Troubled Freya

Chapter Seven - All About Cole

✤ Freya ✤

As I came out of the bathroom, I heard my phone ringing and I rushed to answer it.

“Hello?” I breathed out.

“You slept with him,” the sound of Cole’s harsh, cold voice reached through the phone and stilled my racing heart. Oh s**t, how the hell did he find out?

“What?” I asked in a whisper.

“You heard me, I can’t believe you slept with him,” he said sadly. It made my heartbreak.

“Are you being serious right now?” I asked instead. I wanted to plead my case but alas I was very much guilty.

“I am Freya, why on earth did you sleep with him?” he asked. I was starting to panic and the tears were threatening to fall.

“Damn it, Cole! What do you want me to say?” I had no idea how to explain why I had done it. I mean, I knew why. I was indeed falling in love with Ryder and the time we spent together meant a lot to me. Losing myself to him was as natural as breathing.

“Do you think just because he is your first mate, that he should get to sleep with you first?” he sneered. My mouth hung open as I processed his complaint.

“That’s what this is about? You are crazy,” I spat out as I started moving around my room.

“We’ve spent so much time together over these last few weeks and not once did I push you,” he said softly. He didn’t have to elaborate. There were times where things had gotten quite heated between us, but we hadn’t gone further than passionate make-out sessions with some light fondling.“Yet, the first time you are alone with him, that’s what you do?” I could hear the disappointment and disgust in his voice. Did he think that Ryder pushed into having s*x with him? 

“I still have no idea what you expect me to say,” I whispered, defeated. I couldn’t take it back and I didn’t want too. I cherished that time with Ryder and nothing Cole would say or do would take that away from me. I decided to hang up, it was pointless in arguing about it. I quickly dried off and got dressed in a pair of black tights and a long dark red jersey. Slipping on my favorite boot slippers, I rushed out of my room. I needed to speak to Holly. ASAP.

✤✤✤

“What?!” Holly looked at me as if I had just grown two horns or something. To say she was shocked would be an understatement.

“Yeah, two mates,” I repeated. Holly shot up from the sofa and started pacing the room. I liked the fact that Noah had his own quarters in the Dolomite packhouse. It made me wonder if we shouldn’t have quarters in our packhouse. I loved the fact that she had a small sitting room with an open-plan kitchenette. It was modern but classic. I knew behind the door opposite the kitchenette was their bedroom and bathroom.

“How is this possible?” she asked me.

“I have no idea, trust me, it was a shock to me too,” I sat back, relaxing against the comfortable black sofa. “I like the fact that you and Noah have your own little space,” I said.

“Hmm, ok, so you had s*x with Ryder and Cole is pissed?” she questioned, I guess to make sure she understood my dilemma and avoided my attempt to change the subject.

“Exactly,”

“Well, have s*x with Cole too,” she said as she faced me and placed her hand on her hip. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

“Really Holly? That is your idea of advice?” I remarked.

“No, now hold on just a minute there Freya. Think about it before you just shoot it down. Ok? You know where Cole is, go and see him. Seduce him or whatever and explain that you needed to make sure you are physically attracted to each of them. That’s why you slept with Ryder,” she explained her theory, but I just burst out laughing.

“Are you serious? That sounds stupid!” I exclaimed. That was a lie and Cole would never fall for it. Besides a deep part of me still felt that I had no reason to explain my actions. Not to Cole, not to anyone.

“Or does it?” she winked, and I continued to laugh hysterically, Holly soon joined in. The subject changed and I enjoyed my time spent with my bestie. As I was on my way back home, I thought about Holly’s little idea and the more I thought about it, I wondered if it would work. After all, I did have strong feelings for Cole, and I wouldn’t mind spending a night with him. A plan started formulating and I smiled.

✤ Cole ✤

I stood awkwardly in the office as I waited for Arion and Laura to arrive. My appointment with them had finally arrived and I was both excited and nervous.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Cole,” Arion said as he walked in. “Please, take a seat,” he added as he made his way to his desk. I sat down on the nearest chair and breathed in deeply. What I was about to do was big. Bigger than anything I’ve ever done in my whole life.

“Thank you for seeing me,” I said.

“Of course, Laura will be here soon,” he said, and as if on cue, Laura walked in looking flustered and apologetic.

“Sorry I am late,” she smiled and stood next to Arion as he sat down on his office chair.

“The floor is yours,” Arion gestured for me and I nodded.

“I want to be a part of your pack,” I stated simply. They both looked shocked.

“Why?” Laura asked curiously. I wanted to reveal that their daughter was, in fact, my mate too, but I stopped myself. Freya didn’t want anyone to know and therefore I would have to make my case believable, otherwise, they would reject my request. Even though I felt betrayed and hurt, I knew I had to do something. Finding out that she had lost herself to Ryder just two days ago hurt more than I cared to admit.

