AmberThe airport was bustling with movement, voices blending into an overwhelming hum around me. People hurried past with rolling suitcases, flight announcements crackled over the intercom, and the air smelled of coffee, metal, and distant jet fuel. But I barely noticed any of it.All I could focus on was the weight in my chest.I gripped Evalie tighter in my arms, pressing my lips against the soft tufts of blonde hair atop her tiny head. She smelled like baby powder and warmth, like home.My home.I wasn't ready to say goodbye."Amber," Ichika’s voice was gentle but firm. "You need to board soon."I shook my head, holding Evalie closer. "I don’t know if I can do this."Ken sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sweetheart, you’ve worked so hard for this moment. We know it’s hard, but you’re doing this for her too."I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked down at my daughter. Evalie blinked up at me with those striking green eyes—Rayne’s eyes—but they were softer on her, innocen
Amber~ 6 years later ~"Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing at Harry Reid International Airport shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for arrival."The flight attendant’s announcement sent a thrill through me, my grip tightening on the armrest.This was it.Six years.Six years since I had packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and flown halfway across the world to chase my dreams. Six years since I had left my baby girl in Ichika’s care, determined to make something of myself—to build a future where I could stand tall, not just as Amber Queen, but as Dr. Amber Queen.And now, I was finally coming home.Excitement buzzed through me like an electric current. Beijing had been everything I could have hoped for. The culture, the food, the people—I had fallen in love with it all. Every street corner told a story, every meal was an experience, and every challenge had only pushed me to be better.But no matter how incredible my journey had been, there had always been something m
AmberI swallowed hard, pushing the thought away.I had accepted long ago that love and romance weren’t in my destiny.And that was okay. I chose to focus on what really mattered—my daughter, my career, my family.The plane jolted slightly as it began its descent. I exhaled slowly, gripping my hands together."Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada. Please remain seated until we have reached the gate and the seatbelt sign has been turned off."My heart pounded.I was home.Ian glanced at me, his lips quirking up. "Ready to see your little girl?"A breathless laugh escaped me. "More than anything.”The moment my feet touched solid ground, my heart pounded with anticipation. I clutched my luggage tightly, scanning the crowd eagerly, and then—I saw them. Ichika, Ken, and Evalie stood near the terminal, searching for me with the same desperation I felt in my chest."Mommy!" Evalie’s voice rang out, high and excited, before I could even take another step.Tears stung my eyes as
AmberI woke up with the sharp, nauseating realization that I had just made the biggest mistake of my life.The air around me was heavy, too warm, and thick with a scent that sent a shiver down my spine. My stomach churned as I blinked my eyes open, my body sluggish and sore in ways I didn’t want to think about. The ceiling above me was unfamiliar, and the bed I was lying in wasn’t mine. Panic set in, tightening its claws around my chest.I sat up slowly, every movement feeling like it required monumental effort. The sheet slipped from my shoulders, exposing bare skin. My breath hitched as I realized I was naked. Completely naked.No, no, no. This can’t be happening.Memories of the night before were fragmented and elusive, like trying to hold water in my hands. The last clear moment I could recall was Reed dragging me to Brittany’s house, his excitement contagious even though I hadn’t wanted to go.Brittany had thrown the party to celebrate graduating high school in two months. She’d
Amber“Amber, get in the bathroom. Now.” Rayne hissed, his voice barely above a whisper, his tone sharp and commanding.“What?” I whispered back, frozen in place as panic surged through me. Reed’s knocking on the door grew louder, more insistent.Rayne cursed under his breath and grabbed my arm, practically shoving me toward the bathroom. “Just go. Now!”I stumbled into the small, dimly lit bathroom, clutching the edge of the sink to keep myself upright. The door clicked shut behind me, and I heard the muffled sound of Rayne throwing on his clothes as Reed’s voice carried through the door.“Rayne? Open up! What the hell are you doing in there?”“Give me a second,” Rayne called back, his tone strained but even.My heart raced as I leaned against the wall, every muscle in my body tense. My hands trembled, and I pressed them against my stomach, trying to will myself to calm down.The door creaked open, and I held my breath as Rayne finally let Reed in.“Finally,” Reed said, his voice muf
Amber For as long as I could remember, my life had been a series of struggles and disappointments. Being an Omega wasn’t just a curse—it was a brand, a mark that said I was worthless from the moment I was born.My mother died giving birth to me, and my father made sure I never forgot it. To him, I was the reason she was gone, the reason his life fell apart. He didn’t call me his daughter; he called me a murderer, a killer who had stolen the woman he loved. My earliest memories were filled with his cold, unforgiving eyes and the sharp bite of his words.It wasn’t enough for him to hate me—my brothers followed his lead, treating me as though I didn’t exist or, worse, as though I was something to be ashamed of. They were Alpha warriors, strong and respected in the Pack, everything I wasn’t. To them, I was weak, a constant reminder of our family’s disgrace.For years, I tried to earn their love. I thought if I worked hard enough, stayed out of their way, or did everything perfectly, they
