Free Convincing Emily [Wolff Pack 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Alicia White Page A

knew he needed to be a gentleman, knew that in any other circumstance he would’ve turned and left, apologizing for not knocking. Leaning against the closed door, he took a few deep breaths while staring at Charlie. It was as if they both had been stunned stupid by the sight of her. It was just because she was Emily. It was because she was their mate. Her arousal had been calling to him since he’d seen her, and his wolf was ready to mark and claim her.
    In fact, he knew that her bear was calling to him. He had seen her eyes slightly shift, and when that happened, she looked at him with such longing and need. That look only lasted moments, though, and then the woman would be back, scowling at him.
    “We need a plan,” Cole said and Charlie nodded in agreement.
    Together they headed back down the short hallway and into the kitchen. He sat in one of the chairs, stretching out his long legs. He should probably be standing after all the sitting during the drive, but he needed to get his body under control. He’d heard a lot of stories and had even seen firsthand what meeting one’s mate did to the other shifter. Most of those couples or ménages spent days behind closed doors, marking not only with their teeth, but also their scent.
    Now, here he sat in the kitchen with his brother instead of back there in the bedroom with Emily. It was all too strange. Her reactions weren’t what he’d consider normal. He had hoped that when they did finally find their mate, she would demand to be taken and claimed right away. This was all so new and he had no idea how to respond. A plan was a good enough place as any at this point.
    “Do you have any ideas?” He raised a brow and stared at Charlie.
    “Not sure.” Charlie opened the fridge and handed him a beer before sitting across from his at the table.
    “Do you think that it was a good idea to spank her before driving here?” Cole twisted the cap off and took a sip, leaning back in the chair.
    “You told her not to curse, and she did. I reacted.” He shrugged. “She didn’t seem too pissed.”
    “Seriously? She didn’t talk for fifty hours. The whole drive here in complete silence, even when we stopped for food or at a hotel for the night. She didn’t speak to us. I think that pretty much says… I’m pissed .” His brother had to be dense if he couldn’t tell that their woman was in fact more than just a little upset.
    “I didn’t talk much either.” Again, he shrugged as if it was no big deal.
    “You do realize that women talk. They like to talk if you hadn’t noticed. Nicole, Addison, Harper, and every other woman in our pack talk constantly. They share their thoughts and feelings. It isn’t normal for her to sit silently.” Cole growled at Charlie and put his beer on the table. “And would you stop shrugging. This matters. She’s our mate.”
    “I know that,” Charlie told him.
    If he shrugs again, I’m going to jump over this table and kick his ass. Cole couldn’t stand the indifference Charlie had. He knew it wasn’t real, but still he just wanted his brother to at least act like he gave a damn about their current situation. Why did Cole always have to be the planner? Why couldn’t Charlie step up and think of a way for them to win their mate over?
     
    * * * *
     
    Charlie stared at his brother. He couldn’t figure out why he was getting so upset. Emily was here. It wasn’t as if that little spanking prevented her from getting in the damn truck. Besides, she’d enjoyed it, even if she didn’t want to admit it. He had smelled her desire the moment he opened the door and climbed into the cab. Shit, he wanted to do it again. He wanted to pull her over his lap. Except this time, he would spank her naked, plump ass. Licking his lips, he thought about her in that exact position and his cock hardened immediately.
    It hadn’t mattered to him that she’d stayed silent. He wasn’t much of a talker himself. He preferred actions over words.
    The look