NATHAN'S POVThe office buzzed with the hum of quiet productivity, a stark contrast to the empty shell it had been just a few weeks ago. It was nearly Christmas, and the city outside sparkled with festive lights, wreaths, and the faint sound of carolers in the distance. Emerald Horizon Ventures had come alive faster than I had anticipated.I had employed only the most efficient people from those who had been interviewed. That would be Jacob, Camille, Priya, and Davis. More would definitely be added to the ship, but for now, let's see how smooth the sails will be with just this main core.The team was lean but effective, with each member contributing their own expertise. Jacob had proven his value almost immediately, launching an influencer-driven campaign that had luxury blogs buzzing about our brand before we’d even officially launched.Priya had streamlined our supply chain, cutting unnecessary costs without compromising our vision for ethical sourcing.And Camille – she was the glu
NATHAN'S POVThe city was awash in holiday cheer, but I couldn’t feel it. From the frost-covered sidewalks to the garlands and twinkling lights strung across every storefront, it seemed like the world was celebrating, and I was merely an observer.Inside the office, the hum of productivity had died down long ago as most of the team had left to spend Christmas with their families. I leaned against the large window on Christmas Eve, the cold seeping through the glass as I stared out at the bustling streets below. I should be home, or at least, in my apartment, not here like some workaholic.But I couldn't bear to be in that empty apartment alone. I had moved from where Lola had gotten me and now stayed at a penthouse in Manhattan, now part of the city proper. It had been tastefully decorated to the last detail, but despite my best efforts, it still lacked one essential ingredient.Home.It was like the word was a slap in the face, bringing me back to my reality—why I was here when every
SOPHIA'S POVThe living room was awash in the soft glow of Christmas lights. They twinkled gently on the tree, reflecting off the glass ornaments that Alex and Alexia had insisted on hanging themselves. The scent of pine and freshly baked cookies filled the air, mingling with the faint melody of a Christmas carol playing softly in the background.Alex and Alexia were sprawled on the floor, their laughter filling the room as they unwrapped the last of the presents. Alexia, ever meticulous, had already dressed her new doll in three different outfits, while Alex, with his boundless energy, was carefully sorting through his new puzzle pieces.“Mama, look at this!” Alex held up a piece of the puzzle, his piercing grey eyes – so much like his father's – lighting up with excitement.“I see it, sweetheart,” I said, smiling as I leaned against the armrest of the couch.“This dress is the prettiest,” Alexia declared, twirling the doll in her tiny hands before looking up at me with a beaming smi
LUCAS’ POVChristmas mornings always felt a little hollow. Not because I didn’t have enough – far from it – but because the things that mattered couldn’t be bought. My penthouse in Manhattan was decked out in an understated holiday décor, arranged by an interior designer I’d hired to “make it festive.”But the towering tree in the corner, the tasteful garlands on the banister, and even the luxury Christmas playlist playing softly through the sound system couldn’t fill the void. My mom had offered to come over, but I had declined, citing that I wasn't going to be in the city.I had plans to spend the holiday in Zurich, finalizing details on a major real estate project. The keyword being “had,” but a last-minute cancellation left me with an empty calendar. The team assured me it would wait until after the new year, which meant I was home – alone.By midmorning, I’d gone through my usual routine: coffee brewed to perfection, a quick workout, and then a series of emails to keep myself bus
GRACE’S POVThe hotel room felt colder than it should have, despite the heater humming quietly in the corner. Snow fell steadily outside the window, the streets below buried under a thick white blanket. I let out a sigh, staring at my laptop screen, a draft of notes for an upcoming client session blinking back at me.My video call with Sophia and the twins had been the highlight of my day. As I leaned back in the stiff armchair, I could still hear Alex and Alexia’s laughter and picture their bright smiles as they showed off their Christmas presents. And Lucas—chiming in with that sly humor of his—had somehow made me laugh even through the shoddy connection.I had wished more than anything to be there with them.This snowstorm was supposed to be an inconvenience, but now I wondered if it was a sign. A forced pause in the chaos of life, a chance to reflect. Maybe it was time I did that—really did that.I decided to turn on my camera, opting to record it. I found that sometimes, just tur
VICTORIA’S POVThe sun was merciless today, burning down on me as if even the heavens wanted me to suffer for my so-called sins. Was disrespecting my Alpha a sin? Was it truly a sin if it was all for his well-being? If I did it because I loved him? If so, then I wouldn't change a thing.Nathan and I were meant to be together.My hands were raw from pulling weeds out of the community garden—Nathan’s brilliant idea of justice. Of punishment. It was demeaning, humiliating, and oh-so typical of him.I smiled faintly to myself as I hummed a tune. He didn't have the balls to send me away, and I could tell why. He loves me. He was simply in denial—or just didn't know it yet.I swiped my forearm across my brow, smearing dirt across my face. My once-manicured nails were caked with soil, and my skin was rough and chafed. This wasn’t the life I was meant for. I was the Beta’s daughter, the second most respected rank after the Alpha himself. I had once commanded authority, admiration, and fear.A
