THREE HEARTBEATS

REJECTION

After making sure Roger was alone, Roland unbolted the cabin door and then greeted his brother with a bear hug.

"Welcome. I'm glad you finally shake them off your tail."

"What have we gotten ourselves into, Roland? I had to lie before the Lindsey twins let go of me."

"What did you tell them?"

"I told them Regina was a treason suspect with a high ransom on her head. And that was the reason you ran after her."

"And they believe your c**k-and-bull story?"

"They needed something to believe in. I just gave them a choice. But I am afraid that my lies won't stand the test of time."

Roland offered a one-sided smile, slapped Roger mildly on the shoulder, and then pulled him towards a pewter close by, "You worried too much, Roger. Let's have some cups of coffee and talk."

Roger's eyes darted towards some partition at the end of the cabin. Reading his thoughts, Roland nodded his head.

"She slept off after the transformation and hasn't woken up since then." He filled two cups to the brim with coffee, added sugar and milk to one, and then gave it to Roger while he sipped the black coffee.

The warm coffee seemed to return Roger's vitality and a smile soon caressed his lips. "Tell me about her wolf."

"It's a white, strong, arrogant, and fierce-looking alpha wolf-," Roland paused and then gazed into his brother's eyes, "isn't it strange that her wolf is an alpha?"

Roger looked thoughtful for a while. He swallowed the remaining coffee in his cup and then said in a lower voice, "She was adopted. I guess her parents were alpha. What else did you notice about her wolf?"

"Nothing unusual, except for his unruly temper, he was just like most of the alpha wolves we have met."

"Did he accept us?"

"Yes. He is willing to meet you as well."

"That's reassuring."

"I agree."

"She must have passed through a lot of pain."

"Yes. But she will only feel the pain for the first time. Henceforth, her transformation will be smooth and painless."

"Are we choosing the Lindsey twins or Regina?"

"The Lindsey twins were just our girlfriends, but Regina is our mate. As a leader, we ought to live by example, so that we will be firm in punishing those who go against it.

You want us to share her instead of going for the Lindsey twins?"

"Yes, after all, we have been sharing almost everything since we were born."

"Will she agree to this?"

"Just like us, she didn't have a choice."

"I'm afraid she won't treat me well. Not after dumping her for her sister."

"You didn't know she was our mate when you did that. I'm sure she will forgive and won't allow that to affect our newfound love."

"What about the Lindsey twins? They won't give us up without a fight."

"We will be ready for their anger and tantrums."

"Won't they hurt our mate?"

"We will protect her, and besides, Hagrid will be there for her when we aren't."

"I feel sorry for the twins. They deserve more than this from us."

Roland shrugged and bit his lower lips. As for him, he has no shame or remorse. All his life, he always does what he believes is the best for him.

"Can I see her now?"

"Sure, Roger. Come with me."

Her eyes suddenly popped open. 'Where are we, Hagrid?'

'Chill, babe. We are in the twins' cabin. Roland brought you here some minutes ago when you passed out."

'Go to hell for doing that to me, Hagrid.'

'With all pleasure, my lady. Just enjoy yourself while I take a nap. I have been awake watching over you and now am worn out."

'And don't dare make that joke on me. You aren't the victim here -,' Regina paused her breath when some footsteps sounded closer to her. She instantly lay back in bed and pretended to be deep in sleep.

"We know you have woken," Roland stepped towards her and caressed her arm. "Sit up and drink some coffee."

Seeing that they had seen through her disguise, Regina had no choice but to sit as Roland offered her a cup of coffee.

After taking a sip, Roger smiled and asked, "How are you feeling now?"

"I felt better. Thank you."

" I can't believe you are the one we have been waiting for."

Regina ignored him until she swallowed all the contents of the cup.

"I understand I'm mated with you guys. What did you have to say about this?"

"What was to be said?" Roland asked back, "The Goddess decrees, and we must follow."

"The two of you?"

"Yeah. You have never been with two men before?"

"I have never been with any man before, Roger. I have decided to remain intact until I meet my mate ."

"Impressive! I... I can't believe you are a virgin," Roland stammered.

"And why is that difficult to believe?"

"Because we aren't. We lost our virginity at the tender age of eighteen. Your sisters weren't virgins when we met them as well. It's a great feat for people like us."

Regina shrugged back. She had heard of people who lost their own earlier than that, but she was not ready to bruise his ego. She shifted into the midst of the bed when Roland stepped closer to her. " Did the two of you agree to share me as your mate?"

"Sure. Did you have any objections to that?'

Regina looked Roland in the eyes as she answered, " Yes."

"Because we are two?"

"Not only that. Roger once dumped me for my younger sister, and you were about to announce her and her twin as your Luna before this unfortunate incident started."

"Will you accept us if we have never dated any of your family?"

"It will make a lot of difference."

Roger looked like someone bitten by a snake when he muttered, "You're rejecting us because of your family. Isn't that unwise of you?"

"What were you expecting? My parents would make life unbearable for me when they heard about this. I'm ready to give you up for peace to reign. And yes, in rejecting you because of my family."