Freya's Mates Read online

  She was too focused on the beauty of the moment to worry about whose hand toyed with her clit. It didn't matter—she was surrounded in a veil of male heat and testosterone. Freya's connection to their beasts grew and she suddenly craved to meet them in their natural forms. Soon. The added stimulation to her swollen nub, combined with their tireless pounding into her ripe body, brought her to the crest of something monumental. The pre-orgasmic bliss cascaded through her body like a calming dew. Then she detonated, light sparking behind her eyes as her pussy and ass clamped down on both cocks. Her milking brought both men to completion in a massive chorus of grunts and growls. Without the thundering music of the nightclub, the animalistic sounds would fill the building.

  It was done. She was mated to two of the most eligible alpha shifters she'd ever come across. Best of all, they wanted her for her, not her royal blood. If only she could share the news of this blessed day with her sisters.

  ****

  Late in the evening hours, Freya slipped from the room, becoming invisible in the crowd of revelers still partying strong. She no longer feared the unknown, crazed shifters hoping to mate with her, or a loveless future. Her gait was confident now. If there was trouble, Gideon and Vincent were in the club and they'd sense it. Their mating bond was strong, secure, and forever. Then why did she feel a piece of herself was missing? Why did her thoughts continually drift to her human lover? The reason she left her room in the first place was to seek him out, and she knew it.

  This would be their last night in the club, then they were going to look into getting a home together. Gideon wanted no part of his condo, and was happy to put it up on the market for sale. They'd buy a comfortable home not too far from Club Frenzy. She'd have a lifetime to learn about her mates as they built a future for three.

  "Hello there, stranger." She knew it was him just by the deep, smooth tone of his voice. Before she could turn around, his hands slipped around her waist and pulled her back to the firmness of his body. He was only human and would have no clue she was no longer on the market. Her love bites wouldn't register for him, but they would for any shifters foolish enough to get too close to her. Her marks symbolized ownership, mating, and every shifter knew a male would sooner kill for the honor of their mate than ask questions.

  "I was looking for you," she said, twisting in his arms. Freya instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the tip of his nose. "I've missed you." What was she doing? She blamed her stupid wolf for the playful attraction between them. It still confused her as to why she felt a pull between them despite her recent mating and Darius' human status.

  "Have you, now?" He smirked, in the seductive way that made her pussy pulse. His five o'clock shadow and dark features were shaded further by the lack of overhead lighting. Only soft wall lights and colored beams from the dance floor provided illumination in Club Frenzy.

  "I'll be leaving here soon. I wanted to say goodbye."

  His brow furrowed. "Goodbye? Did you find a place to stay already?"

  This was harder than she thought. Her wolf whined within her to keep the human, but it was an impossibility. Her emotions were a muddle. She didn't want to betray her new mates, which she loved and would never replace. There was just something about the human. Even from that first night in the alley, she felt a unique attraction for him, something soul-deep.

  "It's complicated." She didn't want to hurt him by telling him she'd be moving in with his friends, Gideon and Vincent. But she would ensure her new mates took good care of Darius, maybe gave him a raise at work.

  "How I feel about you isn't complicated." He leaned over and kissed her neck, a hot brand to her already feverish skin. She closed her eyes and sighed, absorbing his affection, wishing there could be more between them.

  He pulled away abruptly. When she opened her eyes and focused, Gideon's hand was on Darius' shoulder, tugging him back slightly. "Freya, you okay?"

  "I'm fine." She didn't want Darius to get into trouble. She'd seen what jealous shifters could do to a threat. The thought of harm coming to her human made her bristle. "I was just saying goodbye."

  "Good. We'll be leaving in a couple hours." The lion leaned in close and ran his tongue along his mark on her neck. She shivered, liquid heat escaping her body as she recalled the wicked things he did to her body.

  When he disappeared in the sea of bodies, Darius stood stiff, his arms crossed over his chest. "I see. You and Gideon, eh?"

