18. NEPHELINE

18

NEPHELINE

I’m sitting in Darius’ lap, curled against his chest as I glare at my hands like they’ve betrayed me. After a second attempt with Victoria, I gave up and marched inside, intent on finding Maverick. When that failed—Remi telling me that I couldn’t go into the clinic—I plopped onto the *couch to wait.

And now the room is quiet except for the soft ticking of the clock and the distant clatter of Remi, there, and Maverick moving around in the clinic. I can feel Maverick through the bonds, faint but steady, and even though Remi swore up and down that he was fine, I can’t shake the heaviness sitting in my chest.

“Breathe,” Darius murmurs, his hand stroking slow circles over my back.

“I am breathing,” I grumble, holding up my fingertips and focusing on the magic that won’t come.

A faint, warm pulse sparks at the tips of my fingers, but it flickers out before it even becomes anything substantial. I let out a frustrated noise, somewhere between a grunt and a growl, and slump back against Darius with a huff.

Victoria’s voice echoes in my head— Feel the magic, Nepheline. Let it come to you. Don’t fight it.

Easier said than done.

Two days ago, I’d managed to channel my magic so effortlessly it shocked me. I’d touched my mates, and their strength had amplified—River even said he’d never felt his wolf so close to the surface. But since then? Nothing. Not unless I get flustered, angry, or sad. The most inconvenient emotions possible.

At least I get those really cool midnight eyes. That’s something, right?

“Try again,” Darius says, trying to give me something else to focus on.

I hold up my hand again, staring at my fingers with all the determination I can muster. I know it’s there. I can feel it, bubbling just below the surface, tangled with something darker. Something cold.

The whisper is faint, just beyond the edge of hearing, like a shadow brushing the back of my mind. I can’t hear the words, but I feel the weight of them—the chill that coils in my chest and leaves my skin prickling. Darius stiffens beneath me, his arms tightening protectively around my waist. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m fine,” I snap, though the tremor in my voice says otherwise. I try again, teeth gritted, trying to shove away the darkness clawing at the edge of my thoughts. “I just want it to work. ”

He presses a kiss to my temple, grounding me as best he can. “It will. You’re pushing too hard, Bambi.”

I know he’s right, but I’m too frustrated to admit it. We aren’t any closer to finding Locke, Maverick passed out again this morning—even if no one will admit to it, and now my magic is acting like a spoiled brat. The bonds feel… strange, too. Like a thread got tugged somewhere, unraveling slightly before stitching itself back together. It’s faint, but I know something’s off.

The sound of a door creaking open jolts me out of my spiral. My head snaps toward the clinic just as the door swings wide and Maverick steps out. He’s pale and unsteady, his shoulders tense as he grips the frame for support. My heart leaps into my throat and before I know it, I’m moving.

I launch myself off Darius’ lap and sprint across the room. Maverick barely has time to blink before I collide with him, wrapping my arms around his neck as I bury my face against his chest.

“You’re okay,” I mumble, my voice shaking as I clutch him tighter. “Tell me you’re okay.”

His hands come up slowly, hesitantly, as he holds me back, his body still too unsteady. “I’m okay. Kitten, I’m fine.”

I pull back just enough to look at him, my hands coming up to cup his face. His skin is too cool, his expression drawn, but the bond hums faintly with life again—weak, but there. “The bonds felt weird,” I say, my voice cracking. “It felt like I lost you, Maverick.”

“You didn’t lose me,” he whispers, his gaze softening as he leans into my touch.

I don’t think. I press my lips to his, desperate to feel the connection, to feel something real . Maverick stumbles a little, his hands tightening around my waist to keep us both upright. The kiss is brief but firm, my lips lingering against his as I breathe him in.

“Easy,” Darius warns from behind me.

Maverick huffs out a weak chuckle, though he looks ready to collapse. “You don’t have to attack me every time I walk through a door, precious.”

Before I can respond, Asani steps out of the clinic, holding something small and delicate in his hand. His sharp gaze flicks between me and Maverick, then settles on me as he steps closer.

