LOGINMARIEI turned back toward Claire, my left hand instinctively shifting as I tucked it behind my side.The weight of the diamond ring against my finger felt like a secret burning hole, a physical manifestation of a promise I wasn't quite ready to voice aloud. Before Claire could fixate on it, I scooped her up into my arms.She squealed in delight, wrapping her small, sticky hands around my neck as I stood, my pulse quickening.Yelena followed us, her eyes reflecting the soft, warm light of the living room.I felt a sudden, inexplicable hesitation. How was I supposed to just say it? With Livia, our dynamic had been fraught with tension and judgment, but with Yelena, it was different. She was a breath of fresh air, a woman I genuinely admired, yet the shyness clung to me.Perhaps I simply wasn't used to being the center of such happy, uncomplicated attention.We reached the shopping bags resting on the rug. I knelt, shifting Claire to my hip so I could reach into the first bag."This
MARIE"In fact, she just asked of y..." My brother’s voice trailed off, cut short by the frantic rhythm of small, thudding footsteps barreling down the staircase. It sounded like a stampede of tiny hooves. A moment later, larger, more measured footsteps followed, though they were careful to navigate the steps with the caution of someone carrying the weight of a second life."Claire! I told you, no running on the stairs!" a voice echoed, it was softer, breathless, and laced with that unmistakable, loving maternal exasperation.Claire didn’t listen. She was a blur of energy, her little hair curls bouncing wildly as she plummeted toward the bottom. I exchanged a glance with my brother, who just offered a lopsided shrug. He looked entirely content, his eyes softening as he watched the chaotic display. Even Daniel shifted, turning his head with a faint, indulgent smile as the mother-daughter pursuit spilled into the grand entryway.Claire reached the landing, her face flushed with pu
MARIEThe drive to my brother’s estate was short, the familiar winding roads of the city giving way to the imposing, high-walled sanctuary he called home. His estate was a testament to his status, a sprawling modern fortress of stone and glass nestled among ancient, whispering oaks. The iron gates were intricate, etched with the pack’s crest, and they swung open with a smooth, hydraulic hiss the moment they sensed the specific, powerful signature of Daniel’s car.Daniel navigated the manicured driveway, lined with imported stone and glowing lanterns that hummed with a low, magical energy. He pulled to a halt near the grand entrance, the engine falling silent. I didn't reach for the handle; I simply waited, watching the way his jaw set, the way he moved with that quiet, lethal grace that was all his own. He rounded the car, and just as I’d expected, he had the door open before I could even unbuckle, his hand offering a steady anchor as I stepped out into the cool, crisp air.He tu
MARIEThe man’s eyes lit up. "That is beautiful! That means I haven't missed the big event yet." He began gesturing toward the wider showroom, his excitement palpable as other staff members began to notice us, bowing their heads and offering quiet, respectful greetings as we passed.The sudden influx of attention felt heavy. I looked at the polished floor, then leaned in close, my lips brushing against the shell of Daniel’s ear."Moon," I whispered, the words barely audible over the soft background music, "I wish we were somewhere where no one knows us. Just for a while."He pulled me closer to his side, his arm wrapping securely around my waist. He chuckled, the sound low and steady in the quiet boutique. "And you know," he added with a playful glint in his eyes, "the very first person who would drag you back by your ear if you tried to disappear is your mother."I let out a startled laugh, shaking my head. "That woman! She truly has eyes everywhere, doesn't she?""Here we are," the
MARIE"Hmm," I let out a soft, contented moan against his lips, my fingers tangling into the fabric of his shirt. For a heartbeat, the rest of the world... the bustling pack lands, the guards, the distant hum of the city simply vanished, leaving only the scent of pine and rain that was uniquely Daniel.Then, reality intruded. A series of awkward coughs and muffled murmurs drifted toward us from the perimeter.Daniel pulled back, his cheeks flushing a charming, deep shade of crimson. "I think," he said, his voice dropping to a bashful rasp, "We might want to take this into the car."I couldn't help the chuckle that bubbled up in my throat. I reached out, pecking his flushed cheek with a lingering kiss. "As you wish, Beta."I slid into the front seat, the leather cool against my skin, and clicked my seatbelt into place. Outside, Daniel made his way around the hood, his head bowed, his shoulders hunched in a mock-serious attempt to avoid the knowing, amused glances of the guards. Wh
MARIEMy mother sighed, the tension finally draining from her frame as she pushed her plate aside, the steam from the cooling meal curling into the air. "I don’t even feel like eating anymore," she murmured, a soft, misty smile playing on her lips. "What I saw today... seeing you two... it’s made me full. It’s a feast for the heart."I couldn't help but echo her sentiment, though my own stomach was tied in knots of excitement rather than hunger."Me too," I breathed, my fingers tracing the cold, elegant surface of the ring on my finger.She turned her gaze toward me, her eyes dancing with a playful, maternal spark that warned me of what was coming next. "You’re going to make a beautiful wife, Marie and I expect you’ll bear some very cute children, too."I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, my head shaking in an immediate, frantic protest. "No, Mum, don't even start with that!""And I expect a house full of them," she teased, leaning in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
YELENAI pulled into Tyler’s garage with my heart banging against my ribs like it wanted to jump out and run back home. The house sat huge and quiet, tucked way out where the city lights faded and the woods started whispering. Tall pines pressed close to the walls, their shadows moving every time
YELENAI deleted the messages so fast my fingers shook. Blocked the number too. Tristan wasn’t going to reach me again. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not until I allowed it which was never.I forced out a breath and stood. I was not letting him ruin my mood. Today was for Claire. For Lorra and her boys.
YELENAI didn’t know peace could feel like a person until I met Tyler. Being around him these days felt like stepping out of a storm and into sunlight. He didn’t even try too hard; he just existed, and somehow, I breathed easier. I didn’t expect that. I didn’t expect him.But today wasn’t about Tyl
YELENAThe waitress came with the menu, and I flicked my eyes over it, I was not really supposed to order yet. Tyler said we’d have lunch together, but he was twenty minutes late, and my stomach wasn’t waiting on anyone. I could always share a laugh with his food later.I glanced at my phone, hopin







