Chapter 39Heralding Good newsWillow's POV The night stretched long and merciless, dragging me through a haze of worry and restlessness. My children’s faces haunted me, shadows of their smiles flickering in the corners of my mind. Every thought was a question, where were they? Were they safe? My heart thudded heavily, filling the silence as I lay in bed, tangled in sheets that only reminded me of their absence.I must have fallen asleep eventually, but only barely, because it felt like mere seconds before Ruby was at my bedside, gently shaking my shoulder. The soft light of dawn cast a glow across her concerned face.“Willow, wake up,” she whispered, though urgency tinged her voice. “Some of the kids… they’ve been found. They’re on their way back to the palace right now.”Her words sliced through the remnants of sleep, and I bolted upright, gripping her arm. “They’re safe? Are you sure?” The relief bubbling up was almost painful, like a dam about to burst after holding back too much
Chapter 40Another chanceAsher's POV I stood outside the hospital ward, staring through the glass with clenched fists as I watched the doctors try once more to bring Axel back. My brother’s lifeless body lay still on the bed, three days after the doctor had told us that he was fine and recovering well. As they worked frantically, my own breath caught every time they charged the defibrillator or leaned in close to check his pulse. This was the fourth time today they’d tried to resuscitate him, but Axel’s body seemed determined to cling to unconsciousness, defying every attempt they made to pull him back. His wounds had started healing, thanks to his natural resilience, but the fact that he hadn’t yet regained consciousness gnawed at me with an almost unbearable weight.One of the doctors caught my eye as he stepped out of the ward, his expression unreadable but serious. I met him in the hallway, every instinct in me bracing for whatever he might say.“Asher,” he began, the hesitati
Crescent Moon PackWillow’s POV“Mate!” I heard a loud growl which startled me from my slumber. My gaze met with that of the triplets who were staring at me intensely, unlike they had ever done before. Asher slowly approached me with Aiden and Axel hot on his tail. “Mine!” they growled again. I thought I had heard them wrongly the first time but my ears weren’t playing tricks on me. I heard right. Everyone was well aware, that their birthday was today. A huge preparation that I had helped with was in progress. They had gotten their wolves and I was their mate. My heart was pounding heavily. I scooted over on my little bed when I saw them approaching. Asher’s hands gently caressing my thigh made my thoughts all jumbled together. I couldn’t bear to look them all in the eye. It should be a crime for people to look so perfect. Aiden raised my chin up with his hands. As soon as my gaze met with their ocean-blue eyes, I melted. “W…we shouldn’t be doing this,” I stuttered. They never like
Willow's POVI watched in horror as the crowd made jest of me, their laughter and snickers piercing my heart like a thousand knives. I couldn't believe I had let my guard down, that I had been so stupid to think the triplets actually wanted me.They made me feel wanted... they made me feel so beautiful that for the first time, I saw colors instead of plain black and white, my heart was shattered beyond measure, I couldn't explain how this had hurt me so bad, it was worse... worse than anything I had to face. "How could they do this to me?" I thought, tears streaming down my face. "After everything we shared, after they made me feel seen and wanted...this is how they repay me?""What were you expecting, do you think the triplets will want to have anything to do with you? Be for real Willow!" Sophia, a wannabe girlfriend to the triplet said and I held in my breath.I felt her hand on my shoulder, but I shook it off. "Leave me alone, Sophia," I said, my voice shaking. "I need to get ou
Willow's POVI sat on my bed, lost in thought, my mind racing with several thoughts at once. It had been weeks since I moved in with Jason and Ruby, and they had been kind and understanding, never prying into my past. But I knew I couldn't stay here forever. I needed a plan, a way to move forward.Just as I was getting caught up in my thoughts, I felt a tap on my back. I turned to see Ruby standing there, concern etched on her face."Willow, what's wrong? You've been lost in thought for a while now, and I've been trying to get your attention," Ruby said, her voice soft.I let out a deep sigh and apologized, "I'm sorry, Ruby. I just have a lot on my mind."Ruby sat down beside me, her eyes filled with kindness. "You can share with me, Willow. I've noticed how quiet you've been since you moved in. I didn't want to pry, but I want you to know that I'm here for you."I hesitated, unsure if I should open up to Ruby. But something about her gentle demeanor put me at ease. I took a deep brea
Asher’s POVI drummed my fingers on the desk, trying to focus on the papers in front of me, but my mind kept wandering. Eight years!It had been eight long years since Willow vanished into thin air. Eight years of searching, of hoping, of praying. Eight years of guilt eating away at us like cancer, knowing we are the cause of our mate's disappearance.I don’t know where she is now, if she is better or if she’s… I don’t want to think about it. I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut, trying to collect my breathing and perhaps concentrate on work.Just then, Aiden and Axel walked in, their faces etched with concern. "Any news?" Aiden asked, his voice laced with a mix of hope and desperation.I shook my head. "Not yet. But I promised to let you know as soon as I hear anything."Axel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's like she disappeared from the face of the earth. We've employed the best agents, searched every corner of the country...it's like she never existed.""I know," I sa