“This should be yours.” Asani muses, placing something cool and light into my palm. I blink down at it, my fingers curling instinctively around the soft object.

It’s a feather.

A single black feather, as dark as night, its edges shimmering faintly in the light.

I look up at Asani, my heart pounding. “What’s this?”

Asani’s lips twitch into a knowing smirk as he meets my gaze. “Ask him,” he says, nodding toward Maverick. Maverick lets out a soft, guilty chuckle, his eyes flicking between me and the feather I’m still clutching in my hand. He looks exhausted, like his body’s still struggling to keep up with what’s happening, but I can’t help the grin splitting across my face.

“You can shift,” I breathe, barely able to contain myself.

Asani steps forward, the amused gleam in his dark eyes making it clear he’s ready to intervene. Before I can throw myself at Maverick for another hug, Asani’s strong hands settle gently on my waist, pulling me back with practiced ease.

“Not so fast, precious,” Asani teases softly, nudging me just enough to give Maverick some breathing room. “It wasn’t a full shift yet. But there’s no doubt—one day, Maverick will.”

I twist in Asani’s hold, still giddy as I look back at Maverick, who gives me the faintest smile, his face flushed. The idea of Maverick shifting, of him fully embracing his power, feels like something monumental, something right . I want to celebrate it, scream it to the damn world, and—

“Alright, that’s enough.” Darius’ voice cuts through my excitement as he strides over with a knowing grin, slipping his arms around me and pulling me up against his chest like I weigh nothing. I squeal in surprise, my legs kicking as he hefts me off the ground.

“Darius!” I pout, squirming half-heartedly as his warm laughter vibrates against my back. “What are you doing?”

“Rescuing Maverick from being smothered to death,” he replies dryly, holding me tighter when I wiggle again. “And taking you for a bath.”

“A bath?” I echo, pouting harder. “I don’t need a bath. I’m perfectly fine here.”

Darius just chuckles, carrying me effortlessly toward the stairs. “You’re pent up, Bambi,” he says, his tone a mix of amusement and authority. “You’ve been bouncing off the walls since breakfast, and if you don’t relax, you’re going to implode.”

I tip my head back to glare up at him. “Sex would fix that,” I quip, flashing him a wicked grin.

Darius barks out a laugh, the sound deep and rich as it echoes through the hallway. “You’re impossible,” he responds, nipping at my lips but not putting me down.

“You love it,” I tease, grinning as he steps into the bathroom and sets me down gently on the closed toilet lid.

He kneels in front of the tub, turning the knobs and letting the water run until steam starts to curl into the air. The sound of the bath filling is soothing, the faint scent of the lavender oil Darius must have added already calming my racing mind.

I huff, crossing my arms as I watch him. “I don’t see why I can’t celebrate. Maverick—”

“Maverick’s body is having a hard time adjusting,” Darius interrupts, glancing over his shoulder with a pointed look. “We’ve had our wolves since we were born. He’s just finding his beast. You, on the other hand, need to relax. That’s what this is for.”

I pout harder, though the steam from the water is already starting to work its magic on me. “I’m relaxed,” I lie.

Darius raises a brow, unamused. “You’re about as relaxed as a cornered wolf.”

I snicker at that, the front door opening and cutting off my response. The deep rumble of Mateo’s voice and the lighter tones of River and Remi filter up toward us, followed by the sound of boots being kicked off and jackets tossed aside.

“Company’s here,” I murmur, a playful lilt in my voice.

Darius rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Stay put,” he warns, pointing at me like I’m some unruly child before he grabs a towel and starts setting it near the tub. It’s not even a full minute later when Remi peeks his head around the bathroom door, his hair tousled from wherever he’s been. His face lights up the second he sees me.

“Well, would you look at this?” Remi drawls, stepping into the bathroom like he owns the place. “Darius hogging bath time again?”

I smirk, leaning back on my hands. “Apparently, I need to relax.”

Darius gives him a look that says don’t start, but Remi grins like the devil himself. “Can I get dibs?”

