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'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 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

WINTER'S POV"What was I thinking?" Did I believe Rafael would eventually come to me? Why would he even want to do that?I agree that this was the pinnacle of my foolishness.Rafael had warned me to stay away. He had explicitly said that I meant nothing to him, and he wouldn't even bat an eye if I died. He might as well have been the first to light my funeral pyre! Damn it! The rejection between us was final, and perhaps I should have taken the hint and stopped crossing paths with him. But for the life of me, I didn't know why I kept doing so.I wasn't prepared for the pain, the overwhelming surge of emotion that blinded me when I saw them together earlier. I had wanted to discuss the Vordrak Lycan, the hunters' warning, but I wish I hadn't wasted my energy.I wished I had stayed in the room to meditate on the thoughts myself!The image of him between Vivian's thighs would forever be etched in my mind. I would never forget that. Glancing around the room, including the bed we once shar

WINTER'S POVI jolted awake abruptly and immediately regretted it as my head throbbed from the sudden motion. It felt heavy, as though an extra weight had been attached to it, and my body ached as if I had been run over by a truck.Doubting my ability to move limbs, I remained upright with dazed eyes. It took a few minutes for me to regain my bearings and assess my surroundings.I found myself in the pack's infirmary, although not the Moon Stone pack infirmary. This one was larger and felt more advanced than any place I had ever seen. It was clear that this was my first time being here.Therefore, I couldn't tell which of the pack I was in exactly.I struggled to recall why I was lying in bed wearing a patient dress. Furrowing my brows, I turned to my side as a throat cleared nearby."Did you enjoy your sleep, little miss Perfect?" a voice called out."Rafael," I mumbled, eyeing him as he sat in a white plastic chair with his legs spread apart."Yes, that's me," he replied, a cheeky g