Alpha Nathan's POV "What do you think, Mother? Do you think Benita will love these?” I asked, gesturing to the mountain of gifts spread across the table. My mother, Luna Anita, stood beside me, her discerning eyes scanning the collection of designer clothes, shoes, bags, and sparkling jewelry. I had bought it all for Benita, yet unease churned in my chest. What if these aren’t her kind of things? What if she doesn’t like them? Frustration clawed at me as I realized how little I truly knew about her—the woman I claimed to love. Her favorite food, her hobbies, her choice of books or movies… I knew none of it. My mother, Luna Anita, gave me a soft smile, the kind that held a mixture of warmth and pity. “Nathan, it’s not about the things,” she said gently, lifting one of the jewelry boxes and examining the glittering necklace inside. “Benita… she’s not the kind of woman who will be won over by material gifts.” I frowned, running a hand through my hair. “Then what will make her happ
Benita's POV “Uncle Kent is here,” Xavier announced as he stepped into the room. I managed a small, uneasy smile, which Xavier didn’t miss. “Don’t be scared, okay? I’ll go get him,” he said softly before leaving the study. Where I was seated in the study, my hands fidgeted nervously on my lap. My heart pounded in my chest as the reality of meeting Uncle Kent sank in. A Lycan King—my godfather, no less—was about to walk through that door. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Xavier’s reassurance echoed in my mind: You’re family. He’ll know. The sound of footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. The door opened, and Xavier stepped in, followed closely by a tall, imposing man with sharp features that looked like my late mom’s and an air of authority. His piercing eyes locked onto mine, freezing me in place. It felt as though he was looking right through me, peeling back every layer of my soul. For a moment, the room fell silent as he studied me. Then, he shook his head in disb
Benita's POV We found Nathan and the kids waiting for us in the living room. The moment I stepped inside, Theo ran to me, his little arms outstretched, and I scooped him into a tight hug. “Mother,” he said, his voice filled with excitement. I kissed his forehead gently, my heart swelling at the love in his eyes. As I glanced up, my gaze landed on Lila. She stood quietly beside Alpha Nathan, hesitant, as though unsure if she should come to me. I smiled warmly and stretched out my free arm. “Come here, Lila.” Her face lit up with a radiant smile, and she darted toward me, wrapping her arms around my waist. As I held her close, I couldn’t ignore the familiar sense of connection that always surfaced when I touched her. It was like a thread of something unspoken tying us together. That familiar aura of familiarity I usually felt, but I shook it off. “Benita, these are your kids? You never told me you had twins, like your mother and I,” Lycan Kent said as he moved over to where I
Benita POV “You bastard!” Xavier roared, his voice vibrating through the room like a thunderclap. His piercing gaze burned into Nathan’s as he shoved him back against the wall. “How dare you do those things to my sister!” Xavier growled angrily while I felt uneasy. “Not only did you torture her, but you humiliated her, lied against her, you and your entire pack tore my sister apart! Xavier’s voice cracked with rage. “My sister almost got hanged because of you!” My eyes widened at his words. How did he know about that? I’d never told him. But I wasn’t entirely surprised—he was Alpha Xavier. If he wanted answers, he’d get them within minutes. Still, hearing him voice my darkest moments left me shaken. Nathan glanced my way, and the look in his eyes told me he believed I had told Xavier that, but I shook my head at him. Guilt flashed in Nathan’s eyes, but the guilt that flickered in his gaze told me he believed otherwise. His silence only fueled Xavier’s rage. “You don’t deserve
Alpha Nathan’s POV My heart raced as I locked eyes with Benita, waiting for her response. My wolf was pacing restlessly inside me, anxious and fearful of her answer. Every second stretched unbearably long as silence filled the space between us. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instead, she took a shaky step back, and my wolf growled in panic. “I…” she began, her voice trembling. “I need to check on Theo and Lila.” I felt my chest tighten. I knew it wasn’t really about the kids. This was her way of escaping—running from me, from us. But even that was better than hearing her outright rejection. “Please excuse me,” she added in a panicked rush, her steps quick as she reached the door. Before anyone could stop her, she slipped out, leaving me with her uncle and brother. The tension in the room was suffocating. Both men stared at me—not with hatred, as I had expected, but with simmering anger that made me feel as though I had just hurt their most valuable treasure.
