We stood on the docks, panting. The moon glowed silver over everything, making the moment feel almost surreal. I could feel Leila literally all around us. She approved. Of course, she did. She gave him to me, so of course she approved. Plus, I'd made it past my eighteen birthday. That was the only thing we were really waiting for here. I'd asked to see her many times to confirm we weren't doing something wrong, but she had yet to appear or speak. Instead, I just felt it. I felt how right this really was. My neck throbbed where Teddy had marked me as blood seeped from the fresh bite. He had really bared down. I could feel how much he held back even then. Together, we pressed our entwined hands against the wound, trying to stop the bleeding.We just stood there panting. I wasn't sure what to say. "Il saigne encore (It's still bleeding)," he said softly."I know," I replied, looking up at the moon. "It'll take a few days to heal completely. It's not a full moon, so it won't sto
He leaned down on his elbow, wrapping his fingers in my hair as I slowly guided him inside me. He thrust his hips as I released him. I allowed my fingernails to drag against his lower stomach as I pulled my hand away. A guttural growl filled the small room as his entire body tensed up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and held him still as the bond snapped into place with a force that surprised us both. It was so intense, a potent combination of pleasure and a little pain, but I welcomed it. I had wanted to feel him inside me for so long now. To feel his muscles trembling against mine. "Don't stop," I moaned. He started rolling his hips slowly. He really didn't have much idea what to do. I grabbed his hips and began guiding his movements. It was half to help him loosen up and half so I could keep touching the perfect muscles on his lower stomach as they flexed and moved. I started tracing my thumbs up and down the lines as he found a better rhythm. I could feel the emb
(TEDDY POV) We were in one another's arms in my old bed in the beta house. The one Phin would eventually take over if he ever calmed down. I was relieved Cassy decided not to let him out tonight because I sensed he would have done something to mess this up. He was jealous as hell that I was steps ahead of him. At the end of the day, he was acting out because he was envious that he had been trying everything to find his mate while mine walked into my life, saved my life, and then took over his life when he couldn't hack it.Tonight had been perfect. Absolutely perfect.Cassy leaned up and kissed my cheek."Happy birthday, Teddy. Now I understand why you said you wanted me for your birthday."I chuckled, feeling a new warmth spread through me. She didn't seem to mind or even dwell on the fact that I had essentially just admitted my virginity. I loved feeling her like this now.I couldn't help but think about how odd my situation was. In a pack where everyone was so free with their de
Sitting on the porch of the pack house, I watched Teddy grilling alligator gar on the old bathtub grill he had converted and welded himself in high school. He'd killed the fish on our first outing with the fishing rig crossbow without ever having used one before. Then he cleaned it. Now, he was cooking it for the pack as they all danced around him happily. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He moved with such confidence, so in tune with this world. His tattoos were mesmerizing, tribal designs snaking around his torso, ancient script down his flank. Each time he used his shirt to wipe his face, holding it in his teeth for a moment after, my mark tingled. I knew he was teasing me and could feel it through our bond. I loved it. I loved him. He was just so perfect. Sure, he was a virgin before we finally completed the bond, but I was fine with that. His lack of experience made him want to learn to please me perfectly. He loved that he would never focus on anyone else's pleasure but min
I made sure everyone was invited to the movie night. Farris was sent to the swampier areas to ensure everyone got the message. I equipped him with a backpack full of movie theater-style candy boxes, microwave popcorn, and cute invites I had printed. It took me only five minutes to put everything together, but the looks on the kids and even the adults' faces as I handed out the 'invites' made it seem like I had planned it for years. The joy and surprise on their faces were priceless. No one ever put this level of effort into anything around here.Farris, always enthusiastic with my instructions now that I knew his name, made a big deal out of both me and the movie night at the omega camps. His excitement was apparent to even the most reluctant omegas, and as a result, more pack members showed up than I had ever seen. Even a few past deserters appeared at the gate, cautiously asking if they could participate. I hoped I could convince them to stay by the end of the night.As the sun
I could tell he was fighting the usual demons. "You have to stay in control here, Phin. Sex is another one of your vices, and you know it. I'm not saying having sex is wrong, but don't trick her, okay? Treat her like she's treating you. Then it isn't a vice." "Do you have a condom?" he asked quietly. "Ask Teddy where he put your stash when we cleaned out your room," I replied. "I'm happy to see you were being somewhat smart about it." Phin kicked the dirt. "I didn't want to bring a kid into the world like I was. I want my kids to know both their parents, like you do." Being his alpha meant that even though he'd wronged me, I still felt the depth of his despair. It was hard to stay mad at him, feeling how strained and conflicted he had always felt. Teddy wasn't handling how I was going about it well, but I knew I had to trust my intuition here. Phin wasn't a bad guy. He just never had a good person directing him and teaching him right from wrong. I knew he needed something more
