I lost track of time as we prowled the forest together, investigating bushes and rocks, occasionally spotting other shifters in the distance.
Something was happening between the three of us. A sort of rapport that allowed our beasts to communicate in a nonverbal way. I knew when Freid wanted to roll on a bed of clover. I knew when Penn got thirsty and scented out a little stream. Together, we understood when we were all ready to back to the parking lot and retake our human forms. There was no discussion, no hesitation. We simply turned as a unit and headed back the way we’d come.
My tiger reached Penn’s car first. In human form now, I stood at the hood and reached for my pants.
Penn and Freid came up seconds later and stood naked before me. We all tried to be polite, but of course we were checking each other out. I couldn’t deny it. My mates were handsome. Even if pheromones hadn’t been a part of our powerful three-way attraction, I would have looked twice at either of them.
Penn had a lovely body, lean and pretty, mostly hairless as many omegas were, with a lovely ass.
Freid had a golden skin tone with rippling muscles, a flat stomach, and I couldn’t help but notice how well-endowed he was.
As I pulled on my pants, Penn let out a little squawk.
Freid and I both turned toward him. “What?”
He stood with his shoulders hunched, his hands clasped in front of his crotch. “My clothes. They’re in pieces.”
We glanced at the ground and saw it was true. His pants were split in two, his shirt reduced to strips of cotton. His shoes and a broken silver necklace chain were the only things he’d been wearing that remained at the spot where he’d abruptly shifted.
“I’ve got a pair of sweats in my car. They’re going to slide right off you, but it’s better than nothing.”
“Thanks.” Penn looked like he was starting to shiver.
Freid ran down the aisles to find his car.
“I left my shirt at the booth inside. It’ll be big, but it’s a button-up so it will work. I’ll go grab it.” I ran for the front door of the club, showing my handstamp to the doorman.
Surprisingly, the booth had not yet been cleared. My shirt and the wrapping paper from my gift were still there. I grabbed the shirt and jogged back outside. The cool air washed over me. The run had left me hot but not overly tired. I wasn’t panting even a little as I ran up to Penn and Freid.
Penn now stood in Freid’s black sweatpants, clutching them to his waist to keep them up. It was so cute, I wanted to take him into my arms and hold him tight.
I helped him into my shirt so he could hold onto his pants one hand at a time.
Freid retrieved the silver necklace from the ground. “This can be fixed, I think.”
“Thank you both.” Penn took the necklace into one fist. He stared at us, mouth drawn down. “I loved shifting and running with you both. It was amazing. I know you’re fated for me. But I need time. I hate to tell you both that. But I’m done for tonight. Is that okay?”
He smelled so good, I’d become immediately aroused. He must have smelled it on me. Freid, too, had a scent that was spicy and enticing.
“It’s fine,” Freid and I spoke at the same time.
My beast gave an inner mewl.Back up, tiger,I silently told him.That will have to wait.
“We’ve waited three years. We live and breathe patience,” Freid said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “You can find us through the number on here.”
Shyly, Penn took the card.
“We’re here for you. Now that we all know, that’s what matters,” I added.
Our omega wasn’t ready for marking or mating yet. No problem. I’d waited this long. I could dial it back for a bit longer. Plus, I wasn’t alone. Freid and I were already on this journey together. We could wait it out together.
My biggest question was, what had frightened our omega? My alpha wanted to fix it. And of course, Freid and I would do whatever it took.
The moon rose like a boat in the sky. The stars twinkled. It was everything. It had to be. For now.
Chapter Eight
Penn
