Chapter One

Story by LycanLore66 on SoFurry

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#2 of Sanctuary

Chapter One of Fifteen


Ava Rush had just returned to Sanctuary from a weeklong assignation job in Egypt. Not difficult but jet lag was taking its toll on her. She rode the elevator down to the dorm area. Her bag heavy on her shoulder tugged at her jacket. Cranky and hungry, now was not the time to deal with people. The bell dinged and the steel doors opened.

The dorm area was where all of the Black Paw stayed during down time. A large common room outfitted with a bar and a small shop laid in the middle. The actual sleeping areas branched off from the common room in different hallways.

Ava made her way towards her room through the busy common area. Not wanting to speak with anyone, she hurried along. Half way there she noticed her bag had become less heavy. Turning she was met with two familiar faces. The Twins. Both of them much taller than her. At 6'7 they towered over her 5ft body. Big and powerful male Lycans, they looked exactly like each other. There was no difference to the untrained eye. They both wore their jet black hair short but just long enough that Ava could grip them up if needed. They had tan skin and a slight cover of fuzz over their arms and legs but hairless otherwise. Tight jaw lines and strong facial features made them look harsh and domineering. Their bright blue eyes seemed to change with emotion. Bright a happy when they were with her but a more darker navy color when around others.

Only Ava seemed to be able to tell them apart.

"Hello boys, I was wondering if you two were here."

Jayden took her bag for her making her smile.

"Miss me?"

They both nodded helping her carry her things. They didn't speak much to anyone in Sanctuary. Their reputation of being overly brutal and violent had made them unpopular around the dorm. Coming from the wilds of the United States they were used to a different style of fighting than anyone in Rome. Violence was their entire life. Raised by their mother who also was a member of the Black Paw, from childhood they were trained to be like this. Trusting no one kept them safe. Ava however, had known them for years and built up trust for them. They had saved her a few times while working together, going against what their mother had taught them. They both stayed with her from time to time, taking jobs together or working something out on their own. They were very close.

Ava lead them to her dorm room and let them inside.

"Just set it down on the couch. I will unpack later."

Jayden was the quiet and kind twin. Antisocial like Ava, he preferred staring at a computer screen to going out into the world. Deadly at long range, Jayden was a more stand offish killer. Kayden however was different. He was an up close and personal type of killer. Using mostly knives he liked being close when his target died. Feeling their last breath leave them. He was strong and swift, would sooner get into a fist fight than talk anything out.

The twins were dominate and harsh with anyone they met. Barely able to acquire jobs themselves from the Hub. Unable to join any teams because of this, they always worked alone. Basically no one wanted them, besides Ava. When they were with her, she barked her orders at them and they always listened. She could ask them to do anything and they would obey. One cross look from her and they would submit to what she wanted. Nicknamed her hounds when they worked together.

Ava liked having them around. They were different when they were with her. Even Kayden was kind to her. He made sure her wounds were cared for before theirs and that she ate before them. Not only useful for intimidation purposes they made her happy too.

"How was the job?"

Jayden asked after setting her bags down. Ava peeled her jacket off and sighed.

"Fine. No issues or anything. I just hate flying across country."

They stood together in her living room watching her. Ava smiled over at them and hung her jacket up. She had missed the both of them more than she thought.

"How are my boys?"

"Good."

Kayden answered in his growly voice. He always sounded agitated but Ava knew it was just how he spoke. Helped her determine which twin was which. Jayden spoke softly most of the time, if at all.

"Awaiting your return, Alpha."

Ava laughed at Kayden's nickname for her. He had started calling her that when they first met because of how she took command. She liked it.

"Did you two stay out of trouble?"

"As best we could."

"Are you hungry?"

Jayden asked nudging past his brother.

"I can make something."

"That be nice, thank you Jay. Would you two like to stay over tonight?"

Ava's smile grew as they both just nodded their heads. Jayden looked excitedly to his twin, who asked.

"If you are alright with that, Alpha."

