This chapter brings in another person to the strange relationship.

Samuel is coming in the next chapter, I promise!

Lemons!

Again, I do not own Mercy Thompson or any characters.

Sunday morning I went to church like I always did and when I returned home, Ben was sitting on my front porch.

"Where's Adam?" I asked him as I shut the door of my Rabbit and climbed the steps on my porch.

"Something was going on at the office and he had to run up there. Should be back in a couple of hours." He stood and followed me into my trailer after I'd unlocked and opened the door.

My phone rang and I answered it. "Hello?" It hadn't been a number I recognized which I normally wouldn't have answered but I was distracted with the thoughts of Adam being gone.

"Mercy?" It was a woman's voice but I didn't recognize it. "It's Rachel."

Rachel? "From college?" I asked, confused.

"Yes! How are you?" She sounded excited that I'd remembered her. I hadn't seen or talked to her in years.

"I'm doing good, How's it going?"

Ben sat down and turned on my small TV, trying to give me the privacy that wasn't possible when a werewolf was in the vicinity.

Rachel spoke again. "I'm great! I'm actually getting married in three weeks and I want you to come! Oh, please Mercy!"

I was totally caught off guard. In college, Rachel had been known for sleeping around. I guess people changed. Did I really want to go? Three weeks? I didn't think anything was going on in three weeks. With all the bad things happening lately, a wedding might be a fun change.

"Mercy? Please, please, please! We were like best friends, please come." I guess I had been quiet longer than I thought. I didn't remember being that close to Rachel but I guess she remembered it differently.

"Of course, sure." I gave in. "Can I have a plus one? My… boyfriend will want to come." Boyfriend fit, I could hardly say 'my Alpha mate.'

Rachel squealed on the other end of the phone and I jumped. Ben chuckled. "Yay! Thank you so much! I'll put you down with a plus one! I'll send you an invitation right away, it has the date and address and everything. I just need your address."

I finished up with Rachel and hung up my phone. I sat down with Ben on the couch till Adam came. I told him about the wedding we were going to and he seemed amused.

"You actually agreed to go to a wedding?"

"I know, that's what I was thinking." Ben said and they laughed.

"What's so funny?" I asked them. "I thought it would be nice to go to a fun event for once instead of all the bad stuff that seems to happen to me all the time".

"It's just, y know, dressing up, drinks, dancing. Doesn't seem to fit you."

I frowned at them. "I can do those things."

Adam laughed again. "I never said you couldn't, it's just hard to picture. I'm definitely looking forward to this."

Ben and Adam continued to tease me in the weeks leading up to the wedding. I didn't really have anything to wear I'd realized a week after the call with Rachel. I asked Honey to take me shopping because she was always dressed nicely and way more girly than I ever did. If anyone could help me, she could.

It had been over a week since I had seen Stefan so I didn't worry about having Honey around and if she noticed anything she didn't say it. Honey was like that around me, she usually didn't talk to me unless she had to. She drove me to the mall and took me into a few boutiques where she made me try on dresses and shoes for hours.

"No, it has to be perfect," Honey said after I'd complained and said I'd just buy one of the dresses I was currently holding in my hands, which I had just tried on. I sighed and placed them on the return rack and followed her around as she walked between more dress racks.

She paused and pulled a purple dress off one of the racks and turned to me. "Try this one." I took it.

It was beautiful and floor length. It had an open back and a halter scoop neck that would show off my breasts nicely and then I frowned. "How do I wear a bra with this?"

Honey laughed, "You don't. But they make tape for that."

"They what?" I asked, bewildered. She laughed again and pointed me towards the dressing room.

It looked beautiful on me and I had to admit I liked it. I opened the dressing room door and stepped out to show Honey. She nodded and was smiling. "This is the one. We'll need to get the tape but yes! Now take that off while I look for shoes." She disappeared back into the store as I closed and door and changed back into my clothes.

I found her over by the shoes looking at high heels. She picked up a pair and held them out to compare to my dress, they were almost the exact same color. "These will work, do you like them?"

