Page 7 of Coyote Underground (Monsters of New York #9)

Adjusting

L orenzo

Once we’re safely tucked inside the brownstone, I finally feel like I can relax.

I don’t think Ana Sofia realizes just how close we were to losing her tonight.

I convince her to go take a shower, so I can talk to the guys.

I don’t want to leave her alone and unprotected, but I’m not sure how to talk her into letting one of us stay with her tonight.

“I’m not asking you to force yourself on her.

I just don’t think she should be alone after what nearly happened tonight.

It hasn’t hit her yet, and you know how she holds her emotions back.

She still hasn’t fully processed what happened to her sister.

She’s going to break down, and when she does, she’ll need at least one of us to be there for her,” I argue, knowing it’s not making a difference to Diego.

Instead, I turn my attention to Zac. I can see in his eyes he understands what I’m saying, and he might even agree with me. But will he go against Diego? I don’t know. I send up a silent prayer for the universe to help me with this.

Zac looks at me, then shifts to look at Diego.

“He’s not wrong. She clearly isn’t sure how to handle this, and she’s used to being alone.

She may not even realize that having us around can help.

Besides, if Zo is right about her being ours, shouldn’t we at the very least try to take care of her? It’s the right thing to do.”

I hold my breath as Diego considers Zac’s words.

When he growls, I know we’ve got him. “Fine, but we’re not going to force anything on her.

Not even for her own good. We’ll bring her dinner and discuss the option while we eat in her suite.

If she agrees to let us stay, she’ll have final say on who and for how long.

And she will decide if anything else happens between her and any of us.

Understood? No trying to talk her into it or convince her that she’s our Omega. ”

I hate agreeing to his conditions, but if it’s the only way I get to be emotional support for Ana Sofia, I’d agree to anything. “Fine. No pushing for anything. It’s all up to her to start anything.”

The three of us shake, then Zac goes to get the food Diego ordered from Rico’s, the local taqueria.

With everything set up in the sitting room attached to Ana Sofia’s bedroom, I knock quietly on the door.

The shower turned off a while ago, and I thanked the universe for enhanced shifter hearing.

She’s had time to get dressed and relax for a minute.

When she doesn’t answer, I ease the door open and stick my head inside.

Ana Sofia is sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed with her knees drawn up and her head resting on them.

“Buttercup? Are you okay?” She doesn’t respond, so I try again.

“Can I come in? None of us is going to enter your space without permission unless you’re in danger.

” That seems to do the trick, and she lifts her head, meeting my eyes with her own.

“What do you want from me?” she asks quietly.

“For you to join us for dinner and a conversation. That’s it,” I insist. She nods, getting to her feet and walking across the room. I notice that she’s barefoot, and make a note to get her some slippers so her feet don’t get cold.

She follows me into the sitting room, her eyes going wide when she sees the food spread out on the large table in front of the fire.

There are six different types of tacos, beans, rice, and a green salad.

“Eat as much of whatever you want. There’s plenty,” Zac tells her as she drops onto the couch. I grab a plate and hand it to her.

“I don’t know how I’ll ever repay your kindness,” she admits softly.

“There’s no need to worry about that,” Diego says, for once his voice not coming out as gruff as usual.

“Come on, kitten, you have to eat. And we have some things to discuss,” Zac urges her, gesturing to the food.

Ana Sofia hesitates for a second, then dives in with a laugh. I can tell it’s been a while since she’s seen this much food in one place. Once her plate is filled with everything she wants, the three of us fill our own. “You guys waited for me to get mine first?” she asks, wonder clear in her voice.

“Of course, princess. It’s the polite thing to do, making sure your Omega is taken care of first,” Diego explains. I wonder if he meant to call her ours, or if he even realizes what he said. The way her eyes dilate, I know she didn’t miss it. But she doesn’t argue, either.

I take it as a step in the right direction.

The four of us eat in near silence for a while.

Then Ana Sofia decides she wants to know what we were talking about earlier.

“What exactly do we need to discuss? Your payment for helping search for my sister?” The fear in her voice grips my heart like a vice.

“No. We told you we’re doing that for nothing. There’s no payment required or requested,” I insist. I want to reassure her that we have no ulterior motives, but I don’t know how to convince her of the truth of my words.

“Then what do you need to talk to me about?” She squints her eyes a little when she asks, glancing at Diego.

He clears his throat. “We believe you may need some help dealing with your emotions involving what happened tonight and your sister’s kidnapping,” he says.

“And how would you guys help me with that?” The question is harsh, and I can tell she’s holding back tears.

“By giving you whatever comfort you need,” Zac says before I can respond.

