Nobela ni Jamie Price

BrianFor several seconds, I stood at the entrance to Laura's bedroom, unable to reconcile what I was seeing.Ethan was there, while Laura stood behind him, clutching her robe around herself. The sheets were tangled, and their clothes lay scattered near the bed.There was no innocent explanation.My Beta had been sleeping with my sister.A growl tore through my chest.How dare he? Knox snarled. After everything we've given him?I couldn't answer. My attention remained fixed on Ethan, who seemed more concerned about my reaction than ashamed of what he'd done."Brian," he began."Don't."I took a step towards him. He straightened, but made no effort to move away from Laura."Get away from her."Laura immediately stepped forward. "Brian, stop."I ignored her."Move away from her, Ethan."He frowned. "You need to calm down."My hands curled into fists."You're standing in my sister's bedroom, half-dressed, and telling me to calm down?"Let me out.No.He has betrayed us. Let me deal with

BrianLaura had been back at the estate for several days, yet she hadn't come to see me.It wasn't unusual for my sister to keep to herself. Even as children, she had preferred her own company, often disappearing into the secluded quarters our parents had given her at the far end of the estate. She had always been particular about her privacy, and as adults, we'd learned not to disturb her without a good reason.But this time, her absence bothered me.Our last conversation had left too many unanswered questions, particularly concerning what she'd told me about Maya. Laura had claimed Maya intended to collect her surrogacy payment and leave after giving birth. She had presented it as something Maya had personally confided in her, yet when I'd confronted Maya, she'd denied ever saying such a thing.I had believed my sister without questioning her.That mistake had cost me more than I wanted to admit.I needed to ask Laura why she'd said it. I also wanted to understand why she'd been so

Maya"I am staying," I answered.Laura nodded slowly."For how long?""Until the children are settled and I can make arrangements for myself.""And after that?""I'll decide when the time comes.""Have you considered what that might do to Brian?"I almost laughed."Laura, your brother made it clear that he doesn't want me interfering in his life. I'm respecting that.""He's angry. That's different.""Perhaps. But I'm not going to keep trying to guess what he wants."Laura leaned back."I only hope you won't make another decision you'll regret."I watched her carefully."Are you talking about leaving again?""I'm talking about the children. They need stability, Maya. Roman and Ryan shouldn't be caught between two people who can't decide what they want from each other.""I agree.""Then perhaps you should think carefully before involving yourself in Brian's personal life again."I kept my expression still."I haven't involved myself in his personal life.""Of course not."Laura smiled,

MayaBy the following morning, I had made a decision. I wasn't going to argue with Brian again.There was no point trying to convince him that I hadn't deliberately come between him and his sister, or that leaving River Vale had never been about chasing another man. He had already decided what kind of woman I was, and yesterday's conversation had shown me how little my explanations mattered to him.I would stay for Roman and Ryan. I would take care of them, make sure they were safe, and avoid giving Brian another reason to accuse me of interfering in his family.That was all.I was feeding Ryan when Brian entered the nursery. He paused at the doorway, his gaze moving from me to the baby in my arms. I kept my attention on the bottle, checking that Ryan was drinking comfortably."Good morning," he said."Good morning."His eyes remained on me. "How are the boys?""Roman is still sleeping. Ryan woke up about twenty minutes ago."Brian approached the crib and looked down at his younger so

BrianThe moment Maya walked out, I wanted to call her back.I remained behind my desk, staring at the open doorway. I could still hear the hurt in her voice when she asked whether I honestly believed she had left because she wanted to sleep with someone else.I had known exactly where to strike.And I had struck there without hesitation.Knox paced restlessly inside me.You were too harsh.I rubbed my forehead.I know.No. You don't. You used everything she trusted you with against her.I moved away from the desk and went to the window.The argument had served its purpose. Ethan had been close enough to hear most of it. He had heard me accuse Maya of interfering with my family, question her relationship with Tyler, and make it clear that I no longer wanted her influence over my decisions.That was what I needed him to believe.But the memory of Maya's expression wouldn't leave me alone.She had looked at me as though she no longer recognized the man standing before her.I had expecte

MayaI was in the nursery when Brian called.Roman was asleep in his crib, while Ryan sat on Willow's lap, playing with the edge of her sweater. I had been trying to enjoy the quiet moment with them when my phone vibrated.Brian's name appeared on the screen.I answered immediately. "Brian?""Come to my office." His voice was cold.I straightened. "Is something wrong?""Just come here, Maya."The call ended.I stared at my phone for a moment, wondering what had happened. Brian had been distant since our conversation, but he hadn't spoken to me like that before. Whatever was troubling him, I hoped we could finally talk about it."I need to see Brian," I told Willow.She glanced at me. "Do you want me to stay with the boys?""Please."I kissed Ryan's forehead and checked that Roman was still sleeping before leaving.When I reached Brian's office, the door was slightly open. I knocked before stepping inside.He stood behind his desk, looking through a document. He didn't acknowledge me i

