Liam’s POV:
I wake up with a sense of self-satisfaction, my mind clear and my body feeling invigorated. The sun shines through the window blinds, casting a warm glow over the room.
As I recall the events of the previous night, a hint of a smile plays on my lips. I think about the woman, her beauty and grace, and how she matched my intensity and passion.
I'm a man of principle, and I don't indulge in affairs or one-night stands with just anyone. No, this woman was different. And I'll admit, I'm curious
But I won't be fantasizing about her like some lovesick schoolboy. I'll simply acknowledge the pleasure we shared, and move on with my day. She was just a slut after all
Just as I'm lost in thought, the sharp ringing of my phone pierces the air, breaking my concentration.
I glance at the screen, seeing the name
"Mr. Shaul" flashing on the display.
My office assistant. I let the phone ring for a few more seconds, taking a moment to collect my thoughts before answering.
Finally, I pick up, my voice firm and professional. "Liam speaking."
"Liam speaking."
"Sir, we have a situation here," Mr. Shaul says, his voice laced with a hint of urgency.
"The marketing team has messed up the Johnson account again, and we need you to come in and sort it out ASAP. The client is breathing down our necks, and we can't afford to lose this deal."
I growl low in my throat, my Alpha instincts rising to the surface. My eyes flash with a hint of yellow, a subtle warning sign that my werewolf nature is stirring but I rein it in, channeling my energy into a more productive outlet.
"Alright, I'll be right there," I say curtly, already tossing off the covers and swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My gaze narrows, my mind shifting into high gear. "Get the team ready, I'll handle it. And Shaul?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Make sure they're prepared for a dressing-down. I won't tolerate incompetence in my pack... or my company." The emphasis on "pack" is subtle, but it's a reminder to Shaul that I'm not just a CEO, but an Alpha, and I won't hesitate to assert my dominance when necessary.
I step out of the elevator and into the sleek, modern lobby of our skyscraper headquarters. Ryker, my Beta and best friend, waits for me by the door, a knowing glint in his eye.
"Liam, you got laid again last night, didn't you?" he asks, his voice low and serious.
I narrow my eyes, my expression unyielding. "What of it, Ryker?"
Ryker's gaze doesn't waver. "Just making an observation, Alpha. You know I can smell it on you."
I growl low in my throat, a subtle warning. "Keep your observations to yourself, Ryker. My personal life is none of your concern."
Ryker's expression turns neutral, but I can sense a flicker of curiosity behind his eyes. "As you say, Alpha. Shall we proceed to the meeting?"
I nod curtly, my mind already focused on the task at hand. "Let's get this over with."
Ryker falls into step beside me, his voice low and cautionary. "Don't go falling in love, Liam. You know what happens when you let your guard down."
I snort in disgust. "Fall in love with some random slut I picked up at a bar? Please. I'm not that foolish, Ryker. I know exactly what I'm doing."
Ryker's eyes flicker with a hint of skepticism, but he says nothing, merely following me into the meeting room where our team awaits.
Athena's POV:
I lie in bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling as the memories of that fateful day play out in my mind like a haunting movie. It's been two months since my mom was thrown into the Forest, and every day since then has been a never-ending nightmare.
I can't escape the sounds of her screams, the feel of her warm blood on my skin, the sight of her lifeless body being dragged away. It's like I'm trapped in a never-ending cycle of horror, reliving that moment over and over again.
But then, I hear the sound of a kettle brewing in the kitchen. It's a gentle hum, a comforting sound that tells me I'm not alone. Dora is here, making tea for me like she does every morning before she heads to work.
I slowly get out of bed, my legs heavy with grief, and make my way to the kitchen. Dora is already there, pouring steaming hot water into a cup. She looks up and smiles softly, her eyes filled with concern.
"Hey, Athena. How are you doing today?" she asks, her voice gentle.
I shake my head, unable to speak. The words get stuck in my throat, trapped by the lump of sorrow that refuses to budge.
Dora nods understandingly and hands me a cup of tea.
As soon as Dora gives me the tea, everything goes fuzzy. The room spins, and I feel dizzy. My hands shake, and the cup drops to the floor, breaking into pieces.
"I'm sorry, Dora!" I say, my voice weak.
Dora tries to clean up the mess, but I feel a weird feeling in my stomach. It's like something is rising up, making me feel sick.
I stumble to my bed and grab a bucket just in time. I vomit into it, my body shaking. I feel empty and weak. Dora looks worried, but I can't even talk. I just lie back, close my eyes, and hope the bad feeling goes away.
Dora's voice is soft and gentle, but her words make my heart race. "Athena, this has been going on for a couple of days now... I think you should... um... consider taking a test." She hesitates, her eyes dropping to the floor before meeting mine again. "You know, a pregnancy test."
Dora finishes cleaning up the tea spill and looks at me with a concerned expression. "Athena, I have to rush to work, but I want you to take care of yourself, okay? There's a pregnancy test in the top drawer of your nightstand. Just in case." She hesitates, then adds, "You know, just to be sure."
With that, she gives my hand a quick squeeze and heads out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the looming possibility that has just been thrust into my life.
I sit there, frozen, the test tube taunting me from the drawer. But eventually, my curiosity and anxiety get the better of me. I slowly get up, my heart racing, and make my way to the bathroom. I collect a sample of my urine in a bottle, my hands shaking slightly.
I then carefully pour a few drops into the test tube, my eyes fixed on the little stick inside. I wait, my anxiety building with each passing second. The instructions said to wait for a few minutes, but it feels like an eternity.
I pace back and forth in my small room, my mind racing with thoughts and fears. What if it's positive? What if my life is about to change forever? What if... what if... what if...
Finally, I can't take it anymore. I take a deep breath and approach the test tube, my heart in my throat. I look down at the stick, and my world stops.
"Athena's eyes widened in shock as she gazed at the tiny plus sign that seemed to mock her.
"Pregnant".
The word echoed in her mind like a death sentence.