Cassieโs POV"Is this about kissing that girl in the elevator?" Derekโs voice was sharp, as if trying to defend himself. "Iโve already explained; what more do I need to say to show you that I didnโt mean to hurt or disappoint you? I fired her. Sheโs not allowed near me again." His words were harsh, and I flinched at their intensity."Who said I was hurt?" I retorted, struggling to keep my composure. "Iโm fine. Youโre freeโsingle, with a life to cherish. You should appreciate your time and effort. Iโm just a secretary, someone youโve known for a few months. It doesnโt make sense that youโre still investing time and energy into someone like me. Iโm a single mother, Derek, and I donโt fit into your life or everything you have. I believe someone far better suited to you will come along in the future."I tried to push him away with my words, but the act of saying them hurt more than I expected."Iโll let you go for now," he said, his voice softening, "but that doesnโt mean Iโll stop pursuin
Cassieโs POVI was the sole reason Derek had left, the woman who had driven him away and made him promise never to contact me again. Strangely, this seemed to make it easier for me to move on, rather than clinging to a glimmer of hope.He never reached out to me again, and he never sought me out. Part of me had hoped he would come after me, but that never happened.Now, I was focused on starting anew. I arrived at my new workplace with the hope of a fresh beginning. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a smiling guard. Angel, who had started a few weeks ago, was away running errands at another branch, so she wasnโt there to welcome me.It would have been a lie to say I wasnโt nervous. Despite being a werewolf, I felt as pale as a vampire. But it was now or neverโeither I would make this work, or I would falter. I hoped my new employer would be far better than Derek. I had learned my lesson the hard way and now knew where to draw the line.I entered the elevator, seeking comfort in the
Cassieโs POVI thought my new job would be more chaotic than the last one, but it turned out I encountered another unique and challenging supervisor. Dale is undeniably eccentric, but to my surprise, heโs far superior to Derek.Dale embodies all the legendary vampire traits one might expect. Heโs tall and pale with dark raven-colored hair, sharp jawline, and almond eyes. His red, moist lips and captivating presence make him devilishly attractive, just like in vampire tales and movies."You know, Ms. Cassie," he said with a smirk, "you should confess what you really feel about me." He lounged at his desk, casually eating red apples and doing nothing. As aggravating as he could be, I knew he wasnโt alone."Shut up, jerk. If you keep talking like that, Iโll call Alice," I warned him. He laughed. Yes, I had met his human mate, Alice, who was truly wonderful. At least I didnโt have to worry about relationship troubles with him."Youโve been working here for a month," he continued, a peculia
Cassieโs POV"Ah, thatโs a different story," Dale said with a smirk. "Sheโs one of the sassiest and most annoying people Iโve ever met, but sheโs also very competent." I was flattered by his assessment."Are we able to bargain?" he proposed, locking his gaze on me."Of course!" I responded, surprised at my own eagerness.Dale vanished from the room in an instant, leaving Derek with a wide grin. However, my concern remainedโDerek looked emaciated, exhausted, and in poor health."You need to start taking better care of yourself," I said, unable to mask my frustration. "I canโt believe youโve let yourself get like this. Youโve always been someone who valued his health.""Of course," Derek murmured, his voice heavy with longing. "As long as youโre by my side, Iโll always have a reason to do well.""Have you eaten anything?" I asked, noticing his shaky response. I promptly ordered food, determined that he would eat well, regardless of the cost.When the food arrived, Derek devoured it quick
Cassieโs POVThey settled into the living area and started watching an action-packed movie. Iโm not a fan of those; just seeing bullets and knives makes my teeth ache. I guess Iโm still a bit traumatized from my days as a pack fighter, where hunters with silver weapons frequently injured me.Anyway, Iโm in the kitchen preparing some dishes. Inspired by my dream, Iโm making some of Kaidenโs favorite foodsโmeat-heavy with just a few vegetables."Your lunch is ready, boys!" I called out. "Please come and pause the movie for a bit."If you hadnโt noticed, Derek and Charlie have quite similar personalities. My son seems as perceptive as Derek. Or perhaps itโs just that Derekโs carefree side reminds me of Kaidenโs when he was with me...They sat down to eat and dove into their meals so quickly that they nearly choked."Slow down, gentlemen. Thereโs plenty of food," I reminded them."This is absolutely delicious!" Derek exclaimed, clearly pleased with the meal. His enjoyment warmed my heart.
Cassieโs POVWe went into Derek's office to discuss the project plan. As for my boss, Dale, he's probably resting in his coffin or spending time with his mate. I should be focused on work, but Derek never lets me go and constantly clings to me, hugging me tightly."How are we supposed to finish this?" I asked, trying to focus despite his clinginess. Is he even a werewolf? He seems to be constantly sniffing me."Just let me have my rest; youโre charging me up and putting me on rest," he murmured sleepily. This guy...Suddenly, someone knocked on the door, and I was so startled and embarrassed that I nearly pushed Derek away. I quickly apologized."Mr. Derek! Your secretary is dead!" the messenger exclaimed. Derek looked horrified, and I was equally shocked. The rude lady was dead? How?We rushed to the restroom, and if I werenโt accustomed to gruesome sights, I might have been sick right then. The womanโs body was brutally mutilated, with broken bones and blood staining the white floor.
