Alpha Nathan’s POV It has been two days since I gave Lila a separate room, separating her from Nina, and things have been going fine. But Benita… she gives me the cold shoulder, and I understand her feelings. She has every right to be angry at me. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ll spend as much time as it takes to fix them—no matter how long it takes. For the past three hours, I’ve been sitting behind my desk, drowning in documents. Paperwork—a tiresome necessity of being an Alpha. I hate it. If I had my way, I’d spend my time on the combat grounds, sparring until exhaustion, rather than shuffling through endless deals and reports. A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. My senses sharpen immediately as I catch a familiar scent of Augusta wafting through the air. Her scent is unmistakable like dusk lingering after the sun has set. One thing about me—I never forget a smell. If I’ve been around someone at least three times, I can identify them instantly wherever I catch their sce
Benita’s POV I was heading toward Lila’s room when I spotted Nina arguing with the guards Nathan had stationed at the door. As I approached, her angry voice filled the hallway, demanding to be let in. The guards, unfazed, stood firm, blocking her path. Just as I had requested, Nathan had forbidden her from seeing Lila, and Nina clearly wasn’t taking the news well. When she noticed me, she turned sharply, abandoning the guards to march toward me. Her steps were quick, her eyes filled with rage, and before I could react, she blocked my path. My wolf growled lowly, irritated by her presence. “I know this is your doing, Benita,” she snapped. “What do you gain from this? Separating a mother from her child!” I scoffed, raising an eyebrow. “Excuse me? You? A mother?” My voice was calm, though the irritation was creeping in. “You can’t call yourself a mother, Nina. How could you, when your own daughter looks terrified of you? She’s scared of you.” My voice hardened as I stepped close
Benita’s POV For a moment, my mouth hung open in shock, but I quickly composed myself. “Your mommy gave birth to another child?” I asked softly. Lila nodded. “Yes, she had her for her husband, uncle Mark. They got married two years ago… Mark…” She paused, shaking her head, and then fell silent. I glanced at her and saw the pain in her eyes. So much had happened to this little girl—more than I could have imagined—and I knew I had to uncover the truth. Gently, I wiped her tears with the back of my hand. My wolf whimpered in anguish, urging me to pull Lila into my arms and comfort her. But I stopped myself, knowing I needed her to talk. “Lila,” I called gently, squeezing her small hands in mine. “Tell me what happened to Crystal.” Fresh tears slid down Lila’s cheeks, and my heart ached as I fought to stay strong for her. “Mommy said I was the cause of her death, but it’s not true,” she whispered. I gasped softly, unable to hide the shock that coursed through me. Her tiny h
Alpha Nathan’s POV The door to my room pushed open, and immediately, the intoxicating scent of Benita hit my senses. But what I saw hit me harder. Benita stood there, her eyes swollen and red, tears streaming down her face. She looked utterly broken. “Benita, what’s wrong?” I asked, my voice filled with concern as I moved toward her. The moment I reached her, she collapsed into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably. My arms instinctively wrapped around her trembling body as my wolf howled in anguish. Someone had caused her pain—pain that was already tearing me apart. Her sobs were muffled against my chest, but they shook her entire frame. My wolf was pacing in my mind, demanding answers, demanding vengeance for the pain someone had caused her. I was surprised at what could have happened to make Benita break down this way. I held her tightly, brushing her hair gently, trying to calm her down enough for her to speak. “Benita,” I said softly, tilting her chin up so I could see her t
Benita’s POV I woke up to the gentle rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains, warming my skin. My body felt heavy yet comforted, cocooned in the soft blankets. For a moment, I forgot everything—the pain, the tears, the world outside this room. Then I noticed the steady rise and fall of the chest I was nestled against, the warm, firm body beside me. My heart skipped as I tilted my head slightly, only to find Nathan sleeping soundly next to me. My breath hitched. He was shirtless, the sharp lines of his chest and abdomen illuminated by the sunlight. His tanned skin glowed, the faint scars scattered across his torso only adding to his rugged appeal. His chiseled jaw was relaxed in sleep, his dark lashes resting softly against his cheeks. And he looked so… peaceful. So lovable, even. Different from the Alpha I knew—a man who had tormented me, broken me in ways I couldn’t put into words. I should hate him. I do hate him. But damn it, why does he have to look like thi
Benita’s POV Light conversation filled the air as we sat around the breakfast table. Theo was telling his grandparents one of his numerous stories, and Lila, who was seated beside him, looked thrilled as she listened. Meanwhile, Nathan and I were in our own world. We hadn’t been able to look away from each other, constantly stealing glances. Every time I caught his gaze, Nathan’s lips would curve into that maddening smirk, the same one he’d flashed this morning in his room. I’d roll my eyes and force myself to focus on Theo’s story, but it was no use. My thoughts kept drifting to Nathan, and my wolf wasn’t helping, purring incessantly in my mind. “My lady, you have a call,” one of the servants interrupted, stepping into the dining room. I furrowed my brow. Who could possibly want to speak to me? I exchanged glances with Nathan and could tell he didn’t seem happy. “Who is it?” I asked. “Alpha Xavier,” the maid responded, and without giving it a second thought, I left my seat and ma