"I'll make up my second bed for you while I put my stuff away. Go on Jay, work your magic in my kitchen. You."

She met eyes with Kayden.

"Come with me."

Of course the followed her orders as always and Ava lead Kayden into her room.

"I need some help with some tall things in my room."

Kayden nodded and set her bag down on her bed. Hanging from her ceiling were different job slips she had done. She kept trophies of all her jobs she had ever worked and her walls were full now, ceiling was last choice. Too short to do it herself she entrusted the twins to hang them for her. Kayden took her slip and asked.

"Where was your job located?"

"Egypt. Why I'm so tired. Flying back from there was a task."

Kayden hung her slip from the ceiling then turned to her.

"We just returned from Russia a few days ago."

"How was it?"

"Fine, Jay picked him off from a mile away. I didn't even get to do anything but take out a few guards."

Kayden's voice growled out the last part. He wanted more action. Ava dumped her bag out on her bed and looked over at him.

"Uneventful it seems. Once Jay figures out how to kill people through his phone I think we will all be out of a job."

"I'll just keep smashing his stuff to prevent that."

He replied shrugging. Ava laughed and started sorting through her clothes.

"Ah siblings."

Jayden came into her room and said.

"You have crap for food. I can't work with this."

"Oh right, I didn't go shopping yet."

Ava sighed heavily. All she wanted to do was relax, not go food shopping. She watched Kayden meet his twins eyes and grunt softly. Jayden nodded back at him crossing his arms. They had their own language between each other. Formed in puppyhood, no one understood it, not even Ava.

"We can take you out tonight, Alpha."

Ava sat on her bed and smiled over at them.

"Yeah? Last time we went out together that guy tried stealing my bag and you two got into a fist fight. Is that going to happen again?"

"Yes."

"If someone tries to take what is yours, yes."

She smiled at their answers and let out a laugh.

"I do like watching you fight. Alright boys, take me out."

><

Ava rode with the twins in their big old truck. They had brought it over from the United States and it did not fit with the normal traffic at all. Loud and large it was their treasure. Allowing them to keep the truck was one of the terms of returning to Rome with Ava. They both had worked on it all their lives. Keeping it running and in near perfect condition. Ava didn't mind it but knew everyone else hated it. She liked arriving places with them. Always raised her confidence being able to handle the twins when no one else could.

The arrived at a small bar a few miles away from their home base. The Dot was a local Lycan bar. Small and hidden down an alley it was a favorite among the Black Paw. Ava followed closely by her boys, went into the Dot.

"Ah the Fox and her hounds."

Brenton Lamont greeted her as she entered. A smile on his worn face a welcome sight. Brenton owned the Dot and was friends with Ava's father. She had known him for a long time.

"Haven't seen you three in a while."

The twins stood behind Ava always. Wherever she went they followed.

"Come for drinks?"

"Food actually. I just returned and realized my fridge is empty."

"Ah the "jet lag special". Yes of course."

Brenton laughed and waved for her to follow. Ava greeted a few friends as she followed the staircase down into the bar. The front door was a smaller area, easy to see who was coming and going. The actual bar was underground. Tables and chairs littered the center area while all around the walls sat the actual bar and kitchen. Ava did love this place.

Brenton sat her in her usual corner and pulled up seats for the twins.

"The usual, Fox?"

"Yes, put it on their tab though."

She teased. Brenton chuckled and went off. Jayden and Kayden sat on either sides of the square table, letting Ava have her back to the wall. They both gazed around the bar, taking stock in their surroundings. As they always did.

"Relax boys. Enjoy our night out together. Anything new in your lives?"

Jayden instantly relaxed but Kayden stayed on edge.

"We saw our mother a while ago. She is well and told us to tell you she said hello."

"Still living out in the wilds?"

"Yes, she likes it there."

Jayden answered with a nod.

"Misses you."

"It has been a while since I visited. Maybe we should go one day together."

