Lost in Time

Prologue

"Come on, Victoria. Let's go!"

I let out a sigh and sink back into my bed, ignoring the persistent pleas of my best friend, Axel.

"Victoria Griffin, get up. We're going to that party," Axel insists, yanking the covers off me.

"Axel, I really don't want to go. Parties aren't my thing, and Maverick probably doesn't even remember my name anymore, so it's not like he'll be devastated if I don't show up." I try to reason with him, but he pays no attention. He rummages through my closet and pulls out the tight black dress he bought me for Christmas, the one I've been avoiding wearing.

"He knows who you are! You're the beta's daughter, for crying out loud. You practically grew up with Maverick. And even if he doesn't remember your name, it doesn't matter. It's not some exclusive birthday party with just him. The whole pack will be there!" he argues, holding up my only pair of six-inch heels.

"Do you have any idea how much trouble I'll be in if Bennett catches me drinking? And let's be honest, that's the only reason you want to go anyway, because you don't even like Maverick."

"Yeah, I know your sexy brother will be furious if he catches us with alcohol, but he won't! There will be so many people there, all completely wasted. We'll just blend in. Now, get dressed."

I groan, knowing deep down that he's right, but still reluctant to give in. It's been a while since I've gone out, and maybe a night of revelry is exactly what my soul needs.

Reluctantly, I change into the revealing dress, immediately wanting to crawl back into my cozy sweats. After a brief argument with Axel, I settle for a pair of sandals instead of the ankle-breaking heels he had in mind.

Tonight is the birthday party for Maverick Anderson, the soon-to-be alpha. The entire pack has been invited, along with some guests from neighboring packs. My brother, Bennett, the future beta, specifically warned me to steer clear of alcohol tonight. He knows how I can become when I'm drunk―overly emotional and vulnerable. Even though this is my pack and I should trust them, Bennett and I both know that there are a few wolves who would risk anything for a taste of... well, anything they can get their hands on.

Bennett has always been fiercely protective of me. Throughout my fifteen years of existence, there have been countless times when he's had to pick up the pieces and help me rebuild after some guy had broken me down to nothing. Relationships have never been my strong suit. They always end with me falling hard for someone who only wants what's under my clothes. But I never realize it until it's too late. I've never given in to those douchebags, mostly because my parents would never allow their fifteen-year-old daughter to have a boy in her room. But that never stopped them from trying something when we were away from home. Thankfully, being the daughter of a beta, I have enough strength to escape their clutches. Since my last disastrous relationship, I took the broken arm as a sign from the moon goddess that she didn't want me dating until I found my mate.

"Ooooh, looking like a whole meal, girl!"

I simply shake my head at Axel, a smile tugging at my lips. He always knows how to boost my confidence just the right amount.

"Well, if that wasn't a confidence boost, then I don't know what is."

We laugh, and Axel starts rambling about finding our mates, a topic he never fails to bring up. He's a hopeless romantic, always dreaming of the day his mate will sweep him off his feet. I've tried to tell him that maybe he shouldn't set his expectations so high to avoid disappointment, but he never listens.

Axel is gay, which makes finding his mate in a pack with less than ten gay wolves quite a challenge. Most guys don't find their mates until they're eighteen, but us girls are lucky―or unlucky, depending on how you look at it―and find them at sixteen. My birthday is just two months away, and both excitement and dread course through my veins. Wolf, my inner self, is ecstatic, while I'm more apprehensive. It's not that I don't want a mate, but I'm just not ready for it yet.

After curling my hair and applying some lipstick and mascara, Axel and I make our way out the door. I love the look of a full face of makeup, but tonight, I just don't have the energy for it.

Living close to the pack house, thanks to my father being the beta, we can already hear and see the party as soon as we step outside. Music blares through the speakers, and colorful lights flash in sync. Some kids are grinding on each other, while others gather around the bar, engaged in deep conversations.

We navigate our way to the backyard, making sure to avoid my brother and Maverick, who are engrossed in conversation with two girls from the pack, Amber and Ashley. I nudge Axel, silently urging him to go the opposite way.

Finally reaching the backyard and finding a secluded corner, we breathe a sigh of relief. If Bennett knew I was here, he'd sober up in an instant and become my shadow for the rest of the night. He deserves a break from babysitting duty, so staying hidden is the best option.

"If you see or sense them approaching, let me know. I don't want them catching us," I tell Axel.

He nods in agreement and scurries off to the bar, grabbing whatever drink he can find. It turns out to be beer, and I scrunch up my nose at the taste but revel in the familiar buzz it brings. Being drunk, or at least a little tipsy, helps me escape from the constant whirlwind of thoughts in my head.

Werewolves don't get drunk or high easily, so it takes a few cups before I feel even remotely tipsy. I spend most of the night in my corner, while Axel disappears to chat with some guys in the opposite corner.

Taking a sip from my cup, I survey the backyard. They really did invite the entire pack, including the adults and elders. My gaze lands on Maverick's younger brothers, huddled together in a corner. Maverick may be turning eighteen tonight, but his brother Joseph is only two years younger, closer to my age at sixteen.

As if sensing my stare, Joseph turns towards me and flashes a mischievous grin. I return the smile and motion for him to join me. Joseph and I have always been close, and even though we haven't talked in ages, I still enjoy his company. He was always there, alongside Bennett, helping me pick up the pieces after yet another heartbreak. Maybe I am a hopeless romantic after all.

"Hey, Rosie Posie!" he greets me as he approaches. I shoot him a mock glare for using the nickname he bestowed upon me.He completely swiped it from my father, but at least my father stopped using that nickname when I turned twelve.

   "Come on, you know you love being called that!" he says, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

   I simply shake my head at him. He smirks back and wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I let out a small squeal at the sudden movement and look up to find his smirk growing wider. I push him away, playfully hitting his chest. He's always been a touchy-feely person. I remember when we were kids, he used to say we'd grow up to be mates. But I never felt anything more than brotherly love for him.

   "Well, aren't you two just adorable!" Axel chimes in, his voice high-pitched and slurred.

   I roll my eyes at my best friend as he stumbles over to us. He's had way too much to drink tonight. He almost falls into Joseph's arms, but manages to catch himself. I grab onto him, steadying him.

   "I'm surprised to see you here, Victoria. You never come to these things," Joseph says, still sporting that annoying grin.

   I shoot Axel a glare when he bursts out laughing.

   "Well, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Miss Thang over there," I reply, pointing to Axel who grins back at me.

   I guide Axel to a chair and return to stand next to Joseph.

   "So Rosie Posie, care to dance?" Joseph asks, bowing and extending his hand. I roll my eyes and shake my head. Dancing has never been my thing.

   "It's a party, Victoria. Just dance with me, at least right here," he insists, not waiting for my answer. He pulls me close again and we sway to the slow song. I laugh as he spins me in circles, always bringing me back to his side. The song ends and I smile up at him, planting a kiss on his cheek. He smiles back, his eyes filled with love, the kind I see in my family's eyes when they look at me.

   "You know I love you, Victoria, right?"

   "I know, Joseph. I love you too. And I also know that Bennett sent you over here to keep an eye on me."

   "How did you figure that out?"

   "Well, I wasn't sure, but you just confirmed it. Plus, you smell just like him," I tease.

   He glares at me for a moment before breaking into a grin.

   "Should've known you'd figure it out. But hey, I wanted to talk and the dance was nice..."

   "Joseph, get away from her."

   We freeze and turn to find a very angry Maverick standing there. Bennett is by his side, looking confused.

   "Why?" Joseph asks, his voice challenging.

   I look at the brothers. Both of their faces are filled with anger. Joseph eventually lowers his eyes as Maverick stares him down, his alpha aura radiating off of him.

   "Maybe we should continue this conversation inside, Maverick. People are staring," Bennett suggests, his voice low as he scans the crowd.

   Sure enough, several people are watching us. We all head towards the pack house. Once inside, we stop in the living room. Axel stumbles in last, falling into Bennett's arms as he tries to close the door.

   Little does he know where he is. He'd be in heaven.

   "Can someone please explain what's going on?" Joseph asks, his eyes switching between Maverick and his brother.

   "You need to stay away from her," Maverick grits through his teeth.

   "She's my friend. I can hang out--"

   Joseph doesn't get to finish his sentence as Maverick pins him against the wall, his hands around Joseph's throat.

   Bennett quickly intervenes, pulling Maverick off of Joseph. Joseph drops to the floor, gasping for air. I rush over to him, but a voice stops me.

   "Don't you dare touch him, mate."

   My eyes snap to Maverick, but those aren't Maverick's eyes. It's his wolf. 

   "M-mate?" I stammer.

   "Yes, my love. You're my mate," he replies in a deep voice, quickly closing the distance between us. His hand gently strokes my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. The room falls silent, everyone surprised, including me.

