Vivi I looked up as Xander and Kane approached, their expressions serious and urgent. The sight of them, naked and powerful, should have been distracting, but the intensity in their eyes kept me focused. I set my coffee cup down, standing to face them."What's going on?" I asked, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.Xander stepped forward, his blue eyes piercing. "Vivi, there's been an incident. A nearby pack was attacked by poachers. We need to move you to our compound where you'll be safe."I blinked, taken aback. "Move me? I can't just up and leave. I have a job to do here. I'm not some damsel in distress who needs protecting."Xander's jaw tightened, a flash of frustration in his eyes. "Vivi, this is serious. These poachers are using silver bullets. They're targeting wolves, and they won't hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in their way."I crossed my arms, my own frustration rising. "I understand that, but I can't just abandon my work. I have a responsibili
I stormed into the healer's cabin, the scent of antiseptic and worry hanging heavy in the air. I had heard the whispers, the rumors that my brothers had found their mate. But I didn't believe it. How could they be so sure, so soon? And a human, no less. It went against everything we stood for, everything we were. I was determined to get to the bottom of this, to prove that this woman was nothing more than a distraction, a danger to our pack. Another nail in the coffin of my brother's leadership of the pack.I found Sage in the kitchen, her hands wrapped around a mug of tea, her eyes distant. She looked up as I entered, a small smile playing on her lips. "Dax," she greeted, her voice soft. "I was wondering when you'd show up."I crossed my arms over my chest, my stance wide and commanding. "I heard about the woman, Sage. The one Xander and Kane are claiming is their mate. I don't believe it."Sage sighed, setting her mug down on the counter. "I knew you'd be like this. Always so suspici
DaxHer eyes widened at my challenge, and I saw a flicker of uncertainty flash across her face. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a defiant tilt of her chin. "How?" she demanded.I took a step closer, enjoying the way her pupils dilated at my nearness, the way her breath hitched in her throat. "I'm sure you'll figure something out. You obviously convinced Xander and Kane. But I will not be so easily fooled. Prove you're mine." The last word was a low growl, and I saw the effect it had on her. Her pulse quickened, and she licked her lips, her eyes dropping to my mouth. I could smell the sudden surge of desire that arced between us, and it was then that I knew I'd won. She wanted me, and not just as a brother or a friend. I saw Sage watching us intently from the corner of my eye, and I knew she understood the game I was playing, the stakes involved. I knew she'd be running to my brother if anything went down between me and the human she didn't like.Vivi took
DaxVivi followed without question, her eyes darting around the empty space as I closed the door behind us. The silence that followed was heavy with anticipation, and I enjoyed the way her eyes widened, the way her heart raced at the implications. I backed her against the door, enjoying the way her breath hitched as I loomed over her. "Prove it," I demanded, my voice a low growl. She didn't flinch, instead reaching up to trace the contours of my face, her eyes never leaving mine. "I don't really understand any of this, Dax," she murmured, her fingers trailing down my neck to the expanse of my chest. "But I feel this need for you, just like I did for Xander and Kane."I growled low, the sound a warning as much as an encouragement. She smirked, her fingers dipping lower, tracing the contours of my abs. "I like that noise," she admitted, her voice a breathy whisper. "The way you take charge, the way you dominate. It's... exciting."I said nothing, allowing my actions to speak for me. M
As Dax and I lay side by side, the sound of our laughter still ringing in the air, there was a sudden knock at the door. It was insistent and angry. Frowning, Dax sighed and sat up, running a hand through his hair."Who the hell..." He trailed off as he stood and crossed the room. I propped myself up on my elbows, watching him pull open the door, apparently not concerned about his nakedness.Two figures stormed into the room, their eyes instantly finding me. Xander and Kane, their expressions a mix of anger and relief."What the hell did you do to her?" Xander barked at Dax, his eyes never leaving mine.Dax's chest puffed out, and I could see the muscles in his jaw clenching. "Nothing she didn't want. She's my mate, just as much as she's yours."Kane's eyes widened, and he took a step toward me. "Vivi, are you okay?"I nodded, sitting up straighter. "I'm fine. Really. Dax and I... we just had a... discussion." I glanced at Dax, who gave me a small, triumphant smirk.Xander's eyes narro
Kane's hands joined the dance, his clever fingers stroking up my legs until he was parting my thighs exposing my swollen, wet sex to everyone's view. A part of my brain shouted I should be embarrassed but the pull to these men was too strong. The feel of their hands and mouths all over my body overwhelmed any hesitation I may have had. Xander broke the kiss, and I gasped for air, my eyes fluttering closed as his mouth trailed down my jaw and neck. Dax's lips found mine again, his tongue stroking lazily against mine as his hands cupped my breasts. He pinched the hard peak of my nipple and my back bowed in pleasure.Kane's fingers delved into my core, and I jumped at the contact. "Easy there, Vivi. We're going to take good care of you."I nodded, my eyes slipping closed as the three of them surrounded me. Xander's hands glided over my skin, mapping every curve and dip as if he couldn't get enough. Dax's lips left mine, traveling down my body to pay homage to my breasts, while Kane's tou
