Emma's POVThe hospital doors slid shut behind me as the neon "EXIT" sign cast an eerie glow on the empty parking lot. The evening air was cool, a welcome respite from the hospital's artificial climate. My body tingled with exhaustion, but my heart felt light. Today had been different; I'd made a difference, even if just a little.Fumbling in my bag, I searched for my car keys, the distant sound of chirping crickets my only company. I loved these solitary moments when the world slowed down enough for me to catch my breath. Anxiety often loomed large over me, a wolfless girl in a pack where everyone had their distinct place. Yet, here in the silence, I could pretend I belonged.Just as my fingers wrapped around my keys, an unsettling noise came from behind me—a shuffling, almost dragging sound. My muscles tensed, and the hair on my skin prickled. I started to turn around when someone grabbed my arm with an iron grip.White-hot pain shot through my body, incapacitating any semblance of
Nicholas's POVThe moment James stepped into the room, I knew something was wrong. His usually confident stride was tentative, and his eyes darted away from mine as he approached."Emma wouldn’t come with me," he said, his voice low but firm.The words hit like a punch to the gut. My fists clenched, knuckles white. "What do you mean she wouldn’t come?" I demanded, barely keeping my rage in check.James took a deep breath. "She thinks it's best for both of you if she keeps her distance for now." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "She needs space."The thought of facing another day without her was unbearable. "Space?" I spat the word, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "I've had enough space. I need her here, now.""I understand," James said, his tone measured. "But you can't force her to come back. She needs time."My control snapped. "Time?" I seethed. I don't have time, James. I need her here!" My chair squeaked as I gripped the arms, and I felt just as trapped in my emot
Emma's POV As I rounded a corner, Dr. Aaron Carter's broad, confident form came into view. His smile lit up his face the moment he saw me. “Emma, just the person I was hoping to run into,” he said, leaning casually against the wall. “So, about that date—how about tonight?” I paused, my heart sinking ever so slightly. I still wasn’t sure about him. There was something that didn’t sit right with me about him. But I had to keep my word and I had promised him a date. “Sure, tonight,” I replied reluctantly, forcing a smile. “Great! I’ll pick you up at eight,” he said, looking genuinely pleased. As I started to reply, a familiar voice cut through my thoughts. “Emma!” I turned to see Grace, a fellow nurse, walking towards me. “Someone’s here to see you,” she informed me, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and urgency. Before I could ask who it was, I saw Nicholas wheeling himself down the hallway towards me. Every wolf within sight bowed their head as he passed, a mark of respect that
Emma's POVI stood in front of the mirror, fixing an errant strand of hair for what felt like the hundredth time. The reflection that stared back at me looked anxious—a face haunted by a myriad of questions that gnawed at my peace. It wasn't just the date with Aaron that had me on edge; it was everything. The unsettling encounter with the elderly woman in the parking lot, Nicholas—always Nicholas—and the curious burn on my arm. My whole existence seemed entwined with shadows that refused to dissipate.I heard a knock on my door and took a deep breath before opening it to find Aaron standing there, a charming smile plastered on his face. His casual, confident demeanour did little to relax me."Ready for our night out?" he asked, offering me his hand.I forced a smile, slipping my hand into his. "Yeah, let's go."We decided on a quaint bistro just outside the city limits. The atmosphere was warm, its old-world charm doing wonders to soothe my frazzled nerves. The crackling firewood, the
Emma's POVSleep was elusive, a distant dream as I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. The note buzzed through my mind like an unresolved symphony. Nicholas's name, scribbled amidst cryptic notes, still echoed in my thoughts. Why did Aaron have this? What could it mean?Morning arrived too soon, and with a heavy sigh, I dragged myself out of bed. I glanced at the time, knowing I had to get ready for work at Nicholas’s. Despite my swirling emotions, I couldn’t shirk my responsibilities. I dressed quickly, summoning all the strength I could muster. As I drove, the tempting solace of my bed tugged at me, but I couldn't afford that luxury. Shielded behind the comfort of dark sunglasses, my eyes scanned the road while my mind remained fixated on the piece of paper. The sky outside reflected my inner turmoil, a mix of grey clouds swirling in uncertainty.My route took me past the hospital, and I couldn't help but notice Aaron's car parked in its usual spot. Something inside me snapped;
Emma's POVThe day's events swirled in my mind like a maelstrom as I drove back home. The way Nicholas had been so unusually kind, Aaron's secretive note, and Lena's disdainful attitude—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle that just wouldn't fit together. I parked my car outside my apartment, staring at the steering wheel in a futile attempt to piece everything together. The weight of unasked questions pressed on my chest, stifling my breath.Dragging myself inside, I dropped my bag on the couch and sank into its cushions, running a hand through my hair. "What on earth is going on?" I muttered to myself, feeling the walls of my world closing in.A sudden, loud knock on the door startled me. My heart leapt into my throat as I stood, hesitating before opening it. Standing there was Aaron, his smile as disarming as ever."Aaron, what are you doing here?" My voice came out more accusing than welcoming.He raised an eyebrow but kept his smile. "Can’t a guy visit a friend? I brought this," h
