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
THEON'S POVIt was New Year’s Eve. A time of celebration, a time of joy.Or so it was supposed to be.I heaved out a sigh as I watched the occupants of the space.The packhouse was alive with forced celebration, laughter ringing out into the cold night like the faint embers of a dying fire. But even as the others laughed and toasted to a new year, I stood in the shadows of the room, watching, listening, calculating.The truth was, I couldn’t afford to celebrate. Not now.Nathan had been gone for weeks now.To the rest of the pack, our Alpha was on a mission to hunt Malachi, their greatest enemy and the last remnant of a dark chapter in our history. It was a noble cause, a story they could rally behind. But I knew better. Malachi wasn’t Nathan’s focus – Sophia was. She had been the true reason behind his abrupt departure. I could bet Malachi wasn't even on his mind.And now I was left here, trying to hold together the pieces of a pack that was slowly unraveling.“Theon.” A voice called
SOPHIA’S POVThe gentle hum of conversation and laughter filled the house as the twins darted around, their giggles echoing off the walls. The past few days had been a whirlwind. Lucas’s unexpected arrival on Christmas night had shaken something loose in me—something I'm starting to get the feeling I’d been holding back for far too long.And now, here we were, on New Year’s Eve, still riding our rhythm like this wasn't my first holiday back. Lucas was a man of his word, and I knew he didn't have to be here. He could have been with family, but the fact that he chose here made my heart warm.He was in the kitchen with Alex, helping him build a mini volcano from a science kit he’d received for Christmas. Alexia was beside me on the couch, quietly braiding her doll’s hair, though her curious eyes kept drifting to Lucas.“I think Alex likes him,” Alexia whispered, her voice low but amused.I chuckled softly, brushing a stray curl from her face. “Oh yeah? What about you?”She paused, a misc
NATHAN’S POVThe crowd on the Brooklyn Bridge was alive with energy. Laughter and chatter mixed with the sound of car horns and the faint strains of music drifting in from nearby parties. The cold air bit at my face, but the warmth of the bodies around me made it bearable. This was not where I wanted to be, not even remotely.“Remind me why I let you drag me out here, Lola?” I muttered, shoving my hands deeper into my coat pockets as I dodged a group of teenagers racing past us.Lola, dressed in a thick cream coat with a fur-lined hood, turned to me with a grin that screamed mischief. “Because, dear Alpha, you’ve been moping in your apartment for weeks, and I couldn’t take another one of your broody texts. It’s New Year’s Eve! You’re in New York City! Live a little.”I shot her a dry look. “I don’t brood.”She snorted. “Oh, please. You practically invented it. ‘Lola, the city feels empty.’ ‘Lola, Christmas isn’t the same.’ ‘Lola, I’m not sure the decorations are tasteful enough.’”I g
SOPHIA'S POVThe venue was nothing short of stunning.Polished marble floors, chandeliers casting a warm glow, and sleek stainless steel workstations lined up neatly. The air buzzed with quiet anticipation as chefs prepped their stations, checking their ingredients and supplies. I could tell the air in the room was charged with energy the minute I stepped in.Goddamn. Even my wolf was impressed, from where she watched.I adjusted the strap of my apron, taking in the space. This competition wasn’t televised, but that didn’t make it any less intense. Winning meant prestige, respect, and proving that I belonged among the best.And across the room, Emelia stood with that same smirk I’d seen a dozen times before.Maria, standing beside me, let out a low whistle. “Damn. They really went all out. Makes our kitchen look like a food truck.”I shot her a look. “‘Our’ kitchen is just fine.”“Yeah, yeah.” She said, waving a hand. “You ready?”I nodded, rolling my shoulders. “As I’ll ever be.”The
SOPHIA'S POVAs the speeches ended and the twins basked in the love everyone was showering them with, I took a moment to breathe. The party had gone smoother than I expected, despite the clear and obvious tension between Nathan and Lucas. But I knew that was only because they’d been kept busy with the kids and giving them gifts.Now, with the formalities over, I had work to do.I glanced over at Maria and Frank, who stood near the drink table, deep in conversation. Well, that was a good start. Frank was laughing at something Maria said, and she had that intrigued glint in her eyes. Still, I wasn’t about to leave things to chance.Grabbing a fresh plate of food, I made my way toward them, wearing my best innocent smile. “Hey, you two. Enjoying yourselves?”Frank wiped his hands on a napkin. “Your food is top notch, as always, Sophia.”Maria smirked. “Yeah, yeah, don’t think flattery will get you more free meals.”I laughed and casually glanced around. “You know, since you two are alre
SOPHIA'S POVThe kitchen was chaos personified.Cake batter smudged my cheek, frosting covered my fingers, and the sweet scent of vanilla and chocolate filled the air. The twins’ birthday was supposed to be a joyful, carefree day, but with the competition looming over me like a highly upset storm cloud, it was hard to not focus on the stress completely.I had spent the past week obsessing over menu plans, supplier issues, and last minute adjustments. I did not want to be caught lacking. But today, none of that mattered. Today was about Alex and Alexia. I owed them this.Kate nudged me with her elbow as she carefully arranged cupcakes on a tray. “You look like you’re planning world domination, not a birthday party.”I huffed out a laugh. “Same thing. I should write a book titled, ‘How to successfully plan world domination’ don't you think?”She smirked. “Slow your roll soldier. You sure inviting both of them is a good idea?”I stiffened. “They’ll deal with it.”Kate gave me a knowing l
