace so she didn’t fight it. Ross
strode up ahead, keys in hand. He made quick work of unlocking her car and
opening up the back door.

“Put
her in”—Ross glanced at Rushe—“carefully,” he growled. The big male leaned over,
somehow managing to get himself into the vehicle so that he could carefully
position her onto the back seat.

When
she tried to sit up, Rushe growled softly. “No, you’ve been through a big
ordeal. Please lie down.”

“Listen
to the wolf.” Ross leaned in from the front, somehow squeezing his wide
shoulders between the seats. “You need to relax, lie down, we will take care of
you.”

Becky
had never thought of her family sedan as small and cramped before. She’d never
had two of the biggest non-humans taking up all the room in it before either.
From her vantage point at the back, all she could see was both males taking up
the entire front in what looked like a solid wall of muscle. After a short
argument, Ross had taken the driver’s seat. Rushe sat next to him on the
passenger side. Good thing she was lying down because they pushed the seats so
far back that there was no leg room. Their necks were craned at the ceiling.
They look cramped and uncomfortable. If it weren’t for the situation, she would
so be laughing out loud right now. However, after all that brute, Titan, had
put her through, she was sure it would come out sounding hysterical. Her
maniacal laughter would then soon turn to sobs, so she bit down on her bottom
lip instead.

Also,
she had to worry about the situation with Ross. He was soon going to be an
outcast and all because of her. What the hell was she going to do about these
two?

Ross
backed up carefully, easing onto the dirt road.

Rushe
turned concerned eyes on her. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m
perfectly fine,” she lied. “How many times do I have to keep telling you guys
that I’m quite capable of looking after myself?” She was talking too fast but
couldn’t slow down. “You didn’t have to come with me. It’s not too late you
know, Ross, you can still go back.” The last thing she wanted was for him to be
kicked out of his coven for her.

Why
weren’t they listening? She had told them many times now that she didn’t want a
mate? She couldn’t do the whole forever thing. Nothing had changed. The more
time she spent with the two of them, the more she felt herself slip in way over
her head.

All
she wanted was to be able to go back to her apartment, all on her own. After a
nice long bath and her comfy, warm bed, she would feel herself again in no
time. In a better frame of mind to put this whole thing behind her. Though a
nagging voice inside her told her that she was lying and that was why she
wasn’t fighting this more. Putting her damn foot down like she normally would.
She needed the company. Maybe having two strong non-humans at her side, just
for today, was really what she needed.

This
was only a short term thing, if they expected to stay indefinitely, they would
be sadly mistaken. She hadn’t changed her mind about anything. She didn’t want
either and even if she did, how the hell would she choose? It was impossible.

Ross
drove carefully, taking it really slow and easy. He kept glancing at her in the
rearview mirror; his eyes were filled with concern. He growled at Rushe every
so often for taking up all the space and kept on telling him to keep his fat
knee and elbow on his own side of the vehicle. She couldn’t help but to smile
at the two of them. Although they pretended not to get along, she noticed that
they did seem to have a begrudging respect for one another. She might even go
so far as to say that given a chance, the two of them could even be friends. It
was weird and she wasn’t sure she liked it. Then again, the alternative was a
fight and she liked the idea of that even less.

“It
won’t be long now, we will hit the paved road soon. The ride will be smoother
and we’ll be back at your place in no time.” Ross glanced back, throwing her a
lopsided grin.

“I’m
perfectly fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“It’s
my job to worry.” He growled, glancing back again.

“No
it isn’t.” She snorted, narrowing her eyes at the rearview mirror.

“He’s
right you know.” Rushe glanced back at her. Irritating her even more. “Except
it isn’t his job, it’s both of our jobs, at least until you pick one of us.”

“Rubbish,”
she said. “I’m so not freaking picking.”

“Let’s
not argue about this now,” Ross said. “We’re both staying with you tonight and
that’s nonnegotiable.”

“It’s
my apartment so I definitely have a say.” She tried to get up. This wasn’t a
conversation to have while lying sprawled out on the back seat of a moving
vehicle.

Somehow
Rushe managed to squeeze himself around and between the front seats and
actually gently pushed her down. “Lie still. I agree with Ross, you’ve been
through a terrible experience. We are to blame. The least we can do is to watch
over you, make sure that your every need is met. We promise not to fight.”

“So
this is another thing that you guys have discussed and agreed on without
consulting me first?” She went up onto her elbows, looking into the rearview
mirror while catching each of their gazes in turn. Bright, glowing blue and
dark, intense brown. Her heart actually flip-flopped. She was probably still
having a panic attack after her whole ordeal.

“It
wasn’t something we needed to discuss, it is just how it is.” Ross said, his
voice had a gravelly edge. “You have been through a lot. The wolf and I will
set aside our differences.” Ross glanced at Rushe. “For now. Neither of us
would concede to the other, the right to stay at your side in order to help you
through this tough time. Therefore it would be better if both of us were with
you. This way we would prevent a fight.” Ross sighed. “As much as I would love
to keep the honor for myself, you would not like us fighting right now so we
will have to deal.”

She
chewed on her lip, not liking the logic in his statement.

“What
Ross said is true, I would fight to be with you. It would be better if you
allowed both of us to stay at your side. Just for tonight.” Rushe turned
towards her, his eyes were pleading.

“I
will find somewhere else to stay in the morning. I am sure Rushe would not
approve of me living under your roof.”

Rushe
growled and Ross chuckled.

“Fine…”
She huffed. “But only for one night. After that, you’re both out.”