KaneI lay awake long after Vivi, Dax, and Xander had fallen asleep, their even breathing a soothing chorus in the quiet room. I couldn't believe what had just transpired. Vivi was indeed our mate, chosen by both my brother in everything but blood and the biggest thorn in his side, his older brother. Who would have thought it possible? Dax and Xander sharing anything, let alone a mate.There had to be some divine intervention in this pairing. It was a miracle, a blessing from the gods, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude. I thought back to the night in the woods when we first found Vivi, the way the universe had conspired to bring her to us. The fates had certainly been kind, and I felt a rush of protectiveness toward our new mate. She was small and delicate compared to the rest of us, but her strength and courage towered over us all.My mind wandered to the way she'd submitted to us, the way she'd welcomed our touch and returned our passion. I'd seen the flash
The next morning, the pack was buzzing with the news of Dax being brought into our triad, now a quad. I could feel the curiosity and excitement in the air as I made my way around the compound, greeting the members of our pack. They were cautious around Vivi, not sure how to interact with her, but the respect in their eyes was evident.I found Xander and Dax in the training clearing, sparring as they had likely done a thousand times before. I watched them for a moment, their movements graceful and deadly, a dance they'd perfected over the centuries."You wanted to see me, brother?" Xander asked, wiping the sweat from his brow.I nodded, gesturing for them to follow me away from the curious eyes of the pack. We walked in silence for a while, the morning sun casting a golden glow on the forest around us."Sage has an idea," I began, gauging their reactions. Xander's eyes widened slightly, while Dax's lips pressed into a thin line."A bonding ceremony for Vivi," Xander finished for me, his
ViviThe Council's decision was better than nothing, but far less than we needed. As I left the meeting chamber, frustration warred with pragmatism in my mind. The sanctuary designation would provide some protection, but Julian wouldn't be deterred by political gestures or economic sanctions. His vision of supernatural society was too fundamental to his identity, his conviction too deep to be swayed by diplomatic pressure."It's something," Xander said quietly, reading my expression as he fell into step beside me. "The Council's formal recognition legitimizes what we're building here.""I know," I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I just hoped for more direct intervention. Julian crossed a line using that weapon against the barrier. The potential consequences weren't limited to our territory."Kane nodded grimly. "The Council understands that. But they're constrained by centuries of precedent regarding territory autonomy. To intervene directly would undermine the very foundatio
LyraI could feel it—the tension in the air, the worry in their minds, the fear they tried so hard to hide from me. At three months old, I wasn't supposed to understand these things, but I did. The dual Starfire that flowed through my veins made me different, connected me to things beyond ordinary perception.My silver eye saw what others couldn't—the shimmering threads of energy that bound our community together, the pulsing light of the barrier that separated our world from the Void. My golden eye perceived intentions, emotions, the subtle currents of thought that adults believed were hidden from an infant's awareness.They were wrong. I saw everything. I understood more than they realized.As I lay in my cradle, watching the mobile of stars and moons that Sage had crafted for me, I felt the barrier tremble again—an aftershock from Julian's attack. It had been three days since the eastern boundary was breached, and though the adults spoke in hushed tones when they thought I couldn't
XanderThe attack came at dawn, when the barrier's energy was naturally at its lowest ebb. I was awakened by the compound's alarm—a magical warning system Sage had designed to alert us to any breach of our outer defenses.I was on my feet instantly, years of training taking over as adrenaline surged through my system. Beside me, Vivi stirred, her golden Starfire already flaring in response to the threat."The nursery," she said, fear evident in her voice. "Lyra—""I'll check," I assured her, already moving toward the door. "Stay here until we know what we're dealing with."The corridor outside our bedroom was filled with activity—pack members responding to the alarm with disciplined efficiency. Kane appeared at my side, his expression grim."Eastern boundary," he reported tersely. "Multiple breaches. The wards are holding for now, but they're under sustained attack.""Julian?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.Kane nodded. "His signature was detected by the boundary markers.
