Chapter Twenty-Four

Cassie

All my life, I have been the sick, shiftless she-wolf. I was living half the life I was meant to live. It destroyed my confidence and self-worth. But all of that has changed.

In one week, I have changed into a different person. I am confident and feel whole. My life is on the right path with three guys who love and protect me.

The sex and love has been amazing. Who would have thought I'd have three men who would do anything for me? Not me!

My body is stronger than it has ever been. The marks from my mates add to my strength and confidence.

I am one lucky girl!

Then, there is my half-sister, Leila. She helped me before, even when she was angry with me for kissing Ares.

Now I am grateful for her offer because I think I need it.

I used to yearn for the kind of strength Leila possesses.

I can't believe that I am now strong enough to face her as an equal.

No! Scratch that. I can now face her as a superior.

My pheromones are strong. I can tell because of how intensely they affect Leila as she sits with us in the living room.

She's breathing rather heavily.

"Are you okay?" I ask, concerned.

"Your pheromones are getting to me," she murmurs. "But I will be fine."

I feel bad all of a sudden. I turn my head to Ares and mouth, "I am hurting her."

He laughs wholesomely and pinches my buttocks. "Like she said, she will be fine," he assures me.

I place my attention back to Leila. She seems fine all of a sudden.

I didn't do anything to my pheromones. So, how is she better all of a sudden?

As someone without pheromones, I didn't go to the classes about how to use them growing up. I had to take regular reproduction classes with the Betas. And unlike Betas, who usually feel left out and look into pheromones on their own, I hated remembering that I was a half-baked Omega who barely had any pheromone scent, and so I never did.

Curiosity gets a hold of me, so I ask, "Did you do something or take anything to stop being affected?"

Everybody chuckles at my question, making me blush heavily.

"What's so funny?" I ask them.

"Nothing," Jeremiah and Ares chorus.

"You are new to the game. We aren't making fun of you. You were adorable when you asked, that's all," Ares assures me and kisses my neck.

I shiver with pleasure and lean closer to him.

"All right, I believe you," I say.

"So, how did you get better Leila?" I push.

"I countered your pheromones with mine," she told me. "It is like a veil. All I did is release mine," she finishes.

"Woah! You can do that?" I ask in amazement.

"Yes. And you can, too. You just need to learn how to, and I am here for that." She smiles sweetly at me.

Leila is so beautiful when she smiles.

I smile back at her and wiggle excitedly on Ares's lap. "I can't wait to learn!"

Again, they all laugh at my outburst. I ignore them and sigh happily.

Have I ever been this happy? I don't think so.

When their laughter dies down, Leila levels her gaze to mine. "You are a Kaye, my dear."

I nod to this. I have finally accepted my heritage, even though I have not forgiven my parents for what they did to me.

"Kayes are exceptional at everything we do. I want to make sure you are, too." She beams at me.

I want to be strong!

I will never be that sickly girl anymore.

"I am more than ready, Leila. I want to be strong for myself and my mates," I tell her.

My mates!

It is still foreign to me. From not having a boyfriend to having three committed, loving mates.

"I accept your offer. When can we start?" I ask sweetly.

"As soon as possible. I can offer a lesson right now. Are you ready?" Leila asks.

I am about to answer when my stomach rumbles. I bite my lower lip as they all turn to me. I blush, and they laugh. This time, I join in.

"I think that's my cue to prepare breakfast," Jeremiah declares and goes to the kitchen.

Eric follows him, leaving Ares and I with Leila.

"What is the pointer you want to share?" I ask eagerly.

Leila clears her throat and leans forward in her seat. "We can't see pheromones, but we can sense them."

I know this already, but I keep quiet and let her continue.

"They flow within us and are super useful when you need to defend or attack someone," she says.

Sounds like war.

"There are other great uses for pheromones, but I want us to focus on how you can turn them into an arsenal," she says. "Especially with all the things you have gone through, you will need them."

"Okay…. I get that," I say, urging her to go on.

"If you want to learn to control your pheromone release, you need to practice deep breathing. It helps if you close your eyes and imagine your essence pouring or being sucked inside of you," Leila says.

"Ohh! Can I try that now?" I ask.

"Sure! Go for it," Leila encourages me.

I stand up from my man's lap and then stretch my body out.. I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. Just like Leila instructed, I imagine my pores leaking essence. I stand still for a while, and then I hear a gasp. It came from Leila.

I open my eyes to see every one of them staring at me in wonder.

What did I do?

"From the looks on their faces, you did a great job," Eric laughs.

"You are a force to reckon with," Jeremiah chips in.

I turn to Ares with the expectation of getting praise. I raise my brow. "You aren't adding to what my other mates said?"

He laughs wholeheartedly. "You are the best person for us. I don't need to rain you with praises. You are amazing," he finishes.

How lucky I am!

"Well, that was a great start," Leila says. "There is more to come." She smiles at me and I reciprocate it.

Eric and Jeremiah return to the kitchen.

"How often will you come to teach me?" I ask her.

"As often as I can. We just need to work out the timing," she responds. "Now, all you need is to keep practicing what you just did. It will help you learn fast," she finishes.

"We will need someone to practice on," Leila says. "Which one of you will take that role?" she asks the guys.

"Eric, you'll be their lab rat!" Ares calls out to Eric in the kitchen.

"What?" he replies and comes back to the living room.

"He said you'll be my lab rat!" I giggle.

"Why me?" Eric whines.

"You cannot be controlled by Leila's pheromones. So you are the best choice," Ares says to him. "I still do not trust Leila, so you should watch her closely whenever she comes around."

"Hey! I am right here!" Leila retorts.

They all ignore her. Eric runs his hand through his beautiful hair. "I can do that. Trust me!" He declares.

"There it is then. You'll teach Leila and we will be watching you," Ares says.

He stands up and walks to where I am still standing. He grabs my hand and starts walking toward the bedroom upstairs.

"Thank you, Leila," I smile and wave goodbye.