by Evans, Bryce
“If you like this one then you need to try a pint of Guinness Drought. It is richer with just a hint of chocolate flavor in it.” Mick watched as Jonas drank all the Beamish Stout then placed the empty glass down on the table. Reece and River watched as Jonas drank the beer, impressed he was able to down it without taking a breath.
“Okay, I think I would like to try the Guinness next.” Mick smiled and shook his head then poured him the Guinness Drought next. Mick watched as Jonas took a drink of the beer. “You’re right that does have a great flavor. Just a hint of chocolate like you said," Jonas no sooner finished his sentence when he let out a huge burp.
River and Reece laughed as they watched Jonas burp from drinking the beer too fast. “Let’s go eat, angel, before Jonas passes out drunk.” Reece pulled River off the stool as they walked over to the buffet table. River turned around and waved bye to Mick who waved back.
“Aye…come back and see me for more beer, doll.” River nodded then allowed Reece and Jonas to guide her over to the table.
Throughout the night, River was introduced to a hundred people or more. She knew she wouldn’t remember all their names right now, but she hoped that some of them would want to get to know her more and become friends. Everybody was friendly but some were more distant than others from River and Jonas. They were different and not a vampire. She knew there would be some that would resist the mating, but never had she met such a racist family than the Wheatons. They were beyond racist and rude. Sticking their nose in the air when she turned around. The rudest was their daughter, Martha Wheaton, but most people called her Marty.
River overheard the Wheatons talking to another couple. They said they needed to get together because the Prime was mated to a dog and a human and how the clan was going downhill because of it. Their bloodlines would now be mixed with dogs and humans. River knew this would happen. Now they were trying to go against Reece because of who he was mated to.
“Hello, Reece,” Martha Wheaton purred off her lips. The seduction she was expressing was blatantly obvious. River could tell how nervous Reece was when he introduced her to the Wheaton family. River saw how they turned their noses up in the air when Jonas and River were introduced. They acted like they could smell something foul.
“Ross, Pearl, I would like for you to meet my mates. This is—”
“Prime, we would like a word with you in private,” Ross cut in before Reece could introduce Jonas and River. River could see the tick in Reece’s jaw. She could tell that he was counting to himself before he did something rash.
“Ross!” Everyone near heard the agitated sound in Reece’s voice as he spoke. Conversations stopped as they watched their Prime address Ross Wheaton. “You will not disrespect my mates by interrupting me. You may not like my choices, but you will not disrespect my mates. Are we clear?” Reece’s power buzzed around him making everyone standing near the Prime back up. Reece was pissed by how the Wheatons were acting. Interrupting Reece also pissed him off enough to call the man on it.
Bowing to Reece infuriated Ross and Pearl Wheaton. But they were no match for Reece Ramsey. Levi walked up, staring at the Wheatons. Marty Wheaton looked around at how everyone was staring at them. River could tell this was not the type of attention she wanted. Marty backed away from her parents as Reece addressed them.
Ross and Pearl Wheaton bowed their head. When Ross straightened up, Reece continued to stare at the man. He was waiting for the apology for his mates. River could see how straight Reece’s back was. She could see the anger vibrating off him as he waited. River could tell that Ross Wheaton wasn’t used to apologizing to anyone much less a werewolf and a human. He felt they were beneath him and his family.
As Reece continued to stare at Ross, River could see the look she was getting from Marty and her friends. Three other girls glared daggers at River. She allowed it not wanting to cause trouble, but River knew girls like Marty who got what they wanted or hurt people to get it. River was smart enough to know that she wouldn’t turn her back on Marty and her friends.
Finally Ross gave in and looked over at Jonas and River. “Forgive me for interrupting.” Reece knew it was a halfhearted apology but at least he apologized. River wanted peace between her and the clan. She knew there would be some who would not like her or Jonas, but she had hoped most would understand. Obviously Ross, Pearl, and Marty Wheaton were not part of the clan who would welcome them with open arms. River wondered if eventually she would have problems with Marty. The way Marty looked at Reece, she figured it was only a matter of time before the hair pulling and the bitch slapping begin. Marty wanted Reece that was obvious, but Marty didn’t want Reece because he was her mate or she loved him. She wanted Reece because he was the Prime and that would give her status.
Millie Parker walked over and asked Jonas and River what type of foods they liked because she cooked different types. Thank you, Millie. River appreciated the woman for coming over and breaking the tension. River could feel how much Jonas wanted to say something to the Wheatons but he held his tongue knowing this was Reece’s clan and he, as Prime, needed to address the issue.
Millie guided Jonas and River over to the buffet table where it was packed with different types of food. Most of the clan members walked away or resumed their conversations. The tension in the air faded as Reece walked off and Levi walked over to the Wheatons. She could see that Levi was giving them the riot act. Reece walked over and picked up River’s hand and kissed it. “I’m sorry for that. The Wheatons are—”
“You don’t have to apologize for them, Reece. I’m used to that, but Jonas didn’t deserve that.” River picked up a plate and started putting items on it to eat.
“What do you mean? Jonas didn’t deserve it, but you did?” Reece asked surprised.
