LISA’S POV“Mommy,” Sergio whispers.“Yes, my love,” I kneel to his level.“Why does the guy with the black hoodie keep following us?” His voice is alert, with hints of fear and a slight stutter.I guess I wasn’t the only one feeling like we were being followed. “No, don’t look at him,” Sergio cautions when I try to glance in the direction.“I need to look at him to know if he’s following us, Sergie.”“No, Captain Spy says we shouldn’t make it obvious when we think someone’s watching.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the seriousness in his tone.“How do I know he’s following us if I don’t look at him, Sergie?”Captain Spy is the new cartoon Sergio has been obsessed with. Ever since the school closed for the summer holidays, the kids have been watching more cartoons, thanks to Jessica. He’s been watching a lot of Captain Spy and now he thinks everything in real life is just like it is in the cartoon.He even made me enrol him in judo instead of karate like his siblings for the summer se
LISA’S POV"It hasn’t even been a week since our agreement and you're already ordering your people to spy on me?" I say through gritted teeth as my body tensed with the wave of anger surging through me "Excuse me, what?" He raises a brow as he sits on the couch."Exactly what I just told you," I say, placing my iPad in front of him. Benny has a friend who works in cybersecurity and everything computer related. He installed a software that got me a way to check the building's security footage without having to go downstairs or to the security room, and I have footage that shows someone stalking us."This person right here," I point to a man wearing a hoodie, "and that one over there and that lady over there, they’ve been stalking me. I know I've been sick and all, but I could tell they were following me. Every security camera I checked in places I thought I was being followed showed them. They were always there.""So, how does you being stalked have anything to do with me? Or let me r
RONAN’S POV“How did it go?” Jack asks as he passes me a bag of chips. I didn’t even know I was hungry until I took a handful and tossed it into my mouth. “It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either,” I say between chews. “Hmm, enlighten me, Ronnie boy,” he exclaims, passing me a game pad. We’re currently in his cabin or ‘the sacred game house,’ as he likes to call it. I hate coming over here but with Kyle away, and my dad acting like some housewife, Jack's place is the only place I have to take some breath before I go back to the pack house “Well, I wasn’t able to meet the children today.”“That must’ve sucked,” he hisses, and it did. It freaking sucked. It hurt, too. I’ve been wanting to meet the kids ever since I found out about them, and every time something stands in the way, I feel like I should push it aside and see them by any means necessary. But I can’t not after everything I put Lisa through. Not after the way I messed up her life with my stupid choices. Even though I d
LISA'S POV"Do we really need to go out today too?" Salvador whines."I'm sorry, baby, but you have to," I say, kissing his forehead. "Because there's an important person we have to meet," we say in unison."Great!" he exclaims."But do we have to wear matching clothes too?" This time, it's Nancy who speaks."Your brothers wear matching clothes every day and look adorable, so it's only fair for you to match with them," I smile.When we go out, it's always the boys who wear matching outfits, while Nancy either matches with me or wears whatever she wants. Don't get me wrong—the boys love wearing matching clothes."But why can't I wear a dress? I don’t want to look like the boys," she pouts. It’s funny how she doesn’t want to resemble the boys when they look identical, except for the fact that she’s a girl and they aren’t."You should match today, baby. But if you want, you can wear something similar to Aunt Jessica’s outfit.""But she isn't coming with us, so why should I match with her
**LISA’S POV:**It’s been two weeks since I introduced Ronan to the kids, and things have gone surprisingly well better than I expected, honestly. He’s visited four times now, and of all the kids, Sebastian and Ronan seem to have formed the strongest bond. Sebastian has become practically glued to his side during these visits. And the others? Well, they’re warming up to him in their own ways. The kids video call him almost every night or during the day except for Salvador, who remains completely uninterested.No matter how much I encourage Salvador to interact with Ronan, he stays distant, pulling further and further away from the rest of us. Every time Ronan shows up, Salvador either hides in his room or clings to me, giving one-word responses whenever Ronan attempts to engage. It’s like there’s an invisible wall between them, and no matter what Ronan does, Salvador keeps building it higher. The other day, Ronan brought him a toy gun, hoping to break through the barrier. Knowing how
LISA'S POV“So, are you going or not?” Jessica asks, sitting in front of the mirror in my room.“I don’t know,” I lie, even though I do know. I’ve already decided, but I’m too scared and unsure if I’ve made the right decision.“You have to know, Lisa. For the past week, what have you been doing? I know you’ve thought about your answer. You’re just holding back,” she says, her tone more insistent now.Am I really that easy to read? I wonder how Jessica always seems to know what’s going on in my head. “I told you, I’m still thinking,” I groan, trying to sound nonchalant.Jessica huffs, turning to face me from the mirror, her eyes narrowing in concern. “You know this isn’t just about you, right? The kids’ safety is at stake too. You need to decide, and quickly. Tell him what you want so he knows how to handle the situation. You know I’ll support whatever decision you make, but I hate that you’ve been bottling this up for so long, Lissy,” she sighs, her voice softening.“I have made a de
LISA’S POV“So?” Jessica pulls me to the side the moment I walk back into the house. “What happened? What did you decide? Are you staying she asks shaking me vigorously “You know what it is” I smile.“What? How am I supposed to know that?” She chuckles awkwardly.“Don't play dumb with me Jessica. I could literally see you eavesdropping from my peripheral vision” I roll my eyes.“What? No! I was never eavesdropping on you” she exclaims.“Next time don’t wear a pleated dress when you want to eavesdrop” I pat her on the shoulder.“Okay I did pass by the garden but—”“Oh my word Jessica! Can you just accept it?”“Okay I’m sorry but you know I wasn’t going to wait around for you to tell everyone before you told me right?” She chuckles. “Well I am sorry but next time I will actually wait” she lies. Jessica is the nosiest person you will ever meet. Unless she doesn’t know about it she will always eavesdrop on people’s conversations.“I need to go talk to Dad and then the kids. Can you help
LISA’S POV"Why are we here?" I whisper yell at Ronan, careful not to wake the kids. My eyes dart to the backseat, where their little bodies are curled up, exhausted from the car games and karaoke sessions. They eventually fell asleep, blissfully unaware of the tension around them.I’ve been so wrapped up in my decision to come back with him that I completely forgot to ask where we would stay. Now, standing in front of the familiar yet dreaded pack house, I realize I should have asked this a long time ago."We’re here. The pack house," Ronan says, arching a brow as if my confusion is unwarranted. His voice carries a note of expectation like he believes I would be happy to step foot in this place.My heart clenches as I stare at the building. All the memories, all the pain, come rushing back. He really thinks I would just forget everything and walk in like nothing ever happened. As if the people inside didn’t cheer when I left."You said we were coming back to the pack. I didn’t think
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