The airboat sped across the water. Cassy clung to me for dear life, her ear protection banging against mine every time we hit a bump. It was starting to get dangerous, so I shifted her away from me to prevent it from happening again. She panicked and pulled me closer."Stop, or you'll make us crash," I said through the mind link."Slow down!" she pleaded."You know I can't in one of these," I replied, feeling the boat's powerful vibrations under us. But she was genuinely scared, so I had to do something. I pushed her down to the lower seat as she protested. "Just trust me," I insisted.Reluctantly, she moved to the second seat. I draped my legs over her shoulders to keep her steady, pinning her back against the seat. She wrapped her arms around my calf muscles and gripped tightly. Strangely, this seemed to calm her down a little. It probably looked strange, and we couldn't do it with more of the pack members around, but at least I had figured out how she could handle the airboat bett
He gripped my hips as he thrust into me on the old wooden table in the shack. Every push sent a new kind of intense pleasure through my body, but something was missing."This isn't under the moonlight," I gasped.Without missing a beat, he lifted me effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me outside. The night air was cool against our heated skin, and the moonlight bathed us in its ethereal glow. He laid me down on the ground, and we were lost in each other instantly.The passion driving our movements changed constantly, alternating between rough, primal need and sweet, tender love. His rhythm was relentless, driving into me with a force that took my breath away. I loved it, how rough he was being. I craved the way he dominated me, holding me down as he took me. Claimed me. "Harder," I begged, my nails digging into his back as he complied, each thrust more powerful than the last. "Yes, like that."He growled against my mark, his accent slipping through. “Tu l’
KNOX - I pushed open the door to the house. Teddy followed behind, whistling some tune already stuck in my head. We'd left the twins with Phin. Koda and Marilee had been inseparable, and honestly, Phin seemed like he had things under control.I never thought I would say that, but it was true. He was doing pretty damn good handling this one. So far, anyway. Inside, the house was quiet. Too quiet.Teddy glanced around. "Where is everyone?"We stepped into the living room, and Cassy was lounging on the couch. She'd finally woken up, and I'm sure Mom had gotten all the kids out to give her some peace. I could barely register it before Teddy sprinted across the room and scooped her into his arms. He kissed her like the world might end if he didn't."Geez, get a room," I muttered, rolling my eyes as I leaned against the doorframe.Teddy shot me a grin over Cassy's shoulder. "Gladly," he quipped, lifting her effortlessly as she let out a playful laugh. He headed toward the hallway, carryi
PHIN - I walked along the edge of the bayou at daybreak. Koda and Kage trailed behind me, their steps careful as they took in the surroundings. I had to remember that they were essentially city boys. Cypress trees loomed above us, the Spanish moss draping down like nature's curtains. They were in awe."Today, I will show you boys some ways you can help out around here." I turned to face them. "There's always plenty to do, and it's a good way to get to know the land better."Kage grinned. "I've been waiting for this. What are we doing first?""We'll start by checking the crawfish traps," I replied. "Then maybe give Viv and Morna a hand with the feast."Koda glanced back toward the house. "Is Marilee coming too?""She'll join us later," I said. "Right now, she's helping her Mama in the kitchen."We made our way through the marsh, avoiding the softer mud. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and wet earth. As we reached the traps, I saw they were packed full of crawfish, thei
SKY - I stood in the kitchen, surveying the crazy mess of toys scattered across the floor. The twins, Nola and Huck, had transformed the entire house into their personal playground. They had an uncanny ability to find mischief in every corner at just a year old.I should have expected it just from watching their fathers. "Nola, that's not for chewing," I called out as she attempted to bite down on the remote control. She looked up with a cheeky grin, her tiny teeth flashing. They were teething and trying to chew the entire house up.Kyran chuckled beside me. "She's got your inquisitiveness, you know."I nudged him playfully. "And your knack for getting into trouble."Kael emerged from the hallway, carrying a laundry basket overflowing with tiny clothes. "Has anyone seen the other sock to this pair?" He held up a lone blue sock adorned with little wolves. Huck's favorite."Check under the couch," I suggested. "That's where Huck hides his treasures."As if on cue, Huckley waddled over