Darius snorts, unable to hide the chuckle that escapes him. “You want in? Fine. You can help her relax.”

I roll my eyes as Remi pulls off his shirt and makes an exaggerated show of stepping toward the tub. “Oh, you’re so generous, Darius,” he says, winking at me.

The water is warm, lapping gently against my skin as I sink deeper into the bath, Remi’s arms wrapped snugly around me. He sits behind me, his chest firm against my back, his steady breathing soothing in the quiet room. He’s settled into the role he’s perfected—comfort, softness, the solid rock I didn’t know I needed until him.

I lean my head back against his shoulder, the tension in my body slowly unraveling with every minute I spend in his arms. He hums softly, the deep, lazy sound vibrating through me, his lips brushing against the curve of my neck.

“You’re quiet,” he murmurs, like he’s worried I might shatter if he speaks too loud.

I sigh, lifting my hands just enough to let droplets trail back into the water. “I’m sorry, Remi.”

He freezes for a second before tilting his head to look down at me. “Sorry for what, sunshine?” His tone is light, playful, but there’s something else there—concern lingering at the edges.

“For not spending more time with you,” I say softly, the words catching in my throat. “With any of you.”

Remi’s response is immediate, a warm chuckle that vibrates through me as he tightens his hold. “You’re apologizing for what? ” he teases, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Sunshine, you’re one person. You’ve got a lot of us to deal with. We can’t expect you to be everywhere at once.”

I twist slightly to look up at him, his face still close, his smile soft and teasing. “That’s not the point. I feel like I’m being pulled in so many directions, and—” I stop, chewing on my lip. “I don’t want any of you to feel like I’m leaving you behind.”

His smile softens further and he tilts his head, his nose brushing gently against mine. “We don’t feel that way. I don’t, at least. You’ve got a lot on your plate, sunshine. A lot. And I mean, yeah, we’d all love to keep you tucked away and selfishly soak up every second of your time, but we also know better.” He grins, kissing the corner of my mouth. “Besides, we’re not the jealous type.”

I let out a breathy laugh at that, leaning into him. “But what if I don’t want to be alone?” I whisper. “What if I don’t want to have time to myself at all?”

Remi tilts his head slightly, his gaze searching mine as his teasing fades into something more serious. “Then you won’t be,” he says, like it’s the simplest truth in the world. “We’ll be right here, sunshine. Always.”

The conviction in his voice makes my chest ache and I glance down, watching as my fingers trail idly over his arm, tracing the faint scars and veins. “I used to be fine being alone, you know,” I admit softly, the confession tumbling out before I can stop it. “Months ago, before everything, I was fine doing it all by myself. I thought I didn’t need anyone.”

“And now?” Remi prompts, his voice gentle.

“Now…” I pause, inhaling slowly as I gather my thoughts. “Now I don’t know what I’d do without you guys. I don’t even want to try.” I tip my head back, catching the glint of his eyes. “I’m not the same person I was back then. I don’t want to be.”

Remi’s smile spreads, his arms tightening just a little more as he presses a lingering kiss to the side of my head. “Then you don’t have to be,” he murmurs. “If you want us around all the time, we’re not going anywhere. We’ll be clingy as hell if that’s what you want. Never out of your sight.”

I laugh, the sound lighter than it’s been in days. “I think you already are.”

His lips twitch into a smirk as he nuzzles his face against my neck. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Because you’re stuck with us, sunshine. No escaping now.”

The quiet settles like a blanket between me and Remi. His arms are still wrapped around me, the warmth of the bathwater barely registering now as I let my thoughts drift. There’s something calming about this moment, this stillness, but I can’t stop my mind from turning, twisting through all the pieces I haven’t been able to put together.

“Darius…” I begin softly, my voice breaking the quiet. “He doesn’t feel connected to the Sapphire wolves.”

Remi hums in acknowledgment, his chin resting against the top of my head. “Yeah. He mentioned that to Asani.”

