~SELENASuddenly, my mind went into total disarray, making me lose the ability to form a word. Killian's voice abruptly became distant the moment I spotted Hunter's name on the file before me."Laura?" Killian's voice managed to pull me out of my shock.Taking a measured breath, I finally replied, "I’ll call you back, babe.""Are you okay? Is something wrong?" he asked worriedly."I'm fine, Killian. I just remembered I have a pending surgery," I answered and bit my lower lip, feeling bad for lying to him."Okay, I’ll call you later. But if you're tired, just go home and get some rest. Let the other doctors take over," the worry in his voice was unmistakable, and my heart fluttered from it.I could picture him watching me closely if he were here, insisting on taking me home even if I said I was fine. He never took my well-being lightly; I knew that from the start."Okay, I will," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips.As I ended the call, the shock still lingered. I picked up the fi
~HUNTERThe sound of the engine died down as I slowly wheeled my car to a halt in front of the mansion.At my arrival, the guard stationed at the door hurried over. I handed him my keys as I stepped out and headed for the front door.“Daddy!” Olivia’s squeal filled the living room as soon as I stepped inside, bringing a smile to my tired face.She rushed over, and I scooped her up by the waist, spinning her around as she giggled loudly.When I set her back down, her chubby cheeks were already flushed. “I missed you, Daddy,” she said with a grin.Oh goddess.She looked so cute—too cute not to kiss those rosy cheeks. So I did.She scrunched her nose in response, making me chuckle as I scooped her back up into my arms and started up the stairs.“Where’s your mom, by the way?” I asked, the thought crossing my mind.Not that I really cared, but I didn’t want Olivia to think I didn’t care about Nadia. Kids can be very perceptive.“I dunno,” she replied with a shrug as we entered my room. I
~SELENAI had an engaging time on the podium, holding the audience's attention as I discussed common health issues that children face daily, sharing reports and patient cases from my years of service in the health sector.I also provided tips on preventing these ailments and urged immediate medical help if they occur, advising against self-treatment or self-prescribed drugs for their children.It was more than just exciting because I wasn't doing all the talking. The session was interactive, with parents asking questions, kids participating, and even some parents who are also medical personnel contributing tips.Overall, the session was so engaging that I forgot my initial worry about Hunter showing up, as I kept glancing at the front door when I first took the stage.I accepted the school's invitation, hoping Hunter wouldn't attend since some men often aren't interested in gatherings like this. And I didn't want to dampen Megan's excitement to see me speak at her school.When she fou
~HUNTERSitting in the back seat of my car, I couldn’t shake the tension building inside me. My eyes kept darting to my wristwatch, and I found myself urging the driver to speed up whenever we hit a slow patch.I was supposed to be at Megan's school three hours ago, hoping to convince Mrs. Salvador to accept my appointment. But here I was, still stuck on the road. It wasn’t the driver’s fault, though. Something urgent came up at the office, eating away most of my time.This might be my only chance to meet with her, and it felt like it was slipping away with every minute we spent caught in traffic. My restlessness grew, and all I could do was hope we’d reach the school before the event ended.Finally, a sigh of relief escaped my lips as the car pulled into the school's compound. I jumped out the moment it stopped in the parking lot and hurried toward the building, wondering why so many students were milling around if the event was still going on.Has the event already ended? I wondered
~KILLIANThe sharp scent of tobacco filled the air, swirling around in ghostly wisps through the dim light. The den was alive with low murmurs, the soft shuffle of cards, and the occasional clink of glasses as drinks were raised and emptied. A cool jazz tune played softly in the background, the saxophone’s smooth notes slicing through the smoky air. Laughter bubbled up here and there, but it was the kind that didn’t reach the eyes—too forced, too cautious, much like the way the stout bald man across from me was laughing at my proposal.“I don't think I said anything funny, Marco," I said calmly."Of course you didn't. It's just that what you're asking of me is almost impossible,” he replied, taking a slow drag from his pipe as the half-naked girls on his lap caressed his plump body.“Almost impossible?” I scoffed. "Come on, Marco. I know you can do it. I didn't come all the way from America, wait a week for you to get back from vacation, just to hear this.” I locked eyes with him, no
~HUNTER Is she a ghost or something?I couldn’t help but wonder how Mrs. Salvador managed to leave the restroom without using the main door. Sure, I might not know the school's layout like the back of my hand, but I know for certain she entered the restroom area, and it was a dead end with only four other stalls.So, how come I didn’t run into her?I completely lost focus on what I was doing as my mind kept replaying the moment I almost met her. The more I thought about it, the clearer it became that she was intentionally avoiding me. But why?Maybe Liam was right. Maybe she knew about my long-standing conflict with her husband, and it’s not like that’s going to end anytime soon.If that’s the case, I’m willing to make peace with Killian just to get her to consider my appointment. That’s how desperate I am to meet her because I believe she can help with my condition. I mean, she’s got an impressive record of healing people.Honestly, I have to admit, I’ve grown a bit jealous of Killi
