Chapter 14

Steven's POV

"She's not my mate yet, so she’s not part of the family," I declared, my voice leaving no room for argument.

"But she will be soon," Freya replied, a knowing look in her eyes.

"By tomorrow night, she’ll be your mate, Steven. You need to start accepting that she's part of the family now," Freja added, her tone both gentle and unyielding.

I watched them, Freya and Freja, laughing with Ashley. They were chatting, their joy echoing through the house. But instead of feeling at ease, a strange discomfort twisted inside me. Without another word, I turned and headed upstairs, hoping to escape the tension building in my chest.

"Where are you going, Steven?" Freja called out, but I didn’t respond.

In my room, I sank onto the couch, staring blankly at the wall. This was really happening. Ashley was becoming part of my life. The weight of it all pressed down, tightening around me like a vice.

Moments later, Liam knocked softly, then entered, closing the door behind him.

"You alright,