(Grace's POV)I listened to William Stone's conversation with my mate and almost let out a bitter laugh. The irony was too much to bear. Olivia and Ethan had only met after I was already mated to him. She knew about our bond from the beginning.I refused to believe William didn't know that Ethan was the mate of his other daughter—his first daughter. Me. He must know. Yet he shamelessly continued to push Olivia and Ethan together, treating her as if she were the rightful Luna. It showed just how completely indifferent he was toward me."From now on, please do me the favor of looking after her more," William said, his voice carrying that fatherly concern he'd never once shown me.I pressed my back against the wall, out of sight but still able to hear every word."Of course," Ethan replied, his tone warm and accommodating. "Swift is always welcome in Silvercliff territory."My chest tightened. That warmth in his voice—I hadn't heard it directed at me in years.Ethan agreed to Wil
(Victoria's POV)I watched Grace carefully as she sat beside Ethan at our family dinner. That girl was simply not assertive enough. Too submissive, too indulgent toward my grandson. For years, I'd tried to strengthen their mating bond, creating opportunities for them to reconnect, but nothing seemed to work.Grace had missed so many chances to solidify her position as Luna. Now, I feared it might be too late.The poor dear looked thinner than ever tonight. Her once vibrant green eyes seemed dimmed, her shoulders slightly hunched as if carrying an invisible weight. When she mentioned resigning from Silvercliff medical technology enterprises, I felt a pang of concern. Where would she go? What was she planning?My grandson wasn't helping matters. Ethan had arrived late as usual, barely acknowledging his mate before taking his seat. The distance between them felt like a physical presence at our table.I sighed, watching as Grace quietly served tea. Such a gentle soul, but perhaps too
(Grace's POV)It was Tiffany Silver's voice. I looked toward the source of the sound under the dim garden lights. There they were - Tiffany and Ethan. My footsteps faltered as I took in the scene. Ethan was smoking, something he rarely did except when deeply troubled. He didn't answer his sister, just stared out into the darkness of the garden with cold detachment.I pressed myself against the wall, hidden in the shadows. My heart pounded against my ribs. I shouldn't eavesdrop, but my feet refused to move.Sister Tiffany stepped forward under the porch lights, her voice carrying a clipped courtesy that barely masked her frustration. The light caught the hard edges of her face."Actually, I can understand your interest. I've met Olivia Stone a few times," she said, her tone measured but sharp. "At only twenty-five, she already has a doctorate from Timber University, handles her family's pack business, is beautiful, wild, and untamed."My heart clenched painfully in my chest. Each
(Emma's POV)I couldn't stop thinking about tonight's territory races. Just imagining Aunt Liv in her cool racing gear made my spirits lift instantly. I quickly changed into my tactical camouflage outfit that Aunt Liv had picked out for me. It was my absolute favorite.After getting dressed, I grabbed my phone and checked it for the hundredth time. Still nothing.I frowned at my screen. Every morning without fail, I sent Aunt Liv a good-morning text, and she always replied almost immediately. That was our special routine. But today was different. I'd already washed up and was heading downstairs, and she still hadn't answered.My stomach twisted with worry. Was she upset with me? I hastily typed another message: "Aunt Liv, what's wrong? Are you mad at me? You know I don't want Mama to take me to school. I like you so much—please don't be upset, okay?"Minutes passed with no reply. My anxiety turned to irritation when Mama called from the top of the stairs."Emmy? Are you ready? Br
(Third-person's POV)Clara Fletcher stood in the pack school yard, her pastel pink dress fluttering in the morning breeze. Until Emma Silver's voice cut through the air like a knife."So delicate, so pink—ugly and disgusting!"The words hung in the air, sharper than any physical blow. Clara's lower lip trembled as the cruel assessment sank in. Her eyes welled with tears that spilled down her rosy cheeks.With a sob, she rushed to Grace and wrapped her small arms around the Luna's waist. Her little body shook with each heartbroken cry.The pack of young werewolves froze, uncertain how to react to this display between a child and their Luna. Some shifted uncomfortably, while others watched with undisguised curiosity.Grace knelt down, her movements gentle as she swept Clara's damp hair back from her forehead. "No, Clara, you are not disgusting at all. You're beautiful and adorable—don't you think so?"Emma watched from a few feet away, her own eyes bright with unshed tears. The
(Third-person's POV)Emma's face lit up as she rattled off her favorite foods, her earlier sullenness completely forgotten."I want venison steak! And those little honey cakes with the crunchy bits on top! And can we have the special moonberry juice that Chef Marcus makes?" Her words tumbled out in an excited rush.Olivia Stone smiled warmly across the table, her lavender-gray eyes crinkling at the corners. "Emmy, the clothes you're wearing look so pretty and suit you perfectly."Emma preened under the praise, smoothing down her tactical camouflage outfit with obvious pride. "Really?""Of course it's true," Olivia laughed, the sound musical in the bustling atmosphere of the Moonlight Bistro. She leaned forward, resting her chin on one perfectly manicured hand. "How was school today? Did you get along with the other wolf pups?"Emma launched into an animated description of her day, complete with dramatic hand gestures that nearly knocked over her water glass.Ethan Silver sat in
