Chapter 4

(Annalise)

Lucas has staked his claim earlier and now, the different one, Landon, was here to claim me as well. From my reaction at the prom, shouldn't they understand I wasn't fucking interested in getting involved with their lives? I already had enough problems, finding a perfect donor and saving up money for my mother's surgery. And they think I still wanted to get involved in their tiresome lives? No, thank you.

I shook my head and faced him head on, even when my heart slammed violently against my ribcage, “Leave.” I whispered, never tearing my gaze away. With each second that passed by, I felt a chill running down my spine, coupled with standing outside during a cold night.

Perhaps he didn't hear me.

I inhaled a deep breath and repeated my words, “I don't know what you're talking about. You're interrupting my privacy.”

I had never seen him smile, Landon, not even while being entertained by a woman. He was like a cold ball of ice, a nonchalant asshole, but right now, his lips curled into a deadly smile, “privacy?” He sized me up, pointing at me with a ridiculous smile, “you think you need privacy?”

My jaw tightened.

I balled my hands into fists, “then leave if you're so irritated by my ridiculous presence. The issue of being your mate is none of my business.”

He smiled again, but it was more terrifying. He raised his fingers and pointed at his chest, “so you're telling me you feel nothing in there?” He hardened his gaze and I felt a whirlwind of emotions. My skin tingled with warmth as he kept his eyes on me, his majestic green eyes. Sucking in a breath, I lowered my gaze, “I feel nothing.”

“And do you think I care?”

I raised my brow, stunned by his revelation, “if you don't care, then leave my home. I have a whole lot to get to as you can see, I've got a sick mother and my grades to take care of.”

Landon tucked his hands in his pocket, “you're my mate, it's as clear as day. I'm going to claim you with your consent or not.”

“That's impossible!” I snapped, “I don't want to be Involved with you or your brothers!” They were terrifying beasts, I'd leave them for the girls. I tried to walk away, but he grabbed my wrist and yanked me backwards, “what's impossible? We're triplets, you are involved with us.”

“I don't want to be involved with a werewolf.” I whispered, staring at his hands tightly wrapped around mine. Why was his skin so fucking cold? I was freezing on the inside. He was good at making people uncomfortable, I could already feel the unease seeping into my skin. “I don't want to be involved with three werewolves.”

“There’s a first time for everything, dear Annalise.” He cooed, snaking his fingers around my waist. Being attracted to a beast was normal right? Because I couldn't stabilize my heartbeat or tame my emotions from going haywire. He shouldn't be touching me. There shouldn't be desire in his eyes. I'm Hollymore’s loser. Placing my palm on his chest, I tried to push him away, but he pulled me even closer and sealed my lips with his.

My eyes widened with shock.

My body went numb in his arms. I literally couldn't process a single word. While his lips moved above mine, I just stayed still, watching as he completely devoured my lips like they were meant to be his. He leaned closer and inserted his tongue, turning the kiss from a passionate one to a fierce one, his large palm holding my head in place.

His scent filled my nostrils, his different scent, and even as hard as I tried to hold on to my sanity, I could gradually feel it slipping away. Landon pulled away and planted a peck on my lips, “don't tell me you feel nothing, it's written all over your face.”

I couldn't deny his words.

It was so hard to push him away.

Landon's arms were still tightly wrapped around mine, his green eyes filled with lust and desire, like he couldn't wait to rip my evening gown into pieces. My legs almost lost their balance when he leaned closer again, “you're mine, Annalise. I'm giving you a chance to run. If I don't see you tomorrow, I will find you. And if I do, you're never leaving my side.”

He moved his hands from my waist, tucked his hands in his pocket and licked his lips, “c’mon, go in.”

My cheeks heated up as his words pulled me from my reverie. I gave him one last glance before proceeding to step into my apartment. With my fingers around the doorknob, his deep voice filled my ears again, “your mother's hospital bills have been footed, a donor shall be found immediately.”

I squinted my gaze, unable to believe what I was hearing. I just returned from the hospital and neither the doctor, nor Rosie told me anything like that.

“Do you mean—-” He disappeared before I could complete my statement and the next thing I saw was his car in motion.