Page 78 of Undying Thirst

It looked like I interrupted their conversation.

I wanted to lean back against Tobias to get a bit of strength, but I straightened my spine.

Swallowing down my nerves, I took a few steps forward and placed my back to the wall so I could see all of them.

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and dropped to my knees. Asher immediately stood.

“Please, leave Peter alone?—”

“Cat—” Tobias’s words were interrupted.

Jax was suddenly in front of me, lifting me from under my bicep with an aggressive yank.

I smacked into him from the momentum. My arms smushed between my breasts and his chest. I sputtered.

“Do not beg in such a way,” he said vehemently.

I blinked, floored. Why was he reacting so violently? Him especially. I would imagine he’d like to see me humbled . . . humiliated.

A palm pressed to my spine and the scent of orange candies ticked my senses, yanking me out of my daze. I shoved away from Jax before he had a fit.

Jax’s jaw worked, eyebrows pulled down over his blue, stormy gaze, and he crossed his arms.

“I . . .” I started, looking over my shoulder at Tobias. His expression stayed shuttered. If I’d known how angry they would react, then I would have never thought to ask for anything. “I’m sorry for asking for a favor.” I paused, swallowing hard. I fucked up, but I would pay for it, not Peter?—

“The only time you should be on your knees is when you’re begging for my cock, Cat.”

I whirled toward Ren so fast the room spun. I floundered for what to say, sputtering nonsensically.

“Do not ever do that again.” Jax’s voice rumbled with aggression. I was going to make myself throw up with how much I turned from one side of the room to the other.

“Love,” Tobias gripped the back of my neck and squeezed gently to get my attention. “We will not harm him, but he cannot leave.”

I gasped, struggling to swallow.

“P-please, guys. Please. I will do anything—” I choked out, halfway to the ground because my knees gave out. Tobias held me up and cradled the back of my head to meet his gaze. My chest heaved against his.

“It’s almost sunrise, Catalina.” He sighed, searching my face. “No harm will come to him. We can discuss it later.”

My heart slammed against my rib cage, and I struggled to keep it together because all I wanted to do was freak out.

Large arms wrapped around me from behind, lashing my arms to my sides. I wiggled. Without breaking his hold, he pulled me back, making my feet hang off the ground. He exhaled against my neck and the sweet scent that clung to them all enveloped me. My frantic breathing stuttered and I dropped against the barrel chest. Although they were all large, Bastien’s chest was the widest. Amazingly, my panic receded within the blanket of his cradle.

“Is he comforting her?” Ren said, stunned, no longer leaning against the wall.

I sighed and let my eyes slide closed to focus on breathing.

“He can tell you’re agitated,” Asher said, awed.

Why were they acting like this was big news? Bastien usually seemed pretty in tune with how I felt about things.

“Honestly, he seems the most responsive in my dreams.”

I’d thought it was silent before, but this took it to a new level.

“He’s been dream walking?” Tobias breathed. He took a small step toward me and stopped, tilting his head oh so slightly. Confusion flickered over his features.

“Yes?” I said hesitantly.

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