I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. Couldn’t they argue just once without waking the entire neighborhood?“It’s not your stuff!” Luna’s voice carried into my room, filled with anger. “It’s our stuff! You’re just selfish!”“Oh my God,” I muttered, tossing the blanket aside and sitting up. My body still ached from the chaos of the previous night, but the twins didn’t care about that. No, they were too busy acting like they lived on a battlefield.They were toddlers. The next day, they have forgotten all about it. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, shoved my feet into my slippers, and shuffled into the hallway.“Guys—” I started, only to stop when I saw Finn and Luna locked in an epic tug-of-war over a ratty old stuffed wolf.“Let go!” Finn shouted, his small frame straining as he yanked the toy.“You let go!” Luna retorted, planting her feet like she was about to go full alpha.“ENOUGH!” I said, my voice louder than I intended.Both of them froze, their wide eyes snappi
The town square was quieter than it had been the night before, but the tension was still there. Everyone was looking at each other with fear.There were whispers, people pointing at me as if I was a vampire myself. I ignored them, tucking my hands on my dark blazer pockets. I found the elders near the center, their grim faces locked in discussion.“Elder Nilo,” I called, my voice cutting through their conversation.He turned to me, his expression neutral. “Briar. What can we do for you?”“You can start by explaining why Rachel and the others are being burned,” I said, crossing my arms.“It’s a precaution,” he said evenly. “The vampires who attacked carried venom. It’s too dangerous to bury them as we normally would.”“That’s ridiculous,” I snapped. “Rachel wasn’t a danger to anyone. She deserves a proper burial, by the river, the way she wanted. The family's of the others can vouch for them. Or a friend, you can't just burn them and throw their ashes away. .”Elder Maura frowned, st
“Where the hell did that come from?” she asked. Her eyes widened. “I don’t know,” I admitted, shaking my head. “It’s just… something I know. A memory, maybe. The voice came to my mind. Like the voice of a mother.”Lizbella frowned. “A memory? You said you don’t remember anything about your mom.”“I don’t,” I said softly, my gaze drifting to the river. “But when I sang, it felt like… like she was there. Like it was her voice, not mine.”Kieran stepped closer, his expression unreadable. “Do you know what the words mean?”I nodded, a faint smile touching my lips. “It’s a goodbye. It means, ‘Live forever, pure soul. Your light is in the stars, never dim. May the water guide you home.’”Lizbella blinked, her grey eyes soften, a soft smile on her pink heart lips. “That’s… beautiful.”“It’s what Rachel deserved,” I said, my voice thick with emotion.There was a moment of silence, the weight of grief and memory settling over us like a blanket.Then I turned to Kai, who had been watching qui
Lizbella was already in the break room when I arrived at work, perched on the counter like the boss she is. She was sipping coffee out of a chipped mug that read, Therapy Is Cheaper Than Murder. Her wild dark curls framed her face, and her expression was as stormy as the dark brew in her hands.“Morning,” I said cautiously, setting my bag on the small table.Lizbella didn’t reply. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and took another sip, her silence louder than any greeting.“Okay,” I muttered, sliding into the chair across from her. “Go ahead. Say whatever it is you’re dying to say.”Her eyes narrowed. “You’re an idiot.”I let out a sharp laugh, more out of disbelief than amusement. “Good morning to you too.”“I mean it, Briar.” Lizbella hopped off the counter, her boots thudding against the tile as she crossed her arms. “You’ve officially lost your mind. Training with those Lycans? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”I bristled at her tone, leaning back in my chair. “I’m not trying
When I got home, the first thing I noticed was the cars parked outside my small apartment complex. Sleek, black, and undeniably expensive.I frowned. They definitely didn’t belong to anyone in my building. Most of my neighbors drove beat-up sedans or pick-up trucks that rattled louder than a werewolf howl on a full moon.My heart thudded in my chest as I gripped my bag tighter and slowly made my way to the door. Something didn’t feel right.Fishing around in my bag, my fingers closed around the hilt of the small knife I always carried. It wasn’t much, but it was better than nothing.The moment I unlocked the door, I heard it—a muffled clatter, followed by low voices and the sound of something sizzling.I slipped inside, shutting the door quietly behind me. My heart was racing now, and my grip on the knife tightened as I followed the noise to the kitchen.What I found made me freeze in the doorway.Standing in my kitchen, shirtless, were three of the hottest men I’d ever seen.Kai, K
I crossed my arms and leaned against the counter, glaring at the three Lycans who somehow managed to look completely at home in my kitchen. Kai was calmly plating the food he’d made, Kieran leaned casually against the fridge, and Kylan… well, Kylan looked like he was mentally planning his next smartass remark.“You can’t just show up here and act like this is normal,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended.Kai set the plates down on the table, his piercing blue eyes flicking to mine. “Nothing about this situation is normal, Briar. But here we are.”I rolled my eyes. “Let’s get one thing straight. Just because you think you’re their fathers doesn’t mean I’m going to let you waltz in here and take over my life.”“You don’t have a choice,” Kai said bluntly, his tone firm but not unkind. “We’re not going anywhere.”“Oh, yes, you are,” I shot back. “The second you finish your little meal, you’re out of here. And you can forget about spending time with Finn and Luna.”“About that…” Kylan
