WINTER'S POVI stared at Rafael and the woman, observing their interactions. It took them a few seconds to break apart as if they had just noticed my presence in the room. Rafael looked at me, feigning surprise, and ran a hand through his dishevelled hair. The woman glanced in my direction, her lips turning down in disgust. "Who the hell is this?!" she exclaimed.I looked at Rafael, expecting him to introduce me, but he remained silent. The woman repeated her question, "Are you into this now? Is she here to watch us fuck? I never thought you were into a woman like this." She wrinkled her nose and appraised me from head to toe before wrapping her arms around Rafael's neck.Who was she? I pondered. Before I could come up with any answers, Rafael responded to me almost immediately. "She's my answer," he said."What do you mean she's your answer?""I thought who'd take my place would be perfect; she's even more dumber than I imagined," scoffed the woman.Anger surged through me, and I cl
RAFAEL'S POVWas I too harsh on her? Should I not have said what I did? Definitely not.Shaking my head, I lifted the glass filled with bourbon to my lips and downed its contents before sighing. Since I left Winter, deep down within me, I couldn't help but feel like I had wronged her.It felt wrong to enter into an oath with her, but I never anticipated it would end as abruptly as it did.A scoff escaped Vivian's lips, and I turned to where she stood by the door. I had forgotten she was in the room with me."I was trying to get acquainted with that woman pushing a child on you. The nerve of her! And she thinks she's better than everyone just because she's a Luna!" Vivian exclaimed."Oh, she thinks so?" I asked.Vivian nodded, waving her fingers in the air and blowing on them. I could have sworn she had her nails painted when I saw her earlier; it was strange to see her wearing another colour."Don't you see how she acted around you? I heard she's only been here for a day. What sane pe
RAFAEL'S POVSeeking solace and a momentary escape from the tension inside the house, which Vivian caused, I decided to find tranquillity in the garden surrounding the pack house. Although I didn't visit often, it was a place I went to whenever I needed a clear head, and it usually worked.The sun's brilliance cast a radiant glow on the flowers and pathways as I strolled along, lost in my thoughts. When I reached the picturesque gazebo nestled among the blooming roses, I paused, leaning against a pillar and gazed up at the bright sky before shielding my eyes."Lovely," I mumbled as my eyes caught the bachelor's button flower, and my brows furrowed as it reminded me of Winter's big blue eyes. Shaking my head to clear the thought of her, I heard soft murmurs.Slanting my head to catch more of what was being said, I turned in the opposite direction of the garden, which led to a serene pond, letting my ears guide me to the voices."Do you think it's safe to stay here?" I heard a hushed wh
WINTER POVAs soon as Rafael left, I turned to Jude and reassured him, "I'll be fine."Jude nodded, though I could sense the insincerity in his smile. He stepped forward and enveloped me in his embrace. I felt a flicker of comfort, knowing he was there for me."Just let me know if he taunts or manipulates you into doing something you don't want to do. He may resemble him, but he's not the same person," Jude warned, his voice tinged with concern.I giggled softly as I gently untangled myself from his arms and looked into his eyes. "I understand your worries, but I won't allow myself to be manipulated. I am strong, and I won't let him get away with anything."Even as I spoke those words, a twinge of doubt crept into my mind. I was now residing in Rafael's pack, surrounded not only by him and his pack members but also by Vivian. I couldn't help but wonder if my grit to stand my ground would hold firm.Jude opened his mouth to say something, but instead, his eyes narrowed, and I followed h
WINTER'S POVTWO DAYS LATERAs I walked through the courtyard, my hand gently caressed my tummy, feeling my baby's kicks. A smile spread across my face, filling me with warmth. But just as quickly as the smile appeared, it vanished when my eyes collided with Rafael's.Startled, I halted in my tracks and swiftly turned in the opposite direction. I hadn't expected to see him after everything that had transpired two days ago. I couldn't avoid him forever, considering I was temporarily living in his pack. Also, I tried to forget he existed, but my attempts proved futile as the thoughts of Slade reminded me of him, or I caught glimpses of him when I least expected it.Until now, we hadn't come close to each other. I started walking back toward the hall's exit, but my steps faltered as he called my name."Winter."Turning, I forced a bright smile and turned again, pretending to ignore him. However, a startled gasp escaped my lips as he tugged me backwards, pressing me against the nearest wa
RAFAEL'S POVI heard her, but it was easy to pretend that I hadn't. Then again, I wouldn't know what to say if I told her I heard her. What happened earlier wasn't my intention. I couldn't say I fully understood what had happened until I left her presence.After seeing her again in my dream, I awoke with unease. She was at the centre of my problems, and every time I tried to make progress, her presence sabotaged my efforts.The goddess and the seer hadn't been much help either. They provided no information about her. Consulting the seer only made things worse as she advised me to keep her around, believing that my answers lay with her. Yet, I ended up with Vivian. Why?Everything was confusing. The more I thought of it, the more it confused me."Rafael..." I stopped in my tracks as Vivian appeared in the doorway."Alpha," An Eta, Jake said as he walked towards me."Yes?" I raised an eyebrow, ignoring Vivian as she approached me as well."They're here," Jake informed me. "Your presence
RAFAEL'S POV"Will you at least give me some attention for the day instead of ignoring me?" Vivian grumbled as she stepped into the room.Without hesitation, I grabbed her abruptly and shut the door behind her, pushing her into it. A gasp escaped her parted lips, quickly replaced by a moan as my lips covered hers. Vivian's hands wound around my neck, and she pressed herself against me, returning the kiss with equal intensity."This is surprising," she muttered as I pulled back slightly, allowing her to catch her breath."What is?" I murmured, my gaze still fixed on her lips. My insides churned as I noticed the red lipstick smearing. I was sure I had the same lipstick on parts of my face, especially my lips.It wasn't that I didn't find it attractive on her; it was just weird. All I could think about was Winter. I wanted to despise her for making me feel these strange sensations and emotions that were entirely new to me, but it seemed futile.After leaving her with the Hunters, as they
Rafael's POV:I stared at him for a few seconds before speaking. "And why are you telling me this? You're in the Eta for a reason, or do I need to reassess the teams I have? Because none of you seem to be doing your damn job!"If they had been doing their assigned tasks properly, Winter and her brother wouldn't have been able to infiltrate the pack in the first place. She would have been long dead, and I wouldn't be standing here, conflicted about her."No," he began, shaking his head. "The thing is, the intruders didn't come for us; they came for the Lady.""What, Lady?" I muttered, narrowing my eyes."Lady Winter," he replied."How many are there, and what species?""There are about five of them," he answered. "As for their species, I have no idea because—""Pretty useless," I mumbled, shoving him out of the doorway as I stepped outside.I had claimed that whatever happened to Winter didn't concern me and that she should handle her problems. But there was no way I would allow her to