Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers

Evaline:

I made my way toward the door and unlocked it, ready to step out, but froze when I found someone standing there with their hand raised as if about to knock.

Before either of us could speak, Draven appeared behind me and drew me close from behind, looping his arm around my waist. He rested his chin on my shoulder and turned his head slightly, flashing that impish grin of his.

I felt his amusement, and shook my head before turning my attention back to Oscar who was watching us with one eyebrow arched in playful curiosity.

"How can we help you, brother?" Draven purred, his tone teasing as he kept me snug against him.

Oscar's gaze traveled from Draven to me and back, and quiet amusement danced in his eyes. His tone warm and steady as he asked simply, "What's going on here?"

He didn't seem surprised or jealous, just curious to know how his brother had ended up in my room. He leaned forward, seeking explanation.

I drew a steadying breath and spoke calmly. "Darven told Professor Kieran that he wants to be friends with me and stayed behind to help me unpack," I explained, trying to soften my tone even as I felt my cheeks warming. "He said this is his plan to stay close to me openly for next two weeks without alerting Professor Kieran or River."

Oscar shifted his gaze back to his brother, almost looking impressed.

"And he also said it might make you jealous," I blurted, not wanting to miss this chance to tease Draven.

I felt his body shifting behind me as he whispered in my ear, "My fun-spoiler." His breath was warm against my ear, but it almost made me shiver.

"What do you say?" Draven asked Oscar.

Oscar nodded his head, confirming that he was indeed impressed with his brother's plan. "Whatever little brain you have in there, it's working great for you. Keep up the work."

Draven groaned while I tried to stop the smile that was threatening to curve the corners of my lips, but failed miserably.

Oscar then stepped forward and surprised me as he brushed his lips against my forehead in a quick, affectionate gesture. The warmth of that kiss brushed through me.

He stepped back but not before brushing his fingers over my cheek softly. "I'll join you guys downstairs shortly." And with that, he turned around and walked away, his warm smile lingering behind.

I was ready to step out, but before I could have taken a step forward, Draven pulled me back and closed the door. The next thing I knew, my back was pressed firmly against the door and I was held there captive by my mate.

His eyes were dark, and when he spoke, his voice sounded deep. "You'll be punished for spoiling my plan of making him jealous."

And before I could have even wrapped my head around that warning, his mouth claimed mine in a deep and urgent kiss.

It was five intense, electrifying minutes later that we both finally stepped out of the bedroom and made our way downstairs. I had to even apply a lip oil to hide the redness that resulted from the heat of kissing.

We finally entered the grand living room and my eyes landed on Kieran who was already there, dressed casually and looking the most relaxed I had ever seen him.

He was busy carefully placing a crystal ball ornament onto the towering Christmas tree. His golden hair was brushed loose over his shoulders, adding a softness to his usually tidy professor look.

The room was glowing from the lights of the fireplace and the tree, making it felt cozy, warm, like a sanctuary after the sensual rush backstage.

Draven settled down in one of the plush couches and signaled for me to do the same. Kieran chose that moment to turn his attention to us and our gazes collided. He smiled and I smiled back in response, feeling slightly nervous.

"Feeling at home?" he asked gently as he motioned for me to come over to here he was standing. I approached him and he handed me a booklet from some Christmas tree store.

"It's really nice here," I said, looking at the booklet in confusion before shifting my attention to him.

"One of the most fun and important part of celebrating Christmas is to decorate the tree. Unfortunately, ours got almost fully decorated before we came up with the idea of inviting you here," he started explaining, "Now, you can pick one of the trees from this booklet to your liking and we will order it. There's not just different sizes available but also options for decoration themes and pallets. Of course, if you want to go shopping for one yourself, it can be done as well."

I stared at him, surprised how considerate he was being. I shook my head. "I really appreciate the offer, but I don't there's need to-"

"Oh c'mon Eva! Stop declining everything."

Draven suddenly spoke, stopping me mid-sentence. I watched as he stood up, approached me, and grabbed my hand before pulling me to sit on the big couch and took a seat right next to me.

He was so quick and natural with his move, that it wasn't just Kieran staring at him surprise, but even my heart was thundering in my chest.

"It's Christmas. You are supposed to enjoy it. And just like Kieran said, decorating the Christmas tree is one of the most fun part of it. So, it's decided. We are getting you a tree to set up in your room, and we all will decorate it together." His tone was final, and his eyes seemed to be saying more than just his words.

He wanted to do this with me - decorating the tree.

I smiled softly and nodded my head. "Alright."

"Well done, Draven."

Oscar's voice greeted us as he entered the living room and made his way toward us. Kieran was also looking at his youngest brother with an approving gaze.

Right at that moment, the sound of a car pulling up in front of the mansion caught my attention. I held my breath, and waited... knowing already who was coming.