Taken by Lane L.V. (top young adult novels txt) 📕

Hawthorn

She is subdued as I escort her back to our quarters. I’m tempted to toss her over my shoulder, but the truth is, she likes being dominated in whatever form it might take, and I don’t think she is worthy. I was not exaggerating when I said I would kill any man who tried to rut her. I have acquired a level of territorial since claiming Priya as my mate that would prove deadly for anyone outside my triad with Caden and Brook.

Her sweet scent is a source of constant worry. Why the Goddess would bless me with the gift of Priya but not change her scent is beyond my earthly understanding. My fears for her safety manifests in constant rough couplings that she embraces with all her Omega passion. Caden and Brook are no better. It’s a wonder we have not worn our cocks out. We haven’t worn out Priya, that’s for sure.

I keep my face stern and focus straight ahead as we walk, the sound of my boots echoing off the stone corridor floor and walls. Priya throws furtive glances my way, as if checking for an improvement in my mood.

My mood is not improving; if anything, it’s getting worse. Hiding in shadows, up to mischief where anyone might find her. I cannot look at her, lest I pin her to the nearest wall and fuck her like a beast. The memory of her greedily sucking me, of her puffy lips after as I run my thumb over them, makes my cock swell to the point of pain.

Our new quarters are located in the north wing, where a high tower has been given over to us for privacy in light of Priya’s situation with her unchanged scent. But several months have passed, and it’s growing harder every day. She is a free spirit who was never meant to be cooped up. Since the fateful attack when we claimed her, there have been twice as many villainous Blighten in the area. They are looking for her, we have warned her as much, and although we might try to keep private matters private, news of her unchanged scent is widely known.

No matter how I try to rail against it, there is only one conclusion to draw. Priya’s scent has not changed because we are not enough. It’s not unusual for an Omega to take four mates, although it’s two or three more often. I’m incensed at the prospect of another touching and fucking what is mine. The Goddess ever moves in mysterious ways, but I’m heart-sore at this situation I find myself in.

Perhaps some of her rebelliousness is her own subconscious need to find this final mate. We are all restless, short-tempered, and I believe wholly that it will get much worse before it gets better.

As we arrive at the entrance to our quarters, I see Caden and Brook are waiting. Her little gasp brings an unwitting smile to my lips. I’ve not had a chance to forewarn or call for them, but we are connected now in ways that go beyond earthly words. This is not the first time they have appeared when needed without any spoken words.

Still, I wish the bond were deeper, that we might sense her mischief better. Alas, it’s not yet a complete bond while she does not nest and her scent does not change.

“No!” The little brat dares to stop and plant her fists upon her hips. “This is bollocks.”

It seems I will be carrying her after all. To her screams of protest, I toss her small body over my shoulder and stalk for the door.

The two brothers push off from the wall where they were lounging in wait. Caden is shaking his head as he swings the door wide, holding it open as we pass through.

An ominous rattle and click follows as Brook slams a heavy bolt into place.

Here, in this brief interlude, safely enclosed within our quarters, and away from prying eyes and threats, everything is well. But it will not last, and I fear for what comes after, and when we must open the door once again.

Dropping the cursing, wriggling bundle of indignation at my feet, I steel myself for the correction that is still required for my errant Omega mate. If some other bastard is to get the privilege of enjoying her, I will not make it easy for him. And why should I? I ponder frequently this fourth mate, but I’ve already decided he is not worthy, and I will beat him half to death, more than once, before I concede his place.

Brushing dark, ringleted hair out of her face, Priya glares up at me, bristling with indignation and outrage.

So, as is my right as first Alpha, I say the one word that will knock the attitude out of my querulous little mate.

CHAPTER THREE

Priya

“CADEN,” HAWTHORN SAYS, and all the blood drains from my face.

Brook chuckles as he comes to take his place on Hawthorn’s left. Caden smirks as he comes to take his place on Hawthorn’s right.

“What has she done?” Caden asks of Hawthorn.

“She was outside on her own. I caught her sneaking in the shadows on her way to see Posey.”

Caden’s smile disappears, and his jaw tightens in a way that heralds my doom. There was a time when Caden was hesitant to discipline me, but not anymore. Now, Caden is the one who punishes me when my transgression is considered severe.

This is not the first time I’ve been out unattended. I dare not admit that they only catch me some of the time. If they realized how often my sense of entitlement and mischief gets the better of me, they would chain me to the bed and never let me leave.

“Go and get the collar,” Caden says, his face the empty one that brings a tightness to my chest. Scrambling to my