All Chapters of Caged with Four Step Brothers : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

The black gates of the Hawthorne estate swung open, revealing a sprawling mansion that stretched across manicured grounds. Mia pressed her face against the car window, her eyes wide at the sight of marble fountains and perfectly trimmed hedges."Welcome home." Victor's voice carried a note of pride as the car rolled to a stop.The front doors opened, and a line of staff members emerged to collect their bags. Mia clutched her backpack closer, not ready to let go of the few possessions she'd brought with her."Come." Sarah wrapped an arm around Mia's shoulders as they climbed the stone steps. "Let's get you settled."The entrance hall soared three stories high, crystal chandeliers catching the late afternoon light. Mia's footsteps echoed against the marble floor, making her feel small and out of place."I know it's overwhelming." Sarah smoothed Mia's uneven hair. "But things will be different now. Once word gets out that you're Lord Hawthorne's stepdaughter-""Those children who hurt yo

That evening, Mia pushed open the door to what she thought was the library. Steam billowed out, carrying the scent of cedar and spice. Her breath caught in her throat.Matthew stood by the window, water droplets trailing down his muscled back. A white towel hung low on his hips, barely clinging to his narrow waist. His dark hair curled wet against his neck.Heat flooded Mia's cheeks. She should leave. Should turn around. But her feet remained frozen to the spot as her eyes traced the defined planes of his shoulders, the ridges of his abs.He turned, catching her gaze in the mirror. A slow, predatory smile spread across his face. "Like what you see?""I- I was looking for the library." Mia's voice came out breathier than intended.Matthew stalked toward her, each step deliberate. "This is my private bathroom." His eyes raked over her, sending shivers down her spine. "Though I don't mind giving you a... private tour.""I should go." But she didn't move."Should you?" He closed the dista

"It's nothing." Matthew's voice came out hoarse, his hand still pressed against the mark on his neck. His eyes darted between Mia and the door, like a cornered animal searching for escape. Mia's fingers trembled as she finished buttoning her shirt. Her wolf prowled beneath her skin, growing more restless with each passing minute. Without her medication, the barrier between her human side and her wolf nature grew dangerously thin. "The pills," she managed through gritted teeth. "Please." Matthew's face hardened, his earlier shock replaced by something cold and distant. He gripped the pill bottle in his pocket until his knuckles turned white. "This isn't happening. We're not I can't be " A wave of dizziness hit Mia. She steadied herself against the wall, her vision blurring at the edges. Her wolf scratched and clawed, demanding to break free. "Matthew, I need them. You don't understand what happens when " "Stop." He cut her off, backing toward the door. "Just stop. This is so

The morning dew clung to Mia's sneakers as she crossed the backyard at 5:45 AM. Her baggy sweater provided little warmth against the crisp air, and her booty shorts left her legs exposed to the early chill. She paced near the training area, watching her breath form small clouds.The sound of a door opening made her spin around. Liam emerged from the mansion, his powerful frame highlighted by fitted black workout shorts and a sleeveless shirt that showcased his muscled arms. A scowl darkened his face when he spotted her.His eyes raked over her outfit, his lip curling. "What the hell are you wearing?""I... these are my workout clothes." Mia crossed her arms over her chest."Those are pajamas." He circled her like a predator. "Did you seriously think booty shorts and an oversized sweater qualify as proper training attire?"Heat crept up Mia's neck. "They're comfortable-""This isn't a slumber party." His voice cut through the morning air. "If you can't even dress appropriately, how do

Mia stared at the rain outside her window, droplets trickling down the glass as her thoughts swirled. Liam's earlier touch still lingered on her skin, as if his hands had left an imprint on her soul. She could still feel the intensity of his gaze, the magnetic pull that left her shaken and yearning all at once. It was dangerous to let herself feel anything for him or for any of her stepbrothers. They were bound by circumstances she didn’t fully understand. She sighed and pulled her towel tighter around her body, stepping away from the window. Her shower had done little to calm her nerves, and the solitude of her room only heightened the storm raging within her. Just as she was about to settle onto her bed, the door creaked open. Aiden stood there, leaning against the frame like he owned the world. His eyes roamed over her with a deliberateness that made her pulse quicken. "Enjoying your evening, Mia?" His voice was low, smooth, and utterly disarming. Her fingers tightened aroun