Chapter 11

POV Ayla

The cold wind bit at my fur as I ran, my paws pounding against the forest floor. The night was silent except for the sound of my own frantic breathing and the snapping of twigs underfoot. My heart raced, and not just from the exertion.

I had to get away. Away from them. From their eyes. From the truth I wasn’t ready to face.

But the pull was still there. That maddening, all-consuming pull that tied me to them. I felt it like a cord wrapped around my chest, tightening with every step.

And then I heard it—footsteps, paws against the earth. They were following me.

I pushed harder, my wolf desperate to outrun them, even though she didn’t want to. She wanted to stop, to turn back, to let them catch us. But I couldn’t. I wasn’t ready for this bond, this future, this life.

A low growl rumbled behind me, and I knew who it was before I turned. Damon’s massive black wolf was gaining on me, his speed and strength undeniable. And just behind him was Kieran, his brown fur streaked with gold, his movements fluid and deliberate.

I veered left, darting between trees and leaping over fallen logs, but they followed effortlessly. My legs burned, and my breaths came in ragged gasps. I wasn’t going to outrun them—not them.

A sharp bark rang out, a command that echoed through the forest. It was Damon, his authority cutting through the air like a blade. My wolf hesitated for a fraction of a second, her instinct to obey him overpowering my own fear.

That hesitation was all they needed.

Damon surged ahead, blocking my path, his large frame towering before me. His wolf’s eyes glowed, a mix of dominance and concern. Kieran flanked me from the side, his presence steady and grounding, as if to say he wouldn’t let me fall.

I growled, baring my teeth, but they didn’t back down.

Damon took a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate. He lowered his head slightly, a gesture of reassurance. Kieran remained where he was, his posture calm but watchful.

They didn’t want to hurt me. They just wanted me to stop running.

I stood there, panting, my body trembling with adrenaline and confusion. My wolf was torn, caught between the urge to flee and the deep, undeniable bond pulling her to them.

Damon shifted first, the black fur receding as his powerful form became human again. He stood a few paces away, his tuxedo gone but his authority intact.

“Ayla,” he said, his voice low and steady, the raw power of his wolf still lingering in his tone. “Breathe.”

Kieran shifted next, his movements smooth as he took his place beside Damon. His green eyes softened as he looked at me. “You’re safe with us,” he said, his voice carrying a warmth that made my chest ache.

Safe. The word echoed in my mind, foreign and distant. I didn’t know what safe felt like.

I whimpered, my wolf trembling under their gaze. Slowly, I let the shift take over, my body contorting as I returned to my human form in that dark forest. My knees hit the ground, the cold air biting at my skin.

But I stayed low, wrapping my arms around myself, my head bowed. My blond hair fell over my face and my body, a shield against their eyes. I couldn’t let them see me—not like this.

“Don’t look,” I rasped, my voice breaking.

“We won’t,” Damon said immediately, his tone firm and resolute.

I felt Kieran’s presence shift, his back turning to me as he said, “Take your time. We’re not going anywhere.”

The sincerity in their voices cracked something inside me. My chest tightened, and before I could stop myself, a sob tore free.

They didn’t move. They didn’t press me. They just waited, their presence steady and unwavering.

“I didn’t ask for this,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“We know,” Damon said softly.

“Why me? Why now?” I choked out.

“We don’t have all the answers, we just want you safe,” Kieran said, his voice gentle.

The forest was quiet now, the only sounds coming from the rustling leaves and my uneven breathing. Damon and Kieran stood still, their presence a grounding force in the chaos of my mind.

I was crouched low, trying to shield myself with nothing but my arms and the shadows of the trees. My wolf had calmed, but the panic in my human heart remained. I couldn’t face them, not like this.

Footsteps approached—a third presence. My heart leapt, but the scent was familiar. A female guard stepped into view, her gaze averted respectfully as she held out folded robes.

“Alpha Damon,” she said quietly, not looking directly at us. “For you and… the others.”

Damon moved first, taking the robes with a nod. “Thank you,” he said, his voice steady. The guard left as silently as she had come, leaving us alone once again.

“Here,” Damon said, his tone softer as he held out a robe to me. “You can put this on.”

I hesitated but reached out, taking the fabric and quickly wrapping it around myself before standing. Damon and Kieran had already slipped into their robes, the loose fabric doing nothing to diminish their commanding presence.

Kieran’s green eyes flicked to me briefly before he looked away, giving me space. Damon, however, met my gaze directly, his expression unreadable.

I didn’t know what to do.

“Let’s go back to the Pack House,” he said simply. “You’ll be more comfortable there.”

I nodded silently, unable to form words, and the three of us made our way back through the forest. The walk was quiet, the weight of what had just happened settling heavily on my chest.

When we reached the Pack House, Damon led me to a spacious room on the second floor. It was simple but elegant, the kind of room that didn’t feel like a prison but wasn’t entirely free either.

“This will be yours,” Damon said, stepping inside with me. “For as long as you need it.”

I turned to him, my voice trembling. “Does this… has this happened before? Two mates?”

Damon’s jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded. “It has. Twice.”

I frowned, the weight of his answer sinking in. “What happened?”

He hesitated, his blue eyes searching mine. “In one case, one of the mates was rejected. The bond broke.”

My stomach twisted just with the feeling of rejecting one of them. “And the other?”

“The three of them… figured it out,” he said carefully. “They made it work. Together.”

I looked away, unable to process what that meant for me.

“Ayla,” Damon said, his voice softer now. “We won’t push you. This bond… it’s overwhelming. We just want you safe. That’s all.”

His words carried an odd sincerity, one that made my chest ache.

Behind him, Kieran stood quietly, his presence a silent reassurance. He hadn’t said much, but the weight of his gaze when it landed on me spoke volumes.

Damon cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. “There’s a closet here, but for now, you can use these.” He handed me a set of clothes—his clothes. A soft sweatshirt and a pair of joggers.

I took them hesitantly, the scent of him clinging to the fabric. It was grounding in a way I didn’t expect.

“I’ll give you some time,” he said, stepping toward the door. “But if you need anything, we’re close.”

Kieran lingered for a moment longer, his gaze meeting mine briefly before he nodded and followed Damon out.

As the door closed, I stood in the center of the room, clutching the clothes to my chest. My mind was spinning, my body still trembling from everything that had happened.

Two mates. Damon and Kieran.

The thought was as impossible as it was undeniable. But as overwhelming as it all felt, one thing was certain—they weren’t going to force me into anything. And I wasn’t used to this.

For the first time in a long time, I felt something strange. Something fragile but real.

Safe.

Chapter 12

POV: Ayla

The room was quiet, except for the sound of my breathing. Damon’s clothes were soft against my skin, carrying his scent—warm cedar and something dark, a comfort I didn’t want to admit I needed. I had just started to relax, trying to piece together everything that had happened tonight, when a soft knock came at the door.

My breath caught as Kieran’s scent filled the air, strong and intoxicating. Leather and earth, like the forest after rain. “Ayla,” his voice came low from the other side of the door, a deep rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. “Can I come in?”

For a moment, I hesitated, unsure if I could handle his presence so soon after everything. But my voice betrayed me, a quiet “yes” escaping my lips.

The door opened, and there he stood, Kieran stepped in, closing the door softly behind him. His eyes found mine, dark and intense, searching.

He didn’t say a word as he walked over, sitting on the edge of the bed. For a man so large, he moved with an unsettling grace. “Couldn’t relax?” he asked, his voice gentler now.

I shook my head, pulling my knees to my chest. “No. Too much to think about.”

Kieran leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his face half-hidden by shadows. “You’re scared,” he said plainly.

I didn’t deny it. “I don’t know what’s happening, Kieran. I feel… like my entire world is upside down. This bond, the two of you, it’s—it’s not normal.” My voice cracked, and I hated the vulnerability that seeped through.

“It’s not,” he admitted, his gaze locking onto mine. “But it doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

I let out a shaky laugh, wiping at my face. “How can you be so calm about this? About me? About… us?”

He looked at me then, fully, and the weight of his stare was almost too much. “I’m not calm, Ayla.” His voice was so low I barely heard it.

My heart stuttered in my chest as his jaw tightened, his fists clenching against his thighs. His wolf was there, just beneath the surface, and I could feel it as though it were my own. The tension in him was palpable, a quiet storm brewing that threatened to break.

“I want to touch you,” he confessed suddenly, his voice rough. “Every part of me is screaming to reach for you, to hold you, to—” He cut himself off, closing his eyes and exhaling harshly. “But I won’t. Not tonight.”

His words ignited something in me, a heat that spread through my chest and left me breathless. I wanted him to touch me too, more than I was ready to admit. But he was holding back, fighting his instincts, for me, and the restraint he showed made me ache even more.

“Kieran,” I started, my voice trembling.

He leaned back slightly, forcing a crooked smile onto his lips. “You’re overthinking, Soldier Stark.”

The teasing name caught me off guard, and I blinked at him. “Did you just call me Soldier Stark?”

He shrugged, a spark of amusement flickering in his eyes. “It suits you. You’re still fighting, even when you don’t have to.”

I managed a small smile. “It’s all I know.”

Kieran reached out then, his hand brushing against mine for the briefest moment before he pulled back. “You don’t have to fight anymore.”

His words settled deep in my chest, warm and heavy. But before I could respond, he stood, his towering presence filling the room.

