Carina’s POVI couldn’t stay there anymore. Henry had completely ruined my day. I grabbed my bag and stood up abruptly, muttering, “I just need to use the restroom before I leave.” Without waiting for anyone’s response, I turned and walked briskly toward the restroom.The cool air inside hit me as I entered. I made my way to the mirror, gripping the edge of the sink. My reflection stared back at me, and for a moment, I barely recognized myself.“What am I doing?” I whispered, my voice trembling as my thoughts tumbled out of control. “This is crazy. What really am I doing?” My words sounded hollow in the empty restroom.My mind spun, and the weight of my secret felt like it was crushing me. “I’m pregnant,” I said, barely louder than a breath. “Pregnant for my stepbrothers…”The words hung in the air like a confession to myself. My fingers curled tighter around the edge of the sink. Any slight mistake, and this secret could ruin everything. It could shatter my mother’s happiness with my
Carina’s POVMiguel’s jaw tightened, and he exchanged a look with Antonio. “We’re not trying to make you feel trapped,” he said carefully. “But you have to understand—”“No, you have to understand,” I interrupted, my voice trembling. “I’m not some fragile little girl. I don’t need your protection. I just need you to trust me.”Antonio’s expression softened, but his voice remained firm. “We do trust you, Carina. It’s the rest of the world we don’t trust.”“That’s not good enough,” I said, shaking my head. “If you can’t trust me to take care of myself, then what’s the point?”The tension was getting heated, none of us willing to back down. Finally, Miguel sighed and stepped back.“Let’s take a breather,” he said. “This isn’t the place to have this conversation.”“Oh, now you want to be reasonable?” I muttered, crossing my arms.“Come on, Carina,” Antonio said, his tone lighter but still tinged with frustration. “Let’s go somewhere and talk this out properly.”I hesitated, my anger still
Carina’s POV“Of course,” he said, his expression earnest. “I’m not going to let you deal with this alone.”Tears welled in my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away. “Thank you, Ethan. I don’t even know what to say.”“You don’t have to say anything,” he said with a small smile. “We’ll figure this out together, okay?”For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt like I wasn’t completely alone. Ethan’s kindness and support were like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of despair.“Thank you,” I said again, my voice trembling.He nodded, his smile reassuring. “Now, let’s come up with a plan.Ethan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he stare at me intently. “Okay,” he said after a long pause. “Let’s take this step by step. First off, where would you even go?”I shook my head, feeling the weight of the question. “I don’t know, Ethan. Somewhere far, somewhere quiet. I just need to get away from all of this.”He nodded thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. “Alright. I k
CHAPTER 23Carina’s POV“Really,” he said. “Sarah’s great. She’s like a mom to everyone she meets. And Jake’s a bit rough around the edges, but he’s a good guy. They’ll take care of you.”“Thank you, Ethan,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”He smiled, his eyes warm and kind. “You don’t have to do this alone, Carina. You’re stronger than you think, but it’s okay to lean on someone else when you need to.”I nodded, his words giving me a strength I hadn’t felt in weeks. “I’ll be ready,” I said firmly. “Friday. Midnight.”“Friday. Midnight,” he repeated. “We’ve got this.”********Since meeting with Ethan, my mind hadn’t stopped spinning. Thoughts of escape, fear of being caught, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead consumed me. How was I going to leave this house unnoticed?Antonio and Miguel were always around, their noses constantly in my business. I didn’t know if it was out of overprotectiveness or plain control, but it felt like they had
Carina’s POVThe moment I walked into the dining room, I could feel the tension in the air. The clinking of plates and low murmurs stopped as everyone turned to look at me.“Finally,” Antonio sneered, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. “We thought we’d have to drag you down here.”I forced a tight smile. “Sorry, I was busy reorganizing my closet.”Miguel raised an eyebrow. “Reorganizing? You don’t even have that many clothes.”“Maybe I like things neat,” I snapped back, already feeling the heat rising in my chest.“Yeah, neat,” Antonio muttered under his breath. “Or you’re hiding something.”I shot him a glare, but before I could respond, Rodrigo chimed in. “Stop wasting everyone’s time and just sit down, Carina. Dinner’s already cold.”Biting back a retort, I pulled out a chair and sat down. The tension at the table felt like a storm waiting to break. Mum was sitting at the head, her lips pressed into a tight line as she picked at her food. Our stepdad, David, was tryin
Carina’s POV“Your mother,” he began, his voice heavy with emotion, “she loves you. She loves you more than anything. And I love her. More than anything. Seeing all this tension in the house... it hurts her. She doesn’t show it, but I can see it. It’s wearing her down.”Guilt gnawed at my chest, but I didn’t say anything.“I know my sons aren’t easy to live with,” David continued. “And I’m not asking you to be a saint or to forgive everything they’ve done. But for your mother’s sake... could you try to keep the peace? At least a little?”I bit my lip, conflicted. “David, it’s not just them. It’s this whole situation. I feel like I’m suffocating here. I don’t belong, and they make sure I know it.”“You do belong,” he said firmly. “Your mother and I want you here. You’re part of this family, whether the boys like it or not. And I know they can be cruel sometimes, but deep down, they’re good kids. They just... don’t know how to show it.”I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. “It doesn
