(KNOX POV) The sensation was both a relief and the connection I desperately needed. As Sky wrapped her arms around me, I felt grounded for the first time in what seemed like ages. Her soft gasps and whispered encouragements drove me on, each movement bringing us closer and pulling me further away from those horrible thoughts.I could feel her soft skin against me, the gentle rise and fall of her breath as our bodies moved in sync.Each thrust seemed to have a purpose, a silent vow to love and protect her, to make up for all the times I felt I had failed. And I had failed so many times. Her hands traveled up my back, her nails lightly scraping my skin, making me tremble and want more. Her breathy moans echoed in my ears and urged me on. The fiery bliss built quickly, overwhelming the lingering shame and guilt. I focused on her, on the way her eyes fluttered closed, the way her lips parted with each deep thrust. She was it. She was my everything. "Knox," she whispered. "Don't sto
(SKY POV)After leaving the shower with Knox, I helped him to bed and tucked him in beside Ky in our giant bed. His anxiety over what happened had drained him. I kissed his forehead softly, whispering goodnight before leaving the room.I headed down the hallway to check on Kael and the twins. As I approached the living room, I couldn't help but smile. Kael and Nola were still racked out on the couch together, just as I had left them. Nola was resting on Kael's chest, her tiny arm stretched above her head, mimicking her father perfectly. They were so alike, even in sleep. I snapped a quick picture, capturing the sweet moment.Satisfied they were comfortable, I moved on to the nursery. Huck was still asleep in his crib, blissfully unaware of the earlier chaos. I gently brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. He was my peaceful little boy. He was happy away from all the crazy energy of the rest of the house. I lingered in the nursery, watching Huck sleep. The soft hum of the nightl
CASSY POVTeddy and I fought all night after he returned with them from the wild bayou party. Watching him wrestle that alligator into submission was an intense experience. Seeing him grill it and feed the entire pack, effortlessly stepping into the caregiver role, turned me on in ways I hadn't anticipated. Everything about him already captivated me, but this display of raw power, the energy, the muscles glistening with sweat as they flexed and moved.It was overwhelming.Until now, I had mostly been the one taking care of him. He was still recovering from his injury. It was the first time I'd seen him do something like that, and the image refused to leave me alone after. I couldn't close my eyes without seeing him straining against the massive beast without a shred of fear.We were making out on the couch in my closet, our usual spot that offered some privacy. Plus, it allowed us a moment to compose ourselves if someone walked in. As we kissed, trying to stay quiet, we often grunte
(KNOX POV)I walked into the kitchen and found Teddy staring into the pantry and fridge, completely confused. He looked like he'd seen a ghost or was trying to solve a Rubix cube. I couldn't help but laugh. "You look like you've seen a ghost, dude."Teddy quipped back, "Seems to be a trend around here." He closed the fridge and turned to me, looking somewhat defeated. "I want to make breakfast for Cassy. We've been fighting all night, and she gets angry when hungry."I chuckled. "That's an Alpha Monroe thing. So much power in our blood that we need the extra fuel."Teddy managed a weak smile. I walked over to him and started pulling out ingredients. "Let's get started. I'll show you how to make something she'll love."He was clearly overwhelmed, but I could see the determination to do something nice for my sister. I handed him some eggs. "Start with these. Cassy loves omelets.""You know," Teddy said, cracking an egg into a bowl, "the Bayou Pack catches most of our food. We even eat
(KNOX POV)I took Nola from Kael, who looked like he needed a break. "You smell funny, man. Go take a shower."Kael rolled his eyes but headed off. I took Nola outside, letting the fresh air clear my head. She babbled away, her little sounds filling the quiet morning. She sure talked a lot for a baby not even three months old, just like Cassy had when she was little.As I listened to her, my thoughts drifted back to the unsettling possibility of Oxxy being my son. Nola was my first child, or so I thought. It was clear she had inherited Kael's personality, but she was still my firstborn. Or was she? The thought of Oxxy possibly being my son was terrifying. If he was, then Nola might not be my first after all. And worse, my first might be living a feral life in the bayou.How would an alpha, unaware of his true nature, cope with living as an omega? Would he be dismissed like trash? My guess was not very well.The idea of Oxxy suffering was the worst feeling I think I've ever felt.No
Sky and I decided to visit the bayou the next day. "Hey, Knox," Teddy said, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "You seem really interested in Oxxy. What's up with that?" I hesitated but decided to confide in him. "I'm worried I might be his dad. I've slept with Essie before." Teddy scoffed. "I don't think you are, bro. A lot is going on with that kid." "What do you mean?" I asked, but before Teddy could respond, Sky and Cassy interrupted. The next day, we headed to the bayou. Teddy led me down to the omega camp while Sky stayed at the house with Cassy, who despised airboats. The camp felt desolate, even for an omega camp. "So, what did you mean about Oxxy?" I pressed Teddy. He sighed. "Oxxy can't talk, only makes weird noises. Most of the pack pushes him out. No one knows if he even has a wolf. He's always bullied and does not try to do anything about it. I just don't think he has any alpha blood." As we approached the camp, I saw Oxxy playing in the dirt. My heart sank. When T
(KNOX POV) Missy walked in. "Knox, what's going on? Who is this?" She approached us, looking over the small boy clinging to my leg.The reality hit me. This was real. Oxxy was here, and my mom was about to meet him."Mom, this is Oxxy. He's... well, he might be my son. I'm pretty sure he is." The words felt heavy like I was admitting to something I couldn't fully grasp myself.She gasped, then quickly composed herself. "Oh my goodness. A new... A new grandchild. I... I can't believe it." She knelt down in front of Oxxy. "Hi, sweetheart. I'm Missy. Uhh, Grandma?"Oxxy looked at her with wide eyes, clutching his toy car. "Mini?" he asked. She smiled at him. "Mini will work. I like Mini." Mom had struggled with what her "Grandma" name would be once the twins started talking. I guess Oxxy chose for her. His eyes were so big and filled with curiosity and fear. My chest ached, wondering what he must be thinking. He had been through so much, and now he was surrounded by strangers in a co
(SKY POV) With Knox gone, Kael's breakdown intensified. His panic wasn't just surface-level... It was deep, visceral. He was sweating profusely, shaking as he gripped the edge of the couch. It hurt to see him like this, unraveling right before our eyes yet again.He'd managed to hold it together when Oxxy was here. That baby didn't deserve to ever see how much his existence was tearing at these guys' hearts. Ky remained eerily quiet, his eyes glued to the floor. I looked at him, trying to gauge his emotions. He almost seemed calm, but I knew better. Inside, he was a storm of conflicting feelings that I could feel. His stillness was his way of coping, of not letting the flood of emotions overwhelm him. I was always in awe of how different they all were, and moments like this only highlighted that. They may have started out as the same person, but it was clear that life and experience had shaped them into three distinct souls. "Kael, we need to move around before everyone gets over