Christian

I'm in my playroom and I have a new submissive tied up and hanging from the ceiling in front of my bed. She isn't just any submissive though. I can smell her. Sweet vanilla, warm sugar, and crisp apples invade my senses while I watch her struggle against the bindings. She's blindfolded, so I can't see those beautiful blues right now, but that will change soon.

I step closer, my quiet footsteps making her perk up. Her head snaps up and her face turns toward the sound of me.

"Please. Let me go."

"But you look beautiful, Anastasia."

She whimpers. "I'm scared."

"You've no reason to be."

"Please, Christian."

"Hush now. You're mine to play with." I move over to her and run my hands over her pale, naked body. She jerks, but her skin breaks out in goosebumps. "See, you like my touch. Be good for your mate and calm down." My words don't help, though. She begins to thrash around and I see that the bindings are starting to rub her body raw.

"Enough!" I bark at her, grabbing her neck in an effort to calm her. When I squeeze slightly, she finally calms. "Fate chose you for me. You need to learn. I'll teach you."

"This isn't my fate."

I spank her hard, making her cry out. "The fuck it's not. I tried to keep this from happening, but it's no use. Fate gets what fate wants. Now be my good girl."

"I'm not yours!"

"Not mine, huh?" I rip the blindfold off so I can look at her properly. My hand goes back to her throat, squeezing a little tighter. "Maybe I need to remind you." I growl out the words while we're nose-to-nose. I can feel her blood thrumbing through the artery in her neck. It's pumping for me.

I have the sudden urge to mark her for everyone to see. She needs a reminder that she wears every day. One I won't allow her to cover.

I press a kiss to her soft pink lips, even though she tries to fight me, then to her chin, her jaw, and finally to her neck, where I bare my teeth and bite down hard enough to draw blood.

She cries out and thrashes, but I hold her neck steady, licking off the trickle of blood that has oozed from my bite.

When I finally pull back, I feel manic, a smile on my face while a mixture of her blood and my saliva drip off my chin.

"You monster!" She spits at me and I bring my hand up to smack her and see my arm and hand hair covered.

It startles me enough to take a few steps back and turning, I find the mirror on the wall. My face is long and distorted, my canines sticking out of my open mouth. Blood is smeared over my face and my eyes are black.

Looking back toward my property, I see her watching me with a look of terror on her face. She's absolutely terrified of me.

But she's so god-damned beautiful. Her body is so soft, her smell so sweet. I need to devour her.

I wake up screaming as I pounce on her. I'm panting and my shirt is stuck to me. I hurry to yank the sticky, wet article of clothing off my body and relax back against the headboard, trying to collect my thoughts.

This is too fucking much. She isn't meant to take what I'm used to giving. She isn't meant to be mine. I'll hurt her. I'm too savage for someone like her. I was right. I've been right all along. I can't have her. I have to deny fate. Elliot deserves her. He can treat her how she deserves to be.

This is why I've kept my distance. It's been a month since I met the blue-eyed beauty and I've kept my distance. I know Elliot has found his way to my parents house on multiple occasions just hoping for a glimpse or moment with her, but I don't. I was forced to dinner last night since I missed the last couple and she ended up invading my every move and thought while she sat across from us, unknowingly driving the both of us insane. And now the nightmares I finally got to stop a week ago have come back. I hurt her in every god-damned one of them.

Today, my parents invited all of us to a pool party, including the Kavanaghs, so I'm urged to go. Something that my mother hoped to be fun, my father turned into a business matter. I don't know how he expects me to keep a clear head while my mate is in the vicinity. Especially while she's wearing little to nothing.

I am so fucked.

Elliot

I am so god-damned anxious for the others to arrive. I've had a tug twice in the shower this morning just to try to calm myself down enough to not embarrass myself as soon as I see her. I feel like a fucking fifteen year old again. I'm thirty years old. I need to get my shit together. My dick seems to have a mind of its own now, though. I thought I was over the phase where it ruled my life, but it seems that was before fate happened.

"Elliot, why don't you go relax on a chair or something." My mother is annoyed by my hovering, I'm sure, but I'm trying to stay busy.

"But-"

She shoves an iced tea into my hand and turns me, shoving my big body toward the pool area. "Shoo. Go now. Let me be."

"My mommy doesn't love me anymore." I fake pout, dragging myself over to one of the pool chairs.

I hear her laugh behind me. "I swear you're the same 2 year old that used to cling to my leg any time I dared move."

I grin at the memory. I was definitely attached to her. "Don't think I won't do it now."

XxXXxXx

"Tell me you didn't just do push-ups so your veins would pop out." Christian flicks me on my arm while I have my arms behind my head.

"Ouch, dude." I hit his hip while he stands beside my chair. "No, this is what they always look like."

