NATHAN’S POVThe tall glass doors of the Moreau Enterprises building loomed in front of me. Its sleek exterior reflected the city’s endless motion on this Thursday morning—always busy, always striving. This was Victor Moreau’s domain, a monument to his power and influence in the luxury goods industry. I adjusted the cuff of my shirt, the tailored suit giving me a polished edge, and walked through the doors with purpose.When Lola had called me back two days later, that somehow, by some miracle, she had managed to get me a meeting with him, I was surprised but energized.“You owe me. Big time,” she had said to me.“I got you. If—sorry, when this works, we'll talk.”I knew this was just something that was going to happen no matter what. I would make it happen.Victor Moreau was not a man easily impressed. He thrived in a world of dominance, precision, and results. If I was going to make him see the value in Emerald Horizon Ventures, I had to match his intensity. No hesitation. No second
NATHAN'S POVThe elevator chimed softly as I reached the co-working space I had leased for Emerald Horizon Ventures. It wasn’t as grand as Victor Moreau’s penthouse office, but it didn’t need to be. This was the launch pad for something bigger – a place where ideas would take shape and the team would transform them into reality.Everything was slowly coming together, and it filled me with such an indescribable feeling. It felt like my nerves were charged with electricity. I almost couldn't tell if it was from the fear of failure, the excitement to build something or the challenge of going out of my comfort zone.This was nothing like leading a pack – but I'll be damned if I didn't give it my best shot.The air buzzed with quiet energy as I walked into the glass-walled conference room, where the day’s schedule was laid out. I adjusted my tie and checked my watch. My first round of interviews was set to begin in fifteen minutes.I’d made my pitch to Victor, secured the partnership, and
NATHAN'S POVThe office buzzed with the hum of quiet productivity, a stark contrast to the empty shell it had been just a few weeks ago. It was nearly Christmas, and the city outside sparkled with festive lights, wreaths, and the faint sound of carolers in the distance. Emerald Horizon Ventures had come alive faster than I had anticipated.I had employed only the most efficient people from those who had been interviewed. That would be Jacob, Camille, Priya, and Davis. More would definitely be added to the ship, but for now, let's see how smooth the sails will be with just this main core.The team was lean but effective, with each member contributing their own expertise. Jacob had proven his value almost immediately, launching an influencer-driven campaign that had luxury blogs buzzing about our brand before we’d even officially launched.Priya had streamlined our supply chain, cutting unnecessary costs without compromising our vision for ethical sourcing.And Camille – she was the glu
NATHAN'S POVThe city was awash in holiday cheer, but I couldn’t feel it. From the frost-covered sidewalks to the garlands and twinkling lights strung across every storefront, it seemed like the world was celebrating, and I was merely an observer.Inside the office, the hum of productivity had died down long ago as most of the team had left to spend Christmas with their families. I leaned against the large window on Christmas Eve, the cold seeping through the glass as I stared out at the bustling streets below. I should be home, or at least, in my apartment, not here like some workaholic.But I couldn't bear to be in that empty apartment alone. I had moved from where Lola had gotten me and now stayed at a penthouse in Manhattan, now part of the city proper. It had been tastefully decorated to the last detail, but despite my best efforts, it still lacked one essential ingredient.Home.It was like the word was a slap in the face, bringing me back to my reality—why I was here when every
SOPHIA'S POVThe living room was awash in the soft glow of Christmas lights. They twinkled gently on the tree, reflecting off the glass ornaments that Alex and Alexia had insisted on hanging themselves. The scent of pine and freshly baked cookies filled the air, mingling with the faint melody of a Christmas carol playing softly in the background.Alex and Alexia were sprawled on the floor, their laughter filling the room as they unwrapped the last of the presents. Alexia, ever meticulous, had already dressed her new doll in three different outfits, while Alex, with his boundless energy, was carefully sorting through his new puzzle pieces.“Mama, look at this!” Alex held up a piece of the puzzle, his piercing grey eyes – so much like his father's – lighting up with excitement.“I see it, sweetheart,” I said, smiling as I leaned against the armrest of the couch.“This dress is the prettiest,” Alexia declared, twirling the doll in her tiny hands before looking up at me with a beaming smi
LUCAS’ POVChristmas mornings always felt a little hollow. Not because I didn’t have enough – far from it – but because the things that mattered couldn’t be bought. My penthouse in Manhattan was decked out in an understated holiday décor, arranged by an interior designer I’d hired to “make it festive.”But the towering tree in the corner, the tasteful garlands on the banister, and even the luxury Christmas playlist playing softly through the sound system couldn’t fill the void. My mom had offered to come over, but I had declined, citing that I wasn't going to be in the city.I had plans to spend the holiday in Zurich, finalizing details on a major real estate project. The keyword being “had,” but a last-minute cancellation left me with an empty calendar. The team assured me it would wait until after the new year, which meant I was home – alone.By midmorning, I’d gone through my usual routine: coffee brewed to perfection, a quick workout, and then a series of emails to keep myself bus
