Page 20 of Their Mate
Jamie stepped closer, almost within reach, a lazy, confident grin on his lips. I forced myself to remain perfectly still, willing my heartbeat to slow, waiting for precisely the right moment.
Then I lunged forward in one swift motion, jamming the Taser straight between Jamie’s legs and hitting the trigger. His eyes widened in shock and agony, a strangled gasp escaping his lips as he crumpled heavily to his knees, clutching himself.
“Jesus—fucking—Christ,” he choked out, face pale with pain, doubled over and temporarily incapacitated.
I bolted instantly, pivoting sharply away from him toward the mouth of the alley, adrenaline screaming through my veins, breath rasping desperately in my throat.
My victory lasted mere seconds.
Edward lunged forward, faster than I could have anticipated. His powerful arms locked around my waist, spinning me around and pulling me roughly back against his chest. I cursed violently, struggling, kicking, and clawing enough that I almost freed myself.
Logan stepped in to grasp my wrists firmly. “Hold still,” he growled roughly, irritation and reluctant amusement warring in his voice. “We underestimated you the first time. We won’t make that mistake again.”
Edward chuckled darkly from behind me, his breath hot against my ear as his arms clamped tighter around my waist. “Better check thoroughly this time. God only knows what else she’s hiding.”
I twisted violently against them, my body shaking with fury, frustration, and unwanted heat.
Logan leaned in closer, his breath skimming my cheek, voice a deep, dangerous rasp. “Keep fighting, little mate. It only makes this more exciting.”
“Let. Me. Go.” My voice shook with anger, but I recognized a deeper, more troubling emotion I refused to acknowledge.
Edward’s voice dropped lower, his hold unyielding, warm, and strong. “Not a chance, love.”
Behind them, Jamie groaned painfully, still curled up on the pavement. “Bloody hell. She’s fucking vicious.”
Logan’s eyes glittered dangerously as they roamed over me, his dark intentions blazing furiously in their depths.
“No more running,” he said softly, every word dripping dominance. “Now we’re going to find out exactly what else you’re hiding.”
I swallowed hard, trying to quell my terror of what was about to happen. My breath came in short, rapid bursts, heart pounding furiously as Edward spun me in his arms and stared into my face, while Logan captured my wrists in his grip. They moved together until my back was pressed firmly against the cold brick wall. Edward stepped aside to assess me while Logan held me still. From the corner of my eye, I saw that Jamie had managed to stagger upright, face pale and slick with sweat, but rude amusement flickered stubbornly in his eyes.
“Stay still,” Logan ordered, voice rough and commanding, his breath hot against my ear.
I clenched my jaw, every muscle trembling with tension, defiance, and a traitorous thrill that surged through my veins at their close proximity.
“You’re making a mistake,” I hissed angrily, twisting again. Logan merely pressed his body harder against mine, pinning me completely. “I’m not your mate—I’m your enemy.”
Edward stepped in closer, his gaze cool and assessing. “So you’ve said. Repeatedly.” His voice was dry, clearly unimpressed.
Logan ran his hands down my sides, fingertips grazing softly along my ribs. My heart raced under his questing hands, betraying me further. I fought the shiver that danced down my spine at his touch, hating my body’s mutinous response.
His hands moved slowly, expertly, checking each pocket, every hidden fold of my clothing. He found the small blade tucked inside my sleeve first, drawing it out and raising an eyebrow.
“Clever girl,” he murmured appreciatively. Jamie chuckled softly in the background, well entertained.
Edward shifted closer, his fingers brushing along my stomach, deftly locating the thin throwing knife concealed in my waistband. He pulled it free, twirling it lightly between his fingers with a wry smirk. “Another one?”
Logan’s voice dropped lower, warm amusement creeping in beneath his growl. “I get the feeling you’re going to keep us busy.”
My breath hitched as Logan’s hand traveled lower, down to my thigh. His fingers wound around the sheath concealed there, pulling out another slim blade. He gave a low chuckle of surprise. “Three weapons already. Exactly how many blades are you hiding?”
“Enough,” I snapped, irritated by the wayward warmth blossoming low in my belly at his touch.
Jamie stepped closer again, voice rough, laced with derision. “You might want to check again. She’s a dangerous one.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed, but there was reluctant admiration in his gaze as he glanced down at the small arsenal they’d already found. “I’m starting to suspect that.”
Logan’s hands slowly traveled upward again, deliberately thorough, tracing my sides, ribs, and hips one last time, ensuring they’d missed nothing. The intimate sweep of his palms mademy breathing quicken embarrassingly, irritation mingling with a strong sense of unwelcome desire.
