When the moonlight starts to bathe my office’s space, my gaze is drawn to the figure that emerges from the shadows of my mind – Squall, its fur a silvery-gray that mirrors the moon's glow. His gold eyes bear an intelligence, a connection that transcends the boundaries of human speech. "Squall," my voice is a quiet rumble that resonates in the stillness. "Tonight, I’ll stand at a firm belief, a choice that will surely ripple through the threads of our pack's destiny." -"I’m so proud of you for choosing to stand against the tide of convenience.”- He declares, his voice firm like the air billowing around me. He then steps forward, his powerful frame radiating a sense of purpose. In the moonlight, his eyes flicker with an ancient wisdom, a sentinel of instincts and loyalty. Now is the time of reckoning, the time when I’ll address the press and, by extension, the country. I’ve spent the past hours locked in negotiations with myself and Squall, grappling with decisions that will shape
TRAYTON’S POV: Outside, the sky gets darker, the mansion's lights casting elongate shadows across the manicured lawns. And inside its walls, emotions simmer, poised to erupt like a dormant volcano. I pace impatiently across the gilded floor of my study. My face, usually adorned with an icy composure, is now twisted into a mask of anger. My finely tailored suit seems to tighten around me, unable to contain the storm brewing within. At the center of this tempest is Braxton, my son, my only heir. Young and intelligent, with a countenance that reflects both his privileged upbringing and his own sense of independence. His defiance has reached a pinnacle earlier today, when he stood before the assembled press and declared his rejection of the carefully arranged marriage proposal I had orchestrated. A crystal decanter of aged whiskey rests atop my desk, and I pour myself a generous measure. The liquid gleams amber in the soft light, mirroring the fire that burns within my heart. I then br
ELOISE’S POV: The rain falls in a melancholic rhythm, its soft pitter-patters against the penthouse’s glass windows, a haunting backdrop to the emotions raging within me. I sit alone in my dimly lit bedroom, the glow of a single lamp casting long shadows across the walls. My eyes are fixed on the newspaper spread out before me laid on the vanity mirror. Its headline screams in bold letters, "CEO's Startling Confession: A Love and a Child Kept in Shadows." My trembling fingers reach out to trace the contours of the image printed beneath the headline. There we are, frozen in a candid moment of stolen tenderness - me, a chuckling woman with sparkling eyes, and my Maddox with spaghetti sauce painting his lips and cheeks. Our faces are captured by the lens of an unyielding camera during our first breakfast with Braxton as a family in a cafe a few days back. Braxton refused to name us during his press conference for our security. Still, these media outlets manage to find out our identiti
Amidst the soft glow of chandeliers’ lights that lined the bustling grand lobby, Braxton and I move with a quiet grace, our steps in sync as we navigate the maze of onlookers and flashing cameras. The air is alive with whispers and excited murmurs, as if the very universe holds its breath in anticipation of our next move. My dark hair cascades down my shoulders, a protective curtain veiling my delicate features from the invasive lenses. My hand entwines with Braxton’s arm, his warmth a reassurance that oscillates deep within me. Braxton, with his chiseled jawline and piercing gaze, projects an air of quiet determination. His broad figure is shielding me and our Maddox from the intrusive world around us. His whispered words of comfort are like a gentle breeze, a soothing melody in the midst of chaos. The reporters clamor and jostle, their insistent shouts creating a discordant chorus that reverberates through the ambiance. Flashbulbs burst like fireworks, illuminating the scene in
My Maddox’s eyes showcase the innocence of his youth and his smile that melts even the hardest of hearts. His tousled hair dances with his every movement, reflecting the golden light that surrounds him. His gaze is fixed on a figure near our table, a man of advanced age whose stern countenance seems carved from stone - his grandfather. His presence commands respect, yet also evokes a certain unease. My Maddox wiggles his body down from his chair, then wanders toward his grandfather. The soft pitter-patter of his small footsteps gets lost from the melodic strains of the quartet. When he finally stands before his grandfather, he looks up with wide, hopeful eyes that have a universe of curiosity and innocence. "Lolo," he begins, his voice a delicate whisper amidst the hum of the crowd, "D’you love me?" The question dangles in the air, a fragile moment suspended in time. Braxton and I exchange knowing glances, our curiosity piques by this unexpected action from our son. My heart sk
Rain suddenly pounds against the windshield, an urgency that matches the frantic rhythm of my heart. The ambulance surges forward, its siren wailing like a mournful cry in the night. Inside, the dim overhead lights cast a pale glow over the scene: my face is etched with worry and my fingers clenched around Braxton’s hand. Our Maddox lays on the stretcher, his small form is wrapped in blankets. The paramedics move with swift precision, their practiced movements proves their dedication. My eyelids flutter as I moan softly, my fevered forehead glistening with sweat, and my eyes never leave my son, his chest tightening with every hitch in his breath. Braxton’s grip on my hand tightens. His normally vibrant eyes are clouded with concern, his usually cheerful smile replaced by a mask of anxiety. We share a silent exchange, a communication that transcends words, a promise to fight for our Maddox’s well-being. As the ambulance races through the slick streets, the city lights smear into a b
