Once Bitten Twice Smitten: BBW Werewolf Shifter Menage Romance (11 page)

One afternoon, Chase went for a run in the forest, just behind the National Federation complex. These woods were more like home, much bigger than in Aspen’s town, and with an exciting scent of wolf here and there. He was just walking back to his room, when he picked up another, very familiar scent. It was thin and far away – maybe three miles or more – but it was undoubtedly her. His body sprang into full alert, and immediately his mind began to hatch a plan. He could go and find her, catch her by herself, and spend some time together, just the two of them. And then he could convince her that he was the one destined to be her mate. He put his nose in the air and sniffed. He could no longer make out her scent, but it shouldn’t be difficult to pick it up again. He started walking in the direction that he’d first smelled her.

But, after he’d gone a few yards, he stopped. He couldn’t do this. Aspen was an amazing person; he couldn’t win her by trickery. They all had to be together at the same time, so she could figure out fairly and openly which one had bitten her. His wolf whined in confusion. Chase Cooper, not winning at all costs? That was unheard of! Shaking his head as if he didn’t fully understand it himself, Chase went over to Brad’s room and knocked on his door.

“What’s up, bro?” Brad said, his chiseled features breaking into a friendly grin at the sight of him. He’d done the right thing, Chase acknowledged.

“Guess who’s here?” he said. Brad’s grin turned up a hundred watts.

“Where? – Oh, wait, I can smell her!” Brad started running towards the courtyard in front of the Federation building, and Chase followed. And there she was, getting out of her cute little red car. The two men stopped and stared. She was wearing a black, clinging, v-neck shirt, an indigo A-line skirt and black lace pantyhose. Her hair was loose and she had on the same black boots as before. She looked ravishing.

“Hey,” she said, a little shyly, but her eyes were bright with pleasure at seeing them. “I was just passing, so I thought I’d stop by!” They bounded up to her and, not sure how to greet her, each planted a kiss on her cheek at the same time.

“Stop! You make me feel like Marilyn Monroe!” she said, laughing.

“You’re staying here, right?” Chase said. Aspen looked up at the Federation building. It was an imposing old structure, the kind of place you’d expect to house government offices.

“What is this place?” she asked.

“It’s part of the National Federation of Werewolves. An organization that helps to keep the peace between packs, and prevent humans from finding out about us,” Chase said.

“And it’s some pretty excellent accommodation that you can stay in for free, as long as you’re a werewolf.”

“Nice,” Aspen said. “But how will I prove it? Don’t I need an ID card or something?” Both men broke into laughter.

“Don’t worry; they’ll know,” Chase said. “They’ll be able to tell by your smell.”

“And see it in your eyes,” Brad added.

“My eyes look different?” Brad stared deep into them, making her shiver.

“They’ve got little flecks of gold in, which they most likely didn’t have before.”

“Nope, they used to be plain-old blue,” she said.

“That’s usually a giveaway that someone’s a werewolf,” he said, with a wink.

Aspen’s room was amazing. It was like the most luxurious hotel room ever, with satin everything, striped brocade walls, and a huge feather bed. Animal skins were strewn around, and there was a real fire glowing in the hearth. The bathroom was insanely opulent too. It was done out in marble, with a walk-in rainforest shower and a sunken tub that could have fitted three people. There was a row of little glass containers of bath oil running along the wall. Aspen sighed. She was very tempted to jump in and soak her muscles, which were aching from being constrained by the long car journey. But Brad and Chase had dinner plans. She looked at herself in a full-length mirror. She hardly ever looked at herself full on. The mirrors at home only showed her face and chest, and that’s how she liked it, but now she took a breath at the sight of her reflection. It was as if her eyes had been opened for the first time, and she could see herself as the werewolves saw her. She had amazing, bouncy cleavage, her waist and hips were real curvy, and there was something inviting about the soft flesh of her thighs.
Damn! I’m looking good!
she whispered to the mirror. Her face seemed different too. It was her, but like someone had turned up the brightness by a factor of three. Her skin and eyes were glowing, and her lips were redder and fuller than usual.

Her outfit showed off her body well, but she hoped the restaurant wasn’t too fancy, as they were just day-to-day clothes.

