Karina.I stepped out, looking around the lavish hallways to find nobody in sight. This was the first time I was out.Flashback.“We need to talk.” He said.I let him in, taking a step back to fold my hands defensively.Despite my posture and the sound of his words, confusion flit through me. ‘What on earth did he want to talk about?’ It had been less than a day since I saw him last, and the last time he'd already stated he was here solely for Levi. Nothing explained this moment then.“You didn't come downstairs for breakfast.” He said, making me sick in my breath quietly.His eyes and tone didn't seem accusing at all, rather neutral and soft, but the implication was there as well as the question.I cleared my throat slightly, trying to stave away my nerves before I spoke.“I'm still recovering. Jetlagged and… Levi,” I spoke the last part lamely, eyes moving to the polished crib, silently apologizing for using him as an example yet again.“Is that it? You weren't trying to avoid us?

Karina.By the time we were done with our conversation the sun was fully up, morning completely at its peak. I ended up calling both Gino and Felix immediately after, quickly catching up on everything that happened within the past two days. By the time I was done, I sighed into the silence.There was one thing I'd thought.Even though I was gone, life still went on without me. The pack went on without me. No matter how much I missed then and vice versa, that was the truth.In the same way, I had to do the same.Stepping out, I picked Levi up. He was gratefully awake, gurgling happily as his hands grasped my cheeks. My lips rose without thinking.“There you are. Ready for a bath, baby?” I murmured, pushing him onto my face. His scent, still new and young mixed in with the natural baby scent enveloped me as our shared bond soothed.Today was a good day for exploration. If not out the pack —I wasn't ready for that yet— but within the new house I stayed in. That much was enough for a good

KarinaThe room was bathed in awkward silence. I could barely breathe as I stared helplessly at the empty space where he was supposed to be.Why had he left so abruptly?There was already an answer in my mind, one that told ne that it was my fault. Yet I couldn't decipher why.Was it my presence alone? He had previously called me out of doing the opposite, so why would he be annoyed now?A spark of irritation cut across my confusion. A sigh brought me back to reality. I turned to find his mother staring back at me.“Don't be bothered dear. He must have had a hard time with the elders today.” she said, smiling comfortingly. She looked completely unfazed by her son's sudden attitude.Opposite me, his father nodded.None of their excuses were convincing, but I bit my lip and nodded.It was after the dinner, walking across the hallway that I knew I couldn't let it be.“Excuse me.” I called out to the younger girl as she almost slipped past me, passing an assurring smile to ease the insta

KarinaWaking up early wasn't hard to do, especially with Levi as my alarm clock of sorts. While my baby was sated for the day, I was on a mission of my own.After last night I was more than eager to do more than staying within the four walls of my room. The reminder of his tone was what set me off.Call it anger or annoyance, but I wasn't going to let him get the last laugh.How dare he be angry at me for interacting with his parents? Such a thought was irrational to me. Most if all, he was the last person I would have thought would do that.‘You're nothing to me.’A knot formed at the base of my throat. I ignored it in lieu of dressing up in more appropriate clothes than pyjamas. None if that mattered now.I took one last look in the mirror, repeating Isabella and Sam's words of trust in my head like a mantra to prepare me for the day. Picking up Levi, we both headed downstairs.I wasn't fully present in time for the breakfast, but on arrival, I only met two figures there.“Connor s

ConnorMy hands tightened into fists. What was wrong with me?The sight of her retreating back was like being doused within the lake during winter. I had no doubt in me that I had inevitably messed up.I wasn't supposed to react that way. Not even when the sight of her with Ethan made me…“Damn it.” I cursed silently, shutting my eyes.The reminder of my harsh words didn't help, but I wasn't going to apologize. Not now Shaking my head, I moved away, back to the incomplete building where Ethan and Ralph still stood, waiting for me.“Something doesn't feel right.” Ralph whistledI turned to find Ethan shuffling slightly on his feet, his stare slightly more shaky. He was the youngest out of us and I could tell he sensed my animosity and was every bit worried. Seeing him in this state held down my animosity.“What happened that you're not telling us Connor?” I turned to find Ralph's face slightly more serious. The shock had worn off and all I could see were questions.I'd kept it from th