Chapter 27

SWYN

I blink against the morning light streaming through the window, the warmth of the sun wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. As my senses gradually awaken, I become acutely aware of two things: the strong arms wrapped tightly around me and the unmistakable hardness pressing against my backside.

My heart races as the memory of last night floods back. I went to sleep on the sofa. Alone.

Now…I roll over.

I'm in Ri's bed—how did I end up here? Panic courses through me.

"Ri!" I hiss, shaking him awake. His tousled hair falls across his forehead, and a sleepy smile creeps across his face as he blinks up at me.

"Morning, beautiful," he murmurs, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he's holding back laughter.

"What were you thinking?" I snap, trying to sound fierce, but the heat in my cheeks betrays my embarrassment. "I told you I'd sleep on the sofa!"

He chuckles, his laughter echoing through the quiet room. "You sleepwalked," he replies, stretching his arms above his head, which only pulls me closer to him. The sensation sends a rush of warmth through my body that I can't ignore.

"I did not," I deny, trying to sit up and put some distance between us, but his grip only tightens.

"Oh, you did," he teases, propping himself up on one elbow. "You clung to me and called my name in your sleep."

I feel my face flush crimson as I remember the sensation of his body beside mine, the way it felt so right to curl against him. "Shut up!" I snap, squirming out of his embrace and quickly sitting up.

"Come on, Swyn. You can't deny it. I've got you all hot and bothered now," he jokes, the glimmer in his eyes making it impossible for me to stay mad at him. But the embarrassment is too much to bear, and I need to escape this situation.

"Whatever," I mutter, swinging my legs over the side of the bed and standing up. "I'm out of here."

I stride toward the door, but before I can reach it, Ri's up and following me. "Wait, Swyn! I didn't mean to?—"

I turn around to glare at him. "Just leave me alone!" I call over my shoulder as I push through the door and head back to my room, heart pounding.

"Swyn!" he calls after me, but I ignore him, slamming the door shut behind me.

Once I'm inside, I lean against the door, my pulse racing. What the hell just happened? I was in bed with Ri, and he was so close—his warmth, his scent—it was intoxicating. But I can't let myself think about that.

I quickly head for the shower, desperate to wash away the remnants of last night. As the water cascades down my body, I let out a frustrated breath.

My mind drifts back to Ri—his rare, quiet laughter, the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled, and the feeling of his arms around me.

As I lather my hair, I can't help but fantasise about him. I picture his strong hands running down my body, his lips trailing kisses along my neck, whispering sweet nothings into my ear.

The thought sends a shiver down my spine, and I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to shake it away.

But it's no use. The more I think about him, the more I want him. It's maddening. The way he holds himself, the confidence in his smile—it pulls me in, and draws to him like a moth to a flame.

"Focus, Swyn," I murmur to myself, splashing water on my face to clear my head. "You've got bigger problems than this."

But as I finish my shower, the warmth of the water still lingering on my skin, I can't shake the feeling of his arms around me. This complicated web of emotions is becoming unbearable.

I need to figure out how to break the curse and protect myself, but all I can think about is Ri and the way he makes me feel.

I step out of the shower, shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it all. I need to pull myself together. The last thing I want is to let my heart lead me into more chaos.

After getting dressed, I sit back down at the small desk in my room, pulling the Book of Shadows towards me. Once again, the ancient tome feels alive in my hands—warm, like it's carrying the weight of generations.

My fingers glide over its worn pages, the faint scent of herbs and smoke rising from the ink-stained paper.

The magic in this book is old, powerful, and somehow… comforting. But the answer to the curse is still elusive. I've barely scratched the surface, and time is running out.

I flip through more pages, murmuring spells and incantations under my breath, hoping for some kind of revelation.

It's not until I reach a passage written in a flowing script, almost like a message from the past directly to me, that something stirs deep within my chest.

The words seem to pulse with energy, growing brighter as I read aloud:

"To break the curse, hearts must open and spirits must bind. The union of souls, the acceptance of fate, and the love shared freely between mates will be the key to salvation. You must love—wholly, deeply, truthfully."

I stop, my heart pounding in my chest as I read the next line:

"You have to be ready to love."

Love? My heart clenches at the very thought. Not just the act of love, not just the physical connection that binds mates, but something more profound.

