Nathan’s POV “Benita will never forgive you,” Nina said, her voice trembling now, though it was hard to tell if it was genuine or another manipulation. “You’ve done too much damage, Nathan. And when she leaves, you’ll be alone. Again.” “Maybe,” I admitted, my tone softer now. “But I’m willing to take that chance. Because even if I lose her, I’m not going back to you.” Her lips parted in shock, and for a moment, I thought she might lash out, but instead, she laughed bitterly, shaking her head. “You’ll regret this,” she said, stepping back toward the door. “You’ll regret pushing me away, Nathan.” I didn’t say a word. Instead, I walked to the minibar located in my office. I took out a bottle of whiskey, poured it into a glass, and then turned back to face her. “I’m doing a DNA test,” I announced, studying the expression on Nina’s face and realizing she looked unbothered. It was pretty obvious the child was mine. She shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she said and moved closer to me. “What
Benita’s POV “Benita, can you please sit so we can talk?" Nathan pleaded softly, but his calm tone only fueled my anger. “I don’t want to have any discussion with you, Alpha Nathan. Please hand over the divorce papers to me,” I demanded, my voice raised and harsh. Nathan’s lips parted as though he wanted to speak, but instead, he took a deep breath and moved to the desk. I watched him pick up the divorce papers and walk back to me, extending them with a sigh. Furious, I snatched the papers from his hand and flipped through them, my eyes narrowing when I saw his signature was missing. Only mine was there. “And what is the meaning of this, Alpha Nathan?” I asked angrily, our eyes locking. Nathan, with a sorry look on his face, stepped closer to me. “I can’t divorce you,” he said plainly, and my frown deepened. “Excuse me?” I spat angrily. Nathan ran his fingers through his dark hair, frustration evident in every movement. “I can’t divorce you, Benita,” he repeated, his voic
That question hit harder than the last. For a moment, I couldn’t speak. The truth sat like a lump in my throat, and I knew Theo wouldn’t accept a lie—not when he could sense my emotions so well. I finally sighed, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. “Sometimes, loving someone isn’t enough.” “He must have hurt you really much?” Theo asked softly. I froze again, the pain I’d been burying threatening to bubble to the surface. “Yes,” I whispered after a moment, my voice barely audible. “But I’m stronger now, and no matter what happens, I will always protect you.” Theo nodded slowly, as if absorbing my words. “I’ll protect you too, Mom,” he whispered, snuggling closer into my lap. I bit back the tears that burned behind my eyes, pressing a kiss to his temple. “I know you will, my brave boy.” Theo was silent, but I knew my smart son wasn’t done. “That girl… she looks just like me, Mom,” Theo grumbled, obviously not happy about it. I sighed and continued stroking h
Benita's POV Nausea twisted in my stomach as the realization hit me—Nina was abusing her. She was hitting her child. Disbelief washed over me as I carefully moved closer, the gap in the door offering me a glimpse inside. The room was dimly lit, and I could just barely see Nina’s silhouette looming over a small figure curled up on the bed. The child—her child—flinched when Nina raised her hand as if to strike. This time, however, Nina stopped short. “I’m warning you,” Nina hissed, her tone dangerously low. “One more noise, and I’ll make you regret it.” The child whimpered but stayed silent, curling into herself, her tiny body trembling under the thin blanket. I couldn’t take it anymore. My hands shook as anger surged through me, stronger than anything I had felt in years. Without thinking, I pushed the door open and stormed inside. “Don’t you dare.” Nina’s head snapped toward me, her eyes narrowing as though caught in the act. “What the hell are you doing here?” she sneered, st
Benita’s POV Tears fell down my cheek as the realization of what I was seeing struck me. This little girl, this little fragile girl, was being tortured, not just by anyone, but by a woman who was supposed to be her own mother. My stomach churned with rage and anguish. My hand hovered over the scars, too afraid to touch them, too devastated to look away. “She’s been hurt. Badly,” my wolf said, her voice trembling with anger and sorrow. Lila whimpered softly, her tiny body curling into mine. I immediately softened, wrapping her in my arms as if I could shield her from the horrors she’d endured. “Shh, sweetheart,” I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her fevered forehead. “I’m here now.” I whispered again and began unleashing my ability on her to subdue her fever. It worked really fast. Slowly, her breathing steadied, and her eyelids fluttered open. Her little green eyes, which looked so much like Theo’s, stared at me with confusion. “You’re here?” she whispered quietly, and
