“We’ll figure this out together,” her father promised, his voice firm. “You’re not alone in this, Stephanie. We’ll get to the bottom of this, and if your son is out there, we’ll bring him home.”Or die trying, he pledged to himself. He had lost his daughter once, and there was no way he was going to lose her again—not to her past, not to her scum of a husband, and not to her pain.Stephanie pulled back slightly, looking into her father's eyes. “But how, Dad? How do we even begin to find out if he’s telling the truth? What if it’s all just another way to hurt me?”Her father squeezed her hands gently. “Where there's a will, there's a way. I will find a way.” He kissed the top of her head, reminiscent of the way he used to when she was just a baby. *******************ECLIPSE PACK“What is the problem? You have been on a short fuse since coming back from your trip, and you’re taking your anger out on the pack members. Worse, you refuse to talk about it,” Chris said, his voice filled wi
Chris sighed. “You’ve really made a mess of things, Damien. But Stephanie is a kind-hearted woman. She’ll likely make the right decision.”"Are you always going to bring that up whenever we talk about her?" Alpha Damien asked, irritation creeping into his voice."I can't help it. I always stand by the truth. This is part of the reason you made me your beta," Chris replied calmly.Alpha Damien growled but remained silent. He knew Chris was right, and there was no point in arguing."Have you heard from Ava? She had a part in all this," Chris asked, shifting the conversation."I will kill her if she dares to resurface," Damien spat out. "She wanted to kill my children, and I can’t begin to imagine the other things she might have done that I’m not aware of."Before Chris could reply, Alpha Damien's phone rang. He picked it up, his expression darkening."Alpha," the voice on the other end said, "someone is here to see you, and he says it's urgent.""You never call me before ushering in a g
“You just have five minutes, and that’s all,” Alpha Damien said, his tone sharp. He turned on his heel and started walking away.Mr. Hank quickly addressed his entourage, “Wait here. I’ll be back shortly.” He then hurried to catch up with Damien, he was a bit surprised he agreed to talk to him in private after refusing at first and the little brawl that ensued between them.Alpha Damien led the way, his footsteps echoing through the hallway. “This way,” he muttered, not bothering to look back.They reached the study on the ground floor of the mansion. Damien pushed the door open and stepped inside. He went straight to his chair and sat down without offering Stephanie's father a seat.Hank took a seat, he understood the type of person he was dealing with and he was tired and could not stand on his feet while there was an empty seat. His eyes scanned the room. “Thank you for agreeing to talk,” he said, trying to ease the tension.Alpha Damien remained standing, leaning against the Chai
As soon as Hank left, Damien sat back in his chair, his mind racing. His daughter was alive, but why did Stephanie lie that she was dead?And Ava, what atrocities did she commit in his pack before fleeing, he would sniff her out from wherever she was hiding and make her pay for all her crimes. He slammed his fist on the desk, frustration boiling inside him.“Chris!” he called out, his voice echoing through the hall.Chris appeared quickly, sensing the tension in the air. "Yes, Alpha?" he asked, his voice hoarse “You called”"Find Ava," Damien ordered, his eyes still glowing faintly with anger. "I need answers, and someone has to pay for their sins."Chris nodded a hint of glint in his eyes. Finally, Alpha Damien was beginning to see what had been hidden from him for so long. "Understood, Alpha," he replied. But how was he going to find someone who had disappeared for almost eight years?He bowed slightly before turning to leave. **************Her twins were both alive. This single t
Stephanie stepped outside, where the car was ready and waiting. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Thank you," she said to the driver as she climbed in and shut the door behind her.During the drive to the venue, Stephanie forced herself not to dwell on the turmoil in her life. She knew she needed to stay composed and appear strong, not like a damsel in distress. She gazed out of the window, focusing on the passing scenery, trying to distract herself."We're here, ma'am," the driver announced, pulling up in front of the building. He got out and opened the door for her."Thank you," Stephanie said, stepping out of the car. She straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath, readying herself for the meeting.Before she entered the building, she checked her watch and smiled. She was early. "Perfect timing," she muttered to herself, feeling a small sense of satisfaction. This would give her enough time to settle in before the meeting commenced.Then an unexpected and
The atmosphere in the private hospital where Stephanie was admitted was very tense. Her face was pale against the white sheets where she lay on the hospital bed. A bandage covered the bullet wound on her shoulder, she had not noticed that she was shot as all her concern was about her driver not until she swooned and felt a sharp pain on her shoulders.Her father had been watching the news when the coverage of a shooting spree was made, and when he heard the name of the hotel he was alarmed, it was the same hotel where Stephanie had gone for a meeting. He watched the scene play out before him. The name of the victims was confirmed as Stephanie Hanks daughter and heir of business tycoon Mr. Hanks, some passersby had been shot and Ms Hanks's driver dead. He had gotten to the scene when Stephanie was taken to the hospital by an ambulance. He followed behind and once she was admitted he bulked up the hospital with security and had two guards stationed at the door of her ward.He watched
