"I'll warn you, if cornered, I'll scratch my way out of the pen. Wired, an animal, the claustrophobia begins."

~Afghan Whigs, 'What Jail Is Like'

~~~

*Lucca's POV*

Everyone stands around us with blank expressions on their faces. My brain short-circuits as I try to wrap my mind around the fact that this Omega is my mate. Ryland's brother. A guy.

Kai Ambrose is my fucking mate.

Of course he is. Because the Moon fucking hates me and wants to make my life as difficult as possible.

The whole time that I'm standing here dumbfounded, Kai is smiling radiantly, waiting for me to say something. Everyone gradually focuses their attention solely on me when they see Kai looking at me expectantly.

"Uh," I say dumbly. "I have to poop."

Kai's smile widens as a soft laugh escapes his lips. The sweet sound sends a tingle of delight through me, and I shake my head before running up the stairs. Slamming the bathroom door shut, I click the lock in place and press my back against the door.

What kind of fucking-batshit-crazy world am I living in?! I thought I didn't have a mate! Why did I think that? Just- I- shut up, it's just what I assumed! But not only do I have a mate; I have a guy mate. 

Let me pause and back up. I'm not homophobic. I've never once judged people for loving whichever gender they want, and I've never thought less of Landon for being gay. Or bisexual. Or whatever he identifies as. The point is, males aren't my preference. Dicks weird me out. I can't imagine touching one — unless it's my own and I'm picturing one of those female K-Pop idols who really know how to dance.

No offense to Kai or anything, but I'm straight as a fucking pole. Sure, he's the cutest boy I've ever seen, but he's still a boy. Cute isn't going to make my dick rise.

I'm caught off-guard when the door is shoved open, sending me crashing to the ground. Looking up confusedly, I furrow my brows at Landon and Ryland.

"The fuck?" I gape at the two of them. "How did you get in here? I locked the door."

Ryland holds up a small brass pin. "Key."

I turn an accusatory glare towards Landon, who shrugs and says, "My parents keep one on top of the door frame. Lia used to lock herself in the bathroom to spite us when we were younger."

"Okay..." I draw out. "What are you going in here? I could've been taking a piss and then you would've seen my dick."

Landon winces while Ryland remains unamused, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We need to talk," Ryland states firmly.

"About?"

Scoffing, his arms drop to his sides. "About? My brother thinks you're his mate. Is he right? Are you guys mates?"

"Looks like it," I grumble with a sigh.

"Oh shit," Landon breathes out, and his sentiment is understandable. Out of everyone in my life, Landon is the one who knows me best. In fact, he's been unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of many of my rants about how much I hate the concept of mates.

What's the point? To make sure we're not alone for the rest of our lives? That's fucking ridiculous. The Moon can't just decide that we're not allowed to be alone. If I want to spend my life alone, I'm going to. Hell, I'd rather be alone than forced to love someone I otherwise wouldn't have given a second glance.

"Lucca," Ryland starts lowly. "This isn't a joke. I've heard from Landon exactly what you're feelings are regarding mates. And I want to respect that, but that's my brother."

"What do you expect me to say? No one can force me to be with some—"

The wind gets knocked out of me when Ryland suddenly slams me against the wall, pressing his forearm firmly against my chest. His eyes flash gold menacingly as a low group rumbles in his throat.

"You will not reject him," Ryland growls, and my eyes darken.

"You can't tell me what to fucking do," I snap at him.

"This isn't a game, Lucca! I experienced firsthand the consequences of rejection. You may not think so, but I care too much about you to watch you make that mistake. And I care too much about Kai to let you hurt him."

That manages to make me pause as Lincoln whimpers. After Ryland was rejected, they were both punished and became feral. Well, Ryland only went half-feral because his bond somehow attached to Landon's, and I guess that saved him. But his old mate, Roman, went completely feral. And then Ryland stabbed him in the neck and it was fucking gross.

Lincoln and I have barely survived the past several years; somehow managing to not go feral after becoming a rogue. If rejecting our mate puts us at risk for going feral, then those years of perseverance will have been in vain. I can't reject him, but I also don't want to be influenced to love someone. Shit, I feel like a cornered animal.

"Dammit," I groan, wiping my hand down my face. "No. I'm not going to reject him."

Ryland blinks, taking a step back. "Then what are you going to do?"

"Honestly? I have no fucking clue."