Alaric’s POVAfter hanging up the phone, I kept my hand on it, almost like I wanted to pick it up again. But who would I call? Cara? She wouldn’t want to talk to me, not about anything other than the kids, anyway. And the kids themselves were at one of their after school activities.Now that Mia fel
Alaric’s POVI should have known when Aidan told me where to find Cara, that he would be setting me up for disaster. Yet my foolish heart had longed to see her regardless and went along with what Aidan directed, hoping to catch sight of her.And I had. Through the window of the fancy restaurant, I s
Cara’s POV“Alaric,” I said with shock, surprised beyond all reason to see him standing there. I had been so convinced at the restaurant that I had dreamed him, that I had insisted Noel take me home early. I’d been too rattled to eat.Yet he was here. That could have genuinely been him I saw through
Cara’s POVThe next morning, at the brunch for the contenders of the Global Princess Competition, I arrived early, wanting to make a good first impression. Yet, even though I arrived early, I still seemed to be one of the last few to arrive.The others all turned to look at me as I shuffled through
Cara’s POVAfter the brunch, when the other contenders and I went our separate ways, I was left feeling a combination of annoyed and vulnerable.I still felt some jealousy about how that one wolf was talking about Alaric. All that she knew about him was that he was handsome, which was true, but she
Cara’s POVI tried to put the encounter with Alaric out of my mind, but it stayed with me even after I left the restaurant, and further into the week.As an Alpha, and as my former mate, Alaric had instincts to protect me that were stronger than most and hard to ignore. When I felt dizzy, he’d moved
Cara’s POVI was willing to do anything to get Lucy back, but this seemed like a longshot, even to me. Alaric and I had rejected each other years ago, and though some affection remained, I couldn’t imagine it would be enough to somehow heal me through our old bond.Still, Richard and Grayson were lo
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
Cara’s POVAfter the day I had, I hadn’t wanted to spend the night alone. My bed was far too big, far too empty, and my mind was still reeling, replaying all the terrible events that happened at the rehearsal.Everyone knew my secret now, it seemed. Some would undoubtedly feel pity for me, but the r
Cara’s POVWith the Global Princess Competition drawing near, I was running out of time to be able to shift into my wolf.Alaric’s closeness was helping. When I meditated now, I was so much closer to reaching Lucy. I could feel her so much closer than before. Yet, still, frustratingly, I could never
Cara’s POVWhen I had been Alaric’s lover in the past, back when we had lived together in DuskWood, Alaric as Alpha with me as his Beta, I had naturally been inclined to help take care of him. Partially, this instinct had been to fulfill my role as his Beta, but in other part, I had wanted to prove
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