"I don't think I could ever share my lover," I chipped in, wondering how it would feel to share Aspen with another woman. Or Ashleigh. My God, no.
JP chuckled as he polished his spectacles. "I d-d-don't share Danny, but I can see how you would t-think that."
I tilted my head to the side, wondering what he was on about. "What do you mean, you don't share? You, Darren, and Regan are all her boyfriends, right?"
"T-Technically, we are her l-l-life partners. B-But no. Sharing implies that we o-only get a p-p-part of Danny. W-We don't. She always gives her everything, no matter if it is me, or Darren, or Regan. W-We always get e-everything she has." he said, the smile on his face making him suddenly much more handsome. "W-We share her time, we share the space a-around her. But we d-don't share her."
I nodded at his explanation. That made perfect sense and I was glad I could talk to JP about it. He was always so calm and understanding. "I get it, no sharing Danny. You’re sharing her time."
JP grinned. "Y-Yes. Which is basically s-something you always do when it comes to people and h-healthy relationships. R-Right now, you’re sharing some of your time with me."
"Huh... I guess you’re right." That was certainly an interesting way of looking at things.
"A-And regardless of how much I love Danny, or she loves me, we d-don't want to share a-all our time. She c-can share time w-with Regan and Darren if she wants, she isn't sharing her l-love. She loves us, all of us equally. And always with everything she's got."
He spoke that last sentence with such confidence, it made me almost jealous. I wanted that. A bond so strong you didn't feel jealous of them spending time with other people. To be so confident in how much your partner loves you. I wanted it.
"Thank you for explaining it to me. I think I understand your situation a bit better now," I thanked him, very grateful he didn't mind me prying into his love life like that.
"No p-problem. B-But in my humble opinion, I don't think you'll have to s-share time with someone. I t-think your time will be the one s-shared."
I squinted my eyes at him, wondering if that was a smirk around the corner of his lips. What was he getting at?
"What do you mean?"
A soft chuckle escaped his lips that he quickly tried to mask with a cough. So it was a smirk before.
"I've seen w-what has been going on b-between you and the t-twins."
I felt my cheeks heat up as he said so. Oh no, was I that glaringly obvious? Had the gang been discussing how I had been fawning over Ashleigh as a love sick puppy or had been admiring Aspen's abs every chance I got?
"D-Don't be embarrassed. It is only n-natural. They are your m-mates."
I briefly wondered if JP would be able to see the sweat pooling in my armpits and why this freaking cave had gotten so warm all of a sudden.
"I don't know what you’re talking about," I stubbornly denied, pretending like I didn't know what he was talking about.
"I-I remember the first time I met Danny. S-She was beautiful, fearless. She w-walked past me with s-such confidence, it made a young boy l-like me even m-more nervous than I a-already was." He grinned as he wiped his forehead. Guess I wasn't the only one sweating here. "A-And you know h-how nervous I get."
I nodded as I held my lips firmly shut, wanting to know more about how outgoing and vibrant Danny and nervous, shy JP had found each other. If they made it work, there was no reason why I couldn't pursue any of my mates, right?
"I-I watched her from afar, every day. I s-saw all sorts of guys hitting on her and she a-always turned them down. T-They were all taller than me, s-stronger than me, more handsome than m-me. So I t-thought, if they don't have a shot w-with this girl, why, why would I?"
"So what happened?" Oops, opened my mouth after all. Shhh, Akira.
"O-One day, I just s-said to myself: "W-Well, she obviously doesn't w-want a big, s-strong guy w-who has it all." So I g-gathered all my courage and just w-walked over to her and said hello."
"And?"
He smiled. "A-And that was it."
"Just hello?"
JP nodded as he nervously played with one of the strings from his backpack. "She liked that I just a-approached her as a p-person. W-We hit it off r-right away."
I answered his smile with one of my own. That was adorable. Even though it happened so far back in the past and I had only known JP for a little while, I couldn't help but feel proud of him. Walking up to someone you like and just put yourself out there is freaking scary. Especially if the person you’re walking up to is a gorgeous perfect being like Aspen or Ashleigh.