~THIRD POVThe air buzzed with giggles and chatter as students ran across the playground, some huddled in groups, gesturing animatedly and frequently bursting into laughter. Others casually hung around the open corridor, watching.Olivia lounged on the open corridor, her hands propped on her chin as she stared blankly at the playground. Her mind was so far away that she didn’t notice Megan approaching from the field.Megan’s brows knitted together when she saw the dull look on Olivia’s face.Though Olivia rarely joined in the games, it was unusual for her to be so lost in thought.“Hey, Olivia,” Megan chirped, waving a hand in front of her friend’s face to snap her out of it.“Hey,” Olivia muttered, sighing.Megan settled beside Olivia and draped an arm over her shoulders. “Are you okay?”Olivia nodded, but Megan wasn’t convinced. She arched an eyebrow. “You don’t look okay. Are you sick? Hungry?”Olivia pressed her lips into a thin line, then sighed deeply. “I wish it was just hunger
~SELENA"You had me so worried, Megan. How could you leave school with a stranger?!" I shouted, frustration pouring out with every word."I'm sorry, Mommy," she mumbled, tears already welling up as she hung her head.I rubbed my temple, trying to stay calm, but it wasn't working. I was angry, and nothing I did could soothe it.What if Lionel hadn’t gone after them to the mall? What if she had been hurt before he got there? What if Lionel hadn’t realized Megan left with that witch? I would’ve been drowning in tears because of her innocence!"You know what? From now on, I don't want you hanging out with that kid, Olivia."Her head shot up, eyes brimming with fresh tears. "But Mom...""No buts!" I cut her off sharply."You will do as I say!" I snapped. "It's for your own good, Megan," I added, trying to sound calm."I can't stay away from Olivia. She's my friend, and she needs me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. It was as if I had taken something precious from her.I knew Hunt
~KILLIANKatrina sent her location, and I managed to get Laura to stick to the plan. She’s gone to Hunter’s pack with Liliana to get Megan.Meanwhile, I’m driving with my men toward Katrina’s location, unsure where the hell Hunter and his men are. We were supposed to come together, but it seems he wants to do things his own way. It’s laughable how he thinks he can win Laura back by playing the hero.Out of nowhere, something smashed into my windshield, shattering it into pieces. My car swerved dangerously and screeched to a halt.Goddess.“What was that?”I mind-linked Jared.“I think we’re being ambushed, Alpha!” he reported, making my eyes widen.I quickly grabbed my gun from the compartment and jumped out of the car when Jared shouted, “Get down, Alpha!”A bullet whizzed past me, missing by a hair’s breadth. I ducked and took cover behind the car.My men were already shooting at the ambushers, and the air was thick with the smell of blood.Loading my gun, I joined the fight and soo
~HUNTER My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when I heard the doctor’s report about Olivia’s condition.“She was poisoned?!”I’d been sure she was just having one of her usual asthma attacks, not this!“Yes, Alpha. We discovered the juice she drank was poisoned.”What? Who brings poison to a kid’s party?Confused, I turned to Alpha Newton, who had been with me in the doctor’s office. Nadia was at Olivia’s bedside, sobbing uncontrollably.“Don’t you know anything about this?” I demanded, glaring at him, but he stayed silent. “If you’d let Olivia stay under my roof, this wouldn’t have happened,” I snapped.Newton narrowed his eyes at me, his expression challenging. “Even if Olivia makes it through this, you won’t be keeping her!”I growled in response. We locked eyes, our anger palpable, until the doctor interrupted. “Can we continue now?”“What’s the plan to fix her condition?” I asked urgently.“Miss Olivia’s blood is contaminated by the poison she ingested. She’ll need a tran
~THIRD POV"I'm so glad you could make it to my birthday!” Olivia beamed at Megan as they broke away from a tight embrace.“I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Besides, I’ve been missing you all holiday, so I figured this was the perfect chance to see you,” Megan replied, her smile growing as they walked into the grand living room where the party was in full swing.“Same here! I tried calling you, but you wouldn’t pick up!” Olivia said with a frown.“My mom confiscated my phone. I don’t know why, but she seems to be against our friendship,” Megan mused.Olivia's frown deepened. “Why would she be against it? Did I do something wrong?”Megan shrugged. “I don’t think so, but I’m not sure. If I had told her I was coming here, she wouldn’t have let me.”“You sneaked out?” Olivia gasped.“I told you I’d do anything to be here, didn’t I? So, here we are!”“You’re so brave, Megan. I wish I could be like you, but don’t you think your mom will be mad at you?” Olivia asked thoughtfully.“She will,
