THALIA I should have left when I got the chance but now, here I am spending time with my ex's fiance who happens to be my best friend. Not only that, but they both got to see me at my worst, having the worst panic attack I've had in years. So it's back to therapy for me, at least until I can hold my emotions again, which I was sure I could up until this morning. I've not asked her anything, but she's been talking nonstop, trying to engage me in conversation like the last four years didn't happen, like I didn't fuck her fiance all the way into this morning. Does she know? Surely, everyone here knows, my scent might be subtle on him but it's there, it'll linger for a bit longer just as Knox's scent lives on me, masking my own. “I wish you would have been there, it was amazing and it's where Knox proposed. I was a bit freaked out but he said he knew I was his last.” she grins, toying with her ring. Yes, I've noticed the large rock on her finger. It's hard to miss not because
Cassidy nods, Okay. You slept with Knox.” she nearly shouts, her lips stretching into a grin. “I was drunk.” I promptly protest. “Right ” she laughs, “Let's blame the alcohol for how you basically dry humped each other in the car.” “How could you let me do that?” “Me?” she snorts. “I tried to get you to come with me but you insisted. Hell, you left my bed to fuck him.” “Drunk decisions.” I shake my head. “This is why I don't drink. Keir will be livid when he finds out about this.” “Don't tell him!" She sits up, shaking her head. “Keir doesn't have to know.” “I can't lie to him.” “Okay, since you can't lie, tell me who's better in bed.” she grins, on the verge of absolute laughter “I'm not answering that.” I roll my eyes, now comparing the two in my head but if I'm being honest? Knox is incomparable, not only was he my first, but he just knows my body and better than Keir or any man ever will. And trust me, the orgasms are better when he fucks your senses too
“What?” I ask when I notice Ryan staring at me.“Nothing, just wondering if Bella knows daddy was putting in the hard work it takes to make a baby with-”“I swear to God, if you say her name..” I trail off on a warning.He feigns a gasp. “I thought we were allowed to say her name now.”“I see you ran into Nova.”“Yes, but do enlighten me.”“She walked in when Mariella was confronting me for fucking Thalia, something I don't even remember doing, mostly.”“And do you want to remember?” he studies me, “I can help you. The owner of the house we lived in has surveillance cameras around the house for security purposes when it's empty and you accidentally activated one.”“What?”Ryan nods, “Yeah. You and Thalia featured in what Cassidy and Sarang called Pornhubs finest material.”“You're shitting me.” My eyebrow lifts, but there's not a single hint of humor on his face. He grabs his phone and turns it towards me, on it an image of Thalia appears. She's laying down with me between her legs, m
MARIELLA I stare at the women organizing pack house groceries, and I can't help but smile at the sight. They'll do anything I ask, that too to my liking because it's easier to please me than get on my bad side. That too, a side I don't have, I'm an exemplary mate and woman, as well as a mother in the eyes of all these women. Ever since Knox put the huge diamond on my hand, they've been extra nice to me but I choose to be unbiased unless otherwise. My two friends, loyal as a dog sit with me. We've been friends since Thalia left the pack grounds, it was hard to connect with someone else because I dedicated my whole life to Thalia, but thankfully that's no longer the case. I've not heard or dealt with her for four years, and I refuse to do it now. “Do you think you can change the criteria for qualifications?” Kennedy asks me, a topic we've tackled more than once but this time I'm more confident in my ability to make things happen to my liking around her
“Mommy made Auntie Mariella cry.” Katie points to me “Nova, apologize.” Knox orders, his tone calm, too relaxed. Nova crosses her arms over her chest. “Excuse me? I will do no such thing.” “It's fine, I don't need her apology.” I wipe my tears, watching Knox. “She will apologize.” Nova rolls her eyes, “I'm sorry, Mariella.” “Mommy, ”Bella tugs at my dress. “So now you forgive her.” Just as I'm starting to enjoy how stupid Nova looks, she speaks again. “I'm sorry I called you out for being the shitpiece you are, and oh knox? She'll never be my Luna.” “Mariella will be my Luna, which makes her rank higher than yours and you might not like it but that's happening and I suggest you lose that attitude you have towards her.” Knox warns her, and I've never felt as satisfied as I do at this moment. “Knox, don't fight with her because of me.” I tug at his arm. Nova gasps, “She's so fake, I could tear you apart if my niece wasn't fond of her but you know what? F. U
“Are you scared of him?” His head tilts, studying me.” “No?” I nearly whisper. “Not really, I just don't think it's wise to poke the bear and-” “It's time you buried the past if not confronted it.” Eliza interrupts my forged explanation. “You can't run the rest of your life simply because of something you had no control over.” I pause, she's right. It's been four years, but I can't just forget what I did. I killed Arabella Venus, I hurt Knox and his anger is justifiable but I also can't run from him my whole life. Then again, there's no shame in running, I've hidden just fine these past three years so I don't see the need to toss myself back into the lion's den. Or maybe this is what we both need, perhaps I need to let him hurt me to lessen the incurable blow of losing our daughter. And I too need him to hurt me, to chastise me for what I did until the numbness I crave finally hits me. “Rose?” Eliza calls out, her voice distant but clear. I quickly snap out of my daze an
