Mikhail Watching Rose run around the room with her stuffed wolf in one hand and a cookie in the other, I feel a strange warmth spreading through my chest, something I haven’t felt in a long time. I never imagined this—having a daughter, feeling this kind of love. It’s a kind of love that’s pure, unconditional, and fiercely protective. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.I glance up and see Sophia standing in the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself. She’s watching us with a look I can’t quite decipher—somewhere between longing and fear. My heart tightens at the sight of her. I want to reach out to her, to tell her how much I regret everything, how sorry I am for the pain I caused. But I know that words won’t be enough. Not now. Maybe not ever.I turn my attention back to Rose, who’s now climbing onto my lap, giggling as she tries to stuff the cookie into my mouth. I pretend to bite it, making her laugh even harder. Her laughter is like music, soothing the ache in my che
MikhailSophia’s threat hangs heavy in the air, and I can feel the gravity of her words settling in my bones.I don’t doubt her for a second.I know she means every word, and honestly, I don’t blame her.If I were in her shoes, I’d feel the same way. Hell, I’d probably feel worse.But as I watch her now, her gaze softening as she looks at Rose, I feel a flicker of hope. It’s small, almost invisible, but it’s there. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for us to find some kind of peace… for Rose’s sake. Maybe, in time, we can rebuild what was lost. Or at least start fresh.I crouch down beside Rose, watching as she carefully places another block on top of her tower.She’s so focused and so determined, and I can’t help but smile. She’s got Sophia’s spirit, her fire.And maybe a bit of my stubbornness, too.“Careful, little wolf,” I say softly, steadying her hand. “You don’t want it to fall.”She looks up at me, her eyes shining with mischief. “If it falls, I build again,” she declares wi
SophiaThe sharp scent of pine and earth fills my lungs as I step into the training arena. The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows across the open space, and a cool breeze rustles through the trees surrounding the clearing. I roll my shoulders back, feeling the familiar tension settle in my muscles, the anticipation of a good fight building inside me.I love to train because it not only clears my mind, but it also like a bonding session between me and my wolf, which I have missed for so many years. She is also in front, giving me strength, and sometimes also guiding my actions while I am fighting. But I have to keep her reminding that this is just a practice and we don't have to kill our opponent because she is fiery.Somewhere, her personality has rubbed off on me as well. I walk to the center of the clearing, where Alec is already waiting for me in his wolf form. His fur is a rich, dark brown, his eyes sharp and alert. He’s one of the best fighters we have, quick and str
SophiaI stare at Mikhail, his words hanging in the air between us. His gaze is unwavering, filled with a resolve that makes my heart race for all the wrong reasons.I try to keep my face from betraying the chaos inside me, but it’s a losing battle.Why is he doing this?But the important question is, why am I being affected?All these years of hate, and he comes back into my life, and again, my heart starts to betray me?I want to be furious. I want to rip into him, to tell him exactly how much I despise him for what he’s done, for the pain he caused me, for abandoning me when I needed him the most. But standing here now, with him looking at me like that—like I’m the only thing in the world that matters—it’s hard to hold onto that anger. It’s hard to keep my walls up.I clench my fists, nails biting into my palms, the pain a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.“You don’t get to just waltz back into my life and say things like that,” I finally manage
Mikhail The distrust in her eyes cuts deep, a painful reminder of the damage I’ve done.But I deserve it; after how I have broken her heart, I deserve worse than this. I’ve hurt her in ways I can’t even begin to make up for.But there’s a small glimmer of hope buried beneath all the pain. She didn’t completely shut me out. She let me in, just a little, and that’s more than I could have asked for. I can see the cracks in the walls she’s built around herself, and I’m determined to keep chipping away at them, no matter how long it takes.I know I’m responsible for the pain we’re both going through. I made choices that tore us apart, broke her trust, and shattered her heart. I was selfish, blind to the consequences of my actions. But standing here now, watching her, I realize that I’m not the only one suffering. Sophia is hurting too, and it’s because of me.I run a hand through my hair, frustration and regret warring inside me. I wish I could take it all back and erase the mistakes I’ve
MikhailThis was not a good idea.Getting something out of her is nearly impossible.Because she is the Alpha, while I? Well, I am her Beta.And this Alpha is cruel."Throw prison!" Scrunching her eyebrows together, Rose glares at the plastic wolf with the missing tail, "Bad Wolf.""You want me to throw the rogue into the prison?" Raising my eyebrows, I look at her, confirming if that she wants."Hmm." She nods her head curtly, "Throw in prison.""Okay, Alpha." Picking up the plastic wolf, I throw it into the small hole she dug as a prison.Being Beta is not easy, and suddenly, after playing Beta to my little Alpha, I have a newfound appreciation for my Beta. I watch Rose as she plays with the little plastic wolves, completely engrossed in her world.Her tiny hands clutch them as if they are real, and she treats them like her pack. She's only two, but there's already something commanding about her, and it shouldn't be surprising because, after all, she is my daughter.She again starts
