Dressed in her bathroom robe, Anastasia froze as Liam entered her room unexpectedly.

She had just returned from her meeting with Cobra and was not prepared for anyone to find her.

The fear of being discovered and misunderstood surged through her, especially if he was to learn about her association with Cobra.

Well, Liam already knows Cobra is also her fated mate, the problem is that he does not know the fact that she actually wants him too.

She couldn’t afford to betray the trust of those around her or jeopardize their cause.

If her pack knew about this, they would feel betrayed by her.

With a quick, apprehensive glance, she checked her closet to ensure that it was securely closed, concealing the shirt that still carried Cobra’s distinct scent.

It was important to keep her secret hidden at all costs at least for now.

Liam, sensing her surprise, awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and spoke to reassure her. " Sorry for coming in without notice or even knocking. I just wanted to say..." He paused to breathe "What happened in the river was not your fault. Just forget about it. I wasn’t mad about the kiss or anything."

Anastasia breathed a sigh of relief internally, grateful that Liam remained unaware of her meeting with Cobra.

She managed a smile, nodding in agreement, and extended her hand, offering it to him.

Liam hesitated, but eventually, he gently held her hand, stepping closer to her.

"I know it’s okay. I understand that you needed some time alone, which is more than okay. I don’t know exactly what happened, but you don’t have to explain yourself if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. And next time, if I do something that makes you uncomfortable, please let me know, so I stop and don’t do it again. Okay?" Liam smiled back at her, nodding in understanding.

As he held eye contact with her, a mix of conflicting emotions swirled within him.

He fought against the bond of their fated mates, attempting to resist his growing feelings.

Yet, Anastasia’s efforts to change and her genuine attempts to make amends made it difficult for him to remain hardened and distant.

He felt lost in the battle within himself, torn between his desire to hate her and his growing admiration and their mating bond that did not break even though he had rejected her in the past.

A fated bond can only be completely broken if the two mates reject each other.

Anastasia never did.

As he gazed at her face, he couldn’t help but be captivated by her beauty.

Her long, tousled hair framed her face, and her wide black-coloured eyes held a hint of exposure and determination.

Her full red lips contrasted against her pale skin, and her sharp jawline added to her striking features.

Liam hummed and leaned closer, feeling the bond pulling him toward Anastasia who lifted her hand, placing her palm against his chest which made his heart jump and race suddenly.

She felt that uneven heartbeat which made her smirk and move to his neck, cupping his face as they both leaned even closer to each other until feel each other’s breath against their faces.

They were on the verge of sharing a meaningful kiss, the tension between them palpable, when a sudden knock on the door shattered the delicate moment, interrupting their connection.

Liam caught a whiff of the omega scent emanating from the person at the door.

He glanced at Anastasia, their unspoken understanding evident, as he wanted to ensure she was comfortable with allowing the omega inside.

With her nod of approval, a small smile graced his lips, and he warmly invited, "Come on in." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Katie was the one knocking on the door and she shyly opened the door and entered, her presence carrying a certain hesitancy and nervousness.

She looked at Liam, her voice soft and tentative as she made her request. "Good evening, alpha." she slightly bowed toward Anastasia then glanced at Liam "Um, Liam, if it’s okay with you, can we talk alone for a moment? It’s something important I need to discuss."

Liam’s eyes met hers, recognizing the genuine unease in her voice.

He understood the significance of her request and the need for privacy.

He nodded, offering reassurance. "Of course, Katie. We can talk privately. Let’s find a quiet place."

"No, you guys stay here and talk. I will leave for a moment and be right back." Anastasia, sensing the importance of their conversation, nodded in understanding.

She excused herself, heading towards the bathroom to change her attire, allowing Liam and Katie the space they needed.

________

After a few moments, Anastasia emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in a different outfit.

She looked at Liam with curiosity and concern, waiting for an explanation. "What happened? Is everything alright?"

Liam met her gaze, his expression serious yet composed.

