ELOISE’S POV:
Braxton stands before me, his impeccable look is in contrast to the squalor that surrounds us. His expensive shoes stand out against the mud, and his tailored suit is out of place in this world of destitution. When our eyes meet, an awkward silence settles between us. I feel vulnerable and exposed, like a butterfly pinned to a board, analyzed and pitied, which forces me to lower my gaze, not wanting to bear the load of his judgment.
"Eloise," he says softly, his voice emits sadness and guilt. "I never imagined you living like this."
"Not all of us are destined for grandeur. Besides, ever since I was young, way before we met the first time, I was already poor. Well, not this poor, but still considered like that,” I reply, my voice betraying a hint of bitterness I’m trying to hide.
Braxton takes a step closer, the distance between us closing like the gap between our past and present. His eyes soften, remorse is etching across his handsome features. But before the ambiance becomes melodramatic, I take a step back, turn around and walk towards a worn-out plastic drawer. Next to the drawer, is a neatly rolled, thin mattress that serves us my Maddox and my bed.
I go back to the living area, well… if one can call it that way, then unroll the mattress on the cemented floor. Without meeting Braxton’s eyes, I say,pointing at the mattress, “You can lay down Maddox there.”
I don’t hear any tiny movement from Braxton, just heavy breaths. Soon after, he reaches out, hesitates, and then withdraws his hand - a gesture that speaks volumes about the chasm that now separates us.
"I hope it’s not too forward to say this, I can make things different. If only you will allow me," he whispers.
I muster a polite smile, masking the whirlwind of emotions within me.
“You and Maddox can live in my penthouse. You’ll be better there,” he adds.
My heart suddenly races against my mind as fear squirms through it. All these years, I tried so hard to hide myself and my Maddox from Braxton’s pack, so living with Braxton again means giving them the chance to hurt me again, to attempt to kill me again or to really kill me this time. Worse than all of those, is that they may do the same to my Maddox. The memories they held and the pain they inflicted on me are still so clear as if they only happened yesterday. I had once been welcomed into their home with open arms, only to face their disapproval and disdain when Braxton chose to love me, a woman from a different social stratum.
Braxton kneels one knee down and carefully lays my, I mean, our sleeping Maddox on the mattress. He then stands up and walks closer to me, causing my heart to race even faster and the air to crack with tension. I’ve been trying my very best to resist the pull I’m feeling towards him since seeing him again, but the allure of our shared history is just simply too powerful to deny. Our eyes lock, and in that gaze, an unspoken understanding passes between us — an acknowledgment of the passion that still smolders beneath the surface. I’m torn between the memories of our past and the uncertainty of the present. But as Braxton continues to inch closer, his hand reaching out to caress my cheek, my hesitation melts away.
"Eloise," he whispers, his voice a soft caress against my skin. "I never stopped loving you."
The words hang in the air like a delicate confession, causing my chest to swell with emotion. All the pain and hurt I endured from his packmates seems to vanish, leaving only the raw intensity of my feelings for him. Without a word, I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering close as I savor the warmth of his hand on my face. The years apart have not diminished the magnetic pull between us—it’s as if we have never been apart. In a burst of longing, he pulls me into his big arms, and our bodies press against each other with a palpable desire. His lips hover just inches from mine, his breath mingling with mine in a dance of anticipation. Time stands still as we teeter on the edge of a precipice, unsure of what lay on the other side. But that uncertainty doesn’t last. With a surge of passion, our lips finally meet. It’s a kiss that ignites a thousand memories—the stolen moments, the whispered promises, and the intense love we had once shared. Our lips move together in a fiery dance, the years apart fading into oblivion as I rediscover his taste and touch. The kiss is tender yet fervent, a proof to the depth of my emotions. My fingers soon find their way to the back of his neck, pulling him closer, while his hands hold my waist with a possessiveness that sends shivers down my spine.
