His words hung in the air, thick with implication and the weight of unspoken truths. The instant he said them, I knew it was true. The pull I'd felt this time hadn't been for Tyler, it had been for this other guy, his twin brother. "You never said you were twins?" I whispered, looking up at Tyler with surprise as I tried to wrap my head around this turn of events. "I didn't think to. I guess it's common knowledge around here, but I suppose I didn't really consider that you're not from around here. But wait... you're his mate?" he asked, needing me to clarify the life-altering fact I had simply glossed over. I wasn't sure what to say. It felt like we were in a Mexican Standoff, each of us shifting our gaze from one to the other, waiting for someone to say something. When I didn't reply, he looked to his brother for answers. "Ryder?" "Yeah, she's my mate," he said, his tone firm and unapologetic. "Kate?" Tyler said, looking back to me for confirmation. He didn't look angry or up

Ryder picked me up. He arrived in a huge black Hummer that probably would have blocked out the sun had there been any. I ran through the rain, clutching Tyler's jacket to me for warmth. I'd brought it with me to return it, but to be honest, it was also bringing me some level of comfort and I wasn't really sure how I was going to part with it. "If you'd waited two seconds I would have brought the umbrella," Ryder said, gesturing to the black umbrella he had in his hand as he sat in the driver's seat. "I'm fine, it wasn't so bad," I lied, trying to downplay the fact that I'd just run through what felt like a fucking tsunami and was absolutely soaked. I pulled my hood back and shook out my damp hair before I slumped against the seat. "So what have you guys decided?" I asked, giving Ryder a searching look as he pulled away. "We can all discuss it together when we're back at the house," he said firmly, clearly not wanting to divulge any of the details without his brother. I sighed, r

Wrong...It started well enough. The boys led me to an enormous entertainment room where Tyler already had snacks, blankets, and pillows set out, probably in anticipation of our earlier failed 'date'. The TV was huge and the surround sound really made the experience super immersive. I was eager to just lay back and chill, allowing my brain a break from worrying about my current problems.I was huddled beneath a soft, fuzzy purple blanket and we were watching a comedy, something funny and lighthearted and not serious at all. Probably Tyler's attempt to ease any tension between the three of us. Within 15 minutes though, I had Tyler's hand in mine, our fingers gently stroking and caressing one another, the sensation soothing and calming. On my other side, I suddenly had Ryder's hand on my thigh, and it was wandering ever higher and higher, though the movement was so subtle and slow that it was almost imperceptible.Tyler's touch was calming while Ryder's fingers felt exciting and thrilli

I snatched it back as if it were on fire. "The fuck dude?" I murmured in shocked disbelief, but he only chuckled. "I just had to check the 'total slut' theory," he replied with a shrug. I glared at him. I was about to tell him how wildly inappropriate that had been, but then I figured that was probably the reaction he'd been hoping for. So I went in a different direction. "Wow... That was disappointing. But Tyler is your 'big' brother, right?" I asked hopefully, trying to sound as believable as possible. It was now his turn to gasp in shocked disbelief. "What?!" I shrugged. "I'm not sure what reaction you were hoping for, Ryder. I guess I kinda expected more," I went on casually as I pulled Tyler's jacket around myself tightly and gave Ryder a pitying look. I could see the wheels of his mind working, trying to figure out whether I was joking or not. Unfortunately, my acting abilities only went so far and the look of panic and discomfort on his face made me break character. I c

Ryder smiled, leaning over and capturing my lips in a kiss once again. I anticipated it this time, so I didn't pull away. Instead, I fell into it, allowing it to take over and lead me wherever it was going.He was eager and passionate, but surprisingly gentle at the same time. It wasn't what I had expected from him, but I wasn't disappointed. I felt his hand, so daring and bold only minutes ago, was now gentle and cautious, cradling the side of my face as his thumb softly caressed my cheek.The kiss deepened and I found myself leaning into him, my fingers raking through his hair and tugging him closer, wanting to get lost in him. The pull between us was relentless, drawing me deeper and deeper in until I couldn't remember where we were or why we were there. It was just me and him and this... this moment.Suddenly, a blinding light shone into the car, ending the moment abruptly.I squinted, looking in the direction of the light only to see Aunt Mara. She was bundled up in her purple ro