My Possessive Alpha Twins For Mate by Vee Jay

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"No... You can't do this to me..." I almost squeezed the words through my teeth, my voice trembling.

My drunk stepfather remained indifferent, his weight suffocating, making it hard to breathe as my heart raced.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and two figures burst in.

"Get off her!" a deafening roar echoed.

I didn't expect the twin brothers who'd bullied me at school to come charging in like gods to save me.

After my grandmother passed, I had to move in with my mom and stepdad, who treated me like a servant. I prayed every day for my 18th birthday to come, so l could leave and escape this broken home.

However, on my first day at my new school, l encountered the legendary twins everyone feared.

To make matters worse, the Moon Goddess revealed they were both my mates!

After helping me out with my stepdad, my twin mate cornered me, played with my hair, and whispered possessively, "You belong to us, our little mate..."

Blurb

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Caden’s POV

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” I quipped, standing up and slipping my arm around my mate.

Oh, she was furious, and damn, was it attractive. Sure, this plan of ours was sneaky, bold, and borderline reckless, but it was exactly what we needed. It got her out of her self-imposed isolation, gave us a chance to meet her parents, and, as a bonus, left her seething—and sexy as hell.

All things considered? Mission accomplished.

Her mom was over the moon about her “finally settling down,” and her dad couldn’t wait to boast to the entire pack that his daughter was mated to Alphas. Oddly enough, they seemed to care more about that than our reputation as star athletes—apparently, human sports weren’t much of a selling point here. Caleb and I had even prepped this elaborate spiel to win over her dad, complete with key points and a few jokes. Total waste of time.

“It makes … something all right,” Lily muttered with a forced smile at her dad, who was currently thumbing through one of her old baby photo albums.

“The picture of her rushing to the potty? Priceless,” Caleb teased, grinning.

“Yeah, by the time she made it, it was already too late,” her dad chuckled, clearly amused.

We joined in on the laughter, though the growl rumbling from Lily’s chest made it hard to keep a straight face. I’d never found her more alluring. Honestly, the entire drive here, knowing she was stuck stewing in her anger for two solid hours, was like the ultimate foreplay.

And the cherry on top? When we arrived, her mom casually mentioned she’d left her phone at her sister’s house, and her dad didn’t even own one. So they hadn’t received a single heads-up about our arrival. It was perfect. Every piece of the puzzle just slid into place, like it was destined to happen this way.

“In. The. House. Now,” Lily snarled, her tone laced with barely restrained fury.

Her parents, oblivious to the tension simmering beneath the surface, just looked delighted. I could tell this moment meant the world to them.

“Anything for you, sweetheart,” I said smoothly, guiding her inside with an arm around her waist. Caleb trailed close behind, his grin widening as her anger practically crackled in the air.

We were getting closer to what we wanted: her shift. Once her wolf emerged, instincts would take over, and there’d be no going back. She’d submit, as nature intended. Some might call it unfair, but I saw it as inevitable. The goddess had chosen us as mates, and there was no fighting that. She didn’t want a rejection, so why not lean into fate and get things moving?

We walked through the kitchen, where we’d just spent an oddly wholesome half-hour helping her mom make lemonade. She’d regaled us with stories of Lily’s high school years—her top grades, her achievements, her complete lack of interest in sports. Not a surprise, really. Her mom, however, had made it clear she wasn’t thrilled with Lily’s current college dating habits. That, of course, she assumed would end now that we were in the picture.

If only she knew our own past. Hell, I prayed she never did. Whatever Lily’s lifestyle, it was probably tame compared to ours. But this? This was our chance to start fresh.

“Are you two absolute idiots?” Lily snapped, stepping into Caleb’s space with a fury that sent a thrill down my spine.

He smirked, crossing his arms.

God, she’s stunning when she’s angry, Caleb said through the mind-link.

Completely irresistible, I agreed, considering how far we should push her.

Caleb, of course, had no limits. He loved to test boundaries. I pushed them too, but I at least knew when to stop.

“No, just eager to meet the family. We’ve already told our parents all about you, and, honestly, it crushed us to know you were hiding us, sexy pants,” Caleb said, fluttering his lashes dramatically.

I laughed, shaking my head. Caleb could’ve been an actor. Our parents, though? They were ecstatic and couldn’t wait to meet Lily. We’d already arranged for her to visit Blood Moon to get acquainted with the pack.

They wouldn’t understand her reluctance about becoming Luna—hell, we didn’t fully get it either. A million she-wolves would kill for the chance to lead our pack. Blood Moon wasn’t just any territory; it was perfectly situated between breathtaking coastline and a bustling city. The best of both worlds.

“Hiding you?! It’s barely been twenty-four hours!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up. “I can’t even—ugh! Freaking males!”

She glared at both of us, her frustration radiating like heat from the sun. And yet, I couldn’t stop my grin.

Yep. Mission definitely accomplished.

Something stirred deep within me as I watched her squirm, her breath hitching in short, uneven gasps. It was unbearable. My body screamed for more, craved it with an intensity that felt almost primal. My skin burned like it was aflame, and my mind raced with questions—what would she taste like?

She wasn’t dressed to impress. Her hair was a wild mess, like she’d just woken up from a nap. But none of that mattered. To me, she was the most breathtaking woman I’d ever laid eyes on. Maps had always fascinated me—they were my thing. Now, I needed one of her. A mental map of Lily’s body. I wanted every curve, every line etched into my mind.

Kiss her. Kiss her! She’ll want it once she feels us, my wolf, Hade, urged.

