King’s POVThe night was silent except for the low murmurs of Liam and Tom as they stood with me outside the hut with their eyes trained on the woods where the Alpha Kings had last been seen. I’d told them to handle it. No way I was stepping out and risking everything we have worked for. Not yet. This wasn’t the time for dramatics or confrontation. This was about strategy and about sticking to the plan we’d worked so hard to craft. We cannot throw it all away in one evening. “They’re still out there” Liam muttered, his voice low but tense.“Desperate as hell” Tom added, glancing at me. “You sure you don’t want us to end this now?”“No.” My voice was firm, cutting through the air. “I can’t risk them seeing me. Not yet. They’re fools but even fools can ruin a plan if we’re not careful.”“We’ll send them off. But they’ll be back.” Liam nodded though he didn’t look happy about it.“They’ll always come back” I said, my lips twisting into a smirk. “Because they need her. The curse is sti
Gianna’s POVA smile stretched across my face as sooon as I woke up, the kind I hadn’t worn in years. They were here. They were safe. I’d done it. Despite all the chaos and pain I’d brought them into this world. My two beautiful babies. Blair was curled up on a small couch in the corner of the hut looking utterly drained. Her head lolled to one side and her arms were crossed over her chest as though even in her sleep she was standing guard. She had been my rock through this. I owed her more than I could ever repay. I’m so glad we became friends in the first place. I glanced around the room still smiling taking in the soft glow of the morning light filtering through the thin curtains. It was a rare moment of peace. And yet, as quickly as that peace came it shattered. The smile faded. My chest tightened. I shot out of bed the ache in my body from the birth barely registering as I stumbled toward the crib. My heart thundered in my chest until I saw them. my babies were perfectly
Gianna’s POVThe night was silent except for the sound of our breathing and the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. Liam and Tom had given us precise instructions: run east until we reached the edge of the pack’s territory then follow the river to a small town where they would find us once things calmed down. The plan was clear but my gut told me I wasn’t coming back. That once I step out of this pack, I’m never turning back around. As soon as we stepped out of the hut the babies snugly tied against Blair and me, I felt the weight of my decision. This was it. I glanced at Blair her hoodie pulled low over her face to shield her from the cold night air. Her eyes scanned the hut and the surrounding clearing like she was trying to memorize every detail. It hit me then that this place meant something to her. She had built memories here a sense of safety maybe even belonging. She grew up her whole life around here. “Blair” I said softly, hesitating. “You don’t have to come with me.
Gianna’s POVKane’s golden eyes burned into mine as he shifted back into his human form muscles rippling under his tanned skin. The wild dangerous aura that surrounded him in wolf form didn’t dissipate but it grew stronger. His jaw clenched as he took a step closer completely unbothered by his nakedness. I understand why I fell in love with them. They are too handsome and their looks were really deceiving. I tried to keep my breathing steady but the pull of the dormant mating bond flared the moment his gaze locked on mine. It felt like a live wire sparking and crackling between us. My heart raced but not just in fear but with something much more dangerous. I should be able to turn off my feelings by now. Blair stood frozen behind me clutching the babies tightly to her chest. I had to act fast. Kane wasn’t the type to hesitate. Backup could arrive any moment and once it did our chances of escape would disappear. “Gianna” Kane said his voice low, almost tender which somehow made
Gianna’s POVThe human world was harsher than I’d expected. The lights never dimmed and the noise never stopped and the air felt sharp and cold compared to the thick warmth of the Mystical Plane. Blair and I found a small shabby motel on the edge of town barely a place to call shelter but it was enough for now. We could hide in there for a day or weeks. The first thing we did was shower and it felt like washing away layers of fear and exhaustion. Blair held one baby while I bathed the other our laughter soft but genuine for the first time in what felt like forever. I fed the babies next and for the first time since their birth they seemed truly peaceful. They slept like the world hadn’t changed. Blair ever the practical one had thought ahead and brought money from her stash though she never said how much or how she got it. "It’s not forever" she told me as we tucked the babies into the motel’s only crib, which we'd cobbled together from pillows and blankets. “Just until we figure
Gianna’s POVSix months had passed and life in the human world was starting to feel…manageable. Not easy not perfect but something I could live with. I had finally found a job at a high-end restaurant. The pay wasn’t as good as Blair’s at the gym, but it was steady and the tips were more than I’d expected. The uniform was stiff and formal but it felt good to have somewhere to go every day. Something to contribute. Blair worked longer hours than I did, her reputation as a tough but kind instructor spreading quickly. The gym adored her and so did the kids she trained. She would come home exhausted but grinning her face lighting up whenever the babies toddled over to greet her. And the babies —Kayden and Kate— had grown into tiny bundles of energy. They had learned how to walk, though they stumbled more often than not and their laughter filled every corner of our small apartment. Their first words had come quickly, almost too quickly. “Mama” “Bear” and hilariously “boob” were their
