Melissa’s POVAs I looked at my children, I could feel an unexplainable nagging sense of urgency that wouldn’t be ignored.Yes, Knox said I should hold off on treating his son, but I had a pressing feeling that something needed to be done for the boy—and soon.After spending time with my sons, I made the decision to head to the hospital. If I was going to treat Knox’s child, I needed to ensure that the facility was even equipped with everything necessary for the treatment. The last thing I wanted was to be caught unprepared.I headed downstairs and told the doctor to take me to the pack’s main hospital which was almost an hour away from the guest house.I would have to physically move the equipment closer for me to work effectively.The hospital was busier than I expected when I got there. It was a bustling hive of rushing doctors and nurses, far busier than a local pack’s hospital should be.As I approached the reception desk, the nurse on duty looked up, and I watched her eyes widen
Knox’s POVThe air in our bedroom felt suffocating with tension and a silence that felt more like the calm before a storm. I could already sense Susie’s growing irritation with me even before I’d opened my mouth to speak.She’d been on edge ever since Melissa’s return, though she didn’t know the full story yet so that was probably caused by the fact that I had been paying her less and less attention lately.Susie always became bitchier when I wasn’t giving her all my love and attention, even though I had a pack to run. But she was about to become even more bitchy when I finally told her the secret I had been hiding.Still, I had to tell her because the truth was bound to come out sooner or later, and I’d rather it be on my terms than through some vicious rumor or an unfortunate coincidence of them bumping into each other.But as I stood there, watching Susie fuss with her hair in the mirror, I hesitated. Susie caught my reflection in the mirror, and her eyes narrowing instantly.“What
Knox’s POVSusie stormed out of the room but I didn’t care because my mind had already turned to Melissa and the fact that she wasn’t coming to the dinner today.She’s always been beautiful, I suddenly thought, unable to stop myself. Her presence here had stirred up more memories I’d tried to bury, but they were impossible to ignore now that she was back.And though I hated to admit it, I really really wanted her to be there tonight—not hiding away because of me or because of Susie.I had already told Susie about Melissa now so there was no point hiding Melissa away.I made a decision then. I grabbed my phone and called one of the pack’s best designer and stylist. They were so good that they only ever made clothes for me, but I now gave them specific instructions to buy a dress for the woman occupying my mind.Within an hour, they delivered a stunning blue dress—one that matched Melissa’s eyes perfectly. I wrote a small note to attach to the dress, and had it sent to her room.The not
Knox’s POVThe tension in the air was huge, and it only grew thicker as Susie draped herself over Melissa, faking concern and affection.I knew Susie well enough to recognize her lies when I heard them, and tonight, she was laying them on thick.I mean she practically thrashed our room a few hours ago and kept yelling that her sister was such a bitch, and now this?“Oh, my darling Sister,” Susie cooed after finally releasing Melissa from the tight hug and holding her at arm’s length.Her eyes were gleaming with fake ass warmth as she eyed her sister. “I’ve missed you so so much. Do you know I searched everywhere for you after you left? Do you know how worried I was?. I just couldn’t rest until I knew you were safe.”Ok come on! This was clearly a show she was putting for our guests.I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and Melissa wasn’t buying it either; I could tell that just by the way her shoulders tensed and by how her lips pressed together into a thin line, though she kept her ex
Knox’s POVMy raging jealousy aside, Susie looked like she was about to choke in her drink just because Melissa was actually getting married, and her fiancée was rich.“How wonderful,” Susie said, her voice was extremely tight though. “But I was wondering sister—why didn’t you bring the children with you today? Surely they would have loved to see the festival.”Melissa tensed up immediately and her eyes flickered away from Susie for a moment. It was subtle, but I noticed it.She was very uncomfortable to hear Susie mentioning her sons, and I couldn’t really guess why. Sure Susie was unpleasant, but Melissa reacted like she had just heard a death sentence.But as I already expected, Melissa quickly composed herself and shot Susie a tight-lipped smile.“My boys are too young for this kind of event. I didn’t want to overwhelm them.”“Of course, of course,” Susie said, nodding as if she agreed, but the glint in her eyes told me she didn’t believe a word of it. “I can’t wait to see them, t
