Maya wipes down the counter of the small town bar, her mind drifting to the slower pace of life she's grown accustomed to.
It's a far cry from the pack she left behind, but she's found solace in the friendly faces and quiet rhythms of this quaint little place.
She's been here for two months now, and as she pours a drink for a regular, she feels a sense of belonging wash over her.
The door chimes as a group of rowdy men stumble in, their laughter and slurred words a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere Maya has grown to love. She steels herself, ready to deal with the usual antics of the local drunkards. She plasters on a friendly smile as the men approach the bar.
"What can I get you fellas?" she asks in a pleasant tone, her eyes scanning the group.
One of the men, his eyes already glassy from too many drinks, leers at Maya. "How about a round of whiskey for me and my buddies here?" he slurs, his gaze lingering on her body.
Maya's smile falters for a moment, but she recovers quickly. "Coming right up," she replies, trying to keep her voice neutral as she pours the drinks. She sets them on the counter, hoping the men will take their drinks and leave her alone.
But the leering man lingers, his eyes roaming over Maya's body. "You know, I bet I could show you a real good time, sweetheart," he says, his words thick with drunken innuendo.
Maya's hackles rise, her heart rate increasing. "I'm just trying to do my job here," she says firmly. "I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your comments to yourself."
The man chuckles, undeterred. "Aw, come on now, don't be like that. I'm just trying to give you a little attention, that's all." He reaches out and runs a hand down Maya's shoulder.
Maya jerks away, glaring at the man. "I said keep your hands to yourself," she snaps. "I'm not interested in anything you have to offer."
He leans in, his breath hot on her neck. "You know," he whispers, his words laced with a sickening sweetness, "you shouldn't be so rude. I'm just trying to appreciate you. Cut me some slack."
Maya sneers. "And I don't want your stupid appreciation," she says, her voice tight.
"In Fact I would appreciate you respecting that."
He snorts, a harsh, grating sound.
"Respect? Sweetheart, you misunderstand. I'm offering you something much better than this dead-end job." He reaches out again, this time grabbing her arm.
"Let go," she grouses, her voice rising in volume. "I said no."
He tightens his grip. "Don't play coy. I know what you want."
The other bartenders, noticing the escalating situation, move towards them. Mark, a burly man that shares to shift with her, places a hand on the man's shoulder.
"Easy there, friend," he says, his voice calm but firm. "She's asked you to leave her alone."
The man, momentarily startled, tries to shake off Mark's hand. "This is none of your business," he snarls.
Another woman, stacy from the kitchen, quick and agile, steps in front of Maya, shielding her.
"Get out," she says, her voice sharp and commanding. "Before you make this worse."
The man, enraged, lunges forward, but his friend's seem to notice that it's escalating.
One them grabs his arms and tugs him aside.
"Alright, let's get going, fellas. I think we've worn out our welcome here."
Maya watches as the man’s face twists with anger, but he finally huffs and storms out, muttering curses. She exhales, her legs trembling slightly. “Thank you."
The friend inclines his head before turning on his heel and walking out the door. In no time the rest of the group of men file out.
But maya's heart is still pounding in her chest.
She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.
She's dealt with unwanted advances before, but that encounter left her feeling shaken.
Just then, Maya feels a sudden wave of dizziness wash over her. She reaches out to steady herself, bracing her hands on the counter. The room seems to be spinning, and she can feel her legs trembling beneath her.
"Are you alright?" Mark asks, rushing over to her side.
Maya shakes her head, struggling to speak. "I...I don't know. I suddenly feel..." Her voice trails off as her vision goes dark and she collapses to the floor.
* * *
Maya's eyes flutter open, and she finds herself in an unfamiliar room. The sterile white walls and the steady beeping of medical equipment tell her she's in a hospital. She tries to sit up, but a wave of nausea and dizziness washes over her, and she quickly lies back down.
A nurse appears at her bedside, a concerned expression on her face. "Easy there, Miss. You've had a bit of a scare. How are you feeling?"
Maya swallows, her mouth dry. "What happened?" she asks, her voice hoarse.