GRACE’S POVThe hotel room felt colder than it should have, despite the heater humming quietly in the corner. Snow fell steadily outside the window, the streets below buried under a thick white blanket. I let out a sigh, staring at my laptop screen, a draft of notes for an upcoming client session blinking back at me.My video call with Sophia and the twins had been the highlight of my day. As I leaned back in the stiff armchair, I could still hear Alex and Alexia’s laughter and picture their bright smiles as they showed off their Christmas presents. And Lucas—chiming in with that sly humor of his—had somehow made me laugh even through the shoddy connection.I had wished more than anything to be there with them.This snowstorm was supposed to be an inconvenience, but now I wondered if it was a sign. A forced pause in the chaos of life, a chance to reflect. Maybe it was time I did that—really did that.I decided to turn on my camera, opting to record it. I found that sometimes, just tur
VICTORIA’S POVThe sun was merciless today, burning down on me as if even the heavens wanted me to suffer for my so-called sins. Was disrespecting my Alpha a sin? Was it truly a sin if it was all for his well-being? If I did it because I loved him? If so, then I wouldn't change a thing.Nathan and I were meant to be together.My hands were raw from pulling weeds out of the community garden—Nathan’s brilliant idea of justice. Of punishment. It was demeaning, humiliating, and oh-so typical of him.I smiled faintly to myself as I hummed a tune. He didn't have the balls to send me away, and I could tell why. He loves me. He was simply in denial—or just didn't know it yet.I swiped my forearm across my brow, smearing dirt across my face. My once-manicured nails were caked with soil, and my skin was rough and chafed. This wasn’t the life I was meant for. I was the Beta’s daughter, the second most respected rank after the Alpha himself. I had once commanded authority, admiration, and fear.A
SOPHIA’S POVThe house felt lighter. Warmer. As if the weight that had been pressing down for days had finally eased.Alex was better.It was like waking up from a nightmare only to realize that morning had come, and the world hadn’t ended after all. One day, he had been weak, fevered, and barely able to hold a conversation without exhaustion pulling him under. The next, his color had returned, his fever had vanished, and his laughter – his bright, carefree laughter – filled the house once more.It was a miracle.I didn’t trust miracles.I watched him now from across the living room as he sat with Alexia on the floor, eagerly showing her a new book I had picked up for him. His hands moved animatedly as he explained something to her, his voice filled with excitement, no trace of the weakness that had held him captive just days ago.I should have been relieved. And I was. But beneath that relief lay something else – something sharp and uneasy.Nathan.The thought of him sent a fresh wav
LUCAS' POVThe morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, illuminating the sleek, modern space with a golden hue. The city stretched out below me, a sea of movement, a constant reminder that the world never stopped in New York City – not for heartbreak, not for personal enta, and certainly not for me.I welcomed it.It was easier to focus on work than to dwell on the mess I had walked away from last night.Sophia.Nathan.The weight of that confrontation still sat heavily on my chest, but I pushed it aside. There was no room for distractions today.A sharp knock on the door pulled me back."Come in," I called.Emma, my executive assistant, strode inside, tablet in hand, her usual efficiency cutting through the air like a blade.“The acquisition is finalized.” She said without preamble. "Emerald Ventures wasn’t happy about it, but they didn’t have much of a choice. Their client signed with us the moment the ink dried."I allowed myself a small, satisfied
SOPHIA'S POVThe house was too quiet.Even with Alex and Alexia upstairs, even with Elara somewhere in the background, the silence pressed in on me like a tangible weight.Nathan’s presence still lingered in the air, thick and suffocating, despite the fact that he’d left a few minutes ago. And Lucas – Lucas had barely said a word before leaving, his jaw tight, his expression unreadable.I let out a slow breath, pressing a hand to my temple.What the hell just happened?I had spent years keeping my past buried, locked away behind carefully constructed walls. And yet, in the span of a single night, it had cracked open, spilling out at my doorstep. Nathan was here. Lucas had confronted him. And in the middle of it all was me – standing between two men, two forces that refused to yield.A bitter laugh escaped me. Perfect.Just what I needed right now. A mate coming back to claim me and Lucas being there. I turned away from the front door, heading upstairs. My body was tense with the weig