Carina’s POVThe countryside stretched out before me, rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight. The air outside was fresh and crisp, carrying the scent of wildflowers and grass. Inside the car, there was a silence between Ethan and me, but it wasn’t awkward. It was the kind of silence that let my mind wander.“Hope you’re enjoying the ride,” Ethan said, breaking the quiet. His voice was warm, reassuring, like it always was.“Yeah, sure I am,” I replied, though my tone was distant as I gazed out the window. My eyes lingered on the open fields, the scattered houses, and the occasional flash of people going about their lives.I kissed the city my final goodbye.Just hours ago, I had snuck out of that house. It felt like both a victory and a loss. I remembered the way the cool morning air had hit my face as I tiptoed past the porch and down the driveway. My heart had been racing, my breaths shallow and quick. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind outside had felt like it
Carina’s POV“We’re here,” Ethan said softly, his voice pulling me out of my thoughts.I opened my eyes slowly, realizing I must have dozed off during the drive. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the sight before me. The car had stopped in front of a charming little bungalow. It wasn’t grand or luxurious, but it had a cozy, welcoming vibe.“Willow Creek,” I murmured, stretching as I sat up in my seat. The town was quieter than I’d imagined, with wide streets and small shops lining the main road. “Hmm, I hope this place is kind to me.”“You’ll be fine,” Ethan said with a grin, stepping out of the car. “Come on, let’s get your stuff.”I stepped out and inhaled deeply. The air felt different here, fresher, lighter, almost like it carried the promise of a new start. Maybe it was all in my head, but I needed to believe that this was the right decision.The bungalow stood proud in front of us, painted a soft cream color with blue shutters. It had a small porch with two rocking chairs and
CHAPTER 94Carina’s POV As I was about to get ready, my phone suddenly rang. I frowned at the screen. Mr. Kowalski.My stepfather.I didn’t want to pick up, but I knew if I ignored it, I’d have a bigger problem on my hands. With a sigh, I pressed the answer button and held the phone to my ear."Good morning, sir," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral."Carina. Morning. How are you? Hope you are doing just fine," he said in that usual deep, authoritative tone."Yes, sir. Sure, I am," I replied, forcing myself to sound composed."Good. I need to see you in my office later today. Will that be possible?"I hesitated for a second. "Okay. Sorry, sir, which office specifically?" I asked. My stepfather owned several businesses, held multiple positions, and had offices all over the place."My office at the company," he clarified.I sighed internally. "Alright. I’ll be there shortly, sir.""You can call me stepdad, you know," he said suddenly.I forced a small smile. "Okay, stepdad. I’ll be
CHAPTER 93Carina’s POV Waking up and sleeping had been my routine. I hadn’t been to work for like a week. I didn’t really care, though, because as it stood, all I wanted were my kids. Nothing else mattered. Not my company, not my responsibilities. Just Liam and Leo. My babies.The knock on my door was soft. "Ma’am, tea for you," Lisa’s voice came through before she even stepped inside.I sighed and sat up. "Oh… thank you." I took the cup from her hands, feeling the warmth seep through my fingers.Lisa watched me carefully. "How are you feeling today, ma’am?""The same as yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that." I took a sip, the tea slightly bitter, but I didn’t care.Lisa hesitated before sitting on the edge of the bed. "You haven’t been to the office in a while. Mr. Jensen has been handling everything, but there are… issues. Investors are asking questions."I scoffed. "Let them ask. They don’t care about me, Lisa. They care about their money."She nodded slowl
Carina’s POV The past three weeks have been crazy. I haven't slept, and I haven't had rest. I was so tired from crying. I didn't even know what else to do. I just kept crying again and again. My kids, Liam and Leo—I fucking miss them so bad. Ever since Henry had them taken, I have been restless, like so bad. I just woke up, and my head is banging. I didn't even know what to do. As it stands, I didn't even want to call my mom, stepdad, or my stepbrothers. All I wanted was just to cry my ass out. "Carina, open this damn door!" Maggie’s voice came from outside my room, loud and impatient. "I swear, if you don’t open this door in the next five seconds, I’m breaking it down." I groaned, hiding my face deeper into my pillow. "Go away, Maggie." "No," she snapped. "I’m not going anywhere until you get your ass out of that bed." I didn’t move. "Alright, fine." There was a short quiet before a loud bang shook my door. "Last chance, Carina. Open up, or I swear to God—" "Ugh! Fine!" I stum
