Maxine's POVThe days in the hospital dragged on. I was healing physically, but the emotional wounds were far deeper and more painful. Losing the baby felt like losing a part of myself, and it took everything in me to keep moving forward. Elena was my rock, always by my side, helping me through each painful step of recovery.When I was finally discharged, I felt a strange mix of relief and anxiety. I knew I couldn't stay in the hospital forever, but the thought of returning to Liam's mansion gave me goosebumps. To my surprise, when I arrived, I was led to a different room—a proper bedroom, not the cold cell I had been limited to before.I stared at the room in disbelief. It was simple but clean and comfortable. There was a bed with soft sheets, a small wardrobe, a desk, and even a window that let in the warm sunlight. I didn't know why Liam had made this change, but I was grateful. It felt like a small stepFor the life I wanted. Since he had started, definitely one day it would get b
Liam's POVWhen I first heard that Maxine had passed out, I thought it was just another instance of her overreacting or maybe, she was just being lazy and avoiding training. But as days went by and she didn't return, a gnawing worry began to settle in my chest. Despite the act I maintained, I wasn't as heartless as everyone believed. It’s just that omegas disgust me a lot. I can't be associated with such weak people.I kept tabs on her progress, secretly calling the doctors and nurses to make sure she was receiving the best care. I made sure she ate good food and got the rest she needed. I didn’t want her to know that I cared; it was better for both of us if she believed I was heartless.What hurt me the most was hearing that Maxine had lost our baby. How could she have been so careless not to know she was pregnant? Is she a child? The thought angered me, but at the same time, a part of me felt a strange happiness at the idea of welcoming a child from an omega. It was a conflict I cou
Maxine's POVI began to notice subtle changes in Clara. She was always in Alpha Liam's chambers, and any time he went out, she was there with him. Her dress sense had transformed, becoming more stylish. It was as if she was now taking over Luna's role that I was supposed to be.Clara seemed happier, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence. She started giving me attitude, no longer visiting me or sitting with me as she used to. The few times she did come by, she would talk endlessly about Alpha Liam, how good he was to her, and how he made her feel special. I didn't know if she was lying or not but her looks justified it."Alpha Liam is so attentive," she gushed one day, her eyes glowing. "He’s always making sure I have everything I need."I forced a smile, but her words cut deep. Clara was also an omega, just like me. So why was she receiving such kindness while I was treated with disdain? Was it something I had done wrong? Or was it all because of my father? It wasn't fair that I
Maxine's POVI steeled myself and knocked on the door. Clara opened it, a look of surprise flashing across her face before she replaced it with a smug, or perhaps a victorious smile. “What do you want, Maxine?” she asked, her tone trickling with condescension.With tears threatening to spill, I said, “I need to speak with Alpha. It’s important.”Clara’s eyes narrowed as she tried to form an excuse. “He’s busy right now, and—”Before she could finish, Liam appeared behind her, opening the door wider. “Leave us, Clara,” he commanded.Clara's expression changed and was replaced with anger. “But—”“I said leave!” Liam barked, his tone brooking no argument.Clara glared at me as if I had stolen something precious from her before stomping off. Liam grabbed my arm roughly and pulled me inside, slamming the door shut behind us.“What do you want, Maxine?” he demanded, his grip bruising my arm and causing me to cry out of pain.“I just wanted to know why,” I began, my voice trembling. “Why do
Maxine PovThe next day, I returned to the training ground feeling more energized. Clara's words still stung, but I used them as motivation. I couldn't let her win. I couldn't let Liam's cruelty define me. I had to be vigorous, for myself.As I practiced my moves, I felt a strange sense of peace. Each punch, each kick, was a step towards the life I wanted. I wasn't just fighting the dummy; I was fighting my fears and doubts.By the end of the day, I was exhausted but satisfied. I had pushed myself harder than ever before, and it felt good. I knew I still had a long way to go, but for the first time in a long while, I felt hopeful.The training ground had become my sanctuary, a place where I could find solace and strength. I vowed to keep coming back, to keep fighting and pushing myself until I could stand tall and proud once more.As I walked back to my room that evening, I felt at peace. Clara and Liam might have tried to break me, but they hadn't succeeded. I was still here, still f
Liam's POVMaxine's boldness had caught me off guard, but I couldn’t deny that seeing her dressed so provocatively had stirred something in me. I had to take her, and I did, more roughly than usual. The memory of her resistance, her spirit, stayed in my mind. She was becoming stronger in a way I hadn't anticipated.Later, as I watched her unleash her anger on the punching bag, I found myself enjoying the sight. She was pouring all her frustration into each punch, and though her technique was lacking, her determination didn't go unnoticed. She didn't yet know how to attack or handle weapons properly, but her spirit was undeniable.An idea began to form in my mind, a perfect punishment for her audacity. I smiled at the thought. She needed to learn her place, and this would be the perfect opportunity.I called my trainer, a burly man, who had trained many of our warriors. He arrived promptly, his expression was one of respect and curiosity."Alpha, what can I do for you?" Derrick asked, b