Stephanie's eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was her father's concerned face. She smiled weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Dad..."Hank moved quickly to her bedside, his relief visible. He kissed her forehead gently, trying to hold back his tears. "You’re awake," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I was so afraid that I would lose you."Stephanie tried to shift in the bed, wincing slightly from the pain. “You won't lose me, not yet anyway.” She grinned through her obvious pain "How is Kayla?" she asked.Hank's expression softened. "She's fine, honey. Dr. Zita took her home, and I've made sure their security is tight."Stephanie sighed in relief. "Thank you, Dad."He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Someone else is here to see you."Stephanie's eyes widened with surprise. "Who? Did you bring Kayla here? I don’t want her to see me like this.""No, it’s not Kayla. It’s Alpha Damien. I called him over."A wave of alarm washed over Stephanie, mak
Stephanie had hoped and wanted to believe that Alpha Damien genuinely cared about her. She clung to the thought that he would visit as he had promised. However, four days had passed since she had been in the hospital, and he hadn't shown up again. Today was her final day at the hospital, and her father had already signed her discharge papers. They were preparing to leave as soon as he returned from the doctor's office.Her father noticed her somber expression as she sat at the edge of the bed. "Is everything alright, you look downtrodden?" he asked gently, taking a seat beside her. "The doctor said there's no health risk and you don't have any infection. He was quite surprised at how fast you've healed."Stephanie's eyes widened in alarm. "Does he suspect anything?" she asked, with concern. She had been unconscious when she arrived at the hospital and hadn't been able to determine if it was a human hospital or not.Her father reassured her, "Dr. Zita took care of everything. She said
Four years had passed since Stephanie became Luna. In that time, the sorceress' Prophecy about the Eclipse pack had come to pass as the pack had not only flourished but had become the largest and most formidable pack in the entire territory. The transformation was felt in every corner of their land, and a sense of security and pride filled each member.Under Alpha Damien and Luna Stephanie’s leadership, they had found peace and prosperity. Damien’s once arrogant and foreboding feature had become warm and inclusive, embodying the unity of the moon goddess. Stephanie, who once questioned her place in the pack, was now a revered Luna, trusted and respected by all. She carried an undeniable strength, one that had seen her through some of the darkest times and now anchored her family and pack.*********On a cold morning, Damien gathered everyone in the central grounds of the pack community. Standing beside Stephanie, he addressed his pack."Today, I have wonderful news to share," Damien b
“Hey, your break’s over. We need someone clearing tables. Stop lounging around and get back to work,” he snapped, his words cutting through.Hank’s eyes widened, the shock unmistakable as he turned his look back to Cassandra. “Cassandra… you work here?”Cassandra’s shoulders slumped, her eyes dropping to her hands as shame washed over her. “Yes,” she murmured, voice barely audible. “This is my job now, Hank.”Hank’s face softened, his shock giving way to a profound sadness as he took in her worn appearance. He reached out, resting a gentle hand on her arm. “What… what happened to you, Cassandra?”Cassandra took a shaky breath, her voice filled with shame and regret as memories rushed back, memories of the choices she had made, the paths she had chosen, and the arrogance that had blinded her. “I trusted someone,” she began, voice breaking. “A younger man. He made me feel… seen again, like I mattered. But he took everything I had and left. I lost my home, my status… everything.” Her vo
Damien stood on the edge of the field overlooking the lush greenery of parts of the pack territory. He glanced around at the pack members beginning their morning routines and took a deep breath, his mind elsewhere. It was Hank's invitation that lingered in his thoughts—a trip to South Africa, a vacation that had taken on a life of its own in his mind, fueled by encouragement from Stephanie and the children.“I think you should go," Chris had told him one evening, sensing Damien's hesitation. "You've been carrying this pack for years, barely taking a moment for yourself. Let me handle things here for a little while. I owe you that much—and more."Damien had turned to his beta, touched by Chris's words. "Chris, you know since after the whole ordeal we have faced, I planned on never stepping out of the pack for years to come”Chris gave a light chuckle, patting Damien's shoulder with a brotherly confidence. "Damien, with respect, you need to go. Not only for you, but for Stephanie and t
