Chapter Nine
Thomas had four bags on each arm, weighing him down. He could barely open the door to the cabin because he couldn't get his hand on the knob. Gravity pulled the plastic bags full of heavy groceries down each time he tried for it.
He eventually got it, and as soon as he opened the cabin door, he knew something had transpired between Hacen and Jules. He wasn't sure if whatever happened was good or bad, but Hacen knelt on the floor beside the bed, holding Jules’ hand. Jules had that look on his face that said not to fuck with him but was cute and pouty all at the same time. Sometimes Thomas was sure Hacen pissed Jules off on purpose just because that look was so sexy.
Hacen looked up at Thomas, and their gazes met. Thomas smiled and set the groceries on the table before walking to them. He bent down and kissed Hacen on the cheek before climbing on the bed, careful of Jules’ injured leg.
Jules looked at him with that same pissed off expression.
"How do you feel?"
"Trapped and in pain."
Thomas fought the urge to roll his eyes. He wanted to ask how long Jules planned on milking the whole kidnapping thing. "I saw your brother at the grocery store. He asked after you."
"Which brother?"
"Vaughan. He says he'll come either today or tomorrow to see you."
Jules nodded and surprised Thomas by smiling. "What about Ladon? Is Ladon coming too?"
Thomas shook his head. "I don't know. But we can see him just as soon as you've healed enough. It shouldn't be too long. A week at the most. If Lucas heals you, it'll be sooner of course."
Jules' eyebrows drew together, wrinkling his forehead. He didn’t know what he said to set Jules off, but something had. He didn't have to wait very long for an answer. "Why do you get to determine when I go back home? I can make my own choices."
Instead of arguing the way Hacen always did, Thomas just smiled and took Jules’ hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the soft skin on the back. "I just don't want you to reinjure yourself. You did that quite a bit the couple of days you were out of it. At this point, I'm probably overly cautious, but I'm worried about you."
Jules' lips thinned out. "When I'm better, I'm going back home."
Hacen growled and moved away from them, which Thomas was glad for because they argued enough and Hacen responding to Jules would only escalate the situation. If they wanted Jules to stay, they'd have to use love and kindness. Not strong-arming him into being with them, which was Hacen's approach to almost every situation.
Thomas heard plastic bags rustling around and figured Hacen was shelving the supplies.
Thomas had expected to do almost all of the domestic chores when they first were together. To his surprise, Hacen did everything without saying a word. He even cooked like he was born a chef.
"We're hoping you'll at least consider staying part of the time with us. We want you here, baby."
"Oh. Well. That's not how Hacen put it." Jules narrowed his eyes and focused his gaze on the table. "He said I didn't have a choice."
Thomas did roll his eyes at that. "Of course he did." Thomas turned to focus on Hacen, who avoided making eye contact. When he turned back to Jules, Thomas smiled. "We'll figure out a solution that works for all three of us. Okay?"
Jules bit his lip and Thomas could tell Jules didn't believe a word he said.
"Just get better. That's the first step." Thomas leaned in and kissed Jules on the forehead, before standing. "I hope I got stuff you like. I wasn't sure."
"The soup Hacen made was delicious."
"Our man cooks like a dream."
The blush gracing Jules' cheeks had to be the prettiest thing Thomas had ever seen. The attraction Thomas had toward Jules seemed to get more intense the more time they spent together. Thomas didn't know how it was possible. Maybe Jules had magic of his own. If he did, Jules had no idea it was there because the innocence in Jules’ eyes was genuine.
Thomas just chuckled. "I'm gonna help Hacen put groceries away."
Jules nodded and let his hand go. Thomas dug his keys out of his pocket and put them on the table beside the grocery bags before pulling stuff out. Hacen came over to him, taking the cans of tomato sauce from his hands before leaning into him.
Lips touched his cheek, and he smiled. For all of Hacen's rough edges, he had an affectionate side that made Thomas want to climb him like a tree, wrap his legs around Hacen, and never let go.
"I'm hungry for you."
Thomas smiled. "Meaning you need blood."
Hacen's set the cans on the table and wrapped his arms around Thomas' waist. "Yep. And I need you." Hacen's hand moved down Thomas' stomach to his cock until he held it loosely in his hand. Thomas hardened instantly even with his jeans as a barrier.
"You're very frisky today."
"Jules got me going."
Thomas grinned. "Oh really. You'll have to tell me everything."
"It was just a kiss, but it was still hot."
Jules cleared his throat. "I don't know if you noticed, but the cabin is small. I can hear every word you say."
