Hidden Park: Freeing Londyn (Hidden Park Series Book 1) Page 6

  I sigh, “I know. I'll start my romancing tomorrow. All girls like shopping, right?” I say with a smile. “I wouldn’t count on it being that easy with Londyn, but I’m sure it will be a start. I’m heading to bed. Love ya Tris.” I give her a hug “Good night sis. Thanks again.” She heads off to her room, which is near the girls, and I’m a little jealous. I sleep on the other side of the house that has the master bedroom. Usually, I like the space and alone time, now I feel a bit lonely. Londyn really has broken me, in all the best ways. I smile as I strip down, little does she know I sleep naked like she suggested she do. Someday soon I hope we will sleep naked together, but that can wait. I lay down and close my eyes quickly drifting to thoughts of green eyes and a sexy smile.

  Chapter 13

  Londyn

  I wake up to sunshine beaming on my face. Where was I? Slowly, my mind caught up, Tristan. My first thought should have been of Aria and then maybe Sophia since she has been there the most. But, nope. My thoughts first flew to the super-hot Alpha of this pack, the one man my mind and body craved, and the one man who was off limits. Bad Londyn.

  With a groan, I stretched my arms over my head, that was the best sleep of my life. I wonder what time it was? I look over at the bedside table, and it’s just after 9am. Looks like my internal clock was still set for a normal morning. I got up, made the bed, folded the clothes I wore yesterday, including the underwear and bra that were like barbed-wire digging into my skin.

  I wouldn’t admit it out loud, but I loved sleeping in one of Tristan’s worn flannel button ups. It was so comfy and smelled like him, all male and outdoorsy. I hoped I could remember what room Sophia was in, she said she would have something that would fit better. I snuck slowly out of the room and turned left; I think it was down this way. I then froze when I ran straight into the smell I got to sleep with all night. Shit, here I was wearing only his shirt and no underwear.

  I look way up, how freaking tall was this guy; my neck was going to get a kink in it. I was praying he wouldn’t notice I had no underwear under his shirt. Nope, he noticed because his eyes were on the pile of clothes in my hand, underwear and bra on top plain as day. Good job Londyn, you couldn’t have tucked those under everything?

  “Um..I…I was looking for Sophia’s room, sh…she said she might have better fitting clothes for me.” I squeak out. He finally meets my eyes, and his are fully dilated with a look of pure lust, that shoots straight to my core. HOLY SHIT. I’m sure my face pales or shows some semblance of fear and probably arousal. Shit, arousal, shifters can smell that a mile away! Yup, his nostrils just flared, shit, shit shit. Run Londyn! My mind was not linked to my body, because I couldn’t move. Stupid body, stop it! No lusting after a taken man.

  I take a gulp of air, “Sophia’s room? Is it this way?” I whisper out, point down the hall behind him. He hasn’t said a word he is just staring at me. After what feels like an hour which was probably only a couple of seconds, he clears his throat and swallows. “It’s actually behind you, the door to the right of your room. I was coming to get her to tell her breakfast was ready; I was going to let you, and Aria sleep in.” His voice is husky and deep, like dark melted chocolate.

  His hand slowly comes up, and he runs a finger down my cheeks causing my entire body to quiver. “Could you let her know for me that breakfast is ready; she should be up. There is plenty for you and Aria as well if you’re hungry.” He puts his hands on my shoulders and turns me around gently and nudged me forward.

  Well, at least one of us can think, lucky him. I move forward towards Sophia’s room, and before I can stop myself. I glance back at him, and he has a heart-stopping smile plastered on his face, like I am the Easter Bunny and Santa in one. I frown and turn away quickly not responding; he has a girlfriend he has no business looking at me like that. Mad at myself for allowing him to have any reaction from me and mad at him for his flirting, I rush down the hall to Sophia's room.

  I quickly knock on Sophia’s door, and she opens up quickly. “Oh good your up, I was going to bring you these clothes!” I glance down to see she has clothes in her hands too. “Come in, come in.” She pulls me in her room, which is just as stunning as mine but with different colors. “I brought these clothes back; I'm sorry they were just too tight for me.” I tell her embarrassed at my body size. “Nonsense you don’t apologize for having that gorgeous body of yours. I’d kill for your boobs and a butt.” She takes the clothes and puts them on her bed and hands me a different set.

