The Omega’s Bloodline

Part 1

Sierra Cassidy

Content Notes

The Omega’s Bloodline duology is a paranormal omegaverse romance in which the FMC has multiple love interests. She does not need to choose between them, and by the end of the series they will form a (more or less functional) polycule. There are a mix of genders in the love interests and there will be sexual scenes involving all gender combinations at various points.

A note on pronouns: One of the love interests you’ll meet later in the book is genderfluid and uses both he/him and they/them pronouns, sometimes in the same paragraph.

There will be graphic sexual scenes with our main character and all of the love interests, the love interests with each other, and various combinations in group activities. Two of the love interests in the series are related, but they are simply involved with the same people and have no sexual or romantic involvement with each other. Additionally, no one will be engaging in sexual activity while in animal form.

Some potentially upsetting content includes injured animals (shifter animals, not regular), unnamed character death, discussions of past abuse, ghosts/spirits, graveyards, life-threatening situations (there’s a monster chasing them, things get dangerous), and throat holding/hand necklaces (no breathing restriction).

Kinks and sexual acts that will appear on page: light rope bondage, exhibitionism and voyeurism, hand necklaces, fancy peens, fear kink, primal play.

This story was previously conceptualized in Bloodline Unbound but has been revised to become omegaverse rather than purely paranormal, and also contains what was intended to be Bloodline Unclaimed. The listing for Bloodline Unclaimed was turned into The Omega’s Bloodline Part Two and now contains the remaining story that would have been covered in books 3 and 4 of the original paranormal concept.

“Hey there, cuties.” I reached out to give some attention to my rescue cats, Taco and Burrito. They were both gorgeous black floofs with bright golden eyes—basically identical, save for Burrito’s slightly fluffier tail. Burrito was chilling in one of the many cat beds, his injured leg in a neon wrap sticking out over the edge.

Poor babies had been in rough shape when I’d found them tucked in the bushes in front of my house, but after seven weeks of love and care they were almost as good as new.

I kneeled down and kissed the top of Burrito’s head. “Are you having a good time finally free of the kennel? How’s your leggy?”

He meowed at me and headbutted my mouth for another kiss.

Taco had been out of his recovery kennel for a few days already, having healed up faster than his companion. He purred and arched under my touch, forcing his way onto what little of my lap came into existence when I kneeled down. I nudged him off and laughed at his plaintive meow. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to check on the babies so I can’t be a bed for you.”

They both followed me into the spare bedroom I’d turned into a kitten nursery. Burrito hobbled along insistently, refusing to be left behind now that he was feeling better. I pulled my hair into a bun to keep it out of the way, tucking back the uncooperative brown strands that snuck free. I did the weight check and feeding for the three foster kittens I’d brought home two weeks ago. Burrito and Taco brushed against my ankles.

“If I trip on you it’s your own fault.” I sidestepped them, trying to avoid face planting as I returned each kitten to the incubator, smiling at the sign I’d hung over it. Future Familiars. I’d painted it myself with one of my fellow witchy friends when I’d started taking in fosters.

When I finished with the babies, I turned to my boys. “Are you guys going to take your pills peacefully today, or are we going to war?”

I’d take them peacefully if they didn’t taste like a skunk’s ass.

The voice filled my head as clearly as if someone had spoken next to me. I whipped around, looking for the speaker, but there was no one I could see except for my cats, staring at me.

Had someone gotten inside?

“Wait here.”

I slipped out of the kitten nursery and picked up the baseball bat I kept stowed near the door. I paused, listening for any sign of an intruder. Taco wound around my ankle.

What are we looking for?

“Who’s there? Come out.” My body vibrated with tension, stomach clenching and heart racing.

Both cats stood at attention.

Someone’s here? I didn’t hear anyone.

I looked down at them. Oookay. Maybe I was losing it…

Their golden eyes watched me, heads tilted as if it would help them comprehend my panicked demand. They looked at one another for a brief moment and then back to me. Taco sat up like a meerkat and put a paw on my calf.

Logan, if you can hear this, say something.

“What the fuck!” I bolted away, scooting up against my living room couch and away from the talking cats.

Okay, she can definitely hear us.

I didn’t know humans could hear us…

I clutched the bat in my hands before deciding that was probably a bit ridiculous. What kind of risk were these cats even if they could apparently talk? I set the bat aside and Taco took a tentative step toward me.

He set one small paw on my leg, and, when I didn’t panic-flail, climbed up into my lap. Don’t be afraid, okay?

“Yeah, I’ll get right on not being freaked out by my fucking telepathic talking cats!”

I squeezed my eyes shut and focused on breathing.

This was fine.

Just some…magic cats.

Totally normal.

I should book an appointment with my therapist. Perhaps the lack of sleep while taking care of neonatal kittens was getting to me.

Burrito headbutted my arm. We’re still the same. Mostly. Maybe smarter than you expected. We’re also not technically cats, at least not regular ones.

“What the fuck are you then?” Gods. My brain throbbed. It was so weird to hear a voice in my head instead of through my ears. Taco started purring up a storm and Burrito wedged himself under my arm, my fingers automatically scratching his chin.

Shifters. But we haven’t been well enough to shift out of this form. Taco stood and booped my chin with his nose. I’m Caden.

Burrito purred so loud I could’ve mistaken him for a mini buzzsaw. My name’s Seth, but if it makes you feel better you can still call me Burrito. It’s pretty cute.

“Is this like a werewolf thing? You shift into people, right? You’re not like…aliens or something, are you?”

Not quite a werewolf thing, but yes, we shift into people, one of them said. All shifters used to be regular humans before our ancestors were gifted magic.

My eyes had gone unfocused as I stared into space over these revelations.

Why can she hear us?

I dunno. She shouldn’t be able to. Maybe an omega bloodline that’s diluted so much you’d never know she’s not one hundred percent human?

“What the fuck is an omega?”

Taco blinked up at me. Subset of magical beings. Almost all witches are omegas, and some shifters but those are usually ones born of witches. Shifters tend to be alphas and betas. Our magic types split off a long time ago but the human base is the same.

A freakish level of calm settled over me. I didn’t want to think about what I might be. I was pretty sure my brain had tapped out of the entire situation. I stared ahead blankly, a cat—no, a shifter—under each hand. Purrs vibrated their bodies and it went a long way toward relaxing me. How could I be stressed when I was surrounded by purring kitties?

I latched onto one of the lone coherent thoughts that was ping-ponging around my brain. “Why do you fight your medicine if you’re so smart?”

Burrito—Seth snorted. It’s gross. And we’re smarter, but our brains are still the size of a walnut in this form. Limits a few things.

“You’ve been here for weeks. Why can I hear you now?”

Taco—Caden, I corrected, kneaded my stomach. We weren’t strong enough before. It takes energy. We weren’t being careful about the direction of our thoughts since pure humans can’t normally hear it anyway.

I pet his fur absently, trying to process the information without tipping myself over some invisible edge.

“Can you guys hear my thoughts?”

Nope, said Seth. We can project ours, but if you don’t have telepathy it’s not a two-way street.

Well, thank the gods for that. They didn’t need to hear the scream inside my head right now.

We can leave soon, if you want us to, said Caden. Once we’re able to get back to human form we can handle our own care.

Hmm. I didn’t like that idea. “Where do you even live?”

Caden settled more comfortably in my lap. Nowhere permanent.

“I’m supposed to be your forever home,” I said, brain still refusing to process the fact that they weren’t regular cats. “You’re mine.”

Caden looked up at me with saucer eyes. You still want us to stay?

I didn’t want them to leave, even if they weren’t the Taco and Burrito I’d adopted. I’d already gotten attached to these furballs and the part of my brain ignoring the fantastical elements was already screaming that they belonged with me.

I buried my face in my hands to collect myself a bit more. “I don’t know what it means for you to stay, but I’m not kicking you out. I have to know more about you and the whole shifter dealio before I agree to magical roommates.”

Fair point. Caden’s eyes drifted shut. I like it here.

Quit hogging all the lap. Seth tried to crawl up but there wasn’t enough space so I scooped him into my arms. He nestled in, his face tucked into my hair, paws over my shoulder. Fuck yeah.

Another thought occurred to me and made me cackle.

Caden looked up at me, head tilted. What?

I covered a snort with my hand. “I guess this means I won’t have to book your appointments to get neutered.”

Both cats tensed.

Please don’t steal my balls, said Seth.

That only made me laugh harder. Yep. Brain had definitely checked out.

We sat together, me giggling like a madwoman until my butt started to go numb and my stomach began its growly demands for food.

“I should make dinner.” Neither of my fuzzy anchors seemed interested in moving. “You guys, I'm hungry.”

Seth lifted a sleepy head and rubbed his cheek against mine. Caden yawned and slid off my lap. He stretched with his front legs long and his butt up in the air before transitioning to sticking each back leg out and giving himself a shake.

I fought down the urge to narrate with my usual “oooh, big stretch!”

When I have opposable thumbs again, I can make you dinner, Caden said. As many as you like for as long as you let me stay.

I hadn’t had anyone to cook for me regularly since my parents had passed. It sounded like heaven to have someone else take over that role.

“You can cook as much as your heart desires,” I said to Caden.

Except the idea of him turning into a person capable of cooking pushed me closer to the invisible edge, so I tucked the thought away under a heaping pile of denial to deal with later.

I slipped away into the kitchen. I still had a few hours of work to finish for the night, so dinner was going to have to be a quick affair. Seth looked longingly at the counter.

When do I get this thing off my leg?

“Tomorrow, probably. We have a vet appointment to make sure it’s all healed up.”

Hell yes. I’m sick of looking like a highlighter.

Caden hopped up—ignoring Seth’s plight over being trapped on the floor—and sat on the counter as I boiled water for some ramen. It was nice to have company I could talk to for a change. They watched me quietly while I sucked back my noodles, taking turns on my lap and desk while I worked, accompanying me on my kitten chores, and eventually following me to bed.

The past few nights they’d slept on the bed with me instead of staying in the nursery while they were healing, but tonight I was self-conscious, knowing they weren’t just cats. They turned away while I changed without my having to ask, and when I curled up to sleep they fought over the best spot in my arms. Seth had to settle for draping over my legs, at least until I got up for middle-of-the-night kitten feeding. They followed me with sleepy, squinty eyes and welcomed me back to bed with soft purrs and warm bodies.

In the morning things were still weird, but I didn’t feel quite as fragile as yesterday. There were a lot of questions I wanted to ask. I’d resolved to take my time with them and tend to my mental well-being by going slow. I took Seth to the vet for his check-up and they deemed him ready to have his cast removed. I sidestepped when they asked me about booking in for the big snip, saying I would call and arrange when I had more spare cash for it. Seth thanked me profusely the entire trip home.

I spent most of the day working and watching Seth practice jumping to test his strength after his broken leg. He tired out quickly and wandered over for lap naps a lot.

We fell into a pattern over the next couple of weeks. The two of them kept me company at all hours, headbutting me when it was time to take a break from my work-from-home finance job, curling up in my bed at night with me, and singing me the song of their people when they got hungry. I suspected it was as much to lure me into the kitchen to feed myself as it was to feed them.

I worked each day at pulling questions from the denial pile. Sometimes the answers made me shove it right back in, but I was trying my best.

“How old are you guys?” I asked one night while we watched a game show in the living room, the two of them tucked on each side of me.

Ninety-six, said Caden. Seth’s seventy-six.

I tucked that fact into the denial pile for future-Logan to deal with when magic cats older than my grandparents didn’t hurt my brain quite so much.

For the sake of my own sanity, I left the concept alone most of the time and went about my regular day and treated them as typical kitties when they weren’t talking to me. It soothed the sharp edges of my new reality.

Getting out of the house once in a while helped a lot with pretending things were still normal. When I returned with the groceries, the house was suspiciously quiet.

“Where is everyone?” I called out.

Nursery! Seth’s voice sounded off in my head.

I wandered down the hall and opened the door. Panic whipped me in the chest as I let out a shriek. “Fucking hell!”

Amassive black panther with sleek fur and a sharp gaze was curled up with Seth and the foster kittens nestled around him.

“Some warning would have been nice.”

Sorry, Caden said. I regained my ability to shift while you were out. Figured this would be better than you coming home to a naked man.

I squeaked. Was it better, though? It had been a fair while since I’d had a naked man in my house.

Naked anyone, honestly.

So unfortunate.

The panic of being so near the giant cat simmered in my blood and I bit back the rise of desire. I was immensely grateful all over again that they couldn’t hear what I was thinking. My brain had so many wires crossed with fear and desire, and it popped up at problematic moments sometimes. The cat didn’t do it for me, but the fact that it could erase me from existence apparently did.

My hammering heart calmed down as Seth hopped up from his spot and stood for me to pick him up. I scooped him into my arms but stayed focused on Caden.

“Why are you a giant?” I asked. “Regular black panthers are way smaller, aren’t they?”

There’s two lines for panthers—leopard and jaguar, said Caden. We’re jaguar and they’re already the bigger of the two. Most shifters are bigger than their mundane counterparts.

“Can I…touch you?”

Always.

Touching would probably help with the panic. He was just a kitty.

A really, really big one.

I set Seth down and tucked the kittens into their playpen before kneeling next to Caden. My rational mind screamed that I could get eaten in a second, but I’d never been so close to such a gorgeous big cat before. I let my fingers slide over him.

Holy shit.

His fur was like velvet. I tipped forward before I could think better of it and rubbed my cheek over his head, hands gliding down his neck as far as I could reach.

“Fuck, you’re so soft.” I couldn’t stop touching him. I knew I was being silly but…Oh. My. Gods. It was like a warm version of those magnificently soft blankets that made me want to roll around on them naked.

Softness demanded touching and cats demanded petting. Who was I to disobey a command of the universe?

He purred away as I practically smothered him. I had no idea how long I kneeled there, mindlessly petting him, but eventually Seth meowed plaintively and snapped me out of my fog.

Quit touching him and give me snacks. I don’t have opposable thumbs yet. Seth headbutted my side and trotted out the door and into the kitchen.

I glanced awkwardly at Caden. “Sorry…um, I didn’t mean…”

Caden laughed in my head. Don’t worry about it. It was nice. I don’t usually get affection in this form.

He shimmered and in his place when I next blinked was his house cat form.

“Why are you tiny again?”

I eat less food in this form. Cheaper to keep me around this way. Unless you’ve got a whole deer hanging around.

I let out a sharp laugh. “Fresh out of deer, I’m afraid.”

While they ate their wet food, I sat on the floor next to them. “So, you can turn into a person now? How does that all work?”

When we’re healthy we can flow through any of our forms. Do you want me to be in person form around you or stay like this?

It would probably be better for me to tell him to stay as a cat, but I was infinitely curious what they looked like as people. Plus, it would be nice to have a mouth move when I heard his voice.

“I’d like to see all your forms,” I said. “I don’t know your size or anything as a human, but I have some sweatpants that might be okay until I can get you some clothes.”

Better grab those first unless you want me to strategically pose behind a lamp.

I giggled all the way to the bedroom. Caden followed me and hopped up on the table where I kept my altar, sniffing around while I dug through my dresser until I found what I was looking for.

“Don’t knock anything over,” I said, setting the sweatpants on the bed. “And keep your butthole away from Hecate’s statue, please.”

Caden hopped over to the bed. Buttholes firmly away from the goddess. He looked up at me. Close your eyes unless you want an eyeful.

I closed them, even though I wouldn’t have minded. A gentle fingertip tapped my shoulder and when I opened my eyes I was struck completely speechless.

Oh, gods.

Hot.

So hot.

Smoldering hazel eyes, black hair with a touch of wave, dark stubble, miles of snug muscle wrapped up by smooth, sun-kissed skin. My gaze dipped lower. Giving him gray sweatpants was a mistake.

A ripple of heat seared through me and a horrible needy sound slipped out. I slapped a hand over my mouth.

Seth laughed in my head. Definitely sounds like you’ve got a bit of omega somewhere in the lineage.

Caden gave me a knowing smile, but he didn’t make my embarrassment worse by commenting on it.

I cleared my throat and forced myself to look away. I had groceries to put away and staring at Caden’s immaculate body wasn’t going to make that happen.

“What do you like for people food? I don’t imagine you want me to pop open a can of wet food for you in this form.”

Caden laughed and the sound had goosebumps leaping over my skin. “Yeah, that only tastes good with a cat tongue. I’m not hard to please. Anything with a kick of spice works for me. I hunted through your cupboards and I could make us a decent arrabbiata if you like pasta. I stowed away on a ship a couple decades ago and spent a handful of years trotting around Europe. Watched some very talented nonnas cook from the windowsill.”

His voice was going to be a problem. It was as smooth and velvety as his panther fur, and I was ready to climb him like a tree just so I could hear what he sounded like when he was breathless.

“Arrabbiata sounds delish.” I smiled and smothered the rising need.

He picked up the grocery bags before I could and took them into the kitchen. I tried not to watch how his muscles shifted as he did so. I tripped over Seth winding around my ankles and face-planted straight into Caden. He dropped the groceries back down and wrapped an arm around me, energy arcing from his fingertips and into my skin. I squeezed my thighs together and tried to steady my breathing. I wasn’t usually this thirsty. Honestly, it was bordering on ridiculous.

“You okay?”

“Super.”

Gods.

His skin was so warm. I wanted to play the damsel and pretend I was grievously injured so he’d pick me up and carry me off to bed. His hazel eyes flashed gold for one gloriously hot second and I bit down on another pitiful sound.

Good gods.

Get it together.

I couldn’t throw myself at this beautiful cat-man-panther person. Not that…there were rules against that. I was a grown-ass woman, and really, who would know if I did throw myself at him. I didn’t get a vibe from him that he’d get judgey if I did.

“So,” Caden said as he pulled items out of the plastic bags, “in the interest of full disclosure, while I can’t hear your thoughts, I do have a cat’s sense of smell in this form.”

“Okay?”

He shrugged. “I can smell how you’re reacting to me.”

My heart kicked up, a frantic buzzing in my ears. I steadied myself against the counter and swallowed hard. “Great. Love that for me.”

Caden laughed and Seth hopped up on the counter.

Don’t feel too bad, Seth thought at me. Caden’s an alpha. If you’ve got some omega in you somewhere down the line, you’ll react more to him than you would to a regular human.

“What are you?”

Beta.

“Does this mean you can smell me too?”

Seth looked at me with big saucer eyes. Yeah, but it hits different in human form. It doesn’t mean much to this body.

Well, that was a relief. At least my cats weren’t lusting after me.

My gaze slid back to Caden. “Sorry.”

I didn’t know why I felt compelled to apologize for being into him. By all accounts this should be weird, but my brain had already slotted his different forms into their own little categories—cute and for cuddles, might eat me, and oh gods I’m in trouble.

“I don’t know what impressions you’re laboring under, but I have zero issues with a beautiful woman being interested in me in any capacity.” Caden leaned onto the counter, watching me with a too-hot gaze. “If you’re more comfortable with me being a house cat I can do that, and if you’d rather me stick around like this, then I’m at your service.”

I needed to sit down. I yanked out one of the chairs on the kitchen island and parked my ass. Seth immediately meowed, standing on his hind legs so I could lift him onto my lap.

Asking what kind of service Caden might be up to providing sat on the tip of my tongue.

When I didn’t respond, he continued, “You saved both our lives taking us in. If there’s anything you need, within reason, I’ll do it. Plus, I promised you dinner.”

Seth rubbed his head under my chin. I closed my arms around him. “You guys are pretty cute kitties, and I’d already kinda fallen in love with your cat-selves, but I’d be cool with you hanging around as people. I’d feel bad shoehorning you into a single form.”

“Good.” Caden raked that sexy gaze over me again and I bit my lip. “I’m enjoying the experience of you in this form. Go do your kitten chores. I’ll start dinner.”

Oh no. I hadn’t thought far enough ahead with this. Cooking was one of my weaknesses with men. I was way too easy to woo with food and he was going to look so good while he made me dinner.

I swallowed hard and darted off to the nursery with Seth. He sat and watched as I prepped the formula, weighing and feeding the kittens.

He likes you.

I glanced over at Seth as I fed Turnip her bottle. “He’s been in people form for, like, five minutes.”

Yeah, but you’re easy to like. We haven’t had someone take care of us for a long time. We can feel the emotion stuff in all our forms, but now he can feel his attraction for you, too.

It made me wonder how Seth would feel when he was well enough to shift. I set Turnip on the scale and wrote down her post-feed weight before moving on to Potato.

“This is all kind of weird,” I said. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel.”

To be fair, you’re being a lot more chill than I was expecting.

I spilled over into giggles. “I’m not great at being afraid properly. I have some wires crossed in my brain.”

Seth got into a loaf to watch me more comfortably.

“How long until you’re well enough to shift, too?”

Dunno. It’s different each time I’ve gotten sick, though there’s way better medicine now, so maybe a few more days?

“How the heck did you two get so beaten up?” I did my charting on Potato and traded her out for Yam.

Dog shifters. We wandered into the wrong territory. Caden had been doing his once-every-five-years check-in to make sure I’m still alive. Got caught up in it.

“You don’t hang out together normally?”

We used to. Things are complicated.

“What are you to each other?”

Seth stared down at his paws and licked one vigorously rather than look at me. Brothers. Caden raised me after our parents died. We split off a few years after that.

There were lots of reasons siblings would part ways, especially as adults. I’d wait until they were more comfortable here before I pried into their past. I ruminated on the information and revelations of the evening, finishing up my kitten duties before wandering out to check on dinner. Caden was busy at the stove, looking like an absolute snack.

I was definitely doomed.

He turned. “Hungry?”

Gods, yes. And for more than just food.

The thought of offering myself up for dessert passed through my mind.

“Yes,” I squeaked out.

Caden drained noodles out of a pot of boiling water and ladled a scoop of his arrabbiata sauce overtop. He’d obviously already made himself at home in my kitchen.

“Good. Hunger means I can satisfy it.”

He winked and set the bowl on the counter for me.

Sweet fuck.

It wasn’t fair for him to look like that. Especially not while saying those words and cooking me dinner. It was only spaghetti but my gods.

I tried to keep myself together long enough to open a can of wet food for Seth’s dinner before taking my bowl to sit down at the table. Caden joined me a moment later. He kept watching me with those wicked hazel eyes.

It took all my willpower not to squirm in my seat. My body wanted me to climb right into his lap, but that would probably make me appear desperate. Maybe desperate was a poor choice of words. I could get an orgasm from my battery-operated friends in my bedside table—that I thankfully hadn’t used in the few days since Caden and Seth had started sleeping in my bed—but those didn’t set my blood on fire like his eyes did. I craved giving into my wild desires and letting myself burn.

I kept the thought to myself as we ate our spaghetti. The sauce was perfect—spicy, decadent, and all the better because I hadn’t had to make it.

“This is so damn good. Did you cook a lot before this?”

“Off and on. I’ve been living primarily as a cat the last few years.”

“Oh, why’s that?”

“A few reasons. Shifter culture is pretty hierarchical and I don’t love that. It’s a lot easier to avoid when you’re in an easily ignored animal form. Plus, it’s cheap. Don’t have to have a home, buy groceries, get a job, and all that when you’ve got paws.” He cringed. “I guess that doesn’t sound great. I’m not anti-roots and responsibilities or anything.”

“Listeeen,” I said, patting his hand, “if I had the opportunity to be a cat instead of a person I would one hundred percent take it. So much easier to tell capitalism to fuck it when you can snatch your dinner out of the air and sleep in sunbeams.”

“Sunbeams are pretty great,” he conceded.

After dinner I wasn’t sure what else to do with him, so we put on a movie. I paid zero attention to it. Every nerve was busy focusing on the too-beautiful man sitting next to me on the couch. I didn’t really know what him being an alpha meant for me, but if he was going to live with me I’d find out sooner rather than later.

I was certain I had to be wafting an absurd amount of pheromones or whatever in his direction. He had a throw pillow on his lap. Whether that was to protect his modesty or not was a mystery I wanted to solve.

“Question.”

Caden turned to me. “Hmm?”

“What’s, like…the protocol for shifters with, ya know, dating and…stuff.”

Gods. It was like being back in high school.

One graceful eyebrow arched. “Protocol? I mean, I guess there’s only protocol around heats and ruts. For the rest, everyone does whatever. We’re a pretty open bunch. Why?”

Seth looked over at me from his spot on the coffee table. He knows why. He’s just being a dick.

Caden stuck out his foot and nudged Seth off the edge of the coffee table. “No one asked you.”

Seth landed with a huff and trotted away. Fine. The kittens are better company anyway.

“You were saying?” Caden prompted me. He had that knowing look again but didn’t seem at all inclined to make this any easier for me.

Nerves churned my stomach. “I’m not good at this.”

“Good at what?” He turned to fully face me, looking gorgeous as sin as he waited for my answer.

“Seth’s right.” I laughed. “I know you’re not that oblivious.”

Caden offered a sultry smile and picked up my hand in his. He brought it to his lips, where he pressed a kiss to my knuckles. “I already told you I’m at your service, but I want you to know what you’re asking for. I’ll fulfill any desire, but you have to ask first.”

Gods. It was a fucking wonder I didn’t spontaneously combust. The spot his lips had touched was burning and my pussy clenched in anticipation of having that mouth even closer. He traced patterns against my wrist and I fought down the urge to squirm.

“I’ve got all night to wait for your tongue to untie itself.”

I looked at him helplessly, willing him to take pity on me. My skin was so hot. I was going to melt at this rate and he kept touching me innocently while looking at me like he wanted to devour me.

Come on, Logan. Say words. Blurt it the fuck out.

“It seems so crude to ask to have sex.” I cringed, wanting to bury myself under the couch cushions.

Caden laughed. “Oh, no. What’s crude is how much I’ve thought about that this evening.”

Another of those embarrassingly needy sounds escaped. I had no idea who the hell had introduced omega stuff to my family’s history, but I’d like to have some serious words with them about how ridiculous it was making me right now. I was a grown-ass woman. I didn’t salivate like this over men. Alphas were apparently another story.

“Put yourself in my hands and I’ll make sure we both have a good time.” He grinned, cheeky and gorgeous.

I inched forward, crossing the small distance of the couch cushion between us. My weight tipped me into him as my hands sank into the fabric. He caught me easily and put his forehead to mine.

Caden was barely an inch from my mouth when I blurted out, “You don’t have a spiky cat peen, do you? I don’t want my bits shredded.”

He burst out laughing, his shoulders shaking as he pulled away to collect himself. “No spikes, I promise. It’s not the same as a human cock, though.”

“What’s different?”

“It’s all bonus features.” He tugged me back and nipped at my mouth. “You’re more than welcome to find out firsthand.”

“I can do that. I need kisses first.”

“Ask me.”

I let out a soft moan. “Gods, okay. Kiss me. Fuck me. Take me apart so I stop feeling like I’m going to incinerate on this couch.”

Caden dipped in, his fingers curling around the back of my head. The spark of his mouth on mine sent a rush of electricity that rocked me down to my toes. The swell of desire tried to drag me under and I let myself fall into it. I leaned in with a moan and pressed a hand to his shoulder, following that urge from the dinner table to climb right into his lap. My fingers cradled his cheeks, dark stubble teasing my hands.

His free arm snared me around the waist and pressed me down, giving me a taste of what kind of weapon he was packing under those sweatpants. I needed to get better acquainted with the interesting textures. He growled against my lips and my clit pulsed, goosebumps leaping up as a skittering of fear amped me up.

Oh, well. I liked that a fucking lot.

I pulled away, steadying myself on his shoulders. “Is that a shifter thing or a you thing?”

“Shifter. I can do this, too.” He leaned in and brushed my cheek with his, a rumbling purr radiating from his chest. His whole body vibrated under me, from the cock pressed against my pussy to the tongue that licked at my ear.

“Oh, gods. You’re like a human vibrator.”

“Mhmm,” Caden murmured in my ear. Turning, he recaptured my mouth and I sank back into him, indulging in his soft lips and bristly stubble. I rocked my hips, pleased with myself when his cock twitched against me.

I want to touch every inch of you.

“Don’t let me stop you. There’s a lot of inches for the taking.” I giggled against his mouth. “I didn’t know you were telepathic in this form, too.”

“In all of them, but I tend to switch as needed when I’m in this one.” He kissed me again. You know the sexy traffic light system?

“Green for good, yellow to slow down or pause, red to stop?”

Yep. Use those, or if your mouth is occupied you can tap anywhere three times.

My stomach clenched. I didn’t know what he had planned, but I was more than ready to dive in.

He leaned back, sliding both hands to my waist, inching up my T-shirt. I shivered at the touch and whipped my shirt all the way off before I could overthink it. His lips, teeth, and tongue sampled the veritable buffet of skin now available to him, starting with my throat until I was bucking in his lap.

I stilled at the press of two sharp pinpricks against my neck.

Fangs. I won’t bite. They come out on their own sometimes when I get too excited.

That should have scared me. And it did. But those crossed wires in my brain translated the touch of fear into delirious need.

Color?

“Green. I like them.”

They sank against my skin a little more, delicious panic and pleasure twisting together to make me breathless. I whimpered and rocked against him. I’d read way too many vampire romances to not get turned on over fangs, but I never thought I’d get to actually experience them. His tongue swept over the pinpricks, a balm after the spikes of pain.

I threaded my fingers into his hair, kneading his scalp. “I’m pretty sturdy. You don’t have to worry about damaging me unless you’re taking a full chomp.”

He pulled back, hazel eyes turned gold, and the sight of it turned my insides molten.

Why was that so hot?

“I don’t think I have the self control to risk that. However sturdy you are, I don’t want to accidentally pierce something dangerous.”

I sighed and smoothed my hand over his hair. “I guess if we’re being logical about it. I’ll accept being pinned down and fucked into oblivion in lieu of being bitten.”

His pupils flared like a house cat doped up on catnip. You’re going to give me a heart attack before the end of this, aren’t you?

I grinned and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Maybe. Do you like the idea of pinning me down and having your wicked way with me while I beg for it?”

His cock twitched beneath me, a gorgeous growl mingling with a moan at my words. Yes.

I ground against his hips. So many clothes in the way. I wanted his hands on me to give that chaotic spiral of need somewhere stronger to focus.

“Touch me.”

He unhooked my bra and boosted my hips up so he could reach my breasts, sucking a nipple between his lips like he was starving, coaxing a desperate sound out of me.

I clung to his head, panting and wriggling in his grip. He pressed one hand against my waist and wrapped the other around the back of my neck, holding me firmly in place. He might as well be sucking my clit for how much my pussy ached as his tongue curled around my nipple, his fangs lightly scraping the surrounding skin.

Potent desire coiled tight as he teased my sensitive peak. I wanted to come so badly, but I didn’t want him to give me one second of reprieve from the perfect agony of being pinned while sensation arced in hot spirals from his tongue to my clit.

Sweet fuck, this man was playing with fire. I was going to lose it before he ever got my pants off.

My sounds grew progressively more feral as he worked. How did it feel like I was on the edge of coming? No one had ever spent this much time on a single spot outside of my clit with the intention to make that happen. I was borderline dizzy from hyperventilating. Eagerly pressing even closer to him, I slipped one hand between us, teasing his cock through the sweatpants while giving myself something to grind against that didn’t risk me sinking away from his lips.

Doing okay?

“Green.” I gasped, gritting my teeth. “Don’t fucking stop.”

He started purring, the vibrations from his tongue teasing me. I rolled my hips, needing only a few sharp grinds against my clit to break me.

“Oh, fuck!” I groaned, pulling him so tight he probably risked suffocating against my chest. He lapped at me through the rise and swell of the orgasm, only easing off when I went limp in his hands.

I sagged forward and let myself rest against him. My lungs burned.

He hooked my chin with his fingers and lifted my gaze to his. That was beautiful.

Warmth rushed into my cheeks.

My brain was fuzzy. All I wanted to do was cuddle into him until the pleasure high let me think again.

Color?

“Hmm, yellow?” I nestled in and he wrapped his arms comfortably around me. “I need a minute or two.”

“Take all the minutes you need.” His cock was hard beneath me and I rocked a lazy rhythm against it while I breathed in the scent of him—a nice clean smell similar to the earthy vetiver essential oil I used sometimes for meditation. “I have condoms in the bedside table drawer. They might be expired, though.”

Caden threaded his fingers into my hair. “I can wear one if you like, but I can’t get you pregnant outside of a rut, and anything either of us could catch isn’t transmissible between shifters and humans.”

“Really?” I popped my head up to look at him.

“Mhmm.” He cupped my cheek. “We’re convenient like that. It’s part of why a lot of shifters embrace the ho lifestyle.”

I giggled and leaned in to kiss him again. “Well, in that case, I’m ready for you to embrace it with me. I have a whole lower half that needs some attention. And I need to check out your fancy peen.”

Caden burst out laughing and smothered it out with another kiss. “You’re too fucking cute, you know that?”

Warmth filled my cheeks. “I like to be reminded.”

“I vote we transition to the bedroom so we have more room to maneuver.”

“Transition approved!”

He scooped me up like I weighed nothing and carted me into the bedroom. I flicked on the light as we passed and he dropped me onto the blankets, leaning over me. Caden nipped my earlobe and took my hands overhead, pinning my arms by my wrists. “Let’s see what other pretty sounds you can make.”

“Do we also get to see what sounds you make?”

“You can have every sound you manage to drag out of me. But for the moment”—he pressed down on my wrists before standing back up—“be a good girl and keep those there for me.”

Lust washed over me like a tsunami. Oh gods, he’d found the good girl weakness. I shivered and lifted my hips for him to tug down my pants and panties and toss them to the floor.

A hand wrapped around each ankle and I vaguely regretted not shaving my legs today. Oh well, hopefully cactus legs didn’t dissuade him. He tugged me closer until our hips met, sliding to his knees, and hooking my legs over his shoulders. I let out a whine and grabbed a handful of blankets to keep myself steady as my body hummed with anticipation.

Risks of combustion went up exponentially when I looked down and saw those golden eyes staring at me between my thighs. His purr was audible and the first zing of his tongue sweeping over my clit with those heady vibrations almost had me leaping off the bed.

Caden locked his arms around my thighs, pressing down on my stomach to pin me in place as he dove in. Every buck was fruitless. He was too strong and too determined to undo me with his mouth for me to get a second of relief. His tongue buzzed against my clit, his purr rumbling. I whined and twisted, craving it even as it was too much.

Oh, gods.

His stubble scraped against my thighs and his relentless tongue kept a steady sweep going, surprising me with dips inside and lips fastening over my clit to suck. It took all of my willpower to keep my hands above my head instead of burying them in his hair.

“Please.” I whimpered and pressed my heels against his back.

He took no pity on me.

His tongue continued, keeping me on the edge until I started to lose coherency. My mind was foggy, the overwhelming desire to come like a pounding drum of need in my blood.

Caden’s growl spiked my adrenaline as his fangs scraped lightly against my tender skin. I stilled on instinct, no longer struggling as his tongue carried me to the breaking point. I screamed and wrenched the blanket down over my face to smother it so my neighbors didn’t think I was being murdered.

When I could finally breathe again, I tugged the blankets away and found Caden leaned over me, eyes glinting.

“Someone didn’t follow the one instruction she was given.”

I released the blankets and slapped my hands back down on the bed. “I dunno what you’re imagining. They were here the whole time.”

He smirked and shook his head. “I’ll have to tie them next time since you can’t be trusted.”

My pussy clenched over the idea. I didn’t quite recognize the sound I made—a squeak of surprise blending with a moan.

Caden grinned. “Like that idea, do you?”

My cheeks had to be hot pink with how warm they were. “Perhaps.”

He leaned in and kissed me into delirium.

I broke the rule again, reaching up to thread my fingers in his hair.

Ready to see the other shifter perks?

“Yes, please.”

Caden stood, pulling me up with him when I didn’t let go. I sat comfortably on the edge of the bed and reached to tug the waistband of my sweatpants off him. Honestly, it was a wonder that the pants had managed to contain him. His cock popped free and my gaze flicked over it, taking in the differences.

The smooth reddish tip gave way to two thick raised ridges wrapped around below the head. Smaller ridges danced down the underside before looping closer to the base for about a hand’s width. I reached out without thinking, running my fingertips over them. Caden sucked in a breath.

Gods, he was going to ruin me with this thing.

I couldn’t wait.

“Mind if I get better acquainted with it?”

“Help yourself.” He offered a soft smile, and his gaze flickered between hazel and blazing gold as I ran my thumb over the tip.

I grinned wickedly and leaned down, replacing my thumb with my tongue. He laced his fingers into my hair. I swirled my tongue and let it explore the delightful ridges, circling each, running my tongue between them, and closing my mouth over the whole head.

His answering moan was perfection, as was the way his fingers tightened, pulling my hair a little. I wrapped my fingers around the base, teasing each ridge in turn, working him into the back of my throat. His breath came sharper with the sweeps of my tongue, his fingers twitching against my scalp.

I wanted more.

I slid back, curling my tongue up the length of him, using my fingers to tease one side while I planted kisses and playful licks on my way down again. The shiver that rippled through him spurred me on. I bobbed my head, wrapping my fingers around the base to help me along.

“Fuck, Logan,” he breathed out my name, and bit off a fresh moan. I looked up at him. His gaze had gone completely gold again.

I wished I had telepathy so I could whisper filthy things in his mind while I sucked his cock. I reached around and dug my nails into his ass cheek, encouraging him to fuck gently into my mouth. I hummed contentedly, amused as the sound cut off each time he delved in and blocked my air for a moment.

Just as I started to get in the zone, he tugged on my hair.

“If you’re going to make me come, I’d rather be inside you. At least the first time.”

Oh. I could get on board with that. I vacuum-sealed my lips around him and pulled off slowly, releasing his cock with an audible pop.

“How do you want me?”

The question had him sucking in a breath again. “You keep making me feel like I’ve hit every jackpot in the world.” He laughed softly and leaned down to kiss me, delving his tongue into my mouth.

How sturdy is your bed frame?

I turned and glanced at it. “Not very. It’s particle board, but I don’t care if we break it.” I kind of hoped that we’d break it. I was ready to rattle that headboard until it snapped off.

“Good to know. Hop on over to the headboard and put your hands on it.”

I moved quickly to follow the instruction and braced my hands on the smooth fake-wood finish. Caden’s weight dipped the mattress as he climbed on behind me, balancing himself on my hips. He dipped eager fingertips between my thighs and stroked over my clit before sliding two inside me. I gasped and squeezed around them.

“So wet.” He nuzzled my shoulder. “And all for me.”

He slipped a third finger into me, slowly rotating his wrist to test the give at various angles and make sure I was ready for his cock. I shivered and kept a steady rock of my hips against his hand. I tried to fuck myself on those fingers, but he pulled away and I groaned at the loss.

“Impatient?”

“Pretty much always, yeah.”

“We’ll have to work on that.” He grabbed my hips and pressed his cock to lie between my ass cheeks. Assuming you want to keep me around.

“No opposition to that, but right now I need you to fuck me before I implode.”

Caden laughed and angled himself so the tip of his cock nudged my entrance. I held my breath, reveling in the pressure as he eased slowly in. The pop, pop of the first two ridges sliding in was heaven. I panted, eager to feel the other gorgeously textured ridges gliding into me.

My arms shook as I held myself up, using the headboard for balance. “Holy shit.”

Caden put his forehead against my hair. “You feel exquisite.”

He kept moving, so slowly that I was keenly aware of every single ridge breaching my pussy. We both shuddered as he slid home, hips pressing against mine when he was fully seated.

“Ready?” He nipped my shoulder and I craned my neck so I could kiss him.

“Ready!” I wiggled my hips.

Caden angled away, pulling out only the ridged base, and shoved back in. I bit my lip to smother my gasp. He leaned closer, resting his teeth against my shoulder, the pinpricks of his fangs sending a thrill of intoxicating panic up my spine. His hips snapped again and forced a guttural sound from me.

I was hyperaware of every movement, felt each individual ridge tease the inside of my pussy, textured and shaped like the ideal sex toy, but with the warmth and force of a person far stronger than me. He moved slowly, getting acquainted with how my body worked, testing out angles until he found one that had me panting like I was running a gods-damned marathon.

Once he’d found that spot, he kept up a steady rhythm, pulling me up that steep and glorious slope of pleasure. Tension coiled, a blazing live wire that drove me higher. I keened and cursed, digging into the headboard so hard my fingertips burned. The bed frame was already protesting, but so far holding up like a champ.

He drove in hard and I swore I almost ascended to another plane of existence.

“Sweet fuck.” I dropped my forehead to my arm and tried to keep myself together.

The slick sound and rippled glide unraveled my coherency thread by thread until I was fully supporting myself on the headboard, begging for every thrust. The ridges dragged inside, scratching a deep itch I hadn’t realized was there until I was half sobbing.

Color?

“Gods, f-fucking green. I’m gonna die.”

He reached around and slid his fingers against my clit. My pussy gave a sharp squeeze and he muttered a “fuck.”

“Yes, fuck, right there, Caden. Don’t change anything.”

I was sweaty and shaking, desperately thrusting my hips to meet him. He stroked my clit in quick circles and my orgasm whipped me over that dangerous edge. My pussy snared him tightly and he choked out a groan, burying his face into the curve of my throat, as he kept working on my clit. He sucked at the pulse point and scraped his stubble over my skin. I whined, tossing my head back to give him better access.

Black spots danced in my vision.

The bed frame gave a concerning crack, but thankfully didn’t fuck up our groove by collapsing. Caden tossed me over that edge of pleasure again, never letting my clit rest, and this time he buried himself deeply, warmth blooming from the tip of him inside me. We stayed like that, sweating and panting, until he gently pulled away, easing his cock free. I shuddered as each ridge came out, teasing me on its exit. I sank down onto the bed, flopping to the side.

Caden curled around me. He nestled against my hair and breathed in deeply, his whole body relaxing on his exhale.

I was so damn comfortable, and more than satisfied, riding a soft cloud of bliss. I got extra melty when Caden started to murmur sweet nothings in my ear.

“You’re perfect. Hotter”—he distracted me with light touches over my skin—“and sweeter than I could have imagined.”

I hummed happily. My pussy was very aware of its emptiness, leaving me with a dull, pleasant ache. I sighed and stretched slowly, totally content to not move an inch.

Seth hopped up on the bed and I froze.

Turnip’s hungry.

I groaned and buried my face in my pillow. I wasn’t sure I could even stand, let alone walk.

Caden kissed my shoulder. “I’ll feed them. I watched you do it enough to know how.”

I murmured my thanks and let myself sprawl. Seth settled into a loaf and insta-purred when I reached out a tired hand to pet him. I probably should have cared that I was naked, that I had love bites on my throat, and that the remnants of our fucking were sliding out of my pussy and onto the blanket, but I was too tired for that nonsense. Seth had said they couldn’t feel attraction for humans in their cat form so it was difficult to be bothered by his presence.

I was half-asleep when Caden returned. I rolled toward him when his weight dipped the mattress, and he ran a warm cloth between my thighs, tidying up the state he’d left me in before wiping the blanket as well.

“Want a bath?” he asked, leaning down to kiss me.

Moving seemed like a bad idea. “Only if you carry me there.”

Caden laughed against my skin. “Okay. Give me a second to get it running.”

Don’t forget to make him take his nasty-ass medicine. Seth inched closer.

I snared him into a snuggle. “That reminds me you have to take yours too.”

He wriggled in my arms but I curled into a ball, trapping him. Forget I said anything.

“Too late. Caden, bring Seth’s medicine when you come back.”

Seth sank mournfully into my embrace. They should make it nice flavors.

“I tried to mix it in with the wet food and you ate around it.”

Yeah, that’s because it taints everything it touches.

I snorted. “It’s only for a few more days. We have to make sure you stay on the road to health.”

Fine. Can I have tuna after as a reward?

“You got it.”

Seth stiffened in my arms when Caden returned and passed me the medicine. I wrestled the pill in, closing Seth’s mouth over it.

Cruelty!

“Hush. Swallow it and I’ll let you go.” His throat bobbed under my fingers and I freed him. I turned to Caden. “Can you take yours in this form?”

“Shouldn’t be a problem.”

I handed him one of the pills. “I trust I don’t have to wrestle you into submission to make you swallow this.”

Caden grinned. “You can do that just for fun.” He swallowed the pill, making a disgusted face. “Equally terrible in this form.”

I lounged with Seth until the bath was ready and Caden carried me over, helping me into the water.

“Want some company?” he asked.

“I like company.”

Caden slipped into the bath behind me and gathered me into his arms. I settled in comfortably, closing my eyes. He traced soft patterns on my skin, his purr gently coaxing me into exhausted bliss. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this relaxed. Though, to be fair, I didn’t think I’d ever had the potent combination of being fed, fucked, and then soaked in a hot bath with a gorgeous man—shifter—before.

I fell asleep at some point and woke to Caden nuzzling my cheek, the water tepid around us. Seth was loafing on the edge of the tub when I opened my eyes.

No one gave me tuna.

I laughed, breaking the quiet. “If I can walk when I get out of here, I’ll grab it for you. Otherwise you have to harass your brother for it.”

Seth let out a plaintive meow. I reached a damp hand toward him and scratched behind his ears. Seth hopped down from the edge, running into the kitchen while Caden helped me up, and I stood placidly while he toweled me dry, distracting me through the process with cheeky touches and lingering kisses.

Tuna!

I pulled on my robe to wander into the kitchen, where Seth paced impatiently. “I wish my needs were this simple.”

Walnut brain makes me focus on food. I’d be more complex if I were in human form.

I dug out the can opener and some tuna, busting it open for Seth. He chomped down on it the second I got it on the floor. Caden followed a moment later, wearing only a towel. But then, it wasn’t like he had much else to wear with his borrowed pants in the wash.

“I’ll go to the store on my lunch break and pick you up some stuff to wear.”

“I’d appreciate that. I can hang out without clothes in either cat form, but it’s not quite as comfortable to do that in this one.” He sighed and came to stand next to me, watching his brother stuff his face on tuna. “I’d offer to pay for it, but I’d have to go to a nest to access what money I still have.”

“That’s okay. I’ll be your sugar mama for a while.”

That must have caught him off guard because he snorted and laughed so hard he choked.

I wasn’t perky for much longer and Caden was bundling me off to bed. “You sleep tonight. I’ll handle the kittens.”

“You don’t have to.”

“It’s literally the least I can do.” He stripped me out of my robe and put me horizontal, tucking the blankets around me. “Sleep.”

Helpless to do anything but obey, I did.

When I opened my eyes again, it was to the glorious scent of coffee wafting into my nose.

“Good morning.” I blinked and found Caden standing beautifully shirtless and wearing another pair of my stretchiest pants. He must have gone through my dresser while I was asleep.

“You look way too good in my clothes.”

“Not as good as you’d look in these.” He set a cup of coffee onto the bedside table for me. “Breakfast is ready, coffee is here, and you have half an hour before you start work.”

I sat up groggily and accepted the cup he passed over, taking a long, slow sip of the sweet, creamy beverage. “You know how I take my coffee?”

“I’ve watched you make it every morning.”

“That’s fair. What’s for breakfast?”

“Scrambled eggs with peppers, toast, and a couple of sad sausages I found in your freezer.”

Oh, hell. I was getting five-star breakfast service in my own house. I’d only expected the toast when he told me he’d made breakfast.

I sipped away half my coffee before sliding out of bed, pulling on some semi-presentable clothes, and venturing out to eat the food. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until the first bite passed my lips. I inhaled the rest of my plate and sat back, patting my tummy.

“That was delicious.”

“Good.” Caden kissed my temple and went to open a can of food for Seth. “The kittens had their breakfast before I started on yours.”

My heart did some dangerous flips. Cooking for me and taking care of my foster kittens? He’d be so easy to fall for…I was pretty sure I’d already slipped off the edge of that particular slope. I’d decided he was mine when he was just a cat, and now he was a person too. A person who went out of his way to take care of me and make me comfortable…yep. That was a slippery-ass slope and I had launched myself down it like it was a slip-and-slide in the middle of July.

I didn’t want to work. I wanted to haul Caden back to bed and repeat last night. Alas. Duty called. It was so hard to focus, though. The spreadsheets swam in front of my eyes, but I did my best. Luckily I knew the job inside and out so I wasn’t too worried. I could master the formulas and save myself a lot of headache if my mind could stop thinking about shifter dick for two seconds.

Over lunch, armed with a list of measurements, I popped over to the store and grabbed Caden some clothes, shoes, and toiletries. With a proper outfit in his arsenal, he could come with me next time and pick out things he liked better. I grabbed some stuff for Seth too, though I wasn’t entirely certain when he’d be needing them.

I tossed it all into the washing machine when I got home again and came out to a sandwich and a glass of milk waiting for me.

Damn. A girl could get used to this.

I’d kinda thought breakfast was a one-off, but maybe not. My laundry room had looked suspiciously cleaner than I remembered and my socks weren’t covered in cat fur when I walked around.

“Did you clean?”

“Mhmm. I wasn’t sure what else to do while you were working.”

I hooked an arm around his neck and indulged myself in a luxuriously slow, deep kiss. “You’re going to spoil me.”

He smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Is that bad?”

“I mean, I’m not complaining. I’m just not used to it.”

“Guess you’ll have to get used to it. I intend to make myself useful for as long as you keep me.”

Oh.

My heart did that dangerous flip again. I shouldn’t be thinking about keeping him. But holy hell did I want to.

Instead of answering, I kissed him again.

The rest of the day and the next couple passed in the same strange bliss. It was weird to end my workday and not be exhausted by the waiting chores and skipped lunches. Caden kept me fed and my whole place sparkled. I didn’t even have to get up at night to feed the kittens.

I hadn’t felt rested in so long I didn’t even properly recognize the sensation. Even with that, it was extremely difficult to focus through the afternoon. Seth slept in my lap and I absently stroked his fur whenever someone at work was being stupid over the company chat, holding myself back from verbally tossing them into the sun.

Seth let out a mrp, lifting a sleepy head before leaning it against my stomach. You getting ready to claw some eyes out again?

“I wouldn’t have to get stabby if people would stop dumping extra work in my lap ten minutes before the workday’s over. It’s not even month’s end—these lazy fuckers are giving finance a bad name.”

I’ll fight them for you. He closed his eyes again. After this nap.

I laughed and scratched his chin, setting aside my work-related rage and vowing to ignore the rest of my new assignments until after dinner. Carrying Seth out to the living room, I set him on the couch before continuing on to the kitchen where Caden was working on dinner—fajitas, by the smell of it.

I slid straight into his arms and let my head rest on his shoulder. “That smells amazing.”

He nudged my chin up to kiss me. I let myself melt, standing on my toes and hooking my arm around his neck. If I weren’t concerned about the food burning, I’d have suggested he bend me over the counters and de-stress me from work.

“Rough day?” Caden gave me one more quick peck before focusing on dinner.

“A bit.”

“I could hear you cursing.” He loaded the peppers and chicken onto a serving plate and pulled the warm tortillas out of the oven. “I don’t suppose you’d be up for a road trip this weekend?”

“Hmm, road trip to where?”

“New York. There are some shifters that can help me access stuff for human life—phone, driver’s license, bank account. I thought that might be good to have so I could help out more, or if you get tired of me I’ll have more options than living as a cat again.”

I bit my tongue on saying I was pretty sure it was impossible to get tired of him. I didn’t want him to feel pressured to stay. “I don’t love the traffic in NYC, but we can do that.”

“There’s others about the same distance, but Toronto and Montreal require a passport. What about Boston?”

“Throw in a side trip to Salem for me to be a nerd and I’m all over a trip to Boston.”

“Anything for my sugar mama.” He flashed me a grin and set the food down on the table, grabbing a bowl of grated cheese from the fridge along with a tub of sour cream and a container of salsa.

I stuffed my face on the fajitas while Caden told me about his last trip to Boston nearly a half century ago. Seth joined us halfway through the meal and stole a piece of chicken off the plate before Caden could push him off the table. Seth climbed onto my lap and looked at me with big saucer eyes until I gave him some bits of cheese and a lick of the sour cream from my finger.

I lived in Boston last year. A chill old lady fed me for a few months. Seth turned a circle in my lap to find the best angle to lie down. I should see if she’s still there.

“So, I didn’t want to pry, but it kinda seems like you two led super separate lives before you ended up with me here.”

Seth froze. That’s…mostly my fault. Caden doesn’t like me as much when I’m in people form.

My gaze flicked from Seth to Caden. “Why?”

I made some bad choices. Sometimes I think the only way I’ll stay out of trouble is if I live as a cat forever.

“Seth knows exactly what he did and I’m not obligated to forgive it.” Caden leaned toward me. “I check in on him every few years, make sure he’s alive and doing okay. It’s easier in cat form. The whole walnut brain thing doesn’t leave as much room for grudges.”

“What does that mean going forward? You’ve been pretty chill while you’re with me.”

That’s because I haven’t made it out of this form yet. It’s hard to get mad at me when I’m this cute.

I laughed and squished his face between my palms. “Who could ever be mad at this little face?”

Caden sighed. “That’s true too. It’s way easier to get mad about shit when you can see the face that did it.”

I’ll go once I’ve regained my shifting ability.

That thought made my stomach clench. I didn’t want him going anywhere. My fingers curled around him, burying in his fur. Maybe I’d feel differently when he was more than a magic cat. I’d certainly shifted gears when Caden had gotten a human form. But right now Seth was mine and it felt wrong to think about letting him go. I didn’t want either of them leaving, but Caden seemed perfectly content to stick around so I wasn’t worried about him.

“You’d come and visit, though, right?”

Seth fidgeted in my lap. I can, if you want me to.

“I do want you to.”

Caden didn’t look like he loved the idea of Seth popping up, but he didn’t say anything about it. That was a good thing too because if he told me I wasn’t allowed to see Seth I was perfectly willing to hang him out to dry no matter how many orgasms and nice meals he’d made me. I didn’t jive with bullshit rules like that, especially when no one was telling me why they were in place.

“You’re always welcome as long as you don’t cause trouble.” I patted his head. “So don’t start pushing my water glasses off the table or anything.”

Seth let out a coughing snort. I’ll try to restrain myself.

“I can be peaceful,” Caden insisted. “It’s not anything you need to worry about, just a past issue that makes it difficult to trust him or forgive him.”

“One day you two are going to have to tell me what the fuck is up with your history, but I get that I haven’t been around long enough for you to be comfortable giving me the details.”

I was dying to know. Seth seemed like such a sweetheart. A deep, dark, family-shattering secret didn’t fit with my vision of him. It wasn’t dangerous, whatever it was; otherwise I was pretty sure Caden would have told me to kick Seth out. I sighed. I could be patient even if I hated it.

We left the next afternoon after I finished work; took the kittens to my neighbor, who graciously agreed to watch them for the weekend; and made the roughly five-hour trip from my home in Syracuse to Salem, stopping briefly in Albany for some drive-thru dinner. The sun had already set by the time we arrived at our little seaside hotel.

Seth trotted next to me as we walked down to the waterfront. Caden held my hand and I warmed at the casual affection. He looked so beautiful in the glow of the streetlights. The way he looked at me, his gaze on fire, made me feel like I was a goddess, and I itched to sneak back to the hotel so he could worship me.

He tugged me closer when we stopped to watch the ocean, pulling me in until I was pressed against him and standing on my toes to meet his mouth with mine. It was unfair how delicious he was. I curled my fingers in the collar of his shirt and let him devour me until my knees were wobbly.

Seth swirled against my legs, drawing me back to reality.

“Yes?” I looked down at him.

I’m starving.

Okay, that was a good enough reason to interrupt. We wandered a tiny bit more of the waterfront, but there’d be more to see in the daylight. We stopped at the pub at the hotel and got some food to take to our room so Seth could enjoy it with us.

Caden let me digest for a bit before the fire returned to his gaze and he tossed me onto the bed.

Seth hopped up next to me. At least let me outside first.

Caden rolled his eyes, but climbed off the bed and opened the patio doors for Seth to slink through. Once the door was closed and the curtains shut, Caden turned to me. I bit my lip and spread my legs in invitation. He grabbed my ankles and pulled me to the edge of the bed while I giggled and then locked my legs around him.

“You look beautiful,” Caden purred, leaning over me. “I’m going to aim to give you a wilder beauty.”

“Wilder, huh?”

“Mhmm. Nothing quite compares to your face when you fall apart for me.” He nuzzled my throat and I turned my head to give him better access. His hot breath had goosebumps tingling down my arms. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of seeing it.”

His purr melted into a growl and set off that primal panic edge as his fangs teased my skin. I bucked my hips against his, delighting in the pressure of his cock tenting against his pants to try to get to me.

“I’m ready to go feral for you.” I grinned when he laughed and licked up my throat, sucking at the pulse point.

“Good. Because I’ve been looking forward to it all day.”

“Have you now? Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint.” I grabbed the waistband of his pants and pulled him closer so I could grind my hips against him.

I arched as he swept his hands under my back.

“You could never disappoint.” His eyes flickered from hazel to gold, and the sight of it had my pussy aching.

My fingers inched to the hem of my shirt, lifting it high enough that he took over, peeling the fabric off of me. I shivered. “More. I’m tired of clothes in the way.”

Caden laughed and unhooked my bra, tossing it aside. He took both of my hands and pinned them over my head, his eyes lighting up when I tested the grip, struggling just enough to bring out his growl.

I whimpered at the sound. “Do you think all humans get thirsty for alphas, or just me?”

“Maybe humans with an omega somewhere in the family records. I don’t imagine the rest of them would be affected.”

“Mine must’ve been a recent ancestor, because my gods. I haven’t ever simped for a man before, but you’re really testing me with it.”

“You’re going to give me such an ego.” Caden purred, brushing his lips over mine.

My clit tingled insistently and I tried to grind against him to give it the friction it craved. Caden’s eyes fluttered closed as I rocked my hips, my breath coming sharper with each movement.

“Do the growl again.”

His eyes snapped open and he looked down at me. “You like it?”

I tugged against his grip again and summoned up that heated sound from him. “Yes.”

I saw the tips of his fangs peek through between his lips as his breathing ramped up.

“You wouldn’t hurt me, right?”

“Never.” He seemed insulted by the idea.

“But you could, if you wanted to. Maybe it’s not very smart of me to like that, but I do. Being a bit scared adds a little spice.”

He shuddered and his grip on my wrists tightened. “Sweet goddess. You’re a dangerous one.”

“Hmm?” I kept rocking my hips. “You don’t want a touch of danger in your life?”

He sank against me and set those perfect fangs against my throat again. I stilled, breath coming hard. My clit pulsed and wet heat flared between my legs.

“You smell too tempting.” He nipped my ear, slowly inching down, tasting the expanse of skin down my throat until he could pull one of my nipples into his mouth.

I cried out and arched into his touch, the zing of electricity from his tongue to my clit making me squirmy. He sucked hard and curled his tongue. I needed to clone him. Have a Caden at each breast and then one at my front and back to fuck me into a coma. The thought of it speared crackling heat through me. “If you’re tempted, you should take what you want.”

His growl sent need rolling over me again. He set off his purr next, his buzzing tongue making me buck against him. One hand bound my wrists and the other slid down, spread over my throat.

Oh, gods. I couldn’t stop the whimpers. Pitiful sounds snuck out and he kept me pinned by the throat, his tongue stroking me into a frenzy. I wanted more. I managed to croak out the single word as a request and he finally lifted his head.

He held my gaze captive as he shifted slightly to bring the feline features out enough that there was no mistaking what he was. His eyes blazed gold, fangs slipping past his lips, pupils turning to sharp slits, and clawed fingertips pricking my skin. He growled again and the combination had my heart kicking into gear with the same vigor as my pussy pulsing, demanding attention from this beautiful beast.

“Please. Please, Caden. I need—” I broke off into a whine when he squeezed tighter. I could still breathe fine, but the thrill of danger was ratcheted up past where my brain could be rational. I thrashed, or at least tried to, but he held me so tightly. My head buzzed from my frantic breathing, panic and desire coiling into one thick, overwhelming vortex.

“Little kittens should be careful when asking for danger.” His voice took on a rasping quality that stoked the glowing embers in my belly. He growled low and fit those fangs at the curve of my throat, letting my wrists go to tease my clit.

My instinct was to toss my head back, but I couldn’t do that with his fangs on me. I shuddered, breathing hard in his ear, clinging to him, nails carving into his skin.

You can dig in harder, kitten.

He slipped two fingers inside me and my nails bit into him as I tried to stay still, whining with each stroke. I threaded my fingers into his hair and held him tucked in place so tightly I didn’t have to worry I would hurt myself when I got going.

The craving for him burned deep. I didn’t give a shit if it was from the alpha and omega thing; I just needed him. “I want more of you.”

He laughed against my skin and pulled out of my grasp. “I could wreck you with just my fingers, but if you’re impatient I can indulge you.”

I shivered again, reaching for him. His eyes and fangs were way hotter than they had any right to be. “I’ll be patient next time.”

He looked skeptical at that but didn’t argue with me as he sat back and pulled off my bottom layers before discarding his own. Gods. The man was too fucking gorgeous. I let out an embarrassing sound, biting my tongue against the whine that rose up because he wasn’t touching me fast enough.

“I’m going to agree the omega in your lineage had to be recent.”

“Oh?”

“You sound just like one.”

“Is that good or bad?”

“You’re not going to hear me complain about it.” Caden boosted my hips up and balanced them against his own as he kneeled in front of me, hoisting me at an angle while tucking his cock between the two of us and hooking my ankles over his shoulders. Leaning forward, he braced both my wrists together and held them in place, reaching with the other to attend to my clit. There was nowhere to wriggle in this position and I couldn’t get much leverage. His golden gaze bored into me as his thumb circled my clit until I was panting.

“I thought—” I broke off as he tapped my clit. “Fuck. I thought you were indulging me.”

“I will.”

I shifted in his grip but his growl stilled me again. “If you weren’t being mean, I wouldn’t have to get squirmy.”

“Well, it’s going to be really difficult to get you on my cock if you’re going to wiggle around.”

I huffed and let myself relax. He released my wrists to angle my hips, nudging my entrance with his cockhead. I whimpered in anticipation. Every perfect ridge choked off my breath as he pressed into me. When he’d settled all the way in, he recaptured my wrists.

A sharp thrust shoved a feral sound out of my mouth and he kept up a vicious pace that never quite let me draw a full breath. His arm hooked beneath my hips and held me up when the strength of my legs balancing over his shoulders started to fade. The rapidly disintegrating rational part of my brain whispered I should have let him go slow because I was going to combust any second.

My legs shook and he held me tighter. The drag and friction of his cock was a dangerous pleasure; the force against my G-spot from the angle and thrusts shut down every sense except what I needed to feel him. The world faded out as I struggled against his grip on my wrists and the overwhelming sensation of him fucking into me. I didn’t want to stop, but holy hell, it was so much to be feeling.

