I laughed at their suggestion. “What are you guys? Babies?”The Lycan kings chuckled like I had just thrown down the gauntlet.“Oh, she has jokes,” Kylan said, already stretching like he was warming up for a marathon. “But you’ll be the one begging for a break in five minutes.”Kieran cracked his knuckles, his expression far too smug. “She clearly doesn’t know what kind of game she just agreed to.”Kai just smirked. “Three Lycans. One human. Doesn’t seem fair, does it?”I raised a brow. “Didn’t realize you were afraid of losing.”That did it.Kylan’s eyes glinted, his smirk widened into a grin. “You’ve got sixty seconds, Red. Better start hiding.”And just like that, I ran.I darted through the trees, heart racing—not from fear, but the thrill of it. The moon was high, casting silver light through the branches as I pushed through the underbrush, trying to gain some distance.But it was impossible to tell where they were. No footsteps. No rustling. Just wind.Too quiet.Then—A sudden
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
I laughed at their suggestion. “What are you guys? Babies?”The Lycan kings chuckled like I had just thrown down the gauntlet.“Oh, she has jokes,” Kylan said, already stretching like he was warming up for a marathon. “But you’ll be the one begging for a break in five minutes.”Kieran cracked his knuckles, his expression far too smug. “She clearly doesn’t know what kind of game she just agreed to.”Kai just smirked. “Three Lycans. One human. Doesn’t seem fair, does it?”I raised a brow. “Didn’t realize you were afraid of losing.”That did it.Kylan’s eyes glinted, his smirk widened into a grin. “You’ve got sixty seconds, Red. Better start hiding.”And just like that, I ran.I darted through the trees, heart racing—not from fear, but the thrill of it. The moon was high, casting silver light through the branches as I pushed through the underbrush, trying to gain some distance.But it was impossible to tell where they were. No footsteps. No rustling. Just wind.Too quiet.Then—A sudden
The sun had barely begun to dip when I heard the familiar patter of feet and the squeak of the front door opening.“Mummy!”I turned just in time to catch Luna barreling toward me, her backpack slipping halfway off her shoulder.“Hey, sweetheart.” I knelt, wrapping my arms around her tiny frame. She smelled like crayons and a bit of outside air. “Did you miss me today?”She nodded against my neck, clinging tighter. “A lot.”Finn wasn’t far behind. He stood at the doorway for a second before quietly shutting it behind him. His backpack was zipped neat and high on his back, his expression more cautious.“Finn,” I said gently, “come here.”He came — slower, more controlled — but when he finally wrapped his arms around me too, I held them both like I’d never let go.For a long minute, we just stood like that.“I wanted to talk to you both,” I said as I pulled back and led them to the couch. “About everything that’s been happening lately.”Luna frowned. “Is it because you were sick?”I nod
I moved to the counter slowly, ignoring the stares behind me. I needed something to hold. Something normal. Something hot.“Coffee?” I offered half-heartedly, reaching for a mug.“Here?” Lizbella scoffed from behind me. “No, thanks.”I glanced over my shoulder. “Still think the Lycan Kings are cursed?”Her mouth twitched. “Still think you’re not?”I forced a tired smile, pouring the coffee anyway. “Suit yourself.”She stepped into the kitchen finally, her heels clicking softly against the floor. Kai had disappeared somewhere—I didn’t know when—but Kieran was still nearby, quiet. Watching. But he was holding a magazine of ladies in bikinis. But it was upside down. Idiot. Eventually he got up and left. Kylan also disappeared to. Regardless Lizbella stood beside me. She was still as beautiful as ever. Perfect and the kind of woman who never seemed to have a hair out of place. Lizbella’s eyes didn’t leave me. “So… the only reason I finally get to see you again is because the council
"As long as you don't go crazy and kill us," Kieran said, voice dry as ever.I shot him a glare through watery eyes. “Not funny.”Kai had already moved closer, his fingers carefully undoing the chains wrapped around my wrists.His touch was quiet. Gentle. Each click of the locks made me exhale a little easier.“I’m sorry,” he murmured, not meeting my gaze. “We didn’t know what else to do.”I didn’t respond. My throat was still tight.The last shackle dropped to the floor with a metallic clink. I rubbed my wrists instinctively—angry red marks circling them.But before I could say anything, Kai leaned forward, took one of my wrists in his palm… and pressed a kiss against the irritated skin.I froze.The warmth of his lips lingered for only a second—but the sting vanished instantly. I blinked, stunned, and looked down. The marks were gone.“Kai?” I breathed. “How did you…?”He chuckled softly, standing back to his full height. “I can do a lot of things, my love.”My stomach flipped a lit
