^ Ambrose brothers 🤤

"When she's mean, you know you love it. 'Cause she tastes so sweet, don't sugarcoat it."
~Ava Max, 'Sweet but Psycho'

~~~

*Ryland's POV*

"I can't believe this," Ronnie gushes with the widest grin I've ever seen her wear.

The minute we got back from our trip, Landon was being yanked away for a family meeting. I pouted, not wanting to be away from my mate just yet.

Even though we spent a whole week together, it still doesn't feel like enough. I've heard that freshly mated wolves can feel more clingy and possessive than usual, but I didn't expect to miss him so damn much after he just left.

I didn't have long to dwell on it though, because Ronnie immediately reached out to me and asked if we can talk. Kai and I went across the road to her house, where Lyn was already waiting on the couch.

But that wasn't the biggest surprise.

No, the biggest surprise was finding out that my best friend is mated to my mate's sister.

"Okay, back up," I wave my hands to make Ronnie stop pacing. "So, you found out she was your mate, and you just... kissed her? Without any warning?"

"Yes," Ronnie answers matter-of-factly, as if that was the most obvious solution.

"You know you probably freaked her out, right?"

Ronnie shrugs. "She kissed me back. Goddess, I had no idea kissing felt like that. Her lips were so soft, and she tasted so sweet."

While Ronnie goes off on a tangent about making out with Lia, I start to feel anger seeping in through my bond with Landon. Worried, I quickly reach out to him.

'Babe, are you okay?' I ask through our private mind link. 'I can sense your anger.'

'I'm okay,' Landon response, although he still sounds tense. 'Don't worry about me and go back to having fun with your friends. Love you.'

I'm not convinced, but I know I can just ask him more about it later. 'Love you too.'

"Stay focused," Lyn snaps her fingers twice. "What happened after that?"

"She ran away."

"Ran away?" I echo. "As in, ran away from you?"

"Looked like it."

"And you're not bothered by that?"

"Please," Ronnie scoffs. "You didn't see the way she responded to my touch. She wants this, she just needs a second to realize that herself."

"She's kind of a bitch," Kai interjects, and I smack his arm. "Ow! What? It's true."

"Doesn't matter," I hiss. "We shouldn't talk badly about our friends' mates. Unless, you know, they really are pieces of shit."

"Lia is not a piece of shit," Ronnie snaps before smiling sadistically. "Naughty pups just need training."

"Oh dear goddess," Lyn covers her face with her hands while I suppress the urge to vomit.

"Please refrain from talking about my mate's sister like that," I beg, exaggerating a few gags.

"Speaking of sex..." Ronnie starts, sinking down to a crouch. "How was your week with Landon?"

My cheeks heat up. "It was... good."

"Oh, come on!" Lyn exclaims, shaking my shoulder. "Give us more than that."

Feigning shyness, I tug the collar of my shirt down. The three of them gape at the sight of Landon's mark on my shoulder.

"Finally!" Lyn squeals. "I mean, I assumed you mated when you walked in without your collar, but I had to wait until Ronnie stopped talking first!"

"Hey! Ronnie finding her mate is just as exciting as this," I defend, but even Ronnie shakes her head.

"No way, Ry. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited that I've found my mate, but this is huge for you. You've been wearing that collar for five years. How does it feel to have it gone?"

"Indescribable," I smile, warmth filling my chest. "I still can't believe it. I'm... free. Goddess, it still sounds weird to say out loud."

"How was the sex?" Ronnie pries with a wicked grin. "I told you, didn't I? Sex is so much better when you don't have to hold back."

Kai coughs loudly. "Younger brother. In the room."

I laugh while Ronnie tousles Kai's fluffy brown hair.

"How's River?" Lyn asks softly.

"He's getting better," I tell her. "I was able to shift once, but it took a lot out of him and he's been resting for the past few days."

"Valeria is looking forward to seeing him," Ronnie tells me with a soft smile.

"So is Renee!"

"And Kieran," Kai jumps in. "He's missed his big brother."

I hear River whining in the back of my mind at the mention of his friends and younger brother. It's been a tough adjustment for him, realizing how much he's missed. Five years didn't seem like a lot until he started really seeing how much has changed in that time. For example, Kai and Kieran were only thirteen. River had seen Kieran a handful of times when the latter was a pup, before River went feral. Now, Kieran's a full-grown wolf.

"They also need to meet Leo," I propose, and they all nod in agreement. "Maybe when River feels up to it, we can get them all together."

'I'm up for it now,' River insists, but I hesitate.

'You don't have to push yourself. There's nothing wrong with taking time to rest.'

'I've been resting,' River argues, sounding frustrated. 'You don't understand what it's like to wake up after five years and realize you've missed so much. I want to see everyone. Please.'

My heart aches as I blink away a few tears. "Er... River says he's ready to see them now."

"Now?" Lyn blinks in surprise. "Are you both sure? Renee doesn't mind waiting until he's ready."

I shake my head. "He's sure. Let me see if Landon is free."

'Hey, is your family still over?' I ask Landon.

'They just left. Why? Miss me already?'

I smile to myself. 'Arrogant asshole. But you're not wrong. I do miss you.'

'Goddess, hearing you say that makes me miss you more than I already did.'

'Good timing. Is Leo up for meeting a few wolves?'

~~~

Next chapter is going to be so fun! I'm excited, I love writing about the wolves

Thoughts??

BTW - you guys realize I can see what reading lists you add my books to, right? 😂 someone deadass added this book to a reading list called "🤡" and "meh"
You guys are ruthless 😂😂

I'm looking forward to writing about Ronnie and Lia in the anthology book. Lia is such a bottom skskdksk

Q: What's the last show you watched?
[I watched Legend of Korra while writing this chapter]

See you next time!
-Gumbie