Her Mates

22

Waking up nestled between my mates had become a comfort I never expected to crave. The warmth of their bodies, the way their arms instinctively tightened around me when I stirred—it made me feel safe. Wanted. Loved. And yet, as much as I adored these moments, I knew today wouldn't be easy.

Last night had changed something between us. The intimacy I'd shared with some of them had only deepened our bond, but it also left a lingering tension. Not just the kind that heated my skin when they so much as looked at me, but the kind that made me realize just how entangled we all were. Emilia had been on my mind, too—her touch, her presence. I knew that whatever was happening between all of us, it included her just as much as the others.

A soft sigh left my lips as I slowly shifted, trying not to wake anyone. Zac's arm draped lazily over my waist, his nose buried in my hair. Hunter was curled around me from the other side, his hand resting on my stomach possessively. Dorian had fallen asleep in the chair across the room, his sharp gaze even in sleep making it clear he didn't trust leaving me unguarded.

I wanted to bask in this for a little longer, but reality had other plans. School. Responsibilities. And the inevitable conversation about what last night meant for all of us.

Carefully, I wiggled out from under Zac's arm, his grip tightening briefly before he groaned and let me go. I padded toward the bathroom, taking a moment to splash cold water on my face. When I looked up into the mirror, I barely recognized myself. My lips were swollen from kisses, my skin marked with evidence of my mates' affections. I wasn't the same girl who had walked into their lives weeks ago.

I was theirs. And that realization both thrilled and terrified me.

By the time I came out, the others were stirring. Emilia was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, her hazel eyes filled with something unreadable.

"You okay?" she asked softly.

I nodded, offering her a small smile. "Yeah. Just... processing."

She stepped closer, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You don't have to do this alone, you know."

The weight of her words settled deep in my chest, and before I could overthink it, I reached out, fingers brushing over her wrist. "I know."

A flicker of something passed between us, something electric and unspoken. But before I could dwell on it, the others began moving around the room, muttered good mornings and stolen touches filling the space.

We had to get to school. And I had a feeling today wasn't going to be just another normal day.

The school hallways felt more suffocating than usual, whispers following me wherever I went. I wasn't stupid—I knew people had noticed how much time I spent with my mates, how they hovered protectively around me. The rumor mill had been working overtime, and judging by the glares some of the girls were shooting me, not everyone was happy about it.

I was grabbing my books from my locker when a sharp voice cut through the noise.

"Well, well, if it isn't the little pack slut."

I froze. Slowly, I turned to find Olivia standing there, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. Behind her, a group of her usual minions snickered, watching the scene unfold with eager anticipation.

I sighed, already exhausted. "Really, Olivia? We're doing this?"

Her eyes narrowed. "I don't know what kind of spell you cast on them, but it's pathetic. You think being passed around by a bunch of wolves makes you special?"

The words stung more than I wanted to admit. Not because I believed them, but because they were meant to hurt. I opened my mouth to fire back, but before I could, a low growl rumbled behind me.

Juri.

He stepped forward, his presence radiating raw power, his usually carefree expression dark with warning. "Say that again."

Olivia paled slightly but masked it with a scoff. "I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking."

Juri moved closer, and suddenly, the hallway felt too small. "If I ever hear you talk about Maeve like that again, you'll regret it." His voice was calm, but the threat was very real.

Olivia swallowed hard, her bravado cracking. "Whatever. Have fun with your little pet." She turned on her heel and stormed off, her friends scurrying after her.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Juri turned to me, eyes searching mine. "You okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Thanks."

His lips quirked up in a smirk. "You know I'd fight anyone for you, right?"

Warmth bloomed in my chest. I reached up, touching his arm lightly. "I know."

The tension between us lingered as the moment stretched, something unspoken passing between us. And I knew, deep down, that this was only the beginning.

That tonight, everything was going to change.