Late at night, Caden stood by his office window after finishing work. He overlooked the city lights, but his face showed no joy as his fingers gripped his wine glass tightly.

Marcus knew what troubled him. "Alpha, if you like Miss Ella, just tell her directly..."


"Shut up. Did you find what I asked about?"

Marcus picked up a folder from the desk. "Yes. After giving birth five years ago, Miss Ella has worked tirelessly to support herself and the cub. Thanks to her efforts, the boy hasn't suffered much."

Unbidden, an image of Ella struggling to survive flashed through Caden's mind.


She must have endured so much.

Guilt washed over him. "She's been a good mother."


Marcus hesitated before continuing. "But over these years, Miss Ella has been going on blind dates, mostly with wealthy men."

The spacious office fell silent. The next second, the wine glass in Caden's hand shattered.

Marcus jumped.

——

Early morning found Ella walking with Finn in the garden. She knelt to adjust his hat. "Did you sleep well, baby?"

The little boy shook his head sadly. "Last night I kept feeling like there were bugs inside me. It was itchy."

Nearby, Nova watched them intently and snorted. This human was acting like she owned the place.

She'd never understood how their powerful Alpha could be interested in a human like Ella.

And now this woman had brought a child!

What made her inferior to such an ordinary woman?

Nova's nails dug into her palms. Suddenly, her eyes gleamed with an idea. She glanced around to ensure they were alone, then approached, blocking their path.

Ella stopped, eyeing Nova's smile with suspicion. "What do you want, Nova?"

"I'm here to take Finn to the Moon Goddess Spring. Soaking in the water will ease his growing pains."

"Then I'll come with you."

Nova's eyes narrowed as she blocked Ella's path. "The Moon Goddess Spring is sacred to our kind. Only werewolves may enter."

"But—"

"This is the Alpha's rule," Nova cut her off coldly.

Despite her anxiety, Ella let Nova take Finn, knowing it was for his health.

Finn didn't want his mother to worry. "Mom, I'm not scared. I'm a brave boy now."

"Nova, I'll wait half an hour. If Finn isn't back by then, I'm going to the Alpha."

"Don't worry," Nova replied dismissively as she left with Finn.

Half an hour passed with no sign of Nova. Ella sat in the pavilion, growing increasingly anxious. Finally, panic overwhelming her, she ran to the mansion and knocked on Caden's door.

"Alpha Caden? Are you there? I need to speak with you."

The door opened to reveal Caden in a black robe, loosely tied to reveal his muscular chest. "What's wrong?"

Ella averted her eyes. "Nova took Finn to the Moon Goddess Spring. Could you lift the ban so I can find him?"

Caden frowned. "I never set any ban."

The click of high heels sounded in the hallway. Nova approached carrying coffee. Seeing Ella, she looked surprised, as if seeing her for the first time today.

"Oh, Miss Ella is here too. I brought coffee for the Alpha. Your breakfast and Finn's are on the dining table."

"Where's Finn?" Ella asked, her voice hollow. "Didn't you take him to the Moon Goddess Spring?"

Nova looked startled. "I don't know what you're talking about. I've been in the kitchen preparing breakfast all morning."

Ella's head spun. Her legs nearly gave way as she turned and ran toward the Moon Goddess Spring. "Something's happened to Finn."