LISA’S POV“Lis,” Jessica called out from the bedroom.“Yeah?” I answered, walking out of the bathroom.“I forgot to tell you, Dad’s invited us to dinner.” What! The last thing I wanted was to go out, much less for a dinner where I have to smile and act nice all night. With all the events of today, I want to stay back and get some sleep. Plus, Adam is definitely going to be there, and he is the last person I’d want to see tonight.“I’m sorry, Lis. I should’ve told you about it earlier; it totally slipped my mind.”“I think I’m gonna pass,” I said, falling into the bed.“What do you mean, you’ll pass? You know everyone is going to be there, and I can’t face those oldies alone.”“I’ve had a long day, Jessie, and all I want to do is get some sleep.”I still haven’t fully recovered from whatever it was Kyle drugged me with, plus tomorrow is going to be very busy for me. All thanks to Ronan and his stupid goons who kidnapped me, ruining my whole schedule.“Can’t you please come with me? I
LISA’S POV“Hello love,” he whispers into my ear, his warm cinnamon breath invading my nose. Every nerve in my body screams to slap his hands away from my waist and move thirty feet away from him.But with the crowd’s eyes on me and the history we had, even though it was for a few weeks, I force a smile and gently unwrap his fingers.“Hi, Adam,” I grit out, barely concealing my irritation.“¿Cómo estás?” he whispers in Spanish, his voice sending unwanted shivers down my spine, to my core.“I’ve been good,” I respond stiffly. Once, I adored when he spoke Spanish to me. I thought he’d forgotten about that and me after our not-so-civilized breakup last year, which resulted in him moving to Kansas.One of Adam’s friends once mistakenly sent me a dress for some party they were having. It was during the third week of us dating, and the quads had been getting sick.And I was one of the three surgeons available surgeons in the hospital back then, plus we had to move out of our old apartment d
**LISA’S POV**Holding onto the railing tighter, I take deep breaths to calm my nerves. Opening my eyes, I scan the view, and my gaze lands on the backyard.I don’t think I should be acting like this. I’m supposed to be in the crowd, laughing and having fun with everyone in the backyard. Even the kids are mingling, and getting along better with people.“This is where you’ve been hiding, eh?” My lips twitch to the side as a smile spreads across my face when I hear the familiar thick Spanish accent.“Who said I’m hiding?” I turn to face the old man standing a few feet away from me. As usual, his brown hair with a few streaks of grey is slicked to perfection, and his black tux is tailored and fitted. If you didn't know better, you might think he’s a businessman or a mafia boss.Sergio never misses a chance to dress up. "What is a gentleman without his tux?" he’d say every time Jessica and I commented on him wearing a tux to occasions that didn’t require it, just like tonight, which is su
LISA'S POV"It's mine!" Sebastian yelled, shoving his brother.Before I could get down to the scene, everyone’s attention was on the kids—exactly what I didn't want to happen. I ran as fast as I could from the rooftop to the backyard, my heart pounding with each step."No, it's mine!" Sergio shouted back, pushing him harder. Sebastian tumbled into a pile of broken plates, the sound of shattering ceramic piercing the air.Great! Just the icing on the cake. Not only do I have to settle this fight, but now I have to deal with an injured child."Someone get a broom!" Jessica yelled, scooping up a crying Sebastian. His small hands were scratched and bleeding. Lola quickly led Sergio away, who was now visibly upset. I could feel the rage building up in my chest, making it hard to breathe.I let out an awkward chuckle, trying to diffuse the tension. "I’m so sorry about that," I said, kneeling down to pick up the glass pieces. The sharp edges were evident, and I stacked them carefully in one
LISA'S POV"Your driver is here!" Jessica yelled, pulling me from where I was leaning against the car. Of course, the so-called driver is Adam. He strolled over with a sleeping Sara in his arms while Salvador walked beside him.The smug look on her face said everything. I should’ve known the driver would be Adam. I really don't understand her obsession with playing Cupid between me and her cousin.I don’t think matchmaking is something a twenty-six-year-old should be doing. For crying out loud.And it’s not like she doesn’t have work or other things to keep her busy—she does. But somehow, she always makes time for this side gig of hers. Now that I think about it, Jessica was the reason we dated in the first place.She kept suggesting crazy things and then backed them up by saying stuff like, "You guys have great chemistry.""Salvy love, get in the car. Mommy needs to have a word with Aunt Jessica," I said, pulling Jessica further away from Adam and Salvador."Before you say anything,
LISA’S POVWhen I couldn’t make out what the text was supposed to mean, I swiped it away and dropped my phone on the nightstand in my room. The last thing I want is to overthink the text or start playing detective this late. I need to get some rest.I wanted to take this dress off even before I left the house earlier. Stripping out of the dress, I changed into a baggy t-shirt. With no energy to do my night routine, I fell into bed. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, hoping for sleep to take its course.After a few seconds of peace, my phone chimed. With no intention of checking my phone, I hugged my pillow tighter. But then I heard another notification sound, and a few more followed. I let out a groan before reaching for the phone.There was another text from the unknown number and two messages from Jessica. I clicked on the messages from Jessica.Jessica: Li, Adam is back. (three angry face emojis) Jessica: Why is Adam back?!I didn’t have to see her face to know she was fumin