NATHAN'S POVThe moment Lucas spoke those words, “He was looking for you,” something inside me snapped into focus.I had spent weeks fighting my instincts, pulling back, restraining myself. I had let go of vengeance when my home was burned down. I had turned the other cheek when my own pack doubted me.But this?Someone dared to come after my mate?I took a slow step forward, my wolf rising to the surface. The low growl rumbled in my chest, barely contained. “Tell me everything you know.”Lucas didn’t move from the steps. He didn’t even flinch. If anything, his stance grew firmer, as if planting himself between me and Sophia. His sharp blue eyes locked onto mine, unwavering.“I’m handling it.”A slow, humorless chuckle left my lips. “You’re handling it?”“Yes.”I took another step forward. “I don’t think you understand what’s happening here.”Lucas scoffed, crossing his arms. “Oh, I understand just fine. Someone attacked my friend, and now you’re looking for an excuse to sink your tee
SOPHIA'S POV The knock at the door wasn’t just a sound – it was a shift in the air, a weight pressing against my chest. I froze. For a moment, I convinced myself I had imagined it. That my desperation had conjured up something that wasn’t real. But then it came again – firm, deliberate. I glanced at the time on the wall, several hours after I'd called him. Could it finally be him? “Go, child. Open the door.” Elara gently pushed me towards the door. I barely realized I was moving until I was standing in front of the door, hand hovering over the handle. The mate bond was still there, faint but present, like an unsteady heartbeat beneath my skin. It thrummed softly, the connection between us impossible to ignore. I sucked in a sharp breath and pulled the door open. And there he was. Nathan stood on my doorstep, drenched in sweat, his dark shirt clinging to his broad frame. His breathing was uneven, his chest rising and falling with the force of it. His eyes – sharp, gray, pierci
SOPHIA'S POV The moment the bond snapped taut, I gasped, my breath catching in my throat. It was like a thread pulled too tight – painful, urgent, undeniable. The kitchen blurred, the dim glow of the light overhead fading into the background as something else took hold. A presence. Strong. Familiar. Nathan. My knees buckled, and I gripped the counter, my fingers digging into the cool surface as the bond flared to life with a force I hadn’t expected. It pulsed, thrumming like a second heartbeat, and I knew – he heard me. He was listening. The connection flowed through me, raw and overwhelming. But just as quickly as it surged, the exhaustion followed. A crushing weight pressed down on me, the sheer force of it nearly suffocating. Elara had left the room, and I had no idea where she was. I had no idea how long it had taken me to reach him. I had no idea. Period. Would he come? I wasn’t sure I had the right to ask for him. Not after everything. Not after I had pushed him away, r
NATHAN'S POVThe next morning came all too quickly. Sleep had eluded me, like a partner hell-bent on being away from me. I'd spent the night roaming my pack, the one place I'd considered my only home, but now seemed like the farthest thing from it. But I couldn't just bring myself to leave. This was where I'd had the best memories with Sophia, where the good times still shone.But now perhaps, the bad times were starting to outshine the good here. Is this not a sign? That I should find somewhere new?I sighed, almost wishing for the days when the Luna goddess appeared to guide me. But I also knew that if I were to see her now, it would not be without danger following behind. I didn't realize it until I was there, but I was back at the edge of the territory, where Malachi had stabbed me. And had survived. My smile was melancholic when it crossed my face. In many ways, that was the cannon event for everything. “No Nathan. This all started when you banished our love. Our mate.” My wo
NATHAN'S POVThe moment I returned, I could feel it. The shift in the air.The crowd had gathered near the ruins of my home, their eyes on me the second I stepped into their sights. But this wasn’t the usual respect, the unwavering loyalty I had once commanded. This was hesitation, doubt.And resentment.Whispers spread through the pack, a quiet murmur of voices laced with frustration and disbelief. I heard bits and pieces – enough to know what they were saying."He let them go?""How could he spare her?""What kind of Alpha does that?"I could see it in their eyes – the ones who had once stood at my side, wolves I had fought for, bled for. Some still believed in me, but others? They wanted blood. They wanted a leader who would avenge, not restrain.Theon stood by my side, his expression dark as he scanned the gathered wolves. He had known this would happen. We both had.But knowing didn’t make it easier.The silence stretched, suffocating. Then, a voice cut through it."Alpha.” An ol
SOPHIA'S POVElara stood in my doorway, the morning light catching in her silver-streaked hair, her piercing gaze locking onto mine. There was something unreadable in her eyes, something weighty – like she already knew the depths of my desperation.I swallowed hard. “I need your help.”Elara’s gaze flickered past me, her face betraying nothing. “I know.” She said simply. “Let me in.”I stepped aside, my heart pounding as she crossed the threshold. She moved with quiet confidence, her presence filling the space in a way that was both grounding and unnerving.She took one look at Alex and let out a slow breath."Tell me everything.” She murmured, kneeling beside him.I didn't hesitate. “I followed the instructions exactly. The herbs, the remedy – I did everything right.” My voice cracked. “And it worked. For a little while. But then he got worse. Worse than before.”Elara pressed the back of her hand to Alex's forehead. His fever had climbed again overnight, his breathing shallow, his s