(Almira’s POV)
I’m currently sitting at the edge of my bed with my laptop balanced on my knees, staring at the screen.
Lysander Hitwell.
Maybe it’s just me, but that name sounds so sexy like him. His name alone sends a chill down my spine, and not in a good way. Well, maybe a little in a good way. I don’t know. My emotions are all over the place right now.
I don't know how long I’ve been staring at my laptop. It’s probably long enough to call myself a psychopath.
The pictures on the business site don’t help. He looks like he just stepped out of a magazine—broad shoulders, sharp jawline, dark hair always perfectly styled. And those eyes. I can’t even look at them for too long without feeling like I’m shrinking into myself.
How did this happen? Of all people, why him? Why the guy who’s so far out of my league it’s laughable?
It was yesterday when I found out that I was pregnant. Now, I’m back here in my house, shoving my face with gummy worms that I found hidden in the kitchen cabinets. I think these are my dad’s—he likes to hide the good stuff from me.
I scrolled down, while my cheeks were full of sweet candies. There it is—his contact information. His office address. My heart pounds as I stare at it.
Rich’s greatest advice was to search him up online. The poor guy still has no idea who got me pregnant, but he’s been supportive. I promise to tell him the truth when things get better.
Right now, I’m just a little confused about what's the next step to take.
I shouldn’t have left that morning without saying anything. But what was I supposed to do? Wake him up and say, “Hey, great night. By the way, I’m just a random Omega who makes minimum wage and has zero plans for the future. Bye!”
Yeah, no.
I slam the laptop shut and toss it onto the bed. This is ridiculous. “What am I even thinking?” I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair. I can’t just show up at his office and tell him I’m pregnant. He’d probably laugh in my face. Or worse, call security to escort me out.
I still remember how he sided with my ex-boyfriend when he found us arguing. He even fired me!
But then, a nagging voice in my head won’t leave me alone.
“He deserves to know his baby.”
Rich really knows how to get stuck in your head like a fucking gum under the table. I wished I could just sleep and forget that Lysander Hitwell got me pregnant.
“Arghh!” I groaned, flopping back onto the mattress. “Why does it even matter? It’s not like he’d care.”
What if he really doesn't? Do I just walk out and be cool about it?
“Oh, okay. You don't want your baby? No problem.”
I can already feel the embarrassment sinking through me. This is what I get for asking for a bottle of whiskey instead of a margarita. I should have listened to that freaking waiter the first time.
As much as I hate having to see the man I badmouthed again, I still can’t shake the feeling that it’s the right thing to do.
Lysander deserves to know. Whether or not he cares about me, he has a right to decide if he wants to be in this baby’s life.
I can’t make that decision for him.
Besides, a little parental help would be nice. I’m his broke baby Mama with no job in her hands.
My stomach churned. “What if he hates me?” I whispered to the ceiling like it would talk to me.
The thought stings more than I expected.
It’s not like I have any delusions about us being some fairy-tale couple. The only reason that night happened was because we’re both under the control of alcohol. It’s not like he fell in love with me or something.
I know I probably sound like a lunatic pessimist, but I’m just being realistic.
I know what I am—a broke Omega with nothing to offer. But still…
I sat up and grabbed the laptop again, opening it with shaky hands. His address stares back at me. “Okay, Almira. You can do this,” I whispered.
Inserting the last gummy worm in my mouth, I grabbed my coat and sled my bag over my shoulder.
I head for the door with conflicting emotions inside. There's a part of me saying that this is a bad idea, but the other says it is the right thing to do.
Whatever.
Let's just do it.
“Alright, Hitwell,” I muttered under my breath. "Let’s see how this goes."
I just hope I don’t regret it.
*****
“You call this a building? This is more like a skyscraper!” I blurted to myself. I think a few walking people in the street heard me, but who cares?
I’m more busy dropping my jaw to this wonderful giant standing in front of me. I’ve never stood in front of one before, and I never thought I’d feel this small in a good way.
I stood on the sidewalk for a long moment, staring up at it like it's my first time in the City. Its silver exterior is gleaming in the sunlight, bright but not blinding, and the unique architecture makes it look like it belongs in some futuristic city.
This is owned by Lysander Hitwell?
I felt the pounding of my heart getting worse. One more luxurious thing I see, and I might just pass out at the facade of the MW Group building.
