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2025-02-08 23:12:37Ashwin hummed under his breath as he moved around the kitchen, stretching his arms above his head before reaching for a mug.
Sunlight poured through the windows, painting the cozy space in a golden glow, while the scent of fresh coffee and vanilla filled the air. Everything was warm, peaceful—like something out of a dream. Because it was. “I hope you made enough for two,” a deep, rich voice drawled behind him. Before Ashwin could react, a firm grip encircled his waist, pulling him against an impossibly broad chest. Heat radiated from the body behind him, strong and grounding, and he felt the familiar press of lips against the curve of his neck. Ishaan. The man was a furnace—big, solid, and undeniably warm. At nearly 6’4”, he towered over Ashwin, his body sculpted from muscle, broad shoulders tapering into a defined waist and powerful thighs. His presence was overwhelming in the best way, his arms thick and dusted with dark hair, his voice low and teasing. Ashwin huffed but didn’t pull away. “Are you incapable of making your own breakfast?” “I’m capable,” Ishaan said, voice smug. “I just prefer yours.” Ashwin turned, his breath catching slightly as he met Ishaan’s dangerously beautiful grey eyes. They were sharp and piercing, framed by thick lashes, with an intensity that always left Ashwin feeling exposed. The man’s jawline was strong, shadowed with the faintest stubble, and his dark hair was slightly tousled, as if he’d just woken up. He looked like something out of a dream. Because he was. Ashwin shook off the strange thought and narrowed his eyes. “That’s a convenient excuse.” Ishaan smirked, reaching around Ashwin to pluck a pastry from the counter. “It’s not an excuse. It’s a compliment.” He took a bite, moaning exaggeratedly. “See? Delicious.” Ashwin rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. “You’re ridiculous.” “And yet you still let me stay.” They moved around the kitchen in an easy rhythm—Ashwin making coffee, Ishaan stealing bites of food and leaning in far too close whenever he had the chance. At one point, Ashwin reached for a plate on the top shelf, only for Ishaan to grab him by the waist and lift him effortlessly. “Ishaan!” Ashwin yelped, gripping his shoulders. Ishaan smirked up at him. “You’re so small.” “I am not—” Ashwin cut off with a glare, cheeks heating when Ishaan ran his hands slowly down his thighs before setting him down. “You’re perfect,” Ishaan corrected, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to Ashwin’s cheek. Ashwin turned away before he could react, hiding his flustered expression as they settled at the dining table. Their legs brushed beneath the table, a subtle touch neither of them acknowledged. It was easy. Too easy. Ashwin let himself sink into it—the warmth, the playful teasing, the way Ishaan watched him like he was something precious. It felt real. So achingly real. Then the doorbell rang. Ashwin frowned. The sound was distant, out of place. The doorbell rang again. His stomach twisted. And then— He woke up. The warmth vanished instantly, replaced by the cold air of his bedroom. Ashwin sat up abruptly, his breath uneven, his sheets tangled around him. The remnants of the dream clung to him, Ishaan’s voice still lingering in his ears. The doorbell rang again, sharp and insistent. Still disoriented, Ashwin stumbled out of bed and made his way to the door, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He opened it without thinking, only to be met with the sight of two uniformed officers standing on his porch. His stomach dropped. “Ashwin Lockwood?” one of them asked. Ashwin blinked, suddenly awake. “Yeah.” The officer nodded. “You reported Hayden Hayes missing?” Reality slammed into him. “Yes,” Ashwin said quickly. “He—he didn’t show up to work, and no one’s seen or heard from him. His phone goes straight to voicemail. He wouldn’t just disappear.” The officers exchanged a glance before the taller one—Officer Neilsson, Ashwin realized, someone he’d known since he was a teenager—spoke again. “We just wanted to follow up,” Neilsson said, his expression softening. “You know how it is. Small town, people disappear for a day or two, and they turn up later with some story about getting lost in the woods or their car breaking down.” “This isn’t like that,” Ashwin insisted, gripping the edge of the door. “Hayden wouldn’t vanish like this.” The officers studied him carefully. “I know this is hard,” Neilsson said after a moment. “Especially since—” He hesitated. “Since Mary raised you both.” A lump formed in Ashwin’s throat. Hayden’s grandmother, Mary Hayes, had been the one to take him in. She’d raised him like her own, alongside Hayden, treating