~Ruby's POV~The car was silent, save for the gentle hum of the engine as Roman drove. I sat in the front passenger seat beside him, arms crossed, staring out at the passing trees. Behind me, Rhett and little Ruby whispered and giggled, clearly up to something.“Umm… Mom,” Rhett’s voice broke the silence, “why are you following us?”I turned slightly, catching their mischievous smiles in the rearview mirror.“Do you want Roman to also get you a teddy bear too?” little Ruby teased, her small hands clutching the back of my seat.I couldn’t help but smirk. “Well, you two are going to have fun. Can’t I join in?”“Or is this just your excuse to spend time with me?” Roman chimed in with that infuriatingly charming smirk of his.I shot him a side-eye glare. “Not everything revolves around you, Roman.”“Sorry,” he said, his grin widening.The kids burst into laughter at our banter, and for a moment, the tension melted away.************When we arrived at the park, Roman pulled over neatly in
~Ruby's POV~“Mummy, Is he our dad?”The question hung in the air, sharp and piercing, like a dagger poised to strike. My heart froze, and I felt Roman’s gaze snap to me. I could see the faint tension in his jaw, the slight furrow in his brows. He was waiting—just like they were. But I couldn’t bring myself to speak. What could I possibly say? Whatever answer I gave would change everything.I shook my head, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Why would you… think that? Why would you say something like that?” I asked, my eyes darting between Rhett and little Ruby.Rhett, always the bold one, stepped forward. “Well, the first time Uncle Roman arrived, you said he was an old friend, Mom. But the way you two talk to each other… it’s obvious there’s something more. Like you have some kind of unsettled fight or secret.”My mouth opened to respond, but before I could, little Ruby chimed in. “And now Roman says he has kids who are our age,” she said, her small hands resting confidently on he
~Roman's POV~I stood by my car, watching as Ruby gently ushered the kids inside the cab. I had offered to take her home, to talk things through, to ease some of the tension lingering in the air. She refused it all, every offer brushed aside with a polite but firm smile.As the door shut behind her, I leaned back against the hood of my car, staring up at the darkening sky. My mind drifted to the kids’ words earlier in the day.“Mummy, is he our daddy?”The question had hung in the air like an echo. It wasn’t just the question itself—it was how they had heard enough to ask it.The conversation Ruby and I had was private, held in the living room while the kids were supposed to be in their rooms. Judging by the layout of the house, the walls, and the distance between the rooms, it should have been impossible for them to overhear anything. Yet, they had.The drive home was a blur. My thoughts raced, connecting the dots faster than I could process. The kids' heightened senses, their unca
~Ruby's POV~When we got home, I slammed the door harder than I intended, letting out the frustration I had bottled up. I turned to Rhett and Ruby, who were standing awkwardly in the hallway, their faces a mix of confusion and guilt.“What was that all about?” I asked sharply, placing my hands on my hips.The kids exchanged glances but said nothing, their silence only adding to my irritation. They looked like two deer caught in headlights, frozen in place under my intense glare.“Hey, I’m talking to both of you,” I said, snapping my fingers in front of them, trying to draw them out of their stupor.“Uhmm… it was nothing, Mom,” Rhett said in a whisper, staring at the floor, as if speaking might unleash my anger further.“We were just curious,” Ruby added in a small and hesitant voice, her eyes darting between her brother and me.“Oh, curious,” I scoffed, shaking my head. “Curious enough to ask someone deeply personal questions without any regard for boundaries?” My voice rose. “Persona
~Little Ruby's POV~Mom’s words were stuck in my head, going round and round like my favorite merry-go-round at the park.“Rhett, Ruby… Roman is your father.”I looked at Rhett, and he looked back at me. For a moment, we were both quiet, as if trying to confirm if what we heard was exactly what Mom just said. But then it hit me.“I knew it!” I shouted, jumping up so fast that I almost slipped. “I told you!”“Yes, I said it first! Guess I was right all along,” Rhett said, bouncing off the couch and landing on the floor.“Same here!” I said, putting my hands on my hips.“But I found out before you!” Rhett said with a smirk.“Sure, but I was the one with the plans,” I argued, my head held high.We started laughing and spinning around. I felt like I could fly.Roman and Mom just stared at us, like they didn’t know whether to laugh or say something serious.“Finally, we have a dad!” I said, clapping my hands and spinning again.“We’re going to tell everyone at school!” Rhett said.“No more
~Ruby's POV~"That will be all... for now, I guess," I said to Roman, hoping to end our discussion before it spiraled into something I wasn't ready to handle.Turning to the hallway, I called out, "Rhett! Little Ruby! Come say goodbye to Roman."Their response was immediate. They came bounding into the room with uncontained energy."You're leaving already?" Little Ruby asked, her face twisting into a pout."Yeah," Roman said, his smile softening as he crouched slightly to their level. "We're done with our discussion, so I think it’s time for me to head out."I started to retreat to the kitchen. “I’ll let you three say your goodbyes. I need to finish up breakfast.” But before I could disappear entirely, Little Ruby’s voice stopped me."Why don’t you join us for breakfast, Roman?" she asked in a casual tone that sounded almost surreal.I quickly turned my head, clearly surprised. “And how do you know if he hasn’t eaten already?” I countered.“Even if he has,” Rhett chimed in, “consideri
