AletheaHarvey smiles brightly as if he didn’t just grip my wrist a moment ago. Maybe he thinks acting casual will put me at ease, but he’s doing a terrible job. The spot where he grabbed me still stings, and I instinctively rub my wrist, trying to soothe the lingering pain. "I'm sorry about that," he says, flashing an apologetic smile as he scratches the back of his head. I cross my arms and glare at him. "What the hell was that for? If you have something to say, just say it." He exhales sharply. "I just wanted to ask you a few questions." "Okay, I’m listening," I say, impatience lacing my voice. "Are you a werewolf?" he asks, his gaze locked onto mine, searching for answers. I nearly rolled my eyes. Seriously? He dragged me out here just to ask if I’m a werewolf. "Why do you ask?" I say cautiously, not confirming or denying anything. "I'm sorry if I’m intruding," he says, his voice softer this time. "It’s just… there’s something about you that feels off. You don’t f
Alethea He takes his time before finally answering. "Just an old friend. We don’t talk much anymore, though." He shrugs, then offers a reassuring smile. "Anyway, feel at home. I’ll come around later this evening to show you around. Trust me, you’ll love it here." "Thanks," I say, giving him a polite nod before making my way inside. This is the fresh start I need. I gently set Declan down on the couch, letting him rest while we settle into the house. It’s exhausting work, unpacking and arranging everything, but once it’s done, I sink onto the couch with a deep sigh. I grab the remote and flip through the channels, but nothing interests me. Feeling restless, I step out onto the balcony. The town stretches out before me, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. I watch people moving about, going through their daily routines, and for a fleeting moment, I wish my life could be this simple. But it never has been. My father’s mistake cost me years of bullying and neglect.
Alethea The past week has been an emotional roller coaster, and I feel like I’m slowly losing my sanity. Everything is falling apart. I have no job to go to anymore. My superiors at work found out about what happened at the Redwood Pack, and without a second thought, they dismissed me. Just like that. No warning. No chance to explain myself. It hurts deeply to know that after all the years I dedicated to that company, they couldn’t even give me the benefit of the doubt. But nothing hurts more than watching Declan suffer. Every night, he cries in his sleep, calling out for his father. His little voice, broken and desperate, makes my chest tighten with unbearable pain. I can’t just stand by and do nothing. Right now, I clutch him tightly to my chest, whispering soothing words as he screams in his sleep, his tiny body trembling. His eyes are still closed, lost in whatever nightmare plagues him. My heart shatters into pieces. "Selena, please," I choke out through my sobs, holdi
AsherMaya sits in her chamber, a glass of wine in her hand, staring at the fireplace. The flames flicker, casting shadows across her face, but her expression is distant—lost in thought. It’s as if she is completely unaware of the chaos she has caused, or maybe she just doesn’t care. "Maya," I growl, the anger in my voice could be felt. She flinches at the sound, her shoulders tense for a brief moment. Then, slowly, she turns her head to look at me. Her eyes hold nothing but cold disdain before she shifts her gaze back to the fire, dismissing me as if I don’t exist. The sheer audacity of it makes my blood boil. A low, warning growl rumbles in my chest, shaking the air. This time, she stiffens slightly but quickly composes herself. "What made you so angry?" she asks with a calm, detached voice. She didn’t even bother looking at me. I have no patience for her games. In one swift motion, I grab her wrist and yank her up from her seat. She gasped, startled, but I didn’t stop
Asher Watching Ally leave the Redwood Pack is the most painful thing I’ve ever had to endure. I know I can’t make her stay, and I know deep down she doesn’t want anything to do with me. Her eyes, filled with hatred and betrayal, haunt me every time I think about that moment. My heart tightens painfully in my chest, the memory of her glaring at me so vivid it feels like it just happened.That night, her emotions ran high through the mate bond. I want to chase after her, to protect her from whatever dangers might be lurking in the woods, to tell her that I would do anything to fix this. But Liam steps in, with his hand firm on my shoulder. “Selena is with her,” he says softly. “She’ll take care of Ally.” I lower my head in defeat, my wolf growling in frustration as I turn back toward the packhouse. Every instinct screams at me to go after Ally, but I know Liam is right. Selena is strong, and she’ll keep Ally safe. As if the Goddess herself has heard my silent prayer, I feel a s
Alethea Dread washes over me as my heart begins to pound in my chest, wondering what my father is about to tell me. Perhaps he’s about to reveal that my entire life has been a lie from the start. I cradle Declan in my arms, while he starts to doze with sleep. Selena stretches out her hands, offering to take him to his room, but I hold on tighter. I know she’s been itching to hold him, but she retreats, perhaps sensing my need to bond with him after being away for long.My father clears his throat. Selena and I both turn and look at my dad. Whatever my father is about to say, it’s clear that Selena already knows. "Ally," my father started with a low voice, "I’m proud of the woman you’ve become. It hurts me deeply to know that I wasn’t the pillar you needed to grow into the strong woman you are today. That alone makes me feel like less of a father to you." I look at him and see that his eyes are glistening; I can tell that the emotions he is showing now are raw and unguarded.