Tabitha's POV

Emery rises slightly from his seat and extends a hand with the confidence of someone who's used to being in charge of entire cities, not just lunch tables. Of course, he is. Emery Aldair is the Alpha of Crystal Ridge pack and the commanding officer of the Kaelara Naval Station!

"It's nice to finally meet you again," he says with a warm smile. "You used to be schoolmates with my sons, back in Kaelara. I believe you were in the same year."

This must be some kind of bad dream, because there's no way that my mother's fiancé is Emery Aldair. And yet, no matter how hard I pinch my arm, I just won't wake up. Shit. This is real. That's why the symbol on Gerald's cuff looks familiar... there's only one family whose staff wears that exact design... the Aldairs!

Is this really happening?

"Sweetie, Emery wants to shake your hand," my mom whispers and lightly nudges me.

I snap back to my senses and take the man's hand. He gives me a firm handshake and gestures to the table.

"Shall we eat?"

I barely manage a reply as we take our seats. The servers roll in a cart stacked with plates of what looks like the most delicious food I've ever seen, but my stomach stays quiet.

"I told them to bring out the specials and their best-sellers. But if you like anything else on the menu, do not hesitate to order," Emery says.

"No, uh, these are plenty enough... sir," I reply awkwardly.

I don't think I have the appetite to eat anything anyway.

"Now, sweetie, I understand this may come as a shock to you but I want to use this opportunity to help you and Emery get to know each other better. He's not just my fiancé, he's going to be part of our lives now."

I stare at my plate, still untouched.

"Emery is a good man. He's kind, respectful, and incredibly accomplished," she continues with a smile. "And he's made me really happy, Tabitha. I think, if you give it a chance, you'll see that he can make you feel safe and taken care of too."

"Your mother speaks very highly of you. I know this is sudden, but I hope, in time, we can build a good relationship," Emery seconds.

I nod again, just to be polite, but my mind is already spinning. I can't believe I'm sitting across from Emery Aldair right now. The Emery Aldair. The most influential figure in Kaelara. The Alpha of Crystal Ridge Pack. The man who practically runs the entire place like it's his own private kingdom. The place where I was born and raised. The place we ran away from five years ago. It's insane. The reason we severed every tie to that place in the first place was because of his sons. Because of what they did to me. And now, here he is, sitting in front of me like fate just hit rewind and pressed play on the same nightmare again. This time, I'm not sure if running away would help me anymore.

I grab the glass of water and take a sip, trying not to tremble from the absurdity of it all.

"I just want my mom to be happy. I won't stand in the way of her happiness," I say plainly. Because honestly, I don't know what else to say.

Emery Aldair may look exceptionally kind and charming right now, but I know to not be fooled. This man is dangerous. He commands a whole fleet of navy, and a whole werewolf pack at his disposal. He's not someone to be crossed with. And while it's true that I value my mom's happiness enough to compromise for the sake of it, I also understand that getting too close to Emery Aldair's world comes with consequences. His power isn't just some title in a pack registry or a ceremonial position in the military. It's real. It's felt. People obey him without question. People fear him without saying it out loud.

And we don't have the power to face the wrath of this Alpha if we ever land on the wrong side of him.

"Oh, sweetie. I knew you'd understand. We're going to be a real family now. Isn't that wonderful? I've always wanted that for you."

I simply smile at her and nod. Emery looks pleased enough and we continue our lunch while they talk about some details of their wedding-the theme, the dress, the venue. Although it's mostly my mom doing all the talking while her beau just nods and hums in agreement. Well, with a wedding as grand as this, I'm sure he's going to be the one footing the bill, anyway.

Not that it would be a problem. Aldairs are filthy rich.

"Oh, and we'll be moving to Kaelara in four days," my mom announces excitedly. "It's your summer vacation, anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem. You won't be missing anything important."

I already expected this much but hearing out loud doesn't make it horrifying.

