Chapter: EpilogueDante’s POV Two years later: Dad Mik always had the best stuff. I heard the signal from his fingers. The click. And Ash and I immediately closed our ears. The sound of a loud boom reverberated in the air and the field suddenly burst into chaos. It was glorious to watch. The bomb decimated everything it had been wrapped about. So cool, I Wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. But Dad Mik had said we should be quiet or else Mom would– “MIKAEL SERRANO‼” I Swallowed. Mom’s screech sounded like trouble. I was glad it wasn’t me and Ash and I exchanged glances to commiserate with each other. Dad Mik looked a little pale but he smirked a little as Mom came barely a second later. She turned round the corner and advanced on us as we stood at the edge of the large field next to the garden. We rushed to stand and dust their hands and clothes, looking innocent as Mom strided as gently as she could with a full and round belly. I really wasn't sure about how pregnancies work, but
Last Updated: 2025-02-06
Chapter: ForgivenessAlicia’s POVThe knocking didn’t stop. My head pounded from the force of it. I stumbled to the door, bleary-eyed from lack of sleep. I opened the door to find Andy, her face etched with worry, holding a sleeping Bella. Magda followed close behind, her expression stern."What were you thinking, Alicia?" Andy demanded, her voice low but firm. "Leaving the house again in the middle of the night?"I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the sleep. "What are you talking about?"Magda's voice was sharp. "Do you know you nearly caused chaos this morning? Mikael nearly ran mad searching for you. Acker had to calm him down. And they nearly fought."My heart sank. I had no idea Mikael had been searching for me. "I...I just needed some air," I stammered.The guilt pricked at the edges of my consciousness again. This time I had caused more trouble just by leaving. I was foolish. I lowered my gaze in remorse.Andy's expression softened slightly. "Alicia, you can't just disappear in the middle of th
Last Updated: 2025-02-06
Chapter: Haunted Alicia’s POVI woke up with a start, my heart racing and my sheets drenched in sweat. The maid's gentle voice and concerned expression only added to my distress. But it wasn't just the nightmare that had left me shaken - it was the crushing weight of my own guilt.As I lay there, trying to catch my breath, I couldn't shake the image of Cleo's face, twisted in a cruel grin, and Cross's gleaming green eyes. My nightmares were haunting. They taunted me with the reminders of the mistakes I’d made. My own oversights were massive.But it was my own actions that haunted me. I had tried to kill Acker and Mikael, the two men I loved. The thought sent a wave of self-loathing crashing over me.How could I have been so blind? So wrong? The guilt was suffocating, making it hard to breathe. I felt like I was drowning in my own shame. I thought about all the times I had pushed Acker and Mikael away, all the times I had doubted their love for me. And for what? Because of a misguided desire for reveng
Last Updated: 2025-02-06
Chapter: An unexpected endAcker’s POV This was unexpected. I exchanged a glance with Serrano after seeing Cleo Abrams breathe her last breath. The syringe in my hand was empty and I dropped it on the ground where it lay to rest beside the pale corpse of the woman who had sought to use it at her weapon and had inevitably ended up dead by it. "How is she?" The words left my lips without preamble as I gazed at Alicia’s shivering form wrapped in the Italian Don’s arms. A part of me stirred with jealousy at the sight but I let it go. She belonged to him as much as she did to me. "Asleep for now. Or rather unconscious. She’s quite the dramatic one isn’t she? Cried herself to sleep just like that," Serrano tutted as though he was angry with her but in fact I could tell the relief in his face. I felt the same way too. In the end we had somehow neglected her. Of course it was just a stroke of luck that we figured out who it was at the last minute that had caused such troubles on our lives. It started aft
Last Updated: 2025-02-06
Chapter: The Ugly TruthCleo’s POVI had always been a survivor.From the first time I knew what death was, I had always been a survivor.An orphan girl, with no one to depend on but herself.I knew my skills long before I could understand them; my beauty was a privilege I welcomed.It helped me get away with things when I was younger and I learnt that a smile and little tilt of my head would help whenever one of the other kids accused me of stealing their belongings. None of the stupid nuns cared that I was never doing chores on time because I’d act so innocent and my cherubic expression gave me a fucking sweet pass.The attention always made me feel powerful and the way I got away with so much made the other kids either fear me or want to be my friends so they could benefit from it.As I got older I began to notice how much stares the boys would give me more than the other girls. Even the adult men weren’t far from trying to act like they were vying for my attention. And so I discovered another use for my
