Free Claiming Emma [Novikov Clan 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Alicia White

free will, and I want Emma to come here knowing the truth.” He gave Takoda a pointed stare.
    “Do we give him more time then?”
    “I don’t know.” Leaving the living room, Mahkah headed for his bedroom. It was really early in the morning, and he was beyond exhausted.
    He was haunted by decisions. His mate was close, within his grasp, and there was nothing he could do. He wanted to see her beautiful face, touch her soft skin, and experience the love that Chayton shared with her. He felt so lost and alone, had been waiting years to finally meet her. He’d dreamed of her and wondered what kind of woman fate had destined him to be with. Mahkah climbed into bed with only a sheet covering his big body and stared at the ceiling.
    “What the hell am I going to do?” he said aloud, though there was no one to hear him.
     
    * * * *
     
    Takoda watched his brother leave. It had already been six weeks of waiting and wondering when Chayton would bring their mate home. Pushing himself up and off the chair, he paced around the living room. Should he act? Should he go to their home in Anchorage and take Emma? Would Chayton keep her indefinitely? There were so many damn questions and never an actual answer.
    Grabbing his cell phone off the counter, he dialed Chayton. The phone rang repeatedly, and he assumed he was no doubt in bed with Emma. Hitting the end button, he shoved his phone back into his pocket and grabbed his keys. With his mind made up, Takoda made his way to his truck.
    He knew he was playing with fire by going to Anchorage, but he couldn’t stand being separated from his mate for another minute. Was Chayton really being selfish by keeping their life mate from them? Staring the engine, Takoda drove out of the long driveway and headed toward the interstate.
    His mind was a complete mess, had been since this whole thing started six weeks ago. He drove in silence for hours until downtown Anchorage was in view. His heart beat a staccato in his chest. His nerves had been on edge for miles. Takoda took a deep breath and wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. He knew where she lived from the background check they ran. Without thought, his truck drove to her apartment complex. After four hours, Takoda got out of his truck and stretched, cracking his back. This was it, the time for reckoning.
    He leaned against the side of his truck and waited, staring at number 118. It was very early in the morning. The sun just started peaking up in the sky. Emma would be emerging soon. No doubt she had to work today. Taking a deep breath and exhaling loudly, he waited, wondering what his first move should be. Should he take Emma or corner Chayton and demand answers? Takoda ran a hand down his face, cursing his brother for putting them in this position.
    The ringing of his cell phone got his attention. Takoda glanced at the screen seeing Mahkah’s name flashing. “Yeah?”
    “Where are you?” Mahkah demanded.
    “Anchorage,” he simply said, not needing to expand. He had no doubt his brother knew exactly where he was.
    “Takoda, don’t.”
    “Don’t what?”
    “You know. Don’t take Emma. We can talk to Chayton and convince him to bring her home.”
    “What if he doesn’t? He could run with her, Mahkah. We can’t risk it. He’s not thinking straight right now.”
    “He won’t. Chayton wouldn’t do that to us, Takoda, you know that.”
    “He already has. He’s kept her to himself for six weeks. How much more can we take? How much rope are we going to give him before he hangs himself?”
    “Takoda, listen to me, don’t take Emma. Let her come to us willingly. Chayton will tell her the truth. He’ll convince her to go with him. We have to be patient and give him the time he needs. If we jump the gun, it could ruin everything. Think, man, this could make things worse, then what? Drag her here against her will? Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. I want her here as much as you, but we need to exercise