H E R AThe mere idea of never baking again makes me feel down. Baking, along with my children, is what brings me joy. It helped me get through tough times when I was a new mom with two crying newborns.They would sleep, but I couldn't, so I turned to baking to calm my mind and emotions. It was something just for me, not involving my kids.I know it sounds awful, but there was a moment when I resented them. I was depressed, crying every night. I didn't want to get out of bed when they cried. If they cried, I cried. I felt lost as a mom, wanting to give up.I hated that I felt like they took something from me. Even in that hate, I still loved them. It was a conflicting feeling, but baking gave me something for myself. It helped me heal, and eventually, my babies healed me too.My mental state improved, and I realized I only needed myself and my twins. My phone interrupts my thoughts, reminding me to pick up Addison and Aiden from daycare.Have I been cleaning for that long? Where did t
T H O M A SI need to keep my cool. The kids can’t know that I’m ready to set this city on fire if anything happens to their mother.As I park in front of the bakery, I reach for my gun, but Gelo stops me.“I can handle this, Thomas. You stay with the kids.”“No. If something happens, I want to be the one to find Hera,” I say quietly. “Take them for ice cream. Be back in twenty minutes, no longer. Got it?”“Sure thing.” He glances at the kids in the rearview mirror. “Who wants ice cream?”“I do! I do!”“Me too!”Their excitement is contagious, but my worry remains. I step out of the car, and the kids protest.“Mr. Thomas, you’re not coming?”“I wish I could, Aiden, but I need to help your mom with the bags. Everyone is coming to stay with me for a bit. Sound good?”“Yay! A sleepover!” Addison cheers.That's right. So Gelo is going to get you some ice cream, and I'm going to assist your mom in getting ready.""Alright. Bye, Mr. Thomas.""See you soon." I shut the door and quickly made
T H O M A SThe ride is quiet, but not uncomfortable. I reach back and place my hand on her leg to stop it from bouncing, and she lets out a long breath to relax.When we arrive at the iron gates of my estate, Gelo presses a button on the wheel and they open. I guess my taste leans more towards Victorian Gothic when it comes to describing my home. The estate looks like a small stone castle from the outside, but the interior is very modern and up-to-date.“Oh my goodness. I'm going to be a princess!” Addison kicks her little legs as she gazes out the window. “Mommy, Mommy! Look.” Addison points to the tower.It really does resemble the ones in Disney movies.“You're already a princess,” Hera says.I rest my elbow on the middle console as Gelo pulls around to the front. “I want extra security. I want someone to check the security system in her building too. I need answers.”“You got it,” Gelo replies as we both step out of the car simultaneously.I open the back door and help Ad
H E R AThe children are finally asleep, and we quietly close each door except for the one connecting their rooms. They've always shared a room, so I doubt it will be as easy for them as they think. They'll miss the bunk beds, I'm sure of it."Hey, where's my room?" I tease Thomas, fully aware of his response but wanting to play with him a bit. I want to confess tonight. I want to tell him the truth about Addison and Aiden being his.I can't believe he hasn't noticed. They resemble him so much. You'd think it would be obvious, especially with the timing and those green eyes.Sometimes, I feel like tapping him on the back of his head to knock some sense into him. It's amusing when I think about it.His laugh is tinged with sarcasm as he leans in, trapping me against the wall. His arm rests near my head, and he leans closer, his nose almost touching mine while his hand rests on my hip. "You're cute if you think you're not staying in my room," he murmurs, his voice low enough to s
H E R AWe collapse onto the bed, consumed by our passionate kiss. Time seems to slip away as we explore each other's bodies, our tongues dancing in sync. I never want this moment to end."I won't let you slip away from me again," he whispers, his lips trailing down my chest until he takes a nipple into his mouth."Slip away?" I manage to question, surprised by his words.He continues his descent, planting kisses on my stomach and gently pressing his lips against my scar. His hands grip my waist as he positions himself above me. With a knee, he spreads my legs and settles into a comfortable position."I won't miss another pregnancy. I want to be by your side every step of the way. I want to experience it all with you, just like we should have five years ago. I have so much lost time to make up for, and I can't wait any longer," he says, guiding himself to my entrance. "You're already so wet for me. Did you keep this pussy safe for me? Is it all mine?"I nod, teasing my nipples between
T H O M A SI wake up to the sensation of warmth surrounding my manhood. Blinking away the sleep, I eagerly look down to see my gorgeous partner pleasuring me with her lips. I pull the blanket away to reveal her, and she looks up at me with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. My cock glistens with her saliva as she releases her grip, and I let out a satisfied hiss."I was wondering when you were going to wake up," she teases, playful kissing the tip."I hope you haven't been down there for too long, or I might have to punish myself," I joke.She chuckles and gives the base of my cock a gentle squeeze. "Just a minute or so. You were already hard for me, so I couldn't resist.""I was dreaming about you doing exactly this to me. Must be my lucky day." I wipe my thumb across her swollen, red lips from her passionate sucking."I don't know..." she swirls her finger around the head, causing me to groan. "I think it might be mine." She leans down, wrapping her tongue around me like I'm her fa