Ugh, why did they have to be so perfect?
"When do you think they'll be back?" I asked JP as I stared at the entrance of the cave. It was already getting dark again and I had no idea of what they were actually doing.
"D-Depends if Chesca is with them or not."
"Chesca?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. I didn't know who Chesca was. But then again, I actually didn't know a thing about what was going on. I got derailed with JP's love life, but I still wanted to know what this sudden shift had brought on.
"L-L-Let me explain. W-When we left, w-we were followed by a handful of Coyotes. I-I can't tell you why, that's n-not my story to tell. But e-ever since then, they have been t-trying to attack us. Or the other way around. I-It always ends in a draw, unless C-Chesca is with them."
"So what is so special about this Chesca?"
JP visibly shuddered. "S-She is crazy. Evil. I-I think she might be the devil incarnated. I can g-guarantee you'll live happier and l-longer if you never meet her."
I didn't have the time to inquire about the person who made JP shake like a leaf. The sound of multiple rapid footsteps hitting the ground suddenly echoed into the cave and both JP and I jumped up to see what was happening.
From the shadows, a group of people appeared and I felt my breath hitch as I couldn't make out who they were. It could've been the Coyotes who found us. If that was the case, JP and I were both dead meat.
A sigh of relief fell from my lips as I suddenly recognised the first figure as again, a naked Aspen. That man certainly liked running around in the nude. Damn.
He was followed by Danny, who was wearing a set of underwear, and not far behind, Darren and Regan. Who unlike Aspen, had at least put on a pair of trunks.
Even though Aspen was all naked and dirty, I was more than happy to see him. That being said, I decided to refrain from embracing him. I already had a good look at his rather sizeable manhood, I didn't need to feel it pressed against my thigh. So I just stepped out of the way as he ran into the cave.
A full head of red hair flashed in front of my face as Danny flew into JP's arms. A nervous giggle escaped from his mouth as he pulled her into a tight hug and passionately kissed her. She melted into his embrace and they happily reunited, completely in their own world.
Not a moment later, Darren and Regan made their way into the cave as well. Regan's broad chest would've impressed anyone, while Darren was much leaner than I expected. I guess his clothes helped puff up his chest. I got a short nod of recognition from the huge man and Darren happily waved at me.
To my surprise, JP broke free from his intimate embrace with Danny as Regan slapped him on the back and Darren pulled him into a hug. He almost seemed equally as relieved to see Danny's other lovers as he was to see Danny herself.
Yeah, despite what anyone might think, Danny was definitely not taking advantage of any of the guys or their situation. They all three seemed equally as happy with the arrangement as she was. And even though they weren't as vocal about it, it was clear the three men cared for each other deeply.
So now a naked Aspen had safely returned, the redhead and her three consorts had arrived, but where was Ashleigh?
I peered out into the darkness, wondering why none of them had said something about her late arrival. Was this a good or bad sign?
"Guys, where is Ashleigh?" I finally called out, my voice trembling slightly, not able to keep the worry in any longe
r. I needed to know.
"Right behind you."
I jumped around as I heard the silky voice I'd recognise anywhere and was suddenly met with a set of bright blue eyes. Where did she even come from?
"Hi," I managed to utter, my voice suddenly squeaky and my throat dry. How did she always manage to take my breath away?
"Were you worried about me?" she grinned as she took a step in my direction, a sly smirk playing around her pink lips.
"What, me? Naaah." I tried, hoping I came across casually, but the grin on her face told me I was failing miserably at that.
With her lips dangerously close to my ear, she brushed a strand of hair away from my cheek. "I’m glad to see you too," she whispered, as I suddenly found myself standing in a field of wild strawberries.
A shiver ran down my spine as she pushed my chin up with two fingers. Her bright eyes pierced into mine as she lowered her face towards mine. Was this it? Was she going to kiss me?
My breath hitched in my throat as I stood in front of her, frozen still, scared that any movement, even a breath, might break this moment.
