Amara's POV Days had passed, and the air around me was heavy with tension. I tried to focus on anything but them—Caden and Ryder—but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape the undeniable pull toward both of them. I hated myself for it, hated that my emotions and my wolf were at constant odds. You can’t deny them forever, my wolf whispered. I sighed, brushing her aside. "Yes, I can," I muttered under my breath. That evening, I found myself in the brothers' house again, trying to keep my distance as much as possible. Caden had been unusually quiet all day, his soft glances at me almost unbearable to ignore. I was sitting on his bed, absentmindedly flipping through a book, when I heard the bathroom door creak open. My heart skipped a beat as Caden stepped out, steam billowing behind him. He wore nothing but a towel slung low around his hips, his chest bare and glistening with water droplets. His damp hair clung to his forehead, and his usual calm, composed demeanor was repla
Amara's POV The school hallway buzzed with its usual energy—students laughing, gossiping, and rushing to their classes. I tried to blend in, keeping my head low as I walked toward the library. Just as I turned the corner, a familiar voice rang out, sharp and filled with venom. "There she is, the little tramp." I froze, my stomach sinking as I recognized her—Jaxon's girlfriend. She was flanked by a group of her friends, their gazes fixed on me like vultures circling prey. “What do you want?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Her lips curled into a sneer. “Oh, don’t play innocent, Amara. We all know what you’re doing.” I frowned, confused. “What are you talking about?” She stepped closer, her eyes blazing with fury. “Because of you, Jaxon has been avoiding me. What did you do, huh? Flash him those pitiful eyes of yours? Or maybe… you spread your legs to keep him warm at night?” Her words cut deep, the humiliation burning through me as a crowd began to gather. Whispering,
Amara's POV The rest of the morning passed in a haze, Jaxon’s words and the intensity of his gaze replaying in my mind. I hated that he could affect me so deeply with just a few sentences. By the time I finished getting ready for school, I was more determined than ever to avoid him. I grabbed my bag and hurried outside, hoping to catch the bus before anyone could interrupt my plans. But, of course, nothing went as planned in the world of the triplets. As I reached the curb, I heard the unmistakable roar of an engine. I glanced back and froze. A sleek, black Lamborghini was pulling up beside me. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Jaxon behind the wheel, looking far too smug for my liking. “Need a ride, princess?” “No,” I said immediately, gripping the strap of my bag tighter. “Too bad,” he replied, pushing the door open from inside. “Get in.” “I can take the bus.” “Not today, you’re not.” His tone left no room for argument, but I wasn’t going to let him control me. “I d
Amara's POV The tension in the house was unbearable. I could feel it growing between the triplets, the air thick with unspoken words and raw emotions. Ryder’s words echoed in my mind: You belong to me. And now, it was as if the entire universe was testing that claim.I tried to ignore the undeniable pull, to stay focused on keeping my distance, but everything changed when I walked into the living room that night.Caden was there, pacing with his hands buried in his hair, his face contorted in frustration. Jaxon sat on the couch, his usual cocky expression gone, replaced by a darker mood. They were arguing—again—but this time, it was different. This time, it was about me.“I told you to stay away from her!” Ryder’s voice was like ice as he stood in the doorway, watching the two brothers.“Like hell you will!” Jaxon shot back, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and something darker. “She’s not yours to control, Ryder!”I froze, standing just inside the doorway, uncertain whether to
Amara's POV Alex’s words were soft, laced with the kind of comfort I hadn’t felt in what seemed like years. His hands reached out hesitantly, brushing against my cheek, wiping away the tears I couldn’t seem to stop. There was something gentle about him, something I desperately needed right now. “Amara, you don’t have to go through this alone,” he said, his voice almost a whisper. His thumb lingered on my cheek, and I felt the warmth of his touch. “You’re stronger than this... stronger than him.” I opened my mouth to respond, to tell him how much I appreciated him being here, but before the words could escape, a sound pierced through the fragile bubble of calm we’d created. “Amara.” My heart stopped. The way my name rolled off his tongue – sharp and commanding – was enough to make me freeze. I didn’t need to turn around to see who it was. I knew that voice better than my own. Ryder. A chill ran down my spine as I heard his footsteps, each one deliberate, echoing in the silence be
Amara's POV I barely made it a few steps before I heard him behind me, his footsteps pounding against the ground. "Amara," Ryder called, his voice rough and urgent. Before I could react, his hand wrapped around my wrist, halting me in place. His touch sent a jolt through me, awakening a part of me I’d been trying so hard to suppress. “Let me go, Ryder,” I whispered, my voice shaky and unconvincing. “No,” he said firmly, spinning me around to face him. His eyes burned into mine, wild and desperate, as if he was afraid I’d slip away if he loosened his grip. My wolf stirred within me, her resolve crumbling at the closeness of him. She begged for him, for his touch, his warmth, his love. And as much as I wanted to resist, I could feel myself breaking, my walls crumbling under the weight of everything I felt. “Amara, please,” Ryder said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “Don’t walk away from me. Don’t do this.” Tears welled in my eyes, and no matter how hard I tried to hold th
Amara's POV It was already past midnight, but sleep wouldn’t come. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts tangled in a whirlwind of Ryder, Alex, and everything I was too afraid to confront. My wolf was restless, pacing in the back of my mind, her emotions oscillating between frustration and longing. And then, a knock. The sound jolted me, making me flinch. My heart skipped a beat as dread pooled in my stomach. Who could it be at this hour? I pulled the blanket tighter around me, hoping whoever it was would go away. The knock came again, more insistent this time. My body tensed, a shiver running down my spine. Ryder? Caden? Jaxon? No. I didn’t want to face either of them. Not now. Not when I felt so raw. I held my breath, waiting for the sound of retreating footsteps. But instead, the door creaked open. The scent hit me before I saw him—cedarwood and the faintest hint of rain. Jaxon. My wolf stirred instantly, her desperation surging to the surface. She begged me to
Amara's POV The house was unusually quiet, the kind of silence that pressed against my ears and made me hyper-aware of every sound. The triplets were already gone to school, leaving me alone with my thoughts—thoughts that seemed to circle back to him. Caden. I didn’t know if I was avoiding him or if he was avoiding me. Weeks had passed since that night, and though I tried to push him out of my mind, he lingered, like a ghost haunting my every waking moment. With a sigh, I grabbed my coffee and started toward my room, hoping to drown myself in something—anything—to stop the endless loop of thoughts. But as I passed by Caden’s room, a sound stopped me in my tracks. It was faint, muffled, but unmistakable. A low groan, followed by a sharp intake of breath. My wolf stirred instantly, her concern flooding through me. He needs us, Amara. He needs our help. “No,” I whispered, trying to push her voice aside. “It’s not our business.” But she was relentless, her worry wrapping around m
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