Alex's POVI tore through the gardens, my feet pounding the winding paths as I desperately searched for Tasha. Where had she gone? What was she doing here? The questions swirled in my mind like a vortex, fueling my growing unease.Our packs' rivalry made our friendship forbidden, a potential liability. Helios and Rohan's animosity toward each other was legendary, and I knew I'd be considered a traitor for associating with her. But none of that mattered now. I had to find her.Memories of Tasha's bright smile and infectious laughter flooded my mind. Her melodic voice still echoed in my dreams. I'd deliberately cut ties, thinking I was protecting her from the dangers of my world. But seeing her here, in this place, I realized I'd been lying to myself. I needed her.The moon cast eerie shadows on the paths, and the trees creaked softly in the breeze. I scanned every alcove, every hidden corner, my senses on high alert. Where could she be?Rohan would be looking for me by now, wondering w
Alex's POVAs I turned to leave, my gaze drifted across the garden, and my heart sank. Helios and Rohan stood nearby, their eyes scanning the area, their necks craned in unison. It was obvious they were searching for us.I swiftly grasped Tasha's arm, pulling her close. "Come here," I whispered, trying to keep my tone light.Tasha's confusion was evident. "What's going on, Alex?"I didn't respond, instead guiding her toward a nearby alcove. My mind raced with possibilities. What were Helios and Rohan discussing? And why were they looking for us?As we stepped into the shadows, I decided to stall, to buy some time. "Let's talk," I said, attempting to sound casual.Tasha nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.I took a deep breath, preparing to make small talk, but my gaze wandered to her neck. And that's when I saw it - a red mark, partially hidden by her collar.My heart skipped a beat.I needed a better view.Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around Tasha, pulling her into a gen
Alex's POVAs we walked away from the garden, Rohan's concerned gaze lingered on me. "Alex, what's wrong? You look like you've lost your last friend."I shook my head, muttering, "Nothing."Rohan's eyes narrowed, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he asked, "Have you seen Elara? I haven't been able to find her all evening.""Last I saw, she was with the other ladies," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.Rohan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I think this pregnancy is messing with Diana's head."My curiosity piqued, I asked, "What do you mean?"Rohan sighed. "She's been trying too hard to keep up with her queenly duties, being responsible... She's taking everything too seriously. I told her to slow down, but now she's saying I'm stressing her out."I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "You're going to be a dad soon, Rohan. That's amazing!"Rohan's face cracked a small smile. "Thanks, Alex. I appreciate that. But seriously, Diana's stressing me out. She's always worrying a
Tasha's POVI scanned the crowded room, my eyes searching for Helios' familiar figure. The music pulsed around me, and laughter echoed off the walls, but my focus remained on finding my mate. I weaved through the sea of faces, dodging eager hands and polite smiles.As I turned a corner, I collided with a broad chest. Apologetic, I looked up to meet piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into my soul. Chiseled features and raven-black hair framed a face that exuded confidence and power."Rohan," I whispered, recalling Helios' mention of the name. Their history was tainted with animosity, sworn enemies in the Alpha world. Yet, standing before him, I sensed something different.Rohan's gaze roamed over me, his expression unreadable. "You're looking for someone," he stated, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.I nodded, trying to step back, but his hand grasped my elbow, holding me in place."Helios, perhaps?" he asked, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.My instincts scream
Tasha's POVI wove through the crowd, determination guiding me toward Helios. His piercing gaze locked onto mine as I approached, the intensity making my pulse quicken."Where have you been?" Helios asked, his deep voice laced with concern and a hint of possessiveness. "I've been searching everywhere. I thought something happened to you.""I was just looking for you," I replied, evading the truth, trying to sound nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing inside.Helios' eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "I saw you coming out of a secluded area," he stated, his tone firm but laced with a hint of jealousy. "Who was with you? Was it that Alex guy?"My heart skipped a beat. How did he know? And why did he assume Alex guy?"Let's dance," I suggested, attempting to divert the topic, hoping the music and movement would diffuse the tension.But Helios wasn't having it. His grip on my elbow tightened, his fingers wrapping around me like a vice."Tell me, Tasha," he pressed, his voice low and urge
