The morning dew clung to Mia's sneakers as she crossed the backyard at 5:45 AM. Her baggy sweater provided little warmth against the crisp air, and her booty shorts left her legs exposed to the early chill. She paced near the training area, watching her breath form small clouds.The sound of a door opening made her spin around. Liam emerged from the mansion, his powerful frame highlighted by fitted black workout shorts and a sleeveless shirt that showcased his muscled arms. A scowl darkened his face when he spotted her.His eyes raked over her outfit, his lip curling. "What the hell are you wearing?""I... these are my workout clothes." Mia crossed her arms over her chest."Those are pajamas." He circled her like a predator. "Did you seriously think booty shorts and an oversized sweater qualify as proper training attire?"Heat crept up Mia's neck. "They're comfortable-""This isn't a slumber party." His voice cut through the morning air. "If you can't even dress appropriately, how do
Mia stumbled into the kitchen, her muscles aching from Liam's brutal training session that he had later texted her to perform. Sweat plastered her tank top to her skin, and her throat burned with each breath. She froze in the doorway.Aiden stood at the counter, water bottle pressed to his lips. Droplets trickled down his bare chest, following the defined ridges of his abs before disappearing into the waistband of his black shorts. His broad shoulders flexed as he lowered the bottle, and Mia's mouth went dry."Like what you see?" His deep voice snapped her from her trance.Heat crept up her neck. "I just- water-" She gestured vaguely at the fridge, unable to form a coherent sentence.Aiden's lips curved into a knowing smile. He grabbed another bottle from the fridge and held it out, forcing her to step closer. The kitchen suddenly felt too small, too warm."Rough session with Liam?" His eyes tracked a bead of sweat rolling down her collarbone."You could say that." Mia reached for the
Mia stared at the rain outside her window, droplets trickling down the glass as her thoughts swirled. Liam's earlier touch still lingered on her skin, as if his hands had left an imprint on her soul. She could still feel the intensity of his gaze, the magnetic pull that left her shaken and yearning all at once. It was dangerous to let herself feel anything for him or for any of her stepbrothers. They were bound by circumstances she didn’t fully understand. She sighed and pulled her towel tighter around her body, stepping away from the window. Her shower had done little to calm her nerves, and the solitude of her room only heightened the storm raging within her. Just as she was about to settle onto her bed, the door creaked open. Aiden stood there, leaning against the frame like he owned the world. His eyes roamed over her with a deliberateness that made her pulse quicken. "Enjoying your evening, Mia?" His voice was low, smooth, and utterly disarming. Her fingers tightened aroun
Strong Enough The weekend arrived, and the mansion was as lively as ever. Aiden, Zander, Liam, and Matthew stood in the living room, pretending to listen as their father spoke. His voice was stern, cutting through the cheerful atmosphere that usually filled the house."This weekend, there will be no wild parties," their father said firmly, his arms crossed. “You have a little sister now, and it’s time to act responsibly.”The boys exchanged quick glances, nodding obediently. "Yes, Dad. We understand," Aiden replied with a convincing smile, though mischief sparkled in his eyes.Their father sighed, clearly skeptical but too tired to argue. “Good. I don’t want any trouble.”As soon as he walked out, the brothers dropped the act. Zander turned to the group with a smirk. “We’re still throwing the party.”Aiden grinned. “Obviously. What’s one party going to hurt?”Later that evening, Zander sought out Mia in her room. He knocked once before pushing the door open, not waiting for a respon
Mia's fingers traced the jagged ends of her hair in the bathroom mirror. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across her tear-stained face, red lipstick smeared across her cheeks like war paint."You're my mate." The words echoed in her mind, the memory fresh from minutes earlier. Her heart had soared at first, feeling that precious bond snap into place when Tarlose approached her in the crowded hallway."Everyone, watch this." Tarlose's voice had carried across the gathered crowd. "Watch me claim my mate."Her chin trembled at the memory. "I accept-" The words had barely left her lips when his palm connected with her cheek, the crack of it silencing the hallway."As if I'd ever want a mate like you." His laugh had cut deeper than the slap. "Hold her still."Rough hands had gripped her arms while he pulled out the lipstick. "Let's make you pretty, Mia. Since you clearly need the help.""Stop, please." She'd struggled against the grip. "We're supposed to be friends. We grew up tog
The black gates of the Hawthorne estate swung open, revealing a sprawling mansion that stretched across manicured grounds. Mia pressed her face against the car window, her eyes wide at the sight of marble fountains and perfectly trimmed hedges."Welcome home." Victor's voice carried a note of pride as the car rolled to a stop.The front doors opened, and a line of staff members emerged to collect their bags. Mia clutched her backpack closer, not ready to let go of the few possessions she'd brought with her."Come." Sarah wrapped an arm around Mia's shoulders as they climbed the stone steps. "Let's get you settled."The entrance hall soared three stories high, crystal chandeliers catching the late afternoon light. Mia's footsteps echoed against the marble floor, making her feel small and out of place."I know it's overwhelming." Sarah smoothed Mia's uneven hair. "But things will be different now. Once word gets out that you're Lord Hawthorne's stepdaughter-""Those children who hurt yo
