As we drove back toward the pack territory, the tension in the car was palpable, thick and suffocating. The boys were oblivious, happily chattering away in the back seat, but I could feel the weight of unsaid words hanging between Knox and me. I wanted to ask him what had happened on that phone call, to dig deeper into why Susie seemed to have such a hold on him. But I couldn’t bring myself to ask.Instead, I stared out the window, watching the trees blur by as we made our way back to the apartment.The drive didn’t take long, and soon enough, the familiar sight of the pack's territory came into view. My stomach twisted uncomfortably as we neared the entrance to the main grounds. Knox slowed the car to a stop outside the apartment.I turned to him, offering a faint smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. "Thanks for everything. For helping with the boys last night."He nodded, his eyes holding mine for a beat longer than necessary. "Of course."I didn’t know what else to say, and the s
Andrew met my gaze, his expression calm but firm. "It means you’re treading a fine line. You’re married, Alpha Knox and you told me yourself that she has a fiance. Luna Susie’s already asking questions, and if you’re not careful, this is all gonna blow up in your face."His words hit harder than I’d expected, even though they were true. They weren’t wrong—hell, I knew they weren’t. But it didn’t change how torn I felt. It didn’t change how every time I was around Melissa, something in me just...clicked. Like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.I let out a slow breath, trying to ease the tension building in my chest. "I know," I said quietly. "I know it’s a mess. But I’m just trying to help. That’s all."Andrew sighed, pushing himself off the car and straightening up. "I get it. You’re a good guy, Knox. You’ve always been the one to help out when someone needs it, especially when it comes to her. But you need to figure out what you want. You can’t keep living in limbo.""I’m not
MELISSA’S POVThe boys' laughter filled the small living room as they raced around the space, their boundless energy infectious despite the lingering tension that weighed on me like a heavy cloak. I couldn’t help but smile at them; their innocence and joy were a bright spot in the otherwise dark storm that had been my life lately. I moved into the kitchen, watching them from the corner of my eye as I set down their bags and began tidying up the space. The smell of smoke still clung faintly to the walls, a grim reminder of how close we had come to losing everything the night before.Tyler and Dylan darted into the kitchen, giggling and dodging imaginary monsters, and I forced myself to focus on them—on their safety, their happiness. They were my world now, and I couldn’t afford to let my emotions about Knox, or the situation I’d been forced into, take precedence over their well-being.“Alright, you two,” I said, trying to keep my voice light and cheerful. “Who’s hungry?”“I am!” Dylan
MELISSA’S POV“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Susie,” I said, keeping my voice calm, though my heart was pounding in my chest. I had expected this confrontation eventually, but not so soon. Not today, when I was already barely holding it together.She scoffed, her lip curling in disdain. “Don’t play dumb with me. Knox is my husband, and I know something’s going on between the two of you.” Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper, and the words stung like a slap. “Do you think I don’t see what you’re trying to do? Trying to worm your way back into his life? Into our life?”I blinked, stunned for a moment by the accusation. She thought… she actually thought I wanted Knox back? That I was trying to interfere in their marriage?“Susie, whatever you think is happening, it’s not,” I said, shaking my head, trying to maintain control of the conversation. “Knox and I have a complicated history, yes. But I’m not trying to—”“Save it,” she snapped, cutting me off. Her blue eyes were cold
She glared at me, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. For a long moment, it seemed like she might say something else, but then, without another word, she turned and stormed down the steps, her heels clicking loudly against the pavement as she walked away.I stood there for a moment, breathing heavily as the tension in my body slowly began to unwind. My wolf receded further, though I still felt her, simmering beneath the surface, ready to spring forward at the slightest hint of danger. The protective instincts that had surged to life when Susie mentioned my children were still pulsing through my veins, but I forced myself to calm down.It wasn’t until I was sure she was gone that I finally let out a long, slow breath.I turned back to the house, my heart still pounding. The boys were still inside, blissfully unaware of what had just happened. I opened the door quietly, stepping back into the warmth of our small home.“Mommy?” Tyler’s voice broke the silence, and I turned to see
MELISSA’S POVI sat down at the kitchen table, feeling the weight of the day pressing heavily on my shoulders. My laptop was open in front of me, the screen filled with the medical research I was reviewing for Michael’s treatment plan. Every few minutes, I’d jot down notes, my mind working through the complexities of his condition. The house was quiet, the only sound being the occasional giggle or thump from the twins playing in their room. It was peaceful for the first time in what felt like forever, and I allowed myself a brief moment of calm. The confrontation with Susie earlier still lingered in my mind, though. Her words, the threat against my boys, had set something off inside me that I hadn’t been able to shake. Even now, I could feel my wolf pacing, restless, protective.I closed my eyes and leaned back in my chair, massaging my temples. I had to focus. Michael needed me to focus. The boys needed me to be strong. I didn’t have the luxury of falling apart, not now.“Mommy?”I o
Sam's POVMy life has been entirely upended by the past 24 hours.I've always had such confidence in myself and my identity. How could I not be an Alpha, after all? I may not be the best leader or the strongest Alpha on the continent, but I've never had to be either.I was raised understanding my role in the larger order and have only ever needed to be a good leader for my pack. Wolves like Knox and Blaise Denizen may make me appear weak, but they are not your typical Alphas. Knox has a good chance of becoming as well-known as Denizen, who is almost godlike.I will never be able to compete at their level, but the fact remains I'm strongerthan every last member of my pack,which numbers in the thousands.I'd wager I'm even stronger than the shifters in the Nova pack. I've seen Knox's Betas in battle often enough to estimate their skill - it would be a close fight,but I'm relatively certain I would come out on top.Certain, the same way I was certain I was in love with Melissa. It's not i
It's finished.Melissa was marked by Knox. He is aware that the puppy is his.All of my best efforts, the money and resources I've squandered, and the effort I've put forth to keep them apart have been in vain. This partner will be stronger than ever because of Knox. His spirits won't be weakened by distractions, sadness, or grief. He'll have more motivation to fight, if anything. Now he has something to defend.I am utterly high and dry because Arabella has run away to the Calypso pack. My mother is the only ally I have left, and she serves primarily as a symbol. She started the conspiracy after Uncle Gabriel killed my father, intent on our family to have revenge and to see me take my rightful position as Alpha.She sent me to the best schools, found shifters to train me in one on one combat and battle strategy; she gave me all the tools I needed to succeed. She even set me on track to get a job that would permanently put me in Durand's orbit.As far as she was concerned, her part co