The First Mate

Chapter Two: Rules

I woke up to the warmth of Xavier's embrace, his arms wrapped tightly around me.

Blankets were pulled high, covering me from the coldness in the room.

I shuffled, moving to see his face.

One of his eyes opened slightly as I stirred, rolling to my back.

I stretched, feeling a yawn rise from the depths of my soul.

Annie echoed me and the noise filled the room as I pushed the blankets down from us.

"Ah, cold!" Xavier hissed at me, pulling the blankets back up and over us.

I tried to pull them back down. "You're so warm," I said in low chuckle.

Xavier wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against him, and he whispered in a gruff voice. "Then shush, cuddle." He tugged me back to him, making his point he wanted me to stay, mostly because I couldn't get out of his strong hold.

I giggled softly, my face pressed into his chest as he held my waist and sleepily played with my hair, his large palm cupping the back of my head as he gave gentle scratches.

I purred and nuzzled his chest.

"Shh, sleep time." He grumbled.

I snuggled deeper into his hold, burying my face into his large chest and wrapping an arm over his waist to hug him.

He sighed a groan, his eyes closing again and his arms tucked me in closer.

My fingers stroked the muscles on his back, feeling tiny compared to his massive frame; he curved up to double over me just to hold me.

His lips pressed to the top of my head while he cradled me with care and enabled my scent as he drifted back to sleep.

He smelt of wood chips and the river; it was soothing; something about it was so incredibly familiar.

Annie rose, opening my jaw and I bit down on his large peck.

My eyes widened as he opened an eye and looked down at me, Annie didn't let me release him. Instead, my tongue flashed across the skin I held, tasting him.

I purred, my eyes shutting at the flavour and my stomach tightened with desire.

He grumbled, his deep voice rumbling as he leaned down and pressed his lips to the top of my head, pulling my teeth off him easily as he nudged my head back.

"You're testing my restraint, little one." He pecked the top of my head a few times, grumbling at me as he kissed his way down my cheek and made me giggle. "You wake me up with your little minx ways."

"I'd say sorry, but Annie made me." I laughed against him, the sound echoing through the room.

He kissed the corner of my lips. "Liar."

I giggled, pushing away from him to make space and smiled at him.

He narrowed his brows in suspicion.

I moved quickly and wiggled out of his arms, he growled playfully at me as I threw the blankets off us, taking them with me and crawled away as he grabbed for me, trying to stop me.

"Get back here, you quick little brat."

He chuckled, sitting up to chase me.

I rolled off the bed, giggling as he lunged, aiming for my ankle, but the blankets covered me, and he missed.

I fell on my ass, covered in the blanket, and looked back to see him tangled in the sheets.

"Gotta be faster than that!" I giggled at him as he scowled at me, trying to untangle the mess I'd made of the bedding.

"Looks like our girl is awake."

Dane's voice made my head snap around, smiling as he and Theo stepped in the doorway, their eyes sparkling with amusement as Dane held the door open and they stepped into the room.

"Hi!" I smiled at them, trying to untangle myself now to go see them, a desire for their touch making my movements flustered.

I finally got free, meeting their eyes and seeing them watching me with gentle expressions.

Theo smiled when I squeaked in surprise as Xavier fell over me.

"Come back to bed," he grumbled, his arm around my shoulders and he kissed my cheek in a peppering of kisses again.

I giggled. "No, I want to say hi." I slipped out, scrambling across the floor to my feet.

I hesitated but Dane opened his arms for me, chuckling slightly as I ran into him with excitement at the invitation.

"And happy to see us, it seems." Theo chuckled as I climbed into Dane's arms eagerly, wrapping my legs around his waist and burying my face into his neck to inhale his scent of chocolate and dusk.

"I'm just glad this wasn't a dream," I admitted, glad I didn't wake up bound in chains instead.

Dane's hands tightened on me as I leaned back to look at him as if he heard my thoughts.

His emerald eyes were brighter than mine, like polished stone. He gave a sweet smile, happiness tinting his eyes as he looked at me.

