ATHENA'S POVA cold shiver ran down my spine as I witnessed the scene unfold before my eyes. Lia, with her honeyed words and enchanting smile, seemed to be weaving a web of connection with Xavier. I stood frozen, my heart pounding so loud that I could almost hear it in the silent corridor. One moment, she was leaning in, whispering something in Xavier's ear with a flirty tilt to her lips, and the next, she pounced on him as if claiming her territory.Time seemed to freeze as I watched, disbelief tightening its grip on my chest. My eyes widened, and for a moment, it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. My mate, the one I thought shared an unbreakable bond with me, was now caught in a compromising situation with another woman.The shock was quickly replaced by a surge of anger that consumed me. How could he let her get so close? Regret clawed at my insides for not intervening sooner, for not slapping Lia when I had the chance to show her the boundaries she dared to cross i
XAVIER'S POV Fuck. I don't even know what just happened. The air in the room hung heavy with tension as I brought Athena back to our pack quarters. Every step felt like a weight on my shoulders, each heartbeat echoing the distance that had silently grown between us. Athena, usually vibrant and lively, was now silent and distant. I couldn't blame her; the events of the evening had cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous celebration.We entered our room, and as the door closed behind us, the silence lingered. Athena moved to change, her back turned towards me, a barrier I longed to break down. Not once did she try to start a conversation with me. The room, once filled with warmth, now felt cold and isolating. I couldn't bear this distance, this unspoken void that threatened to consume us. Anger simmered within me, a slow burn fueled by the images replaying in my thoughts. If only that woman didn't exist, Athena wouldn't have been so distant with me. The memory of Lia's lips f
AUTHOR'S POVNate's footsteps echoed in the dimly lit room, the shadows dancing across the walls as he paced back and forth. The air was thick with tension, each step of his boots resonating with frustration. Lia stood before him, head hung low, her fingers fumbling nervously. The atmosphere was suffused with an impending storm, and Nate's anger crackled in the charged air."One job, Lia! You had one job," Nate's voice was a low growl, his eyes burning with intense disappointment. The dim light cast harsh shadows on his face, emphasizing the lines of frustration etched there. "I warned you not to mess up. But look at what you did! Fucking hell!"Lia's gaze remained fixed on the floor, her shoulders slumped, a subtle tremor in her fingers. She stammered, "What else was I supposed to do? If it was so easy for you, then why did you involve me in it?" She lifted her head, her eyes flashing with defiance but tinged with a hint of desperation. "Just admit that it was your plan. I already to
AUTHOR'S POV Standing by the water, was Athena herself, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. Athena found solace in the woods, by the serene lake where the whispers of rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of water against the shore provided a natural melody. This was her training ground, a place where the dance of sunlight through the branches fueled her determination. Today, however, she sought refuge not in the art of combat but in the embrace of tranquility.Athena gazed across the glassy surface of the lake, attempting to forget the lingering images of Xavier and Lia locked in an intimate kiss. The turmoil within her mind echoed through the stillness of the woods. She shook her head, as if physically dispelling the intrusive thoughts that threatened her peace. He didn't do it. He pushed her away, even slapped. Athena reminded herself again and again. Suddenly, a subtle rustle disrupted the ambient sounds of nature, prompting Athena to snap her head in the direction of the distu
ATHENA'S POVMy back presses against the rough bark of the tree as Nate's firm grip locks my hands above my head. His eyes blaze with a mix of anger and hurt, fueled by the words I just threw at him. I can feel the tension in the air, a heavy silence that hangs between us.In that suspended moment, Nate's fist hovers in the air like a storm about to unleash its fury. My heart races, and I close my eyes, bracing myself for the impact I expect. The words I hurled at him echo in my mind, regret settling in my gut.Seconds pass like eternity, but the expected blow never lands. Tentatively, I open my eyes, surprised to find Nate's hand still suspended, but now he's redirected it, slamming it against the tree beside my head. The impact sends a shiver through the trunk, and Nate winces in pain.I meet his eyes, expecting to see a rage mirrored in them, but instead, I find an agonized expression. His teeth are gritted, and a pained intensity marks his gaze. It's as if he's battling his own de
ATHENA'S POVAs we walk hand in hand, Xavier leads me to a cozy corner of the room. There, he reveals a meticulously arranged collection of baby clothes, toys, and a tiny crib. His eyes gleam with anticipation as he gestures towards the adorable ensemble. "I wanted to surprise you with a little space for our little one," he says, a mixture of pride and joy in his voice.I'm touched by the thoughtful gesture, and a swell of emotions fills my heart. Xavier's love and commitment shine through. “When did you even—?” I was lost for words, my jaw dropping in awe at how cute the room looked. It was perfect. “We still have time though.” I gave him a pointed look. “I know. But I couldn't help myself. I just wanted everything to be perfect.” He shrugs, coming to envelope me in a hug from behind. “It's really beautiful.” I placed my hands over his, which were resting on my tummy. “That's not all,” he whispered, making me turn to look at him. Xavier's voice breaks through the tranquility as he
ATHENA'S POVThe gardens of the pack unfolded before me, a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the bustling responsibilities that burdened my shoulders. The fragrant blooms painted the air with a sweet aroma and the dappling sunlight filtered through leaves, casting a serene warmth upon my skin. I took my time strolling leisurely past the floral bushes when amidst this haven, a subtle "psst" disrupted the peace, compelling me to turn and uncover the source.Incredulous, I spotted Oneka behind an oak tree, her mischievous eyes peering out. "Nicky?" I whispered, confusion marking my father's before I made sure that it was really her. Before comprehension could catch up with me, I found myself hastening to her side."What are you doing here?" I hissed, aware of a vigilant pack guard nearby. Oneka, urgency etched on her features, wasted no time in revealing the gravity of the situation. "We'll do the greetings later. Can we first go somewhere more private?"Nodding in agreement, we slipped be
ATHENA'S POV“Athena? What are you doing here? Who's this?” Xavier's voice cut through the day, stern and questioning, My eyes widened, and a shiver ran down my spine as fear slipped into my consciousness. Oneka and I exchanged uneasy glances, knowing we were caught in a moment that shouldn't have existed.The weight of his words hung in the air, and I struggled to find an explanation. The fear in me deepened, realizing the consequences of this unexpected encounter. My back was facing his so I couldn't see him yet. But I could feel him. Standing a few feet away. Taking in a deep breath, I finally collected myself to turn around and face him. His piercing gaze locked onto mine. The soft glow of the sun light reflected in his eyes, revealing a mix of surprise and confusion. "Athena, what's going on here?" His eyes stopped to at Oneka, taking her in as they narrowed further. “Xavier?” My voice came out week, but I held it back from trembling. “What are you doing here? Weren't you on