ALLISON.I adjusted my position and began to feed her. As Amaris settled, her cries subsiding into contented little noises, I looked up at Roan with a grateful smile.“Thank you for taking care of her while I was… out,” I said, feeling a bit embarrassed.Roan’s face softened with a warm smile. “Oh, it was my pleasure. I enjoyed it. She reminded me so much of when Alpha Daniel was a little boy.”“You were Daniel’s nanny too, right?” I tilted my head.She nodded.“I’ve been around since the Alpha was born. He was quite the whiny one, just like your little princess here.”That made me chuckle. “And here I thought she got the spicy side from me.”“Well, she did inherit her mother’s beauty, that’s for sure,” Roan said with a smile.Chuckling, I thanked her again. But as I watched Amaris, I couldn’t help but wonder which traits she had inherited from her father. Amaris may remind Roan of Daniel when he was a kid but aren’t all kids whiny? Amaris could have inherited her personality from me
ALLISON.Quinn took a deep breath as she told me about what happened during the night that Wesley drove me away from the Flower Moon pack.“After we learned about the possible vampire attack during the eclipse, Wesley came up with a last-minute plan to get you out of the country. He said he’s got some allies overseas. Honestly, the idea sounded bonkers to me but when he mentioned who his allies were…”“The Bones of Crescent Deep Pack,” I finished for her.“Yes. I thought we could trust them. It’s common knowledge that the Morgans and Bones are close allies and the Crescent Deep pack is one of the strongest packs in the world. They’ll be able to protect you if something bad happens here,” Quinn stated.“So, they say…” I said.“I agreed to it only because I wanted to keep you and Amaris safe,” she reasoned.I nodded. I knew that it was a difficult decision for Quinn too. She did what she thought was best for me and my daughter, her niece.“We trusted Wesley and the other Alphas to handl
ALLISON.“A party?” I glanced at my baby who was very well-behaved in her stroller. “Yeah, I think that would be nice.”“How exciting! I think we came here at the right time,” Emily gushed.“What party do you have in mind?” Quinn asked while sipping some water.“Honestly, I’m not really good with parties. But I also want to celebrate Amaris’ first month. It’s a huge milestone for a baby,” I said.Liam glanced at Amaris in her stroller, her tiny hand gripping his finger. “If we’re throwing her a party, let’s make sure it’s something special. What about a small gathering outside? A quiet garden setting could work.” He turned to me. “What do you think, Allison? Something simple but nice?”“I like that idea. Amaris won’t remember it, but I’d love for her to have a peaceful celebration surrounded by people who care about her.”Wesley leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.“We could add a little fun, though. Maybe a corner with activities for the guests, like a small photo booth o
ALLISON.His lips parted like he was about to say something but then, his lips quivered and curled up, smiling while shaking his head like he was still in awe of what he was seeing.“Well, you never fail to show me one.”I rolled my eyes, but the amusement in his tone made me smile. He gestured toward the bench.“Join us?” he offered.“Oh, sure. Thank you!”As I approached, he motioned to the little girl beside him.“Before I forget, Allison, this is Edna. She’s the daughter of the late Alpha of the Emberclaw Pack. The girl I mentioned to you before.”Oh!Recognition flickered in my mind.“Edna,” I said softly, kneeling slightly to meet her eye level. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Allison.”Edna’s blue eyes lit up as she gave a polite little bow of her head.“It’s nice to meet you too, miss. You’re so beautiful,” she muttered.That made me chuckle.“Well, you’re very pretty too,” I replied, smiling.The little girl grinned at me. Then, her gaze shifted to Amaris.“Can I play with her?”
