Esme's POV

I was about to get into the car when a voice stopped us.

“Cole, you’re back already?”

We both turned. Nolan was stepping out of his car, already smiling like he’d seen a ghost that suddenly made sense. He didn’t even look at me; he went straight to Cole and wrapped him in a tight hug.

“You told me you were coming back today, but I didn’t expect it this early, man,” Nolan said, grinning.

Cole’s lips twitched into something that looked like a half-smile. “Got in late last night. Figured I’d surprise you.”

“Damn, it’s been forever.” Nolan’s tone was all excitement, as if nothing had changed, as if the years between them had been perfect.

I stood there, half-bent, holding my bag. Neither of them looked in my direction.

“Come on, let’s catch up,” Nolan said. “You can drive us. My driver will take my other car back.”

Before I could even blink, Nolan was sliding into the passenger seat beside Cole. Cole gave me a single glance—cold, blank and then the door shut. The SUV pulled away, the sound of tires mixing with my own heartbeat.

I stood in the middle of the road for a few seconds, trying to process what had just happened. My leg ached where the car had hit me earlier and each step sent pain up my side. I limped across the road, raining small curses under my breath. I didn’t even know who I was angrier at—Cole, for pretending I didn’t exist, or Nolan, for making it so easy for him.

By the time I reached the campus gate, my chest was tight and my head pounded. I told myself I’d make it through the day. I just had to. Mom’s memorial was today at noon and if I was late, Dad would make sure I regretted it.

Classes dragged. The lecturer’s voice felt like background noise. My body throbbed in pain from the car hit earlier but I kept my face blank. No one cared. They never did. When the last class ended, I packed my notes quickly, ignoring the curious looks from a few students.

Medicine had always been my dream course, yet I was only a part-timer. Everyone else saw me as a disappointment—the Alpha’s daughter who couldn’t even shift, who shouldn’t have been allowed near hospital wings for clinicals.

Right now, my whole body was pulsing with an intense yet dull pain. I picked up my bag and called a cab and gave the driver the pack house address and I was surprised, it was the same cab man that had drove me earlier.

The ride felt longer than usual, even though the driver barely spoke.

“You look tired,” he had said softly as we drove.

“Just a long day,” I muttered, watching the road blur by.

He didn’t push and I was grateful. I had enough people prying into my life already.

When we pulled up at the pack grounds, the sun was already up. Cars lined the path to the memorial garden. I paid the driver and stepped out, feeling the uneven ground under my sore feet.

The air smelled of flowers and soil. People were gathered around Mom’s grave, dropping lilies, saying their prayers. I recognized faces—pack members, elders, a few from neighboring lands. And there they were: Dad, Nolan, and Cole, standing together near the front.

My stomach tightened.

Dad turned as I approached, his face already hard. “Are you just coming now?”

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry.”

He said nothing more and faced forward again. I felt the weight of Cole’s gaze for half a second. He looked different now—older, handsome broader but the same cold distance sat on his face.

People took turns placing flowers. No one spoke to me. When it ended, most of them began to drift away. Nolan clapped Cole on the back as they left together. I turned to follow out and leave as well but Dad’s voice stopped me.

“Esme.”

I turned. “Sir?” The word felt heavy on my tongue. It always did.

He walked closer until the space between us was too small to breathe. “Why are you limping?” His tone was sharp. “Trying to make people think I don’t take care of you?”

“I— I was hit by—” The words stumbled out. I didn’t know what to say.

He narrowed his eyes. “You should thank Cole. He said he sent you on an errand. If not, I’d have taught you a lesson today.”

I blinked, confused. “He… what?”

“You think you’d come late for your mother’s memorial—the woman you killed and walk away free? If Cole hadn’t spoken up, you’d be out of my house by now.”

The words hit harder than the car had. I stared at him, unable to breathe. Cole had lied to protect me knowing fully well I would receive punishment but why? He hated me. Or at least, he always shows that he hated me.

“Not like you’ve treated me any better than a disowned daughter,” I said before I could stop myself. My voice broke. “It would be better if you just did it and throw me out of your house.”

His hand came fast at my cheeks SLAP!! The slap cracked through the air and sent my head spinning. Pain stung my cheek, blending with the ache in my ribs.

“What gave you the right to talk back to me?!” he shouted. He raised his hand again to hit me for the second time but his phone rang. He paused, breathing hard, then turned away to answer it.

I stood there shaking.

