Alpha Twins of the Cursed Bloodline: Werewolf Shifter Romance Audiobook

The New Year's party was in full swing at the club. The beat matching the carefree laughter of my friends. I clutched my glass of champagne, swirling the golden liquid as I leaned against the chair, letting myself forget who I really was. My red onepiece dress clung to me in all the right places, the matching jacket thrown carelessly over my shoulders. I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror-lined wall: flushed cheeks, loose waves of dark hair falling past my shoulders, and a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

"Brier! Come dance!" Maria called out, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

I gave her a playful wave. "You know I have two left feet."

She rolled her eyes but didn't press, disappearing back into the crowd. I loved my friends, but sometimes it was hard not to feel the weight of the secret I carried. To them, I was just Brier, the quiet healer from the village who sometimes let loose when the mood struck. They didn't know about the wolf beneath my skin, the secret I'd guarded since I was a kid. My pack, my family, had been destroyed years ago by a rival pack. I still remembered the smell of smoke, the cries, the blood. I'd barely escaped. Since then, I'd buried that part of me deep, hiding in plain sight among humans. It was safer this way. But some scars don't heal, no matter how well you hide them.

The clock struck midnight, and cheers erupted around me. Glasses clinked, and strangers hugged like old friends. I hugged Rachel and Maria, grinning from ear to ear. It was a new year, but the same old rules applied: stay hidden, stay safe, and never let anyone see the wolf.

I made my excuses to my friends, promising to catch up with them soon. My little bike waited for me outside, a reliable old thing with more dents than I could count. I swung my leg over, kicking it to life. The ride home was quiet, the wind biting at my cheeks. The village roads were empty, the houses dark. It was a relief, really. No one to ask questions, no one to notice me slipping back into the shadows.

Suddenly, I heard a low, pained whine. I stopped, heart hammering in my chest, as I stepped closer, scanning. There, half-hidden among the shadows, lay a massive wolf. Its dark fur matted with blood. I swallowed hard, instinct warring with fear. A wolf here? It couldn't be. Wolves didn't wander this close to human settlements, not unless... My heart stuttered. This wasn't just an ordinary wolf. I could feel it in my bones.

I stripped off my jacket and wrapped it around his massive frame. I couldn't move him without shifting. There was no other way. As my body began to transform, pain surged through me, sharp and relentless, but I pushed through it. My muscles tensed as I crouched, gripping him with all my strength. He was impossibly heavy, dead weight, but I refused to stop. With a growl and every ounce of effort I had, I hoisted him onto the back of my bike, my breaths coming in hard, uneven gasps. My legs wobbled as I balanced him, muttering curses under my breath.

As we reached our little cottage, I had barely managed to drag the wolf inside, onto the rug in front of the fireplace. His weight nearly crushing me. His massive body stretched across my rug, looking oddly out of place. My fingers trembling as I worked, I cleaned the gashes along his side, stitched the worst of them, and bandaged him up as best as I could.

"You're not just any wolf, are you?" I murmured, my hands steady despite the whirlwind in my chest. The wolf's ears flicked, and for a moment, I swore I saw it.

By the time I was done, the sky outside was starting to lighten. I slumped onto the couch, exhaustion pulling at me, but I couldn't look away from him. Who was he? The question followed me into my dreams.

And when I woke up, it wasn't a wolf lying on the rug anymore. It was a man. I froze, my breath catching in my throat. He was sprawled on his back, the blanket I'd thrown over him slipping dangerously low on his hips. His skin was pale but glowing faintly in the morning light, his muscular chest rising and falling steadily. His dark hair was disheveled, sharp jawline, strong nose, dark brown eyes that opened suddenly and locked onto mine.

I scrambled to my feet, my heart pounding. "Morning," he said, his voice rough but surprisingly calm for a man who had just turned from wolf to human.

"Who... what are you?" I stammered, unable to look away.

He sat up slowly, wincing as his hand brushed the bandages on his side. "Steven," he said simply. "And you're the one who saved me. So, I guess I owe you my thanks."

"I didn't save you so you could shift in my living room," I blurted out, my cheeks flaming.

A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Didn't exactly plan on it."

I crossed my arms, trying to ignore the way his gaze swept over me, lingering a little too long. "You're not human, are you?"

"No," his expression hardened. "And neither are you."

My stomach twisted. Words caught in my throat. I'd been hiding my own wolf heritage for so long, I wasn't sure if I was ready to share it with a stranger. Before I could decide, before I could even speak, there was a sound at the door. Not a knock. No, it was more urgent, more violent, like someone was trying to break it down.

Steven's head snapped toward the sound, and his eyes narrowed. They found me. "Who?" I whispered.

But he was already on his feet, moving with a predator's grace. "Open it," he said.

My hands shook as I reached for the door. When I opened it, a group of men stood there, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "Alpha," one of them said, his voice reverent.

Steven stepped forward, his posture suddenly commanding, even in nothing but the blanket wrapped around his waist. "We're leaving," he said.

The man's gaze flicked to me, and Steven's growl cut through the air. "She's coming with us."

"What?" I exclaimed.

Steven turned to me, his face unreadable, his voice calm but full of authority. "You're my Healer now. I need you to help me heal completely, and we don't have a Healer in our pack."

My stomach clenched. Staying with a pack was dangerous, reckless even, but something in his eyes made me hesitate. It wasn't just resolve; it was desperation, raw and unguarded, like I was his last shred of hope.

"Fine," I said, grabbing my coat. "But don't think this means I like you."

The corner of his mouth lifted again, that damn dimple making another appearance. "Wouldn't dream of it."

As we stepped outside, a sleek black car waited in front of my little cottage, its polished surface gleaming in the sunlight. Two bodyguards in sharp black suits and matching sunglasses stood rigidly on either side, their hands clasped in front of them like statues. One of them stepped forward and pulled the door open with precision.

"Thanks," I murmured, offering a quick grin. He gave a curt nod before returning to his position, silent and impassive.

Steven slid into the driver's seat, his movements smooth and deliberate as he started the car. The car ride to Steven's Fortress was strangely quiet, except for the low hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of the radio. Steven was focused on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. I couldn't help but glance at him every few minutes, tracing the hard line of his jaw, the way his brows furrowed like he was deep in thought.

"Do you always drive like you're chasing someone?" I asked, breaking the silence.

He smirked, his lips curling slightly, but he stayed silent.

When we arrived, the Fortress loomed like something out of a Gothic novel. It wasn't just big; it was massive, with high stone walls that seemed to touch the clouds. The rain made the whole place look darker, the stones slick and glistening. Steven opened my door before I had the chance to unbuckle.

"Welcome," he said, his tone softer now.

"Thanks," I whispered, my voice almost lost as I took in the luxurious Fortress before me, making me feel a little out of place. Steven must have noticed my hesitation because his hand brushed against my lower back as he guided me inside. It was a small gesture, but it felt steadying, like he was silently telling me I wasn't alone.

My room was beautiful too, beautiful honestly. The bed was massive with dark wooden posts and soft gray linens. A plush armchair sat by the window, and the faint smell of lavender lingered in the air. I barely had time to take it all in before there was a knock at the door. Steven didn't wait for me to answer; he stepped inside, and somehow, he seemed even more imposing. Gone was the disheveled look from last night. Now he wore a black button-down shirt that fit just right, the sleeves casually rolled up to reveal his strong, defined forearms. His dark hair was still damp, as if he'd just stepped out of the shower, and in his hands, he carried a tray of food with an ease that belied his commanding presence.

"I thought you might be hungry," he said, setting the tray down on the small table by the window.

"Thanks," I said, eyeing the soup and bread. His eyes scanned the room before landing on me. "Are you settling in okay?"

I shrugged. "It's a lot."

He nodded, his expression softening. "It'll get easier." I wasn't sure if I believed him, but the sincerity in his voice made me want to try.

"Your shoulder?" I asked suddenly, my voice cutting through the quiet. "How's it feeling?"

"It's fine," he replied curtly.

"Let me see," my tone left no room for argument, firm, steady. My healer instincts fully engaged. He hesitated for a beat before turning and tugging his collar aside, exposing the bandage. I leaned in, my fingers brushing his skin as I checked it, gentle but precise. His warmth seeped into me, but I forced myself to focus.

"Still tender?" I asked, my voice lower now.

"No, it's okay," he said.

"Tomorrow, I'll change the bandages," I said, keeping my voice steady and firm. He nodded, a faint smile hugging at the corner of his lips.

"Thanks for the help, Brier."

"That's what I'm here for," I whispered, my tone soft as I offered him a reassuring smile.

The next day was exhausting. Steven led me through the Fortress, introducing me to what felt like every member of the pack. There were warriors, elders, commanders, all of them sizing me up with curious or wary eyes. He also introduced me to his mother, Rose, the former pack advisor. Her warm smile was disarming, her eyes bright with recognition as she said, "So, you're the Healer we've heard so much about." There was a genuine happiness in her tone, as if she already saw me as a part of their world.

By the time we reached the dining hall, I was ready to collapse. That's when I met Julie. She was lounging against a pillar, chatting with a group of pack members, when Steven called her over. She was beautiful in an effortless kind of way, with her chestnut hair tied back in a loose braid and a mischievous glint in her hazel eyes. She looked up at me with curiosity, her smile was instant, wide, and disarming.

"Finally!" she said, striding over and grabbing my hands like we were old friends. "I've been waiting to meet you, Brier."

"This is Julie," Steven said.

"Brier, nice to meet you," I said, smiling despite my exhaustion.

"Oh, we're going to be best friends," Julie said, looping her arm through mine. "Steven's probably been boring you to death with rules and responsibilities, huh?"

Steven raised an eyebrow. "I'm standing right here."

Julie ignored him, tugging me away. "Come on, let me show you the fun side of the Fortress."

Julie was a whirlwind of energy. She dragged me through the halls, pointing out little details Steven had skipped over, like the hidden alcove where pack members used to sneak off to avoid chores, or the spot where Steven once tripped and broke his nose. "Don't let him fool you," she said with a grin. "He's not as perfect as he looks."

"Noted," I said, laughing as we walked. Julie filled me in on the pack's history. It wasn't a pretty story: years of war with rival packs, betrayals. She paused for a while before introducing Steven's twin, Kai. "Kai is the elder twin. Let's just say he's Steven's other half. Same power, same strength. They share everything in common, even the throne."

"What?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

She chuckled. "Yes, they're like a 'buy one, get one free' deal." Her tone was light, but there was a weight behind her words that I couldn't ignore. I laughed, though her tone left me with more questions than answers.

"What does that mean?"

She hesitated. "He's out for some important business, but you'll know when you meet him. Trust me." That wasn't exactly reassuring.

By the time we circled back to the main hall, I felt like I'd run a marathon. Steven was waiting for us, his arms crossed and an amused look on his face. "Julie, did you wear her out already?" he asked.

"Please," Julie said, waving him off. "She loves me."

Steven's eyes met mine, and for a moment, the noise of the hall faded. There was something in his gaze, something unspoken, that made my chest tighten. "Get some rest," he said softly. "You'll need it."

Turning to leave, "Yeah, but before I do, I need to change your bandages."

Steven gave me a glance from over his shoulder, nodding. We walked down the hall together, Julie trailing behind us. Normally, her presence would have made me feel more at ease, but tonight, something about her was different. She was quiet, too quiet, and there was a shift in her usual bubbly demeanor. I glanced back at her, catching her eyes briefly. Her lips parted like she was about to say something, but then she just smiled, forcing it a little too much.

"I'll leave you two to it. Good night, Brier."

"Good night," I said, watching her leave with a growing sense of unease. I didn't know what was going on, but something was definitely off. Still, I pushed the thought aside as I led Steven into my room.

When we got inside, I started gathering the ointment, warm water, and a clean cloth, my hands moving instinctively. I turned to Steven. "Shirt off," I said, trying to sound casual. He hesitated for just a moment before slowly pulling the shirt over his head, revealing the fresh bandages underneath. The muscles of his chest were still tense. I carefully pulled the first bandage away, and Steven winced, his body stiffened, and I could see the sharpness in his eyes, even though he was trying to hide it.

"I'll be more tender," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead as I focused on the task at hand. His breath was shallow, like he was trying to keep himself in check. The way his chest rose and fell, the tension in his shoulders, everything about him seemed to scream that he wanted to push through the pain but didn't want to show it. His eyes never left me as I worked, his gaze intense, but there was a softness to it now. His body relaxed just slightly, but I could still feel the tension hanging in the air.

When I finally finished, I stepped back, wiping my hands on the cloth. "All done," I said, giving him a small smile.

"Thanks," he said, his voice low. He reached for his shirt and pulled it back on, his movement slow, like he was savoring the moment. I could feel his gaze lingering on me, even with my back turned.

"Good night," he murmured.

"Good night," I replied, smiling as he left the room, the door clicking shut softly behind him.

Slowly, I made my way to the bed, pulling the blanket around me for comfort as I gazed out the window. The memory of Julie lingered in my mind, her expression shifting in a way that made me overthink everything. It was like... like there was something she wasn't saying, something I couldn't quite grasp, but it gnawed at me, relentless. Slowly, exhaustion took over me. It had been a few days since I arrived here, yet it felt like time had folded in on itself. Steven had been attentive to my every need, more than I ever expected. I couldn't shake the undeniable pull I felt toward him, like gravity, subtle but impossible to resist. Julie had become my closest friend here, but every time Julie looked at me when I was with Steven, there was a flicker of worry in her eyes that morning.

Steven had insisted on carrying a tray of breakfast to my room. He knocked softly before stepping in, the scent of coffee and fresh bread filling the space.

"You're spoiling me," I teased, sitting up against the pillows.

"Someone has to," he said with a faint grin, setting the tray down in front of me. "Eat. You need your strength."

I rolled my eyes but didn't argue. His tone was firm, but his expression was soft too, soft the kind that made my stomach flip. As I took a sip of coffee, he leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with an intensity that was both comforting and unnerving.

"How's your wounds?" I asked, glancing at the bandages peeking out from under his shirt sleeve.

"It's fine," he said, brushing it off like... like it didn't matter, but I could see the tension in his jaw, the slight wince he tried to hide when he moved.

I set the cup down and reached for his arm before I could think better of it. "Let me check." He didn't hesitate before pulling off his shirt, letting me check the bandages carefully. His skin was warm under my fingers.

"I'll change it tomorrow," I said, looking at the bandages.

"Hey," he said. I glanced up, meeting his gaze.

"Yeah, tomorrow. Do you want to go for a ride?" The invitation caught me off guard, but before I could overthink it, a smile tugged at my lips.

"Sure," I said with a small nod. "That sounds nice."

He grinned, slow and deliberate, his eyes holding mine a beat too long. "Good. I'll pick you up in the morning."

That evening, Julie found me in the library, thumbing through a book I wasn't really reading. She plopped down beside me, her usual cheerful energy muted.

"You and Steven seem close," she said casually, but her tone had an edge to it. I looked at her, trying to gauge her mood.

"He's been kind to me. That's all."

Julie's brows furrowed, and she hesitated before speaking again. "Just be careful, Brier. Steven's not as simple as he seems." Her words hung in the air, and I didn't know how to respond.

"Careful of what?" I finally asked, but she just shook her head, forcing a smile.

"Never mind. I'm just being silly," she said, standing up quickly. "See you tomorrow."

