Braxton and I lay entwined in each other's arms, lost in the embrace of dreams, our sleep a refuge from the cares of the world. The night is still, save for the distant hum of the city far below. A sense of serenity envelops us, cocooning us in a blissful tranquility. I, with my hair cascading over the satin pillow, nestle closer to Braxton, my lips just inches from his ear. His steady breathing is a lullaby, soothing my restless heart. However, all of a sudden, a sinister change creeps into the night. A series of nonstop low, mournful howls echo through the penthouse, a haunting lament that sends shivers racing down my spine. My eyes flutter open, my sleep-fogged mind struggling to comprehend the eerie sound that seems to emanate from within my very dreams. Braxton twitches beside me, his senses awakening to the disconcerting noise. His arms tighten around me, instinctively shielding me from whatever unknown danger lurking in the shadows. We exchange a bewildered glance, I can fee
Amidst the luminous glow of the city's towering skyscrapers, the penthouse's grandeur is like a distant memory. The opulence of the place, once a symbol of prestige, has been shattered by last night's unfathomable horror. I stand at the balcony, bathed in the pale light of dawn, my tear-stained face a disparity to the luxurious surroundings. Scarlet curtains billows gently in the breeze, their rich fabric untouches by the tragedy that has unfolded the night before. My eyes, once pools of happiness, are now pools of torment. My hands tremble as they clutch a crumpled piece of parchment. The message, a cruel missive from the very creatures that have stolen my Maddox, lay heavy in my hand. ‘Don’t tell the authorities about this. And you will follow everything I demand from you. Or you'll never see your child again.’ My breath catches in my throat as I relive the harrowing events of the previous night. The moon, full and silver, had cast its eerie glow over the penthouse terrace, its l
The day has draped itself in a dark-blue shroud, and the rain weeps from the heavens, imitating the tears on my cheeks as I stand on the rain-slicked sidewalk near the building's backdoor. My heart, heavy as the sodden clouds above, aches with a pain that sears my very soul. I clutch a small teddy bear, the one my Maddox has held onto so tightly every night before drifting off to sleep. It’s a piece of him I can’t bear to leave behind. On my other hand I clutch a small bag with a few of his clothes, his milk bottles, his medicines and all other things he needs every single day. My trembling fingers brush away a strand of hair from my tear-streaked face as I peer through the deluge at the sleek, black car that idles nearby. Its polished surface glistens in the glow of the streetlamp, very different to my disheveled appearance. I take a shaky breath, my heart pounding in my chest, threatening to suffocate me. The car door opens, and Braxton steps out into the rain, a black umbrella he
ETHAN’S POV: As I silently traverse the well-lit hallway, I never anticipate the scene that will greet me at the end of my journey. The heavy oak door to Alpha Trayton’s study room is ajar, a dim light, a commotion of voices and familiar scents are spilling out into the corridor. A strange sensation, a flicker of curiosity, tugs at the edges of my stoic facade. With my footsteps muffled by the plush carpet, I approach the open doorway and peer inside. The sight that meets my gaze is a scene of incongruity. Alpha Braxton is garbed in a disheveled state, his normally immaculate appearance marred by the disarray of his expression. In his arms lay Eloise, her once-regal countenance now frail. Her dress wrinkled, and her usually soft-looking hair cascaded in a disheveled mess. “Eloise,” I murmur. The concern in my chest travels to my face as my gaze lingers on her. My heart, always dormant, stirs with a semblance of emotion—a flicker of pain. Then I move my gaze to Alpha Braxton, whose
The grand mansion's foyer’s marble floors gleam under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. It’s a place where wealth and refinement converges, where old-world elegance meets the present. I stand tall and composed near the imposing double doors that leads to the grand ballroom. My demeanor is as cold and precise as the chiseled features of my face. My eyes teeter between a gaze and a glare. Across the room, Helena barges through the foyer's entrance, disrupting the tranquility of the mansion’s interior. Her arrival is anything but discreet. She’s adorned in a flamboyant red dress that clashes with the dullness of her coat. Her hair flows like a turbulent river down her shoulders, mirroring the tempestuous nature that lays within. The moment our eyes meet, the atmosphere shifts. My face remains a mask of indifference. She, on the other hand, surveys me with unabashed curiosity. Her lips curl into a mischievous smile as she takes a step toward me, her heels clicking against the mar
“Once Braxton and I marry, I’ll let go of that child. You take that child to his mother, run away with them as far as you can, then just act like you’re Braxton’s replacement. Basically, we’ll proceed with our previous plan. Only this time, instead of a fake car accident, it’s kidnapping.” Helena’s voice keeps rippling in my head even moments after she gets out of the warehouse. I shake my head, trying to brush off any remnants of her voice. While doing so, I accidentally lock eyes with Maddox, who’s staring back at me with his tear-soaked gold eyes. With only a single flickering light bulb casting feeble illumination over us, I sit across from him, holding a chipped bowl filled with lukewarm porridge, acting as if I am something entirely dependable—an unlikely guardian. Maddox, trembling, continues to stare at me with eyes that reflect the fear of a trapped pup. His small hands quiver as they reach for the bowl. My gaze remains impassive, my movements are deliberate and controlle
BRAXTON’S POV: I sit behind my desk, bathed in the dim light of my desk lamp. My office, though quiet and familiar, offers no solace to me. Through the floor-to-ceiling glass window, I can see my reflection, my face is etched with lines of worry, and my once-confident demeanor is now shrouded in guilt and despair. I rotate my chair to avoid looking at my horrible self and transfer my gaze at the framed photograph on my desk instead, a picture of my beloved Maddox. He has a radiant smile that rivals the sun and greatly conceals his illness, a smile that now feels like a distant memory. He’s gone, kidnapped by my ruthless dad who’s seeking revenge for a decision I have made. I lean forward, resting my head in my trembling hands. The sharpness of my actions drills down on me like a vice, piercing and crushing my very soul. "It's my fault," I whisper, my voice choking with anguish. "It's all my fault." My mind drifts back to that pivotal moment, the reckless decision that had led to
The night is cloaked in shadows, the moon hidden behind thick clouds that seems to foretell the impending chaos. Away from the city, an abandoned warehouse stands with broken windows and decaying walls a proof to forgotten industry. But tonight, it will bear witness to something far more primal and fierce. My companions’ eyes glow with a savage hunger, their nostrils flaring as they catch the scent of the opponents that lurk within the dilapidated structure. Squall’s lips curl back in a silent snarl, revealing teeth sharp as daggers. Our muscles are coiled with raw power, and our senses are heightened to a supernatural level. We can hear the faint heartbeat of our target, smell the danger that drips from the kidnappers, taste the electricity in the air that signals a coming storm. With a silent nod, Squall leads our companions forward, their paws barely making a sound as they move with eerie grace. Moonlight filters through the shattered windows, casting dappled shadows on the rust
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