Amara’s POVI was officially losing my mind.Caden had just kissed me—really kissed me—and I was still recovering from the fire he left in his wake. Ryder had already staked his claim before that. And now, Jaxon stood in front of me, smirking like he knew exactly what I was thinking."You look flustered, princess," Jaxon teased, his fingers still resting beneath my chin, keeping my gaze locked with his.I was flustered. How could I not be? I was surrounded by three ridiculously attractive, possessive men who all seemed determined to make me lose my sanity.“I wonder why,” I muttered, trying to step back, but Jaxon’s hand slid around my waist, keeping me close.His smirk deepened. “Relax, sweetheart. I’m not mad that you kissed them first.”Caden tensed beside me, and Ryder scoffed, but Jaxon ignored them, his lips brushing the shell of my ear as he whispered, “I just think it’s my turn now.”I shivered.Before I could even react, Jaxon tilted my face up and kissed me—slow and teasing,
Amara’s POVThe tension in the air was electric.Three sets of eyes on me. Three different kinds of want, all pressing in, waiting for me to make the next move.Jaxon still had me flush against him, his fingers skimming my waist in lazy, teasing circles. His smirk deepened when I shivered under his touch. “What’s wrong, princess?” he murmured, his lips ghosting over my ear. “Feeling a little overwhelmed?”I shot him a glare, even as my pulse betrayed me. “You wish.”Ryder chuckled darkly. “Oh, she’s getting feisty now.” He moved closer, his fingers trailing along my other arm, featherlight, but enough to make my breath catch. “Should we push her a little more?”Caden sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was holding back from snapping at both of them. But instead of pulling me away, he simply stepped forward, his hand landing firmly on my hip. Not rough, not teasing—just there.Steady. Certain.“I think,” Caden said, his voice calm but firm, “we should let her decide.”The w
Amara’s POVI felt completely wrecked. My lips were swollen, my heart was racing, and my body was betraying me in every possible way.Three different men. Three different kinds of want.And I wanted all of them.Caden, steady and intense, watching me like I was something precious. Ryder, wild and untamed, like he wanted to ruin me in the best way possible. And Jaxon, teasing, dangerous, deadly in the way he played with me.And the worst part?They knew.Jaxon was the first to speak, his smirk lazy but possessive. “Damn, princess,” he murmured, dragging his thumb across my bottom lip. “Look at you. Already falling apart, and we haven’t even started yet.”I sucked in a sharp breath. “I—”Ryder didn’t let me finish.He tilted my chin up, his green eyes dark. “Careful, sweetheart,” he warned, his voice husky. “Keep looking at me like that, and I might forget how to behave.”Caden exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “We need to stop.”Jaxon laughed. “Oh, now you want to be re
Amara's POV I didn't realize I was leaning back against Ryder's chest until his arms tightened around me, his lips still brushing over my ear.Jaxon smirked, his fingers trailing along my jaw. "You're not running this time, princess.""Not sure I could," I breathed."Good," Caden said, his grip tightening around my waist."I like you right where you are." His voice was low, possessive, and I shivered in response.Caden's fingers traced a path from my hip, slowly, deliberately, up the center of my stomach, between the valley of my breasts. He paused, his hand resting just over my heart.I swallowed, my body trembling. His gaze locked onto mine.“Let's continue this in the bedroom.” Ryder said."Okay," I whispered.Before the word was even out of my mouth, Jaxon's arm looped around my waist, lifting me off my feet.I gasped.Ryder chuckled, his breath hot against my neck. "Someone's eager.""Don't have to tell me twice," Jaxon said, carrying me into the hallway.Caden followed, his eye
Amara's POV Jaxon just grinned. "She's worth it."Caden sighed, then brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Ready?"I took a slow, shaky breath, my heart hammering. "Yes."Without another word, his hands found the clasp of my bra. He unhooked it, and then the straps were falling off my shoulders, revealing everything to them."Shit," Jaxon whispered."Fucking hell, sweetheart," Ryder murmured, his gaze sliding over me. "You're killing us."My heart was pounding, the flush on my skin deepening.I felt vulnerable.Exposed.And I liked it.I wasn't given a chance to speak, because then Caden's fingers hooked in the waistband of my panties, pulling them down."Holy shit," Jaxon muttered.I bit back a whimper, my legs shaking.Caden's fingers slid up my thigh, his eyes burning into mine. "Last chance, Amara.”I exhaled shakily, my whole body trembling.I could feel them everywhere—pressed against me, touching me, claiming every inch of me.And the worst part?I didn't want them to stop.