After a few seconds, he ended the call and looked at me again, his face filled with disgust. “You’re lucky today,” he muttered, then started walking off. He was halfway across the pathw when he stopped.

“When you get home, pack your things. You’re going to the city again. Your mother’s sister will take you in. Maybe she can teach you how to behave.”

He didn’t wait for a reply and walked off

I froze. The world seemed to tilt. Not there. Not again. The memories hit before I could push them back—her voice, cold and cruel, the way she’d made me feel smaller than dirt. I knew her secret, the one that would ruin her if anyone ever found out.

That was why she hated me. Because the real reason why my Mom had died would be something that can destroy even my father.

Tears blurred my vision. I tried to walk but my legs felt like they didn’t belong to me. I stumbled and caught myself on the edge of the stone path.

People were gone. The garden was almost empty. The flowers at Mom’s grave swayed gently in the wind. I wanted to say something to her but my throat was tight.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I keep trying, Mom. I really do.”

My knees shook. Every breath hurt. My father’s voice still echoed in my ears, harsh and final. I didn’t know where the strength came from, but I forced myself to take another step then another.

The pain sharpened. My body screamed for rest. No, I couldn’t fall here. Not now.

But my vision darkened at the edges. My fingers trembled as I reached for the nearest bench, I missed! and hit the ground instead.

The taste of dust filled my mouth. Everything spun in my vision.

Somewhere far away, I thought I heard footsteps fast heavy ones. A voice called my name urgently but I couldn’t tell whose it was.

“Esme…”

Then the sound faded as I fainted.

Everything went quiet as the darkness pulled me under.

Esme's POV

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the smell. A mix of clean linen, faint herbs, and antiseptic. It was choking but oddly calming. My vision adjusted slowly and that was when I saw the Pack’s doctor. His gray hair was neatly combed back, his glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose as he flipped through a file.

“Miss Esme,” he said quickly, relief flooding his features when he noticed my eyes open. “Thank goodness you’re awake.”

I blinked, my mouth dry. “How am I here, sir?” My voice came out weak, rough like I hadn’t used it in years. I tried to move but my body felt heavy.

Before he could answer, the door opened. The sound of footsteps that was firm filled the room. I looked to know who it was and it was Cole.

The doctor glanced between us and closed his file. “I’ll leave you for a moment,” he said quietly before walking out.

The moment he left, the tension grew cold. It was always like this with me when he was close. He leaned against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets as his gaze swept over me emotionless.

“If you brought me here then thank you,” I managed to say. My voice sounded foreign in my own ears.

He didn’t respond to that. Instead, his tone came out flat, clipped. “You can go home now. The doctor said you’re fine.”

I nodded and pushed myself up slowly. Strangely, the pain I’d felt earlier was mostly gone, it was just remaining a little dizziness, a pull of weakness in my limbs. I swung my legs down and tried to stand but the room tilted slightly and I almost lost my balance.

Before I could fall, his arm shot out and wrapped around my waist firmly. My breath caught, my body stiffening instantly. I could feel his warmth through my clothes.

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, my voice unsteady as I tried to pull away.

He didn’t say anything. For a second, he didn’t even move. His grip held me in place enough to remind me how much stronger he was then without a word, he let go.

I stepped back, adjusting my shirt and looking anywhere but at him. “Thank you,” I muttered before walking past him.

Even as I left, I could feel his eyes on my back cold and distant.

---

By the time I got home, the sun was already low. The house was alive with movements and voices in the distance, footsteps echoing through the hall. I paused at the entrance, taking a breath before stepping in.

My father was in the living room with Cole’s father. Their conversation stopped the moment they noticed me. My instinct was to turn and go upstairs quietly but his voice cut through the silence.

“Esme,” my father called sharply. I stopped on the third step and turned. “Remember, you’ll be leaving tomorrow. Right after Cole’s engagement. No delays.”

I froze. “Cole’s what?”

He didn’t repeat it and just turned back to his conversation as if I wasn’t even there.

My chest tightened. Engagement. Cole’s engagement. I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced my legs to keep moving, and went up the stairs.

By the time I reached my room, I closed the door and leaned against it, staring blankly at the floor. I didn’t know what I was feeling. Shock, maybe. Sadness but mostly confusion.

Why did it hurt so much?

I let out a small laugh, bitter and shaky. “It’s just a crush,” I muttered under my breath. “It’s not like it matters.”

