Page 119 of Drama Queen

The question sets all three of them growling in warning, but it's Maddock who responds. "You're playing with fire, Moon. Your heat is approaching faster than expected. I wouldn't tempt fate."

I met his gaze challengingly. "Would my alphas mistreat me if I had been with other males?"

Horror flashes in his eyes. "No. Never," he whispers, though his words are firm. It's in their nature to protect what's theirs.

"Good," I turn back to Knox, meeting his gaze head-on. "Then no, I've never been with another male during a heat. Hendrix is the only one, before and after the rejection." I clear my throat, needing them to understand everything. "I'm also shiftless. I've never shifted into my wolf, though I can feel her." The familiar self-doubt washes over me, bringing all my insecurities to the surface — reminders that I might not be enough for a pack like theirs, that they deserve more.

"Who told you that? You're not shiftless, and even if you were, it wouldn't matter to us." Kato sits beside me on the sofa, his hand finding mine in support.

It takes a moment for his words to sink in. "What do you mean? I've never shifted. My mother was shiftless too, you know." As if that validates my argument.

Maddock moves around the couch and sits on the coffee table in front of me, surprisingly supporting his weight. He looks at Evie sleeping peacefully before meeting my eyes with determination.

"My sweet Moon," he sighs sadly, knowing we need to have these conversations but hating our circumstances. "You mated with Hendrix the night of your first shift, before the moon had risen high enough. You conceived before the transformation could occur. Once fertilized?—"

"I can't shift into my wolf," I finish for him, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "But why haven't I shifted since then? Evie is ten months."

Maddock smiles sadly when he answers, "Who would care for our pup if not for you? Our nature is possessive and protective above all else. If you have no mates to watch over our young, your wolf won't allow it. Your biology has been adjusting since you encountered Knox, preparing you for your heat. Soon after,you'll shift, but only if this heat doesn't result in another pregnancy."

Appreciative growls surround me; my mates like the idea of their seed taking root, rounding my belly with a new cub. But am I ready?

Again, Maddock reads my thoughts accurately. "This heat will be on your terms, Moon. Yours alone. You decide."

Damn him and his sexy selflessness. "Sounds like we have a lot to discuss," I say, warmth spreading through me, a groan escaping involuntarily.

Knox's eyes widen like saucers. It would be comical if he didn't look so concerned. "Mate," he breathes, his eyes blown wide, glancing nervously at his brothers. "We need to have that discussion now. Judging by your scent, you have only a couple of hours at most before it starts. I know it's not much time, so I need you to answer my questions quickly, okay?"

Nervously, I nod, unsure how to respond. Less than twenty-four hours ago, my mates didn't exist. "Yes, okay."

"Good, girl," he praises, though I should object on behalf of all women, I don't, shivering instead, like the bitch in heat I'm about to become. "Do you understand you're going into heat?"

"Yes," I moan, a wave of heat rolling through me.

"Oh, fuck," Knox mutters, closing his eyes tightly in concentration. "I know we still have a lot to work through, but do you want Hendrix here?"

I whimper as another wave hits, but nod vigorously.Yes, I want him here.

"Okay, good girl. Kato, get Hendrix here quickly," Knox instructs his brother, never breaking eye contact with me. "Do you understand what a heat entails? The mating, the knotting, the claiming. I can't promise we'll be able to hold back from claiming you. My wolf is riding me hard, and I'm sure my brothers are feeling the same. Where's your head at, pretty girl?"

Each time he mentions claiming, my clit throbs. There are a million things we need to sort out, but deep down, I know I want them just as badly. I always have. "Yes..." The word leaves my lips as a plea, begging for their touch.

"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Hendrix needs to pick up the damn phone," Kato growls, pacing and flinging his hands dramatically.

Another moan escapes my lips, my core vibrating with Knox's chesty growl. All three of my mates growl appreciatively as my scent fills the air.

"Protection?" Knox asks, confusing me.Why are they still dressed?"Ares, focus, sweetheart. We're clean, but do you want us to use protection? If not, there's a good chance you'll get pregnant again. You won't be able to shift until after the pup is born."

"Evie?" I need to ensure she's cared for because I'm losing focus.

"Maddock put her down for a nap. We'll watch over her, love. Now, can you answer my question? It's crucial we decide before your heat overwhelms us. We won't think as clearly."

"Um..." My moan signals it's too late; the shift isn't a big concern compared to having my mates bare inside me. The thought makes me growl in demand.

Knox chuckles darkly. "You heard our mate. Bare skin only." His wandering hand confirms his anticipation of my consent.

"Is Hendrix on his way?" Knox checks, trying to maintain enough coherence to ensure I'm ready and have everything I need.

"He's coming," Kato confirms, slick pooling between my thighs. His nostrils flare, his eyes locked onto mine, both man and wolf asserting their presence, letting me know I'll never escape them again.

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