Dahlia’s POV
Liam took my hand, guiding me toward the plush, overstuffed couch facing an enormous flat-screen TV at the far end of his room.
Now that I was free from my confinement between the twins, I had the chance to take in my surroundings properly. The room reflected Liam’s personality in a way that set it apart from the one I occupied. Though the walls were the same full-round logs, the decor carried an entirely different energy. Deep navy blues and forest greens dominated the space, creating a cozy yet masculine feel. A few framed pictures of woodland landscapes adorned the walls, but what truly caught my attention was the massive built-in bookcase spanning an entire wall, overflowing with books of all kinds.
I let out a delighted gasp and immediately moved toward it, my fingers trailing over the spines as I hummed in appreciation. The twins remained silent, simply watching as I explored.
“This is incredible!” I exclaimed, turning to Liam. “How long did it take you to collect all these?”
Liam stepped up beside me, his expression filled with quiet pride.
“Some of these books belong to the pack. They’ve been passed down for generations,” he explained. “But I started adding my own collection when I was twelve. After reading my first Dickens novel, I was hooked.”
“I get that,” I acknowledged, smiling. “A Tale of Two Cities is one of my all-time favorites.”
Liam chuckled softly before turning to his bedside table and lifting a book from its surface. He held it up so I could see the cover.
“Mine too,” he confessed.
Our gazes met, a quiet thrill running between us at this unexpected connection. But before the moment could stretch into something deeper, Logan’s voice cut in.
“If you two are done geeking out, I thought we were here to watch movies,” he said, his tone laced with impatience.
Liam rolled his eyes but didn’t argue, instead pulling me back toward the couch. He flopped down onto one of the plush cushions, then wasted no time grabbing my waist and tugging me onto his lap.
Logan scowled, his expression reminiscent of a child forced to share his favorite toy.
“You can sit on my lap for the next movie,” he informed me with a smirk that oozed arrogance.
I rolled my eyes. Were all men just oversized children? Still, I couldn’t deny the way their possessiveness stirred something inside me-something I probably shouldn’t have been feeling. I quickly looked away before Logan could catch the flicker of truth in my expression.
On the table in front of us, bowls of popcorn and cans of soda were spread out. I grabbed a handful of popcorn before settling deeper into Liam’s lap. Logan, not to be left out, pulled my legs across his.
“So, what’s playing at the Stone Family Theater tonight?” I asked, popping a few pieces of popcorn into my mouth.
“We’re letting you decide,” Liam said. “What kind of movies do you like?”
“Hmm. I like all kinds, but action films are my favorite. Marvel movies, especially.”
Too bad Chris Hemsworth isn’t a wolf, I thought, and Blue, my inner wolf, purred in agreement, practically drooling.
“Deadpool!” Liam and Logan shouted at the same time, exchanging a high five over my head.
“I love that movie!” I grinned. “Bring on the carnage!”
They both looked at me like I had just grown a second head.
“What?” I challenged. “A girl can’t enjoy a little violence?”
“Uh, sure,” Liam muttered.
“As long as you don’t decide to hack us to bits, you can enjoy whatever you like, baby girl,” Logan teased.
With that, Liam dimmed the lights and queued up the movie.
The moment the lights went down, the playful energy in the room shifted. The teasing banter gave way to something far more electric-something charged with barely restrained tension.
Logan traced the tip of his finger in slow, deliberate strokes along the bare skin of my leg, while Liam’s arm tightened around my waist, pulling me firmly against his chest. His other hand came up to rest at my throat, fingers curling possessively around the sensitive skin as his thumb caressed the nape of my neck.
Then, he leaned in, his nose grazing along the opposite side of my throat, breathing me in.
Such simple touches, yet they ignited something inside me, something wild and consuming. I struggled to focus on the movie, to pretend I wasn’t unraveling under their hands. Blue wasn’t helping-she practically moaned inside my head.
Liam shifted tactics then, loosening his grip on my waist and instead letting his fingers skim up my arm, over my shoulder. His other hand remained firm on my throat. And that-that was what undid me.
A wolf’s throat was its most vulnerable spot, but also one of its most sensitive. Only a mate would ever be granted that kind of intimacy.
By allowing him to touch me this way, I was giving him permission. A silent acknowledgment. I shouldn’t let this happen. I should pull away.
But I didn’t.
Because the truth was, it felt too damn good.
Meanwhile, Logan’s hand traveled higher along my other leg, his fingertips teasing as they traced the bare skin.
I hadn’t worn panties under my silk shorts. A reckless decision that was quickly becoming a problem. I knew they could scent my arousal-it was unavoidable. But if I let this go on much longer, there would be visual proof as well, right there on Liam’s lap.
The thought sent a fresh wave of heat through me-equal parts embarrassment and sinful anticipation.
Determined to break the tension, I grabbed a piece of popcorn and tossed it at Logan’s face, nailing him right at the temple.
His eyes snapped to mine, dark with something between amusement and warning.