MikhailA golden glow is spread over the grass as the sun begins to set.Rose is still sitting in my lap, her little body resting against my chest, but she is quieter now.Glancing down, I press my nose against the top of her head and inhale her sweet smell. My mind is filled with different thoughts, but still, somewhere, my heart is at peace.Making things right with Sophia isn't just about her. It's about giving Rose the family she deserves— the family where she is loved and protected. I don't know anything about being a good father, but for Rose, I will be the best dad. I will do everything that I need to be the dad that she deserves.My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. Sophia steps out onto the porch, her gaze immediately finding us. There's a flash of something in her eyes—maybe sadness, maybe regret—but it's gone before I can be sure. She's gotten good at hiding her emotions from me, and I can't blame her. After everything I've put her through, sh
MikhailIn the guest house kitchen, I baked a small cake for Rose; since I didn't know what flavor she would like, I made a chocolate cake. Because I recalled how much she likes chocolate cookies, so I am just guessing that my daughter loves chocolates.The warm scent of chocolate fills the small guest house kitchen as I carefully pull the cake from the oven. It's the first time I've baked anything in my life, but for Rose, I'm willing to try anything—even if it means watching endless tutorial videos and figuring things out on the go.It would have been easy if I had bought a cake from the bakery, but I could not feed my pup anything whose ingredients I don't know.People might think I am being overly possessive, but I don't care. My wolf and I are not ready to trust anyone with her. Alphas are known to be possessive over their families, and since she is my firstborn from whom I had been separated, my wolf is insatiable. I am trying to be there for her, but this can't make up for the
MikhailFrom the beginning, there's been nothing to hide.I've never felt shame or regret for the things I've done to claim my revenge. They were choices I made with clarity, knowing the full weight of the consequences of my actions. But telling Sophia, peeling back the layers of who I am, admitting to the blood I've spilled and the darkness I've carried... feels different. It doesn't feel like a confession. It feels like freedom.It's as if I've ripped open a part of myself I've kept locked away. And instead of flinching, she listened... and in her gaze steady, there was understanding.My kindhearted mate didn't judge me for my actions but understood me.It feels as though a veil has been lifted between us, one I hadn't realized was there until this moment. Now, we are both truly bare in front of each other.Her acceptance isn't blind; it's deliberate. She knows my flaws and my sins, and still, she chose me.I am definitely Moon Goddess's favorite; that is why she gave me Sophia.I
SophiaThe soft glow of evening filters through my window as I finish tying a delicate bow on the basket I’ve been working on. The woven basket is filled to the brim with goodies, a homemade vegetable and chicken stew to nourish the new mother, some soft blankets for the pup, and a few herbal teas to help with her recovery, along with some other baby essentials like diapers, warm clothes, and beanies. I’ve tucked in a small stuffed duck for the pup too, because I remember how much Rose loved grasping her soft toy with her tiny fingers.It feels right to do this, to bring something personal, something thoughtful. Being Luna means more than holding a title. It means being there for the pack, celebrating their joys, and comforting their sorrows. Mikhail told me that it is a tradition in their pack that Luna welcomes the newest members of the pack and is one of the first guests to visit the new mom and the pup. So, here I am prepared to welcome our new member.As I step outside, the cr
Sophia Mikhail pulls me into his arms, his grip firm yet tender, as though he’s trying to anchor himself to the present and shake off the ghosts of his past. His breath brushes against my neck, warm and steady, and I can feel his body relaxing in my embrace. Wrapping my arms tightly around him, I hold him close. My fingers find their way to his hair, threading through the soft strands as I kiss his cheek. I can feel his emotions, raw and unguarded. There’s a strange lightness in him now, as if the burden he’s carried for so long has finally begun to ease. It’s subtle, but I know him well enough to see it, to feel it. With everything that we shared—our past, our experiences, our feelings—the bond between us felt stronger and more real. Closing my eyes, I take a steady breath and let the familiar warmth of my power flow through me. I send it through the connection that ties us together. I can feel his pain, his hurt... his struggles, and I want to erase them and fill every corner
