"They are persistent," Paige stated.
"Annoying more like it, and unable to know when to give up," Ava said, rolling her eyes.
"They know what they want," Paige muttered.
"You'd think they'd get the hint," Ava mused. "Especially after everything I've said." Said to Roman. She… she couldn't think about that. Couldn't remember the intense emotion she felt from him, or the amount of guilt that left her sick to her stomach.
They left her alone the next two days, but it didn't last long, Roman just has been avoiding her since. Maybe it was for the best, she decided, what would she say to the men she hurt so badly?
She had to close her eyes before reopening them, finding Paige watching her. "What?"
"Nothing," She said. "It's just.."
Ava cocked her head. "You think I'm being too harsh?"
"No, let them suffer," She said immediately. "All you want, but try putting it into perspective."
He brows furrowed. Perspective? "What?" How could she say in anyway, they were right?
"I'm sorry, I didn't"
"No," she interrupted, shaking her head. "I just don't understand." That was putting it mildly.
Paige sat in front of her and idly spun her phone around. "I don't know all of the rules, but it's against the law to hide your mating mark, something about it being unfair to pursing males."
"So whipping me"
"Was your best bet. They could've killed you, or blackmailed you from any pack."
It didn't make sense, doesn't make it right, but she understood. Even just a little bit.
She looked up just in time to see them enter the gym. She immediately looked down, averting her gaze as they walked past, resuming her own workout once they started theirs. Her reaction was stupid, it was a public gym, they could come here if they wished, and there was no reason why she should let this effect her. But as she continued to workout, her mind wondered to her earlier conversation with Paige.
Perspective.
From her perspective, they hurt her, but she couldn't deny that they were hurting as well. She added weights onto her squat bar, debating her next move. She could squat this easily, her max weight was 20 lbs more, but as she glanced over and found Seth just looking away, she made her decision.
She remained leaning over the bar, watching Seth come her way and surprisingly enough, walking pass her and to the free weights. Oh.
So they were understanding her need for space. She should take advantage, but Paige's words range through her head. Perspective.
"Seth," She called, opening her eyes.
"Yeah?" He asked immediately stopping and looking at her.
Funny how they did that. Stopped whatever they were doing to help her. Even after her nasty words. "Spot me?"
"Yeah, of course."
This was a bad idea. A really bad idea, because she needed to focus on the weights, but her attention was on him, his heat seeping into her back, hands ghosting over her hips. She didn't take into account how personal it was. But she needed to get through this.
Taking a deep breath, she straightened up and took a few steps back, gaining her balance before slowly lowering down.
The first three were easy enough, a little shaky due to his close proximity rather then strain, but by the fourth rep, he was off her mind and it truly was shaky.
"Come on Ava," He muttered. "Muscle up, up up!"
She grunted as she did so. Two more. She did it even more slowly, and knew she could've resumed, could've muscled through, but she screwed up.
She looked up and saw his eyes, dark eyes starring so intently at her, she lost focus and she suddenly wanted away, wanted this weight off her shoulders.
"Shit, come on Ava," Seth grunted, catching her as her legs began to collapse, arm snaking around her waist and lifting her, weight and all.
"Sorry," She muttered as they set the weight back.
"It's fine," he dismissed. "Are you alright? You did amazing."
She half laughed but nodded. "I'm fine. Thanks for the spot."
He continued to watch her and she began to feel uneasy. What did he want?
"You aren't covering it up anymore."
There it went.
"Cats out of the bag. Kinda pointless." Sarcasm. It was beginning to feel like her old self was coming back. But then he flinched and she felt her defenses crumbling. "Thanks again," She muttered, dropping eye contact and moving to return the weights, but he grabbed her wrist, forcing her to look at him.
"Come to lunch with us," her eyes widened but he hurried on. "After this, wherever you want. Just… please."
"I… I can't. Not right now. Maybe another time."
His hands dropped from her and she did the one thing she was good at. She fled.
