Alpha Nathan's POV“I want you to get clothes for my…” I hesitated for a moment, the word tasting unfamiliar on my tongue, before I finally completed it. “My wife. I believe you know her size,” I said, my tone cold and clipped.The silence on the other end of the line stretched for a beat too long, and I could practically hear the curiosity stirring.“Yes, Alpha,” came the reply at last.“One more thing,” I added, my voice lowering as I leaned back in my chair. “Make sure she doesn’t know they’re from me. Tell her they’re from my mother.”“Your mother?” The voice on the other end carried a note of disbelief, quickly masked by professionalism.“Yes, my mother,” I repeated firmly, cutting off any room for questioning. “Benita doesn’t need to know I had anything to do with it. Do you understand?”“Yes, Alpha. I’ll handle it.”“Good. I’ll expect updates.” Without waiting for a response, I ended the call and placed the phone on my desk, staring at it for a moment longer than necessary.Why
Alpha Nathan’s POVBenita froze in her spot, her eyes widening slightly before she masked her surprise. “Assist you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.I nodded, keeping my expression as unreadable as possible. “Yes. Is there a problem?” My tone was sharp, but inside, I was anything but composed. What the hell was I doing?For a second, she didn’t respond, and I wondered if she was going to outright refuse me. A part of me almost wished she would—anything to end this torturous game I was playing with myself. But then she took a deep breath, her posture straightening.“No, Alpha. I will assist you,” she said, her voice steady, though I caught the flicker of defiance in her gaze.Without another word, I stood from the couch, my movements slow as I made my way to the adjoining bathroom. Her presence followed behind me, her footsteps hesitant yet steady.Inside the bathroom, the tension between us thickened. The air felt heavier, the silence louder. I turned to face her, my eye
Alpha Nathan’s POVHer breath hitched, and I felt the tension in her body shift. She wasn’t immune to me, no matter how much she tried to pretend. Her defiance faltered for a heartbeat, replaced by something raw, something she couldn’t suppress.“You’re something else,” she whispered, her voice trembling with anger and something else entirely.“Maybe,” I admitted, my hand trailing down her neck to her shoulder. Her skin was soft, impossibly smooth beneath my fingertips. “And yet, you wanted me?”Her lips parted as if to argue, but I didn’t give her the chance. I closed the space between us, capturing her mouth with mine. The kiss was rough, demanding, a collision of anger, frustration, and need. For a moment, she froze, her hands pressed against my chest as if to push me away. Then, just as quickly, she melted into the kiss, her fingers curling into my skin.I pulled her closer, her body sliding against mine beneath the water. The heat of her bare skin ignited a fire I could no longer
Benita's POVI went back to my room and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to the mess I called my life. My skin still tingled, the phantom sensation of Nathan's touch lingering like a ghost I couldn't shake. We'd just had sex in the bathtub—raw, passionate, and utterly devoid of tenderness.I closed my eyes, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. This wasn't love. It had never been. It was a twisted power play—a game he seemed intent on winning while I kept losing pieces of myself. My wolf whimpered in the back of my mind, her bond to Nathan a constant ache I couldn't numb.The bond made it impossible to resist him, no matter how much I wanted to. And he knew it.I turned onto my side, curling into myself. The sheets smelled like him, a mix of lavender and mint, and it made my chest tighten.It was obvious that Nathan was just obsessed with fucking me and nothing else. His eyes burned with desire, but there was no warmth in them, no care. It was all about contro
Nathan’s POVI could see the hesitation in her eyes, and obviously, she would have refused my demands. But then, she glanced at the bag of clothes for a long while before looking my way and frowning.“Fine! I’ll change in the bathroom.”She grabbed the first dress she laid her hands on and disappeared into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. I leaned back in the chair, the hint of a smirk playing on my lips. Her stubbornness intrigued me; she had fire in her, no matter how much she tried to suppress it.But I could also sense her fear. It wasn’t the kind that made me proud of my dominance—it unsettled me. A small, nagging part of me hated that she looked at me like I was a monster.Minutes ticked by, and when she finally emerged, my breath caught in my throat.She wore a fitted midnight-blue dress, simple yet stunning, the fabric hugging her curves and accentuating the softness of her skin. She looked so sexy.I stood, closing the distance between us. Her body stiffened as I m
Benita's POV I came out of the bathroom and met Nathan still in my room. Our eyes interlocked, but he looked away before pointing to a black gown laid on the bed. “You will wear this tonight while you escort me for the coronation of my Beta and officials,” he said. My brows furrowed in confusion. “What? Why should I come?” Nathan narrowed his gaze. “Because you are my wife, and people will talk if you don’t. I don’t want the pack members gossiping,” he said in a tone of finality. I frowned, wondering what plan he had this time. “Be dressed by 6 PM,” he added, and began walking away. “Damn you!” I cursed as I slumped back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I furrowed my brow as something occurred to me. Somehow, it seemed like something had shifted in Nathan, or was I just imagining things? “No, you are not,” my wolf confirmed my suspicion. “It seems Nathan is beginning to accept us,” she said in an excited tone. My heart raced, but I shook my head. It couldn’t be possible. M
Benita’s POV Throughout the night, I couldn’t sleep. I was terrified of what Nathan would do. Every sound I heard made me jump, thinking it was him coming for me. But alas, it was only the guards and servants walking past. When morning came, I sat on my bed, replaying the events at the pack hall in my mind. Regret gnawed at me for showing Nathan my middle finger in front of the pack. For a fleeting moment, I wished I had kept my anger in check and done it in private. But my pain and anger had consumed me, leaving no room for rational thought. A knock on the door startled me, and I leapt to my feet, heart pounding. “Who is there?” I asked, my voice trembling. “It’s me, Lola,” came the gentle reply. She was one of the few workers who showed me kindness, and her presence was a small comfort. She opened the door cautiously, her face full of concern. “Good morning, my lady,” she said, bowing slightly. I swallowed hard. “What is it?” She hesitated, her eyes darting away. “Alpha Nathan
Benita’s POVI shook my head as tears stood in my eyes. What Nathan was threatening to do was heartless. He wanted to make me watch while he had sex with another woman, fully knowing that I bore his mark and that him being with another woman would be a great torture for me. He would cause me so much pain, not just physically but emotionally and mentally.“Come here,” he gestured to the girl, and she obediently obeyed.With panting breath, I watched her walk toward him and flash me a big grin before shifting her gaze to him. With a smirk, he turned his back to me and signaled the lady to go on her knees, which she did.“Please!” I pleaded through our mind link, but he ignored me.Right before my very eyes, she pulled his sweatpants to his knees, revealing his ass to. Terrified, I gulped and looked away.“If you dare look away, your punishment will be multiplied,” he warned out loud.With fear, I moved my gaze back and realized she was holding his dick, and luckily, I could not properly
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