Lucas didn’t flinch at Lila’s words, but the weight of them settled in the air between them. "Are you sorry for killing Anthony?" she asked again, her voice sharp, unyielding. Lucas exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable. "I regret that he was your father," he said evenly. "But I don’t regret killing him." Lila’s nails dug into the edge of the table. "That’s not an answer." "It’s the truth," Lucas replied. "I won’t lie to make this easier." Lila let out a bitter laugh. "Easier? You think any of this is easy?" Jake’s eyes flicked between them, his grip on his fork tightening. He had known this conversation would be brutal, but he hadn’t expected it to feel like this—like something irreparable was breaking between them. Lucas met Lila’s glare head-on. "I avenged my parents. I did what had to be done." Her chest rose and fell with shaky breaths. "And what about me, Lucas? Did it ever cross your mind what would happen to me? That you weren’t just killing a man
Jake exhaled, rubbing his temples as the silence stretched between them. "What if she never comes back?" Lucas didn't answer right away. He stared at the door, his expression unreadable. Jake leaned forward, his voice tight. "I mean it, Lucas. What if she decides we’re not worth it?" Lucas’s grip tightened on the edge of the table. "She won’t." "You don’t know that," Jake shot back. "She just walked out. What if she keeps walking?" Lucas shook his head, his voice firm. "She won’t." Jake let out a bitter laugh. "And how can you be so sure? After everything we’ve put her through?" Lucas finally turned to him, his gaze steady. "Because no matter how much she fights it, she feels the bond just as much as we do." Jake looked away, doubt clouding his features. "I don’t know, man… she seemed pretty damn sure she wanted nothing to do with us." Lucas leaned forward. "She’s angry. She’s in pain. But that doesn’t mean she’s gone for good." Jake shook his head. "And what if sh
"You don’t belong here." Lila flinched, the voice from her past echoing through her mind like a cruel reminder. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the floor, her hands gripping the sheets. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with silence, but inside her head, memories roared like a storm. "He’s gone. There’s nothing left for you here." Her breathing hitched. She could still remember the orphanage’s cold hallways, the way they dragged her away from the only home she had known. Anthony had promised her forever, but forever had been ripped from her hands the moment he was killed. She squeezed her eyes shut, her chest tightening. “No one wants a girl like you.” She forced a deep breath, pushing back against the weight of those words, but they clung to her like shadows. Even now, sitting in the safety of her room, surrounded by walls that weren’t hers, she felt like an intruder in her own life. Her gaze flickered to the mirror on the dresser. Her reflection stared b
Lila POV By the time I stirred awake, the afternoon sun was already streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. The quiet hum of medical equipment surrounded me, an unsettling reminder of past hospital stays that I’d rather forget. "Leave that alone," Lucas’s voice cut through the silence just as I reached up to remove the oxygen mask strapped to my face. His tone was sharp, laced with something I couldn’t quite place—worry, perhaps? I turned my head toward him, finding him seated nearby, his fingers gripping a stack of papers. His expression was unreadable, but the tightness in his jaw told me enough. I ignored his warning, pulling the mask away from my face anyway. A deep breath filled my lungs, reassuring me that I could breathe just fine. Lucas let out a low growl of disapproval, but he didn’t try to stop me. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, closing the space between us. "Put it back on," he ordered, his voice quieter this time but still firm. "I
Lila POV By the time I stirred awake, the afternoon sun was already streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. The quiet hum of medical equipment surrounded me, an unsettling reminder of past hospital stays that I’d rather forget. "Leave that alone," Lucas’s voice cut through the silence just as I reached up to remove the oxygen mask strapped to my face. His tone was sharp, laced with something I couldn’t quite place—worry, perhaps? I turned my head toward him, finding him seated nearby, his fingers gripping a stack of papers. His expression was unreadable, but the tightness in his jaw told me enough. I ignored his warning, pulling the mask away from my face anyway. A deep breath filled my lungs, reassuring me that I could breathe just fine. Lucas let out a low growl of disapproval, but he didn’t try to stop me. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, closing the space between us. "Put it back on," he ordered, his voice quieter this time but still firm. "I
LUCAS"I offer an apology, Lila," I spoke softly, my voice filled with all the feelings I tried to keep hidden. "I understand that my past actions made you feel bad. I cannot go back in time and change what I did, but I promise you, I will look after you until I am no longer alive," I told her honestly. "What I say is truly meant."Her eyes looked a little shiny, and her bottom lip started to shake. She seemed like she was about to cry, but she didn't. She turned her head away for a moment while I waited for her answer. I did not ask for her to forgive me. I knew it would take a long time, but I needed something from her. I felt like I was at my breaking point, almost dying from wanting to be near her."Yes," she said quietly after a little while, still looking away."Understood," I nodded my head and stood up straight. I kept gently moving my fingers through her short hair. Seeing that she didn't try to stop me from touching her made me feel very happy. It was a big good thing, and I