She glanced up just in time to catch sight of his blue eyes before they collided. His arms wrapped around her, palm between her shoulder blades and on her sorest, deepest mark. Air escaped between her teeth and she jumped back, black spots swimming in her vision.
Strong hands grabbed her shoulders and kept her steady while her vision slowly cleared out, revealing Dean holding her. His eyes were darkened, lips drawn in a tight line, rage etched on his face. "Let me see it," he demanded.
It? The last it they wanted to see turned out pretty badly.
She frowned in confusion, ready to tell him to go to hell with whatever it was, but with the grip on her shoulders, he spun her around and shoved her forward into the wall.
She barely caught herself, bracing against the wall, a growl rumbling in her throat, about to turn around and snap when he pressed against her.
She froze, muscles tightening a the feel of him so close. "what the hell?" She growled, but trailed off when she felt him move down her body, hands sliding down her sides and coming to rest on her hips.
She could feel his breath on her lower back, indicating he was on his knees. For her. She didn't care how this might look, or what other people were thinking. Funny how they did that. Make it impossible to think, to care, about anything but them. Later when she was alone and think about these moments it enraged her she didn't have any control.
But right now. Now she was frozen in place and uneasy of Dean's actions. What was he going to do? His hands slipped up under her shirt with him. "Hey," She growled, attempting to push off the wall. This was too far, he couldn't see them.
"Stop," he warned, hands tightening.
"Listen here jackass"
Her breath caught, curling her hands into fist, nails digging in her flesh. Her whole body trembled and when she remembered to breath, that was shaky too. He moved further up, not stopping with his actions until he reached her neck, allowing her shirt to fall as he braced himself against her, hands caging her in.
Her back tingled from his kisses, her heart tingled with their meaning, and she found herself leaning into him. His chest vibrated against her as he rumbled in approval, nose skimming down her neck before he placed a feather light kiss there too.
Her eyes slipped shut, only opening when the warmth of him disappeared and he no longer caged her in. He left.
Good, she thought bitterly, blowing out a puff of air. She needed to get control, especially when it came to these three men.
She walked on shaky legs to the locker room, putting on a brave face when it was far from the truth. She wanted to act unbothered by all of this, the kisses, the continual pestering, all of it didn't matter. But with her heart still beating too fast, it was hard to deny her attraction and the way those kisses made her feel. God, how did they get under her skin?
She strode into the female's locker room and her dating woes became the least of her worry's. "You look like shit," She frowned.
"Charmer," Paige rasped, not looking up from her stooped over position.
"Why don't you go home? You cant wrestle like this."
"I'm not on the shows."
"Even more reason to leave," Ava straddled the bench and got a better look at her. "I hope this isn't contagious."
"I'm fine."
"Bullshit," Ava said, standing up and beginning to pack her bags. Paige watched her, not fighting it.
"I'm your ride."
"And I'll find another one even if I got to flash my tits to someone. Seriously, go."
Luckily it didn't take much more, but as Ava watched her dive away, she bit her lip and accepted the fact that she just screwed herself over. She didn't know if she could find another ride. The divas weren't her friends and wouldn't give her a ride, and none of the guys would offer her one, if they did they'd expect something in return.
She was serious about flashing her tits, Dolph would appreciate that, but since her lashing everyone knew The Shield was interested, putting her off the market. Meaning she only had one option.
She had to admit to herself seeking them out wasn't the smartest decision nor was it necessary. She wanted to see them. She wanted to keep getting close to them she realized with a jolt. She started to rely on seeing them. What was happening?
She was beginning to feel dizzy with her thoughts and emotions. She couldn't think this out, and a part of her didn't want to. This wasn't her, but it was becoming her.
Nerves ate away at her, and it didn't help that she ended up having to wait nearly twenty minutes, receiving plenty of looks from those who existed the locker room. She gave them right back, unimpressed with their stupidity and rudeness.
Just when she was about to lose her nerve, the door opened and she looked up, fully prepared to glare at whoever they were, but softened when she saw it was Seth.
He didn't see her immediately, but when he did, he jerked to a stop, surprise written all over his face. "What are you doing out here?" he questioned, helping her stand. "How long were you waiting?"