He cupped the back of my neck and pulled me forward to kiss me. "We are very much real." He said against my lips, desire flooding me, and I gave a soft whimper as I pulled away, blushing at the noise. He gave a small chuckle, leaning forward to nuzzle me for a moment. "It's natural to have desires for us."

I nodded. "I'm just not... used to having them," I admitted.

Dane shuffled me on his waist, kissing my cheek. "You just tell us what you need, Rose." His voice dipped to a husky whisper in my ear. A command and a want to know my thoughts.

A moaned whimper escaped me at it.

Theo chuckled, taking me easily from Dane.

Theo smelt of jasmine and mountain air, I nuzzled his nose, smiling as I wrapped around him.

"We're here to ensure our mates' desires are...fulfilled," Theo said, feigning innocence as he squeezed my ass, grinding us together for a moment.

A flash of lust took me.

My lips found his, tangling in his hair and he groaned as I pulled my against me, my hips grinding against him again in need.

Xavier grumbled, "That's twice now you've both kissed her."

I pulled away from Theo, blushing.

Theo and Dane smiled at him. "That you know of," Dane smirked, seeing my blushing reach my chest.

"Give her here, or I'll come take her." Xavier narrowed his eyes at Theo.

Theo laughed but he carried me to Xavier's lap, handing me over.

"Since they have no restraint, why should I?" He mused.

I giggled as Xavier claimed my lips, pulling me across his lap for his large hand to run down my ribs, hip and thigh, his hand curved as he squeezed my ass, causing me to moan.

He chuckled darkly, pulling his hand back for a moment to bring it back in a light swat across my cheek.

I gasped a whimper, pleasure flooding me with a slight sting.

Xavier's brow twitched as he caressed the globe, pulling back and slapping it again, slightly harder.

A moan rocked me, and my hips bucked, only to land back perfectly in his waiting hand for him to soothe the ache.

He pulled his lips from mine just enough to cover me.

"Does our little Rosie like that?" He teased, slapping me again.

I nodded, biting my lip at him as he palmed the ache he caused. "When you do it." I breathed. His eyes narrowed.

"We can wear her out later," Theo chuckled as Xavier leaned back further, seeing the slight rise in panic on my face realising what I'd said.

A shirt hit him in the side of the face and Dane grabbed me, distracting Xavier as I squeaked.

I giggled again as Dane shuffled me to cradle me across his chest. "I'm okay to walk."

Dane shrugged, looking down at me. "Indulge me."

I blushed as he gave me a half-lipped smirk.

"Okay," I wrapped my arms around him as he squeezed my thighs and ribs gently in approval, turning to Theo who smiled at me from the middle of the room.

"So, this is our bedroom." Theo started, raising his arms to the room.

"Ours?" I asked.

Dane chuckled, pressing his nose into my cheek. "Yes, baby. Ours, for you and us."

It was the first time I properly looked and I almost felt overwhelmed.

"Woah." I blinked.

My mates chuckled.

A wide open room, lined with half a room of tinted wall windows overlooked the mountain range and forest.

We sat on a hillside, a lake below circled by the forest against the mountain that spanned beside it.

There was an open doorway to one side and large double doors to the hallway across from the bed behind Theo.

To the right of us, an enormous concave circle area before a fireplace, the flooring replaced cushioned steps, a deep red mattress flooring and overstuffed pillows circling it.

Dane turned me when I turned to look over his shoulder, smirking at my curious gaze.

The bed Xavier and I had been cuddling on was large enough to fit eight Xaviers, low to the floor and a canopy of black tulle curtains suspended from the ceiling, pulled back.

He'd fixed the blankets and remade the bed with the black cotton sheets and thick winter duvet, pillows piled high in the centre while he sat on the edge, watching me as Dane and Theo did.

"It's all so...big," I mumbled, feeling incredibly small. "Do we need this much space?"

Xavier chuckled, rising off the bed to stare down at me over Dane's shoulder. "I'm a big guy, baby." He winked, kissing my cheek as he walked towards Theo.

