Loraine’s POV Alpha Hunter insists on cooking for me, although he doesn’t need to. The night is quite warm, the full moon casting a soft golden hue over the world. We all sit at a picnic table while I stuff my face. It is a peaceful night—the kind that makes a person forget all their problems. Alpha Hunter is at the grill, flipping steaks like a man on a mission. His brows are furrowed in concentration, but when he catches me looking at me, the corners of his mouth twitch up. It is funny seeing him like this. The brother who is always in control—but ever since their return from that mission, they’ve just been taking extra care of me. Even Killian. He no longer sneers and growls when he’s around me. Although he had resumed my training only a day after his return, I feel like he’s going easy on me. None of them will talk about what happened during the fight, but I see it in their eyes, and I know that I need to give them time before they can talk about it. “You sure you got this
My Mates and Me Loraine’s POV I wake slowly, moaning in satisfaction as my mind floats in a deep sea of bliss. All three of my Alpha’s are wrapped around me on the bed. My eyes are still glued shut, but I can feel Kris’ hands caressing my body, his touch solidifying over me, promising to give me everything I can dream of. Alpha Hunter and Kris each take one side of me, with Preston lying between my legs, his head resting on my stomach like it is a pillow. Killian is not on the bed, but I catch his form draped on the armchair beside my bed. I guess we are back to that again. Yet, I can’t deny that something changed between us that morning, on the day they left. What I’m not sure of is if I want to explore it or leave it as it is. He’s been treating me better since they returned, and while I’m grateful for it, I’m kind of wary. I think to Gordon and what his appearance here the other day might mean. He wanted me to go back to him. Why? He had rejected me, humiliated me, and then
Loraine’s POV “I’m not trouble; I’m perfect.” I say to no one in particular as I bound myself out of bed. I have wasted two minutes kissing Kris, and now I have eight minutes before Alpha Hunter comes hurtling in here and pulling me outside by the hair. Okay, that might be a bit exaggerated, but you get the gist. “You are perfect, little wolf. Now, give me my kiss.” Preston says, squeezing my ass and turning me to face him. I raise myself to the tip of my toes and angle my head up until our lips meet. The kiss is wet and hot and still manages to send a shiver down my spine and throbbing in between my thighs. “I could get used to this.” I hum after we finally break apart. Kris chuckles. “You said that yesterday.” “And I meant it.” I answer too quick. I frown as I recall the answer Preston gave me. If I wanted this, then I would have to choose all of them. He said it as if he had no qualms with it. I look at Kris, but I can’t tell what’s going on in his head. His face is a bla
Loraine’s POV “Mabelline Graham?” I raise a brow. “What?” “Mabelline Graham,” Sasha answers. “The woman that’s returning to the pack after being exiled for five years.” She grunts, crossing her arm over her chest. “Big trouble for everyone. I guess the rumors are true then. She’s really coming back here. Are the Alphas allowing that?” I nod. “They are. Mostly Alpha Hunter anyway. I don’t think the other brothers are any more thrilled about her return than you are. Why? Why is everyone wary of her? Sasha snorts. “Mabel used to be mated to the four Alphas, just like you are.” “What?” I exclaim. “Why do I find that hard to believe? There’s no way they all could have been mated to the same woman. Did they all claim her?” “You bet they did.” Sasha answered. “She was their mate and, for some time, our Luna. Anyways, I don’t think you should be talking about her with the Alphas. She’s like a bad memory; they would rather stay buried for them. Them and every other person in their
Loriane’s POV “Good morning,” A voice speaks behind me, causing me to jump. I spin around to see a man I’ve never met before. He’s an older man—maybe as old as Alpha Hunter—with red curls almost like man and dark eyes. He is standing a few feet away, and there’s an amused smile on his face. For some reason, the man seems familiar. A pull in my chest tells me that I should know him. Maybe I’ve met him before, but my mind can’t seem to place the face. “Morning.” I answer tentatively, taking the time to study the man’s features. He is an attractive man, well built, and quite tall. Maybe even taller than Alpha Hunter. While his features are hard and serious, his face also has some soft quality that exudes warmth, inviting on me even when I can clearly sense how powerful he is. Is he one of the Alphas? “You are Loraine.” He states matter of fact. I pinch my thigh and glance around, wondering when Alpha Hunter will finish his interrogation and relieve me of this discomfort. I sigh
Loraine’s POV I am still upset with him, and after his half-hearted apology, I considered storming out, but that might only appear childish. Besides, I love running. I breathe in the cool air as we both stand facing the edge of the forest that is just behind the prison yard. We have not said anything to each other beyond his grunt of approval to my question, but there is no awkwardness around us, although I want there to be. I am still slightly embarrassed by the stunt he pulled, but I don’t know how to hold a grudge. I take another deep breath in before I start pulling my clothes off one after the other until I am completely naked. Alpha Hunter does the same, then folds them neatly and stores them in a shoulder bag that he slings over a tree branch. With a nod to him, I shift into my wolf form and run into the forest. The leaves crunch beneath my feet, and the shrubs are a blur as I race past, leaping over logs and skirting around trunks. I run for the sheer love of it, but t
