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
Lucius placed a hand on his forehead and chuckled darkly. “He didn’t tell you.” His voice was barely above a whisper, eyes fixed on the floor.I narrowed my eyes. “What?”His green eyes snapped up to mine, sharper than ever. “I told you the other night—it’s someone from your past. They’re behind all of this.”The breath caught in my throat as a wave of unease settled in my chest. My mind raced, but I couldn’t let him control the narrative. With gritted teeth, I took a step forward.“Who?” My voice came out a low growl as I slammed my hand into his chest.Lucius stumbled, his back slamming against the metal door with a thud. He stared, shocked, with his hands raised defensively. I felt the heat from my ragged breath clouding between us as my pulse pounded in my ears.His hands moved slowly, wrapping around my fist, gently pulling me closer until I could feel his breath on my face. “Breathe,” he whispered, as if calming a wild animal.I closed my eyes for a moment, forcing the air in an
Seth’s POVI stormed into the house, my pulse racing and my thoughts clouded with anger. I’d seen enough of Lucius hanging around Camilla. I grabbed her by the arm, pulling her to her feet. “I told you to stay away from my mate,” I growled, my voice low and menacing.Camilla’s eyes were wide with panic as she looked from me to Lucius. “Seth, stop!” she shouted, trying to intervene.Ignoring her pleas, I focused on Lucius, my gaze locked on his with all the fury I could muster. “You think you can just waltz in here and act like you’re welcome?” He asked and Lucius, who had been lounging on the couch, stood up slowly. “Seth,” Camilla tried again and I snapped my eyes to her. “Leave us.” I said she she shifted from one feet to the other before swallowing hardly and exiting through the opened front door.I snapped my eyes back to Lucius and his face was a mask of calm, though his eyes betrayed a glint of anger. “Not this again,” he hissed, as I moved fast and pressed his cheek against
Camilla’s POVThe day I left the hospital, everything felt different—brighter, sharper, as if the world had come into focus for the first time in weeks. Maybe it was the absence of pain, or maybe it was because I hadn’t been outside in so long. Either way, something had shifted, both inside and out.Seth drove in silence, his fingers drumming on the wheel like they always did when something was on his mind. The space between us was heavy, thick with all the things we hadn’t said. Ever since the fight with Tracey at the cliff where he had revealed what he did, I had been there—we hadn’t spoken about it but it was lurking just beneath the surface. I knew we’d get to it eventually. We always did.When we pulled into the driveway, the house was quiet. Jorge had passed out on the couch, his book still open, while Lucien was curled up in his crib, breathing softly. Seeing them like that, touched by everything we’d been through, made my chest ache. How could they look so peaceful when our wo
Camilla’s POVBeep. Beep. Beep.I wanted to block it out, but the sound grew louder, drilling into my mind.Beep. Beep. Beep.I wished it would stop.Beep. Beep—My eyes fluttered open, and the sudden brightness hit me hard. The light was too harsh, too familiar, pulling me back to memories of the first time. The first time I had met my mate."Camilla?"That voice. I knew that voice. The first time he'd said my name, I’d been here, in a hospital bed, just like now. A hand slipped into mine, warm and steady. Sparks danced up my skin, and I turned my head toward him, blinking to clear the haze. Seth’s face came into focus, his eyes wide, hollow, like he’d seen a ghost. Maybe he had. My brain was sluggish, working overtime to piece together why I was here.“Oh goddess... you’re awake... you’re really awake,” he whispered, his hand squeezing mine before he pulled away. I heard him talking, probably calling the doctors, but I couldn’t focus on his words. I wanted answers.When he came ba
Dear readers, in this chapter, you’ll experience flashbacks moving between the past and present. The point of view will also shift between Seth and Tracey throughout, so keep an eye on who’s narrating as the story unfolds.Seth’s POV- The pastSeven years ago.It was on the night when Zane was going to be appointed the new Alpha of the pack and my father would be handing over his role as Delta to me. That was when I first laid my eyes on her.She was beautiful… breathtaking. I was just twenty three years when I met her and we had ran together… I felt connected to her almost like she was my mate.I couldn’t find her after the run that night and it felt like my heart had been shattered. I didn’t even get her name.“Hey!” A female voice snapped as I bummed into her as I rushed to Alpha Zane’s office to inform him of the visitors we were having.My eyes met with who it was and my breath hitched. It was her… the female that I had ran with. The female I couldn’t stop thinking about.“It’s