Rodrigo’s POV I suddenly got a call. As I looked at it, I saw the number."It’s Dad," I muttered, even as I picked it up."Rodrigo. Meet me back in my office," his voice was sharp, firm. "Bring your brothers. Now."I swallowed hard. "Sure. We’ll be there."The line went dead. No explanation. No further words. Just a command.In no time, all three of us—Miguel, Antonio, and I—were at his office. The moment we stepped in, the tension hit us like a wave. Dad sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled together, his wolf dangerously close to the surface. His eyes were glowing slightly, a clear sign he was barely holding his rage in check."Sit," he ordered.We obeyed without a word.His gaze swept over us, cold and assessing. Then, he exhaled sharply. "I’m giving you over a hundred men. I don’t care what it takes—find Henry and bring him to me. Alive or dead. But I want him here. You understand?"Miguel nodded. "Yes, sir.""And that’s not all," Dad continued, his voice like steel. "The Bla
Rodrigo’s POV What the hell is wrong with you?!My father’s voice boomed through the office the moment I stepped in. The air was thick with his rage, his wolf pushing through, making his presence almost unbearable. His eyes burned into me, sharp and unforgiving.“I thought I told you to take care of the Black Moon Pack! What’s this rubbish I’m hearing?!” His fists slammed against his desk, rattling everything on it.I clenched my jaw. “Sorry, Dad. It wasn’t intentional. We thought we—”“Shut up!” he barked, his wolf growling along with him. The sound sent a warning through my body. My father was dangerous when he was angry. As an Alpha, if he lost control, people died. I knew better than to keep talking.His glare was deadly. “You of all people know what these people are capable of! And all you could do was allow them to live?! Have I ever given you and your brothers a job to do and you all failed? What the hell is this?!”I swallowed hard, standing still as he paced the room. His wo
Carina’s POV A few months back, my dad’s shipments were being raided by rogue wolves. It was getting too much. He told me and my brothers, and we swung into action. We made sure we traced where these rogue wolves were from, and when we found them, we attacked. Eliminating every living person in their pack.The Black Moon Pack.Like every single person.I knew we weren’t supposed to. Just those that raided my dad's shipment were meant to be gone. But… nah. I couldn’t stop. Out of anger, me and my brothers did this. Now, I think they are back.I was very surprised. Or did any of them survive?Is Henry one of them?All these questions just filled my head. For them to even have an idea to follow us, to keep track of Carina, to kidnap our kids… this person must be really good. Really calculated.I was so angry and pissed that, even as I drove, my wolf almost took over because of the rage. I just had to keep on suppressing it. My grip on the steering wheel was so tight, my fingers were goi
Carina’s POV I didn’t know why I had such a strong rage when I heard the news. It was like fire had been set loose in my veins, burning everything in its path. The fury inside me was so high as I sped in my Benz, heading straight to my father’s pack. It had been a long time since I felt this kind of rage.All in my head now was Henry. I had to find him. And when I did, I was going to use my own hands and snuff the life out of him. My grip on the steering wheel was tight, my knuckles turning white as the thoughts in my head grew darker.Ever since I met those kids, I felt something different, something I couldn’t explain. A connection that ran deeper than just Carina’s kids. I didn’t know why. Maybe I did, but I just didn’t want to say it out loud. Carina had never told us who their father was. She avoided the topic like the plague, dodging every question, every hint. But deep down, I knew the truth. We all did.They were ours. Mine, Miguel’s, Antonio’s. Our blood, our heirs.And I wo
Carina’s POVMy voice was shaking, my whole body trembling. My legs felt weak, like I was going to collapse.The driver groaned. “Black… van… masked men…” He gasped for air. “I… I couldn’t…”I didn’t wait. I shot up and ran toward the car. Maybe they were hiding. Maybe it was some cruel joke. I pulled open the back door so fast, my hands hurt.Empty.No backpacks. No lunch boxes. No tiny shoes. Nothing.They were gone.I let out a scream. A loud, painful scream that shook through my entire body. I felt like something had just been ripped out of my soul.“No… no… NO!!!”Ethan was behind me in an instant. “Carina, listen to me, we’ll find them.”I turned on him, eyes wild. “FIND THEM?! ETHAN, MY KIDS WERE TAKEN! SOMEONE TOOK MY BABIES! DO YOU GET THAT?! DO YOU?!”Ethan grabbed my shoulders. “Carina, look at me. LOOK AT ME.”I was breathing too fast. My chest was tight. I felt like I was going to pass out.“I swear to you,” Ethan said, voice firm. “We will get them back. But you have to
Carina’s POV I won’t lie… at this point, I was really pissed. The main reason I left my stepbrothers and my mom was because I wanted to be away from them. I fucking literally saw these guys a few hours back before I left my mom’s house. Like, how the fuck do they just want to come into my life by force? Can’t they just leave me alone?All these thoughts were swirling in my head, making my blood boil. I just wanted to be calm, to not overthink it. So, I sat down, trying to steady my breath.Ethan, being Ethan, got up and walked over to the kitchen. I could hear him moving things around, then he came back with a glass of water, sitting beside me. He handed it to me, his voice gentle.“Drink up.”I looked at him, then at the glass, then back at him. “No.”He sighed, shaking his head dramatically. “Carina, you need to hydrate. You look like you’re about to combust.”“I don’t need water, Ethan. I need peace.”“You need water more.”“I’m not drinking it.”“Wow.” He leaned back, studying me