by L. C. Davis
“Uh, I don't have one,” I admitted grudgingly. I glanced over, surprised that Victor didn't look half as smug as I'd expected him to.
“Well, I can recommend someone,” she said, taking a card from her bag. “I'm just an NP, I'm not qualified to give you a full work up. You're a student, right?”
“Mhm.”
“The campus doctor is included in tuition. See him and tell him I said you need a referral to a neurologist,” she said, her polite but professional tone leaving no room for questioning. “It's probably nothing serious, but you don't want to risk it.”
I nodded, prepared to eat a whole flock of crow as she quoted Victor verbatim. Fortunately, Sebastian returned with what appeared to be a bowl with a sampler of every fruit known to man and something wrapped in shiny plastic.
“I don't know which fruits are good for this, so I just brought them all,” he said, lifting the table like it was made of plastic and placing it in front of me. Somehow the bowl, scotch and Clara's bag made it intact.
“Uh, thanks,” I said hesitantly as Clara snatched her bag. “I think I'm okay, though.”
“Eat,” Sebastian barked, staring down at me.
I sighed. Maybe he was harmless, but he was still crazy. I took the banana and peeled it, taking a bite. I went to take another when I noticed both Sebastian and Victor gaping at me.
Clara rolled her eyes dramatically. “Oh for heaven's sake. If you're done being men, I'll be at the front desk. Remus, contact the doctor tomorrow.”
“Wait, shouldn't he be on bed rest? He needs to stay here, right?”
She paused in the doorway with a long suffering sigh. “If he wants to stay here, he can. He shouldn't be driving. But there's no need for him to be on bed rest. It's probably a minor condition.”
“But it could be something serious,” he pressed. “You're not a doctor, we shouldn't take any chances until he sees one.”
“Goodnight, Sebastian,” she muttered, along with some under her breath comment about “another one.”
“I'm not staying here,” I said as soon as I left the room. It was easier to stand up to Sebastian with his brother in the room. After our conversation, I was sure he would back me up, and I was emboldened by my newfound knowledge that I wasn't in a serial killer cult. “I have to go find Arthur, he's been waiting for hours.”
“I had a Brendan take Arthur back to campus,” said Sebastian. “I'll drive his car back tomorrow.”
“I'm not staying here,” I insisted as my list of reasons dwindled. “I'm fine, everyone's making way too big of a deal about this. I just want to meet your Alpha, turn down the award so he can give it to Maverick, and go home.”
“Why would you turn it down?” asked Sebastian.
“Uh, because as I think I've told both of you, I'm not a submissive and I'm not going to do his session or whatever.”
Sebastian laughed. “Oh, you're definitely not doing that. Not with him. But you can keep the title.”
I stared at him, afraid to argue even though I was sure I wasn't going to like his reasoning. “Where is he, anyway?” I was admittedly curious to meet him now that most of my fears had been eroded.
The brothers exchanged looks. They really were twins, it seemed. “He's out,” the said in unison.
“Oh,” I murmured. That meant I would have to come back to explain why I couldn't accept the title. Coming back to the Lodge was not something I had planned on. “When can I see him?”
“Tomorrow,” said Sebastian. He got a sudden conspiratorial grin in his eyes. “If you stay the night.”
“And if I go home and come back?” I asked warily.
He smirked. “I don't know. He's a busy man. You might just have to keep checking back.”
I groaned inwardly. “Okay, I guess I can stay. If it's really okay.”
“Of course it's okay. This place belongs to all of us, the Alpha's just the one in charge. If you're worried though, you can always stay in my room,” he offered.
I forced a smile. “Th-that's okay, thanks. I can sleep on a couch somewhere.”
He grimaced. “No. You can take my room, I'll stay with Victor.”
I glanced at him and he shrugged. He stood and walked over to us to pick up my barely touched scotch. “If you don't think he'll get lost in all the debris.”
I found it hard to believe, but Sebastian turned a few shades of red. “It's not that bad.” He hesitated, though. “Well, then he can sleep in your room.”