We're going back to that place... the very hell I tried my best to forget for the past five years. Suddenly, I lose the very little appetite I had earlier.

"And the boys are still living in the main house. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to meet their new stepsister," Emery says, smiling.

Yeah, I don't think so. It's in the tip of my tongue, but I just choose to stay quiet.

They probably would not even remember me. And somehow, I wish that would be the case. I'd rather have them forget that I was the loser they used to bully at high school. That would make it easier for me to survive living with them.

But then, I doubt they'd even recognize me now. I've changed so much in the last five years.

The lunch wraps up soon after, though I barely touch anything on my plate. Emery makes a call and his driver, Gerald, pulls the car around. We ride in silence most of the way. When we finally return to our apartment, I follow her inside, drop my bag by the door, and turn to face her.

"You're really going to do this? You're marrying into the same family that made our lives hell?" There goes my plan for a peaceful conversation. All the pent-up frustration that built up during lunch just explodes now.

"I thought you were okay with it. You didn't say anything at lunch! You were... civil."

I let out a dry laugh.

"Yeah, because I didn't make a scene. I love you, Mom, but seriously? What were you thinking? Marrying Alpha Emery Aldair?"

Her brows pinch together, but she says nothing, so I keep going.

"I thought we were done with Kaelara. I thought we were done with werewolves. We left that place for a reason. You told me we were going to live a normal, quiet life. Just the two of us. Among humans."

She looks away, and for a second, I think I might've actually gotten through to her.

"I'm sorry you feel that way," she says quietly. "But Emery is a good man, Tabitha. You don't know him like I do. He's kind. Generous. And whether you believe it or not... he's given us something we haven't had in a long time."

"What are you talking about?"

She reaches for my hand again, and this time, I let her take it, even though my chest is tight with frustration.

"You remember the debt, don't you?"

My stomach twists.

Of course I do.

When we first moved to the mainland, I got sick all the time. My body couldn't handle the shift in climate, the stress, the everything. We were in and out of the hospital so much, we might as well have lived there. And we didn't have insurance back then. So Mom had to take out a huge loan from some sketchy company that still sends us thinly veiled threats every month.

We've never been able to pay it off. Not even close.

"What about it?" I ask, my voice rasp.

"Emery took care of it."

"What?" I gasp.

"Yes. Every last cent. We're debt free now, sweetheart. No more running from collectors. No more waking up in the middle of the night, wondering how we'll get by."

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

"And once we move back to Kaelara, Emery's going to secure you a spot at Kaelara University next semester. One of the best programs in the country. Think about your future, Tabitha. This is a fresh start. For both of us."

A fresh start for the both of us.

I replay that phrase in my mind like a mantra until I finally drift off to sleep that night. But sleep doesn't offer any peace.

Instead, I find myself back in Kaelara High. Anxiety stirs in my gut as I walk through the familiar woods near the school. Cruel laughter echoes in the distance. My pulse quickens. I start walking faster, but the voices follow.

"There she is! Hey, Chubby Tabby! Wait for us!" one of them snickers. "She's too fat, her body shakes every time she runs!"

"Chubby Tabby!"

I break into a run, heart pounding.. The trees blur past as I push forward, dodging roots and low branches. My legs burn but I refuse to stop. I can't let them find me.

"Hey, Fatty, don't run too fast. We all know you're not built for cardio!"

"Get away from me!" I scream at the top of my lungs as I push my legs beyond their limits, terrified at the possibility of getting caught by them.

"Chubbyta, we're doing you a favor, you know? We're just teaching you to know your place."

"You don't belong in this school. You're human, you're fat, and you're just so irritating to look at."

No, no, no! Just leave me alone!

"You're weak and ugly!"

"Stop acting like you're one of us. You disgust me!"

Their voices grow closer and closer, I can almost feel their blood lust like tendrils of shadows wrapping around my arms and legs-forcing me to succumb to whatever nightmare they have in store for me.

