Ava’s POV
"Be good at school today," I said, planting kisses on my triplets' cheeks as they headed out the door. Ava, Timmy, and Talia - my entire world bundled up in those three little troublemakers. They were the spitting image of their father, Aiden, with his golden hair and deep brown eyes. I finally decided to stop sleeping around when I found out that I was pregnant. Its being years now since me and Aiden saw But I had long since moved past him and loved my children unconditionally.
After bidding them farewell, I grabbed my things and headed out. Another day at the clinic awaited me. Over the past six years, I had built myself up from nothing, becoming a successful wolf doctor with clients from packs all over. The timid orphan girl I used to be felt like a lifetime ago.
I slid into the backseat of the magnificent town car as my driver, Mark, held the door open.
"Good morning, Dr. Ava," he greeted me cheerfully. "Ready for another day of saving furry lives?"
I chuckled. "As ready as I'll ever be."
As we drove, I gave my friend Aurora a quick call. "Hey girl, can you pick up the triplets after school today? I have a packed schedule and don't know when I'll get out of the clinic."
"No problem!" came Aurora's bubbly voice through the phone. "I'll take them out for ice cream."
"You're the best. Thanks, Aurora." I smiled as I hung up. Aurora was a godsend, my closest friend and the triplet's godmother. She was human but knew all about the supernatural world and helped me get back on my feet after...well, after everything. I honestly didn't know what I would do without her.
Soon we pulled up at the clinic, the stylish building marked with a paw print logo. I greeted the staff warmly as I entered. "Morning everyone! Let's make today a great one."
My first patient was a gruff, battle-scarred alpha from the Redwood Pack, seeking treatment for an injured leg. I examined the gnarly gashes expertly.
"A tangle with a territorial rogue, I presume?" I asked knowingly as I cleaned the wounds.
"You got it, doc," he grunted. "Bastard came out of nowhere. But I gave worse than I got, don't you worry."
I chuckled. "I don't doubt it." I finished bandaging him up. "There, you'll be as good as new in no time. Take it easy on that leg for a few days."
"Appreciate it." He stood, testing his weight gingerly. "Say, doc, ever consider joining a pack? The Redwoods could use a talented wolf like you. I know our alpha would offer you anything you asked for."
I gave him a polite smile. "I'm happy where I am, but thank you. Give my regards to your alpha."
After he left, the morning flew by in a blur of patients - everything from yearly checkups to a little pup with a thorn stuck in his paw. I loved the variety and helping so many different wolves.
Around noon, one of my assistants popped her head in. "This just arrived for you, Dr. Ava." She handed me a plain brown package.
"Hmm, probably just another gift from an admirer," I mused, setting it aside. As the only wolf doctor in the city, and a rare female at that, I got my fair share of wolf suitors trying to win my affection. But I had no interest in dating. My kids were my entire world.
It wasn't until the clinic was closing up for the evening that I finally opened the mystery package, my curiosity getting the better of me. I tore open the cardboard flaps - and my blood ran cold.
Inside was a framed picture of Ava, Timmy, and Talia, taken through the window of their bedroom. And a note that simply said, "Such sweet pups. Just like their mother."
My protective instincts roared to life. No one spied on my children! I quickly dialed Aurora, but it went straight to voicemail. Grabbing my things, I raced out to my car. I had to get to Aurora's and make sure the kids were safe.
I drove recklessly through the city, fear and anger churning inside me. Who had sent that package? What did they want with my family?
I threw open Aurora's apartment door without knocking. The cozy space was filled with warmth and the smell of fresh baked cookies. My kids looked up in surprise from where they were playing a board game with Aurora.
"Mama!" Talia cried, rushing over to hug me. My shoulders sagged in relief, and I held her tight, breathing in her little girl scent.
"Hey! I want a hug too!" Ava and Timmy quickly joined in. I enveloped all three in my arms, reassuring myself that they were okay.
"Sorry to barge in," I said to Aurora once I finally released them. "I just...missed my babies."
She gave me a knowing look - we'd been friends long enough that she could tell when something was really wrong. I shot her a meaningful glance when the kids weren't looking, and her eyes narrowed in concern.
After they had finished their dinner and I had soaked up every minute with them, it was time to head home. I hugged Aurora tightly. "Thank you for watching them. See you tomorrow." I whispered urgently in her ear, "We need to talk. Someone sent me photos of the kids today. I'll explain more later."