Ava suggested. She reached out and snapped her fingers a few times at Kayden.

"Pay attention Thing One."

His eyes turned back to hers as she smiled at him.

"What do you think. Visit together?"

"Yes, she has missed you. As have we."

Jayden nodded and smiled.

"You were gone too long."

"Solo missions boys. The money is worth it."

Ava explained with a shrug.

"Besides I'm sure you two had someone to keep you occupied while I am away."

Kayden let out a growl as Jayden just looked embarrassed.

"Oh yes we did."

"Don't make him all flustered Kay."

Ava said with a laugh.

"Did you two really miss me?"

"Yes."

They both answered together. Ava laughed again leaning back in her chair. They were fun to have around. Jayden looked up from his hands and met her eyes.

"We wanted to speak with you about that."

"Oh? What has Kay put into your head?"

Ava asked laughing. Jayden looked over at Kayden who met his eyes. Ava's smile faded a bit as they fell silent.

"Boys? What's wrong?"

"We will discuss it later."

Kayden growled. Jayden looked back down to his hands, silent. Ava crossed her arms turning to look at Kayden.

"Oh that is so not happening. Kay, spill it. Don't you pressure Jay into silence."

Kayden threw Jayden a look then said.

"We were speaking about you the other day."

"Good things."

Jayden added looking up at her. Kayden growled at his brother making him look away again.

"And I was doing some math. It seems if we were to team up we could make more per one job verses us working separately."

Ava smiled over at Kayden.

"You mean join up for good?"

"We were just talking about it."

Jayden said shaking his head. He sounded shy.

"We know you like your solo jobs and I'm sure us following you around everywhere has dampened your reputation."

"Aw boys."

Ava reached out and held both of their hands.

"You know I don't give a shit about reputations. And if we are being honest here, it has improved having you two jackals follow me around. You don't listen to anyone else but me, you don't get along with anyone else but me, and let's face it."

She gave them both a playful look then said.

"No one else is gonna put up with you."

Kayden chuckled and nudged his brother.

"She is right."

"I think we'd make a good team together."

Jayden still wouldn't meet her eyes. Ava patted their hands then sat back in her seat.

"We can discuss it tomorrow. Let's relax and have fun. Tell me about your visit with your mom. I do miss her stories."

><

Ava returned home late that night with the twins in tow. As she got down beneath Sanctuary to the common room, she noticed an old friend.

"Hey there Ricky."

Ricky Slave was her oldest friend in Black Paw. They had worked a few of her first jobs together so she could learn the ropes. He was an older male Lycan, tall and thin. Wore glasses covering his big brown eyes, and his short black hair framed his square jaw.

Ava went up to him and shook his hand smiling.

"Long time Fox."

He smiled back.

"Glad to see you are still alive."

"I am too stubborn to go down."

Ava smirked at him. Ricky laughed shaking his head.

"True."

The twins came up behind Ava and she watched Ricky's eyes narrow on them.

"Ah the hounds arrive."

Ava heard them both let out low growls, their normal reaction to anyone besides her. Turning to them she said.

"Go to my room. Set up a movie for us to watch, don't let Kay bully you into an action movie Jay."

They both nodded and went off towards her room without another word. She quickly caught Ricky's eye and asked.

"Did you need something Ricky?"

"No, just saying hello."

He watched them leave then looked back at her.

"Attack dogs still hanging off your arms I see."

"They are my friends. I've known them for just about sixty years."

Ava replied shrugging her shoulders. Ricky crossed his arms and glared at her.

"You should know better than to hang around wild animals. It's dangerous."

"Only if you don't have control of them."

Ava glared back at him.

"They listen well to me as you can tell."

"For now. Even the most loyal wolves bite the hand that feeds."

Ricky growled.

"They are untrustworthy. If you are looking for someone to work with, you know I'm always up for that."

Ava glanced over to her dorm hallway then said.

"I know. I have it under control. But I am tired, been a long day. I'd like to go relax."

"Of course. I'll see you later on if you are around."

