Benita’s POV I gently kissed Theo’s forehead as he slept peacefully beside me, his small frame rising and falling with each soft breath. Pulling the blanket over myself, I turned off the lights and closed my eyes, hoping for sleep to take me. But no matter how hard I tried, it wouldn’t come. My mind was restless, a certain man haunting my thoughts. Moments ago, he was here, acting like the perfect father he should have been to Theo, but it seemed Theo didn’t want to have any relationship with him. Somehow, I felt pity for Alpha Nathan. Despite how hard he tried to hide it, I could still notice the hurt in his eyes when Theo lied to him, claiming he was tired just to avoid interacting with him. But who is to blame? It’s him and no one else. “Are you certain about divorcing him and rejecting him? He seems different now, like he’s changed,” my wolf whispered, her voice tinged with concern. I scoffed in response, my anger flaring. “I don’t care if he’s changed or not. I’m done wit
Nathan’s POV “Fine,” she spat, and I froze. I hadn’t expected her to agree. I was teasing her, daring her, fully expecting she'd snap back and storm out. But Benita shocked me by not backing down. I watched, stunned, as her hands moved to the zipper at the back of her dress. My smirk faltered, my breath catching in my throat as I realized she was serious. The soft sound of the zipper lowering seemed to echo in the room, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away as the fabric slipped from her shoulders. My gaze traveled down the curve of her body, over the soft, warm flesh that had haunted my dreams for years. The dress fell to her waist, revealing a matching black lace bra that hugged her full, round breasts perfectly. I swallowed hard, my wolf stirring restlessly in the back of my mind. She paused for a moment, glancing at me with challenge and hesitation. It was as if she was daring me to look away—but I couldn’t. Then, without breaking eye contact, she pulled the dress down fur
Benita’s POV“So, Theo, what’s your favorite color?” Lady Anita, Alpha Nathan’s mother, asked as we sat around the table having breakfast.“Red,” Theo answered confidently. “Because it looks so good on Mom,” he added, grinning brightly. His words brought a smile to my face, but when I glanced at Nathan, who was seated at the far end of the table, my smile faded.Our eyes met, and for a moment, I was pulled back to the events that had transpired in his room just minutes ago. The memory sent an unwanted warmth to my cheeks. I quickly broke the gaze, focusing on Theo instead.You’re five years old, right?” Lady Anita continued, her voice filled with curiosity.“Yes,” Theo nodded. “But I’ll be six soon,” he added with pride.Lady Anita’s expression brightened. “When’s your birthday, sweetheart?”I expected Theo to reply with a straightforward answer. After all, that’s what any child his age would do. But, as always, Theo had a way of surprising me.He turned his sharp little eyes to Natha
Benita's POVI was healing the remaining infected children in the courtyard when I noticed my father walking toward me. His presence alone was enough to make my chest tighten, but I kept my focus on the little girl in front of me. He didn’t stop until he was standing a few feet away, his expression a mix of surprise and desperation.“Benita,” he said, his voice shaky as he reached out for me. Without thinking, I pulled my hand away, my frown deepening.“Please, you have to come with me. Your mother… she’s at home, dying,” he said, panic and desperation in his voice.There was a time when hearing something like that would’ve shaken me to my core. I would’ve dropped everything, rushed to her side, and done whatever I could to save her. She was my mother, after all. She birthed me. But that was five years ago. That naive, forgiving version of me was long gone.“I’m sorry, I can’t go with you,” I said, turning my attention back to the little girl in front of me.My father dropped to his k
Benita’s POV My father’s face went pale, his body trembling as the weight of my demand hit him. Gasps filled the air as the infected members of the pack reacted to my words in stunned disbelief. “If you can do that, then I will heal your precious wife. But if you can’t, then…” I trailed off, looking away from him as I focused on the little girl who had been standing longer than expected. I smiled at her and healed her, then gestured for the next child to step forward. Just as I was about to begin, my father spoke. “I will speak.” Gasps rippled through the courtyard as my father knelt before me, trembling, his face as pale as a ghost. His hands shook as he clasped them together, desperation written all over his tear-streaked face. “I’ll speak,” he choked out again, his voice barely audible. The infected pack members standing nearby exchanged stunned looks, their murmurs filling the courtyard. Even Nathan stood still, his eyes narrowing as if trying to piece together the pu