I stood still.The water dripped from my hair. My skin still glowed faintly, markings humming beneath the surface. The silence around me wasn’t peaceful—it was coiled. Like a held breath.I was naked. But I didn’t feel cold. I didn’t feel… anything. Not properly.And their eyes—God, they were staring.Kai.Kylan.Kieran.They stood frozen near the edge of the spring, all three looking like they wanted to move closer but didn’t dare.“She’s not… blinking,” Kylan muttered.“She’s not Briar,” Kai replied, his voice low and sharp.Something twitched in my chest. I didn’t know if it was anger or sadness. Something flickered. I looked down at the water swirling around my waist. It was still listening. Ready.“What if she screams again?” Kylan whispered. “What if she vaporizes us this time?”I looked up slowly.Kai didn’t move. “Then we hope she remembers who we are before it happens.”Kylan turned to him. “Oh great. Hope. Yeah, that’ll totally keep our bodies from turning to smoke.”“Be qu
Briar's POVEverything was quiet.Not in the way silence normally is. This wasn’t just the absence of sound.This… this was peace.I didn’t feel pain anymore. No heaviness in my chest. No burning behind my eyes. No panic clawing at the edge of my lungs.Just warmth.Gentle warmth, wrapping around my limbs like velvet.And light.So much light.I opened my eyes.I wasn’t at the road with vampires anymore.I was underwater.I could breathe.The water was so clear it felt like air. Light trickled in from above, dancing across the surface in golden ribbons. Everything glowed softly hues of blue and green and silver that shimmered with every tiny ripple.I looked down.I still had legs.No tail. No change. I wasn't a fish.And yet… it felt different.My skin was glowing. Lines trailed up my arms like ink beneath the surface—glowing faintly, moving ever so slightly like they were alive.I moved feeling free. As if in a long time I could actually breathe. I wasn't alone here. Figures moved
Kai’s POVShe hadn’t moved in over an hour.Not even a twitch.I stood near the window, arms crossed, eyes locked on her still figure as the storm inside me brewed heavier than the clouds outside. The kids had fallen asleep again, one on each side of her, their small hands curled against her arms like they were trying to keep her tethered to the world.I couldn’t stop staring.Because if I stopped staring… I might have to admit how scared I actually was.The power he felt emitted from her wasn’t wolf. Wasn’t anything I’d seen in a long time. It smelled old. Too old. Old like the vampires. Kylan entered the room quietly, a bottle of water in his hand and his entire posture screaming guilt.I hadn't asked him what had happened because I was thinking about ways to sort this out. I didn’t look at him when I asked, “What happened out there?”He sat on the edge of the table across from me, rubbing the back of his neck. “She passed out. After vaporizing a group of rogues and vampires. All
Kylan’s POVI could feel her heart beating erratically against me, her body still limp in my arms as I carried her through the forest, away from the wreckage.Briar was barely conscious, her breathing shallow, and that alone sent a panic that ran through me faster than I’d ever run in my wolf form.I knew something was wrong, but the sight of her collapsing—her body betraying her like that—had set off every protective instinct I had.I couldn’t wait for any help. I didn’t even think. I just needed to get her somewhere safe.Her head hung in my arms like a ragdoll, and I felt her weak pulse in my hands, her skin clammy with the sweat of whatever fever she’d caught from the siren power taking over.I abandoned the car the second I realized she wasn’t waking up. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t alone. What mattered was her. Always her.I shifted fast, fur sprouting across my body. The moment my Lycan form took over, I scooped her up, feeling the heat of her skin against my fur. My paws hit
The silence was suffocating.The last rogue fell as ash to the earth, drifting like dust on a dead wind.My chest heaved. My vision blurred.I didn’t understand what just happened. My scream—it had done something. Something terrifying.How? I had killed someone. Well not someone. Couple of people. Wait…Kylan.The screwdriver was still at my feet, but I barely noticed it now.I pushed open the car door stepping outside. “Kylan!” I screamed. Please no. Ease let me not have hurt him.“Briar!” He called out. I turned to see him and I sighed in relief. He was already shifting mid-sprint, fur retracting into skin, claws vanishing as his towering figure emerged from the trees, shirtless, panting, his eyes wild.“Briar!” he called, panic etched into every corner of his voice. “Where are you—”His eyes locked on me.And something in his face… froze.I turned to him fully now. I didn’t run to.him. I didn’t cry or shout in anger. I… smiled.My lips curved, slow. Calculated. Seductive. My