**Sophie’s Perspective**Lunch was an unusually quiet affair, save for the occasional clinking of silverware against plates. Normally, there would be chatter between Fatima and me, or perhaps one of Jake’s dry remarks that I’d have to counter with a sarcastic quip. But today, the tension at the table was so thick it could’ve suffocated me.I sat there, absently picking at my salad, my phone clutched tightly in my other hand. My thumb hovered over Ayla’s name on the screen. Her last text was two days ago, nothing special, just a quick note about how the twins had been extra fussy. Since then? Silence. “Come on, Ayla,” I muttered under my breath, sending yet another message. **“Hey, are you okay? Call me ASAP.”** No reply. I sighed, my heart heavy with worry. It was unlike Ayla not to respond to me. We always replied to each other, no matter how busy things got. And her phone—it had been going straight to voicemail every time I’d tried calling. Jake sat across from me, looking f
**Alpha Jake’s Perspective**I didn’t ask Sophie what was wrong when she stormed back into the house after leaving so dramatically earlier. I didn’t need to. She always wore her emotions on her sleeve, and right now, the worry written all over her face was obvious enough to annoy me. I looked back at the documents on my desk, the words blurring together as I tried to focus. But something tugged at me—something I didn’t like to acknowledge. Ayla. Damn it. “What’s the problem?” I asked finally, my voice as calm and indifferent as I could manage. Sophie froze for a moment in the doorway, then turned to face me, her lips pressing into a tight line. “You mean besides the fact that you kicked Ayla out and made her the council’s public enemy number one?” I set my pen down and fixed her with a cold stare. “If you’re here to lecture me, save your breath.” Sophie rolled her eyes and threw her hands up. “I went to check on her, Jake. She wasn’t there.” I frowned, leaning back in
The darkness in the basement was so absolute that it felt like it swallowed me whole. I couldn’t see anything anymore—not the faint cracks in the old concrete walls or the rusty pipes that lined the ceiling. All I had left was the sound of my own shallow breaths and the aching in my throat. I’d lost track of time. Hours? Days? I didn’t know anymore. My lips were dry, so cracked they stung with every inhale. The weight of the chains around my wrists and ankles seemed heavier now, pressing me into the cold stone floor. I tried not to think about water. Or food. Or escape. But gods, the thirst. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth as I let my head fall back against the wall. The small gesture made me dizzy. How long had I been down here? How long before my body gave up and I joined my father? Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad—maybe it would finally stop hurting. I closed my eyes, wishing for just a second of peace, but the sound of footsteps pulled me from my haze. Slow, deliberate s
AYLA'S POV I couldn’t remember the last time I felt warm. The damp, cold cell pressed against my skin like a second layer of punishment, seeping into my bones. My body was weak, trembling from the lack of food and water. I had stopped crying hours—or was it days?—ago. Time was meaningless in this prison, the darkness swallowing every second and replacing it with an endless stretch of misery. Steve hadn’t been here in what felt like an eternity. Neither had my stepmother. At first, I had rejoiced in their absence. No sneering remarks, no threats. But now, I wondered if their silence meant something worse. Perhaps they had forgotten about me. Perhaps I would die here, alone, unloved, and unwanted. I slumped against the wall, my energy all but spent. My wrists ached from the shackles, and the rough stone bit into my back. My wolf had gone silent, her strength buried too deep for me to reach. “I can’t do this anymore,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I’m done. I don’t
Days passed in the pack house, each one colder than the last. Jake hadn’t spoken to me since he brought me back, his stoic walls firmly in place. When I tried to find him, he was always busy, shuffling between meetings or disappearing into his office with a curt “not now.” The bond between us, once a thread of warmth and potential, now felt like a frayed rope. Worse, whispers followed me wherever I went, quiet murmurs that cut like knives. “She’s just an omega. What does she know about being a Luna?” “She can’t even protect herself.” “Jake deserves better.” I tried to ignore them, but their words clung to me, festering in the quiet moments when I was alone. The pack, which had once welcomed me with open arms, now seemed to regard me with suspicion. My presence in the halls was met with polite nods, not the warmth I’d grown used to. Even Fatima had grown distant. She was always quick to make excuses—“I’m busy, Ayla. I’ll come find you later”—but she never did. I spent mos
The morning light streamed through the windows of the packhouse, warming the cool wooden floors beneath my feet. I sat curled up in an oversized chair by the large glass windows, my knees pulled to my chest as I stared out at the forest beyond. The pack was awake and bustling—warriors training, young pups playing, omegas moving through their chores—but it felt as though I were on the outside looking in. Jake had left this morning without so much as a word. “Pack business,” one of the warriors had said casually when I’d asked where he’d gone. Those two words haunted me now, echoing in my mind. Jake had a way of disappearing whenever things got complicated between us, like avoiding me was easier than facing whatever this was. Whatever *I* was. I sighed and rested my chin on my knees. I wasn’t angry—not really. I understood why he might need space after everything that had happened. But that didn’t stop the ache in my chest or the tiny voice in my head whispering that I didn’t belo
I still couldn’t move. My legs felt like lead, and my chest ached like I’d been punched. Joseph’s words echoed in my head on a vicious loop: *“You don’t belong here.”* My ears were still ringing with the sound of Tammy’s bags hitting the floor as she moved into the packhouse like she owned the place. This couldn’t be real. This couldn’t be happening. Around me, murmurs had broken out among the pack members. I could hear them whispering, the words sharp and cutting as they floated through the air. “An omega? Really?” “She lied about who she was. Joseph’s right—this pack deserves better.” “This is embarrassing for all of us. The other packs will laugh at us.” I swallowed hard, trying to block it all out, but the words dug into me like shards of glass. My vision blurred as tears threatened to spill, but I refused to cry. Not here. Not now. Tammy was still standing in the center of the room, a picture of smug perfection. Her golden hair caught the light from the chandelier a
I sat on the edge of the couch, silently seething as Tammy barked yet another order at the packhouse staff. This girl was a nightmare incarnate, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could sit here and watch her act like she owned the place. “Is it really that hard to get a cup of tea *hot*?” Tammy snapped, holding up the porcelain cup like it was contaminated. “This is lukewarm. Disgusting. Take it back.” The young omega standing in front of her flushed crimson, clutching the tray nervously. “I-I’m sorry, Miss. I’ll fix it right away.” “Fix it?” Tammy scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. “You can’t fix *incompetence*. Get out of my sight.” The poor girl fled the room, her head bowed low. I had to grip the cushion of the couch tightly to stop myself from launching off it and grabbing Tammy by her perfectly curled blonde hair. Fatima, standing next to me with her arms crossed, muttered under her breath, “If I have to stand here and tolerate this girl for another hour, I’m goi
**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