Kacie
“I’m scared of this overwhelming feeling of security I feel with you two. I’m terrified I’m going to want forever. I’m going to fool myself into believing I have it just to have it pulled out from under my feet,” Jake said with a shrug. “This feels so good, so right, I don’t want to go back to a life without you guys.”
“It feels right because it is right,” I said.
“If we’re being honest, I’m not either of your mates,” Jake said.
“Do you have to be our mate for us to love you?” Viktor asked. “Have I not loved you for years?”
“I already told you you belong with us,” I said. “Did you not feel that way last night? Did you not feel like you held a place with us?” I asked.
“I felt everything and more,” Jake said. “But can we not pretend that I have a permanent place here?”
“Who’s pretending? I’m not pretending,” I said. “I meant everything I said yesterday and I sure as hell mean what I say now.”
“Why do you think you don’t already have one?” Viktor asked.
“What about an heir?” Jake asked. Viktor and I both fell silent. We haven’t even fully discussed a child. I know he needs an heir but I really enjoy this time we’ve been having together.
“I haven’t thought of a child,” I said. “I still have to try and get control of my gift. There’s no time for one right now. We will tackle that obstacle when that day comes but right now-”
“Right now and one day can mean two completely different things for me though, Kacie, don’t you see that?” Jake asked. “Regardless of what you’re ready for or if you haven’t put much thought into a child, Viktor will need an heir because he’s Alpha.” I don’t know what to say to that. A child is not something we are ready for.
“Now you’ve got me in the mix. Will we play the pullout game or?” Jake asked.
“Are you seriously being an ass right now?” I asked.
“What happens when the child comes out like me instead of him?” Jake asked ignoring my question.
Viktor doesn’t say anything as he stares at Jake. I don’t know what to say. I haven’t thought far enough into the future.
“Will it be a bastard or will you treat it as yours?” He asked and the anger was evident in his voice.
“I didn’t know you thought this way,” Viktor said.
“Don’t give me that,” Jake hissed. “Just yesterday you were wanting to kill me.”
The words were like a slap to his face and Viktor flinched. “Jake,” I breathed.
“Am I wrong?” Jake asked.
“Did you not claim us as yours yesterday?” I asked.
“That’s not an answer to my question,” Jake said.
“I haven’t thought of an heir but if Kacie were to carry your child, I would consider it mine, too. Or would it not be mine?” Viktor asked. “If you are mine, wouldn’t your child also be mine?” My shoulders shake as silent tears make their way down my cheeks. I watch as Viktor’s words melt Jake’s anger and his bottom lip starts to tremble.
“We,” Viktor said as he looked at me before his gaze returned to Jake, “want to figure out how to be together.” I nod in agreement. I haven’t had the time to talk to Viktor one-on-one but I’m happy we can read each other.
“What about the pack?” Jake asked.
“The pack will understand because I am Alpha. If I say you are mine then you are mine. Isn’t that right, Kacie?” Viktor asked.
I nod. “Yes, Viktor. I will support him in this and they will have no choice but to accept it, Jake. Yes, there will be people who snicker and talk but they can talk. Let them. It doesn’t change the fact that you are ours.”
“What we have is different it doesn’t make it wrong,” I said.
“How is this supposed to work?” Jake asked.
“Like it’s been working for the last 24 hours,” I said. “It’s been amazing and I don’t think Viktor and I could go on without you.”
His eyes close and he takes in a ragged breath. “Will you hide me?” Jake asked. I look to Viktor and we have this look of understanding pass between us. I feel open as I hear his vulnerability in his voice.
“No, Jake,” I said. “We won’t hide you.”
“Now that I’ve had a taste of happiness, I can’t let you go,” Viktor said. “I won’t.”
“I need you to promise to tell me if anything changes,” Jake murmured.
“Nothing will change,” Viktor said.
“I promise,” I said. I know nothing will change but I also want to soothe Jake’s fears. I can see and feel the relief flood through him as his shoulders relax and the tension I’ve been feeling from his disappears.
“I need you,” Viktor said. Jake and I both turn to look at him.
“You’ve always had me, Vik,” Jake said. The emotion in his voice has me closing my eyes, it’s so raw, so heartfelt, a sob lodged in my throat. I watch as Viktor leans over and grips the back of Jake’s neck. He pulls him in and claims his mouth with his own. They separate with a moan from Jake.
I get to my feet and turn to face them. For the second time today, I strip down to my underwear and stand in front of them. I stand confidently in front of them and as their eyes slide down my body, I clench my thighs as the need for them shoots through my body.
I turn and head for the stairs. The couch groans as they both get up and follow me. Jake is right behind me and pinches my right cheek and I squeal. I start running up the stairs and they chase after me.