She couldn't believe she'd done it.
She went rogue.
She didn't have a pack.
She was her own person.
And it felt damn good.
"Just place it right there," She said, directing the movers. It was hard to pay attention to them and the thoughts running through her mind. So much potential, so much possibility in this new city, especially considering it was LA.
She didn't thing she would completely relocate, didn't plan to at first, but a week after resigning she'd come home from a run with a very heated and drunk Paige waiting in front of her apartment. Luckily Ava spotted her and waited till she left with Alberto so there was no confrontation, but knew that wouldn't be the end.
So she packed up and left and got more distance between herself and the pack. Even if that meant coming to a whole new city not knowing anyone. It wasn't the first time, she doubted it would be the last. But for now, this was home.
Rolling her shoulders back, she let the hot water wash over her face and burn away any evidence of her tears that were left.
Her wolf was in a state of distress, going insane and not giving her any space, draining her both mentally and emotionally.
She was second guessing. She was second guessing her decision to go rogue, her decision to leave everyone behind without so much of as a goodbye, her decision to completely give up wrestling. She missed it, dammit. She missed being in the ring.
And she hated working at a bar and being hit on my drunken slobs every single fucking day. Hated just having to scrap by.
Resting her arms against the wall, she let her head fall and the tears come, the force of them leaving her shoulders shaking.
She made this decision, she had to live with it.
"Can I get you anything else?" Ava asked, clearing the guys now empty glass.
"How about your number?"
She half smiled, placing her hands on the counter bar. "No."
He narrowed his eyes at her and leaned towards her. "Why the hell not?"
"Phones were created by the government to spy on all of us."
He kept his eyes narrowed before sighing and falling back into his seat. "That one wasn't so bad," he said, waggling his finger at her.
"And what," She laughed, "last week was so bad?"
"Last week you told me you couldn't because the plate in your head vibrated near any technology."
"Pretty sure that was a few weeks ago actually," She said thoughtfully.
"And I'm pretty sure you're running out of excuses," he said, leaning forward towards her. "Give me your number Ava." He was more solemn, serious, making the smile slip right off her face as she focused on scrubbing down the bar.
"I can't," She muttered.
"You've said that before, find another excuse," He said, shining a brightening smile at her. "Seriously, what are you hiding?"
A lot more then you'll ever know.
"I don't want either of us to get our hopes up," She said, offering him that little bit of explanation. "I'm a running Jacobs, don't stick around even when a pretty boy comes in the picture."
"No exceptions?"
"No exceptions."
"Damn."
He sounded genuinely disappointed and bummed out. It made her heart swell just a little more. He'd been after her for the whole month she's worked here, patient, joking, lifting her mood when she had to. But they never made it out of this bar because a start over meant no boys.
It wasn't like she could with him anyway, him being completely human.
"I'll tell you what," he said, reaching forward and grabbing her hand, something he never attempted before. She froze and starred down at the way they fit together and shocked out how nice it felt. "I'm leaving for home in a week, settle some stuff down there and get my parents will in order. Not sure when I get back, could be another week, a month, two months, hell, a year. But whenever I do, you give me a chance Ava. Give us a chance."
Her coffee had long got cold, her bowl of cereal barely recognizable as it became more of a pile of mush from the milk. The TV was blaring, some movie that had interested her an hour ago but now, now she focused on the paper in her hands.
Her fingers were clenched so tight around it she doubted she could let go, its delicate pages crinkling where she gripped it. Starring up at her was an all too familiar smile, warm, inviting, friendly.
A head on crash, killed instantly. Young, 33 business man leaving behind two parents and a brother, sister and niece. The words blurred together, got jumbled, because none of it matter. None of it mattered.
Releasing her death grip on the paper, she let it float down on the ground and sat back on the couch. If she needed any more proof that she meant to be alone, there it was. That was the universe proving what she thought all along, that their wasn't someone out there for her and there never would be.
Taking a deep breath, she reached for her ice cold coffee and focused on the TV while ignoring Jacob smiling up at her.
She threw the damp towel on the counter and examined the freshly done dishes in front of her. Took nearly an hour, but it was done now and she could relax for the rest of the night. She did a double shift last night, working long into the morning and as a result received two free days off. Starting with her couch and an oversized blanket.
A blessing, one she took without question. Drunken bar goers were almost worst then the creepy fans she used to deal with on a daily basis.
