“I can handle that myself,” I told Ethan, sitting up from the pale couch in the gym’s lounge. After spending some much-needed time together, I was eager to head home and take a long shower. The sweat had started to dry on my skin, and I felt a pleasant soreness between my legs.
Ethan found a washcloth and began running it under cold water at the sink. Occasionally, his eyes darted over to where I lay-completely undressed and surprisingly unabashed on the couch.
“You sure about that, doll?” He flashed a grin that melted my insides. It was hard not to smile when the Twins looked at me this way. Once, I might have thought myself crazy for claiming to love a man I’d known for only a month. But with them, it felt different. I felt a deep connection, a certainty that I couldn’t help but love them as deeply as they loved me.
“Pretty sure I can handle a washcloth,” I smirked. But my smirk turned to a pout when Ethan batted my hands away and began dabbing gently at my skin. Neither of us had been prepared for this moment, but I supposed it was better than the alternative.
While I wasn’t opposed to the idea of children with Ethan and Kieran, I knew I wasn’t ready to rush into anything. The washcloth felt scratchy, but his touch was surprisingly gentle. They were rough and dominant in bed, but afterward, they always insisted on taking care of me-a level of tenderness I hadn’t expected.
“Really? I’m pretty sure you almost passed out back there,” Ethan chuckled, his deep voice rumbling through me. His smile was half teasing, half sincere.
“Oh, I did not!” I scoffed, unable to suppress a grin. Smacking his hands away, I watched as he moved back to the sink, grabbing another washcloth and returning to the couch.
His calloused hands were gentle as they moved over my skin. “If we were home, I’d use something much softer,” he murmured, using the softer side of the cloth to clean my thighs.
“You’re perfect,” I said softly, feeling the warmth of his touch. “Both of you.”
A flicker of disbelief crossed Ethan’s face, quickly masked by humor. “Don’t tell Kieran that,” he chuckled. “I like to think his ego is bigger than mine.”
“Mm, you’re evenly matched,” I teased, noticing the humor didn’t quite reach his eyes. Concern creased my brow as I met his gaze, sensing a hint of bitterness.
“What’s wrong, Ethan? You can’t fool me; I can feel your emotions.”
“No point in hiding it, huh?” His smile softened, and he began helping me into my clothes. As he gathered his thoughts, I smiled, grateful for his presence. Once dressed, I settled onto his lap, the gesture now about comfort rather than anything sexual, hoping to ease whatever troubled him.
“I’m happy, Ethan,” I murmured, nestling against him. “Happier than I’ve ever been. What’s bothering you?”
“It’s no secret Kieran and I… we’ve had our share of flings,” Ethan admitted, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Kieran more than me. Before you, we weren’t looking for anything serious. The idea of commitment scared Kieran, and we didn’t treat those women the way we should have.”
“The past doesn’t define who you are now,” I reassured him, tracing his features gently. “Everyone makes mistakes. It’s what we learn from them that matters.”
His skin was rough under my fingers, smoothing as I moved across his face. I felt him relax, the sharp edge of his emotions dulling. Knowing I could affect them as they did me was comforting. “You’re not a bad person, Ethan,” I said softly. “You both are more than deserving of love.”
“Maybe some of your infinite goodness will rub off on us,” he mused playfully, drawing closer. His voice was low and teasing. “Or maybe we’ll corrupt you.”
“Doesn’t sound so bad,” I replied, breath catching as he leaned in. His lips brushed mine, teasingly soft yet full of promise.
“As much as I’d love to stay here alone with you,” Ethan murmured against my lips, “Kieran will be wondering where we are.” He smirked, his lips trailing along my jaw. “Though if you keep making those sounds, we might have to stay longer.”
“You’re the one who kissed me like that,” I breathed, laughter bubbling up.
“So sensitive,” he chuckled, lifting me in his arms. “Think you can walk, or should I carry you out?”
“No way you’re carrying me,” I snorted, pushing gently against his chest. “Let’s go before we give anyone more to talk about.”
We left the gym, heads held high. I felt no more stares than usual, assuming no one suspected what had happened minutes before. Ethan drove me home, but had to leave shortly after-Kieran was out with their pack, following up on a lead about white wolves.
Back in their kitchen, thoughts of Lauren surfaced. I hadn’t spared her a thought since returning home with Ethan and Kieran. Instead of hatred, I felt pity for her and Darren. They could no longer hurt me; letting go of those emotions had freed me in ways I hadn’t expected.
Hungry, I abandoned the idea of a shower for now, changing into comfortable clothes and heading downstairs to the kitchen in search of food.
“You look deep in thought,” the twins’ mom chuckled as she swept into the kitchen. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a messy ponytail, a shade similar to Lauren’s. But where Lauren was vindictive and manipulative, Ethan and Kieran’s mom was the complete opposite. She was everything a mother should be and more-supportive yet stern when needed. She had raised two incredible sons who acknowledged their mistakes and strove to be better. Even as adults, Ethan and Kieran never went against their mom. In the short time I lived here, she had become a friend to me, her caring and nurturing nature second to none.
“You hungry?” she asked, rummaging through the fridge. Her eyes crinkled with laughter when my stomach rumbled on cue.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” she chuckled, placing some random ingredients on the counter.
“Kat made me drink this awful protein shake before training this morning,” I scrunched my nose, remembering the bitter taste of kale. “At this point, I’d settle for a handful of nuts.”
