STACY. “You have exactly five minutes to say what you want to say then leave. And this time for good Jason. I don't want to see you or breath the same air as you.” I start the conversation while my body aches from the car crash I just encountered. Jason looks at me with remorse and desperation before he speaks. “Stacy, I’ll leave Nicole. I swear it. I’ll do anything to get you back.” I huff a laugh, crossing my arms over my chest. “Is that what you want to speak to me about? Leave Nicole? Jason, you don’t even know what you’re saying. You think throwing those words around is enough to make me forget everything you did? Four minutes…” I subtract a minute from the five minutes I gave him. His eyes pop wide and pleading, fixing on me like they always used to. But I’m not that girl anymore, and his charm isn’t working this time. “You left me no choice,” I spit, my voice trembling with the weight of everything I’ve been holding inside. “You married her! You moved on, had a child
NICOLE.Meanwhile in midnight pack... “Why is Jason not yet back?” I pace back and forth across the marble floors of the mansion, my fingers clenched into fists. The rage bubbling inside me threatens to spill over, but I bite my lip to keep it in check. It’s been two days since Jason ordered me to come back to our home with Alex, while he stayed behind at that Blue Moon pack. Who was the woman in the mask that grabbed his attention? The way he rushed me out of blue moon pack, that cold look in his eyes, something had changed. And I’m not stupid—I know he was admiring her from the moment he set his eyes on her. “Nicole, sit down. You are giving me a headache with your pacing,” My father’s deep voice rumbles behind me. Victor Cruz, the infamous rogue leader who’s caused countless packs to shudder at the mere mention of his name, leans back casually in Jason’s leather sofa in the living room like he owns the place. “I don’t want to sit down,” I snap, crossing my arms as I continue
STACY Hours after Jason left... I can’t help but smile when Hannah unexpectedly steps into my hospital room. It feels like it’s been ages since I last saw her, and despite the circumstances, her presence is exactly what I need. "Stacy!" Hannah exclaims, rushing over and wrapping me in a hug. Her arms squeeze a little too tightly around my bruised ribs, but I laugh, grateful for her warmth. "You know you don’t have to crush me to show love, right?" I tease, though my voice comes out softer than I intend. She pulls back, looking me over with worry creasing her brow. "I panicked when I heard that loud bang over the phone. You went silent after that... I had to leave the pack and come here as soon as I could." I offer her a small smile, trying to ease the concern etched into her face. "I’m fine, really. Just a few bruises and a mild concussion. Nothing I can’t handle." "Fine?" she says, incredulous. "You scared me half to death. I was worried sick when you didn’t answer after that
JASON. I sit in my office, the weight of the past few days settling over me like a heavy cloud, but finally, there’s a ray of hope. The pack business is going smoothly, yet my mind is elsewhere, focused on two persons: Stacy and my son Liam. How can I get them back home without much fuss? Suddenly the phone on my desk buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It's the call I've been waiting for— it's retired Beta George Will I had sent on a special errand. "George," I answer, keeping my tone controlled. "Did she sign?" "Yes, Alpha," George’s gruff voice confirms. "Stacy signed the contract. She’ll be planning your father’s 60th birthday party. And as you instructed, she doesn’t know it was you who hired her." A sense of satisfaction pulses through me. Stacy may not want anything to do with me, but I’ve managed to bring her back into my orbit, even if it’s through deception. "Good," I say, leaning back in my chair. "Keep everything as it is. Don’t let her find out." "Understood," Ge
STACY. The morning of Alpha Kingston daughter's birthday is in full swing, laughter and chatter bouncing through the grand ballroom.... The event I planned with Lizzy is unfolding beautifully, each detail meticulously attended to, just as I expected. The shimmer of fairy lights overhead casts a soft glow on the crowd, while the music floats through the air, setting a dreamy ambiance. I should feel proud, but my attention keeps shifting back to the dark figure lurking at the edge of the room—Jason. He isn't with his Luna Nicole. I should have known he was going to be in attendance but he wasn't on the guest list I was shown by Alpha Kingston and his Luna... I wonder what strings he pulled to be in attendance of this exclusive party. Jason's eyes haven’t left me all morning. I can feel the heat of his gaze, a constant, suffocating presence that both thrills and unnerves me. But this morning, I’m not going to let him control my emotions. I’m the one pulling the strings since I'm the
STACY. ‘How can you be so ignorant not to read the small print Stacy?’ My wolf scolds me via mind link non-stop. It's now giving me a headache while I drive home from Alpha Kingston's pack. I grip the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles are white from rage and anger... How did I not see this coming? Jason played me—again. The way he casually pulled out that contract with a smirk, knowing full well I hadn’t read the fine print, it all replays in my head. The smug look on his face when he told me I’d have to stay in Midnight Pack for the entire month of planning Alpha John's birthday… He knew what he was doing A bitter laugh escapes my lips. Jason has trapped me into returning to his territory where he can see me whenever he wants. But why? Why go to such lengths when he has Nicole and their pup waiting for him at home? None of this is making sense. By the time I pull into the driveway to my parent's house, I’ve run through every possible explanation a hundred times, and none o
