Page 42 of Tethered to the World
He followed her slowly down the stairs, unable to stop admiring the unconscious, sexy sway to her hips, a combination of innocence and seduction.
She was perfect for him in every way.
He just had to convince her of it. He marveled when she didn’t see him as a monster, didn’t see him as a freak or an idiot. And the pure fascination in her eyes when she looked at him, told him she saw him as more than the muscle.
She saw the real him underneath his beastly exterior.
She might not know it yet, but she was halfway in love with him already. He had to move slowly, let her continue seducing him. Hopefully he would survive the lust threatening to consume him long enough for her to admit her feelings.
He just needed to keep them both alive long enough for her to realize they belonged together.
* * *
By the time she and Mason made it to the kitchen, the rest of the guys were waiting for them. To her surprise, they all stood when she entered. She made sure to meet their eyes, determined to act normal…at least with them.
Xander looked the same, his teal eyes always watching, his black and white hair expertly styled. He didn’t dress up for their night out, but wore his normal T-shirt, jeans and boots. Camden actually paid more attention to his appearance, switching out his shirt to something a little fancier, the iridescent blue seeming to make his black hair shimmer in the light.
Logan was the most transformed as he quickly came around the table and held out a chair for her at the head of the table. Though he took the utmost care with his appearance, his black and red hair styled and slicked back, she couldn’t place what was different.
She stood by the chair as she studied him a bit longer, when she finally noticed it…his small smile was genuine. His lips were thin and firm, but there was a softness to his face now that turned him from an asshole into someone who would snuggle up with her in bed and listen to whatever she had to say, all without comment or judgement.
Only when she sat did the rest of the guys resume their seats.
While the others began to pile food on their plates, Mason cleared his throat. “I was just explaining to Annora that she has permission to touch any of us at any time. She hasn’t had much contact with anyone for a long time, and wants to practice.”
Everyone at the table seemed to freeze, then their attention shifted completely to her.
“We shifters are a possessive lot,” he continued. “Any kissing or more intimate touches should be restricted to the group…if she should so desire.” Then he turned away from the guys to look directly at her, something hardening on his face as his troll made an appearance. “You will take the lead, and the guys will follow. No one will take things too far. If they make you uncomfortable, you will come to me. Understand?”
“All of you?” Annora wasn’t sure if she was charmed by his protectiveness or wanted to sink under the tables and hide. Half of her wished she’d never brought up the subject. She would’ve said as much if not for the fact that the thought of touching them sent her pulse racing, and not with anxiety, as she expected. Imagining touching them, even platonically, sent her pulse skittering—which blew her mind. But the idea of getting close to any male other than these four made her break out in a cold sweat.
When none of the guys protested or objected, she bit her lip.
“You’re not obligated to choose any of us…or you can choose all of us.” Mason kept his voice low and soothing, almost hypnotic. “Mixed race teams are rare. Mixed sex, both female and male, are even rarer. It’s not uncommon for teams to become more than friends—we become family. In very special occasions, they’re lucky enough to find their grá.”
He meant lovers and more.
He must have seen her surprise, the no doubt owlish look on her face, like someone had bitch-slapped her, and he hurried to reassure her. “The choice will always be yours. On our honor.”
She opened her mouth, then closed it again as each of the guys nodded. Her thoughts were so scattered she couldn’t think properly, but they seemed to be waiting for her to say something. “Which of you have girlfriends? I don’t want anyone to be pissed at me or making trouble if I touch who they consider their man.”
Despite the food getting cold, none of the guys moved to eat. They immediately shook their heads, and she couldn’t help but frown. Though she directed her next question at Mason, she watched all the guys. “So I’m allowed to touch you, even kiss you if I want, but as long as it’s only the four of you, none of you mind?”
Xander frowned when the others remained silent. “You’re free to show interest in anyone you like, inside or outside of this group, but be warned that our beasts can become…possessive. If we feel the gentleman you select isn’t good enough for you, we reserve the right to run him off.”
Annora was flabbergasted at his blatant macho response, but appreciated his honesty.
“Just no wolves.” Camden couldn’t resist scowling. “None of them are good enough.”
Though she didn’t say anything, she silently agreed.
Every wolf she’d met so far had left a bad taste in her mouth.
Logan picked up her plate and began to pile it high with food. When he set it down, he gave her a wink. “And you can ask us anything when you’re unsure of something.”
The rest of the meal passed quickly, the guys tucking into their food, casting her curious looks every few mouthfuls. Camden finally broke the tension in the room by bringing up their case. “The party doesn’t really begin until after ten, which will leave us a little time to plan. Until you become more familiar with the university and the different species, I want someone with you at all times.”
He narrowed his eyes at her, as if waiting for her to object, and she set aside her fork. “No problem.” The last thing she wanted was to be left alone with a bunch of strangers anyway.