But it did. I didn’t know why it still did after all this time. Cole had never liked me. He’d never looked at me the way I looked at him. To him, I was Nolan’s sister. The weak Alpha daughter who hadn’t shifted. The girl everyone talked about. The one they blamed for everything.

Maybe leaving was the best thing that could happen. Maybe it was what I needed.

I moved toward the small dresser near the window and opened the top drawer. The sound of it sliding open felt too loud in the quiet room. I started folding my clothes, one piece after another slowly. I didn’t even realize when tears started falling. They hit the back of my hands soft and hot.

I wiped them quickly, my throat tightening. “Mom,” I murmured, my voice cracking. “I miss you. I miss you so much.”

The room felt colder after that.

By the time the clock hit seven, the sky had turned dark. I hadn’t eaten anything since morning and my stomach twisted in protest. I sighed, closing the half-packed bag on my bed, and left the room quietly.

Downstairs, the house was empty and it seems my father must have left.

Silent. Perfect! I didn’t want to see anyone. I didn’t want another lecture or another look of pity or disgust.

I walked into the kitchen and reached for the light switch but before I could flick it on, I bumped into something—no, someone. A hard chest. Large hands steadied my arms before I could fall back.

“Are you okay?”

That voice. I froze. I would recognize it anywhere.

I looked up slowly, and there he was…Cole.

“What—what are you doing here?” I stammered, my voice small.

He stepped back slightly, his expression blank as usual “I came with Nolan. He left with your father for something important. I came to get water.”

“Oh,” I said quietly, nodding. I tried to step aside but my hand brushed his as I moved. I swallowed hard, focusing on the floor. “I’ll just… get out of your way.”

I started to walk past him when his voice stopped me again.

“Are you alright? Do you still feel any pain?”

I hesitated, glancing at him briefly. His eyes were assessing but there was something else in them I couldn’t name. Concern? No. That couldn’t be it.

“I’m fine,” I said softly. “Thanks to you.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment. The silence stretched, heavy. I turned to leave but paused, the words came out before I could stop them.

“Congratulations, by the way,” I said, forcing a small smile. “On your engagement. I must say that was fast.”

I meant it to sound polite, casual even but it didn’t but my tone betrayed me.

I took a step forward, but before I could move again, his hand shot out and caught my wrist. I gasped as he pulled me back, turning me until my back hit the kitchen counter not so hard but firm enough that I felt goosebumps.

My heart pounded so loudly it drowned out the sound of my own breath. He stood close, his eyes locked on mine.

“Why does it sound like sarcasm coming from your lips?” he asked quietly. His voice was cold enough to make me flinch.

I couldn’t look at him. Not when he was this close. Not when I could feel the warmth of him and his intoxicating male scent. I stared at the counter instead, gripping the edge to steady myself.

“I don’t understand what you mean,” I said hoarsely but

Cole's grip on my wrist tightened just enough to keep me pinned against the counter, his body close but not pressing fully yet.

"You know exactly what I mean, Esme, you tell me congratulations like the idea of my engagement bothers you more than it should, didn't you desperately want me back then?" He asked.

His free hand slipped under the hem of my shirt, fingers cold against my warm stomach skin, tracing upward slowly toward my bra.

I sucked in a breath, my back arching slightly as his touch sent heat pooling between my legs. "Why do you sound jealous if it doesn't matter to you at all?"

I tried to steady my breathing but his fingers kept moving, brushing the underside of my breasts through the fabric. "I'm not jealous, Cole. It's your life, and if you're getting engaged, that's great for you and whoever she is, probably some perfect pack girl who can shift and fit right into everything the future pack’s Beta needs."

He pushed my shirt higher, exposing my bra, his eyes fixed on my chest without any warmth showing.

"Perfect pack girl or not, I know you don't like the idea that after all these years of watching me from afar, some other girl would have me right?" His hand cupped my left breast, squeezing firmly as he leaned in closer, his breath even against my ear.

"Stop twisting my words. I was surprised, that's all, because two years ago you left without a word and now you're back with an engagement announcement that no one told me about until today."

He unhooked my bra with one quick motion, letting it fall open, then lowered his head to suck on the cleavage between my breasts, his mouth was hot and demanding.

I gasped, my hands gripping the counter harder as he licked the skin there slowly. "Surprised or hurt, Esme? Admit it, you've held onto your feelings for me thinking maybe one day I'd see you as more than Nolan's weak sister who can't shift."

