I woke up that morning feeling the best I had in a long time. The weight that had pressed against my chest for years had vanished. As I lay in the arms of the twins, a sense of total security, acceptance, and awe enveloped me. I marveled at their beautiful faces, the strength of their jaws, and how every scar enhanced their feral beauty. Despite their size and dominance, they treated me with a gentleness I had never known. Their touches were feather-light, their kisses even lighter. The only time they mixed pleasure and pain was when I begged for it.
That morning, sandwiched between them, I wondered how life could get any better. Lauren had often spoken of sex as a damning act. “The first time is the best it’s going to get. It all goes downhill from there.” But how wrong she had been. Every kiss, every touch set my body aflame. It took us an hour longer to get out of bed, but every second was worth it.
As I walked with Ethan and Kieran to the car, every little movement made the sensitive spot between my legs ache. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to having the two of them, savoring the soreness that reminded me of last night. I had meant to ask about marking, but Kieran’s touches swept me away. Kat told me it would hurt, and I couldn’t help but feel the act was more significant than I understood. Tying myself indefinitely to Ethan and Kieran no longer felt like a huge decision. I knew what I wanted, and a life without the twins wasn’t a life at all. There was no longer a decision to be made. I was all in, no matter what came our way.
That morning, Ethan and Kieran talked to me about my safety in the pack. They thought it best that their Betas knew what I was. They asked for my opinion beforehand, not daring to say anything without my permission. The choice caught me off guard. I wasn’t used to anyone asking my opinion or what I wanted.
They both knew I’d have to shift eventually, and I was beginning to agree with them. Shifting into a wolf wasn’t something I had been excited about. Now, it was the oxygen I breathed. I couldn’t imagine anything more freeing than shedding my human skin. The dull thud of the earth beneath my paws, the heightened scents and sights of the forest-it was thrilling and intoxicating. Despite my initial fear, Silver had become a close part of me. Her frustration and anxiety became my own. Ethan and Kieran insisted their Betas accompany me on runs when they couldn’t.
Jake and Justin were not what I expected. While Kieran comes off broodier and more silent, and even Ethan can be a man of few words, Jake and Justin were a whirlwind of excitement, charisma, and perfect teeth. Sharp jawlines, lopsided grins, and lush hair all wrapped in six-foot-four packages. Neither was mated, and they often complained about how lucky Ethan and Kieran were.
“Your eyes look badass,” Jake grinned, brushing back strands of his chestnut hair. His hazel eyes darted between mine. “I bet you’re one tough little wolf. One blue eye, one brown.”
I glanced at Ethan, who snorted at Jake’s comment. Kieran cleared his throat, and the Betas quickly fell silent. They could be immature and rambunctious, but they never disrespected Ethan or Kieran. It was a friendship based on trust and loyalty, similar to mine with Kat, though she often put me in my place.
“Speaking of her wolf, there’s something you should know.” Ethan grimaced before clearing his throat. “You’ll repeat this to no one. Understood?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Jake and Justin nodded, their humor snuffed out by the severity of Ethan’s tone.
“Sophia is a white wolf. No one else can know, at least not right now,” Kieran added, crossing his arms over his chest. “When Ethan and I are busy, we expect you to accompany Sophia when she wants to shift. You’ll have the complete schedule of all patrol shifts and know what areas to avoid.”
Jake and Justin were quiet for a few moments, their surprised eyes on me. Just when I thought Ethan or Kieran might say something, Jake chimed in with a hearty laugh.
“Told ya,” Jake snickered.
“Good guess,” Justin mumbled, begrudgingly handing over a fifty-dollar bill to Jake.
“You guessed that Sophia was a white wolf and bet each other on it?” Ethan asked, his face hard but eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Oh, no,” Justin shook his head and flashed me a lopsided grin. “I didn’t guess she was a white wolf, just guessed she was special.”
“What made you think I was special?” I asked, resisting the urge to snort.
“You have two mates. That’s never happened before,” Justin shrugged, smirking at Ethan and Kieran. “Besides, mates are usually evenly matched. But you’re a white wolf, which makes you stronger than Ethan and Kieran.”
“We’ll keep her secret, Alpha,” Jake nodded to Ethan and Kieran, looking slightly more serious than Justin. “No one will know until you’re ready.”
“Good, appreciated,” Kieran nodded, some tension leaving his shoulders.
“Are you both prepared for what’ll happen after the pack knows?” Jake frowned, giving me a brief look of concern.
I had a vague idea of what would happen once the entire pack knew. Ethan, Kieran, and Marcella had all told me how coveted white wolves were and how they had always been in short supply. I wouldn’t be surprised if the pack experienced a heightened number of attacks after my reveal. The thought filled me with overwhelming guilt, but I had no other option but to trust Ethan and Kieran.
Both were sure their pack would accept me, but I couldn’t help holding some doubts. None of these people knew me, and Ethan and Kieran just expected them to accept me as their ruler? A ruler who brings nothing but danger. Regardless, all I could do was stay and try to minimize the damage. Running was no longer an option, and I was determined to face this future head-on.
“We’re prepared,” Ethan nodded, the muscles in his chest and arms coiled.
I could feel the fierce protectiveness radiating from Ethan and Kieran, as well as Jake and Justin’s concern. Perhaps Ethan and Kieran were right; maybe the pack would accept me. Jake and Justin had taken to me right away, bowing with big flourishes and calling me “Luna” every two seconds.
“Good. Because once word gets out, everyone’s going to want a piece of your mate,” Justin frowned, the worry lines on his face deepening as Ethan’s quiet snarl rang out.