There are people moving in and out of the revolving doors like clockwork—both men and women in tailored suits, polished shoes clicking against the ground. They look so important, so professional. It’s very far from the environment I grew up in where a mere two inches heels and pencil skirt can make you look professional.
I clutched my bag tighter and took a shaky breath. Inside are all the proofs and evidence I could ever need to prove my pregnancy.
“You can do this, Mira,” I whispered to myself. I can't even convince myself with my small, skeptical tone.
Swallowing my nervousness, I stepped through the doors. I haven't even lasted five seconds inside, and I immediately feel out of place.
The lobby is grand—high ceilings, marble floors, a sparkling chandelier hanging above. I feel everyone’s eyes on me, or at least it feels that way. Maybe it’s my imagination. Or maybe it’s because I look like I just wandered in from the street looking for a place to piss.
I’m really too hard on myself.
I approached the security guard near the entrance. “Excuse me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Where can I find… Lysander Hitwell?”
The guard raised an eyebrow. His gaze sweeps over me, from my scuffed sneakers to my plain jacket. I feel the judgment in his eyes. He doesn't even have to say a word for me to know that he thinks lowly of me.
“You’re looking for the CEO?” he asked, like he couldn't believe it.
I cleared my voice.
“Yes,” I said, trying to sound confident, which I failed miserably because I think I heard my voice crack.
He huffed, clearly amused, and gestures toward the reception desk. “Talk to them. They’ll let you know if you can get an appointment.”
“Thank you,” is all I managed to say. I could feel my cheeks burning in embarrassment.
I was about to turn towards the desk and talk to the receptionist when something caught my eye.
Above is a large screen in the center of the lobby. It’s broadcasting some kind of important announcement that requires a big celebration. And there, on the screen, is Lysander’s face.
I froze.
His picture fades to a shot of him standing beside a woman. She’s beautiful, with long, brunette hair and striking features that make her look like a goddess. I think I saw her billboards on the road on my way here. She’s a famous model.
Below, the announcement reads: Congratulations to Lysander Hitwell of the Shadow Weavers Pack and Rachelle Lionheart of the Black Fangs Pack, the future Alpha couple destined to rule the werewolf world!
The blood drained from my face. I can’t breathe.
Am… Am I reading this correctly?
He’s getting married?
(Almira’s POV)How could this happen? I just saw him last week, and now he’s getting married?He acts like nothing ever happened between us. Like we didn't share that night. Or is it just one of hundreds of nights he spent with another woman? Nothing special. Just pure lust and sex.“Ma’am?" the receptionist calls, breaking my trance.I ignored her, and took a shaky step back, my gaze glued to the screen.Rachelle Black. Of course. She’s famous—beautiful, poised, a Beta from one of the most powerful Alpha in the region. Everything I’m not.I’m just a lowlife Omega whom he conveniently found attractive when he was horny from the alcohol.I feel sick.So, this is what he really thinks of me?A meaningless fling. Someone so insignificant he could forget me and move on in the blink of an eye.Without another word, I turned and walked out of the building. My steps are quick and uneven, my heart pounding in my chest, but that didn't stop me from forcing myself to stay as far away from that
(Almira’s POV)He’s Reginald Hitwell? How could I not recognize his face! He’s the ex-chairman of MW Group before Lysander became the CEO. This can't be real.My breath catches in my throat.He’s here in my house. What other possible reasons could it be other than the fact that his grandson and I did something we shouldn't have that night at the cruise ship.Does… Does he know?He tilted his head, studying me like I’m some puzzle he’s trying to solve. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Almira.”He knows my name.Of course, he does. He even knows where I live. I’m in so much trouble!My legs feel like they might give out any time soon. I have never met someone so intimidating in my life. His stares alone are enough for me to know that he doesn't like me. Then why? What brought him here?"How… How do you know my name?" I asked, trying to play dumb.He stepped closer, and I instinctively backed away, only to bump into the men behind me. I glanced quickly at them before turning to
