MasukVictoria’s POVCadmus held my hand, helping me out of the car. Then went around and took Hathor from the car seat.Victoria, my father said, rest and tell me if you want to talk or find your past.I hesitated for a moment, realizing that when I called him 'my father,' I meant the man who had raised me, even though I still wasn't sure if he was my real, biological father or just a father figure. The uncertainty made everything feel heavier.I smiled. My father seemed nice. Or maybe just nice until I remember?Cadmus gestured for me to follow him. As I walked behind him, his scent was overwhelming—a heady mix of pine, smoke, and something deeply masculine that sent a shockwave through me. The aroma curled into my senses, making my skin flush and every nerve stand on edge. Heat flared inside me, coiling low in my belly, and I found myself shivering despite the warmth that rolled through my body.What is happening to me?The master bedroom was clean, and the bassinet was next to the bed.
Cadmus’s POVWe arrived at the pack house, and as soon as we got out, the pack’s beta came over to greet us.He motioned for us to follow. As we walked inside, I noticed the strong smell of pine and wood smoke in the cool air, mixed with something wild and clearly wolf. Voices murmured from deeper in the house, blending with the faint sound of a fireplace. The pack’s alpha was an older man, probably in his fifties, with a commanding presence and a quiet sense of authority.Alpha Balthazar stood up and said, 'What a pleasure to have you visit my pack,' then shook his hand.This is my son-in-law, Alpha Cadmus. And this is Alpha Kenda from the River pack.Please, have a seat. What can I do for you?I took out a picture and handed it to him.That’s Iris. We found her by the riverbank, and she was pregnant. The baby is about five months old now. She’s my mate, and she’s Balthazar’s daughter.He stood up. Well, I had no idea...he dialed, told Iris to come to my office with her baby.'We did
More than a year ago...Victoria’s POVWhen I opened my eyes, a woman with golden eyes was watching me. A man stood beside her. They both looked to be in their late fifties.The woman smiled. "Welcome back. May we know your name?" she asked.I tried to sit up and placed my hand on my belly, though I wasn’t sure why.Your baby is fine, with a strong heartbeat."I... don’t know my name," I said, tears starting to fall.We found you by the riverbank, and honestly, everyone was surprised you made it. Usually, no one survives those waters. That part of the river is dangerous for both mortals and wolves. I think you survived because you hit your head, but some in the pack are saying maybe something else helped you. We found you three days ago."Thank you," I said, trying to get out of bed."Wait, where are you going?" he asked.I shook my head. "I don’t know. My mind is still foggy. I can’t remember my name or anything else."The woman smiled kindly.We’re a small pack, far from any enemies
Makarius’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 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
" 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.