A light breeze blew over my wetted lips, which I later realised was her breath. She was so close, I could almost taste the strawberries. And then...
"Guys! Enough with all the lovey dovey stuff, we have more urgent and serious business to discuss."
Aspen's loud voice boomed through the cave and as it did, I felt how both I and my wolf were immediately dragged away from Ashleigh. Voluntarily or involuntarily, my attention was suddenly completely focussed on Aspen. Aspen, who had luckily put on a shirt and a pair of trousers. Aspen, who if he wasn't kidding and playing around, was dangerously handsome. Aspen, who turned my brain into mush and my stomach into a stress ball every time he used his alpha voice.
Aspen, who could make me almost forget about Ashleigh.
Not just Ashleigh and I jumped apart, begrudgingly, the redhead pulled away from her own reunion. Even the imposing man and the rebel Darren seemed unable to withstand a command from their alpha, as both of them turned away from Danny.
Yeah, alpha Aspen certainly was something else. And as he spoke in his authoritative voice, planning out our next move, I could feel my heart break as my wolf was torn between the two siblings.
But as much as I wanted to wallow in my own misery, a loud grunt in the back of the cave caught my attention.
With his hand pressed against his side, Regan was now slumped against the wall of the cave. I couldn't be sure, but I could almost see sweat pearling on his face. His face now painted in harsh lines as he finally admitted he was in pain.
"You okay?" and "Are you hurt?" were yelled through each other as both Danny and Darren ran to Regan.
Far more careful than expected, Darren peeled away Regan's shirt. Underneath, he exposed a nasty looking cut that was already collecting pools of puss. Tasty.
But as Regan groaned in pain, that thought disappeared and made way for genuine concern. He seemed the type of guy that wouldn't complain about a little scratch unless it was completely serious. And from the looks of it, it was serious.
Danny pressed a cloth against Regan's ribs to remove the puss and I sincerely hoped she wouldn't use that towel later to dry the dishes. As much as I cared for Regan and wanted him to get the best care, it just seemed like a legit thing to worry about.
The muscles man groaned in pain as Darren applied some sort of sticky ointment and wrapped the wound with a simple cloth.
JP brought him a cup of the leftover soup we had for breakfast and even Aspen willingly gave up his "throne" (aka the ugly stump of wood he found inside the cave) so it could be used as a little end table.
I was still processing the fact that apparently Darren was the healer of the group and wondered how I could help. Everyone else was doing something, so the least I could do was try.
I grabbed one of our logs and poked up the fire, blowing in the ashes to raise the temperature of the coals. I counted out the logs and happily nodded. Definitely enough to last us for a while. What about our drinking water?
The pot that Ashleigh and I filled up not so long ago, was now almost empty. I gazed at the entrance of the cave, realising the storm had sort of settled. I should really help.
The group had shifted and chased away the Coyotes while I had helplessly waited in the cave. The least I could do, was get all of us some more clean drinking water.
I grabbed the cauldron, tipped the left over water into a smaller pot and heaved it up. "I'll Regan some more fresh water," I called out to the group. Danny shot me a grateful look and JP smiled.
I felt a sense of pride course through my body. See, I could be useful. I wasn't just the youngster they needed to take care of.
I felt a warm hand on my wrist. "Be careful," Ashleigh gently said, her blue eyes piercing into mine. I nodded, smiling at her, hoping she'd realise I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself.
"See you soon," she whispered, making my cheeks heat up. Damn, she was so cute. I wish I'd have said something smooth or smart, but I just bit my lip and scrunched my nose. Judging from the twinkle in her eye, she loved my response either way.
Chesca
The icy cold wind clashed on my skin as it chased the freshly fallen snow back up in the air. I shivered slightly, my hand tightening around the handle of the cauldron.
I looked back over my shoulder at the cave, a picture of the group flashing through my mind. I had never been part of a group before and although it was pretty damn nice, the quiet was a welcome change. Like the embrace of an old friend.