“Abort the child. It’s nothing personal, of course. I’m simply protecting the Hitwell bloodline. We can’t have it tainted by… well…” His eyes flicked over me with disdain. “Someone like you.”I stared at him, horrified. “You can’t be serious.”“Oh, I’m very serious,” he replied smoothly. “You’re an Omega living in poverty. Do you really think you can raise a child on your own? And don’t even think about relying on Lysander. He has a future to protect—a future with Rachelle.”Tears pricked at my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “I’ll raise my baby,” I said firmly. “I don’t need anything from him. Or from you.”Reginald smirked. “How noble. But let’s not kid ourselves. I know you’ll use that baby as a weapon soon enough. I’m not stupid to let that happen.” He turns toward the door, signaling to his guards. “A car will fetch you tomorrow morning. You’ll be taken to MW Hospital. Don’t worry about the abortion cost. I’ll take care of it.”I stood frozen, unable to believe what I’m hea
(Almira’s POV)[The Next Day]“Are you sure about this, Almira?”“Yes,” I said, pursing my lips. “It was the only way. I had no other choice.”He sets the cup of hot coffee down, leaning back in his chair. “I know they’re powerful. But you didn't have to—”“They won’t,” I cut him off. “We did everything right. You were a big help. Thank you, Rich.”He opens his mouth to reply, but the sound of a loud, rapid banging at the door freezes us both.*BLAG!* *BLAG!* *BLAG!*My heart jumps into my throat.We don't even have to open that door to know that it’s Alpha Reginald and his men again. I know that they’d find us. They were watching me.Rich and I glanced at each other.He sighed as he stood, his body tense. “Stay here,” he said.I grabbed his arm before he could walk away. “It’s him,” I whispered.He looks at me for a moment, then nods. “I know…”I shook my head. I’m scared.Rich gently holds my hand.“It’s going to be fine. Trust me.”The banging continued, until we couldn't ignore it
(Almira’s POV)I sit on the couch with my phone pressed against my ear, biting my lip as I wait for the call to connect.No answer. Again.I sighed as I stared at the screen like I can will them to call back. It’s been weeks since my parents left for their so-called vacation, and they haven’t checked in once.Where are they really? Why do they have to leave for vacation at the time I needed them the most?Something about this doesn’t sit right with me. They’re not the type to just disappear. Especially not when I’m dealing with… well, this.I glanced up when I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I saw Rich walking into the room, carrying a glass of orange juice and a sandwich on a small plate.He’s really thoughtful.I remember he called me to eat lunch earlier in the kitchen, but I refused. Now, he’s bringing the food to me here in the guest room. Such a good friend.“Here,” he said, setting them down on the coffee table in front of me. “You need to eat.”“I’m not hungry,” I mu
(Almira’s POV)Announcing an unexpected pregnancy this year wasn't part of my plan.I bit my lip nervously.Dad always tells me to be careful when it comes to those kinds of things because we don't know when my fated mate will show up.I don't know. They always tell me that growing up—to wait for my mate.Well, that's before Liam betrayed me because I really thought he was the one. I just don't want to believe in love at this point.“Almira,” my mom cuts in, calling me by my real name, which just made things so much worse for me. “Does Liam know you're pregnant?”Rich and I glanced at each other.“He… He’s not the father.”“What do you mean he’s not the father, Almira?”“Uhmmm…”I hesitated, glancing at Rich, who’s watching me closely. “It’s… Lysander Hitwell.”Another heavy silence fills the line.I chewed my lips.I don't need to give them the complete details for them to know who Lysander is. His surname alone is enough to introduce how powerful he is.“The Alpha?” my dad confirmed
(Lysander’s POV)I sat quietly in the car. The engine is off, and I’m parked a little way down the street from the address Beta Mid gave me. My hands are gripping the steering wheel tightly as my eyes stay glued to the house ahead.I don’t know what I’m expecting to see. I don’t even know what I’m doing here. But Mid told me Almira was staying here. I gave him the order to track her because I needed answers.The documents my father shoved in my face keep replaying in my mind.I need to know if they’re real. If she really took the money and…I swallowed hard.It’s impossible, right? What kind of woman could do something so evil? It might not be long, but I know that she’s not the kind who’d kill her own blood. I’m more convinced that it’s my father planting lies inside my head again. He always does that to make me do what he wants.A few minutes later the door finally opened, and there she was. Almira.She stepped out onto the porch, clutching her bag like she was trying to hide someth
