Nicole POV The last eleven weeks have flown by; I wiggle, stretching my back, trying to get comfortable in the chair. Once the initial shock wore off, I was excited to tell Michael I was pregnant. I stupidly thought that having a baby would change things between us. He stayed home every night and became more attentive and loving toward me. He gave me compliments, and I started looking forward to him being home. It lasted a fucking week. Rose started coming to the house more, wiggling her arse in front of me as she constantly rubbed up against my so-called chosen mate. The fatter I got, the tinier her clothes got. Naturally, Michael loved all the extra attention she gave him, constantly walking around with a boner. I watch Rose, Grayson, and Michael run into the woods; the pack run has officially started for the night. I am grateful that he won't be back tonight; my back is killing me. I stand walking back into the house, stopping to make a coffee and ham and cheese toastie before he
Maree POV I look down at the baby girl in my mother's arms, and she goes to hand her to me; I shudder. I am not interested in nursing her. “He forced me, mother; why can't you believe me?” “I believe you, Maree, but we could have done something about it if you had told us sooner.” “So he gets away with it, and I have to raise the pup myself. Is that what you are saying?” “You won't be alone, Maree; your father and I will always be here to help you.” “Where is my father now?” “He has gone to speak to Alpha Leon.” I was disgusted with my mother; I was supposed to be Michaels, mate, not my fucking sister. My mother is supposed to love me unconditionally. How dare she humiliate me like this. Now I have a fucking daughter to raise; while Nicole lives the life of my dreams, I will make sure she suffers for all the hurt she has caused. I glare at my mother when she asks, “What are you going to call her, Maree.” “I don't care, mother; you bloody name her if you want.” My mother's
Michael POV Layla tries to walk; she is a quick little thing. I snarl when she puts her sticky hands on my leg fuck me, where is that useless bitch, “Nicole, get this fucking pup out from under my feet.” Nicole runs down the stairs picking her up, holding Layla close to her body, “I am sorry, Michael, I turned my back.” “If you cant look after her, Nicole, get some help.” She glares at me before turning and walking away. I still have not decided what I will do with Nicole. Since Layla was born, she has developed a backbone. I smile, raising my eyebrows, she could always have an accident as my father did, but then I would have to replace her to keep my pack happy. “Alpha, you are needed at the border” Grayson's mind links me. “What the fuck for Grayson?” “It's important, Michael; the fewer people involved, the better.” “Fuck me. Cant, you handle it” “No, there is a baby and envelope here, and the wolf delivering them won't hand it to anyone except you.” I intend to tell the
Nicole POV I turned my back on Layla for one minute this morning, and she went straight to her father. She has just turned one; she is a clever little girl; she knows Michael is her father. I watch Layla playing. There is no way I will take my eyes off her again. I can't risk her being near Michael; Malaki is never far from the surface. I can see him rippling under Michael’s skin more often than not. I still share a room with Layla. I have set it up as a nursery. I keep the king-size bed in the room for my use. The only time I have to share a room with Michael is when we have other packs visiting. I don't get involved in pack business as Michael has made it clear that the Red River pack is his alone. Michael spends most of his nights with Rose; our pack is aware they have a relationship. I do not attend the gatherings or runs anymore; listening to the whispers about Rose and Michael became too humiliating for me. Michael's dominating behavior towards me has become worse. He only allo
Michael POV Feeling pleased with my trip to the other pack, I was glad to be heading back home; I persuaded a few warriors to come over to our pack. The only downfall was Grayson had found his mate. Emily was a pretty little thing, extraordinarily docile and accommodating. Grayson can't keep his hands off her. I have walked around with a boner hearing them go at it every night, and it was killing me. I couldn't wait to get home to Rose. I knock on Rose’s door. She looks surprised when she opens it, “What are you doing here, Michael?” I reach out to take her in my arms when she takes a step back, shaking her head. “No, Michael, I cant Sasha is teething; I have just got her to sleep,” I snarl, “What the fuck do you mean no, Rose.” “Not tonight, Michael. I am tired; go home to Nicole. It is about time she earnt her place as your Luna.” I turn away from Rose before I punch her in the face; how dare the bitch say no to me. I open the front door of my home, still seething with ange
Nicole POVThe years fly when you have a child to look after, but Michael still treats Layla with contempt. I never leave them alone together. He spends most of his time at Roses, coming home when he thinks I need to be put back in my place. I still can't help responding to his advances; he normally gloats continuously the next day, making me feel cheap and even more disgusted with myself. I moved back into Michael's room when Layla started school. Michael did not want to risk the pack hearing that their magnificent Alpha didn't share a bed with his so-called mate. I groan, rolling over; I need to get my ass out of bed; it's the first day back at school for Layla. We have a new principal at the school. I have not met him, but what I have heard from Marian does not impress me much. I feel Layla’s excitement through our bond. I quickly get dressed and go downstairs to make her breakfast.Layla povI woke up so happy. I turned eight years old yesterday, and it's my first day back at sch
Nicole POVI fucked up. Michael was furious after I chased Mr. Madden. I am not sorry; when I felt Layla’s terror through our bond, I wanted to kill him. Naturally, Michael spoke to him and assured him it wouldn't happen again. Michael doesn't talk to Layla unless he is chastising her. I know Michael is taking small doses of wolfsbane, trying to suppress Malaki. What Nalia said is true: Malaki wants to hurt me, but he stopped Michael when he went to hit Layla. Layla was terrified, not understanding what was happening, when a voice that was not her fathers yelled at me to get Layla away from him. She was only three years old at the time. I thank the goddess. She doesn't remember it.I had just picked Layla up from school when Michael bellowed,“Nicole, come to my office and bring Layla with you. I need to speak to both of you.” Michael is sitting behind his desk Beta Grayson is standing beside him. Layla looks at Grayson, asking,“Why haven't you got pups yet, Beta Grayson” Grayson sm
Layla POV Mum wakes me up early, “Layla, wake up the Alpha and Luna of the Dark Moon pack will be here shortly.” Sitting in the kitchen, I watch mum and some other females prepare food for our visitors; I can smell bacon, eggs, and toast, and my stomach growls. Laughing, mum hands me a plate piled with food; as I start to eat, she says, “They have a daughter your age. How would you like to share your room with her?” I nod yes. I am so excited. We rarely have children my age at the packhouse, and it will be nice to have someone who will play with me. Hearing the Dark moon pack arriving, my mother and Beta Grayson go out to meet them. Grayson takes Alpha Jonah and his Beta Jeremy to dad as he is waiting in his office for them. Their Alphas name is Jonah, Luna's name is Bethany, and another lady with them is called Diana. They have two boys with them and the girl, my mum said, was coming. Her name is Amy. Not wanting to wait any longer, I grab Amy's hand and race her up the stairs