NATHAN'S POVHe stared at me, trying to assess my level of commitment to this. I faced him head-on, letting him know that I'm ready for whatever challenge is thrown my way.He nodded, like he found something he was looking for. “Good. Because Malachi is not going to let you have it that easily. He's going to be back. This is not the last we've seen of him.”“I'm afraid so.” My voice was grave as the possible ways of retaliation from Malachi ran through my head. I knew what he did to Elder Jesper was just one of them.“And you may have gained enemies from this tactic of yours. Like I said earlier, people from both sides are not going to like this. You're telling them to set aside a rivalry almost as old as the packs themselves to work together. There will be bloodshed. Are you prepared for that?”“I don't have a choice. Leaving the pack without a leader and without ties to a strong pack is basically setting them up for failure and up for grabs to whoever finds them vulnerable first. An
NATHAN'S POVElder Jesper’s words snapped me out of my own head. “What did you say?”“Nathan. Let me ask you this. What's stopping you from going to meet her?”“Who? Sophia?” I inquired, the confusion apparent. He only nodded, not giving me a verbal response.“Well, that's because…” I paused, my words trailing off. What was stopping me?What could I say that would actively justify me not going after her?“Where would I start from?” I finally settled on it.“Where? The world is your stepping stone. Begin your journey there. No journey ever began without that first step. And the first step cannot be taken without you making that decision.”“So what are you saying?”“I'm saying, Nathan, that you need to do whatever you can to get Sophia back.”Get her back?The thought seemed almost incomprehensible as it swirled around in my head. Get my mate back?“There is a chance?” I asked, the question coming on in a breath.He nodded. “Although slow, the chance does exist. Listen to me, Nathan. Lo
SOPHIA'S POVThe rain was coming down in sheets, a relentless torrent that had transformed the usually vibrant backyard into a muddy swamp. The rainbow that had been there earlier had disappeared beneath the dark clouds. Inside, the twins, Alex and Alexia, were bouncing off the walls, their energy levels threatening to shatter the windows."Mom," Alex whined, "We're bored!”"I know, darlings." I sighed, peering out the window at the dismal weather. "But it's pouring outside. We can't go anywhere."Alexia, ever the dramatic one, flopped onto the sofa with a theatrical groan. "This is the worst day ever!"After having pancakes for breakfast, I knew having any other thing with too much sugar would be abysmal for the kids, hyping up their energy levels, but I was counting on their werewolf metabolism to solve the problem.I smiled. "Well, let's make it a little less bad." I rummaged through the pantry, pulling out a large bag of flour and a bowl. "How about we bake some cookies?"The twin
SOPHIA'S POVThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked and cooked meals filled the air as I unlocked the door to "Sophia’s heart," my little haven, my pride and joy.Having dropped my kids off at school, it was time to begin the day. I entered my car to begin the drive to work.But after settling in my seat, I had taken a moment for myself. Watching them enter the school gates and waving them goodbye had filled my heart with a sense of accomplishment that could not be rivaled. They had grown up to be such amazing children."Five years ago, I wouldn't have thought this possible. In fact, I would have told myself it wasn't. That I wasn't fit to be a mother or to own a restaurant. It had seemed like such a daunting task, but if there's anything I've learned, it's that with every new thing in life, you have to carry yourself with the determination and poise you hope to project to it. Having an open mind, and not limiting yourself to any construct or standard, helped in more way
SOPHIA'S POVThe aroma of cinnamon and apples filled the kitchen as I stirred the pot of simmering stew. I had just gotten back from work, and the day was eventful. Just thinking about the lady from earlier filled my heart with different emotions. I liked that I had been able to help her, and she had been better when she left, but I didn't like that the type of thing that happened to me happened to a lot of women everywhere.I knew there were good men out there. My dad was one of them, and my brothers were too if they had grown up. Tears threatened to well up in my eyes, but I shut them down.There were good men out there. And speaking of good men….I checked my watch, noting the time was six o'clock. That means that he'll be here soon. He's always on time.Alex, my curious little whirlwind, perched on a stool beside me, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Mommy,” he began, his voice serious, “where did we come from?”I smiled, knowing this was the beginning of many such conversation
SOPHIA'S POVThe sun, a warm beacon in the cerulean sky, cast long shadows as we made our way through the park. It was a late morning on the next day. Their school had called earlier that morning to inform us, the parents, that it was a fumigation day and the kids had to stay home. I had to call Kate to let her know I wouldn't be coming in and that all the preparations for the President of The Fusion Flavors—his birthday was tomorrow—had to go perfectly.Alex, my adventurous son, was already racing ahead, while Alexia, ever the cautious one, clung to my hand.The kids had been asking me to go to the park for weeks now, so I figured, why not?And here I am, hours later, wondering why I agreed to this on my one day off and why it was this crowded on a Tuesday morning.Walking beside me was Lucas, his easy smile and gentle eyes making my heart flutter a little faster than usual. This wasn't just a simple family outing; it was a chance to spend time with Lucas, a friend who was slowly—but
NATHAN'S POVThe moon hung heavy in the sky, casting long shadows across the clearing. My pack, a cacophony of growls and snarls, watched me with a mixture of fear and awe. I, their Alpha, was leaving them.“I'll be back soon. No one else can know I'm gone.”I looked at the small gathering of the people I trusted—Theon, Rachel, and Beta Lewis amongst others.I was leaving them for the unknown, for the treacherous human world.But they didn't know that.All I had told the small gathering of wolves was that I was going to hunt for Malachi before he came to hunt for us.But, unbeknownst to them, I was really going to search for my mate and follow Elder Jesper’s advice.Elder Jesper, the only werewolf I knew who knows about the ancient ways, could not come with me. He was still severely injured from Malachi's attack, and it was all he could do to guide me onto the right path. But he had also given me one last tool. He knew someone who had left the werewolf world and now lived among the hu
SOPHIA'S POVThe insistent chirping of my phone alarm dragged me from sleep. It's five in the morning. Another day, another phase of life.Today, however, felt different. Today was the day the CEO of "The Fusion Flavor," the biggest in the culinary industry, had booked my restaurant for the President's birthday party. I had to be there on time, making sure everything was where it was supposed to be.Kate was also coming in today. It was going to be an all-hands-on-deck day. Today was going to be perfect.Groaning, I swung my legs over the side of the bed. My twins, Alex and Alexia, were still fast asleep, their tiny chests rising and falling in rhythmic slumber. I tiptoed out of the room, the floorboards creaking a soft protest under my bare feet.The kitchen was a flurry of activity. I quickly brewed a pot of strong coffee, the aroma already invigorating. My mind raced. Would the CEO be impressed with our locally sourced produce? Would he enjoy the signature dish, my mentor's secret
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
SOPHIA’S POVAlex's ragged breathing filled the apartment, each shallow inhale like a blade to my chest, hacking away at my heart. His small frame was curled on the couch, with blankets piled over him, but he still shivered. His skin was pale, slick with sweat, and the dark circles under his eyes had deepened.The remedy was supposed to help. Instead, it had made things worse.I ran my fingers through his damp curls, my heart squeezing as he stirred restlessly.“Mom…” His voice was weak, barely above a whisper."I'm here, baby,” I murmured, brushing his cheek. “I'm right here.”But I wasn't enough.I pressed my lips together, trying to suppress the wave of frustration and fear threatening to drown me. I had done everything right – followed the instructions exactly. So why was my son suffering more than before?There was only one person who might have the answers.Elara.But she was nowhere to be found.I had spent the last few days calling in favors, digging through old contacts, and