Emma's POVMy day began with a throbbing headache and muscles that felt like they were on fire. After a quick glance in the mirror, I picked up my phone and dialled Nicholas's number."Nicholas, it's Emma," I began, my voice sounding weaker than I intended. I'm not feeling well. My head is pounding, and my muscles ache. Would you mind if I took the day off?""Of course, Emma," Nicholas replied in a tone surprisingly soft. "Take care of yourself. We'll manage here without you.""Thank you," I whispered, hanging up the phone before sinking back onto the couch. The TV was a black void in front of me, but even sitting idle felt unbearable. Restless energy gnawed at me, and I found myself fidgeting, unable to relax. Finally, with a sigh, I decided to check on Grace at Hope View Hospital.Getting dressed was a struggle, but eventually, I managed. The drive to Hope View was a blur, the scenery rushing past while my mind churned with endless questions—about Aaron, Nicholas, and even Lena.Arr
Emma's POVMy mind buzzed with fury as I paced outside the apartment, replaying Lena’s admission over and over. How could they deceive Nicholas like this? The man was struggling enough to cope with his injury and to be ensnared in such a vile web of lies—it was unconscionable, and after everything he had done for my family, this is how they repay him. My hands trembled, and I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs. Lena came running out the door behind me. "Emma, you weren't supposed to find out," she began, scrambling to explain. "You can't tell Nicholas. You don’t understand what this would do to all of us!"I clenched my fists, feeling my nails bite into my palms. "What I don't understand is how all of you could be so heartless, playing with his life for the sake of money. This is cruel, Lena. Beyond cruel."Lena gaped at me, her expression wavering between fury and desperation. "Look, you can't just go around judging us. You don’t know what we're facing. Dad's company is fa
Emma's PovThe dim light surrounded me as I went down the basement stairs. Shadows moved on the walls as if they were alive with secrets. Every creak of the steps under my feet echoed like my racing heartbeat, loud and ominous.It was very quiet, except for the occasional sound of water dripping somewhere I couldn't see. When I reached the bottom, I was met by a sharp cold that gave me goosebumps. Chilly drafts of air moved mysteriously through the worn floors and piled-up boxes.I walked down the narrow hallway, its twists feeling like a bad dream I couldn't escape. The hair on my neck stood up, sensing I was being watched. The silence around me felt heavy, filled with secrets I was determined to uncover.Then I saw it—the door. It looked simple but felt important, just like in my dreams. Memories of strange dreams filled my mind, feeling both familiar and ominous. My hand hesitated over the doorknob, and as my fingers touched it, the door creaked open on its own, slowly as if inviti
**Emma's POV**It was time to confront what haunted my dreams: I needed answers. Hope View was my destination someone how it was tied into all this.The closer I got, the more my apprehension grew. Would I find what I sought, or was I diving headfirst into another mess I couldn’t untangle?As the hospital came into view, my grip tightened around the steering wheel.I parked and sat still for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself before stepping out. The air was crisp invigorating, as if urging me to push forward. With one final exhale, I made my way inside.The echoes of hurried footsteps and distant voices bounced off the walls as I entered the common room. My eyes darted around, searching for the one person who knew this place better than anyone—Grace.I found her talking with a patient, her smile warm and genuine. “Grace!” I called softly, nervousness tainting my voice. Her head lifted immediately, and her eyes met mine with a hint of surprise.“Emma,” she said, the surpr
**Nicholas's POV**Anger coursed through me, fierce and unrestrained, setting my senses ablaze. Betrayal was a familiar sting, yet it cut deeper this time.Finding out the baby wasn’t mine felt like the punch I never saw coming. Not that I wanted a child with Lena, but the deception—I let them fool me again. The fact that Emma was part of it cut like a savage wound through my heart. I had trusted her, and that trust felt broken.The sound of the front door opening tore me from my thoughts. James stepped into the room, bringing with him a different kind of energy. As he approached, he seemed to hold a quiet storm of his own.“She wouldn’t come back with me, Nicholas,” James said.A fresh wave of anger surged through me. "What do you mean she wouldn’t come back? Did you tell her that it was a direct order from me?"James met my gaze with steady eyes. “I tried, Nicholas. I told her. But she needs space, and I think you need to respect that.”I clenched my fists, raw emotion bubbling to t
**Emma's POV**Hours drifted by in a blur as I drove, the road stretching endlessly before me. My heart felt like it was in a perpetual state of near-explosion. I had always felt alone like no one understood me, but now, the loneliness was more profound than ever. Yet, I wouldn’t let it break me. I couldn’t succumb to it.The fluorescent glow of my car's dashboard lights was the only constant in the silent, dark night. The lines on the road seemed to blur together, and my eyelids grew heavy. The exhaustion was catching up with me, more emotional than physical, but it was pulling me under just the same.