Tessa's Chosen (2 page)

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Tessa struggled trying to release herself from Lucien's lap, but he held her firmly yet gently not allowing her to extricate herself. Tessa suddenly stopped squirming when she heard Lucien growl and felt the hard bulge poking into her backside. “If you keep squirming like that little bird, I will have you naked before we get home,” Lucien said in a low husky voice.

“What do you mean? I'm not going home with you. I am leaving for my vacation,” Tess lied lifting her head glaring at Lucien with fire in her eyes.

Lucien gently but firmly took her chin in his large hand and held her gaze to his, “Yes, you are coming to our home. Do you think I'll let you leave when you are in danger? You are ours and it is our duty to protect you.”

“Who do you think you are?” Tessa asked as she pushed herself away from Lucien and stood staring down at him. “Do you actually believe the bullshit you're sprouting?

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I belong to no man!” Tessa yelled at him. Lucien took in her defiant pose, standing before him with fire in her blue eyes, her chest rising and falling rapidly in her agitation, her golden hair tumbling down her back.

Rafe and Gabe smirked at each other, they couldn't believe their little mate had the gumption to glare at Lucien and yell her opinions to him. Of course they knew her opinions did not matter to them one way or the other, but she didn't know that. Yet.

Lucien slowly moved from the seat he was sitting on and stood to his full height. He couldn't believe his small mate was yelling at him. Why she didn't even reach his shoulders and she was standing there glaring at him, believing she could leave without her mates.

Tessa took a step back as Lucien got to his feet.

Goodness he was huge. Letting her eyes slide from the top of his head down to his large booted feet, she noticed there was not an ounce of fat on him. He had muscles bulging everywhere. He was not as bulked up as a body builder would be, but he was solid. Realizing she was gawking, Tess cleared her throat, swung quickly back to the table, grabbing her purse she headed for the door. Tessa walked out the inn door and headed for her car muttering to herself,

“Macho crazy men. I just got away from one. No way am I dealing with another one.”

“That is where you are wrong Tessa,” Rafe stated as he placed a hand on her shoulder to sop her.

“What,” Tessa squeaked out frightened as she felt the large male hand on her shoulder pull her to a halt.

“You won't be dealing with another macho man.

You'll be dealing with three.”

She spun around quickly and glared up and up until her eyes met the hazel eyes of Rafe. “Wha-what do you mean three? Are you crazy? Let me go, I'm leaving!”

“No. You. Are. Not.” Rafe stated slowly and forcefully, tugging at the purse slung over her shoulder.

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“Hey, give that back. What are you doing with my purse? Give me back my purse you bastard,” Tess yelled furiously and tried to reach for her purse as Rafe held it way above her head.

Tessa let out a squeal of fright when she felt a large masculine hand on her waist and knees; she was scooped from the ground and lifted high up against a masculine chest. Tilting her head she glared in shock into the sparkling blue eyes of Gabriel. Gabe smirked down into the shocked eyes of Tessa and couldn't contain the chuckle of mirth at her mutinous expression.

“Put me down now,” She stated fiercely.

“No,” Gabe whispered as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her temple.

“You people are crazy,” she whispered back to Gabe.

“You have no idea how much,” Gabe responded in a soft voice, but he finished the rest of the statement in his head, 'Crazy for you.' Then he took her mouth in a kiss so soft and gentle it brought tears to her eyes.

Tessa felt his soft warm, moist lips touch her lightly and tried to hold back the tears burning the back of her eyes. She felt so small and feminine pressed up close to Gabe's chest. His kiss made her feel secure, loved, cherished. She'd never had a kiss so sweet. She couldn't help but respond. When she felt his tongue slide along the seam of her mouth, she couldn't control her instant response. She opened to him and the kiss changed from soft and loving, to carnal in an instant. He slid his tongue into the depths of her mouth, exploring every nook and cranny, then wrapping his tongue around hers. Tessa moaned as she felt her desire for the man kissing her seep from her body.

Gabe groaned low in his throat in answer to her desire as he lifted a hand into her hair to hold her head still for his passionate kisses. Tilting her head back by tugging on her hair to give him access to her throat, he kissed his way down her neck to lave at her pulse point. The hand that had 13

been supporting her weight, holding her under her buttocks, shifted to encase one of her breasts as she landed on his lap.

