Amara's POV I walked through the school corridors, my mind racing with everything that had happened over the past few days. The betrayal, the confusion, and the pain were like a heavy weight on my chest. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, and no matter how hard I tried to ignore it, the anger kept boiling under the surface.I had trusted them all—Jaxon, Ryder, Caden—but now it seemed like they were all turning away from me. But worst of all, the people I never wanted to deal with again were back—Selena and Stephanie. I could feel their eyes on me before I even saw them. As soon as I turned the corner, I locked eyes with Selena, her face twisting into a smug grin. My blood boiled, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. How dare they? After everything, they still had the audacity to walk around like nothing had happened. "Well, look who's here," Selena sneered, crossing her arms and leaning against the locker. Stephanie stepped forward, her lips curling into a smirk. "
Amara's POV My heart pounding with anger, still reeling from the rush of slapping Selena and Stephanie. I was so caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that I almost didn’t hear Ryder’s voice behind me. “How dare you slap her?” His words came out like a lash, sharp and cutting. I turned around quickly, the anger within me bubbling to the surface once again.Ryder was standing there, his jaw clenched, his fists balled at his sides. His eyes burned with fury, and I could see the tension in his body. But in that moment, all I could feel was an overwhelming surge of resentment. He was defending Selena. He was standing there, after everything, after all that had happened, still on her side. The memories of those photos flooded my mind—Selena and Ryder, naked and entwined. The images that had shattered my heart just days ago. I could barely breathe, the pain clawing at my chest. The unfairness of it all. Why was he still protecting her? Why was he so blind to the truth?“Are you serious,
Amara's POV The next morning, I woke up feeling an odd sense of clarity. My emotions were still raw, my chest still ached with the heaviness of it all, but a part of me felt... lighter. Maybe it was the exhaustion of constantly caring, of constantly hurting. Or maybe I had finally reached my breaking point. Whatever it was, I knew one thing for sure—I wasn’t going to let them hurt me anymore. I got ready for school like it was any other day, but as I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I made myself a promise. No more tears. No more pain. If they were under some spell, if they couldn’t see the truth, then fine. Let them be. I wasn’t going to waste another second of my life trying to fix what they had broken. They weren’t worth it—not the lies, not the betrayal, and certainly not my tears.When I walked into the school, I could feel their presence even before I saw them. The bond I shared with the triplets, despite everything, still hummed faintly in my chest. It was like a consta
Amara's POV Days later, the hallway was a cacophony of laughter, gossip, and footsteps as students milled around, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. My eyes were locked on Jaxon as he stood by his locker, leaning against it with the same cocky smirk he always wore. But something was different.I could sense it. The tension in his shoulders. The stiffness in his stance. He wasn’t the Jaxon I knew—the one who used to tease me endlessly, the one who used to make me feel seen and wanted. Now, he felt like a shadow of himself. A stranger.As I walked past, I caught his gaze for a fleeting second. His smirk faltered, and for the briefest moment, I saw it—something vulnerable, something real. But then, like a snap of a finger, it was gone, replaced by cold indifference."Nice outfit," he sneered, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "Did you dig it out of a trash bin?" His words cut deep, but his eyes... his eyes told a different story. They weren’t laughing like his voice. They
Amara's POVThe day began like any other—gray and heavy, mirroring the storm within me. The Triplets continued to act like strangers, yet somehow, their presence lingered in the periphery of my world, refusing to let me fully move on. It was maddening, trying to reconcile the brothers I once knew with the fractured versions standing before me. I was walking down the hallway toward my locker when a loud burst of laughter echoed behind me. Turning, I saw Caden leaning against the wall, his arm slung lazily around Stephanie’s shoulders. My wolf growled lowly, but I shoved the sound away. I couldn’t afford to break—not here, not now. "Look at her," Caden’s voice rang out suddenly, sharp and cruel. His gaze was locked on me, his lips twisted into a smirk. "The poor little reject trying to play strong. Who are you fooling, Amara? Everyone knows you’re just a broken mess." The words hit me harder than I expected. My heart clenched as my wolf whimpered softly. He’s not himself, she tried t
Amara’s POVThe next morning, the air at school felt heavier, like an unspoken tension blanketed the halls. It wasn’t just the spell that weighed on the Triplets anymore; it was me. My resolve to ignore them, to shield myself from their venom and confusion, was crumbling faster than I wanted to admit. I kept my head down as I made my way to the library, clutching a book Elian had given me on magical wards and protection spells. It was becoming clear that the Triplets were slipping deeper into the witches’ trap, and if I didn’t act soon, they might be lost forever. I barely made it halfway down the corridor when I heard footsteps behind me. Turning quickly, I found myself face-to-face with Ryder. His expression was conflicted, a mix of anger and something else—something softer. "Amara," he said, his voice strained, "we need to talk." I stepped back instinctively, clutching the book tighter. "There’s nothing to talk about, Ryder." His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched. "Stop acti
