Days passed, but my mind kept returning to that close call at the treatment center, and to Zayn’s words echoing in my head. I couldn’t ignore that hint of worry in his voice, the way his anger had softened into something else—something almost protective. But I shoved those thoughts aside. There were more pressing matters to deal with, and I was determined to move forward with the cure, whether or not Zayn approved.The potential formula held promise, and my confidence in it grew stronger with each test. But to get real results, I needed to try it on a larger scale, which meant moving closer to the heart of the pack. The center’s equipment was limited, and staying on the outskirts of the territory wouldn’t cut it. It was time to make arrangements to move to Zayn’s pack—temporarily, of course. I couldn’t risk any missteps or delay in trying to save everyone affected.After a final review of the lab results, I leaned back and took a deep breath. This was it; I was ready. The formula had
Mina sat alone in her lavish chambers, The weight of the palace seemed heavier than usual, an invisible burden she carried every day. Just as she was about to lose herself in thought, the door burst open, and three maidens hurried inside, their faces flushed with urgency."My Lady!" one of them said breathlessly, her voice laced with excitement.Mina’s heart skipped a beat. She straightened up, glancing at each of their faces. "What’s the matter?" she asked, trying to keep her tone steady.One of the younger maids, eyes wide with a strange mix of fear and exhilaration, took a step forward and bowed her head slightly. "There’s… a visitor in the palace. A familiar face."Mina’s stomach twisted with unease. A thousand names and faces flashed through her mind, none of them bringing her any comfort. "Who is it?" she asked, her voice a near whisper, as if she feared the answer.The maid hesitated, then looked up. "It’s your old friend… Aurora."The world seemed to stop. Mina’s breath caught
The news must have reached them before I could even get a moment to settle in. My phone buzzed relentlessly with missed calls from Clara, and I knew she wouldn’t rest until I showed up. They were my family, after all, and being back after so long couldn’t go unnoticed.As I arrived at my parents’ home, the familiar warmth of the old house wrapped around me, filling me with a strange mix of comfort and anxiety. The walls were still the same muted blue I remembered from childhood, and the smell of my mother’s cooking drifted in the air.I opened the door, bracing myself. My mother’s voice was the first thing I heard, chattering away with Clara in the kitchen.“Aurora! You’re finally here!” My mother came out, wiping her hands on her apron, her eyes misty as she took me in. She pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing me as if she could pour years of love and worry into one embrace.“Mom,” I whispered, hugging her back. “It’s so good to see you.”Clara’s footsteps echoed from the kitchen, a
Zayn sat by the window in his room, staring out at the sprawling view of the pack’s grounds. The afternoon sun bathed the scene in a warm glow, but his mind was far from serene. His jaw was set, his hands resting on the arms of his chair as if he was bracing for something. A knock on the door broke his train of thought. His childhood friend, Ethan, walked in, a teasing grin plastered across his face. “Well, well, look who’s back in town,” Ethan began, leaning casually against the wall. “The one and only Aurora.” Zayn remained calm, his expression unreadable. “Come on, Zayn,” Ethan pressed, crossing the room to sit on the edge of the desk. “Don’t tell me you’re not even a little excited that’s she is here “ “ I mean she’s going to help with the disease spreading so that’s good news for us …She found a cure ! Probably… I hope it works out “ “ Oh please…I’ve noticed how you have been since she came back , uneasy. Always moody…This look only comes when you are at a deed end find
Aurora’s Pov. I arrived at my lodge, my entire body aching from the long day. As soon as I walked in, I dropped my bag on the couch and collapsed into the nearest chair. My eyes fell on my phone, its screen blinking with several missed call notifications. Derek. I sighed, picking it up. All the calls were from him. I hesitated for a moment, debating whether I had the energy to deal with whatever he wanted, but I knew avoiding him would only make things worse. The phone barely rang once before he picked up. "Finally! Aurora, where have you been?" Derek’s tone was sharp, almost accusing. "I was working," I replied evenly, trying to keep my voice calm despite his attitude. "I’ve been busy with drug testing all day." "That’s what you say," he snapped. "But were you really working? Or were you hanging out with Zayn?" “ You didn’t even bother to contact me or the kids ?” His words hit me like a slap. My patience was already running thin, and this? This was too much. "Derek
When my phone buzzed the next morning, I almost didn’t pick it up. I was emotionally drained after the call with Derek last night. But curiosity got the better of me, and I answered. “Dr. Aurora!” one of the lab assistants exclaimed, their voice brimming with excitement. “You need to get down here. One of the patients you treated yesterday—it’s working! The wound is healing, and she’s starting to regain her ability to shift!” My breath caught. “Wait—what? Are you serious?” “Yes! You did it!” For a moment, the world stopped. I sat there, phone pressed to my ear, trying to process the enormity of what I’d just heard. I found the cure. The next hour was a blur. I was on the phone with my professors, sharing the news. Their congratulations poured in, along with instructions to replicate the treatment for the other patients. My heart swelled with pride and relief. Then, against my better judgment, I called Derek. Despite my anger, I thought he deserved to know. “Derek,” I sai
Derek paced back and forth in his living room, his hands balled into fists. His friend, Caleb, sat on the couch, watching him with a mixture of concern and exasperation. “I can’t believe this,” Derek growled, his voice sharp with frustration. “Now that Aurora’s there, everything’s going to fall apart. All my plans, Caleb! All of them!” Caleb raised an eyebrow, leaning back. “What plans, Derek? To keep her tied down here forever? You know that was never going to work.” Derek shot him a glare. “Don’t start with me. You know what I mean. Aurora’s mine, Caleb. I’ve been the one taking care of her, helping her raise those kids, being there when no one else was. And now, she’s back with Zayn, and he’s going to swoop in and ruin everything.” Caleb crossed his arms. “Ruin what exactly? He’s the kids’ father, Derek. Did you really think you could keep that a secret forever? And for the record, Zayn’s been trying to find her for years. You know that.” Derek sneered. “Oh, yeah, I know.