I did. They were a wedge style that had opened toes so I would need to paint my nails but there were enclosed everywhere else and I liked that. I hated strappy heels with almost nothing to them.

We moved onto the jewelry section and Honey picked out a silver necklace with a purple stone and matching earrings. She also found a beautiful hair come with purple stones and told me she would teach me how to pin up one side of my hair in a wave with the clip before the wedding.

I'd never been so excited to get so dressed up before but I was going to be sexy and I wanted to do this for Adam. That dress alone had made me feel sexy and I could only image myself with the hair, make up and accessories.

Stefan resurfaced a few days later and spend most of the night with Adam and I in my bedroom because Adam's daughter Jessie was home. The three of us tangled on my bed and I was glad Samuel wasn't home. I'm sure the smell of sweat and sex and the noise alone would have made him go mad. We spent hours together and for once it was slow and sweet. They took their time with me and when we finished I couldn't move a muscle. I was trembling and my muscles were twitching. My body was covered in sweat and I was breathing heavily.

Stefan helped me shower and Adam made us something to eat in my kitchen. We spent the rest of the night curled up on my couch watching bad movies on television until we fell asleep and Stefan had to leave.

The plan was to drive down the day before the wedding. We had a non-refundable hotel booked for 3 days, and we'd planned to leave the day after the wedding. The day before we were supposed to leave, Bran called with an emergency and needed Adam to go run interference on a police case that was dealing with another pack of wolves that was starting to get out of hand.

"You have to go now?" I was upset, Adam had just told me the news.

Adam looked upset too. "Yes, Mercy. I'm sorry, there's no one else who can go except Samuel and no one's seen him in a week."

"What?" I asked, surprised and distracted.

"You hadn't noticed he'd been gone?" Adam asked with a frown.

"Well yeah, but I kept thinking he was busy at the hospital and I just kept missing him." I actually hadn't even thought about it much and that made me feel guilty.

"He hasn't been home or at the hospital, I called." Adam sighed. "There's no one else, love. I have to go."

I sat down on the couch at his house and pouted.

Jessie was sitting on a chair across the room. "You can still go, Mercy." She told me, trying to help. I gave her a small smile. "I mean, you already booked the hotel and you can't get your money back and your friend is really looking forward to you coming. I'd go with you if I could but I've got school."

Adam sat beside me and wrapped an arm around me. He rested his forehead against mine. "She's right. You're still going. I'll send someone with you." He kissed my forehead and stood up. "Ben can go, I trust him." It was true, ever since Ben had discovered our secret with Stefan, he'd kept it quiet. He'd also been around more often since no one else could know and we'd gotten closer. He'd proven he could be trusted and that he'd protect me.

I remember the night he'd taken care of me after I'd been with Stefan and Ben had helped clean me up while I was exhausted and half asleep. I could trust Ben, and we respected each other.

"Fine," I agreed, but I still wasn't happy about it.

Adam left that night and the next morning, Ben showed up. Darryl and his wife Auriele came to stay with Jessie. They waved us off as me and Ben left.

"I'm sorry Adam couldn't take you." Ben said quietly.

"I'll live." I said.

Ben smiled. "I'll make sure of it."

I couldn't help but smile. He kept me distracted on the four-hour drive to the hotel so that I couldn't dwell on my sad feelings about going without Adam.

We checked into the hotel at one. I'd forgotten that there was only one king size bed until we entered the room with our bags and saw it.

"Crap," I said out loud. Ben laughed.

"No worries, Mercy. We can get an extra blanket and I'll sleep on the window seat." He pointed at the window. There was a long seat under it with cushions and it was big enough for a person, probably done for functionality as well as design. I nodded.

We dropped off our stuff and left to explore the city and find the church where the wedding was going to be so that we would know where it was for tomorrow. We had an early dinner and went back to the hotel room where we watched a couple of movies and went to bed at 10.

