Chapter 82: Chapter 82
Katie POV
There is something about the room’s ambience that is stirring my hormones. I am not sure if it is the crackling fire or the two Adonisses looking at me. Maybe it is because they are so caring and nice to me. I do not know, all I am acutely aware of is the heat and desire brewing down South.
I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame. They are pulling me in like a magnet, and I am fighting Lily like a bull not to let it happen. Why is my attraction to them so strong? I was attracted to Mason instantly, but it was not nearly as strong as with these two.
I must get my shit together.
“Katie, can I offer you a drink?” Kane clears his throat, and I avoid eye contact.
“No, thank you,” I shake my head. Dammit, I hope they cannot smell how turned on I am right now. “But directions to my room would be nice.”
“I think we have the mansion’s blueprints here somewhere,” Axel teases. “Would you like a copy for future references?”
“Oh, please,” I play along, rolling my eyes theatrically. “Preferably with markings pointing to the pool and spa facilities.”
“Does the gym count as a spa?” Kane chuckles. “We can ...”
Suddenly, the door bursts open, interrupting Kane and Mason storms in, his face distorted with worry.
“Thank Goddess,” he sighs, relief washing over his face when he sees me and Stella in the bassinet.
But I am feeling anything but relieved. My heart is pounding wildly with guilt. The thoughts I have been entertaining since I stepped into this room. Well, I am thrilled he cannot read my mind, and I silently pray that he does not scent my arousal.
“I was worried sick,” Mason says, running over to Stella and plucking her out of the bassinet. Stella wakes up and instantly starts crying.
“Mason, why?” I ask, irritated. “She was comfortable and sleeping.”
“I’m sorry, baby,” he hushes Stella, rocking her until she calms down.
“What are you doing in here, Katie?” Mason asks, looking at me.
Instantly, I am infuriated. Where the hell does he come off treating me like a disobedient child? Stella is my daughter, and if I want to go for a walk, I will.
“So, you’re the only one allowed to have fresh air?” I raise my eyebrows, planting my hands on my hips.
“Uhm, maybe we should continue this conversation in our room,” Mason smiles at me, but I do not miss the uncomfortable glance at Kane and Axel. However, I do not give a shit. Let them hear, I do not care what they think. I am too angry. I did not pack up my life to follow him so he could put me in a cage. Fuck that.
“Fine,” I snap, and turn to Kane and Axel, who are looking at us with stoic faces. “Thank you for your help when I needed it.”
“Wait, did something happen?” Mason asks, concerned. “Are you alright?”
“Everything is fine, Mason,” I sigh. “Stella was fussy, so I decided to take a walk. But I got lost.”
Mason looks at Kane, and he nods. What the fuck? Does Mason not believe me?
“I’m sorry,” Mason says. “I’m here now. Let’s go to bed.”
“Alphas,” I turn to them, smiling. “Thank you for everything, and I’ll be waiting for the blueprint.”
“You’re welcome,” Kane chuckles.
“Any time,” Axel adds.
I follow Mason in silence as we walk to my quarters. If I knew where I was going, I would have stormed off.
Mason gently places Stella in her bassinet and tucks her in while I storm towards the kitchen. Hopefully, there is chamomile tea to soothe my anger.
This day has proven to be too much for me. It started our rocky, but things seemed to change for the better when I took a bath, but Mason completely screwed up that moment.
“Katie,” Mason knocks hesitantly while peeking into the kitchen. “Can we talk?”
“You bet your ass we’re going to talk,” I huff, turning to face him. “I don’t mind playing pretend mate with you, but you will not tell me what to do, do you understand?”
“I wasn’t trying to ...”
“And another thing,” I cut him off furiously. “I will not be stuck in this room like a good Stepford wife. You have no claim over me or my child.”
“Are you done?” Mason raises his eyebrows, leaning against the door frame.
“No, I’m not,” I continue. “We are guests in this mansion, and I can’t remember who taught me manners, but I do have them. So, I will be gracious and friendly towards our hosts. I fully understand that there are issues among you three, but I’m not a fire hydrant you lift your leg against to claim your territory.”
Mason lowers his gaze and does not say a word.
“Now, I’m done,” I sigh, feeling lighter after expressing myself.
“I’m sorry,” he says, looking at me with his soulful, brown eyes. “I got into a heated argument with my father and needed time to cool off. And when it comes to the twins, I tend to overreact. I cannot describe how petrified I was when I walked in here and you and Stella were gone. I wasn’t trying to tell you what to do. I was scared, and I reacted.”
I look at him intensely. Mason is a good person; I know it in my core. And I like him – a lot! I would never have allowed things to go so far in the bath if I were not. Honestly, I cannot blame him for everything. He has been nothing but good to me and Stella. He is kind and protective. It is not his fault that my hormones are acting up. A part of me knows that I would not have been this angry if I were not feeling guilty because I am attracted to the twins.
“I’m sorry too,” I smile. “You cared, and I didn’t have to crap on you the way I did.”
“Does that mean I can stay here?” He asks mischievously, walking closer, and pulls me into a hug.
“You can stay,” I say, putting my arms around his neck.
“And we can continue where we left off this morning?” He kisses my neck, and I instantly tense up. How can I get physical with him when two other men are plaguing my hormones? It is unfair to Mason to take things further if I am unsure of my feelings.
“Mason,” I clear my throat and pull away. “Can we just sleep tonight, please? It’s been a long day.”
“I get it,” he says, kissing the tip of my nose. “Sleep only.”
“Thank you,” I smile, relieved, following him to the bedroom.