Last Updated: 2025-02-05
Chapter: Birthday bluesAlicia’s POVI stared out the window, my eyes tracing the outline of the trees as they swayed gently in the breeze. It was my birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy and celebration. Instead, I was trapped in this prison, a captive of the two men I had once loved.The sound of the door opening broke the silence, and I turned to see Andy walking in, a bright smile on her face. But it was what she was holding that really caught my attention - baby Bella. I felt a surge of emotion as Andy handed her over to me, and I held her close, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.Bella peered up at me curiously, her big eyes sparkling with innocence. I felt a pang of guilt for putting her in this situation, for bringing her into a world filled with danger and uncertainty. Perhaps I wasn’t the best one to take care of her. Perhaps I should have given her to a loving family."Thank you for taking care of her," I said to Andy, my voice awkward with emotion.Andy's expression softened,
Last Updated: 2025-01-31
Chapter: Chapter 85EvaThe scent of antiseptic stung my nose as I waited in the hospital lobby.Penelope’s presence helped. She had come in a few moments ago, even while I was spaced out with Cory on my lap. The moment she hugged me, I couldn't stop myself from breaking down again.“Everything’s going to be okay.” She whispered to me. I closed my eyes in response. Goodness knew I wished I could believe it.I didn’t know what to feel. We had gotten her there in time, but I still couldn't get my mind off it. It was just like the second time that this happened. I was on my own, alone, scared.“Miss Greene?” The voice made me look up instantly to find the doctor there. All thoughts slipped by as I stood up carefully.“Doctor? How is my-”“Your daughter is fine,” he said, “you brought her in early so it was just a mild allergic reaction she suffered. She's still asleep but when she wakes up she'll be fully ready to discharge.”A sigh of relief left me instantly. She was fine. My baby was fine.Cory was sti
Last Updated: 2025-02-15
Chapter: Chapter 84ONE MONTH LATEREva“When are you coming back?” I asked, rifling through clothes as frustration brewed up in me.“Soon.” Jon’s voice rang through terse and neutral. It made my brows furrow.“So, in a week? Cory and Anthea miss you.” I said, trying to ignore the coldness in his tone.“I…Eva I don’t know yet.” His words gave me whiplash, making me flinch.“Okay.” I said.Frustration brewed inside me but I kept silent.The moment the call ended I dropped the phone like a dead weight, clenching and unclenching my arms for control. What the hell? This wasn’t the first time, at least not within this month.After telling him of my decision to include Viktor and Grace into the children’s lives the day I'd made the decision, he was completely supportive. I still sensed displeasure, however no matter how much I tried to assure him, he said that it was fine. Although he was never present while Viktor and Grace were around, he still looked well.It happened so gradually. At first he wasn’t pr
Last Updated: 2025-01-08
Chapter: Chapter 83Eva I was completely frozen under the scrutiny of my best friend’s stare as she flickered between us. Even if he wasn't touching me like before, his closeness was suspicious enough. For a moment everything was still…until the moment the twins slipped out beside her. “Mom!” they chorused and my gaze shifted to their innocent smiles. Without he's they rushed to greet me and I pushed my panic away, forcing a smile. “Hey, babies. Did you enjoy your time at Aunt Penelope?” I hugged them, ruffling their hair to make them giggle and nod in agreement. Looking back up to face Penelope felt sheepish. Her expression said plenty, a mix of disbelief and recognition. I could hear her unsaid words without thinking. I tried to pass a pleading one of my own to tell her that I'd explain after this. “Mom?” I tore my eyes away to meet Anthea’s stare but she wasn't looking at me but behind me, no doubt at Viktor. ‘Oh,’ I quickly stood up, looking at him before turning back to the chil
Last Updated: 2025-01-08
Chapter: Chapter 8282EvaThe doorbell rang. I was ready, sucking in a breath before standing up.I tampered down any impulse to clean aside anything within the room more than necessary despite the urge to hide it away. He needed to see the reality of their natural environment.Passing by the strewn toys I left alone made me think back to Cory and Anthea.A swift call from them moved the sleepover Penelope spent with them to them staying with her for the entire day while I sorted things out. It was already evening and they were still with her. Considering it was evening she was no doubt also on her way to my home.She wasn't the one standing by the door at the moment however.I forced myself to relax before opening the door, his cerulean eyes meeting mine immediately.“Hi,” Viktor said.The air felt awkward yet I let him slip inside, murmuring a greeting before stepping back. He looked overwhelmed as he looked around and I couldn't blame him when I was the same way.If it wasn't for what happened earli
