Liam pov "Your son's name is Lucas Alexander Matthews",My mom said as she looked at me with disgust. I flirted with a nurse during Grace's labor, pissing everyone off. Mom sighed as she walked off, muttering how stupid I was. I really couldn't remember Grace, though. I headed to the hospital and w
Grace pov Three weeks after giving birth, I stood in the empty living room of my new apartment, Lucas cradled against my chest in a soft wrap carrier. The space was smaller than I had initially hoped for—a modest one-bedroom on the third floor of a converted Victorian house in Silverlake, nearly t
"Sarah, you shouldn't have—" "It's not just from me," Sarah interrupted. "Everyone pitched in—the book club girls, our old colleagues from the library, even Mr. Peterson from the bookstore. They all wanted to help." I felt tears welling up. During my relationship with Liam, I had drifted away fr
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Already? I thought you were taking a break from wolf politics." "It's not about politics," I explained. "It's protocol when a wolf—or in Lucas's case, a wolf's cub—enters another territory. Besides, Lucas will need pack connections as he grows up, even if they're not with
Grace pov Two months had passed since I moved to Silverlake. The apartment finally felt like home, with colorful throws draped over the secondhand furniture, bookshelves lining one wall, and Lucas's toys scattered across the living room floor. The faint scent of lavender hung in the air from the d
"We wanted to," he interrupted firmly. From across the room, Beth's voice called out, "Grace, he's grown so much! He looks just like Liam did at this age." The comparison hung in the air, unavoidable and heavy. I forced a smile. "Would you like some coffee? Or tea?" "Coffee would be wonderful,
I set her coffee cup down with a sharp clink. "There's no mate bond to be stressed. That's the point, isn't it? Liam doesn't remember me, doesn't want me, and is dating a pretty blonde nurse. The bond is effectively broken." "That's not how it works," Alex said quietly. "The bond doesn't break jus
Grace pov I sat in the waiting room of Dr. Evelyn Winters' office, Lucas dozing in his carrier beside me. The office was unlike any medical facility I had visited before—more reminiscent of a cozy living room than a sterile doctor's practice. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and walls painted i
Grace pov Good birthday," she declared with satisfaction. "Everyone's patterns were happy." "Yes, they were," I agreed softly. "Did you enjoy your party?" Sophia nodded sleepily. "The Balance liked it too. And baby brother." Her small hand reached out to touch my belly with surprising gentlene
I accepted the cake gratefully. Pregnancy cravings had given me an unprecedented sweet tooth, much to Sophia's delight. "How's our birthday girl doing?" "Currently explaining to her friends how the presents create a 'harmony pattern' when arranged properly," Liam replied, his expression filled wit
Grace pov **Six Months Later** The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the meadow behind Fireside pack house. Children's laughter filled the air as a small gathering celebrated Sophia's second birthday. The toddler presided over the festivities with a serene dignity that occasionally ga
Sophia considered the question seriously before shaking her head. "Not worry. It's the right pattern. The balance is happy about it." She adjusted another stone slightly, the golden light flowing to illuminate the new configuration. "Five is better than four. Stronger shapes." As if confirming her
I began to protest, but another wave of dizziness—milder this time—reminded me that Elena's medical advice wasn't merely precautionary. My body was indeed adjusting to significant changes, and pushing beyond its limits would serve no one. "Two days," I conceded reluctantly. "But I want regular upd
Grace pov Liam nodded, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Our children were never going to be ordinary, were they? Not with us as parents." I smiled as he looked into my eyes. Lucas was a strong werewolf with Alpha blood, and Sophia was a truth seer. Both were strong as hell.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice slightly hoarse. "You collapsed in the observation gallery," Liam explained, squeezing my hand. "Gave everyone quite a scare, especially the children. Tomas has been asking about you every fifteen minutes." I attempted to sit up, but Elena moved swiftly to prev
Grace pov Two weeks after the Children's Day revelation, the Balance Center hummed with renewed purpose. I had implemented a carefully structured program to continue engaging with the children who had shown connection to the Equilibrium, while the research division refined their understanding of h
Grace pov Liam, ever practical, focused on immediate implications. "How does this affect our response to reality-shapers? Does this expanded connection give the equilibrium greater range or power?" "Not exactly, power," I replied thoughtfully. "More like... expanded awareness. Greater understand