Alpha Nathan’s POV “Alpha, it’s happening again. Her condition is getting worse,” Victoria, my mother’s personal maid, said, her voice trembling with panic. I didn’t wait another second. Rising swiftly from my chair, I rushed out of my office, my heart pounding as I raced to her room. When I arrived, I saw the healers surrounding her, their hands glowing as they channeled their powers to ease her suffering. My breath hitched at the sight of her frail form, her face contorted in pain, her body almost lifeless against the bed. I stepped closer, my legs shaky, and gently took her hand in mine. Her fingers were icy, a chilling reminder of how close she was to slipping away. “Mother, I’m here,” I whispered, leaning close to her ear. But her eyes remained shut, and the agony etched on her face made my chest tighten painfully. Tears blurred my vision as I watched the healers do their best to alleviate her pain. Their magic shimmered faintly in the dim light of the room. The energy seeme
Benita’s POV“Hi, Benita.” A familiar voice called from behind me, and I turned to see Aunt Anne standing there.“We need to talk. Follow me,” she said and didn’t wait for a response before walking toward her office.Confused, I followed her into the small room tucked away in the orphanage. She motioned for me to sit on one of the single couches. I obeyed, lowering myself hesitantly as she took the seat across from me.Curious about what was happening, I studied her face. I could tell she wasn’t looking happy. She had been away for months and had just returned, only to request to see me with such a bothered expression.“What’s wrong?” I asked cautiously, my mind instantly racing to Nathan. Did he find me? The thought sent a chill down my spine. It wasn’t fear of him that unsettled me, but the idea of seeing him again after all these years.“Tell me, Benita, how was Luna Anita to you?” Aunt Anne asked.I furrowed my brows in confusion. Why was she suddenly asking me this after all these
Benita’s POVI walked into the garden, where I met Aunt Anne having a cup of coffee as she gazed at the blooming flowers in the orphanage garden. When she noticed me approaching, she looked my way with curiosity. “I believe you are here to tell me your decision, but I want you to know that whatever you decide, I will accept it. I won’t force you to do what you don’t want to do,” I nodded and sighed, taking the seat beside her. Silence lingered between us before I finally spoke. “Where will Theo and I stay?” I asked, voicing one of the many concerns weighing on my mind. Of course, I didn’t want to stay in the mansion if I returned to the pack.“You’re forgetting I’m from there too,” Aunt Anne replied with a small smile. “My father was once the Alpha of Snow Moon Pack. I still have more than two apartments there. You and Theo can stay in one of them.”Relief washed over me, knowing at least one problem was solved. “I’ll go back with you, but Theo has to come too. I won’t leave him here
Alpha Nathan’s POV“Are you sure of your decision? What if this healer demands something outrageous?” Darius spoke in a worried tone, but I only sighed and relaxed back in my seat. When Aunt had communicated with me and told me the healer wants all her wishes granted if she is able to heal my mother, at first, I refused. Why would she make such a demand? But Aunt Anne assured me that the healer would not wish for anything audacious. She convinced me that the healer might just ask for money, a house, or lands, and that was all. Then she told me the healer would surely heal my mother and the people who were still infected—she was so sure of it. Left with no other option, I couldn’t sit and let my mother die, so I had to agree to accept all her wishes.“Alpha Nathan, you should take back your words and ask her not to come,” Darius pleaded. I could see the fear and concern in his eyes, but my mind was already made up. I was willing to take such a risk for my mother and my people. Besides,
Nathan’s POV My eyes widened as I stared at the bold little boy who had just spoken back to me. “I can’t be the son of a man who caused my mother so much pain she had to run away from him!” he spat, and my eyes widened further. Benita's grip on the boy's hand tightened, her jaw clenching as she glanced at him. “Theo, enough,” she said softly but firmly. Her tone held authority but was also layered with a mother’s love. The boy, Theo, glared at me, his face filled with anger and hate. My wolf whimpered, confused and hurt by his words, but I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him. He had my eyes. My hair. My features. My blood. “Benita,” I began, my voice trembling with a mix of emotions. Shock, pain, and desperation. “Tell me the truth. Is he… mine?” Benita straightened as she met my gaze. “It doesn’t matter, Alpha Nathan,” she said, her voice cool and detached. “I’m here to heal your mother and the infected pack members, as promised. That is all.” “It does matter!” I roared, my wo
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
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
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
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