T H O M A SI grab my towel and quickly dry myself off before selecting a pair of sweatpants. It's been a while since I've worn them, but today feels like the perfect day to relax with my family—my kids. I really want to spend some quality time with them today. The last thing on my mind is work. I have people to take care of that for me."Thank you," she whispers, her eyes fixed on a stunning emerald gown adorned with real emerald gems along the neckline. "Wow. What's the occasion?""Well, in my line of work, there are always charity events, balls, and galas to attend. It's a great way to network and stay connected in the world of union. I can't wait to see you in that dress," I reply, slipping on a plain blue t-shirt. "And I can't wait to make love to you while you're wearing it.""I guess you better hurry up and get me in that dress then," she teases, dropping her towel and giving me a view that any man would dream about.She puts on a pair of leggings that cling to her curves, and
H E R AI never thought life could get any better than it has been for the past six weeks. Thomas has formed such a strong bond with the kids, a connection that only a father and his children can have.It brings me so much joy. However, we haven't revealed the truth to our pups about Thomas being their father. I'm not sure why I'm hesitating. I think I'm waiting for something bad to happen. I'm afraid that if I tell them, they'll be overjoyed, only for something to go wrong later on.Perhaps Thomas will change his mind and leave me all alone again. It's not fair to live like that. It's not fair to Thomas either. I should be better than that for him.He deserves to have the kids know the truth, but how do I overcome this fear of being abandoned once more?If Thomas decided to have nothing to do with us, it wouldn't just devastate the kids. I can't figure out if my instincts are telling me to run away or take a leap of faith. Everything feels uncertain because I did the one thing, I pro
H E R A"Hera!" Dale's voice calls out from across the street. It's been ages since I last saw him, but my time has been consumed by Thomas and the kids."Hey, Dale!" I greet him with a side hug, although Thomas's grip on my hand remains firm. "Did you see what happened?""No, I was late opening the store because I had to check on my mom this morning. What the hell happened? Is Keia alright? Who would do this?" Dale asks, surveying the scene of destruction."I don't know, but I'm determined to find out." Thomas's icy green eyes lock onto Dale. "Whoever it was, better hope I don't catch them because nobody messes with my family.""Wait, you and Keia are related?" Dale kicks a piece of glass away with his shoe."No, but we're family because she's Hera's best friend. And anyone who messes with someone Hera cares about will have to deal with me.""I wouldn't want to be on your bad side. I've heard rumors that the bodies are never found," Dale chuckles, trying to brush it off, but Thomas r
T H O M A SAfter I dropped Hera off at the hospital and checked on Keia, I had to head to Club Zero. I've been focusing a lot on family lately, and Gelo has been helping out, but there are still things that need my attention. I need to make sure everything is running smoothly and see if any of my men have any updates on the bakery and coffee shop.“Logan.” I blow out a thick cloud of cigar smoke. “Take a seat.”Logan nods, looking a bit nervous as he wipes his palms on his jeans. He sits down and almost knocks over a twenty-thousand-dollar vase. “S-Sorry,” he stutters, quickly fixing the expensive object before it falls. “I didn’t mean to do that.”“Are you Feeling a bit jittery, Logan?” I ask, pouring myself a glass of sparkling water. “Do you Want some?”“Please,” he responds eagerly.Amused, I pour him a glass and hand it to him. He chugs half of it down and then lets out a burp.“I’m so sorry, Mr. Thomas. Excuse me.”I chuckle, relaxing in my seat and unbuttoning my jacket. “No n
T H O M A SI grab my phone and give Gelo a call. He's downstairs doing inventory. "Hey Gelo, I'll be gone for a few hours. I need to go see Hera.""No worries. I'll hold down the fort until you're back.""Thanks." I hang up, run my fingers through my hair, and start thinking about how I'm going to convince Hera that Dale is the enemy.Wait, was it Valir who tried to kidnap her the other day? I can't let her out of my sight. Hera and the kids need to be with me at all times. I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to them because I let my guard down.I make my way downstairs, lost in my thoughts, and head to the underground garage. I try calling Hera, but she doesn't answer. I pick up my pace, almost running to the car, and try calling her again.And again. Still no answer."Damn it, Hera. Where are you?" I don't bother buckling my seatbelt as I get in the car. I start the engine and speed out of the garage, leaving skid marks behind.Another car honks at me for cutting them of
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