The Moon Goddess made a mistake— or maybe this was a curse just like everyone says it is. But I always knew deep down that I was never meant to be theirs.

They belonged to her.

To my twin sister, Chalice, who was sweet. Perfect. Worshipped by the entire pack… and pure venom behind closed doors.

The three brothers— Zevran, Kael, and Caelum— hate me with a fire that burns hotter than the bond tying us together. And I know because I see it in their eyes… I feel it in the way their burning touch lingers a second too long.

They despise me. Just like everyone else does.

But they want me.

And no matter how much I try to stay away, the mate bond keeps dragging me back into their world of heat, power, hatred and danger.

Maybe, I should leave… I know. But fate plays a cruel game. And as truths unravel and secrets come to light, the triplets— the ones who once despised me— now see me for who I am.

Now, they want me— unabashedly.

But by the time they realize this, it is a little too late. I’ve been broken by them a little too much.

And I am done being anyone’s pawn.

~*~

“We want you, Leilani… we always have. Always would. Please take this as our way of saying sorry. For everything, for not believing you… for letting our judgements be clouded by…” Caelum said softly, his voice trailing off, his breath warm and ticklish against my fingers that he brought up to his lips as his other hand found the warm spot between my thighs.

My eyes snagged on his full lips— pink and inviting; But they’d been kissed by another.

And I don’t do leftovers.

I sighed exasperatedly, shaking my head to rid myself of this pitiful sight and clenching my legs together to force his hands out. He didn’t budge. 

“No.” I said sharply, my voice coming out stronger than I expected especially with their bodies pressed against mine, and their lips creating sparks across my body. “I’m done. Go back to Chalice… she suits you more than I ever did.”

Kael’s voice vibrated through my body as he pressed himself flush against me. His brothers Caelum and Zevran leaned in too, their lips on the shell of my ears, one’s fingers grazing over my taut nipple.

“I’ll burn the world, Leilani,” he growled, his voice deep. Threatening. “I’ll burn the entire world, if that’s what it takes to win you back.”

“Then I'd like to see you after the world’s been successfully burnt down. Maybe then we’ll have this conversation.” I answered, and with that, I pushed their hands away and leapt off the cupboard.

And as I walked out of the kitchen, I felt their eyes drilling holes into my back, hotter than a thousand lasers all at once.

But I didn’t falter.

I didn’t turn around.

I was the monster they’d made.

CONTENT WARNING:
This book contains triggers and explicit scenes of abuse, Graphic violence and murder, explicit sexual activities, strong language and dark, obsessive romance.

Readers discretion advised.
****

The weekend went by incredibly quickly, and by the time I was finally able to brush up the prototype I'd created for my newest innovation, it was already midday on Sunday.


I sat up from my couch and stretched. I felt tired. Incredibly so and my entire body ached like hell. I also realized that ever since Friday evening, I had not heard a word from Jarek, not even a text. Which was strange.


Does he regret kissing me and doesn't know how to talk about it?


Am I about to lose the only friend I have?


These thoughts and more plagued my mind as I picked up my coach bag and headed straight for my door, hoping to do a bit of shopping. My house lacked some groceries, moreover I needed to pick a dress for the gala I would attend in a few days.


Deep in thought, and still wondering why Jarek hasn't called or texted me after that kiss yet— gosh he hasn't even responded to the last text I sent— I drove all the way to Bergdorf Goodman.


Chapter 43 - Jealousy.