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
The morning air carried the usual bustle of the packhouse, and yet, I felt on edge. Ever since Jake marked me, my emotions had been a storm. The bond was a constant hum in the back of my mind, connecting me to him in ways I didn’t fully understand. And while Sophie was her usual cheerful self, others—like Fatima—seemed to be watching me with something closer to disdain.I couldn’t quite blame her. She’d been so close to Priscilla, the former Luna, and now I was here, unasked for and unwanted, wearing a title that clearly didn’t sit well with her.Still, I had to try.Carrying a basket of herbs, I stepped into the kitchen, determined to help prepare breakfast for the pack. Maybe contributing would show them that I wasn’t here to replace anyone—that I only wanted to help.Fatima stood by the counter, chopping vegetables with a precision that bordered on aggression. Her eyes flicked to me briefly before returning to her task.“Good morning,” I said, forcing a smile.Her response was a lo
**Chapter: Tammy’s Web of Lies** *Tammy’s Perspective* The moment Ayla caught me in that heated argument with my father, I knew she’d be a thorn in my side. She had this annoying habit of acting like some self-righteous savior, trying to fix things she didn’t understand. How could she possibly help me? She didn’t know what my life had been like, what I’d endured, or what I still had to endure to survive. I didn’t need her pity. And I certainly didn’t need her poking around where she didn’t belong. The next morning, I woke up determined to avoid her at all costs. Ayla had this relentless energy about her—like a dog with a bone. She just wouldn’t let things go. I could already feel her judging eyes on me, her pity oozing from every glance. As I stepped out of my room, there she was, hovering in the kitchen. Of course, she had made breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon—the whole shebang. “Good morning, Tammy,” she said brightly, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “I thought y
The peacefulness of the past couple of days felt like a distant memory when Tammy and her father returned. From the moment they stepped through the door, the air in the packhouse shifted. Tammy, who usually made an entrance with her over-the-top outfits and obnoxious attitude, seemed subdued. Her shoulders were hunched, her eyes downcast, and she barely said a word to anyone. At first, I thought I was imagining it. After all, it wasn’t like Tammy to be quiet. But as the day wore on, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Late in the afternoon, I walked past one of the side hallways and heard raised voices. “You’re useless!” Joseph’s deep, menacing tone cut through the air. “Do you think this is a joke? You’re failing, Tammy. Again.” I froze, my heart pounding. His voice was so harsh it made my stomach churn. “I-I’m trying,” Tammy stammered, her voice shaking. “I’ll do better, I swear.” “Trying?” Joseph sneered. “Trying isn’t good enough. Do you know how much
For the first time in what felt like forever, the house was quiet. Tammy and her father had left early in the morning to deal with some family issue, and the atmosphere had shifted dramatically. The usual tension that clung to the walls like a fog had dissipated, leaving behind a rare sense of peace. I stood in the kitchen, sipping my tea and enjoying the stillness. The twins were playing in the other room, their laughter echoing softly down the hall. It felt like a normal day, something I hadn’t experienced in ages. Jake walked in, shirtless and freshly showered, his dark hair still damp and tousled. I nearly choked on my tea. “Morning,” he said gruffly, heading straight for the fridge. “Good morning,” I replied, my voice a little higher than I intended. He grabbed a bottle of water and leaned against the counter, his piercing gaze settling on me. “What’s with the look?” “What look?” I asked, quickly averting my eyes. Jake smirked, taking a sip of his water. “You’re sta
The morning started quietly, almost too quietly. The twins were playing in their room, and I had some rare time to myself. I stood in the kitchen, sipping on tea while I planned the day ahead. The warmth of the tea and the soft morning light through the window made me feel at ease, a feeling I hadn’t had in a long time. Jake had left for his early training, and I knew the twins would be bouncing off the walls soon. They had energy to burn, and Jake suggested we spend the day outdoors—a play day, as he called it. I wasn’t sure what a "play day" entailed, but I was eager to see the twins happy and carefree. A soft giggle floated down the hall, followed by Logan’s unmistakable attempt at a word that sounded like “doggy.” It was his new obsession. I made my way to their room, leaning on the doorframe as I watched Lily try to climb onto Logan’s bed. She wasn’t very successful, but Logan’s laughter filled the room, encouraging her to keep trying. “Lily, careful,” I said softly. Sh