It's not enough to just be with them. I have to love them, completely, unconditionally. And not just one of them—all three. The weight of the revelation sinks in like a stone in my gut. How can I possibly do that? I barely know them.

I flip through the next few pages, searching for more, but the message is clear. The magic of the curse is tied to the magic of the heart. The one thing I've always avoided.

This isn't just about survival anymore; this is about opening myself up to them. To Kel, with his boundless energy and easy warmth. To Sol, whose sweet, gentle nature makes me feel alive with every smile, every teasing touch. And Ri…

I swallow hard, thinking about Ri, the way his aloof exterior hides something deeper, something I can't quite put my finger on.

Loving them physically is one thing, but truly opening my heart? Letting them in, letting them see my soul, my vulnerability… That might just terrify me more than the curse itself.

The room feels small, claustrophobic as the gravity of the situation presses down on me. I can't just go through the motions. I can't fake this. If I don't truly, deeply love them, the curse won't break. And if it doesn't break… everything I've fought for, all the sacrifices, will have been for nothing.

I push the book away from me and stand, pacing the room. This wasn't supposed to be part of the plan. I was supposed to find a spell, some ancient incantation to break the curse. But this… this is about me. About who I am and what I'm capable of. It's about trusting them.

And I've been fighting that trust since the beginning. It's not just fear of the curse—it's fear of getting hurt. Of giving myself fully and not knowing what will come of it.

What if we break the curse, but my heart shatters along the way? What if the spell lifts, and they realise they never truly wanted me? That we were never meant to be once the danger is gone? If I let myself fall, it could destroy me.

My hand comes to rest on my chest, feeling the steady thrum of my heartbeat. I've never had to love someone like this before. Not with this kind of intensity. And certainly not more than one person.

Is it even possible? To love more than one man? I can't deny I'm drawn to all of them, but that's not love . Curiosity, maybe. Attraction, certainly. But love?

Maybe that's why the curse was cast in the first place. To break generations of fear, of selfishness. To force me to open up in a way that my ancestors never did.

I stop pacing and stare at the book again. The magic around it feels different now, almost like it's waiting for me to decide, to choose.

I have to love them, not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually. That's the only way to truly break the curse.

But can I do it? Can I allow myself to love all three of them?

The thought sends a ripple of unease through me. But alongside it is a flicker of something else. Something warmer. Something hopeful.

I sit back down and open the book once more, this time more determined. Maybe I'm scared, but I've come too far to let fear stop me now.

The answer is right in front of me. I just have to be ready to embrace it.

You have to be ready to love.

Am I?

I sit cross-legged on the bed, staring at the Book of Shadows. I don't know how much time has passed, I've been in a daze. My fingers trace the rough edges of its pages, but my mind is elsewhere. Love… I have to love them? Properly? Truly?

The words echo in my head, swirling with the weight of their meaning. It's not just about attraction, about the heat I experience when I'm near them. It's about opening my heart, about letting them in, each of them.

I need to be ready to love someone—or, in this case, three someones.

I sigh, closing the book gently, letting my hands rest in my lap as I look out the window. The truth is, I'm scared. Love has never come easily for me.

Hell, I ran away from my husband because of the way it felt suffocating, controlling - albeit through no fault of his own. But what I'm feeling for Kel, Sol, and Ri is different. It's confusing.

A mix of passion, tenderness, and something that could be more if I let it grow.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts.

Kel.

I swallow hard. "Hey," I say, as he leans against the doorframe, casual as always.

"Hey yourself. Are you good?" His brow arches, a faint smile playing on his lips. There's always that easy confidence with him, but underneath it, I can tell he's searching for something in my expression.

I take a deep breath. I need to do this. I need to take a step forward, even if it's small.

"Actually, I was wondering… would you want to go out sometime? Like, on a proper date?"

His smile falters for a split second, replaced with surprise. "A date?" He repeats it like he's not sure he heard me right.

"Yeah, a date. You know… dinner, maybe a drink or two." I bite my lip, suddenly unsure if this was the right thing to do. But his smile returns, and this time it reaches his eyes.

"I'd love to take you out, Swyn." He straightens up, nodding at the door. "Give me a sec to get ready. We can head out in a bit?"

"Perfect." My heart flutters as he walks away, and I sigh in relief. One step. It's just one step.