As she left, I felt the unease settle deeper in my chest. That night, sleep didn't come easily. I tossed and turned, my mind replaying Julie's warning to be careful with Steven. When I finally drifted off, the dream came. It was vivid, more real than anything I'd ever felt. It started with a touch, light, almost hesitant, fingers trailing along my jaw, tilting my face up. I couldn't see his features clearly, just the outline of a strong jaw, sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through me. He felt strangely familiar, yet distant, like someone I should know, but still entirely foreign. His hand slid to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. The air between us felt electric, like a storm about to break. My breath hitched as his lips brushed mine, soft but insistent, a mix of urgency and restraint.

"You're not supposed to be here," I whispered, though I didn't know why.

"And yet, here I am," he murmured against my lips, his voice low and rough. His touch was fire and ice, setting every nerve alight. My fingers curled into his shirt, pulling him closer, kneading him... him in a way I couldn't explain.

"Brier," he whispered against my ears, his voice deep and yet tender.

I woke startled, my heart racing, my skin tingling as if his hands had been real. The room was empty, the fire reduced to embers. The sunlight crept through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor, yet the dream clung to me, vivid and unsettling. I pressed a hand to my heart, willing it to slow down. It was just a dream. Who was he, and why did it feel like he was someone I'd known forever?

Since then, the dreams came every night, but I dismissed them, telling myself they were just tricks of my mind. As the sun dipped low, I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the creases in my simple pale blue dress. It was nothing fancy, but the soft fabric and the way it hugged my curves felt just right. My nerves danced like leaves in the wind. Tonight, I promised Steven to go on a ride. The knock at the door made me jump, snapping me out of my thoughts. I opened it to see Steven leaning casually against the doorframe, dressed in a black leather jacket and dark jeans. His hair was tousled, like he hadn't bothered much, but somehow it worked perfectly.

"Ready?" he asked, his deep voice steady, but his eyes held a flicker of something I couldn't place.

"Yeah," I replied, grabbing my jacket and stepping out. I climbed onto the back of his Royal bike, my hands hesitating before settling on his waist. The cool evening breeze rushed past as we speed down the quiet roads, the hum of the engine filling the silence between us. I couldn't help but notice the way his shoulders moved as he steered, strong and purposeful.

When we finally stopped, the sea stretched out before us, endless and serene. The waves lapped at the shore, their rhythm soothing yet powerful. Steven turned off the engine and climbed off the bike, holding out his hand to help me down. I took it, my fingers brushing his palm. He led me closer to the water, the sand cool beneath my boots. The moon hung low, its silver light making the world around us glow softly.

Steven pulled something from his pocket: a small glass bottle with a rolled-up note inside. "This is for you," he said, his voice quieter now.

"A bottle message?" I asked, taking it from him.

"Open it," he urged, his eyes locked on mine. I twisted the cork off, the faint scent of salt lingering. The note inside was simple but made my breath catch: "Stay with me. Not just tonight, but every night after."

I looked up, my heart thundering in my chest. "Stephen..."

He stepped closer, his hands sliding into mine. His expression was open, vulnerable. "I've never felt this way before, Brier, and I don't want to lose you." Despite Julie's warnings, despite the little voice in my head telling me to think it through, I couldn't fight the pull between us.

"Yes," I whispered.

Steven didn't wait. His hands cupped my face as he leaned in, his lips brushing mine. It was soft at first, tentative, but the moment deepened as he pulled me closer. The kiss was warm, intoxicating, and I felt myself melting into him.

That night, my dreams were vivid, more real, more intimate than anything I'd felt in weeks. I was sitting on the edge of the bed in a room bathed in moonlight, shadows dancing on the walls. A man stood before me, tall and broad-shouldered, his silhouette outlined against the pale light. His face remained hidden, but his presence commanded the air around him, pulling me toward him with an irresistible force. He moved closer, his hand tracing a featherlight path along my cheek. "You're mine," he murmured, his voice rich and commanding.

"No," I said weakly, though my body betrayed me, leaning into his touch. "You have to go."

He ignored my words and leaned in, his lips brushing mine, hesitant at first, but then it deepened, demanding and firm, drawing a gasp from me. "Go," I tried again, but my voice cracked, trembling.

"No," he murmured, his lips trailing down my collarbone and along my shoulder as he slid the fabric of my dress, revealing more of my skin under his burning gaze. His hands moved over my curves with a deliberate, claiming touch, as if he needed me to know I was his. A deep, unexplainable need rooted in my chest, silencing every thought except the heat between us.

"You know I don't belong to you," I whispered with half-closed eyes, my voice shaking as his lips traced a fiery path down my chest and lower, lingering over every inch of exposed skin. His lips brushed over my navel, and he paused, looking up at me with an intensity that took my breath away.

"You do, Brier," he said softly, his words punctuated by a slow, deliberate kiss just below my ribs. A hunger I couldn't explain took hold of me, my hands trembling as they reached for his shirt, my fingers fumbling with the buttons, sliding them free one by one until I could push the fabric off his shoulders. His fingers threaded through my hair, slow and deliberate, a silent acknowledgement of his pleasure at my actions. My lips followed, pressing tentative, lingering kisses against his chest, tasting the heat of his skin. His grip tightened slightly, and I couldn't help but feel the unspoken connection deepening between us.

"I need to see you," I whispered, breathless and desperate, reaching for my phone. I fumbled with it, turning on the flashlight as the beam of light illuminated his face. Relief crashed over me like a wave. It was Steven, my Steven. My lips parted to speak, but the dream shifted. His face fading into shadow as I jolted awake, my heart racing, my body still humming with the remnants of his touch. It felt so real, so vivid, like a memory etched into my soul rather than a dream.

A knock at the door pulled me back to the present. "Come in," I called out. Before I could think, I was on my feet, running to the door.

"Steven!" I threw my arms around him without hesitation. His eyes widened as I pressed a kiss to his lips. "I was dreaming about you," I whispered, my words tumbling out in a rush.

"Wait," he said gently, steadying me by my shoulders. "That voice... it was different, more deep and smooth."

I pulled back, and my stomach dropped. It wasn't Steven.

"I... I'm so sorry," sorry I stammered, my face burning.

The man smiled, his expression almost identical to Steven's, but softer, more playful. "It's okay," he said, his voice holding a teasing edge. He reached for my hand and shook it lightly. "I'm Kai. Steven's Elder twin. And you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn just beginning to creep into the horizon. I reached for my phone on the bedside table, the blue light harsh against my eyes. 4:17 a.m. Too early to be awake, but too shaken to sleep. I could still feel the phantom heat of his hand trailing down my neck, the way his voice had whispered my name like it was the only word that mattered. My stomach churned as I remembered the darkness in his eyes, the edge to his smile.

By 7, I was pacing the kitchen, waiting for Julie to wake up. Her warning echoed in my mind, and I needed answers. The sun was rising, casting pale light through the windows. My coffee sat untouched on the counter, cold and forgotten. When Julie finally entered, her hair a mess of soft curls, she looked up, her dark eyes softening when she saw me.

"Brier, you look like you haven't slept."

"I haven't," I admitted softly, lowering my gaze. She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, her eyes searching mine.

"What's going on, Brier? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

I hesitated, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. Finally, I just blurted it out. "I've been having these dreams about Steven."

Julie's hand froze mid-circle on her mug. She didn't say anything, but her silence was heavy. "Then... intense," I continued, my cheeks flushing. "It's like he's there, but not really. I don't know how to explain it. It feels so real, like I can feel him, but when I wake up, it's..."

She just stared at me, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping. "It's not Steven," she said quietly. "It's Kai."

The name hit me like a cold wind. "That's not possible. I barely know Kai."

Julie leaned back in her chair, looking suddenly older, like the weight of what she was about to say had been sitting on her for years. Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She reached for my hand. "You don't have to know him at all. The curse makes sure of that."

"Curse?" I echoed, my stomach twisting.

Julie let out a long sigh. "The twins weren't born like everyone else. They were born together, two halves of the same whole. Their strength, their power, their emotions... they're all connected. They share everything, Brier. Even the women who love them." Her words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

"I don't love Kai," I said quickly, the words tumbling out like a defense. "I don't even know Kai." But even as the words left my lips, they felt hollow. I could tell myself I loved Steven all I wanted, but deep down, I couldn't deny the truth. My days belonged to him, yet my nights were haunted by Kai.

Julie's gaze didn't waver. She sat quietly for a moment, as if measuring her next words, then she finally spoke. "You need to know the whole story," she said softly. She told me everything about her heartbreak, how her marriage to Steven, arranged since their childhood, had crumbled under the weight of the... the curse. She explained how her parents had uncovered the truth about the twins, how their bond was unlike anything else. "They share everything," she said, her voice steady but edged with sorrow. "Their strength, their power, even their hearts. When one loves, the other feels it. It's unavoidable." She paused, her fingers tracing an invisible pattern on the table. "I didn't feel anything for Steven," she admitted, her words slow and deliberate. "That's the only reason I was spared from the dreams. But you... you're different. You feel something for him, don't you?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but no words came. Instead, I looked away, my silence betraying me.

"It's already too late," my voice trembled, laced with anger that I couldn't contain. "Why didn't you tell me about the curse sooner?"

Julie flinched, her gaze dropping to the table. I noticed the way her shoulders tensed, her jaw tightening as if she were swallowing back tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible, each word weighed down with regret. "I tried to warn you, Brier," she murmured, "but not as firmly as I should have. I... I was scared. I thought it would drive a wedge between us, that you'd think I was trying to come between you and Steven." Her honesty cut through the storm of my emotions, leaving behind a hollow ache I couldn't ignore.

That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at the empty space where moonlight spilled across the floor. Julie's words echoed in my mind, but so did the memories of Steven, the way he smiled, the way his touch felt. And then there were the dreams. The man who haunted them, who felt so familiar, yet so strange. Could it really be Kai? I buried my face in my hands, torn between what I knew and what I felt. I couldn't untangle my feelings. Before I knew it, I was walking aimlessly into the woods, too lost in my thoughts to realize it. My hands shook as I clenched and unclenched them, trying to release the tension coiling inside me.

"Why didn't she tell me sooner?" I muttered to myself, my voice breaking. "Why did it have to be me?" The questions swirled in my head, unanswered and relentless. My throat tightened, tears burning my eyes. I wiped them away angrily, frustrated at my own weakness. Steven's face flashed in my mind, his warm smile, the way his eyes lit up when he looked at me. And then Kai's, dark and commanding, with a gaze that seemed to strip me bare.

"How can I love two men at the same time?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I wasn't watching where I was going anymore. My feet carrying me deeper into the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their shadows stretching across the ground. The further I walked, the darker it became, but I didn't care. Maybe I wanted to get lost. Maybe I was already lost.

A low growl shattered my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. I froze, my heart stopping for a moment before it started pounding wildly in my chest. My eyes darted around the darkening forest, searching for the source of the sound. There it was again, closer this time, a guttural, menacing growl that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Panic set in. I took a step back, then another, but the growls only multiplied. My stomach twisted as I realized it wasn't just one wolf; it was a pack.

"Oh God," I whispered, my voice trembling. My breath came in shallow gasps as they closed in, their movements slow and deliberate, like predators savoring the chase. I turned and ran. Branches snagged at my clothes, scratching my arms and face as I sprinted through the forest. My boots slipped on the uneven ground, but I didn't stop. The sound of paws pounding against the Earth grew louder, closer.

"Help!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. A sharp pain shot through my ankle as I stumbled over a root, hitting the ground hard. I tried to scramble to my feet, but one of the wolves was already on me, its teeth sinking into the fabric of my jacket. And then, out of nowhere, a massive figure barreled into the fray. He was a blur of dark fur and raw power, his wolf form unlike anything I'd ever seen. He threw the wolf against the tree with a strength I'd never seen before, his growls fierce and guttural, the kind that sent shivers down your spine. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. One by one, he fought them off, his movements precise and brutal.

I stumbled to a stop, gasping for air, my hands gripping the rough bark of a tree for support. My eyes never left him. The way he moved, the way he fought, it was mesmerizing. When the last wolf finally retreated, he turned to me, his chest heaving, his fur matted with blood. His eyes were unmistakable, burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. Was he Steven? I was curious to know, but when he shifted back, it wasn't Steven. Instead, it was Kai. The transformation quick but seamless, and there he stood, bare and wounded, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. His expression was a strange mix of fierceness and relief. I felt a sudden shyness watching him, completely exposed in front of me. His skin marked with both fresh wounds and old scars. My gaze flickered away, heat rushing to my cheeks, but before he could say anything, his knees buckled.

"Wait!" I gasped, rushing forward. He didn't fall completely, but sank to the floor, weak yet somehow still conscious. His head tilted toward me, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. I quickly shrugged off my jacket and wrapped it around him, trying to shield his bare, trembling frame from the cold. His lips curled into a faint smirk, barely there, but it caught me off guard. The look in his half-closed eyes didn't match the gravity of the situation, calm, almost teasing, like he found something amusing about my panic.

"You shouldn't have come here, Kai," I murmured, shaking my head, my voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Kai's gaze lingered on me, his dark eyes filled with surprise. His lips parted as if the words were stuck somewhere deep inside him. "Strange," he rasped, "how do you know I'm..." The sentence broke off, his breath hitching as though even speaking was too much. His chest rose and fell heavily, every gasp a battle.

I leaned in, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I don't know," I said softly, searching his face, "but I just... I know you're Kai."

A faint, weary smirk curved his lips, though his eyes betrayed the pain etched into him. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my arms beneath him and tried to lift, but his weight was overwhelming. His body pressed hard against mine as he stirred, trying to stand. I held him with every ounce of strength I had, his arm wrapped firmly around my waist, his face dropping to the curve of my neck. His ragged breath brushed against my skin, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine. Half dragging, half carrying him through the forest, I felt the tension in his body, solid, unyielding, as if even unconscious he was fighting to stay in control. The warmth of his blood seeped through my t-shirt, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my chest was fear, exhaustion, or something far more dangerous.

The Fortress finally came into view, its tall stone walls a welcome sight against the dark night. I kicked the door shut behind me, easing Kai down onto my bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at him. His body was wounded, and his face was pale. I grabbed a cloth and a bowl of water from the table, my hand shaking as I knelt beside the bed.

"You couldn't make this easy, could you?" I muttered under my breath, dipping the cloth into the water as I started cleaning the wound on his shoulder. My gaze drifted to his face. Even bruised and battered, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. His jaw was strong, his lips slightly parted as he breathed, and his eyes... I froze as his lashes fluttered, revealing piercing blue eyes, the exact shade I'd seen in my dreams. A chill ran down my spine. I had never truly looked at Kai this closely before, never noticed how his features mirrored the man who haunted my dreams, the one who held me close, whispered my name like a prayer, and left me breathless with his touch. It was Kai. Everything clicked into place, piece by piece, like a puzzle I hadn't realized I was solving. The dreams, the pull, the unspoken connection, it all led back to him. And now, here he was, right in front of me, too real to deny.

My heart raced as I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. His skin was warm under my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. I leaned closer, studying his features, his face just inches from mine. His eyes had that same depth, like they held secrets I wasn't ready to uncover. His lips, full and slightly curved even in sleep, looked far too familiar, and his voice...

"Brier," he murmured, his voice raspy but unmistakable.

I pulled back so fast I almost tipped the bowl of water over. My breath hitched as his eyes fluttered open, focusing on me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

"You're awake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tried to sit up, but I pushed him back gently. "Don't even think about it. You're hurt."

Before he could respond, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow flicker across the doorway. Steven. His face was for me, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought it might crack. He didn't even look at me; his gaze was locked on Kai, who smirked despite the situation.