The world around ceases to exist. The language of longing, regret, and the hope of a second chance gyrates with every move of our lips. With this, I know that I’m about to allow myself to tread on a dangerous territory once again.
As we finally break apart, our breaths rag, and a mix of emotions—fear, desire, and a glimmer of hope interlace in me. The love I had shared with him which had once been a source of pain, but in that passionate kiss, I begin to wonder if it can also be the key to healing our wounds and finding the love we have lost.
“So, can we start over again?” Braxton asks.
“Your pack…”
"Elosie, I'm sorry for everything they put you through," he interrupts, remorse evident in his sharp, gold eyes. "I didn’t know. If only I had known."
Tears well up in my eyes as I recall the painful past… yet again, the cutting words, the disdainful glances and the death threats, which eventually turned into action that have haunted me for years.
"I can't go through that again, Braxton," I whisper, my voice breaking. "Your pack’s cruelty... it scarred me deeply. And now, it’s not just me, I also have my Maddox to protect from them too."
“I understand. But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect the both of you from them,” he counters.
I look into his eyes, searching for any signs of sincerity. I want to believe him, to believe that we can find happiness despite the darkness of his pack’s influence. But the wounds are still raw, and I just can’t ignore the fear gnawing at my heart.
"You say that now, but can you really protect us from their cruelty?" I ask.
Braxton draws a deep breath, grappling with his thoughts. "I can't guarantee a life free from their influence," he admits. "But I promise you that I will stand by your side, and we will face whatever comes together."
Now I feel even more torn than ever before, torn between the love I still hold for him and the fear that history will repeat itself. I have a difficult decision to make—a decision that can either lead to healing and happiness or to more heartache and worse, death.
Our attention is diverted to our Maddox when he gently moves and moans while yawning.
“You know what?” Braxton says, smiling without removing his sight from our Maddox. “I’m tired. And it’s already too late, I think I should stay here for the night.”
He walks back to the foot-side of the mattress while slowly removing his suit jacket. Next, he removes his necktie and lastly, his shoes and his socks, before settling himself next to our Maddox. Dumbfounded, I stand silent, gawking at him. How can a man of luxury, the Alpha of one of the most powerful packs in the country, the CEO of a multi-billion empire, sleep in a place like this? His back needs a soft, huge bed that can fit four to five people. His skin needs an air conditioner. And his sensitive hearing and smelling, well, I’m sure they won’t experience anything good here.
When I’m about to protest against what he wants, a small voice of our Maddox echoes, “Papa, stay with Maddox.”
The rain patters softly against the windowpane once again, casting a melancholic ambiance over the scene unfolding inside the house. In this dimly lit space, my heart is both heavy and light as I watch my son embracing his father so tightly without any means of ever letting him go. My Maddox’s face is beaming with joy while Braxton wears a fond smile, his eyes filled with love and adoration for our child. This scene is a snapshot of a tender moment shared by a family I never had but I hope to have, and it’s both heartwarming and painful to witness.
My Maddox’s laughter resonates through the house, and I long to be the one eliciting such joy from my son. However, I’m happy that it’s Braxton who’s doing it. I have no doubt in my mind that he’ll be a good father. But seeing them together like this, I can’t help but wonder what could have been, making me question the decision I’ve made five years ago.
With a determination to stop being selfish to our Maddox and be stronger than my fear towards the Mystic Shadow Pack, I crawl towards the mattress, snatching the father and son’s attention towards me. I then take a deep breath with a heart opening up to the possibility of a second chance. I direct my sight to Braxton’s, swallow, then say, "Yes, Braxton. I want to try again. I want to see if I can stand strong against the challenges this time. I want our Maddox to have a whole and a happy family."
Relief appears over Braxton’s face, and a smile breaks through, brightening his entire demeanor. "You have no idea how much this means to me. I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to be the partner you deserve and to be the father to Maddox that he deserves."
As the words settle in the air, a sense of peace climbs over me. The pain of the past and the fear of the future still linger, but a clean slate filled with potential and hope eclipses those.
