As we finally pulled into the carpark of Greenvale's larger shopping mall, Sam reached over and ruffled my hair, that was already looking a little windblown. After I got out of the car, I tried to straighten it a little in the car window's reflection, and suddenly there were two extra reflections either side of mine, almost identical to each other.
"It looks just fine to me, sweetheart," one deep, smooth, masculine voice said from my right, "Mmmmm, smells just fine too," the other said, stepping closer and burying his face in my neck, nuzzling right near my marking spot. "Get off me," I said impatiently, tring to turn and step away, but they blocked me from each side, the first putting his face near my neck now, from behind."She tastes good too," he said, making me frown, "And when the hell did you.." I started to say, but as the other grinned down at me, I froze, and my breath caught in my chest as I realised exactly where we'd met before. Sam's voice came from behind the car then, his tone a low, threatening, growl, "You're going to want to step away from her, now."My eyes went wide, and I shook my head, "No, Sammy, don't," I said, my voice sounding only half as afraid as I felt. He sensed it though, "Laila?" he asked, hesitantly, and I just shook my head, as their eyes narrowed, turning towards my brother."He's my brother, he's just protective," I said hurriedly, and a pair deep black eyes turned back to mine, a stark contrast to the golden eyes of the beast. "Oh?" he said, raising an eyebrow at me, "Well it's good to know our little mate has someone watching over her." He ran the backs of his fingers along my cheek then, and I shivered.'Mate?!' I thought incredulously, I didn't think it could be possible, but Sam's comment outspoken thought was far more horrifying, "Our?" he repeated, looking between the two of them, making my eyes nearly pop out of my head. "Identical Lycan twins, then?" he asked, catching on.My heart was beating so hard in my chest I thought it would burst, but I'm sure it almost stopped dead completely as the one behind me spoke again. Two horrifying words: "Triplets, actually." He licked my marking spot again then, in exactly the same way, following it up with another gentle nip, which seemed to break the spell of the shock."No," I said shaking my head, my eyes still wide, "it's not possible," and the one in front of me just laughed. "I can assure you it is, our other brother stayed behind, we can't really leave our territory all at once, our Gamma would go mad trying to keep our pack in line on his own.""I.. I meant the mate part.." I said softly, my mind still processing what he'd just said. Sam's seemed to have no trouble though, "You're the leaders? Of Nightfall Pack?" he said, and my legs suddenly felt weak. This was way too much, it had to be some kind of sick joke.But how did they even know I'd be here? My mind was reeling, and they didn't help it any as the one in front of me responded, "Mmhmm, us two, we're both Betas. Our brother is Alpha, seeing he's eldest, by just a few minutes." I sank down to the ground, my head in my hands in shock. The one behind me chuckled softly, bending down and lifting me in his arms, bridal-style, which only made the other look jealous.This was completely insane, and I shook my head again, still in disbelief. "It's okay, baby, we've got you," the one holding me said, and his brother frowned, looking at my feet. My bandage was showing, I noticed, and he growled softly, "Did someone hurt you?" he asked, with all the ferocity of a protective mate coming through in his voice.I shook my head, avoiding their gaze, "No, I.. I just twisted it," I said, still not really sure exactly when it happened, only that it was while I fled through the dark the night before, in complete terror. The one holding me frowned, "It was fine last night, before you ran.." he said, earning a growl from his brother, as though it were his fault."You terrified our mate so much she hurt herself running," he said, getting his brother all defensive, "I didn't mean to, I was being nice, I can't help it if we're intimating to these little wolves!" He looked at me apologetically, still holding me."Stop it!" I said suddenly, trying to squirm out of his arms, "I can't be your mate! Lycans don't mate with us, it's madness! Just put me down and leave me alone!" I was almost shouting by the end of it, and I realised people were beginning to stare, but he at least put me down, looking sulky.Sam spoke up again then, "She has a point, we've never heard of such a thing, how could it even be possible for her to be your mate?" They stared at each and shrugged, but didn't back down. The one in front stroked my cheek lightly again, his fingers pausing at my chin, tilting it upwards, "I don't know how, but I know it's true," he said simply, and the other nodded agreement, "It's undeniable, if you had your wolf already you'd know it too, I'm absolutely certain of it."The look in their beautiful, deep black eyes seemed to hold truth, and I swallowed, wrapping my arms around myself. The one who'd held me, that I'd met the night before, continued, "Laila?" he said uncertaintly, waiting for me to nod, "I'm Cole, and he's Finn. Our other brother is Thane. He took my hand, lifting it, "I promise