Seth’s POVI leaned back in the Alpha’s chair—my chair, at least for now—and rubbed my hand over my jaw, feeling the tension gathered in my muscles. I barely heard what one of the soldiers was saying, my focus slipping between the stack of reports on my desk and the memory of Camilla’s lingering scent that always calmed me, even when the world around us was crumbling.“Some of the pack members have started causing trouble,” the soldier continued. His voice cut through my thoughts, forcing me to pay attention. “Riots. Fights. They say they want a leader who’s actually from Blue Moon.”I bit back a growl, my fingers tapping against the wooden desk, a low hum building in my chest. They didn’t trust me. No surprise there. I wasn’t their Alpha; I was the outsider, taking over their pack after we defeated them. They wanted someone like Marcus their Alpha or Alan even—someone familiar, even if he’d nearly destroyed them. My lip curled slightly at the thought of that those men, and Aron still
The night had fallen, blanketing the packhouse in a quiet kind of stillness. We were settling in, trying to make this place feel like home, though it was hard when everything felt so… unfamiliar. The fifth floor had four bedrooms, an open living area, and a kitchen that I had yet to really touch. It was luxurious, but cold—more like a polished cage than a home.Lucien was nestled against me, his tiny lips latched to my breast, drinking sleepily. The soft rhythm of his breathing soothed the knot that had been tightening in my chest since we arrived. I stroked the top of his head, my body relaxing into the couch.The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Seth step inside. He looked drained—his shoulders tense, his hand rubbing the back of his neck in a way that screamed exhaustion.“Hey,” he whispered, his voice rough. Our eyes met, and I could see the weight of his day reflected in them.“Hi,” I whispered back, my gaze drifting down to Lucien. He was dozing off, still latched to me
Camilla’s POVThe letters had been coming for weeks now. Each one slipped under the door like a phantom’s calling card, each threat more unsettling than the last. At first, I thought it was just some cruel prank—maybe some disgruntled pack member who hadn’t fully accepted me, hadn’t accepted us. But now… now, it was more than that. It was like a vice, tightening around my chest with every note that arrived. I glanced at the last letter, still crumpled in my hand. “You are mine,” it said again. Always those same words. Always that same dark promise. I tucked it under a stack of blankets in Lucien’s crib. He was asleep now, soft breaths in the cradle of his lips. I wouldn’t tell Seth. Not yet. His training with the soldiers was taking up all his time, and he’d been so distant, distracted. He didn’t need to worry about this, not when the pack was still figuring out what they wanted. No, I would handle this on my own.So tonight, I made a decision. When Seth was out with the others, I’d
Camilla’s POVToday, we were having our first breakfast with the pack mates. Breakfast in pack houses were always a bit of a spectacle and this one was no different. Tracey was seated on the left side of Seth, her sharp gaze sweeping over everything like she owned the place. I tried to ignore her as I sat beside Seth, Lucien nestled in my arms, his little hands grabbing at my hair. The world around us buzzed, forks clinking against plates, and the smell of eggs and toast filling the air. But it all felt… off. Like everyone was waiting for something to happen. I shifted in my seat and kept my eyes on Lucien, gently playing with his little fingers to keep myself calm.Then one of the pack mates—I think his name was Caleb—spoke up, his voice cutting through the chatter. “So, Madam Blackwood quit last night. Said she wouldn’t serve anyone but her true Alpha.”And… that got everyone’s attention. The room went quiet for a second, people whispering to each other and I continued looking at C
Seth’s POVFor the past week, I noticed Camilla had been distant. Not just physically, but mentally too. She’d flinch at little things, like when I brushed her arm or said her name too quietly. I didn’t say anything, didn’t push her to talk. I told myself she just needed time—maybe to adjust to the new environment. But each night, as I held her, I felt her slipping further away.Tonight was no different, or so I thought. She fell asleep in my arms, her soft breathing steady against my chest. I let myself drift off, clinging to that warmth. Then, somewhere in the dark, the cold crept in. I reached out instinctively, but the bed was empty. The warmth that had been Camilla was gone.I slipped out of bed, rubbing a hand over my face. “Cam?” I called, blinking against the darkness. The room felt larger without her in it, the shadows closing in like they were waiting for something to happen. “Camilla?”No response.My heart beat a little faster as I pulled on a red shirt over my shorts, qui
Seth’s POV“Seth,” Camilla breathed, her hands stretching out toward me like she was reaching for something that was already slipping away. But I couldn’t let her touch me—not yet. I shook my head, taking a step back, I couldn’t believe this was happening.“It’s not what you’re thinking,” she added quickly, her voice shaking. Her eyes darted between me and Lucius.“Well, then explain." The words came out harsher than I intended, but I didn't care. I couldn't care, not with the rage that was boiling inside of me. Lucius sat there so smugly, barely bothering to get up. He was too calm. Too collected and it made me ducking angry."Right..." Lucius muttered, brushing dirt off his pants as he finally stood. "I should go."I didn’t want to look at him. My hands were shaking, and it was taking everything I had not to throw him against the trees. “Yeah, you should.”Lucius raised an eyebrow, unbothered, and started walking away. The casual way he moved—like this didn’t matter—it made my blood
Unknown POVMy legs stretched out on the bed, and I stared up at the ceiling, a slight frown pulling at my lips. My thumb brushed over my left cheek, where the cut was slowly healing.I sighed, closing my eyes, and draped my arm over my face to block the light coming from the bulb that hung from the ceiling."What are you doing right now, Camilla?" I whispered, turning my head toward the nightstand where my laptop sat.I pushed myself up slightly, my head resting against the headboard as I grabbed the laptop and placed it on my thighs. A few clicks and I was looking at the live feeds from the cameras I'd set up in their rooms-the kitchen, living room, and... ahh, there she was, finally. The bathroom."So beautiful," I murmured, my thumb running over the screen.She was taking a bath, steam filling up the small space. Every curve, every inch of her, exposed. "Just beautiful," I mumbled, my left hand creeping toward the growing bulge in my shorts.She tilted her head back, letting the w
Camilla’s POVMy eyes fluttered open, and I found myself gazing into Seth’s light brown eyes. His right hand rested on my cheek, stroking softly, a small smile tugging at his lips.“Good morning, baby,” he muttered huskily, and I smiled back.“Good morning,” I whispered, turning to lie on my side.Seth’s hand slid to my bare waist under the sheets, pulling me closer. “It could be better,” he whispered, his lips so close to mine. But before they could meet, Lucian began to cry.Seth groaned, rolling onto his back, covering his eyes with one hand. I chuckled softly, slipping out of bed and pulling on one of his shirts.“Good morning, baby,” I cooed, lifting Lucian from his crib and cradling him in my arms. “Are you hungry this early in the morning?” I murmured, pressing my lips to his soft cheeks as his cries began to quiet.I started toward the door but stopped short when my foot bumped into something. My body froze, a wave of cold dread washing over me. Taking a shaky breath, I glance