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 gulp, her name of foreign taste on my lips. I've not spoken of her in so long and I was getting used to living without her despite whatever unhealthy bond we previously shared.Angela snaps her fingers, “Bingo. So we all see her and girl let me tell you that room went so silent, except for the kids they-”“Kids?” my heart starts to race. “Bella and Katie Rose?”“No.” Angela snarls, “You need to let me finish. It's Alpha Ezra's kids, apparently, she's a super aunt or something anyhow, back to the entrance. So She enters, and we're shocked, I look towards Brianna she's gagged too and Alpha Knox is beyond pissed.”“What did he do?”“He looked like was ready to snap her neck but Alpha Ezra was so proud of himself for bringing her. Alpha started to be rude, to belittle her competence but her pack defended her. Alpha Ezra even threatened to call everything off if Thalia didn't like something we did.”Alpha Ezra? That's who she joined after leaving here? I never got an answ
Now, I look at him. Trying not to breathe him in because he smells too good for comfort. “I know how much you hate me but for the next few months, you have to put up with me because I'm not going to let Ezra down. I'm not leaving, until everything is done.” I remind him because he seems to have forgotten that I'll be Ezra's project manager. Knox argued I can't do my job, and went as far as to dive deep into investigating my life but he found nothing behind my work life. “For every minute you spend in my sights, on my territory that I exiled you from? I will make your life hell, Thalia.” he warns, and there's certainly no bluff behind it. I know when he's playing, and right now he's not, he could smash my head against the wall with a fucking smile.“Fair enough, I understand and if I were in your position I would too.”“Stop it,” he growls.I frown, genuinely confused now.“I-I'm not doing anything, Knox.”“Alpha Knox.” he instantly corrects.“Right, sorry.” I nearly stutter. “Al
My answer is quick, “No! I promise I'm fine, it's just that I have so much free time and that's the only thing I could find to occupy my mind.” “Aren't Alpha Ezra's project manager?”l “I am, but Knox asked me not to go to work for a while.” Lana nods, “I see, and is that what you want too?” “No, I like working, just the feel of being around multitudes of work makes me relax.” I smile. “Then you should go, Knox can't dictate your life unless you let him. I hate to see you like this, you're backtracking your progress. You're a strong willed woman, you can't hand your captor the keys to your cage.” See? She's got such a way with words, unorthodox sometimes but still. “I will start going to the office again, I miss my lunch breaks with Nova.” Lana mirrors my smile, “Attagirl, I'm relieved our sessions aren't in vain. Don't let anything slow you down, work if you wish to but don't over exert yourself.” “I won't.” I confidently tell her. Despite what Knox thinks, I'm taking care of
THALIA I'm bored out of my mind sitting alone in my apartment, the ghost of all my bad decisions haunt me as I stare at everything that belonged to Keir. I can't help but wonder what would have happened to me and the pup if I stayed in that abusive relationship. Would I have lost another child trying to atone for those sins? The thought makes my stomach churn, Knox would have killed me for sure. Speaking of the baby daddy the moon goddess decided to punish me with, he's been texting me lately but one can tell from his texts that he hates me. I'm grateful he made himself scarce but texting me three times a day when I feel comfortable to have a doctor's appointment is unnerving. I'm scared of the doctor saying something I can't stomach, I'm trying so hard to be positive this time. I pick my phone up and Knox's text stares at me from the notification bar, I open it and close the app, opening my contacts. My finger hovers over my therapist's contact before I work up the courage to c
THALIA Day two of not being at work, and I'm beyond bored. I finally got to make use of my laptop and binged my new favourite show which happens to be Amara's favorite too. We're both fairly engrossed in the movie when a FaceTime call covers the screen, both of us groaning when my step-sister Silver's number flashes on the screen. Both Amara and I groan in irritation, Silver only calls me when she needs something or when she's gotten herself in a legal pickle. I love my stepdad his only flaw is his kids, with Silver taking the trophy. “Ignore it,” Amara says, reaching for my laptop to cancel the call. I catch her hand before she speaks. “I wish I could, but she going to keep calling me.” I sigh, accepting her FaceTime call. “Hi, Florentine.” I wave, feigning enthusiasm. “Thalia Rose!” she squeals. “You won't believe what happened,” she pauses, pointing at the camera on her phone. “Oh, the assistant is there.” Amara kisses her teeth. “I have a name, and the next time you call
