River POVShe lunged forward again, her hand raised. “Talk to your father like that again, and you’ll be holding the other cheek as well,” she seethed. “What has gotten into you, River? Have you lost your mind completely?”I felt my entire body trembling. “You know what? I thought maybe after all these years you’d change. Maybe you’d finally see me for who I really am. But no. You’ll always see me as the problem, the mistake, the worthless daughter who never deserved love.”She snorted. “Finally, you’re saying something true. You never deserved him. You don’t deserve anyone. And now, you think you can fool that new Alpha into loving you? You really are pathetic.”Before I could say another word, another voice sliced through the room, freezing us all in place.“What is hap
River POV I scoffed, an almost humorless laugh escaping my lips. The nerve of this woman.“Did you just say ‘steal’? I’m trying to steal someone who is actually my mate?” I shook my head, disbelief flooding through me. “For the record, I don’t want him. I’m happy with the man I’m with. And I made that very clear to Zed.”I took a shaky breath and added, “If it’s anything, you should be telling Zed to leave me the hell alone.”But instead of listening, she clapped her hands together mockingly. “So you do admit you’ve been seeing your sister’s husband!” she spat, turning to my father. “You see your child? You see the disgrace you call a daughter? Goddess, I can’t believe I gave birth to a whore.”Her words slammed into me like a physical blow. My chest tightened, tears pricked at my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not this time.“I’m not a whore, Mother,” I whispered, my voice barely holding together.She let out a sharp, cruel laugh. “Oh, you are. A whore and a witch. An embarra
River POVI pulled up in front of the house, turning off the engine with a tired sigh. The day had been longer than I expected, and all I wanted was a hot shower and maybe to just crawl into bed.I stepped out of the car, and made my way toward the door. Just as I reached for the handle, the door swung open so fast I almost stumbled backward.“Miss Stellar!” Stella squeaked, clutching her chest dramatically. “You're back!”I laughed, steadying myself. “Goddess, Stella! You scared me half to death,” I said.I smiled. “Is everything okay with you?” “Oh no, no problem at all,” she added quickly.“Okay…” I said slowly, eyeing her curiously. “Are you going somewhere?”“Oh no, I’m not,” she said, shaking her head rapidly. “I saw your car pull up through the kitchen window, so I came out to see you.”Something about her tone made my wolf stir. “Stella, is everything alright?” I pressed again, narrowing my eyes slightly.She nodded, too eagerly. “Yes, yes, Miss Stellar. Everything is good.”
Zed POVShe only shook her head again, softer this time, and a sad smile touched her lips. “Then I met Jay Hearts of the Meadows Pack” she continued, her eyes softening at the mention of his name. “Jay picked up my shattered pieces and helped me feel whole again. He supported me, loved me in ways I didn’t think possible. Even when I tried to push him away, he stayed– was there for me. He showed me what love is supposed to feel like… when I couldn’t even love myself because of you.”Her eyes shone with tears now, and so did mine. My wolf howled inside me, sensing the finality in her words.“That’s why I’m choosing him, Zed,” she said, her voice steady despite the pain.My heart slammed against my ribs. I felt the blood drain from my face. “What… what are you saying?” I rasped.
Zed POV I glanced at my watch again for what felt like the hundredth time, my foot tapping restlessly against the floor. My eyes were glued to my phone, checking it every few seconds even though I knew no new message had come in.Every time the bell at the front door chimed, my head would snap up immediately, my heart leaping into my throat. And every single time, disappointment crashed over me when it wasn’t her.It had been more than thirty minutes since she texted that she was close by. Yet, here I was, still waiting.I sighed heavily, my chest tightening. She wasn’t coming.I should’ve known better. After everything I’d done, why would she even want to see me? Why would she want to hear me out?I downed the last gulp of my drink, letting the burn distract me for a second.The doorbell chimed again, and this time, I didn’t even bother to look up. No point torturing myself.But then… something shifted. A familiar scent drifted through the air — her scent. My wolf stirred immediatel
River POV.She looked at me like she could see right into the parts I didn’t want anyone to see.“You think so?” she finally said. “Because from the way it looks, I don’t think that man plans on stopping anytime soon.”I stared at her, my lips parting but no words coming out.“You think I should talk to him… but what about Jay? What would he think?” I finally forced out.“I don’t plan on telling Jay… Do you?” she said carefully. When I stayed silent, she continued, “Besides, you’d be talking to Zed in a public space. What’s the worst that could happen?”A lot of things. My heart whispered all the ways it could go wrong, but I kept my mouth shut.“Maybe if you finally say it to his face, he’ll leave you alone for good,” she said softly. “Ignoring his calls and messages isn’t solving anything, River. You’re only prolonging the hurt… for everyone.”I leaned back, exhaling shakily. “I know,” I whispered.But Hailey didn’t know the real reason I was terrified of seeing Zed face to face… an