Sophia“I had just gone through my first shift. Since our healing strengthened when we found our wolves, everyone thought that maybe after my first shift, I would gain my sight or it would improve. But things weren't simple; even in my wolf form, I was blind. Not as blind as I were in my human form, but still blind." He absentmindedly continues to play with the lock of my hair as if it is the thing that's holding him to the present. "My wolf was wild, and lack of vision made him almost feral. My father's training turned even harsher because he had to help my wolf reign his energy. Even now, a part of him is still feral."A small pout forms on my lips because I don't think his wolf is feral. He has that wild energy that surrounds him, but it makes him lethal and powerful. He is magnificent.Mine. A word echoes in my mind as my wolf agrees with me."In front of you, he behaves like a lovestruck crazy beast, but he is still feral." He softly chuckles and taps my lips with his finger as
Sophia I shift slightly, propping myself up on one elbow so I can look at him. He still looks lost in his thoughts, but knowing him, I know he is alert and ready to take down any threat if it appears.His guards are never down... even while sleeping, there is alertness about him. It's like his mind is up and working even when his body is resting.The gentle sway of leaves above us fills the silence, but a question forms on my lips, one I hadn’t thought to ask until now.“Mikhail,” I begin, my voice low but steady, “tell me about yourself."He blinks as if he’s not quite sure he heard me correctly.Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he turns to face me fully. A mischievous smile curves at the corners of his lips, one I know all too well—one I’ve seen a thousand times, used to distract, to shift focus, to keep things light. But this time, it doesn’t work.I stay quiet, my expression unchanged as I wait for him to acknowledge the question that still lingers in the air between us.H
SophiaThe nagging feeling is still there, but it is not as intense as before. When I considered what I could lose instead of gain if anything went wrong, the decision wasn't that difficult for me.Despite all the threats and dangers surrounding us, I am living my dream. And to ruin to find out something that I will eventually find out one day would be foolish of me. And how would I know that I would find out the truth one day? No matter how much anyone tries, the truth always makes itself known."Still thinking about everything?" Mikhail rubs his thumbs over my knuckles and lightly tugs my hand to get my attention."Yeah." Nodding my head, I pull all my hair to my side."Where are we going?" I ask, finally noticing that this isn't the path that I took from home to Elder Merope's place."Finally, you noticed." Mikhail smirks and teases me, "And here I was, getting worried about how clueless my mate was, that anyone could kidnap her, and she wouldn't even be suspicious.""I am with you
SophiaAbruptly, there is a knock on the door, sharp and insistent.Before I can even blink, the door swings open, and there he is—Mikhail. His tall figure fills the doorway, eyes locked on me with that familiar intensity that makes my pulse race.Mikhail strides in, eyes blazing with urgency. My heart lurches at the sight of him, and the tension that gripped my body eases in an instant."Sophia," he says, his voice low, almost a growl. "Are you okay?" He doesn’t wait for me to answer, his eyes scanning me like he can see right through to whatever’s going on inside me.I don't need to speak, though. He can feel it. I know he can. His wolf is connected to me, just as mine is connected to him, and right now, I’m a storm of emotions thrashing inside. He can feel that, too. The worry, the anxiety, the anger swirling inside me like a tornado, too strong to be ignored."Your emotions," he continues, stepping closer, his gaze tightening, "they’re… they’re driving my wolf crazy with worry. It
Sophia"Sophia." Elder Merope looks at me warmly, "I am sure there was some reason why you came here to visit me today." There is a knowing glint in her gaze."Yes." Sighing, I run my hand through my hair and nod my head. "Something doesn't feel right." She silently gaze at me for a few moments, before she gestures for me to follow her to the back of the room where a wide window overlooks a small, flourishing garden. The space is filled with pots of all sizes, some spilling over with herbs and flowers that I don't recognize, their leaves brushing against one another in a soft rustle. Sunlight streams through the glass, painting everything in golden hues."These plants are special," Merope explains as she picks up a small watering can and hands it to me. "They require care and attention, but they give back much more than they take."I take the can, feeling the cool metal in my palm, and move to the nearest pot—a cluster of deep purple blooms that seem to shimmer when the light catches
SophiaAfter breakfast, I decided to visit Elder Merope with the hope that she could help me find answers. Since I had never visited her before, I asked for her address from Mikhail.Initially, Mikhail was not happy that I wanted to visit her place because she lives a little away from the main pack and near the pack's territory, but when I assured him that I would inform him instantly if I found anything unusual then, he agreed to let me go without him.As I make my way down the trail, the scent of pine and damp earth wraps around me. A few pack members pass by, offering respectful nods and smiles.One of the older she-wolves waves at me."Good Morning, Luna." She bows her head and smiles at me."Morning." Smiling at her, I walk to her."Would you like to try some of my freshly baked cookies?" She looks at me, hopefully."Of course, I can smell your cookies from quite far away." Momentarily, closing my eyes, I inhale and smile at her. "They smell delicious."She beams at me, eyes crin