Chapter 1 MEMORIES

Mia's POV

I ran.

I felt like a bird set free, soaring through the evening sky. The cool night breeze touched my skin, cooling the sweat on my forehead.

My feet smacked against the pavement as I dashed ahead, and my arms swung back and forth in sync with my stride.

I had my AirPods in, blasting an awesome song into my ears. My heart thumped hard in my chest as I picked up the pace, pumped up by the music.

Underneath the moonlight sky, I took a detour in the quiet street. Then, something caught my eye as I turned onto another street. I spotted a couple under a willow tree, totally wrapped up in each other. They were hugging and kissing, lost in their little world.

It was a magical scene, and it made me think about love and connection.

I continued my run, momentarily captivated by the tender moment unfolding before me. It reminded me of a time when I had shared a similar connection with someone-a connection that had once held the promise of forever.

But those memories were now tainted with heartache and betrayal.

***

"Lucas!" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with annoyance.

He let out a deep chuckle, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "What is it, darling?"

I crossed my arms in frustration, a pout forming on my lips. "Did you have to spill the beans to my mother?"

"Come on, Mimi," he said, using his endearing nickname for me. "She had to find out sooner or later."

I huffed, the frustration still evident on my face. "But she didn't have to know that you're my boyfriend when I hadn't even finished doing the dishes. Now I'll have to go home with a mountain of chores waiting for me."

Lucas's smile widened, his teenage vibrance shining through. Standing tall and confident, he exuded a captivating charm. His striking dark hair seemed to effortlessly catch the sunlight, it cascaded in waves, creating a magnetic aura around him. His unique eyes, a mesmerizing shade of amber with flecks of golden hues, held a captivating depth that drew me in every time we locked gazes.

At six feet tall, Lucas had an imposing presence that commanded attention. His muscular frame was the result of years of training and his alpha status within the pack.

But despite his strength, he always carried himself with a gentle grace, a reminder of the tenderness and love he had for those close to him.

As I gazed at him, I couldn't help but be captivated by the way his eyes sparkled, reflecting the warmth of the sun.

His high cheekbones accentuated his features, adding a touch of ruggedness to his overall handsome appearance. Lucas was a walking contradiction, exuding both strength and vulnerability in equal measure, making it impossible for anyone not to be drawn to him.

And I can't believe he is all mine.

As the warm sun bathed the picturesque meadow, Lucas's mischievous grin hinted at a playful secret he seemed eager to share. The vibrant colors of wildflowers painted a tapestry at our feet, swaying gently in the cool breeze. I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension as I looked into his eyes, waiting for an explanation.

"I would be glad to help you, love, no qualms about that," he began, his voice carrying an air of excitement. "Now that your mother knows of us... we can take this to the next level." He wiggled his eyebrows, a mischievous spark dancing in his eyes.

Caught off guard by his words, I furrowed my brow, trying to decipher his meaning. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice betraying a mix of confusion and curiosity.

A mischievous grin played on his lips as he leaned in closer. "You know what I mean... you and I... sheets," he whispered, his tone teasing and suggestive.

Then, with a playful wink, he stepped back, leaving me blushing fiercely at the implications of his words.

Embarrassment washed over me as I realized what he said and I couldn't help but react with a light smack on his arm.

"Lucas!" I exclaimed, my cheeks flaming as I realized he had boldly spoken those words aloud, unabashed by our surroundings. I quickly looked around to see if there were anyone but surprisingly none.

His laughter filled the meadow and carried on the wings of the wind. Its melodic notes danced around us, blending harmoniously with the rustling grass and the gentle chorus of birds overhead. The scene seemed almost ethereal, as if time had paused to capture this playful exchange between us.

I took a deep breath, the fresh scent of grass and wildflowers filling my lungs, momentarily distracting me from my embarrassment. The cool wind brushed against my skin, offering a soothing embrace amidst the warmth of the sun's rays.

Still, at that moment I could imagine what it felt like to be in his arms. For his warm body to lay on top of mine. For him to touch me, hold me. Teach me the ways of a woman.

I opened my eyes and looked at him.

As I gazed at Lucas, his eyes sparkling with mirth, I couldn't help but smile."I know I am irresistible, but damn, girl, the way you're looking at me, it's like I'm a treasure waiting to be claimed," he teased, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

Unable to resist his charm, I leaned in, my lips brushing against his cheek. Slowly, I moved my face, my warm breath tickling his earlobe as I whispered, my voice dripping with desire, "You, my darling, are a priceless gem. A prize I yearn to possess, to unravel from its delicate bindings and explore in the depths of my passion."