Loraine's POV We arrive at the mansion to discover that the guys are planning a barbecue. Since the weather is unseasonably warm, an outdoor meal was deemed just the thing to celebrate the guys victory in battle. Sasha is the cook for the day, thankfully, and is already in super hostess mode. Potatoes are already on the grill baking and steaks marinating. A girl named Chloe is working on the pies for dessert, and after freshening up, I move to the kitchen to help them with the little I can. Unlike what Alpha Hunter gave us to eat the other day, today's meal is a success and quite big because all the betas are in attendance. Kris is yet to appoint a beta, but I know soon we will be seeing him around. It turns out Chloe is Jack’s chosen mate. The news is that he found his mate some years ago but rejected her. I did not have the entire story, and honestly, I did not think it was any of my business. As long as he was happy. Chloe seems like a nice person, a little shy, but the two
Loraine’s POV It has been three days since that day in the forest with Alpha Hunter, and to say I’m enjoying myself would be an understatement. Everything between the Alphas and me is going smoothly. Even Killian seems to be paying me more attention, although he is still very reserved. At least he says hi every now and then. That’s a start. For now, the only thing that eats me up is the return of their former mate. For some reason, the Alphas, even Killian, are wary and anxious about her return, and it is affecting me as well. I don’t know what kind of woman she is or what she might have done to the Alphas—judging what Killian told me one night, she had done some bad things to them, although he did not say what—I was wondering if five years was enough to change her. Every day, for the past two days, I was anticipating her return. I had no idea how she would return, where she lives, or if she would still pay the Alphas any mind, but the thought of her around is still unsettling.
Loraine’s POV One year later Warm sunlight streamed through the curtains, waking me from the most peaceful sleep I could remember. I stretched lazily, my smile growing as I realized I wasn’t alone. Soft lips trailed along my shoulder, followed by a whisper. “Good morning, my love,” Hunter’s voice was low and husky, his breath tickling my ear. I turned my head, meeting his dark, playful eyes. “Morning,” I murmured, still groggy but already melting under his gaze. Before I could say more, I felt another hand slide across my waist. Preston’s familiar laugh filled the room. “You’re hogging her, Hunter. Move over.” I rolled over, finding him smirking at me, his blond hair adorably tousled. “Is this how every morning is going to start from now on?” I teased. “Only the best for our Luna,” Killian chimed in, leaning against the doorframe with a tray of coffee and pastries. “Breakfast in bed?” Kris appeared behind him, shaking his head. “You’re all going to spoil her.” Hunter smirked
Loraine’s POV The beeping of machines was the first thing I heard when I woke up. My body felt heavy, and every inch of me ached. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking against the harsh hospital lights. Familiar voices reached my ears, filled with worry and relief. “She’s waking up!” Preston’s voice cracked. I turned my head slightly to see him standing by my side, his eyes rimmed red as if he hadn’t slept in days. “Loraine,” Hunter whispered, his hand reaching out to gently touch mine. His usual confident demeanor was replaced by raw emotion. “You’re okay. You’re safe now.” Tears welled up in my eyes as I saw all four of them—Hunter, Preston, Killian, and Kris—hovering around me like protective sentinels. “What… what happened?” I croaked, my voice raspy. Killian knelt down beside me, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You were kidnapped. The warriors that have been investigating it say that Gordon and Jennifer…” His jaw tightened, but he took a deep breath. “We found you ju
Hunter’s POV The abandoned warehouse the tracker led us to was ahead; its huge structure was sharp and terrifying against the night sky. The air was thick with tension, and my pulse roared in my ears as we pulled up to a screeching halt. Preston was the first to leap out, phone in hand, tracking Loraine’s location. “The signal ends here,” Preston said, his voice tight with worry. He turned the screen toward us. “She’s inside somewhere.” Kris gritted his teeth. “Let’s spread out. She could be hurt.” I grabbed his arm. “No one goes alone. If something happens, we’re stronger together, and I need every one of you alive, or else Loraine will kill me.” Gideon nodded in agreement, his face grim. “Hunter’s right. Split into pairs. Shout if you find anything.” We crept through the warehouse, every creak of the floorboards putting us on edge. I stuck close to Killian, my hand gripping the handle of my blade. The place reeked of rust and damp, but there was another smell too—blood. My st
