Page 49 of The Alpha's Mates

Christoph snorted. “And that’s how we’ll be if we ever have any daughters.” He handed her the clothes he picked up off the floor.

They were being ridiculous; her father would be fine. He knew it would happen. “Where is the bathroom?”

“Through the door. You’ll find a full-sized tub and shower. When you’re done, there are steps to the left of the shower, which will lead you to the kitchen. We’ll meet you down there.”

“Ok.” What she wouldn’t give to soak in the massive tub for an hour or two. Her muscles would thank her for it, but she didn’t have time. After finding a washcloth and a set of towels, she quickly showered. Once she dried off, she got dressed. Bell braided her hair to keep the wet ends off her shoulders, then headed to the kitchen where Christoph and Jackson would join her.

“If you’re ready, we can go. Your dad’s waiting for us at your house. He called a minute ago. Must be ESP or something.” Christoph jiggled his truck keys in his right hand.

“Oh! I forgot to tell you. Guess who came to see me the other day?” When neither man answered, she continued. “Victor Lorenz.”

“About?” Jackson quirked a brow.

“He has a great idea. I’ve been mulling it over, and I think I’m going to take him up on it.”

At least it seemed like a great idea, till just a couple of hours ago, when they mated. Would Christoph or Jackson have any issues with her house being co-op since they’d mated? If the shoe had been on the other foot, she’d be less than pleased, maybe.

“Well, what is it, blondie? Don’t leave us hanging.”

“Ah, well.” Her gaze darted between her mates, unsure of herself once again. “Victor suggested a co-op house. He feels he can find the remaining pledges for us. All I have to do is come up with the two-thousand-dollar fee. Which we’re going to do with fundraising.”

“No, you’re not. I’ll give you the money,” Jackson declared.

“No. It’s my sorority’s responsibility.” Jackson’s willingness to fund it had to mean he must not hate the idea... Right?

Jackson held up his hand. “It’s not up for argument, Bell. You’ve had enough stress to deal with this semester. It’s Christoph and my job to make sure our mate is happy and healthy.”

“I’m not sure.” Her gaze darted to Christoph, who hadn’t said a single word at this point.

“Take the money, kitten. Jackson is right. It’s our job,” Christoph murmured.

Jackson reached out, capturing her chin to pull her attention from Christoph to him. “I have enough money to keep us all happy and healthy for several lifetimes. Let me do it.”

“Ok. I’ll pay you back. Every cent,” she said.

Jackson shrugged. “Not concerned about the money.”

“I promise.”

“I don’t care about the money, Bell.” He grabbed her shoulders. “What I care about is alleviating some of the pressure you’ve been under.”

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“Your smile makes it all worth it.” Jackson leaned down and brushed a kiss over her lips. Unable to help herself, she wrapped her arms around him and pulled herself closer to his strong, warm body.

“You guys get started again and we aren’t going anywhere soon. Rapier’s already texted me twice, wondering where the fuck—his words—we are,” Christoph teased, holding up his phone.

Jackson broke the kiss.

“Neither of you said anything about the house being co-op.” Eyeing both of her mates suspiciously.

“Should we have?” Christoph laced his fingers with hers as they stepped out of the house.

Obviously, they trusted her way more than she trusted them. No. She trusted them, but, thanks to Laney, she doubted herself, which made her trust seem flimsy and threadbare, which filled her with shame. Of everyone she could have faith in, her mates had been foremost. She bore their marks. They wore hers. She needed to stop giving Laney and her gang of goons power over her.

“Mates are forever, blondie. You know this.”

“I do.” She sighed. “If the roles were reversed, I’m not sure how I’d react. I think I’m overthinking it. I should look at it from a Pride and Pack standpoint. Instead of a co-op.”

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