I open the bottom dresser drawer and pull out one of my favorite sweaters and a pair of yoga pants. Once I’m dressed, I step out of the bedroom.
The hallway is quiet and dim, the scent of bacon and coffee pulling me toward the kitchen.
I hold my breath at the edge of the hall, bracing myself before I step into the living room—half afraid of what I’ll see. But when I step into the room, everything is spotless.
There’s no shattered glass, no twisted bits of metal. Even the rough plywood from last night is gone, leaving behind neat, empty holes in the floorboards where the screws used to be. The faint scent of bleach clings to the air, sharp beneath the warmth of breakfast.
For a moment, I just stand there, my skin prickling. The room feels too clean. almost empty, like it’s pretending nothing ever happened.
A sudden wave of unease rolls through me, making my stomach twist.
I need my alphas.
Swallowing hard, I rush toward the kitchen. Knox’s presence brushes against the edge of my mindfirst, softening as he feels my tension. Our bond hums low and soft, like a hand settling against my back, coaxing me to breathe.
Underneath Knox, I can feel Alex.
He’s alive this morning, practically buzzing. His emotions spark like fireworks, playful and loud, the way he always gets when he’s trying to lighten the mood for everyone else.
And Tadeo…his bond feels tight, coiled with focus and mild irritation, like he’s trying to stay calm while someone—it’s gotta be Alex—tests his patience.
For a moment, I stand outside the kitchen doorway, letting their energy roll through me. The sound of plates clinking, the hiss of bacon on the stove, Alex’s voice cutting through the air with his trademark cocky ease.
I don’t want to ruin it, but there are too many questions burning inside my head.
I step into the kitchen and find Tadeo at the stove, shoulders tense as he flips strips in the pan. He stands with one leg out, relaxed, but I can see the faint twitch in his jaw that says Alex has been pestering him for a while now.
“Hey, chef,” Alex says to Tadeo as he leans against the counter. He’s got that shit-eating grin that always spells trouble. “You sure the bacon’s supposed to be that crispy? I mean, I love a little charcoal flavor, but?—”
“Alex,” Tadeo cuts in, voice tight but surprisingly calm, “if you want to cook, I’ll move.”
Alex grins wider. “Nah, you’re doing great. Just… maybe turn down the heat before the fire alarm?—”
The sound of the spatula smacking the counter makes Alex jump back, laughing. “Alright, alright! I’m only trying to help.”
Across the room, Knox sits at the kitchen table, coffee mug in hand, his lips twitching around the rim like he’strying not to smile. His amusement hums through our bond, slow and warm, enjoying the chaos.
Dakota’s next to him, head pillowed on his folded arms, completely dead to the world. His hair’s sticking up in every direction, and there’s a faint smear of drool on his sleeve.
Tadeo reaches forward and turns down the burner. The soft click and drop in sound draw Alex’s attention, and he glances up—right at me.
The teasing grin slides off his face instantly. His shoulders go still, and all that wild, easy energy evaporates.
He looks like he can’t decide whether to hug me or hide.
Even our bond is filled with uncertainty, love tangled up with guilt and worry.
“Hey,” Alex says softly, his voice careful, like he’s afraid I’ll shatter if he’s too loud.
Tadeo turns, following the alpha’s gaze.
The moment Tadeo’s dark eyes land on me, his expression shifts—steady composure giving way to quiet concern. Knox sets his mug down, movement slow as his focus locks on me. Even Dakota stirs, blinking sleepily as he lifts his head.
Four sets of eyes stare at me. Three bonds humming with love and worry rush through in my mind all at once.
And for a heartbeat, I don’t know whether to smile or cry.
“Skyla.” Knox pushes back from the table, the chair legs scraping quietly against the floor. The sound makes every muscle in me tense before I can stop it.