Melissa’s POVAs the doors slammed behind Susie, I stood there, trying to steady my breathing. The tension in the room was still thick, and I could feel the eyes of the pack members burning into my back, but I barely noticed.My mind was full of chaotic thoughts, most of them centered on the realization that time hadn’t made my sister any more mature or loving towards me.She didn’t regret what she did to me all those years ago. She didn’t regret throwing me out of my home or ruining my life, even though she knew that I was back to save her son.She didn’t care. She still hated me, and I don’t know why.It was painfully clear to me now—Susie had always hated me, and she always would. No matter how much I tried to stay out of her way or build a life for myself away from this pack, or save her sons life, her butter resentment was a constant fact I would never escape.And for what? For being the one who was quieter, nicer, who stayed out of trouble? Or was it for being the one who caught
Knox’s POVI stood in the hallway, watching Melissa’s beautiful curves disappear through the grand doors of the festival hall.The mere sight of her walking away stirred something deep in my chest—a feeling of longing and frustration. I wanted to follow her, to keep talking, to fix the mess that was our relationship. But I knew better. I knew Melissa wouldn’t let me in, not now, maybe not ever.That chapter of our relationship was closed.My fists clenched at my sides, and I let out a long, slow breath, trying to calm the tumult of emotions swirling inside me. If Susie found out I even thought about following Melissa, she’d probably scratch my eyes out. But it wasn’t just Susie.It was also the fact that Melissa had made it clear where she stood. She was trying to move forward, and so was I—or at least, I was trying to convince myself that I could.After a moment of standing there, stuck in my mess of thoughts, I decided it was best to retire for the night. I headed back to my quarter
Knox’s POVI stood in front of the mirror and adjusted my collar for what felt like the hundredth time. The suit was perfectly tailored, the tie neatly knotted, but something still felt off.I felt I needed to look perfect, I needed to look like I was good enough for her.I wasn’t sure why I was suddenly so concerned about my appearance, but deep down, I knew that at the end, it had everything to do with Melissa.As I stepped out of my room, Andrew, my Beta, passed by and halted to give me a once-over. “Woah, Alpha, who are you trying to impress? You look like you’re about to propose or something.” He teased.I shot him a glare. “Shut up, Andrew.” He was a little too close to the truth for my liking.My beta just chuckled and raised an eyebrow. “Alright, alright, calm down sir, I was just playing. But seriously though, I have not seen you this polished since… well, ever.”I chose to ignore him and walk past, but not before hearing him mutter, “Good luck with her, boss,” with a smirk i
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
Susie's POV“I have no idea what I’m doing,” I complain, throwing my hands up in frustration.We’re in the back of Melissa’s café. Sam’s sitting at the kitchen island, watching me wrestle with a lump of dough on a floured cutting board. And if I’m not mistaken, he’s struggling not to laugh.“This isn’t funny,” I grumble. “I’m not a cook, I’m not a baker – I’m not cut out to take over this place.”Sam raises his dark brows. “You didn’t want to move into the Pack House, and you didn’t want my money, which means you need a job to pay rent,” he reminds me. “And this is a job – a good one, actually.”“Yes,” I admit, conceding to his logic, “but I can’t do this job. I’m completely unqualified – both as a beginner and a pro.”We've already had this argument about eight times already, but it keeps resurfacing anyway. Sam knows I can't boil water without starting a kitchen fire,so I'm a little suspicious that he keeps pushing the cafe on me. I think he's trying to wear me down until I cave and
Melissa's POVThe day after we’re back home, Knox dives into back-to-back meetings that stretch from dawn till late evening. He barely manages to slip into Tyler’s room in time to read her bedtime story, and when he finally emerges about half an hour later, he looks completely drained.I’m in the kitchen, waiting with a glass of scotch in hand. But instead of reaching for the drink, Knox comes straight to me, wrapping me up in his strong embrace, his body warm and solid against mine. He buries his face into the curve of my neck, loosening my pinned-up hair so it cascades down, draping over him like a chocolate waterfall.“What happened?” I murmur, my fingers gently weaving through his thick hair.He takes a deep breath, pulling in my scent with a sigh that seems to ease his tension. When he raises his head, dark circles rim his eyes, but his gaze is as intense as ever as he studies my lips, leaning in to capture them in a deep, lingering kiss.When he's had his fill, he tucks my head