   "This can't be happening," I say, taking a step back, earning a growl from Maverick. I can tell he's fighting for control, and soon enough, his eyes return to their normal color.

   "Victoria..."

   "Let's give them some time, Joseph," Bennett says as he picks up a half-conscious Axel.

   Joseph nods, getting up and heading out the door. Bennett pauses before leaving, turning to look Maverick directly in the eyes.

   "I'm happy for you guys, but if you hurt her, Maverick, alpha or not...she's my sister and I will protect her," he warns before walking away without waiting for a response.

   I turn to Maverick, confusion and desire swirling in his eyes. He takes my hand and leads me upstairs. I try to pull away, but he doesn't let go. We reach his room and he pulls me inside. I manage to free my hand and create some distance between us.

   "Maverick, what are we doing up here? We need to talk," I say.

   "What's there to talk about? We're mates. People need to know," he replies, not giving me a chance to respond before crashing his lips onto mine. Unlike with any other guy, I don't push him away. Instead, I find myself melting into the kiss, my limbs going numb. His lips feel different, better than any other kiss I've had before.

   He traps my hands above my head with one arm, while the other explores my body.

   He unzips my dress from behind, letting it fall to the ground. I should stop him, but I don't. I'm enjoying it, and so is my wolf. She's itching to get out, and as Maverick's lips trail down my neck, I surrender to an overwhelming sense of bliss. My wolf takes control, and my hands roam his body. Before I know it, we're both naked, and my precious virginity is about to be taken away.

   Maverick enters me with one swift thrust, and I cry out in pain.

   "Ah, so my little mate is a virgin...even better," Maverick chuckles, thrusting into me roughly.

   That night, my virginity is taken away multiple times: against the wall, on the couch, the kitchen counter, and the bed.

   Oh, how I wish I had stayed home.

   ***

   The next morning, I wake up feeling a sting coming from my shoulder.Placing my hand against the mark, a surge of tingles courses through me, and I instinctively glance down to find a bite mark staring back at me. Maverick Anderson had marked me last night—or so I thought. On closer inspection, it appears to be an ordinary bite mark, lacking the depth required for a mating mark.

Speaking of Maverick, I rise from my spot to search for him. A searing burn radiates from my lower region, and the memories of last night come flooding back. My wolf had refused to relinquish control, reveling in the company of Nikolai, Maverick's wolf. Maverick's scent hangs faintly in the air, indicating his absence. Scanning the house, I come up empty-handed, until I decide to check his office—the last possible place he could be.

As I approach his closed office door, preparing to knock, it swings open abruptly, revealing Maverick standing there with a cold glare etched onto his face.

"You need to leave," he says, his voice devoid of warmth, before brushing past me as if I were insignificant. The familiar feeling of rejection creeps in, this time accompanied by a sharper pang of regret.

"W-what do you mean, Maverick? You said we were mates last night. You took my virginity," I stammer, desperate for answers.

"Yours wasn't the first virginity I've taken. Now get out of my house before I make you," he retorts dismissively, not even sparing me a glance as he disappears into his room, the door slamming shut behind him.

I stand there, stunned and hurt, squeezing my eyes shut in hopes that this is all just a terrible dream. But when I open them, reality remains unchanged. Somehow, I muster the strength to leave the room. My heart feels heavy, each step physically painful. My wolf pleads for me to go back and beg for Maverick to take us back. But I refuse to subject myself to further humiliation, not from him.

***

I fixate my gaze upon the object before me, my expression void of emotion, concealing the turmoil that churns within. Three minutes—that's all I have to wait. Glancing at the ticking clock, time seems to drag on relentlessly. Finally, it strikes 6:47—the moment I've been anticipating—yet I find myself unable to tear my eyes away from the pregnancy test.

Two lines.

That's all it takes for my heart, already shattered into countless fragments, to break even further. It has been a month since that fateful night. Maverick left with his family the very next day to attend to pack matters.

My parents notice the sadness etched upon my face, a familiar sight for them. I dismiss their concerns, attributing it to nothing more than my menstrual cycle.

Bennett, however, knows the truth. He sensed it the moment he laid eyes on me. It took every ounce of persuasive power to convince him not to seek vengeance against Maverick. If he were to die, I would perish alongside him. That is the sole reason holding Bennett back. I can only hope that they have reconciled by now; my brother doesn't deserve to lose his best friend because of me.

"Based on your heartbeat, I'm guessing it's positive," Axel's voice reaches me from outside the bathroom. At his question, I crumble, overwhelmed by emotions I can no longer contain. How can I be a mother when I couldn't even be a good mate? How am I supposed to be capable of nurturing another life?

Unbeknownst to me, I had spoken those words aloud until my best friend responds.

"Victoria, you were an exceptional mate, and any man would have been fortunate to have you! You'll be an amazing mother, I'm certain of it," he reassures me.

Once again, I break down, the weight of my emotions becoming too much to bear.

I'm going to be a mother.

"When do you plan on telling everyone?" Axel asks once my tears have subsided.

"I'm not," I declare resolutely. I refuse to subject my child to humiliation or rejection.

"Are you leaving, then?" Axel inquires, a hint of sadness etched onto his face.

"You know I have to. I can't endure this pregnancy while drowning in sadness, and staying here only exacerbates my pain, Axel. My baby doesn't deserve that," I respond, my resolve unwavering.

He nods understandingly and pulls me into his embrace. We remain there for a while, neither of us wanting to let go. Axel informs me that he has some cousins in other packs who might be willing to take me in. Grateful for his friendship, I nod, thankful for the support he offers.

Later that night, he informs me that his cousin, Daniel, has agreed to welcome me into his pack alongside his mate. I find solace in the fact that I can escape from this constant agony. Axel interrupts my thoughts, extending a stack of papers towards me.

"Alright, so this is a bus ticket that will take you to my cousin Daniel's town. He said he'll meet you at the bus stop and provide accommodation at their pack house. You'll depart tomorrow morning and should arrive before dark," he explains.

I nod, accepting the bus ticket from him. I take one last look at my best friend, who smiles sadly.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Axel. You have no idea," I confess tearfully.

"I'll miss you too, Victoria! But we have tonight together, so let's indulge in junk food and watch Law & Order until we fall asleep, alright?" he suggests.

I nod, pulling him into a tight hug. Wiping away my tears, I instruct him to head downstairs and gather the snacks while I pack a few belongings. I don't pack much, just enough to avoid doing laundry for a while. I leave a letter for my parents and brother, assuring them that I'm safe and simply need some time away. I know my parents will be alarmed, especially given my young age, so I provide them with the necessary information while omitting the pregnancy revelation.

Axel returns to the room, his arms laden with snacks. We settle down and begin watching the show we've cherished for years.

"I think it's a boy," Axel suddenly declares.

"Perhaps," I trail off, contemplating the implications if it were true. If it's a boy, I'll be taking away the pack's future alpha.

"Oh, I know it is. I've never been wrong with my guesses," he insists, prompting a laugh from me before we drop the subject.

True to his word, we both succumb to exhaustion and sleep through the night until my alarm jolts us awake.

I gather my belongings and rouse Axel to bid him farewell. We share a lingering embrace before I make my way to my parents' room.

Leaving the letters on their bedside table, I tiptoe towards the exit, pausing for one last goodbye to my home. With a heavy heart, I board the one-way bus to my new destination, clutching the only thing of importance that accompanies me.

The alpha's unknown child... well, at least, that's what Axel said.

CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1: Victoria

The bed gently rises and falls, accompanied by a distant voice that slowly draws me out of my slumber.

"Mommy, Mommy, wake up. It's morning time!"

Begrudgingly, I open my eyes to find my son, Ronin, bouncing on the edge of my bed.

I pull the covers over my head and roll onto my side. "Just five more minutes, Ronin."

He stops bouncing and starts poking my face. I groan in defeat, knowing he won't relent until I'm up. I lift him up and toss him playfully to the other side of the bed. His infectious giggles fill the room, bringing a smile to my face.

"Alright, alright, I'm up!" I announce as I scoop Ronin into my arms and make our way to the kitchen. I settle him into one of the high chairs and head towards the fridge.

"Mommy, can I have chocolate chips in my panny cakes?"

"Of course, baby, but they're called pancakes."

"That's what I said, mommy, panny cakes."

I shake my head, deciding not to correct him again. It's futile; he won't listen. I start making the pancakes, adding chocolate chips to his portion. Sweets have never really been my thing, except during pregnancy. Thankfully, that only lasted three months.

"Mommy, my birthday is in four days. Are you excited?"

I offer him a soft smile and nod my head. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown since I had him.

"Yes, baby, I'm very excited for your birthday. What would you like to do?"

"Can we go to Chuck-E-Cheese?"

"I won't get paid until next week, baby, so I won't have the money. But we can go to the park and have ice cream, if you'd like?"

