Claiming Emma [Novikov Clan 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) (22 page)

“Fuck,” she whispered, and her Alpha raised his eyebrow, giving her a questioning look.

“Mine…” they growled in unison, and Emily could only stand there shaking her head.

She should’ve realized that her body’s instant reaction to them had meant something, but she never thought that fate would match her with wolves. They had just claimed her. In front of her Alpha and clan, these two wolves had just announced that she was their mate. Her life couldn’t get any worse at this point. Why hadn’t she just stayed home?

Consciousness slowly came back, and Emma shifted, moving her body. She was scared to open her eyes, wondering if the man who had grabbed her, still had her. Testing her reflexes, she wiggled her fingers and toes. Her body felt heavy, trapped under something. Trying to stay calm, she used her other senses. The first thing she realized was that she was warm. She couldn’t understand why she was lying down on a bed. It didn’t make sense. Shouldn’t she be on the hard, cold ground outside? Where was she? Were Mahkah, Takoda, and Chayton safe?

Taking a chance, she cracked her eyes open. Recognition flooded through her system, and Emma blinked a few times, trying to clear her head. She was alone in the bedroom, the exact place she had been that morning with Mahkah. Had she fallen asleep? Was that man only a dream? She sat up.

Her mouth was dry, and Emma licked her lips, before swallowing. “Ouch.” Her voice no longer seemed to be her own. Emma touched her throat and realized her neck was bandaged.

Jumping out of bed, she rushed into the bathroom, needing to see a mirror. The huge, white bandage stood out, covering her entire throat.
Oh, God. What did that man do to me? Did he hurt Mahkah, Chayton, or Takoda? Where were they?
Her heart began beating frantically in her chest, and Emma held onto the counter, feeling dizzy. Her head began to spin, and she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths.

“Emma…” Chayton’s sweet voice whispered against her neck, right before he wrapped his strong arms around her. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” A sob broke free, and the tears flowed freely. “Shhh…it’s okay,
ciqala
, I’m here.” Picking her up in his arms, he carried her back into the bedroom and gently laid her on their bed.

“Mahkah…Takoda…” She could barely speak. Her voice foreign and gravelly to her own ears. Her throat burned from just saying their names, but she needed to know where they were. She needed all three of her mates. Swallowing, she wrapped her hand around her throat, trying to make the pain stop.

“We’re right here,” Mahkah said, climbing onto the bed, and Emma went limp, letting him pull her into his arms. She lay on the pillow and, with one hand, cupped his face.

“Nothing happened to us, baby.” Takoda spooned her from behind, kissing her shoulder, and tears leaked from her eyes.

“If anything…” She couldn’t complete her sentence. She didn’t want to think of what could’ve happened.

“Shhh…don’t try to speak just yet. Your throat was damaged and needs time to heal,” Chayton told her, and Emma could only nod.

She had so many questions, but that would have to wait. It hurt too much to speak. Closing her eyes, she held onto her men tightly, not wanting to let go. Emma couldn’t remember ever being this exhausted. Her body felt heavy and sluggish. Within minutes, she was asleep.

* * * *

Chayton watched as Emma fought to stay awake. Mahkah and Takoda were holding, touching, and trying to soothe her, and still she fought sleep. This wasn’t the first time she’d woken up. It had been a few days since the attack, and still she wasn’t healed. She wasn’t her normal, happy self.

When he reached the house, her blood had coated Mahkah’s hand. The three of them had been in a state of panic waiting on the clan doctor to arrive. She was barely breathing and had lost too much blood. In order to save her, the doctor took Chayton’s blood and transfused it through her body. He would’ve given his last drop to save her. She had been in and out of consciousness since then, and he knew that she was healing, although it was slower than most shifters. She had enough blood pumping through her veins that she should be whole and healthy already.

The three of them had only just stepped out of the room when he felt her anxiety and sadness. Rushing back, he reached her before she dropped to the floor. Luckily, it seemed as though she was resting easy now. He just hoped that the next time she woke up, her healing would be progressed more.

“She’s going to be okay, Chayton,” Mahkah told him, and he nodded, knowing that his brother was right. “She just needs time to heal. Her body went through a trauma.” He couldn’t think negative thoughts. He needed to show Emma how strong he was, for her.

“I know.” Kicking off his shoes, Chayton walked over to the couch and lay down, letting the fire warm him. He wasn’t sure how long Emma would be out this time, and he wanted to be close just in case she woke up.

Staring up at the ceiling, he tried to clear his mind but could only think about Emma and the blood seeping from her throat. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her bloody and broken in Mahkah’s arms. Would she ever really heal? Would she ever be able to forgive him? The guilt ate at him and settled in his stomach like a rock. This was his fault. He had killed that wolf’s mate, tore her to bits without thought of consequence. That man wanted revenge and deserved it. Chayton would’ve wanted to kill as well.