That sobered her a little bit as she thought about it. She never thought she'd work permanently at a bar and give up wresting. Wrestling was what she loved, but it was too much of a hassle, a reminder, and when she said she needed a break, she needed a break from everything.
For a whole she juggled both, wrestling and bar work. But it didn't work out and drained her at a time when she really needed her energy.
Being rogue, it wasn't easy. It drove wolves insane, seeing as they were pack oriented, taking comfort in being around other wolves. Even though she didn't get along with more than half of her pack, and she wanted nothing more than to rip their faces off, her wolf got comfort and that's what mattered.
Until it didn't, and until her wolf began to take priority over Ava's mental health. Hence why she needed to go on her own.
It was still a struggle every day, a struggle with her wolf who put up more of a fight than ever before, but she pushed on, plowed through. But things where beginning to catch up on her. She was feeling the affects of being rogue.
Constantly freezing, never warm, paranoia, constantly tired and feeling over all drained. But it hard gotten a lot worse before Hunter scooped her up, and she could take a lot more now.
Her phone ringing jolted her from a light doze she didn't realize she slipped in, and she struggle to fight out of the blankets surrounding her and barely making it in time.
"Ava. How you doing beautiful?"
"Aj? Styles?" It took her a moment, but a grin spread across her face at the sound of her old friend.
"One and only baby."
"Hey man, how ya been?"
"Can't complain. Boys have started football."
"And I'm sure they're killing it, along with all the other five sports they play."
"Track and baseball. We're cutting it at three."
"Smart man." She couldn't help but smile. He was such a great dad, so proud of his little boys, bragging about them any chance he got. "Not that I'm complaining, but what do I owe this surprise call to?"
"I'm in town sweet pea. Raw's in LA and I want to get a drink with ya, catch up."
It was like a car crash in her brain, seeing everything happen in slow motion and not be able to do a damn thing to stop it. All of these thoughts bouncing off of each other, emotions swarming her mind and her wolf. Her damn wolf reared her head and made everything blurry.
She stumbled back onto the couch and had to clutch at her temple and remember to breath as she fought through this confusion.
It meant nothing, nothing at all. It didn't necessarily mean she'd run into any one she didn't want to, she didn't even have to run into Aj if she really didn't want to. But her wolf was focused on pack.
Pack. Pack. Pack.
Alpha. Mates. People
No, no pack, no alpha, no mates, no no no!
She flinched as her head began to throb but at the same time quiet down. She once more regain control of her own emotions and thoughts and made her wolf shut up once again. She ignored the part of her that was concerned at how easy, that was, but got distracted by Aj calling her name.
"Yeah, yeah I'm here," She muttered. "Uh, sure. Why don't I text you an address and you text me once Raw's done."
"You better not flake on me missy."
"Never." She hoped she could keep that promise, because at the rate of her head and heart rate, she might pass out before she could meet him.
It wasn't' just her wolf panicked, she felt uneasy knowing everyone was in town. Knowing that there was an even a slightest chance she'd run into someone, into Paige, or Hunter, or…
She didn't leave off on a good place with any of them, well except Hunter, and she was in no place to have drama. She worked hard on putting them behind her.
But wasn't that that what she was causing right now? Drama with her freaking self?
She took a calming deep breath and relaxed back on the couch. No big deal, she was just going to have a drink with her old friend, no one else. Whatever else that would happen, would happen and she'd be fine.
Or she kept telling herself that.
"Well look who it is," Aj said, hands on his hips.
She grinned and walked into his welcoming arms. "Aj," She said, squeezing him tight.
"How are you doing hun?" He muttered against her ear and hugged her back. Thankfully he didn't say anything when she didn't let go right away, or when she burrowed closer into his warmth and how comfortable she felt in his arms, or didn't respond.
She didn't realize how much she missed him. He was always kind to her in the indy scene, always looking at for her, and they'd actually become really good friends back then before they split up for difference companies.
Funny how once she left, he arrived on the scene.
"I'm good,' She said once they pulled away, instantly missing his warmth as they took a seat. "Better seeing you, its been a while old man."
"A long time. Not too long for me to know you're way too skinny," he said, dad mode on.
She rolled her eyes and waved the waitress over to order a drink. "You're a charmer."
"It's the truth. Way too skinny, you need more meat on your bones," He said, frowning even more once she ordered. "And you're drinking?"
"Relax, I didn't come here to get lectured Aj. I came here to catch up with you."
"You knew damn well coming here I could lecture you sweet heart. It's been a while, but it aint been that long."