The movement jostled Tessa out of her passionate haze as she landed on Gabe's lap. Quickly raising her head and pushing at his chest, she tried to scramble off his lap.

Her back came up against something hard and it took her a moment to realize she was sitting on Gabe's lap still, but in the back of her car. “You son of a bitch. What are you doing stealing my car?” Whipping her head around as her car was started, Tessa's gaze connected with Lucien's in the driving mirror, as she realized they were not only stealing her car, but her as well.

Opening her mouth on a deep breath, Tessa let a high pitched squeal erupt from her mouth and began to punch Gabriel's chest with both her fists. She kicked, scratched, and screamed until she thought she would have no voice left.

“Do something Gabe, she is hysterical,” Lucien spoke to Gabe's mind.

“What?” Gabe asked trying to keep his mate from hurting herself.

“Knock her out before she hurts herself!” Lucien suggested.

“I'm not hurting our mate,” Gabe stated with a snarl.

Lucien rolled his eyes before he responded, “You don't have to hurt her, pinch her neck.”

Gabe then realized what Lucien meant, gathering both of his mates hands in one of his larger ones, and he then used his thumb and forefinger to pinch a nerve between his mates’ neck and shoulder. Tessa crumpled before she could draw another breath and let loose another scream.

“Thank you,” Lucien said to Gabe relieved at the silence.

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Tessa returned to consciousness slowly. Snuggling her head into the pillow and soft warm bed, she slowly stretched out her body. Blinking a couple of times she squeezed her eyes shut again and then reopened them wide.

She couldn't remember where she was or how she got there.

Flinging the blue comforter back she gasped as she realized she was wearing a man's large T-shirt; and nothing else.

Glancing towards the sunlight streaming through the large bay window, all Tess could see was forest. She could not remember where she was and who had changed her clothes.

Sighing Tess turned away from the window she was peering out of and headed to one of the doors attached to the room she was in. Discovering an en-suite bathroom large enough to hold a party in, Tess decided to make use of the amenities. After showering and redressing in the large T-shirt, the only clothes available to her at the moment, Tess explored under the vanity looking for a toothbrush. Finding one still in it's packaging, Tessa used it then finger combed her long wet blonde tresses to gain some semblance of control over the wayward locks.

Retreating from the bathroom Tessa made for the only other door attached to the room and opened it. Not to her surprise the door opened onto a long hallway.

Following the distance sounds she could hear along the length of the hall, Tessa stopped when she found herself at the top of a stair landing. A delicious smell of food cooking enticed her to descend the stairs. As she got to the bottom, Tessa could hear male voices in the room off to the right of the stair case.

Tessa entered a combined kitchen dining room and came to a complete stop. In the kitchen at the stove were two huge men wearing nothing but blue denim jeans, 15

cooking what smelled like bacon, eggs and sausages. To the left of the stove was another male with dark brown hair and broad shoulders covered in a tight black T-shirt and black jeans. He was pouring coffee into cups out of a coffee maker.

The male pouring the coffee half turned towards Tessa and the events of the previous evening came rushing back to her. With a gasp of ire, Tess stormed up to Lucien who was pouring the coffee. Just as he replaced the carafe of coffee back onto it's hot plate, Tessa reached Lucien and poking him in the chest with a hard finger and screamed at him. “You bastard! You kidnapped me! Where am I?

Where are my clothes? Why did you bring me here? Please, please let me go,” Tessa finished on an anguished sob.

Lucien took a step forward wanting to wrap his mate in his arms to soothe away her fear. Just as he reached out his arms, Tessa took a few steps back away from him and bumped into a solid concrete wall of a hard warm masculine chest. She let out a squeak of surprised fear as she felt a gentle but steel band of arms wrap around her shoulders and over the top of her breasts.

Gabriel walked up behind Tessa just as she finished her tirade at Lucien. As Lucien stepped forward trying to help calm their mate's fear, Tessa bumped into his chest.

Wrapping his arms around his mate, Gabe leaned down and nuzzled her ear with his lips whispering to her. “Shh.. It's alright little Tess, we are not going to hurt you, calm down honey. We only want to protect you.”

Tessa felt a shiver course down the length of her spine as Gabriel nuzzled her and whispered to her in a soothing voice. Taking a calming breath, she tilted her head to the left and up to gaze into Gabe's piercing warm eyes.

“What are you talking about? I don't need protection, I can look after myself.”

