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 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 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 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 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
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 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
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 POV The frantic rhythm of my heart gradually slowed, replaced by a dull, persistent thrum of unease. The warmth of my mates pressed against me, a tangible reassurance that they were indeed safe, but the vivid images of the nightmare clung to the edges of my awareness, a chilling residue of terror that refused to dissipate.I lay still, my breathing shallow, trying to banish the lingering echoes of loss and despair. The comforting weight of Ryder’s arm around my waist, the steady presence of Caden and Jaxon beside me – they were anchors in the storm of my fear, but the premonition of danger, the horrifying clarity of the dream, had shaken me to my core.A soft stirring beside me indicated that Ryder was waking. His silver eyes, still clouded with sleep, found mine, his brow furrowing slightly as he sensed my distress.“Amara? What’s wrong?” His voice was low and husky, laced with concern.I hesitated, the images of the nightmare still too raw, too vivid to articulate easily. “
Amara’s POVThe afternoon transitioned into evening, the warm hues of sunset painting the sky in vibrant shades of orange, pink, and gold. The pack gathered for the evening meal, the communal atmosphere a comforting constant in our lives. Laughter and easy conversation filled the air as we shared food and stories from our day.I found myself subtly observing my mates, a quiet curiosity coloring my gaze. I watched the easy camaraderie between Ryder and a younger pack member, the patient guidance in Ryder’s tone as he offered advice on tracking techniques. I wondered if the potential magical link I shared with him subtly enhanced his natural empathy and his ability to connect with others.I observed Caden’s interactions with Lyra, their easy understanding and the quiet respect that flowed between them as they discussed border patrols. I pondered if the Thorne magic subtly amplified his innate diplomatic skills, his ability to forge alliances and maintain peace within our extended pack.
Amara’s POV Breakfast unfolded with its usual comforting rhythm. The aroma of food filled the warm kitchen, and the familiar banter between my mates eased the subtle tension that had lingered between Jaxon and me. Caden recounted a humorous dream he’d had about trying to teach a squirrel basic calculus, his dramatic retelling punctuated by exaggerated gestures that drew laughter from us all. Ryder, ever the quiet observer, offered dry wit and insightful comments, grounding the more outlandish tales with his characteristic pragmatism.Despite the normalcy of the morning, the shared awareness of the potential magical influence from the previous night remained a subtle undercurrent in my thoughts. I found myself occasionally lost in contemplation, my gaze drifting as I pondered the implications of this newfound layer to our intimacy. Was it a rare occurrence, a unique byproduct of a particularly intense connection? Or was it a more intrinsic aspect of the Thorne magic, something that wo
Amara’s POV Jaxon’s movements became more urgent, more demanding, his body a taut, powerful force against mine. The rhythm of our lovemaking intensified, each thrust sending waves of pleasure crashing through me, each shared breath a testament to the escalating passion that bound us together.My own body responded instinctively, arching against his, my hands gripping his shoulders, my nails digging lightly into the smooth skin of his back. The low groans that escaped his lips fueled the fire within me, a primal satisfaction in knowing the depth of the pleasure I was giving him.The air in the moonlit room grew thick with the scent of our mingled bodies, the only sounds the frantic rhythm of our breathing, the soft slap of skin against skin, and the involuntary cries that escaped our lips as we teetered on the precipice of release.His dark eyes, usually so playful, were now clouded with a raw, untamed desire, his gaze locked onto mine, a silent communication passing between us, a sh
Amara’s POV The gentle kiss with Jaxon deepened, the initial sleepy tenderness blossoming into a warmer, more insistent exploration. His lips moved against mine with a playful familiarity, a silent invitation to the intimacy that often sparked between us in the quiet hours of the night. There was an effortless ease in our connection, a comfortable understanding that allowed our desires to unfold naturally, without the need for many words. His hand, still cupping my cheek, shifted, his thumb tracing the curve of my jawline, sending a familiar shiver down my spine. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I leaned into his touch, the warmth of his body a comforting and arousing presence beside me. He pulled back slightly, his dark eyes, now fully open and filled with a playful desire, met mine in the dim moonlight. A mischievous grin tugged at the corner of his lips, a familiar expression that always hinted at the delightful possibilities that lay between us. “Couldn’t resist, could I?”
Amara’s POV The comfortable silence in the kitchen eventually began to stir with the sounds of the pack resuming their afternoon activities. The distant laughter of some of the younger wolves playing outside drifted through the open windows, a cheerful counterpoint to the quiet intimacy Caden and I shared.He finally released me from his embrace, his golden eyes still holding mine with a lingering tenderness. He brushed a final, lingering kiss across my forehead, his touch feather-light and possessive.“Ready to rejoin the chaos?” he murmured, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.A soft chuckle escaped mine. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, a renewed sense of strength and peace settling within me, a direct result of his comforting affection.He kept his hand in mine as we walked back towards the den, where Jaxon was now attempting to teach some of the younger wolves a rather unorthodox version of charades, his dramatic gestures and exaggerated expressions drawing
Amara’s POV The action movie eventually reached its explosive climax, the credits rolling across the screen in a blur of names and technical jargon. Jaxon, thoroughly engrossed, was still animatedly dissecting the final fight scene, while Ryder, ever the protector, subtly scanned the room, his silver eyes lingering on the darkened windows for a moment before returning to me.A sudden craving for something sweet, a counterpoint to the adrenaline-fueled movie, tugged at me. “I think I’ll go make some tea,” I announced, pushing myself up from the comfortable depths of the couch. “Anyone want anything?”Jaxon, still lost in cinematic analysis, mumbled a vague “Nah, I’m good.” Ryder simply reached for my hand, squeezing it gently before releasing me. Caden, however, his golden eyes meeting mine with a soft warmth, offered a quiet, “I’ll come with you, love. I could use another cup of something warm.”We made our way to the kitchen, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the co
Amara’s POV The first rays of dawn, painting the eastern sky in hues of soft lavender and hesitant gold, seeped through the gaps in the curtains, casting long, pale stripes across our tangled sheets. I stirred slowly, a lingering warmth nestled beside me, the familiar weight of Ryder a comforting anchor in the quiet morning. The scent of sleep and shared intimacy clung to the air, a soft reminder of the peaceful night we had found in each other’s arms.Ryder still slept soundly, his dark lashes resting against his cheek, his breathing deep and even. A faint scar, a silver line tracing his jaw, caught the nascent light, a silent testament to the battles we had faced, the sacrifices made. I watched him for a long moment, a familiar wave of tenderness washing over me, a deep appreciation for his quiet strength and unwavering love.Carefully, so as not to disturb him, I eased myself out of bed, the cool morning air raising goosebumps on my bare skin. The quiet of the house was profound,
Amara’s POV The morning unfolded with a comfortable rhythm, the lingering intimacy of the previous night weaving a subtle thread of tenderness through our usual banter. The playful flirting continued throughout breakfast, a familiar dance of affection that always left me feeling cherished and deeply loved. The easy camaraderie we shared, the unspoken understanding that flowed between us, was a constant source of strength and comfort.After breakfast, as the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the clearing, a sense of quiet purpose settled over the pack house. The lingering threat of Kaelen’s followers still hung in the air, a subtle undercurrent of unease that kept us vigilant. Patrols were organized, borders were checked, and the fragile alliance with Lyra’s pack was maintained with careful communication.Ryder, despite his lingering limp, insisted on joining the morning patrol, his protective instincts overriding any lingering pain. Caden and Jaxon, ever watc