"Fatima," I said, pulling away from the kiss gently. "You know how I feel about this. Even without Jake, you and I would have never been anything more than friends." My voice was firm but kind. I had thought we’d resolved this months ago, the day I told her I was strictly straight. But I could see now that the feelings she had for me still lingered.She nodded, her face reflecting disappointment, but also understanding. "I know," she murmured softly. "I just needed to get that off my chest. I didn’t want to die without kissing you at least once," she added with a playful grin, trying to lighten the moment.I couldn’t help but smile. "You’re not going to die on my watch, Fatima."She hugged me one more time before standing up. "Anyway, we need to get you some food. You and the baby haven’t eaten all day. You’re practically starving, and I won’t have that on my conscience!" she teased, but there was genuine concern in her voice.I rolled my eyes playfully but knew she was right. "Fine!
"You are pregnant!" Sophie exclaimed, her eyes widening with excitement.I froze, the words hanging in the air like an unwelcome guest. "I don’t think she was supposed to hear that," Fatima said in a dull tone, staring at Bella's mother, who looked as if she had just seen a ghost.I mentally facepalmed, feeling a rush of anxiety. "Yeah, me too," I replied with a sigh."Oh, shit...well, now she knows. But seriously!" Sophie said, covering her mouth with a smile, her excitement uncontainable despite the awkward situation.All I could think about was how Jake was going to totally murder me for letting that slip. But deep down, a part of me felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. Bella’s mother now knew I was carrying Jake’s baby, not her daughter’s. The feeling of having something to hold over her was exhilarating, as if I had just won the lottery. Watching her reaction was almost worth the chaos that would undoubtedly follow. Bella's mother blinked twice, her shock quickly morphing into
"Let me go Sophie,they are going to kill him!" I shouted at her as she held me back. I wanted to save him but they wouldn't let me!"So what! You want me to let you get yourself killed along with him!Really Prisca,are you even thinking straight right now," Sophie said in anger.I growled angrily at her,she didn't understand! " I can't let him die Sophie,you don't understand...I can't lose him." I said as warm tears gathered in my eyes" He wouldn't want you to rescue him Prisca and you know it. Especially now,you can't even control your magic. How do you expect to rescue him from a hundred werewolves?" she asked standing in my way.She was right I couldn't use my magic properly for some reason but I had to try. I couldn't just watch them burn him alive or rip him apart. I just couldn't do it, it would kill me. "I don't know, okay! However I do know one thing,Jake cannot die in front of me," I said taking a step forward "Would you listen to yourself Priscilla! You are pregnant and yo
"Father! Stop this!Tell them to stop!" Bella screamed as they held her back.Marcus looked a bit torn,as if he wanted to stop this but he was afraid his pride would be at risk. He growled as he watched his men get ripped apart, I knew he had lost this battle. Jake was something else now,he was stronger and unbeatable.Jake grinned at Marcus as he tossed a limb away,his mouth oozing out blood. "Just say the word Marcus!" he said out loud as another wolf attacked him. Before he could rip it's head off Marcus moved forward."Stop! You win! Just don't kill anymore of my men"Marcus said going down on his knees as a sign of defeat. I sighed in relief,no more deaths.Jake smirked as he dropped the huge werewolf onto the ground after punching it twice. "Good choice! I really thought I was going to have to kill you too. Good thing it didn't come to that or maybe it should" he said as he grabbed Marcus's neck gripping it tightly."No please don't kill him,please Jake!" Bella cried out as she ap
"You do know that they’re going to try and kill her now, right? They’ll find every way possible to get rid of that baby!" Sophie’s eyes were sharp with warning as she looked at Jake, pressing the seriousness of the situation.I sighed as I rose from the bed. We were back in our room now; Sophie had insisted on speaking to us both before heading to bed herself. "I think it was bound to happen, Sophie. Better for them to hear the news straight from their king than through rumors," I said, keeping my tone steady, though I felt my nerves fraying."I understand that," she replied, "but it would have been better for this news to reach the people only after the pregnancy had gone through a few more moons. Maybe even eight whole moons. The risk would have been so much less." She held my gaze, her eyes full of genuine concern, and I suppressed another sigh because she was right. I could sense that she wanted to protect me, but she knew the reality as much as I did.Jake’s face hardened, his ey
"How much is this?" I asked the old lady selling beautiful jewellery.She smiled at me as she held the piece up for me to see clearly. I have spent fifteen minutes exploring and I could tell that I loved Avalon so much. The people were actually nice,maybe things would have been so much better if nobody really knew what I was."Just four dollars and ninety nine cents."she said I searched my my pockets for some money and grinned when I found a five dollar note. "Here,thank you" I handed her the money and she placed the golden necklace in my palm."Oh no,thank you!"she said with a genuine smile that made her brown eyes sparkle.I nodded with a smile stuck on my face. The village town was so lovely with so many different people doing something to make some money. There were market places almost at every corner. My wolf was so happy being free and happy among her own kind. I could feel how content she was just watching everyone go around doing something with their lives.My stomach suddenl