“I’ve been a loner for most of my life and although Noah and Blade have offered me a place in their pack, I have to be honest and admit that I don’t feel as if their offer makes any sense. I do not feel home there, however, whenever I am here,” I paused, thinking of the right term to use, the right words to say. “I feel like this is home to me, I feel like I belong here. I am not sure if you know about Noah’s history?” Arion shook his head while Laura seemed to be staring into my eyes. was she trying to figure out my true reason for wanting to join? Maybe she didn’t trust me. “Our fathers were brothers, we lived in the woods of Everest,” I wasn’t sure if they had heard about that but judging from the look Arion and Laura had, they knew the pain and suffering that fell upon that pack. “I was about five years old when my aunt gave birth to Noah, it was a joyous time that ended all too soon. The pack was attacked, and every female was murdered or taken. Our fathers did the best they could to raise us, but it wasn’t easy. The remaining members of the pack split up, each finding new homes. Eight years ago, our fathers went on a hunting trip and never returned. Noah was beside himself and ran away. He found his new home at Dolomite Pack and I remained a rogue. Looking, searching for a place I could also call home and I’ve found it, right here,” silence filled the room and I could see that Arion and Laura were discussing it via their mind link. It didn’t at all surprise me when Laura left the office.

“Cole, it is painfully obvious to me that you are of Alpha blood. You are strong in all the ways an Alpha wolf can be, needs to be. That is my only concern. This pack already has an Alpha as well as a future one. The question is not if we will accept you, the question is: will you be able to be in a pack as a mere member?” he finished as he asked me the million-dollar question. Once again, I was tempted to reveal that Freya is my mate, but I pursed my lips and nodded. “How sure are you about that? You are not weak, and I do not want you to challenge me or Ryder,” hearing the enemy's name made me shiver with anger and I knew Arion was not a fool, he could see and probably smell my hatred.

“Although I dislike the wolf, I won’t disrespect him or his position. I would never do that to Freya,” I remarked. s**t! The second her name flew out of my mouth; I knew it would raise suspicion and it did. Arion’s eyebrows rose and then he frowned. Lost in thought, I waited for his final answer.

“Alright, I may find a use for you here, but you will have to pass the tests,” Arion stood up and turned away as he looked out of the window. “If you are one hundred percent sure you can keep to your word, then I will seek out a place for you,” he said, and I stood up.

“Thank you, Alpha,” I said before leaving the office.

“Cole?” Freya’s voice and scent filled me as I turned to see her standing at the end of the hallway. She looked surprised to see me coming out of her father’s office. “I thought I picked up…um…what are you doing here?” she asked as she came towards me. Today she looked absolutely delicious in a pair of white shorts and a pink top and I took in her long legs and perky breasts. Shaking my head to clear my lustful thoughts, I stiffened as I felt Arion’s presence just behind me.

“Ah, Freya, a word please,” he said. Freya hurried closer and I wanted nothing more than to kiss her, but I quickly turned away and rushed out of the packhouse. Damn it! I hated the fact that I still wanted her after what she had done. I wasn’t a fool. I knew it was bound to happen but yet the jealousy and disappointment were so strong. I was wolf enough to admit that the main emotion I felt was pain. I am hurt by her actions.

✤ Freya ✤

I watched as Cole rushed off before walking into the office. I wanted to run after him, to fix our relationship and to put my plan into motion but I stopped myself.

“What’s up?” I asked my father. Honestly, I was curious as to what Cole was doing here and more so, what had he been doing with my father.

“Take a seat,” Arion instructed, and I flopped down on the sofa. “Cole requested to join the pack,” he informed me, and I sat back, trying to appear relaxed but inside I was panicking. Why on earth would Cole request to join the pack before I decided? With him being here, it would just complicate things. I glanced over at my father and I just knew he was waiting for me to give him an explanation.

“What do you want me to say?” I asked him instead. Arion sighed as he ran his hand down his face.

“Freya, just tell me what the hell is going on here? Cole said…he would never hurt you or disrespect you or something like that,” he explained. I held my breath. Had Cole revealed he is my mate too? “He didn’t elaborate Freya, but I am hoping you can,” he added, and I let go. Breathing in deeply as I pondered over this new development. Did I want my parents to know?

“Dad, I…” I hesitated, unsure of what to do.

“Trust me,” Arion said, and I nodded.

“Cole is my mate,” I finally admitted. Arion’s eyes went wide, and his mouth fell open.

“Say what?”

“You heard me,” I mumbled as I sunk back against the sofa.

“How?” he asked, obviously confused. As I had been.

“I don’t know, it was a shock to me too. Cole wants me to choose but I don’t know how or who to choose,” I groaned out as once again my dilemma frustrated me.

“I’ve only heard of this…” Arion shook his head as I perked up, ready to hear his thoughts. He picked up his phone and called someone. “Hey, it’s Arion,” my father looked over at me before turning his back. “Is it possible for a beta pup to have two mates?” I heard him ask. For the life of me, no matter how hard I tried to hear whoever was on the other side, I couldn’t. I frowned and stood up.

“Dad…” he turned and put up his hand silencing me.

“Ok, thank you,” pause. “Great, I will do that, thanks,” he hung up.

“Who was that?” I asked curiously.