  She shook her head emphatically. "It's not what you think, Darius. I care about you, but there're things you don't know about, things I can't change."

  "But you can change for Gideon? Is it because of his money?"

  He reached into his back pocket, fumbling as dancers brushed against him from every direction. Then he opened his wallet and pulled out a stack of bills. She noted several hundreds.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Here! Will this buy your love?" Venom seeped from his words. Fuck, she hated hurting him. He waved the stack of bills in front of her before tossing them in the air with disregard and retreated into the now frantic crowd. They screamed and dashed for the money, making it impossible for her to follow him. Her throat choked up and she knew she'd be crying as soon as she got to her room.

  ****

  Vincent was busy serving drinks when Freya squeezed up to the bar and leaned over the counter. "What is it, sweetheart? Everything okay?"

  "I want to leave. I don't want to be here anymore."

  "Gimme a sec." He wiped his hands on a bar rag and met her around the other side of the counter. "Tell me what's the matter."

  He could feel her moods now, thanks to her blood. She was worried, sad, confused, a rainbow of melancholy emotions. "It's just everything. This place reminds me of things better left forgotten."

  Her sister. She often talked of the sisters who she desperately wanted to reunite with. When they'd first entered Jacob's old room, she swore she scented her sister. He'd put two and two together when his head was clear and realized Jacob's new mate must be Carna, one of the missing Demori sisters. He knew Gideon would know where to find the bear shifter and Freya's kin. Maybe that would make her happy?

  "Would you like to see your sister?"

  She froze as if she'd heard wrong. "Why are you asking me? You know I do."

  He brushed a few stray blonde hairs behind her ear and stared deep into her wolf eyes. She was a beauty—a passionate, loving mate that he'd be forever grateful for. He'd do anything for her.

  "I think Gideon will know how to find Carna. Would you like that?"

  Her eyes lit up like a child being offered a rare gift. "How?"

  He smiled and kissed her forehead before leading her to Gideon's office. After a quick knock, he ushered them inside.

  "Princess." Gideon smiled and stood, ending his phone conversation immediately. He came around the desk and whisked their mate into his arms. She squealed and held on as he gave a twirl. "Tonight I'm going to spoil you properly. The best hotel, best food, finest clothes. Anything your heart desires, it's yours."

  They kissed briefly and Vincent felt no animosity, only peace.

  "Gideon, Freya would like to see her sister. Do you know Jacob's new address? I'm pretty sure his new mate is Carna, one of the other Demori sisters."

  His friend set Freya to her feet, his mood shifting from playful to serious. "How do you know it's her sister?"

  "Just a feeling. Besides, Freya thinks she found her sister's scent in Jacob's room. It would make sense why he'd suddenly quit and disappear over a woman."

  The lion focused on the wolf. "Is this what you want? If you want to see Carna, I'll make it happen."

  "Yes, please."

  Vincent hoped finding one of her sisters would give her some closure, a sense of peace. He knew too well how it felt to be alone in the world. Until he found Club Frenzy and Gideon's open embrace, he'd been an outcast in the shifter world. If she had a family, he'd do everything in his power to ensure she didn't lose it.
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br />   ****

  They drove for half an hour through the darkened city streets until they reached a highrise condominium. Freya looked out the window of the SUV and allowed her eyes to travel up the near-endless expanse of glass and mirrors. Was Carna in there somewhere? It seemed like a dream if it were true. For so many years she'd been in hiding, separated from Carna and Delia. Getting a brief visit with Carna had healed part of her heart, but not nearly enough, not when Freya ran from her after they only just reunited. But she'd no longer be a burden to her sister and her mates. She had her own men now, so Carna would have no obligation to care for her. Maybe they could actually live normal lives and become part of each others' future.

