[--Esmarie Cruz--]After psyching myself up, I finally started to move towards the staircase.I jogged up the steps, my breath quick and shallow from the exertion, my heart pounding in my chest as I made my way to the office. I had no idea what Kaiser had in store, but I had a feeling it was going to be something out of the ordinary. As I approached the door, I saw him standing outside, his arms crossed over his chest, his dark eyes fixed on me with that knowing, almost mischievous look. He didn’t say anything at first, just stood there, a quiet presence that made me feel like I was being watched more closely than usual.“What’s the surprise?” I asked, trying to keep the curiosity out of my voice but failing miserably.Kaiser’s lips curled into a subtle smile, his eyes flicking to the side before he nodded toward the hallway. “It’s on the roof. Come.”I raised an eyebrow at him. “The roof?”He didn’t respond with words but instead turned on his heel, heading down the hall with purpose
[--Esmarie Cruz--]We lingered on the rooftop a while longer, letting the quiet of the night sink in, a silence that seemed to speak louder than any conversation we might’ve had. Kaiser leaned back, eyes drifting over the stars, and then, breaking the stillness, he turned to me and asked, “What do you want to do with your life?”The question hung in the air, simple yet profound, as I stared up at the half-moon and the countless stars scattered across the sky. I hadn’t really thought about it in a long time. Sure, I was raising my twins and doing my best to keep everything together day by day. But dreams? Ambitions? I wasn’t sure I had any left, at least not in the way people usually talked about them. I mean, here I was, approaching thirty, with two little ones counting on me. Was there even space in my life for something like a dream? And if there was, what would it look like?I felt the weight of my thoughts pressing down as I considered his question. College had never been a path I
[--Kaiser Volkov--]I woke up feeling a weight pressing down on me, a dull heaviness I knew too well. Three hours of sleep didn’t cut it, especially not today, with so much riding on the hours ahead. My limbs felt sluggish as I dragged myself out of bed, mind still foggy, but I pushed forward, heading to the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face in the hope it would shock me into alertness.My plans involve the pack and Esmarie. She won’t know what hit her.I barely made it to the bathroom door when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Who could be calling this early? It was Martha, the number flashing on the screen, and I felt a pang of surprise. She rarely reached out in the morning unless it was truly important, but I’d always made it clear that I was here for her whenever she needed me, no matter the time or the reason. As a mother figure to me, Martha often took on more than she needed to, quietly bearing burdens and rarely asking for help.She wasn’t just like that towards
[--Esmarie Cruz--]There’s something surprisingly grounding about sleeping on the floor, though I can’t really put into words what exactly makes it good. It’s probably not the ache in my back or the stiffness in my neck, both of which feel like they’re screaming. Honestly, my body is in hell. Every joint is telling me this was a terrible idea. I’m far from comfortable. But there’s something almost… honest about being here on the floor, a certain clarity that you can’t get when you’re cushioned by mattresses or layers of blankets.Still, clarity doesn’t make it any easier when I hear this persistent, irritating sound in the distance—like an incessant mosquito buzzing in my ear. It’s a voice, actually, calling my name in a way that’s somehow both grating and familiar. As I force my eyes open, I see exactly who I expected: Kaiser. Of course, it’s him. Who else would be so annoyingly chipper and persistent this early in the morning? Okay, perhaps not him seeing as he’s the grumpiest man I
[--Esmarie Cruz--]After throwing up, I couldn’t focus. I needed a moment to catch my breath. Kaiser could die due to the rejection, and he hadn’t said anything. Was that why the doctor tried to stop me? Isn’t that such an asshole move from him?I needed to find time to call him out on this. I won’t be quiet. I just can’t be quiet about this. Once I got myself together, I turned back to Martha. Unsure of what to say, I just got to helping her prepare for the meals.We spent four hours cooking before Kaiser returned to take us to the site where the festival would be heard. The entire pack seemed empty during the drive, and my children were wide awake and giddy. Like they couldn’t be happier. It made me feel something so sweet. True love exists between me and my twins. Martha sat at the front with Kaiser. She was singing a song that played on the radio, and Elijah was trying to copy her.But since he didn’t know words, he just babbled off-key and made us all laugh. Eloise was content gi
[--Esmarie Cruz--]Sam stared at me for what felt like hours before her eyes shifted to the stroller where my children were. I snapped my fingers immediately.“Don’t look at them.”She raised her eyebrow at me. “Where is Martha?”“Call her and find out.”Her lips twitched. “I’m not here to be mean. I nearly got kicked from this pack, and I don’t want any beef with Kaiser’s girl.”My heart thumped, and my omega filled me with something close to pride. Which was ridiculous. I’m Kaiser’s nothing. There’s no reason to be proud here. “I’m sorry to hear that, but I also don’t want problems. I just don’t have a good reason to trust you.”She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. The girl was still pretty. Blonde hair short, and messy. Her blue jean shorts were unbuttoned so you could see hints of her black underwear, her white t-shirt was tied at the front and her cowgirl boots seemed to finish the whole look. It was interesting to see the way she dressed.When I wore something it eit
