RyderAlexei gives us a blank stare at first, but then his eyes flicker in acknowledgment. "Alice? I know Alice. What does she have to do with anything? She was just a quiet omega who was hired to watch over Esther," Alexei says."She has Esther's son. We need to find her so we can ask him about her," Ivy chimes in."He won't know anything. He was too young when Esther died," Alexei says, shaking his head."But Alice will. Tell us where she is," I demand. Alexei shrugs. "I don't know. My guess is that she went to hide in another pack."This is hopeless. We will never find her this way. Ivy turns to me, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. "We can't give up just yet. Maybe there are other pack members who might have more information about Alice's whereabouts or any clues that could help us find her."Alexei snorts. "Hah! Good luck trying to get them to talk while you held them prisoners.""We spoke to Alpha Markus," Ivy says.Alexei's expression changes from carefree to angry at
Ivy"I will help, but you will have to let me out of these chains and out of this dungeon," Alexei demands. Ryder grunts disapprovingly, but I smile. "Yes, of course. You can't help us confined like this."Ryder hesitates for a moment, his eyes narrowing with caution. "You're lucky I'm willing to give you this chance," Ryder grumbles but proceeds to unlock the chains.Alexei rubs his wrists, his gratitude mixed with a hint of defiance. "I won't let you down. I'll do whatever it takes to find Alice and bring justice to Esther's memory.""Where do we start?" I ask. "Alice was resourceful. If she's hiding within another pack, she's likely using an alias. I know some contacts who might have information about her whereabouts. We can start there," Alexei suggests.Ryder eyes Alexei cautiously but remains silent, acknowledging that we need him."Lead the way," I say, my gaze steady as I look at Alexei. "We're counting on you to help us find Alice."Alexei nods. "I know a few contacts who m
Ivy"Why do you all look so surprised? All of your senses are quite keen since you are werewolves, no?" Renard winks."Yeah, we can track pretty well, but we can't sniff out a missing person out of thin air," Ryder comments."And that's why it's a special talent for Renard," Alexei chimes in.Renard chuckles at Ryder's remark, his amusement evident. "Indeed, werewolves have heightened senses, but my talent goes beyond that.""How so?" Ryder looks at him curiously."I can look into people's minds and see their memories. Maybe I can see a memory about Alice and locate her scent," Renard says."How are you supposed to do that? Oh, Alexei! You knew Alice, right? Renard can look into your memory!" I exclaim."Eh, not really. I saw her once or twice. It's not like she belonged to my pack," Alexei says, shrugging.I groan. "Then how is he supposed to...""Hold on," Ryder interrupts me. "We don't have to ask anyone, Ivy. You are Esther."I look at him with confusion. "Huh?""You are Esther, r
IvyWe are back on our journey again. But this time, we are not searching blindly, at least. The details we've uncovered about the secluded cabin and Esther's son's face guide me toward him. We will see what happens next.Renard leads the way, his heightened senses guiding us through the dense forest. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we catch a glimpse of the cabin among the towering trees.My heartbeat quickens. Is this it? Will I finally learn everything about my former self? Ryder's voice breaks through the silence, his words reassuring. "This is it, Ivy. It's time to find out."I draw in a deep breath, steadying myself for what's to come. The cabin stands before us, a silent witness to the mysteries hidden within its walls."I don't know how to feel about this," I say with a shaky voice. I place my palm on the door. My head is suddenly spinning, and the ground underneath me feels unsteady.I feel arms wrapping around my waist and pulling me into an embrace. Warm breat
Ivy"Kaelan is hanging out with his friends near the river," Alice says. "He has no memory of his mother, so he won't recognize your face.""Even if he doesn't remember his mother, there might still be a way to reach him," I suggest, my voice filled with determination. I look at the three men. "Let's go find him."We walk the river where Kaelan and his friends are supposedly hanging out. My mind races with thoughts of how to approach him and introduce myself.Hello, I am Ivy. I am probably your mother but not really.Yeah, that sounds stupid.We finally reach the riverbank. I spot a group of teenagers laughing and joking around. Among them, I spot Kaelan. "That's him right there," I whisper to Ryder."How do you know?" he asks."I just know," I say quietly and stare at the boy.Kaelan has an uncanny resemblance to me. My heart skips a beat. And deep inside, I felt the connection between us. It went beyond visual recognition.Taking a deep breath, I approach the group with Alice, Ryde
IvyI tighten my grip on Kaelan's hand, hoping to intensify our connection. "Alice was there before Esther was hurt?" I ask him to repeat.Kaelan nods, his expression determined. "Yes, you were alive and laughing with me. Telling me a story, then Mom, I mean Alice, walked in.""Kaelan, I don't know what you're remembering, but I assure you, I would never wish harm upon Esther. I was there to protect both of you," Alice protests.Kaelan's words send a shiver down my spine. I exchange a glance with Alice.Alice breaks the silence, her voice filled with a mix of concern and confusion. "Kaelan, I understand that your memories might be vivid, but there seems to be a mistake here. I would never do anything to harm Esther, your birth mother."Kaelan's expression wavers, his gaze shifting between Alice and me. "I... I don't know what to believe. The memories feel real. I saw you coming in. You were smiling.""Then what happened?" I ask and keep my eyes on Alice."She charged at her!" Kaelan g
Ryder"What do we do now?" Ivy whispers to me.I look at her and then at Kaelan. The boy looks devastated as he watches Alice being taken away. But who can blame him?"Kaelan, you belong in a pack, and you are more than welcome to join ours," I tell him.Kaelan's eyes flicker with a mix of surprise and uncertainty as he absorbs my words. He glances back at Alice, who is being led away, and then back at me."I... I don't know," he says softly. "Everything is so confusing right now."I place a reassuring hand on Kaelan's shoulder. "I understand that it's a lot to take in, and you need time to process everything. But know that you don't have to face this alone. Our pack is a family, and we will support you through this journey."Ivy steps forward, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. "Kaelan, I may not be Esther, but her spirit is inside me. I will make sure you always feel loved."Kaelan's gaze lingers on Alice once more before he finally nods, a glimmer of hope shining in his
IvyMy voice trembles with a mixture of shock and confusion. I look at Ryder and then at the shaman, searching for clarity in his eyes. "Are you saying I'm pregnant?"The shaman nods, still smiling. "Yes, Ivy. Congratulations!"My mind races, trying to process the overwhelming revelation. "I... I don't understand. How did this happen? Ryder and I...""We mated and I put a baby in you!" Ryder chimes, his eyes sparkling with joy."That means I will have to raise a baby and take care of a teenager," I murmur.Oh my moon goddess. This is happening all too fast!The shaman's smile falters slightly, sensing my mixed emotions. "Ivy, I understand that this news may feel overwhelming and unexpected. The path of motherhood is a journey filled with challenges and joys. You have the strength to navigate this new chapter of your life."He is talking, but I am not listening. A thousand thoughts running through my mind. I never gave too much thought to being a mother. My whole life, I'd been focused