AYLA’S POVThe day started like any other, a routine that I was slowly getting used to despite the chaos Tammy brought into our lives. Breakfast had been quiet, surprisingly so, with Tammy nowhere in sight. It was almost peaceful, with Sophie cracking jokes and Fatima teasing Jake about his brooding expression. Even the twins were in good spirits, giggling and smearing jam all over their faces. By the time lunch rolled around, the quiet had lulled me into a false sense of security. Tammy, however, made her grand reappearance, striding into the dining room like she owned the place. But something was off. "Good afternoon," she said, her voice unusually soft. Her gaze swept across the room, lingering on each of us as she offered a small smile. Fatima blinked. Sophie froze mid-sip of her drink. I just stared, waiting for the punchline. "Tammy," Jake said evenly, setting his glass down. "You’re late." "I know," Tammy said, her tone surprisingly humble. "And I wanted to apologiz
TÀMMY'S POVThe morning sun streamed through the dining room windows, bathing the room in a golden glow. The smell of fresh coffee and buttered toast filled the air, but I barely tasted the food on my plate. My appetite had disappeared the moment I woke up, replaced by the lingering sting of last night’s humiliation. Jake. That arrogant, stubborn man had dismissed me in front of the entire pack. And Ayla—oh, that omega witch—she had stood there looking smug, basking in the Alpha’s undeserved loyalty. I stabbed my fork into a piece of fruit with more force than necessary, ignoring the curious glances from a few workers clearing the table. Let them look. Let them whisper. Soon, they’d see me as their Luna, and their pathetic opinions wouldn’t matter anymore. “Miss Tammy, would you like more juice?” one of the servants asked timidly. “No,” I snapped, pushing my chair back with a loud scrape. The girl flinched, and I felt a flicker of satisfaction. At least someone still knew how
It was one of those days where I couldn’t seem to catch a break. Tammy had been hovering around Jake like a bad smell since breakfast, which wasn’t unusual, but today she seemed especially determined to cause trouble. I could feel it in the way her fake smile lingered a little too long and how her sugary tone had an underlying sharpness. Still, I tried to ignore her. If I let her get to me, she’d win, and I refused to give her that satisfaction. By mid-afternoon, I found myself in the library, organizing books that I didn’t even read just to keep my hands busy and my mind clear. It was peaceful, a rare sanctuary away from Tammy and her relentless drama. That peace was shattered when Sophie burst into the room, her face pale. “Ayla, you need to come to the main hall. Now.” I frowned, closing the book in my hands. “What’s going on?” “It’s Tammy,” Sophie said, her voice tight. “She’s—ugh, just come. You need to see this.” My stomach dropped. Tammy and her antics were never
It started with Fatima barging into my room like she owned the place, which wasn’t unusual. What was unusual was the manic look on her face. “She’s doing it again,” she announced, hands on her hips. I blinked at her, groggy from the nap I’d been enjoying. “Doing what?” “Being Tammy,” Fatima said, like that explained everything. It kind of did. “Ugh.” I rubbed my face and sat up. “What now?” Fatima pointed dramatically toward the hallway. “She’s in the kitchen. Again. She’s trying to tell Sophie how to ‘properly’ bake cookies. And—oh, you’re going to love this—she called her ‘sweetheart.’” I groaned. “Oh no.” “Oh yes,” Fatima replied, grinning now. “It’s about to go down.” Sophie was a saint, but there were limits to her patience. And Tammy? Tammy didn’t just push those limits—she drop-kicked them into oblivion. I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. “Let’s go before Sophie strangles her and we have to hide the body.” Fatima and I made our way to the kitchen, where
The day started off relatively quiet, which in this packhouse was almost suspicious. Tammy was nowhere to be seen for most of the morning, and for the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe without wanting to punch someone. The twins were playing happily in the garden, Sophie was organizing something in the kitchen, and I was curled up on the couch with a book, savoring the peace. Of course, it couldn’t last. By mid-afternoon, Tammy made her grand appearance. She had changed outfits—again—into something that could barely be classified as clothing. A tight red dress clung to her like a second skin, the neckline plunging so low it was practically indecent. She sauntered into the room as if she owned the place, her eyes scanning for Jake. When she didn’t find him, she pouted dramatically and turned her attention to me. “Where’s the Alpha?” she asked, her voice sugary sweet, though the venom underneath was impossible to miss. I didn’t look up from my book. “Busy.” Tam