She sighed and took a sip of her beer. "I've been running, a lot."
"And you're rogue. Makes me worry."
"I'm fine Aj." One look from him and she couldn't lie. "It's rough," She admitted after a minute, her eyes welling up slightly. She blamed it on the sympathy he was giving her. "Hence the running, and the drinking. It helps keep my mind off of it. It's only gotten rough as of recently."
His frown furrowed and he reached for her hand, giving a squeeze. "What can I do?"
Oh Aj, if only you could do anything to help me.
"Nothing," She smiled sadly. "But at the moment, you can get me another beer while I go to the bathroom real quick." While she went and regained her composure.
She didn't make it far, pausing just outside as her wolf became more alert then she had been in the past few weeks, picking up on something. All of Ava's hair stood on end, not knowing exactly what was happening right now.
She trembled slightly, eyes slipping close as she breathed deeply, mostly to try and calm the sudden rush of adrenaline she felt, but with that inhale came a rush of memories, sensations, and heat.
She dropped to her knees, her legs giving out as everything around her began spinning, nothing making sense. Oh God, what was happening to her. She attempted to get up, hands desperately grabbing at anything to help her, but ants where crawling under her skin, her veins on fire, a light sheen of sweat coating her body.
A cramp in her stomach paralyzed her, so strong and painful she couldn't help crying out from the pain. Eyes wide, chest heaving, tears began to pour down her face knowing exactly what this was.
She was in heat. Goddamn after all this time, she was in heat.
Why didn't she continue her suppressors? Why why why? She kept asking herself that as she blindly tried to crawl away on her hands and knees, not sure where she was heading, just trying to get away.
But you couldn't get away from something inside of her, and as another cramp hit het and made her fall on her side, her hip radiating in pain, she realized just how screwed she was. So she let the darkness, the pain, the feeling of hopelessness, take her.
X
And in the dark came a cooling heat, pressure, relief. She moaned at the feeling, whatever it was it cooled the heat running in her veins. It made everything less painful but more intense at the same time. It coaxed her out of the blackness enough that even in her muddled mind, she knew what was happening.
She heard voices and focused on that. A hand was touching her face, running down her neck, her chest, just kept caressing her. She would have fought, but the time for that had long past, it was as if her biggest nightmare was coming true.
The hands made her feel more needy, arching towards them, wanting more but wanting them off her body. It helped bring her down and she found focusing was easier. Easy enough that her eyes opened, slowly at first, but eventually enough that she spotted them.
The Shield. Seth was in front of her, comforting her and Dean and Roman, they stood a few feet away squared up with Aj.
They were here. They were actually here.
The part of her that was still sane tried to push forward, tried to rise to her feet but barely made it an inch before she collapsed back against the wall, breathing as if she just got done running a marathon.
"Hey, look at me Ava," Seth growled, hands gripping her arms. She dragged her gaze from the three of them and looked at Seth, his face coming in and out of focus. "Keep looking at me baby, that's it," he whispered, caressing her cheek and calming her down. His forehead dropped to hers, inhaling loudly taking in her scent and pulling away with a snarl, eyes glowing radiating pure alpha.
It made her wolf purr, coming out louder then it should, and she arched towards him, needing an alphas touch, comfort, directions.
"We need to get her out of here," He growled pull away from her completely and making her cry out in protest, greedily reaching out for him missing his heat. Chest rumbling, he reached for her and pulled her into his deliciously warm arms- oh god yes- and rose to his feet despite her dead weight.
She wasted no time curling around him impossible closer, but not close enough. She just needed closer, needed more. Whining, she pressed her face deeper into his neck and breathed in his scent, still trying to rationalize herself. His scent helped, and for a moment she felt herself. Her incredible horny, over heated self.
Seth came to stand behind his other two mates, still having a stand off with Aj.
"Move," Dean snarled, having enough of this.
"Aj," Seth said when he didn't move. "We'll take care of her."
"She's ours," Roman uttered.
Something in Ava clicked when she heard Roman say that, but she stored it away for later, still trying to get closer to Seth who on his part, didn't say anything, just squeezed her tighter and held on. It couldn't be easy with how hard she was squirming in his arms.
Jaw ticking, Aj accepted that answer and moved away, eyes locked on Ava as they strode by, but she couldn't focus on him to reassure him she'd be fine. He wasn't her alpha, he didn't concern her at the moment. All that matter was the man holding her and the heat he was giving off, heat he was causing in her.