them both with a kindness that Ashwin had never experienced before. She’d been his home. And now she was gone, leaving only Hayden. And now Hayden was missing. Ashwin swallowed hard, nodding stiffly. Neilsson sighed. “We’ll do everything we can to find him.” Ashwin barely processed the rest of the conversation, his thoughts spinning. He answered their questions as best as he could, his stomach twisting with each passing second. Movement in the corner of his vision caught his attention. Ishaan. He stood near the staircase, his large frame partially shadowed, watching silently. Ishaan’s gaze shifted, smoothing into something concerned as he stepped forward. “Is everything okay?” Ishaan asked, his deep voice breaking the silence. The officers turned to him, their eyes scanning over his massive frame. Ishaan was impossible to ignore—broad, muscular, and imposing, with thick arms crossed over his chest. His dark hair was slightly tousled, the sharp lines of his jaw softened by the morning light. The cops studied him, clearly taking in every detail. “And you are?” Neilsson asked. “Ishaan,” he answered smoothly. “I just moved in.” The officers exchanged another glance before nodding. “We’ll be in touch,” Neilsson said to Ashwin. “Call if you remember anything.” They left without another word. The moment the door closed, Ashwin exhaled shakily, pressing his forehead against the wood. His hands trembled slightly, his mind racing. A warm hand landed on his shoulder. Ashwin turned, finding himself face-to-face with Ishaan’s piercing grey eyes. The man’s expression was unreadable, his fingers firm yet oddly comforting where they rested against Ashwin’s skin. “Breathe,” Ishaan murmured. Ashwin swallowed, forcing air into his lungs. “I’ll help you look for him,” Ishaan said, his voice steady. “We’ll find him.” There was something so certain about the way he said it, like it wasn’t even a question. Ashwin didn’t know why, but hearing those words—coming from Ishaan of all people—made him feel just a little less alone. He nodded. And for the first time since waking up, he let himself believe it.Related chapters
Tangled In Scales 8
Ashwin hadn’t planned to go out today. Not when the town felt quieter than usual, not when his mind was plagued with thoughts of Hayden's sudden disappearance. But somehow, Ishaan had convinced him. With his smooth words and steady presence, he'd coaxed Ashwin into leaving the house, promising that a walk around town would help take his mind off things.“Come on,” Ishaan had said earlier that afternoon, standing by the front door with his arms crossed, his broad shoulders nearly filling the doorway. “You need a distraction. Sitting inside won’t change anything.”Ashwin had hesitated at first, shifting on his feet. But he couldn’t deny that staying cooped up wasn’t helping, either. So now, here they were, walking through the streets of Mount Haven, the late afternoon sun casting golden light over the quiet town.They started at the town square, where Ashwin pointed out the small shops lining the cobbled streets. “That’s the bakery,” he said, nodding toward a warm-looking building with
Last Updated : 2025-02-08Tangled In Scales 9
After finding the bodies at the lake, Ashwin did his best to keep his distance from Ishaan. It wasn’t that he suspected him, but something about Ishaan—his presence, his gaze, the way his body had felt against him in the water—had Ashwin on edge.He buried himself in work at Mount Haven Bookstore and Café, but it didn’t help when Ishaan walked in like he owned the place, ordering the same thing as always: black coffee and macarons.“I was starting to think you were avoiding me,” Ishaan mused, leaning lazily against the counter.Ashwin didn’t look at him. “I’ve just been busy.”“Busy ignoring me?” Ishaan teased, his voice smooth.Ashwin glared at him, but Ishaan only chuckled, his gray eyes gleaming in amusement. Then he did something unexpected—he reached out and fixed the collar of Ashwin’s shirt, his fingers brushing lightly against Ashwin’s skin. It was nothing, just a small touch, but it made heat coil in Ashwin’s stomach.And Ashwin couldn't stop thinking about it for the rest o
Last Updated : 2025-02-11Tangled In Scales 10
The moon hung low over Mount Haven, its silver glow spilling over the landscape, casting eerie shadows between the trees. The night was thick with the hum of crickets, the rustle of unseen creatures, and the distant hoot of an owl. But none of it disturbed Ishaan as he moved through the dense woods, his bare feet silent against the damp earth.He had left the house quietly, ensuring Ashwin was deep in sleep before slipping into the trees. The cool night air wrapped around his heated skin, but he barely felt it. His mind was elsewhere—on the hunger that twisted deep in his gut, on the beast clawing beneath his skin.He reached the lake, the same one where he and Ashwin had swum earlier, though now it was quiet, undisturbed. The water was dark, its surface glassy and still, reflecting the night sky in shards of silver. Ishaan stood at the edge, his tall, broad frame bathed in moonlight. He let out a slow breath before shedding his clothes, the fabric falling away to reveal the powerful
