I made a last-ditch effort, one that would for sure work, but I needed to get close to him to get the full effect. I used my water powers to push myself forward, grabbing his head with both sides to force him to look at me and only me as I pulled up as much siren magic as I had in my bones and sang like my life depended on it.
I felt him stiffen, his eyes glazing over as I captured him with my magic, and a sudden relief took over me. I got him. Now I could sing his happy ass to jail to never see the light of day again. I was just about to speak the words to have him go to the car and buckle up when I felt his hands tighten on my biceps.
I looked down, seeing them squeeze, and gazed back up at him. Was he fighting my call? Impossible.
I saw a slight smile curve at his lips as one of his hands jerked from my arm and slammed into my throat, cutting off my song. As soon as it was cut, his eyes returned to their normal crazy self, but this time, they lit up with triumph. “I guess your mommy didn't tell you, did she?”
I stiffened at that, wondering what the fuck my mother did now. “I guess she failed to tell you that because I had been so saturated by her blood, I continue to carry a small measure of it in my system. It's just enough for me to survive your water attacks when I'm on the brink of death and make it so I can fight against your siren song.” My eyes widened as he clenched my neck, lifting me up high so my legs kicked in the air.
“Yes. Panic for me, little pet. No!” he yelled at himself before letting out a burst of laughter full of darkness and mayhem. He pulled me in closer. “No. I want you to beg me to take you. I want you to willingly break yourself for me. Tame that wildness inside of you, and succumb to me. I want you to want me to own you.”
He was now squeezing so hard that I knew it would leave a horrible mark as he lifted me up again. “Say it, pet! Beg!”
I could see black dots forming around my vision, knowing I was going to pass out soon and he would have me anyways, but I couldn't. I couldn't bring out the words. He didn't own what was already given away.
As soon as I let my hands drop, ready to succumb to the darkness, I heard a ferocious growl in the background. I heard James say, “What the fuc-” His words cut off as we both fell into the ocean, and he let go of my neck.
I could hear claws ripping and teeth mashing. A whole symphony of animalistic rage being taken out on James as his screams filled the air. My vision was still hazy, but I felt someone dragging me out of the ocean, a flash of gray and white fur appeared before it shifted into tan male yumminess.
Arms circled around me, curling me into a lap as a calm and soothing voice was talking to me over the sounds of James’ death-filled pleas. “We are here, baby. I got you. Please, please, baby, stay with me.” I felt water drop onto my neck, my skin sucking it up like it was a plant in the desert. “Yes. Soak up all the water, baby. Just hold on. It's almost over. We got you. I promise, we got you.”
My vision started to come back, and I shifted my head to see a familiar set of four massive wolves ripping apart the remnants of James. I watched as the water kept rising and falling along the shore, the moonlight shining so bright I could see the tint of deep red the water had turned. By the time the wolves were finished, I had looked up at my socially awkward wolf and smiled.
He smiled back down at me, his eyes darkening as he traced the burning spot where James’ hand was imprinted. Gears immediately scooped up the ocean water, dripping it along my neck, trying to speed up the healing process that the water gave us sirens. I guess they learned a little about that from the recent hospital run. It's not nearly as fast as vampire healing, but, within a few hours, I should only have a light bruise around my neck.
I turned and watched as each wolf shifted into the men I knew, all deliciously naked with a bit of blood around their mouths. It was a glorious sight knowing where that blood came from. I looked around them and saw a few bits floating out into the ocean.
Bricks came running up, his huge dick swinging in the wind, which was hard not to stare at, but his concerned eyes pulled me away, calling to me to soothe his worries.
Temptress! I was so worried about you. He pulled me carefully out of Gears’ arms and into his own lap, his nose going into the crook of my neck, and I winced in pain. He yanked back, looking at my neck, and a deep rumble broke from his throat, his livid fury evident in his eyes at what James did to my neck.If I could kill him again and lay his broken, bloody body at your feet, I would.His arms tightened around me in a gentle kind of way, trying to make sure he didn't jostle me or make me uncomfortable. I kissed his neck, and he whined, wanting to take it further but knowing he shouldn't.
