Dahlia’s POV
“I’m so sorry!” I blurted, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “I swear I didn’t know.”
Logan dropped into a chair, arms crossed, expression unreadable as he waited for me to continue.
Liam let out a long breath, rubbing his face with both hands before looking back at me.
“Didn’t know what, Angel?” he asked, the familiar endearment softening his tone just enough to ease the pounding in my chest.
“I didn’t know she’d do that. I didn’t even know it was something we could do. If I had, I never would’ve agreed. She feels awful about it. I just told her we had to win, and… something inside her just took over. We talked afterward. She understands now how wrong it was.” My words poured out in a rush, my voice trembling as I spoke.
Logan reached for me and gently pulled me into his lap, his arms wrapping tightly around my waist.
“Breathe, baby girl,” he murmured against my ear. “When you say ‘she,’ I’m guessing you mean your wolf. Start from the beginning. Tell us exactly what happened.”
So I did. I told them everything-how Blue had asked me for control because she had a plan, how she just knew what we were capable of, even though no one had ever explained it to us. I told them how I had no idea what was happening and how utterly powerless I’d felt as it unfolded.
Tears fell freely, streaking down my cheeks as I struggled through shuddering sobs. Logan held me tighter while Liam knelt in front of me, taking my hands in his.
“Shhh,” Liam whispered, his voice gentle. “It’s okay, Angel. This isn’t your fault. Not really Blue’s either. We’ll find out what’s going on, alright?”
I nodded weakly. I couldn’t begin to imagine what answers there might be, and at that point, I didn’t have the strength to argue.
“Let’s all get cleaned up,” Logan suggested with a brightness that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Baby girl has an appointment at Crystal Moon, and we don’t want her running late. Meet back here in thirty.”
“Okay,” I whispered as Liam helped me to my feet. At least the awkward shower conversation had been momentarily forgotten.
Half an hour later, we were cleaned up and en route to Crystal Moon. No one brought up what had happened that morning, and I was more than willing to leave it behind-at least for now. I wasn’t even sure if Blue fully understood what she’d done, but that was a problem for another day.
Instead, I focused on the excitement bubbling in my chest. I was going to see my father again-and soon, I’d have little pups in my arms.
I hadn’t expected Bastian to join us, but it made sense. Whatever business the Alphas had with my father, their Beta would likely be involved. The twins took the backseat with me tucked between them, while Bastian drove. The emotional weight of the morning clung to me, heavy and exhausting. All I wanted was sleep.
I stretched my legs across Logan’s lap and leaned into Liam’s chest, closing my eyes.
Blue had been quiet since everything went down, retreating deep into herself, ashamed of the unintended damage she’d caused. That silence should have brought me peace, but instead, I absorbed the tension radiating off the guys beside me. It made me restless. Anxious. Were they still angry with me?
As if reading my mind, Logan slipped off my shoes and socks, then began massaging my feet. Liam’s hands worked at the knots in my shoulders as he buried his face in my hair. Within minutes, they had me melting, their touch dissolving every last thread of tension.
Sometime later, Liam’s voice stirred me from sleep.
“Angel, time to wake up. We’re here.”
My eyes fluttered open, and I found Logan watching me with a soft smile.
“Hey, sleeping beauty,” he murmured, pulling me upright. Once I was on my feet, they both wrapped me up in a warm, tight hug, peppering my face with kisses before helping me out of the SUV.
I wanted to ask what that was all about, but the thought of seeing my father again had already taken over. I bolted for the front door, a grin tugging at my lips.
“Daddy, I’m home!” I called as I burst inside.
I headed straight for the sitting room-I knew that’s where he’d be. If I’d been paying more attention, I might have noticed the way my mates stiffened as soon as we entered. I might have picked up on the unfamiliar scent lingering in the air-the one that made them uncomfortable.
But I didn’t. I flung myself into my father’s arms, squeezing him tight and proclaiming how much I’d missed him.
A chuckle from the corner caught my attention. I turned and noticed a man sitting there, watching the reunion with amusement.
“Oh-sorry, Alpha. I didn’t realize you were here,” I said quickly, standing. Without waiting for a reply, I turned back to my father. “I’ll go check on Mama’s flowers while you finish up. The Blood Moon Alphas and their Beta are here to see you.”
I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and headed for the back door-only to nearly collide with Logan and Liam.
The way they were looking at me made my heart stutter-so full of love and awe. If Finnian had been paying attention, he would’ve known right then and there.
Because a wolf only looks at their mate like that.
In the garden, I busied myself with watering the flowers that had gone neglected in my absence. That’s when I smelled him.
Not my mate-but the scent of leather and fresh rain was burned into my memory.
I straightened, squaring my shoulders as I turned to face him. I wouldn’t let him see the effect he still had on me.
“Alpha. Good to see you. How have you been?” I asked, keeping my tone formal.
Finnian sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
“Lia, how many times do I have to ask you not to call me that?” he said, exasperated.
“I don’t see why I shouldn’t,” I replied with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “It’s who you are. Can I help you with something?”
He let out a breath. “It’s him, isn’t it? Alpha Liam Ashford. He’s your mate. Though I see he hasn’t marked you yet.”
“It’s not that simple,” I said quietly. “Things are… complicated.”
“Complicated?” Finnian repeated, his expression hard to read. If I had to guess, I’d say he looked… hopeful?
“They’re both my mates,” I admitted, voice barely above a whisper.
“That’s not funny, Lia,” he snapped.
“I’m not joking, Finnian,” I shot back, anger flaring. “I would never joke about the mate bond. You of all people should understand that!”
“You can’t be serious!” he said, incredulous. “You’re not actually going to accept them, are you?”
“That’s none of your business,” I said through clenched teeth. My voice rose. “You don’t get to question my choices-not anymore. You made yours. And it wasn’t me.”
His face twisted in anger. “So what-you’re just going to sleep with both of them? Like some kind of whore?”
Before I knew what I was doing, my hand struck his cheek with a loud crack. The sting brought me back to myself-and I stared at my trembling fingers in disbelief.
Then I heard the growls. Low. Deadly.
I turned and found Logan and Liam behind me, eyes glowing silver, chests rising and falling with barely restrained fury. Their fists were clenched, their rage aimed squarely at Finnian.
I stepped between them, placing a hand on each of their chests.
“I’m fine,” I whispered once their eyes faded back to that familiar seafoam green I loved.
“I need to see the Winslow twins now. I’ll catch up with you later.”
And before any of them could see the tears building in my eyes, I turned and walked away.