IRIS'S POVTHE HELPER'S IDENTITYLeon and I were standing in the darkened room, eyes glued to the screen as the CCTV footage played out before us. The grainy black-and-white images flickered, and each second felt like it dragged on as we waited, looking for any sign, any hint, of how Rhys could have escaped.My fingers drummed against the table, my frustration simmering just beneath the surface. We’d gone through several angles, rewinding, fast-forwarding, trying to piece together a timeline of events, but so far, all we’d found was more questions.I glanced at Leon, his jaw clenched as he focused on the footage. He’d been calm, steady through this entire ordeal, but I knew he was as determined as I was to find out who’d helped Rhys.Loyalty ran deep in the Blue Moon pack, but betrayal had a way of hiding in the shadows, biding its time. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.“There.” I tapped the screen, narrowing my eyes as a figure emerged at the edge of the
GAVIN'S POVWHO'S BEHIND THE FIRE?The sharp smell of antiseptic greeted us as we followed the ambulance through the hospital doors. I watched, my chest tight, as they wheeled Ciara’s body away, a sheet draped over her that only hinted at the damage beneath.She was headed to the morgue, her final destination. I had barely recognized her, and the memory of that sight seared into my mind was one I knew wouldn’t leave me anytime soon.As soon as the body was out of sight, I turned to the police officers waiting nearby. They’d rushed to meet me, already looking uneasy, like they knew what I’d ask.“How did it happen?” My voice was low, cold. I didn’t have the energy to hide the anger that simmered just below the surface.One of the officers, a young guy with tired eyes, started explaining. “We… we’re still investigating. No one’s got a clear idea of how the fire started yet. But there was… diesel. The smell of it, especially around Ciara’s cell.”“Diesel?” I echoed, my mind reeling. My s
GAVIN'S POVA PLAN ‘’B’As I pulled up to the building where Iris was waiting, I spotted her standing by the curb, looking around expectantly. Her gaze softened as she saw me, and she slipped into the passenger seat, her presence a balm I didn’t deserve tonight.She leaned over, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek, but I could tell she sensed something was wrong. I took a deep breath as I started driving, debating how to tell her, feeling the weight of it pressing down on my chest.After a few moments, I couldn’t keep it in anymore. “Iris,” I began, my voice low, “Ciara… she’s dead.” I glanced over at her as the words sank in, her face shifting from surprise to shock, and then to something more complicated.For a moment, she didn’t say anything, just stared at me, her mouth slightly open as she tried to process it all.“How… how did it happen?” she asked softly, her voice steady but tentative. She was trying to be brave, for both of us.I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, t
GAVIN'S POVSEEING THE KIDSShe was right. There’d been no reprieve, no chance to really breathe, and it was starting to wear on both of us. I couldn’t deny that.Still, I needed her to know that we would find a way, that I would make sure she and the kids had that peace, even if it meant losing her for a while to keep her safe.“Iris, whatever it takes, I’ll handle it.” My words were firmer than I felt, but I meant them. “I want you and the kids to be able to breathe, to have a life that isn’t surrounded by all this chaos.”She looked at me, her expression softening. “I know you would. And you’re the reason I haven’t lost hope through any of this.” She leaned in, resting her forehead against mine.Her closeness, her warmth—it was a reminder of what I was fighting for, of what I had to protect at all costs.Eventually, we left the car and headed into the mansion. Inside, everything was quiet, a strange contrast to the storm that seemed to follow us everywhere else.I led her upstairs,
GAVIN'S POVTHE KIDS, MY PRIORITYThe question caught me off guard. I glanced at Iris, who gave me a soft, understanding nod. We had always tried to protect the kids from the darker realities of our lives, but they were sharp, picking up more than we sometimes realised.“We’re working on it,” I told him gently, squeezing his shoulder. “But don’t worry. You’re safe here with us and Helen.”Lyra tilted her head, studying me with that same serious expression she’d gotten from her mother. “Are you sure, Dad? You look tired.”I forced a smile, though her words struck a chord. Kids really did see everything. “I’m okay, sweetheart. Just… a lot of grown-up stuff.”“Will you stay with us today?” she asked, her voice hopeful.I felt Iris’s hand squeeze mine, and I knew we were on the same page. “Yes,” I said, nodding. “We’ll spend the day with you.”We settled in, and soon enough, the living room filled with laughter. Logan was busy explaining the intricate details of the superhero costume he w
IRIS'S POVTIME WITH THE KIDSThe quiet of the night settled over us as we walked back into the Blue Moon Pack house, Gavin’s hand warm in mine. I’d never imagined life would take us down this road, but here we were, fighting battles both known and unseen.Every step felt heavy tonight, like the world itself was testing us with each passing hour. I glanced over at Gavin, his jaw set with resolve, though his eyes held that flicker of sadness that hadn’t quite left him since his mother was hospitalized.“We’ll see them through this,” I murmured, more to myself than to him. “It’s not forever. Just… until it’s safe.” I was saying it as much for myself as for Gavin. But the thought of leaving our children, of separating them from their father, was a weight I hadn’t anticipated.Gavin gave a small nod, though he looked a thousand miles away. “I know,” he said, his voice low. “But it’s hard, Iris. The thought of them leaving…”I placed a hand on his arm, stopping him just outside our room. “