"You collapsed at the bar where you work," the nurse explains. "The other employees called an ambulance and you were brought here. We've been running some tests to try to determine what caused the fainting spell."
Maya nods slowly, the events of the evening starting to come back to her. "The customer...he was harassing me, and then I just..." She shakes her head, wincing at the pain the movement causes.
The nurse's expression turns sympathetic. "I see. Well, you're safe now. We're just waiting on the results of some bloodwork to see what might be going on."
Just then, a doctor enters the room, a serious expression on his face. "Miss Maya, I'm glad to see you're awake. I have some news for you."
Maya looks up at him, her heart racing. "What is it?" she asks, dread filling her.
The doctor clears his throat. "Well, the results of your bloodwork indicate that you're...pregnant. In fact, you're carrying triplets."
Maya's eyes widen in shock, and she feels her heart skip a beat. "Triplets?" she whispers, her voice barely audible.
The doctor nods. "Yes, that's correct. We're not entirely sure of the cause, but it seems your pregnancy is progressing at an accelerated rate compared to a normal human pregnancy."
Maya stares at him, her mind racing. Triplets? How could this be happening? And it was accelerating? was it because the father was an alpha?!
What the fuck is she going to do?
She had always wanted a family, but not like this – not alone, in a foreign place, with no support system.
The revelation fills her with a mix of fear and joy, and she's not sure how to process it all.
"Wh-what do I do?" she asks, her voice trembling.
The doctor gives her a pitying look. "Well, that's ultimately up to you, Miss Maya. We can provide you with information and resources to help you make the best decision for you and the babies. But the choice is yours."
Maya nods slowly, her thoughts whirling. The prospect of being a single mother to triplets is daunting, to say the least.
The doctor seems to sense her inner turmoil. "Take some time to think it over," he says gently. "You can check it out in the meantime and come back later to discuss your options in more detail."
Maya nods again, her eyes downcast. As the doctor leaves, she feels a wave of overwhelming emotions wash over her.
Tears start to stream down
her face, and she buries her head in her hands, her body shaking with sobs.
What is she going to do?
After a while, the hospital room feels suffocating. The beeping machines, the constant bustle of nurses, the sterile smell – it all amplifies the chaos in her mind. She needs to get out. She needs to be alone, so she checks herself out and heads home.Back in her small apartment, Maya sinks onto the couch, her mind racing. She stares blankly at the wall, the news swirling in her head. Triplets. She presses her hands to her stomach, feeling a mix of nausea and protectiveness.“I’m not ready for this,” she whispers to herself, tears spilling down her cheeks for the second time tonight. “How am I supposed to raise three children by myself?”The thought of parenting alone sends her spiraling. .She paces the small space, anxiety clawing at her. What if she’s not cut out for this? What if she fails them?It's all too much for her.The next day she returns to the hospital, where the doctor gives her more details about her pregnancy and what she should expect as well as the result
The car ride home is filled with a heavy silence, the weight of the day's events hanging over them like a dark cloud. Maya glances in the rearview mirror, her heart breaking at the sight of her children's somber expressions."I'm so sorry, my darlings," she murmurs, her voice thick with emotion. "I never wanted you to have to deal with something like this."Aiden reaches out, his small hand grasping hers. "It's not your fault, Mama. That boy was being really mean, and we couldn't just let him-"Maya squeezes his hand, offering him a weak smile. "I know, sweetheart. And I'm proud of you for standing up for your sister. But you know violence isn't the answer, no matter how justified it may feel."Eli nods solemnly, his brow furrowed. "We know, Mama. We just... we couldn't let him say those things about you. It made us so angry."Rose sniffles, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I didn't mean to cry, Mama. I tried to be strong, but it hurt so much."Maya reaches back, gently caressi