T H O M A SI grab my towel and quickly dry myself off before selecting a pair of sweatpants. It's been a while since I've worn them, but today feels like the perfect day to relax with my family—my kids. I really want to spend some quality time with them today. The last thing on my mind is work. I have people to take care of that for me."Thank you," she whispers, her eyes fixed on a stunning emerald gown adorned with real emerald gems along the neckline. "Wow. What's the occasion?""Well, in my line of work, there are always charity events, balls, and galas to attend. It's a great way to network and stay connected in the world of union. I can't wait to see you in that dress," I reply, slipping on a plain blue t-shirt. "And I can't wait to make love to you while you're wearing it.""I guess you better hurry up and get me in that dress then," she teases, dropping her towel and giving me a view that any man would dream about.She puts on a pair of leggings that cling to her curves, and
H E R AI never thought life could get any better than it has been for the past six weeks. Thomas has formed such a strong bond with the kids, a connection that only a father and his children can have.It brings me so much joy. However, we haven't revealed the truth to our pups about Thomas being their father. I'm not sure why I'm hesitating. I think I'm waiting for something bad to happen. I'm afraid that if I tell them, they'll be overjoyed, only for something to go wrong later on.Perhaps Thomas will change his mind and leave me all alone again. It's not fair to live like that. It's not fair to Thomas either. I should be better than that for him.He deserves to have the kids know the truth, but how do I overcome this fear of being abandoned once more?If Thomas decided to have nothing to do with us, it wouldn't just devastate the kids. I can't figure out if my instincts are telling me to run away or take a leap of faith. Everything feels uncertain because I did the one thing, I pro
One year later…T H O M A SAfter the celebration of our wedding anniversary.I only last one hour before I steal my wife away from everyone. One day without her, and now I need her all to myself.“There are still guests, love,” says Hera mischievously.“I told them to leave.”“Oh my God!” Her eyes widen in shock and I shrug.“I want to fuck my wife,” I huskily growl. “And they don’t need to hear you scream my name.”Her friends have already left so I don’t stop myself from carrying her in my arms bridal style to our bedroom. Our room looks like a bridal suite with the candles lit on the bedside while rose petals cover the bedspread. Hera’s eyes darken with lust while a blush covers her rosy cheeks.Carefully placing her on her feet, I tug her head back with her hair in my fist and smash my mouth against hers. I tilt her face back before pushing my tongue past her lips in a hard kiss. She moans and I swallow the sound greedily while pressing her body into mine.Her eyelids fall open
T H O M A SIt's been a while since we returned from that dimension. Time there felt like just an hour in the real world, even though we spent days in it. “I really don’t want to see that old lady again, Gelo,” I said. If I were my old self, I would’ve kicked her out of my territory without a second thought. But I promised Hera I wouldn’t be that cruel Thomas anymore. “Anything else on your mind?” Gelo asked as he set the plate down. I frowned. “You brought fruits for my wife, but you’re the one munching on them, you jerk.” Gelo laughed, standing up with a smirk. “Relax. I got hungry—” “What’s the situation at the border? How are the intruders?” Gelo shoved his hands in his pockets. “Some have been dealt with, but a few have already slipped into the territory. Don’t worry, the councils are on it. We just need a bit more time.” I nodded. This could’ve been avoided if it weren’t for that old woman. Hera is still in the hospital recovering. “Step out and check the campsit
K E I AMy knee slammed hard into his groin. The dress cushioned my effort, and all he did was grunt.“I’ll take that as a yes, pumpkin.”Gelo had me pinned between his arms and the wall.“Excuse me, sir, could you call security? I’m being kidnapped.”The elevator attendant was clever and kept his back to us.“Excuse me, sir?”He didn’t respond.“He’s not going to help you. I own everyone I want. You’re mine now. You agreed to marry me. That’s a verbal contract.”The stupid giant ruffle on my dress didn’t do much except amplify every breath I took. But the closer he got, the more my heart raced, and my breaths quickened… and oh, damn, my panties were soaked. Every time I thought I had my feelings under control, that I had pushed away the parts of me that wanted to be a girl and wanted love, this idiot found a way to break through.“Gelo Smith, Beta of the Dark Midnight Pack. We’ll revisit this ownership thing later. But about this proposal? I agreed under false pretenses. No dead guy