“Not it doesn't.” I replied. “Then where are we staying?” Kieran asked, clearly enjoying my discomfort.“You have money, figure it out.”“But we want to stay here. Training, remember? Kids too.” Kieran added waving at Luna and Finn. “Annoying alphaholes,” I muttered, walking toward the small guest room at the back of the apartment. “There’s one spare bed. Figure it out.”The three of them followed me, their large frames practically filling the narrow hallway.“Okay,” I said, throwing open the door to the guest room. “This is it. Don’t complain. Don’t ask for anything. Just stay out of my way.”Kylan stepped inside, his grin widening as he surveyed the cramped space. “Cozy.”“It’s not meant for three people,” I said pointedly.He shrugged. “We’ll make it work.”Kai crossed his arms, his eyes scanning the room. “This bed doesn’t look very sturdy.”“It’s fine,” I said, exasperated. “Lizbella slept on it just fine.”Kylan plopped onto the bed, and before I could blink, there was a loud
I closed the door to the guest room behind me, letting out a long breath. Dealing with the Lycan kings was exhausting in ways I didn’t have words for, mostly because they made me feel too much, and none of it was simple.But right now, I had bigger priorities.I walked down the short hallway to the twins’ room, quietly pushing the door open. The small nightlight cast a soft glow across the space, illuminating Finn and Luna sitting cross-legged on Finn’s bed, whispering to each other like co-conspirators.“Why aren’t you two asleep?” I asked, leaning against the doorframe with a tired smile.Finn looked up first, his face lighting up. “We couldn’t sleep. We’re… talking.”“Talking, huh?” I raised an eyebrow and stepped into the room. “Mind if I join?”Luna shrugged, making room for me at the foot of the bed. “Sure.”I sat down, pulling my legs up and tucking them under me. “So, what’s so important that it’s keeping you both awake?”The twins exchanged a glance, and Finn spoke first. “Th
“I messed up,” Kylan said, groaning and running his hand over his face.“You think?” Kieran said, standing up, his silver eyes sharp with irritation.Kylan growled, his hands clenching into fists. “You… How dare you bring up Kayla?”“Because you’re trying to do the same thing to Briar,” Kieran shot back, his voice rising. “You don’t connect with her. You don’t listen. And now you’re throwing yourself at her like that’s going to fix anything. Kayla is six feet under because you couldn’t hold yourself together, and now—”“You bastard!” Kylan roared, his voice breaking as he swung at Kieran.The punch landed hard against Kieran’s jaw, the sound of it echoing in the room. Kieran staggered back, but his silver eyes flashed with fury as he wiped at his lip, which was already swelling.“You want to do this?” Kieran growled, his voice deeper now as his wolf pushed to the surface.“You brought her up,” Kylan spat, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. “You know how she was to me. You know
There was a weird thing between triplets. The called it ‘the tingling.’When one was going through a single vulnerability, they all felt it.And Kylan felt it from Kai. This wasn’t the first time. Or the second.Anytime Kai was with Briar, he softened. His tone changed, his walls cracked just enough for it to be noticeable. It was like a gravitational pull existed between them, and Kylan, no matter how hard he tried, felt like an outsider.A goddamn third wheel. It stung more because, out of all of them, Kylan had been the first to meet Briar. He’d noticed her spark, her fire, before either of his brothers had the chance. And yet, it was always Kai who seemed to draw her attention.Kylan stood in the living room, arms crossed, watching Kieran gently arranging blocks on the coffee table.“Aren’t you jealous?” Kylan asked suddenly, his voice tight. “Of the fact that Kai is the closest to her?”Kieran sighed without looking up. “I’ve known since the day Mother spat us out of her womb
Kieran’s silver eyes softened as he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “Briar, no one’s blaming you. We’re just trying to figure this out, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help.”His words made my throat tighten, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak. I looked away, blinking rapidly to stop the tears that threatened to spill.Kylan, sensing the shift in my mood, stepped closer to the railing and leaned against it casually, his blue eyes glinting with something lighter, softer. “Okay, okay,” he said, holding up his hands. “Let’s hit pause on the serious doom-and-gloom talk for a second. Briar, when’s the last time you took a break? Like, a real break?”I frowned, glancing at him. “A break? Kylan, my life is falling apart. Now’s not exactly the time for… a spa day.”He grinned, a playful edge to his voice. “Hey, I didn’t say spa day—though now that you mention it, we could use some hot towels and massages. My shoulders are killing me.”Despite myself, a sm