Cassieโs POV"Thatโs just a puppet," I muttered to myself. Whoever that witch is, sheโs powerful enough to create a puppet of that caliber. This is more alarming than I thought.When I got home, Derek, Art, and my son Charlie were waiting for me. They looked worried, but little did they know, Iโm stronger than they realize. Iโm not just a simple womanโIโm a pack warrior."I should have driven and picked you up," Derek said, clearly concerned."Iโm fine; whoever the suspect is, she canโt harm me," I reassured him. True, but it didnโt mean I should let my guard down.To prevent them from questioning me further, I cooked dinner and served them a hearty meal. Art decided to stay with us for a while. As a retired military officer, he assured us that weโd be safe with him around.The three of them are now asleep. My apartment isnโt spacious, so we all set up our beds in the living room.I stayed awake, as I donโt need to sleep. Being a nocturnal creature has its advantages. To ensure maximum
Cassieโs POV"You! I will not let you see the sunlight! This will be your resting place, and I will make you both taste what true agony feels like!" she cursed, her voice dripping with malevolence.The battle intensified, and despite our efforts, the sheer number and strength of the puppets felt overwhelming. I struggled with fatigue, realizing it had been far too long since I last fought in earnest. But I pressed on, determined to protect those I cared about.Dale signaled he was about to execute our plan. As the puppets armed with silver knives closed in on me, we played into the witchโs expectations, creating an opening for Dale. Suddenly, she screamed in agony as Daleโs blade found its mark."Ah!" she cried out, spewing green blood. It became clear she was no mere puppet but a powerful entity in her own right."How!" she gasped in disbelief."You were so focused on attacking me that you failed to notice Daleโs illusion," I taunted, savoring her anguish. "He was fighting your puppet
Cassieโs POVThe day Derek and Dax accepted their new roles as both humans and werewolves marked a significant turning point. My father, my brothers, and I took it upon ourselves to teach them about our cultureโwhat is right and wrong, the taboos, and the essence of being a werewolf: our love for the moon, our bond with the forest, and our partnership with nature.Recently, the attacks have become more frequent, and itโs clear that we need to relocate for real. Xander and his supporters are sending threats and unleashing dangerous creatures with one goal in mind: to kill me and those I care about. This is something I will never allow. I love my family, especially my only son and the two men who have taught me a new definition of love. I refuse to repeat the mistakes of the past.Xander should brace himself because he wonโt know whatโs coming. I plan to personally see to it that he pays for his actions. A man like him deserves no mercy. Driven by jealousy, he murdered his own brother, w
Cassieโs POV"What! But you should assist me!" the vampire shouted, clearly agitated. At that moment, I could barely tolerate his presence."If I hear you spreading unnecessary information about me to Dax, Derek, or anyone else, I swear itโll be the last thing you do. Iโm not joking," I warned him."What?! I didnโt say anything," he protested, though I could see through his feigned innocence. I knew Dax wouldnโt lie to me; he had no reason to."Huh, so youโre the one who mentioned that my life is in danger and that they should protect me?" I asked. "They donโt need to be involved in this. This is my battle, not theirs. But since youโve already spoken out, I have to address it.""I think itโs better for them to be aware. The more they know, the harder it will be for them to lower their guard. This isnโt just about your past or your personal conflict. Once they start caring about you, theyโre already involved," he said. He made a good point, even if it annoyed me."But I donโt want to i
Cassieโs POV"Letโs take a break, son," I suggested, noticing we had been practicing for almost three hours. It was time for some rest."Mom," Charlie said, his smile brightening as he looked out at the expansive woodland. "Youโre growing up, and I feel like Iโm not doing a great job as your mother," I admitted honestly. I felt I wasnโt fulfilling my role as a mother to my beloved son, Charlie.My son wiped away my tears, kissed them, and gave me a reassuring grin. "Mom, you donโt have to apologize. Thereโs nothing to apologize for. I love you, and I appreciate everything you do for me. If I have a mom in my next life, Iโd choose you over and over again," he said, causing me to cry even more."Please stop crying, Mom. I promised Dad Iโd protect you and make sure youโre happy no matter what," he continued. It amazed me how mature he had become so quickly. I felt my age more keenly at that moment."You promised that to your father, but I promise to protect you no matter what as well. So
Cassieโs POVMy eyes were tired from crying and staying up too late. I wasnโt feeling well and decided it was the right time to request a leave of absence. Despite werewolves typically having excellent stamina and health, weโre not invincible. Like all creatures, we have our weaknesses. For werewolves, a fragile heart can be our downfall, and right now, mine felt incredibly delicate.I was struggling with emotional sickness again, feeling so heavy and weak that I couldnโt get out of bed. The cold was a result of my forgetting to close the window last night. I asked Angel to cover my schedule for the time being, promising to return the favor. I was grateful she agreed, but my severe headache was making me extremely lethargic."Mom," Charlie knocked gently on the door. I told him to come in."Are you sick, Mom?" he asked, brushing his hand against my forehead. His concern touched me deeply, but I didnโt want him to worry too much. I had to remind myself that I was strong."Iโm fine, swee
