Page 25 of Delivered to My Fury

But I wanted to touch them so badly I didn’t think I’d survive if I didn’t. “I’m okay.” I stepped forward and reached for Shay’s bear. His long fur was not as soft as I thought it would be, but it was so thick and lush. He stayed very still while I moved my hands over him, learning his shape, feeling the muscles that made up his big form. Stopping in front of him, I met the bear’s gaze and could see the intelligence there. Was it the bear’s or Shay’s or both? I might never know and it didn’t matter especially. They were both in there, and I wanted the bear to understand how much I cared for them. And for the wolf. I petted Eero’s wolf with both hands, while saying, “You re both magnificent. Thank you for allowing me to meet you.”

It felt like a long time but was probably only a few minutes before I stepped back to allow them to resume their other bodies. Naked. Gorgeous bodies.

When they did, they dressed quickly and we all went inside to eat pie. With ice cream. Best day of my life so far.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Opal

When the last crumb of pie had disappeared into a wolf shifter who informed me shifting always made him hungry, I yawned. “It’s been a wonderful day, but I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. Would you be offended if I went to bed?”

Shay stood up and collected our plates. “Why would we be offended? We’ve all had a long day, and if you want to come to the brewery again, we have to get up early.”

“Of course I want to come.” I started for the doorway, waving the other two back to sit. “You don’t have to come with me. I know the way.” And I wasn’t sure what might happen if they were with me when we got to the bedroom. Every time they were close, I got lightheaded, and I didn’t want to rush something that might be really special if we took our time. They might be shifters, but I was still a human and had a different pace.

I had two weeks off work, time to get to know one another and be sure if we wanted to take things to the next level. As I undressed and prepared for bed, I had to admit that the fury hadn’t exactly made any real moves on me. Either they were letting me take my time, or they weren’t as interested as they might have been.

But they were being so nice, didn’t even taunt me for buying moonshine without knowing what it cost or even what it was. I climbed into bed and pulled the sheets up to my chin and closed my eyes. Tomorrow, I would go with them to the brewery and see what I could do to be helpful. For that, I’d need rest.

Two hours later, I was no closer to sleep, and in fact was feeling lonely. Which made no sense since I’d been sleeping alone all of my life, but there it was. I hadn’t charged my eReader, but I had noticed some interesting-looking volumes on the living room bookshelves. Normally I read for a bit before falling asleep, so maybe that would trick my brain into feeling comfortable enough to let go. I got up and glanced down at my sleepwear. I had brought a few things, but tonight wore a long T-shirt with Bigfoot on the front. Even if one of the guys wasn’t asleep, I should feel comfortable enough in this to pass them in the hallway.

I left the bed and headed for the stairs. When I reached the bottom, I saw a light glowing in the kitchen and heard the sound of laughter. Without a second thought, I turned in that direction, drawn to their warmth and the deep voices talking about I didn’t even care what, just wanted to be part of things.

“Hi?” I hesitated in the doorway. “Is this a private conversation, or can I join?”

“Of course you’re welcome.” Shay jumped up and pulled out the empty chair next to his. “We were all having a sip of the moonshine you brought us.” He pointed to the shot glasses laid out along the table. “I know you don’t drink the stuff, but can I get you something?”

“Maybe just a glass of water?” I sat down and looked at the bottle of moonshine. “Doesn’t look like you’ve had a lot.

“No.” Eero held up his half-full glass. “We aren’t trying to get drunk here, just enjoying the flavor.”

“I’m so glad I accidentally got you a good gift.” I accepted the glass of water and wrapped my hand around it.

“Couldn’t you sleep?” Zyon asked, studying me with concern. “Did you need another blanket or anything?”

I swallowed hard. “You are all going to think I’m a wimp.”

“No we’re not. Why would we think that?”

“Because I got lonely up there. I’ve never slept with anyone”—even that one night, I didn’t sleep, just lay awake until it was light enough to walk home—“but I want…I want to sleep with all of you. See what I mean about being a wimp? Maybe it’s because I’m in a different place.”

“Have you ever wanted someone to sleep with you when you’ve been on vacation or traveling for work?” Eero asked.

“No.”

“Then maybe it’s because we’re your mates and you’re not happy when we’re not together?”

“But you were all down here having fun without me. Oh, maybe you don’t feel like you’re my mates.”

“Opal,” Zyon said, “you are our mate. We are yours when you are ready for us. If you ever are. We were just down here talking because we are waiting for you.”

“You all really think I’m your mate?” My voice was tiny, but it came from my soul. “With everything that means to you and to me. After knowing me such a short time?”

“Of course. We’ve known that since we first spoke to you. Now, if you’re lonely, do you want us to come up and sleep in the same bed with you?” he asked.

“With no other expectations,” Shay added. “Just being together and holding you.”

My eyes filled with tears, emotions I hadn’t acknowledged seeping up from deep inside me. “Is it possible I have been lonely for you my whole life?”

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