chapter 22

I wanted to believe that they could keep me safe, I really did, they didn't know what Balthazar was like and they didn't know what lengths he will go to to get me back. I had four partners, all of them wanting me for who I was, and who was I to complain? The moon goddess had chosen them for me, she knew that they would look after me, that they could take care of me.

“Thank you.” I murmured, unsure what else to say. “I appreciate all of you doing this for me, it’s a big risk you are taking.”

“We would do it even if you weren’t our mate, you are the Red wolf, a gift from the moon goddess herself. How can we not treasure you?” Alexander said in a voice that twisted my insides in desire, his words catching me off guard.

Matthew leant across the table and took my hand, his eyes soft and caring. “How old are you Annalise?”

“Eighteen I think, though closer to nineteen.” I respond with a frown, still not knowing when my birthday actually was.

“You think?” Matthew mimicked, “you don’t know how old you are?”

I frown, trying to find the right words. “I know roughly, but Balthazar never told me my date of birth, he kept it to himself.”

“What a bastard.” Alexander growls. “Just waiting while I get my hands on him.”

“How old are all of you?” I ask, suddenly curious.

Zane was the first to answer in a joking tone. “I’m twenty-three my love, the age all my dreams came true.”

A blush rose on my cheeks at his humorous teasing, my heart darling with affection; his meaning that he met me so his dream came true.

“Enough sappy stuff or I’ll puke.” Alexander laughed, a rough sound that ignited my insides with happiness. “I’m twenty-seven.”

Next was Dean his voice pleasant and smooth. “I’m twenty-six.”

Lastly Matthew answered, seeming slightly uncomfortable. “I’m twenty-five.”

“Right ok.” I say, wanting to tease them all as they do me. “So I’m dating a bunch of old men, good to know.” I laugh.

“Oh you are in trouble now missy.” Laughed Matthew.

We all burst out laughing together and my heart swelled once more, I didn't think it was possible to be anymore happy, to experience the feeling of love more than I did right now. I want to embrace them off for who they were, I wanted to give them all a fair chance, I wanted them all to become a part of my heart. it was strange to think I was already falling for them, And half an hour ago I wanted nothing to do with it. but I guess that's how life works, you make decisions and sometimes you don't think them over. You sorta bypass the consequences of what your decision will Make.

Matthew rushes towards me, jumping from his seat and tackling me from mine as he still laughs, he grabs my hips and lift me into the air, spinning me around faster than I can see. He suddenly throws me over his shoulder and tickles my hips, causing me to snort as I laugh, his hands like magic on my skin, igniting sparks wherever he touches.

“Stop, stop! I give in!” I cry, unable to control my laughter.

Someone smacks my bottom from behind me and I growl lightly, causing Matthew to tickle me again causing me to choke on my own laughter. It was refreshing to have some fun and I couldn’t remember I time before here where I did, slaves didn’t have fun. We had pain. That was all. It was a horrible existence that I would not wish on anyone.
Alexander comes into view with a massive boyish grin on his face, a phone in his hand, he snaps some pictures of me laughing ungracefully and flailing around on Matthew’s shoulder. His smile was something I wanted to see always, all of them were, they looked so perfect and young when they smiled, so handsome and carefree. That’s what I wanted, I wished for us all to be happy always, that life could always be simple and fun.

“You better delete those!” I scream whilst laughing, not wanting them to have embarrassing photos of me.

“Not a chance baby.” He laughed, snapping more photos of me, including one of my butt.

“Put me down please I’m going dizzy.” I whisper, my voice strained as I try not to throw up. “I feel so sick.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never been tickled before love.” Zane chuckles, then realised what he said and frowns. “You have never been tickled before have you?”

I frown and shake my head, “not before I came here, and I can’t say it’s my favourite thing, my eyes are watering.”

“They’re watering in a good way hun, it means you had fun.” Alexander adds, still smiling widely.

“Matthew can you put me down please?” I ask, my tone still strained.

“Of course, seen as you asked so nicely!” He laughed, cuddling me as he placed me onto my feet. “You are so cute when flustered Annalise.”

“Thanks I guess?” I mutter, frowning to stop myself my smiling.

Dean laughs deeply, “Don’t make us tickle you again sweetness, you aren’t allowed to frown.”

“Since when did you all become a team.” I mutter in the same tone, but this time I cracked a smile.

It was refreshing to see them getting along, even if it was only about bullying me, they were all sweet in their own way and I realised that I wanted them all, exactly the way that they are. they're all special in their own way, each one perfect for me.

“Anyone hungry?” Zane asked, trying to change the subject and fake innocence.

“I am.” I whisper, slightly embarrassed.

It was kind of nice that they ate so much, I had years of being malnourished and starved, so I had plenty to catch up on. I wanted to put some weight on, to be healthy like the others I have seen, though I knew it would take some time. Maybe more than I realise.

“Let get you some food then darling.” Matthew smiled, his perfect white teeth shinning through his kissable lips. “Can’t have our lady getting hangry.”

“Hangry?” I ask, confused.

“It’s where you get angry because you are hungry.” Zane called as he pulled meat and potatoes out of the fridge.

“Oh right.” I laugh, “wouldn’t want me to get mad, things tend to break.”

“We’ve noticed.” Alexander teased, winking at me.

Dean lead me back to the table and forced me into one of the chairs, “can’t have you lifting a finger either, you’ll make us look bad.”

“Nothing could make any of you look bad, you are all gorgeous!” I protest, they could never look bad.

“Awe sweetness, don’t spoil us or we’ll expect it all the time.” Dean smiles, clearly pleased that I think he’s hot. “Though I don’t mind the compliment.”

“Call me gorgeous anytime you want love.” Called Zane as he put the potatoes into a pan. “But you are the one who’s breathtaking.”

I frown. “I’ve never been called that before.”

Alexander kisses me on the cheek, “get used to it beautiful.”

A blush creeps up my neck and onto my cheeks, my face flush and red. “Thank you, I’ve never been called that either.”

“Again get used to it.” Dean chuckled, taking the seat across from me.

“How did I get so lucky?” I laugh, hiding my face in my hands as I mumble; “I’m so glad to have all of you by my side.”

“No hun, we are the lucky ones, you are so precious and special.” Alexander says, shocking me and the others with his soft voice.

Who have thought the massive guy could act so sweet and gentle? Though to be fair, none of them were exactly weak, nor could I take them head on. Yet, they all treated me with a gentleness I had never experienced before and I loved them for it.