Hade and Caleb’s wolf couldn’t be more different—almost opposites. But since we’d found our mate, even they seemed to be in sync, a rare and unsettling shift.

I stepped forward, placing my hands on her waist, catching her off guard. Her wide eyes locked on mine as her lips parted slightly, caught somewhere between hesitation and curiosity. Gently, I pulled her closer, my right hand brushing her face, tilting it just enough so my lips could meet hers. Softly, deliberately, I kissed her.

Caleb had wanted to fight over who’d get the first taste, the first claim, but I’d argued she should decide. He’d scoffed, saying that if we left it up to her, we’d be waiting forever. As much as I hated to admit it, his arrogant reasoning stuck with me. My wolf agreed, pushing me further.

She just needs to know what she’s missing, Hade insisted, his voice a low growl in my mind as I pressed against her, savoring the softness of her body against mine.

She didn’t move. She didn’t kiss me back, but she didn’t push me away either. No slap. No rejection. That had to mean something, right?

Every nerve in my body came alive. Her breath mingling with mine, our chests brushing with each shallow inhale—it was like the universe narrowing to just the two of us. She was my mate. My everything now.

Jealous. Dick. If I kissed her, you’d say I was being too much, Caleb muttered through our mind-link, breaking my concentration.

You wouldn’t be sweet like this, I shot back, still savoring the kiss.

I can be sweet, he grumbled.

But we both knew better. That wasn’t his strong suit. Being five minutes older made me the eldest twin, and Caleb never let me forget it. Our parents always treated us as equals, and we were both set to become Alphas together, but he constantly acted like I had some invisible edge.

Finally, I pulled back, searching her face as she stared at me, her lips slightly swollen from the kiss. For a brief, victorious moment, I reveled in having rendered her speechless—the ever-mouthy reporter at a loss for words. Still, the tension between us gnawed at me. I needed her to say something.

Compliments! That’s what they all want, Hade said, practically bouncing with excitement.

He wasn’t wrong. Compliments were a good start—but would she even accept one? Or would she brush it off and call me something sarcastic?

Be sincere, Hade pressed, sounding suspiciously like a lovesick coach.

“You’re so beautiful, Lilith,” I said, my voice soft, as I stroked her unruly hair and held her gaze.

Her reaction was immediate. She grabbed my hand, shoved it away, and stepped back, her back pressing against the fridge. Her scowl was sharp, cutting through whatever tenderness had started to build between us.

“This was low. Really low. Coming here like this,” she said, her voice low and angry.

“You wouldn’t talk to us. We had to do something,” Caleb said, stepping closer.

“And what made you think this would fix anything? This just made everything worse,” she snapped, crossing her arms as she looked away.

“Are you embarrassed by us?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, the thought striking like a fresh wound.

That couldn’t be it. It wasn’t possible. Our fathers led the largest, most powerful packs. We owned a wildly successful construction company. Caleb and I had both majored in architectural design with minors in business. I was the dreamer, the one who could sketch anything and see the bigger picture. Caleb, of course, was the charmer, the one who could sell ice to an Eskimo and make him beg for more. He thrived in HR and hiring, connecting with people in ways I never could.

Even our younger twin sisters, Violet and Chloe, were shaping up to be extraordinary. At fifteen, they were already brilliant with computers and graphic design, though I preferred my pencil and paper. Our family wasn’t just strong—we were exceptional. Lily needed to see that she could have it all with us.

She doesn’t know that about us, Hade said, his voice tinged with frustration.

She would if she read the damn interview we spent hours perfecting, I shot back, the irritation bubbling up.

“I’m not embarrassed,” she finally said, her voice cracking as a tear slid down her cheek. “I just… I can’t wrap my head around this. I have dreams—ambitions. I can’t achieve them if I’m stuck in a packhouse making sandwiches and wiping snotty noses. That’s not the life I’ve ever wanted. I want to live in the city, to work, to have my own identity.”

Her words struck like a knife. My wolf growled, low and guttural, demanding I comfort her. But how could I give her what she wanted when it went against everything we were? Everything we needed?

This was her destiny—our destiny. She could have a career, sure, but living in the city? Living without us? That was impossible.

Lilith's POV

Seven excruciating hours they’ve been camped in my apartment, refusing to leave. Three hours ago, they had the audacity to order Chinese, and the mouthwatering aroma had me this close to caving. Desperate, I texted one of my on-and-off hookups, begging him to bring me something edible.

When he showed up, though, he saw them lounging at my door and bolted like a scared rabbit. Now he won’t even answer my texts. Great. Clearly, calling anyone else would be a waste of time—same outcome.

So here I am, a prisoner in my own damn apartment.

"Reporter starves to death due to sheer stubborn pride; stay tuned for Ollie the circus cat," I muttered under my breath.

It’s ironic, really. I’ve always been convinced that most “real” news stories only exist as filler for the mindless garbage people actually tune in to watch. Now I might become the headline in one of those useless segments.

If it weren’t for the bathroom attached to my bedroom, I’d be in real trouble. Not that I haven’t considered making a dramatic escape. My third-floor window looks increasingly tempting, but let’s be honest—I’m not that reckless. Yet.

"Mates, mates, just say it already," my wolf, Rose, chimed in, practically giddy.

She was basking in their scent like it was her personal heaven, pleading with me to open the door. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

I hadn’t expected them to stay this long. Surely, they’d get bored. Or at least need to use the bathroom by now. But no. They’d even resorted to ordering more food since my fridge was a barren wasteland of beer, wine, and bottled water. It’s pathetic, really—twenty-one years old and surviving off cafeteria slop and takeout. Cooking has always felt like an exercise in futility: too much effort for too little payoff.