STACY. An hour later, I'm packing my bags in the silence of my house as I’m still replaying Jason's words in my mind. I hate him more for how he has manipulated me to go back into his territory, where he’ll have full access to me whenever he wants. Again, why is he doing this? He has Nicole. She’s the one in his bed every night, not me. So why go through all these lengths? Does he want me to be his side piece like she was before he divorced me? I toss another set of clothes into my bag, zipping it up with a frustrated tug… No, I won't allow him to win. He is my past and not my future. I sit on the edge of my bed, when suddenly Liam’s innocent question from earlier lingers in my mind. He thinks I’m leaving to bring his father back—like I promised. How do I tell a 5 year old that I can never allow his daddy back into his life again for what he did us? A soft knock on the front door breaks my chain of thoughts. My brow furrows—who would visit at this hour? I take a
JASON. Having Stacy back here, in the pack, feels surreal. I glance at her as we walk through the halls of the packhouse, her heels tapping softly on the polished floors. I finally have her where I can reach her again, no more avoiding me, no more hiding. I can win her back, piece by piece, and there’s nothing in my way this time. “This is your place,” I say, stopping at the top floor, turning the key to her new apartment. The door swings open, revealing a spacious, freshly renovated suite. I step aside, letting her enter first. She walks in, her eyes scanning the apartment with cool detachment. I watch her closely, waiting for a reaction, any sign that she feels something. “It’s a two-bedroom in case you get a special visitor who wants to spend the night,” I say hoping that special visitor will be our son. I continue, gesturing toward the kitchen. “New appliances, granite countertops. Fully stocked. You can cook, or I can have someone bring your meals everyday.” Her eyes flick
DANIEL.Sitting in my home office, I rub my temples as I reread the anonymous notes Hannah received earlier. The words are etched in my mind, taunting me. ‘Leave Daniel before it's too late.’Whoever sent them isn’t just trying to scare her. They’re trying to drive a wedge between us. And that makes them as dangerous as the people who were spreading rumors about Hannah when she first arrived here.I glance out the window, watching Mother and Hannah strolling through the pack grounds. From here, they appear cordial, and that’s a relief—I couldn’t bear the thought of the two most important women in my life being at odds.I shift my focus back to the papers on my desk. If the threats are coming from someone within the pack, I need to figure out who. My gaze sweeps across the room, landing on the files I’ve been gathering on the staff within the mansion. No one here should have a reason to harm Hannah, but I’ve learned not to trust appearances.Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupts my
HANNAH.“Let me make one thing clear, Hannah,” Margaret’s voice cuts through the stillness as we step into the foyer. She turns to face me, her sharp features illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window. “I don’t want you running to Daniel every time we have a conversation. It will only upset him unnecessarily, and I’m sure you don’t want to be the cause of that.” she says, her tone low but laced with authority.Me, Upset Daniel? How?!Her sudden words settle over me like a storm cloud, heavy and threatening. I meet her gaze, refusing to flinch. “If I feel threatened,” I say, keeping my voice steady, “I will tell Daniel. Even if it’s his own mother.”Margaret laughs, the sound soft and mocking. “Oh, my dear,” she says, her lips curling into a smirk. “And who do you think Daniel will believe? His mother, who has been by his side all his life? Or you, the little omega trying to worm her way into a world where she doesn’t belong?”Her words sting, but I don’t let it show. I
HANNAH.Minutes later, the dining room is filled with the comforting aroma of fresh pastries and freshly brewed coffee. I savor the quiet moment with Daniel, relishing the way his gaze holds mine, as though nothing else in the world matters.“Do you think your pack will ever get used to me?” I tease, stirring honey into my tea, my tone light but curious.Daniel chuckles, the deep timbre of his laugh sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. “They will, once they realize how amazing you are. If they don’t, that’s their problem, not yours.”“But what do you think so far?” he asks, his fingers brushing mine across the table, the touch deliberate yet gentle.“It’s different,” I admit with a small smile, though the weight of the weird stares and notes I received earlier still lingers. “But I think I could find my place here... if I became your mate.” I joke and Daniel chuckles lightly .“Good answer,” he replies, his voice low and reassuring, his eyes locking onto mine. “You already belong