“I
have to go back to my pack, Ward will be expecting me. I should actually go
back today but I won’t leave you.” He turned to face her, putting a big hand on
her thigh, he squeezed. Shivers raced up and down her entire body as the warmth
from his hand seeped into her flesh. “I have to leave tomorrow”—he looked at Ross—“but
know that I will be back very soon.”

Ross
smiled as they pulled up at her apartment. “You had better be, wolf. The more
time I spend with Becky, the more chance I have of winning her.”

Becky
rolled her eyes, moving to a sitting position. Grateful when neither of them
pushed her back down. It was short lived though because Ross got out, then
opened the door and reached in so that he could pick her up. A woman jogger
almost ran into a garbage container gawking at the big non-humans. The jogger
turned to stare, a look of longing mixed with awe on her face as Ross pulled
Becky closer, nuzzling into her neck for a few beats.

“I
can walk you know?” Becky said as she circled his neck with her hands. “You’re just
lucky I don’t feel like it right now.”

He
made a low growl that had her insides turning to jello.

Rushe
carried her purse, he walked ahead of them. He moved in big graceful strides
and seemed to be checking that the path ahead was clear, stopping every so
often to scent their surroundings. When they reached her door, he rummaged
through her purse and pulled out the keys and quickly let them into the
apartment.

She
felt her cheeks heat as she looked around taking in the chaos. After Rushe had
left earlier, she had been in a state of panic. There were clothes strewn
everywhere. Her half-eaten salad was still on the dining room table from the
night before.

After
Ross had left, she had said goodbye to Elisabeth and had crawled into bed.
Rushe’s banging had woken her this morning. Since she hadn’t had time to clean,
the place was a bit of a mess.

Ross
carried her into her bedroom. Rushe growled loudly as they entered, his head
was turned up, his nostrils flared. Oh god! Her cheeks heated at the knowledge
of what he was smelling.

“Get
over it,” Ross growled.

“I’m
sorry, I’ll change the sheets,” she blurted.

Rushe
shook his head. “I’ll deal.” He still looked agitated. His entire frame was
tense, his neck muscles roped. Even his jaw was clenched and his eyes were
glowing softly. He looked really beautiful when he was pissed. Who was she
kidding? He looked seriously handsome no matter what.

Ross
gently placed her on her bed, ignoring Rushe’s obvious discomfort. He pulled
the covers up over her, gently sweeping the hair from her face. His eyes were
filled with concern. “I’m really sorry this happened to you. Brant made it
clear that Titan will be punished, but know that I will make good on my promise
to hurt him. I will most likely end up killing him for his actions today. That
male had better show serious remorse because he cannot be allowed to do
something like that ever again.”

Becky
gasped. “No. I’ve caused enough trouble for you already. You’ve already been
disowned by your coven. Don’t go after that dickhead. He’s not worth it.” She
took a deep breath. “I told you, I’m over it.”

The
bed dipped as Rushe sat down next to her on the other side of Ross. He ran his
hand up and down her arm. “No, you are not over it. You can keep telling
yourself that but I can see that it isn’t true. Know that we are here for you
in every way. You don’t have to keep this inside. You don’t have to pretend
with us.” He pulled the covers further up, tucking them in just below her arms
and again resumed his rubbing and stroking of her arm. She looked from one male
to the other. Both had set aside their differences for her. Both wanted her.
Suddenly, and for some unknown reason, emotion welled inside her. She couldn’t
exactly say why.

Was
it all that had happened today? Or simply Rushe’s words of encouragement to
open up and not pretend she was strong. The truth was, she wasn’t. Her lip
wobbled so she bit down on it. When her eyes filled with tears she blinked
several times not wanting to cry. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she could
not stop the tears from falling.

“That’s
it. Let it at all out, sweetheart. We are here.” Ross’ voice was gravelly.

She
glanced up through her veil of tears, noticing how Rushe swallowed thickly. It
made her even sadder to see how her tears were affecting these two warriors.

This
was terrible, she was allowing herself to fall for them.
Both of them
.
It couldn’t get much worse.

Using
just the pad of his thumb, Rushe wiped away the hot drops as they cascaded down
her cheeks. He leaned in and hugged her, pulling her against his hard body. God
it felt good. Too freaking good.

Ross
growled softly. It was a sound that she had come to recognize as frustration. “Move
over.”

Rushe
obeyed by moving back, pulling her along with him. Becky was still crying
softly, unable to stop. It had been a very long time since someone had cared
this much about her. Ross’ big body flanked her front side. He slid his arm
around her waist.

“It
is only normal for you to feel this way.” Rushe’s hot breath fanned the back of
her neck as he spoke. He still gently caressed her arm, his big body pressed up
flush behind her.

“I
don’t think I’m crying because of what happened earlier.” She sniffed, wiping
away more tears as they fell. She shouldn’t be telling them this.

“Why
are you crying then?” Ross asked.

She
cracked open her lids, his dark fathomless eyes stared back at her. They
softened as their gazes locked. Rushe seemed to hold his breath behind her.

“It’s
just been so long,” she stammered. “You know what? Forget I said anything. I
have a big mouth.”

“You
have a lush, delectable mouth perfect for many things that I would prefer not
to discuss right now. Too big…no”—he shook his head—“the term I would use for
describing your lips is fucking perfect.” His eyes dropped to her mouth for a
second and his gaze heated.

“Human
females are highly emotional. It is important to talk about your feelings often
and it’s very important that the male in your life listens.” Rushe gave Ross a
hard look.

She
couldn’t help but to giggle. “Did you read that in the cosmo?” She asked
through her tears.

She
felt him shift behind her. “Only the part about human females being emotional
and needing to talk often. The rest is kind of obvious.”