“No matter, listen, um…Cole will have to pass any tests and I’ll see if there is a place for him somewhere here, in the meantime,” he stood up and pocketed his phone. “Try to keep your distance from both of them. I’ll get back to you with more details,” he looked distracted, worried, and somewhat stressed. I shrugged, not wanting to add to it as I left his office. What the actual f**k was going on?

✤ ✤ ✤

Sneaking around really sucked but I had planned this, and I was grateful that Cole hadn’t rejected my invitation for a midnight snack in the woods. Holly was already in my room, under the covers, pretending to be me. Her being in my room was just a precaution in case Ryder decided to ‘visit’ me. He liked doing that, ever since our night together. At first, he had been slightly withdrawn which had thrown me off a bit but then he seemed to get it back together and returned back to his normal cute self. But tonight, it was about me and Cole. I had never gone out of my way to seduce a male and I didn’t consider throwing myself at Ryder that one time to be called a good experience, so I chose to ignore that incident. Cole squeezed my fingers gently as I continued to pull him along to the spot Holly and I had prepared. It was not as luxurious as the glass cabin, but it was pretty cozy and romantic. Cole spotted the tent in the distance and picked up the pace.

“Ah, did you do this all for me?” he asked teasingly as we arrived at the spot. I nodded with a smile as I looked around at the little setup. The fire Holly and I had built had died down a bit and was a gentle dancing crackle and created just enough warmth and light. Inside the tent is where we had worked the hardest. We had managed to blow up a double mattress and it was covered with a couple of pillows and blankets. A lantern hung from the pole of the ceiling of the tent and Holly had wound a few sparkling glow lights around and it felt even better at night. Since Cole and I had been getting to know each other, I already knew his weakness was cheese and so I had prepared a little basket with cheese, crackers, and figs. Holly had organized a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne and two flute glasses. I placed the basket down as we made ourselves comfortable in the tent. We left the flap open, so that we could still see outside and to feel the warmth from the fire. I took out my phone and played the song list I had created. Cole enjoyed the oldies and when a Queen song started to play, I heard him chuckle as he watched me unpack the basket.

“Cole…about Ry-”

“Please don’t ruin this by bringing that or him up,” he quickly interrupted, and I nodded. I had wanted to clear the air between us, but I definitely understood why he didn’t want to do that right now. I wondered if he had any idea that I was purposefully trying to seduce him or if he thought this was just a date. We chatted about our past, our dreams, and about our lives as we enjoyed the saltiness mixed with the creaminess of the cheese and crackers. I was delightfully surprised at the added sweetest the figs gave to it. Cole did indeed have good tastes. Once done, Cole poured some champagne as I put everything away. We laid back against the pillows, his arm around my shoulders as I snuggled into his side. Sipping on the bubbles, we enjoyed watching the fire. Nothing needed to be said as I took the glasses and placed them just outside the tent and turned to him. I smiled shyly as I began to undress. Cole raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything as his eyes traveled along my body as I revealed it to him. First my jersey and long-sleeved top and then my tights. I hadn’t bothered with any underwear and from the way, his eyes shone with desire and the hungry growl he let out; I knew it had been a good idea. Cole moved and pulled me down to lay on the pillows and I watched him zip up the flap, concealing us in the tent. His touch was familiar yet new and my whole body reacted to his every touch. My breathing was high, and my heart was pounding as he explored my body with his fingertips and his lips. I moaned and whimpered as he brought me ecstasy.

“Hmmm,” I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he leaned back and removed his own clothing. He crouched down and I marveled at his toned body as I ran my fingers along his chest. “Beautiful,” I whispered before he leaned in and we kissed. It was different from Cole, our kisses were always heated but tonight, it wasn’t just heated. I could feel the love, the passion, and the desire and it overwhelmed me as he positioned himself at my entrance. The whole experience was completely different, and my toes curled as I hungrily begged for Cole. “Please,”

“Please what?” he teased as he rubbed his tip against me.

“Please Cole,” I begged again, needing him more than I had realized. I arched up and he shoved into me without pause and I slapped my hand over my mouth to muffle my cry of surprise. Cole smirked as he gripped my hips and moved in and out roughly. I threw my head back as he created a harsh rhythm that I wanted more of. I wrapped my legs around him as he pulled me up against his chest, kissing my lips and biting on my tongue. I wasn’t going to last long, and I didn’t. Cole laid me back down as he continued to thrust. My hands clutched the blanket as I felt him fill me up completely, the warmth invading me in such a glorious manner that it took me to a new high. Cole grunted as he slowed down, and I closed my eyes with a satisfied smile.

“Freya…look at me,” he said, and I opened my eyes and I could see how he felt. It should’ve shocked me; I should’ve known but I just smiled wider.

“I love you, Cole,” I admitted, and he leaned in, claiming my lips in a burning hot kiss.

“I love you too Freya,” he whispered in my ear as he littered kisses along my jaw and neck. He reached that sweet spot and I groaned loudly. I wanted him to mark me, my wolf wanted it too. The need was a lot stronger than it had been with Ryder, but I quickly pushed aside my thoughts and gave in to Cole. His scent surrounded me as he started moving again, this time at a much slower pace. Cole flipped us over and held onto my hips, guiding me as I rode us both to ecstasy.