Last Updated: 2024-12-18
Chapter: Chapter 81EvaI worked up to darkness and dim lighting engulfing me. My eyes felt heavy and my body ached but the smell of food woke me up further.It didn't take long for the past memories and pain to seep in. Swallowing hoarsely, I nearly broke down in tears again until“You're awake,”Jon's voice jolted me. I looked up to find him moving towards me, a plate in his hand along with the familiar aroma of pasta.Sitting up, I tried to smile when he reached. “Are you okay now?” He asked,“Yeah,” I nodded my voice hoarse from unuse.After crying for so long, I didn't know when I just…passed out. But looking around I was sure that a few hours had passed.I should have considered it a relief compared to holding it in, but looking at him only made more guilt swell into me.“I shouldn't have…I'm sorry for coming here unannounced.” I shifted uncomfortably. “It's okay.” Was all he said.“I'm sorry,” my voice cracked as I spoke. Even still I shouldn't have to use him as a crutch.“What happened? Or is
Last Updated: 2024-12-01
Chapter: Chapter 80Viktor The drive back to the mansion was silent with the tension so thick yet non-existent at the same time. I spied glances at her on the passenger’s seat throughout and every time, she was simply looking at the window, looking deceitfully calm. It sent a different trill of fear through me, especially when I knew she was anything but. After Eve left, she hadn't said a word since. I comforted her the best I could, letting her sob in my arms. Moments after her tears were gone, she hadn't saud a word. I was the one to suggest that we left and she silently nodded following me. The sight of her reddish eyelids despite the calm facade gutted me. Id never seen my mother that angry, that sad. And this time, it wasn't focused on me. My grip on the steering wheel tightened. If the feeling from seeing my mother cry hurt, then the ache was twice as bad when I saw Eva crumble right in front of me. In the few times I'd seen her, Eva had never failed to show her strength, even months ago when
Last Updated: 2024-11-27
Chapter: LighterLily“I know what my next question is.” I saidHe looked up from the documents while the taste omelette I'd just had was fresh in my mouth.He'd called me to his office again for breakfast. My instinctive refusal died at his stare. I had a feeling that this was going to be a regular thing.Without giving him a chance to speak, I asked.“Why did you choose me to plan the Gala?” I asked, “Was it because of our agreement or Emilia?”“Thays two questions,” he pointed out,“Oh,” I flushed instantly. I didn't know why I was so embarrassed when it was just a fluke but either way, I wasn't taking anything back. The seconds felt longer as I waited for his answer. I wasn't searching for validation, I just wanted to know.His icy blue eyes met mine.“I know you don't believe in what I say— for good reason, but that's the truth. I wouldn't entrust this to anyone else out of pity or a whim.” he said,“Every word I said in the meeting room was true. Your work as an event planner before entering t
Last Updated: 2024-10-24
Chapter: Reciprocity LilyWhen dinner came hours later, I'd stepped down wearing the pyjamas I'd taken. There wasn't any need to dress fancy when there was nobody to impress.The air held that same awkwardness from before, yet my heart was more settled. Ignoring the tumble in my belly as I murmured a greeting, I focused on the food immediately for the second time that day to stave away the tension.I'd barely forgiven him, so I was far from eager to start a conversation. That is, until his throat cleared next to me.“How was work?” He asked“It was fine. I did everything you told me to.” I replied curtly before finally looking up to face him, “This isn't part of the deal.” I said. The clunking of cutlery stopped when he looked at me.“What do you mean?” he asked. Under his gaze I could only shrug.“We…we only agreed on you asking things regarding the baby. There's no need to make any other conversation.” I faltered at first, but at least I made my point clear. I was already weary of false pleasantries
Last Updated: 2024-10-10