  “The tank top can be used as a bra, and you can go commando this morning until we can take you shopping. Everything else may be a little big for you. It’s clothes I have stolen from my brothers over the years because I can, and they are comfortable.” She says smiling.

  “Thanks,” I say to her smiling back. “Oh, I um, ran into Tristan in the hall he said breakfast was ready. He was coming to tell you.” I can feel my face heat just remembering the moment, I “ran” into him. Stupid, stupid.

  “Really and you were looking like that?” She says with a huge grin. I glance down, and I’m fully covered his shirt practically hangs to my knees. “Umm. Yeah?” I phrase it more as a question because I’m confused why she is smiling. “Don’t worry your covered, he must have loved seeing you in his clothes.” She laughs, “Get changed, do you want to wake up Aria, or let her sleep in?”

  Even more confused by her comment, why would he like seeing me in his clothes, hello? He's taken? I stumbled out, “I’ll check to see if she’s up yet after I change and see if she wants to eat. Thanks again.” She smiles at me and says, “Take your time, both of you. I won’t let them eat all the food!” She turns and shuts the door to her room.

  I quickly change, keeping the shirt I was wearing; I take it to my room and throw it on my bed; you bet your ass I’m still sleeping in that again. I rush over to Arias’ door. I knock gently, but don’t hear anything inside. So, I open the door slowly, she’s not in bed, so I call out, “Aria?” I hear her finally in the bathroom. She comes out shortly after. “Hey you're up too!” She says to me. “Yeah,” I respond to her. “I got these clothes from Sophia this morning, you hungry? They said there is food ready?” Her smile falters a bit, “Um they?” I wonder what is wrong, are we in danger here.

  “I ran into Tristan before I saw Sophia, he said breakfast was ready, and then Sophia said we could take our time getting out there, and she would be sure there would be food left for us.” I look at her curiously. “Oh ok, um…” She starts but seems unsure if she should finish.

  “Aria, what’s wrong are we not safe here? Did something happen?” I hastily ask, do we need to run again? “Oh no, no! Shit, um how do I explain this. Ok, so with the twins I feel something different around them. Not bad, like good, like really really good. I know I can’t feel the true mate bond until I’m 18 which is still a few months away. But, I get the same feeling with both of them. They don’t talk much so I can’t tell much. It’s just a weird feeling in my chest, like I’m home.” She finishes, quietly.

  Home, she never felt home at Phoenix Pack. The woman never talked to her; the men just leered at her, she always confided in me that I was the only one she actually liked in her own pack. “Aria, that is awesome. You were worried you’d never find a mate and would be forced to take one, now you have two!” I tell her honestly. I don’t know all the ins and outs of the shifters, but I know mates are important and sometimes there are more than one. I am happy for her; she needs this.

  “You don’t think it would be weird having two mates? Plus, I don’t even know if they are, I won’t know for sure until after my 18th birthday.” She says sulking a little. I laugh a little, “Are you pouting now? First, no I don’t think it’s weird. You will have two very hot men to protect you and love you. The more the merrier, the less I have to worry about your safety. Second, trust your instincts, they have never led you astray.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder. “Come on let’s go eat and see what the day brings us.”

  I go to lead
her out of the room, before she stops me. “Wait, let me at least brush my hair and my teeth.” I smile, she is already excited to see the twins. I know they will figure that out all on their own. “Good idea, I’ll do the same. Meet me in the hall in 5 minutes!" She rushes to the bathroom like she needs more time but doesn’t want to wait long. I just shake my head and go do the same, and it takes me all of 3 minutes before I’m back in the hall waiting. She hurries out in the hall like we were racing.

