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Beta - The Bayou Boys 75
VIVIANA I woke up with a start, the bed cold and empty beside me. Phin wasn't there. It was the knot of emotion tightening in my chest. I could feel him through the bond. He was upset, extremely upset. Panic took over as I sat up, the sense of his distress too strong to ignore. I climbed out of bed before I even had a chance to think. Where was he? Why hadn't he come back to bed? The bond pulsed, leading me toward Marilee's room. When I reached it, I stopped dead in my tracks. Phin stood at the door with it barely cracked open, his eyes fixed on Marilee as she slept. I saw his shoulders shaking. He was crying. Quiet, broken sobs that I'd never heard from him before. I froze, not knowing what to do. I had never seen him like this, never imagined he could break like this. I wrapped my arms around him from behind, pulling him close. The moment I touched him, the sobs grew louder and far more intense. He leaned back into me, his body trembling as whatever he was feeling see
Beta - The Bayou Boys 76
TEDDY I parked just far enough from the packhouse that no one would notice me, but close enough that I could still see it. The house loomed in the distance, and I couldn't stand looking at it. Everything felt wrong. Inside me, around me, everywhere. I gripped the steering wheel, trying to keep it together, but nothing was working.Cassy. The Moon Goddess. She wasn't just mine anymore. She belonged to something bigger. Bigger than me. Bigger than us. Bigger than our life. I hated it.I slammed my hand against the dashboard, instantly making my skin sting from the impact. I'd already broken a couple of knuckles punching things. What was one or two more? I didn't care. It wasn't enough to make the pain in my chest go away.I'd left her and stormed off after that argument. Again.She was right. I knew that. I'd been reckless. But it didn't change how I felt. It didn't change the fact that I was losing control of everything.I tried to take a breath and calm down, but it wasn'
Beta - The Bayou Boys 77
PHIN I jolted awake with a strange tightness in my chest and an odd light seeping into my eyes. The place didn't feel right. It wasn't the packhouse.I pushed myself up, the pull of this unfamiliar place tugging at me. It felt too clear, almost unreal.Then I noticed a woman who could've been mistaken for Cassy at first glance standing near a pond nearby. The blonde hair, fierce eyes...it all matched. But something ancient and otherworldly set her apart. I blinked, trying to make sense of it. This wasn't Cassy, and this wasn't a normal place.I scanned the area. Teddy was beside me, rubbing his face like this was something he'd seen before. He didn't look surprised, more like he'd resigned to whatever this was."What's going on?" I muttered.He sighed and sat up. "We're in Leila's world," he grumbled. "She pulls wolves here sometimes.""What?" I frowned as I stood up. "So you're telling me that's Cassy's Mom?"The woman turned to us. "That would be me," she announced with a smile.
Beta - The Bayou Boys 78
TEDDY I came to, disoriented and pissed off. Leila's world had a way of messing with your head, and I wasn't in the mood to deal with it. My body felt like I was still dragging part of that place with me. I didn't need to see Phin stirring beside me to know he was just as thrown off as I was."Brothers," I muttered under my breath. How? There was no denying we looked alike, but... Merde. None of it made sense.I got up and stormed out. I wasn't ready to talk to Phin. Hell, I wasn't ready to think about what Leila had said. I needed to clear my head, and I sure as hell wouldn't do that by sitting around.I made my way down to the docks. The steady slap of water against the shore always helped calm the voice in my mind, and this time was no different. I reached for the pile of tangled nets and ropes left from earlier. The lines were a disaster, but that was fine by me. It gave me something to focus on. Something that wasn't the fact that Leila, the Moon Goddess herself, had just flip
Beta - The Bayou Boys 79
CASSY Phin and I headed down the docks. Teddy had been gone for hours after they woke up.Teddy and Phin were brothers. It felt so strange to think about. I glanced over at Phin, who looked like he was working through the same thing."So... brothers?" I said as we walked. "You two have been through everything together. Still, this changes things, doesn't it?"Phin snorted and then sighed. "Yeah, I didn't see that coming. We've been best friends our whole lives. Finding out we're brothers? That's not something you just... find out."I studied his face. Teddy and Phin had always been inseparable. Like family, even before they knew it. Now that I thought about it, there were small similarities. "You know, you kind of look alike. Not a lot, but enough. Your eyes. Maybe the jaw, too."He glanced at me with a frown. "You think?"I nodded. "Leila wouldn't just say something like that for no reason. She's not the type. If she says you're brothers, she's probably right."Phin wiped his face
Beta - The Bayou Boys 80
PHINI stood at the dock, watching Teddy and Cassy disappear over the water in Teddy's new boat.. They were grinning, laughing even, the wind whipping through their hair as they cut through the waves. I tried to focus on how good it was to see Teddy like that again. Actually enjoying something. After everything he'd been through, after everything we had been through, I should've felt good about it.But the knot in my stomach wouldn't let up.I turned to walk away. Leila had dropped a bomb on us. Teddy and me, brothers? How? We'd grown up together, spent our entire lives side by side, and knew each other's stories inside and out. But somehow, we missed that part. I didn't want to think about it, didn't want to try and make sense of it right now. The only thing I could think to do was walk away and find something to occupy my hands. Maybe then, the mess in my head would settle. Viviana and Marilee were sewing curtains and bedding for our new house, and I'd promised to stay away so they
Beta - The Bayou Boys 81
As we docked the boat and headed back toward the house, Teddy was practically floating. He couldn't stop smiling. I could feel his happiness radiating through our bond. It hit me like a tidal wave. Pure, unfiltered joy. I didn't even have to look at him to know how he was feeling. He was on cloud nine.And me? I felt like I was drowning.The nausea that had started earlier wasn't going away. If anything, it was getting worse. My stomach was doing flips, but the only thing coming through the bond was Teddy's happiness. He was beside himself, and that, in turn, made me feel a little happy, too. But the happiness wasn't mine. It was his. It wasn't real.I tried to keep it together as we walked up the path to the house, but every step felt heavy. I saw Viviana sitting on the porch as we approached the house, watching Marilee play with the other kids. The scene was so peaceful, so... normal. It should have made me feel calm, but all it did was highlight how out of place I felt.Viviana
Beta - The Bayou Boys 82
CASSYViviana pushed open the door, balancing two mugs of tea as she walked in. I sat curled up on the couch, trying not to think about throwing up. Or how unprepared I really was for this. The thoughts hadn't stopped since the moment I saw the positive result."I thought this might help," she said, setting the cup down in front of me. "Ginger tea. It'll ease the nausea. I heard Lemon would do the same if that doesn't knock it out. I never tried it, though. The tea always helps me."I managed a weak smile, even though I couldn't stomach much right now. "Thanks," I muttered, reaching for the mug more out of politeness than anything else.She sat down beside me. She had a way of knowing when I needed someone to talk or when I just needed silence. Her being there felt like both a comfort and a reminder of everything I had to face."I thought we could chat," she said quietly. She understood the storm of emotions I couldn't stop from plaguing me.I stared into the tea, watching the steam
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Beta - The Bayou Boys 101
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 100
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 99
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 98
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 97
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 96
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 95
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 94
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
Beta - The Bayou Boys 93
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
