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October 8 - October 10, 2025
“That’s quite the specific reassurance there.”
“I think I’m in love,” I breathe, running my fingers along the cool marble. “Two ovens... an eight-burner gas range... is that a proper proofing drawer?”
“Careful with those kinds of offers,” I warn, even as my mind races with possibilities. “I might never leave. You’ll come down one morning to find the whole place smelling like cinnamon and vanilla.”
“Wait.” My voice sounds strange to my own ears. “That’s... that’s my grandmother. In her first bakery.”
“Is this what you Alphas do for fun? Rescue stranded Omegas and force-feed them peanuts? Because I have to say, as far as kidnapping scenarios go, this is pretty tame.”
for. And make no mistake, Lily is mine. She just doesn’t know it yet. The storm that brought her to me wasn’t chance—it was fate. And I intend to claim what fate has delivered.
Say no. Do NOT go to a basement with a criminal, Lily. Have you learned nothing from every true-crime show ever? This is literally how women end up as cautionary tales. “Sure,”
“My Lily. The one I used to chat with for hours, who drove me crazy, who had me smiling to myself when I should have been sleeping. The one I even dreamed about.”
“Thank you,” she says again, softer. “At least now Hannah will just think I’ve been abducted by mysterious mountain men.”
“It’s not every day a girl gets rescued by three Alphas who look like they could bench-press a moose but discuss literature over dinner.”
“And what about you?” she asks Hunter directly. “What do you collect?” “Trouble, mostly,” he answers with a wolfish grin.
If this comes back to bite me, I’ll be devastated to discover I’m attracted to my brother or cousin or whatever.
“I have no issues sharing you with my friends,” he whispers against my ear. “They’re my everything. But you’re mine first.”
An understanding passes between us, unspoken but clear. We will all care for her during this heat, but what comes after—that’s for Lily to decide.
“All right, enough with the feelings,” Archer mutters, breaking the tension. “Let’s finish getting this shit together for our girl.” Our girl.
“I’m going to dispute that theory,” Archer interrupts, gesturing to the elaborate nest I’ve constructed. “People who don’t react to Alphas don’t typically barricade themselves in laundry rooms with stolen clothes.”
“I’m not nesting. You’re nesting.”
“Oh God, I’m in so much trouble, aren’t I?” I whisper, not really asking.
“Join me, please?” The words spill out unbidden, needy and raw. “You can’t say no, Hunter,” Archer’s words cut through my haze, an edge to his tone.
“One guy told me I might as well be a beta for all the reaction I got from him. Another suggested I see a doctor because, clearly, something was wrong with my pheromones.”
“Maybe it wasn’t the time,” he suggests. “Or maybe they weren’t the right men. Because the moment you walked in, you blew us all away. Your scent, your presence.” A confession rumbles from his chest. “Now, we’re obsessed.”
“You’re cute when you’re defensive. I never went to pastry school; I’m self-taught.” “And you’re annoying when you’re... breathing,” I retort lamely.
James is a walking advertisement for whatever workout regimen they offer in prison.
“Strange?” He sounds offended. “We’ve known each other for too long to be that. I’d say we’re practically family at this point.” “That’s disturbing on multiple levels,” I mutter.
Hunter’s head snaps up, his expression murderous. “He tried to hit my dog? I’ll fucking kill him.”
“You look good doing that,” I say before I can stop myself. “Being a handyman suits you.”
“You should do that with no shirt on next time. For aesthetic purposes.”
With deliberate slowness that makes my heart race, Archer reaches for the hem of his t-shirt and pulls it over his head.
“Better?” he whispers. I fan myself dramatically. “Much. Though now it’s even warmer in here.”
“You’re wearing far too many clothes,” he murmurs against my lips. “Especially considering I’ve sacrificed my shirt for aesthetic purposes.”
“I’d be delighted to prove myself worthy,” Archer says before I can respond. “Though I should warn you, I have a tendency to charm elderly ladies. It’s my superpower.”
“You think you’re leaving us?” Hunter asks in my direction. “Is that why your sister is here to pick you up? You don’t want this? Us?”
“We heard you like groveling,” James states with a hint of that dry humor I’ve come to adore.
“Later,” I promise. “When I’m not in danger of being overheard and thoroughly embarrassed.”
“Less kissing, more prep,” Hannah calls, emerging from the kitchen with a tray of her signature caramel apple tarts.
“Our very own hurricane in baker’s clothing.”
And my men—my heart be still.
“She pinched his butt. Twice,” Hunter supplies with uncharacteristic glee. “Said he reminded her of her third husband.
“I heard at least three women trying to slip you their phone numbers today,” I counter, grateful for the distraction. “Should I be worried?”
“So, I’m guessing pizza isn’t the best dinner choice for you right now,” James says. “I should make you something healthier. More nutritious. With vegetables.”
When is my next appointment because all three plan to attend?
“And we’re going to spoil them rotten,” Hunter adds, his voice unusually soft. “All three of us.”
“You’ve been growing two humans,” Archer counters, still holding my hand despite what must be numbing pressure. “That’s already the most badass thing any of us has ever done.”
“You’re all going to be amazing dads,” I tell them during a brief respite between contractions. “Stop looking so terrified.”
“Moving along faster than I expected for a first-time mother with twins.” “She’s always been an overachiever,” Archer quips,
“How their beautiful, badass mother brought them into the world while three grown Alpha men nearly fainted at the sight.”
“She’s going to be a fighter,” Hunter predicts, gently capturing the miniature hand with one finger.