Ricky left and Ava retired to her dorm. As she closed her door behind her she saw Kayden lounging on her couch with the remote and Jayden in her kitchen grabbing drinks. She smiled and went to join Kayden on the couch. He lounged against the arm of the couch, half slouched down. His one arm slung up over his head. Relaxed.

"You bullied your brother for the remote didn't you?"

"Nope, won fair and square. Rock, paper, scissors."

Ava rolled her eyes and sat beside him.

"No cheating?"

He smiled at her.

"Never."

Ava laid against Kayden's side as Jayden joined them. He held out a glass to her and smiled.

"For you."

"Thank you Jay. You're so sweet. Sorry you lost."

"Hard to win against a twin."

He sat with them and propped her legs up over his.

"Why we don't fight. It would just be an ever long battle."

Ava sipped on the tea Jayden had given her, relaxing into her boys. She adored them and was happy they were here when she got home. Her cranky and angry feelings gone now, she relaxed.

Kayden shifted behind her allowing her to rest against his body.

"Tired Alpha?"

"A bit, yes."

Ava replied. Jayden ran his hand down her leg catching her attention.

"Are you through with us?"

She smiled at him.

"Never boys. I made up the extra bed for you two. You know I never tire of having you two around."

Jayden smiled and looked back at the TV.

Ava met the twins sixty years ago while she worked a job in the United States. They were running wild then. Crazed and deadly. Right after she had finished her job she had accidently run into them while they robbed a store. They killed everyone in the store but her. They danced around her as they mauled everyone in the store then approached her. She hooped and hollered at them about their technique for a solid ten minutes. They just stared at her while she yelled. Almost in disbelief. They took her to their safe house when the cops started to show up to keep her safe.

She kept them around showing them how to use their raw strength in a style that would save energy but still made them deadly. They were quiet and unsure of her at first then she met their mother.

An older Lycan, Apollo was strong and smart after spending over 100 years in Black Paw. She raised her boys to be killers from birth, and they were good at it. When they took Ava to meet their mother, Apollo doted on her. She reminded Ava of her own mother. Apollo learning that Ava had lost her mother, she took over instantly. They stayed together in the wilds for months. Ava took a small break from killing to enjoy the twin's family life. That was when the twins really started to grow on her. They promised their mother to watch over her and made Ava promise the same in return. It was nice for a while but her itch to get back to Rome became too strong. The twins followed her of course and the rest was history.

Now they had spent almost a lifetime together. Ava trusted them with her life and would do anything for them.

"I had fun tonight boys. Thank you for taking me out."

"You're welcome."

They said in unison. Ava let out a yawn as she stretched.

"You two staying around here for a while?"

"Yes, Kay has a few things to make before we take a job again. Supplies and such."

Jayden answered. He tossed a small blanket over her body and rested his hand on her knee. Ava gazed over at him and smiled.

"I could use more medical supplies. We can make stuff together tomorrow."

Jayden nodded and returned her smile.

"Alright."

She turned back to the TV and hunkered down under the blanket. Kayden adjusted again behind her allowing her head to lean back against his side. His arm came down around her. Jayden leaned back against the couch letting her stretch out across him. Smiling she closed her eyes and said softly.

"You two are going to put me to sleep."

"You are tired Alpha."

Kayden's growly voice just made her smile more.

"We will stand watch while you sleep as always."

"Always."

Jayden added with a nod. Ava snuggled down into her boys and was soon slipping into blissful sleep.

><

The next morning Ava awoke in her bed. Kayden was usually the one to put her there is she fell asleep on them. Sitting up in bed Jayden's blanket fell off her shoulder. Across her bedroom she saw two white wolves curled around each other in the smaller cot she made up. They were the only pure white wolves she had ever met in all her years. Her own pelt was a mix of black and a few white splashes across her sides and hips. More black than white. She smiled and called to them.

"Oh boys."