"Go out there! You’re always a stubborn ass, but this is beyond ridiculous," Rose huffed.

"This is about principle now! They’re not going to wear me down," I shot back.

In a small victory, I dug through my backpack and found two granola bars. I ripped one open and devoured it like it was a five-star meal.

"You better not be having fun in there without us," came a voice from just outside the door.

I launched a pillow in its general direction, knowing it would hit nothing. Pulling the covers over my head, I let out a frustrated groan. They could easily blow the door off its hinges if they wanted to—and they’d just cut a check to fix it without blinking.

"Lilith, seriously, you can’t stay in there forever. Just talk to us," another voice said.

That had to be Caden. He seemed like the weaker link. Mental note: exploit that later.

I inhaled the second granola bar, feeling marginally better. Then, to my surprise, I heard movement in the living room and kitchen, followed by the sound of the front door closing.

Was this a trick? A ruse to lure me out?

Cautiously, I opened the bedroom door a crack. Their scents were faint now. Could it be real? I bolted out, checking every corner of my apartment. To my shock, they’d actually left. I dashed to the front door and threw the deadbolt, just in case.

My stomach growled, and I couldn’t help wondering if they’d left any food. Sure enough, the top shelf of the fridge was now stacked with containers—egg rolls, drinks, and enough takeout to feed a small army.

"See? They care for us! Thoughtful mates," Rose purred.

"Yeah, sure. Real gentlemen," I scoffed. "They probably wear spandex and throw themselves at each other for fun. Dumb jocks thinking with their dicks. We need a real partner, someone with a brain," I muttered, mouth full of lo mein.

As I ate, my eyes landed on a neatly folded note. The handwriting was so flawless it practically screamed perfectionism. I almost didn’t read it, but curiosity won.

Big mistake.

The moment I processed the words, I choked. Literally. A chunk of chicken lodged itself in my throat, cutting off all air.

I panicked, flailing uselessly.

"Do something! Ram into the counter!" Rose shrieked in desperation.

With no other options, I hurled myself into the edge of the kitchen island. The chicken dislodged, flying out of my mouth and landing on the floor with a disgusting splat.

I collapsed, gasping for air, my chest heaving.

"Reporter chokes to death on General Tso; story at five," I muttered, bitterly amused.

I rolled onto the couch, exhausted and shaken. My wolf’s smug commentary didn’t help.

"Ooooh, yeah, that’s Caleb’s scent," Rose sighed dreamily. "He probably rubbed his bare ass on that pillow."

I groaned, burying my face in the cushion. My instincts told me I couldn’t avoid this forever. Sooner or later, I’d have to face my mates. But Alphas. Ashford Alphas, no less.

The Blood Moon pack.

They were notorious for their arrogance, their wealth, their everything. Even in casual dating, I’d avoided anyone from that pack like the plague. One slip-up, one “oops,” and you’d be tied to them forever.

And now?

Here I was.

I must have dozed off at some point, though I wasn’t entirely sure. When I finally sat up properly, my gaze landed on a pen lying atop Sylas’s folder. Curiosity piqued, I grabbed it and opened the folder, only to freeze in shock. Not only had they answered every single question, but they’d also gone above and beyond, drafting two full pages as though they were writing the article themselves.

For a brief, fleeting moment, I considered just submitting it as-is and calling it a day.

Oh, let’s read it! my wolf piped up, her excitement buzzing through me. I want to know all about them—and about our new family!

I waved her off, ignoring her insistent tone, and stood up, suddenly reminded of my food. But as I turned toward the kitchen, reality hit me like a freight train. My stomach dropped as my eyes caught the clock on the wall. I’d lost half an hour.

"STUPID, STUPID!" I hissed under my breath, grabbing my phone and frantically flipping through the call log. My fingers moved faster than my thoughts as I dialed.

RING. RING. RING.

“Come on, pick up!” I muttered, my pulse hammering in my ears.

They had at least a 72-minute head start on me now. There was no way I could close that gap—not without a car.

Panic crept in. Maybe I could try to get their cell numbers? But that would take time, and there would definitely be questions I didn’t want to answer.

"Think, Lily, think! You need a car. Who has a car?"

Snatching my shoes and purse, I shoved an egg roll into my mouth on my way out the door. I took the stairs two at a time, practically vaulting down to the next building.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

“Briar? It’s Lily!” I called, knocking harder.

The knot of anxiety in my stomach tightened with each second that passed. My mind raced through worst-case scenarios. Maybe I should just give up and crawl into a hole. No, that wasn’t an option.

Finally, the door opened, and there stood Briar, the undeniably sexy werefox I’d sort-of-dated in the past. Her tousled hair and flushed face made it clear I’d interrupted something. She leaned casually against the doorframe, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, hey, Lily… Not the best time. Unless, of course, you’d like to join?” Her lips curved into a mischievous smirk.

On any other day, I might have shoved her back inside and torn that robe off her, but right now, I was teetering between losing my lunch and clawing someone’s face off.

“No, thanks,” I muttered, forcing myself to focus. “Actually, I need a favor. My visitor came unexpectedly, and I need to run to the pharmacy. Can I borrow your car?”

Her smirk softened. “Sure, no problem. I’m staying in anyway.” She tossed me her keys, which I caught mid-air.

“I’ll owe you one. I’ll fill it up,” I said, already turning away.

“No rush. Just bring it back tomorrow. Oh, and the door’s usually unlocked—if you remember.”

I nodded, but my eyes betrayed me, glancing at the curve of her exposed skin. She adjusted her robe lazily, giving me an accidental—or maybe intentional—glimpse of her perfect body. My mind wandered for a split second, recalling old memories, and I quickly shook the thought away.