She squeezed my hand supportively. "Of course. Call me anytime."
On the drive home, the triplets chattered loudly in the backseat, completely unaware of my anxiety. I kept glancing in the rearview mirror, paranoid we were being followed. But we made it home without incident.
After tucking the exhausted kids into bed with kisses and snuggles, I finally relaxed once they were sleeping safely under my roof. I poured a glass of wine and sank onto the couch, emotionally drained from the long day.
My eyes landed on the framed photo still sitting on the coffee table. Who had taken it? I wracked my brain but couldn't think of any enemies I had made over the years. Certainly, no recent patients or pack disputes have I been involved in. It made no sense.
Unease still gnawed at my gut. I went upstairs and quietly cracked my kids' doors open, peering in to reassure myself they were really there. But...empty beds greeted me, covers thrown back hastily. My heart seized. No, please no!
I flew back downstairs, and that's when I saw it. Sitting right there on my kitchen slab. An exact duplicate of the package from the clinic.
I tore into it with trembling hands. Another framed photo of the triplets, bundled up in their pajamas, looking scared. And a message that turned my blood to ice: "Such a beautiful family. Can't wait for you all to be together again."
The framed photo slipped from my numb fingers and shattered on the floor. I stared blankly at the open window above the sink, the gentle night breeze stirring the curtains. My children were gone. Taken, while I had been distracted downstairs. And I had no idea who had done it, or why.
Where were they now? Were they hurt? Scared and crying for me? I let out a very sad and desperate shout. I needed to locate them! `But the kidnapper had left no clues, no trail to follow.
I couldn't move, and I felt really scared. I didn't know what to do or how to get my children back. I had so many worrying thoughts in my head, and I didn't know what to do next.
Logan’s POVMy heart was racing as I walked through the palace gates, even as I inspected the guards. I'm the Beta of the Crescent Moon Pack, and this title brings a ton of stress. My job is to make sure the pack is orderly and peaceful, and I take that seriously.Passing the tired palace guards, I noticed the weariness in their eyes. They'd been on duty for hours because I'd told them not to leave until further notice. It was necessary because things in the pack weren't great. Tensions were rising, and we were under threat from a rival pack trying to take our territory."Stay alert," I said to the guards, my voice firm but filled with understanding. "I'll make sure someone relieves you soon."The guards nodded, appreciative of my concern. I kept moving through the palace, my mind racing with the many problems that needed my attention. I couldn't relax, not even for a moment. Finally, I entered my private room and shut the door, taking a deep breath to clear my mind.Sitting on my bed
Ava’s POVThe drive to the Nightingale pack lands felt surreal, like I was traveling back in time. The last time I had been here, I was a naive teenager madly in love with the Alpha's son. Now I was a grown woman and a mother of three kids, only returning under ominous circumstances.Aurora insisted on coming with me, despite my protests."You're not doing this alone," she said firmly as she loaded the last of my things into her SUV. "I'll help you get settled, and be right here if that jerk Ethan tries anything."I smiled weakly, appreciating her protectiveness even if it complicated things. We rode in tense silence, the weight of what I had to do pressing down on me. Aurora kept shooting me worried glances."I really don't like this, Ava," she finally said as we passed the 'Welcome to Nightingale Territory' sign. "We can still turn around and call the cops."I shook my head, even as my heart tightened. "You heard him. I don't have a choice if I want to see the kids again."Aurora cu
Ava’s POVI chewed on my lips to gain some time as I thought of what to do. Logan was no fool, and in order to save the day, I would have required a more persuasive plan. "You're completely incorrect. It is a game that I play with my friends. Just some ridiculous role-playing. Nothing major."Logan did not waver, his eyes cutting through my thin defense. Guess he didn’t buy that “Whether it's for role-playing or not, secrets are not tolerated here. Particularly when they concern our Alpha.”, he said. It dawned on me how serious things were. Logan was aware that I wasn't just here to make a presentation. I had to figure out how to take back control and deflect attention. Though time was passing quickly, my mind was racing with possibilities. "I know how important trust is in a pack," I replied while still trying to seem contrite. "I didn't intend to come across incorrectly. I’m no threat, Trust me. Guess with time when you know me, you will see" His eyes narrowed even further, as t
