H E R AIt's tough being in a house filled with good memories overshadowed by one bad one that tainted them all. It's ironic that I find myself back where it all began. I'm here with my kids, who my father blamed for ruining my life and kicking me out. And after taking a pregnancy test this morning, my suspicions were confirmed. I'm pregnant with Thomas's child. Again."Is this where you grew up, Mommy?" Addison asks, darting through the living room."Yes, this is it." Everything is draped in sheets, and as I pull them off the couch, I'm greeted by a cloud of dust. I cough and wave my hand in front of my face."It's huge." Aiden looks up at the ceiling with wide eyes."Are we going to live here now?" Addison questions, peering out the window."I believe so. I'll clean it up, and it'll be good as new. Your grandpa left all of this for us.""Is Thomas coming?" Aiden flops down on the couch."I... I'm not sure." I need some space from him. I can't pretend everything is fine knowing he's
H E R ADale screams at me, his anger evident in his voice, as he forcefully kicks me in the stomach. I clutch onto my abdomen, tears streaming down my face. The impact was so strong that I feared for the life of our unborn child. I collapse to the floor, my forehead pressed against the cold surface, desperately trying to catch my breath.Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth."Just tell us!" Dale threatens, his voice filled with malice. "Or I swear to God, I'll find your children and harm them right in front of you." He lifts me up, his eyes burning with hatred, and I nod in response."Outside. In the greenhouse. In the pots," I manage to wheeze, my voice strained from the pain."You better not be lying," he warns."Why would I lie?" I cough, tasting the metallic tang of blood. "You're going to kill me anyway.""You're surprisingly clever," Thomas's brother remarks with a sigh. "I like that. Maybe I'll spare you. We'll dispose of the pups, but you can be mine.""If you da
T H O M A STwo years later.Hera announces, "Guess what? It's twins!" as she reclines in the chair. Today, she's finally taking a break from the bakery. The bakery has been thriving for the past two years and is the top spot in the city. However, she's been pushing herself too hard, and it's starting to worry me, especially if she's carrying twins again.Thankfully, Mike, her old friend, is working part-time at the bakery to lend a hand, so it's covered for the day. Given his size, maybe we should consider making his position permanent.I shake my head and say, "No way. The chances of that happening again are so slim." I can't help but recall that we already have Addison and Aiden, and then Beatrix and Brooklyn.Hera insists, "The last time I was this big was when I was pregnant with Beatrix and Brooklyn. I'm telling you, it's twins."I counter, "And I'm telling you, it's just a big boy ready to take over the family business."She shoots me a deadly look. If looks could kill, I'd be
H E R AI never thought I would have such a happy and complete family like this. Growing up in a strict environment, I never imagined a fairy tale ending. But then Thomas came along and changed everything."Are you finished? Do you want more?" Thomas asked, walking towards me.I sat on the bed, enjoying a bowl of sweet grapes."If you want more, I can ask the maid to bring it. How about some other fruits?" he inquired, sitting beside me.I smiled at him. "No, love. I'm good. This is enough," I replied.Thomas pulled me closer and gently kissed my forehead, causing me to close my eyes and savor the moment."I love you," he whispered.I cupped his face and pressed my lips against his. "I love you too, my Alpha."Thomas held my hand and slowly lowered it, never breaking eye contact."I would do anything for the happiness of our family, Love."His words sent a thrill through me. I was deeply falling in love with this dangerous wolf."Of course. We'll do whatever it takes. We're partners,
H E R A It’s my twenty-second birthday and they said that comfort goes out the window on your birthday. It's practically a rule but I'm not a fan. I've never been one to squeeze into a tight dress and heels. Just give me jeans and a T-shirt or sweatpants. I really love sweatpants. But today is my birthday, and it's not just any birthday. I'm turning twenty-two, and my friends are adamant that I can't go out in joggers and a hoodie. "Well, you clean up nicely." Keia runs her fingers through my freshly styled hair and squeezes my shoulder. "Close your eyes." "Keia." "Listen to her," Janice chimes in while zipping up the fourth dress she made me try on. "You need to be surprised by how stunning you look. Who knew all this was hiding under those frumpy clothes." I playfully smack her arm and laugh. "You make it sound like I never dress up. I did for graduation." "That was months ago!" Janice sounds shocked. "Okay, enough. It doesn't matter. What matters is how you'll walk into th
H E R AKeia raises her glass to Janice and me, then downs it without hesitation. "What's the plan?""We're hitting up Oasis first, but we'll slip out the back and head to Club Zero," I explain."Do you think Mike will catch on?" Janice wonders."He's not even allowed in Club Zero, so it's all good. I'm an adult, I should be able to decide for myself.""Cheers to that!" Janice exclaims, clinking her glass.There's something else I want to check off my list tonight, but I haven't shared it with my friends. I want tonight to be the night I lose my virginity. I don't want it to be a big deal, just a spontaneous moment with someone experienced. May it be a human or my kind. I don’t want to have that mate thing. I want freedom. Mating and bonding were an old thing. If I told Janice and Keia, they'd think I'm nuts.I'm a grown woman, and I want to explore what women do—an ordinary woman. No titles. Just myself.Keia and Janice have already had their experiences. Now it's my turn.As Mike dr
T H O M A SKingdoms rise and fall on a daily basis, yet under my reign, mine thrive."Another round of whiskey, Mr. Morris?"Silently, I nod, gesturing towards my empty glass."Right away, sir." The waiter swiftly retrieves my glass and hastens to my personal bar to prepare my drink.I possess the most exclusive VIP rooms. This space is exclusively mine. I conduct business here. I celebrate here. Occasionally, I eliminate threats here, if the opportunity arises.Club Zero belongs to me. It is a fragment of my empire, but it serves as a sanctuary where I can relinquish my crown after a long day. I unfasten the buttons of my finely tailored suit and stroll towards the balcony, overlooking the main floor. I tightly grip the railing, scanning the crowd for adversaries.For vulnerabilities. For her.My gaze fixates on a stunning woman adorned in a glistening silver gown; even from this vantage point, I can see it radiate. She sits at one of the tables, sipping what appears to be a martini
T H O M A SI will ensure her safety at all costs. She is under my protection. Even if it's only for tonight, as I am not someone meant to be a part of anyone's future, Hera belongs to me for this evening. And I will treat her accordingly.As we finally arrive at the top, one of my guards opens the door to my private room. Once the door closes behind us, the music is completely muted."I've soundproofed the room," I mention, taking off my blazer and hanging it on the chair.She looks around, amazed by the opulence of the room.I press a button on the wall, causing the frost on the glass to disappear, allowing her to see outside the club."That's a nifty little feature," she comments, walking over to the wall to observe the dancing crowd."We can see them, but they can't see us," I clarify, wanting her to feel as secure as possible with a stranger."You must own this place to have an office like this.""I do."She turns to me and smiles, a smile so captivating that it almost makes me s