"What are you doing here, Steven?" he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Kai's smile widened, and he propped himself up on one elbow. "Nice to see you too, Steven. I'm Kai, Steven's Elder twin, and you must be Brier, the only healer in our pack."

I nodded. I felt uneasy because of the foolish act I had just done. Kai noticed it. "It's not a big deal. You know, most of the people get confused between me and Steven. Even our parents get confused sometimes." I glanced at him, surprised by his effort to ease my discomfort. He flashed a lopsided grin, the kind that could almost make you forget the world was spinning out of control.

"Really?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, straightening up. "One time, Steven got grounded for a week because of something I did, and he didn't even bother correcting them. Said it was easier than explaining."

A laugh bubbled out of me despite myself. It was small, but it loosened the knot in my chest. "So, you're the troublemaker?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Depends on the day." I found myself smiling. The tension in the room melting slightly.

"Well, if you need anything, ask me," he said, his gesture was soft, and with that, he left. The unease still lingered, but his playful attitude chipped away at it piece by piece. Maybe this wasn't as disastrous as it felt. Still, a small part of me couldn't shake the thought: how could I not have noticed the difference?

The dreams wouldn't stop, no matter how hard I tried. The closer I got to Steven, the more vivid and intimate they became, each night more intense than the last. It felt as though the Steven in my dream was always one step ahead of the Steven I knew in reality. It wasn't just a fleeting thought anymore; it was a haunting, lingering presence that consumed my nights.

I woke up startled again, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts, like I just ran from Steven in my dreams. The room was silent, except for the faint creak of the wind against the window. My chest felt heavy, like a weight pressing down. It was still dark outside

Growled his voice sharp and commanding. I froze.

Steven spun around, his body shielding mine as we both turned to see Kai standing in the doorway. His face was a mask of anger, his eyes flicking between Steven and me. "What are you doing here? Get out now!"

Steven jerked back, turning toward his brother with fire in his eyes. But Kai didn't move, his gaze locked on me, sweeping over every inch of my skin as though he could see right through the sheet I'd hastily wrapped around myself. I felt exposed, my cheeks burning with shame, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

Steven stepped in front of me, his fists clenched at his sides. "I said get out! Kai, Brier is mine. I love her," he growled, his voice protective and sharp.

Kai turned to him with a cold, humorless laugh. "Really, brother?" his words were laced with venom. "If you loved her, you would have told her the truth about the condition, about what she's been dragged into." He gestured between the two of us, his tone razor-sharp. "But instead, you let her walk blind into this."

Steven's face darkened, his gaze fell to the ground, but he said nothing.

"What condition?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kai stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "If Steven claims you, Brier, you don't just belong to him. You belong to both of us."

My heart stopped. "What?"

Steven's silence was answer enough. Kai's expression softened just a little as he reached out to me. "Yes," he said quietly, his voice laced with something fragile. "Regret, maybe. You deserve to know the truth before this goes any further." He paused, his gaze locking with mine, raw and unguarded. "If you love one, you'll feel feel an undeniable pull toward the other. It's the curse. If one of us claims you, the curse deepens. You belong to both of us, and no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to control your emotions for either of us. That's how the curse works."

"What?" I stammered, looking between them. I felt the words settle like stones in my chest, heavy and unyielding.

"Shut up!" Steven roared, lunging at Kai and shoving him hard. Kai didn't flinch. He retaliated with a swing, his fist colliding with Steven's jaw with a sickening crack. I gasped, clutching the sheet tighter around me as my knees nearly gave out.

"You don't get to decide for her!" Steven shouted, his voice raw, throwing another punch. "And you don't get to drag her into this without telling her the truth!"

Kai snarled, grabbing Steven by the collar and slamming him into the wall. The sound reverberated through the room like a thunder clap that made my pulse race. They were like two storms colliding, untamed and relentless, their emotions spilling out in every brutal blow.

I tried to step between them, desperate to stop the madness, but Steven's arm shot out, catching me firmly by the shoulder. His touch was steady yet gentle. "Stay out of this, Brier," he said, his voice calmer now, but his eyes burned like fire.

I gathered all the courage, stepping between them again. "Stop it!" I screamed, my voice cracking under the weight of the chaos. "If you can't respect me, then neither of you deserve me!"

The room froze. Both men stopped fighting. Kai sat up, wiping the blood from his lip, his wild blue eyes fixed on mine. Steven stayed where he was, his hands curled into fists against the floor. Both turned to me, their heavy breaths filling the silence.

Steven spoke first, his voice. "Brier, I love you. I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. But there's more to this than you know. I didn't tell you because I was terrified of losing you."

Kai stepped forward, his rage now replaced by something softer, something heavier. "He's right, Brier. But you deserve to know the truth before everything slipped out of your hands."

Their words hung in the air, suffocating and impossible to grasp. My heart thundered in my chest, my breath hitching as I stared at them. Two men bound by something I didn't fully understand, both staring at me like I was the axis their worlds revolved around.

"I need time," I said finally, my voice trembling.

Both nodded, and without another word, they left. As the door clicked shut behind them, I sank back onto the bed, my mind spinning. I felt like I was standing at the edge of something huge, something I wasn't sure I could handle. I tossed and turned the entire night. Sleep refused to come with the weight of everything. The fight between Kai and Steven kept replaying in my head. Angry words, clenched fists, the raw pain in their voices. I'd never seen them like that before, and it scared me.

As I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, an idea began to form. It wasn't perfect, far from it, but it was better than sitting here doing nothing. The which might hold the answers we needed. By the time the first rays of sunlight crept through my window, I was already up, pulling on my boots. My decision was made. "We are going to the witch today."

I went to Steven's room first. I didn't bother knocking, pushing the door open to find him sitting on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. He looked up as I entered, his expression tired and strained. "Bri," he said, his voice horar.

"Take your shirt off," I said briskly, grabbing the medical supplies from the table. He obeyed, pulling his shirt over his head. His chest was marred with scratches and bruises, a testament to the fight. I didn't say anything as I started cleaning the wounds, my hands steady despite the anger bubbling inside me.

"I'm sorry," he said after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper.

I stopped, my hand freezing mid-air. "Sorry?" I repeated, my voice sharper than I intended. "Steven, you kept the truth from me. What if Kai hadn't come at the right time?" The thought sent a chill through me, my breath hitching as the weight of what could have happened settled over me like a heavy fog. He flinched, guilt written all over his face.

"I love you, Brier, and the moment I saw you with Kai, I lost it. I forgot about the curse."

"If you love me, if you really love me, you would have told me the truth, Steven. You should have told me that loving you meant loving Kai too." I opened his mouth to respond, but I cut him off. "And now you're coming to the witch with me. No arguments."

For a moment, he just stared at me, his jaw tight. Then he nodded, his shoulders slumping.

Kai's room was next. He was wounded too. How could I not heal him after he saved me yesterday? No matter what Steven might think of it, I had to help Kai. I owed him that much. His door was slightly ajar, and I could hear the faint rustle of movement inside. Pushing it open, I froze in the doorway. Kai stood by the window, shirtless, dabbing at the angry red gash on his side. His muscles flexed as he moved, his bronzed skin glinting in the morning light. The wound was fresh, it looked raw and painful, a reminder of the fight from from the previous night. He didn't notice me at first, too focused on cleaning the injury. His jaw was set, his dark hair messy from sleep. There was a vulnerability to him in that moment, something I wasn't used to seeing before.

Before I could stop myself, I stepped inside. "You're doing it wrong," I said, my voice soft but firm.

Kai glanced up, startled. "Brier," he muttered, straightening up. His eyes flicked to the cloth in his hand, then back to me. "I've got it."

"No, you don't," I said, closing the distance between us. "Sit." He hesitated, then sighed and dropped into the chair by the window. I grabbed the cloth from his hand and dipped it into the bowl of water on the table. My healer instincts had kicked in, and there was no stopping them now.

The silence between us was heavy as I worked. I dabbed at the wound gently, my fingers brushing against his skin. He flinched at first, but didn't pull away.

"I'm sorry about last night," he said quietly, breaking the silence. I paused, looking up at him. His eyes were dark and sincere, filled with an emotion I couldn't quite name.

"Don't say sorry," I replied, my voice steady. "If you hadn't come, everything would have been destroyed. You did what you thought was right."

Kai's gaze lingered on me, and for a moment, it felt like the room had shrunk. The air between us grew heavier with an undeniable attraction I couldn't ignore. His breathing hitched slightly as my hand brushed against his side again, and I could feel the tension in his body.

"Brier," he murmured, his voice rough. I met his eyes, my heart pounding. There was something in the way he looked at me, something raw, unspoken. I felt it too, a pull I couldn't explain, a warmth spread spring through me that had nothing to do with the morning sun.

But Kai shook his head, breaking the moment. He leaned back slightly, his jaw tightening as if trying to regain control. I cleared my throat, focusing back on the wound. "All done," I said, stepping back.

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "Thanks." I hesitated before speaking again. "We're going to the witch today. You, me, and Steven."

Kai frowned, shaking his head. "Brier, she can't fix this."

"She's our only chance," I interrupted. "You might not believe in her, but I do. And you're coming with me." He stared at me for a long moment, then nodded. "Okay."

The tension between the three of us was palpable as I walked ahead of the twins, my heart heavy. I could feel the weight of their emotions pressing down on me – the anger, the guilt, the jealousy. My leg legs unsteady beneath me, but I forced myself to stay composed as we made our way to the witch's cabin on the edge of the forest. Steven was on my left, his jaw clenched so tightly I could almost hear his teeth grinding. His hands were buried deep in the pockets of his coat, his shoulders stiff against the cold air. On my right, Kai walked with a steady confidence, though his usual swagger seemed muted. His strides were slower, more measured, as if he was carrying the weight of something unseen. As we walked, I glanced back at Steven. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a small smile. I looked at Kai. His back straight, his movements stiff. He didn't glance back, but I knew he was thinking about last night. I sighed, my resolve hardening. Whatever it took, I was going to fix this for them, for the pack, for us. The witch was our only hope, and I wasn't going to let them tear each other apart before we got there.

As we reached, I knocked on the door. It creaked open on its own, revealing a dimly lit room that smelled of herbs and smoke. The witch sat in the center, her long silver hair falling over her shoulders like a shimmering waterfall. Her eyes were sharp, piercing, as if she could see straight into your soul. "Come in, Brier," she said, her voice calm, almost too calm. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. "I know why you're here."

I felt a chill settle over me as I entered. The warmth from outside suddenly sucked away by the coolness of the room. It wasn't just the temperature; it was the weight of the knowledge that hung in the air like a secret too heavy to bear. Steven stayed close to me, his hand brushing against mine. Kai kept his distance, leaning casually against the doorframe, but I could see the tension in his jaw. As the witch motioned for us to sit, I took a deep breath and began to tell her everything – the curse, the brothers, and my desperate hope to find a way out of this tangled mess.

The witch listened without interrupting. It felt as though she already knew everything. Her eyes were fixed on me as if she was reading something beyond the words I spoke. Finally, when I finished, she stood up, her long flowing robes trailing behind her as she walked to the hearth. She turned to to face us, her face grim.

"The bloodline of Kai and Steven is cursed, Brier. This curse goes back a century to a time when their ancestors toyed with a witch named Catsa." CIA was from their pack, Brier. She was the most powerful Witch of her time, and she was taken advantage of by the twins. Your ancestors. They used their similar faces to manipulate her, using her to fulfill their own desires. But CA was no fool. She soon saw their true faces and cursed them."

I could feel my pulse quicken, the words washing over me in a rush. The twins, the ancestors had cursed themselves, had ruined everything for their descendants, for Kai and Steven. "The curse," the witch continued, "is that any twins born into their bloodline will never be able to use their faces to deceive. Instead, they'll be bound to each other in a way that no one can escape. If one of them falls in love with a woman, the other will fall for her too. They will never be able to keep her, never be able to claim her for their own. Their connection will be their curse."

I glanced at Kai and Steven, both of them standing tall, their postures stiff. They were trapped in a web they couldn't escape. "And CA?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

The Witch's lips twisted into a sad smile. "She was cast out of their pack, Brier. She formed her own pack, naming it after herself – the CIA pack." The memory hit me like a wave. The pack that attacked me, the CIA pack, and how Kai saved me. I glanced at them both. They were already staring at me, shocked.

"What happened then?" I asked, my curiosity tinged with unease.

The Witch's expression hardened, her voice low and waited with history. "The twins who had betrayed CA couldn't bear the sting of her curse. Their pride was wounded, their power challenged. They waged war on her pack, striking again and again. But Cia wasn't one to cower. Her pack fought back fiercely, each attack met with equal fury." I held my breath as she continued, her words painting a vivid picture of chaos and revenge. "Eventually, they died, leaving behind the bitter rivalry between the packs. The twins left their curse behind, etched into their bloodline like a brand. Yet Cia's power endured too, passed down to her descendants." The witch's voice was steady, cutting through the silence like a blade. "Steven and Kai's fathers were twins too, bound by the same curse. They shared one woman, and their fates were sealed together." Her gaze shifted momentarily to Steven and Kai, then back to me. "Their mother, she is also from Kia's pack. Her blood gave her a connection to the curse, but she was not not a direct descendant. That's why she couldn't break it, no matter how hard she tried. Her bond to the bloodline allowed her to birth twins, but her lack of Cia's lineage kept her powerless to change their fate."

The witch turned to me with a knowing smile, her voice soft yet weighted with meaning. "But you, Brier, you are Cia's direct descendant. You have the power of Katsa. You carry the bloodline of Ctia. The power of witchcraft runs through your veins. You you can end this curse. You have that power, Brier."

My eyes widened in shock, the weight of her words sinking in. Me, a descendant of Kattia, the most powerful Witch of her time? It felt unreal, like the ground beneath my feet had shifted. "But I don't know magic. I I've never cast a spell in my life. I'm not ready for this."

Her lips pressed into a grim line, her gaze unwavering. "Magic is not something you are ready for, Brier. It's something you become, and you must learn. I will guide you, but understand, once you master the magic, the choice will be yours. You can use it to break the curse, but it will come with a price."

"What price?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

The Witch's expression hardened, and she let out a long sigh. "One of them will live, but the other..." she hesitated, her voice dropping into a solemn whisper. "The other will die."

Her words struck like thunder, and the air seemed to grow colder. "No," I breathed, shaking my head. "There has to be another way."

The witch shook her head. "The other way is to share your love equally between them. But know this, Brier, every full moon, the bond will drive them to fight for dominance over you. They will battle not out of choice, but compuls I, and the stronger twin will claim you again and again." Her words struck like a dagger, leaving no room for hope or denial. But her eyes shadowed with pity. "But if you perform the spell, you must choose one life for the other. It is the only way to sever the bond."

My legs felt weak beneath me, and I stumbled back a step, my head spinning. I looked at Steven and Kai, both silent, both watching me with a mixture of fear and hope. The thought of taking away the life either of them sent a sharp pain through my chest. I stood up immediately. "I can't do this," I spat, and turned to leave. "Are you coming?" I asked Steven and Kai, glancing over my shoulder.

"I will wait for the day you're ready to embrace your witch power," The Witch's voice echoed behind me, calm yet heavy with certainty. "Come back to me when you wish to learn, Brier." I didn't dare to look back, my footsteps quickened, the weight of her words following me like a shadow, sinking deep into my chest.

