ALPHA KNOX’S POV“What kind of call?” I asked, my voice tight, trying to hide the tension coiling inside me. My mind raced through every possible scenario—none of them good. But Andrew wasn’t the type to bring me nonsense, so whatever he had to say was important. Urgent, even.Andrew glanced around the room, as if double-checking that no one else was listening, even though the door was firmly shut. “The doctor seemed excited,” he began. “I couldn’t hear the whole conversation, but he rushed out right after he got the call. It was something about the new medicine regimen—the one Melissa developed.”I froze. The new regimen. The one that was supposed to be the answer to everything. The one I was hoping would save my son and injured pack members.Andrew continued, his eyes never leaving mine. “I couldn’t make out all the details, but the way the doctor was acting... it seemed like good news. Or at least, that’s what I hope.”My heart pounded harder in my chest. Good news? That was someth
ALPHA KNOX’S POVMelissa sighed softly, motioning for me to sit down, though I ignored the gesture. I remained standing, arms crossed over my chest as I waited for her explanation.Melissa shifted slightly, closing the file on her desk. I could see the hesitation in her eyes as she prepared to explain herself. She knew what was coming, and so did I. I wasn’t about to let her dance around the subject.“The regimen I developed,” she began carefully, “was designed specifically for the injured pack members. Those who were physically harmed in the attacks.” Her voice was measured, but I could feel the tension building between us.“And Michael?” I pressed, my tone sharp. “He’s not injured, but he’s still lying in that hospital bed, barely hanging on.”Melissa nodded, clearly aware of the storm she was about to step into. “Michael isn’t injured, Alpha. He’s sick. His condition is different from the others. The regimen I formulated was tailored to help with the healing process of wounds and i
MELISSA’S POV“Do you remember?” Alpha Knox asked.I blinked, taken aback. “Remember what?”“That night, six years ago,” he said slowly, my voice softening. “When I was sick. You took care of me.”My lips parted in surprise and I didn't even care that Andrew left the office quietly.I remembered the night he was talking about. The night he had fallen ill and I had taken care of him all through the night.The fever had come on so suddenly, turning the strong, imposing Alpha into a vulnerable man lying in my bed, trembling with chills and burning with heat. I could still picture him, his normally confident demeanour replaced by confusion and discomfort, as he shifted restlessly beneath the sheets.I could picture it so clearly: the way I had slipped out of bed and into the small kitchen, the soft light of the overhead bulb casting a warm glow on the countertops. My heart raced as I rummaged through the cabinets, knowing I had to make him feel better. The smell of chicken soup filled the
MELISSA’S POV“That I can’t say with certainty,” I continued, feeling the weight of his question. “Michael’s body has been through a lot, and while I’m hopeful, there’s no way to predict exactly how he’ll respond to treatment. We’ll need to be patient and give it time.”Knox frowned, clearly not pleased with the uncertainty. “But if anyone can make a difference, it’s you,” he said, his tone softening, yet still carrying the weight of expectation. “I’ve seen what you can do.I glanced down, my heart beating faster. His words, though reassuring, placed an even greater burden on my shoulders. “I’ll do my best, Knox, but I need you to understand that recovery is not always a straight path. There could be setbacks, complications… Michael’s situation is complex.”“I know,” he said quietly, his voice low, as if he was admitting it more to himself than to me. “But we have to try.”“We will,” I promised, my voice firm. “But you need to be prepared for all outcomes. It’s a process, and it could
MELISSA’S POVBefore I could move, Knox was already out of the truck, running toward the front door. “Stay here!” he shouted over his shoulder.But there was no way I could stay still. Ignoring the burn in my chest, I sprinted after him. “Knox, wait!” I yelled.He ignored me, throwing the door open and disappearing inside. The smell of smoke hit me like a wall, thick and suffocating, but all I could think about were my boys.I rushed toward the side of the house, my eyes scanning frantically for them. Relief flooded through me when I saw Dylan and Tyler huddled together by the tree in the front yard, their little faces streaked with tears.“Mom!” Dylan cried, running toward me with Tyler close behind.I dropped to my knees, pulling them both into my arms. “Oh, thank God,” I whispered, holding them tight. “You’re okay. You’re okay.”“We were so scared, Mom,” Dylan sobbed into my shoulder.“I know, baby. I know.” I kissed the tops of their heads, fighting back my own tears. “You did the
MELISSA’S POVThe cleanup began with Knox and the boys energetically pulling chairs away from the kitchen table and wiping down counters, while I hesitated near the entrance, unsure of how to express my gratitude without sounding like a broken record. The smell of smoke still lingered in the air, clinging to the walls and furniture, making the whole place feel heavy.“You sure you want to do this?” I asked Knox as he leaned down to scrub the floor, his broad shoulders straining against his shirt. “You really don’t have to. I can handle it from here.”He glanced up, giving me a quick, reassuring smile. “I’m not going anywhere until this place is back in order,” he said simply. “Besides, it’s kind of fun watching the boys act like they know what they’re doing.”I looked over to see Dylan and Tyler, armed with sponges and small towels, scrubbing at the chairs with all the seriousness they could muster. It was a sight that made me smile despite everything. They were trying to make up for