KNOX The panic I felt when Thalia wasn't answering my calls was alarming. I left her multiple missed calls, it's also the first time I've called her so she must have not recognized the number. Still, I was about her and my pup, only to find her trying to escape the state. I was going to leave but I heard her stomach growl twice while we argued so I decided to cook her something. I've noticed she won't eat at work unless Nova or Amara drag her to lunch and we can't have that with the baby. She has kept her distance, packing her clothes and kissing her teeth loudly. I have no idea what she'd like to have, nor what foods make me nauseous but I use my knowledge from her first pregnancy. I avoid anything sweet and try to make her a mildly sour dish. My phone rings just as I'm about to make her an omelette. “Ry?” I answer, bringing the phone close to my ear. “Did you find her?” “Yeah, she was on her way to the airport,” I tell him, cutting up my onion rings. “Don't tell me you
“And what about what you did?” There it is, my one mistake in this life, my biggest regret and he just won't ever let it go. He will forever hold it against me and so I act unapologetic to feed his anger, it's justifiable, I hate myself for that too. . “Again with that?” I roll my eyes. I already begged and cried so hard but I still lack the power to go back to the past, you need to move on.” “Move on?” he scoffs, “You're not remorseful at all are you?” “No.” I swallow, blinking to stop the river of tears begging to flow. “I'm not sad she's gone. I occasionally miss her, I would have loved her, I would have adored her eyes, the sound of her laugh but it all reminds me it would come with a fucked up sadistic psychopath attached.” I glare, “You should be glad too, we'd have killed each other long ago.” “I was hoping you'd miraculously changed since finding out you're pregnant but I just can't trust you with my baby can I?” “Say your baby one more time.” I raise an eyebrow, my enti
THALIA Amara stayed the night with me, but I convinced her to go to the office today because someone from my team needs to keep an eye on things. She left me at eight in the morning and I immediately began plotting my escape. I spent the entire night thinking about my history with Knox and it all builds up to my leaving him. Accepting my situation has been hard but I can't deal with Knox again, the way he claimed the pup was his unnerved me. He's going to want to take the pup from me because he hates me and while I might not know what to do? I'll figure it out on the flight back home. I know he will come looking for me when he finds me gone so I'll have to find someplace else to hideaway, somewhere far and deserted. I booked my flight last night and it leaves in the next hour, in case Amara is tracking my phone, I've left it stashed under my pillow. I'm about to walk out the door, dragging my suitcase because I didn't know what to pack in it. “Going someone?” That star
Ugh,” he groans, his hand reaching between us. “You're so pretty when you beg.” I gasp when he pinches my clit between his fingers, my body twitching. “More,” I purr, hardly recognizing the primal sound that slips past my lips. Without warning, he thrusts inside me, pausing when he meets resistance. I haven't seen seen cock but it's huge, I tell from the way my pussy painfully stretches around it despite how wet I am. “Thalia Rose,” his eyes widen. We both know what is, and he felt it as much as I did. I pull on a brave smile, ignoring the sting between my legs. “I didn't say he fucked me.” Knox shakes his head, leaning down to kiss me on the side of my mouth, an inch too far. “You play dirtier than me.” Holding my gaze hostage, he continues to sink his cock in, inch by inch until I can't take anymore. “You're going to split me open.” I gasp. “You tricked me,” he pants, going even deeper. “I'll teach you a lesson about tricking me. Lift your hips,” he commands. I do as
“I can't come,” I bite out. “I have a few projects to catch up on.” I lie, knowing they'll buy it. I always do my projects in advance, they know this and respect it enough not to probe further. I hate lying to my friends, but it's not entirely a lie, this is a project, project 'get alpha to like me'. “Why are you sad? Did my brother say something?” Nova me. “How did you know?” She shrugs, “It's pretty obvious. I've warned you guys about that psycho, and you've seen how he is but you insist on liking him. “I don't,” I sniff. “I've tried to stop liking him but there's just something that won't let me move on from him” “Hey,” Nova hugs me. “I didn't mean to make you cry.” “I know,” I cry. “He's right, I'm weak.” “You're not weak,” Madison argues. “You just feel things deeply.” Mariella sighs, “What shall we do Thalia? I know you like him and I want you to be happy.” “I'll figure it.” I nod, crying into Nova's chest. I'll be his type, I'll prove to him that I'm n
She shrugs, “Sex toys. My hand,” she wiggles it. “I am not getting involved with an engaged man again. He is getting married in two months, we will never happen again.” That silences us both but I know one thing, she might be done with him but he's only getting started. “Just thinking about him is making me nauseous.” I frown, and so does Cassidy. “Pretty sure that's the baby, Thalia.” Her eyes light up, “You called me Thalia.” THALIA (AGE Fifteen) I'm a very observant person, or perhaps obsessive but ever since I met Alpha Knox Winslow? I'm extra attentive, I know when he's not around, as well as where to find him. Like now, we're all at lunch and he's not around, but I know he's here somewhere. They say he's wise beyond his years but I think he's a little bit dumb because he doesn't like me. I'm not even originally from Flame Valley, but we go to the same prestigious school, we always have. I find Knox in his classroom, he's two grades ahead of me, but our classes a