As we walked towards the Fortress, the weight of history pressing down on my chest. My mind raced as the pieces started to fall into place. My pack had been destroyed by Kai and Steven's fathers, their fathers who were twins, just like them. The realization was dizzying, suffocating, but I shoved the thoughts away. What did it matter now? My heart was already caught in an impossible bind. Steven's name, a whisper in my mind, yet Kai's face lingered, haunting me. How could I choose between them? Could I really decide who deserved to live, who deserved to die? No. The idea of taking either of their lives, of playing executioner to one twin for the sake of the other, clawed at my insides.

It was the full moon. My chest tightened as I stared at it, the witch's words ringing in my mind like a haunting melody. "Every full moon, the bond will drive them to fight for dominance over you. They will battle not out of choice, but compulsion, and the stronger twin will claim you again and again." I rubbed my arms, trying to shake off the chill that came with the memory. But tonight, the air felt different, electric almost, like something was about to break.

Then I heard Rose's voice outside. "Steven and Kai are fighting over Brier for dominance in the woods," she said urgently. My stomach twisted. "Oh my God," Julie's voice followed, panicked. "This will break the pack if they keep fighting." I yanked the door open and ran straight to her. "Where are they?" I asked breathlessly. "The woods," Rose said, already moving this way. I barely registered throwing on my jacket before rushing out with them.

The night was cold, the scent of pine and damp earth filling my lungs as we ran. Shadows danced between the trees as the sound of snarls and growls reached my ears. We emerged into a clearing, and there they were. Steven and Kai, both shirtless, their bodies covered in cuts and bruises. Steven's sandy hair was matted with blood, while Kai's darker locks clung to his sweat-soaked face. Their movements were feral, raw. Steven lunged, but Kai countered, pinning him to the ground with a guttural growl.

"Stop!" I screamed, but they didn't hear me. The pack stood frozen, with worry and fear etched on their faces as they watched their Alphas clash. Julie grabbed my arm, holding me back as I tried to move closer. "Brier, don't," she pleaded. "It's the bond. They won't stop until one of them wins."

Kai delivered a final blow, forcing Steven to the ground, standing over him. Kai's presence was commanding. Steven struggled back to his feet. "Brier isn't yours, Kai," Steven spat, his voice raw with pain and fury.

Kai didn't reply, didn't even seem to hear him. He stood there, chest heaving, his piercing blue eyes fixed on mine with a raw, unrelenting hunger. Without a word, he strode over, grabbed me by the waist, and threw me over his shoulder. Steven staggered toward me, desperation in his gaze. "Brier, tell him," I whispered, but he wasn't listening.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. The entire pack, including Rose and the elders, stared in stunned silence as Kai carried me toward the Fortress, his grip unyielding. I couldn't explain why, but instead of fighting him, I simply let him carry me.

"Let her go, Kai!" Steven shouted from behind, but Kai didn't even glance back. "You lost. She's mine now," he said simply, his voice cold and final.

The world blurred as he carried me through the woods, his strides long and determined. My heart pounded, a mix of fear and something I couldn't name twisting inside me. He pushed open the door to his cabin and kicked it shut behind him. The warmth of the room hit me, a stark contrast to the icy air outside. He finally put me down, my legs wobbled, but I forced myself to stand tall, glaring at him.

"You can't just—"

"I won, Brier," he interrupted, his voice softer now, but no less intense. "That's how it works. I claimed you."

I stepped back instinctively, but he closed the distance, relentless yet calm, until the back of my knees hit the edge of the bed and I stumbled. He reached out, steadying me as his large, calloused hands cued my cheeks. His touch was both grounding and impossibly gentle.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," he said, his voice low and almost tender. "I didn't want you to see me like that. But you don't need to be afraid of me, okay?"

I nodded, unable to find the words. As soon as he knew my answer, his hands slid down to my shoulders, and his thumbs grazed the straps of my tank top. His touch was electric, magnetic. I couldn't deny.

"You drive me crazy, Brier," he whispered against my lips. Before I could respond, his mouth was on mine, hot and demand in. His tongue slipped past my lips, and I felt myself giving in, my body responding before my mind could catch up. His hands moved lower, tracing every curve of my bare skin. His eyes searched mine, tender and unyielding, silently asking if I was okay. Every movement was deliberate, his touch lingering. He was trying with every gentle caress and subtle shift to give me more than just comfort. He wanted to give give me pleasure, to show me he cared in ways words couldn't. He gently laid me on the bed, leaning over me.

"Kai," I whispered, lifting my head slightly. But his hand slid lower, his fingers dipped below my belly button, and a fire ignited in my veins. My head fell back against the pillow as my knees parted slightly, soft gasps slipping from my lips. His other hand traced my bare skin, and then his lips captured mine, firm yet enticing. His eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that left me breathless. He was commanding, dominating, and I surrendered completely, letting myself feel every ounce of pleasure he gave me. His touch brought my haunting dreams to life. The way Kai claimed me in those dreams now felt real. I never imagined those moments could exist outside the shadows of my mind.

Then he pulled back slightly, his gaze heavy with desire. Taking my trembling hands, he guided them to the buttons of his torn shirt. His skin was warm under my fingertips, salty with sweat, and he groaned when my lips brushed his collar bone. But then, like a cold wave crashing over me, Steven's voice echoed in my head. My hands trembling as I cued his face, tilting it downward to meet my gaze.

"Wait," I whispered. His brows knitted together, concern darkening his features. "Brier, what's wrong?" he said, his voice was soft but laced with tension.

"I I can't," I stammered. "I don't want to hurt you, Kai. But this doesn't feel right." His voice trembled as he spoke. "You feel it too, don't you? This pull, this need." His eyes were searching mine, raw and vulnerable. The intensity in his gaze shattered something deep inside me. I could see it, the brokenness that he tried so hard to hide. I couldn't find the words, lost in the storm of my thoughts. Should I stay loyal to Steven, or should I give in to what I felt for Kai? My heart was torn, unable to decide which path to take.

His hand cued my face gently, tilting it upward so our eyes locked. His lips hovered just above mine for a briefest second, then he nodded. "I get it. You don't want me." His voice softer now, almost broken. Kai stepped back like he'd been burned, running a hand through his hair. For a moment, he just stood there, staring at the floor, his breaths coming hard and fast. Then he looked at me, his expression torn. "Lock the door. No matter what you hear, no matter how much I knock, don't open it." And then, without a single word, he turned and was out of the room in a flash, the door slamming shut behind him with a finality that left the air vibrating in its wake.

I stood there trembling, my hands gripping the edge of the bed to keep myself upright. The room was too quiet now, the silence pressing down on me. I slid to the floor, burying my face in my hands as tears spilled freely. I didn't know what to do. I loved Steven, but the wild, magnetic pull I felt towards Kai was undeniable.

Then there was a knock at the door. My heart skipped a beat, unsure if I wanted to face anyone right now. I quickly slid the dress off, feeling the weight of the moment, and cleared my throat, trying to steady my breath. "Come in," I whispered, my voice trembling slightly.

The door creaked open. There stood Rose. She wasn't like anyone else, or maybe it was just the way she made me feel, as if I'd known her forever. There was a softness about her, something something gentle that made me want to collapse into her arms. Her eyes were tired, sad, like she had carried a burden longer than anyone should. Without saying a word, she stepped inside. Her eyes met mine, and I could feel the weight of her gaze, like she saw everything I had been through, everything I was hiding, everything I couldn't explain. She moved closer, her presence comforting yet heavy, like she understood more than anyone could.

"Come here," she whispered, her voice hoarse, as if she too had been holding back too much. She took my hand gently, her touch warm, but there was a sadness in the way she held it, like she knew what I was feeling. I could feel my chest tighten, tears threatening to fall again.

"I know what you're going through, Brier," she said softly. "I've been where you are. I was just like you, trapped in a world I couldn't control."

I couldn't help myself. I wrapped my arms around her, my sobs came without warning, my body shaking in her arms as she held me close. Rose didn't say anything more; she just let me cry, her hands rubbing my back in soft, slow circles.

"My husbands were not kind to me, Brier," Rose confessed, her voice a little quieter now. "They were fierce, ruthless, even cruel. The twin who won, he would claim me, take me as his own, and there was no room for anything else. But Kai... Kai is different. He won't force you to do anything you're not ready for. I can see it in his eyes, Brier."

I swallowed hard, guilt washing over me. "I'm sorry, Rose. I don't know what to do," I whispered between sobs, my words broken. "I don't want to hurt anyone."

"I know, honey," she murmured, her voice low and soothing. "I've been where you are. I was once a young girl just like you, thrust into something beyond my control, and believe me, Brier, it's not easy."

I pulled back slightly, wiping my eyes. Rose looked at me with an understanding that made my heart ache. She seemed to carry a heaviness that matched mine, and I couldn't help but wonder what she had been through. She took a deep breath before speaking again, her voice quiet but firm. "You should know something." For the first first time since she walked in, I saw the tears she was holding back. She brushed one away quickly, like it embarrassed her, then she straightened her back and took a deep breath. "Your mother, Anna, she was my best friend."

I blinked at her, the words not registering at first. "My mother?"

Rose nodded. "She was the alpha female of the CIA pack, strong, fearless, but kind. She was everything a leader should be, and she was also the granddaughter of Catsa herself." The air in the room felt heavier, like the fire was pulling all the oxygen from it.

"What happened to her?"

Rose's hands tightened into fists in her lap. "Steven and Kai's fathers, they came for her. They wanted her to break the curse. They attacked the pack, destroying everyone. Your parents fought them with every ounce they had, but they couldn't survive." Tears blurred my vision. "I never knew who were my parents. I had no idea, no memory of any of this." My mind couldn't process it.

Rose's voice was filled with sorrow as she spoke again. "I couldn't save them. I couldn't save your mother. I could only save you."

"Me? How?" I asked, wiping my tears.

Rose's voice softened. "Yes, Brier. You were just a little girl, 5 years old. Anna hid you with me before the final fight. I took you, you in my arms, and ran as fast as I could. I hid you in the woods, but they found me. They made me their prisoner, forced me to marry them. They thought I could break the curse, but I wasn't a direct descendant of CIA. I couldn't do it."

The fire crackled, filling the silence that followed. My mind raced, piecing together the fragments of my past that had always been a blur. Rose reached for my hand again, her grip firmer this time. "That's why you have to learn witchcraft, Brier. You're the only one who can end this. You're the Last Descendant of Catsa, and the only one who can break the curse."

I shook my head, the tears streaming freely now. "But the cost... one of the brothers has to die."

"I can't," Rose cut me off, her voice Fierce. "This curse has destroyed so many lives, Brier, not just theirs, but everyone connected to them. It's a chain, and it will keep dragging people down until someone breaks it. You have the power to end it for good." Her words pierced through me like a blade. I thought of Kai, of his quiet strength, and the way he always seemed to shield me from the weight of everything. The thought of losing him was unbearable, but so was the idea of leaving the curse intact.

Rose squeezed my hand, her voice softening. "I know it's not fair, none of this is. But sometimes the hardest choices are the ones that set us free." I nodded slowly, though my heart felt like it was being ripped in two. Rose's eyes held mine, filled with a mixture of sorrow and hope. For the first time, I saw her not just as Steven and Kai's mother, but as a women who saved me, someone who had endured more than I could fathom and still found the strength to fight. And now she was asking me to do the same.

I made a decision. No matter how hard it would be, but I will learn Witchcraft and break this curse, even if it means losing one of the twins.

The sun was barely peeking Over the Horizon when I slipped out of the house. The forest path was quiet, except for the crunch of leaves under my boots. I hesitated at the edge of the clearing, my heart pounding like a drum in my ears. But then I thought of Rose's words the night before. "You have the power to end it for good. Stop standing there like a lost lamb and come in." The witch's voice broke my thoughts, her tone was sharp, but there was something underneath it, a warmth, faint but steady, like the coals of a fire that hadn't been fully extinguished. I nodded, moving to stand beside her.

For the next few hours, she taught me the basics: how to crush herbs into fine powders, how to draw symbols that carried meaning I couldn't yet grasp, how to focus my energy until it felt like the air around me was alive with it. By midday, my hands were covered in smudges of ash and dirt, and my arms achd from grinding and mixing. I sat back on the stool, wiping sweat from my forehead with the sleeve of my sweater. "I think you should get some rest," she said gently. "Go, and don't be late tomorrow, okay?" I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

The air smelled like rain as I walked back from the witch's cabin, my cloak clinging to me in the misty evening. My thoughts swirled with the spells I'd practiced, words that felt foreign on my tongue but stirred something powerful in my chest. I couldn't tell if it was the magic itself or the way it made me feel in control for once. I felt like I held something they couldn't take from me. When I reached my room, the flickering candle light made the space feel warm and inviting, but I barely had time to set my things down before Steven knocked and stepped inside without waiting for an answer.

"Hey," he said, leaning casually against the door frame, his hair falling into his eyes in that boyish way that always made me soften. "How about we go out tonight? There's a new club in town." His smile was easy, but there was something behind it, a kind of urgency that made me pause.

"Out?" I asked, raising a brow as I hung my cloak on the back of a chair.

"Yeah, you could use a break. Just us. What do you say?"

"All right," I said with a small smile smile, "give me a bit to get ready."

Before Steven could respond, Kai appeared in the doorway, his presence filling the room like a storm rolling in. His dark eyes flicked to Steven then to me. "Going somewhere?" he asked, his voice low but firm.

Steven's jaw tightened. "We're going to the club."

Kai's lips curved into a smirk. "Sounds fun. I'll come too."

Steven groaned, but I found myself nodding before I could stop. Something about Kai made my resolve waver, like trying to stand firm in quicksand. By the time I stood in front of my mirror, slipping into a deep red gown, I could hear them bickering downstairs. My hands fumbled with the zipper at my back, and just as frustration bubbled up, there was a knock.

"Brier," Kai's voice sent a shiver down my spine. "Come in," I called reluctantly, my hands still struggling with the zipper. He stepped in, his dark shirt unbuttoned at the top, and his hair slightly tousled, like he hadn't bothered to tame it. His eyes swept over me, lingering a second too long.

"Need help?" he asked, his tone softer now. I hesitated, but nodded. "Yeah, I can't." He crossed the room in two steps, his hands brushing mine away. His fingers were warm, almost too steady, as he pulled the zipper up slowly, his knuckles grazing my back. When he finished, his voice dropped to a near whisper. "You look beautiful, Brier."

I didn't trust myself to respond, so I turned away, smoothing the gown over my hips. My heart was racing, and I could still feel his touch long after he'd stepped back. Downstairs, a sleek black car waited at the curb. I slid into the passenger seat, but before the door even closed, Steven and Kai were at it again.

"I'm driving," Steven said, his hand already on the door handle.

"No, you're not," Kai countered, his tone sharp.

I sighed, the tension between them palpable. "Fine," I muttered, climbing into the back seat. Steven just drove. Kai shot him a glare, but got into the front seat. The ride was filled with silence so thick it was almost suffocating, except for the occasional muttered insult between the two of them.

When we arrived at the club, the neon light reflected off the wet pavement, casting everything in a hazy glow. The music pulsed through the air, a steady beat that matched the pounding of my heart. As we walked toward the entrance, they started again, this time fighting over who would hold my hand.

"I've got her," Steven said, stepping forward and reaching for me. Kai's lips curved into that infuriatingly confident smirk, his hand already slipping under my elbow before Steven could. I groaned, grabbing both their hands and pulling them toward the door. "Let's just go in."