I choked out a sob.

Caden removed the hand pinning my wrists and swiped his thumb over my clit. Every muscle vibrated, and between his thumb swirling and his hips snapping, I was pulled under the rising tide of pleasure that flipped my brain off, darkened my vision, and had me screaming so loud the other hotel guests would probably call security.

Caden lowered me to the bed slowly. He climbed over me to finish himself with his face buried against my throat, hips thrusting between mine. I clung to him with shivering limbs. He followed me over the edge a moment later, the heat of him bursting inside me before he relaxed against me.

He nipped my throat. “I love making you scream like that.”

I laughed and hugged him tighter, ready to fall into oblivion in his arms. “You and me both.”

Caden scrubbed me down slowly in the shower, and we distracted each other with heated kisses and playful touches. When I was dry again and bundled up in my pajamas, we let Seth back inside. He curled up on my pillow and waited for us to join him.

“Have fun outside?” I asked him as I curled up and stroked his fur.

I napped in a planter.

“You’re not getting dirt all over my pillow, are you?”

He flicked his tail. I bathed while you bathed. Clean as a whistle now.

I pulled him into my arms and although he squawked, he settled in quickly. Caden curled against my back and the three of us passed out in a comfortable pile.

Morning came way too quickly, but Caden bribed me into full wakefulness with some fancy coffee from a cafe down the street. Seth ate a can of wet food on the table next to me as I sipped my way into functional human territory.

“I’ll grab us something good from the restaurant for breakfast.” Caden kissed my cheek and set out to acquire us sustenance.

I feel pretty good today, Seth said, batting his food can around. I wonder if I can shift.

“Doesn’t hurt to try.” I hoped I didn’t sound too excited. I’d been wondering what Seth looked like since Caden shifted.

Seth hopped onto the floor, eyes closed in concentration. His body rippled and I jolted away when his panther form filled the space in front of me. He danced excitedly in place and hopped up, putting his paws on my shoulders so he could rub his face against mine.

I did it!

But then his form rippled again and suddenly it wasn’t a panther, but a very naked man leaning over me. I froze, but my eyes did not. They slid along his body in a lightspeed whip, long enough for me to see his sleek muscles and the tattoo that coiled around his hip…and a piercing in rather intimate places. His cock rose to attention, giving me a full glimpse of the four steel balls marking the quadrants around the head.

Oh, gods.

His hazel eyes seared me, his pupils blown so wide it almost eclipsed the iris.

I sucked in a breath, a flush of need pouring through me so hot I bit my lip hard enough to make myself yelp. That seemed to break whatever spell kept us still and silent and Seth leapt away, hitting the ground again in his house cat form. He’d looked a lot like Caden, but with a touch of a baby face by comparison, and a bit skinnier. They were both way too hot. My brain couldn’t handle that level of attractiveness.

I didn’t move an inch. My whole body was still thrumming and it took an embarrassing amount of effort to not start panting.

Sorry. I…forgot about the naked part.

“That’s—” I floundered for words. “That’s okay. I think I forgot too.”

Gods knew I’d never be able to forget what I saw. That body was going to be seared into my brain for the rest of forever.

I think I’ll stay in Boston. Seth took a tentative step toward me.

Well, that killed my lust stone dead. “What? Why?”

He licked a paw. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be around in human form. I’ll be in the way.

“Why on earth would you think you’d be in the way?”

Seth stretched luxuriously and hopped up onto the table next to me. I hurt Caden and I know it looks like we’re okay with each other, but I haven’t made up for what I did. I don’t think staying would help me do that.

“But how can leaving help you make up for something? Don’t you need to be around for that?”

Just…trust me. There’s no way I could fix things if I stayed. I know myself well enough now to know being here with you two is too dangerous.

Damn. I didn’t like that one bit.

“Are you going to elaborate at all? I’m not a fan of being in the dark when it concerns me.”

This is between Caden and me.

“Please, tell me.”

You won’t like me anymore if I do. I’ll always be grateful that you saved me. He stepped closer, putting his paws on my shoulder so he could headbutt my cheek.

I scooped him into my arms and he didn’t resist. Instead, he curled up, tucking his head under my chin. “What if I don’t want you to leave?”

Seth’s purr kicked up, but he didn’t respond otherwise. I thought about jiggling his little kitty body until he answered me, but if he was set on leaving, I was going to get my cuddles in while I could.

By the time Caden returned with food, Seth had fallen asleep on me.

I wanted to ask Caden to tell Seth to stay, but I didn’t know why Seth wanted to—or needed to—leave, didn’t know what was in their history that would push them apart. Caden and I weren’t even officially together and it hadn’t been that long that I felt comfortable forcing an answer out. They obviously didn’t want me to know.

I stress-ate my breakfast and stress-drove us into Boston afterward. I held my tongue. Seth could leave if he wanted to. He knew I didn’t want him to and that wasn’t enough to keep him here, so there was nothing else to be done.

Seth sat on my lap while we drove to the address Caden had acquired online.

“Stay here,” said Caden. “It’s not safe for humans inside a nest.”

“Why not?”

“Humans are a novelty. You’d attract a lot more attention than I could protect you from.”

“Is it safe for you in there?”

“More or less. Give me your phone number and I can call you on my new phone when I get it. Assuming they’re hospitable about it. If I haven’t contacted you in three hours…don’t try to come after me.” He looked at Seth. “Don’t let her go into the nest.”

I’ll tackle her if she tries.

I had no idea what the fuss was with a nest. I gave Caden one of my business cards and watched him disappear past the gates of what looked like a motel. I’d gathered that shifters relied on one another to get access to resources they’d need to live as a human. That was probably especially difficult in the modern world. I wouldn’t want to have to start from scratch even with help.

I didn’t want to be too far away when Caden eventually called, so Seth and I decided to hang out at Wollaston Beach after I picked up a lemonade at the drive-thru. I parked my butt in the sand in the shade of one of the few available trees and settled in to wait. Not too many places would let me inside with a cat, but at least it was a pretty comfortable temperature out and the wind was light.

Seth wasn’t any more forthcoming with explanations about his imminent departure. He took advantage of our time together for a lengthy cuddle and a nap. There was no point in chiding myself for having gotten attached to him. It had happened the second I’d found them.

I kept up a steady pattern of petting to occupy myself, reading a book on my phone until a text popped up from an unknown number.

Unknown:

Got my phone

They’re going to mail the driver’s license and docs

Be out in about 20 min

I patted Seth’s butt. “Caden’s almost finished.”

Seth yawned and stretched, taking his time to rub each of his cheeks against mine. Can you drop me off in Lower Roxbury after we pick him up?

“What’s there?”

The old lady that used to feed me.

“What if she’s not there anymore?”

Then I’ll find a new cat lover to take pity on me.

This was so dumb. He already had a cat lover on tap. I said as much and he turned his wide, saucer eyes at me.

I don’t have the brain power in this body to feel how miserable it’s going to be to leave you. It already sucks. Please don’t make it harder for me.

“Shutting up might make it easier for you, but not for me.” I sighed and carried him to the car. “My stance is clear. Come back whenever you want, okay?”

He settled onto my lap once I was buckled in, refusing to meet my gaze.

“Are you going to ignore me to make it easier for yourself?”

Lo, please.

My heart softened at the short name and the way he nuzzled his head on my stomach.

Just let me love you quietly while I can, okay?

I bit my lip and sucked back the sob that tried to climb up my throat. “Okay.”

My mood was painfully low as we drove to collect Caden, and he sensed it immediately when he climbed in. “What’s wrong?”

I’m staying here, Seth answered for me.

Caden looked only mildly conflicted about the news. “In your old territory?”

Seth nodded. I don’t know if I’ll stick around. I have friends up and down the coast if I need somewhere else to go.

He squeaked and I realized I’d been squeezing him. “Sorry.”

“Keep up with check-ins and don’t get eaten.” Caden patted Seth on the butt.

“You’re not worried about him?”

“Well, sure, but he’s survived this long.”

I scoffed. “Yeah, because surviving is exactly what you were both doing when I found you hiding in my front yard?”

I’ll be fine.

“He’s right,” said Caden. “Try not to worry too much. In my experience he’ll pop up like a whack-a-mole when you least expect it.”

I white-knuckled the steering wheel on the drive into Lower Roxbury. It was only about ten minutes from where we were and I briefly contemplated doing a loop around the city instead, or driving straight to Salem and stuffing Seth in my suitcase for the drive to Syracuse, but he’d leave anyway.

I had to accept his terrible choices whether I liked them or not.

My heart broke when we pulled to a stop on a quiet street and Seth gave me one final cheek rub before hopping out of the rolled-down window.

I hated myself for driving away.

What if he changed his mind?

As if reading my thoughts, Caden reached for me. “The Boston nest has my contact information if he wants to reach out later.”

“I don’t get it. What did he do that was so bad he couldn't stay with us?”

Caden sighed. “If I tell you, you’re going to think differently about him. Are you sure you want to know?”

I chewed my lip. “I dunno. He said something similar, too.”

“I understand your curiosity, and I do want to tell you. Just…maybe not this soon. Let yourself enjoy the version of him that you know.”

I sank against my seat. “Okay, I guess I don’t need to know right this second.”

He leaned over and pulled me into a kiss. “Want me to distract you when we get back to Salem?”

“Yes, please.”

“Perfect.” He grinned, his gaze igniting. “Then get us to the hotel and I’ll distract you so much you forget your own name. And afterward we can peruse the witchy shops to find you something cute.”

I let out a laugh. At least one of these brothers was making decisions I agreed with.

We stopped at a park a short distance away because my eyes decided crying was better than focusing on the road. Caden extracted me from the front seat, carried me over to a tree, and sat down beneath it with me cradled in his lap. I leaned into the embrace. His purr roared to life, and between that and the hand rhythmically stroking my hair, I was eventually able to pull myself together.

I’m here. As long as you want me. He cuddled me even closer and I tucked my face against his throat. At least one of them wasn’t going anywhere. The declaration went a long way to soothing my ragged nerves.

I sat up and turned his face to me. “You really want to stay?”

“I’m not sure what impression I’ve given you at any point that would imply otherwise, but I meant what I said. I like you. A lot. And I’m happier than I’ve been in decades.”

“Good. Because I like you a hell of a lot too.” I snuggled in again, but not before indulging in a kiss. “You’re stuck with me forever.”

He laughed softly. “What a hardship.”

Music pulsed a thumping beat, every note from the drums like a punch to the chest as I stood next to the speakers. I needed the distraction even though it hurt my ears. Bodies gyrated all around me. Good old Rochester giving the local shifters a place to unwind and get freaky to the sound of early 2000s dance music.

A beautiful deer shifter ground her ass against me, but it did absolutely nothing for me. It was stupid of me to be here. I was close enough that all I could think about was her, but still too far away that I could give in to the impulse and show up out of nowhere.

Her.

Logan.

My brother’s mate, or as close to a mate as she could get since she was human.

She was the one woman on this godsforsaken earth I couldn’t have, so of course she was the one woman I was so fucking in love with it was physically painful.

It wasn’t my fault. I’d tried to get over her, but it didn’t matter how many people I tried to be with in every sense of the word. None of it touched that ever-burning torch I carried for her.

I pushed away from the deer shifter and went to get a shot of vodka at the bar. It never helped. It didn’t matter where I was; I could feel her as if she were magnetic north. I was nothing but a hapless compass needle, drawn always in her direction.

Fuck.

I downed the shot, hoping one day I would find the unique balance between drowning out my awareness of the woman I couldn’t have and the point just before I was hurling my guts out.

Tomorrow I would have to go farther. I could never stay away as long as I needed to, because even when I made it to the other side of the country and that awareness dimmed, it was replaced by the incessant need to feel it again.

Another shot. Another glass slammed down on the bar as I savored the burn.

Nausea churned my gut. I stumbled to the bathroom and expelled all the money I had just consumed. I lingered for a moment to splash cool water on my face before venturing out into the music, the sound as I opened the door like walking into a brick wall.

One of my buddies found me as I turned the corner into the main room. “There you are. Someone can’t hold their liquor.”

I rolled my eyes. “Shut up, Tommy.”

Unease prickled up my spine. I spun around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. I’d felt it on a few occasions since the last time I saw Logan. There was never anything to cause it, but I never stuck around for long to investigate further.

I was about to ask if Tommy was ready to leave when a scream rent the air.

We both turned to the sound. One of the club patrons, an owl shifter I vaguely recognized, was held aloft in the air, shouting his head off. The crowd backed away and it was then I realized nothing was holding him up.

I jerked back against the wall.

What the fuck was that?

I watched with rising horror as the light in his eyes faded and snuffed out. He was tossed aside like a ragdoll, and the deer shifter who had tried to dance with me was snatched up next. She screamed and flailed, neither doing anything to dissuade the invisible force that held her.

“Shit,” Tommy mumbled. “We have to get out of here.”

The crowd was already panicking, stampeding to the exits, with more than one person disappearing beneath their feet.

Being a panther shifter meant not much in this world scared me. I was the predator. But…whatever that thing was made me feel like a mouse under a cat's paw.

It felt wrong.

I’d encountered a lot of shit in my life; some things felt out of place, like they didn’t belong, and this thing, this fucking thing, sure as hell didn’t belong.

I felt like a dick leaving the deer shifter, but I couldn’t fight something I couldn’t see, and I wasn’t ready to die. Something brushed against me, feeling like ice sinking straight into my bones, and I surged forward, desperate to escape.

Tommy dragged me outside with the herd and shoved me into his car. “What the sweet fucking hell was that, man?”

“I don’t think we want to know. Do you think the owl’s dead?”

“Looked that way.” Tommy slammed his foot on the gas and ripped through town until we hit the interstate.

I felt Logan’s presence shining like a beacon in the distance as Tommy’s car ate up the miles. “Where are we going?”

“I don’t know where you’re going, but I’m going to the New York nest. At least until I know what the fuck that was.”

I swallowed hard, already regretting the words I was about to say. “Drop me in Syracuse on your way.”

It wasn’t smart to go back, but something was killing shifters and Caden needed to know. He didn’t like me very much but that didn’t mean I was going to put him at risk.

Tommy nodded sharply. “You got it.”

I squirmed in my seat for the entire trip.

“What’s got ants in your pants, bucko?”

“Nothing.” I shrank deeper in the seat and fisted my hands. None of my friends knew about her. Part of that was selfishly keeping Logan to myself, but I also didn’t want any of them sniffing around. I knew Caden could protect her from any of my shithole friends if they got it in their heads to try something, but I felt better keeping them in complete ignorance of her existence.

I bit down on the growl that tried to rumble through my chest.

It really wasn’t fair. It had been pure luck of timing that Caden had gotten to her first. I couldn’t help but remember her gentle touch and soothing voice as she had nursed me back from the brink of death, the way she had looked at me with those impossibly dark eyes, making me feel more seen than I had ever been in my life.

Every time I was near her, it took all the willpower I had ever possessed to stop myself from climbing straight into her arms to listen to her heartbeat and feel her fingers stroke my fur.

I shoved my hand through my hair, already grossed out by the drying sweat that clung to each strand. My clothing reeked of the scent of horny shifters and I was more than ready to strip down and shower.

“Where to?” Tommy asked as we entered Syracuse.

“Here is fine.”

He stopped the car and I slipped out, saluting him as he slammed on the gas and zipped off toward New York. I didn’t need a map app to know where I was going. Each step in Logan‘s direction felt like I was walking home, a buoyant familiarity infusing my body the closer I got. I tried my best to avoid humans as I traipsed through residential areas, eventually coming to a stop at the bungalow where Logan lived with my brother. Or rather, where he lived with her, since it was her house.

I swallowed down the nerves that now battled with the elation of being so close again. I knew she would welcome me, as much as I knew Caden wouldn’t. Not that I blamed him. I didn’t have a fabulous history with respecting the boundaries of his romantic relationships.

Both salvation and misery lay on the other side of that door. I just needed enough courage to knock.

It was easier said than done. I couldn’t quite decide if I would be more welcome in this form or one of my shifted ones. Logan had always been most comfortable when I was in my smallest form. A fluffy house cat posed no threat. But I wanted to see her, wanted to feel every inch of her pressed against this one. It was an exercise in self-punishment. In this form I was intimately aware of every ache, every desire, my complex brain in a human body plagued by memories and fantasies I couldn’t escape.

When I was a cat, things were simpler. There I sought after my most basic needs, but everything else was muted. I couldn’t desire her in the same way, couldn’t experience the intoxicating bliss of being able to bury my face in her hair and sate the longing that never left.

She giggled on the other side of the door, the sound dipping into a moan.

Fuck.

Caden would be extra pissed if I interrupted them having sex. But that only made me want to do it more. I wanted her to be with me, not him, and I wasn’t strong enough to just listen right now. Lights were still on at other houses and someone would absolutely call the cops if they saw me standing out here much longer, especially if I took my cock in hand and stroked it to the sound of her coming undone.

I was still drunk enough to indulge in recklessness and knocked a pattern onto her door, waiting with bated breath.

A tiny cat head popped up under the curtains and hissed at me.

“What does he want?” Logan’s voice was muffled. “Maybe he’s hurt?”

“I can hear you through the door, Logan.” I sighed. “And I can see Caden in the window.”

When the door opened, my soul dropped fucking anchor. There she was. Perfect, bright eyed, flushed cheeks, and a beautiful smile just for me.

“Hey, Seth!”

I crashed against her in an uninvited hug, desperately needing to touch her. Her arms wrapped around me belatedly, fingers curling into my shirt.

Home.

Fucking fate.

The gods had to be laughing. I was absolutely certain that Logan was my mate, but the fact remained that she was Caden’s too. And he had gotten to her first. I had fucked up enough in our past and another misstep would ruin the possibility of my brother ever speaking to me again.

So I’d stepped back.

I had left, trying for years to fight the pull. I always came back. He knew I wanted her, but I was never quite certain if he was aware how deep it went. I couldn’t…wouldn’t hurt him again the way I had done in the past.

I disentangled us and gave Logan a confident smile, though it was the opposite of how I felt.

“Can I come in?”

Islipped inside my house, tiptoeing and closing the door as quietly as possible behind me. Caden had been asleep when I’d left to help with an emergency kitten rescue, and I’d wanted to avoid waking him.

A low growl sounded behind me. I spun around, pressing my back to the door.

Caden was sitting in his black panther form, his golden gaze freezing me in place.

You went out after midnight without me. Do you want to get eaten? He stood, his body of midnight silk slinking toward me.

Heat rose up in me and I shivered. This was a game we played often after Caden realized being scared got me revved up. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me, but there was no arguing with the jolt of adrenaline when he shifted into this form and looked at me like I was a snack.

“Want is a pretty strong word here.” I squeezed my thighs together, craving the pressure on my clit.

Caden stood on his hind legs, bracing a paw on each side of my head. He growled, low and dangerous, and it reverberated in my chest as if I were standing next to an amp at full volume. Goosebumps covered every inch of me, my skin hot as he growled again.

Foolishness must be punished.

I reached out and buried my hand in his fur. It was velvet soft, inky black, and my fingers disappeared into the thickness of it. I scratched carefully and Caden’s golden eyes closed slowly. His purr rumbled in response.

That’s cheating.

I leaned in, nuzzling his chin with my face, getting my other hand involved in the scratches. A ripple wavered his muscles and the purring grew louder. If he was going to punish me for taking unnecessary risks, then I was at least going to get him in a better mood first.

Caden shook his head and glared down at me. This isn’t funny. You have no sense of self-preservation. I’m not letting you get taken out because you stopped to pet a shifter without realizing.

“I’m sorry. We got the call, and they’d have died if I hadn’t gone. You were sleeping so deeply I didn’t want to wake you.”

Caden wasn’t a huge fan of my work with fosters for an animal rescue for the very reason that had saved his life: I couldn’t tell the difference between a shifter and a regular animal, and I was willing to foster just about anything. Five years ago, that had meant I’d happily taken in Caden and his younger brother when they’d shown up injured in my front yard. I hadn’t found out they were shifters until almost two months later.

Now he insisted on sniff-testing any animal that came into the house to make sure I hadn’t hauled in anything dangerous.

“Besides,” I continued, “these are in the baby potato stage. Even if they were shifters, they’re newborns, so I’m not that concerned.”

Newborns have parents, he pointed out. They’d smell me on you.

“Quit being so stanky, then.” I laughed and gave him a squeeze. “I returned in one piece so there’s no need to be so fussy.”

Protective isn’t fussy. Caden shifted position and dropped us both down to the ground, his massive cat form hovering over me. He settled further, his whole weight draped across me. My bones protested with a series of crackles, and inhaling became a chore.

“You’re killing the spicy vibes.”

Magic made him shimmer and his fur slipped away in favor of skin until his human form stretched out on top of me. Butt naked. Shifting didn’t accommodate for clothing, unfortunately.

Or fortunately, depending on your mood.

It was usually a very fortunate occasion in my house.

I grinned, lifting my wrists over my head and spreading my thighs so he could settle closer to me. Caden pinned me down, a hand on each of my wrists, his hips tucked firmly against mine. His hazel eyes watched me expectantly. I wanted to trace my fingers over the dark stubble at his jaw, but he only held tighter when I tried to move.

“Better?” he asked.

“Mhmm.” I looped my legs around his waist. “Much better.”

“Did you save the kittens, at least?”

Caden dipped down to my throat, his fangs sliding against my neck. He nipped carefully, not quite breaking the skin, and lapped his tongue over the spot. I shivered, need pulsing through me. I strained against his hands and let out a startled moan as he braced me in place, the tips of his fangs resting at the pulse point in my throat.

As much as I love you making that sound, it’s not an answer to my question.

It was too hard to think with my heart hammering and my pussy clenching.

Words.

You know words.

Use them.

Why didn’t the telepathy work both ways? I could think so much easier than speak in these situations.

“Yes.” I shuddered as he ground his hips down. “The kittens are at the shelter to get their vet check.”

“Mmm,” he murmured against me. “Good, then I have you all to myself.”

His growl turned my insides to liquid fire and I squeaked, clit pulsing, as he freed my hands and laid a palm over my throat to keep me in place. Gods. I was too weak for him. Five years of Caden and I still melted like the first time.

“Now, about that punishment.”

A patterned knock struck the door and Caden froze.

The sound of it kicked my sexy mood right down the drain.

“Who the fuck is that at two in the morning?” I asked.

He slid into his house cat form and dashed toward the door, poking his head through the curtains. A wordless groan from his telepathy was followed by a hiss.

“Who is it?”

Seth.

The name sent a pang of loss through me. I still hated that he’d left and no one had given me the reason yet. Caden had told me I should ask Seth, but I’d never wanted to sour the infrequent visits, so I’d left it alone.

He’d been here a couple of months ago and I hadn’t expected to see him again so soon.

“What does he want?” I picked myself up off the floor and looked through the peephole.

I’d have to ask him to know and I don’t want to let him inside. He’s here too early. He probably pissed off the wrong people.

“Maybe he’s hurt?”

“I can hear you through the door, Logan,” said Seth. “And I can see Caden in the window.”

Caden did that weird cranky growl cats do right before they take a swing at you when you’ve upset them.

I sighed and pulled open the door. “Hey, Seth!”

He swallowed me up in a hug and I froze for a moment. He wasn’t usually so openly touchy with me, but the warmth of him sank into me and I dug my fingers into his shirt.

Seth stepped back and gave me a big smile. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah, of course.” I stepped aside and Seth kissed my cheek as he swept inside, scooping up mini-Caden before he had a chance to shift. “Hey, cutie.”

I ignored the burst of heat where Seth’s lips had touched my skin. He looked so much like Caden. They had the same gorgeous, sun-kissed skin, black hair, and hazel eyes that turned my knees to jelly. If I didn’t know one of them so intimately, I’d easily be able to mistake one for the other at a distance. The only immediately discernible differences were that Seth had a more cheeky, playful vibe than Caden did, and a slimmer build.

Caden hissed and wriggled free from Seth’s grip, shifting to his human form before he hit the floor. “Fuck off.”

“You know, I really thought he’d be in a better mood after he started living with you,” said Seth.

“He hates happiness,” I joked, shooting a wink at Caden. “We weren’t expecting you back so soon.”

“I need a place to crash for a couple ni⁠—”

“No.” Caden spat out the word before Seth could even finish his sentence.

“Come on.” Seth turned to me, ignoring Caden. “Please. I’ll be good. I’ll even pay for the privilege.”

I raised an eyebrow. I’d never, ever made him pay to stay with me. “You’re always welcome here. You know that.”

He turned his brilliant smile onto me. My heart fluttered happily.

“Have you been hanging around in people form?” I asked. “You showed up in clothes this time.”

Seth laughed. “Yeah, I’ve been spending time with a few buddies. I figured you’d both appreciate it if I popped up while wearing pants.” He looked pointedly at Caden. “Some of us would appreciate it if everyone was clothed.”

Caden’s hackles rose and he stalked away long enough to grab a pair of sweatpants from our bedroom, returning half dressed. “Why are you back early?”

“You’re out of the loop with shifter shit.” Seth shoved his hands in his pockets. “I figured you probably hadn’t heard about the attacks.”

Caden’s nostrils flared. “What attacks?”

“See, exactly,” Seth said. “You have no idea what’s going on with you playing human in Logan-land.”

I snapped my fingers in front of Seth’s face. “Focus. What’s going on?”

“Right, sorry.” He swung an arm around my shoulders. “I was at a club tonight and something killed two of us. I figured Caden should be aware since it was only, like, an hour from here.”

“What killed them?” Caden asked. He tugged me out of Seth’s grip and into his own. I stroked a soothing hand down his back until he relaxed.

“Not a fucking clue.” Seth shrugged. “It was invisible to me and I didn’t stick around. I think it might be the same thing I’ve felt the last couple of months.”

“So, something is probably tracking you, and you’re bringing it here instead of calling?” Caden looked pissed as hell.

Seth stared down at his feet. “I don’t have a phone right now and I wanted you to know. And I figured if I ended up having to run from something, the safest place would be with you.”

The words softened Caden a little, but he was still tense under my hands. “I need you to leave,” he said to Seth.

I bristled at Caden’s words.

“This is Logan’s house, not yours,” said Seth, a panicked edge sneaking into his voice. “If she wants me out, she can tell me herself.”

I barely got Seth around to begin with. I certainly wasn’t going to kick him out when he was spooked. “You can stay.”

Caden’s face pinched.

“Quit looking like you bit into a lemon.” I patted his chest. “We can’t send your brother out into the night when something might be after him.”

“See, she gets it,” said Seth.

Caden dropped into his house cat form and hissed. He tended to shift when his emotions got the better of him. Complex feelings were easier to manage with a tiny walnut brain. He paw-slapped Seth’s leg and I scooped him up.

“Back off, babe.” I scratched behind his ears. “Seth, you can stay for tonight so we can figure things out. Caden, I need you to deal with it.”

He couldn’t quite pout in any of his cat forms, but his displeasure was clear as day. Caden huffed and stood in my arms, rubbing his cheeks against mine while glaring at his brother. I did my best not to giggle at him staking his territory in such an adorable way. I might as well be wearing a neon sign that said Caden’s Human.

I snorted. At least he’s content with being a cuddlebug instead of trying to piss on me to keep his brother at bay.

“Thanks, Lo.” Seth offered me an apologetic smile. “I promise I’ll be out of your hair soon. Could I bother you for some snacks? It’s been a while since I’ve eaten.”

Caden growled in my arms, but I booped his nose to cut off his cranky sounds.

“There’s leftover lasagna in the fridge. Help yourself.”

Caden looked up at me with wide eyes. That’s mine.

“I’ll make you some fresh tomorrow. How’s that?” I kissed the top of his head. While Caden handled the vast majority of the cooking, lasagna was one of the few items I did well and made for him on occasion.

Acceptable. He purred too quietly to hear, but I could feel it against my hands.

I gave him some good scritches behind his ears and carted him into the kitchen. Seth was already microwaving the leftovers. Caden stood carefully, laying one cat paw on each of my shoulders before headbutting the underside of my chin.

Also mine.

I giggled and gave him a solid hug. Caden ran his cheek along mine, deliberately scenting me again in front of Seth.

“Oh my gods.” Seth drew out the last syllable. “I’m not trying to crawl up Logan’s ass like I did with Rachel. I just need a place to crash. I’m not going to take her.”

I froze and stared at Seth. Caden sat stiff as a board in my arms at Rachel’s mention. I only had vague details about Caden’s ex-wife. They’d been together only a few years in the early ’60s, and she’d disappeared—presumably died, since from the sounds of it, the shifter community had completely lost track of her—barely a year after she’d left Caden. Had Seth and Rachel…?

Focus, Logan. Something hunting shifters was more important right now.

I rubbed a soothing hand down Caden’s back, getting the spot he really liked at the base of his tail until he started to relax again.

“Seth, be nice or get the fuck out.”

Heat flickered in Seth’s gaze, but he didn’t challenge me.

That finally made Caden melt, and he settled properly against me. I was more than ready for bed now that sex was off the menu, but first we needed information. I sat down at the kitchen table and Caden got himself comfortable on my lap in a position where he could watch Seth over the edge.

“Tell us everything you know,” I said.

Seth sat down across from me with his steaming lasagna. “I’d heard bits through the grapevine. A coven went radio silent. A few lone shifters here and there disappearing without warning. Seems like the nests are okay, at least. I never saw anything, just kept feeling that ‘predator is watching you’ kinda vibe ever since I was here last.

“I was at a bar in Rochester earlier tonight and felt it sweep through. Crowd parted like the fucking Red Sea, but I couldn’t see anything there. A shifter we didn’t know got snatched up, the normies started freaking out, everyone was screaming. So, we ran. The friend I was with decided to head to the New York nest, and I got him to drop me here on his way.”

Can you grab my phone? Caden asked me. I carried him into the bedroom to get it and punched in the code for it, letting him paw swipe on the screen on the way to the kitchen. Here, see what the forums are saying.

I read over the most recent posts for our state. Hundreds of messages from today were people panicking over the attack in Rochester. “It doesn’t sound like anyone knows what the attacker was, only that the shifters who were targeted died before reaching the hospital. The first was a Rochester local, owl shifter, one-hundred-and-sixty years old. The second was a deer shifter passing through, aged thirty-nine.” I scrolled further, seeing a familiar town mentioned. “Another shifter was killed in Fairport about an hour afterward.”

“It’s heading this way,” said Seth. He squeezed the fork, his knuckles turning white. “Shit.”

We should be prepared to leave. We need a safe house if it shows up. Caden looked up at me, his claws digging into my thighs. I can’t protect you from something I can’t sense.

“What kind of safe house would protect from that, though?” I asked.

Seth shoveled lasagna into his mouth and chewed quietly.

I don’t know. Caden shivered, his fur poofing out. But it’s coming this direction and people have already died. We shouldn’t risk it. If it was tracking Seth, he could have led it here.

I absorbed his words. I didn’t want to go anywhere, but I also didn’t want to get eaten by some unknowable entity. “Where would we go?”

“You could take her to the nearest nest,” suggested Seth. “New York is the closest.”

Caden’s little body was like steel in my hands. I looked down at him, stroking a reassuring hand over his fur.

I hadn’t been anywhere near a nest for years. “I thought those were to get your documents and stuff to reintegrate into people-adjacent life.”

“They can help with that, but it’s not their main purpose,” said Seth. “They’re gathering places, and they have super strict hierarchies.”

They’re shifter strongholds, said Caden. Some are better than others, but they’re not usually pleasant places to dwell.

“Why do shifters stay there, then?” I asked.

Protection. The strong gather the weak. It’s an exchange of services. Those weaker provide whatever the strong require without question, and the strong protect them from the outside world.

“Well, that sounds like a barrel of laughs.” I held on to Caden tighter than necessary, and he let out a squeak.

“It sucks,” said Seth between bites. “I stayed at one in Orlando after I left here the first time. Can’t say I recommend the experience. But I guess it’s preferable to dying.”

Caden’s claws dug into me again. He guesses. Such a vote of confidence for his suggestion.

“Quit with your picky toes!” I detached his claws from my flesh and turned to Seth. “Is New York the best option?”

“Hard to say for sure,” Seth said. “Smaller ones move around and might be closer, more undetectable, but if you want a big one, they’re more permanent, and based around big cities. New York has strong Protectors.”

We can’t go to a nest, Caden insisted.

“Is it really that bad?” I asked, petting Caden to soothe myself as much as him.

“Entry into a nest is implicit consent,” Seth explained. “The Protectors could do anything they wanted to you and your only recourse is to leave.”

I swallowed hard. “When you say anything…”

“Well, they won’t kill you,” said Seth. “That would defeat the point of going, but they could feed off you, demand sex, separate you from Caden, make you lick the bathrooms clean. I dunno. Some of the Protectors are pretty sick fucks. Power goes to their heads. The nest I was in did exotic animal fights to fund things.”

“What?” I stared at Seth. “Were you involved?”

“I…unwillingly participated in a few.”

Gods. The thought of Seth in a bloody fight like that made me shudder, revulsion turning my stomach. I’d always wished he’d stayed with us, and now the guilt over not demanding he stay was a lead weight in my gut. “I’m so sorry.”

Seth shrugged, but he wouldn’t make eye contact with me. “I survived. Not every nest is bad, but it’s hard to know what it’s like until you’re in it. You’d want to lay low and not attract attention. Good fucking luck with that, though.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re human. And you smell like a snack.”

Caden hissed and leapt on the table, planting himself between Seth and me. Fuck off.

“I’m just saying.” Seth rolled his eyes at Caden. “You’d never hide her in a nest. The Protectors would know about her the second she walked through the doors.”

Caden growled.

“Oh, shush.” Seth turned to me. “In all likelihood, they’d take you as a pet. I’ve heard some of the Protectors are pretty nice to their pets. I don’t know what they’d do with us.”

She’s not a pet. Caden walked across the table and shoved the plate of remaining lasagna into his brother’s lap. Seth squawked and managed to save the plate before it clattered to the floor. The same couldn’t be said for his jeans, which now sported a smear of tomato sauce.

“Little shit,” Seth growled. He reached for Caden, but I shot out of my seat and scooped my boyfriend into my arms.

We were all exhausted, and it wouldn’t help anything to let Caden and Seth get snippy with each other.

“Seth, there’s blankets in the linen closet, and the couch is yours. Soap is above the washing machine, and I’ll set out a spare change of clothes for you.”

He gave me a tired smile. “Thanks, Lo.”

“We’ll see you in the morning.” I carried Caden into the bedroom, closing the door behind us, and sprawling out on the bed. Caden loafed on my chest.

“What are we going to do?”

We run. I’m not willing to take chances with your safety.

“Run where?”

I wish I had an answer.

Logan’s heartbeat was reassuring. I laid down, pressing my ear to her chest so I could hear it better. It was as soothing to me as my purrs were to her. I couldn’t protect her well in my smallest form, but she loved it so much I could never deny her the pleasure of it. Not to mention that she had magic fingers and knew exactly how to turn me into a puddle.

This was the form she’d first known—the one upon which she’d forced her tenderness, her diligence, and her stubbornness. I’d almost died, collapsed in her front yard after a vicious fight with another shifter, and her unwillingness to give up on me was the only reason I was here today.

Logan absently stroked my fur while she stared at the ceiling, brown hair sprawled around her, her dark eyes unfocused.

She was worried. I was, too. Who knew what the fuck Seth might have led to our door. Tomorrow she’d have to abandon this place.

But not tonight.

“Caden,” she said softly. I knew what she craved, and was all too willing to give it to her. She needed to be distracted from her stewing.

Magic hummed in my blood, and my small form melted away until my human one replaced it.

Logan sighed and spread her thighs. Her clothing for the day still barred me from her skin, but I let myself sink against her anyway. My lips found her throat, tongue dancing over the pulse point there. It beat a frantic rhythm, and I ground my hips against hers. She traced her hands down my back before she switched to digging in her nails when I bit down.

I didn’t break the skin. She liked the possibility of it, but I was too paranoid about her human fragility to actually bite her. She was too precious to risk.

I sampled her mouth in between removing layers of her clothes until she stretched out bare on the bed.

What I’d done to deserve her, I’ll never know.

Some shifters had exposed themselves to humans and had their heads blown clean off. Logan wasn’t like that, though. She’d always loved every form I possessed and cared for each in different ways.

My human one was the only form she allowed near her like this. She’d never been shy with nudity around the cat forms, but I always assumed a human shape to take things further. It’d never bothered me one way or the other, so I acquiesced to her requirements since she was unable to shift herself and indulge in the more feral experiences.

I wrapped my lips around the stiff peak of her nipple. She squirmed beneath me and sighed, the sound turning to a whine as I swirled my tongue and sucked her deeper. Her body rose up to meet my mouth and her panting filled the room.

Her breasts were so sensitive. Sometimes I could get her to come just from touching her there. By the pitch in her voice as my fangs brushed along her skin, I might be gifted with that tonight. I savored each taste of her. Gathering the soft flesh with my hand, I nuzzled it, ghosting hot breath over the moist peak. Logan shivered and fisted her fingers in the sheets.

Gentle, teasing touches had her eyes half-lidded, and the nips I used to break the monotony had her pulse jumping. The scent of her arousal infused every breath. Once I’d made her come, I’d bury my face between her thighs and feast.

As if sensing my thoughts, her ass clenched, lifting her hips higher.

Patience.

She whined at the command. I fucking loved that sound. She gifted me with it often when we played, a callback to the omega lineage we’d never figured out, but blessed her to be beautifully reactive to my alpha nature.

I took the other nipple into my mouth, stroking and sucking until her control started to slip. Every shudder, every broken breath, every gasp and needy touch of her hands was my reward. I craved the taste of her as much as she craved my touch.

Logan’s fingers laced into my hair, shaking as she struggled to keep control of herself. Her body pulsed beneath me, and she threw her head with a whimpering cry, setting my blood on fire. I slipped down, trailing sloppy kisses over her stomach, the luring scent of her wet cunt calling me. A long, slow lick had her bucking up against my face.

“Fuck. Caden.”

Her voice was a prayer, urging me on.

It would be impossible to ever tire of the taste of her. A hint of sweet and salt, raw energy that enlivened me as much as I knew her blood would if I ever took it. Every time she thought of this, and her scent shifted, I’d want nothing more than to pin her down and fuck her into oblivion.

I dove deeper down, letting my senses focus only on her, ignoring the fact that Seth was only down the hall and could hear her nearly as well as I could being right next to her.

Let him listen. Logan had chosen me and he needed the reminder that she was mine.

Logan rocked her hips greedily.

What did I tell you?

Telepathy was definitely a perk when I could talk to her without pausing on eating her out.

“Fuck patience.”

I slowed my pace just to annoy her.

“Asshole.” Logan tried to press my face closer.

I slid my tongue inside her and purred, letting the vibrations travel over my tongue to her tender flesh. She quivered and moaned, the sound rising as I slid up to suck hard on her clit. My name fell from her lips like a sigh.

My favorite sound.

I wanted to sink my cock into her. I was hard to the point of pain, but I ignored that, forcing us both to enjoy the slower pace.

“Please. Please, Caden.”

I pinned her thighs open. The craving built as her whimpered complaints slowly lost coherency. Her muscles shook, her thighs straining against my hands. The only thing I wanted more than losing myself in her was to tear apart those last strands of control.

I stroked my tongue around her clit and those threads snapped. Logan’s body seized and a strangled cry leapt from her throat. I lapped at her until the tremors eased, and then lifted my slick face to kiss her. She yanked me down, licking at my mouth, frenetic kisses consuming the wetness of her coating me.

“Roll over,” she demanded.

I followed the order eagerly. She rose up over me, her slippery cunt enveloping my cock as she sank down. Bliss rippled out from that connection point and I fucked up into her.

I filled my hands with her ample hips, stroking my thumbs over her soft stomach. A growl rumbled in my chest. I wanted her so badly even as I was taking her.

I’d never get enough.

Logan rolled dextrous hips, cunt gripping me as she moved. Her brow crinkled as she concentrated. She squeezed me so tightly I saw stars; the rhythmic pulsing of her muscles dragged me closer to the edge. I helped her along, knowing I’d already tired out her thighs when she’d worked so hard to stay still. Each stroke up was punctuated by a desperate sound from her. I let my growl free. There was no reason to stay quiet.

She braced her hands on my chest and let me take over, plunging up as I pulled her down by her hips. Her face scrunched. She was close. I knew that face well and pressed an eager thumb to her clit. Logan dug her nails into me as she came in a slick surge of pleasure that snared me up with her. The world fell away, pulling me into a blinding light before descending into darkness.

I surfaced to her sprawled across my chest, her cunt twitching around me. I kissed her like I was starving and only her mouth would satiate me. My fangs ached to sink into her, to mark her for the whole world to see she belonged to me.

I felt the loss of her as she slid off and sprawled to the side. Unwilling to let her go far, I rolled over and tucked myself around her.

Mine.

Logan trailed gentle fingers through my hair and sighed contentedly. “Yours.”

I nuzzled her skin and tucked my face against her throat. The pounding beat called me. I couldn’t do it. She’d never survive a claiming. It was just my luck to fall for a human. I wouldn’t trade her for the world, though.

Logan yawned. “Bed?”

We’re already in bed.

“Don’t be a smartass. I’m too tired for that.” She laughed softly and tapped my shoulder. “Let me go pee and brush my teeth. We should get some sleep before...”

She left the next words unspoken. Before we fled I wanted to take her apart on silk sheets and curl around her until she slipped under the sway of dreams. One normal night before everything changed.

I let her go and shifted into my house cat form, waiting in loaf mode, as she called it. Her bright smile when she returned and saw me was worth every embarrassing name she gave my habits.

Logan stretched out under the blankets and patted the bed next to her. “Come on, snuggle bug.”

I’d take the embarrassing names too. They made her happy, and that was what my whole existence had come to revolve around. I flopped down against her chest and she arranged us so my head was on the pillow with her, and her arm tucked around me. She scratched my cheeks and I purred freely, both because it felt amazing and because I knew how much she loved the sound.

“Good night, Caden,” she whispered and kissed the top of my head.

Good night, my love.

Icouldn’t sleep.

I gave up on even trying around four in the morning and wandered through my home in the dark even though I knew it would keep Caden and Seth up. Packing needed to be done and we had no idea how long we’d be gone. I hauled out a few backpacks from a box in the garage, prepared to dedicate one to clothes, one to food and toiletries, and one to comfort items. If I was going to leave everything I knew, then I was going to keep the most important things with me.

Caden abandoned sleep to help me, turning on a load of laundry, and packing what he knew were my favorite pieces that were already clean. While I gathered up toiletries, he made us an absolutely monstrous omelet, using up as many ingredients from the fridge as he could. There would still be a lot of waste but that couldn’t be helped. At least I had a compost bin in the yard to deal with most of what we couldn’t take. The pantry and freezer would be fine, but I couldn’t leave the fridge full.

Seth watched helplessly for a while, unsure what to do, so I gave him my credit card and sent him to go fill up the car with gas. I had already decided he was going to come with us, at least for part of the journey. Seth might be able to get some good distance as a shifter, but a black panther was conspicuous and he could only get so far if he were stuck as a house cat. I knew Caden wouldn’t be pleased, but I could put my foot down about a few things.

“How long do you think we’ll be gone for?” I asked.

“No idea,” Caden replied. “I hate that we’re leaving at all.”

I hadn’t really expected him to have an answer, as nice as one would have been. The safest bet would be to assume we had to leave long term, so I would pack enough for about three weeks and manage anything that wouldn’t last until the end of that time.

Clothing was the easiest to deal with. While I wasn’t certain of our destination, it would be smartest to pack for all climates. Toiletries were easy too since I tended to pack the same whether I was going for a weekend or a month.

By the time Seth returned, we were sitting down at the table, eating our middle-of-the-night feast. Shifters could pack away a lot in a short amount of time, so I let the boys eat their fill while I polished off a package of strawberries.

Caden had packed all of the travel-ready snacks from the pantry, sending Seth to load up the car with what we had available.

Exhaustion and anxiety were a steady pulse through my body, one driving me back to bed, the other demanding that everything be ready. Preparedness was the only way I could deal with the uncertainty. I hated not knowing what was coming, or even if it was coming specifically for us. Whatever it was had already killed multiple shifters.

I was only a human.

I couldn’t do anything if something wanted to come after Caden or Seth, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t go down swinging.

I paused in front of my altar to give myself a moment to breathe and to cherish it in this state. The birch wreath I’d woven as a teen hung above the altar. I traced my fingertips over the rim of my bowl of hazelnuts, the string of dried rowan berries, and the dried branches of bay laurel. All plants for protection. I never quite knew if they worked, but it didn’t hurt to keep them around if we were headed into danger. I tucked them in velvet bags and then into my totes.

A good portion of the altar was dedicated to Hecate. I’d been following her since I’d first dreamed of a woman made of starlight and heard her whisper her name to me in the dark.

“Hecate,” I whispered, “whatever this is…don’t let it take them from me.”

I pressed my palm against the smooth wood. My dad had built the altar for me when I’d asked for one as a teen. He’d worked as a carpenter for years and had taken the opportunity to carve tons of flourishes—leaves, flowers, even a snake coiling up one of the legs. Mom had been super into wood-burning art at the time; I still had several items on the walls that she’d done, and she’d burned in protective runes and other symbols I’d chosen before we did the final polish. It was far too big to take on the road and was the one item in my home I didn’t want to leave. All of the things my parents had left me were irreplaceable.

Grief closed off my throat. It hit me at random times that they were gone, and being forced to abandon the home they’d left me was dragging it all up to the surface. If whatever this was found us, if it wanted Seth or Caden, then this home wouldn’t be safe for them anymore. The refuge I’d welcomed them into would be a danger. If we couldn’t come back here, I’d have to leave my last connection to my parents to stay with Caden.

It was probably silly to worry about all of that now, but I couldn’t stop the thoughts from coming. I had no reason but sentimentality to stay where I was. I’d been working remotely since before Caden and I met so that I could foster kittens and be at home for them. I’d never lived anywhere except for this house, where the walls were steeped with memories.

A sob snuck out before I could silence it and Caden appeared in the doorway, instantly gathering me into his arms. I curled into his embrace, trying to ground myself with the heat of his body and the earthy scent that sank into my senses.

“I’m here,” he whispered against my hair.

A tiny paw tapped my knee, and I adjusted so Seth could climb onto my lap in his house cat form. Seth’s purr was loud, and he shoved his little head under my chin, paws kneading my shoulders. I let out a hiccuping laugh and kissed his forehead, tucking tighter against Caden.

This was how things were supposed to be. Seth was supposed to be here with us.

Please let me come with you.

Caden’s low growl rippled through me. “Fuck no. You’re the reason we have to run in the first place.”

“Of course you can come,” I replied, cuddling him to my chest. “How else will I know you’re safe unless you’re with us?”

Caden tensed like he wanted to argue, but it wasn’t a fight he would win and we both knew it.

I can help. Seth rotated in my arms to lie like a baby. Better to have two guards than one, right?

“I guess,” Caden grumbled.

I’ll be good.

“I’m not even convinced you know how to be good,” Caden retorted.

Rude. Seth wriggled, stretching out his back leggies until every toe was separated and he looked up at me with enormous eyes. Toe stretch magic. You stopped crying.

Caden wiped away the lingering tears on my cheeks and settled more comfortably, dragging us both with him. “We don’t have much time left. If there’s anything left to pack, we should get it in the car. I don’t want to rush you, but⁠—”

“I know. I’ll be okay, just feeling a lot at the moment. Give me a few minutes and then we can go.”

Caden left me with Seth to pack up while he went around unplugging all of the appliances except for the freezer.

I tucked a star-shaped lepidolite into my bag alongside a handful of tiger’s eye and hematite.

Seth paw-tapped a bowl of dried hawthorn berries, flicking them like he couldn’t help himself. Bring these ones.

“Yeah?”

Can’t hurt.

Run, little star. The voice reverberated in my head, ancient and smooth as flowing water.

Run?

Seth didn’t seem like he’d heard the voice.

Urgency snaked up my spine, panic locking around my throat. What the hell?

Go. Now.

Seth stiffened. Oh, fuck. He shifted so quickly I jumped back, and he yanked on his discarded clothes. “Caden!”

A sound reminiscent of ice scraping against glass had the hairs on my arms standing up. I swept my arm across the altar, sending items tumbling into the totes in my arms before zipping it shut and racing out the door with Seth. He snatched my purse off the kitchen table, and with shoes in hand, the three of us dove out the front door. I turned only long enough to lock the door before I froze in place.

At the end of the driveway, a wavering aura fractured the fragile, pale light of dawn. Before I could blink, it moved toward us like a river over the asphalt. Ice sank straight into my bones and my body felt like it was being ripped in half. My feet lifted off the ground, chilling claws carving into my skin. Memories filled my head of falling through the ice as a child on vacation, when I’d been playing where I shouldn’t have been: all-consuming cold that felt like knives was what I remembered most.

Caden slammed against me, the two of us crashing against the grass before he hooked an arm around my waist to toss me over his shoulder. He hurled me into the back seat in a pile with Seth and leapt into the driver’s side. The impact had me seeing stars, and I didn’t even have time to right myself before the vehicle was racing down the residential streets.

Scrabbling for purchase, I hauled myself upright and stared out the back window. What had been nearly invisible before was now a tangle of light and shadow, twisting and writhing strands rolling around a central pulsing point. I could hardly breathe as it trailed further and further behind.

Every ounce of my energy drained away and I collapsed into Seth.

“Shit. Hey, Lo, are you okay?” I managed to wrangle Logan onto her back, her head in my lap while Caden tackled the roads of Syracuse with reckless abandon. She was still breathing fine, and she shied away when I poked her cheek, so that was a good sign. “Who the fuck designed an evil entity that could travel during the day? That’s just plain fucking rude.”

“How is she?” Caden asked.

“Uh, not great, but definitely alive.”

“Fucking hell. I thought this thing was targeting shifters. Why did it touch her? I couldn’t even fucking see it.”

The look my brother leveled on me in the rearview mirror when he saw Logan sprawled over me could have melted steel.

“I don’t know why it went for her when we were both there. I know you didn’t want me to come, but Logan is squishy. She could do with another bodyguard. I don’t want her hurt.”

“Since when do you care about the well-being of my mate?”

“To be fair, I always cared, just…maybe not in the correct way.”

“If you set so much as one fucking toe out of line on this trip, I’m going to find some ancient forest god and shove you up its ass.”

Well, that was a rather visceral image. “I’ll be good.”

The roll of his eyes told me he didn’t believe that for a second. I’d missed him. His cranky ass was fun to have around. Or at least he had been when he’d used to willingly acknowledge my existence.

“Lo, can you wake up for me?” I cradled her, tapping her cheek.

Her eyelids fluttered open and she stared up at me with the softest smile before glancing around like she’d forgotten what had happened, and maybe she had. Who knew what that thing had done to her?

“How many fingers?” I held up three.

“Three.”

“You okay to sit up?”

“Gimme a minute.” She closed her eyes, her fingers curling around the seatbelt at my hip.

Logan rolled onto her side, face in my lap, and instantly fell asleep.

Alarm bells screamed in my head.

Fuck. I shifted my jeans against my tenting dick and tried to angle her away. What I wouldn’t give for a throw pillow.

Caden growled as we barreled down I-81.

“Slow down. The last thing we need is to get eaten while we’re pulled over for a ticket.”

Tension radiated off Caden, but he did slow down to the speed limit at least. I didn’t blame him for hating me. Or for not trusting me around his mate—technically Logan wasn’t officially his mate since they hadn’t bonded, but she was pretty close—since I’d fucked up majorly with his last one.

But I’d grown since then. I was older, maybe only a tiny bit wiser, but definitely willing to use this opportunity to try making things up to him. It sucked having your brother hate you. For good reason. But still.

The soft noise Logan made as she adjusted had my brain whiplashing to last night. Caden knew I could hear them. It had been torture. Her scent was intoxicating—rich and earthy, like a deep forest, and it smelled even sweeter now with hints of jasmine. I’d been left discreetly fucking my own fist on her living room couch like a loser as I’d listened to her desperate sounds.

While I was contemplating going house cat to preserve my sanity, Logan burst awake with a cry and I locked my arms around her.

“It’s okay. We’re okay,” I soothed.

Neither statement was true.

Logan buried her face in her hands and I held her close.

We drove for an hour before Logan finally chilled out and Caden’s shoulders stopped being stuck to his ears.

“Where are we going?” I eventually asked.

“Fuck if I know,” Caden snapped. “Right now the only goal is far away.”

I couldn’t fault that. I-81 blurred beneath us as Caden left Syracuse behind. He didn’t stop until we hit Scranton. By then Logan was more relaxed, sitting up on the other side of the back seat, but she hadn’t made a peep.

Peepless seemed bad.

Caden stopped for gas and I poked Logan’s shoulder. “Get out and stretch.”

She looked at me with freakishly blank eyes, but nodded and climbed out of the car.

Okay, that was unnerving.

Caden looked about ready to chuck the gas pump down and follow her, but we needed to fuel up.

“I’ve got her,” I said, hopping out to follow Logan. I stood outside the bathroom like a dutiful soldier. She took so long that I knocked on the door. “Lo, you okay in there?”

The door swung open and I jumped. Her eyes were red-rimmed. “Yeah, sorry.”

I walked her to Caden and made sure she was safely in the front seat before I went about my business. After relieving myself, I slipped inside the gas station to grab a bunch of candy—chocolate, gummies, some sour monstrosity that would pucker my lips right off my face—as well as some drinks and chips before booking it back to the car. I held a selection between the front seats.

“Snack?”

Logan grabbed one of the chocolate bars full of peanuts and caramel. I knew she had good taste.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

I missed her snappiness.

Sad Logan was freaking me out.

I held out two bottles—iced tea and water. She took the water, but just stared at it, along with the chocolate bar. I nudged Caden when he sat in his seat and he opened both for Logan, waiting until she’d consumed a bit of each. He took her hand, and while I couldn’t tell what he was saying in her head, she nodded and nibbled some more at the chocolate. Good. Maybe some sugar would help.

Caden flashed me a grateful smile—at least I assumed it was grateful—and got the car running again.

“I’ve got a buddy in Carlisle we could crash with,” I offered.

“Too dangerous for them. Also, not far enough.”

“Where is far enough?”

Caden shrugged. “I dunno. The fucking moon?”

I snorted and opened the map app on my phone. Maybe I could find us a decent hotel in the middle of bumfuck nowhere. I scrolled down the I-81 on the map, swerving off to some more remote locations. I found exactly what I was looking for and checked the vacancies. They had an assortment of cabins, set away from the rest and with a view of the mountains.

Booked.

I grabbed Caden’s phone and input the address.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I booked us a place for the night. Sweet cabin in good old West Virginia. Nice and deep in the woods and it’s over seven hours from Syracuse.”

Caden looked at me in the mirror like he was surprised I’d even thought of it.

Rude.

I have good ideas.

Sometimes.

We took the I-81 all the way to Hagerstown, Maryland, where we diverged west and followed the Potomac River for a while. We stopped for more snacks along the way, but it was hard to eat when you were worried about an unknowable entity on your tail.

Almost three hours after Hagerstown, we pulled in to our stop. I let Caden and Logan stay in the car and went to check in.

We’d traveled so far and presumably we’d be safe for a while. After I got the key, Caden drove to the one we’d be staying in. You couldn’t tell any other cabins were nearby from where we were. The Appalachians cocooned us like some giant mountain mama.

It was nice.

If you didn’t listen to the stories.

Hopefully Logan didn’t know too many of them.

It was beautiful.

I wanted to love it.

I felt like I was standing underwater as Caden pulled me from the car and walked me into our cabin. Seth brought my bag inside, tossing it onto the bed. The cabin was adorable and in any other conditions I’d have gushed over the classic rustic vibes, the view, the hot tub. But I could barely muster the energy to shuffle my feet.

Caden directed me to the bed, sat me down, and pulled off my shoes.

You want some tiny cat cuddles?

Gods. Yes.

I nodded.

Caden turned to Seth. “Cat. Now.”

“What?”

“Cat up, motherfucker. We need to de-stress her.”

“Oh.” Seth melted away until his big cat form sat in his place.

Small form, dipshit.

Seth huffed and melted again, his tiny version sitting on the floor. He hopped up onto the bed and headbutted my hand.

Caden joined a moment later. Insistent tiny paws pushed against my chest until I was lying flat. He climbed onto my chest and settled into a loaf.

Even at my worst, it made me smile.

Seth plunked down next to me and turned on his little motor. One hand stroked Caden’s back and the other scritched under Seth’s chin. Both of them purred like miniature buzzsaws, and I relaxed despite what was following us.

It was impossible to be maximum stressed with a happy cat on you.

They kept me pinned so long I fell asleep, and when I woke again, Caden was watching me with sleepy eyes. I tried to shift and he made a mrp of protest.

You know the rule.

I laughed to myself, jostling him. I did know the rule: laws of the universe dictated that if a cat was comfortable on you, you were absolutely forbidden from moving. He used it often when he thought I wasn’t resting enough.

Seth was stretched out by my pillow, his tiny head on my shoulder. He was snoring adorably. Caden stretched his feet in front of him, butt arching in the air before he settled down to use one of my boobs as a chin rest.

Feeling better?

“Much.” I sighed and picked up my phone, sending a message to my job that I had an emergency out of town and didn’t know when I’d be back.

Seth blinked sleepily before clarity filled his gaze. Didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. Sorry.

“It’s okay.” I rubbed the top of his head and triggered his purrs. He even made a few biscuits on the blanket before Caden paw-whacked him. I cupped Caden’s face. “No cat fights on the bed.” I scooped him to the side and sat up. My whole body ached from the stress and hours in the car. “I might take advantage of the hot tub.”

I don’t think I grabbed you a swimsuit but I’ll toss Seth off the porch if you want to soak.

I snorted. “I’ll go in with undies. It’s basically the same.”

Caden jumped on Seth and smushed his brother’s head under his tummy.

Go ahead. I’ve got his eyes covered.

Seth squirmed. I laughed and stripped off my outer layer, going to rinse off with the patio shower before slipping into the blissfully warm water.

The forest was quiet around us. It was twilight, with pale colors painting the tips of the mountains as the sun slid out of sight. In a perfect world Caden could de-stress me with some ropes and so many orgasms that I turned delirious, but the hot tub would have to do.

I sighed and sank deeper, letting the water brush my chin. “You can both come sit if you want. It’s a big tub.”

Seth hopped up onto the edge of the tub and sniffed the bubbling water. Caden slid in next to me in his human form, and pulled me against his chest. I curled to the side, draping my legs over his lap and let him gather me close.

I know nothing I can say will make everything okay, but I’m here. I love you.

I kissed him, tangling my fingers in his hair and let myself forget for a moment that my entire life had been torn to shreds.

Seth’s cold nose booped my shoulder and I turned to him. I fucked up coming to you guys. I’m sorry. I’ll fix it...somehow.

It was difficult to be mad at him with his eyes like saucers and his ears tucked back.

“You were in trouble. If you can’t run to your family, where can you?”

Seth nodded, but stayed quiet, getting into a loaf on the edge of the hot tub.

I’d been on vacations to the Appalachians at least a dozen times through my childhood. Those memories were full of tromping through the woods, cannonballing into lakes, and eating s’mores around campfires. The forest had been thrumming with life in those memories. Now, it lay eerily quiet. The usually screaming cicadas and rustling squirrels were silent.

Something was wrong in the forest. I could only assume the thing hunting us was making its way through. The trees were a refuge for me, and while I knew they weren’t always safe, they’d never felt wrong to me. Nature could be loved, respected, and feared at the same time, and that had been the relationship I’d forged with the expansive woods that stretched from New York to Georgia. It was a second home to me, and whatever was in there was defiling it with its presence.

What the hell was it? Why did it want Seth? The brief glimpse of it that I’d caught as we fled didn’t make sense. I’d never seen anything quite like the writhing mass of black smoke fighting with shards of sunlight.

I sighed and nestled tighter against Caden. I couldn’t look at the woods anymore.

We soaked until my fingers pruned and my stomach growled. I hadn’t noticed any restaurants on the way in, but we had a stash of food in the trunk from the pantry.

Seth’s head perked up. Pizza?

I had no idea what time it was or if anyone would even deliver to where we were, but it didn’t hurt to check. Caden found a place on his phone and called in the order. Luckily, with the promise of a large tip, they agreed to bring us food.

I fell upon the pizzas when they arrived. I was ravenous, desperate for the calories now that I’d finally relaxed and let my body descend from fight or flight mode. We took a break from the hot tub and watched some staticky TV while we ate, Seth curled in my lap as he chomped on a slice of pepperoni.

It was unfair how cute the little fucker was. Even though it was his fault we were in this mess, I couldn’t stop touching him. I couldn’t have a cat near me without petting it. It was like a cosmic rule.

I leaned into Caden and desire rushed through me. That was another cosmic rule I’d discovered since first taking him to bed. I always wanted more. If he was touching me, even when I was upset, the undercurrent was there.

We both knew if he’d pushed in the car I’d have let him fuck me and happily drowned in the sensation. He didn’t, though. He was never shy about letting me know he was down to fuck, but if I didn’t light up the beacons he wasn’t coming to my aid.

I looped a finger in the collar of his shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. Seth dramatically gagged and I broke away with a laugh.

Caden scooped his brother up by his scruff. “Go guard outside.”

Seth eyed the windows warily and puffed up his fur. It’s creepy out there.

“And it’s about to get freaky in here, so scoot.”

Seth huffed and marched his fluffy butt out onto the wraparound porch, hopping onto the now-covered hot tub, facing away from us.

Caden turned back to me and my blood turned to liquid fire from the look in his eyes. I lay back and let him climb over me on the couch, adoring being sandwiched between him and the leather. He dropped his mouth to my throat and sucked at the pulse point. I wanted him to bite me. He never agreed, insisting that I wouldn’t survive if he let himself claim me.

The words intoxicated me.

Claim.

Sometimes the fantasy of it got the better of me and I would literally beg him to tear me apart. Thankfully he had more control than I did. I wanted it again now, though. More than anything I wanted him to brand me, wanted to feel safe with his mark on me. I knew he would protect me, but we didn’t know what was after us. If we might die anyways, I wanted to risk letting him have all of me.

I tipped my head and offered my throat. “Take it.”

The groan he let out had goosebumps flickering to life on my skin and a heavy, pulsing beat forming between my thighs.

“I can’t.” The whisper was firm, agonized, and out loud rather than fed into my thoughts by his telepathy.

I didn’t mean to start crying. Caden sank against me, his hand cupping my face.

“I’m sorry. Logan, I want to. It’s just...”

