Chapter 11

Amelia: Come with me; I’ll show you.

I led my two mates toward the clearing. In the center, I asked them to close their eyes. They complied, grumbling slightly. I then stripped off my clothes and shifted into my wolf form. This time, the transition wasn't painful; it felt like slipping into a comfortable garment. Once in wolf form, I approached them and nudged their bellies with my muzzle.

They opened their eyes and stared at me in amazement.

Zach: Amelia, you’re magnificent.

Alex: You’re white and so beautiful—it’s incredible.

I sat down in front of them and waited.

Alex: Can we touch you?

How could I let them know I agreed? I moved closer and slid my body between them so their hands could touch me, then waited.

Zach: I think that’s a yes, Alex.

So, my mates gently stroked my head and flanks.

Zach: Now, sweetheart, we’re going to close our eyes so you can shift back and get dressed; then we’ll talk, okay?

Amelia: It’s okay, guys—I’m dressed.

They opened their eyes and looked at me intently. I felt my heart race with fear. Would they reject me now that they’d seen my wolf?

Zach: What’s your wolf’s name, sweetheart?

I looked at Zach, smiling nervously.

Amelia: Elza—her name is Elza. And yours? Your wolves?

Zach: Alex’s is named Zeck, and mine is Allan.

Without me realizing it, Zach and Alex had moved closer—Zach in front of me and Alex behind. In unison, they wrapped their arms around me and nuzzled against me.

Zach’s POV

My brother and I stood there, cradling a descendant of the Goddess—our mate—in our arms. We locked eyes over her head, sharing the same look of joyful disbelief. Goddess, we had been such fools with her. I only hoped Amelia would find enough love in her heart to forgive us.

Zach: Come on, sweetheart, let’s go home. The three of us will head to the library to do some research, but first, we’ll go to our suite and tell you the legends we’ve heard—okay?

When I got no response, I stepped back slightly to look at her; a soft smile was blooming on her lips, and her gaze was dreamy. I slid a hand under her chin, gently lifting her face so I could look deep into her eyes.

Zach: Sweetheart? Are you okay?

She smiled softly before answering.

Amelia: I feel intoxicated... your scent, so close to me—it’s making my head spin.

Without thinking, I leaned in and planted a light kiss on her lips; then Alex gently turned her face to do the same. She raised a trembling hand to her lips and looked at us with wide, astonished eyes. She slowly pulled away from our embrace and wrapped her arms around herself, her gaze darting nervously between my brother and me. My brother started to speak, but I discreetly signaled him to wait. She swallowed hard and asked in a small voice:

Amelia: Do you really want me as your mate?

My brother and I answered in unison:

Zach and Alex: Yes.

She closed her eyes and swallowed again.

Amelia: How... how are we going to do this? I mean...

Seeing her blush, I finished the sentence for her:

Zach: You mean about our intimacy?

She nodded. I had never seen her with a boy, but surely, she must have…

Zach: "Have you ever had a boyfriend, sweetheart?"

She bit her lip and shook her head. It was my turn to swallow hard, but my brother had the presence of mind to react. He stepped closer and gently caressed her cheek.

Alex: "By what miracle are you still a virgin? I promise we’ll be very gentle with you… even though it hurts me to say it, if you’d prefer to be alone with just one of us for the first time, we’ll understand; we’ll do whatever you want…"

She stopped him from speaking by placing a hand over his mouth. She was pale and trembling with suppressed fury.

Amelia: Never—do you hear me?—never...

I felt my heart tighten; had we already ruined everything? But she continued.

Amelia: Don’t ever ask me to choose between the two of you. You are both my mates...

Zach: We’ll find a way, my love, I promise.

Then I gave a teasing smile.

Zach: You just said it yourself, my love: we’re your mates. Are you getting used to the idea?

She ran her hand through her hair and closed her eyes.

Amelia: It’s complicated for me. I mean, just a few days ago...

Alex: I know, my love. We were jerks, and you didn’t want a mate—let alone one like us.

Amelia: I was furious, hurt, and scared. It was the day before my birthday, and once again, it was going to go unnoticed. I was about to undergo my first transformation with no one to help me, and on top of that, I was starving. So yes, I understand that the Goddess designated you as my mates, but I’m afraid—afraid I’ll wake up one morning and find you’ve gone back to being jerks like before.

So, without consulting each other, Alex and I did the one thing an Alpha should never do: we dropped to one knee.

Amelia: What are you doing?

Zach: I, Zach Hamilton...

Alex: And I, Alex Hamilton...

Alex and Zach: ...swear on our honor and by the Goddess to always love, protect, cherish, respect, and honor you for the rest of our lives. Amelia Rodrigue, we accept you as our mate—designated by the Goddess and chosen by our hearts.

Amelia: Chosen by your heart?

I smiled gently at her.

Zach: Yes, my love; you are everything we ever wanted in a mate—you are gentle, loving, intelligent, and generous.

Alex: And what’s more, my love, you are the most beautiful woman we have ever seen.

Tears welled up in her eyes and trickled softly down her cheeks.

Amelia: Do you realize that you have just sworn a solemn vow to me?

Alex and Zach: Yes, we do.

Then she knelt before us and said:

Amelia: I, Amelia Rodrigue, accept your promise and accept you, Zach and Alex Hamilton, as the mates chosen for me by the Goddess. I promise to always stand by your side and to be your partner in life and in love. I promise to respect and cherish you, and above all, to love you with all my heart.