The council chamber was enormous, with high ceilings and walls adorned with intricate carvings of the pack’s history. It felt surreal standing there, facing the people who once mocked and belittled me. Their whispers filled the room as I walked to the front, my head held high. I could feel their eyes on me, wide with disbelief. Many of them didn’t even try to hide their surprise. “Isn’t that...?” “The Alpha’s ex-wife?” “She’s the one who made the cure?” The murmurs grew louder, but I ignored them, focusing on the task at hand. This was my moment, and I wouldn’t let their gossip ruin it. I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and faced the council. “Good evening, esteemed members of the council and everyone present today. I am Aurora, and I’m here to present the cure for the disease that has plagued this pack for so long.” The room fell silent. For the first time, all those judgmental stares felt less like daggers and more like curiosity. Maybe even respect. “I kno
The day had arrived, my birthday and the grand opening of the hospital. It was surreal seeing my dream come to life in the heart of the pack. From the moment I woke up, the house buzzed with activity. Liv was running around giving orders, my mom was double-checking last-minute details, and Zayn’s mom was in charge of the kitchen, ensuring the food would be nothing short of spectacular. I slipped into a pale blue dress that hugged me perfectly. Zayn had picked it out, and though I teased him about his choices sometimes, this one was flawless. As I stood in front of the mirror, Elian and Aria burst into my room, shouting, *“Happy Birthday, Mommy!”* They each held small bouquets of flowers, their grins lighting up my morning. “Thank you, my loves!” I scooped them into a hug, my heart swelling. They were more excited about today than I was, bouncing on their heels and talking over each other about “surprises.” I kissed their foreheads and shooed them out to finish getting ready. Whe
The soft breeze kissed my skin as I stood on the balcony, gazing out at the bustling preparations below. Everyone was hard at work, ensuring everything was perfect for the hospital’s grand opening, which also happened to be on my birthday. Liv had flown in from the city just a few days ago, and her organizational skills were in full force, balancing between logistics and last-minute details. Zayn’s mom and mine had joined forces, taking charge of decorations and refreshments. It was like watching two generals at work, directing the army of helpers with precision and flair. As much as I trusted them, nerves still fluttered in my stomach. I gripped the railing, my thoughts racing between excitement and anxiety. This hospital was more than a building; it was a culmination of years of dreams, struggles, and hope. I couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong. Suddenly, two strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me out of my thoughts. I gasped in surprise as Zayn’s deep laugh filled t
The ride back home was filled with laughter and endless chatter. Aria and Elian could barely contain their excitement as they recounted every detail of their time at Zayn’s house. “Mommy, did you know Daddy has a giant sword in his room?” Aria squealed, bouncing in her seat. “He said it’s for special fights! And oh! Grandma made me dresses—so many dresses! And I got to spin in them like a princess!” Elian, who was usually more reserved, chimed in. “Dad took me to the training grounds. He said I could be Alpha one day.” His chest puffed with pride. “He showed me how to hold a sword, too, but I’m not allowed to practice yet.” I smiled as I listened to them. Relief washed over me. The house that had once felt like a prison to me—cold, isolating, and oppressive—was now a place of joy and belonging for my children. Zayn had changed. Or maybe it was everyone who had changed, seeing him now through the eyes of Elian and Aria, who only saw their father trying to make up for lost time.By t
Zayn’s POvThe sound of little feet pattering on the stone floors echoed through the house as Elian and Aria explored every corner of their new home. I stood at the front door, watching as Aurora crouched to say goodbye to them. Aria clung to her leg for a moment before bounding back toward the maids who were already doting on her with dresses and accessories. Elian, on the other hand, was already eyeing me, a mix of curiosity and excitement in his eyes. Aurora stood and turned to me, a playful smile on her lips. “Good luck, Alpha,” she teased. “They’ve got a lot of energy.” I grinned and leaned in, brushing my lips softly against hers. “I think I’ll manage,” I replied. Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she whispered, “Have fun.” With that, she stepped away and headed toward the car. As soon as the door closed, Elian came to stand beside me, his little chest puffed out like he was already the man of the house. “What are we doing today, Dad?” he asked, his voice full of d