  Vincent held out his hand for her after opening the car door. She blindly grasped his outstretched palm, still dazzled by the urban landscape. City lights reflected off the shiny surfaces surrounding them, creating a wonderland of modern technology. They had the address and unit number, so this was the final stretch. Gideon walked on her right, his stride confident. He was an imposing figure, all muscle and dominance. Vincent, on her left was everything she could hope for in a mate and equally handsome in a more refined sense.

  The elevator ride up was torturously slow. She watched the numbers light up, one at a time, until they finally reached the penthouse.

  "Relax, Freya. If she's not here, you still have us." Vincent kissed her knuckles as they walked to the door. She smiled as soon as they neared the unit, the scent of her sister unmistakable. But was she still here?

  Gideon moved in front of them, providing protection should there be a threat on the other side of the door. She'd have to get used to having two overprotective alphas by her sides. As they waited, she studied her lion's wide, muscled back under the thin black t-shirt he wore. She wanted to run her hands over the broadness of his shoulders and nip his firm flesh, but that would have to wait for later.

  The door flew open. "Gideon?" An oversized bear shifter stood in the doorway wearing boxer briefs and nothing more.

  Gideon didn't answer, only strode into the unit without invitation, scanning the interior. Vincent and Freya followed. She squeezed the cougar's hand hard, attempting to use him as an anchor for her nerves and anticipation. Royal wolf blood overpowered the room and she could see Vincent testing the air, no doubt sensing the same thing.

  "Where's your lovely new mate, Jacob. I'm dying to meet her." Gideon dropped down in a black leather arm chair as if he owned the place.

  "Why? Since when were you interested in my mate?"

  Two other shifters entered the room from down the hall. A tiger and…a wolf? Freya had chosen well. They were all handsome as sin, radiating powerful alpha energy. "There a problem here, Jacob?" The tiger crossed his arms over his chest and braced his feet on the shiny wooden floorboards.

  "I don’t know."

  Freya had no time for the male posturing. Yes, it did wicked things to her libido, but more importantly, she wanted her sister. "I thought my sister had four mates. Don't tell me she killed one of you," she half-teased. Of the three sisters, Freya was the least dangerous. She lived her life, survived however she had to, but inside she was soft and craved a life of security. Carna was stronger, an example she tried to live up to and fell short. She'd be able to challenge any threat, even a male intent on capturing her.

  Just then the main door opened. Freya twirled around, still holding Vincent's hand for stability. A dark-haired shifter with blazing blue eyes stood in the doorway. Beside him was a reflection of herself—an image of home, love, happy days, and a bond like no other. Carna.

  She dropped Vincent's hand and lurched forward without thought. Carna was a beacon and she couldn’t get to her fast enough. She collapsed into her sister's embrace, breathed in her familiar scent, and leaned her head on her shoulder. "Carna. I'm sorry for running. Please forgive me."

  "Of course I forgive you. You worried me sick though." Carna ran her claws through her hair like she did when they were younger. Such a simple act pulled down all her barriers and left her a puddle of a woman, barely able to move or speak. It had always been just the three of them until they split up and went into hiding, determined not to be forced into a loveless mating. Gods, there had been nights when she missed her sisters so much, she didn't think she would make it another day. It was like a dream to have Carna back, especially knowing she wouldn't have to run from her again.

  "I didn't want to be a bother."

  "Foolish girl. All I've thought about these past years was getting you and Delia back. Splitting up was the worst idea we've had. If anything, we should have stayed together after leaving the palace." Freya looked to her sister's side. The panther was tall and built, glaring down at her with those inhuman blue eyes. Carna followed her gaze and frowned at the man. "This is Blue, one of my mates. He's being very rude."

  The panther shook his head, as if freeing himself from a daze. "Sorry, it's just…them." He nodded to Freya's two mates. After a quick inhale, she noticed how electrified the air was with potent male threat, a dominant show that could end up much more.

  Carna growled a drawn out sigh and tugged the panther into the center of the room. Freya studied her mates. Vincent stood exactly where she left him, his stance guarded as he eyed the two shifters at the opposite side of the room. Gideon was still relatively calm in the chair, but she noted the fire in his eyes as he kept tabs on all the males in the room. "Gideon? Is everything okay?"