The night had quieted down slightly as the guests had left, but the heart of the pack remained. Under the glow of the moonlight, laughter and music filled the air, while the remaining pack members continued to dance and celebrate. Stephanie and Damien stood together, watching Caleb and Kayla play with the other children, their faces glowing with happiness.Suddenly, Chris approached, his arm around Zita, both of them laughing softly. “Alpha,” Chris began. “Zita and I have been talking, and we… We'd love to exchange our vows and officially become mates tonight, with all of you here to witness it. It feels right on a night like this.”Damien’s face lit up with surprise, then softened with a deep warmth. “Chris, I can’t think of a better moment. No one deserves this more than you. You’ve stood by me, through every storm and every success. It’s an honor to have you both join as mates on this special night.”Chris nodded, visibly moved, and his hand tightened around Zita’s. “Thank you, Da
As the celebration continued into the evening, the guests began forming a line to present their gifts to the new Luna. Stephanie graciously accepted each one, touched by the thoughtfulness behind every present. Her heart warmed as she saw the way her pack and loved ones had come together to make this day so memorable.Albert, Damien's former gamma and new Alpha of knight pack, presented a beautifully crafted silver pendant adorned with the Moon Goddess symbol. “To remind you of your strength and wisdom, Luna,” he said with a smile, bowing his head in respect.Stephanie took the pendant with a smile, deeply moved. “Thank you, Albert. I’ll wear it proudly,” she replied, clasping the pendant close to her heart.Jane approached next, holding a delicate painting of a moonlit forest scene. “It’s a reminder of home,” Jane said softly. “Those times you felt lost, but now you have gotten all you deserve because you are a good person.”Stephanie’s eyes shone with gratitude as she took the gift.
The night before the Luna ceremony, Stephanie lay wide awake, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling with anticipation and excitement. It was hard to believe the day was finally here. She was about to step fully into the role of Luna, something that had once seemed unimaginable. Though she had faced endless trials and tribulations, she had come full circle, returning to the place where she now felt a profound sense of belonging. In the early morning hours, she heard a gentle knock at her door. “Mom?” Caleb’s voice whispered through the door.Stephanie rose and opened the door to find Caleb standing there, looking every bit as anxious as she felt. He began to speak but kept stopping, clearly struggling to find the right words.“Mom, are you… excited?” he finally asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.Stephanie placed her hands on his shoulders. “More than you can imagine,” she replied softly. “I’m nervous too, just like you.” She squeezed his shoulders reassuringly. “But
Stephanie could feel the children’s excitement building as they made their way through the heart of the pack’s community toward Alicia's shop. Though she had initially considered using a human seamstress, she felt a sense of ease in choosing Alicia, a decision that felt more meaningful now. Alicia was not only an incredible seamstress but also a woman who deeply understood the werewolf world and its sacred ceremonies. Stephanie knew that Alicia’s designs would capture the spirit and traditions of the pack, honoring the connection to the Moon Goddess.When they arrived, Alicia’s shop was warm and inviting, filled with bolts of fabric in rich colors and textures that seemed to glow under the sunlight streaming through the windows. Stephanie took in the scene, feeling a surge of pride for her pack and their traditions.The door swung open, and Alicia looked up, her face breaking into a broad smile when she saw them. “Stephanie!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. “And
As they settled down for breakfast, the atmosphere was light with laughter and the occasional clink of silverware. The events of the past few days felt distant, overshadowed by the warmth of family and the security of home. The children chattered excitedly about their favorite dishes, as Stephanie and Damien exchanged glances, each silently grateful for the peace they now had.Just then, Chris and Zita walked in, both of them beaming, a radiance about them that instantly caught Stephanie’s attention. “Hey! Look who’s finally joining us!” she called out with a welcoming grin."Couldn't resist the smell of breakfast, could you?" Damien added, chuckling as he pulled out chairs for them. Chris laughed, nodding his thanks as he and Zita took their seats at the table, the children greeting them with enthusiastic waves and giggles.“We thought we’d pop in to see everyone before the day fully got underway,” Chris said, giving a warm smile around the table. “But truthfully, Zita and I have som
Stephanie stirred, blinking sleepily as the trauma of the previous night’s ordeal washed over her. She glanced beside her to see Damien, Kayla, and Caleb, all nestled close together, their faces peaceful in sleep. The children had insisted on sleeping with them that night, clinging to the safety and warmth they found between them after the terrifying events they'd endured. Stephanie had found no reason to say no; in fact, their closeness had provided her with a rare sense of calm.Taking a deep breath, Stephanie gently placed her hand on Damien’s shoulder, whispering his name as she brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen across his face. "Damien," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible. He blinked awake, his gaze meeting hers, still clouded with sleep. Slowly, she woke the children too, brushing a soft kiss over each of their foreheads. Kayla’s eyes fluttered open first, followed by Caleb’s, both of them stretching and yawning.A heaviness lay on her heart, an ache t