Lord Victor straightened his jacket, composure restored though tension still lined his face. "Let me properly introduce you. Sarah, Mia - these are my sons, Matthew and Zander Hawthorne.""I'll gather your other brothers." Victor's footsteps echoed as he left the study.Zander's lip curled. "Well, isn't this just perfect? Daddy's new toy brings her daughter who can't tell two people apart and gets my brother beaten.""Zander," Matthew warned, still holding his side."What? You're bleeding because she couldn't keep her mouth shut." zander stalked closer to Mia. "Or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing. Get in daddy's good graces by playing victim?"Sarah stepped forward. "How dare you speak to my daughter that way-""How dare I?" Zander's laugh held no humor. "You're the one who jumped right in with accusations. Didn't even look twice before throwing Matthew under the bus."Matthew pushed off from the bookshelf, wincing. "That's enough.""No, it's not enough." Zander's green eyes
That evening, Mia pushed open the door to what she thought was the library. Steam billowed out, carrying the scent of cedar and spice. Her breath caught in her throat.Matthew stood by the window, water droplets trailing down his muscled back. A white towel hung low on his hips, barely clinging to his narrow waist. His dark hair curled wet against his neck.Heat flooded Mia's cheeks. She should leave. Should turn around. But her feet remained frozen to the spot as her eyes traced the defined planes of his shoulders, the ridges of his abs.He turned, catching her gaze in the mirror. A slow, predatory smile spread across his face. "Like what you see?""I- I was looking for the library." Mia's voice came out breathier than intended.Matthew stalked toward her, each step deliberate. "This is my private bathroom." His eyes raked over her, sending shivers down her spine. "Though I don't mind giving you a... private tour.""I should go." But she didn't move."Should you?" He closed the dista
Strong Enough The weekend arrived, and the mansion was as lively as ever. Aiden, Zander, Liam, and Matthew stood in the living room, pretending to listen as their father spoke. His voice was stern, cutting through the cheerful atmosphere that usually filled the house."This weekend, there will be no wild parties," their father said firmly, his arms crossed. “You have a little sister now, and it’s time to act responsibly.”The boys exchanged quick glances, nodding obediently. "Yes, Dad. We understand," Aiden replied with a convincing smile, though mischief sparkled in his eyes.Their father sighed, clearly skeptical but too tired to argue. “Good. I don’t want any trouble.”As soon as he walked out, the brothers dropped the act. Zander turned to the group with a smirk. “We’re still throwing the party.”Aiden grinned. “Obviously. What’s one party going to hurt?”Later that evening, Zander sought out Mia in her room. He knocked once before pushing the door open, not waiting for a respon
Mia stared at the rain outside her window, droplets trickling down the glass as her thoughts swirled. Liam's earlier touch still lingered on her skin, as if his hands had left an imprint on her soul. She could still feel the intensity of his gaze, the magnetic pull that left her shaken and yearning all at once. It was dangerous to let herself feel anything for him or for any of her stepbrothers. They were bound by circumstances she didn’t fully understand. She sighed and pulled her towel tighter around her body, stepping away from the window. Her shower had done little to calm her nerves, and the solitude of her room only heightened the storm raging within her. Just as she was about to settle onto her bed, the door creaked open. Aiden stood there, leaning against the frame like he owned the world. His eyes roamed over her with a deliberateness that made her pulse quicken. "Enjoying your evening, Mia?" His voice was low, smooth, and utterly disarming. Her fingers tightened aroun
Mia stumbled into the kitchen, her muscles aching from Liam's brutal training session that he had later texted her to perform. Sweat plastered her tank top to her skin, and her throat burned with each breath. She froze in the doorway.Aiden stood at the counter, water bottle pressed to his lips. Droplets trickled down his bare chest, following the defined ridges of his abs before disappearing into the waistband of his black shorts. His broad shoulders flexed as he lowered the bottle, and Mia's mouth went dry."Like what you see?" His deep voice snapped her from her trance.Heat crept up her neck. "I just- water-" She gestured vaguely at the fridge, unable to form a coherent sentence.Aiden's lips curved into a knowing smile. He grabbed another bottle from the fridge and held it out, forcing her to step closer. The kitchen suddenly felt too small, too warm."Rough session with Liam?" His eyes tracked a bead of sweat rolling down her collarbone."You could say that." Mia reached for the