~KILLIANI'm devastated.It's been two weeks since Laura left the pack, and I haven't been myself. I've been panicking, worried about where she might have gone, especially with the kids and my baby.She hasn't been answering my calls or replying to any of my texts. I suspect she might have changed her number so I can't trace her location.Even with Liliana's relentless help, we're still short of clues about where she might be. I've also been to all the properties she owns, but none of the caretakers have seen her.She probably thinks I'd harm her if I found out where she is. She knew I'd look for her at her properties, so she played it safe by not going there.I wanted Laura all these years, and when I finally had her, I lost her in the blink of an eye.I wish I could turn back time and right my wrongs. At the very least, I wouldn't have scared her with that damn gun!SighThe guilt of my actions is eating me alive as the days go by, and I fear I might become even more devastated if I
~KILLIANI blinked, completely stunned at the sight of her, wondering if I was imagining things, but the truth kept staring back at me. It was all real.There she was, standing and looking back at me, just as shocked.My stepmom.Liliana.“Killian!” she whispered, taking a step closer, her eyes filling with tears.“Mom!”I rushed forward and hugged her, my heart pounding with joy as I felt the warmth of her skin against mine. She wasn't a ghost; she was real!Her tears soaked my shoulder as I held her tighter, savoring the familiar jade scent I thought I'd never smell again after that dreadful night.I couldn’t stop my tears. They fell as I remembered how unbearable life was when I finally accepted they were dead because I couldn’t find a trace of her and Laura.It took years for me to accept their absence and push through the pain to become who I am today.She finally pulled away, her eyes shining with tears and relief. She looked just as young and beautiful as I remembered, except h
I locked eyes with Katrina, then turned back to him, my gaze narrowing dangerously. Could he have been working with Katrina all this time to kill Laura?In a flash, I caught him as he tried to bolt from the room, grabbing him by the neck. I yanked the gun from his pocket and slammed him against the wall. He collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily, blood trickling down his face.As Katrina stepped closer, trying to calm me down, I aimed the gun at her, a silent warning to stay back.“How long have you been working with her?” I demanded from Lionel.He swallowed hard, his voice trembling. “Since you left for your last business trip. Forgive me, Alpha!”Anger darkened my eyes. This had been going on for so long, and I never knew!“What else did she pay you to do besides poisoning Laura?”From the corner of my eye, I saw Katrina shaking her head at him, signaling him to stay quiet as he glanced her way.His face turned pale as I cocked the gun. “What else?” “She paid me to plant a mo
~KILLIANPulling up in front of Katrina's apartment, I felt a nervous knot twist in my stomach as I got out and hurried to the entrance.It was like she was already waiting for me because before I could even knock, the door swung open."That was fast," she said with a smile.I didn’t bother to return it. Keeping a straight face, I asked, "What evidence did you find?"She closed the distance between us, suddenly leering at me as she slowly ran her hand up my arm.Sensing her intentions, I swatted her hand away, my jaw tightening with anger. "Is this what you called me for?"She let out a bitter chuckle. "So, it’s come to the point where I can't even touch you?""Stop acting dumb. That was more than just a touch," I snapped, glaring at her. "We've been over this. I have a mate now, and you know what happens if I choose to cheat."I don't desire her anymore. The urge to be with her died the moment Laura came into my life, though I refused to accept it at first. My commitment to Laura goe
~THIRD POV.Fifteen-year-old Killian hid behind the trunk of a tree, his blue eyes wide open, tears filling them as he helplessly watched his father being surrounded by a pack of wolves.As he stood there, fidgeting, Killian wondered what was wrong with his father. His father had never been too weak to fight back. To say the least, Killian always saw his father as undefeated."The strongest man alive," Killian had teased his father a moment earlier while he taught him how to hunt. But then, suddenly, his father sensed something and urged him to seek safety back in the pack grounds. But little Killian couldn't just leave his father.He was curious why his father had told him to go back so suddenly and decided to hide behind the tree to find out the reason.But what he didn't know was that the reason would wound his heart and leave a scar on it.It happened before his eyes.So quick!Like a bolt of lightning.His father was brought down by just a single shot. Killian flinched, nearly le
~KILLIANI glanced at my wristwatch for the umpteenth time, my eyebrows knitting together in concern. Laura still hadn't returned from the washroom. Just as I was about to go look for her, she was announced as the winner of the category. Since she wasn’t in the hall, I went up on stage to accept the award on her behalf, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I quickly rounded up the speech, almost too abruptly, and handed the award to Droost as I stepped down from the podium."I'll be right back," I told him, my tone hurried. My mind raced with all the negative possibilities as I made my way to the restroom area.Keeping my composure, I walked down the corridor leading to the washrooms and knocked on the first door. "Laura?" I called out.There was silence, and just as I was about to move to the next door, it opened. I stepped inside quickly, feeling relieved at the sight of her. But my relief faded as I noticed her slightly teary eyes."Are you okay?" I asked, my worry evident.She nodded.