Verrick’s POV

The first time I met Lia’s mother was exactly nineteen years ago.

I had just lost my mate a few months ago and was in a reckless phase of grief. I remember that morning like it was yesterday.

I had left Tyrel with an Omega and gone on a hiatus for a week, so desperate to run from my pain. If only I knew the pain that was awaiting me in front, maybe I would never have gone down that terrible road. But I fear I would do it all over again.

Theresa brought hope to my bleak existence. She reminded me of what it means to fight; she poured more love into me than I could ever give her. All I could give her in return was pain and burdens.

That morning, when I woke up in my hotel room, the memories of my mate hovered around me like damning wraiths.

I hopped into my car, unsure where I was going but intent on ending the pain. I did not see the woman crossing the road till my car collided with her.

I remember feeling panic and guilt at the same time. I was in the human world and was sure the collision would kill the person.

But when I stepped out of my car, I was confronted with a very angry woman and a broken leg.

With a sad smile, I remember how she had chewed me out for reckless driving for close to thirty minutes before she finally agreed to let me help her.

I was curious what another superhuman creature was doing in the human world, but I was not exactly in a position to ask questions. I took her to a hotel to recuperate, but guilt made me stay with her. We spent days in that room.

For the first time, I had someone who could listen and understand my grief.

We fell in love sharing our different grievances, and I was far too gone to go back.

When it came time for me to return to the pack, she refused to go back with me despite my many pleas. A year later, I find out why when a baby is found on the outskirts of my pack with her scent.

Lia has all the traits of her mother; she does not realize yet just how unique she is.

*****

After Lia stormed off, I remained in my office for most of the night.

Maybe a part of me was hopeful she would return. Tyrel stopped by to check on me just before he left for his warrior training.

Sometimes Daren likes to take the warriors out to the woods for survival training.

He pokes his head into the room, “I heard yelling.”

I sigh, “Lia.”

That is enough explanation for him to understand the situation.

He steps into the room and closes the door. “Was it very bad, or can we still come back from this kind of bad?”

I rub my face and stare at my son.

I already have one child mad at me; it would not help to have another screaming at me for the second time tonight.

“We will come back from it. It’s Lia.”

Tyrel laughs, “You guys are so alike, she could almost be your daughter.”

“Wouldn’t you like that? You are both joined at the hip,” I joke, watching his face for any reaction, and I get it.

For a slight second, Tyrel’s brows furrow in displeasure. He would not take the news well.

He shrugs, “We are great as we are, Dad. I’ve got to go or Daren would have my ass.” He heads out of the office while I watch him retreat.

With a heavy sigh, I bow my head in grief.

I finally retire to bed, weary of a place to rest from my troubles. The minute I step into the room, I know something is wrong.

“Who is there?” My room is dark, save for the moonlight streaming in through the window. There is the sound of tutting, and the hairs on my back rise,

“I told you he would sense us; he's just too good.”

I turn in the direction of the shrill voice, “Hilda,” I spit. She is hidden in a dark corner of my room; evil always did have an affinity for darkness.

“Alpha,” she chuckles, and I hear a low growl behind her.

I cannot see what it is from here, but my heart skips.

“You are about to meet a very damning end.”

The creature takes a step towards the light, and I back away, terror seizing me. It towers over me, snarling and growling. I reach for my wolf but get no response.

“Wha…what did you do to me?”

She laughs, “Ensured you have no way to escape.”

My eyes widen as the creature crouches, ready to pounce,

“Say your last prayers, Alpha.”

It leaps towards me.

And in mid-air, it is hit by a black blur; a snarling black blur.

The two creatures’ claws and bites at each other, tearing through my room. Hilda exclaims behind me; she points at the creature, and I suddenly hear whimpering. She advances on the black wolf, and I know she has every intention of killing it.

I charge at her and throw her to the floor; the wolf immediately stands up, looking around like it is in a daze.

“Lia,” I whisper.

I would know those eyes anywhere. I cannot let them harm my daughter. I run towards her, but she backs away in fear.

“No, Lia, it’s me,” but she snarls and whips at me with her claws, tearing at my outstretched hand.

“You need to run, get out of here. Now!”

That seems to get to her, and she hesitates before bolting for the door. With a heavy heart, I turn back to Hilda and her weapon.

My claws extend as I howl loudly.

I might not be able to reach my wolf, but I will fight to my last breath for my daughter.