Benita’s POV The car stopped in front of a familiar building. A building I was supposed to consider my home—the place where I had spent twenty long years of my life. But calling it home felt like a cruel joke. This building wasn’t home; it was a prison—a place that held countless painful memories I had fought so hard to forget. I stepped out hesitantly, my heart heavy with pain as the memories began to rush back like a dam breaking. I could almost hear the sharp, disapproving tone of my mother, berating me for every little thing. “Benita, why are you so useless? Why can’t you be like your sister?” The comparisons were endless, and regardless of what I did, I was never good enough in her eyes. I remembered the countless nights I cried myself to sleep, clutching a pillow to muffle the sounds of my sobs so no one would hear. Not that they would’ve cared. Mother always dismissed my tears, claiming they were manipulative or weak. “Stop crying. You’re just doing it for attention. No o
Benita’s POV “What truth?” My voice trembled as I forced the words out. Pain throbbed through my entire body, but I pushed it aside. I needed to know. Needed to hear what they’d kept from me. “What truth? Tell me!” I demanded impatiently. I was still in Alpha Nathan’s arms, who was seated on the floor. My head was resting on his chest, finding comfort in his embrace. Mother and Father exchanged glances, their guilt, and hesitation obvious on their faces. Finally, Mother turned towards me, her frail hands trembling as she clasped them together. Her voice was low, almost apologetic. “Benita, there’s something we should have told you a long time ago,” she began, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “What is it?” I pressed, my voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated again, looking at Father as though seeking his approval. He nodded, his face lined with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. “We aren’t your biological parents,” she confessed, her voice breaking. For a moment, I co
Alpha Nathan’s POVAfter laying Benita on the bed, I pulled the blanket over her and called for a maid to watch her until I returned.When I walked into my study, Darius was already waiting for me.“You sent for me? Is everything okay?” he asked, his eyes filled with concern.I shook my head and sank heavily into my chair. “Benita’s parents… they’re not her biological parents,” I revealed, my voice low.Darius didn’t look the least bit surprised. Instead, he leaned back, arms crossed. “Oh? How did you find out?”His calm reaction caught me off guard. I narrowed my eyes at him. “You don’t seem surprised, Darius,” I said, studying his expression.He shrugged nonchalantly and settled into the chair across from me. “I had my suspicions. Think about it, Nathan. If they were her real parents, they’d never treat her the way they did. It was obvious.”He wasn’t wrong. Memories of Benita’s isolated existence in that household surfaced in my mind—how Nina was the golden child while Benita was t
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 sc
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
Alpha Nathan’s POV “We’re home, Alpha,” Step, my driver, announced as the car rolled into the mansion’s yard. Benita didn’t wait for me to open the door or for my men to offer assistance. Without a glance in my direction, she opened the door herself and stepped out of the car, moving swiftly across the driveway. I felt the familiar pang in my chest, but I swallowed it down and forced my feet to follow her. My wolf stirred restlessly inside me, but I pushed his frustrations aside. The men stationed around the mansion stood at attention, bowing their heads respectfully. I returned a curt nod and walked into the mansion behind Benita. “Mom! You’re back!” Theo's excited voice filled the air. I looked forward and saw Theo running excitedly toward Benita. His arms stretched out wide, and he had a big smile on his face. His excitement was palpable, as though he had been waiting weeks for her return, though it had only been a day. Benita dropped to one knee and hugged him tightly,
