The next morning felt different, like the air itself had shifted. The soft sunlight poured into the room through the slightly parted curtains, casting a golden glow across the walls. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make me feel like maybe today could be better. I sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My body ached, and my heart still felt heavy, but somewhere deep inside, there was a flicker of determination that hadn’t been there the night before.I had spent most of the night crying until exhaustion took over, but as I lay in bed afterward, staring up at the ceiling, I made a decision. I couldn’t control how people here treated me, but I could control how I responded. If they wanted me to crumble, I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. I was going to make the best of this situation, no matter how hard it got. I owed it to myself—and to my baby.I swung my legs off the bed, my bare feet brushing against the cold wooden floor. The chill sent a small shiver up my spine, b
I blinked, startled, and quickly wiped at the corners of my eyes. “I’ll be right out,” I replied, my voice trembling slightly but firm enough to carry through the door.Taking one last look at my reflection, I adjusted the towel wrapped around me. My hands lingered on my stomach for a moment longer before I dropped them to my sides. The room felt a little brighter now, the soft light streaming through the curtains casting a gentle glow over everything.I stepped out of the bathroom, wrapping my towel tightly around me, and walked into the bedroom. The soft scent of warm bread and fresh fruit hit me immediately, the warmth of it wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. My eyes were immediately drawn to the breakfast tray sitting neatly on the bedside table. A small teapot, a plate with buttered toast and fruit, and a tiny jar of jam had been arranged with such care, as though to make me feel at home. Beside it, a white sundress was spread out across the bed. It was beautiful in it
I caught my reflection in the mirror as I stood. The girl staring back at me looked... different. There was still a hint of weariness in her eyes, but the dress and sandals gave her an air of quiet strength she didn’t know she had. I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as I smoothed down the fabric of the sundress.“I can do this,” I whispered to myself, though my voice wavered slightly.The thought of meeting Meredith still made my chest tighten, but I reminded myself that I’d faced worse. Even if she wasn’t kind, I would get through it. I had to. This wasn’t just about surviving anymore; it was about finding a way to live, even in a place where I didn’t belong.I sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled the breakfast tray closer. My stomach grumbled loudly, reminding me just how hungry I was. The food smelled amazing—warm bread, fresh fruit, and a small plate of eggs. I didn’t even hesitate as I picked up a piece of bread and took a big bite.The flavors hit my tongue, and I
Margaret nodded approvingly. “Exactly. And I’m sure you’ll do just fine, dear.”I couldn’t help but feel a small wave of relief at their kindness. It was the first real warmth I’d experienced since I’d arrived here, and it felt almost foreign. But I was grateful. More than I wanted to admit.“So, what’s the plan for today?” I asked, trying to shift the topic. I didn’t want to dwell on my discomfort for too long.Meredith smiled. “Well, my mother mentioned something about shopping. I think it would be good for you to get some clothes that fit a little better and make you feel more comfortable.”I glanced down at the sundress I was wearing. It was lovely, but it was the only dress I had, and I didn’t want to wear it every day. “That sounds like a good idea,” I said, trying to sound more confident.Margaret smiled warmly at me. “I’m glad you’re open to it. You’ll be in good hands with Meredith. She knows the best places around here.”I glanced at Meredith, feeling a mix of nervousness an
We finally stopped at a small boutique, the door chiming softly as we stepped inside. The store was cozy, with soft lighting and rows upon rows of neatly arranged clothes. The scent of fresh fabric and new clothes mixed in the air. I glanced around, feeling a bit out of place. A few women were shopping, and I immediately felt their eyes on me. I told myself not to let it bother me, but the nervous flutter in my chest wouldn’t go away.Meredith, or Mer, as she had asked me to call her, was already pulling dresses from the racks and holding them up to me. She smiled brightly. “This one will look perfect on you,” she said, holding up a soft pink dress. Her confidence was contagious, and I tried to match her energy.I turned my head slightly to glance around the store, trying to keep my mind occupied. I noticed a few women eyeing us, their whispers barely audible over the soft music playing in the background. My face heated as I caught snippets of their conversation. "She’s nothing more t
We made our way to the fitting rooms, and Mer stood outside, her eyes bright with excitement. "I'll be right here if you need anything," she said, giving me a thumbs up before I disappeared behind the curtain. The fitting room was small but cozy. The walls were a soft beige, and the lighting was flattering, casting a warm glow. I hung the dress on the hook, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over me. What if it didn’t look right? What if it just made me stand out even more? Shaking off the thoughts, I pulled the dress over my head. The fabric was soft and smooth, the green shade a perfect contrast to my skin tone. When I turned in front of the mirror, I was surprised at how well it fit. The dress flowed gracefully over my body, hugging in just the right places. It wasn’t too tight, not too loose. It felt like it was made for me. I stood there for a moment, taking it all in. The dress made me feel… different. Not just beautiful, but confident. For the first time since I’d arrived at
