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
Knox's POVWhen I eventually get Melissa out of bed, I pull Tyler's fat limbs away from our bodies and slip out from under the blankets, her eyes glimmering with barely controlled emotion. I pull the bedroom door close and carry my partner into the living room, tossing her over my shoulder.I jump on Melissa and lay her down on the large sofa, draping my body over hers and enjoying the sensation of her exposed skin against mine. Even though I know the Goddess made us specifically for one another, I'm always in awe of how well our bodies mesh.My hips were made to rest in the cradle of her thighs,and even though her smallsize sometimes makes me feel like some sort of giant, her little form fits so snugly in my arms I could happily carry her forever. And that's not to mention the glove-like embrace of the sleek channel I'm about to bury myself in.“What if she wakes up?" Melissa whispers in between kisses, her hands trailing over every inch of my body. She's exploring me as if she's af
Melissa's POVOn Mondays, the cafe is closed, but when Knox and I get there, the lights are already on and the smell of roasting meat fills the air. "You gave someone my keys?" I ask, my stomach growling in response, and I gaze up at my friend bewildered.He waggles his lips, "Just Donavon."I should have guessed. Donavon has always been an excellent chef who creates new recipes and meals whenever he can."Oh," I say as I unwind and greet the Beta.A disembodied voice returns mygreeting, and then Donavon's head pops around the corner, his shoulder-length salt and pepper hair pulled into a ponytail. “Dinner is just about ready-ten more minutes and I'll be out of your hair."I from,feeling uncomfortable that the older man should be waiting on us.Knox reads my expression and chuckles,"don't worry,he volunteered."He assures me, "And it's not just for us,he's packing up boxes to take to the apartment.""Oh good,"I relax a little,looking around the familiar space. All of the tables are bar
Knox's POVI leave the cafe after just a few steps before I decide to turn around. I have been avoiding confrontation with Melissa by tip-toeing around all night, but I am at my breaking point. I don't want to frighten my partner. I have a right to be upset, but I don't want to set her off and cause her to have a PTSD attack. In addition, fights are distressing. If you can't communicate your feelings for fear of hurting someone else, you can't have one in all honesty.Melissa jumps when the door skims back open, the bell hanging above it jingly wildly. I stalk back to our booth.towering over my beautiful mate withsteam billowing from my cars."How long?"What?" Melissa squeaks, eyeing me warily.“How long before you left did you know you were pregnant?" I demanded. My mate immediately drops her head, unable to meet my gaze. The moment she does I know I'm not going to like the answer to this question. "Answer me, Melissa.""I found out the day before our anniversary." When she looks ba
Melissa's POVOh Goddess, why did I just say that?At the time, it seemed like a decent idea. My fire ignited with a vengeance as Knox watched me with that predatory glimmer in his eye. After just one glance, I exploded, my body engulfed in flames of passion that drove all rationality out of my mind.Luna overcame me, ordered me to say whatever it took to get him to claim me, and persuaded me that I needed him more than I needed oxygen. As if he wasn't already furious enough, I just questioned him and told him that he hadn't fulfilled his role as my partner.I regretfully tell Luna that I didn't have to agitate him because he was going to rut me anyhow.Yes you did, his wolf needs this and so do I she insists.She's right, I realize, and she's not alone in her desires. I need to feel Knox's dominance, I need to feel his possession so deeply that it permanently brands my soul.Knox's eyes flash and the next thing I know I'm spinning, turning to face the table. Knox clears the surface