Gabriella - Alpha Marked, Book II by Celia Kyle

an Alpha Pair now. We can never be too careful.
Especially when it comes to your safety. Regardless of your new
status, your body is still human and vulnerable.” They would always
take care with her. Nothing would ever mar her perfect skin. Not
even a paper cut.
    Before she could respond, Jack appeared, a
hesitant smile in place. “All clear.” His unease was nearly
palpable, and he reached out slowly to twine his fingers with
Gabriella’s. “Come in?”
    Relief, both his and Jack’s, whooshed through
Berke when she nodded and stepped into their home away from home.
One step became two became a few until they stood in the small
sitting area. A subtle shudder wracked her body, and Berke was
quick to move toward her, mirror Jack’s grip on her opposite wrist
and lean into her. Gabriella’s curves welcomed him, her body
seeming to recognize him with ease.
    “We don’t have to do this if you’re not
ready, Gabriella,” he soothed as best he could.
    We don’t? Jack growled, and Berke
narrowed his eyes.
    No, we don’t. Are you forgetting you were
an ass mere hours ago? You rejected her, Jack. She’s been through a
Challenge to keep us, but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to mate us
with abandon. Berke didn’t bother keeping the annoyance out of
his tone, even adding to the words by sending his emotions along
their link.
    An immediate flow of contriteness was
returned. “He’s right, Gabby. We’re on your schedule.” Jack cupped
her cheek, and Berke could feel the sizzling connection. There was
attraction and need bouncing between them, but they couldn’t forget
how they’d hurt her. “When you’re ready and not a moment
before.”
    But I can’t wait for her to agree. Jack’s mental words were a growl more than anything.
    I know. Though, if she agrees, I’m not sure
how to go about this.
    Jack came back sounding so smug. What?
Afraid of sex, pretty boy?
    He wanted to punch his Alpha partner. So
you’ve been in a threesome? Claimed a mate before? Really?
    A wall of doubt and frustration hit him in
response.
    Gabriella squeezed Berke’s hand but didn’t
tear her gaze from Jack. “What’s with the sudden change of
heart?”
    Jack froze, tension overtaking his body, and
Berke stepped in for his Alpha partner. “Life, no matter the
heartache it brings, is always worth living. We wouldn’t be living
if you weren’t with us.”
    “Jack?” His mate pressed.
    His friend’s shoulders slumped, and he leaned
forward, pressing his forehead to Gabriella’s. Berke stroked his
mate’s back and placed a hand on Jack’s shoulder, giving them both
support as they crawled over what he suspected was the last
hurdle.
    “Fear…” Jack’s eyes closed. Berke sensed
every emotion rolling through his friend. He welcomed them with
open arms, taking them into himself in a way he never had before.
Jack continued. “Fear of what may be isn’t worth losing you, Gabby.
I’m an idiot and an asshole for pushing you away, but never
again.”
    The last three words came on a whisper, but
based on Gabriella’s gusty sigh, she’d heard him clearly. When she
slumped into the other man, Berke realized she’d accepted Jack’s
words. Examining them through their bond, he also recognized them
as truth.
    Gabriella swallowed, the lines of her neck
rippling with the effort, and she cleared her throat. “Okay.”
    “Okay…” Berke murmured.
    “Okay, I want to be yours.” Her voice
shook.
    “You’ll never regret your choice, Gabby.
We’ll spend the rest of our days loving you.” Jack’s words cut
through Berke, slicing through his body and straight to his
heart.
    Love? So quick? No. It couldn’t be… He
internally shook his head. No way.
    You’re telling me you weren’t half in love
with her the moment you felt her Mark burn on your skin? You know
it flickered. Even I felt it and I was fighting this tooth and
claw.
    Berke refused to accept his partner’s words. No. It can’t be—
    It can and is, friend. She was