The loud crash sent a chill down my spine. I didn’t need to look outside to know what it was. The enemy pack had arrived.

“Cedrica! Edward!” I shouted, panic creeping into my voice. They were already running toward the window, their movements quick and determined. My heart raced as I stepped forward, locking eyes with Amira.

“Amira, get everyone inside now! Ethan’s still outside.” I didn’t wait for her response, turning to grab my phone. I needed to make sure my driver was safe, too.

Amira nodded, her expression tense. “I’ll handle it.” She rushed to the door, calling for Lina her maid to follow her.

I moved quickly toward the window, watching as Cedrica and Edward stood side by side, their eyes scanning the grounds. The silence in the house was suffocating.

“Do you see them?” I asked, my voice strained.

Cedrica didn’t answer. She simply turned, her eyes colder than before, and walked away from the window. Edward followed,

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but just as I was about to check on them, the door swung open with a creak, and in walked Deryan.

Deryan. The Alpha of the pack.

Amira’s husband.

His presence filled the room, commanding and full of power. As soon as his eyes met mine, my breath caught in my throat.

There was something about him, something so magnetic. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his dark hair falling messily around his sharp features.

I have to admit, Amira was lucky. Deryan was handsome, dashing, even. Not like my own Alpha, who spent his days hopping between women and causing chaos in our pack.

“Luna Zadre,” Deryan said with a calm, yet powerful voice,

“It’s good to see you again. Please, stay for dinner.” His words had a warmth to them, an invitation I couldn’t refuse.

I hesitated for a moment, but something in his gaze, the way he said my name, made it impossible to say no. “I’d be happy to stay,” I said, trying to mask the sudden flutter of my heart.

Amira’s eyes sparkled with joy. She rushed toward her husband, throwing her arms around him. “You’re finally back!” she exclaimed.

I watched them for a moment, before turning my attention back to the door. Cedrica and Edward were gone.

“Amira, have you seen Cedrica and Edward?” I asked, my voice tight.

Amira glanced at me over her shoulder, then at the door where her son and my daughter had disappeared.

“They’re probably fine. Let them be for now,” she said with a carefree tone.

“Come let’s just get the kitchen sorted. Nina’s in there too, come , let's cook.”

I nodded, trying to push the unease aside. I followed her into the kitchen,

The chatter and clinking of utensils helped distract me, but my thoughts kept drifting back to my daughter.

Where had she gone?

Time seemed to slow as we moved through the motions of setting the table and preparing the meal. Finally, the door to the dining room opened, and Edward walked in. Alone.

My stomach dropped. I had been expecting Cedrica to walk in with him, not just him. He looked at me, and there was something off about the way his body was stiff,

“Where’s Cedrica?” I asked, trying to mask the panic rising in my chest. “I thought she was with you.”

Edward shifted uncomfortably. “I thought she was with you,” he replied. His tone was strange, like he was confused, or maybe... lying?

I stared at him for a moment, trying to gauge the situation. My mind raced. Where was Cedrica? Why wasn’t she here?

“I’ll go check on her,” I said, pushing back from the table. My heart was pounding now,

But before I could move, Deryan’s voice stopped me.

“Don’t worry, Luna,” he said, his voice commanding. “I’ll go out and find her. The pack can handle this.”

I hesitated. Something in Deryan’s tone made me want to trust him, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

“I’ll go with you,” I said, but Deryan held up a hand.

“No. Stay here with Amira,” he insisted. “You’ve had a long day.”

But I didn’t want to stay. I didn’t want to be here, not while my Cedrica was missing.

Deryan’s eyes softened for a split second, like he understood my worry,

“We’ll find her. I promise.”

I watched him leave,

Amira, sensing my unease, placed a hand on my arm. “Don’t worry, Zadre,” she said softly. “Deryan will bring her back.”

I nodded, though I didn’t believe her words.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. Every noise outside made me jump. Every flicker of movement made my heart race. Finally, the door swung open again, and this time

It was Deryan. Alone. Again!.

I froze. The air around me thickened with tension. I didn’t even have to ask. I could see it in his eyes, something had happened. Something was wrong.