Maya watches the scene with a fond smile, remembering how Lily had quite literally burst into her life a few years ago. The triplets had just turned one, and Maya had been feeling overwhelmed, struggling to adjust to the demands of motherhood. She had been sitting alone in the park, her head in her hands, when Lily had practically stumbled upon her."Goodness, you look like you could use a friend!" Lily had exclaimed, her voice carrying across the otherwise quiet space. Without so much as a by-your-leave, she had plopped down beside Maya, introducing herself with a warm smile and offering an ear to listen.In the years since, Lily has become a constant presence in Maya's life, a whirlwind of support and companionship. The triplets adore her, and Maya finds herself grateful for the eccentric woman's unwavering presence.“My darlings!” Lily exclaims, bringing maya back to the present, her voice booming with infectious energy. She's standing straight again, her hand on her hip as she s
“Maya!” one of them calls, his voice cutting through the chatter of the market. “We need to talk!”“Run,” Maya whispers, her voice barely more than a breath. She grabs the triplets’ hands, her mind racing. “We have to go. Now!”“Mama, why?” Eli protests, not sensing the urgency in her tone.“Just trust me, Now move!” she urges, her heart pounding as she scans for an escape route. The pack is closing in, and she can feel the weight of their gaze on her back.They bolt through the market, weaving between startled shoppers. Maya’s instincts kick in, guiding her toward a narrow alleyway. “Quick!” she urges, pushing the triplets ahead of her.As they duck into the alley, Maya presses her back against the wall, trying to catch her breath. The sounds of the market fade, replaced by the echo of her own heartbeat. “Mama, what’s happening?” Aiden asks, his voice trembling.Maya crouches in front of them, her eyes softening despite the fear clawing at her throat. “My darlings, I need you to li
The car is silent for a few minutes, an oppressive weight hanging in the air. Maya bites her lip, the taste of salt mingling with the remnants of her sweat.Images of her three children flood her mind: Eli, Aiden, and Rose, their small faces twisted with fear, their little bodies trembling as they clutch one another. She swallows shakily, the lump in her throat refusing to budge. Finally, she turns to Jackson, her heart racing.“What about the kids?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. The words feel like needles piercing her throat as she stumbles over them, fear clawing at her insides. Jackson’s expression remains unreadable, a mask of indifference that chills her to the bone.Jackson glances at her, his eyes sharp and cold. “What about them?” he replies, his tone devoid of empathy. The question hangs in the air, heavy and suffocating. Maya’s heart sinks deeper into despair, the terror for her children growing like a shadow in the back of her mind.“Are they—are they okay?
Jackson smirks, a cold, humorless expression that sends a shiver down her spine. “I’ll be back,” he replies, his tone dripping with cool certainty. “You can count on that.”It's a promise.Lily tilts her head slightly, a challenge in her eyes. “You should know,” she interjects, her voice steady and confident, “I’m one of the best in the city. Maybe even the best in the world. You won’t get far.”Jackson’s expression shifts, irritation flaring in his eyes. “You think you can protect her?” he scoffs, turning on his heel. “Good luck with that.” He strides away, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the tense silence.Maya watches as he gets back into his car, the engine roaring to life. The dark van behind him shifts gears, following him down the street. As the car disappears from view, Maya feels her knees weaken, the adrenaline of the confrontation leaving her shaky and vulnerable.“Whoa, easy there,” Lily says, reaching out to grab Maya’s shoulder, steadying her. “Let’s get somewhere
They arrive at a high-end jewelry store, and the man steps inside, the bell jingling as the door swings open. The sales staff immediately perks up, recognizing him. The man frowns a little. Maybe he should have worn a baseball hat too with his sunglasses. Maybe then he wouldn't be so easy to spot."Hello." He greets politely all the same.“Oh My God! Welcome, sir! How can I assist you today?” one eager attendant asks, a giddy smile on her face.“I’m looking for something special for my girlfriend,” he replies, his tone casual but his eyes focused. “Something that says I’m back.”“Of course! Right this way.” She leads him through the store, showcasing various exquisite pieces. After browsing for a few moments, he spots a delicate necklace adorned with a sparkling pendant that catches his eye.“This one,” he says decisively. “Wrap it up nicely.”As the attendant prepares the necklace, he turns to another section filled with toys. He selects several colorful items that he knows will d