HELEN'S POVBLISSFUL MOMENTSAs I pulled up to my house, a sense of quiet relief washed over me. It had been weeks since I'd been here, weeks spent caring for Lyra and Logan, ensuring they had some semblance of normalcy amid the chaos surrounding Iris and Gavin.But today, for the first time in a while, I had a moment to myself, and it felt like returning to familiar ground. However, I wasn’t expecting to see anyone standing by my front steps, least of all Jerry.He grinned when he saw me, an easy, knowing smile lighting up his face. “Took you long enough, Helen,” he said. “Thought I’d just stay here until you finally decided to come home.”I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “And how, exactly, did you know I’d be coming back today? Psychic link?”Jerry laughed, the sound carrying across the quiet yard. “Something like that,” he replied, shrugging. “Guess I just had a feeling you’d need a little company tonight.”I shook my head, unable to keep from smiling. “You’re crazy, you know
JERRY'S POVHELEN'S GONE!As I drove down the quiet streets, my mind kept drifting back to Helen. The warmth of her presence, her laughter, her strength, all of it left a mark on me. Last night felt like a lifeline, something steady in the chaos.I wanted to keep her close, to be by her side, but I knew better. Right now, with everything happening around Gavin and Iris, both Helen and I had roles to play, responsibilities that didn’t leave room for distractions.But just as I reached for my phone to check in with Gavin, I realised it wasn’t there. A quick scan of the passenger seat confirmed it—I’d left it at Helen’s place. Typical of me to leave something behind at the moment.Sighing, I turned the car around and headed back, knowing she’d probably laugh and hand it to me with that knowing look. The thought brought a smile to my face, and I relaxed a little, the events of last night still replaying in my mind.When I pulled up to her house, though, that calm feeling vanished. The fro
*NO POV* HAPPY EVER AFTER The next morning dawned clear and bright, the warmth of sunlight filling the hospital room where Gavin’s mother, Mrs. Russell, lay resting. Gavin, Iris, and the kids entered, greeted by her gentle smile. Lyra and Logan rushed to their grandmother’s side, their laughter filling the room as they shared stories of their bravery, their voices animated and full of life. Mrs. Russell’s laughter was a soft sound, joyful and content as she listened to her grandchildren, her heart brimming with pride and relief. Iris watched the scene with a smile, holding Gavin’s hand as they stood by. It was a moment of family, of love, and of hope, one she’d longed for but hadn’t allowed herself to truly believe could happen. And now, it was here. The threat of Tyler was gone, and they could finally start to heal, to rebuild, and to look forward without the shadow of fear hanging over them. Just as they were leaving the hospital, Iris’s phone buzzed, and she saw her father’s
GAVIN'S POV BATTLE WON Night had come and the moon shone on the war ground. It was cool and dark, and the clearing was quiet before the storm. Iris and I alongside Iris's father, took our wolf forms, our muscles tense, eyes gleaming with fury and determination. Tyler’s rogue wolves surrounded us, an overwhelming number against only three, but that didn’t matter. We were here to end this, and they would do it together. Tyler, towering and ruthless, commanded his wolves forward, sneering with a dark pleasure as the ambush ensued. The fight was brutal, claws tearing into flesh, growls echoing through the trees, and the thick scent of blood filling the air. Each wolf knew their place in this battle, and none were willing to give an inch. Iris fought with the strength of every wrong she’d suffered, every harm Tyler had caused. She had only just discovered that this twisted man was her stepbrother, a revelation that was almost incomprehensible. But the bond of blood didn’t erase his
JERRY'S POV SAVED The dim corridors seemed endless, but Helen and I kept moving, pushing through each door, each obstacle, with only one thought in our minds—finding Lyra and Logan. The scent trail was faint but clear enough for us to follow, mixed with the reek of rogues we’d taken down along the way. My hands were still shaking from adrenaline as we moved swiftly through this maze, hearts pounding. Just then, we caught sight of a room ahead, voices muffled behind the thick door. I motioned for Helen to stay quiet as we moved closer, pressing my ear against the door. I heard a voice, shrill and taunting, and my blood ran cold as it registered. It couldn’t be… Ciara. She was supposed to be dead, lost in the flames at the station. Yet, there she was, alive, and from the sound of it, taking pleasure in tormenting Gavin’s kids. My jaw clenched, a mix of rage and shock roiling inside me. “Jerry… is that…?” Helen’s voice was barely a whisper, her expression as horrified as mine. “Y
