Three Fated Hearts by LNC novel Chapter 4

~Landon~

I make it to the packhouse with Tia in my arms. I take her up to my room and set her on the bed. I watch her look around the room, taking in all the details. I have a king-sized bed in the room against the back wall. A big screen television is mounted on the opposite wall, big enough that I can see it from several different locations. There is a small eating area in the room with a love seat and a small, two-seater table. I have a huge 4-door armoire with matching end tables on each side of the bed. My room has a walk-in closet as well as a luxury bathroom. My brother’s room is pretty much the same, though with different color schemes. Actually, there is a door that leads right to his room from mine.

I place Tia against the headboard and prop her foot up on the pillows. I know she will heal soon, but this should ensure that she heals properly. “Hang on, and I will get you an ice pack.” Tia grabs my arm, and I look at her.

“You really don’t need to go through the trouble.” I shake my head and continue out of the room for the ice pack, When I return, Tia is asleep, snoring softly. I place the ice pack on her ankle and take off my shoes, jacket, and tie. I unbutton a few buttons of my shirt and slide in next to Tia. I sit next to her and wrap my arm around her shoulders, trying not to wake her up. She stirs a bit and snuggles into my shoulder, placing a hand on my stomach. I could really get used to this. I close my eyes and let her scent take me into dreamland.

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I hear the door open and look around. It’s dark outside, and some way, Tia and I scooted down on the bed. Our arms are wrapped around each other, and her head is on my shoulder. I look toward the door, my vision picking up the intruder.

Where the hell have you been?

I had to think.

Think?! What the hell did you have to think about? She is our mate……..our fated mate.

I know, but we promised the twins.

F**k that! That promise became void the minute we found our mate. Lincoln moves closer to the bed, taking Tia in. Why did you really run away? Lincoln pulls his head back, looking at the ceiling as if something is fascinating there.

I……I don’t know that I can share. I don’t know if I can be okay with that. I don’t want jealousy and anger to come between us. My attitude softens at this. I remember that Lincoln has always been hesitant about accepting one mate between the two of us. He never really told me why.

Linc, she was made for us…….for US. The Goddess wants us to have just her, and she needs both of us. I sigh, You know she asked about you. She wondered where you were. She won’t be complete with just one of us, and we won’t be complete with anyone but her. We look at each other in the darkness, me trying to convey everything through our twin bond. That bond is almost as strong as the mate bond, and we have always had it.

Lincoln sighs and takes his clothes off, leaving just his boxers on. His clothes look dirty, making me guess he has been in the woods all this time. He throws on a pair of my sweatpants with a t-shirt and slips into bed next to Tia. Lincoln tentatively reaches out to her, placing a hand on her thigh. He scoots in closer, but not too close. Tia sighs and scoots backward a bit. The minute her body makes contact with his, she snuggles up to him, placing a hand on his thigh. A sigh of contentment leaves her lips, and Lincoln’s eyes widen in surprise.

I told you she needs both of us. Don’t fight this, Lincoln. We have our fated mate now, our Tia. Let’s enjoy our blessing.

Tia? I chuckle through the mindlink.

Yeah, she goes by Tia. I will let her explain it to you. Lincoln nods and places his nose on her head, inhaling her scent. I scoot closer to Tia and close my eyes again, reveling in how right this feels.

~Tia~

I yawn and stretch a bit, feeling the warmth on both sides of me. The scent of peppermint is so strong I can practically taste it. The lemon smell is still there from yesterday, but I can also smell grapefruit. I turn to look behind me and notice Lincoln on his back, asleep. I look in front of me, and Landon is facing me, his face calm as he breathes heavily. I slide down to the end of the bed and slowly extract myself.

I tentatively step onto the floor, testing out the strength of my ankle. Everything is fine, and it doesn’t even feel sore. I stand and stretch, making my way to the restroom. After I relieve myself, I look in the mirror while washing my hands. I don’t look half bad, considering everything. I have to admit that last night was the best sleep I can remember having.

I stand in the doorway, looking at the sleeping Alphas. They are so beautiful. They have dark brown skin and clean, shaved faces. They have short hair, waves evident throughout. They are taller than me at 6’0 and are extremely muscular. I can admit that I had a crush on them at one point in my life, but I didn’t think of it much. There was no way that they even noticed me, nor would they ever be interested in me. I would never have imagined that they would end up being my mates.