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
SOPHIA'S POVThe kitchen of my restaurant hummed with activity, pots clanging and orders being shouted back and forth as I tried to stay focused on the task at hand. The birthday party for the President of The Fusion Flavors was being hosted.It was already underway, but my mind wasn’t on the hors d’oeuvres or the champagne flutes being filled in the dining room.It was on Alex.I can't believe he fainted, collapsing in the back seat of the car without warning. I could still picture his limp body as I scooped him up and rushed him to the hospital, Alexia clutching my arm, her wide, terrified eyes echoing the panic I felt. The image was still clear in my mind as I tried to make sure everything was going smoothly.I hadn't wanted to leave him, but Lucas had arrived after about two hours.I looked up when he came in. “Lucas.”“I came over as fast as I could. Is he okay?”“Yeah, he's stable now.” I still couldn't get over the fact he was here. “How are you here?”“Grace called me. She sai
SOFIA'S POV “Mr. Walters, what can I do for you?” I said, fixing a pleasant smile on my face. “Miss Sophia, no need to be so formal. Call me Simon. You've earned it, after this wonderful birthday you've thrown me. It's ten over ten from me.” “Thank you, Simon. Happy birthday once again, sir.” I nodded with a smile. “I must admit, when I picked this restaurant from Andrew's recommendations, I had my reservations, but this has surpassed my expectations. Reminds me of the good old days when the restaurant business had both class and originality, ay? Good job, Andrew,” he said, his laugh booming as he slapped the back of someone on his right. Just so happened to be Andrew. It was funny to watch Andrew sputter as he tried to come up with a response. “Thank you, sir.” “He's a good lad. Here, have my business card. We'll speak more later,” he said, reaching into his suit pocket and bringing out a card. I was stunned for a moment, then regained my composure, accepting the card. “Thank
SOFIA'S POV"Slut!""Wake up, you slut!"The voice echoed in my ears like a slap—sharp and piercing. My arm was tapped roughly, and a sickening weight pressed down on me, making my body feel like it was sinking into the bed.But I didn’t move. My eyelids were too heavy, my body too weak, as though something was forcing me to stay still.Then, the voice came again, louder this time."You whore, I said wake up!"My chest rose and fell with a shaky breath as I forced my eyes open. The first thing I saw was Victoria's face, her lips curled into a sneer, eyes burning with disgust.I blinked, confused. My surroundings felt wrong and strange. I should be in Nathan's room, not here. This wasn’t his room. This wasn’t where I was supposed to be.Then it hit me. I was in the garden last night with a glass of wine, preparing for the most important day of my life. I was going to be made Luna of the pack. Nathan had called me and told me he had a surprise for me.But now... how had I ended up here?
SOFIA'S POV “Mr. Walters, what can I do for you?” I said, fixing a pleasant smile on my face. “Miss Sophia, no need to be so formal. Call me Simon. You've earned it, after this wonderful birthday you've thrown me. It's ten over ten from me.” “Thank you, Simon. Happy birthday once again, sir.” I nodded with a smile. “I must admit, when I picked this restaurant from Andrew's recommendations, I had my reservations, but this has surpassed my expectations. Reminds me of the good old days when the restaurant business had both class and originality, ay? Good job, Andrew,” he said, his laugh booming as he slapped the back of someone on his right. Just so happened to be Andrew. It was funny to watch Andrew sputter as he tried to come up with a response. “Thank you, sir.” “He's a good lad. Here, have my business card. We'll speak more later,” he said, reaching into his suit pocket and bringing out a card. I was stunned for a moment, then regained my composure, accepting the card. “Thank
SOPHIA'S POVThe kitchen of my restaurant hummed with activity, pots clanging and orders being shouted back and forth as I tried to stay focused on the task at hand. The birthday party for the President of The Fusion Flavors was being hosted.It was already underway, but my mind wasn’t on the hors d’oeuvres or the champagne flutes being filled in the dining room.It was on Alex.I can't believe he fainted, collapsing in the back seat of the car without warning. I could still picture his limp body as I scooped him up and rushed him to the hospital, Alexia clutching my arm, her wide, terrified eyes echoing the panic I felt. The image was still clear in my mind as I tried to make sure everything was going smoothly.I hadn't wanted to leave him, but Lucas had arrived after about two hours.I looked up when he came in. “Lucas.”“I came over as fast as I could. Is he okay?”“Yeah, he's stable now.” I still couldn't get over the fact he was here. “How are you here?”“Grace called me. She sai
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
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 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
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 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 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
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