Chapter 7

"You weren't quite yourself throughout the whole night." Sarah continued

"I'm sorry about that," she replied, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "It's just..the  kids' father is in town," Maggie replied

Maggie then took a deep breath

“Raphael... Raphael is the father of the kids.”

Sarah almost choking on her coffee, coughs

 “What?”

“I know it's a shock”. Maggie replied nervously. I should have told you earlier, but I didn't know how to bring it up”.

Sarah couldn't believe what she had just heard. The words echoed in her mind, refusing to sink in. 

“How did it happen?” Sarah's voice trembled as she posed the question, desperate for answers. The room fell into a heavy silence, as if time itself had frozen. 

Maggie took a deep breath, preparing herself to reveal a chapter of her life she had long kept hidden.

For the next hour, Maggie poured out her heart to Sarah, recounting the life she once lived in the bustling streets of New York City before finding herself in the glitzy realm of Las Vegas. Her voice carried a mixture of nostalgia and vulnerability, as she laid bare the story that had led her to this moment.

She shared anecdotes of late nights spent in dimly lit bars, chasing dreams and succumbing to the allure of the city's vibrant nightlife. Sarah listened intently, her eyes locked on Maggie's every word.

But amidst the thrill and chaos of the city, Maggie's heart had encountered Raphael. She painted a vivid picture of their encounter, describing a fateful evening when their paths crossed in a crowded bar. The attraction was instantaneous, and they found themselves entangled in a whirlwind romance that burned hot and fast.

Maggie's voice wavered as she delved into the depths of her vulnerability, revealing a one-night stand that had left an indelible mark on her soul. That was where everything changed.

Sarah sat in silence, absorbing the weight of Maggie's words before finally speaking

“But why did Raphael suddenly come into the picture?” Maggie asked.

“He’s an alpha”. Maggie said, reminding Sarah.

“He must have heard of the news of my pregnancy back in New York. It’s the reason he came down here looking for me and to be sure the kids were his”. Maggie said with certainty.

"You know you can't keep staying here, he will definitely find you," Sarah said, her eyes darting anxiously around the room. "This place isn't safe anymore. We have to do something. What about we involve the authorities?" Sarah continued her rant.

Maggie sighed, her tired eyes reflecting a mix of fear and determination. "I know, Sarah. But involving the authorities would only make things worse. They might not believe us, or worse, they might tip him off. We have to be careful."

Sarah's brows furrowed in frustration. "But Maggie, this is too dangerous. He's been following you, threatening you. We can't face this alone”.

Maggie shook her head, her voice firm. "I know Sarah but I can't risk it. Besides, I don't think he means any harm. He only wants the kids, which I would never allow him to have. I just need time to figure things out, to keep them safe."

Sarah's eyes widened. "He’s their father but you can't underestimate him Maggie”.

Maggie's gaze hardened, her voice laced with determination. "I know what he's capable of, Sarah. I'll protect my children, no matter what. I won't let him take them away."

Silence hung heavy in the air as Sarah absorbed Maggie's words. The weight of their situation settled upon her shoulders, and she realized the depth of her friend's resolve.

"If that’s what you want to do Maggie," Sarah finally said, her voice softer now. "I'll stand by your side, no matter what. But promise me you'll be careful. We need a plan, some way to stay ahead of him."

Maggie nodded, gratitude shining in her tired eyes. "Thank you, Sarah. We'll find a way. For now, we'll stay hidden, keep moving. I won't let him tear our lives apart."

The room grew quiet once more, as Maggie knew she had to come up with a solution sooner.

Months had slipped away, each day blending into the next. Their shared apartment had become a haven, a sanctuary where the worries of the outside world seemed distant, if only for a little while. 

Sarah had spared no effort in making her friends feel safe and secure, ensuring that every corner of their new home exuded warmth and comfort.

In the cozy living room, Maggie sat on the worn-out couch, her eyes fixed on her children as they played. She smiled, cherishing these moments of tranquility that seemed to suspend the harsh reality she faced. Sarah walked in, holding two steaming cups of tea, her face etched with concern.

"Here you go, Maggie," Sarah said gently, handing her the cup. "It's chamomile tea, just like you like it. You need to relax and take care of yourself too."

Maggie accepted the cup with a grateful nod, inhaling the soothing aroma. "Thank you, Sarah. I don't know what I'd do without you. You've made us feel so safe here."

Sarah settled beside Maggie, her expression serious. "You deserve to feel safe, Maggie. You and the kids. But we can't let our guard down. Raphael could still be out there, waiting for an opportunity."

Maggie's smile wavered, her eyes clouded with worry. "I know, Sarah. I'm constantly on edge.

Sarah placed a reassuring hand on Maggie's shoulder.