ALLISON.I carried Amaris into the nursery, her cries echoing down the hallway and tugging at every frayed nerve in my body. My mind was all over the place and the only thing keeping me from imploding was my daughter. My arms ached from holding her, and I silently cursed myself for not preparing better for this moment. The nursery welcomed me with the faint scent of lavender and pastel colors. Normally, I enjoyed going to this room but right now, the comforting atmosphere did little to calm my anxiety.I placed Amaris on the changing bed as I reached for the clean diapers. Oh, shit. Where were the diapers again? My hands skimmed over the drawers and shelves, but they were filled with baby wipes, creams, and other items I barely recognized. Damn, I was too confident going here and but I could not even handle a simple task!“Where are the damn diapers?” I muttered under my breath, trying to keep my voice low so Amaris wouldn’t start crying louder.I felt a vein pulsing on my forehead as
ALLISON.“Hey,” River said sharply. “Don’t say that.”I looked down at Amaris, her tiny chest rising and falling peacefully.“As much as I want to keep things as they are, I don’t think it would be fair for Amaris to grow up without knowing who her biological father is. She deserves to know the truth. What if one day, she asks me the same question Edna did? It wouldn’t be her fault to be curious about her identity. As her mother, it’s my responsibility to give her the truth.”“Just like I told you before. I’ll always be there for the baby as a father figure, no matter what,” Wesley said, his voice gentle.“I know… thank you.”Mason stepped closer, his silver eyes determined.“Look, I’m not going anywhere, even if some stupid test says I’m not her father. I’m here to stay,” he declared with finality as if I could not argue with it.He’s really bossy and goodness, I was starting to love it.My attention shifted when Daniel took my hand and pressed my palm to his cheek.“Promise me you w
ALLISON.“River?” I called softly.He jolted awake. He squinted his dark eyes against the light. He yawned and then focused on me, his expression shifting from confusion to a lazy smirk.“Did you ditch them in the kitchen again?” I teased.“I helped chop some onions before I bailed,” he replied, stretching.I chuckled. “Why are you hiding out here?”River’s attention shifted to Amaris, his fingers lightly brushing her hand.“This is the most unboring boring place that this house can offer,” he said in a lazy tone.“Oh, yeah. I forgot you’re a nerd,” I shot back with a grin.He smirked, turning to Amaris.“Amaris, your mom is being mean to me. Can you scold her for me? Maybe make her change your diapers in the middle of the night?”“Sorry, but my daughter is on my side,” I said, crossing my arms.“We’ll see how long that lasts once she’s old enough to accept my bribery,” he retorted.I snorted at that. I shook my head and that’s when I noticed the books laid out in front of him. They l
ALLISON.The third morning of physical therapy with Venice turned out better than I had expected. My legs, which had been weak and wobbly, now felt almost completely normal. I almost could not remember the muscle pains that I felt the first day I woke up, and I had to admit, I felt like I could run laps around the pack if I wanted. Damn, it’s been a while since I last felt this alive!“You’re a miracle, Allison. At this point, I don’t know if I should be scared or impressed,” Venice said, her voice a mixture of awe and disbelief.I grinned as I flexed my ankle, still in awe at how easily it moved now.“I feel better than ever, and that’s all thanks to you. You’re incredible, Venice,” I said with a smile.She shook her head. She was staring at me like I was some kind of phenomenon.“I’ve never had a patient recover this fast. Maybe you’re special,” she muttered.I laughed it off. Special was too much of a fancy word for me.“I’m just lucky, I guess. Or maybe you’re just that good,” I r
ALLISON.“Yes,” I answered breathily.Wesley didn’t waste any more time and pushed his cock inside my mouth. I whimpered around his girth as Daniel’s pace grew faster. The bed shook as he pounded on pussy. He pulled his member out until only the tip remained before plunging it back inside, balls deep.“Uhhmm!” I moaned deliriously as Wesley did the same with my mouth. He grabbed my hair while slid his cock in and out of my lips, using my mouth as his own pleasure toy. I loved it so much, how they used my body to feel good and at the same time, making sure that I would get the best pleasure of my life.Daniel growled as his tempo grew faster, his thumb rubbing on my clit while pistoning his member into my folds in frantic thrusts. On my side, River was still using my hand to jack himself off, making me lose my mind.My body tingled with unbearable pleasure. I screamed around Wesley’s cock as I felt another mind-blowing orgasm ripping all over my body. I tensed, my toes curling as I cam
ALLISON.By the time we returned home, I was tired. I barely had time to process everything before Emily greeted us at the door.“Amaris is already asleep. She spent the entire evening doing a SpongeBob marathon,” she informed me with a small smile.Wesley clapped his hand.“I knew she’d grow up loving cartoons. I should’ve bought her that SpongeBob onesie when I had the chance,” he said.“You still haven’t let that go?” River shook his head.I smiled at their banter before turning to Emily. “Thanks for watching her. I owe you one.”She waved a hand.“Nah, just make sure to invite me over for dinner next time.” She winked and made her way out, leaving me alone with my five men.Moments later, I found myself submerged in warm, soapy water. Daniel worked shampoo into my hair, his fingers massaging my scalp, while Wesley soaped my right leg gently.“You did great today,” Wesley said.I smiled, leaning into the sensation of River gently scrubbing my back.“I didn’t do much. I just accepte
ALLISON.Later, we went back to our old house to eat some lunch. Liam stood by the stove, his sleeves rolled up while he was cooking. Meanwhile, Amaris was sitting on the kitchen stool while playing with her doll. She swung her legs while watching Liam stir some vegetables.“Daddy Li, I want waffles!” she announced.Liam paused, his green eyes widening slightly as he turned to face her.“You want waffles for lunch?” He glanced at me, silently asking if this was okay.I leaned down and kissed Amaris on the cheek before ruffling her soft curls.“Why don’t you try eating some veggies for a change, Ami?” I asked.She scrunched up her nose and stuck her tongue out. “Yuck!”Liam snickered, clearly amused. “Alright, alright. I’ll make you some waffles.” Then, he turned to me with a smirk and winked. “I’ll just add some fruits to make it… uh, healthy?”I sighed, pressing a hand to my face.“She totally takes after me,” I sighed.Daniel chuckled from across the kitchen, nodding as he looked at
