Thank you for reading ;)
JASON. Minutes later, Liam and I walk through the mall, his small hand tugging at mine as we pass shops filled with colorful displays and bustling shoppers who all greet me with a submissive bow. The lively atmosphere feels like a stark contrast to the storm brewing in my heart, but Liam’s excitement is contagious, his eyes lighting up at every store window we pass. Finally, we find the perfect store—a place lined with shelves of outdoorsy gadgets and trinkets. Liam darts toward a rack of fishing rods, his eyes lighting up. “Daddy, look! This one has a shiny handle! Grandpa would love it!” he exclaims, pointing to a sleek rod with an engraved grip. “That’s a great choice,” I say, smiling despite the tension in my chest. “Now let’s find something else to go with it.” “More presents for grandpa, yay!” Liam’s energy is relentless as he picks out a fishing hat adorned with quirky feathers and a leather-bound notebook for Grandpa’s fishing notes. Once done, the shop atten
STACY. (Meanwhile at the border) ‘How could Jason have gotten involved with Alpha Velkan Hugo of all people in the world?’ The thought refuses to leave me, circling endlessly in my mind... I can’t believe what happened in Jason's office, let alone make sense of it when our relationship was just getting better. I wonder what business Jason is doing with Velkan? Suddenly, Greg pulls the car smoothly to a stop at the border's checkpoint, his hands steady on the wheel. I snap out of my thoughts and glance at him briefly, noting the way his eyes flicker to the rearview mirror, always vigilant. “ Ma'am, we’ve arrived,” he says, his tone formal but respectful. “Thanks, Greg,” I reply, opening the door. “Would you like me to wait here, or should I park nearby?” he asks. “Wait here. This shouldn’t take long,” I say, smoothing my dress as I step out. He nods, his expression carefully neutral. “Understood, ma’am.” I approach my company truck parked by the side of the road an
STACY. Hours later, I arrive at the mansion, the soft glow of the evening lights spilling across the driveway. As I push open the heavy front door, an unsettling stillness greets me. The house is unnervingly quiet. Liam should be waiting for me to return home to talk about all the gifts he picked for Grandpa. But there’s nothing. No sound, no movement—just an eerie silence that creeps into my chest. “Liam?” I call out, my voice breaking through the quiet like a sharp crack. Nothing. Suddenly, a familiar warm, savory aroma of garlic and herbs drifts from the kitchen, and my guard instantly goes up. I know Jason is obviously cooking for me but I won't let his gesture cloud my head from what I want to say. I head toward the kitchen, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor. When I round the corner, I stop short of what I see. Jason stands at the stove shirtless, his broad, bare shoulders glowing under the warm kitchen lights, as if he’s stepped straight off the cover of a G
JASON.The sound of Stacy’s retreating footsteps echoes in my mind long after she’s left the kitchen. Her words linger too, sharp and heavy like daggers lodged in my chest.I know I deserve her anger. I deserve every ounce of it. But knowing doesn’t make it hurt any less.I glance at the food I just finished cooking—the rich aroma of the roasted chicken and vegetables doing little to soothe the ache in my chest. She didn’t even give me a chance to explain fully, but I can’t blame her. Not when I’ve failed her this many times.I'm back to square one…Grabbing a plate, I dish out the food, careful to arrange it the way I know she likes—nothing touching, the vegetables on one side and the meat perfectly sliced. It’s a ridiculous detail to focus on right now, but it’s the only way I know how to show her that I’m trying when it feels like all hope is lost.I take the plate and head upstairs, pausing outside her door. My wolf is restless, pacing inside me, urging me to fix this immediately.
JASON. I hold up a hand, my glare never leaving Daniel. “Hannah, please go back home.” “But—” “Now,” I snap, my tone leaving no room for argument. She flinches but nods quickly, stepping toward her car. “Alpha, please don’t do anything to him,” she pleads, her voice barely above a whisper. “I won’t,” I say, though my clenched fists suggest otherwise. Hannah hesitates, glancing nervously between us, before finally getting into her car and driving off. The sound of her engine fades into the distance, leaving me alone with Daniel. For a moment, the two of us just stand there, the tension between us crackling like a live wire. “You’ve got some nerve,” I finally say, my voice low and dangerous. “Coming into my territory, sneaking around with one of my packmates.” Daniel shrugs, utterly unbothered. “Hannah’s a grown woman. She can make her own choices.” “She’s my packmate,” I snap, stepping closer. “And you’re on my land without permission. That’s two strikes, Daniel. Car
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
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
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. 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