CHAPTER 4

My eyes teared up as I stared into the eyes of my helpless child, clutched in Vera’s merciless grasp.

“Please,” I choked, tears streaming down my face, “I will return the money. Just give me back my son.”

Vera hissed, her voice laced with venom. “You have two days to return every last penny. Until then, your child stays with me, Leave!”

I ran out and with hands trembling from fear and rage, I booked a ride that would take me to the bank. Of course, I would do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of my son, even if it meant giving up all my fortune.

Standing on the walkway, frustrated and sad, waiting for my ride, a black limousine stopped in front of me. Without a second guess, I stepped into the dark interior of the limousine.

“Starlight Bank, please,” I managed to say, my voice hoarse and dry.

The driver’s eyes widened. “That’s not… That was not the deal,” He hesitated, clearly trying to make sense of the situation. “The deal was I would come and pick you up and take you to dinner where I would brief you on our fake engagement plans for Thanksgiving dinner with my pack.”

My mouth went dry as I realized my mistake. “I’m sorry, I must have gotten into the wrong limo.”

“Oh?” the driver murmured, his eyes lingering on me for a brief moment. “Really? That’s a shame. I was hoping it was you. You are beautiful enough.” He winked.

At that moment, a plan came to my mind, and my eyes lit up. “I have an idea,” I said. “I’m proposing we strike a deal.”

The driver smiled. “It depends on what you’re asking for.”

“My child has been taken from me, and I’m being blamed for stealing my own money. If I do this for you, if I pretend to be your fiancée and go to this thanksgiving dinner, you will use my fake name and pretend to be the owner of my shares.” I said, my eyes meeting the driver’s eyes.

The driver thought for a moment and let out a deep sigh, “Very well,” he said, his voice steady. “I’ll help you.”

“Thank you so much. I am Andrea Silverstone.” I said and extended my hand for a handshake.

“I am Nathan Dan, and I am a lawyer.” He replied and shook my hand.

“let’s go to dinner and then we can discuss our plan.” I suggested.

And so he drove us off to a fine restaurant tucked away in a secluded part of the city.

The morning of the deadline dawned, and with the plan in motion, Nathan arrived at the mansion in his limousine and pulled up to the grand entrance.

With a beating heart, I hid somewhere in the mansion so I could watch the scene.

Dimitri, flanked by two bodyguards, strode out to greet the visitor.

“Who are you?” he asked, his voice dripping with authority.

Nathan stepped out of the limo, his expression unreadable.

“I am an investor in your company and I am here on account of a recent problem with the shares in your company.” he said, his eyes locked onto Dimitri’s. “Can I know the problem?”

“Well, A major investor under the name ‘Charles Peter’ sold shares and our stocks crashed after that, But, I have traced the funds to Miss Andrea.” Dimitri admitted.

Nathan shook his head, his gaze unwavering. “I’m Charles Peter,” he confirmed. “I sold my shares from your company, and sent the money to Andrea’s account.”

Dimitri’s expression darkened. “Mr Peter?, So you sold your shares and sent Andrea the money?”

“Yes,” Nathan said, offering Dimitri a document. “This is proof of the share withdrawal, in my name. And this,” he added, producing a second document, “is proof of the transfer to Miss Andrea’s account.”

Dimitri accepted the documents, his eyes rapidly scanning the text. “Why did you send her the money?”

“The reason is confidential, and not your concern, so I have filed a lawsuit that will hold you accountable if you harass or question Miss Andrea about the money,” Nathan’s voice was firm, his eyes drilling into Dimitri’s.

“I promise never to ask her about the money again, But, Mr Peter, please, we need to strike a deal.” Dimitri suggested. “Immediately you sold your shares our stocks crashed. What can I do to make you buy back your shares?”

“You have to return her child to her.” Nathan replied, his face mean and focused.

Dimitri couldn't hide his shock. “What? So she reported me to you?” He asked. “Mr Peter, the child is mine too and it is none of your business. What does that have to do with the shares?”

“It has everything to do with the shares. She didn't steal your money, And if you do not return her child to her this instant, I will add kidnapping and child trafficking charges to the suit.”

Dimitri’s face drained color in shock. “Alright,” Dimitri said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I will return the child. But you still have to buy back your shares please. Our stocks crashed.” He begged.

I have never seen Dimitri this humbled.

Nathan nodded, satisfied. “You will do so within an hour,” he replied, his tone making it clear that this was an order. “Then we will discuss the shares.” He turned and left.

From where I was hiding, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude and happiness for this stranger who had come to my aid when I needed it most. I was very thankful to Nathan for standing up for me. And I felt happy for the first time in a long time.

