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 POV I stood in the clearing, Elian’s words echoing in my mind. The spell was weakening, but it wasn’t enough. The bond was fragile, and I still had a long way to go to break it. My heart ached thinking about how far the Triplets had fallen, how the curse had twisted everything we once had. It was hard to believe that the people I had loved and trusted were now under the control of someone like Selena and Stephanie. The thought burned deep inside me.But I couldn't give up on them—not now, not after everything. Elian watched me with an unreadable expression, his eyes scanning my face as if trying to gauge my next move. The air was thick with magic, the remnants of what I had just done hanging in the atmosphere. I felt it, the power, still pulsing in my veins, but I was drained. I needed to rest, to think. But there was no time for that. "I did what you asked," I said, trying to steady my breath. "But... why does it still feel incomplete? Why can't I fully reach them?"Elian’
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
Amara's POV The mansion was quiet, the kind of stillness that only came when the world outside was asleep. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across my room as I lay beneath the covers, staring at the ceiling. My mind was restless, replaying every touch, every stolen glance from earlier. Caden. The way he held me. The way he looked at me like I was something precious. A soft knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. I knew who it was before I even answered. Caden. He leaned against the doorway, his golden hair tousled from running his hands through it, his black t-shirt hanging loosely over his toned frame. His eyes, however, were focused—on me. “You’re still awake,” he murmured. “So are you.” A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Couldn’t sleep.” I sighed, sitting up against the headboard. “Me either.” Without hesitation, Caden crossed the room and slid into the bed beside me. His warmth instantly su
Amara's POV I leaned in, my lips barely a whisper away from his. “Then take me,” I murmured. Caden’s breath hitched, and then— His lips crashed against mine. The kiss wasn’t slow this time. It wasn’t teasing or hesitant. It was raw, hungry, filled with everything we had been holding back. His hands roamed up my back, pulling me closer, pressing me flush against him as if he couldn’t bear even an inch of distance between us. I gasped into his mouth, and he took advantage, deepening the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine in a way that sent shivers down my spine. His grip on my hips tightened, grounding me as heat flooded my entire body. My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling slightly, and he let out a low, satisfied groan that sent warmth pooling deep in my stomach. God, this man was dangerous. We broke apart just enough for me to catch my breath, but Caden didn’t let me go. His lips trailed down my jaw, pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses along my neck, lingering at the sens
Amara’s POVThe fire crackled softly in the massive fireplace, casting a warm glow throughout the dimly lit living room. Caden and I had somehow shifted from lounging on the couch to lying on the thick, plush rug in front of the hearth. His arm was lazily draped around my waist, his fingers tracing light circles against my hip. It should have felt strange—being this close to him after everything—but instead, it felt… natural. I stared up at the ceiling, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest behind me. “You’re quiet,” I murmured. Caden chuckled, his breath fanning against the back of my neck. “Just enjoying the moment.” I turned slightly, resting my head against his shoulder, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the hem of his hoodie. “That’s new. You usually don’t shut up.” His golden eyes gleamed with amusement. “Are you saying you don’t enjoy my charming commentary?” I smirked. “I’m saying I enjoy the rare moments when you’re not talking.” Caden let out a dramatic sigh,
Amara’s POVThe warmth of Ryder’s body against mine, the slow rise and fall of his chest, the steady rhythm of his breathing—it was grounding. It had been so long since I felt this… at peace. But I knew better than to trust it completely. I pulled away slightly, tilting my head up to look at him. “Why are you doing this, Ryder?” My voice was quiet but firm. He turned his head, his green eyes locking onto mine. “Doing what?” “This.” I gestured between us. “Sitting here with me. Saying all these things. Trying so damn hard to fix something that’s already shattered.” Ryder sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Because I don’t believe it’s shattered,” he said. “Cracked? Yes. Broken? Maybe. But destroyed?” He shook his head. “Not a chance.” I exhaled sharply, my heart warring with my mind. “I don’t know if I can forgive you.” His jaw clenched, but he nodded. “I know.” “I don’t know if I can forgive Jaxon or Caden either.” He hesitated before replying. “I know that too.” “Then why
Amara’s POVThe drive back was quiet, but not in an uncomfortable way. Jaxon’s hand rested lazily on the gearshift, his fingers occasionally grazing my thigh, sending small shivers up my spine. The radio played softly in the background, an old rock song that he hummed along to under his breath. I stared out the window, my mind still spinning from what had just happened. From that kiss. I had told myself I wouldn’t fall back into this—not with him, not with any of them. And yet, here I was, sitting in his car, my lips still tingling, my heart still racing. “You’re thinking too hard,” Jaxon murmured, glancing at me. I exhaled, shaking my head. “No, I’m not.” “You are,” he countered, smirking. “I can practically hear the gears turning in that pretty little head of yours.” I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips. “Maybe I just like thinking.” “Or maybe you’re just trying to find a reason to run,” he said, his voice softer this time. I stiffened slightly, my fingers t