Kieran's POVJulian had cried himself out. The kind of crying that shakes a child from the inside until there’s nothing left but hiccups and silence. He had fallen asleep with his fingers tangled in the blanket, his face red and blotchy from the sobbing.I stood by the door, arms crossed, just watching him breathe. I didn’t know what hurt more—how small he looked in that bed or the fact that it was my fault he felt so broken. I’d stood by too long. Let too much slide. And now the weight of all of it—his confusion, his fear, Naya, Isadora—pressed against my chest like iron.Once his breathing had gone soft and steady, I stepped away. Quiet. Careful. I slipped out of the room and shut the door behind me with a muted click.I didn’t alert anyone. No guards. No aides. I just got in the car and drove.The road was mostly empty, moonlight spilling over the blacktop in silver streaks. The forest curled around the highway, alive with whispering leaves. As I approached the cottage, headligh
Kieran’s POVTobias’s jaw was tight as soon as I finished, my acidic words lingering in the air between us. His knuckles white where they gripped the towel. For a moment, he looked like he might throw the mug at my face, or worse, lunge for my throat. It was there in the flicker of his eyes—his calm cracking, teeth gritted behind that bland expression.Then—A creak from the hallway.Soft padding of feet. A small yawn.Tobias’s head jerked toward the sound at the same time mine did.Aiden stood in the doorway, blinking sleepily and rubbing at his eyes with balled fists. His little curls were tousled, and the oversized pajama top hung off his shoulder.He stared at us. First at me.His eyes widened—hesitation, wariness. A flash of recognition. Of fear. He took a small step back toward the shadow of the hallway.Then he turned to Tobias.His tiny hands began to move, fingers speaking with anxiety.I could only read a couple of signs and I had been trying to learn after I found out A
Naya’s POVThe morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the modest kitchen. The aroma of sizzling bacon mingled with the earthy scent of freshly brewed coffee, creating a comforting atmosphere. I sat at the kitchen table, its surface worn smooth by years of use, trying to focus on the mundane task of buttering my toast.Across from me, Aiden was engrossed in his breakfast, his small hands deftly maneuvering his fork to spear pieces of scrambled eggs. His usual fidgetiness was notably absent, replaced by a calmness that mirrored the tranquility of the morning. It was a rare sight, one that I cherished.However, the presence of Kieran at the table disrupted the serenity. He sat with an air of nonchalance, his eyes occasionally flicking towards me, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.Tobias, because he was awesome and could cook a mean bacon, had prepared breakfast for all of us, including Kieran, though his reluctance was plain to see in the way he
Kieran's povShe didn’t look at me again. She just folded her arms tightly across her chest, like she was holding herself together with nothing but willpower.I didn’t blame her.I wanted to rip the gates off their hinges myself.But one of us had to stay smart.Nodding at Tobias, I pushed my door open, stepping out into the morning air. It was crisp, the kind of cold that gets under your collar. Straightening myself toy full height, I walked towards the gates and past it, not paying attention to the men with weapons.Right there at the entrance to the estate, stood elder Walsh, dressed impeccably with two armed men beside him, their arms placed threateningly in the triggers.I let the aura of menace that I had cultivated foe all these years as an alpha envelope me, my eyes flashing read as stopped before the men.I could see the guards stiffen at my presence, sweat breaking out on their brows in fight or flight response.Good.They should be terrified.Cocking my head, I appraised
Isadora's pov“How?" The boy whined pitifully, “How do we ge’ papa back when he wants naya only!" Julian scrubbed at his wet eyes with his hand, an action immediately stopped with my own before he could further irritate his eyes.I had to swallow around the bitter taste of in my mouth. Kieran had always wanted her. Since before. Even after I stayed with him, with only an engagement ring on my finger. After I raised his son. He was an ingrate.I smiled, though my stomach clenched painfully. “He doesn’t know what he wants right now. But I do. I know what’s right for you. For us and I'll make sure I get him back.”He sniffled once and nodded. Slowly. Like it still hurt, but he didn’t know what else to believe. I held him tighter like it could make it better.“everyone out there thinks I stole you away,” I murmured, voice even and calm. “But that doesn’t mean they're right. You don’t have to be afraid.”“I’m not afraid,” he whispered, though his small hands were gripping the fabric of my
Kieran's POVMy blood boiled instantly. I nearly crushed the phone in my hand. The gall. The nerve. But I inhaled through my teeth and forced myself to see it for what it was: an opening. An opportunity.Me: Where and when?Isadora: Dinner. 9 p.m. Santino’s. Ask for Booth 5.Nondescript. Discreet. Of course, it would be. Damn her—Santino sat at the edge of the lake of the pack. The lighting was dim, the sign half-lit and the inside smelled like burnt garlic and wine. It was a good spot for wolves and tourists.I asked for Booth 5, and the host led me to the back, past a few empty tables.There she was.Isadora.She looked exactly the same and nothing like she used to all at once. Her long black coat was still impeccable, her dark hair twisted up in that casual elegance she always pulled off. But her face—there were shadows under her eyes like she hadn’t slept. Her skin was pale, lips tight. She looked tired, almost frail.She glanced up and raised one brow. "Well, you showed."