“It’s not that.” I hiccuped. “I’m overwhelmed and tired and it’s not you at all.”

“We should sleep.”

“No.” I locked my arms around him and breathed him in. “Please. I need you. I want time where I don’t think about anything else except for you.”

He planted a soft kiss on my lips. “If you’re sure.”

I nodded frantically and grabbed his hips, pressing him closer.

They were fucking again.

I sighed and flopped down on the hot tub cover. This time at least it wasn’t for Caden to mark his territory and make me uncomfortable. If Logan needed that anchor, I wasn’t going to begrudge her. Even if it did put me in proximity to these freaky-ass woods.

I knew some of the stories. Not many, but even if you lived under a rock you’d heard of Mothman and Bigfoot and other things better left unnamed. Even shifters had no idea if what was out there was us or something…else. I wouldn’t be keen to wander into those endless trees in the middle of the night.

I switched over to my big-cat form to take advantage of the senses and the comfort of being big enough to deter most predators. I felt every whisper of the wind in my fur and whiskers. It was too quiet. The rustles of tiny creatures were magnified by their rarity and made my ears twitch. Something bigger was out there.

It was hard to concentrate over the sounds Logan was making, but I did my best to focus on the woods.

I chanced a look back into the cabin. That was a fucking mistake. Caden had her face first against the wall, his dick in her and his hand between her thighs. Her dark eyes locked on me when I turned before they scrunched shut as she came with a shuddering, breathless groan.

Fuck.

I whipped my gaze back to the woods.

Everything was fine.

Absolutely fucking perfect.

More than fine.

I one hundred percent wasn’t thinking about bending Logan over the balcony railing to force her to make that same sound for me.

Nope.

Such a thought would never enter my head.

The lust washed away under a swell of guilt. I couldn’t think about her like that. Not after what I’d done…after what I’d let happen to Rachel. Caden still hadn’t forgiven me, and to be honest I hadn’t forgiven myself. I couldn’t repeat that mistake with Logan.

The wind called my name and all my fur stood on end.

Oh. Fuck no. I turned around and booked it right back inside the cabin. To hell with whatever state they were in, I wasn’t going to let something out there eat me.

Caden pressed Logan tighter to the wall and used his arms to shield her as I bolted into the room, skidding on the patterned carpet and taking out the coffee table before finally coming to a stop.

“Dude, what the fuck?” Caden snatched a blanket off the couch and wrapped Logan up like a burrito. He left himself naked. I’d seen his dick a million times growing up, so it never mattered.

I refuse to be outside. Those trees are hiding fucked-up things. I huffed and threw myself into my human form and whipped every curtain shut.

“What kind of fucked-up things?” Caden asked. “What did you see?”

“I didn’t see anything. I felt it. Heard it. It called me.”

“Ope,” said Logan. “Yeah, stay in. That’s the rule of the Appalachians.”

Caden looked at her curiously. “What?”

“If you think you see something in the trees, no you don’t. If you think you heard someone call your name in the woods, no you didn’t.” She freed her arms from her burrito, and I tried to ignore the way her gaze swept over me; really I did. My dick wasn’t so good at ignoring. If I’d been wearing pants, I’d be pitching a serious tent. Gods, I wished I were wearing pants.

A growl rose in Caden’s throat and I clapped my hands over my jewels, awkwardly angling my forearms to hide my dick lest he decide to shift and take it out with a well-timed paw slap.

Logan disappeared to get dressed but Caden hung around to make sure I didn’t go anywhere near her. It was only when she emerged wearing a pair of galaxy leggings and a black sweatshirt, her long hair hanging in a thick rope over her shoulder, that Caden left to get dressed himself.

Logan wandered over to the curtains and I scooted away, unwilling to be naked and nearby when Caden returned. She pulled the fabric aside a tiny bit and peeked out.

“Someone’s standing at the edge of the woods.”

Goosebumps rippled up my back. Forgetting to keep my distance, I grabbed a throw pillow to cover my junk and chanced a look through the gap. “I don’t see anything.”

Logan looked at me, confused, before checking again. “But she’s right there. The woman in the jeans and peasant top.”

I looked everywhere, but saw nothing.

“What’s going on?” Caden asked as he entered the room.

“Lo says someone’s out there.”

Logan huffed. “She’s there.”

Caden pushed me out of the way. His gaze flickered this way and that, scanning the area. “I don’t see anyone.”

Logan whipped the curtain open and pointed to a gap in the trees. “There.”

Caden and I exchanged glances.

“You guys. There’s a whole-ass person out there. How do you not see her?”

“Lo,” I said softly. “There’s no one there.”

She turned desperately to Caden and he could only nod.

“But…” She focused back on the window, her eyes locked on something out there. “I see her.”

Logan moved to open the patio door, and Caden locked a hand on her wrist. “You can’t go out there.”

“What if she needs help?”

“You’re the one who told me not to go,” I said. “What happened to ‘if you think you see something in the trees, no you don’t’?”

Logan bit her lip and I was immediately thankful for the pillow obscuring my dick. I slipped into my smallest form and wove through her ankles.

Open the door for me. I’ll check it out.

I didn’t want to, but I wanted her going out there even less.

She cracked the door open and I slunk through, walking gingerly to the edge of the deck. I still didn’t see a damn thing. I lifted my nose to the air, sniffing out anything weird, but there was only pine and earth. The wrongness that had been hunting us wasn’t here. Even so, I was still hesitant to go any further.

Is she still there?

“Yep.”

I didn’t like that I couldn’t see what she did. A ripple of cool air washed over me and my fur puffed out like a pom-pom.

The glass slid open and Logan stepped outside, scooping me into her arms.

“Hey!” she snapped. “Quit scaring him.”

Caden had his arm around her waist, trying to pull us both inside.

I clung to her, claws digging into her arm as Caden hoisted us away from the patio. He locked the doors, closed the curtains, and went to the kitchen to dig out a salt shaker from the cupboards. While he sprinkled the ground along the door, Logan held me cuddled to her chest.

I can’t believe you yelled at a ghost.

“Is that what it was?”

Not a fucking clue. I bumped her chin with my head. You’re a badass, Lo.

She scratched my ears and I melted into her touch, my purr vibrating through me.

Magic fingers.

I squawked as Caden scooped me up by the belly, lifted me off, and dropped me onto the floor.

Caden eyed me. Stop it.

“I wish we had more than salt,” Logan said.

“We have more in the trunk, but no one is going out there to get it. This is better than nothing.” Caden paced the cabin and I snuck back to Logan since she was nervously picking at her cuticles. I could think of much better ways to work out nervous energy. She pet me without even looking, her hands too in the habit of responding to something warm and fluffy nearby. Caden glared at me, but didn’t come to toss me this time. He double- and triple-checked the locks, not that they would do much against a ghost.

If you want me to do guard duty tonight, I’ll need to get some sleep first.

Caden nodded.

I wasn’t keen on running forever. We needed to find someone who could tell us what the fuck was following us.

Caden let out a low growl. He had to be pissed right off that he didn’t know how to keep her safe. I had no idea either and it was making me antsy.

I wanted to know how fucked we all were.

Helplessness was a feeling I’d never gotten used to. Logan always trusted I’d protect her. I didn’t know how I was going to do that this time. All I wanted to do was wrap her in my arms and pretend everything was fine.

“You should sleep,” I said.

“I’m not tired,” Logan said, even as she yawned.

I bundled her onto the couch and sat down, getting her to stretch out with her head on my lap. I draped one of the blankets over her and she snuggled in. She deserved so much more than I could give her. Seth sat on the floor, staring up at her, until she patted the couch for him to hop up.

I rolled my eyes. Even knowing it was a shifter, she couldn’t help but treat my brother like she’d treat any regular cat out there. I supposed I should be grateful she loved so widely and so easily. It had saved my life after all, but my brother knew how to get under my skin. He also had to know that Logan’s guard was down when he was in his small form. She wouldn’t be patting the couch for him to join her if he were a panther or a human.

I sighed and tried not to pay too much attention to the way he weaseled himself into her arms and purred like there was no place else he’d rather be.

It wasn’t fair.

It was his own damn fault I couldn’t love him the way I used to. He’d ruined everything. Now he’d waltzed right back into my life and ruined it all again.

Fucking perfect.

I wanted to hate him. How do you hate someone you raised? He’d done really fucking stupid things in the past. I’d never hated him, though. I had been beyond angry, wildly disappointed, hurt to the point I thought I might break and never recover, but I didn’t hate him. Logan had healed a lot of my gaping wounds, both physical and metaphorical, but some would never heal. I was faced with the very real possibility I’d always think of Rachel when I looked at Seth.

My first mate had been soft and quiet, with hair like fire and eyes so dark a blue they felt like they were swallowing me up. I could still remember the euphoria of sinking my fangs into her to claim her as mine.

She and I hadn’t been right for each other.

I knew that. Now, anyway.

But it didn’t make the sting hurt any less or assuage the grief that had followed. She’d left me so easily. And then she was gone, torn out of this world, and all that remained was the unbridgeable, cavernous maw that stretched between Seth and me.

All these years, I’d wondered how he truly felt about the matter. He always rolled back in like he hadn’t curb-stomped my soul. Logan didn’t know what had happened. I’d never wanted to go into the details. She knew we weren’t close and that Seth had fucked up hard, but that was where her knowledge ended. I didn’t want her to look at him and see what I did.

Logan’s breathing was soft and even, her warmth on my thigh a steady anchor. I’d tried every day since I revealed myself to her to make it up to her, to show her how much I loved her and appreciated her patience. Her kindness. I sucked in a sharp breath, the burn of tears rising up.

If she got hurt because of me, I’d never forgive myself. I wouldn’t survive it happening a second time. Part of me wanted to grab Seth by his scruff and chuck him out to whatever was waiting for us, but I could never go through with it.

We both knew it.

I traced Logan’s cheek. Her skin was soft and I took as much pleasure in touching it as she did from stroking my fur. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find someone who loved all of me.

She shifted on my lap, her fingers curling against my thigh. I closed my eyes and pushed down the swell of desire. We all needed rest. I couldn’t wake Seth just to take Logan to the bedroom.

My phone was somewhere out of reach, so I was left with my thoughts. I ran through my memory, trying to think of anyone who could help. Old shifters and others of the supernatural variety were vaguely known by most members of the community, but I had no way of knowing how receptive they’d be to us. My own family, what little of it was left, was scattered across the globe.

I poked at Seth until he lifted a sleepy head.

Go grab my phone.

Seth yawned and slid like water out of Logan’s arms. Where is it?

I shrugged and he did a circuit around the cabin before finding it under the table. He pushed it toward me with his paws and handed it up, the device dwarfing his head as he passed it over.

Thanks.

Entirely ignoring my glare as he hopped onto the couch, he slid right into Logan’s embrace. She murmured something unintelligible, nestling harder into my thigh and squeezing him closer.

Watching them together was weird. Seth had always had trouble sleeping when he was young and would only be able to fall asleep if I held him. Now he was passed out with Logan, without a care in the world. Part of me craved knowing what had changed, but that would require a conversation about the past and I wasn’t quite ready for that. The funny thing about problems was that ignoring them wasn’t the same as dealing with them, and I’d been running from that conversation for almost sixty years. With the high likelihood of death, I couldn’t avoid it much longer.

I signed on to one of the many private shifter forums and searched for anything that might help. No one had reported anything about an unseen attacker since Rochester and Fairport.

Well, that was useless.

I put up a post with what details I had in the hope that someone might know something.

Since I had no idea what the fuck to try looking up, I settled on reading one of the thousand romance novels I had on my phone. I was eyeballs deep in Maisie and Corbin’s growing love when Logan shifted next to me and released a soft whine.

Soft touches woke me. Everything felt hazy, like the world wasn’t quite real. I stood in the main room of the cabin with two dark heads staring at me from their kneeling positions before me.

Two?

Why was Seth kneeling? Caden had done so plenty of times. For some reason it didn’t feel strange to have Seth here too.

It should have.

Twinned hazel gazes watched me before dipping forward, eager mouths acquainting themselves with my skin. The ripple of lust caught me off guard. I stared down at myself. Why was I naked?

Before my brain could process the question any further, Seth sucked my nipple into his mouth and my knees buckled. Not to be outdone, Caden did the same and he reached his hand up to hold the back of my neck the way he did when he wanted me to feel his power without hurting me. I threaded my fingers through their hair, half-delirious with pleasure. I struggled not to pull their hair, afraid it would break the spell and they’d move away from the perfect spots they’d settled on.

I wanted more, craved it down to the depths of my being.

Caden should have been pissed. Why wasn't he pushing Seth away? Sweeping tongues drove questions from my brain again. Electricity arced from their mouths down to my pussy, wetness leaking down my thighs. Every muscle fiber shook. Every nerve screamed as the waiting release built. Their fingers dug into me, kneading pliant flesh, their fangs coming out to tease me.

Seth slid down, propping one of my thighs on his shoulder before delving his tongue inside me. I almost came on the spot but hovered frustratingly near the edge instead. Caden rose up, a dark power roiling in his gaze. He leaned in, his fangs brushing my throat before sinking like knives into my flesh.

I jolted awake, sweat coating my skin. Caden sprang up and Seth flung to the ground with a yelp and popped up in his panther form.

“It’s fine,” I said, pressing a hand over my pounding heart. I gulped in air, my body still tingling. “Just a dream.”

HA.

What a fucking dream it had been.

Guilt welled up in my gut. Caden would be heartbroken that Seth had been in a dream like that, even if I couldn’t control what went on in my sleeping brain. I couldn’t tell him.

Fucking hell, Lo. Seth’s voice filled my head. You scared the shit out of me.

I sat up properly and he pressed against my legs, flopping down at my feet.

Caden settled down next to me and took my face in his hand. You’re sure you’re okay?

I nodded.

His nostrils flared. You’re wet.

Heat flooded my cheeks and I nodded again. Seth made a weird sound, sort of a huffing whine, and an answering growl rose up in Caden.

“Stand guard,” Caden ordered.

He took my hand, his gaze flickering toward the bedroom then back to me. I rose off the couch and followed him, forcing myself not to look at Seth.

Caden didn’t have to know what had gotten me horny in the middle of the night. He’d probably assume it was a nightmare, given how my brain worked. Besides, he was the only one I needed to slake my lust.

How do you want me?

“As hard and fast as possible.”

He flashed me a grin before tossing me onto my stomach, hoisting my hips up. He pulled down my leggings, and his fingers brushed over my clit. I knew I was embarrassingly slick. I could feel it as he moved his hand over me, and it only made it worse. I wiggled my ass and groaned as he settled himself behind me, reaching one hand forward to hold my throat while he drove his cock into me. Each textured ridge made me shudder, stretching and teasing as he sank in.

I braced myself on the crisscrossing logs of the headboard, a wordless cry pushed out of me as he buried himself to the hilt. He usually took more time, but I didn’t want that tonight. As much as I adored the slow and methodical approach that drove me to the brink, made me beg and come apart under his focused attention, sometimes a girl just wanted to get railed senseless.

Caden fucked hard, the slap of skin on skin impossibly loud above my labored breathing. My nails bit into the wood beneath my hands. Hunger snaked up my spine and Caden leaned over me. A deep, threatening growl rumbled against my skin. Goosebumps flared to life as his teeth held me in place by the curve of my throat. Panic and pleasure sang through me, an intoxicating swell that hit me like a drug and knocked me breathless.

“Fuck, yes,” I gasped, shuddering as I squirmed, and found myself unable to gain an inch without risking the points of his fangs.

He reached around and it took only a few strokes of my clit to send me over the edge.

Caden held me immobile, hips snapping against me as he came. My whole body pulsed to the beat of my orgasm before he lowered me to the bed as it tapered off. I shivered as he wrapped around me, his mouth teasing up my throat.

Better?

I let out a contented hum and snuggled closer. I should go wash up, but my limbs felt like lead and I had no great desire to move.

If Caden could keep fucking me like this, I’d probably forget we were being hunted. An impatient whine sounded from the main room now that we’d gone quiet. Heat flushed my cheeks.

Seth definitely heard us.

I hadn’t been remotely quiet and somehow I wasn’t upset about it. I should have been, or at least embarrassed, but as I waited for the emotion to surface, it lay silent.

I pulled on one of the robes provided—a cozy flannel—and slipped out of the bedroom toward the bathroom to shower. I caught Seth’s gaze as I crossed the brief distance and tried to ignore the rush of heat those panther eyes invoked.

The hot water was a welcome relief. It washed away sweat and worries in equal measure. I took my time scrubbing down since I had no idea when we’d have to run and what the amenities would be like in the next location. Might as well take advantage of luxuries while we had them.

My thoughts bounced around like a shaken box of Ping-Pong balls. Caden was the perfect distraction from the darker ones—the thing hunting us and the woman outside only I could see—but he didn’t help distract me from the concerning rise in tingles that came when Seth slipped into my thoughts too.

Fucking dream.

It wasn’t my fault they were so similar. How was I supposed to look at Seth and not feel anything when looking at Caden turned me into a puddle? I liked Seth’s snappiness and wit. The only thing I didn’t like was that he’d apparently hurt Caden and I didn’t know what was involved or how bad it had been. I should have felt a lot guiltier than I did, but it wasn’t like I was planning to walk out there and ravish Seth on the breakfast table.

Need buzzed over my skin.

If my body could cooperate and calm down, that would be great. Fear kink really fucked a girl up sometimes. Caden found out the fun way what horror movies do to me, and now we were living in one. I sighed. It was going to be a long road trip if this kept up. Caden would reap all the benefits of my being a horny mess, which was a lot of fun for me, but running for our lives was really not the time.

I let my forehead rest against the tile, taking a second to breathe before finishing up. Not eager to face either of them, I lingered in the bathroom, combing my damp hair smooth, applying lotion to all the bits I could reach, and brushing my teeth.

I stepped out refreshed, wrapped only in the flannel robe. Seth was at the window in his small form, his fluffy booty sticking out between the curtains. Caden was in the kitchen, brewing some coffee. Pale light peeked around the edge of the curtains.

“It’s morning?” I asked.

“Barely,” Caden replied.

Lo, is she still outside?

I wandered over to where Seth was surveying the outside world. I pulled the fabric back an inch and looked out to the woods. The woman was still there. Was she waiting? For what?

“I think I should go talk to her.”

“No.”

No.

Both protests sounded simultaneously.

I rolled my eyes and bent down to dig through the tote bags I’d brought. While I had no idea of the effectiveness of any of my tools, I pulled out a tiger’s eye pendant with a protective sigil carved into it, and I looped it over my neck. I got dressed in my leggings, tank top, and sweater and pulled on my shoes.

“You’re not going out there.” Caden stood between me and the door. “You’re the one who told me the rules of these mountains. Don’t look in the trees. If you hear something, no you didn’t. If you see something, no you didn’t. Why would you ignore that now?”

“I don’t know. I feel like I need to go. Besides, if she’s dangerous, why isn’t she trying to get inside?”

“Maybe because she’s waiting for someone to be reckless enough to go out there?”

“Can you please let me try?” I set a hand on his chest and he softened despite his hesitancy. “I’ll let you know if she starts moving. I want to find out what she wants.”

He growled low and huffed. “Fine, but I’m coming with you.”

“More than fair.”

He followed me outside and Seth trotted along after us, still in his small form. The chill from overnight lingered, but the birds were already singing and the ground was slick with dew. It was reassuring that the forest seemed alive compared to the freaky silence from last night.

The woman didn’t move from her spot and her expression seemed almost relieved to see us. We paused a fairly safe distance away. She was fuzzy and translucent, with straight brown hair that fell to her waist over a white peasant top and bell-bottom jeans. She didn’t feel malevolent to me. My unease was probably a normal human response to something weird.

“Hey,” I said, for lack of anything better. “Are you just out here being spooky or do you need help?”

She tried to speak, but when no sound came out, she held up two fingers.

“Okay, you need help.”

She nodded.

“Is it something I can help with?”

Another nod.

Lo, you’re freaking me out, talking to air. Seth brushed against my ankles.

The woman wrapped one arm around herself. Seth pressed more firmly against me.

“How do I help?”

She pointed into the woods.

I wasn’t really excited about going into the forest with her. “Um, you’re going to have to give us a bit more information. They’re not going to let me go traipsing into the Appalachians with you.”

The woman paused. I guess it wouldn’t be easy to explain if you couldn’t talk to someone and also couldn’t show them what you wanted. Her form shimmered and red blossomed over the front of her shirt. She lay down in the dirt and stared at me with blank eyes.

Oh shit.

My stomach heaved. “Were you murdered?”

She nodded from her place on the ground and pointed in the woods. Her body had to be in there. Maybe all she wanted was to be properly laid to rest. I sucked in a deep breath and stepped forward. Caden’s hand locked around my wrist.

Where are you going?

“Into the woods. She needs us. Do you feel anything dangerous?”

I don’t, Seth replied.

Caden glanced around and shifted into his panther form, his whiskers twitching. Just because we don’t sense something wrong doesn’t mean there’s nothing dangerous.

“Well, keep your eyes peeled and we’ll leave if we need to.” I turned back to the woman. “Show us where your body is.”

The forest took a deep breath. The ground rippled beneath my feet as the wind made the trees whisper. What the fuck? I paused at the edge of the trees, listening. Resting my fingers on the branch of the nearest tree, I focused, trying to sense if something was wrong, but it felt like the normal forest to me. I decided to take it as a sign that I was doing what I was supposed to. A rational person would be terrified, but calm settled over me.

Caden shoved himself between my legs, forcing me to ride on his back for a quick escape, and Seth shifted into his panther form as well, following so close my leg was sandwiched between them. We walked into the woods for about twenty minutes, the two panthers getting increasingly agitated. I stroked a reassuring hand over their fur every so often.

“How much further?” I asked.

The woman turned slowly and all the hairs on my arms stood to attention. Her spirit sank into the ground at her feet and I slid off Caden despite his growl of protest.

My tongue felt heavy in my mouth. I set a palm over what had to be her tainted grave and a ripple of energy warmed me.

“Gaia, Great Mother, protect and keep your daughter. Hecate watch over her as she walks from this world into the next.” I traced my fingertips through the detritus and soil, letting my hand move of its own volition.

She was here.

She was waiting.

Nausea clawed at my insides and I braced myself against the ground, breathing slow and deep. Her translucent hand reached up through the soil and wrapped around my wrist. I jerked away, but there was no give in her grip. Panic choked me. She wasn’t hurting me, but she wasn’t letting me leave.

Find me. The soft voice of a young woman filled my head.

“I need you both to dig.”

Caden and Seth tore into the ground with their massive paws. The soil gave way. Earth and pine and decay filled my nose.

Virginia Burke. The voice was soft and sounded nothing like Caden or Seth. It had to be her name. Had she told me, or had something else? I wasn’t sure it mattered.

I tugged on my arm again, but she held tightly. I set my own hand over hers. “We’re coming, Virginia.”

Seth shook his paw. I hit something. Bone?

I leaned forward and used my hands to brush away the last remnants of soil. Frayed fabric and yellowed bone sat cradled in the earth. Gods. Who had done this to her?

I pulled out my phone. One bar of service. It was at least enough to phone the police. Numbness spread over me as I relayed our location and what we had found.

They were busy but would come.

My wrist was going numb in Virginia’s grasp.

“Please, let me go,” I whispered. “I can’t stay out here forever.”

Virginia’s spirit released me and rose up, sitting next to her grave. I snatched back my hand and scooted away from it, rubbing feeling back into my arm. Seth and Caden curled around me in their massive bodies, their warmth and closeness a balm I sorely needed.

I wasn’t sure how long we waited before Caden lifted his nose into the air. They’re close.

Caden melted into his small form and Seth followed suit a few moments before a pair of officers came into view.

“Ms. Murphy?”

I nodded and pulled myself to standing on wobbly legs.

“I’m Sheriff Barnes. This is Officer Williams.” The sheriff glanced over at the ground. “Christ. Whoever this is has been dead a long time. How did you find them?”

I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Seth booped my leg with his nose.

“My cats.” I cobbled together the story in my mind before spitting it out. “They got out and I ran after them. Found them digging. I kept going to see what they’d gotten into.”

“We’ll have to do an investigation and excavate the body,” said the sheriff.

I gave him my contact information and asked to be kept in the loop. Everything truthful I could tell them would get me hauled in for questioning so I stayed quiet, saying only that I was here on vacation and that I didn’t live in the area. Thankfully it was plain to everyone that the body had probably been there for decades, so I wasn’t suspicious. From the look of the spirit, that body had been there longer than I’d been alive.

“Are you able to get back out of the woods?” Officer Williams asked.

“I think so.” It was basically a straight line and I knew Seth and Caden would be able to guide me if I got turned around.

Virginia’s voice rang clear in my head. Thank you.

My legs shook as I walked in the direction we’d come from. It got harder and harder to breathe until I sank to my knees, letting the sobs tear free. Caden returned to human form and gathered me into his arms. He stayed quiet. There wasn’t really any comfort he could give after we’d found a murder victim in the woods.

I wasn’t sure how long I cried there, surrounded by the yawning Appalachians. The forest pulsed around me and made my head swim. I had no idea what was happening, but it faded as quickly as it started and I attributed it to the sobfest.

Seth pressed against me. You want a ride, Lo?

I nodded without saying a word. Seth shifted into his larger form and I climbed onto him, Caden sliding into his panther form as well. We picked our way through the forest, and before we got back to the cabin, they were back in their small forms to follow me inside.

Logan was covered in dirt, and bits of the forest clung to her. With the door closed behind us, I ushered her into the bathroom and filled up the tub, brushing the leaves, pine needles, and the worst of the soil free. I ignored the experience we’d just been through in order to get her settled. I got her in the water and sat on the floor to comb her hair.

She didn’t say a word.

I stayed with her until the water cooled and eventually managed to convince her to climb out.

Logan slid into my arms, pressing the length of her damp body to mine. “I can’t believe someone killed her and left her there.”

I squeezed her tighter. “There’s a lot of evil running around in the world.”

“I hate it.” She sounded so tired.

“I know. You’re helping her get home. They’ll figure out who she is and her family will have closure.”

“Why couldn’t you and Seth see her? I thought cats can see ghosts.”

“Maybe she only wanted you to see her.”

Logan allowed me to put a fresh robe on her before I gathered her up to come into the living room. Seth already had a fire going to fill the room with warmth.

He turned toward us. “I’m thinking we’ll be okay with another night here. I didn’t go very far before that thing caught up to me, but we put some decent distance between us.”

“Are we going to run forever?” Logan asked.

“At least until we figure out what’s hunting us and how to kill it,” I replied.

She didn’t like that response. I could tell by the bristling tension of her body, but she bit her tongue.

“I need to see it again so I have a better idea of what the possibilities are.”

“Wait.” Seth’s eyes widened. “Again?”

“Yeah.” Logan seemed confused for a moment until she remembered. “Oh, right. You can’t see it.”

Seth turned to me. “How the fuck?”

I could only shrug. I hadn’t a clue why the hell Logan could see things we couldn’t.

“Is this a new thing or have you just never mentioned it before?” I asked.

“New. I don’t remember it ever happening in the past. Just since Seth popped up.”

I glared at my brother even though it was probably not his fault. Everything came back to him.

“Please don’t look at me like that,” he whispered. “I’d never hurt her.”

I bit back what I wanted to say. Intention was different from action. He hadn’t meant to hurt Rachel either. Logan set a soft hand on my chest and I let it soothe away my tension. Seth didn’t matter right now. She did.

Her stomach growled and I laughed quietly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “We should get you some food. It’s been a rough morning.”

“Food sounds amazing.”

Seth perked up. “I saw a nice-looking diner on our way in.”

“I like diners.” Logan leaned against me and I summoned up a purr to help her relax.

“Get yourself dressed,” I told her, though I had no clothes on either. “We’ll bring everything with us just in case. The last thing we want is to come back from breakfast and find that thing crawling all over this place with our stuff inside.”

We parted ways long enough to all get dressed for the day and get our supplies packed and loaded into the car.

It wasn’t until we sat down inside the diner that I realized how hungry I was. Or how exhausted. We ordered enough food to feed an army and I gulped down some creamy coffee with extra sugar to ease the roar of my stomach while we waited. Seth was eyeballing the sugar like he might pour it straight down his gullet to tame his hunger.

I was ready to chew my own arm off by the time the server returned. A whole pancake disappeared in three bites without even the benefit of syrup. I washed it down with coffee and sat for a moment as the spongy sweetness tempered some of the growls. We polished off the breakfast platters so quickly the server’s eyes widened when she returned to top up our coffees.

My phone pinged, a notification from the forums popping up. Hope inflated a bubble in my chest. I pulled up the thread and read the reply.

My bestie is an omega witch and she said it sounds kind of like something they’ve been having problems with. They lost six of their coven in an attack a few months ago and haven’t been back together since. It drained their magic. They died before anything could be done.

Revulsion turned my gut. I read it over again. I didn’t personally know any witches. Logan was a practitioner, but she was a religious witch, not the kind this person was talking about.

I turned to Seth. Know any omega witches?

Don’t think so. Why?

I passed my phone to Logan and she clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh gods.” She took a shaky sip of her coffee.

I’d explained the difference between religious witches and omega witches to her before. Omegas of all species wielded more magic than alphas and betas, though no one was quite sure why, and like shifters, witches were born with a core of magic. It let them influence their bodies and the world around them if they mastered their skills. Humans had adopted the term and applied it to their limited capacity for magic and their spirituality.

I stared at the text, willing it to give me more answers. Why was this thing following us if it hunted witches? Maybe it hunted anything with magic? We were so small in number compared to the humans. We couldn’t afford to lose entire groups or we’d face extinction.

I chewed my lip, trying to formulate some semblance of a plan. I wrote back and asked for a list of a few nest locations in case we got desperate. We couldn’t run forever. Eventually our supplies of money would deplete while we were paying for the gas, hotels, and food without being able to replenish our accounts. If this thing was targeting anyone with magic, then someone had to figure out how to destroy it.

Would Logan be safer if she wasn’t with us? She was human, and if this creature wanted to eat our magic, maybe we should circle back, drop her off. Seth and I could disappear. The idea choked me. I didn’t want to leave her, but I would if it meant she was safe…

I’d never forgive myself if she died because of me.

“What’s going on in that head?” Logan asked, leaning against my arm.

It wants magic. It wants us. You don’t have to run.

Her face pinched. “The fuck I don’t. I’m not leaving you.”

“You don’t need to be in danger.”

Logan was nothing if not stubborn, and I knew the idea of abandoning us chafed her as much as leaving her bothered me.

“Don’t you fucking dare make me break down in a diner.” She sniffed back tears.

I didn’t push the issue until we were out in the car. “I don’t want to separate but I also don’t want you dead.”

She looked ready to punch me. “You can’t even see this thing. You need me.”

“She’s got a point,” said Seth.

“Shut up, Seth.” I focused on Logan. “I need you safe.”

“If you think for one fucking second I’d ever forgive myself if that thing got you because you couldn’t see it coming…” She hiccuped and wrapped her arms around herself. I reached for her, but she pulled away. “Don’t touch me.”

Guilt tore through me. I’m sorry.

She closed her eyes and curled up in her seat, looking out the window instead of at me.

“Logan, please,” I whispered.

She didn’t respond, but at least Seth didn’t add his two cents. I hated the tension. I drove us to the cabin and we went inside in silence. Logan diverted to the patio, rolled up her pants and stuck her feet in the hot tub.

I gave her some space and stayed in the main room, sitting by Seth as he got the fireplace going again. It wasn’t necessary, but it added to the ambience.

I don’t want to lose her.

Seth looked over to me, mouth dropped open in shock, but then I didn’t suppose he expected me to open up to him about all of this.

I get why you’re worried. Lo’s a lot feistier than Rachel, though.

I sighed and shoved my hands through my hair. Rachel was a witch and she still didn’t make it. Feist doesn’t help much with a monster that’s sucking people dry.

Just…don’t push her away. We’ll keep her safe. Better to let her go on her own terms if she gets tired of running.

I stared at my brother. My chest ached.

He closed the grate on the fireplace and sat down across from me. I would take back everything that happened with Rachel if I could.

For all that I’d been furious with him over what happened, I wasn’t all that clear on the details. What did happen with Rachel?

Seth raised an eyebrow.

I know what happened physically, but I don’t know why.

I always saw what you two had and wanted it for myself, but I didn’t want to leave you to go find it. I pretty much had a crush on her from the second she came into the picture and the more time I spent with her, the more I wanted her.

I wasn’t overly comforted by the idea that he’d gone after my mate because of her proximity. Seth had only been fifteen when I’d gotten involved with Rachel, and I couldn’t fault him for having a teenage crush, but he’d been an adult when everything went down. She’d been old enough to know better, but it was difficult to be angry with a ghost.

Seth fidgeted uncomfortably. She told me she wanted out but was too chickenshit to say it to your face. I don’t think she really wanted me, he continued. I think I was an opportunity to her. She bounced less than a month after we left.

She’d been afraid to talk to me? The knowledge made me sick. If she’d felt safer, she wouldn’t have needed an opportunity.

I swallowed hard. The person I’d been in my younger years wasn’t as in control as the one I was today. I’d never have hurt her, but who knew how she’d felt around me back then. Guilt and disgust at myself filled me up to bursting.

I failed her.

Seth cringed. We both did. But it’s not like she was the paragon of communication and great choices, either. I have no idea how she died.

I had no idea either. All I knew was that she was gone. I’d felt the snap of our bond and there was only one reason it would have broken.

I had to do things right this time. Logan had no problem telling me off when she needed to, so I’d improved in that regard, but I couldn’t let her die because of her own stubbornness.

Seth stared at his hands, examining his cuticles with unnecessary attention. I don’t know if I’d be strong enough to send Lo away if she were mine.

Seth’s words had me laser-focusing on him.

I’d die to protect her, even when she’s yours, he said. I won’t let anything hurt her or you. I owe you that much.

I swallowed the sudden rise of emotion. My throat was thick and I knew if I tried to speak, the words would lodge themselves there. Thank you. But I don’t want you to die either.

Seth’s expression was soft. I craved more than ever for things to be how they’d been in the past. We’d been so close. We hadn’t had anyone else in the world but each other, and I missed it. I almost reached out to him, to bridge the gap, but I was too much of a coward.

His face fell.

I wanted to be brave enough to repair things, to set aside the agony that still smoldered deep in my gut. Maybe I was finally strong enough for that.

“Seth.” My name was soft and breathy on Rachel’s lips as she pulled me aside. Her fiery hair hung over her shoulder in a braid, charms and crystals hanging from the end of it that caught the light. “Keep this on, okay?”

She tied the black woven strands around my wrist. A rush of affection washed over me. I’d watched her weave it, fascinated by the work of her dextrous fingers, but hadn’t known it was for me.

“You’re an adult to the humans now,” she said, her fingertips tracing the veins in my wrist, sending sparks through my body. Every time she touched me, she lit a fire under my skin.

“Yep.” I swallowed hard, immediately transfixed when she turned those navy eyes on me.

“You like me, don’t you?”

I nodded frantically. “Of course I like you. Who wouldn’t?”

Rachel’s soft smile was a prize I tried to win daily. I’d been besotted with her for years and ate up every crumb of attention she gave me like it was a gourmet meal. I knew she was off limits. She was married and mated to my brother, but that knowledge did nothing to squish those feelings.

When she lifted my hand and kissed my wrist above where the knotted threads came together, it was like time stopped. “You love me, right?”

My tongue felt like a lead weight in my mouth as I struggled to breathe enough to answer her.

She moved closer, brushing her mouth against mine. The heat of her lips was too much, like the burn of liquor straight down my throat, and I was helpless to resist. I had dreamed of kissing her, but never imagined it would actually happen.

The world melted away, and when I resurfaced, we were in the car with Rachel looking pensive in the front seat.

“You’re sure this is what you want?” My voice sounded so strange to me, like I was both underwater and echoing.

“I can’t stay, Seth. He doesn’t want me the way he’s supposed to.”

I turned to the road briefly, and when I looked back at Rachel, she was gone, with only an empty seat and scenery flying past me. “Rachel?”

The wheels lost traction, my car spinning out of control and plunging through an aura that turned the air wavery. Ice sank into every cell and I jolted with a screech, my house cat form tumbling into the hot tub where I’d fallen asleep on the edge.

Logan scooped me up and cradled me to her chest, the water from my fur sinking into her shirt. “Shh, it’s okay. Did you have a nightmare?”

I clung tightly to her. She smelled like the forest with night-blooming jasmine, making me want to curl up inside her shirt and fall asleep. It hadn’t been a nightmare, more a memory. Not ’til the end.

It still made me feel like a dumbass that I’d tossed my relationship with Caden out the window for a chance with Rachel. She’d been so beautiful, and he’d loved her so much. I’d just wanted to be a part of that. It didn’t make a lot of sense to me even now.

Caden had raised me after our parents died, and as soon as I’d gotten old enough to start fending for myself, he’d sought out a mate and found Rachel. Maybe it was jealousy. She’d stolen his heart and his attention, leaving a lot less for me, and I hadn’t liked that one bit. She’d wanted me, though. At least, I’d thought so.

If nothing else, at least this fucking monster was letting me spend time with my brother again. I wouldn’t thank it or anything, but I could appreciate the forced proximity. We hadn’t ever talked about Rachel. I was glad we finally had. She’d burned me as much as him and had paid for her choices with her life. I still didn’t know what got her. She’d used me to leave him, seduced me so easily, and left me in the night.

Logan’s magic fingers got my purr rumbling. She was beautiful too and had stolen Caden more thoroughly than Rachel ever had.

I wanted her.

Her gaze was like gasoline on the fire inside me. One look turned my guts into an inferno that was ready to burn me up. I had to stop falling for Caden’s women. Fuck him for having the same taste as me.

From the first time I’d met Logan, I’d felt that pull. It was fucking unfair. I’d tried so hard to keep my distance, to look for what I wanted in other people, hoping and praying that the next time I saw her it would have faded.

Spoiler alert. It fucking did not.

I didn’t even know what it was about her. It was like she’d reached straight through me and tied a rope around my spine, yanking me toward her whenever I was nearby. I shoved it all down. It was dangerous to indulge myself even thinking about her. Didn’t mean I was good at avoiding it, but at least I was aware it was a terrible idea.

Did that make it better or worse?

Logan let out a soft sound and my fur puffed up.

Gods-dammit.

I should get out of here and take a fucking walk. I didn’t want to go out into those woods, though. I wiggled out of her embrace and settled myself on the porch in Logan’s line of sight.

Please don’t be mad at him. He loves you so much it scares the shit out of him. He’s never been good at worrying.

Logan flicked a few droplets of water at me and I leapt aside.

Mean.

She traced her fingers over the water’s surface. “I’m not as mad as I was. I don’t want to be left behind.”

You and me, both. I’m sorry I came to you. I know you told me I could because Caden is family, but this is all my fault. You wouldn’t be fighting if it weren’t for me.

She snorted. “Caden’s as stubborn as me. We get into fights without your help.”

Good to see the years haven’t smoothed out that trait in him.

“I’m going to win this stubbornness battle,” she said. “If I could get him to take his pills when he was a cat, I can win any argument he throws at me.”

My shoulders shook with silent laughter.

She reached out a hand and watched me expectantly until I shoved my face into it. She worked those magic fingers behind my ear until I was sloppy purring—drool falling in fat droplets, paws attempting to make biscuits on the floor.

Her laugh was sweet. “Having a good time?”

I might be.

“Seth, I didn’t tell you that you could come to us because Caden is family. I told you because you’re mine, and we’re family. You’ve been mine since the moment I found you, and maybe it’s silly of me, but I’m never going to let that go.”

It was unfair how much I loved being called hers. I don’t want you to let it go.

I felt Caden watching us, his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head.

I bet Caden would love some of those magic scritches.

Her shoulders slumped. “I should go talk to him.”

She lifted her feet out of the water and I scampered out of the way of the falling droplets. I couldn’t do much, but if I could get Caden back on Logan’s good side, that seemed like a decent start.

The forest woke me. I didn’t know how, but I felt the trees reach for me. I slid out of bed and it was a testament to Caden’s exhaustion that he didn’t wake at my first movement. Seth was awake in the living room. His hazel eyes locked on me when I emerged from the bedroom.

The pull toward the window was stronger than the pull to him, so I walked right past him, opening the curtains and then the patio doors. Outside, the voice of the forest was louder.

It’s coming.

Goosebumps skittered over my flesh. I’d felt the forest before but I’d never heard it speak to me. Their cry reverberated through my bones, sending a surge of panic leaping up my spine that made my stomach clench and my breath squeeze out in a soft moan.

The hunter—what I’d dubbed the strange entity—was close.

I turned to Seth and he’d already gotten off the couch, his body frozen and trembling not far from me. He was looking at me like he was starving and I was a meal freshly set before him. Heat pulsed through my core and my clit throbbed. His nostrils flared and his muscles tightened further. I could have reached out and touched him if I wanted to, and want I did, but I wouldn’t hurt Caden like that.

Instead of pulling Seth close, I stepped back. “We need to leave.”

My words seemed to break the spell holding him immobile.

“Caden,” I called. He appeared in the doorway a second later. “The forest is warning us. It’s time to go.”

“I’m going to need to ask some questions,” said Caden.

“In the car,” I insisted, dragging the curtains closed.

Most of our things were already packed, so getting ready didn’t take long. We returned our key through a slot in the door and as our car pulled away, I saw it. Emerging from the trees like a disease, the hunter was amorphous—black sludge, smoke, and shards of blinding sunlight brought to life. It rippled at the edge of the forest, smashing flailing arms against the trees that tried to hold it back. Energy burned through me, revving like an engine until I was sweating and unable to look away.

“Drive,” I whispered, my attention focused on the beast. Caden tore out of there and the hunter shrieked. It ran at us but thankfully it wasn’t nearly as fast as we were in the car. I stared out the window until it disappeared from sight. Caden drove as fast as he could.

You saw it? Caden’s voice filled my head.

I nodded.

How close did it get?

“Too close.”

We drove in uncomfortable silence for another hour. It took that long for us all to settle. My body still tingled from the panic and I couldn’t forget the way Seth had looked at me. Forbidden ideas crept through my head.

I shouldn’t want both.

But I did.

I forced down a shiver at the thought of them, one pressed to my back and the other to my chest. I squirmed in my seat. They were so much nicer to think about than a monster wanting to kill us.

Caden’s knuckles turned white on the steering wheel and Seth let out a low whine in the back seat.

“Sorry,” I whispered, embarrassment turning my cheeks hot. “I got scared.”

“Did you pick up a new perfume somewhere?” Caden asked.

“No. Why?”

“You smell different. It’s nice. I’m just not sure where it came from.”

“Oh. I dunno.”

Caden reached out and took my hand in his. It was a comfort even if it made me think about that hand wrapped around my throat. That would be way more fun than running for our lives. At least if we were running west we would hit long flat stretches that would let us get a lot more distance between us and that creature.

Lo, can I sit with you?

I turned to the back seat, where Seth was sitting in his smallest form, looking at me with saucer eyes. I absolutely shouldn’t let him while I was riled up, but I nodded anyway. He slunk through the seats and sat his little booty on my lap. Caden glared at him but Seth blinked innocently and curled into a ball. His tiny feet made biscuits on my stomach when I petted his soft fur.

Why were cats so damn relaxing? I’d used Caden in the same way before, each stroke like a calming mantra that chilled us both out. Having Seth in his house cat form also helped temper my recalcitrant lust.

We zipped down I-79 through West Virginia, hauling ass toward Kentucky. We were about five hours from Lexington and thankfully I’d peed before we left because I knew none of us wanted to stop too soon.

“I vote we drive as far as we possibly can. Switch off every few hours, stop for food and bathrooms, regroup, and have a proper overnight.” Caden’s hands were locked in a death grip around the steering wheel. “It took that thing about a day to get to us. If we drive through the night, that should give us at least a few days of reprieve to figure shit out.”

“I’m cool with that.” I checked out the map on my phone. “It looks like after a solid day of driving we’ll end up around Denver, Albuquerque, or Bismarck, depending on where we branch off on the way.”

“My personal vote is the Denver route,” said Caden. “If we have to go farther I know there’s a permanent nest near Portland if we get desperate. Once we get past Salt Lake City, we can blast up I-84 all the way there.”

Plus, trees. Seth thought, perking up his head. I’d rather keep Lo near forests if the trees are telling her when that thing is getting close. Speaking of, what the hell was up with that?

“I have no idea. It’s never happened before.”

I wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth if the trees wanted to keep us alive. I gave Seth a deep tummy rub and triggered his air biscuits, his paws curling happily as his purr rumbled. Caden rolled his eyes, but I saw the tiniest upturn at the corner of his mouth.

That spot is mine when we switch off.

I reached over and ran my nails over the back of Caden’s neck, toying with the short hairs until he relaxed under my fingertips. Touching them both relaxed me far more than the distance we were putting between us and the hunter. I wanted to fall asleep with one on each side, caged and protected. But I didn’t want Caden to be uncomfortable.

The further we got, the more exhaustion crept in. Caden put the radio on low and I pushed my chair back, letting the sway and gentle rumble of the vehicle lull me to sleep.

Caden’s hand in my hair woke me and I blinked into the late-afternoon light.

“Where are we?”

Seth yawned and stretched, shaking himself awake.

“Lexington. I figured we could do with some food and a short walk.”

“Sounds like heaven.”

Seth hopped into the back seat and I righted myself so he had room to wriggle into his clothes. We swung through a drive-thru for some burgers and stopped at the Lexington National Cemetery to walk.

“Interesting choice,” I commented as we pulled into the parking lot.

Caden shrugged. “Walking trails and trees. I figure it’s closer to a forest than an open park.”

“Fair enough.”

I actually loved cemeteries, especially old ones. We wandered through, passing ornate gravestones and monuments. It was beautiful, and if I didn’t think too hard, I could pretend we were here as tourists. I’d always wanted to do a cross-country road trip, but these circumstances were less than ideal.

Trees cradled more than a thousand graves, some dating to the Civil War and others far more recent. If we weren’t on the run, I’d have wandered through to find the most interesting stone, researched names I came across, and enjoyed the winding paths with their careful landscaping. We couldn’t linger, though. By the time we’d finished eating, Caden was already tensing again and glancing around.

Seth took over the driving when we got back to the car and Caden took up his spot in my lap. I couldn’t help but laugh when he stood, putting his paws on my chest to rub my face, scenting me with his cheeks before staring at Seth.

“Jealous boy,” I cooed.

Caden didn’t disagree with the statement and instead curled up on top of my boobs, forcing me to cradle him so he didn’t slide down. I cuddled him close and scratched under his chin.

Seth was a lot more reckless at the wheel than Caden. He zipped around other vehicles, flying down the highway as we left the city limits.

“We’re going to get pulled over,” I protested.

“Nah. I never get pulled over.”

Caden rubbed his head under my chin. His phone pinged and I fished it out of his discarded jeans in the back seat. My thumbprint was coded in so I unlocked it and held it in front of him, clicking on the notification.

Someone responded to my post.

I scrolled to the newest response for him.

I think it could be a witch wraith. Haven’t heard about one showing up for centuries, but it’s the closest I’ve come across based on what you’re saying and what’s been recorded in the past. No idea how to get it off your tail or how to kill it. Someone did some fucked-up magic to make it and you’d have to find out how and who to have any luck.

I read it out loud for Seth’s benefit after scanning the words.

“A witch wraith? What the fuck is that?” Seth asked.

I pulled out my own phone, careful not to let Caden fall, and punched the term into a search. Almost no information about it existed. It looked like they ate magic. Like a lot of supernatural things, they weren’t a fan of salt or iron, but it didn’t sound like either would kill them. The thing I’d seen didn’t seem to have much of a physical form so it wasn’t like I could go buy an iron skillet and bash its head in. Salt sounded like good news, though. On the next grocery run we could grab some big containers to have on hand. Even if it only deterred it for a few seconds, that could be the difference between life and death.

Why couldn’t there be an easy solution? Splashing some holy water on it or chucking garlic at it would be so much nicer. Too bad I was all too aware that things weren’t as simple as the legends had made them out to be.

I groaned.

Unknowable entities were a bitch.

I set my phone down and put it all out of my mind for the moment.

Caden’s paw curled on my arm and he looked up at me. When we have a bed again, I fully intend on de-stressing you to the best of my ability.

Need clenched my stomach.

We can pick up some nice rope.

I glanced at Seth, unsure how I could respond to Caden without making it obvious that we were talking about sex stuff. “I want to, but is that safe?”

The first night, yes. It can’t move as fast as us. With this kind of distance between us, there should be no danger in trussing you up.

I shivered. I wanted it so badly. No thinking, only feeling. Desire rose up my spine; a burning craving cut through my chest.

Seth squeezed the steering wheel tighter and shifted in his seat. My brain supplied a litany of images—the two of them pinning me so effectively they had no need for ropes, rendering me helpless to their appetites.

Caden needed an uglier brother. Jesus fucking Christ. This was just unfair.

I didn’t outwardly acknowledge that Seth could smell the shift in my scent as easily as Caden could. It wasn’t my fault my brain was a vicious traitor. There were too many hours between me and satisfaction.

How was I supposed to cope?

It would be so much more convenient if I could crawl into the back seat with Caden in his human form, let him sneak those wicked fingers inside my leggings and tease my pussy until I was too much of a mess to comprehend anything but his touch.

Getting worked up? Caden looked at me innocently from my arms. I smacked his furry ass. Cheeky little bastard.

Seth squirmed again and I bit my tongue, determined not to make a peep. I tried to subtly squeeze my thighs to get pressure on my clit, but all it did was make things worse. I swallowed the whimper I desperately wanted to let free. My traitor brain told me to do it, to make that pitiful sound, to let them pull over so Caden could toss me on my back and eat me out on his knees on the interstate.

Fuck.

I closed my eyes.

This was going to be a long day.

She was going to make me wreck the fucking car.

Sweet hell. She smelled so fucking good, like jasmine, moss, and sex. I wanted to whip the car onto the shoulder and bury my face between her thighs until she cried.

Bad thoughts. I couldn’t think about Logan like that.

I especially shouldn’t think about her wrapping those thighs around my hips as I sank my dick into her. I squeezed the steering wheel and suppressed a growl. She’d be exquisite. Soft skin, divine scent, and I already knew what she sounded like. I was so fucking doomed. My dick pressed against the seam of my jeans with a vengeance.

She was literally holding my brother in her arms and I was thinking about stripping her naked. Peeling those leggings down, pushing her over the hood of the car, letting her cries fill the eerie silence of the endless corn fields that surrounded us.

I adjusted again. This was massively unfair. They were going to fuck as soon as we got wherever we were going. I’d have nothing but my hand to keep me company. At this point I’d give anything to be the one she took to bed with her instead.

Just one night.

One chance to commit the feel of her to memory.

Too bad one night would eviscerate the tenuous bridge Caden and I had managed to build. I tried to focus on the road. My eyes managed to, but every time I inhaled, the air was tinged with her.

God, I wished Caden had worse taste in women.

She was looking at me. I could see it out of the corner of my eye. I chanced a look toward her and that was a mistake. An inferno burned behind her eyes. Her mouth was parted slightly, soft, plump lips I could imagine parting even further for me. Those dark eyes would look up at me like I was the world when she was on her knees for me.

I jerked the car around a vehicle and Caden yowled as I jolted him from his nap.

“Fuck. Sorry. Got in my own head for a second.”

“Want me to take over?” Logan asked.

“Nah.” I refused to look at her. “I’ll focus on the road. I’ve got us until at least St. Louis.”

“Okay. Let me know if you want to switch sooner.” She opened one of the water bottles we’d brought along and gulped half of it down. “Thirsty?”

“Yeah, actually.” I’d expected her to hand me a fresh one, but she held out the one she’d just had her lips on.

She was trying to kill me.

I took it so she wouldn’t think I was being weird, and I chugged it down, far too aware of the hint of jasmine from her lips, before tossing the empty bottle into the back seat. I picked up our speed a bit. I was already cruising well above the speed limit, but I needed us to get where we were going so I could breathe some fresh air. Hopefully out in the open I wouldn’t be distracted by thoughts of my tongue in her cunt.

We were still hours from our stop. Why was this country so fucking big?

“Do you think it could track us if I rolled the window down a bit?”

Leave it closed to be safe. Caden was staring at me. I couldn’t tell if he knew I was suffering or not. He had to know I could smell her getting ramped up. If he could, then I could, and even if I didn’t have a cat’s sense of smell, she’d gotten obviously squirmy. Gods, I hoped Caden wasn’t paying enough attention to me to realize I was too.

I was going to lose it by the time we got to St. Louis for a break.

Okay.

Fuck.

I could do this.

Focus on the road.

Why wasn’t there more to look at? I couldn’t wait until we got closer to the mountains.

I worked on breathing as shallowly as possible without making myself lightheaded, and eventually Logan fell asleep again with Caden passed out on her chest. At least if she was asleep, her hormones could fucking settle.

I should swing by a club or something when we finally got to Denver because this was fucking ridiculous. If I couldn’t have Logan, I could at least have fun with someone else.

I tried to ignore how the thought made me a bit queasy.

What the fuck?

I hadn’t slept with loads of people but my body count wasn’t small either. I shouldn’t be bothered in the slightest by the idea of fucking someone who wasn’t Logan.

She squeaked in her sleep, her arm falling to the side. Her curled fingertips brushed my elbow and it was like she’d stuck me with a cattle prod. I jumped in my seat and accidentally jerked the steering wheel but managed to keep us on the road.

Logan leapt awake, bracing herself against the door. “Seth, what the hell?”

“I’m sorry. You startled me.”

Caden glared at me. Pull over. We’re switching.

Logan stroked his head. “I’ll drive for a while. You two have a cat nap.”

I wanted to argue but there was no point with both of them against me. I pulled into a rest stop and we swapped places. Caden insisted on still sitting in her lap. I patted my own lap but he rolled his eyes at me.

“Where are we?” she asked as she pulled back onto the interstate.

I checked the map. “Bit over half an hour from St. Louis.”

“Find somewhere for us to eat and walk.”

“Can do.” Looking at my phone gave me an excuse not to look at her. Looking at her wasn’t going to help me keep control.

This was absurd.

I shouldn’t have been this affected. Logan was a regular human, not an omega, and that was the only thing I could think of that would make me this obsessive.

I watched her while she drove. Caden fell asleep on her lap and she was focused on the road, so I had free rein to look. As traffic picked up closer to the city, she stuck her tongue out of her mouth, just the tip, as her brow furrowed in concentration. I could easily imagine her as a child with the same expression, all her attention on some task, looking adorable as fuck.

Her scent had thankfully calmed down, though it lingered in the vehicle. Now she was getting agitated with the other drivers, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. It was too bad I couldn’t soothe her as easily as she did with us. My fingertips brushed the back of her neck before I even realized I’d reached out. Her spine snapped straight and she let out a breathy groan that woke up my goosebumps and my dick. I whipped my hand back before Caden opened his eyes.

She didn’t look at me, but I’d managed to flip some switch, and that maddening scent was floating around again. Logan was still shivering, weaving us through traffic as I fed her directions.

We got food and stopped only long enough to take a photo at the Gateway Arch before continuing on. Every few hours we swapped off who was driving, stopping only as required for bathroom breaks and gas. It was a miserable stretch of driving that took over thirteen hours to finally reach our destination—another cabin, this one situated past Denver in the Rockies, where we could be surrounded by the forest and isolated from the rest of the world. We’d stopped at a grocery store and, unfortunately for my imagination, a sex shop, before continuing to our accommodations.

I was vibrating with energy by the time we arrived, and I hurled myself out of the car and into my panther form at the first opportunity. Relief sank into my bones. The forest filled every sense and I swirled around a tall pine tree near the cabin. Logan and Caden looked like death warmed over even with the frequent naps. Guess that meant I was on guard duty.

Lucky me.

Ibrought our bags inside and pulled out the salt we’d bought on the way in. I poured it on the window sills and the doorways, adding a line by every door in the hopes that even if the monster got through one it might be slowed down by the others. Logan looked exhausted so I sent her straight to the bedroom while Seth and I locked down the cabin and put away what few groceries we’d purchased.

It was a relief to be somewhere much farther away than before. With almost a full day of travel between us and the unknown entity hunting us, we had a decent chance to relax. We all needed rest.

I came upon Logan stretched out on the bed with her eyes closed, but not asleep. She was so beautiful. Her face was soft, brown hair sprawled around her like a halo as she hugged one of the pillows to her chest.

“Don’t think I’ve forgotten that promise from this morning,” she said.

Instead of pulling out the ropes I’d bought on the way here, I lay down next to her and pulled her into my arms. “In a few minutes.”

Logan slid against me without question and buried her face against my throat. She wasn’t a particularly tiny woman, but she felt small in my arms. Her personality was big and bold, so it felt weird when she was worn down. I knew she wasn’t fragile. Despite knowing how strong she was, it had never tempered my desire to protect her.

Her lips pressed softly against my skin. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.” I slid my fingers into her hair and indulged myself in cradling her body.

We were safe for the moment.

I held her until the panic of the day had melted away for me and all that remained was her scent—sweeter than I was used to—and her warmth. Her breathing had relaxed, and I got up to put to use what I’d purchased. I pulled the bundles of thick, braided cotton rope out of the bag. It wasn’t as nice as what we usually used, but it would do.

Logan was content and sleepy, lifting her hips to help me strip her down. She sat quietly as I started the process of tying her up. I took it slow, beginning at her ankles with a simple heel weave. She always looked especially beautiful with ropes twining up her body in whimsical patterns. I’d never even heard of shibari before we’d gotten together. I’d put in the time, learning the patterns and knots, playing with her to find out which ones she liked best, which positions made her sink under the quickest.

The ropes tended to have a hypnotic effect on her. Logan craved this particular submission, needed it to shut off her brain, and I was perfectly willing to give it to her.

She was fucking magnificent.

I didn’t think anyone had ever put that much trust in me before. She’d offered in the past to reverse our roles, but I was pretty sure being tied up would be more panic-inducing than relaxing for me. I had a much more effective method, and all it took was for me to shift into cat form and get her hands on me.

I worked up her body, binding each section in turn. I had a frog tie on each of her legs and had her arms bound across her stomach, cradling her breasts so I could easily give them all the attention they deserved.

I eased her down slowly. A kiss, a touch, gentle fingertips tracing the ropes and teasing the skin beneath. Gentleness was important for her early on. After her mind shut off, she enjoyed floating like that and get slowly brought out with more contact, more passion, until she was quaking and squirming, fighting the ropes as the pleasure rose up.

I wasn’t always so good at patience. Luckily Logan had met me when I’d mostly gotten my shit together. Now I craved this as much as she did. There was little more intoxicating than the trust she put in me to keep her safe while she was like this.

“I’m here,” I murmured against her skin and curled around her so I could make sure she stayed warm.

I kept careful watch over her. Monitoring her breathing, checking that the ropes hadn’t shifted or that she wasn’t pressing against them so hard she’d cut off circulation. Assured of her safety, I let myself relax next to her. It was a good opportunity to chill myself out, too.

I matched my breathing to hers

Her skin was soft beneath my fingertips. Dipping down, I took her nipple into my mouth, coaxing it to attention with slow, lazy curls of my tongue. She shivered, her lips parting with a soft exhale. After I’d traced over the ropes and had my fill of the taste of her skin, I slid down. With the way she was tied, her glistening core was fully visible to me. As tempting as it was to bury my cock in her, it wasn’t time quite yet. She was still too deep. I had to take my time bringing her back.

Patience was always rewarded.

Apulsing beat pounded my body. My heart always became infinitely loud when I was bound, as strong as if I were being struck with every pump of its movement. I was aware of the forest around me, swaying, rooted deep and spanning endlessly around us. The bed stopped existing. I moved in shadow and fog, letting worries melt away as I stepped into the beyond.

Take him.

The words were whispered, echoing in the darkness. The voice sounded so familiar.

Shadow coalesced into form and a woman made of moonlight stood before me. She was familiar too but I couldn’t place her. Her eyes were the darkest blue I’d ever seen and black hair fell to her feet like sheets of silk over pale skin so luminous it looked as though she were lit by the stars from within.

Your destiny is coming. Find them. Take them.

I had no idea what she meant. Her presence washed over me like cool water and the shadows parted. The forest swept in around me and Seth stepped from between the trees. He looked so confused until he saw me. His gaze was like a punch to the chest. I walked toward him, the earth soft under my feet, the wind pushing urgently at my back.

“Where are we?” he asked.

I had no answer, so I gave none. Instead, I reached out, letting my palm rest against his chest. His heart was a drum beneath my fingers and fire glowed in his eyes.

“Lo.” He whispered his short name for me with a voice roughened by need, and desire rippled down my spine.

It was only a dream.

I could have him here. Caden couldn’t be hurt by thoughts he didn’t know existed.

Take him.

The forest whispered around us. Who was I to disobey the will of the earth itself? I leaned in, letting us stand chest to chest, and rose on my tiptoes. It was all the signal he needed. His mouth dipped against mine, his kiss pouring through me like magma.

Fucking hell.

Seth backed me up against one of the massive trees and I savored the bite of the bark. He held me so tightly, like he thought I might vanish if he loosened his grip. Sweet gods. The craving for him ran so deep. His tendrils had rooted in me, seeking, reaching, winding deeper until I had no idea how I’d ever extract him without destroying myself. Caden was rooted just as deeply, solid and familiar. My rock. Seth was a new factor, bright and chaotic. Invigorating.

Caden was perfect for me.

Why did I want Seth too?

His hands snaked over my body, teasing and squeezing, exploring every inch he’d been denied before. Seth cupped my ass and I realized the clothes I’d had on in the dream were gone. His had disappeared too.

Convenient.

Seth’s fingers dug into me and I hopped up so he was forced to catch me and brace me harder against the tree. My pussy pressed against his stomach and his cock tapped at my ass.

I wanted nothing more in this world than I wanted dream-Seth to throw me down on the moss and fuck into me with every ounce of his strength.

“Seth.” His name slid out of me in a sigh. “I need you to ruin me.”

He shivered against me. “I want to.”

“Then do it.”

I couldn’t be so bold with him in real life, but dreams made it so easy.

He spun us away from the tree and dropped to his knees, letting me sprawl on the soft moss that pillowed my body. The heartbeat of the earth pulsed through me. It made me lightheaded, almost delirious with desire as it woke every nerve. Seth ran his fingers over my thighs and I let them fall open, wanton and liberated in this dreamworld. He leaned over me and stroked between my legs, teasing my clit. I shuddered and arched up, encouraging him with my hand over his, guiding him deeper. His eyes were half closed, and a soft purr radiated from him.