"I think she is awake" a male voice whispered beside me"Get the water,hurry!" a female voice said harshly.I let my eyes flatter open as my heart began to race,I had been kidnapped at the restaurant.I groaned as the sudden light invaded my eyes blinding me little. "Relax she wolf,we are not going to hurt you" the lady from the restaurant said with a sigh.She looked older that thirty with green eyes and red curly hair. My hands quickly felt my stomach,I sighed as I felt the big baby bump "What did you give to me!" I said with a growl"It was just a small amount of RAA just to weaken you and get you to sleep in an instant.Nothing harmful for you or the baby" she explained I growled at her, "So why did you kidnap me? What do you want from me? The Alpha will kill you when he finds out and he will find out""I am sorry about this but it had to be done for your own good.I am a witch as well from the Hidden Coven,remember the coven that you are forgetting so easily because you suddenly ha
"Give me your hand,I am going to cut your palm just a little bit for some blood.The spell is going to need your blood for it to work." Selena said with a blank face. I nodded my head and gave her my hand. Tim gave me a wink as he smiled at me nodding his head, it made me feel better but I was still a little bit scared. This was my very first spell and it required me getting hurt just for me to find my jerk of a mate.I felt a sharp sting as Selena cut my right palm with a sharp golden blade,she squeezed my palm in a silver goblet and I watched painfully as my blood poured into the goblet slowly.After she felt like it was enough she handed me a white clean cloth to cover my palm that was already healing due to my fast healing abilities.Tim handed her a map as Shawn lit three candles,a white candle,a purple candle and a green candle."The map is going to help your mate to find you,it will direct him and the candles are for protection. Whenever you make a spell you must make sure you are
The pack was a storm of activity. People hurried through the halls, warriors arming themselves with blades and armor, and the air buzzed with tension. The commotion pulled me from my restless thoughts, and I stepped out into the corridor, catching snippets of conversation. “Alpha Jake is preparing to leave,” someone murmured. “A neighboring pack has been attacked.” I frowned, unease curling in my stomach. Why was I so bothered by this? He was an Alpha; of course, he had responsibilities beyond these walls. Still, the thought of him leaving, of stepping into danger, made my chest tighten. “Keep it together,” I muttered under my breath. “Why should you care? He despises you.” But my wolf stirred restlessly, her voice echoing in my mind. 'He’s our mate. He shouldn’t go.'“Stop it,” I whispered fiercely. “That’s not possible. He’s not my mate. He had a mate.” 'He is. You know it.'I shook my head, trying to push the thought away, but it clung to me like a stubborn shadow. I fo
The knock on my door came just as I was attempting to gather my thoughts. My heart was still racing from the storm of emotions that had overtaken me last night in the shower. Jake’s possessiveness, his touch, his kiss… it haunted me in ways I didn’t want to admit. I took a deep breath, smoothed my hair, and opened the door. Sophie stood there, her usual warm smile faltering slightly as she studied my face. “Ayla? Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” I lied quickly, plastering on the most convincing smile I could manage. Her brow furrowed, but she didn’t push. “If you say so. But listen, I have a favor to ask. Could you watch the twins tonight? I have a few things I need to take care of, and they’ve been restless lately. They might sleep better with you.” The thought of being with Lily and Logan brought an instant wave of comfort. “Of course,” I said, my smile more genuine this time. “I’d love to.” Sophie’s shoulders relaxed, and she gave me a grateful nod. “Thank you, Ayla. You’re r
I was up early, as always, feeding the twins their breakfast. Lily sat in her highchair, grinning as she smeared oatmeal on her face, while Logan banged his spoon against the table like he was conducting a symphony. “Are you trying to give me a headache, Logan?” I teased, wiping a bit of oatmeal off his cheek. He gurgled in response, and Lily burst into giggles. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the dining room. I didn’t mind these moments; in fact, I cherished them. Taking care of these little ones felt natural, like I’d been doing it forever. Jake, on the other hand, sat silently at the head of the table, sipping his coffee. His presence filled the room, commanding without trying, but his attention wasn’t on us. He seemed to be lost in his own world. I hesitated as I glanced his way, trying to summon the courage to say what was on my mind. The tension between us had been unbearable since the training field… and that spark. My wolf
