Chapter Fourteen

“Are you sure about this?” Seth asked one more time. Blythe rolled her eyes and knocked on the door.

“I told you a million times, I’m not going back.”

“Who is it?” Tristan called. He opened the door, not waiting for a reply. “Oh. It’s you. What do you guys want?”

“Expecting someone else? Is this a bad time?” Blythe asked.

“No, what’s up?” Tristan leaned against the doorframe. He was shirtless and Blythe couldn’t help but admire his nice toned body. She stared at his abs and realized they were moving. She glanced up and saw Tristan laughing at her silently. She felt her face turn fiery red. She looked at the ground, biting her lip in embarrassment.

“Well, since Blythe won’t speak up,” Seth commented, “she’s here because she wants a mate.”

“What about Killian? I thought they were mated?”

“No, he only marked her. She is still unclaimed.”

“Why are you here?” Tristan asked, straightening and crossing his arms causing the thick, corded muscle to bulge.

“Will you be my mate?” Blythe blurted out. Tristan looked surprised and then started laughing. It trailed off abruptly when he realized that she was serious.

“Me? You want me to be your mate?” Tristan asked. “What happened between you and Killian? Why are you here, Blythe?”

“Killian will never love me, and doesn’t even trust me. There was an issue with a guard and he ended up getting punished. He blamed it on me, but it was his actions that got him in trouble. He’s never going to change.”

“Can you blame him?”

“Excuse me?” Blythe’s mouth fell open in shock. “What does that mean?”

“You’ve only run from him every chance you’ve been given. Why should he trust you? Again, you’re here on this floor asking for help. Why can’t you work something out? Call a truce between you two. Stop putting other people in danger when you’re just being a little girl.”

“How dare you!”

“You know it’s true. Killian has had a rough past. I’m not making excuses for him, only stating facts. He doesn’t trust anyone easily and you’ve honestly given him no reason to trust you. I wouldn’t trust you. What’s to say that after the first fight we have, you don’t run to some other shifter? Because right now that’s exactly what you’ve done.”

“I can be faithful! Killian is not my husband, or mate, in this case. If you were my mate, I would never cheat on you.”

“But how can I believe you, when even while you’re in the process of mating, you come to another man and ask for help? I think they call it dating in your human world. You’re dating Killian, yet you aren’t being faithful to him. Does he even know you’re here?”

“No,” Blythe started.

“Are you serious? You haven’t even told him that you’re breaking up with him and you are already trying to find another man to draw into your selfish problems? Grow up! I can’t believe you humans act like this.”

Tristan pulled back and slammed the door in Blythe’s face. She stared, shocked, and felt tears prickle in her eyes. How could he say those things to her? They hurt because they held a ring of truth. She hung her head and hid her face. How could she be so stupid?

“Give me a second,” Seth growled. He pushed Tristan’s door open and disappeared inside. Blythe could hear raised voices and hushed tones, but couldn’t tell what was being said. What was Seth doing? There was no way that Blythe wanted to be with Tristan now. He’d made her look like a fool. She was embarrassed and ready to just go lay down. She wanted to sleep this whole situation off.

The bedroom door opened just as she was about to leave. Tristan looked down at her, a smile on his face and a gleam in his eye. “Blythe, wait.”

“What do you want?” she mumbled.

“I’m sorry for what I said. You caught me at a bad time. I’m really sorry. Please come in and let me fix this.”

“I don’t know…” Blythe looked at Seth and he smiled at her. “What did you say to him? Is this out of pity?”

“This is what you wanted. Let him fix this. Give him a chance.”

“Okay, fine.” Blythe took a deep breath and stepped into his room. He shut the door softly behind her.

“I’m going to leave you two to talk. I’ll be in my room if you need anything,” Seth called, slipping out the door.

“Don’t forget what I told you,” Tristan yelled after him. Seth waved, acknowledging that he’d heard, and shut the door behind him. Tristan sighed and sat down on the bed. He watched as Blythe stood there awkwardly, wondering what to do. He took mercy on her and pulled her toward him.

She looked down at him, trapped between his thighs with his hands on her hips. She swallowed, suddenly nervous. “Well?” she prompted.

“Yes?”

“You’re supposed to explain yourself.”

