LIAM.

I came to the Moonbourne Pack to discuss a treaty negotiation with my Beta, Emmett. My son, Theo, had stubbornly insisted on joining me. I didn’t object. He always loved traveling—just like his mother had. That familiar ache tugged at my chest at the thought of her.

I figured it would be a good opportunity to introduce Theo to Alpha Grey and the other important pack members—fostering early connections between the next generation. But with that came the responsibility of his safety. I’d warned him to stay away from the big rocks and made sure he was with Alpha Grey’s children, who were around his age.

A little space with peers wouldn’t hurt, I’d thought.

But then—he vanished. Gone like mist in the morning sun.

My heart dropped. My wolf, Rhys, snapped to attention, muscles tight with alarm. I immediately ordered Emmett to find him. Every second that passed only worsened the gnawing dread in my gut.

Minutes later, Emmett mindlinked: Theo had been found at the Pack’s hospital.

I didn’t wait.

I burst into the room Emmett had mentioned, my breath tight in my chest.

And there he was.

Theo.

Dust smudged his soft cheeks. His tiny hands gripped the edge of the table.

"Theo?" My voice came out rougher than I meant it to.

His head snapped up. "Dad!"

I rushed over, crouching beside him, cupping his little face with both hands. My touch was firm, protective—but my heart ached. "Theo, what happened?"

I scanned him quickly, my gaze falling on a cartoon dinosaur bandage stuck to his knee.

Had he been hurt? Was he limping?

Then a scent slid into my awareness. Slight. Clean. Irresistible. Like snow clinging to pine trees under moonlight. It hit me like a memory I never had—one that my soul recognized instantly.

My entire body stilled.

Mate.

Rhys growled the word in my head, low and certain. My chest tightened. I hadn’t expected this. I hadn’t dared to expect this.

I looked up—toward the source of the scent.

A woman. Young. Stunning in her simplicity. Hair tied back, blouse and trousers fitting just enough to trace the feminine shape beneath. But it wasn’t just her body—it was the strength in her posture, the gentleness behind her eyes.

Her presence pulled at me like gravity.

"I'm Doctor Avery," she said softly, the calm in her voice sending a ripple through the chaos in my head. "Would you mind stepping outside for a quick chat?"

I was still staring. She didn’t flinch, didn’t falter—so composed. So unaware that she’d just destabilised me with a single look.

She was my mate. The Moon Goddess had blessed me once more.

And yet… I couldn’t feel her wolf.

She didn’t react. Didn’t recognize me. Rhys stirred uneasily, but I forced him down. She wasn’t ready.

"Of course," I replied, though my voice was thicker now.

I glanced at Theo. He looked worried. Avery—my mate—offered him a soft smile, full of reassurance. The way she looked at him made my chest swell. She didn’t just treat him like a patient—she cared.

She led me out of the room to a quieter corridor.

But the silence only intensified her presence. My wolf stirred restlessly, already reaching for her. Every movement she made drew my gaze—the sway of her hips, the way she held herself.

And still, she remained composed. Detached. Professional.

"I believe Theo is your son," she began.

"Yes, he is."

She was the first to mention him—again. My mate was already showing concern for my boy. That mattered.

"What happened to him?" I asked, more gently than I expected. The anger had softened under her presence.

"He scraped his knee near the big rocks," she said evenly.

My jaw tensed. I’d told him not to go near those. He was only five. No wolf yet. Injuries wouldn’t heal fast for him. I should’ve kept him closer.

She must have noticed the shift in my expression. Her voice came in low, soothing. "He told me to tell you he just tripped—because he was afraid you’d be mad."

I blinked.

"I was only trying to protect him," I muttered.

"I understand," she said. "But children listen more when we’re gentle. He looked so scared thinking he’d disappointed you. Maybe next time, try explaining things calmly."

Her words weren’t accusatory—just honest. Gentle.

It disarmed me.

Was I really so stern with Theo? I swallowed hard, realizing she was right.

"Alright," I said quietly.

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at it, then looked up at me—still polite, still calm.

"I need to go," she said.

"Sure," I replied, though I didn’t want her to leave.

She turned and walked away. My eyes followed the movement of her hips, the rhythm of her steps. Rhys wanted to chase her. Claim her. I held him back.

Not yet. She didn’t know.

Before she exited, I remembered her name.

"Avery, right?" I asked.

Her eyes met mine briefly. "Yes, Avery."

The way her name felt in my mouth—it was like silk. Like something I wanted to hold on to.

Then she left.

You could’ve gotten her number, Rhys grumbled. Or given her yours.

She doesn’t even seem to recognize us, I replied.

Can you feel her wolf? I asked.

No, Rhys growled. Not one bit.

I headed back into the treatment room, my thoughts still tangled around Avery’s voice, her scent, her soft strength.

Theo looked up with his big blue eyes. My heart melted again.

"She told you, didn’t she?" he asked quietly.

I crouched beside him. "She did. But only because she cares about you."

Then his face fell. "Aren’t you mad about the rocks?"

I shook my head. "No. You were hurt, but you found help. That’s what matters."

He smiled, then suddenly threw his little arms around my neck, planting a kiss on my cheek.

"I love you, Dad."

My chest swelled. "I love you too."

I picked him up, holding him close. He curled into me, safe.

Then, with a thoughtful look, he asked, "Dad, can we take that nice doctor with us when we go back to our pack?"

I raised a brow. "Why?"

"She’s so nice and sweet. I wouldn’t mind if she stayed with me."

I laughed. "That’s only if she agrees."

"She will," he said with complete confidence. "You’re the most handsome Alpha daddy. No one would ever say no to you."

I chuckled again, my heart lighter now. "Alright, Theo. We’ll see about that."