"You better run fast because if I catch you, you're dead fat meat!"

The laughter behind me warps into low, guttural growls that vibrate into something feral-animalistic. I glance over my shoulder and the shapes chasing me shift. Their limbs lengthen, their bodies swell, twisting into monstrous forms. The shadows that once belonged to high school bullies now tower as giant beasts with glowing eyes and jagged teeth... werewolves.

I need to get out of here! I need to escape... someone help me!

My lungs scream as I try to run faster, but it's not enough. My foot snags on a root hidden beneath the underbrush, and I stumble forward, crashing hard onto the forest floor. Pain rips through my knee as I hit the ground. The dirt and leaves scrape against my skin, making me whimper in pain. I try to push myself up, but the heavy thudding of paws behind me draws closer, surrounding me on all sides.

As I lose consciousness, I see the silhouette of four people looking down at me from the top of the narrow cliff.

It's the Aldair quadruplets.

I wake up gasping and drenched in sweat. My heart pounds so hard I can hear it in my ears. I sit up, eyes scanning the room as if those monsters followed me out of the dream. My fingers brush over the scar on my knee, and a cold shiver runs down my spine. The memory feels too real.

I don't want to go back to the island.

But I have no choice.

**

The next few days pass in a blur. I return to the university to wrap up my final requirements, trying to keep my mind off what's waiting for me back in Kaelara. One afternoon, I run into Andrew near the café. We talk for a bit. When I mention the plan to move back to Kaelara, his face drops slightly.

"That sucks. But hey, Kaelara's a tourist hotspot, right? Maybe I'll swing by one day. You better give me a proper tour when I do."

"You got it," I say, forcing a small laugh. "Just don't expect me to wear a tour guide uniform or anything."

He grins, but there's a quiet sadness in his eyes. Andrew's one of the few real friends I've made in the city. I'm going to miss him.

**

Then the day of the flight comes. Mom's practically bouncing with excitement, talking nonstop as we board the plane. I sit by the window, watching the clouds roll by, trying to prepare myself for what's coming.

When we finally land at Kaelara International Airport, the warm, salty air rushes in as soon as we step outside. The scent of the island hits me like a wave-sun-baked earth, sea breeze, and something faintly sweet I'd almost forgotten.

I hate to admit it, but a small part of me missed this place. Kaelara is a big island, and Andrew was right, it's one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country because of its amazing beach and breathtaking scenery. If it wasn't for the horrible experience I had in this place, I would feel more thrilled to be back.

A group of men in suits pick us up from the airport and drive us straight to the Aldair estate. I stare out the window in silence as the landscape of Kaelara blurs past.

We're really back. I still can't believe it.

When the gates finally open and we pull into the long driveway, I have to hold my jaw before it falls off the hinges. Just... wow.

The house-no, mansion is massive. The kind of estate you'd see in glossy magazines. It looks like a castle. The Aldairs are influential figures all over the island, and have been for decades, but this is my first time to actually set foot in their turf.

My heart thumps louder with every step as we're led through the grand entrance, where marble floors stretch beneath our feet and crystal chandeliers hang overhead. There's a staircase that curves gracefully along the wall, like something out of a storybook.

Emery greets us at the top of the stairs with a wide, welcoming smile. "I'm glad you made it safely," he says, then turns to me. "Come. I'd like you to meet my sons."

Shit, here we go.

Tabitha's POV

"It's a hot day. They're probably cooling down at the pool. Come with me."

And we do. The sun glints off the water as we follow Emery to the back patio. I hear music playing softly from a speaker somewhere and some voices bouncing off the water and stone.

I try to steady my breath. My palms feel clammy. My heart is going at it like it's ready to run a marathon. But I keep walking. I keep my chin up. I tell myself it's fine. I'm not that girl anymore. Not the one who hid in bathroom stalls during lunch. Not the one who cried behind the bleachers. Not the one who tripped and fell and got laughed at by the whole school because I'm not as strong as them.