“What happened?” I demanded, my voice barely a whisper.

He swallowed, his jaw tightening. “We couldn’t find her,” he said, his voice low. “She’s gone.”

Gone!!

A chill swept over me. My body went cold, the room spinning around me. “What do you mean, gone?” I whispered.

He met my gaze, his eyes wide. “She’s not at the school. She’s not anywhere. We... we don’t know where she is.”

My mind raced, the panic now flooding my veins. “We need to find her,” I said urgently, turning to Amira. “Amira, we need to.......”

But Amira wasn’t there.

I turned to “Edward, where was she? You were the last person with Cedrica, right?”

He nodded, looking uncomfortable.

“Yes, Luna, we walked downstairs together. She said she needed to grab something from the car. I waited for her, but she never came back up. I thought she’d be right back. That was the last time I saw her.”

I didn’t let him finish before I spun on my heels and rushed towards the door. My head was a blur of thoughts, and I could barely think straight.

“I’ll deal with this now,” I muttered under my breath as I hurried down the stairs.

I needed answers. I needed to know where Amira had gone, where Cedrica was. Why were they both gone without a trace?

As soon as I stepped outside, I spotted Ethan, my driver, leaning against the car. He looked up at me in surprise, probably thinking we were about to leave.

“Ethan,” I called, my voice sharp, “Have you seen Cedrica?” I could hear the desperation in my tone.

Ethan looked confused.

“No, Luna,” he replied. “She hasn’t been out here. I thought you were going out, so I started the engine, but I didn’t see anyone.”

I frowned, feeling a sudden pit in my stomach. Where was my child? What was going on?

I stepped closer to Ethan, keeping my voice low. “Have you seen Cedrica?” I asked again , my words rushing out. “Is she with Amira?”

“No, Luna,” he said, shaking his head. “I haven’t seen Amira either. Are you sure she’s... missing?”

My heart skipped a beat. Was it possible that Cedrica was still here and just... hiding?

I was about to ask more questions when, suddenly, I saw her. Cedrica. She walked calmly down the stairs, her expression neutral, like nothing had happened.

I froze. She was alive. She was here.

“Cedrica!” I called, rushing towards her. “Where were you? Why didn’t you come back inside?” I needed answers, and I needed them now.

Cedrica glanced up at me, her face a mask of indifference.

“I’m fine, Mom,” she said flatly. “I just went outside for a while. No big deal.”

I didn’t buy it. Something was off. My daughter didn’t just disappear and act like nothing happened. “Are you sure?” I pressed, my worry turning into suspicion.

She nodded, but I could see something in her eyes that unsettled me. I had to know more. But before I could ask another question, she turned and walked toward the car.

“Cedrica, wait!” I called after her. “I need to get my bag. Stay here.”

She didn’t answer, just kept walking, and I had to hurry to catch up.

As I reached the car, I noticed something strange in the air, an unease, like something was out of place. But I pushed it aside for now, focusing on my next step.

I held her hand, “Let me quickly grab my bag, then we’ll leave,” I said, trying to reassure myself more than anyone else.

“Did you hear anything strange, Ethan?” I asked as I turned to my driver, my voice trembling slightly. “Any sounds, any signs of a pack or attack?”

Ethan shook his head, looking around the yard nervously. “No, Luna. I didn’t see anything unusual. But I heard some noise, like... rustling. It was probably just the wind, though.”

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. The enemy pack was close, and I could feel it in my bones. But where were they? Why hadn’t they attacked yet?

“I’m going inside,” I said quickly. “I need to grab my bag.”

I barely heard Ethan’s reply as I dashed back toward the house. My feet moved faster, but the unease gnawing at my gut only grew with every step. There was something wrong, something I couldn’t put my finger on.

As I stepped into the hallway and turned toward the stairs, I froze.

There, standing at the top of the stairs, was Daryan.

My pulse quickened. My body tensed as I tried to gather myself. There was no telling what he would say, what he would do next.

Daryan wasn’t just the Alpha of the pack. He was... dangerous. Even with Amira by his side, his power alone could change everything.