Chapter: StartLily “What?” I gasped, were it not for her smile I would have believed it was a prank. But her expression remained the same. “It's true. I'm guessing it'll be revealed in a meeting later, so try not to act unsurprised.” she said as she pulled away. I could still barely catch up with her words.“But…why?” I asked incredulously. As far as this company was concerned, I was hired as a secretary. “I suggested it, but it was Alexander who gave the final call.” she replied, shrugging.My mind went blank instantly. Yes, I was an event planner before losing my job. Yes, I enjoyed it and despite my initial joy when I first got this job, I still couldn't compare it to the thrill. But why would he do this?And a Gala at that? I had dealt with planning for large parties and weddings, but a Gala wass something else, much less an Annual Gala of what was one of the largest conglomerate hotels.The real question was what he was thinking when accepting this. Did he decide this the night before afte
Last Updated: 2024-10-08
Chapter: Ground Rules Lily‘Was I doing the right thing?’That was the first thing I thought the moment I locked my door. Leaning onto it, I closed my eyes.The buzz of adrenaline hadn't stopped racing and my thoughts were still going to haywire.It was Malina’s words yesterday that was the tipping point. She was trying to assure me that I could leave, yet it had done the exact opposite. Somehow her talking about ‘fathers’ sent a different trim of thought entirely. It remained stuck in my mind throughout and the day after, especially after the incident with Alexander.My mother raised me just fine and I hadn't borne any resentment, especially not after knowing the truth of his absence, but could I say the same for my child? Not to mention that he wasn't going to be entirely human in the first place. That issue had bothered me for the longest time, settling doubts even if I was stubborn enough to try to deny them at first. It wasn't just being a werewolf. Even if I was resolute on helping there was noth
Last Updated: 2024-09-04
Chapter: Partnership Alexander ‘They were footsteps.’That was the first thought that entered my mind as I met her gaze. The tapping sounds were footsteps coming from her and I hadn't noticed it until she was right in front of me, just like the last time she was here. It was ironic. I'd been so focused on her that I didn't notice her presence until it was too late, twice.But then came the question; why was she here?Under the lights, she looked slightly flushed. I could sense her slightly quickened heartbeat yet her face remained neutral and expressionless. There was something different about her gaze. The hardness from the walls shed built up was still there, yet there was a hint of something else. Resignation? Curiosity? It took me a few more seconds to realise that I was openly gaping. Before the embarrassment could set in, she'd moved away, taking her place on the seat beside me, her usual place.I trailed her frame but then noticed the empty space on the table. I took action swiftly, sending a qu
Last Updated: 2024-09-03
Chapter: Threats and Consideration Alexander “I would have thought you'd be asleep by this time.” He chuckled. It grated on my ears.“If you thought so, you wouldn't have called.” I replied smoothly, keeping the scathing anger inside.“So you were expecting my call then?”“My Beta informs me of every contact coming through the pack. You of all people should understand.” He chuckled again as if I'd told a joke and it took everything in me to not crush the phone with my bare hands.“Isn't that funny? My Beta has the tendency to run around, being in places he's not supposed to be in. He's quite a troublemaker you see.”A knot formed in my gut. Of course, now he would mention Sirius. He'd left the city anticlimactically after days of monitoring, less than a week after I'd moved Lily into my home. After his disappearance, there had been no other ‘incidents’, hunters or rogues or otherwise. His presence alone was proof of Marcus's actions yet now he was pinning it on Sirius being a ‘troublemaker’.“Does that explain his p
Last Updated: 2024-08-26
Chapter: Chapter 32: StayValerie“Mmmh,”For the second time ever the lights felt too blinding as I felt myself come out of consciousness. The sting of spirits and antiseptic hit my nose before I even looked around. I was in a hospital room.Not just any hospital though. I could recognize the familiar walls of the Blue Moon Pack hospital any day from how much time I'd spent in it in my past life. My throat felt dry as I tried to swallow. One second I was fine and then…I'd…fainted.Trying to sit up, a wave of dizziness washed over me. I shut my eyes against the blur and nausea ‘Deep breaths.’ I repeated. Despite that I felt panic.What in Goddess’ name was happening to me? What about my baby?The feeling went away and just as I looked up only to see the door slam open.Alistair and Tristan barged into the room without any fanfare, looking at me in alarm.“Valerie,” Alistair rushed towards me, slipping onto my bedside and taking my hand. “You're awake. I heard noises from outside.” Alistair rushed out. Stil
Last Updated: 2025-02-07
