Chapter 13

Ethan stepped over the lifeless man’s b*dy and exited the small, foul–smelling room. He settled into the back seat of his car, closing his eyes briefly. As the engine roared to life, he let out a sigh, relaxing into the seat as the car pulled away. His destination: the hangar where his private jet awaited. His corporation had expanded significantly, and his pack thrived; everything seemed perfect. In the country, Ethan Roberts was a formidable force, feared by many, but within himself, he harbored an unexplainable sadness, an emptiness.

Another sigh escaped his l*ps as the car came to a halt, and he stepped out into the crisp cold air. “Everything’s ready, boss,” someone said.

1

Ethan’s focus was on acquiring a new company, a top priority was transferring it to his country. He was leaving for a meeting with experts to finalize the purchase when his phone vibrated, displaying Bella’s name. “Bella,” he answered softly.

“Where are you?” she thundered, her annoyance evident. Ethan sighed, “Christopher just died. I don’t think throwing a party is suitable, wasn’t in the mood for one. Something came up. Am leaving the country.”

Bella’s frustration was palpable, “What was I supposed to do? With several dignitaries présent, I couldn’t just cancel on them because a pack member of a clan they know nothing about died! You know how important tonight is to me. Don’t you?”

Ethan sighed deeply, “We’re taking off in a while. I’ll call you once I land.”

“Really, Ethan?,” she replied from the other end.

“Fine!” She yelled into the phone, and the line went dead. Bella, now Bella Roberts, clutched the phone tightly, vibrating with anger. She was the wife of renowned Ethan Roberts, part of the Los Angeles power couple. Dressed in an elegant black dinner gown, she looked every bit the important, untouchable woman. This wasn’t the first time Ethan had left her hanging, but she was determined not to let him ruin her night. She had guests to attend to, and she sauntered down the steps of their lavish mansion.

“James,” she called to the butler, “The Alpha won’t be coming home. Don’t bother with the spare suit.” She walked away, heading for the expensive sleek car.

“Thank you,” she told James as he assisted her into the car. “You know, ma’am, the Alpha isn’t avoiding you. He’s just really busy. Don’t let this ruin your night. Enjoy your night, ma’am,” he said with a bow.

Bella nodded, settling into the car. “Drive,” she instructed.

****

“Let’s watch Buttercup Princess,” Daisy demanded, her eyes fixed on the TV. “Nooo, let’s watch Paw Patrol instead,” Liam suggested, crossing his arms defiantly.

Hazel’s children were embroiled in a morning argument. From the kitchen, Hazel glanced at them, a small smile playing on her l*ps. Daisy’s fever had reduced, and she was now better, having been discharged from the hospital. The delightful scent of breakfast wafted through the air, enveloping the family in its warmth. As a family of three, they had settled into their morning routine. The kids squabbled over which TV show to watch, a familiar morning ritual.

Hazel chose not to intervene, confident that they would eventually reach an agreement on their own. The bickering continued unabated.

12:10

I’m

Daisy asked, her voice sweet and

obsession with pebbles and her small, pebble–like nose. Daisy settled

TV. “Come back. We’ll watch Buttercup Princess,” he conceded, a small frown on his face. Watching TV shows with Daisy was one of his

nodded in agreement.

a slight pout. Both kids loved to sneak bites of the

and handed the spatula to Daisy, while Liam eagerly accepted the dough–filled bowl.

called between mouthfuls, “When we go to our

course, Hun. You have to go to

he whined, sulking. “I don’t like kindergarten. It’s boring,” he declared, his eyes lighting up

shared by

don’t you like school?” she asked, attentive to his

smell weird,” Liam replied soulfully, his sensitive werewolf nose making the experience less pleasant for

goodbye to Miss Mary?” Daisy inquired, her eyes

one last time so you can say goodbye to your friends,”

wanna leave,” Daisy said, her voice tinged

Liam asked, his

Liam, surprised by the unexpected question. “What?” she responded, her focus solely on her

a dad. But I don’t,”

gazed at Liam, realizing that the time had come for them to start asking about their father. “We have a

“What? Who told you that?” she asked in a

dad is also there. And that you wouldn’t want

“Really?” Liam inquired.

to clarify the situation. “No, and Daisy, you shouldn’t be listening to grown–ups talk. You don’t have

12:40

been a consistent presence in their lives, even after they

love you guys. Your father… He…” Hazel paused, struggling

words.

and decided to be honest with them. “Listen, my little ones, your dad is no longer with us. It’s just Mommy

running to give

I love you. You have me, Aunt Chloe, and Big Noah. And we

Los

not Angelos honey.” Hazelgently

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