Ammy floated home in a deliriously happy daze that evening. Jason and Sebestian had been attentive the rest of the picnic, keeping Ammy between them and lounging by the side of the lake. Occasionally, Mandy and Sam would wander close and sit with them; Mandy hanging onto one of the alphas and listening to them talk until Sam dragged her off again to explore. Sam clearly doted on Mandy, the young man enjoying the wide-eyed enthusiasm she gave him. Allen spent her time across the lake, sketching feverishly and giving the triad soft looks. Ammy had a feeling that she knew exactly what had transpired and was giving them space to enjoy each other.Before they left, she cornered Ammy and showed her sketches from the day. Ammy was shocked and embarrassed, flushing hotly to see that the focus of her talent was Jason and Sebestian indulgently hand feeding Ammy strawberries and cream, gazing at her with an intense, possessive love. She calmly asked for the sketch and when she refused, giving he
"I love you, both of you. I want this more than I can say. I want to mate you and have a family with you both."She could hear one of them stifle a gasp, but Ammy continued on, afraid that if she stopped to look at them that she would never speak of these concerns again. She slumped her shoulders, pressing clenched fists against her closed eyes."I'm no good. The James name is a curse to all those who bear it and I'm no different. My reputation is in tatters, and I will be a burden to you. I can't stand the thought that one day you might come to despise me-""Stop."The command was gentle, but Sebestian's voice contained enough alpha compulsion that Ammy found herself obeying instantly. It shocked her from her emotional spiral, and she turned slowly to find Sebestian right behind her. Sebestian's face was thunderous, a deep frown marring his handsome face and Ammy trembled, feeling sick to be the cause of Sebestian's displeasure. Sebestian took a deep breath and his expression relaxed
"I want you to feel secure, my love. Never again will you be helpless. Even if-"Jason voice broke and he swallowed, taking an obvious effort to continue."Even if one day you don't want me anymore. The money is yours."Jason was near tears at the thought of Ammy not loving him anymore and Ammy let out a shaky laugh, her own eyes threatening tears. Behind the alpha was a tall row of flowering bushes and Ammy looked around them for witnesses. Seeing no one, Ammy pushed and pulled both Magnus and Jason until they followed her, walking to stand by the bushes, blocking them from casual observance.Ammy let out another laugh at the twin bemused expressions she received and wasted no time in cornering Jason, pressing their bodies together from chest to groin. Ammy wound her arms around the alpha, embracing him tightly. Jason' expression cleared of confusion to be replaced with such a look of open wonder and desire that Ammy shivered, eyes falling to half-mast as she preened for the alpha. A
The triad agreed to another family picnic the next day to announce their engagement to their loved ones. Ammy was pleased when her alphas readily agreed to inviting Jane and Adom. She had been briefly concerned that their possessiveness would extend to her newest friends, but Sebestian and Jason greeted her request with smiles and acceptance. Ammy cherished their trust and lack of suspicion. The only mating she had ever seen up close was her parent's, filled with jealous rages, hard punches and flying dishware. It warmed her through and through to know that her alphas were kind, patient and would do anything in the world to make her happy.Jason and Sebestian left her feeling euphoric after scenting her thoroughly. She felt as if she floated through the hours until she saw her alphas again, grinning constantly and humming under her breath as she helped Lillian with household chores. Lillian was happy for them, and their dinner discussion consisted solely of marriage plans and, to Ammy
Adom, Jane, Sebestian and Jason shared a mischievous look before rising and following Sam's lead, stripping and jumping into the lake. Ammy felt her body flush as she watched her alphas slowly remove their clothing, throwing her sly, knowing glances as they revealed more and more flesh to her hungry gaze. She had never seen a more beautiful sight and she ran a hand over her hot face, trying to compose herself. Should she join them?Ammy shifted as Jason reached over to Sebestian to help unbutton his shirt. Once done, Jason stepped close to Sebestian and ran his hands slowly over the muscled stomach that was revealed, biting his lip and glancing at Ammy from the corner of his eye. Sebestian grinned at Jason and brushed a lock of his hair back, leaning forward to nose gently at the other alphas' cheek. God, they looked good together. Strong, noble and beautiful, they fit together so well. How did Ammy look next to them?Ammy shook her head and winced when Allen elbowed her harshly. She
Ammy turned and left the water, wringing out the end of her shirt and smirking as Jason and Sebestian watched her intently, eyes lingering on her bobs. Sam ran by yelling as Mandy pursued him. Ammy, seized with a sudden impulse, reached out and lifted a shrieking, giggling Mandy in her arms. She swung her around growling and pretending to eat her and she threw her arms around her neck, giving her a kiss to the cheek before squirming. Ammy put her down and she ran off after Sam again.Ammy grinned and turned around to her alphas, proud of her connection to Mandy. Her alphas would see how good of a parent she was. She froze though, met with a frowning Jason and a harsh snarling growl from Sebestian. Ammy whined and crossed her arms, hunching her shoulders, confused. Seeing Ammy's discomfort, Jason cleared his throat pointedly, making Sebestian blink and relax. Ammy stayed where she was, the slow realization that she had turned her back to them coming over her. Had they seen?"Alpha?"He
Ammy arrived home to see the front door ajar, the hinges creaking ominously, swinging gently from the wind. She frowned, her stomach twisting with anxious nausea and looked over her shoulder. The street was empty, the sun just beginning to set and the Jason carriage that her alphas had sent her home in was too far down the road to stop. Ammy took a deep breath and turned back to the house, slowly stepping closer, regretting her insistence that she hadn't needed an escort home. Lillian wasn't the type to keep the doors open, unlocked.Ammy breathed deep again, reaching out to ease the door wider, creeping over the threshold and this time she caught a scent, one that didn't belong. The smell of damp, decaying dirt and marigolds was all too familiar, and Ammy couldn't suppress the whine that climbed up from her chest and out her throat. She turned sharply to flee but the front door slammed shut from an unseen force and Ammy stumbled back, tripping over her own feet. A shadowed body follo
It was an easier process than Ammy imagined. She slipped through the window in her room and onto the neighboring roof, throwing her bag first and then jumping over. The roof was at just the right angle to hide her from the thugs stalking her and Ammy was able to scale the rooftops and slip into an alley far away from prying eyes. She was proud of herself as she slipped into the morning crowd, following men in suits and groups of well-dressed women into the business district. The bank was easy to locate, a crowd of wealthy looking patrons occupied the lobby and Ammy was thankful she had decided to wear her best attire. She would have drawn too much attention otherwise.Ammy waited for the lines to thin before she approached a teller, a sour faced older man with a bushy mustache. She gave the man her best grin only to receive a dark frown in return. Ammy cleared his throat, trying not to look as out of place as he felt."Good morning, sir. I need to make a withdrawal from my account."T