~Ruby's POV~I held the phone to my ear, Esperanza’s voice steady on the other end.“What’s up?” I asked, hoping this wasn’t about more bad news.“I just thought you’d want to know… Keely’s in the city,” she said, her tone cautious but firm.“Oh my God.” My heart sank. “When did she arrive?”“This morning,” she said.“How is she? How’s she processing the news?” I asked, pacing the living room.“She’s… better than we expected,” Esperanza replied after a brief pause.I let out a heavy sigh, running my hand over my forehead. “Oh, Keely…”Esperanza’s voice softened. “What’s done is done, Ruby. We just have to heal. What we have now is each other.”She was right, of course, but it didn’t make the situation any less daunting. “Yeah, you’re right, Esperanza. You’re absolutely right.”“Dad wants us to meet up to discuss the burial plans now that Keely’s here,” she continued. “Think you can make it?”I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Yeah, I’ll be there in an hour or two.”The moment
~ROMAN’S POV~The kids sat at the kitchen table, their brows furrowed in concentration as they worked through a series of math problems I had written out. Leaning over Rhett’s shoulder, I pointed to the equation he was struggling with. “Alright, look here. Start by simplifying the numbers inside the parentheses,” I explained, tapping the paper lightly with my pen. “Ohhh, I get it now!” Rhett said, his face lighting up as he scribbled the answer. You can tell he was obviously excited. Across the table, Little Ruby raised her hand triumphantly. “Done! Check mine, Roman!” Her voice was filled with pride, and I couldn’t help but admire her enthusiasm.I took her sheet and scanned it. “Perfect. You got it all right.” Her grin stretched from ear to ear, and I could see the confidence swelling within her. She tilted her head, her pigtails bouncing with the motion. “Have you ever considered teaching?”“Teaching?” I repeated with a laugh, raising an eyebrow. “Me? A teacher?” The idea felt f
~Kai’s POV~I crossed the living room, heading toward the counter where I had last dropped my tablet. I was still trying to go over the document but right now, I just needed something smaller and lighter.Except when I reached the table, something felt… off.“Good afternoon, Kai,” two familiar voices chirped in unison.I looked up—and there they were. Little Ruby and Rhett, seated like innocent cherubs on the chair, surrounded by toys and wide-eyed expressions that were just a little too wide.“Afternoon to you, too,” I said, trying not to sound suspicious. “What are you two up to?”“Nothing,” Little Ruby said, fiddling with a small plush bunny.“Just playing with our toys,” Rhett added, stacking blocks as if he were being filmed for a commercial.I nodded slowly, eyes drifting to the table.“Where’s my tablet?”Rhett glanced at his sister.“We have no idea,” Little Ruby said quickly, far too quickly.“Really?” I asked, arching a brow. “Because I left it right here. “Are you sure you
~Roman’s POV~I wasn’t even fully out the front door when I caught sight of Kai’s car pulling into the driveway. I stopped, watching as he parked with none of his usual chill. That was my first red flag.Kai wasn’t just my Beta or my best friend or just a tech genius—he was my anchor in chaos, always playful, always steps ahead. But right now? The way he slammed the car door and stalked toward me… something was off.I didn’t even need to ask. “What’s going on, Kai?”He glanced around briefly, eyes sharp, voice low. “We need to talk. Like, right now.”I nodded and gestured toward the house. “Alright. Let’s go inside.”“No. Somewhere private.”That made my stomach twist a little. Kai never needed “private” unless it was something massive—something ugly.As we made it into the house, he scanned the hallway like a detective on edge. “Where’s Ruby?”“Probably upstairs or around. Why?”Kai didn’t stop walking, just muttered, “She should be here too.”I frowned. “You can just tell me. I’ll p
~Roman's POV~I woke up suddenly, heart racing and sweat dripping down my forehead. I was breathing heavily, as if I’d been running in my sleep. Abel's smirk was all I could see behind my closed eyes, clear as day. Even though he was behind bars in my dream, I felt the real sense of being trapped. I could still hear his voice echoing in my mind.“You’re building a kingdom you can’t control, little brother.”I ran a hand down my face, shaking off the memory. Just a dream. Just a dream. I glanced at the digital clock blinking on the nightstand: 9:42 a.m. Damn early for this much mental chaos.Beside me, Ruby stirred softly, her arm slipping over my chest. Her fingers brushed my skin absentmindedly, warm and grounding. I turned to her, letting the sight calm me—dark lashes resting on her cheeks, that faint line between her brows when she dreamed. She looked peaceful, untouched by the nightmare that had clawed through my head. I let out a long breath and tucked a strand of hair behi
