Dahlia’s POV
As the final notes of the song faded, exhilaration pulsed through me, electrifying every nerve. I hadn’t realized just how much I missed this-missed the thrill of music coursing through me, the rush of performing, the sheer joy of sharing it with someone who understood. Music had always been something that bound our group together. We used to jump at every opportunity to sing-karaoke nights, open mics, anywhere we could.
But after Finnian and I broke up, everything changed. The weight of awkwardness made it impossible to keep going. Jovie never had much interest in singing to begin with, and with Finnian and me avoiding each other, the whole thing just fell apart. So we stopped.
Tonight, standing on that stage with Silas, I remembered how much I loved this-the way the music could sweep me up, the way the crowd’s energy fed into mine. The audience erupted in cheers, their applause thunderous, and before I knew it, Silas had lifted me off my feet, spinning me around. His laughter was contagious, and as he set me down, he jumped off the stage, reaching up for me to follow. The moment my feet hit the floor, he pressed a quick kiss to my cheek, grinning ear to ear.
“Damn, that was fun! I’ve really missed singing with you, Lia Bee!” He practically shouted over the noise, his excitement mirroring mine.
“Me too!” I agreed, my heart still pounding. “Maybe we could do it more often now that…” My words trailed off. I didn’t need to say it; he already knew. Now that I was finally moving past Finnian.
“I’d love that! Maybe we can all hit the Karaoke Lounge next week or something,” he suggested, his expression hopeful.
“That sounds great! Just text me once you sort out the details with everyone,” I told him, still catching my breath.
He hesitated. “Um… by ‘everyone,’ do you really mean everyone?”
I met his gaze and nodded. “Yes, Silas. It’s been over a year. It’s fine. I’m fine.” The words came easier than I expected. Maybe because, for once, they weren’t entirely a lie. “I know I’ve been a crappy friend for a while now. But you and Isolde mean the world to me. And I know Finnian does too. You guys shouldn’t have to choose between us. I won’t ask you to do that anymore.”
Silas flashed his signature lopsided grin, but before he could say anything else, strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into the familiar scent of vanilla and pine.
Liam.
“That was amazing, Angel!” His voice was full of pride as he lifted me effortlessly, pressing me close. His nose brushed against my neck as he whispered, “I’m so proud of my mate.”
I glanced at Silas, wondering if he caught that, but his attention was elsewhere. Following his gaze, I spotted Logan, his expression dark as he glared in Silas’s direction. The moment he felt my eyes on him, his features softened. He closed the distance between us in two strides, gently pulling me from Liam’s embrace and into his own. His arms tightened around me in a fierce hug before he leaned back, his dark eyes searching mine.
“You were incredible, baby girl,” he murmured, his voice rich with admiration. “You have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard. I swear, I’m gonna make you sing to me all the time now.”
His words sent warmth spreading through me, a stupid, helpless smile tugging at my lips. Apparently, all it took was a few well-placed compliments from two ridiculously hot guys to make me melt.
Silas cleared his throat. “Well, I should probably let you all get back to your night. See you soon, right, Lia Bee?”
“Absolutely!” I replied quickly, guilt twisting in my chest for how easily I’d forgotten about him. “Text me soon. I’ll be waiting.”
Logan’s grip on me tightened the second Silas turned to leave, his entire body tensing. “Why exactly is some other guy texting you?” His voice was low, edged with irritation.
I froze. “Are you serious right now?” My patience snapped like a frayed wire. “Not that I owe you an explanation, but he’s one of my best friends. We’re making plans-to hang out-as friends.” My voice rose with every word, my anger bubbling to the surface.
“Angel, it’s pretty damn obvious Silas sees you as more than a friend,” Liam cut in, his expression unreadable. “That guy is in love with you.”
I huffed out a laugh. “What? That’s ridiculous.”
Liam crossed his arms. “Is it? He’s always been like that with you.”
