LOGINKarson's POVThe scratches on her arm weren't deep.But they were there. Red lines carved into her skin. Evidence of a fight that could have gone differently. Evidence of my failure.I watched her apply the ointment. Her movements efficient. Practiced. She didn't wince at the sting. Didn't hesitate or fumble.
Irene's POVThe battlefield was still settling when Karson appeared at my side.He moved fast despite his injured leg. Limping across the blood-soaked ground like the wound didn't exist. Like nothing mattered except reaching me."Irene." His voice was rough. Breathless. "Are you hurt? Did they—"
Irene's POVLexie was broken beneath me.Bleeding. Whimpering. Defeated.I shifted back to human form. Stood over her crumpled body. Ready to end this once and for all."It's over, Lexie." My voice came out cold. Flat. "You've lost."
Irene's POVMidnight came slowly.I waited in the shadows near the depot. My body tense. My senses stretched to their limits. Every rustle of leaves. Every whisper of wind. Every distant owl call amplified in the darkness.The children were hidden safely behind the main building. Far from the trap zone. Close enough to alert us if their sharp noses detected anything unusual.
Irene's POVThe trap needed bait.Good bait. The kind that would make Lexie abandon caution entirely. The kind that would draw her in like a moth to flame.I knew exactly what that bait needed to be.Me.
Irene's POVThe news reached me before dawn.Ken slipped into my tent while the camp still slept. His face grim. His eyes sharp with urgency."Princess. We have a problem."I sat up immediately. Sleep forgotten. "What is it?"
IRENE"You didn't have to come, Alpha Lucas. I'm fine, I swear," I forced the words out as I tried to keep my eyes open but they only hurt."Yeah, and you're not shivering in bed right now," Alpha Lucas pointed out with narrowed eyes, standing next to my bed where I lay."Ugh, I feel like I'm being sco
KARSON'S POVI could still picture Irene's face on the little ones. They had her eyes and smile. Everything pointed to her as their mother but I still found it hard to believe.I was aware that these days, she-wolves could have pups with anyone, it didn't have to be their mate but what was new to me w
Alpha Lucas held their small hands and led them outside. He didn't know what to think seeing Karson act all caring and affectionate with the kids. Did he know they were Irene's kids?No, it didn't seem like he did. If anything, Irene would be particular about not wanting Karson to find out. It was no
IRENE'S POV"Oh Goddess!" Nanny May had her hand over her mouth when we stepped into the house. Tears filled her eyes so suddenly as she ran to the kids and hugged them. "I'm so sorry," she apologised over and over again and I could only imagine the scare she went through last night." It's okay, May.