Benita’s POV After a two-hour drive, I arrived at Xavier’s pack house. Nathan had reluctantly allowed me to go, but not without sending a group of warriors to escort me. According to him, it was for my security, even though I insisted it wasn’t necessary. He had refused, saying it was the only way he would let me leave. The car door opened, and I stepped out to see Xavier waiting for me. His eyes lit up with a warm smile as they met mine. I returned the gesture and walked over to him. As I reached his side, he took both of my hands and pressed a soft kiss on them. “Welcome, and thank you for accepting my invitation,” he said in a tone filled with warmth. I smiled and nodded in response. Xavier’s gaze shifted behind me, noticing the entourage Nathan had sent. A mix of amusement and surprise flashed across his face as he counted the warriors—there were more than ten. He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Nathan practically sent an army to escort you to my pack. How protectiv
Benita’s POV For a moment, Xavier and I didn’t say a word; rather, my question hung heavily in the air. I swallowed hard and stared down at the picture in my hand, focusing on the woman in the photograph—a woman who was undoubtedly my biological mother, a woman who fought to keep me safe, to keep me alive. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I didn’t try to wipe them away. Slowly, I lifted my gaze and met Xavier’s shocked expression. He was still finding it difficult to believe that I could be his sister, although the look on his face told me he had already suspected there was a possibility. “Why do you think so? What makes you believe we are siblings?” Alpha Xavier asked, his voice cracking with unease. I drew in a shaky breath, struggling to gather my swirling thoughts. The emotions threatening to consume me made it difficult to speak, but I knew I had to try. “A few weeks ago,” I began, my voice trembling, “I found out the people who raised me weren’t my real parents. They told m
Oscar’s POV “When are you arriving… I’ll come pick you up myself,” Lila said through the mind link, and I chuckled. “Already missing me?” I teased. “Of course I am… you’ve been gone for two days. And good news—Theo and Lagertha are coming back tonight. Theo has a surprise for Lila, and Mother is helping him prepare it. I want you here before they arrive,” Lila muttered, and I smiled. I was happy with how things turned out between Lagertha and Theo. After my fight with Grey, Ma’am Benita told us the truth—that Theo and Lagertha wouldn’t be going through any surgery because Lagertha could see. They hid it from us. She explained why she did, and I understood. “So what time am I expecting to pick you up at the airport?” Lila pressed on. A smile spread across my face. “I’m on my way to the airport… so in the next four hours, I’ll be arriving in California,” I said. “Good… I will be waiting for you. Have a nice trip back, darling. I love you.” My heart fluttered. “I love you,
Theo’s POV Her “yes” hung in the air, soft and shaky, but powerful. It sealed something between us that didn’t need words. I couldn’t speak—my throat felt tight, my chest full. Everything I felt for her, everything I had been trying to hide, came pouring out all at once. I held her face in my hands and kissed her again—this time slower, deeper. I wanted to feel every second of it. She let out a soft gasp when our lips touched again. Her hands grabbed my shoulders, pulling me even closer. Her body pressed into mine like she couldn’t stand even a little space between us. She was so warm, so soft, so real. Everything about her—her smell, her voice, the feel of her skin—wrapped around me like magic I never wanted to end. I carefully lifted her from the water. Her legs wrapped around me, and her head rested on my shoulder. She was shaking, not because she was scared, but because she was waiting for what was coming. I held her tight, kissing her forehead, her temple, the side of her ear
Theo’s POV Lagertha was asleep, and I was watching her. She lay curled beneath the thick blanket, her chest rising and falling in the quiet rhythm of peace—something she hadn’t had much of lately. Something we hadn’t had. The black strands of her hair spilled across the pillow like silk, her lips slightly parted, her eyelashes fanned across her cheeks. She looked so precious. So fragile. And yet, she was the strongest person I knew. I sat in the armchair across from the bed, a blanket draped over my shoulders, but I wasn’t cold. I wasn’t tired either. I just… couldn’t stop looking at her. My heart was still too full. Too shaken. I should be angry. I was angry, in a way. But it was drowned out by everything else. The grief, the relief, the crushing ache of knowing how close I came to losing her—not just to her blindness, but to a decision I hadn’t seen coming. She had planned to leave. And I hadn’t known. If I hadn’t offered my eye… if I hadn’t said those words… she wo