Amara's pov "Watch," he whispered, his other hand brushing over my collarbone, down, between my breasts. "Watch him ruin you."Jaxon hummed, his lips finding the curve of my jaw.His hands joined Caden's, teasing, taunting.I was already falling apart, my breaths shallow, my skin tingling, but then Ryder's tongue found my clit again, and then his fingers were pushing inside me, curling.And I was gone.I was a trembling, shaking, whimpering mess.I'd never felt anything like this."Fuck," Caden whispered, his hands tightening around me.I was a gasping, shaking, quivering mess."Ryder, please," I gasped, my fingers fisting in his hair."Fuck, princess," Jaxon muttered.Caden's grip tightened. "Come for us, Amara.Come on Ryder's mouth."I was done.Utterly destroyed.The world faded around me, and the only thing I could feel was his mouth, his fingers, and the waves of heat washing over me.Caden's fingers loosened, trailing over the curve of my neck, his lips following the same path
Amara's POV"What's going on?" I asked."Go clean up, sweetheart.... We'll explain everything when you come back," Ryder said, his jaw tense.Caden pulled me to my feet, and then Ryder was lifting me into his arms, carrying me into the bathroom."Ryder, please tell me what's going on," I said."Not right now, sweetheart," he murmured, setting me on the counter."Are they okay?" I asked.His fingers found the nape of my neck, his forehead resting against mine. "It's not about us.""What is it?" I whispered.He shook his head. "Later, sweetheart. I promise."I took a slow breath, trying to quell the fear."It's okay," he whispered, his hand sliding down my back.I leaned into him, his touch calming, comforting."What's wrong with me?" I whispered.His grip tightened. "There's nothing wrong with you, sweetheart. Trust me.""It feels like there is.""That's the bond," he murmured, his hand drifting up my spine. "It's getting stronger, and it's messing with your emotions.”"You said the bo
Amara’s POV The warmth, the closeness, the utter mess of tangled limbs—it was the perfect morning until I tried to move.The moment I attempted to wiggle free, Ryder groaned dramatically, tightening his arm around my waist. “Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart?”I huffed, trying to pry his grip off. “I need to get ready for school, Ryder.”Jaxon stretched beside me, blinking lazily. “Or… you could stay right here.” His smirk was wicked as he trailed a slow hand down my thigh. “I can think of much better ways to spend the morning.”Caden, always the responsible one, ran a hand through his messy hair, sighing. “She has to go, Jaxon.”Jaxon groaned, rolling onto his back. “Fine. But only because I hate school, and I refuse to relive that nightmare with you.”Ryder muttered something under his breath but finally loosened his grip. I took my chance and bolted, laughing as I escaped the bed before any of them could pull me back.I grabbed my bag and rushed to the bathroom, feeling
Amara’s POV The dawn broke over the pack territory, painting the sky in hues of bruised purple and hesitant gold, a reflection of the uneasy truce that had settled over us. The immediate threat of the entity’s direct influence had been severed, but the lingering tension remained, a palpable awareness of the storm that was yet to break. The raw line across my arm throbbed, a constant reminder of the price of our temporary reprieve. Weakness still clung to me, a lingering drain from the magical exertion and the severing of the unnatural bond. But beneath the physical fragility, a new resolve began to solidify, forged in the crucible of fear and sacrifice. We knew the entity would not remain silent for long. Its enraged shriek still echoed in our memories, a promise of retribution. The time of desperate defense was over; we needed to prepare, to gather our strength, and to meet the coming darkness head-on. Lyra and her warriors, their commitment unwavering, pledged to remain with us
Amara’s POVThe air in the library crackled with an almost unbearable tension, the chanting of Lyra’s mages a resonant hum that vibrated through the very floor beneath our feet. The swirling energies intensified, bathing the room in an ethereal glow, the ancient symbols on the floor blazing with an inner light. The weight of the moment pressed down on us, the precipice of hope balanced precariously against the abyss of potential failure.My hand trembled as I held the ceremonial dagger, its silver blade reflecting the frantic dance of candlelight. The unwavering gazes of Ryder, Caden, and Jaxon were fixed on me, their love a tangible force, a silent offering of courage and support. Tears streamed down my face, a torrent of fear, love, and a desperate grief for the sacrifice they were willing to make.“There has to be another way,” I choked out, my voice thick with emotion. “I can’t…”“You have to, Amara,” Ryder said, his voice low but firm, his silver eyes filled with an unyielding re
Amara’s POV The discovery of the severing ritual ignited a fragile spark of hope amidst the encroaching darkness, but the ancient text’s ominous warnings cast a long shadow over our preparations. The need for a convergence of powerful magical energies immediately turned our thoughts to Lyra and her pack. Their inherent connection to the wild, their unique blend of elemental magic, could be the key to fulfilling the ritual’s demanding requirements.A tense message was sent to Lyra, outlining the dire situation and the perilous ritual we intended to undertake. The inherent risk was undeniable, and the potential consequences of failure were catastrophic. We held our breath, the weight of our desperation hanging heavy in the air, unsure if she would be willing to risk her pack, and potentially herself, for our sake.Lyra’s response, when it finally arrived, was a testament to the strength of our fragile alliance and the depth of her own courage. She agreed to come, bringing with her her
