******Five years later******
Catherine's POV "Miss, stop peeking at us, or I'll get angry." A cute boy said as he looked at the female werewolf who was leaning against a tree nearby to have a rest. The boy was my son, Noah Wyatt. His serious look amused those rogues around us who were resting. "Noah, relax." I gently stroked my son's hair and held my daughter closer to me. Five years ago, I became an rogue after being kicked out of my pack by my father, the Alpha. Later, I found myself pregnant. Fortunately, a friend of my mother, Mabel Erich, lent me a hand. However, I couldn't join her pack because of my father. With Mabel's care, I gave birth to my twins, Noah and Hedwig. "Mommy, are you tired? You can take a nap, and I will watch you with Noah." Hedwig looked at me with her big eyes. Noah and Hedwig were very cute. Noah was older than Hedwig. Young as he was, he was more mature than those of his age. He had a clever face with wise bright eyes. As for Hedwig, she looked lovely with fair skin. Because of them, we could easily get help when we met other rogues. This time, I teamed up with some rogues to participate in the mating gathering in Shadow Forest. Not all rogues were born lone wolves. Some of them were forced to become rogues because their packs had been wiped out. They longed to return to the packs and live a stable life. There would be a lot of wolves at the mating gathering every year. Thus, many rogues came here to see if they could meet their mates or persuade an Alpha to take them in. For the past five years, I had been living far away from New Jersey, away from my father's pack. I had so many bad memories there. This time, I came back just to look for the missing necklace given by my mother. In addition, Noah and Hedwig were old enough for school now. Although I had a job in Pennsylvania, I still hoped that Noah and Hedwig could study in a werewolf school. After all, they were both werewolves. However, no werewolf schools would accept rogues' children. For this reason, I had to join a wolf pack. Although I was a single rogue with two children, I believed that some packs would take us in because they wanted more cubs. Half an hour later, I decided the break was over and we set off on our journey again. "Mommy, can't we rest a little longer?" Hedwig took my hand and asked in a cute voice. "Hedwig, this forest doesn't belong to any pack. It is not safe, so we need to leave as soon as possible," I kissed my daughter on the cheek and said. "Mommy, you're so pitiful. You took care of us all night and didn't sleep at all." Hedwig had a concerned look on her chubby face. "Hedwig, since you know what Mommy did for us, don't make Mommy angry again. Get it?" Noah stroked Hedwig's head and said like an adult. "Sure! I'll be good!" A sweet smile spread across Hedwig's face. I felt both happy and guilty as Noah and Hedwig were so thoughtful. We walked forward for another half an hour and finally left the strange forest. Looking at the familiar scenery in front of us, I couldn't help but give an exclamation in my heart. 'It's been five years, and I'm finally back.' I looked down at the two children and felt as if I had a dream. "Let's go to Mabel's place now." I stood at the roadside with a suitcase in my hand. Soon, I saw a car coming over. The car pulled over in front of us. A middle-aged man got out of the car and greeted me with a smile. The man said, "Are you Catherine? I am Carl. Mabel asked me to pick you up. You won't be able to pass the pack's inspection without my car." I nodded with a smile and said to Carl, "Yes, I am Catherine. Thank you!" Carl gave a hearty laugh and put my luggage in the car. At the sight of Noah and Hedwig, Carl immediately showed his affection for them. "You two must be Noah and Hedwig! You look so adorable." Hearing Carl's praise, I couldn't help but look at Noah and Hedwig. Indeed, Noah and Hedwig had good genes. They were like two peas in a pod. Noah was handsome, and Hedwig was sweet. Moreover, they had one thing in common: both their features were perfect. I couldn't help but touch my face. I always felt that the kids didn't take after me. It seemed that they inherited their genes mostly from their father. At the thought of their father, I broke out in a cold sweat. That man had become my nightmare. "Mommy, what are you thinking about?" The two children were so lively and energetic that they kept talking even in the car. Fortunately, Carl liked children. He was listening to Hedwig talk about what she had seen in Pennsylvania. I breathed a sigh of relief and looked out of the window. Suddenly, I saw a familiar face on the billboards along the road. It was Gina. During the five years, Gina seemed to have good luck and had become a famous star in New Jersey. It was incredible because Gina wasn't outstanding even among the werewolves. I looked at the description of Gina on the billboard: pure and sweet. What the fuck? When I was in the Black Moon Pack, I had heard that Gina had seduced many mateless werewolves. How could Gina be pure and sweet? This reminded me of my father. Life was unfair. My parents were Alpha and Luna, but I became a rogue and couldn't even give my children a stable life. I couldn't help but hold my kids more tightly. Noah and Hedwig seemed to be a little tired. They snuggled up against my arms and looked drowsy. In a few minutes, Hedwig drifted into sleep. I listened to her even breathing and looked at Noah. Though Noah was tired too, he prevented himself from falling asleep. He was truly a good boy. I knew he was just worried that I would be worn out. "Mommy, the building is so high!" Noah suddenly pointed at a tall building through the window and shouted in curiosity. I looked over and indeed saw a skyscraper. Located in Sayreville, Shadow Forest was just a town in New Jersey, although it was not far from New York. Thus, such a tall building was rare here. "Oh, that's the branch of the Chavez Group in Sayreville. Tell you a secret, the Chavez Group belongs to