"We'll take it slow, okay?" I say like a gentle plea. "I need time to rebuild my confidence in us, but I'm willing to take that journey with you."
"I'll be patient. I'll be whatever you need me to be," he replies, sincerity shining in his eyes.
Our Maddox switches gaze between us with innocence hovering on his cute, little face. He may not fully understand the depths of the conversation, but he looks happy about it.
My decision isn’t just a step towards reconciliation; it’s a leap of faith towards a future that I’ve always wanted for myself and for our Maddox. And as darkness envelops the world, a renewed sense of hope, knowing that the stars above are now aligned, guiding me on our journey of rediscovering possibilities and finding a love that will endure the test of time bubbles up in my heart.
The air is filled with a sense of tranquility as I lay silently, my eyes fixed on the scene before me. The mattress cradles two figures in deep sleep. At one end, is my Maddox with tousled hair and a cherubic face, the embodiment of innocence and wonder. His chest rises and falls with each peaceful breath, and my heart swells with adoration. Next to him, there lay Braxton who’s entirely out of place in this world of faded grandeur. His handsomeness is undeniable, an arresting sight even in the simplicity of his sleep. The moonlight, filtering through the cracked window, plays upon his features like a painter's brush. His strong jawline, sculpted by years of living and experiencing, speaks of resilience and determination. His lips, parted ever so slightly, seem to hold the secrets of a thousand untold stories. Each breath he takes is a gentle whisper, in harmony with the stillness of the night. This is my family. The very ones I wanna spend the rest of my life with. And I won’t let fe
In the elegant walls of the opulent mansion, the morning sun radiates through the massive glass windows, its silken tendrils are at every ornate corner. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, amber glow over the grandiose space. The air is thick with a sense of formality and exclusivity. As distress trembles through me, I clutch the tiny hand of my wide-eyed Maddox, who gazes curiously at the spectacle around him. At my side stands Braxton, the heir to the immense fortune amassed by the Mystic Shadow Pack. Not only does he look dashing in his tailored suit, but his eyes also showcase assurance as he gently squeezes my hand, seeking to offer comfort in the face of the impending ordeal. A hushed murmur ripples through Braxton's packmates, from the Omegas in uniforms to the Betas in formal attires, as the grand doors swing open. The patriarch of the Mystic Shadow Pack, Trayton Guttierrez, makes his imposing entrance. His silver hair gleams, and the lines etched on his face speak of wisdom a
TRAYTON’S POV: "Curse that fool of a son! How dare he taint our bloodline with a human girl?!" I seethe, my voice laced with fury. Shadow, who's inside me, stirs. His growls echoing in the recesses of my mind. -"He is your flesh and blood, a reflection of your lineage. It’s just right that you deny him the chance to choose a human mate. Braxton’s infatuation with that human is a threat to our pack's traditions and strength."- My eyes flash with anger, my pride clashing with my wolf's fierce loyalty to our kind. My fangs bare in defiance as I sneer. "He must marry a she-wolf, one who can carry on the legacy of our pack." Shadow’s response is equally vehement. -"A human cannot comprehend our world or our ways. They are weak, fleeting creatures whose hearts cannot hold the power of the moon."- I nod, a cruel satisfaction enveloping me. "Precisely. Their puny emotions will only lead my son astray from the path of strength and power." Shadow agrees with a savage eagerness. -
ELOISE’S POV: The grand elevator ascends with a hushed elegance, carrying me and my Maddox to a world I had only glimpsed a few times before. As the polished brass doors slide open with a gentle whisper, we step into a palatial penthouse that belongs to a realm far beyond our humble existence. The surrounding that greets us is overwhelming, a symphony of luxury orchestrated with impeccable taste. Marble floors glisten like shimmering pools beneath our feet, reflecting the golden glow of crystal chandeliers that adorn the soaring ceilings. Expansive windows frame a panoramic view of the city's glittering skyline, a sight that steals my Maddox’s breath away. I steady my own racing heart as we’re greeted by a uniformed woman, her demeanor admirably courteous. "Welcome, Ms. Garcia, Master Maddox," she says with a warm smile. "Alpha Braxton, we’ve been awaiting your arrival." “Thank you,” Braxton responds. With a mixture of excitement and anxiety, I follow the woman and Braxton de
