Tasha's POVI ran as fast as I could, my feet pounding the pavement in a rhythmic beat. I didn't know where I was going, I just knew I had to get away. Away from Helios, away from the truth, away from the pain.Tears streamed down my face as I ran, my vision blurring. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, like all the air had been sucked out of me.That bitch, I thought, my mind racing with anger and hurt. Valentine, or Valerie, or whatever her name was. She was the reason Helios didn't feel the same way. She was the reason I'd been rejected.I thought about all the times Helios had helped her, all the times he'd put her first. I thought about how he'd always talked about her, always defended her. And I realized that I'd been blind, blind to the fact that he was in love with her.I finally reached my front door, slamming it shut behind me. I leaned against it, trying to catch my breath. I felt like I was going to collapse, like my world had been turned upside down.How could he do
Helios's POV I walked into my living room, expecting to find Val lounging on the couch. But instead, I was surprised to see Tasha sitting there, looking like she owned the place.My instincts told me to be cautious. Things were bound to be awkward between us after our confrontation earlier.But before I could even process what was happening, Tasha stood up and walked towards me, a bright smile on her face. "Hey, Helios," she said, like nothing was wrong.And then she hugged me. Tight."It's fine, Helios," she said, her voice muffled against my chest. "I understand if you love someone else. I just wanted to come over and talk to you about it."I was taken aback by her sudden display of affection. I didn't mind that she came over, but I did mind that she looked like she was trying too hard to be okay."Tasha, you don't have to pretend like everything is fine," I said, trying to gently extricate myself from her grasp.But she just held on tighter. "I'm not pretending, Helios. I just wan
Valerie's POV I couldn't believe what Helios had just told me. A mission? Me? I felt a surge of excitement and thrill run through my veins. I had been training for this moment for so long, and it was finally here.I thought back to everything Helios had said. "You're ready, Val. You've got the skills and the talent. I've got a mission that's perfect for you."I couldn't wait to get started. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. I had worked so hard to get to this point, and it was all paying off.I wondered what the mission would be. Would it be dangerous? Would I be working alone or with a team? I had so many questions, but I knew Helios would fill me in soon enough.For now, I just felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. I was finally going to get to put my skills to the test, and I was ready for whatever came next.I felt a sense of gratitude towards Helios too. He believed in me, and he was giving me this opportunity. I wasn't going to let him down.I took
Valerie's POV The boy, Marcus, looked at me with a mix of desperation and hope in his eyes. "Please, Mum, wait for me," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'll be right back, I promise."I was still trying to wrap my head around the situation, but there was something about Marcus's words that resonated with me. Maybe it was the sincerity in his voice, or the desperation in his eyes. Whatever it was, I found myself nodding in agreement."Okay, Marcus," I said. "I'll wait for you."Marcus's face lit up with a radiant smile, and he turned to run off. "I'll be right back, Mum!" he called out over his shoulder. "I have to get something!"I watched him go, my mind still reeling with questions. Who was this boy? Why did he think I was his mother? And what did he mean by "I'll be right back"?As I waited, Marcus returned with a small bag in his hand. He rummaged through it, pulling out a series of photographs."Mum, look!" he exclaimed, holding out the pictures. "These are our family
Valerie's POV As I waited, I saw three figures walking towards me. Triplets, identical in every way, yet somehow different. I could pinpoint who was who - Marcus, the one who had approached me first, had a slight scar above his left eyebrow. Andreuis, the one on the left, had a slightly crooked smile. And Duncan, the one on the right, had a mischievous glint in his eye.But as they approached, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Why did they look so familiar? Why did I feel like I knew them? I searched my mind, trying to remember anything, but my memories remained shrouded in fog.And then, as they reached me, their faces changed. Shock, surprise, and joy crossed their faces in quick succession. Andreuis and Duncan rushed towards me, embracing me tightly."Mum!" they exclaimed in unison, holding me so close I could feel their warmth, their heartbeats. I felt a lump form in my throat as I tried to process what was happening.Marcus joined in, wrapping his arms around us, holdi
Rohan's POV I lay in bed, Diana by my side, enjoying a rare moment of peace. The triplets were downstairs, engrossed in their own activities, giving us some much-needed privacy.But that peace was short-lived.I heard the sound of footsteps, heavy and hurried, coming from the hallway. Before I could even sit up, the door burst open and the triplets tumbled in, their faces flushed with excitement."Mum's awake!" Marcus exclaimed, hardly able to contain himself."And she remembers!" Andreuis added, his eyes shining with tears.Duncan just grinned, his face split from ear to ear. "She's going to be okay, Dad!"The three of them invaded our room, surrounding us with their energy and enthusiasm. Diana and I exchanged a look, both of us laughing at the sudden intrusion.But as I looked at the triplets, I saw something more than just excitement. I saw hope. Hope that their mother was finally coming back to them, hope that our family was finally healing.And in that moment, I knew that every
Rohan's POV I turned to leave, but Diana's voice stopped me. "Rohan, please don't go," she begged, tears streaming down her face. "Don't leave me again."I felt a pang of guilt, but I knew better than to listen. I'd made that mistake before, and it had cost me the love of my life. Valerie was back now, and I wasn't going to squander this opportunity."Diana, I have to do this," I said firmly, trying to keep my emotions in check.But she wouldn't let up. She grabbed my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "You can't just leave me like this, Rohan. I love you."I looked at her, my heart heavy with regret. "I'm sorry, Diana. But my heart belongs to Valerie. It always has."Diana's face crumpled, and she began to sob uncontrollably. I knew I was hurting her, but I couldn't stay. I had to find Valerie, to make up for lost time.I gently pried Diana's fingers off my arm and turned to leave. "I'm sorry," I whispered again, but I knew it wasn't enough.As I walked away, I felt a sense of res