Last Updated : 2025-02-11Tangled In Scales 11
The weekend sun poured through the open window, spilling golden light across the hardwood floor. A soft breeze drifted in, carrying the scent of pine and fresh morning dew. Outside, birds called to one another from the thick trees surrounding the house, their chirping a pleasant backdrop to the stillness inside.Ashwin stood at the counter, waiting for the coffee to finish brewing, his body still warm from sleep. He rubbed a hand over his face and ruffled his dark curls, his boxers hanging loosely on his hips. It wasn’t like he was trying to be indecent—this was his home, after all.And yet, he felt it.The heavy, unrelenting weight of Ishaan’s gaze.It prickled against his bare skin, tracing the curve of his spine, the sharp lines of his shoulders, the dip of his waist. Ashwin didn’t need to turn around to know Ishaan was watching him.Appreciating him.Ignoring the heat creeping up his neck, Ashwin grabbed a mug from the cabinet and poured his coffee. “You’re up early.”Behind him,
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Tangled In Scales 12
Ashwin didn’t remember much about his earliest years—just flashes of movement and hushed voices. The memory that stuck, the one that always surfaced when he let his mind wander, was of the bus stop. The cracked pavement, the dull hum of traffic, the way his small hands gripped the edge of the bench as he sat there, waiting for someone who never came back.It was Hayden’s grandmother who found him. A kind woman with tired eyes and soft hands, she took one look at the abandoned boy and made a decision that changed both their lives. She raised Ashwin alongside Hayden, treating him as her own. And when Hayden lost his parents in a car crash, they became each other’s whole world—two boys with no one but each other, finding warmth in shared grief.But there were gaps in Ashwin’s memory, things that didn’t quite fit. Sometimes, when he thought too hard about that bus stop, the image wavered. Had he really been abandoned by a family of tourists, as Hayden’s grandmother always assumed? Or was
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Tangled In Scales 13
Ashwin stirred his tea half-heartedly, the spoon clinking against the ceramic as he gazed out through the kitchen window. The morning was quiet, Mount Haven still wrapped in the soft embrace of dawn, but his mind was anything but peaceful.His thoughts twisted, tangled, pulled in directions he didn’t understand.Hayden was missing. That should have been the only thing on his mind. The investigation, the police, the whispers around town—it all should have consumed him. And yet, here he was, sitting at the kitchen table, fingers curled around his cup, unable to think about anything except—Ishaan.Ashwin exhaled sharply, pressing his forehead against the cool rim of the mug.It didn’t make sense. None of this made sense.He had known Ishaan for a handful of weeks—less than two months—but it felt like Ishaan had been there forever, like he had slotted himself into Ashwin’s life so seamlessly that Ashwin couldn’t tell where the intru
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Tangled In Scales 14
Mount Haven’s market was a staple of small-town life, brimming with color, chatter, and the lingering scent of spiced bread. Ashwin found a sense of peace here—watching the townsfolk barter over fresh produce, admiring the handiwork of local artisans, and indulging in the occasional sweet treat.He sat on a rickety wooden chair outside a café, half-heartedly stirring his tea as he gazed through the kitchen window. But right now, his mind wasn’t on the market or the list of groceries he needed to buy. His thoughts were tangled—wrapped around something he couldn’t quite shake off.Or rather, someone.Ishaan.The man had only been in his life for a short while, but already, he was everywhere. In the spare room Ashwin had rented out. In the corners of his mind when he least expected it. In his dreams.Especially in his dreams.Ashwin sighed, his fingers tightening around his spoon. He told himself this was just an inconveni
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Tangled In Scales 15
