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

caution.”
    “I don’t know…” Clicking the end button, Takoda hung up the phone. He didn’t want to argue with his brother, at least not Mahkah. They were both suffering because of Chayton’s selfishness.
    The front door opened, and Chayton stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind him quietly. He watched his brother stop and sniff the air before turning and spotting him standing next to his truck. Chayton mouthed, shit , before walking in his direction. He could see his brother was a bit nervous and wondered what he must be thinking.
    “Takoda,” he said stiffly before looking around, probably wondering where Mahkah was.
    “Chayton.” He arched a brow. “Surprised to see me? When are you planning on bringing Emma home?”
    “You came all the way here to ask me? Or did you come here to just take her?” He stood in front of him defensively, arms crossed over his chest. He was definitely in fight mode. “Honestly, I came here to see Emma. How much longer are you planning on keeping her from us, Chayton? Are you trying to run with her? There’s nowhere you can run if that’s the plan.” His words came out angry and accusatory, and he watched Chayton’s jaw tighten. He knew his twin like he knew himself, and a few different plans started to formulate in his mind.
    “Chayton,” a sweet voice called out. Takoda looked over his brother’s shoulder and saw the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. He stared at her, openmouthed, wanting to hear his name on her tongue.
    “Please, don’t do anything stupid, Takoda. I’m begging you,” Chayton whispered quickly before turning around to greet Emma. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. For the first time in a long time, Takoda felt envious. He wanted what Chayton had, and soon, she would be his as well.
    “ Ciqala , this is my brother, Takoda.” He was shocked for a minute at Chayton’s pet name for their mate, but it fit perfectly. Chayton pulled Emma to his side, tucking her securely under his arm.
    Takoda studied her, staring at her heart-shaped face with her big doe eyes and plump lips. She bit her bottom lip, hard, and he knew that she was nervous. He could read her facial expressions easily. She studied him for a while, before looking up and peering at Chayton. They were identical in every way, and he wondered if she could tell them apart. Their own parents had a tough time.
    “It’s good to meet you, Emma.” Holding out his hand, Takoda waited for her to take it. She gifted him with a shaky smile as she laid her palm against him. Almost immediately, Takoda felt a jolt run through his hand and up his arm, confirming what he already knew. She was his mate.
    “It’s nice to meet you.” She pulled back, staring wide-eyed at him. “I–I need to get to work,” she stammered, and he let her go, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
    Takoda watched her pull away from Chayton and walk to her car, never once looking back. It hurt more than he was willing to admit. She obviously cared about Chayton very much. He waited for her to pull out of the driveway before continuing his conversation.
    “Chayton, you’ve been alone with her for six weeks. I can see she loves you, and it’s obvious you’ve marked her, bonded with her.” He shook his head. “She might never accept me and Mahkah. Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”
    “I’m sorry,” Chayton responded contritely. Takoda believed him, although it didn’t change much.
    “How are you going to fix this?”
    “I don’t know.” Chayton shoved his fingers through his hair, and Takoda could feel the frustration and confusion rolling off him in waves. “Listen, Takoda, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was just waiting until she knew and accepted everything. I wanted her to agree to come back with me so that there wouldn’t be any problems.”
    “I know you didn’t keep her away maliciously, but I’m afraid that the damage is done.” Takoda