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
“I understand that we are familiar with each other but you shall not question my intelligence and then proceed to utter profanity to my face.” “You-” “Pardon my interruption.” I smile, my gaze finding him but I look over his head because my confidence isn't sufficient to say it. “However I would hate if we let our personal lives cost us this project. I reckon how valuable it is to Ezra and so I'll let that slide.” Knox's head tilts, a deadly smirk on his lips. “Are you threatening me?” “No.” Rhys snorts. “However, Alpha Knox. It appears you're close to earning a lawsuit under the guise of defamation and if I may add a little razzle dazzle, verbal abuse.” “I'd win that case.” I snort, quickly gathering myself and my ego built on the basis of a courtroom winning streak. “I'm mature enough to not let my personal life interfere with my work. Believe me, Alpha Knox, I'm not happy about this either.” “Oh...kay.” Ryan sighs, blowing out a hushed whistle tone. “That's settle
THALIA I walk into the boardroom with supreme urgency, I shouldn't be here but Alpha Ezra canceled because Luna Serenity got worse. Everyone from Flame Valley is in their seats when we arrive, but none of them expect to see me but Knox seems pissed at my presence and it's not because I'm nowhere dressed for the meeting. “Good afternoon, all.” Amara greets, settling down beside me. “Sorry, I'm late. Shall we start?” “Where's Alpha Ezra?” I don't look at him as I answer, “He had an emergency so I'll be substituting for him.” “An emergency?” he scoffs, “He should have communicated with me before resorting to—” “His wife is sick, you insensitive psycho.” I snap, my tone surprising even myself. He's not here because he didn't want to cancel yet again.” Ryan clears his throat, “I'll get the projector.” “Thank you, Ry.” I smile, my voice much softer and calmer as opposed to when I spoke to Knox. Ryan leaves, and Amara gets to work on connecting with the rest of our team
Mariella’s lip curls up with contempt, “You look lovely, princess.” she feigns a smile. “You did so good, Arabella.” Nova praises. “I'm sorry I made a fuss.” she pouts, looking up at Rose.” “It's okay, I know you were scared but you need to remember that even if it seems like a bad day, you'll be fine, smile and keep your chin up because when the sun comes up tomorrow, it'll be a new day.” Arabella nods vigorously, “Okay, auntie.” “Mommy, can we surprise Daddy with my hair?” Katie Rose asks Nova. “Yep, I'll call him when he's out of surgery.” Nova smiles, petting her head. “Is he okay?” I frown. “Yes, he's the surgeon.” Nova laughs, noting my confusion. “Er, so what are we doing next?” “Thalia and I were going to get our nails done.” I tell her, “We want to look deadly in court.” “That's great, Mariella you could use a new set.” Nova’s head tilts, looking at Mariella's nails. Mariella glares at her, “This is new.” “It's pretty. “ Rose smiles. Nova shrugs, her eyes twin
AMARAThalia and I are getting our hair done in preparation for tomorrow's meeting, she went first and immediately buried her nose in a gossip magazine. I'm checking my hairstyle when a familiar face pops up behind me in the mirror.“Nova!” I call out, whirling around. My squeal alerts Thalia too.Nova smiles, waving at me while the little girls with her squeal. “Hi, Amara.”“Auntie Thalia Rose!” both girls scream, running to meet her.“hi, darlings,” Thalia matches their excitement. “I love your matching dresses.”“Thank you,” they say in unison, hugging Thalia. I turn my attention to the Thalia lookalike. “Hello.” she grins, looking even more like Thalia.“Amara, this is Mariella, Knox's finance, his kid. My kid.” Nova tells me, gesturing to each individual. My gaze gets stuck on the kids, one looks very much like Thalia.“Say hi to my friend.” Thalia prompts.Nova's daughter stares between us, scratching her head. “Are you a lawyer too?”“Yes.”“Cool.” They both swoon, “I'm Katie R
“Shit.” “Is this the meeting that was so important?” I glare at her, watching as she wipes her mouth clean with the back of her hand. “This does not classify as a meeting.” “I know,” she swallows, making me wonder what else she's swallowed under the pretext of this meeting. “We just-” “When you're here, you work. You can fuck your boyfriend on your own time, damsel.” I warn, her nickname rolling off my tongue with vile ease. “I wasn't fucking him,” she shoots back, her gaze twinkling with irritation. “Not yet.” And there it is, she's acting smart because I interrupted her orgasm, one she wouldn't have gotten from simply fingering herself while this thing did absolutely nothing. “My building is a reputable place of work, not a brothel Thalia.” “Ms Laurel, to be professional of course.” I nod, falling right into her trap. “Because you've exhibited professional conduct?” “I'm sorry, it's my fault.” The knockoff jumps in, his face is so complacent I want to punch him u