PHINWatching my daughter cling to Koda like her entire world depended on him tore me apart inside. She was too young for such an intense bond, and the worst part? It was my fault. My failures as an Alpha and as her father had pushed her toward this. I couldn't undo it, but the guilt was eating me alive.Knox cleared his throat. "Alright, time for us to head back," he announced as he looked at Viv and me. "The kids need to say their goodbyes."The moment he said it, the air shifted. Koda's grip on Marilee tightened, her tiny arms wrapping around him even more fiercely. Panic flared in their eyes, a sudden realization hitting them hard. It was like a switch had been flipped. It was sad they had not even thought about being seperated. This is why I wished Leila had waited a little longer. How will they handle it? They cannot be glued to one another forever. I wanted to be with my mate and had to wait. Teddy wanted to be with Cassy but had to wait. It was just a part of it. A part they
Finally, Kage took a few hesitant steps toward us. He crouched down, his face still uncertain, but then, with a quiet smile, he reached out and gave me a gentle shove, trying to pull me into the game. I barked and ran toward him, nipping playfully at his hand. He laughed softly, and for a second, it was like old times. Just the two of us, playing like we always had. But then he hesitated again, glancing over at Marilee, and the awkwardness settled back in. Kage tried to join in, tried to wrestle a little with us, but I could tell his heart wasn’t really in it. After a few more halfhearted attempts, he gave up, standing back up with a sigh. He watched us for a moment longer, then turned and walked back toward the adults, his shoulders slumped. I watched him go, feeling guilty. I should’ve been there for him, should’ve pulled him in, but it was so hard to focus on anything other than Marilee right now. She was everything in that moment—her laughter, her bright eyes, her hands running
KODA - Everything felt different. The moment I shifted, the world around me grew bigger, louder, more alive. It wasn’t just me anymore. It was my wolf and me, together. My senses sharpened, picking up every sound, every movement, every shift in the air around me. I could hear the soft rustle of leaves, the water flowing in the Bayou, and most of all, I could smell Marilee close by. Her scent was sweet, warm, and safe. She wasn’t scared at all. “Koda! You did it!” Marilee’s voice was full of excitement. When she ran over, her fingers slipped into my fur like it was the most natural thing in the world. I leaned into her touch, letting my wolf take over for a moment. I felt every stroke, every soft scratch along my neck, and it made my tail wag before I could stop it. I’d done it. I’d shifted. For her. For Marilee. Her hand moved gently through my fur, scratching in a way that made me want to lie down at her feet and never move again. I wanted to be her wolf, to protect her, to alwa
PHIN - Marilee clung to me, her little body still trembling from everything that had happened, but I could feel her relaxing. Finally, she pulled back just enough to look up at me, those big brown eyes wide and curious."Daddy, Koda said he got his wolf. Can I see it? Please?"My stomach dropped. Letting Koda shift in front of her made me nervous as hell. He was too young. Sure, the kid had shifted already, but that didn't mean he could control it. Wolves didn't just pop out on command like some damn party trick. Especially not when they were barely twelve.I opened my mouth to tell her no, that it wasn't safe, but those eyes. Damn it, how could I say no to those eyes? She had me wrapped around her finger, and she knew it."I don't know, sweetheart," I muttered. "Koda and I need to have a few conversations first, okay? It's a big deal, and he's still learning. But maybe."Marilee's face lit up. Koda was right there the second I put her down, taking her hand like it was the most natur
PHIN - I couldn't get enough of her. After all the shit I'd said, all the ways I'd made her feel small, the only way to make it right was to show her how much I needed her. Not as some quiet background presence but as my equal. My everything. So I worshipped her the way she deserved. Her every curve fit perfectly against my body. This was me making up for every stupid remark I'd ever said. Her chestnut hair spilled over the pillow as I traced her skin with reverence, trailing kisses over her neck and down. I could feel her surrender, but it wasn't submission It was trust. Trust I had to earn back. "Je t'adore," I whispered. "You're everything, mon cœur." (I adore you... my heart) She let out a breath, arching into me. This wasn't just about sex anymore. This was something primal that connected us on a level I couldn't explain. As we moved together, I felt her wolf. It was faint, like an echo, but she was there. Viv hadn't heard her in so long, but now... Now she was stirrin
TEDDY - We hadn't stood there long when a noise echoed through the trees. Crashing, banging, something big tearing through the brush. I tensed immediately, my instincts kicking in as I exchanged a look with Knox. Then, something streaked past us. A blur, fast and low to the ground. A white blur."What the hell was that?" Knox asked.I didn't wait to answer. My wolf surged, pushing me forward, and I took off after the white blur. Knox was right on my heels. Whatever it was, it was moving fast, darting through the trees like a flash of lightning.The chase lasted for miles. We ran hard, faster than I'd run in weeks, our wolves pushing to keep up. My muscles burned, and every sharp turn through the woods made my mind race. The scent it left behind was faint but undeniable. Wolf, but something else too. Something unfamiliar.It wasn't until we were halfway to the Bayou land that the thing finally slowed. We cornered it near a narrow clearing, and I shifted back to human, my lungs burnin