H E R A"Hera!" Dale's voice calls out from across the street. It's been ages since I last saw him, but my time has been consumed by Thomas and the kids."Hey, Dale!" I greet him with a side hug, although Thomas's grip on my hand remains firm. "Did you see what happened?""No, I was late opening the store because I had to check on my mom this morning. What the hell happened? Is Keia alright? Who would do this?" Dale asks, surveying the scene of destruction."I don't know, but I'm determined to find out." Thomas's icy green eyes lock onto Dale. "Whoever it was, better hope I don't catch them because nobody messes with my family.""Wait, you and Keia are related?" Dale kicks a piece of glass away with his shoe."No, but we're family because she's Hera's best friend. And anyone who messes with someone Hera cares about will have to deal with me.""I wouldn't want to be on your bad side. I've heard rumors that the bodies are never found," Dale chuckles, trying to brush it off, but Thomas r
T H O M A SAfter I dropped Hera off at the hospital and checked on Keia, I had to head to Club Zero. I've been focusing a lot on family lately, and Gelo has been helping out, but there are still things that need my attention. I need to make sure everything is running smoothly and see if any of my men have any updates on the bakery and coffee shop.“Logan.” I blow out a thick cloud of cigar smoke. “Take a seat.”Logan nods, looking a bit nervous as he wipes his palms on his jeans. He sits down and almost knocks over a twenty-thousand-dollar vase. “S-Sorry,” he stutters, quickly fixing the expensive object before it falls. “I didn’t mean to do that.”“Are you Feeling a bit jittery, Logan?” I ask, pouring myself a glass of sparkling water. “Do you Want some?”“Please,” he responds eagerly.Amused, I pour him a glass and hand it to him. He chugs half of it down and then lets out a burp.“I’m so sorry, Mr. Thomas. Excuse me.”I chuckle, relaxing in my seat and unbuttoning my jacket. “No n
T H O M A SI grab my phone and give Gelo a call. He's downstairs doing inventory. "Hey Gelo, I'll be gone for a few hours. I need to go see Hera.""No worries. I'll hold down the fort until you're back.""Thanks." I hang up, run my fingers through my hair, and start thinking about how I'm going to convince Hera that Dale is the enemy.Wait, was it Valir who tried to kidnap her the other day? I can't let her out of my sight. Hera and the kids need to be with me at all times. I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to them because I let my guard down.I make my way downstairs, lost in my thoughts, and head to the underground garage. I try calling Hera, but she doesn't answer. I pick up my pace, almost running to the car, and try calling her again.And again. Still no answer."Damn it, Hera. Where are you?" I don't bother buckling my seatbelt as I get in the car. I start the engine and speed out of the garage, leaving skid marks behind.Another car honks at me for cutting them of
H E R AIt's tough being in a house filled with good memories overshadowed by one bad one that tainted them all. It's ironic that I find myself back where it all began. I'm here with my kids, who my father blamed for ruining my life and kicking me out. And after taking a pregnancy test this morning, my suspicions were confirmed. I'm pregnant with Thomas's child. Again."Is this where you grew up, Mommy?" Addison asks, darting through the living room."Yes, this is it." Everything is draped in sheets, and as I pull them off the couch, I'm greeted by a cloud of dust. I cough and wave my hand in front of my face."It's huge." Aiden looks up at the ceiling with wide eyes."Are we going to live here now?" Addison questions, peering out the window."I believe so. I'll clean it up, and it'll be good as new. Your grandpa left all of this for us.""Is Thomas coming?" Aiden flops down on the couch."I... I'm not sure." I need some space from him. I can't pretend everything is fine knowing he's
H E R ADale screams at me, his anger evident in his voice, as he forcefully kicks me in the stomach. I clutch onto my abdomen, tears streaming down my face. The impact was so strong that I feared for the life of our unborn child. I collapse to the floor, my forehead pressed against the cold surface, desperately trying to catch my breath.Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth."Just tell us!" Dale threatens, his voice filled with malice. "Or I swear to God, I'll find your children and harm them right in front of you." He lifts me up, his eyes burning with hatred, and I nod in response."Outside. In the greenhouse. In the pots," I manage to wheeze, my voice strained from the pain."You better not be lying," he warns."Why would I lie?" I cough, tasting the metallic tang of blood. "You're going to kill me anyway.""You're surprisingly clever," Thomas's brother remarks with a sigh. "I like that. Maybe I'll spare you. We'll dispose of the pups, but you can be mine.""If you da
T H O M A STwo years later.Hera announces, "Guess what? It's twins!" as she reclines in the chair. Today, she's finally taking a break from the bakery. The bakery has been thriving for the past two years and is the top spot in the city. However, she's been pushing herself too hard, and it's starting to worry me, especially if she's carrying twins again.Thankfully, Mike, her old friend, is working part-time at the bakery to lend a hand, so it's covered for the day. Given his size, maybe we should consider making his position permanent.I shake my head and say, "No way. The chances of that happening again are so slim." I can't help but recall that we already have Addison and Aiden, and then Beatrix and Brooklyn.Hera insists, "The last time I was this big was when I was pregnant with Beatrix and Brooklyn. I'm telling you, it's twins."I counter, "And I'm telling you, it's just a big boy ready to take over the family business."She shoots me a deadly look. If looks could kill, I'd be
H E R AI never thought I would have such a happy and complete family like this. Growing up in a strict environment, I never imagined a fairy tale ending. But then Thomas came along and changed everything."Are you finished? Do you want more?" Thomas asked, walking towards me.I sat on the bed, enjoying a bowl of sweet grapes."If you want more, I can ask the maid to bring it. How about some other fruits?" he inquired, sitting beside me.I smiled at him. "No, love. I'm good. This is enough," I replied.Thomas pulled me closer and gently kissed my forehead, causing me to close my eyes and savor the moment."I love you," he whispered.I cupped his face and pressed my lips against his. "I love you too, my Alpha."Thomas held my hand and slowly lowered it, never breaking eye contact."I would do anything for the happiness of our family, Love."His words sent a thrill through me. I was deeply falling in love with this dangerous wolf."Of course. We'll do whatever it takes. We're partners,
“Gelo?”Gelo stopped when Hera called his name. Hera knew he was about to go straight to Thomas’s office, but she happened to see him.“Good morning, Queen,” he teased, making Hera arch her left brow and cross her arms in front of her chest.“Is everything under control, Gelo?” Hera asked, which she knew Gelo would answer with a ‘yes.’He flashed a smile at her and nodded his head.Hera squinted her eyes as her gaze was still fixed on him. “I don’t buy that. The city is under attack by rogues, and El Ordre is struggling to stop them. You can tell me everything was fine, but I’m not dumb.”“Don’t you trust Thomas?” he suddenly asked.“I trust my husband, but I know he’s having difficulty controlling the situation.”Gelo sighed. “He has us. We will not let him down, Hera. You had better relax because your due date is approaching swiftly.”Relax? How can she do that?“You can’t do anything about it, Hera. So, please, leave everything to your husband—to us.”Hera heaved a deep sigh. “Fine
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.