Braxton’s fingers caress my cheek, his touch gentle and reverent. He leans in to capture my lips with his own once again, savoring the sweetness of our kiss. As our mouths move in a very passionate manner, my heart races even faster, my body yearning for more. But amidst the heady rush of emotions, unease gnaws at my mind. I break the kiss, breathless, and look into Braxton’s eyes with a mix of desire and apprehension. "Braxton," I whisper, my voice trembling slightly, "I want this, I truly do. But I'm afraid... afraid of what might happen afterward. I don’t wanna get pregnant again. Our Maddox got his blood disease because of our different DNAs." Braxton’s eyes soften, and he caresses my hair, tucking a loose strand behind my ear. "Eloise, there's no need to be afraid. We can take all the necessary precautions. We can be responsible together." My heart warms at his understanding, but the fear lingers. "I know, but even with precautions, there's still a chance, however small. I don'
BRAXTON’S POV: I stand before Maddox, trying to put on a serious face while concealing a smile that’s threatening to burst forth. My little one, with eyes filled with curiosity and a mischievous spark, looks up at me with innocence and determination. "Papa, don't go!" he protests, holding onto my leg like a barnacle on a ship. I chuckle softly, attempting to free myself from the tiny grip. "Oh, buddy, I must go to work. But don’t worry, I’ll return early." “Let’s play,” he says, displaying his puppy eyes. For the first time, an urge of hesitation to go to work rushes through me, torn between the call of duty and the pull of my heart. My gaze softens as I brush Maddox’s hair off his forehead. "We’ll have more time together when I get home, buddy." His pouted lips make me add, "Oh, but think of all the fun things you can do here while waiting for my return. You can become the mighty ruler of this castle! You can command the things you can see around here, and they shall obey your
-"You seem nervous?”- I pause, meeting the piercing gaze of Squall through my mind. ‘I am, but I know what I must do. The press conference is not just about refusing the engagement; it is about making a stand for my right to choose my own path.’ Squall nods in understanding. -”A powerful declaration indeed. But be wary, Braxton. The world can be unforgiving. Your actions may spark anger and fear.”- ‘I am aware of the risks,’ I reply, my eyes flaring with determination. ‘But I cannot allow our pack's destiny to be decided solely by the customs of old. Love and freedom should guide our choices, not duty and politics.’ -”Your father's shadow looms large over this decision. But remember, you are not him. You must lead with your own heart."- I exhale slowly, acknowledging the weight of dad’s legacy. ‘I respect my dad, but I cannot blindly follow his desire. He may have chosen this engagement for the greater good, but I’ll stay true to myself.’ -”Well, goodluck. Even if we alwa
"Braxton," dad’s voice is low and menacing, "I have given you every opportunity to marry well, to secure our pack’s legacy, and yet you insist on this... this dalliance with that human." I stand firm, my jaw clenches, though fear ripples beneath my façade of defiance since Eloise and Maddox may now face the wrath of dad’s cruelty. Dad’s eyes narrow more into slits, and he stands up to mirror my firm stance. Then he steps forward, closing the distance between us with an imposing gait. He reaches for a nearby cane, running his fingers along its polished surface as a menacing grin tugs at the corners of his lips. "Very well, then," he sneers, "If you're so enamored with that wretched girl, perhaps you need a reminder of what's at stake." My heart pounds in my chest, the gravity of dad’s threat sinking in like an anchor in stormy waters. I glance towards the portrait of my beloved mother, hoping for strength from her memory, but all I see is disappointment in her painted eyes. "I wil