I've changed. And they will see that too.

So I pull my shoulders back and follow Emery past the sliding doors, bracing myself for what's on the other side.

As soon as my gaze lands on the pool, I immediately catch the familiar figures of four men.

Here they are.

Jace is sitting at the edge of the pool with his feet in the water. Reed is standing waist-deep tossing a ball up and catching it like he's bored. Luca is stretched out on a lounge chair with his sunglasses on. And Evren's under the umbrella with a book in his hand.

And here I thought I was the only one who has changed for the past five years. They have changed too. They are no longer boys... these are men. Their arms are lean and defined. Their chests are broad and toned from years of training. Even the way they move feels heavier now, like they've grown into their strength.

I'm not sure if I should be amazed or terrified.

Emery walks up and stops near the pool. The brothers keep doing whatever they're doing until he clears his throat.

"Boys," he says. "I want you to meet someone."

That gets their attention. One by one they glance over.

"This is Tabitha. She's Isla's daughter."

Silence ensues. Their faces twist with recognition, like they're trying to place a name to a ghost. I don't look away. For a moment, it's like we're frozen in some weird staring contest, no one willing to speak first. The shift in their eyes tells me everything. They know exactly who I am.

"No fucking way," Reed gasps. He lifts a finger and shamelessly points at me. "You're telling me that's Chubby Tabby?"

My cheeks burn in utter embarrassment. I can't believe he just said that out loud. That stupid nickname. That humiliating reminder of everything I tried to leave behind.

Jace squints like he's trying to make sure I'm real. "Wait... Tabitha Huxley? From Silver Hill High?" His eyes scan me slowly from head to toe. "The chubby girl who cried behind the bleachers?"

"She doesn't look so fat now. In fact... she's cleaned up pretty well," Reed comments, boldly sweeping me up from head to toe.

"This is... unexpected." Luca pushes his sunglasses down his nose. "I almost didn't recognize her."

Yeah, I've slimmed down considerably for the past five years. Either from being sick often or because of my more active lifestyle. But I'm definitely far from the fat loser they used to know. And yet, I wished they had just forgotten about me. Not this. Now, I feel like they will only have more reasons to pick on me.

Evren doesn't say a word. He closes his book, sets it down, and looks at me with that same unreadable expression. His eyes drop to my knee, just briefly that I almost miss it. Then they come back to my face.

"I'm marrying Isla. So, you better get used to seeing them around," Emery declares.

"Hi, boys. It's so good to finally meet you." Mom beams and waves her hand enthusiastically.

"You've gotta be kidding me," Reed grumbles.

Evren's gaze shifts from Mom back to Emery. His jaw clenches in apparent irritation. "What is the meaning of this?"

"I already informed you that I plan to remarry. Isla will be my new wife and that makes Tabitha your new stepsister. They will be moving here in the estate from now on."

"You've gotta be kidding me..." Reed spits in clear frustration.

Yeah, I'm not happy about this too, jerk.

Evren hops out of the pool and angrily marches towards his father. I can almost hear his teeth grinding in fury as he stares his father down.

"You're bringing a human into this house? Into our bloodline?" he snarls.

"Watch your tone, boy. I may be your father but I am still your Alpha." Emery's jaw tightens with barely-restrained anger.

"This is stupid and you know that!" Evren bellows.

My mom jumps in fear. I clutch her arm as we scoot a few inches away from the Aldairs, but it's not enough to escape the terrifying pressure that radiates off them. The air grows thick and almost suffocating. Their eyes shift in molten gold, glowing with fury and power. Those are the eyes of an Alpha-the superior bloodline of werewolves that the Aldairs have long been celebrated for.

"You don't question my decision, Evren. You follow it," Emery growls, voice sharp enough to cut through steel. "This isn't up for debate. Isla will be my wife, and Tabitha will live under this roof. That makes her part of this family."

