Nicola leaned into the spray of the shower, the warm water soothing her sore muscles and washing away the grime of the day’s battles. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself exist in the heat and mist. The faint shuffle of feet behind her made her turn, and she caught Damien’s eyes first. The intensity in his golden gaze made her breath catch.“You’ve done enough for tonight,” he said softly, his voice filled with a blend of authority and tenderness.Before she could respond, his fingers brushed over her cheek, tucking a damp strand of hair behind her ear. “Let us take care of you, Nicola. You’ve carried too much for too long.”Her lips parted, but the words didn’t come. Instead, she nodded, her breath hitching as he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.Dean and Dylan stepped into the shower next, their movements fluid and instinctive as they joined Damien in surrounding her. Dylan’s hands rested lightly on her shoulders, his thumbs kneading the tense muscles
The clock on the classroom wall ticked loudly, its sound amplified by the suffocating silence. Nicola James sat in the back corner, her chair slightly askew to keep her distance from the other students. Not that anyone wanted to be close to her. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed faintly, flickering every now and then, but no one else seemed to notice. Crescent Moon High was old, the kind of school where the lockers stuck, the cafeteria food tasted like cardboard, and the faint smell of mildew lingered no matter how many times they cleaned.Nicola glanced at the clock again. Two minutes until the bell. Two minutes until she could blend into the crowd, slip through the hallways unnoticed, and finally escape the judgmental stares that followed her everywhere. Two minutes until she could retreat into the safety of her own mind.The teacher’s voice droned on, his monotone explanation of algebra formulas fading into the background. Nicola’s gaze drifted to the window. The late autumn s
The roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium as Nicola followed Chloe and Theo to the bleachers. The air was crisp, filled with the mingling scents of pine and damp earth, a constant reminder of the pack lands that surrounded Crescent Moon High. Nicola pulled her hoodie tighter around herself, as though the soft fabric could shield her from the noise, the people, and the weight of her own thoughts.The field was alive with activity, a kaleidoscope of movement and sound. Cheerleaders in glittering uniforms danced energetically on the sidelines, their pom-poms shimmering under the bright stadium lights. The band perched at the edge of the stands, their instruments gleaming, occasionally bursting into short, triumphant tunes that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Students packed the bleachers, a sea of Crescent Moon High colors waving banners and shouting encouragements. The air buzzed with the collective energy of the pack, an unmistakable pulse of unity that Nicola felt disconnected fr
After the game, Nicola found herself swept up in Chloe and Theo’s relentless enthusiasm. She had protested all the way to Theo’s car, but her friends had brushed off her excuses as if she’d been saying she didn’t like chocolate.“You’ll be fine,” Chloe said for the hundredth time as they drove toward the Blackstone mansion. “It’s just a party, Nic. No one’s going to bite you.”“Speak for yourself,” Theo quipped with a sly grin, adjusting his rearview mirror.Nicola groaned, leaning her forehead against the window. She didn’t belong at a party like this. The Blackstone house wasn’t just any house; it was a symbol of power and wealth, the seat of the Crescent Moon Pack’s Alpha family. Everyone who mattered in the pack would be there. Everyone except her.The Blackstone mansion loomed ahead like something out of a gothic fairy tale. Perched on a hill overlooking the pack lands, the sprawling estate was more castle than home. High stone walls framed a grand entrance, and glowing lights sp
The first scent hit her like a lightning strike - warm, musky, and intoxicatingly familiar. Her wolf stirred, a low growl rumbling in the back of her mind, waking from its deep slumber. The connection was immediate, like a spark that ignited something ancient and primal within her. It was him - them.Her fingers slipped, the glass of punch she had been holding tumbling from her hand and shattering on the floor with a loud crack. Her breath caught, the sound of the glass breaking drowned out by the sudden rush of blood pounding in her ears.“Nic?” Chloe’s voice was distant, a blur against the ringing in her head.Nicola turned slowly, her body stiff, her mind fighting against the instinct to flee - -or worse, to run towards them. Her gaze moved across the room, drawn as if by an invisible force, until her eyes landed on the three figures standing at the edge of the party, barely visible through the crowd.Damien. Dylan. Dean.The Blackstone triplets.They stood as one, their bodies exu
