Thalia laughs, and Keir grins widely, holding her closer. ”Hey, you're that boy in Val's phone!“ Bella says.Katie Rose giggles, “He's not in the phone, silly.”Keir looks down at the two troublemakers standing on my left. “And who are these cute little, umm…“ he trails off, his gaze shifting between Bella and Thalia the Bella again, he repeats the cycle, unmissable confusion in his gaze.It's more than clear to anyone who meets Bella she looks like Thalia, but Knox has forbidden us from saying anything about that. ”I know,“ Thalia nervously laughs. ”Babe, you should see her mom. The resemblance is-“”It’s scary, flower.“ he finishes for her”Umm,“ Katie Rose muses, “Who is Flower?”Thalia's cheeks flash as she raises her hand. ”Me, that's what he calls me.”Why?” both girls ask, making Keir laugh.”Because he's my boyfriend.” Thalia tells them, but that only makes Katie Rose scrunch up her nose.”You're prettier than flowers,” Katie Rose shrugs.”Yes, and she's Auntie Thalia Rose.“ B
“What?” I peek into the mirror, catching a dreadful look in her eyes. “To be the auntie,” she snorts. “Since I will never be a mother I guess I have to settle for being the cool Auntie.” “Thalia.” “I'm fine, I like it.” she sniffs, and I feel something sink inside me. Shame? Regret? Sympathy? I don't know, it could be all. “Your brother was right, I don't deserve to be a mother but I'm good Auntie. This is my role in kids' lives, always the Auntie, never the Mom. And best of all, I get to spoil all my nieces and nephews.” “You make an amazing mom, Thalia.” “No thanks,” she bitterly laughs, choking a little. “There is a little bit too much trauma surrounding that experience for me and on the bright side, I don't have to deal with Knox on a co-parent basis.” she hisses. “Umm, what's for lunch?” she asks, noting my silence. ”Chicken wings.” “How about a milkshake?” she muses, trying to sound optimistic but a known sadness still lingers in her voice. “Thalia that's
”Daddy, mommy!” Arabella calls out, and I immediately drop my paintbrush to give her my full attention before she starts to whine about Katie Rose. “Wow,” I look up from my painting, ready to be excited over whatever crap she's conjured up but what I see stuns me to silence. She's painted an elephant, the details are so realistic, and even with the bright strokes of her paint you can tell how great is. “Daddy, look!” she grins, but he's too occupied with his own painting to look. “It's beautiful.” he praises, his gaze glued on his masterpiece. “Alpha Knox,” I call out, tapping him lightly. Only then does he look at what Arabella painted. “Is it pretty? Do you like it?” Arabella asks, her haze flickering between us.“Very pretty.” Alpha Knox affirms.“It's amazing Bella, where did you learn to paint like that?” I gulp, still in awe of her drawing. This is something you see in museums, something that you pay thousands of dollars for.“Daddy taught me.”My gaze shifts to Alpha Kn
KNOXToday, we had a quarterly meeting with every department of Ares Enterprises, which means Nova was in attendance and Thalia had no business being at the exclusive meeting but Ryan insisted she tag along in case Alpha Ezra thinks I'm pulling side deals to screw him over.Thalia sat across from me and I swear I saw her yawn a few times and roll her eyes a noticeable amount during our meeting. As we leave the premises, my lawyers are sharing satisfaction and complaints to address with other department lawyers while Nova and Thalia walk ahead of everyone, if anything they were first to leave the premises.“You looked sleepy in there,” Nova tells her, making her sigh.Oh, good it's not just me that noticed it.“I'm so exhausted.” “You didn't sleep enough?”She snorts, moving closer to Nova. “Keir came over yesterday afternoon and overworked me.”“Attorney, Laurel!” Nova gasps.“Hey,” Thalia nudges her. “It was all innocent. You're becoming a bad girl Novie lovie.”“I like to think I'
“Shit.” “Is this the meeting that was so important?” I glare at her, watching as she wipes her mouth clean with the back of her hand. “This does not classify as a meeting.” “I know,” she swallows, making me wonder what else she's swallowed under the pretext of this meeting. “We just-” “When you're here, you work. You can fuck your boyfriend on your own time, damsel.” I warn, her nickname rolling off my tongue with vile ease. “I wasn't fucking him,” she shoots back, her gaze twinkling with irritation. “Not yet.” And there it is, she's acting smart because I interrupted her orgasm, one she wouldn't have gotten from simply fingering herself while this thing did absolutely nothing. “My building is a reputable place of work, not a brothel Thalia.” “Ms Laurel, to be professional of course.” I nod, falling right into her trap. “Because you've exhibited professional conduct?” “I'm sorry, it's my fault.” The knockoff jumps in, his face is so complacent I want to punch him u
AMARAThalia and I are getting our hair done in preparation for tomorrow's meeting, she went first and immediately buried her nose in a gossip magazine. I'm checking my hairstyle when a familiar face pops up behind me in the mirror.“Nova!” I call out, whirling around. My squeal alerts Thalia too.Nova smiles, waving at me while the little girls with her squeal. “Hi, Amara.”“Auntie Thalia Rose!” both girls scream, running to meet her.“hi, darlings,” Thalia matches their excitement. “I love your matching dresses.”“Thank you,” they say in unison, hugging Thalia. I turn my attention to the Thalia lookalike. “Hello.” she grins, looking even more like Thalia.“Amara, this is Mariella, Knox's finance, his kid. My kid.” Nova tells me, gesturing to each individual. My gaze gets stuck on the kids, one looks very much like Thalia.“Say hi to my friend.” Thalia prompts.Nova's daughter stares between us, scratching her head. “Are you a lawyer too?”“Yes.”“Cool.” They both swoon, “I'm Katie R
