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 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
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
The packhouse buzzed with news of Jake’s return before dawn, but it wasn’t the triumphant homecoming you’d expect from an Alpha. Instead, the whispers carried fragments of worry. Injured. Distant. Refusing medical help.I waited anxiously in the common area, pacing back and forth as the sun rose higher. I told myself it was because of the twins—that they’d missed their father. That was my excuse, anyway. When the heavy oak doors finally creaked open, the sight of him hit me harder than I expected. Jake strode in, tall and proud as ever, but his movements were stiff, his expression carved from stone. Blood smeared his shirt, and his left arm hung limply at his side. “Jake—” “Alpha,” he corrected coldly, his voice like a blade. The sharpness made me pause, but I squared my shoulders. “You’re hurt. Let me—” “I don’t need your help,” he snapped, brushing past me. I turned and followed him, frustration bubbling up. “You’re bleeding, Jake. This is ridiculous. At least let Sophie
The morning light spilled through the nursery windows, painting the room in soft gold. I sat cross-legged on the floor, Lily’s tiny hand in mine as she babbled away, a mess of syllables and giggles that made my heart swell. Logan was nearby, gnawing on a teething ring like it was his greatest nemesis. “They’re going to be geniuses,” I declared, ruffling Logan’s dark hair. “Just look at them. Babbling at six months? They’ll be discussing philosophy by the time they’re two.” Lily squealed, smacking my arm, and I laughed. As I turned to grab their favorite stuffed animals from the pile beside me, a prickle ran up my spine. That unmistakable sensation of being watched. Slowly, I glanced over my shoulder—and there he was. Jake. Leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, his sharp eyes fixed on me and the twins. For a moment, I froze, caught in the intensity of his gaze. But then, a smile tugged at my lips, and I gave him a little wave. Jake’s lips twitched like he was fighting
The day had been heavy from the start. The air in the packhouse carried a palpable tension, as if the walls themselves were mourning. Even the twins seemed subdued, their usual giggles replaced by soft coos as I played with them in the nursery. I had overheard Sophie earlier, speaking in hushed tones to Chris about the approaching anniversary of Priscilla’s death. That explained Jake’s mood—or, more accurately, the storm cloud hovering over him. I hated how his pain bled into everyone else’s lives, turning the warm packhouse into a place of icy silence. I couldn’t fix his grief, but I could try to lift the pack’s spirits, if only for a moment. So I busied myself in the kitchen, deciding to cook a feast for everyone. --- The dining table was a masterpiece by the time I was done. Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a rich berry tart sat in the center of the table. The twins were in their high chairs, babbling excitedly, and Sophie gave me a warm smile
ALPHA JAKE The first thing I noticed when I woke up that morning was her scent. It lingered everywhere. In the hallways, in the kitchen, even in my office. Sweet and maddening, like wild jasmine after a rainstorm. It clung to my clothes, settled in my mind, and refused to let me focus on anything else. Ayla. The second chance mate I never asked for. The second chance mate I didn’t deserve. I sat in my office, nursing my second glass of whiskey before the sun had even set. It wasn’t helping. It never did. The anniversary of Priscilla’s death loomed over me like a shadow, pulling me back to memories I fought to bury every single day. Her laugh, her scent, her touch—all of it had been mine, and then it was gone in a flash of blood and betrayal. And now, the Moon Goddess had the audacity to throw Ayla into my life. A woman who looked at me like I was something worth saving, who smiled as if the world hadn’t chewed her up and spat her out. I didn’t want her smiles.