Chapter 17Kael's POVMarcus connected with me through the mindlink this time more urgent, hurry!We reached the security wing within minutes. Several guards were already stationed near the main entrance, while others hurried to reinforce the perimeter. Through the glass panels, I could see the vehicles gathering outside and the armed patrol stationed near the gates.Marcus was waiting beside the security desk."Alpha.""Where is he?""Outside. The guards recognised him immediately.""Did anyone approach him?""No. They're keeping their distance."I nodded and headed towards the exit."Have the physician meet us at the gates. I want him to confirm what he saw earlier."Marcus immediately made the call.Outside, the night air was cold. The guards had formed a defensive line several metres from the entrance, their weapons raised but not aimed directly at the man standing beyond the gates.Darren.His uniform was torn and covered in dirt. His hair was dishevelled, and his face looked pal

Chapter 16Kael's POVThe emergency siren continued to wail through the compound, its shrill sound cutting through the conversations in the dining hall. Wolves were already moving towards the exits, some shifting halfway as they hurried to find out what had happened.I stood, my expression hardening as I listened to Marcus through the phone. Whatever he was about to tell me, I had a feeling I wouldn't like it."Stay here," I said, ending the call.Serena pushed her chair back. "Where are you going?""To the entrance.""I'm coming with you."I turned to her. "Serena, this isn't a discussion.""I'm coming with you."She held my gaze without the slightest hesitation. I was beginning to realise that telling this woman what to do was rarely effective. Before I could respond, she added, "And I want a gun."That caught me off guard."A gun?""Yes. Unless you expect me to stand behind you and watch whatever is happening."I glanced at her waist, remembering the pistol she had carried earlier.

Chapter 15Selena POVHis expression changed immediately."Marcus?""Yes.""My Beta?"I nodded.For a few seconds, he said nothing. I could almost see him weighing my words against everything he knew about the man."Why Marcus?""I don't have proof," I admitted. "And I'm not asking you to accuse him of anything. But be careful around him. Pay attention to what he does, what he asks, and who he speaks to when he thinks nobody is watching."Kael's eyes narrowed. "You believe my Beta is working against me?""I believe you should investigate him.""That's not an answer.""It's the only answer I can give you."He leaned back, his jaw tightening. Marcus wasn't some random pack member. He was Kael's Beta, the man trusted with his security, intelligence, and the most sensitive affairs of the pack. Accusing him without evidence was serious.I understood that.But I also knew that ignoring the warning could cost Kael his life."Look," I said, holding his gaze. "I just found you as an ally. I do

Chapter 14Serena POVThe pack dining hall was almost full when Kael led me inside.Conversations continued around us, but several wolves turned as soon as we entered. Some stopped eating, while others exchanged curious glances, their attention following us as we walked between the tables. I could practically hear the questions forming in their minds. Who was I? Why had their Alpha brought a stranger into their dining hall? And why was he walking beside me instead of having someone escort me elsewhere?I ignored them.I had more important things to worry about than a room full of curious wolves. Besides, I am a Luna. I knew how pack members reacted when an unfamiliar woman appeared beside their Alpha, I should have taken note of the looks when Adrian was with Elena but I was too trusting. You were a Luna, Sira corrected, that changed when you rejected Adrian . And you should know better than to ignore the way they're watching you. I remember how packs react to strangers.I'm not here

Chapter 13Serena's POVThe body was burned before sunset.Kael had ordered everyone to keep their distance while his men handled it. They used a controlled burn in an isolated section of the compound, away from the main buildings. The body started moving as the flame engulfed it.I stumbled backward as the creature's claws twitched inside the flames. The men handling the disposal immediately retreated, one of them raising his weapon."Don't go near it!" I shouted.Kael stepped in front of me. "Everyone back. Keep the fire burning."The creature's body convulsed once more before finally going still. Thick, dark smoke rose into the evening air, carrying a foul smell that made my stomach turn."Don't breathe that in," I warned. "We don't know whether the infection can spread through bodily fluids or whatever is coming out of its body."Kael immediately ordered his men to move farther away and keep the area isolated. Nobody argued.I watched until the flames had consumed what remained.

Chapter 12Serena's POVThe thing inside the room was no longer a wolf. It was a beast.Its restraints snapped one after another as its body twisted beneath the unnatural transformation. Bones cracked, its shoulders broadened, and its jaw stretched forward. Black veins spread across its face while the clothes hanging from its enormous frame tore beneath the strain of its expanding muscles.Then it roared.The sound sent the medical staff scrambling. A metal trolley overturned, scattering instruments across the floor."Get everyone out!" Kael commanded.Marcus immediately seized one of the guards and dragged him toward the door. The others followed, helping the medical staff escape. I should have moved with them, but I couldn't take my eyes off the creature.I knew what it was capable of.I had seen ordinary werewolves charge into battle believing their strength would protect them, only to discover that these creatures were something else entirely. They were faster, more vicious, and u