“I’m sorry about that. You caught me after a fight with my brother. Carrie finally told him she’s pregnant and now he’s on a warpath. No one is allowed near her and he’s put in a request for better equipment and supplies for the medical center. Seth is going to help him out.”

“I’m so glad that she finally told him. He needed to know.”

“Yes, he did.”

“What you said is right,” Blythe admitted. “I’m afraid of him.”

“Why are you afraid of him?”

“He’s so demanding and doesn’t give anything back. It’s intimidating to be around him. I thought we’d finally gained some ground and then he attacks a guard when he catches me talking to him. I was only talking to him about kitchen supplies and whether we could get better food and different options. Killian didn’t even give me a chance to explain before he attacked the poor guard. Then he was taken away and tortured. They brought him back to us barely alive. How can I deal with all of that violence?”

“It seems to me that Killian thought he was protecting you. He thought you were in danger. His animal instincts are the dominant force in him right now. He only cares about protecting himself and those he cares about. He saw you with another man and his possessiveness and jealousy flared to life. He’s not used to having anyone else to look after. Seth can handle himself. The cats always pick on him and taunt him, but if he had to, he could kill any one of them. He may be large and a little slower, but he’s got skills and instincts to guide him.

“When you came into Killian’s life, you were this creature that couldn’t shift and couldn’t defend herself. He had someone to protect, a purpose. He told himself that he wouldn’t fail. It helps that you’re female and attractive. He would obviously be attracted to you and drawn to you. His tiger would want to protect and mate with you. He saw you as his mate. When you denied him the full claiming, it went against all of his instincts. He wanted to claim you, yet you said no. He didn’t want to push you, because he didn’t want to hurt you. He was torn between hurting your feelings and doing what he thought was right. In his mind, mating you and claiming you as his own sent out a warning to all other males. No one would touch you, because many fear Killian. That was his way of protecting you for good. Yet you wouldn’t let him do that.

“One way that we let go of our anger is through sex or fighting. Anger builds up inside of us and, if we don’t release it, we explode. Sometimes we attack those closest to us just because they’re the ones that are around us. At times, we attack the guards. We can’t stop it. Our animals literally take over and all other thoughts are gone except the instinct to mate or kill. There have been some rumors going around that Killian hasn’t been letting go of that anger. Everyone’s been waiting for him to snap and he’s done so several times now. All because of you.”

Tristan took a moment to gather his breath and to make Blythe meet his eyes. She looked lost in thought and he gave her a moment to digest everything that he’d shared with her. She opened her mouth to say something, but he placed his hand over it. “Let me continue.”

“Okay,” she mumbled behind his hand. He smiled and moved his hand away.

“The first few days you were here, you were attacked and almost raped. People wanted you as their mate. And because you didn’t have a mark or a claim on you, they thought it was possible. Some knew you belonged to Killian, others didn’t. They saw an opportunity and were going to take advantage of it. Killian had to threaten people and even kill someone to get people to back off. Then he catches you with Seth. His own brother. Yes, Seth kissed you, but you let him. Killian reacted. Then you come down here and he follows. He tries to save you and fights. That fighting helped him remain calm for a while up until he saw the guard with you. He had just gone to the fighting room and almost killed one of the cats. I think Kip was his name. That alone didn’t help him get rid of that anger and power. He needs a mate. Someone whose very touch calms him. Someone that will always be there when he needs them. Someone that he can fuck into oblivion when he needs to let off some steam. You are that person, Blythe. You’re throwing away a perfect mate for whom? Me? I’m not the person for you. You’re the type of person that can keep Killian calm and people alive. He can’t take much more of this.”

“I’m so new at all of this.” Blythe felt weak and her head hurt with all that Tristan told her. How had she missed all of that? She was seeing things from one perspective with no idea how shifters worked. She owed it to Killian to get to know shifters better. She wanted - no needed - to know more.

“I’ve just given you a lot to think about. I’m going to take a nap. You’re more than welcome to join me, or you know your way back to where Killian is,” Tristan smiled at her.

“But I want to know more!”

“More? What are you talking about?” Tristan ran a hand down his face. “There is no more that I can think to tell you right now. That’s the most I think I’ve said at one time in my entire life. Be glad I told you that much.”