KNOXToday, we had a quarterly meeting with every department of Ares Enterprises, which means Nova was in attendance and Thalia had no business being at the exclusive meeting but Ryan insisted she tag along in case Alpha Ezra thinks I'm pulling side deals to screw him over.Thalia sat across from me and I swear I saw her yawn a few times and roll her eyes a noticeable amount during our meeting. As we leave the premises, my lawyers are sharing satisfaction and complaints to address with other department lawyers while Nova and Thalia walk ahead of everyone, if anything they were first to leave the premises.“You looked sleepy in there,” Nova tells her, making her sigh.Oh, good it's not just me that noticed it.“I'm so exhausted.” “You didn't sleep enough?”She snorts, moving closer to Nova. “Keir came over yesterday afternoon and overworked me.”“Attorney, Laurel!” Nova gasps.“Hey,” Thalia nudges her. “It was all innocent. You're becoming a bad girl Novie lovie.”“I like to think I'
”Daddy, mommy!” Arabella calls out, and I immediately drop my paintbrush to give her my full attention before she starts to whine about Katie Rose. “Wow,” I look up from my painting, ready to be excited over whatever crap she's conjured up but what I see stuns me to silence. She's painted an elephant, the details are so realistic, and even with the bright strokes of her paint you can tell how great is. “Daddy, look!” she grins, but he's too occupied with his own painting to look. “It's beautiful.” he praises, his gaze glued on his masterpiece. “Alpha Knox,” I call out, tapping him lightly. Only then does he look at what Arabella painted. “Is it pretty? Do you like it?” Arabella asks, her haze flickering between us.“Very pretty.” Alpha Knox affirms.“It's amazing Bella, where did you learn to paint like that?” I gulp, still in awe of her drawing. This is something you see in museums, something that you pay thousands of dollars for.“Daddy taught me.”My gaze shifts to Alpha Kn
“What?” I peek into the mirror, catching a dreadful look in her eyes. “To be the auntie,” she snorts. “Since I will never be a mother I guess I have to settle for being the cool Auntie.” “Thalia.” “I'm fine, I like it.” she sniffs, and I feel something sink inside me. Shame? Regret? Sympathy? I don't know, it could be all. “Your brother was right, I don't deserve to be a mother but I'm good Auntie. This is my role in kids' lives, always the Auntie, never the Mom. And best of all, I get to spoil all my nieces and nephews.” “You make an amazing mom, Thalia.” “No thanks,” she bitterly laughs, choking a little. “There is a little bit too much trauma surrounding that experience for me and on the bright side, I don't have to deal with Knox on a co-parent basis.” she hisses. “Umm, what's for lunch?” she asks, noting my silence. ”Chicken wings.” “How about a milkshake?” she muses, trying to sound optimistic but a known sadness still lingers in her voice. “Thalia that's
Thalia laughs, and Keir grins widely, holding her closer. ”Hey, you're that boy in Val's phone!“ Bella says.Katie Rose giggles, “He's not in the phone, silly.”Keir looks down at the two troublemakers standing on my left. “And who are these cute little, umm…“ he trails off, his gaze shifting between Bella and Thalia the Bella again, he repeats the cycle, unmissable confusion in his gaze.It's more than clear to anyone who meets Bella she looks like Thalia, but Knox has forbidden us from saying anything about that. ”I know,“ Thalia nervously laughs. ”Babe, you should see her mom. The resemblance is-“”It’s scary, flower.“ he finishes for her”Umm,“ Katie Rose muses, “Who is Flower?”Thalia's cheeks flash as she raises her hand. ”Me, that's what he calls me.”Why?” both girls ask, making Keir laugh.”Because he's my boyfriend.” Thalia tells them, but that only makes Katie Rose scrunch up her nose.”You're prettier than flowers,” Katie Rose shrugs.”Yes, and she's Auntie Thalia Rose.“ B
NOVA Ryan’s birthday is in a few days and he has insisted on not wanting a party which I have agreed to but as the official family planner? I simply saw an opportunity to give him a surprise party. However, planning a surprise party for him when I'm under the same roof as him is going to be difficult, more so because of the kids. And yet, here I am, shopping for party decorations with both kids, under the guise of a co-workers birthday. I did purchase a few things online but there were some things I couldn't find hence the store runs. This is my third store this morning and I still can't find the right color balloons, which means I have to go to yet another store but just in case, I purchase three sets of backup apple green balloons. “Okay, that’s it. ”Mommy, look!“ Katie Rose squeals, heading straight for the wings on her left. Arabella giggles, spinning to show off the wings they somehow managed to put on each other while I struggled with the right color strings and ballo