AmberThe walk back to the shelter was a blur, my mind spiraling in endless loops around the bond thrumming at the base of my neck. Rayne's mark felt like a brand, burning against my skin, a constant reminder that he was mine—and worse, that I was his.I didn’t want to think about him. I didn’t want to picture him with Reed, his hands on him, his lips pressing against his—no, I couldn’t go there. I refused to go there.Once I got to my room, I locked the door behind me, grabbed a towel, and headed straight for the bathroom. The water in the tiny stall ran cold—it always did—but I didn’t care. I scrubbed myself furiously, scrubbing until my skin turned red, desperate to wash away the scent of Rayne that still clung to me.But no matter how hard I scrubbed, it wasn’t enough. The bond wouldn’t let me forget. It was a cruel tether, making me hyper-aware of every beat of his heart, every breath he took, as if he were right there with me. It was sweet, torturous intimacy, and I hated how mu
AmberIt had been two weeks since that night—since Rayne had marked me, since our worlds had collided in the most painful and disastrous way imaginable.Two weeks since I had seen or heard from him.I told myself, at first, that he needed time. Anyone would. How could Rayne possibly come to terms with a mate bond, the betrayal it represented to Reed, and the weight of everything else all at once? But as the days stretched on in agonizing silence, the emptiness of his absence became unbearable.The bond wouldn’t let me forget him.It wasn’t just a mark. A mate bond was far more than a symbol of ownership or a claim. It was a tether—an indestructible, unyielding tie that linked our souls. Through it, I should have been able to sense his emotions, feel his heartbeat echoing alongside mine, and even hear his voice in my mind if either of us willed it. The bond should have let us soothe each other, even from afar, a connection so deep and intimate it defied explanation.But Rayne had slamm
AmberI swallowed hard, pushing the thought away.I had accepted long ago that love and romance weren’t in my destiny.And that was okay. I chose to focus on what really mattered—my daughter, my career, my family.The plane jolted slightly as it began its descent. I exhaled slowly, gripping my hands together."Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada. Please remain seated until we have reached the gate and the seatbelt sign has been turned off."My heart pounded.I was home.Ian glanced at me, his lips quirking up. "Ready to see your little girl?"A breathless laugh escaped me. "More than anything.”The moment my feet touched solid ground, my heart pounded with anticipation. I clutched my luggage tightly, scanning the crowd eagerly, and then—I saw them. Ichika, Ken, and Evalie stood near the terminal, searching for me with the same desperation I felt in my chest."Mommy!" Evalie’s voice rang out, high and excited, before I could even take another step.Tears stung my eyes as
Amber~ 6 years later ~"Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing at Harry Reid International Airport shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for arrival."The flight attendant’s announcement sent a thrill through me, my grip tightening on the armrest.This was it.Six years.Six years since I had packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and flown halfway across the world to chase my dreams. Six years since I had left my baby girl in Ichika’s care, determined to make something of myself—to build a future where I could stand tall, not just as Amber Queen, but as Dr. Amber Queen.And now, I was finally coming home.Excitement buzzed through me like an electric current. Beijing had been everything I could have hoped for. The culture, the food, the people—I had fallen in love with it all. Every street corner told a story, every meal was an experience, and every challenge had only pushed me to be better.But no matter how incredible my journey had been, there had always been something m
AmberThe airport was bustling with movement, voices blending into an overwhelming hum around me. People hurried past with rolling suitcases, flight announcements crackled over the intercom, and the air smelled of coffee, metal, and distant jet fuel. But I barely noticed any of it.All I could focus on was the weight in my chest.I gripped Evalie tighter in my arms, pressing my lips against the soft tufts of blonde hair atop her tiny head. She smelled like baby powder and warmth, like home.My home.I wasn't ready to say goodbye."Amber," Ichika’s voice was gentle but firm. "You need to board soon."I shook my head, holding Evalie closer. "I don’t know if I can do this."Ken sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sweetheart, you’ve worked so hard for this moment. We know it’s hard, but you’re doing this for her too."I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked down at my daughter. Evalie blinked up at me with those striking green eyes—Rayne’s eyes—but they were softer on her, innocen