His face darkened at the mention of her—Susie, my stepsister, and Knox’s Luna. His wife. The woman who had made my life a living hell for as long as I could remember. The idea of walking into that house and facing her, with my boys no less, made my stomach churn."Melissa…" Knox began, but I held up a hand, stopping him.“I’m not going to expose them to her,” I said firmly, my jaw clenching as I thought of Susie’s sneering face and her biting remarks. "I won’t let her spew her venom around them."Melissa…" Knox said again, but I would not listen.I shook my head, frustration building. He didn’t get it. How could he? He had no idea about the storm brewing in my head, the fear of what could happen if anyone at the pack house got a good look at the boys—especially Susie. It wouldn’t take long for someone to notice how much Dylan and Tyler resembled Knox, how their eyes and smiles mirrored his. And if anyone figured it out… if Susie figured it out…"I wouldn’t let her anywhere near you or
MELISSA’S POVI stared into my tea, watching the steam curl up into the air, trying to find the right words. "I know," I said quietly. "But... I still feel like I owe you. You’ve done so much for us. More than I ever expected."Knox leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked at me, his expression serious. "You’ve always been important to me, Melissa. Always."“Don’t Knox… just don’t…”Knox’s eyes narrowed slightly, and his jaw tightened. “Why do you do that?” he asked, his voice low but firm.“Do what?” I shot back, feeling the tension building in my chest. I didn’t want to go down this road with him, not tonight. Not ever.“Pretend like there’s nothing between us,” he said, his gaze locking onto mine. “Like what almost happened in your office today didn’t mean anything.”My heart skipped a beat at his words. The kiss. The almost-kiss. I had tried to shove it out of my mind all day, but now that he had brought it up, the memory came rushing back—the way he had looked
Knox's POVAfter a frustrating and unproductive trip to the security offices, where we uncovered nothing but twelve hours of blacked-out camera footage from the night the paternity test was conducted, my betas and I made our way up to the chief physician's office on the tenth floor.Now, we stand in the doorway of his corner suite, carefully observing the doctor's reaction to our sudden appearance, only to find him with a blank expression.Seated behind his desk, he has his polished loafers casually resting on the sleek wooden surface, a takeout container resting in his lap. It's been a while since I last saw him, and despite the fact that he's only a few years older than me, I can't help but notice the toll time has taken. His dark hair now has a few streaks of gray, and the lines around his eyes and mouth are more pronounced than I remember.“Alpha, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Dr Kane greets me, barely looking up from his lunch.As far as Alpha's go, I've also considered myself
Melissa's POVKnox is driving me crazy.It’s barely evening, and here we are—already tucked into bed. We don’t even have my heart to blame for this rush anymore; that excuse ran its course days ago. But you'd never guess that from the way Knox is behaving. It's as if we're teenagers again, caught up in the chaos of our own desire. Though, I can’t say he's entirely at fault—every time his hands are on me, I seem to lose all control, melting into him.I know it might sound like I'm frustrated, but honestly, I’m just trying to process everything that’s happened recently. I’m not upset about having this incredible Alpha showering me with affection. I just don’t quite know how to handle all these overwhelming changes.Knox pulls me closer, wrapping himself around me like the softest blanket, his massive frame offering comfort as his lips graze my skin. “Goddess, I love you,” he murmurs, pressing his face into my neck."I love you too," I whisper, smiling widely. “Even if you don't listen t
Melissa 's POVI’m starting to wonder if my mother gave me the wrong secret. Granted, she shared the most important one—the scariest, too—but she really buried the lead. Sure, my blood can grant eternal life, but that’s not much help while it’s still coursing through my veins. On the other hand, learning I can hypnotize people would have been a much more practical secret to know sooner.Odette’s history books are far from complete, and half of what they claim sounds more like myth than fact. Still, there’s enough solid evidence to convince me of certain things. For example, I’m skeptical of the thirteenth-century zealot who supposedly figured out how to become invisible, but I’m more than willing to believe the hundreds of accounts describing how Volana wolves could use moonlight to amplify their powers.I can't believe I never knew any of this.I marvel, scanning through ancient censuses listing the names of my ancestors.I can. Luna rolls her eyes, I mean when would we have had the o