The moonlight trickles through the hospital’s window, casting silvery patterns on the floor as I sit on my Maddox’s bedside in the stillness of the night. My heart is heavy, burdened by a choice I never thought I'd have to make. My son, my sweet, innocent boy, lies in that hospital bed, his life hanging by a fragile thread. I can't bear to see him suffer, to watch him fade away.Dr. Tiu told me that there's a chance, a chance to save him, but it comes with a price. A price I never thought I'd have to pay – to become a werewolf, like the stories and myths that used to thrill me as a child. A werewolf, a creature of the night, of legend and lore. It feels like a surreal nightmare, a choice I could never have imagined making.I sit here, tracing the outlines of the moonlight on the floor, my mind racing with thoughts of what lies ahead. The transformation, she says, will give me the ability to conceive another child, a healthy child this time, who can become my Maddox’s blood donor. But
BRAXTON’S POV: Beneath the canvas of an ink-black sky, the moon glows like a polished pearl, its luminescence painting the world in shades of silver. The scent of damp earth and night-blooming flowers fills the air, as if nature itself watches Eloise’s anticipated transformation with bated breath. My gaze remains fixed on Eloise before me. Her figure lays shrouded in the moon's gentle radiance. Her dark hair cascades around her like silk as her features change into one of my kind. Once the moon ascends to its zenith, a pang of unease swamps me. I’ve seen transformation countless times before, and have felt the visceral shift from human to wolf within myself. But now, watching the moonlight caress Eloise’s features, I’m acutely aware of the vulnerability that accompanies her first transformation. Soon, her form shivers, while her fingers twitch slightly. My instincts urge me forward, to protect her from the inevitable turbulence of the change. I wanna reach out, to offer solace
Life has a peculiar way of throwing storms at you when you least expect it. It's as if the universe conspires to test the strength of the bonds we hold dear. And there were times when I thought the storm had won, that the thunder and lightning would tear us apart. But here we are, still standing, still together. First, there's the soft warmth cradled in my arms – our Brayleigh, a delicate blossom of life that has graced our family. In the hush of the night, her tiny breaths become a lullaby, a reminder that life, in its purest form, is an exquisite gift. Each flutter of her thick curly eyelashes, every tiny yawn, is a manifestation of hope and renewal. She has brought a new chapter, a fresh narrative of love and laughter that continues to unfold with every passing day. And then, there's the triumphant cadence of our Maddox’s recovery. The journey through the shadowed corridors of illness has transformed into a sunlit path of resilience and healing. His laughter, once muffled by the wei
I sit by the bedside, my fingers intertwined with those of Braxton’s as we wait for the verdict that’ll release our hearts from the cold grip of anxiety. Through the small mirror hanging on the wall, I stare at my reflection. My eyes bear the telltale signs of sleepless nights, etched with soft lines of worry and dark circles that betray the emotional toll of the past few days since our Maddox has undergone his much-needed surgery. My hair, usually neatly pulled back, now falls in loose waves around my face. The soft glow of the bedside lamp reflects in my hazel eyes, which flicker with exhaustion and a tenacious hope that refuses to waver. Braxton has his arm wrapped protectively around my shoulders. His eyes, tinged with weariness, still have a glimmer of resilience. The almost non-visible lines on his forehead mimic the burden we’re both carrying, but his stoic demeanor offers a sense of stability in the face of uncertainty. Our attention shifts to the small figure of our Maddox l
It’s been hours since I laid back on the crisp sheets of the narrow hospital bed. The faint hum of machines and the antiseptic scent create an atmosphere that both comforts and haunts me. I glance at the empty space at the corner where my Maddox and his bed were there earlier before the nurses took them away. Braxton, sitting on a leather chair, his eyes fixed on the door as if willing the doctor to appear. His hands clutch a small notebook, its pages filled with medical jargon and hastily scribbled notes. His fingers tap a restless rhythm on the armrest, a physical manifestation of the tumultuous emotions churning within. The ticking clock on the wall echoes the anxious beats of my heart. The weight of our Maddox’s fate rested heavy in the room, casting a solemn shadow on us. Braxton looks at me, his eyes conveying fear and determination. He reaches for my hand, fingers intertwining as if seeking strength from the touch. Our silent exchange speaks volumes, a language formed through
