Naomi Carter was meant to be a Luna. Instead, she was treated like an afterthought. Cast aside by her mate, robbed of the life she’d been destined to live, she turned her back on that world — and rebuilt herself. No pack, no bonds, no vulnerabilities. But when she enters a room crowded with powerful Alphas, her past collides with her like a storm. Logan, the powerful leader of the Midnight Pack, gives her something she thought she’d never want again — a future. And then there’s him. The mate who once broke her. Dark eyes. Sharp jawline. The ghost she thought she buried. And he’s not in the mood to apologize. He’s come here to reclaim what he thinks is still his. Naomi’s heart is a war zone, split between the possibility of something fresh and the magnetic lure of things gone by. Yet danger dives out from the shadows, and as old betrayals come back to haunt her, she understands one nightmarish truth— This time, refusing is not an option.
view moreIf bad decisions had a face, it would be this.
I held the steering wheel tight and looked up at the familiar roads ahead like they were the gates of hell. Five years. Five years of deliberately avoiding this place, and here I was now, driving myself back into the nonsense.
“Deep breaths, Naomi,” I told myself. “You are older and wiser and hotter — okay, maybe not wiser, but definitely hotter. You’ve got this."
Lies. All of it.
Because no amount of pep talk was going to fix the reality that I’d be returning to the place that had witnessed me at my very lowest. The place where my mate — my one and only soulmate I was attractive to — stared me down and pushed me away like clearance sale items nobody wanted.
But today wasn’t about him. It was for my little brother, Theo. The one person over the years who had consistently tried to emotionally blackmail me every time I spoke to them.
"Mom and Dad miss you. I miss you. How long are you going to keep pretending to be a runaway criminal?”
I had tried to escape this trip, but Theo was relentless. He even threw in the guilt-trip special:
“What if something happens to them while you’re gone? You’d regret that you didn’t come back.”
So here I was. Back in Silvercrest. Back where my heart was stomped on like a cockroach at a fast-food joint.
I rolled my shoulders as I pulled up to the pack entrance, attempting to shake off the tension. There was a new guy at the security post, and he looked at me the way you look at a suspicious package at an airport.
I rolled down my window. “Hey, I’m Naomi Carter. Theo’s sister. Just heading home.”
The guy folded his arms. “Theo Carter has exactly one sibling. And she left five years ago.”
I blinked. “Yeah. That would be me. The long-lost sister who comes back for a very dramatic homecoming.”
He looked at me quizzically, clearly not buying it. “Got any ID?”
I groaned. “Seriously? Do I look like a threat?”
“You look like you’re trying too hard to be convincing.”
I was ready to start an argument until a familiar voice that boomed cut me off.
“NAOMI CARTER, YOU LITTLE TRAITOR! IS THAT REALLY YOU?! ”
I turned just as Marcus Henderson, my childhood best friend, ran at me as if I were the last donut in a bakery.
“Oh no,” I muttered. “Here we go.”
Before I was even able to respond, Marcus nearly dragged me out of the car and enveloped me in a hug.
“Dude, personal space,” I gasped. “And also, maybe lay off the gym, because you just broke my back.”
Marcus laughed, taking a step back yet still grinning like an idiot. “I thought you were dead! Or worse — in some sad city apartment with fifty cats.”
“First of all, rude. Second, I have one cat, and she’s thriving.”
The security guy seemed confused as hell. “So… she’s legit?”
Marcus scoffed. “Duh. She’s Naomi freaking Carter. “You are looking at the biggest pain in my ass the last 10 years.”
I smirked, crossing my arms as I looked up at him. “Aww, you missed me.”
Marcus snorted, rolling his eyes. “I missed roasting you. My life has been far too tranquil without you here.”
I gasped in mock offense. “You say that, and yet here you are, nearly tackling me in broad daylight.”
“Shut up.”
I laughed, shaking my head. Some things never changed. No matter how much time passed, Marcus would always be the same—sarcastic, insufferable, and secretly just as happy to see me as I was to see him.
The easy banter made it feel like I’d never left, like I hadn’t spent so many months away, trying to carve out a new life in the city. But reality had a way of creeping in, reminding me why I was back in the first place.
I exhaled, stretching my arms. “Alright, let me get going. I have emotional trauma to wreak on my brother.”
Marcus smirked, shaking his head. “How’s that thriving city life? Looking forward to hearing all about it.”
I shot him a grin as I pulled open my car door. “Oh, believe me, I have stories.”
With that, I slid into the driver’s seat and pulled onto the road, leaving Marcus behind in my rearview mirror.
But as soon as my family house appeared on the horizon, my stomach twisted.
The sight of it—so unchanged, so familiar—sent a wave of emotions crashing over me. The white villa stood proudly at the end of the driveway, just as pristine as I remembered. The flower beds my mother had obsessively tended were still overflowing with color, each bloom meticulously arranged like a living piece of art. The porch, the one I used to sit on for hours, staring at the stars, remained exactly the same.
