My head spun with the revelations Krystal had shared. Though she hadn’t stated it outright, the implication hung heavy in the air: Sebastian had orchestrated our move here. Anger surged through me, urging me to storm downstairs and demand answers. But I reined in my emotions just in time, realizing that accusing Krystal’s father would only strain our already tenuous relationship. I needed a strategic approach. Confronting Sebastian in a fit of rage would likely result in denial and deflection.
As I descended the stairs with my duffel bag slung over my shoulder, both Ethan and Kieran ceased their intense scrutiny of Sebastian to meet my eyes. My stomach fluttered at the sight of their dark, mesmerizing gazes. I couldn’t recall why I had left them initially, but now I knew I would never make that mistake again.
Entering the foyer, I noticed a new figure standing beside Sebastian. He shared Sebastian’s build but differed markedly in appearance. Where Sebastian and I had chestnut hair, this man had shaggy wheat-colored locks. His eyes, a deep blend of green, brown, and gold, locked onto mine with familiarity. He smiled warmly, flashing straight teeth.
“I apologize for barging in unannounced,” he chuckled, brushing off Sebastian’s annoyance. Stepping toward me, he extended a large, calloused hand. “Alpha Williams. I’ve heard plenty about you, Sophia.”
“Have you now?” I responded cautiously, shaking Alpha Williams’s hand. His scent was distinctively werewolf, yet there was an additional sharp edge to it.
“You certainly gave these two quite the chase,” Alpha Williams continued, his smile brightening his face momentarily. “Good to see you back in one piece.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve learned my lesson,” I muttered internally cringing, offering Ethan and Kieran an apologetic glance.
“Good thing,” Alpha Williams nodded empathetically. “Losing a mate is a dreadful ordeal. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone. It was a pleasure meeting you, Sophia, but it seems your mates are ready to depart. I’m sure our paths will cross again!”
“Ready to head out, doll?” Ethan asked, brushing aside Sebastian’s sour expression. Kieran mirrored his irritation, alternating his glare between Sebastian and Alpha Williams.
“Actually, not quite,” I replied, shaking my head. I knew I might regret this, but I had to take a chance. If sensing Ethan and Kieran’s emotions was the start of my newfound abilities, I needed to test them for answers. Turning to Sebastian, I addressed him evenly, noting the surprise flicker in his eyes. “There are still some things I’d like to discuss with you. We got off on the wrong foot, and while I’m far from trusting you, you still have a place in my life. Could we arrange to have dinner sometime this week?”
Ethan and Kieran’s reaction felt like a sting of barbed wire, prickling my skin. Neither seemed pleased with my decision, yet neither voiced dissent. I suspected they were honoring my autonomy and showing me respect by not challenging me in public. I made a point to emphasize ‘we’ would attend dinner, knowing Ethan and Kieran wouldn’t allow me to enter Sebastian’s home alone.
Sebastian hesitated before finding his words. “I would like that very much, Sophia. How about tomorrow afternoon?”
“Sounds good to me,” I agreed, turning to Williams. “It was nice meeting you too. You’re welcome to join us for dinner, if Sebastian doesn’t mind.”
Maintaining a neutral expression, I observed Sebastian’s deepening irritation as I extended the invitation to Alpha Williams. I wasn’t sure of their connection, but I intended to discover more if Williams accepted. The identical expressions of animosity from Sebastian, Ethan, and Kieran confirmed my suspicions-they didn’t harbor mutual fondness. This dinner had the potential to turn into a spectacle, but I was resolved to glean some answers.
“You’re more than welcome to join us, Williams,” Sebastian replied tightly, a gesture Williams duly noted.
“Awesome! See you tomorrow, Sophia,” Williams smirked at Sebastian and winked at me before heading deeper into the house.
“Until tomorrow,” I called back, nodding curtly at Sebastian before exiting with Ethan and Kieran, who seemed notably rigid.
“What in the world was that about, sweetheart?” Kieran demanded as soon as we were in the car. Anger simmered within him, though his tone remained calm.