Ryder’s POVThe night was suffocating. The air felt thick, pressing against my chest like an invisible weight. No matter how many times I shifted in bed or flipped the pillow over to the cooler side, sleep refused to come. When it finally did, it brought no peace—only darkness and torment. Flashes of Amara filled my dreams. Her face blurred, her voice a desperate cry that echoed in the recesses of my mind. She was crying, her tears streaming down her cheeks like rivers, and I was standing there, watching, unable to move. “Ryder,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Why are you doing this to me?” My heart twisted painfully in the dream, yet I couldn’t answer. Something was holding me back, controlling me, silencing me. Suddenly, her face changed. The warmth I’d once known was replaced by a cold, lifeless stare. Her eyes, once full of light, darkened with hatred. “You betrayed me,” she spat, her voice laced with venom. “You chose her over me.” I reached out to her, my hands trembl
Ryder’s POVThe door slammed shut behind her, and the silence that followed was deafening. I stood frozen, staring at the spot where Amara had been just moments ago. My fists clenched at my sides, and my nails bit into my palms as I tried to hold myself together. She didn’t cry this time. She didn’t even yell. She just looked at me—looked at me like I was nothing. And, damn it, I felt like nothing. I sank back into my chair, running a hand through my hair as my heart pounded painfully in my chest. Her words echoed in my mind on a loop: "I know this isn’t you, Ryder. I know you’re under a spell, and I’m going to break it."She believed in me. After everything I’d said and done to her, after every cruel insult and heartless action, she still believed in me. And I’d hurt her again. The spell’s grip on my mind felt like iron chains tightening with every thought. One moment, I wanted to chase after her, to fall at her feet and beg for forgiveness. But the next moment, anger and bittern
Amara’s POVI felt completely wrecked. My lips were swollen, my heart was racing, and my body was betraying me in every possible way.Three different men. Three different kinds of want.And I wanted all of them.Caden, steady and intense, watching me like I was something precious. Ryder, wild and untamed, like he wanted to ruin me in the best way possible. And Jaxon, teasing, dangerous, deadly in the way he played with me.And the worst part?They knew.Jaxon was the first to speak, his smirk lazy but possessive. “Damn, princess,” he murmured, dragging his thumb across my bottom lip. “Look at you. Already falling apart, and we haven’t even started yet.”I sucked in a sharp breath. “I—”Ryder didn’t let me finish.He tilted my chin up, his green eyes dark. “Careful, sweetheart,” he warned, his voice husky. “Keep looking at me like that, and I might forget how to behave.”Caden exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “We need to stop.”Jaxon laughed. “Oh, now you want to be re
Amara’s POVThe tension in the air was electric.Three sets of eyes on me. Three different kinds of want, all pressing in, waiting for me to make the next move.Jaxon still had me flush against him, his fingers skimming my waist in lazy, teasing circles. His smirk deepened when I shivered under his touch. “What’s wrong, princess?” he murmured, his lips ghosting over my ear. “Feeling a little overwhelmed?”I shot him a glare, even as my pulse betrayed me. “You wish.”Ryder chuckled darkly. “Oh, she’s getting feisty now.” He moved closer, his fingers trailing along my other arm, featherlight, but enough to make my breath catch. “Should we push her a little more?”Caden sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was holding back from snapping at both of them. But instead of pulling me away, he simply stepped forward, his hand landing firmly on my hip. Not rough, not teasing—just there.Steady. Certain.“I think,” Caden said, his voice calm but firm, “we should let her decide.”The w
Amara’s POVI was officially losing my mind.Caden had just kissed me—really kissed me—and I was still recovering from the fire he left in his wake. Ryder had already staked his claim before that. And now, Jaxon stood in front of me, smirking like he knew exactly what I was thinking."You look flustered, princess," Jaxon teased, his fingers still resting beneath my chin, keeping my gaze locked with his.I was flustered. How could I not be? I was surrounded by three ridiculously attractive, possessive men who all seemed determined to make me lose my sanity.“I wonder why,” I muttered, trying to step back, but Jaxon’s hand slid around my waist, keeping me close.His smirk deepened. “Relax, sweetheart. I’m not mad that you kissed them first.”Caden tensed beside me, and Ryder scoffed, but Jaxon ignored them, his lips brushing the shell of my ear as he whispered, “I just think it’s my turn now.”I shivered.Before I could even react, Jaxon tilted my face up and kissed me—slow and teasing,