“You okay?” Mer asked, her voice teasing. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”“I’m fine,” I said quickly, though my voice betrayed me.Mer gave me a knowing look. “Don’t let Zara get to you. She may think she has a claim on him, but trust me, Kai’s not going to mark her.”I didn’t know what to say to that, so I stayed quiet. Instead, I focused on the sparring match in front of me, letting myself get lost in the raw power and intensity of it.But then, as if he could feel my gaze, Kai’s eyes flicked in my direction. It was only for a brief moment, but it was enough to make my heart race. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and I quickly looked away, my face burning.Mer smirked. “He saw you.”“No, he didn’t,” I said, though I could still feel the heat of his stare.“Oh, he definitely did,” she said, her grin widening. “And he looked at you like he sees something he likes.”I didn’t know how to respond, so I just shook my head, hoping she’d drop it. They each fought well, their movements flui
When we got back to the mansion, I went straight to my room, shutting the door behind me with a soft click. The day had been long, and the combination of walking around town, the awkward moments, and the emotions swirling inside me had left me drained. My legs felt heavy as I crossed the room, and I kicked off my sandals near the bed before collapsing onto the soft mattress. The cool sheets against my skin were an immediate relief.I closed my eyes and let out a long, tired sigh. The silence of the room was comforting, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. My mind replayed bits and pieces of the day—Mer’s teasing laugh, the boutique drama, Rhys’s playful smile, and, of course, Kai ignoring me completely. That last part stung more than I wanted to admit, and I pushed the thought aside before it could ruin what had been, overall, a decent day.Before I knew it, sleep crept up on me, pulling me into its embrace.I wasn’t sure how long I had been out, but when I woke up, the room was ba
Kai’s POVWolfsbane. The very word sent a chill down my spine. It was a deadly poison for werewolves, and the fact that she had been exposed to it... it didn’t make sense. How had she gotten exposed to something so dangerous, especially with the strict rules we had about it in the pack? It was forbidden. No one should have access to it."How?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, a sense of dread creeping over me. "How did she get exposed to it?"The doctor shook his head, his brow furrowed. "I don’t know, Kai. But we need to keep an eye on her. The poison affects werewolves in different ways, and she’s already under a lot of stress from the pregnancy. It could complicate things further."I clenched my fists at my sides, trying to keep my emotions in check. The idea that someone had exposed Lily to Wolfsbane made my blood boil. Whoever did this was playing a dangerous game. But there were bigger things to worry about for now."I’ll make sure she’s taken care of," I said firmly, m
Kai's POVI had never been as scared as I was when Lily collapsed in my arms. The way her body went limp, her face pale and void of color—it made my heart race, panic twisting in my chest. She had been fine just moments ago. She had been laughing and smiling, her usual self, and now she was lying there, barely breathing. And then the blood. So much blood. My mind couldn't make sense of it. How had everything gone so wrong so quickly?I watched helplessly as the doctor rushed into the room, moving quickly but calmly. He didn’t say much at first, just assessed the situation. The tension in the air was suffocating. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, fighting the urge to run to Lily’s side, but I knew the doctor needed to work, and I needed to let him.The doctor turned to me then, his voice gentle but firm. "I need you to step out for a moment, Mr. Kai. I need to stop the bleeding."I froze. I didn’t want to leave her. Every part of me screamed to stay with her, to hold her hand a
My breath caught in my throat, and I doubled over, clutching my stomach as I gasped for air.The pain was so strong, I felt like I might collapse. My head spun, and my vision blurred for a moment. I took a deep breath, hoping it would pass, but it didn’t. It only got worse, like a tight knot pulling at my insides.I glanced around quickly, looking for Rhys or Mer, but they were still too far away. I was on my own, and the panic started to rise in my chest. What was happening? Was it the baby? Was something wrong?I took another shaky breath, trying to steady myself, but the pain kept pulsing, making it harder to focus. My heart was racing, and my legs felt weak beneath me. I didn't know if I should call out, or if I should just try to wait for it to pass, but I couldn’t do either.Finally, I managed to straighten up a little, still holding my stomach, hoping someone would notice me. My mind raced, and I tried to push down the fear that was threatening to overwhelm me. This wasn’t good