The guys had changed into button-down shirts, Brad in a pale blue one, and Chase in a white one. They both looked incredible. Aspen found herself longing to unbutton their shirts and run her fingers over the tanned skin beneath.

“Are my clothes too casual?” she asked.

“No!” they both said at once. “You look perfect,” “You look great,” they both said at the same time, interrupting each other.

They went in Chase’s car, and Aspen picked up the scent of a steak restaurant from a couple of blocks away.

“Is that what I think it is?” she said.

“What else?” Brad said, his dark eyes flashing. Aspen was virtually salivating. She’d always loved steak, but this was ridiculous!

The restaurant was cozy and dimly lit. They picked a corner table, with a red velvet banquette. Aspen sat in the middle, with the guys on either side of her. After they ordered a T-bone steak, fries and onion rings each, Chase excused himself to the restroom. Brad turned to Aspen.

“I’m so glad you came to find us, Aspen,” he said. “I’m hoping with everything I’ve got that you’re my destined mate, but, even if it turns out that you’re Chase’s girl, I really hope that we can be friends. You’re such a cool girl; I would hate for you not to be in my life.” Aspen’s eyes widened. He was close, his mouth inches from hers. It took all of her self-control not to lean forward and kiss him.

“Me too,” she breathed. “I love being with you guys. When we were all together at the hotel that time, it just felt
right
to be with both of you. I don’t know how I’m going to figure out which of you is supposed to be the one for me.” Chase was back, and he’d caught the end of the conversation.

“You really don’t feel more drawn to one of us than the other?” he asked. Aspen shook her head.

“I don’t. I wish I knew how I’m supposed to figure it out, but, in my mind, it feels equal.” Brad nodded reasonably, but Chase’s eyes showed a flicker of hurt. He straightened himself up in his seat to hide his reaction.

“Hey, is that the wine list?” he said, reaching across the table for it. As he did, his bare forearm brushed against Aspen’s upper arm. She jumped. He seemed to be buzzing with electricity.

“Oooh!” she said. “That was weird.”

“You’ve gotta stop wearing those polyester shirts, dude!” Brad said, shaking his head.

“Shut up,” Chase snapped.

“Try it again,” Aspen said. He did, and her arm jolted again. “Freaky! Maybe it’s the wiring in here.” Chase laughed.

“Aspen, it’s not the wiring. Look at your arm!” She lifted her arm and looked at it. The scar beneath her tattoo was glowing bright pink. It was almost neon. Chase touched it with his fingertips and she received a third surge of electricity.

“Wow,” that’s crazy,” she said. “Brad, you touch it too.” Brad stretched forward and laid his fingers on it, as Aspen held her breath. Nothing. He tried a couple more times. He tried with his forearm. Still nothing.

“You’re mine!” Chase said to her. He turned, so he was fully facing her. “Your scar reacts to my touch because I was the one who bit you! Aspen, you’re my mate!”

“That makes perfect sense,” Brad said. He tried once more for good measure, but the scar paled and retreated. He sank back against the banquette, letting out a long sigh, heavy with disappointment.

Chase’s eyes fixed on Aspen’s, full of desire, and something softer as well. And she’d never felt so conflicted. The urge to kiss him was overwhelming. This was so much more than she’d ever dreamed of. Yet, there was Brad, right behind her. Chase took her hand, lifted it to his lips and kissed it. “Mine,” he whispered. Aspen’s heart leapt, at the same time that her head span. She had assumed that discovering her true mate would bring clarity for all of them. Yes, she had Chase! But how could she not be with Brad?

Just then, the server brought their food, and Aspen straightened herself out in her seat. She risked a quick glance at Brad. He was trying to make the best of it, but he was obviously devastated. She wanted to pull him into her arms and kiss him better. But she couldn’t. She was Chase’s mate now!

They ate quickly, fueled by hunger, as well as the desire to get away from the table to indulge their three separate desires. Chase wanted to be alone with Aspen, to finally claim her as his mate. Aspen was torn between wanting to be by herself to process what had the just happened, wanting to be with Chase, and wanting to comfort Brad. And Brad just wanted to get away from the two of them.

