There's a knock on my window which startled us both. “All the time!” Thalia groans, her frown flipping upside down when she sees who is out there. “Cassie darling, hi.” “Come on, let's get you to bed.” “No, I want to stay here.” she pouts, her head laying against my chest. Cassidy taps the window, “There's cherries.” she grins, and that's enough to make Thalia slide off my lap and out the car. I follow right after, heading straight to my bedroom to jerk off to the feel of my fingers inside her. I make quick work freeing my cock and begin to gently caress the length with the two fingers I just had inside Thalia's pussy. I fist my sore cock to the fresh memory of her whimpers as I fingered her and for a moment, I feel her near me, I smell her. The memory of her makes me come quickly, leaving me spent, with my cum on the floor as I lean against the bedroom wall. My cock twitches in my hand just as the door swings open, then shut by the time I shove my cock into my jeans. “
THALIAI awaken to the sound of echoes around me, not my usual bird sound alarm clock.I try to move but arms lay heavy on me, a familiar scent enveloping the entirety of me. One. Two. Three....fifteen. It takes me fifteen minutes before my eyes fly open at the realization of what—who that scent is associated to. Knox.With my heart pounding, I slowly veer beside me only to be met by the crook of his neck in my midsection. It's a dream right? It has to be, Knox can't be here with me, much less naked underneath the covers. I must have fallen asleep on the plane to Cassidy's bachelorette party...the party, no I already went. My memory seems to have hazed, with only the glares Knox shot at me emerging clear. I instantly lift his arm off me, careful not to wake him for obvious reasons. I notice my clothes are discarded near the bed with his at the door. "Run." His voice echoes my mind along with flashes of the entire night hitting me, worsening my headache.
KNOX I don't know if Thalia has awakened yet but I do know she is in Victor's room still. Ryan and everyone else stayed with her while I tended to Arabella. Seeing Thalia collapse in front of her scared her, and she had been asking if the woman was okay so I lied, I said yes despite not knowing. Mariella is pacing around the room while Arabella watches a cartoon on the television. “Quit pacing.” I order. “I can't, I'm nervous. That was Thalia, and she fainted when she saw Bella.” “Don't use my daughter's name in the same sentence as Thalia's name.” I warn. My tone seems to startle her despite the calm I'm portraying. “You saw the way she looked at her, she demanded her baby. Alpha Knox, what if she kidnaps Venus?” “She wouldn't dare.” I frown, I for certain that Thalia would never kidnap my daughter, and even if she did, I would ensure she lives to regret it. “She's crazy, I don't want this to affect Bella. I knew one day they would meet but I didn't think it would be th
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
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
Thalia shrugs, “Maybe the pup hates you, I know I do. And please watch your voice, someone might hear.” she whispers, her gaze wandering around, we're nearly alone, everyone around is either drunk or too consumed by their mates. “I don't care if they hear me.” “Oh, so that's why you haven't told Mariella yet?” she nods to herself “You want her to get wind of it, smart.” “Stop it.” I swallow, Mariella not being here has momentarily lifted a weight off my shoulders. Thalia frowns, “Stop what?” “Stop bringing Mariella up, she might trip and fall from all the thoughts you're giving her.” “I shouldn't even be talking to you.” she sighs, staring off into the river again. I watch her, the way her hair catches the subtle breeze, the way the moon shines almost directly on her face. She's beautiful, the most beautiful woman I've ever seen but her inside is ugly. My wolf laughs at me, for someone who should be having my back he's a fucking betrayer. “We felt her insides, there
“S-she had no place to go,” he stutters. “it's only been a week and I swear to you I've not touched her, my sister is there too she'll tell you the truth. I swear on my daughter, you're the only woman that I love and it's killing me not having you with me every day.” “You made that choice, if you loved me you'd have thought about your actions.” “Baby, if I could turn back time...” he trails off, reaching for me but I take a step back. “I love you.” “Then choose me, if you love me you're going to put me first for once.” “I can't leave, Florence will—” “Stop. That's enough, unless it's about Katie Rose don't you dare call me. You'll be hearing from my lawyer soon.” I walk away, grateful most people are hunting so they can't see me cry. I missed out on Ryan's first kill of the night to talk to him, to spend time with him while he plotted to stick me in one house with what broke our marriage. I barely make it to my tent before I break down, crying on my knees when I bump into
“Nothing,” she grins up at him. “Show me,” he orders. Arabella frowns, “I was showing Aunt Thalia.” she pulls out her hands, sucks in a breath and morphs her claws. “Tadaa.” “Where did you learn that?” “Over there,” she points, her gaze finding Knox again. “Are you okay Daddy?” “Yes, my little girl is growing up.” “I won't grow up, it makes you sad.” she stomps her foot. “He's not sad. He's happy and, pretty soon you'll be shifting like everyone.” “Daddy said I might not but that's okay because it makes me unique.” she beams. That's okay? No, it's not. My memories of being one of the bullied wolfless kids kick in and I want to snap Knox in half, even though he bullied me when I was younger. “Why would you say that, she's only three of course she's going to shift. She's already got her claws and she's growing big.” “So big.” Ryan ruffles her hair, making her pout. “Curiosity here,” he raises his hand. “Who said, I mean how do you know Bella's age?” “Daddy, Uncle
THALIA Nova invited me to the pack hunts, I was unsure how Knox would feel having me around but when Ryan asked me to join even though I wasn't shifting so my presence is practically useless, I gave it a second thought. Of course, I made the decision while shopping to get my mind off it but I'm here regardless. I stumble across the kids before I can lock my car, somehow they always notice me before I can. “Auntie Thalia Rose!” Katie Rose screams, jumping up and down. “Hi, Auntie.” Bella grins. “Would you look at that, it's two of my favourite girls in Flame Valley.” “I missed you, are you here for the hunt?” I nod, crouching down to their height. “You two are dressed so pretty.” “Thank you,” they both grin. I open my car and pull out two of the six teddy bears I bought today. “This one is for you, and this for you.” I grin, handing them a teddy bear in their favourite colour. “I love it!” Katie Rose squeals hugging the bear. Arabella is staring at hers intently, “
The delivery guy arrives just in time, he asks the receptionist for Thalia despite my attaching a photo when I ordered it. I longer close by to Thalia and Nova, and the way he laughs with her irritates me. “Miss Laurel, I have a delivery for you.” Thalia and Nova share a look before she turns to him with a warm smile. “I'm Miss Laurel but I didn't order anything.” “Well, it says here for Miss Laurel.” he shows her the tablet, trying to balance my order in his hand. Thalia stares at the drink in his hand and shakes her head, “No.” she stares back at it, she wanted this, I clearly heard her and Amara talking about this earlier and it's the one she's been having nearly every day with Nova. “you have the wrong person.” “Maybe it's Danielle on the upper floor.” Nova suggests. “Yes!” Thalia promptly agrees, somehow they've convinced each other they're both right. I'm left with no choice but to join the conversation, “I ordered it.” “You?” both Thalia and Nova gasp, their face