Inside, the music was deafening, the lights flashing in bursts of blue and purple. On the dance floor, bodies moved in sync with the beat, a sea of rhythm and energy. Steven pulled me toward the floor first, his grin easy as he spun me into a twirl. I laughed, the tension melting for a moment as we moved together. But just as I turned, a strong hand caught mine. Kai. He pulled me close, his movement smoother, more commanding. "My turn," he said, his voice low enough that I could barely hear it over the music. I couldn't help but laugh, but my heart raced as we moved. His grip was firm, his touch sending heat rushing to my cheeks. It was like a game of tug OFW, and I was the Rope.

When Steven cut in again, I let him. And when Kai saw me dancing with Steven, his entire demeanor shifted. His jaw tightened, and the light in his eyes dimmed. Without a word, he stepped off the dance floor, his movements rigid, and made his way to the counter. I watched him from the corner of my eye as he leaned against it, gripping a glass of amber liquid so tightly his knuckles turned white. The drink wasn't what he wanted, and we both knew it. He wasn't smiling; his usual confidence seemed repl reped by something raw, something vulnerable. The way his gaze lingered on us, on me, felt like a silent plea I couldn't ignore. But he didn't approach; he stayed there, watching from the shadows, as if distancing himself was the only way to keep the pain from spilling Over.

Steven guided me into another spin, his grip firm, but my mind wasn't on him anymore. It was on Kai, on the way his eyes seemed to burn right through me. When the song ended, I gently pulled away from Steven. "I'll be back," I said, but I didn't wait for his reply. My feet carried me to the bar like they had a mind of their own. Kai didn't look surprised when I stopped beside him. If anything, the corner of his mouth curved into that familiar smirk.

"You've got quite the audience," he said, his voice low, smooth, but edged with some something sharp.

"You've already had seven," I think that's enough," I said, my hand brushing his as I pushed his drink aside. He raised a brow, his smirk deepening. "So, you weren't really focused on Steven, were you?" his voice was low, teasing, but his eyes burned with something deeper. "Do you really care about me, Brier?"

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. How could I explain the way he made me feel, like I was caught in a storm, both terrified and exhilarated? Kai leaned in just enough for me to catch the faint scent of his cologne, something rich and woodsy. "That's what I thought," he murmured, stepping back and letting the space between us stretch thin and taut.

The ride home was silent. Kai drove, his presence filling the car even though he didn't say a word. Steven sat in the passenger seat, chatting about something I barely heard. I stared out the window, my mind was racing with the thoughts of Kai and Steven. When we got home, I headed straight for my room. The shower was scalding hot, washing away the night, but it couldn't erase the weight sitting heavy in my chest. I stepped out, the steam curling around me as I reached for a towel. I dried off quickly, too caught up in my thoughts to grab anything to wear. My bare feet patted across the floor as I pushed open the door to my room, only to stop dead in my tracks. Kai was sitting on the edge of my bed, his broad back to me. He didn't turn around, but his voice was calm, steady, like he'd been waiting.

"I want to see you like this," he said, his words soft but firm. "But I won't go. Put on your clothes. I'm waiting."

My hands shook as I scrambled to grab something, anything, to cover myself. My pulse thundered in my ears as I slipped on a pair of shorts and a loose t-shirt shirt, my movements clumsy and rushed.

"Are you done?" he asked, his tone unreadable.

"Yes," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Kai turned then, and his eyes swept over me like a fire tracing its way across dry Timber. It wasn't just a look; it was a touch, a caress, and I felt it everywhere. He stood and stepped closer, his body radiating heat as he caged me against the counter. Leaning in, his breath brushed my ear.

"I need you to change my bandages," he whispered, his voice low and intimate. The air between us tightened, and then he stepped back, his piercing gaze locking with mine. "Don't worry," he added, his voice thick with restraint. "I won't do anything until you want me to."

My hands trembled as I reached for a bowl of water and a cloth, avoiding his eyes. Each time I saw him, the want was overwhelming, raw, and undeniable, twisting inside me in ways I didn't understand.

It has been weeks since I had started learning witchcraft. Every day, I had trekked to the witch's secluded cabin at the edge of the woods, trading sweat and effort for the secrets she held. She was strict but fair, her voice rasping like leaves underfoot as she guided me. Her lessons weren't just about spells; they demanded control over my emotions, my willpower. That part had been the hardest, especially when Steven and Kai were involved. Tonight, under the full moon, everything I'd prepared for would be put to the test. I pulled my Shaw tighter around me, my steps careful as the Earth beneath me seemed to hum. When I reached the cabin, the witch was already waiting for me, her eyes sharp and knowing glinted in the fir light.

"You're ready," she said, her voice low, almost a whisper. I wasn't sure if it was a question or a statement. I nodded anyway. She placed a weathered book in my hands, its leather cover cool and smooth. "The spell is simple, but it will bind them to you tonight. No more fighting. They will obey, and you will choose."

My chest tightened. "And what if I don't want to choose?" my voice wavered, betraying the storm inside me. I didn't want to pick Kai and Steven. They both mattered to me in ways I couldn't untangle.

The Witch's gaze softened, a flicker of sympathy breaking through her usual sternness. "Then the magic will fail, my child. The curse will compel them, and they will continue to fight for dominance." My breath hitched. "And what about freeing them from the curse?"

The witch's expression softened just for a moment. "That will take more time, child. You'll need to be stronger to break it." Her words settled in my chest, heavy and unrelenting. But this was all I had for now.

As I walked back home, the book tucked under my arm, I couldn't help but wonder if I was ready for what this spell would mean. Kai and Steven, they were like Fire and Ice, opposites in every way except for their desire to claim me, and now I was about to take control of them.

The Fortress was quiet when I returned, but I knew they were both there. I could feel their presence, an electric charge in the air. I retreated to my room, spending hours pouring over the spell book, my hands trembling as I traced the ancient words. The sun sank below the Horizon, and as darkness settled over the sky, I knew where I'd find them: in the woods. Gathering a handful of candles and clutching the book tightly, I stealed myself. The forest seemed to call me, shadows whispering secrets as I stepped into the cool night air.

Steven and Kai, the Twins, were Polar Opposites, yet both had this pull over me I couldn't resist. Steven with his dark eyes that held storms, and Kai whose lighter gaze felt like sunlight cutting through clouds. Their rivalry over me was as undeniable as the moon in the sky, and while it was flattering, it was exhausting too. Tonight, though, I would end it, or at least that's what I told myself as I neared the clearing where they were supposed to fight.

The first thing I heard was shouting. "You've had your chance!" Steven's voice was low and biting, like a flame about to Roar. "And you think she's yours?" Kai shot back, his voice sharp as broken glass.

I stepped into the clearing, and my breath hitched. They were circling each other like Predators, both were bare shouldered, their muscles taut, their bodies gleaming faintly under the Moonlight. Steven's dark hair fell into his eyes as he glared at Kai, while Kai's golden locks seemed to Glow. The pack began to gather, one by one, their movements hesitant yet compelled. Their eyes reflected a mix of fear and disbelief as they watched their Alphas, two brothers bound by

Blood and a curse stand poised to tear into each other. Whispers rippled through the crowd, but no one dared intervene. The weight of the moment suffocating the air.

When I reached, they didn't notice me at first, too caught up in their fight. My chest tightened as I watched them. I hated this, the way their rivalry made them blind to everything else. "I can't watch you two tear each other apart anymore," I muttered to myself.

I set up the small altar just beside the gathered pack, following the witch's instructions with careful precision. Rose stepped toward me, her small smile offering a flicker of reassurance. "Are you ready, Brier?" she asked softly.

As she stopped in front of me, I swallowed hard, nodding. "I think so," I said, though my voice betrayed the uncertainty swirling inside me. She settled beside my setup, her quiet presence grounding me in the moment.

The candles flickered as I lit them, their warm glow dancing in the cold night air, casting long, eerie shadows across the woods. The spell was simple, or at least it seemed that way on paper: candles, a drop of my blood, and the incantation that would bind fate. My hands trembled as I pricked my finger, the blood warming the cold air before I dripped it onto the earth below. Each flame burned brighter, almost as if reacting to the rising tension in the air. I could feel the Pack's eyes on me, their collective breath held, waiting for what was about to unfold. And all the while, the fight between the brothers raged on, their primal growls tearing through the stillness of the forest.

I opened the book, my fingers trembling slightly as I found the spell. I had practiced it all day, but the weight of the moment made my confidence falter. Rose placed a steady hand on my back, her touch warm and grounding. "Close your eyes and focus," she said softly. "I know you can do this."

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath as the words flowed from my lips, ancient and powerful. The moment I began, I felt invisible threads pulling me toward both men, but I kept my focus. The air thickened, crackling with energy.

When I opened my eyes, both men were frozen, their bodies rigid. The light of the moon seemed to pour over them, sinking into their skin. Slow, the tension in their bodies eased, their stances softening. When the spell was complete, they turned to me, their expressions a mix of confusion and awe.

"Steven was the first to step forward. 'You cast something, didn't you?' his voice was cautious, his dark eyes searching mine.

"I freed you from your fight," I said, my voice quieter now. "You won't hurt each other anymore."

Kai approached next, his gaze softer than I'd ever seen it. "You did this for us? For all of us?"

"I corrected," my cheeks flushing. "For a moment." We just stood there, the three of us, caught in the strange intimacy of the moment.

Then Steven broke the silence. "All right, Brier. You have us now. Tell us, who do you want tonight?"

My heart stopped for a moment. I looked at them. They were different, but equally captivating. Steven's cocky smirk, the way his confidence seemed unshakable. And Kai, quiet, intense, with a depth that pulled me in like the ocean. How could I possibly admit that I wanted them both, needed them both? That thought alone sent a jolt of shame through me.

Tears stung my eyes as I took a shaky breath. "Steven," I said finally, my voice barely audible. The word felt like a blade cutting through the thick air between us.

Steven's face lit with triumph, his smile widened, and he stepped closer, his hand brushing mine. Kai stood motionless, his expression blank, but his fists were clenched at his sides. The sight of him like that, silent, defeated, made my stomach churn.

"His jaw tightened as he glanced between Steven and me. 'I knew you'd pick him,' he said quietly, his voice raw and laced with a pain that cut straight through me. Then, with a resigned nod, he knelt before me.

"As you wish, my lady," he said, his voice low and steady. He took my hands in his, pressing a soft kiss to them. I felt the warm drop of a tear land on my knuckles, and my heart clenched. I tilted his chin upward, urging him to meet my gaze. When his tear-filled eyes finally locked with mine, guilt twisted in my chest like a knife. The tears were barely held back, shimmering in his eyes as if he were fighting to keep them from falling. My hand instinctively rose, threading through his hair, and he smiled faintly, closing his eyes as if he'd already claimed me in his heart.

Without another word, he rose to his feet and walked away, each step deliberate, as if he was holding himself together with sheer will. I watched him go, the weight in my chest growing heavier with every step he took. Every time I rejected him, I felt a pull, a gravity that tied me to him in a way I couldn't explain.

Steven didn't wait. He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the Fortress, his grip firm, almost possessive. I glanced back at Kai, my heart aching at the way he was walking away, his head slightly bowed, tears streaming down his cheeks.

When we reached his room, Steven closed the door behind us and leaned against it, his eyes locked on mine. The intensity in his gaze made my knees weak all over again. "You chose me," he said, his voice low and raw. "Say it."

"I chose you," I whispered, the words tasting bittersweet on my tongue. He crossed the room in two long strides, his hands gripping my waist as he pinned me to the wall. "You're mine tonight," he murmured, his lips brushing the curve of my jaw.

I forced a smile, but my heart felt heavy with guilt. It wasn't fair to him, but I couldn't stop thinking about Kai. I barely managed a shaky exhale before he caught my wrists and raised them above my head, holding them in one strong hand. His other hand moved to my side. "No one else gets to touch you. No one," he murmured, sliding over my curves with desperation.

His lips crashed against mine. The kiss was desperate, hungry, as if he was trying to stake his claim on me. I gasped against his mouth, my hands instinctively gripping his back for balance. His hands moved with a mixture of gentleness and possessiveness, unfastening my clothes with ease. I felt exposed, vulnerable, but there was no room for doubt under his gaze. He lifted me to the bed, his hands guided me, his touch firm but not rough, as he positioned me on my knees and hands. The weight of his dominance was undeniable, as commanding and intoxicating as Kai's effortless confidence, leaving no room for doubt. It wasn't just control; it was the way he claimed the moment as if it belonged to him alone.

He leaned over me, his chest pressing against my back, his hand tangling in my hair while the other moved to my chest. I felt his breath against my ear, hot and unsteady, as he whispered, "Spread your knees for me." I obeyed, the vulnerability of the moment heightened by the softness of his touch. He pushed harder against me, his body commanding mine with a raw intensity that left me breathless.

But then, as his hand gripped my hair and his lips brushed against my shoulder, an image flashed in my mind: Kai, kneeling before me, his voice thick with emotion as he said, "As you wish, my lady." The memory of his gentle kiss on my hand, the quiet resignation in his eyes, filled my chest with a strange ache. I tried to push the thought away, focusing on the here and now, on Steven's hands and the way he made me feel alive. But Kai's face kept intruding, his voice echoing in my mind.

"Brier," Steven whispered, his voice pulling me back to the present. I realized we were nearing the edge, his movements more insistent, his grip firmer. My body responded to him, but my heart felt torn, caught between the passion of this moment and the lingering shadow of Kai. As we reached the climax, I bit my lip, trying to stay grounded. Steven's name was on my lips, but in the quiet corners of my mind, I whispered another: Kai.

When it was over, Steven pulled me into his arms, his breath warm against my temple. "You're mine," he said again, his voice softer this time, but still firm. I nodded, resting my head against his chest. But as I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder if I had truly chosen, or if my heart was still caught somewhere between the two of them.

It was a cold evening when I was returning from the witch's cabin after completing today's lesson. The storm came out of nowhere. Rain poured down so hard it felt like tiny needles hitting my skin. By the time I made it halfway to the Fortress, I was drenched. The narrow path from the witch's cabin was now slick with mud, making it hard to keep my footing. My cloak clung to me, useless against the storm, and I hugged it tighter, trying to ward off the cold.

Then, through the sheets of rain, I saw a tall and broad figure. It was hard to make out in the storm, but whoever it was moved with purpose, coming straight toward me. "Kai," I whispered to myself. Relief flooded me, but it was quickly replaced by a nervous energy I couldn't quite place.

He stepped closer, his shirt was soaked, clinging to his chest and shoulders, revealing his muscular frame. Raindrops dripped from his damp hair onto his face, and his bright eyes held mine with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. "Brier, I was coming to see you," he said, his voice low but carrying easily over the rain. "Are you okay?"

I nodded quickly, though I was sure I looked a mess, hair plastered to my face, clothes clinging to me in all the wrong ways. "I'm fine," I managed, though my voice wavered.

"Come, let's go home," he said, his voice firm. The forest was darker than I'd ever seen it. Kai stayed close, his sharp eyes scanning the path ahead, his broad shoulders tense, like he was ready to shield me from whatever the night threw at us.

"This way," he said, his deep voice barely cutting through the sound of the rain. I followed without question, trusting him. But as the ground grew slicker, my foot slipped, and I felt myself falling. The cold rush of water consumed me, dragging me under before I could even scream. I flailed, panic surging through my chest as the current pulled me deeper. The cold seeped into my bones, and I couldn't tell which way was up.

Then I felt him. Strong arms encircled me, pulling me from the water with a force that made me gasp. The next thing I knew, I was on the riverbank, my chest heaving, as Kai hovered over me. His face was pale, his wet hair sticking to his forehead, his hands pressed against my shoulders, shaking me gently. "Brier," his voice cracked, "wake up, please."

