Aurora’s POV I could feel the city spinning around me as I walked down the street. The sounds of traffic, the chatter of people, and the distant sirens all blended into a dull hum, like background noise to my internal battle. I told myself it was just stress, just the weight of everything—my escape from the pack, the rejection ceremony, and now trying to build a new life in the city. It had to be stress. Right? But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. Every step felt heavier than the last. My head spun, my vision blurred, and the nausea that had been coming and going for days now hit me like a wave. I stopped at the corner, gripping the cold metal of a street pole, trying to steady myself. The dizziness swirled around me again, tightening my chest. “Are you okay?” Derek’s voice broke through the haze. I hadn’t even noticed him walking beside me, watching my every move like he always did. There was something so calming about Derek, something that made me feel safe even wh
Aurora's POV The first thing I felt when I opened my eyes was the softness of the bed beneath me. The scent of herbs and something faintly medicinal filled the air, calming but unfamiliar. I blinked, trying to clear the fog in my mind, and slowly realized I wasn’t in my room. The light from a nearby lamp cast a warm glow around the space, and as I shifted, I recognized where I was—Derek’s room. I sat up too quickly, the dizziness rushing back. My head spun, and I pressed a hand to my forehead, trying to steady myself. “You fainted,” Derek’s voice came from across the room. He stood by the small desk, mixing something in a bowl. His face was a mix of concern and relief as he walked over to me. “I fainted?” I repeated, still piecing everything together. Derek nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed and holding out a small jar. “Here, this is an ointment. It should help with the dizziness. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard, Aurora.” I took the jar from him and rubbed some o
### Chapter: The Unknown #### Aurora's POVI couldn’t move. My feet were glued to the cold bathroom tiles, and my breath felt trapped in my throat. Derek stood in the doorway, his eyes scanning my face, waiting for me to say something—anything. But how could I? How do you tell someone you might be pregnant with the child of the man you’ve been trying to escape?The test sat on the counter between us like a ticking time bomb, the result hidden but looming over everything. I tried to speak, but my voice was caught in a chokehold of fear and uncertainty. Finally, I swallowed hard and forced the words out.“Derek... I... I think I might be pregnant.”His expression didn’t change at first. He blinked, then frowned, his mouth opening slightly as if to say something but stopping himself. The silence between us stretched on, uncomfortable and suffocating. I could feel the weight of the confession hanging in the air, heavy and terrifying.“You’re not sure?” he finally asked, stepping closer,
### Chapter: The Future Beckons #### Aurora's POVMy hands trembled as I hovered over the keyboard, staring at the screen that would tell me if my future was finally going to take shape. My heart pounded so hard in my chest, it was difficult to focus on anything other than the blood rushing through my ears. Derek stood beside me, his warm presence giving me some sense of calm, but even that couldn’t stop the nerves running wild inside me."Go on, Aurora. You’ve got this," Derek said softly, his voice steady and encouraging. His hand rested lightly on my shoulder, offering the support I desperately needed right now.Two of the other werewolves from the city, Liz and Ian, flanked us on either side, grinning at me like proud siblings. They’d been through this process themselves—adjusting to the human world, pushing through the challenges of living among them—and they seemed to think I could do the same."As long as you wrote those exams properly, you’re in," Liz said confidently, nudgi
Chapter: Strength in the Unknown Aurora's POVThe laughter and chatter from the party echoed softly through the open window as I stood outside, leaning against the wall. The cool night air helped calm my nerves as I pulled out my phone and stared at the screen. I hadn’t spoken to Mina in weeks, and it gnawed at me every single day. But I couldn’t bring myself to text her. I was terrified that if I reached out, it would somehow lead Zayn back to me. Still, I couldn’t stay silent any longer. Mina deserved to know that I was okay—that I’d found some semblance of a life here. She was the only real friend I had left in the pack, and shutting her out like this was starting to hurt. I opened the message thread with her and started typing.**"Hey, Mina... I know it’s been a while. I got into the medical program. It’s crazy, right? I’m not sure what’s next, but I wanted to let you know I’m okay. I’m sorry I’ve been quiet. I just didn’t want to put you in any danger with Zayn. Please take c
Chapter: A Brewing Storm Zayn’s POVI leaned back in the leather chair of my office, my fingers drumming impatiently against the mahogany desk. My mother’s voice echoed faintly from downstairs, her high-pitched, overly excited tone bouncing off the walls of the packhouse. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what she was up to—again. Another woman. Another futile attempt to shove me into marriage. I’d lost count of how many times she’d pulled this stunt, parading around potential brides like they were prizes to be won.With a sigh, I stood up, straightening the cuffs of my shirt. The noise downstairs grew louder, and just as I expected, there was a sharp knock on the door. Before I could even respond, the door swung open, and in walked my mother, with a woman in tow—tall, beautiful, the picture of elegance. But I wasn’t in the mood.“Zayn,” my mother began, a wide smile on her face as she gestured toward the woman beside her. “I want you to meet Selene. She’s from one of the wealthi
Chapter: Shadows in the City Derek’s POVI could feel Zayn's eyes on me the moment I stepped out of that café. He wasn’t even trying to be discreet. The tension between us was like a coiled spring, always ready to snap. And I wasn’t going to let him get a single inch closer to Aurora, especially not now.The bag of baby supplies felt heavier in my hand than it should have. Each step I took, I was calculating. I knew Zayn was watching me, trying to figure out where I was headed. He might not have put two and two together yet, but I wasn’t going to take any chances. I glanced over my shoulder subtly. There he was, keeping his distance but following all the same. Damn it, Zayn. Always needing to control things, always needing answers. The kind of man who couldn’t stand not being the one in charge. The thought of him finding out about Aurora, especially now that she was pregnant, sent a chill through me. I’d never forgive myself if I led him straight to her.I slipped into the hospital
Aurora's POVSomething was off with Derek. I could feel it the moment he walked back into the room. He had that look—like he was holding something back, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. The baby supplies he brought in should’ve made me smile, but instead, it only deepened the unease in my stomach.Derek had been practically acting like the father of this child since the beginning. It was sweet, really. Having someone who cared for me like he did—it was comforting in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long time. He was trying to protect me, but at what cost?He walked upstairs, probably trying to avoid a conversation, but then his phone beeped on the table. I didn’t mean to pry, but my eyes drifted to the screen, and I froze._“It was a nice meeting today. Let’s do it another time.”_Zayn.My stomach flipped. Suddenly, my world tilted, and dizziness washed over me like a tidal wave. What was going on? Did Derek meet Zayn? Was he betraying me? How could he? My mind spiraled into a chaot
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