Playing pretend.

Seth watched both men wide-eyed. She had just confessed, yet none bothered to show off even a bit of disgust towards her.

There had to be a catch - both of them were Alphas, and such dominant wolves never shared even if women begged them. What came next left Seth speechless; never in a million years had she dared to even assume that Dominic and Ryder would agree to such foolish ideas.

“We're more than willing to share. I mean - why not? It has been normalized for high-ranked men to have harems throughout centuries, so why not turn the tables around? Plus, I bet it would be rather spicy to have two men in your bed every night. When you get bored of having both - we can take turns; you're the one who has the power in this type of relationship. That is if you'll agree to the dynamic we offer. Honestly, I thought Ryder is a weak dumbass, but we kind of grew together as friends after getting to know each other better. We even discussed the possibilities, especially this one. If you can't choose - take both. We'll be more than glad to build a relationship with you, besides - nowadays, it's becoming quite popular to choose a polygamous lifestyle,” Dominic grinned, throwing a side-glance at Ryder.

Seth thought that the other Alpha would speak up, showing off his doubt in the idea, but he just nodded his head in agreement. How and when did both men come to such conclusions?

First, they came up with the bet about getting her, and even though it made Seth uncomfortable - they did manage to make her accept the idea.

Dominic and Ryder didn't force anything on her; the men offered a fair deal to take her out and see which one of two would suit her the best. As alluring as the scenario seemed, Seth found herself feeling somewhat doubtful.

“So you're suggesting that we should have a threesome? Or that you two take turns on using my body? I don't remember a moment when I would agree on such a thing. I am fully capable of choosing with whom I will sleep or not - my body, my choice. The reason why I brought up the topic was to come clean with you guys. Even though you're here, fighting for my approval, or whatever you're trying to do - there are two more men. So, all in all, there are four men I'm supposed to choose one from. Do you have any idea how hard it is? Everyone around us could call me a whore for all I care, but I will never see a mistake in my choice to enjoy life. I'm not choosing anyone, not now,” Seth did her best to sound stern.

Even though she would always try to stay on everyone's good side, this was not the day when she would hold herself back.

Everything had gone too far - Ryder and Dominic had to know that the chances were equal for everyone, and definitely not half to half between them.

“Why don't you choose all then? I mean, I don't think that Dominic would mind, I wouldn't, for sure. If those two like you as much as we do - they shouldn't care either. Seth, the fact that both of us, full-on Alphas, decided that we would give a choice to you is a lot. Usually, we could throw you over our shoulder and bring you home without asking questions. But we didn't. If we are putting so much faith in you - I'm pretty sure you could answer with the same. By the end of the day, it's all up to you; all we ask for is answers. It doesn't matter when you can give any, for as long as we get some.” Ryder smiled, eyeing Seth.

It was evident that he had developed more feelings than simple interest.

The Alpha felt as if he had known her for ages, and oddly enough, so did Dominic. Whatever was it about her that made her special, many men seemed to notice that and fall for her charms.

Funny enough, Seth didn't have to fake something or even try to get on their best sides.

“I need to think more. They still need to find out about you guys since none of them knows. Perhaps after the moment when I'll come clean to everyone - one might decide to step out of the game. Who knows, each person is different; not everyone will react the same way as you did.” Seth smiled, attempting to hide the discomfort and fear she felt.

Maybe people will think that she is selfish, easy to get, or whatever the rumors might say, but the choice was as tricky as it gets. Each man had something she longed for, something no other man had shown her before - putting them all together, Seth could get the perfect partner. Sadly, it was impossible.

Dominic jumped to his feet, extending an arm towards Seth. “How about we forget the conversation and enjoy ourselves? It would be a shame to see you going to bed with all those thoughts suffocating you. Let's go for a swim,” the Alpha grinned, hoping that Seth would agree.

She needed a little bit of peace, a little bit of relaxation, and a moment without overthinking.

Ryder stood by Dominic, smiling widely. “Yeah, let's go,” he agreed, urging Seth to join them. “I feel like there is something more than just men that worries you. Water will make your body relax; at the same time, we can talk about whatever won't let you live peacefully. That is - if you want to, and trust us enough to let us know such personal things. Seth, me, and Dominic, we want to be part of your life no matter what your decision might be. At least let us be friends now until you come clean with yourself and your heart.”

While Ryder spoke, Dominic nodded his head in agreement.

Her eyes searched for theirs, feeling a little more emotional than she would allow herself to be in front of a public. “I'm not sure if you'd ever accept someone like me. No, I don't feel pity for myself, don't think that, please. There is more to me than meets the eye.”

“We know. That's why we want you,” Dominic spoke up, his voice laced in pure dominance.

Sometimes, he spoke as if the world owed him something, and there wouldn't be a thing or person he didn't deserve or wouldn't get.

“As if. You see something on the surface, but you won't dig deeper. Besides one's looks and behavior - there are secrets and past traumas. There are nightmares one can't escape and constant failure doing things you've done since you could remember yourself.” Seth chuckled.

For Seth - it was wrong to speak whatever she truly felt or open up.

Those Alphas cared for her, she couldn't deny her own feelings for them, but by the end of the day, everyone left.