Victor's eyes widened. He was close enough then to see that his eyes were a piercing gray color.
Sensing his hesitation, I spoke up before he had to. “It's fine, I don't mind. Arthur is practically a hoarder, it doesn't bother me.” Sorry about that bus, Arthur.
“No, you should stay in my room,” he said. He sounded sincere, but I knew the idea was bothering him. “I don't mind.”
I wasn't sure that was true, but I didn't think it wise to argue with him. He may not have had Sebastian's stature, but what he lacked there he more than made up for in intimidating energy. I could see why this man was a dom, even if I still wasn't sure what that really meant.
“Thank you,” I said.
“You're very welcome,” said Victor, his tone surprisingly warm.
I couldn't help but notice the scowl on Sebastian's face as he watched the exchange between us.
“So,” I began, hoping to prevent a row. From the look in Sebastian's eyes, that was where things were headed. “In the morning, will I be able to see the Alpha?” I asked hopefully.
Sebastian shrugged grudgingly. “Hard to say. Like I said, he's busy. Most of the winners are happy to wait around or come back.”
I had a feeling I'd be waiting a long time if it were up to him. “I have a lot of homework, a shift at the campus library tomorrow and a meeting on Sunday,” I replied. “Then Monday I have an eighteen credit load of classes. If I can't see him at some point tomorrow, I'm afraid it's going to be a while before I could come back.”
That lit a fire under him, even though his vacant expression when I spoke of homework and credits seemed to indicate he didn't fully understand what I was talking about. “Oh,” he said. He looked crestfallen, as if a brilliant plan had just been foiled.
“My brother and I will make sure that you get an audience with the Alpha tomorrow,” Victor assured me. “In the meantime, you may as well get some rest.”
“I am exhausted,” I admitted.
“I'm sure,” said Victor. “I'll let Sebastian take you to my room. Feel free to use the charger by the nightstand for your phone.”
He smiled at my startled expression. “How did you know my phone was dead?”
“Because I can see it in your pocket and it stands to reason that's why you haven't called your friend,” he replied.
I touched the rectangular outline on my back pocket, embarrassed. “Oh. Th-thanks. He's probably in bed anyway, but I'll send him a text.”
“Think nothing of it,” he said, walking to the door with his glass. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Remus. Take care of this one, brother. He's special.” He raised his already half-empty glass to us with a half-hearted nod and left the room.
I was left to wonder what that meant, but a glance at Sebastian revealed that he was just as confused as I was. “Night, brother,” he muttered before turning back to me. “You didn't eat your food.”
I glanced at the partially eaten banana and the untouched fruit bowl and granola bar. I picked up the latter and held it up for his approval. “I'll eat this in the room,” I promised.
That seemed to satisfy him. He leaned down and scooped me up into his giant arms before I could protest. “Let's get you to bed, then.”
“I-I'm fine to walk,” I assured him. He wasn't hearing it. He carried me out of the room and somehow managed to pull the door shut behind us without shifting me.
“You're as wobbly on your feet as someone who just got back from an eight week cruise. Not taking any chances.”
I sighed, reluctantly draping my arms around his thick neck so I wouldn't just be lying in his arms like a rag doll. “You don't need to be so careful with me, you know.”
“I disagree.”
I was beginning to realize that Sebastian was a man of few words, and those few were generally unceremonious.
“Do you really all live here?” I asked, looking at the various posters, stickers and signs that adorned some of the doors. It was easy to tell which room was Brandon's, since “Brandon's Den” was written on it in those big silver letters sold at home improvement stores.
“Yeah, we're like a family,” he replied.
“But you're still employees of the Lodge, right?” I asked carefully.
He glanced down at me with a suspicious snort. “Guess you could say that, Nancy. It's more like a family run small business. Each of us has a different job. Victor manages the dungeon and handles the money, Brandon
“And your job?” I asked, impressed with the organization.
He grinned. “Security,” he said, as if it should be obvious. I guess it should have been.