I wanted more.

My patience dissolved as my hunger grew. I pawed at him, dragging him closer, losing myself in the taste of his mouth and the weight of his body. I rocked my hips and he finally angled himself to bring us together. My nails bit into his skin as he sank his cock into my pussy, each textured ridge pushing me open a bit further. The only real difference from Caden’s was the piercings that cross-sected the head, the steel balls teasing me the whole way in.

“Yes.” I squirmed and pressed my hands against his ass. He followed the pressure and bucked his hips against me. It was like a drug hit that went straight to my brain.

I pulled him closer.

“Harder.”

Seth growled against my skin and fucked sharper and deeper into me. The force of it shoved a gasp out of my lips.

I wanted it.

Nothing got me as hot as a lover taking me with all their strength. I let myself be open and pliant, accepting anything Seth could deliver. Every gliding drag and push of his cock was delicious, the ridges teasing with the perfect pressure, kneading through my pussy until I was half-delirious from it.

Pleasure broke over me in a drowning wave and I dragged Seth under with me. The sound of him coming with his teeth digging into my shoulder branded itself into my brain.

I squeezed my eyes shut, and when I opened them again the forest was gone. I was back in the cabin’s bedroom and Caden’s tongue on my clit shoved me right over the edge before I could even take a breath.

Caden grinned at me as he tucked a pillow under my hips. “Ready?”

I nodded frantically. My body tingled and him slipping into me was all I needed. I strained against the ropes, my muscles bunching and flexing as I struggled to manage the swell of sensation.

So close.

I almost blacked out as he rubbed an eager thumb to my clit and fucked into me so hard I nearly slid off the pillow.

It took only one more thrust to make me scream, my pussy squeezing him so tightly he had no choice but to join me in tumbling over that edge.

I gasped and shivered as he slid out of me and set about unraveling the complex rope patterns. The more he undid the more I felt like a butterfly cracking out of my cocoon. I stretched out each leg as they became unbound and wiggled my toes. I was lightheaded and giddy, rubbing my legs over the sheets like a cricket. I always got like this when I resurfaced. We’d played with ropes so often that I already knew the process, how I would react, and the sweet euphoria of each phase.

After Caden removed the last rope, he became my big spoon and shoved one of the extra pillows into my arms. It was almost perfect.

“More cuddles.”

Caden held me tighter and nuzzled my cheek.

“Not enough.” I wiggled, trying to get comfortable, but it eluded me.

“What would make it enough?” he asked.

“Sandwich cuddles. I wish you could be you and your panther at the same time. Just smush me between you.”

Caden stiffened and fell silent. After he’d worked through whatever he was thinking, he tucked the blankets firmly around me and slipped off the bed only long enough to pull on some sweatpants before opening the bedroom door.

“Seth,” he called.

Seth appeared in the doorway, awkwardly staring at the carpet, looking half-asleep. “Yeah?”

“We’re de-stressing Logan. Cat up.”

Seth looked between us, and I didn’t dare make a peep in case Caden changed his mind. Seth’s cheeks were flushed, and that fire was behind his eyes again.

“Big or small?” Seth asked quietly.

“Big, please.”

His human form disappeared and his panther form hopped up onto the bed. He flopped down with his back to me, head beside mine on the pillow. I reached an arm around his chest and pressed myself closer until there wasn’t an ounce of space between us. Caden re-settled behind me so I was perfectly sandwiched.

The relaxing effect of the ropes and the orgasms had me melting in bliss, the pressure of their bodies protective and cozy, the roots of them twining deeper into me. I fell asleep like that, utter contentment sinking me into the depths.

If the monster didn’t get me, then Logan burrowing into my fur, her naked body only separated from me by a blanket, certainly would. Between dreaming of fucking her into the moss and waking up to her scream of pleasure through the bedroom door, I knew without a doubt that I was so completely fucking doomed.

She’d sunk her claws into me so deep I’d be torn apart if she pulled away from me now.

So fucking dumb.

She wasn’t even mine. It was honestly embarrassing that I’d let myself fall for another of Caden’s women. There had to be something wrong with me that I self-sabotaged like this. The shitty thing about it was that I wanted her even more now. Them calling me in here had kindled some pathetic little flame of hope.

The dream had felt way too real.

Her touch was the same as she pressed close and wrapped herself around me. It replayed over and over in my head.

Thank you, I thought at Caden.

For?

Trusting me to be here. I whipped my tail and flexed my paws. This is nice.

It was more than nice. I hadn’t felt this comfortable in decades. Only a few days around Logan and all my loner tendencies were falling away. I didn’t want to be alone. It was just safer, and, I guess, a form of penance I’d forced on myself. I’d paid it willingly, albeit miserably, for the last sixty-odd years.

Caden didn’t know that. Letting me back in was something I’d never fully expected of him, and even if it was in dire circumstances, I was so fucking grateful that he had.

Logan’s fingers curled into my fur. She was sound asleep, at least if her breathing was any indication, and it made my heart flip-flop that she reached out while she was vulnerable.

Fuck.

Stop thinking like that.

There was no direction where this ended well. I could try to steal Logan and ruin things for the rest of eternity with Caden. I could leave and find someone else, giving up on ever being with the woman of my dreams, or having a relationship with Caden because I couldn’t control my desire around Logan. I imagined it would only get worse with time. Or I could stick around, pitifully loving her from the sidelines.

...Love.

Brain, you put that fucking thought right back where you found it.

Fuck.

Bad idea. So bad. The literal worst fucking idea. Loving Logan would be agony. I had to scale that slippery slope. It was bad enough when I just wanted to fuck her.

She made a soft sound and her face rooted against the back of my neck, her cheek rubbing against my fur.

Fuck it all to hell.

I squeezed my eyes shut and they popped right back open when Caden set a hand on my shoulder.

You okay?

Doing super.

Seth…

I’m fine. It’s…

How honest could I possibly be with him?

Can you promise not to make me ride in the trunk if I tell you?

He didn’t respond for a while and I was pretty sure he had to know what the issue was, but eventually he thought, I promise.

I won’t try to take her. I swear to every god out there that I don’t want to ruin what the two of you have. I want us to be friends again but I want Logan way more than I should and I know I can’t have both.

Caden didn’t move his hand from my shoulder, but he didn’t speak either. Logan murmured something unintelligible between us. Caden’s thumb brushed my fur and I perked up.

I know you want her. You’re not exactly subtle.

I wilted. Sorry.

I don’t blame you. I want us to be friends again, too. His thought was so quiet I almost didn’t register it. I love her enough that if she wanted you instead, I would let her go. I’d hate every fucking second of it, but I can’t do to her what I did to Rachel.

There’s no fucking way Logan wants me more than she loves you.

Caden sighed and I heard him press a kiss to Logan’s skin. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

Gods willing, you’ll never have to figure that out.

I rolled over so I could see him and Logan protested in her sleep. Scooting closer, I draped one paw over her and she buried her face in my chest. Luckily she was asleep so she wouldn’t notice the massive ka-thump my heart just gave.

Do you ever miss living around other shifters? I asked.

Logan makes me happier than anything in my old life. He wasn’t quite looking at me and kept his attention on the woman asleep between us.

What about the whole immortal thing?

He grimaced. Don’t remind me. I’ve agonized over it a thousand times. She out-stubborned me on the matter.

I laughed, or what passed for a laugh in cat form. I’m not surprised in the least.

Even with the tension between us, I was glad I’d told him. It was nice to get it off my chest, and if we died, I didn’t want secrets hanging heavy between us.

That was the best fucking sleep of my entire life. I woke up refreshed, smushed in the best possible way between my boyfriend and his brother, with hot skin at my back and soft fur at my front. I made a mental note: I was definitely going to have to repeat that killer combo of ropes, orgasms, and sandwich cuddles.

Seth booped me with his nose when he saw I was awake, and licked his sandpaper tongue up my face.

I cackled and shoved his head away. “Get your gross cat breath off me.”

Mischief flickered in his gaze and he rolled over, going well beyond squishing, and flattened me into the mattress with his giant furry body. Caden pushed his brother right off the bed and scooped me up, blankets and all. He carted me out to the main room before Seth could right himself.

I shrieked with laughter and clung to him as he spun me around and took a paw slap to the ass, protecting me from Seth’s playfulness. Caden set me on the couch and slipped into his panther form to tackle his brother.

I had no idea what the heck had changed while I was asleep, but they were so damn cute wrestling. Seth almost knocked over a lamp with his ass.

“You guys! You’re going to break everything.”

They switched to their small forms, tumbling around with squawks, swats, and playful bites. They tore across the living space, bounding over the couches, over me, and leaping off counters.

Gods, I loved zoomies.

Caden didn’t get them very often, but it was pure delight when they made an appearance. I guess it made sense after all the stress and lack of movement. They needed to get it all out of their systems. Seth scaled the curtains with Caden hot on his tail. He leapt onto the couch and galloped up my body. Nothing like a paw to the spleen. Caden at least took the floor route and tackled his brother.

They were a mass of flailing paws and whipping tails, getting all their aggression and energy out in the most precious fight in the world. Caden bolted and careened to a stop as he flew at my chest and Seth crashed into us both a second later. I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe and they were both headbutting me. I grabbed them in my arms and hugged them close.

“Gods bless you little weirdos. You’re both too fucking cute.”

It was beyond adorable that their being in cat form came with all the things I loved most about cats. They lounged against me, purrs vibrating their chests. It was a quiet pleasure, cuddling both of them in a cabin in the forest. The only way this day could get more perfect would be some fresh lasagna and human-form snuggles.

I put on the TV and indulged myself in some extended kitty love, with them curled up and making biscuits on me. A whisper from the trees had my hair standing on end and both Seth and Caden stiffened in my arm.

What is it? Caden asked.

They both hopped off and I went to go stand on the porch. The forest stretched out around us and had a different vibe than the Appalachians. Both were ominous and old, but the Rockies didn't feel as ancient. Tickling breezes wafted over me.

Call Her.

Who the hell was I supposed to call? How did one get proper answers out of a forest? Maybe I should see if any of the gods were feeling generous with information. I didn’t have my cards, but I did have my pendulum.

Resolved, I stepped back inside, getting myself dressed and ready for some communing. I sat down on the floor in the middle of the main room with one of the candles from my tote glowing from its spot inside a coffee cup for safety. Caden and Seth hung back outside of the circle I’d drawn for the ritual.

“Hecate,” I whispered, reaching out to my primary goddess. “Please guide me.”

The candle flame flickered excitedly. I held out my pendulum and prayed for answers.

You don’t need this to speak to me anymore. The voice filled me up, echoing with the power of millennia that made my blood feel like it was fizzing. I struggled to breathe and my eyes went unfocused. The woman from my dream stood in my mind’s eye, smiling softly at me. The cabin disappeared around me and I stood under the auroras, on the mountaintops as the breeze sang around us and the sky danced with brilliant colors.

Don’t be afraid, Logan. Things have been set in motion. Your only job is to accept the gifts that are given to you.

“What kind of gifts?”

She laughed and I was overwhelmed by her beauty. Her power washed over me like a wave on the sand. You already know what kind of gifts. You keep denying the second one I’ve provided. There will be others. The sooner you accept them, the smoother your path will be.

“Others?” My heart pounded so loudly in my ears I can hardly hear myself think.

Yes. Helpers, guides. Lovers.

“But I have a boyfriend.”

Hecate laughed again. I know. He was the first gift. She smiled, a soft, motherly expression as she moved closer to me. I brought them to you and you were meant to have them both from the beginning, but Caden was holding on to his pain. You were meant to have others already. It couldn’t be helped. Free will. Hecate shrugged. Now that things have begun, I will bring you the others. You will not survive without one another. I have seen the future in which you refuse your gifts.

I shuddered as flashing images of blood and chaos invaded my thoughts.

“Seth is another gift?” I confirmed.

Yes.

“Is my desire for him because of you?”

Your desire is yours. Your choices are yours. I merely provide compatible partners to survive what is coming. United, you stand a chance. Your true nature is coming to light and it will not be denied.

“What if accepting them hurts someone I love?”

Love is not reduced because it is shared. He will see this in time. Your foundation is strong enough to build upon. Trust him.

“What’s coming?”

A chance to make things right. You have the opportunity to correct the mistakes of your ancestors.

My ancestors? “What did they do that needs fixing?”

I’m sorry. I can’t tell you more without compromising your intentions. I have watched you your entire life, Logan. I know you will make the correct choice.

Hecate vanished and I was catapulted back to the cabin. I tipped back and sprawled on the floor. Caden was by my side instantly, gathering me up and holding me close. The candle had snuffed itself out, tendrils of smoke wafting above it in elegant swirls. A blanket draped over me and I caught sight of Seth out of the corner of my eye, kneeling next to us. I buried my face against Caden’s chest and reached a hand out to Seth. The warmth of his touch was like a live wire arcing up my arm. Caden held me tighter as I shivered.

“What happened?” Seth asked, squeezing my hand tighter.

“A visit from a goddess.” I focused on breathing Caden in. He was my anchor.

I turned to Seth.

Mine.

I still didn’t understand, and the idea of trying to bring it all up with Caden made my stomach turn. I trusted him not to be mad, but I didn’t want to hurt him.

“What did she say?” Seth asked.

“We won’t survive without each other, and more are coming to help us.” I kept the rest to myself. I needed the right moment to talk to Caden, and cowardice tasted too sweet on my tongue to tell them anything more.

I’d hoped that Logan’s de-stressing would have lasted a bit longer. Whatever she’d seen while communing had made her twitchy and she couldn’t seem to look Seth or me in the eye. I did my best to ignore it. After getting her situated on the porch with some tea, I helped Seth make some food for us. Luckily the cabin provided some of the basics and had a barbecue on hand. We’d picked up all the ingredients for steak and baked potatoes, and I was more than ready to stuff my face.

It was nice to work peacefully next to my brother. Our talk and “zoomies,” as Logan called them, had obliterated most of the lingering tension and we seemed able to exist comfortably around each other for the time being.

In other circumstances, this would have been an incredible vacation. The lingering specter of death and danger put a damper on the mood, but I was determined to steal moments of peace and happiness where I could.

We brought out foil-wrapped potatoes and the seasoned steaks to toss on the grill. I kissed the top of Logan’s head and she lifted her face for another. She tucked her fingers into the collar of my shirt and held me there, taking her time brushing my lips with hers until I was in a dreamy state and Seth loudly cleared his throat behind me. I flipped him the bird before lifting a giggling Logan into my arms. In life-or-death situations, I’d take every kiss I could.

I parked myself in her seat and held Logan in my lap, letting Seth man the grill. She nuzzled the side of my face and pressed a kiss to the stubble.

“I wish this was a holiday,” she said with a sigh. “I love the mountains.”

“I vote if we survive this, we spend at least a solid week on vacation,” Seth said.

“Yes please.” Logan grinned and cuddled closer to me. “In lieu of that, for now, can we have a movie night?”

“Anything you want.” I stole another kiss.

“If you two are going to canoodle the whole fucking time, I get to pick what we’re watching.”

“I’ll let you pick if I can have veto power in case you have the worst taste in history,” said Logan before she laughed as Seth tossed an oven mitt at her.

“Watch the food,” Seth said, nudging my leg with his foot. “I’m going to poke through the DVDs they have here.”

I reluctantly settled Logan on one of the patio chairs and went to stand guard at the barbecue. Not content to stay seated, Logan joined me, looping her arms around my waist so she could stay snuggled up. The food smelled incredible. My stomach grumbled, impatient for it to be ready. I rotated the potatoes, desperate for them to cook faster so I could add the steaks into the mix.

Logan nuzzled her face against my chest. “We should get a fancy grill like this at home.”

“I’d cook for you on it every day it isn’t cold enough to freeze my balls off.”

She slid teasing fingers over the front of my jeans. “I’d keep them warm for you.”

“Quit tempting me when there’s food ready to burn.”

She grinned. “What will you do if I don’t?”

A growl rumbled in my chest and I grabbed a handful of her ass. “If you don’t stop, you’ll find out tonight.”

“I got one!” Seth leapt back onto the porch, snaring my attention away from Logan. “How do we feel about A Haunting in Connecticut?”

“You want to watch a horror movie while we’re fleeing for our lives?” I asked.

“Listen, I’d rather be terrified of fictional fuckery than the very real beastie that’s hunting us,” Seth countered.

“He makes a valid point,” Logan said quietly.

I didn’t say out loud that I didn’t want Seth to learn how horror movies affected Logan. We always ended up messing around when we watched them because she was just too fucking turned on being terrified. She wasn’t calling veto, so hopefully she could keep it together until the end of the movie.

Seth took over the grill again while Logan and I stood in the slim bits of sunlight that made it onto the porch. I slipped into my small form so I could lie in a sunbeam and toast myself. Logan gathered my clothes up and set them inside to avoid any spiders climbing up my ass later.

It was more peaceful than it had any right to be. Logan sat next to me, absently stroking my fur while she and Seth argued about the finer points of the horror genre and its evolution. I fell asleep at some point and woke to Logan scooping me up.

“Dinner’s ready, sleepyhead.” She kissed my head and carted me inside.

I pulled on pants after changing to human form and sat down at the kitchen table. The food tasted so fucking good I had to stop myself from tearing into it like my panther form would have preferred. I could have probably scarfed down at least three steaks, but I made do with filling up on baked potatoes since that was a hell of a lot less expensive.

By the time we’d finished eating, Logan was looking sleepy from stuffing her face on these glorious potatoes. I was so full I thought I might burst, and Seth didn’t look to be in a much better state.

“Caden, you have to roll me to bed tonight.” Logan patted her food baby.

“I’ll start with carrying you to the couch for the movie.”

She groaned as I picked her up. “Too full. I’m gonna die.”

“You’ll digest, Lo,” Seth said, gathering the dishes to set them in the sink.

I was surprised he started washing them without prompting or complaining. I got Logan situated with a blanket and went to dry the few dishes we’d used and tucked them away. She was fussing with the remote and getting everything set up for the movie.

When all three of us were on the couch, Logan stretched out, her head in my lap and her feet across Seth’s. His eyebrows had risen up his forehead at the casual sprawling, but he didn’t make a peep. He stared at me, his hands hovering awkwardly over her calves, and when I nodded, he gently lowered his hands and let them rest on her.

She did pretty well through the first bit of the movie, but once the jump scares started, it was over. She had her eyes poking over the top of her blanket and buried her face against me as one of the ghosts flickered across the screen.

Seth laughed and patted her leg. “Don’t worry. We won’t let you get eaten by ghosts.”

Logan shivered, her scent spiking deliciously as another jump scare jolted her. I breathed her in, the maddening new addition of jasmine mixing with the intoxicating hint of her arousal. She squirmed, her legs gliding over Seth’s lap. His knuckles turned white as he gripped her calf.

I should have told her to trade spots with me, to pause the movie and come to bed, but I didn’t do either. Instead I slipped my hand beneath the blanket and teased the tempting line where her shirt had ridden up. She bit her lip, smothering a gasp at the contact, and Seth slid a questioning glance toward me. I didn’t stop like I normally would have. In almost a dreamlike state, I trailed my fingers up the side of her, and when she tipped her face up to look at me, I laid my hand over her throat. Her squeak of surprise combined with the potent spike of her scent.

Fuck.

I should stop.

My brother was sitting two feet away. He could smell her as well as I could. He knew what was going on in her body.

His fingers flexed against her calf and she groaned. I watched him move up her leg in the tiniest increments, curving over her knee to hold a solid handful of thigh. Logan was shaking, her own fingers holding on to my jeans for dear life. Neither of us made any move to tell him to stop touching her. She gazed up at me with pleading eyes, deep as the ocean and filled with a longing she wasn’t putting into words.

I stroked my thumb over her cheek, over her soft bottom lip. Her tongue darted out to lick the tip and I hooked it into her mouth. She let out another perfect gasp of surprise and curled her tongue around my invading digit. My other hand came up to play with her hair.

She was so perfect. Sweet and yielding to every pleasure.

Logan rolled from her side and onto her back. Her gaze locked on me, and Seth’s fingers grazed the inside of her thigh with the change of position. He was absolutely silent, his breathing forcibly smooth and level, despite the pounding of his heart that was so loud to me I could hear it where I sat.

The movie blurred out of my attention, and all that remained was the heat in Logan’s gaze. I slipped my hand back to her throat and she tipped her head to give me a better grip. Seth sucked in a sharp breath at that. I had the massively inappropriate thought that I could turn and pull her into my lap, peel off every item of clothing and spread her open so Seth could see everything but touch nothing. The compulsion burned deep and it took every ounce of fortitude not to do just that.

Part of me was curious if Logan would object to any part of that fantasy. She’d stop anything I started if she wasn’t enjoying herself. I trusted her fully to know and understand her limits, and it was easy enough for me to pick up on her being genuinely uncomfortable.

I trailed my fingertips down, letting the maddening compulsion guide me. I slipped right into the neck of her shirt and under the cup of her bra. Her eyes were so wide, her pupils flared as she made a helpless sound. I didn’t look up just yet, focusing on the tease and tweak of her nipple until she lost control of her squirming.

“Caden?” She gasped out my name and her eyes lit with confusion, but she still arched into my hand and moaned.

I spared a glance to Seth and he looked surprisingly similar to Logan with his pupils dilated, a rush of confusion and desire painting his features. I focused back on Logan. It was so easy to ruin her. I kept up exactly what I was doing, moving slowly and methodically, knowing every tweak pulled her closer to the edge. I could yank her over that edge in a couple of heartbeats if I put my mouth on her right now, but this was more fun.

We’d never played while having someone watch. We’d talked about it. Between the movie and Seth being right there, she was as keyed up as if I’d already taken her apart.

Logan gave a telltale whimper. Her body twitched and squirmed, and I continued teasing. She arched up, muscles tensing, a pitiful little cry falling from her lips.

I waited for her to settle and looked down at her. “Do you want him to stay?”

Her gaze flickered to Seth for a second. She nodded softly.

“Use your words. Tell us what you want, Logan.”

“But…” she said softly, “what do you want?”

“I want to give you what you’re looking for. What it’s pretty obvious you’re both looking for, but with boundaries.” I glanced at my brother. “What do you want, Seth?”

He swallowed hard. “I don’t think I should say that out loud.”

I could hear the uptick of Logan’s heart rate as my senses focused onto her.

“Tensions are high,” I said. “I’m willing to play to a point.”

Neither of them moved, and the air felt thick.

Logan’s bottom lip quivered. “I don’t want to do anything you don’t want to do.” She reached out, setting delicate fingertips against my chest.

“If I ask you to do something, assume I’m okay with it,” I said. “If Seth wants to stay or go, he’s free to. You know how to hit pause or end things entirely if something isn’t to your liking.”

Both watched me with an intense silence. It was probably a terrible idea to have offered. I knew Seth wanted her and I knew she would react to him, whether she noticed it or not. Hopefully we could take the edge off without making shit weird.

“If either of you don’t want to, say so now. If you stick around, I can only assume it’s because you want to.”

Logan was exquisite, watching me with her lips slightly parted and her eyes still wide. I never got to show off how perfect she was when she came apart, and sure, maybe part of me was feeling petty even though Seth had been honest with me. He could want, he could see, but she wouldn’t touch him and he wouldn’t touch her without my go-ahead.

Was I being rewarded or punished? In either case I was pretty sure I was going to die of cardiac arrest before it was confirmed one way or the other. It felt a hell of a fucking lot like Caden was staking his territory again, but this time he meant business.

I was hard as a fucking rock from Logan squirming all over me.

How the hell had he made her come with just his hand in her shirt? That seemed like forbidden knowledge. I wanted it. Desperately. I wanted to take her apart as easily as he did.

He patted his thigh. “Come here, Logan.”

She crawled over to him and he got her situated between his legs so they were both facing me. Her knees were bent so she wasn’t touching me anymore. I shouldn’t be thinking about how chill it had been, with her feet in my lap and being able to casually touch her. She hadn’t been kidding about getting turned on by fear. I thought maybe it was because of the monster, but apparently horror movies did the trick equally well.

Caden tucked one of her ankles over his calf and trapped it against the couch, hooking her other knee over his. My breathing shallowed. How could leggings and a sweater look so fucking hot on someone? She stared at me with an inferno tucked behind those eyes.

He whispered something in her ear that I didn’t catch over the roar of my blood. She bit her lip and gave a subtle nod. His hands snaked under her sweater and with some shifting around, emerged with her bra, tossing it onto the ground next to the couch before returning his hand under the fabric. I had no idea what fucking magic he was doing under there but Logan made a helpless sound that had my dick jerking hard against my jeans zipper.

Fuck.

I adjusted myself as inconspicuously as I could, which, to be frank, was not inconspicuous at all. His other hand slipped down the front of her leggings and her head dropped back against his shoulder with a squeak and a soft murmur.

Sweet hell, she smelled so good. She was like a wildfire, all heat, that flower and forest scent charring and baking in the flames.

Caden wasn’t looking at me at all, every bit of his attention on Logan, and thank the gods for that because I was enraptured. Part of me whispered that this was kind of a weird situation, but then she lifted her gaze back to me and every potential thought process fizzled right out of my brain.

I wanted to see her. More of her, anyway.

This was torture.

There was way too much fabric in the way. My hands itched to reach out and take over, but Caden would throw me off the porch. It would probably be pushing it too far to reach into my jeans and give myself a few strokes to ease off the burning pressure.

Logan shuddered. My gaze fell to her hips. She was gently canting them against Caden’s hand. The leggings were black so it was hard to make out any particular details, but I was pretty sure he was inside her now. He bit at her throat and she released a deep, guttural sound that almost made me come on the spot.

It was so hard to keep my breathing even. I didn’t want to attract Caden’s notice in case he changed his mind. I gripped the couch to minimize the shaking, my muscles twitching with the growing desire to get my hands on her. It was a craving that sizzled my blood.

This wouldn’t be nearly so hard to deal with if that fucking dream hadn’t given me terrible ideas. I should never have imagined her so hot and willing. I should get up and walk away right now, hop in the shower and fuck my fist until I blacked out. But…I wouldn’t be able to smell her in the shower, or hear every perfect gasp and moan she made.

She was looking at me again.

Caden did something annoyingly secret and she bit her lip, her gaze molten and searing. She needed to stop being so fucking tempting. I swayed toward her without meaning to, planting my hands on the couch between her spread ankles.

Everyone paused. I wasn’t touching her, but I was near enough to feel the heat from her body. A low growl rumbled out of Caden. I inched back, breathing hard, but not as hard as Logan when he nipped at her throat and she came again.

So fucking perfect.

It wasn’t fair.

Back up. Caden’s voice filled my head and I scooted farther away.

Please.

I hadn’t meant to think it, let alone broadcast it, but it wasn’t possible to rip it back into my own head and out of his.

He stilled and looked at me. Please, what?

I hesitated. I thought about saying I didn’t mean it, but we both knew that was a lie. You know what.

Caden nuzzled Logan’s cheek, still moving his hands to keep her wiggling and panting. She nodded frantically a half second before seizing in his arms, coming again. Fuck, I was jealous. I wished I were coming right now.

“He wants to touch you,” said Caden, dropping a kiss to her throat. “Should we let him?”

My tongue felt so thick I couldn’t even swallow as I waited for her answer.

“Yes, please.” Her voice was so tentative, but she said it. She fucking said it. She wanted me to touch her.

“Keep it PG.” Caden eyed me carefully. “If you go somewhere I don’t like, this will stop.”

I set a shaking hand on Logan’s knee. She felt like a furnace under those leggings and I wanted to let myself burn. I inched closer. She looked at me from her comfortable perch against Caden, waiting for me to do more. I cupped her face and brushed my thumb over her cheek. Her eyes fluttered closed and she leaned into the touch.

The audacity.

Who gave her permission to get all soft like that?

I swallowed hard and got myself a bit more comfortable. The couch was cramped with all of us at one end. I thought about asking if we could move to the bed instead but I was pretty fucking sure Caden would deny me just because he could.

I got bold and moved my thumb to touch Logan’s lips. They parted softly against the slightest pressure and it took every ounce of willpower not to pop it right in there for her to suck on. It was too early to risk that.

Her eyes opened slowly and her tongue darted through that tiny gap and licked at the pad of my thumb. Electricity bolted through me. Why the fuck did that feel as good as I imagined her mouth on my dick would?

Logan gave me a teasing smile. I dropped my forehead to hers. Caden would probably stop things if I kissed her, but I debated if that was worth ending things early or not. Her breathing turned to panting, those perfect sounds reaching a crescendo right next to my fucking ears. I struggled not to come at the noises she was making so close to me. I grit my teeth and ruthlessly shoved it all down.

That fucking dream filled in all the missing spaces of the experience. I knew exactly what she’d feel like if she came while I was inside her. That didn’t help the current situation at all.

Caden took zero pity on either of us and Logan made a choked-off groan. She’d definitely gotten louder, and not just because I could hear her better up close. She squirmed harder in Caden’s grip and he slid a hand all the way up to hold her by the throat, giving me a glimpse of the expanse of skin under her sweater. I brushed reverent fingertips over her stomach, and the muscles twitched under my touch. I laid my palm flat, getting as much skin as I could while it was there for the taking.

I wanted to kiss her so fucking bad. Her mouth was right there. I nearly lost my mind when she finally reached out and tangled her hand in my hair, gripping tight at the back of my neck.

Logan arched toward me as Caden unraveled her again and I didn’t last. Sensation rolled through me, my dick pulsing, turning my underwear into a sloppy mess. It was like I was a fucking teen splooging over a dirty magazine. I shuddered and kept my forehead to Logan’s, trying to keep some semblance of control on myself. Her grip was so strong I nearly winced, but I chose to revel in the contact. We were both huffing and puffing while Caden was cool as a fucking cucumber.

Unfair.

“Too hot,” she whined.

Caden freed both hands, and I tried not to look too closely at the fingers that were shiny from Logan’s cunt. He whipped her sweater right off her.

I froze in place, totally unable to look away from her bare chest, the swell of her tits begging to be held. I wanted to touch every new bit exposed, to press myself against her warm skin and⁠—

“Seth.” Caden’s voice snapped me out of my staring. “Help her.”

I gaped at them both. “Help with…?”

“Logan gets warm when we play. Help her out of her pants.”

Fucking hell, these two were going to kill me.

I braced shaking hands on Logan’s hips and she helpfully lifted them so I could peel the fabric down until it popped off both feet. My heart was like a barrel drum against my ribs. She winked and spread her legs again. Her gray panties had a clearly visible wet spot.

This time when Caden slipped his fingers into her and her eyes flickered shut, I could pretty well see everything. Every thrust lifted the fabric of her panties, giving sinful peeks of dark hair and slick skin. I wasn’t above pulling the panties aside and coaxing her clit with my tongue while Caden finger-fucked her to oblivion. I put a chokehold on that urge, instead setting a hand on each of her ankles and sliding up.

She was back to panting again and focused those beautiful eyes on me.

What do you want me to do, Lo?

Logan slid her foot toward me and hooked her toes to nudge me closer. I inched forward and into her reaching grasp. She hooked one arm around Caden behind her and one around me, keeping me precariously balanced between their legs. I braced myself on the couch with one hand, resting the other on her knee.

Caden took his sweet-ass time playing with her, keeping her wriggling and bucking without taking her over the edge again. I took a chance and dipped forward to kiss her, the moan that leapt out of her rocking me down to my soles. She pulled me closer and swept her tongue into my mouth.

I tipped further toward her, ready to drown in the taste of her. Caden chose that moment to slide another hand into her panties and shove her over the edge. Logan broke free of the kiss with a choking gasp, her grip on me shaking, little mutters of fuck, fuck, fuck echoing.

Logan melted against Caden, her limbs falling limply with a contented sigh. I sat back, my legs aching from awkwardly kneeling.

“Good girl,” Caden growled in her ear. His gaze slid to me. “You can go now, Seth. I don’t imagine you want to see me get taken care of.”

I climbed off the couch on shaky legs. Logan was already turning over and tugging at the front of Caden’s jeans. I disappeared into the bathroom, catching only the sound of the zipper descending and his sharp intake of breath.

Isucked Caden down with a feral hunger. I couldn’t remember having been this turned on before. Gods, I felt drunk. High as a fucking kite and somehow still needy after coming so many times. Caden held a fistful of my hair as I bobbed my head, my mouth ravenous for his cock.

I’d gotten closer to Seth than I’d ever expected Caden to allow, and part of me wished he hadn’t left. Errant fantasies of him fucking into me while I had Caden like this—or the other way around—had me moaning around his hot skin. Caden’s cock had been pressing into my ass the entire time he’d teased me.

I’d never forget the way Seth looked at me.

Caden hoisted my face up and drew me over him. I tugged my panties aside, too impatient to climb off and remove them, and sank onto him with a groan. He devoured my mouth. Rough hands urged me harder, deeper, feeding the desperation he’d stoked so expertly in me. I wasn’t a sex-in-front-of-people kind of girl. Or at least I hadn’t been.

I rode Caden as hard as I could and let him help me along. He groaned deeply and bucked up into me. His head fell back, exposing perfect skin just begging for my teeth. I bit down on his shoulder, something he usually did to me, and he moaned out a string of curses, the wet heat of him bursting inside me. I clung to him tighter and slipped a frantic hand between us to circle my clit and launch myself over that edge with him.

My orgasm broke over me with a ferocious power; my scream filled the cabin despite muffling myself against him.

Dear gods.

Shaky muscles and burning lungs had me relaxing against him slowly. Caden pressed his hands against my back, sliding in slow, soothing motions. I unlatched my teeth from his skin and turned my face to tuck against his neck. It felt like I’d run a gods-damned marathon.

Neither of us moved.

I take it you had fun?

“Wee bit.” I sighed, nuzzling closer, utterly spent and content.

You kissed?

“Mhmm. Is that okay? Got kinda caught up in the moment.”

He made a sleepy sound and cradled the back of my neck. It’s okay.

Thank the gods for that. As much as I’d wanted to kiss Seth, I didn’t want to fuck things up with Caden.

I lifted my face and pressed my mouth to his. We passed a few glorious seconds like that, slow, deep kisses that made my toes curl.

When he released the pressure on my neck, I pulled back and set my forehead against his. “I love you so fucking much. It’s honestly, like, stupid amounts of love at this point. Pretty sure it’s bordering on illegal levels.”

“We’ll have to apply for permits to carry that much love around.” He grinned up at me. “Otherwise you’ll have to pay a very hefty—” He nipped my lip. “—fine.”

It wasn’t that long after dinner, but I was wiped. I glanced toward the bathroom. Seth was still hogging the shower. Oh well. It wasn’t really a hardship to stay snuggled up where I was to wait until he finished.

Caden followed my gaze. We could use the patio shower and indulge in the hot tub?

“Sounds like heaven.”

I slid off Caden with deliberate slowness, keeping our gazes locked, squeezing to feel every ridge as he slipped out of me. I dropped my panties and left them on the floor with the rest of my discarded clothing. Seeing the remnants of what had just happened had my pussy clenching. Caden stood behind me and slid a firm hand over my stomach, leaning down to kiss my shoulder.

I hooked my hand into his and tugged him into the porch. He stripped off his clothes and tossed them inside, and after we’d rinsed we slipped into the warm water, Caden pulling me onto his lap. Sweet and potent bliss left me breathless, weightless, and I absolutely never wanted to move from this spot.

At some point Seth emerged from the shower and popped his head through the glass doors. He only had a towel wrapped around his hips and I struggled to keep from staring at the lean planes of his chest.

“Um, would it be weird if I hot-tubbed too?”

“We’re naked,” said Caden bluntly. “You can go on the other side.”

A thrill snaked up my spine. I wasn’t going to question Caden’s sudden willingness to allow any of this to happen; I was going to enjoy it.

“Can…I be?” Seth asked. His cheeks were adorably flushed.

Caden put his hands over my eyes. “Get in.”

I couldn’t help but laugh and playfully tug at his hands. Caden didn’t relent until Seth was sitting chest-deep in the water at the opposite corner.

He was looking at us like he had no idea how to feel. I was still plenty keyed up, but I could definitely sympathize with the emotional confusion.

“Are we okay?” he asked.

I nodded and brushed my toes against his calf. “I’m good.”

Caden slid a possessive hand around my throat. “We’re okay.”

Seth swallowed hard and nodded. His hand caught my ankle and lifted my feet onto his knees. He dug his thumbs into the arch of my foot and I groaned. Foot massages were the best. I didn’t care what kind of ridiculous sounds I made; there was no way I was pulling that foot away until Seth decided to stop.

Gods.

I was so relaxed.

This was great. I felt like someone should be luxuriously feeding me grapes and fanning me with peacock feathers. I hummed happily and let myself float. I draped a hand over my pussy for Caden’s benefit so I didn’t expose everything to Seth. I didn’t particularly care one way or the other. It wasn’t like Seth was going to drag me over and ravish me in front of my boyfriend.

Oof.

What a thought that was.

I glanced at Seth, and he was staring at me like I was a jar of candy and he was a kid pressed up against the glass with no money. Well, I wasn’t the one keeping the lid on the candy jar. Maybe with these new developments, we’d get closer to that reality. Seth switched to my other foot and worked out every minuscule knot and bit of tension he could find.

We didn’t play in the hot tub. Relaxing was lovely too. We’d be heading out on another horrendously long drive tomorrow, this time to Portland, and my body already ached in anticipation of eighteen hours in the car. I had no idea what waited for us in Oregon, only that we were going to try to avoid the nest.

“We should try to do some research when we get settled tomorrow. Isn’t there a big-ass bookstore in Portland? Maybe they’ve got something useful in the old books?” I suggested.

“We can definitely take a look,” said Caden.

Seth nodded. “Sounds better than running for the rest of our lives.”

I tipped my head to look at Caden a bit better. “Would group cuddles be allowed tonight?”

He was quiet for a moment, his gaze sliding from me to Seth. “Everyone has to wear pajamas.”

I flashed him a grin. “Well, obviously.”

Except it wasn’t super obvious after what we’d done, but I’d take the permission gratefully. It was nice having Seth in panther form so I could feel like an extremely safe sandwich filling, but I was curious what having him there in his human form would be like.

“I should shower before bed,” I said, staring up at the extended roof and exposed beams.

Caden scooped me back into his arms. “In a minute.”

I wasn’t going to argue, and sank into his embrace. “We need to get a hot tub.”

“Mhmm. I’ll buy you a castle if we survive all of this.”

I looked out to the surrounding forest. The trees had been quiet here and I wasn’t sure if that was because there was nothing to tell me or if these ones weren’t as chatty as the ones in the Appalachians. I hoped for the former. It didn’t feel wrong out there, but maybe my abilities in that department had been a fluke. I’d have to look into that too. I wasn’t banking on a book to have my answers, but I had no idea where else to look. It wasn’t like I had access to the kind of witches I needed to talk to.

“Hey, Caden, could you ask on your forum things if anyone could connect us to your kind of witches in Portland?”

His hand stroked over my stomach. “I can, yeah. I’ll do that before bed.”

“My fingers are pruny.” I held up a hand to show him my wrinkled fingertips.

“Okay, I guess you’ve stewed long enough.” Caden looked to his brother. “Close your eyes, and if you peek, I’m shoving your head under the water.”

Seth closed his eyes and set a hand over them. I scampered out of the hot tub and left a dripping trail all the way to the bathroom. I scrubbed down quickly and was ready to get to bed so we could have an early start in the morning. When I emerged in a towel, both my boys were in pajamas.

My boys.

Now, there was a thought.

It wasn’t my fault they looked somehow both adorable and tempting as hell in their cozy flannel bottoms and white T-shirts. Caden passed me some pajamas I’d packed and scooted me ahead to the bedroom to get dressed. I popped back out when I was ready and the three of us climbed into bed. Seth hovered over by the edge. I rolled to face Caden, tucking under his chin and tossing a leg over his.

“Seth, get your butt over here.”

The mattress dipped as he did so, tentatively inching closer. I sighed again and flailed around to grab his hand and yanked him against me until his chest was flush against my back. Gods, that felt amazing.

“We’re cuddling. Nobody be weird about it.”

He finally relaxed against me. I felt as comfy and cozy as I’d ever felt in my whole damn life, and there was nowhere else I’d rather be than squished between Caden and Seth. I nuzzled in with a happy sigh and let myself drift off.

We were on the road at the ass crack of dawn. Logan and Seth had both fallen asleep a few minutes into the drive, with him in his smallest form curled between her shirt and sweater like a baby bump. I chose the southern route toward Salt Lake City, just for the comfort of moving further west immediately instead of having to go north first. I’d checked the map before we left, figuring we’d stop in Eagle in a couple of hours for a big breakfast and try to make the rest of that first stretch before stopping again.

The road and the quiet was always the perfect time to ruminate, and fuck if I didn’t have a hell of a lot to think about. My brother had it bad for Logan. He was in so much deeper than I’d expected. Seeing his reactions, the level of care and reverence when he touched her…

Fuck.

It had been meant as a game when I’d only thought he wanted to fuck her. Things got more complicated when feelings of that level were involved. Not to mention the fact that he got Logan revved up. I wasn’t sure about all of the feelings on her side, but she definitely wasn’t opposed to the idea of fucking him. Every time he’d touched her, her cunt had pulsed around my fingers.

I sighed and adjusted my hold on the steering wheel. The roads were twisty and isolated through the Rockies, and it was full of gorgeous views, but I couldn’t properly appreciate it. I reached over and took Logan’s hand. Her eyes opened briefly and she gave me a sleepy smile, lacing her fingers with mine.

I didn’t doubt that she loved me. Nothing about how she behaved toward me had changed—no withdrawing, no hesitating when we touched. She was the same. The only issue, or maybe it wasn’t even an issue, was that she was opening up to Seth too. I’d never been good at sharing and had certainly never been on board with the concept. It was shoved to the forefront of my mind after last night, though.

Would Seth getting involved help things or hurt them in the long run? I couldn’t be sure, but I wanted Logan to have everything she desired in life. Seth and I weren’t from a wealthy legacy shifter family. All I had to offer her was myself. Luckily, she’d never asked for more. She still wasn’t asking now. I appreciated that she put me in the metaphorical driver’s seat for this situation and so far seemed more than willing to let me acclimate at my own pace.

The idea of Seth and Logan without me made me queasy. I liked our game. I liked being in control. Having Logan follow my lead and Seth bend to the rules even when he didn’t want to was an intoxicating power trip even more intense than having Logan fully surrender to me.

I pulled the car over before we reached our first stop and put a hand on the Seth bump under Logan’s sweater. He popped up with a mrp, looking like an alien trying to burst out of her. He wriggled his head out from the bottom hem and looked over at me.

Get dressed. We’re almost there.

He stretched leisurely, and his feet digging into her belly had Logan protesting as she woke.

“Get your little toothpick feet out of my liver.” Logan squawked as Seth hopped off her and into the back seat. She hoisted her seat into a sitting position to give Seth room and leaned over to kiss me. “How was the drive?”

“Easy enough. I’m very ready for food.”

Her stomach growled as if on cue.

Seth leaned through the front seats, half-dressed, and set his chin on Logan’s shoulder. “I’m starving.”

I waited for the spike of jealousy, for the stop fucking touching her vibes to hit me in the face. But they didn’t...

That was something for future me to deal with.

I started up the car. “Seat belts on.”

I took off harder than necessary, and Seth let out an oof as he hit the back seat, hastily buckling himself in.

We pulled into a diner a few minutes later, showing up right as it opened. Once coffee, pancakes, and breakfast burritos were on the way, we settled into our booth. Logan cuddled up to my side and I laid my arm over the back of the booth to wrap around her.

“I can drive for a while when we get going again,” she said.

“That works. We can switch off after we get past the Utah border.”

“Should I book us a place for tonight in Portland or outside the city again?” asked Seth.

“Something off the interstate,” I said. “We’ll go into the city tomorrow and see what we can find for information.”

My phone pinged and I pulled it out, seeing a notification from the shifter forums.

You could talk to Melinda Kyle in Hood River. She has a metaphysical shop there. She’d probably be able to help.

They included the number and address for the shop and I looked it up, turning the phone for Logan.

“Oh, her store is so cute!”

The server brought our plates and we tucked into the food while Logan flipped through the pages on the shop’s website.

“There’s a contact page. Should I let her know we’re coming?” she asked.

I nodded and took a bite of my burrito. Probably a good idea.

Another benefit of telepathy was being able to stuff my face while talking.

Logan tapped away on my phone and grinned. “Sent!”

“I haven’t met an omega witch in decades,” said Seth. “They’re kinda spooky.”

“Spooky how?” Logan asked between gulps of coffee.

“They’ve got that thousand-yard stare, like they’re looking right through you. Not all the time, of course. They tend to tone it down for the normies, but it’s wild when they reveal themselves.”

“I hope she can help us. I’d like to go back home at some point.”

I pressed a kiss to Logan’s temple. “I hope so, too.”

I wasn’t eager to be back on the road, but we finished up as quickly as we could and I settled into the passenger seat, Logan taking over. Seth shifted into his small form and set a questioning paw on my leg, looking up at me with wide eyes.

Lap?

I scooped him over. I hadn’t held him like this for decades. He started purring instantly and rubbed his head against my chest. Logan reached over and gave him a few ear scratches before pulling out of the parking lot. Seth was out like a light before we even made it onto the interstate. I cradled him with one ankle crossed over my knee and a hand around his back.

“You two are really cute,” Logan whispered.

“He hasn’t done this since he was young.” I braced my other hand on the back of Logan’s neck, lightly teasing her skin with my fingertips as she drove. “I’ve missed it.”

“I imagine last night got him more comfortable with both of us.”

I snorted. “That’s one way of putting it.”

“Are you still okay with it?”

“Pretty sure, yeah. I expected not to be.”

“I definitely expected you not to be.” She gave a little smile but kept her eyes on the road.

“Look, we both know I have one weakness in this world and that’s you. If he makes you happy, I’ll step⁠—”

“Don’t you fucking dare finish that sentence. You make me happy. I love you and you’re fucking stuck with me, buddy.”

My sudden burst of laughter jostled Seth out of his sleep. I patted his side until he curled up and settled down. “I like being stuck with you.”

She reached over and gave my thigh a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re okay with it. At least as okay as you can be. I’m going to try to contact Hecate again when we’re settled in Oregon. I need more information about some things she told me.”

“What kind of information?”

“I want to get some clarity before I tell you. I mean, I have a pretty good inkling given recent developments, but I was too chickenshit to say it at the time.”

“Clarify,” I said, tightening my fingers a bit on the back of her neck.

“Hecate told me she was sending gifts.”

My spine stiffened. “What kind of gifts?”

“All I know is that she said she brought you to me, that she brought Seth, and that she’s bringing others.”

I sat with the information. I’d always assumed that some sort of divinity had led Seth and me to find Logan when we’d been injured. Had Seth chosen us to come to when he ran from the entity, despite our rocky relationship, because a goddess had prompted him?

Who the fuck else was coming?

Were they all going to fall for her?

Where the hell did that leave me?

“You’re being too quiet,” she said. “It’s freaking me out.”

“I’m not sure what I’d say.”

“I just want you to know that whatever the gods plan for me, I love you and that’s never going to change.”

I traced my thumb down the curve of her throat. “I don’t think it’s possible for me to stop loving you.”

Logan grabbed my hand and set it firmly on her thigh. “Then it’s settled. We’re stuck with each other no matter what.”

By the time we arrived at our cabin for the night and picked up our key from an envelope under the welcome mat, we were all dead on our feet. Even though I napped a good chunk of the trip in Logan’s sweater, I was more than ready to get the fuck out of the car. Road trips were only fun when you could get out and play tourist along the way, but we needed time to get our shit together, which meant as few stops as possible.

It was hovering around four in the morning when we finally got inside. I hauled in the bags while Caden salted every doorway and windowsill.

All I wanted was to collapse face-first onto the bed, drag Logan as close as I could get her, and pass out until at least noon. We stayed awake long enough to brush our teeth and change into pajamas.

“Cuddle sleep?” Logan asked, the words melting into a yawn she hastily covered.

Caden nodded and I thanked the gods for whatever was making him so chill. Logan crawled up the middle of the king bed and wriggled under the blankets. We slipped in on each side and settled into much the same position as last night, with her leg slung over Caden and me pressed against her back. I snuggled in, nudging her hair away so I could breathe her in, tucking my face against the back of her neck.

Fucking bliss.

I woke gods only knew how many hours later and blinked into the blazing sunlight. I buried my face deeper against Logan with a groan and pulled the blankets over our heads. The smell of fresh coffee wasn’t enough to lure me out of my current location, but it did wake up Logan. She rolled over and into my arms with a contented hum, eyes still closed as sleepy fingers brushed my cheek. Her forehead touched mine and I held my breath, every nerve singing. She slid her fingers down, hooking under my chin to lift my face to hers. A soft sigh parted her lips a second before she pressed them to mine.

I sank into her, weaving my hand into her hair, savoring her perfect mouth. She was sweet and warm. I didn’t even care about the morning breath; I wanted to dive deeper, roll over and press her into the mattress, feel the suppleness of her body yielding to mine...

“Are you two getting up?” Caden asked from the main room.

Logan jerked away, eyes wide. She sat up sharply, not looking at me. “Yep. Be right there.”

I rolled onto my back as she slipped out of bed. Well, fuck. She probably forgot I was here and thought she was kissing Caden.

Okay, I could deal with this. I knew how to smooth things over.

I shifted into my small form and followed Logan out. They both turned to me and I paused, wondering if she’d said something to him. I slid closer, winding around her ankles as she sat down at the little kitchen table. She leaned down automatically and stroked my fur.

Caden picked me up by my scruff. Why did you kiss her?

If you think I’m capable of not kissing her back when she reaches for me, then you’re overestimating my self-control. I wriggled in his grasp until he set me on the floor.

Caden sighed and crossed his arms, staring at me with some weird mix of emotions I couldn’t quite parse. After a few tense moments, he just asked, “Are you having coffee?”

I hopped up into Logan’s lap. In a bit.

He watched her stroke my ears. The world fell away as my eyes slid shut and she triggered my purrs and happy feet. Gods. Fucking magic fingers, I swear. I had no idea how long she pet me. It was hard to tell the passage of time in that delirious, gloriously blissed-out state.

When she finally stopped, I flopped against her chest and waited for the world to regain balance. I looked up at her. Sorry I kissed you. I got too excited.

She laughed and kissed the top of my head. “It’s okay. That’ll teach me for skipping over opening my eyes first.”

I stood and rubbed my cheek against hers.

“Doesn’t count as an apology if you immediately start scent marking her,” said Caden as he set a cup of coffee on the table for me.

Logan scooped me up and patted my hip. “Go get dressed so we can go into town.”

I scampered off to do that and wash up. We took turns in the bathroom, and soon enough we were on our way into Portland for breakfast and their massive bookstore.

I’d never been in one so big before. It was like a labyrinth. We wandered our way through and found the occult section, settling in. Figuring that old books were probably the most helpful to start with, we each picked one off the shelves and skimmed through. Mine turned out to be useless, so I prowled through the stacks to find something more helpful, passing them to Caden and Logan, and returning their used ones.

Logan’s phone pinged and she pulled it out of her pocket. “Oh, hey, Melinda says we can meet her between five and seven tonight at the shop. I guess when we’re done here, we can head over?”

“Perfect.” Caden squeezed her knee and went back to his skimming.

“I think I found a bit of something,” Logan said, looking up from a book of demonology spread in her lap. “I dunno if it’s the same thing but it talks about a beast of shadows called forth by a witch. Apparently if its witch dies or cuts it off, they lose their fuel source and basically go rabid to hunt magic sources.”

“Sounds like a general direction, at least,” said Caden. “There are shifters all over the place, though. Why is it hunting us?”

“Maybe you’re from some super-secret royal shifter bloodline that’s extra magical?” Logan suggested.

I snorted. “If we were, I'd be pissed over all the money and power we’ve missed out on. Do we know if it’s still following us? Maybe we finally shook it.”

“I can try asking the trees. Not sure if they’d be able to tell, but it can’t hurt.”

We dug through a dozen or so more books before Logan leaned against the shelf with a groan. “My eyeballs are crossing.”

“Do we want to buy the one possibly useful book and grab some drive-thru before going to Hood River?” Caden asked.

“Fuck yeah!” I grinned. “I’m starving.”

We tidied up the mess we’d made and purchased the thick demonology book before heading out. We grabbed some cheap burgers and ate them on the way. It was a solid hour drive to Hood River from the bookstore.

The metaphysical shop we were searching for was basically a hole in the wall—small and cramped, with stock up to the ceiling. It smelled like incense, but about six different kinds at once, and made my nose twitch.

A middle-aged woman with thick, dark hair and bejeweled glasses lifted her head as we all came inside. “Logan.”

It was weird that she said the name as a statement rather than a question.

“Yep.” Logan waved and took the lead on our group.

“I’m Melinda.” The woman held out her hand. “Come here, sweetness. Tell me everything.”

Logan spilled out everything that had happened. Melinda’s eyes gleamed as she absorbed the story, and the hair on my arms stood on end.

“Who were your parents?” Melinda held up her hand and a thick leather-bound book zipped into her hand, hovering as she flipped it open.

“Um, Matthew and Lorelei Murphy. They adopted me when I was born.”

“Hmm.” Melinda waved her hand over the book and the pages whipped frantically. “Do you have information on your birth parents?”

“No. My birth mother wanted everything to be closed and I was supposed to get information when I turned eighteen, but apparently all the records were destroyed before then.”

“Come sit by me. I have to show you something.”

Logan extracted herself from Caden and me to sit next to Melinda. The witch looped an arm around Logan and our girl jolted with a hiss, but Melinda wrapped her other hand around Logan’s wrist, her eyes going all glowy and weird.

My first instinct was to rocket off the couch and tackle Melinda, but the air was thick as molasses as I tried to reach for Logan, every movement fighting me. The harder I pushed, the stronger the force keeping me back.

Caden looked pissed as hell, fighting against whatever mojo Melinda had going on. Logan’s eyes were screwed shut, her body straining to pull away.

“Stop hurting her!”

Hush, little panther.

I shook my head, hating the feeling of Melinda in my mind.

Caden slipped into a half form, tail whipping behind him, claws digging into the invisible barrier, his growl vibrating the air around me. “Let. Her. Go.”

Melinda laughed in my head. Logan struggled, but it was easy to see her strength was fading fast. We kept pushing against Melinda’s magic, and when my fingertips finally reached Logan, her skin buzzed like a bug zapper and I flinched away.

“What the fuck?” I snapped.

Don’t worry, panthers. She’s not being hurt. Melinda turned those freaky eyes on me.

I didn’t like this bitch one bit.

Caden growled, his eyes flashing yellow as he hurled himself against the magic.

Melinda yanked Logan closer and took an audible whiff. “Mmm, you’re quite the treasure box, aren’t you?”

Caden clapped a hand down on Melinda’s arm and grit his teeth. I bet she felt even shittier to touch. I sucked in a breath and wrapped my arms around Logan’s waist, whipping us both away from Melinda. Holy fuck did she burn. It felt like I’d been stuck with a dozen cattle prods but as soon as I detached the two of them Logan sagged against me, instantly bursting into tears and clinging desperately to me. Caden pressed against her back a second later, turning to face Melinda.

“Explain yourself,” Caden hissed at the woman.

“What in the sweet holy fuck was that?” I held Logan, hands dancing over her torso to reassure myself she was still in one piece.

Melinda looked dazed, maybe even a bit high. She floated around the shop, gathering up herbs and stones, ignoring us completely.

“Hey!” I snapped.

She finally looked over. “I had to unlock some boxes. There’re more layers still. Whoever locked her down was thorough.”

“Locked her—what?”

“There aren’t that many bound omega bloodlines, and all the ones I’m aware of are generations separated. I was told to cut those threads, so I did.”

I stared at her, uncomprehending.

“Logan’s an omega?” Caden asked.

Melinda rolled her eyes. “You couldn’t tell?”

“What part of my reaction makes you think we knew?”

Melinda laughed softly. “Her blood was practically screaming when she walked in.”

Logan had mostly stopped crying, but she was still shaking.

“Lo, you okay?”

She didn’t answer beyond fisting my shirt in her hands.

“I may have opened a few too many boxes at once,” said Melinda with a sigh. “She’ll settle in a bit. In the meantime, I have a theory. The creature you’ve mentioned is similar to the records from 1622 when Fiona O’Clery tried to rip out the magic core from her shifter lover so she and her children could have both witch magic and shifter abilities.”

“Holy shit,” I muttered.

“Yes. She failed in her goal. Her mate was destroyed in the process and she nearly died herself before her coven was able to intervene and put the creature into stasis. There have been other similar creatures throughout history, but that’s the last record of one we have, at least on this continent. It’s very possible that some witch recently was very naughty and created a new one. How are you intending to fight it?”

“That’s what we came here to find out,” snapped Caden. “We were hoping you’d be able to tell us that.”

“Honestly, I have no idea. It’s a magic eater, so throwing magic at it wouldn’t work. It doesn’t sound like it has much physical form either.” Melinda wandered off to turn on a small kettle behind the front desk, and she scooped the herbs she’d picked out earlier into a glass mug along with a clear stone. The water swirled as she poured it, tendrils of steam wafting up with a weird bluish tint. “Have her drink this once it’s cooled a bit.”

“What the fuck is that?” I inched Logan away from her a little more.

“Nothing to worry about, shifter. It’ll help her stabilize.” Melinda snapped her fingers in front of Logan’s face and I couldn’t stop the hiss that leapt out.

“Fuck off, lady.”

She only laughed. “You two are cute. She doesn’t need you to protect her from me.”

“You’re not making that a believable statement,” Caden growled.

I tipped Logan’s face up. Her eyes were glassy, and sweat made her skin shimmer. “What’s wrong with her?”

“I tore through a lot of mess. It’ll take her some time to process it all.” Melinda examined her nails. “I haven’t unbound anyone for a good, long time, but I know it takes quite the toll on the mind and body. I’ve heard from others it’s better to do as much as you can without breaking them so they don’t get twitchy about each layer. Sort of like a full-body waxing all at once compared to ripping off one strip at a time.”

Melinda reached out to Logan, and Caden snapped a hand around her wrist. “I think you’ve touched her quite enough for one day.”

“Honestly, you two make my work more difficult, but I’ll be nice and not evict you from my shop.” Melinda walked past us and flipped the dead bolt and the open sign to closed. “Follow me.”

Caden picked up Logan and cradled her to his chest. Melinda grabbed the weird tea on the way and led us up a set of narrow stairs to a small apartment above the store.

I didn’t like it up here. It didn’t feel wrong like the creature, but it wasn’t comfortable. Melinda’s vibes weren’t exactly chill.

“Do you have somewhere safe to go?” Melinda asked as she sat down in her small living room. We sat on her couch with Logan between us.

“Not really,” I said.

“Find somewhere.” Melinda’s voice was firm. “After you leave here, I’m going to go on a nice, long vacation to visit my cousin in Bucharest. You brought her scent to my door and I ripped the lid off exactly what that thing is hunting.”

“You’re leaving?” I asked.

“Well, I’m not going to stick around and wait for something that wants to suck down my magic like a Capri Sun on a hot day. I’ve already heard about the half dozen witch deaths on the East Coast. I don’t intend to add to that number.”

“But where the fuck are we supposed to hide from it?”

She shrugged. “That’s not really my problem.”

My hackles rose, and it took all my willpower not to shift into panther form and slap the shit out of her.

Melinda waved her hand dismissively. “Yes, yes, I see you, hissy. You can growl and fuss all you want, but it’ll make no difference. I guess it’s good I opened as many layers as I did where she’s safe. If it had gotten its hands on her, it would have torn them open like a kid at Christmas and sucked her magic down while she was catatonic.”

“What do you mean layers?”

“There were mountains of barriers between her and her magic. Who put them there or why, I have no idea, but she was locked down like Fort Knox. Since her abilities started to pop up only after she had direct contact with the creature, I can only assume that rather than her magic being consumed, it was first eating the layers of binding magic that kept her powers and omega nature suppressed. You were able to remove her from the situation before they were all shredded, but there were still plenty left, which is what I removed.”

I looked down at Logan. Her eyes had a faint glow to them.

Logan shuddered in our arms and lifted her head, the glassiness fading from her gaze. She stared at her hands like she’d never seen them before. “What the fuck happened?”

“Lovely of you to join us again, sweetness.” Melinda smirked and handed her the freaky tea. “Drink this, and then we’ll go outside to let you test out what I’ve woken.”

Everything looked weird. Wavery, swirly, like I’d seen in movie depictions of an acid trip. I reached over to Seth and Caden and dug my fingers into their thighs for a desperate anchor.

“I know.” Melinda held out the cup more insistently. Whatever was inside it was glowing. “Drink this. It’ll help.”

The twisting vision was quickly making me nauseated, and while I wasn’t eager to down some fucked-up potion, I also didn’t want to hurl all over her living room. I accepted the cup from her and took a tentative sip. It tasted like the forest and felt like a balm on my tongue. I’d expected searing heat from the steam but it was only pleasantly warm and I chugged the rest of it.

My vision cleared with every mouthful and I slumped gratefully against Caden as I finished it off.

“There’s a good girl.” Melinda’s words made my stomach flip. She took the mug back and set it on the small table next to her chair. “Better?”

I nodded, but slipped my hands into Caden’s and Seth’s anyway. My blood still hummed, and my head was so light I half worried it would float away.

“Ready to go outside?”

“For what?” I asked.

“Your boys told me about everything and your weird ability quirks. You should have a much easier time with them now if you want to try.”

“In a minute.”

Melinda nodded and updated me on her theory. “If we could figure out what line you’re from, that might give us a better idea as to why you were bound to begin with. There are only three lines that I’m aware of that were locked.”

She twitched her fingers and a thick leather-bound book floated up again. It opened to a section of family trees.

“These are all witch families?” I asked.

“The omega lines, yes. I’m astonished you’ve been around an alpha shifter for so long and neither of you were aware that you’re an omega. Nothing ever tipped you off?”

“I mean, I reacted to him way more strongly than I ever did to humans, but I thought it was just because he’s so hot.”

Melinda laughed. “Your omega magic may have been smothered by the bindings, but it can’t stop everything.”

It should have been weird to consider myself an omega, but the truth of it settled into my bones and my brain snapped into alignment with that most basic fact even as a million more questions craved answers.

“I don’t know anything about omegas. What does it mean to be one?”

“All omegas have inherent magic, whether they are witch, shifter, or something else. They exist across multiple species. I suppose we’re best known for our sensuality and our ease with having children.”

“But…I wasn’t planning on having any.”

“You don’t need to,” Melinda assured me. “Many omegas take advantage of potions and charms to block conception. If you chose to, though, it’s very common to have minimal symptoms or discomfort during pregnancy.”

