Warm rays of sunlight streamed through the light blue curtains, caressing my skin with the softest of touches and rousing me from my slumber. I ached all over from the lack of sleep, I’d through to far deeply into the night that I didn’t get enough sleep. Sitting up, my eyes trailed to where Cole still lay, sleeping peacefully not at all bothered by the sunlight that got brighter by the minute. His small chest rose and fell slowly, my lips stretched into a smile. Seeing the color returned to his skin with no hollowness in his cheek, I had a certain peace in my heart, one that I have not had for months. It gave me the impulse to do something I hadn’t done in a long time. I had spoken to Enzo about sending my things to the pack house which apparently, he knew the way to but for now I had to settle for some of the clothes Lily had borrowed to me. They were all a slightly tight fit because my chest was way fuller than hers, even more after I’d given birth to Cole. They weren’t r

I hurried up the stairs to my assigned room, Cole giggling in my arms as I pushed open the door. My mind was spinning from the impending attack and Lily’s warning to “let them come.” We would be safe here, right? I had to believe that, for Cole’s sake if not my own. I was tempted to pace, jump out the window, do anything that would be considered an escape at that point but I had to be smart, I couldn’t just endanger my son for selfish reasons. What if I ran into the opposing pack? Wait…what pack in their right senses would attack the Vincenzos who have been around for centuries. “It’ll be fine,” I said to myself, breathing in and out slowly befor I lost a grip on my control and be unable to mask my scent. Gently setting my son down on the plush carpet, I grabbed for my phone to call Enzo. But when I pressed the power button, nothing happened. Dead. Of course. I sighed, sitting down next to Cole as he babbled happily with his toy truck. At least one of us was blissfully unawa

That night I lay in bed lost in thought. The image of Aspen injured haunted me, the sound of his voice, the look of his flawless olive skin. Last time I felt something like this towards the opposite sex was with Luke, and look where that left me. I knew I had to be careful, I had to stop thinking so much about him or else, history would repeat itself “When will you learn your place?!” My mother’s words reverberated in my head in the dark silence, remembering the last time I had seen her three years ago. My eyes stung but I bit my bottom lip and held back every tear that threatened to fall. I am no longer that weak girl who is unable to defend herself. I now have something to live for, to fight for and hopefully I won’t fuck it up with my own hands. My night, just like every other night since I found out about Cole's illness, was restless and I couldn’t sleep past the third hour mark. I woke up sleep deprived, head heavy and the indescribable urge to punch someone in the gut. I

I’m not sure how long I stood there, watching their retreating figures even until they’d gone out of sight. My fists were clenched tightly at my sides as I tried to rein in my emotions. I had to keep myself in check. And as unlikely as it sounded in my mind, I had to trust Lily. Or at least that to convince myself that Aspen’s family would do nothing to his son. “Right,” I said with a humorless chuckle. My gaze drifted to the colorful garden, it was breathtaking sight yet the colors seemed to have dulled now that Cole wasn’t with me. I took slow steps forward, sliding away the glass door and stepping out into the garden. The sweet scent of various flowers assailed my senses and I couldn’t help but inhale much deeper, my tensed muscles eased slightly as my eyes closed, heightening the sensation of the cold wind rippling through my clothes. Lily's clothes. I wondered how long it would take for Enzo to bring my things. Opening my eyes, I took in the sight, despite myself, I found

To say I was mortified by the events that occurred by the lake would be an understatement to the turmoil of emotions I’d experienced while walking side by side with Aspen, leaving the woods. He stayed silent, never speaking a word or turning in my direction once he was sure the blanket was in place and I was warm. I turned to look at his side profile discreetly, his sharp jaw tightened and flex as he looked ahead, his powerful features were a sight to behold under the faint light the trees allowed the sun to provide. We weaved through trees, not following the path I’d marked but another. Sure, he knew this place like the back of his hand because he seemed to recognize every tree and every corner we passed. Still, I felt that strange connection to the trees, being unable to keep my hands off them as we passed by. Much to my surprise, Aspen did the same. Patting each tree we passed like it was some sort of protocol. Did he feel the same thing I did? I shrugged, I guess everyone di