Tasha's POVI excused myself from the gathering, seeking refuge in the quiet hallway. I pulled out my phone and dialed Tracy's number."Hey girl!" Tracy answered on the first ring."Hey!" I replied, relieved to hear her cheerful voice."How's the party?" Tracy asked."It's...complicated," I said, hesitating.But before I could dive into the drama, Tracy squealed, "Oh, guess what? Julian took me to the cutest Italian place last night! He's totally the one!"I laughed, happy for my friend. "That sounds amazing! How's Julian?"Tracy gushed about Julian's charms, and I listened, momentarily forgetting my own worries.When Tracy finally paused for breath, I filled her in on the evening's events – Alex, the blonde woman, and Rohan."Whoa, slow down!" Tracy exclaimed. "A blonde woman? With Alex?"I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Yeah, and she's gorgeous. They seem close."Tracy's tone turned serious. "Tasha, be careful. You don't know what's going on between them.""I know," I adm
Diana's POVI sank into the plush bed, resting my weary head on the soft pillows. My temples throbbed with a dull ache, a constant reminder of the stress eating away at me. Pregnancy wasn't supposed to be this exhausting. Every day felt like a battle, my body wrestling with fatigue and anxiety.Thoughts swirled in my mind like a vortex. Rohan's Alpha Council meeting dragged on, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. What if something happened to him? What if he got hurt?I rubbed my swollen belly, trying to soothe my racing thoughts. Our little one kicked and squirmed, sensing my tension. I took a deep breath, focusing on the gentle movements.But my mind refused to quiet. Alex's behavior worried me. His distant attitude, the mysterious phone calls... Rohan assured me everything was fine, but I knew better. Alex was hiding something.The door creaked open, and Rohan walked in, his expression tired but reassuring."Hey," he said softly, dropping onto the bed beside me.I smiled we
Helios's POVAs I walked Tasha to her room, I sensed her unease. Despite her attempts to hide it, her tension was palpable. I knew better than to pry, but I couldn't help feeling concerned.We approached the living room, and Tracy came into view. She sat on the armchair, legs crossed, clipping her nails with precision. Her eyes sparkled as she noticed us."Hey, girl!" Tracy exclaimed, dropping her nail clippers and rushing over to Tasha.The two friends embraced, their girly squeals filling the room. Tracy bounced up and down, her blonde ponytail bobbing."Tasha, darling! I've missed you!" Tracy gushed.Tasha forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.Tracy didn't seem to notice, chattering on about her day. However, as she pulled back to examine Tasha's face, her expression turned serious."Hey, what's wrong?" Tracy asked.Tasha shrugged. "Later, girl. I have to rest."With that, she turned and headed upstairs.Tracy's eyes met mine, both of us disappointed."Is everything okay?"
Rohan's POVAs the night wore on, the celebration only grew more lively. The music was pumping, the food was flowing, and the pack members were having the time of their lives. I was having a blast myself, laughing and joking with Beta Alex as we danced around the fire.Beta Alex was being his usual self, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. I was impressed by his energy and enthusiasm. The guy was like a machine, always going and never stopping. I, on the other hand, was feeling a bit more subdued. I was happy, don't get me wrong, but I was also feeling a bit more reflective. This was a big moment for our pack, and I was proud of what we had accomplished.As we danced, I caught sight of Diana sitting on the sidelines, Alexander sleeping peacefully in her arms. She looked beautiful, her hair shining in the firelight, her eyes sparkling with happiness. I felt a surge of love and pride, knowing that she was my mate, my partner in every sense of the word.Beta Alex caught my eye and
Rohan's POVAs the day drew to a close, I helped Diana pack up her belongings, getting her ready to leave the hospital. She was still a bit tired, but she was doing great, and I was so proud of her. I couldn't believe how strong and brave she had been throughout the whole pregnancy and childbirth process. As we made our way out of the hospital room, Beta Alex and Amber were waiting for us, big smiles on their faces. Those two were inseparable, and it was clear that they were meant to be together.We walked out of the hospital, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and happiness. We had done it. We had brought a new life into the world, and everything was going great. I glanced over at Beta Alex, who was walking beside me, and nodded in approval. "Thanks for taking care of everything while I was away," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. Beta Alex smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "No problem, Alpha," he said. "Everything went smoothly. The pack is doing great."I nodded, f
Diana's POVI lay in the hospital bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhaustion wash over me. Giving birth had taken a toll on my body, and I was feeling the effects of it now. But despite my tiredness, I couldn't help but keep my eyes fixed on Rohan. He was so happy, so full of joy, and it was infectious. It made me smile, even though I was feeling drained.I watched as Rohan gazed lovingly at our child, his eyes filled with a love and adoration that I had never seen before. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and I felt my heart swell with happiness. I knew that I had made the right decision in choosing to be with Rohan. He was a good man, a kind and loving man, and I knew that he would be an amazing father to our child.As I looked at Rohan, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. I had done it. I had given him a child, and I had made him happy. And in doing so, I had finally found my own happiness. I was no longer just the woman who had replaced Valerie.
