LOGINNatasha's POVI went back to our room without another word. My steps felt heavy, like my body knew my mind was not ready to rest. I closed the door quietly behind me and sat on the edge of the bed for a moment before lying down. The sheets were still warm from earlier, but I felt cold anyway. I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts moving too fast for sleep.Selene.The name repeated itself in my head no matter how much I tried to push it away. I did not know her face, her voice, or her intentions beyond what Ryan had told me. But I knew one thing clearly. She was not someone who would simply disappear because she was asked to. Ryan’s fear earlier had been real. It had not been the fear of guilt or temptation. It was the fear of someone unpredictable.The door opened softly behind me.I felt the bed dip as Ryan lay down. He moved closer, his arm sliding around my waist, his body pressing against my back. His touch was familiar, grounding, but my body stayed tense.“I’m here,” he said qui
Ryan's POVThe moment Natasha asked the question, I knew there was no turning back. I ended the call without another word and lowered the phone slowly. The room felt smaller, heavier. Natasha stood a few steps away from me, her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes fixed on my face. She was calm on the outside, but I knew her well enough to see the tension underneath.“You said family.” She said. “You raised your voice you looked scared. So tell me, Ryan. Who were you talking to?”I opened my mouth, then closed it again. I had faced enemies, pack wars, council threats, and betrayal without blinking. But this was different. This was personal. This was my past walking into my present.“It’s nothing you need to worry about,” I said finally.Her eyes hardened immediately. “Don’t do that.”“Natasha-”“No.” She cut in. “You don’t get to brush this aside. You said family. That includes me that includes Jayden. “If someone is calling you in the middle of the night and making you look like
Natasha's POVThe meeting finally ended when my head was already aching. I sat back in my chair and listened as the last person spoke, nodding where needed, answering questions calmly even though my mind felt tired. We had covered land ownership, safety rules, leadership roles, and funding control. Nothing had gone wrong, but nothing had been easy either. Every decision came with arguments and doubt. Still, by the end of it, agreements were signed and dates were set.When everyone stood to leave, I remained seated for a moment, breathing slowly. It was done. At least the hardest part was done.I packed my files carefully and stepped outside. The air felt heavy, and the sun was already lowering. I got into the car, giving the driver a short nod.“Let’s go home.” I said.The drive back to the Pack felt longer than it should have. The road was clear, but my body was tense. My shoulders ached, and my thoughts refused to settle. I kept thinking of Jayden. I wondered if he had eaten well,
Ryan's POVThe house felt quieter after Natasha left. Not empty, just different. I stood for a while at the window, watching the convoy disappear down the road. I knew she would be fine. She always was when she set her mind on something. Still, knowing that did not stop the tight feeling in my chest.Jayden shifted in my arms, making a small sound. I looked down at him and sighed softly.“It is just you and me now.” I said.He stared up at me, his eyes bright and curious, as if he understood every word. I carried him to the living room and sat on the floor, leaning my back against the couch. I spread a soft mat and placed his toys around us. Jayden kicked his legs happily, grabbing at a small wooden block and shaking it.“You are too happy for someone who just lost his mother for the day.” I said lightly.He answered with a soft laugh, the sound filling the room in a way nothing else could. I smiled without thinking, moments like this made everything else slow down.I picked him up a
Natasha's POVI sat across from Ryan in his study, my hands folded on my lap, my heart beating fast but steady. Jayden was already asleep upstairs, and the pack house had gone quiet. This was the best time to talk. Ryan was relaxed, leaning back in his chair, his jacket off, sleeves rolled up. He looked at me like he always did when he was ready to listen, not rushed, not distracted.I took a slow breath. I needed him to understand this was important to me, not just an idea that would fade with time.“I have been thinking about something for months.” I said. “I didn’t want to speak until I was sure.”Ryan nodded. “Go on, I’m listening.”I shifted forward in my chair. “I want to build an Omega Forum. a real one, not just a place where omegas gather to complain or hide. A place with structure, protection, and purpose.”His eyes sharpened slightly, not with anger, but with interest that gave me courage.“Omegas are always spoken for.” I continued. “Decisions are made over their heads;
Natasha's POVI was packing the last of Jayden's things into the diaper bag when Ryan walked into the bedroom carrying their suitcase."Did you remember his stuffed bear?" Ryan asked, setting the suitcase by the door."Already in the bag." I replied, zipping it closed."Along with extra diapers, wipes, bottles, his blanket, and enough baby food to last a week."Ryan laughed. "We are only going for four days.""Better to have too much than not enough," I said, lifting the bag. "Trust me on this."We had decided to take a trip to the cabin by Crystal Lake, about three hours north of pack territory. It was a place Ryan's family had owned for years, quiet and peaceful, surrounded by forest and water. After everything they had been through, we needed this time away.Jayden was already in his car seat, playing with a plastic ring toy. He looked up at them and smiled, showing his few tiny teeth."Ready to go, little man?" Ryan asked, adjusting the straps of the car seat.Jayden babbled in re