Lila POV "Would you like to drift off to dreamland?" The deep sound of Lucas's words moved against my ear, like a soft, low vibration."Will you remain here with me?" I inquired, my own voice barely audible."I shall, if that is your wish.""Then, please stay," I whispered, a warm feeling of shyness spreading through my body.It had never crossed my mind that I could feel so secure and calm while nestled against Lucas. I had always assumed he was a person with a cold heart, a powerful individual who only sought to harm others to further his own goals. Indeed, in some ways, he possessed those qualities, but I had never realized he also had a gentle nature. He allowed me to cuddle close after sharing many kisses. I still had the urge to continue kissing him, but I restrained myself. I yearned for something passionate and fiery, yet he offered only soft, tender kisses. Not that they were unpleasant. I enjoyed them greatly, but I desired something more intense, and at that moment, it fel
"No, Lila. Not tonight," Lucas said, his voice rougher than he intended.Lila’s eyes, wide and questioning, held his gaze. "But... why?"He turned away, the sudden silence in the room heavy. "It's... I don't want to overwhelm you. You've been through a lot.""Overwhelm me?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. "I feel fine, Lucas. More than fine."He knew he’d messed up. He felt the immediate sting of regret, a sharp, twisting feeling in his gut. Weeks of holding back, of careful restraint, suddenly felt like a terrible mistake. He wanted to reach for her, to pull her close, but he held back, fear a cold weight in his chest.The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable. He needed to say something, anything. "Lila, I just... I worry.""Worry about what?" she asked, her voice tight."About pushing you too fast," he said, finally turning to face her. "I don't want to hurt you."She looked at him, her expression a mix of confusion and something else, something he couldn’t quite rea
"Where is Jake?" Lila’s voice cut through the morning stillness, sharp with unease. She barely touched her breakfast, the plate in front of her nearly untouched. Lucas, sitting across from her, stirred his coffee with deliberate calm, seemingly unaffected by the tension crackling between them. "Handling something important," Lucas answered vaguely. Lila’s fingers curled into fists. "Something important? That’s not an answer, Lucas." His gaze flickered up to meet hers, steady and unreadable. "It’s not something you need to worry about." Her stomach churned. "Not something I need to worry about? My servers are missing, Lucas. Do you even understand what’s on them?" Lucas set his cup down with a quiet clink. "Yes, I do." "Then tell me why you’re acting like this is nothing!" Her frustration boiled over, her voice rising. "Do you have any idea how much damage could be done if that data falls into the wrong hands?" Lucas sighed, rubbing his temples. "We’re looking into it."
Lucas's hold tightened slightly, his warmth grounding me in ways I hadn’t expected. "You don’t have to figure everything out right now. Just… let us in."I wanted to. More than anything. But the walls I had spent years building weren’t so easily torn down. Every time I let myself believe in this—in them—a whisper of doubt crept in, reminding me of all the reasons I shouldn’t.Jake sighed, almost as if he could hear my thoughts. "You overthink everything."Lucas smirked faintly, his gaze softening. "It’s what she does best."I let out a shaky laugh, and something shifted in their expressions—like a weight lifting, even if only slightly."Better," Jake murmured, his thumb brushing against my jaw. "I like it when you laugh."My throat tightened. "I don’t know how to let go."Lucas’s grip never wavered. "Then don’t," he said simply. "Just lean on us instead."That was the real fear, wasn’t it? Letting go felt like losing control, but leaning on them… That was different. That was trust.Ja
Lucas leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. His warmth seeped into me, soothing the tension I hadn’t even realized I was holding. "Are you okay?" he asked, his thumb tracing soft circles against my cheek. His expression was open, vulnerable in a way that sent my heart racing."Yes," I breathed. "I want this—I want us."Jake let out a slow breath, as if he’d been holding it in, waiting for those words. His hand brushed against my shoulder, grounding me, steadying me in a way I hadn't expected."You don’t have to be afraid," he murmured. "We’re not going anywhere."Lucas’s fingers tightened slightly around mine, a silent reassurance. "It’s okay to be scared," he admitted. "But you don’t have to carry it alone."I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their words settle deep in my chest. No one had ever told me that before. No one had ever wanted to carry anything with me. I had spent so long convincing myself I had to be strong, that I had to keep everything locked away—but now
