STACY. Meanwhile at the venue…. I try to stay focused on the event setup, but my thoughts keep drifting off to nothing when suddenly Jason returns just as abrupt as he left earlier. The unease I’ve been feeling all morning sharpens. He walks into the venue like everything’s fine, but something isn’t right—there’s a tension in the way he moves, a shadow that wasn’t there before. My gaze drifts to his hands, and my stomach churns. Why does he have blood stains on his knuckles? “What happened?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper as I notice the blood staining his knuckles. Jason looks down at his hand, seemingly surprised by the marks as if he hadn’t even noticed. He wipes the blood away with a careless swipe of his jeans, shrugging. “It’s nothing. Just had to deal with an intruder.” His casual tone makes my chest tighten with worry. “An intruder? Are you sure you are okay?” I take a step toward him, searching his face for any hint of what really happened. “Yeah, I'm g
NICOLE. "Ma'am, where are we headed? We've been driving around for over an hour and if we ain't careful, we might run out of gas in the middle of nowhere." My driver's soft voice pulls me from my thoughts. I glance out the window and realize we've long left the pack's territory. I definitely don't want to go to my father right now—not after everything with Jason and Stacy…. Father is my last option for I know how his temper flares. "Take me to my grandmother," I command, my voice cold and unyielding. The driver hesitates, his eyes darting toward me discreetly. "Miss Nicole, perhaps it would be best to speak with your father first. He might be able to—" "Did I ask for your opinion?" I cut him off sharply. "Just take me to my grandmother and keep quiet." He nods quickly without saying anything while he continues to drive. I sink into the seat, pressing my hand to my forehead, trying to hold myself together. How did everything spiral out of my control so quickly? I thought the poti
JASON.It’s been two days since I chased Nicole out of the pack after she attempted to seduce me, looking like Stacy... and also two days since Daniel stormed in, all righteous and concerned, thinking Stacy was here against her will.Hatred and Jealousy twisted in my gut when Stacy asked me to apologize for beating him up and privacy to speak with him. It was hard to ignore, but I hid it well enough until he finally left yesterday. Now, Stacy has managed to get both of us to stay civil—all for Liam's future. She says it's for the best, and maybe she's right.I can feel it—I’m making progress. Stacy is starting to soften toward me.Hence today, we’re heading to Daniel's pack for Liam’s sports day tomorrow, and I'm bringing extra guards with us. I’m not stupid. With Nicole gone back to her father, I know Victor, won’t be far behind, looking for someone to blame. And knowing him, he’ll probably make me his target.But before heading to Stacy's apartment, I make a quick stop at my special
STACYHow could Nicole be dead? I just saw her two days ago, looking perfectly healthy.I tighten my arms across my chest, barely holding back my anger as I glare at Jason. “Prove it to me, Jason. Prove you had no hand in her sudden death.” My voice is sharp. I hadn’t meant to sound so accusatory, but the shock of Nicole’s death has left me reeling, unable to untangle the mess of emotions twisting inside me.Jason sighs, rubbing his hand across his face, his fingers pressing hard against his temples as if he’s trying to steady himself. “Stacy, I didn’t… I wouldn’t.” He turns to look at me, his eyes dark with frustration and something else—hurt, maybe? “Yes, I wanted her out of our lives, to stop her from driving this wedge between us, but I never wanted her dead. I still stand by what I said, Stacy. I’ve never, and would never, harm a woman. Not her… not anyone.”I don’t answer right away, leaning back into my seat and turning my gaze to the trees outside the window. Nicole had been m
JASON 3 hours later… As we cross the Blue Moon border, the dense forest gives way to a guarded path lined with the pack’s warriors, their gazes sharp and assessing. At the forefront stands their Alpha, Daniel, poised with his chin held high and eyes calculating as they settle on me. His guards flank him, creating an imposing wall of strength. I pull the car to a stop, and the air between us thickens with unspoken tension. At least I’m grateful that I’m not in a position where Victor could cause trouble. But I can’t shake the realization of why Stacy had insisted I apologize for beating Daniel up just two days ago. She saw this moment coming. “Alpha Daniel,” I step out, and we lock eyes—two Alphas, each reading the other’s strength, neither willing to look away first. Daniel’s gaze drifts to my entourage, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Quite the company you brought with you, Barron. What’s with all the guards? Nervous?” “Protection,” I reply, keeping my tone even. Still, I f
JASON.Meeting Alpha Frank and his wife after so many years was unnerving; their judgment was unmistakable. But enduring it was worth every tense moment because now, finally, I'm here—standing in Stacy’s home, with my family.As I step through Stacy's small living room but comfortable, Liam is perched on my arm, while I take in every detail. The two-bedroom layout is modest, filled with warmth and the intoxicating hint of lavender that is her scent. My gaze wanders, catching a few colorful drawings pinned to the fridge and a well-worn armchair by the window. I’m struck by the purity of the space—not a single trace of another man's scent. A surge of hope flickers within me, hope that maybe there’s still a place for me in their lives. Especially Stacy's.Liam shifts in my arms, looking up at me with his big, curious eyes. “Daddy, why are there so many guards around the house?”I smile, ruffling his hair. “Because I’m an Alpha of one of the biggest and strongest packs, and one day, whe
STACY. I wake up feeling a mixture of nerves and relief. Yesterday went surprisingly well—my parents were civil enough to let Jason stay for Liam’s sports day, even though they’ve made it clear they haven’t forgiven him. And honestly, I can’t blame them. But I’m grateful that they allowed him to be here, especially for Liam. Stepping into the living room, I find Jason sitting on the sofa, rubbing his lower back with a grimace. The sight makes me chuckle. "Rough night on the couch?" I ask, unable to hide my amusement. He looks up, wincing slightly. "You could say that. I think my back might be permanently bent in half." I shake my head in amusement. “Consider it a warm welcome to my house,” I tease, then nod toward the kitchen. “How about I make breakfast while you go get ready?” Jason raises an eyebrow, then stretches, giving me a hint of a smile. "Breakfast sounds amazing." He steps outside to grab his bag, and by the time he returns, I’m already prepping in the kitchen. He
STACY. “Liam is a bastard! Liam is a bastard...” Nigel continues to mock my son repeatedly in the background. Cindy smugs a triumphant smirk without stopping her son mocking mine. It feels like she is putting salt on an open wound, and I feel my control slipping with every condescending word that leaves her stupid son's mouth. I step closer, just enough so our words won’t drift to Liam, who’s standing just a few paces behind, watching us with wide, teary worried eyes. “Cindy,” I say, voice low and steady, “if you don't shut your son up, I will gladly do it for you! Besides if have a problem with me, say it to my face without dragging my son into it.” She gives an exaggerated sigh, as if I’m the one trying her patience. “Oh, Stacy, don’t be so sensitive to what my sweet Nigel is saying... It’s just that… well, some of us actually have families who stay together. Some of us actually provide stability for our children, rather than, you know… jumping from one Alpha to the next