I giggled, rolling my eyes and turned back.

Theo stepped into the doorway that sat beside the large spa bath with rainfall overhead shower, Dane taking me to him as he flicked on the light to show me a closet almost as big as the room.

The walls were set in sections of hanging or draw-shelf areas.

Three of the six sections were filled with clothing and shoes already; from the look and smell, it was each of my mate's clothing.

"That side is for you." Theo gestured to the empty three spots.

My eyes widened. "For me?" I blinked, and Theo smiled, nodding.

"I don't know if I can even fill a draw," I admitted.

They all shared a look that worried me for a moment. Dane turned, taking me from the closet and heading for the hallway.

I was passed to Xavier who kissed my temple. "I'll take you shopping then." He stated.

I paled. "I can't affor-"

Theo and Dane stopped in the doorway, all of them staring at me.

Their brows narrowed, their expressions darkening and my shoulder rose, knowing I'd just turned into prey.

Xavier placed me down as the three of them surrounded me, and I was staring up at them, my hands raising to my chest in slight panic.

Dane reached out, stroking my cheek to calm me, his eyes soft. "I think we should set ground rules."

I blinked but nodded. "Okay?"

"We take care of you, that includes financially."

I went to protest but Xavier's hand covered my mouth, pulling me against his chest.

I looked up at him, a whimper in my throat.

He smirked. "You wait until he's done talking, I'll spank you if I feel you try and argue." I nodded, a flood of lust taking me for a moment as he raised a brow in warning.

He tilted my head down, making me face Dane again.

Theo put his hands into his jeans, smiling at me from beside Dane.

The sight comforted me, making me know I was safe here. With them.

"Anything you need, we'll get it, if we can't....well, then it doesn't exist." He shrugged.

I giggled.

Xavier moved his hand from my mouth; in a fluid movement, he knelt, I was over his knee, and his palm came down.

I yelped, squirming.

"No, no." He cooed. "I heard three giggles, two more, baby." He palmed the aching globe before slapping it again.

This one was harder and rocked me against him.

My yelp was gasped.

My thighs heated from the assault, but my stomach tightened; I arched my ass up.

I never reacted this way.

It never felt this way.

He gripped my stinging cheek, making me groan and I pressed into him.

I moaned loudly on the third slap.

Xavier chuckled, putting me on my feet, and his hand covered my mouth again; his other hand palmed me in a gentle and loving caress, soothing the sting and ache.

Dane raised a brow at me. "I spank you next."

I nodded quickly, mumbling a yes against Xavier's hand, my knees knocking together as my thighs tightened at the thought of his hands on my skin.

Theo chuckled, seeing the flash of desire. "I think she'd like that."

I blushed, glad Xavier's hand covered the heating but slowly nodded, widening Theo's smile.

"Now, Rosie," Dane continued. "We will take over your care, education and needs. This house is just for you, you can move in whenever you'd like." He gestured around. "As our mate, we will give you everything and all we ask is you do as we say, if you don't, you will be punished." He crossed his arms. "If you have an issue with that, you should tell us now."

Xavier moved his hand to let me answer, his hand on my ass pushing me forward as he stood beside Dane and Theo.

All of them crossed their arms and I took a step back.

"P-punished how?" I asked meekly, not meeting their eyes.

Theo's hand raised my chin, he searched my eyes, seeing the stain that clouded me for a moment. "We will never touch you in a way of true harm," he promised.

I gave a small smile before he added. "But spankings are on the table." He gave an adorable smile, kind and cheeky.

I blushed.

He smirked and kissed my nose to make me giggle before he stepped back.

I took a steadying breath. "You all accept me?" I asked quietly, looking at them.

Without hesitation, they all nodded.

I blushed. "I-I didn't expect to ever find one mate, let alone three." I looked down for a moment, chewing my lip.

Xavier chuckled, making me look up.

They all looked at me like I was the most important thing to them.

Their eyes were soft, their smiles gentle.