“One or more of us can stay with you tonight, to ensure you feel safe. If you need someone to hold you while you sleep, we would do that. If you need anything, we would take care of it. All you have to do is tell us what you need.”

She stares at us for a long moment before she speaks. “And what if I needed something a bit more carnal to take my mind off things? Would you three also take care of that?” I’m not sure if she’s being sarcastic or serious, but my jaw drops and I stare at her.

****

A na Sofia

I can’t believe I just said that. What the hell am I thinking? I can’t push these guys. They’re helping me, taking care of me, and all for free. Yet here I am, pushing boundaries and actually asking the one question that’s been going through my mind all night.

Isaac coughs, turning away. Diego locks eyes with me, clearly waiting for someone else to respond. Lorenzo stares at me with his mouth open. “Well?” I ask, obviously not knowing when to shut up.

Diego clears his throat again. There’s something in his eyes, and I’m not sure if it’s disdain or arousal. “Then we would give you as many orgasms as it took to make you feel better.”

My cheeks heat and I know my face is red. I think he’s called my bluff here, and I’m not sure how to feel about it. I want to believe he’s serious, but I’m just not sure. “Even though you hate me, you’d do that for me?” I can’t help taunting him. I want to know what he’s thinking.

I crave his touch, even though he’s older. Hell, he may be old enough to be my father, but he’s hot as fuck and I want him. Oh, shit. Did I just admit that? At least it wasn’t out loud.

Diego’s eyes lock with mine. His jaw is tight, and his eyes are fiery.

I still can’t tell if it’s anger or desire that fills them.

He sets his plate on the table and stalks across the room to stand in front of me.

I set my plate down before he jerks me off the couch and gets in my face.

“Exactly what has you so convinced that I hate you, princess?” The words are snarled, and honestly, seem to prove my point.

I take a breath, drowning in his amber rum scent that suits him so perfectly.

My eyes haven’t left his, those dark amber pools inviting me in.

I lick my lips, watching his gaze follow my tongue.

“You look at me like I’m beneath you. You talk to me like I’m stupid and useless. Why wouldn’t I think you hate me?”

He stares at me for a moment, then pulls me closer.

“Sometimes hate and desire appear alike. Perhaps you should look closer,” he says, dropping his mouth to capture mine.

In that moment, Diego owns me. His mouth claims mine, a possessive and rough kiss.

Turns out that’s exactly what I need right now.

I wrap my arms around his neck, opening my mouth to allow his tongue access to mine.

He tastes like the taco spices from what we’ve just eaten mixed with the margaritas we had with dinner. It’s intoxicating and thrilling. When he finally breaks the kiss, he eases me back onto the couch and returns to his seat. “Don’t ever tell me how I feel about you, princess.”

I nod in understanding, even though I’m more confused than ever now.

Does he really want me, or was this just some strange way to shut me up?

Fortunately, Lorenzo changes the subject back to the matter at hand.

“Please, buttercup, let us be here for you. Whatever you need. Just say the word. And if you only want one of us to stay with you, that’s what will happen. ”

I can tell from his tone he’s hoping I won’t send him away. Honestly, I don’t know what I need now. Before that kiss, I would have said I wanted to be alone, even though that’s not true.

“I don’t want to be alone,” I admit. “I’m sorry for pushing you.

” I offer the apology to Diego, but his hardened expression doesn’t change.

I’m still not sure if he’s angry or turned on.

Maybe a little of both. I can’t tell them I want more of what just happened.

It was insane enough that I asked if they would take care of me sexually.

“Who do you want to stay with you?” Diego asks, his tone laced with something that sounds like need. It’s not possible, is it?

“Will you all stay?” I ask, hoping I’m not overstepping some unseen boundary. I don’t think Diego would have kissed me like that if they had an Omega of their own, but I’m just not sure.

“Of course, whatever you want,” Isaac insists.

“Whatever I want?” I ask, looking at Diego again and licking my dry lips. His eyes follow my tongue, and then I realize Lorenzo and Isacc are staring at me too. The three men nod, and I voice my desire. “Will you stay in the nest with me, then? I think I’d feel safer in there tonight.”

Isaac stands up and starts clearing the food without another word. Lorenzo nods at me and leaves. I’m confused for a minute, then Diego catches my attention. “They’re getting things ready. It’ll only take a few minutes. I’ll stay with you while they’re busy, if that’s okay?”

Is he flirting with me? Fuck, I hate that I can’t tell with this man.

“Sure. Can I ask you something?”

“Anything. I’ll do my best to answer honestly,” he responds.

“Do you actually hate me?”