Gently skimming a large palm up and down her side Gabe responded. “You do need protection little Tessa. You 16

had that fool following you last night and he scared you spit-less. He has already beaten you once sweetheart. We are not about to let anything happen to you again.”

Lucien stepped forward and gently clasped Tessa's chin with his thumb and forefinger, turning her blue eyed gaze back to his.

“You are in danger pajarito, this we cannot allow. It is our duty to protect you and make sure you are happy. Now I am sure you must be hungry; why don't we discuss this more after breakfast?”

Gabe gently propelled Tessa forward around the island bench of the kitchen towards the table and chairs in the dining room. It was then Tessa noticed there were four other men in the room.

Lucien stepped forward and pulled a chair out for Tessa to see her seated and then he and Gabe sat to either side of her. Lucien introduced the other men at the table to Tessa.

“Tessa, these men are my Omega's, Damian and Luke Aerth,” he indicated on his left, “And next to Luke are Chase and Tony Avero.”

Tessa looked at each man as they were introduced to her and murmured “Please to meet you.” Each man bowed his head to Tessa in turn as they were introduced to her.

“If for any reason Gabriel, Rafe or myself are not around and you need something, just ask any one of these men and they will help you. They will also protect you with their lives if necessary,” Lucien stated in a firm voice.

“I keep telling you I. Do. Not. Need. Protection.

Where are my clothes? I want to leave!” Tessa stated angrily as she rose to her feet.

Lucien moved so quickly, Tessa barely saw him. She let out another little squeak of surprise as she was pulled onto a hard male lap and confined by gentle but firm arms around her waist. Tessa squirmed on Lucien's lap trying to get him to release her until she felt a hardness begin to 17

swell beneath her bottom. She stilled instantly so as not to compound his desire any further.

Rafe set plates of sausage, bacon, eggs and toast in the center of the table, then sat down in the seat Tessa had vacated. The large men filled their plates with food and then Rafe filled one for Lucien and put it in front of her.

Lucien parted his legs until Tessa was sitting on one of his firm masculine thighs leaving his right arm free, so he could utilize a fork with his right hand. Scooping some eggs on to the fork he lifted it to Tessa's mouth waiting expectantly. Tessa opened her mouth to refute the necessity of being fed, but did not get to speak as Lucien shoved the fork into her mouth. Left with no choice but chew the food in her mouth, she did so and watched as Lucien ate as well.

“I have some questions I would like some answers to,” Tess stated firmly and glared at Lucien when he held another fork full of food to her mouth. Pressing her lips firmly together, refusing to eat another mouthful until she got a response, Tessa glared at Lucien.

Sighing Lucien placed the fork back onto the plate stating, “We will answer all your questions after we have eaten little bird. Gabriel, Rafe, you and I will adjourn to the family room after and we will answer all your questions.”

Picking up the fork Lucien put fresh food onto the fork and held it to Tessa's lips until she opened her mouth.

Tessa chewed the piece of sausage and then picked up a slice of toast to nibble on. She watched and listened as the men discussed several people they knew. Tessa leaned into Lucien's chest as she ate her toast glancing at all the men in the room. They were all huge masculine specimens of manhood and all handsome. Not as handsome as Lucien, Rafe or Gabriel as far as Tess was concerned, but certainly wonderful eye candy.

Finishing breakfast, Lucien stood with Tessa, taking her hand, he led her across the front of the stairs to a room opposite the kitchen. Leading her to a sofa along the far 18

wall, Lucien sat down and then pulled Tess onto his lap.

Rafe and Gabriel had followed them into the room and settled beside her and Lucien on the sofa. Gabriel leaned into Tessa and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

“What do you want to know sweetheart?”

“What is an Omega? Where are we? Where are my clothes, purse and car? Why are you keeping me here against my will?” Tessa's last question brought tears of frustration to her eyes. Blinking a few times to clear the moisture, she glared mutinously at each man. The way the brothers were looking at each other, Tessa could have sworn they were carrying on a conversation with each other. Shaking her head mentally, she pushed that stupid thought aside.

“Well,” she stated abruptly, “are you going to answer me?”

Rafe spoke first, “Your car is in our garage; and your purse in the cupboard in our room. We are about two hours away from the inn we met you at last night; and you are still in the state of Ohio.”