Tracey’s POVWe were in the old wrecked cottage where Lucius had once chained Camilla, a place that still reeked of mildew and memories of the past. Dust clung to every surface, and the broken windows let in the cold autumn air, making the walls groan as if they, too, could sense the danger. I stood at the threshold, watching them—my child, Jorge, and that… that filthy woman’s boy. Lucien. I could see the way Jorge had wrapped himself around the brat, shielding him from me as though I was the monster here.As if that little parasite deserved his protection.Jorge’s eyes met mine for a brief moment before he turned his face away, his lips trembling. His hands tightened around Lucien, and the sight only made my blood boil. That was supposed to be us. Jorge, me and Seth, a family. But she had taken everything from me.“What is it, Jorge? Don’t you want to be with me again?” I took a step forward, my voice soft yet dangerous.He shook his head, his brown curls bouncing slightly, and I cou
Seth’s POVMy whole body was humming with anger, anxiety, and fear. Damn it, I had thought she’d come for me, that Tracey’s obsession would be aimed solely at making me pay. But no, she hadn’t gone after me directly—she’d gone after our children. She had taken the boys to lure both Camilla and me into her twisted trap.I kept clenching and unclenching my fists, trying to focus on anything other than the gnawing pit in my stomach. The fear was crawling through me like a sickness. And right now, the worst part was the waiting. We were still stuck here at the hospital, waiting to hear from the doctors about Ava. We couldn’t even leave to start looking for Jorge and Lucien. Every minute felt like a lifetime.Camilla sat next to me, staring at the wall. Her legs bounced on the floor, Ava’s daughter, Fiona sleeping on her lap, her eyes were wide, and they were bloodshot. She hadn’t said a word since we’d arrived at the hospital. Hell, I hadn’t known what to say either. What could I even say
Camilla’s POV“Where’s the piñata?” I yelled over the loud music blasting from the speakers. The air was filled with the scent of sugar and sunscreen, and the laughter of children echoed all around. I had a juice box in one hand and a crying Lucien in the other. My eyes darted around, scanning the crowd for any sign of Seth, who was supposed to bring the piñata about fifteen minutes ago.The juice box slipped from my fingers, splattering onto the ground, and I muttered a curse under my breath. I barely managed to avoid colliding with a guest, offering a hurried apology before continuing my search for Seth. Lucien started to wriggle in my arms, his tiny fists pounding against my chest, clearly wanting to get down. The music, the heat, and the noise were all starting to overwhelm me.“Oh goodness… Ava!” I called out, spotting her across the yard. She was chatting with some of the other moms, her hand resting protectively on her baby bump. Another baby cooking inside of her. She looked
Camilla’s POVI could hear the soft creak of the door opening, and I turned around just in time to see Seth walking in. His shoulders slumped down in a way that sent a chill through me. Something was off, something was wrong.My stomach twisted as I frowned, hurriedly turning off the stove before pulling the apron from around my neck. I tossed it aside, my movements slower than usual as I approached him. My eyes scanned his face, taking in the exhaustion etched into every line. His eyes... they were red—bloodshot, almost like he’d been crying. But when I looked deeper, it wasn’t tears. No, it was something worse. He had been thinking, too much.“Oh, no,” I whispered, feeling my breath hitch in my chest. I reached him and cradled his face between my hands, my thumbs brushing softly over the stubble on his jaw. “Seth, what’s wrong?”His forehead met mine, and his eyes closed for just a moment, as if gathering whatever strength he had left. “We might want to sit down for this,” he mutter
Seth’s POVI couldn’t tell Camilla the truth. I couldn’t tell her that I’d seen someone that night.No, something.I wasn’t imagining it. I wasn’t going crazy. That much I knew for sure. Whatever it was, it had to be real.“We can’t keep doing this, Seth.” Landon’s voice broke through the silence. I hadn’t even heard him coming out of the woods, but there he was, joining me at the cliff’s edge. The same cliff where it had happened—where Tracey and Lucius had fallen.“I know.” The words felt hollow. What else could I say?“It’s been months,” Landon reminded me as he came up beside me, his eyes tracing the same path mine had followed a thousand times—down to the waterfall that disappeared into nothingness below. “They couldn’t have survived that.” His voice dropped to almost a whisper.I stared down, my chest tightening. “No, Landon. I saw something. The eyes of a wolf.” I began pacing, unable to stand still, my thoughts chasing each other like prey. “It’s been haunting me. Every day, e
Camilla’s POVNothing in this world could take away my smile or happiness. All my problems had been washed down the river—literally.I pointed to a long, flowery wedding dress, its soft lace catching the light just right in the picture book. “Oh, look at this one! It’s perfect,” I said, unable to hide the excitement bubbling up inside me.Caroline, sitting beside me, gave a soft smile, nodding. “Yeah, it’s beautiful, Luna,” she said in her usual respectful tone.I waved her off, leaning back into the couch behind me, a playful smile creeping across my face. “Please, drop the ‘Luna’ already,” I teased. I knew it was second nature to her by now, but it still felt strange sometimes.She smiled back, a bit awkwardly, not quite sure what to say. Even though we were close, she couldn’t fully shake the formalities.The wedding date had been set, and it was coming fast. Two weeks after the boys’ birthday, which meant I had only three weeks to prepare for the ceremony. Three short weeks to pla