The Alpha's Hurt Mate

t. The aroma of cinnamon rolls and fresh loaves of bread wafted through the air, blending with the earthy aroma of the town s

" Lucian's voice interr

s dark hair tousled and his eyes full of excitement. Lucian was now ten, his

ta said softly. "You'll hav

olden hair and bright blue eyes, was an unusual combination of sweetness and fire. She darte

gain!" Lucian complained, but

d the crumbs from her lip

w stronger as she watched them squabble and play. Despite the difficulties, despite being s

ted her for Lucy. The harshness of her first few days alone, pregnant with twins, concealing her identity from the world. To

bdued, but her power was also growing. There were times when Trista noticed Lucian's eyes flickering with the golden hue

ng hours in the bakery, barely making enough to keep them afloat, but she made i

eagerly planning their next adventure. She had no idea how much time had passed unti

, unsettling presence entered the room. He

tairs now," she said

Ivy inquired, her voi

sta barked, he

e presence just outside their house. She was more aware than anyone of the dangers posed by rogue wolves. They were unpredictable, and k

ounter for emergencies. It wasn't much, but it'd been useful in

r property. His scent was wild, untamed, and dangerous. She could feel

xclaimed, her voice ca

eatures difficult to distinguish in the darkness. He wa

said, her voice steady. "I'll

cing. "I've been following you, Luna. I

words. She took a step forward, her body tensed as she assessed

ta said, her tone hardening. "And if yo

, avoiding his initial attack and taking advantage of her wolf speed. She didn'

in agony but recovered quickly, baring his fangs as he attempted to pin her

could feel her energy waning, but she wasn't goin

, driving the silver blade into his chest. The rogue

nded in her chest, and her senses remained alert to an

on had put her family in even greater danger. She couldn't remain hidden forever. Her pa

her, her mind racing. What if this rogue was sent b

where Lucian and Ivy had been. She couldn't protect them indefinitely. A

aused her blo