As we pull out of the driveway, the hum of the truck's engine is steady beneath us, but the tension in the air has shifted. It's not the kind that makes you nervous, though—it's something electric, charged with potential.

I can feel it between us, this undeniable pull. Every brush of his fingers against mine sends sparks down my spine. Every time our eyes meet, it feels like a silent conversation we're both afraid to speak out loud.

The engine rumbles beneath us as the trees flash past outside the window. I glance over at Kel. There's a calmness about him, a kind of relaxed energy that's both comforting and unnerving at the same time.

"Where are we going?" I ask, trying to ease the silence between us.

"The nearest town's got a nice bar," he says, glancing at me with a grin. "Good food, decent drinks. You'll like it."

Kel drives with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the console between us. His fingers are close, so close to mine that if I just moved a little, they'd touch.

I swallow, the back of my throat dry, as I flick my eyes up to catch him stealing a glance at me. His lips quirk into a half-smile when our gazes collide.

"Something on your mind, Swyn?" His voice is low, playful, but there's an undercurrent of something deeper there.

I bite my lip, trying to keep my cool. "Maybe."

"Care to share?" He leans in slightly, not enough to close the distance, but just enough to make the air between us feel thicker, charged.

I chuckle softly, shaking my head. "Nope, not yet."

His smile widens, and he turns his attention back to the road, though I can still feel the weight of his eyes on me, lingering. My heart beats a little faster, my palms getting just a touch sweatier.

How is it possible for someone to make you feel so grounded yet so out of control at the same time?

We don't talk much as we drive, but the silence isn't uncomfortable. It's loaded, like we're both waiting for something to break it. Every time our fingers brush, that little spark ignites, leaving me hyper-aware of his presence next to me.

At one point, I shift in my seat, trying to get comfortable, and my knee bumps into his. I freeze for a second, but Kel just glances down at the point of contact, then up at me, his smile widening into something more mischievous.

"Careful there," he says, his voice smooth, teasing. "Or I might start thinking you're doing that on purpose."

I shake my head, but I can't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Maybe I am."

The words slip out before I can stop them, and for a moment, I'm surprised at myself. But Kel doesn't miss a beat. His hand moves just a little closer, his pinky brushing against mine with deliberate intent this time.

His thumb grazes the side of my hand, slow, gentle, and it sends a shiver up my arm.

"You don't seem like the type to make empty threats," he says, voice low, teasing. There's a hint of heat beneath his tone now, something that's been simmering between us for a while, finally breaking through.

"And you don't seem like the type to back down from a challenge." My voice is softer than I intended, and I feel the tension coil tighter between us, like a spring ready to snap.

Kel glances at me again, his eyes darker now, filled with something I recognise all too well but haven't had the nerve to act on. Until now.

I decide to push my luck. I let my fingers move closer, my hand sliding under his, our palms just barely touching now. It's a small, subtle movement, but it feels like a spark in a room full of gas.

He shifts slightly, his eyes never leaving mine, and then he flips his hand, capturing mine fully. His fingers thread through mine, and I swear the air between us crackles.

"Looks like neither of us is backing down," he murmurs, his thumb rubbing slow circles on the back of my hand.

"Nope," I reply, my voice breathless, the weight of this moment settling between us.

I look away, smiling to myself as I glance out of the window. The sun is setting, casting long shadows across the road, and for the first time in what feels like days, I'm able to push aside thoughts of curses and dark magic and just focus on this moment.

We pull into town, but the world outside the truck feels far away now. The only thing I'm aware of is the way his thumb keeps grazing my skin, sending tiny jolts of electricity straight to my core.

I haven't even touched his lips, and I already feel like I'm unravelling under his touch.

The streets are quiet, only a few locals milling about. Kel's truck rumbles to a stop in front of a slightly run-down-looking bar with a sign that swings gently in the breeze.

As soon as he cuts the engine I can hear the faint hum of live music even through the closed doors. It feels like we're in the middle of nowhere, and yet this little dive bar has a charm I hadn't expected.

Strings of fairy lights twinkle from the rafters, and the soft strumming of a guitar floats out into the crisp evening air.

"I think you'll like this place," Kel says with a grin, getting out of the truck and coming around to open my door.

I smile up at him, feeling the warmth of his presence as he helps me down. His hand lingers on mine for just a second longer than necessary, and that familiar spark between us happens again.

