Page 62 of Tethered to the World
He hissed at the contact, then groaned and pressed his forehead against hers. He ran his thumb along her jaw, then sank his hands into the hair at the back of her neck. “You should know better than most that some pleasure is worth the pain.”
“Why?” she whispered up to him, pressing back against Logan, but there was nowhere to go, both of them tightening their grip on her.
“You’re safe.” He massaged the back of her scalp, until she couldn’t resist him anymore and dropped her head against his chest. “The drugs will wear off in a few hours. In the meantime, we won’t let anything happen to you.”
She gingerly reached out and settled her hands against his waist—and could swear she could hear his beast rumble its pleasure.
Logan leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “You’re not hurting us. Every time you touch me, the ache lessens and the pleasure doubles. The last time I barely even felt a flash of pain. We’re adapting.” He nestled his face against her neck, inhaling her scent. “We were born for you, my grá.”
Her heart jolted at the sound of his complete conviction, the yearning to belong to them a physical ache, but she shoved her emotions away. “Don’t you understand? I’m infecting you! The darkness inside me is spreading to you, tethering my soul to yours.”
She tried to push Xander away, gouging her fingernails into his flesh to get him to back off while kicking back at Logan. Both men immediately pressed closer, smothering her between them. The darkness began to whirl inside her, seeping through her skin as her panic spiraled, her breathing coming in gasps as the afterworld tugged at her, demanding her return.
Xander slammed his lips over hers, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, holding her head still until her thoughts scattered to the wind and there was only him. Logan eased his hold on her, but instead of retreating he slid his hands up her stomach to cup her breasts.
Then there was only them.
Much too soon, they pulled back, leaving her panting and leaning against them when her legs shook too hard to support her weight.
Logan’s caress turned soothing. “The connection between the pack and their grá grows over time. This is normal. Don’t fight it. Don’t fight us.”
Annora stiffened at his plea, and Xander tucked her against his chest, as if protecting her from the truth.
“Logan,” he growled. “Why don’t you set up the gaming system? We can show her some fighting styles, test her hand-eye coordination, and we’ll each take turns teaching her the games.”
Logan hesitated, his grip tightening on her before he finally relented. “Ten minutes.”
Then he was gone.
“Mason, go help him.” Camden ordered the big man away, so he was no longer hovering.
Mason looked like he wanted to protest until she nodded at him. “I need a few minutes.”
He didn’t look happy, eyeing the others suspiciously, then turned toward her. “Don’t leave. Don’t make me come after you.”
It was both a warning and a vow.
Whether she wanted it or not, he would protect her.
She should be terrified at his threat to hunt her down, but part of her relaxed with the knowledge that he would always have her back. He would always keep her safe…no matter what it cost him.
She had to make a choice…them and a new future or run forever.
She wanted more from her life.
She dreamed of being free, but nothing could have prepared her for meeting the guys.
And she desperately wanted them.
They were worth the risk.
Mason waited until she acknowledged his pledge, then smiled and headed off to the kitchen. “I’ll make popcorn.”
“Outside,” Camden snapped.
Xander didn’t move right away, his hold tightening as if to protect her. He gradually loosened his grip, then reached back with one hand and tore his shirt over his head. He grabbed her hair, tugging her head back. “You will keep your hands on me at all times. Understood?”
Her mouth went dry at his husky command, and she nodded mutely, her eyes widening in appreciation at the large expanse of his chest. His lips quirked at one corner when he noticed her reaction, and she couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Then he very deliberately slid his hands down her neck, trailing his fingers lightly cross her collarbone, then dragged his hand down her arm, before he boldly picked up her hand and placed it directly on his chest.