Ashwin stirred the spoon in his tea half-heartedly, the rhythmic motion almost hypnotic as he gazed out the kitchen window. The glow of the streetlamp outside cast long shadows against the walls, making everything feel still—too still. The apartment was silent, save for the occasional creak of the wooden floors, the distant hum of a car passing by, and the soft ticking of the clock above the stove.Despite the quiet, Ashwin's mind was anything but calm.His grip on the ceramic mug tightened. Ishaan.It had only been a few weeks since he had moved in, but his presence was already disturbing Ashwin in ways he couldn’t understand. The man was too intense, too watchful, always lingering just close enough that Ashwin could feel him, even when he wasn’t looking.And that wasn’t the worst part.The worst part was the way Ashwin reacted to him.Every glance, every low murmur of his voice sent something sharp and confusing through Ashwin’s chest. His body tensed whenever Ishaan was near, but
Last Updated : 2025-02-14
Latest chapter
Tangled In Scales 42
The streets were quieter than usual, the curfew looming over the town like a warning. It wasn’t even dark yet, but people were already heading home, locking their doors, avoiding the shadows.Ashwin glanced at Ishaan as they walked to the car. “This whole thing is getting worse.”Ishaan hummed in agreement. “That’s why we’re picking up the twins together. I don’t want you walking alone.”Ashwin sighed. “I can take care of myself.”“I know,” Ishaan said, unlocking the car. “But I’d rather not risk it.”Ashwin didn’t argue. He knew better than to fight Ishaan on things like this.As they pulled onto the road, Ishaan spoke again.“My brothers are coming for a visit.”Ashwin raised a brow. “Really?”Ishaan nodded. “They missed you. And the twins. And they demanded roasted fish and fried potatoes.”Ashwin snorted. “Of course they did.”Ishaan smirked. “You’ll make it for them?”Ash
Tangled In Scales 41
The soft hum of pages turning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint vanilla musk of aged paper.This was Ashwin’s sanctuary. The bookstore café was a cozy little escape from the worries of the outside world, with its warm yellow lighting, wooden bookshelves stretching toward the ceiling, and snug reading nooks filled with plush chairs and knitted blankets.Ashwin sat behind the counter, absently wiping down the espresso machine as he watched the customers.A young woman sat by the window, a novel open on her lap as she sipped from a steaming mug. An elderly man in a tweed coat sat at a corner table, immersed in a history book, occasionally pausing to adjust his glasses. The soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clang of dishes from the café’s kitchen filled the air with a comforting rhythm.He liked this place. The quiet. The routine.But today, there was an unease hanging in the air. It started as whispers,
Tangled In Scales 40
Dark, fathomless blue stretched in every direction, but Ashwin wasn't afraid. He floated effortlessly, the gentle current cradling him like a familiar embrace. Cool water swept past his skin, yet there was no discomfort-only a soothing sensation, as if the ocean itself recognized him. He inhaled, and instead of drowning, his lungs filled with something light and pure.Breathing underwater felt natural.His body moved with a grace he never possessed on land, his limbs slicing through the water with ease, as if he had been born for this. Above him, golden rays of light filtered down from the unseen surface, scattering in ribbons that illuminated the space around him. Schools of fish darted past in shimmering waves, yet Ashwin barely paid them any attention.Because he wasn't alone.The enormous dark blue snake was there again, gliding through the water like a shadow given life. Its massive form coiled and uncoiled effortlessly, the deep hu
Tangled In Scales 39
The warm morning sun peeked through the curtains, making little golden patterns on the walls. The house was quiet—until it wasn’t.Thud. Thud. Thud.Tiny feet stomped down the hallway, followed by giggles. The bedroom door burst open, and two little boys tumbled in, jumping onto the bed.“Mommy, wake up!” Koa squealed, tugging at Ashwin’s arm. “We’s late, we’s late!”Kai crawled onto Ishaan’s chest and plopped down with a huff. “Yeah! We gonna be so, so late, an’ then we no learn nuffin’!”Ashwin groaned, half-burying his face in the pillow. “Koa, Kai, it’s not even seven yet.”“But school is ‘portant, Mommy!” Koa pouted, bouncing on the mattress.Ishaan let out a tired chuckle, wrapping an arm around Kai to keep him from rolling off. “Alright, alright, we’re up. But first, morning kisses.”The twins squealed as Ishaan and Ashwin covered their little faces in kisses, making them giggle loudly.“Now go b
Tangled In Scales 38