“Good to know, I guess. So, tell me about the book? How do we figure out my ancestry?”

“One of my ancestors was quite tricky and collected a drop of blood from every witch she ever encountered, applying it to the book. Her magic tracked the connections.”

The idea of giving Melinda any of my blood made me queasy, but maybe it was the best option?

Melinda smirked. “If you want to find out who your birth parents were and to which line you belong, then yes, you’ll need to give me your blood.”

I jerked back. Her power was unnerving. “Could I learn more before I consider that?”

“Of course, sweetness. Let me arrange that for you since I’ll be leaving soon.” A flick of her fingers had a small knife darting toward her, mother-of-pearl inlaid into the wood handle. She nicked her thumb and ran the pad of it down the spine of the book, whispering something I couldn’t quite hear. “There we go. You can borrow this book for a while. Please do keep it safe. It’s been in my family for quite some time. I’ve bound it to me so I can call it to return at any point. There should be plenty of information in here to get you started with understanding the history of our people. Your specific magic will have to be determined by trial and error since every omega witch is different. Very little of our magic types are hereditary so you can have interesting mixes among family.”

“Who told you to unbind Logan?” Caden asked. “You said you were told to, but none of us said anything.”

Melinda snorted. “I wouldn’t have listened to you even if you had. I listen to my patron gods, not a prissy panther. But, to answer your question, Hecate requested, and I’m not about to deny a goddess.”

“She’s my⁠—”

“Patron, yes. She made that quite clear. I don’t mean to rush you, but we’re on a rather tight schedule. Are you ready to go out into the forest to practice?”

“Sure. I suppose it can’t hurt.” My legs were still a bit unsteady as I rose, and Caden looped his arm around my waist.

“Perfect.” Melinda led us out onto a balcony at the back of the shop and down some rickety steps with a liberal sprinkling of lichen decorating the wood.

The ground was mossy and almost blindingly green. I loved it. Something about moss just made me want to strip naked and roll around on it.

We walked about half an hour straight into the forest. I probably should’ve been slightly concerned in case Melinda turned out to be an axe murderer or something, but the trees felt so peaceful.

“Clothes off.” Melinda unceremoniously shucked off her dress and shoes as we entered a small clearing. She was bare beneath the fabric.

“I’m sorry, what?” I wrapped my arms around myself.

“We’re doing this skyclad.”

I glanced at Caden and Seth before taking a deep breath and dropping my sweater into the moss. I peeled off each item of clothing in turn, ridiculously aware of all of them watching me. I could have told them to look away, but if I was going to be prancing in the woods with Melinda, what was the point in trying to retain modesty?

Seth sucked in a sharp breath as I wiggled out of my leggings, fingers paused nervously at the waistband of my panties. I closed my eyes and shoved them down, letting them fall, and unhooking my bra before I could think otherwise. I wasn’t going to bend down and gather it all up. I wasn’t too concerned with them seeing me naked, but I wasn’t about to flash Seth with my pussy.

“Perfect,” Melinda said with a smile as she kneeled down. “Come, have a lie down.”

“You weren’t supposed to be a mind reader about my impulses to roll naked in moss.”

Melinda laughed. “It’s something I do regularly.” She patted the squishy green ground next to her.

I sank down, my knees cushioned, and the urge to fall face-first into it was too great to resist.

“This is amazing.” I breathed deeply. The power of the forest washed over me like a gentle stream.

“It gets better,” Melinda assured me. “Roll over.”

I flipped onto my back and wiggled happily against the moss. I needed an entire bed made out of this.

“Focus on rooting into the earth and ask the forest to let you see through its eyes.”

The visualization was easy and something I did every time I worked with the divine. Energetic roots sank into the ground and I opened the request to the enormity of the millions of trees around me.

My head spun and my stomach churned, thousands upon thousands of plants and creatures filtering information to me.

“Pull back,” Melinda said, pressing a hand firmly against my belly button. “It’s easy to fall deep. Ask them to show you what you need to know.”

I relayed the question inside my own head and my mind barreled through the intense network of trees like I was on a roller coaster. It came to an abrupt stop at the farthest edge of the forest where it met the grassy foothills.

Darkness whispered over those hills.

It was still hunting us.

It was coming.

I bolted upright and Melinda pushed me right back down. “We’re not done. You don’t know how to do anything and if you don’t get at least a bit of a handle on things, you’re going to fry those boys to crisps.”

“What?” My gaze flickered to Seth and Caden. They were both tense, watching me, probably also wondering what the fuck Melinda meant.

“We opened a lot of floodgates, and while they’re not all open, there’s enough to drown them if you’re not careful. You’ve got a lot of power and it’s been growing every year but was unable to express before. I don’t have time to teach you much, but I’ll do what I can. Now, close your eyes, call up a good bit of it, and focus on keeping it centralized in your body. Don’t let any of it escape.”

I nodded, closing my eyes, imagining the power like a campfire in my belly. The warmth of it radiated out, a pleasant, tingling sensation that had goosebumps rising. I called more, my breath trembling as my heart picked up its pace and the tingling grew to a vibration that teased my nerves. My clit pulsed and my pussy clenched as I yanked up more power. Every bit of me broke out in a sweat. I dug my fingers into the moss with a whimper.

“Focus it where you want it, where the core of your power responds strongest.” Melinda’s voice reached through, but I couldn’t open my eyes to see her.

The power trickled between my thighs, the flames spreading over my skin. Tension coiled tightly, my pussy aching for attention, the power responding to that pulsing need. It radiated deep, into every nerve, and I pressed my heels into the ground, my ass lifting my hips up as the muscles tensed.

“There’s a good girl. Bring it higher, all the way up.”

I whined and grabbed at the power. It roiled through my body like a writhing snake, tempting my clit with each flicker of heat. I wanted to be fucked so badly, to have some outward guide for the wildness of my new power. It flooded my system, throttling me until I arched and let out a pathetic cry.

I heard some sort of commotion and Melinda firmly ordering everyone to stay back.

Please, please, please. I chanted the word in my head, unable to make my mouth listen.

The burn felt so fucking good.

Gods. I was so close.

I pulled the swell of power higher and shoved it exactly where I craved that heat and it sent me spiraling. The scream echoed. Power reverberated through each cell, the rise and fall of the pleasure undulating it through my body before finally, finally, dissipating into the earth below me.

I sank against the moss, totally limp.

“Well done. That should keep any potential crisping at bay for a while.”

I peeled my eyes open.

Melinda sprawled out next to me. “Hello, sweetness. Feeling all right?”

I couldn’t quite bring myself to speak but I managed a minuscule nod.

She laughed. “Yeah, the first hit is pretty strong. I’m going to take a wild guess and say your power lies in flames and pleasure, both of which are easy to stoke beyond your control.”

“So what do I do?” All of me still tingled with need.

“I’m going to head home and start packing. You are going to stay here and have fun with your boys for a bit, okay? Nothing settles the blood like a solid fuck. You’ll learn quite quickly with this sort of magic that it can both build your power and dissipate it. If you don’t have it release into something that can handle the output, well, that’s how you get yourself a crispy fried shifter.” Melinda sat up and focused on Caden. “I suggest you get good at sharing quickly, little panther. You won’t sate her alone for long. Omegas need a pack to survive.”

Processing those words seemed like too much work so I lay where I was as the growing desire had me squirming. “Caden.”

He was at my side a second later. “I’m here. What do you need?”

“She needs you to fuck her, panther,” Melinda said with a laugh, tapping my forehead with her finger. Thinking got a hell of a lot easier, the fog clearing. “There we are. Got a little clarity in your eyes. You need to get rid of some more energy and you have two salaciously delicious shifter boys to help with that. You want that, don’t you?”

“I—”

“Honesty is very important,” Melinda said. “Speaking your desires will only help on the path you’re walking.”

You need them.

I wasn’t sure where the voice came from but it filled my head and stole my breath.

Both?

Both. Take them.

I whimpered. “Caden, please.”

Melinda rolled her eyes. “Don’t let him control your desires, little one. You are the master of your own body. Do you want them both to help you or not?”

“Yes,” I whispered, ashamed of the burning that filled me at the thought of having them both.

“What do you say now, panther?” Melinda eyed Caden.

“I’ll give her anything she wants.”

“Good. Now, have fun.” Melinda rose up again and got dressed before disappearing into the forest.

When she was out of sight, Caden looked at his brother with sharp eyes. “Seth.”

“Um, yeah?”

“Hold her down.”

Was this actually happening?

Logan was sprawled on the moss, naked and smelling like heaven, as potent and all-consuming as the forest around us. I crawled toward them. “Hold where?”

“Wrists. She likes to be immobilized.”

Logan looked at me helplessly, her dark eyes glowing, as she lifted her hands over her head for me.

Fucking hell.

I was going to be ruined in seconds. I wrapped a firm hand around each wrist and braced my knuckles into the moss. Her skin felt fizzy, like her whole body was a vibrator set on low. It raised every hair to attention and sang my dick to life, as if it weren’t already raring to go.

She groaned and tested my grip. I squeezed tighter and she whimpered. I couldn’t stop looking at her. I was fucking blessed by all of her.

Beautiful.

Just fucking perfect.

I wanted to touch every inch of her, feel her quiver under my hands, provoke those gorgeous cries that I craved down to my bones. I wanted to bury myself in her so badly I ached. From the sounds she was making now, I was pretty sure I wasn’t the only one aching.

Caden hoisted her calves over his shoulders and dipped his face down to her cunt. Her hands latched onto me as well as they were able and she shuddered. Watching Caden tongue-fuck her was a morbid fascination. I couldn’t look away. Her hips bucked and he shoved her thighs apart, pinning them down.

Fuck, that was hot.

Logan tossed her head, throwing it back with a whine. How had we ever missed her being an omega? Way too much aligned now that it had been pointed out.

I leaned down, nuzzling her cheek. “Lo, I want to touch you. Do you want me?”

“Gods, yes.” She strained harder against my hands.

Caden, can I?

You heard the lady.

Breathless with want, I crossed her wrists and held her in place with one hand. I didn’t want to be sloppy with her, but my fingers were shaking as I laid them on her skin. I traced down her arm and over the curve of her chest, scooping back to cradle her tit. I scooted around to her side, holding her wrists tight, and leaned down. She arched up against my mouth, her nipple sliding past my lips. The first stroke of my tongue had her pressing up higher against me. She was a fucking feast.

It was a bit of a power trip, feeling her squirm as I lapped at her skin, pressing down more firmly as she struggled against my grip.

Let go. Flip incoming.

I sat back just in time for Caden to grab her hips and roll her over. He kept her pinned with a knee on her ass.

Pass me her leggings.

I grabbed them off the ground and passed them over. He pulled her arms behind her and bound them up neatly in the fabric. I hadn’t played with restraints often and had zero of the finesse Caden did. Logan writhed against the ground, her steady chant of please, please, please making my blood pound in my ears.

He dragged her so her ass was in the air and her face was against the moss, turned to look at me. Her eyes were full-on glowing now, no hint of their original color. It would have scared the shit out of me if I didn’t want her so badly. Caden unzipped his jeans and I turned back to focus on Logan, setting an assuring hand on her cheek. I could tell the second he was inside her by the choked-off sound she made.

Do you want more of me, Lo?

She nodded frantically and I settled in front of her, gently lifting her, mindful of the angles Caden needed, until I was parked in front of her with my palm bracing her upright. I sank a hand into her hair and pulled her in for a kiss. She kissed like she was starving, like she was trying to consume my soul through my lips. I stayed like that until the fizz from her skin became an insistent burn. Reaching down her body, I slid eager fingers over her stomach and through the thatch of hair between her thighs until I found her clit.

Holy fuck, she was so wet.

Logan broke off from the kiss and laid her forehead against my shoulder, panting like she’d run a marathon. I focused on her clit like a man possessed. I wanted her to come for me. I angled her so I could lick up the curve of her throat. My fangs inched out. I wanted to bury those in her too.

She trembled against me, her breaths coming faster, accompanied by little sounds with each thrust of Caden pushing into her. Her scream startled the birds right out of their trees, and the energy that burst out of her was like getting slugged in the gut with a baseball bat.

Caden slid free, looking dazed. Logan was still squirmy and her scent had risen to a fever pitch, jasmine trying to drown me.

“Please,” she begged. “Seth.”

Oh, fuck. Logan was begging me.

I gathered her onto my lap where I could slip two fingers inside her. She let out a sound that was almost a sob.

“More,” she whispered.

I obliged, sliding in a third.

Fuck, she felt good.

I could only imagine how incredible she’d feel if it were my dick in her instead. Her muscles squeezed excitedly, sucking me deeper. I braced my other hand at the back of her neck and teased her pulse point with my fangs while I set a relentless pace, working my wrist in sharp movements that had each of her exhalations burning against my skin.

She vibrated in my grip. I wanted her hands on me, but I didn’t want to stop touching her.

I glanced over to Caden. Undo the binding.

He moved slowly, eyes still a bit glazed as he tugged the leggings until they fell away. Logan wrapped her arms around me, her nails biting into my back. I wanted her on my skin.

I let go of her long enough to whip my shirt off. She ground her cunt against my jeans, whimpering deliciously as I slid my fingers back into her. I worked her clit with the heel of my palm.

The desire to undo my pants and pull her down onto me was overwhelming, but I didn’t have fucking permission for that. I tipped her onto the moss and hovered closely over her, burying my face against her throat.

If I couldn’t fuck her like I wanted to, I could sure as hell indulge in everything else. I started to slide my fingers free and she whined in protest.

“Patience, little kitten.”

Her cunt grabbed my fingers in a vicious pulse.

Guess she liked that.

I savored the taste of her skin under my tongue—salt, heat, jasmine, and sweetness—working down her body at a pace she both hated and loved, if the whimpers and bucking hips were any indication.

My brain was fuzzy.

No thought, only touch.

I sucked a peaked nipple into my mouth and her hips slammed up against my waist. Everything else fell away. The trees, the birds, Caden sitting barely a foot away, all disappeared as my vision focused down to Logan. I’d seriously underestimated the level of intoxication finally getting my hands on her would create.

She laced her hands in my hair and pressed me closer. I sucked hard, swirling my tongue until she released a broken sob and dug her nails into my scalp.

Harder, Lo.

Her nails sank in deeper and I reveled in the sting. The squirming got out of control and Caden inched closer until his shadow forced my attention to him.

Please don’t make me stop. I was pretty sure there was an edge of desperate begging in there.

I won’t. He did pry her hands off me, though, and brought them back over her head to hold her wrists like I had been doing before. Use your fangs.

I pushed her nipple with my tongue, lodging it against the side of my fang while I stroked it.

“Fuck.” Logan gasped and broke a second later. Her power hit me in jolts, electrifying every bit of me that touched her. My head felt like a bell—empty and smacked to shit as the internal clapper crashed against the sides.

I hadn’t tasted enough of her yet to stop. I slid down, pressing kisses to her stomach. Her feet pressed against me and urged me toward her cunt. I laughed against her. My fangs ached for her. I nipped her thigh and she quivered.

Logan lifted up one foot and Caden tied off one leg of her leggings around her ankle before she lifted the other and he did the same to it, hooking the rest of it behind her neck.

Oh, shit.

She was all trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey waiting to be devoured. I laid myself flat on the moss, pressing one hand under her ass, the other pushing three fingers inside her. Logan groaned and squirmed viciously. The first taste of her as I licked at her clit made me lightheaded like I’d chugged a whole fucking bottle of vodka on an empty stomach.

My vision swam, so I closed my eyes and put all my attention on her clit.

Gods.

She was so fucking exquisite.

I drank her down, satiating one of the many cravings I’d harbored for her since we met. The trembling got more intense and her pitiful chanting had started up again. I growled, letting the vibrations from my throat slide up my tongue.

She was so close to breaking for me again.

Come for me, Lo.

The words shattered whatever barriers were left for her. Logan’s magic hit me like a brick and her cunt squeezed my fingers painfully tight. I kept up, licking, thrusting, devouring, until the tremors eased and her muscles went slack.

Caden freed her from her leggings prison and she draped her legs over me.

“Fucking hell,” I murmured.

I wriggled away and climbed up alongside her on weak limbs, flopping onto the moss. She rolled toward me, and Caden cuddled up to her back. Logan reached out, awkwardly undoing my jeans with one hand. I was so hard it was difficult to think, and when she freed my dick to wrap her hands around me, I choked back a sob.

Logan gave me a mischievous grin, swiped her hand through her slick folds, and returned that hand to me. Slow, teasing strokes had me fucking into her fist. Guess we were all a little desperate and pitiful.

“Seth, come kiss me.”

The words were fucking music.

I inched closer and slipped my tongue into her mouth, letting her take over. She kissed every damn thought out of my head. I wanted her to keep touching me forever, but when she nipped my earlobe and whispered, “Come for me, Seth,” I was ruined.

Whether it was her power or my own need that barreled into me like a truck, forcing me to come undone in her hand, I couldn’t tell. The sensation closed up my throat and blinded me as darkness seared over my vision, pleasure hooking me around the spine and yanking me up so my dick gave one final slide between her fingers.

I sprawled, helpless and sated, in the moss.

Holy shit.

Iwasn’t sure how long we all lay there on the forest floor. My skin still buzzed from the impact of Logan’s power surge. I curled tighter around her. Seth had fallen asleep with his face pressed against her sternum. It was all more relaxing than it had any right to be. I’d have thought the forest would put me on edge, but I was too damn content.

I kept a halfhearted watch as Logan and Seth slept, too sated to be on high alert.

Twilight washed over the forest, and before night fully claimed its domain, Logan finally stirred.

“I feel like I’ve been run over.” She groaned and stretched, rousing Seth with her movements.

He blinked sleepily. “What’s happening?”

“We should get back,” I said. “Hopefully Melinda hasn’t left already.”

I rose gingerly and gathered up Logan’s clothes. She was limp as a cooked noodle as I helped her dress before scooping her into my arms, bridal style. “Seth, I don’t know the exact way out. Can you shift and lead us?”

He shimmied out of the rest of his clothes and dropped the bundle of them into Logan’s lap before melting down to his panther form. Seth sniffed around and wrapped his tail around my leg.

This way.

I followed him on the walk to the shop. It seemed like it took a lot longer to leave than it had to get to the clearing, but we’d had the benefit of sunlight on the journey in. The lights were still on in Melinda’s apartment above the shop when we broke through the edge of the forest. Seth climbed the stairs ahead of us and whacked his paw on the glass.

The door swung open and Melinda popped her head out. “Oh, well done. Not a single one of you was incinerated! Come in.”

The three of us ventured inside and Melinda had two suitcases standing ready at the door.

“You left us out there thinking one of us would die?” I asked, hackles rising.

“I’m not your babysitter, panther. I never agreed to teach anyone anything about their magic. I gave her the most basic tool and the rest is up to her. You have a chance of survival now. If I’d left her locked down, you’d be dead within a month.” Melinda crossed her arms. “If you haven’t noticed, I have to get my ass out of Dodge because of you three. Shut down my business, flee the fucking country, because you’re bringing a magic eater here. So, fuck you very much. I didn’t have to help you at all.”

She’s got a point. Seth sat at my feet.

“Rest here if you need to before you go, but I’m heading to the airport in less than an hour.” Melinda closed the patio door behind us and sat in her chair.

Logan squirmed and I let her down, keeping a steadying hand on her waist.

“Not a fan of your methods,” said Logan, “but thank you for helping us. I’m sorry we’re causing you trouble.”

Melinda softened. “It would have wandered here eventually. At least now I have a heads-up to get out.” Something flickered in her gaze and Melinda fished out her phone, tapping away before turning the screen to Logan. “I’m supposed to show you this.”

“Oh my gods! They found out who she is.” Logan grabbed the phone and showed me. “Virginia Burke. She went missing in 1972. Her remaining family members are going to have a funeral and bury her in the family plot when everything settles down.”

“Why am I supposed to tell you about a missing person from 1972?” Melinda asked.

“We found her body in the Appalachians. Her spirit led us,” said Logan.

“Interesting. Mediumship is usually one of the first gifts that manifests with a lot of us.”

“Is it?”

Melinda shook her head in exasperation. “Precious girl, you have so much to learn. Were a monster not on your tail I would try to help more, but there isn’t time for this.”

I pushed down a hiss. Melinda might be useful, but that didn’t mean I liked her. I kept a protective arm around Logan, not wanting to get too comfortable here again.

Melinda dragged a card out of an ancient Rolodex sitting on a crowded desk. She passed it over to Logan. “You should try to meet up with Anya. She’s something of a record keeper for our kind. If anyone can help you sort out what line you’re from, she can. The book I’m leaving you will have some answers, but not all. My ancestor obviously didn’t know every witch and certainly wouldn’t have had access to information about every line.”

“Oh, thank you.” Logan tucked the card into her pocket.

“No problem. Now, all of you, get out. I’m getting on the road.”

Melinda led us down and out of her shop. We parted ways, and I made sure Logan was safe in the passenger seat with Melinda’s book before climbing into the driver’s seat. Seth sprawled in the back.

“Is everyone okay?” I asked. Surveying them both properly to assure myself they were at least physically fine, I waited for them to respond. Both nodded. My body felt heavy, like I could lie down and sleep for a year. The cabin and that amazing king-sized bed were calling my name.

In the quiet of the drive, my thoughts turned to the forest. My girlfriend and my brother had fucked. She’d asked for it and I’d allowed it. It wasn’t all the ways they could have, but the barriers were crashing down and I couldn’t figure out why the hell it didn’t bother me more. Melinda had been pretty damn insistent that I get used to the idea of sharing, but I’d been creeping closer to accepting it ever since Seth had turned up on our doorstep. It was fast, sure, but considering the last few days felt like a lifetime, it didn’t feel fast. It was closer to feeling like it had always been this way.

Logan wanted him and I’d never been good at denying her what she wanted. As long as I got to keep her, that was all that truly mattered to me.

Logan set a hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

I picked up her fingers and brought them to my mouth, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles as an answer.

We arrived after what felt like hours, but the clock insisted it was only half an hour later. Naturally I was the one Logan came to once we were inside and settled. I wanted her to come to me, to be the one she always chose first, but I knew what the stoop of my brother’s shoulders meant.

I hugged Logan tighter and stroked her cheek with my thumb. Go to Seth. His heart is a lot softer than he lets on. He’ll need some reassurance after today.

She blinked up at me, but slid out of my arms and walked over to wrap her arms around Seth, resting her cheek on his chest. The fact that he looked so surprised by the affection made my stomach twist. He held her so carefully, one palm on the back of her head, the other hand spread between her shoulder blades.

It hadn’t been hard to see he wanted her, but I knew him. It was more than that now. I hadn’t properly believed him when he’d said he’d do anything for her. I also knew Logan would deny them both if I gave the word. I could separate them with one request and she would give me that.

I couldn’t ask.

“You two go get ready for bed. I’ll be along in a bit.”

That surprised Seth even more and he looked at me like I’d grown a second head. It went against my most basic instinct to leave them alone together, but it was better for all of us if I got comfortable with it.

I wandered into the kitchen and checked through the cupboards, finding a small collection of teas. It was too late for coffee, so I settled on a cup of peppermint tea instead. I could give them the time it took me to drink it.

Had Seth been lonely in our years apart? Should I have done better when he was younger? I hadn’t been as good to him as I was to Logan, but I’d been young and not remotely prepared to be in charge of another person. If someone dropped a two-year-old on me today, I still wouldn’t enjoy myself, but I felt a lot more equipped to deal with it.

I sighed. I always had the choice to rebuild, and if we were going to stare death in the eye, now was as good a time as any, even if part of that rebuilding was adjusting to Logan loving us both. I loved both of them, in different ways, but one didn’t diminish the other.

By the time I’d finished my tea, I was restless. I got ready for bed slowly. My limbs were heavy, my mind fuzzy, and my eyes burned with exhaustion. I should stay up and guard, but I was so fucking tired.

Logan was sound asleep when I stepped into the bedroom, tucked into Seth’s chest. His arms around her and his eyes were on me.

You okay? he asked.

Getting there.

I slipped in on the other side of Logan. She woke enough to reach behind her to tug me closer, humming contentedly as she pulled my arm around to press along her torso.

Thank you…for today. Seth’s gaze was nervous, almost pleading. For everything, really. I haven’t said it enough.

Don’t worry about it.

No. You don’t get it. I stayed away because you didn’t want me around and I tried to respect that, but I missed you so fucking much. I know we’re fleeing for our lives but I’m grateful, as stupid as that sounds. I didn’t think I’d ever get you back.

Guilt sat heavy in my gut. I’d been totally fine not having him around, beyond occasionally wishing things were different. I hadn’t given much thought to what Seth had wanted because I’d been pissed about Rachel and had never looked any deeper.

I’m sorry I held on to my anger for so long. We should have talked a hell of a lot sooner than we did. And I want to talk more, but I also need to sleep.

I stretched my hand under the pillows until it reached Seth. I left it there, gently touching his shoulder as I drifted to sleep.

The world warped and the forest erupted around me. Thick, verdant trees above me, mossy ground below me, and a giant moon hanging overhead that illuminated all of it with a silvery glow. It was eerily quiet, but didn’t feel particularly off-putting.

A woman with long, dark hair down to her feet and pale moon-kissed skin materialized out of the dim light of the forest. Hello, Caden.

Every hair stood on end. Her voice was intimately familiar. She smiled warmly and stepped closer.

Do you remember me? she asked.

I nodded, not quite able to form words as I stared at her. She reminded me of the ocean at night, where the moonlight slanted over the water like a shower of diamonds.

Danger is approaching. More than one direction holds risk. You must make hard choices soon, but help is near.

“How do I protect Logan?”

Sweet one, you are already doing everything you can. Make room for others to protect her by your side.

“Do you mean Seth?”

She smiled again, indulgently, as if I were a toddler hanging on her nonexistent skirts. No. Many are eager for a piece of Logan. Some you will have to enforce boundaries with for her, but others you must surrender to and trust her.

“I haven’t been as good at trusting her as I should.”

You trust her with your heart. That is most important. The rest of your concern comes from knowing how dangerous the world is. She will need you.

“I want to be strong enough to protect her.”

The woman glided across the moss and paused before me. You’ve done well to this point. I brought you to her for a reason. I knew that she could save you and that you could love her, that you would build a foundation strong enough to withstand the storm to come.

The weight of potential failure hung heavy on my shoulders. I wished I didn’t need anyone else to protect Logan. I wanted to keep her to myself, safe and loved, for the rest of her life. I’d keep her alive by any means necessary, even if it meant losing her, or giving up my life for hers.

The woman’s eyes flashed. Let us hope neither of those things are necessary. Go with grace.

She vanished and the world twisted again.

I jolted awake, into the dim pre-dawn glow, next to a sleeping Logan and Seth.

Logan rolled over. “What’s wrong?”

Seth stirred next to her, but instead of waking he only snuggled in deeper.

“Just a dream.” I forced myself to lie back down.

How fast was danger coming?

What else was dangerous?

Would it kill the gods to be less cryptic once in a gods-damned while?

So cozy. I burrowed closer to the warmth. The soft scent of jasmine, pine, and an earthy undertone saturated every breath. I rooted my nose against the source, eyes too heavy to open.

A giggle broke through my awareness. “You’re tickling me.”

Logan.

I tucked even tighter against her, my body reacting to the heat of her, my dick urging me to rock against her ass where it was nestled in my lap. I indulged and her laughter broke off into a shudder.

Yes.

Good.

More of that, please.

I snaked my hand over her waist and under the hem of her pajama T-shirt, stroking the softness of her stomach, using my palm to press her into me. She threaded her fingers into my hair and held firmly. Her breathing shifted, an intriguing, quiet moan filling the room.

Every bit of me wanted to inch her flannels down so I could slide into her. Her hips ground against me.

A sharp cough snapped my eyes open and I saw Caden standing in the doorway with a cup of coffee in his hand. “Having fun?”

My cheeks burst into flames, and, unfortunately, the embarrassment of being caught did absolutely nothing to tell my dick that playtime was over.

Logan patted the empty patch of bed Caden had vacated to make his coffee. He sat down, setting his cup on the nightstand and smoothed a hand over her mussed hair.

“You didn’t answer the question.”

My heart kicked against my ribs. Maybe.

He chuckled and leaned down to kiss Logan before looking pointedly at me. “If you’re not having a good time grinding my girlfriend, what’s the point?”

Logan snort-laughed and giggled into her hands. “Well, I was having fun.”

Caden snared her chin and lifted her mouth to his. The scent of her arousal ratcheted up. “Good.”

Before I could get too excited over her getting revved, my stomach gave an obnoxious growl that froze us all. Logan burst into laughter all over again and Caden clapped a sympathetic hand on my shoulder.

“Let’s get some food. Do you want to hang out with some coffee while I do a grocery run or should we hit up a restaurant?”

You’d let me stay here with her alone?

Caden’s gaze laser-focused on me. I trust you.

The words sucker-punched me and left me breathless. Caden’s trust was something I’d barely let myself dream of having again.

“I’m cool with whatever,” said Logan.

“Hold down the fort with Seth,” Caden said. “There’s a store we passed about ten minutes away, so I won’t be long. Eggs, bacon, and hash browns? Anything else?”

“Toast and peanut butter?” Logan asked hopefully. “And strawberries!”

“You’ve got it.” He gave her a long, indulgent kiss, and the smile on his face as he pulled away was the most tender I’d ever seen on him. “The coffee is fresh. Keep the doors locked while I’m gone, and call if you need anything.”

“Roger that.” Logan beamed at him.

She stayed in bed with me as he ventured out and closed the door behind him. When the car started outside, she snuggled into my chest, absolutely obliterating every coherent thought.

“Good morning.” Her head popped back up and she gave me a quick peck on the lips that restarted my overloaded brain.

I dove in, turning that peck into a slow, delicious makeout that had me pressing her down into the mattress, devouring each perfect squeak and moan as I settled on top of her. Gods, I hoped Caden never wanted to go back to before. I didn’t think I could handle never being able to touch Logan again.

She squeezed my ass and wiggled her thighs apart so I could sink between them. There were too many pants in the way. Logan gasped against my lips as I ground against her.

I was torturing us both and I couldn’t stop. I shouldn’t be hopping on her the second Caden’s back was turned, but holy shit did I want to. How could I be this close to her and not want everything?

My stomach roared like a fucking train and Logan laughed against my mouth.

“How about some coffee to tame that beast?”

I sighed and let my weight rest on her. “I guess that would be smart.”

Logan patted my ass to ask me to climb off and I rolled to the side, my dick tenting my pajamas like I had a fucking circus in my pants.

She gave me a mischievous smirk. “Want some help with that?”

“You ask that like I’m even remotely capable of saying no.”

Sparks turned my brain into a smoldering crisp as she snatched my waistband and yanked it down, leaning forward in one smooth motion to suck my dick straight into the back of her throat.

The sound I let out wasn’t manly. I’m not sure it was even a sound humans were supposed to make. The vibration of her amused, humming laughter as she pulled away slightly had shocks of pleasure radiating up my spine.

She wrapped a hand around me, her bold, confident strokes setting out to undo me with an efficient ruthlessness that didn’t even let me fucking breathe. I tried not to think about how she’d have practiced to get this good, but luckily her tongue did some wicked, hot curls around me and melted those thoughts away.

One hand clung to the sheets, the other held her hair so tight she squeaked, but didn’t relent a bit. She popped her ass in the air a little higher as she took me in all the way again. I made that crazed, pitiful sound once more. A begging prayer to the universe.

My lungs burned. It was impossible to catch my breath and she just kept fucking going. Up and down, in firm, torturous gliding twists. Tension coiled painfully tight in my gut and with one more glorious slide of her mouth, I burst. I groaned so loud it was a damn good thing we had no neighbors. My ass clenched, lifting my hips as she drank me down, every drop disappearing into her throat.

She pulled away with an audible pop and licked her lips.

“Sweet fucking hell.” I melted into the mattress, incapable of thought or movement. “Lo…that was…”

“Incredible?” She grinned. “I pride myself on my ability to suck a person’s soul out through their cock.”

I laughed shakily, waiting for my heart to stop racing. Logan stretched out next to me, and I somehow found the strength to wrap my arm around her.

“We should get stuff ready for breakfast so we can cook when Caden gets back. I’m starving.”

“Mhmm,” I managed.

Logan snickered and gave me a quick kiss before sliding out of bed to go brush her teeth. I let myself rest until she was finished before I forced myself up, tucking myself into my pajamas. Staggering into the kitchen, I parked my ass at the table while she turned the oven on to preheat and got out a mixing bowl and a couple of frying pans.

Domesticity wasn’t something I’d ever really gotten to indulge in. Bouncing from one friend’s couch to another for decades didn’t inspire a lot of cozy mornings with decadent breakfasts. Hell, I was lucky if I got cereal. Even toast was a luxury in some of the places I stayed.

Nowhere ever felt like home, so it was hard to psych myself up into finding a proper job and apartment of my own. Maybe it wasn’t a place I was looking for. Maybe it was just this. Logan always felt like home. I was so afraid that if I left or lost her, I’d never know what home felt like again.

I gained enough strength to pour us both coffee and stole a kiss before sitting down again. Caden arrived a few minutes later with a heavily laden grocery bag in tow.

I offered myself for cleanup duty and sipped my coffee while the two of them cooked. They moved like a well-oiled machine, navigating each other in the small kitchen with an ease brought by familiarity. I bet they cooked together like this all the time. Caden cracked eggs and whipped them into a scramble in the big mixing bowl while Logan laid out the bacon in tidy lines on a baking sheet. They put me in charge of cutting off the strawberry tops.

The whole cabin smelled like bacon after a few minutes of it roasting away in the oven. The grease was harvested when it was done to give the eggs an extra kick of flavor. The potatoes crackled in their pan, moved about with an old wooden spatula.

I was practically drooling by the time everything was on the table. There was so much food I didn’t even feel bad wolfing down the actual amount I wanted.

“You’re going to choke if you don’t slow down,” Caden said between bites. It whipped me right back to childhood when I’d inhale anything he’d make for me. Every so often, a hunk of food would get beyond my control and he’d have to whack me on the back and pass me some water.

“Then I’ll die happy.” I shoved a slice of bacon in my mouth and Logan giggled, tucking a strawberry between her lips.

This was probably the most perfect morning in my whole damn existence. Waking up to Logan, a surprise blowjob, and a massive breakfast with my two favorite people was as close to bliss as I was ever going to get.

“What’s the plan for today?” I asked.

Logan spread peanut butter on a slice of toast and added neat rows of strawberry slices. “I should probably get some magic practice in since I have no idea what the fuck I’m doing.”

“Agreed,” said Caden. “And we’ll head out tonight.”

“To where?”

He shrugged. “South, I guess. Logan’s passport is expired so we’re kind of limited.”

I chewed another piece of bacon thoughtfully. Running wasn’t the worst. I’d done a slow version of it for decades. As long as we could keep Logan safe, I’d follow them as long as it took.

Standing naked in the middle of the forest was weird. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to it. Naked might not even be a requirement, but it would be awkward if I accidentally incinerated my clothes and had to walk-of-shame it back to the cabin where people might be.

The trees did that strange acid trip wave if I looked at them for too long, so I closed my eyes and sat down in the moss. My tiger’s eye pendant hung cold and heavy between my breasts. A slow, deep breath had me feeling like I was sinking straight into the earth, so I dug my fingers into the moss as an anchor.

Hecate. I need guidance.

Soft starlight filled the grove, pinpricks of light floating like will-o’-the-wisps around us. Seth yelped, but he sounded far away.

Hecate coalesced in front of me, sitting herself in the moss. Hello, Logan. I see you’ve begun embracing my second gift.

Heat rushed through my body. Yes.

Her smile was gentle, playful. I’m glad. He’s been lonely. You were meant to have him earlier, but Caden wasn’t ready. I waited as long as I could to set things in motion. It was hard for Seth. He didn’t know he was waiting, and it was an uncomfortable period of his life. I tried to guide him to safe places while we waited for Caden to grow. I’m pleased you’ve not let fear stand in the way of what you all need.

You said more are coming?

She nodded, reaching her hand to rest it against my cheek. The others will not all be so easy. They will teach you what you need to know to fulfill your destiny. I hope they will love you as well, but that is not something I can control.

Her words made me shiver.

Will one of them teach me magic?

You will learn it yourself in time. Each witch’s magic works differently. They may be able to guide you, as Melinda did, but the rest you must find out for yourself. Try now. You may find it comes easier now that you know what to expect.

I focused on the quiet smoldering in my belly, coaxing the embers until they flared to life, inflating from a candle flame to an inferno that warmed my skin and made the moist ground steam around me. With the heat came desire, the craving for the power to build until I was overwhelmed with it.

Hecate laughed quietly. Your power draws from pleasure. The more you experience and understand, the deeper the power will grow.

Oh gods.

Her hand slipped from my cheek, fingers sliding down my throat until it rested on my shoulder. Goosebumps followed. I knew by the smirk on her lips that she’d done it on purpose.

Focus your power into one spot outside yourself.

I lifted my hands from their moss anchor and tried to force all that burning power into one point. It shrank slowly, the effort making me sweat. Soon I held a small sun between my shaking hands. I squirmed. My pussy was making me far too aware of it.

Good. Now return it to your body. Hecate watched patiently.

I stared at the ball of energy, wondering how the hell I could manage that task. It slunk up my arms like lava, and while it was scorching, it was more akin to slipping into a hot bath than sticking my hand on a glowing stove like I’d expected.

The glide was slow and even, slipping down my chest and up my throat. Every inch of me throbbed as the warmth enveloped me, crackling with energy and light. The nearer it got to my face, the harder my heart pounded. My ears filled with the thunderous drumming of panic.

Peace. It is yours to command. Hecate’s voice gentled the rising fear.

I called it into me and the power sank into my skin, every bit as satisfying as a cock driving into me. I gasped, sucking in a deep breath and latching my hands back onto the moss again.

“Oh, fuck.”

Again. Make it dance for you.

Sweat prickled my skin. I was damp and glistening, and my scalp itched as I pulled that mini sun into existence again. Just holding it was exhausting. I wished I could at least see someone else wield power. I had no idea what was even possible unless I was going to use cartoons and anime as references.

Hecate’s smile snapped me to attention and she held out a ball of moonlight in front of her. Our powers differ, but you are correct that your human mind would find a reference useful.

She flicked her fingers and it split into two, circling above her spread palm. The light rippled around us, dancing in flowing tendrils like it was made of water. Her hand bounced and the power followed, snapping from that delicate flow to a fierce shard, to blinding light, to a burning temperature that made me gasp before stealing every bit of warmth away until my breath puffed before me.

The possibilities are truly endless. Hecate snapped her fingers and the balls of light vanished. It will do what you command, but it takes practice.

I stared at my own tiny sun, willing it with every fiber of my being to split into two. It shivered and roiled, but remained resolutely singular. The harder I pushed, the more my nerves tingled, the more I craved actual touch to soothe it.

“Come on. Little fucker. Split!” It shivered as if it were laughing at me. Seth and Caden actually did laugh in the background, but they both still sounded far away.

I fought with my sun until having that energy outside me had me sweating and panting. This was harder than the kickboxing class I’d forced myself to go through when I was in university. It was difficult to breathe and I was lightheaded, nerves sparking deliciously with the effort of trying to control the power.

Call it back. You can try again later when you’re safe again.

I pulled the sun into its snaking lava form, shuddering as the heat crept over my skin. I let it spread further this time, let it slide over my breasts and down my stomach, and bit back a moan as it warmed my clit. It melted into my skin and I flopped backward, breathless and needy.

Hecate vanished, and only Seth and Caden were in the clearing with me again. Caden knelt next to me, and his hand on my shoulder erupted a bone-deep burning that made my pussy clench and my clit pulse. His pupils were dilated as he looked down at me.

“Caden.” It was hard to care that I sounded whiny and pitiful.

I needed.

His gaze passed from me to Seth and back again. “Both?”

I nodded, squirming on the ground as the heat swelled in me. I tilted my head to see Seth watching me with a dark, lustful look that had my stomach tightening.

“Both.” I barely managed the word.

I was getting dizzy, and then Caden’s mouth was on mine, an anchor that held me as surely as the hand that slid up to hold my throat. I groaned into his mouth and bucked my hips. Seth came around to kneel between my thighs and inched himself down, dipping that wicked tongue to slide against my clit. I bucked again, mindlessly, probably delivering the equivalent of a punch to the nose with my pussy. His hands pressed my thighs down firmly and I whimpered at the restraint.

“How do you want us?” Caden nuzzled my cheek and nipped my ear.

That was a lot of thinking for what minimal brain capacity was available to me. “All the ways?”

Maybe that was good enough. I couldn’t care less what combo or position they took me in as long as they took me. Seth’s tongue wiped my mind clean with a lusciously deep dive that had me arching off the moss.

Caden stroked my cheek, smoothing my sweaty hair from my face. “Do you want to play with us, too? Or do you need us to focus on you right now?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but only a moan slipped free as Seth pressed his fingers into me.

Caden pulled a travel packet of lube out of his wallet and dripped it over his fingers, pressing them between my ass cheeks. I shivered and welcomed the intrusion, his fingertip pushing in slowly, retreating to add more lube until the glide was smooth and easy. I rolled my hips, but between the two of them I couldn’t move very far.

“Play.” I gasped it out, digging my fingers into the ground.

“That’s my girl.” Caden grinned wolfishly at me and I knew I was in the best sort of trouble. “Run.”

The word registered a half second before Caden leaned away and slipped into his panther form.

Oh.

I climbed on to wobbly legs, pulling away from Seth, and turning to the expansive woods. The energy of the forest wrapped me up. Whispering trees drew me deeper, but my heart pounded too loudly to hear their words. I came across a deer trail and turned down it. Caden and Seth crashed through the ferns and underbrush behind me.

Adrenaline roared through my system. Even with the boost, I knew I wouldn’t be able to run for long. My lungs were already burning and my panthers were closing in. I wanted to be caught, but even though I knew it was Seth and Caden chasing me, my brain still screamed danger. Predators were coming, and if I didn’t haul ass, I’d get eaten.

Each footfall on the path jolted through me. I could see them out of the corner of my eyes, one on each side. The adrenaline blended with hot desire as the fear, manufactured as it was, made my mind cloudy. My body thrummed, need burning bright.

I leapt over a fallen log and tripped into the moss and ferns, tumbling off the side of the path. A massive panther face appeared when I opened my eyes. They snuffled around me.

You okay, Lo?

I nodded, my tongue not up to forming words.

The other panther growled and pinned me down. They shifted to human form, one after another, and set about wrecking me. Caden’s hand slid around my throat and fastened his mouth on my nipple. Seth stroked my clit and took over the other nipple. I gasped and thrashed, my arms pinned by their legs on each side of me.

Gods.

It was so much and somehow not enough.

Heat burned through me, lighting my nerves and cranking up the sensitivity of my body. I struggled, the sensations overwhelming even as the blissful calm of being restrained washed over me. I couldn’t recognize the sounds I made.

Arcs of electricity leapt from their lips to my clit, whipping shock waves between their swirling tongues and sucking mouths, and Seth’s relentless fingers. I tried to close my thighs around his hand to dampen at least some of what I felt, but he just laughed against my skin and slid his hand further, teasing inside me.

I bucked hard, needing more even as I drowned. The orgasm rose up like a tsunami, and sparks danced in my vision as I screamed into the trees. There was no relief. Neither of them stopped what they were doing and I could feel the second wave cresting before the first had any chance to settle.

My brain felt like it was melting out of my ears. The slick sounds of Seth finger-fucking me was infinitely loud, somehow managing to overtake the pounding bass of my pulse. Caden’s low growl made goosebumps break over me. He nipped at my throat, sucking at my pulse point like he could taste the pleasure and panic coursing through me.

Seth plunged his fingers deeper into me. I arched off the ferns and whined, thrusting my hips at him.

Ready? Caden’s voice filled my head.

I swallowed hard and squeaked out a yes.

Caden flipped me over with a grin, pinning me onto my stomach on the mossy ground. My heart crashed around my ribs as he tucked a finger between my ass cheeks, leaning over to nuzzle my cheek as he prodded inside.

“Look at you, all relaxed and ready for me.”

I whimpered and pressed my hips against his hand. My pussy was throbbing and desperate for his attention. “Caden, please.”

He chuckled softly and continued teasing my asshole. “Did running for your life make you a needy little slut?”

The words made me burn. He didn’t often get into the mood where he was willing to talk to me like that during sex and I loved it.

“Yes. Gods, yes. Please.” I tried to grind against him, but he moved his knee to keep me pinned.

“So impatient.” He tutted and moved behind me, hoisting my hips up, teasing my pussy with his other hand. “That’s what you want, right? To be fucked with one of us in each.”

I couldn’t form words with him pressing deep into me. A pitiful cry fell past my lips and Seth reached out, lifting the front half of me until we were face to face. His eyes glowed yellow and his fangs hadn’t fully receded.

Caden pressed the tip of his cock against my ass, swiping one hand through my dripping folds and smearing it over himself so he could inch into me in slow strokes. Pathetic cries burst past my lips as he wiggled into me. I was keenly aware of every textured bit popping past each side of the ring of muscle. I focused on breathing, letting myself relax and sink against him. We didn’t do this type of play nearly as often as other activities. I wasn’t used to the stretch, but the slight edge of the burn wasn’t out of place with every other inch of my body. I rocked gently, taking him in.

Seth slid his hand to cup my cheek, but he wasn’t as gentle as usual, his fingers digging into my scalp. His mouth met mine with a vicious heat, his fangs scraping against my lips. The passion was dizzying and I let myself surrender to him, leaning in, stroking his tongue as it delved into my mouth.

I broke away with a choking gasp as Caden settled himself all the way into my ass.

Caden pulled me into his lap and nipped my throat. “Tell him what you want, Logan.”

Seth continued toying with my clit, and it choked off any response I might have been able to form.

I tilted my head back, panting, embracing the pressure of Seth’s fingers. He dipped in, tongue lapping at the ear Caden wasn’t occupying. “Tell me. Because I’m a little desperate to give you exactly what I know you want.”

I shuddered and wiggled in Caden’s grip. He put me back in my place with a snap of his hips that drove his cock into me again.

It was difficult to breathe, the air rushing into me somehow hot, warming me from the inside out.

“If you don’t hurry up, we might just have to leave you out here. Unsatisfied. Unfucked.” Caden growled in my ear. “You don’t want that, do you?”

Gods.

Why were words so hard?

“Seth.” I whined out his name. It was all I could get my brain to produce.

He laughed and slid a single finger into my pussy. “Yes?”

I clenched, feeling Caden keenly, but I needed more from Seth. Caden tipped us forward and I caught myself against Seth, both of them slipping out of me. I let out a frustrated groan.

“If you’re not going to use your mouth to communicate,” said Caden, “you can put it to work in a more productive way.”

I glanced at Caden and lost my senses again as he pushed back into my ass. I turned to Seth and pressed a kiss to his shoulder before pushing him back and dropping down so I could reach his cock. He hissed, gathering my hair in his hands. My tongue delicately stroked over the textured ridges and I sucked at the tip. Caden fucked into me and I took Seth to the back of my throat with the movement, sliding off with a little cough.

Seth looked down at me with perfect reverence. Caden’s fingers held my hips tight enough I was pretty sure bruises would decorate my skin tomorrow. He set a slow pace, nowhere near enough for satisfaction.

Gentle pressure on my head guided me back to Seth and I took him in again, swirling my tongue and hollowing my cheeks until his hands shook. As the pace settled a little, I was able to process. I was being fucked in the forest, taking both brothers at once. My pussy clenched. I didn’t even try to hold back the whimper, rocking myself between them, urging Caden to fuck deeper, wrapping eager fingers around Seth so I could stroke him.

Seth’s grip tightened. “Don’t you dare make me come before I get to fuck you.”

I popped off and turned to Caden, unsure if that was actually on the table. He nodded and a soft cry fell from my lips, pussy and asshole squeezing tightly. Caden’s eyes fluttered shut.

“Seth,” I gasped out. “Please.”

“Please, what?”

He was enjoying this way too much. I let my forehead rest against his chest and continued softly stroking his cock. “Please. Please fuck me.”

With the words out, the energy from the two of them burst into an inferno, my magic responding in kind, stoking those deep curls of power in my belly.

Caden tilted me back and hooked an arm under each of my knees, leaving me spread open and exposed. Seth pressed up against me, one hand still in my hair, the other dipping down to stroke my clit while I writhed between the two of them.

“That’s not fucking.” I moaned and tried to get my panting under control.

“Caden’s right. You’re not very patient.” Seth grinned and leaned down to lick up my throat. He took his sweet time moving down my body, fangs brushing my skin, teasing as slow as he could.

“You two are the worst.” I strained in Caden’s grip, but there was no give.

They shifted positions and I rose in the air between them, letting Seth press his cockhead to my entrance.

I squeezed my eyes shut, biting my lip, more than ready to feel him.

“Eyes on me, Lo. I want to see what you look like when I finally take you.” His grip lifted my chin up and I opened my eyes to see that gorgeous flare of power and desire in his gaze. “There we go.”

He fucked into me with one smooth motion that drove the air from my lungs. I squeezed them both, my body demanding to get a hold of them. They both shuddered and I let my head fall against Caden.

Seth trailed his fingers over my throat. “That was fucking gorgeous, Lo.”

I couldn’t manage words, so I hummed appreciatively.

I was basically a puddle of pleasure as they started to move, figuring out a steady rhythm between them. My throat hurt from breathing too fast, too hard, but it was the only thing I could do as all my senses got overloaded.

I needed to feel everything.

Their cocks dragged deliciously inside me. Tantalizing ridges stroked, the thickness of them spreading me open and there wasn’t a damn thing I could—or wanted—to do about it.

The orgasm built so fast I didn’t even realize it was coming until it struck. It was like I’d stuck my finger in a light socket, heat and power searing through me. They both cursed and faltered in their movements, panting around me and squishing me as they leaned inward for support.

“Fuck, that was strong.” Seth laughed and kissed my temple.

Caden was the first to recover and renew his attention. I cried out, pathetic and wanton. I was reasonably sure I was begging but the part of my brain that recognized words had stopped functioning. Time melted away, but the unrelenting sensation remained until I was intoxicated by it.

Seth growled in my ear. He fucked into me hard and the bloom of warmth inside me followed, his thrusts stuttering and eventually slowing. His whine was like music to my ears. He stayed exactly where he was, but slipped his fingers between us and used those wicked digits to stir my clit back to life, undoing me easily.

The fresh punch of power blanked out my vision and the tight squeeze of my frantic muscles finally undid Caden. He groaned into my skin, fucking slowly into my ass before they both slid out of me and sank, panting, to the ground. I tipped sideways and collapsed onto the moss and ferns.

“Sweet holy fuck.” Every nerve in my body was at attention.

I couldn’t move an inch but luckily Seth and Caden could, at least enough to roll over and cage me in their arms.

“I’m gonna die.” Seth laughed. “Gonna go into cardiac arrest right here in the dirt.”

I managed to lift a hand to his chest where his heart whacked against my palm. “No dying.”

Caden buried his face against my throat and took a deep breath. “I vote we stop for a steak dinner when we get to Eugene. I need calories.”

I hummed happily, reveling in the lingering soreness and prickling sweat of a job very well done. The forest was vibrating with energy, and it took me a second to realize it was agitated.

I sat up, reaching out, sinking my awareness into the root system around us. It made my head swim and I focused on pulling back, trying to search out the source.

“Oh, shit.” The chill of the monster slipped through my senses. “We have to go.”

Adrenaline saturated my blood, and I climbed unsteadily to my feet.

“Monster or something else?” Caden asked, looping an arm around my waist.

“Monster. It’s way too close.” I’d been too distracted to notice and should have checked sooner.

The trees wailed, the ground heaving as if they were trying to climb out of its path. The energy of the air billowed with malevolence. It hadn’t done that the other times we’d encountered it. Was it getting stronger?

Caden and Seth shifted, crowding me between their panther forms.

Get on. Caden lowered himself a bit and I climbed onto his back. He took off and I fisted my fingers in his fur to keep from flying off. I tried to keep watch for the creature. It was cold behind us, goosebumps erupting, the hairs at the back of my neck standing on end.

Darkness slithered between the trees out of the corner of my eye.

“Faster!” I cried out, but we couldn’t outrun it without the car. Panthers were fast but we couldn’t maintain top speed for long. This thing was relentless.

It swept closer and crashed into us, wrenching me off Caden and sending my panther tumbling into a tree. I thrashed and fought, but it held me so tightly I thought my bones might crack. One tendril wrapped around my throat, another sliding between my lips. Panic blinded me and I screamed. The tendril shoved deeper and choked off the sound. My power surged, burning hot and bright, but that only seemed to make the darkness pulse around me.

Caden, get her out of here!

Seth launched himself at me, massive paws plunging into the creature as he tackled me to the ground with an impact that knocked the wind out of me. I watched with bleary eyes as it snared him out of the air and bound him.

Caden roared at the entity. I scrambled up and he tried to herd me away, getting between my legs to force me onto his back.

“No, no, we can’t leave him.”

Caden hesitated a moment before taking a leap away, carrying me with him.

I turned, reaching out with a scream. “Seth!”

The wrongness crashed against me like a ton of bricks and sucked the breath right out of me. At least I’d gotten Logan away from it. Now it was up to Caden.

I couldn’t feel my body.

There was only cold.

My vision blacked out in increments and the world disappeared from each sense one by one. I barely registered Logan screaming. She sounded a million miles away. This wasn’t fucking fair. I was going to die after just getting to be with her, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to let this thing take her.

She had to get away.

Neither of them needed me.

No one had ever needed me.

Maybe the gods had brought me to Logan for this purpose. Maybe they’d let me love her so I’d be willing to trade my life for hers, to give her and Caden the future they deserved. I didn’t want to die, but if I had to, I guess it was nice to have it happen for a noble cause.

This fucking creature had its goddamn tendrils wrapped around every bit of me, shoved straight down my throat, filling up my lungs, crushing my heart as it pulled out my life by the roots.

I had no idea how much time had passed. Caden had better have gotten her far enough away. I couldn’t hold on much longer.

A shock wave of power burst with all the brightness of the sun and I collapsed to the ground.

My bones felt like they would shatter into dust.

I lay there, unable to move, barely breathing. The landing should have hurt but I still couldn’t feel much of anything. No real pain. Just an encroaching nothingness.

The world tilted as I was lifted. I tried to move. My limbs were like jelly and my vision saw little more than blobs of shadow.

We’ve got you. Caden’s voice filled my mind and a small glimmer of hope kindled. Maybe I wouldn’t die after all. I couldn’t summon up the energy to be upset they’d risked themselves to come back for me.

I was pretty sure they’d managed to drape me over Caden’s back. A soft palm rested on my shoulder. Enough feeling returned to make every jolting leap like a punch to the chest. I struggled to catch my breath as Caden ran.

I must have passed out because the next thing I knew I was being shoved into the car, the scent of leather and panic stinging my nose. How they made me fit in panther form was anyone’s guess. My head rested on something warm.

“What do we do?” I could hear Logan speak, but she sounded like I was underwater.

“We have to go to a nest. We can’t recover and run at the same time.”

“Seth.” Logan patted my cheek. “Please wake up. Caden, what would help?”

“I don’t know. I have no idea what that thing did to him.”

She curled around me, cradling me against her skin. “Gods, please don’t die.”

“I’ve heard rumors that an omega’s blood has healing powers but I don’t know if we want to go fucking around with that.”

“I’ll do anything. He almost died trying to save me.”

Caden huffed. “We don’t have tools or a way to sterilize. You could get an infection.”

“We’ll stop somewhere later, but he needs help now.”

Well, fuck, maybe I looked even worse than I felt.

The next thing I registered was her pressing something against my lips.

“Please, please open your eyes.”

I wanted to, but my eyelids weighed far too much to accomplish her request. The pressure on my lips burned with a growing ferocity. I didn’t have the energy to move away from it.

Logan pried open my mouth and shoved the curve of her throat beneath my fangs. She clung to me with a desperation that singed my fur, the heat of her magic burrowing into me.

“Seth, if you die I swear to all the gods…bite me.”

I lapped at her skin, but apparently that wasn’t good enough because she shoved down on my muzzle hard, my fangs slipping into her skin like a hot knife through butter. My tongue moved weakly, taking in the coppery flavor and warmth of the blood. The sizzle of it sank into my bones and warmed me from the inside out, crashing through the cold left by the monster until I was on the verge of overheating.

I tried to move away, but Logan was stronger than me right now. I let the drool slide out of the corners of my mouth and gave another exhausted lick. She pressed her face against my fur. I couldn’t understand what she was saying.

The world blinked out again.

Her tears sank down to my skin, a chant of don’t die, don’t die, don’t die accompanying them. More coppery blood slid down my throat, the searing heat forcing me into fuzzy awareness.

The shadows around me warped until everything was green. Canopies of leaves stretched above me, ferns curled around my legs, and soft moss cushioned my body. Logan lay next to me, our limbs entwined, my fangs still buried in her throat. I wasn’t in panther form in this strange vision-world, and the skin to skin was a comfort I needed.

She tasted so fucking good.

A figure made of starlight watched over us, her hand on my shoulder, and her eyes a bottomless void I fell into.

Bite if you wish, Logan. No harm will come from claiming your mate.

A sharpness pierced my throat, two bolts of electricity that charged my cells.

Logan’s heartbeat was too loud. It pounded like a drum next to mine, tendrils of fire reaching from her to me, steadying my own heart to match the pace of hers. More and more of her burst into my awareness: the slow expansion of her lungs, the panic laced in her veins, the affection so strong I could drown in it.

I’m so sorry. Her voice whispered in my head. This is all my fault.

No. It’s mine.

I detached my fangs from her skin and licked over the puncture wounds, being sure to catch every drop of blood. I held onto the force of Logan’s heartbeat, her breath, letting it command those activities in my own body. I wasn’t strong enough to do it myself. The cold nothingness pawed at my back, coaxing me to let go, to give in and sink into the peace I knew it would bring.

Don’t leave me. Logan’s order ricocheted through me.

My eyes popped open and I winced, closing them immediately again. The world was way too fucking bright, the softness of the strange other-world gone in favor of sharp reality. Logan lifted me with her knees and pressed a soft kiss to my nose.

I growled. Being alive felt like way too much work, but I would try for her. She stroked my fur and I made a valiant attempt to open my eyes again, blinking rapidly to stem the watering that erupted. It wasn’t even that bright, but it hurt to see.

She sobbed and kissed my cheek again. “Thank fucking gods.”

I didn’t have the strength to move, but at least I could see now. Logan was pale and covered in dirt, twigs in her hair, but a fair amount of that was probably from the fucking and not the monster. She was totally naked and had my face nestled against her bare chest.

“Hey.” She patted my cheek again, drawing my attention to her face. “How do you feel?”

Something was wrong. I didn’t have the energy to shift right now, but when I reached for the spark of power that always sat comfortably inside me, it was like moving my hand through smoke.

Gone.

My muscles ached. My tongue was thick in my mouth and I felt sucked dry.

“Seth?”

Answering questions was too much to ask of me right now. I pressed my face into her skin and closed my eyes again.

Logan’s jasmine and moss scent infused every breath. I burrowed my nose against her stomach and tried to stay afloat. Everything was so much effort. Why was breathing so hard? Her hand never stopped moving over my fur and I focused on her, on the steadying touch, the warmth of her body.

The car stopped at some point and several hands dragged me out. I let my head hang, unable to lift it or open my eyes to see what was happening. They dropped me down again onto something soft and Logan wrapped herself around me.

A hand touched my face. Seth.

Hmm? Using my telepathy made me dizzy, but I couldn’t talk in this form without it.

You have to stay. For Logan. For me. You can’t leave us.

I opened heavy eyelids and saw a vaguely Caden-shaped blur. I’m trying.

Logan’s hold on me tightened and the heat of her skin felt like the blast of an oven. I was too weak to move or protest as the intensity grew. It felt like my bones were charring, my blood boiling, and I fought, squirming out of her grip, staggering and falling down with a whump.

Stay with me. Stay. Stay. Stay.

My vision cleared enough to see her face.

“That’s the most you’ve moved in hours.”

My muscles twitched as the heat dissipated. They vibrated with her power, and while I wasn’t eager to test their strength again, it was nice to not feel entirely like a pile of overcooked noodles.

I glanced around the room, not recognizing anything. Where?

“A nest,” said Logan. “They’re giving us time to get cleaned up before we’re presented to the Protectors. Apparently they usually take people in immediately, but we were naked and you were unconscious.”

How the fuck was I going to be presented? I could barely stand, let alone walk. Someone knocked on the door, but I didn’t have the energy to see who it might be.

Caden got up and returned with a rolling cart. “We have food, toiletries, and some clothes.”

The smell of raw meat made my mouth water. Caden passed over a bowl and Logan hand fed me hunks of beef. Chewing tired me out, but I ate as much as I could without my stomach threatening to bring it all back up. They let me sleep again and when I was woken by another knock, both Logan and Caden were showered and dressed.

The last thing I wanted was to be hauled before the Protectors. My last experience with a nest had been at one in Orlando where the power-hungry Protectors had run a fighting ring, broadcasting “exotic” animal fights. I’d gotten really fucking good at hiding to avoid it whenever I could, but I couldn’t hide forever. Staying meant that they owned me, and they hadn’t taken kindly to my lack of contribution. I’d spent two months in the infirmary after that fight and left as soon as I was strong enough to do so.

I couldn’t go back to that again.

I didn’t even want to think about what they might want out of Logan. The Protectors would be able to tell she was an omega now that her magic had been unlocked. She’d be a novelty and I’d never encountered a Protector who didn’t want to play with something new and shiny. I wasn’t strong enough to protect her. Caden would probably get himself put in chains if he tried to fight them.

“They’re ready for you,” said a voice at the door. “Come with me.”

“Did you see them?” I stroked a hand over Haru’s mottled gray fur, scratching behind their ears.

Gold eyes looked back at me. Two panthers and an omega witch. I remember one of them.

“Oh?”

He was in Orlando.

Tension shot up my spine. “If he’s the one who ripped your throat out, I’ll have him dead before nightfall.”

Not him. He was treated as badly as I was, and we were…close. I’d like to keep him. They’re all exactly as I dreamed.

I mused, twirling patterns in Haru’s fur to focus. My wolf had always had a touch of prophecy, though it didn’t show up all that often. I hadn’t a clue why these new arrivals were important, but Haru had been insistent that they were coming. I’d felt them the moment they came through the wards of the nest and sent Haru to investigate. They were in the temporary suite at the moment to prepare for being presented to the Protectors.