Everything looked identical.
And yet, I felt like a stranger coming home to a place I no longer belonged
And who is standing right at the entrance? My parents.
The instant I got out of the car, my mom gasped. “Oh my god.”
Next thing I knew, she was squeezing me so tightly I almost lost my footing. My dad came in second, strong arms around us both.
“I’m sorry,” I breathed, my voice breaking. “I should have returned sooner.”
My dad kissed me on the top of the head. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
I stepped back, wiping my eyes. My mom shot me a once-over and frowned. “You’ve lost weight. Are you eating properly?”
“Oh my god, Mom. Please don’t start.”
“You have lost weight,” my dad seconded, ever the co-conspirator. “Perhaps we ought to feed you first.”
Perfect timing: My stomach growled.
Theo’s voice came from the back. “Well, well, well. “Look who finally showed up after half a decade.”
I turned around to see my little brother propped against the porch, arms crossed, smirking like the little menace he was.
“Theo!” I ran over to him, enveloping him in an over-the-top hug. “My favorite sibling!”
“I’m your only sibling,” he said dryly.
“Exactly! And look at you! You’re taller than me now? Rude.”
He rolled his eyes. “You just realized? Damn, sis. Maybe if our visits weren’t once every five years—”
“Alright, alright. I get it. I’m trash. Let’s move on now before my self-esteem as a writer dies.”
Theo grinned. “We’re never moving on. I’m going to squeeze this for years.”
Before I could protest, my mom clapped her hands. “Enough bickering! Lunch is ready.”
I sighed dreamily. “Music to my ears.”
Theo laughed, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “Come on, exile. Time to remind you what real food tastes like.”
I followed him inside, warmth blossoming in my chest. Maybe returning here wasn’t too bad after all.
And then—
A voice I wasn’t prepared to hear sliced through the air.
“Well, well. Well, if it isn’t the great Naomi Carter. Back from the dead.”
My entire body stiffened.
I knew that voice.
I knew it way too well.
And suddenly my past came crashing right back at me.
Marcus' PoVThe loud growl that came from my throat wasn't something I thought about it just happened naturally. Those guys weren't going to get away with messing with Naomi.The red back lights of the black car were getting smaller but my sharp senses made the distance seem small. I was getting closer with every step. The road blurred under my feet the wind yelled in my ears and the only thing that mattered was catching up.I got to them quickly. I jumped my claws out and landed hard on the car's top. The roof bent from how heavy I was. People inside panicked – I heard yelling and the car moved all over the place. Great. They should be scared.I started to chew and scratch at the metal with my teeth and nails tearing off the roof to get to the people hiding inside. This was how I kept my loved ones safe - even if she didn't love me back. I was about to tear the whole roof off when a bright light burst out of the back window.A gunshot.Something hit my left shoulder it hurt a lot and
Naomi's POV“Naomi are you sure about this?” Layla's voice was shaking loudly. I looked at her her hands were tight as she held the car door. “That car... it's still there right?”“Yes Layla it is.” I said my voice steady even though I was getting nervous inside. “I'm sick of being followed all the time. I'm going to figure out who they are and what they want.”I signaled pulling the Porsche Boxster over to a quiet and empty part of the road. The car behind us - a black sedan plain and creepy - slowed down and then stopped a short distance away.“Naomi no! What are you doing?” Layla almost yelled. “We should leave! Now! Please just leave!”I ignored her growing worry taking off my seatbelt.“What's wrong Layla? You're acting like you've seen something scary. I can take care of myself you know that. Even if things get a little heated.” I cracked my fingers trying to seem confident even though I wasn't feeling it.Layla grabbed my arm holding on really tight.“It's not you I'm worried a
Naomi's POVA loud scream cut through the evening air making me jump. I had just gotten out of the car feeling the usual tiredness of a long day of work in my shoulders.“Wow Naomi this car is amazing!” Layla screamed her voice full of really strong excitement.My eyes went where hers did. The red Porsche Boxster sports car a gift from Alpha Logan shone under the streetlights. It still felt strange to own something so fancy. I gave a tired smile.“Hey Layla. Glad you like it.”“I love it! I'm totally into it! We have to try it out right now!” She jumped up and down her eyes sparkling with fun.“Layla I just got home from work. I'm really tired.” I said rubbing my neck. A hot bath sounded way better than going for a wild drive.“Come on Naomi! Just one quick ride. Please? It'll be fun! We can play some music feel the wind... it's a great way to relax after a long day. It's like therapy but with a car.” She was already pulling my arm and she wouldn't give up.“I really don't know Layla.