“I should let you rest,” he said softly, though there was hesitation in his movements, as if he didn’t want to leave.

“Kieran,” I said quickly, stopping him before he reached the door. “What about my duty tomorrow?”

He turned back, his expression softening. “You’re the new Luna, Ayla. You don’t need to work at the guard anymore.”

The weight of his words hit me like a punch to the gut. “No,” I blurted out, shaking my head. “I don’t want to quit my job. I—”

He stepped closer, cutting me off. “You don’t have to quit. You can come to the guard whenever you want. I’ll train you myself. You’ll still be part of it—just without all the pressure.”

His compromise left me stunned, and before I could say anything, he leaned down, his lips brushing against my temple. The touch was soft, tender, and over far too quickly.

“Good night, Ayla,” he murmured, his voice like a promise.

As the door closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath, my fingers grazing the spot where his lips had been. I felt the absence of him like a physical ache, and for the first time in my life, I wasn’t sure what scared me more—losing him or letting myself fall.

The silence in the room wrapped around me like a second skin, heavy and suffocating. Kieran’s scent lingered, rich and earthy, clinging to the air and making it impossible to think about anything but him. I brushed my thumb against my temple, trying to remember Kieran’s kiss and sort through the storm of emotions raging inside me.

I barely had time to collect myself when another knock echoed through the room, softer this time, yet deliberate. My pulse quickened, and before I could even think to ask, Damon’s deep, measured voice came from the other side.

“Ayla? It’s me. Can I come in?”

Alpha Damon. My heart thudded against my ribs, his voice commanding yet gentle in a way that made my chest tighten. I hesitated, unsure if I could face another of my mates tonight. But then the words came, unbidden. “Yes.”

The door opened slowly, and there he was, filling the space with his presence. Damon had changed now in a simple black shirt and pants, but it didn’t make him any less imposing. His blue eyes softened when they met mine, his features unreadable yet comforting in a way I couldn’t explain.

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him, his gaze never leaving me. “I just wanted to check on you,” he said, his voice low, almost hesitant. “Are you okay?”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “I… I don’t know.”

Damon nodded as if he understood, his broad shoulders relaxing slightly. He walked closer, stopping a few feet away, giving me space even though I could feel the pull between us as if it were a physical thing. “It’s a lot to take in,” he admitted. “I know it is. And if I’m being honest, it’s overwhelming for me too.”

I blinked at him, surprised by the admission. “You? The Alpha Overwhelmed?”

He chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. “I’ve been waiting for my mate for a long time, Ayla. I thought I was ready for this—ready for the bond, for the connection. But nothing prepared me for you.” His gaze was steady, and the weight of his words made my chest tighten.

My lips parted, but I didn’t know what to say. He stepped closer, cautiously, as though afraid to scare me off. “Kieran and I talked,” he continued. “We agreed on one thing—we won’t push you. Whatever happens, it will be on your terms. You don’t have to decide anything now. Just… let us keep you safe. That’s all we want.”

The sincerity in his voice made my throat ache, and I felt the sting of tears threatening. “I don’t know what to do,” I confessed, my voice breaking. “This bond, it’s… it’s too much. I’m scared.”

His expression softened, and before I could protest, he reached out, his hand brushing against mine. The touch was gentle, cautious, but it sent a wave of warmth through me that I couldn’t ignore. “It’s okay to be scared,” he said softly. “You don’t have to figure everything out tonight. Just know that we’re here—for you.”

For a moment, we just stood there, the silence between us filled with something unspoken. His hand lingered near mine, and I could feel the restraint in him, the way he held back despite the intensity of the bond pulling us together.

“Alpha,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Chapter 13

POV: Ayla

He stepped back slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You don’t need to call me Alpha, just Damon, and you need to decide anything tonight, Ayla. Just… get some rest, okay?”

I nodded, and he turned to leave, but before he reached the door, he paused. He turned back, and in one fluid motion, he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead he took his time like he was registering in his mind.

The gesture was tender, his lips warm against my skin, and my heart swelled in my chest, aching with something I couldn’t name. When he pulled back, his blue eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something flicker there—something raw and vulnerable.

“Good night, Ayla,” he said quietly, his voice like a promise.

As the door clicked shut behind him, I let out a shaky breath, the scent of him—warm cedar and dark spice—lingering in the air. The room felt both fuller and emptier all at once, the absence of both Kieran and Damon pressing down on me like a weight.

I sank back onto the bed, my head spinning with everything that had happened, everything that was still to come. Their scents wrapped around me, intoxicating and overwhelming, and though I tried to fight it, I couldn’t help the way my body craved their presence, the way my heart yearned for something I didn’t fully understand.

Sleep didn’t come easily, but when it finally did, it was filled with dreams of deep blue eyes and quiet strength, of warmth and safety, and of a bond that both terrified and captivated me.

I woke to the golden sunlight seeping through the curtains, warm and soft against my skin. For a moment, I let myself linger in the quiet, my body still heavy with sleep. But then, as if perfectly timed, there were two knocks at the door—firm, deliberate, and unmistakably Damon’s.

My heart jumped, quickening in response to his presence, the way it always did now. I wasn’t used to this, the strange pull he had on me. It was overwhelming, all-consuming, and somehow even more intense now than it had been the night before. It felt as if my body needed him in a way I couldn’t understand, couldn’t control.

“May I come in?” His deep voice resonated through the door, and my chest tightened.

“Yes,” my lips answered before my brain could catch up. I sat up in bed, quickly smoothing down Damon’s oversized shirt that I’d worn to sleep. As the door opened, he stepped in, his presence filling the room effortlessly.

He was already dressed for the day, a crisp white shirt tucked into dark slacks, the top button undone in a way that made him look effortlessly commanding and incredibly beautiful. The sight of him stole my breath, and I found myself fidgeting with the hem of the shirt, suddenly hyperaware of how disheveled I must have looked in comparison.

“You look so fancy,” I blurted out, my voice betraying me before I could stop myself.

Damon’s lips curved into a small, amused smile as his gaze softened. “You,” he said, his voice quiet but certain, “look like the most beautiful thing in the world.”

The sincerity in his words stopped me cold, a lump forming in my throat. No one had ever spoken to me like that before. No one had ever looked at me the way he did, like I was something worth treasuring.

For a moment, I couldn’t look away. My eyes locked with his, and the air between us thickened, heavy with something unspoken.

“The breakfast is ready,” he said, his tone softening further, “but if you’d rather stay here, I can bring something to you.”

His offer was so genuine, so gentle, that it sent a pang through my chest. I wasn’t used to this—kindness, consideration. It was foreign to me, and yet it felt like something I could lose myself in if I wasn’t careful.

“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “I can go.”

He nodded, his smile warm and reassuring. “Then come,” he said, offering me his hand.

Damon led me to the dining room, his presence steady and grounding as we walked side by side. When we arrived, the room was already alive with the smell of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee, the kind of abundance I’d never experienced before.

“Ayla, I’d like you to meet my Beta and his mate,” Damon said, gesturing to a couple already seated at the table. “Gregory and Laura. They’ve been representing me at the council and just returned this morning.”

Gregory had curly brown hair and big blue eyes, he stood, his handshake firm but warm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ayla,” he said.

Laura was a redhead with green eyes, she rose from her chair with a bright smile and immediately pulled me into a hug. I froze for a moment, completely caught off guard. Physical affection wasn’t something I was used to, and her warmth felt almost overwhelming.

“It’s so great to finally have a Luna,” she said, her words light but full of meaning.

The word hit me like a punch to the gut, and my eyes widened in shock. Luna. The title, the responsibility—it was too much to process.

Laura must have seen the panic on my face because she immediately stepped back, her expression apologetic. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t mean to—”

“We’re not talking about that right now,” Damon interjected, his voice firm but calm. He pulled out a chair for me, his eyes meeting mine with steady reassurance. “Sit, Ayla. Eat something.”

The weight of his gaze steadied me, and I nodded, sinking into the chair he’d offered.

As I started to pick at the food in front of me, Damon spoke again. “Kieran mentioned you wanted to head to the guard today.”

I looked up, nodding hesitantly.

“You can bring your clothes here,” he said, but when I hesitated, confusion flickered across his face.

“Clothes?” I asked. “I just have uniforms.”

Damon’s jaw tightened, his blue eyes clouding briefly with something I couldn’t name. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Alright,” he said after a moment. “Then you can buy something.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, rectangular piece of plastic. “Do you know how to use this?”

I stared at it, completely at a loss. “No,” I admitted quietly.

“It’s okay,” Laura chimed in, stepping forward with a kind smile. “I’ll go with her.” She took the card from Damon’s hand and glanced at me. “And do you have a friend who might want to come along?”

A friend. The thought brought Mari to mind immediately. “I… I think I do,” I said slowly.

Damon nodded, his expression softening again. “Good,” he said simply. “Get what you need, and don’t worry about the cost.”

I swallowed hard, the enormity of it all pressing down on me once again. But as Damon looked at me, his gaze steady and unwavering, I felt something stir inside me—an unfamiliar but undeniable sense of safety.

I had no idea what the day ahead would bring, but for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel completely alone.