I stayed behind with Jake and Justin as the twins visited Sebastian and Williams. I wasn’t keen on seeing them again, especially after the bombshell Williams dropped. Ethan and Kieran’s reassuring presence was the only thing holding me together. They were so strong, so selflessly brave that it made me want to step up. The thought of running the biggest pack in the United States was daunting, but I trusted Ethan and Kieran to see me through it all. After getting over the initial shock, Ethan and Kieran’s parents were supportive. I had an entire support system, not related by blood but chosen. It was the only family I’ve ever had, and the only one I might ever need.
Eventually, Kat stopped by. Jake and Justin gave me a brief rundown of my duties as Luna. Their quick explanation of the twins’ duties made my head throb. They oversaw so much in the pack-looking after the townspeople, making treaties, training warriors, defending the perimeters from rogue attacks, and ensuring money went to the right places. What made me happiest was that there were no specific duties as Luna. I could help Ethan and Kieran with anything. My gender didn’t restrict my role, and I held the same command and respect as the twins. It solidified my loyalty to them and the pack even more.
Kat seemed to be the only person, other than Ethan and Kieran, who could calm both Jake and Justin down. They were hyperactive bundles of caffeine and adrenaline, but a few sharp words from Kat had them quiet and obedient, though they grumbled under their breath. I was beginning to realize that everyone in town liked Kat, and Jake and Justin were no exception.
Ethan and Kieran returned home as the sun sank and the moon rose. I had draped myself across our large bed after putting away my clothes. Ethan and Kieran’s mom had gone shopping for me, picking out a few outfits. Her style was a bit more formal than mine, but the clothes were wonderful and comfortable. Even the thigh-high dresses were soft and fit perfectly.
Ethan launched himself onto the bed as he saw me lying there. My giggle turned into a wheeze as he shifted on top of me. Once he fully supported his weight, I returned his lopsided smile.
“Hello, beautiful,” Ethan murmured, planting a dozen kisses on my face and neck. He buried his nose in my hair, and I laughed as his breath fanned over my neck. “You smell so good-fuck, I missed you.”
“It’s only been a few hours,” I teased, though I felt the same way. Even a few hours without the twins was noticeable. They were my source of strength, laughter, joy, and compassion. They were everything I wanted to be, and my way of getting there. Despite my teasing, I couldn’t help but wrap my arms around Ethan and breathe in his delicious scent.
The bed shifted beside me, and I yelped as Kieran jumped on. For the second time today, I found myself sandwiched between the twins. This time, we had clothes on, which wasn’t much of an improvement in my mind. I found myself toying with the hem of Ethan’s shirt.
“Patience, sweetheart,” Kieran chuckled lowly. A shiver worked its way through my body as Kieran’s tongue slid against the soft skin of my neck. His deep grumble of approval was the only response I received. “As much as we’d love to tear your clothes off and take you, we have something else planned.”
“Something else?” I asked, lifting my head to look between them. Both smirked at the slight whine in my voice and pulled me from the bed, telling me to change into something comfortable. After slipping on a t-shirt and sweatpants, I followed Ethan and Kieran outside.
Night had fully fallen, the sky dark with shades of navy blue and indigo. The moon and stars were our only sources of light. I took deep breaths of the crisp air, enjoying the tang of humidity on my skin. I felt Silver stir and stretch within my mind. Anytime I was outside, I had the urge to shed my skin and let my instincts run wild. I couldn’t conceal my excitement as Ethan and Kieran led us into the woods.
“Let’s make this a little more interesting,” Kieran murmured, spinning around to face me.
I could make out very little in the deep woods. Little leaves from nearby bushes and trees tickled my skin. Through beams of moonlight, I could see Kieran’s face and the scrap of black fabric in his hands. My eyes widened as I realized what Kieran wanted to do, making his smirk deepen.
“Do you trust us, sweetheart?” Kieran asked, circling until he stood behind me. I shivered as his rough fingers danced along the back of my neck, brushing my hair to one side.
“I trust you both,” I nodded, my words weak and breathless.
“Good,” Kieran smirked. He tied the blindfold around my eyes, checking to make sure I couldn’t see. His fingers dug into my hips, and I instinctively leaned back into his touch, my bottom grazing against the tightness in his jeans. I had to pull my mind from the gutter.
“Let Ethan lead you. I’ll be behind you the entire time.”
I followed Ethan for what felt like an hour. As he stopped, I nearly slammed into his back. Kieran’s hands steadied me before I toppled over.
“Can I take this off now?” I asked, reaching for the blindfold.
“Not yet, doll,” Ethan’s voice was low and smooth. He wrapped a hand around my wrist, moving it back to my side before scooping me into his arms. Despite my ease with them, I couldn’t help but be a little nervous. Ethan’s hand traced slow circles along my lower back, and I bit my lip as sparks dug deep into my skin.
“Keep biting that pretty little lip, and I might bite it for you,” Ethan grunted, setting me down.
I was placed on something incredibly soft. I would’ve thought we were still inside the bedroom if it weren’t for the symphony of crickets chirping in the background. My fingers ran over the thick fur of whatever I was on, marveling at its softness. As my hands drifted further, I felt the blanket end and the damp grass beneath. I was thankful for the blanket the twins had provided.
My heart leaped as a set of warm hands guided me down. Ethan was pulling me onto the blanket. Just as my head reached the ground, something soft and plush was placed underneath. Two sets of hands roamed my body, brushing my hair back from my face and straightening my clothes. Just as I reached for the blindfold, a hot puff of breath against my cheek stilled my movements.
“I think you should leave it on, sweetheart,” Kieran purred. “For now, at least.”