Unfinished Business in San Francisco Roman's POV I leaned back in my chair with a cool glass of whiskey in my hand. Its coolness was a stark opposite to the heated atmosphere of the casino. The air was thick with the scent of desperation and greed which was a strong reason that reminded me of why I despised these places. But I wasn't here for pleasure. No, I was here to settle an old business. How did I even get here, you say? Well here's how. After leaving Hayley at her friend's house, I had nowhere to go, but as I stopped by the road to stop a cab, preventing all eyes on me, an idea stunk me San Francisco was a place I came once on a business trip with Caspian several months ago. That was when we had a night party and met Katherine, Rose, my mate. The party was mainly to lure a man we had been searching for. It was reported that he normally attended parties that were secure house parties and not at public nightclubs for his safety. The man, Sylvester, was a gambler who chea
The Gambler's GambitRoman's POVAs I continued to sit in the dimly lit corner of the casino, my eyes never left the gambler's table where Sylvester sat. As if he'd disappear if I blinked my eye even for a second.I took another sip from my drink and wondered when to make my move. Sylvester was not leaving the table at any moment and the game looked like it'll never end, which grated on my nerves.Abruptly, my thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a woman in a dress that left little to the imagination. She slid onto the sofa next to me, with her perfume as overwhelming as her presence."Can I have a drink with you, handsome?" she purred, leaning in close. "You shouldn't be sitting here alone all by yourself." She added, with her voice dripping with false sweetness.I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. This was the last thing I needed right now. "I'm fine on my own," I replied, keeping my voice neutral, but hoping she'd take the hint and leave.But she was persistent, like a mos
A Bad News Amidst PeaceHayley's POVI woke up around 3am to the urgency to pee. I found out the TV was still on while I fell asleep, nestled on the couch near Jane who was fast asleep too, like old times when we used to fall asleep as we watched a movie. The sight of her fast asleep on the couch brought back those memories.Carefully, I extracted myself from the couch and staggered to the bathroom with sleepy eyes, with my swollen belly which was a constant reminder of the life growing within me.After relieving myself, I splashed some cool water on my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror before going back to the living room.After I sat back on the couch, my thoughts drifted to Roman. Was he sleeping peacefully, or did he toss and turn without me by his side? The urge to call him, to hear his voice, was almost overwhelming.But I knew he needed his rest. With a sigh, I turned off the TV and stretched on the couch, in a way to have a proper rest now."Sleep well, little one
Out For Blood Roman's POV Everything was halfway done now that I have this fucker's location, Sylvester. The evening sky grew dark outside as I prepared to confront Sylvester. My patience had finally paid off, since I found his hidden location patiently at the casino. "Patience pays off after all," I muttered to myself, "but now it's time for action." I smirked smugly in anticipation. I gazed out the glass window, watching the bustling city below. One thing he didn't know was that I have hidden men and spies everywhere, and they were always a call away. I didn't want to involve them in a small case like Sylvester's before. But it was beginning to grate on my nerves and I better be done with him. "He may think he's well-guarded," I growled softly, "but he's never seen an army like mine." I mused, with a grim smile tugging at my lips. My army of shapeshifters were already on their way to my hotel lodge here in San Francisco. They were bloodthirsty beasts who'd do anything for t
: A Daughter's SacrificeHayley's POVAfter Roman left and my decision was made, I felt my heart heavy in my chest, it was weighing me down heavier than my protruding stomach.After my attempt to heal Victor in the past and all the aftermath that followed, I swore not to heal anyone again. But now that my mom was on the verge of death, I felt I had no other option.I had been debating it all evening so when Roman finally checked in, I felt the need to talk to him about it instantly without a second thought. I was glad he had approved.My father was slumped in an uncomfortable plastic chair beside me, his old face troubled with worry that seemed to have gotten worse today."Father," I said softly, touching his shoulder. He startled awake, blinking up at me with bloodshot eyes. "Why don't you go home and rest? I can stay with Mom tonight. You look like you need more rest." I told him.He shook his head stubbornly, reminding me so much of myself that I had to bite back a smile."You don'
Healed Hearts and Shared Love Hayley's POV Soon, the door creaked open, and Dr. Sofia entered, with a warm smile on her face. "I've made the arrangements. You're finally ready for the short trip." She announced. I felt glad. "Oh wonderful!" I gasped. She nodded. "Five minutes with your mother. But don't overdo it, okay?" She warned Roman, who was still by my side since I'd woken up, squeezed my hand. "I'll make sure she behaves, Doctor." He winked. I rolled my eyes at him, but couldn't keep the grin off my face. "Let's go see Mom." I said. As the nurse removed my cannula, I felt a rush of excitement bubble up inside me. Roman had sensed my happiness and he leaned in close as he helped me into the wheelchair. "She's going to be overjoyed to see you too." I nodded like a child being taken out to a fun fair. "Oh I can't wait." I breathed. The short journey to Mom's room felt like it took forever and no time at all. As Roman pushed me through the door, I held my breath. And the
