Kieran’s POVTobias’s jaw was tight as soon as I finished, my acidic words lingering in the air between us. His knuckles white where they gripped the towel. For a moment, he looked like he might throw the mug at my face, or worse, lunge for my throat. It was there in the flicker of his eyes—his calm cracking, teeth gritted behind that bland expression.Then—A creak from the hallway.Soft padding of feet. A small yawn.Tobias’s head jerked toward the sound at the same time mine did.Aiden stood in the doorway, blinking sleepily and rubbing at his eyes with balled fists. His little curls were tousled, and the oversized pajama top hung off his shoulder.He stared at us. First at me.His eyes widened—hesitation, wariness. A flash of recognition. Of fear. He took a small step back toward the shadow of the hallway.Then he turned to Tobias.His tiny hands began to move, fingers speaking with anxiety.I could only read a couple of signs and I had been trying to learn after I found out A
Naya’s POVThe morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the modest kitchen. The aroma of sizzling bacon mingled with the earthy scent of freshly brewed coffee, creating a comforting atmosphere. I sat at the kitchen table, its surface worn smooth by years of use, trying to focus on the mundane task of buttering my toast.Across from me, Aiden was engrossed in his breakfast, his small hands deftly maneuvering his fork to spear pieces of scrambled eggs. His usual fidgetiness was notably absent, replaced by a calmness that mirrored the tranquility of the morning. It was a rare sight, one that I cherished.However, the presence of Kieran at the table disrupted the serenity. He sat with an air of nonchalance, his eyes occasionally flicking towards me, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.Tobias, because he was awesome and could cook a mean bacon, had prepared breakfast for all of us, including Kieran, though his reluctance was plain to see in the way he
Kieran's povShe didn’t look at me again. She just folded her arms tightly across her chest, like she was holding herself together with nothing but willpower.I didn’t blame her.I wanted to rip the gates off their hinges myself.But one of us had to stay smart.Nodding at Tobias, I pushed my door open, stepping out into the morning air. It was crisp, the kind of cold that gets under your collar. Straightening myself toy full height, I walked towards the gates and past it, not paying attention to the men with weapons.Right there at the entrance to the estate, stood elder Walsh, dressed impeccably with two armed men beside him, their arms placed threateningly in the triggers.I let the aura of menace that I had cultivated foe all these years as an alpha envelope me, my eyes flashing read as stopped before the men.I could see the guards stiffen at my presence, sweat breaking out on their brows in fight or flight response.Good.They should be terrified.Cocking my head, I appraised
Isadora's pov“How?" The boy whined pitifully, “How do we ge’ papa back when he wants naya only!" Julian scrubbed at his wet eyes with his hand, an action immediately stopped with my own before he could further irritate his eyes.I had to swallow around the bitter taste of in my mouth. Kieran had always wanted her. Since before. Even after I stayed with him, with only an engagement ring on my finger. After I raised his son. He was an ingrate.I smiled, though my stomach clenched painfully. “He doesn’t know what he wants right now. But I do. I know what’s right for you. For us and I'll make sure I get him back.”He sniffled once and nodded. Slowly. Like it still hurt, but he didn’t know what else to believe. I held him tighter like it could make it better.“everyone out there thinks I stole you away,” I murmured, voice even and calm. “But that doesn’t mean they're right. You don’t have to be afraid.”“I’m not afraid,” he whispered, though his small hands were gripping the fabric of my
Kieran's POVMy blood boiled instantly. I nearly crushed the phone in my hand. The gall. The nerve. But I inhaled through my teeth and forced myself to see it for what it was: an opening. An opportunity.Me: Where and when?Isadora: Dinner. 9 p.m. Santino’s. Ask for Booth 5.Nondescript. Discreet. Of course, it would be. Damn her—Santino sat at the edge of the lake of the pack. The lighting was dim, the sign half-lit and the inside smelled like burnt garlic and wine. It was a good spot for wolves and tourists.I asked for Booth 5, and the host led me to the back, past a few empty tables.There she was.Isadora.She looked exactly the same and nothing like she used to all at once. Her long black coat was still impeccable, her dark hair twisted up in that casual elegance she always pulled off. But her face—there were shadows under her eyes like she hadn’t slept. Her skin was pale, lips tight. She looked tired, almost frail.She glanced up and raised one brow. "Well, you showed."
