LOGINDr. Liana looked up at me, then at Malcolm, her expression a mixture of shock and something that looked almost like awe.“Luna…” Her voice trembled slightly. “You’re pregnant.”The world stopped.Malcolm’s hand tightened around mine so hard it almost hurt.“W-what?” I whispered, the word barely audible.“You’re pregnant,” Dr. Liana repeated, more firmly this time. “At least six, maybe seven weeks along. That’s what’s been making you nauseous, exhausted, and strangely emotional—your body has been quietly creating a life, Luna. What a miracle …”I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. The room spun around me, tears began flooding my cheeks. “A baby? Is it… is it actually a baby?”“I wouldn’t say it if there were doubt. This is a pregnancy.” She didn’t rush the answer.“But how is that possible?” My voice trembled. “The doctors at Pearl Harbour said… said I might never be able to have children again—after Iona. And even if it were possible, they said the chances were only twenty perc
Malcolm's grip tightened protectively, but his gaze swept the darkness with predatory focus. He inhaled deeply, his expression turning grave.“Angie... I don't smell anything but rain and exhaust.”The certainty in his voice made my own doubt scream. But the scent was already fading, slipping away like a taunt, leaving only the chilling possibility was the puppet master here, watching, or was my shattered mind now conjuring ghosts“Just get me home,” I breathed, the last of my strength vanishing, along with the scent. But the question, and the fear, lingered, carried in his arms all the way home.Malcolm didn’t argue. He carried me the rest of the way in silence, but I felt his gaze on me the entire drive was studying. Every time I closed my eyes, he squeezing my palms tightly. The moment we reached the mansion, Malcolm laid me gently on the bed, and didn’t leave. Just stood there, arms crossed over his chest.“You’ve been running on fumes since this started,” he said
“Damn. Why did that look so terrifying?” Jane muttered, rubbing the back of her neck like she could scrub away the chill. “Check on her. Now, Malcolm… let’s go,” I urged, already pushing off the wall. But before we could move, Jane’s fingers closed around my wrist. “Wait. Look.” Through the screen, Jennifer lay perfectly still in bed, breathing deep and even, one arm tucked beneath her cheek like a child. As if the violet veins, the snarling, the shattered door had all been a nightmare. “This makes no sense,” Malcolm growled, dragging a hand down his face. I sank back into the nearest chair, the metal cold even through my jacket. “Maybe it’s just the backlash,” I murmured, exhaustion thick in my voice. “Everything that’s been weighing on her… her mind’s finally shutting down to survive.” Jane stayed frozen, staring at Jennifer’s peaceful face. Like a doll someone had carefully tucked in after tearing its seams.Malcolm let out a long, weary sigh and settled his
“Allison, where have you been?” I asked, turning to my twin brother.“I just got back from dropping Lira off at her place,” he said, his tone matter of fact. “Jane sent me to get you. She needs you both in the forensic room.”“Why? Is there a problem?” Malcolm asked, his voice shifting into its Alpha timbre.“They have something to show you, Alpha Malcolm,” Allison replied with a slight shrug. “Seems it's related to the... state they found Margaret's body in. It's pretty grim.”“Right, we'll head there now,” Malcolm said with a nod, his eyes briefly meeting mine.“By the way, Lira isn't hurt, is she?” I asked, placing a hand on Malcolm's arm as he reached for mine.“Lira's fine,” Allison assured me. His tone turned more insistent. “You should really get to the forensic room now. Jane's waiting. Don't keep them any longer.”“Yeah, yeah, okay,” I said, rolling my eyes playfully. “See you later.”“Alright,” Allison said with a shrug. “I'll go catch up with Mom.”Malcolm and I then made o
“How is she?” Mom’s voice cracked like thin ice as she stared through the clinic window.Dr. Liana worked over Jennifer’s still form, her movements sharp with urgency.“Look at her… she’s hollow. Did she lose too much blood?” Mom’s fingers twisted in her Sentinel robes, knuckles bleached white.I could feel the weight crushing her as a senior Sentinel watching her pack unravel, betrayal festering in the shadows we’d trusted.I shook my head, jaw clenched tight enough to ache. “I wish I had answers, Mom.”“Moon Goddess above,” she whispered, shoulders curling inward like a wounded bird. “How did the Black Widow’s den get breached like this?”I exhaled hard, dropping onto a cold metal bench. “This wasn’t your failure. That soul-thief targeted Margaret deliberately. Saw her loneliness as bait, a weak thread to pull until the whole tapestry tore.”Mom sank beside me, her hand finding mine.Her palm was rough from decades guarding our pack, but her grip trembled. “Do you even know who stol
“Ah, you’re here,” Jennifer's head tilted back at a sickening angle. A slow smirk spread across her face, cold enough to freeze my blood. “Malcolm Cole Kensington... how quaint to see you playing the hero in this little drama.”“Jennifer, darling. Let her go. What's happened to you?” Theo lunged, grabbing for her arm, but she shoved him aside as if he were made of paper.“I won't release this pretty little bird... unless her noble mate kneels before me,” she crooned, her head lolling mockingly. “And ends his own story. A fitting final chapter, don't you think?”“What is wrong with you?” Theo growled, staggering to his feet. “You're hurting our Lu—”Malcolm raised his hand, cutting him off. His voice was a low, grave whisper. “Theo. Look at her eyes. That's not Jennifer.”Theo turned, his brow furrowed in confusion and dawning horror, searching Malcolm's face for an explanation he didn't want to understand.“It’s not her!” Shannon shouted, “She possessed by something and attacked Angie