Naya's PovThe school is a stone building nestled at the northwest of the pack’s territory, guarded by wrought-iron gates that look too ancient to still be standing. Kids run around the courtyard, shrieking with laughter. Some look older, others barely past toddler age. I spot a boy with messy brown hair building something with sticks in the dirt while two girls hover beside him, arguing over shape and size.We pull into the parking lot, and I catch Aiden peering out the window, his eyes wide. There’s a flicker of nervousness there, and I feel it in my bones too.The last time I sent Aiden to school, he got kidnapped and switched, which started this entire rollercoaster, so I was right to be nervous.I step out, smoothing my sweater, and open the door for him. Tobias circles to the back, grabbing Aiden’s bag.We’re halfway to the school steps when a sleek black limousine pulls into the front circle.Tobias freezes, his brow furrowing, "What in the world..." Tobias muttered, hand ti
Naya's POVThe next day found myself in the supermarket, getting much-needed supplies for the cottage.I hurried through the last aisle of the store, a loaf of bread clutched under my arm and a basket weighed down with household items dangling from my wrist.It had taken far too long to find the right kind of dish soap, and now my anxiety gnawed at me, relentless and sharp. I checked the time on my phone: 1:20 PM.Just enough time to finish shopping and get home before Aiden was done with school.Or so I thought.My phone rang just as I was about to check out. The unfamiliar number on the screen sent a ripple of unease through my chest."Hello?" I answered, my breath hitching slightly."Ms. Naya? This is Principal Langston from the Pack Academy. I’m afraid there’s been an incident involving your child. We need you to come in immediately."Everything in me stilled. My heart, my breath, my thoughts. My fingers went slack, nearly dropping the phone."Aiden? What happened? Is he okay?" I
Naya's POV The fluorescent lights of the waiting room hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to amplify the silence. It was a sterile, cold sound that vibrated through my bones, mirroring the icy dread that had taken root in my soul. The air itself felt thick, heavy with unspoken fears and desperate hopes clinging to the edges of reality. Two hours. Two hours we had waited, each minute stretching into an eternity, punctuated only by the rhythmic beeping of machines and the hushed whispers of nurses passing by. Two hours of praying, pleading with a universe that seemed deaf to our cries, and desperately clinging to the fragile hope that Aiden, my sweet, beautiful boy, would be okay.Finally, the door to the emergency room swung open, and a doctor emerged. His face was grim, etched with a weariness that mirrored the exhaustion that had settled deep within my own being. His eyes, usually bright and filled with a professional detachment, were clouded with a somber empathy that sent
Naya's POVThe world had become a kaleidoscope of chaos. It was getting worse. The battle that is. the cave was bathed in the eerie glow of the moon. Men were fighting, their faces contorted with rage, their bodies locked in a brutal dance of death.And in the center of it all, I saw him. Elder Walsh, his eyes burning with fanaticism, his hands raised in a gesture of power.I felt exhausted, my arms arching and bloodstained from fighting off so many enemies, all to survive.And then, I saw Aiden.He was running, his small legs pumping, his face streaked with tears. He was shouting, his voice hoarse, his words lost in the din of battle."Julian! Mom!"My heart leaped into my throat. He was here. He was alive.But he was running straight into danger."Aiden!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. "No! Get back!"Elder Walsh saw him, his eyes widening with a predatory gleam."Get him!" he roared, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Don't let him escape!"Julian, who had been crouchin
Naya's POV Tobias stepped forward, his face set in a hard line. “Back off, you Old bastard,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’ve got the wrong kid.”The Elder chuckled. “Oh, I don’t think so, Tobias,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “I know exactly who I have. That’s why I waited for the star of the show to arrive.”One of the Elder’s men stepped forward, dragging someone behind him. My heart skipped a beat.It was Julian.Isadora screamed, her face contorting with anguish. “Julian!” she cried, her voice cracking. “What did you do to him?”The Elder smiled coldly. “Don’t worry, my dear,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “We haven’t harmed him… yet.”Isadora turned to her father, her eyes pleading. “Please, Father,” she begged. “I don’t want to be a part of this anymore. Not if it means hurting Julian. He’s the only family I have left.”The Elder’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of cold fury. “Silence, Isadora,” he snapped. “You will do as you’re told.”He turned back to