Gianna’s POVTwo years later, we had rebuilt our lives in another country. The move hadn’t been easy but staying in the same place after that eerie encounter was a risk I wasn’t willing to take. I told Blair we had to leave and though she hesitated, reluctant to give up the routine and security she’d built for herself and the kids, she agreed. We had no other choice. Tara was the wildcard. Her mother overdosed shortly after the park incident and with no one else to turn t she begged us to take her with us. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea. Adding a human to our already delicate situation felt dangerous. But Blair, ever the soft spot for lost causes thought it would do more harm to leave her behind. “She’s already seen too much,” Blair had said. “If she wanted to betray us she could have done it back there. Letting her come might actually make things easier.” So Tara came. It wasn’t easy at all. Everything we’d built to start fresh somewhere else but it turned out to be the best
Gianna’s POVBlair’s laughter rang out in the apartment as she twirled in front of the mirror showing off a figure-hugging dress that screamed confidence. Her date Jules, leaned against the doorway with a smug grin, his tailored black shirt rolled up at the sleeves revealing strong forearms. He works out just fine. He was undeniably handsome… too handsome, really and he knew it. That doesn’t stop him from wanting my girl. “Alright, do we look hot or do we look HOT?” Blair asked spinning on her heels. Yeah don’t ask how she’s adopted the girly life whenever she feels like. I cannot walk with heels for more than an hour but she’s mastered it so bad. “You both look fine. Now can I have some quiet tonight?” I teased giving Jules a pointed look. “Some of us would like to sleep without how do I put this? Audible distractions.” “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, G. But don’t worry. We’ll try to keep it down. Try.” Blair cackled clearly unbothered.I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t hide my smil
King’s POVThe quietness of the small town was a stark contrast to the chaos that had consumed me for the past two years. I leaned against the cool brick wall of the alley my eyes fixed on Gianna as she stood on the dimly lit street. She looked… peaceful. Happy. Her new dark hair (that they used probably to throw us off, cute) framed her face and her lips curved into a soft smile as she waved to the man who walked away from her his hand lingering at his side as if he regretted letting hers go. Then he turned, kissed her cheek and said something that made her smile. She looks free here. Smiling and grinning like she never had before. I clenched my fists my nails digging into my palms as I fought the urge to storm across the street and rip him away from her. My chest burned with something primal, something I hadn’t felt in years. Was this jealousy? Rage? Or the unbearable weight of guilt? Do I have any right to feel? “Eric huh?” Liam muttered at my side his tone flat but laced wit
Gianna’s POVI was clearing off a table my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Kayden and Kate’s latest antics that really shook me when I saw Tara walk in. It wasn’t her walking in that got my attention. Her movement did. She usually had a spring in her step and a bright smile but today she looked pale and nervous her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Why didn’t I like that look at all. “Hey, Tara. What’s wrong?” I frowned wiping my hands on my apron as I made my way over to her.“Can we talk?” She glanced around as if making sure no one else was listening. “Of course.” I led her to the back where the staff took their breaks and sat down beside her. “What happened?” Tara hesitated, biting her lip. “I… I met this kid at school. He was… weird, you know? He kept saying things about werewolves being real.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “He said his dad was one.” “And what did you say to him?” My heart plummeted a cold rush of fear tightening my chest. “I laughed it off at firs
Gianna’s POVBlair’s laughter rang out in the apartment as she twirled in front of the mirror showing off a figure-hugging dress that screamed confidence. Her date Jules, leaned against the doorway with a smug grin, his tailored black shirt rolled up at the sleeves revealing strong forearms. He works out just fine. He was undeniably handsome… too handsome, really and he knew it. That doesn’t stop him from wanting my girl. “Alright, do we look hot or do we look HOT?” Blair asked spinning on her heels. Yeah don’t ask how she’s adopted the girly life whenever she feels like. I cannot walk with heels for more than an hour but she’s mastered it so bad. “You both look fine. Now can I have some quiet tonight?” I teased giving Jules a pointed look. “Some of us would like to sleep without how do I put this? Audible distractions.” “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, G. But don’t worry. We’ll try to keep it down. Try.” Blair cackled clearly unbothered.I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t hide my smil