Jace lets out a sharp sarcastic laugh at the pool. "This must be a joke. You're telling me Chubby Tabby is going to be our new stepsister?"

Before I can react, he scoops a handful of water and flings it straight at me.

"Ahh!" I yelp, stumbling back as the cold water drench me full.

"Enough!" Emery's voice booms across the patio.

Emery's voice cracks like thunder, louder than anything I've ever heard. It slams into your chest and rattles your bones. That's the Alpha in him, the raw command buried in every word. The kind that makes wolves drop to their knees without thinking.

His sons lightly bow their heads, but the hint of anger still simmers beneath their forced submission.

Emery's eyes sweep over his sons like a blade. "You don't have to like it. But you will respect it.

Disrespect either of them again, and you'll answer to me."

Emery leads us back to the mansion. I glance over my shoulder and see the way they're staring. Their expressions aren't just hateful. There's confusion in their eyes, something unreadable that lingers a moment too long.

My heart pounds as I follow Mom and Emery inside. The house is massive on the outside but the interior is on another level of grandeur. The ceilings stretch high above, and everything smells like wood polish and money. Emery stops at a door and informs me that it will be my room from now on.

I step in. The room is huge, almost double the size of our old apartment. The queen-sized bed also looks untouched. There's a chandelier above and a walk-in closet off to the side. Shit, I don't think I'll ever get used to this kind of luxury.

But then, this place is everything that my mom has ever dreamed of. The life she and Dad had wanted to provide for me.

Maybe Mom was right. Maybe this is our chance to turn things around. The Aldairs are powerful and rich. Life here could be easier. No more worrying about rent or skipping meals, or thinking how we would repay our debts.

But when I remember the way the quadruplets looked at me, I wonder if anything will be easy here at all.

**

That night, we're thrown into probably the most awkward dinner of my life.

The five brothers are already at the table when Mom and I walk in. Emery sits at the head. Mom takes the seat to his right. I sit beside her. Across from us, the brothers sit together on the other side-but not one of them looks our way. If anything, they look forced to sit with me and my mom.

If only I can tell them that I feel the same way.

The plates are already set. The food smells amazing. It's roast lamb, garlic potatoes, buttered greens but I can barely touch it.

Mom, trying to fill the silence, smiles as she slices into her lamb. "This is delicious. Did the estate always have a private chef?"

"He's been with the family for years. Trained in Milan." Emery nods.

"I would've enjoyed it if someone warned us we'd be hosting strangers for dinner," Reed fires, not even bothering to look up from his plate.

"Reed!" Emery warns, his hand gripping the knife a little too hard.

"I wouldn't get used to it. Not everyone can last here, anyway." Jace sips on his drink and throws me a knowing look. "Some break faster than others."

"Watch your mouths! I won't tolerate insolence in my house," Emery growls and slams his fist on the table.

Reed lets out a scoff and tosses his napkin onto the table.

"I'm done." He shoves back his chair and walks off without looking at anyone.

Jace leans back in his seat, picks up his wine glass, and lazily swirls what's left. "Well, there goes my appetite." He sets the glass down and pushes his plate away. He rises with a sigh and strolls off, not even pretending to be sorry.

I glance at the remaining brothers at the table-Evren and Luca-fully expecting them to walk out as well. But they don't. They just eat in silence, unbothered by the shameless rude behavior of their siblings. They don't look at me or at Mom. It's like we don't exist.

It grates on my nerves how they are not even trying to hide their distaste about us. Picking on me is one thing, but disrespecting my mom is another. It's something I cannot tolerate.

Surprisingly, the two manage to finish their meal before quietly leaving the table after a curt nod at their father, completely ignoring me and my mom.

Assholes.

Mom looks evidently defeated at this, even as she forces a smile and picks at her food. He doesn't say anything about their behavior, but I can tell it weighs on her.