“Yeah…well no, not like you’re saying it, but let’s be honest, Reece. I appreciate that you feel that way but I’m not in the same class as you. I don’t come from a family with any vampire or werewolf ties. I was homeless and I don’t have any money. I can’t compete with them or anyone here. Most people want to mate within their own clan or pack. I’m just a human and Jonas is an Alpha for God’s sake. He has a whole pack that he was in charge of and now he runs the unit. I’m not degrading myself, it’s just the truth. I don’t like my circumstances but it is what it is.”
Reece and Jonas looked at River, shocked that she felt that way.
“I can’t believe you feel that way,” Reece addressed her.
River narrowed her eyes at Reece. Confused that he didn’t understand what she was talking about. “I don’t want it to be that way, Reece, but I’m a realist and the writing is on the wall. Look at them.” Reece and Jonas looked over at Ross and Pearl Wheaton. Ross was in a heated conversation with Levi but Pearl was looking at River like she was a disgusting pig that came into her house. Pearl immediately looked away when she saw that Reece was watching her.
“You see how they look at me. They can’t help it. It is engrained in them. It is who they are. They believe their wealth and privilege allows them to treat people that way. I wish it were different, Reece. I’ve just been treated like this all my life and you don’t think I want to be treated like this?”
Reece looked over at Jonas. They had no idea what River had truly been through or treated like in her life. He was ashamed at how the Wheatons treated them.
“No, baby, I don’t think you do. I’m just sorry for how they acted. Most of the people in the clan are good people. The Wheatons are good people, River, they just had dreams that Marty and me would be…”
“Mated. Yeah well that is obvious too, but hey, I’m tickled that you just like me.”
Reece wanted to spank her ass until it turned a pretty pink color for talking about herself like that, but he knew that would embarrass her and she would never forgive them for doing that here. She wasn’t used to people doing things for her. She had no family or friends. She lived hand to mouth and that was going to change for her. But Reece knew that cha
nge would have to come slowly for River. It scared her. Thinking she wasn’t worthy was not something she would believe overnight. That too would be something Jonas and him would need to work on her with. She was their mate and they needed to get her self-esteem up. Change needed to happen in his clan. If people couldn’t accept River and Jonas as his mates then they needed to move on and find another clan. This was his territory and these people only moved here twenty years ago from a different clan. If they couldn’t get on the bus then Reece would plow them over in the bus.
“Let’s eat,” Jonas said. “Talking about ignorant people makes me hungry. I want to tell you this, River. Maybe it will help you understand. I do understand that we will come in contact with people like the Wheatons in my pack but remember this. Money does not make the person. You see, baby, I’m a multi-millionaire. I have more money than I know what to do with. I’m making money every day and I still wear blue jeans and t-shirts to work. I’m happy just as I am. I love you because one, you are my mate but you have something these people will never have and that is a caring soul. You are a beautiful woman inside and out. You see, baby, money can’t buy that. So just remember that when you think you’re not good enough.”
Tears pooled in River’s eyes as she listened to Jonas. She placed her hand on Jonas’s face. “You are the best person, Jonas Glenn…bear with me. This is a lot to take in and how I feel will take some time. It is hard to change the way you feel about yourself overnight. I’m trying.”
Jonas kissed River on the forehead. “Let’s go eat then, woman, before I really get them talking by eating your pussy here.”
River laughed out loud making others look over at them. They sat at the table together eating some of the best food she had ever eaten. Jonas and Reece went back for seconds then thirds as she sat and stared at the twinkling lights on the trees. Daydreaming, River was smiling when Marty Wheaton sat down across from her. “Oh, sorry. Hello,” River said as she smiled at Marty.
“You think you won him? You are nothing more than a sorry fuck. He feels sorry for you. The dog, well, you can have him, but Reece is the Prime of his clan. He could be over the Vampire Council but with you tied to him, he will be lucky to be Prime of this clan. He has status in our community. Look at him then look at yourself. Look at me and my family.” River looked back at Reece and Jonas who were talking to people at the buffet line. “From what I hear you have no family. You have no money. You’re not even in his class. Do him a favor and cut this off before you ruin him, and mark my word, you will ruin his reputation.”
Marty got up and walked off leaving her vile remarks for River to think about. She knew what she was doing. Marty Wheaton understood that River had issues and she pushed every button making River second guess everything.
Jonas walked back to the table first. He sat down smiling then looked over to River to ask if she wanted something from his plate. His smile faded when he looked at River’s pale ash face. “Baby, are you alright?” Trying not to spoil the evening, River smiled at Jonas.
“Yes…um yes… sorry about that. Kinda wigged out there. What did you ask me?”
Jonas stared at River worried that tonight was just too much with how she was being treated by the Wheatons.
“I was wondering if you wanted something off my plate or I could get you something else to eat or drink.”
Placing her hand on Jonas’s cheek, she said, “No thank you, Jonas. You are so sweet. Always taking care of my every need.”
“Of course, baby. That is what a mate does. We take care of your every need. And I mean every need.” Jonas wiggled his eyes up and down at River.
Laughing, River smiled at the joking Jonas. He always put her at ease and made her hot just by smiling at her.