The hospital room, a space that has become my world, harbors the echoes of countless emotions—joy and sorrow woven into the fabric of its sterile walls. Months have passed since the persistent hum of medical equipment became the backdrop to our days, and days since the arrival of the newest member of our family. I remember the first time I stepped into this hospital, the antiseptic scent clinging to the air, contradicting the warmth of life growing within. It's been years of watching my Maddox battle an illness that’s insurmountable, of holding his hand through the long nights and finding solace in the fact that every sunrise means another day of fighting. Then, the arrival of my Brayleigh, a burst of sunshine in the midst of the storm. Her cries mingle with the beeping of monitors, a symphony that encapsulates the bittersweet nature of life. The joy of her arrival, tempered by the reality that her blood can hold the key to her brother's recovery. As I perch on the edge of the bed,
The labor room is like a controlled chaos, with the rhythmic beeping of monitors, the hushed conversations of medical professionals, and my occasional muffled moans of pain and discomfort. In the midst of it all, I lay exhausted yet triumphant on the sterile hospital bed, my damp few strands of hair clinging to my forehead. Beads of sweat glisten on my skin as I prepare to cradle my newborn daughter in trembling arms. Dr. Miller carefully places the tiny bundle into my arms. The baby, swaddled in a soft blanket, seems to attempt opening her still close, swollen eyes. The weight of new life settles against my chest, a tangible affirmation of the incredible journey I’ve just traversed. Tears of joy and relief blur my vision as I gaze down at the fragile creature in my arms. The baby's delicate fingers wrapped around one of my own, creating an instant and unbreakable connection. To my side is Braxton. His eyes, filled with awe and adoration, meet mine as his hands reach out to wipe
-Two Months Later- The hospital room hums with the low buzz of fluorescent lights, casting a clinical pallor over the otherwise hushed atmosphere. I sit by the bedside, my hand gently stroking my sleeping Maddox’s fevered brow. The scent of antiseptic and the rhythmic beeping of the machines meld into the backdrop of my weary vigil. My pregnant belly, now swollen and prominent, presses against the fabric of my hospital gown as I shift on the couch. Time seems to warp and stretch in this place, a strange concoction of minutes that drags on and days that disappear in a blur. It feels like just yesterday that I’ve discovered the joy of new life growing within me, and now, here I am, navigating the labyrinth of a hospital with a child in one bed and the promise of another in my womb. I gaze out the window, watching the city move with the same rhythm as the hospital's routine. My mind oscillates between the present reality and the impending future. A juxtaposition of hope and despair prob
ELOISE’S POV: The sterile scent of antiseptic greets me as I step into the hospital once again, my heart heavy with worry. The familiar surroundings, while offering a semblance of routine, only serves to amplify the ache in my chest. I thought we’re past this, believing the worst was over when we finally brought Braxton home just a few hours ago. But life has a cruel way of reminding me that hope is a fragile thing. The fluorescent lights flicker overhead, casting a pallid glow on the tiled floors that echo with the muffled footsteps of nurses and the distant hum of medical machinery. My steps are hesitant, my fingers trembling as I clutch the edges of Braxton’s suit jacket draped over my shoulders. I round the corner and approach the nurse's station, where a tired-looking woman with a sympathetic smile sits. "Ms. Garcia?" the nurse asks, her voice a soft murmur. I nod, my eyes darting anxiously toward the corridor that leads to the rooms. "Dr. Tiu will meet you in a few minutes,
The gravel crunches beneath the sleek tires of my black Bugatti as it glides to a stop in front of the imposing iron gates that guard the entrance to the pack’s vast estate. Dad’s mansion looms in the distance, a grand and ancient structure cloaked in ivy, a silent witness to generations of power and influence. I step out of the car, my posture straight, accentuating my broad physique and confident demeanor. My Gammas flank me and my family, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a vigilance born from years of experience. Beside me, Eloise, who steps gracefully onto the gravel, her hand delicately cradling the small form of Maddox, whose eyes wander around, oblivious to the tension that hangs in the air. As we approach the mansion's entrance, a group of high-ranking pack officials awaits us in the front yard. Some wear expressions of cold indifference, while others struggle to conceal their disdain. My gaze sweeps over the assembly, meeting the eyes of those who dare to look dire
As I lay in the crisp sheets of the narrow bed, the steady beeping of the heart monitor keeps reminding me of the ordeal I’m faced with. Eloise sits on the chair by the bedside, her lips are stretched and curled at the corners, her eyes twinkle with elation as she stares at the engagement ring on her finger. While Maddox, who’s seated on her lap, plays with a stuffed bear. Moments later, the door creaks open, and Dr. Reynolds, a middle-aged man with kind eyes, enters the room. His white coat seems to glow under the harsh fluorescent lights, and the smell of antiseptic billows in the air as he approaches me. "Good morning, Mr. Guttierrez," he greets with a warm smile. "How are you feeling today?" I manage a weak smile in return, my voice a rasp. "Better. A lot better." The doctor glances at the monitor and nods, satisfied. "Your vitals are stable, and the wound has healed remarkably well. You're a resilient one as I should expect from a CEO and an Alpha, I must say." Eloise grips