The panther I recognized is close to death. No visible injuries.

Curious. “Poison?”

Haru snorted and shoved their head onto my lap. Not by the smell of him. He’s freshly matebonded to the witch.

“I suppose we’ll find out soon enough. We’ll go down early. Kendrick’s been looking for a new toy and I’d rather not let him have any of them before we figure out why your dreams wanted us to know about them.”

Haru growled in my lap and lifted their head to lick my chin. Fuck Kendrick and his toys. These ones are ours.

I laughed and held their face in my hands. “I know, you’ve been eager for someone to play with too. You’ll have to train them. Show them exactly what it means to be mine.”

Amusement flared in his gaze. If we didn’t have places to be, I would request a reminder.

I hooked a finger under his muzzle. “I’ll remind you soon enough. Come.” I nudged them off of my lap and rose, checking my hair and dress in the mirror, arranging the wine-red fabric to perfectly display the expanse of skin from throat to navel.

The hallways were bustling, but the occupants parted to let Haru and me pass. The nest was active at all hours, though we’d luckily invested in good insulation so I didn’t have to listen to it.

I wasn’t used to waiting, but it was my own fault for arriving early. Anyone coming in would be presented to us, though we typically continued whatever we were doing before our nest manager, Cora, collected us in the throne room for the presentation. I settled on my throne in the center of the dais. The plush cushion made it somewhat comfortable, but these seats were designed to display power, not to keep my ass from going numb.

Find yourself a good spot to watch.

Haru nodded and slipped across the room, settling himself next to the thick metal ring embedded in the floor. Kendrick was the first to arrive, his eyebrows climbing up when he saw I was already there.

“Bored?” he asked, sliding into his own seat. He crossed muscled arms over his chest, his dark blond hair tied in a low ponytail. “Thinking of claiming one before they’ve even been presented?”

His green eyes flashed with power, a subtle challenge. He didn’t scare me. If it came down to it, I’d eat that goddamn stag for breakfast and shit out his bones.

“What would you care if I did?” I examined my nails, refusing to look at him. “You’ve got a dozen playthings already.”

“They get boring. Good to add some new blood to the mix.” Kendrick sighed and stretched his legs out, trying to catch my attention. He’d never gotten accustomed to my indifference, or my very clear and immediate preference for Haru. “I heard one of them is half-dead already. Don’t imagine he’ll be all that entertaining. The omega should be fun, though. Can’t wait to get my cock in her.”

My nails bit into my palms. If Kendrick laid a fucking hand on her, I’d chop them off myself.

Shakti came running in, her long, black hair bound up in a braid, brown eyes glowing. “Oh, you’re both here already.”

Kendrick snorted. “Didn’t realize the newbies were going to be so exciting for everyone.”

Shakti eyed us both before taking her spot between Kendrick and me. “Have you seen them? I heard the one male is quite choice. I wouldn’t mind taking him.”

I bit back a growl. They had both claimed more than enough. So fucking greedy. I couldn’t stake a legitimate claim without all the active Protectors present.

Velda joined us a moment later, her cheeks flushed pink, blonde hair falling softly around her face. She hastily smoothed the strands, but it didn’t make her look any less like she’d been recently fucked. “Am I late? I was…occupied.”

“Not late, Vel.” I waved her over. “We’re just early.”

“Why early? Did I miss something?”

I bit my tongue, unwilling to betray anything. “No, the rest of us just didn’t have a charming gargoyle between our thighs when we were informed.”

Velda blushed.

Calliope wouldn’t be joining us while she was on bed rest for her pregnancy, so everyone whom I needed to be here was here.

I took a deep breath, preparing to piss off Kendrick and Shakti. “I’m claiming all of them.”

Shakti looked at me disapprovingly. “All three? That doesn’t seem fair.”

“I said all, and I mean all. I’ve made no claims since Haru four years ago. It is my right to claim them.”

“Yay!” Velda beamed. “It’s about time you added some new meat to your pride.” She glanced briefly at Haru, who sat patiently a short distance away. “No offense, Haru.”

None taken. Their tail thumped against the floor. I’m looking forward to it as well.

Kendrick leapt up from his seat, his face red with fury. He didn’t challenge me, though. We all knew I had the authority. Kendrick had his dirty dozen, Velda had four claimed companions already, and Shakti had seven herself. I only claimed ones I felt compelled to, and none brought into the nest had called to me like Haru had. I would trust his dreams that these new three were who I was meant to claim.

“Kendrick, sit down.” I growled, turning my gaze on him. “They’ll be here soon and it won’t do for the nestlings to see you looking like a pissed-off strawberry.”

It was a shame that so few of us had the power to actually keep a nest safe. A nest this size needed multiple Protectors, which meant we got stuck with dipshits like Kendrick.

Everyone put on their partial forms—Kendrick grew his antlers, and our fangs and golden eyes came out, claws tipping our fingers. It was mostly just a flex on our power and control of our forms, but it did make an impression. The others knew the difficulty in maintaining any partway transformation when the natural inclination was to slide into the next form immediately.

Inhabitants from the nest filtered into the throne room a few minutes before Cora led the three new arrivals in by the chains at their throats. They weren’t permanent by any means, but it was humbling for arrivals and set the tone for their place here.

They were safe at our leisure.

Exhaustion slowed their steps. I wasn’t sure what they’d been through, but whatever it was, it wasn’t cured by a meal and a shower. I’d have to dig into it once I got them out of here. The panther in his animal form looked ready to fall over, but it didn’t stop his fiery glare from sweeping over me.

Cora attached their chains to the loop in the floor and stepped back.

The panther lay down in front of his omega, his black fur gleaming under the lights. Curious that she was bonded to the beta of the pair and not the alpha. The witch was pretty enough. Her damp brown hair hung in waves around her face, her dark eyes wide and curious. She worried a plump bottom lip between her teeth and stood close to her companions. The panther in human form had a strong jaw, stubble coating it nicely. His black hair was damp but swept back from his face, and his hazel eyes were alight with unease. He kept his arm protectively around the witch’s waist and stood like he had a stick up his ass. Being under my power wouldn’t be an easy transition for him, but he would learn.

Cora bowed to us before turning back to the newcomers. “Welcome to the nest. While you remain within the confines of the wards your lives are under the care of Protectors Kendrick, Shakti, Yelena, Velda, and Calliope. Protectors, may I present the panthers, Caden and Seth Ashford, and the omega witch, Logan Murphy, for your appraisal.”

I slid off my throne and walked toward them. The witch’s sweet mouth dropped open as I approached. The panther at her feet let out a growl. I smirked down at him. Even on death’s door he was still trying to protect his omega. Noble. I grabbed her chain and tugged it, catching her by the collar as she tipped into me.

Her earthy scent spiked with arousal.

Interesting.

“Hello, little kitten.” I purred and leaned closer, pressing my nose to her cheek. Oh, she smelled good. I pulled in a deep breath, the jasmine and forest scent mixing with the spice of her response was heady. “My, what an interesting treat you’ve brought me.”

The panther on the floor growled again. Neither panther liked me being so close to their witch. The human one looked like he’d rather bite my head off than stand quiet, but he held himself in check.

Good.

They were going to be fun.

I was keenly aware of the gaze of the other Protectors on me. Perhaps they needed a reminder. I picked up the chains with a laugh. “You’re mine now.”

Cora glanced from me to the other Protectors. “Mistress?”

“Bring them to my suite.” I stepped closer to her. “If Kendrick gives you any trouble, you come directly to me. Is that clear?”

Cora’s eyes widened and she nodded. “Yes, Mistress.”

“Haru.” I didn’t have to turn to get their attention. They were always watching. Haru trotted to my side and I stroked their ears while they sniffed at the panther.

He’s really not well. We need Dr. Atling.

I reached out and put my hand on the panther’s head. He bristled, but otherwise didn’t respond to the contact. “Haru will stay with you. I’ll have them bring a stretcher from the infirmary. You two, go with Cora. I’ll see you in my suites.”

Neither of them spoke, but I wasn’t here to babysit them in public. I wove through the crowd and stopped briefly at the infirmary to issue my instructions before hopping on the elevator to my penthouse suite. I couldn’t let anyone see me waiting. I had to simply trust that my orders would be followed.

I paced my suite. It was massive for just Haru and me. Truthfully, even adding three others, there probably wouldn’t be any space constraints. I’d have to get them to bring in additional beds.

I phoned down to the infirmary and Dr. Atling answered. “I want the panther in my suite, not the infirmary.”

“He is…quite unwell, Mistress Yelena.”

“I’m aware of that. But Kendrick and Shakti weren’t impressed that I claimed them all and I’d like to keep what’s mine where I can see it. Can you leave Sarah in charge while we get him settled?”

She sighed slowly. “We’ll get him ready for transport.”

“Thank you.”

Someone knocked on the door as I hung up and I pulled open the door to reveal Cora with the witch and panther in tow. They had bags with them, so at least they weren’t entirely empty-handed. That made providing for them easier.

“Cora, can you have someone bring up a king-sized bed?”

“Of course, Mistress.” She tapped away on her phone. “It’ll be up in a few minutes. Do you need anything else?”

“You’ve done plenty. I’ll handle them from here.”

Cora nodded and slipped out the door, leaving me with my newly acquired companions.

They looked at me uncertainly, presumably waiting for me to tell them what was happening.

“Remind me of your names.”

The witch spoke first. “Logan. This is Caden.”

“And the other panther?”

“Seth,” Logan said. “Where is he? Can we see him?”

I held up a finger and she fell silent. “Our doctor is bringing him up as we speak. You can put your bags down. We’ll arrange for some furniture to store your things. Come.”

I turned and walked deeper into my suite, toward the living space where plush leather couches sat in a semicircle. I settled on one, pleased to find that they’d followed quickly. I gestured to the large ottoman in front of me, and they sat.

“I imagine you have questions.”

Logan nodded.

“Have you been in a nest before?”

She shook her head, as did Caden, before she added, “Seth has.”

“The rules are simple. You belong to me while you remain here. Obey the other Protectors within reason, meaning if I give you an order they do not have the authority to supersede it. You will be given jobs once we’ve assessed your skills and determined where you’ll best fit. Everyone contributes to the well-being of the nest unless they are ill or otherwise unable to do so. All amenities are free for you to use, but for now you are to remain with me unless I tell you otherwise.”

They both eyed me warily.

“The nest rules apply outside these doors. In here you may make whatever complaints you like, but if you disobey me in public or undermine my authority, I will either have you punished, incarcerated, or removed depending on the severity of your transgression. I will have no one compromise my position as Protector here. Is that clear?”

Logan swallowed. “Yes.”

I stared at her, letting my power flash for her to see.

“Mistress,” she added.

I reached out and stroked her cheek. “Good girl.”

Her spine snapped straight and her eyes widened, that alluring spike of arousal in her scent bursting forward. She was going to be delightful. I flicked my gaze to Caden. “And you? Is that clear as well?”

A tic worked in his jaw, discomfort clear in his posture. “Yes, Mistress.”

I could only laugh. “Used to being in charge, are you?” I crossed my legs and leaned back on the couch, watching him curiously. Not many alphas came easily to heel, but he would have no choice in the matter if he wanted to stay.

“I can follow the rules, but I’m not obligated to be happy about it.”

Conceding the truth of his statement, I nodded. “Fair enough. As long as you act better in public. You’re lucky I got you before the others.”

“Um, why?” Logan asked, hastily adding, “Mistress.”

“Learning quickly, kitten.” I gave her an approving smile and enjoyed the flush of her cheeks in response. “For one, Kendrick would have fucked you up against a wall before you even made it to his suite and I doubt very much that your panther would have stood by and watched. He’d be locked up in the basement and you’d be number thirteen of Kendrick’s toys.”

Fury wafted off Caden, though I couldn’t blame him. Kendrick was trying at the best of times, let alone when he was eyeballing someone to add to his collection.

“Shakti only likes men,” I continued, “so you’d have been separated in the best case. Velda wouldn’t be too bad, but she never expressed interest in any of you. I suspect neither of you would have been happy to be claimed by Kendrick or Shakti. Am I correct in that assumption?”

“Yes,” said Caden. I stared silently at him until he sighed. “Mistress.”

“There’s a good boy. I knew you were smart.” I chuckled at the way he bristled.

Before I could say more, someone else knocked on the door.

“That will likely be your missing companion. Logan, precious, get the door.”

She hopped up, crossing the distance with an excitable step.

Dr. Atling pushed a hospital bed through the doors with the panther sprawled across it. An IV was hooked up to a bald patch on his foreleg. “Where am I putting him?”

“Doctor’s choice. The other furniture can navigate him.”

Dr. Atling grumbled as she got Seth set up, Logan and Caden hovering as she did so. Haru slipped inside and trotted over to me, lifting his face up so I could stroke his head.

Change back so you can properly greet our new friends.

Haru nosed my palm and melted into their human form. My gaze raked over their body—the lean plains of muscle decorated in countless tattoos, straight black hair, and gorgeous brown eyes—before they pulled on a simple black robe. They slipped closer to me, looping an arm around my waist, burying their face against my throat to breathe me in.

Heat rose in me at every point they touched and I turned to capture their lips, snaring their hair in eager fingers. They went pliant in my arms—perfect, sweet, willing—and it took a considerable amount of self-control not to drag them to bed while I was supposed to be getting everyone settled.

Dr. Atling cleared her throat. “Protector Yelena.”

I pulled away from Haru. “Hmm?”

“We’ll have to monitor the panther closely. I’ll check in until I go to bed and change out the medication to last until morning, but someone will have to check on him overnight.”

“I can watch him,” said Logan. She tentatively looked at me. “Is…that okay?”

“If you feel like forgoing sleep, it is.” I stepped away from Haru and up to the hospital bed. “How is he?”

“Stable.” Dr. Atling didn’t offer anything else. “By your leave.”

I dismissed the doctor and focused on Logan and Caden. “Now, where were we?”

Ileaned over the hospital bed and smoothed a hand over Seth’s velvety fur. He was sound asleep. Yelena watched over my shoulder. I wasn’t sure what to make of her, only that she sounded like a better alternative than some of the other Protectors. She was obviously used to power and had no problem wielding it to make others yield. She was beautiful, but also intimidating as all hell and my body had decided that intimidating was similar enough to scary.

Goddamn fear kink.

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. Her thick curls framed her face in a halo, like a wild angel. Her dress showed off a lot of skin, dipping down to just below her belly button in a vaguely Grecian style. The burgundy fabric made her tawny skin glow, and while I was wary, I could still enjoy looking at her.

“Come.”

I turned to her and she was already walking to the couches. Caden and I followed after her and returned to our original spots on the ottoman. He tucked close to my side, not that it would be much protection if anything happened. We needed to stay long enough for Seth to recover and that meant playing by the nest rules.

The other shifter in the room slid into my field of vision and I bit my tongue because holy did they paint a picture. They were easily as beautiful as Yelena, but in a totally different way, with sleek black hair that hung past their shoulders and a swirling expanse of tattoos—plants, animals, magic symbols and scripts—decorating most of their arms and torso that was visible outside of the robe. A vicious scar marked the entire front of their throat. It turned my stomach to think of how bad the wound must have been to leave a scar like that on a shifter. Was it something they’d gotten here?

“Darlings, this is Haru. They’re my companion and attendant,” Yelena said as she sprawled comfortably. Haru nestled against her side. “They’ll be able to answer any questions you might have about life in the nest as a companion.”

Haru watched us intently, their eyes flickering between dark brown and gold. Their gaze swept over me, hot and focused, before turning to Caden, looking him over with the same interested heat.

I promise to be very educational. Haru’s voice filled my head and I suppressed a shiver. Between the two of them and this whole damn situation, I was going to be an entire mess. And, before you ask too many questions, because I saw you staring, I didn’t get that scar from anyone here.

One of the many knots in my stomach unraveled at the declaration even though my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare.”

Haru shrugged. There’s a lot to see. I’m not going to complain about you wanting to look at me. Also my gender is as fluid as my shape, so use whatever pronouns you want when speaking about me, but be respectful or I might decide to bite.

Yelena cupped their cheek and pulled Haru in to press her lips there. “Unfortunately Haru suffered a rather grievous injury before making his way to me. If I ever find the one who hurt them, I’ll rip their own throat out and make sure they feel every drop of blood that drains away.”

“Oh…that’s, um, visceral.” I glanced between Yelena and Haru, wondering if I’d be just as vicious if someone had hurt Caden or Seth like that.

“I protect what’s mine, and if I cannot protect, then I will seek vengeance.” Yelena put her arm around Haru. “Now, tell me what brought you to the nest.”

“So,” I began, “your wards. Do you think they could keep something that eats magic out?”

Yelena’s eyes widened. “What?”

“An entity followed us all the way from New York State,” said Caden. “There were multiple attacks before it got to us. We gleaned along the way that it consumes magic, but we’re not exactly sure what it is or how it works.”

“You’re leading something that eats magic to a nest full of shifters that’s protected by magic?”

I shrank away. “We didn’t have a choice. Seth needs help. We couldn’t keep running.”

Yelena looked ready to bite my face off, but Haru set a palm on her leg. I’m not certain what words passed between them, but whatever it was seemed to calm her down.

“Haru’s right. You’re here for a reason. Hopefully that reason isn’t to wipe us all out.” She let out a sharp laugh. “In any case. There is a dual layer to the wards and the outer one blocks magic to keep us hidden. I have no idea if that would protect us or not, though. We’ll have to prepare for an emergency evacuation.”

“But Seth…”

“I didn’t say we were leaving, I said we were preparing.” Yelena rose from her spot. “If the wards fail, we need everyone ready. How far behind you was it?”

“Not nearly far enough,” I conceded.

Yelena nodded. “Wait one moment.” She walked to the door and pushed a button on the panel. “Attention all residents. Prepare yourselves for evacuation immediately. Cease your activities, acquire your evacuation kits, and report to muster.”

An alarm pinged beyond the door as she turned back to us.

“What should we do?” I asked. I didn’t want to run again, not with Seth so fragile, but maybe we wouldn’t have a choice.

“Come with Haru and me. Seth will have to remain. If we need to run, he likely won’t survive on the road in his condition.”

The words tore me open and I let out a feral sound. “I’m not leaving him.”

“You will follow orders,” Yelena snapped. “If I have to hogtie you and carry you over my shoulder, I will do so.”

I dashed over to Seth and put my hand on his chest, praying to any god that would listen to keep him safe. “We’ll be back soon, okay?” I kissed his head and then Haru’s hand wrapped around my arm.

Don’t struggle. Haru pulled me away and it took every ounce of strength not to punch them and stay with Seth. Caden scooped me into his arms and glared at Haru until their hand released.

“Lead the way,” Caden bit out.

Ihooked the two evacuation bags for Yelena and me over my shoulders. There was nothing in place for Logan, Caden, and Seth, but they hadn’t unpacked yet so it was easy enough for them to bring their bags with them.

They were Yelena’s now, which meant they were mine too. I wasn’t going to let some magic eater fuck with the ones brought to me by the gods. I didn’t want to leave Seth, but Yelena was right that we had no other option. The hallways were thick with people. We took the stairs down to the main floor to leave the elevators open for others, and packed into the garage, where a plethora of vehicles were parked and waiting.

Logan passed her keys to me and I tossed our bags into the trunk of her car before taking over the driver’s seat. Yelena took the passenger seat while Caden and Logan took up their spots in the back. We’d have to take another person if we actually did flee. Every seat would need to be occupied to get everyone to safety, though a few traffic law violations would be required to fit everyone. I pulled out of the building, bringing the car around to face the front gates.

I couldn’t see anything that would cause us to flee, but that didn’t mean something wasn’t nearby. I turned to Logan. Any information you can give us would help.

“Um, okay, well, so far I’ve been the only one able to see the entity. Seth and Caden could sense it, but only when it got close.”

Yelena tapped her fingers against her thigh. “Why only you?”

“I have no idea. Though, to be fair, I don’t know anyone else who’s been in contact with it. Caden and Seth couldn’t see a spirit we encountered in the Appalachians either.”

“If you’re the only one we can rely on for detection, I need you to walk the perimeter.”

“No,” Caden snapped. “That’s not safe.”

Yelena rolled her eyes. “Panther, we don’t have time for your fussing. We’re potentially evacuating nearly a hundred people in a few minutes if whatever followed you breaks through our wards. Logan is here and she will do her duty for the good of the nest.”

I can go with her, I offered, projecting the thought to the vehicle’s inhabitants.

“Why can’t I go with her?” Caden asked.

“Because you need to learn your place.” Yelena growled. “Haru, take Logan. Use your largest form so you can be quick about it.”

Yes, Mistress.

I slid out of my seat and Caden took over the driver’s seat for a faster getaway. I shifted into my strongest wolf form. It was about three times the size of my usual form and didn’t suit life in the nest very well so I rarely assumed it. I crouched to the ground, focusing on Logan.

Climb on.

She did as instructed, thighs squeezing me just behind my shoulders. I set off with a smooth gait and followed the outer perimeter of the wards, reinforced by a nine-foot-tall iron fence that was decorated with hundreds of protective charms. This area of the nest contained the garage and extensive food gardens that looped around the main building, and the forest beyond the fence stretched for miles.

Anything?

“Not so far.” Logan’s fingers dug into my fur. “Can I ask a question?”

Yes.

“Is Yelena good to you? Do you actually like her?”

I snorted. Of course I like her. She saved my life. We’ve been lovers for years now and I’ve never had the desire to leave her.

“I try to trust the vibes I get off people, but Caden’s worried. Seth had a horrible experience in a nest and we’re all really on edge.”

Understandable. Seth and I were in that same nest together.

Logan’s fingers squeezed tighter. “Really?”

He was a comfort to me. We spent a considerable amount of time in the infirmary together before I came here.

“From the animal fights?”

I paused and glanced at her when she reached out to stroke my head. Yes. That’s how I lost my voice.

“I’m so sorry.” She likely said the words automatically, but her tone rang with sincerity. Logan sighed and looked around, surveying the forest outside of the fence. “Would it be possible to get into the trees?”

Why?

“I don’t know how it works, but the forest has given me warnings about the entity before. It might help figure out how close it is.”

Sure. Let’s finish the perimeter first and let Yelena know.

I got going again, picking up my pace. I hadn’t let anyone ride on me like this for years. Logan was an easy weight for me to carry in this form—solid and steady. I liked having her up there. Her power thrummed against me like warm water trickling down a waterfall, but I wasn’t even sure if she was aware of it, given how focused she seemed to be on everything else.

The forest was quiet around the nest, but not eerily so. Flickers and scrabbling of woodland creatures and birds were still audible, though there seemed to be fewer than usual.

We finished the loop shortly and paused next to the car that held Yelena, Caden, and now three additional evacuees in the back seat. I guessed Yelena was trusting me to evacuate Logan if needed.

Nothing. She asked to be taken into the forest.

“You have permission,” said Yelena. “Be safe.”

Always.

They opened the gates for us and I slipped through the wards. The magic washed over me and Logan tensed, holding on to my fur even tighter. I wasn’t going to take her far. I chose a towering fir tree and got Logan within touching distance.

Does this work?

“Should be fine, yeah.” She moved to climb off me but I stepped nearer the tree and stopped her.

I can’t run away with you if you’re on the ground. Do your magic from my back.

She let out an annoyed huff. “I don’t even know if I can do it up in the air. I’ve only known I was a witch for a few days.”

I’d have to inquire more about that later. For now, I opted for a compromise, crouching down so her toes could reach the ground, but I could still spring forward at a moment’s notice. She braced a palm against the tree and a ripple of heat rolled from her, into me, and into the earth below. I shivered and dug my claws into the soil.

Fear spiked through her scent and her body tensed above me. “We need to get inside the wards right now.”

I lifted my head and released a howl to let everyone know something was coming.

I launched off the ground.

Hold on tight.

The moment she leaned forward and grabbed on, I took a run and leapt straight over the fence. I’d been inside the nest for so long that the wards didn’t care where I entered or left from, and with Logan on my back, it didn’t block her entrance either.

I hit the ground running and as I skidded to a stop next to the vehicle where Yelena waited, a wave of unease hit me. I turned to the front gates and Logan let out a sound of distress.

“Haru, can you see it?”

I strained my eyes, searching for whatever was there. Flickers of light, like a heat wave, rolled around in front of the gate but I couldn’t see anything substantial.

No. What’s there? What’s it doing?

A shriek filled the air and all my fur stood on end. What the fuck was that thing? Panic rippled through everyone waiting. I hated that I couldn’t see it.

Haru.

I turned to Yelena. Yes?

What the hell is that thing?

Can you see it?

Yelena nodded.

I danced in place, jostling Logan, tilting my head to look at her. Yelena sees it.

“What does it look like to you?” Logan asked Yelena, leaning down to see her face through the window.

“Like smoke from a tire fire fucked a well of crude oil and had a baby blessed by Helios.”

“Yep, accurate.” Logan stroked my fur and while I didn’t need to be comforted, it was nice all the same. “It’s trying to get inside, but so far the wards are holding.”

I suspected she spoke aloud for Caden’s and my benefit. I supposed that meant she hadn’t figured out how to use telepathy yet.

Can you use your magic to let me see? I asked.

“I don’t know how to do that but I guess I can try.”

Logan set her palm on my head and a sear of heat sank through my fur and skin so hot I had to force myself not to shake her off. Bit by bit my vision blurred and cleared, the entity coalescing into an almost spider-like shape the size of a van. The oily, smoky tendrils pawed at the wards.

“Did that work?” Logan asked.

I almost wish it didn’t, but yes.

It swarmed around the bottom of the wards, slapping and stroking in search of a weak spot. Logan pet my fur and I realized I’d been growling when I fell silent. The entity shrieked and hurled its whole body against the wards. They rippled but held.

Logan shivered above me.

I won’t let it get to you.

Kendrick marched over to where we were waiting. “Yelena, what in the holy fuck are we doing out here?”

Logan, can you give Kendrick the ability to see it too so he shuts up?

She laughed before she could catch herself and Kendrick turned a glare on her. I sidestepped so his reach for her fell short.

Hands to yourself, stag. She belongs to Yelena.

He rolled his eyes.

Logan leaned over me to see Yelena. “Haru wants me to help Kendrick see the entity. Is that okay?”

Yelena blinked. “If that’s something you’re capable of, then yes.”

“Kendrick, can I have your hand, please?” Logan held hers out and Kendrick set his into it. I laughed to myself when he yelped at the burn I knew was coming.

“Fucking hell,” Kendrick hissed. Then his eyes widened as the magic took effect. “Holy shit. What the fuck is that?”

“Unclear,” said Yelena. “But it consumes magic and if it gets through the outer layer of the wards we’re all screwed.”

“How long do we wait?” Logan asked.

Yelena shrugged. “Hard to say. I’d have to get up to the wards to see what their strength is holding at, and I’m not particularly keen on doing so with that thing right there.”

“Send Velda. We can keep an eye on it from here,” Kendrick suggested.

Of course he’d suggest anyone but himself for the task. Coward.

The entity hissed and flailed at the wards. I wanted to get Logan out of sight from it, to leap the fences and take her away into the forest, but there was no guarantee we’d be safer out there than where we were. I’d tear that creature apart before I let it hurt what was mine.

Ihated all of this with every fiber of my being. We were sitting ducks behind a glass wall, waiting for the hammer to strike it the right way.

Seth was inside and completely helpless. He was the whole reason we’d come here, and if we had to flee without him, I’d never get over having to leave him behind to get the others to safety. I squeezed the steering wheel until my knuckles were white.

I couldn’t go back for him and leave Logan with these people either. I didn’t trust a single one of them. A growl rumbled through my chest and Yelena patted my knee without looking at me.

“Calm down, panther.”

How the hell was I supposed to be calm in these conditions? “Easier said than done.”

“I will protect you and Logan. Whether that is in this nest or if we have to flee.”

“And Seth? Isn’t he worthy of your protection?” Fury bubbled like magma in my chest.

“Leaving is our last resort. That thing will follow us all fleeing. Once we have a better handle on the situation, we can send the medical staff for a proper transfer. We don’t have the resources on hand to transport patients at his level of care.”

My growl worked free again.

“Have a little trust,” she said.

“Do something to earn it, and I might,” I snapped back.

“That goes both ways, panther.” Yelena sighed. “I’ll overlook your insubordination for the moment since you’re afraid for your brother, but I won’t accept another outburst.”

I stuffed down the flare of anger. We stayed safe by playing this game. Pissing off Yelena would be worse for Seth, but I despised being under her power.

The three shifters who had crammed into our back seat were shivering with fear. No one had any idea what was going on except for a few of us. They were all leaning forward, straining to listen to the glimpses of conversation that might give them context for the evacuation preparations.

Yelena put a hand on my shoulder and I checked the urge to shrug it off. “If it breaches, you have to trust Haru to keep Logan safe. Multiple lives depend on you to get us out of here.”

I nodded sharply. I didn’t trust Haru with anything, but I wasn’t about to sacrifice three innocent shifters by assuming he was incapable of getting Logan to some form of safety. We’d find one another again. Hecate had brought us together once and she could do it again if we got separated.

We stayed out there for an agonizing hour with the Protectors checking the wards. Logan had shared her new ability with me so I could finally see what was chasing us, and part of me was grateful I hadn’t been able to see it before. She was slumped over Haru’s back, barely awake after using her magic on Haru, Kendrick, and me. I wasn’t certain how big her energy stores were, but we’d need to figure out how to replenish them if using her magic was going to wipe her out.

The entity raged the whole time we waited, shrieking and hurling itself against the wards, but they held.

“We should post guards,” said Yelena. “If it hasn’t gotten in yet, the odds of it getting through are slim enough we can get people inside.”

“No one will be able to leave,” I told her. “Anyone who goes out there will end up like Seth, or worse.”

Yelena cursed. “So, we’re caged in with limited supplies, then.”

At least the cage was safe. If we were trapped, we could stay with Seth. Maybe we could figure a way out before we ran out of food and medicine.

Yelena slid out of the vehicle and went to confer with the other Protectors as to what should be done. I was itching to get Logan inside and see how Seth was doing. I thought about just leaving without permission, but I had to keep reminding myself that we needed to stay in Yelena’s good graces.

People filtered inside bit by bit with the Protectors monitoring the influx. I kept my gaze fixed on the creature as we waited. Our group was the last allowed in. My jaw ached from grinding my teeth as I watched everyone else return to the nest. Part of me wondered if Yelena was keeping us until last just to piss me off, but another part wondered equally if I was even worth that much of her notice. Kendrick had hightailed it at the first opportunity while Yelena supervised everyone else and organized a guard rotation with the help of the blonde Protector.

Logan was fully asleep by the time Yelena allowed us to go in. I collected Logan off Haru and he switched over to his regular wolf size to follow us. A few people were left to return the vehicles to the garage. I didn’t feel any better going inside. The entity hadn’t ceased its shrieking.

Just inside the main doors, Yelena stepped up to a covered panel like the one in her suite. She punched in a code and pressed a button. “Attention all residents. Effective immediately, we are in full lockdown. No one is to leave the wards and all shipments in will be temporarily ceased. If you are not already aware, a malevolent and dangerous entity is at our gates. If it catches you, expect to die. This is not a drill. Please be vigilant and return to your duties. Updates will be provided as they become available.”

A multitude of eyes turned in our direction and everyone started to swarm, but Yelena held up her hand and they froze in place before quietly turning away. I wasn’t certain if it was from some magic I wasn’t aware of or if they simply accepted her authority to such a level that was all it took for them to back off.

“We’ll need Logan’s help to boost the warding mechanisms,” Yelena said as we boarded the elevator to her suite. “She’s the only witch here and no one else is going to be able to come help us with that thing here.”

“She’s only had access to her magic for a couple of days. You can see she’s tapped out.”

“Well, she needs to untap. We don’t have a choice.” Yelena crossed her arms and focused her golden gaze on Logan. “How does she replenish?”

I stuffed down my growl. “We don’t know all of that yet. The only thing that’s done anything so far is sex and that is not something I’m letting anyone force on her.”

Yelena’s eyes widened and Haru lifted his head to sniff at Logan. I held Logan tighter.

“You can unclench your jaw, panther,” said Yelena. “Sex magic is about pleasure, not force. She needs to want it or anything anyone does would be useless in that regard.”

Her acknowledgment of that helped soothe my rising hackles. Slightly.

“What if you gave her the pleasure?” Yelena asked. “Oh, don’t give me that look. As I said, she is our only witch and if that thing gets inside we will likely all die. Her powers need to be figured out, and quickly. You’ve already seen them work and we could set up a series of experiments to help Logan understand her talents.”

“I’m not making a single decision until she wakes up and gets a say.”

Yelena sighed. “Obviously Logan gets the final say here. I am merely asking if you’re amenable to the idea. Otherwise we’ll find Logan an alternative partner to experiment with to learn her magic.”

I squeezed Logan to me so hard she woke up with a squeak. “Ow.” She coughed as I adjusted my grip.

“Sorry.”

Logan nestled against me, muttering sleepily. The elevator opened into a hallway outside of Yelena’s suite, and she let us inside.

“Put her on my bed. Yours will get here at some point, but the lockdown will slow things.”

I paused to check on Seth. He was sleeping, his breathing even and unbothered. I followed Yelena into her massive bedroom and settled Logan onto the bed, pulling the covers over her.

“I’m not trying to be difficult,” I said to Yelena as I turned away from Logan. “Not that long ago Seth was barely in our lives, we had no idea Logan was an omega witch, and we lived a quiet life together out east.”

Yelena sat next to me. “Change takes time to accept. I’m sorry you haven’t had the space for that. Were we not working under time limits, I would give you that space now. A lot of lives are under my protection—yours, Logan’s, and Seth’s included. I need you to be on our side, Caden.”

“If you keep Logan and Seth safe, I’ll help however I can.” I couldn’t offer her more than that. I sympathized with the plight of the people here but my priorities were the love of my life, and my brother.

“Rest for now. Let me know when Logan wakes. I’ll have Haru keep watch over Seth while I meet with the other Protectors. Be good.” Yelena rose off the bed and left me alone with Logan.

I must have fallen asleep with her because her stirring pulled me out of the peaceful darkness.

“What happened?” Logan asked, her voice rough and sleepy.

“The wards held. We’re on lockdown.” I traced my fingertips over her cheek and she lifted her face into my touch. I had no great desire to move and wasn’t about to turn her over to Yelena the second she woke. I indulged myself with a long, slow kiss, absorbing the taste of Logan until she was arching against me, her fingers curling into my shirt.

Her skin warmed under the attention, a gentle fizzing sensation sliding up my fingertips as I moved my hands over her. My purr rumbled and she pulled away to look at me with faintly glowing eyes. Her breath came in pants and she rolled onto her back, tugging me with her. I slid a hand over the waistband of her pants and tucked inside, stroking through her slick heat. I couldn’t control or fix a lot of things, but I could give Logan what she craved and that made things a little easier to bear.

Yelena told me not to let you two fuck before we can talk to Logan. Haru’s voice in my head had me freezing in place. Logan looked over my shoulder. I could only assume she’d heard them as well.

I withdrew my hand and Logan let out a whimper. Her eyes were properly glowing now and her skin radiated heat.

Haru wandered further into the room, his gaze fixed on Logan. Interesting. I’ll call Yelena to return.

I bit back a growl as Haru retreated.

“Why is Haru calling Yelena?” Logan asked.

“She has some things to discuss about your magic.”

“Oh.” Logan squirmed. “Um, why aren’t we allowed to fuck?”

Her expression had turned so petulant at the question that I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I assume we’ll be allowed to soon.” I sat up and sucked the flavor of her off my fingers.

Logan groaned. “Quit being a tease if we’re not allowed to do stuff.”

We climbed off the bed and went into the main room where Logan leaned over Seth. She stroked a hand over his fur and he opened one golden eye.

“Hey there, mister.” Logan kissed his cheek and scratched behind his ears. “How’re you feeling?”

Seth let out a pitiful moan. Like shit.

I set a palm on his flank. “We’re going to figure out how to get you back to normal.”

I trust you.

The words were a sucker punch to my chest, leaving me breathless and feeling guilty. I traced a pattern around the barely visible rosettes in his dark fur. Logan was misty-eyed as she leaned over him, pressing her face against him.

“I ran out of juice or I’d give you a boost,” she said.

“Do you feel safe here?” I asked Seth.

Ish. The wolf smells familiar.

“Haru told me they remember you from Orlando,” Logan supplied.

Ah. Yeah, that makes sense. Infirmary buddies.

Seth let out an exhausted sigh and closed his eyes again. What I wouldn’t give for healing powers.

The door to the suite swung open and Yelena swept inside with Haru on her heels. She moved straight to Logan, cupping her cheeks.

“Welcome back, precious.”

My hackles rose at the pet name. Logan’s cheeks flushed pink at Yelena’s attention. I wasn’t a fan of that either. We weren’t entirely sure, but Logan’s initial reactions to me were probably enhanced because I was an alpha and she was a hidden omega. She wasn’t hidden anymore and Yelena was an alpha who was very willing to get into Logan’s personal space.

“Is everyone safe?” Logan asked.

“For the moment.” Yelena’s thumbs stroked over Logan’s cheeks. “I realize the timing is not ideal for the request I’m going to make of you, but we need to get your magic sorted out as quickly as possible so you can help us reinforce the wards. Caden told us you’ve done some work with sex magic.”

“I—um, yeah, I guess you could say that.” She stepped out of Yelena’s grasp and toward me. I looped a protective arm around her waist.

Yelena’s brows pinched together. “How open are you to experimenting with your power? Caden said you weren’t yet aware of how to restore your power after use. I—” Yelena sighed. “I truly would prefer not to pressure you about this and I wouldn’t if there weren’t lives at risk, but we need you. You’re the only witch in the nest and we can’t risk bringing anyone in while we’re in lockdown.”

“What kind of experimentation?” Logan asked, her voice thick with nerves. I tightened my hold on her and she curled her fingers over my arm.

“Well, that’s up to you,” said Yelena. “I can only presume you’d prefer Caden to be your partner for it. You know your body and your magic better than we do. I only ask that I’m able to observe so we can sort things out faster.”

Logan’s skin warmed under my touch and she audibly swallowed. “You…want to watch?”

Yelena didn’t even blink at Logan’s question. “Yes. Haru, too, if you don’t mind.”

Logan’s scent shifted—desire twining through the earthy floral notes—and I swallowed another wayward growl. I wasn’t particularly surprised that at least part of her was interested in the idea after how she’d reacted to Seth watching.

Logan looked up at me.

“Whatever you’re comfortable with,” I told her. “I’ll be here.”

She nodded slowly and turned to Yelena. “I’ll do it.”

Her acceptance pleased me more than I was willing to admit. The witchling was full of surprises. We hadn’t had an omega grace our nest in years and I’d nearly forgotten how delicious they could be. Every movement she made released more of her intoxicating jasmine and moss scent. My little temptation. I had so many questions and no time to glean the answers.

“I have a few artifacts that might work for storing your power. I’d rather test it on those than the actual ones maintaining the wards in case something goes awry.”

Logan nodded. “Sounds fair.”

I left them for a moment to open the safe in my closet, returning with a chunk of garnet the size of my fist set in silver. Logan’s eyes widened as I placed it in her hands. “I don’t suppose you have any experience with using a conduit?”

She shook her head.

“I haven’t been privy to a lot of demonstrations of sex magic, but I know there’s a fair amount of energy generated and released when you come. Instead of letting it go everywhere, try to put it in this.” I reached out, and when she didn’t shy away, put my hand to her cheek. I stroked my thumb over her skin softly, enjoying the way her scent settled with the motion. “What would help? Do you want to get started before I join you to observe?”

“Wait, we’re doing stuff right now?”

“Well, yes. There’s a creature trying to beat down our doors. We need to make sure the wards don’t fail and you don’t know how to use your magic yet.” I allowed my purr to rise up and the tension leaked out of her features at the sound. “Let your lover give you some comfort and hopefully we’ll be able to save the rest of us. You can use my bed since yours isn’t here yet.”

Her chest heaved with a deep breath. “This is really fucking weird, but I’ll try. I want to figure out my magic, too.”

“Good girl.” I patted her cheek. “Go get fucked.”

Logan let out a sharp laugh. “Roger that.”

She tugged Caden along behind her and I wandered over to check on the other panther. Haru slipped into their human form and looped an arm around my waist, tucking their face against my throat. I traced my fingers over the panther’s fur and he released a low growl.

“Oh, hush. Save your protests and rest.”

Haru nudged my cheek with his nose. You really think this will work?

“Who knows. It’s the best chance we’ve got, so I hope so.”

I heard a squeak and giggle from the bedroom and turned toward the partially closed door.

Ready to join them? Haru asked.

A low moan and panting breaths filtered out to us.

“Seems like they’ve gotten started,” I said with a nod. I drew Haru toward the bedroom and peeked through the gap in the door. They were tucked under the blankets with Logan beneath Caden, his bare back facing us.

She clutched the amulet in one hand stretched over her head and resting on the pillow. Her eyes were squeezed shut, soft gasps dancing on her lips while his hand worked beneath the covers, his face dipped to her throat. They painted a very pretty picture together.

Logan’s eyes snapped open as I nudged the door open. She whimpered, her gaze latching on to mine. The amulet pulsed with light and her eyes glowed faintly. My lips curled into a smile.

That’s it, precious. Is he taking good care of you?

She blessed me with another perfect whimper and nodded absently, lifting her hips beneath the blankets. The amulet flickered and settled into a steady glow.

Haru set his chin on my shoulder. Warmth simmered pleasantly in my belly. It had been a while since we’d had any live entertainment to watch. Once in a while the nest hosted performances with the exhibitionists living here. Maybe I would mention that to Logan when she got more comfortable.

Caden’s back tensed as we slipped into the room, but he didn’t stop what he was doing or turn to look at us. Logan let out a curse and arched off the bed. Her soft cry filled my senses, each one triggering alpha instincts I rarely let out to play. I wanted the little treasure spread out for her panther, the omega the gods had blessed us with—or cursed us with…I suppose only time would tell which it ended up being.

The amulet gave a quick blaze and her power zipped over my skin for a brief moment, making me sweat.

Come on, panther. I fed into Caden’s mind. You can do better than that. I hope, anyway. Unless you want me to take over.

No, he snapped.

Possessive. I smiled, amused at his attempt to retain control of the situation. I stood right where Logan could see all of me and flicked my gaze briefly to Haru and back to Logan.

You don’t mind if we have some fun alongside you, do you, precious?

The amulet flared with light and Logan bit her lip, smothering down a sound that made my cunt ache. She shook her head and swore as Caden slipped beneath the blankets. He could be shy. I was more interested in seeing Logan fall apart.

Haru got to his knees and reached under my gown, tugging my panties to the floor where I delicately stepped out of them, never letting my gaze drift from Logan’s face. Her eyes slipped shut.

Eyes open, pet.

They snapped open at the command, her hands shoving beneath the blankets as she arched up with another cry. The amulet rolled down the pillow, forgotten.

Tsk tsk. Hands on the amulet, precious.

She writhed, sweat glistening on her forehead as she snatched the gem back up.

I purred as Haru stretched out on the plush carpet, staring up at me expectantly until I tugged my skirts out of the way and lowered myself down. Their hands slid over my skin, pressing on my hips to get me in place faster. I tucked one hand into his hair, grabbing a firm handful as I rocked my hips. Haru’s tongue snaked against my clit before delivering long, luxurious strokes to the rest of my cunt. Teasing, delving touches slid inside, eager lips sucking until I shuddered and had to tip forward to brace myself.

Logan’s gaze whipped between my face and where Haru was hidden behind wine-red fabric.

You’re doing so well, pet. Beautiful. Exquisite, really.

Her cheeks flushed even pinker at the words.

Do you want to see Haru work?

Her eyes took on the inhuman glow more fully, eclipsing everything in the gleaming light. She nodded, whimpering and clutching the amulet to her chest.

I pulled the skirts of my gown aside, gathering them and tossing them over my shoulder. I rocked against Haru’s voracious mouth.

Does your panther have his tongue on you now?

Logan nodded again. A whine slipped through her lips. Someday soon she would make that sound for me.

Come for us, precious. Pour all that beautiful lust and power into the stone.

Haru hit the perfect spot and tempo. I let out a strangled fuck and held my breath as he pulled me over the edge of pleasure. Logan screamed, the amulet flaring in her hands, and even still a shock wave of power radiated out of her and hit me like a brick to the chest.

I lifted my hips and climbed off Haru, sinking right to my knees next to them. “Thank you, darling.” I smoothed a hand over their hair and they curled around, resting their head into my lap.

I slid out from their touch after a few moments and walked on trembling legs over to the bed. Caden appeared from under the blankets, his face shining. Logan was breathing deeply, her mahogany hair spread over her pillow, the glow of her eyes fading. I sat on the edge of the bed next to her, ignoring Caden’s warning growl.

“Well done, precious.” I traced the curve of her bare shoulder and took the amulet from her. “Feeling better?”

“Mhmm,” Logan mumbled, opening eyes that had returned to the same deep brown as when she’d arrived.

I turned the gem over in my hands. The pulse of power inside it was palpable. I willed it out of the stone and into the fingertips, where it manifested as flickers of flame. Interesting. That meant her power was accessible to others if we had a conduit. Nothing had exploded, which also meant we could take a chance at having her charge the wards.

“What do you say we see if this helps your dear invalid?”

Logan shot up, the sheet falling away to expose her round breasts. Caden lifted the sheet to cover her.

“Help Seth?” Logan asked.

“Of course, pet. He’s important to you, yes?” I handed the gem back to her.

“He is, yeah.”

“Go on then. If pleasure is your power source, you’ll certainly have no shortage of people willing to provide that for you to refuel.” I turned to where Haru was resting and watching. “Darling, grab Logan a robe so her panther doesn’t wear out his vocal cords with that growl.”

Haru’s laugh chimed in my head as he got up and grabbed one of several plush robes we had hanging in the walk-in closet. They passed it to Logan with a playful wink that had her cheeks bright pink again. She pulled on the robe and dashed over to Seth. Caden tugged his pants on, spun away from us, but still giving me a view of his pert ass as he pulled the garment all the way up.

“What do I do?” Logan asked, turning back to me. “How does it work?”

I slipped out of the bedroom and went to stand by her, wrapping an arm around her waist. She tensed briefly, but made no move to shake me off.

“Put it around his neck.” I brushed my fingertips over Seth’s shoulder. “Wake up, little panther. We have something we’d like to try.”

One eye opened and he looked at us with interest. Logan looped the chain from the amulet around his neck. “Now what?”

“Panther, summon her magic. Try to shift.”

He groaned, closing his eyes again, but the amulet pulsed and his form wavered. His fur shimmered. I blinked and where there’d been a panther, a man lay instead. Logan cried out and grabbed his face, kissing him before he had time to take a breath. Then she was sobbing, her forehead pressed to his.

“Precious, give him some space.” I patted her shoulder.

The second she was out of the way, Caden replaced her, although he merely hugged Seth, rather than kissing him.

“You too, panther.” I nudged Caden back. He didn’t even growl at me this time. I put a hand on Seth’s bare chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart under my palm. “How do you feel?”

“Still like shit, but less like I might die in the next second or two.”

“Progress.” I smiled softly at him. “I’ll have our physician come check you and adjust things for your human body. This way you won’t have to expend energy on telepathy while you heal.”

Seth gave me an odd look, as if he had no idea what to make of me. I supposed that was fair if his last experience in a nest was the one that Haru had come from.

“What about the wards?” Logan asked. She scooped up Seth’s hand and pressed it to her cheek.

I brushed my fingers over her hair and cut off the start of Caden’s growl with a sharp look. “You topped up your own reserves, yes?”

Logan nodded.

“And you filled up the amulet, too. You should be able to boost the wards with your current reserves and you’ll be free to rest and recharge at your own pace afterward until we need you again.”

“She’s not a fucking battery,” Caden snapped.

I couldn’t help the roll of my eyes. “Darling, are you going to be this fussy for the entire duration of your stay? It’s getting exhausting.”

He bristled like a spooked kitten.

I sighed. “I’m not afraid of you, nor do I have any reason to be. I have no intention of harming any of you, so I’d prefer if you’d curtail your attitude.”

“He’s just…” Logan paused. “It’s hard to trust after our reception and what we’ve heard about nests.”

“I recognize that but if he’s going to be hissing at me all day long I’m going to have to put him elsewhere.”

“No.” All three of them said it at once.

“Please don’t separate us,” Logan begged, her eyes watery.

“That’s up to Caden.” I leveled a firm glare on him. “I’ve been patient with his threats, but if they continue I’m going to take the same actions I would if anyone else behaved that way toward me.”

Logan turned to him, hand soft on his shoulder. “Caden, please. We need you.”

I caught the first hint of another growl, but he smothered it quickly and took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ll work on it.”

“Good.” I held out my hand for Logan’s and she put it in my grasp. “Come, precious. I’ll show you where the wards are based. Haru will keep your panthers company.”

Before we left the suite Yelena put a collar—thick black leather with a plush inside and her name inscribed in gold on the side—around my throat. I was breathless as she did up the buckle, goosebumps rippling over my skin when her fingertips brushed my neck. Caden watched closely, and, while he was obviously displeased, he didn’t try to stop Yelena or talk her out of it.

“The residents are less likely to bother you if they know you’re mine,” Yelena explained, turning me to face her and adjusting the collar. “And the Protectors will think twice since they’ll have no deniability as to your identity.”

I didn’t mind the weight of it—or the idea of being safer if everyone assumed I belonged to the woman in front of me. I should probably mind the concept of her owning me, but Haru seemed happy and we weren’t intending to stay long-term so maybe it wouldn’t be a bad experience.

“Haru doesn’t wear a collar?” I asked, glancing at him before she tugged me out of the suite.

“He did for a while,” she replied, punching the button for the elevator. “In the early days it had the two-fold benefit of protecting him and preventing people from gawking at his scars when they were new. Now he doesn’t care as much about questions and all the permanent residents have gotten used to him. It’s only worn for playtime in the suite as of late.”

I toyed with the gold ring at the front.

Yelena’s eyes fell on my fingers. “Is it uncomfortable? Do you need me to loosen it?”

“It’s okay. I’ll get used to it.”

She nodded and the elevator doors opened with a ping. “Tell me about yourself, and your panthers.”

“What do you want to know?”

Yelena leaned against the mirrored walls and watched me. “What do you think is relevant to share?”

Heck if I knew. “Um, well, Caden and I have been together about five years now. I adopted him and Seth when I thought they were regular cats.”

“You’re with both of them, though?” Yelena asked.

“Things with Seth are new, but yeah, I think so.”

The elevator came to a stop and Yelena looked at me curiously. “You think so? Why on earth are you bonded to Seth but not Caden if you’ve been with him far longer and he’s your alpha?”

We stepped off together into a basement with smooth concrete floors and overhead lighting that hurt my eyes.

“It’s complicated. Before we found out I was an omega witch, Caden was afraid that a bonding bite might kill me, so he always held off, and he just kind of came around to the idea of Seth being involved in the last few days. We haven’t had a lot of time to settle everything and talk about boundaries and whatnot. Little more preoccupied with not dying.”

Yelena hummed as we walked into the bowels of the nest.

We were alone as far as I could tell and it was chilly down here. She stopped us in front of a plain white door and punched a code into the panel next to it. It opened into another room, dimly lit by selenite lamps around the space. The floor was soil in here and the scent invaded my nose. A labyrinth pattern of stones wove through the dirt and in the center sat five items. I couldn’t discern any rhyme or reason to them—an intricately carved wooden mandala, an abstract painting with hues that looked suspiciously like blood had been used, a twisted gold torque with stag heads at each end, a bronze dodecahedron, and what looked like a small curved dagger tucked into an ornate sheath of gold and bright blue stones.

“They’re beautiful. What are they?” I asked.

“Artifacts that each of the Protectors contributed. They power the wards and give us our status.”

I blinked, examining the items gathered. “How do they affect your status?”

“Items like these aren’t common,” said Yelena. “Without them our shifter populations are vulnerable and none of us are particularly interested in letting witches come in to provide for our needs in this regard. No offense to you, precious.”

“Oh, none taken. I get wanting to keep it a shifter matter.”

“If we weren’t under direct attack I wouldn’t ask, but…”

The idea that the safety of so many people was relying on me was humbling, and terrifying. “Which one of them is yours?”

“The dagger.”

Yelena took my hand and pulled me closer, reaching our joined hands toward the sheathed blade. The air rippled and a tingling warmth bathed my skin.

“The space around the artifacts is enchanted so only one of the Protectors can touch what’s inside, and each of us can only touch the one bound to us. You’ll have to get acquainted with all of the others as well to make sure theirs have enough power, but we’ll start with mine and see what kind of toll it takes on you.”

Nerves twisted in my belly. If I fucked up on this, would the wards fail entirely? If that creature got inside, so many people could die.

Yelena’s fingers gently squeezed mine. “I’m right here. You’re going to do just fine. I haven’t got a lot of witch blood in me, but I have enough to help you. Deep breath for me, precious.”

I obeyed the order and rolled my shoulders, trying to make myself relax. We put our joined fingertips to the dagger and it hummed under my touch. Towering mountains, wild steppes, and endless forests flickered in my mind’s eye and had goosebumps dancing over my skin.

“Holy shit, that feels old.”

Yelena smiled next to me and tucked herself closer. “Over a millennium. Visualize your power moving into it. It can likely hold much more than you can give, so be sure to pull back before you pass out, okay?”

I nodded absently and closed my eyes, leaning into her as I imagined my power like a river. It flowed, hot and potent, from my chest and down into my arm.

Yelena let out a whispered oh, fuck when it brushed against her skin. “Your power packs a bit of spice, precious.”

She didn’t pull away as I let it swell and bathe the dagger. It sank into the stone and metal, the artifact drinking it up greedily as if it were pulling it out of me instead of me surrendering the energy to it.

My body swayed and Yelena held me tighter, pressing her forehead to my temple. “Ease up, precious.”

I struggled to dampen the flow and Yelena must have been able to tell because she detached my fingertips one by one from the dagger, despite the pained hisses she made as my magic sizzled. I sagged against her as she finally took hold of my hand and tucked it against my chest.

“There’s a good girl. You’ve done so well.” Her arms cradled me, supporting the majority of my weight. It was a good thing we were almost on the floor because her easy praise would’ve taken my knees right out from under me. “Let’s rest a moment.”

She pulled me close, tucking my head beneath her chin, one arm wrapped around my shoulders while the other continued to hold my hand. My vision was blurry and my head felt like it was stuffed with cotton. I leaned heavily into Yelena. Sitting this close to her with nothing to distract me, I noticed the faint scent of spices clinging to her—cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and nutmeg. I inhaled deeply and savored it.

“Do you want me to call your panther to help you recharge?” Yelena asked after a while.

I shook my head. “Just need a minute.”

Her thumb moved in soft circles on my shoulder and I closed my eyes. Yelena didn’t seem so scary now. It was hard to be as on guard with her as I should when I could fall asleep with the next breath and she was patiently cradling me.

I had no idea how long we sat there. I drifted in and out of sleep in her arms and finally woke to the sound of her purr and heartbeat steady in my ear. My neck was stiff and my legs prickled with pins and needles when I sat up and shifted. Yelena was just as close as before, sweet, spicy scent filling each breath. Her fingers cupped my cheeks, her gaze flickering over mine. My heart kicked into gear. Were all shifters this unfairly attractive? Surely they couldn’t all be this beautiful, but all the ones I’d seen so far were definitely on the top of the pretty pyramid.

“Feeling better, precious?”

“Mhmm.” Her thumb brushed over my cheek and warmth rushed under her touch. “Why do you call me that?”

Her head quirked. “Precious? That’s what you are—brought to me by the gods, foretold in Haru’s dreams, and meant to be mine. Precious is exactly the title you should have.”

“Oh.” My stomach fizzed with butterflies and molten heat, and my heart buzzed frantically. Yelena’s golden gaze pierced right through me. Her hand slid under my jaw, thumb and forefinger holding my chin so I couldn’t look anywhere else.

I leaned in, almost magnetized toward her, and before I even felt like I’d moved she was right there, soft, full lips brushing against mine. Heat rocketed down to my toes. I pulled back a second later, though she didn’t let me get very far. Struggling to get my breathing under control, I pressed my hands to my thighs and dug in my nails for an anchor.

Yelena brushed her thumb over my bottom lip and let me sit back a bit more. “Do you want to tell me what’s going through your head right now?”

“I dunno that I could verbalize it.”

Yelena smoothed her other hand over my hair and cupped my neck, lightly pinning me in place as surely as if she’d leashed my collar to the wall. “Try.”

I swallowed hard. “I want to feel safe and comfortable and I…I know you’re probably used to getting anything you want. I don’t know what you want from me. From any of us. I don’t think that this would be a good idea.”

She nodded and sat back.

“You’re very pretty,” I continued. “Like, so pretty, but I want to know that we’re going to be okay and have some space with Caden and Seth to just breathe for a moment.”

“Understood.” Yelena helped me stand and I followed her to the elevator on wobbly legs, my stomach churning nervously. “Haru and I will let you have the suite until tonight.”

I perked up. “Really? You don’t mind?”

“I’ll have to confer more with the other Protectors anyway, and it’s been a while since we’ve eaten in the dining hall.” She took my hand and pulled me through the open elevator doors. My stomach flipped at the contact. I leaned against the mirrored walls since I was still unbalanced, and she punched in the code that let us access the suite floor before it rose up.

“Thank you.” I squeezed her hand. “I don’t want you to feel like you need to leave, but the downtime is appreciated.”

The elevator doors opened at her suite and we stepped out. She put in the code to let us inside and all three of the occupants turned toward us. Caden was by my side instantly, tugging me into his arms.

Yelena looked around us. “Come, Haru. We’ll eat in the dining hall tonight.”

He nodded and slipped past us, the two of them stepping onto the elevator together.

“Stay in the suite,” Yelena ordered. “I’ll have something sent up.”

Yelena and Haru left us, a heaviness dropped out of the air as the doors closed.

Icould hear Caden’s purr from across the room. Logan was barely visible, wrapped up in his arms.

Caden huffed a sigh. “I was ready to take Haru hostage and force them to show me where Yelena had taken you.”

“How long was I gone?” Logan asked.

“Almost three hours.” My voice sounded croaky in my ears. I’d felt her the entire time, like a steady second heartbeat in my chest. I wasn’t sure what all had happened while she was gone. The flares of warmth and magic had been almost constant at a certain point, and the pulses of lust and confusion had offered some clues, but not enough to craft a narrative for myself. I couldn’t tell if the lust was because Logan was scared of Yelena or if she was into her—neither of which I blamed her for.

The alpha lioness oozed authority and power, so it stood to reason Logan’s feelings could go either way, or in both directions. The wolf was no different, but Haru’s authority was quieter, softer. Betas tended to slip under the radar like that with less in-your-face power, but it was still effective.

“The doctor came up to check on me while you were gone.” Haru had taken a keen interest in me while the doctor did my treatments, focusing their warm gaze on me the entire time. He was just as attentive and sweet as I remembered from our time in Orlando.

Logan slid out of Caden’s grip and jogged over to me. My heart leapt when she leaned down to kiss me and I lifted a shaky arm to slide my fingers into her hair. I breathed in her jasmine and forest scent as she pulled away to let her forehead rest on mine.

“What did the doctor say?”

“Bed rest for a couple of days. They did a blood transfusion to replace what that thing took and I’m starting to feel better already, but she’s not sure about my shifting.”

“What do you mean?” Logan stood up, her eyes scanning over me.

“I got into this form because of your magic. When I’ve been hurt before, I’ve still been able to sense that inner spark of power even if it wasn’t strong enough to use. Now, it’s like it’s been…snuffed out. Nothing’s there when I reach for it.”

Tears welled in Logan’s eyes. “Oh gods. Seth. I’m so sorry. This happened because of me.”

“Hey, no.” I snatched her hands in mine. “There was no way I was going to let that thing take you. I’d pay the same price tomorrow or any other day if it means I get to be here with you.”

She sniffled, a sob sneaking through. “I don’t suppose there’s room for two in this bed?”

“We’ll borrow Yelena’s,” Caden said. “At least until they get us something of our own.”

“I’ll need help getting there.”

“Your bed has wheels,” Caden pointed out. “That’s not an issue.”

He and Logan flipped off the wheel locks and rolled my hospital bed across the suite. They unlocked and lowered the guard on one side, pressing it against the bed. Logan stretched out next to me, snuggling as close as she could get—tossing a leg over mine and draping an arm over my chest—and Caden took up her other side.

We lay there quietly, just enjoying the warmth and closeness for a while, before Logan broke the silence.

“I kissed Yelena.”

I tensed so hard it sent a shooting pain through my ribs and made me hiss. Caden sat up sharply, and Logan squeaked at the brisk movement.

“What?” Caden stared down at her. “If she forced you, I’ll toss her out a window, consequences be damned.”

Logan curled tighter against me, not looking at either of us. “She didn’t. I don’t know why I did it.” Logan sighed. “I was a little loopy from charging the artifact and she held me for a really long time until I kinda came to properly. I just felt a pull for a second there and⁠—”

“Like with Seth?” Caden asked quietly.

Logan nodded, but kept her face tucked.

Caden pulled in a deep breath and let it out as a sigh. “Do you think it’s because Yelena’s an alpha and you’re reacting as a new omega? Or do you think she’s one of the ones Hecate told us about? I didn’t expect them to show up this fast.”

“You and me, both,” Logan mumbled against my skin. “I don’t know which it is.”

I wasn’t entirely certain how to process this development. It had only been a few days since I’d been accepted by the two of them and now I already had another person to contend with—one who held a considerable amount of power over all of us.

I hadn’t been awake long enough to form a proper opinion about Yelena, but I trusted Haru. He’d made Orlando bearable and he’d been open about his experience here while we’d waited for Logan and Yelena to return. He’d also held my hand through a lot of the procedures, drawing my focus when I was lucid enough to be bothered by what the doctor had to do to get me functional again. It was hard to be suspicious of them after that.

“I don’t like her and I don’t trust her,” said Caden.

No surprise there. Caden didn’t trust most people and I probably trusted too many.

“To be fair,” I said, “you didn’t like or trust me either. Things could change.”

Caden’s brow pinched. “She’d be a strong ally, but she’s going to have to prove herself first.”

“How is she supposed to do that?” I asked.

“I don’t know yet.”

“Are you mad?” Logan whispered.

Caden lay back down and curled around her. “I’d appreciate a heads-up before kissing but I—” He paused. “She has a particular energy about her. I understand why you’d have been swayed by it.”

I absorbed his words, processing them slowly.