The dining room buzzed softly with morning chatter, the Beta couple sitting across from Damon and me as I took my place at the table. I shifted awkwardly in the oversized shirt I had borrowed from Damon, tugging at the hem. I couldn’t deny the comfort of it, but it wasn’t exactly ideal for walking into the guardhouse.

Laura’s bright green eyes scanned me briefly before she smiled warmly. “Ayla, I have some clothes that might fit you. I can bring them over after breakfast.”

I blinked at her offer, momentarily caught off guard. “Thank you,” I said, my voice quieter than I intended. Her kindness made me uneasy—not because it was unwelcome, but because it was so foreign.

“You can’t go to the guard in my shirt, Ayla,” Damon added, his tone teasing but firm.

I straightened my back, meeting his gaze. Something about the way he said it made me feel like I needed to prove myself. “I’ll change into Laura’s clothes, but I’ll buy some of my own later. For now, I need to train.”

Damon’s eyes widened slightly, and I caught the flicker of respect in his expression. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.” My voice was steady, confident. “I need to train first. Then I’ll take care of the rest.”

Laura chimed in, her voice light. “Whatever makes you most comfortable, Ayla. We’re just here to help.”

The rest of breakfast passed in a strange mix of light conversation and the occasional heavy pause. Gregory asked questions about my time in the guard, Laura filled the silence with stories about the pack, and Damon… he simply watched me.

By the time the meal ended, I felt like I’d been through a gauntlet of emotions. But as I stood to leave, Damon’s hand brushed against mine, a fleeting touch that sent a shiver up my spine. His blue eyes locked onto mine, a silent understanding passing between us.

I changed into Laura’s clothes, and went straight to my dorm to change into my uniform, I went to the training, the only piece of familiarity of this day.

After lunch, I couldn’t shake the pull. It was like a string tied to my chest, tugging me toward Kieran. No amount of logic could hold me back; I needed to see him.

I found myself standing outside his office before I even realized I’d left the dining hall. My knuckles rapped softly against the wooden door, and his deep voice called out from within.

“Come in.”

Chapter 14

POV: Ayla

I opened the door and stepped inside, and for a moment, the air left my lungs.

Kieran stood by his desk, clad in his guard uniform, the black fabric hugging his broad shoulders and chest. His blond hair was slightly tousled, and his piercing green gaze found mine instantly.

He was disconcerted handsome.

Everything else faded—the world outside, the sounds of the pack—it was just him and me.

“Ayla.” My name rolled off his tongue like a caress, and I felt my heart stutter in response.

“Kieran.” I managed to keep my voice steady, though my legs felt like they might give out under his intense gaze.

His lips quirked into a small, knowing smile. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

I stepped closer, clasping my hands in front of me to keep from fidgeting. “I… I wanted to ask you something.”

“Anything,” he said, his voice softer now.

I hesitated, suddenly self-conscious. “Can you free Mari after training today? I… I’d like her to come with me to buy clothes.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You think she’s not allowed to leave?”

I nodded, confused by his question. “She said she stays in the guard dorms. I assumed she couldn’t leave.”

Kieran’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “The dorms are for convenience, Ayla, not a prison. Guards can go home after training, party if they want, live their lives. Did… was it not like that in your old pack?”

The weight of his question hung in the air, and I found myself unable to meet his eyes. “No. It wasn’t.”

His silence was heavy, filled with unspoken understanding.

“Thank you,” I said quietly.

Kieran’s hand moved before I could stop him, brushing a lock of my hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered against my skin, and I leaned into his touch without thinking.

“You’re welcome,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

For a moment, the space between us vanished, his face inching closer to mine. I could feel his breath, warm and steady, and my heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

Just as his lips were about to meet mine, the door burst open.

“Chief!” Levi’s voice broke the moment like a thunderclap.

Kieran turned slowly, his glare sharp enough to cut through steel. “Levi,” he growled. “If you interrupt me again, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”

The sarcasm in his tone was clear, but I couldn’t help but laugh softly, the tension in the room easing.

Levi looked between us, his face a mix of confusion and amusement. “Uh… sorry?”

Kieran sighed, turning back to me. “We’ll finish this later,” he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I nodded, my cheeks flushing under his intense gaze.

As I turned to leave, Kieran’s voice stopped me, quieter now, almost uncertain. “Ayla.”

I looked back, and for the first time, I saw hesitation flicker across his face. His strong, composed demeanor cracked just enough for me to see the man beneath. “Can I… can I see you later?”

I tilted my head, a soft smile breaking through. “Yes, Chief.” My voice was steady, carrying a promise I wasn’t entirely sure I understood myself. But it felt right.

His lips curved into a small smile, the hesitation melting into something warmer. “Good, but you can call me Kieran now.”

With that, I turned and left the office, my heart lighter than it had been in days.

The afternoon sun was bright as I walked beside Laura and Mari toward the pack’s small shopping district. I still felt the warmth of Kieran’s gaze, lingering like an invisible thread tying me back to him. But now, I was here, and for the first time in years, I wasn’t alone.

Laura led the way, her red hair catching the light as she chattered about the best stores to visit. Mari walked on my other side, throwing casual remarks that made me laugh despite myself.

When we entered the first boutique, I hesitated, feeling out of place among the racks of flowing fabrics and vibrant colors. But Laura handed me a dress, her green eyes sparkling with encouragement.

“Try this one,” she said.

I stared at it, the soft fabric unfamiliar in my hands. “I’m not really… used to this.”

Laura smiled gently. “That’s the point, Ayla. You’re allowed to try something new.”

Mari laughed, nudging me playfully. “And if you don’t like it, we’ll just make you try ten more.”

Despite myself, I chuckled.

As I tried on outfit after outfit, something strange happened. I felt lighter. Free, even. It wasn’t just the clothes—it was the company.

When we finally sat down for coffee at a small café, the conversation turned more serious.

“So,” Mari began, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “What’s it like having two mates?”

I stiffened slightly, glancing between them. Their expressions weren’t judgmental, just curious.

“It’s…” I hesitated, searching for the right words. “It’s different. The bond is strong—overwhelming, even—but it’s the same with both of them. There’s no… favorite or anything. It’s just this pull. This connection with two people who are so different, yet equally important.”

Laura nodded thoughtfully, sipping her coffee. “That sounds… intense. I can’t imagine.”

Mari leaned forward, her eyes bright with curiosity. “But what are you going to do? I mean… two mates? That’s not exactly common.”

I bit my lip, my fingers tightening around the warm cup in my hands. “I don’t know,” I admitted softly. “Damon told me it’s happened twice before. In one case, one of the mates was rejected. In the other…” I paused, my chest tightening. “They made it work. All three of them.”

Mary’s brows shot up. “And what do you want?”

Her question hit me harder than I expected. What did I want? My heart tugged in two directions, equally strong and equally impossible to ignore.

“I don’t know,” I said again, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s not just about what I want. It’s… complicated. I’ve never felt anything like this before, and it scares me. The thought of choosing one and hurting the other—it’s unbearable. And the idea of figuring out how to make it work with both…” I trailed off, shaking my head.

Laura reached over, placing her hand gently on mine. “You don’t have to decide everything right now, Ayla. Give yourself time to figure it out. Its jus been a day”

But seems like so much time…

I nodded, grateful for her understanding, but the weight of the situation still pressed on me.

Mari, ever the mood-lifter, suddenly grinned and waved her hand dismissively. “Okay, enough serious talk. Let’s focus on the important stuff—like making sure you look drop-dead gorgeous for your two mates. If you’re going to be stuck with two ridiculously hot mates, you might as well make them suffer a little, right?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up unexpectedly. “You’re impossible.”

“Thank you,” Mari said smugly, winking at me.

Laura chuckled, shaking her head. “I think you’ll be good for her, Mari. She needs someone to keep things light.”

We finished our coffee and continued shopping, the mood lighter now. Mari and Laura teased me relentlessly, pushing me to try on things I’d never consider wearing. And while part of me still felt like a fish out of water, I realized something unexpected—I didn’t hate it.

Chapter 15

POV: Ayla

As we walked back toward the pack house, the sun dipping low on the horizon, my thoughts drifted. For the first time in years, I’d had a glimpse of what a normal life might feel like. Friends. Laughter. Simple moments.

But under it all, the reality of my situation lingered like a shadow. Two mates. A bond that tied me to them in ways I didn’t fully understand. And a past I couldn’t escape.

Laura nudged me gently as we reached the steps to the house. “Hey, you okay?”

I forced a smile, though my chest felt tight. “Yeah. Just… a lot to process.”

“Take it one step at a time, you think too much,” she said, her voice kind.

Mari grinned, looping her arm through mine. “And if you ever need a distraction, you know where to find me.”

I laughed softly. “Thanks, Mari.”

As we stepped inside, the scent of Kieran and Damon lingered faintly in the air, pulling at something deep within me.

One step at a time, I told myself. Just one step.

When I walked into the pack house, the sound of low voices drifted down the hall. My wolf stirred immediately, an electric pulse radiating through my chest as I recognized the scents.

Kieran. Damon.

I followed the voices to Damon’s office, my heart pounding with each step. My hand hesitated briefly on the door before I pushed it open.

Both men turned toward me, their presence overwhelming in the enclosed space. Damon stood behind his desk, his sharp features calm yet commanding, while Kieran leaned casually against the edge, his arms crossed. The moment their gazes met mine, my breath hitched, and my wolf surged forward, an undeniable force that I could barely contain.

