I sigh, arms crossed, as I watch the cars pull away with my boys, saying a silent prayer. In my heart, I know Victor will keep them safe, but still – a mother’s fears run deep. After the car moves out of my sight I turn and head back into my house, shifting into counselor mode. I wasn’t kidding whe
“That’s normal,” I say, peering at it. “Wolf wounds work faster, it’s in the saliva.” She nods and turns again to me, a tremor of fear in her voice. “Am I…am I going to turn into a wolf now?” she asks, slowly. “Like…like a werewolf?” “No, Susan,” I say, laughing kindly. “You’ve watched too many m
I breathe deeply through my nose as rage takes over the terror in my body. Emily. Frickin. James. God, I thought I was finally finished with her drama – but apparently, she’s still out to ruin my life. Six months ago, I was having a totally normal therapy session with Emily’s boyfriend Keith, a Bet
“Okay,” says Ty, flipping a switch. A green light turns on. “The client has asked for a short pre-processing meeting in advance to make sure that you’re a good fit.” “All of this stuff,” she waves a hand over the electronic mess, “ensure that you can’t trace him, and that both of your voices will b
Finally, after what feels like an endless list of my credentials, I get Victor talking about his goals for the sessions use the opportunity to quietly freak out. I put my hand over the phone’s receiver and turn my face away, breathing deeply as my mind spins, trying to figure out my next step. I sh
“The client wants to stay remote for the foreseeable future, and anonymous, until he feels really comfortable. Some of these celebrities never want to reveal their identities, despite all the nondisclosures you’ve signed and will continue to sign.” She tucks her phone away and shrugs. “I get it, the
When Victor opens the door, I burst out laughing. I can’t help it. Before me stands one of the most powerful Alphas in the country, his shirt covered in stickers and juice stains, glitter on his face and even a little purple marker smudged across his chin. He scowls at me mightily, filling up the
The boys rush off, relief clear on their faces. They think they’ve gotten away with it. “How do you do that,” Victor says, shaking his head as he watches them run away. “they…listened to you. Responded in clear, human English…” “Oh they’re not so bad,” I say. “You just have to stay one step ahead
“Me me me,” he says, hardly able to contain his excitement. “My turn, mama. Please.” And he looks down, again, at his little girl. “Well,” I say, shifting her in my arms and leaning forward so Ian can better see her face. She frowns in her sleep, squirming a little and making me smile. “I was think
Several hours later, I’m changed and curled up more comfortably in my bed with Victor by my side, a baby in each of our arms, and our boys curled up like puppies at the end of the bed. Archie is on the bed too, cuddled between them. We sit quietly together, all still focused on the two little babie
“It’s all right, doctor,” I say, giving her a little smile and nodding towards the boys. “We found them.” “Oh my god,” she says, shaking her head and placing a hand over her heart. Then she frowns at them. “How did they…” “Window,” Victor says, gesturing towards it and sighing. “It’s all right. Th
“Come on, Evelyn,” the doctor says confidently as Victor squeezes my hand, his eyes darting between my face and the first baby, which the doula is now wrapping in her first swaddle. “One more push, and then you’ll be done, and you can hold your little girls.” “Okay,” I huff, sitting up and shifting
Slumped on the couch, Ian heaves a gigantic sigh. “What is taking so long,” he mutters, glaring angrily at the steps as if they’ve personally offended him. “You knew it would take a while,” Bridgette murmurs, running a hand over Ian’s soft brown hair and smiling fondly at her nephew. She sighs and
“Oh my god,” Victor gasps, instantly wide awake. “Oh my god,” he says again, grabbing my face and searching it like it has answers. “Are you – are you okay?” “Yes,” I say, nodding but then belying my answer with an immediate moan. I grit my teeth, my hand going to my stomach as I weather the contra
And between them, my three Alphas have kept me sane. Even though every other part of the end of this pregnancy has worked hard against that sanity. Very, very hard. Even though the TV is on, capturing both of our attention, Ian very suddenly turns his head towards my stomach, like a dog hearing a w
As it turns out…I cannot. I cannot spend 3 months in bed, waiting for my babies to be born. Two and a half months later, I’m basically climbing the walls, I’m going so crazy sitting here in this bedroom, waiting for my little girls to be born. I’ve done it this long, though. I’ve stayed in my bedr
“Why?” Victor asks, suddenly serious in the sea of merriment. “Evelyn, why aren’t you here? What’s wrong?” “Um…” she says, her eyes glancing away awkwardly. “Because…I went into early labor…and I’ve been put on bedrest…” The tablet cracks as it falls to the floor. Rafe gasps, reaching down for it