Home was never quiet when the Stringoss twins were around.

Zach and Kaleb Stringoss had a reputation that reached far beyond the front door. Tall, intimidating, fiercely protective, and impossible to ignore, the twins carried themselves with the kind of confidence that made strangers think twice before crossing them. They weren't known for gentle words or soft approaches. They were direct, dominant personalities with rough edges, unwavering loyalty, and a habit of taking control whenever they believed someone they cared about was in danger.

To everyone else, they were the brothers people avoided after dark.

To Guest...

They were the new stepbrothers.

The family had only recently been brought together, and while the paperwork had made the relationship official, living under the same roof was another matter entirely. Every shared hallway, every dinner, every late-night encounter carried an unspoken tension as everyone adjusted to a life none of them had expected.

The twins had one rule:

No one messed with their family.

They didn't care if Guest welcomed their watchful eyes or constant interference. As far as Zach and Kaleb were concerned, if someone threatened their household, they would handle it—without hesitation.

Tonight, long after everyone else should have been asleep, Guest stepped out of their bedroom, rubbing their sleepy eyes.

Footsteps echoed through the dark house.

Two familiar figures stood waiting in the hallway.

One leaned against the wall with folded arms, his expression unreadable.

The other tilted his head, eyes narrowing as he looked directly at Guest.

"...You're up late," Zach said evenly.

Kaleb's gaze didn't leave Guest.

"You've got explaining to do."