Dane spoke. "We wanted you, Rose. We," he gestured between the three of them. "Have known each other for a very long time. Learned to work as one. As one, we decided, we would share our mate." He stepped to me, cupping my cheek and stroking it. "If she would have all of us."

I smiled, stepping closer to them. "I don't want to deny any of you."

Dane leaned down, kissing me gently.

"Then, you'll let Xavier take you shopping with my money and Theo's car and won't argue, understood?"

I nodded.

Dane snarled, Xavier, chuckling as I was hung over his arm.

Dane stripped me of my shorts and delivered four solid smacks, one for each nod.

"Use your words, Rosie." He said a word with each smack before leaning into my ear. "I want to hear that beautiful voice."

I gripped Xavier's arm, squirming and biting my lip.

"Yes, Dane." I moaned, breathless, his hand palming my burning cheeks as Xavier put me down and pressed me into Dane's chest.

Dane kissed my neck, spreading my bare ass before pulling me against him, an erection prodding into the back of me.

I whimpered from the rush of pain of his and Xavier's smacks and then a rush of pleasure as Dane's hands roamed, pulling me against him and palming my breast.

"Good girl," he purred in my ear. "You will learn, or we will punish you, and trust me, little one, you will be screaming for more." His warning made Annie whimper and submit, my body responding by exposing my neck to him.

Dane latched on, biting into my neck, not hard enough to break skin in a Marking, but he intended to leave a mark of another kind.

He sucked on the area between his teeth.

My yelp was silenced by Xavier covering my mouth.

They palmed, groped and explored every part they could while I whimpered and panted between them, my knees shaking as they pressed against me to hold me upright.

Dane flashed his tongue across my aching skin, as Xavier's guided my lips open.

I gave in, my hips moving back into Dane's and my tongue found Xavier's, a moan of pleasure leaving me.

Xavier growled, his hand slipping down my back and pulling me against him.

I gave a breathy whimper at his tug, a rush of air escaping me and palmed my bare ass, pushing my shorts further down until they fell to my ankles.

I blushed.

Dane released my neck, smirking at the bruising he'd left, seeing it didn't start to fade.

Annie refuses to heal it.

Xavier pulled back for a moment, letting me breathe; Dane's hands slipped under my shirt, palming my breast.

My hands moved and I pulled my singlet off, dropping it before I rethought my action.

I felt their eyes fall over my naked body, Dane and Xavier pulling away for a moment as they looked at me.

I blushed, suddenly embarrassed and went to cover myself with my arms.

Xavier spun me, his hand pressed against my stomach and he bit down on my shoulder.

I cried out as he started to leave his own hickey.

Dane took my hands, pulling them around his neck and his hands ran across my breasts, pinching the n*****s before he palmed them.

My moan was muted and I reddened to the colour of my hair as my thighs became soaked from their touching.

I shuddered, whimpering in submission.

Xavier released me, smirking at my noise as Dane watched me with lustful interest.

"I think she's learned her lesson, for now." Theo chuckled, having not moved from watching them play with me.

He reached out and grabbed my hand pulling me from Dane and Xavier.

I was dizzy and wobbled a little, letting Theo wrap his arms around me.

His eyes glanced over my neck and shoulder where the others had left bruising Annie didn't heal.

He stroked my cheek. "I see Annie likes us too."

She growled when he tried to turn away, demanding I ask for a mark of his.

My hand squeezed his but my words failed. Scared to ask.

He turned back to me, raising a brow in curiosity.

He watched me as I looked at him through my lashes, blushing at my desire.

He chuckled, raising my chin then and his topaz eyes bore into mine with mischief. "Oh, I'm sorry." He cooed, his voice dropping with teasing that set my heart racing. "Did I forget something?" His eyes flashed to my neck, to the bruises.

I bit my lip and nodded.

He chuckled again, darkly and deeply, cupping my cheek. "Ask for it, Rose." His voice came out rough, almost like a primal purr.

My lips parted, a moment of hesitation before Annie pushed the words free. "Please, Theo-"

The rest of my words were cut off as he gripped my hair, pulling me back slightly and his arms bound my waist, leaning back.

