Semua Bab Mine: Bab 11 - Bab 20

The ride home was just as quiet as the one before, the silence stretching between them in a way that felt heavy rather than peaceful. It gave Kimberly far too much room to think, and her mind inevitably drifted back to her conversation with Mr. Gareth.She could still see the look in his eyes. The quiet guilt. The lingering remorse.It was clear he still carried the weight of his past choices, and that alone made her chest tighten. She felt deeply sorry for him because, no matter how much one regrets the past, the hands of time can never be turned back. There are no second chances to relive those missed moments.All one can do is make the most of the opportunities that come.With that final thought settling firmly in her mind, Kimberly knew what her decision was. She slowly turned her head and peeked at Ian.His full attention was on the road, his jaw slightly clenched, his expression strained. The stress was evident in the sharpness of his features, making him look a little older than

Kimberly returned home that afternoon after having lunch with her dad, but the warmth of that visit didn’t follow her back.Instead… All she felt was guilt.It sat heavily in her chest, refusing to ease no matter how much she tried to brush it aside. She hated the fact that she had lied to him. More than anything, she hoped this would be the first and last time she would ever have to hide something from her dad.“Hey babe, you’re back,” Ian greeted, leaning in to place a light kiss on her lips the moment she stepped into the living room.“Baby, what’s wrong?” he asked immediately, his tone shifting when he noticed the sadness written all over her face.“I lied to my dad about the trip, Ian,” she said, her voice already trembling. “I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the truth.”The words barely left her mouth before her emotions gave way, and she broke into tears.Ian felt it instantly. That sharp wave of guilt. If he hadn’t reacted the way he did earlier… if he hadn’t pressured her, p

As Simon drove further away from the lively, bustling parts of California, the scenery gradually shifted, tall buildings giving way to open roads, then to long stretches of trees that seemed to grow thicker the deeper they went.Kimberly sat quietly, her fingers lightly curled against her lap as she stared out the window, watching the world change before her eyes.And with every mile they covered, her uneasiness grew.This was her first time going on anything remotely close to an adventurous trip like this. No hospitals. No familiar streets. No safe routines.Just… the unknown. And she didn’t like not knowing what to expect. Not one bit.“Hey… are you okay?” Ian’s voice came softly, almost like he didn’t want to startle her.His hand found hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.Kimberly blinked, pulling herself out of her thoughts.“Yeah,” she replied, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.Ian studied her for a brief second longer but didn’t push. He simply kept holding he

Roy drove home after a long, exhausting day at the office, his grip on the steering wheel firm but weary. Every muscle in his body screamed for rest. All he could think about was a long, hot shower and collapsing into his bed.At the moment, that was all he needed…But was it really?His thoughts betrayed him, drifting back, uninvited, to the hushed murmurings he had overheard earlier that day.***FLASHBACK***“After all these years, he still hasn’t found his mate.”The woman’s voice had been low, almost conspiratorial, yet clear enough for Roy to hear as he stepped out of the pack house.“I mean… why is he still mateless? It’s not like he lost her or something,” she continued, her tone laced with curiosity and quiet judgment.“I think he’s cursed,” her companion replied without hesitation.Roy had paused for the briefest second. He would have reacted, if he hadn’t grown used to such whispers.“Yeah… I think you’re right,” the first woman agreed. “Alpha Hugh of the White Moon Pack was

“Hurry up, Ian, I feel dirty!” Kimberly called out from the living room, her voice echoing slightly through the cabin as she waited impatiently for Ian, who was supposed to accompany her to the lake so they could have their bath. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly eager to leave.“Coming, princess!” Ian’s voice rang back from upstairs.A small, uncontrollable smile curved her lips at the pet name.Moments later, Ian appeared, descending the stairs in a fitted white T-shirt and khaki shorts. The fabric clung just enough to outline the strength of his body, his broad shoulders, firm chest, and the subtle definition of his abs beneath the material. Kimberly’s gaze lingered longer than she intended, her thoughts momentarily slipping from the initial task, as she mentally drooled over Ian’s body.She felt lucky, more than lucky to have him in her life.What did she ever do to deserve him?“Just so you know,” Ian murmured as he passed her, leaning close enough for his