“I want to know more about shifters! I have so many questions.”

“Can I sleep first? Then I’ll answer all of your questions.”

“Fine,” Blythe pouted.

“Now, are you staying here? Or what?” Tristan asked.

“I could use a nap.” Blythe couldn’t hide the yawn that crept past her lips. She’d been tired a lot lately and she wondered why. She hoped she wasn’t sick.

Tristan pushed her back and then climbed on the bed. He pulled the covers back and slid under them. He motioned for Blythe to join him. She hesitated. “I won’t bite. I told you, you’re not my type.”

Blythe rolled her eyes, feeling slightly upset that Tristan didn’t see her as his type. She wondered what his type was. Tristan pulled her close, letting her use his chest as a pillow. Blythe got comfortable, trying not to think about the position and intimacy. Closing her eyes, she quickly slipped into sleep.

***

Seth shook his head and mumbled under his breath the whole way back to the infirmary. Tristan was asking to be killed. This plan was stupid. He wasn’t even sure it would work. Killian wasn’t really in a position to do anything but lie in bed and heal. Pushing the doors open, Seth was startled to find Killian sitting up in bed and about to swing his feet over.

“What are you doing? Get back in that bed!” He rushed to his brother’s side and pushed him back.

“I’m fine. Let me up.”

“No,” Seth growled. “Your injuries are still healing.”

“Look at me, they are almost completely healed.”

“How is that possible?” Seth wondered aloud. He couldn’t believe the difference two hours had. He’d told Tristan that he’d give him two hours to change Blythe’s mind. If she wasn’t back up here by then, they’d go through with the plan. It was still stupid, trying to send Killian after Blythe again, but Tristan thought it would work. Seth really wanted to see Blythe and Killian together. He knew he had no chance with her and that she was the best thing to happen to his brother.

“My mate’s presence,” Killian answered.

“Blythe?” Seth shook his head to clear his thoughts. “What about her presence?”

“She was here. She sat with me and touched me. My tiger sensed her presence and healed faster. She needs us. Where is she?”

“You pushed her too far this time. She’s done with you,” Seth pushed out. He hated that he was going this far.

“What are you talking about?”

“You won’t love her. You said everything was her fault and that you’d never trust her. Blythe needs your trust or your relationship is doomed to fail. She’s tired of you constantly treating her like crap. ”

“She knows that. We came to an agreement that we would still try.”

“You blamed things on her, said terrible things. She’s done. You pushed her away and into the arms of another.”

Killian shot out of the bed. He grabbed Seth by the neck and slammed him down on the bed next to his. “What male would dare touch what is mine?” Killian snarled, his eyes flashing.

“She went willingly. You must give her up. You pushed her away. She tried to be your mate and you treated her like crap. She deserves better. She doesn’t want someone that won’t spend time with her, or trust her. She is the type of person that needs to be given presents, told that she’s beautiful constantly. She needs to be held when she’s sad, and needs to feel safe. Blythe wants you to be that for her. But now I fear it’s too late. She’s gone to someone that she thinks will give her all those things.”

“Where is she?”

“She’s gone to Tristan. He would be a better mate than you.”

“She’s mine!”

“No she’s not! She doesn’t have your scent, or your child in her stomach. All you’ve done is scare her and make her feel like she’s worthless. This is your fault. Don’t go storming after her. Give her a chance to be happy with Tristan,” Seth continued, pushing all of Killian’s buttons.

“She can be happy with me! She is beautiful! I need her! She’s mine,” he roared, throwing his brother and the bed away from him and turning to run from the room. Seth stared after Killian, rubbing his neck. He was still amazed at his brother’s recovery. Yes, there were a few cuts and bruises here and there, but there should be so many more. He shouldn’t have healed that fast.

“Tristan, I hope this works,” Seth murmured. Standing, he began cleaning up the mess Killian left behind.

***

Blythe woke to noises in the hallway. It sounded like someone was fighting. She heard the growl of a bear and the roar of a tiger. She sat straight up, looking for Tristan. He was already up and moving toward the door.

“What’s happening?” Blythe called.

