MATILDA'S POV I sat on the edge of my bed, sipping my wine and staring at the wall. Kiara had left to find Hailey and Zac, and I was alone with my thoughts. The Elders' council meeting had been a success - they were all eating out of the palm of my hand, and Cedric was one step closer to becoming the Alpha.But, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Zac was still out there, and Hailey... well, she was a wild card. I didn't know what she was capable of, but I knew she was a threat. And, I couldn't let her ruin my plans.Cedric walked into the room, a smug look on his face. "Well, well, well. Look who's drinking alone?" He chuckled and sat beside me, taking the glass from my hand and sipping the wine. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a flutter in my chest.I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my attraction. "You're not funny, Cedric."He put his arm around me, pulling me close. "Oh, come on, Matilda. You're so tense all the time. You need to relax." His voice was low and husky,
HAILEY'S POVThe joy etched on her face knew no bounds. I saw, for the first time, what my daughter looked like meeting her father. She was even more excited than when she was the first time I got her the medium ice cream bowl. “Hi Mama.” She said with a shy smile. She remembered me afterall. “Hi Kendall.” I returned her smile. Her classmates are quite surprised but she doesn't mind. I looked around to see if I can find anyone who had something to say but they didn't look like they had any comment. “Let's go, Zac.” I left first and they followed after. They were bonding so fast and I became scared. What if Zac remembers everything and he leaves her?As we walked out of the school gates, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Zac was laughing and chatting with Kendall, and she was giggling and clinging to his hand. It was like they'd known each other for years, not just a few weeks. I quickened my pace, trying to shake off the feeling of dread that was settling in.Just then,
ZAC'S POVI watched Hailey walk into the house, Kendall sleeping in her arms, and felt a pang in my chest. I knew I had to be patient, to give her time to think, to process everything. But it was hard, when all I wanted to do was hold her, to tell her how I felt, to show her that I was all in.I followed her into the house, my eyes fixed on her, as she laid Kendall down on her bed. And then, Kendall spoke up, her little voice clear as day. "Mummy, you can date him."Hailey's eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of surprise, of uncertainty. But then, something shifted, and she smiled, a small, tentative smile. "Okay, baby," she said, her voice soft. "Mummy will think about it."I felt a surge of hope, of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, we were on the same page. Maybe we could build a life together, a life with Kendall, and see where it takes us.As Hailey walked out of Kendall's room, I followed her, my heart pounding in my chest. "Hey," I said, my voice low. "Can we talk?"She turned to
HAILEY'S POVI couldn't believe what I was hearing. Zac, the man who I left, was now asking me to be his girlfriend. I looked into his eyes, and I saw the sincerity and love there. I knew that he was all in, and that he would do anything to make me and Kendall happy.As I said yes, I felt a sense of happiness and contentment wash over me. This was what I had been wanting, what I had been hoping for. A life with Zac, a life filled with love and laughter.As we hugged, I knew that I had made the right decision. Zac was a good man, a kind and caring man. And I knew that he would always be there for me and Kendall.After our romantic dinner, I couldn't wait to share the news with my friends. I dialed Natalie's number, and she answered on the first ring."Hey, girl! What's up?" she asked, her voice bubbly."Zac asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes!" I exclaimed.There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Natalie spoke up. "Hailey, I'm so happy for you. But...are you
ZAC'S POVI walked into the hospital, searching for Hailey. I had been thinking about her all day, and I couldn't wait to see her. Finally, I found her at the pediatric ward, surrounded by children's laughter and beeping machines. I approached her quietly, not wanting to disturb her work."Hey, Hailey," I said, holding up a box of cupcakes. "I brought you some treats."Her face lit up, and she smiled. "Really, Zac? You're the best! I love cupcakes."I grinned, feeling happy that I could make her day a little brighter. "I know, that's why I got them for you. What's your favorite flavor?"She thought for a moment before responding, "Red velvet, definitely."I handed her a red velvet cupcake, and she took a bite, closing her eyes in bliss. "Mmm, this is so good."As she finished her cupcake, I asked, "Hey, Hailey, can I take you out for ice cream after your shift? I heard there's a great place nearby."Her eyes sparkled. "I'd love that, Zac."After her shift, we walked to the ice cream p
HAILEY'S POVI woke up to go to the hospital for work until I remembered I'd be labeled the worst mother. It was Kendall's recital today. I ran into her room and I saw that she was still sleeping. Great. I felt a sense of relief washed over me. Zac was in the kitchen making breakfast for us and I wasn't surprised. He's a master chef. He always has been. I went over to him and he hugged me in the middle of everything. He pecked my forehead and whispered delicately into my ears. “Good morning love.” I blushed to the roots of my hair. I shyly responded. He let a smirk grace his lips and I hit his chest. Wicked man.“Wake Kendall up so she can get ready for her big day.” I nodded and watched him continue cooking while I headed to her room. _-_-_-_"Kendall, sweetie, come here for a minute," I called out to my daughter as she was getting ready for her school recital.She skipped over to me, her bright pink dress fluttering behind her. "What's up, Mommy?""I just wanted to give you a li
MATILDA'S POV"Speak.""I've found Alpha Zac and Hailey. They're…""Say no more!" I stood up and gestured to her that she stand up too. "Lead me to them"She led the way, and I followed suit. This should be easy. Zac won't know what hit him.I saw Cedric along the hallway and he came running towards me. I signaled to Kiara to take a pause because I had to tell Cedric. "He's been found."I tried so hard to hide my excitement, but it slipped out in my voice. Many would think I was excited to know that Zac was alive, but little did they know that I'm planning his doom. His life lies in my hands, and taking over the throne is of immense priority to me now."Great! Let me go with you!" He said with a very bright expression on his face, to which I turned him down. "No. You can't follow me. I don't even know where we are going!"I exclaimed, and he just chuckled softly. Why didn't I go for this man rather than the big for nothing alpha? Well, I know why. I wanted power. I loved power. I crav
A JOURNEY INTO THE PAST (Author’s POV)Zac's eyes narrowed as he listened to the Doctor's words. "Matilda sent Hailey away? She kept my mate and child from me?"His heart raced with anger and betrayal. He couldn't believe the woman he once loved could do such a thing. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut."How could she do this to me?" he thought to himself. "I trusted her, and she stabbed me in the back."Zac's mind raced with memories of Matilda's deceit. He remembered how she'd convinced him that Hailey had left him willingly, how she'd made him believe he was better off without her."Matilda, how could you?" he whispered, his voice shaking with rage.He wanted to confront her, to make her pay for what she'd done. But he knew he had to calm down first, think clearly. He couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgment.With a deep breath, Zac stood up, his eyes fixed on the door. "I'll deal with Matilda later," he thought. "Right now, I need to find Hailey and my child."Zac drov