Before I could say anything to calm him down, the world tilted, and everything went black. When I came to, warm air filled my lungs, my lips tingled, and I realized he was breathing for me. His hands trembling as they cupped my face. The sight of him broke my heart. His eyes were red, his jaw clenched, but his tears betrayed him. I coughed weakly, and his whole body froze. Then his face crumpled. He pressed his forehead to mine, his hands sliding to cradle my cheeks as he whispered, "Thank the gods, Brier. I thought I lost you."

"Kai," my voice was hoarse, barely audible, but before I could say more, his lips crashed against mine. The kiss wasn't gentle; it was desperate, filled with every emotion he'd tried to bury. His lips were warm and firm but trembling slightly. My hands clutching at his soaked shirt as I kissed him back. The memory of him diving in after me, pulling me to safety, still vivid in my mind.

When he finally pulled away, his breath was ragged. He didn't meet my eyes. Instead, he stood and scooped me into his arms, stepping toward the Fortress. "You need to get warm," he said, his voice rough, avoiding my gaze. The storm raged on as he carried me to the Fortress, his strength effortless despite the exhaustion I could see in his face. His shirt clung to him, soaked and torn, but he didn't seem to notice. All he cared about was getting me to safety.

The moment we stepped inside, the warmth hit me, and I shivered. He set me down gently on the couch, his hands lingering on my arms for a second longer than necessary. "Change your clothes. I'll be back in a minute," he demanded, turning toward the kitchen. I felt too weak to move, let alone change, and instead sank deeper into the bed, motionless.

When he returned, he carried a small bowl of warm oil, the faint scent of herbs wafting through the air. "You didn't change yet," his voice softened, laced with concern. "Brier, you'll get sick." He moved to the Wardrobe, pulling out fresh clothes without waiting for a response. He gently undressed me, avoiding my gaze, focusing completely on his task. "You need to get warm," he said, his voice low but firm.

He grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around me. He picked up the bowl of warm oil he'd brought from the kitchen and knelt in front of me. "Kai, you don't have to," I let him, "just let me."

"Let me," he said, cutting me off. His eyes met mine, and there was something in them that made my heart ache, a mix of concern and worry. I nodded, my throat too tight to argue. His hands were warm as they moved over my legs, the oil soothing my aching muscles. His touch was firm but gentle, like he was afraid of hurting me. I watched him, unable to look away, his wet shirt clung to him, his muscles moving with every motion as he worked to ease the tension in my legs. The way his brow furrowed in concentration, the way his fingers moved with purpose. It was too much.

"Kai," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. He looked up at me, his hands stilling for a moment. "What?"

"Thank you," I said, my throat tightening. "For saving me. For everything." His jaw tightened, and he looked away, focusing on his hands as he continued his work.

"I can do it a thousand times if it meant keeping you safe," he said quietly. A lump rose in my throat, my vision blurring with tears. The weight of my choices pressed hard against my chest. I had pushed this man away time and time again, yet here he was, unwavering, taking care of me in a way no one else ever had, despite the rejection, despite the hurt I'd caused.

The tension in the room snapped as Steven stormed in, his eyes immediately locking on us. His gaze darted to Kai's hands on my legs, and his expression darkened. I sat up immediately, my heart suddenly racing. I could feel the tension shift in the room, like a storm was about to break.

"What's going on here?" Steven demanded, his voice sharp and accusing. Kai stood still, his broad shoulders squared as he glared at his brother. "Can't you see Brier's shivering? She fell into the pond," he said, his voice sharp with restrained anger.

"And you've been waiting for this, haven't you? Just so you could touch her because you know she won't let you otherwise," Steven's voice rose.

Kai stood up immediately, his body tense and alive with rage. "Then why didn't you save her, Steven? Why weren't you there in time?"

"And you took full advantage of my absence, didn't you?" Steven shot back, his voice dripping with venom. My legs trembled as I forced myself to stand. The air between them thick with unspoken accusations.

"Stop it, Steven," I managed, my voice shaking, but he ignored me completely, his gaze locked on Kai. "You could have walked away. You should have walked away. That's what an elder brother would have done," Steven hissed, stepping closer.

Kai's eyes burned with Fury and something deeper, pain. "You think I didn't try? You think I haven't spent every second of every day trying to bury these feelings?" his voice cracked, but his posture held firm. "I did. I tried. But the moment you claimed her, the curse only tightened its grip. It's not just about love anymore, Steven. It's something I can't control, something I can't fight."

Steven's face flushed, his fists clenched at his sides. "Don't you dare blame the curse for this. You've been in love with her all along, haven't you?"

Kai's voice turned cold and resolute. "Yes, I have. But it doesn't matter, does it? Because she doesn't love me back. She never has, and she never will."

The room fell into a suffocating silence. Steven's anger faltered, guilt flickering in his eyes. But before he could respond, Kai turned to me, his expression unreadable. "I'm sorry, Brier," he said quietly, his words heavy with finality. "I am sorry for everything." Then he brushed past Steven and walked out of the room, leaving us in the wreckage of everything unsaid.

Steven stood frozen, his fists slowly relaxing as he stared at the door Kai had just walked through, his face as hard as stone. Eyes narrowing as they locked on me. "Do you love him?" his voice broke as he spoke, but there was no mistaking the sharp edge beneath it. He was holding back, but barely.

I didn't answer. I couldn't. The truth felt too heavy in my chest, and saying it out loud felt like admitting I was betraying him. But that's what I was doing, wasn't I? I wasn't sure anymore.

"Do you love him?" Steven asked again, stepping closer. His hand reached out, gripping my wrist with a force that made my breath catch. He was angry now, the kind of anger that felt like it could burn everything down if you weren't careful. I couldn't meet his gaze, my eyes dropped to the floor. The weight of everything crushing me. His fingers dug into my skin, pulling me toward him, forcing me to look up at him. But I kept my eyes fixed on the floor.

Then his fingers pinched my cheeks, his touch cruel and tight, forcing me to face him. His expression was wild now, full of Fury. "I asked, Brier. Do you love him?" he demanded, his voice rougher now, like he was trying to keep it together, but he was losing that battle fast.

I didn't want to answer. I really didn't. But I couldn't lie anymore, not to him, not to myself. I nodded, barely able to speak, my voice barely a whisper. "Yes. I love him."

The room seemed to freeze. I saw his jaw clench, his knuckles turning white where he held me. His eyes flashing with rage. He shook me hard, as if he could force a different answer out of me. "And me?" his voice cracked. "You played with me."

I didn't know how to explain it to him. I hadn't meant to hurt him, but I had, and now the truth was out there, hanging in the space between us like a fog that neither of us could escape. "No, Steven," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I never played with you."

He didn't seem to believe me. His face twisted with frustration, and his grip on me tightened even more. I could feel the anger rolling off of him in waves, the heat from his body making me feel like I was burning from the inside out. Then, "Tell me," he spat, "do you love me or Kai?"

I took a breath, trying to steady myself. The question felt like a knife being twisted into my chest. The truth was too complicated. I forced myself to meet his gaze. "I love both of you," I whispered, the words tasting like poison as they left my mouth. I knew it sounded wrong, like I was lying to both of them, but it was the truth.

Steven took a step back, his eyes dragging over me from head to toe, his breath ragged, as if he couldn't believe what I had just said. Then he let out a bitter laugh, clapping his hands slowly, the sound mocking, echoing through the room. "Wow," he said, the word dripping with sarcasm. "So that's it, huh? You love both of us."

I flinched at his tone, feeling the anger bubble up inside me. "Too bad it's your curse, not mine," I snapped, my voice rising. "What do you expect me to do if I feel for both of you? Did you even realize how much of a mess my heart is right now, pulled in two directions?" The words slipped out before I could stop them, raw and jagged like shards of glass.

Steven's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he took a step closer. A mixture of frustration and hurt painting his face. I could feel the heat from his body, the tension in the space between us crackling like static in the air. "You don't get it, do you?" I continued, my voice quieter this time, the rawness in my chest spilling over like a dam breaking. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen, but I can't change it now. It's too late for that."

His face twisted, a war of emotions flickering through his eyes. But the one thing that stood out was the hurt, the kind of hurt that cut deeper than any argument, any accusation. And just like that, I saw it. The distance in his eyes, the same distance that was creeping into my heart.

"I don't know who you are anymore, Brier," he muttered, his voice strained, his words landing like a slap to my face. "You've changed. You've turned into someone I don't even recognize."

I took a step back, feeling the walls closing around me. My chest tightened, and I couldn't breathe for a moment. "Don't recognize me, huh?" I whispered, my voice shaking with a mix of pain and frustration. "I would have said the same about you when you dragged me into this without even telling me about the curse." I paused, my breath hitching. "You left me in the dark, Steven."

He stared at me, his eyes flickering with something – regret, maybe anger – but there was nothing, nothing left to say. The words felt like they were stuck in my throat, and no matter how much I wanted to make him understand, I knew he couldn't, not now.

Then, in the coldest tone I'd ever heard him use, he said, "Well, if I'm the one who started this mess, then take my life instead of Kai's to break the curse, and then you too can have your perfect little happy ending."

The weight of his words hit me like a punch to the gut. I couldn't process them right away. The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Was he really offering me his life? Was he that far gone? He looked at me one last time, his eyes filled with so many emotions I couldn't quite place. Then he nodded, just a small, defeated gesture. No more words, no more arguments. Without another glance, he turned and walked out.

My heart was a storm, crashing and breaking over and over again. I sat there, knees pulled to my chest, my fingers idly tracing the cracked wood of the window sill. The next full moon was coming. I could feel it, like a drumbeat somewhere deep inside me. It was both a countdown and a weight pressing on my chest. By then, I would be strong enough to break the curse, strong enough to make the choice. But how could I choose?

I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the window, closing my eyes. The village below was quiet, the faint glow of lanterns flickering in the distance. It should have been peaceful, but my mind was anything but. I loved them both. Steven, with his wildfire passion, the way he could ignite something in me with just a glance, the way he made me feel alive, like every moment with him was a daring leap into the unknown. And Kai, his calm, steady strength, his smirk even in the toughest situations, his quiet way of loving me that never demanded, only gave. His love didn't burn; it warmed. It seeped into the cracks of my broken pieces and held them together.

I let out a shaky breath, my hands gripping the edge of the window sill until my knuckles turned white. The truth was ugly, selfish, and clawing at me from the inside. I couldn't let either of them die. I couldn't. "There has to be another way," and if not, "I will find one."

I walked into the witch's lair the next morning. As I entered, I couldn't help but glance around, wondering if today would be the day I found the answer I was desperately searching for. The witch, her long fingers tracing patterns on the table, didn't look up at first. "It's too early for lessons, Brier," she said, her voice smooth and low.

I didn't have the words at first. The moon had risen and fallen multiple times since I first came to her, and still, I had no answers. But today, I wasn't going to leave without one. "I can't do it," I finally said, the words breaking free from my lips in a rush. "I can't choose between Steven and Kai. There has to be another way."

The witch turned slowly, her gaze fixed on me. She reached out, her hands steadying me. "I knew this would happen," she said, her voice soft but firm. The firelight danced in her eyes as she watched me crumble under the weight of my own heart. "You will fall for both of them, my child."

I gripped the edge of the table to steady myself. "How is that fair?" my voice cracked. "It feels like I'm breaking everything, everyone."

She leaned closer, her wrinkled hand brushing mine. "It's not unfair, my dear," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "They both love you in a way that would make anyone fall for them. Their love isn't just compelled by the curse; it's more than that. It's real. It's raw."

Tears stung my eyes, but "I can't choose," I whispered. "Every piece of me belongs to both of them. How do I live with breaking one of their hearts?"

"Love isn't about fairness," she said. "Sometimes it's about understanding, about letting yourself feel the pull of your heart without the guilt of what it might mean." And I realized, in that moment, she was right.

"Please, tell me about the other way," I pleaded again. "I can't choose who should live and who should die."

"You're asking for something impossible," she said finally, her voice like the rustle of dead leaves. "There is no other way. The curse demands sacrifice. One has to die."

Tears streamed down my cheeks. "Please," I whispered, almost pleading. "Tell me there's another way."

The witch let out a long sigh, her expression heavy with unspoken truths. "If you want to break the curse without taking the life of one of the twins, you'll need to reach the soul of your great grandmother, Cia. Only her soul holds the answer. Only she can reveal whether another way exists to break the curse or not. But I warn you, Brier, it won't be easy."

The room felt colder, the fire unable to touch the chill settling in my bones. I clenched my fists, desperation swirling with fear. "If there's even a chance to save them both, I'll do it. Just tell me how to contact her."

"You use the planchette," the witch said softly, her voice almost a whisper now. "You perform the ritual tonight. But be prepared. The spirits do not like to be disturbed, especially those as old as Cia."

I nodded, trying to steady my breathing. I was committed to doing whatever it took, no matter the cost.

That night, I sat alone in my room, the flickering candle light surrounding me like a thin, trembling halo. I placed my fingers on the planchette board, my mind racing with thoughts of what might happen next. I closed my eyes, silently reciting the incantation the witch had taught me. The air grew thick with tension, and for a moment, everything was still. Then, a shiver ran down my spine, and I felt a chill fill the room. The board moved under my fingers, slowly, deliberately spelling out words I couldn't quite read at first. And then she was there.

I felt her presence before I saw her, a weight in the air, a pressure against my chest. When I opened my eyes, my breath caught in my throat. Standing before me was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. Her presence seemed almost otherworldly, like she belonged to a place far removed from the one I knew. Her hair fell in cascading waves, the color of the midnight sky, shimmering faintly in the soft light. Her eyes, piercing green, were ancient, filled with a knowing sorrow that seemed to pierce straight through me. They seemed to hold secrets, stories that I couldn't begin to fathom. Her skin glowed, warm and flawless, as if kissed by the sun itself, and the soft curve of her lips made it impossible to look away.

"I am Cia," her voice echoed through the room, soft but commanding, "and you are my great-granddaughter, Brier."

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. "Yes. I... I need your help, great grandmother," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to break the curse, but I can't..." I cut myself off. I didn't know how to say it. "I... I couldn't take the life of one of the twins. It was impossible."

Cia's laugh was low, bitter, the sound chilled me as if the blood in my veins had drained away. "And what makes you think I care enough to help you? Don't you know the bloodline that you speak of is stained? They not only betrayed me, but also tried to destroy our bloodline again and again."

"They're gone, great grandmother," I said, my voice more forceful now. "The twins who betrayed you, they're dead. But their descendant, Steven and Kai, they've been tortured, cursed by your bloodline for centuries. And the women who marry into that bloodline, they're never at peace. None of them have ever been happy."

"You speak of your suffering, Brier," Cia said softly, her tone laced with challenge. "Why are you pleading for mercy for the bloodline that destroyed your own? Why?"

I reached out, my fingers trembling slightly. "Because the twins who betrayed you are dead, and I can't let it continue. I can't watch Kai and Steven suffer. I can't live this way anymore."

Cia's eyes darkened, and for a long moment, I thought she wouldn't talk to me anymore. But then she gave a small nod. "There is another way to break the curse, but it comes at a great cost."

I leaned forward, my heart racing. "What is it?"

She didn't hesitate this time. "My descendant who wants to break the curse must choose to be turned into a human forever. No more werewolf, no more power."

My breath caught in my throat, but I nodded anyways. Right now, I just wanted the twins to be free.