His teeth descended just above my right breast.

I moaned, his hand on my back moving to cup my ass and pulling me against him as he sucked and ground his teeth on my soft flesh, pulling back with a pop as he grinned at me. I panted and whimpered, my body shaking for a moment in need and desire.

"What do you say, baby?" He kissed my lips quickly.

I swallowed between a pant. "Thank you, Theo."

He grinned again, nuzzling me. "Good girl, now come on." He took my hand and finished the tour; Dane and Xavier threw my clothing into the washing machine as we left the room, leaving me naked.

We were on the second floor, mostly dedicated to the bedroom and an office at the end of the hall with a small reading library attached with a spare bedroom in case I wanted to be alone for a bit in my own space; it connected to the balcony porch behind the office that overlooked the lake below.

They showed me the larger library on the first floor, filled with deep red rugs and dark wood, another nesting concaved area before a fire and a sea of filled shelves.

"Why do you have two?" I asked curiously, my hands scanning some of the old books that lined the shelf near the door.

Theo smiled, patting my hair. "We" he emphasised, making me duck my head and blush. "Have two because the upstairs one is our personal library; this one is for everything else, from Clan laws to ancient history." He shrugged then. "Some are also just for pleasure reading."

I smiled, meeting their eyes as they watched me explore.

"You like to read?"

They gave varied answers, Theo was a bigger reader of fiction than Xavier and Dane, Xavier having an interest in ancient warfare and Dane in modern.

There was a workout room with various equipment behind the kitchen, which was wide open to the lounge; another door at the back led to the large garage.

The front of the house was porched and opened to a circling driveway that then wound down the mountain, a separate walking path that led to the lake beside it.

Theo sat me on the kitchen bench while Xavier cooked me something to eat, it was just after 6 pm.

I blushed a little. "I didn't realise I'd slept for so long," I muttered as I shifted to cross my legs, almost glad I didn't own a phone for my guardians to be calling me, asking me where I was.

Or track me.

Xavier shrugged, setting a plate of French toast beside me. "We all cuddled with you, Annie must have been enjoying her nap." He gave me a quick kiss before jumping onto the counter beside me and putting the plate in his lap.

He cut a piece with his fork, spearing it and held it out to me. "I enjoy feeding my mate." He said simply.

I giggled, opening my mouth and accepting the offering.

The taste hit my tongue and my eyes rolled.

I moaned. "This is so delicious!" Taking another piece, he offered and ate it with a small wiggle of happiness that Annie encouraged.

Xavier chuckled, kissing a crumb from my lip when I stopped. "Yes, you are."

I blushed, pushing him away. "Where'd you learn to cook?"

Theo sat beside me, taking over and feeding me while Xavier started to clean.

"I side as a chef, baby. When I'm not at my normal job." He smiled going to the sink.

I blinked. "Where else do you..." I looked across all of them, seeing the amused brows that stopped me.

"You ran into his workplace." Theo chuckled.

I looked up at him, my head tilting, as if the action would make the words connect.

I know I'd run into an office; Xavier had been sitting in it.

Annie rolled her eyes at me.

Lisa's words rolled into my mind.

The new sports teacher, a bear of a man. The scent I was smelling.

I looked up at Xavier for a moment, before dipping my head blushing.

"Oh, you're the teacher Lisa told me about."

Xavier lifted my chin, his brow raised in curiosity. "Lisa Diaz?"

I nodded, seeing Dane's eyes narrow at the action, I spoke. "I met her this morning, she was in all my classes and told me to go to the track fields during Seekers." I smiled.

Xavier chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Meddlesome sister." He raised a finger to stop me when my mouth opened. "Yes, Lisa is my little sister, she likes to send the new kids to me, usually to scare the crap out of them."

I giggled. "I can't really blame them, you are enormous."

He narrowed his brows at me, stepping over me so I had to crane my neck to look up at him.

"And you're tiny; so many places I can f**k you in the halls, and no one would notice."