Naya's Point of ViewThe clock’s slow ticking was pure torture for me, each minute stretching like eternity. I sat on my chair, my grip tightening on the desk. Sweat trickled down my forehead, my fingers trembling as I fought hard to retain my composure. I could hear my wolf cry out in my brain… Let me out!This shouldn't be happening. The lecture hall was filled with the hum of the air conditioner, which did little to reduce the heat my body was currently generating. My wolf wasn't ready to back down. She wanted to take over and run wild, but it's forbidden. I couldn't focus. My mind was stuck within this inner battle, and I hated it. My depressant shot wasn't due for another week, but my body didn't care about the schedule. Neither did my wolf... The strong scent of my pheromones wafted through the air, mingling with the sweat that trickled down every student close to me. It might be not so noticeable to human students but when it came to werewolves like me, that was another
Sweat trickled down my temples as I slammed the locker shut. I felt like I was going to pass out in a matter of seconds. “Who would take it?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “There isn’t anyone else who I know has my locker combination but me and Clara, which is my birthday.”Her wolf scolded her in her mind: Wrong choice, girl. It would be easy to open your locker if they knew you well enough… Shut up, Xienna, you’re not helping! I irritably snapped back.I turned to my friend in slight panic, “Clara, can you do me a favor?”Her reply was immediate, “Anything for you, bestie.”“Can you get any kind of pain medicine from the school clinic?” I requested in an agitated tone as I took out my mobile from my dress’ deep pocket. “Anything strong will do. Just tell them that I’m in too much pain to get to the clinic myself.”“But those meds are for humans. Will those work for you?”“Not sure but they will have to do for now.”“Okay, Naya. Just text me where you’ll be when I get those pa
The ride home was suffocating. Each second I spent in there felt like an eternity, with Sabrina bugging me with her lectures. But it wasn’t just Sabrina’s lectures about how careless I was that bothered me… it was the way her mate, Seth, stared at me from the driver’s seat. I could see his green eyes flicker with lust. What the hell?I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my arms wrapped around myself as if I could shield myself from his gaze. I tried to focus on the words escaping from Sabrina’s lips, but they only made me feel worse.“You have to be more careful, Naya. Leaving your suppressants in your locker like that? What were you thinking?”I could sense frustration in her voice. Which I tried to ignore as usual.“My locker was locked. Besides, I didn’t think anyone would take them,” I murmured weakly from the back seat.“That’s the problem… You didn’t think! Do you have any idea what could’ve happened if you’d fully transformed, near humans at that? The entire pack would’ve been a
Kieran's POVMy blood boiled instantly. I nearly crushed the phone in my hand. The gall. The nerve. But I inhaled through my teeth and forced myself to see it for what it was: an opening. An opportunity.Me: Where and when?Isadora: Dinner. 9 p.m. Santino’s. Ask for Booth 5.Nondescript. Discreet. Of course, it would be. Damn her—Santino sat at the edge of the lake of the pack. The lighting was dim, the sign half-lit and the inside smelled like burnt garlic and wine. It was a good spot for wolves and tourists.I asked for Booth 5, and the host led me to the back, past a few empty tables.There she was.Isadora.She looked exactly the same and nothing like she used to all at once. Her long black coat was still impeccable, her dark hair twisted up in that casual elegance she always pulled off. But her face—there were shadows under her eyes like she hadn’t slept. Her skin was pale, lips tight. She looked tired, almost frail.She glanced up and raised one brow. "Well, you showed."
Isadora's pov“How?" The boy whined pitifully, “How do we ge’ papa back when he wants naya only!" Julian scrubbed at his wet eyes with his hand, an action immediately stopped with my own before he could further irritate his eyes.I had to swallow around the bitter taste of in my mouth. Kieran had always wanted her. Since before. Even after I stayed with him, with only an engagement ring on my finger. After I raised his son. He was an ingrate.I smiled, though my stomach clenched painfully. “He doesn’t know what he wants right now. But I do. I know what’s right for you. For us and I'll make sure I get him back.”He sniffled once and nodded. Slowly. Like it still hurt, but he didn’t know what else to believe. I held him tighter like it could make it better.“everyone out there thinks I stole you away,” I murmured, voice even and calm. “But that doesn’t mean they're right. You don’t have to be afraid.”“I’m not afraid,” he whispered, though his small hands were gripping the fabric of my
Kieran's povShe didn’t look at me again. She just folded her arms tightly across her chest, like she was holding herself together with nothing but willpower.I didn’t blame her.I wanted to rip the gates off their hinges myself.But one of us had to stay smart.Nodding at Tobias, I pushed my door open, stepping out into the morning air. It was crisp, the kind of cold that gets under your collar. Straightening myself toy full height, I walked towards the gates and past it, not paying attention to the men with weapons.Right there at the entrance to the estate, stood elder Walsh, dressed impeccably with two armed men beside him, their arms placed threateningly in the triggers.I let the aura of menace that I had cultivated foe all these years as an alpha envelope me, my eyes flashing read as stopped before the men.I could see the guards stiffen at my presence, sweat breaking out on their brows in fight or flight response.Good.They should be terrified.Cocking my head, I appraised