With a flicker of anticipation in his eyes, I delicately nipped at his earlobe with my teeth, feeling his sharp intake of breath reverberate through me. As I leaned back, our gazes locked, I could sense the smoldering fire igniting within him, the image of him ravishing me consuming his thoughts.

Driven by our mutual desire, he wasted no time. Closing the gap between us, his lips pressed forcefully against mine, the heat between us intensifying. Our mouths danced in a sensual symphony, a tantalizing exchange of fervent kisses that left us breathless and hungry for more. Each touch, each caress, exuded a sensuality that ignited a passionate fire, engulfing us in a whirlwind of desire.

I could feel a surge of electricity coursing through our bodies, igniting a blazing inferno of raw desire. Time stood still as our mouths moved in perfect synchrony, a dance of tongues and hungry lips, a symphony of pleasure that transcended the physical realm.

His kiss was a potent elixir, intoxicating and addictive. With each passionate connection, the heat between us escalated, consuming us in a fiery embrace. Our tongues intertwined, exploring the depths of passion and surrender, as our breaths melded into a harmonious rhythm.

The world around us faded into insignificance, eclipsed by the intensity of our connection. His hands, confident and exploratory, roamed my body with purpose, tracing the contours of my curves with a feather-light touch that sent shivers cascading down my spine.

Each stroke, each caress, whispered promises of untamed pleasure and unleashed the primal desires that pulsed within us.

In this maelstrom of sensuality, time lost all meaning. The boundaries between us blurred, melding our bodies and souls into one.

Our hungry lips devoured one another, seeking solace in the depths of our longing. The weight of his desire pressed against me, an undeniable force that left me breathless and yearning for more.

Lost in the tempest of our passion, we surrendered to the tempestuous whirlwind that consumed us. The flames of desire danced and flickered, casting an enchanting glow upon our entangled forms.

Pleasure surged through our veins like a torrential river, crashing against the dams of inhibition, setting free the primal, untamed ardor within.

His lips left mine and went to my neck, sucking, kissing, and ravishing me.

"Oh...Lucas..." I tried to say between breaths. "We are in public...Lucas, people might be watching"

He growled against my neck. "They can go fuck themselves"

I couldn't help but laugh.

In our teenage years, young and happy without our wolf yet to come out. We were in love, I was learning the basics to be his beta and wife of the pack and he was preparing to become alpha.

But that all changed. I could still remember the day as if it was yesterday.

I walked down the street with happiness in my heart. It had just rained so the ground was wet. I didn't like it but I didn't let it ruin my morning. As I rushed towards our usual spot in a cafe with good news.

But as I stepped in to see him, his face held a gloomy expression that made me wonder.

I stepped closer to kiss him but he raised his hand obstructing me from doing so.

I frowned, sitting opposite him. "Well, this is different. What's wrong?" I asked, confused and feeling nothing but care for him.

He took in a deep breath, his jaw clenched. His hands folded into a fist. He kept quiet.

"It's okay you can take your time," I said.

It was so unlike him that day. I wondered if I had done something wrong. I wondered if it was the pressure of him taking over his father's position as alpha.

But I should have known. I should have known when I walked in. I should have known when he raised his head with a stoic face and an emotionless gaze.

I should have known that was the end of us. But I didn't. Not until he opened his mouth and said.

"Mia," He called me by my full name. He never does that. "I am now going to take the position of my father as you already know...Our plans have changed. I apologize Mia...but I now have to marry the daughter of the beta of my pack"

Those words came like lightning straight to my heart. My brain shut down. I couldn't react. I just watched as he stood up from his table and walked out of the door never looking back.

I felt a pang in my chest as I choked on tears. Ten years together and it ended today.

From strangers to friends to lovers and back to strangers.

I rested my head on the table of our favorite booth and I shuddered. Tears rolled down my cheeks and fell on my lap. My coat could not stop the shivering that came. The pain I felt.

He didn't even give me a chance to speak. To tell him about the good news that we now shared.

About the life beating in my stomach...about our child.

****

Present

I wiped the tears aggressively from my face.

Remembering it did me no good. Girls don't cry.

Throughout the years, I had left the pack. Came into the human world and I have been doing fine on my own. I have my amazing triplets and a nice life. Nothing could break this.

A call came through. Distracting me from my thoughts. I looked at the call name, it was from the nanny. I wondered if she wanted to ask where the chocolate was again. I chuckled.

I picked it up as I turned on my feet to go back home.

"Hello, May..."

"Madam!" a sense of urgency in her voice as she breathed frantically.

"Please...please come home...the triplets ...they are taking them...help!!!!"