JASON. A day later, I’m pacing the grand hall of what I thought was my parent's mansion, my footsteps echoing off the cold marble floors. The place feels suffocatingly unfamiliar, despite everyone here acting like they know me. Warriors and servants nod their heads respectfully as I pass, their gazes reverent. It grates on my nerves. “Why do they keep calling me Alpha?” I mutter under my breath, clenching my fists. I’m not Alpha yet. My father is. Isn’t he? The events of the past day swirl in my head like a storm I can’t escape. The hospital. My parents telling me about Nicole. That woman—Stacy. The one they claim is my mate. And the kid. My son. No. It’s impossible… “Jason, you need to calm down,” my father’s voice booms from behind me. I whirl around to face him. “Calm down?” I snap. “You’re all feeding me this insane story, and I’m supposed to just accept it? A mate? A son? None of this makes sense!” My father, always the stoic Alpha, crosses his arms and gives me that unre
STACY (Meanwhile, at Jason’s office…) I shuffle the papers on Jason’s desk, signing off on the last of the daily approvals with a pen that feels heavier than it should. The chair beneath me creaks, but I barely notice. My focus is on the stack of documents that never seems to shrink—the mountain of responsibilities I’ve inherited while Jason recovers. Or at least tries to. My chest tightens as I think about the way he looks at me now, like I’m nothing more than a stranger in his home…. Maybe I should leave all this behind and focus on myself and my son instead. A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. Avery steps in, her usual clipboard in hand and her calm demeanor firmly in place. “Miss White, I’ve come to collect the signed documents,” she says, her tone respectful but tinged with curiosity. “Of course.” I slide the stack toward her but pause, tapping on an unlabeled file near the bottom of the pile. The obscene amount of money transferred into Jason’s personal acc
STACY. Later That Evening… The faint sound of splashing water echoes through the bathroom as I kneel by the tub, running a washcloth over Liam’s arms. His cheeks are flushed from the warmth, as his little hands are busy creating waves in the soapy water. “Mommy,” Liam says, his voice bright, “Daddy showed me how to catch a football today. He said my grip is almost perfect!” A pang of bittersweet emotion settles in my chest, but I manage a smile. “That’s great, sweetheart. Did you practice throwing it?” “Uh-huh!” Liam nods enthusiastically, sending water sloshing over the rim of the tub. “Grandpa said I’m going to be even better than Daddy someday. Daddy said maybe he’ll coach me when I join the junior pack team.” My breath catches slightly at his words, but I quickly shake it off, focusing on rinsing soap from his hair. “Sounds like you had a busy day. What else did you do?” Liam leans back, his face lighting up with excitement. “Grandma made cookies for everyone after lunch! D
JASON. The ache in my head is unbearable, a relentless thudding that drowns out everything else. My muscles burn, but it isn’t from training. It’s something deeper, something clawing at me from the inside. I storm into the men's room at the training arena, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the frame. Stacy’s words still echo in my ears: ‘Seduce you? Jason, I’m not—...’ I didn’t mean to accuse her. The bitterness of my accusation tastes wrong even now, but I couldn’t stop myself at the time. I grip the edge of the sink, glaring at my reflection. My glowing eyes have dimmed, but they were blazing back there. For a moment, it felt like something else was driving me to push Stacy away from me. Not a memory. Something darker. Suddenly, images flash in my mind—Stacy laughing in the sunlight, Liam’s small, sticky hand clutching mine, and a voice, low and sinister, whispering my name. I clutch my head as the whispers grow louder, tearing through me like claws. “Jaso
STACY. (Meanwhile at the mansion…) The zipper of Liam's backpack scrapes faintly as I pull it closed, the sound cutting through the quiet frustration building inside me. I glance over at him, perched on the edge of his chair, happily munching away at his breakfast, completely unaware of the turmoil raging inside me. Why did I ask Jason to train with me? What was I even thinking? He doesn’t care, doesn’t see me, doesn’t even remember who I am. And every interaction is a cruel reminder that I’m nothing to him but a ghost of someone he used to know. “Mommy?” Liam’s small voice jolts me out of my thoughts. I look up, meeting his curious gaze. “Why do you look mad?” I force a tight smile, waving him off as I gather his lunchbox. “I’m not mad, sweetheart. Just finish your food, or you’ll be late for school.” He doesn’t buy it. He studies me for a moment longer, his fork paused mid-air, before shrugging and turning back to his pancakes. As he eats, my mind drifts again to the c
STACY. "Stacy, there’s no one here. You must be imagining things.” Hannah shakes her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. I narrow my eyes, unconvinced, but decide to let it go—for now. "Fine, but don’t think I’m dropping it. I didn’t come here to interrogate you anyway." Hannah arches a brow. "So, why are you here this early? Usually, you’re too busy wrangling in Jason's duties in the mornings." I glance over my shoulder to ensure Greg is still inside the car before lowering my voice. "I need you to take me to that witch you mentioned yesterday." Her casual demeanor disappears instantly. She stiffens, her brows knitting together. "You’re serious?" "Dead serious," I say, meeting her gaze. "I can’t keep living like this, Hannah... Seeing ghosts and Jason can't remembers me. It’s like my life has been flipped upside down ever since he came back into it. If this witch has answers, I need them." Hannah studies me for a long moment, then sighs. "Alright. But you’re sure a
