ia's

motion outside. Glancing through the window, I noticed the Northgate City license plate. I finished grinding the herbs methodically, pouring the fi

her thirties despite being older. "Are you looking for me?" I asked bluntly. The middle-aged man's eyes widened slightly. "Are you Amelia Cole?" When I nodded, his face lit up w

I'm Jaxon Ston

herself. "Your father and mother-Adrian and Livia-they couldn't leave the territory. There were urgent matters requiring their attention." I let out a short, humorless laugh. "You do

ce. The warmth of her arms around me was startling-it felt like what I'd always imagined a mother's embrace would be. "You're right," she whispered. "And I'm so sorry for that. But we want you, Am

g them in protective containers. I called out softly, and three small snakes-Black, White, and Green-slithered from their hiding places. "We're going on a journey," I told them, gently placing t

about my past," I announced. "I am the daughter of the Alpha of Stone River Pack in Northgate City." Gasps rippled through the crowd. "My biological parents have known my identity for some time but

, but because I intend to teach them the cost of their actions." I looked around at the faces that had become my family. "Would you watch over my herb garden while I'm gone? I'll

e it." Unexpectedly, when the driver took it with both hands, he almost dropped it on his foot. I quickly took it back. I was so afraid he would break my he

eraphina added. "We found you just yesterday." I stared out the window at the passing landscape. "Then why didn't my parents come themselves?" Seraphina's silence spoke volumes. "As I thought," I sa

lp but be impressed by the sprawling compound with its multiple mansions and manicured grounds. The wealth on display was staggering compared to my humble cottage. A dignified older man in formal a

arrogant demeanor, and a beautiful young woman with a practiced look of vulnerability on her face. Celine Stone, no doubt. All four wore expressions ranging from discomfort to outright dist