  “Damn your fast.” She says a little out of breath. “Well I wasn’t running like a mad woman, and this is all new to me. Was I supposed to take longer?” I look at her wondering if I actually look ok. “No, I’m just over prepping. I need to relax. like you are.” Me relaxed? She is probably just over nervous about the twins. “Right, like you always tell me, everything is going to be okay.” She smiles as we make our way into the kitchen, her twins are there, as well as Sophia, and Tristan. Yeah, I’m so relaxed, get a grip Lon; you dislike men; he's taken; you are here to figure your life out alone, nothing more. Taking a deep breath readying myself for battle against, well myself. “Good morning ladies, help yourself” Of course, he has to speak and turn me into a pile of goo. Good job Londyn, way to battle.

  Chapter 14

  Tristan

  No matter how hard I tried, all I could see was Londyn this morning in nothing but my shirt. I was fine, well borderline fine, until I realized she was naked underneath. Then I was anything but fine. Seeing her wearing my shirt, my scent, I was ready to bite her neck and mark her as mine. Then, I looked down and saw her bra and panties in the pile of clothes in her hands and my body nearly combusted. My jeans were suddenly two sizes too small, and then to top it all off my face must have shown the pure lust coursing through my veins, she responded in kind, her face and neck flushed slightly and, god help me, I smelled her arousal. I had to touch her; we were both lucky I didn’t mount her right then and there.

  Somehow, I controlled myself long enough to run one knuckle down her cheek. Her skin was even softer than I imagined it would be. I still hated seeing those bruises on face and marks on her neck and wrists. With the last bit of self-control, I had, I turned her away and gave her a tiny push towards Sophia’s room. I told myself that if she turned around and looked at me, it would mean she wanted me every bit as much as I wanted her, when she did, and I couldn’t help my smile, yes! But then just as quick she frowned turned around and stomped away; she seemed mad. Mad at me? Mad at herself? What did I do? Did I push too far? I would be nothing but a gentleman from now on, or at least try.

  The twins were once again quiet, confirming what Sophia had mentioned earlier. With a smile I decided it was my turn to mess with them in front of our new guests. “Hey guy's Soph and I are going to take our lovely new guests clothes shopping this morning do you either of you want to go?” I knew they hated shopping; they bought shit online and had it delivered. Going shopping with women was akin to having bamboo shoots shoved under their nails. “Yeah, um we can go, right Cole?” Really? Xavier stumbled that out, and all Cole could do was nod his head like an excited puppy. Oh damn, they were already charmed. Women fall all over themselves to get the twins' attention. They were confident, flirty, and never committed to anyone. There were going to be hearts breaking everywhere, and it was going to be hilarious to watch.

  Sophia looked at me seeing what I was doing, she had to give them a hard time too, “You sure, you guys hate shopping? Don’t you guys need to get ready for going out tonight? It's Friday, don’t you have dates or something tonight?” Oh, she was going in for the kill. They always went out Friday nights, not with dates though, bar hopping and hook ups. It never failed. I saw Aria tense slightly but didn’t say anything just continued to eat; Londyn looked at Aria in concern. Shit, they must have talked. Aria would have felt something too.

  “No!” Both Xavier and Cole basically shouted scaring, well everyone. I just raised my eyebrow at them like, asking silently, “What the hell?” Cole decided to try to save them by saying, “We would like to go shopping with you guys. The girls need all the protection they can get. Plus, we can help carry stuff.” Then Xavier had to finish, “We don’t date, you know that. We actually wanted to see if Aria, might let us show her around town and the pack lands?” They both were looking so hopeful, if I didn’t know the feeling, I would have laughed.

  She looked up shocked, then over to Londyn, who just smiled at her. “Uh, sure. I would like that.” She said blushing slightly then looking down. “What about you Tris any plans tonight with the Viper?” Xavier just had to start that shit. I looked at Londyn, who seemed to shrink down and pale.

  This was the perfect opportunity to set things straight, “Hell no. You know she threw herself at me, I have zero interest in her. It’s her own fault; she can’t listen. I’ve tried to be nice but last night was the final straw. If she calls or shows up, and I’m not around be sure she gets the message to stay away from me.” There. Now Londyn will know there is nothing going on with me and that bitch. I looked at Londyn, who was now looking at me, and I smiled at her; she blushed and looked down. I thought I caught a hint of a smile. Yes, today was going to be a good day.

