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 POV The next day, everything felt like it was crumbling again. The air in the school was thick with tension, and the moment I walked into the cafeteria, I could feel their eyes on me—Jaxon, Caden, and Ryder. But today, Jaxon’s gaze was different. His usual cocky confidence was replaced by something darker, something cold.I approached the table where he and the others were sitting, my heart racing. I didn’t know why I still felt this pull toward them, especially after everything that had happened. But the pull was there, deep in my chest, making it harder to breathe.Without warning, Jaxon stood up as I neared, his eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here?" he spat, his voice loud enough for everyone in the cafeteria to hear.The words stung, cutting through the air like a blade. The room went silent, and all eyes turned to us. I froze, shocked by the sudden outburst. This wasn’t the Jaxon I knew."Excuse me?" I managed to say, my voice trembling, not just from anger, but fro
Amara's POV I stood there, in the clearing, my heart pounding, my hands trembling from the intensity of what I was about to do. The air felt thick with anticipation, the weight of my decision pressing down on me. Elian stood a few steps away, his gaze unwavering as he watched me carefully. I knew he had faith in me, but that only made the pressure heavier. I wasn’t sure I was ready for this, but I had no choice. I couldn’t leave them like this. I couldn’t let Jaxon, Ryder, and Caden stay trapped in the curse that had twisted everything between us. They might not remember it, but I did. I remembered the love, the laughter, the moments when we were together. And I refused to let some spell control their lives, control my life, like this.I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I’m ready,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if I was saying it for Elian or for myself. His eyes softened as he nodded. “You’ve grown stronger, Amara. I know you can do this.”I looked out 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
Amara’s POVJaxon’s car rumbled beneath us as he pulled out of the school parking lot, one hand lazily gripping the steering wheel while the other rested on the gear shift. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, making everything feel warm, golden—almost too perfect. I tried to ignore the way my heart sped up just being near him. “So,” he drawled, flicking his gaze toward me, “did anyone give you trouble about the mark?” I huffed, crossing my arms. “No. But thanks to you, Lily wouldn’t shut up about it all day.” Jaxon grinned, clearly proud of himself. “Good. I like knowing people see it.” I rolled my eyes, looking out the window. “You’re so possessive.” His hand suddenly left the gear shift, fingers trailing along my thigh. My breath hitched. “You like it,” he murmured, voice low, teasing. I swallowed, refusing to meet his eyes. “You’re delusional.” Jaxon chuckled, giving my thigh a gentle squeeze before returning his hand to the wheel. “Whatever you say, princess.”
Amara’s POVThe morning sun streamed through my bedroom window as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my sweater. My hair was still damp from my shower, and I was debating whether to leave it down or tie it up when I felt a warm presence behind me.Before I could react, strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me against a familiar, solid chest.“Morning, princess,” Jaxon’s deep, teasing voice murmured against my ear.I rolled my eyes but didn’t pull away. “You do know there’s this thing called personal space, right?”Jaxon chuckled, his breath warm against my neck. “Never heard of it.”His arms tightened slightly, holding me close as he dipped his head. Before I could protest, I felt the sharp nip of his teeth against the sensitive skin of my neck.I gasped. “Jaxon—”He pulled back just enough to admire his work, a smug grin tugging at his lips. “There. Now everyone knows you’re mine.”I spun around, narrowing my eyes at him. “You marked me?” I reached up, touching the tend
Amara's POV The days passed in a blur, each one filled with moments that chipped away at the walls I had built around my heart. Caden, Ryder, and Jaxon were proving themselves in ways I hadn’t expected. They were changing—slowly, steadily—but undeniably.Every morning, one of them would wake me up with breakfast, though it usually ended up being a playful argument over who would get the honor.“I made it first,” Caden would grumble, holding out a plate of toast and eggs.“Yeah, well, I made pancakes,” Ryder would counter, flipping one onto a second plate.Jaxon, always the wildcard, would slide a cup of coffee in front of me with a lazy smirk. “And I made sure you get caffeine before dealing with these two idiots.”I’d roll my eyes, but deep down, the warmth of their efforts settled in my chest like a quiet comfort.Throughout the day, they went out of their way to make sure I felt safe, taken care of—even cherished. Ryder would insist on driving me anywhere I needed to go, opening d
Amara's POV The SurpriseBy the time I had finished eating, showered, and dressed, Caden was nowhere to be found.I searched the entire house. No sign of him.Where was he?Just when I was starting to get frustrated, my phone chimed with a text.Come outside.Caden.I slipped on a pair of shoes and headed out the front door, curious.My jaw dropped.A horse-drawn carriage was parked in the driveway, decorated with a garland of flowers. Caden stood next to it, dressed in a suit and tie. He held a bouquet of roses in one hand and a picnic basket in the other.My face grew hot.He was insane. Absolutely, utterly insane.I marched up to him, crossing my arms.His eyes sparkled with amusement.I shook my head.He grinned.I sighed.Then, I grabbed the roses and kissed him.After All...It was a perfect day—blue skies, gentle breeze, the smell of fresh earth and blooming flowers. We strolled through the town, stopping for a bite to eat, admiring the architecture. He held my hand the entire
Amara's POV The mansion was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fireplace and the distant rustling of the trees outside. The night air was cool, but inside, the warmth from the fire wrapped around me like a blanket. I was curled up on the couch, a book resting open on my lap, though I wasn’t paying much attention to it. My mind was too preoccupied. With him.Caden.I could still feel his touch from earlier—the way his fingers had brushed against my skin, the way his lips had lingered against my shoulder. It was different with him. It always had been.A creak from the doorway made me glance up, and there he was, leaning against the frame with that signature smirk tugging at his lips. He was dressed casually—gray sweatpants and a fitted black shirt that did nothing to hide the way his muscles flexed beneath the fabric. His golden hair was tousled like he’d just run his fingers through it.“You’re still awake,” he mused, stepping into the room. His voice was a soft rumble in the q