"That sounds fun too, mommy. Thank you!" Ronin beams as I place his plate in front of him and kiss the top of his head. I feel a pang of guilt that I can't fulfill his wish, but money is tight right now. My hours at work were cut, and all my earnings go towards rent and utilities.

"Alright, eat up, little man. We need to leave for school in an hour."

He nods absentmindedly, his eyes glued to the TV.

I swear that boy loves Handy Manny more than me.

With a sense of urgency, I head straight to my closet to get ready for the day. I pick out a pair of dark blue skinny jeans and my uniform shirt. Swiftly, I dress myself and go through my morning routine. Then, I make my way to Ronin's room to grab his clothes.

"Ronin, come on. We have to leave in about forty-five minutes." I call out to him, and soon enough, I hear his tiny footsteps approaching. He emerges with ketchup smeared across his face and clothes.

"Why do you have ketchup all over you?" I ask with a sigh. This happens every morning.

He grins mischievously before shrugging his shoulders. I shake my head and retrieve a washcloth.

I help him into his little cargo shorts and his shirt. Slipping on his socks, I then secure his light-up shoes over them.

"Alright, my little man, go brush your teeth and comb your hair."

He scampers off to the bathroom while I gather his school essentials.

As a pre-K student, he doesn't require much besides a few pencils, crayons, and a folder. I empty his bag, scanning through his papers to check how he did yesterday. Among them, I find a folded announcement with water stains. It's dated a week ago, but I've never seen it until now. Ronin must have kept it at school until yesterday. The announcement reveals that today is 'bring your dad to school day'. My heart aches at the tear marks marring the paper. I tuck it away in my pocket and gather his belongings, zipping up his backpack. Then, I move over to grab his jacket.

He emerges from his room, boasting a small mohawk. I smile warmly at my little boy, his face a constant reminder of his father.

We slip on our jackets and gather everything we need before stepping outside. I haven't been able to afford a car yet, so we walk everywhere. Fortunately, my workplace and Ronin's school are within a reasonable distance.

We make our way towards his school, and I decide this is the perfect time to inquire about the paper I found.

"Why didn't you tell me today is 'bring your dad to school day'?" I ask, hoping for an answer. But he simply shrugs his shoulders, remaining silent.A pang of guilt grips me as I catch a glimpse of hurt in his eyes. I swiftly change the subject, diverting the conversation towards his upcoming birthday. The weight of my past decisions presses heavily on me, but I push it aside for now.

Five minutes later, we arrive at the school and enter his classroom. The atmosphere is lively, with kids engaged in various activities. Some are munching on snacks, while others are engrossed in their artwork. A group of dads congregates at the back, engaged in their own conversation.

I exchange a wave with the teacher, who is deep in conversation with another mom. Just as I bid farewell to Ronin, a familiar face approaches us.

"Victoria, it's so good to see you! How have you been?" Callie, one of the moms, greets me warmly.

"I'm good, thanks. And yourself?" I reply, attempting to stifle a yawn as she delves into a detailed account of her life since our last encounter.

"Well, I must dash. Can't be late for my yoga class. Catch you later," Callie finally concludes before making her exit.

I wave her goodbye and turn my attention to Ronin, who mirrors my boredom. I notice his gaze fixed on the dads in the room, his expression tinged with sadness. Regret washes over me, regret for leaving five years ago.

"Alright, Ronin, I have to head to work now. Be good, and I'll pick you up when school ends."

"Okay, Mommy," he responds softly, turning to join the other kids.

Before he gets too far, I grab his hand and pull him into a tight embrace.

"Ronin, I love you more than anything, and I would do anything for you. If you ever want to meet him...you know I've always told you that you can."

"I know he hurt you, Mommy, and I don't want to meet him. I have you," he says, his voice filled with conviction.

I simply nod, familiar with the response I receive every time I broach the subject. He overheard me talking to Wyatt about Maverick one day, and since then, he has been aware of his father's existence. Despite my efforts to give him a chance to meet Maverick, he consistently declines. Whenever he hears Wyatt and me discuss how Maverick rejected me as his mate, Ronin's response remains unwavering.

"I'm okay, Mommy. I promise."

"I hope so, baby. And always remember, Ronin, forgiveness is important, alright?"

"Okay, Mommy. You better get to work."

"Have a great day. I love you."

"Love you too, Mommy." With a wave, he joins the other kids in a game of tag. I acknowledge the teacher with a nod before making my way outside and heading to work.

My workplace is a quaint local diner, adorned with an 80s theme that adds a touch of nostalgia. It's frequented by members of the local pack, so I find myself surrounded by werewolves most of the time. It's bearable, except for the occasional advances from unmated wolves. But the pay is decent, even though my hours have been reduced, so I endure it.

After clocking in, I exchange greetings with the cooks before taking my position at the front. It's Monday, and the breakfast rush has subsided, leaving the place deserted.

I occupy myself with my phone for about twenty minutes until the doorbell chimes. Looking up, I spot Alpha Daniel and his husband, Wyatt, entering the diner.

"Hey, alphas. Just the two of you today?"

"Yeah, it's just us. And please, call us Wyatt and Daniel. We're friends, remember?" Wyatt reminds me with a warm smile.

I return the smile and nod. "Of course, follow me." I lead them to a cozy booth, hand them their menus, and assure them that their waiter will be with them shortly.

During my pregnancy with Ronin, I sought refuge in Daniel's pack. Wyatt happens to be Axel's cousin, and after sharing the story of my tumultuous relationship with Maverick, Axel asked them if I could find solace here. They embraced me as one of their own, supporting me throughout my entire pregnancy. Although I never officially joined their pack, I remained connected, visiting them regularly. Ronin considers them his uncles, and they spoil him endlessly. They've offered financial assistance, but I declined, determined to be independent and provide for my child on my own terms.Resettling into my seat, I glance at my phone and discover two missed calls. Just as I'm about to investigate the caller's identity, my boss, Jeffrey, interrupts my train of thought.

"Victoria, you have a call on the breakroom phone," he announces.

I nod in acknowledgment and make my way to the breakroom. Answering line two, I pick up the receiver.

"Hello?" I greet, my voice laced with concern.

"Victoria, honey, is that you?" My mother's voice echoes through the line.

"Yes, it's me. Are you alright? You sound distressed," I inquire, my worry mounting.

I hear her sniffle, but she remains silent. Finally, she musters the strength to speak again. "Honey, it's about your grandpa."

"What's happened to him?" I probe, my anxiety intensifying.

Once again, silence fills the airwaves, leaving me on edge. My bond with Gramps has always been unshakeable.

"Baby, there was an attack on the pack, and your grandpa was injured. They say his condition is grave, and we don't know how much time he has left," my mother reveals, her words heavy with sorrow.

My heart begins to race, pounding relentlessly against my chest. I lower myself onto a nearby chair to steady my trembling legs.

"How severe are his injuries?" I manage to inquire, my voice barely above a whisper.

"It doesn't look promising, honey. I think it's time for you to come back, at least to be with your grandpa," she implores.

A solitary tear escapes my eye before I can regain control of my emotions.

"Um, alright. Let me check if I can rent a car and drive down there," I suggest, attempting to devise a plan.

"You won't make it in time. I can wire some money to your account so you can book plane tickets for yourself and Ronin," she proposes.

I contemplate her offer for a moment before reluctantly accepting. Under any other circumstances, I would refuse, but if this is my last chance to see Gramps, then I'll swallow my pride and accept the assistance.

"Okay, Mom. I'll book the tickets for late tonight, and I'll see you tomorrow evening. Give Ronin a kiss for me. I love you," I reply, bidding her a hasty farewell before ending the call.

As tears stream down my face, I succumb to quiet sobs. My thoughts drift to Maverick. Is he injured? Is he...dead?

I know in my heart that he's not dead; our bond would have alerted me. Frustration wells up within me for even allowing him to occupy my thoughts. The sound of the door opening interrupts my reverie, and I glance up to find Daniel and Wyatt entering the room.

"Oh, honey, what's wrong? We heard your cries from outside," Daniel expresses, genuine concern etched across his face.

I attempt to speak, but my words evade me. Daniel lifts me gently, placing me on his lap, while Wyatt mirrors his actions, enveloping me in their comforting embrace.

After a while, my sobs subside, and I pull away to observe the two alphas, their expressions filled with worry.

"My mom called. Grandpa was injured during the pack attack. They're unsure if he'll make it. Ronin and I are flying out tonight," I disclose, my voice heavy with sadness.

Shock registers on their faces as they process the information.

"You do realize that you'll see Maverick, and he'll find out about Ronin, right?" Daniel questions, his eyebrows furrowed.

I nod, taking a deep breath before responding. "I know, but deep down, I always knew that something like this would happen, and I'd have to return. Besides, it's not like I never gave Ronin a chance to meet his father; he simply didn't want to."