Journey back to New York Hayley's POV We woke up early with a new determination today. As we made our way to the airport, saying goodbye to the city of my loved ones, I watched the city as if for the last time. And my heart felt heavy, a bittersweet ache settling in my chest as we finally boarded the private jet, I didn't know when I'll come back again. Probably after my childbirth or our wedding. As the plane took off, I sighed, watching San Francisco shrink beneath us, the Golden Gate Bridge looking like a child's toy from this height. I couldn't help but think about the battles we were flying towards. It felt like we were caught in a never-ending storm, momentarily passing through one and diving into another. I turned to face Roman, with slight worry across my face, remembering his family's drama. "I was just wondering about how we're jumping from one storm to another," I sighed. "It's like we're actual storm chasers, you know?" I told him. Roman's brow furrowed, concern et
More Storms Ahead Hayley's POV As we drove home from the airport, I decided to let my family in San Francisco know that we touched down. This time around, I was going to make it right and not forget about them. I fumbled for my phone, and immediately I brought it out, my fingers danced across the screen as I dialed my mom's number. The familiar ring echoed in my ear, each tone a heartbeat until her sweet voice filled my ear. "Hayley?" She said, with warmth and comfort in her tone. "Hey, Mom," I said, unable to keep the smile from my voice. "Just wanted to let you know we landed safely." I informed her. "Oh, thank goodness," she sighed. "I've been watching the clock like a hawk. How was the flight?" She asked immediately. "Smooth as silk," I assured her. "How are you feeling? How's dad too?" I inquired. And she didn't wait for a second, before she began explaining. "Oh he's fine dear and I'm feeling better every day, sweetheart. Even my group of old folks were wondering... It's
Happily Ever AfterHayley's POVThe morning sun shone through the windows as I stared at the garden below, savoring the beautiful view of it. It was like a gentle whisper of hope, soft and tentative, whispering through my ears. My fingers traced the windowsill, exploring the smooth, weathered wood beneath my touch - each groove and grain a tactile memory of our tumultuous journey. Two days. Just two days since Roman had returned from a battle that had threatened to unravel everything we knew, a conflict that had hovered on the razor's edge of total destruction.Memories cascaded through my mind like fragmented scenes from a nightmare. The metallic scent of blood. The paralysis of fear. That horrifying moment when time seemed to stop, and I believed I might lose everything I had come to love.But not today.Today was different.Today was about healing.About redemption.About hope rekindled.Downstairs, the kitchen was a symphony of preparation. We had hired more cooks for the celeb
A Promising Future Roman's POV I opened my eyes to the soft morning light coming through the windows. The pain in my chest was less now, thanks to the healing I got last night. Rose sat next to me on our bed, her hand gentle on my arm. She looked tired but happy."How are you feeling?" she asked softly, her fingers threading through my hair with such tenderness it made my heart ache. Dark circles circled her eyes, evidence of her exhaustion from last night, but her smile held all the warmth of the morning sun.I caught her hand in mine, pressing my lips to her knuckles, breathing in the familiar scent of her skin. "Better. The healing worked better than I expected." Every word was true – the piercing pain that had threatened to tear me apart was now just a memory."That's good." Her smile wavered slightly, worry dancing in the depths of her green eyes like shadows in still water. "The twins are still sleeping now. But they gave me a hard time sleeping last night. It's like they c
A New Dawn Hayley's POV I paced the hospital corridor as we waited for Dad to wake up. The fluorescent lights shone too bright even though it was already night, making the white walls seem even more clinical. I sat down in an uncomfortable plastic chair and shifted numerous times, my muscles protesting after hours of sitting. Next to me, Viola kept checking her phone, her fingers drumming an anxious rhythm on her thigh. Bree had gone home to rest about an hour ago, practically falling asleep on her feet. I'd insisted she get some proper sleep, promising to call if anything changed. The twins were with Dora, and even though I trusted her completely, my thoughts kept drifting to them. It was the longest I'd been away since they were born. "Family of Lucien Merchetti?" A doctor's voice drew my attention to the doorway. She was young, probably in her early thirties, with kind eyes that crinkled at the corners when she smiled. "You can go in and see him now, but just for a litt