I tried to keep my composure, but there was no mistaking the sudden jolt in my chest.

As I stepped forward, Daryan looked at me, his gaze deep and knowing. He took a step toward me, his presence filling the hallway. Without a word, he reached out, taking my hand in his.

Before I could pull away, he gently drew me closer, his voice a low murmur in my ear.

“You’re not leaving yet, Zadre,” he said softly.

A shiver ran through me, and I couldn’t breathe. Something about his touch made everything inside me go still. I needed to break free, but his grip tightened, not painfully, but firmly.

“Daryan,” I whispered, my voice shaky. “I, I need to go get my bag. Cedrica is...”

His eyes met mine, and there was something dark, something I couldn’t understand.

“Everything is about to change,” he said, his voice almost... soothing. “But not yet, Luna. Not yet.”

My heart pounded as he held me there, his gaze never leaving mine.

And then, without a word, he pulled me even closer. I didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what to do.

This wasn’t just about Cedrica anymore.

.

Luna, Rose

Daryan’s hands were warm against my skin as he pulled me closer. His breath was steady, but I could feel the weight of his presence in every inch of my body. I tried to step back, but his grip tightened gently, holding me in place.

“Lina Zadre,” he murmured, his voice low, his breath brushing against my ear. “I’ve always known you felt it too.”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure, but the words he spoke sent a wave of heat through me. This wasn’t just the Alpha, the man who commanded attention with a single look. This was Daryan, the man who had always been just out of my reach.

“You’re right,” I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve always felt it. But it doesn’t matter now. You chose Amira.”

He chuckled softly, his lips brushing my cheek. “I chose her because I thought it was the right thing to do. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t felt what’s between us.”

My heart skipped a beat, and I pulled away just enough to look at him. “You can’t just... say that, Daryan. You made your choice. Amira is your mate, not me.”

He sighed, his eyes darkening with something I couldn’t place. “Yes she is my true mate. You know that. I had to honor what was expected of me.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with the years of regret he hadn’t said out loud. I couldn’t help but remember the first time I’d met him, so young, so full of promise. We had been inseparable back then, my heart filled with dreams of a future together. But it was a future that had never come.

“We were supposed to be together,” I said softly, my voice trembling. “I thought we would be.”

His gaze softened, and for a moment, it felt like the world around us faded away. “I know, Luna. I know. But fate... it has a way of changing everything. And I was too blind to see it.”

I wanted to say more, to tell him everything I had buried for so many years. But before I could gather my thoughts, his lips brushed mine, gentle at first, as if testing the waters. The world seemed to stop in that moment, every doubt, every worry I had, evaporated.

But the reality of the situation quickly slammed back into my mind. I jerked away, pulling back sharply.

“No,” I whispered. “This isn’t right. Not now. I can’t do this.”

His eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I saw something in them, something that mirrored my own struggle. But he didn’t argue. Instead, he nodded, releasing me from his hold.

“Go,” he said, his voice soft. “But know this, Luna, I’ll always be here, if you ever change your mind.”

I didn’t answer him. I couldn’t. I turned quickly and ran toward the car, where Cedrica and Ethan were waiting.

As soon as I reached the vehicle, I didn’t hesitate.

“Ethan, drive us home,” I said, my voice steady but filled with urgency.

Ethan didn’t ask questions. He just nodded, and we drove off, the silence in the car making my thoughts feel even louder. Cedrica sat in the back, staring out the window. She hadn’t said a word since we left. Her silence was unnerving.

The drive back to the mansion felt longer than usual, the weight of everything pressing down on me. When we finally arrived, Sydney was waiting for us in the grand hall, his face lighting up as he saw Cedrica.

“There’s my girl!” Sydney called, his voice booming with pride. “Look at you. You’re growing up so fast.”

Cedrica didn’t smile. She didn’t even respond right away. She just nodded, her eyes cold.

Sydney didn’t seem to notice. “Come here, Cedrica,” he said, his arms wide as if she was still that little girl he used to spoil. “You’re my legacy. The one I’m proud of.”

