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 Reaching the courtyard, I was met with the exhausted but hopeful gazes of the sick pack members. Their relief was obvious, though they looked as if they had been holding on to hope by a mere thread. “How many are still infected?” I asked, scanning the crowd. “About a hundred,” Darius responded. A hundred. The number made my chest tighten. These numbers were still many, and I couldn’t heal them all—not at once. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose to compose myself. “I can only heal ten people for today,” I said softly. “Please bring forward the most critical cases.” Darius nodded and immediately began instructing the others to sort through the patients. The first patient was brought forward, a middle-aged man not much older than I. His pale skin was clammy, his breathing shallow. I knelt beside him, placing my hand gently on his forehead. “What’s his name?” I asked, my voice softer now. “Micah,” his mother said, her voice trembling as tears streamed d
Nathan’s POV “What you did was wrong. You should have sent Nina away,” my wolf growled in my mind, sounding disappointed in my decision. I frowned, leaning against the balcony railing outside my room as the cool afternoon breeze brushed against my skin. Why couldn’t anyone understand? Sending Nina away was an option, sure, but it would only complicate things further. Lisa needed her, at least for now. No one seemed to grasp the bigger picture. Grunting in frustration, I raised my glass and took a long sip, the burn of the whiskey doing little to ease the tension coiling in my chest. My gaze wandered across the mansion’s expansive grounds. That’s when I saw her. Benita. She was barely visible in the distance, slipping out of the side entrance with hurried but quiet steps. My brows furrowed in confusion. Where was she going? Why hadn’t she notified anyone? Curiosity tugged at me, and before I realized it, I had set my glass down and was racing downstairs. Keeping my steps light,
Benita’s POV Racing back in my wolf form, I wasn’t surprised to find Alpha Nathan still waiting exactly where I had left him. Halting before the tree, I took a moment to catch my breath, only to notice something unusual. Alpha Nathan was leaning casually against the trunk, one hand shoved into his pocket, the other gripping my clothes and belongings. A growl of frustration escaped me. Why is he holding my things? I padded closer, letting my wolf eyes lock onto his smug face. Nathan smirked, clearly entertained by my predicament. “Shift back,” his voice drawled, smooth and taunting. “Unless, of course, you’re comfortable staying like that.” I bared my teeth in irritation but couldn’t hold the shift for much longer. With a frustrated huff, I relented. My wolf receded, fur melting into skin, bones cracking as I shifted into my human form. The cold air pricked at my bare skin, and I immediately crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him. “Give me my clothes,” I demanded through gr
Benita’s POV His lips trailed down to my belly, leaving soft kisses across my skin. I felt his fingers brush between my thighs, teasingly slow, while his mouth continued to worship my body. A groan escaped his lips when his fingers found the wetness pooling at my core. “You’re so wet, darling,” Nathan whispered with satisfaction, his breath hot against my skin. He moved back up, capturing my lips in another deep kiss. As our mouths tangled, I felt his finger slip inside me, drawing a gasp that melted into the kiss. Nathan moaned into my mouth, his touch teasing and overwhelming as he pleasured me with his finger. My wolf purred, surrendering to the sensation, while my body trembled beneath his. His hand worked magic, adding another finger, and I moaned louder, clutching at his hair, desperate to feel more. His hardness pressed against me, a reminder of what was to come, and my heart raced with anticipation. His fingers curled inside me with expert precision, sending waves of pl
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