Loraine’s POV The rest of the day felt... off, or at least, that was the better word I could use to describe it. Firstly, Mabel avoided me entirely like I was carrying the black plague. She didn’t come to lunch, didn’t peek into the kitchen like she usually did when I was trying to make something, and didn’t respond to the light taps I gave on her door. Even when I called her name in the hallway, she pretended not to hear me, walking quickly in the opposite direction. It felt awful. I sighed, leaning against the counter in the kitchen as Gideon tidied up the workspace beside me. “Mabel hates me now.” “She doesn’t hate you,” Gideon said without looking up from the cutting board where he was dicing vegetables for dinner with ridiculous precision. “She’s avoiding me like the plague.” I grabbed a towel and began aimlessly drying a dish just to keep my hands busy. “I think my attempts at matchmaking have backfired spectacularly.” Gideon paused, setting the knife down, and finally
Loraine’s POV The morning started off uneventfully enough. Thank the goddess for small mercies. I was enjoying a quiet moment in the kitchen with a cup of tea, mentally preparing myself for the awkwardness of avoiding Gideon and apologizing to Mabel. Mabel had been civil but still a bit distant this morning, but I was still determined to keep my distance from the prince for her sake—and, if I was being honest, for my own sanity. And I felt a bit guilty about the fact that the boys spent the day missing me while I was busy ogling Gideon. Then Hunter’s commanding voice echoed through the house. “Everyone, Meeting with Gideon in the study. Now.” I froze mid-sip. My mind raced as panic bubbled in my chest. A meeting out of nowhere? What for? What if they found out about the… situations with Gideon? No, that was ridiculous. Nothing really happened, right? Just a few moments that were entirely accidental. Kris appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. “Relax,
Loraine’s POV The flowers sat on the table between Mabel and me like a landmine, their vibrant petals mocking my growing anxiety. I stared at the note clutched in my hands, Gordon’s handwriting scrawled across the paper like a ghost from my past. My heart raced, my stomach churned, and I felt like the walls were closing in. “Loraine,” Mabel’s voice pulled me back to reality. She leaned in, her brows furrowed with concern. “What’s going on? You’ve been staring at those flowers for ten minutes. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I hesitated, biting my lip. Could I tell her? Should I? This wasn’t just any problem; this was Gordon. She was already keeping one secret about him; I didn’t want to add another. Mabel reached over and gently touched my hand. “You can tell me. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together.” I sighed, knowing I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer. “The flowers… They’re from Gordon.” Mabel blinked in surprise, then leaned back in her chair, her mouth slig
Loraine’s POV The next morning, I woke up before dawn, too excited to sleep. My mind buzzed with plans for the day, and I could hardly wait to see the look on Mabel’s face. After yesterday, I knew I couldn’t let her mother’s birthday pass without doing something special. Mabel deserved it—and so did her mom’s memory. Quietly, I crept out of Kris’s room and tiptoed down the hall. The boys were still asleep, sprawled out in their respective rooms, and I was determined not to wake them until everything was ready. By midmorning, the garden had been transformed into a picturesque picnic spot. Soft blankets were spread out under the shade of the blooming cherry trees, surrounded by wildflowers and the faint hum of bees. I’d borrowed a few small tables and decorated them with vases of fresh-picked daisies, knowing they were Mabel’s favorite. The centerpiece was a basket filled with homemade peach cobbler, Mabel’s mom’s favorite dessert, and an assortment of fruits, sandwiches, and treat
Loraine’s POV After the picnic, I lingered in the hallway outside the dining room, letting the boys finish tidying up. My heart felt lighter after seeing Mabel so happy, but my mind was still clouded with thoughts about Prince Gideon. I’d been avoiding him all day, barely sparing him a glance or a word, but I could still feel his gaze on me. It was becoming a problem—one I wasn’t sure how to fix. I turned toward my room, but before I could take a step, a shadow loomed in the corner of my eye. “Loraine,” Gideon’s voice called softly but firmly, stopping me in my tracks. I sighed, closing my eyes for a moment before turning to face him. He was leaning casually against the wall, his arms crossed, but there was an intensity in his gaze that pinned me in place. “What is it, Gideon?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral. “Why have you been avoiding me?” he asked, cutting straight to the point. Fuck! He caught me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said quickly, looking anywhe
Loraines POV That night, I was sitting in the lounge, nursing a cup of tea, when Preston strolled in, his golden hair slightly mussed from the day’s fun but still looking every bit the dashing Alpha. He paused when he saw me, a boyish grin spreading across his face. “Loraine,” he said, his voice soft and inviting. I raised an eyebrow. “What do you want, Preston?” “Can’t a guy just want to spend time with his mate?” he teased, plopping down beside me on the couch. “Seriously, though. I need a favor.” I leaned back, curious. “What kind of favor?” He reached for my hand, his thumb brushing against my knuckles. “Stay with me tonight.” My cheeks flushed at his request, and I immediately glanced around, thankful the others weren’t around to hear him. “What? Why?” He shrugged, his eyes softening. “I just… I want you close tonight. Is that too much to ask?” I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. Preston had a way of melting my resolve with just a few words, and he knew it