"Thanks," I mumbled, retreating as fast as I could.

Two hours and ten unanswered calls later, I was on the verge of losing my mind. No amount of wishful thinking or denial could shake the sinking feeling in my gut. This wasn’t a prank. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t.

As I reached the Crystal Moon packhouse gate, one of the guards approached, clearly unfamiliar with the car I was driving.

“Hey, Lily!” he greeted, flashing a smile. “I just met your mates. Really cool dudes, super funny.”

My jaw clenched. “Shit!” I muttered under my breath before flooring the gas pedal, speeding past him.

The pack’s security was laughable—no way that guy could stop anything more threatening than a squirrel.

I slammed on the brakes when I spotted the sleek black pickup truck parked outside my parents’ house. Completely out of place among the other cars, it stood like a gleaming monument to arrogance.

Voices and laughter carried from the backyard. My temper flared as I stormed around the house.

There they were, sitting comfortably by a small fire with my parents, looking as if they owned the place.

“Oh, sweetie!” my mom called, her face lighting up as she noticed me. “The boys told us you might drop by. Why didn’t you tell me you found your mates? And they’re such lovely gentlemen!”

“Lovely gentlemen,” I muttered under my breath, suppressing a hysterical laugh.

“Oh, Mrs. Emory,” Caleb began, taking my mom’s hand and pressing a kiss to it, “Lily wanted to keep us all to herself, but we thought it was only right to introduce ourselves.”

Adorable! my wolf cooed.

I balled my fists, growling under my breath. “Caden. Caleb. Inside. Now,” I said, my voice tight with barely restrained fury.

~ Caleb’s PoV ~

How did I know the Goddess would send us a mate who was feisty as hell? Because she had to know exactly what my brother and I would need.

A pushover? That wasn’t going to cut it. We needed someone wild, untamed. Someone who could match our energy, and Lilith Emory fit the bill perfectly—hotter than sin and practically a goddess herself. I’d never met her before, but her reputation? Oh, I knew it. Just like she probably knew ours.

When she showed up at our party last night, it took every ounce of self-control not to throw her over my shoulder right then and there. If it weren’t for Caden stepping in like the buzzkill he can be sometimes, I would’ve done exactly that. Even after she stormed off, I was dead set on following her, making sure she understood who was in charge—who was Alpha in this relationship.

You’re such an idiot. You can’t treat her like that. Times are changing. Think about our little sister—you’d lose it if a guy treated her like some random hookup, my wolf, Fang, growled in my head.

Stop channeling Caden and let me handle this, I shot back.

I loved my twin, but damn, he could be lame sometimes. He actually suggested we give Lilith space. Nine hours. That was all the “space” I’d allow. My wolf was pacing inside me, clawing for her. He wanted her now, and honestly, so did I.

I had a vision—graduating, going home with my Luna, and celebrating the way only a true Alpha could. Our fathers had doubted when we’d be ready to take over, but now that we’d found her, our trio was complete. There was no room left for uncertainty.

But still, doubts lingered.

Could the Ashford brothers give up their old ways? Could we swear off all other women? And could she do the same?

The moment we’d found our mate—our true, fated Luna—it was like a curtain had fallen over the part of my brain that looked at other females. But the adjustment wasn’t going to be easy. I already needed her, all of her.

When my parents found each other, they were marked and mated within an hour. Most didn’t wait—wolves didn’t allow it. Too much time apart, and the wolf would rip you to shreds from the inside. I knew for a fact her wolf had to be pushing her too. She was fighting it, but it wouldn’t last.

She’ll be ours soon, Fang rumbled. Get her to shift, let her wolf know the deal. She’ll help us—and maybe even put her in heat.

The thought sent a wicked thrill through me. My girl, defenseless and craving me? Hell yes.

Sometimes, though, my wolf was as infuriating as my brother. He hated how many women I’d been with and had no problem voicing it. But during the act? Dead silent. Hypocrite. At least we were on the same page about our mate—she was ours. And it was going to stay that way.

Watching her now, devouring the breakfast we’d brought, I couldn’t help but grin. Judging by her barren cabinets, she wasn’t much of a cook. How does a woman not cook? Even I could manage the basics—though that was mostly thanks to sneaking into the packhouse kitchen for snacks and getting roped into helping the staff.

“So, what? You’re just going to ignore us unless we try to reject you?” I asked, breaking the silence.

She set her fork down slowly, turning to face us with a glare that could kill. And damn, if it wasn’t the hottest thing I’d ever seen. She was fire incarnate. Most she-wolves would have jumped at the chance for our attention—wanted us to touch them, spoil them. Not Lilith. She wanted nothing more than for us to leave her alone.

Which only made me want her more.

“Thank you for breakfast,” she said, standing and placing her plate in the sink.

“That’s it?” Caden asked, stepping closer and touching her arm.

I clenched my fists, irrational jealousy surging through me. It was stupid. He was my twin, and we’d shared plenty of women before—but they’d never mattered. Not like this. Lilith wasn’t some passing fling. She was ours.

“Yes,” she snapped, pulling her arm away. “I have things to do, and they don’t include entertaining a couple of jackasses.”

Jackasses? Did she just call us donkeys?

We need a nickname for her. Something that’ll drive her crazy, I said to Caden through the mind-link.

He smirked at her, clearly amused by my suggestion.

“I have it on good authority that you actually need us,” I said, leaning back and folding my arms. “So, the way I see it, maybe you should try being a little nicer. Wouldn’t kill you to smile.”