the new Lycan King, and the headquarters is said to be in New York." Carl, who was driving, glanced out of the window and explained to us. "If only I could go in and take a look." Noah stared at the building with an innocent look and reluctantly took his eyes off it. I laughed, "The royal family members work there, so that's not a place for visitors." Noah stared at me and pursed his lips, looking a little upset.Once inside the car, Cedrick turned to Jessica. "You didn't tell your mom about this, did you?""Nope. Don't feel like it." Jessica's face was tense. She stared out the window, avoiding his deep gaze.Cedrick knew she was being stubborn. He gently patted her hair. "Then don't. No need to worry her.""Cedrick, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to snap," Jessica realized she was being moody and apologized softly."Shh, I get it. Let's drop it. Where you headed now? I'll drive you." Cedrick just wanted to make sure she wasn't mad at him. With a light laugh, he asked where she was going."Set, of course. You can drop me off there." Jessica no longer worried about being spotted by reporters. Her relationship with Cedrick was already public."Works for me." Cedrick skipped the company morning meeting. His whole morning was hers.As they drove toward the set, Jessica blurted out, "Cedrick, what if your mom's against us? What'll we do?"She'd bee
"Quit your nonsense! Do you have any idea what you're talking about? They aren't even distant relatives! There's a world of difference between their statuses!" Tabitha slapped his hand away and stormed out of the room.Benjamin frowned, thinking to himself that Cedrick was in deep trouble.He had anticipated this day, but it came sooner than expected.He hoped Cedrick's love for Jessica was strong enough to weather this storm.But Benjamin was in a tough spot. On one side was his beloved elder brother, and on the other, his respected mother. Who should he side with? It was a dilemma.After brushing his teeth and getting dressed, Benjamin went downstairs. Tabitha was sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast with a sullen expression."Mom, have you seen Cedrick?" Benjamin quickly took a seat and started eating."I went to find him last night and ran into Jessica. She must have been upset by what I said and left in a huff. If she ca
Moira, of course, knew that Sunny had gone abroad, but she couldn't just tell him outright."Has she gone missing? That's strange, where could she have gone?" Moira feigned surprise."Even you don't know where she is? She didn't tell you where she was headed recently?" Leo's heart sank further, sensing something was amiss."She didn't mention it. Oh, right, she told me she wanted to visit my mother," Moira hastily thought of a way to buy time."Where's your hometown? Do you have a phone number? Can you give her a call?" Leo frowned, wondering if the woman had really returned to her hometown without a word."I know where it is. Boss, if you want to go, I can show you the way!" Tasha interjected excitedly, seeing an opportunity to involve herself.Moira shook her head. "My mother is old and doesn't use a phone. If Sunny's phone isn't reachable, maybe she just forgot to charge it. Why don't you wait a bit longer?""I can't wait any longe
"She's not that foolish!" Leo sneered, convinced that Sunny wouldn't commit suicide.Leo stepped out of the bedroom and opened the refrigerator, only to find it empty.With Sunny gone, it seemed his passion for life had left with her.When she lived here, she always kept the fridge stocked, filling it to the brim whether the items were useful or not.Now, the empty fridge mirrored his hollow heart.Originally planning to have breakfast at home, Leo realized he'd have to eat out.He returned to single life, waking up alone and heading to work by himself.At a red light, seeing a cheerful couple in the car beside him, Leo felt a pang of envy and frustration.Love had made him vulnerable, unable to withstand such reminders.As Leo approached the company, a sudden impulse struck him.He slammed on the brakes, made a sharp turn at the next intersection, and headed toward the coast.The coastal scenery along the
Tabitha's face turned blank. Her eldest son, who had never raised his voice to her, was now speaking to her in such a tone.Tears welled up in her eyes as she grabbed her bag. "It seems my trip here was in vain. I'll go talk to Benjamin. I can't control you anymore!""Mom..."Cedrick snapped out of his shock and tried to stop her, but Tabitha was already gone.Jessica returned home, opened the door with her key, and froze at the sight of her mother sleeping on the living room sofa.Veronica was curled up, fast asleep, without a blanket, just hugging herself tightly.Jessica's heart ached. She couldn't believe her mother was sleeping on the sofa—it must be cold.Her eyes brimming with emotion, Jessica rushed to her bedroom to fetch a blanket. As she returned to cover her mother, she accidentally woke her.Veronica bolted awake, her guard up. Seeing her daughter's face, she sat up in surprise. "Jess, why are you back? What
Blame lay solely on Cedrick's secrecy.His mother had rushed here upon learning he had a girlfriend."Mom, please don't be angry. I know I was wrong to keep this from you. I'm sorry."Cedrick had been thoughtful and easygoing since he was a child. He was the kind of kid that adults could trust. Tabitha had always been proud of him.Tabitha's anger stemmed partly from Cedrick's maturity and discretion. He had kept his relationship hidden, a sign of independence that now made him difficult to control."Why apologize? I'm asking you, with so many women out there, why did you choose her? She's just a child, not even an adult!"Tabitha was also upset by Jessica's young age, deeming her unsuitable for marriage.While she thought Cedrick was excellent, their age gap was too big.Cedrick's face flushed as he admitted, "She is of age, nineteen years old.""Nineteen? That's so young! At your age, she should be in school, not datin