Their wolves reacted instantly. I saw it in the flicker of gold in Damon’s eyes and the way Kieran straightened, his muscles taut as if ready to spring.

“Ayla,” Damon said gently, his tone soothing but firm, “calm down.”

I swallowed hard, willing my wolf to retreat. But my body didn’t listen. My skin felt too tight, my breathing too shallow, and the bond between us hummed like a live wire.

“What’s… happening?” I managed, my voice shaky.

Damon stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate. “It’s the mate bond. The longer we wait to solidify it, the stronger our wolves’ reactions will become. They sense the connection, the pull, and they don’t like the distance we’re keeping.”

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. “Solidify it?”

Kieran cleared his throat, his voice low and rough. “Mating. Marking. It’s instinct. Our wolves don’t understand why we’re holding back.”

I bit my lip, my gaze flicking between them. The tension in the room was suffocating, and I felt like prey caught between two predators—but not in a way that scared me. No, it was something else entirely, something deeper and far more confusing.

“Don’t let it overwhelm you,” Damon said softly. “We’re not rushing you, Ayla. We’re just explaining.”

My mind spun, and I clenched my fists, trying to push down the heat crawling up my neck. But before I could spiral further, Kieran’s voice cut through the haze.

“It’s okay,” Damon’s voice was commanding, he put a lock of my hair behind my ears, and I wolf believed him, and reacted to him.

It’s okay.

“It’s okay,” Kieran said, his tone softer now, almost teasing. “Don’t overthink it. Damon has to work late tonight, so I thought I’d show you around the pack grounds. Just the two of us.”

The offer caught me off guard, and my heart fluttered despite myself. “Oh… okay,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

The cool evening air did little to calm my nerves as Kieran and I walked side by side through the sprawling pack grounds. He pointed out various buildings and landmarks—the training grounds, the school for the pups, the infirmary—but his voice was laced with an easy warmth that made it impossible to feel awkward for long.

Kieran led me through the pack grounds, pointing out the various buildings and their purposes. It struck me again just how vast and organized this pack was, everything running smoothly like a well-oiled machine.

The guard barracks came into view, and I swallowed hard. I’d lived there for a few days now, and while it was nothing like the harsh dorms of my old pack, it still wasn’t home. It felt… temporary.

But then Kieran took a different path, leading me toward a collection of buildings buzzing with life. Children and young wolves ran in and out, laughter and shouts filling the air. My steps faltered as we approached, my chest tightening as I saw the word “Academy” etched into the stone above one of the entrances.

“These are the schools,” Kieran said, his tone casual, like it was the most normal thing in the world. “Pups start here when they’re three, learning the basics. As they get older, they choose paths based on their interests—arts, sciences, combat, whatever calls to them. It’s game week, so they stay late…”

I stared at the building, my heart pounding. I had never seen a school before, never even thought about what it might be like to sit in a classroom and learn. The idea felt foreign, almost surreal.

“I didn’t…” My voice caught, and I shook my head. “I didn’t have anything like this.”

Kieran turned to me, his brows drawing together in concern.

“When I was seven, I started training to be a guard,” I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. “That was it. No school, no choices. Just training.”

I couldn’t look at him. The words felt heavy, like they’d been locked away for too long and were now spilling out uncontrollably. I hated how vulnerable I sounded, how exposed I felt.

“Ayla…” Kieran’s voice was soft, and when I finally looked at him, his green eyes were filled with something I couldn’t quite name. He reached for my hand, his touch warm and steady against my skin.

“You don’t have to be that girl anymore,” he said, his thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles. “You’re here now. This is your new world, and I would be honored to show to you and help you find your place in it.”

My throat tightened, and I blinked rapidly, fighting the sudden sting of tears. “Why?” I asked, my voice breaking. “Why do you care so much?”

Kieran stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine. “Because I’m your mate, Ayla. And I’ve never been so certain of anything in my life as I am about you.”

His words stole the breath from my lungs, leaving me frozen in place. He raised his free hand, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

“You deserve more than what you’ve had,” he murmured. “And I want to be the one to show you.”

I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. All I could do was stare at him, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

My eyes descended to his lips, and God, how I want to kiss him.

Then, as if pulled by an invisible force, I leaned in. Kieran met me halfway, his lips brushing mine with a gentleness that unraveled me completely. His velvet lips against mine, was the most delicious feeling I ever experienced.

It was soft at first, tentative, like he was giving me a chance to pull away. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. Instead, I stepped closer, pressing into him as the kiss deepened, a rush of heat and emotion flooding through me. My heart bested so fast I thought it was gonna runaway from my chest.

This was my first kiss—ever—and it felt like the world had shifted on its axis, like everything that had come before was simply leading to this moment. But Kieran movements guided me, it feels natural, like I had already done this hundreds of times.

When we finally broke apart, I was breathless, my heart racing. Kieran rested his forehead against mine, his hands still cradling my face.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

I let out a shaky laugh, my cheeks flushing, when I realized I wanted this since I saw him in the first time. “I think I might.”

His lips curved into a smile, and for the first time ever I felt… safe. Like maybe, just maybe, I could belong here.

“I’ll show you everything, Ayla,” Kieran said, his voice full of quiet determination. “One step at a time.”

And as I looked into his eyes, the weight of my past began to feel just a little bit lighter.

As Kieran walked me back to the pack house, the weight of everything we’d shared lingered between us. His hand brushed against mine, and though he didn’t take it, the warmth of his presence was enough to keep me grounded.

We stopped at the steps leading up to the house, and for a moment, neither of us said anything. The cool evening breeze played with my hair, but all I could feel was him.

Kieran turned to me, his green eyes intense yet tender. “Ayla,” he said softly, almost like he was afraid to break the quiet between us. “Thank you… for today.”

I tilted my head, studying him. “You’re thanking me? For what?”

“For trusting me,” he said, his voice low but firm. “For letting me see you, the real you. It means more than you know.”

I swallowed hard, his words stirring something deep inside me. “You’re my mate,” I said simply, the truth of it settling over me like a warm blanket.

A small smile tugged at his lips, and then, before I could say anything else, he cupped my face in his hands his touch sending electric shocks through me, and kissed me.

This time, there was no hesitation, no holding back. His lips claimed mine with a passion that sent a shiver down my spine. When his tongue swept into my mouth, it was like he was reaching for my very soul, and I loved it.

Our tongues moved together in perfect sync, a dance as old as time. My body responded instinctively, pressing against him as his hands slid down to my waist, pulling me closer until there wasn’t a breath of space between us. and the heat hit me like a tidal wave, I wanted him so much.

My fingers found his chest, tracing the hard planes of muscle beneath his shirt before sliding up to his shoulders, then his neck. I pulled him closer, needing more, craving the connection that felt as natural as breathing. I felt flooded my love and passion, so much as I thought my heart wouldn’t take it.

Kieran’s hands tightened on my waist, grounding me even as he set my world spinning. The pull between us was undeniable, a force I couldn’t resist even if I wanted to.

When we finally broke apart, my chest heaved as I tried to catch my breath. Kieran’s forehead rested against mine, his green eyes blazing with emotion.

“Ayla…” he murmured, his voice rough.

I didn’t trust myself to speak, so I just smiled, my fingers lingering on the nape of his neck. “Goodnight, Kieran.”

His lips quirked up in a soft smile. “Goodnight, Ayla.”

I turned and stepped inside, the heat of his kiss still lingering on my lips.

The pack house was quiet, the hum of activity subdued in the late evening. I didn’t see Damon immediately, but I remembered Kieran mentioning he’d likely be with Gregory, catching up on council matters.

I made my way upstairs and took a long, hot bath, letting the water wash away the tension of the day. But no amount of steam could erase the memory of Kieran’s kiss—or the thought of Damon waiting somewhere within these walls.

After changing into something comfortable, I wandered the halls, my steps light against the polished floors. I didn’t have to search for long. The soft, melodic strains of the piano drifted through the quiet of the pack house, tugging me forward. I followed the sound, its haunting beauty wrapping around me like a spell, until I reached the doorway of the music room.

Chapter 16

POV: Ayla

Damon sat at the grand piano, his back to me, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys. The sight of him—so powerful, yet so unguarded—took my breath away. For a moment, I didn’t move, afraid that stepping inside would shatter the moment.

But I couldn’t stay away.

I stepped into the room, the gentle click of my footsteps catching his attention. Damon’s hands stilled, and he turned toward me, his piercing blue eyes softening when they met mine.

“Ayla,” he said, his deep voice like the warm chords of the piano.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” I murmured, suddenly unsure of myself. “Your music… it’s beautiful.”

A small smile touched his lips, and he stood, the piano bench creaking softly beneath him, and looking at him completly was breathtaking, he was hot as hell, so handsome that was almost disconcertated. “Not as beautiful as you,” he said simply, the sincerity in his voice stealing the air from my lungs.

My cheeks flushed, and I glanced down, but Damon stepped closer, his presence commanding yet gentle. He gestured toward the piano bench. “Join me?”

I hesitated for only a moment before nodding, letting him guide me to the bench. The warmth of his body was a reassuring presence as I sat beside him, my hands resting awkwardly in my lap.

He resumed playing, a softer melody this time, the notes wrapping around us in an intimate embrace.

“Do you play?” he asked, his voice quiet.