He smelled so good, safe, like home, and he felt great against her body. Made everything fuzzy but clear at the same time, made everything hurt less but ache more.
Whining into his neck, her lips began to explore the little bit of skin that showed and that she could access. His chest rumbled under hers and he crushed her closer, making her wolf happy and urging her on, thinking she did something to please her alpha.
She was barely aware they were in a car now, only knowing when Seth moved away in order to set her down on the seat. She whined and immediately arched in pain, grabbing for him once he slipped in beside her like a needy child.
His arm locked around her waist and against his side, causing immediate relief from the fire consuming her. "Shit baby, you're on fire," Seth growled as her chest began to vibrate, her purr filling the otherwise silent car.
She arched against his side, needing more from him, her hands beginning to roam, sliding up his shirt.
"Dammit roman, drive faster," Dean ordered, his boner pulsing in his jeans as he took in her scent and seeing her hands on Seth in the mirror. Snarling, Roman stepped harder on the gas.
Not enough, not enough.
She couldn't handle it, the fire that was spreading in her body consuming her and leaving her in agonizing pain. Growling in frustration, she swung her leg over Seth's lap, catching him off guard as she straddled him.
"More," she snarled, attacking his neck with kisses and bites, grinding her hips down on his and gaining enough relief that she did it again.
"Fuck," He hissed, grabbing her hips trying to stop her. "Ava."
Her teeth latched onto his neck and bit, earning a deafening snarl from him and his hips to thrust against hers. She moaned in pleasure but quickly gasped as he grabbed her hair and roughly yanked her off his neck and off his chest, aware from his heat.
If this was meant to be a punishment it worked well, her wolf whining at the loss of contact.
"Watch it," he warned, eyes flashing. Her gaze lowered in shame, partly because of her wolf upset over getting her alpha mad, but the human part of Ava realized how weird this was, unnatural and how embarrassing.
She just dry humped a guy she hadn't seen in months. Hell, she'd never even kissed the guy, and she was ready to go all the way with him in the backseat of this car. Only another reason to hate who she was, and mother nature for making her go into this maddening heat.
"Hey," Seth said gently, urging her to look at him. "It's okay, alright? We just need to get to the hotel and then we'll take care of you, I promise."
She nodded but still struggled to meet his gaze, glancing over out the window. "Air," She rasped, not able to speak just yet.
"Yeah, okay," Seth said, hands gripping her and easing her off his lap and to his side, rolling the window down all the way, letting in some clean fresh air.
It cleared her mind enough that she didn't press right up against his side and wasn't withering in discomfort, though if she focused enough on the spot between her legs, she knew damn well she would.
So she sat there like a good girl and focused on breathing until they made it to the hotel.
She was okay enough to walk, the fresh air actually helping her mind clear even more. Enough that she felt a little panicky. She was about to mate with not one person, but actually three when she thought she'd never mate again.
Not only was it three, but it was three she'd once thought would be her mates but that didn't work out well before. And then there was Finn. He had nothing had to with it, but her mind was spinning.
Her whole life was about to change in mere seconds and she felt like she was in the passenger rather than the driver seat.
They stopped at the door, Roman unlocking it and stalking in with Seth following. Ava on the other hand, froze just outside. No going back. Dean remained behind with her, his hands coming to rest on her lower back.
"Ava."
"Yeah?" She breathed, eyes slipping close for a second.
His hand slipped up her back and curled around her neck. "We'll take care of you Ava. Always," He growled the last part.
She swallowed hard but nodded, his touch somehow reassuring her enough to step inside the small room, the AC blasting in the room doing nothing for her over heated body.
Seth stood with more tension then a few minutes before, and as the door closed with a silent click, she felt Dean tense behind her, both seemingly watching Roman and waiting for his move.
He was quick slipping out of her jacket and shirt, stalking towards her with so much intensity and heat in his eyes that she had to step back, nerves getting the best of her.
He growled a warning, and she froze immediately, gasping when his hands grabbed at her and yanked her against his bare chest. This what it, she realized, nerves swimming around her stomach, feeling way too light headed. She was about to get mates, they were about to…
She tried to fight her reaction to flinch when his teeth pressed into her throat, but luckily he was too focused on her scent to notice, just growled even louder and sudden spun, backing her further in the room. If he didn't keep a grip on her she knew she would have fallen on her ass by this point.
None too gently, he shoved her on the bed and stood over her, hands gripping her shoulders. "Stay," He snarled.