AmberFive months had passed since Evalie’s birth, and in that time, my life had completely changed.Motherhood had been an uphill battle—exhausting, overwhelming, sometimes terrifying—but with each passing day, I learned more about my daughter, and she learned more about the world.Evalie wasn’t as fussy anymore. She still had her moments, but they were nothing like those first few months when I barely got any sleep, and it felt like I was doing everything wrong. She had settled into a pattern now, her cries easier to decipher, her needs more predictable.And her appetite—goddess, her appetite.I had been exclusively breastfeeding at first, but soon, it became clear that my milk alone wasn’t enough. She would drink until I was sore, only to get hungry again moments later. My chest constantly ached from being full, and even when I tried pumping and storing milk, the pressure barely lessened. The engorgement was unbearable some nights, making it difficult to sleep.It was Ichika who ge
AmberI was beyond exhausted.The car ride home from the hospital had been quiet, save for Evalie’s soft breaths as she slept in her carrier beside me. Ichika had insisted that I rest, but how could I? I was bringing my baby home—my baby. The realization still hadn’t fully sunk in.Ken pulled into the driveway, and Ichika turned to me with a smile. “Ready?”I wasn’t.But I nodded anyway.The moment we stepped inside, the warmth of the house wrapped around me like a familiar embrace. Ken carried the hospital bags while Ichika carefully lifted Evalie in her arms, swaying gently. “Welcome home, little one,” she murmured.I followed them inside, my steps slow, my body aching. The labor had drained me. Every part of me still hurt—my stomach felt like it had been wrung out, my muscles ached, and the lingering soreness between my legs was a constant reminder of what I had gone through.Ken set my bags down in my room before turning to me with a reassuring smile. “We’ll be right here if you n
AmberThe days after our little celebration passed in a blur of activity.I threw myself into university applications, determined to carve out a future for myself and my baby. I had worked too hard to give up now. My GPA was incredible—I knew it gave me a shot at some of the best schools. But I also needed to be realistic. Being a single mother meant I had to choose a school with a good support system, one that would allow me to balance my studies and motherhood.Ichika helped me research institutions that had flexible programs for young parents. Ken, ever the supportive father figure, spent hours reading through brochures with me, weighing the pros and cons of each university.Still, the waiting game was agonizing.Each day, I checked my email obsessively, my stomach twisting with nerves. What if no one accepted me? What if, despite everything, I wasn’t good enough?Then, two weeks later, it happened.A large envelope arrived in the mail. I stood frozen at the doorstep, staring at th
AmberThe days blurred together as I juggled my online lessons, therapy, and pregnancy. I threw myself into studying, determined to prove to myself—and to the world—that I wasn’t just some broken girl defined by her past. But balancing it all wasn’t easy.Every morning, I sat at the kitchen table with my laptop, my books spread out in front of me, determined to absorb as much information as I could. I pushed through exhaustion, through the discomfort of my ever-changing body, and forced myself to stay focused.But pregnancy was relentless.My body was not my own anymore. My belly grew larger each week, my skin stretching in ways that made me feel alien in my own skin. My breasts were swollen and heavy, they had become twice their original size, my feet ached, and my back felt like it belonged to someone three times my age.One evening, I caught my reflection in the hallway mirror and froze.The girl staring back at me wasn’t the same one from months ago.I turned slightly, running a h
AmberIt had been four days since the surgery.Four days of recovery. Four days of minor side effects. Four days of learning to breathe without the constant fear of pain lurking in the back of my mind.Dr. Eden had warned me about the side effects. The hot flashes were the worst. One minute, I’d be fine, and the next, heat would rise from my chest, crawling up my neck and face, making me feel like I was burning from the inside out. My bond mark throbbed in response, a deep, persistent hum beneath my skin, but it wasn’t painful—just an uncomfortable reminder of what had once held me prisoner.“It’ll stop after a week,” Dr. Eden had assured me. “Your body is adjusting to the partial severance. Once it stabilizes, you won’t feel it anymore.”I clung to that hope.For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt… free.And it wasn’t just the bond that had changed.Ichika had started our therapy sessions, and to my surprise, they were actually helping. For one, the nightmares. They did
AmberMy hands wouldn’t stop trembling.I clenched them into fists, pressing them against my lap to still them, but it didn’t help. The hospital waiting room felt too bright, too sterile. The steady hum of fluorescent lights buzzed in my ears, mixing with the faint murmur of distant conversations. The sharp scent of antiseptic burned my nose, making my stomach churn.I shouldn’t be this nervous.Beside me, Ichika sat with her usual calm presence, her warmth grounding me even as my anxiety spiraled. She noticed my fidgeting and reached for my hand, lacing her fingers through mine and giving a reassuring squeeze.“You’re going to be okay,” she murmured. “Dr. Eden is a good friend of mine. He’s the best at what he does, and he’ll do everything he can for you.”I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. I wanted to believe her. I really did. But the thought of walking into a room with an Alpha I didn’t know made my skin crawl.Even if this doctor was supposed to help me, the idea of bein