STACY. The night air bites into my skin, cold and relentless, as I sit on the porch steps, staring into the pitch-black streets. My arms are wrapped tightly around myself, but it does little to stave off the chill—or the fear inside me. Liam is out there somewhere, and every second that passes feels like another cut to my heart. Is he safe? Is he scared? Has he eaten anything since the kidnapers took him? The questions torment me, each one worse than the last. Suddenly, a noise behind me—a car pulling up—snaps me out of my spiraling thoughts. I turn quickly, hope flaring and then twisting into something darker when I see Daniel stepping out. But he’s not alone. My heart skips a beat when I notice Jason, slumped over and unconscious, being helped out of the car by another man I don’t recognize. “What happened to him?” I’m on my feet in an instant, rushing toward them. Daniel’s expression is grim. “My warriors found him like this at the boarder while patrolling, barely conscio
JASON. “This is a dumb idea, by the way,” Kane says, but no one responds. The drive is already oppressive, every second dragging on under the weight of whatever we might walk into. Daniel sits in the passenger seat beside me, arms crossed tightly over his chest. I can practically feel his glare burning a hole through the windshield. The air is thick with tension, each breath a struggle against the pressure in the cramped space. But none of that matters. With every passing second, Victor could be doing something terrible to my son. Time is of the essence and I need my son back like yesterday… Finally, Daniel decides to break the silence in the car. His voice is cold and clipped as usual. “We should rethink this plan. You staying back and me using my army would give us a better chance.” I keep my eyes on the road, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. “For the last time, Daniel, I’m not staying back.” “But your connection to Victor—” he starts, but I cut him off, my voice shar
STACY. Jason and I slip into the building unnoticed while Daniel and Kane create a diversion. The oppressive silence is only broken by the faint creak of old wooden floors beneath our feet while my heart pounds as I catch a whiff of Liam’s scent—faint but unmistakable. I grab Jason’s arm, my breath hitching. “Jason, I smell him,” I whisper, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and fear. “This way.” He nods silently, his eyes scanning the shadows as I lead the way. The scent grows stronger, guiding us down a dimly lit corridor until we stop in front of a door guarded by two hulking rogues. Their sneers and postures radiate menace. Jason’s jaw tightens as he pulls me back gently. “Stay here. I’ll handle this.” I grip his arm tighter, my eyes wide with anxiety. “Jason, be careful.” He gives me a small, reassuring smile. “I will. Stay hidden.” Before I can protest further, he steps out into the open, his movements calculated and deliberate. The rogues straighten, their eyes
STACY. The road to Blue Moon feels like it stretches endlessly before us, and each mile drag my heart deeper into dread. I steal a worried glance at Daniel. My heart feeling heavy, and torn between relief for Liam and guilt over leaving Jason behind. "Daniel," I say quietly, glancing at him. "Are we really going to leave Jason back there with Victor? All alone?" He doesn’t take his eyes off the road, but his jaw tightens. "Jason’s no fool, Stacy. He knew what he was doing. And don’t worry," he adds, glancing at me. "His guards and my warriors are already on their way. They’ll have his back sooner than later." A rush of relief floods through me, easing some of the weight on my chest. But just as quickly, my concern shifts back to Liam, his small, pale form lying limply against me, still so cold to the touch. I cling to Liam, his fragile breaths barely stirring against me, each one coming slower than the last. His skin is icy under my fingertips, and his lips are pale, ting
STACY. An hour passes, dragging painfully as I sit in the cold waiting room. My mind swings between the urgent prayers for Liam and the nagging worry about Jason. I can’t help picturing both alone, facing their worst fears… Each time a door creaks or footsteps echo in the hallway, my heart leaps, but it’s not any of the people I'm currently worried about. Only doctors, nurses, and strangers passing by—no sign of Jason or news about Liam. Finally, just as the first light of dawn starts to seep through the hospital windows, the doors to the ER swing open. I’m on my feet instantly, heart pounding, but instead of a doctor, I see a familiar figure—tall, broad-shouldered, moving with that calm, lethal confidence I know so well. Jason steps into the waiting room, his clothes rumpled, but not a single scratch marks on his skin. His gaze sweeps the room, finding mine, and for a moment, relief floods through me. I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath. But as he walks closer,
STACY. Two days have passed since we returned from the hospital, and though everything seems normal, an undercurrent of tension remains. Jason’s guards are stationed around us day and night, a constant reminder that he still believes his enemies could strike at any moment once again. I’m sitting on the couch with my laptop balanced on my knees, typing away, while Lizzy flips through paperwork beside me. Every so often, she sneaks a glance in my direction, as if there’s something she wants to ask but doesn’t. The only other sounds are the occasional clink of pots and pans coming from the kitchen, where Jason is busy making lunch—a sight that still feels strange, because of all the time we spent together, I’d never seen him step foot in a kitchen to prepare me a meal for anyone even himself... Oh well, I guess there is always a first time for everything… I’m tapping away on my laptop when Lizzy suddenly nudges me with a knowing look in her eyes. “So, how’s it going, working
STACY. “Driver, please get the car—we’re leaving now,” I order the guard who escorted me to the office. He nods and rushes out, leaving me staring down at the contents of the box I just received. Inside is a photo of me and my son smeared in some red substance, accompanied by a strange, unsettling voodoo doll I can’t begin to describe. My pulse races as I wonder which of Jason’s enemies could have sent this. “Lizzy, did you get a look at the guy who handed you this?” I ask, preparing to leave. She shakes her head, visibly shaken. “Not really. I was packing my car when he just… appeared, handed it over, then said it was for you and walked away without another word.” I exhale slowly, fear settling like a weight in my chest. My son’s life is once again under threat. “Alright, handle things here. I’ll call you once I reach Midnight Pack,” I say. “What? You can’t seriously leave me alone with that,” she protests, pointing at the box. I manage a strained smile. “I’m sorry, L
STACY. Jason turns to me, calm and unbothered. “This is where you’ll be staying with me.” I blink, caught off guard once again. “But… the apartment at the pack house is perfectly fine for us—” Jason interrupts, his tone firm but gentle. “My mansion is perfect for my family. Now, please, come inside.” “Yay! Daddy, I will race you to the door!” Liam shouts, already rushing toward the door, too quick for me to stop him. A few servants look on, curious, but Jason’s intense stare keeps them from coming closer. He puts a steadying hand on my back, guiding me toward the entrance. “Welcome back home,” he murmurs, low enough that only I can hear. There’s a faint, knowing smile on his lips. “I had your old room before we got married prepared. I thought it might help you settle down.” I pause, swallowing down the mix of emotions that rise in my throat. “I’m not here to play happy family, Jason. This is temporary.” He doesn’t respond, but his hand lingers on my back as we step ins