Loraine’s POV The ride home was quiet but comfortable. Preston had a satisfied smile on his face, clearly pleased with the day’s success, and I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy myself. The bags in the backseat were a testament to how thoroughly he’d spoiled me. Still, I couldn’t shake the lingering embarrassment from earlier at the boutique. I couldn’t believe that after all these years, I still wasn’t used to people making snide remarks about me, but I was proud of how I handled it—and grateful for Preston’s support, even if he was oblivious to the drama. When we got back to the house, Preston insisted on carrying the bags himself. “Come on, you’ve done enough heavy lifting for one day,” he teased, shooting me a wink. I rolled my eyes but let him take over. “Fine, but only because I’m too tired to argue.” He led me straight to his room, shutting the door behind us with a flourish. “Now,” he said, setting the bags down, “it’s time for the grand reveal.” I laughed. “Preston
Hunter’s POV I leaned against the doorway of the training yard, my eyes narrowing as I watched Loraine and Gideon. They were sitting under the shade of a tree, laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. The sight of her smiling warmed my heart, but the way Gideon seemed to be the cause of it made my jaw tighten. I didn’t like this. I didn’t like him—not when he was spending so much time with her. He was supposed to be here to protect her, not cozy up to her. Loraine meant the world to me and my brothers, and I couldn’t stand the thought of someone else trying to take her from us. I wasn’t about to let it go. Gideon needed to know his place. Spotting him in the training yard later, practicing with his sword, I approached. He noticed me immediately, wiping sweat from his brow and grinning. “Well, if it isn’t Alpha Hunter,” he greeted, his tone light. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Come to spar with me, or are you here for something else?” I crossed my arms, keeping my e
Loraine’s POV This is the first time in what felt like years that my life didn't seem like a world-ending storm I had to constantly brace myself against. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions—betrayal, accusations, and finally, vindication. But now, as I sat in the sprawling living room of our shared home, surrounded by my mates—Preston, Hunter, Kris, and Killian—I felt something I hadn’t in a long time. Peace. Preston lounged on the couch next to me, one arm draped lazily across my shoulders. Hunter was sprawled out on the floor with a pile of papers he claimed were “strategic plans,” though he was doodling more than writing. Kris was in the kitchen, preparing what smelled like something delicious, while Killian sat across from me, polishing his sword like the ever-serious warrior he was. “So,” Hunter said, breaking the comfortable silence, “have we all agreed that the Lycan ball will be our moment to show off the fact that Loraine is officially ours?” I rolled my
Loraine’s POV I had never felt more powerless in my entire fucking life. The moment the crowd gathered around Mabel’s bleeding, sobbing form, their accusatory glares locked on me, it was over. My protests, my explanations—they were drowned out by her dramatic cries and the murmurs of the onlookers. The bitch had planned this very, very well. I was arrested on the spot. My four mates—Preston, Hunter, Kris, and Killian—could do nothing but watch as I was dragged away. Their eyes were full of desperation, but they knew as well as I did that they couldn’t interfere. The Lycan laws were absolute, and once the Council was involved, even Alphas had to comply. I sat in the dark, cold cell for what felt like an eternity, the walls closing in around me as I replayed the events in my mind. Mabel had outplayed me, and now I was being hauled to Lycan court, the very heart of justice for our kind, where Mabel’s uncle, Lord Arnold, presided. Of-fucking-course! He was a smug, greedy man who th
Loraine’s POV I had gotten used to the crazy-ass chaos that now surrounded me, but recently, there was a strange stillness in the air. Freaking Firstly, our supposed psychopath, Mabel, the woman who had made my life unbearable, was quiet. Too quiet. It felt like the calm before a storm, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming. Her absence from my life—no pranks, no insults, no sudden confrontations—was unsettling. Every time I caught a glimpse of her, I noticed how distant she had become. She no longer tried to provoke me; instead, she seemed to be going about her life, almost as though she had forgotten about our past. I didn’t know what was worse—the fact that she had stopped tormenting me or the fact that I couldn’t figure out her angle. It was late in the evening when my phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a message from Mabel. My heart skipped a beat as I read her words: “We need to talk. Meet me at the old barn, north of the pack. I have informatio