His tongue traced lower, circling my right nipple before taking it into his mouth, sucking greedily, his teeth grazing just enough to make me moan.

My body betrayed me, my hips shifting forward as pleasure built from his relentless sucking. "Cole, this isn't fair, you can't do this to me when you don't care at all." This time, my voice grew heavy and ragged, I wanted more..goddrs I need more.

He switched to my left nipple, pulling it deep into his mouth, his hand kneading the other breast roughly. "Fair or not, Esme, I’ll always remind you who you truly belong to."

God .. only God knows I’ve craved for what he was doing to me right now. I threaded my fingers into his hair without thinking, pulling him closer even as his words cut deep.

"Yo shouldn't touch me like this Cole, while planning to marry someone else tomorrow."

He sucked on me harder, his free hand sliding down to my waistband, his fingers dipping inside my jeans but not going further yet. "Then stop me—tell me to stop Esme and I will.”

“You're failing to remember that I left because of you, did you know that?"

My breaths came faster, the ache between my legs growing unbearable as he alternated between my nipples, sucking each one until they were hard and sensitive. "Then don't start it again if it's all meaningless to you?"

He ignored my words and just as his hand started to unbutton my jeans, we both froze at the sound of footsteps approaching the kitchen door.

“Cole?”

Cole's POV

The second I heard Nolan’s voice, every muscle in my body locked.

“Cole?”

Shit! I cursed.

Esme’s eyes went wide, panic flashing across her face. I let go of her wrist instantly, stepping back so fast I almost hit the counter. Her breathing was still uneven, her lips parted but her gaze darted to the doorway like a startled doe.

“Stay here,” I muttered under my breath. My tone came out sharper than I intended. “Don’t make a sound.”

She nodded, pressing herself against the counter as if she could melt into it.

By the time Nolan pushed the door open, I was already moving toward him, forcing my heartbeat to slow. “Hey,” I said, keeping my tone even, calm, casual.

He grinned. “Man, there you are. Been looking all over the house for you.”

“Yeah,” I said, clearing my throat. “I was just getting water.”

He looked around, his gaze brushing past the corner where Esme hid. My pulse quickened but I kept my expression blank.

“You good?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” I replied. “Come on, let’s head out.”

As I led him out of the kitchen, my mind was already racing. Once the hallway door shut behind us, I let out the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

Fuck. That was close. Way too close.

If Nolan had walked in ten seconds earlier—no, I didn’t want to think about that.

Esme.

The sound of her name alone made something stir deep in my chest, a pull I’d spent two years trying to bury.

Two damn years.

We stepped outside, the night air thick with the smell of pine and damp earth. Nolan stretched his arms, oblivious to the storm in my head. “Man, you’ve changed,” he said, laughing. “You used to be all smiles back in the day. What happened to you?”

I gave a low chuckle. “Life, I guess.”

He nudged me. “Life or women?”

I shot him a look. “Drop it.”

He raised his hands in surrender, still grinning. “Alright, alright. I’m just saying—everyone’s been talking about your engagement. Alpha Lane’s daughter, huh? Didn’t think that was your type.”

His words hit like a punch but I masked it with a shrug. “It’s complicated.”

Nolan leaned against his car, eyes narrowing in curiosity. “Your dad’s really hell-bent on that match, isn’t he?”

I didn’t answer right away. My gaze drifted to the dark stretch of zone beyond the pack house, the moonlight slicing through the place. I could almost hear my father’s voice in my head, cold and commanding as always.

[*‘You’ll marry her, Cole. There’s no choice in this. If you don’t, I’ll tell the pack exactly who your mate is.’*]

The memory of that conversation still made my stomach twist.

I clenched my jaw. “Yeah,” I said finally. “He’s not taking no for an answer.”

Nolan frowned. “But why? What’s with the rush?”

“Politics,” I said shortly. “You know how it goes. Alpha Lane’s territory sits right at the border of ours. A union means peace. Trade and stronger alliances.”

“Yeah, but it’s not like we’re at war,” he said, shaking his head. “Still, it’s messed up if you don’t even want it.”

I forced a tight smile. “Who says I don’t?”

He gave me a look that said he didn’t buy it for a second. “I’ve known you my whole life, Cole. You don’t do things you don’t want to do. So, what’s really going on?”

I wanted to tell him. God, I wanted to. But some truths weren’t meant to be shared yet. Not ever, maybe.