“Believe me, dinner with Sebastian is the last thing I want,” I admitted. “But Krystal mentioned something important when I was upstairs. She said Sebastian thrives on control and hinted that our move here wasn’t just about Mom’s job offer. I thought the job was the reason, but Krystal implied otherwise.”
“You think Sebastian orchestrated our move?” Ethan asked incredulously, shaking his head while glaring at Sebastian’s house.
“I’m not sure what to make of it all, but I wouldn’t put anything past him,” I confessed, my thoughts swirling. “If I can sense both of your emotions, why couldn’t that extend to someone else? It seems like there must be something specific triggering my abilities.”
“You’d think so,” Ethan agreed slowly. “Is that why you invited yourself to dinner-to try and gauge Sebastian’s emotions?”
“Exactly,” I admitted sheepishly. “There’s no guarantee it’ll work, but I have to try.”
“You should practice beforehand,” Kieran suggested, running a hand through his dark hair. “Tomorrow doesn’t leave you much time. Better start today.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I agreed, nodding in determination.
“Looks like we’re headed to Sebastian’s for dinner tomorrow,” Ethan sighed, leaning back in his seat. He shot me an amused glance. “You do know we’re coming with you, right?”
“I had a feeling,” I grinned at them.
“How’d you figure that out, doll?” Ethan teased, leaning closer.
“I knew you’d both insist on being there for support,” I laughed softly.
The three of us decided the town park would be the best place to practice. As we settled on a bench facing the main street, I took in the bustling shops and the joyful sounds of children playing with bubble wands in the field.
“This town could really use a bakery,” I mused, watching shoppers pass by.
“You think so?” Ethan chuckled.
“Like the one you used to work at?” Kieran asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Exactly, but maybe with less pink,” I replied, recalling Bia’s penchant for vibrant colors.
“Say the word, and we’ll make it happen,” Kieran offered, his eyes scanning the storefronts lining the street.
My heart fluttered at the thought of owning a bakery, and at Ethan and Kieran’s immediate support for my dream. It was a stark contrast to my past, where my desires were often overlooked. Spending time with the twins only reinforced how different my future could be. I still couldn’t quite fathom how I ended up mated to two such caring, protective men.
Our conversation shifted to my developing abilities and how best to utilize them. Ethan and Kieran admitted they hadn’t had enough time to research white wolves thoroughly.
“In hindsight, I should’ve scheduled dinner for later in the week,” I muttered.
“Is there a specific technique you use to pick up on our emotions?” Kieran asked.
“It just happens,” I shrugged. “It’s almost instant. If you’re feeling something, I feel it too, right as it starts.”
“It might be easier to connect with us since we’re your mates,” Ethan suggested thoughtfully. “Reading someone else might require more effort.”
“Maybe we’re the default setting,” Kieran teased, earning an eye roll from Ethan.
Ignoring their banter, I focused on a man walking down the street. He appeared around Sebastian’s age, dressed in a dark t-shirt and grease-stained pants-a mechanic, by the look of him. I tried to extend my senses towards him, willing myself to pick up his emotions, but there was nothing. Every attempt yielded the same result: only Ethan and Kieran’s emotions came through-frustration, desire, affection, and more desire.
“Maybe we should take a break,” Ethan suggested as I rubbed my temples in frustration.
A headache was beginning to form, a dull ache that hinted at overexertion despite my lack of progress. I sighed deeply, releasing my pent-up frustration.
“Not yet,” I insisted stubbornly. “I want to try something else.”
Closing my eyes, I focused inward, letting go of the effort to force emotions from others. The park came alive around me-birds chirped, children laughed, and a gentle breeze rustled through the grass. Then, unexpectedly, a surge of intense anger swept over me like a wave. It felt as though I’d swallowed a mouthful of cayenne pepper-sharp, burning, and impossible to ignore. Gasping, I spun around to face the source of the overwhelming emotion.
Heading towards us with fiery hair and a mix of surprise and anger etched on her face was Kat.