Caspian StormFOUR YEARS LATERI watched Sylas chase after Jared across the training grounds, his small legs pumping as fast as they could go. At four years old, my son was already showing signs of the alpha strength that ran in our bloodline, easily overtaking Ryker's three-year-old boy."Catch me if you can!" Sylas called out, his laughter echoing across the grounds.Ryker jogged after them both, grinning widely. "Slow down, you two. You're wearing out this old man."I couldn't help but smile. Three years ago, when Ryker had found his mate Quinn, none of us could have predicted how perfect she'd be for him. The Moon Goddess had blessed them with Jared just a year later, and watching my beta become a father had been one of the highlights of my life.But when I looked over at Olivia sitting on the grass nearby, my smile faded. She was watching the boys too, but I could see the worry etched across her beautiful face. The same worry that had been there for two days now, ever since the w
Olivia Martins "Push harder, Luna. I can see the head," Doctor Williams said urgently, his hands steady and sure. "One more big push."I gripped Caspian's hand so tight I was probably cutting off his circulation, but he didn't complain. He just kept stroking my sweaty hair back from my forehead with his free hand."You're doing so well, baby," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple. "So strong. I'm so proud of you."The contraction hit like a wave, stealing my breath and making me cry out. Every muscle in my body strained as I pushed with everything I had. I'd never felt pain like this, but underneath it was something else: anticipation, love, and the desperate need to finally meet our baby.Almost there, I thought through the haze. Almost time to meet you."That's it, Luna. Perfect," Doctor Williams encouraged. "I can see more of the head. Your baby's almost here."Caspian's thumb swept across my knuckles, his other hand never stopping its gentle movements through my hair. "I lov
Olivia Martins I woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. Everything hurt. My head, my body, and even my bones felt sore. The room smelled like Caspian—that mix of his cologne and something that I couldn't name. I was in his bed, the same one where he'd lain sick just hours ago.A cool hand pressed against my forehead, and I forced my eyes open to find the witch leaning over me, her face creased in concentration. Instinctively, I recoiled, my body tensing despite its exhaustion. I didn't want her touching me. Not after everything she'd done. This woman had been the cause of so much pain, so much suffering. What was she doing here? What did she want now?"Easy," Caspian's voice came from beside me. His hand found mine, warm and steady. "You're safe now."I turned to look at him. He looked tired but strong. So different from the dying man I'd left behind. My heart squeezed seeing him healthy again, seeing those blue eyes looking at me with love instead of emptiness."How is she?"
Olivia Martins "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM MY MATE!"For a split second, relief flooded through me. Caspian. He was here, alive and breathing, his full alpha strength restored. He looked strong, powerful, nothing like the dying man I'd left behind fighting for his life. But that relief lasted barely a heartbeat before despair crashed over me.Those words. Those exact words. In this exact place.The sense of déjà vu hit me so hard I could barely breathe. My heart shattered all over again as the memory slammed into me. He was standing in this very warehouse, saying those very words, his eyes cold and unrecognizing as he looked at me with hatred. As he protected Bridget. As he chose to kill me for her.My hair fell like a curtain around my face as I looked down at the ground, my body going limp in Bridget's grip. The knife was still at my throat, but I barely felt it now. The pain in my chest was so much worse.Why? I asked the goddess silently, tears blurring my vision. Why are you doing t
Olivia MartinsThe warehouse door creaked as I pushed it open, the sound echoing through the dark space. My steps were quiet on the cold stone floor, each footstep deliberate and measured, but inside my chest, my heart hammered against my ribs. Darius, along with the rest of the guards, wasn't too far behind, waiting for my signal before they attacked.A wave of memories crashed over me as I moved deeper into the darkness. This place, this was where everything had gone wrong. Where Karen had died. Where Bridget had done the unimaginable and stolen our bond, leaving me empty and broken. Where Caspian had forgotten meI glanced to my right, and bile rose in my throat. There, despite the efforts to clean it, was the stain where Karen's blood had pooled. The concrete was darker there, a permanent reminder of Bridget's cruelty. My stomach churned, but I forced myself to focus. I was here for Victoria. I had to stay strong."Victoria?" I called out, my voice carrying through the empty space
Olivia Martins The witch stepped into Caspian's room first, her movements fluid and purposeful, like she'd done this a thousand times before. I stayed right behind her, close enough that I could grab her if she tried anything, my muscles coiled tight with barely restrained tension.Darius and Elizabeth flanked the doorway while Ryker positioned himself near the foot of the bed, all of us forming a protective circle around Caspian's unconscious form. The witch paid us no attention, her focus entirely on the man lying motionless on the bed.She moved to Caspian's side without hesitation, kneeling beside him on the hardwood floor. I shadowed her every movement, my hands clenched into fists so tight my nails bit into my palms. The urge to rip her away from him was almost overwhelming, but I forced myself to stay still.The witch placed her hand lightly over Caspian's chest, feeling the heat that radiated from his skin like a furnace. Her expression remained neutral as she assessed him. T