Wait, what? She blinked in confusion and watched him stalk towards the bathroom, grabbing Seth and taking him with him. "Dean, now."
Dean frowned, glancing at Ava and seemingly debating what to do. "Dean." Growling, he ran his hands through his hair but followed Roman and Seth into the bathroom as well.
Leaving her sitting there. Alone. On the bed. This wasn't at all how she saw this going. What were they doing? Where they talking? Where they- The sound of a shower answered her question. Seriously? A shower? But-
A loud moan followed by a vicious snarl had her shooting up off the bed, starring at the closed bathroom door in shock. They were in the shower together, and they were- Another moan and that time it caused a painful counter reaction in her, it feeling as if her clit had a very own heartbeat of its on.
Her wolf was feeling frisky and hearing her mates getting off in the other room made her want to join. But the human part of her paid no mind, still in a state where she could think clearly enough to realize what had just happened.
They were rejecting her, yet again. She was hear, in their hotel room with them in heat and on the verge of dry humping one of them with the need she felt. And they were fucking in the shower.
It was a painful blow to her heart, enough that she nearly dropped at the pain. No matter what, she was never enough, would never be enough for them. She wasn't the kind of mate they wanted.
Making possible the stupidest decision of her life, and possible life threatening, she stumbled towards the door and with shaky hands unlocked it. Because she'd rather end up completely broken then end up being someone's burden.
She didn't know how she made it, immediately collapsing onto the floor was the apartment door closed behind her. Pressure. She felt pressure in her head, her ears feeling like they were about to pop and her eyes so very heavy.
She needed to-
Focus.
She was in control here, she was in control of her body, her life, her wolf, she could do. She just had to make it to the bathroom. Shower, get their scent off of her and get warm again. That was all. She just needed to get warm.
Shoving to her feet, she staggered through the house, banging her body off more surfaces then she remembered owning and eventually barged into the bathroom.
She slapped at the wall, eventually finding the light switch and groaning at the sharp burst of pain that had her squeezing her eyes shut, the light way too bright in this room.
She lost her grip on the door and stumbled back into the wall, hitting her shoulder off a towel rack and immediately crying out in pain, completely collapsing on the floor.
"Control," She choked out. "I have…" Eyes slipping close, her body sagged on the floor and let go.
Hours later, and Ava hadn't moved. She remained curled up on the hard bathroom floor, shivering as a deep chill seemed to settle in her bones. It was such a different from just a few hours ago when the warmth was consuming her, eating her up. Being surrounded by warmth.
She closed her eyes and curled up even further, in an attempt to warm up without having to move, because honestly, she wasn't sure she would be able to move.
Maybe she would die here, alone on her bathroom floor. Fitting.
She felt herself just beginning to doze off when the bathroom door was thrown open, and she was jolted awake, her body cramping up at the sudden movement of her sitting up. She doubled over in pain, her world beginning to spin and slip away when arms wrapped around her body.
She recognized the heaviness of them, the warmth, the scent, and immediately she pushed them away, needing them off of her, even if all she wanted to do was turn and curl into the warmth.
She needed them last night, she didn't need them today.
"No," She rasped, her voice coming out strained and not more than a whisper. "Get off me."
"Dammit Ava." She was jerked back into a firm chest and arms snaked around her legs, making her vision flip for a second, until her head connected with his shoulder, bright blue eyes glaring down at her. "What the hell were you thinking?"
He was furious with her, but his voice shook with concern as well, a hand coming to push the hair off her face.
"Jesus, you're freezing," He said, carrying her into the bedroom and getting into bed with her, never once letting her slip out of his embrace, and she didn't have the energy to try. Covers where pulled up around them. "You're such a fucking idiot."
"Dean," Roman rumbled.
"I'm gonna go make her some tea," She heard Seth say, already on his way into her kitchen if she had to guess.
"You're lucky I don't hit women," Dean continued, tightening his hold on her, his breath washing against her forehead.
"Yyyouu di-didn't waantt mee," She stuttered, nearly impossible to speak with the force of her teeth chattering together. She curled tighter around Dean, soaking in his warmth, but still needing more. She felt another pair of hands touch her body, rubbing up and down her legs.