I braced myself, knowing her response would be nothing short of explosive.

I knew she-wolves like her despised being told what to do—especially when it came to their bodies. If I dared tell her to smile, she’d probably key my car and leave a sarcastic grin scratched into the paint.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she scowled, practically daring me to push her buttons. She wasn’t the only skilled investigator around here, though. My brother and I knew most of the people on this campus inside and out. The real surprise was that we’d never crossed paths with her before. Finding out anything we wanted about anyone wasn’t just a skill—it was a sport.

“Actually, yes. My boss wants an interview with you for the paper,” she finally said, thrusting a folder into Caden’s hands.

I couldn’t help but laugh. She made it too easy to rile her up, and I wasn’t one to resist temptation.

“Well, aren’t you lucky, beautiful? I love talking about myself,” I said, stretching my arms overhead just to drive the point home.

What can I say? I’m a quarterback—cockiness comes with the territory.

“I’m sure that’s the truest thing you’ve ever said,” she shot back, arms crossed in defiance.

Oh, she thought she was clever? Cute. But she needed a little more color in those cheeks.

“The truest thing I’ve ever said,” I replied, my voice steady, “is that I’m going to fuck you until my name is the only one you remember.”

Caden’s grin widened, his eyes fixed on her like a predator waiting for the right moment to strike. That line was pure overkill, I’ll admit, especially since she’d just admitted she needed our help. Maybe I was being a bit of an ass.

She looked at me, her expression a whirlwind of suppressed fury and words she didn’t dare say aloud. I knew I’d cornered her, but this wasn’t the kind of power I wanted over her. Not really. Still, it would have to do for now.

It was dirty, no question about it. Wrong, even. I could almost hear the goddess lining up her karmic payback, but I had to make my point: we weren’t going anywhere. And the more I watched her—the way she stiffened her spine and tried to stay composed—the harder it was to pull away.

She was becoming the center of my attention, eclipsing even football. That was a strange new reality we’d have to figure out, especially with only one game left in the season. The championship was behind us; this last game was just a bonus, a friendly match to close things out.

Despite the early hour, she was already up, her makeup flawless, her attitude sharper than a blade. Meanwhile, the rest of the she-wolves on campus were probably still passed out from last night’s parties.

My brother and I prided ourselves on being the hardest workers in any room—first in, last out. It’s what leaders do. Whether it was on the field or off, we gave everything we had. But now, she was distracting me, pulling my focus away from the one place I felt most alive.

I watched her carefully, noting how she tried to regain control of herself, her posture rigid, her expression carefully blank. She didn’t do well when thrown out of her element, but she wasn’t about to show weakness.

Deciding to cut her some slack, I held out my hand for the folder. Caden passed it to me, and I flipped it open, scanning the contents.

“Look at that,” she muttered. “The caveman knows how to read.”

“Perfect GPA, actually,” I shot back, heading for the living room.

Perfect, thanks to the fact that I sometimes paid people to take notes and keep me ahead of the curve—not that she needed to know that. Caden followed me, and we sprawled out like we owned the place.

“How’d you score a one-bedroom apartment anyway?” Caden asked, noting the layout.

One-bedrooms on campus were rare, practically treasures. I leaned back, curious myself. We’d already dug through her file—perks of Caden’s hacking skills—and we knew her family didn’t have money. She was here on a scholarship.

“I don’t owe you any explanations, donkeys,” she snapped before storming off to her room, slamming the door behind her.

Caden chuckled, shaking his head.

“I’ll take that as… she slept with the right person,” I muttered under my breath.

"This isn’t happening. This cannot be happening to me. Not now." My voice echoed off the walls, raw and trembling.

That made it the two-hundredth time I’d repeated those words, as if saying them enough could rewrite reality. I’d been up all night, spiraling. After my utterly humiliating slip-up in front of both Ashford brothers, it was crystal clear—my mission was well and truly screwed.

Their presence had been suffocating, like two wolves crowding prey. Panic had clawed its way up my throat until I stormed out, a pitiful show of retreat that left me seething at myself.

“Reporter dies of sheer mortification—now, here’s a look at the zoo’s newest panda,” I muttered bitterly, imagining the headlines. Ten seconds of public shame, and the world would move on without a second thought.

The sunrise spilled through the window, mocking me with its indifference. I half-expected them to follow me, which would’ve been even worse. Facing them now? Impossible. Yet, how long could I keep running from it all?

The answer hung heavy in the air—I couldn’t.

Three weeks. That’s how long until the next full moon. Not nearly enough time. Their wolves would find me; there was no escaping it. I wasn’t raised in their pack, but if I wanted to work at the Full Moon Times and settle here permanently, joining their pack was inevitable. They were the closest to the city, and every wolf reported to the Alphas—the Ashford brothers.

The thought struck like a jolt of electricity. If my mates were Alphas, there was no chance they’d let me live off-pack territory.

You’re their Luna. What’s the pack’s name again? My wolf, Rose, nudged into my thoughts.

“Oh, screw off, Rose. Of course you’d obsess over this,” I snapped aloud at the wall.

Thinking about it was dangerous—it gave the thought power, made it real. I wasn’t cut out for the Luna role. I couldn’t cook, I barely cleaned, and my life revolved around school, casual flings, and work. Domesticity wasn’t just foreign to me—it made my skin crawl.

All I wanted was to enjoy life, do my job well, and get recognition for my talent: breaking the best stories and being unmatched in bed.

But last night, no one else even flickered across my mind. I couldn’t conjure desire for anyone else. I was wrecked—by two men I hadn’t so much as kissed.