Oscar's POV We left the living room and stepped into the combat grounds, where a few warriors were still training. “Everyone step back,” I commanded, and they all stopped their training, stepping back but all looking confused. I stared at Grey, who was already taking off his clothes, ready for the fight. I looked at Lila, who stood a few steps away from me. She looked terrified, worried, and in pain. Her eyes were clouded in tears. It was obvious she was so scared of me, and I understood why. Grey was a good warrior. He had gone to war and had won, and I? I hadn’t been to a war. Our pack’s strength, numbers, and especially Theo’s unmatched power had always kept war away from our doorstep. No one dared challenge us. No one even considered it. “Why are you hesitating? Having second thoughts?” Grey mocked, noticing I hadn’t started undressing while he was already down to his briefs. I ignored his taunt and reached for the buttons on my shirt, but Lila stepped forward, gently takin
Lila’s POV “So tell me, Oscar, are you willing to die for Lila?” Alpha Grey asked, his voice dripping with confidence, as if he had already won. I scowled at his arrogance. “Yes,” Oscar replied without hesitation. “Only that I won’t be the one dying.” I glanced at him with wild eyes as I frantically shook my head. “Hell no… you are not fighting,” I disagreed. Alpha Grey chuckled softly. “What’s wrong, Lila? Are you afraid I’ll kill him?” His tone was mocking, his smirk infuriating. I shot him a glare full of hatred before turning back to Oscar, who wore a deep frown. “Don’t do it… we will find other ways,” I pleaded. But Oscar shook his head. “There is no other way. This is the only way.” “No, it isn’t!” I snapped at him. “I won’t let you do it, Oscar… I won’t,” I said in a shaky voice while fear filled my entire being. It’s not that I don’t trust Oscar’s skills and abilities, it’s just that I have heard stories of this Alpha Grey. He has fought two battles and has come out v
Lagertha’s POV “I have been able to see for a very long time.” I drop the bombshell, my heart pounding rapidly. For a moment, Theo stood speechless, his confused but stunned eyes on me. He was looking at me as if waiting for me to laugh and say I was joking, but I didn’t. Rather, my eyes remained focused on him. “Theo… say something.” I whispered nervously, waiting for him to explode, to yell at me for not telling him the truth sooner. But he didn’t. Rather, he just remained numb, staring right at me. I could see the confusion, the questions, and the disbelief in his eyes, But the anger I had feared? It wasn’t there. Slowly, Theo raised his hand, holding up two fingers. I didn’t need him to speak to understand what he was asking. “Two fingers.” I responded. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his hands balling into fists at his sides. He took a step back, putting distance between us. “ When?" His voice was too calm, too measured. And that terrified me more than if he
Lila's POV Rage, like fire, exploded inside me. So this was it—this was why he wanted me! To be a fucking breeder? I, Lila Luciano, a fucking breeder! These two people had it all planned. This was why he wanted me. Not because of love. Not because of fate. Not even because he saw me as his equal. But because he wanted an heir. Because he needed me to be a fucking breeder. I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, my wolf snarling inside me. My vision blurred at the edges as my anger boiled over. Morgan watched me carefully, her expression unreadable. She had said everything so calmly, as if this wasn’t the most humiliating, disgusting truth I’d ever heard in my life. I forced myself to breathe, to swallow the bitter rage inside me. "So that’s it?” My voice came out sharp, trembling with fury. “That’s the reason you’re so willing to give up? Because you can’t give him a son, so now I have to?” Morgan didn’t flinch. “It’s more than that, Lila.”
Lagertha's POV I woke up to the voice of Theo. Opening my eyes, I saw him at the window. He was wearing only a pair of boxers, his body bare, and a phone pressed to his ear. “Yes, we will be there in the next two hours,” he said to the person on the other end of the call. I furrowed my brow but remained still on the bed. “She’s still sleeping. Once she wakes up, we’ll be on our way. Just keep everything ready, and please—no mistakes.” That was when I realized he was talking to the doctor. “You have to tell him now,” my wolf urged, and I swallowed hard. I was just scared of telling him that I could still see. “Alright, thank you.” Theo ended the call, and that was when he turned around and realized I was awake. A big, bright smile spread across his face, which made me frown. Who smiles like that when they’re about to lose one of their eyes? “You’re awake.” I nodded and sat up on the bed. Theo’s smile didn’t waver as he strode toward me, his bare chest catching the so
Lagertha’s POV Finally, the pilot announced that we were landing in five minutes. Where I was in Theo’s arms, I sucked in a deep breath, but my eyes were still closed. All through the journey, I was rested in his arms. Theo didn’t move me away, not even once. It felt strange, almost unreal, to be held like this, as if I belonged there. As if he didn’t mind. The moment the plane touched the ground, a small jolt ran through my body, but Theo’s grip around me tightened slightly, steadying me. His warmth seeped into me, making it harder to pull away. “We’ve landed,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. I forced my heavy eyelids open and blinked against the light filtering through the windows. My body felt stiff from staying in one position for so long, but I wasn’t ready to move just yet. Theo finally shifted, but instead of letting me go completely, his fingers trailed down my arm before he withdrew. I swallowed, pushing down the sudden loss of his warmth. “We should get go