I couldn't help but smile a little. “I can see that.” His arms seemed like the safest place on earth at the moment, even if I still wasn't sure about the rest of him. “I can't imagine anyone giving you trouble.”
He gave a hearty laugh. Maybe stroking his ego was the way to go after all.
“My brother may have all the brains, but I definitely got the brawn,” he said.
So he was at least smart enough to be self aware. That was something.
“You seem close,” I said, unable to hide my envy. “That must be nice.”
“We are, but we get into it,” he admitted. “Guess that's normal.”
“Couldn't tell you, but I'm sure it is. Especially with brothers.”
“You're an only child?” he asked, coming to a stop in front of a plain wooden door with a clear plastic tray stuck to it. A few papers and a manilla folder rested inside the tray.
“I don't know,” I said sheepishly. “I grew up in foster care.” That was the simplest explanation.
“Oh,” he frowned, kicking open the slightly ajar door. He carried me into what was really more of an apartment than the dorm room both brothers made it sound like. There was a lofted area with a small office and a huge king sized bed with four intricately carved wooden posts. Everything was spotless. I couldn't help but think it was probably the exact opposite of Sebastian's room.
“Well, anyone who wouldn't want you is a dumbass,” he said, dropping me onto the massive bed. Suddenly I was glad he was usually gentle. If that was him trying, I didn't think I could survive him not trying.
“That's sweet, but you don't really know me,” I said quietly.
“Sure I do,” he insisted, sitting on the edge of the bed. The whole thing sank down on one side and I scrambled to keep from falling off. “We've met before, you just don't remember it.”
I blinked. “We have? When?”
“We were kids,” he murmured, too serious to be teasing me. “I wanted to come find you right away, but the old woman told me I had to wait for you to come to me. She said you wouldn't remember by the time you were older, I guess I just hoped she was wrong.”
Now I wished he was teasing me. I began to grow uneasy again and sat up with my back against the plush leather headboard. “I don't remember any old woman and I certainly don't remember you. I was in a lot of foster homes, I guess it's possible we-”
“No,” he interrupted. “We didn't meet in real life. We met on the astral plane.”
That was the moment I became completely convinced that Sebastian was completely out of his mind. So he was just an unlikely new-ager going on about soulmates. It was weird, but at least it explained some things and meant he probably wasn't dangerous. At least, not to me. I was a spiritual person, but whenever I even thought of the idea of having a perfectly destined mate out there, I had a panic attack.
“Oh, I get it,” I said. “You could have just said you think I'm your soulmate. I haven't believed in that kind of thing for a long time, but I was fixated on the idea as a kid. I would have understood.”
“How can you not believe in that?” he asked, frowning. “I thought gypsies were like, super spiritual.”
I flinched at the term. “We prefer Roma. Gypsy is a slur when it's used by outsiders.
“Oh,” he said, clearly not getting it. “So you're not a gypsy, you're Roman?”
I sighed. “Sorry Sebastian, I'm really tired. Do you think we can finish this conversation in the morning?” I asked, holding a hand up to my forehead. If malingering was the only way to get him out, so be it.
And here I'd been starting to like him just a bit.
“Oh, sure,” he said, practically jumping off the bed. I braced myself.
“I'll be right across the hall. Just knock if you need anything. Or I could stay with you. I'll sleep on the floor,” he offered. For a big scary dom, sometimes he sure acted like an eager puppy.
“No, thanks. I'll be fine, but if I need anything, I'll come get you,” I promised. I knew it was the only way I was getting rid of him.
He backed up towards the door, clearly unhappy. “Alright. Goodnight, Remus,” he said with such tenderness I was glad I hadn't gotten mad at him for his comment. He was a clueless oaf after all, and I could tell it hadn't been malicious.
He closed the door and I finally relaxed. Maybe I would be able to get some sleep. Victor's bed was certainly the most comfortable I'd ever been in.
I stood up and began to untangle myself from the mess of leather straps and chains. I had almost succeeded in getting the harness undone when Sebastian barged in.
