Five Years Later
Natalia’s POV
“Come here. Don’t run so fast; you’ll get hurt,” I said to my children, a wide smile on my face. The sight of my son, Noah, falling to the ground, caused my smile to vanish.
“Mom, it hurts,” my daughter, Aria, said.
Even though Noah was the one injured, Aria seemed equally saddened; she deeply loved her brother.
I hurried to Noah and hugged him. He was surprisingly strong; despite his fall, he didn't cry.
“I’m okay, Aria,” he said gently.
Looking at my twins, I smiled again. Taking them for walks in the woods brought me immense joy. I’d had a wonderful time with the Blue Blood Pack these past few years. My real family had helped me heal.
I was nearly forgetting the pain of my past. Away from the Crystal Blood Pack’s brutal Alpha and the haughty Gamma’s reprimands, I was finally enjoying life.
To my surprise, my wolf manifested the day I gave birth to the twins! I never imagined she’d be a massive black wolf. It turned out I did have Alpha blood. My poor mental health in the Crystal Blood Pack had previously prevented me from shifting. That's why my wolf couldn't—
“Uncle Eric, come play with us!” Aria exclaimed excitedly, noticing a man approaching.
Turning, I saw Eric, the Blue Blood Pack’s Beta. He was very handsome.
The maids often gossiped about him and Jason, Eric consistently considered more captivating.
“My babies, come to Uncle Eric! Hurry!” he said.
They ran to him; he tickled them, and they laughed. I watched them play.
Perhaps Eric wasn't more handsome than Adrian, but unlike Adrian, he was a gentleman. [Remove the website plug]
Over the years, Eric had been kind, but I wasn’t ready for a new relationship. Even though my wolf was strongly drawn to his, I—
When Noah and Aria tired, we returned to the pack house. I saw my brother, Jason, talking on his phone. He nodded, signaling us to wait.
Finishing his call, he looked at me. “In a few days, the werewolf council is holding a large party. You’re invited, and I hope you’ll attend with Eric.”
“No, brother, I don’t want to go,” I refused.
He frowned. “Natalia, what’s wrong? Everyone wants to meet you. You must represent our pack.”
I remained silent. He thought for a moment. “You’ve always wanted to meet Doctor Max, haven’t you? He’ll be there. You can ask him anything about—”
My face brightened. I’d always dreamed of being a healer. Max Harrison was the Blood Moon Pack’s best doctor; learning from him would be incredible.
“Only because of him,” I said. Jason winked at Eric for no apparent reason.
I was happy to meet Doctor Max, so I agreed to attend the party.
“But I have a condition,” I added.
“What?” Jason and Eric asked simultaneously.
“I want to remain anonymous.”
“What? Why? They specifically asked for you,” Jason sighed.
“Please. I don’t want Adrian to know about me, in case he’s there,” I explained.
Though I’d almost forgotten the pain, I hadn’t forgotten who caused it. I remembered everything. I only wanted to avoid him if we met. I just hoped I could act as if he didn’t exist.
I’d changed significantly over the years, both internally and externally. But Adrian Miller had changed, too.
Three years since his father ceded leadership, he’d run the pack as he pleased. He’d elevated the Crystal Blood Pack to top status, a level of success unseen in three years.
He was now the most eligible Alpha, the object of every woman’s desire and every man’s envy. He was calm and strategic, sought after by every Alpha for alliances.
He was called the most ruthless Alpha. Stories of his cruelty abounded. Well, who knew better than me?
“Natalia?”
Lost in thought, I jumped as Eric spoke my name.
“Hmm?”
The room grew colder. Glancing at Eric, Jason turned back to me.
“Do you both agree?” I asked.
“Okay, as you wish, little sister,” Jason said, hugging me. I smiled.
My children’s giggles interrupted us. They were running around.
I watched them, thinking, ‘I must protect you both from your father. Even if it means concealing my identity forever, I will.’