"Not long," she dismissed, glancing down for a minute to brush her legs off. When she looked back up he was watching her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. Well no." She stopped and had to restart, seeing the concern only grow in his eyes. "I uh, I need a ride and was wondering if I could catch one with you. Either to the hotel or rental cars, doesn't matter."
Concern melted off his shoulders, she could almost see it disappear off him. "Of course, and don't be ridiculous, you can ride with us the rest of the week if you want."
She didn't know about that. Didn't know if she could spend that much time with them, but she appreciated his overly concern.
"We'll swing by the diva's locker room and pick you up after the show," He promised.
"Thank you. If its an issue."
"Shut up," He interrupted. "It's not a problem, seriously."
She raised her eyebrows at his rougher tone but nodded. "Thank you," She repeated once before scurrying off and preventing anymore conversation happening. Things were too easy with him, conversation wasn't a chore and that was enough to make her walk faster.
She failed to think this plan out fully. She knew it would be slightly uncomfortable, but she would suffer through it so Paige could get better. But she sincerely doubted she'd willingly do this is she'd realize she'd have to face Dean again after earlier. What was she going to do? What would he do?
She still wasn't sure what happened other then he'd kissed her marks and she didn't hate it. It made her feel… loved.
She threw some water on her face to try and clear her mind of Dean and it worked, only for him to be replaced with Roman. She paled in realization that they hadn't seen each other since her hate comment. Oh God.
She swayed on her feet and fought not to panic. Could she do this? Did she have a choice?
Besides, she stalled enough, no doubt they were waiting on her, or would be soon. Time to put her big girl pants on. Besides, Seth was probably doing to get her. He was the only one she didn't have an issue or awkward encounter with yet.
It didn't stop her from taking her time gathering her bags, planning to stand outside the locker room and wait, but when she opened the door she found Roman waiting for her. His hair was pulled back into a low bun, jeans, a loose shirt that showed off his muscles, slightly flexed from their position crossed over his chest.
He didn't say a word, they didn't say a word, simply walked side by side to their car, Dean and Seth already there, loaded up and waiting for her. Her bags were thrown in and they were on their way.
She was in the backseat with Seth, the only one who was talking to her, and even he didn't want to be social anyway. She'd only close her eyes for what seemed a moment, but when she reopened them, she was leaning against something really warm. She snuggled into the firmness, her hand coming up to rest against it as well. Still half asleep, she took in the scents around her.
They only made her more lax, more sleepy. She felt safe, her wolf would approve. A jostle made her flinch and she became more alert this time, and she heard the soft mutter of a voice. Not just any voice. Seth's.
That made her realize and wake up fully, going tense on her "pillow", that was actually his thigh. She pushed up off him and starred at him with wide eyes. He frowned and his hand fell off her side, obviously upset with her moving, but remained on the phone while she focused on creating distance.
She was breathing too fast and she focused on that first. It wasn't a big deal, she fell asleep on him, wasn't the first time she accidentally fell asleep on a travel buddy, but with him it was different. With all of them it was different.
He continued to watch her while on the phone, and it took her a moment to realize it was her phone. She narrowed her eyes at him and opened her mouth to possibly yell, but he said goodbye and hung up, but kept her phone.
"How did you sleep?" He asked.
"Who was that?" She asked, ignoring his question and grabbing her phone. "How did you even get it?"
He gave her a wolfish grin. "I went in your pocket."
If she remembered correctly, her phone was in her back pocket, meaning he no doubt got a good feel of her ass, and he looked all too happy about that.
She felt blood rush to her face but she ignored it and repeated her question. "Who was it?"
"Paige. She said she accidentally cancelled your rooms."
It took her a moment to comprehend and she frowned. Cancelled their rooms? Realization came to her, the rooms were part of the rental car deal set up between the hotel and dealership. "Shit," She muttered, scrubbing her face. What else could happen?