The Final Battle Roman's POVThe private jet touched down in San Francisco just as the sun began its descent behind the horizon. My muscles were tense from the flight, but my mind was sharp, focused on the hunt ahead.Beside me, Caspian checked his phone for the hundredth time, his usual playful demeanor replaced by cold determination."Our tracking team is already working on Scarlett's location," I told him as we climbed into the waiting SUV. "They'll have coordinates for us within minutes." I informed him."Good." Caspian's voice was clipped. "The sooner we end this, the better." He added.As we drove to my wolves' team here in San Francisco, I pulled out my phone to hear from Rose back in New York. My fingers hovered over Rose's number for a moment before I pressed call. She answered on the first ring, her voice tight with worry."Roman? Did you find them?" She asked me.Just hearing her voice made my wolf whine. "We're close. The tracking team is working on it now." I leaned aga
Escape Before DawnRoman's POV We sat at the back of the garden, and the late afternoon shone across the immaculately beautiful lawn. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin as I watched Scarlett and Stephan exchange their vows, not fooled by the serene facade of this wedding. Everything about them looked fake – the forced smiles, the tension crackling in the air, the way my guards tried to blend into the background while keeping their eyes fixed on Melissa.Rose was beside me, her hand warm in mine, her emerald dress making her skin glow in the fading light. She was trying to keep her composure, but I could feel the slight tremor in her fingers. I found myself thinking about our own future wedding, the one we'd have once all this mess was over. It would be different – filled with joy instead of suspicion, love instead of hatred."You may kiss the bride," the officiant announced, his voice carrying across the hushed garden.I leaned closer to Rose, my lips brushing her ear as I wh
Scarlett's Wedding Hayley's POV I stood before the full-length mirror in our bedroom, pulling down the hem of my emerald green dress for the hundredth time now. I felt nervous.The silk material mused against my skin as I stretched it, but even its luxurious touch couldn't calm my nerves. Today was my sister's wedding—if you could call someone who'd tried to kill you a sister."Stop fidgeting, Rose." Roman's deep voice called from the doorway. I didn't have to turn because I saw his reflection in the mirror before me, and my breath hitched in my throat. He looked devastatingly handsome in his charcoal suit, his dark hair slightly tousled as if he'd been running his fingers through it. His eyes, those piercing amber orbs that never failed to see right through me, held mine in the mirror."I can't help it," I mumbled, smoothing my hands over my stomach. The twins' birth had left its marks, but Bree had chosen this dress perfectly—it hugged in all the right places while still being ap
Three Days of GraceRoman's POVIt was three days before Scarlett's wedding. I was pacing my study in the early morning, thinking. Dawn hadn't yet broken when Caspian arrived and joined me in the study. I had called him earlier. I'd been up for hours now, my wolf restless beneath my skin. The weight of leadership had never felt heavier than in these moments, when every decision could mean life or death for those I loved."Three days," Caspian said, leaning back in his chair. Dark circles under his eyes suggested he'd been up all night too. "Are we really going through with getting Melissa out for the wedding?" He asked me.I paused my pacing to rub my temples, where a headache had been building since midnight. I turned to walk to the window, watching as the sun shone down in the garden looking too peaceful for the turmoil in my mind."I don't know," I admitted, my voice rough from lack of sleep. The thought of letting Melissa out made my wolf snarl with protective rage. "With ever
Betrayal in Plain SightRoman's POVThis morning I woke up with new determination. I rubbed my tired eyes, determined to review more surveillance footage. Yesterday's run with Rose had helped clear my mind, made the bitterness and pain more manageable. I didn't expect to find anything new in the recordings, but I had to try. I had barely started hearing the recordings in my study.Then I heard it.Scarlett's voice came through the speakers, trembling slightly. "I don't know what to do. He's going to banish me from New York. I have nowhere to go." She cried.I leaned forward, turning up the volume. A female voice responded, making my anger spike."Come to San Francisco. We need to stick together now more than ever," the voice said. "It's time we dealt with Roman and Hayley once and for all." She told her. Wait. That voice sounds familiar.My fingers gripped the edge of my desk. That voice... I knew that voice."Are you sure?" Scarlett asked, hope creeping into her tone."Yes. Just co
Comfort in ChaosHayley's POVMy heart ached as I watched Roman storm upstairs to his study, his shoulders rigid with tension. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the foyer, each step heavy with the weight of yesterday's revelations. Viola's eyes followed his retreating form, and concern appeared on her elegant features."Kate, darling," Viola said softly, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "I've never seen him this tense, even for Roman. What has happened?" She asked me.I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows suddenly felt too bright, too cheerful for the heaviness in my chest. "He visited his mother in the dungeon yesterday," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "She told him... she told him Victor might be his real father."The silence that followed was deafening. Bree's coffee cup clattered against its saucer, the sound sharp in the quiet room."Oh my God," Bree breathed, her blue eyes wide. "Are you