Chapter 71. So It's True

The steak was one of the best things I have ever eaten. I didn't think I would be able to hold dessert, but when they placed cheesecake stuffed strawberries in front of me, I couldn't resist them. They were absolutely delicious. I finished eating and decided to sit on the side and watch everyone. I keep finding myself looking at Chase. How does this man know so much about me? You would not think he should know personal stuff without spending time with me. I can't help but wonder about how I feel when I look at him. It is the same as when I look at Luca and Levi, which scares me.

"So is this too much for you? Do you not like crowds?" I hear from the side of me, but I know it's Tasha.

"It is a lot to take in, so I figured I would sit here a few."

"I understand when you don't know any of us." She says, and she is correct. I don't know anyone in this room. They are all strangers to me.

"Well, I don't feel like everyone is a stranger now. I know you." I say as I smile at her.

"This is true, and you know my husband and, of course, Chase."

"The bad part is I don't think I really know Chase. He is like a stranger to me. Even though he seems to know a lot about me." I am not sure why but I open up to her before stopping myself.

"Chase is a good guy who gets painted in a bad light. If I did not know him, I would probably believe all the rumors about him. His brother is the bad one, but most people don't know that."

"Who is his brother?" I ask so that I have it all correct. Barrett is his brother, but could he have another?

"Barrett is his brother and the king of warlocks, but he should not be king. He is a cruel man." Her words only take a minute to sink in. I jump to my feet.

"He is at my house and with my family. They have no idea what type of person he is." I say all in one breath as I look around the room for a way out. Then I feel Tasha's hand on my arm.

"It's ok. We will figure this out."

"No, you don't understand. Chase kidnapped me, and my family has no idea who is under their roof, and neither does my mates." I hear the gasp leave her mouth, and then I realize what I just told her. I must have said it loud enough that most people heard what I said. I look over to see Chase making his way to me. My heart drops.

"What's wrong." Is all, Chase says as he takes my hand.

"If your brother is the bad guy, then he is with my family and my mates," I say, not using a pleasant tone of voice. I feel wrong about saying it as soon as it leaves my mouth. But instead of looking upset, he smiles at me.

"Let's go somewhere else and talk a minute." He says as he pulls my hand and leads me to a door on the far end of the room. I grab Tasha's hand and pull her along with me. Chase sees this but doesn't stop me or say a word. We get to the door, and he opens it. When we are all in the room, he goes to close the door, but Joseph is there and sliding in the room as well. Chase doesn't stop him, so he goes to stand beside Tasha.

'I need to go home and let them know what is going on." I say as soon as the door is closed.

"What exactly is going on?" Chase asked me, giving me a puzzled look.

"If your brother Barrett is the bad guy, he is with my family, and I need to warn them," I say, giving him a are you kidding look. Before he can respond, Tasha speaks up.

"Did you really kidnap her, Chase?" When she asks, I can see the tension in the room; it is so thick.

"Not exactly..." Chase says, rubbing the back of his neck.

"And what the hell does not exactly mean?" Tasha says as she steps up beside me. I can almost see hurt on Chase's face.

"I had to get her here, so I kidnapped her friend and sister so she would trade herself for them. So technically, I didn't kidnap her." He says, looking at me like he hopes I will understand.

"You are telling me you thought that was a good idea?" Joseph finally speaks up and says. I don't know whether to laugh or cry because these people I just met are taking up for me, and I am not in this alone.

"I knew Barrett was there, and I needed to get her away from him. You two of all people should understand that."

"Oh, I understand, but you could have gone about it differently. You should have come to us. We would have helped." Tasha says with a little bit in her words.

"We don't have time for this. I need to get to my family and my mates if they are in danger." So I say, having enough of the back and forth about kidnapping me.

"Wait, what do you mean, your mates. Isn't Chase your mate?" Joseph asks, looking at me to answer.

"I am not sure if he is, but I do know for sure that Luca and Levi are they are with Barrett," I say, looking at Joseph and Tasha, but I can't bring myself to look at Chase when I say that. I feel the sparks when Chase takes my hand.

"Tell me you don't feel the sparks when we touch. Tell me that you don't feel it inside when we are close. Tell me you don't feel the connection when we look at each other. And tell me you don't feel it when I do this..." He says, and then I feel his lips touch mine. I want to pull away, but my body has another idea as I push myself against his body, kissing him back. I feel the sparks flow through my whole body. His tongue pushes against my lips, asking for entrance, and I can't deny him. I part my lips as our tounges dance. His arm wraps around my lower back, pulling me even closer to him—everything around us disappears. I feel my arms rising and wrapping around his neck, trying to get closer. No matter what I do, I can not get close enough to him. Then the moment is broken as I hear someone clear their throat. I remember we are not alone. I go to pull back and catch my breath.

"Now tell me that I am not your mate," Chase says, and I can hear the need and desire in his voice.

"Yes.....You are my mate, but so are they, and I have to protect you all." I say, still almost out of breath.

"We will save them all together," Chase says, making my heart flutter.

"Make that all of us. I have wanted to kick Barrett's ass for a long time." Joseph says, making us all laugh.

"I need to warn them. Do you have a phone I can use?" I ask Chase. He smiles at me as he hands me a phone from his pocket.