Cara’s POVStaying with my brothers has helped me and the children feel safe, but we all know it’s not a permanent solution. I can’t stay cooped up forever, and the kids miss their rooms and the neighborhood.We’ve even had to pull them out of school. They have tutors and are still receiving the bes
Cara’s POV“What does your heart say?” Colin asks me.He must already know the answer, to be asking me something like that.Looking inward, there’s really no question.I’ve held a lot of guilt over the years over allowing Alaric to believe my pregnancy ended from that accident. At the time, to prote
Cara’s POVFor a moment, I stand there totally stunned and unsure what to do, how to continue, how to fully process what I’m seeing.Alaric doesn’t appear to be holding the woman in return, but I know that doesn’t mean anything. He’s not pulling away either. At least, not fast enough to signal his r
“It’s not what it looks like, Cara. Please. Just hear me out.”“I’m not sure what else it could be,” she says. “It’s very clear what was happening, even from this distance.”“This is a misunderstanding,” I say, very aware of how closely Colin is observing the scene. He looks ready to intervene at a
Alaric’s POVFury, regret, and guilt all filling me at once, I turn on Melinda. She’s looking at the door, where Cara just disappeared through, and smirking like this has all worked out for her in the best possible way.My anger intensifies. Who is she to show up and interfere in my life like this?
Alaric’s POVComing off the elevator, I walk briskly down to the room I use as an office. As I open the door, John stands from behind his makeshift desk.“Welcome back, Alpha,” he says, his eyes filled with curiosity, though he startles when he gazes at the woman following along behind me.The woman
“DuskWood needs heirs, Alpha,” says another elder. “You were attacked recently. We could have lost you. Without an heir, the entire pack would have been thrust into chaos. Surely you can understand that.”“Cara is the mate I want,” I say. “I will not be pushed into choosing another.”“Melinda is a g
Alaric’s POVThe first thing I do, after hanging up with the elders, is tell John, “Book a flight for Melinda and get her to the airport.”I don’t acknowledge her at all, even when she stands from the couch and attempts to approach me.“We should talk about this,” she says. “The elders agree making
Alaric’s POVWhen I left the airport, back in BloodyMoon pack, I anticipated having a run-in with one of Cara’s family. In fact, on the airplane, I guessed about who it would be. Someone, I knew, would want to come and talk to me about not hurting Cara again.Honestly, I’d be disappointed if no one
Cara’s POVEven though Alaric had ultimately agreed with my proposal to live together, his initial hesitation there had given me some pause. I had thought he’d be happy by the prospect of us cohabitating once more. Instead, he seemed reserved about the whole thing.I couldn’t imagine why he would fe
Cara’s POVAs soon as the words left my mouth, I watched Noel, waiting for the moment the pain struck him. I saw it, aching as his face twisted with discomfort.Quickly, he said, “I reject you too.”Then, at once, he exhaled, and the discomfort eased away. He placed his hand to his chest.“Are you a
Noel’s POVWhen Cara invited me over to talk to her, I knew that now was the time to take my shot once and for all. With the strain between Alaric and Cara that I had seen during my brief visit to her house that night, this seemed to be my only opportunity.My plan was to hear out whatever Cara want
Cara’s POVFor the rest of the time at the carnival, I felt like I was in a bliss-filled dream. Alaric, the kids, and I truly acted like a couple, and not just for show. Toward the end of the evening, Alaric even held my hand as we walked through the game stands, the kids taking turns trying their l
Cara’s POVThe longer we are at this carnival, the more I am certain that the kids were up to something. Like right now. I couldn’t prove anything, but it almost seemed like Mia dropped her ice cream cone on purpose.Alaric offered his at once, which Mia accepted. With a grin, she said, “You and Mom
“We are,” I said. “Tomorrow. Let’s do something tomorrow. We can bring the kids.”“Cara…” He seemed like he wanted to say more but held himself back.I was too tired to try to discern his meaning without words. “I’ll call you later, Alaric. After a nap. We’ll talk then.”His face was tight, but he n
Noel’s POVIf trying to have an enjoyable evening with Cara was awkward for me, then this situation had to be doubly so for Alaric. I could only imagine what he must have been thinking, as the three of us walked into the kitchen.Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think about his presence either. Wasn’
Alaric’s POVI knocked on the door to the house, unsure what kind of mood to expect from Cara today. Yet, when she opened the door, she seemed somewhat upbeat, if not a bit nervous.“Come in,” she said. “Thank you for coming.”“You don’t have to thank me,” I told her. “I’ll always be here for you. Y