LISA’S POV“What do you want to talk about?” Adam hands me a bottle of water as we sit on the bench.“Thank you,” I whisper, taking the bottle from him. I watch as he takes a sip from his bottle while I stay put, with no intention of opening mine. I don’t think I can drink water right now.“Everyone still thinks we are dating,” the words roll off my lips with much effort. I didn't know how to state it or how I should approach him, but I need to. We have to address this and clear this up with the family, with Jessica to be precise.“They do?,” he raises an eyebrow at me with a smile.“Don’t give me that, Adam,” I glare at him.“I’m sorry,” he chuckles. “I’m joking.”“I think it’s time we…” I stop mid-sentence when his phone starts ringing. He takes it out of his pocket. “I need to take this,” he says as he stands up, leaving me on the bench.Moments later, he is still on the call. When he finally ends it, he jogs back to where I’m sitting, fidgeting with the sealed bottle of water he g
LISA’S POVfuck, fuck, fuck. If he really read the contract, he’s probably curious about some of the clauses I included, especially that one part… crap.“We don’t have all day, you know,” Ronan said, pulling me out of my train of thoughts. “Get in, Lisa.”I remained glued to my spot, still unsure of what my next move should be. I took a deep breath before I slowly pulled the car handle, unlocking the door.“Seat belt,” he motioned, and I pulled the strap, tucking it in.“Hold on tight,” he said, his tone laced with mischief. before pressing the gas.The ride to the pack was swift. This time, he didn’t try to start any conversation, unlike the last time he gave me a ride home. and i9 was grateful he didn't try. “Hello, dear,” Marien smiled, wrapping me in a hug. Over the past few days, as I’ve been meeting with Marien and working on the herbs and treatments for Ronan’s dad, we’ve grown closer. She often tells me about my mom and how they grew up together.“Hello, Marien,” I smiled bac
RONAN’S POV.The sun had already set by the time we returned to the pack house. Kyle carried Penny, who had fallen asleep somewhere along the way, her tiny head resting on his shoulder. Sergio was in my arms, his small body heavy with sleep until he stirred, rubbing his eyes groggily. The men I brought with me had already been dismissed, though not without Kyle warning them: "If I hear anything about that bear from anyone, you’ll lose your heads." They had nodded and slinked off, knowing better than to test his word. As we reached the apartment, I shifted Sergio gently in my arms and knocked on the door. For a moment, everything was quiet. Then the door swung open. Lisa stood there, her expression anxious and uncertain until her eyes landed on the sleepy boy in my arms. “Sergio!” she gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. Tears welled in her eyes as she dropped to her knees, unable to contain her relief. The boy’s sleepy face lit up with a tired but genuine smile. “
RONAN’S POV I rush toward the bear, intent on pulling the kids off, but the beast lets out another guttural growl, sharp canines glistening with drool. It's a warning: Take one step, and I’ll tear you apart.But I don't care if it rips me to shreds so long as I can get those children away and ensure their safety, I'll take whatever comes.“Don’t attack us,” Sergio says calmly, his small voice cutting through the tension.The bear lowers its growl as Sergio pats it on the head. “It’s okay, Bruno. They won’t hurt us it’s just my daddy and his friends,” he says with a smile.To my surprise, the bear kneels, allowing Sergio to slide off its back like it's nothing more than a trained pony.“Daddy!” Sergio runs toward me, his tiny arms outstretched. I scoop him up, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The relief washes over me like a wave, he's safe. But the bear's dark eyes are still fixed on me, tracking every move I make as if daring me to try something reckless.From th
RONAN’S POV“Kyle, you stay back. Howard and Team A will come with me,” I state firmly, knowing full well Kyle is going to argue. But he needs rest. Those bastards roughed him up, and I made him interrogate them again. As much as he won’t admit it, he’s not at full strength yet.Team A is made up of our most trusted warriors. I would’ve gone alone, but I need all the eyes I can get and only trusted eyes. Someone from the inside helped with the kidnapping; I feel it in my gut.Even though they got in during the race, they couldn’t have made it this far without help. When I find out who betrayed us, I’ll make an example of them so no one ever tries it again.Kyle stands his ground, hands in his pockets. “I’m coming with you.”His wounds have mostly healed, just a slight pinkish tint on his cheek. But it doesn’t change the fact that he needs rest.“No, you need to go and rest,” I tell him firmly.“My niece is missing too,” Kyle says quietly, his gaze unwavering. “Both kids are like my ow
RONAN'S POVFolding the sleeves of my blue button up shirt, I slip on my brass knuckles before taking a seat opposite him. The blonde guy across from me looks seconds away from pissing his pants. I tap the table lightly and lean forward with a cold smile. “We're in for some games tonight. I hope you’re ready.” He glares at me, trying to act tough. “What do you want from me?” I rest my elbows on the table. “First, how about you tell me your name?” “I’m not telling you shit,” he snarls. “Wrong answer,” I mutter, slamming my brass-covered fist into his face once, then twice. The sound of bone cracking echoes through the room as blood pours from his mouth. A tooth drops onto the table with a dull clink, and he groans in pain, spitting blood. “That should tell you I’m not here to play your ‘loyal spy’ games,” I say, wiping my knuckles clean. “Now, let’s try this again. What’s your name?” “Abel,” he whispers, trying hard to sound calm, but the fear in his eyes gives him away.