Gianna’s POVTwo years later, we had rebuilt our lives in another country. The move hadn’t been easy but staying in the same place after that eerie encounter was a risk I wasn’t willing to take. I told Blair we had to leave and though she hesitated, reluctant to give up the routine and security she’d built for herself and the kids, she agreed. We had no other choice. Tara was the wildcard. Her mother overdosed shortly after the park incident and with no one else to turn t she begged us to take her with us. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea. Adding a human to our already delicate situation felt dangerous. But Blair, ever the soft spot for lost causes thought it would do more harm to leave her behind. “She’s already seen too much,” Blair had said. “If she wanted to betray us she could have done it back there. Letting her come might actually make things easier.” So Tara came. It wasn’t easy at all. Everything we’d built to start fresh somewhere else but it turned out to be the best
Gianna’s POVSix months had passed and life in the human world was starting to feel…manageable. Not easy not perfect but something I could live with. I had finally found a job at a high-end restaurant. The pay wasn’t as good as Blair’s at the gym, but it was steady and the tips were more than I’d expected. The uniform was stiff and formal but it felt good to have somewhere to go every day. Something to contribute. Blair worked longer hours than I did, her reputation as a tough but kind instructor spreading quickly. The gym adored her and so did the kids she trained. She would come home exhausted but grinning her face lighting up whenever the babies toddled over to greet her. And the babies —Kayden and Kate— had grown into tiny bundles of energy. They had learned how to walk, though they stumbled more often than not and their laughter filled every corner of our small apartment. Their first words had come quickly, almost too quickly. “Mama” “Bear” and hilariously “boob” were their
Gianna’s POVThe human world was harsher than I’d expected. The lights never dimmed and the noise never stopped and the air felt sharp and cold compared to the thick warmth of the Mystical Plane. Blair and I found a small shabby motel on the edge of town barely a place to call shelter but it was enough for now. We could hide in there for a day or weeks. The first thing we did was shower and it felt like washing away layers of fear and exhaustion. Blair held one baby while I bathed the other our laughter soft but genuine for the first time in what felt like forever. I fed the babies next and for the first time since their birth they seemed truly peaceful. They slept like the world hadn’t changed. Blair ever the practical one had thought ahead and brought money from her stash though she never said how much or how she got it. "It’s not forever" she told me as we tucked the babies into the motel’s only crib, which we'd cobbled together from pillows and blankets. “Just until we figure
Gianna’s POVKane’s golden eyes burned into mine as he shifted back into his human form muscles rippling under his tanned skin. The wild dangerous aura that surrounded him in wolf form didn’t dissipate but it grew stronger. His jaw clenched as he took a step closer completely unbothered by his nakedness. I understand why I fell in love with them. They are too handsome and their looks were really deceiving. I tried to keep my breathing steady but the pull of the dormant mating bond flared the moment his gaze locked on mine. It felt like a live wire sparking and crackling between us. My heart raced but not just in fear but with something much more dangerous. I should be able to turn off my feelings by now. Blair stood frozen behind me clutching the babies tightly to her chest. I had to act fast. Kane wasn’t the type to hesitate. Backup could arrive any moment and once it did our chances of escape would disappear. “Gianna” Kane said his voice low, almost tender which somehow made
Gianna’s POVThe night was silent except for the sound of our breathing and the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. Liam and Tom had given us precise instructions: run east until we reached the edge of the pack’s territory then follow the river to a small town where they would find us once things calmed down. The plan was clear but my gut told me I wasn’t coming back. That once I step out of this pack, I’m never turning back around. As soon as we stepped out of the hut the babies snugly tied against Blair and me, I felt the weight of my decision. This was it. I glanced at Blair her hoodie pulled low over her face to shield her from the cold night air. Her eyes scanned the hut and the surrounding clearing like she was trying to memorize every detail. It hit me then that this place meant something to her. She had built memories here a sense of safety maybe even belonging. She grew up her whole life around here. “Blair” I said softly, hesitating. “You don’t have to come with me.
Gianna’s POVA smile stretched across my face as sooon as I woke up, the kind I hadn’t worn in years. They were here. They were safe. I’d done it. Despite all the chaos and pain I’d brought them into this world. My two beautiful babies. Blair was curled up on a small couch in the corner of the hut looking utterly drained. Her head lolled to one side and her arms were crossed over her chest as though even in her sleep she was standing guard. She had been my rock through this. I owed her more than I could ever repay. I’m so glad we became friends in the first place. I glanced around the room still smiling taking in the soft glow of the morning light filtering through the thin curtains. It was a rare moment of peace. And yet, as quickly as that peace came it shattered. The smile faded. My chest tightened. I shot out of bed the ache in my body from the birth barely registering as I stumbled toward the crib. My heart thundered in my chest until I saw them. my babies were perfectly