Mariella’s lip curls up with contempt, “You look lovely, princess.” she feigns a smile. “You did so good, Arabella.” Nova praises. “I'm sorry I made a fuss.” she pouts, looking up at Rose.” “It's okay, I know you were scared but you need to remember that even if it seems like a bad day, you'll be fine, smile and keep your chin up because when the sun comes up tomorrow, it'll be a new day.” Arabella nods vigorously, “Okay, auntie.” “Mommy, can we surprise Daddy with my hair?” Katie Rose asks Nova. “Yep, I'll call him when he's out of surgery.” Nova smiles, petting her head. “Is he okay?” I frown. “Yes, he's the surgeon.” Nova laughs, noting my confusion. “Er, so what are we doing next?” “Thalia and I were going to get our nails done.” I tell her, “We want to look deadly in court.” “That's great, Mariella you could use a new set.” Nova’s head tilts, looking at Mariella's nails. Mariella glares at her, “This is new.” “It's pretty. “ Rose smiles. Nova shrugs, her eyes twin
THALIA I walk into the boardroom with supreme urgency, I shouldn't be here but Alpha Ezra canceled because Luna Serenity got worse. Everyone from Flame Valley is in their seats when we arrive, but none of them expect to see me but Knox seems pissed at my presence and it's not because I'm nowhere dressed for the meeting. “Good afternoon, all.” Amara greets, settling down beside me. “Sorry, I'm late. Shall we start?” “Where's Alpha Ezra?” I don't look at him as I answer, “He had an emergency so I'll be substituting for him.” “An emergency?” he scoffs, “He should have communicated with me before resorting to—” “His wife is sick, you insensitive psycho.” I snap, my tone surprising even myself. He's not here because he didn't want to cancel yet again.” Ryan clears his throat, “I'll get the projector.” “Thank you, Ry.” I smile, my voice much softer and calmer as opposed to when I spoke to Knox. Ryan leaves, and Amara gets to work on connecting with the rest of our team
“Knox?” she groans, and I think she's dreaming because of how gently it comes out but I find her staring at me. “Hi,” I choke, unable to move my hand. “Hi,” she grins. “What are you doing here?” “I came to see how you're doing and take care of you.” “I don't need—” “Thalia,” I interrupt her. “It's been an eventful week, please shut up and let me take care of you and our baby.” I petition, my words stunning her. “I am not leaving you alone nor will you fool me into doing that again so save your breath.” “I didn't trick you,” she scowls. “Hm,” I nod. “So what do you call making me believe Amara would be with you and vice versa?” She bites on a smile, “A thoughtful white lie?” “Well, no more thoughtful white lies,” I warn, making her sigh in response. Even then, she looks weak, it tears at my insides because I contributed to this. “You have your hand on my belly,” she says, looking down at it. In response, I nod. “Nothing's happened has it?” “No, not yet, but it
“I am not tossing you to the side, you're a reasonable woman, Ella, you've been through several pregnancy scares.” “Not scares,” I argue, swallowing down the dread each miscarriage left me with. I always felt incompetent, and it ruined my plans. “Actual child loss, unlike her. But I sympathise with her, she used to be my best friend,” I trail off for dramatic effect, unable to say her name because of my current rage.“We were close but I can't deny what happened years ago, neither can you. Which brings me to the question of whether are you having a baby with her. Even after what she did to our Arabella Venus?” I whisper her name like some sacred lament. “she left that poor baby alone.” “I know,” Alpha Knox promptly agrees, nearly triggering my smile. “I know, and I hate her for it but—” There's a but. Fuck. “You're going to give Arabella back to her?” I finish it him. “My purpose will have been saved and I should move on but I don't want to, I can't,” I whimper softly. Pulli
Oh, she's good, she's got this conversation rehearsed and bagged. “Oh shut up, the gig is up. You're the worst friend ever,” I turn to Knox, gesturing to her. “Use your brain once, Knox. If she ever gave a fuck about Thalia why did she replace her so fast? Would a sad friend jump to fuck you while you grieved your mate leaving you?” “Nova, that's enough. You've had a long day, you should rest and revisit your logic in the morning, I know she's a saint to you but that woman cursed my daughter, she has bought your sympathy and is manipulating you.” “You're the one being manipulated by Mariella, she has got you caught in her web of lies and deceit.” I cry out, frustrated with the unfruitful back and forth. “That's enough, you should get some rest,” he orders, and I shake my head in response. I'm overstimulated today, and his thick head isn't helping with that. “Why won't you listen to me?” “I am listening to you, and I'm understanding that you're being misled by Thalia.” he c