Hacen rubbed his hand over Thomas' cock, which was so not fair.
Hacen turned him to face Jules.
Thomas leaned against him, his back to Hacen's front. He knew his eyelids were only half open and he probably looked like a slut. Hacen could make him lose his mind to lust quicker than anything.
Jules' mouth fell open as if he were shocked by them. Thomas wasn’t sure if Jules was just innocent of sexual experiences or Hacen putting on a show was too much. Jules was young still, only twenty so his sexual experience was likely limited. And Hacen’s sensual side hadn’t come out a lot around Jules, if at all. Jules had experience with Hacen’s gruff side and not much else.
Hacen kissed Thomas on the side of his neck. Thomas tilted his head to the side giving Hacen more room.
Jules’ hand disappeared under the covers. Thomas' eyes tracked the movement, watching as the green comforter moved provocatively over his crotch area.
Thomas cursed when Hacen unbuttoned his jeans, sliding the zipper down. He pushed his underwear out of the way and then the air touched Thomas' cock right before Hacen wrapped his hand around it.
Thomas moaned and rocked his hips into the touch.
Jules' eyes widened. "Oh my gods, why are you doing this? It's unfair." Even as Jules said that, the blanket continued to move in a steady but slow rhythm in opposition to the complaint.
"How is it unfair?" Hacen's breath caressed the bare skin on his neck, and Thomas shivered.
Jules' eyebrows drew together, and his brow furrowed. "You're both clueless. Completely." The covers stopped moving, and Jules looked away.
Thomas wanted to go to him, but Hacen pumped his cock faster. He couldn't think past that.
"Look at him, Jules." Hacen's gruff demand left no room for argument. Even still, if anyone could find an argument, it would be Jules.
"And feel something we both know will make it hard when I go home? No, Hacen."
Hacen growled and sank his teeth where shoulder and neck met, so suddenly, it surprised Thomas enough to cry out. There was a slight sting at first, but the first pull of blood had his eyes closing and his mouth falling open.
Hacen's grip tightened, and that was all it took to push Thomas over the edge.
Jules cursed, and his breathing sped up enough that it peaked Thomas' curiosity. He opened his eyes just enough to see the pleasure on Jules’ face. Thomas wasn't sure if Jules came or not but if the look on his face was any indication he did.
Thomas smiled when Jules met his gaze. Jules’ face flushed. His eyes were glassy with pleasure still.
Hacen licked at the wound on Thomas’ shoulder and hummed. The hand around Thomas' cock stilled when he grew too sensitive. He reached up and wrapped an arm around Hacen's neck, leaning into the kiss placed on his cheek.
"Come to the bathroom with me, and I'll clean you up." Hacen's breath fanned against his ear.
"What about Jules?" Even as Thomas asked the question, his gaze never left Jules. "Do you need a cloth?"
Jules' blush deepened, and he nodded even as he averted his gaze. Thomas heard a sniffle right before a tear dripped down the left side of Jules’ face.
Thomas pulled out of Hacen's arms, tucking his softening cock back in his underwear as he moved across the room. As soon as he sat down on the bed, Jules' whole body stiffened. When Thomas tried to touch his hand, Jules pulled it away.
Thomas put both his hands up, surrendering to the message Jules was sending.
"Talk to me, baby. Please."
Jules' gaze snapped to him, and even through the tears, the glare came through loud and clear. "Why? You both got what you wanted. Just leave me alone."
Okay, that answer completely confused him. "Just what do you think we wanted?"
"I don't know. Maybe to make me feel humiliated. And to want you even more."
Hacen growled. "Bullshit, Jules. The only thing we wanted was to give you pleasure, and we did. What's so fucking wrong with that?"
Jules scooted down the bed, grunting when the pain of moving became too much to stay silent. Jules had his back to Thomas, and the blankets pulled down, uncovering him with his movements. When Thomas reached for them, Jules jerked, and his body stiffened again.
"I'm only pulling the blankets up around you." Thomas finished what he started and then reached out a hand, hesitating before touching Jules' shoulder.
Again Jules jerked. "Please. I can't. If you touch me, then I’ll give in, and if I do that then I’m giving up my family."
Hacen cursed under his breath and left the room, going to the bathroom. He left the door open so Thomas could hear the water's gentle trickle as it hit the porcelain basin of the sink.
Hacen came back with a washcloth and handed it to Jules. "Clean yourself up."