“My turn.” Dino approached me slowly and hesitantly, despite his words being rushed and harsh. I smiled when Bricks laid a kiss on my cheek and carefully handed me over. Dino lifted me up to him, and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his torso as he hugged me. His low whispers in my ear caused me to tremble, even though I didn't know what he was saying, it sounded so nice. “Lo siento. Lo siento, mi corazón. Nunca más estarás solo.”I pet his head, letting him know that I was here, and everything was fine.
I felt arms circle around my back, kissing along my shoulder as Dino reluctantly gave me up. I turned to see my pretty boy, his icy steel eyes swirling with so many emotions that I cupped his face, trying to tell him that it was all okay. That he didn't lose me. He sat down on the ground, bending his head to rest on my chest as he shook, the adrenaline of the fight wearing off. “I can't lose you, Cupcake. I can't. It's not even possible at this point. If you left this world, I would die of heartbreak, I know it.” I pulled his face up to look at me, his eyes shining with unspilled tears. I bent down and kissed him softly. He moaned at the kiss, the same moan he gave me when I was clutching his cock, and I smiled. As we pulled apart, he added, “Plus, if you and I die, I don't think the world is ready for an unchecked Emma.”
I laughed. I couldn't help it, but since my throat was still scratchy, it came out like a hoarse cough. I grimaced at the pain. Everyone gave Duce a nasty look, but I waved them off, enjoying the chance to laugh after all the negativity lately. At that moment, I heard someone falling down in front of me, and I turned around in Duce’s arms to see Rabid on his knees with his head bowed.
“I'm so sorry, Celine. I was wrong to say those things like I did at the hospital. I should’ve just talked to you, asked you any of the questions I had instead of making horrible assumptions.” I could feel his pain from here, pooling off him in waves. When I didn't move, he kept going. “If we didn't have that fight, if I was there when you found that note, we could’ve figured out a better way to handle this. A way that wouldn't have gotten you so hurt. That is on me. This,” he motioned to the area around us, “is my fault, and I will never forgive myself for putting your life in danger.”
I pushed on Duce’s hands, which tightened on me, and I looked up at him. Behind him, all of the guys stood, making a statement. They were on my side. I smiled up at them and opened my mouth to tell them that it was okay when Duce stopped me with a kiss. I melted in his arms for a second before pulling away, looking at him in question. “What?” He smirked. “How else was I going to get you to stop trying to talk?” He ran a finger along my throat, the burning turning to an ache. “You still need some time to heal.”
I shrugged and gave them two thumbs up as I pulled at his hands again. He let go, but it took a lot of effort on his part, mumbling under his breath that Gears had “loads'' of more time holding me. I got on my knees and cupped Rabid’s cheeks with both hands, lifting his head for him to look at me. I could see the pain in those honey eyes. The regret that he hurt me shined forward. His eyes flicked to the guys behind him, and while I knew this apology was for me, I felt like a small part of it was also for them. For putting them all in this situation.
I smiled brightly, rubbing my thumb along his bottom lip. He rested his head in my hands, sighing into them, enjoying my touch. I pressed my cheek to his, my lips to his ear, and whispered, “I forgive you. Let's go home.”
His arms immediately circled me, pulling me in close to him, chest to chest, as he blatantly sniffed me all over. He rubbed his face on my head, shoulders, and arms, getting to as much as he could while being extra careful with my neck.
I ran my hands through his hair, letting him rest his head on my shoulder, letting him soak up being happy for a second. I made a move to back away, and his face snapped up, his eyes going a familiar wolfish yellow as he gripped my arms and growled out, “Mate.”
It took me a second to process this before I shoved at him and screeched, “What!?”
Chapter 27
AssoonasGearssaw me freak out, he scooped me up, told Bricks to take care of Rabid, as he took me back to the car that I had stolen. I stayed quiet, keeping all my screaming thoughts in my head.
What the fuck did he mean by that? Was it just his wolf saying that? Was that how they all felt? How do they know that I'm their mate? My head was spinning, and I couldn't seem to get it to stop.
Gears kissed my head as I opened the door and put me in the driver's seat. “Stay here, and don't move.” I didn’t move, not because he said so, but because my brain felt broken, just going on repeat. There was no way that I was their mate. Wolves found their wolfish girls and had little pups. Can a siren mate with another species? Yes, but it rarely happens, and if they have kids, usually the other species' genes take over. It's why my mother was so hell-bent on sirens mating sirens.
