"My friend Sarah comes by most evenings," I said. "And I have neighbors who check in." "Call them," Dr. Winters insisted. "Today. Promise me you won't try to manage alone until we know how the supplements will affect you." "I promise," I agreed, touched by the doctor's concern. Outside the cli
Grace pov Beeping machines. The antiseptic smell of hospital sheets. A dull, throbbing pain radiating from the back of my skull. I opened her eyes slowly, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings and the harsh fluorescent lighting. A hospital room. I was in a hospital room. Memory returned i
"Would have helped if we'd started them sooner," Dr. Winters interrupted gently. "Grace, we're past the point where herbal remedies and rest will be sufficient. The mate bond strain is causing a cascade effect on your system." "What does that mean, exactly?" I asked, though part of me already knew
Liam pov The distinctive rumble of a classic V8 engine announced Alex Matthews' arrival before I saw my father's restored 1969 Mustang pull into the garage parking lot. I wiped my hands on a shop rag, frowning slightly. My father rarely visited me at work, especially unannounced. Yes, I took over
Liam pov The image hit me with unexpected force—Grace falling, Lucas in her arms. A cold feeling spread through my chest. "Is Lucas—" "Lucas wasn't hurt," Dad assured him. "Grace managed to protect him even as she fell unconscious. That's the kind of mother she is." The last words carried a poin
Liam pov Amber was surprised to see me mid-afternoon, opening her door in scrubs, clearly just home from her hospital shift. "Liam? What's wrong?" she asked, concern evident in her expression. "We need to talk," I said, following her inside. Amber's apartment was small but immaculately kept,
Liam pov She hung up on me, so I called her back. Once she answered, I tried to talk. "Mom—" "No, you listen to me now," Mom interrupted, her voice trembling with emotion. "That girl has never asked you for a single thing since your coma. She's respected your need for space, your confusion, ev
Liam pov Dr. Winters' office was located in a converted Victorian house on the outskirts of Fireside pack, far enough from the town center to offer privacy to her werewolf patients. The building was surrounded by towering pines, the forest providing a natural barrier between the practice and the n
Grace pov Good birthday," she declared with satisfaction. "Everyone's patterns were happy." "Yes, they were," I agreed softly. "Did you enjoy your party?" Sophia nodded sleepily. "The Balance liked it too. And baby brother." Her small hand reached out to touch my belly with surprising gentlene
I accepted the cake gratefully. Pregnancy cravings had given me an unprecedented sweet tooth, much to Sophia's delight. "How's our birthday girl doing?" "Currently explaining to her friends how the presents create a 'harmony pattern' when arranged properly," Liam replied, his expression filled wit
Grace pov **Six Months Later** The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the meadow behind Fireside pack house. Children's laughter filled the air as a small gathering celebrated Sophia's second birthday. The toddler presided over the festivities with a serene dignity that occasionally ga
Sophia considered the question seriously before shaking her head. "Not worry. It's the right pattern. The balance is happy about it." She adjusted another stone slightly, the golden light flowing to illuminate the new configuration. "Five is better than four. Stronger shapes." As if confirming her
I began to protest, but another wave of dizziness—milder this time—reminded me that Elena's medical advice wasn't merely precautionary. My body was indeed adjusting to significant changes, and pushing beyond its limits would serve no one. "Two days," I conceded reluctantly. "But I want regular upd
Grace pov Liam nodded, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Our children were never going to be ordinary, were they? Not with us as parents." I smiled as he looked into my eyes. Lucas was a strong werewolf with Alpha blood, and Sophia was a truth seer. Both were strong as hell.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice slightly hoarse. "You collapsed in the observation gallery," Liam explained, squeezing my hand. "Gave everyone quite a scare, especially the children. Tomas has been asking about you every fifteen minutes." I attempted to sit up, but Elena moved swiftly to prev
Grace pov Two weeks after the Children's Day revelation, the Balance Center hummed with renewed purpose. I had implemented a carefully structured program to continue engaging with the children who had shown connection to the Equilibrium, while the research division refined their understanding of h
Grace pov Liam, ever practical, focused on immediate implications. "How does this affect our response to reality-shapers? Does this expanded connection give the equilibrium greater range or power?" "Not exactly, power," I replied thoughtfully. "More like... expanded awareness. Greater understand