Smoke and Wishes (Best Wishes #1)(21)

“Griffin shifter,” Dante rounded out the group. “We grew up in the same town. All of us were born there except Nik who came over with his family from Russia when he was a toddler, but we got to know him at preschool. The rest is history. We all went to the same schools growing up, and now we’re here.” I nodded, the familiar pang of loneliness sharpened in my chest at their lifelong friendship. The conversation ended when we reached the doors to the dining hall. The twins stood off to the side, holding the door open, letting the others pass.

“Hey love, can we talk to you for a minute?” Logan questioned before I could go through the glass doors. Curiosity piqued, I nodded stepping over to them. “We’ll be in shortly,” he added to the rest of the guys who were crowding the doors watching us. They shrugged before finally moving out of the way, allowing a cluster of girls to exit into the quad.

“What is it?” I felt my nerves starting to fray after the events of the day. The twins stood in front of me, their somber faces had me on edge. Their usually playful demeanor shifted to concern. Landon’s eyes held more red streaks throughout the black pupil than Logan’s, who’s red was more of a subdued tint, allowing me to differentiate between the two.

“We just wanted to make sure you were okay after your panic attack,” Landon started. I felt my brows raise at the sincerity of his voice, no hint of his usual joking or humor colored his words. I nodded, my eyes bouncing between them.

“Good. We also wanted to let you know what helps for us, breathing in for a count of five, holding it for five, followed by a slow exhale on the count of five. We also found that sitting down and leaning against something solid helps,” Logan admitted quietly, his calloused hand resting on my forearm.

“You get panic attacks?” My voice was quiet, stepping towards them. I hoped I wasn’t overstepping into uncomfortable territory. Holding out his hand, Landon and his brother both nodded in sync with each other. I hesitantly slipped my hand into Landon’s open palm, noting the callouses that scrapped gently against my soft skin.

“If you want, we can give you our numbers so if it ever happens when you’re alone you can call us,” I felt my eyes fill from the emotions swelling within my chest at Logan’s offer. I dug my phone out from my pocket, unlocking it before I handed it to him. After some quick typing, he passed it to Landon. Logan’s arms went out, the question clear on his tanned face. I chuckled as I stepped into him, muscled arms curling around me. My arms wrapped around his waist, his unique smell enveloping me.

“Hey lemon drop, I want one too you know,” Landon huffed, pulling me into his arms. A similar, yet decidedly distinct scent filled my nose. I continued to laugh at them and their attempts to help me feel better, feeling lighter than I had in years.

“Thank you guys, I really appreciate it,” I mumbled, pulling back to stand in front of them. Their eyes were soft with understanding.

“Of course, love. Now, let’s go get food before they think we’ve kidnapped you,” Logan’s words caused another dose of laughter to bubble up, following behind them. My cheeks reddened when Landon opened the door and dramatically swept his hand towards the room. Their playful and flirty smiles filled me with hope as I curtsied before walking past them. Laughter echoing behind me while I headed for the rest of the guys standing in line to check out.





7





August 31st

Friday Mid-Morning

Lucienne





The cold bite in the air cut through my hoodie, my bag banging against my hip as I walked. The quad disappeared under a set of warm, rough hands that covered my eyes. I stopped abruptly when I felt the warmth of a body behind me.

“Guess who?” A familiar fog rolled over my body at the sound of the twin’s husky voice. I smiled as I relaxed into the warmth. Logan’s smoky scent filled my nose, his muscled chest solid against my back.

“Mm, sugar” I hummed. “Logan,” I said definitively. The hands dropped, Landon’s surprised face greeted me.

“How’d you know?” He asked, his brows dipping the more he looked at me.

“You cheated! How’d you know that?” Logan exclaimed stepping around to face me. I missed the warmth that had seeped into my back, the cold sweeping back in his absence. “And why sugar?” I smirked at him, my hand finding its way to the middle of his chest. Payback for all their relentless teasing is sweet. I leaned in, raising up onto my toes to bring my lips to his ear. Lightly grazing his chest with mine, my nipples pebbled against the panes of his chest. I could feel his heart racing under my hand.

“Sugar,” I whispered, inhaling before leaning into Landon. His different, yet equally specific scent surrounded me, “spice.” I nipped Landon’s neck before lowering myself, a growl rumbled low in his chest. This is too easy, I mentally snickered. Their burning coal eyes were ablaze with heat and desire, bringing the normally muted red to a bright flame. I did my best impersonation of a tempting seductress, “and everything oh...so...nice,” ending on a moan. Spinning on my heel I sauntered away, putting an extra swing to my hips.

“You boys coming?” I called over my shoulder, a smug smile curled my lips as I heard one trip while the other choked.

“Holy shit,” Logan whispered.

“Fuck,” Landon echoed his twins sentiment.