THEON'S POVIt was New Year’s Eve. A time of celebration, a time of joy.Or so it was supposed to be.I heaved out a sigh as I watched the occupants of the space.The packhouse was alive with forced celebration, laughter ringing out into the cold night like the faint embers of a dying fire. But even as the others laughed and toasted to a new year, I stood in the shadows of the room, watching, listening, calculating.The truth was, I couldn’t afford to celebrate. Not now.Nathan had been gone for weeks now.To the rest of the pack, our Alpha was on a mission to hunt Malachi, their greatest enemy and the last remnant of a dark chapter in our history. It was a noble cause, a story they could rally behind. But I knew better. Malachi wasn’t Nathan’s focus – Sophia was. She had been the true reason behind his abrupt departure. I could bet Malachi wasn't even on his mind.And now I was left here, trying to hold together the pieces of a pack that was slowly unraveling.“Theon.” A voice called
SOPHIA’S POVThe gentle hum of conversation and laughter filled the house as the twins darted around, their giggles echoing off the walls. The past few days had been a whirlwind. Lucas’s unexpected arrival on Christmas night had shaken something loose in me—something I'm starting to get the feeling I’d been holding back for far too long.And now, here we were, on New Year’s Eve, still riding our rhythm like this wasn't my first holiday back. Lucas was a man of his word, and I knew he didn't have to be here. He could have been with family, but the fact that he chose here made my heart warm.He was in the kitchen with Alex, helping him build a mini volcano from a science kit he’d received for Christmas. Alexia was beside me on the couch, quietly braiding her doll’s hair, though her curious eyes kept drifting to Lucas.“I think Alex likes him,” Alexia whispered, her voice low but amused.I chuckled softly, brushing a stray curl from her face. “Oh yeah? What about you?”She paused, a misc
SOPHIA'S POVI stepped inside, the familiar scent of home greeting me, but something was... wrong. The door clicked softly behind me, and the silence that followed was almost suffocating. I hadn’t expected the house to feel so still, so quiet. But it was more than that. It felt empty in a way that twisted something deep inside me.I hesitated, standing in the entryway. The house was usually alive with noise – Alex and Alexia’s laughter, their endless chatter, the thumping of their footsteps as they ran through the halls. But now… nothing.I swallowed hard, the unease crawling up my spine as my fingers curled around my bag. I’d seen the note at the door, my heart already racing before I even touched it.“I'm here for you Sophia. Miss me?” The words had burned into my mind, and now, with the house so eerily silent, my stomach twisted painfully.“Alex? Alexia?” I called, my voice too small in the empty air. It felt like I was shouting into a void. No answer. Just that thick, pressing sil
SOPHIA'S POVLola was quiet for a moment, her hand loosely wrapped around her mug. Then, with a glance that was far too knowing for my liking, she said gently, “So… how do you really feel about him?”Her words settled like mist in the cozy room, quiet and unassuming, but thick enough that I couldn’t ignore them.I stared into my tea like it might offer a better answer than I could. It didn’t. “I don’t know.” I said, which was technically true, if you just didn't count all the parts of me screaming otherwise.Lola’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, please. That’s the most suspicious ‘I don’t know’ I’ve heard all week – and I’ve had three customer complaints and a guy who claimed his espresso was ‘emotionally cold.’”I laughed despite myself. “Emotionally cold?”“He said it lacked soul. I gave him a biscotti and told him to take it up with his therapist.”I nearly spit my tea. “God, I’ve missed this.”“What, sarcasm and caffeine-fueled delusions?”“Exactly that.” I smiled, then let it slip. “And…
SOPHIA'S POVThe warmth of the mug seeped into my fingers as I curled them tighter around it, watching the steam swirl into the quiet kitchen. It seemed like Elara had offered me tea more out of habit than anything else, but I had accepted with a small, grateful smile, and she nodded, a smile on her own face, the kind that made you feel like she already knew what you needed.We walked in silence from the woods, the smell of nature and moonlight still clinging to my skin. I didn't know moonlight has its own scent till today. Was this how freeing it could be? Was this what I'd been missing? Been denying myself in the name of protection? The streets beyond this clove were empty this late, the world hushed and still. And now, with a cup in hand and the ache of the shift softened into a gentle hum beneath my skin, I finally felt grounded.At peace.Well, almost.“Elara?” I asked, glancing up from my mug. “How often do you walk these woods?”She arched a silver brow, blowing on her tea. “A