“I forgot to tell Seth to fucking wait. I hadn’t meant to sleep that long. I was just so comfortable,” he trailed off, looking at her almost wistfully. Blythe hoped that he found someone in the next Running.

“What are you talking about?”

“Seth and I came up with a plan to get you and Killian back together. I forgot to tell him to call it off. He must have woken Killian.”

“What plan? Explain,” Blythe shouted. Her heart was racing. What had they done?

“It’s too late to explain. He’s here for you.”

There was a thump against the door and then Tristan was moving toward her. “No matter what, I will not hurt you. Don’t fight me.”

“What are you talking about?” Blythe scrambled backward away from him. She didn’t like what he was saying. “Tristan?”

“I’m sorry.”

Tristan dragged her off the bed. She kicked him and screamed. She heard a roar answer her. She was pulled to her feet, each wrist captured by Tristan’s hands. He spun her around, wrapping an arm around waist, pinning her arms to her sides. She was flush against him and could feel his heartbeat in her back. It was racing almost as fast as hers.

“What are you doing? Let me go.”

“Trust me.”

The door exploded inwards. A tiger rolled in and came to his feet. He took in the scene and snarled. Shifting back quickly, he stood before them naked. Blythe struggled, but couldn’t break free.

“Killian!” she cried.

“Let her go! She’s mine, Tristan,” Killian snarled, taking another step toward them.

“She doesn’t want you. She came to me. You know I’ve wanted a mate for a long time,” Tristan snapped back. He jerked Blythe’s head to the side and his teeth grew longer. She whimpered, struggling even harder.

“Please,” she begged.

“Don’t you dare!” Killian roared.

“Take another step and I mark her right this instant. If you try to pull me away, it would tear her skin and she could bleed out. Don’t be stupid. You don’t deserve her. You pushed a beautiful girl into my arms. I’m not one to pass up this opportunity.” Tristan ran his finger lightly down the side of Blythe’s face. She closed her eyes, wishing this nightmare would end. Tristan had told her to trust him.

“Whatever you do, don’t interfere,” Tristan whispered. “Let him do this.”

“This is your last chance, Tristan,” Killian hollered. “Let her go and I’ll let you live.”

“Come and get me.”

Tristan pushed Blythe toward the bed. She stumbled before falling onto it. She jerked her feet up and turned to watch what was unfolding before her. Tristan and Killian remained in human form. They fought beautifully, but violently. They both seemed to know how to fight and fight well. Their movements were almost graceful and very precise.

“Please stop!” Blythe got to her feet, wondering what to do.

Killian managed to hit Tristan hard enough in the face to make him stumble backward. Not truly thinking of the consequences, Blythe darted between them. She saw Killian’s startled face before he grabbed her and pulled her flush against him. Her face was pressed against his naked chest and she could hear his heart racing. She wrapped her arms around his waist and clung to him.

Tristan growled and then seemed to take in what had happened. He stopped short of them and his face blanked. “Well, it seems she’s changed her mind.”

“This isn’t over,” Killian snarled, wrapping his arms tighter around Blythe. She felt safe and didn’t want him to let go.

“Please stop fighting. This is a misunderstanding,” Blythe mumbled. “I want to go with Killian.”

“Get her out of here. Try not to let her get away from you again or I won’t be the only one fighting for a chance at a mate. You need to take better care of her. If she’s unhappy, she will leave your sorry ass,” Tristan called as Killian turned them away. Killian cupped Blythe’s ass and pulled her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. Blythe buried her face in his neck so she wouldn’t have to look at anyone.

“I’m sorry,” Blythe mumbled, knowing Killian could hear her. He grunted, the only response he’d give her.

It didn’t take them long to get back to Killian’s room. She was surprised that none of the guards had commented on Killian’s lack of clothes or the obvious cuts and bruises on him. Apparently, they knew not to pick a fight with him at that moment.

When they got to the room, he set her on the bed before turning and locking the bedroom door. He stood there for a moment, staring at the door. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Blythe asked.

“I can’t wait any longer. Blythe, I have to claim you.”

“But Killian! I’m not ready,” Blythe panicked. She backed up on the bed.

“I won’t let you get away from me again. You are my mate. No one can have you. I’ve been stupid not to do it before.” Killian started toward her. “Tonight, you will become mine.”