“I'm not, I'm just worried seeing him might blur some lines for you. Especially with-” “Knox.” she warns, “I'm married. In case you didn't notice, I've moved on. Sure I loved him but I'm in no position to feel anything other than humanity for him and any other man. What happened was my fault, I made those stupid decisions but I'm fine now. You need to let it go, it's not your place to hold such against him. Ezra is a very nice guy.” “Nice my ass.” I snort, keeping my eyes on the road. He would flaunt other women whenever they would fight and she thinks of him as nice. “It's very nice that you left things in the past but Amelia, I'll never forget the sight of my older sister hooked to those hospital machines, fighting for her life.” “Again. Nothing to do with Ezra.” she nearly yells. “I did everything because I was troubled, my mental capacity was nothing short of insane. Ezra finding his mate was just an excuse to spiral.” Ryan sighs. “He still hates him.” “You fucked h
Trust me, you'll know. But in case you don't, she's with a preteen girl and the car is a custom made matte black Lexus. I don't reckon the model.” “I see, go on.” We go on ahead into the board room, finding his children quietly settled among my team and his. My team consists of Angela the architect, Ryan my right hand, Brianna my lawyer slash engineer and Omarion the manager and my brother in law. “Daddy.” The littlest one calls out, smiling big at him. “Hi, darling.” “Where's Aunt Princess?”The boy frowns. Alpha Ezra ruffles his hair and settles beside him. “She's coming, she's outside with Valerie.” “Hmph.” the boy crosses his arms over his chest. “I just want Aunt Princess.” “Sorry, they're at that stage where they obsess over one person for lord knows what. It's a miracle she's got enough patience or she'd be pissed easily.” “I understand, my daughter is fairly obsessed with her Aunt too.” The door to the boardroom swings open, revealing Ryan who inst
Hey wonderful readers,I hope you’re all doing amazing mentally, physically, and emotionally (because these characters sure aren’t helping with that, are they?).I am dying to know how you are feeling about the story so far.Who’s your favourite character?Who’s making you want to fling your phone across the room?Are Thalia and Knox making you scream too, or is it just me??How’s the pacing—do you need more heartbreak, fights, or more kissing (or all)?Let me know in the comments and leave me a review, I’d love to know what’s got you hooked or raging.Thank you for reading, supporting, and choosing to fall into the chaos with me.♡With love and just a dash of angst,XO, Athena.❦
MARIELLA The sharp snap of the bullet tearing through the paper is the only thing that calms me but not today, I don't vengeance know what to do. I've been at the shooting range since I heard about the secret Knox has been keeping from me. I was having the best day, knowing I settled Arabella's obsession with Thalia but then a certain someone called and told me they overheard another say that Thalia was rushed to the hospital with Nova, and Alpha Knox and that was merely the opening statement, the final straw for me was learning she's pregnant. That bit of information turned my spa date into a rage outlet activity. I went to the shooting range, with Kennedy who has been nothing short of N instigator. I've stuck seven pictures of her on the body targets I paid extra for and so far, four are down, this little ritual of mine is practically more sacred today but with each shot, I'm reminded Thalia is still alive because none of the dummies bleeds like I know she would. “I hate
I knock on the bathroom door twice, my knuckles stinging slightly from how hard I'm knocking. “Thalia? Are you okay in there?” I knock again, but I hear nothing. The restaurant has one bathroom with two stalls, and Thalia is the only one with the keys. Something feels wrong; it sends alarms ringing in my head. I rush to the reception for the spare key, but then it dawns on me that I didn't try to open the door, so I head back and twist it open. Thalia is on the floor when I get in, cradling her knees, arms wrapped around them while staring into nothingness. “Thalia, you had me worried.” I sigh, “What are you doing on the floor?” She doesn't answer, nor react to my presence. I crouch down beside her, tapping her shoulder, “What's wrong?” I ask, only then does she acknowledge me. She stares at me, eyes wide and distant. I start to panic, this doesn't look or feel normal. “Are you okay?” “Call Knox,” she swallows. Knox? What did my idiot brother do this time, did he scold her for
