I wasn't sure how to respond. Any expression of gratitude would seem callous, any denial dishonest given the subtle but meaningful shifts in my relationship with Liam. "I'm sorry," I said finally, the words sincere despite their inadequacy. "This situation has been unfair to everyone involved, inclu
Grace pov I turned to see Beth and Alexander Matthews approaching our table, concern evident in their expressions. The timing was almost comically perfect—or perfectly awkward, depending on one's perspective. Liam's parents had clearly spotted me and Amber in conversation and had made an immediate
"And what conclusion have you reached?" Beth asked, her tone suggesting genuine curiosity rather than leading me toward a particular answer. I gazed down at Lucas, who was nursing contentedly, one tiny hand resting against my skin. "That it's all intertwined, but not predetermined," I said slowly.
Liam pov I arrived at Amber's apartment exactly at the time we had agreed upon—four o'clock on Sunday afternoon. I had spent the morning at the garage catching up on paperwork, grateful for the quiet of the closed shop to gather my thoughts before this difficult conversation. The text from Amber t
Liam pov I know," she said simply. "I think I've known since the bonding ritual, maybe even before. This was always the likely outcome, Liam. I just needed to see it through, to be certain we gave it a fair chance before letting go." "You deserved that and more," I agreed, reaching for her hand
Saying it aloud felt like setting down a heavy burden I hadn't fully acknowledged carrying—the resistance against accepting that I could genuinely love someone my mind didn't fully remember. The freedom of this admission, this conscious claiming of my feelings, lightened something in me despite the
Liam pov I arrived at my parents' house as the sun was beginning to set, casting long golden shadows across the front lawn. The drive from Amber's apartment had given me time to process our conversation and prepare for what I needed to say to Grace. My text the night before had been deliberately v
Grace nodded, her gaze dropping to her hands folded in her lap. "She seems like a good person," she said softly. "Strong, kind. I can see why you cared for her." The simple acknowledgment, the absence of bitterness or competition, created a swell of emotion in my chest. This woman beside me had en
Sophia considered the question seriously before shaking her head. "Not worry. It's the right pattern. The balance is happy about it." She adjusted another stone slightly, the golden light flowing to illuminate the new configuration. "Five is better than four. Stronger shapes." As if confirming her
I began to protest, but another wave of dizziness—milder this time—reminded me that Elena's medical advice wasn't merely precautionary. My body was indeed adjusting to significant changes, and pushing beyond its limits would serve no one. "Two days," I conceded reluctantly. "But I want regular upd
Grace pov Liam nodded, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Our children were never going to be ordinary, were they? Not with us as parents." I smiled as he looked into my eyes. Lucas was a strong werewolf with Alpha blood, and Sophia was a truth seer. Both were strong as hell.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice slightly hoarse. "You collapsed in the observation gallery," Liam explained, squeezing my hand. "Gave everyone quite a scare, especially the children. Tomas has been asking about you every fifteen minutes." I attempted to sit up, but Elena moved swiftly to prev
Grace pov Two weeks after the Children's Day revelation, the Balance Center hummed with renewed purpose. I had implemented a carefully structured program to continue engaging with the children who had shown connection to the Equilibrium, while the research division refined their understanding of h
Grace pov Liam, ever practical, focused on immediate implications. "How does this affect our response to reality-shapers? Does this expanded connection give the equilibrium greater range or power?" "Not exactly, power," I replied thoughtfully. "More like... expanded awareness. Greater understand
As we discussed these implications, Sophia's block construction had grown increasingly complex. Children placed pieces with surprising precision under her guidance, creating what appeared to be a three-dimensional representation of reality patterns around the Balance Center itself. The golden light
Grace pov Latent gifts," Elena suggested, joining me as I completed my circuit of the courtyard. The Alpha and healer had attended as a representative of the supernatural communities allied with the Balance Center. "Not strong enough to manifest as active abilities, but sufficient to create resona
Grace pov Three days after the shadow attack on the pack house, the Balance Center was hosting its first-ever Children's Day. What had begun as a small educational initiative had expanded rapidly as families associated with the Center brought not just their gifted children but siblings, cousins, a