Chapter Thirteen

Nicole POV

I turned my back on Layla for one minute this morning, and she went straight to her father. She has just turned one; she is a clever little girl; she knows Michael is her father. I watch Layla playing. There is no way I will take my eyes off her again. I can't risk her being near Michael; Malaki is never far from the surface. I can see him rippling under Michael’s skin more often than not.

I still share a room with Layla. I have set it up as a nursery. I keep the king-size bed in the room for my use. The only time I have to share a room with Michael is when we have other packs visiting. I don't get involved in pack business as Michael has made it clear that the Red River pack is his alone. Michael spends most of his nights with Rose; our pack is aware they have a relationship. I do not attend the gatherings or runs anymore; listening to the whispers about Rose and Michael became too humiliating for me. Michael's dominating behavior towards me has become worse. He only allo