Page 17 of Finding Embers and Stars (Twin Flames Duet #1)
Chapter seventeen
I was not expecting Milo to offer me his hand on our walk down to the beach. From the corner of my eye, I see Sage lace her fingers with Liam’s, and I don’t want to be the one to refuse.
The butterflies exploding in my stomach at the first touch of his skin against mine take me by surprise.
What now?
I don’t know what to do with a single mate, let alone five. I’m sure most men assume that by twenty-five their women will know what they’re doing in bed.
Unfortunately for me, the first nineteen years of my life were spent as a prisoner under my father’s control. Once we left, the idea of taking a lover never felt right. Not when I knew I would meet my mates one day.
Since escaping the pack the only touch I’ve experienced from a man have been platonic hugs from our adoptive family. Add in my laundry list of insecurities about my size and looks, and I’m a walking billboard for neurotic women.
Milo gently cradling my hand is enough to crack the thick walls around my heart. How do I already feel so comfortable with five men who are basically strangers? I always thought it would take the strength of a category five hurricane and the patience of a mountain for anyone to penetrate my walls and hold my fragile heart.
I keep a close eye on Sage as we step off the back patio and into the sand. She’s a master of putting on a brave face. Especially if she feels like she’s protecting me. I may have issues with relationships, but so does she.
Sensing my eyes on her, she looks over and nods, giving my other hand a squeeze. She’s coping better than I am, at least on the outside.
I turn my focus inward and reach for Atlas. “ Soooo, today is kind of crazy.”
His deep laughter rumbles through my mind. “You could say that. I’m okay, but it would help if I could have some time with Sage tonight. I’m worried she will forget me.”
“Not gonna happen. She isn’t any more likely to forget you than I am. You’re mated to her, Atlas. That is a bond that can’t be broken.” Mentally, I reach out to run my hands through his fur. Over the years we’ve learned how to soothe each other when needed.
“Well, it can, but it shouldn’t be. I’m actually more comfortable with them being around her than I thought I would be. Before you head back in, will you shift so I can meet them? I promise to keep the teeth and claws to myself.”
I snort in amusement, then wince when I realize that I’ve drawn the attention of our entire group. Taking a deep breath to find my courage, I can’t help but smile when Milo squeezes my hand. “I was checking in with Atlas. He’s been unusually quiet since you guys showed up. He asked to meet you all before we go back in, if that’s okay?”
Maverick looks delighted by the idea, which concerns me. It’s impossible to miss the air of dominance that surrounds him like a cloak. For someone that powerful, how will he cope with their mate being even more dominant than they are?
Luckily, Sage is already giving voice to my fears. She’s always willing to stand up for me, especially because it’s so ingrained in me that standing up for myself leads to further abuse. Even though it’s been years, it’s a hard habit to break.
“Maverick, are you going to be able to handle it if Atlas is more dominant than you?”
His delighted grin surprises both of us. I turn slightly so I can watch his face when he speaks. It’s second nature for me to search for the lies most people live by.
“I can feel his dominance. I have no doubt that he’s more powerful than me. I'm both man and wolf enough to respect that, and I would still love to meet him. It’s been years since I had the chance to run with another wolf.”
I stop walking so fast Wyatt almost slams into me. Luckily his reflexes are fast and he grabs my hips before we both go flying. Later I’ll have to examine the tingling sensations traveling outward over my skin from the points of contact.
I can’t help my apprehension. I don’t want our first day with our mates to end in bloodshed. “I need you all to understand when I shift, Atlas will be nuzzling and cuddling up to Sage. Their shifted forms have a complete mate bond. He is one of her mates.”
Milo squeezes my hand in comfort. “We understand, Piper. Maverick is excited to meet him because he is another brother. Not because he’s looking to issue some kind of challenge to dominate you. We would never begrudge Atlas time with his mate.”
I can hear Atlas grumbling in my head. “I was all set to hate them, and then they have to go and ruin it by including me in their brotherhood. Tell Maverick that once I’ve had Sage cuddles, I would love to meet his wolf. I’ll even swear to keep my teeth to myself.”
I look over to Maverick. “Atlas would love to meet your wolf once he’s had some Sage time, he even promised to behave.” The grin that lights up the growly wolf's face transforms him from grumpy to sunshine.
He steps closer, scooping me into his arms in a bridal carry. The movement is so sudden that an embarrassing squeak slips past my lips. “You can’t carry me. I'm too heavy!”
He scoffs at me, rolling his eyes. “Clearly I can, but if you're uncomfortable, I will put you down.” He waits patiently for me to relax in his arms. A feat that’s much easier said than done. Once I wrap my arms around his neck and rest my head on his shoulder, he starts walking again, and we catchup with the group now sitting in a semi-circle facing the shoreline.
Just before he sets me down, I whisper. “No one has ever picked me up and carried me around before.” I’m not sure why out of everything that’s happened today, that is the point my brain seems to be hung up on.
He kisses my forehead before dropping into the sand. Tugging on my hand gently until I sit between his legs, letting him guide me to lie back against his broad chest. Keeping his lips close to my ear so his words are private, he blows my mind. “Get used to it, Embers. All of us want you in our arms any chance we can get.”
“Embers?” I bite my tongue as soon as the question leaves my lips. Do I really want to know why he’s given me a nickname? The boys of the pack had a few for me, none of them flattering. My father was also reluctant to use my name, though he preferred cutting insults over the dedicated nicknames like Goliath that Jerry always called me.
I’m so shocked that Maverick called me embers that I don’t think to keep my voice down. Sage looks over curiously, and all the guys turn to Mav for an explanation.
The chuckle that rumbles through his chest vibrates my entire body. I’ve never been held this close to anyone besides Sage.
Fingers run through my hair, separating the strands and lifting them for all to see. “The red streaks remind me of embers. Everyone focuses on the flames, missing the fact that without the embers, the flames wouldn’t survive. They burn hotter, burn longer and are the most resilient part of the fire, often able to be revived even when it looks like the fire has gone out. I have a feeling that comparison fits our Piper to a T.”
Sage grins at Maverick’s elegant and flattering explanation. “You’re right, that does fit Pip. I’m surprised you saw those qualities in her so quickly.” A shadow passes across her face that has me reaching out to rub her shoulder. “Most people don’t bother to look beneath the surface.”
Walker reaches over from his place beside me in the sand. “We look deeper because we have all been judged, just like you have. We can’t demand respect for ourselves if we offer none to others.”
Sage and I share a wide-eyed look of amazement before she leans back against Walker and snuggles into his chest. The sun is nearly set, and we all turn our focus to the ball of fire, quite like an ember itself, that appears to be sinking into the water. I was not prepared for the direction this day has taken. At the same time, to be held in my mate’s arms is providing me with a level of peace I never thought to achieve.
I’m reluctant to move, but I did promise Atlas he could have cuddles. Looking over at Sage, I can’t help but smile at the way she’s snuggled into Walker’s chest. “Are you ready for Atlas?”
She grins at me and does grabby hands. “Gimmie my wolfie.”