"I told her you would stay with us." Her head snapped up and she starred at him with her mouth wide open. "You aren't staying with anyone else," Seth growled and a rumbling from the front seat reminded her they weren't alone and that apparently they were about to gang up on her.
"There's other rooms," She snapped, eyes flashing.
Their gazes clashed, hard headed male and stubborn female, neither looking away. Ava was close to breaking this stare off, especially when she realized how hot he looked upset, but he looked away first, jaw ticking.
"If there isn't you're staying with us."
This time she did look away and chose to stay silent the rest of the way, fuming about the situation. She knew pouting about it would do nothing, but at the same time, all she wanted to do was complain how unfair all of this was.
She didn't ask for three mates Potential mates, she corrected herself. Potential mates was putting it nicely.
She stormed out of the car the instant it came to a stop, grabbing her bags before any of them could even try and going to see if there was an open room. It didn't even cross her mind that there wouldn't be one. So when that was exactly what the receptionist said, she felt as if the ground underneath her opened up. That meant…
She closed her eyes.
"It should be under the name Reigns," Roman rumbled, coming to stand directly behind her, close enough she could feel his chest vibrate as he spoke. She didn't open her eyes or move away from the counter. She'd just jumped head first into the deep end, and she wasn't sure if she could swim.
The receptionist cleared her throat, and Ava shot her a glare, but nether less moved away, turning to find them waiting for her. How considerate.
Her lips drew up in a snarl and she strode past them into the elevator. They joined her and thankfully kept their distance, sensing she was rattled.
"Are you going to be okay?" Seth asked softly.
"No," She half laughed, looking up. The feeling of them being so close was driving her insane. "But I don't have a choice do I?"
Her eyes closed again and she tried to focus on her breathing. Sensations where attacking her from all sides and she couldn't help but wonder if that's how they felt.
No, because they accepted that you're theirs and are tuned into your feelings and senses. Why do you think they got the hint and is giving you space?
She looked around at the three men and found that none of them were looking at her like they usually would. So maybe they did get the hint. Maybe they could feel her…
She attempted to tune in on them, but found it nearly impossible. Too much energy and emotion bouncing around in her head. But one did stand out.
It ate at her, made her heart ache. Guilt. Who had it?
She didn't have to ponder it long, the elevator doors opening and allowing her to squeeze threw them and allowing her to breath again. It rattled her more then she wanted to admit, and while it wasn't so strong anymore, it still bothered her.
Bothered her enough she had to go and immediately lock herself in the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face, taking the time to get herself under control. She needed to remind herself of who she was. It wasn't someone rattled easily or someone who let men change her, even if they were her men.
She straightened up and starred at herself in the mirror, her reflection reassuring her she wasn't changing completely and that she was in control. She could handle this.
With that small pep talk, she existed the bathroom and found all three standing around and clearly waiting for her. She stiffened and eyed them all wearily. "What?"
They exchanged looks and some form of silent communication passed between them, something they seemed to be ready good at she noted.
Dean rolled his shoulders back before slowly approaching her, catching her gaze and keeping it. The closer he approached the more nervous and twitchy she became, and Dean caught on to that and stopped a few feet away. It was still almost too close, close enough that she could catch his feelings and could feel that it was him who nearly suffocated her with guilt.
She regarded him with confusion. Why? Was he about to do something?
He rubbed the back of his neck, nerves coming through. It was so unlike the cocky, arrogant bastard she knew that it actually worried her. Was something wrong?
He exhaled and regarded her carefully. "We want to see your back."
Of all the things they could ask for, that wasn't something she expected. Her eyes widened in shock, mouth dropping open before she quickly snapped it shut, taking a step back. "No."
"Ava."
"No," She repeated, shaking her head.
"We want to."
"Haven't you done enough?" She spat, not caring how hurtful that was and unfair since she could feel their guilt. The look on their faces made it all worse.
She turned to escape into the bathroom, willing to hide in there the rest of the night, but didn't get far. Hands clamped on her hips and she was dragged back into a warm chest with enough force it made her gasp.