“Almost forgot,” he said, throwing a black T-shirt at me. It hit my face before I could peel it off. “Don't want you sleeping nude in Victor's bed. Now if you were in my bed,” he said with a wicked grin.
“Sebastian” I cried, clutching the shirt to my chest for coverage. “I could have been undressed.”
He arched his eyebrow and gave me a look that said, “And your point is?”
I sighed. “Thank you for the shirt.”
“Yup,” he said, giving me one last lookover before disappearing again.
I immediately went over to lock the door. Well, at least now I didn't have to sleep in leather pants.
I finished removing the harness and decided to be grateful that he hadn't come in when my cuffs and harness were off. I'd had enough close calls for one evening and I was further entrenched in my decision never to go out in anything more revealing than a hoodie again.
With Arthur's leather things in a pile on the floor, I peeled myself out of my leather pants and folded them neatly in the chair. I heaped the accessories on top of them and picked up Sebastian's shirt.
As soon as I slipped the T-shirt over my head, I realized it had been worn. His scent was powerful but not unpleasant. I rolled my eyes at what was either an attempt at psychological manipulation or just the product of a messy room.
The shirt hung off me like a hanger and hit my mid thigh. A glance in Victor's mirror revealed that I looked like one of the after photos on internet ads for diet products.
I returned to the bed and hesitated in my decision to peel back the royal blue covers with lighter blue leaf patterns stitched onto it in gilded thread. The bed was made so meticulously, whether by Victor or a housekeeper, that it seemed a shame to muss it up. I finally gave in and slipped in between the silky smooth cotton sheets that were paradoxically cool and warm.
They felt fresh, but a different scent greeted me when I turned my head into the pillow. It was subtler than Sebastian's, but still intoxicatingly masculine. I wasn't sure which scent was the culprit, but as I curled up underneath the blankets, I was surrounded by a warm feeling of protection, like everything was alright in the world. Or, at the very least, that nothing wrong in the world could touch me as long as I was enveloped in its embrace.
The blissful state didn't last long before I rememb
ered my phone. I grudgingly left the cool sanctuary of the bed to fish my phone out of the pocket of my pants. I returned to sit on the edge of the bed and peered behind the night stand past a stack of books to find the charger plugged into the wall.
The fact that someone like Victor used the universal white charger made me feel like a bit less of a sellout. I plugged in my phone and waited for a bit, drumming my hands on my knees as it charged. I looked around Victor's room and took in the huge bookcase on the far wall. It wasn't as huge as the one in the study, but he didn't have the space.
There was what seemed to be a balcony, covered by thick red curtains on the other side of the room. Curiosity and boredom compelled me to walk out onto the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind me.
I was surrounded by forest on all sides, with a new moon in the sky. As dark as it was, I could still make out the ridges of the mountains beyond the Lodge. Maybe I would take up mountain climbing with my newfound freedom. Jeff had always been adamantly opposed to anything that would risk “damaging” my appearance, but he wasn't here to stop me.
A piercing howl echoed through the woods, sending every bird in the trees for a mile scattering into the sky. Thrilled me to the bone and I hugged myself even tighter. I knew better to think that my shivers were due to my lack of dress and the light breeze rustling the leaves. The sound was a crucial reminder that there were dangerous things lurking in the woods. Worse things even than Jeff.
I darted back into the room and locked the sliding glass door with trembling hands. I pulled the curtains shut and took a moment to regain my composure.
I pressed a hand against my chest. My heart was racing, but my vision and head were surprisingly clear. Panic attacks were strange things. Even the most mundane seeming things could trigger them, but when faced with the possibility of real danger, they were nowhere to be found.
I returned to the bed and reached for my phone. My still trembling hands knocked over a stack of books on the nightstand.
“Shit,” I muttered, kneeling down to collect the stack. They were out of order and what seemed to be a sketchbook had flipped open. I folded the cover and a cluster of pages back and laid it flat on top of the stack, then turned my attention to the phone screen that had come to life during my time out on the balcony.