This was bad. I needed to find a distraction—a warm body to make some reckless decisions with, and fast.

I’ve never approved of your promiscuity, Rose huffed indignantly. I’d never stoop that low.

“Oh, shove it,” I grumbled inwardly, pulling a face. The irony wasn’t lost on me—my wolf, my other half, was a goody two-shoes named Rose. I’d foolishly shared her name after my first shift at seventeen, and the entire pack hadn’t let me hear the end of it.

Rose and I clashed all the time. She was traditional; I was anything but.

Dragging myself out of bed, I showered, though it didn’t do much to improve my mood. Rose wasn’t about to let up, either.

Who has four hands and can give our body what it needs? Our maaaates, she sang.

I flipped her off in the mirror as I finished my makeup. My hair was still an untamed mess, but coffee took priority. I clipped it up haphazardly and headed to the kitchen.

Even the warmth of the coffee couldn’t soothe the ache lingering in my body. That ache—burning low and insistent—was a constant reminder of the undeniable pull I felt toward them.

Two mates. Two freaking mates.

A knock at the door jolted me from my spiraling thoughts.

Probably Dahlia, I thought, rolling my eyes. My neighbor’s morning cheerfulness was grating, especially on a day like this. She was harmless enough and useful for conversation or networking, but her timing left much to be desired.

“Not today, Dahlia,” I called, swinging the door open.

The words caught in my throat. My jaw slackened as I stared at the two figures before me—the living, breathing double vision I’d spent the night trying to forget.

The Ashford brothers stood there, looking far too rested and composed. No sleepless nights for them. Meanwhile, I was barely holding it together, a walking corpse by comparison.

“You look like nothing but delicious trouble,” one of them said, his lips curling into a wolfish grin.

I glared, my gaze darting between them. Damn it, I couldn’t tell them apart.

“Trouble looks like it’s your middle name. Both of you,” I shot back, crossing my arms in defiance.

My stomach betrayed me with a loud growl as the scent of pancakes and bacon wafted from the bag one of them carried. Were they being thoughtful, or was this just an excuse to barge in?

“Maybe trouble was our middle name,” one of them said, his tone teasing. “But that changed when our mate walked away from us like we had the plague.”

I clenched my fists, bristling at their amusement. They were enjoying this—my inability to distinguish between them, my discomfort.

Before I could stop them, they shouldered past me, filling my small space with their presence. One began unpacking the food while the other rifled through my cabinets, as if they owned the place.

"Don’t you have other girls to keep your beds warm?" I shouted, my voice sharper than I intended. There wasn’t even a real reason for it—just the fact that I was too wound up, my thoughts spinning out of control.

I’d spent the entire night obsessing over them. What was under those clothes? What would it be like to have both of them? To feel both of them at the same time?

I’d had my share of threesomes before, sure—but never with two males. Maybe I’d been missing out.

“Not anymore,” they said in unison, their voices cutting through my train of thought.

I almost laughed. The infamous Ashford brothers? Monogamous? That had to be the biggest joke I’d ever heard.

Utter nonsense.

And you’ll be monogamous, too, my wolf interjected, her tone leaving no room for argument. I forbid you from being with anyone else.

Her declaration sent a spark of irritation down my spine. I wasn’t about to surrender my freedom—my lifestyle—just yet. I still had some damn good years left in these thighs, and I wasn’t ready to yield them. Grunting, I yanked open a drawer, rummaging furiously until my fingers closed around a marker. Triumph surged through me, as if I’d just won some grand prize.

“Reporter discovers writing utensil! Stay tuned for a word from our sponsors,” I muttered sarcastically.

Armed with the marker, I turned to face the closest brother. I moved into his space, forcing him to stand still. His bemused expression didn’t falter, though his hands hovered awkwardly, uncertain where to settle.

"Which one are you?" I demanded, wagging the marker inches from his face. "And don’t lie to me."

That grin—the kind of smug, shit-eating grin that screamed trouble—spread across his face, confirming my suspicion. They enjoyed this game, didn’t they? Confusing people. Their scents were maddeningly similar, both a deep, woodsy musk, though one was sharper, more intense. That one had to be Caden.

You’ll know them apart once we’re marked, my wolf chimed in smugly.

Shut it! You’re not helping, I snapped at her mentally.

"Caleb," I declared, watching him closely. He didn’t answer, just shoved a piece of food into his mouth, his grin widening.

I grabbed his hand, determined to prove my point. The moment our skin touched, the spark of the mate bond hit me, stopping me in my tracks. My breath caught, and I stared at our joined hands as if I’d never seen hands before. The electricity between us was overwhelming, igniting something primal and undeniable inside me.

“Damn, baby,” he murmured, his voice low, his gaze locked on our semi-joined fingers.

I sucked in a sharp breath, flipped his hand over, and quickly scrawled a giant "CAL" on his palm. The satisfaction of my small victory was pathetic, but I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my lips.

He stared at the letter as though I’d written an ancient rune.

"My turn," Caden declared, his hands finding my hips as he closed the distance between us.

His breath skimmed over my neck, and I felt my body weaken under the sheer intensity of his presence. My wolf purred in delight, bombarding me with images of bare skin, tangled limbs, and the sounds of ecstasy I couldn’t push away.

We need fewer clothes. Now, she demanded, her tone brooking no argument.

I snapped my eyes open, forcing myself to focus. Caden’s face was now mere inches from mine, his gaze smoldering.

Pulling myself together, I grabbed his hand and hastily wrote a giant "CAD" on his palm.

"There," I said briskly, stepping away. "Now I can eat."

Grabbing a plate, I served myself, doing my best to ignore the burning stares I could feel on my back.

