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Ember nervously moves around, tidying the already tidy room. I push the door, leaving it ajar, so we both have an escape route.

“Ren showed us all your mate marks.” I see her stiffen.

“Mine is among them. I want to get to know you before anything happens.” I’m looking at my feet now, but she speaks; her voice is small and vulnerable.

“I don’t expect any of the other marks to accept me. I fully expected all of them to reject me because of my oddities, but I’m happy to accept friendships, even if that’s all it will ever be.” She has a shy smile but a guarded look. The door opens, and my mirror image appears, and he’s pissed off.

“Any fucker that rejects you, I will use my abilities so they never cum again but will have a 24/7 erection!” he states before approaching her, kissing just below her eye.

“I have one of your marks, too, and I will be claiming my spot.” My brother beams at her, but she looks confused. What the hell happened for her to think all ten would reject her? I try to lighten the mood.

“I think that if anyone rejects her, her brothers will be the first in line for the beatdown. And if you believe there will be more than just a groaning bruise left, you’re an idiot, brother”. I shake my head at him, a smile playing on my lips. She still looks confused about why anyone would care; she will learn, just like J, River, and Trent learned. The three of us head downstairs laughing when we hear Miles scolding J for his outfit, and then we hear Alma threatening starvation to the next person who tries to taste-test Ember's cooking.