"She met my gaze with an almost cold resolve. "Once the curse is broken, my descendants will never inherit my power. The legacy ends with you."

My heart sank. I knew the cost was steep, to give up everything that made me who I was, to sever the last link to my past. But if it meant breaking the curse, freeing Kai and Steven from this torment, maybe it was worth it. "I will do it," I said, my voice firm.

"Then perform the ritual under the full moon, as I guide you," Cia said, her voice firm yet tinged with something almost tender. She explained every step with precision, her ancient eyes holding mine as if transferring her strength.

"Thank you, great grandmother," I whispered, my voice trembling. Tears blurring my vision.

Cia's lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. "I see the love you carry for Kai and Steven, and unlike my fate, they love you just as deeply. May you find the happiness I was denied."

Before I could respond, her form began to fade, her presence slipping away like a forgotten dream. With one final glance, she was gone. The room felt heavier than ever as I sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the small window at the deep navy sky. The moon was shy tonight, hidden behind wisps of clouds, but I knew it was waiting, just like I was.

Cia was gone now, and the Witch's words echoed in my mind, refusing to leave me in peace. "Sometimes love is about understanding, about letting yourself feel the pull of your heart without the guilt of what it might mean." I hated how those words felt like truth. For months, I'd buried my feelings, tried to smother the flame, but tonight, with the full moon near, I was ready to sacrifice my wolf powers and end this curse. I had made my choice. Once the curse was broken, I planned to leave them both. But before that, Kai needed to know the truth: that I had loved him just as deeply as I had loved Steven. I had pushed him away time and again, too afraid to face what it all meant. Now, I wasn't sure if he would understand or forgive me.

I ran my fingers over the worn edge of the quilt, my heart pounding as I made up my mind. I couldn't leave things the way they were. The air felt cooler as I stepped into the hallway. The dim light from the sconces casting long shadows along the walls. My bare feet barely made a sound against the wooden floor, but my pulse roared in my ears like a thunderstorm.

When I reached Kai's room, I stopped short. The door was slightly ajar, and I could hear voices inside. "No, Mom. Brier never loved me. Your younger son is her favorite, just like he's everyone else's. And when the curse breaks," Kai said, his voice low but tight with emotion, "I'll be the one who dies. She'll choose Steven, like she always does."

I peeked through the crack in the door. Rose sat in an old armchair, her soft gray hair pulled back neatly, her posture as regal as ever. Kai was kneeling in front of her, his broad shoulders hunched. Rose's hands cradled his face, her thumbs brushing his cheeks with a tenderness that made my chest ache. Just beside Kai, lying on the floor, was an open diary, its pages fluttering slightly in the still air.

"Kai," Rose said softly, her voice full of the kind of love only a mother could give. "Brier loves Steven, but she doesn't hate you either."

I couldn't listen anymore. My fingers curled into a fist, and I knocked softly on the door. Both of them turned to look at me. Rose's expression softened into a smile, but Kai's face turned blank, his eyes shuttered. He pulled away from his mother, standing up in one fluid motion and turning his back to me.

"No one will die, Kai," I said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. Rose rose gracefully, smoothing the folds of her skirt with steady hands. She picked up the diary, her fingers lingering on its worn edges as she passed me. She placed a gentle hand on my back and handed it to me with a warm, knowing smile. "I'll leave you two to talk," she said, her smile warm and knowing. The door clicked shut, leaving only silence between us.

Kai still wouldn't look at me. I glanced down at the open diary in my hands, the words staring back at me like a whisper from his soul:

*Give me a home, a street, a city, all in her name.*

*Let my steps move forward or halt now, only for her gain.*

*If you give me a heart, let it carry her pain,*

*And let her love be the one that runs through my veins.*

*Oh God, if you create me, let it be only for her.*

*Take my life if you wish, but make me this promise:*

*For every tear she sheds, for every sorrow she bears,*

*For every wound she carries, let them all belong to me.*

*Let it be my right alone, always and forever, through every moment of time.*

*Oh God, if you create me, let it be only for her.*

I shut the diary, my hands trembling as tears blurred my vision. I looked up at him, the weight of his silence matched the emotions he had poured into those pages, emotions he had never dared to share with me. Each word I'd read felt like peeling back the layers of a guarded soul, glimpsing a world he had kept locked away. My heart thundered in my chest, each beat heavy with the weight of his unspoken feelings.

But then he turned to me, his eyes burning into me like a fire. His fingers gripping the edge of the wardrobe like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. "What have you come for, Brier?" he asked, his voice sharp but quiet. "To tell me that on the full moon, you'll break the curse, and as always, you're going to choose Steven over me? Well, I know it already."

His words cut deep, but I refused to let them push me away. I looked up, meeting his stormy gaze, my fingers tightened around the diary, its worn edges pressing into my palms like a lifeline. Kai's eyes flickered to the diary in my hands for a brief moment. I thought I saw a crack in his armor, but he quickly masked it, his expression hardening again. Even as he tried to shut me out, I could feel the weight of his unspoken emotions pressing between us.

"Look at me," I said softly, but he didn't move. Something inside me snapped. I reached out, grabbing his shirt and pulling him around to face me. Before he could say a word, I rose onto my toes and crashed my lips against his. Kai froze, his body rigid under my touch, his eyes wide with shock. But when I tugged him closer, clutching his shirt like it was my lifeline, something shifted. His hands came up, one gripping my waist, the other tangling in my hair as he kissed me back with a desperation that matched my own. His lips moved against mine, rough and warm, and when his tongue slid past my lips, a shiver ran down my spine. It wasn't just a kiss; it was every unsaid word, every unspoken feeling we'd held back for too long.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us gasping for air, his forehead rested against mine, his eyes searched mine as if he was trying to convince himself this was real. "I love you, Kai," I whispered, my voice trembling. His breath hitched, and for a moment, he looked like he didn't believe me. But then his lips found mine again, softer this time, his hands cradling my face like I might slip away.

When he pulled back, his voice was hoarse, trembling with emotion. "I know you don't feel the same, Brier, but trust me, I love you madly, completely."

"I do," I said firmly. "I've been running from it for so long, but I can't anymore. I love you, Kai."

His eyes widened in disbelief, then softened as the words sank in. Without hesitation, he pulled me into his arms, holding me so close I could feel his heartbeat thundering against my cheek. His chin rested gently on top of my head. I pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, my hands trembling as they rested on his chest.

"And I found a way to save you and Steven," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. His eyes searched mine, a mix of hope and disbelief flickering in their depths. "What?" he asked, his brows furrowing in concern.

"I called Cia," I said, stepping back but keeping my hands on his chest. "There's a way to break the curse without losing either of you, but it comes with a price. I have to give up my wolf powers forever. And when the curse is broken, Cia's magic will die with it."

Kai's hands tightened on my waist, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "No, you are not doing it. It will make you powerless. You don't have to sacrifice all of this for me, for any of us."

I buried my face in his chest, letting his warmth surround me. "I have to, Kai," I whispered. His arms tightened around me, and I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest. The way his fingers brushed against my shoulder, soft, hesitant, made my heart ache. It was like he was holding back, always holding back.

"Remember, Kai," I whispered, my voice trembling, "you told me you wouldn't do anything until I wanted you to."

His head tilted down, and his eyes met mine, those deep, stormy eyes that always seemed to carry more emotion than he ever let on. He nodded, his throat working to swallow. "I remember."

I took a shaky breath, my fingers curling into his shirt. "Now, I want you."

For a moment, he just stared at me like he wasn't sure if he'd heard me right. His lips parted, but no words came out. Then, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, so familiar, so Kai. But his eyes betrayed him; they shimmered with tears, and my heart clenched. "You don't know how long I've waited to hear that," he murmured, his voice thick.

I couldn't stop myself. I grabbed his shirt and instead of unbuttoning it, I tore his shirt open. Kai's smirk deepened, a mix of desperation and amazement in his eyes at my urgency, like he knew exactly what he was doing to me, how his touch was setting me on fire. My hands moved to his chest, my fingers grazing the hard planes. I leaned in, pressing my lips to his collarbone, tasting the salt of his skin. He sucked in a sharp breath, his hands tangling in my hair.

"Brier," he gasped, his voice strained. I looked up at him. "I love you, Kai," I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them. His hands moved to the lace of my nightgown at my collarbone, the fabric tore under his hands. His lips followed, pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses to every inch of newly exposed skin. My hands trembled as I slid down to the waistband of his pants, and he groaned, shutting his eyes.

When I unfastened them, his fingers threaded through my hair, gripping firmly. He lifted me by my hips, his lips crashing against mine with a hunger that stole my breath. Before I could process the rush of emotions, he laid me gently on the bed, the weight of his body pressing beside me. His gaze burned into me, filled with a raw passion that made my heart race and my breath catch in my throat.

Kai leaned close, his warm breath brushing against my skin. His gaze locked into mine. Slowly, he parted my knees without breaking the eye contact. His movements deliberate yet tender, as though I might break beneath his touch. His one hand cradled the back of my head, his fingers weaving into my hair, while the other traced a slow, electrifying path down my navel. His fingertips hovered over my belly button before dipping lower, trembling with desperation. My hands found his shoulders, gripping him for balance, as if he were the only thing tethering me to the moment. My eyes fluttered shut, surrendering to the intensity of his touches, but my focus remained on him.

"Kai," I whispered, his name slipping from my lips like a prayer. The moment he heard his name, his control snapped. He moved with an urgency, cradling my shoulder, turning me to position me on my knees and hands, just the same as Steven, but there was more desperation, more passion in his movements. He held my hips gently, his touch grounding me. When he finally moved, it was like the world fell away.

"Brier," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "Say my name again."

"Kai," I said louder this time, the sound raw, unfiltered. His grip tightened around my hips as he moved harder, faster, and I let out the soft gasp I couldn't hold back, my fingers curling into the sheets beneath me, seeking something to anchor myself to. But he didn't stop. Sensing my unsteadiness, his arm instinctively rose, his hand brushing the curve of my neck before settling there, steadying me. The touch wasn't harsh, but it held an unmistakable dominance, which reminded me who was in control, who had me exactly where he wanted.

"Tell me," he said between breaths, his voice tinged with concern, "am I being cruel?"

"No," I managed to say, shaking my head even as my body trembled. "No, Kai. Don't stop." But he seemed to notice, as his movements grew gentler, his lips pressing soft kisses to my shoulder. Gently, he turned my face, capturing my lips in a kiss that felt impossibly soft yet deeply consuming.

When we finally collapsed together, exhausted, he pulled me into his arms, wrapping us both in the blanket. He kissed me, his lips brushing mine like a whisper. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice breaking, "for loving me back." His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and I gently cupped his face. "Kai," I whispered, "I've always loved you. I was just scared." He rested his head on my chest, and I softly threaded my fingers through his hair, soothing him until sleep claimed us both.

The soft morning light crept through the curtains, casting a golden hue over Kai's bare shoulders. I was tangled in the sheets, feeling warm and safe, his arms still draped over me as he whispered, "Honey," his voice was soft, but it carried a weight that made me stir. My eyes fluttered open to see him propped up on one elbow, his dark hair messy, and his eyes filled with that familiar tenderness. He cradled my face in his hand, brushing a thumb along my cheekbone. "Good morning," he murmured before leaning down to kiss me gently.

"Morning," I whispered back, my voice still heavy with sleep. For a moment, everything felt perfect, like the rest of the world didn't exist. But then, a sharp knock broke the peace. "Alpha," a muffled voice came through the door. "The Moonveil Px has arrived and is requesting for a meeting."

Kai groaned, resting his forehead against mine for a beat before pulling back. "Tell him I'll be there shortly," he called out, his frustration was clear as

He muttered under his breath, "When will Steven learn to take some responsibility?" He shook his head, the corners of his mouth quirking up slightly as he met my gaze again. "You stay here, rest. I'll handle this and be back before you know it."

I nodded, watching as he slid out of bed, the sheets falling away to reveal his strong, confident form. He moved with an ease that only came with years of leadership. His blazer hung on a nearby chair, and he slipped it on over his broad shoulders before buttoning it. Curling tighter into the sheets, I couldn't help but watch him. There was something magnetic about the way he carried himself.

Before leaving, he leaned down and kissed my forehead, his lips lingering as if he hated to go. "I'll be back soon," he said softly, and then he was gone. The door clicked shut, leaving a stillness in its wake. I closed my eyes, savoring the quiet moment.

When the door flew open again. "Steven!" I gasped, clutching the sheet tighter around me. He stormed in, his expression dark and furious. His chest rising and falling like he just sprinted across the entire pack house. His eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail: the crumpled sheets, my tousled hair, Kai's torn shirt discarded on the floor.

"You let him, didn't you?" he asked, his voice low and accusing.

"Steven, I—" before I could finish, he crossed the room in quick strides, his anger radiating off him in waves. "You're mine, Brier. You know that. How could you let him?"

"Steven, stop!" I cut him off, my voice trembling but firm. I sat up, still clutching the sheet to my chest. His shoulders sagged, and for a moment, he looked lost. "Why him, Brier? Why does it always feel like he's the one you run to?"

I flinched. "It's not like that, Steven. I love you both, you know I do."

"You don't see how much I—how much you what? Care about me? Pity me?" his voice rose, the pain behind it breaking through.

Before I knew it, Steven's grip on my arm tightened, his jaw clenched as he dragged me toward his room. The door clicked shut behind us, and before I could say anything, he pulled me into his arms, removing the only sheet draped over my skin. His body was warm, his embrace angry and desperate.

"I'm tired," he murmured against my hair, his voice low and raw. "Tired of sharing you with my brother."

"Please," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I need to feel like I matter to you."

My heart ached for him, torn between the love I felt for both of them and the impossible choices we were forced to make. I no longer knew what I was doing. I looked at him, his eyes raw with desperation, a storm raging behind them. I didn't know if I was making the right choice, but in that moment, it didn't matter. All I could feel was the weight of his hands, trembling beneath mine, the silent plea in his grip.

"I'm here," I whispered again, my voice cracking, barely audible. I pressed his hands closer to my chest, hoping he could feel the chaos inside me, my heart pounding as if it was trying to answer him.

What followed wasn't just about passion or possession. It was about desperation, about trying to mend the cracks in something that felt like it was shattering before my eyes. Steven held me like he was afraid to let go, his touch both tender and urgent, and I gave him what he needed, hoping it would ease his doubts. We tangled together in the sheets. The room was quiet except for the sound of his breathing.

But then the door creaked open, catching my attention. My heart dropped as I looked up to see Kai standing there. His expression wasn't angry; no, that would have been easier. His eyes held something far worse: pain. It radiated from him like heat from a fire, burning through me as he stood there, frozen.

"Kai?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. He didn't say a word. He just looked at me, then at Steven, who was obliviously dozing beside me, and then he turned and walked away.

Panic surged through me. I slipped out from under Steven's arm, quickly pulling on my clothes, my hands trembling as I buttoned my shirt, guilt gnawing at me with every movement. Steven stirred, mumbling something in his sleep, but I didn't stop. I stepped into the hallway, my heart racing as I followed the path Kai had taken. His door was slightly ajar, and I peeked inside. He was sitting in the chair by the window, his legs parted, his elbows resting on his knees as he buried his face in his hands.

"Kai?" I whispered, stepping inside. He looked up at the sound of my voice, his expression shifting in an instant. The pain was still there, but he masked it with a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Hey," he said softly, straightening up. "Come in." I hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. He motioned for me to sit on the bed, and I obeyed, my heart pounding.