He snorts. "That is definitely not what they always look like."

"Shut the fuck up and sit down. You're blocking my sun."

He has a seat in the chair next to me and looks around. "Where is everyone?"

I shrug. I have been wondering the same thing.

"Ethan!"

I turn my neck so quickly that I pull a muscle when I hear my sister's squeal of delight. Coming towards us is a group of four. One of them being my girl, two of them being males. I grip my armrest tightly.

What the fuck is she doing with them?

Damn, she's perfect. Her hair is up in a high bun, showing off her slim little neck and she's got a beautiful smile on her face while her eyes are hidden by some sunglasses. She has on a cover up, but her legs look smooth and perfect. Her thighs thick enough to touch, her ankles thin and dressed with a gold anklet. Her painted pink toes are sticking out of her black flip flops and I just want to wrap my hands around those ankles of hers.

"Fuck, I need a book." I hear Christian mumble beside me. It makes me laugh.

"Who are these fuckers?" I ask him quietly.

"That one looks like a Kavanagh."

"You mean the one feeling up our sister?" I stand, seeing the blond fucker wrap an arm around my sisters bare waist.

"That'd be the one. Time to introduce ourselves."

We both make our way toward the group and when we get close enough, the blond kid stares up at us and drops his arm pretty quickly.

"Hey, guys! Meet my other friends, Ethan and José. Ethan is Kate's brother." Mia smiles up at us, looking pretty damn happy with herself, before introducing us to the little dickbeaters.

"Friends, huh?" Christian asks her. "You and this Ethan are just friends?"

"Christian, don't embarrass me." Mia gives him a warning.

"Then don't lie." I tell her, looking Ethan over. He looks scared. Good. "See, if you continue to lie, little sister, we're just going to have to take Ethan in to have a little chat by ourselves."

Christian nods beside me.

"Okay, okay! Leave him alone! We're dating. You Neanderthals need to keep your noses out of our business."

"You are our business." Christian tells her seriously. "We'll let you enjoy your boy toy for now, but as soon as anything fishy happens, don't think we won't be back."

I nod. "You respect our sister, do you understand?" I point my finger at him. He gives me a nod.

"Yea. Got it."

"I mean it." I'm fiercely protective of my sister and I'll squash this mother fucker in a millisecond.

"Elliot, he said he got it." Ana's hand is on my arm that's still out. Goosebumps form up my arm, but her touch eases me quickly. My anger for the kid calms immediately.

I clear my throat and paste on a smile. "Yea? And what about you? You got a boyfriend I need to deck, too?" I grab her arm and yank her to me, making her squeal and laugh. I hold her back to my front as I tickle her side with my free hand. "This little dickbeater your boyfriend? Do I have another body to bury tonight?"

She squeals again and wiggles against me, lighting my whole body up. "No! I swear! No boyfriend! Kate! Help!"

I laugh. "Oh, Kate's boyfriend, huh?" I look up and make to snatch up Kate with my free arm, but Ana tells her to run and Kate dodges me, laughing.

"He's not my boyfriend either!"

I shrug and lunge at her again, managing to grab her up with my free arm. "Oh, well, you're going into the pool anyway."

The others laugh and watch as I carry the girls kicking and screaming towards the pool, where I throw both of them in. The girls both come up for air, their sandals floating beside them.

"Those sunglasses are expensive!" Kate hollers at me.

"Yea, well, you better go diving for them then."

Ana laughs. "You're a menace!" I watch as she pushes herself out of the pool right in front of me. Her cover up is sticking to her, showing off the curves of her hips and breasts. "I'm all wet now!"

"That's what happens when you swim, sweet cheeks."

Rolling her eyes, she lifts her coverup over her head and I get my first look at my mate in nothing, but a bikini. Her curves are soft, her skin is flawless porcelain that breaks out in goosebumps with the soft wind that blows. Oh, fuck me. I want my hands all over every inch of her.

I hear a throat being cleared and it snaps me out of my ogling. Christian is giving me a warning look and I have to remind myself not to look like a creep. I can't help, but notice that the other fucker that came with them doesn't seem to care how he looks. He's staring unabashedly with his mouth wide open. It pisses me off.

"Eyes to yourself, Bozo." I growl out at him.

When Ana turns toward him to see who I am talking to, he quickly looks the other direction and rubs his neck. Disgusting piece of shit.

"You all act like you've never seen a girl before." Grabbing her bag off the concrete, she plops down on the chair next to Christian's and begins to look through her bag. "Seriously."