JASON. (Back at the mansion) “Who the fuck is Stacy going out on a date with?” Anger flares instantly, hot and sharp, making my wolf pace restlessly beneath my skin, growling at the mere thought of her with another man within the pack. Jealousy claws at me, images of her laughing, smiling—touching—someone else flashing in my mind, fueling the fire. But beneath it all is confusion, a raw, unfamiliar ache. How could she choose anyone else when she’s supposed to be mine? Her rejection to my lunch date stings, more than I’d care to admit, but it only solidifies one thing—I won’t let this stand. She belongs with me, and I’ll make damn sure she remembers it even if I don't remember us... My mother, steps out of her car, looking as poised and regal as ever. She adjusts her coat, her sharp eyes immediately locking onto mine as she approaches. “Jason,” she says, her voice warm but probing. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine,” I mutter, the words automatic and hollow. She stops
JASON. An hour later…. I sit in my SUV, gripping the steering wheel harder than I need to. My heart hasn’t stopped pounding since Stacy called earlier. I can’t believe she actually agreed to this. After the way she brushed me off this morning, I thought I’d blown any chance I had. The front door to Hannah’s house creaks open, and Stacy steps out looking radiant. My breath catches. She’s… different. The coldness she had earlier is gone, replaced by something softer, almost vulnerable. Her hair moves gently with the breeze, and she looks at me with an expression I can’t quite place. Before I can even get out of the car, she’s walking toward me, her steps steady but purposeful. I push the door open and step out to meet her halfway. “Hey bea—” I start, but I barely get the word out before she wraps her arms around me in a tight hug. I freeze. She’s hugging me? My body locks up for a second, stunned by the unexpected closeness. Her arms are warm, and her scent intoxicatingly fi
STACY. As I drive toward the main road leading out of the pack, my thoughts circle back to Hannah’s earlier revelation. She knows too much about Jason’s reckless plan for it to be a coincidence, and the more I think about it, the less sense it makes. I glance over at her, sitting in the passenger seat and scrolling through her phone. “Hannah,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual but firm, “how exactly did you find out about Velkan and Jason’s plan?” Hannah freezes for a split second, her fingers hovering over the screen, before she looks at me with feigned innocence. “What do you mean? I overheard it, of course.” I narrow my eyes at her. “Overheard it where? And when? This isn’t exactly something you’d catch in casual conversation at the coffee shop.” She shifts in her seat, clearly uncomfortable under my scrutiny. “Stacy, it’s not a big deal. Alpha Jason might have mentioned it once in passing, and I just pieced things together.” I snort, gripping the steering wheel ti
STACY. (Next morning) I wake up to the soft morning light streaming through the curtains, stretching as the events of last night play in my mind. The party was a success, but Jason’s sudden disappearance keeps nagging at me. I slip out of bed and wrap myself in a robe, padding down the hall toward the dining room. Maybe he’s already awake, sitting at the table with that smug smirk of his, pretending he wasn’t up to something suspicious. When I step into the dining room, it’s empty except for Ava, who’s setting out breakfast for one. She looks up and greets me with a polite smile. “Good morning, Ma'am. Did you sleep well?” “Morning, Ava. I slept fine,” I reply, brushing my hair behind my ear. “Have you seen Jason?” Her smile falters slightly. “Alpha Jason didn’t come back last night after he left for the party.” Her words hit me like a bucket of cold water. I blink, trying to process. “He… he didn’t come back?” “No, ma’am,” Ava says, her voice calm but hesitant. “I as
STACY. (Two hours later) The chatter of the last few guests fades into the background as I stand near the entrance of the venue, double-checking the checklist in my head for the night’s wrap-up. Suddenly, I hear Alpha John’s warm voice behind me. “Stacy, dear,” he says, stepping closer with Luna Linda at his side, Liam’s small hand tucked safely in his. “It’s getting late, and you still seem busy here. Linda and I were thinking it might be best if Liam stayed with us tonight. What do you think?” I glance down at Liam, who looks up at me with his big, curious eyes. “Would you like that, sweetheart?” He nods eagerly. “Can I, Mom? Please?” A small smile tugs at my lips as I crouch to his level, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. “Alright, but only if you promise to be a good boy and listen to your grandparents.” “I will, I promise!” Liam says, his enthusiasm lighting up his face. Standing back up, I turn to Alpha John and Luna Linda. “Thank you for offering. I app