Maxine PovI lay on my bed, my body aching and my spirit shattered. I was in serious pain and nobody was sent to attend to my injuries. Tears streamed down my face as I relived the humiliating training and the brutal punishment from Liam, using that embittered Linda. I knew it was all his plan and I hoped he was satisfied.But then, the magnitude of the pain felt unbearable, and I didn't know how much more I could take.Suddenly, the door to my room burst open, and Tobias walked in without knocking. I quickly wiped my tears and tried to compose myself, but the pain and exhaustion were too obvious to hide. He didn't talk immediately but stood there and monitored me for a while before speaking."Maxine," he said softly, his eyes filled with pity as he took in my bruised and battered state."Go away, Tobias," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "Liam will be furious if he finds you here. I don't want you to get into trouble because of me.""I don't care," he replied firmly, shutting the door b
Liam PovLately, Maxine had changed, and it was bothering me more than I wanted to admit. She was no longer the broken, submissive girl who flinched at my every command. Instead, she moved with a purpose I couldn't quite place. She was either at training or in her room, and even when I summoned her to warm my bed, she complied without complaint. This new attitude of hers chewed at me, and I found myself increasingly obsessed with figuring out what was going on.I sat in my office, staring at the reports in front of me without really seeing them. My mind kept drifting back to Maxine. What was she up to? Why had she changed so suddenly? I needed to know.I called Kris, my Beta, into my office. "Kris, I need you to keep an eye on Maxine," I said, trying to keep my voice casual. "She's been acting strange, and I want to know what she's up to."Kris raised an eyebrow but didn't question me. "I'll take care of it, Alpha," he said, nodding. "Do you suspect something specific? Or anyone?""I
MAXINEI got a job working at the pack hospital again. This time, I signed up to be a real medical practitioner. I was going to become a midwife. There were a few familiar faces at the hospital and lots of new ones.Still, I was grateful to Ronan for giving them this opportunity again.That evening, I walked back into my apartment. The dead herbs were still in a box on the floor in the kitchen. I wondered if I would go back. I used to pick herbs and sell them to women who wanted to get pregnant.It felt like eons ago. Times were simpler. Back then, I saved lives not help take them. That was a time when I didn’t have blood on my hands.I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. I wanted my simple life again. It was simple but everything made sense. I didn't have to try to untangle myself from this mess that was my reality.A knock on the door brought me back. Zel was back from work. She worked as a bartender a little while from our apartment. Zel had gotten the job. After the manag
MAXINEI nodded, not trusting myself to speak without crying. Ella was right. I needed to let myself grieve. The love I once had for Ronan still occupied my heart.Lindsey reached out and held my hand. "We’re here for you, Maxine."I squeezed her hand, grateful for their support. They were right. I didn’t have to go through this alone. I had them.Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.***Going back to my old life felt like stepping into a strange place. There was the feeling of losing something. My apartment felt like a place from a faraway memory. Zel was gone and I was feeling so sad.I was back from saying goodbye. I unlocked the door and stepped inside. The space was just as I’d left it. There was still dust over everything. At least, I had something to do with my time.I took a deep breath. I hadn't lost everything. I was still okay.I began to clean up slowly. Lindsey stopped by to help me out and together, we covered a lot. As I was cleaning, I heard a knock on the door.“Are you
MAXINEI wanted to believe her that everything would be okay but deep down, I felt guilt and grief. This was my fault. I pulled back from her and wiped my eyes. I gave her a shaky smile. “It doesn’t feel like it.”She cupped my cheek. “Everything isn't always as it seems, my dear. But, I can tell you one thing I know for sure.” She said.“What's that?”“It's not your fault. I'm sure you don't know where to go from here, what to do, or where you belong. You want to come with me, you want to continue your life back at the place where you and Zel liked and you want to go back to how things were in this pack.” Cinder explained.“But, I see you staying here. This is where your strength lies, where hope lives, where you have friends and support.” She lowered her eyes and winked. “It's where you have a future.”“And, we'll always be here for you to fall back on, regardless of what happens. We're your home away from home.” The Luna Queen said, putting her hand on my shoulder. “I'm very proud.