I called the three men in for a talk after I had made sure the kids were asleep.We were at the balcony of their rather extravagant mansion. The moonlight reflected off the glass railings, casting a faint glow over the space. The air was cold, filled with the faint scent of cedarwood that seemed to cling to this place.Kieran sat holding a glass of whiskey, his long legs sprawled out casually in front of him. His fiery red hair, tousled and catching the light, framed his sharp jawline in a way that was maddeningly attractive.His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, revealing just enough of his toned chest to make it impossible not to notice.Kylan leaned against the balcony railing, his black hair tied back in a loose knot. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms, and his blue eyes gleamed mischievously under the faint light. He looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine, his easy smirk always hovering on the edge of teasing.And then there
Briar’s POVI haven't smoked in years.Haven't touched the goddamn thing, but since my life took a drastic change, I brought out the cigarette I’d just bought, my fingers shaking as I pulled it from the pack. I stared at it for a long moment, my breathing uneven.The weight of everything, the clinic, the elders, my kids, the Lycan Kings, was pressing on me, suffocating me from the inside out. I leaned forward against the kitchen island, tears stinging the back of my eyes.I placed the unlit cigarette between my lips, not even bothering to grab a lighter. It wasn’t about smoking, not really. It was about holding something, distracting myself from the cracks forming in every part of my life.My hands trembled as I placed the cigarette back down on the island, burying my face in my hands. My shoulders shook as the tears came, quiet at first, then harder, until I was sobbing uncontrollably into the silence of my room.I didn’t even hear the door open.“Mommy?”My head snapped up, my face
I walked into my office, shutting the door behind me with a heavy sigh. The air felt stifling, every corner of the room reminding me of the work I’d poured my heart into. The weight of the elders’ words pressed on my chest, threatening to choke me.I dropped into my chair, leaning back and closing my eyes, wishing for just a moment of reprieve. But the sound of a knock pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts.“Come in,” I called, my voice weary.The door opened, and Sarah stepped in. Her usually bright demeanor was replaced with a rare frown, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.“Are you okay?” she asked, though her tone was clipped, her concern edged with frustration.I nodded, rubbing my temples. “I’m fine, Sarah.”“No, you’re not,” she said bluntly, stepping closer to my desk. “And frankly, neither am I. What’s going on, Dr. Ashford? The elders have been breathing down our necks, and now everyone’s talking about patients dying after therapy. This isn’t normal.”I looked at her,
Something was wrong with me.I… I woke up with scales all over my two forearms.They were faint, almost translucent in the morning light, but they were there. Smooth, glistening, and completely unnatural. Yesterday… yesterday I had been fighting with my own self, my own mind, and now this?Yesterday, the voices had been louder, more persistent. They weren’t my children’s or anyone I recognized, but they were real. Whispers that slithered through my thoughts, hissing things I didn’t want to hear, things I couldn’t understand. The louder they got, the harder it became to breathe, to think, to function.And then there was the other part—the part of me that wasn’t me.It was like another presence inside me, pushing, clawing, begging to break free. My body had trembled under the weight of it, my vision had blurred, and my skin had burned like fire. I had locked myself in the bathroom, splashing water on my face to keep whatever it was at bay.But this morning, the scales? They felt like pr
You should have claimed her.Kai’s wolf growled in his mind, the deep, angry tone sending a jolt through him. He clenched his fists, pacing the length of the hallway outside the kitchen. His arousal from earlier had long since subsided, but his body still thrummed with residual tension, and his thoughts were consumed by Briar.The way her skin had looked under the dim light, the scent of her arousal clinging to the air—it was maddening.“Shut up,” Kai snapped internally, though his wolf didn’t back down.You let her slip away. She’s ours, and you just walked out. Weak.Kai growled low in his throat, shaking his head. His wolf was relentless, clawing at the edges of his control, but he refused to let it take over. He was already struggling to keep himself in check after what had happened in Briar’s room.As he turned the corner into the kitchen, he nearly bumped into Kylan, who was leaning casually against the counter, a smirk plastered across his face.“Well, well,” Kylan drawled, his
He wanted me. I did not need to be told twice that he wanted me. From just those few moments he had seen me, he was already aroused. I watched as his nose flared slightly, a quick, subtle inhale that he clearly tried to suppress. He didn’t think I’d notice, but I did. He could smell me, my arousal hanging faintly in the air between us. Knowing he wanted me had spiked something within me. Something that I had kept buried a long time ago after my affair with them. No one have ever looked at me the way Kai was now. As if I was the only girl he wanted. As if he could strip me with his eyes. I gulped. His eyes moved up to meet mine, and I swore they darkened. “Briar…” His voice was low, husky, filled with something raw. The sound of my name rolling off his tongue made my breath hitch. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, the muscles in his throat tightening. My gaze caught on the movement, and I felt heat rising to my cheeks, my heart racing as his presence