LOGINMichaelson's POV I stood alone on the wide balcony of my mansion, my hands resting against the cold golden railing as I stared into the darkness of the woods.The full moon hung above the trees, casting an ethereal glow across the sprawling courtyard.Just then, my eyes caught a swift movement in the shadows. Two silhouettes were running through the trees. My brows furrowed as I squinted my eyes, adjusting my vision to the darkness.The figures moved steadily toward the mansion until they finally stepped into the light spilling from the entrance.Corey.And Skyler.Both men were covered in blood. My expression hardened. I already knew it wasn't theirs. They had returned from the mission.Glancing at them for the umpteenth time, I turned and headed inside. A few seconds later, the front door creaked open.Corey entered first, followed by Skyler. Blood stained their clothes, arms, and faces. Skyler looked particularly exhausted, his dark hair disheveled and his black shirt torn near th
Charlotte's POV By the time I started driving home, the sky was already painted in deep shades of orange and purple. Dusk had already begun settling over the city. Minutes later, the full moon surfaced in the starry night sky, bathing the road in pale silver light.I drove along the tree-lined road, leading toward my apartment, my hands steady on the steering wheel.The road was buried in dead silence with no signs of life. I wasn't really bothered. I had gotten used to it, since it was my usual route home.The crunching sound of dry leaves was suddenly heard in the distance. Something moved between the trees…or was it someone…I whipped my head toward the passenger window. Nothing came into view. Waving it aside, I continued driving, but then another shadow swiftly crossed the road in front of me.My instincts immediately kicked in.I slowed down."What the hell?"Before the words could leave my lips, a sound of explosion came from underneath my car.Bang!The steering wheel jerked
Charlotte's POVSoft golden rays slipped through the gaps in my curtains, painting thin streaks of light across the bedroom wall. Outside, the sky was slowly changing from the pale blue of dawn into a brighter morning blue, while a few wisps of white cloud drifted lazily above the distant rooftops.I stirred beneath the sheets. It was morning already. For a few seconds, I remained still, enjoying the warmth of my bed.Then I opened my eyes.Strangely, the first thing that came to mind wasn't work. It wasn't the investigation task. It wasn't even Michael, my estranged mate.It was Dwayne.A small furrow creased my forehead.Why was I thinking about that little boy first thing in the morning?Memories of yesterday gradually flowed back into my mind. The excitement on his face, when I agreed to help him find his mother. The way he had insisted that I take all the snacks.His ridiculous argument about chocolate chip cookies being the best snack in the world.And the way he hugged me in th
Michaelson's POVI walked past the living room into the study, as Corey slowly trailed behind me. Once the door closed behind us, his expression became serious."Any update from Skyler?" I asked."Yes." Corey pulled out his phone,"Gamma Skyler should be returning tomorrow."I nodded approvingly.Skyler Stonewall was the lead warrior amongst other Gamma wolves in our pack. He had been sent south with a group of warriors, after a small pack requested our assistance. A group of rogues had been terrorizing their territory for weeks."How bad was it?" I asked, picking up a book that lay forgotten on the floor.It seemed to have fallen from the shelves."Bad enough." Corey admitted."But Skyler handled it well. The rogues have all been annihilated." he added considerably."Good to hear"I strutted toward the cozy bar, grabbed a bottle and poured myself a generous glass of bourbon."And the hospital records?" I quipped, my eyes still fixed on my drink as I slowly swirled it in my glass.Core
Michaelson's POVThe road leading back to the mansion was lonely and dark. Tall trees stretched endlessly on both sides of the narrow road, their thick branches forming a dark canopy above us. The headlights of my SUV cut through the bleak darkness, as I drove deeper into the woods.Dwayne sat silently in the back seat, but judging by the way he had been bouncing around earlier, I knew he wouldn't stay quiet for long. His tiny voice suddenly echoed behind me just as I thought. "Dad." he called out in a giddy manner.I glanced at him through the rearview mirror."Yes, buddy?""Miss Charlotte finally agreed."The side of my lips curved in a curious smirk."Agreed to what?""To help me find my mother."The grin on my face broadened. I just couldn't hide my happiness."Really?"Dwayne nodded enthusiastically."She said she'd help me."He looked so happy that I couldn't help smiling. That was progress. Small progress, but progress nonetheless.Charlotte had spent the last few days pushing
Charlotte's POV "You came all the way here just to bring me snacks?" I asked, feeling concerned.He nodded shyly."And because I wanted to see you."My smile gradually faded."Dwayne..."He looked at me."Yes?""Your father is waiting for you, right?"He nodded vibrantly."He's waiting in his car."Of course he was.Michael.I sighed quietly."I'll take you to dinner.""Really?" he shrieked, pop-eyed."Yes.""With Dad?""No."His excitement disappeared immediately."You don't want Dad?""I just..."I paused at a loss of words."I want it to be just you and me."Dwayne looked a little saddened."But Dad likes you."My heart skipped a bit. I quickly looked away."That's not important for now."He lowered his head."But okay."I felt a small pang of guilt."I'll bring you back afterward."He nodded in agreement."Okay."I held out my hand."Come on."His little fingers slipped into mine.And strangely… It felt natural.**** ****The restaurant I had chosen was one of the more expensive







