Page 10 of Doubly Claimed

“Every Triad pair who came here this weekend received a packet of information. There are rules to be followed, of course, and anyone who breaks them will be expelled from the island,” Callan added.

“Just so I understand correctly, you are sayin’ anyone with that there bracelet on their wrist is fair game?” Mayne asked.

“Yes. And, I am sure I do not have to explain, when you find your thirds, they are to be cherished, protected, and willing. Be sure to get consent before you proceed with any mating.”

“Of course,” Mayne responded, and to be honest, he sounded affronted.

Not that Misha blamed him. No honorable Shifter took a female who was unwilling. At least not in this century. Besides, it was his understanding fated mates felt the pull. Would it be the same for humans? He did not know the answer.

His mind raced with questions, but he just listened quietly to the conversation as it touched upon several topics. The other Alphas settled into silence as well. That was to be expected. Alpha’s tended to talk with claws and teeth, not words. They were men of action.

It was often the Omegas who took up the reins of discussion. Too many dominant Shifters in one place meant tensions were often high. That was never a good thing, but they had Omegas to keep the peace. Of course, that peace was dubious in times of heightened emotions. Like this. Every Triad there was unmated. All the males would be desperate to find their third to complete the circle of power that was rightfully theirs. Some would be sneaky, perhaps stooping to unacceptable levels to secure a female.

“It would be sad for them if they did,” Landry inserted, and Misha realized he’d spoken aloud.

“It’s in their nature,” he put forward.

“And it is in mine to kill anyone who disobeys my ruling,” Callan said, his Dragon flashing in his eyes.

“Yes, but a female would solve all those impulses. Don’t you think? The right female, that is.” Ross nodded and raised his glass in toast.

Misha just grunted. Their connection meant they could pick up on each other’s thoughts. It could be invasive, but in reality, it just meant their bond was strong. Telepathic communication had many benefits, especially when fighting.

And fucking, Ross’ snarky comment invaded his brain and this time his Bear rolled his eyes. The Elk was a dog when it came to women. Misha was all aggression and dominance, while Ross was the charmer of the two. He usually talked the woman into agreeing to sex, whereas Misha showed his desire and lust with actions. They worked well together in all things. Sex was no different.

As with all Alpha Omega pairs, the focus was on the woman during mating. The men had no sexual relationship with each other. They worked together to bring the female maximum pleasure.

Everything they’d done up to this point had been practice. Misha and Ross learned the necessity of having that delicate balance during sex. Together they would be a joint task force, all for the sake of the pleasure of the most important part of their Triad. Their mate. They just had to find her.

Just imagine it, Misha, claiming our third will be the most passionate, intense experience of our lives. We need to find her. She might be here already.

“Fine.” Misha nodded and met the eyes of the other men at the table briefly. “We will stay and take part this weekend. I do not know if we will find our third, Callan, but I trust these Witches of yours did their job and that the human females know the deal. At least they won’t run screaming to YouTube about the existence of Shifters.” He tossed back the chilled shot of Arak that was sitting before him.

The Dragon nodded and took his own shot, slamming the glass face down on the table. Misha grimaced as the licorice flavored liquor burned his throat. It was good. Reminded him of home.

“The sun is setting. We have arranged the first round of meetings to take place here at the bar.”

“Okay then.” Ross clapped his hands together and looked towards the stairs that led off the sand and up to the increasingly crowded open-air bar.

It was time for the Shifter version of speed dating, Misha observed with a snort. Too much was riding on this for flippancy, but he needed something to distract his beast. Once the idea of finding his mate sunk in, the Bear scratched and clawed against his skin. He wanted to take charge, believing he was better able to identify their mate by scent than his human body. That might be true, but Misha would not allow the Bear to have his way.

Easy, friend, Ross spoke inside his mind to his animal. His Elk sent images to the Bear within, and Misha felt him settle down. He was still there, still watching, sifting through the scents in the air as they walked up those stairs to the tiki lounge.

There were dozens of Triad pairs walking around, casually looking at the wrists of the women present. Whenever they spotted a bracelet, the men would stop and engage the women.

“At least Callan has good taste,” Ross said, and Misha followed his gaze as it traveled over the several curvaceous women in attendance.

Shifters in general preferred a woman with curves. They provided the perfect contrast to the hard muscle that covered their Shifter mates. Oh yes. Big breasts, soft bellies, round asses, and fuck-me-thighs. The Elk Shifter was practically drooling, and Misha couldn’t blame him as his eyes roved across the spacious floor.

Suddenly, he stilled. It was like a five-alarm bell was sounding off, but only he could hear it. Well, him, and the growling Elk Shifter beside him. Mine, he thought, and his Bear roared inside of him. The sound echoed by Ross’ Elk’s deep bugle.

You see her too? Ross’ familiar voice invaded his mind at the same time Misha concluded that there was someone near. Someone he very much needed to meet.

See her.Scent her. Need her. Mine!

Ours, Ross pushed the word at him.

Yes, Misha agreed, and the Bear acknowledged the Elk’s claim immediately. Without Ross he would not be in control. They were a pair, a set, two-thirds of a Triad. And she was theirs.

“Ours,” he growled softly.

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