Cassia’s POV Garrett is so gentle as he places me on the bed, tucking me in beneath the covers. And as he leans over me, his eyes finally drift from mine, down to my lips. Without even meaning to, I find myself biting my bottom lip at the sight, drawing a growl from him that makes me shudder. “Be careful doing that, Cassia.” His voice is husky, almost menacing. And I nod my head, not trusting myself to speak.But once again, I find my fear gone. Overwhelmed and replaced by… longing. He sighs as he stands up and walks to the other side of the bed, taking his shirt off as he goes. Leaving him with just his grey sweatpants sitting low on his hips. I gasp at how muscled he is, my eyes wandering up and down his form. Unable to help myself. His eyes snap to mine again, and he looks down at the shirt in his hand. “Oh. Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” He hesitates. “Do you mind? I sleep better without a shirt. And with the bandages, I’m feeling a little claustrophobic.” I quickly shake my
Cole’s POV Leaving Markus’ wing, I feel heartsick. The place is trashed. His eyes are so haunted. And he can’t seem to get control of his wolf without being commanded. After an hour of talking to him, I finally had to order him to clean up his wing, clean himself up, and think about how to make his mate feel safe instead of himself and his own pain. He flinched at that, and I wince at the memory of it as I make my way downstairs. He’s always been a bit more out of control, our Delta. Very good at organising troops - also very… underdeveloped… in maintaining command of his own wolf. Which can be helpful in war when it isn’t disastrous… but isn’t usually helpful at any other time. I’m hoping his mate will eventually help him get that locked in - but with what she’s been through. I sigh and run a hand through my hair, scowling. I can only hope she doesn’t reject Markus and finds a way to let him - and us - help her. And that Markus will calm down enough to actually be able to help
Garrett’s POVAs I wake up, Cassia’s scent hits me hard, and I growl appreciatively, nuzzling my nose against her neck. “How are you feeling?” I murmur mentally to my wolf. “Almost back to normal,” his voice still sounds gruff and thick with sleep. “Careful not to wake her.” The corner of my lips tug at his caution. But he’s right. She needs rest as much as I do. “Garrett, you up?” Cole whispers into the mindlink. Not that he needs to ask; he can usually tell just by nudging me mentally. “Just barely, brother. Cassia’s still asleep. I might drift back, too.” “You both have to eat, you know. It’s almost 4:30. How about I have dinner brought up? I think I’ve finished with everything for today.”I yawn and nod, absently. I wonder how Alphas without twin brothers manage to get everything done - especially when they’re injured like this. I suppose they rely more on their Betas. Still - with everything that’s happened over the last few days, not having all of it fall on my shoulders m
Cassia’s POV “You are so fucking perfect, Cassia.” As his lips crash back into mine, my heart soars. I don’t know about perfect, but - well if the way he’s kissing me is any indication, he must really think so. Even without my wolf, even with what - no. I let myself stop thinking and lose myself in the way he feels - the way his hand caresses my back, the way his lips and tongue feel on mine, the way his arousal feels on my hip, part of his weight resting comfortably on top of me. Far, far too soon, I hear a knock at the door, and jolt in surprise, pulling away from him. My face heats, knowing the room must smell of my arousal. He only chuckles at me, though, kissing my jaw. “Don’t worry, love. It’s only Cole.” “Oh,” my stomach flip flops, and I wonder again how this whole two mate thing works. He smirks at me before lifting off of me and sitting up against the headboard, gently pulling me against him. “Come in, idiot,” he calls out, and I look at him, shocked. Bu
Cassia’s POV Cole studies me, waiting for my answer, amusement clear in his brown eyes. I can feel Garrett tense behind me and know he’s watching and waiting, as well. “I - I don’t… I don’t know.” I manage, inwardly rolling my eyes at myself. There’s something exciting about the idea of both of them being here - and yet… Cole reaches out and rubs his thumb on my cheek, interrupting my thoughts. His eyes have lost their amusement and are gentle, wary. “Love - we’re not going to rush you. Eventually, we’ll want to sleep all together. Neither of us want to be away from you. But if it’s too much, one or both of us could sleep on the couches… or, well - we could sleep in different rooms… if that’s what you’d prefer.” Instantly I’m frightened. I have no desire to spend the night in the room alone. “No!” I squeak. “No. I’d - I don’t want to be alone.”I hear Garrett growl behind me as he wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me to him. Cole laces his fingers with mine and pulls
Cassia’s POVI slept even deeper and better than I have since I arrived at this pack, and as I wake, I know immediately why. I’m incredibly hot and sweating, tucked tightly between two mammoth men who are convinced I’m their mate. I’m surprised that I’m not panicking. It feels good - their bodies, tight around me. But the covers and the contact have me boiling. “Uhm -” I hesitate to wake them, but I truly can’t stand the heat another moment. “Guys?” I start wriggling, trying to untuck myself from their massive forms. Cole growls, dragging me into him. “Too early, Cass. Go back to sleep.” “But Cole, I’m burning up!” I squeak. Garrett chuckles in front of me, his eyes still shut as he reaches a finger to my forehead. Suddenly, his eyes spring open. “Shit. Cole, she means it. The poor thing is sweating.” In seconds, they’re both on opposite sides of the bed, and the covers are flung away from all three of us. Both of them stare at me wide-eyed, as I chuckle at them. “I’m fine
3rd PersonThe room is utterly silent save for the ragged breaths of a wild looking man. Blood drips from his mouth and claws as he stalks back toward his throne, throwing himself heavily on the seat.Several servants shrink as best they can into the shadowy depths of the throne room, but there is no hiding from Devlin Anwir. “Clean up this mess before I give you all the same treatment!” Everyone moves to fulfill his orders except for one man who moves closer to him, eyes concealing any emotion. “We’ll have to create more, Your Majesty. Shall I send for… recruits?” Devlin’s golden eyes don’t move from the servants carting off the remains of his rogue platoon. In many ways he looks more wolf than man - his canines permanently lowered, his claws permanently extended - and his black hair more mane than anything else. “Yes, Gifek.” He inhales, seeming to steady himself. “Although it will take some time to train them. Albius and his men were our best - although clearly too stupid to c
Cassia’s POV Everything hurts, and my body doesn’t seem to want to stop shaking. I reach out wildly around me, attempting to grab Cole or Garrett and drag them closer, my eyelids fluttering just slightly. “You’re okay, Cassia,” a feminine voice croons above my head. “I know it’s painful, but you’re alright.” As my eyes open more widely, the room is far, far too bright, and I slam them closed with a yelp. I hear low growls on either side of me and can’t help but smile in my relief. They’re here. They didn’t leave me. I try to open my eyes again, hissing as the harsh light hits them. “Wh - why is it so bright?” I stammer out, the words somewhere between a slur and a stutter as my teeth chatter. “Why is it - s-so cold?” “We had to bring your fever down, Cassia,” a man says somewhere to my left. I try to look at him, but it’s far too bright, and his face is blurry. I close my eyes again, groaning. A hand reaches out and gently strokes my forehead. I lean into the touch, noticing