“You saw the article,” I sigh.

“We read it,” Cam says softly. “Therealone, just like you said. Not… Not the version that gutted us.”

Jace’s hand curls a little tighter in my hair. “We’re so fucking sorry.”

I close my eyes. Their voices are a balm over an open wound, but it still aches. “You didn’t believe me.”

“I didn’t even let youtalk,” Wes say. He sounds furious—with himself. “I was wrong. I was just—angry.Scared. I didn’t listen, but I should’ve done.”

“I always tell the kids at school to fight for things that matter,” Cam murmurs. “And then, when it mattered most, we didn’t even fight for you.”

“I’m such an idiot.” Tears threaten again, but I blink them back. “I didn’t publish it.”

Cam blinks. “What?”

“I didn’t. I’d given up,” I say, my voice shaking. “After that night, I could hardly even look at it. I thought I’d ruined everything, and I couldn’t bear to read my own words. But Rachel still had access to my drive. She… she went in, and she published it.”

Jace exhales hard. “Holy shit.”

“I think she was trying to help,” I whisper. “Even if it felt like too little, too late.”

There’s a beat of silence. Then—

“That article saved us,” Wes says quietly. “It saved me.”

I press a shaking hand to my chest. “I tried to be clever, tried to stay in control; but I’ve never—god, I’ve never needed anyone like I need all of you.”

“You’ve got us,” Jace says fiercely, the words a vow. “You always did.”

Wes shifts closer. “If you still want us.”

“I do,” I whisper, tears finally spilling. “So much it hurts.”

Their scents wrap around me; so different, so distinct, and yet…right. It’s overwhelming in a way that doesn’t scare me anymore. The next wave of heat rolls through me, and I whimper before I can stop it, pressing my thighs together and trying to quiet the desperation tearing through me.

“I want—” I gasp, then break off.

Jace shifts, pulling me closer. “Tell us.”

I swallow hard. “I want all of you.”

Three sets of eyes lock on me.

Three instincts snap taut.

Three bonds, frayed and bruised, start to pulse with life.

“I need you all,” I whisper. “Now”

Jace is the first to touch me, his palm flat and steady against my hip. “You sure, baby?”

His voice undoes me.

“Yes,” I breathe. “I’m sure.”

Cam’s already rising from the floor, crawling onto the bed with cautious grace. His fingers trail down my thigh, then stop. “Tell us if anything feels wrong.”

“I’ll stop breathing before I stop listening to you,” Wes adds quietly, still kneeling beside the bed. “You’re the only voice I’m taking orders from now.”