"You're right, but as an alpha myself, I'd be furious if my mate kept our pup a secret," Daniel remarks honestly.

His words ring true, and I'm aware that Maverick will be infuriated, but my love for Gramps surpasses everything else.

"I understand, and I'd be upset too, but this is the way it has to be. I should get back to work, especially since I'll be absent for a week. If I don't see you guys before tonight, I'll see you in a week," I declare, rising to my feet to embrace them both before returning to the front podium.

Some time later, an email arrives with our plane tickets attached, accompanied by a noticeable sum of money from my mother. Sighing, I acknowledge that I'll need to discuss this with her and insist on returning the excess funds. I've never been one to accept charity.

The remainder of the day slips away in a blur, my mind consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts. Thankfully, my boss kindly grants me a week off, for which I'm immensely grateful. Waving him goodbye, I make my way to Ronin's school. The five-minute walk feels like an eternity.

Anxiety and nerves intertwine within me as I contemplate how to break the news to Ronin. I reach the school's entrance, taking a deep breath in preparation.

Here goes nothing.

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2: Victoria

Walking into the school, I made my way to Ronin's classroom. My emotions were all over the place, causing me to walk a little slower and making me late once again in picking up Ronin.

I knocked on the classroom door and was met with a very annoyed Ms. Hill.

"Ms. Griffin, you're late again!"

"I know, Ms. Hill. I'm so sorry. It won't happen again," I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation.

"You say that every time, Victoria. And you've already been late three times. If it happens again, I'll have to start charging you for aftercare."

I nodded my head, acknowledging her words, and stepped into the classroom.

Ronin was sitting on one of the chairs, enjoying an apple.

"Mommy!" he exclaimed as he ran up to me. I bent down to catch him in my arms, lifting him up and spinning him around. His laughter filled my ears and warmed my heart. School must have made his day a lot better.

"Come on, baby. We have a lot to do," I said, grabbing his hand and picking up his backpack. We said a quick goodbye to his teacher before walking out.

"So, Ronin, I have a surprise for you!" I said as we walked towards our apartment.

"What is it, Mommy?" he asked, looking up at me with his big green eyes.

"Do you remember Grandpa Rich and Grandma Marie?" He nodded, so I continued.

"Well, your grandpa Rich's daddy isn't feeling well, so we're going to go see him," I explained, watching his face light up with excitement.

We continued our way to our apartment, discussing the trip. We would be leaving at midnight tonight, so when we got home, I made Ronin a snack and went to his room to pack his clothes.

After gathering all the clothes he would need for the trip, I went to my room. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. As I made my way towards it, Ronin dashed past me and ran into the bathroom.

Looking through the peephole, I saw my landlord, Jeffery. I opened the door slowly and peeped my head out.

"Hi, Jeffery. Is there something wrong?" I asked, trying to hide my worry.

He smirked at me and attempted to take a step forward, but I blocked him.

"Hey, Rosie. I need your rent money," he said casually.

"But I just paid rent last week!" I exclaimed, feeling a sense of injustice.

He shrugged nonchalantly before handing me an envelope.

"You were behind on payments. It's due by Sunday, or you'll have to leave," he said with a smile before walking away.

I stood there, wide-eyed and speechless. Opening the envelope, I discovered that I was behind on three payments, so last week's money just barely brought me out of debt. Jeffery knew I didn't get paid until next Friday, and I had reminded him multiple times. I would have to convince him to give me another extension.

Setting the envelope aside, I went back to my room to pack. Ronin was fast asleep on my bed. I covered him up and kissed his forehead before grabbing my suitcase.

I hurriedly packed, wanting to get some sleep before we left for the airport. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

***

"Mommy, are we going to be there soon?" Ronin asked for what felt like the hundredth time.

We had boarded the plane about two hours ago and still had another hour or two to go.

"No, Ronin, try to take a nap or something," I replied, my voice laced with exhaustion.

He groaned and rested his head back on the seat. I let out a sigh and ran my hand through his brown locks.

Before we left, I had told Ronin that Maverick would be there. At first, he said he didn't want to meet him, as always, but I reminded him that Maverick was his father and that Ronin needed to build his own relationship with him, separate from mine. Ronin agreed to meet him, but only if Maverick was nice to me.

But I knew my son; once he met his daddy, he would fall in love. They acted just alike, reminding me so much of Maverick and me when we were younger.

A little while later, as the plane taxied on the runway, my eyes closed as soon as my head hit the pillow.

***

After another hour, the plane finally came to a stop in Dallas, Texas. I grabbed our bags from the overhead compartment and took hold of Ronin's hand before exiting the plane.

Looking around the airport, I immediately spotted him.

Standing there in all his glory was my alpha, or should I say, ex-alpha, Maverick Anderson. He was wearing dark blue jeans and a bright red shirt. Standing next to him was my brother Bennett.

Maverick's eyes met mine, and suddenly all the emotions I had buried for the past five years came rushing back. Aurora, my wolf, clawed at the surface, desperate to be with her mate. I stopped in my tracks and closed my eyes, silently pleading with her to calm down. Thankfully, she obliged.

Gripping Ronin's hand tighter, I made my way towards them. Maverick's eyes followed me the entire time, but as we got closer, they slowly shifted towards Ronin.

Both Maverick and my brother's eyes widened in surprise.

"I'm guessing you're my ride?" I asked my brother, avoiding any direct eye contact with Maverick.

They continued to stare at Ronin, and I could feel his hand fidgeting under my grip.

"Bennett? You didn't suddenly go deaf when I left, did you?" I prodded, trying to break the silence.

"Um, sorry. The car is this way," Bennett finally responded, pointing towards the front exit.

I nodded and walked ahead of the two. We made our way to the parking lot in complete silence until we finally came to a stop near a black jeep.

"He doesn't need a booster seat, does he?" Bennett asked as he put our bags in the trunk."Got a little surprise for me, huh?" Axel exclaims, his voice filled with excitement as he bends down to Ronin's level. Ronin looks up at him, wide-eyed and curious.

"Yeah, this is Ronin," I say, introducing them. "Ronin, this is Uncle Axel."

"Hi, Uncle Axel," Ronin says, grinning from ear to ear. "Mommy said you're gonna be my new best friend."

Axel chuckles, ruffling Ronin's hair affectionately. "Well, your mommy is absolutely right. We're gonna have so much fun together, kiddo."

As they engage in playful banter, I can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. Despite the tension between Maverick and me, it's comforting to see Ronin already forming connections with the people around him.

Bennett, on the other hand, stands there with a smirk on his face, observing the scene. He's always had a mischievous side, and I can tell he's enjoying the chaos that has suddenly entered his life.

With Ronin occupied, I turn my attention back to Maverick. His eyes meet mine, and for a moment, all the unresolved emotions swirl between us. But instead of dwelling on the past, I decide to focus on the present.

"I'm sorry, Victoria," Maverick says, his voice filled with sincerity. "I know I messed up, and I regret it every day."

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "I appreciate your apology, Maverick. But we can't change what happened. All we can do now is move forward, for Ronin's sake."

He nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "You're right. Ronin deserves the best from both of us."

As we stand there, our conversation lingering in the air, I can't help but notice how the sunlight casts a warm glow on Maverick's face. Despite the weariness in his eyes, there's a flicker of hope, a glimmer of the man I once knew.

"Let's focus on creating a stable environment for Ronin," I suggest, breaking the silence. "He deserves to grow up surrounded by love and support."

Maverick's face softens, and he reaches out to gently brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "I want to be there for him, Victoria. I want to be a father to our son."

His words resonate deeply within me, stirring a whirlwind of emotions. It's not easy to let go of the pain and resentment, but for the sake of our child, I'm willing to try.

"I want that too, Maverick," I say, my voice filled with newfound determination. "Let's start fresh and build a future together, as a family."

As we walk towards the pack house, hand in hand, I can't help but feel a sense of hope blossoming within me. The journey ahead won't be without its challenges, but with love and forgiveness, we just might find our way back to each other. And this time, we'll make sure Ronin knows that he is loved beyond measure."Who's the dashing young man?" he inquires, stooping down to meet Ronin at eye level. Axel playfully pinches Ronin's tummy, eliciting a giggle from the boy. Ronin returns the gesture with a wave, introducing himself as Ronin.

Axel chuckles warmly, reciprocating the wave before extending his arms, inviting Ronin into an embrace. The two of them burst into laughter, reveling in their joyful connection.

"Goodness gracious! He's the spitting image of his father, isn't he, Victoria?" Axel whispers, careful not to let Ronin overhear.

I smile up at the little boy in Axel's arms, nodding in agreement. "All that hard work of labor was worth it," I remark, my heart swelling with love for my son.

As we enter the pack house, the familiar scent fills my nostrils, reminding me of how much I've missed this place, my true home.

"Is that my baby girl?" my dad's voice echoes from somewhere nearby.