The were big even in their wolf forms. Normal looking wolves with striking blue eyes. They came up to her torso at the shoulders. Jayden's head lifted first, his eyes focusing over on her. Ava sat on the edge of her bed smiling over at him.

"Sleep well?"

Kayden's head lifted next a loud yawn leaving him.

"Yes actually. Jay didn't snore."

Jayden growled at him, his black lips pulling back, showing his sharp canines. Ava giggled and got out of bed.

"You two are funny. Go on out in the living room while I get changed."

She looked to the two white wolves standing and stretching in the cot. Amusing to watch. Jayden let out a happy yelp and Kayden followed him out of the room. Ava shut the door behind them laughing.

She dressed in her off day clothes. A t-shirt, hoodie, jeans, her lucky socks. Mismatched colors of course. Going back out into the living room her boys were back in their human form awaiting her. They smiled as she came out.

"Morning boys. How about you two follow me to the store and we can stop and grab some breakfast on the way?"

They looked to each other for approval then nodded to her.

"I could eat."

"Alpha needs food."

Ava laughed at their responses and went to them.

"Got to bring my guard dogs. I am a tiny 5ft female, what if someone tries to attack me."

"First off you would kill them."

Jayden replied with a sly smile. Kayden agreed then said.

"Second if they survived what you could dish out we would just eat the scraps."

Ava patted their chests and went to put her shoes on.

"Good boys."

><

Ava wandered around the local store a few buildings down from The Sanctuary. Kayden and Jayden followed behind as always. Talking with themselves or toying with things on the shelves. She got a few odd looks from the humans shopping around her. Two large males following her always attracted attention. Especially from humans. The twins were large strapping males. Often women would try and flirt with them while they were out with Ava. They were both "active" males when they weren't with her. Hearing from friends of friends how active they were sometimes, Ava was still surprised not once while they were with her did they ever respond to women. They would just brush them off and continue with her. Ava tossed it up to their mother's teachings and didn't bother them on it.

Filling her cart about half way she turned to the twins. They stood behind her as always and gazed down when she turned to them. Always ready to heed her orders.

"What do you two want to do after here? Anything you need done?"

"No, besides the supplies."

Jayden answered with a shrug. Ava nodded and continued down the aisle.

"So that means we can talk about us becoming a group. What made you two decide to try and partner with someone?"

"Money."

Kayden mumbled. Jayden nudged him and shook his head.

"It's for more than that. We like working with you."

Ava laughed and said.

"I like working with you two as well. Kay, what was the math you were talking about?"

"If we work together we can take higher ranked jobs. More money and less work for us. With the three of us together we can take down anyone. More money."

Kayden explained from behind her. He sounded sure of himself, proud. Ava did agree with him. Low level jobs was all she had taken recently. They paid the bills but didn't allow much room for spending money. Jayden came around to in front of the cart and stopped her.

"When we work together it is effortless. We can make a lot of money and have an easy time doing it."

Ava smiled at him.

"So, we would do all our jobs together?"

"Yes."

They both said. Ava looked back at Kayden who let out a soft growl.

"You would lead as always, Alpha. We trust your judgement over our own."

She nodded and turned back to Jayden.

"You two really want this?"

"Yes."

They answered again. Ava smiled and met Jayden's eyes.

"Alright boys. I guess we did really earn that nickname. The Fox and her Hounds."

Jayden smiled back at her, his eyes relieved.

"We will gladly be known as your Hounds. I am happy you said yes."

"I didn't think you two would want to partner up with anyone. You never work with anyone else."

Ava pushed the cart past Jayden smiling at him.

"Glad you are okay with me keeping command. Dunno if I would have agreed if I couldn't boss you two around."

"We follow your lead, Alpha."

Kayden growled.

"And only your lead."

"I appreciate it. Makes is hard for someone to take me out with two hounds watching my back."

Ava joked looking back at them. They just smiled and followed her along.

><

Ava had the twins carry her bags down to her dorm when they returned. She followed behind them towards her dorm.