I'm not sure if it's just the thrill of being on a date with him, or if it's something more, but tonight feels special. There's a flutter in my chest again, the same one I've been trying to ignore.

Is this what finding your mate feels like?

"After you," he says, a smirk still playing on his lips.

I step past him, our arms brushing as I walk inside. It's like I can feel the heat of him following me, even though he's still a step behind.

The bar is cosy, with old wooden tables and mismatched chairs. The atmosphere is warm, with the low hum of conversation mingling with the music.

A band plays in the corner, their sound an easy blend of folk and blues. It's the perfect backdrop to this easy, natural night out with Kel. We find a spot close to the band, and I can't help but let the music settle over me, soothing and uplifting all at once.

The second we sit down, Kel leans forward, resting his elbows on the table, his eyes locked on mine. "So, this is a date, yeah?" His tone is teasing, but there's a real question in his eyes.

"Depends," I tease back, leaning in just slightly, matching his posture. "Do you want it to be?"

"I think we both know the answer to that." He smirks, but there's a softness behind it now, something more serious than the banter we've been throwing back and forth.

His hand moves across the table, and before I know it, he's holding my hand again, his fingers stroking the sensitive skin on the inside of my wrist.

I suck in a quiet breath, not realising how sensitive that spot was until now. His touch is light, almost reverent, but there's an edge to it, like he's holding back.

"I've been wanting to take you out for a while," he admits, his voice lower now. "But I didn't think you'd ask."

I smile, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Guess I surprised us both, huh?"

"Yeah," he says softly, his thumb making small circles on the back of my hand again. "But I like surprises."

The waitress comes over, and we reluctantly pull apart, though I still feel the ghost of his touch on my skin, as Kel orders for us—some drinks, burgers and chips, nothing too fancy— but the tension between us doesn't fade.

If anything, it grows. Every glance, every brush of our legs under the table feels like it's building towards something inevitable.

When our drinks arrive, he leans back, his gaze settling on me.

"You look… different tonight," he says, his voice lower now, more serious.

I frown, not sure how to take that. "Different?"

"Relaxed. Like you're finally letting yourself breathe a little." He pauses, his eyes searching mine. "I like it."

His words catch me off guard, and I realise that maybe he's right. For the first time in a long time, I don't feel like I'm drowning. I'm just here, with him.

"I think you're right," I admit, taking a sip of my drink. "It feels good to get out, to forget about… everything else for a while."

Kel's hand reaches across the table, his fingers brushing against mine. The contact is light, but it sends a spark through me.

"You don't have to carry it all on your own, Swyn," he says, his voice soft but firm. "We're here for you."

I look at him, really look at him. Kel, with his easy smiles and golden retriever energy, always looking out for me, even when I don't realise it. He makes me feel safe, in a way that I haven't felt in a long time, but lighter too.

His energy is infectious, it's impossible to be anything other than joyful around him.

"I know," I whisper, my fingers curling around his. And for the first time, I let myself believe it. "But let's not talk about this stuff tonight. It's a date. I want to have fun. God knows how long it's been since I did that."

As we eat and talk, I can't help but notice the way his eyes linger on me, the way he watches my mouth when I speak. It's not just lust—it's more than that, a connection that's been growing between us.

And the more we talk, the more I realise just how much I like being around him. He makes me feel grounded and alive at the same time, like I can breathe, but also like my heart might pound out of my chest.

Kel orders us more drinks, and before long, we're laughing, talking, and getting caught up in the moment. He's easy to be around, his humour infectious, and every time his arm brushes against mine, or his knee touches my leg, I feel a rush of warmth spread through me.

It's easy to get lost in him. He makes me forget the world outside, forget the curse, the danger, the heavy weight I've been carrying around.

"You're a lot of fun, you know that?" I say, grinning up at him after he tells me a ridiculous story about one of his pranks on Sol.

Kel leans in a little closer, his gaze locked on mine. "Only when I'm with someone who can keep up."

I laugh, my heart skipping a beat. His hand rests on my knee now, his fingers lightly brushing the fabric of my jeans, and I'm hyper-aware of the heat radiating from his skin.

We're flirting, toes over the line of something more, and I can feel myself leaning into him. He's leaning in too, his lips just inches from mine.