I shook my head, my throat tight. “No. We… didn’t have things like this in my old pack.”

Damon’s fingers faltered for a split second, the admission clearly hitting him. He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. “I’m sorry, Ayla.”

I shrugged, trying to brush it off, but he reached out, his large hand covering mine. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through me.

“You deserve beauty,” he said firmly. “Music, art… everything this world has to offer.”

The intensity of his words made my chest ache. “Damon…”

“I’ve been waiting for you my whole life,” he interrupted, his voice low but steady. “I’ve been waiting for years. And now that you’re here, everything I thought I knew feels… small.”

My breath hitched, and I turned to him fully, the raw vulnerability in his expression making it impossible to look away.

“You make me feel like a man, not just an Alpha,” he continued. “And that terrifies me… but it also makes me feel alive.”

Before I could respond, Damon leaned in, his soft lips brushing mine in a kiss so gentle, it was like he was afraid I’d break.

But I didn’t. I leaned into him, my body responded to his, my hands finding his shoulders as his kiss deepened. The gentleness gave way to something more voracious, a hunger that set my skin alight. His tongue slid against mine, coaxing, claiming, until I was lost in him.

Our mate bond was claimed by him, my mouth, my tongue, my body, my heart and my soul.

I was all his, surrendered in just one kiss.

My body responded instinctively, pressing closer to him as his hands slid to my waist, grounding me while igniting a fire I hadn’t known was there.

My heart was flooded by love and beat for him.

When we finally broke apart, I was breathless, my lips tingling from the force of his kiss. Damon’s forehead rested against mine, his hands still holding me like he was afraid to let go.

“Ayla,” he murmured, his voice rough, “stay with me tonight.”

My heart raced, the weight of his words sinking in. “Damon, I—”

He placed a finger under my chin, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “Just sleep,” he said, his voice softening. “I would never do nothing you don’t want to.”

I hesitated, searching his eyes for any hint of expectation, but all I saw was raw honesty.

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” he admitted. “Your scent was everywhere, but you weren’t there. Even now knowing you were with Kieran… I couldn’t rest until I saw you, until I knew you were safe.”

His words sent a pang through my chest, the depth of his feelings crashing over me.

“I…” I swallowed hard, then nodded. “Okay.”

Damon’s shoulders relaxed, and a small, relieved smile curved his lips. He stood, extending a hand to me. “Come on.”

I took his hand, the warmth of his touch steadying me as we left the music room together. The thought of spending the night with him—of sharing that vulnerability—filled me with equal parts nervousness and anticipation. But as I walked beside him, his presence grounding me, I couldn’t deny the pull that tied us together, stronger than anything I’d ever known.

I followed Damon into his room, my heart pounding so loudly it felt like the entire pack house might hear it. The space was undeniably his—warm, grounded, but commanding, just like him.

I expected but felt so distinctly him—strong, grounded, and commanding, with its rich, earthy tones and sparse, purposeful decor. Every inch of it carried his presence, making the air feel heavier, charged. Everything about it felt solid and sure, and yet I stood there clutching the soft fabric of the nightgown Laura had picked out for me, feeling anything but steady.

I slipped into the bathroom to change, staring at the gown as I held it up. It was simple but elegant,It was unlike anything I’d ever worn before—delicate, smooth, and foreign against my rough, calloused hands. I wasn’t sure I belonged in something like this. I wasn’t sure I could be the woman it demanded me to be with delicate sleeves that covered my arms—just like every piece of clothing I’d chosen at the shop. Always hiding. Always careful. My scars had been my armor for so long, reminders of battles fought and survived. But tonight, a strange thought flitted through my mind.

What if I didn’t hide?

The idea terrified me, but there was a strange comfort in it too. Damon wouldn’t look at me with pity. He wouldn’t recoil. Deep down, I knew he’d see them for what they were—proof that I’d endured.

Once inside, I let out a shaky breath, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The pale fabric pooled in my hands, light and fragile, a stark contrast to the hardened soldier staring back at me. It wasn’t just the gown I was nervous about—it was everything. Him. Us. This moment that felt like it was tilting my entire world on its axis.

When I finally slipped the gown over my head, it flowed over me like water, hugging my body in ways that made me feel exposed. Vulnerable. Feminine in a way I wasn’t used to. I hesitated, clutching the edges for a moment before forcing myself to step out of the bathroom.

Each step felt heavy, uncertain, and when I saw Damon’s head lift, his piercing blue eyes landing on me, my breath caught in my throat.

He froze. His gaze darkened, his chest rising and falling as he took me in. He exhaled. “Ayla…” His voice came out rough, like gravel, raw with something I couldn’t quite name. “You’re… breathtaking.”

My cheeks flamed, and I glanced down, unsure of how to respond. I wasn’t used to being looked at like this—like I was something rare, precious. Like I mattered in a way that was almost too much to bear.

“You don’t have to hide,” Damon said, his tone softer now, carrying a warmth that wrapped around me like a blanket. He stepped closer, his movements slow, deliberate. “Not from me.”

His words sank deep, unraveling something inside me I didn’t even know was knotted. When he reached out, his fingers brushed against my cheek, the touch so gentle it made my chest ache. His hand moved lower, tracing the edge of the gown, his eyes never leaving mine.

“This…” He shook his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I never thought I’d see you like this. So soft, so…”

“Vulnerable?” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own heartbeat.

He nodded, his thumb grazing along my jawline. “Yes. And it makes me want to protect you even more.”

The sincerity in his voice hit me like a tidal wave, and for a moment, I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t breathe. Before I could overthink it, Damon leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss so tender, so reverent, that my knees nearly gave out.

It wasn’t like any kiss I’d ever known. It wasn’t just heat or desire—it was something deeper. Something that made my chest ache and my wolf stir restlessly inside me.

As the kiss deepened, his hands found my waist, pulling me closer until I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palms. My own hands rested against his chest, grounding me as the rest of the world melted away.

When his lips left mine and trailed down to my jawline, I shivered, the sensation igniting a warmth deep inside me. Then his mouth hovered over the spot where his mark would one day go, and I felt the pull of the bond surge through me like a firestorm. My body leaned into him instinctively, my hands gripping his shoulders as a soft, involuntary sigh escaped my lips.

But just as the moment threatened to spiral into something more, Damon froze. His breathing was heavy, his forehead pressing against mine as he fought for control.

“Ayla…” he murmured, his voice strained, like he was pulling himself back from a precipice. “I can’t… I won’t rush you.”

His words sliced through the haze, grounding me. I blinked up at him, dazed by the intensity of my emotions. “Damon, I…”

He cupped my face in his hands, his gaze locking with mine. The sheer weight of his presence, of his patience, made my throat tighten. “You’re not ready,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over my cheek. “And that’s okay. When we take that step, it’ll be because you want it, not because the bond is pushing us.”

Tears stung my eyes, and my chest tightened with gratitude and something I didn’t have the words for. How could he be so strong, so patient, when I felt like I was falling apart?

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Come on,” he said, his tone lighter now, though the heat in his eyes hadn’t faded completely. “Let’s get some sleep.”

As he led me toward the bed, I realized something I hadn’t allowed myself to fully accept before: Damon didn’t just want me because of the bond. He wanted me. And in that moment, I knew I’d never felt safer.

Chapter 17

POV: Ayla

Damon guided me to the bed, his movements gentle, deliberate. My heart raced as he pulled back the covers, and I slipped beneath them, the cool sheets brushing against my skin in stark contrast to the warmth of his presence.

He slid in beside me, lying on his back at first, his hands resting loosely by his sides. I hesitated, unsure of what to do, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. Then he shifted, opening his arms in silent invitation, his expression soft, patient.

Something inside me unraveled at that small, simple gesture. Without thinking, I moved closer, the pull toward him impossible to resist. I rested my head against his chest, his warmth seeping into me as his strong arms wrapped around me, holding me like I was something fragile.

The steady rhythm of his breathing beneath my cheek was soothing, grounding. Each rise and fall felt like a quiet promise, one I hadn’t dared to believe I could have. For so long, I’d been on edge, always ready to fight, to flee. But here, wrapped in Damon’s arms, the tension I carried began to melt away, replaced by something foreign and unfamiliar: peace.

His scent surrounded me, woodsy and warm, and I closed my eyes, letting myself sink into him. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt safe. Truly safe.

As the pull of sleep began to claim me, I whispered into the quiet, “I’ve never felt this… at peace before.”

His hand stroked my back in soothing circles, and I felt the press of his lips against my hair, soft and reverent. “You’re where you belong, Ayla. With me.”

His words wrapped around my heart, filling the empty spaces I hadn’t even realized were there. And for the first time, I believed it.

I woke up feeling lighter than I had in years, the warm weight of Damon’s arm draped over me still fresh in my mind. The night before had been more than I ever thought I could have: peace, safety, and for the first time, the feeling that I belonged.

I got ready quickly, choosing a casual outfit Laura had picked for me. Sleeves, as always. But today, I didn’t feel like I was hiding. Instead, I felt… hopeful. As I walked into the dining room, I was met with a surprising sight: Damon, Gregory, and Laura already seated at the table.

Gregory, with his curly brown hair and big blue eyes, was laughing at something Laura had said. Damon’s rare, soft smile lit up his face, making him look less like the intimidating Alpha and more like a man at ease.

“Ayla!” Laura waved me over, her smile warm and inviting.