Logan tapped my chest and looked up at me. “And you?”

“I’m still getting used to the idea that I get to have an opinion on that.” I laughed softly even though it hurt my ribs. “I’m not in any position to offer commentary on someone lusting after anyone when they shouldn’t.”

Caden’s words rolled around in my head a little more, stumbling onto a moment of clarity.

“Hey, Caden.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you have a crush on Yelena?”

“What the fuck kind of question is that?” he snapped, but his cheeks held a faint hint of color.

“Hey, you’re the one talking about her energy, not me.”

Logan giggled between us and tipped her head to look at Caden. “Just to clear up anything for the future, if I’m allowed to kiss people who aren’t you, you’re allowed to kiss people who aren’t me.”

Caden growled, but his cheeks were still flushed. “That’s not an issue.”

“Not right this second,” she said, “but I don’t want you to feel like you can’t if it ever comes up. Just keep me posted.”

He growled low again and didn’t respond so she turned back to me.

“Same applies for you. But for right now you’re both mine and I desperately need a nap and cuddles.”

A giant grin spread across my face at her words. I’d grown pretty damn fond of the idea of being hers. Years of pining and now I got to have her stretched out half on top of me as she drifted to sleep. My purr rumbled quietly and her lips quirked at the corners, though I could tell by her breathing that she’d passed out almost as soon as she’d closed her eyes.

I dipped in and out of consciousness, waking finally to a gentle hand on my chest and Haru looking down at me. How are you feeling?

I lifted one hand, moving it in a so-so gesture.

We’ve found clothing and toiletries that should work for everyone. The dresser is on its way up, along with a mattress and bedding. No bed frame with the lockdown, but everyone should be comfortable enough.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Logan stirred, her hand reaching out blindly and locking around Haru’s wrist where his palm rested against my chest. We both froze, watching her come into full wakefulness with slow blinks and a yawn. “Oh, Haru, hi.”

Haru nodded, acknowledging her greeting.

“Where’s Yelena?”

“Right here, precious.” Yelena emerged from the en suite with her mane of curls corralled under a brightly patterned scarf, every trace of makeup removed from her face. She still had that aura of power, but looked much softer now. “How’re you all settling in?”

Caden snorted, fully awake now. “As well as can be expected.”

Someone knocked on the door and Haru let whoever it was in, two shifters dropping off the dresser, mattress, and bedding that had been promised. They left without another word, eyes to the floor as they backed out of the room. That was some real monarch shit right there.

Yelena sat down on the foot of the bed, thoroughly ignoring Caden, one hand on Logan’s knee, her gaze focused on me. “Dr. Atling tells me you’re stable, but that I should keep you in here and avoid stress this week.”

“Can’t argue with that.” I wasn’t feeling up to going anywhere anyway.

“Once you’re well enough, I’ll have Haru take you around the nest so you can get acquainted with your new home.”

I nodded.

Haru returned to my side, crouching down to rest their chin on the edge of the bed guard rail. Yelena’s whole face softened as she looked at him. We needed more Protectors who actually gave a shit. Power went to their heads too often.

“Mistress.” Logan drew her attention and Yelena gave her knee a squeeze.

“Yes, precious?”

“Do you know of a witch named Anya?”

“I’m not familiar, but we can ask the residents if anyone has any connections. Why?”

“I was told to try to find her, that she might be able to help me figure out some ancestral stuff. I don’t really know enough to be useful and I haven’t had a chance to look over the information Melinda left me yet.”

“I’ll look into it. In the meantime, I’m assigning you the task of learning everything you can about your magic. That is how you will be most valuable to the nest. Panther—” She turned to Caden. “—what skills do you have that might benefit us?”

Caden bristled. “Why can’t I help Logan?”

“I never said you couldn’t, but that wasn’t the question I asked.”

It was kind of fun watching them interact. Caden cared so much and Yelena seemed like she couldn’t be bothered when it came to him.

“I don’t have formal training in anything,” he replied.

“Again, not the question I asked.” Yelena’s smirk only made Caden bristle harder.

“The only place I'd feel confident is the kitchens,” Caden finally replied, “but I would really prefer if you’d put me in a role that can keep Logan safe.”

“There, now, was that so difficult? I ask such simple questions and you run around them like a child on the playground.”

Caden’s growl was low and threatening, matched instantly by Haru’s from the other side of me.

“Okay, let’s all relax,” insisted Logan.

“I’m perfectly relaxed.” Yelena crossed her legs and patted Logan’s again. “What will you need to complete your education?”

“I don't really know. I guess I’ll see what knowledge gaps I have once I’m done with Melinda’s book.”

Yelena nodded. “Fair enough. I’ll gather a list of people who might prove helpful in the future.”

“Thank you, mistress.” Logan’s fingers curled into mine and Caden’s hands.

“You’re quite welcome, precious.”

“What does Haru do all day? What’s his role?” Caden asked.

Haru glared at him and took up my hand. I help run the nest. You don’t have to be snippy about it.

“Exactly, darling.” Yelena trailed a reverent hand down Haru’s arm. “Haru is…I suppose the title executive assistant would be applicable. Their skills are varied and they are all used in service of the residents here. The sooner you get on board with the concept for yourself, the better.”

“My loyalty is only to Logan and Seth.”

Yelena’s eyes flashed golden and Caden shrank away. Damn, she was impressive. “Panther, we are all on the same gods-forsaken boat since you all brought a monster to our door. If we go down, we go down together, and I will not allow your stubbornness to be what sinks us.”

Riding atop Haru as he navigated the hallways of the nest was a unique experience. The residents parted easily for us. I was sure part of it was the fact that he was a wolf as tall as they were, but there was also a deference that they showed them outside of that.

Spot of privilege being a Protector’s only chosen, Haru explained. Though I suppose I’m not the only one anymore.

“Definitely still the favorite, though.”

Haru huffed a sort of laugh.

Yelena didn’t trust the other Protectors to leave us in peace, so the only way we were allowed out of her suite for the time being was with her or Haru, and Caden wasn’t as chill about riding on the wolf’s back as I was. He was keeping an eye on Seth while Yelena was in a meeting with the other Protectors to sort out how they could deal with the lockdown.

In the meantime I was getting a full tour of the nest. The top level belonged to the Protectors, with the third and fourth floors being general housing for the nest residents. The second floor housed the library, gym, theater, entertainment space, salon, and spa, with the main floor housing the utilitarian spaces—kitchen, dining hall, infirmary, housekeeping, and the throne room. I hadn’t expected the nest to be so thoroughly equipped but I suppose it made sense if they were isolating themselves from the rest of the world.

“How long can a lockdown go on?”

Three months or so. Tensions will run high long before we run out of supplies.

“You think so?”

We’re all very used to running free in the woods to work out energy.

“At least you’re all set up for indoor enrichment. How opposed would everyone be to taking on their smallest forms to get their zoomies out?”

Haru snorted, his body shaking with silent laughter as he walked. Most don’t want to be in such a vulnerable form around here.

“They’re missing out. I’d be a house cat in a heartbeat.”

I assume you say that because you have been loved and are kind to the animals in your life. Not all of us have been so fortunate.

Guilt kicked me in the chest. “I didn’t think of that.”

Haru took the stairs to return me to Yelena’s suite, forcing me to cling for dear life as he took each set in a single leap. I punched in the code Yelena had given me to access her suite and Haru carried me inside. With my tour over, I settled into the task Yelena had assigned to me, snuggling down between Seth and Caden with Melinda’s book.

Dozens of bloodlines were recorded, but none of the names were familiar to me. Some of the information was repetitive, things I had learned on my own over the years with my regular religious study. But some things were new. I learned that the origin myth for witches was that the gods had mixed their divine ichor with starlight to form the first witches. And the shifters explained their abilities through the myth of the gods tossing fallen stars to earth, where they splintered and shattered, and filled the animals they encountered with the magic they needed to change forms. There wasn’t a lot of crossover between the two, and I needed to focus on witch history anyway, but I was curious about everything.

The types of magic seemed almost endless. They covered the elements and a wide variety of different gifts—telepathy, telekinesis, empathy, influence. I already knew that I had some sort of fire magic, and Yelena had said that I had sex magic as well. Melinda’s book only had a brief mention of it, which was significantly less than I had hoped for.

What it did contain was unfortunately very little I didn’t already know. The magic was primed in the same way as the body and mind, so it could be encouraged in the same manner. Anticipation, touch, desire, and worship could draw the magic to a spike in the same way a body was brought to release. Some people learned to charge and hold the energy within them. It sounded to me like edging, building up that energy, but never letting it free. The actual release of magic tended to be unpredictable, unless it could be guided into specific sources. That made sense, given how Yelena had used the amulet. I would have to try charging one myself to see if I could use the magic at a later time without exhausting myself the way I did now.

A lot of the magic seemed to be based purely on will and intent. While specific skills depended on the magic of the individual witch, more common skills were a matter of the mind.

Seth jolted awake, a spasm of his fear squeezing my heart. I reached out, laying my palm to his chest, and the anxiety ebbed away. Ever since I had saved his life, I could feel him like a heartbeat in my body. I knew where he was and most of the time I knew what he was feeling. I wasn’t sure if it was some weird quirk of the magic so I had been hesitant to say anything. Seth hadn’t said anything either so maybe I was the only one feeling something. Yelena had mentioned a bond, but I didn’t know what that felt like and wasn’t sure if that was what had happened.

I curled closer to Seth, whispering soothing murmurs in his ear and pressing a kiss to his cheek. Caden was still being remarkably chill about the two of us, but maybe that was simply because he had bigger fish to fry with Yelena and Haru and the whole nest situation. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected. The beginning had been terrifying, but I didn’t feel like I was in danger with Yelena. Every time she called me precious I felt it down to my toes, like she really truly believed that I was.

We hadn’t spoken about the kiss.

I turned back to the book once Seth had fully woken and flipped to the family trees again, hoping that some sort of memory triggered or divine spark to give me an idea of where to focus. I closed my eyes and held my palm over the book.

Hecate, please help me. I don’t know what I’m looking for.

My fingertips tingled as I laid them onto the page. I traced them over the lineage, flipping the page again, and again, until the tingling turned to heat, and I was spiritually yanked from Yelena’s suite and into the forest. Hecate was there waiting for me, her skin glowing like the moon.

Hello, Logan. Hecate smiled softly and swept toward me in a pool of mist. What does that page say?

I stared down at the parchment. “It’s the O’Clery line. Is that the one Melinda mentioned where one of the old witches tried to steal the magic from her partner?”

Hecate nodded. Fiona was misguided. The two magic types don’t work the same and are not meant to inhabit the same bodies. With children born of witches and shifters, they take after one parent or the other, but never both. Some, like your lioness, have small traits, but can never wield both magics without the assistance of a conduit.

“Does this mean that I’m part of the O’Clery line?”

Hecate nodded again. The punishments for Fiona’s crimes resulted in her and her bloodline being bound and their magic locked away, so that none of them might have the same idea.

“So what do I have to do? I obviously haven’t committed the crimes of my ancestor.”

You have been given the opportunity to correct her mistakes.

“How am I supposed to do that?”

Even if I could give you all of the answers, you’re not ready for the task yet. Focus on growing your power and learning to wield it so you will have the best chance when the time comes.

“Couldn’t I prepare better if I knew what was coming?”

Yes, but I don’t know which path you’ll end up on. The future is not set, Logan. There are many paths you and the others can take, so we must wait.

“Okay, fair. Is there anything you can tell me that would help right now?” I stared down at the page, tracing over each of the names. The lifespans were astronomical to me. A dozen times longer than most humans would ever live. “Do you know which one of them is my birth mother?”

Yes.

One of the names illuminated in silver. Mairead O’Clery. She had a death date listed for her in the nineties. It crushed a spark I didn’t know I had kindled. It would’ve been nice to have a mother again. Below her was a space without a name, only my birth year twice with a dash between making it look like I’d passed as a baby. Did the book think I’d stopped existing because I had been adopted by the Murphys?

It didn’t look like there were any O’Clery witches left alive.

“Should I add myself to the family tree?”

Hecate shook her head. Your bloodline is not well thought of. It is far better for you to be known as Logan Murphy than Logan O’Clery. The others of your bloodline knew it, too. You are not the only one lost to that line.

Hecate was gone as quickly as she had come, returning my consciousness to the suite, where Seth and Caden were watching me carefully.

“Anything new and exciting?” Seth asked.

I relayed to them what Hecate had told me.

“How are you supposed to make up for something that happened four hundred years ago?” Caden asked. “I know the future isn’t set, but surely the end task is?”

I shrugged. “Not like I can strong-arm a goddess to give me information.”

I read over the names, familiarizing myself with my ancestors. Now that I knew they were mine, looking at the names felt different. There was one name, Una O’Clery, where it said she had died as a baby too, but something about that felt deeply untrue. I laid my fingertips over it and took a deep breath.

Show her to me.

A familiar face flashed in my mind.

Virginia Burke.

From the position of her name on the family tree, that would make her my aunt. Was that why I had been able to see her? Has she been erased and adopted out to a human family who would never know the difference since her magic was bound?

If even the magic of Melinda‘s book couldn’t tell the difference, how were we to know who was actually dead? How many witches had lived past the recorded death date? How many had taken on new names to distance themselves from the bound lines? Did they all even know that they were witches?

I slammed the book shut, my head suddenly throbbing. I didn’t know how to pace myself with my magic yet, and even what I thought would be a simple task of claircognizance had depleted my batteries. Caden took the book from my lap and I slipped down onto the bed, closing my eyes.

We needed to find Anya and get some answers.

“How the hell are we supposed to find this woman with only her first name?”

The card that Melinda had given to Logan was essentially useless, with a lot of the information rubbed away over time. The only thing we could really make out was that Anya’s last name started with “La—” and that she’d owned a tea shop in Winnipeg that had closed down seven years ago.

Yelena had acquired a laptop for us, and had agreed that I could help Logan today instead of being immediately assigned to the kitchens. Every time she looked at me with that amused sparkle in her eyes, it got my hackles up. I knew she was baiting me, and I fell for it every fucking time.

The speaker on the wall crackled, Yelena’s voice filling the room. “Caden, meet me on the main level. Don’t forget your collar. Precious, you stay where you are.”

There went the hackles again.

Logan looked up from Melinda’s book. “What do you think she wants?”

I shrugged, trying to work the stiffness from my shoulders. Yelena was too used to being obeyed and I wasn’t a fan of being under her thumb. Haru had placed a set of three collars by the door for us and I bristled as I buckled one of them around my throat.

Logan hopped off the bed to kiss me before I stepped out the door. “Be safe. I know you don’t like her, but we have to trust that Yelena will protect us in here.”

I cupped Logan’s face in my hands, stroking her cheeks. “If she lets anything happen to you, I’ll tear this place down to the foundation.” I glanced past her to Seth. “Be good. I’ll be back soon.”

Yelena and Haru were waiting for me when I stepped off the elevator. Her gaze swept over me, landing on the collar, and that infuriating smirk graced her lips. “Hello, panther.”

“Mistress,” I ground out. “Haru.”

The wolf inclined their head to acknowledge me.

Yelena held out her hand. “Come with me. Can’t have you getting lost, so be sure to hold on tight.”

I closed my fingers around hers, ignoring the warmth of her skin and the bite of her nails as she pulled me along. Haru trotted along next to us, weaving through the throng in the dining hall.

“What are we doing?”

“It will benefit you to integrate. I’d like you to help with at least one meal per week and get to know the staff.”

“But you sai⁠—”

“I acknowledge what I said, panther, but you need allies and information. The residents are the lifeblood of the nest and the kitchens are the beating heart. If you want to build connections, this is the place to do it.”

Haru nosed the back of my knee and I realized I’d pulled us to a stop. A few hours away from Logan won’t hurt you. This will be good.

“I feel like we have different definitions of good.”

“Learn to expand your definitions, then.” Yelena tugged me through the kitchen doors and everyone paused, bowing their heads briefly to her. “Hello, darlings. One of my new pets has some skill in the kitchen and I’d like you to find a place for him to assist as needed.”

A petite woman in a chef’s hat set down her knife and approached us.

“Caden, this is our head chef, Estrella Garcia Perez. She’s an Iberian lynx. Estrella, darling, this is Caden Ashford.”

Estrella thrust out her hand for mine and shook it with a strength I didn’t expect from her size. Her eyes flashed a golden green. “Welcome to my kitchen.”

“Wonderful.” Yelena beamed. “I’ll leave you in Estrella’s capable hands. Please page Haru or me to retrieve Caden when you’re finished with him for the day.”

I stood uncomfortably with everyone’s eyes on me as Yelena and Haru departed.

“Florencia!” Estrella called.

“Yes, chef?”

“Take care of Yelena’s pet and see what he’s capable of. I have work to do.”

“Yes, chef!” Florencia bounded over with a mile-wide smile, her dark skin luminous with a sheen of sweat from where she’d been working over the stove. “Nice to meet you! I’m Florencia.”

“Caden.” I shook her hand and she grinned back at me.

“Everyone’s been talking about you,” she told me, ushering me to the pantry. “You’re a panther, right? And the other one that came in was too?”

“Yeah, that was my brother.”

“So cool! I’m an antelope.”

That certainly made sense with how bouncy she was.

“Do you have commercial cooking experience?”

“Not in the past few decades. The closest I’ve come anytime recently is a barbecue.”

“That’s okay.” Florencia nodded and started passing me bags of potatoes. “The nice thing about here is the meals are at specific times and chef controls the menu. People can put in requests to be considered, but they can’t order whatever they want so it’s way less chaos and way easier to plan.”

Florencia got me set up on washing potatoes and chatted away at me as she coated the dried ones in oil before wrapping them in foil. All manner of gossip was tossed my way—how they were all worried about Protector Calliope, who was on bed rest with her pregnancy; how one of Protector Kendrick’s chosen had moved on the week before and he’d been sharper than usual since; and of course all about Logan, Seth, me, and the monster keeping everyone on lockdown. Florencia was eager for every scrap of information, though I didn’t give her many.

Maybe Yelena had been right. Florencia seemed to know everyone in the nest and was more than happy to talk about them.

“Is Protector Calliope still able to do her job while on bed rest?” I asked as I pulled the sink plug.

“Sort of? We see her a lot less, but I think the others have meetings in her suite so she can still be included.”

I mused on that. Did a partial Protector leave any sort of vacuum that others would try to fill? Did Protectors get parental leave? I had no illusions that I could fill that role without some sort of artifact to aid the nest, but Logan…They needed her to bolster the wards. She didn’t need an artifact for that. Maybe⁠—

“Earth to Caden.” Florencia waved a hand in front of my face.

“Sorry. Distracted.”

“No worries. Have you had a busy time since becoming Yelena’s? Is she tiring you out?” Florencia waggled her eyebrows and I tensed.

“No,” I said more sharply than intended. “We’re not—that’s not⁠—”

“Yeesh, chill.” Florencia patted my hand. “I was just asking. Protector Yelena is gorgeous and she claimed you so it’s a natural question. I know I’d be all over that opportunity if she ever claimed me. I’m surprised she wanted you, to be honest. Not that you lot aren’t cute, but she hasn’t claimed anyone except Haru for yeeears.”

Florencia continued on, completely ignoring the tension that had snared me. We laid out the wrapped potatoes onto a massive baking sheet and moved on to chopping green onions to top the eventual baked potatoes.

Estrella watched me intently every so often, but I must’ve passed muster because she let Florencia continue with her guidance of me. None of the tasks were difficult, but there was a flow and rhythm to the kitchen I had to adjust to.

Each downstroke of the knife helped me focus. Florencia continued to chat away at me, but my thoughts were tangled around the frankly audacious idea that Logan would take on the role from Protector Calliope. I could happily be under Logan’s power here. At least I trusted her.

I wrapped up the bowl of sliced green onion and set it in the walk-in cooler. With any luck we’d be able to just leave the nest before anything bad happened. Maybe the monster wouldn’t be able to follow us into the ocean and we could be safe on a pilfered boat. Until we were pulled ashore by the coast guard at least…Also none of us had any sailing experience. Maybe one of the Protectors had a yacht they could lend us.

“Being distracted in my kitchen causes injuries.”

I snapped to attention to find Estrella in front of me.

“You focus or you get out. I don’t care that Protector Yelena wants you here. If you endanger yourself or others, I will page her to remove you.”

“Sorry. I’m still recovering from what brought us here. I’ll do better.”

Estrella’s eyes narrowed. “You will do better by resting. You have assisted. I will page the Protector and you will not return until you have settled. Am I clear?”

“Yes, chef,” I said quietly. I couldn’t gather a ton of energy to be disappointed in myself. We had just fled for our lives across the country, my brother and mate had both almost died, and I needed more time than I’d been given. Too much had happened.

“Don’t worry,” Florencia said as she patted my shoulder. “She’ll warm up to you, but she’s right. No sense in handling knives if you’re tired. Sometimes I work the overnight shift and it’s very quiet. You should come by once you’ve had some rest and I’ll teach you more about how the kitchen runs.”

“Sure, that sounds good. I guess send me a message?”

“Can do!” Florencia beamed at me and a moment later Haru nosed his way through the kitchen doors.

Let’s go.

I followed the wolf into the dining hall, my gaze flicking around at the plethora of people milling about.

Estrella’s a hardass. I’m surprised you lasted as long as you did.

“Yeah?”

She’s kicked people out almost as fast as they’ve walked in. She must have liked you.

“Sure didn’t seem like it.”

You’ll learn. Did you make friends?

I shrugged as we navigated the halls. “Florencia was nice. I don’t know that I made the best impression.”

Trust me. You’d know if she didn’t like you. Yelena picked this shift so she could see their responses to you.

“And do I pass inspection?” The words came out with more bitterness than intended, but Haru didn’t respond to it.

Yelena will speak to them. I’m sure you’ll find out.

Haru was quiet the rest of the way to Yelena’s suite. Seth was fast asleep when I arrived and Logan closed her laptop at our return. Haru left me at the door and went about whatever else he had to do.

Logan patted the bed. “You look exhausted. Want to loaf?”

I slipped into my house cat form without a second thought and tossed myself onto the bed. Logan scooped me up the moment I was within reach. Her fingers scratched under my chin and around my ears, her cheek nuzzling my fur as she planted countless kisses on my head.

Bliss.

My purr rumbled my worries away, stress melting under the onslaught of affection. Logan set the laptop aside and wiggled onto her back where she could stroke me nose to tail while I sat on her chest. I flopped onto my side, letting my body stretch over hers, tucking my head under her chin where I swiftly fell asleep.

I woke sometime later to warm breath on my face. Opening my eyes revealed a snout that sent me careening backward with a shriek, my fur puffing out in a panic. Logan shouted when my paws dug into her organs during my leap, bolting upright. The room was dark. Someone must have come in and turned off the lights for us.

You’ve slept twelve hours. Haru set a paw on Logan’s leg. I had to make sure you were all alive.

Logan patted the bed next to her and Haru hopped up. “We’re alive. Just exhausted.”

Seth opened a groggy eye. “What’s happening?”

I gave myself a shake to calm my fur puff down. Just Haru scaring the shit out of me.

Logan’s stomach growled. “What time is it?”

Around four a.m.

Logan glanced around the room, squinting. “Where’s Yelena?”

We had our first panic attack over the lockdown. She’s dealing with it.

“How do they deal with that here?” Seth asked, carefully adjusting himself to sit up.

Not like the Orlando nest. No one gets locked up here for having a crisis. Yelena or Velda will sit with them, Dr. Atling will check them over, and they’ll either spend some time in the infirmary or they’ll go to the dining hall for tea and snacks.

I climbed onto Logan’s lap and turned to Haru. Why is that something the Protectors do?

Logan reached out a hand. “Can I?”

Haru quirked his head but didn’t tell her no, and her fingers disappeared into the plushness of Haru’s fur. His eyes closed for a moment before he answered. Some of the Protectors care more than others. It helps the residents feel like they’re being heard…

Haru trailed off, their tail giving a few enthusiastic thumps against the bed.

I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be touched by someone who wasn’t Yelena. Logan had a soft touch and certainly didn’t shy away from getting her hands on me in wolf form. She’d done it when she rode on my back too, like she couldn’t help herself. I didn’t let most people get close enough to me.

Gentle fingers brushed my hip and I craned my head to look at Seth. It was the first time he’d touched me since Orlando.

“Magic fingers,” Seth said with a laugh. “She gets me with them all the time.”

Orlando had been more than four years ago at this point, but I still remembered those days clearly. Seth and I had both arrived at the same time. I had been drawn to him in a way I couldn’t explain, almost like I had been led to him. Together we’d survived, comforted one another in our recoveries, plotted lives we might live together once we left. We had never been forced to fight each other, thank the gods, but it had been close. We’d heard whispers of the new schedule shortly before we’d stumbled out of that nest without a penny to either of our names.

Seth had tried to convince me to go north with him, to get back on our feet together, and to meet who I now knew were the omega and other panther in this bed. As much as I’d wanted to go with him, I had felt pulled in another direction. I followed that compulsion, crossing three thousand miles where I’d collapsed in front of the gates of this nest, and woken to Yelena standing over me in the infirmary.

I never thought that I would see Seth again. The wistfulness in his eyes made me think that he thought the same. It was almost funny to think that fate had brought our paths together after we had gone our separate ways.

Yelena didn’t know much about a lot of my life before her, and I had kept Seth to myself. Most of my history was better buried. A great many years of it had been spent as a wolf, so much so that I still felt more comfortable in that form. Not all shifters descended from others who came to this land had the same luxury as I did. Yelena couldn’t have lived as a lion without people noticing, and certainly the panthers would’ve been spotted sooner or later. At least if I kept my size manageable, I could blend in with the local wildlife.

I angled myself to press into both Logan and Seth’s touch, a silent encouragement. Ever so slowly my body relaxed until I came to rest in Logan’s lap, my tail wagging a staccato against the bedding. She moved her hand from my neck and down my back as far as she could reach, occasionally detouring to trace down my muzzle and over my ears. Seth merely kept still, his fingers disappearing into the thickness of my pelt.

I hovered on the precipice of sleep, my task abandoned in favor of indulgence, until the suite door opened and Yelena stepped inside.

Don’t get up. Yelena’s voice rang in my head before I could propel myself into motion. “Hello, darlings. You’re all awake?”

“Mhmm,” Logan replied. “How did everything go?”

“Well enough. We had some tea, we discussed some coping strategies after they calmed down, and I sent them to bed. Do you mind if I scooch in? Since you’re all so close already.”

I glanced up at Logan from her lap, and she didn’t look opposed to the idea. Caden was the one most likely to refuse, and I could see on his face that he was prepared to do so, but Logan answered first.

“I don’t mind.”

Caden seemed to bite his tongue after that.

“Thank you, precious.” Yelena disappeared briefly to tuck her hair into a satin bonnet and slip into a barely there nightgown. Neither of us wore clothing to sleep, but I suspected that even Logan’s accommodation had its limits. The heavens knew Caden wouldn’t stay silent if Yelena had walked over without a stitch on.

“You should change for bed,” Yelena said. Logan was still dressed for the day, while Caden wore nothing but his fur, and since Seth was still technically under hospital observation he was wearing a gown for easy access.

“Am I allowed to have a shower?” Seth asked. “It feels like a million years since I’ve had one.”

“Of course you’re allowed,” Yelena replied. “You should have assistance, though.”

I can help, I offered. If Seth is okay with that.

Yelena eyed him. “Are you comfortable with Haru helping you?”

Even in the dim light, I could see the flush of Seth’s cheeks. “Sure, that would be okay.”

I reluctantly climbed off Logan’s lap, tapping her cheek with my nose before trotting over to get a robe for Seth and me, shifting into my human form so I could drop it over my shoulders. Logan helped Seth stand. Caden looked torn, like he couldn’t quite decide if he trusted me or Yelena less. His choices were to leave Logan with Yelena, or Seth with me, and he looked happy about neither option.

Seth leaned against me as we walked, his legs as shaky as a newborn deer. Gods, it felt good to have him pressed against me again. Yelena’s shower had a wide bench, and after a moment for him to adjust to the fact that he would be stark naked in front of me, he let the robe fall and sat down.

My gaze helplessly followed the pattern of scars that decorated his skin. A few were new and I found myself tracing them before I realized I had even reached out. Seth’s hazel eyes were filled with a mix of longing, guilt, and anxiety. I broke eye contact to get the shower running and left my own robe hung on a peg outside of the shower. Every sweep of his eyes on me was like a brush of heat. I had as many scars as he did, but also a lot of tattoos to cover them up.

“Haru…”

I missed you.

“I thought I would never see you again.”

I sank to my knees before him, and took his face in my hands, savoring our first moment alone when he wasn’t on the brink of death. His breath shuddered, his palm cupping my neck to stroke his thumb across the vicious scar at my throat.

“I should have made us run sooner. I’m so sorry.”

I laid a thumb over his lips, silencing any further words of regret. Nothing that had happened to me was his fault.

You were the only reason I survived. Please don’t blame yourself.

Seth nodded, but I wasn’t sure he believed me. I used the detachable showerhead to soak his hair and then set it aside so I could scrub shampoo through the strands, gratified when his eyes closed and he let out a soft sound as my fingers massaged his scalp. He was just as sweet and pliable when it was time for the conditioner, and then the soap for his skin. Seth shivered and let me take full control of the process, his cock rising to attention.

Some things haven’t changed.

Seth let out a laugh. “Did you think they would have if we ever found each other again?”

The years make a difference. You’ve gotten yourself a mate since then.

“That was by accident.” He sounded pained to acknowledge it. “We haven’t had a chance to talk about it. I don’t even know if she knows.”

How do you matebond someone by accident?

“She was trying to save my life. Obviously she succeeded. I think Caden has been ignoring it, like he’s trying to pretend it didn’t happen.”

Do you love her?

“An embarrassing amount,” Seth replied.

So we both found something we needed by losing the other?

“Did we?” Seth swallowed hard. “Lose each other, I mean.”

It was the answer I wanted, but hadn’t dared let myself crave. An allusion to something more.

I’m right here if you still want me.

“The girls…”

I could only shrug. While I doubted that Yelena would mind, she had been my sole focus for the last four years, and Logan was Seth’s mate. Out of basic respect, we would have to run things by both of them first.

A soft knock at the door drew our attention. Logan poked her head in, a hand over her eyes. “Sorry to interrupt. I have some clothing for Seth when you’re done.”

As much as I wanted to ask right now, it wasn’t my place to negotiate between Seth and his mate.

“Lo?” Seth squeaked.

“Yeah? Do you need help? I could…”

“I’m giving you a heads-up.”

“For what?” Logan quirked her head like a confused pup. “Oh! Oh, gods, yes. Heads-up. I’ll leave you alone.”

She backtracked quickly and closed the door behind her.

I turned to Seth. What was that?

His cheeks were flaming. “Just a conversation the three of us had earlier. She’s been with my brother for years, so obviously I’m not the only person she’s involved with, and she made it clear that both he and I could, um, pursue others, if we wanted to. So, I guess…”

He’d given her that heads-up for me.

Warmth nestled in my chest. I turned to the wall that separated us from the others. Yelena?

Yes, my dear?

Would you be upset if I wanted Seth?

A soft laugh filled my head. Have your fun and we’ll discuss the specifics later. Be gentle with him while he’s healing. I love you.

I love you, too.

Seth’s mouth was exactly as I remembered it.

The almost feral energy of him was tempered by time and exhaustion, but the sweetness was as strong as ever, and the small sound he made as I swept my hands through his hair to cup his head was like a memory come to life.

How much of me do you want?

Seth broke away with a laugh, letting his forehead rest against mine. “I’m not strong enough for you to fuck me in the shower.”

I grinned, taking a generous nip of his bottom lip. Maybe not, but I remember a few other things you like.

I traced my hands over his slick skin, one arm holding him close, while the other crept around to encircle his cock. Seth cursed under his breath and dove back to my mouth.

A few more days of rest, and he would be back to his old fire. His purr radiated through his chest, so impressively loud that I could hear it over the shower.

Seth liked a firm grip, one that hovered only a bit heavier on the side of pleasure from pain. My thumb teased the piercings at the tip of his cock, and I devoured his moan, eager to give him something positive after all he had been through.

“Fuck, Haru—” Seth gasped, making a valiant attempt to buck into my fist, but he was too weak for that just yet. I could tell that even what little he managed to wriggle was tiring him out.

I dipped down to his throat, tongue licking over the fresh bite Logan had put there. She didn’t have fangs that I could see, but maybe her magic had created them just for this purpose.

I had imagined putting a bite like that on Seth more times than I cared to admit. Yelena had never put one on me, but she knew I wanted one. Four years was a blink in the lifetime of most shifters. I didn’t blame her for wanting to take things slow in that regard.

Seth’s whimpers were a symphony in my ear. His pleasure was music, pure and simple. His grip on me trembled, the sounds growing more desperate with every stroke.

“Haru, fuck, please, I can’t⁠—”

I sank lower, taking him into my mouth moments before he exploded on my tongue. Seth clapped a hand over his mouth, his other gripping my hair like a lifeline.

I eased off him slowly, sliding up to breathe deeply at his throat before he turned his mouth to mine. His fingertips tucked the long strands of my hair behind my ears, his kiss gentle as he shook, trembling in my grip.

He was perfect. My panther was safe. And he was mine again, just like fate wanted.

Lust and affection pounded through my body. I shivered, trying desperately to focus on my nighttime routine and not the ghosts of sensations on my skin. My brush stilled as Caden hopped up onto my lap.

What’s wrong? What’s happening?

“It’s the matebond,” Yelena said.

“The what now? What are you talking about?”

Yelena’s eyes were bright with amusement. “Precious, we discussed this. Did you think a bite was all there was to it? You and the more amenable panther are inextricably tied now.”

“I’m what? To Seth?”

Caden looked away when I turned to him for answers.

“Did you know about this?”

He nodded, still not looking at me.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

I was sort of pretending that it hadn’t happened. Seth never said anything to you, so I wasn’t sure if it had actually taken.

Yelena set her hand on my shoulder and a spike of lust shot up my spine, goosebumps breaking over my skin.

“How exactly did it happen?”

When you saved his life in the car. The two of you exchanged bites and blood, and a very focused intent to keep each other in your lives.

I absorbed the information slowly, trying to think past the feelings I was pretty sure weren’t mine. “So Seth is mine? Forever?”

“Bonding is rather permanent, precious.” Yelena sat down on the edge of the vanity, her eyes searching my face. “Does that bother you?”

“I mean, I would have liked to be able to plan it, at least know that’s what would have happened, but I’m not upset. It feels…good? Kinda. Weird, but I’ve thought since the beginning that Seth belonged with us.” I stroked a hand over Caden’s fur. “Does that mean that you and I can bond now, too? You always said that I wouldn’t survive it, but I did.”

Caden’s cat eyes turned into saucers. We could, yes. If you still wanted me. Your unbound magic probably makes it possible.

A fresh wave of desire cascaded over me. All those times I had begged him to bite me, to claim me…He didn’t have to say no anymore.

“Precious, as happy as I am for you with these revelations, it is very late and all of us should be getting some sleep.”

Yelena was right. I couldn’t bond Caden in a room full of people, even though the idea of it did send my stomach fluttering.

“I have to formally introduce you to the other Protectors tomorrow.”

Caden growled. That’s not safe.

“I’ve pushed it back as long as I can.” Yelena sighed and picked up the brush I’d set down, pulling it over my hair. “Kendrick and Shakti might have a conniption if I push it any further. Calliope is no threat to any of you, with or without the factor of her being on bed rest. Velda is friendly as well. She’s very eager to meet you to find out why I claimed everyone.”

I absolutely wasn’t prepared to meet the Protectors, but if I had no option, I would have to. Being tucked away in Yelena’s suite had been a blessing while we recovered, but I should have known that it wasn’t possible for it to go on forever.

“What do they want out of the meeting?”

Yelena shrugged. “Mostly to be nosy. They can’t have you, but they want to know what they’re missing out on.” She drew me to the bed, comfortably stretching out with all the grace of the feline form I knew she possessed. I wanted to see it. “Lie down, precious.”

I settled in next to her with Caden loafing on my chest so he could keep watch. Seth and Haru emerged a few minutes later, and my whole body buzzed with warmth when Seth and I made eye contact. Haru helped him back to the bed and Seth wedged himself next to me, shyly patting the space next to him for Haru. They looked at me over Seth, a soft smile gracing their mouth.

Thank you for sharing him with me.

I nodded slowly, not entirely certain what it would mean to share Seth, but Caden was sharing me, and Yelena would be sharing Haru, so we’d have to all figure it out.

Morning came far too quickly, with a shriek from the monster to pierce the quiet hours of dawn. All of us jolted. Caden was puffed up and hissing before he realized we were still safe inside the nest. Yelena shushed him and scooped him right into her arms. He let out a little mrp of protest, but didn’t struggle away like I thought he would.

Sliding out of bed, I scoped out the boundaries of the nest from the window, but nothing seemed amiss. Maybe it was simply a cry of frustration? Regardless, I hadn’t slept nearly enough and startled when Haru’s fur brushed against my legs.

Anything?

“Not that I can tell.”

He hopped up, standing on his back legs next to me, his muzzle turning to nose my cheek. My hand reached out automatically to stroke his fur. It was such a neat texture with the coarse guard hairs and the plush undercoat, making it both cool and warm to the touch at the same time.

You do that a lot.

“Sorry,” I said, withdrawing my hand. “I should get permission first. Do you not like it?”

I never said that. Just an observation. You don’t do it to our human forms. Only animal.

“Compulsion, I guess. You’re all friend-shaped in animal form.”

Haru let out a muffled snort, their shoulders shaking in silent laughter. Touch me all you want, witchling.

Yelena appeared at my other side with Caden in her arms. “He’s being very amenable today.”

Shut up.

Yelena laughed and passed Caden over to me so I could kiss his perfect little head.

“If anything interesting happens, can we tell me too?” Seth asked from the bed, where he was still comfortably nestled in the blankets.

“Nothing of note,” I replied.

Yelena stepped closer, the warmth of her body pressed along the length of mine. Her hand settled on my waist, and I didn’t pull away.

“We should get ready. We’re going to have breakfast in Calliope’s suite so she can attend.”

I was definitely interested in meeting the elusive Protector. I hadn’t gotten the best vibes off the others when we’d briefly seen them at the introduction ceremony, but maybe they would be different in private. “Caden and Seth get to come too, right?”

“Yes. You’re all the talk of the nest and they want to meet everyone. Haru, please arrange a wheelchair for Seth so he can travel easier.”

Haru nodded, hopping down to all fours and venturing out of Yelena’s suite to complete the task while the rest of us got dressed. I didn’t have anything remotely fancy enough to be meeting anyone important.

While I was sorting through the suitcase I’d packed, Yelena smoothed a hand over my head. “Would you like to borrow something? We also have a selection of clothing on hand for anyone that needs it. You’re not as tall as I am, but I have some shorter dresses that might work well.”

“Sure, that would be fine. I packed for comfort, which doesn’t always translate well to formal breakfasts.”

“We’ll get you outfitted appropriately.” I followed Yelena to her expansive closet, standing while she hemmed and hawed over what to choose. She settled on an emerald-green dress that came to my knees and showed off a lot more cleavage than what I typically wore.

“You think this is the best choice? It’s not too revealing?”

“It is revealing, but I’m hoping it’ll keep Kendrick quiet. He’s easily distracted, but if you’d prefer to stay covered, that’s also fine.”

Was I bold enough for that? Did I want to be ogled to keep the peace?

“Here.” Yelena passed me a slinky satin coat-like garment. “You can do it up if you get uncomfortable.”

“Thank you.” I slipped the smooth fabric over my shoulders.

Caden and Seth were put in dark jeans from our suitcases and borrowed blue button-ups, both looking dapper, if not how they usually looked.

Yelena was in a black maxi dress with a wrap top and plunging neckline, and a gold chain that hung between her breasts.

“I see the same applies to you.” Yelena laughed as I whipped my gaze away from her chest. “Don’t be embarrassed, precious. If I didn’t want people to look, I wouldn’t put them out there. Every time Kendrick gets on my nerves, I play with the jewelry, the glint catches the light, draws his attention, and he usually shuts up. It’s a very effective method.”

Haru returned with the nurse we had met the first day. She pushed a wheelchair ahead of her and gave Seth a quick rundown on how it worked. It wasn’t especially complicated, just the most basic standard issue, and once Seth had gotten settled in it, Sarah took her leave of us.

“Come on now. Let’s get you introduced and have some breakfast,” Yelena said.

The five of us headed into the communal hallway that connected all the Protector suites, moving down to the next door. After a quick series of knocks, the door opened, a towering man with dark brown skin, a bald head, and a royal blue button-up answered, ushering us inside.

“Logan, Caden, Seth, this is Murdoch, Calliope’s mate. Murdoch, these are my new acquisitions.”

A smile broke over his face and I accepted his offered hand to shake. “Welcome. Calliope has been itching to meet everyone.”

“Are the others here yet?” Yelena asked.

“Not yet. Have a seat. Pastries and drinks are here and the hot food will be sent up in about fifteen minutes.”

Caden pushed Seth along behind me, each of them shaking Murdoch’s hand in turn. Further into the suite, we found the Protector in question: a very pretty woman with warm tawny skin, and a head full of spiral curls resting comfortably in a black leather recliner. The soft pink day dress she wore was a perfect complement to her complexion and showed off her prominent baby bump.

“You’re here! Come, come.” Calliope waved us over, and we all went, Yelena introducing each of us to a beaming Calliope. “Lovely to meet you, little witch. Every person that’s come into my suite has had something to say about the three of you. Yelena’s updated us on the necessity for the lockdown, and while I’m not pleased about that portion, I do appreciate you helping to boost the wards to keep us safe from whatever you brought here.”

I wasn’t entirely sure what to say to that. It was our fault that the nest was under lockdown, but at least she didn’t seem too upset by that.

“Tell me everything before the others get here. I want to be first to have the gossip.” The large dining table set out in Calliope’s suite was laden with carafes of coffee and hot water, pitchers of juice, and full place settings for everyone in a ring surrounding the trays of pastry. “Murdoch, honey.”

The man appeared at Calliope’s side in an instant, scooping her up and carting her to the head of the table where he poured her a glass of orange juice.

“Logan, come sit by me.”

“Only until the others arrive,” Yelena added. “Otherwise I want the three of them flanked between Haru and me.”

“Yes, yes.” Calliope patted the chair next to her.

“Go ahead, precious.”

I sat down and answered her questions, filling in details in the story so that she had a clear picture of what brought us here. I would probably have to explain it all over again to the others, but Calliope was certainly happy to hear right now.

The first knock had me stiffening in my seat.

Yelena set a hand on my shoulder. “I don’t want you greeting them with your back turned.”

Calliope pouted as I stepped away from her and moved to stand next to Caden, Yelena moved to my other side, and Haru sat next to Seth. I recognized the others as they walked in: Kendrick, Shakti, and Velda.

Kendrick wore what seemed like a dismantled tuxedo with dress pants and white shirt, but the buttons were undone, the jacket draped over his arm, and the sleeves rolled up as if he had gotten tired of it on the way over. His blond curls were a mess around his face, reflecting the same unbothered attitude as his outfit.

Shakti wore a hot pink sari that flowed around her like water when she moved, and trailed down her back. Her makeup was immaculate, and her hair was like black satin in neat waves over her shoulders. She had similar queen vibes to Yelena, except it was pretty obvious from her expression that she didn’t like me.

Velda’s ice-blonde hair and green eyes were set off by the simple, snug black dress that she wore. I wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about us, but her expression was much more open and friendly than the other two, and Yelena had said she was a friend, so I crossed my metaphorical fingers that she would remain so.

The three of them stopped in front of our line, and I felt their gazes like a tangible touch.

“I still think it’s unfair you got to have all three,” said Shakti.

Yelena shrugged. “Maybe you should’ve been less greedy and you’d have had more room to challenge me for their claim.”

Shakti’s manicured eyebrows pinched together. “I don’t think we can call me greedy when Kendrick is standing right here.”

“Hey!” he snapped.

“Don’t you ‘hey’ me. I’m stating facts.”

Velda swept forward, and when Yelena made no move to stop her, she wrapped me a hug. “I’m so glad to meet you. Or at least meet you for more than a few seconds.” She greeted Caden and Seth just as exuberantly, and Caden stiffened next to me.

“I should have warned you that Velda is a hugger,” Yelena said as she accepted her own embrace.

Seth was the first of the brothers to recover, laughing softly. “That’s okay. I’m not going to be upset about being in the arms of a pretty lady.”

Velda laughed and smacked his shoulder playfully. I probably should’ve been at least a little jealous, and I waited for it, but I didn’t mind Velda touching him, apparently.

“Let’s eat!” Calliope yelled from the dining room table. “Don’t keep a pregnant lady waiting.”

The group of us joined her, Yelena next to Calliope, then me, Caden, Seth, and Haru to separate our group from the rest of the Protectors. Velda sat on his other side, with Kendrick directly across from me, and Shakti between him and Murdoch on Calliope’s other side. Haru looked almost comical in his wolf form seated at the fancy table.

When the rest of the food arrived, Murdoch answered the door, and a pair of staff rolled in the carts, setting up the dishes across the table. Caden made me my coffee and poured juice for Seth and himself, serving everyone carefully as he filled up plates for all three of us. After a beat of silence, he had Seth pass him over Haru’s plate, where he added several sausages, bacon, and some grilled sweet potato.

Yelena watched the entire process with amusement in her eyes. “None for me, panther?”

“I don’t know what you like,” Caden pointed out.

“Some of everything. Fruit on the side.”

Shakti watched his every move, her gaze glued to him. “So well trained already.”

“It’s called politeness,” I said sharply. “Maybe you should practice it more often so you can recognize it.”

Shakti looked shocked. “I beg your pardon?”

I glanced quickly at Yelena to make sure I wasn’t overstepping, but found no anger in her face. “You heard me.”

Kendrick snorted into his drink. “Witchling has a bite.”

“The witchling should learn respect,” Shakti snapped.

“Do something to earn it and I’ll consider it.”

“Yelena, are you going to let your pets talk to me that way?”

“You know, I think I will.”

Shakti did not look pleased by that answer.

Calliope and Velda were both trying and failing to contain their giggles.

“Chill out.” Calliope tossed a chocolate croissant at Shakti. “Eat some sweets. You know I don’t tolerate low blood sugar bitches.”

Seth choked on his juice. Caden patted his back and Haru licked his cheek.

Shakti looked pissed as hell, but she took a bite of her croissant. It probably wasn’t smart of me to have made her an enemy this early, but she was outnumbered, and the other Protectors seemed to find my outburst more entertaining than anything else.

“While we’re all here,” Caden said, prompting all of us to turn to him, “I have a proposition.”

“Is this a proposition you should have run by me first?” Yelena asked.

“Probably” was my only reply.

Yelena rolled her eyes and gestured for me to continue. “Carry on.”

“I think you should make Logan a Protector.”

Squawks of “What?!” sounded all around the table.

“What are you talking about?” Logan asked, pawing at my arm.

“Just hear me out,” Caden insisted.

Once the table fell silent, I explained, “Protector Calliope can only fulfill partial duties right now, and there is a literal monster at your gates. We all need those wards to hold, and Logan, so far as we know, has the power to do that. We need a safe haven, and you need her power to keep this place just that. I’m not suggesting that it be a permanent arrangement by any means. We don’t want to stay here, but while we are here, it would be a show of trust.”

“You want her to replace me?” Calliope asked, eyes shiny.

“Not at all. I want her to help you. Having temporary assistance to do the things you can’t do while you’re taking care of your body and awaiting your cubs sounds like a good thing to me.”

Calliope chewed her lip, and Murdoch laced his fingers with hers. “I suppose I wouldn’t mind some help.”

“You can’t be serious,” Kendrick said. “These three are the reason we’re in this mess. They’ve been here a matter of days, turned our whole fucking world upside down, and now they want a seat at the table?”

“Yes,” I said calmly. “None of this is ideal for anyone. But your whole job is to protect the people of this nest. Do you think you’ll be able to do that if the wards fail?”

Kendrick pressed his lips together.

“This is ridiculous,” said Shakti. “You’re pets, not Protectors.”

“I’d be willing to entertain the idea,” Yelena added. Her gaze was like fire when we made eye contact. Was she…trusting me?

“Me too,” said Velda. “At least temporarily.”

“For fuck’s sake.” Kendrick ran a hand through his hair. “This is bullshit.”

“Calliope, what do you say?” Yelena asked. “You’re the tiebreaker.”

“I guess. But only until I can return to duties.”

“You’re all out of your minds.” Kendrick crossed his arms, lips pouting as he focused on Logan. “You’d really give your panthers to Yelena for this?”

Logan had been sitting frozen next to me through this. “What do you mean?”

“You can be on level with us, but those two,” he said, gesturing to Seth and me, “they belong to Yelena, no matter what position you hold.”

Logan’s gaze whipped toward me. “Caden?”

“We’ll discuss those details later, precious,” Yelena said. And you and I will be having a discussion as well.

Well, at least I knew Yelena was pissed. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

“We should have a ceremony to induct her,” said Velda. “The nest will need to know about her new position.”

“This is absurd.” Shakti hurled a muffin at Logan and I whacked it out of the air. “You can’t just vote in another Protector. This should be unanimous.”

“We’re never unanimous on anything because you and Kendrick get your rocks off being contrarian,” Yelena sniped.

“Well, excuuuse me for offering a different perspective.” Shakti crossed her arms with a huff. “Someone has to with you three up one another’s asses.”

“Having similar opinions doesn’t mean anyone is up anyone else’s ass.”

Velda growled. “It’s temporary anyway. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal is that we can’t set the fucking precedent of pets becoming Protectors.” Kendrick looked like he was about to have a stroke. “How do we know she didn’t bring the monster here on purpose to leverage herself into this position.”

Logan let out a squeak. “I wouldn’t!”

Haru’s howl rippled through the room, cutting the fight off. Have some dignity. Act like you deserve the positions you have.

If we had done anything on purpose to gain control, the Protectors had certainly exposed their fractures that would make it easy to do so. The lines seemed to be drawn pretty deeply in the sand with Shakti and Kendrick on one side, Yelena and Velda on the other, with Calliope set up as the tie breaker. If they allowed Logan to be a Protector, even a temporary one, that power dynamic would shift fully to Yelena and Velda. At best Kendrick and Shakti could hope for a gridlock in the votes. No wonder they were reluctant.

“I don’t even know what all a Protector does,” Logan said tentatively, “but I do want the nest to be safe, and that’s the biggest part of the job, isn’t it?”

“There’s no need to show off your ignorance, witch,” Shakti replied.

“This is exactly why it’s a terrible idea,” Kendrick added. “We put our fortunes and our power into this nest together. A shifter nest, might I fucking add. A witch shouldn’t even be here. If the monster is here because of her, maybe we should toss her out and get rid of the problem.”

I stood up so fast the chair clattered to the floor behind me. “If you even try, I will hunt you down and eat you for breakfast.”

“Yelena, control your pets!”

“For fuck’s sake.”

Calliope banged her mug down on the table like a gavel until everyone fell silent. “Everyone shut up! Stress is bad for the babies and you’re all wigging me out.” She took a deep breath when the room was fully quiet and everyone was still. “Good, now, we’re all going to listen to me, because I’m the one who would be temporarily replaced, and I think I should get final say in that. I’m willing to give the witch a chance and see how this pans out. We all know I could use the help right now. No one can go anywhere with that monster out there and we are not going to sacrifice anyone who came here for a safe haven. Otherwise what’s the fucking point of the nest to begin with? If Yelena will part with Logan, then I’m casting my vote for her to be a temporary Protector until I can resume full duties again, or until they can solve the monster problem and want to leave.”

“Where is she supposed to live?” Kendrick asked. “We only have suites for the five of us.”

“She can continue staying with me,” said Yelena. “Besides, she’ll need to be trained, and Calliope needs to rest. I can handle the training, and Logan will still have time to work on her task of learning her magic and trying to get rid of the monster for us.”

“Logan—” Velda drew everyone’s focus. “—you’ve been pretty quiet through this whole exchange. What are your thoughts?”

“It feels like there’s too many to voice.”

“Let’s work through them one at a time, precious.”

Logan took a deep breath and squeezed her fingers in mine. “Okay, well, for starters, I don’t have any fortune to put behind a nest. I’m taking a leave of absence from work right now for what they think is a family emergency, and if I want to continue getting paid I’ll have to start doing that again sometime soon.”

“Fair point,” said Yelena. “What else?”

“I don’t really have any leadership experience, but I’m definitely willing to learn. Whatever power I know how to use is pretty much at the disposal of the nest, but I’m probably going to need help with research and figuring out the full extent of my magic. I will also need help getting into contact with other witches. I know that they can’t come here, but if I could do a call or a video chat and try to get some more answers… I don’t really know any personally, except for Melinda Kyle, who helped us on the way in, but she’s in Europe now, so I have no idea who to reach out to. Oh, and we need to find Anya, but we don’t know anything about her. I think she’s some sort of witch archivist…”

“So we’re all supposed to drop everything and help you with this?” Kendrick asked.

“What else were you planning to do while we’re on lockdown?” Velda asked.

“I’m really not here to step on anyone’s toes,” said Logan. “We came here because we were desperate to save Seth and didn’t know where else to go. We’re all alive right now because of this nest, and I want to keep everyone here safe. I don’t even need the full authority, just some autonomy. The sooner we can figure all this out, the better for everyone, right?”

“I’ll entertain it if I can train her,” said Kendrick.

Logan stiffened next to me. Even if we hadn’t already heard all about Kendrick from Yelena, he had given a shit impression of himself today.

“We will all train her, if you’re going to insist on being part of it,” said Yelena. “I can agree to you doing some of the training, but you’re not going to be alone with her.”

Logan relaxed a fraction, and while Kendrick did pout, he eventually agreed.

“Now that we’ve decided, I think we should let things settle for a few hours. We’ll go to my suite for now and have a meeting later once everyone has had a chance to cool down. Calliope, thank you for a lovely breakfast.”

The five of us departed back down the hall and safely behind Yelena’s door. She spun around, looking like she was ready to knock me into next week.

“What the fuck was that? Do you have such a problem with authority that you couldn’t even be bothered to run your idea for the future of my nest by me? I shouldn’t have to be told to get a handle on anyone who belongs to me. I expect better behavior.”

I bristled. “What would you have said if I had gone to you first?”

“I guess we’ll never know since you didn’t do that.”

“Why didn’t you ask me first?” Logan asked. “You kind of put me on the spot there.”

I sighed, rubbing my hands over my face. “In all fairness I didn’t know I was going to say anything when we walked in. I’ve been mulling over the idea, and then I just felt the urge to open my mouth. I’m sorry. That’s not something I should’ve sprung on anyone.”

“Apology not accepted,” Yelena snapped. “If you undermine my authority again, especially where others can see it, there will be consequences. In fact, your consequence for this time is that you will not be accompanying Logan on any of her training.”

“You can’t do that,” I insisted. “She needs me.”

Yelena growled, and while I wanted to push back, the display cowed me.

“You have no idea of how tenuous the balance of power is here. You can’t just do whatever the hell you want. Haru will accompany Logan and you will remain here.”

Seth let out a choked-off laugh. It looked like he tried to silence it, but it snuck out anyway.

“Speak your mind, panther,” Yelena said, leaning up against the wall.

“So he’s grounded?”

The question brought a smile to Yelena’s face and a rush of heat to mine.

“Closer to house arrest, but yes.”

“For how long?” I asked.

Yelena shrugged. “That depends on how fucking insufferable Kendrick is going to be because of you.”

My shoulders scrunched up by my ears and Logan hugged onto my arm. “You were trying to help. More communication would’ve been nice, but I know you’re scared here. I know the lack of control freaks you out because I feel it too. We have to trust a little more than we have been.”

“Precisely.” Yelena moved to stand directly in front of me, her dark eyes flashing gold with power. “I know you don’t like the way of things here, but I need you to trust that I take care of what is mine and while you are here, you are mine. I won’t be surrendering you or your brother to Logan. Call it an insurance policy.”

“So what happens now?” Seth asked.

“You will continue healing, your brother will help Logan with whatever she needs within the confines of this suite, we’ll get Logan set up for her job, and I will get both our librarian and Cora on the task to find people who can help. Other than that, we’ll have to figure out what duties are being taken over for Calliope, and we’ll have to do a full education on the workings of the nest.”

“When am I supposed to sleep?” Logan asked playfully, trying to defuse the lingering tension in the room.

“Unfortunately, precious, you’ve already seen that sleep can be a luxury for us. I will get as many people as I can to assist, but this won’t be easy.”

Itook Logan down to the library so we could get her acquainted with the staff there and hopefully find some useful resources. Margaret, our librarian, was beyond excited to have a task of this caliber ahead of her. In addition to her library and duties, she was also the nest archivist and one of our longest-term residents. We’d had a small handful of witches stay with us over the years, though they were certainly in the minority compared to the shifter population here. I put Margaret on the task of contacting anyone that we were able to in order to see if we could arrange a digital meeting with Logan.

Our resident witch pawed at my arm. “Can I ask a question?”

“Of course, precious.”

“Why can’t I have Seth and Caden?”

“The only way for you to claim them would be for me to relinquish my claim, and if I did that, Kendrick and Shakti could challenge you. I’m not really sure what way the vote would go since you’re only a temporary Protector and not even sworn in yet. Safer for everyone if I hang on to them.”

“So matehood doesn’t supersede a Protector’s claim?”

I sighed, running a hand over my forehead. “Technically it would, but this is a complicated situation since I also claimed you. Do you trust me?”

“I think so.” She paused, eyes searching my face. “Yes.”

It was a strange realization to know she did. Haru was the only one I trusted with my life, and I suspected it was the same for him. I hadn’t done enough to truly earn Logan’s trust, but I would try to be worthy of what trust she did place in me. “Hold on to that, then. In a more ideal situation, I would give both of them to you.”

“Do I need your permission to matebond Caden? Is that even something I can do? I don’t know how many matebonds a person can have.”

“I’m not going to interfere with your bonds. You can have as many as you like, though the more you have, the more complicated things get. Some packs will all bond, but many find it too overwhelming to have all of those additional emotions bouncing around.”

Logan walked by my side down one of the library aisles that held our actually useful metaphysical books: copies of grimoires, ancient texts, compiled manuscripts from various supernaturals around the world.

“Can I ask another question?”

“You’ve already asked several,” I pointed out. “You’re a Protector now, or at least you will be very soon. You can speak freely with me.”

“How come you and Haru aren’t bonded?”

I stopped short and spun to look at her, her gaze darting up to the ceiling to avoid mine. “I changed my mind. That’s plenty of questions already.”

“I’m sorry. I was just really curious. It seems like you love each other a lot.”

“I do love Haru, but bonding is a very permanent thing that opens you up to another being on a soul level. I’m brave about a lot of things, but I don’t want to trap him and bind him to me.”

Logan looked at me oddly. “You think being bonded would trap them?”

“To a life here, yes.”

“Not to be impertinent or anything, but I feel like if they really didn’t want to be here, they would leave.”

“This topic of conversation is done right now,” I declared. I wasn’t after pouring my heart out in the library. “If you have the energy, we should get you to give Velda the ability to see the monster.”

“What about Shakti and Calliope?”

“We’re working strategically. We don’t know how deep your well is so we’re going to work one by one. Eventually, it would be nice to get the entire nest able to see what the threat is, but I’m under no illusion that that won’t take some time.”

“I wish I knew more about my power. It’s frustrating having all of this untapped potential.”

“That’s what we’re working on.”

“Mistress.” We turned to see Margaret approaching. “I’ve sent out contact requests to all of the witches who have stayed here before. I’ll keep looking for Anya as well.”

“Thank you so much, Margaret. Please let me know the moment you hear from anyone.”

“Yes, mistress.”

Logan slipped her hand into mine and warmth blossomed through me. “Should we go see Velda?”

“In a minute.” I laid my hand over Logan’s arms, tracing my fingertips over her skin, more pleased than I should’ve been when goosebumps rose at my touch. “If you run out of magic, I’m happy to recharge you.”

Her cheeks flushed pink and a burst of arousal hit my nose a moment later.

“I’m not uninterested,” she said slowly. “ Our kiss was…”

“Its own sort of magic?”

“Yeah.” Her voice came out all sweet and breathy.

“Haru and I can let you have time with your panthers again tonight. Or I can leave Haru if you’d like to play with him, considering he and Seth have gotten close?”

Her skin against mine sparked with heat, and the spike of arousal burst even stronger this time.

I laughed softly. “Precious, what’s going on in that little head of yours?”

“I’ve only thought about Seth with me before.”

“Do you like the idea of him and Haru?”

Logan nodded shyly.

“What about you and Haru?”

Her skin sparked again and I slid my palm up her arm to cup the back of her neck. “What about you and me?”

Her eyes were wide and luminous, the sensation of her power like fizz beneath my fingers. As if I were drawn by a magnet, my mouth descended against hers, sparks rippling through my veins. Far more hunger than was appropriate for the library coursed through me. I licked into her mouth and backed her up against the shelving, my other hand sliding into her hair, craving that strange feeling of her magic bubbling out, and the intoxication of knowing it was because of me.

“Mistress?” I froze at Margaret’s voice, the tips of my fingers sporting claws that scraped gently against Logan’s skin, making her shudder, that damn scent like a cloud around me that wanted me to take her right here.

I forced myself to step back. “Yes, Margaret?”

“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but you said to let you know the moment I heard from someone. One of the witches replied already.”

If the interruption had been for anything less important, I would’ve told Margaret to fuck off so I could focus on undoing Logan in the stacks, but alas, some things were more important than my libido.

I pulled the blushing Logan out with me to read the reply email. A French witch named Amelie was our first respondent. She had left her phone number. I had Margaret forward the message to my phone and brought Logan back to my suite so we could get started on her education. Her panthers were instantly on high alert as we entered, both relaxing when they realized it was us.

“Hello, panthers.” I took it as progress that Caden didn’t snipe at me and had relaxed so quickly.

I passed Logan my phone, and she held her breath, pressing the call link in the email and waiting for Amelie to answer. I paced to work off my nervous energy.

We waited for four agonizing rings before a witch with a blonde pixie cut came onto the screen. “Hello there! Are you the baby witch?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” Logan replied.

“Lovely to meet you. I’m Amelie. Why don’t you give me more information about the situation and then I’ll see how I can best help?”

So Logan did just that.

“You don’t know what line you’re from and why it was bound?”

“Nope. That’s part of why I’m trying to track down Anya.”

Amelie nodded thoughtfully. “How old did you say you were?”

“Thirty-four.”

“Have you had your first heat yet?”

“My what?!”

