Chapter 6

The morning after the attack left the mansion in chaos, and Nora felt like her entire world was spinning out of control.

She sat in the sunlit breakfast room trying to make sense of everything. The letter about her mother still burned in her mind. Drew brought her coffee and sat close beside her while Blake stood by the window watching them.

"How are you holding up?" Drew asked gently, his hand resting on hers. "Last night was intense. You fought like you belonged here with us."

Nora pulled her hand back but not too quickly. "I am trying to process it all. My mother planned that ritual. She wanted me bonded to you two. Why would she do that?"

Drew leaned in closer, his voice warm and soft. "Maybe she knew we would protect you better than anyone else. The bond is strong for a reason. You felt it last night when we fought together."

Blake spoke from across the room without turning around. "Stop softening her up, Drew. She needs to face the facts. This world is dangerous and she is part of it now."

Nora looked at Blake. "You barely said two words to me since the fight. Why are you keeping your distance?"

Blake finally turned, his eyes intense. "Because if I get too close right now I might not let you leave this room. You need space to think. But know this. You are not walking away from us."

Drew smiled at her and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "See? He cares in his own way. I prefer showing it better. Come on. Let me help you go through more files today. We can find answers together."

Nora stood up. "Fine. But I want real answers. No more secrets."

They moved to the study together. Drew stayed right by her side, their arms brushing as they searched through old boxes. Blake watched from the doorway, arms crossed.

"Look at this," Nora said, pulling out a thick folder. "Maps of territories. The Kanes control three major packs in the region. How did I never know this?"

Drew leaned over her shoulder, his chest pressing lightly against her back. "Because your mother tried to shield you. But these packs answer to us. We keep the peace. Mostly."

Nora turned her head and found his face very close. "And the violence last night? Is that your version of peace?"

Drew's eyes darkened with attraction. "Sometimes force is necessary. But with you here it feels different. Better. You make us stronger."

Blake stepped into the room. "Drew, back off. She is trying to read."

Drew did not move. "She can read just fine. Maybe you should join us instead of glaring from the corner."

Nora felt the tension rise between the brothers. "Both of you stop. I need to focus. This document says the packs are restless. Rivals are trying to take territory."

Drew placed his hand on her waist. "Exactly. That is why you need to stay close. We can protect you from all of it."

Blake moved closer, his voice sharp. "Drew, enough with the touching. She is not a prize for you to charm."

Drew turned to face his brother. "Jealous, Blake? I am just being honest with her. Something you struggle with."

Nora stood between them. "This is not helping. I am not a bone for you two to fight over. Tell me more about these packs. Who is the biggest threat?"

Blake pointed at a name on the paper. "Victor Lang. He runs the East Side pack and has mafia connections. He has been pushing for years."

Drew kept his hand on her side. "But with you here the bloodline strengthens our claim. The packs respect power and mating bonds."

Nora shivered at his touch but kept reading. "There are notes here about alliances. My mother signed some of these. She was deep in this world."

Drew spoke softly near her ear. "She wanted you to have this life. Safety. Power. Us."

Blake clenched his jaw. "Drew, give her some room. Your flirting is distracting."

Drew laughed lightly. "Flirting? I am bonding with our mate. You could try it instead of brooding."

The jealousy between them crackled in the air. Nora felt caught in the middle but also strangely drawn to both.

"Enough fighting," she said. "We need to work together if I am going to survive this."

Suddenly the mansion intercom buzzed. A guard's voice came through. "Sir, Victor Lang is at the gate. He demands a meeting. Says it is urgent."

Blake cursed. "He has some nerve showing up after last night."

Drew straightened up. "Let him in. But keep security tight. Nora, stay close to us."

Nora followed them to the large formal meeting room. Victor Lang walked in moments later, a tall man with cold eyes and two armed guards.

"Blake. Drew," Victor said with a fake smile. "And who is this lovely addition?"

Nora lifted her chin. "Nora Kane. I am here to claim my share of the empire."

Victor laughed. "A stepsister with claims? Interesting. But I came with a warning. Your pack is weak after Donovan's death. Join me or I will take everything."

Blake stepped forward. "You are bluffing. We have the numbers."

Victor looked at Nora. "But do you have loyalty? I hear the girl is the key to some old prophecy. Hand her over and maybe we can make a deal."

Drew pulled Nora closer to him. "She is not going anywhere. She is ours."

Nora spoke up firmly. "I am not a bargaining chip. What exactly do you want, Victor?"

Victor leaned forward. "Control of the East territories and a seat on the council. Refuse and there will be war. Your little family will bleed."

Blake's voice turned icy. "Threaten us again and you will not leave this mansion alive."

Drew kept his arm around Nora. "Listen to my brother. But maybe we can negotiate something. Nora, what do you think?"

Nora felt the weight of all eyes on her. "I think you are underestimating us. The Kane family is stronger than you know. But I want peace for my children."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "Children? Now that is new information. The prophecy mentioned heirs. This changes things."

Blake and Drew both tensed beside her. The negotiation grew more dangerous by the second as Victor pushed harder for control.

Nora stood tall between the twins. "You will not touch my family. We will fight if we have to."

Victor smiled coldly. "Then let the games begin. You have twenty four hours to decide."

He turned and left with his guards. The room fell silent for a moment.

Drew turned to Nora. "You were incredible. But this just got a lot more complicated."

Blake nodded, his eyes burning. "He knows too much already. We need a plan and you are at the center of it."

Nora took a deep breath. She was no longer just a visitor. She was caught in the middle of a deadly game, and the twins were both her greatest threat and her only hope. The

attraction, the jealousy, and the danger all mixed together into something she could no longer escape.