Naya’s POVThe morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the modest kitchen. The aroma of sizzling bacon mingled with the earthy scent of freshly brewed coffee, creating a comforting atmosphere. I sat at the kitchen table, its surface worn smooth by years of use, trying to focus on the mundane task of buttering my toast.Across from me, Aiden was engrossed in his breakfast, his small hands deftly maneuvering his fork to spear pieces of scrambled eggs. His usual fidgetiness was notably absent, replaced by a calmness that mirrored the tranquility of the morning. It was a rare sight, one that I cherished.However, the presence of Kieran at the table disrupted the serenity. He sat with an air of nonchalance, his eyes occasionally flicking towards me, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.Tobias, because he was awesome and could cook a mean bacon, had prepared breakfast for all of us, including Kieran, though his reluctance was plain to see in the way he
Kieran’s POVTobias’s jaw was tight as soon as I finished, my acidic words lingering in the air between us. His knuckles white where they gripped the towel. For a moment, he looked like he might throw the mug at my face, or worse, lunge for my throat. It was there in the flicker of his eyes—his calm cracking, teeth gritted behind that bland expression.Then—A creak from the hallway.Soft padding of feet. A small yawn.Tobias’s head jerked toward the sound at the same time mine did.Aiden stood in the doorway, blinking sleepily and rubbing at his eyes with balled fists. His little curls were tousled, and the oversized pajama top hung off his shoulder.He stared at us. First at me.His eyes widened—hesitation, wariness. A flash of recognition. Of fear. He took a small step back toward the shadow of the hallway.Then he turned to Tobias.His tiny hands began to move, fingers speaking with anxiety.I could only read a couple of signs and I had been trying to learn after I found out A
Kieran's POVJulian had cried himself out. The kind of crying that shakes a child from the inside until there’s nothing left but hiccups and silence. He had fallen asleep with his fingers tangled in the blanket, his face red and blotchy from the sobbing.I stood by the door, arms crossed, just watching him breathe. I didn’t know what hurt more—how small he looked in that bed or the fact that it was my fault he felt so broken. I’d stood by too long. Let too much slide. And now the weight of all of it—his confusion, his fear, Naya, Isadora—pressed against my chest like iron.Once his breathing had gone soft and steady, I stepped away. Quiet. Careful. I slipped out of the room and shut the door behind me with a muted click.I didn’t alert anyone. No guards. No aides. I just got in the car and drove.The road was mostly empty, moonlight spilling over the blacktop in silver streaks. The forest curled around the highway, alive with whispering leaves. As I approached the cottage, headligh
Kieran's PovIn the silence of my shout, everything fell still, naya and Tobias frozen at the door while Julian panted behind me, still sounding distressed. I couldn't have moved even if I wanted to, my limbs cold and locked with what felt like ice.But then I heard it. Small and fragile, almost disappearing in the wind.A whimper.Unmistakably a child's.It hit me like a slap.One second, we were just standing there and the next, Julian let out a wail and turned on his heel. He bolted for the car, his small legs moving faster than I'd ever seen. I called after him, but he didn't stop.The sound of the car door slamming shut was so loud it echoed in my chest.I stared after him, stunned.Then I turned back to Naya.She looked heartbroken, her arms wrapped around herself like she was holding in more than just words. Her lips were trembling, but she held her chin high."Go," she said softly. "He needs you more than ever."I opened my mouth, unsure what to say, but her eyes told me sh
Kieran's povThe morning air was sharp and crisp as I stepped out of the car, Julian at my side. Julian was quiet. Too quiet.Normally he was a chatterbox, filling the space between us with questions or stories about the squirrels he saw from his window or the silly dreams he had. But not today. Not since yesterday. I didn’t need to ask why. He’d been distant ever since the council meeting, ever since Naya made her mark known, ever since his world shifted again.I didn’t want to push him. Instead, I’d decided to distract him. Maybe bring him into something important—something good. So we walked into town together, just the two of us, hand in hand.“Where’re we goin’?” he asked finally, tugging on my arm.I glanced down at his big eyes, wide and a little tired. “To a store.”“What kind?”“A ring store.”He scrunched his nose. “Like... jewellery?”“Exactly. I need your help.”He perked up a little at that, though he didn’t say anything else. The ring shop smelled like cedar and poli
Isadora's povI made my move at night.I had been standing under the thick canopy of trees, hidden by the sharp angles of nightfall, leaves cloaking me like a veil. The garden was quiet, save for the distant hoot of some hunting bird, the gentle thrum of insects. But I had seen it all. I had watched it unfold like the twisted scene of a bad play. Naya. That woman. The fragile, unfortunate darling of fate.She had been wandering back from the gardens, all slow steps and soft thoughts, when the shadows surged. I saw them grab her, swift and brutal, like wolves pouncing on a limp hare. I should’ve felt fear, or pity, maybe.But I didn’t.I smirked. Actually smiled, standing there like some spiteful witch watching her curse take hold. My pulse had raced with anticipation. Finally. Finally, someone would handle her, to take her out of the equation.It was the least she deserved after humiliating me so thoroughly Infront of the council.Let her scream. Let her be dragged out of here. L