AYLA'S POV When I woke up, the first thing I felt was the searing ache on my neck. The bond. The bond that wasn’t supposed to happen. I shot up in bed, my hand flying to the spot where Jake had marked me the night before. The skin was still tender, the faint impression of his teeth unmistakable. I groaned, running my fingers over it as flashes of last night flooded my mind—his lips, his growl, the way he’d claimed me with such primal certainty. I’d always thought being marked would feel magical, like a spark lighting my soul, but this? This was chaos, heat, and hunger. 'What have you done, Jake?' What had 'I' done? I stumbled out of bed, pulling my hair over my shoulder to cover the mark. Maybe no one would notice. Maybe it would all go away. But it wouldn’t, because I could feel him now. His emotions, his turmoil—it all pressed against my consciousness, as if a part of him had rooted itself inside me. Even though he was avoiding me, I could feel his tension
I didn’t sleep that night. Even after Jake had walked me back to my room, his touch still lingered on my skin, and my mind was a storm of emotions I couldn’t untangle. What had we done? What did it mean? I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my fingers grazing my lips, remembering the way he had kissed me in the lake. He had pulled me close. Held me like he didn’t want to let go. Kissed me like I was something more than just the woman forced into his life. But when we left the lake, he didn’t say much. He had been quiet, almost thoughtful, his gaze flickering toward me more times than I could count. I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but I was afraid of the answer. What if it meant nothing? What if it had just been the heat of the moment? I rolled over with a frustrated sigh. My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to shut off. Somehow, I must have dozed off at some point because when I opened my eyes, the room was bathed in soft morning light. I was still
The heat was unbearable. Even inside the packhouse, where the walls were thick and shaded, the air felt suffocating. Sweat clung to my skin, and I could feel my clothes sticking to me uncomfortably. The heatwave had settled over the territory like a thick, oppressive blanket, and it didn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon.Sophie had already declared war on the sun, dramatically flopping onto the couch and refusing to move, while Fatima had gone to the kitchen, attempting to make some kind of iced drink that wouldn’t melt within seconds. The twins were in their nursery, the coolest room in the house, surrounded by enchanted ice packs to keep them comfortable.I, however, was suffering.Standing by the open window, I fanned myself uselessly, hoping for a breeze that never came. My hair was damp at the nape of my neck, and my tank top and shorts felt like they were trapping the heat against my skin instead of providing any relief.“I swear, I’m melting,” Sophie groaned from the couch.
Jake's office was exactly what I expected—neat, organized, and painfully impersonal.The large wooden desk was stacked with reports and maps, the shelves lined with books and ledgers. The only thing that seemed remotely personal was a framed picture on the far wall. Even from here, I could tell it was of Prisca.I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to look away.Jake was already at his desk, flipping through a folder. "Close the door behind you."I did as he asked, stepping further into the room. "So, what’s the plan?"He didn’t look up. "We need to tighten security. I want to know how someone got past our patrols and drugged the guards."I crossed my arms. "That’s obvious. But do you have any leads on who’s behind this?"Jake finally met my gaze. "Nothing solid. But whoever it is, they’re getting bolder."A chill ran down my spine. "Then we don’t have time to waste."He nodded. "Which is why I want you to go over the patrol routes with me. I need a fresh set of eyes."