(Grace's POV)The roar of engines filled the air as I watched the race unfold before me. The crowd's energy was electric, pulsing through the stands like a living thing.Even from this distance, I could see Ethan's face clearly through the binoculars. His usually stoic expression had transformed into one of undisguised admiration as he watched Olivia navigate the treacherous curves of the track.Emma and Quinn Sullivan had jumped to their feet, cheering wildly as Olivia's car shot forward. Their excitement was infectious, spreading through the crowd like wildfire."Did you see that move?" Tyler shouted, tugging at my sleeve and reclaiming the binoculars. "No one takes that curve at that speed except Swift!"His eyes were fixed on the track, seemingly unaware that his brother and niece were also in attendance. The race entered a white-hot stage, with Olivia maintaining her lead through a series of daring maneuvers that had the crowd gasping in collective awe."She's in first place
(Ethan's POV)The clock had just struck one in the morning when I returned to Silvercliff Pack House. Emma was fast asleep in my arms, her small body warm against my chest after our celebration with Olivia. The house was eerily quiet, wrapped in shadows that seemed to hold secrets.Martha Wilson's footsteps echoed down the corridor as she approached, her face a careful mask of neutrality. "Why are you so late, Alpha?" she asked, her tone respectful but tinged with something I couldn't quite place."Mm," I responded curtly, not feeling the need to explain myself. The victory celebration for Olivia's race had run longer than expected, but that was hardly the housekeeper's concern.I carried Emma to her bedroom door, carefully transferring her to Martha's waiting arms. The child stirred slightly but didn't wake, her face peaceful in sleep.After ensuring Emma was settled, I made my way to the master bedroom. Flicking on the light, I scanned the room, noting the perfectly made bed and
(Grace's POV)I stared at my phone in disbelief, though I shouldn't have been surprised. Olivia Stone's smooth voice flowed through the speaker, as familiar as it was unwelcome."Hello? Who is this?" she asked, though I suspected she already knew.I swallowed the bitter taste in my mouth. After all, Ethan and Olivia had grown so close they were practically inseparable these days. So what if she answered my mate's phone? It was hardly the first boundary she'd crossed."I'm looking for Alpha King Ethan," I said, keeping my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.My wolf Cora paced restlessly, sensing my distress but unable to do anything about it. As an Alpha's mate, I'd learned to maintain composure even when my insides were crumbling."He's occupied at the moment," Olivia replied, her tone cool and professional. "You can tell me if you wish, and I'll pass along the message."Of course he was occupied. He was always occupied when it came to me."It's a private matter,"
(Harrison's POV)I looked at Alpha King Ethan Silver as he extended the crystal wine glass toward me. The yacht's gentle rocking beneath our feet matched the uneasy rhythm in my chest."Thank you," I said, accepting the drink with a slight nod.The toast had barely ended when Quinn Sullivan sidled up beside me, his eyes dancing with mischief. "You seem off today, Harry."A single glance passed between Ethan and me—loaded with unspoken questions. The Alpha's piercing gray eyes held mine for a beat longer than necessary.I sipped my wine, keeping my voice steady despite the flicker in my gaze. "Am I?"Quinn raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a knowing smirk. "Really?"The evening breeze carried the scent of salt and expensive perfume across the deck. Yacht lights reflected off the dark water, creating an illusion of stars beneath us."You've been distracted since you arrived," Quinn pressed, swirling his drink. "Something on your mind? Or someone?"I maintained my composur
(Grace's POV)I drove away from the Crescent Moon Equestrian Center, my hands gripping the steering wheel too tightly. The image of Ethan, Emma, and Olivia riding together—the perfect family portrait—burned in my mind.Where could I go now? The thought of returning to the Morgan Ancestral Home crossed my mind, but without Emma, I knew Grandma Eleanor would worry. Her concerned eyes would see right through my brave face."Are you alright, dear?" she would ask, and I wasn't sure I could lie convincingly today.Charlotte was busy with her family this weekend. Dominic had mentioned a territory meeting with neighboring Alphas. Everyone had somewhere to be, someone to be with.Everyone except me.The realization settled heavily in my chest as I drove aimlessly through the Northern Territory. Cora whined softly inside me, feeling my isolation as keenly as I did.My phone buzzed with a text from Martha: "Young Miss Emma will be staying with the Alpha King tonight. Should I prepare your