Nicola’s footsteps echoed through the stillness of the night as she ran, her body moving on autopilot. She didn’t know exactly where she was going, but the pull in her chest, the sudden surge of energy from the bond, drove her forward, deeper into the woods. The darkness closed in around her like a blanket, muffling the sound of her labored breath and the rapid beat of her heart.The scent of the triplets lingered in the air, warm and intoxicating - earthy, wild, and unmistakably theirs. It seemed to weave through the trees, twisting and curling around her like an invisible thread. She could almost taste it on her tongue, a sharp tang of desire and danger, and it made her wolf stir restlessly inside her.No, no, no, Nicola’s mind screamed. I can’t do this. I can’t.But her body betrayed her.With every step, the pull of the bond grew stronger. Her wolf, always a silent presence at the back of her mind, clawed to the surface, urging her to turn back, to go to them. It was a primal, ins
Her heart fluttered in her chest as she tried to push the overwhelming urge away. But it was impossible. The pull of the bond had her in its grip now, its force undeniable, its magnetism more powerful than she had ever imagined. She didn’t want this - didn’t want them. But her wolf, her body, was a different story.The bond was a living thing. It was her now.Nicola took another step back, her chest tightening. “I can’t be with you,” she said, her voice more forceful now, though she could feel it wavering. “I’m an Omega. I’m not good enough for you.”Damien’s expression softened just slightly, but his eyes remained dark and intense. He reached forward, capturing her chin with a firm but gentle hand, guiding her gaze back to his.“You are everything we need, Nicola. Everything we’ve always wanted.” His thumb brushed over her bottom lip, the touch soft but with a clear possessiveness beneath it. “We don’t care that you’re an Omega. You are our mate. And no matter how much you fight it,
Nicola’s chest heaved as she stood there, surrounded by the triplets. Her lips were still tingling from their kisses, her body thrumming with the bond that pulsed between them. She knew she should be afraid, overwhelmed by the intensity of what was happening, but instead, a deep, primal need was unfurling inside her - a need she could no longer deny.Her gaze locked with Damien’s, and she reached out, her trembling fingers brushing against his hand. He stilled at her touch, his dark eyes searching hers.“I…” Nicola hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, with a surge of courage, she intertwined her fingers with his. “Come with me.”The air in the room grew heavier as the triplets exchanged a glance. They didn’t need words to understand her meaning. Without hesitation, Damien nodded, allowing her to lead him, and the other two followed close behind.Nicola’s house was modest, the hallway narrow, but she barely noticed. Her focus was on the warmth of Damien’s hand in hers, th
Nicola leaned into the spray of the shower, the warm water soothing her sore muscles and washing away the grime of the day’s battles. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself exist in the heat and mist. The faint shuffle of feet behind her made her turn, and she caught Damien’s eyes first. The intensity in his golden gaze made her breath catch.“You’ve done enough for tonight,” he said softly, his voice filled with a blend of authority and tenderness.Before she could respond, his fingers brushed over her cheek, tucking a damp strand of hair behind her ear. “Let us take care of you, Nicola. You’ve carried too much for too long.”Her lips parted, but the words didn’t come. Instead, she nodded, her breath hitching as he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.Dean and Dylan stepped into the shower next, their movements fluid and instinctive as they joined Damien in surrounding her. Dylan’s hands rested lightly on her shoulders, his thumbs kneading the tense muscles
The creature emerged from the darkness like a nightmare given form. Its hulking frame glistened with rain and sweat, its blood-red eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence. It was no ordinary rogue; it was something far more dangerous. Nicola could feel its energy, dark and consuming, spreading through the clearing like poison.Everyone hold your positions, she commanded through the mind-link, her voice sharp and steady despite the storm of fear swirling inside her.The triplets flanked her, their own wolves snarling in readiness. Cedric and his people arrived moments later, their forms shifting into powerful wolves as they joined the growing line of defenders.“What is that thing?” Lucas’s voice cut through the mental link, his wolf pacing just behind Nicola.“I don’t know,” Nicola admitted, her golden eyes locked on the beast. “But it’s not just a rogue.”The creature let out a deafening roar that shook the ground beneath them. With terrifying speed, it charged.Nicola leapt first,
Nicola’s heart still pounded from the battle as she, the triplets, and Cedric made their way to the Alpha’s residence. The adrenaline coursing through her veins refused to settle, her mind racing with strategies and concerns.The moonlight bathed the pack house in a ghostly glow, the night's stillness a stark contrast to the chaos they had just endured. As they approached the Alpha’s door, Nicola’s resolve hardened. Tonight was a warning; tomorrow, it could be war.Alpha Marcus was already awake when they arrived, his imposing frame silhouetted against the dim light of his office. He stood at the large window, his arms crossed as he surveyed the forest beyond. The tension in the room was palpable, his usual calm replaced with a grim determination.“Alpha,” Cedric began, stepping forward, “we’ve taken care of the immediate threat, but there’s more to this.”Marcus turned to face them, his piercing gaze sweeping over the group. “What happened?”Nicola stepped forward, her voice steady.