The rest of the night went by without a hitch. The Wheatons left soon after Marty gave her vicious speech to her. River unfortunately understood exactly what Marty was saying. She would bring his status down and some people would think badly of Reece for having a human for a mate. She had nothing to bring to the table. She was just River. She was a girl on the run with no family and no money. She had nothing to bring to this relationship to help Reece run the clan. Pushing the thoughts out of her head, River smiled back at the couple who was talking to her and Jonas. Reece leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Ready to go back to the house?”
“Would you be mad if I said yes?”
Reece frowned at her. “No, angel. I want to be alone with you.”
“Hey.” Jonas nudged his shoulder. “Well we want to be alone with you.”
“Okay, let’s go then. Because if I drink anymore beer then you will be carrying me back to the house,” River told them.
Shaking off the thought of carrying his mate back to his house and having his way with her made Reece groan out loud. River and Jonas looked over at Reece who had to turn around for fear of them seeing his hard-on he was already sporting.
“You okay?” River came up and put her hand on his shoulder concerned.
“Yeah, yeah, baby. Let’s go back to the house and relax.” Reece looked over at Jonas who could see why Reece was in a hurry to get back quick.
Jonas grabbed River’s hand and walked with her toward Reece’s house. He was just as excited to get her back to Reece’s house. Hopefully, she would be ready to mate with them or at least go a little further with them. He knew they needed to take it slow with River. She wasn’t innocent but it would be different with two mates. Surely the fates knew what they were doing when they gave her two mates. River stopped at the steps to Reece’s house. “Your house is beautiful, Reece. I don’t think I told you that before. Thank you both for another wonderful night.”
Reece reached over and pulled River to him feeling her breasts pushed up against his chest and the sweet feelings sent shivers down her spine. It wasn’t just attraction she felt, these two men made her ache in places she had never ached before. She wanted their touch on her everywhere.
Chapter Nineteen
River pulled herself up his body as she wrapped her legs around his waist. The way he touched her was raw as he kissed her forehead and nose. River opened her eyes to Reece staring at her. “I know you don’t understand this and I know you are scared, but…I’ve never felt like this before about anyone. The moment I saw you I knew,” Reece whispered.
River tried to say something but Jonas placed his finger over her lips. Jonas was to the side of her nuzzling her face. She could feel the whiskers on his face rub against her. “I know you don’t understand our ways, but you have been put here at this exact moment for a reason. Life has been hard on you. We understand that and want to help make life easier for you. If you give us a chance, just one chance, River, I promise it will change you for the rest of your life.” Taking his hand away, Jonas waited to see how she would respond.
Her channel flooded from the heat of their words. Her heels dug into Reece’s ass. “Make love to me.” River gave her permission to her mates.
Reece and Jonas knew she wasn’t ready yet to be mated completely but this was the start and they would take whatever she gave them.
Walking back to his bedroom, Jonas opened the door for Reece to carry River in and lay her on the bed. Jonas started with her shoes, taking them off then her socks. He kissed the side of her foot, licking a path from her ankle toward her knee. Stopping long enough to unsnap her blue jeans to slide them down. Jonas took hold of her panties and pulled them off too.
Reece pulled her up so he could pull her shirt over her head. They wanted her bare as she lay back down. Stepping back, Jonas and Reece took a few seconds to admire the beauty that lay on the bed in front of them. The evidence of how much they wanted her was poking out from their pants.
Jonas started at the bottom and worked his way up. Starting again at her ankle, Jonas placed small kisses up her leg. He paid special attention to the spot he found under her knee as she raised her hips each time he licked around it.
River leaned back staring into the beautifu
l face of Reece. He smiled down at her, making her feel special for the first time in her life. Kissing her hand, he moved down her arm softly kissing as he went. River let out a breath as she watched these two men love her like she had never been loved before.
River gasped as Jonas’s wicked tongue licked across her core. Jerking her hips up, Jonas softly chuckled as he placed his hand over her stomach so she couldn’t move. Aching with desire, River had no choice but to lay back and enjoy the sweet torture they gave her body. And it was torture too—sweet, sweet torture.
River shuddered as Jonas explored her pink lips and little hooded nub while Reece sucked and nibbled on her breast. River tried to reach and touch Reece when he grabbed her hands, trapping them and placing them above her head.
“I want to fuck you so badly,” Jonas said bluntly.
River loved the way he spoke to her. His dirty mouth made her cream more. Her body was going haywire and she wanted that much needed release. She needed them both inside her. She had dreamed about this moment. Her body wanted them now. Pulling away from her, Jonas got up and quickly undressed as she watched him. She didn’t shy away from him as his erection bobbed toward his stomach. He was bigger than any man she had ever been with.
“You are so beautiful, Jonas.” He looked up as their eyes connected. His eyes had turned yellow as his smile took on an erotic gaze. Smiling, Jonas crawled back up her body allowing Reece to get up and undress.
“Do you trust us, River?” Reece asked.
Looking up at Reece, she knew that she trusted these two men more then she has in her life. “Yes…yes. I do,” River answered sweetly.
“Then you will have us both,” Reece added as Jonas moved to River’s other side.