My pulse quickens, my body practically humming with anticipation.

But then—something out of the corner of my eye catches my attention. A shadow, familiar and unnerving, just by the doorway.

Oland.

My heart stops, my breath hitching in my throat. I freeze, my eyes glued to the figure in the distance. It's only a glimpse—just a flicker of him, or at least someone who looks like him—but that's enough to send me spiralling.

I jerk back in my seat, knocking into the table and spilling Kel's drink.

"Swyn, what's wrong?" Kel asks, his eyes filled with concern as he moves closer, his hand reaching out for mine.

"I—I thought I saw him." I shake my head, panic creeping in as my thoughts race. "My husband. I thought he was here."

Kel straightens up, his entire demeanour shifting. His eyes dart around the room, scanning for any sign of danger. He's in protective mode instantly.

"Where?"

"I don't know," I mutter, rubbing my hands over my face. "I must've imagined it."

But I'm not sure. My pulse is racing, and my body feels like it's on high alert. The evening had been perfect, and now it's like I've been yanked back into the shadows I've been trying so hard to escape.

"Let's get out of here," Kel says, his tone firm but gentle. He doesn't push me, just helps me up and guides me toward the door. "We can go somewhere else. Somewhere safe."

I shake my head. "No. I just—I want to go back to the motel."

He hesitates for a second but nods. "Okay. Whatever you need."

The drive back to the motel is quieter. The lightheartedness from earlier is gone, replaced by a tension that sits heavily in my chest. I know Kel's still watching me out of the corner of his eye, worried, but he doesn't say anything.

I appreciate that. I'm not ready to talk about Oland. Not yet.

When we pull into the motel parking lot, Kel kills the engine but doesn't get out immediately. I stare at the darkened windows of the building, suddenly feeling the weight of the night pressing down on me.

I don't want to be alone. Not now. But the thought of going back to the flat with all three of them, after being on a date with Kel, feels awkward.

Kel turns to me, his eyes soft in the dim light. "How about dessert?"

I blink at him, my mind still racing. "Dessert?"

"The diner's still open. They've got great waffles and ice cream. Come on," he says with a small smile, his tone coaxing. "You'll feel better with something sweet inside you."

I hesitate but then nod. "Okay. Waffles sound good."

He grins and once again helps me out of the truck, keeping his hand in mine as we cross the road and then guiding me through the door.

Inside, the smell of warm syrup and freshly baked goods immediately lifts my spirits. We sit in a booth, and I let out a small sigh of relief, already feeling a little lighter.

Kel orders us waffles loaded with cherries, whipped cream, and a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. When it arrives, it's like a slice of heaven on a plate.

For the first time since we left the bar, I feel myself relaxing.

"You were right," I say, taking a bite of the waffle. "This is exactly what I needed."

Kel leans back in his seat, his eyes soft as he watches me. "Told you. Dessert fixes everything."

We eat, sharing bites of the fluffy waffles and ice cream, the atmosphere between us slowly returning to the warmth from earlier. His foot bumps against mine under the table, and I smile at the familiar spark that flickers between us.

It feels natural, easy, like we're falling back into the rhythm of our date, even after my scare at the bar.

As we finish up, Kel clears his throat, suddenly looking a little more serious. "You don't have to go back to your room tonight," he says, his voice soft but full of meaning. "You could stay with us, in the flat. It's safer."

I hesitate, feeling the pull of wanting to be around them, around him, but also feeling a little uncertain. After everything tonight, I don't know if I'm ready to face Sol and Ri again, not after the night Kel and I just had. I don't want things to feel awkward.

"I don't know…" I begin, my voice trailing off.

Kel watches me for a moment before nodding slowly. "Okay. Then I'll stay with you, if that's what you want. No funny business, just company to keep you safe."

Relief floods through me, and I nod. "Yeah. I'd like that."

He smiles, his eyes softening. "Then it's settled. Let's go."

"What if I want funny business?" I ask, my voice coming out husky and low.

Kel turns to me, his eyes dark and serious now. "I'm not going to push you into anything, Swyn. But if you ever want more, you know where to find me."

My breath catches, the weight of his words hanging in the air between us.

I nod, unable to form a coherent sentence, but I know he understands. Because when I look into his eyes, I see it—the same thing I'm feeling, mirrored back at me.