Carina’s POVI think I was getting drunk. I was trying my best to forget my sorrows and just drink to the point of oblivion. But guess what? It wasn’t working. The more the liquor burned its way down my throat, the sharper my thoughts became. My heart weighed heavily, my chest tight with the ache I had been carrying for weeks. I felt dizzy, but I kept my cool, trying to stay sane amidst the swirl of emotions and alcohol.And that’s when I noticed the cut on Rodrigo’s arm.“You’re cut, Rodrigo,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected.Rodrigo froze, glancing down at his arm. His dark shirt had a tear near the sleeve, and beneath it, a shallow but nasty-looking gash ran across his forearm.“It’s nothing,” he said dismissively, reaching for his drink as if that would end the conversation.“Nothing?” I echoed, setting my glass down a little too forcefully. “You’re bleeding. That’s not nothing.”Antonio’s voice came from across the room, calm but firm. “It’s taken care of, Carina. Don’t
Carina’s POVI woke up to a strange, heavy feeling in my chest. My body felt weak, as though I had run a marathon while my mind remained stuck in a foggy haze. The memory of last night came rushing back in fragmented flashes—laughter, whispered words, and kisses. My cheeks flushed as I tried to piece it all together.When I opened my eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window hit me like a spotlight. And there they were—Rodrigo, Antonio, and Miguel—still asleep, sprawled out around me. Completely unclad.“Damn,” I whispered, shaking my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. The events of the previous night were unlike anything I could have imagined. It was reckless, messy, and completely out of control. But the strangest part? I didn’t regret it. Not a single second.I scanned the room, searching for my clothes. My dress was draped over the back of a chair, my shoes somewhere near the door. I pulled the sheets around myself as I slid out of bed, careful not to wake them.“Damn,” I
Carina’s POVWe pulled up to the mansion, the gates opening with a soft creak. My mum and stepdad stood outside, their worried faces a stark contrast to the confident smirk on Rodrigo's face."Why are they like this?" Rodrigo asked, his eyes scanning the pair standing outside. "Do they think we couldn't really handle ourselves?"Miguel chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Yeah, they probably think we're still in school, right?"I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, Miguel. This isn't funny."Antonio grinned. "Come on, Carina. Lighten up. Your mum just wants to make sure you're okay."I shot him a glare. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one who got attacked on the way out of town."My mum rushed over to me, her eyes scanning my face. "Carina, darling, are you okay? We were so worried sick when we heard—"I cut her off, a snarl rising to my lips. "Oh, spare me the theatrics, Mum. I'm fine. Just peachy."Rodrigo and his brothers exchanged a look, their faces still smirking. "Yeah, Mum,
Carina’s POVAs I settled into the plush comfort of the living room sofa, my mind still tangled in the chaos of everything that had happened, my phone rang. Seeing Ethan's name flash on the screen made my pulse quicken. Thank God. “Sorry, y'all, give me a minute,” I said, shooting a quick glance at my stepbrothers and mum. They were still chatting about nothing important. I excused myself and rushed upstairs, closing the door behind me.“Ethan!” I answered, relief flooding my voice.“Carina!” His voice crackled through the line, warm and familiar. “Sorry I missed your call. I was at work and left my phone at home.”“How are the kids?” I asked, my heart pounding. The worry I'd been holding back spilled over. “Are they okay? Please tell me they’re alright.”“They're fine, I promise,” he said. “Liam and Leo are playing together, making a mess of my place, actually.”A chuckle slipped out despite my anxiety. “You always did have a way with kids, Ethan.”“Yeah, well, it’s all chaos and cr
Carina’s POVAs I took a deep breath, still feeling the weight of the earlier conversation, my mum’s voice broke the tension in the room. “Carina, sweetheart, can we talk about why you’re hesitating? I really just want to meet Liam and Leo. It’s been too long.”I shifted uncomfortably on the sofa, glancing at my stepbrothers. “Mum, it’s complicated.”“Complicated how?” she pressed, her eyes searching mine. “I didn’t think I needed to explain myself again. I thought we could move past the past.”“Move past it?” I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “You don’t get it, do you? You say that like it’s just a simple matter. You weren’t there when I needed you, Mum!”“I was trying to protect you!” she shot back, her voice rising slightly. “Do you honestly believe I wanted to push you away?”“Protect me? You didn’t even listen to what I had to say back then! I felt like a ghost in my own home!” I said, my heart racing. “How can I trust you with my kids when you shut me out for so long?”
Carina’s POV“I have put the necessary security in place,” he said, his dark eyes“I have security all around the premises now. I will make sure this doesn’t happen again.”I nodded, unable to muster anything more enthusiastic. “That’s really thoughtful of you, but honestly… I just came back to honor my mum’s request. I don’t belong here anymore.”“Don’t say that,” Mr. Kowalski replied, stepping closer. “This is your home. Why would you want to leave?”“Because I need to,” I said, my voice steady and calm. “I have made up my mind. This place is not mine anymore.”He frowned slightly, clearly not understanding. “Is it because of your company in the other city?” “No, that’s not it,” I said. “I’ve built a life there since I ran away. I love it there. I want to stay there.”Mum stepped forward, looking between us. “Carina, please. We want you to stay. We can work things out together. You and the boys have a family here.”I took a deep breath, pushing back the frustration. “No, Mum. You do
Carina’s POVI entered my room and sat down on the bed, my hands shaking as I attempted to gather my thoughts. I was trying to get organized. In all honesty, I had no idea why all of this was taking place. My life had been great, or at least as near to perfect as I could make it, until just a few days ago. I had a secure career, a small family of my own whom I really adored, and I was at peace. And what about now? It was all because I had come to attend my mother's party that everything began to spin out of control.My chest tightened as I stared at the wardrobe that was hanging on the wall, and memories began to come back to me. That closet was more than simply a piece of furniture. It was a representation of the grief and loneliness that I had been harbouring for many years. I could still hear Mum’s voice, icy and piercing, as she shut me inside for hours. She had termed it punishment. I had termed it torture. “Funny how life works,” I mumbled sadly. “One day, you’re a scared littl
CHAPTER 83Chapter 83: My Bullies, my Stepbrothers, My MatesCarina’s POVI'm off now," I said, even as I rolled my bag down the stairs. The sound of the wheels bumping against each step was the only thing keeping me from totally losing it."Wow, so you were serious," my stepdad said, his fork stopping halfway to his mouth. He was sitting at the kitchen table, a plate of pancakes and syrup in front of him. He looked amused—or maybe angry, I couldn’t tell."Yeah, I have to leave. Liam and Leo have really missed me, and I have work to attend to," I said sharply, directing the last part at my mum as she appeared at the top of the stairs.Her face was a mixture of anger and worry. "What is your problem?" she snapped, descending the steps quickly. "Do you have any idea what kind of danger you’re going into? Your dad is an Alpha! Let him tell you the best way you can stay safe!""Mum!" I shouted, my voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief. "I will be fine. Don't act like you care ri
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