“Good morning,” I said, sliding into a seat beside Damon.

“Good morning, Ayla,” Gregory greeted, his tone cheerful. “You’re just in time. Laura was just trying to convince me that her pastries could rival mine.”

“They do,” Laura argued, crossing her arms. “Yours are too sweet. Mine have balance.”

“Balance is overrated,” Gregory shot back, earning a laugh from Laura.

I couldn’t help but smile, their banter easing some of the tension I hadn’t realized I was carrying.

Damon leaned closer, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “You look like you’re settling in.”

I glanced at him, my smile growing softer. “I think I am.”

After chatting and having breakfast together. Damon gaze locked in me.

He studied me for a moment before standing. “Excuse me, everyone.” He turned to me, his blue eyes warm. “Ayla, I’ll see you later?”

I nodded, surprised when he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my lips.

“I’m glad you’re feeling at home,” he said against my lips, his voice quiet but full of meaning.

“Me too,” I replied, kissing him again before stepping away.

The warmth of his gaze lingered as I left the dining room and made my way to the guard house.

The training grounds were bustling with activity when I arrived. Guards sparred, practiced maneuvers, and honed their skills. I joined them, throwing myself into the physicality of the exercises. It was the kind of focus I was used to, the kind that had always kept me grounded.

But as the session went on, I noticed something new. A feeling. It was subtle at first, but it grew until it was impossible to ignore.

Happiness.

The realization hit me hard, and I stopped mid-strike, my breath catching in my throat. I had never felt this before—not like this. It wasn’t just the training or the pack or the sense of safety. It was Damon and Kieran. My mates.

They gave me this.

I found Kieran in his office late in the morning, leaning against his desk and speaking with a guard administrator. His back was turned to me, but the sound of my footsteps must have caught his attention because he glanced over his shoulder.

For a moment, I thought he’d smile or say something—anything. But instead, he raised a hand, signaling he couldn’t talk, and turned back to his conversation.

The gesture was casual, almost dismissive, but it landed on me like a blow. I stood there, frozen, feeling out of place. The warmth of the night before, the connection we’d shared, felt distant now.

“Later,” he mouthed, his tone flat and unreadable.

I nodded mutely, forcing myself to leave. The sting of being brushed aside followed me down the hallway.

Lunch came, and I joined Wes and Mari in the dining hall. Their easy chatter was a welcome distraction, though I couldn’t stop myself from glancing at the door every so often, hoping Kieran would walk in.

“Are you okay, Ayla?” Mary asked, her soft voice full of concern.

I smiled faintly, trying to brush it off. “Just thinking.”

Wes raised an eyebrow, his mischievous grin forming. “Thinking about the Chief, huh?”

Mary elbowed him. “Wes!”

“What?” he laughed. “It’s obvious.”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks but said nothing, focusing instead on my food. When lunch ended, I went looking for Kieran again, hoping for some kind of explanation.

His office was empty.

The uneasy feeling I’d pushed aside earlier came roaring back. He was avoiding me.

At two o’clock, the time we’d agreed for training, someone came to find me in the barracks.

“Chief Kieran asked me to let you know he can’t make it today and later he will be busy training with Levi,” the guard said. “He said you can train with the top class, or use the gym if you’d prefer.”

I stared at the messenger, waiting for more, but that was it. No explanation. No note.

“Thanks,” I said tightly, dismissing the guard.

The sting of rejection felt sharper now. He didn’t even tell me himself.

I tried to shake it off, heading to the gym to train alone. But my movements felt mechanical, my focus scattered. When Levi passed by after the session, I stopped him.

“Are you training with Kieran tonight?” I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.

Levi looked surprised. “No, I’m heading home. I’ll see you in the morning, Ayla.”

I nodded, but my mind was racing. Kieran had told me he had a meeting with Levi.

It was a lie.

But I couldn’t let us like this I keep looking for him.

I found Kieran later, standing outside the training grounds, his arms crossed as he stared into the distance.

“Kieran,” I called, my voice sharper than I intended.

He stiffened but didn’t turn around.

“What is going on?” I demanded, storming toward him. “You’ve been avoiding me all day. Why?”

He didn’t respond, his jaw tightening.

“Kieran!” I snapped, stepping in front of him. “Look at me. Talk to me.”

His eyes met mine, and the pain I saw there took my breath away.

“Why?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “What changed?”

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Ayla, did you sleep with Damon?”

The question blindsided me, and for a moment, I could only stare at him.

“We shared a bed,” I admitted, my voice low. “But we didn’t… I mean, we just slept.”

His jaw tightened further, his hands clenching into fists.

“I felt safe,” I continued, my voice cracking. “For the first time, I felt safe. And I slept better than I ever have. That’s all it was.”

Kieran’s expression crumbled, the conflict inside him spilling out.

“I’ve been trying to rationalize this,” he said, his voice raw. “Sharing a mate—it’s impossible. Sharing you with Damon…” He shook his head, his anguish palpable. “He’s the Alpha. He needs a Luna. He’s been searching for his mate for so long, Ayla. And you—you’re perfect for him.”

“Kieran…”

“I thought,” he continued, his voice breaking, “that maybe I could stay away. That I could reject you, let you be with him. For the good of the pack. For him.”

I felt the floor bricking under my feet, and my chest was so tight I thought was gonna implode.

My heart shattered. “You can’t mean that.”

He looked at me, his eyes glistening. “I tried, Ayla. I thought I could do it. But the moment I see you…” He reached out, his hand brushing my cheek. “I can’t. My love for you is stronger than my reason.”

Tears streamed down my face as his confession broke through every wall I’d built.

“You can’t rationalize this,” I said, my voice trembling. “The mate bond—it’s pure. It’s instinct. You can’t fight it, Kieran. And I can’t either.”

“Ayla…”

“I love you,” I confessed, the words spilling out before I could stop them. “I love you, Kieran. And I can’t reject this. I can’t reject you. Or Damon.”

My body said what my mind was fighting to denied.

He stared at me, his breath hitching. “You… you love me?”

“Yes,” I said, my voice firm despite the tears. “And I love Damon too. I thought about choosing, about rejecting someone, but I can’t. The mate bond is too strong.”

He closed his eyes, his forehead resting against mine. “I thought I could stay away. I thought I could let you go. But I can’t, Ayla. I can’t.”

“Then don’t,” I whispered. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”

Kieran’s arms wrapped around me, pulling me close as his lips found mine. The kiss was desperate and raw, a culmination of everything we’d been holding back.

My hands went to his neck, desperate for more contact for his touch, trying to wash all the resentment of he avoiding me. Just the possibility of loosing Kieran made me desperate, and this kiss was my salvation.

When we finally broke apart, I rested my head against his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath my ear.

“We’ll talk to Damon,” I said softly. “We’ll make this work. All of it.”

Kieran held me tighter, his voice resolute. “Together.”

Kieran and I walked side by side toward Damon’s office. My heart was racing, the gravity of what we were about to do pressing heavily on my chest. Kieran’s hand brushed mine briefly before he pulled away, likely out of respect for the conversation we were about to have.

When we reached Damon’s office door, Kieran paused, glancing at me. “Are you ready?”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “As I’ll ever be.”

He knocked once, and Damon’s deep voice called from within, “Come in.”

The room was spacious but warm, dominated by bookshelves and a massive oak desk where Damon was seated. He looked up, his piercing blue eyes softening when they landed on me.

“Kieran,” Damon greeted, then turned his attention fully to me. “Ayla.” His voice held a note of surprise and warm.

Kieran stepped forward. “She has something to tell you.”

Damon’s gaze shifted back to me, curiosity flickering in his expression. “What is it?”

I took a deep breath, stepping closer. My hands trembled, but I refused to let it show.

“I love you,” I said, my voice steady despite the chaos in my chest.

Chapter 18

POV: Ayla

Damon froze, his eyes widening. The air between us seemed to shift, growing heavier with unspoken emotions.

“What did you say?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I love you,” I repeated, the weight of my confession making my throat tighten. “I wanted you to know.”

Damon stood slowly, rounding the desk until he was directly in front of me. His hand reached out, hesitated, then rested gently against my cheek. His blue eyes, usually so controlled, were full of emotion.

“I’ve waited so long to hear those words,” he admitted, his voice raw.

I leaned into his touch for a moment, grounding myself in the warmth of his hand. Then I stepped back slightly, bracing myself for what came next.

“But I need to tell you something else.” I glanced briefly at Kieran before returning my gaze to Damon. “I love Kieran too.”

Damon blinked, his hand dropping to his side. The moment stretched unbearably, the silence thick with tension.

“I can’t choose between you,” I continued, finding strength in my own voice. “I love you both. And I know it’s not conventional or easy, but the mate bond isn’t something I can ignore. I can’t reject either of you.”

Damon’s expression shifted, his initial shock softening into something more contemplative. “Go on,” he said, his tone unreadable.

I squared my shoulders, channeling every ounce of independence and strength I had. “I’ve spent my life following orders, living by rules that weren’t mine. But this—this is my choice. I want to make this work. I’m not religious, but if the Moon Goddess sent me two mates, then I believe I’m meant to have two mates. I won’t apologize for that, and I won’t back down from it.”

Kieran stepped forward then, his presence a quiet support at my side.