“Novie? Are you okay?” Thalia repeats, her tone laced with concern. “Yes,” I nod, jumping off the bed. “I just remembered I have a proposal to submit at work, Knox might be here but he will still scold me.” “Okay, goodbye?” she calls out, but I'm already opening the door. My first instinct is to run to Knox, but I can't find him. The doctor says he went out to buy some special vitamins for Thalia. I book an Uber, my whole body shaking thanks to the information I just learned. The car couldn't go fast enough, in my opinion. My foot jitters the entire ride home, and when I'm finally dropped off, I nearly forget to pay the driver in my haste to find Mariella. “Mariella!” I scream, my voice bitter than it is most times I address her. This is someone Thalia trusted with her life, someone who betrayed her just so she can fuck Knox
The words hit me like a thousand bricks to the head. I sit there, frozen, her voice echoing in my head long after she’s turned her face away. She doesn't know, she thinks the baby—babies are gone. In her head, they couldn't have made it through the blood, screaming and chaos. I want to correct her, I ache to tell her. To see her eyes taken with something other than pain, to watch life crawl back into her bones but not only do I not deserve the satisfaction, but the way she’s looking at me right now as if I’m the ghost that haunts her dreams makes me stop. She hates me as much as I long to hate her or even more and right now? I hate myself too. I hate the way I hurt her, the way I didn’t protect her from herself—or from me. “Thalia,” I call out, in an attempt to tell her the truth but when she looks at me with her teary eyes and tear-stained cheeks, the words get stuck in my throat. “Everything is okay,” I tell her but it's more for me, to ease some of the guilt that comes
KNOX It's been six hours since Thalia was rushed to the hospital, and four since the doctor let us see her. Ryan, Nova, Amara and I surround her hospital room while she just lays in the bed which makes her look so small and frail. She's still unconscious but the doctors swear both she and the pup are fine, I even had my pack doctor Madison come here to aid the other doctors because I trust her work, and believe in her methods. The doctor said she bled due to stress, and knowing I've been the biggest inducer of her stress has done something to me. I have this pain in my chest that won't go away, it intensifies each time I hear her name or think of it. I feel like crap, but if the need had been there I would have chosen her over our pup, I would rather she walk out on he own than take the pup from her. My words must have hurt her, I put both her and the pup at risk and now I don't know what to do. Amara came to the hospital a few hours ago, she and Nova are closely watching Thalia
Hey wonderful readers, I hope you’re all doing amazing mentally, physically, and emotionally (because these characters sure aren’t helping with that, are they?). I am dying to know how you are feeling about the story so far. Who’s your favourite character? Who’s making you want to fling your phone across the room? Are Thalia and Knox making you scream too, or is it just me?? How’s the pacing—do you need more heartbreak, fights, or more kissing (or all)? Let me know in the comments and leave me a review, I’d love to know what’s got you hooked or raging. Thank you for reading, supporting, and choosing to fall into the chaos with me.♡ With love and just a dash of angst, XO, Athena.❦
MARIELLA The sharp snap of the bullet tearing through the paper is the only thing that calms me but not today, I don't vengeance know what to do. I've been at the shooting range since I heard about the secret Knox has been keeping from me. I was having the best day, knowing I settled Arabella's obsession with Thalia but then a certain someone called and told me they overheard another say that Thalia was rushed to the hospital with Nova, and Alpha Knox and that was merely the opening statement, the final straw for me was learning she's pregnant. That bit of information turned my spa date into a rage outlet activity. I went to the shooting range, with Kennedy who has been nothing short of N instigator. I've stuck seven pictures of her on the body targets I paid extra for and so far, four are down, this little ritual of mine is practically more sacred today but with each shot, I'm reminded Thalia is still alive because none of the dummies bleeds like I know she would. “I hate
I knock on the bathroom door twice, my knuckles stinging slightly from how hard I'm knocking. “Thalia? Are you okay in there?” I knock again, but I hear nothing. The restaurant has one bathroom with two stalls, and Thalia is the only one with the keys. Something feels wrong; it sends alarms ringing in my head. I rush to the reception for the spare key, but then it dawns on me that I didn't try to open the door, so I head back and twist it open. Thalia is on the floor when I get in, cradling her knees, arms wrapped around them while staring into nothingness. “Thalia, you had me worried.” I sigh, “What are you doing on the floor?” She doesn't answer, nor react to my presence. I crouch down beside her, tapping her shoulder, “What's wrong?” I ask, only then does she acknowledge me. She stares at me, eyes wide and distant. I start to panic, this doesn't look or feel normal. “Are you okay?” “Call Knox,” she swallows. Knox? What did my idiot brother do this time, did he scold her for