Gabe took over and Tessa turned her head to him as he spoke, “We want to protect you Tessa. It would kill us to see you hurt in anyway. We want you happy and safe.”

“But you don't even know me. Why would you want to protect me and what does it matter if I'm happy or not?”

she asked mutinously.

“Ah pajarito it is our job and pleasure to see you happy and safe. We know more about you than you think.

You are courteous, you have a temper, and you are twenty four years old. You currently have no home, no family and your ex is stalking you. You also desire us little bird and we desire you.”

Tessa gasped at Lucien's arrogant statement and tried to lever herself from his lap, She wiggled and squirmed until she exhausted herself with her futile struggle.

“You are such an arse. I do not desire you!”

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Rafe leaned into Tessa and whispered “Liar,” against her lips.

Tess tried to reign in her raging desires as Rafe's lips slid across hers. She tried to pull her head back to pry her lips away from his, but he lifted his large hand and cradled the back of her head. Brushing his tongue across her lips seeking entrance into her mouth. Acquiescing Tessa opened her mouth with a moan of pleasure as Rafe explored the interior of her mouth. Tangling her tongue with his, Tessa lost herself to the pleasure.

Rafe was the one to pull back from the kiss as he slowly released her lips sighing against her mouth, “You want us.”

Tessa sighed opening her eyes and blushed furiously as she met first Gabe's and then Lucien's heated stares.

Quickly pulling her eyes away from theirs she let them wander around the room, trying to think of something to say. Clearing her throat so she could speak without squeaking, she grasped at the first thing that popped into her mind.

“What is an Omega?”

Gabriel moved from the sofa to his knees on the floor in front of her and Lucien.

“An Omega is below the Beta's of a pack; and a Beta is second in charge. They usually handle security of the pack.”

Tessa's eyes widened as she thought she caught the gist of what Gabe was trying to tell her. Gabriel moved cautiously as he saw his mates eyes widen in comprehension. Tessa shook her head slightly but kept her gaze centered on Gabe. Raising his hand slightly he ran his palms soothingly along his mates calves.

Rafe also moved from the sofa and knelt on the floor next to Gabe, in front of Tessa and Lucien. Rafe took one of Tessa's hands into his and ran his thumb soothingly along the back of her hand.

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“No,” she whispered, “No,” she stated again in a louder voice. “Y-you are not saying... there is no such......

You are crazy.”

Gabriel slowly rose to his feet in front of Tessa at his Alpha's urging. He pulled his T-shirt off over his head quickly and then started undoing the buckle of his belt.

“What are you doing?” Tessa asked with a startled gasp.

“Shh, shh,” Rafe shushed as he ran the pad of his thumb along her full lower lip. “It's okay, Gabe won't hurt you baby.”

Gabe slid his jeans down his legs and off, his briefs followed the path of his jeans until he stood before her in all his naked glory.

He was magnificent with a hard muscled lightly haired chest that rippled with his movement, tapering down to an eight pack washboard stomach and narrow hips. A line of hair led down to his groin where Tessa saw what he was packing. He had to be at least ten inches long and the width was the size of her wrist. The longest muscled legs she had ever seen got a cursory look as her gaze snapped back to his cock. The man was huge!

The air seemed to shimmer around him and the edges of his body seemed to blur. His face elongated into a long nose and muzzle, hair grew rapidly over his body. His arms and legs shifted and contorted as his body changed shape with popping and snapping sounds. One minute Gabe was standing in front of her and the next there was a massive wolf with a brown coat of fur standing where he had been.

Tess stared in shock as the large wolf moved closer to her and she let out a whimper. Lucien rubbed the palm of his hand up and down in a soothing manner as Gabe nudged their mate with his head, trying to get her to pet him.

Tessa's hand slid along the top of Gabe's head as he nudged her with his hand and she scratched behind his ear.

Feeling his silky fur under her touch, Tessa gave a 21

hysterical giggle and then watched in awe as the line of his body delineated. She snatched her hand back as Gabe changed back from wolf to human.

Gabe gave her a grin as she once again focused on his aroused cock. When her eyes met his he winked at her and then redressed.

“What... how...” Tessa gasped when Lucien turned her face to his.

“But I'm not a... a werewolf,” Tessa stuttered with fear and awe. She could not believe what Gabe had shown her. Maybe she was dreaming. Giving herself a quick pinch before meeting Lucien's stare again.