He briefly explained the situation to Anastasia, emphasizing the need for a private conversation with Katie. "Katie needs to talk to Jared and Marcus and since you were the one who was not allowing them to meet her. She is here to ask if she can meet them now. It seems to be something urgent. We should join them outside."

Anastasia nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

With a determined demeanor, she took the lead, gesturing for Liam and Katie to follow her as they made their way downstairs and outside, where Jared and Marcus were.

Jared was dressed in a fitted black workout shirt that showcased his muscular physique.

He wore matching black athletic shorts and a pair of sturdy running shoes.

His dark hair was swept back, slightly damp with sweat, as he finished his warm-up exercises.

On the other hand, Marcus had taken a cooling break.

He wore a loose-fitting gray tank top that clung to his slightly sweaty torso.

His shorts were a deep navy blue, and his running shoes showed signs of use.

His short, sandy blond hair was slightly tousled from the exercise, but he maintained a composed demeanor.

" Marcus. Come for a moment." As Anastasia called out to Marcus, he jogged toward her, showing respect by offering a slight bow to his head alpha.

" Jared. We need you here." Liam, on the other hand, called out Jared’s name, prompting him to rush to their gathering.

Both Jared and Marcus focused their attention on Katie, their longing evident.

They had missed her deeply.

Anastasia, curious about Katie’s decision, asked directly, her voice filled with anticipation, "Katie, do you have something to tell them? Have you decided which one you want to mate?"

Katie nodded, her expression conflicted. She spoke honestly, "I don’t want to choose. Jared is my boyfriend, and I love him. I can’t imagine my life without him. But Marcus is also my fated mate, and I can’t simply reject our bond. I can’t bring myself to choose between them."

Marcus silently observed, feeling a mix of sadness and confusion. Jared, taken aback by Katie’s words, sought clarification. "Katie, what are you trying to say?"

Katie responded, her voice filled with sincerity, "I want both of you. That’s what I’m trying to say."

Anastasia looked at Katie in shock, her thoughts racing. She wondered internally, ’She can do that?’

Marcus listened silently, his gaze shifting between Jared and Katie.

Jared, however, objected immediately, his emotions in turmoil. "Are you kidding me right now, Katie? No, you can’t do that. I’m not willing to share you with someone, Katie. You barely know him. Besides, we don’t even believe in fated mates that much. Why are you doing this?"

Katie pleaded, her voice filled with desperation, "Jared, I can’t reject Marcus. I need him in my life, but I need you too. Can’t you guys just be friends? Can’t you do this for me?"

Jared remained calm, his gaze shifting from Marcus to Katie. He looked to Marcus, his frustration evident. "Say something, Marcus. Are you okay with this?"

Marcus glanced at Jared, then at Katie, and sighed. He spoke with a mixture of resignation and determination. "We will just have to figure it out. I don’t want to lose her, and I don’t want to break her heart by continuously forcing her to choose between us. So, I’m in, Katie, as long as you’re happy. I’ll try my best."

Katie smiled, her hesitation apparent, and she embraced Marcus, their connection still new and unfamiliar yet felt so euphoric.

Jared conflicted, clenched his hair in frustration, looking at them both. "I’m not moving to the Midnight Pack because of him. We are staying here."

Katie chuckled and hugged Jared tightly, he sighed, chuckled as well, and returned the embrace.

Marcus grinned and turned to Anastasia, seeking her approval. "Alpha, can I stay here? With them?"

Anastasia snapped out of her thoughts and nodded, her smile returning. "Yes, of course, Marcus. You’re welcome to stay here. Just remember to visit us from time to time."

Marcus nodded, looking at Katie, who smiled at him and held his hand while still holding Jared’s.

Katie dragged them with her as those two big alphas were two dolls.

Liam chuckled at the scene, finding their interaction adorable. "I suppose that’s a good solution."

Anastasia looked at Liam, a mix of emotions flickering in her eyes.

She thought of Cobra and then back at Liam, realizing the possibility of having both her fated mates together.

A picture of the three of them flashed in her mind, filling her with a profound happiness she had never experienced before.

Perhaps, just maybe, there was hope after all.