Later that evening, the house settles into a comfortable hush. The triplets are finally asleep, their small bodies nestled under colourful blankets, the remnants of their earlier excitement still visible in the way they clutch their new toys. Yuri stands at the door, peeking in to see the peaceful scene. “They really wore themselves out today,” he remarks, closing the door softly behind him.Maya nods, a smile lingering on her lips. “They always do that when you're here. It’s nice to see them so happy.”Yuri walks over to the couch, where he sinks into the plush cushions. “You did a great job with them,” he says, his voice sincere. “They’re amazing kids.”“Thanks,” Maya replies, her heart fluttering at the compliment. She heads into the kitchen, preparing two mugs of hot cocoa, the rich aroma filling the air. “Do you want marshmallows?” she calls over her shoulder.“Absolutely!” he replies, a playful tone in his voice.Maya chuckles softly as she adds a generous handful of marshmal
The study remains silent, thick with emotions. Maya stands in the centre of the room, the golf club resting against her shoulder like a battle-worn sword. The air is sharp with the scent of sweat and fear, broken only by the ragged breathing of the two tutors groaning on the floor. The triplets remain seated at their desks but slowly inch towards each other in the aftermath, seeming to derive comfort from each other. The sight of it ignites something primal in Maya’s chest. Then— The door creaks open. The sound is almost hesitant as if whoever is entering already senses something is wrong. Maya turns slowly, her grip tightening on the club. The tall third tutor steps inside, tall and wiry with a neatly pressed suit and round spectacles. His brow furrows at the eerie stillness of the room. Then his gaze sweeps over the scene— The toppled chairs. The tutors sprawled on the floor, clutching their injuries. The triplets were eerily composed. And finally— Maya. Hi
Jackson drives with one hand on the wheel, the other resting against the car door. His gaze flickers toward Maya every few seconds, but she remains eerily silent, her posture stiff, her expression unreadable. That alone is enough to put him on edge. He’s used to Maya being many things—angry, defiant, impulsive. But this? This composed stillness? It’s unsettling. She stares straight ahead, her fingers lightly tapping against her knee in a slow, methodical rhythm. It’s not a nervous tic—it’s calculated, almost as if she’s counting the seconds. Jackson exhales through his nose. “Are you going to tell me what this is about?” Maya doesn’t respond. His grip on the wheel tightens slightly. “You storm into my office like you own the place, demand that I follow you, and now you won’t even tell me why?” Nothing. Jackson’s jaw tics. “You’re being dramatic.” Maya finally shifts, just slightly, but her eyes remain focused on the road. “You’ll see soon enough.” Her voice is
Maya returns to the manor, bracing herself for another painful encounter with her sons. But what she doesn’t expect— Is to find them diligently attending class.Maya lingers outside the study where they are, pressing her ear to the door. The children’s voices are faint—too faint. She inhales, schooling her expression before stepping inside. The triplets sit at a long wooden table, their hands folded neatly atop their desks. Three tutors stand at the front of the room, their presence suffocating in its rigid formality. Maya barely suppresses a scowl. She doesn’t trust them. But she needs proof before she can get rid of them.Jackson won't listen if she doesn't have it and she knows mentioning her visit to his grandmother would just lead to more tension.She steps forward, folding her arms. “I’d like to sit in on the lesson.” One of the tutors, a woman with sharp cheekbones and sleek black hair, turns. “That won’t be necessary.” Maya stiffens. “Excuse me?” “The ch
Two days pass. And nothing changes. The boys remain distant, their eyes dull and their words clipped. They only speak when spoken to. They only interact with her at meal times, and even then, they keep their answers short. Rose is torn. She clings to Maya whenever she can, seeking comfort, but she also keeps looking at her brothers—unsure whether to follow their lead or stay by her mother’s side. Maya tries. She really tries.She sits with them at breakfast and attempts to engage them in conversation. Nothing. She invites them to play, to read, to go outside. Nothing. She even bakes their favorite cookies—warm, gooey chocolate chip, the ones they always fight over. They eat them in silence. No smiles. No laughter. No, ‘Mama, can I have more?’ Maya breaks. The third night, after another failed attempt to reach them, she snaps. “Enough,” she says, slamming her hands onto the dinner table. The triplets flinch. Maya’s voice trembles. “I don’t care what’s