"Are you angry?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He tilted his head, studying me. "Angry about what?"

"About you spending your time with Steven." I nodded, unable to meet his gaze.

He let out a soft laugh, one that didn't hold any humor. "Brier," he said, his voice gentle as he knelt in front of me. His hands rested lightly on my knees, his touch grounding me. "Did I ever tell you that you belong only to me?"

I shook my head, my throat tightening. He sighed, his thumbs tracing slow, soothing circles against my shoulder. "I understand," he said, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. "It's not your fault. It's the curse that forced you to love both of us. You can't choose, and that's okay."

Tears pricked at my eyes as he pulled me into a gentle hug, his arms around me were comforting, but the weight of his words settled heavily in my chest. "It's not okay," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'm hurting you both. I don't know how to fix this."

He pulled back just enough to look at me, his hands cupping my face. "Brier, you don't have to fix it. We're in this mess together, and we'll figure it out. But you need to stop tearing yourself apart over it."

I nodded, though the guilt still gnawed at me. Kai leaned his forehead against mine, his voice soft as he said, "I don't want to lose you, Brier. Even if it means sharing you." I pulled back slightly to meet his gaze. He was smiling, but there was something deeper in his eyes. "I'm serious, honey," he whispered. In that moment, I realized what Kai was truly sacrificing for me.

The night air was thick with tension, and the wood seemed to hold its breath as the full moon crept higher into the sky. I could feel it, the power of the Moon calling to me, urging me to do what I'd been dreading, yet yearning for. This was the night, the night everything would change. But what if I wasn't ready?

I shook the thought out of my head as I gathered the witchcraft materials. They felt heavier in my hands today, each item carrying more weight than usual. I didn't know if it was because of the curse or the memories of everything I had gone through with Kai and Steven. I glanced at Julie, who was walking beside me, her eyes glimmering with a mixture of excitement and concern.

"You good, Brier?" Julie asked, glancing over at me. I offered a small smile. "I'm good, just feeling the weight of everything." She nodded, her face softening. "You've got this. We've got this." She gave my shoulder a quick, reassuring squeeze. "Just don't forget we're here for you."

I knew she was right. Julie, Rose, and the rest of the pack, they believed in me. I had to believe in myself too. The curse was mine to break, and I had a feeling tonight, with the moon shining like a beacon above us, would be the night I set things right.

As we reached the clearing in the woods, I could see Kai and Steven already encircling each other. The tension between them was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of nervousness. They battled for me, for my heart.

I felt Kai before I saw him. His presence was like a pull on my very soul. He stepped out of the shadows, his eyes dark with something that could have been worry, or maybe it was love. His gaze locked on mine, and in that moment, the world seemed to fall away.

"Kai," I whispered, feeling the flutter in my chest as his hand cupped my face. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, concern lacing his words. I met his gaze, trying to steady my breathing. "Yes," I answered, though my voice wavered. "I'm ready. I'm ready to be human again. I'm ready to lose my powers, everything."

He looked at me like I had just made the hardest decision of my life. In a way, I had, but I knew it was the only way to truly break the curse. He stared at me for a long moment, his lips parted like he wanted to say something, but the words never came. Then, as if to say it all without speaking, he kissed me softly, urgently, like he couldn't wait another moment. The kiss was a promise, a plea, a surrender. I wrapped my arms around him, kissing him back just as fiercely.

But then the sound of a loud growl broke through the moment. "Steven!" I pulled away from Kai just in time to see Steven storming toward us, his fists clenched. Without warning, he grabbed Kai by the collar and shoved him back. Their bodies colliding in the clearing.

"How many times I have to tell you not to touch her?" Steven growled, his voice a low rumble. But Kai was already back on his feet, his eyes flashing with anger. "And how many times I have to tell you that she is mine too? I have every right to touch her, get that in your head!"

I turned away. I had to focus. The curse was still hanging over us. Breaking it mattered more than who would claim me. Julie moved forward beside me, and I noticed Rose was already setting up the witchcraft materials in the center of the clearing. The pack had gathered around us, their eyes filled with hope and anticipation. This wasn't just my battle; this was everyone's. The end of the curse, the beginning of something new.

As Steven and Kai squared off, their tension in the air like a thick cloud, I steadied myself. I needed to be calm. I needed to do this right. My heart raced, but I focused on the task ahead, the moon overhead illuminating everything in an ethereal glow. I had the power to end this.

"Are you ready?" Rose whispered beside me, her eyes bright with worry and determination. I nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready."

The moon was full, the power in the air was almost electric, crackling, urging me to move. I raised my hands to begin the ritual, the incantations already on my lips. But before I could speak the first words, I felt a grip on my arm. Steven. His chest heaved as if he'd been running, his face a storm of emotions. Behind him, Kai rushed in, his jaw clenched, eyes blazing with frustration. His grip forcing me to rise on my feet.

"Brier, Kai told me everything. Don't let him do this to you. Don't let him take everything from you."

"No one is forcing me to do anything, Steven. Just stop it!" I yelled, my voice trembling but firm. I forced myself to stay still, knowing that getting up would only weaken the spell.

"Let her decide," Steven. Kai growled, his voice sharp as he yanked Steven away from me. Steven stumbled but quickly regained his footing, his eyes blazing with defiance. Without hesitation, he lunged at Kai, and the two collided again, their movements fueled by anger and something far deeper.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment to gather my thoughts, and then I spoke the first word of the spell. The world seemed to tremble, and the ground beneath my feet hummed with the power of the magic. The energy was building, swirling around us like a storm. Kai and Steven were still at odds, but their fight was now secondary to what was happening around us.

"Brier, no!" Steven shouted from behind, his voice frantic. Kai held him back by the collar, his grip firm, but I couldn't stop now. I had to finish it. The air around us grew thick with magic, the curse unraveling, peace by peace. The power surged through me, stronger than I had ever felt it before.

As I spoke the final words, the sky seemed to explode with light, and for a moment, everything went silent. And then the world shifted. I felt the magic break like a chain snapping, and the curse lifted. I felt human again, not just in body, but in heart, in spirit. My power was gone, but I felt lighter, freer.

The fight came to an abrupt halt, and everything seemed to stop. The world held its breath. I collapsed to the ground, exhaustion washing over me in waves. My body felt like it was on fire, like the curse had been ripped from me, and now I was left in its wake, exposed and raw.

And then I felt them both. Steven and Kai rushing toward me. Before I could react, they were there, lifting me off the ground, their arms wrapped around me, their warmth colliding as they held me tight, each refusing to let go.

"You did it," Kai whispered against my ears.

"You shouldn't have done this, Brier," Steven's voice was thick with emotion as he buried his face in my hair.

"I had to," I whispered back, threading my fingers through both their hair, needing to feel them close. "I couldn't watch you both in pain anymore. I love you too much."

Kai's hand slipped down my back, his touch gentle and comforting as he whispered in my ear, "You don't know how much this means to us, Brier. We would have done anything for you to be safe, anything."

And just then, I realized that no matter the sacrifice, no matter the pain, it was all worth it because we were free. Rose appeared beside us, her hand gently patting my back as she joined the three of us in a group hug. There, in that moment, surrounded by my family, I felt a peace I had never known before. The curse was broken. The pack, too, felt the shift, eyes filled with tears, hearts full of gratitude. They watched as their Alphas were finally free, free from the curse, free to live. And in that moment, I couldn't help but smile, even through the tears. From across the clearing, Julie smiled at me, her eyes filled with pride and happiness. We were free, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring down at the small leather bag I had packed. It wasn't much, just the essentials: herbs, vials, a few old books of remedies. It all felt so different now. I didn't need the enchanted stones or the ancient spells anymore. The magic of Katsia, the legacy of the witch power, was gone. My heart ached just thinking about it. The weight of it was no longer in my chest, but in its place was an emptiness I hadn't expected.

I took a deep breath, my fingers trembling as I tied the knot on the bag. The soft leather creaked as if it too mourned the life I was leaving behind. I hadn't realized just how much I had become a part of this fortress, of this place, and these people, the ones I loved, the ones who had been everything to me. But I couldn't stay. I couldn't watch them fight over me anymore. Steven and Kai, two different sides of the same coin, both of them pulled me in opposite directions. I loved them both, but how could I choose? How could I break one heart and then the other? I couldn't. And so, I made the only choice that would protect them: I would leave.

The decision was made in my heart long ago. The fortress felt too small for all the emotions I was carrying, and I knew if they saw me leaving, they'd stop me. They would beg me to stay, and I couldn't handle that, not when the thought of hurting either of them made my stomach twist into tight knots. So I did what I thought was the only thing I could do. I slipped out in the dead of night, quiet as a whisper. I moved through the halls, past the sleeping guards, and toward the main gate. As I stepped outside, the night air felt different. It was colder, sharper, like the world was finally noticing the decision I'd made. The moonlight bathed everything in a silvery glow, and for a moment, I almost felt at peace. But peace didn't last.

The door creaked as I pushed it open, and as soon as it did, I froze. Kai and Steven were standing there, side by side, blocking my path. Rose and Julie were beside them, their faces filled with worry and confusion, but I could see the determination in their eyes. The whole pack had gathered, their presence heavy in the air like a storm was brewing.

Kai stepped forward. "You're not going anywhere. You can't leave me like this," he whispered, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. There was so much heat in his touch: anger, fear, desperation, love. His words carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words. I didn't respond. I didn't have words left to say. I couldn't explain to them what I felt in my heart, how it was breaking into pieces, how much I wished things could be different. But this was the only way. They couldn't understand. I couldn't make them.

I tried to push past them, but Steven's hand shot out, grabbing my arm, his grip firm and unyielding. "How could you decide to leave me?" his voice was sharp, almost accusing, like he would fall apart if he couldn't stop me. His eyes bore into mine, searching for an answer, but I didn't have one, not one that would make sense to him. I didn't look at him; I couldn't. The pain in his eyes was too much.

"Leave me, Steven," I demanded, my throat tightening. "I can't stay here. I just... I can't."

"No," his fingers tightened around my arm, pulling me closer to him. "I will not leave you." He glanced at Kai, whose eyes were fixed on me, his eyes red, barely holding his tears. Steven's voice cracked. "We can't lose you, Brier. Neither of us can."

Kai couldn't wait for Steven to step back any longer. The gentleness he had been holding onto snapped, and in an instant, he was pressing himself against me, his body warm and demanding. "I can't stay without you, Brier. If you leave, I'll leave with you," he pleaded, his voice breaking. I felt the warmth of his tears as they fell, landing softly in my hair, each drop a testament to the pain he was trying to hold back. His grip tightened around me as if letting go would shatter him completely.

Before I could react, Steven's arms were around me too, his hold equally fierce. Both men held me tightly, their grip unwavering, a silent promise in their touch that they wouldn't let me slip away.

Kai's voice, rough with emotion, broke the silence. "We know you love us both, Brier," he said, his breath hot against my ear. "We promise we won't fight over you. You can have both of us. Please stay." His words hit me like a storm, all the tension and longing I had been holding back crashing down in a single moment. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, only feel the heat of their bodies against mine and the raw vulnerability in their voices.

Rose stepped forward, her presence like a quiet anchor in the storm. "Yes, Brier," she said. "I'll make sure my sons don't fight over you. You don't have to worry about that."

"What if you fight with Kai over me?" Steven I whispered, unsure of what else to say.

Steven pulled back just slightly, enough to look me in the eyes. His voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of vulnerability I had never heard before. "I promise, Brier. I won't fight with Kai. I swear it."

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to trust him, but I was scared. The fear of losing them both was too much to bear. "But the moment you fight with him," I warned, my voice trembling, "I'll leave. I won't stay if it comes to that."

Steven's gaze never wavered. He glanced at Kai for a moment, the unspoken understanding between them clear, then he looked back at me, his expression resolute. "That day will never come. I'll make sure of it."

I held my breath. The words hung in the air, thick with emotion, and I could feel my heart easing just a little. Maybe this could work. I could stay. I didn't have to choose. A quiet moment passed before spoke again, his voice softer this time, almost hopeful.

"Marry us, Brier." The request hung there, simple but weighty, and for a second, I couldn't even breathe. I nodded slowly, my heart still unsure, but yearning for something more. "Okay," I whispered, "but no more fighting. All right?"

The tension in the air shifted as both men exchanged a glance, then they nodded in unison, like they were agreeing on something much bigger than just a promise, a pact, something between the three of us. "No more fighting," Steven agreed softly. Kai's eyes softened as he leaned in, his voice a low murmur, "I swear, Brier. No more."

The hall buzzed with laughter, music, and the soft hum of chatter. The scent of fresh roses mingled with the faint aroma of spiced wine, and the golden glow of the chandeliers made the whole place look like a dream. My heart raced, not from nerves, but from the sheer joy of the moment. This was it, my marriage day.

I felt the warmth of Kai's hand in mine as we stepped into the hall. The grand doors opening to reveal a sea of people celebrating, while Steven's fingers brushed lightly against my back, guiding me forward. The guests turned to look, their smiles wide and genuine. For once, I didn't feel overwhelmed by the attention; I felt cherished. Kai's fingers tightened gently around mine, grounding me, as if we were the only ones in the room, and Steven right beside me, his hand firm on my back, pulling me closer to him.

The throne at the far end of the hall caught my eye, the one shared by both Kai and Steven. It looked regal with velvet cushions and intricate carvings, yet it felt personal. As they led me toward it, I could see the gleam in their eyes. It wasn't just pride or love; it was a sense of possession, of belonging. They both had this look in their eyes as they sat beside me, one on either side, making sure I was settled in between them.

"You look beautiful," Kai murmured, his voice low, rich, and full of meaning. His hand lingered on my knee, warm and possessive. I felt a flutter in my chest, the same familiar warmth, yet more intense than ever before. "Thank you," I whispered back, my voice a little shaky. I wasn't sure if it was from the nerves or the way they both looked at me, like I was the only person in the world.

Steven's fingers brushed against mine, then slid to hold my hand. "We're not letting you go, Brier," he said with a grin that was full of mischief and sincerity. I couldn't help but smile back, feeling my heart beat faster, knowing that this was real. The love they gave me, the way they showed it, it was all real.

As the music played and the guests mingled, everything felt so right. It wasn't about grand gestures or big declarations; it was the small things. The way Steven would reach out and adjust a strand of hair that had fallen from my updo. The way Kai would laugh at something silly I said. It was the quiet moments of intimacy between us, those little touches and shared looks that spoke more than words could.

"So, honey," Kai asked, his hand sliding down to gently squeeze mine, "the real question is, who do you want tonight?" The question hung in the air for just a second, but it was long enough for my cheeks to heat. A few months ago, I would have stammered, tried to brush it off with nervous laughter, but not now. Not anymore. I turned to look at him, then at Steven, my heart steady and sure.

"I want both of you," I said, my voice soft but confident.

Their reaction was immediate. Kai's smirk deepened, a mix of pride and satisfaction flashing in his eyes. Steven's expression softened, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his face. They exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them that I couldn't quite decode. Then, almost in unison, they each took one of my hands. Kai lifted mine to his lips, his kiss firm and lingering, while Steven pressed his against my knuckles, his touch gentle but filled with unspoken promises.

"You'll always have both of us," Steven murmured, his voice low and full of emotion.

"Tonight, tomorrow, forever," Kai added, his words carrying that playful edge but underlined with sincerity. I felt my throat tighten, a rush of emotion threatening to spill over, but instead of crying, I just smiled, leaning back into the comfort of their presence.