Carina’s POV“In fact, I need to clear my head! If you’re looking for me, I’m upstairs,” I said sharply, my voice laced with anger.“Wait!” my mother called out, her voice unusually urgent. “I have something to tell you.”I stopped mid-step, my hand gripping the stair railing. I turned slightly, glaring at her. “What is it?” I asked, irritation dripping from every word.“I never fully told you who your stepfather is,” she said, her tone hesitant.At the mention of my stepfather, I froze. My heart skipped a beat, and I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean?” I asked cautiously, trying to keep my voice steady.“Come and sit down,” she said, gesturing to the sofa.I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest. “No, I’ll stand. Just say whatever it is you want to say.”She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Alright,” she said quietly. “But this isn’t easy for me to say.”“You’ve already dragged me into this mess, so just spit it out,” I snapped, my patience running thin.“Fine,” sh
Carina’s POVI was back in my room, I didn’t even know what to think. At this point, I started feeling like coming home was really a bad idea. Because why was all this happening at once? All these truths coming to me just now—like, why? What was I supposed to do with all this information? I was so stressed and tired that I felt my chest tighten with every breath I took.Even as I sat on the edge of my bed, the room spinning slightly, one thing became clear: I wanted to leave this house. I wanted to run far away and never look back. My mind was still racing when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. For a second, I stared at it, dreading more drama. Then I saw the name: Ethan.“Oh my God, the kids!” I muttered, snatching up the phone. I hadn’t even thought to call Ethan to check on my boys, Liam and Leo. Just because of all this drama...“Ethan, hey,” I greeted as I picked up the call, already feeling a small wave of relief wash over me. “Sorry I didn’t call earlier. How are they?”Ethan’
Carina’s POV“I’m just really pissed. I think coming back was, and still is, a mistake,” I muttered to myself as I yanked open my closet, pulling out clothes and tossing them into my suitcase without care.“I’m leaving this place first light,” I declared, my voice resolute even as tears rolled down my cheeks. My hands trembled as I folded a blouse, anger and frustration coursing through me like wildfire.The room was silent except for the rustling of fabric and the sound of my own sniffles. Each piece of clothing I packed felt like a weight being lifted off my chest. Still, my heart ached with each item I shoved into the suitcase. This house, this family, this… life wasn’t for me. It never had been. I wiped my face with the back of my hand, determined to hold myself together.Then, my phone rang, cutting through the oppressive silence. I glanced at the screen. Lina. My PA. For a moment, I hesitated. I didn’t want to pick up. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to talk to anyone. But w
Carina’s POV“Who the fuck!” I groaned, burying my head under the pillow as the loud, obnoxious ringtone of my phone shattered the peace of the night. “Can’t I just sleep?” My voice was muffled by the fabric, but I didn’t care.The phone rang again, louder this time—or maybe it just felt that way because I was already teetering on the edge of madness.“Gosh! Who the hell is calling me at this ungodly hour?” I muttered, peeking out from under the pillow. The phone was on the nightstand, just far enough that I’d have to physically get up to reach it.Nope. Not happening.I rolled over, pulling the blanket tighter around me. Yesterday had drained every ounce of energy I had. The emotional rollercoaster of truths, lies, and revelations had left me hollow. All I wanted was one single night of uninterrupted sleep. Was that too much to ask?The phone continued to ring, the sound digging into my skull like a relentless drill.“Okay, I won’t answer. Nope. I refuse,” I mumbled, turning onto my
Carina’s POVThe call cut off, and I was left staring at the phone, my hands trembling slightly. My mind raced, a whirlwind of fear and confusion. Who was that? Was it the same person who attacked me when I was with the kids? My heart pounded in my chest, and I swallowed hard, trying to push down the rising panic.“Carina?” a voice said, startling me out of my thoughts.I looked up sharply to find my mom standing in the doorway. I hadn’t even heard her come in. Her face was etched with concern, and she stepped closer, her eyes darting between me and the phone in my hand.“What’s going on?” she asked softly, but her tone held a firmness that demanded an answer.I didn’t reply. My throat felt dry, and the words were stuck somewhere between my fear and anger. I just stared at her, unsure of what to say.She frowned, crossing her arms. “Don’t give me that silent treatment, Carina. I heard the tone of that call. That wasn’t nothing. Are you being threatened?”I let out a dry laugh, though
Carina’s POV“Don’t worry, Mum. We’ll get this person,” Rodrigo said firmly, his voice calm but his eyes burning with determination. Even as he spoke, he turned to Antonio and added, “We’re going to ask Dad’s Beta for help. This is beyond just us.”“Are you serious?” I protested, my voice rising. “I’m not staying another day in this house! You can’t just make these decisions for me!”Rodrigo didn’t even spare me a glance. “Antonio, let’s go.”“Rodrigo, wait!” I tried again, stepping in front of him, but he brushed past me, his towering frame moving with purpose.Antonio hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between me and Rodrigo. “We’ll be back soon, Carina. Just stay here and keep the doors locked.”“Unbelievable!” I threw my hands up, my frustration boiling over. “You’re not even listening to me! I’m not some damsel in distress who needs protecting!”Rodrigo paused at the doorway, his hand resting on the frame as he turned to face me. “You’re our stepsister, Carina,” he said, h
CHAPTER 71Chapter 71 : My Bullies, my Stepbrothers, My MatesCarina’s POVIn no time, I was on the road, leaving the town. As I drove, all I could picture were the tears that filled my eyes. My chest burned with a mix of anger and heartbreak.“How dare she slap me?” I muttered to myself, gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. “Who the fuck does she think she is?”Memories of her face, twisted with regret after the slap, flashed in my mind. I shook my head violently, trying to erase them.“No! Don’t think about it, Carina,” I told myself. But the emotions wouldn’t stop swirling inside me. Anger. Betrayal. And beneath it all, a sliver of guilt I didn’t want to acknowledge.The road stretched endlessly ahead, the night swallowing the town behind me. My headlights cut through the darkness, but it couldn’t cut through the turmoil in my chest. My phone buzzed on the passenger seat, its light flashing persistently. I glanced over and saw Rodrigo’s name.“Of course,
CHAPTER 72Chapter 72 : My Bullies, my Stepbrothers, My MatesCarina’s POVI continued running, my breath ragged and loud in my ears. “Find shelter… find somewhere to hide,” I whispered to myself, panic thick in my voice. “Hope you can hear me,” I said again, holding onto the faint hope Rodrigo and Antonio were still on the line.“Hello? Hello?” I spoke into the phone, but there was no response. Just static.“Damn it,” I muttered, realizing the network had gone bad. The phone slipped from my trembling hand, but I didn’t stop to pick it up. There wasn’t time. Behind me, I heard their voices.“There she is! Get her!” one of the men shouted.“Fuck,” I hissed under my breath, pushing my legs to move faster. My heart hammered in my chest, and fear coiled tightly in my stomach. I didn’t know where I was going. I didn’t care. I just kept running.Everywhere around me was woods. The trees stretched tall and menacing, their branches clawing at the sky. The darkness felt alive, pressing against
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