I tilt my head back slightly, letting the words come slowly as I try to explain the thought that’s been circling my mind since yesterday. “I think I know why. It’s because of the way Betas work in a pack.”

Remi doesn’t say anything, just listens, and that’s what I need. It makes it easier to keep going.

“When a Beta joins a new pack, they cut ties to everything,” I continue. “Their family. Their old life. They adopt the Omega. Fully. Completely. They’re not just protectors, not really. They become ours —they belong to the pack. That’s their role.” I pause, my gaze unfocused as my fingers trace faint patterns across the surface of the water. “It would explain why Darius doesn’t feel anything toward the Sapphire wolves. Even if he wants to, even if he remembers pieces of his life with them… his wolf already chose me.”

Remi hums again, his hands trailing gently over my arms. “I guess that makes sense. It probably makes it easier for him to do his job.”

“Yeah,” I murmur, falling into silence as my thoughts turn heavier. Easier. It’s easier to let go of who you were than to become someone else. But why does that thought make my chest ache?

The silence stretches again and for a while, I let myself relax against Remi. His breathing is steady, his presence grounding, but that uneasy feeling has started to crawl back into me. It’s faint at first, like an itch at the back of my mind.

And then I hear it.

A whisper.

Come here… heed my words… obey, and nothing else will go wrong.

The voice slithers through my head like a shadow, curling around my thoughts, dripping with something sinister. My body tenses instinctively, the soft crackle of magic whispering under my skin.

“Stop,” I mutter under my breath, squeezing my eyes shut.

Remi stiffens behind me. “Neph? What’s wrong?”

The voice grows louder, more insistent, as though it’s coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once.

Come here.

“Stop it,” I say again, my voice cracking as I bring my hands to my temples.

Remi shifts, his arms tightening around me as he tries to turn me to face him. “What are you doing?”

I shake my head violently, the tears welling up as the voice pushes deeper, clawing at me like a thousand little needles. “It’s in my head,” I choke out, my voice breaking. “Remi, there’s something wrong with me. The voice is back. I think the magic—” My words catch on a sob, the tears falling freely now. “The magic feels tainted. There’s something in me. ” I’ve tried to keep that part on the down low but I’m sure all of my mates have figured it out and are just waiting for me to talk about it.

His hands are on my face, cupping my cheeks as he forces me to look at him. His emerald eyes are wild, desperate, as he searches mine. “There’s nothing wrong with you,” he says fiercely. “We’ll figure this out. Whatever it is—whatever’s happening—we’ll fix it. I swear to you, sunshine. We’ll protect you.”

But I’m not hearing him anymore.

The voice comes again, sharp and suffocating, like a cold wind scraping through my mind.

Come here.

And this time, there’s something else.

Another presence.

I feel it before I hear it—something dark and heavy, pulling at me, clawing its way through the whisper. And then, as if someone has dropped a stone into my chest, I know.

Locke.

My brother’s name bursts through my mind like a thunderclap, the presence of him unmistakable. The tears streaming down my face turn frantic as I gasp, clutching at Remi like he’s the only thing keeping me tethered to the ground.

“The voice has him!” I cry out, my body trembling violently as the cold seeps deeper into me. “ It has Locke! ”

Remi’s face pales, his hands steadying me even as panic flashes across his features. “What are you talking about? Who—who has him?”

I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t know how to make sense of the darkness in my head, the voice that feels like it’s wrapped its claws around my mind, around my brother, dragging us both into the abyss.

I sob into Remi’s chest, my fingers tangling in his shirt as I cling to him, desperate for something—anything—that feels real . “They have him,” I whisper, the words broken. “I can feel him. He’s out there, Remi. He’s alive, but something has him. And it’s wrong. ”

His arms lock around me, his voice trembling with anger and determination as he whispers fiercely, “Then we’ll get him back, sunshine. We’ll get him back, no matter what it takes.”

The voice fades for now, retreating into the shadows of my mind, but its words linger like a cold touch I can’t shake.

Come here.

The darkness isn’t done with me yet.

And neither is whoever—or whatever —has my brother.