G E L O“You can tie the knot with me, and I promise I won’t ruin your life.”Damn, I really didn’t think that one through.“Did someone knock some sense out of you?” she asked.Honestly, that was a pretty good question.“This is the worst proposal ever, Gelo Smith.”I stepped closer, wanting to wrap my arms around her. It had been way too long since I’d held her.“Alright, how about this? Marry me, and I’ll take care of the jerk who hurt you.”She glanced at Prieto, probably looking for his approval. But what she said next completely threw me off.“Yes.”What the hell had I just done? Did she really say yes? All I could see was that scumbag standing between me and, well, everything. He was in the way of her. She meant the world to me. The thought of anyone else having her, especially treating her poorly? No one was allowed to touch her. But this?“Yes?” I repeated, because seriously, what had I just gotten myself into? I wasn’t the kind of guy who got married.I glanced back at the
Totally caught off guard, Aurora fought to keep Hera upright. Hera pushed against her with every bit of strength she could muster. Thomas shot his hand out. The knife slipped from Aurora’s grip and skated across the floor. Thomas stepped in, positioning himself between Hera and Aurora, his gaze locked on their foe. He raised his hand again, and a ball of fire appeared in his palm. Aurora stood her ground defiantly. Hera sensed Aurora’s grip on her loosening. Aurora smirked, a sneer spreading across her face. Hera’s gaze darted between her husband and Aurora. The flame flickered out. Thomas’s hands flew to his throat. When he dropped to his knees, Hera realized he was gasping for breath. “NO!” Aurora’s sinister laughter echoed through the room. Hera rushed to Thomas’s side.Her beautiful eyes, usually filled with warmth, were now wide with fear. Blood trickled from her neck onto his chest.Amber's voice became more urgent. “At this moment, summon the sacred power.”The fac
"Can you hear her?"She nodded. “She’s singing to drown out the other one. She’s scared I’ll talk to her and that Aurora will overhear. But she’s really scared.”He understood that, but hearing his youngest sister’s sobbing made him anxious to get moving.“The falls? Do you know which ones?”Amber shut her eyes and recited Hera’s song.“The woods are thick and deep around me. Lots of huge, tall trees. The cottage has an old thatched roof. The smoke will billow out in big black clouds.I can hear the stream close by. I need to sing this lullaby. Keep my baby safe inside of me, bring me help, oh please, please, please.”Amber squeezed her brother’s hand. “She keeps saying it over and over. Can I tell her you’re on your way?”“No. Don’t.” He smiled at her. “You’ve done enough, now get some sleep. I’ll bring her back before dinner.”He nodded to their mother and stepped out of the room.Outside, his father caught him. “Take more men with you.”I’m handling this on my own.Nolan grabbed hi
Hera came to, face down on a damp, musty floor. Her head throbbed painfully, and she could feel dried blood on the back of her neck.Her hands and feet were tied with rough rope, and a piece of cloth covered her eyes. A small opening at the bottom let in a sliver of light from a nearby fire.The room was filled with a sinister laughter that she recognized all too well.“Look what the cat dragged in.”Panic surged through her, and she fought against a wave of nausea. She could hardly forget that voice.“Aurora!”“Ah, so you remember my real name,” Aurora replied, a smirk in her tone.“What do you want from me?” Hera tried to push herself up.A heavy boot pressed her back down.“You’re not of much use to me now.”“That’s up for debate.” Aurora stepped away.But the boot remained, pinning her down. Lancaster!Hera strained to catch a glimpse of Aurora, but all she could see was a shadowy outline through the fabric.Aurora shot her a fierce look, tilting her head like she was weighing her
Meanwhile, Hera, taking charge of the household, was discussing dinner plans with Alice. She spent a lot of her day overseeing the servants, making sure they took down the tapestries for winter cleaning before the bad weather hit. Once everyone was busy with her tasks, she decided to try knitting to keep her hands occupied. She was more than happy to set it aside when young Jacob, Thomas’s squire, came in with news of a visitor. “Lady Morris, sorry to interrupt.”Matthew of Lancaster stood behind him.“No problem at all, Jacob. Sir Matthew, what brings you here? Were we expecting you?” Hera hadn’t heard anything about his visit, and a little alarm went off in her mind.“No, my lady. I was passing through when I encountered Lords Nolan and Gelo. There’s an issue.” He glanced around the room and lowered his voice. “A matter they need your help with.”Her earlier unease crept back. “What kind of issue?”“They asked me to bring you to them. They didn’t want me to disclose what I’ve see
Rumors started spreading around the Keep and made their way to the village. People began to whisper that Myra was suffering from a serious illness. Some even speculated that she had run off with one of the guys who came to the wedding.The buzz about Hera’s pregnancy helped to quiet some of the chatter about Myra. Still, the Morris family figured they should come up with a reason for Myra’s absence. No one knew how long she’d be gone, and pretending she was still around was wearing everyone out.One afternoon, Nolan was in the courtyard with Gelo, getting ready for their latest scheme.“She’s impossible! She turns down every suitor!” Nolan shouted.“Take it easy, Dad. Myra knows her own mind,” Gelo replied.“Whatever.” Nolan threw his hands up in frustration. “She doesn’t understand what’s best for her. Maybe a stay at the convent will give her the peace and time to think about my proposal.”“Are you sure about that?” Gelo’s voice was loud enough for the guards in the towers to hear.