She could feel every ridge, every hard muscle, pressing against her back. There was no distance, no space between them, and she shuddered at the feeling, eyes slipping close in embarrassment at her uncontrollable reaction. Her wolf was fully awake now and while still slightly pissy, she appreciated an alpha in charge, responded to it. And right now, Dean was full alpha against her.
"If you think you're the only one struggling," He rasped, "you are very, very wrong."
A heat coming from deep inside spread through her, and yet at the same time she shuddered, goosebumps spreading across her skin. Her wolf was causing this. Her wolf was punishing her, she realized. She knew what she wanted, even if Ava didn't.
She whimpered in confusion and pain. Everything was fuzzy, the only thing grounding her was the man at her back.
"Shh," Dean whispered, pressing soothing kisses on her neck. "What you're feeling, all of it, it normal."
Normal? Words were becoming harder to process, but she managed to snap out through gritted teeth. "Why don't you feel it?"
He rumbled in rumbled in response. "We've accepted you're ours."
Now its your turn was left unspoken, but she heard it nether less, sinking back into herself and into the battle between the wolf. This had never happened before, and to say it freaked her out was an understatement.
She lost track of time, would have lost track of everything if it wasn't for Dean. He continued to sooth her, pressing kisses along her neck, shoulders, nuzzling his face against her, hands stroking up and down her sides, her arms, wrapping around her.
Eventually things seemingly clicked into place and her tremors slowed, heart rate lowering as did her breathing. She became more aware of her surroundings, and where she was with who. She straightened up, no longer leaning into Dean and finding her balance. She couldn't pull away, he still had an arm wrapped around her, and she hesitantly laid her hands on it, telling herself it was to push him off but that never happened.
"Let us see Ava," he breathed against her ear. "We want to make sure you're okay."
She wouldn't win this. Couldn't win this, not after the wolf incident. It left her tired and all she wanted to do was sleep, but it didn't stop her pride from trying, even if she knew they won.
She gave the barest of nods and Dean immediately let her go, taking a step and giving her room. How considerate. When she turned around, she found them all watching her, waiting. It caused warmth to rise in her cheeks and she felt very unsure of herself. How were they going to do this? How was she going to do this?
"Lay on the bed if you've got to, but we aint leaving," Dean said.
Her eyes narrowed and she bore her teeth at him, but over his shoulder she could see Seth and Roman watching her, both with a pointed look, waiting. There was no getting out of this, she allowed this to go too far to try and back out. And if she was being completely honest, she knew deep down they'd never force her to do anything and if she wanted to leave, they'd let her.
Yet she got on the bed. She faced away from them, because if she didn't, this would never have happened. She had to brave up courage in order to do what was next. Such a simple task, but it revealed a lot. Talking a deep breath, she thought fuck it and threw her shirt off, throwing it somewhere behind her. Oh God.
She shivered and had to stop herself from wrapping her arms around herself, jumping when she heard Dean growl, only making her itch to have her shirt on again. What was she doing?
She felt the bed dip beside her, causing her head to snap in that direction, seeing Dean crawling on the bed beside her. "Lay down," He urged, making a point not to touch her, to not pressure her.
She realized she was shaking and whether it was from nerves, fear, or adrenaline, she tried to hide it by following his command, lowering herself on the mattress, folding her arms like a pillow and hiding her burning face.
She tried not think about the fact that she was practically on trial, being examined and looked apart and exposed.
A full body tremor shook her and she only trembled more when a hand stroked down her back, Dean trying to soothe her. It helped a little, all up until the point where a firm set of lips brushed against her back.
She jumped from the shock of it all, but hands held her down and resumed brushing against her back, calming her. The lips returned. The slight brush of the beard made her assume it was Seth who was brushing teasing kisses along her marks, careful over her marks and bruises.
Every now and then his tongue would come out, swipe against her skin, gentle sucks here and there. She tried not to shift on the bed, or maybe arch her back against him. She hated, was mortified, that this was turning her on.
She bit her lip in an attempt to stop any noise to escape, but she was heating up quickly, body burning, aching. She found herself beginning to pant in pleasure and she was close to yelling out from it.
