Kayla's POV I had left early this morning to go to the doctor. I didn’t want to deal with questions about where I was headed. I planned to use my personal account to cover the visit. I couldn’t risk Damien finding out why I had come here.When I made the appointment, they warned me I would be here a while for testing. I had already filled out piles of paperwork and had been sitting in this thin hospital gown for over an hour. Moments like this made me grateful I was a wolf, but even that didn’t stop the chill from creeping in. Another hour and I would be freezing.Nerves were twisting in my stomach. One wrong result, and the cushy life I had built could come crashing down. Best case? I was fine and just needed a little help, something to boost my chances of carrying Damien’s pup. I would do whatever it took. I was desperate.But I already knew the truth: Damien didn’t want me anymore.I had to get him drunk last night, and even then, I had to give him something extra just to make him
Ciara's POV I had just come down after my release when I heard the low growl. I had grown so used to the security of my home that I let my guard down. But I realized quickly, this wasn’t Wade. The emotions rolling off him were impossible to ignore: anger, frustration, desire. He didn’t try to hide any of it. Instead, he pushed it all toward me, making sure I felt every raw edge of what he was holding inside.Wade wasn’t like Jace. It wasn’t just the rejection, it was everything that had happened since. Losing my daughter for over twenty years had carved new levels of pain into me. And hearing Timber say he wanted me to bear his children... that had hit me hard. Against my better judgment, I looked into his mind. The moment I did, I felt it, he truly cared. He believed I was his mate, and that belief came with a depth of feeling I couldn’t deny.I got the answers I needed when I saw his tears. My mate was crying. I had caused that. I had hurt him, and it cut me deeply. But I also saw
Wade's POV We looked at her from head to toe. Timber was not going to miss this opportunity with his mate. His eyes ran down her slender neck, still exposed as her head was thrown back. Her breasts were a handful, even to my large hands. She usually wore loose, flowy tops paired with jeans. And I had always known she had a great figure, but I had not realized just how stunning it truly was until today.We broke our eyes off her breasts with difficulty and let them trail down the rest of her body. My mate was a goddess, and I didn’t just want her, I needed her. Timber dragged our gaze slowly down her long, shapely legs, drinking in every inch. When we reached her feet, he let out a low, possessive growl.As expected, her head snapped up the moment she sensed us. Timber wanted her to know we were here, that we wanted her. And maybe… he was right. She wouldn’t lower her walls unless she truly understood how deeply we felt for her.She turned her back to us as she rinsed off, but even
Wade's POV I don’t understand what just happened. One moment, I was trying to get Vera to stop flirting with me, and the next, Ciara was gone. Vera had never been this clingy before, until today. I knew it was because of Ciara. She was acting jealous, even though there was never anything between us.We had always been careful with Vera. She had been through a lot, and only Dante and I were allowed to bring her food. Most of the time, it was me. She was used to me, and we wanted her to feel safe here. Dante only stepped in when I was away on assignment.Vera had always been kind and reserved, never once overstepping boundaries, until now. When she touched me, it felt like a message meant for Ciara, and I didn’t like it. I could sense Ciara pulling away the longer we stayed. Vera’s behavior toward her was shockingly rude. I had never seen this side of her before, and I didn’t like it at all.I stayed for almost an hour, trying to help Vera calm down. Before I left, I grabbed the stakes
Ciara's POV As she stepped back and looked up at him, she finally noticed me. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “And who is this?” she asked, her voice deceptively sweet as she slid her hand down his arm in a possessive gesture. Message received, she was staking a claim. But that’s not how this works, sweetheart.It was obvious she didn’t like seeing me there with him.“Ciara needed to speak with you,” Wade said calmly, stepping back and effectively removing her hand from his arm. “She brought something for you.”Vera didn’t look at me. “I don’t know her,” she said flatly. “I can’t imagine what she would need to talk to me about.” Then she turned her gaze back to Wade, softer now, more playful. “Are you bringing my food order today? I could make us something if you are.”“I’m not,” Wade replied evenly. “Gamma Dante will be delivering it from now on. I’m on a special detail for the next few weeks. But I’m sure he would be happy to share a meal with you.”Her smile faltered. I watche
Ciara's POV Lauren wasn’t able to give Maya a lesson, since she had a dress fitting this morning. We had just finished breakfast, and I have to admit, it was nice having Oliver around. I could sense the difference in Maya. She felt safer with him here.She had been a bit upset earlier, tense and withdrawn through the first half of breakfast. But things shifted when Oliver asked her to come with him to the hospital. Once he explained why he had rushed out last night, she settled almost instantly.I was waiting for Wade to arrive so he could accompany me to meet the resident witch. I knew showing up at Vera’s place alone would only stress her out. Having someone from the Red Crescent pack with me would help put her at ease. Wade mentioned that she knows him fairly well, he delivers food to her once a week. That small connection gave me some comfort. It meant she might be more open to talking with me.I was also glad Maya was going with Oliver. They needed time together, time to strengt