The bonfire dwindled to glowing embers, its warmth slowly giving way to the cool embrace of the night. Nicola stood near the edge of the clearing, watching the remaining guests linger in soft laughter and fading conversation. The ceremony had been perfect, the celebration a jubilant crescendo, and now everything seemed to settle into a peaceful lull. She let out a soft sigh, feeling both full and light.“Don’t think you’re done yet,” Dylan’s teasing voice cut through her reverie.She turned, raising an eyebrow at the mischievous grin he wore. Dean and Damien stood behind him, both smirking in silent agreement.“What now?” she asked, the corners of her mouth twitching with amusement.Dean stepped closer, hands in his pockets, his eyes gleaming in the firelight. “The night’s young, and so are we. The party’s winding down, sure, but we’re just getting started.”Damien crossed his arms, tilting his head toward the forest. “We’ve got plans.”Nicola raised an eyebrow. “Plans? Should I be wo
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
The bonfire dwindled to glowing embers, its warmth slowly giving way to the cool embrace of the night. Nicola stood near the edge of the clearing, watching the remaining guests linger in soft laughter and fading conversation. The ceremony had been perfect, the celebration a jubilant crescendo, and now everything seemed to settle into a peaceful lull. She let out a soft sigh, feeling both full and light.“Don’t think you’re done yet,” Dylan’s teasing voice cut through her reverie.She turned, raising an eyebrow at the mischievous grin he wore. Dean and Damien stood behind him, both smirking in silent agreement.“What now?” she asked, the corners of her mouth twitching with amusement.Dean stepped closer, hands in his pockets, his eyes gleaming in the firelight. “The night’s young, and so are we. The party’s winding down, sure, but we’re just getting started.”Damien crossed his arms, tilting his head toward the forest. “We’ve got plans.”Nicola raised an eyebrow. “Plans? Should I be wo
The ceremonial grounds were breathtaking, transformed into a scene that could rival the most enchanting of dreams. Lanterns hung from the branches of old trees, their golden glow casting warm light over the gathered pack members. Flowers adorned every surface, their delicate fragrance blending with the crisp, fresh air. A circular altar stood at the heart of the grounds, adorned with ivy and white roses, symbolizing unity and renewal.Nicola stood near the edge of the clearing, her mother at her side. Clara looked radiant in her gown, her nerves masked by the soft smile she wore. Cedric waited near the altar, his expression a mix of reverence and anticipation, his suit tailored perfectly to his broad frame.Nicola leaned closer, her voice low but full of affection. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, Mom. Cedric won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”Clara chuckled softly, her nervous energy melting into a smile. “It feels strange, starting over like this. But... right.
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the pack’s estate, the light filtering through window. She stretched lazily, her body still tingling from the night before. The faint sound of bustling activity outside reminded her that today wasn’t about her, though - it was her mother and Cedric’s mating ceremony.After a leisurely breakfast with the triplets, Nicola excused herself, leaving them to handle some last-minute pack business. With a bounce in her step, she made her way to her mother’s home.As she entered, the room was already alive with energy. Chloe, her high school friend, was busy organizing a variety of makeup palettes and brushes. Theo, with his sharp eye for style, was laying out a selection of sparkling jewelry on the vanity.“There she is!” Chloe exclaimed, turning toward Nicola with a wide grin. “The daughter of the bride!”Nicola chuckled, shaking her head as she took in the scene. “You’re all working so hard. Where’s my mom?”“Trying on the dress for the millionth time,”
Dylan lifted her in his strong arms and walked with her to the master bedroom. He lay her carefully on a center of bed. Dean got closer to bed, reached to the hem of covering her material, griped it and took off the towel from her body and with one swift move throw it somewhere behind. She saw pure desire in his darkened eyes. That was sexy. Next she looked on Damien. He was already putting his hands on her knees and spreading her legs apart.Damien’s hands traced the insides of Nicola’s thighs with an aching slowness, his fingertips igniting sparks of heat with every touch. She trembled under his touch, anticipation coiling tightly within her as his head dipped lower. His warm breath sent shivers coursing through her before his tongue met her, drawing a sharp gasp from her lips. The intensity of his attention made her toes curl, her fingers threading through his dark hair as she gripped him tightly, needing something to hold onto as wave after wave of sensation crashed over her.Abo
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