The room was quiet except for the soft, rhythmic breathing of the twins. The dim glow of the nightlight bathed everything in a warm, golden hue, making the moment feel strangely intimate. Jake was still standing close, his presence looming but not suffocating. For once, there was no tension, no sharp words or cold glares. Just him and me, existing in the same space without fighting it. I exhaled slowly, brushing my fingers through Lily’s soft curls. "I don’t think they’ll ever be truly safe, Jake." My voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "Not when someone out there wants them." Jake's jaw tensed, his arms still crossed as he stared down at the twins. "Then we make sure whoever’s after them never gets the chance to try again." The protectiveness in his voice sent warmth through me, but I quickly pushed it down. I had to focus on the bigger picture. I turned in my seat, looking up at him. "We still don’t know why they want them or who’s behind it." His gaze flickered to m
Jake’s thumb brushed against my cheek, slow and deliberate, as if memorizing the feel of my skin beneath his touch. My breath caught, my chest tightening with emotions I wasn’t ready to name.I could feel his warmth, his presence surrounding me, and for once, he wasn’t pulling away. He wasn’t running."Jake…" My voice came out softer than I intended, almost a whisper, as I met his eyes.He held my gaze, his expression unreadable, but I saw the battle waging inside him. The hesitation. The need. The conflict.For the first time, it felt like he was allowing himself to just be here with me, in this moment, without the weight of his past dragging him back.His fingers tightened slightly on my jaw, his body impossibly close to mine. "You make it hard to stay away."A shiver ran down my spine. "Then don’t."Something in his expression shifted, something raw and vulnerable flickering in his eyes before he exhaled heavily. "You don’t know what you’re asking for.""Yes, I do." My hand came up
The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I stretched slightly, feeling the warmth beside me before reality set in. Jake was still here. He hadn't left before I woke up like he usually did. My heart did an involuntary flip at the realization. I turned my head slowly, trying not to disturb him, and took in the sight of his face, relaxed in sleep. His usual stern expression was gone, and in its place was something softer, almost peaceful. I had seen him vulnerable only a few times, but never like this—so unguarded, so human. I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to reach out and brush my fingers along the sharp lines of his jaw. This was dangerous territory. Before I could think too much about it, his eyes fluttered open, dark and sharp, instantly alert. It was fascinating how quickly he transitioned from sleep to full awareness. "You’re staring." His voice was rough with sleep, deeper than usual. I felt the heat rise up my neck and imm
The man knelt in the center of the room, his face battered and streaked with blood. His shirt was torn, stained with sweat and fear. Behind him stood two of Alaric’s men, their grips firm, unyielding. And then there was Alaric. He stood before them, every inch the cold, untouchable king. His suit was immaculate, his presence suffocating. In his hands, he toyed with a sleek dagger, twirling it between his fingers like an afterthought. He didn’t speak immediately, letting the silence stretch unbearably thick. “so you think you can steal from me? ” Alaric’s voice was a death sentence, quiet but unwavering. The man trembled, his breathing ragged. “I-I swear, I didn’t take the money! I was framed, I-” The crack of Alaric’s palm against the man’s face echoed through the room. I flinched. The force of the slap sent the man’s head snapping to the side, blood trailing from his split lip. “I didn’t ask for excuses,” Alaric said, his tone calm, terrifying. “I asked if you knew why you were
I took a deep breath as I stood outside Jake’s office. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it might jump out of my chest. I had been waiting for this moment—to finally have a real conversation with him, to get everything out in the open. But now that I was here, an odd sense of hesitation filled me. Would he listen? Or would he just shut me out like he always did?No. I couldn’t afford to second-guess myself. Not now.I pushed the door open without knocking. He was sitting behind his desk, scribbling something on a piece of paper, his expression cold and distant. At the sound of the door opening, he looked up. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes—something I couldn’t quite place—before he masked it with his usual unreadable expression.“What is it?” he asked, his tone clipped and impatient.I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay strong. “We need to talk.”“I’m busy.”My nails dug into my palms. “Too bad. I’m not leaving until we
I wasn’t sure what startled me awake at first. My body felt heavy, my limbs sluggish, and the warmth of my blankets begged me to stay curled beneath them. But something was wrong. The air around me felt… charged. A presence lingered in my room, unseen but **felt**, and a whisper brushed against my ears. **"Ayla… wake up."** My breath hitched, and my eyes snapped open. The room was dim, only faint moonlight streaming through the window, but I knew I wasn’t alone. My heart pounded as I pushed myself up, scanning the shadows. **Prisca.** I had heard her before, always in my dreams. But this time was different. This wasn’t a dream. **"Wake up. The twins."** Panic gripped me. I threw off my blankets and ran. The hallway was eerily quiet, the only sound my hurried footsteps as I rushed toward Lily and Logan’s room. Dread settled deep in my stomach, a horrible premonition clawing at my chest. When I reached the door, my heart stopped. The guard. He was slumped against th