Was there a reason for Seth to believe in their words and become vulnerable?

The more she would open up, the bigger the possibility of getting hurt. How could one live a peaceful life, fearing what tomorrow might bring?

Ryder and Dominic exchanged knowing looks. The bigger Alpha smiled at Seth and slid his hands into pockets, heading for the lake house.

“Well, if we won't get you in that lake - let's talk here. Tell me what worries you, what are you afraid of, and everything else on your mind. I promise to listen and keep quiet unless you ask me for an opinion.”

Ryder sat next to Seth, carefully placing an arm over her shoulders and pulling her closer to his side. She thought that the male might look at her, try to meet her eyes to encourage her, but he didn't. The Alpha's eyes were set on fire, lost in a place beyond them.

“You might think this whole setting, the idea you two have, might be the perfect escape, right?” Seth chuckled again, addressing the wild idea the Alpha's had.

“Well, for me, it seems like the most reasonable choice. We won't force anything on you, but remember that you mentioned two more. I don't know the men you're talking about, but even Alphas are different. Many shifters think that any other Alpha is the same - all of us are supposed to be the genetic assholes. We're not. Look at Dominic and me, for example. Dominic is dominant, way more dominant than I am, yet he's somewhat careless at the same time. He won't take things seriously unless he is interested in those things, topics, or shifters. I'm a switch, so I can be both, yet the things Dominic has no interest in are the ones I keep worrying about. I don't do dating or running after a woman unless she has something so unique I can't resist. The woman has to catch my attention without trying, just like you did.”

At this point, speaking about details, she wouldn't know if this seemed the best option for Ryder.

Seth had to understand how different people are, especially Alphas, which live under the damned stigma of being the same. Not every other man she met was a saint, but it wouldn't mean that some on her way wouldn't do anything for her happiness.

It was unlikely for Alpha's to share a woman, yet there they were - more than ready to share whatever she had to offer. Well, whatever she wanted to offer.

Centuries ago, some blood-related men had the same mate, and even those men slaughtered each other to keep the woman all to themselves.

Those men weren't high ranks or someone who would lead an army - brothers killing brothers for a woman, while those two strangers decided to be humane and share.

“That's the thing, Ryder. I know how different all of you are. One is exceptionally dominant, then there's Dominic, you, and the fourth one is the more caring type. It's hard to explain everything, but you'd be surprised to know how I've lived my life this far. It's like I'm playing pretend. I don't know how to deal with my problems or the challenges life keeps throwing my way - I've learned how to escape them, never faced even one. Alright, that's a lie - I did encounter one, and after that, I kept running.” A wave of freezing shivers traveled down her spine; even the man who embraced her could feel them.

Recalling memories for Seth was a traumatizing experience - it was better to forget. But she couldn't allow herself to forget, no matter what happened.

Her mother was the most important part of her life, and soon after her death, her father got rid of all photos. As much as Seth kept trying to recall the beautiful smile, slowly, she started to forget.

The last memories she had about her mother was the terror on her face and screams of pain. Even though it wasn't something to cherish, that was the little bit Seth still had of her.

Blood-covered, yet a face to remember.

“It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, I understand.” Ryder held her tighter.

He did want to talk; he wanted to know everything about Seth. It didn't matter how painful or happy those things were; he had to know.

However, the Alpha understood that there were a couple of boundaries he wouldn't step over, no matter how hard it was to resist the temptation.

“No, I should start - you know, coming clean with my fears and everything I've gone through. It feels like I should. The only thing I faced was my mother's death. I was a child, my mind refuses to recall those awful events or my age, but I still remember some details. She died, sacrificed herself for my life and many lives of the pack members while my father kept running around, fucking every other bitch, hoping to get a son. A daughter wasn't good enough, and since my mother couldn't have more children - he found a loophole. After that, I locked many emotions and silently waited for the moment when I'll be able to leave. When I did - every other mistake I made, every other problem or uncomfortable situation was something my instincts screamed to run from. I don't know how to look into one's eyes and fight for what should be mine. I've never committed myself to a real relationship, fearing that one day I might end everything the same as my mother did. I know no other way to live. I promised myself that I will live life to its fullest - taking the gifts it gives me whenever I get the opportunity. That's how I ended up in this mess - surrounded by four amazing men, unable to choose or commit myself to one.”

Easing the tension surrounding them wouldn't be possible anymore.

Ryder froze, listening to her confession. Who would have known that there's more trauma under Seth's behavior than just the childish approach to life?

A moment of silence seemed to bring them together; both watched the fire, snuggling close to each other. Seth rested her head on Ryder's shoulder, unknowingly looking for a bit of support.

Perhaps she was selfish, just like her father always had said, but maybe, just maybe, she deserved a little more than the puma leader thought she would.

“You don't need to choose; come, follow me,” Ryder stood up and brought Seth along.

He didn't head for the lake, as offered earlier, but straight into the lake house. Dominic was nowhere to be seen, so the Alpha dragged Seth to his bedroom, locking the door as soon as they entered.

Seth's eyes took in the beautiful view, especially from the vast windows, when Ryder gently cupped her cheek, and his lips came crashing down on hers.