“Because that’s just who he is! Playful. Silas doesn’t mean anything by it,” I argued, exasperated.
Logan scoffed. “Yeah? Or maybe he’s been in love with you this whole time.”
I rolled my eyes. “Look, Silas and I have known each other since before we could even talk. He’s like a brother to me. There’s nothing romantic between us.”
Logan’s jaw clenched. “Yeah, well, you grew up with Alpha Blackwell too, but that didn’t stop you from wanting to fuck him.”
His words slammed into me like a physical blow. Air rushed from my lungs, my vision momentarily blurring as I took a shaky breath, fighting against the pain clawing at my chest.
“This conversation is over,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. But the damage was done. A sob threatened to surface, but I swallowed it down. Without another word, I turned and walked away.
“You fucking asshole!” I heard Liam snap behind me, but I didn’t stop. I needed to disappear-blend into the crowd and drown out everything clawing at my mind.
Sliding onto a barstool, I ordered a shot of tequila. The bartender barely set it down before I downed it and asked for another. I needed the warmth of alcohol to dull the sharp edges of my emotions. I would keep drinking until I couldn’t feel the anger burning inside me-the rage at being treated like I was theirs to control. Until I couldn’t feel the sting of Finnian’s betrayal all over again. But most of all, until I couldn’t feel the guilt of seeing the pain in Logan’s eyes just before he lashed out.
Blue wasn’t helping. My wolf pushed against me, pleading for me to forgive him, to listen, to understand. Team Twins all the way. But I shoved her back.
I couldn’t afford to think about what it must be like for them-to feel the mate bond so fiercely, only to find the person they were destined for had moved on. Because if I did, I might lose my grip on my anger. And without that anger, I might give in to the pull I felt toward them.
I couldn’t let that happen.
Then I smelled him.
His scent-dark, intoxicating, cutting through the sweat, the alcohol, the smoky air of the bar-reached me before his voice did.
Liam.
He leaned against the bar beside me, watching me carefully before he spoke.
“He feels terrible.” His voice was quiet, pleading.
I said nothing, knocking back another shot instead.
Liam sighed, then turned my chair toward him. Stepping between my legs, he cupped my face, his thumbs brushing lightly against my cheekbones. My eyes burned, but I refused to cry.
“I know it doesn’t excuse anything, but please try to understand. Our past actions may not show it, but despite everything, Logan and I have always longed for our mate. And now that we’ve found you, there will never be anyone or anything we want more. Just the thought of losing you is unbearable.
Even though it’s in the past, knowing we could have lost you before we ever got the chance to meet you is agonizing. That was the pain talking, Lia. He didn’t mean it.”
“I know.” My voice was flat, emotionless. “I saw it in his eyes before he even said it. That doesn’t make it hurt any less.”
I turned away from him, unable to bear the pleading in those seafoam green eyes. But he wasn’t ready to give up. Instead, he stepped behind my barstool, pulling me back against his chest. His nose brushed up and down my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Will you talk to him? Let him apologize?” he asked, voice thick with desperation. “Logan is his own worst enemy. He’s already convinced himself he doesn’t deserve you. He lashed out because the alternative is admitting he’s afraid. We’re Alphas, Lia. We don’t do scared. He doesn’t know how to handle it.”
I didn’t answer. Instead, I voiced the thought that had been circling in my head all night.
“I was having so much fun tonight. It’s been so long since I’ve let myself relax like that.” I exhaled, shoulders slumping. “I was starting to think maybe… I could really enjoy spending more time with you. See where this goes, you know? But then Logan said that, and suddenly, I remembered all the reasons why this could never work.”
Liam’s eyes flickered with unease, his anxiety palpable. He wanted this, wanted us, more than anything. And I hated being the reason for the fear in his expression. I knew he was sincere. But Finnian had been sincere too-until he wasn’t.
“It can work, Lia.” His voice was firm, determined. “Just give us a chance to prove it to you. Don’t let one mistake decide everything.” The raw vulnerability in his gaze made my chest tighten.