HANNAH. (meanwhile in Blue Moon) The first rays of sunlight seep through the curtains, spilling a soft, golden light across the room. My body feels pleasantly achy, a tender reminder of the endless passion Daniel and I shared in the past two days cooked up in his room since we arrived here. I shift carefully, trying not to wake him, but as I glance over my shoulder, I see him still deep in sleep, his face relaxed and peaceful in a way that makes my heart ache a little. ‘I think you know it's about time we tell him about the pregnancy, Hannah,’ my wolf says via mind link but I'm not mentally ready, so I ignore her and slip out of bed, my bare feet padding across the cool floor. The slight chill sends a shiver up my spine as I make my way to the bathroom. Once inside, I flick on the light and lean against the sink, staring at my reflection. My cheeks are flushed, my hair a tousled mess, and yet, there’s something different about me. A glow I don’t quite recognize. My hand
STACY. ‘Marry me again!?’ The words take my breath away. Oh my Goddess. That's why he's been acting strange all evening. He wanted to proposal... My heart pounds wildly as I struggle to steady my racing pulse. “What?” I whisper, my anger evaporating in an instant. Jason doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he walks to the dresser where his suit hangs, reaching into the pocket. When he turns back to me, he’s holding a familiar tiny box. My breath catches as he steps closer, dropping to one knee in front of me. “I wanted to do this tonight, during the grand opening, when everything was perfect,” he says, opening the box to reveal the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. “But then everything fell apart, and I let my frustration get the better of me.” “Jason…” My voice trembles as I take in the sight of him kneeling there, his eyes locked on mine. “Stacy,” he says, his voice steady despite the emotion in his gaze. “I don’t want to fight with you. I don’t want to doubt us. All I
STACY. (Three hours later) The evening had been perfect—or so I thought. The grand opening of my building went off without a hitch after the lights came back on, but something about Jason’s demeanor since then has left me uneasy. We barely spoke on the ride home. He was unusually quiet, his jaw set tight, his gaze fixed out the window. Now, as I sit beside Liam’s bed, his small hand clutches mine. His wide, innocent eyes search my face, filled with worry that I desperately want to erase. “Mommy?” he whispers, his voice soft in the dim light of his room. “Yes, sweetheart?” I smooth his hair back, offering him a smile that I don’t entirely feel. “Why aren’t you and Daddy talking? Did I do something wrong?” His question pierces my heart, the guilt sinking deep. “Oh, baby, no,” I assure him, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You didn’t do anything wrong, baby. Daddy and I… we’re just tired. It’s been a long day, that’s all.” He studies me for a moment, his little face scrunching
JASON. (Meanwhile in midnight pack) The air buzzes with energy as I stand near the entrance of Stacy’s new building. Fairy lights drape the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the polished floors and the crowd that fills the space. It’s her night—a celebration of her relentless work. But tonight isn’t just about her achievements. It’s about us. The small velvet box in my pocket feels heavier with each passing second, like it’s anchoring me to this moment. My fingers twitch toward it, but I force them still. Not yet. Timing is everything, and this has to be perfect. My gaze finds Stacy across the room... She’s talking to a group of guests, her smile brighter than the lights around her. She nods, laughs, and brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. I’ve seen her like this a hundred times lately—confident, poised, in control—but tonight, it feels different. Because tonight, I’m going ask her to marry me again. “Daddy, are you nervous?” Liam’s small voice pulls me
MARGARETThe midday sun streams through the grand windows of my office, casting golden beams across the polished mahogany desk. Patience has never been my strong suit, but today, it’s necessary. My fingers tap a steady rhythm on the desk’s surface, my gaze locked on the door.Finally, a soft knock breaks the silence. “Come in,” I call, arranging my features into calm authority.The door opens, and Roxanne steps inside, her hair perfectly styled, her silk blouse catching the light with every movement. She exudes poise and sophistication—the embodiment of what a Luna should be. Daniel may not see it yet, but I do.“Beta Margaret,” she says, her voice smooth but careful. Roxanne knows I don’t summon anyone without reason.“Roxanne,” I reply, gesturing toward the chair across from me. “Please, sit. We need to talk.”She moves gracefully, lowering herself into the seat with practiced elegance. Her hands fold neatly in her lap. “What’s this about?”I lean back, my eyes scanning her like a c
STACY.Next morning after the festival, I glance out the car window as the scenery rushes past, the excitement of the morning overshadowed by my racing thoughts. Jason is focused on the road, one hand gripping the wheel, the other resting comfortably on my leg. For someone who claims to be so perceptive, he’s completely oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.I turn to him, my voice steady but laced with suspicion. “So, why exactly did you invite Daniel to the festival last night?”Jason doesn’t even flinch, keeping his eyes on the road. “Why not? He’s a good guy. I thought it would be nice to see him.”I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Since when are you and Daniel such good friends? Last I checked, you barely mentioned him unless it was about some deal or favor.”Jason lets out a sigh, overly dramatic and clearly meant to push my buttons. “We’re friends now, cupcake. He’s helped me out a lot when I needed it.”“Friends uh?” I echo, my tone cutting. “And just like that, you're