ZIRAJames taught me a few new techniques, like using my opponent’s size to get them to the ground, going from defense to offense in quick succession, and learning how to use my foundation to add power to punches. After training, the three of us went back to the pack house. I set Arias up with some toys James got from the market. I sat on the couch to read, only to have James pull me into his lap.“See, isn’t this more comfortable?” He whispered, kissing a sensitive spot behind my ear. “Sure, just don’t distract me,” I said, picking up one of the many books I’ve been reading. “I never get past a few chapters before you start...”I moaned softly as his lips found their way down

ISABELLAI needed to check in with Victoria, but she wasn’t at physical therapy like she should have been. Lately, she’s been trying to walk independently without help and gets frustrated when she can’t. So, she’s been lashing out at me these past months.I walked through the hospital looking for her when I bumped into Mary. She was attacked by Alaia, also. Though, I never understood why she was there in the first place. According to her, she had been spying on Alaia, along with Victoria, for a while now. Victoria corroborated her story when she explained the events leading up to her getting hurt. Alaia has been manipulating Zira from the beginning. Heck, manipulating a lot of people without us noticing. Of course, we had an inkling, but nobody could prove it. Victoria’s last memory was Zira whispering

ALAIA“I said no talking,” I growled. I shoved a piece of cloth into Nas’s mouth as I rode him. For the past months, I haven’t been able to find anything on James. The stupid scarf didn’t do me any favors. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t get his exact location. I was so close to him that day. So close to being with him. It was frustrating. So frustrating, I needed an outlet. Entered Nas. Ever since that day I rescued him from the dungeons, he’s been quiet. Too quiet. I felt he wasn’t grateful for the fact that I saved his life, even those of his men. I was the one who ordered them to escape and burn down Mirja’s bar before Isaiah’s men got there.  I gave them a place of refuge when the ‘secret’ b

ZIRAI sat there at the side of my parents’ house. Still shocked by the scene before. There they were, sitting around the dining table, Each in their own world. No one spoke, joked, or even looked at each other. We were never this quiet at the dining table. Granted, most of the sounds came from me eating, but there’s usually conversation. My mom talked about her day at work, and my dad talked about training the younger pups. Even Zed threw in an ‘I’m better at everything,’ comparing himself to his friends.  Even the scenery looked drab, and no dessert or cookie was in sight. There was nothing, and it was probably because of me. I grabbed my hair in frustration, trying to keep my tears at bay. I blocked my mind from James, or he would instantly be on alert and come find me.  

ISAIAH After the little reunion at the hospital and Isabella chewing my ear off because of what happened on the cliff earlier, we all returned to the packhouse. I was sitting on the couch holding my little Zacharias. Zacharias. I couldn’t help but groan at the name. Now, that was something I would have to get used to.    What was she thinking? Naming him after that…that insufferable man. I could already see Zack’s smug face in the back of my mind. Maybe I could convince Zira to go with just Arias.   “Our son,” Devon said.  “Yeah, buddy. We had a hand in this. He’s perfect.”  I was