Amara's POV The ride to school was oddly quiet. After the moment Ryder and I shared this morning, everything felt... different. The air between us had shifted, like the weight we’d been carrying for weeks had finally been lifted, if only a little. But the tension was still there, lingering in the background, like a storm on the horizon waiting to make its move. Ryder drove in silence, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than usual. I could tell he was still processing everything. I was too. The bond, our feelings, the mess we’d all gotten tangled in—it was overwhelming. But for now, in this moment, I didn’t want to think about it. I wanted to enjoy the simple things, like the way the sunlight filtered through the trees, the gentle hum of the engine, and the feeling of Ryder being close. I glanced over at him, his jaw tense, eyes focused on the road. He looked so serious, so distant, like he was somewhere else entirely. "Ryder," I said softly, breaking the silence. He t
Amara’s POVThe rest of the school day felt like it was dragging on forever. Every class, every conversation, every glance from someone—it all felt like it was happening in slow motion, as if the universe was stretching time just to make me more anxious. The tension between me and the triplets seemed to hang in the air, thick and palpable, no matter how hard I tried to ignore it. By the time the final bell rang, I was practically running to the exit, eager to escape the overwhelming feeling of being trapped between them. I knew they were waiting for me—at least I hoped they were. It had taken everything in me to suggest we talk, but I couldn’t avoid it any longer. We needed to figure this out. As I approached the parking lot, I saw them leaning against Ryder’s truck, their expressions a mix of frustration, guilt, and something else I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Ryder was first to straighten when he saw me, his eyes softening immediately. But even with that softness, I could see
Amara’s POV The next morning, I found myself riding to school with Jaxon. It wasn’t planned; it just sort of happened. Ryder had left early for something, and Caden was nowhere to be found, leaving Jaxon waiting in the driveway, casually leaning against his car. “Guess it’s just us today,” he had said with that signature grin of his. And I didn’t argue. The ride was surprisingly sweet. Jaxon, who was usually full of teasing remarks, seemed different today—more thoughtful, more present. We talked about everything and nothing, laughing at stupid jokes and sharing little moments of calm. “You know,” he said as we pulled into the school parking lot, “I don’t think I’ve had a ride this peaceful in months. Usually, Ryder’s barking orders, or Caden’s too lost in his brooding silence to say anything.” I smirked, glancing at him. “So I’m the reason for the peace?” “Absolutely,” he said, turning to me with a wink. “You’re like my secret weapon. Calm the chaos, keep the wolves at bay—liter
Amara's POV As I sipped my coffee on the porch later that evening, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting between us all. The bond, the tension, the unspoken emotions—it was all coming to a head.I glanced up as Jaxon stepped out, his easy smile making my heart flutter. He sat down beside me, his presence warm and grounding.“You okay?” he asked, nudging me gently.“I’m fine,” I said, my voice soft. “Just… thinking.”“About?”“Everything,” I admitted. “The bond. You, Ryder, Caden. How complicated everything’s become.”Jaxon nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Yeah, it’s a lot. But we’ll figure it out. Together.”His words, simple yet sincere, brought a sense of calm that I hadn’t felt in days. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, I allowed myself to believe him. To trust that, somehow, we’d find our way through this. Together.---The evening sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow across the room as I sat by the window, lost in thought. Jaxon and Ryder had gone o
Caden’s POV The room was quiet, bathed in the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the curtains. Amara lay beside me, her head resting on my chest, her fingers drawing soft patterns on my arm. Her touch was calming, but I could feel the tension radiating from her. Something was on her mind, and it was weighing her down. I tilted my head to look at her, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “What is it, Amara?” I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated, her fingers pausing their movements before she sighed deeply. “It’s nothing,” she said, but her voice betrayed her. “It’s not nothing,” I said gently, my thumb tracing circles on her shoulder. “Talk to me. Please.” She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a sadness that made my chest ache. For a moment, I thought she might pull away, but then she took a deep breath and began to speak. “My life… before you, before Ryder, Jaxon, and this bond… it wasn’t easy,” she started, her voice trembling. “It
Amara's POV That night, sleep came to me reluctantly, like a shadow lingering at the edges of my mind. The warmth of my blankets wrapped around me, but my restless thoughts refused to settle. When my eyes finally drifted shut, I was pulled into a world that felt as real as the one I had left behind. I stood in a forest bathed in silvery moonlight, the trees whispering secrets in a language I couldn’t understand. The air felt heavy, alive, and I knew this wasn’t an ordinary dream. My wolf stirred within me, her presence more vivid than ever. "Amara," she whispered, her voice soft yet commanding. "Pay attention. They need us. This bond… it’s more than fate. It’s destiny."Suddenly, the scene shifted, and I saw them Caden, Jaxon, and Ryder—standing apart from each other in the same forest, their expressions tense. They weren’t looking at me; they weren’t even looking at each other. They were surrounded by shadows, a dark mist swirling around them like chains. Ryder’s jaw was clenched
Amara’s POVThe morning passed in quiet simplicity. Caden stayed close, his hand occasionally brushing mine as if he needed to reassure himself I was still there. We didn’t talk much about the dream or the bond, but his presence was enough to keep my anxieties at bay. As we headed down to breakfast, the house was unusually quiet. Ryder and Jaxon had already left, and for once, I didn’t feel the weight of tension between any of us. Caden and I shared breakfast in companionable silence, a rhythm falling between us as we moved around the kitchen. It felt normal—domestic even—and I found myself savoring the quiet moments, the sound of plates clinking and coffee pouring. After breakfast, Caden leaned against the counter, watching me with a soft intensity that made my stomach flip. “What’s your plan for the day?” I shrugged, wiping my hands on a dish towel. “Probably head to the library. Maybe go for a run later. Why?” A mischievous grin tugged at his lips. “Just making sure you’re not
Ryder’s POVI couldn’t hold back the desires anymore. My wolf was howling inside me, relentless, craving her, needing her. It was as though my soul was tethered to hers, pulled inextricably, a bond that both terrified and exhilarated me.The way her scent hit me when I was near her—it was intoxicating, a mixture of sweetness and something untamed. It drove me wild, igniting a fire deep inside that I couldn’t douse. The more I tried to resist, the stronger the pull became, until there was no escaping it.I had spent weeks convincing myself that I could control it. That I could push her away, maintain some semblance of distance between us, because deep down, I feared what giving into this would mean. But no more. My control was slipping through my fingers, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Not when she was so close, her presence so consuming.The night had been filled with awkward glances and forced conversations, all of us pretending that everything was normal, that we weren
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