[--Kaiser Volkov--]Being a pack leader isn’t just a title—it’s a never-ending responsibility, especially when I’m constantly moving, juggling tasks, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Right now, the Blue Moon Festival preparations are in full swing, and the weight of the event falls squarely on my shoulders. Today is officially the first day, also known as "Preparations Day," the day when our open meadow transforms into the most stunning festival area anyone in the surrounding packs has ever seen.It’s a massive undertaking, one that requires precision, coordination, and a lot of patience. Every inch of the meadow is covered in decorations, stalls, and lights. The air is already buzzing with excitement as pack members hustle about, their laughter and chatter blending with the sounds of hammering, drilling, and the occasional bark of orders.I pride myself on being a hands-on leader, so I’ve been helping wherever I can. One moment, I’m stringing up lanterns between trees; the next
[--Esmarie Cruz--]The first day of the festival went by smoothly, even better than I’d anticipated. The morning had been a whirlwind of activity as I helped set up, juggling tasks and tending to my children. Despite the chaos, there was something grounding about the festival's rhythm, the way it brought everyone together. By the time the evening arrived, I was exhausted but content. Watching Kaiser take the stage for his closing speech, I saw something rare, to me at least,—a deep respect in the eyes of his pack members, a kind of admiration that felt earned. His words were met with thunderous applause and genuine affection, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel proud of him.I expected us to leave for home right after the speech, eager to put the day behind us, but Kaiser had other plans. With a quiet command, he instructed Martha to take me to her house for the night. The idea surprised me, but I didn’t argue; it was unlike him to deviate from routine.And I haven’t been to he
[--Esmarie Cruz--]Six months had passed since the decision to leave it all behind. Kaiser and I had talked for hours that night, discussed every possibility, every reason to stay, and every reason to go. In the end, the choice had become clear: London was too big, too filled with memories, too immersed in vampire politics. We needed a place where we could breathe, somewhere small and quiet, somewhere that wasn’t crawling with shadows from the past.Switzerland was nice as well, but it was mostly dominated by humans and some of them feared wolves.That’s how we ended up on a tiny island, tucked away off the coast. It wasn’t anything spectacular to look at—a modest patch of land surrounded by clear, turquoise waters. But it was ours. It was quiet, peaceful, and, most importantly, it was far from the chaos that had once ruled our lives.The house we built wasn’t a mansion. It wasn’t extravagant or imposing. It was simple, with white walls, large windows that let the sun pour in, and a w
[--Kaiser Volkov--]The next day dragged on in a haze of paperwork and thoughts that swirled in circles. I spent the entire afternoon in my office, barely sparing a glance out the window. The harsh fluorescent lights above buzzed, and the clock on the wall ticked steadily, but time felt irrelevant. The pile of letters from the packs still lay on my desk, some half-answered, others still untouched. They kept pushing back, demanding more autonomy, questioning my leadership, and all I could do was work in silence, trying to avoid the looming confrontation that was tomorrow. I had to push back the date of the announcement to ensure i had some loose ends tied. The tension in my body only grew with every hour that passed.I thought of Barry and my mother—where they were, what Jacobs had said. But every time I tried to focus on that, my mind would drift back to the packs, to the growing resentment and fear that bubbled inside me. I couldn’t give them what they wanted. I couldn’t give them co
[--Kaiser Volkov--]After he told me where to find barry, i curled my fist up and slammed it into his face. What a doe eyed son of a bitch. Using my like that, tricking me. Making things so difficult for me. He must have known where to find esmarie. I wonder if he was the reason elias was next to the darkwood, or was that still a coincedence.I left him to grab something i could use to tie him up.Jacobs’s unconscious form slumped in the chair as I finished securing his wrists with heavy-duty zip ties. He was dead weight as I dragged him down the hall toward the basement door, each step echoing off the walls. It struck me how strange it was to use my bright, carefully designed, air-conditioned basement as a makeshift prison, but I wasn’t about to let him slip away. Not yet.At the bottom of the stairs, I tied him to one of the sturdy support beams, pulling the rope taut. He began to stir just as I tightened the last knot, his eyelids fluttering open. I stepped back and crossed my arms