Benita’s POV Nina turned to Nathan, her face streaked with tears, her voice trembling. “Nathan, you know me! I would never lay a hand on her. The marks…” She choked on her words, glancing at the rest of the family before continuing. “The marks aren’t from me. They’re… they’re from a herbalist.” The room fell silent as everyone stared at her in confusion. Nathan’s frown deepened, and he stepped closer to her, his voice low and filled with anger. “What are you talking about?” Nina sniffled and straightened her posture, her hands clasped tightly together. “Lila’s illness worsened for a while. I… I was desperate to help her. So I took her to a herbalist. He said he could cure her, but his treatment involved… certain methods.” “Methods?” I scoffed, my anger bubbling to the surface again. “You mean whipping her with a cane? You’re lying, Nina!” Nina flinched at my words. “It wasn’t my idea! He said it would draw out the sickness!” she defended, her voice cracking. “Please, come wit
Alpha Nathan’s POV I stood speechless watching her walk away. My wolf growled angrily, urging me to go after her and explain things to her. How could she think I would support Nina over her? No, I wasn’t doing that. It’s just that it’s difficult to believe Nina could hit her child. I was finding it difficult to accept, and besides, Lila herself said the same thing Nina had told us. “You are making things worse for yourself, Nathan,” my wolf snapped at me. I frowned and went back into the room. Stepping back inside, I found Nina on the bed while Lila was wrapped in her arms as she stroked Lila’s hair tenderly. The sight was that of a loving mother and daughter, how could I believe Nina would do that? My eyes went to Lila, and she held my gaze, but nervousness flickered in her eyes, and she quickly looked away. Slowly, I walked over to them and placed my hand on Lila’s forehead, realizing her temperature was normal, and she seemed fine. “How are you feeling?” I asked softly a
Benita’s POV I had my reasons for wanting Nina to leave. In her absence, I could get closer to Lila and give her the courage to speak up and expose Nina for the monster she truly was. But none of that could happen if Nina stayed. The problem was whether Nathan would agree to it. “Alpha Nathan, I’m waiting for your response,” I demanded as I watched Nathan, who stood speechless, staring at me like I had just asked him to commit murder. It seemed my demands were more than he expected. I crossed my arms, tapping my fingers against them impatiently as I waited for Nathan’s response. His silence was starting to irritate me. Here he was, staring at me as if I had asked him to move a mountain. “Alpha Nathan, I’m waiting for your response,” I repeated, keeping my voice steady, though the frustration churned inside me. Nathan exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his dark hair before meeting my gaze. His jaw was clenched, a sign that he was struggling to find the right words. “Yo
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 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 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 th
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
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
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
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
Alpha Nathan’s POV Her face paled, her silence speaking louder than any denial could. My wolf growled low in my mind, urging me to push for the truth. She quickly regained her composure, crossing her arms and lifting her chin as if challenging me. “Are you seriously accusing me of something so ridiculous, Nathan?” she scoffed, her voice dripping with mockery. I hardened my gaze, taking a slow step closer, my presence towering over her. My wolf growled faintly in the back of my mind, urging me to press on. “It's not so ridiculous, Nina. Especially since the wooden sculpture that was used to bind spells was found in your home by your father. The same sculpture Benita was accused of using to manipulate me.” Her eyes darted away for a fraction of a second—quick, but not quick enough. I caught it. She was nervous. Her lips parted as if to deny it, but no words came out. Instead, she took a step back, her confidence cracking under the weight of my accusation. “You have no proof,”
Alpha Nathan’s POV Lila stirred in her sleep, her eyelids fluttering weakly before her soft green eyes opened and settled on me. For a moment, she seemed confused, her gaze drifting around the room until it landed on my face. Her lips parted slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Dad?” Hearing her call me that made my chest tighten. I swallowed the lump in my throat and leaned closer, trying to keep my emotions in check. “I’m here, Lila,” I said softly, brushing a strand of her dark hair away from her forehead. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?” She blinked, her eyes glassy with fatigue but filled with genuine happiness. She was so happy to see me. “Tired,” she admitted, her small fingers twitching slightly as if she wanted to hold my hand. I hesitated for a moment, guilt crashing over me again, then reached out and gently took her hand in mine. Her fingers were so tiny, so fragile, and the realization of how much of her life I’d missed hit me all over again. “I’m s