"Do you prefer Lily or Lilith?" Caden asked, his voice casual, but his eyes sharp, watching my every move.

I cringed. Nobody called me Lilith unless I was in trouble. It was bait, plain and simple, an invitation for me to ask how they knew my name. I wasn’t taking it.

"I prefer Luna," Caleb interjected, licking his lips.

I dropped onto a barstool at the kitchen island, stabbing at my pancake like it owed me money. Normally, I avoided carbs like the plague, but at this moment, I couldn’t care less. Surely, the mental hamster running circles in my brain would burn it off.

"I prefer to stay an independent, career-oriented woman who stands on her own two feet," I snapped, glaring at them both. "A woman with accomplishments that don’t include being barefoot and knocked up in front of a damn stove."

They exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them that I couldn’t decipher.

"Fine," Caleb said finally. "You want to go back to your life like nothing happened? We can do that. I, Caleb Ashford, future Alpha of the Blood Moon pack, hereby—"

“No! No, no, no! Don’t do that!” I screeched, leaping from my chair to slap my hands over his mouth.

My wolf exhaled sharply, and I could practically see her clutching imaginary pearls.

Pull something like that again, Lilith, and I’ll put you in heat, she snarled.

You wouldn’t dare! I mentally shot back, though the thought made my stomach twist.

“Called it,” Caden said with a laugh.

Before I could retort, Caleb’s tongue darted out, licking my hand. I recoiled, my face burning with humiliation. These assholes knew exactly how to push my buttons.

Four against two, my wolf said cheerfully. Let’s find out their wolves’ names!

Lilith's POV

"If you're serious about advancing in life, you’ll do this, Lilith," Sylas, my boss, said with the same predatory look he always gave me—like I was his last meal.

I rolled my eyes and scowled. If I had a dime for every time I’d heard that manipulative line, I wouldn’t need to be here enduring his nonsense. It was just another way for him to get what he wanted—another task no one else would touch. For three long years, Sylas had been trying to lure me into his orbit, his saggy, aging body a stark contrast to the delusion of power he thought he wielded. No other female in the office was treated this way—just me.

But I wasn’t, nor would I ever be, his side chick. He must have missed that memo. Honestly, it’s a miracle I haven’t killed him yet.

"Take your interview and shove it up your ass where it belongs. That’s the only action you’re getting from me," I snapped, throwing the file at him with enough force to make my point clear.

I couldn’t care less about football. It was barbaric, and once college was over, no one gave a damn about it. The professional league didn’t even allow shifters—too much potential for chaos. Imagine grannies in the stands, puking up their overpriced hot dogs as heads went flying across the field. Yeah, no thanks.

"Lilith, get your sweet little tail over to the frat house and interview those players," Sylas ordered, raising a brow like he was giving me the privilege of a lifetime. "They’re future Alphas—every she-wolf’s wet dream. The papers would sell out overnight. Can’t believe we haven’t covered them yet."

I scoffed. Everyone knew the infamous Ashford brothers didn’t do interviews.

"You kiss your mate with that mouth?" I shot back, kicking his foot off his desk. "Douchebag."

Sylas smirked, knowing he had me cornered. I needed his recommendation, and he damn well knew it. Good she-wolves were expected to be obedient, to finish school and settle into domestic bliss if they hadn’t found their mate. Not me. I wanted a career, my own money, my independence.

The Full Moon Times, the largest shifter newspaper, was losing its junior editor to retirement next year. That position had my name on it. I could almost taste it. All I needed was a foot in the door—an internship, anything to prove myself. I had the talent, the tenacity, and the instincts no one else could match. I always got the story.

But football players? Really? It was the journalistic equivalent of watching paint dry. Here’s your headline:

“Aspiring Reporter Dies of Boredom. Public Mistakes It for Performance Art.”

"Look, sugar," Sylas said, leaning back with that greasy grin I despised. "You do this for me, and I’ll let you write your own damn recommendation letter. Say whatever the hell you want, and I’ll sign it. Deal?"

His hand was outstretched, sweaty and reeking of stale pizza and cigarettes. I hated this office. The futon in the corner confirmed what everyone suspected—his mate had thrown him out, likely because he was screwing the nanny. Disgusting.

I grabbed a tissue, wrapped it around my hand, and shook his. As I pulled away, he yanked me into his lap. My hand pressed against his chest as I tried to steady myself.

"I’ve got a list of questions I want answered," he said, his breath hot and foul. "Don’t let me down, Lilith."

"Brush your damn teeth," I hissed, scrambling to my feet.

As I stood, my lap brushed against his crotch, and the evidence of his excitement made my stomach churn. The urge to stomp him into oblivion surged through me, but the thought of touching him again—even with my shoe—was unbearable.

KNOCK KNOCK.

"Sylas, I have those advertisements for your approval," Sonia, his secretary, announced, walking in and catching me mid-escape from his lap.

Perfect. Just perfect.

"This isn’t what it looks like," I snapped, grabbing the file from his desk. "If he was on fire, I wouldn’t waste the spit to put him out. And for the love of the goddess, get an air freshener in here."

Sylas’s obnoxious laughter followed me into the hallway. "Love you too, Lilith!"

I took a deep breath, desperate for the stench of him to dissipate. But it clung to me like a curse. The first thing I did when I got home was rip off my dress and toss it straight into the trash. It wasn’t cheap, and I liked it a lot, but it was irreparably contaminated. Sylas-level contaminated.