The day began like any other in my new office within the pack’s headquarters. I had been trying to adjust to this new chapter of my life, juggling motherhood, work, and figuring out where Zayn and I stood. My desk was scattered with papers, yet my thoughts constantly drifted to him and the way his presence filled the spaces around me. It wasn’t long before a knock sounded at my door. Before I could respond, Clara poked her head in, a wide grin on her face. “Delivery for you,” she sang, stepping inside with a beautiful bouquet of roses nestled in her hands. They were a deep crimson, the petals perfect and vibrant. “What’s this?” I asked, my heart skipping as she placed the flowers on my desk. I caught sight of a card tucked neatly within the arrangement. My fingers trembled as I opened it. Aurora, Would you do me the honor of letting me take you out tonight? I’ll pick you up at seven. Wear this and let me show you something special. -ZaynAlong with the flowers was an elegant, s
The air inside the dungeon was suffocating, heavy with dampness and the faint metallic scent of rust. My footsteps echoed against the cold stone floor as I followed the guard. Every step felt harder than the last, but I couldn’t turn back. Not now. Not after everything. “He’s in the last cell,” the guard said, his voice flat. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak, and continued down the dimly lit corridor. When I reached the end, I saw him. Derek. He was sitting on a wooden bench, his elbows resting on his knees, muttering something under his breath. At the sound of my approach, he looked up. For a split second, there was a flicker of something in his eyes—surprise? Regret? I couldn’t tell. But then that twisted smile appeared, and any hope of decency vanished. “Aurora,” he drawled, leaning back against the wall as though he didn’t have a care in the world. “Finally decided to come and see me. Took you long enough.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing my voice to remain st
The day had finally come. The day I had been dreading and anticipating all at once. It was time for the move. The convoy of cars pulled up outside my house, and the kids were practically jumping out of their skin with excitement. They had never seen so many cars, and they couldn't wait to start the journey to Zayn's pack. Zayn, ever the gentleman, ushered the kids into the car with a smile, his excitement matching theirs. "Alright, you two, ready for your new life?" he asked as they scrambled into the car.Elian grinned, his eyes wide with wonder. "I can't wait to see all the wolves!" he exclaimed.Aria chimed in, bouncing in her seat. "And the food! Is it really as good as you said, Daddy?"Zayn laughed, looking at me with a knowing smile. "It's better than I can describe," he said. "You'll love it."As we drove to the pack, the kids kept asking questions, their curiosity endless. They wanted to know about everything—if Zayn had any other family, what his pack was like, and what to
The morning sun shone through the windows as I sipped my coffee, my thoughts a blur of excitement and nerves. I had just received a call from Zayn, and my heart was racing with a mixture of emotions. He wanted to throw a big feast—a grand celebration to welcome me and the kids into his pack. I didn’t know whether to be overwhelmed by the idea or to embrace it, but one thing was clear: it was a new chapter for us, and Zayn was eager to share it with the world.“ So see you soon ?” Zayn said and I smiled. “ See you soon …” I wasn’t sure how I felt about being the center of so much attention, but as I thought about it, it felt right. It felt like something we all needed—a fresh start, a new beginning. The kids were ecstatic, already planning what they’d wear and what they would say when they met the other pack members. Elian kept asking about the food, while Aria was excited to see the "cool wolves" Zayn had told her about. I put my phone down and stood up, my hands trembling slightly
It was time. There was no more avoiding it, no more sweeping it under the rug. Derek was behind all of this—the kidnapping, the fear, the betrayal. It sat heavy in my chest, twisting into something sharp and unbearable. I sat at the edge of the couch, staring at Liv, the words tumbling out of my mouth before I could even process them. “It was Derek,” I said softly, my voice trembling.Liv, who had been pacing the room, froze mid-step. Her eyebrows shot up in shock, but then her expression shifted, softening into something more resigned. “Derek?” she repeated slowly, like she was tasting the bitterness of the word. “He was behind all of this?”I nodded, my throat tightening as I recalled the events of the last few days. “He...he hid the kids in some caravan. Aria told me everything when we found them. No food, no water—he left them there to rot.”Liv sank onto the couch beside me, her hand over her mouth. “Aurora, I—” She paused, shaking her head. “I don’t even know what to say.”“I