"Is that what you really think?" Dean asked, squeezing her to the point where she could barely breath. "Baby-"
"Sit her up and let her drink this," Seth interrupted as he came in the room, handing the drink off too Roman so he could join them on the bed too, sitting on Dean's other side. "This should help with her voice too," He said, stroking her hair and watching on Dean sat her up against his chest. His heart ached seeing her like this. Weak, and so depleted, thinking that they didn't want her last night, when that was the farthest from the truth. But he also knew trying to explain it to her now when she was slipping in and out of consciousness wouldn't help anyone. They would be having this conversation once she felt better.
Roman held the cup to her lips, not removing it until she drank it all, hoping it would warm her up the places they couldn't reach. "Side affect of being rogue so long," He muttered, locking eyes with Seth, feeling just as helpless.
All three huddled close, surrounding her with their warmth in order to warm her up, putting their discomfort aside. Anything for their mate.
She woke up in patched, coming alert at random moments and then completely passing out at others. She wasn't sure what was a dream and what was reality, but all she knew was that the three of them were constant.
X
"Shit, she isn't warming up. Why won't she warm up?"
"Relax Dean, she's been rogue along a time, it'll take time," Seth muttered softly.
"It's my fault," Roman rumbled while later.
"Rome."
"It is," He snarled, the vibration rumbling her chest. "If I could control my alpha"
"Don't go there man," that was Dean. "Not now."
Control his alpha? What did that mean? She had to wake up, she had to get away from them before- She shuttered, teeth clattering together and arms tightened around her.
"We need to get her help if she doesn't"
X
"Wake up Ava. We need you." She felt his breath against her neck, his lips pressed just below her ear as he leaned over her and helped surround her with heat. "We need you mate, just wake up. I'd take it all back if I could. All of it. Just wake up."
"Dean, baby."
"She needs to know I'm sorry, sorry I'm such a fuck up."
"Baby boy."
X
"Tell Hunter he can go fuck himself, our mate needs us," Roman growled.
"He's pulling the fact that she isn't ours," that made Seth snarl, his arms tightening painfully around her.
"She's ours," Roman said.
"The fuck you think I told him?"
X
But now she was awake, wide awake and filled with conflicted emotions and thoughts. What she should do and shouldn't do. What was going to happen now? What the hell did all this mean?
She assessed the situation before moving a single inch. She was curled into Seth's chest, Roman beside him, and Dean completely covering her back.
She couldn't deny that she felt comfortable, safe, but as her mind began to catch up what was happening and panic set in. She tensed up and had to clench her teeth breathing deeply as laid there way too close to these boys.
She pushed back against Dean, him easily falling off of her in a snoring heap making her job easy. All she had to do was get out of this bed undetected. Easier said than done, because freedom was less then three feet away and she began to get a little to excited. But she made it and quickly escaped to the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind her.
She bent over her sink, knuckled clinched tight as she kept breathing, fighting off a panic attack and failing. They were here. In her bed. Possibly mates.
She didn't remember the last few hours at all, only remembered being so fucking cold, and then warm. Because of them, they warmed her up, possible saved her.
No, she seethed, they didn't want her, they didn't want her before, didn't want her last night, so what gave them the right to come storming in and deciding that she was there's? Even if she was, she didn't care, they weren't meant to be together. After last night proved it.
She sat on the toilet and dropped her head in her hands.
It wasn't that simple, she knew it. They happened to go to that bar and scenting them drew her wolf out enough to produce the long over due heat. They were the only wolves they could do that to her, especially after so long, so denying it now. They were hers.
It felt weird even thinking that. After so long of being by herself it was weird having to herself, well, again. She thought they were hers once before, but even then she was wishy washy, nervous and the what if sitting a the back of her mind. But now, now they were all laying in her bed after saving her.
She groaned into her hands and shook her head. "What am I going to do?" she whispered.
It took her a while to brave up the courage to get up and open the door, peeking out to find all three still sleeping to her relief. She wasn't ready to talk to any of them yet, didn't have her words ready, instead headed into the kitchen to get coffee ready because one thing she knew for certain, today was going to be a long day.
She stood in the hallway just a foot in her open living space starring at her kitchen and living room. The home she'd made for herself even if it didn't feel like a home at all.
But it was hers, and it was all about to change. She hated being that type. The stereotypical 'I found my mate and it changed my life'. But she couldn't deny the changes they brought. Starting with the whole body, life alternating heat she just recently went through less than 4 hours ago. Or the fact that she felt better then she had in months.
And she doubted they would be moving to LA and live here with her. Would she even want them to? It was lonely in this apartment and it would always remind her of her weaker moments, on the floor balling her eyes out.