Alpha Nathan’s POV “We are returning tomorrow evening,” I said to my beta, Darius, through the mind link. Darius sighed over the link, and I could sense he was worried about me. “Nathan, are you okay?” he asked, but I didn’t respond. Instead, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was already dressed for the party—Benita’s welcoming party. Guests were already downstairs waiting for Benita to show up, soft music filled the air, and excited laughter came from the living room. But as for me, I was dying slowly inside. Tonight marks my greatest misery. Tonight, Benita will be introduced to the world as Layne’s daughter. She will draw the attention of many prominent men who will want her, and I was so troubled—troubled that she might actually like one of them. “Nathan, do you need me there? I can come over, keep you company at the party,” Darius suggested. I shook my head against the idea. “Stay back in the pack, Darius. Keep an eye on Nina like I instructed. When I get back, I
Benita's POV All eyes were on me. I had experienced moments where all attention was focused on me before, but this time was different. Everyone was staring with awe, admiration shining in their eyes, and warm smiles lighting their faces. Standing at the top of the grand staircase, I took in their gazes, noting the respect that seemed to radiate from them. It made me pause, drawing a deep breath to steady myself. “Come on, sister.” Alpha Xavier gestured, stretching his hand toward me. I flashed him my best smile and began descending the stairs. The music had stopped, and everywhere was quiet as everything stood still, watching me step down the stairs. The soft click of my heels was the only sound heard. As I descended further, I could see their wide, vocal gazes on me, but I noticed no one was staring at me with disgust. No one was judging me for my body size. If anything, they were all staring at me with admiration, which made me wonder—what changed? I was once the bullied girl i
Benita’s POV The crowd parted for us, and soon we were swaying to the rhythm of the music. Christopher’s hand rested lightly on my waist. “You’re quite the dancer,” I commented, attempting to keep the conversation light. He chuckled softly, his gaze locked on mine. “And you’re quite the vision, Benita. It’s no wonder everyone here can’t take their eyes off you.” Heat crept up my cheeks at his compliment, but I quickly masked it with a gracious nod. “Thank you, Lycan Christopher.” “Christopher,” he corrected with a small smile. “We’re family now. No need for formalities.” I nodded, though his words felt heavier than they should have. He spun me gently, and as I came back into his arms, he lowered his voice. “I must admit, I’ve heard a lot about you.” “Is that so?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral. “I hope it’s all good.” He smiled again, but there was a seriousness in his gaze now. “Mostly. But I’ve also heard some… curious things.” I stiffened slightly, my brow raised
Lagertha’s POV A big smile spread across my face as I looked through the window, staring at the familiar trees of the pack. It was great to be back home — to be with Theo — who sat beside me, gently stroking my hair. For strange reasons, I could feel he was tense. I couldn’t explain why, but I felt it deep in my bones. Slowly, I lifted my head from his shoulder and looked up at him. Our eyes met, and he smiled. It wasn’t fake, but it wasn’t completely relaxed either. It felt like a smile laced with nerves. “Are you okay?” I asked, worry threading my voice. Theo nodded quickly. “Of course,” he said, placing an assuring kiss on my forehead — but it did nothing to ease the knot in my stomach. Something was definitely up with him. “Are you worried the pack won’t accept me?” I asked, my voice soft. Theo scoffed lightly. “What nonsense. Of course they will. They have no choice, Laggy… You are my mate, and I love you so much. My family loves you too—” Before he could finish his
Lila’s POV Oscar’s home is just a few drives away from the pack house. When we reached his home, his men stationed at each corner of his home greeted us, but we barely responded; all that was in our mind was getting to Oscar’s room. It seemed we were so eager for it. Oscar led me up the stairs and to his room. Reaching his room, we stepped in, and I took in the surroundings. Oscar's room was exactly what I had imagined—clean, simple, but with a distinct masculine charm. A faint scent of cedarwood and something uniquely him lingered in the air, making my pulse quicken. His bed was neatly made, navy sheets stretched tight across the mattress, and a soft glow from the lamp on his nightstand bathed the room in a warm hue. I stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do or say. Oscar shut the door behind us, the soft click echoing in the stillness. I turned to look at him, and he was already watching me—his gaze intense, searching, as if he were trying to figure out what I was th
Lila’s POV I checked my wristwatch and realized Oscar’s flight had arrived. Any moment now, he’d be walking out of that terminal, and just the thought made my heart race. It had only been two days since he left, but it felt like an eternity. I missed him so much it ached. I craved him—his arms around me, his lips on mine. I wanted to feel him again. God, I was horny. My wolf scoffed in me, clearly annoying me even more. Where I stood beside the car, leaning on it with my back, I stood beside the car, leaning against it with my back, trying to stay calm as I waited. Passengers began pouring out of the terminal with their luggage, and my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for him. But suddenly an intoxicating smell hit my nose. My nostrils flared. That scent. It wasn’t just intoxicating—it was maddening, wild, and warm, curling into my lungs like it belonged there. My wolf froze, then jolted forward in my mind with a snarl that shook me to my core. Mate. My body straighten
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