H E R A“Don’t leave. Stay.”The sound of his voice jolts me awake, but the emptiness around me quickly confirms that it is all just a figment of my imagination.The night I spent with Thomas altered the course of my life. It was an extraordinary, exquisite, and undoubtedly the most memorable birthday I have ever experienced. Moreover, it marked the end of all birthday celebrations for me.The sound of something breaking has me getting out of bed and tying my robe together, rushing out of the bedroom to find my pups in the kitchen.They are standing on a seat, trying to clean the dishes, but one must have slipped from Aiden’s hands because not only is he a soapy mess, but the plate is shattered on the floor.It’s too early for this.“It was Aiden’s idea,” Addison tattletales quickly, pointing at her brother.“You agreed to it.” He splashes dirty dish water on her.“Did not.”“Did too!” he screams at her, sticking out his tongue.I rub my eyes and yawn. “Okay, stop. It’s fine. It’s oka
H E R AI've attempted to call my father a few times, but he never picks up; I gave up three years ago. If he doesn't want to be involved in my life, that's his choice, but who wouldn't want to know their grandchildren?My mother passed away when I was young, but I believe she would have stayed by my side if she were still alive. She wouldn't have left me alone with two pups. Eventually, she would have helped me once I got back on my feet.How am I supposed to raise two kids on my own?I have an incredible neighbor named Maria. She's in her sixties with no offspring or partner. She lives life on her own terms and enjoys looking after the kids in exchange for some of my homemade baked goods, and she’s a fairy.I operate a bakery from my small kitchen, and the wedding cake I'm currently working on will pay the bills.My aspiration is to launch my own bakery shop named Sweet Haven.Maria lends a hand by watching them for a few hours each day while I bake. It was a great help that she was
H E R AAs we arrive at the house, my stomach churns with nerves. I refuse to let my father belittle me once more. The progress I've made in the past five years is too significant for him to make me feel inferior or undeserving just because I've become a mother.Brent opens the back door and reaches for Addison, but I push his hand away."I'm just here to help. I'll show you to your room. I won't harm her," he assures me."I'll make sure you regret it if you do," I warn, staring straight into his eyes."I'll remember that," he replies calmly as he lifts Addison into his arms, and she snuggles against him.Guilt gnaws at me. I sometimes wonder if the kids are missing out on having a decent man in their lives. Not necessarily a father, just someone who is good to be one.Who would have thought even that would be hard to find?I step out of the car next, pick up Aiden, and carry him on my hip. He's almost too heavy to lift, but I'll never stop trying.As I climb the steps, memories flood
T H O M A SLost in thought, scrubbing my hands clean of blood, but I got the information I needed about the opium that infiltrated my club last night. Pain always brings out the truth.“Thomas.”The rules are clear. No violence on the main floor. No opium unless they're from my guys. No touching unwilling women.You'd be surprised how often those rules are broken every night, which is why my knuckles bear permanent scars.I don’t use my claws because I am not only dealing with werewolves but every creature. Especially those hard-headed humans!The Order and Elders already brought an agreement for peace in every realm but there were still a few people who tried to sabotage that agreement. And they’re getting more and more each day.“Alpha!” Gelo’s voice breaks through my thoughts.“What?” I shake myself out of my daze.“I've been calling you for five minutes. Are you alright?”I grab a towel to dry my hands. “I'm fine.” But I wasn't. Everyone could see it. Ever since that one-night st
T H O M A SShe’s even more stunning than I recall. Her curves are more pronounced, her figure more enticing, and all I can think about is holding onto her as she takes control.“Wow, these donuts are absolutely amazing. I can't believe it,” Gelo exclaims from the driver's seat. “And the woman who owns this place is the same girl I met at the club years ago, I think. And you know what else I discovered?”“What?” I asked, my gaze fixed on her. I could feel my wolf trying to control me, but that won’t happen.“She's Hera Smith. The daughter of—”“Alpha Marco Smith.” A strategy starts to take shape in my head. One that will alter the course of the encounter.“Exactly.” Gelo puts the SUV in reverse, and I steal one final look at the woman who has completely captivated me.I observe her until I can no longer until we are too distant for me to discern any details about her, and then I turn around. The distance between me and my ultimate objective is diminishing.Finally, we arrive at an iro
H E R AIt's a struggle to get up today. My life has taken a sharp turn in the past week. I haven't experienced this level of change since my father kicked me out.He passed away six days ago, and I'm completely devastated. I never expected to feel this way. I had grown so accustomed to living without him that it almost felt like he was already gone. But reality hits differently.My father is gone, and we didn't part on good terms. He did have the chance to meet his grandchildren, though. It's the one thing I did for him, which was more than he ever did for me in the last five years.Even though I was hesitant about letting him meet Aiden and Addison, I knew I had to rise above the anger he caused me.Seeing my kids with him and witnessing his smile despite his illness was bittersweet. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears.There was so much resentment between us over the years, but now, I recall the moments when he expressed his love for me. The times
T H O M A SFinally, she has acknowledged my presence. And it feels great.I want her to be aware that I'm here, and there's no way for her to evade me now. I've already taken control of every aspect of her life, and she remains oblivious.I didn't realize she had pups. Not an issue. I adore kids, and hers are delightful. I'll need to ensure the child's father isn't in the picture. They have me now. They won't need him.Our gazes have been locked on each other. I can't help but admire how stunning she appears. Even in the rain, I can tell she's been weeping. Her eyes are puffy, and she's not wearing any makeup.Why bother when the tears won't cease?It pains me to see her in distress, and I wish I could embrace her and assure her that everything will be fine, but that would be a falsehood. Life isn't always fine; at times, it's harsh and challenging, pushing you to your limits.That's why she must have someone like me. I'd ensure the harshness doesn't touch her and the challenges don'
H E R AThe doorbell chimes as a customer walks in."Be right there!" I call out from the back, grabbing some supplies. It's been a week since my father passed away, and surprisingly, I've been adjusting well to this new chapter in my life.I should be more of a mess emotionally, but I think I've already grieved the loss of my father a long time ago, which makes it a bit easier to move forward.I've already mourned the relationship we had. There's no more sadness left in me.I bring out the treats to the front and settle behind the counter. The oven is humming, baking another batch of marshmallow cookies. Customers who stay in the store while enjoying their treats can watch me prepare everything, emphasizing transparency. They can see exactly what goes into the cookies, donuts, bread, or any other baked goods I whip up.I take pride in my little bakery. I'm grateful for the chance my father gave me. It's only been a few weeks since I opened, and business has been booming. I've already