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
STACY. “Show us the way please,” “Right this way my lady and prince,” Jason says with a charming grin. Liam and I follow him, a little surprised but grateful. When we reach the said seats, I’m taken aback— the view is perfect, giving us a sweeping view of the field below. The space is cozy, furnished with soft seating and a small table arranged with snacks and drinks. He must have pulled some serious strings to make this happen on such short notice, especially since he wasn’t the Alpha of Blue Moon. “This is incredible,” I say, gazing out over the green expanse where kids and parents are setting up for the day. “Only the best for my family,” he says softly. The words linger in the air, warm and gentle. I glance at him, and our eyes meet, that familiar spark catching me off guard. But before I can respond, Liam tugs on my hand. "Mommy, Daddy and I need to go to the field and wait to be called for our races." "Okay, sweetie," I say, giving him a quick hug. I turn to J
STACY. Hours later.... As the day winds down, a warm, orange glow blankets the field, casting long shadows as families gather their things and begin to head home after a successful day. Jason and Liam stand side by side, grinning like they just conquered the world with medals swinging proudly around their necks. After they won the three legged race, all the other races became easy for them. Liam is beaming so much, his cheeks flush with excitement as he bounds over to me, proudly holding out his medals. “Look at my medals Mommy.!” he exclaims, his voice filled with uncontainable joy. He clutches the medals like they are made of solid gold, with his pride a radiant energy around him. I kneel down to his level, ruffling his hair. “You two were unstoppable out there,” I say, smiling up at Jason, who’s watching us with a soft, almost hopeful look in his eyes. "All thanks to the best cheerleader," Jason says, and I feel a blush rising to my cheeks. I quickly turn back to Liam.
STACY. I stumble back through the clearing and back to the parking lot, barely able to see through the blur of tears and the pain searing through my body. My skin is scraped raw; every step feels like shards of glass digging into me. But none of it compares to the agony tearing through my chest. Liam’s cries echo in my mind. He’s gone—taken—and I wasn’t fast or strong enough to stop it all Through my haze of fear and fury, I spot Jason standing by his car, his face tight with worry and confusion once he sets his eyes on me. His eyes scan over me, bare feet, blood smeared across my naked body. Without a word, he strides forward before he guards see me, shrugging off his shirt and draping it over my shoulders, while his hands linger as if hoping his touch alone could offer comfort. “Stacy,” he begins, his voice rough with worry. “Where’s Liam?” His words, spark ignites something inside me, transforming my devastation and panic into a blinding rage. My fingers clench the shirt aro