GAVIN'S POV The walls of the cell pressed in on me, cold and unyielding, as Jerry and I worked tirelessly to remove the device clamped around our necks. Every time I twisted my fingers around its edges, a fresh surge of anger rushed through me, fueling me to keep trying even though the damn thing wouldn’t budge. I needed to get to Iris and the kids. I couldn’t stand the thought of them in danger, held somewhere in this hellish place by people who’d already done so much damage. Jerry, sweating and grimacing, glanced at me, and I could see the same desperation in his eyes. “We’ve got to get these off if we’re going to get anywhere.” “Tell me something I don’t know,” I muttered, forcing another yank at the device. My mind raced, trying to figure out how I’d get to Iris, how we’d find Logan and Lyra. The thought of Ciara, of her twisted satisfaction if she succeeded in hurting them, made my fists clench until my knuckles ached. Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down th
IRIS'S POV MY STEPBROTHER IS THE DEVIL The sharp sting of pain sliced through my head as I staggered forward, clutching the back of my skull where a rogue’s first had landed hard. My vision swam, but I forced myself to stay focused. I had to get to Logan and Lyra. I’d seen Ciara pulling them toward a waiting car, but this ambush by her pack of rogues was forcing me into a fight, wasting precious seconds. I planted my feet, fists raised, and fought back. With each punch, kick, and dodge, the fiery need to protect my children fueled my every move. One of the rogues lunged at me, but I ducked and drove my fist into his ribs, hearing him grunt in pain. But there were too many of them. I knew I couldn’t last long. Just as I managed to kick another rogue back, I heard someone calling my name. My blood ran cold as I glanced over my shoulder, spotting my father. He’d followed me, and now he was calling out, looking stunned to see me in this fight. For a heartbeat, I was caught off guard
IRIS'S POV CIARA'S NOT DEAD As I pulled away from the hospital, the fleeting moments of joy faded, replaced by a creeping sense of unease. Just as I rounded the corner toward the ice cream shop, a familiar car pulled into the hospital parking lot. My heart sank as I recognized my father’s imposing figure stepping out of the vehicle. He spotted me immediately, his face set in that stern expression I knew all too well. The last thing I wanted right now was to deal with him, not when I was finally trying to focus on my kids and my own peace of mind. I took a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm as he approached. “Iris!” he called, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. I hesitated, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. I didn’t want to hear what he had to say. I knew it would only lead to discussions about the pack, expectations, and everything I was trying to escape. “Dad, I really don’t have time right now,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. “This is impor
IRIS'S POV GRANDMA'S IS WELL AGAIN I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles white as I navigated the winding roads leading to the hospital. Lyra and Logan chartered excitedly in the backseat, their youthful energy a stark contrast to the heaviness in my heart. As much as I tried to focus on their laughter, my mind was consumed with worry for Gavin, Helen, and Jerry. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow inside the car, but I felt none of its warmth. My fingers tapped anxiously against the leather of the steering wheel as I tried to push away the nagging thoughts swirling in my mind. They should have answered by now. Where were they? Had they found Helen? With each passing moment, my anxiety deepened. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. I had insisted that Gavin stay behind to focus on the search for Helen, but I had a sinking feeling that he was in danger, too. The thought of anything happening to him made my stomach
HELEN'S POV FIESTY LITTLE HELEN As I was pulled down the hallway, I turned back, my eyes searching for a glimpse of my friends. “Gavin! Jerry!” I shouted, straining against the rogue’s grip. “Don’t worry about me! I’ll find a way out!” But the rogues only tightened their hold, their expressions cold and unfeeling. “Save your breath,” one of them sneered. “You’ll need it for later.” We turned a corner, and the corridor opened up into a lavishly appointed bedroom, a stark contrast to the sterile environment I had just left. The walls were draped in deep crimson, adorned with elaborate tapestries that seemed to watch me as I was thrust inside. The plush furnishings and decadent decor felt like a mockery of the grim reality I faced. The Boss stepped in behind me, his presence suffocating as he surveyed the room. “Welcome to my humble abode, Helen,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “I trust you’ll find it… comfortable.” I fought against the rogues as they pushed me forward, fear cl
HELEN'S POV As I stood in the oppressive darkness of the chamber, the tension in the air thickened like a tangible force. The Boss's gaze was piercing, and his smile seemed to carry the weight of impending doom. I could feel every heartbeat echoing in my ears, a reminder that I had to remain resolute, even as fear threatened to wrap around my throat like a vice. "What do you want from me?" I asked, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the tremor in my hands. The Boss stepped closer, his presence looming like a shadow stretching across the floor. "You are here because I have an interest in your little pack and Luna's precious alliances. You see, Helen, it’s not just about capturing Iris. It’s about breaking her spirit, dismantling everything she holds dear." His tone was smooth, almost persuasive, as if he believed I would crumble under his words. I shook my head, anger flaring within me. "You’re wrong if you think you can use me to get to her. You don't know her at all. She