River — POVI squinted at him suspiciously. “Jay…”He leaned down, pecking my forehead before stepping back and heading toward the door. “Stay right here,” he said, pointing at me like I was a child he was scolding — which only made me laugh more.Before I could argue, he slipped out of the room.I sat there, shaking my head and covering my face with my hands. Despite my protests, I could feel the excitement buzzing in my veins, that little tingle in my chest.He returned moments later, a mysterious grin on his face and a sleek designer bag dangling from his hand.“Oh my gosh, Jay!” I squealed, my eyes instantly lighting up.“Okay,” he said, dropping onto the bed beside me, that boyish excitement practically vibrating off him, “so… I got this dress a few days ago on my way to work. Figured you’d look gorgeous in it.”I gasped, practically jumping on him. “Thank you, baby!” I wrapped my arms around his neck and peppered his face with quick, messy kisses, giggling as I did. He laughed u
River — POV _Six years later_ “Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday dear River… Happy birthday to you!”Their voices wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I opened my eyes slowly, already grinning as the sweet, slightly off-key melody filled my room.There they were — my little family.Hailey stood at the foot of the bed, her eyes twinkling with mischief and warmth. Jay was beside her, his deep voice a bit too serious, and right in front of them, standing proudly on the mattress, was Steven.My heart just about melted when I saw the tiny cake in his little hands, a single candle flickering unsteadily on top.“Blow your candle and make a wish, mama!” Steven squealed, his dimples deeper than ever as he beamed at me.“Okay, okay,” I laughed, sitting up straighter and reaching for the cake carefully. His small hands hovered underneath it for support, just in case.As I held the cake, I paused. What would I even wish for?I looked around my room — our room — and
Zed – POVI sat beside her hospital bed, staring at her pale face. The machines around us hummed and beeped in a cruel, steady rhythm, like a reminder that she was still here... but not really.I reached for her hand and wrapped my fingers around it carefully, as if she might shatter if I squeezed too hard. It felt cold. Too cold."Today’s the day, Mama," I whispered, my voice cracking halfway through. "Today’s the coronation. They’re going to make me Alpha."I let out a shaky breath, pressing my lips together to keep from falling apart."Amber will be Luna, just like we always talked about," I said, forcing a small laugh. It sounded hollow even to my own ears. "You liked her, didn’t you? You used to say she had a strong spirit... that she’d make a good Luna. I wish you could see her today."I paused, looking at her face for any sign—an eye twitch, a finger move—anything. But she stayed still, like a statue carved from marble."I... I feel so lost, Mama," I continued, my thumb brushin
River – POVEight Months LaterThe courtroom was packed. A stifling silence hung in the air, thick with tension. My heels clicked against the floor as I rose from my seat behind the defense table, smoothing my navy suit and adjusting my glasses.I turned toward the witness stand, my voice steady.“I’d like to call Ms. Tatiana Ward to the stand,” I said clearly.Tatiana stepped up, all glossed lips and tight nerves. She sat, smoothed her skirt, and avoided eye contact with Ella—my client, her supposed best friend—whose seat was beside mine.The bailiff stepped forward. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”Tatiana nodded. “I do.”I approached the stand slowly. “Ms. Ward, how long have you known my client, Ella Thompson?”“We’ve been friends since college,” she said tightly.“Best friends?” I pressed.“Yes.”“So close that you were the maid of honor at her wedding?”“Yes.”“Mm.” I paused, circling slightly. “Would you say you knew Ella’s husband,
River POVThe look on Jay’s face made my heart crack a little. He wasn’t angry, not visibly, but the hurt behind his eyes said enough. I may not have been in love with him, but I still cared about him. Deeply.“Look, I’m sorry,” I said, my voice lower now, guilt weighing down every word. “I was drunk out of my mind last night, and honestly... I can't even remember everything we did.”Jay didn’t say anything. He just stared at me, unreadable. No smirk, no joke. Just silence. It made my stomach twist.I took a deep breath and kept going, even though I wasn’t sure if I should. “I remember the drinking, the kiss, maybe... my zipper going down. But everything else is blank. I woke up naked in your bed, Jay. You were half-naked too. What was I supposed to think?”He blinked, confusion flickering across his face. “Sex?” he asked, like the word itself startled him. “River, we didn’t have sex last night.”My eyes narrowed. “We didn’t?”He shook his head slowly. “Nope.”Now I was the one confus
River POVThe sunlight hit my eyelids, forcing them open with an annoying persistence. I blinked against the brightness, groaning softly as I tried to shift under the covers—except... something felt off.This wasn't my bed.I sat up slowly, the sheets sliding off my skin as I looked around in confusion. The bedroom was unfamiliar—too clean, too organized, and definitely not mine. The walls were painted a soft gray, the dresser by the window a dark polished wood. A subtle citrusy cologne lingered in the air, blending with the faint scent of laundry detergent.My heart skipped.Where the hell did I sleep last night?I stretched a bit, my body aching slightly from what I assumed was a mix of terrible sleep posture and... other reasons. I turned to the side, and that’s when I saw him.Jay.Sleeping peacefully beside me.His arm was folded under his head, his dark lashes resting on his cheeks, and for a second... just one second, he looked so innocent. So unlike the storm of thoughts flood