The Alpha's Hurt Mate

ing light. Her twins, Lucian and Ivy, huddled next to her, their expressions a mix of confusion and fear. She had hoped to avoid returning to the pack for

, his eyes scanning her face for answers. He ha

id, her voice steady but heavy with regret

er petite frame trembling slight

daughter's gaze. "I will make

urning meant confronting the past-facing Liam, Lucy, and the betrayal that continued to haunt her. But it al

iliar scent of the pack struck her as both comforting and painful. She'd be

s spread quickly, but the Elders and Beta Jack's reaction was the most shoc

"You came back! "After all this time!" He clapped Liam o

from Trista to the twins, and his brow furrowed. Lucian and Ivy were his spitting image, w

zes met. Five years. It had been five years since her departur

ut full of something she couldn't quite ide

strong despite the turmoil inside. "I need your

. He took a step toward her, but before he could

es narrowed at the twins, indicating a strong suspicion.

fell silent as they focused their attention on Lucy

don't need your approval," Trista replied, her voice firm. "L

ossessively on his arm. "Do you think you can just walk b

st. She wasn't going to let Lucy undermine her; she had no plans to r

older than before. "I've been by Liam's side all these years, while y

, her tone sharp. "I'm here to protect my children

ily. Her eyes glinted with suspicion, and her mind was undoubtedly trying to solve t

Lucy muttered something under her breath, l

a mix of frustration and something else. T

t regretfully. "But that does not change anything.

ith disbelief. "You'r

thing deeper that Trista couldn't quite place. "Why did you leave?" he inquire

turmoil in her chest. "I left because I could not stay, Liam. You've m

r to her, his voice low and despe

and our kids. You chose her. And I couldn't- " Her voice caught, an

guish and betrayal. Liam's eyes softened, and it

quietly, his voice breaking sligh

ed. "It does not matter now. We are he

zed that things weren't over. The past had been b

help but feel the old pull toward Liam-an undeniable connection that had never real

voice steady. "I won't stay for your d

iam's voice stopped her.