What to do When They Come on Strong? 

“Well, that will not work for us. How are we to protect you if we can’t see what’s happening to you? That makes little sense.”

“And the two of you in my apartment makes anymore sense? You know exactly where everyone’s minds will go. I’m not a fool. I have ears and have heard about the things they’ve caught you doing, both of you, together. No. For now, I think my apartment will be my safe space. I’m not talking about this right now. I have things to do.” Helena darted between the coffee table and Chris’ knees and she left the room before either man could respond.

“I guess that’s too fast for her. Now, what do we do?” Brian crossed his arms over his chest and cocked an eyebrow at his brother. “It’s your idea that got us in this hot water. I say it’s you that who fixes it.”

“Fine. Let her think about it, then I’ll go talk to her. Just do your part. Find something on the Beta and our latest enemy.”

“I thought we were monitoring her safety?”

“I’ll handle it. Relax. She’ll see reason.” Chris felt humiliated. Someone told Helena about their indiscretions and now he’d need to explain the difference between her and their past lovers. He needed time to figure out what to say to persuade her to trust them.

“Whatever you do, don’t tell her she’s ours and different or she’ll run for the hills. It may be true, but it makes us appear like we see women as objects. For crepe’s sake. Her father offered her up. Do you think she’s fine with that? I know I’m not.”

“You think he didn’t give her a choice?” Chris frowned at Brian’s question.

“Were we?” Brian stood. He moved to the window and watched Helena make her way to the medical centre. “What makes you think she’s different?”

“Well, that definitely puts a kink in the workings. I need some time to figure this out. You need to get those things done.” Chris followed Helena out of the study.

——————————

“He said what? You’re kidding. They expected you to accept them both in your apartment. Where do they expect to sleep?” Jillian couldn’t believe what she heard Helena tell her. Helena just gave her a look. It was obvious where they planned to sleep. The rumours of the twins’ sexual appetites and their enjoyment of the same partner left no imagination of their plans.

“If their reputation’s true, they expect to sleep with me.” Helena’s eyes rolled heavenward in frustration and disbelief that the men expected her to let them do whatever they want.

“Well, there are worse things than entertaining those two, I guess. How do you feel about it? Any interest in one or the other yet?”

“Honestly? I’m attracted physically to both. But they’re assuming I’ll let them steamroll me into what they want. Never mind what I want it. If one must become our Alpha and my mate. I need to know they will respect me after. If they can’t understand that.” Helena shrugged. “I need some control. Well, it’s too early to see who I’m stuck with.”

“You should have changed from that dress. It’s libel to be stained during our rounds.” Jillian changed the subject. Helena wasn’t in the right headspace to talk about this. 

“I won’t wear it again. I can’t bear to see it. It’s gone once I take it off. The memories attached to it are just too much.”  

“You’ll burn it?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan.” Jillian knew this sometimes happened when the loss of someone was too much. “When you’re ready, I’ll help you.”

“Thanks. Okay, so we’ll start in the west rooms and work clockwise around?” Helena pressed on now, looking at the treatment schedule. “Sounds like a plan. The doctors left specific directions for each person. We just need to follow them.”

“Great, let’s get started.” So, they started into their rounds. Assisting with personal care, taking time to speak to those there. The two women answered questions for family members.

They’d almost finished when Chris made an appearance. Helena felt the need to not make a scene, so she took him into an unused patient room. 

Pack members filled the beds, roamed the halls, and still more found employed there. There weren’t many empty private spaces. With the fragile nature of the pack, they needed stable leadership, even if it was just for show. They’d damage the budding relationships and trust if the pack knew of the discord between the Luna and the brothers.

“Chris, now is not the time. I’m busy.”

“Helena, we need to talk at some point. I want to explain a few things to you. My brother and I…” Chris stumbled over his words like he wasn’t sure of them. “We’ve got a unique relationship. We can’t accept you being at the mercy of an attacker while we are near.”

“You realize that either of you can have the position of Alpha without me. It doesn’t hinge on a mating. The mating’s my father’s fantasy. Am I interested in your kinky love life? No. In future? I don’t know. But it’s too much at the moment. I need time to grieve. We've got injured pack members. Then there's our damaged pack’s security. You have other things to worry about beyond who’s trying to kill me. I’m not important.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. They won’t be killing you. You’re a prime target for kidnapping and forced mating. My brother and I are the targets. I won’t let some scum force you into a position that’s out of your control. You need to accept our help. We aren’t trying to force you into anything. We’re trying to protect the pack by protecting you. As for securing the pack, we have it handled. Remember, there are two of us and that means we can be in two places at once.” 

Helena was about to respond when Jillian knocked and slipped into the room. “There are some men at the gates looking for you and Brian.” Jillian took a breath before carrying on. “Hate me if you like. But Helena, from what I overheard Chris’ words, makes complete sense. You are in a difficult position, and they are offering to help you. If I were you, I’d take their offer. Because I don’t want to lose anyone else.” Jillian’s eyes beseeched Helena to take the safer option. “Don’t you think the pack’s lost enough? How much more can they lose before it’s too much?”

Helena sighed heavily and avoided looking at either her dearest friend or Chris. “Fine. Fine. I accept your protection. Now, don’t you have someone waiting for you at the front gates?”

“You won’t regret it.” Chris gave Jillian an appreciative smile before scooping Helena up in his arms and sealing the deal with a heated kiss. “Now, the deal’s done as we’ll hold you to it.” 

Helena’s head spun from the kiss, and his scent overloaded her scenes.

Jillian rolled her eyes and escaped through the door to give them some privacy. “You’re busy. I’ll just go find your brother.”