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
Zayn’s Pov The moment I called Aurora aside, I felt the weight of the conversation settling on my shoulders. I wasn’t sure where to begin or how much to say. This wasn’t something I could explain easily—not without her looking at me with the same disdain she had before. She stood there, her arms crossed, waiting. Her silence wasn’t impatient, but it wasn’t warm either. It was just... there. She was giving me the space to speak, but that didn’t make it easier. “Aurora,” I started, clearing my throat. “There’s something you need to know.” She raised an eyebrow, her face unreadable. I ran a hand through my hair, the words jumbling together in my head. Finally, I just said it. “Mina and I is married and she is missing right now because she ran away …” I said it in one breath Her expression didn’t change much, but I saw the faint flicker of confusion in her eyes. “She left the palace when she heard you were back,” I continued. “And honestly... I’m not sure I care.” That got a
Aurora’s Pov The moment I got home, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I told my mom and Clara everything—about Zayn, Mina, and how Derek and Zayn nearly came to blows over me. I expected shock, maybe anger on my behalf. Instead, the looks on their faces were enough to make my stomach drop. “You knew, didn’t you?” I asked, my voice shaking. My gaze darted between them, desperately searching for denial. “You knew about Mina and Zayn?” They didn’t say a word, just exchanged a guilty glance before nodding. The betrayal hit me like a physical blow. My chest tightened, and my breathing grew shallow. “How could you?” I whispered. “How could you keep something like this from me?” “Aurora, we didn’t want to hurt you,” Mom said softly, stepping closer. “Hurt me?” I snapped, stepping back. “Do you know how much worse it is to find out this way? From them? How could you think lying to me was better?” Clara tried to reach for me. “Rory, wait—” “No.” I shook my head, grabbing my bag
As soon as I got back to the city, I went straight to my friend’s place. My body ached from the long journey, and my head felt like it was carrying the weight of the world. When she opened the door, she didn’t even ask. She just gave me a long hug, the kind that says everything words can’t. I settled onto her couch while she handed me a cup of tea. The kids were napping in the next room, giving me some time to breathe. But the silence only amplified the storm in my head. “I told you I’d always be here when you needed me,” she said softly, sitting down next to me. I nodded, sipping the tea for warmth and comfort. “I don’t even know where to start,” I whispered. “You’ll figure it out,” she said, always the optimist. “No, this time, I really don’t know,” I said, setting the cup down. “Zayn... Mina... Derek. It’s all so tangled, and I feel like I’m losing my grip. Zayn’s married to Mina, Mina’s missing, Derek’s acting possessive, and—” I let out a shaky breath. “And I promised
The call from the engineer had left me both excited and anxious. Finally, the construction of the hospital was moving forward. It was a project I had poured my heart into—a beacon of hope for the pack and a symbol of the life I was trying to rebuild. But it also meant that the decision I had been wrestling with was no longer something I could push aside. “ Your project is about to kick off,You did say you are moving in when the project starts to monitor the progress? When should we expect you?” “ I will let you know “ I hung up the phone and sat quietly for a moment, letting the reality settle over me. I would have to go back to the pack, and this time, I wouldn’t be returning alone. Upstairs, the sound of giggles echoed down the hallway. I made my way to the kids' room and stood by the door, watching Aria and Elian through the small crack. They were playing with a couple of neighborhood kids, but it was clear that my children struggled to connect. Elian, always energetic, see
The following morning, I sat across from Liz, my closest wolf friend in the city , sipping a cup of lukewarm tea in her cozy kitchen. Her place had always been a haven for me, but today, even the warm lighting and soft hum of the radio couldn’t settle my nerves. “I still can’t believe you’re going back to the pack,” Liz said, setting down her own mug and leaning forward. “But what’s your plan? Are you just going to show up with Aria and Elian like, ‘Surprise, everyone! I’ve had kids this whole time!’?” I flinched at her bluntness, gripping the edge of the table. “I don’t know, Liz I just… I don’t know how to tell them.” She raised an eyebrow. “Aurora, you’ve been hiding this for years. At this point, just showing up with them is going to make everything worse. You have to say something before you go.” I shook my head, my voice tight. “It’s not that simple. You don’t understand.” “Then explain it to me,” she challenged, folding her arms. “Because from where I’m sitting, it lo
I was buried in my work when the door to my office flew open with a loud bang. Startled, I looked up, only to see Derek standing there, his face red with anger. My pen slipped from my hand, and my heart sank. I hadn’t seen him since the fiasco at the hospital with Zayn, and I had hoped to keep it that way. “Derek,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “What are you doing here?” He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he slammed the door shut behind him, his chest heaving as he marched toward me. The tension in the room was suffocating. “I’m here to talk,” he said, his voice loud and sharp. I gestured to the chair in front of my desk, trying to keep the situation calm. “Have a seat, then. Let’s talk.” But he didn’t sit. Instead, he leaned over my desk, his eyes burning with rage. “Why, Aurora? Why did you even bring the cure in the first place? Why did you go back to the palace?” I blinked, taken aback by his sudden aggression. “What are you talking about?” “You know ex
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