LOGINMakarius’s POV"Abrax," I said as I walked around the table, "it's time to start training."After school, I had two of my best men start training you in combat and pack leadership. They’ll help you work on your supernatural abilities. I’ll join in when I can."Dad," Abrax asked, "any word from mom?"I slammed my hand on the desk. Do not mention your mom, Abrax. She’s dead. Accept it. My words came out harsher than I meant. Anger rose up, hot and fierce, but underneath was a sick ache I couldn’t show him. Every time he asks about her, it burns and reminds me of what I’ve lost, what I can’t face. My pain always turns into rage.He stared at me with cold eyes. Yes, Father. He stood up. May I be excused?I gestured for him to leave.After the door closed behind him, silence filled the room. I broke down. Why do I push everyone away? He’s my blood, my son.Memories of Victoria flickered through my mind—small, scattered moments.I loved her. Why would I kill her? I kept asking myself.They
A year has passed.Cadmus’s POVI opened my eyes and stared at the same ceiling. The pain was still there, always present. It reminded me that Victoria was still alive.The pain felt like a blessing. I needed it.There was a knock at the door. I told them to come in as I swung my feet to the floor.An omega brought Thalia in. Her face lit up when she saw me."Daddy!" she squealed."How is my beautiful girl?" I asked, kissing her cheek."Good, Daddy. I want to go with you."Her words weren’t always clear yet. She was almost three, and not only was she bright, but also beautiful and sweet."Thalia, I’ll be back in a week. Hopefully, I’ll find Mommy."Her face fell, and I hugged her tightly."I miss her too, kid. Now go eat your breakfast. I’ll be there soon."I called the omega to take her.I walked to her closet and picked up a shirt she used to wear, just to catch a faint trace of her scent missed her so much it hurt. I thought of her sweet lips and the light she gave off when she smi
Victoria’s POVI ran down the path to the car. The driver looked at me, confused.Phone, I said, out of breath.He handed me the satellite phone.Dad, dad... I started to cry. Makarius got Cadmus...Victoria, listen to me. Come home, and we’ll make a plan.I can’t. He said he’ll kill him if I use the animals or get any help. I wanted to argue, my fingers tightening on the phone, but I remembered the rules. My gift lets me talk to animals and call them for help, but every time I use it, I risk exposing myself. Makarius is always watching for signs of magic. If he thinks I’m using my powers, he’ll hurt anyone I care about. Using my abilities now would only put Cadmus in more danger. Makarius isn’t afraid to punish people close to me if he senses a threat. That’s why I can’t risk it.What does he want?Abrax. Just him. He wants to use him.Okay, I will bring him.No! I shouted. Don’t, Dad. He’s just trying to use him. But please, come, I need you.I heard a commotion. Dad, I have to go.
Victoria’s POVCadmus, you’re spoiling us, I said, laughing. Then I let myself fall backward into the snow.Where did she go? Cadmus asked Thalia. Thalia’s small hands moved and she gasped.I’m here, I said, jumping up and startling her. She giggled.Cadmus put Thalia on the sleigh, and I sat behind Abrax.Last one is a bugger, Abrax said.Oh yeah, Cadmus replied. We raced to the bottom, all of us screaming.Cadmus and Thalia won.He did a silly dance with her. I watched, realizing how much Cadmus had changed. He used to be guarded and serious, always focused on duty.Now, I saw a gentler side, a willingness to be playful and open, especially with Thalia. My heart swelled as I watched him. Seeing this side of him made me love him even more, and I knew we were building something new together. Our eyes met, and I blew him a kiss.Balthazar walked over to us. "Kiddos, let’s go. I have a surprise for you. Well, mostly for you, Abrax." He took the kids, and Cadmus lifted me over his should
Victoria’s POVI watched him talk on the satellite phone. His deep voice was the only sound in the quiet room. The phone's blue light cast shadows that danced on the stone walls, and the air felt tense.His long hair fell over his face, hiding the look in his eyes. He was bare-chested, looking wild and tense, every muscle tight. I felt a cool draft on my skin, mixed with the smell of rain from the open window. My heart pounded as I wondered what he was feeling.Then I turned to see so many packages. I questioned him with my eyes. He smiled.My heart skipped another beat. I wanted to kiss him.I turned to open a box, and he came behind me, kissing my neck.I let the towel fall to my feet as his hand touched me gently."Just do what I asked, you’re on the right track." He hung up and set the phone down.Why are you tempting me? he whispered.He picked me up and threw me on the bed. So you wanted to kiss me...Later, I walked downstairs, and the nanny walked in with the kids."Mama," Abr
Victoria’s POVWhat if I were? I said defiantHis amber eyes locked on mine, and I could feel his strength as he moved toward me with a predator’s grace.I backed up until my back hit the wall."Victoria," he said softly. "Say that again."Do I have to tell you everything?"Am I talking to myself this whole time?" He slammed his hand against the wall, and little flakes of paint fell.I need to find the witch. Yes, I’m going on a trip. I must get answers. If Gerda can help me prove Makarius's betrayal once and for all, I need to hear it from her."Do you understand how this works?" He gestured between us."What do you mean?" I asked, confused."Go on, go," he said as he sat down on the couch, picked up his wine glass, and took a sip."I can’t be apart from you." "We will both suffer." I sat next to him. "Cadmus, please take me to find Gerda."You still think he’s innocent? Or do you want to hear from someone else?I’m pretty sure I felt you were telling me the truth."Then why look fo
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
Balthazar’s POVSixteen years agoSylvia, I shouted, “Where are you?Daddy, Mom is sleeping, shhh.I picked her up and kissed her cheek. My little wolf. What are you up to?Nothing, I play with a bunny, a lizard, and a chicken. I asked them to do funny things, and they listened like they were my fr
Makarius's eyes widened. " How did you figure it out?" "Figure what out?" I asked, my brow furrowing. "The fake formula you planted. They caught the spy because of it." "It worked?" I leapt onto the couch, unable to contain my excitement. " Let me guess... someone from Finance?" Makarius shook
"You don’t have to do this, Victoria," he said, reaching out."Don’t touch me. I’ll handle it myself, and then I’m out. Now, are you driving me or not?""Victoria, please, just forgive me.""Forgive you? Are you driving, or should I hail a cab?"Silence.I slammed the door and jabbed the elevator b