[--Kaiser Volkov--]The weight of Doctor Jacobs beneath me felt surreal. My hands tightened on his shoulders as Esmarie knelt beside us, her movements sharp and determined. Her presence was a force of nature, her voice cutting through the air like a whip as she leaned in, her eyes burning with fury.With him trying to figure out his word it took time, and i was getting ansty.“Why?” Esmarie demanded, her voice trembling with a mixture of rage and disbelief. “Why are you so obsessed with breaking him down? What could you possibly gain from this?”Jacobs squirmed beneath my grip, his face pale, eyes darting between us like a cornered animal. He opened his mouth to protest, but Esmarie leaned closer, her finger jabbing the air near his face.“No! You’re not talking your way out of this!” she snarled. “You’ve manipulated him, attacked his family, and fed information to people who want him dead! Start talking, or so help me—”“Alright! Alright!” Jacobs choked out, his breath coming in shal
[--Esmarie Cruz--]When i woke up the next morning, i found myself in a bedroom. My bedroom. I don’t remember coming here, i don’t even remember where i fell asleep. It was a peaceful sleep. I got up and went i search of kaiser. Before i could there was a notebook on the drawer saying- take a bath, and dress up. I’m with the twins. Bring your phone to the kitchen once you’re done.I smiled, feeling a sense of ease. I washed off last night’s strain, stress, and sweat. After the shower, and brushing my teeth. I took my time, throwing on a large hoodie and a pair of shorts. Then i went in search of my family.The morning sun filtered through the blinds, painting soft streaks of light across the living room. Kaiser moved through the small apartment with ease, his large hands gentle as he cradled Isla in one arm and handed a bottle of formula to Elijah with the other. The twins cooed softly, their giggles a melody of innocence that momentarily drowned out the tension lingering in the air.
[--Kaiser Volkov--]I can’t believe we fell asleep on the couch again. It seems to be our spot. But it isn’t comfortable, i need to move esmarie to the bedroom with the twins.The dim glow of the moon filtered through the curtains, casting a silvery hue over the quiet room. The twins stirred faintly in their crib, their soft breathing a soothing rhythm in the silence. Esmarie’s warmth against my chest was a comforting weight, her presence grounding me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed.I shifted carefully, not wanting to disturb her, and maneuvered myself to sit up. She murmured something incoherent in her sleep, her hand brushing lightly against my arm before going still again. Her trust, her vulnerability—it humbled me. I slid my arms under her, lifting her gently, and carried her into the bedroom where the twins rested.The twins, Elijah and Eloise, lay peaceful in their crib, the occasional twitch of a tiny hand or the faintest of sighs the only movement. I placed Esmarie down o
[--Esmarie Cruz--]While Kaiser was filling me in on his day, I nodded along, giving him my full attention—or at least trying to. I was still processing everything we’d just discussed about Dr. Jacobs, and my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and theories. But I pushed those aside, focusing on Kaiser’s words. He looked tired but determined, the weight of his responsibilities as an alpha etched into every line of his face.“And then Martha insisted on giving me a basket of baked goods before I left,” Kaiser said, his lips twitching into a small smile. “I think it was her way of making me feel even guiltier. Or perhaps she wanted me to know she loves me. I’m not even sure why i stopped by the festival on my way here.”I chuckled softly, reaching out to rest my hand on his arm. “Yes, She probably just wanted to remind you that she still cares about you, even if you’re a stubborn alpha who makes mistakes sometimes.”He huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “Maybe.”“Also, did you eat all
[--Esmarie Cruz--]Kaiser didn’t get home until after ten o’clock that night. The house was quiet, the twins fast asleep upstairs, their soft breaths the only sound in an otherwise still home. I paced the living room, my nerves frayed. Sam’s phone call still rang in my ears, and the weight of what I had to tell Kaiser sat heavy on my chest. When I heard the front door open, I froze mid-step.Kaiser stepped in, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion. He kicked off his boots by the door and ran a hand through his hair, his cloudy eyes scanning the room before they landed on me.“You’re still up?” he asked, his voice low but laced with surprise.Without thinking, I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. He stiffened at first, clearly caught off guard, but after a moment, his body softened, and he returned the embrace.“Everything okay?” he murmured against my hair, his concern evident.I nodded, but the lump in my throat betrayed me. “Yeah. I just missed you,” I s
[--Kaiser Volkov--]I arranged to meet Mr. Domeros in the grand hall of my work building, a room designed to project power and authority. The vaulted ceilings cast dramatic shadows, and the heavy oak table in the center of the room served as a silent reminder of the gravity of any discussion held there. My guards stood by the doors, their expressions unreadable but their presence a clear warning.Mr. Domeros strode in with an air of self-importance, his dark suit meticulously tailored and his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back. But his carefully crafted image of control was marred by the anger etched into his face. His eyes burned with fury as he crossed the room.“You will release my son immediately,” he demanded before I even had the chance to offer a greeting. His voice echoed off the stone walls, each word dripping with entitlement. This is why elias has no respect, his fucking father is useless.I held my ground, remaining seated at the head of the table, and gestured for him to s