"Rush!"

Ava turned hearing her name called.

"Go ahead boys. I'll catch up."

They nodded and left. Ava went over to Ricky as he called out to her again.

"I'm not deaf Ricky."

She growled joining him at the bar. He chuckled and turned to her.

"Wasn't sure you could hear me over all that testosterone surrounding you."

"Ha-ha very funny."

Ava rolled her eyes.

"What do you want?"

"Out with the animals again?"

Ricky teased smiling at her.

"When are you going to partner up with a normal Lycan?"

"Tell me when you find one."

Ava shot back.

"None of us are normal. And besides, I just partnered up with the twins. We are going to start doing all our jobs together."

Ricky's brown eyes narrowed on hers and small growl leaving him.

"What?"

"Yeah, triple threat."

Ava joked taking advantage of Ricky's anger.

"Bigger jobs bigger pay out. Maybe I'll move out of the dorms. Find myself a real house."

"You do realize who you are partnering up with?"

Ricky asked with disbelief in his voice. Ava nodded and smiled at him.

"Yep."

"Ava...I am being serious."

Ricky stared down at her.

"They will turn on you. They have fought others here before."

"I am different. Trust me Ricky."

Ava patted his arm smiling.

"I am too hard headed remember?"

He shook his head and left her side. Ava returned to her room just in time to see Jayden finish putting her food away. Kayden stood across the room picking up dishes from her living room. She smiled and crossed her arms.

"Boys...you didn't have to do all that."

"We don't mind."

Jayden said. He perked up realizing she had rejoined them. Kayden went past her with an arm full of dishes and said.

"Keeps us busy. We like busy."

Ava watched them finish loading her dishwasher and put food away. Ricky was wrong about them, she knew them better.

"Well thank you. Are you ready to start making some supplies?"

"Yes."

They said in unison. Ava sat at her kitchen table with a thump and smiled over at them.

"Good, I like when my boys are ready. Come, sit with me."

><

Later in the day Ava was lounging on her couch watching TV, alone. The twins had gone back to their dorm to shower and drop off the new supplies they had just made. She knew they would return to her eventually. Whenever they and herself were at Sanctuary, the twins could almost always be found with her. Now that they had decided to work together as a group she knew she wouldn't be alone very often.

It didn't take long for them to return. Hearing her door open she turned to look at it.

"Boys?"

"Yes Alpha."

Kayden growled coming inside, his brother not far behind him.

"We have returned."

"Oh good!"

She smiled and sat up on her couch.

"It was too quiet. Come, join me while I watch TV. No chick-flicks I promise.

They came over and settled on either side of her. Jayden toyed with his hands nervously, Ava's first clue something was up.

"Jay...why are you doing your nervous thing?"

Jayden stopped instantly and looked down at his feet.

"I dunno what you're talking about."

Ava smiled and leaned into him.

"Jay don't you lie to me now."

He shook his head still not meeting her eyes.

"Never..."

"He wants what we ask you for sometimes."

Kayden growled behind her. Ava reached out and touched Jayden's arm.

"Is that true Jay?"

He slowly nodded finally looking up to her eyes. He was adorable when he was shy.

"Yes."

Ava took his hand in hers and smiled up at him.

Jayden had started asking to be close with her when they returned to Rome. After spending months with their mother. The both of them craved comfort from time to time. Being as rough and always on edge made them stressed out. Sometimes they would just want to be close with her. She took note from her own mother's teachings and would cuddle and treat them sweetly for a while. Jayden would ask more often than Kayden. He craved comfort more than his brother. Being the softer more shy twin Kayden teased him about it sometimes. Ava didn't mind at all. She would wrap them up in her arms and just be close and kind to them.

"You know you don't have to be shy with me Jay. Just ask. Go ahead."

"Kay was making fun of me."

Jayden mumbled. Kayden chuckled and Ava glared back at him.

"Don't make it worse Kay."