NATHAN'S POVI didn’t slam the door.Didn’t storm off, didn’t shout or demand she choose me. That had been the old me – the boy who thought power alone could win devotion.I left Sophia’s house with my jaw clenched, my fists loose at my sides, and a storm brewing behind my ribs. Lucas had looked so damn settled in her space, and she hadn’t stopped him. Not really. Not even when the kids had lit up at the sight of me, not when the air had pulsed between us like a heartbeat.I got in the car and pulled away slowly, like I wasn’t unraveling inside.But I was.I couldn’t go home. Not to the penthouse with its cold silence and reminders of what I’d lost. So I drove with no destination until the buildings thinned and the edges of the city blurred.Eventually, I ended up at the overlook above the river, where the world fell quiet and I could breathe.Almost.The next day came with emails, missed calls, and two back-to-back meetings. Camille cornered me in the hallway with her usual stack of
SOPHIA'S POVThe laughter came first – sharp and clear, like little bells ringing through the living room.“Okay, okay, one more time.” I laughed, holding up the deck of cards.“No!” Alex shouted, laughing uncontrollably and holding his tummy as he fell over onto the cushions. “You’re cheating!”“I am not!” I defended dramatically, spreading my hands. “I’m just really good at Go Fish.”“You peeked!” Alexia accused with narrowed eyes and a smug little grin, arms crossed as if she were the judge and jury both.“I did not peek! That’s called strategic intuition.”“Mom.” Alex groaned from the floor, face stuffed into a throw pillow then turned to Alexia. “She’s using grown up words again. That means she’s lying.”I fell back onto the carpet in mock defeat, while both kids climbed over me like little wolves claiming victory. It was past their bedtime, the dishes from dinner was still in the sink, and I had at least two voicemails from Kate about tomorrow’s delivery schedule. But none of it
SOPHIA'S POVI couldn’t taste the waffles.Couldn’t even tell if they were burnt or perfect, though I watched Lucas flip them with his usual confidence and pride. I watched Alex drizzle syrup across his plate like it was a masterpiece. I watched Alexia pick at hers, pulling the edges apart like she was unspooling something too tightly wound.And across the table – Nathan.His presence alone changed the air in the room. Like a low growl under a wolf's breath . He sat with poise, talking softly to Alex as if they’d always known each other. Asking questions about school, about drawings, about dreams. And somehow – somehow – Alex opened up. Completely. Like he’d been waiting to be heard in exactly that tone, with exactly that warmth.It scared me. How easy it was.“You okay?” Lucas’s voice cut into the quiet.I blinked. He was watching me from the other end of the table, his jaw tight, his expression blank. Dangerous.“Yeah.” I said too fast. “Just tired.”“Didn’t sleep again?”I shrugged
NATHAN'S POVThe door swung open.And there she was.Sophia.Barefoot, wearing worn jeans and a soft sweater that still somehow managed to knock the breath from my lungs. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, her cheeks flushed like she’d been running — or panicking. Knowing the absolute fucking love of my life – probably both.Her eyes locked onto mine. For a second, neither of us moved.I tightened my grip on the paper bag and the small wooden box in my other hand. Gifts. Pathetic offerings for the things I really wanted — her forgiveness. My children’s acceptance. A place at their table. In their lives.“Hi.” I said, voice rougher than I intended.“Hi.” She breathed back.I saw it then — the war happening inside her. The way her body wanted to lean toward me but her mind pulled her back. Fear. Guilt. Hope.All tangled together. Dammit. Not still.“I brought something.” I said quietly, lifting the bag a little.Sophia blinked like she’d forgotten how to speak. Then she stepped as
SOPHIA’S POV The sun filtered gently through the curtains, casting warm stripes across the wooden floor. For once, the house was quiet – not with the eerie kind of silence that came from something being wrong, but the kind that only came after a storm. I stood in the kitchen, barefoot, a mug of tea cradled in my hands. “Ow, hot.” I burned my fingers as I dipped it in the mug to taste the tea. Then replied myself, “Of course it's hot you dummy. You just made it.” I sighed and leaned my head lightly against the cabinet door as I stared at the empty hallway beyond. The twins were still asleep, for now. I had let them sleep in. I’d taken the day off. No Kate, no kitchen, no demands. I texted her before dawn. “Can’t come in today. Family stuff. I trust you.” I didn’t say more, and she didn’t ask. She just sent back a thumbs-up and a heart. I knew she would understand even with no explanation. The truth was, I didn’t even know how to put words to what had happened last night. I wa
VICTORIA'S POVThe air reeked of stale beer, sweat, and desperation. Ew.But, it was exactly the kind of place I’d expect to find a disgraced Alpha drowning in his own failure. Go figure.The bar was tucked into the corner of a forgotten alley, away from prying eyes by broken neon signs and shattered dreams. How do the humans say it again? Ahh, yes. What a boulevard of broken dreams.I stood outside for a moment, letting my eyes adjust to the dim glow bleeding through the fogged windows. The faint thundering boom of music sounded from within – some cheap EDM beat vibrating through shitty speakers – and over all of that, somehow louder than it all, the rough voices of men exchanging bets, boasts, and laughter that reeked of low intelligence.I pushed the door open.The warmth inside hit me like a wall, thick with body heat and alcohol fumes. It was a human dive, alright. Ugh.Cheap wood paneling, flickering lights, a couple of dart boards with knives sticking out of them. A fight was b