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
JASON. I can't believe she did that. Stacy's door slammed behind me and the echo reverberated through my chest leaving a hollowness. I stand outside her apartment, fists clenched and heart hammering…. I still can't believe she shut me out after everything we share. But at least I got to see my son and confirm his identity. He is the same handsome boy I had bumped into back in Blue moon square market. This is definitely a sign from the goddess. She wants me to reunite my family once again. I let out a breath while running a hand through my hair with a smirk. I'm more determined to win Stacy back… But how? She is colder and stronger than the woman I remember… winning her back might just prove to be a challenge. But nevertheless, I need a celebratory drink now that I spoke to my son and confirmed his identity. I drive to the pack bar not so far from the pack house. It's dimly lit with a few packmates just how I like it. The scent of alcohol and worn leather fills the air as I hear
STACY After I kicked Jason out of my apartment, I couldn’t shake the thought of him grabbing my phone and talking to my son wasn't done on purpose. Was this part of some twisted plan to worm his way back into my life? What lie can I now tell Liam to hide the truth from him after that stunt? I couldn't let him grow up confused, caught between his father’s lies and my attempt to shield him from the truth. I sigh, towel drying my hair after a long, hot shower, trying to scrub away the frustration clinging to me. Just as I start to feel a sense of calm, a sharp knock sounds at my door. My body tenses as his strong intoxicating scent wafts through the air, unmistakable. It's Jason. He's here. And he's on heat. But why come to me? My breathing increases while I keep quiet hoping he will leave if I don't respond to him. He knocks again, louder this time. His voice is gruff yet pleading. "Stacy, I can hear you in there. Please, open the door." My heart thuds wildly. I don