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
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