"Dad!" I exclaim, catching sight of him as he turns the corner. Before I can fully take in his appearance, I'm enveloped in a tight hug.

"Oh, my baby!" my mom joins in, embracing me once my dad releases me. I hold onto my mom tightly, our frames matching in size.

Jason, Maverick's trusted third-in-command, enters the room and addresses Maverick.

"Alpha, the guest bedrooms are ready," he reports.

Maverick nods in acknowledgement, dismissing Jason before focusing his intense gaze on me. I avert my eyes, turning my attention to my parents instead. They look well, considering the five years that have passed since I last saw them. Ronin runs up to me, staring up at Maverick in awe.

"You're an alpha too? My mommy has friends who are alphas. We visit them all the time! They're so nice to mommy and me," Ronin exclaims, his admiration evident.

"How are Daniel and Wyatt? I haven't seen them since their mating ceremony!" Axel interjects, causing a hushed silence to fall over the room.

"You knew where she was all this time?" Maverick growls, his face contorted with anger. He takes a step towards a visibly pale Axel. Bennett instinctively steps forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Axel.

"Step aside, Beta," Maverick commands, his voice laced with the loss of control over his wolf.

"Alpha, please reconsider. He was merely protecting her, Nikolai," Bennett pleads, using Maverick's given name to emphasize the urgency.

"Protecting her from whom? She's MY mate!" Maverick roars, his voice filled with possessiveness and hurt.

"You didn't want her," Bennett grits out, his own anger simmering beneath the surface.

Both men tremble with rage, their bodies on the brink of shifting.

"This is getting out of hand, Victoria," Axel speaks up, gripping my brother's shirt tightly.

I feel a wave of panic wash over me as I witness the escalating tension between my brother and my mate. Desperate to diffuse the situation, I attempt to intervene.

"Alright, everyone, let's calm down. We're blowing this out of proportion," I implore, my voice tinged with anxiety.

But my feeble attempt at reason falls flat, and I find myself at a loss for what to do next.

Searching for solace, I glance over at Ronin, relieved to see that my parents have taken him out of the room. I know the next course of action is foolish and will undoubtedly cause me pain, but I'm left with no other ideas.

Slowly, cautiously, I approach Maverick, his intoxicating scent enveloping me, stirring a whirlwind of emotions. I reach out and gently grasp his hand, watching as his breathing begins to steady. He turns to face me, and in that moment, I silently signal for Bennett and Axel to leave.

"I never thought I'd be able to touch you again," Maverick confesses, regret etched across his face.

My mind races, my wolf howling with delight within the recesses of my thoughts. But I know I must halt this before it leads me back to the place I fought so hard to escape. With a swift motion, I withdraw my hand and turn away from him.

"I was only trying to prevent you from making a decision you'd regret. Nothing more," I assert, my voice trembling slightly.

I walk away, needing distance between the two of us. I find my parents, Ronin, Bennett, and Axel gathered in the living room. Ronin excitedly shares stories about his show-and-tell performance. I settle down beside a visibly shaken Axel, while Bennett offers comfort by rubbing circles on his back and whispering soothing words. Their display of affection catches me off guard, leaving me bewildered.

"Am I missing something here? Did you two become best friends or something while I was away? Did you trade me for my brother, Axel?" I inquire, my tone laced with confusion.

Axel laughs, the sparkle returning to his eyes. "You know you're irreplaceable, Victoria, but we...well..."

"We're mates," Bennett interjects, a proud smile gracing his face.

I look at them both, taken aback. My mouth hangs open in shock. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that they would be mates.

Their expressions falter, and Axel scoots closer to Bennett. I follow their gaze to find Maverick standing in the corner. All eyes are on him, and everyone in the room bows their head in respect, except for Ronin and me.

"Alpha, I...," Axel begins, but Maverick raises his hand, silencing him.

"Beta Axel, you deliberately deceived me, your alpha, about Victoria's whereabouts. There should be consequences," Maverick states firmly.

"Maverick, that's..." I attempt to interject, but he cuts me off.

"But I will overlook it this time. However, if you ever disrespect me like that again, I don't care who your mate is, I will ensure you face the repercussions you deserve," Maverick warns, his words carrying a weighty authority.

Axel nods, his face filled with shame. I understand that Maverick's words may seem harsh, but I also recognize that he's showing leniency towards Axel.

"Mummy, why is Axel in trouble?" Ronin innocently asks, diverting our attention to him.

"He... um... he... well... let's talk about something else," I respond with a sigh of defeat, unsure of how to answer his question.

"Bennett can show you the guest rooms whenever you're ready," I add, redirecting the conversation."I'll be in my office if anyone needs me," Maverick declares before turning to leave the room. However, his departure is halted by small hands gripping onto him. He looks down to find Ronin, and I decide to remain silent, observing their interaction.

"Why can't you stay? Do you have alpha duties?" Ronin asks innocently.

"Yeah, big man. I've got alpha stuff to take care of," Maverick replies, a pained expression on his face.

"You look like me," Ronin remarks, causing Maverick's eyes to widen. He seeks my approval silently, and I respond with a nonchalant shrug, leaving the decision up to him.

"Yeah, buddy, about that... A long time ago, before you were born, I did something terrible. Even though I regret it every day, I can't change the past. I hurt your mommy really bad, and she left. I didn't know she was carrying you in her tummy when she left, though, bud," Maverick confesses, his voice filled with raw emotion.

I can sense the surprise emanating from everyone as they witness their alpha baring his soul.

"So, you're my daddy?" Ronin asks, his voice heavy with contemplation.

"I am, buddy," Maverick confirms.

Ronin remains silent for a moment, glancing back at me. Through his eyes, I can see him grappling with the decision to forgive or not.

"Remember what I told you, big man? You have to forgive everybody, no matter what," I gently remind him.

He nods in understanding and turns back to Maverick. Without saying a word, he wraps his little arms around Maverick in a tight embrace. Tears glisten in Maverick's eyes before he closes them tightly. The sight tugs at my heart, realizing how much I've taken away from both my wolf and Ronin.

After they separate, Maverick's face lights up with a wide smile as he looks at his son.

"Can you stay and hang out with us?" Ronin asks, hopeful.

"Uh, sure, buddy, as long as your mom says it's okay," Maverick responds.

All eyes turn to me, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes at their expectant gazes.

"I don't mind, but not for too long. Remember, he has to be in bed by eight," I state.

***

For the next half hour, Ronin is introduced to everyone in the pack house, receiving coos and adoration from all. My parents promise him a shopping spree, while my brother and Axel plan to take him for ice cream later.

I sit there, smiling as Ronin regales everyone with stories of his adventures, like the time Wyatt took him to the amusement park but was too scared to go on the big rides. As I hold my phone, it suddenly buzzes, and I excuse myself to answer the call.

"Hello?" I greet.

"Hey, how did you guys land?" Daniel's voice comes through the other end.

"We arrived at the pack house safely," I reply.

"That's good. Have you seen him yet?" Daniel asks, referring to Maverick.

"Yes, Daniel. He picked me up along with Bennett," I confirm.

"Dang! That's unfortunate," he chuckles.

I roll my eyes, assuring him that I'll call him later and sending my love to him and Wyatt.

Returning to the living room, I find Ronin sound asleep on Maverick's chest, and everyone remains silent.

"Did you enjoy our conversation?" I inquire as I take a seat. Their silence confirms their eavesdropping.

"Okay, fine, we were listening, but we're werewolves, so we can't help it. So, who were you talking to?" Axel finally admits.

"My secret lover," I jest, causing Maverick to growl and glare at my phone resting on the armrest.

Walking over to him, I carefully lift Ronin from Maverick's chest.

Once I settle Ronin in my arms, I glance at Maverick, silently asking him to show me to my room. He rises from his chair, leading me towards the stairs. Before we descend, everyone takes turns kissing Ronin's forehead, and then we continue our journey downstairs.

"Can we talk?" Maverick requests once we reach the first floor.

I nod, urging him to lead the way. We make our way to his office, a familiar space I remember from my childhood when his father was still alpha. Maverick settles into his office chair while I take a seat across from him. Silence hangs in the air as he stares at me. Growing irritated, I decide to initiate the conversation.

"Are we going to sit in this awkward silence, or are you planning on speaking? Because I'd rather not be here," I assert.

"Are you planning on staying permanently?" he asks, avoiding eye contact.

"No," I respond dryly, maintaining a straight face as I meet his gaze.

"You're going to take him away from me again?" he questions, hurt etched across his features. My wolf whines within me, unable to bear witness to her mate's sadness.

"I haven't given it much thought, Maverick. I'm sure we can work out some sort of shared custody arrangement," I suggest.

"Victoria, we're wolves, not humans. Why can't you just stay?" he pleads.

"I don't want to," I state firmly.