---

Later that Night

When the campus nightlife was in full swing, I prepared myself for the mission ahead. I pulled half of my hair up, letting loose blonde curls cascade down my back. It was a warm night, and I took full advantage, slipping into a dress that my conservative mother would describe as "a jezebel’s attempt at modesty." High heels completed the look.

My mother still clung to the outdated belief that good she-wolves waited patiently for their mate. According to her, only the virtuous were blessed with one. Whatever.

Maybe that’s why my first sexual experience was a threesome—equal parts curiosity and rebellion. Long story short, neither gender had won me over completely.

Four years after my first shift and still no mate. Most shifters found theirs around seventeen. Maybe I was forgotten. Maybe I was destined to be alone. And maybe I didn’t care. I didn’t need a mate to enjoy myself—or my life.

I grabbed the file from my bag and glanced at the names. Only one photo. They were brothers. How different could they be? Shoving the file back into my bag, I cut across campus, feeling nostalgic. One more week of classes, then finals. Three years of calling this place home, and soon, it would all be over.

The Ashford brothers lived in a lavish green house that screamed wealth. Their parents probably hired an entire staff to maintain it. Must be nice.

Inside, the air was charged with music and the buzz of conversation. I made my way to the keg, snagging a beer without paying. The guys guarding it didn’t even ask—they were too busy staring at my cleavage.

Oh, I still had it—like some clueless freshman ever stood a chance with this fine piece of tail.

"Have you seen Caden around?" I asked, watching the guy's smug grin dissolve in an instant.

I didn’t bother with a last name. Everyone knew Caden. Whether they loved him, hated him, or wished they were him, the guy was infamous. I’d heard plenty of rumors about the Ashford brothers, but I’d somehow managed to avoid crossing paths with them until now. Honestly, it was a small miracle. Their reputation as arrogant, self-absorbed jerks preceded them, and I couldn’t stand jocks.

The guy lounging on the couch stood, leaning in way too close as his hands gripped my hips.

"I'm right here. You don't need anyone else," he said, tilting his head as if he was irresistible.

"Desperation isn’t flattering," I shot back, my tone icy as I gave him a look that could peel paint.

Before he could blink, I twisted his hand up behind his back, a move my cop ex had drilled into me during our relationship.

"He's probably out back!" he squeaked, wincing as I let him go.

"The pleasure was all yours," I quipped, downing the rest of my beer and shoving the empty cup at him.

The grass was still damp from last night’s rain, and my heels sank into the soft earth with every step. Fantastic. This, right here, was why I didn’t bother with frat parties. Just a bunch of jersey-chasing girls and overinflated egos.

"Reporter falls into a sinkhole; party continues unbothered."

I scanned the crowd and spotted a guy who screamed “pompous asshole.” He had the vibe down perfectly: the smug smile, the crowd of sycophants, and a horde of girls who looked ready to throw themselves at him. If ego-fluffing was a sport, they’d all be gold medalists. Future Alpha, indeed.

When he finally turned toward me, I knew I’d found Caden. His broad shoulders and muscular build fit the image, but I wondered how he’d fare in a real fight. Probably more concerned about breaking a nail than breaking a sweat.

Patience wasn’t my strong suit, so I waited only a minute before cutting through the crowd and walking straight up to him. Confidence was my armor—it always threw men off, and occasionally, women too.

"Hey, Caden," I said casually, as though we were old friends.

Before he could respond, one of his lackeys stepped between us, his arm outstretched like a barrier.

"Whoa, you can’t just walk up to Caden and talk to him," the guy said.

Our eyes locked, and that’s when it hit me. The scent. Smoky, like a roaring campfire with undertones of charred wood. It was intoxicating, primal. My wolf surged forward, howling for recognition. My body reacted instantly, betraying me in the worst way.

Mate. Mate! My wolf, Rose, was practically howling. It’s finally happening! We’re going to be marked!

I couldn’t break his gaze. I wouldn’t. Mate or not, he wouldn’t know the effect he had on me. But he wasn’t reacting. Why wasn’t he reacting?

"Why are you staring at him like that? Trying to get child support or something? You look like he owes you money," the lackey sneered.

Finally tearing my eyes away, I smirked at him. "Do I look pregnant, asshole?"

"Do you wanna be?" Caden's voice cut through the tension, drawing my focus back to him.

The words hit me like a sucker punch. His tone was calm and cool, but there was something else—an edge that made my wolf nearly roll over in submission.

YES, WE DO! Rose practically purred.

I swallowed hard, forcing my composure to hold. My career was on the line here. Three years of hard work at the school paper, and I wasn’t about to throw it all away—not even for a mate who set my entire body ablaze.

"Unfortunately for you, no. But I do need to speak with you. Privately," I said, keeping my voice steady.

It was a bold move, asking a favor while turning him down. A future Alpha, no less. Yeah, this would go over great.

Before he could respond, another voice sliced through the air.

"You can speak to me."

The commanding tone froze me in place. I turned halfway, my breath hitching. My gaze landed on another male, identical to Caden in every way.

Oh. Ohhh. Ohhhhhh! Rose was losing her mind.

My jaw slackened as I struggled to process what I was seeing. Twins. Identical, impossibly perfect twins. Their broad shoulders and striking features were almost too much to handle.

"Allow me to introduce myself. Caleb Ashford," the second twin said, flashing a grin that could have powered the entire campus. "I see you’ve already met my brother."

My throat dried as I tried to respond. "Yes, I… need to speak to you both alone," I stammered.

The words tumbled out awkwardly, and I immediately cringed.

"I’m pretty sure you had it right the first time, mate," Caleb said smoothly, stepping closer. His lips curved into a knowing smile, and I felt the full weight of the word "mate."