you, we'll treat you well," he said, bringing it to his lips and placing a soft kiss on my knuckles.Finn did the same with my other hand, "Please, give us a chance to prove it," he said quietly, his voice sounding earnest. I nodded slowly, not sure I could say no even if I wanted to, and for some insane reason, I didn't even want to, something about them just felt.. right."Okay," I said, my voice still a little shaky, "but, if I don't feel it when I have my wolf.." They both nodded, "Then we'll back off," Cole said, followed by Finn, "You have our word." I gave them a small smile, and they both beamed at me with the most gorgeous smiles I'd ever seen. It completely changed their faces, that looked so intimidating when they were serious, all chiseled, strong, and masculine.Their thick, wavy, jet black hair and matching, heavy brows, along with those pure black eyes, only added to their dark and dangerous appearance. Combined with their tall, muscular frames - even larger than any werewolf I'd seen - it was undeniably attractive.I realised Sam had come around the car now, and was smirking at me, likely reading exactly what I was thinking, and I couldn't help but blush. Finn noticed, and his eyes darkened with arousal, which only made it worse. "Hmmm," Cole said softly, arousal in his voice too, "Try not to tease us too much, little wolf, it's hard enough to control ourselves as it is."Finn smiled coyly at me, and I couldn't help but feel the same, which only made them look at me even hungrier. Sam laughed suddenly, "I feel like we should start shopping now, or we're never going to get there," he said, grinning at the three of us. Cole immediately put an arm around my waist, starting to walk towards the doors to the mall, with Finn and Sam both joining, on my other side."What do you need?" Cole asked, "We'll come with you." I gave him another shy smile, "It probably won't be very exciting, I just need some new jeans, and whatever Sam needs here too." Both brothers' eyes wandered downwards, to my ass and legs, "But I like these ones on you," Cole said, making Sam laugh again.Finn added, with a smile, "Time with our mate is exciting enough, for us, we're just happy to have finally found you." I couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth inside at that, and I smiled back. Compared to most of the men I've known in my life, which really only included Grey Marsh pack members, they seemed incredibly sweet.It was completely at odds with their pack's reputation, which somehow made it feel oddly thrilling, and I found myself looking forward to getting to know them.The four of us spent the rest of the morning shopping. Cole and Finn were actually pretty great company, and seemed to get along well with Sam too. He kept giving me these small, approving glances, and I couldn't help but smile. Cole and Finn would often take turns to disappear, heading off to different shops and then rejoining us later, which always made the other happy, having me to himself for a bit. They seemed a little competitive, in an endearing kind of way, and I liked getting to know each one better too. As we stopped to eat, we all exchanged numbers, and they promised they'd have their other brother meet me sometime soon, when all of us could get away again for a while. I hoped it would be soon, but between my steadily increasing training schedule, and a no doubt even busier Alpha's schedule, it might not be for a while, and the thought made my heart sink. Cole cupped by cheek suddenly, smiling, "Chin up, beautiful," he said softly, "Even if Thane can't get away anytime s
The sun was almost wholly obscured by the mountains as Sam parked his car, and got out, grabbing the bags. He grinned at me, a mischievous glint in his eye, "How much do you want to bet that there's at least two sets of sexy lingerie that found their way into your bags?" he teased as we made our way inside. I rolled my eyes at him as we walked into the kitchen, but his face quickly turned serious, and I looked around to see our Dad staring wide eyed at us, seated at the table with Doctor Mike. I swore internally, wondering what the doc had told him, and Sam suddenly grabbed the bags from me, "I'll just take these," he said carrying the lot upstairs all at once. The air was thick with tension, and this didn't seem good at all. Doctor Mike was the first to speak, "Laila, how's that rest going?" he asked dryly, and I cringed. He likely wouldn't approve of how long I'd spent on my feet today, even if it was just walking. "Oh, uh.. great, it feels really good again, Doc, thank you," I sa
I woke up as I felt Sam lifting himself off the bed, realising that I must have drifted off. "It's okay, Lails, I'm just going to go get ready for bed," he said softly as he noticed me stirring. "Will you come back?" I asked, and he smiled, stroking my hair lightly, "Yeah, if you want." I nodded, closing my eyes again, but flinched suddenly as he tapped my nose, screwing up my face, "Heyyyy," I said sleepily, and he laughed. "You should get changed too, don't sleep in those tight jeans," he said, and I sighed, forcing myself to sit up. "Fiiine," I said, and he stuck his tongue out at me as he left the room.I tried to put my feet to the floor, and gasped at the sharp pain from my ankle. Looking down, it looked dark with bruising, and far more swollen than it should. Frowning, I hopped awkwardly over to my dresser to pull out some cotton shorts and a clean t-shirt. I loved Sammy, but I wasn't about to sleep next to him in my just my underwear and a cami, which is all I usually wore to