"I'm not asking you to jump into bed with me, Victoria. I'm asking you not to take my son away," he says, his irritation apparent.

"I've already said we can figure it out when the time comes. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed," I declare, wanting nothing more than to distance myself from him. The barrier I've erected around our mate bond begins to crumble the longer I remain in his presence.

"Fine, but this conversation isn't over, Victoria," he warns.

"Goodnight, Alpha."

CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3

Victoria awoke to the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, stirring her from a deep slumber. She turned to her left, only to find Ronin absent from the bed. The faint trace of his scent indicated that he had been gone for quite some time. Instinctively, her motherly senses kicked in, and she immediately went on high alert.

Throwing off the covers, Victoria hurriedly checked the bathroom, finding it empty. Without hesitation, she dashed down the hallway and descended the stairs, unconcerned about her attire—just a sports bra and pajama shorts.

Entering the living room, she found it deserted. Laughter echoed from the kitchen, drawing her attention towards the source.

To her surprise, Ronin sat perched on the counter, accompanied by Maverick, Jason, Bennett, and Michael—a pack warrior. Their eyes all landed on Victoria as she entered, and she couldn't help but notice the intense gaze Maverick directed towards her. Mentally berating herself for not putting on a shirt, she focused on Ronin instead.

"What are you doing down here, Ronin?" she asked, scooping him up from the counter, momentarily disregarding Maverick's lustful stares.

"Daddy came to check on us, Mommy, but I was already awake, so he brought me downstairs. I met some of his friends," Ronin replied, beaming up at her.

Returning his smile, Victoria instructed him to change out of his pajamas. With a wave to everyone, Ronin scampered off upstairs.

"Next time, wake me up before taking him," Victoria reprimanded, glancing pointedly at Maverick.

"I was just trying to do something nice and let you sleep," Maverick retorted, clearly irritated.

"I appreciate the gesture, but next time, wake me up," Victoria responded, turning to leave and heading back to her room. However, she collided with someone along the way.

"Dang, Victoria, you still look amazing even after having my nephew!" a smirking Joseph exclaimed, lifting her up and spinning her around before setting her back down.

Though she sensed Maverick's death glare aimed at Joseph, his older brother, Joseph paid it no mind.

"Jesus! Do you ever eat? You're as light as a feather!" Joseph remarked, feigning shock.

"Yes, I eat, Joseph. Do you ever stop eating? You're looking a little pudgy," Victoria retorted, a smile playing on her lips as those behind her snickered.

"You're mean," Joseph pouted.

Victoria merely smiled at his childish behavior.

"Sis, Mom said that if you want to see Gramps today, you can," Bennett interjected, offering her a sympathetic smile, to which she nodded in acknowledgment.

Just then, Ronin descended the stairs, struggling to button his shirt.

"Mommy, can you please button this for me? My fingers won't cooperate," he requested, holding out his shirt.

Victoria nodded, obliging and helping him finish buttoning up.

"Stay with your daddy while I go get dressed, okay?" she instructed.

"Okay, Mommy!"

"Maverick might show you Nikolai," Victoria added.

"Who's Nikolai?" Ronin inquired, mispronouncing the name.

Victoria laughed, "His wolf."

Maverick scooped up Ronin, shooting Victoria a smile. She turned and made her way back upstairs, quickly changing into jean shorts and a plain black tee. After fixing her hair in the bathroom, she applied some mascara, grabbed her phone, and headed downstairs.

In the backyard, Ronin was petting Nikolai, a magnificent wolf with soft, black fur, lying on the ground with his head resting on his paws.

Aurora, Victoria's wolf, whimpered in her mind, urging her to join her mate. She pushed the thoughts aside, determined to focus on the present. As she approached them, Nikolai lifted his head, his sparkling green eyes meeting hers. The desire to run her hand through his fur tugged at her, but she resisted, knowing it was merely the pull of the mating bond. Taking a seat on one of the lounge chairs outside, she watched them closely. Nikolai whimpered but settled his head back down. Victoria felt relieved that he wasn't angry about being kept in the dark regarding Ronin. Engaging in a conflict with a werewolf was perilous, especially when their wolf side took control—particularly if they were an alpha.

"Mommy, look at Nikolai's fur. It's so soft and black," Ronin exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

Victoria smiled, nodding in agreement."Ronin, come here, I need to ask you something." He rises and makes his way to perch on my lap. Nikolai stands up and retreats behind a tree.

"Ronin, I'm going to visit your great-grandpa today. You can join me if you'd like, or you can stay here with your dad. What do you think?" He ponders for a moment, lost in thought.

"I want to go, Mommy."

I nod in agreement. Maverick returns and informs us that it's time to leave. I nod again and set Ronin down before rising to my feet. We navigate through the house and reach the garage where we climb into Maverick's jeep. I settle Ronin in the backseat and take my place beside Maverick in the front.

"If it's alright with you, I would like to introduce Ronin to the pack," Maverick suggests after a brief silence.

Do I truly want the pack to know about Ronin? What will happen when it's time to return? The pack won't be pleased with their future alpha not being raised among them.

"I'm okay with it, as long as he is," I respond after careful consideration. A wide smile spreads across Maverick's face as he asks Ronin if he wants to meet the pack. Ronin eagerly nods his head, and I can't recall seeing Maverick so excited before.

"One thing, though..." I begin, and he looks at me with concern before turning his gaze back to the road, urging me to continue.

"You must introduce him only as your son, not me as your mate."

I notice his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter.

"Why not?"

"Maverick, please, let's not rehash this. You know what you did. And there's nothing more to say. We had five years to contemplate it, and just because I'm back... it doesn't change anything."

"For those five years, I regretted everything, Victoria. I wish I could turn back time, but I can't. Please, believe me."

"I don't, Maverick. I'm sorry."

He remains silent until we arrive at the pack hospital. Before we exit the car, he speaks up. "I want to be with you, Victoria. I truly do, but I will respect your decision."

I nod, open my door, and step out. Opening the back door, Ronin jumps out. He grabs my hand, and we enter the building with Maverick trailing behind us.

We make our way towards Room 249, the scent of blood, bleach, chemicals, and death invading my nostrils. Finally reaching the room, I find myself frozen by the doorway.

"You can do this, Victoria," Maverick says, taking Ronin into his arms. I watch as Ronin rests his head on his dad's shoulder, both of them sharing matching smiles directed at me. Maverick places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. Despite not wanting to be with Maverick, I know the mate bond will help calm my nerves. I allow his touch to bring me comfort, for which I am grateful. Taking a deep breath, I turn the doorknob and step inside.

Gramps lies in the hospital bed, connected to multiple tubes and wires. A bandage wraps around his head, concealing the baby blue eyes I inherited from him. My heart tightens, and I remain rooted in place. My mom, dad, and Bennett are all present, seated around him.

Grandpa's eyes widen as much as they can in his condition when he spots me.

"R-Rosy? Is that you?" I nod and approach him, mustering the best smile I can manage.

"Oh, baby. I've missed you!" he exclaims, attempting to hug me but halting in pain. Instead, I lean down and embrace him.

"I've missed you too, Gramps... so much," I whisper in his ear, tears streaming down my face and onto his.

"Hey, hey. Don't cry; everything will be alright. I'll be with my mate again, and to say I died for my pack is the best way to go. And trust me, those damn stairs in my house won't miss me too much," he says, trying to comfort me.

I softly giggle and nod.

"I feel honored to have called you one of my pack warriors, Rich Sr. You're an extraordinary man, and everyone in this room should be as proud of you as I am. Thank you," Maverick speaks up from the corner of the room.

"Thank you, Alpha. I appreciate it. I am honored to be a part of your pack, and I know you will accomplish great things with it.""I wish I could have seen some great grandchildren before I go," Gramps says wistfully.

I burst into laughter, and he gives me a quizzical look.

"You know what, Gramps? I think I can make that happen," I say confidently, striding over to Maverick and plucking Ronin from his arms. I bring my son closer to Gramps, the excitement bubbling inside me.

"Victoria! You had a kid?" Gramps exclaims, his eyes widening in surprise. 

I laugh and nod, a proud smile on my face. Ronin waves shyly at Gramps, his voice barely audible as he says a quiet 'hi'. Tears well up in Gramps' eyes, a mixture of joy and sadness.

"Well, come here, kiddo. What's your name?" Gramps asks, his voice filled with warmth.

"Ronin, but my mommy calls me Ronin!" my little boy responds, perching himself on the edge of the hospital bed.

"Ronin... that's a nice name, son. What's your full name though?" Gramps inquires, curiosity evident in his tone.

"Ronin Rich!" Ronin answers proudly, his smile widening.

"And your last name?" Gramps continues, his gaze shifting between me and Maverick.

"Anderson," Ronin declares, his happiness radiating from him. I can feel the weight of the stares, but I ignore them, focusing solely on the genuine joy that fills Gramps' eyes.