I stare down at my plate, appetite gone. The food is perfect, but I can't bring myself to enjoy any of it. Not when the room still lingers with the air of silent judgment. It's like sitting at a table full of ghosts-except the ghosts are alive and still capable of cruelty.

I hate them.

Maybe Mom was wrong. Maybe they haven't changed at all. They're still the same bullies from five years ago. Only meaner. Older. Stronger. And now, I'm trapped in their house.

***

That night, I find myself unable to sleep, even while lying on the softest bed I've ever been in. The sheets are warm. The room is quiet. But my mind won't shut off. I keep replaying the dinner in my head. I'm afraid Reed was right. I don't think we're going to last here.

I try to squirm on the bed to find a more comfortable position in my last-ditch effort to sleep. But no matter how much I try, my mind just won't let me rest. Eventually, I sigh and sit up, staring at the shadows crawling along the ceiling.

Screw it.

I slip out of bed, throw on a hoodie, and quietly step into the hall.

The hallways are quiet as I pad through them. I figure everyone's asleep by now, which makes this the perfect time to explore without running into anyone. Hopefully.

The mansion is bigger than I thought. Honestly, I'm not used to this much space in a house. Every corridor seems to twist into another. The walls are lined with dark wood and old family photos, but what catches my eye are the framed awards near the stairs-naval plaques, commendations, medals. All of them bear the name Captain Emery Aldair, Commanding Officer of Kaelara Naval Station. Of course he's decorated. Figures.

He is a freaking legend in the island and in the werewolf world. What a scary man. I can't believe he's engaged to my mom.

I keep walking until the hallway curves, leading me to a large alcove at the end. I notice a lone portrait hanging on the far wall. I walk closer to get a better look.

It's a photograph of an elegant-looking woman. She looks so regal with her long blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. Her eyes are a striking pair of Caribbean blue that remind me of Evren and Reed.

This must be the quadruplets' mother, Corinne Aldair. The late wife of Emery Aldair and the former Luna of the Crystal Ridge pack.

She's breathtaking.

I glance around and realize there's no other portrait of her anywhere else. Just this old one. A single memory preserved in canvas.

"What are you doing here?"

Shit.

I turn around to see Evren behind me, shirtless, and glaring at me.

Tabitha's POV

The hallway is cold this late at night, but Evren's voice is colder.

"You shouldn't be here."

I face him fully. He stands a few feet away with water still dripping from the ends of his damp hair. His eyes are unreadable, but I feel the weight in them. There is something in the way he looks at me that is almost accusing.

I take a deep breath and boldly raise my chin up as I equal his piercing gaze. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd have a little stroll around here."

His eyes flick once toward the portrait behind me, then back to my face. "This isn't a place for wandering."

"It's a hallway. Not a crime scene."

Evren steps closer. His presence is sharp and almost suffocating, it's like the air itself folds around him.

"That's not just a hallway. That's where she is." I can almost freeze to death by the way he is looking at me.

I glance back at the portrait on our side. Corinne Aldair looks so regal. And the glacier look in her eyes definitely resembles the man in front of me.

"I just thought the painting looked fascinating. I didn't mean to pry," I say carefully. My eyes trail at every exquisite brush strokes, "Your mother was beautiful."

Something flicker in his eyes. And it's not amusement. If anything, he looks almost angry. His jaw tightens as if the compliment wounds him instead of honors her. He steps forward slowly and I instinctively back away. Goodness, this man is intimidating.

"You..." He grits his teeth like the words themselves taste foul. "You don't belong in this hallway. You don't belong in this house."

Okay, that's harsh. But what do I expect from him? He's always been the type to hurl ruthless words to others without batting an eye.

"Don't you think it's too late for that? Your father-Alpha Emery already made it clear that me and my mother are here to stay... whether you like it or not." I don't mean to sound entitled but before we came back to this island, I promised myself that I would stand up for myself and my mom... something that I didn't get to do in the past.