“You are asking for trouble, baby girl,” he said, his glare playful but promising.
“Ooh, scary,” I shot back, smirking. “Open your mouth! Let’s see how good my aim is.”
He complied, though he leaned away just slightly, as if testing me.
Challenge accepted.
“What? Gotta make it a challenge,” Logan said, smirking as I raised an eyebrow in question.
“Alright then, hold still!” I ordered, aiming precisely before tossing a piece of popcorn at him. It landed perfectly in his mouth. “She shoots, she scores!” I cheered, throwing my hands up in celebration. Behind me, I felt Liam’s chest shaking with quiet amusement.
“Okay, my turn!” Logan insisted, leaning back further to make it more difficult. I pressed myself deeper into Liam for support, mirroring Logan’s own tactics, then waited for him to throw. His aim was slightly off, but at the last second, I moved and caught it in my mouth with ease.
“That round goes to me! My aim is clearly superior,” I teased, flashing him a triumphant grin.
Logan growled playfully. “Fine! Again!” He challenged, leaning even farther away.
I obliged, landing another perfect shot. We continued like this, exchanging competitive throws, until Liam decided to tip the scales in Logan’s favor. Just as I tossed another piece, Liam’s fingers dug into my side, making me yelp in laughter. The popcorn missed its mark, soaring over Logan’s head.
“Cheaters!” I shrieked, grabbing a handful of popcorn and pelting Logan in the face and chest.
He narrowed his eyes, the glint of retaliation flashing in them. Reaching into my bowl, he grabbed his own handful and threw it back at me. I gasped, ducking my head and snuggling into Liam’s chest for cover as he continued his attack. The popcorn war escalated until my bowl was empty. Before I could protest, Logan seized my ankle, yanking me toward him as he started his counterattack-tickling me mercilessly.
“AAAH! Liam, save me!” I pleaded between helpless laughter, but my supposed savior was a traitor. He joined in, tickling my ribs while Logan focused on my feet.
“No! Not my feet!” I cried, squirming in vain. “Please, I surrender! Just not my feet!”
Logan smirked devilishly, gripping my calves to stop my frantic kicking. “Oh? Sensitive feet, huh? I’ll remember that for later.”
Before I could process what he meant, Logan gave my legs another tug, pulling me down the length of the couch until my head rested in Liam’s lap. The playful mood shifted in an instant. Logan was suddenly hovering over me, his body pressing into mine, supporting himself on one elbow. The heat in his eyes burned away all traces of mischief, leaving only smoldering desire.
“I like these,” he murmured, running his fingers along the ruffled hem of my silk sleep shorts. He toyed with the fabric, sliding the smooth material between his thumb and forefinger.
At the same time, Liam’s fingers traced a slow path from my jaw down my neck, over my shoulder, and along my arm, dragging the strap of my camisole with them. The air between us thickened with raw, unfiltered lust. My mind scrambled for a witty remark to break the tension, but words failed me.
Before I could think further, Logan’s lips claimed mine. The kiss started soft-teasing nibbles and feather-light touches. But within seconds, the fire between us ignited. His tongue traced the seam of my lips, seeking entry. I resisted at first, enjoying the game, but when he captured my bottom lip between his teeth, grazing it as he pulled back, a shudder wracked my body. Desire exploded in my veins, and I parted my lips, letting him in.
“Fuck, you taste so good,” he groaned against my mouth.
I tangled my fingers in his thick, chocolate waves, tugging lightly, earning a low hum of pleasure from him. As our tongues tangled, Liam’s hands explored further, cupping my breasts, his thumbs circling my already stiffening nipples through the thin fabric. I moaned into Logan’s mouth, arching into Liam’s touch. In response, Logan deepened the kiss, pressing his hardened length against me. Instinct took over. My hands slid down his back, gripping his ass, pulling him harder against me. He groaned in appreciation.
“Maybe we should move to the bed,” Liam murmured, his voice thick with need. “Where we’ll all be more comfortable.”
Logan pulled back slightly, searching my face for any hesitation. I met his gaze, then turned to Liam, giving them both a slow nod. That was all they needed. In one swift motion, Logan scooped me up, carrying me effortlessly toward the bed. A giggle escaped me at his eagerness, but the second he tossed me onto the mattress, all humor vanished. He stepped back, peeling his shirt off in one smooth motion. My breath hitched as I took in the sculpted planes of his chest, the sharp definition of his abs. A rush of heat pooled between my thighs.
Movement behind me caught my attention. I turned to find Liam, already stripped down to his boxers, watching me with dark, smoldering eyes.
“You’re overdressed, Angel,” he rasped, voice thick with promise.
A small voice in my head whispered that this was dangerous, that I was on the edge of something I couldn’t take back. But in that moment, I didn’t care.
“Sounds like an easy fix,” I murmured, lips curling into a smirk. “I’m sure you can figure something out.”
That was all the invitation they needed before they descended on me.