CHAPTER 5

“Andrea, Andrea!” Dimitri cried out, his voice harsh and urgent.

My heart leapt in my chest as I approached him. “Yes?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

“Charles, Your Lawyer boyfriend,” Dimitri blew hot, gesturing towards the now-departed Nathan. “He pulled his shares, gave it to you, and now I can’t even ask why, thanks to this lawsuit.”

I held my ground. “He can do what he wants with his shares,” I replied, “Now you know I didn’t steal your money, Where is my son?”

“You reported to him that I kidnapped your son. How dare you?” Dimitri blew hot.

“I didn't report to him. I only told him what happened. If I don't see my son, then I will report to him.” I warned. “Say goodbye to your stocks.”

“Vera is on her way with your child as we speak. But I promise, I will deal with you.” Dimitri replied, his words dripping with malice.

I felt a chill run through my body, but I refused to back down. “I have done nothing wrong,” I declared, almost tearing up. “You are the one who has been deceiving me since day one.”

Few minutes later, My heart leapt for joy as I saw Vera approaching with my baby in her arms. But as I took the child from Vera, my joy turned to horror. The child had a high temperature, his little body limp and shivering.

I let out a scream of rage. “He’s sick!” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “You couldn’t even take him to a hospital. You’re a monster!” I hissed as I rushed out to take him to the hospital only to discover that Vera had seized the car keys.

As my baby started to convulse in my arms, his body writhing in agony, I started running to the gate. “Dimitri please help me book a ride!” I screamed.

He ignored me and Vera smiled. “This is what it means to be a monster,” she whispered, her voice low. “You’re going to watch your son die, right here in front of your eyes.”

I gasped, my eyes wide with terror as Vera commanded, “Guards, Don’t let her leave the house!”

The guards blocked the gate as Vera and Dimitri turned to leave.

I stumbled back, my face white with shock and fear. “Let me go,” I begged, my voice pleading. “I need to get my son to a hospital!

My heart pounded as I helplessly watched his little body convulse. I cried and prayed for a miracle, but he kept convulsing.

I decided to call the only savior I could think of. Gripping my phone, I punched in Nathan’s number with trembling fingers, my voice shaking as I begged for his help.

“Nathan,” I pleaded, my voice breaking. “I need your help. They won’t let me out of the house, my son is sick!”

“Andrea,” Nathan replied, his tone comforting. “I am going to come and get you, but you need to get out of the house. Is there a window you can escape from?”

I glanced around, my eyes landed on the large French windows that overlooked the garden. “There is a window,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“Good,” Nathan said, his voice even and focused. “Get your son and get out through that window. I’ll meet you in 10 minutes.

I took a deep breath, and looked at the guards, they were not paying attention to me, so I swept my son into my arms and made for the French windows, praying that I could make it out before my child died.

I burst through the French windows, the sharp grass scratching my feet as I passed through the garden gate to the main road and there, Nathan stood, like an angel, waiting for me. So I stumbled towards the waiting car.

Nathan, his expression full of concern, rushed to meet me, gently lifting me and my son into the backseat of his car.

“Hold on, Andrea,” he comforted. “I will get you to the hospital as fast as I can.”

The car sped through the city streets and screeched to a halt outside the emergency room, and I rushed inside with my son in my arms, screamed for help.

With immediate attention from the doctors, my son was revived foew hours later and we were discharged with medications.

Nathan, a stranger, comforted me through it all. He turned to me, his eyes filled with concern.

“Andrea,” he began, his voice gentle but persistent. “Who is Dimitri to you? Why is he treating you like this?”

I swallowed. And began to narrate.

Nathan’s face darkened as I continued to recount my story, his eyes flashing with anger.

“Have you forgotten the daughter of who you are? How could you let them treat you and your son this way?” he demanded, his voice trembling with indignation. “What if your son died? What if you die?

My shoulders slumped.

“Why don’t you leave or fight back?” He asked.

My eyes filled with tears. “Soon” I whispered.

CHAPTER 6

The crisp fall air hung heavy with anticipation as I approached the grand, ivy-covered mansion where Nathan’s pack would be gathering for Thanksgiving.

Beta Nathan was the prince of the moonlight pack. He needed to present a lady to the pack as his soon-to-be wife, in order to preserve his path to the throne.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the part I had promised to play. Nathan played his part well for me and it went well, I have to do the same for him.

“Remember,” Nathan whispered, squeezing my hand gently. “You are my fiancée. Just be yourself. I need to keep my position in my pack and according to the rules, I need a wife.”

I smiled, my eyes shining with a newfound strength. I had been through so much already, what is a little pretense compared to that?