Rohan's POV I was about to confront Helios further when I suddenly stopped myself. This wasn't the time. I needed to focus on Valerie right now."Valerie, wait!" I called out, turning to run after her.To my surprise, she stopped and turned around. She looked hesitant, but she slowly started walking back towards me."Valerie, please," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "Just talk to me. Tell me what's going on."Valerie looked at me warily, but she didn't run away again. She just stood there, her eyes fixed on mine."Who are you?" she asked again, her voice barely above a whisper.I took a deep breath and tried to think of what to say. How could I make her remember me?"Valerie, we... we were in love," I said, trying to keep my emotions in check. "We were happy together. Don't you remember anything?"Valerie's expression didn't change, but she took a step closer to me."I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice still uncertain.But I could see a glimmer of somet
Tasha's POVI fidgeted with my phone, Helios's text still burning in my mind. "Stuck in Alpha's congress meeting. Miss you."My gaze drifted to Alex, chatting with Tracy. Why wasn't he jealous? Didn't he care that I was practically swooning over Helios?I seethed inwardly. How dare he make me jealous and then act nonchalant?That's exactly why I was flaunting Helios's attention – to provoke Alex. I wanted him to crave me, to desire me as much as I desired him.And Helios. Oh, Helios. My love for him ran deep, but my attraction to Alex refused to fade.Why choose between them? I wanted both.That's why I'd instructed Tracy to act reserved and calm around Alex. It was all part of the plan."Tracy, darling, don't flirt with Alex," I'd said earlier. "Let's see how he reacts."Tracy had raised an eyebrow but agreed.Now, watching Alex and Tracy's polite conversation, I smiled to myself. This was perfect.Amber's sudden arrival ruined my fun. She draped herself over Alex, flirting shameless
Alex's POVAs Tasha disappeared into the crowd, Tracy turned to me with a warm smile. "So, Beta Alex, what do you like to do in your free time?"I appreciated her effort to distract me from Tasha's departure. "I enjoy reading, mostly historical fiction. How about you?"Tracy's eyes sparkled. "I'm a fan of mystery novels. I love solving puzzles."Our conversation flowed effortlessly, covering everything from books to music. Tracy was easy to talk to, her thoughts engaging.As we spoke, I couldn't help but notice the subtle differences between Tracy and Tasha. Tracy's calm demeanor, her sharp wit, and introspective nature drew me in, but my heart still belonged to Tasha.Tracy seemed to sense my distraction, her gaze piercing. "You care deeply for Tasha, don't you?"I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Tracy's kind expression put me at ease. "Yes, I do."Tracy's nod was understanding. "She's lucky to have you as a friend, Beta Alex. You're loyal and kind."Her words warmed me, bu
Alex's POVI navigated through the crowd, my mind still reeling from the emotions that threatened to surface earlier. Visiting Tasha seemed like a good distraction, despite the ache it brought. We were friends, after all. I'd long accepted her love for Helios, even if it hurt.I approached Tasha's gathering, her bright smile greeted me. "Beta Alex!" she exclaimed, rushing to hug me."I'm happy to see you too, Tasha," I replied, returning the hug with a calm, reserved nature.Tasha's enthusiasm was infectious, but her friend caught my attention. The curly-haired girl beside her radiated a different energy – poised, confident, and captivating."Tracy, this is Beta Alex," Tasha said, gesturing to her friend.Tracy's eyes sparkled as she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, Beta Alex.""Nice to meet you, Tracy," I replied, shaking her hand. Her firm grip and direct gaze impressed me.Tasha bubbled over with excitement, recounting stories of her adventures with Helios. I listened attentiv
Rohan's POVI took Diana's hand, and together we stepped onto the raised platform, surveying the sea of faces before us. The crowd quieted, anticipating our announcement."My dear friends and fellow Alphas and pack members" I began, my voice carrying across the gathering. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion."Diana's smile sparkled beside me."Councilor Evelyn has found her mate," I continued, "and we're honored to witness their union."The crowd erupted into applause, cheers, and whistles."But that's not all," Diana said, her voice melodious. "We're also celebrating new life."She placed a hand on her belly, and I wrapped mine around hers."I'm thrilled to announce that our pack will soon welcome a new addition," I declared.The crowd's cheers intensified, congratulatory shouts filling the air."Diana, our beloved queen, is expecting," I said, beaming with pride.As the crowd's enthusiasm reached a fever pitch, we announced, "Let the celebrations begin!"With our w
Rohan's POVI stood on the training grounds, observing our pack's warriors prepare for the upcoming Pack Riot. Alex stood beside me, his eyes scanning the action as we watched our pack members clash in a flurry of punches and kicks. Amber was unstoppable, taking down her opponent with ease."Amber's a force to be reckoned with," Alex said, nodding toward the skilled fighter."Unsurprisingly," I replied, watching Amber land a flawless kick. Alex chimed in, offering words of encouragement and strategic advice to the trainees."Remember, use your surroundings to your advantage!" he called out. "Keep your movements fluid, anticipate their attacks!" His input was invaluable, and I was grateful for his expertise.As the training session concluded, I called out, "Gather around!" The pack converged, eager for my next words. "Tonight's full moon marks a special occasion – a blissful party for our kind." Cheers erupted, and I continued, "We'll host neighboring packs, and our lands will resound
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?"
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
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
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