Chapter 29: Chapter 29

JASMINE

They trailed behind me as I led them to my room in the Aurum apartment at the council. Each alpha had their own space for nights like this, when we had to stay over. But tonight, my emotions were a whirlwind, making the room feel too vast, too empty.

I craved their company, their comfort, like a parched man craves water. My wolf was restless inside me, itching to break free and run until the wind erased all confusion. But their presence, their bond, kept me grounded.

I yearned for their touch, their strength. I needed to feel their hearts beating in sync with mine to calm the tempest within me.

“Things may seem bleak now, like there’s no way out, but we’ll find a solution,” Sebastian assured me, his voice steady and soothing.

“Regardless of the council’s decision about uniting the packs, we’ll always be there for you, Jazzy. That’s a constant. We’re mates,” he said.

He moved closer, cradling my face in his hands, compelling me to look into his eyes. “It’s us four. Always.”

His words were comforting, but the fear of losing them gnawed at me. I glanced at Erik on one side and Aaron on the other. My hands instinctively reached out to touch their faces.

“This is just a political hurdle. It doesn’t alter our bond. It doesn’t change our love,” Erik chimed in, his words sinking into me, easing some of the heaviness in my heart.

I drew them closer, wrapping my arms around all three of them. With their bodies pressed against mine, I finally found some peace.

Their heartbeats, in rhythm with mine, were the only thing that made sense amidst the chaos. Erik’s warm breath brushed against my neck as he planted a kiss on the sensitive skin there.

I shivered, a soft moan slipping past my lips as Sebastian’s mouth found mine, fervent and breathless. Aaron’s firm body pressed against my back, his hands tracing my curves, possessive yet gentle.

Desire surged through me, as natural and overwhelming as the bond we shared. And through that bond, I knew they felt it too—my raw need, my love for them, and the unwavering belief that we were meant to be together.

Erik’s lips left a trail of fire on my neck. Sebastian kissed me as if he were trying to kiss away all my fears, while Aaron’s hands explored my body, grounding me even as the room seemed to spin.

And then, a knock broke the spell.

“Sebastian, dear, we brought your potion, and Jasmine’s too.” Tabatha’s voice echoed through the door, pulling us back to reality.

I let out a heavy sigh, hearing their collective sighs of frustration as they reluctantly let me go. Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, muttering something under his breath as he walked toward the door.

I stayed back with Aaron and Erik, expecting them to feel awkward or hesitant about what had just transpired. But instead, Erik flashed me a mischievous grin.

I turned to see Aaron ruffling his tousled hair, his eyes dark with frustration, not regret. I couldn’t help but smile. Despite the mess, I felt fortunate to have them.

My body still tingled from their touch, but my mind was already contemplating the possibility of what had begun being able to be completed.

Sebastian opened the door, and Tabatha and Philip entered the room.

“Aaron, could you research the Baumbach family for Anthony?” Philip asked, his tone grave.

“Sure,” Aaron responded with a nod. “I’ll get on it and let you know as soon as I find anything.”

Sebastian came back with the potion, his face serious as Tabatha and Philip instructed us to drink it. I took the potion silently, but as soon as it settled in my stomach, I felt her—my wolf, pacing restlessly.

She wanted out. She needed to run. “I need to run,” I blurted out. “With everything that’s been happening, I haven’t had time to let her out, and she’s demanding it now.”

They exchanged knowing glances. They understood. As wolves, we needed that connection with our wilder sides, our souls.

“Go ahead,” Aaron said, nodding encouragingly.

I didn’t hesitate. I headed to the council’s gardens, stripped off my clothes, and shifted into my wolf. She surged forward eagerly, her powerful paws hitting the ground as we ran.

The wind whipped through my fur, and I ran until my muscles ached, until my paws were sore, and until every tangled thought in my mind unraveled. I had forgotten how liberating it felt—how running like this made me feel alive, made me feel whole again.

The council grounds were nestled in a sprawling, enchanting forest—a place teeming with memories and secrets.

As I walked by the Moon Temple, a hallowed sanctuary bathed in a gentle silver glow, a wave of tranquility washed over me.

I paused for a moment, bowing my head in reverence, expressing my gratitude to the Moon Goddess for her guidance and pleading for her to continue illuminating the path she had chosen for me.

If she willed me to have three mates, then I would accept it.

After a while, I stumbled upon an unexpected sight—an ancient library, hidden deep within the forest.

It was old and forgotten, shrouded in vines, but there was a palpable energy here, something older than the trees themselves, whispering tales of prophecies and long-lost stars.

I made a mental note to revisit the library, but for now, I had to return. I shifted back into my human form and made my way back to the apartment.

To my surprise, the room was deserted, save for the sound of running water in the bathroom. The scent of the sea permeated the air, bringing a smile to my face. ~Erik.~

I tiptoed toward the bathroom, peeking in to find Erik under the shower, water cascading down his chiseled, muscular body.

His broad shoulders, defined abs, and strong arms made my heart flutter. He was glistening with water droplets, and I found it impossible to look away.

“Do you ever get tired of watching me shower?” he asked, a teasing smirk playing on his lips, echoing the question I had asked him just a few days ago.

I laughed, leaning against the doorframe. “Depends… Are you going to give me a show worth watching?”

His honey-hued eyes darkened with desire. “Why don’t you come in and find out, Minnie?” His voice was low, thick with longing.

I didn’t respond. My heart pounded as I took slow, measured steps forward, shedding my clothes one by one. Erik’s eyes followed my hands, his gaze sweeping over my bare skin as I undressed for him.

The air between us was electric with anticipation. By the time I reached the shower, he had already opened the door. But before I could step inside, he yanked me in by the waist—our bodies crashing together.

He spun me around, pressing my back against the cold tile wall. The contrast sent a delightful shiver through me.

I smiled, breathless, as Erik looked at me with an intensity that made it hard to breathe.

Then, without another word, his lips claimed mine.