Naomi's POV“Lunch?” I said suddenly the word floating between us. Had I really just asked my boss Alpha Logan to lunch? I was surprised I'd asked him of all people. He's my boss after all. My face turned bright red and I prepared for him to say no for things to get awkward.Alpha Logan's eyebrows went up a look of surprise crossing his face. I held my breath ready to take it back to say it was a lunch for work anything to fix the situation.“Lunch sounds... great.” he said a real smile spreading across his face. I felt a big relief wash over me all at once.“Really?” I had to ask showing how surprised I was.“Really.” he said his eyes shining. “I'm very hungry. And to be honest I need a rest from Brandon's idea anyway“.He grabbed his keys the sound a comforting familiar thing in the really weird moment.“Let's get out of here.”As we walked through the office I couldn't help but notice the sneaky looks and the smiles that some of the workers gave each other.I tried to ignore them t
Marcus' POVThe door closed behind Alpha Brandon. I leaned back in my chair. That working together... it was something I had to do. A bad thing made slightly better with a small amount of good.Alpha Brandon's idea was simple Glam Parlour and Spectra Style House working together to create designs for the upcoming Luna Festival. A big show of pack unity. A total and complete fake.The truth was I never planned to work fairly with Logan. Spectra Style House was a problem for me a constant competitor that tried to take Glam Parlour's place as the top design house in the area.This team-up wasn't about working together it was about gaining an advantage. A chance to figure out Spectra Style House's flaws to show its weaknesses and to eventually take it down from the inside.I put my fingers together a sneaky look flashing in my eyes. Logan thought he was getting a teammate but he was heading right into a trap. A trap I had set myself.A loud noise outside my door surprised me and stopped m
Logan's POV“What was that Brandon?” I almost shouted once we were far enough away from her office walking down the hall to mine.Brandon acting like he didn't care brushed me off.“What? I was just looking at the nice buildings. Your design company is really improving Logan. I can see why you're so happy.”“Stop playing games with me.” I said sharply stopping in the hallway. A couple of my workers walked around us looking nervous. I spoke softer but still firmly. “You can't just walk into people's offices especially not here. And definitely not making them feel uneasy.”“Uncomfortable?” Brandon raised an eyebrow a smirk on his lips. “Or is it something else Logan?”What was he getting at? I could feel my face getting hot a clear sign I was getting angry.“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked loudly moving closer to him getting in his face.”He laughed and it annoyed me.“Come on Logan. You had to notice how you looked at her. That little gleam of interest in your eyes.” He stopped
Naomi's POVThe noise of the crowd got quieter and sounded like a buzz as I got out of the car. I blinked feeling surprised. People were clapping and cheering. For me?This was only my second day at Spectra Style House. I hadn't done anything special in just sixteen hours of work so why were they treating me like a hero?I looked around a confused smile on my face. What was happening?The crowd moved a little as a woman I kind of recalled her name was Sarah from marketing came up. Her face showed a lot of excitement.“Naomi! We all know what you did!” She said loudly her voice heard over the other cheering people.“Did?” I repeated totally confused. “I... I don't get it.”“The trip!” Another employee a young guy with bright curious eyes spoke up. “The trip across No Man's Land! They said you did it yesterday! By yourself!”My mouth dropped open. The... the drive? Was that what this was about? No Man's Land was just an area with bad roads and a higher chance of rogue attacks not some s
Logan's POVI let out a deep sigh. Alpha Brandon. Redwood Pack. Just saying his name made me feel sick. He was a pain but a important customer of Spectra Style House bringing in a lot of money. But working with him was like moving through thick mud.“What does he want Eli?” I asked trying to sound calm.Eli moved uncomfortably his normal calm attitude changed to a bit of nervousness. “He said it's very important Logan. He wants to talk to you at the office tomorrow first thing.”I rubbed my temples. “Urgent huh? What makes something urgent to Brandon? A new fancy dog collar design? Or maybe he wants his team to wear uniforms with diamonds on them.” I laughed sarcastically.Eli just shrugged “He wasn't specific. Just said he needed to see you as early as possible.”“Okay.” I said leaning back in my chair. “Alright no problem. Tell him I'll be at the office as soon as I can.” I stopped something coming to mind. “Did he say anything else? Anything about who might come with him?” I was th
Naomi's POV“Logan where are we going?” I asked my voice tense. The engine noise was getting on my nerves. We'd been driving for what felt like forever farther and farther into the dark. Trees zoomed by the windows their shadows looking like scary figures on the side.Logan laughed a deep rough sound that didn't make me feel better. “Wait Naomi. It's a surprise.”“A surprise?” I said again my voice getting higher. “Logan I don't like surprises. Especially when they involve being taken and driven to the middle of nowhere.”“Kidnapped? Naomi I would never—”“Then tell me where we're going!” I said angrily my hands tightening into fists in my lap. I still felt hurt from what Marcus did and the thought of being trapped again of having no control made me feel sick.Logan sighed his hands gripped the wheel tighter. “Look I know you don't trust people easily but you can trust me. Okay? I won't hurt you.”“They all say that.” I said quietly feeling very upset.“Who are they Naomi?” Logan aske
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