“Your heat. Witches live so long that we’re not fertile all the time; otherwise we would overrun the world. Usually the first heat will kick in around thirty-five and then every decade or so after that.”

Logan looked desperately pale. Her panthers leaned closer, and Amelie waved to them both.

“Which one of these hotties is your mate?”

“Seth.” Logan bristled, pointing to the younger of the brothers. “But I would like both to be.”

“Ambitious.” Amelie laughed. “Helpful, though. Or at least multiple lovers is helpful, considering how unpredictable and unruly a witch’s first heat can be.”

“Do I have to have one?”

I continued my pacing, absorbing the words of the French witch.

“If you had stayed bound, I don’t think you would’ve had one, but lucky you, you’ve been unbound just in time. I can give you some recipes that helps with symptoms. Given the situation you explained, I’m going to assume that babies are not on the current schedule, is that right?”

“Very much not on the current schedule. I have way too much to deal with.”

“All right, I’ll dig up some fertility recipes too. And you can have whichever lovers can get you pregnant consume it and you should be perfectly fine during your heat.”

“I don’t have to take anything for that?”

“Well, you can if you want, but it’s much easier to unload the gun than to hope that a bulletproof vest saves you.” Amelie sighed. “It’s so unfortunate that you’ve been disconnected from your birth family. There’s so much that you need to learn and I can only cram so much into video calls. But that being said, I’ll do what I can to help you.”

“Thank you so much. How can I repay you?”

“Unclear at the moment. Let’s keep a favor on tap, shall we?”

“No!” Caden and I snapped at the same time. I turned the phone to face me. “Name your price now, witch. Let her decide if she’s willing to pay it.”

Amelie laughed, but there was no mirth in the sound. “Baby witch, my price is not defined yet. Your options are to accept my help and pay what I decide later, or I can simply abandon you all.”

Logan looked to me with an imploring gaze. She needed the knowledge, but I couldn’t let her bind herself to a witch without knowing what the cost was. Some of them were as bad as the fae with their deals.

“I’m sorry. I can’t let her make that deal with you.” I hung up on the witch and tossed the phone onto the bed.

“Yelena? Why did you do that?” Logan asked.

“Never ever make a deal where you don’t know the price.”

Logan turned to her panthers. “Caden?”

“Yelena’s right. It’s not safe.”

I eyed him curiously. I hadn’t quite expected him to back me up, but it made sense when he was protecting Logan.

“She was too interested in Seth,” I added as explanation. “He could’ve been the cost.”

“What the fuck?” Seth growled, though he wasn’t particularly threatening since he was still in his hospital bed, in the midst of receiving a banana bag to ensure that he was fully hydrated and continuing on his recovery.

“We will find you a new mentor,” I promised.

Logan sank against Caden. “I feel useless.”

“Not at all, precious. Why don’t we go talk to Velda? We can pour extra magic into her artifact and see if we can give her enough sight to see the monster.”

Logan huffed and indulged in a quick kiss with each of the panthers before she climbed off the bed. “Okay. Let’s go.”

Velda greeted us at her door, having changed out of her more formal attire from breakfast and into a short romper covered in daisies. “Hey, you two. What’s up?”

“If you’re not busy,” said Yelena, “we’ll have Logan give you the ability to see the monster, and then use whatever she has left in her stores to give your artifact a boost.”

“Oh, fuck yes. I’ve been wanting to get a taste of the magic. How do you give people the sight?”

“I’m not super sure how it works yet. I just sort of set the intention and let the magic flow.”

“Cool. Boost me, cutie.” Velda welcomed us into her suite. Four double beds were lined up on one side and I had almost forgotten Velda had claimants.

She caught me staring and explained, “They’re all at the dining hall while I get some work done. Did you want to meet them? I can page them to come back.”

“That’s okay. I can meet them later.”

Velda held out her hand expectantly and I took it in mine. It was hard to focus with her ice-green eyes boring into me and the warmth of her skin sinking into my fingertips. I started a mantra in my head, the silent request for my magic to do what I wanted it to, to give Velda the ability to see the danger that was on the other side of the wards.

She hissed as the magic flowed into her. “Oh, mama. That’s got some kick. I kind of like it.”

My cheeks flushed at her words, and Yelena laughed. “Let’s go double-check that it worked before we head down to the basement.”

Velda kept her fingers laced with mine, and Yelena took up my other hand, the three of us riding down to the main floor.

“How are you settling in since breakfast? Everyone was very chatty after you left.”

“Good chatty or bad chatty?” I asked.

Velda shrugged. “Bit of both. But you’re still set up to become a temporary Protector so it all worked out. Kendrick doesn’t hate the idea as much as he says. He just likes to fight.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“You’ll get used to him,” Velda assured me. We stepped out into the overcast day. The rain was so fine it might’ve been mistaken for mist, each barely there droplet caressing my skin. I had always wanted to come out to the Pacific Northwest with Caden. It just would’ve been nice if it was in better circumstances. I didn’t engage in any of the competition between the West and the East Coast, they were each beautiful in their own way, and I was always down for time at the ocean. If we survived all of this, I was going to go sprawl on the beach.

“So what am I looking fo—oh, shit. Stupid question. Damn,” said Velda. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

“I don’t think any of us have.”

Yelena sighed. “At least we know Logan’s magic did the trick.”

“How bad do you think the nest is going to panic once they’re able to see this thing too?”

“Probably more than we’re ready for,” Yelena replied. “We might have to work down a list of people least likely to freak out. Definitely the ones we think we can rely on if we need to evacuate.”

The three of us walked up to the gate where the creature was blocking the road. It looked bigger than I had last seen it.

“Why isn’t it going into the city for prey?” Velda asked. “I know we’d be easy pickings if it got in here, but if it’s hunting, there are definitely shifters and witches in Portland.”

I took a step forward and day turned to night, moonlight spilling through the canopy, and Hecate standing patiently in the moss like she had been waiting for me.

Hello, Logan. I’m sorry to steal you away.

“That’s okay. What did you need to talk about?”

I must apologize for pushing Caden to speak. I dropped the idea in his head and as I said, this is not the ideal timeline.

“You told him to ask about me being a Protector?”

Yes. I don’t want to have to rush you, but I would also prefer all of you not to die.

Her words sent a pulse of panic through me. “Aren’t we safe here?”

For now. Are you nervous about accepting the other gifts I put in your path?

“Do you mean Yelena?”

She’s one of them, yes.

“This all feels very fast. I just accepted Seth. We haven’t even had time to explore what that relationship means. I’m bonded to him, but we haven’t spent a moment alone. I don’t know what it means for me, or for him. It’s too much.”

Hecate nodded thoughtfully. I have not asked you to walk an easy path, Logan. I’m sorry for that. I promise if you do walk the path as I have laid it, it will not be one filled with regret.

I took a deep breath, wrapping my arms around myself. “Why me?”

As I said before, one of your ancestors made a grave mistake. Others in your family have tried to correct it and have been unsuccessful. If anyone else had succeeded, this would not be asked of you now. I know that it is hard to trust. They did not like the messages that I brought and now all of this has fallen to you. The consequences have only grown.

“What happens if I fail?”

I do not want to put the burden of knowledge on your shoulders. I still want you to choose because you desire to do so. You already carry so much. Even if you do not accept them as mates, they will be good friends to you. They will support you. I only hope that it is enough.

“I don’t understand. I have to take them as mates? Why?”

Hecate moved toward me like a mist, her hands cupping my cheeks like a mother might. My sweet child. Someone else will give you that knowledge. You won’t have long to wait. For now be patient, have faith, and don’t be afraid to love.

I stumbled into the daylight, Yelena and Velda at my sides holding me up.

“What the hell was that?” Velda asked.

“A vision. I’m still getting used to them.” My body felt exhausted and shaky, and both women looped their arms around my waist. The creature shrieked and flailed on the other side of the wards, its tendrils snaking up and around the dome.

Velda slipped into her animal form, a wonderfully fluffy brown bear with round ears and wicked claws. Hop on.

She lowered to the ground and I climbed onto her back, draping myself over the thick fur. Velda carried me back to the nest like that, the monster’s screams echoing in my ears, and the messages of Hecate’s magic sparking in my blood. Velda fit perfectly into the elevator, and I wondered briefly if they had designed it to accommodate all of their animal forms. We rode down to the basement and into the secret chamber where the artifacts were kept.

“Precious,” said Yelena.

“Yes?” I slid down off Velda’s back, holding tightly to her as my feet hit the ground.

“Would you mind if I tested a theory while you charge the artifact?”

“Sure. If you think it’ll help us figure something out, we might as well.” I turned to Velda. “Which one is yours?

“The painting. It was a protective love charm done between my great-great-grandmother and the witch that fell for her.”

“Is it real blood?” I asked, examining the bright red hues of the painting.

“Of course it is. There’s potent magic in the blood. It’s kept my family safe for hundreds of years, preserved with the witch’s magic.”

“What happened to the witch?”

“Burned, unfortunately. That’s one of the reasons my family originally left Europe. We were from what’s now Germany, and things got too dangerous in the 1600s. Sometimes I have dreams of the original forest of this land, memories that float down my bloodline. They lived a lot of their lives as bears here, melting into the trees, settling so deep in the woods they rarely saw humans. Of course, things have changed since.”

I could see the forests as she spoke. The unspoiled coast lines, trees so large it took entire families holding hands to reach around them. We had lost so much to greed and disrespect, to hatred for the people who were already here. I didn’t know if Velda’s family had found peace, but she was here now, so at the very least it seemed as if they had found some semblance of safety.

I settled onto the dirt floor next to her. She laced our fingers together, and reached our hands through the ward that sat around the artifacts until my fingertips reached the edge of the painting. It vibrated under my touch, and, like Yelena had taught me, I opened myself to let the magic flow into it. Yelena leaned against my back, her chin over my shoulder and her fingertips walking down my arm.

I shivered and turned to face her. “What are you doing?”

“Focus on your task. Let me test my theory. I’ll keep it PG.”

Her breath ghosted over my throat, her nose teasing against my ear, and her nails scraping over my skin. My breathing hitched, the magic pouring into the artifact fluctuating. Her arms slipped around my waist, one hand pressed flat against my stomach, the other resting on my thigh.

“That’s it, precious. You’re doing so well.”

Velda’s face was mere inches from mine. One of her hands cupped the back of my neck and goosebumps danced over my skin. “Yelena, it’s rude to play in front of me when I haven’t been invited.”

Yelena laughed against my skin, the sound rippling through me. She nipped my ear and my magic stuttered again. “Precious. Do you give Velda permission to play?”

Oh, gods. My heart was ready to beat out of my chest. I was used to being sandwiched between two beautiful predators, but the fact that it was these two was new.

I shivered despite the warmth of their bodies. Curiosity pawed at me like an insistent kitten. My pussy clenched when Yelena toyed with the hem of my dress, tracing patterns onto my flesh.

“It’s okay to say yes if you want to.” Yelena purred along my throat. “No shame among shifters. Or no, if you don’t want to. I won’t think less of you either way.”

Hecate’s words echoed back to me. Don’t be afraid to love. Did that apply to lust too?

Yelena’s claws pricked my skin. “Answer the question, precious.”

“Yes, but…”

“I can keep things PG too,” Velda offered.

Lo, is everything okay?

I jolted at Seth’s voice in my head. I’m okay, I thought back. I wasn’t sure if the telepathy worked in reverse. It hadn’t really before, but every moment Seth was healing, and we were bonded now. Maybe that was something new for us. Heads up?

You’re with Yelena?

And Velda.

Be safe.

“Precious?”

“I had to let Seth and Caden know first.”

“Fair.” She nuzzled my cheek. “Use your words.”

That statement sent a pulse of desire through every cell. She sounded just like Caden.

“We can—” I swallowed hard. “We can play. Just go slow?”

Their version of going slow was for Velda’s mouth to crash against mine, her nails digging into the back of my neck while Yelena’s fangs scraped against my throat, and her hand nudged my dress up so she could grip my thigh. My power throbbed like a heartbeat.

Velda tasted like the first breath of spring when winter was still clinging hard, but the resilient green broke through the ice regardless. Magic rushed through me like a wave as they traded places, the hot, spicy taste of Yelena on my lips.

You make such wonderful sounds, little witch. Velda’s voice filled my head.

Yelena broke away, her fangs peeking free as she smiled at me. “How are you feeling, precious?”

The question seems ridiculous when I could barely form a thought, helpless squeaks pouring from my lips as Velda used her mouth to brand my skin.

“G-good. Fuck.”

Velda pulled back with a grin. All these beautiful people with fangs were going to ruin me. My thighs fell open at the first tap of Yelena’s fingers.

“There’s my good girl.” She inhaled audibly. “Give me permission, precious.”

“Touch me.”

I thought she would go right under my panties, but instead she slipped up my body and under my bra, cupping my breast and teasing the peak that pressed fervently against her fingertips.

The whine I let out was immediately swallowed up by Velda as she reclaimed my mouth. The taste of them swirled together, fire and ice, a sharp contrast that made my head swim. Velda had only one hand to work with, while the other was still entwined with mine, touching the painting. I had almost forgotten about it until she squeezed tightly on that hand and dropped the other to my thigh.

Do you want me to touch you here, little witch?

“Yes.”

The two of them moved like a seamless unit, Velda retracting my hand from the painting and pulling it through the ward. Yelena laced our fingers together next, fitting our hands back through, letting me get a grip on the dagger. The draw of power was immediate, and so was Velda’s touch gliding through the wetness between my thighs.

I bucked against her, my head falling against Yelena. The lioness kneaded my breast. The sharp tips of her nails pinched the nipple just enough to set my nerves on fire without piercing the skin. Lips brushed each side of my throat, fangs sharp enough to sink through with a bit of pressure. My natural prey drive had my heart beating so hard it was like a buzz in my ears, and magic boomed like a bass drum with every stroke against my clit and every sweep of their tongues.

Needy girl. You’re dripping with slick for us. Sing for me, omega.

Velda’s words came as her fingers plunged in to the hilt, her thumb teasing my clit. I writhed between them. How was I supposed to think or do anything besides take everything they wanted to give me?

They navigated my clothing with ease, making it seem somehow naughtier that I was fully clothed while they took me apart. Yelena inched the straps of my dress down, trailing sharp kisses over the curve of my shoulder.

I rocked against Velda with the desperation that burned through me, grinding my clit against her thumb until she shifted to let me ride the heel of her palm. My muscles ached with the effort and the awkward angles, but I couldn’t stop.

Just as I hit the edge, Yelena’s hand slammed down over Velda’s, bringing it to stillness and pulling it away to stop the blissful friction. I whined desperately but no matter how I moved Yelena kept me from completion.

“Please. Yelena, please. Velda.”

Yelena dragged Velda’s hand away from me and my pussy clenched helplessly around nothing. Instead of satisfaction I was given only soft touches and lingering strokes up areas of my body that were decidedly not the one I wanted them to be touching right now.

The whimper I let out as I came down from the edge had both of them snickering against my skin. Yelena detached me from the dagger and wrapped both arms solidly around me. “How do you feel?”

I was pretty sure that desperately horny wasn’t the answer she was looking for, but I said it anyway, and sent both of them into peals of laughter.

“Energy-wise, precious.”

“Oh.” I took stock of my body. I felt almost painfully awake, like my body was set to vibrate with how much power was skating around inside me with nowhere to go. “Weirdly good?”

“Perfect. The last time you charged an artifact you were practically a slug for hours after. You just charged two.”

Anxiety snaked into my brain. “Was this just for the experiment?”

“No.” Yelena kissed my cheek. “I put my hands on you because I want to. The experiment was just a perk.”

Velda kissed me softly, the icy earthiness of her filling my senses. “I’ll put my hands on you again anytime you want, little witch.”

My cheeks flamed. “Do I get to come the next time that happens?”

Both women laughed again.

“I’d have let you this time. Blame Yelena.”

“Oh, I’m going to.”

Yelena kissed my cheek and helped me stand. “I promise to take you apart so often you forget your own name, but for now, we have work to do first.”

Thank the gods that Caden was having a nap in his cat form across the suite because it would have been impossible to hide my reactions to Logan’s pleasure pulsing through the bond while she was with Yelena and Velda. Yelena I’d expected, but Velda was a complete unknown. If Logan liked her, I could get on board with trusting her.

I wasn’t sure what she was doing after her encounter with Yelena and Velda, but flickers of elation filtered through the bond every so often. When she finally did arrive back in the suite, she hurled herself onto the bed between Caden and me. Her hands cupped my face and she pulled my mouth down to meet hers before rolling over to scoop up cat-Caden for a vigorous snuggle.

“Does this mean you had fun while you were out?” I asked.

“I gave four people the sight after giving it to Velda and charging her artifact. And I don’t feel like I’m gonna keel over!”

Logan rolled back toward me, Caden’s tiny weight coming with her to settle on my stomach as she cuddled against my side.

That’s a huge jump from before. What changed? Caden asked, his head butting up under her chin.

Logan’s whole face blushed. “Okay, so I’m not super proud of how we figured this out, but Yelena had an idea, and then Velda got involved, and it turns out that edging locks all that power in my body, and I can control the output from there.”

“I did update Caden on things changing with Velda,” I said. “How did that go down?”

“She asked if she could play while Yelena was figuring out her experiment. Oh, I had another Hecate vision too, so I kind of rolled with it when Velda offered. I don’t know if that was exactly what the goddess meant, but it seemed timely?”

Where is Yelena now?

“She’s dealing with a small crisis. Another person freaking out over the lockdown. I have to go to a Protectors meeting later tonight.”

“I’m glad we figured out something for your power,” I said, “but I wish I had been there. It felt fun.”

Logan tilted her head. “What do you mean it felt fun?”

“I could feel you through the bond.”

“Oh, gods. Well, that’s not embarrassing at all.” Logan buried her face against me, but I could only laugh.

“Don’t be embarrassed. It has some interesting implications.”

“What kind of implications?”

Ones that mean I don’t want to be between you two while you figure it out. Caden wiggled out of Logan’s grasp and headed into the bathroom. A moment later, the shower started.

“Explain,” Logan said, pawing at me.

I drew her in for another kiss and reached down to hook my hand behind her knee and pull it across my body. Little frissons of her pleasure ricocheted through the bond. “Touch me.”

Her fingertips trailed down my chest and hooked around my waist before moving back up and under my T-shirt with purpose. “Oh. This feels like forbidden knowledge.”

Logan climbed up on top of me, her knees on either side of my hips. I had hoped more than intended to get her into this position. I wasn’t in any condition to be on top just yet, but I’d been missing her pressed against me. Our bond was so fresh, and I might’ve been feeling a bit needy after being ready to throw down my life for her.

“Are you okay for this?” she asked, tracing her fingers over my cheek. “I’m not hurting you?”

“You’d be able to feel if you were,” I pointed out.

Elation poured through the bond again, and she tipped forward to kiss me until it felt like I might pass away from lack of oxygen. Her forehead pressed softly against mine. “I haven’t properly thanked you for saving me. I’m sure there are probably better times to say it, but I love you so much. I hated every time you left us, and the selfish part of me is glad that we bonded, even if by accident, because it means you never have to leave me again.”

Every word out of her mouth loosened a knot that had lived in my chest for years. I had always known that she wanted me, and certainly that she was fond of me, but I hadn’t quite let myself dream that she loved me.

“Lo, I love you an absolutely ridiculous amount, and I’m more than happy to stay for as long as you’ll have me.”

Her next kiss was like fire, the tendrils of her magic brushing over my skin as she rucked up the skirt of her dress and tugged down the simple sweatpants I wore. I threw my head back as she lowered herself down. I shouldn’t have been surprised at how wet she was already, considering Yelena and Velda had played with her earlier, but it caught me off guard how easily we fit together.

I held my breath as she moved. It was hard to think, or do much of anything, with the slick heat of her body enveloping mine. The surges of pleasure in her own body from her bringing us together shot through the bond like lightning. Logan’s eyes glowed with power, mewls pouring from her lips as she moved in a steady rhythm. I locked my fingers onto the softness of her hips, kneading like the contented cat I was.

Being with her was overwhelming in every sense. The feel of her drowned out everything else, the noises she made were the only sound my ears could perceive, the rest of the room blurred out so my eyes could focus on only her, and the scent of her arousal filled every breath. All that was left was to taste her again.

I dragged her toward me, greedily licking into her mouth and taking her lips with my own. Through it all, her hips never faltered, her body chasing the pleasure for both of us.

“Fuck, Seth, I’m so close.”

“Come for me, Lo.”

She cried out against my mouth, her hand locking around the amulet I wore at my throat. The wave of my own pleasure as I burst inside her was almost eclipsed by the tsunami of hers flooding through the bond until I was drowning. The heat of her was just on the tolerable side of unbearable, the amulet in her hand blazing with light, absorbing the bulk of the power she delivered.

I had no idea how long it took us to come down off that high. We were like the shoreline—waves crashing and withdrawing to return again, bathing us in a swell of pleasure. Slow kisses eased us down from the peak until eventually she pulled away, tidying me up with an eager tongue before replacing my pants like she had found them.

“I’m going to rinse off. Do you mind if I…”

“Caden is your mate, bonded or not. I’m never going to stand in the way of you two being together. And I definitely don’t want to stand in the way of you getting as many orgasms as possible in this life.”

Logan laughed and laid another dizzying kiss on me before disappearing into the bathroom.

While I lay there floating in the aftermath, Haru returned to the suite, hopping up to put his front paws on the edge of the bed.

Want to come for some fresh air?

“Fresh air sounds amazing.”

Did you and the witch have fun?

“A lot of fun actually. I might try to walk down.”

You’re feeling well enough for that?

“I think so. Logan charged the amulet and I got a bit of a boost too. Maybe I’ll try panther form. Then I have four legs to keep me upright instead of two.”

Haru nodded and sat back, waiting while I slipped into the familiar form. The amulet swung from my neck when I hopped down off the bed, stretching every muscle before giving myself a good shake.

Hey, Lo, Haru and I are going for a walk.

Have fun. I love you.

Love you too.

Haru managed the elevator and the two of us rode down to the main level together and out into the misty afternoon. I hadn’t quite realized how much I’d been missing fresh air.

Flickers of pleasure still rolled through me every so often, presumably from Logan being taken care of upstairs. I didn’t mind it at all, but it was a bit distracting.

Haru led me to the garden that was full to bursting with fresh produce. I only recognized a few—carrots, beans, beets—with most of the garden being a mishmash of beautiful greenery, flowers, and fruit trees.

I still wasn’t at full strength, so we paused to rest often. It was nice to sit with Haru curled at my side where I could feel the grass beneath my paws and breathe in the cacophony of scents from the garden.

What do you think the monster’s doing? I asked.

It’s on the other side of the nest. Haru replied. I didn’t want to see it while we were out together. It seems to stick by the gates.

That’s good to know.

I flopped backwards and looked up at him from the dirt. Haru licked my cheek and nuzzled my face with his. It would’ve been nice if fate had given us an easy path. I appreciated this nest for what it was, but a part of me was afraid of what would happen after. If we succeeded in our task, Logan and Caden would go back to Syracuse. I had to go with them. But I didn’t want to leave Haru either. A long-distance romance was difficult to manage when you lived a lot of your life as a cat and didn’t have the money to be crisscrossing the nation. But I knew Haru wouldn’t leave here. He and Yelena were as good as bonded even if it wasn’t official yet.

What’s going on in your head? Haru nudged my cheek with his nose.

A lot of things I probably shouldn’t be worried about considering the high probability of death.

Who says there’s a high probability?

To be fair I did almost die already.

Haru snorted. But you didn’t. And the witch is learning more and more about her power.

You can call her by her name, you know. I set a paw against his side, feeling the plush fur against my toe beans.

I’m trying not to get attached. I’m already far too attached to you, Haru replied.

Are we sharing the same brain cell today?

Haru let out a huffing sound that I assumed was their version of a laugh. Were you worrying about the same?

I might’ve been. I’m ready to walk more.

I rolled to my feet, shaking the dirt from my fur. Haru stayed pressed against my side as we walked the back edge of the nest barrier. The forest stretched out, seemingly endless, and it went against every instinct I had not to race through those trees.

This monster is really throwing off my groove.

Haru snorted again. It’s throwing off everyone’s groove. No one likes being cooped up.

Then I guess we had better get to work and help Logan figure out how to kill this thing so life can get back to normal.

Haru nudged my hip with his. Are you going to be part of that normal?

I spun slowly, running my cheek down his body, scent marking him in a fit of boldness. I’m sure going to try.

“What are you looking so happy about?” Kendrick asked as I entered Calliope’s suite for the resuming of our meeting.

“Absolutely nothing that’s any of your fucking business.”

He scowled and rolled his eyes, but blessedly kept his mouth shut. He didn’t need to know the inner workings of our playtime and discoveries. And he certainly didn’t need to know how close the little witch and I had gotten. We hadn’t had an omega in the nest for so long, and I hadn’t been ravenous in even longer. Playing with her had woken a fire inside me.

Was it greedy of me to get involved with Logan when I had four claimants in my suite already? Probably. But I placed no restrictions on them and they placed none on me in return.

“Is this going to be an actually productive meeting?” I asked. “Or are you and Shakti committed to roadblocking us?”

“It’s not my fault she and I are the only ones to see reason. I know that you live up Yelena’s ass, but you’re allowed to form your own opinions.”

I flipped him the bird just as Yelena and Logan stepped into Calliope’s suite.

“Lovely to see everyone getting along.” Yelena moved to my side, Logan trotting after her.

Her cheeks flamed pink as she got close. “Hi, Velda.”

“Hello, little witch. Did you have a good afternoon?”

The bloom of her arousal was evident, and I caught the flare of Kendrick’s nostrils as it registered. She’d be turning on the whole nest, running around smelling that delectable, and Kendrick was no exception.

“Don’t tell me you’ve got a crush on Velda?” Kendrick asked with another dramatic eye roll.

I looped an arm around Logan’s neck and pulled her close, stealing a kiss before turning to Kendrick. “What’s the matter, hooves? Mad that she doesn’t have one on you?”

He turned red with impotent fury. “Like I’d want anything to do with her.”

Logan had that wide-eyed innocence as she looked between the three of us. Yelena pressed against her back, her gaze focused on Kendrick as she slipped her fingers around Logan’s throat.

Kendrick probably would have growled if he were able to, but we did manage to get a foot stomp out of him, his breath sharp like he was ready to charge.

“Um…could we maybe not do this in public?” Logan pleaded quietly.

Yelena laughed and nuzzled her cheek against Logan’s hair. “Not an exhibitionist, precious?”

“No, I am. He just doesn’t deserve to see it.”

I didn’t think anything could’ve caught the three of us more off guard than that statement. Kendrick looked completely dumbstruck, and I started laughing so hard I could barely breathe.

Fucking with Kendrick was always a great pastime, and I was pleased as punch to have a new method for doing so. We all knew that he wanted the witch. The only reason he didn’t have her was that Yelena had stepped in.

“You all had better be behaving out there,” Calliope called from the bedroom.

“We absolutely are not,” I replied.

Shakti finally joined us, cutting off our momentary entertainment. We settled around the dining table, and Murdoch helped Calliope into her seat before fetching us the snack and drink cart we could hear coming down the hall.

“We need to figure out how to keep people from freaking out,” said Calliope.

“Easier said than done.” I leaned comfortably in my chair, draping my hand over Logan’s.

“I think we should use our newly acquired information,” said Yelena.

“Which information is that?” I asked.

“We should plan a live show. It’s been a while since we’ve had one, and better an orgy than a brawl.”

I laughed, snatching up a cookie for the tray as Murdoch set it down for us. “Thank you, Murdoch. And who are you expecting to perform in this show?”

“Logan, of course.”

The little witch squeaked, her jasmine and forest scent making my pussy clench.

“I’m not a performer.”

“I’m pretty sure you could be, precious. Obviously you don’t have to, but if you come around to the inclination of getting your pleasure in front of a crowd, plenty of the nest would be having a good time.”

I set my hand on the back of her neck, breathing in the fresh burst of her scent and feeling the buzz of her power against my skin. “Thoughts and feelings?”

“I don’t think I should say them out loud.”

Kendrick scoffed. “That’s the whole fucking point of these meetings.”

“Okay.” Logan took a deep breath to steady herself. “I’m not saying no to the idea because it does kind of sound like fun, but I think I need to get the nest residents to respect me as a Protector before I put myself on display like that.”

“That sounds like you’re expecting this lockdown to go on for a long time,” said Shakti.

“Well, yes. At least until we can figure out how to kill the monster so people can leave again.”

Shakti tapped her nails against the table. “Unbelievable. You caused this whole fucking mess and now we have to clean it up.”

Logan bristled. “That monster had already killed multiple people before we went on the run. It’s very likely that if it hadn’t been chasing us it would’ve killed a lot more. Now we have a chance to regroup, to figure things out while it’s focused on us and not out hunting. I don’t know why it wants us, but at this point, I’m kind of seeing it as a blessing that it does because that means it’s not going anywhere until it has us. I know I’m putting this nest in danger, but I would rather do that, knowing you five have the strength to protect these people, than to have let it run wild and consume the lives and magic of who the hell knows how many others.”

Shakti rolled her eyes, but I knew the praise buried in that speech would’ve struck perfectly with her.

“Logan’s right,” I said. “It’s like we’re drawing the Eye of Sauron so that the ring can be tossed into the volcano.”

Calliope giggled and Kendrick grit his teeth. I didn’t pull out my references very often, but they always got that same reaction.

“Now, focus.” I waved back to Logan. “What else can we do to help everyone stay calm?”

Logan raised a tentative hand.

“We’re not in kindergarten, precious,” said Yelena. “You can speak at any time.”

“Okay, this might sound weird, but has anyone considered zoomies?” Half the table stared at her blankly until she took another breath and launched into an explanation. “So, you know how cats run around all crazy in the middle of the night? What if we could convince people to go into their travel-sized forms, just for short bursts, so that although the size of the nest doesn’t change, it would get a lot bigger for them. You could even do things like races in different hallways to tire people out, you could set up makeshift agility courses on the lawn, you could⁠—”

“We’re shifters, not animals,” Shakti snapped.

“I know that. But that doesn’t mean it won’t help. Haru said a lot of shifters don’t feel comfortable in their smaller forms because they don’t feel safe. Maybe the rules of the nest need to change so they do.”

“You can’t just change how an international refuge system works.” Kendrick shoved a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated huff.

“I’m not trying to,” Logan defended. “I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to the general rules of how everything works changing, but I’m just trying to offer solutions for right here and right now.”

“I’d be willing,” I said, giving Logan a wink when she turned to me.

“Of course you would.” Kendrick gave another eye roll. That man was going to detach his retinas one day doing that.

“We would have to do it first,” said Yelena. “Leading by example, and all that. Obviously not everyone will be on board with the idea, but it is solid reasoning if we could convince even half a nest to make use of their small forms.”

Logan looks like she might absolutely burst with excitement.

“Are you that happy we agreed to your idea?”

“I mostly just want to see everyone’s small forms. But also yes.”

“We didn’t agree to her idea,” Shakti pointed out.

“I’m on board to try it,” said Calliope. “So that gives us a majority.”

“Fuck’s sake.” Kendrick tore into a croissant, chewing so hard he could probably crack a tooth.

“All right.” I clapped my hands together. “Well, now that we’re agreed, we can sort out the plans for that. But we should really get Logan introduced to the nest. We can’t let that go over too long, so might as well rip off the Band-Aid, and do it right now.”

Before anyone could protest, I hopped out of my seat and punched the button for the intercom by the door.

“Attention nest residents. We have a very important announcement. Please make your way to the throne room as soon as possible and your Protectors will join you there momentarily. Please be advised nothing is wrong, besides the obvious lockdown, so none of my anxiety babies need to stress. Velda out.”

“Calliope, are you okay to join us?” Yelena asked. “Just long enough that we can make the announcement and then we can get you back to bed.”

“I can manage.” Calliope nodded. “It’ll be nice to see everyone.”

The group of us rode the elevator down together, Murdoch carrying Calliope bridal style. He settled her on her throne, moving through the already gathered throng of people. Logan moved to stand by her side between her and Yelena, and the rest of us took up our places.

We would wait a few minutes for more people to join, and Cora fetched a microphone so that we could be broadcast over the speakers for those who had opted not to join. I spotted Laila, one of my claimants, in the crowd, her black granite skin glinting in the light, her wings tucked neatly behind her with a thick braid of equally dark hair hanging over her shoulder. I hopped over to talk to her for a moment.

“Hey, stranger. Where have you been hiding?”

“In the library. I’m helping Margaret do research for Yelena’s witch.”

“Speaking of, I’m going to consider her my witch.”

“Good to know. You’re being summoned.” Laila spun me toward the thrones, where Yelena was gesturing for me to join them.

Cora gave the microphone to Calliope as I took my seat.

“As you already know, I’ve been on bed rest with this pregnancy, and I’ve been unable to fulfill some of my usual duties as a Protector. Many of you also know we now have a witch in our midst. I have decided that for the rest of the duration of this pregnancy, and potentially for sometime afterwards while I recover, that Logan Murphy will be taking over my active role as Protector.”

A murmur rolled through the crowd, but no one seemed particularly upset by this announcement.

“I will still maintain all of my authority, but I will be training Logan in the running of the nest, and you will be able to treat her as you would me. While we conduct her training, please put your focus into Kendrick, Yelena, Shakti, and Velda.”

Calliope handed the microphone to Logan. “Hello, everyone. I know I’m new to the nest, but I promise I’m going to do my best to keep you safe, and I promise to learn quickly so I can help everyone while Calliope gets the rest she needs. Thank you.”

I took up the microphone. “We are still waiting on news about information that will eventually end the lockdown. And I promise we are working on solutions to make the time until then bearable, no pun intended.”

I lied. It was totally intended, but it made a few people laugh, which was my entire goal, and even the ones that rolled their eyes at my bear pun secretly liked it. I’m sure.

“Please be patient with us. We are all doing the best we can and your safety, as always, is our top priority.”

I passed a microphone to Yelena. “We will all be available for questions, and as usual, you are free to reach out to us afterward if you find your questions not answered to your satisfaction in our Q&A. There is a lot of research going on in the background right now, and a lot of work being done to make sure everyone is safe. Over the next few days, we will be implementing new measures, and more information about all of that will follow.”

I zoned out a bit as Shakti and Kendrick said their pieces, instead focusing on Logan, noting the tension in her body and the fire in her gaze. I didn’t know if we would all make it out of this alive, but I’d be willing to bet that Logan wouldn’t let us go down without a fight.

“Think about it,” I said to the rest of the Protectors when we’d re-gathered post-Q&A. “The rules of a nest are that if people don’t like how things are, they can leave. Except no one can leave. You can’t expect the same rules to be followed when there’s no recourse.”

I didn’t know much about shifter society at large, but nests were everywhere in the world, and from what I could tell, they all followed the same basic rules and had for quite some time. I had no idea what the turnover rate was at this nest, and I had only Seth’s stories of the Orlando nest to compare to, but even with that, I knew that where we were was an improvement.

None of the Protectors could negate what I said. If they didn’t make an adjustment for extreme circumstances, who knew what would happen? I was also hopeful that things would change long-term as well as short, and maybe that would have a ripple effect to other nests. I knew many older people were resistant to change, and shifters lived so long they got set in their ways, but that didn’t mean they were incapable of change.

“You’re getting bold,” Yelena told me as we left the meeting.

“Feels like I have to be.” I shrugged. “I never was before, not really, but the whole life and death situation doesn’t really allow me the luxury of pussyfooting.”

“Fair enough.”

“I wasn’t just an accountant before. I also fostered neonatal kittens. I know it’s not the same, but I got pretty good practice with making sure they had proper enrichment in an enclosed space. A lot of people don’t like to acknowledge it, but people are animals, too, and I think we might need to apply the same measures.”

I nodded. Most objections to being compared to animals stemmed from humans’ treatment of them, and the assumption that they were less intelligent, their lives less rich. But humans knew so little about the world around them. Shifters were in a unique position to know how bright and blessed the lives of animals could be.

“Do we have any spare carpet?” I asked.

“Probably somewhere in the basement. Why?”

“I want to make a climbing wall. At least for the felines. I’m trying to think what we have in the nest that could be easily modified.” I stopped short. “Should we be talking about Protector stuff without the others?”

“It’s fine, precious. They know the general plan. I’ll help you execute the rest.”

“What do you think about a leaderboard?”

“Explain.”

“A competition would encourage participation, and that’s what we want. I don’t know what sort of prize would be at stake, but we could assign points to different activities, obviously with a bonus if someone won a particular one, have a public leaderboard, so everyone can see where they stand. The ones who are really competitive will participate in extra things trying to win.”

“That’s a good idea, precious. There’s no shortage of competitive spirits here.”

I beamed at her acceptance. “The official grounds aren’t enormous, but I think we could set up something really fun to help people stretch their legs. You said that the Protectors would participate?”

“Yes,” she said. “I think that would get things rolling nicely.”

“Does that mean I get to see your lion form?”

“Precious, if you wanted to see my pussy, you could just ask.”

I laughed and sputtered at the same time, ending up choking on my own spit, while Yelena laughed and opened the door to her suite.

Caden was right there, tugging me into his arms. Seth was sprawled on the bed in his panther form with Haru tucked against him, both of them lifting a lazy head to look at us.

“How did the meeting go?” Caden asked.

Once I had recovered enough to breathe, I answered, “Better than expected. Do you think you could help me re-create some of the things we had at home for the kittens?”

He looked completely confused, but nodded anyway. “Sure. What for?”

I explained the premise of our plan, and Haru hopped off the bed, giving a luxurious stretch before shaking every inch of himself. It took a lot of willpower to not say “oooh, big stretch!” out loud.

I suppose this place would feel a lot bigger if I spent time in my small form. It feels a lot more doable with everyone else doing that as well. Less threat.

I wanted to ask to see his small form so badly, and I was pretty sure that was obvious to everyone based on the way he let out a snort-huff I had learned with his expression of humor.

Don’t be shy, witch.

“You’re safe in here, right? Could I see what your small form is? Just for a second.”

Haru sidled up against my legs, his plush fur brushing over my skin. I watched with wild glee as they shrank down into something that looked approximately like an Alaskan Klee Kai. Haru looked up at me with their big brown eyes.

Happy?

I dropped immediately to my knees and cupped his perfect face in my hands. “Oh my gods. You’re so cute I can hardly stand it.” Haru didn’t protest when I dropped my forehead to theirs, following up with a line of kisses up their snout.

Haru gave a tentative lick to my cheek.

“You do look rather adorable, my love.” Yelena knelt at my side and gave Haru a few strokes down his back.

He did the puppy head tilt at her.

“Very well.” A moment later Yelena was replaced by a lioness.

“Holy shit.” Even though I knew it was her, my heart kicked into gear, and I was absolutely frozen as she ran her cheek against mine and whacked the top of her head against my chest, knocking me over onto my butt.

Caden shifted instantly, standing protectively close. Yelena was several inches taller than Caden at the shoulders, and probably had close to a hundred pounds on him in his panther form. I was pretty sure if it came down to a fight, Yelena would win easily.

She took immediate advantage of my new position, knocking me over even further, so she could stand above me and drag her sandpaper tongue over my cheek.

Your heart is beating so fast, precious. What do you think?

“You’re so beautiful.” I stroked a tentative hand down her chest and over her belly, reaching up until I could lace my fingers above her spine and lift myself into an awkward hug. “Scary as fuck, but beautiful.”

Her laughter echoed in my head. She lowered me down and a moment later her lioness form disappeared and was replaced by a small golden cat that reminded me a bit of the Abyssinian breed. I scooped her straight into my arms, kissing the top of her head on impulse. My hands always knew what to do when there was a cat in them, and I quickly got her purr going.

Haru settled against my legs, still in their small form, resting their chin on my ankle. Caden stayed in his panther form but settled down next to me, content that Yelena wasn’t a threat for the moment. Seth slid off his bed slowly, taking measured steps toward us before dropping down at my feet to rest his head next to Haru.

Seth and Caden should have prepared me for a situation like this, but somehow going from two shifters to four was wigging my brain out. Yelena was purring up a storm in my arms and it was probably the first moment things felt almost normal since we’d arrived.

It didn’t last for long before Yelena took the opportunity to shift into her human form, every inch of her exquisite body devoid of clothes. She crouched over me and leaned down to steal a kiss while my brain was still catching up to this change of events. Cinnamon bathed my tongue and a pulse of power burst out of me, rousing the sleepy shifters gathered around us.

Yelena laughed softly. “Precious, was that for me?”

She slid off me like water, stepping over Caden to gather up the dress that had fallen discarded to the floor. The gown returned to her body with deliberate slowness. A scattering of scars broke up the smooth perfection of her skin. Yelena’s eyes flickered between brown and gold, capturing my attention so she could keep eye contact with me the entire time she dressed, my heart pounding and clit tingling as I watched her. As much as my impulse was to examine every inch of her, I couldn’t drag my gaze away from her face once she had ensnared me.

“Come here, precious.” She crooked her finger and I rose off the floor, giving Seth and Haru a pat before moving toward her.

Yelena dropped to the bed, spreading her legs to let me stand between her knees. I moved like she was a magnet, helpless against the draw. I could feel the gaze of the others on me, keenly aware that I was in a room full of predators. My brain loved that in its twisted way, sending ripples of pleasure over my skin. Yelena’s eyes flashed gold, her fangs peeking out as she grinned at me.

“There’s my good girl. I think you deserve a reward.”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “For what?”

“In part for using that beautiful mind of yours today, but also I’d like to return some of the pleasure you just gave me. I haven’t gotten my purr going in ages.”

I came to a stop between her knees, and both of her hands moved to cup my ass cheeks, the prick of her claws teasing my skin beneath my skirt.

“Do you mind the audience?”

Goosebumps broke over my skin. For as close as Yelena and I had gotten thus far, having her hands on me with this specific intent was overwhelming in the best way. “Only if they do.”

“Darlings, I’m going to take Logan apart. If you don’t want to watch, go somewhere else.”

The room fell into complete silence, not one of them moving from where they were.

“There now, where were we?” Yelena tugged down the straps of my dress and one of my bra cups, surging forward to enclose the nipple in her mouth. The sound that leapt free was feral and the sweep of her tongue sent electricity down my spine, my clit responding as if she were sucking on that instead. I reached out eager hands, desperate for purchase, my nails digging into her shoulders as I struggled for balance.

Caden’s silky fur brushed along the backs of my legs before he hopped up on the bed and lay down, still in his panther form.

She’ll come if you keep that up.

“Traitor,” I gasped out.

“Not a traitor, precious. If he wants to share your secrets, I’ll take all of them. You might not be mine to command anymore, but I’m certainly more than capable of bringing you to your knees.”

“Hop on the bed for me, precious.”

Logan hesitated only briefly, her gaze skirting to the others watching, before she climbed on and turned to face me once she’d reached the headboard.

I didn’t generally perform in front of an audience, but the secrets I’d discovered about Logan were too tempting to resist. She shivered, waiting for my approach. I settled in front of her, tugging off her socks, lifting each leg in turn to lay a kiss to her ankles. She tipped back carefully, lifting her hair so it spread in a halo around her. I yanked my own skirt out of the way and climbed over her, settling my hips over hers and bending for a kiss. She tasted like the wild places of my childhood, crisp and clean, as intoxicating as the endless forests that surrounded the nest.

The shiver of her body beneath mine was a power trip, one I was familiar enough with from Haru, but I savored it nonetheless. The heat of her sank through my dress and into my skin, and the presence of her panther next to us was its own unique heat.

Do you want to help, panther?

I always want to touch her. Do you want me to help?

I won’t say no to the assist. You already know the secrets her body holds and we both want her pleasure.

I saw him nod out of the corner of my eye and a moment later the cat was replaced by the man. His fingers slipped through hers and she pulled away to look first at him, and then at me with questions floating around in her eyes.

“You don’t mind if we play with you together, do you, precious?”

She shook her head.

“You know that’s not how we answer in these situations.” Caden’s voice had dropped low, just short of a growl, and Logan let out a whimper, closing her eyes.

“Please,” she whispered.

Is she trained?

Caden’s gaze flicked to me, then back to Logan. She submits in bed, but nowhere else. We have rules to keep her safe and she follows them with some reminders.

“Precious, that’s not very convincing. Tell us what you want.”

Caden moved up the bed, getting comfortable at her head, where he gathered up her wrists and held them to the bed at his sides, her head in his lap.

“Please…” Her voice slipped into a whine when her arms flexed and she found herself immobile in his grasp. “You know it’s hard to think when I’m like this.”

He smiled indulgently at her. “I do know, which is why it’s even more important for you to be clear.”

Logan huffed, wriggling her hips beneath me. “I want both of you.”

“Good girl. Are you excited to play with more than one alpha at a time?”

“Yes, mistress,” she gasped out.

My purr startled me, vibrating my chest as I took in the flushed and needy omega beneath me. I dipped back down to her mouth, much more aware of Caden in this position where my hair brushed his chest. Logan’s scent grew wilder by the second as she squirmed between the two of us.

A soft gasp sounded off to my side, and I angled to see that Seth and Haru had returned to their human forms, Haru at Seth’s back with the panther’s cock in his hand.

“Precious, have a look what you’re doing to your mate with those sounds.”

She bowed up with each stroke of Haru’s hand. I’d forgotten how fresh their bond was, and how potent it must be.

“Haru, pause one moment.” My wolf’s hand stilled, and I lowered my head to suck Logan’s nipple into my mouth again, catching the sharp intake of Seth’s breath. I’d never had this unique opportunity for play before.

Haru, the two of them share pleasure through the bond. Whatever you do to Seth, Logan will feel.

My wolf’s gaze lit with fire, resuming his stroking, mouth dancing over the curve of Seth’s shoulder. Logan whined, the sound pitching as I focused back on her breast.

Caden’s voice slipped into my thoughts. If you stay focused there, you can make her come. Even better if you bring out the fangs. She likes those. But if you hurt her, I’ll fight you even knowing I can’t win.

I won’t hurt her.

I dragged my fangs over Logan’s delicate skin, pulling back as she arched so they didn’t pierce through.

Can I strip you, precious?

“Yes,” she gasped out.

I wrestled her gracelessly out of her dress, dragging it and the bra down until I could toss it behind me, leaving her in only a pair of blue cotton panties. I dropped kisses on her stomach and hooked my fingers into the waistband to pull those down too. Every inch of her trembled beautifully. Between Caden holding her down, me touching her, and Haru stoking her through her bond with Seth, Logan’s squirming was getting unruly, shudders rolling through her as she tried to cope with the sensations.

Once the panties were tossed behind me, I scooped up both of her ankles and hooked them over my shoulders as I slid down to bury my face between her thighs. The heat rising off her skin was like a sauna, the taste and scent of her like sun-baked cedar. Those perfect feral sounds poured out of her mouth as I slipped my tongue through her slick, lips fastening around her clit to suck hard.

“Sweet fuck,” she breathed out, bucking against my mouth.

I locked my hands around her thighs, both holding her down and open. Her mewls were like music, fueling every sweep of my tongue until magic and heat were crackling over her skin, just shy of burning me where I dug my fingers into her soft thighs. I suctioned onto her clit until Logan was vibrating with tension, poised on the edge. I drew back.

“No!” She rocked her hips helplessly. “Please, gods, Yelena, I⁠—”

I gave her one luxurious lick, certainly not enough to tip her to completion, but enough to draw out a long, needy whine that had pleasure simmering in my belly. Her whole body twitched, sweat making her skin glow as she struggled in my and Caden’s grips.

“Precious, let’s see how much power this little body can hold.”

She whimpered so perfectly, already panting. “Can’t we just let me come in peace?”

“We could, but where would the fun be in that?”

“Please, please, just let me. I feel like I’m going to burst.”

I nuzzled my cheek against her thigh. “You won’t. You will learn to hold your power, to let it grow. And you’re going to be a good girl and let me play with you how I like. Isn’t that right, precious?”

Logan shuddered, gulping in a deep breath. “Yes, mistress.”

The words sank down to my bones. She didn’t have to call me that when she was a Protector, but I couldn’t deny how much I liked it that she did anyway. Watching her struggle to obey, to submit to my desires made my head swim. The untapped potential of her magic was just waiting to be discovered, and lucky for us, the method to figure it all out was something we wanted to do anyway.

She bowed up when I slipped two fingers inside her, adding a third when they slid in easily. “That’s it, precious. You take what we give you.”

Her pussy squeezed me tightly, slow pulses each time Seth made a squeak of pleasure or she tested the strength of Caden’s grip.

She likes a rougher touch. You don’t have to be as gentle as you think.

I glanced up at Caden, noting the flush in his cheeks and the flickers of gold in his gaze. The panther liked being part of things, even if he wasn’t willing to say that out loud. I could respect his struggles here, though I wanted him to resolve them faster than he seemed capable of.

What sort of touch do you like, panther?

Logan squeaked. “You’re squishing my wrists.”

“Sorry.” Caden adjusted his grip, focusing on me with a shallow breath. That’s not relevant to you.

I laughed softly, dipping down to tease Logan’s mouth while I finger-fucked her. It will be.

Caden was like a wall of energy atop my head while I indulged myself in our omega.

Focus on Logan. Don’t worry about me.

Every muscle in our witch’s body was pulled taut as a bowstring, and Caden dropped his attention down to her, steadfastly ignoring me when I looked up at him. Panther, I always worry about what’s mine.

I lifted my head, hovering an inch from his face, and was met with a barely banked inferno in his eyes. Don’t play this game with me, Yelena.

Don’t make it so tempting.

I thought about kissing him just to see what he’d do, but instead I ran my cheek along his, pausing to whisper in his ear, “You’re going to break for me one day, panther, and it’s going to be fucking delicious when you do.”

His answering growl burned through me and Logan yelped. I looked down at her to see her hands bound in one of his, his fingers pinching her nipple. Focus. On. Logan.

I drew away and buried my face between her thighs again, keeping up the rhythm with my fingers until she crested the edge once more. She sobbed when I pulled away again, every inch of her shaking.

I hummed, watching the flush of pink on her skin and the tremble in her muscles. Her eyes blazed with light, magic infusing every molecule of her being. “You’re so beautiful when you’re desperate, precious. I think you can take one more.”

Her whimper was like a drug hit. “Please, please, I can’t, I need…”

“What, precious? You need someone to fuck this pretty pussy until you forget your own name?”

“Yes,” she gasped. “Please, gods.”

I pressed my thumb against her clit until she keened, struggling in vain between Caden and me. “That’s my good girl. Why don’t you show me just how much you want to come while you let your panther take care of you.” Haru, can you please fetch my jewels?

He kissed Seth’s cheek before hopping up to complete the task I set before him. I had a plethora in my rooms, tucked away for more formal occasions, but I didn’t want to risk Logan blowing this suite sky-high, so I needed somewhere to funnel her energy.

“Circle around the bed, darling.”

Haru disappeared again, collecting some of the larger chunks of crystals that we kept in the suite, arranging them around the bed, tucking some underneath to complete the circle, before passing me a handful of gems.

Thank you, darling. You can go back to Seth.

Caden and I rearranged Logan, her face one of pure bliss as he sank into her from behind. I braced a chunk of emerald beneath one of her hands, raw and unfaceted, but just as capable of holding power. I put a sapphire beneath the other and fastened a string of polished quartz beads around her neck, then a handful more hooked together to form a belt around her waist.

As much as I wanted to devour every sweet, perfect sound she made, I had a better use for that mouth. Logan didn’t make a peep of protest as I wove my fingers through her hair and brought her lips to my cunt. She stared up at me with round eyes, uncertainty floating among the haze of lust.

Have you fucked a woman before, precious?

Her tongue swept over me before she drew back. “Yes, but it’s been a while.”

“I trust you’ll find your way.”

Caden fucked into her and Logan buried her moan against me, lips and tongue teasing every bit she could reach. She kept the stones clutched in her hands, but readjusted to press them against my thighs so she could grip both.

“She wants to know if she’s allowed to come this time,” Seth gasped out. I was confused for a few seconds before I realized that he was the only one she could telepathically communicate with.

I let the tips of my claws come out and gently scratched her scalp. “You can come, precious. As soon as you’re ready.”

She grew voracious between my thighs, as if the statement renewed every cell in her body, knowing she wouldn’t be dragged back from the edge again. I growled softly as she sucked on my clit, letting all of my claws prick her skin while I held her close. Caden did the same, a light coating of black fur dancing up his arms from his fingertips, his claws ever so carefully holding Logan in place as she shivered and whined between us.

The twitching of her muscles let me know how close she was. She doubled down against my cunt, every frantic lick taking me closer to the edge. Her power washed over me like the tide, as potent and satisfying as if she were touching all of me herself. I closed my eyes to bask in the sounds and sensations of all five of us, Logan’s eager mouth carrying me up.

I burst a moment before she did, opening my eyes to see Caden reaching between her thighs and taking her over the edge before his own movements grew erratic. I braced myself for the swell of Logan’s power, the gems touching her skin lighting up, the circle around us flickering as all the energy we built in her was released. I locked eyes with Caden, purely for the pleasure of seeing how long he would be able to maintain eye contact before turning away, emotion flushing his skin when he finally did.

Our omega sank down, panting, letting her cheek rest against my thigh.

I smoothed her hair. “Well done, precious. When you’re ready, we’ll put that power to work.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?” Logan asked for the third time.

“Yes,” I promised again. “I’m just adjusting.”

Was everything weird as hell? Absolutely. Was I struggling with the shift in relationships? Of course. But I was coming to terms with how things were and how I knew they would be changing as we moved forward. I wasn’t particularly comfortable with Yelena. Truthfully, I wasn’t entirely certain what I felt around Yelena, but Logan liked her, and that was enough for now. All the rest would come in time.

My omega was sweetly curled around me, everyone else giving us some time alone after last night. Watching Yelena with Logan was a lot. More than I expected. I knew how things worked with Logan. Yelena was new, and she knew what she wanted, knew how to direct the situation to her liking. She was cocky, self-assured…intoxicating in a way I didn’t know what to do with. Part of me felt disloyal to even consider it. The permission Logan had given me didn’t assuage any of the guilt or any of the currents of confusion and desire that roiled inside me.

Many shifters practiced polyamory, so much so that I was probably out of the ordinary for attaching myself to a single person. I had partnered pretty freely in my youth; most of us did. But when it came to serious commitments? Most omegas wouldn’t even dream of a single partner when they thrived having multiples. Not to mention it was near impossible for one person to take on an omega’s heat successfully. Logan needed them and it was up to me to manage my own anxiety. I’d always worried I wasn’t enough for one person, but now I would have to prove otherwise even though introducing more into the picture seemed like a recipe for disaster.

“I’m gonna go ahead and not believe you.” Logan climbed onto my lap, straddling carefully so she could look down at me. “You are way too up in your head. What part are you struggling with? Is it too much for me to be with Yelena?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s…”

When I trailed off, she poked my chest. “Talk to me. We always talk. Whatever it is, we can figure it out.”

“I don’t mind you with Yelena,” I said honestly. “You trust her and I can be content with that, even if I’m not there yet.”

“Maybe you should spend more time with her. Just the two of you. Things are moving so fast, and I want you to be comfortable, but I don’t know how to help with that.” Logan tucked closer, her fingers cupping my cheek. “What do you need from me? ’Cause I’ll tell you until I’m blue in the face that I love you a frankly ridiculous amount, and if I have any say in it, you’re stuck with me until the end of time.”

I couldn’t help but smile. She’d been sweet and loving to me since the moment we’d met and she’d never stopped. I knew I had to make room for others to be in her life, and I would. I had with Seth, and even though I was jealous he’d gotten to bond her before me, I was making my peace with it.

“I’m more than happy to be stuck with you. I told you I’m yours as long as you want me, so the only way I’m ever leaving is if you decide you’re done with me.”

“Never gonna happen.” Logan kissed me soundly, coaxing my purr to life and threading her fingers into my hair.

“I think you’re right in that I should spend some time with Yelena. If she’s going to be sticking around too, it’s better for me to get comfortable with her as soon as possible.”

“That sounds fair.”

“Honestly, it seems silly to be worried about my feelings at all when the situation is as high-stakes as it is.”

Logan shook her head vehemently. “You’re my partner, my support in all of this. Hecate made it very clear that we all needed to stand together. We can’t do that if you’re uncomfortable with the team assembling. I don’t know what you need from anyone, but if you want to be friends with them, be lovers to them, or simply a brother-in-arms, all of that is okay with me. I have to keep moving forward, but there’s no fucking way I’m leaving you in the dust while I do it.”

My brave omega. She was taking so many things in stride. She’d done the same when she learned Seth and I were shifters, so I shouldn’t have expected anything else from her. A multitude of things had changed since we’d met, but she was still Logan, still the bright and beautiful woman who had saved me. Whatever she needed I would give her.

Logan claimed my mouth again. I growled softly, flipping her so she was pressed to the bed where I could grind slowly between her spread thighs. Fate had given me such a treasure and I was going to keep her forever. I’d thought I’d known what love was when I’d bonded Rachel and connected with her on a soul level, but with Logan it was all different. Even without a bond we knew what the other was thinking. I still wanted it, though.

I stripped her down, shedding my own clothing in quick succession. She was spread out beneath me like a goddess. A halo of brown strands, dark eyes already beginning to glow with power. I kissed my way down her body and back up, pausing to lap at her slick before venturing back to her mouth.

Logan’s body yielded to mine as I fucked in slowly. Each ferocious squeeze of her pussy around me stilled my movements briefly.

The omega whine she unleashed had every hair on my body standing on end, desire pounding through me like a kettledrum. Holy shit. She had always made the most delicious whines and whimpers, but this was on another level.

“Caden. Fuck me,” she demanded, canting her hips to draw me further in.

There was no denying a request like that. I drove in hard, choking off her next sound and triggering a rush of jasmine-scented slick. Logan took every thrust and came apart in my arms with a burst of power that took my breath away and seared into my skin. I was going to grow to crave that burn. No matter how much it might hurt, I would never be able to stop touching her.

“Take me,” Logan whispered, tipping her head back to expose her throat. “Bond me.”

I craved her down to the marrow of my bones. My fangs descended, teasing her skin while she shuddered and squirmed beneath me.

A beep at the door alerted us to its opening and Haru slipped inside the suite.

Caden, Yelena needs you in the library.

Logan whimpered.

Soon, I promised her. I couldn’t bond her and then sprint out the door, so that particular pleasure would have to be put on pause for the moment. With a sigh, I kissed her again and drew out of her slick heat, turning to Haru. “I’m allowed out?”

For this, yes, Haru replied. I have to escort you.

Being confined to the suite was far from my ideal, especially when Logan was able to come and go as she pleased, and Seth did the same with Haru at his side regularly. I jumped at the opportunity for a short change of scenery.

Haru and I took the elevator down to the library, where Yelena was waiting for me.

“So prompt.” She smirked at me, crooking her fingers to draw me over.

“What do you need help with?” I asked, glancing briefly behind me to see Haru disappear again.

“A couple of things, actually. Another one of our former witch residents replied, but considering the last one, I thought it might be prudent for the two of us to vet her before we put her in contact with Logan. And after that, we need to start setting up some of the plans Logan had to keep everyone calm and comfortable. Tensions are growing by the minute and if we can’t let them out, we need to get inside prepared as quickly as possible.”

“Fair. Who are we talking to today?”

“Heather Chambers. She stayed with us for a few days about a decade ago. I don’t recall her being an enjoyable woman, but too many of the witches are ignoring us or have made themselves completely unreachable, so we’re taking what we can get at this point.” Yelena turned toward the librarian. “Margaret, can you place the call, please?”

“Of course, mistress.”

Yelena took a seat in front of the screen, Margaret and me flanking each side of her. The moment Heather’s face appeared, the world dropped out from under my feet. She stared at me with enormous blue eyes, looking exactly as I remembered her. Hair like fire cascaded past her waist, sharp features highlighted with makeup reminiscent of the ’60s styles.

Panic cascaded through me in a wave I couldn’t hope to stand against.

She’s alive.

The screen went black and Yelena fussed with the keyboard. “Did we lose our connection? What happened?”

I swallowed hard. A million thoughts and emotions clogged my throat, my mind spinning, unable to make sense of what I’d seen.

She was supposed to be dead.

I felt her die, felt the bond snap. How was she alive?

The panic dug in harder. If the bond wasn’t broken, was it still there? Could she reopen it? Could she connect to Logan through me if I bonded her too?

Rachel had been a wedge between Seth and me for so long. It seemed a cruel trick of fate for us to have mended things only for her to appear again. It had to have been fate’s involvement. She obviously didn't want me to find her ever again, and who knew what she would be doing right now to make sure I never did again.

She’s. Alive.

“That wasn’t Heather,” I choked out.

Yelena turned to me, scrutinizing. “Of course it was. I recognize her.”

The world warped around me, reality losing its cohesiveness. I shook my hand, my heart beating a mile a minute. I dug my knuckles into my chest muscles, half-convinced I was a moment away from having a heart attack. “That wasn’t…”

Yelena's sharp gold gaze narrowed. “Margaret, would you please excuse us? Clear the library on your way out.”

The librarian bustled away to do as she was told. As soon as the doors closed and we were enveloped in silence, Yelena stood and pushed me down until I sat on the floor. “Panther, you look like you've seen a ghost.”

“I think—I think I did.”

"Who was that woman to you if not Heather Chambers?”

“Her name used to be Rachel.”

Yelena stared at me for a long moment. “I'm going to need you to elaborate. Who is Rachel?”

“My…” It took me a few tries to actually form the words. “My mate.”

The story continues in THE OMEGA’S BLOODLINE: PART TWO!

Follow SIERRA’S NEWSLETTER for updates on new releases.

Also By Sierra

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Nicky and the Night Owls: Part Two

A Perfect Pack Christmas: A Nicky and the Night Owls Novella

Conference Confidential

Heat Play Love

Knot That Likely

First Heat

First Heat: Second Chances

First Heat: Tying The Knot

CONTEMPORARY

Salacious Salvation

Playtime with Professor

PARANORMAL

Into The Depths

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my husband for enduring my many panic flails and supporting me endlessly through this writing journey.

Thank you to my beta readers: Kristan, Sara B, Rowan, Victoria, Vera, Madam Magpie, Merri, Rena, Gwyneth, Alethea, Sara C, and Layla.

Thank you to DL Manoir for giving Logan her name and listening to my plethora of ideas in the early phases of this story’s conception.

Thank you to Alexia for loving this story and revitalizing my love of it in turn <3

Thank you to my editor, Ivy, for making sure this story sparkles.

And, last but not least, thank YOU for reading this book. I can only bring stories to life because you choose to read them and support me as a writer.