Rohan's POVI sat in the hospital room, waiting for what felt like an eternity, I saw a nurse coming out with a bright smile on her face. My heart skipped a beat as she approached me. "Congratulations, Alpha Rohan," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Your wife has delivered a bouncy baby boy."I felt like I had been punched in the gut, but in a good way. I jumped up from my seat, a huge grin spreading across my face. I couldn't believe it. Diana had done it. She had given birth to our child. And he was healthy. That's all that mattered.Beta Alex and Amber shared my joy, congratulating me and patting me on the back. I was so happy, I felt like I was walking on air. I didn't care that it was a boy. I didn't care about any of that. All I cared about was that Diana and our child were okay.I turned to the nurse, my mind racing with questions. "How is Diana?" I asked, my voice filled with concern. "Is she okay?" The nurse smiled reassuringly. "She's very tired, but she's doing well,
Rohan's POVI woke up with a start, hoping against hope that I would hear the nurse's voice, telling me that Diana had given birth. But instead, I was met with the sight of Alex and Amber, fast asleep in their chairs. I felt a surge of frustration and disappointment. What the hell was this? What was the meaning of this nonsense?I threw off the blanket that had been draped over me, and stood up, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of the nurse or the doctor. But there was no one. Just Alex and Amber, sleeping peacefully, oblivious to my growing anxiety.I felt like I was going crazy. I just wanted to see Diana, to know that she was okay. But it seemed like no one was telling me anything. It was as if I had to choose between the child and Diana. I had never been a father before, not really. I had been a father to my triplets, but I hadn't been there for them, hadn't played the role of a father. And now, with this new child, I felt like I was being torn in two. I wanted to be there f
Rohan's POVI fought to keep my eyes open, but they seemed to be dropping slowly, weighed down by the exhaustion that had been building up for hours. I had been by Diana's side the entire time, holding her hand and talking to her, trying to keep her calm and focused. But now, as I sat in the hospital room, waiting for the doctors to come and give us an update, I couldn't help but feel like I was running on empty.But I couldn't give in to my exhaustion, not now, not when my unborn child needed me. I had to be strong, had to be there for Diana and our baby. All I could hope for was that Diana would be able to carry the pregnancy to term, that she would be able to fight off whatever complications were arising. And all I could hope for was that the two of them would survive it, would come out alive and healthy on the other side.I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the fatigue that was threatening to overwhelm me. I looked over at Alex and Amber, who were sitting across from me, the
Alex's POVWe stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance to break the spell. But as I glanced at my watch, I knew that we couldn't linger any longer. It was already time to head to the hospital to visit Rohan and Diana. I smiled, feeling a sense of duty wash over me.Amber, however, was not as eager to leave. As I pulled back, she pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a adorable expression. "Awwwnn... playtime's over?" she asked, her voice whiny and playful. I chuckled, feeling a sense of amusement wash over me.I smiled, reaching out to scoop her up into my arms. "I'm afraid so," I said, carrying her off the counter as she stood. Amber giggled, wrapping her arms around my neck as I carried her towards the door. We walked out to the car, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the heat of our passion.As we drove to the hospital, Amber chatted excitedly about her day, telling me about her training and her plans for the future. I listen
Alex's POV I walked back out into the training grounds, I decided that it was time to call it a day. The pack members had been training hard, and they deserved a break. I raised my voice, shouting out to the pack. "Alright, that's enough for today! Training is over, and you're all free to go."The pack members cheered, relieved that the day's training was finally over. They began to pack up their gear, saying their goodbyes and heading off to rest and recover. I watched them go, feeling a sense of satisfaction. It had been a good day's training, and I was proud of the pack for their hard work.But as I scanned the grounds, I noticed that one person was still waiting around. Amber was standing off to the side, her eyes fixed on me with a patient expression. I raised an eyebrow, wondering what she was waiting for. Didn't she know that training was over, and she was free to go?I walked over to her, a curious expression on my face. "Hey, you can head out now," I said, trying to sound ca
Alex's POVI'd had enough of the pack members' gossip and speculation. As the Beta, it was my job to keep them in line and maintain order. I raised my voice, using my authoritative tone to quiet them down. "That's enough," I said, my eyes scanning the crowd. "We don't have time for gossip and rumors. We have training to focus on, and I expect you all to get back to work."The pack members looked at each other, seemingly surprised by my sudden sternness. But they knew better than to disobey me. They nodded, murmuring apologies, and began to disperse, heading back to their training stations.I watched them go, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I wished Rohan was here, though. He had a way of handling situations like this with ease, and I knew I could always count on him to have my back. But he was busy taking care of Diana, and I was on my own.I took a deep breath, shaking off the feeling of uncertainty. I was the Beta, and it was my job to lead the pack in Rohan's absence. I loo