Taking a deep breath, she headed towards her kitchen and put it all at the back of her mind. For now.
She was sitting on the floor beside her large, open windows overlooking LA with a coffee in hand when one of them first woke up. It was Roman, stomping out of the bedroom with a feral look in his eyes and an appearance to match. His hair was down, shirt off in nothing but sweats that sat low on his hips.
It showed off all his muscles, and currently his flexed arms, fist clenched at his side. He calmed a little when he spotted Ava, eyes not so bright, but chest still heaving as he stalked towards her. She didn't say a word, just watched him approach and couldn't but be reminded of that awful night she escaped Barrett's and he found her.
She swallowed hard once he came to a stop directly I front of her. What did he want? What was he doing to do, say?
He offered her a hand, and she starred at him too long for his liking, a growl rumbling from his chest. She set her coffee to the side and placed her trembling hand in his, gasping when he yanked her up from the ground and directly against his chest.
His warmth radiating off of him made her realize how cold she was, shivering against him. His hand grabbed her hair, yanking her head back to sniff her neck while his other hand slid around to cup her ass, yanking her even close to his body and causing her to gasp for a whole nother reason.
He growled again and pulled away with a frown on his face. "You're too skinny."
It took her a moment to distinguish the wolf and herself, but when she did she yanked out of his arms. "Sorry, I don't have much of an appetite lately, and apparently not enough ass for you," she said sarcastically. She went over to grab her cup and stalked away from him towards the kitchen.
"Ava."
Ignoring him, she dumped out her coffee and poured another.
"Ava," He growled, alpha coming out enough to make her pause for just a moment.
"No," She hissed, spinning around fast enough to make her dizzy. "You don't get to use that voice with me. Not after everything." Not after you left me.
She took a moment, partially to breath because she really did feel weaker, but also because once she started she wasn't sure she could stop She'd held all of this in, kept it to herself, not having the opportunity to say this to them, not having the strength. She didn't necessarily have the strength now, but if they were going to do this, really actually do this, then she had a lot of shit to say.
But as she swayed lightly on her feet, she realized she wasn't as strong as she thought. He was at her side quickly, hands steadying her.
"You aren't strong enough for this," He growled, bending to lift her up and causing her to close her eyes at the sudden movement.
"Fuck you."
He stalked over to the couch, gently sitting her in a corner and covering her with a blanket. "Glad to see you're your old self," he rumbled, tucking her in.
I'm not, not at all.
Much to her surprise, but also relieved, he didn't hover. Instead he did the opposite and stalked off and out of her sight. Fine with her. She settled her head back and closed her eyes wondering what the hell they were going to do now.
She didn't even realize she'd dozed off until a gentle hand shook her awake, startling her into a sitting position.
"Easy," Seth crooned, his hand slipping from her shoulder to rub up and down her arm. She closed her eyes for a second, reopening them to find his soft browns still starring at her. "You okay?" He asked, hand still rubbing.
"Yeah. Yeah," She said, clearing her throat. He smirked slightly and kept starring. "What?"
"You're beautiful."
Her cheeks heated and she looking away, only to look back to find he was still starring. "Stop," She half laughed, shoving at him.
He chuckled and stood up. "Dean will be back soon with food. Hope you're okay with pizza."
She didn't say anything, just sat and watched him head off into the hallway and presumably her bed room, making himself right at home.
She frowned at that line of thought. This was all too easy, way too easy. She couldn't let herself get swept away in their presence so soon. Not again. Last time she allowed that to happen she ended up ubelievanly hurt.
She couldn't help it that it just felt right with them, more right then it had ever been with anyone else. Her old mate, Finn, no one could compare to what these three caused.
Groaning under her breath, she rubbed at her face in frustration. Why couldn't this be easy? Mother nature had to be a bitch with mates and assigning who to who, why couldn't the actual relationship be simple?
She didn't do well with complicated, usually ran before it hit that point. She tried running afterwards, but that didn't work out well for her did it? No running now. "Defiantly not," She muttered out loud.
She was saved from her misery as the door swung open and Dean came in, carrying what looked like way too much food, slamming the door behind him. "Food!" He called out.
She just stood up when the other two came out of the bedroom.
"Thanks man," Seth said.
"I accept tips in the form of blowjobs," Dean replied casually, making Ava pause in shock knowing he wasn't talking to her. He better not have been. His gaze settled on hers, eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth saying, "You're"
"What?" She challenged, glaring at him.
