Two

Those smells...

My mouth was watering, my heart thrashing in my chest — and they kept getting closer.

I hid, a bush just bigger than me filled with scented flowers.

I thought it would cover me enough, that they wouldn't find me.

Then, I felt it.

I felt him.

Something like static electricity went through me, the hairs on my skin standing as I heard the low, steady breathing of a male.

"Where are you, little one?" He cooed, my body tensing at the noise, at the purr of it that sent sudders through my body.

I tried to run, thinking I could get ahead and find a new hiding spot.

But he was faster.

"Don't run!" His voice caressed my spine, a desperation in his voice I couldn't explain.

I stopped, turning slowly and my heart near stopped.

He was lean and agile, 6' and boy next door looks, those piercing, ocean blue eyes fixed intently on me.

My chest heaved with effort and something else, a slight shiver of fear going through me at the heated look he gave me.

But, it didn't stop my eyes trailing over his attractive body and face, almost memorised as he took a slow, measured step towards me.

"Hello, princess," he purred, his voice a caress I hadn't expected.

His dark blonde hair was messy, and his sharp jawline was set in determination.

He took another step closer and I froze, my arms drawing up to my chest in an act of submission — of fear.

His expression twisted with confusion, his head tilting, but the heat in his eyes stayed.

A-Annie....what do I do? I whispered, caught between fear and intrigue, the way he looked at me... Does he...like me?

He smirked as if he heard the silent question, my heart thrashing in my chest as he suddenly moved, lunging for me.

Move, silly! Annie giggled.

I dodged on instinct, spinning around him and gasped as his hand ran across my stomach and a jolt of electricity run through my body, almost making me lose my footing; but I continued to run.

I was just quicker, and just small enough to slip through a gap in some trees, escaping the blonde.

A large shadow suddenly swallowed me, a figure stepping in front of me and I almost choked on the air at another strong scent.

A hand grabbed my waist — gentle, but claiming in a way that made my breathing hitch.

His voice was deep, shuddering through me as he came closer.

"You're fast, little one — but you can't escape us." He rumbled, the edges of a possessive, sharp growl in his words.

I squeaked at him, my eyes snapping up to his and I faltered.

His black spiky, short hair and chiseled features made him look like a model.

A muscular build, 6'2 and emerald green eyes I'd seen earlier — that made my heart race as they narrowed on me like a predator on prey.

The blonde stepped behind me, his scent mixing with the others and my mouth went dry.

Annie whined again, lustful and demanding. Mate.

W-which one? I panicked as their hands grabbed my waist and hips.

I shivered, a noise of enjoyment slipping my lips as neither backed away, only drawing closer.

Fingers dug in, tempting for a moment as sparks flashed, but a bruise was grazed, reality slamming through my moment of reprieve.

Wait....I-If he finds out....

In a panic, I dropped and slipped from their grip, ducking between the black haired ones legs and ran, both of them snarling as I headed for track building.

Does it matter? Annie countered as I boosted my speed out of their reach.

Yes! I shouted back, trying to push the feelings away. Jordan will hurt him!

I shouldered open the door of the building, finding it lined with rooms.

I fear for Jordan, should they cross paths. Annie retorted, her voice arrogant and sure.

I shook the thought away, though either looked capable of fighting, whoever my mate was — I never wanted them to know.

No one would want a broken, deformed mate.

Jordan would tell them the truth, or possibly hurt them if they didn't care and still tried to claim me.

I opened a door to hide, glancing over my shoulder as the sound of the main door echoed, stopping suddenly when the scent from the room hit me.

A man rose from the chair behind the desk, knocking them both as he turned on me.

6'5" with thick muscles, hazel eyes and a handsome, strong face stared down at me.

Mate. Annie breathed, making me falter.

Him? Annie didn't answer as the large man spoke.

"Hello, little one." His voice filled the room with a low, warm timbre, a smirk on his lips, suddenly in front of me.

A hand wrapped around my waist as he guided me with ease into the room, kicking the door closed as he spun me and, without a sign of effort, placed me on the desk.

I kept my noises of pain silent, though his touch instantly relaxed, lessening as he set me down as if he could feel it.

His fists pressed either side of my legs, his height making him bend over me, having to crane my neck back just to look up at him.

"So, you're who's been driving me mad with that scent," he murmured in a low rumble, one I couldn't quite tell if he was mad....

He's aroused, silly. Annie giggled, her voice dreamy.

I blushed, stammering. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" I fell silent when he leaned in closer, inhaling my scent, our noses almost touching.

"Are you hiding from those who tagged you?" His smirk was teasing and kind, my words catching as his breath washed across my skin like the sun.

When I didn't answer, his hand reached up, cupping my cheek. "It's okay, my little sweet — I'll hide you." He muttered, his hand practically cradling the side of my head, his fingers stroking though my hair.

He was so warm, his touch so comforting and it set my skin alight with sparks and need.

His thumb ran across my cheek and my eyes closed, my body rumbling in a pur at the feeling.

A deep growl left his throat, my eyes opening to look up through my lashes, seeing the heated look in his amber-like eyes.

"Such a sweet noise," he rumbled and leaned closer, my heart skipping a beat and I blushed.

The door behind him slammed open suddenly, making me jump.

I paled. He's found me...already!

I tried to run, a noise of fear escaping me when the large man wrapped me in his arms before I could move.

He pinned me easily, caging me in banding muscles that Annie purred again from the feeling of.

"You're okay." He promised in my ear. "They're friends."

"Friends?" I whispered, trembling against him.

He chuckled roughly, the noise almost forced and his fingers brushing gently against bruises concealed by my clothing as if he could feel each mark. "Yeah, baby," he said into my hair, kissing it tenderly. "Good friends."

He waited until I relaxed before he began to let me go, his expression reluctant, like he knew I was still a flight risk.

If either of them knew Jordan...

"Friends, my sweet girl," he repeated reassuringly, taking a step back and crouched in front of me.

Our eyes stayed locked, a patient and kind expression on his face, watching me and gauging my reaction as two figures stepped into the room.

The door clicked shut, the air shifting as if time was slowing. My eyes met the blue and green of the Shifters who had tagged me.

Their scents filled the room, mixing and forming.

The crouched man tilted his head, the other two tensing for a moment, waiting.

Mates! Annie whined, my heart stuttering in surprise.

"Mates?" I breathed aloud, stunned.

They smiled at me, my breath catching as all three stared at me.

The blonde.... A Lion...

The black... A Wolf...

The brunette... A Bear...

Mates?... Oh, my.