Damon studied me, his gaze intense. Then, to my surprise, a slow smile tugged at his lips. “You never fail to surprise me, Ayla.”

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but I held his gaze, refusing to waver.

“And you’re sure about this?” Damon asked, his voice softer now. “About us?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” I said firmly.

In that moment I didn’t know how Damon would react, and for the next seconds that felt like years I was holding my breath, and my heart beating so loud I swear they could hear it.

Damon’s eyes flicked to Kieran, who gave a small nod. “We’ll figure it out,” Kieran said.

After a long moment, Damon sighed, his shoulders relaxing. “Then we’ll try. Together.”

Relief flooded through me, my body feeling lighter than it had in days. But before I could say anything, Damon’s expression shifted into something more mischievous.

“So, Ayla,” he began, crossing his arms as a small smirk played on his lips. “Are you saying you want us… together?”

The implication in his voice hit me like a bolt of lightning, and my face went crimson. “I—I hadn’t thought about that,” I stammered, my words tumbling out.

Kieran let out a low chuckle, and Damon’s smirk widened.

“Well,” Kieran said, his voice laced with amusement. “That’s something we can figure out. Together.”

Despite the heat in my cheeks, I couldn’t help but laugh, the tension breaking into something lighter, warmer.

Damon reached for my hand, his grip steady and reassuring. “We’ll make it work, If the Moon choose for you two mates, let you have two mates,” he said, his voice full of certainty.

Kieran stepped closer, his hand brushing mine. “Together,” he repeated, and for the first time, the word felt like a promise.

As I stood between them, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. It wouldn’t be easy, but for the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged. Like I was home.

The weight of their gazes lingered even as the conversation fell silent. Damon leaned back in his chair, his blue eyes unwavering as they held mine, while Kieran sat on the edge of the desk, his arms crossed, lips pressed into a thin line.

I swallowed hard, gathering the courage that had pushed me through battlefields but somehow faltered now. “I want to sleep with both of you tonight.”

Both men froze, their eyes widening in shock. Damon’s brows arched slightly, his ever-composed demeanor slipping for just a moment, while Kieran blinked like he hadn’t heard me correctly.

I pushed forward before doubt could creep in. “Not… not to mate, just to sleep. To be with both of you. The night I spent with you, Damon—it was the best I’ve ever slept in my life. I’ve never felt so safe, so… whole. I want that again. But I want it with you too, Kieran.”

Kieran’s mouth parted, and I could see the questions forming, the hesitation pooling in his eyes. Damon sat up straighter, his gaze softening as he took in my nervous expression.

“You’re sure about this?” Damon’s voice was low, cautious, like he was walking on glass.

“I’ve never been more sure,” I said, my voice firm even as my heart raced. “I want us to try. I want to feel what this bond truly means—together.”

They exchanged a look, silent communication passing between them in a way I’d come to recognize as their unspoken language. Kieran nodded, almost imperceptibly, and Damon let out a slow breath.

“Okay,” Damon said, standing and gesturing toward the door. “Let’s go to my room.”

We walked together, the silence thick with anticipation. When we entered Damon’s room, I felt the weight of the moment settle on me. It wasn’t just about sharing a bed—it was about breaking down walls, building trust, and stepping into uncharted territory with the two men who meant everything to me now.

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers brushing over the soft fabric of my nightgown, the one Laura had picked out for me. The sleeves were long, covering the scars I’d hidden for years. Damon noticed my pause, his sharp gaze always attuned to me.

“You’re nervous,” he said, stepping closer. His fingers gently tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes. “You don’t have to hide anything from us, Ayla.”

Kieran came to my side, his warm hand resting on the small of my back. “He’s right,” he said softly. “We see all of you, Ayla. Every part of you is beautiful.”

Their words were like a balm to an old wound I hadn’t realized still bled. I nodded, taking a steadying breath before moving toward the bed. Damon climbed in first, his presence commanding even in the intimacy of this moment. Kieran followed, settling on the other side.

I slipped between them, the warmth of their bodies immediately enveloping me. Kieran’s arm draped over my waist, his hand resting lightly on my hip, while Damon’s hand found mine, his fingers lacing through mine with a quiet strength.

I turned to Kieran first, meeting his green gaze in the dim light. “Thank you,” I whispered, leaning in to kiss him. His lips were soft, his kiss gentle but filled with a quiet intensity that made my heart ache.

When I pulled away, I turned to Damon, my breath catching as his blue eyes bore into mine. His kiss was slower, deeper, his hand coming up to cradle my face. Where Kieran’s kiss had been a promise, Damon’s was a declaration, unspoken words of devotion passed through the simple press of lips.

As I lay back between them, their touches grounding me, I felt something I hadn’t known I was missing—a sense of belonging, of home. My mates. My men.

“Goodnight,” I whispered, my voice heavy with emotion.

“Goodnight, Ayla,” Kieran murmured, his lips brushing my temple.

“Sleep well, love,” Damon said, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand.

I closed my eyes, their warmth and presence wrapping around me like a shield. For the first time in my life, I felt whole.

I woke up to the feel of Damon’s arm draped heavily across my waist, his warmth cocooning me in a way that made me forget the world outside this room. For a moment, I simply lay there, listening to his steady breathing and feeling the safety his presence offered. But then, I noticed the other side of the bed—Kieran’s side—was empty.

I turned my head, my voice still heavy with sleep. “Where’s Kieran?”

Chapter 19

POV: Ayla

Damon shifted slightly, his blue eyes blinking open as he adjusted to the morning light. “He had to head out early,” he murmured, his voice deep and husky. “There’s a meeting about the northern border.”

I frowned, propping myself up on my elbow. “What about it?”

He sighed, brushing a hand over his face. “It’s… not as secure as it should be. The terrain makes it hard to patrol, and it’s our weakest point. Kieran’s leading the discussion to figure out how to strengthen it before next week’s training rotation. During training, the guard shifts will be thinner, and that spot could be even more vulnerable.”

I nodded, letting the information settle. Damon didn’t say more, but I caught the tension in his voice. It wasn’t like him to openly admit a weakness, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry for the pack.

Before I could dwell on my spiraling thoughts, Damon reached for me, his hand brushing over my hip. His touch was light, almost hesitant, but it sent a shiver up my spine.

“You’re thinking too much,” he said softly, his lips curving into a teasing smile that didn’t quite hide the heat in his gaze.

“I can’t help it,” I murmured, but my voice faltered when his fingers trailed higher, tracing the curve of my ribs with deliberate slowness.

“Then let me help,” he whispered, his tone low, velvety, and utterly disarming.

His lips found mine, and in that moment, my thoughts dissolved. I melted into him, instinct taking over, my body pressing closer to his as though it knew what I needed before I did. The kiss started tender—so soft it was almost a question—but it didn’t stay that way. There was something raw beneath the surface, a hunger that matched the storm brewing inside me.

Damon kissed me like he was trying to memorize me, like every second mattered. His hand tangled in my hair as he deepened the kiss, his body anchoring me as the world faded away.

With Damon, it wasn’t just desire. It was as if I was his salvation, the one thing holding him together even as I unraveled under his touch. I clung to him, my fingers digging into the hard muscles of his shoulders as his lips left mine, trailing a path of fire down my jaw. He stopped just shy of the place where his mark would go, his breath hot against my skin. My body trembled, craving more, craving him.

“Damon…” His name escaped my lips, a whisper edged with longing and uncertainty.

He stilled, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. His blue eyes were dark with desire, but there was something else—a tenderness that made my chest ache.

“I’ll stop,” he said, his voice thick with restraint. “If you need me to, I’ll stop.”

My heart squeezed at the sincerity in his words, at the way he put my comfort above his need. I shook my head, my hands tightening their hold on him. “No… I don’t want you to stop.”

A small, almost sad smile curved his lips, and he pressed his forehead to mine. “Ayla, you’re everything to me. But I need to know you’re ready—for this. For us. The bond between us—it’s powerful, overwhelming, and I don’t want to rush you.”

His words settled over me, heavy with meaning. This wasn’t just instinct or chemistry. This was Damon offering me all of him—his heart, his soul, his devotion. He was baring himself to me in a way that left me breathless.

I cupped his face, brushing my thumb over the sharp line of his jaw. “I don’t know what I’m ready for,” I admitted softly. “But I know I want to be here—with you.”

His smile shifted, softer, but no less genuine. “Then let me show you how much I love you.”

He kissed me again, slower this time, every movement deliberate and reverent. The urgency from before melted away, replaced by something deeper, something that left me trembling in his arms. His hands roamed over my body, exploring but never rushing, as though he had all the time in the world.

When his fingers found the hem of my nightgown, he paused, his eyes searching mine. “Tell me if it’s too much,” he said, his voice a low murmur that sent a shiver through me. I nodded, unable to form words.

Slowly, inch by inch, he lifted the fabric, his touch igniting a fire that spread through me. When he reached the waistband of my panties, my breath hitched, but I didn’t stop him. I didn’t want to. Damon peeled the fabric away, his movements unhurried, his gaze locked on mine.

“You’re beautiful,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “More than I deserve.”

The words hit me harder than I expected, and I opened my mouth to argue, but then his thumb brushed against my most sensitive spot, and everything else disappeared. A sharp gasp escaped me, followed by a moan I couldn’t hold back. The pleasure was overwhelming, like nothing I’d ever felt before.