Hunter’s POV The excitement we all felt was electric. The Lycan ball wasn’t just any event; it was monumental. This was the night that our pack would become an official capital for the Lycans. Tonight, we—Preston, Kris, Killian, and I—would also make our first public appearance as Loraine’s fiancés. And, if everything went as planned, this ball would pave the way for our wedding, set to happen immediately after. I tightened my cufflinks that had Lorraine's name on them and turned to Kris, who was fixing his tie in front of the mirror. “Do you think they’ll announce us as Loraine’s mates? Or do we just, you know, casually stroll in and let the stares do the work?” Kris smirked at my reflection. “Why stroll when you can strut? Let them talk. This is our moment.” Killian popped his head into the room, his shirt still unbuttoned, revealing a chiseled chest. “You’re all overthinking it. Loraine will steal the show the moment she walks in. We’re just accessories tonight.” “Speak for
Loraine’s POV The air buzzed with excitement as I stood in front of my vanity, smoothing my hands over the soft fabric of my gown. Tonight was the Lycans’ grand ball, an event so prestigious that even Sasha, who normally didn’t care for formalities, was squealing with excitement. Sasha burst into my room with Chloe trailing behind her, both carrying armfuls of dresses. “Loraine!” Sasha exclaimed, her eyes bright. “You have to help us pick! Chloe and I are determined to make an impression tonight.” Chloe giggled, holding up a shimmering silver gown against her small frame. “I heard the Lycan King himself might be there. Imagine if he notices one of us!” I chuckled, turning away from the mirror. “You two are acting like teenagers. What’s gotten into you?” Sasha placed her hands on her hips, mock glaring at me. “Excuse me, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Lycans, Loraine. Lycans! Do you know how rare it is to even see one in person, let alone meet their king?” Chloe nodded
3rd POV The tension between Alpha Gordon and Jennifer crackled in the air like a brewing storm. The two stood in the dense forest near the treeline, their voices echoing through the trees, harsh and biting. “You fucking bitch! You ruined everything!” Gordon snarled, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His sharp, gray eyes glinted dangerously, a mix of fury and frustration. Jennifer folded her arms across her chest, her stance defiant. “First of all, watch your fucking mouth. I’m not your doormat. I ruined everything?” She shot back, her voice rising. “You’re the one who couldn’t let go of your ridiculous obsession with Loraine. If anything, I saved us from disaster by getting Mabel arrested.” “Mabel was our leverage, Jennifer!” Gordon growled, taking a threatening step forward. “She was the key to forcing Loraine back into my life. And now she’s rotting in a cell because of your betrayal!” Jennifer didn’t flinch. Instead, she took a step closer, her chin tilted upward in de
Loraine’s POV This is the first time in what felt like years that my life didn't seem like a world-ending storm I had to constantly brace myself against. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions—betrayal, accusations, and finally, vindication. But now, as I sat in the sprawling living room of our shared home, surrounded by my mates—Preston, Hunter, Kris, and Killian—I felt something I hadn’t in a long time. Peace. Preston lounged on the couch next to me, one arm draped lazily across my shoulders. Hunter was sprawled out on the floor with a pile of papers he claimed were “strategic plans,” though he was doodling more than writing. Kris was in the kitchen, preparing what smelled like something delicious, while Killian sat across from me, polishing his sword like the ever-serious warrior he was. “So,” Hunter said, breaking the comfortable silence, “have we all agreed that the Lycan ball will be our moment to show off the fact that Loraine is officially ours?” I rolled my
Loraine’s POV I had never felt more powerless in my entire fucking life. The moment the crowd gathered around Mabel’s bleeding, sobbing form, their accusatory glares locked on me, it was over. My protests, my explanations—they were drowned out by her dramatic cries and the murmurs of the onlookers. The bitch had planned this very, very well. I was arrested on the spot. My four mates—Preston, Hunter, Kris, and Killian—could do nothing but watch as I was dragged away. Their eyes were full of desperation, but they knew as well as I did that they couldn’t interfere. The Lycan laws were absolute, and once the Council was involved, even Alphas had to comply. I sat in the dark, cold cell for what felt like an eternity, the walls closing in around me as I replayed the events in my mind. Mabel had outplayed me, and now I was being hauled to Lycan court, the very heart of justice for our kind, where Mabel’s uncle, Lord Arnold, presided. Of-fucking-course! He was a smug, greedy man who th
Loraine’s POV I had gotten used to the crazy-ass chaos that now surrounded me, but recently, there was a strange stillness in the air. Freaking Firstly, our supposed psychopath, Mabel, the woman who had made my life unbearable, was quiet. Too quiet. It felt like the calm before a storm, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming. Her absence from my life—no pranks, no insults, no sudden confrontations—was unsettling. Every time I caught a glimpse of her, I noticed how distant she had become. She no longer tried to provoke me; instead, she seemed to be going about her life, almost as though she had forgotten about our past. I didn’t know what was worse—the fact that she had stopped tormenting me or the fact that I couldn’t figure out her angle. It was late in the evening when my phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a message from Mabel. My heart skipped a beat as I read her words: “We need to talk. Meet me at the old barn, north of the pack. I have informatio