Evren's eyes narrow. His jaw clenches so tightly I think he might break a tooth. But I hold my ground. If he thinks I'll cower like I used to, he's wrong. I'm not that girl anymore.

"You think a bed in this house makes you one of us?" he bites out. "You think a ring on your mother's finger makes her Luna?"

I frown. "She never said she wanted that.

"Then why is she pretending? Sitting at that table. Smiling like she earned a seat there. Like she belongs," he snaps. He thrusts a hand toward the portrait behind me, rage burning in his eyes. "And you-you stand there staring at my mother like you have any right, while yours plays house and tries to take her place?"

"My mom isn't pretending anything. She's just trying to survive, same as me. She didn't ask for your approval. And she definitely doesn't need it to smile at a dinner table."

Evren's expression hardens, but I keep going.

"She's kind. She's patient. And she's done nothing but try to be respectful in a house that clearly doesn't want her. If you think that's a crime, then maybe the problem isn't with her. Don't hate a woman who didn't do anything wrong just because you can't stand your father's choices."

His eyes darken, but he doesn't speak. There's a muscle twitching in his jaw like he's biting back something sharp, something angry. I'm sure his mask of indifference will shatter and I'll get a proper lecture. But it doesn't. He just stares at me for a long second. Then, without a word, he turns and walks away.

As soon as he disappears down the hallway, I finally exhale. My legs feel unsteady beneath me, like the floor has shifted somehow. I steady myself against the wall and press a hand to my chest.

Shit, I should've kept my mouth shut... Or maybe not. Screw him and his brothers! I should be proud of holding my ground. For not flinching.

I glance at Corinne Aldair's portrait once again and heaves a frustrated sigh.

Your sons are a pain in the ass, Luna.

**

The days crawl by like a bad dream I can't wake up from. I try to avoid the Aldair brothers as much as I can, not that they make it hard. They've made a sport out of ignoring me and Mom. Meals are quiet when they do bother to show up at all. Most days, they vanish before breakfast and don't return until long after dinner. I don't really mind their absence. In fact, I prefer it. But I worry about my Mom. She tries not to look hurt, but I see it. In the way her smile falters when she sets the table. In the silence that lingers when she asks about them and gets no reply. She's having a hard time and it's all because of my assholes soon-to-be stepbrothers.

This morning, it's no different.

"Tabi, Could you go fetch the boys from the range? I thought maybe if we all sat together for lunch today..."

Her voice trails off, as if she already knows it's a lost cause. I bite the inside of my cheek. I hate the idea. But I hate seeing her disappointed even more.

"Alright. I'll get them," I mutter.

I already know it's a bad idea before I march out of the mansion. But I convinced myself to at least try for my mom.

The shooting range is tucked deep within the estate's massive grounds. I follow the gravel path until the trees thin and the air fills with sharp gunfire. I spot them immediately. The four brothers, guns in hand, lined up like they're preparing for war. Beside them are Wyatt, Rye, Ian, and Wilson-friends of the Aldair brothers and fellow members of the Crystal Ridge pack. They were my schoolmates too, back in high school. Not as cruel as the quadruplets, but far from saints. And by the looks of them now, they've grown into men who train like killers.

The brothers look like they were carved from the same stone as they aimed their guns at the targets in front of them. Their eyes flash molten gold as they fire in perfect sync.

Alpha bloods. The kind born into legacy and trained by blood.

I step closer, arms crossed.

"Lunch is ready."

None of them respond. Reed reloads calmly. Jace doesn't even glance at me. Evren lifts his gun and fires another shot. Luca adjusts his stance like I never spoke at all.

I let out a breath. "Seriously? You're going to keep playing soldier just to avoid eating with us?"

Reed scoffs without looking at me. "I'd lose my appetite sitting next to your mother."

Anger spikes in my chest. I step forward.

"What, you're man enough to shoot those guns but not man enough to share a table with the woman your father wants to marry?"