Cassieโs POVAfter leaving work, I decided to do some grocery shopping. I was still a bit taken aback by Dax becoming my new boss, but I understood what Angel and Dale meant. Dax was someone kind and close to my heart, and I completely agreed with that. I actually liked the idea of him being my bossโthank goodness."Angel, Iโm so shocked to learn everything," I said, while Damon pushed our cart loaded with vegetables, fruits, and various types of meat. My new condominium unit was three times as large as the previous one, and I needed to restock supplies and prepare dinner. My son was growing so fast that he needed a lot of nutrients."Yeah, Dax knows you dislike surprises, but he was worried that if you found out heโd be your new boss, you might leave or disagree," Angel murmured. I looked at her in disbelief."Why would I do that?" I asked. Dax was a great guy whom I trusted, and I knew heโd treat me well, so I couldnโt see any reason for me to be against having him as my new boss."W
Daxโs POV"So, youโre the real owner of the company, huh? All along, Dale was just your proxy. What made you decide to reveal this now?" Derek asked, his voice laden with curiosity and a hint of suspicion. We were seated in our usual cafรฉ, a cozy place with a warm ambiance that had become our go-to spot for conversations about our complex lives.I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. The truth was that my main reason for taking on the position was to spend more time with Cassie. It was something I hadn't fully admitted before, but it was time to come clean. Since we had agreed to share our feelings with Cassie equally, there was no point in hiding anything from Derek anymore."Well, itโs primarily because I wanted to spend more time with Cassie. But also, I wanted the financial resources and influence to spoil Cassie and Charlie just like you do," I confessed in one breath. The words tumbled out before I could second-guess them. Derekโs reaction was immediate; he spilled his coffee
Cassieโs POVI took a cab to the company building, feeling a surge of anxiety as I arrived. I almost backed out. It was frustrating that they had kept my new boss a secret. I had already made it clear how much I disliked surprises.As I entered the elevator, I silently prayed to the goddess that my boss would be someone I could tolerateโsomeone friendly and serious about work, and not a creep, as that would test my patience.When I reached the top floor and stood in front of the boss's office, my nerves were on edge. I had faced many challenges in my life; this should be manageable.To my surprise, Dax was sitting in the CEOโs swivel chair. Dressed in a sharp suit, he looked dazzling and charming. I couldnโt help but blush, realizing I had been staring at him longer than I intended."Dax, what are you doing here? And I must say, you look fantastic in that suit," I remarked, genuinely admiring his appearance.Dax scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "The truth i
Cassieโs POV"But what about my brother and dad? I donโt want to move too far from them," I said, voicing my concern. Marcus, ever confident, chuckled."Weโre moving as well, so donโt be sad. I know youโll miss your handsome brothers," Marcus said, his arrogance shining through."Whatever, Marcus. But I can sense that Derek owns that condo building, doesnโt he?" I said, having uncovered their plan. They must have anticipated Iโd be hesitant."Donโt worry, Iโm not angry. Although, I do plan to give Dale a hard time for lying to me so much today," I said, glaring at the sneaky vampire hiding behind my son."I can help with that," Derek offered, raising his hand."You traitor! This was all your idea," Dale said, feigning tears.I decided to ignore the further discussion. Daleโs chatter was giving me a headache. It was time to open my gifts. The important people in my life had given me a very comfortable chair, and they lined up to present their gifts. My sonโs gift was especially touching
Cassieโs POV"Itโs alright, donโt be upset," I reassured Derek, trying to ease his mood. "Tonight is my birthday, and I want everyone to share in my happiness. This moment is incredibly special to me." It seemed I had managed to bring a smile to his face. Derek, with his intense and sometimes risky demeanor, also had a softer, more vulnerable side that I had come to appreciate."How about me?" Dax asked, looking as if he didnโt want to be left out. His puppy-dog eyes made me smile. I patted his head affectionately. "Good boy. Now, shall we eat? Iโm starving," I said, and they guided me to our table."Mom!" Charlieโs voice cut through my thoughts. He looked incredibly handsome in his white suit. "My son looks dashing!" I exclaimed. "You may be young, but your smile can capture anyoneโs heart." He blushed at my compliment."Mom, youโre beautiful too," Charlie said, handing me a small box. "I hope you like this." I was deeply touched. It reminded me of the times when Kaiden and Charlie wo