Damon’s smirk was equal parts pride and affection. “I’m glad you like it. Wait for this.”

Before I could respond, he shifted, lowering himself until his face was between my thighs. My heart raced as I realized what he was about to do, but before I could even process it, his lips found my core.

A cry of pleasure tore from my throat, my back arching as his tongue worked magic I hadn’t thought possible. The sensation was intense, the pleasure building, each movement sending me higher, closer to the edge. And then it hit me—a wave of pleasure so powerful it shattered me, I thought that my would was leaving my body, deliciously leaving me trembling and breathless.

I couldn’t believe my body could feel that way.

When Damon finally climbed back up, he kissed me, soft and tender, as though he was grounding me after everything he’d just given me. His lips tasted of me, and for some reason, that intimacy made my chest tighten with emotion.

“Stay here,” he whispered, pulling me against his chest. “For as long as you can.”

I didn’t answer, because the truth was, I never wanted to leave.

After breakfast I went to the guard and had my usual training session with Kieran. The clang of our swords echoed in the training hall, the sparring session already heated. Kieran’s long blond hair clung to his face, damp with sweat, and his green eyes glimmered with determination. He moved with the precision of someone who had spent years mastering every strike, every parry, and every movement.

But I was no slouch, and I wasn’t about to let him win.

“Is that all you’ve got?” I taunted, twisting out of the way of his swing and darting in to jab at his side.

He smirked, dodging my blade with infuriating ease. “Careful, Ayla. You might bruise my ego.”

“Your ego’s too big to bruise.”

We continued the dance, swords clashing as we tested each other’s limits. My arms ached, my breath came fast, but I couldn’t stop the thrill that coursed through me with every exchange. The mate bond hummed between us, crackling like static in the air, pulling me closer to him even as I tried to maintain my focus.

When we finally called a pause, my chest was heaving, and my shirt clung to me. Kieran tossed his sword aside and grinned, the kind of grin that made my stomach flutter.

“You ready for round two?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.

I smirked. “You’re on.”

This time, it wasn’t swords but hand-to-hand combat. We circled each other on the mat, and every touch, every grab, every press of our bodies ignited the fire between us. His hands gripped my waist as he tried to take me down, and I retaliated by twisting free and shoving him back.

“Slipping, Kieran?” I teased, breathless.

“You wish,” he growled, lunging forward and pinning me to the mat.

The weight of him pressed into me, his body flush against mine, and my breath hitched. I could feel every inch of him, the heat of his skin, the strength in his arms, and the way his chest rose and fell against me.

His gaze met mine, and the air between us grew thick. Neither of us moved, the tension building to a point where I wasn’t sure who would break first.

“Kieran,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

He leaned down, his lips brushing mine in the barest of kisses before he pulled back just enough to look at me. “Tell me to stop, Ayla.”

Chapter 20

POV Ayla

I didn’t. Instead, I closed the distance, my lips crashing into his, and the world fell away. The kiss was desperate and consuming, a clash of passion and longing that had been building between us for far too long. My hands roamed over his broad shoulders, pulling him closer as his hands explored my waist, my back, my thighs.

But then, as his teeth grazed my lower lip and his hand slid under my shirt, reality hit me like a cold slap.

“Kieran,” I gasped, breaking the kiss and pushing him back. “We can’t.”

His forehead pressed against mine as he struggled to catch his breath. “Ayla…”

I shook my head, my hands trembling as I placed them on his chest. “We can’t mark each other. Not yet. It’s… it’s too soon.”

He exhaled shakily and nodded, though the frustration in his eyes mirrored my own. “You’re right,” he said, his voice strained.

I climbed to my feet, adjusting my clothes as my heart raced. “I need to go.”

He didn’t stop me as I left the training hall, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t over.

I hated how I felt afterward—frustration, burning as fiercely as the love and desire I felt for him. Kieran was my redemption, the one who pushed me harder and demanded the best of me, yet worshipped me with the same unrelenting intensity.

I couldn’t leave him like this. I just couldn’t.

Turning off my brain, I let reason slip away. In its place, my heart, my body, my desire—and the mate bond—spoke for me. I moved on instinct, following the pull that tethered me to him, refusing to let hesitation stop me as I made my way to his office and private quarters in the barracks.

The barracks were quiet, the air heavy with stillness. By the time I reached his door, my pulse was a pounding drum in my ears. I knew I shouldn’t be here, but the need was overwhelming. The bond between us was alive, electric, and I burned with a desire I couldn’t suppress.

The sound of running water met my ears as I stepped inside. My movements were slow, deliberate, the quiet click of the door behind me sealing us in.

The bathroom was dimly lit, soft golden light casting warm shadows on the tiled walls. Kieran stood under the spray of the shower, his long blond hair slicked back, water running in rivulets down his sculpted body.

The sight of him knocked the breath from my lungs. His broad chest, every muscle defined, his skin glistening under the faint light—he was devastatingly beautiful. A Nordic god brought to life. But it wasn’t just his looks; it was the energy radiating from him, the power, the frustration that mirrored my own.

My gaze dipped lower, and heat flooded my cheeks. Every part of him was breathtaking, more than I had dared to imagine. But I didn’t look away.

When he turned and saw me, his green eyes widened in surprise. “Ayla,” he said, his voice low and rough. “What are you doing here?”

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. Instead, I peeled off my uniform piece by piece, letting it fall to the floor.

I stepped into the shower, the warm spray hitting me. I was naked, but I didn’t feel vulnerable. Not with him.

His gaze raked over me, taking in every inch of my body. I saw the way his throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his restraint hanging by a thread. Finally, his eyes settled on mine, his voice thick with warning. “You shouldn’t be here. This is dangerous. I won’t be able to stop myself.”

“I don’t want you to stop,” I said, stepping closer, our bodies mere inches apart.

His hands clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. “Ayla, you don’t know what you’re asking.”

“Yes, I do.” My voice was steady, even as my heart raced. “I need this. I need you.”

Something inside him snapped, the tension breaking like a dam, and he surged forward. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me to him as his lips claimed mine in a kiss that was fierce, desperate, and consuming.

His hands roamed over my body, igniting every nerve as the water cascaded around us. Kieran was a warrior through and through, but with me, his strength was tempered by tenderness, as though I were the most precious thing he had ever touched.

His tongue slid into my mouth, and I responded eagerly, my hands exploring the muscles I had admired from afar. When his lips trailed to my jaw and down my neck, a shiver ran through me. He kissed the curve where my neck met my shoulder—the place where his mark would go—and my body responded, trembling with the craving to be sealed.

For a moment, I didn’t care if it was too soon. I just wanted him.

But Kieran was fighting for control, and I could feel his restraint even as his lips traveled lower. He kissed my collarbone, then my breasts, his devotion making me arch into him. His mouth found my nipple, and the soft brush of his lips drew a moan from deep within me.

“Wait until you see what I can do for my girl,” he murmured against my skin, his voice dark and teasing.

His hands slid lower, gripping my waist as he dropped to his knees. His lips brushed my belly before he lifted one of my legs over his shoulder, then the other. The intimacy of the moment—the way he looked at me, raw and unguarded—made my heart race.

Me. A warrior. A soldier. Fierce and unyielding. I was giving myself completely to him.

Kieran’s eyes never left mine as he leaned forward, his tongue sliding against my most sensitive spot. I cried out, my hands gripping his head as waves of pleasure coursed through me.

I had always loved control, but with him, I loved losing it.

His name left my lips in a breathless plea. “Kieran…” And then I shattered, the pleasure overwhelming as I surrendered to him, my cries filling the bathroom.

When he rose to his feet, his lips found mine again, and I tasted myself on him. My hands reached for him, eager to return the favor, but he caught my wrist, his eyes dark with restrained longing.

“You have no idea,” he said, his voice raw, “how much I want this. But we can’t. Not yet.”

Frustration and confusion clouded my mind. “Why?”

He pressed his forehead to mine, his green eyes softening. “Because you have two mate bonds. One calls to the other. If we go too far, we’ll need to mark you together. And if I keep going, I won’t be able to stop.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. Slowly, I nodded, understanding but aching all the same.

Kieran grabbed a towel and draped it around my shoulders. He kissed me once more, a promise lingering in his touch.

“Soon, okay?” he said, his voice gentle but firm.

I nodded again, my chest tight. “Soon.”

“I love you, Ayla.”

In the dim light of the bathroom, we gave in to the bond that tethered us, to the love that was undeniable. For a moment, there was no war dimming, no betrayal. Just us.

As I dressed and he finished his shower, reality crept back in. What had I just done? My scars—the silver lines that marked my back and the back of my shoulders—flashed in my mind. I had been lucky. I had kept my back turned and the light was dim, but the thought that he could have seen them filled me with dread.

I needed to fix all of this. Soon.

The barracks were unusually quiet when I stepped outside, the cool air biting against my flushed skin. My mind was still reeling from my time with Kieran, the weight of his touch and the fire in his gaze lingering on me like an invisible brand. But that heat turned to ice the moment a guard stopped me near the corridor.

“Hey, Ayla,” he said, his tone casual, oblivious to the storm he was about to unleash. “Something came for you at your dorm from the post office. Figured I’d save you the trip.” He handed me a small box wrapped in plain brown paper.

For a moment, I didn’t move. My pulse slowed to a heavy, painful thud in my chest.