"Anderson? You're saying..." Gramps trails off, his mind connecting the dots.

"Yes," I whisper softly, confirming his suspicions.

"You gave him my last name?" Maverick asks, his voice filled with awe as he gazes at me.

"I just said that," I tease lightly, a playful glint in my eyes.

"Victoria, he's your alpha; you can't talk to him like that," Gramps scolds me, his strict nature surfacing even in this moment.

"It's fine, Rich," Maverick reassures him, understanding the dynamics between us.

"Well, I thought my dying bed would be less interesting, but I was wrong," Gramps chuckles, his carefree attitude infectious.

We spend the rest of the day at the hospital, cherishing every moment with Gramps. Maverick leaves for a while to take care of some paperwork but promises to pick us up later. Ronin grows fond of Gramps during our visit, and it pains me to know that he won't be here to witness Ronin's journey as the next alpha.

"So, when are you moving down here, Victoria?" my dad asks, handing me a sleeping Ronin.

"I'm not going to, Dad," I state firmly, determined to stand my ground.

"You can't take Ronin away from his father, especially after just meeting him," Bennett argues, his tone matching my determination.

"I'll deal with that when the time comes, and frankly, it's nobody's business but mine and Maverick's," I assert, refusing to let others dictate my choices.

Of course, Maverick walks in at that very moment, unknowingly interrupting our conversation.

"What's my business?" he asks, his curiosity piqued.

"Nothing important. I need to get Ronin home," I say, pointing to my peacefully sleeping son.

Maverick nods understandingly and takes Ronin from my arms. I give Gramps a tender kiss on his forehead, promising to visit him later along with my parents. Bennett will be riding with us, but I don't say anything to him.

We all pile into the jeep, with Maverick behind the wheel and Bennett in the passenger seat. Ronin and I settle in the back, the car's engine humming to life. As the scenery passes by, I lean my head against the window, lost in a swirl of thoughts and emotions.

I had just visited the man who had raised me, the one who taught me how to fight, who reassured me when I shifted for the first time. And now, he won't be there anymore. Why did he have to get hurt? Why did those rogues gang up on him? Why couldn't he hold on a little longer?

Unbeknownst to me, tears stream down my face, and my body trembles with grief. The car eventually pulls over, and I hear Maverick's voice, distant yet concerned.

"Bennett, take over driving," he instructs, his focus solely on me. But his words barely register as I continue to mourn the loss of Gramps.

Why didn't he want me? Was I not good enough? He says he regrets it, but he never even came after me.

Suddenly, I feel strong arms enveloping me, the tingling sensation and the purring of my wolf confirming his identity. Memories flood back, and anger begins to replace the sorrow.

I am more than enough. I deserve to be the Luna more than anyone else. He doesn't deserve me.

With fury coursing through my veins, I start pounding his chest, unleashing my pent-up emotions and shouting at him. The tears slowly subside, giving way to a fierce determination.

"How could you not want me? I was your mate! We have a child together!" I cry out, my voice filled with anguish and accusation.

He catches my hands, firmly holding them at my sides. His embrace tightens around me, and he whispers soothing words in my ear, attempting to calm the storm within me. I struggle weakly against his hold, but my energy wanes, and I collapse limply into his arms, exhaustion taking over.

Moments later, the car comes to a stop. Bennett gets out and carefully carries Ronin into the house, his presence going unnoticed by my weary mind.

Maverick lifts my body off the seat, cradling me in his arms. I nestle closer to his chest, finding solace in his warmth. My eyes grow heavy, and I surrender to the embrace of sleep, finally finding respite from the tumultuous emotions that have consumed me.

CHAPTER 4

Maverick

Gently, I carry Victoria into the house, her grip on my shirt providing a sense of comfort and relief. As I enter the pack house, I make my way up the stairs to her and Ronin's room. Opening the door, I carefully place her on the bed and take a moment to really look at her.

Her blonde hair is tangled and damp from tears. Her tear-streaked cheeks are as soft as a baby's skin, and her long lashes glisten with moisture.

All her pain is etched onto her face, and it pains me to know that I am the cause of it. I should have never rejected her, and every day I wake up without her, I regret it. I was selfish, thinking she wasn't worthy of being my mate. But in reality, I wasn't worthy of her. And it hurts even more to know that I missed the first five years of our son's life. I don't know if I can ever make it up to them.

I tear my gaze away from her beauty and press a gentle kiss to her forehead before leaving the room and heading downstairs. The scent of Ronin fills the air as I reach the living room, where Joseph and Ronin are engrossed in a kids' show.

"Is mommy okay?" Ronin's worried eyes meet mine as he notices me. I take a seat opposite him and Joseph, running a hand over my face.

"She's just sad about your great grandpa," I reply with a sigh, knowing that it's not the whole truth. He nods, hopping off the couch to come sit with me.

I wrap my arms around his small frame, pulling him closer as we continue watching the show together.

We stay like that for about an hour when a piercing scream echoes through the house. I hand Ronin back to Joseph and instruct them to stay in the living room. With urgency, I rush upstairs, taking the steps two at a time to reach Victoria's room. I push open the door and find her thrashing in bed, screaming.

"Get off me, please!"

"Stop!"

"Please don't hurt him. You can do anything to me."

I quickly move to her side, straddling her to keep her still. I gently pry her hands away from her face, revealing tear-stained cheeks. Her breathing is heavy, but she has ceased her movements.

As her breathing gradually returns to normal, I climb off her and give her some space. She clutches the blankets, pulling them up to her chest and over her head, seeking solace from the world.

Silently, I exit the room, leaving the door slightly ajar in case she has another night terror.

"Did mommy have another nightmare?" Ronin rushes up to me, latching onto my legs.

"Does she usually scream in her sleep, Ronin?"

"Sometimes, but she won't tell me why."

I nod, then turn to Axel and Joseph, instructing them to keep an eye on Ronin while Bennett and I go to my office.

"What are you planning to do, Alpha?" Bennett asks, settling down on the sofa. I ignore his question and pick up the phone, dialing the number of the one person who might have answers.

"Hello?"

"Is this Alpha Daniel?" I inquire when I don't recognize the voice on the other end.

"No, this is his mate. Who is this?"

"Oh, Alpha Wyatt, my apologies. It's Alpha Maverick Anderson." The line goes silent shortly after.

"Who was that?" Bennett asks.

"Alpha Wyatt. Ronin mentioned that Nikolai said he looks like his uncle Wyatt and uncle Daniel, so I put two and two together. But he hung up," I explain.

"Maybe the call got disconnected."

I nod, about to redial when the phone rings.

"This is Alpha Maverick."

"Alpha Maverick, it's me, Daniel. I'm sorry about my mate; he's not your biggest fan," Daniel says, chuckling at the end.

"Oh, I see," I reply, slightly taken aback.

"Anyway, what can I do for you, Maverick? How are Ronin and Victoria?"

"They're good, but I'm calling about Victoria. She had a nightmare and was screaming in her sleep. I was wondering if you know anything about that. She said some things that worried me during the nightmare."

There's a pause on the other end, and for a moment, I think the call has been dropped again. But then Daniel speaks up.

"I know she sometimes wakes up screaming, but she's never told me or Wyatt why. The best thing you can do is calm her down during the night terror so she doesn't harm herself."

"Okay, Alpha Daniel. Thank you for your help."

"You're welcome, Maverick. Good luck, and congratulations on your son, I suppose."

I chuckle and thank him before ending the call.

"What did he say?" Bennett inquires.

"Not much. Zane doesn't know why she has these nightmares," I respond, and he nods.

"Are you going to ask her about them?"

"And have her hate me even more than she already does? Are you out of your mind? No, thanks."

"Alright, alright. Fine."Bennett's suggestion lingers in my mind. If I want Victoria to open up to me, perhaps I need to dive deeper into her demons, not just the ones I caused. It's a risk, but it might be worth it. 

"Thanks, Bennett," I reply. "Are you joining us for dinner with my family tonight?" 

He shakes his head. "No, that's your time with Ronin. Is Victoria coming?" 

"Yeah, I think so," I say, realizing I didn't exactly ask her. "But I'm pretty sure she is." 

With a nod, Bennett excuses himself, and I follow suit, making my way to Ronin. 

***

"Daddy, do you think grandma and grandpa will like me?" Ronin asks as we wait for Victoria to get ready. 

"Of course, buddy," I assure him. "They'll love you just as much as I do." 

"You love me, Daddy?" he asks, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. 

I nod and offer him a smile that reaches my ears. "I love you more than anything, Ronin." 

"Do you love Mommy too?" Ronin questions, curiosity filling his eyes. 

"I do," I answer honestly. 

Ronin smiles, satisfied with my response, and crashes into my arms. I chuckle and wrap my arms around his tiny body. 

"She loves you too, Daddy. I just know it," he whispers, the innocence in his voice tugging at my heart. 