The spark haunted me. It was such a small thing—just a brush of hands—but the shock it sent through me lingered, refusing to let me forget. The last time I’d felt anything like that was when I met Ashton. The realization made my stomach churn. It wasn’t possible. Jake had a mate, and I’d had a mate. The universe didn’t just go around handing out second chances like party favors. “Get a grip, Ayla,” I muttered to myself, pacing my room. But the memory of Jake’s gray eyes, wide with confusion, kept replaying in my mind. I couldn’t make sense of it, and the more I thought about it, the more my head spun. I flopped onto the bed, groaning. “Just let it go.” And I decided to do exactly that. I would focus on the twins, settle into this new life, and leave the spark in the past where it belonged. The next morning, I resolved to shake off the weirdness by doing something productive. The pack grounds were alive with activity as I stepped outside, the crisp air invigorating me. I’
I was starting to learn that the packhouse was always buzzing with activity. From warriors training to the kitchen staff bustling about, there was never a dull moment. Sophie had insisted on giving me a tour of the pack today, and while I was nervous, I couldn’t deny a flicker of excitement at the chance to see more of the place.“Ready for your grand debut?” Sophie teased as I joined her in the foyer. She had Logan balanced on her hip, and Lily was securely strapped to her chest in a carrier.“I wouldn’t call it a debut,” I muttered, adjusting the light jacket I’d thrown over my shoulders. “It’s more like... a soft introduction.”Sophie grinned. “Call it whatever you want. You’ll do great.”As we stepped outside, the sun bathed the pack’s grounds in a warm glow. Wolves of all ages were scattered around, either training or chatting in groups. Some paused to look our way, offering curious glances or polite nods.“They’re already warming to you,” Sophie whispered, nudging me.I smiled a
I woke the next morning to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. The packhouse felt quieter now, the hum of the previous night’s celebrations replaced by a calm stillness. As I stretched, my thoughts lingered on the twins. Their small hands, their innocent giggles—they’d made me feel something I hadn’t felt in years. But the Alpha... Jake. He was a puzzle I couldn’t piece together. His coldness was a shield, a barrier so firmly in place it felt like a tangible wall between us. I wasn’t naive. Losing his mate must’ve broken him in ways I couldn’t fathom, but his indifference toward me stung more than I cared to admit. I needed coffee. Badly. Sliding out of bed, I threw on a hoodie and leggings and made my way downstairs. The kitchen in the packhouse was massive, with sleek countertops and polished appliances that gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the windows. I figured I’d sneak in, grab my coffee, and retreat back to my room unnoticed. But, of course, nothin
The morning sun streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. For a moment, I lay there, cocooned in the unfamiliar bed, hoping the events of the previous day had been a bizarre dream. But the ache in my chest and the distant murmur of voices beyond my door confirmed otherwise. This was real—I was the new Luna of this pack. The idea still felt foreign, like trying to wear shoes a size too small.I rolled out of bed, my hair a tangled mess again despite Sarah’s efforts yesterday. My thoughts wandered to her, no doubt thrilled to have me out of her house. She’d sent over my clothes early this morning, which had been neatly hung in the spacious walk-in closet. My stepmother’s eagerness to see me gone still gnawed at me. Why had she been so insistent? Was it just her usual disdain for me, or was there something more?Don’t overthink it, Ayla, I told myself as I pulled on a simple white blouse and dark jeans. Today was the introduction ceremony—another step in thi
The car ride to the packhouse felt like a funeral procession, slow and suffocating. My stepmother, Sarah, sat beside me, preening as if *she* were about to be named Luna. She’d spent the entire morning fussing over me, brushing out my wild hair until it gleamed and forcing me into a pale blue dress that clung too tightly to my figure. “You look fine,” she said, not glancing up from her phone. “Just...try not to embarrass me when we get there.” I bit back a retort, my hands clenching in my lap. It wasn’t worth arguing. Nothing ever was with her. When we arrived, the packhouse loomed ahead, its stone facade both grand and imposing. There was something about it—something that made my pulse quicken. I couldn’t explain it, but as soon as I stepped out of the car, a strange sensation washed over me, like I belonged here. Then, the voice came. “Protect them.”It was clear as day, ringing in my head like a bell. I froze, my breath hitching. “What are you doing?” Sarah snapped, her
AYLA'S POVI watched from the window as Jonas and Lydia walked down the driveway, their figures fading into the soft glow of twilight. My stepmother, Sarah, stood at the doorway, waving them off with that practiced, sugary smile she always wore around guests. The moment the car disappeared, the smile dropped, and I knew what was coming. The only thing Sarah hated more than me staying in her house was the burden I represented. My father had died just a few months ago, and already, she was itching to be rid of me. “Ayla,” she called, her voice thin and edged with impatience. I stayed silent, gripping the edge of the curtain. How had it come to this? How had my life unraveled so completely? It wasn’t like I didn’t know. I’d been cursed—or at least, that’s what everyone whispered behind my back. The day I met Ashton was supposed to have been the happiest day of my life. I remembered it like it was yesterday. --- --- ---It was the Jacaranda Festival, the streets alive with mus