Everything was too much, but not enough. Not enough relief. Not enough distance from what was causing this.
She was seconds from losing her mind.
"Don't hold it in," Seth rasped near her ear. "Let us hear it."
She shuddered, beginning to slip between reality and unconsciousness, but his voice made something in her click, and she realized that while he spoke the lips hadn't moved. Meaning...
Her heart somehow pounded faster and she found the strength to try and fight, trying to push up off the bed, away from the large Samoan on her back. It was a fettle attempt and was met with a firm, solid chest, not budging. "Stay," he rumbled, the vibrations reaching her already trembling core.
She relaxed once more into the mattress and he continued up her neck, purposely pausing by her mark. it made her defensive and curious on whether or not it was because it was someone elses mark, or if it was because he somehow knew it would be too much for her.
She swallowed back her emotions, pushing all thoughts aside to realize they he was no longer touching her. None of them were.
Confusion littered her mind, and she acted without thinking, rolling over and freezing when her legs connected with bodies. hands gripped her legs and finished rolling her over, and she found Roman kneeling between her legs, Seth and Dean on either side of her in a similar position. Emotions attacked her on every level in a way that made everything blissfully go away. She was aware of everything that was happening, all of the things she felt, but they seemed far away, at least enough that she didn't have to deal with them, at least not right now. It was a good thing, considering it seemed she had bigger things to worry about from the looks she was receiving from all three males.
She began to tremble for a whole new reason then before, this one was because of fear. Because the look that all three of them were giving her was the look of lust.
Her wolf reared up in the worst way possible, giving her a surge of energy, but no direction for it, so she took it as panic, sitting up and prepared to move away from them.
They were faster. When would she learn this? Roman leaned over her, causing her to land flat on her back with his hands on either side of her head, effectively caging her in. She looked up at him with nothing but fear in her eyes, causing him to let out a low growl.
"Ava."
I really love poly relationships. So much. And this is easily my favorite chapter up to date, and probably of the whole story. Just saying. Thanks so much for the support, you guys freakin rock!
Special thanks to:
NESSAANCALIME693: Boys can be stupid. Especially alpha males, but the boys get a little taste of what she feels here and understand even if its only a little bit.
Allison: Yeah I don't think Paige and the boys will ever get along lol. And Hunter tends to think with his alpha more then anything else.
calwitch: I debated writing it that way, having Ava let them sweat it out and fight it more, but she's a little weakened right now, frazzled, and maybe its taking advantage of her, but I wanted to show a softer, more caring side of the boys that I haven't been able to show yet. So I hope I got that across, but trust me, the struggle between Ava, the boys, and her pack are far from over!
ambroserollinsgirl: Glad you enjoyed! Ava's weakened now, walls down, wolf hurt, so they slipped in and comforted her when they could. We'll see if she lets this continue next chapter.
Msaju17: hopefully this filled your expectations, and will continue to do so next chapter with the making up part :))
Royal5231: Awe, I'm sorry I made you cry but at the same time glad I got that emotion across! As for Ava, she defiantly has a lot to decide, doesn't she?
Lissa003: They defiantly can be over bearing but Ava's a strong women, or at least most of the time. We'll see her fire returning, I'm not a fan of writing an Ava that needs defending, though yours if much appreciated :)
wolviegurl: Here you go! :)
Debwood-1999: the boys definatly blew it, but here they tried to make it up, and we'll see more of Paige being a good friend and protector. As for hunter, Ava is a very closed off person, he cant exactly be blamed for not knowing, but for not thinking? His fault completely. Hope you caught up on sleep!
Dark-Bright-Falcon: Sorry my update is so late, you probably have last chapter memorized! And glad the wolf thing came across, I definatley want to work on that next chapter and get better getting that across. Not trying to spoil, but that becomes a major part of this story.
freaymichaelson: Is it wrong I'm happy you cried? It just feels good knowing I got that across considering that was my main goal! Hope you feel this chapter too!
