“Honestly, I don’t know. Az, Mal, and Grayson have an understanding. They came together for me, and Hunter…we have no choice about him because he’s part of our Tribus.”
“You’re worried Grayson will reject the idea of Uri.”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t blame him if he did. I mean, he’s an alpha Loup, and they don’t share, and I can’t help but feel like a selfish bitch for asking.”
“At least you’re not banging first, asking questions later,” Cora said. Her expression sobered. “Mal and Az are okay with it, but what if Grayson says no.”
I ignored the tightness in my chest. “Then, no. I won’t go there with Uri. I’ll add some distance so that this thing blossoming between us can’t flourish. Right now…Right now, we’re on a precipice. I can allow myself to fall or turn and run the other way.”
“You’re right, babe. Grayson has resolved himself to Mal and Az. I guess his Loup can accept them because they were with you first, a part of your life, like a package deal.”
I covered my face. “Why am I such a hussy?”
She sighed and pulled me into a hug. “You’re not a hussy. You have a lot of love to give, and you just happen to have found several guys you have a strong connection with. Just be prepared for resistance from Grayson. He won’t like this. It’ll take time for him to adjust, but I can’t believe for one moment he’d make a decision that would make you unhappy.”
“And I won’t do anything to hurt him.” Which made me wonder. “Am I being selfish for even asking?”
“No, Fee,” she said. “You’re being true to yourself. Too many people sacrifice their happiness for others, and as long as you don’t expect the men you love to sacrifice their happiness, then there’s no harm in wanting more.”
“And what if they want more?” The thought made my chest ache. It made me wonder how they could share me when the thought of sharing them made me want to cry. “Oh, fuck, I am selfish.”
“Stop it!” Cora said. “You went through shit for these guys. You were hurt, and you got back up, your heart was battered, but you carried on, and now when they’ve finally come to an arrangement to share your heart, you’re doubting it?” She cupped my shoulders. “Your problem is that deep down, you always think you’re not worth it. But you are. So shut the fuck up and accept the love you’re offered. Trust me, if any of the guys ever feel they can’t hack it anymore, they’ll let you know.”
She was right. Of course, she was right. “I’ll speak to Grayson as soon as he gets back. I have to be honest, whatever the outcome.”
She studied my face. “Damn, Fee, you need more sleep. You have dark circles under your eyes.”
“I did sleep. A lot.”
“I think Cyril must be doing the same. I haven’t seen him in days.”
Come to think of it, neither had I. “You know what…I think Keon left without Delphine. I think her and Cyril are holed up somewhere here. He did say something about nesting.”
Cora sighed. “Even the fucking python is getting some love. He’ll show up when he’s ready. Come on, let’s get you some healthy food.”
We headed for the door. “How is the Magiguard mission going.”
“It’s not. I’ll tell you all about it later, and you can fill me in on the Underealm escapades.”
We headed back downstairs and stepped out of the lift into an atmosphere charged with tension. I smelled Grayson before I saw him. He was standing in the kitchen, face to face with Uri, lip curled, husky eyes in Loup shift mode.
“Answer me,” he said. “Why do you have Fee’s scent all over you?”
Uri kept his hands loose at his sides, his stance non-confrontational. “I slept in her bed.”
Oh fuck.
Grayson’s chest rumbled in a growl. He was about to attack. I ran across the room, and his head whipped my way. I skidded to a halt, my Loup instinct warning me to back away. He strode toward me, and the alpha in me kept me rooted to the spot in defiance. His nostrils flared, and then I was scooped off my feet and slung over his shoulder.
Heat coursed through me as my Loup recognized her mate, acknowledging the fact he wouldn’t hurt her, but the demon and the human sides of me trembled with fear. Because this was rage. This was