He smirked. “You eat, don’t you?” She stared at him. “I—of course, but…” She hesitated. “What are you making?” Asher opened the fridge and pulled out a pack of ground meat. “yambeef.” Elena blinked again. The powerful Alpha—the man who had just silenced an entire pack with a single growl—was now casually talking about yambeef. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be more confused. Still, something about the abrupt change in mood made her relax. At least a little. She folded her arms, tilting her head. “You cook?” Asher glanced at her. “Do I look like someone who doesn’t?” Elena hesitated. “…Honestly?” One brow arched. “Careful, Elena.” A small, unexpected smile tugged at her lips. For a moment, the weight of the day lifted, and she allowed herself to simply watch him move around the kitchen. The way he effortlessly grabbed ingredients, the way he seemed completely at ease in his own space. Her gaze drifted across the room again—the wooden beams, the large
"Sit," Asher’s deep voice commanded. Elena hesitated, hovering near the doorway of his home. Her eyes flickered over the elegant black couches, the wooden table, the fireplace flickering with golden embers. The place was beautiful. It suited him. Dark. Refined. Commanding. But she—she didn’t belong in a place like this. Still, Asher was watching her, waiting. Slowly, she moved forward and sank into a seat at the kitchen island, her fingers gripping the cool marble counter. Asher walked past her, opening the fridge. The sound of the door creaking open, the soft clink of glass against metal—it all felt too normal. Too mundane, given the chaos of earlier. Elena swallowed hard. The tension in her shoulders refused to ease, even as Asher casually pulled out a plate of food. His presence was the only thing grounding her—the warmth of his body as he moved past her, the occasional brush of his fingers against her skin. The firm, steady weight of his hand resting
...The moment hung in the air, thick with anticipation, the prelude to the complete and utter claiming that was about to unfold. A hush fell over the room, broken only by the sound of Lila’s ragged breaths. Lucas, his eyes locked on hers, moved with a slow, deliberate grace. He positioned himself behind her, the tip of his cock pressing against her slick entrance. The anticipation was almost unbearable, a delicious tension that coiled tight in Lila’s belly. With a deep breath, he began to push forward, the slow, gradual entry stretching her, filling her with his heat.Lila gasped, a sharp intake of air as she felt him slide inside her. The initial stretch was intense, a sensation that teetered on the edge of pain, yet was quickly overtaken by a burgeoning pleasure. She clenched her muscles around him, instinctively pulling him deeper, craving the fullness of his presence. A low moan escaped her lips, a mixture of surrender and anticipation.Jake's voice, a low rumble in her ear, soot
The air in the room thrummed with unspoken fears, a palpable tension that clung to Lila like a second skin. Her eyes, usually vibrant and full of life, were shadowed with a deep, primal anxiety. "Don't... don't leave me," she whispered, her voice barely audible, a raw plea against the phantom of abandonment. Her fingers, trembling, clutched at the soft fabric of Lucas's shirt, her knuckles white. "I can't... I can't lose you. Either of you." The words were a fragile confession of her deepest vulnerability, a desperate attempt to anchor herself to the two men who had irrevocably claimed her heart.Lucas's hand, warm and reassuring, covered hers, his strong fingers intertwining with her own. "Lila," he murmured, his voice a low, soothing rumble, "we're not going anywhere. We're yours, completely and utterly. There is no 'losing' us. We're bound to you, heart and soul." His gaze, intense and unwavering, held hers, promising a loyalty that transcended mere words. Jake, standing beside hi
She buried her face in her hands, breathing in shakily. “For so long, my purpose was revenge. I let it consume me. I spent years chasing ghosts, believing that if I avenged my father, I could somehow make sense of his death.”Jake's expression darkened. “And now?”She let out a humorless laugh, leaning against the headboard. “And now? I don’t know who I am anymore.”Lucas took a step forward. “Then figure it out. But don’t let the past define you.”Lila sighed, fingers tracing the jagged scar along her forearm. “You think I don’t know that? But the Moon Goddess didn’t make it easy. She gave me you two. The very men I was supposed to hate.”Jake’s lips pressed into a thin line. “And when you denied the bond, what happened?”Lila's throat tightened. The memory of fire, of screaming, of pain so unbearable it nearly broke her came rushing back.“The explosion.” Her voice was hollow. “The moment I turned my back on fate, I was punished. I lost my arm. I lost everything.”Lucas' gaze soften
“I hate you!”Lila's voice rang through the dimly lit hotel room, raw and filled with a fury that left the air crackling with tension. Her chest heaved, fists clenched at her sides as she glared at Lucas, her entire body trembling with emotion. The words had escaped before she could stop them, before she could swallow down the storm that had been brewing within her since the moment he had spoken those words—*Do you want to have sex with the man who killed your father?*Lucas stood unmoving, his gaze unreadable, his expression impassive. But Lila saw it—the flicker of something behind his cold exterior. Guilt? Regret? Maybe both. Yet it wasn’t enough.The hotel door swung open.Jake stepped in, his brows furrowed as he took in the scene before him. His gaze bounced between them, his usual easy-going demeanor vanishing in an instant. “What the hell is going on?”Lila sucked in a shaky breath, her mind spinning. She turned sharply to Jake, the intensity of her emotions still gripping her