Naya's pov I woke up with a gasp, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. The last thing I remembered was Julian saying something about Aiden being in danger, and then… nothing. Just blackness. I pushed the blanket off my lap and sat up, my head throbbing. It felt like a giant was using my skull as a drum.“Ugh,” I groaned, pressing my hand to my forehead. The cottage was silent, eerily so. Where was everyone?I stumbled off the couch, my legs wobbly. “Tobias? Aiden?” I called out, my voice trembling. No answer.Panic clawed at my throat. Everything was a mess. The cushions were askew, a half-finished drawing lay abandoned on the coffee table, and the air was thick with a sense of… dread.I ran to the window, peering out into the fading light. The car was gone. My breath hitched in my throat. He’d left. He’d taken the others and left me behind.Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. I felt abandoned, useless. But I couldn’t afford to fall apart. Aiden w
Tobias’s POVThe city air still clung to my clothes, a greasy film of exhaust and hurried footsteps. I’d spent the afternoon weaving through crowded streets, trying to finalize the last-minute details for the wedding.Naya deserved the best, and I was determined to give it to her, even if it meant battling grumpy florists and haggling with caterers who thought they were serving ambrosia instead of fried chicken. My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my mental checklist of seating arrangements and cake flavors. It was a message from the Elder.My stomach clenched as I read the words. They were laced with a thinly veiled threat, a demand for allegiance. He wanted me to join him, to fall in line with his plans, or he would… well, he didn’t explicitly say what he’d do, but the implication was clear: he'd make my life, Naya’s life, Aiden’s life, a living hell."Don't blame me when everything falls into pieces," the message concluded.I scoffed, a bitter sound in the busy street
Aiden's POV I trudged towards the front of the school, my heart heavy. I couldn't believe Julie had betrayed me like this. I couldn't believe he had said all those things to me.As I reached the front of the school, I saw Isadora waiting for me. She looked pale and anxious."Aiden," she said, her voice trembling. "We have to go. Now."I frowned. "What's wrong?" I asked."There's no time to explain," she said, grabbing my hand. "We have to leave. Your Grandfather wants to see you."I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay here, at least until I could figure out how to fix things with Julie. But Isadora was pulling me towards the car, and I knew I couldn't argue with her.We drove in silence, my anxiety growing with every mile. Isadora kept glancing at me, her eyes filled with fear.Finally, we reached the estate. I dreaded spending even one more day in that house.But as we pulled up to the gates, something strange happened. A black car pulled up behind us, blocking our path.A tall ma
Aiden's POV Three days. That's all it was supposed to be. Three days of pretending to be Julian, three days of nasty tutors and cold rooms, three days of holding in all the things that made me… me. I’d counted every minute, every second, just so Julie could have a break. But those three days felt like a lifetime.I tried my best to be Julian. I sat up straight, didn't fidget, and answered all the questions the tutors threw at me, even when my brain felt like it was going to explode till my voice, so unused to talking for long periods went hoarae5. Mistress Thorne still looked at me like I was a bug she wanted to squish, but she didn't hit me again. Maybe because she didn't want to overdo it.I had to hold in a snort of disgust.I hated that it could still happen and the fear it sent through my body whenever I even thought she might pull her hands into her robes with the cane But the worst part was being away from mom and dad. I missed their hugs, their smiles, their silly jokes. I
Julian's POVEven though I was scared, switching with Aiden felt… like breathing after holding my breath for too long. I could almost taste freedom. But as Naya led me towards their little house, my hands trembled. According to what his parents knew,Aiden didn't talk (not that they know he could talk and did so on a semi regular basis now).He used his hands always, signing words I barely knew. What if I messed up? What if Naya saw through my clumsy attempts?Naya squeezed my hand, and I tried to mimic Aiden's bouncy walk, but my legs felt like jelly."You okay, sweetie?" Naya asked, her voice warm. "You're awfully quiet today. More than usual, even for you."My heart hammered. I reached for the small notebook Aiden always carried and scribbled:'Tired. Long day.' I showed it to her, trying to copy Aiden's quick, jerky movements.Naya frowned, her eyes searching mine. "Long day, huh? Did something happen at school? Did someone tease you?"I shook my head, then quickly signed the wor
Aiden's POVLately, Julian hasn’t been the same. I noticed it first at school. He used to sit with me sometimes, even if he pretended not to care. But now, he looks down at the floor a lot, and when I try to talk to him, he just walks away. Not just at school, but even when I visit him with my astral projection. I float into his room, hoping to see that goofy grin or hear him laugh at my silly signs, but he looks through me like I’m not there. Sometimes he doesn’t even answer back.It made my chest hurt. I didn’t know why he was like this. I wanted to help, but Julian wouldn’t let me.One afternoon, I was floating around the house, drifting like a ghost, trying to find him. I peeked into the bathroom, and there he was, standing in front of the mirror—his shirt lifted just a little as he rubbed his arms.I saw it then. The scars. Long, jagged lines running down his arms, hidden beneath his sleeves. They looked red and angry, like wounds that never quite healed. My heart stopped for