Benita’s POV “Who?” I asked, curious. Just when Alpha Xavier was about to respond, I noticed the abrupt opening of the door, which forced my attention to it—only to see a panicked-looking Alpha Nathan barging into the dining room. Nathan’s sudden arrival made the room feel heavy with tension. He stood at the doorway, his piercing eyes first locking onto me, then narrowing at Alpha Xavier. His presence was like a storm—silent but full of brewing anger. Alpha Xavier, however, seemed relaxed. He leaned back in his chair, casually gesturing at Nathan. “You’re up earlier than I thought,” he said, as though nothing was wrong. Nathan ignored him; his attention fixed on me. Nathan’s eyes flicked to me, and I suddenly felt like a child caught sneaking cookies from the jar. His eyes flicked over me in a way that made me feel like I’d been caught red-handed doing something forbidden. “Benita, what are you doing here?” Nathan demanded, sounding obviously angry. Before I could answer, A
Benita’s POV I woke up to the soft glow of morning light streaming through the curtains, its warmth brushing against my skin. My head felt heavy, clouded with the remnants of last night’s emotional storm. As I stirred, I realized I wasn’t alone. Nathan lay beside me, his face relaxed in the peaceful stillness of sleep. For a moment, all the pain, anger, and confusion faded away. I found myself simply watching him. His dark hair fell messily across his forehead, and my fingers twitched with the urge to brush it back. The tension that usually hardened his chiseled features had melted away, leaving his jaw relaxed. The faint shadow of stubble added a rugged edge to his boyish charm, and his full lips, slightly parted, made him look gentle. Innocent, breathtaking. But it was his vulnerability that struck me the most. Gone was the dominant, commanding Alpha who always seemed to be in control. In his sleep, Nathan looked… human. Soft, approachable, and heartbreakingly handsome. My wo
Benita’s POV “Now no one is here. Don’t you think you should fulfill your dare?” Nathan challenged, his green eyes filled with lust and hunger for me. I could tell he was intoxicated on the whiskey, but I could also see the desire for me in his eyes, and he was doing his best not to fuck me. “Why are you silent? Are you chickening out?” he challenged with an annoying smirk on his face, which I found very irritating. My wolf purred with desire in the back of my mind while Nathan’s gaze bore into mine, daring me to back down. But I didn’t. Instead, I slid my hands down his chest, feeling the hard lines of his muscles beneath my fingertips. He watched my every move, his chest rising and falling as if he were trying to control the storm brewing inside him. “You’re serious about this?” I asked, my voice soft but teasing as I let my hands linger just above his waistband. Nathan smirked, his green eyes darkening. “What do you think?” The challenge in his voice sparked someth
Benita’s POV The room went silent, the air thick with anticipation. All eyes turned to me, and I felt my cheeks flush with nervousness and embarrassment. But Xavier looked unbothered. He leaned back in his chair, his smile cool and confident. “It’s just a game. If you’re uncomfortable, you can refuse and drink…” He turned his piercing gaze to me. Nathan’s fists tightened on the table, his wolf practically roaring through our bond. “I’ll do it.” I stood, my heart pounding as I approached Xavier. His eyes glimmered with amusement. When I reached him, I placed a hand on his shoulder, my nails digging in slightly as I leaned down. “Don’t get used to this,” I whispered, my voice laced with a warning. Xavier chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Miss Benita.” The music in the background seemed to grow louder, its sultry beat syncing with the pounding of my heart. I moved, swaying to the rhythm, my body brushing against Xavier’s as the room watched in rapt silence. But
Benita’s POV Alpha Xavier led up through a set of double doors at the far end of the ballroom. The hallway was dimly lit and silent. My heart thudded in my chest as we approached another set of doors. I had never done something like this, but I knew these games were dangerous. He pushed the doors open, revealing a luxurious, intimate space. A large round table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by plush chairs. Against one wall, a decadent bed with silk sheets and velvet pillows loomed, and scattered around were various items—candles, a bar stocked with fine liquor, and a collection of objects I couldn’t quite identify but that sent my imagination spiraling. Xavier turned to us, his gaze sweeping over the group. “Welcome,” he said, his voice casual. “This is where we’ll play tonight’s game. As I said before, this is not for the faint of heart. Whatever happens here stays here. No judgment, no repercussions, no gossip.” The group murmured in agreement, though I noticed se