Nicola tightened the laces of her boots, her movements swift and precise. The faint howl still echoed in her mind, its mournful tone laced with an undeniable edge of malice.Not tonight. Not before the ceremony.She stormed down the hall to the triplets’ quarters, her determination overriding any hesitation. The door creaked open, revealing the room’s dimly lit interior. Dylan and Dean sprawled on their respective beds, while Damien sat by the window, a book in hand.“What’s wrong?” Damien asked instantly, his keen eyes locking on her.“We’ve got company,” Nicola replied curtly. “Something’s out there.”That was all it took. In seconds, Dylan and Dean were on their feet, alert and ready.“You sure it wasn’t just some lone wolf passing through?” Dylan asked, grabbing his jacket.“I’m sure,” Nicola snapped. “It wasn’t one of ours, and it wasn’t harmless. I’m not taking chances tonight.”Damien exchanged a glance with his brothers before nodding. “Let’s go.”The four of them moved silent
Preparations for Clara and Cedric’s mating ceremony were in full swing, and the pack buzzed with a sense of joyful anticipation. Nicola found herself swept up in the whirlwind of activity, her days packed with tasks ranging from helping her mother finalize guest lists to overseeing the decoration of the ceremony grounds. Yet amid the bustle, a subtle undercurrent of unease lingered, a reminder of the battles fought and the questions still unanswered.Nicola was seated in the pack’s large dining hall with her mates, nursing a cup of coffee as the morning light streamed through the windows. The triplets had insisted on accompanying her to breakfast, despite her protests that they had other responsibilities.“So,” Dylan said around a mouthful of pancakes, “what’s the plan for today, Nic? More floral arrangements? Dress fittings? Trying to keep Cedric from freaking out about something minor?”Nicola smirked, taking a sip of her coffee. “Funny you should mention Cedric. He actually asked m
The next morning, Nicola woke up to the sound of soft knocking on her door. Stretching lazily, she opened her eyes to find Clara peeking in, her smile warm and eager.“Good morning, sweetheart,” Clara said. “I thought today might be a good day to pick out my dress for the mating ceremony. Want to come with me?”Nicola sat up, rubbing her eyes as a grin spread across her face. “Of course! Let me grab a quick shower.”“Take your time,” Clara said, stepping back into the hallway. “I’ll be downstairs.”By mid-morning, Nicola and Clara were on their way to the pack’s boutique, a cozy shop run by one of the more creative members of the pack. The boutique was nestled in a quiet part of the village, its exterior adorned with ivy and flowering vines. The warm sunlight filtering through the trees made the outing feel almost magical, a much-needed escape from the recent tension.As they stepped inside, they were greeted by Agnes, the shop’s owner, a sprightly woman with silver-streaked hair and
The pack house was buzzing with excitement as preparations for Clara and Cedric’s mating ceremony began in earnest. After weeks of battles, tension, and revelations, the prospect of a joyous occasion brought a much-needed sense of normality to the pack. Nicola was eager to help her mother with the planning, not just to support her, but to immerse herself in something celebratory for a change.Nicola sat cross-legged on the floor of her suite’s living room, surrounded by a mess of papers, fabric samples, and floral arrangements. Clara leaned over the dining table nearby, jotting down notes with the precision of someone who wanted everything to be perfect.“I didn’t realize there were so many decisions for a ceremony,” Nicola said, holding up two fabric swatches. “Cream or ivory for the table runners?”Clara looked up, her eyes scanning the options. “Ivory. Cream is too yellow under the evening lights.”Nicola chuckled. “Noted. Anything else? Matching napkins, perhaps?”Clara threw her
The aftermath of the battle had left the pack in a state of both relief and unease. Though they had emerged victorious, the mystery of the rogues' coordination loomed heavily. The captives would be interrogated soon, but for now, the pack was gathering itself, stitching wounds both physical and emotional.Nicola, seated with the triplets in the pack house dining room, absently toyed with the edge of a napkin. Her mind was racing, still buzzing with the raw energy of the fight. The triplets’ calm presence grounded her, their reassuring smiles and occasional brushes of their hands against hers a soothing reminder of her support system.Alpha Marcus entered the room, his broad shoulders heavy with the weight of leadership. Behind him came Cedric, his golden eyes scanning the room with a mix of purpose and warmth. Clara followed closely, her expression a blend of curiosity and determination.“Join me in the meeting room,” Marcus said, his voice steady but commanding. “We have matters to d
The tension was palpable as Nicola and the others gathered in the clearing, the triplets flanking her like unyielding sentinels. The rogue howl had ignited the pack into a frenzy of preparation, warriors and scouts alike springing into action.Cedric, standing tall with his people assembled behind him, exuded an air of quiet authority. His golden eyes met Nicola’s briefly, a wordless understanding passing between them.“Remember what I showed you,” he murmured as he passed her. “Trust your instincts.”Nicola nodded, her heart pounding as adrenaline surged through her veins.The forest was alive with sound - the rustle of leaves as wolves took their positions, the soft growls of anticipation, the distant crack of twigs underfoot. Nicola closed her eyes, reaching for the connection Cedric had taught her to find.She felt it almost immediately: the pulse of the forest, the vibrations of movement. The rogues were close.“They’re coming from the north and east,” Nicola said, her voice stea