MAXINEI didn't feel anything. No pain from a stab whatsoever. I looked between us and that's when Ronan smiled. His lips were close to my ear and he whispered, “I would never hurt you on purpose, love.”I didn't know when I screamed.Ronan collapsed into my arms, taking the both of us down to the ground with him. I tried my best to hold his head up on my lap. My eyes traveled down to the blood pouring down the stab wound in his belly.“Ronan,” I called, tears filling my eyes and rolling down my cheeks. He had stabbed himself.My hand shook as it hovered over the wound. I didn't know what to do. The dagger was in his chest.Ronan had chosen death. Death over a life without me.“Maxine…” he called, his voice unnaturally calm for someone who was dying. He reached up to touch me and I guided his hand to my cheek.“I'm here, I'm here,” I cried. “I'm sorry,” I whispered the last part. My hands shook as I held him. I never wanted this. I didn’t want him to die.Ronan gasped. He looked up
MAXINEI held my breath as Ronan kept his eyes on mine. When he was close enough, he stopped. Neither of us said a word. The battle continued around us but I couldn't get myself to make the first move.He didn't either. I wondered if it was hard for him to see me. I wondered if he thought he could fight me. I also wondered if he thought that he could kill me.I spoke up first. “Ronan,” I called. My voice was sounding more longing than I wanted.I missed him, to be honest. I missed sitting down in the quiet and reading books. Strangely, I missed making his cinnamon coffee.Ronan didn't say anything. Instead, he took a step closer. “You don’t have to do this,” he said.There was no hurt, no anger in his voice, just nothing but kindness. I wished he would yell. I wished he would curse me and call me evil for everything I've done.“Come with me.” He said, softly. I heard it regardless of the noise. “We can fix this, Maxine. We'll leave everything behind together.”It sounded so good. But,
MAXINEHe caught me off guard. It meant that he still cared about me. I didn't focus on that though. “I won’t, I promise,” I replied.We stood there in silence for a while, neither of us knowing what to say. I could feel it though. I could feel it. The unspoken feelings and questions we didn't have the time to ask.Or we didn't dare to ask, I guess.After everything that had happened, I still wasn’t sure where we stood. I said I was okay with him hating me but, I didn't know anymore. The lines between us were confusing now. I didn't know how to fix that.But now wasn’t the time to focus on that. We had a mission and that was a priority. Every other thing could come after. We would cross that bridge later.For some reason, Liam stepped closer and I held my breath. “Regardless of what has happened between us, out there?” He said, “No matter what happens, we’ll get through this together. Do you understand?”I nodded. “Together,” I repeated.Before I could say anything else, Zel appeared
MAXINECinder gave me and Zel a brief of the plans that night when she showed us a bedroom. She and the Luna Queen were sharing the one right next to us. They told us to come to them if we faced any issues.Sleep didn't come easy because my mind was entirely on Ronan. I didn't know how I was going to face him again after betraying his trust. But, I knew I couldn't sit out of this fight.The sun had not even risen when I was woken up by the sound of Liam's voice. He was given instructions and I heard more footsteps around the house than the number of people I had seen the previous day.It meant that Liam was already up and gathering the troops. I could hear him giving commands like it hadn't been two months since he was last in power. He was a natural-born leader. He carried this air of authority around him.He was giving orders, explaining ranks and positions for this fight. Every single detail was important to winning.Zel was still asleep, of course. She wasn't a wolf so she wouldn'
MAXINEI chuckled bitterly. “What about now?” I asked. “Will you take me back now that I have a wolf? Isn't that what you've always wanted?”His eyes widened slightly but he kept himself composed. “That would be unfair to you. It would be wrong. If you want to come back to me, I will take you but the choice is yours now. You have a choice and I see now that I was wrong. I’m so sorry, Maxine. I hope you can forgive me.”Tears welled up in my eyes. I hadn't thought about this but I let the anger roll away from me. He was still family. He was my father. “I forgive you. You're my father, whether you abandon me or not.” I said.“Thank you, Maxine.” He said. He reached for me hesitantly. I would have settled for a handshake but he wrapped his hands around me. For the first time in what I knew was forever, my father hugged me.I didn't know what to feel about that.LIAMAfter Maxine spoke to her father, they returned to the living room. However, she moved toward the far end of the room, away
LIAMDespite everything that was unfolding in front of me, my thoughts were stuck on one thing.Maxine had a wolf.I couldn't wrap my head around it. After everything that had happened to her, it didn’t make sense. I glanced at her. The strange white-haired girl was sitting between us.Maxine was staring out of the window. The white-haired girl squeezed her hand. Maxine turned to look at her and offered her a small smile. That was when she caught me staring. She looked away, taking her eyes back to the window.It left me confused. Was she pissed at me? I was the one who had the right to be mad at her. She had chosen him over me. Well, the distance between us was necessary.I didn't know what I would say or do if I were sitting next to her. Kris took a sharp turn, causing Maxine to grab the handle of the car door. I opened my mouth to say something but I stopped myself. There would be time for questions later.“You alright back there?” Varis asked.“We’re fine,” I said. I didn't know i