Ava’s POVIt was really creepy. Even though the steps were clear, it took some careful work to find Beta Logan's weak spot. I couldn't make any mistakes that would put my goal or the safety of my kids at risk. When I thought about how hard this was going to be, the apartment walls felt like they were closing in on me.I called Aurora's number on my regular phone and waited for her to answer while my fingers lingered over the screen. When I heard her voice answer the phone, the familiar melody made me feel better."Whoa! How are you? Aurora's voice had a mix of interest and worry about it.Before I spoke, I took a deep breath and gave it some thought. "Aurora, this is... tough. Ethan wasn't ready to meet me when I first met him, let's just say that.Aurora, the other person laughed too. "Of course!" You've come a long way since you used to want the Alpha's child. He must be really mad at himself right now.I laughed a little and was glad that someone was trying to make things fun. I gu
Ava’s POVAurora's voice on the other end held a weight, a solemnity that struck Ava to her core. "Ava, we found out that your kids were kidnapped. Captured by some men who, we suspect, are werewolves from the Nightangle Pack."Ava's breath caught in her throat, her mind struggling to process the shocking revelation. "Kidnapped? Werewolves? Nightangle Pack?" The words hung in the air, a surreal concoction of fear and disbelief.Aurora continued, her tone measured but laden with concern. "Yes, Ava. We tracked where your kids were being kept, but by the time we got there, the kidnappers had moved with your kids. And here's the unsettling part: we found strange markings on the walls, unmistakably the markings of the Nightangle Pack. It was a Crescent Wolf."The room seemed to spin around Ava as she absorbed the gravity of Aurora's words. "Nightangle Pack? But why would they...?" Her thoughts were a whirlwind, attempting to grasp the unfathomable truth that the very pack she had infiltrat
Ava’s POV When the door opened, the guard said, "Sorry for the trouble, Ava." He had a sorry look on his face. Aiden urgently asked you to be there. He wouldn't want to waste his time.I acknowledged the message with a nod. "I'll be there soon." Tell him I won't be in a hurry. The guard walked away and shut the door behind him.As I went back to getting dressed, there was a sense of urgency in the air. I stepped out, entering my car as the guards readied theirs, forming a safe patrol. My mind was tense because Aiden was so hurried. Why did he need me to be there so quickly that even his guards seemed rude? I pushed the question aside and focused on the job ahead. Upon entering the pack house property, I drove to the parking lot. It spread before me in all its glory, a sight that seemed new, as if I hadn't truly noticed it on my initial arrival, obscured by the evening clouds. The parking lot, bathed in the warm glow of lampposts carefully placed, was a testament to both usefulness
Ava’s POV When Aiden spoke, his words sent a chill down my spine. They reminded me of a painful past. Saying, "We were cool before," he seemed to downplay the seriousness of the cracks that had once broken the trust. His offer of company and casual mention of a past they both had made me think he was trying to hide the wounds that were still there. "Friends now?" I repeated myself, and my voice was calmer than the crazy thoughts going through my head. He spoke in a carefree way that hurt my sensitive feelings, and his tone made them worse. "After all, there's no place like home, right?" His words, which were meant to heal the wounds of the past, made things even less clear.Looking into his eyes, I tried to find any sign that he felt bad about what he had done or knew how much pain he had caused. While the table was carefully set for a private talk, it became a stage for the feelings that were still brewing below the surface. Aiden's laugh, which used to be familiar and comfortable,
Ava’s POVI let out an uncontrollable yell in response to the ridiculousness of his request. The personnel withdrew discreetly, feeling the tension crackling in the air. I gave Aiden a quick, disbelieving glance, expecting him to provide an explanation for this unexpected turn of events in the conversation.Aiden smiled cryptically, his eyes full of anticipation and amusement, seemingly unaware of the storm he had just unleashed. It's just a little game, Ava. Come on. Get lighter."My cool exterior broke and was replaced by a wave of incredulity and rage. "A little game?" My voice was tinged with frustration as I responded. "Aiden, I am unable to do that—never, ever. You must be joking with me.With that annoying grin on his face, Aiden tried to minimize the significance of his suggestion. It's not harmful, Ava. A tiny gesture to let people know there are no hard feelings a friendly gesture, if you will."His ridiculous remarks only made me feel more outraged. "Goodwill?" I sneered. "