EMMELINE’S POVTwo years later;“Lucian, stop running in the house!”I yelled, trying to sound serious, but I was already laughing under my breath. He tore past me like a hurricane in tiny sneakers, curls bouncing, giggles wild and loud like he had the whole sun tucked behind his teeth.I had flour on my cheek, a wooden spoon in one hand, and absolutely no chance of catching him unless I planned on sprinting through the living room in fuzzy socks. Which, at this point, was tempting.Cedric caught him first, of course. Strong arms scooping him up mid-sprint like he’d done it a thousand times before.“Gotcha,” he chuckled, lifting Lucian high above his head as the little boy shrieked with delight.“Daddy, I was winning!” Lucian pouted dramatically, his arms flopping in the air.“You were,” Cedric agreed with a soft smile. “But Mama said slow down, and we listen to Mama.”Lucian scrunched his nose and mumbled something about unfair rules.I just shook my head, walking over and brushing a
EMMELINE'S POVThe oppressive scent of herbs assaulted my nose. I was definitely in the infirmary. But it looked larger than I remembered.This was the Rogue Pack. That meant… I made it back.My heart swelled with excitement.In no time, I watched my mate rush in. Disbelief and shock danced across his face. I never thought I would see this face again.I wanted to jump into his arms, but I could barely move.He had grown out his moustache. His eyes looked so tired, but he still looked as breathtaking as ever."Is this a dream?" he whispered, his voice trembling as tears filled his eyes. He took hesitant steps forward. "Emmeline, is this you?"I nodded as tears ran down my cheeks. "Ce...dric," I managed to croak out. My voice sounded so dry, so unfamiliar.He pulled me into his arms without hesitation. "Thank the goddess... I thought I would never see you again."I leaned into his touch, breathing in the scent I had longed for. "I was so alone and scared, mate. I thought I would never s
CEDRIC POV “So, what is wrong with her?” I asked, desperately breathing over his neck.The Warlock, Mr. Harold, turned to me with a deep sigh. A look I had grown used to over the months.“I am afraid I can't help, Alpha,” he muttered, his voice low as he turned away from me back to my unconscious mate. “Her soul isn't here anymore.”I gritted my teeth. “What are you implying?”“This might be a hard pill to swallow, but she will never wake up. I suggest you move on,” he said.I scoffed bitterly. “You must be insane to utter such absurd words.”He looked completely unfazed by my insult. “Take my word for it,” he said, pointing to Emmeline. “She will never wake—”My fist collided with his jaw. Hard. It cracked beneath the force.“Don't you dare,” I screamed in his face. Before he could react, he raised a shimmering shield, and a magnetic force slammed me back against the wall.I grunted as pain seared down my spine. I tried to move, but he pinned me there with sheer energy.“If I were y
Cedric POV Three Months LaterIt’s been three months since the war, and the werewolves are still recovering. The witches’ and Devlin’s attack left a scar across Elton that only time can heal.Many packs dissolved. There were barely any Alphas left standing. That brought me into the picture.More werewolves than I expected joined my pack, making it the largest in Elton. Even the ones who weren’t under my direct command still answered to me.I was the leader.Because I’m the strongest wolf.Everyone’s still mourning the loss of their loved ones. Even Lord Venus and General Lal were killed during the witches’ siege.And Grace… she was paraded through Elgin as a traitor before the rogues tore her apart.I felt no sympathy. She got what she deserved.I made a tombstone for Aurora. The demons killed her, but at least she died fighting for something good. Something worth remembering.Over the past few months, I’ve searched far and wide for help—Emmeline is still unconscious.The physician s
*****Cedric POV*****I watched her eyes flutter shut, and her chest fall still.No rise. No breath. No heartbeat.This couldn’t be happening.“Emmeline!” I shouted, my voice cracking as I shook her limp body. “Wake up. Baby, please... wake up.”Nothing.Her skin was already cooling, her lips turning pale. The silence where her heartbeat used to be tore something loose inside me.“Don’t do this. Not now. Not like this,” I whispered, pressing my forehead against hers. “We were supposed to raise him together. You promised…”But she was still. Cold. Gone.Lucian’s cries pierced the air behind me—sharp, helpless little sounds. My baby boy. Barely a day old, and already bathed in death.And it was all because of him.I turned slowly, my jaw clenched so tight it hurt.Devlin stood a few feet away, casually watching like it meant nothing. His face was blank. Not a flicker of remorse.“If you’d just given me the baby,” he said, shrugging, “I would’ve let her live.”A grin played on his lips. M
***EMMELINE'S POV***My baby boy was just yanked away from me before I even had the chance to look at his face.He had such a cruel fate. Barely born, and already marked for death.Hot tears streamed down my face.“Emmeline, please pull yourself together,” Juliet begged as she dragged me to the bathtub. She helped wash the blood off my body, but I was too shaken and exhausted to even move.“My baby…” I sobbed, clutching my stomach. Grace hadn't even let me hold him.Oh, the heavens were so cruel to me.Juliet rubbed my back tenderly, trying to console me. “I promise we’ll get him back.”It was impossible. Devlin had him already.“Our lives are over!” I pushed her hands away.Grace stormed into the bathroom. “Enough of the drama. Get your asses up!”Juliet stepped in front of me protectively. “One more step and I’ll rip you apart. Don’t test me.”Grace chuckled darkly. “Try me, Juliet. I’ll make sure your body is scattered across Elton for the vultures.”I scoffed bitterly and pushed m