Rhys tilted his head, looking at me with a mix of understanding and mischief. "He cares about you and his baby," he corrected gently.I didn’t say anything in reply, too unsure to start a conversation on that topic. My mind was swirling with thoughts, and I didn’t want to get caught up in something that might not be true. Instead, I glanced around the crowd, hoping to spot Mer.I saw her standing near the edge of the party, talking to some of the other women from the pack. She was wearing a soft, flowy dress, and her laughter reached me even from a distance. I smiled, relieved to see her, and started making my way through the crowd toward her.Rhys gave me a small nudge before following behind, his presence a quiet support as I walked. The evening felt alive with energy, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the warmth of the celebration.I spotted Mer from across the lawn, her smile as bright as ever as she moved around, serving drinks to the guests. I waved at her, and she caug
The mansion was alive with activity. I could hear faint music playing from outside and the buzz of voices drifting through the halls. Kai, Zara, and Rhys were waiting at the bottom of the stairs. As I slowly made my way down, I noticed Kai’s eyes were locked on me. It was like he was studying every step I took. He looked as effortlessly handsome as ever, dressed in a fitted black dress shirt and matching black slacks. His presence seemed to demand attention without him even trying.Zara stood next to him in a stunning red dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her hair was styled to perfection, and she looked like she had stepped straight out of a magazine. She was gorgeous, and she knew it. Then there was Rhys, casual as always, wearing a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark jeans. His easy smile lit up his face as he glanced up at me.I tried to steady myself as I descended, one hand holding the railing while the other rested on my belly. Rhys started moving t
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I tried to keep my emotions in check. “I can handle it,” I said softly, though my voice trembled slightly.Kai finally spoke, his voice low and commanding. “Zara, that’s enough.”Her smirk faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered, shrugging nonchalantly. “I’m just saying,” she muttered, looking away.Kai ignored her and turned to me. “You’ll do what the doctor says,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “If there’s anything you need, you let me know.”I nodded, still avoiding his gaze. “Okay,” I whispered.The doctor smiled reassuringly at me. “You’re doing well so far. Just follow the advice, and everything should be fine.”“Thank you, doctor,” I said, my voice barely audible.As the doctor gathered his things, Zara rolled her eyes dramatically. “Are we done here? This has been... enlightening,” she said sarcastically.Kai shot her a warning look. “We’re leaving,” he said curtly, his tone making it clear
Zara tilted her head, as if considering my words, but the smirk never left her face. “Your baby,” she repeated mockingly. “Do you really think anyone wants that thing? You’re nothing more than a distraction. A liability.”She pressed the scalpel a little harder, not enough to cut, but enough to make her point. “Remember this,” she said in a low, threatening voice. “I could hurt you anytime I wanted. And no one—no one—would stop me.”I swallowed back a sob, feeling completely helpless. The weight of her words and the cold steel against my skin made my hands shake."Please," I begged again, my voice barely above a whisper.The scalpel pressed harder against my skin, sharp enough to make me wince, but before she could do anything more, the sound of the door creaking open made her freeze. My head shot up, my breath catching in my throat.The doctor stepped into the room, followed closely by Kai. Relief flooded through me so strongly that I almost burst into tears. Zara immediately stepped
When we got to the hospital, the smell of disinfectant hit me immediately. It was clean, but the sharp scent made my stomach twist a little. A nurse greeted us at the front desk and led us down a quiet hallway. She opened the door to one of the private rooms and gestured for us to go inside.“The doctor will be with you shortly,” she said with a polite smile before shutting the door behind her.The room was small but cozy. There was a bed with crisp white sheets in the center, a chair in the corner, and a window overlooking the hospital garden. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands resting on my lap, but I couldn’t stop fidgeting. My nerves were getting the better of me, and I didn’t know how to calm myself down.Kai stood by the window with his arms crossed, his gaze focused on something outside. His expression was unreadable, but his presence was intimidating as always. He hadn’t said much since we arrived, which only made the room feel more tense. Zara, on the other hand, made her
I swallowed hard, my resolve wavering. His scent—earthy and intoxicating—was messing with my head. For a brief moment, all I could think about was burying my face in his chest and losing myself in his warmth. But before I could act on the ridiculous thought, he stepped back, putting space between us.Rhys cleared his throat, breaking the tension. “Kai, it’s not a big deal. I offered to take her since she wanted to make sure everything’s fine.”Kai turned his sharp gaze on Rhys. “You’re not taking her. I’ll handle it.”Rhys raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Kai’s tone. “She asked me, Kai. Maybe you should’ve been around more if you wanted to be included.”Kai ignored him and looked back at me. “Go get in the car. I’ll take you,” he said firmly, leaving no room for argument.I hesitated, glancing at Rhys. He gave me a reassuring nod, his smile still in place. “It’s fine. You’ll be okay,” he said softly.I wished he had more insisted on coming along, but he simply nodded and walk