Ava's POV
I stared at Sarah in complete shock, my mind struggling to process what I was seeing.
"Sarah?" I managed to whisper. "What are you doing here?"
She looked different from what I remembered. Her clothes were simple, a plain dress and apron that clearly marked her as a working maid. Her hair was pulled back in a practical style, and there was something in her eyes that I couldn't quite identify.
Sarah didn't answer my question right away. Instead, she walked over to the small table by the window and set down the tray. The smell of warm soup and fresh bread filled the room, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything today.
Ava's POVI stared at Sarah in complete shock, my mind struggling to process what I was seeing."Sarah?" I managed to whisper. "What are you doing here?"She looked different from what I remembered. Her clothes were simple, a plain dress and apron that clearly marked her as a working maid. Her hair was pulled back in a practical style, and there was something in her eyes that I couldn't quite identify.Sarah didn't answer my question right away. Instead, she walked over to the small table by the window and set down the tray. The smell of warm soup and fresh bread filled the room, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything today.
Writer’s POVThe pack grounds were filled with a somber atmosphere as the funeral procession made its way through the familiar paths. Pack members had gathered from all corners of their territory, their faces showing the same grief and shock that had consumed everyone since news of Vanessa's death had spread.The guards carried Vanessa's body with respect. The casket was carved with traditional pack symbols.The Alpha stood at the front of the gathering, his usually strong composure cracking as tears rolled down his cheeks.The burial ceremony followed ancient pack traditions. Elder wolves spoke words of honor and remembrance. Pack members came forward one by one, placing wildflowers and small tokens of remembrance on the grave site.Steve, Irish, and Zayne stood together, their arms around Ava, who seemed to have retreated into herself since arriving at the pack. She hadn't spoken much during the journey, and now she stood like a statue, staring at the grave with empty eyes that seem
Writer’s POVNothing annoyed Zach more than having to pretend to be nice, especially at the pack palace. He hated every minute of it, but he kept a fake smile on his face as his father talked to him."Remember, son," his father said as they walked through the pack palace, "you need to show the Alpha respect. This is about our family's place in the pack."Zach nodded and forced a smile. "Of course, Dad. I understand."The truth was, he hated being here; everything about the pack made him sick. But he couldn't show his real feelings, not when his plans were still happening."Just be polite, answer his questions, and remember that you represent our family," his father said, fixing his tie."I'll behave perfectly," Zach said, even though the words felt wrong in his mouth.They reached the Alpha's office, and Zach took a deep breath. He had to act like everything was normal. The big doors opened, and the Alpha came out. Everyone in the room immediately paid attention to him."Alpha," Zach'
Steve's POVI was relieved when Ava finally stopped crying. She had been sobbing for hours, and nothing Irish or I said could calm her down. Now she was sitting quietly, her eyes red and puffy, but at least the tears had stopped.We had been making preparations to take Vanessa back to the pack for a proper burial. It was what she would have wanted, to be buried with our family, in the place where she belonged. Irish had called the pack earlier to tell them about Vanessa's death. I could hear the sadness in the Alpha's voice when Irish told him the news.I was just finishing up some paperwork when I heard a car door slam outside. Through the window, I saw Zayne getting out of his car. He looked angry and frustrated, like he had been through hell and back.Irish was the first to reach him when he walked through the door. "Where did you go?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "You just left without saying anything.""I needed answers," Zayne said, running his hands through his hair
Zayne's POVThe rage burning inside me was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. Every rational thought in my head was screaming at me to calm down, to think this through logically, but the image of Zach Budu ting Vanessa kept flashing through my mind. I couldn't go home. Not yet. Not until I had answers.My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly I was surprised it didn't crack under the pressure.I remembered the address from the other day, when we'd tracked down Zach's hideout. If Zach was anywhere, he'd be there.The familiar neighborhood came into view, and I felt my wolf stirring beneath my skin. It wanted blood. It wanted revenge. And honestly, I wasn't sure I was strong enough to stop it much longer.I parked outside the building.I walked to the front door and I grabbed the handle and twisted, expecting it to open, but it didn't budge."What the hell?" I muttered, pulling harder. The door was locked tight.I tried again, this time putting my full weight behind it. Still
Zayne's POVI watched helplessly as Ava continued to sob, her tears seeming endless. No matter how much Steve and Irish tried to comfort her, she wouldn't stop crying. The sound of her grief was like a knife twisting in my chest."Ava, please," Steve said softly, his own voice thick with emotion. "You need to calm down.""How can I calm down?" she choked out between sobs. "The doctor said she was okay! He said she could come home! People don't just die like that!"Her words echoed the thoughts that had been racing through my mind since we left the hospital. The doctor had been so confident, so sure that Vanessa was recovering well. How could someone go from being cleared for discharge to dead in a matter of hours?I felt my own tears threatening to spill over as I watched Ava's pain. She kept wiping at her eyes, but the tears just kept coming. Steve and Irish were trying to hold it together for her sake, but I could see they were struggling too. We all were."It doesn't make sense," I