(Almira’s POV)“Hmmm…” I opened my eyes, and the first thing I saw was the familiar white ceiling. I blinked a few times, trying to remember how I got myself in here. Am I in a hospital?My body feels sore all over. And that’s when the car accident went crashing back inside my head. I felt my hands fly to my stomach in an instant, and panic grips me so hard it makes my breath hitch.“Doctor—someone, please!” I screamed desperately.“Mira, stop.”I didn’t listen to the voice, screaming.“Calm down! You’re going to hurt your baby!”And that’s when I stopped.Rich gently pressed me down on the shoulders to keep me from sitting up too fast. His touch was firm but careful, like he knows I’m already fragile. I looked at him with watered eyes.“Rich,” I gasped, gripping his arm. “My baby—”“They’re okay,” he interrupted before I could finish my sentence. His voice was low and steady as he softly wiped the tears off my face. “You’re okay.”Tears blurred my vision.Memories went crashing back
(Rachelle’s POV)They’re here.The twins. Almira’s children.I hear it from the servants before breakfast — whispered between dusting and folding towels. I’m sipping tea on the balcony, watching birds land on the railing like they know I’m in a mood.“Did you hear?” the younger one says, not knowing I’m listening. “The twins are back. Damon brought them straight to the Alpha’s quarters.”“Their mother too,” the older one adds, a little too loud. “She’s staying for a while.”I set my teacup down gently. The clink of porcelain is the only sound I allow.So, she’s here. Again.I rest a hand on my stomach, just enough to play the part. A gentle rub, a soft sigh. The baby bump is small, but it’s there. People soften when they see it. Men open doors. Women smile. It’s almost too easy.The first time I heard about the twins’ abilities, I didn’t believe it. It sounded like nonsense. Glowing eyes. Shadows that move. One of the servants even said Asher made a wolf go still just by looking at it
(Almira’s POV)The fortress looms just past the olive trees, half in ruins, half reinforced by tech that doesn’t belong in a place this ancient.Motion sensors. Night vision cams.No doubt, someone rich and dangerous has paid good money to make this dump invisible to regular eyes.We crouch behind the brush, breathing slow. Damon’s a few paces behind, watching the road. Lysander is too close to me for comfort.“You take the west wall,” I say. “I’ll go straight in.”He frowns. “You always want to be the bait, don’t you?”“I don’t trust anyone else to do it right.”“Even me?”“Especially you.”His jaw tightens. “You really think I’d let anyone touch our kids?”“I think you’ve lied to me before,” I shoot back. “You’ve made decisions like you were the only one who mattered. Forgive me if I’m not thrilled to hand you my trust again.”He doesn’t respond. Maybe because I’m right.I don’t wait for his reply. I slip through the shadows, cloak pulled over my head, senses tuned to every sound. M
(Almira's POV)We arrive in Italy just before sunrise. Damon’s driving like he’s got fire in his veins, but it still feels too slow. Every minute my kids are out there with God knows who is a minute too long.As we pull up to Lysander’s estate, I see him already standing at the front steps like he’s been waiting. Of course he’s waiting. Perfect posture. Blank expression. Just like always.I don’t even let Damon stop the car fully before I jump out. My boots hit the ground hard, and I march straight toward him.“You’ve got nerve,” I say, arms crossed, staring him down. “Standing there like you didn’t just have my children taken.”Lysander raises an eyebrow. “Almira, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”“Don’t play innocent. You sent Damon to sniff around them. You’ve been poking into their lives without telling me. Now they’re gone. You really expect me to believe that’s a coincidence?”His eyes narrow. “I didn’t take them.”I let out a dry laugh. “Right. You just *happened* to be
(Reginald’s POV)The silver cage stands stark against the dim light filtering through the trees. It’s a place of containment, a carefully designed prison made to hold creatures like them. I stride toward it, the weight of authority heavy on my shoulders. Inside, the twins lay unconscious, their small bodies vulnerable against the cold metal.I watch as my men secure the locks, ensuring that the cage is impenetrable. They’ve been prepared for this moment for some time, but seeing it in action brings a strange satisfaction. These kids, with their inherited powers, will be the key to my strength and influence.“What now, Alpha?” one of my guards asks, looking between the twins and me.I consider them, each breath they take a reminder of their potential. “We wait. They’ll wake up soon enough. I want them to understand the power they possess—and what happens when they choose to defy it.”Another guard steps closer. “What if Almira comes looking for them?”I wave my hand dismissively. “Let