We lazed around our hotel room all morning not doing anything productive. The wedding wasn't until 6pm so we had time. The reception was a late night one, they'd rented the place for 24 hours so there wasn't a deadline for people to leave and they'd have time to clean up the next day. I thought it was smart.

I took a shower at 3 and started to get ready. I took a long time doing my make up and my hair. Just because Adam wasn't here didn't mean I wasn't going all out. I'd bought this outfit to flaunt myself for once and I wanted to do just that.

I wasn't a very pretty woman to begin with but with my usual oil and dirt covered overalls at work and my clothes at home, this was a major step up for me.

When I finally emerged from the bathroom at 5:30 Ben stood in place staring at me.

"Holt shit Mercy, I didn't know you could look so good."

I blushed. "Oh shut up Ben," but I smiled as I turned away to grab my purse.

He was wearing a black tux and it looked really good on him. I'd never seen Ben dressed up before either. "You clean up real nice too, Ben."

He grinned. "I do, don't I? You ready?"

"Lets go," I told him.

The ceremony was beautiful. The church was decorated in whites and pinks with white lilies everywhere. The bridesmaid's dresses were a light pink color. Rachel's dress was just gorgeous and I made a mental note to ask her where she'd gotten it.

After the wedding we all drove over to the reception where we were seated at tables and brought plates of food. There were speeches and toasts and the food was delicious. I was smiling and enjoying myself, catching up with old friends from college.

Shortly after cake and the bridal party dances, the open bar was announced ready and Ben brought me a drink as I was in a debate with a girl I'd known at college about some professor we barely remembered. We argued and laughed.

Rachel approached me half way through the night and I was already a few drinks in. "Mercy!"

She gave me a great big hug and I tried to be careful not to screw up her dress. "Rachel, congratulations!"

"Thank you for coming, it's great to see you!" She turned to Ben, "You must be the boyfriend, very cute," she said as she hugged him.

"Um, actually-" I started when someone interrupted me and hollered at Rachel and she turned to them, smiled and said "I'll be back, it was nice to meet you!" She called and hurried off.

Ben laughed and I joined in nervously. He handed me another drink and I drank the whole thing. Ben laughed again. "Careful."

Ben offered me his hand. "Wanna dance?"

I took his hand. "Yes, why not? Just catch me if I trip over these damn heels."

Ben lead me to the dance floor and laughed again as he turned me to face him and started what I thought was a waltz, leading me around. "You must be getting drunk, Mercy, you're starting to swear."

"I swear!" I defended myself.

"No, you don't," and we both laughed again. I was laughing a lot tonight.

More people were coming onto the dance floor and a slow song started. Ben slowed us down and pulled me in close to him. He placed his hands on my hips and I wrapped my arms around his neck loosely. We moved and swayed to the music.

"This has been fun," Ben said, "I know you'd rather be here with Adam but I'm glad you choose me if he couldn't."

I sighed. "I know, and thanks for coming. I've really been able to count of you lately. Seriously, Ben. Thanks."

He smiled, "No problem, Mercy."

A faster song came on and Ben left to grab us some more drinks. I wandered over to a table where people were taking shots of whiskey and they offered me one. I took it and threw it back. "Ugh!" I was feeling brave and bold tonight, or maybe it was just the alcohol.

They all laughed. Ben came back and handed me a drink with a smile. I drank it down quickly and wandered back onto the dance floor. Ben followed me. "Are you sure you can still dance?" His voice was both amused and concerned. "That whiskey was strong stuff and you've been drinking all night."

I nodded and began to dance by myself. I spun a little circle and Ben caught ahold of my arm to steady me as I stumbled. I giggled. "Do you want to sit down?"

"No Ben, I want to dance." He shook his head but let me dance anyways.

I knew I was drunk but I was having fun. I never had fun like this and I wanted to enjoy it. I usually didn't like dancing because I was self-conscious about it but it was something I liked to do even if I knew I was terrible. Being drunk, I didn't care what I looked like, I could enjoy myself.