Smells of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie filled the air, mingling with the fragrant aroma of autumn leaves.

Nathan’s family, their faces warm and welcoming, swarmed around me, offering hugs and congratulations.

We did the usual introductions and we shared our different packs' histories and traditions.

As the cozy atmosphere of the living room buzzed, Nathan’s father, Alpha James Dan, turned to me with a twinkle in his eye.

“So,” he said smiling. “How did you two lovebirds meet?”

I laughed, my eyes darting to Nathan, who gave me an encouraging nod.

“Well,” I said, “It was a cold winter’s day, and I was stuck in the snow. Nathan was kind enough to stop his Limo and save me.” I lied. Or maybe I didn't. Nathan indeed stopped his Limo and saved me when I was stuck in Dimitri's snow.

A chorus of “awws” echoed around the room as Nathan’s mother, Luna Sandra Dan, turned to us with an affectionate smile.

“Well, we absolutely adore you already! When are you two planning to tie the knot?”

I laughed, my cheeks flushed with warmth. “We are still figuring that out, but rest assured, we will let you know as soon as we do!”

As the last strains of laughter faded away and the hosts retired for the night, I and Nathan found ourselves alone, sitting outside, enjoying the cool night air.

Nathan sighed contentedly, a smile playing at his lips. “Well, that went pretty smoothly, what do you think?”

I nodded, my eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think they bought it, I’m a good actress!” I declared as we both burst into laughter.

Then, my smile faltered, my eyes glistened with unshed tears. “It has been a long time since I have felt so…accepted,” I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion. “Your family was so welcoming, so genuine.”

Nathan reached out, placing his hand gently over mine. “You deserve so much more than what you have been through, Andrea,” he said, his eyes holding me captive. “You deserve to fight for your rights, for your son’s future.”

I bit my lip, tears blurring my vision. “I’m afraid,” I confessed. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

“You are,” Nathan assured me. “You have been through hell and back, Andrea. You are stronger than you know. And I will be here with you every step of the way.”

“You barely know me Nathan, why would you want to be with me every step of the way?” I asked suspiciously.

“Well, I am a lawyer and a human rights activist. I hate seeing people oppressed. Especially innocent people like you” he explained. “And I know you very well, Andrea, you told me everything about you.”

My heart skipped a beat as his words washed over me, filling me with hope and courage.

“What about my son?” I asked, my voice thick with concern. “I don’t want him to be in danger again.”

Nathan nodded in understanding, his mind already churning with a solution. “What if we asked my parents to take care of him for you?” he suggested.

“That won’t work,” I said, shaking my head. “They don’t know about my son yet and I would not want to burden anyone.” I explained but Nathan only smiled in reply.

Morning of our departure, bags packed and ready to depart, we stepped out onto the porch where Nathan’s parents awaited us.

“Thank you again for the wonderful hospitality,” I said, my voice genuine and sincere.

Nathan’s mother smiled warmly. “It was our pleasure. You’re family now, dear, our soon-to-be Luna, we want to see you again soon!”

“Dad, Mom,” Nathan said, his voice clear and steady. “There’s something I need to tell you about Andrea. She has a son.”

Shocked and expecting the worst, I looked at Nathan’s parents as they exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise in their expressions but it was quickly replaced by understanding and acceptance.

“Well, there is no problem.” His Dad replied. “Children are a blessing from our maker.”

My heart melted. How could they be so perfect and accommodating. Since my parents died, I have never felt this level of love from anyone. I almost shed tears.

“Andrea and I have decided that we want to bring him here,” Nathan continued. “We need your help to take care of him while we…figure things out, please.”

Nathan’s parents shared a knowing look.

“We would love to have a child in our home again,” Nathan’s mother said, a bright smile illuminating her face. “We have been feeling a little lonely lately. Having him here would lift our spirits.”

My chest swelled with gratitude, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. Was I dreaming? Everything is just happening too fast and all at once.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

“It is our pleasure, Andrea.” We waved our goodbyes.

As the autumn leaves rustled beneath the wheels of Nathan’s car on our drive back home, my eyes gazing out the window at the passing scenery, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions.

I felt lighter, as though a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Nathan’s support, his family’s acceptance, it all added up to an overwhelming feeling of peace, joy, and love. It was like my eyes opened.

I had been beaten down, time and time again, but, now I have just tasted a type of love I forgot existed and I no longer wanted to endure. I wanted to fight back, to show Dimitri that I was not someone to be trifled with. I was done being a victim, done being pushed around.

“I am ready,” I said, my voice low and determined. “I’m ready to bring Dimitri to his knees.”

“Finally!” Nathan screamed in excitement. “That is my girl!”