Willow's POV“Give it to me Daniel! I was the one with it first!” “No, I don’t want to watch Barbie. I want something else!” “You are so mean!” Ella burst into tears and continued screaming. “Give it to me Daniel! Don’t be so mean, I was watching the TV first you could have waited let me finish!” I sighed, trying to brush my teeth in peace, but the twins were at it again. Daniel and Ella were fighting over the remote control, their shrill voices echoing through the bathroom. I spit out the foamy liquid in my mouth before speaking."Stop fighting, you two!" I exclaimed, coming out of the bathroom. "Daniel, give Ella the remote control."But Daniel crossed his arms, his face set in a stubborn expression. "No, I want to watch my show!"I knelt down beside him, looking him straight in the eye. "Daniel, you're the big brother. You need to protect and take care of Ella always. That means sharing and being kind to her. You promise to always protect your sister, is this how you are going t
Chapter 6 Asher's POV It was strange to be back in this part of the city, and even stranger to walk into a meeting and see her there. Willow. The same girl we had grown up with, only... not the same. The moment I saw her, I was hit with a wave of surprise. She was no longer the chubby, quiet girl from our pack, always keeping to herself as if hiding in the shadow of others. She had transformed into someone different, confident, striking, and undeniably womanly. Her once-soft chubby features had sharpened into something fierce, something... beautiful. I caught the flicker of shock that passed over her face the moment her eyes landed on us, me, Aiden, and Axel. I could tell she wasn’t expecting us, just as we hadn’t expected to see her. For a second, it looked like she was ready to bolt like she couldn’t bear to be in the same room as us.The room grew tense as she stood up abruptly, her movements jerky and defensive, making her intentions clear. She was about to leave.“Willow,” Axe
Chapter 40Another chanceAsher's POV I stood outside the hospital ward, staring through the glass with clenched fists as I watched the doctors try once more to bring Axel back. My brother’s lifeless body lay still on the bed, three days after the doctor had told us that he was fine and recovering well. As they worked frantically, my own breath caught every time they charged the defibrillator or leaned in close to check his pulse. This was the fourth time today they’d tried to resuscitate him, but Axel’s body seemed determined to cling to unconsciousness, defying every attempt they made to pull him back. His wounds had started healing, thanks to his natural resilience, but the fact that he hadn’t yet regained consciousness gnawed at me with an almost unbearable weight.One of the doctors caught my eye as he stepped out of the ward, his expression unreadable but serious. I met him in the hallway, every instinct in me bracing for whatever he might say.“Asher,” he began, the hesitati
Chapter 39Heralding Good newsWillow's POV The night stretched long and merciless, dragging me through a haze of worry and restlessness. My children’s faces haunted me, shadows of their smiles flickering in the corners of my mind. Every thought was a question, where were they? Were they safe? My heart thudded heavily, filling the silence as I lay in bed, tangled in sheets that only reminded me of their absence.I must have fallen asleep eventually, but only barely, because it felt like mere seconds before Ruby was at my bedside, gently shaking my shoulder. The soft light of dawn cast a glow across her concerned face.“Willow, wake up,” she whispered, though urgency tinged her voice. “Some of the kids… they’ve been found. They’re on their way back to the palace right now.”Her words sliced through the remnants of sleep, and I bolted upright, gripping her arm. “They’re safe? Are you sure?” The relief bubbling up was almost painful, like a dam about to burst after holding back too much
Chapter 38The interceptionAsher's POV The sky hung heavy, the early morning light muted under a thick veil of clouds, as though even nature was holding its breath. My heart raced as I stood in our quiet, darkened headquarters, the silence pressing down on me as I prepared myself mentally for what was coming. Today was the day. After all our planning, we were finally going to intercept the men trafficking kids for those vile experiments, and I could feel a sense of dread clawing at me. Something deep inside warned me that this was only the beginning, that today’s mission would open doors to things we might not be prepared to face.I felt a hand on my shoulder, jolting me out of my thoughts. It was Axel as usual, he was already geared up and armed with that steely determination I’d come to rely on. “You ready?” he asked, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as if we were gearing up for another raid, not one that could expose our father’s dark secrets.I nodded, trying t