I watched the exchange closely. This wasn’t the Cedrica I knew. She was... different. Her usual confidence was gone, replaced by something distant, something I couldn’t reach.

I took a step forward, trying to break the silence. “Cedrica, what’s wrong?” My voice was soft but filled with concern. “Why are you acting like this?”

She didn’t answer right away. Her gaze flickered to Sydney, then back to me, her eyes unreadable. “I’m fine, Mom,” she finally said, her voice flat, emotionless.

Sydney wasn’t paying attention. He continued talking about his wealth, about his pride in Cedrica. “You’re going to inherit everything, you know that? You’re going to be the one to carry on my name.”

But Cedrica didn’t react. She just turned, her shoulders stiff, and walked toward the stairs without another word.

Sydney’s enthusiasm dimmed. “What’s going on with her?” he muttered to himself, but I could hear the concern in his voice.

I didn’t know what was happening with Cedrica. I couldn’t get through to her. It was like a wall had been put up between us.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. This wasn’t just about me anymore. Cedrica was slipping away, and I didn’t know why.

I turned to Sydney, frustration bubbling up. “Do you see it?” I asked, my voice rising. “Do you see how she’s acting? This isn’t just a phase. Something’s wrong.”

Sydney gave me a dismissive wave. “She’s a teenager, Luna. You know how they are. They get moody.”

I didn’t believe him. I couldn’t. There was something deeper happening, something I couldn’t understand.

As I stood there, my thoughts racing, I suddenly heard a loud bang from the other side of the house. The unmistakable growl echoed once more, deep and menacing, sending a chill down my spine.

I turned to Sydney, my heart pounding. “The enemy,” I whispered. “They’re here.”

Sydney’s face went pale, and he turned toward the door. “What do you mean, the enemy? Who’s out there?”

I didn’t have an answer. I just knew that whatever was happening, it was bigger than I could handle on my own.

Before I could say anything else, I heard the door creak open. My body went rigid as a figure stepped into the room...,

The figure that stepped into the room was shrouded in darkness, his silhouette barely visible in the dim light. My breath caught in my throat as the heavy air seemed to press in on me. I could feel the tension vibrating through the floor, like the world itself was holding its breath.

“Who are you?” Sydney’s voice was shaky, his usual confidence nowhere to be found.

The man didn’t answer immediately. He took a slow step forward, his presence so commanding that the space seemed to shrink around him. His eyes, glowing faintly in the darkness, fixed on me

“Luna,” the voice was low, familiar, but twisted by time and distance. “It’s been a long time.”

I froze, unable to move or speak. The man before me was no stranger, though it felt like a lifetime had passed since I last saw him. The memories rushed back, too quickly, too sharply, our shared past, a tangled mess of love, betrayal, and secrets.

“You…” My voice was barely a whisper, “It can’t be.”

He stepped fully into the light, and I saw the scars etched into his face, the coldness that had replaced the warmth I once knew. It was him.

Varek.

“Luna,” he repeated, this time softer, almost like a plea. “I didn’t want it to end like this.”.

Sydney took a step back, clearly unsettled by the exchange. “Do you know him?” he asked, his voice cracking slightly.

Before I could respond, Varek spoke again, his tone sharp. “Not here. Not now.” He turned to Sydney, his gaze flicking over him with an almost dismissive air. “This place isn’t safe anymore.”

Sydney’s jaw clenched. “I don’t care who you are. I don’t want you in my house

“Do you know him?” Sydney’s voice cracked, shaking the air between us.

I didn’t respond right away. I couldn’t.

Flash back!

“You still haven’t gotten pregnant?” Sydney’s voice had cut through me like a knife. His words, sharp with disappointment, echoed in my ears. Each word was a reminder of how I had failed him, failed us.

I didn’t answer. I had no defense, no explanation. His frustration had become a daily weight on my shoulders.

That was when I met him…

Verek

“You look like you’ve been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders,” Varek had said, his voice smooth like honey as he stepped closer, his eyes dark and intense. “Everything okay?”

I tried to smile, but my lips trembled. “I’m fine,” I said, but the words felt hollow,

Varek didn’t move, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’re not fine,” he murmured.