Jennifer’s POV I had always prided myself on control. Control over my life, my choices, and, most importantly, my husband, Alpha Gordon. But that control was slipping away. His coldness, his late nights, and his constant absence—it was like watching sand slip through my fingers. I wasn’t fucking stupid. I knew there was someone else, even if he refused to admit it. But tonight, I was going to catch him in the act. It started with a familiar restlessness. Gordon had been distant for weeks now, avoiding my questions, brushing off my attempts to connect. I had taken to watching his every move. When he slipped out of our bedroom late that night, thinking I was asleep, I waited only a few minutes before I followed. The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. My heart pounded as I followed him, staying far enough behind to avoid detection. I wasn’t sure what I expected to find, but when I saw him meet a woman in a secluded clearing, my chest tightened. For a moment
Jennifer’s POV I slammed the bedroom door behind me, the sound echoing through the massive space, and leaned heavily against it. My chest was tight with frustration, my fists clenched so hard that my nails bit into my palms. For weeks, maybe months now, my foolish ass, his alpha Gordon, had been more distant lately—colder than ever. He barely acknowledged me unless it was unavoidable. And at night? I might as well be invisible. He refused to touch me, refused to even sleep in the same bed most nights. I ran a hand through my hair and let out a low growl. The rejection burned, and it was a wound that refused to heal. “I’m his wife, for fucking Moon's sake,” I muttered to myself, pacing the room. “How dare he treat me like this?” I stopped and stared at our bed—the pristine sheets, untouched pillows. My fists clenched again as I remembered the early days of our marriage. He had been mine, all mine. Or at least, I thought he was. But now… I couldn’t finish the thought. The truth wa
Alpha Gordon’s POV The office was stifling, the walls closing in as I threw my phone onto the desk with more force than necessary. Mabel’s shrieking accusations still echoed in my ears, her voice like nails on a chalkboard. “You’re fucking pathetic, Gordon! Do you even know how to fucking seduce a woman? She’s supposed to be under your thumb by now, and instead, she’s clinging to those alphas like they’re her lifeline!” The venom in her words made my blood boil. Mabel always had a way of making me feel like the biggest failure on Earth, but this time it cut deeper. Maybe because she wasn’t wrong. Every attempt I’d made to pull Loraine back to me had failed miserably. I leaned forward, running a hand down my face as frustration and regret tangled in my chest. Loraine. My sweet, sweet Loraine Her name was a whisper in my mind, a ghost that haunted me day and night. Once, she had loved me. She had looked at me with those big, hazel eyes as though I was her entire world. She truste
Loraine’s POV I set my book down and gave her a polite smile. “What do you need, Mabel?” She chuckled lightly, as if I’d made a joke. “Why does it have to be about needing something? Maybe I just wanted to talk.” I raised an eyebrow. Mabel and I weren’t exactly on friendly terms, and this sudden attempt at camaraderie felt as fake as her tone. Still, I gestured for her to sit. “Alright. Talk.” She perched on the edge of the bench, smoothing out her dress. “You know, I’ve been thinking. We’ve had our differences, but we’re both part of this pack now. Maybe it’s time we tried to get along.” I leaned back, crossing my arms. “Get along? After everything you’ve done? Are you fucking kidding me right now? Her smile faltered for a second before she quickly recovered. “I’ve made mistakes; I’ll admit that. But don’t you think we should put the past behind us? For the good of the pack?” I tilted my head, studying her carefully. Her eyes were wide, her expression open, but there was some
Loraine’s POV When I opened my eyes the next morning, the first thing I saw was Killian sitting by my bedside. His thick arms were crossed, and his head was tilted slightly back as if he’d dozed off. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the sharp lines of his face, softening them. I shifted slightly, and his eyes snapped open immediately. “You’re awake,” he said, relief washing over his face as he leaned forward. “I wasn’t dying, you know,” I teased, though my voice was still hoarse from the previous day. “That’s not funny,” he replied, his tone serious despite the small smile tugging at his lips. “We were really worried about you.How in the goddess's name did you fall?” Before I could say anything else, the door opened, and Preston, Kris, and Hunter filed in, each carrying something in their hands. Preston had coffee, Kris had a tray of food, and Hunter was carrying a blanket that looked far too big for the hospital bed. “We thought you’d be hungry,” Kris said
Mabel’s POV My uncle’s voice echoed in my head, sharp and unforgiving. “You’re not doing enough, Mabel.” It wasn’t just a criticism—it was an accusation, a reminder that failure wasn’t an option. My fists clenched as I paced my room. I had done everything he’d asked. What more could he want? “I’ve been working tirelessly,” I muttered under my breath, trying to push his biting words aside. But his response had been just as infuriating. “If you were doing enough, we wouldn’t still be having this problem, would we?” My uncle and I had been working together for a long time now. And I thought he would understand where I was coming from by now. The nerve. The absolute fucking nerve. Did he think sabotaging Loraine and breaking down those overly possessive alphas was freaking easy? Since I came, I had done my best to make sure Loraine was away from the boys, but nothing I did allowed them near me. They always stayed away from me no matter what I did, no matter how many stunts I pull