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 i
“So, what do you suggest now?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper. His gaze flickers, hesitating for just a moment. “You’d be safer if… if you stayed with me tonight. In my room.” The suggestion hangs in the air between us, thickening the silence. I know it’s practical, a decision made out of caut
JASON. Knock, knock… My attempt to kiss Stacy gets disturbed after a while of trying to get back close to her once again. I clench my jaw, holding back a curse… Damn it! Stacy’s gaze flits to the door, her lips curving with a faint, knowing smile. “You… should get that,” she says softly, pu
“Yes, Alpha,” he murmurs, eyes cast down. With a curt nod, I stride back to the car, sliding into the driver’s seat, with my mind whirring. My mind is racing with contingencies, plans upon plans stacking up to counter the shortages and increased demands. The drive back is quiet. But the inso
STACY. Warm sunlight filters through the curtains as I blink awake, stretching my arms. My eyes land on Jason, sitting across the room, watching me with that quiet intensity he sometimes has. I pull the covers a little closer, feeling unexpectedly shy. "How long have you been watching us?" I mur
Liam giggles, looking up at me. “Mommy, do we really look like twins?” I lean down, ruffling his damp hair. “Of course, you do, sweetheart. The cutest twins I’ve ever seen.” Jason flashes me a warm smile, holding my gaze for a moment. “Thanks.” Feeling a little flustered, I nod and clear my th
STACY. Linda’s question about remarriage rings in the air, and it feels like all the air has been sucked out of the room. I try to mask my unease, but my heart is racing, thudding against my chest. Why is she bringing this up now? The pressure mounts, and without thinking, I nudge Jason’s le
The words sting, and I fight to keep my tone polite, though every part of me is seething. “Ya, sure, you’ll all make the right decision for my son I have raised by myself,” I say, forcing a strained smile. “Please excuse me. I can't continue this conversation anymore.” I don’t wait for a response.
HANNAH. "Uh-uh, no, not today" Stacy says the moment her eyes land on Margaret. "Please, just hear me out," Margaret pleads, standing in a simple deep red dress suited for her age. She looks… hesitant, so unlike her usual self. Gone is the cold authority, and the condescending stare. Instead, he
HANNAH. (Hours later) Dinner is tense, the air thick with an unspoken rivalry that neither Roxanne nor I are willing to acknowledge outright. The dining room is dimly lit, with the scent of roasted chicken filling the air, but I can barely focus on the food. My attention is solely on Daniel and
She ends the call and turns to me, practically glowing with excitement. "Great news. That was an old friend of mine who owns a bridal boutique. I asked for a favor earlier, and she’s sending over a selection of dresses, ones you’ll actually like." I let out a breath of relief, shaking my head. "Th
ANNAH. (An hour later) I sit cross-legged on the couch, flipping through a bridal magazine Stacy came home with while she scribbles notes in a planner. The coffee table between us is littered with fabric swatches, floral arrangements, and sample wedding invitations. The scent of fresh roses fr
"You’re a damn tease," I snap. Daniel only smirks before lowering his mouth to my breast, his tongue flicking over my nipple before sucking it between his lips. "Mmm," I murmur, arching my back to press my breast further into his mouth. My body is on fire, every nerve ending alive under his touc
HANNAH "You want proof that you are the only woman I love? Fine. I'll show you proof," Daniel says while locking the bedroom door behind him. I frown slightly as my pulse quickens. "What do you think you are doing?” He doesn't respond to my question but walks toward me with the grace of a leop
She nods faintly, leaning against me as we walk. But just as we reach the steps, Roxanne stumbles. I react instantly, catching her before she can fall. Her hands grip my shoulders for support, and as I pull her upright, our faces end up dangerously too close even for my own comfort. Her breath bru
Roxanne doesn’t react immediately. She just studies me, her eyes flickering with something I can’t quite place. I don’t offer more because that’s the truth. Hannah isn’t perfect. But with her, I don’t feel the weight of politics, alliances, or expectations pressing down on me. She makes me feel al
DANIEL. (Meanwhile on the side of the pack) The quiet hum of the air conditioning fills Roxanne’s hotel suite, but it does nothing to cool the unease settling in my chest while I sit on the couch with my fingers tapping absent minded against my knee as I stare at the untouched glass of whiskey on