RONAN’S POV “Baby, are you okay?” I ask, though I already know the answer. I don’t need to ask to know she isn’t okay. For the past three days, she hasn’t cried or shown any vulnerability. I know she wants Sergio back, I do too. Just the thought of what might be happening to my son right now makes me sick. I don’t know exactly what is going on, but if even a single strand of hair is missing from his head when I find him, I will make sure I burn down any pack or territory involved, no matter how small their part. “Do I look like I’m okay?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “You don’t look okay,” I reply softly. She looks far from it. I know exactly what she’s doing, suppressing her emotions to stay strong. Gemma has been all over the place, crying and begging me to find her daughter. Lisa has been the only one holding things together, which means she’s bottling everything up to stay rational for everyone’s sake. But it’s eating her alive, and I know it because I feel it too. “L
LISA'S POV In a flash, we are no longer behind the bleachers, and the entire place erupts into chaos. People scatter in every direction, panicked voices rising over one another. My heart stutters in my chest, and my mind goes blank. My entire body freezes as if someone flipped a switch, cutting off my ability to think, move, or even breathe.Everything feels like it has stopped.“Lisa, I need to get you to safety now, please, don’t panic,” Ronan urges, his voice strained with urgency.His words barely register. It feels like I’m hearing them underwater, faint and distant. My limbs are paralyzed, every muscle locked in place, as if I have forgotten how to move.“I can’t go.” My voice is a trembling whisper as I take a step toward the chaotic crowd.“Lisa, no, it’s not safe in there,” Ronan shouts above the noise, trying to hold me back.“The kids are still in there! How am I supposed to leave when my children are caught in that madness?” My voice cracks with desperation as I try to sh
LISA'S POV "I need to take this," I told Gemma, slipping my phone into my hand. "Can you keep an eye on Sergio for me?""Of course," Gemma said, giving me a reassuring smile."Hello," I say as I reach the back of the benches."Hey, Lis. I need your help. I’ve got a patient, and he’s not breathing," Jessica's voice comes through the line, shaky and alarmed."Jessie, I need you to calm down. Breathe," I say slowly, using my most soothing tone. I wait as she takes a few deep breaths. When she sounds steadier, I continue, "Okay, tell me what’s going on.""He’s out of surgery, and when he woke up, everything was fine. But then he fell asleep, and I thought it was just regular sleep, but... I think someone disconnected the heart monitor.""Have you tried turning it back on?" I ask."Yes, I did. I even tried CPR, but he’s not responding. I called for backup, but they’re not here yet, and I don’t want to leave the room. I don’t want to leave him alone," she says, her panic creeping back."Ok
LISA'S POV. “Uh... hi,” I manage to mumble, awkwardly patting her back before stepping away.Gretchen pulls back, her smile never faltering. "I've heard a lot about you. It's so nice to finally put a face to the name," "Good things, I hope?" I replied, trying to sound polite."Very good things," she assured me with another smile. Then her gaze shifted down. "And who is this little guy?" She crouched to Sergio’s level, but he quickly ran to hide behind me."Oh, that's my son. He tends to be a little shy around new people," I explained, gently patting Sergio’s head."He's adorable!" she said with a small wave in his direction, but Sergio clung tighter to my leg. Gretchen didn’t seem offended and stood back up, brushing it off easily. She then turned toward Gemma with a friendly grin."And you must be Gemma, right?"The easy smile that had been on Gemma’s face moments ago faded. She raised a brow, her expression shifting from cheerful to wary. After all the excitement she’d shown earli
LISA'S POVA few seconds ago, I was smiling, happy, and even laughing at Gemma’s playful remarks. But now, all the warmth in my chest has evaporated. My mood sours with every whisper I hear from the crowd seated behind us murmurs about how good Gretchen looks next to Ronan, and how perfect they seem together.Each compliment stings more than the last, spreading like poison through my veins.I grip the edge of my seat, resisting the urge to turn around and tell everyone to shut up. My fingers itch to strangle something anything or maybe just slap the smug smiles off those who keep talking about how they “compliment each other.”Ronan’s gaze burns into me, but I refuse to look his way. I won’t give him the satisfaction. Not when he’s sitting right next to her. My phone buzzes in my pocket again and again. I don’t need to check to know it’s him. it has tobe him. But this time, I won’t bite. I don’t want to give him the chance to explain or justify whatever nonsense he thinks is acceptab