Amara’s POVI could still feel Ryder’s lips on mine. Still feel the heat of his hands gripping my waist, the possessiveness in his touch.I should have pushed him away. Should have told him this was too much, too fast.But I didn’t.Because the truth was, I wanted him. Just like I wanted Jaxon. Just like I wanted Caden.And that terrified me.I barely had time to process what had happened before the sound of the balcony door opening made me jump.Caden stood in the doorway, his golden eyes flicking between me and Ryder.Tension thickened the air instantly.Ryder didn’t move from where he stood close to me, his body still caging mine against the railing. Instead, he smirked, wiping his thumb across his bottom lip like he was taunting him.Caden’s jaw ticked.I swallowed hard. “Caden, I—”His voice was calm—too calm. “So, is this how it is?” His gaze flicked to Ryder. “You get tired of waiting, so you steal what isn’t yours?”Ryder laughed, low and dark. “Steal?” He tilted his head. “I
Ryder’s POVI hated this.Watching Jaxon pull Amara into his lap, watching Caden’s hand brush against hers—watching her respond to them. It killed me.She was mine just as much as she was theirs. I knew that. But every time I saw her melt under Jaxon’s touch or soften when Caden whispered something to her, a sharp, burning feeling twisted in my chest.Jealousy. Possessiveness.I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay still.But when Jaxon leaned in, his lips hovering dangerously close to Amara’s ear, I snapped.“Amara,” I called, standing from my chair. “Come with me.”She blinked, looking up from where she sat curled up between them. “What?”I didn’t ask again.I held out my hand, waiting.She hesitated but finally took it, letting me pull her up. Jaxon raised an eyebrow, smirking like he knew exactly what was going on. Caden just watched silently, his gaze unreadable.I led Amara out onto the balcony, closing the door behind us. The cool night air did nothing to calm the storm in
Amara’s POVI barely made it through my next class.Jaxon’s words—I’m not done with you yet, princess—played on a loop in my head. His touch, his kiss, the way he owned every moment with me… it was driving me insane.By the time the final bell rang, I was practically bolting toward the parking lot, hoping to escape before Jaxon could find me.Spoiler alert: I failed.The second I stepped outside, a familiar arm wrapped around my waist, yanking me back against a warm, hard chest.“Running from me, princess?” Jaxon’s voice was all smug amusement, his lips brushing against my ear.I shivered. “I—I wasn’t—”His low chuckle sent heat straight through me. “Liar.”I turned in his hold, scowling up at him. “You love tormenting me, don’t you?”Jaxon smirked, tilting his head. “Only because you look so damn cute when you’re flustered.”I groaned, shoving at his chest. “Just take me home.”“Gladly.”He grabbed my wrist and led me toward his car, opening the passenger door with an exaggerated flo
Amara’s POVI wanted to disappear. Right then and there.Jaxon, of course, was absolutely loving this. His arm stayed draped around my shoulders, his fingers casually playing with the ends of my scarf like he knew exactly what he had done.Ryder leaned against the lockers, arms crossed, his grin way too amused. “So… did Jaxon finally claim you, or did he just get really hungry last night?”I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “I hate all of you.”Caden didn’t look nearly as amused. His arms were crossed, his expression unreadable. “It’s not funny,” he muttered, his sharp gaze flickering toward Jaxon. “You should have more control.”Jaxon smirked, pulling me closer. “I don’t want control when it comes to her.”My breath hitched.Caden’s jaw tensed. “She’s not a possession, Jaxon.”Jaxon’s smirk faltered just slightly, but he didn’t let go of me. Instead, his grip tightened.I quickly intervened before things got tense. “Okay, enough. We’re not doing this.”Ryder grinned. “Oh, this i
Amara’s POVI barely made it into my room before collapsing onto my bed, pressing my fingers against my still-tingling lips.What the hell had just happened?Jaxon had kissed me before, teased me before—but this? This was something else. This was dangerous.And the worst part?I wanted more.I groaned, burying my face in my pillow.Get it together, Amara.But no amount of scolding could stop the way my heart raced at the memory of his hands on my waist, his breath against my skin, the way he had looked at me like I was his.I exhaled sharply, sitting up and running my hands through my hair.There was no way I was going to be able to sleep.My phone buzzed.I grabbed it quickly, my pulse spiking when I saw Jaxon’s name.Jaxon: Are you in bed?I hesitated before typing back.Me: Maybe.His reply came almost instantly.Jaxon: That’s not a real answer, princess.I bit my lip.Me: Yes, I’m in bed. Why?Jaxon: Good. Now close your eyes and imagine me next to you.My breath hitched.Before I
Amara’s POVMy heart pounded so hard I was sure Jaxon could hear it. His words echoed in my mind—I think I’m falling for you.I swallowed, unsure how to respond. I wasn’t used to this—wasn’t used to him being so serious.Jaxon, the arrogant flirt. The teasing troublemaker. The guy who drove me crazy in every possible way.And yet, here he was—vulnerable, open, laying his feelings bare in a way I never expected.I didn’t trust my voice, so instead of speaking, I did the only thing that felt right.I kissed him.Jaxon tensed for half a second, then groaned against my lips, his arms tightening around me as he kissed me back. This time, it was slower, more deliberate—like he was savoring every second.When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my skin.“That’s a dangerous way to answer, princess,” he murmured, his fingers tracing slow circles against my lower back.I exhaled shakily. “You started it.”Jaxon chuckled, his lips brushing agains