로그인Abby’s POV “It’s from her old pack… they wanted me to fund a project she had envisioned… a foundation for aged wolves and orphaned children.”I hadn’t asked for an explanation, so I didn’t understand why he was giving one.“It was her idea… something she started before she passed away. Her pack wants to see it through in her memory.”My eyes widened.“Amara’s dead?”He nodded.I blinked, still trying to process it.“I’m sorry about that…” I said quietly. “She helped Clara and me escape. I’ll never forget that.”“Yeah… she told me,” he said. “When I went looking for you there.”I studied him, noticing the way his jaw ticked. Jessica had once mentioned that Amara was his first love.The loss must have stayed with him.I didn’t know why it mattered to me.But it did. And before I could stop it, the question slipped out.“You still love her?”It was a ridiculous question. I knew that.But I needed to hear the answer.He had once punished me for breaking a cup she gave him… even lied abo
Abby’s POV “Mommy, look! It's Gabby's dollhouse!” Amy squealed, running toward a corner of the massive living room that had been transformed into a small play area.A soft mat covered the floor, and a portable projector cast bright cartoons across a wide section of the wall, turning it into a quiet viewing space.I knew this wasn’t part of the hotel’s standard setup. This was deliberate.My gaze shifted.At another corner, a small indoor tent had been set up, draped in soft colourful fabric like a child’s private hideout. Carefully selected toys of different sizes were arranged neatly beside it, as though someone had thought through every detail.I slipped my hand into my back pocket and pressed my lips into a thin line, taking in everything.It wasn’t the setup that unsettled me. It was the thought behind it.Hayden had gone out of his way to do this for them?Amy’s excited voice cut my thoughts short.“Ash!” she called, already kneeling. “Look! It’s Peppa’s car!”Asher didn’t move
Abby’s POV I pretended I wasn’t listening as the kids bombarded Hayden with questions. I wasn’t going to save him from Asher either. He should learn what it takes to handle a child so much like him.But when Asher asked where we were going, Hayden answered.“We’re going to my… apartment.”My brow pulled slightly.What?I thought he would take them somewhere fun—an amusement park, a zoo… something appropriate for their age.Hayden really wasn’t thinking this through.“Your house?” Asher asked immediately. “We’re going to your house?”He smiled faintly. “Not my house. The hotel I’m staying in.”I almost sighed.Not only was he planning to keep my kids indoors like they were guests at a business meeting, but this also meant both of us would be too close to each other.Honestly, I wished Ruby had been well enough to go with them. Asher and Amy kept firing questions at him until he finally pulled into the hotel.It was one of the most luxurious in the city, similar to where we stayed at
Hayden’s POV The door opened, and Asher’s voice came first.“Oh… it’s the bad man again.”That hadn’t changed. Even the few times I came around to the restaurant … he never forgot.He peeked out from behind the leg of the maid that opened the door.The maid greeted me, then stepped aside and walked off, leaving him there.Just the two of us.I exhaled quietly and crouched to his level.Same eyes. Same stare. Too much of me in him to ignore.My jaw tightened for a second before I let it go.“Hey, Asher,” I said, keeping my voice low.He frowned immediately.I let out a small breath and reached for the bag in my hand. I had gotten a few toys yesterday after searching online for things three-year-olds usually liked. Alex had reminded me that Hayes loved racing cars and building blocks… so I hoped Asher would too.“I got you something,” I said gently. “You can have these.”I showed him the toys.He didn’t even look at them properly. “I don’t want,” he said, backing slightly. “You’re bad
Abby’s POV I let out a slow breath as Hayden walked away from the fight. I hadn’t expected that from him. Not with how egotistical he could be.But walking away like that… when he’d been challenged? It tugged at something in me.Relief came first.Derek was reckless for throwing that challenge. He knew he stood no chance against Hayden, not without doing something desperate… something that would break the rules and get him into trouble with the council again.But beneath that relief… something soft and unsettling pulled at me as I stared at the entrance Hayden had just walked out through.“Stay away from her!”Derek’s voice snapped me out of it. He was shouting toward the door, but Hayden had already left with his Beta.My hands clenched at my sides as I turned to him sharply.“What were you thinking? Challenging Hayden to a duel? That wasn’t boldness, Derek… it was stupidity.”His amber eyes locked onto mine, simmering with quiet anger and the hurt he refused to hide.I swallowed.“
Hayden’s POV When Abby gave me permission to see my kids, the tightness in my chest eased… just a little.It should have been enough. But it wasn’t.She’d made it clear, she didn't want us. She only wanted co-parenting, and nothing more.“Thank you… Abby,” I said, the words coming out quieter than I intended.It hurt. It really does more than I let show. But I accepted it.I’d already made that decision. I would respect whatever boundaries she set… even if it cost me more than I was willing to admit.Because the bitter truth was… I didn’t deserve someone like her.If I ever got a second chance at this life, I would find her again. And I would do it right this time.“The kids need to get used to you first before we tell them… you’re their dad,” she said.“No problem,” I replied.“Uhmm… Asher,” she continued, pressing her lips together as if choosing her words carefully. “He’s… a bit difficult. And I think you both started off wrong. It might take time…”I nodded.Of course, I understo
Abby’s POVMy back was on the wet ground as I stared at the silvery sky. “One more!” Josiah said, helping me up. “You seem to be a fast learner, Mrs. Roche.”I groaned as my muscles protested from the rigorous morning training he’d put me through. It was my first official day.But I loved it. I wa
Hayden’s POVAlex, Lucious, and Brian followed me as we drove to the meeting. My fingers tightened around the wheel, already preparing myself for the elders’ opposition. I’d done this dance with them countless times, so this wouldn’t be any different. I was the Alpha. They followed my lead. When w
Hayden’s POV With insane speed, I reached the house, only to walk straight into chaos.Maggie was hiding behind Abby, trembling, while Valentina stood in front of them, her voice sharp and full of fury. She looked ready to tear Maggie apart if Abby hadn’t been blocking her.The other maids hovered
Hayden’s POV“Alright. See you when I get back,” I finally said, breaking the silence Abby seemed so determined to keep.She didn’t look up, didn’t even blink. Just kept eating like I was now an invisible being. I didn’t wait either. I stepped out, slid into my car, and headed for the office. Altho