JASON. An hour into the party, I find myself leaning against one of the tall cocktail tables, nursing a glass of whiskey as my eyes trail Stacy across the room. She’s in her element—composed, graceful, effortlessly weaving through the crowd while ignoring me and ensuring everything runs seamlessly. The guests are clearly impressed, and so am I. How I wish she knew I won’t be here for the entire party, that I’ll be leaving soon to deal with Velkan, maybe she wouldn’t be so quick to freeze me out.But even now, with her focus locked on her work, I know she feels me watching her. I catch it in the way her gaze flickers my way—fleeting, careful, pretending not to see me. And every time she looks away like I don’t exist, it only stokes the smug satisfaction curling in my chest. She might ignore me, but she’s not fooling anyone—least of all me... “Oh, Jason, stop staring or you’ll burn a hole through her,” Daniel murmurs as he passes by, smirking at me. I ignore him, pretending his wor
JASON. I watch Stacy disappear into the crowd, the sleek blue gown I bought her hugging her figure in a way that has no business being legal. Every sway of her hips makes it harder to look away. But what really grates on me is how she smiled at Daniel—And that hug? Too comfortable for my liking. 'We should have been here earlier than going last minute suit shopping for Daniel who showed up earlier than us,' my wolf grumbles, his irritation matching mine. A growl vibrates in my chest before I can stop it, and Daniel, standing just beside me, raises an amused brow. “Relax, Jason,” he says, his tone dripping with mockery. “What’s with the death glare? Jealous already?” “She’s my mate,” I bite back, turning to him. “Keep your hands off her.” Daniel laughs—a deep, hearty sound that makes my fists twitch. “Your mate, huh? You sure about that? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re still trying to convince her of that yourself.” I scowl, narrowing my eyes. “Don’
STACY. (Later in the evening) My room is a flurry of activity—shoes by the bed, hangers draped across the chair, and Liam standing in the middle of it all, fidgeting in his little navy-blue suit. The tie sits slightly off-center, giving him a mischievous charm. “Mommy, do I have to wear this?” He whines, squirming as I straighten his tie for the third time. “I look like a grown-up” I kneel to his level feeling much better than earlier at the venue after the dizzy spell incident. I brush a stray strand of hair from his forehead. “Yes, sweetheart. You’re going to a grown-up party, so you have to look the part. Trust me, you will be the most handsome boy there will be tonight.” His nose scrunches up, but a grin sneaks through, his cheeks flushing pink. “Even more handsome than Daddy?” he asks and my hands still for the briefest moment before resuming their task... I wonder why Liam always brings up his father in almost all of our conversation... Nevertheless, I swallow the a
JASON. “Don't worry Alpha, Miss white is fine,” The medic assures me for the third time that Stacy will be fine after passing out for a few seconds, but my chest still feels like it’s in a vice. I can't believe she starved herself to reach such a point. What was she thinking? I watch her finish the last bite of her sandwich, her delicate fingers brushing crumbs off the table. She looks paler than usual, her sharp edges softened by exhaustion and something I can't put in words. “Happy now?” she mutters, her voice flat, though a hint of vulnerability lingers beneath. “Not even close,” I reply, stepping closer to the table. My tone is low, more serious than I intended. “Why would you starve yourself, Stacy? You need to take better care of yourself.” Her lips twitch, as if she wants to argue, but instead, she drops the napkin on the table. “I don’t have time for this... Leave me already, I still have so much to do.” she says, trying to deflect. Leave her in this condition? Is
STACY. I nod. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while. Expanding the business just makes sense, especially with how many connections I will potentially make after tonight.” Lizzy studies me for a moment. “Does this mean you’re staying? You know, for good?” I glance at her briefly before returning my focus to the road. “It doesn’t mean anything. You run the office in blue moon and I run this one here. It’s just business nothing more.” She hums thoughtfully but doesn’t push further. Soon, we arrive at the venue, my team of temporary workers is already bustling around, arranging centerpieces, and double-checking the decorations. The energy is contagious, and I jump right into the chaos, giving directions and making sure everything is on schedule to keep my mind off Jason and his mess. By midday, the sun is high, and the venue is starting to come together beautifully. I’m just about to inspect the replaced floral arrangements when a familiar figure confidently strides through
STACY. (Next day) I stare into the mirror, groaning under my breath. My reflection mocks me: pale skin, shadows under my eyes, and a tiredness I can’t shake no matter how much makeup I pile on. ‘We look like death warmed over us,’ my wolf grumbles in my head, her tone a mix of concern and irritation. “I can see that… Thanks for the reminding me,” I mutter, running a brush through my hair for the third time. ‘I’m just saying,’ she continues, ‘You knew today’s important but you decide to keep us awake the whole night.. You’ve been working on this party for weeks, and now you’re going to show up looking like a zombie to potential clients? How professional.’ “Ugh, Piper…it’s not like Alpha John’s guests are coming to see me,” I counter, forcing a laugh to hide my unease. “They’ll be too busy admiring the decorations to care what I look like.” ‘Maybe, but you care. Don’t pretend you don’t.’ I sigh, shoving my sunglasses onto my face. “Whatever. Let’s just survive today. The