Benita’s POV Today was the day—the one I’d been waiting for my whole life. It could either be the best day or the worst, and I wasn’t sure which terrified me more. Standing in front of the mirror, I studied my reflection. My cheeks were slightly flushed, giving me a soft, youthful appearance, while my body curved in ways that didn’t fit the slim, toned ideal my family worshiped. My hips were full, my stomach soft, and my thighs pressed together when I shifted my weight. I could see every part of me that didn’t fit into the narrow expectations of what beauty was supposed to look like. I tied my black hair into a bun and wore jeans and a simple shirt—not exactly the look of someone excited for a mating ceremony. But I had learned not to expect much, and I dressed like I was bracing for disappointment. “Benita, get your lazy ass down here!” my mother yelled from downstairs. I let out a heavy sigh before hurrying out of my room and down the stairs into the sitting room. As expected
Benita’s POV “Mate…?” I shuttered in disbelief as I stared at the cord which was intertwined with Nathan’s wrist. Stunned, I moved my gaze away from the cord and looked up at Nathan, who seemed shocked and in disbelief. His eyes moved from the cord and were fixed on me as he glared at me. “No! This can't be possible!” he yelled, frantically shaking his head and trying to break the cord from his wrist, but it remained intact. Loud gasps echoed around the field as murmuring filled the air. Everyone present couldn’t believe it. They couldn’t believe I was the one mated to Nathan instead of my sister. “This is some kind of joke!” Nathan spat, moving closer to me, his eyes blazing with anger. “What did you do? What witch did you visit to make this happen?” he yelled, gripping my arms so hard that I winced in pain. “Tell me! Tell me!” he demanded in an outburst, his eyes filled with disgust, as if he had just realized he was mated to something vile. “Speak! Speak!” Nathan urged, h
Benita's POV A strange feeling of pain mixed with pleasure coursed through me as Nathan’s fangs sank deeper into the crook of my neck. The pain was intense, but the slight sensation of pleasure was so fascinating that I couldn’t help but close my eyes as a soft moan escaped my lips. I wasn’t sure if I was mistaken or if my ears were playing tricks on me, but I could swear I heard Nathan let out a pleasurable groan. When he finally pulled away, my neck felt cold without his bite, my body throbbing with an ache I didn’t fully understand. With panting breaths, our gazes interlocked. His fangs were still extended, and drops of my blood glistened on his lips. He stared at me with pure hatred in his eyes, wiping the blood away before spitting it to the ground as if I’d poisoned him. My stomach twisted. “Come on, everyone, a round of applause,” Alpha Richardson demanded, and the stunned pack members were forced to clap for us. My eyes remained on Nathan as his stayed on me. I could see t
Nathan's POV I glared into her eyes which was filled with fake tears as hate, and anger surged through me. I wished I could wrap my hands around her throat, make her feel just a fraction of the pain tearing me apart. But I couldn’t—not with half the pack watching. Gritting my teeth, I glared at her one more time before shoving her away, making her stumble to the ground, her butt hitting the dirt. Turning around, I ran out of the field, ignoring the loud calls from my father. I kept running, running until I reached the mansion. I stormed inside, bolting up the stairs and straight to my room. Once inside, I slammed the door shut and I began kicking everything in my way. I kicked over the small coffee table, sending it crashing into the wall, the sound of breaking wood doing little to calm the storm inside me. My chest heaved with anger as I ripped the couch cushions off, throwing them across the room. They hit the mirror, shattering the glass into pieces that fell to the floor like
Benita’s POVAs I glanced into the mirror, I didn’t know what to feel. Today was supposed to be a happy day for me—it was my wedding day. I was getting married to my mate, a day I’d envisioned countless times in my head, staying up late as a young girl, giggling and fantasizing about it. I imagined myself in a beautiful white dress, being escorted down the aisle to meet my mate, who would be waiting for me with a big smile on his face. He’d look at me with so much love, and I’d feel special, cherished. That was how I imagined it. But alas, that was just a fantasy.“Benita, are you okay?” Luna Anita’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Blinking, I returned to the present, noticing her standing behind me with a concerned look on her face.“Are you alright?” she asked again, her eyes filled with worry.Slowly, I stood up and turned to face her, my heart racing with fear. “I don’t think I should go on with this marriage,” I admitted, feeling a wave of unease wash over me. The thought of
Benita's POV After the draining ceremony and endless whispers, I retreated to my chambers, barely able to breathe under the weight of the day’s events. My heart was heavy, and my mind raced with worry about what tonight would hold. I knew my role now, the duty expected of me as Luna and Nathan’s wife, but the thought only filled me with fear. A gentle knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, making me startle. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before calling out, “Yes? Come in.” Two maids entered, bowing slightly as they stepped inside. One of them, with a polite smile, approached me. “My queen, we are here to prepare you for the evening. Alpha Nathan has requested that you join him, and we’ve been asked to assist with your bath and help you dress.” The words sent a chill through me, though I nodded in silent acknowledgment. This was expected; he had already informed me about it—a moment I had dreaded. The maids led me to the adjoining bathroom, where a tub of steaming