NATHAN'S POVSophia’s words still lingered in my mind as I stepped out of my office, the cool evening air wrapping around me.“Thank you, Nathan.”She had said it softly, with sincerity, but also with hesitation, as if she wasn’t sure how much gratitude she wanted to offer me. As if she was still keeping a wall between us.I understood.She had every right to be cautious. I had made mistakes. But I wasn’t the same man I was when I had let her walk away.Now, I was here. And I wasn’t going anywhere.I checked my phone, scrolling through the messages Theon had sent. The pack was restless. Some still questioned my leadership, especially after my decision to show mercy to Victoria and her father. I had anticipated the backlash, but it was clear that my absence was adding fuel to their doubts.Still, my priorities were set.Sophia. Alex. Alexia.They came first.I turned onto the sidewalk, moving through the streets of New York with a purpose. The city was alive, the sounds of distant traf
LUCAS' POVIt had all happened like it was a dream. An out of body experience.I had planned everything down to the last detail. The weekend away was supposed to be a break, a moment for Sophia and me to breathe outside of work, responsibilities, and – most importantly – Nathan.But now, she was backing out.“I’m really sorry, Lucas.” She said, her voice carrying that careful softness she used when she knew she was letting someone down. “I just – I can’t leave right now. The competition is too important.”I sat back in my chair at the restaurant, gripping the edge of the table. Across from me, Sophia looked genuinely regretful, but it didn’t make me feel any better. I had been anticipating this weekend for weeks. More than that, I had needed it.I forced a smile, though I wasn’t sure how convincing it was. “I get it.” I said, keeping my voice even. “The competition comes first.”She exhaled in relief. “Thank you for understanding.”That wasn’t entirely true. I didn’t understand. Not w
SOPHIA'S POVI took a deep breath, trying to push away the exhaustion creeping into my bones. The past few days had been relentless – between running the restaurant, preparing for the competition, and making sure the twins were taken care of, I barely had a moment to think. Or breathe.Kate had practically shoved me out of Il Cuore di Sofia tonight, insisting I take a break. “Go. Do something that isn’t work or kids.” She’d said, waving me off like an overbearing mother.So, here I was, walking aimlessly through the quiet streets, a warm cup of tea in hand, letting the night air cool my skin. The competition was on my mind, but instead of focusing on recipes or strategies, I kept circling back to Maria’s odd behavior earlier. She’d called, wanting to talk, but before she could get to the point, something had interrupted her. She promised to call back, but I hadn’t heard from her since.Maybe I was overthinking it.I turned a corner, and just as I lifted my cup for another sip, I froze
MARIA'S POVI adjust my press badge and step into the competition hall, inhaling deeply. Butter, garlic, fresh herbs…“Ahhh, that's the smell. The sweet smell of ambition.” I think to myself while I scan the room, already spotting the clusters of chefs, camera crews, and event organizers buzzing around.“Maria!”I turn and spot Frank waving at me from the judges' table, notebook in hand. I weave through the crowd toward him.“Look who’s already front and center," I tease, nudging him lightly. "Trying to steal my scoop?”“Please. You and I both know you're the queen of food journalism.” He says, smirking. “Besides, I’m here for the drama, not just the food.”“Same. Always.” I admit. “There’s always at least one chef who has a breakdown before the main course round.”Frank snorts. “Oh, it’s practically a requirement. Who do you think it'll be this year?”“Too early to say, but I’d put money on one of the newcomers.”Before Frank could reply, a voice cut in.“Excuse me, are you Maria Cla
SOPHIA'S POVThe evening air was warm, with the golden hour rays in me as I walked with Daniel, the tension from the restaurant still humming through my veins. I let out a slow breath, watching it curl in the cold.“Well, that was something.” Daniel muttered, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. His voice was casual, but I caught the flicker of amusement in his eyes.“Which part?” I shot back. “The part where You and Lucas nearly turned my kid's school into a warzone, or the part where you and Kate decided to have a moment in the middle of a warzone in my restaurant?”Daniel winced. “I wouldn’t call it a moment exactly.”I arched a brow at him. “Oh? Because it looked like a moment to me.”He rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “Okay, maybe it was a little… something.” He sighed, then smirked. “She called me charming. What was I supposed to do?”I rolled my eyes. “Right, because you have no choice but to react when a woman finds you charming.”“Exactly.” He grinned. “Now
DANIEL'S POVI’ve sat through my fair share of ceremonies – long, bordering on insufferable things filled with speeches no one really listens to, polite applause, and stiff conversations. But this one was different.This was for Alex and Alexia. Sophia's kids. If anyone had told me yesterday when I boarded that flight to New York, that I would be at a kid's award ceremony, particularly the kid whose mom had tried to hit me with a decorative vase my mother had bought on a trip to Japan, I would told them to shut the fuck up and stop being full of shit.“Life is full of funny surprises, isn't it?” I smiled as I said to myself.I leaned back in my seat, watching as students filed across the stage one by one, collecting their awards. The school had gone all out for the event – decorations in the colors of their mascot, fliers with words of encouragement, and a slideshow playing pictures of the kids throughout the year. Parents filled the hall, some recording with their phones, others flo