I hesitated, torn between my rage at Victoria and my love for Emma. Emma had just recovered from a serious kidney transplant. The stress could compromise her health."Please, Daddy," Emma begged, her wolf whining through our pack bond.I sighed deeply, then nodded. "Alright, Emma. I'll help."I caug
(Victoria's POV)I stared at my reflection, carefully covering the bruise where Olivia had slapped me. My wolf purred with satisfaction beneath my skin. Everything was going exactly as planned.When my deception about being Ethan's childhood sweetheart was exposed, I feared losing everything. But I
"She's being detained for 48 hours while I gather evidence," I admitted. "Without proof of her crimes, I can't—"Evelyn's face contorted with rage. With surprising strength for someone so frail, she grabbed the basket of venison and hurled it at me."Forty-eight hours?" she shouted, her voice cracki
(Ethan's POV)The sleek Midnight Maybach purred to a stop beneath the patient wing of Crescent Moon Medical Center. I stepped out, clutching a woven basket filled with premium venison—Evelyn's childhood favorite, according to pack records I'd frantically searched through last night.My wolf paced an
Together, they prepared to return to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, prioritizing Evelyn's fragile health over the personal grievances that still hung in the air between us.I chose to remain behind. There were matters even more pressing that required my immediate attention. My wolf paced anxiousl
(Ethan's POV)My wolf surged forward, snarling with revulsion at Victoria's deception. The force of my kick had thrown her to the ground, leaving her sprawled at my feet like the liar she was.For several seconds, she seemed too stunned to react. The pain must have finally anchored her back to reali
(Ethan's POV)The world around me crumbled into dust. Every certainty I'd built my life upon disintegrated in an instant."Orange Mom?" The words escaped my lips before I could stop them, barely a whisper.Evelyn Winters—the woman who had saved me, comforted me, protected me when I was at my most vu
"Mom, no," I protested immediately. "You're still recovering. You shouldn't—""Mother knows her limits," she interrupted firmly, her eyes never leaving Ethan's face. "Some things are worth standing for."Reluctantly, James and I helped her to her feet. She swayed slightly but steadied herself with o
(Olivia's POV)The parking lot outside Rosewood Haven fell into an eerie silence. Victoria's face had gone from triumphant to terrified in an instant, her eyes fixed on something—or someone—behind me.I turned slowly, following her gaze, and my heart stopped.There, sitting in a wheelchair just yard