Knox’s POVI watched the doctors and nurses zoomed around the hospital with renewed energy, it was clear that Melissa’s mere presence and her short lecture had changed the entire atmosphere of the hospital.The staff that used to look like Zombies now worked with more focus, more excitement, as if her presence alone had brought hope back into this place. And maybe it had. After all, That’s what she did for me—she made everything better, just by being here.A part of me couldn’t stop myself from imagining what it would be like if she had stayed, or if she decided to stay. What would my life be like if I could keep her here forever.Without my consent, my mind began to fantasize about a world where Melissa wasn’t just passing through, where she wasactually a part of this pack—a part of my life. But I quickly pushed those thoughts away. That wasn’t going to happen. It couldn’t.She had made it clear that she didn’t want or need me and I had to find a way to be okay with that.But fuck it
Melissa’s POVI tried to focus on the charts in front of me, but my mind kept drifting back home. Back to Knox and the twins.I had sent Knox to watch the boys because I didn’t like the way Susie had been talking about them, i felt like the things she said were veiled threats, and her words lingered in my mind.For the first time in years, I felt a tiny bit of relief knowing Knox was with them. But that relief came with a healthy dose of anxiety too.What if the boys were saying too much to Knox? They were only five, but they were sharp—smarter than I sometimes gave them credit for. What if Knox figured our secret out?The thought of Knox discovering the truth about the twins being his sent a chill down my spine. What would he do? He could take them away from me, and there wouldn’t be a damn thing I could do to stop him. He was an Alpha, and with his influence and power, I’d lose them before I even got home.Painful fear began to build In my chest, making it hard to breathe. I glanced
Knox’s POVI paced back and forth outside Melissa’s door, furious at myself for making her so upset. I could still hear the way her voice had turned sour when she realized I had Sam investigated. Damn it. Why did I have to push her like that?“You upset our mate,” Hector, my wolf, growled in my mind, his voice thick with bitter disapproval.“I didn’t mean to,” I muttered under my breath, trying to justify myself but it sounded useles to my own ears. “I was just trying to protect her, protect the boys. I needed to know more about Sam—he seemed too good to be true yet with no information about him.”“You didn’t protect her, you made her angry,” Hector snapped back, not giving me an inch to breath. “Now go and make it right.” My wolf growled at me and I knew he was right but I didn’t know what to do.“I don’t even know how to start,” I admitted, frustrated with myself. It wasn’t like I could just walk in and say ‘sorry’ after everything that had happened between us. Melissa was too mad f
Knox’s POVI slid into the driver’s seat, still riding the high of what had just happened with Melissa. As Andrew started the car, my mind couldn’t stop replaying the moment. The way she felt in my arms, how her breath hitched when I pulled her close… How close we had been to kissing.I could almost taste her again, just like all those years ago. Her kisses had always been soft and sweet, with a hint of innocence. She’d been shy at first, hesitant even, but once she got comfortable, she became so eager. I couldn’t help but wonder how much had changed. She wasn’t the same girl I used to know. She was more mature now, more confident—more experienced.The thought sent a thrill through me, making it impossible to shake the fantasy of what could have happened if Andrew hadn’t been standing at the door.I imagined leaning in, closing that small gap between us, finally feeling her lips again after all these years. I could almost see it—her hands sliding up my chest, my fingers tangling in he
Knox’s POVI leaned back in the back seat, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of Melissa. Andrew’s presence beside me felt heavy, and I knew he was still watching me. I had to say something.“Nothing’s going to happen between us,” I said firmly, breaking the silence.Andrew didn’t say anything for a moment, just kept his gaze fixed on me like he was waiting for more.I glanced at him, repeating myself. “The plan hasn’t changed. She’ll go back home once she cures my son. That’s it.”He raised an eyebrow, doubt clear on his face. “You sure about that?”I clenched my fist a little tighter. “Yeah, I’m sure. She has a fiancé waiting for her. There’s nothing more to it.”Andrew nodded slowly, but then his lips twitched, and he gave me a sideways look. “Right. A fiancé. Waiting for her. Back home.”Jealousy flared inside me, unbidden. That man, Sam… She was his now, wasn’t she? I couldn’t stand the thought, but I forced myself to stay calm.“What?” I snapped, when I couldn’t take And
Melissa’s POVCleaning the boys’ playroom had always been my way of winding down. The repetitive motions—picking up blocks, straightening up toy cars, organizing books—helped me focus on something other than the chaos swirling inside me. But tonight, it wasn’t enough.I couldn’t stop thinking about Knox. About how easily I had fallen into his arms again. After everything he’d done. After he betrayed me and got Susie pregnant. After he banished me from my own home.I scolded myself, shaking my head. I couldn’t let myself be drawn in by him again. He had never really cared about me, only about what I could do for him. And now… now he probably just wanted to use me again.“But he seemed different this time*, my wolf whispered softly. “He’s been through a lot too…”“No,” I snapped back at her, my voice a harsh whisper in the quiet room. “You’re being gullible. He hasn’t changed. He only wants something from me.”My wolf whimpered, but I ignored her. The only thing that mattered now was pr
Melissa’s POVThe moment I rushed into the hospital, the scene that greeted me was pure chaos. The hallways were filled with people—some injured, some panicked, all desperate for help.Doctors and nurses scrambled in every direction, trying to keep up with the sudden influx of patients. The sounds of crying, shouting, and beeping monitors filled the air, making it hard to focus.My heart clenched as I realized how bad the attack had been. So many wounded… so much pain. A part of me couldn’t stop thinking about Knox. Andrew had mentioned he’d been injured.Was he okay? I shook off the panic threatening to rise in my chest and forced myself to focus. There were people who needed help, and I couldn't afford to fall apart now.A nurse rushed up to me, her face pale with worry. "Doctor Melissa, we need you in the Alpha's room!"My breath caught. "Knox? How is he?"She shook her head. "We… we don't know. He won’t let us treat him."Panic shot through me as we made our way to his room. My mi
Melissa’s POVI could still feel the weight of Knox’s arms around me, his strong presence calming the storm of chaos in the hospital. How had I let myself get swept up in that moment? Twice in one night, I’d lost my guard. I was supposed to be stronger than this—smarter than this. It had been so easy to fall into him, to let the past blur with the present. But I couldn’t afford to be that naive girl anymore.Being in Knox's arms had been wonderful—too wonderful. It was like nothing had changed. His scent, his warmth, the way his arms felt around me… My wolf had purred in delight, but the moment the council members arrived, reality hit me like a brick. Knox was still a married alpha. I was still a doctor with a job to do. And I had a fiancé waiting for me back home. No matter how much my wolf longed for the connection we used to share, I had responsibilities now. Responsibilities that didn’t include getting entangled with Knox.At least Knox was fine. His injuries, while severe, had be
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