Kai stood nearby, as stoic and intense as ever, his blue eyes watching me like he was trying to solve a puzzle.That's how he always looks though . Watchful.It was annoying sometimes, but there are sometimes, especially now when I am in nothing but a T-shirt, shorts, and my hair in a mess, it felt like he could see my body from within my shirt. Kieran was the least distracting, for once, but only because he was busy coaxing the twins into the car.I let out an exaggerated groan, throwing my hands in the air. “Can you guys please be less hot?”Kylan turned, his grin widening. “You think we’re hot?”Kai’s lips twitched, though his voice remained cold as ice. “We’ll try harder to be less of a distraction for you.”“Oh, shove it,” I snapped, flipping him the finger.---This was a welcome change of scenery. The hum of activity, the soft beeps of monitors, and the soothing scent of disinfectant helped ground me. I made my way to Lizbella’s office, holding a small paper bag containing h
The battlefield was a wasteland. Bodies, both fresh and decaying, were strewn across the ground. A thick, unnatural fog hovered over the earth, masking the stench of death, but not enough to hide the horrors from anyone still standing. Still fighting for this war that had gone for more than a week. "Hold the line!" Marcus's voice boomed across the clearing, his silver hair matted with dirt and blood. His piercing blue eyes darted from one corner of the field to another. "Don’t let them break through!"To his left, a Lycan tore through a vampire’s throat with a savage snarl. Blood splattered across his chest, the vampire’s body falling limp before hitting the dirt. The Lycan grunted, his yellow eyes flaring. "This is getting worse, Marcus. They’re faster. Stronger than normal. We can’t keep up."Marcus spat on the ground, his jaw clenched. “We don’t have a choice, Jax. We either fight or die. You wanna run? Then go. But I’m not going down without tearing a few more apart.”Jax wiped
Years later…Briar's POV"Congratulations, Luna Briar, you are officially carrying the Alpha's heir."The words should have filled me with joy, but instead, they felt hollow. I sat on the edge of the hospital bed, staring at the nurse as she recorded the results in her clipboard without so much as a smile. Her tone was flat, indifferent, as if my news was nothing special.It should be though. The alpha's heir. It was great news. But not for the people of Crimson Pack. It was a nightmare and a weakness."Thank you," I said, my voice quiet.She didn’t bother to look up.No smile. No warmth. Just a curt nod. I wasn’t surprised. As far as the pack was concerned, I was just an omega who had lucked out. The Alpha’s mate, sure, but still an omega. And an omega carrying the Alpha’s child was an inconvenience to most.Here in the crimson pack, mates weren't taken seriously. They had expected their alpha to get another wife, to rule, whereas I would just be a mistress. But he never did. He
I woke up in the hospital feeling empty. Like a void. The sterile scent of antiseptic burned my nose as the fluorescent lights hummed overhead. My throat was dry, lips cracked, but none of that mattered. My hand instinctively went to my stomach, trembling fingers pressing against the soft skin there. It felt empty. "No... no, no, no," I whispered, my heart pounding as the memories flooded back. The fight. Slade’s rage. His fists. Zaya’s mocking laughter. And then the pain—so much pain.And blood. A nurse must have heard me because the door swung open, and she hurried over. Her face was sympathetic, so different from the hate I was used to. “Luna Ashford…”I flinched at the title. Luna. That wasn’t me anymore. I was nothing.“Don’t call me that,” I rasped.She hesitated before nodding. “I’m sorry. You need to rest.”Rest? How could I rest? My baby…our baby… was gone. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the reality that was clawing at me, threatening to consume me whole.“I’m
I remembered the first time I had come here. I was eighteen. Young and foolish. Happy to have been released from the orphanage. Lizbella and I had come here to celebrate. Our hands were calloused, we smelt of oil, we had begged for money so we could buy a drink.We didn’t care that night. We just wanted to party and enjoy life.We were eighteen meaning we could leave this pack and stopped working in the mines or as slaves. And I had met him. Alpha Slade and he had been my mate. My love. The moment I became Luna, Zaya tried to replace Lizbella, and I let her, now she ruined me. I was stupid. Still am it seems. I ordered a drink and stared into the glass, my reflection distorted in the amber liquid. Who was I now?“Looking for company?” a deep voice asked.I didn’t bother turning around. “Not in the mood.”“You look like you could use someone to talk to.”I sighed, finally glancing over my shoulder. The man standing there was tall, his dark eyes studying me with far too much interest.