I pull back slightly to look at him, a mixture of hope and doubt in my eyes. He returns my gaze with a bright smile, and I can't help but smile back. 

"I'm ready," Victoria announces, stepping into the room. She's dressed in a black skirt and a white long-sleeved shirt, her hair perfectly straightened and her eyes accentuated with a touch of makeup that brings out their blue hue. 

"Daddy, you're staring," Ronin teases, snapping me out of my daze. He pats my leg before running up to his mom. 

I grab my phone from the side table, signaling that it's time to go. We'll be walking to my parents' house since it's not far. We walk in silence for a while before I decide to break it. 

"How did you sleep?" I ask, trying to ease the tension between us. 

"Good, I guess. Thanks for carrying me in," she replies, a blush creeping up her neck. 

"You don't have to thank me," I assure her, feeling a mix of gratitude and regret for the way things have unfolded between us. 

As we approach my parents' house, I notice my brothers Joseph and Aiden's cars parked in the driveway. I ring the doorbell, and seconds later, my parents Rachel and Jeffery answer the door, their faces filled with excitement. 

"Oh my, Victoria, I haven't seen you in forever!" my mother exclaims, pulling Victoria into a tight hug. Victoria stands there awkwardly, unsure of how to respond to the warm reception. 

"Calm down, Mom," Aiden interjects, coming to stand by my parents. 

"It's nice to see you too, Luna," I greet, using the nickname my mother has always used for me. 

"Oh, honey, just call me Rachel. That 'luna' title belongs to—" 

"Mom," I interrupt, my tone warning her to drop the subject. 

"Sorry. Anyways, come in!" she says, gesturing for us to enter. Ronin clings to Victoria's leg, seeking comfort and protection. As we make our way inside, Victoria bends down and whispers something in Ronin's ear before lifting him up. 

"Hi, I'm Ronin," he says quietly. My parents and Aiden stand there in shock, their eyes fixed on him. My mother's eyes well up with tears as she offers him a smile. 

"Exact replica, isn't he? Seems like he's inherited his brains from Victoria," Joseph remarks, making his grand entrance. 

I growl under my breath, but Victoria silently laughs beside me. 

"Oh my, you're right. He looks just like you when you were a baby, Mavericky," my mom says, using the nickname she's always used for me. I groan and head to the couch, taking a seat. Everyone follows suit, and Victoria and Ronin join me on one couch while the others take the remaining ones. 

"So, how old are you, little guy?" my dad asks Ronin. 

"I'm five, but I'm turning six in two days!" Ronin replies, excitement evident in his voice. 

"Wow! You're growing up so fast. Are you in school yet?" my mom inquires. 

"Yep, I'm in pre-K!" Ronin proudly announces. 

They all nod, continuing to bombard him with questions. Eventually, my mom heads to the kitchen to finish cooking, and after a while, she calls us into the dining room to eat. 

"So, Victoria, do you work?" my dad asks as my mom brings out the food. 

"Yeah, at a diner," Victoria responds. 

My dad nods, taking a sip of his beer. 

"And does that pay the bills?" Aiden probes, his curiosity getting the better of him. 

"It does," Victoria confirms, her tone calm and composed. 

"Sometimes, Mommy has to leave me with Uncle Wyatt on weekends because she works a lot," Ronin chimes in, attempting to pick up his potatoes with a spoon. 

"I didn't mean to imply that you don't work hard, Victoria. I was just curious," Aiden clarifies, his voice laced with sincerity. 

"It's okay, Aiden. I didn't take offense," Victoria assures him, offering a genuine smile. 

"So, what are your plans for Ronin's party, Victoria?" my mom asks, her excitement palpable. 

"I'm not sure yet. Since we'll be here for a while, I'll have to discuss it with Maverick," Victoria replies, her gaze briefly flickering to me. 

"Oh, that's great! If you need any help, just let me know!" my mom exclaims, her enthusiasm contagious. 

"Mommy, can Aurora and I play tag when we get home?" Ronin asks, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. 

"Sure, buddy," Victoria replies, a smile tugging at her lips. Ronin claps his hands, revealing his missing teeth, and sends Aurora a triumphant smile. 

"What about Daddy's wolf? Can he play too?" Ronin asks, his pleading eyes fixed on me. 

Please say yes, I silently pray. 

"Um, sure, baby," I finally respond, relief washing over me."Why not," Victoria says, her gaze fleeting but filled with affection.

"Yay! I love you, mommy!" Ronin exclaims, showering his mother's face with kisses. Her eyes shimmer with the depth of her love for him.

As our meal concludes, Victoria and I take charge of the dishes while Ronin engages in conversation with my family.

"Thank you for tonight, Victoria," I express my gratitude, to which she nods and hands me a bowl to dry.

"I've been thinking, maybe it's time for the pack to meet Ronin at his party. It's becoming increasingly difficult to keep him hidden away," I tentatively propose, anxiously awaiting her response.

"Okay," she replies simply.

"Really? You're okay with that?" Shock colors my words.

"Why wouldn't I let the pack meet Ronin? His party is the perfect occasion," she assures, her support catching me off guard.

"I think so too. Since we're talking, I wanted to offer you a sincere apology, Victoria. I am truly sorry for everything," I say, giving her my undivided attention. However, she ignores me, causing a sharp pang in my chest, accompanied by Nikolai's whimper. Pushing aside the pain, I return to washing the dishes.

In silence, we complete our task and decide to call it a night.

"Mom, we need to get him home. Please let him go," I plead with my mother, who hesitates to release Ronin.

"Rachel, you can come over tomorrow to watch him if you want. I have a few things to take care of," Victoria suggests, and my mom agrees, reluctantly letting go of the half-asleep Ronin. We bid everyone a final farewell before setting off. The journey home is quiet, and before long, we arrive.

"Mommy, can we still play tag?" Ronin asks, his voice laden with sleepiness.

"No, baby, maybe tomorrow. It's time for bed," Victoria gently replies, her shoulder supporting his weary head. They disappear from sight after I plant a goodnight kiss on Ronin's forehead.

My phone rings shortly after.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Alpha Maverick. We wanted to inform you that Rich Sr. passed away at 9:50 tonight," Penelope, one of the pack nurses, delivers the somber news. I sink onto the couch, audibly sighing.

"Thank you, Penelope. Have you informed Rich and Marie?"

"Yes, Alpha. I was hoping you could tell the luna and beta," she requests. I agree and offer a quick expression of gratitude before ending the call. Gathering my thoughts, I make my way to my office, contemplating the best approach to deliver the news. A knock interrupts my musings, and I invite the person in, finding Bennett standing before me, flanked by Axel and Joseph. Tears streak Bennett's face, while Axel attempts to console him.

"Have you told her yet?" Bennett inquires, and I shake my head.

"May I do it?"

"Of course, Bennett. I am so sorry," I respond, and we all exit the room.

Victoria descends the stairs but halts on the final step when she spots us. Bennett gazes up at her with matching tear-filled blue eyes. Her own eyes well up, and she clutches the railing for support.

"It's Gramps, Ro. He's gone," Bennett whispers, barely audible. He moves towards his sister, embracing her.

"No, no, no, no. This can't be happening. He was supposed to live forever. He promised he would, Bennett. He promised," Victoria's body trembles, her tears soaking into her brother's shoulder. My wolf whimpers, unsettled by our mate's distress. I long to offer comfort, but I restrain myself.

"I know, sis. I know."

"He's gone, Bennett. He won't see Ronin grow up or console me anymore. He's... he's gone," she cries, her voice growing louder.

My phone rings once again, capturing everyone's attention. Victoria shoots me a withering glare before erupting into screams. "This is your fault! You're an alpha! Your duty is to protect the pack, yet you allowed one of our own to die!"

In no time, she's in front of me, striking my chest and attempting to push me back. Bennett tries to intervene, but she moves too swiftly for him.

"I COULD HAVE SPENT MORE TIME WITH HIM IF YOU HAD JUST ACCEPTED ME. I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU SO MUCH." My back collides with the wall, and Victoria continues her assault. However, I seize her arms and shift our positions, pinning her against the wall.

"Victoria, calm down," I growl, watching as realization dawns on her face. She stares at me for a prolonged moment before pulling away and racing upstairs. Opting not to follow her, I return to the others.

"Alpha, I apologize. They were close, so—" Axel begins, but I cut him off.

"It's alright, Axel. I understand her actions. Just keep an eye on her, please," I request. He nods before returning to comfort his weeping mate.

"Where are you going?" Joseph trails behind me as I make my way to the backyard.

"For a run. Don't follow me," I declare, stepping outside and allowing the cool night breeze to caress my skin. With a burst of speed, I launch into a sprint towards the woods, midair shifting into my wolf form.

Victoria occupies my thoughts. She claims to hate me. But how does one make someone who despises them fall in love?

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