Chapter: Chapter 31: Switch Valerie “Thanks Mina. I'll talk to you later.”“I can't wait to see you again. Bye for now.”With those words our call finally ended. Sitting up from the bed I stretched my arms, pleasure filled me at the cracks of my joints before I relaxed and looked out of the mirror with a sigh.After falling back asleep for a few more hours before waking up again, I was in higher spirits. Far more refreshed than ever. It didn't hurt that I'd heard nothing but good news from Mina who hadn't had any problems with the flower shop since, albeit teasing complaints about feeling alone.I didn't need to check the time. Solely from the sun alone I could tell it was already past noon. The activities going on below however, were much more interesting. Several of the cars and pack representatives were already leaving. It was still early since most packs aimed to leave later in the evening, Alistair and I included.Perhaps because of that there was no sight of Tristan to send them off. A pang instantly ran
Last Updated: 2025-02-07
Chapter: Chapter 30: HumiliateValerieBright light pierced my eyes as I opened them. I groaned at the pounding headache forming. Everything felt strange. Too bright, too much. Like a hangover.Which was impossible. I hadn't drank anything. I'd…What happened to me?Any lethargy left completely disappeared as I forced my eyes open despite the harsh glare. Sitting up, I could still feel the harsh effects of the…drug.‘I was drugged’ I inhaled sharply as the remainder of the memories last night slipped in. I could still remember what happened after discovering it. I’d wandered around and heard a…voice.Who’s voice?After adjusting to the light I looked around frantically. This wasn't the pack house but the pack hotel. But it wasn't mine.I jolted from the bed at the salons of the door creaking , whipping my head to find a door opening to reveal…Alistair. In only a towel. “I see you're awake,” he smiled, yet all I could feel was panic. There were too many questions. How had I gotten here? What happened while I was
Last Updated: 2025-02-07
Chapter: Chapter 29: Laced ValerieLeaning against the nearest pillar, I could still feel the penetrating stares and murmurs of some of the people. Despite not wanting to be noticed before I came here, here I was.With a sigh, I sipped my glass of orange juice. It couldn't be helped anyways. The light music eased my mind from the chatter anyways. Taking the last sip of my glass of fruit juice I looked around at the people roaming dancing and the minibar. The night went on and so did the party, or in this case the after-party of this failed ceremony.Despite the mating ceremony not happening, all the preparations were already put in place and couldn’t be wasted. It was a surprise when after the silence following Alyn's exit, Tristan broke the tension by announcing that tge after-party will still take place. The whispers and murmurs that followed were plenty, but the after-party seemed to have calmed and relaxed everyone.This final party was taking place within the pack house Gardens, a more private yet open s
Last Updated: 2025-02-06
Chapter: Chapter 28: ReliefTristanThe shock simmered, surrounding the entire room. “Alpha…Tristan, what is the meaning of this,” her father gaped. My jaw clenched in response as I tore my eyes away from Valerie’s greens to stare at her father's. Something in me lurched at their pale faces, but it wasn't worry.As far as concerned, they were my family. They had been the ones to raise me after my parents died and treated me like their own son. I had always tried to please them the best I could, even when the epiphany came to me. Even as I felt like screaming at how they so blatantly treated Valerie. In spite of those scathing words I'd overheard them say about her in Alyn's room and every other time. In spite of everything I'd felt about how they'd treated her.Not this time.“I never wanted this marriage or mating ceremony,” I smiled bitterly, “This entire ceremony was forced on my part, pressured from my duties, the packs expectations after Alyns sudden announcement of her pregnancy. And especially then, I
Last Updated: 2025-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 27: FakeTristanThe sound of the piano grated on my ears. Everything about this felt suffocating.The hall, now transformed for the ceremony, felt even worse. After weeks of denial, days of resignation and acceptance. It was finally here. My mating ceremony.I hated every second of it.Being here brought me back to my first mating ceremony which was ironic when it was nothing like this. There wasn't any fanfare. It was rushed and full of nerves, only a few days after her 18th birthday.We had discovered that we were mates in front of the pack during a celebration and just like that, our fates were sealed. I remembered being angry at the suddenness of having to cater to her when I barely knew her aside from the complaints of her parents and Alyn's comments.She was just 18, a few years younger than I was, yet she'd looked so composed. Now with clearer eyes, I had no doubt that she was SCARED.Why had I antagonized her even then for Alyn's sake? Why did I resent her for something out of our c
Last Updated: 2025-01-28