As the second man pressed against me, his lips grazing the sensitive skin of my neck, I let out a low moan, my body arching into his touch. My breath hitched as the pleasure went through my veins, both of their hands on my body, igniting sensations I hadn’t felt in years—or maybe ever. I was no longer thinking, just feeling. The heat between us swelled, growing more urgent with every touch, every kiss. The second man’s fingers traced along the curve of my back while the first one pulled me tighter against him, his movements hard and insistent.I felt lips on my hardened nipples, I almost screamed from the pleasure.My heart pounded in my chest, my mind slipping further away from reality, giving in completely. They kissed me everywhere—lips, neck, chest. There was nothing but them, nothing but the feeling of their hands, his hands on my clit, their lips, the heat of their bodies pressing into mine. My mind was spinning, the alcohol still swirling in my veins, making everything feel
Seven years later…The early morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the small room. I stretched, careful not to wake the two small bodies nestled on either side of me. My twins, Finn and Luna, slept soundly, their little faces peaceful in the morning light. Watching them, I couldn’t help but smile. Life was different now. It had to be. After that night, the night I left everything behind, I promised myself that I would never look back.And for seven years, I hadn’t. I had built a life here, in the Lycan territory, far away from the pain of the past. I was no longer the broken woman who had stumbled into that motel room. I was Briar Ashford—mother, therapist, survivor.“Mama,” a small voice murmured, breaking into my thoughts. Luna, her big brown eyes still heavy with sleep, reached out to me. Her tiny hand clutched at my shirt as she blinked up at me with a smile that could light up the darkest day.“Morning, sweetheart,” I whispered, pressi
What do you do when three hot men appear at your doorstep saying they are the father of your kids?I would slam the door.And that’s exactly what I did. Or at least, I tried to.But Kylan’s hand shot out, stopping the door just as it was about to close. “Briar, wait—”I glared at him, shoving the door harder against his hand. “Wait? For what? For you to come in here and spew some more ridiculous claims? Because, trust me, I’ve heard enough. You guys are bloody psychos or some pranksters and trust me it's a Monday morning, I could hardly care.”Kai chuckled, his face filled with amusement that seemed to tick me off. “We’re not here to cause trouble, Briar. We just want to talk.”“Talk?” I repeated, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “There’s nothing to talk about. What you’re saying is impossible. Scientifically impossible! You are not the father of my children.”Kieran, the chiseled jaw Adonis, who had been silent up until now, smirked, “Impossible is our speciality, sweetheart.”I roll
Kai stood nearby, as stoic and intense as ever, his blue eyes watching me like he was trying to solve a puzzle.That's how he always looks though . Watchful.It was annoying sometimes, but there are sometimes, especially now when I am in nothing but a T-shirt, shorts, and my hair in a mess, it felt like he could see my body from within my shirt. Kieran was the least distracting, for once, but only because he was busy coaxing the twins into the car.I let out an exaggerated groan, throwing my hands in the air. “Can you guys please be less hot?”Kylan turned, his grin widening. “You think we’re hot?”Kai’s lips twitched, though his voice remained cold as ice. “We’ll try harder to be less of a distraction for you.”“Oh, shove it,” I snapped, flipping him the finger.---This was a welcome change of scenery. The hum of activity, the soft beeps of monitors, and the soothing scent of disinfectant helped ground me. I made my way to Lizbella’s office, holding a small paper bag containing h
The smell of pancakes and bacon greeted me as I stepped into the kitchen, Finn and Luna running ahead of me. Kai stood at the stove, his movements precise as he flipped pancakes onto a growing stack. Kylan leaned casually against the counter, munching on a piece of bacon with his trademark smirk.“Good morning,” Kylan said, giving me a once-over. “Sleep well?”“Better than I expected, considering the circus in my house,” I replied, making a beeline for the stack of pancakes.As I reached out to grab one, Kai’s hand shot out, snapping my wrist lightly.“It’s bad manners to pick at food before it’s served,” he said, his voice as calm and commanding as ever.I glared at him, pulling my hand back. “It’s bad manners to invade someone’s home uninvited, but I don’t see you apologizing.”Kylan choked on his bacon, clearly trying to hold back a laugh.Kai’s lips twitched, though he didn’t smile. “Touché.”“Where’s Kieran?” I asked, glancing around.“Bathroom,” Kai said, flipping another pancak
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
“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 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
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
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
“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
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