"Let's not start," Seth said, ever the peacemaker.
"You're still too weak," Roman added, placing a hand on Seth's shoulder.
Irritation in her spiked and once more she opened her mouth to say fuck off, but paused as she took in their appearance. Seth's hair was frizzy, half wet half not and a certain glazed look in his eyes while Roman, Roman oozed male satisfaction, pride in his eyes. Along with one quick sniff, her question was answered, and a whole lot more raised.
"What the hell did you do in my bed?" she asked, brows furrowed in disbelief.
Even Seth's slight blush which was completely adorable, couldn't off set her from them. Roman simply smirked and exchanged a look with Dean.
Seth cleared his throat and opened one of the boxes. "You need to eat," He said, dropping a piece of pizza in front of her and reaching for one of his own.
"It was actually in your shower," Roman said.
Dean chuckled while Seth shot Roman a glare, shoving the big man back while he took a set, eyes cast down and a light blush still dusting his cheeks. Roman purred and moved closer to him, his chest pressing against his side when his arms snaked around Seth's chest. He pressed several lingering kisses on his neck before moving away, choosing to come around and sit next to the still starring Ava.
"So the three of you…" She trailed off. Her question was answered by Seth's little blush while Dean smirked. "I… does that mean you're all gay? Bisexual?"
"No," Roman answered her. "We're attracted to each other and that's it."
"Yeah, I never thought I'd get a dick shoved up my ass and like it, but mother natures a bitch and decided for me," Dean responded, taking a giant bite of pizza.
She blushed a little at how crude he was and at the image in her head, letting her mind run wild. The thought of the three of them together was hot as all, something she'd love to see first hand, and probably would soon.
"You complaining?" Roman asked in a low voice, eyeing Dean. They shared a look and she could see the passion between them, the heat, and it affected her more ways then she'd like to admit. Especially considering what they were talking about.
She was trying to understand their situation and understand what was to come, she didn't need to be side tracked by them.
Seth cleared his throat and all the attention was back on her. "So," He said, leaning forward on the counter. "We need to talk."
Told you we're moving quickly! Mostly because I can't stand stories that drag on and the main couple are separated so long, that's depressing. And while we may move quickly, we are far from the end of this story, trust me! Would love to hear what you think about this chapter, I appreciate your guy's opinion more then you'll understand!
NESSAANCALIME6913: I'm looking forward to write in the scenes where we see just how much it affected them, and hopefully give Ava some insight too and maybe loosen up. Thanks for the review and your great idea :)
Freaymichaelson: Glad you enjoyed, hopefully you'll like this chapter just as much!
Calwitch: Soon Ill write more on Bayley and Finn and their relationship. Of course once Av gets hers together! And more to come next chapter on Renee/Mate situation. You're giving me ideas with Bayley and Paige teaming up, that'd be interesting!
Lissa003: I just think they are an adorable couple, even if it breaks Ava heart. We'll hear more on ava and how she feels next few chapters.
Royal5231: hopefully you got just as excited for this one as well! Glad I cause that reaction, I just want to make people happy with my stories. I feel like I'm saying this to every review but more next few chapters. I plan to address her being rogue and the exact effect it's had on her, and next chapter addresses Renee issue!
Brrokeworm3: Glad to see you as well! Thanks for your review!
Msaju17: Serious ass kissing! And this situation is only going to get stickier, trust me!
Ambroserollinsgirl: Glad to see you as well, thanks for you're review and hopefully this lived up to expectations!
kyanaM: I'm sorry you feel that way, I honestly don't think I strayed from my story at all. But you can have your opinion and I do hope you come back to finish this story with me.
Pica16:Glad you really like it! And welcome! :)
Emzy2k11: Sorry if the wait was too long, but hopefully the chapter makes up for it!
Dawnie-7: You're reaction is exactly, spot on how I hoped everything came across! You made my night with this review, so thank you so much! And as for the broken story part, you and me are gonna be best friends because I LOVE writing that type of story. Would love to hear what you have to think for this chapter!
Alicia: I thought it was a pretty brave move for her myself! Soul searching never hurt anyone.
Kim: I don't know if I can form a whole spin-off story of them, but if enough people request it, might think about a mini, 5 or 6 chapter story for them. Glad you enjoyed!
Chyrstal: I hope you don't get disappointed that there wasn't more of a push away from her, but we all know Ava and know that'll come later. Hopefully you liked this just as much!