A Month Later...~Avery~ "Congratulations, Ms. Avery Frost. You are four weeks pregnant," the doctor announced, as she handed me the test results. I found myself frozen in disbelief, my mother at my side. The words seemed to echo in the sterile room, creating ripples of disbelief in their wake. "No, doctor. That's impossible," I protested vehemently, the words tumbling out in a rush of denial. "I... I can't be pregnant." A shadow of concern flickered across the doctor's face, her eyebrows knitting together in a delicate frown. She cast a puzzled glance, between my mother and me. Sensing my distress, my mother reached for the paper the doctor extended, offering a gracious smile in return. "Thank you, doctor," she said softly. She motioned for me to rise and follow her out, but I remained rooted to my seat, grappling with the shocking revelation. It took a gentle nudge from my mother to rouse me from my stupor, her firm hand guiding me out of the doctor's office and i
Five years later... ~King~ Kristopher and I strode into the conference room, our presence casting an immediate hush over the gathered group. Seven pairs of eyes, belonging to four men and three women, all clad in business attire that spoke of power and resolve, turned towards us. Each face was etched with a seriousness that showed the gravity of the situation. I was well aware of the reason for this assembly, and I felt a simmering fury inside me, a tempest barely contained. It seemed like lately, everything only served to fuel my anger. The urge to lash out pulsed through me, but I knew better than to act on it. My knuckles still bore the scars and bandages of recent outbursts. I took my place at the head of the grand oak table. Drawing a deep, steadying breath, I scanned the room, meeting the lowered gazes that avoided my own. The air was thick with unspoken words, waiting to burst forth. The recent passing of my mother had left more than just a void in my heart; it had plunged T
~Avery~ The conference hall bustled with the presence of suited businessmen and women engaging in lively conversation as I entered through the west door, flanked by an imposing entourage of security personnel. A hush fell over the room as I strode toward the podium. All eyes turned toward me, and though nerves threatened to overwhelm me, I plastered on a confident smile to conceal my apprehension. Despite my efforts, I couldn't shake the feeling that many in the audience could sense my anxiety. However, I was resolute, boosted by the silent mantra whispered by my wolf, Tia. 'You've got this, Ave.' Drawing in a deep breath, I allowed my smile to widen. My gaze swept across the room until it rested upon the comforting sight of my mother and Jane, and then on my precious twins, Julian and Julia. Their radiant smiles infused me with the courage I desperately needed. Marrying Alpha Duncan Bells had been a decision primarily made for the sake of my children's future, but I never a
~Avery~ The moment I stepped into the boardroom, faces already seated around the table turned to me with a gravity that told me everything I needed to know. This was serious. My mind raced. What new discovery could they possibly have made about me? Duncan was the only one who truly knew me. He was the only one who knew my good, bad, and ugly. He knew my former mate and knew the pack I had run from. Duncan was the only one who knew my real name. To everyone else in the room, I was Ava Bells. Since Duncan's passing three months ago, the pack had hurled one accusation after another my way, but I stood firm, countering each claim with the strength and resilience I had cultivated over the years. "Mrs. Bells?" My assistant's voice pulled me back to the present, offering me a chair. I took my seat, my gaze locking on Marcus. "I wasn't expecting another meeting after my address. Why wasn't I informed beforehand?" I inquired.Marcus met my stare. "It was impromptu, as I told
~Avery~ "There's no way in hell I'm going back to Silverpine Pack," I stated firmly, pacing back and forth in front of my mother and Jane. "Please, try to stay calm, dear. These are difficult times, and we must handle such matters with care and strategy," Mom advised, her voice a soothing balm in the tense air.I spun around to face my mom, frustration etched in every line of my body. "But not by returning to that pack. Not after the humiliation I went through. And to think I'll have to face King again. What if he plots some sinister scheme against me?" "You're overwhelmed right now, sweetheart. But let's not assume the worst of King. Remember, based on what you've shared after we left the pack, it was Regina who stirred the trouble. Deep down, you know he wouldn't harm you, not in the way you fear. You were both victims," Mom reasoned, her words a gentle reminder of the complexities of our past. "No, he never listened to me. He never loved me. He never wanted
~Avery~ As our vehicle crossed the border of Silverpine, my heart tightened with apprehension. The guards at the border were already aware of our visit, allowing us to pass without delay. Marcus sat across from me in the sleek black limousine, his gaze piercing. I attempted to maintain a composed exterior, concealing my trembling hands beneath my handbag resting on my lap. However, Marcus's keen observation seemed to cut through my facade, igniting a suspicion that he might be aware of the storm of fears swirling within me. I had previously requested Marcus to bring my mother and the children over the following week. My reasoning was to avoid the additional attention our arrival would attract today, especially from the curious eyes of Silverpine's members. I was not yet ready for them to meet my family. "You seem anxious," Marcus remarked, breaking the silence. "Is there any reason I shouldn't be?" I countered, meeting his gaze with a determined look, though my voice
~King~ The boardroom was filled with businessmen and women in smart attires, waiting for the representative from Bells Empire. I couldn't help but notice Kristopher, who seemed unusually distracted, tapping rhythmically on the table. His distraction had been noticeable since yesterday after we had received our special visitor. I guess I was about to find out why he was that way. Just as I wrapped up my thoughts, the door swung open dramatically, capturing everyone's attention. A woman, exuding an air of unmistakable confidence, stepped in, closely followed by an assistant who was carrying her bag and several files. Her entrance was so commanding that it immediately hushed the room. However, it wasn't the sudden quiet or her impressive confidence that froze me in my spot. It was the woman herself. Avery Frost, my long-lost ex, whom I had spent five arduous years searching for across the globe. The very same Avery, who once had nothing, now stood before us, a confident businesswoman
~Avery~ "Mom, there's no 'calming down' here. He embarrassed me in front of everyone. He's arrogant, proud, and just impossible to work with. I don't think I can handle working with him any longer," I vented my frustrations to my mother over the phone, hastily stuffing my clothes into my suitcase.The incident at Thornwood Empire had left me seething. King seemed to have taken it upon himself to infuriate me intentionally. I had hoped for a bit of professionalism since he had been in this company business before me, but instead, he chose to flaunt his arrogance and pride. My mother's attempts at soothing my anger were futile; I could barely contain my frustration. I had already made up my mind that as soon as our call ended, I would call Marcus and tell him that the deal was off and to come and pick me up first thing tomorrow morning. I also planned to relinquish control to Tia and run out of this frustration after that call. Despite my mother's gentle persuasion to take a