Thirteen Years Later…."Maxine, your daughter was found in the woods," the messenger said his voice quivering in shock and disbelief. "It's not confirmed yet, but the healer said her blood matches yours. It is … from your bloodline."Maxine froze, the aching ache of longing in her chest now replaced by the flicker of hope that she hadn't felt for years. She had scoured the earth for Hannah, year after year, refusing to let go of hope. The pack continued to move forward, living and thriving, but for Maxine, her heart was suspended in time. Since Hannah was taken from her by Leo, nothing in her life had held the promise of joy ever again.Rededicating herself, Maxine sped off to the healer's chambers. As she entered, her breath caught in her throat. There lay, on the bed, a young woman who resembled she had been taken from the very pages of Maxine's memory—a young Hadzen, her son, at the age that had passed since his own existence. This young woman was carrying his features that so clos
Maxine POV. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, fingers pushing along the hairline of my glasses. The girl looking back felt like a stranger. Fat, with a messy shock of curly hair and skin that broke out more often than not, I felt every bit the outcast I was treated as. Sighing, I shrugged into my one oversized hoodie—the only type of clothing that seemed to hug my body perfectly—as I roughly jammed my school things into my backpack. Living with Coreen was a daily challenge. Every morning, I woke up with the same sense of dread about the new form of cruelty my stepsister might conjure. Coreen was everything I wasn't—beautiful, confident, and popular. She ruled the university, where she was the center of all attraction and glamour as a cheerleader, with the perfect figure and perfect smile. I'm the opposite of her, I was the nerdy stepsister, always an easy target for Coreen and her minions. When my mother remarried a year ago, things start
Maxine POV. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Their chant grew louder, pounding in my chest. I glanced at Alph, who was busy talking to his friend near the counter, completely unaware of the chaos building around us. "Do it, Maxine!" someone teased, making my face heat up. "Show us some action!" another voice called, followed by laughter. Then, cutting through the din with a sharp, provocative tone, came Coreen's voice. "Come on, little sister, show us that you indeed are a big girl. Besides, it would be rude to turn down the birthday girl, wouldn't it?" She gave me a mocking pout; her eyes shined with mischief as she milked the crowd.. I cleared my throat and stepped toward Alph. The murmuring in the crowd around me faded into a buzz of indistinct noise as I advanced. Alph was busy talking to his two teammates, completely unaware of what was about to happen. My heart pounded in my chest, my nerves on edge. I felt every eye in the room on me as I approached him.
Maxine POV. The morning light filtered through the window blinds, casting a soft glow across the room. I blinked awake, groggy from a night of restless sleep. Memories of last night's party still clung to me, a persistent echo of laughter and humiliation. I groaned and rolled out of bed, preparing for another day at the university—a place that seemed just as unwelcoming as ever. At the campus, I tried to keep my head down, my usual tactic to avoid drawing attention. The familiar hustle and bustle of students filled the air, each one seemingly in their own world. As I navigated the hallways, a familiar voice cut through the din. "Hey, Maxine!" I turned to see Leo approaching. He had a genuine smile on his face, and it was impossible not to notice how different his demeanor was from the rest of the crowd. Leo was new here, but he was already making waves with his presence. "Morning, Leo," I said, trying to sound as neutral as possible. "Got any plans for lunch?" he asked c
Maxine POV. The sun had begun setting as I walked home. Coreen never waited for me, and so I had to walk back home from the university. Thank God she never wanted to give me a lift in their car because for sure the atmosphere between me and her will explode. Closer to my house, I remembered Leo. It reminded me that Sarah is the only real friend that I have and that I should shut everyone else out. What was awry for me was the fact that Alph knew everything that went on. Did he know all along that Leo was using me? Forget about it self, for sure, he doesnt even care so why he would? Reaching the mansion, I beheld the sight that nailed me to the floor. My mother, down on her knees, tears streaming down her face as she begged from my stepfather—Coreen's father. His expression was in rage. "Out, you liar! This is no place for you!" Every word oozed with venom as he spoke. My heart broke to pieces at the sight of my mother—my only family—being humiliated this way. As I stood a
Maxine's breath hitched at her image in the mirror; she looked familiar yet a stranger. She was naked, just in her jeans and bra: the curves very apparent, they made her heart race with dread and a hint of shame that she had never felt comfortable now, especially under the circumstances. She knew who stood just on the other side of that door, and her toes curled in her flip-flops as her blood ran warm with a cocktail of embarrassment and something she couldn't quite put a name to. Alph. Just his name gave her a little shiver. She knew him. Well, everybody knew him—from Hampton University, at least. He was exquisitely handsome, buff, and dark like onyx, with a raw magnetism that made it impossible to look away. And now, seeing him up close and with his shirt off, even more so, made her heart pound erratically. His body was a work of art; every muscle was perfectly chiseled as if sculpted by a master. His abs were clearly defined and led down to a V-shape at his hips that most women
Maxine held the resignation letter in both of her hands, feeling the gravity of its weight. She saw it as her final admission to the battle of work versus her own education. Her heart literally ached as she approached Mrs. Thompson, whose kind eyes held concern. "Mrs. Thompson?" Maxine's voice shook. "I'm here to resign. Lately, I have had a lot of personal issues. My classes are so backbreaking and difficult that I cannot cope any longer." Mrs. Thompson looked up from her desk with disappointment mingled in her expression. "Oh, Maxine, I feel terrible about that. I thought you were holding up well. What is happening? Maxine swallowed hard, trying to hold it together. "My family was evicted a few months ago. We've been trying to get by, and I've lost so many credits from failing. I just need a little time to refocus and get back on track." Her face softened slightly as she said, "I understand. If there's anything I can do to help or support in any way, let me know. I hate to se
Coreen was lying by the pool in a neon pink swimsuit that was standing out against her pale and clear skin. In one hand was a cocktail with an umbrella, and next to it was a pineapple on a tray. She basked in all this luxury, then reached for her phone to dial Drake's number with fingers tapping impatiently for his response. "Drake!" Coreen came out firm and commanding as soon as the call went through. "I need you to do something for me." "Sure, what's up?" His voice, warm and eager, anticipated the call to his assistance front and center. Coreen adjusted her position on the rattan lounge chair when she spoke in a more serious vein. "I want you to investigate my ex-step-sister. No—my fat ex-sister. I need to know why she is suddenly getting close to Alph. Find out what's really going on." Now that spiked Drake's interest. "You want me to dig up some dirt on her?" "Exactly," Coreen replied with an elicit smirk. "I'm really interested in this new connection. This project does sound