Amara’s POV The discovery of the mark sent a shockwave of fear and a fierce surge of protectiveness through our small circle. The tangible evidence of the entity’s growing influence, the cold, alien symbol etched onto my skin, served as a stark and terrifying reminder of the danger we were facing. The whispered claim, echoing in the silence of our bedroom, felt like an icy tendril wrapping around my soul.My mates reacted with a primal intensity. Ryder’s protective instincts went into overdrive. He positioned himself physically between me and any open space, his silver eyes constantly scanning for unseen threats, his body radiating a fierce, possessive energy. Caden’s alpha command, usually reserved for pack matters, now extended to me, a low, insistent urging to stay close, to not venture out of their sight. Jaxon, his playful facade completely shattered, became a silent, watchful shadow, his dark eyes narrowed with a dangerous intensity, his hand often resting protectively on my ar
Amara’s POV The seed of suspicion regarding Gareth, once planted, began to take root and send tendrils of doubt throughout our perceptions. My mates and I observed him with a newfound scrutiny, every interaction, every subtle gesture now viewed through the lens of potential betrayal. His fervent pronouncements against the alliance with Lyra, his almost frantic insistence on isolating ourselves, took on a more sinister hue.We began to notice inconsistencies in his stories, gaps in his whereabouts during some of the “accidents.” He seemed overly eager to deflect blame, his denials too vehement, his gaze often shifty and evasive when questioned directly. The more we observed, the more a chilling picture began to form – a picture of a man subtly influenced, perhaps even controlled, by the malevolent entity.The realization was a sickening blow. Gareth was not just a pack member; he was someone we had trusted, fought alongside, shared meals and laughter with. The thought that he could be
Amara’s POV The escalating strangeness around the pack territory, coupled with the chilling weight of my nightmare and Elijah’s unsettling revelations, began to sow seeds of unease and even suspicion within the pack. The once-unquestioning trust that bound us together began to fray at the edges, replaced by nervous glances and hushed conversations.The withered section of the forest remained a stark and disturbing reminder of the encroaching darkness, a palpable manifestation of the malevolent entity’s growing power. The animals continued to behave erratically, their fear a contagious wave that rippled through the pack. Even the most steadfast warriors seemed on edge, their usual confidence replaced by a nervous tension.Whispers began to circulate, quiet at first but gradually growing louder. Some of the pack members, their fear overriding their loyalty, began to question the alliance with Lyra’s pack. The shared strangeness in the forest, the unsettling feeling of being watched – i
Amara’s POV The unsettling weight of my nightmare settled over the pack house like a shroud, a chilling premonition that colored every interaction, every shadow, every rustle of leaves in the wind. The vibrant energy that usually pulsed through our home was muted, replaced by a tense undercurrent of anxiety and a heightened awareness of the potential dangers that lurked just beyond our borders.The morning sun, usually a welcome beacon, felt weak and ineffective against the encroaching darkness of my vision. The familiar routines of the pack, the training exercises, the patrols, the shared meals, all felt like a fragile facade, a desperate attempt to maintain normalcy in the face of an unseen threat.I found myself constantly scanning the faces of my mates, a desperate need to reassure myself of their safety. The memory of their broken bodies, their silent suffering in my dream, haunted me, fueling a possessive protectiveness that bordered on desperation. I clung to their touches, th
Amara’s POV Sleep, that usually offered a sweet oblivion, had become a treacherous landscape haunted by the fractured images of my nightmare. The comforting darkness of our bedroom now felt thin and permeable, every rustle of leaves outside sounding like the stealthy approach of unseen enemies, every shadow in the periphery of my vision twisting into the monstrous form that had pursued Jaxon in my terror-stricken sleep. The vibrant strength of Ryder, the unwavering resolve of Caden, the playful agility of Jaxon – all had been rendered fragile and broken in the horrifying theater of my mind, leaving behind a gnawing anxiety that clung to me like a second skin, a chilling residue that even the solid warmth of my mates couldn't fully dispel.I lay rigidly still, the soft weight of the blankets a suffocating shroud, my breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps. The familiar rhythm of my mates’ breathing beside me, usually a soothing lullaby, now felt fragile, precious, something that could
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. “