Mag-log inVictoria’s POVI miss my son Abrax so much that sometimes my chest aches with it. Every day, I wonder what Makarius is doing to him, whether he’s treating him well, or if Abrax is scared and missing me just as much. The guilt and helplessness mix together until I can barely breathe.When I learned that Makarius’s mother controls him, I felt a flicker of sympathy. Maybe he isn’t a monster, just trapped like me. I did love him once.That love lingers, confusing and painful. I hate that I still hope—just for a moment—that what we shared was real to him, too. Maybe I need to believe it because it felt real to me.But most days, I don’t know how to hold that hope and my grief at the same time. The longing for Abrax pulls me in one direction, while my anger and regret pull me in another. It’s like I’m always trying to choose between missing my old life and moving forward, but I can’t decide which hurts more." Talk to me, Victoria, Cadmus said, you shut me out again."Cadmus, I want to see
Victoria’s POVThe drive was long, and we were late, pulling up at thick dusk to an abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere. The metal doors hung crooked on their hinges, groaning quietly in the wind. Cracked windows let in slivers of dying light, painting jagged patterns across the dusty floor.Our footsteps echoed hollowly as we stepped inside. The air was cold and damp, carrying the scent of rust, mold, and something sharp I couldn’t place. Somewhere water dripped steadily, the sound joining the scuffle of rodents in the shadows. Shadows clung to the walls, making the dark corners feel alive and watchful.Maybe it was a factory long ago, and that's why the building feels so industrial.Just then, Drystan appeared from the shadows. His eyes were fixed on me.Victoria let out a breath, pulling me into a tight hug. His arms felt familiar, like the safety I used to cling to in the worst times. Drystan and I had survived so much together, our childhood spent hiding, looking out for
Cadmus’s POVI watched her sleep because I’m so in love with her. Getting her back eased my pain, but we are far from completing our formal bond. She has no idea who I am or what I’m capable of. Victoria never saw the dark side of me; I hope she never has to. Nothing else matters to me more than her and the kids. No kingdom or money will measure up to her.I replay, in my head, her washing me last night, all worried. Adorable really. I felt her concerns; she was afraid the fever would spike again. Now I don’t even want to move, watch her beautiful face.Betrayal, she had so many, her mind is in chaos, sorting all this mess. Then last night she fought like a true warrior, until she saw her people falling, then she used her power to put a stop to this nonsensical killing. I’m sure it's all Makarius’s doing. Can’t tell her because she has to sort her memories first.She turned, placing her leg on me and her arm on my chest, her breast touching me, and I tried to control myself. My hand s
Victoria’s POVI held Hathor close, his small body shaking in my arms, and gripped Thalia’s hand so tightly my knuckles hurt. We ran through narrow, torch-lit hallways toward the dungeons. Shouts bounced off the stone walls, with frightened voices, crying children, and women pushing little ones into dark corners. The air was thick with smoke and sweat, and the ground felt sticky under my boots. My heart pounded with fear and the urgent need to protect my family.I saw one of our pack members, a tall, anxious man with soot on his cheek, standing against the wall. "You," I shouted, my voice rough, "take care of my children!" I pushed Hathor into his arms. As I let go, a sharp pain shot through me, and I cried out. My eyes searched for the crowd in panic. Where was Cadmus? Someone called out, "He is injured!"Outside, I pushed through the crowd and into chaos beyond the doorway. The air was filled with confusion: screams, clashing weapons, and running footsteps. I grabbed a warrior rushi
Cadmus’s POVI got two glasses and a bottle of wine while she was in the shower. Thinking of the meeting for tomorrow, I let out a growl. Drystan loves her. I have to stay calm and also learn how to shut the link.She walked into the living room in a t-shirt and lounge pants; no matter what she wore, she was beautiful. I handed her a glass of wine, the fireplace crackling. Victoria sipped quietly. Her link was shut, I couldn’t hear her thoughts, but I felt her anxiety.Care to share? I interrupted her thoughts.She smiled, touching my face. I pulled her to sit between my legs with her back resting against my chest.I’m reminiscing about the past, bringing back memories; it's very emotional, Cadmus. I’m sorting all this. Still trying to keep up with everything. It's like a roller coaster, just when I think it's over, it's either high or low.Then talk to me, let me help you, I said, kissing her neck.Cadmus, she paused, how did you survive a year without me?Define survive? I was devas
Victoria’s POVCadmus, I tell him over the mind link, my father wants to see me. Do you know why?No idea, but I’ll be there soon. Training warriors right now, love. He sends me a sexy image."I will block you, Cadmus," I joke. "Didn’t you have enough..."Never. Your turn. Or I’ll come see for myself.I sent him an image. He growls, fuck me, I need you after the meeting.Cadmus, please, I say, laughing as I enter my father’s office.Dad, you called for me. I see a woman with a baby and a toddler. Who are they?Victoria, this is Kaden, and Angelina, Drystan’s children. He sent them to us for safety. We have a meeting once a week. And it is a brutal separation every time.May I hold him? Then she hands me the baby. Oh, he is so cute. Did he finally find his fated mate?He did, and she is very good to him, and he seems happy, my dad said.I gave the baby back, and I crouched to say hello to Angelina. You know, my daughter is Thalia. Do you play with her?She nods. Great, I stand up and l
" Do you have a death wish?" he whispered.I tried to lift my head. "Why do you care?" His hand pressed me back down, gentle but firm."I want in," he said. "On your escape plan.""I don't trust someone who won't even share his name.""Makarius."A wild laugh escaped me. "No... how?" I squeezed my
I jolted awake, crammed between Pirate and a stranger with muscles rippling under his torn shirt. My knees jammed against my chin, bones aching from hours in this position.Every time I drifted off, my head snapped forward and then crashed onto the stranger's shoulder. His warmth seeped through me.
Victoria’s POVDad, how is the transition going? I asked as I held Abrax on my hipEveryone has moved in, and the trucks are bringing the supplies and the rest of the furniture.I’m so excited, I can hardly wait to get back. The city is fine, but I belong in the wild.He laughed. My wild girl, you
He kissed me, and I kissed him back, my mouth still half-full.Silence.“Say, something, Pirate. I need…”“Stay away from him,” he blurted out.“Why?”“I mean, he’s hot, not going to lie…”“Focus, Pirate. Yeah, I got that part. And, you know, planning on having some fun,” I added with a wink.“He l