“I think I can whip up something better than that,” she replied with a kind smile. “How about pizza and some chocolate chip cookies?”
“Doesn’t that defeat the point of working out?” I asked, though I couldn’t deny my mouth was watering.
“Best thing about being a werewolf is we were born to be strong and athletic,” she chuckled. “You need to eat more, especially with your training.”
“Cookies and pizza it is,” I grinned, rubbing my hands together in anticipation.
“Grab an apron! With how much Ethan and Kieran eat, I need all the help I can get,” she snorted. “Don’t even get me started on their father.”
Living with Lauren and Darren, I never learned to cook. My diet consisted of gas station food, instant noodles, and microwave burritos. Ethan and Kieran’s mom was one of those women who seemed good at everything-fierce and protective, yet she made nearly everything from scratch.
I helped her make the dough for the pizza as best I could, poking at it while she set it aside to rise. Flour coated my hair, and I was thankful I hadn’t showered yet. Once the dough had tripled in size, she divided it between us.
“Make sure you get it even, like this,” she murmured. I watched as she skillfully cut and rolled the dough into a perfect circle. “As long as it’s even, the shape doesn’t matter!”
“So, I can make any shape?” I asked, a cheesy idea forming in my mind.
I silently laughed at my horrible pun and got to work shaping and flattening the dough. I intended to make a heart, but it was harder than it looked. My heart was lumpy and lopsided.
“Sophia, what is that?” Ethan and Kieran’s mom frowned, fighting to keep laughter from her voice. The innocent look on her face couldn’t fool me; I could feel her amusement.
“It’s a heart,” I paused, biting my lip as I stared at my work.
“Oh, oh I see it!” she smiled encouragingly. “It looks great, dear!”
“You know I can feel your emotions, right?” I frowned, but quickly gave way to hearty laughter.
The sharp pain of not having a mom vanished. I wasn’t sure when it had gone, but I couldn’t remember the last time I felt it. Perhaps finding my own family had erased the pain, or maybe I had done it myself. Either way, our laughter rang through the house, and I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.
Two hours later, Kieran walked into the kitchen.
“Kieran!” I grinned, the scalding pizza tray clattering onto the counter as I leapt into his arms. His broad chest enveloped me, and his long hair tickled my forehead as he hugged me back.
Ethan and Kieran were identical in nearly every way, but I had noticed subtle differences. Kieran was bulkier, and Ethan’s muscles were slightly more defined. Both had tempers, but Ethan’s was more controlled. Kieran had a darker side and spoke less than Ethan.
“Sweetheart, you’ve got flour all over me,” he grunted, looking down at his now gray black t-shirt.
“Oh, sorry,” I grinned sheepishly, my face turning red.
The severity in his eyes cracked, revealing the real Kieran. His arms remained around my waist, and I stiffened as his tongue darted out to lick my cheek.
“You taste like pizza,” he smirked, grasping my chin before claiming my lips.
“Sophia made a special pizza for you and your brother,” their mom chimed in, leaning against the counter with a soft grin.
“You did?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. His rare, genuine smile lit up his face. “Let’s see it.”
I practically bounced to the counter to show him my creation. Their mom helped with the toppings since I wasn’t sure of their favorites. Half was for Kieran, and the other half for Ethan.
“What shape is that?” Kieran frowned at my lumpy heart-shaped pizza.
“It’s a heart,” I pointed at the two misshapen arches. “See?”
“Oh, I see,” he cleared his throat awkwardly. “It’s-”
“It’s horribly ugly, but it’ll taste good,” I grinned, holding back laughter.
In the time I’d known the twins, Kieran was rarely uncomfortable or speechless. In a few minutes, I’d managed both. He wasn’t one for sweet words, but I brought out his hidden soft side. A light blush stained his cheeks, and I savored the sight.
“It’s not ugly,” he shook his head, pulling me into his arms. “It’s perfect, like my mate.”
“Does everyone forget I can feel emotions?” I snorted, grinning widely.
Kieran chuckled before nodding. “Alright, it’s a little ugly.”
“Well, I’m going to bring some food to your father,” their mom said, giving us an indulgent grin. “Don’t worry about the mess, Sophia. I’ll clean up in a few.”
“You sure?” I frowned.
“Positive. Now go, enjoy some time with Kieran,” she smiled, leaving the room with two plates of food.
“She’s trying to give us some privacy,” Kieran murmured, his hands on my hips.
“I figured as much,” I replied, nodding dazedly.
“So, I heard you spent time with my brother today,” Kieran’s voice was thick and low. His words carried hidden meaning, and I felt a surge of emotion. My back hit the counter, but Kieran didn’t retreat. Instead, he leaned closer, his lips near my ear. “I can smell him on you, sweetheart.”
“Oh,” I squeaked, my throat closing as his nose trailed down my neck. “I meant to shower.”
“Mm, I wouldn’t mind taking you like this,” he purred, his tongue running up my neck. “You taste good.”
“Funny, Ethan said the same thing,” I mumbled between gasps.
“I wonder how you taste down there,” his voice sent a jolt of longing through me. “The pizza is incredible, but that’s not what I’m hungry for. I want you splayed out like my own personal feast, sweetheart.”
With just a few words, Kieran had turned me into a stammering mess. His fingers dug into my hips, sending delicious sparks between my legs.
“I think I could go for a shower as well,” he chuckled, scooping me into his arms and heading for the stairs.