EowynThree months after Lyra's birth, I stood at the eastern boundary of our territory, my senses alert for any disturbance. Julian Thornwood's forces had been unusually quiet since our expansion, but Kane's intelligence network reported increased activity along the borders of his alliance. Something was brewing, and I was determined to ensure our defenses were prepared.The boundary gleamed in my magical sight, a shimmering curtain of energy that pulsed with the combined power of my silver Starfire and Vivi's gold. Since Lyra's birth, the barrier had grown stronger, more stable—as if her very existence had somehow anchored the equilibrium more firmly in our reality.I ran my hand along the invisible boundary, feeling the familiar tingle of energy against my skin. The moonstones we had placed were functioning perfectly, their power amplified by the barrier essence that Vivi and I had created together."Anything concerning?" Ronan asked, approaching from behind. He had been patrolling
ViviThe pain came in waves, each one stronger than the last, cresting and receding like a tide determined to pull me under. I gripped Xander's hand on one side and Eowyn's on the other, drawing strength from their unwavering presence as my body worked to bring our child into the world."You're doing beautifully," Kelda murmured, her experienced hands checking my progress. "The baby is descending perfectly. Not much longer now."I nodded, unable to speak as another contraction built. Around me, I could feel the energy of those I loved most—Xander's steady power, Eowyn's cool Starfire, Kane's analytical calm, and Dax's restless vitality. Each contributed in their own way, creating a circle of protection and support that made me feel invincible despite the pain.As the contraction peaked, I felt something else—a ripple in the barrier, a resonance that seemed to echo the rhythm of my labor. The Void Walkers were watching, their attention focused and intent."They're here," I gasped as th
EowynThe morning breeze carried the scent of pine and wild herbs as I stood at the edge of the eastern boundary, my silver Starfire dancing at my fingertips. The expansion of our territory had begun in earnest, and today I was tasked with establishing the new magical perimeter—a responsibility I still found somewhat surprising, given my history.A year ago, I had been a prisoner of the Council, my powers bound and manipulated for their purposes. Now, I was trusted with safeguarding the borders of what had become the most remarkable supernatural sanctuary in existence. The irony wasn't lost on me."You're smiling," Ronan observed, appearing at my side with the quiet grace that still sometimes startled me. "A rare sight so early in the morning."I glanced at him, taking in his familiar features—the sharp angles of his face softened by the morning light, his dark hair ruffled by the wind. Once my captor, now my partner in every sense that mattered."Just appreciating how much has change
I shifted slightly to ease the pressure on my lower back, a common discomfort in these final days of pregnancy. "What is it?""A naming ceremony," Dax explained, his usual cockiness tempered with genuine emotion. "Not just any ceremony, but one that honors both your Fenrir heritage and connects our child to the barrier.""The three of us have been researching ancient traditions," Xander elaborated. "Working with Sage and Lyra to create something meaningful. A ritual that would formally recognize our child as both heir to your bloodline and a symbol of the new world we're creating."The idea of a naming ceremony resonated deeply within me, evoking images of ancient rites and sacred gatherings. I could almost see the flickering candles, smell the fragrant herbs, and hear the solemn chants that would mark this significant moment in our child's life. The ceremony would be a blend of old and new, a testament to the heritage we carried and the future we were forging.Xander continued, his v
As Xander and I made our way toward the guest quarters, he took my hand, his thumb tracing absent patterns across my knuckles."Happy?" he asked simply.I considered the question seriously. "Yes," I replied after a moment. "Not in the simplistic way I might have defined happiness before all this began. It's deeper now—more complex. I'm fulfilled. Purposeful."His golden eyes warmed with understanding. "That's a better goal than mere happiness, I think. Fulfillment lasts.""What about you?" I asked, turning the question back on him. "This territory is three times the size of your original pack lands. The responsibility has grown exponentially.""Shared responsibility," he corrected. "That makes all the difference. And seeing what we're building here..." He gestured to the compound around us, which had expanded considerably to accommodate our growing population. "This is what being an Alpha should mean—creating something sustainable, something that serves more than just our immediate pa
Six months after establishing the barrier, our vision for a new kind of supernatural sanctuary was taking shape. What had begun as a theoretical discussion in Xander's office had evolved into a tangible reality as word spread throughout the supernatural communities.The Council, after initial resistance, had eventually recognized the wisdom in our proposal. The barrier's stability had proven itself through multiple lunar cycles, and the benefits of having a dedicated territory surrounding it—managed by those most connected to its maintenance—became increasingly difficult to deny.Today marked the arrival of our newest residents, a small coven of water witches from the Pacific Northwest who had requested sanctuary after conflicts with local shifter packs made their position untenable."That's the third magical group this month," Kane observed as we watched from the main house balcony while Sage showed the newcomers to their quarters. "Your sanctuary idea is gaining traction faster than