How long had I been with Aspen and Ashleigh? Maybe a week? A little bit longer? I wasn't entirely sure. Time is a fickle thing, especially out here in the wild.
I sighed as I deeply inhaled the fresh air. It sure was nice not to be breathing murky cave air. For a moment, I set the pot down and with my arms spread, I let the wind play with my clothes and hair.
I had forgotten how nice the Aladwin Forest could be when you weren't packed in a cave with your two mates who always seemed to be in constant conflict. I had seen how they fought about the last piece of jerky, or who got the nicest fur. I really didn't want to think about what kind of all-out war I could cause.
The dark strands of my hair playfully danced in the wind as it tugged on anything it could. I enjoyed the cold breeze whirling around me, not noticing how it slowly guided me into deeper into the forest.
It wasn't until I heard a faint cry in the distance and opened my eyes, that I realised how far I had strayed from the cave. I turned my head towards the noise, trying to pinpoint the location.
"Heeelp!"
A young, female voice found my ears and if the call for help wasn't clear, she sounded clearly distressed. With my fantastic instincts, ahem, I navigated myself towards the source.
"Hey, hey lady! Up here!"
I tilted my head upwards, wondering what "up here" meant and quickly came to realise that it meant, "Up here in the tree".
"Ehmmm... Hello?" I called back, wondering what was going on.
"Hi! Can you help me?"
I internally groaned. Why did I keep finding strays in the middle of nowhere? Was this some sort of practical joke? A scavenger's hunt nobody told me about? Find the strays?
"What is the problem?" I inquired, already cursing at myself for straying so far from the cave. Bad Akira, this is what happens when you go out on your own. You find people.
"This is kind of embarrassing, but... I seem to be stuck?" the girl shouted, looking a bit unsure of herself.
"You seem to be stuck?" You'd think that was something that was quite clear. Either you were stuck or you weren't.
"Well... I was chasing this little bird and it flew into this tree. So, naturally, I followed it. But now that am up here... I think I forgot I can't fly?"
"You forgot?"
"Well, yes. I mean, I’m quite sure that in one of my past lives I could fly. But then again, maybe not. It is all a bit hazy."
"Th
e flying part or the past lives?" Why did all the people I found have to be crazy as coo-coo birds as well?
The girl held her chin as she seemed to ponder over the question. "Both, I think."
I softly banged my fist against my forehead, already knowing I would regret this. "What can I do to help?"
"Weeellll... Maybe... I don't know, hack down the tree?"
Ironically, I knew someone who was quite proficient in that. An image of Ashleigh cutting down the tree with a naked Aspen in it flashed through my mind.
No, better leave them out of it.
"Or you could... You know, climb down?"
The girl facepalmed herself. "Oh, so silly of me, if only I had thought of that!" she sarcastically called back.
"Just a suggestion," I muttered under my breath, part of me wondering if I could just leave her stuck in the tree. But as I looked at the panicked look on the younger girl's face, I realised that probably wouldn't be good for my karmic reservoir.
"Why don't I guide you down on the branches?" I suggested, hoping she didn't genuinely expect me to bring the whole tree down.
"Oh, that would work!" the girl cheerily answered.
I studied the branches of the tree, trying to figure out how she would have gotten up so high in the tree and what would be the best way down. "Maybe put your foot on that branch to your right? Yes, there. A bit lower, lower. Lower. Great!"
The girl hesitantly tested the branch underneath her, realised it held her weight and smirked. Unexpectedly agile, she suddenly let go of the tree and with a flexibility that certainly wasn't human, she jumped the whole way down.
Really? Really?!
As she handily landed on both her hands and feet, not a scratch on her body, she veered up and happily hugged me.
"Thank you so much! Boy, I was really stuck there, wouldn't have known what to do without you," she chattered away, as I finally got a better look at her.
She was only a couple of inches smaller, but nearly half of her was hair. How a person could walk around with such long hair would always amaze me. If it were me, I'd tangle myself around a tree in no time.
Shifters Gone Wild: A Shifter Romance Collection Page 42