Both Bozo and myself turn around so we aren't staring and Christian is giving me a one-sided smirk. Obviously, I failed at keeping myself from looking like a complete pervert. One of these days I'll be able to act like she doesn't affect me the way she does. I don't know how long it'll take, though. I never want her to get disgusted seeing me because I can't keep my eyes to myself. The thought breaks my heart. I want her to trust me. I've got to get better.

XxXxXx

"Elliot! Come play chicken with us!" Ana hollers over at me from her spot in the pool. Christian and I are sitting in our chairs getting half drunk while we watch the others.

"You can't ask him! That's cheating!" Kate scowls over at me and points. "Don't you dare!"

"How is that cheating?" Ana asks her.

"I can't compete with jelly fish legs over here!" She points to Mia and I laugh. Kate has been the unlucky one on top of Mia's shoulders and Mia has been dropping her before they can even begin each round.

"Then use José!"

Bozo, I mean José, is also sitting out reading a book. He doesn't look that interested in their antics. "Last time I played with you guys Ana kicked my in the eye and I had a black eye for weeks."

Ana giggles. "I didn't do it on purpose! Elliot, don't listen to him! I promise I won't get you in the eye. I'm sure you're strong enough to hold me in place." She batts her eyelashes at me dramatically and it makes me laugh.

"I'm coming, sweet cheeks. We'll crush them." I hop in the pool while Kate scowls at me.

"I said it was cheating."

I shake my head. "That is prejudiced. I can't help my body shape!"

Holding my breath, I dive under and can hear Ana giggle and squeal as I come up with her on my shoulders. I hold onto her soft thighs while she grips my hair. "I swear to God, Anastasia, if you rip my hair out I am throwing you."

I can feel the bounce of her laugh as she holds on. "I promise I'll do my best."

"Good luck." Bozo mumbles under his breath behind his book. I don't know what his fucking problem is all of a sudden, but if he has an issue, he needs to leave. I don't want him eyeing my girl anyway and I definitely don't want him putting her in a bad mood.

Kate refuses to try to get on Mia's shoulders again, so Ethan agrees to be bottom while Mia and Ana battle. After a few rounds of holding Ana steady and Ana being strong enough to shove Mia off of Ethan again and again, Kate calls time. Ana slips off my shoulders and does a small dance before wrapping her arms around my neck for a hug.

Jesus, it makes me feel complete.

I envelope her in my arms and hold her tight twirling us in the water. She fits so wonderfully in my arms. I can make a little Ana cocoon and keep her safe and warm in them.

Too soon, she's releasing me and I let her go, taking a few steps back to keep myself from reaching for her again.

Christian

The dreamy look on Elliot's face when he comes back to his chair is humorous. "Make your day, did it?"

He laughs. "My year. I can't wait until I get another."

I have never seen my brother so smitten before. Women were always the ones following him around and batting their eyes, but now he's the one sitting with puppy dog eyes hoping that Ana pays some attention to him. If I could stand to be touched, I might be jealous of that hug. Considering that most touch puts me into a rage, it's best I keep my distance. It isn't like she'll end up my mate in the end anyway, right? The further we stay apart, the easier it'll be on both of us. She needs to bond with him and fear me. I'm not safe for her.

I try to relax back and close my eyes, the unwelcome thoughts of the nightmare creeping up on me again. I can't bear to think of her bound and afraid like she was. She isn't meant for that kind of life. I am though. We just don't fit. I still can't comprehend why fate would stick us together.

"Why the long face?"

Opening my eyes, I see Ana standing over me with a towel wrapped around her. Water droplets are inching their way down their neck and I reach up and wipe a couple off her neck for her with my index finger before grabbing the edge of her towel to help dry her neck. I don't want her catching cold because of the cool breeze.

Her eyebrows knit together, but she lets me help. "Are you okay?"

I shrug. "This..."

A slow smile forms on her face and I swipe at the bridge of her nose with the towel where water has fallen from her wet head. "Isn't your idea of fun?"

I let out a light chuckle and drop her towel before relaxing back on my chair. "You could say that."

"I'm sure after a long week of bossing around all of Seattle, watching your little sister and her friends play in a pool is the last thing you want to do, so why do it?" She sits on her chair but keeps her attention on me.

I chew on the inside of my cheek regarding her. I hate and love her attention on me all at once. I want to be ignored, but at the same time I find myself loving the small moments she takes to talk to me. Not many people do that. I'm either too intimidating or so unapproachable that most just keep their distance. She wants to talk, though. She wants to get to know me better. I wonder why.

"It's family."

She smiles. "It's worth the time with your family. I love that. There's a heart in the intense man. You act like you're a grumpy-grumperson, but you love them."

I laugh. "Grumpy-grumperson, huh?"

"Yep. You pretend to be all pouty and mopey, but deep down you're mush."

I shake my head. "I doubt that."

She shrugs. "I don't."