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 stepped closer, his infuriating smirk plastered across his annoyingly handsome face. My fists clenched at my sides, aching to knock that smug look off him. “Why don’t we make this interesting?” he drawled, his voice a low hum of arrogance. I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Interesting how?” “A bet,” he said simply, leaning in just enough to make me uncomfortable. “If I win, I won’t sign the divorce papers.” The audacity of this man. My jaw tightened as his words sank in. Of course, Nathan had to turn this into a game. He knew as well as I did that he wasn’t called the Blade Alpha for nothing. No one in their right mind would take him on in combat, let alone expect to win. But I wouldn’t let him see my fear. “And if I win?” I shot back, refusing to let him intimidate me. His grin widened, and he tilted his head as though considering my words. “That’s not happening.” “Humor me.” The confidence in his tone made my blood boil. “Typical Nathan,” I muttere
Alpha Nathan's POV “Kiss her.” The thought hit me hard as I stared at her alluring lips, but I didn’t act on it. Instead, I found myself lost in her mesmerizing sea-blue eyes. They held so many emotions—pain, anger, and hatred—all directed at me. Before I could regain my composure, she moved swiftly, pulling me to the ground. In seconds, she was straddling me, the edge of her blade pressed against the crook of my neck. “It seems I won,” she said with a smirk, her voice sharp and triumphant. I growled low in my throat, watching as she stood gracefully, leaving me on the ground. “That was incredible, Mother!” Theo exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement as he rushed to her side. He gave her a high five, which she returned with a smile before kissing his forehead. With admiration, I stood up and glanced at her. During the past five years away, Benita had transformed into a different woman. She seemed so different in almost every aspect, and I loved it so much. I loved the woman
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 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