He just smiled and turned his attention back to the TV. Stealing the remote. Ava turned back to Jayden who met her eyes. She patted his arm and said.

"Ask me Jay. No fear."

"Can we cuddle...?"

Jayden's voice came out just above a whisper. His blue eyes shy and reserved. Ava smiled and nodded.

"Of course Jay. I know how much you like it. More than your annoying brother."

"Watch it."

Kayden growled. Ava turned and Jayden pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her tightly. She laid against his chest running her hand up and down his arm.

"Watch what Kay? I have sat with you like this a few times."

Kayden glared at his brother and then looked over at her.

"The annoying part."

"Sometimes you are."

Ava joked nudging him with her foot. Jayden chuckled and said.

"I agree."

"The both of you can go to hell."

Kayden growled his words. Jayden pulled her into his lap sitting her against his chest. Ava turned and nuzzled into Jayden's burly body, getting as close to him as she could. It never got sexual between them during these times. Ava was surprised they had never asked to lay with her like that in all their time together. They were active with other females but never her it seemed. Not that she minded at all. It was just strange.

Jayden caught Ava's attention and met her eyes.

"You seem off today. Are you alright?"

She smiled at his caring ways.

"I'm alright. Happy to be joining a group with you two. When they release the new jobs tonight, we should grab one. Test out our new team."

"Yes, I agree. It has been a while since we worked together."

He replied. A smile on his face. Ava slid her arms around his neck and said.

"My big strong boys. I am excited to watch you work again. Such force. Such strength. So brutal. I love it."

"We will do you proud Alpha."

Kayden said sitting up on the edge of the couch. Jayden agreed with his brother then looked back down at Ava.

"We will lay our kill at your feet."

Ava felt pride swell her heart. She adored them so.

Jayden held Ava for a while, his hand running up and down her back. She relaxed in his arms. Occasionally she would drag her hand up his chest and caress his shoulder and neck. Both he and Kayden were hard with muscle but Ava could always find their soft spots. Jayden loved his hair played with along with the skin behind his ears. It always relaxed him when he had a bad day or was upset about something.

Kayden was a bit different. He was enjoyed the closeness cuddling came with. Ava would rest her head in the crook of his neck and roam his body with her hands. Anywhere she could drag her nails he liked. Especially his sides and chest. It was not often he asked to be close with her, but when he did they would spend hours together. He talked up a tough game but he was just as sweet and kind as his brother.

Even more infrequent was when they both wanted to hold her at them same time. She would just lay between them and they would hold and touch her for hours. That usually only happened after a rough mission or if something bad had happened to make them both upset.

Ava was held tight by Jayden for a good hour. Just long enough for Kayden's show to play a full episode. As the credits rolled Kayden stretched and stood up.

"Lunch time soon. Are you hungry Alpha?"

"Getting there."

Ava mumbled into Jayden's shirt.

"My cook seems to be busy right now."

Jayden laughed and squeezed her shoulder.

"For you, I'd get up."

"Good to know you are trained well. Where are you off to Kay?"

"Bathroom."

He replied.

"You alright Jay?"

Jayden nodded and hugged Ava tightly.

"Yes, enjoying my time."

"Good."

Kayden went off and Ava felt Jayden shift beneath her.

"I like this more than he does."

"You'd be surprised. Many times he's tried to cuddle me to death. You both are strong, and you can only get so close to me."

"Doesn't bother you does it?"

"Not at all."

Ava met his eyes and smiled.

"I understand how you two are. Comfort is something all of us Lycans crave. Why do you think we huddle up together for winter? And you both are pretty strong and violent most of the time. Must be nice to relax with someone you know would never hurt you after not trusting anyone for so long."

Jayden nodded and curled her head into his chest.

"Yes. We know you would never betray us..."

"We've known each other for a long time Jay. You two are my boys."

Ava nuzzled her face into his shirt, smiling.

"I could never hurt you."

"Thank you."

He mumbled hugging her tight. Ava squeezed him back and said.

"Any time."

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