  Carna answered for him. "Yes, everything's fine! Listen up all you big, alpha males. Freya's my little sister and I don't plan on becoming separated from her ever again. If any one of you plan on driving a wedge between us, speak up." Silence. "Good. Now, me and my sister are going out together. Alone. While we're gone, the six of you can get to know each other. Since you'll be spending plenty of time with each other in the future, it's a good idea."

  The wolf shifter, wearing just a Stetson and black boxer briefs stepped forward in protest. "But, Carna, it's not safe for the two of you to roam around unescorted."

  "Austin, really? You don’t think I'm capable of protecting us?"

  He shrugged and didn't put up more of an argument. Carna's males were certainly concerned for her, but equally eager to keep her happy. If anyone could protect herself, it would be Carna. Delia had taught her everything she knew, making her nearly as lethal. Although Freya could hold her own, she didn't have the vicious streak that her sisters possessed.

  "Where we going?" asked Freya as her sister pulled her to a room at the end of the condo.

  "Before we go out, you need to change. You look like a…" She rummaged through a dresser drawer and held up a few articles of clothing. "Never mind. Put this on and then we'll take off."

  Chapter Seven

  After much protest, all the males stayed together in the condo as the two women left for some much needed alone time. They didn't head to a restaurant. Rather, they took the elevator up to the roof and sat on the ledge of the high rise building. Together, they glanced down at the bustling city, all glistening metal and modern angles. Freya tired of cities. Part of her wanted to connect with her wolf, to run free through the old growth forests like when she lived back at the palace. The odd time she shifted these days was to escape a potentially dangerous situation when fear and adrenaline filled her veins. It wasn't for pleasure or to embrace her beast within like it should be.

  "Let me see them," said Carna.

  "See what?"

  Her sister tugged at her collar. "Your love bites. Did you mate both of them?"

  She nodded, proud of her decision to bond with Gideon and Vincent. It seemed to be the only right decision she'd made in a long time, and to think she almost ran from them.

  "I wanted to talk with you about that. The big one's a lion. Don't you know the stories about them?"

  Freya shook her head, not liking the direction of the conversation.

  "What have we always taught you?"

  That was easy. "Trust no male."

  "Exa
ctly. Lions have wanted to take over the thrown for centuries. It's the reason we're warned never to mate with them. We mustn't give them a chance to take over what is rightfully ours." She gripped Freya's shoulders, looking her directly in the eyes. "He's using you to get to the crown."

  She shrugged away from her sister and walked dangerously close to the ledge of the building. Her mind wandered in several directions. "No. No, you're wrong about Gideon. I don't care if he's a lion—it means nothing. Besides, he recognized me as his mate. "

  "How many have told you the same thing in the past? What makes him different?"

  "I don't know, Carna." She tossed her arms in the air. "He just is. It's not just him, either. I love him. I need him."

  Her sister frowned, not willing to accept her logic. The only reason she didn't scream and shout in defense of her males was because her sister was only looking out for her best interest. She couldn’t hate Carna for that.

  "And the other?"

  "Vincent's special. I know he wants me for me. It's a long story, but you have to trust my judgment."

  "Fine. But how many lion's have you met in your life? They're a rare breed and suddenly one claims to be your fate? More likely he saw an opportunity to get what he believes is his."

  "This is crazy talk! Gideon loves me. Besides, everyone knows only a few royal females of wolf blood are capable of carrying on the races, not the lions. Taking over the palace wouldn’t change that fact."

  "Just be careful. I don't like it."

  She sat back on the ledge and took a cleansing breath. "Can we just talk about something else. I'm happy. For once in my life I feel I've found my place, and I want you to be happy for me too."

  "Oh, Freya. You have no idea how much I love you." Carna leaned over and hugged her tight. "I never want to lose you again." The gentle breeze lifted the ends of Carna's dark hair.