Ben tried to take me to a chair again to sit. "No, I never get to have fun," I told him trying to explain it. "I don't dance because I'm bad at it but I don't care right now and I want to dance and have fun." It didn't come out as it had in my head but he seemed to understand because he stopped trying to drag me away.

He just moved closer to keep me steady as I danced to the music. Every couple around us was dancing and moving to the music, some people seemed to be grinding and twerking on each other.

I stumbled backwards into Ben and he steadied me again. I laughed, "Sorry."

He smiled and placed a hand on my hip, trying to keep me on my feet. My body responded and I moved into his touch, into him and I started twerking on him like everyone else around us was.

"Mercy," Ben said in my ear, "What are you doing?"

"Copying everyone else." I said with a laugh. He chuckled and his hand on my hip tightened.

"Mercy I've been drinking too, you shouldn't do that."

"Oh hush Ben. Relax!"

Ben shut up and let me dance on me. He moved his hips with me, finally getting into it himself. Soon we looked like every other couple around us.

The song ended and a slow one came on, everyone stepping close to his or her partner and danced tangled up together.

I turned around to face Ben and slip my arms around his neck like we had earlier. His hands found my hips again and he pulled me up against his body. I laid my head on his shoulder as he guided us into small circles.

The song was slow and romantic. My brain was fuzzy with alcohol. I started at Ben's neck for most of the song as he pulled me slowly around the dance floor. Then I kissed his neck.

He sucked in a breath, "Mercy."

"Mmm?"

"What are you doing?" His voice was quiet and I watched his throat move as he talked.

"Nothing," I said quietly and kissed his neck again, letting my tongue touch his skin and slide up to his ear. We were close to the edge of the dance floor near a wall.

"Mercy, stop it." Ben said but he made no move to stop me so I didn't. I licked and nipped his earlobe.

Ben turned us and pushed me up against the wall. I could feel his erection through his slacks as it pushed against my lower belly. "Mercy, stop." His voice was firm. "We've both been drinking." He stepped away from me. "I think we should leave and get some sleep. Come on."

I frowned and began to stumble after him as he turned to walk away. I heard him sigh and he was back. He wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me back across the dance floor and towards the exit door. I waved to Rachel from across the room and she smiled and waved back.

Ben loaded me into the SUV and drove us back to the hotel in silence, with only the radio playing quietly. When we arrived, he helped me up to the room.

"Go to bed, Mercy." He sat me down on the bed and disappeared into the bathroom in our hotel room and closed the door. I heard him sigh. I sat on the bed and started out the window until he came back out.

"Why aren't you asleep?" He asked me, surprised. He walked past me to the window seat where he'd slept last night.

"I'm not tired." I told him. It was half true. I was tired, but I was also horny. It made me a little cranky because I'd been spoiled so much lately. I really was turning into a sex fiend. I'd had Stefan and Adam and between the both of them I pretty much got it whenever I wanted it.

"Yes, you are." Ben said firmly. He sat on the seat and looked at me.

I stood up and walked steadily to him, it took a lot of concentration. He just sat there quietly watching me. I started to crawl into his lap. "Mercy…" His voice held a warning. I ignored it, pulled my dress up so I could straddle his hips. "Mercy." He said again, more sharply. I pushed myself against him and I could feel that his erection wasn't as hard as it has been back at the reception but it was still there. I leaned in and bit his lip.

He growled and kissed me, placing his hands on my hips and pulling me closer. I felt his erection grow harder under me, and it made me moan out loud. I saw his eyes dilate and then he stood up, pushing me off of him. "No," he growled.

I stood before him, hot and wanting. I was panting. "Ben, please. I want it. I need it." He looked pained but he shook his head at me. "I can't, Mercy."

I grabbed his face and looked him in the eyes and drew from the alpha power. "Ben, please. Fuck me." He whined at me. "That's an order." I whispered. I was so desperate for relief I was using my power over him. Wolves had to listen to anyone of higher rank and I was as high as it got beside Adam, I didn't need the power but I needed him to know how serious I was.