Chapter 37Weather of DoomAxel's POVThe moment I stepped into the hallway, I sensed it. A heaviness clung to the air, thick and suffocating, far heavier than the storm rumbling outside. My chest was burning.I caught a glimpse of my father’s retreating back, his figure disappearing around the corner, leaving behind a trail of silence that only blood could cause. The man lying on the floor was still, his life gone, and yet I knew him immediately, he was the one I’d been following, the one who had met with my informant in secret just last week. I only knew this because I had another of my men take a picture for me. My jaw clenched. I knew what it meant to cross my father, knew what line that poor man had stepped over. And yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my father had acted quickly, too quickly, as if trying to erase some thread that might unravel if pulled too hard. A chill swept down my spine; it wasn’t fear exactly, but more a grim realization of what lay beneath his lates
Chapter 36A way in Asher's POVI tossed my bag onto the bed, the contents spilling out in a haphazard mess that mirrored the chaos in my mind. Tomorrow, I’d be heading to Willow’s pack, something I’d put off for as long as I could which in an actual sense was barely five days but it already felt like a million years. I could feel the tension of this impending journey tightening around my chest, and I knew it was time. No more avoiding. We needed answers, and Willow was the key to getting those answers. I was midway through folding a shirt when Axel strolled into my room, hands in his pockets, his usual smirk absent. “So, you're really going tomorrow?” he asked, his voice low.I looked up, meeting his gaze. “Yeah. It’s time.” My voice sounded steadier than I felt.Axel glanced down, his expression almost hesitant. “You know, we… I wish I could go with you. I don’t like the idea of you facing this alone.”I placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ve already
Chapter 35A Light in the Tunnel Willow's POV After Benjamin had run inside after his mate, I felt hollow, like I’d been left out in the cold. My heart was pounding from the despair and rage that boiled within me. He didn’t even care, my children were missing, and he brushed me off like I was nothing. I swallowed hard and turned to leave, but as I did, I came face to face with the Alpha himself, Benjamin’s father.The Alpha’s gaze was penetrating but calm, a contrast to my chaotic emotions. His expression softened slightly as he looked at me, and with a brief nod, he gestured toward the palace."Come with me," he said, his voice steady and composed.I hesitated, stunned by his sudden appearance and unsure of his intentions. I hadn’t come here expecting to meet him, let alone speak to him. I’d only wanted help finding my children. But something in his gaze made me feel that maybe, just maybe, he could offer that help. Brushing away my tears, I nodded and followed him inside.We walke
Chapter 34Finding My KidsWillow's POV After hours of searching every inch of the compound and calling for my children until my voice was hoarse, I found myself standing alone in the courtyard, surrounded by silence. My heart pounded as I stared at the empty grounds as if my pleas might somehow conjure their small, familiar faces from the shadows. But no one came. The few people I’d managed to find in the nearby houses and shops had only offered vague sympathy before turning away. I realized then, with a sinking feeling, that no one was going to help me. No one was as desperate as I was to find my children.Desperation mounting, I made my way to the security office, my footsteps heavy with anger and fear. I didn’t knock, didn’t wait. I barged into the room and faced the chief of security with a glare that, at another time, I wouldn’t have imagined myself capable of.“If you won’t help me find my children, then I’ll end this right here, right now. I’ll make it a public scene, you’ll
Chapter 33Next StopWillow’s POVAs dawn broke over the horizon, a soft golden light spilled into my small bedroom, rousing me from a restless sleep. I lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling, my heart heavy with worry. It had been days since I last saw my kids, and the emptiness in my chest felt like a gaping wound that refused to heal. I could still hear their laughter echoing in my mind, and see their faces in my dreams. But now, they were gone, and I had no idea where to find them.The moment I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I felt a surge of determination. I couldn’t just sit here and wait for something to happen. I needed to take action, to find them. After all, they were my children. I would do whatever it took to bring them home.I quickly dressed and slipped on my worn boots, the familiar leather feeling reassuring against my skin. My heart raced as I made my way down the stairs, where I found Jason and Ruby waiting for me. Jason leaned against the kitchen
Asher's POVI leaned against the cold stone railing of my balcony, staring out into the night, and trying to silence the thoughts that plagued me. I had tried to sleep, but every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was Willow, her smile, her laughter, and the way she looked at me as if I was the only person in the room. But now, the fear that she was moving on without me gnawed at my insides like a relentless beast.I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of my worries. I needed to know what was happening with her, but the last thing I wanted was to disrupt the fragile peace we had managed to carve out in our lives. As I was lost in thought, I caught sight of a familiar figure stepping onto the balcony beside me.Axel, my brother, was standing there, a bottle of whiskey in hand. He looked as if he hadn’t slept a wink either. “Couldn’t sleep?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.He shrugged and offered me the bottle. “I figured I’d take advantage of the moonlight and