LISA'S POVWith all the eyes staring at me right now, I don’t need to listen in on the side conversations to know that ninety percent of them are insults. They’re probably talking about how shameless I must be to step foot in this place.But who cares? I certainly don’t. I can’t and won’t let myself feel insecure or allow their words to get into my head. In fact, they should be the ones feeling insecure, small, and scared. After all, I never bullied anyone or treated them badly.All I ever did was act like a good little servant cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for more than fifty people. And yet, they don’t give me credit for that. The least they can do now is keep their opinions to themselves and stay out of my way.“Here we are,” Ronan announces as the elevator doors slide open.There have been significant changes to the pack house, but the one that shocks me the most is the addition of this elevator. It’s the last thing I expected, considering how much people in this pack hated
LISA’S POV“When do we get to go out?” Nancy asks, standing in front of me by the kitchen stove.It's been two days since we got here, and I don’t think I’ve mustered enough courage to let them go out. I’m still not sure about them going outside.“Don’t the little wolfies go out?” she urges when I don’t respond. Oh, and after we told them about being werewolves, Nancy has been calling herself and her brothers ‘little wolfies,’ even though I told her young wolves are called pups. I guess she prefers her own vocabulary.“I don’t think today is a good day to go out, baby,” I say as I put the last plate back into the cabinet.“What? But I can see kids playing outside from the window. Why don’t we get to play with them?” Sebastian chimes in.I don’t know what to tell them because I think I’ve exhausted all my excuses. I knew a day like this was coming, but I didn’t expect it this soon. I always take the kids for walks to the park or the apartment garden, so they are very familiar with the
LISA’S POV"Stay still," I tell Sebastian, whose attention is fixed on the other side of the room, watching his brothers wrestling each other. "Can you please stop moving?" I sigh, turning him around. Dressing him has always been the biggest challenge, and brushing his hair is even worse because he refuses to sit still for more than a minute."Okay, I'm still," he mutters, though his eyes remain glued to his brothers. At least now he’s stopped squirming around.Once I’m done with him, I take out my dress for the festival a floral maxi dress with long sleeves and a black scarf. It’s been chilly at night lately, so it’s best to dress warmly. The boys are in khaki pants and blue long-sleeved shirts, while Nancy wears a blue dress with some brown patterns.After getting dressed, I apply light makeup before making my way out of the room. The boys are still wrestling on the floor when I enter the living area, and Nancy is quietly playing with her dolls in a different corner."Boys, stop tha
LISA’S POVIt feels like the walls are closing in on me. How could this happen? One day out, and Nancy is already missing?“Don’t freak out, Lisa. I'll ask around and see if anyone's seen her, okay? You stay here with the others,” Jack says, his voice calm but firm.“What do you mean, stay here?” My voice trembles, barely more than a whisper. How can I stand still when my child might be out there, taken to who knows where, facing who knows what?“Lisa, listen,” Jack continues, his eyes locking with mine. “You need to stay here. You’ve got three other kids to look after. Let me handle this. I’ll get Ronan on the phone, and I’ll talk to the people around. I’ll find her.” But after that, his words fade into the background, drowned by the panic swelling inside me. My ears are ringing, my breath feels tight, and for a second, I can’t hear anything at all.“Lisa?” Jack calls out, his voice breaking through the fog.“Lisa?”“Yes,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper.“You need
LISA’S POV**"You should join us for dinner," Gemma offers.The last thing I want to do is face another crowd after that exhausting festival and the little shock Nancy put me through. All I crave right now is peace and quiet.Not that I’ll get it any time soon. Even if I go back to the room, it’ll take a while to get the kids to settle down."Please," she insists, her voice soft but persistent.As much as I’d love to say no, if we don’t stay for dinner, I’ll have to cook later or ask Jack to bring food up. What’s the point in that? We’re already here in the packhouse, and it's about time we stop acting like this place is a hotel with room service. Jack’s patience will run out eventually, and I really don’t want to become a burden."Sure, I guess we have room for some food after all those little white balls we had earlier," I say with a smile."I know, right? I’ve seen and eaten enough white, circle-shaped foods to last me a lifetime. I might lose it if I see another one in the next fe
LISA'S POV "What’s your name?" Vale asks, her voice sweet but with an edge I know all too well.I suppress the urge to laugh. Is she seriously pretending she doesn’t recognize me after everything they did to me? But if she wants to play that game, I’ll go along with it."It’s Lisa," I reply calmly, still holding Kyle’s furious glare. Before I sat down, he was laughing and chatting with his friends. Now, I can tell the last thing he wants is to be seated next to me.Despite being the only person at this table who hasn’t physically or verbally hurt me, I have a feeling he hates me the most. And when he finally decides to lash out, I know it’s going to be brutal."Oh my gosh, that’s a lovely name! What about this little guy? Is he your son?" Vale's smile widens as she looks at Sergio, who is still clinging to me."Yes, this is my son, Sergio," I say, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. His cheeks flush red as he leans into me."Sergio? That sounds Spanish. Are you Spanish?" Ashley chi
LISA'S POV A knock on the door woke me up abruptly. I turned toward the window, noticing the sun was already shining brightly. A quick glance at the clock by my bed confirmed it was nine a.m. I couldn't believe I had slept through the morning without realizing it. Rubbing my eyes, I slipped into my robe and made my way to the door. Just as another soft knock landed, I sighed, “Coming,” I muttered under my breath before proceeding to open it. “Oh my days, you’re not ready yet?” Gemma exclaimed as soon as I pulled the door open. She was the last person I expected to see standing at my door this morning, well after dinner yesterday I’m sure someone told her who I really was. Dressed in a pink blouse and a black skirt, her hair was curled to perfection, making her look like she was heading to some fancy event. She was holding a large tray in her hands, which seemed quite out of place. “Good morning,” two small voices chimed in unison. Looking down, I saw her two daughters, O
LISA'S POV"I think I should go back," I whisper to Gemma as we approach the entrance of the club. The closer we get, the more nervous I feel, and the idea of turning around seems like the better option."You can't back out now, Lisa. We’re already here," Gemma replies, her hand firmly gripping my arm, as if she knows I might run if she lets go."But maybe... maybe I should come next time," I say, trying to find an excuse. "I need to talk to Ronan about something important, and the kids are probably missing me by now. I should go check on them." I start to turn, but Gemma quickly grabs my shoulder, holding me in place."Lisa, stop worrying," she says, her voice firmer. "It’s going to be fine. I get why you’re anxious, but trust me, this will help you relax. I felt the same way when I first moved back to my pack. I stood outside, just like you are now, thinking of every reason to leave.""Well, you left, so let me go," I protest, hoping she’ll let me slip away."Yes, I did leave," she
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