His words hung in the air, thick with implication and the weight of unspoken truths. The instant he said them, I knew it was true. The pull I'd felt this time hadn't been for Tyler, it had been for this other guy, his twin brother. "You never said you were twins?" I whispered, looking up at Tyler with surprise as I tried to wrap my head around this turn of events. "I didn't think to. I guess it's common knowledge around here, but I suppose I didn't really consider that you're not from around here. But wait... you're his mate?" he asked, needing me to clarify the life-altering fact I had simply glossed over. I wasn't sure what to say. It felt like we were in a Mexican Standoff, each of us shifting our gaze from one to the other, waiting for someone to say something. When I didn't reply, he looked to his brother for answers. "Ryder?" "Yeah, she's my mate," he said, his tone firm and unapologetic. "Kate?" Tyler said, looking back to me for confirmation. He didn't look angry or up
Tyler and Ryder remained under the awning, watching as we drove away. "What happened, honey?" Aunt Mara asked, her tone filled with worry and concern. I kept it together a moment longer, waiting until we were out on the street before I let go. I sobbed. It was as if I had sprung a leak the way the tears simply flowed from my eyes. "Honey? What's going on?! Did they hurt you?!" Aunt Mara pressed, obviously concerned now that I'd been the victim of some terrible act or something. I had to set the record straight. I couldn't have her thinking my mate... Wait, correction, my MATES were complete and utter reprobates. "No," I managed to choke out. "Nothing like that," I tried to assure her, but I'm pretty sure that the delivery was unconvincing. "Then why are you crying like this? What happened, Katelyn?" she urged desperately. I tried to take a deep breath, but it caught in my throat. I pressed on regardless, knowing that I needed to give her an explanation. "They're... They're bot
Ryder picked me up. He arrived in a huge black Hummer that probably would have blocked out the sun had there been any. I ran through the rain, clutching Tyler's jacket to me for warmth. I'd brought it with me to return it, but to be honest, it was also bringing me some level of comfort and I wasn't really sure how I was going to part with it. "If you'd waited two seconds I would have brought the umbrella," Ryder said, gesturing to the black umbrella he had in his hand as he sat in the driver's seat. "I'm fine, it wasn't so bad," I lied, trying to downplay the fact that I'd just run through what felt like a fucking tsunami and was absolutely soaked. I pulled my hood back and shook out my damp hair before I slumped against the seat. "So what have you guys decided?" I asked, giving Ryder a searching look as he pulled away. "We can all discuss it together when we're back at the house," he said firmly, clearly not wanting to divulge any of the details without his brother. I sighed, r
"Why would I be jealous?" he asked seriously. "Does the mate bond feel less for me than it does for Tyler?" he asked, searching my face for answers."No," I replied honestly, pursing my lips and seeing his point."Exactly. If you feel the same way about both of us, then I've got nothing to be jealous of. I think it would probably come down to schedules and availability... Which means you'll probably be stuck with me a lot of the time, anyway," Ryder said with a mischievous grin."What do you mean?" I asked, uncertain why I'd be stuck with him more often."My schedule is pretty hectic," Tyler revealed, his shoulders slumping as he said it. It was obvious the guy was under immense pressure.I took a deep breath and considered the proposal for a minute. I leaned forward, resting my head in my hands and groaning. Then I sat up again and regarded them both."I dunno guys. It's cool that you'll be okay with it, but I don't know that I can get it through my head that it's not like some massi
Wrong...It started well enough. The boys led me to an enormous entertainment room where Tyler already had snacks, blankets, and pillows set out, probably in anticipation of our earlier failed 'date'. The TV was huge and the surround sound really made the experience super immersive. I was eager to just lay back and chill, allowing my brain a break from worrying about my current problems.I was huddled beneath a soft, fuzzy purple blanket and we were watching a comedy, something funny and lighthearted and not serious at all. Probably Tyler's attempt to ease any tension between the three of us. Within 15 minutes though, I had Tyler's hand in mine, our fingers gently stroking and caressing one another, the sensation soothing and calming. On my other side, I suddenly had Ryder's hand on my thigh, and it was wandering ever higher and higher, though the movement was so subtle and slow that it was almost imperceptible.Tyler's touch was calming while Ryder's fingers felt exciting and thrilli
Tyler froze midway into sitting, his attention now focused in the direction of the voice. "We're in here" he called out, immediately straightening up. In contrast, Ryder slouched even further into the sofa with a resigned sigh. "Here we go," he muttered under his breath. I felt sick, my anxiety peaking. I was about to meet the Alpha and Luna of the River Gorge Pack. My mates' parents. I stood, squeezing as close to Tyler as I could without seeming weird. He obviously sensed my discomfort and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, giving me a light squeeze. The woman who casually strolled into the room was nothing like I had imagined. She was tall and graceful with a presence that filled the room. Her hair was a soft brown, probably similar to my own natural color, with streaks of silver that hinted at her wisdom and experience. Her eyes were a warm hazel color and they scanned the room, predictably landing on me with curiosity. "And this must be your mate?" she asked, her gaze shifti
I snatched it back as if it were on fire. "The fuck dude?" I murmured in shocked disbelief, but he only chuckled. "I just had to check the 'total slut' theory," he replied with a shrug. I glared at him. I was about to tell him how wildly inappropriate that had been, but then I figured that was probably the reaction he'd been hoping for. So I went in a different direction. "Wow... That was disappointing. But Tyler is your 'big' brother, right?" I asked hopefully, trying to sound as believable as possible. It was now his turn to gasp in shocked disbelief. "What?!" I shrugged. "I'm not sure what reaction you were hoping for, Ryder. I guess I kinda expected more," I went on casually as I pulled Tyler's jacket around myself tightly and gave Ryder a pitying look. I could see the wheels of his mind working, trying to figure out whether I was joking or not. Unfortunately, my acting abilities only went so far and the look of panic and discomfort on his face made me break character. I c
(Tyler's POV)I watched along with my mom and dad as Ryder escaped the room with Katelyn close in tow. My parents' faces were etched with irritation and disappointment that they hadn't been able to continue their inquisition, but the room was silent until Katelyn and Ryder's footsteps had faded away and we heard the front door close.I felt the weight of expectation pressing down on me. It was a familiar burden, but tonight it had taken on a new form."Tyler..." Mom began, a look of concern on her face that I had seen countless times before, but I cut her off."No," I stated, my tone firm yet respectful as my gaze shifted between them. I sat forward in my seat now, agitated. "I actually can't believe you would disrespect my mate like that," I shook my head in disbelief. "She's probably convinced she's unwelcome here now. She was so nervous to meet you and I tried to tell her it wouldn't be so bad, but you were exactly what she anticipated," I kept my tone calm and measured."Well at l