(Reginald’s POV)“Hold him tighter, damn it. He’s just a pup!”The guard stumbles, struggling to keep Asher pinned. The boy kicks and thrashes like a wild thing, teeth bared, his little body sparking with power. Impressive. Dangerous.“Let me go!” Asher yells, his voice cracking with rage.The other guard grips Hazel, who is crying now but still managing to bite down hard on the man’s wrist. He curses, shaking her off, blood dripping from his hand.I step out of the shadows, expression unreadable. My coat flaps in the wind, and the twins freeze when they see me.Asher’s eyes burn. “You—who are you? Let us go!”I don’t answer. I simply nod to the handler standing beside me. He pulls out the syringe.“No!” Asher screams, bucking harder. The first guard yells as Asher’s claws dig into his side. Blood spurts out. “Alpha—he’s—he’s too strong—”I step in and grab the boy’s jaw, holding him still.“Sorry, little wolf,” I say calmly. “Can’t have you tearing my men apart before we even get sta
(Almira’s POV)My body feels numb. My mind is screaming, but I can’t hear anything. Just the sound of the car speeding away, carrying my children—my whole world—with it.I can’t move.No. That’s a lie.I don’t want to move.Because the moment I move, it becomes real. The moment I let go of this frozen second, it means they’re gone. Really gone.“Asher… Hazel…”Their names fall from my lips like a prayer. Like a curse.A growl rises from deep inside me. Low at first, then louder. I shift back into my wolf form, my silver-white fur glowing under the pale sky. The blood of the rogues clings to my paws. I look at the remaining ones surrounding me.They’re not even running.They want to die.“Fine,” I whisper through the link. “Then die.”I charge.Something inside me snaps. I don’t hold back. I don’t think. I tear through flesh and muscle like paper. My power lashes out from my body—violent, chaotic, barely in control. The earth trembles beneath me. I don’t know what I’m doing, only that
(Almira’s POV)I feel the shift before it even happens. My bones crack. My skin stretches. My vision sharpens as fur replaces flesh. My white wolf form bursts through with a wave of raw power. Silver streaks shimmer under the moonlight. The cold air bites at my fur but it feels good. It feels alive.I growl low, steadying my stance. They're here.The wild rogues.One. Two. Six… nine of them. They charge without warning. No strategy. No hesitation. Just blind rage. Teeth bared. Claws out. Madness in their eyes.I leap at the first one. My jaws clamp around his shoulder and I slam him to the ground. He yelps but doesn’t stop. Another wolf barrels into me from the side, knocking me off balance.I hit the dirt hard, roll, and rise again.They keep coming.I swipe. Bite. Kick. Blood splashes across the ground but they don’t slow down. They don’t even seem to feel it.They’re not just wild. They’re… wrong.“Asher! Hazel!” I turn quickly to check on the kids. They’re still in the car, wide-e
(Almira's POV)This is the right thing to do. I know that. I just hope that Lysander doesn't find his way to us. I can't let him have my children.The hum of the engine is the only thing filling the silence of the car. My hands grip the steering wheel tightly as the sun creeps higher over the trees. The twins are sitting in the back, unusually quiet.I know they're confused about our sudden plans to leave our house. I just told them that I'm pulling them out of their school to leave for a new place. It's not exactly something they wanted to do right now.“Where are we going again?” Hazel piped up.I glanced at her through the rearview mirror and force a calm smile. “A little trip, sweetheart. Just for a few days.”“To where?” Asher pushed. “We didn’t even pack our toys.”“It’s not about toys this time,” I said.“We just… need a little break from the city.”Asher folded his arms. “Is this about the new neighbor? The one across the street?”I blinked. “What?”“Yeah,” Hazel joined in. “Th
(Almira's POV)I shove another shirt into the bag, my hands working fast. There’s no time to second-guess this. Lysander is back in America. That means he’s no longer lurking around, watching us from a distance, waiting for the right moment to make his move. If I don’t act now, I might lose the chance forever.The room is dimly lit, just the bedside lamp casting a soft glow. My heart pounds as I fold a small hoodie and tuck it in next to the other clothes. The twins will need warm clothes where we’re going. It’ll be safer.I hear the door creak open, and I freeze for a moment before exhaling when I see Rich step inside. His hair is messy, and he’s rubbing sleep from his eyes.“They’re awake,” he mutters, voice thick with grogginess. “Why’d you tell me to wake them? It’s still early.”I zip up the bag and turn to him. “Because Lysander left for America. We need to move now.”Rich frowns, stepping further into the room. “You mean—you’re taking them to the base pack?”I nod. “I have to.