That gets their attention. Four pairs of eyes snap toward me and they look pissed.

But I don't stop.

"Maybe, you're not as tough as you all look. Maybe you're just a bunch of cowardly kids who hide in the shadows of their father and his guns," I fire off.

Reed's nostrils flare. He grabs a gun off the rack and points it straight at me. My lips part in horror as my body goes rigid. Holy shit. Is he going to shoot me for running my mouth?

"Reed," Wilson warns. "Put it down."

Reed doesn't flinch.

"Tell you what," he says in a mockingly sweet voice. "You stand there and let me shoot an apple off your head. Then I'll consider joining your precious lunch."

"You're insane!" I bluster.

"You wanted to prove something, didn't you?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Reed. That's stupid," Jace says, shaking his head.

Thank you! I almost blurt. Finally, someone's being sane. Reed is a psychopath-

"It's boring. So let's make it more interesting. All four of us should get to shoot. Me, you, Evren, and Luca," Jace continues, grinning from ear to ear.

WHAT?!

"I think that's going too far, Jace," Ian says from the side, stepping forward but Jace completely ignores him.

"Each one of us gets to shoot one apple. If we hit them clean, we show up for your precious lunch," Jace explains enthusiastically as if my life isn't on the line. "But if we miss... then I guess you won't be making it to lunch either. What do you think, guys?"

"Yeah, sounds good. I'm getting tired of these practice dummies, anyway," Luca drawls while reloading his gun.

Evren doesn't speak, but he checks the chamber, clicks off the safety, and raises his gun without hesitation.

They're insane!

Ian shakes his head. "Guys, this is nuts."

Good! I'm not the only one thinking that these brothers have lost their minds!

"Calm your tits, Ian. We're being generous here." Jace throws his friend a warning look which makes the latter back away. Then, Jace turns to me with a glint of dare in his eyes. "I'm giving you the chance to convince us to sit with your mom, Tabby. Show us you've got the guts to stand still while four loaded guns aim at your pretty little head. That should be enough to earn our attention, don't you think?" He tilts his head slightly as his lips stretch into a devious grin. "Prove you want us there so badly. Put your money where your mouth is. Unless, you're just all talk and no guts, our sweet stepsister."

Reed crosses his arms over his chest, waiting for my reaction. Evren and Luca also stare at me as if I am a piece of show they paid to watch in the carnival. I glare at Jace, then at each of them. They are really serious about this! They want to use me as a target dummy to satisfy their sadistic hobbies. Unbelievable.

Reed cocks a brow while playing with his gun-mocking me, as if urging me to be scared, to run away crying like I used to do back in high school.

But not today.

My fingers tremble slightly, but I march across the range. I grab four apples from the basket near the table, and position them as they said. One on my head. One on each shoulder. One balanced in my palm. The four brothers look taken aback by my unexpected bravery-or stupidity. It's too early to tell. They look at me as if I've just grown two heads.

"Oh, look at that spunk. Where have you been hiding that during high school?" Jace taunts. His tone is meant to be derisive but I can detect a hint of shock in the way he's looking at me. As if he doesn't expect me to take his challenge seriously.

Well, joke's on them. If I'm going to be a fool in their eyes regardless of what I do, I'd rather be a brazen fool. At least I'd die with my dignity intact.

Wilson, Wyatt, Ian, and Rye are clearly uncomfortable. But no one stops them. The Aldair brothers exchange meaningful glances as I stand alongside the target dummies.

"What are you waiting for, stepbros? Shoot. Unless you're still waiting for your daddy's instructions on how to use his big boy toys?" I narrow my eyes at them, My legs are a breath away from shaking but I steel my resolve. I refuse to show them any sign of weakness or fear. "Or maybe you're worried you'll actually miss. That would be embarrassing, wouldn't it? Future alphas with perfect aim... too scared to take a shot at a girl holding fruit."