Maya had stopped struggling against Jackson's grip long ago, resigning herself to the humiliation of being slung over his broad shoulder like a sack of rice. The rhythmic sway of his strides does nothing to ease her seething anger. Her arms are tightly crossed, her nails digging into her skin as she glared daggers at the back of his head. She’d already tried pounding against his back, wiggling like a fish out of water, and even whispering threats in his ear—all to no avail. The man was a walking fortress, unshaken by her tantrum. Her blood boils as they near the sleek black car waiting for them. The moment he sets her down on the pavement, she wrenches herself from his hold, her feet hitting the ground with force. Maya huffs in exasperation, flipping her messy hair over her shoulder as she shoots him a look of pure venom. “You are insufferable,” she spits, stomping toward the car before he could drag her again. Jackson says nothing, merely opens the door and gestures for h
Suddenly, jacksons brow furrows as his phone rings, looking away from the woman to pull out the device and pick up the call.Maya barely hears him. Her mind is still trapped in the echo of the grandmother’s words, malicious glee laced into every syllable, wrapping around her like thorns. Jackson killed them….Jackson murdered four women in his life.What did that mean for maya?What did that mean for the children? God…. Her children. Her babies. Her breath shudders out, unsteady, and for a moment, the world around her fades—too sharp and too dull at the same time. The warmth of the room bleeds into a suffocating chill, the air thick with something unseen but heavy, like storm clouds before a downpour. Somewhere on the edge of her spiraling mind, Jackson's voice cuts through the haze. "I was right," he says into the phone, his tone unreadable, the low timbre vibrating against the silence in the room. “They had them.” Maya blinks, barely processing the words. Then, reali
Maya's consciousness returns slowly, like wading through thick molasses. Her head pounds with a dull, insistent ache that makes even the soft morning light filtering through her curtains feel like needles in her eyes. She groans, trying to piece together fragments of memory through the fog of sedation.Then it hits her - flashes of desperate screaming, of fighting against strong hands holding her back, of threatening to throw herself from windows if they didn't let her find her sons. The memories crash over her like ice water.Flashback"Let me out!" Maya's voice is hoarse from hours of screaming, her fists pounding against the locked door until her knuckles bleed. "I'll kill myself if you don't let me find them! Do you hear me?"Mrs. Henderson's voice comes through the wood, trembling but firm. "Please, Miss Maya, think of Miss Rose. She needs her mother.""Then let me go!" Maya turns, wild-eyed, scanning the room for options. The window catches her attention - three stories up
Chapter: RunJackson moves quickly, pulling on his clothes and grabbing his coat. His mind races with possibilities, none of them good. His grandmother has always been ruthlessly traditional, obsessed with maintaining the purity of the carter bloodline. The boys - his sons - would be seen as both a threat and an opportunity in her eyes.Bursting through the hotel's exit doors, Jackson finds Marcus already waiting with the car."Sir, the airport-" David begins."Check the weather reports," Jackson snaps, already sliding into the back seat.Marcus' face is grim as he consults his tablet. "All flights are grounded, sir. The storm system is moving back in. They're saying it could be hours before-"Jackson doesn't wait to hear the rest. He's already out of the car, striding toward the tree line that borders the hotel property. His wolf is clawing at the surface, demanding release."Sir?" His beta calls after him. "What should I tell-""Handle it," Jackson growls, his voice already deep
The abandoned warehouse looms against the stormy sky, its rusted metal walls groaning under the increasing wind. Jackson stands at the entrance, his expensive suit a stark contrast to the decrepit surroundings. Behind him, Marcus shifts nervously."Sir, this could be a trap," Marcus whispers, his hand resting on his concealed weapon.Jackson's face remains impassive, though his nostrils flare slightly as he scents the air. "Twenty-three wolves inside. Heavily armed." His voice is cold and calculated. "Keep the perimeter secured."Inside, the warehouse is a maze of shadows and rusted machinery. Water drips somewhere in the darkness, creating an irregular rhythm that sets Jackson's teeth on edge. Industrial lights flicker overhead, casting a sickly yellow glow that does little to dispel the gloom.The rouge alpha's pack members line the catwalks above, their faces hidden behind identical black masks. They're positioned strategically, hands resting on visible weapons. A show of forc