LOGIN“Aunty Jan Jan?” Maya’s voice floated down the hallway.Janis turned just as the girl peeked out from the living room. “ Your portion of breakfast big brother made is in the kitchen, on the counter , incase you feel hungry.”Janis blinked, momentarily pulled from her thoughts. " oh okay baby, thank you"Maya’s face lit up instantly. “you're welcome big sis" then she continued stuffing her mouth with snacksJanis followed more slowly. She ate a little—just enough to quiet the tight ache in her stomach—then slipped through the back door behind the kitchen, letting the fresh air wash over her.The garden was quiet.She sat on the soft outdoor couch beneath the trees, fingers curling into the fabric of her robe as her mind drifted back to the dream. Corey’s face. His smile. The way he turned away.Her chest tightened.Then James’ face surfaced knd, familiar… distant.The realization hit her harder than she expected.
She kept running.Mocking voices echoed behind her, chasing her relentlessly, growing louder with every step she took.Suddenly, she froze.A tall, handsome figure stood before her, his presence cutting through the darkness like light breaking through storm clouds. His smile warm, familiar pushed away the ache in her chest, even if only for a second.“Corey…” she called out, hope flooding her voice.But the happiness didn’t last.Beside him, Lara suddenly appeared.She smiled slow, wicked, nothing like the gentle woman Janis knew.“Awwn… you want him?” Lara mocked softly.Her smile faded as she wrapped her arm possessively around Corey’s, pulling him closer.“Dream on,” she sneered. “This is your payback for taking James away from me.”Janis shook her head frantically.“You took my happiness,” Lara continued coldly, “now I’ll take yours.”Then Lara laughed sharp, cruel and turned away.Corey’s smile vanished.Without a word, he turned too, following Lara into the darkness, leaving Ja
Crane stood at the side of the bed, his chest tight as he watched Lara lying there—already back in her room, unconscious and still.Alex placed two fingers gently on her forehead and closed his eyes. His lips moved in a low murmur as thick black smoke curled around them both, slow and controlled.Peter and Yousef stood a few steps away, silent, their confusion evident.Worry etched deep lines into Crane’s face."Calm down. She will be fine". His wolf tried to reassure him.After what felt like years, Alex finally stepped back. Lara remained asleep, her breathing steady.With a subtle signal, they all moved out.Yousef and Peter stayed behind, standing guard outside Lara’s door, while Alex placed a firm hand on Crane’s shoulder. In the next instant, they teleported straight into Crane’s study.The moment they arrived, Alex snapped his fingers. Thick black smoke sealed the door and windows, shutting the world out.He turned sharply to Crane, rubbing his temples.“Now tell me,” Alex sai
Lara looked up at Crane and noticed how his shoulders had dropped, as though the weight he carried had finally found a place to rest. She stepped closer and held him gently.“Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked softly.“There is still so much time. We can wait until you are rea—”Crane turned fully to her before she could finish.He took both her hands in his, grounding, steady.“I have never been more ready,” he said quietly. “You have already become a part of me. So it is mandatory that you know these things.”She nodded slowly in agreement.Crane guided her forward, walking with her toward the bed. Lara’s eyes drifted around the room as they moved.The furniture was unmistakably expensive—crafted from dark, polished wood, the kind only centuries-old wealth could afford. Ornate carvings traced the edges of wardrobes and cabinets. A grand dresser stood against the wall, its gold-lined handles dulled by negl
Looking up at her window, only the high fence stood between them.His wolf stirred, restless, voice low and wary inside his mind.Lilune… did she send us back to Lara?Does this mean she has decided to leave for good?A sharp breath tore from his chest.No… that face—John, could it mean—? They are…He didn’t finish the thought.Crane cut him off abruptly, senses flaring.A shadow moved toward the window.Then, within seconds, Lara appeared.She stood there quietly, framed by the faint glow from inside the room. Crane saw her lift a hand and gently wipe at her eyes, blinking as if trying to steady herself. Her chest rose and fell in soft, uneven breaths.She opened her palms slowly.The little white bird resting with her chirped softly, as if answering a silent call, then fluttered from her hands and disappeared into the night sky.Crane’s breath hitched.She was about to turn away—to close the window—when she suddenly froze.Her head tilted downward.Their eyes met.For a single, susp
The dining room felt strangely quiet that evening. Lara sat at the long polished table, pushing a piece of roasted potato across her plate. The clatter of cutlery was softer than usual, almost hesitant. Even the chandeliers seemed dimmer, as though the house itself was holding its breath. Alex sat across from her, trying to act normal but failing miserably — his smoke flickered every now and then, betraying his nerves. Peter stood by the wall, stiff as a statue, watching the doors like he expected an attack at any moment. But more than any of them… Crane’s empty seat burned. Lara glanced at it for the fifth time. She took another small bite — only because Alex had begged her earlier — but the food tasted like dust. Her stomach twisted, not from pregnancy, but from worry. “Is… is Crane still working?” she asked quietly. Three men froze. Alex’s fork paused mid-air. Peter looked away. Yousef, seated beside her, cleared his throat softly. The silence told her every