Knox's POV"Go!" Melissa commands, her body poised in a defensive stance."I can't," I mutter, frustration lacing my words. "This doesn’t feel right."We stand in the middle of the garden, the manicured grass stretching out between us. About ten meters separate us, and I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. Melissa, dressed in workout gear, meets my gaze with a mix of patience and exasperation. On the sidelines, Aiden and Donovan watch, grinning widely as if the whole thing is some kind of game—though nothing has even happened yet."Attack me!" she urges, arms outstretched in an open challenge."Melissa, I really don’t think this is a good idea—""Knox, you promised!" She cuts me off, her voice insistent. I know she’s been trying to convince me to do this for weeks, but I still have doubts. Axel and I would never intentionally hurt her, but there’s always a risk. A slip, a misstep, even a half-hearted strike could go wrong.“This is dangerous." I gripe, "what if it doesn't wo
Melissa's POV"Knox, you're being completely unreasonable."He stands across from me in the kitchen, sunlight streaming in behind him, his arms folded tightly across his chest, and that familiar, stubborn scowl on his face. After everything that happened last night, he's been on edge, hovering around me like a hawk. This morning, I had to actually kick him out of the bathroom just to get a moment of privacy, and now he's digging in his heels, refusing to go to work."Can you blame me?" he snaps, his voice low and edged with frustration.I get it, I do. He's tired. We didn't get to bed until nearly four this morning, and with a young pup running us ragged, there’s no chance of sleeping in. If he were staying home to rest and recharge, I might be more sympathetic. But that’s not it."We've got to figure out a way to get past this,”I sigh, feeling emotionally drained."We can't change what happened,but we can't let it take over our lives either.You have to go to work, I've got to take Tyl
~ Arabella ~The Calypso Pack House stands as the grandest structure I've ever encountered. Its size dwarfs the Nova Pack House by at least three times, and if not for the imposing walls of defense encircling the marble giant, one might mistake it for a lavish resort. Perched atop a hill in the heart of Tartarus, the capital city, the mansion commands the landscape.It’s clear that the architect had one goal in mind: to ensure the Alpha could always look down upon his subjects, keeping them under his constant surveillance and reminding them, unceasingly, of their position beneath him.Glorious. I think wistfully, finally, a true Alpha.The entire city makes Elysium look like a third world slum. While the Noyas seem content to remain living in the past - preserving ancient buildings.outdated traditions and muddy forests -Tartarus was built with only strength in mind.The city's towering border walls keep out any undesirables, and the few that slip through the cracks are dealt with in s
My heart pounding with sudden panic, I jump a foot in the air and yell softly. I find a very big, very irate Alpha standing over me as I spin around and brace myself against the sturdy doors.Knox exudes displeasure with his arms folded across his chest, his mouth set, and his glittering eyes narrowed in rebuke.My cheeks burn bright pink, and I withdraw away from him, trembling with guilt. "How did you do that in the name of the Goddess?"Ignoring me, he covers my nape with one strong hand."Little wolf, what have you to say for yourself?"My first astonishment has already passed, and I understand that I have no cause for guilt. I straighten up and give my friend my sternest look, saying, “I'm entitled to know what's happening”.Knox warns, "Don't eavesdrop, and then knock on the door and enter.”“If I was in there you wouldn't have spoken openly,"I argue.“You came down here specifically so I wouldn't hear. Sam called you instead of me because he didn't want me to know either-right?”"
Whoever came up with the idea of stilettos clearly had a cruel streak.I’ve blocked out most of the painful details of these wretched pack events, but now that I’m here again, I’m reminded just how miserable it is to be trapped in high heels for hours. But, of course, as the Alpha’s mate, I have to look the part—no room for comfort in that. I have to squeeze myself into constricting designer clothes and strap what could only be described as torture devices to my feet just to be taken seriously.Sure, I’ll admit I look great—but at what price?Meanwhile, Knox has it easy. He stands beside me, as effortlessly stylish as ever in the same black suit he wears to every event. And there I am, struggling to breathe in a cocktail dress so tight and full of straps and cutouts, I needed a map just to put it on.Tyler's silver and black party dress matches mine in color, if nothing else.She looks absolutely adorable, and she's already stolen the spotlight from both Knox and I- rightly so. It seem
Melissa's POVSam’s grim face stares back at me from the tablet, his last words echoing in my mind, refusing to fade.This doesn’t make sense.“Maybe we misunderstood,” Luna suggests, her voice tinged with uncertainty.But I know we didn’t. His words were crystal clear, and the look on his face tells me this is no joke. He’s just as confused as I am, but where I linger in disbelief, he’s already jumping to the worst possible conclusion.The door opens, and Knox steps in. Instantly, Tyler bolts across the room, her little voice ringing out, “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!”With a grin, he scoops her up, tossing her into the air. Her delighted shrieks fill the room. “Tyler, Tyler, Tyler!” he echoes, flipping her over his head a few more times before pulling her close, her small form resting against his chest as he presses a kiss to her forehead."Daddy, we went to da woods! She exclaims, launching into her account of the day."The trees were so big they touched the sky!" Tyler has seen forests bef