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
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