“Just a little further,” I muttered to myself, gripping the steering wheel tightly as if it could anchor me to reality. But even my determination wasn’t enough to stave off the inevitable.I pulled over to the side of the road, the gravel crunching under the tyres as the car came to a halt. I rested my head on the steering wheel and closed my eyes. Almost immediately, an image of Nichol
**Emma's POV**My knees felt weak as I wobbled to my feet, blinking away the tears clouding my vision. The knock on the door grew louder, more insistent. For a moment, I considered ignoring it, letting whoever it was think I wasn't home. But something inside urged me to move, to confront whatever waited on the other side.Gingerly, I walked to the door and peered through the peephole. My heart leapt to my throat. James stood there, looking impatient. A torrent of emotions surged within me—fear, panic, a sliver of hope.My body shook as I stepped away from the door, trying to steady my breathing. "No, he can't be here. Not now," I whispered desperately to myself.As if reading my mind, James’s voice came through the door, deep and resonant. "I know you're in there, Emma. I can smell you. Please, just open up."I stood frozen, my mind racing. Go with James, back to Nicholas, the man I loved but had hurt so deeply. The idea was unbearable. Or stay here, trapped in this suffocating pit of
**Emma's POV**My entire body felt numb as I walked back to my car. Nicholas's face, contorted with pain and anger, haunted me. I couldn't shake the image from my mind as I reached the car. My father's voice cut through my pain, harsh and unforgiving."Emma!" he shouted, his voice filled with unrestrained rage. "You are no longer part of this family. You've destroyed everything!"I turned around to face him. The sting of his words cut deep, but strangely, I didn't care, not about him, Lena, or even the rest of my so-called family. They were nothing but a shell wrapped in their own lies and deceit."You know what, Father?" I began, my voice steady and cold. "This family was a mess long before I had anything to do with it. I might not have been born with a wolf, but at least I have a heart."His eyes flared with fury as he took a step toward me. "We should have disowned the wolfless freak years ago!" he spat.Those words hit me harder than any physical blow ever could. Wolfless freak.
**Nicholas's POV**The ride home was agonisingly silent, the only sound the rumble of the engine and the occasional bump in the road. Each passing mile did little to quell the storm inside me. Emma's voice still echoed in my ears, her words like splinters stuck deep under my skin. My mind was a chaotic whirlwind of betrayal and longing, of anger and sorrow.I pulled into the driveway of my house, the stone walls standing stoic and cold, symbols of a life I no longer fully understood. James helped me out of the car, though my humiliation growled deep within me, casting a shadow over any gratitude I might have felt."Do you need anything, Nicholas?" James asked, his voice tinged with concern as he watched me wheel myself towards the front door."Just leave me alone," I snapped, not turning to look at him. I heard his resigned sigh before he closed the car door and drove off, leaving me in the encompassing silence of my grand yet empty house.I wheeled myself into my study, the heavy oak
**Emma's POV**The familiar scent of home enveloped me as I stepped into my parents' house. It was a conflicting mixture of comforting memories and the looming sense of dread. My mother was the first to greet me, her warm smile a stark contrast to the icy tension pooling in my stomach."Emma, dear! It's so good to see you." She wrapped me in a tight hug, and I did my best to return it with equal warmth despite my jittery nerves."Hi, Mum," I said, pulling back and forcing a shaky smile. "Where's Dad?""He's in a meeting but should be joining us very soon," she replied, folding her hands neatly. The slight furrow in her brow told me she sensed something was up. "It's quite unexpected for you to want to have dinner with us. You never call.""Yeah, well," I started, feeling Lena's eyes bore into me from her spot in the living room, "I felt like it was time for a family talk.""Something serious?" my mother asked, her curiosity piqued."Yes, but I'd rather wait until everyone's here," I s
**Nicholas's POV**The hum of the bustling hospital was a stark contrast to the chaos echoing in my mind. Sitting in the sterile waiting room, the air tinged with antiseptic and cold efficiency, I couldn't get Emma out of my head. Her scent, the touch of her skin, and the pull I felt towards her—it was all-consuming.I shook myself out of the reverie as the waiting room door swung open. "Nicholas," the new doctor called out, snapping a file shut. If only it were that easy to close the chapters of my messy life.I wheeled myself into the consultation room, every rotation of the wheels reminding me of my incapacitation. Dr. Carter’s office had been a place of frustration and disdain. Now, facing a new possibility—or, more likely, another dead-end—left me with a sinking feeling of hopelessness I couldn’t shake.The new doctor, Dr. Blake, was a middle-aged man with greying hair and a kind demeanor. He extended a hand, and I shook it, forcing a polite smile."Nicholas, I've gone over your