They were done in less than ten minutes, plates completely clean.

“Wow!” the server said. “Those steaks have got the better of plenty of people. But you guys have demolished them!” Aspen allowed herself a grin. She was enjoying her werewolf appetite a lot.

When they got into the car, Brad deliberated over sitting in the front seat with Chase, or in the back with Aspen. She was Chase’s girl now, and being near her was almost a physical pain for him.

“Hey, sit with me,” she said gently, and he reluctantly climbed into the seat next to her.

None of them spoke on the journey back, alone with their private thoughts. When they reached the hotel, Chase got out of the car and stretched expansively. Aspen looked at Brad, wondering if this was the last time they’d be alone together. She opened the car door a crack and called to Chase,

“Just a moment.” He frowned, then after a pause, he nodded. She closed the door again.

“Brad, I’m so sorry it wasn’t you,” she said. You’re both such great guys. I mean – I’m glad it is Chase. I’m not saying that I’m not into him – ”
Damnit! I’m saying the worst possible things right now. I was trying to make him feel better, but I’m just making things worse!
In annoyance, she scratched at the itch on her ankle that had been driving her crazy for the past few days.

“Hey, what is that?” Brad said.

“Oh, just a scrape I think. It’s super itchy though,” she said.

“Let me take a look.” She raised her ankle towards him, and he encircled it in his hand. Immediately, a jolt of electricity crackled between them.

“What the – ?” He touched it again, and the same thing happened. The little patch of skin began to glow intensely pink through her lace pantyhose.

“Aspen – ” Brad said. She dug her fingers into the lace and tugged. It tore easily, revealing a raised pink scar. It was tiny, only half an inch across. Brad stroked it with his fingertip, and it buzzed and throbbed. Brad’s eyes widened with hope. He opened the car door. “Chase, come over here!” Chase stuck his head through the car door.

“What is it?” he said irritably, then, “what the fuck are you doing?” as he saw Aspen’s torn pantyhose.

“Touch her scar, here,” Brad said. Chase ran his finger over it, and the scar paled and flattened. Brad touched it again, and it bloomed neon pink, with the sparks from his fingers making Aspen’s leg tremble.

“What?” Chase knocked Brad’s hand away and touched it again, and again. Nothing. Brad repeated the action: pink, raised and tingly.

“You bit me too!” Aspen exclaimed. “Chase took a piece out of my arm that day, but you must’ve nipped my ankle!” She looked from one to the other. “So, what does this mean?” Chase took a deep breath.

“I think it means that you’re the destined mate of us both,” he said slowly. Brad slipped his hand into Aspen’s.

“Really?” he said, his voice full of hope. “Aspen, that’s why you couldn’t work out which of us you were supposed to be with. We both have a claim on you!”

“That’s amazing!” she said. Brad looked happy; Chase looked like someone had burst his balloon. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

The two men followed Aspen up the grand staircase that led to her room. They were both so close that she could feel their breath on the back of her neck. Her skin tingled from its awareness of theirs, but neither of them touched her.

She brought them into her room and sat on the bed, suddenly not sure what to do. They both stood near the door, shuffling from side to side. She realized that she was now in control of things. How crazy that these two stunning alpha males were waiting on her direction! But she was so inexperienced. Nervously, she reached both her hands out. Brad took her left, and Chase took her right, and they sat on either side of her. Brad dipped his head and brought his mouth to hers. She tilted her jaw upwards, and their lips met. His lips were impossibly soft and pillowy, and the pressure made her body tingle all over. There was a low growl, and Chase’s arms encircled her waist. She broke away from Brad, and turned her face to Chase. He cupped her jaw with his hand, and kissed her, more firmly than Brad, the tip of his tongue immediately darting out and licking at her lips.
Wow!
She sighed. Brad’s hand slid onto her thigh and tugged a little. He turned her head back to him, and she met his lips with a fierce kiss. He made a sound deep in his throat. His tongue slipped into her mouth, seeking out hers. It flickered back and forth, with light movements that made her dizzy. After a few seconds, Chase pulled her back to him, and possessed her mouth again, his tongue probing more deeply.