The morning dew clung to Mia's sneakers as she crossed the backyard at 5:45 AM. Her baggy sweater provided little warmth against the crisp air, and her booty shorts left her legs exposed to the early chill. She paced near the training area, watching her breath form small clouds.The sound of a door opening made her spin around. Liam emerged from the mansion, his powerful frame highlighted by fitted black workout shorts and a sleeveless shirt that showcased his muscled arms. A scowl darkened his face when he spotted her.His eyes raked over her outfit, his lip curling. "What the hell are you wearing?""I... these are my workout clothes." Mia crossed her arms over her chest."Those are pajamas." He circled her like a predator. "Did you seriously think booty shorts and an oversized sweater qualify as proper training attire?"Heat crept up Mia's neck. "They're comfortable-""This isn't a slumber party." His voice cut through the morning air. "If you can't even dress appropriately, how do
( Note : 18+ 🔞 please read at your own risk )Mia's lips parted, a breathless gasp escaping as Liam's tongue delved deeper. The pill was forgotten, lost in her desire for his touch. Her wolf prowled beneath her skin, urging her on with its wild hunger.Liam growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating through her. His grip on her hair tightened as he pulled back to gaze at her with darkening eyes. "You're so beautiful like this."Mia's face flushed under his heated stare. Her fingers trailed down his chest, feeling the firm planes of muscle beneath smooth skin. She nipped at his jawline, reveling in the way his body tensed under her touch."Show me." Liam's voice dropped to a husky whisper. He guided her head lower with a hand at the nape of her neck, silently demanding more.Mia sank to her knees before him without hesitation. Her wolf thrummed inside her head, its presence both exhilarating and terrifying in its power. She reached up to unbuckle his belt with trembling hands."Li
"It's nothing." Matthew's voice came out hoarse, his hand still pressed against the mark on his neck. His eyes darted between Mia and the door, like a cornered animal searching for escape. Mia's fingers trembled as she finished buttoning her shirt. Her wolf prowled beneath her skin, growing more restless with each passing minute. Without her medication, the barrier between her human side and her wolf nature grew dangerously thin. "The pills," she managed through gritted teeth. "Please." Matthew's face hardened, his earlier shock replaced by something cold and distant. He gripped the pill bottle in his pocket until his knuckles turned white. "This isn't happening. We're not I can't be " A wave of dizziness hit Mia. She steadied herself against the wall, her vision blurring at the edges. Her wolf scratched and clawed, demanding to break free. "Matthew, I need them. You don't understand what happens when " "Stop." He cut her off, backing toward the door. "Just stop. This is so
Sunlight streamed through the curtains as Mia stirred awake. A heavy arm draped across her waist, pulling her flush against a warm chest. Her eyes flew open as Matthew's hand slid under her shirt, his fingers tracing patterns on her bare skin.Her breath caught. This wasn't right. Where was Aiden? The protective cocoon from last night had transformed into something else entirely."Morning, little mouse." Matthew's voice rasped against her ear, his touch becoming bolder.Mia jerked away, but his arm tightened. "Stop-"A knock at the door froze them both. "Mia? Why is your door locked?""Mom?" Panic shot through her veins. Sarah never found Mia's door locked - it was an unspoken rule between them since childhood.Matthew released her instantly, rolling off the bed. His footsteps barely made a sound as he slipped into the adjoining bathroom."Just a minute!" Mia's voice cracked as she scrambled to straighten her twisted pajamas."Honey, are you okay? You never lock your door." Sarah's wo
That evening, Mia pushed open the door to what she thought was the library. Steam billowed out, carrying the scent of cedar and spice. Her breath caught in her throat.Matthew stood by the window, water droplets trailing down his muscled back. A white towel hung low on his hips, barely clinging to his narrow waist. His dark hair curled wet against his neck.Heat flooded Mia's cheeks. She should leave. Should turn around. But her feet remained frozen to the spot as her eyes traced the defined planes of his shoulders, the ridges of his abs.He turned, catching her gaze in the mirror. A slow, predatory smile spread across his face. "Like what you see?""I- I was looking for the library." Mia's voice came out breathier than intended.Matthew stalked toward her, each step deliberate. "This is my private bathroom." His eyes raked over her, sending shivers down her spine. "Though I don't mind giving you a... private tour.""I should go." But she didn't move."Should you?" He closed the dista
Lord Victor straightened his jacket, composure restored though tension still lined his face. "Let me properly introduce you. Sarah, Mia - these are my sons, Matthew and Zander Hawthorne.""I'll gather your other brothers." Victor's footsteps echoed as he left the study.Zander's lip curled. "Well, isn't this just perfect? Daddy's new toy brings her daughter who can't tell two people apart and gets my brother beaten.""Zander," Matthew warned, still holding his side."What? You're bleeding because she couldn't keep her mouth shut." zander stalked closer to Mia. "Or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing. Get in daddy's good graces by playing victim?"Sarah stepped forward. "How dare you speak to my daughter that way-""How dare I?" Zander's laugh held no humor. "You're the one who jumped right in with accusations. Didn't even look twice before throwing Matthew under the bus."Matthew pushed off from the bookshelf, wincing. "That's enough.""No, it's not enough." Zander's green eyes