“There’s that word again… mistake.” I laughed, but there was no humor in it. “How many mistakes does he get before I do let it influence me?” I pushed away from the bar and stood up.
I needed air.
A short while ago, I had felt energized, alive. Now, exhaustion weighed down on me, pressing into my bones. I just wanted a shower and a dreamless sleep. Everything else could wait until tomorrow.
Liam didn’t argue. He simply followed me outside, silent. I heard Logan’s footsteps join us as we stepped into the night air, confirming that Liam had linked him. They both trailed behind me, always keeping a few steps of distance.
Probably mind-linking. Probably discussing me.
By the time we reached the car, Liam opened the back door, and I slid into the middle seat, expecting him to follow. I knew I was toeing a dangerous line-giving them just enough hope without fully giving in-but I didn’t care. Their presence was comforting in a way I didn’t want to examine too closely.
Hell, if one of them had asked me to curl up in their lap just to breathe in their scent, I might have done it.
I leaned my head back, closing my eyes, waiting for Liam to settle in beside me. I felt the seat dip. The doors shut. The engine roared to life.
And then I inhaled.
Chocolate and cinnamon.
Not Liam.
My eyes snapped open, locking onto Logan’s remorse-filled gaze. It was written all over his face-the silent plea for forgiveness.
I was too drained to talk about it, so instead of pulling away, I did the opposite. I burrowed closer, resting against him, closing my eyes once more. His arm wrapped around me, his fingers tracing slow, absentminded patterns across my bare back.
I let the rhythmic motion lull me into the haze of sleep.
Until-
“Shit!”
Logan’s curse ripped through the silence as my body was suddenly jolted forward, colliding with something solid.
“What the fuck did you stop right in front of me for?!” he growled.
My sluggish mind struggled to process what was happening. My eyes fluttered open.
Logan was carrying me.
The solid thing I’d hit? Liam’s back.
“Sorry,” Liam muttered, sounding distracted. “I-I thought I caught an unfamiliar scent up here. But now I can’t find it.”
“I don’t smell anything,” Logan sniffed the air, frowning.
I inhaled, trying to detect whatever had set Liam off. “Nothing. Just you two.” My voice was groggy, still thick with sleep.
“See?” Logan shot Liam a pointed look. “You woke her up for nothing, dumbass.”
“Sorry, baby girl,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Mr. Paranoid over here is imagining things again.”
“Again?” I repeated, smirking. “So this is a regular thing? Should we, like… hire a therapist?” I stage-whispered.
Logan’s lips quirked up in amusement. “Believe me, I’ve tried. He refuses to go.”
“Haha. You’re both hilarious,” Liam grumbled, crossing his arms.
They were still standing there, just staring at me.
And Logan? Still holding me.
“Uh, I’m awake now,” I pointed out. “You can probably put me down.” I smiled, teasing.
“Maybe I don’t want to.” His grip on me tightened slightly.
“Logan, it’s like, five feet to my door. I think I can make it on my own.” I rolled my eyes.
He let out a low, rumbling growl at my defiance but complied, carrying me the short distance before setting me gently on my feet.
“Thank you both for tonight.” I meant it. “I really had a wonderful time.”
Before they could react, I leaned up on my toes, pressing a soft kiss to each of their cheeks.
Neither moved. They were waiting for something-waiting for me to invite them in.
Blue was going to kill me for this, but I needed space tonight.
“I’ll see you both in the morning, okay?” My smile was warm but firm.
Liam sighed in resignation. “Goodnight, Angel.”
Logan only gave a small nod before they both turned, heading toward their own rooms.
The moment I stepped inside my own, closing the door behind me, Blue started whining in protest. She wanted our mates.
It was going to be a long night.
But I needed this time to think.
My emotions felt like a yo-yo, flung out only to be snapped back in.
And the thing about toys?
They break.
All too often, they end up broken.