  “I want to say something.” I look at both Londyn and Aria. I want them to see how serious I am, “I know you ladies just got here. However, I feel that you both belong here in our pack, with us. We will protect you; we will help you find jobs around here if you want to work, or even go to school. Aria did you finish high school?” I look at her; I know she’s turning 18 soon, and its summer now, but maybe she finished already.

  “Uh, I was actually home schooled. Devil dad.... I mean, Damien, didn’t let me leave pack grounds. I took all my classes online. This would be my senior year, but I would like to get my diploma at an actual school.” I nod my head and answer her, “You could finish at the high school here if you want or online, you can choose either one. I know its summer now. I think school starts the beginning of September, so you have time to decide.”

  I glanced at the twins who were scowling, hmm, but Aria was smiling, so whatever had them unhappy they would have to deal. “Thanks!” She said excited. I looked at Londyn, “We have a college close if you want to go there or there are always online courses. It is your lady’s choice if you want to stay here, to make this your home. You will always get a choice. We just hope you choose us.” I say that for both, me and the twins. I’m sure Sophia wants them to stay too, but I meant it; I wouldn’t force them. They both had their lives controlled for too long. I would always protect Londyn, but I would never force her into anything. Even if it meant being away from me.

  They both looked at each other, but it was Londyn, who spoke, “I know you have your pack and Aria is a shifter like you. I’m not like you guys, and I know packs don’t like humans in their business. I won’t stay if it causes problems within your pack.” I’m about to protest when Aria beats me to it, “You are more pack to me than Phoenix Pack ever was, where you go, I go.” She grabs her hand driving her point home that they stick together.

  Londyn glances up at the twins, then looks at Aria's eyes seeming to ask her, “What about them?” They did talk; Aria must already be feeling the bond too. “Londyn, you are special. I truly believe you both belong here with us.” Fuck it, I won’t lose her. “Damien,” I practically growled his name, “knew there was something different about you and that was the only damn thing he got right. We will protect you. We will be your family; this can be your home.” I am practically begging her, but I know my siblings will back me up.

  “Both of you know pain,” Sophia starts, “it was fate that brought me out there to you. Tristan is right; you both belong here. I need more women around to help me deal with these Neanderthals I call my brothers.” She finishes, smiling. Londyn and Aria and look at each other, the latter nodding her head slightly.

  Londyn looks at me and then Sophia, “Okay; we will stay.” She says quietly. Thank fuck. “Alright, let’s go shopping!” The girls get up t
o start cleaning, but I stop her, “I’ll do that.” Londyn shakes her head, “If we are staying, we will help, plus we are already ready to go, are you?” I smirk at her, touché. “Alright we will all get dressed to go and let you ladies clean up. Come on guys let’s get ready for some shopping!” I say to Xav and Cole, “Yay!” They both respond in a joking manner, as we all head out to our perspective rooms to change. I relax for the first time since they got here. She is staying; my mate is home.

  Chapter 15

  Londyn

  Home. Tristan said this could be my home. I never had a home, not that I remember. I have been fostered since I was 3. I don’t remember my parents; I don’t remember any happy times in my life. The past two days have probably been the happiest of my life.

  We shopped and shopped. Tristan wanted us to have everything, even if we didn’t need it, he deferred to Sophia to see if we would like it but wouldn’t say. Aria was having the time of her life; the twins were opening up and talking to her more, carrying her bags, getting her a drink or snack. They practically fell all over each other to get things for her. It was adorable.

  Tristan was staying close to me, keeping friendly conversation with everyone. I didn’t talk much, but I couldn’t stop smiling. They all did want us to be family. I could see them all as brothers and sisters, well all except Tristan. He would give me side glances like he was checking to make sure I still noticed him. How could I miss him? He was just so… there. And now that I know he was single, and that woman wasn’t his girlfriend; it shouldn’t have but that made me happy, but I was estatic. She looked like a bitch, someone who was too similar to Damien. She would fit right in with him. Tristan deserved better, I was sure of that.