Hacen could have sounded a little less gruff and demanding in Thomas' opinion, but he didn't comment because Jules did as Hacen directed for once. He rolled onto his back and took the cloth. He closed his eyes as his hand disappeared under the covers. He winced once. Thomas wasn't sure if Jules made that face because the water on the cloth was chilled or if he had a problem touching himself even though the act was simple and necessary.
When Jules finished, he handed the washcloth to Thomas. He stood and went into the bathroom. He left the door open as he threw the cloth in the hamper and washed himself up.
"Are you going to freak out if I lay down beside you?" Hacen asked. Thomas looked at himself in the mirror and rolled his eyes at his reflection. Hacen was about as gentle as an out of control steamroller.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. It’ll just make me want to bond.”
“And is that such a bad thing?”
Thomas barely heard Jules whisper, “yes.” Jules sniffled.
“Come on. Let me hold you. I promise not to do anything else.”
Thomas smiled at his reflection and then poked his head out to watch them.
They were so awkward together it would be funny if it wasn't so cute.
Hacen lay down on the opposite side of the bed, scooting closer to Jules an inch at a time. Jules went to him willingly, nearly laying on top of Hacen by the time he stopped wiggling around.
Hacen looked over at Thomas and met his gaze. He gave Thomas a slight smile. "Sorry I pushed. Maybe we should have discussed it before, but I didn’t plan it. I needed blood, but the sex part just happened."
Jules rolled his eyes. “It’s not like I didn’t like it. Don’t make it sound weird.”
“Oh, I made it weird. Right.”
“Shut up.” Jules yawned as he nodded. He ran his hand down Hacen's chest as if he intended to soothe him.
Thomas smiled and finished doing what he needed to in the bathroom. When he finally made his way to the bed, Jules was already half asleep. Thomas stretched out beside them, kissing Hacen on the lips before settling.
Thomas hadn't napped since he was a child, but he was willing to practice the art if it meant he could wake up with both his mates. He pressed his cheek against Hacen's chest and wiggled closer, trying to fall under again.
Hacen's arm slid down Thomas' back to his ass and rested there. Thomas smiled at the gesture because it was at odds with his gruffness.
He was just as scared and unsure of himself as Jules. He just hid it better.
A finger ran down his forehead, bringing Thomas out of his musings. He opened his eyes to see Jules watching him. Their faces were inches from each other, and they both lay on Hacen as if he were part of the bed.
"What are you thinking about?" Jules whispered to him.
"You and Hacen."
Jules smiled. "The scowl on your face makes sense then."
Thomas grinned. "You must be feeling better."
"My leg still hurts a lot."
"I can get you some pain medication. But I was talking about your mental breakdown."
Jules rolled his eyes. "I didn't have a breakdown. Way to dramatize it, Tommy. Jeez."
Thomas raised his eyebrows. "I'm not the dramatic one in this relationship, baby. That's you."
"I disagree. I think it's Hacen."
Thomas snorted out a laugh. "Probably."
Beneath them, Hacen's breathing remained steady and his body unmoving.
Thomas cupped Jules’ cheek. "I'm glad you’re here with us. I know you don't want to be, but I’m still glad you are."
Jules sighed and closed his eyes. "It's not that I don't want to be with you guys. It's that I didn't have a choice in it, for one. And also, Hacen is making me choose between him and my family. And I’m still trying to forgive you."
"I didn't mean to bring it up and get you all upset again. You're wanted, baby. So very much. I just need you to know that."
Jules opened his eyes again and seemed to study Thomas' face. Thomas wasn't sure what he wanted to find. Sincerity, perhaps. Whatever it was, he must have found it. "Come here."
When Thomas moved across Hacen's broad chest, Jules’ lips touched his. He didn't deepen the kiss, which was a good thing because Thomas seriously needed to brush his teeth. Jules laced the kiss with enough pent-up passion that Thomas wanted nothing more than to crawl across Hacen and lay over Jules.
When his cock grew hard, he pulled back, not wanting to send Jules into a freak out again. Jules chased after him with his lips pursed and his eyes closed. He looked so sweet that Thomas gave in, kissing him quickly before ending it.
"Let me brush my teeth, baby. And we'll continue." Thomas sat up and moved off the bed, trying not to jostle Hacen's sleeping form and wake him.
Jules blinked up at him. There was a guardedness in his eyes that hadn't been there a second ago. He opened his mouth to ask Jules what was wrong but swallowed the words instead, unwilling to start an argument, which seemed to happen more than not.
Thomas turned without a word and went into the bathroom.
“No, it’s okay. I don’t want to continue.” Jules’ voice barely carried into the bathroom.
Thomas tried to swallow down his disappointment and didn’t quite succeed.