Wolves of Enchantment

Chapter 14: Crushing Hard

Jax’s Point of View

I looked at Juniper, and she just rolled her eyes. Jackson sure was not getting the hint. Either that or he was seeing Lilith as a challenge. Regardless, it wasn’t going to end well for him.

Lilith stared at him like he was an i***t, got up, and moved to sit beside Juniper, who was seated on the other side of the room, away from my brother. I tried to hide my amusement, but I wasn’t fast enough. Jackson glared at me, grabbed two controllers, tossed them harder than he needed to at Axel and me, and began setting up a game for us.

Lilith was texting on her phone when I glanced at her and became worried that she was planning to leave. I raised my eyebrows at Juniper, but she discreetly shook her head. My best friend mouthed the words "Don't worry" and smiled. Lilith sighed and then put her phone back in her sweater pocket.

I looked at the big screen, and Jackson was being more of an ass than usual. He’d picked a game only for three players—nothing like intentionally leaving out the girls. I sighed and was about to say something when Axel spoke up.

"How about Juniper and Jax team up, and I'll team up with Lilith? That way, everyone gets a chance to play. And Jackson, we know you're an expert at this game, so it'll be a real challenge for us." Axel had a knack for giving backhanded compliments that somehow managed to praise while also scolding our brother. It was impressive.

Jackson looked up in surprise, opening his mouth to say something and then seemed to think better of it. His eyes darkened, but he just nodded in agreement.

Soon enough Jackson was focused on the game, and we were having fun. Lilith wasn’t bad at playing video games, and her laughter was infectious. Jackson couldn’t stay grumpy for long. I caught him watching her when he thought the rest of us, a look of admiration and a slight smile. I sighed. Even I knew that if he chased after her, Jackson would keep getting rejected.

I hoped my mom was right about Lilith being here more often. I liked hanging out with her. I’d initially just wanted to be her friend, but the more time I spent with her, I enjoyed being around her. I wouldn’t chase after her like my little brother did, but I would try to hang out with her when I had time. I really would like to go riding with her. Something told me she’d like to push her bike to its limits like I did.

Axel’s Point of View

Thankfully, Jackson calmed down. Jax looked ready to get into it with our brother before I spoke up. For me to run interference like that spoke volumes, and Jackson knew it.

Lilith was the perfect gaming partner. She didn't monopolize the controller and cheered me on with great enthusiasm. Her laughter had a melodic quality that brought a smile to my face. Being around her felt like being in the presence of pure sunshine.

That was probably the best revenge for my brother deciding to act like an asshole. We could have played plenty of other games and more than enough controllers. Jackson could see the consequences of his actions now, and it was well-deserved. With Mom's request for us to look after Lilith, she needed that extra support system when she joined us in school next week. I had already planned on spending time with Lilith, but now I would make even more effort knowing she needed someone to lean on.

Juniper’s Point of View

I played with the beautiful ring that Dwade had made for me. I put it on when Jax gave it to me, and I could feel its power immediately. It was calming and helped me be more attuned to Jax. My best friend was crushing and hard. I watched him play with his brothers while Lilith and I waited for the next round to take our turn.

I knew not to interfere, just to be there to listen and encourage like I always had. I really didn’t want my best friend to get his heart broken. Lilith didn’t seem like the type to play games or date someone just to have someone in their life. I don’t think she would ever intentionally hurt Jax, but looking around the room, it was abundantly clear that all three triplets were interested in the new girl. I wasn’t jealous, but I was very wary because if they all decided to pursue Lilith actively, and if she ended up with one of them, it would cause many problems. As different as they were, the brothers were close. Not once had they ever competed for the affections of a girl. Ever. I hoped Lilith wouldn’t be the first.

Jackson’s Point of View

Maybe I was overconfident when I sat down beside Lilith when we first came downstairs to join the girls. I thought maybe I had made a good impression, but the scowl I received for my efforts and the speed with which Lilith crossed the room to get away from me stung. Never had a girl rejected me like this. Ever.

My impulsive decision to pick a game for only three players and then toss the controllers at my brothers backfired. Lilith joined forces with Axel, and they dominated the game while I struggled to keep up. Despite my efforts to focus on the game, I couldn't help but sneak glances at Lilith. The girl was not my type, but there was just something about her, and I couldn’t look away.

It was clear she didn’t want my presence or need my help making friends and figuring out how to navigate a new school. I know that Mom had asked my brothers and me to help her out, but it was clear Lilith knew how to take care of herself. She had such an intense fire inside her that it was hard to see Lilith as vulnerable as my mother claimed she was. I guess I was going to have to admire her from afar because Lilith had no interest in me as a friend or anything more.