t to engulf me. Yet, I couldn't help but steal a glance at my son, who was blissfully playing

to me than him. I was aware that my thoughts could be irrational at times, but I couldn't help being frigh

to keep it together and reached for a glass of cold water, attempting to regain contro

nning late for my appointment with the interviewer. Panic resurfaced momentarily before I forced myself to take a dee

ew. Be good to Grandpa, alright? I'll be b

eyes meeting mine, giving me the streng

five interviews straight in a row but faced nothing but failure. Every respon

ment. Countless thoughts and considerations swirled in my mind, t

avorite spot by the window. I found comfort in that little corner. Dragging my beloved bean bag near the window, I plopped down, placing my coffee mug beside me on the floor and opening my laptop on my lap. I started job hunting again. I had a few hours before my night shift at the

len

to find him standing before me. His gaze bore into me, seemingly readin

get the job, rig

ffering a f

et," I assured him before returning my gaze to the

time? Why don't you think about so

ehead, I took

o job hunting only in the South. But now, I'm going to explore opportunities anywhere.

ing, and now you're risking our lives by showing up? You know that monster, Zander B

n. But I have to do this. It's the only option I have now. I can't live like this. I n

e smirked darkly, and his sm

tinged my voice as I ask

asked. You have his blood-his heir, Austin. You know how badly he wanted a son. I'm telling yo

uggestion, disgust

instincts kicking in. "Zander should never know about Austin. He is my son, and I am never going

ion grim as he understood

tless enemies, and if they learned that Austin was his son, they would use him against him. If anyone found out tha

ld see my son as nothing more than a reminder of the past-a burden

ade me cautious, vigilant. I wasn't the naive girl I once was. I w

thing, I was only

useless old man," Uncle scoffed

e that. You just have to trust me. I'll take care

ions was accepted, and I rec

I said, a small smile tugging a

ere's the interview?" Uncle asked

ment before answerin

of color. "But... t

taking a d

oward my son who was innocently engrossed in

this all f

for bedtime, I felt it was the right

ou something," I began, trying t

asked, his innocent blue e

but once I'm settled, we can relocate," I gently exp

his lower lip trembling in a heart-wrenching display of

uietly, his voice ting

e. Life had forced him to grow up too quickly, and I couldn't help but

eassured him, gently brushing his dark hair a

said, his eyes sparkling

, and our problems would be over. I just

_

y I had, I had no choice but to borrow some from my friends at the bar whe

bye to my son and uncle before

nd put on a confident smile before stepping inside. This wasn't just any hotel; it was the only eight-star hotel in the wor

I felt certain I could land this job. It finall

_

ve

I exclaimed to Zander, my excitement bubbling over. However, his at

sitioned myself on his lap, at

with a scowl. I felt disappointed that he didn't even spare me a glance, especially si

th be told, I loved every aspect of him. Yes, I

l glued to your dull laptop?!" I complained

ductively. I took his hand and placed it on my slim waist. His touch

d. "Remember the agreement between us," he continued sharply. "I'm not interest

ried to seduce him, his reaction remained disappointingly unaffected. My workaholic Alpha! He'd made

th along his lips as I closed the distance between us. However, just as our lips were a

eed to leave," he stated formally

he would be bound to me forever. I could sense the excitement in my wolf, Leah, as

nder Blake. Men were ready to kill and die for me. But I only wanted Zander. I had wanted him all my life. He had bee

mine. Our fathers were friends, and they wanted us to marry and choose each other as mates. Everything was going so perfectly, and marriage was

my fated mate just to be with Zander, and I believed Zander also loved me as he agreed

n everything after seeing that whore. He forgot about our love, friendship, and promises and

blink of an eye when Zander announced he was going to marry Selena in a pack's alliance. I swallowed the lump of insult down my throat and waited for the right time t

k and laughed smugl

a woman and Luna. She was a mistake. I made sure Zander saw that, and once he r

hich I had been waiting for so long. Zander w