The afternoon sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets as Ishaan strolled toward Mrs. Patel’s bakery. The warmth of the light contrasted with the crisp breeze that whispered through the town, rustling the leaves in gentle waves. It was a beautiful day, idyllic even—but his mind was far from the peaceful surroundings.All he could think about was Ashwin.The memory of last night clung to him, refusing to let go. How Ashwin had trembled beneath him, his small frame helpless against the force of Ishaan’s desire. How he had taken him again and again, until Ashwin was utterly spent, boneless in his arms. The soft, gasping sounds he made had left an imprint on Ishaan’s mind—sweet, broken little noises that sent heat straight through his veins.Even this morning, before Ishaan had left, Ashwin had still been dripping, slick and warm, all over their bed. The thought alone made Ishaan’s fingers twitch at his sides, itching
Tangled In Scales 37
Ashwin shuddered. The contrast between them had always been stark—where Ashwin was lean, lithe, and finely built, Ishaan was broad, towering, and commanding in every movement. It wasn’t just size; it was the way Ishaan held himself, the way his presence filled every space like it was meant to belong to him."You're shaking," Ishaan noted, amused. One of his hands drifted lower, possessively mapping the dip of Ashwin’s waist before gripping his hip hard. "But you're not running. You never do, do you?"Ashwin bit his lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an immediate answer.Ishaan chuckled, low and knowing. "Because you like it when I take control," he continued, his voice smooth, almost hypnotic. "You like knowing you don’t have to think. You can just let me handle everything."Ashwin exhaled, his fingers flexing against the table as he let Ishaan’s words settle into him. He wouldn’t admit it out loud—not yet—but Ishaan was right
Tangled In Scales 36
The door clicked shut, and before Ashwin could even exhale, Ishaan was on him. His larger frame loomed over Ashwin’s smaller body, radiating heat and pent-up frustration. Rough hands cupped Ashwin’s jaw, tilting his face up just before Ishaan’s lips crashed down, swallowing him whole.The kiss was all-consuming—hungry, desperate, and demanding. Ishaan didn’t just kiss; he took. His lips were firm, his teeth grazing Ashwin’s bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth with a possessive pull. The force of it sent a jolt down Ashwin’s spine, making his knees weaken, but Ishaan’s grip on him was ironclad. There was nowhere to run, no room to breathe. Only Ishaan.Ashwin let out a muffled sound against his mouth, pushing lightly at Ishaan’s chest, but the man was relentless. His large hands slid from Ashwin’s jaw down to his waist, fingers pressing into the slight curve of his hips, gripping, grounding. It wasn’t just a touch—it was a claim. Ashwin’s breath hi
Tangled In Scales 35
Ashwin stood by the car, arms crossed, his posture deceptively relaxed. The dim streetlights cast long shadows across his face, highlighting the dark circles under his eyes. He hadn’t slept. Not properly. Not while Ishaan was locked inside that police station, treated like a criminal.His fingers drummed restlessly against his bicep as he watched the doors, his pulse hammering harder with every second.Then, finally—The doors swung open.Ishaan stepped out, slow and unhurried, like he hadn’t just spent two days being interrogated. He was still wearing the same clothes he had been arrested in, the fabric wrinkled, the sleeves slightly damp from where he had rinsed his face in the station’s bathroom. His jaw was tight, but his gaze lifted the moment he spotted Ashwin.Relief flickered in those dark eyes.Ashwin barely had time to push himself off the car before Ishaan was closing the distance between them.No words. No he
Tangled In Scales 34
The cell was small, barely large enough for the cot bolted to the wall and the metal toilet in the corner. The air was stale, thick with the scent of disinfectant and something metallic—blood, perhaps, long scrubbed away but still lingering beneath the surface.Ishaan Arthava sat on the cot, back straight, hands resting on his knees. His wrists were sore from the cuffs they had slapped on him hours ago, but he didn’t complain.Complaining was weakness.The officers outside whispered among themselves, their voices muffled through the steel door. He knew their type—cops who thought they had him cornered, who thought a few hours in a holding cell would break him.They didn’t know him.They had no idea what kind of patience lived inside him, what kind of restraint he had mastered over the years.The door creaked open.A uniformed officer stepped inside, gesturing for him to stand. “Move.”Ishaan exhaled slowly throu
