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
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
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
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 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
**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