“Maybe if he wasn't my chosen then I'd be happy.” I swallow, I picked Aaron for a mate, my ancestors really cursed me there by crossbreeding with lycans and interfering with the perfect assortment by the moon goddess. Okay, maybe not perfect, there's Thalia and Knox are proof even the moon goddess can get things wrong. “You know, I would have waited for my fated mate or died waiting, anything would be better than this.” “Aww, I'm sorry, Novie.” Thalia caresses my arm. “I wish I knew what to say but my love life is a bigger fuck up.” “True,” we share a laugh. “But I am fine, I'll get over him and start over, just me and Katie Rose...” I trail off, forgetting he will always be around because we share a child, and he will torment me with that. “It's not your fault, you're not wrong for wanting a peaceful life.” “I'm wrong for not forgiving him,” I admit. Many women would overlook this and hand him a second chance but I'm just not there yet, I don't think I'll ever be there. “No
“Calm down,” I tell her, watching how easily her emotional state has escalated. I'm just trying to find something that works for me and my children and not having her around worked just fine for me. “No, you,” she points at me, shaking still. “You don't tell me what to do, you're sick! I just found out you knocked up for sport, tortured me because I didn't get pregnant when you hate me for killing our child?” “Thalia,” I warn, not liking the way her breathing pattern has quickened with each word she says. “Sorry, touchy subject, I know.” she nervously laughs, misreading my concern. “But I'm not giving up my baby to some sadistic psychopath with had a brain cell.” I ignore the jab at my intelligence, and still unsure of why she's so upset when she's mentioned she doesn't want a baby. “You yourself have expressed your need to not have a baby, if you give the child to me I'll raise it better than you can.” I tell her, knowing the example of my parenting is sitting at home happy a
I lift her and sit her in my lap, holding her close while I try to find words that won't sound too resentful. “Your daddy doesn't like your auntie Thalia and when you're so close to her, it hurts him. And me too, she's nice but she can be very bad sometimes.” “Why?” “I don't know,” I sigh. “But if you want to go to school, and be a flower girl in Mommy and Daddy's wedding then you have to stop liking Thalia.” I prompt, watching her frown, her gaze a multitude of unspoken questions. “If you do that, I can convince Daddy to let you go to school.” She frowns, “But Mommy, I like her.” “So I do,” I frown. “But if you really want to go to school, and get that pretty dollhouse daddy said no to then you have to stay away from Thalia and treat her like strangers.” Arabella doesn't respond, she's been wanting to attend school since she
MARIELLA When I arrived yesterday morning, Alpha Knox had already left the pack house and he came back really late. Unfortunately for me, I was awake at the time, trying to sort through the clothes I purposefully disorganized to keep myself busy. He said he wanted to talk when I was free so I've kept myself busy, all day. Whatever he wants to say to me I don't care, I don't want to hear it because it will push him further from me. For the past two hours, I've managed to hide out in my room while Nova plays with the children. I'm checking out wedding magazines when someone knocks on my door, I want to pretend I'm asleep but whoever is on the other side knows I don't go to sleep before Eleven thirty, everyone in the house knows. Hiding in the closet or under the bed is a considerable option but when they knock a second time, I'm inclined to answer. “Come in!” I yell, watching th
“Because you're licking that man's boots instead of working hard.” she counters, “You're a woman Mariella. The only man you know how to work can't be your mate, work them all to your side. Knox should be worshipping you, not the other way around. Stop playing coy.” I swallow, feeling like a child being scolded for never being good enough. “I am n-no,” I stutter. Mother nods at me, petting Priya. “Then what are you doing? Hmm, you're embarrassing me as your mother, your step sister laughs at you, she snagged her a beta just last month.” “And sister Mariella, you're prettier than sister Amrita.” Ignoring Priya I turn to my mother, “I can't choose my mate Mom. However, I can choose my second. Knox is my second, mother.” “Hmm,” mother nods. “Is your obsession with him fed by the fact that he belongs to Thalia?” “He doesn't!” I argue, my heartbeat picking up. “Mariella, what has gotten into you?” my mother's eyes widen, I never raise my voice at her but when she says things l
He's going to scare me into a coma one of these days, why is he so sneaky, and adamant about being close to me? He points down and I roll the window down, rolling my eyes at the grim stare he's giving me. I don't know what he found to blame me for but I do know that I don't want to hear it, my day won't be ruined. Serenity woke up today, and nothing will take my smile away, this is an answered prayer that I will savour. “I don't want to hear it, I'm leaving.” I tell him. “Come and have breakfast.” he glares. “What?” I frown. “Breakfast? You're mad at me because of breakfast?” “I'm not mad at you, come on. Amara and Nova cooked.” I frown, the people he's mentioning were asleep when I left the campsites. There's no way they were able to cook anything at all, unless they went back to sleep after cooking. MARIELLA I try not to look at the man in my mother's basement as I put my clothes on. If I stare too long, I'll start to feel things that might comprise the smooth route