After a little while, Sammy squeezed me gently, "You should get some proper rest," he said, sitting forward and pulling some of the pillows out from behind me. I nodded gently, rolling onto my side and curling up, and he covered me with the blanket, climbing in and snuggling up to me from behind. I sighed softly, and he draped an arm over me, squeezing me gently again, "It'll be okay, Lails," he said softly. I didn't answer, but snuggled closer into him, closing my eyes, and sleep came soon enough. It was a fitful sleep, plagued with nightmares of handsome smiles twisting into deadly beasts with long fangs and golden eyes, and fun, casual laughs turning to deep, evil sounding, mocking ones. I awoke with a start several times, and Sam tried to soothe me back to sleep. It seemed like he wasn't sleeping so well either. Eventually, the soft light of dawn shone behind the curtains, leaking into the room around the edges, and I woke to find Sam prodding me annoyingly, "Lailaaaa.. ugh, c'
We both stared at her expectedly, confused at her sudden invasion of our home, and the fraught look on her face. She seemed just as confused, looking back at us, "Laila?" she asked, sounding a little breathless, "You're okay? I've been trying to reach you all morning.."She trailed off as both of us sighed in relief, and I checked my phone again, not seeing any new messages from her, "Sarah, I responded to you a while ago, I told you, I slept in," I said, looking between her and Sam. She shook her head, and tapped her temple, and both of our eyes went wide. "Ohh, I understand now," I said, but had absolutely no idea how I could explain it to her. This could get dangerous, if people kept trying to mind link me, and was already awkward enough with Sarah looking between us for an explanation. "Mike gave me something.. unusual, to help me sleep," I said, "My ankle was healing oddly, it was a bit of a rough night. Everything is still kind of fuzzy, it's probably that." Sam nodded agreeme
I froze, feeling panicked as I stared at the screen, my hand shaking. Sam saw my face and snatched it off me, answering it, "What the fuck have you done?!" he growled into the phone, his voice full of anger, and I heard a masculine voice in the other end, though not well enough to make out the words. "I don't give a damn what the intent was, tell me how to fix it," Sam growled, still furious, "No, I will not let you speak to her!" I stared wide eyed at him, stepping towards him to take the phone, but he hung up before I could, and stood there, breathing hard and full of rage. I placed my hand on his arm, and he looked at me, his eyes full of sadness. I heard the front door, and footsteps rushing up the stairs, Doctor Mike stepping into my room a moment later, looking around, eyeing Sarah, the shopping bags, and then me. "What did she touch?" he asked quietly, his voice sounding very serious. I pointed to the ring, then shook my head, more tears running down my cheeks, "I told her no
I stared at Dad, suddenly feeling kind of ill. I could see the hurt and frustration in his face, but also the worry. "Dad.. I.." I started, not really knowing what to say, but Sam jumped in, "It's not her fault, Dad, any of it," he started. Dad just shook his head, "I appreciate you looking out for your sister, Sam, but she needs to start explaining all of this to me herself." I gave Sam a grateful smile, then looked at Dad, biting my lip and wondering where to even begin. "I.. Sarah, she.." I tried, but he cut me off, "From the beginning, please, Laila," he said sternly. I sighed, burying my face in my hands a moment. "My ankle," I said slowly, glancing at him, and he waited for me to continue, "I hurt it running back from the river. I go there sometimes, to the springs.." he swore under his breath, shaking his head, but listened still. I explained everything, from first meeting the Lycan, to seeing Cole and Finn, the necklace and the truth about the ointment, and everything else s
I heard the snaps and snarls and growls as those behind me shifted again, following, but falling silent as a very different kind of snarls sounded from either side of me. I realised it was a Lycan that held me, its huge, long forearms around my waist, and I froze. This one was even larger than Cole had been, but otherwise similar, with pure black fur and golden eyes. He rose up on his strong hind legs, towering over the wolves at his full height, and they backed off, leaving Xavier at their head. He shifted back, and I could smell his fear. Still, he spoke bravely, "My apologies, Lycan, that one is one of ours, who seems to have a nasty little habit of spending time around your border. I assure you, now that we're aware of it, it will not be happening again."He sneered at me, and I glared back. Trev stepped up behind him, snarling at me, though he'd already shifted back too. "Fuck it," he said angrily, "let them do their worst to her, after what she did to Sarah.." He cut off as a