JASON. A few days after dress shopping with Nicole, it’s the day of my wedding—a day I’m supposed to feel on top of the world, yet something feels off. The sun is shining, the guests are arriving, but I can’t shake this heaviness in my chest. I’m standing in the grand hall, waiting for Nicole’s father, Victor Cruz, a former Beta turned Rogue, to arrive with his entourage. Nicole had completely refused to go ahead with the wedding without her father's presence even though mine wouldn't be in attendance. "Sorry to bother you Alpha, but what time will we start the ceremony?" my officiant asks me in a respective tone. I glance at my wrist watch to see the time and sigh. "As soon as Nicole's father arrive. Now please excuse me while I gather my thoughts," I dismiss him to recall the past and think if I'm doing the right thing... A brief history on Victor Cruz is that he was my father's Beta back in the day but he got power hungry and wanted to overthrow my father and gain his title…
JASON. “I won’t eat or drink anything you give me. Take this filth away!” My voice shakes with barely contained rage as I slap the glass from the bedside table, watching it shatter on the floor. Nicole’s face pales, her hands trembling as she recoils with wide eyes filled with fear. Meanwhile, Victor stands off to the side, his lip curling in disgust. “Pathetic,” he sneers, his disdain cutting through the air like a blade. “Baby, what’s gotten into you?” Nicole takes a tentative step toward me, her voice soft but laced with desperation. I can’t bear to be near her. I can feel she isn't being honest with me and it chokes me. I feel the heat rising beneath my skin, my wolf clawing to be let out. If I stay any longer, I might do something I can’t take back. Without another word, I turn and storm out of the house, my muscles quaking with the need to escape. “Jason, my love,” Nicole's voice calls for me but it falls on deaf ears. I can't stand dishonest people. As soon as I’m outsi
JASON. “Which room have you placed Nicole?” I storm into the hospital, my heart pounding in my chest, barely able to contain the storm of rage building inside me as I ask one of the nurses at the entrance. She bows her head to show submissiveness, “She is in suite 03,” she responds immediately. I walk past her to the said room. The sterile smell of disinfectant does nothing to calm me as I head straight for Nicole’s room. She’s been manipulating me, feeding me that damn love potion, and now it’s time for her to face my wrath. I push the door open with more force than I intend, finding her sitting up in bed, looking as serene as ever. But I know better."My love_" she starts to speak but I cut her off. “Nicole,” I growl, my voice low and dangerous, “we need to talk.” She glances up, her face painted with that fake innocence I’ve grown to hate. “My love? What’s wrong?” I step closer, the fury burning hot behind my eyes. “Don’t play dumb with me. I know about the proculum—the lo
STACY. “Beautiful flowers for a very beautiful lady,” a familiar husky voice pulls me away from the computer screen I’ve been staring at for hours. I glance up and smile. “Good morning to you too, Daniel.” “Here, I picked these from my garden.” He hands me a bouquet of red roses, the vibrant petals soft beneath my fingers. My smile widens as I take them. “You really don't have to bring me flowers everyday you know.” He grins, a playful glint in his eyes. “Come on, I’m just a gentleman who knows how to spoil a lady.” I chuckle, shaking my head at his latest attempt at a pick-up line. "Is that what you're calling it now?” "Yes and I will keep bringing you flowers until you say yes to one date," he winks at me and I chuckle. "Okay Alpha Romeo." I tease him and he laughs with me. It's been five years since the divorce, and my life has finally begun to fall into place again. After going back to school with the help of my parents, I’ve made a name for myself as one of the mos
STACY. I drive a few miles when suddenly Liam's voice breaks the silence in the car once again, small but insistent. “Mommy, please... I wanna see Daddy. Can we see him soon?”Daddy again for the second time? I grip the steering wheel tighter, forcing a smile for his sake. “Soon, sweetheart. I promise.” It was a weak promise, a vague one I had no intention of keeping. As we pull into my parents’ driveway, my chest feels heavy with the weight of the lie. Liam’s little face lights up as he spots his grandmother coming out of the house, and before I can unbuckle him, he’s already throwing his arms around her. “Nana!” “Liam! What are you doing home so early?” my mom asks, her eyes flitting from him to me with concern. I force a strained smile. “It’s a long story for later, Mom but right now I need to get back to work because Lizzy is alone at the office.” “Oh, okay, “ she responds hesitantly and suddenly Liam pipes up excitedly. “Grandma! Mommy says we’re gonna go see Daddy soon!”
STACY. A few weeks later… The clock on the office wall ticks loudly, each second a reminder that time is running out. I lean back in my chair, staring at the eviction notice on my desk. Our landlord has been clear—if we don’t come up with the rent by the end of the day, we’re out. I sigh heavily. “Where am I going to get the money, Lizzy?” Lizzy, sitting across from me, taps her nails anxiously on the desk. “Stacy, we don’t have many options. Maybe... maybe you should ask Alpha Daniel for help?” I shake my head immediately. “No. I can’t. If I go to him for help, he’ll think I’m giving him false hope, and I’m not ready for that. I don’t want to lead him on.” Lizzy sighs, looking just as stressed as I feel. “Then what are we going to do? The landlord’s not bluffing, Stacy. He’ll kick us out tonight.” Before I can answer, the office phone rings. Lizzy quickly picks it up, her expression tightening as she speaks to whoever’s on the other end. “Yes... okay, I’ll let her know and get
STACY. “Stacy!” Lizzy's scream cuts through the night as she jumps out of the truck and races after me. Grass and twigs crunches under my boots as I struggle against the rogue who yanked me from the vehicle. I twist free, landing on my feet just as Lizzy steps beside me. “Why did you come out?” I gasp, catching my breath. “I couldn't let you fight them alone. We’re in this together,” Lizzy replies, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. I can’t tell if I should be impressed by her bravery or annoyed by her loyalty. I scan the area, counting the rogues. “I see ten here. What about you?” “Fifteen, maybe twenty.” Her voice tightens, and I know we’re in over our heads. There's no way we can take them all, but at this point, what do we have to lose? “Alright,” I whisper, “when I say attack, shift and run. Don’t stop. Run for your life, got it?” She nods, her eyes locked on mine. “Got it.” But before we can put our plan in motion their leader steps forward, a wicke
NICOLE. The sun is beating down, and I’m lounging by the pool at the mansion, sipping on a yummy fruity drink, enjoying the warm, lazy afternoon. I stretch out further, feeling the perfect blend of sun on my skin, and for a moment, I almost forget how much Jason has been avoiding me the past few years. My perfect life should be back in order by now. But before I can settle into that thought, Ava comes rushing toward me, clipboard in hand, and that annoying look of worry plastered on her face. “Luna Nicole,” she says carefully, “you’re scheduled to visit the homeless shelter today, remember? You need to donate those things and—” I wave her off, not even bothering to look at her. “I don’t care about that.” I adjust my sunglasses and sigh. “Just bring me another drink. And this time add vodka or something strong.” Ava hesitates, her brow furrowing as if she’s about to argue. “But, Luna, it’s important to—” “I said now!” I snap, turning my head to glare at her. “I don’t need your le
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