Benita’s POV“Don’t make me repeat myself, Benita. Get on the bed,” his angry voice echoed in the room, making my body tremble with fear. My wolf, Olivia, growled inside me as she could feel my pain and fear.I looked up to hold his gaze and was terrified when I noticed his green eyes were now gray and filled with rage. Fear gripped me tightly, and I wished I could run away, run away from him and this bond, but alas, I was trapped within this marriage.Filled with embarrassment and shame, I wrapped my arms around my chest and moved over to the bed with shaky legs. “Turn your back and be on all fours!” he ordered, and my heart raced faster, but I obeyed and knelt on the bed, my back turned against him.Hot tears fell freely down my cheeks as my whole body trembled with fear. I was so terrified, so scared of what he would do to me.Soon, I heard his footsteps behind me, and then I felt his weight pressed on the bed, his presence so close that I had to swallow the bile rising in my throa
Alpha Nathan’s POVI heard a loud thud at my door just after she closed it, and despite how much I wanted to ignore it, I just couldn’t. Forcing myself up on my feet, I walked over to the door, pushed it open, and wasn’t surprised to see Benita lying on the floor, unconscious. A frown spread across my face as I stared at her unconscious state.“Mate! Nathan, do something, you dick!” my wolf yelled at me, but I didn’t move an inch; rather, I just kept staring at her body on the floor. Thoughts buzzed in my head—the thought of her not waking up; at least that would set me free from her. But my wolf growled loudly again as he raced worriedly in my mind.“Nathan! What is this? Pick her up!” my wolf pleaded, but I gave deaf ears to his words and shut the door. Settling back on the couch, I picked up the glass of whiskey and took a sip of it as I tried to ignore the fact that Benita was lying unconscious just outside my door. I didn’t want to care about it; I didn’t want to care if she live
Benita's POV“Where is Theo?!” I demanded, my voice trembling with panic as I clutched Nathan’s shirt tighter. My heart raced wildly, and every possible worst-case scenario flashed through my mind.Nathan’s brows furrowed as he placed his hands gently over mine, trying to calm me down. “Benita, breathe,” he said softly, his eyes filled with confusion. “Theo’s isn’t gone. We’ll find him. He might have wandered off.”“Wandered off?!” I snapped, shaking my head as tears threatened to fall. “He’s a child, Nathan! He wouldn’t just disappear without someone seeing him!” My voice cracked as I released his shirt, turning to scan the room, searching for any sign of my son.Nathan stepped in front of me, his hands on my shoulders this time, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Listen to me,” he said firmly, his eyes locked onto mine. “I’ll call the guards to start searching. We’ll find him. I promise.”I glared at him. “Tell me you don’t have a hand in this! Did you ask your men to hide him? You want
Benita’s POV Nathan carried me like I weighed nothing, cradling me against his chest with ease. My breath hitched in surprise, but I was too drained to argue or push him away. The murmurs of the crowd grew louder as Nathan turned toward the pack house, his movements quick. “That’s enough for today,” he announced, his authoritative tone leaving no room for objections. “She’ll return tomorrow to continue the healing.” I barely registered his words, my body sagging against him as exhaustion consumed me. The healing process had taken more out of me than I expected. Pulling toxins from others and into myself wasn’t just painful; it was draining in a way I couldn’t describe. Nathan glanced down at me, his expression unreadable. “You should’ve stopped sooner,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to me. His voice, though low, carried a hint of concern I didn’t want to acknowledge. “I’m fine,” I mumbled weakly, though the weight of my own body said otherwise. My eyelids flu
Benita's POV“Mother,” I whispered under my breath, staring at her in disbelief. She was a shadow of the woman I once knew.“Mother,” I whispered again, my voice trembling, unsure if it was from anger or shock. She stood there, frail and thin, her once sharp eyes now dulled with exhaustion. But the coldness I remembered—the hatred that had shaped my childhood—still lingered in her gaze. Even now, she still hated me. I vividly remembered the last time I saw her, standing outside my cell, wishing for my death.“Benita,” she said, her voice dry, almost cracking. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, she studied me as if I were a stranger. “You’ve returned.”I straightened my back, refusing to let her see how her presence rattled me. “Yes, I’m here,” I replied firmly. “Not that you ever cared whether I was gone or not.”Her lips twitched with pain. It seemed she was also affected by the illness. She looked around, her gaze brushing over the sick pack members gathered in the