ALLISON.Somehow, I was reminded again of the question our father asked us in that fateful day at the river…“What are you willing to do for the person you love?”As I stared at the stones and wooden cross that marked his grave, I found myself smiling because after everything, after the battles, the sacrifices, the loss, and the victories… I knew my answer had remained the same.“I did everything I could for love, Dad,” I whispered, gently laying down a bouquet of yellow tulips, his favorite.Beside me, Sullivan knelt and did the same, only his bouquet was of amaryllis flowers which was our mom’s favorite. He stayed silent for a moment, his fingers brushing against the wood of the cross, before he exhaled deeply.It has been two years since the war ended. The bloody battle that tore through the Outworld, leaving scars on both the land and the people. It took time, so much time to rebuild everything that has been broken. Many people died, but a lot of them survived. Still, it didn’t me
ALLISON.“Allison, stop!”Somewhere, I could hear distant voices, calling me. But the rage I was feeling inside was louder than anything I have ever heard before. So, I didn’t stop. My flames grew hotter as my anger.“Allison!”Then, suddenly, I felt an arm around me, wrapping me, pulling me. At first, it wasn’t enough to stop me. But another pair of arms latched around me, forcing to stop. There were too many of them, strong big arms that wrapped in a tight embrace. I shrieked. I struggled, clawed, lashed out. But they didn’t let go. They held on, even as my fire burned them.Then I heard their voices growing louder and louder…“It’s okay, Allison. We’re here.” Daniel.“Come back to us.” Liam.“You did it, baby. It’s over.” River.“You’re safe now.” Mason.“We love you, Allison. Please.” Wesley.Their names rang in my mind as they continued to whisper soft words in my ear.“Allison…”The word sliced through my rage like a silver bullet. I gasped as reality crashed back into me. The f
ALLISON.Quinn was already there, clutching Sullivan’s twitching form, tears streaming down her face. Celestine ignored me. She took a slow step forward, tilting her head as if considering something.“He is at my mercy now. And I can make this agony last for as long as I want.” Her lips curled into a ruthless grin.She lifted her hand and curled her fingers into a fist, tugging to some invisible strings in the air. Sullivan screamed. His body arched, his hands clutching at his chest as if something were ripping him apart from the inside. It broke me to see him like this.Quinn sobbed, tightening her hold on him. “Stop it! Please, stop!”But Celestine wasn’t done. She turned her piercing gaze to me.“Come with me, Allison. Do that, and I will end his suffering.” Her voice was almost gentle now, coaxing.I shook my head, my entire body trembling. I wanted to believe her. I wanted to believe that I could save him. For the past few days, that was what I have been clinging to. I thought I
ALLISON.Quinn lunged, his massive paws slamming into Sullivan’s chest, forcing him to the ground. The impact shook the earth, but Sullivan barely reacted. He was stunned for a moment as he stared at his mate’s eyes.Quinn snarled, fangs bared, but I could feel the sorrow beneath his aggression. He didn’t want to fight Sullivan—his mate—but he had no choice.Sullivan let out a guttural growl and shoved Quinn off him with brute force. The sheer power of it sent Quinn skidding across the dirt, his claws digging into the earth to stop himself. But before he could recover, Sullivan was already back on his feet, his blazing eyes locking onto me.Then he charged.Faster than I’d ever seen him move before.But this time, he wasn’t alone.A blur of silver, black, and gold streaked across my vision as Mason, Liam, River, and Wesley—still in their wolf forms—slammed into Sullivan. Their combined force sent him crashing into a tree, the impact splintering the trunk with a deafening crack.The ba
ALLISON.A choked gasp left my lips, and I clamped my hand over my mouth. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Four dozen bodies lay strewn across the ground, their forms twisted in agony. Their skin was scorched, blackened as if burned from the inside out. My breath caught in my throat. There was only one person who could have done this.I swallowed hard, dreading what I would see when I looked up. And then, I saw him.Sullivan. My brother.He sat in the middle of the carnage, legs crossed as if waiting for us. His shoulders were hunched, his head bowed. But he wasn’t alone. Standing beside him, smiling wickedly, was Celestine.“You finally made it here. I almost got bored waiting for you,” Celestine said in her usual sickly-sweet voice.“What have you done?!” I growled in fury.“Ask your brother. He was the one who did the dirty work,” Celestine shot back.Sullivan’s face darkened. His expression was a mixture of anger, grief, and guilt. He looked as if he still couldn’t comprehend
ALLISON.Then Mason’s wolf form crashed into him, teeth sinking into the vampire’s throat. Blood sprayed as he tossed the limp body aside and ran faster.“Mason!” I was relieved that he took care of that last minute.Just when I thought that we could finally escape, Valentina’s figure emerged from one of the trees.“You didn’t really thought you could get away, right?” she mocked.Fuck!She ran alongside us, eyes gleaming in the dark. Mason tried to attack her but she just snappily avoided every attack as she kept up our pace. Her crimson eyes drifted to me.“You’re making a mistake by running away, Allison. You shouldn’t escape your destiny,” she said while running to my right side to avert Mason’s attack. Daniel ran to the opposite direction to keep our distance from her.“Fuck off!” I yelled at her, clutching the wooden stake in my hand.“You don’t realize what you are, Allison,” she muttered again.I tightened my grip on Amaris. “And what’s that?”“The key to absolute immortality!