~Little Ruby’s POV~It was really, really late when the ceremony ended. My eyes were so sleepy that they kept trying to close on their own. Rhett was walking like a zombie beside me. The grown-ups said goodbyes and thank-yous, but all I wanted was a pillow and a blanket.“Are we not going home?” I asked, rubbing my eyes.Mom looked at Dad—well, and they did that grown-up eye talk thing.“Not at all,” Mom said, fixing my hair gently.“It’s late already. We’ll deal with all that tomorrow. For now, you have to rest,” Dad said, and his voice sounded kind of soft like it did when he used to read us stories.They led us into the guest room together and tucked us in—one by one. Mom kissed my forehead, and Dad did the same.“Alright then, have a good night,” she whispered.“Goodnight, kiddos,” Dad added, and the light clicked off.Now we were alone. And my eyes are wide open. I tried to sleep. I really did. But my brain didn’t wanna listen.Because I saw her.That lady.The one from the party
~Little Ruby’s POV~Few hours ago…“Come on, kids, we're running late!” Aunt Helen's voice echoed from the living room.I pulled my socks on in a rush. “Coming, Aunt Helen!” Rhett shouted before I could say it first.I pouted as I looked in the mirror. “We should’ve just slept over after the wedding,” I said, brushing my hair quickly.Rhett sat on the bed, trying to fix his shoelace. “Oh yeah? And we couldn’t just because you forgot your gown.”I narrowed my eyes. “So you’re trying to put the blame on me?”He shrugged like it was nothing. “Not exactly. But we do know whose fault it was.”Before I could throw my hairbrush at him, the door swung open.“Oh you two,” Aunt Helen said, her hands already on her waist. That meant trouble. “On your feet. Now.”We both jumped up like soldiers. Rhett almost tripped over his own shoe.“Remind me again—why are we going there?” Rhett asked as he walked out behind her.“I thought the wedding was done,” I mumbled, still grumpy.Helen turned to us as
~Ruby’s POV~Sunlight streamed into the room, shining brightly through the light, flowing curtains that danced in the breeze. I blinked slowly and felt the soft silk sheets against my skin, reminding me that I wasn’t in my old home anymore. This place felt new, different, and—most importantly—safer.Being back here in the Silver Frost Pack House brought back memories—memories that I’ve tucked down deep in the abyss of my mind. But none of that mattered as much as the warmth that pulsed quietly through my heart. A warmth I hadn’t felt in years.I sat up, running a hand through my hair, exhaling deeply. The scent of sage, firewood, and freshly baked bread drifted in from somewhere down the corridor. Even with the grandeur surrounding me, it wasn’t the luxury that settled my nerves—it was the laughter I could hear in the distance. The twins. Safe. Happy.And Roman.A soft knock echoed from the door before it cracked open. “You’re awake,” came his voice, deep and calm.He stepped insid
"Want to go for another round? Slowly this time?" he asked, his voice low and husky."Sure."He slowly pulled out, his cock slipping from me. He scooped me up and brought me to sit on his lap. I straddled him, his hard cock pressed against me. He pulled me closer, our lips meeting in a passionate kiss. His hands roamed over my body, cupping my breasts, squeezing gently.He broke the kiss and looked at me, his eyes full of lust."You are so fucking sexy," he murmured, his fingers teasing my already hard and sensitive nipple."Mmm," I moaned, my hips rocking, his cock sliding along my wetness."Do you want me to make you come again?" he asked, his other hand moving between us, his fingers finding my clit."Yes," I gasped, my hips bucking as his fingers stroked over the sensitive bundle of nerves."Such a good girl," he murmured, his teeth nipping at my neck.I moaned, his touch sending jolts of pleasure through me."Are you going to be a good girl and ride my cock until we come together
"I'm yours," I breathed, giving myself over to him, letting him take control."And I'm yours," he murmured, his teeth grazing my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.I could feel his cock pressing against me, hard and throbbing. I ached to feel him inside me, filling me, stretching me.Roman released his grip on my hair, his hand moving down to cup my breast, teasing the nipple.I moaned, arching into his touch, craving more.He groaned, his fingers pinching and rolling the sensitive bud."Fuck, Ruby," he growled, his lips finding mine again, kissing me hard."Please, Roman," I breathed, kissing him back with equal ferocity, my body trembling with need.He broke the kiss and grinned down at me, his eyes glittering with desire. "Patience, Luna," he teased, his fingers ghosting over my nipple."No," I protested, my body arching, trying to get more. "Please, Roman."He chuckled and grabbed the top of my dress, tugging it down, revealing my breasts. He cupped one, squeezing firmly, his t
The door clicked shut behind us, shutting out the world. The firelight flickered on the walls of the Alpha’s Quarters, casting shadows. My mind took a trip down memory lane, our first night together.I barely remembered what happened that night, but it planted the seed that became the twins.Then it was against my will and ourtime together was a haze from being drunk.Today, it was different.Roman held me close with his strong arms, my bare feet hanging as he embraced me. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with warmth and intensity, and I could feel the air between us change—growing heavier.“Ready to rule by my side, Luna?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through me.“Yes,” I’d answered, the word echoing in my chest as he set me down, my toes brushing the cool wooden floor.But he didn’t step back.His hands stayed on my waist, fingers pressing just enough to anchor me, and I felt the pull of him, like gravity, like fate.My body responded in a rush, warmth tingling in