Benita’s POV A knock landed on the door, and without being told, I knew it was Nathan. I frowned, wondering what he wanted this time. Pushing the door open, I found him standing before me. His eyes locked onto mine instantly, and I glared at him. “It’s 9 PM, Alpha Nathan. What do you want?” I asked in an annoyed tone, but he didn’t seem bothered by my attitude. Is Theo asleep already?” he asked. I continued to glare at him but nodded reluctantly. “Yes. Is there a problem?” Nathan sighed and remained silent for a moment before speaking. “I just came to inform you that the sick pack members will be in the courtyard by 8 AM,” he announced. I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief. “Who would have thought that the same girl they once screamed should be hanged would be the one to save their lives someday?” I sighed and folded my arms. “Is that all?” I asked, raising a brow. Nathan hesitated, taking a step closer until only a few inches separated us. “I looked for you everywhere, Be
Benita’s POV “So, Theo, tell me, would you like a room on one of the lower floors?” Nathan asked, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. I frowned instantly. “We’re not staying here long, so there’s no need for Theo to have a separate room,” I countered sharply. Nathan’s lips parted as if to argue, but he thought better of it and nodded. There was no way I was letting my son out of my sight, not even for a moment. You must be hungry. I’ve already asked the cook to prepare something,” Nathan announced, his voice laced with forced cheerfulness. I barely spared him a glance before looking at Theo. My son sat silently, his wide, curious eyes darting between us. The sight made my heart ache. No child should have to witness the broken shards of their parents’ relationship displayed so blatantly. But what could I do? This was the reality we had to live with. “Alpha Nathan,” Theo’s voice broke the silence as he addressed Nathan directly. His young, steady tone carried a weight that caught bot
Benita’s POVOpening my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of Theo deep in conversation with Alpha Nathan. The mere sight of them together made my heart flutter nervously.“Mother, you’re awake!” Theo’s voice brimmed with excitement as he rushed to hug me. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly before gently pulling away to sit up, resting my back and head against the headboard.Are you fully recovered? Do you need anything?” Theo asked eagerly, his concern for me obvious in his eyes. I responded with a faint smile, not trusting my voice just yet.“Mate!” Olivia, my wolf, howled in my head. Her sudden outburst made me frown, and my gaze instinctively shifted to Alpha Nathan. Our eyes locked, and for the first time since we’d crossed paths again, I allowed myself to truly see the breathtaking man seated beside me.At twenty-nine, Alpha Nathan had grown more striking than I remembered. Time had refined him, sculpting the boy I once knew into a man who commanded attention effort
Alpha Nathan’s POV Her admission hit me like a blow, and my wolf snarled in my mind. “You knew? And you didn't tell me?” “I didn't tell you because I didn't trust you, Nathan,” she replied, her tone calm. “Benita needed to be safe, and I wasn’t sure you could provide that. Not after everything that happened.” I took a step closer, my jaw tightening. “So you helped her escape?” “Yes,” she admitted without hesitation. “I helped her disappear. And I'd do it again if it meant protecting her and Theo.” Her words ignited anger I hadn’t felt in years, but beneath the anger was a deep, gnawing guilt. “You had no right to keep my son from me,” I growled. “Or to decide what was best for Benita without consulting me.” Aunt Anne's eyes narrowed. “I had every right. You broke her, Nathan. You treated her like she was nothing, and when she finally found the strength to leave, I made sure she could. She was pregnant, Nathan, and she was so scared you would force her to abort the child. I, myse
Alpha Nathan's POV“I can’t,” I said, my voice rough with emotion. “I won’t.”Her hands slammed against the table, and she rose to her feet, her eyes blazing with frustration. “Why? Why are you doing this? Is this about control? About possession? You don’t love me, Nathan. You never did.”“That’s not true,” I said fiercely, standing as well. My voice echoed in the room, louder than I intended. “I did love you, Benita. I do love you.”She froze, her lips parting in shock. For a moment, she just stared at me as if trying to decipher the truth in my words. Then she laughed—a bitter, broken sound that made my chest ache.“I fell in love with you without realizing it,” I said, my voice low and strained. I took a cautious step toward her. “I’m sorry. For everything. For how I treated you.”Benita let out another bitter laugh, her arms folded across her chest. “Why now, Nathan? Why are you apologizing after all these years?” she asked, her voice sharp. “I’m still the same—still plus-size, st
Nathan's POVThe door suddenly pushed open, and Aunt Anne walked in. The moment she did, I furrowed my brow at her. I had numerous questions to ask her. How was she able to find Benita? Did she know Benita's whereabouts all this while? Did she know I had a son with Benita? Was she the one who helped Benita escape? All these were questions I needed answers to.“Aunt Anne, could you please watch over Theo while Alpha Nathan and I have a brief private discussion?” Benita said, and Aunt Anne nodded.“Mommy, where are you going?” Theo asked, his tone filled with concern and worry. Benita cupped his cheeks and placed kisses on them.“Don’t worry, my champ. I just want to have a word with Alpha Nathan, and once I’m done, we are leaving, okay?” she said, and I swallowed hard. The thought of her leaving was something I would not take.Theo nodded, then looked at me with resentment and anger in his eyes before turning back to Benita. “If he hits you, call for me, okay?” he said worriedly and pr