Chayton rubbed his hands over his face and exhaled loudly. He dug his fingertips into his temples and closed his eyes. She would heal, and soon things would go back to normal. He had so many plans for the future, and Emma was an intricate part of that. He had never thought to have a traditional marriage. Mating was enough for him, but now, he wanted to do anything and everything to make Emma happy, to make her life complete. If she wanted a ring, he would put it on her finger.

“Chayton…” Emma whispered, and he jumped up, striding quickly to the bed.

“I’m here.” Standing next to the bed, he rubbed her back in soft, slow circles.

“Need you…” Smiling, he climbed on the bed and pulled her feet onto his lap.

* * * *

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but Emma felt well rested. Stretching, she moved, flexing her muscles and cracking her back in the process. She opened her eyes and her hand flew to her throat, covering the huge bandage. Turning to her side, she came nose to nose with Takoda and smiled.

“How are you feeling?” Takoda asked, kissing her nose.

Unsure if she should speak, she tested her voice by whispering, “Fine.”

“Still in pain?” He crinkled his forehead.

“I…no.” She swallowed harder, touching her neck. “My neck doesn’t hurt anymore. How is that possible?” Takoda reached out and touched the bandage, slowly peeling it off her neck. “How bad is it?”

“There isn’t even a little mark.” Emma shook her head, not believing one word.

“What? I couldn’t even talk without it hurting. What happened?”

Before Takoda could even speak, he was interrupted. “I would like to tell her.” Chayton cut in, and Takoda nodded, kissing her once on the lips before scooting off the bed, leaving room for her sweet Chayton to climb in next to her.

Emma reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck, and pulled his face down for a kiss. It felt like forever since she had touched him or seen him. Chayton opened his mouth, and she slid her tongue against his, enticing him to play with her. Before she could take it to the next level, Chayton pulled back and kissed her cheek. The look on his face was too serious, and Emma felt a knot of dread form in her stomach.

“Chayton…What’s wrong?” Reaching out, she touched his face, feeling the stubble on his cheek.

He took her hand in his. “
Ciqala
, love, the attack on you was because of me. I’m sorry.”

“What are you talking about?” She half laughed, completely confused. She had no idea what he meant. She did remember a man hitting her with something sharp, but she knew that Chayton had nothing to do with it.

“The man who grabbed you was a wolf, Emma. He…I mean I…I killed his mate.”

“What? When?” She stared at him in confusion.

“She attacked you. His mate was the wolf from the woods, and I went after her. I killed her.”

“You also got shot, and if I remember correctly, you saved me.” She refused to let him take the blame or feel guilty for what happened.

She would never hang that over his head. Her mate, Chayton, her wonderful man, had been by her side since day one. Emma couldn’t help but smile. She had gone from losing her family, to moving to Alaska, and now once again she belonged. It didn’t matter what had happened. They were all safe, and they were together. She was no longer alone…Mahkah, Takoda, and Chayton were her men.

“Why are you smiling?” Chayton asked her, a grin slowing spreading across his lips.

“I’m happy. I’m exactly where I want to be.” She meant that with all of her heart. She was now surrounded by three loving men, the possibility of having a family, of truly finding peace and joy. The days of being alone were over. The days of not forgiving herself for past mistakes were over, too.

“Really?” Mahkah asked, jostling the bed, and she turned, not realizing that he had been lying next to her. “Is this exactly where you want to be, forever?”

Nodding, she reached out and wrapped one arm around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. Their lips met, and a spark of excitement shot through her system. She wanted the three of them forever. She wanted to wake up next to them and fall asleep with their limbs tangled. Pulling back, Mahkah looked down at her, his eyes serious.

“Will you marry us?” he asked. “We’re already mates, and that means more to us than a piece of paper, but I want you to become Emma Youngblood. I want you to feel as though you belong.”

Laughing, Emma couldn’t wipe the goofy smile off her face. “Yes!” She didn’t need them to ask for marriage. She already felt as if she belonged. She knew soul deep that this was where she was supposed to be, and she wouldn’t have changed anything.

“We love you, so much,
ciqala
.” Chayton pushed his nose against her neck and nuzzled close, placing openmouthed kisses everywhere he could reach.

“I love you all, so much.” Mahkah and Chayton surrounded her, and Emma lifted her head, searching for her missing mate, Takoda. He lounged at the foot of the bed. When their eyes met, he winked.

“Come here…” Reaching out a hand, Emma waited for him to grasp it and join them. Takoda took her hand, kissing each digit. She wanted this moment to last forever. Emma with her three mates…this was the life she had been waiting for.

THE END

WWW.ALICIAWHITEBOOKS.COM

I fell in love with romance novels after reading my first one years ago. I read everything I could get my hands on after that and thousands of books later I’m still reading. I love being able to take trips, meet wonderful characters, and fall in love with Alpha heroes without having to leave the comfort of my home.

I live in beautiful Southern California and spend most of my days drinking coffee, plotting future stories, and writing. I started writing over a year ago and plan to write for many more to come. With this particular series, Novikov Clan, I feel as though I’m finally finding my voice.

I love to hear from readers so please feel free to contact me anytime. Happy reading!

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