(Grace's POV)"Next month is Grandma's seventieth birthday," Uncle Robert announced, his tired eyes brightening momentarily as we gathered around the kitchen island at the Morgan Ancestral Home.Aunt Heather nodded enthusiastically, her recently tanned face glowing in the warm evening light. "We should host a grand celebration. The entire pack would want to honor Eleanor."I smiled, watching my grandmother's face scrunch up in protest. Despite being a respected pack elder, she'd always shied away from extravagant displays."No need for anything flashy," Grandma Eleanor insisted, waving her hand dismissively. "Just a meal together as a family is enough."Uncle Robert shook his head firmly. "Mother, turning seventy is significant for any wolf, especially a pack elder. We need to mark the occasion properly.""Robert's right," Aunt Heather chimed in, already pulling out her tablet to make notes. "Nothing over-the-top, but certainly more than just a family dinner."I placed my hand g
(Grace's POV)"Sleep a little longer."These soft words whispered by Ethan were definitely not meant for me. Our mate bond had existed for years, yet he had never held me like this while sleeping. As for a gentle morning nuzzle, a sign of affection between mates, that was utterly unimaginable between us now.I was certain: in his sleep, Ethan had mistaken me for Olivia. I pursed my lips, my emerald eyes slowly reddening with unshed tears. The phantom touch was a cruel reminder of the intimacy our broken bond lacked.Cora, my wolf, whimpered inside me, confused by the mixed signals. The scent of our mate was all around us, his arms protective and warm, yet we both knew this tenderness wasn't truly ours.I fought a wave of rejection and gently pried myself from Ethan's embrace. I was acutely aware of every point of contact, desperate to erase the feeling.His hand, resting possessively on my waist even in sleep, slid away as I carefully lifted it. The faint rustle of the sheets s
(Grace's POV)Twenty minutes passed with excruciating slowness. I sat with Victoria in the grand sitting room of the Silver Ancestral Estate, the silence between us punctuated only by the ticking of the antique grandfather clock.The sound of tires on gravel finally broke the tension. Victoria straightened immediately."They've arrived," she announced, rising with surprising agility for her age.The massive oak doors swung open, and there stood Ethan, his commanding presence filling the entryway. Emma peeked out from behind him, her small face lighting up at the sight of her great-grandmother.Victoria's stern expression melted instantly. She swept forward with open arms, gathering Emma into a warm embrace that spoke volumes about where her true affections lay."My precious girl," she cooed, tousling Emma's dark hair. "I've missed you terribly."Emma giggled, nestling into Victoria's embrace. "I missed you too, Great-Grandma!"After a moment of indulgence, Victoria turned towar
(Grace's POV)My face flushed crimson as I hastily clutched the torn edges of my robe together. The hallway suddenly felt too bright, too exposed, as if a spotlight had been trained directly on my humiliation.Harrison's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he quickly averted his gaze. His broad shoulders turned to shield me from view."I apologize," he muttered, his voice gruff with embarrassment.Margaret Wilson rushed forward, her hands fluttering anxiously. "Oh dear! Let me help you, Luna!" She tried to arrange the torn fabric, but only made it worse.Never in my life had I felt so vulnerable, so utterly exposed—especially not in front of Harrison Crawford. My heart hammered against my ribs so hard I thought it might burst.My fingers trembled as I pressed them against the torn fabric. Every instinct screamed at me to flee, to hide from the mortification burning through me like wildfire.Instead, I steadied my breathing and lifted my chin with practiced grace. Year
(Grace's POV)"Abigail." Harrison Crawford's deep voice cut through the moment as he approached with quick strides. His tall figure loomed over us, silver-gray eyes filled with concern as he reached for the little girl in my arms. Abigail immediately stretched toward him, her small hands grasping at his shirt.Only after taking her did Harrison seem to register that the child was completely soaked. "This is...?" His voice carried its usual edge of suspicion when addressing me.I hadn't expected the child to be his niece. The coincidence felt almost surreal, like fate deliberately throwing us together."She fell into the thermal pool," I explained, keeping my voice even despite the tension. "I saw it happen and pulled her out before she could swallow too much water."Harrison's expression shifted subtly. The perpetual coldness he directed at me softened, if only by degrees. He seemed to assess me anew, as though seeing beyond his usual prejudice."...Thank you," he murmured, a
(Grace's POV)The elevator doors opened to reveal Ethan and Olivia standing side by side in the lobby. Their wolves' scents intermingled in a way that spoke volumes about their closeness, the intimate connection between them unmistakable.Dominic paused beside me, sensing the awkward energy. "This... what a coincidence?"Ethan's face remained impassive, his wolf Logan's powerful presence filling the confined space. "It is quite a coincidence," he replied coolly, deliberately avoiding my gaze while standing protectively close to Olivia.My wolf Cora whimpered inside me, feeling the sting of rejection from her mate.Dominic cleared his throat, projecting diplomatic calm. "There are many of us; how about you two go ahead, and we'll wait for the next one?""All right, see you next time," Ethan replied with a curt nod."See you next time," Olivia added with a polite smile, her elegant presence brushing past me without acknowledgment.The elevator doors closed again, and our group ha