Ben growled and pushed me onto the bed. I fell backwards and smiled as he climbed over me. "Kiss me," I told him and he did. His lips met mine, hot and eager. His tongue explored my mouth while he hands explored my body. He hiked up my dress and his hands played at my lower belly. I whimpered when he paused at my mouth for a breath. He bit my lip softly as he hands slid lower, beneath the thong I wore and found my clit. I moaned and lifted my hips into his hand.

"You're so wet, woman." He informed me as he explored the area and slipped a finger inside of me.

"I can't wait, Ben. Now." I said breathily. He sat me up and pulled the dress up and over my head. I peeled off the couple piece of tape holding my breasts in place and they sprang free. Ben groaned and his mouth found a nipple. He used his tongue to play with it while a hand played with the other.

"I've wanted to do that since the night I watched you bouncing on Stefan." He whispered softly. Then he pushed my thong aside and pushed his member inside of me. I threw my head back and moaned.

He began to move, thrusting into me. "Oh yes, oh yes." I moaned out. Jeez was I a spoiled brat.

Ben, panting, pounded me into the bed relentlessly. Then he grabbed ahold of me and rolled us over so I was riding him. "Oh Mercy," He groaned out as he bounced me and played with my nipples. "You are so sexy." He informed me. "Listening to you fuck Adam and Stefan, it drives me crazy. I didn't want to admit it but I've wanted this."

His hips moved faster and he moved his hands to own my hips, pulling me down hard on him. I moaned louder. I placed my hands on his chest and dug in my nails. He bared his teeth at me, panting. "Oh fuck. Mercy. Mercy."

His hands reached up and pulled me down against his chest and he rolled again, pinning me down and going faster and harder. I cried out and shuddered with an orgasm and he came too, holding me tightly against his body.

He held me for a few minutes longer before he pulled out and rolled over. We were both panting hard.

He waited till my breathing slowed and my heartbeat steadied and then he got up and went to the bathroom. I heard the shower turn on and then he returned to the bed. He pulled off my thong, took off my heels and scooped me into his arms. He kissed my head and I snuggled against him.

He stepped into the shower and set me on my feet. I stood in the hot water and closed my eyes. I let him wash me like he did the first time and then I let him dry me and carry me back to bed. He laid the blanket he'd been sleeping on, onto of the dirty sheets and laid me down on top of it. The he crawled into the bed himself and pulled the comforter over us. I cuddled up to him. "Thank you, Ben."

He held me close. "Adam is going to kill me." He said it calmly, but it was deadly quiet.

"He will not." I said simply and I meant it. He slipped an arm around my waist and we fell asleep.

I had a voicemail from Adam when I woke up and found my phone. He'd called last night, probably sometime while Ben and I had been busy if I'd remembered the times correctly. Ben rolled over and groaned softly.

"Mercy," Adam's voice purred at me through the phone sounding rather husky and it made me smirk. "Damn it woman, you'll be the death of me. I felt you draw power from me last night, it was very faint but I can always feel you, Mercy. Just bring Ben home in one piece." I heard him laugh a little. "Careful Ben, she's a Siren." The message ended.

Ben grunted some sort of affirmation as he rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom. We were both still naked. I waited for the toilet to flush before I followed him. He was drying his hands on a towel when I opened the door. "Occupado." He sounded irritated.

I smirked. "Why so grumpy?"

"I thought Adam would tear me to shreds," He said after a thoughtful moment.

I shook my head. "No, it was my fault. He created this monster and he knows it." I hip bumped him.

Ben exhaled a little laugh. "How do you get away with it, little coyote?"

"I'm irresistible," I told him and I spread my legs apart and bent over the bathroom sink, exposing myself to him. I looked into the mirror at him and bit my lip.

"Hell, woman!" He exclaimed and he took me from behind again in a quickie before we left.

I'll try to update again tomorrow.