His voice had a way of cutting through all the noise in my head, making everything else fall away.

I shrugged, trying to brush it off, but he stepped in, just a little closer, and I felt the heat of his presence. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said, his voice suddenly softer. “But you’ve got that look. Like you’re carrying more than you should.”

I swallowed, my heart beating faster. I didn’t know how to respond. So, I didn’t. Instead, I just met his gaze, a flicker of something, curiosity?

“You’re quiet,” he observed, leaning in just slightly, as if trying to read me. “It doesn’t suit you.”

I finally exhaled a laugh, but it was strained. “It’s nothing.”

“Don’t lie,” he said gently, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against my arm, a touch that sent a spark through my skin.

I froze. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. Everything else faded, leaving just the two of us in this space, connected by something unspoken.

“You’re not here for nothing,” he added, his voice almost a whisper. “You’re here because you need to feel something. Even if it’s just for one night.”

The words hit me harder than I expected, and before I knew it, I found myself nodding.

I needed to be loved , due to my childlessness, my husband lost interest in me, we only became intimate when he was drunk..

It wasn’t just the words that drew me in, t was the way he said them, the way he made me feel seen, like he understood me in a way no one else did.

“I didn’t expect this,” I said softly, barely a breath between us.

He took another step forward, the intensity between us palpable. “What didn’t you expect?” His voice was low, almost seductive now.

“This.” I gestured between us, unsure of how to express what was happening, what I was feeling. But I didn’t have to. Varek already knew.

He reached for me then, pulling me gently closer. His lips found mine, tentative at first, like he was waiting for me to pull away. But I didn’t.

The kiss deepened, slow, deliberate, and I felt everything inside me turned, my thoughts no longer coherent., There were no words, just actions. Just us.

When he pulled away, his forehead resting against mine, his eyes searched mine. “I told you,” he whispered, his breath warm against my lips, “it wasn’t just this one night.”

I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “Will I see you again?”

But one night turned into something more. And when we met again... it wasn’t over. The second time, it felt different. More intense. The way his hands had caressed my skin, like he was imprinting something into me that I couldn’t forget.

After that, Varek disappeared. I hadn’t heard from him in months. Not a word.

And then, a few months later, I found out I was pregnant.

******

“Luna! Answer me!” His voice rose, demanding an answer.

I recovered quickly…,

“Yes,” I said. “I know him.”

“Who is he? What the hell is going on?” Sydney’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his voice trembling with frustration.

“He’s...” I couldn’t finish the sentence. His name felt like a weight I couldn’t bear to say aloud.

“Who the hell is he, Luna?” Sydney demanded again, stepping closer.

“He’s someone from my past,” I forced out, my voice barely a breath.

Varek’s voice cut through the tension. “Luna, there’s no time for explanations, but you need to understand..”

“No,” Sydney interrupted, spinning toward him. “You don’t get to walk in here and…”

“I’m not here for you, Sydney,” Varek said, his voice calm but firm. “I’m here for Luna.”

Sydney stepped forward, blocking my line of sight to Varek. “I won’t let her talk to you. Leave.”

Varek didn’t flinch. “You don’t have a choice, Sydney. This is bigger than anything you understand.”

“I’m not letting you..” Sydney started, but I raised my hand.

“Stop, Sydney,” I said, my voice sharper than I meant.

Varek looked at me, his eyes intense. “Luna, we’ve all been playing a game we didn’t choose. It’s time to face the truth.”

“No,” Sydney spat. “I’m not listening to this. I’m not…”

The door creaked open, and Cedrica walked in, her eyes scanning the room before landing on Varek. Without a word, she walked over to him and stood by his side.

Sydney’s voice shook with disbelief. “What are you doing there?”

Varek looked down at her, his voice steady. “This is my daughter.”

Sydney’s eyes went wide, his breath catching in his throat. “What?”

Cedrica didn’t move. She didn’t flinch, didn’t look away. She just stood there, her gaze unwavering.

I froze.

You..” Sydney stammered, his voice thick with disbelief. “You’re telling me that she… she’s your daughter?”

Varek nodded, slowly. “Yes.”