Chapter Four: Lakeside Claims
919 Words
(Tristan POV)
The afternoon sun sat high over Crystal Lake. The water looked calm and bright, but the air between the three of us felt heavy and charged. I walked along the rocky shore with Jayden on my right and Aurora on my left. The pack had been told to stay away. This conversation was private.
I kept my steps steady. My hands stayed clasped behind my back so they could feel my control even when I was not touching them. Every breath I took carried their scents Jayden’s pine and smoke, Aurora’s wild roses and storm. My wolf paced inside me, restless and hungry.
Aurora walked with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She stared out at the lake instead of looking at me. Her silver-blonde hair moved slightly in the breeze. She had not spoken since we left the pack house.
Jayden kept his gaze forward. His jaw was locked so tight the muscle jumped. Every few steps his golden eyes flicked toward Aurora, then away again. The jealousy from breakfast had not faded. It had grown sharper.
I stopped near a large flat rock and turned to face them both. The wind picked up, carrying their mixed scents straight into my lungs.
“Two days until the mating ceremony,” I said. My voice came out low. “The pack expects unity. I expect obedience.”
Aurora finally looked at me. Her blue eyes were sharp with frustration. “You keep demanding obedience like it is easy. I told you I’m not comfortable with this. I will not share my mate with another wolf. It feels wrong. I have my own pride. I won’t be reduced to part of whatever collection you’re building.”
Her voice was steady, but I saw the way her chest rose and fell faster. She was fighting hard, but her body was already reacting to being this close to both of us.
I stepped closer to her until only inches separated us. I didn’t touch her, but I let my presence press against her. “You are the promised mate. Your blood will strengthen this clan. But I will not lie to you. Jayden is part of me. He has been since we were boys. I will not give either of you up.”
Jayden shifted his weight. His hands clenched at his sides. “I came back for you, Tristan. Not to stand here and watch you claim her while the jealousy eats me alive. It’s tearing me apart inside.”
The raw jealousy in his voice sent a dark thrill straight through my body. I liked it. I liked how uncomfortable both of them were. I liked the way their scents mixed with frustration and unwilling arousal.
I turned my head and looked at Jayden. “You will stand there as my Beta. You will watch me mark her. And later, when we are alone, you will remember exactly who you belong to.”
Aurora let out a short, bitter breath. “This is insane. You talk about owning us like it is normal. I have my own strength. I will stand for the ceremony because my father expects it, but do not expect me to submit quietly afterward. I will fight you every step if I have to.”
The wind carried her scent stronger now. Wild roses and something sharper. My c**k thickened behind my pants. I could feel the knot starting to swell at the base just from standing this close to both of them.
I moved until I stood directly between them. Close enough that I could reach out and touch either one. Close enough that they could feel the heat coming off my body.
“Let it burn,” I said quietly, my voice rough. “Let the jealousy eat at you. Let the hesitation make you angry. The more you fight me now, the sweeter it will taste when you finally break.”
Aurora’s cheeks flushed deep red. She took one small step back, but her eyes stayed locked on mine. “You are dangerous, Tristan. And I am not sure I want to belong to someone like you.”
Jayden’s breathing had grown heavier. His golden eyes flicked between us, dark with pain and want. “This jealousy is eating me alive. I hate how much I still want you even while you talk about claiming her.”
I looked at both of them one last time. The tension between us felt thick enough to choke on.
“Two days,” I said. “Use them. Fight me. Hate me. Want me. But when the full moon rises, you will both stand with me. And after the ceremony… the real claiming begins.”
Aurora turned sharply and started walking back toward the pack house. Her steps were fast and angry, but I saw the slight tremble in her hands.
Jayden stayed a moment longer. He looked at me with conflicted eyes. “She is not going to make this easy.”
I placed my hand on his shoulder and squeezed hard enough to remind him who was in control. “Neither are you. But you will not leave me again.”
He nodded once and followed Aurora up the path.
I stayed by the lake a little longer. The water lapped quietly at the rocks. My c**k was fully hard now. My wolf howled inside my chest.
Their resistance was delicious.
Two more days.
Then I would start breaking them both.
- Writer