If Nolan knew the truth—if anyone knew—that Esme was my mate…

No.

The pack would never forgive it. They already despised her for things beyond her control. A daughter who couldn’t shift. The Alpha’s child who bore no wolf. The girl they called cursed behind her back, blaming her for her mother’s death.

And I—her brother’s best friend, the Beta’s son, the future leader beside Nolan was tied to her by something as sacred as a mate bond.

If that ever got out, it wouldn’t just destroy her. It would destroy the pack.

That was why I’d left two years ago. I told everyone I was moving to a neighboring pack to train with their warriors, to learn hockey, to broaden our alliances. It was a convenient lie.

Because the truth was uglier.

The day I realized she was my mate, I nearly lost control. Every time she was near, I felt like my body wasn’t my own anymore. The urge to claim her, protect her, *touch* her—it was too much.

And she was eighteen. Still broken from her mother’s death, still being blamed, still fragile.

I had to get away before I ruined both our lives.

So I left. I didn’t even say goodbye.

Now, standing here again, two years later, pretending I didn’t feel a damn thing when she looked at me, it was torture, it always has been.

Nolan’s voice snapped me back. “You’re quiet again,” he said. “I hate when you do that. It’s like your brain goes somewhere else completely.”

I smirked faintly. “Well, I guess Old habit never dies easily.”

He laughed. “Yeah, well, better not zone out tomorrow. Big day. Engagement ceremony, speeches, your father’s gonna make it grand.”

I grimaced. “Don’t remind me.”

“Who’s the girl again?” Nolan asked. “Alpha Lane’s only daughter, right? What’s her name—Raven?”

“Raven,” I confirmed. “Yeah.”

“I’ve heard she’s…strong. Pretty, too,” he added with a teasing smile. “Bet your dad’s thrilled.”

“He is,” I said, forcing the words out through clenched teeth. “That’s all that matters.”

The silence that followed stretched heavy between us. Nolan shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing down the driveway. “You know,” he said after a moment, “sometimes I don’t get you, Cole. You do all the right things, say all the right words, but you look like a man barely holding himself together.”

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. “You’re overthinking it.”

He gave me a sidelong glance. “Maybe. But if you ever need to talk—”

“I’ll let you know,” I cut in, trying to keep my tone light.

He sighed, pushing off the car. “Alright, alright. No heavy stuff tonight. I’m starving. Let’s grab a drink before I head out?”

“Sure,” I said. Anything to get him away from that kitchen.

We walked toward the edge of the property, passing through the dimly lit path that led to the pack bar. The place was quiet tonight, only a few members inside. Nolan waved to a couple of them but I stayed silent, lost in thought.

Every few seconds, my mind replayed that moment in the kitchen—the look in Esme’s eyes, the way she’d flinched when I touched her, the tremor in her voice when she told me *congratulations.*

It wasn’t supposed to go that far. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t lose control around her again, no matter what. But the second she looked at me with those eyes, all that restraint started to crumble.

“Hey,” Nolan said suddenly, snapping his fingers. “Earth to Cole. You okay?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly. “Just tired.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Yes positive.”

He eyed me for a second before shrugging. “Alright then. Drink’s on me.”

He walked ahead, leaving me a few steps behind. I exhaled slowly, looking up at the night sky. The moon was high, pale and cold, and for a moment, I felt the familiar ache in my chest again.

Two years. Two damn years, and the bond was still as strong as ever.

If only she didn't hate me, if only she knew but there was no way I was going to let her know..but it would be really hard staying few seconds away from her..

Esme. Esme was my undoing.

I was still lost in thought when Nolan came back with drinks and my phone rang.

I reached into my pocket, pulling it out. The screen lit up, it was my father’s personal guard. My stomach tightened. He never called me directly.

I answered. “Yeah?”

The voice on the other end was rushed, ragged. “Cole—Cole, it’s bad. There’s been an attack on both your Dad and Alpha Kane—they’ve been—”

Static ripped through the line and the call cut.. silence stretched inside me.

For a second, I couldn’t move. The words echoed in my skull, refusing to settle. My pulse slammed in my ears.

“What?” Nolan asked sharply, a bit agitated. “What happened?”

I stared at the phone like it might fix itself and replay what I’d just heard but it didn’t. My throat felt tight and the air too thin.

“They’ve been attacked,” I said finally, my voice low but shaking, colder. “Both of them. Your father and mine.”