The Northern Kingdom looked exactly as I remembered. Snow-capped mountains in the distance, pine forests thick and dark, the palace rising white and imposing at the kingdom's heart.
Cody pressed his face to the carriage window. "It's so pretty, Mummy!"
"It is," I agreed, though my stomach churned with anxiety.
People stared as we passed. Some waved at Cody, enchanted by his face. Others looked away quickly when they recognized me. Word must have spread about what happened four years ago.
Let them talkβI wasn't that broken girl anymore.
I'd found a small apartment on the edge of the kingdom, cheap enough for my limited savings. The building was old, the neighborhood quiet. Perfect for keeping our heads down.
After we settled in, I spent three days sending applications to every business in the kingdom. I needed work. I needed to enroll Cody in school. We needed to survive.
On the fourth day, I got a call for an interview at a small design shop. The pay was modest, but the owner seemed kind. He hired me on the spot.
"You'll start tomorrow," he said. "But I should warn you. The Alpha King is visiting tomorrow to consider investing in our business. Be prepared to present your work."
My heart skipped. The Alpha King. Everyone in the kingdom knew of him. Jack Blackthorn, the most powerful wolf in the north. Ruthless, brilliant, and terrifying.
"I'll be ready," I promised.
The next morning, I arrived early and prepared my sketches. My hands shook slightly as I arranged them. This could change everything for Cody and me.
Around midday, a commotion started outside. I looked through the window and saw a fleet of black vehicles pulling up. Guards in formation. And then him.
Even from a distance, Alpha Jack's presence was overwhelming. Tall and broad-shouldered, moving with predatory grace. Power radiated from him in waves that made my wolf whimper and submit even from here.
The owner rushed over. "Everyone to the conference room. Now."
I smoothed my dress, simple but clean, and hurried to join the others. My pulse raced. This was it, my chance to prove myself.
The Alpha entered flanked by guards, and the room fell silent. He didn't speak, didn't even look at us. He simply sat, and only then did we dare to sit.
The head began his presentation, introducing each employee. The Alpha showed no interest, his expression carved from ice.
Then the owner said, "And this is Aurora Bluey, our new designer. She'll be pioneering our jewelry department."
"Miss Bluey," my boss continued, "show us your portfolio."
I froze. Portfolio? I'd brought my sketches, but he'd never mentioned needing a formal portfolio. I hadn't prepared one.
"I... I'll go get it," I stammered and fled the room.
When I returned five minutes later, breathless and humiliated, the Alpha was gone. The head handed me an envelope without a word. Inside was a termination letter.
"Please," I begged. "I need this job. I have a sonβ"
"The Alpha ordered your dismissal," my boss said quietly. "If you want your job back, take it up with him."
I ran outside just as the Alpha was getting into his vehicle. Guards tried to block me, but I pushed past them.
"Sir, please!"
He stopped. Slowly, he turned to face me, and I looked up. My breath caught: Silver eyes. Sharp cheekbones. Dark hair that fell across his forehead. He looked exactly like Cody.
No. Not exactly like. Cody looked exactly like him. My son was a perfect, miniature copy of the Alpha King.
"Who are you?" one of the guards snarled.
"I'm sorry for interrupting," I managed. "Please, sir, I didn't mean to fail. I need this job. I have a child to supportβ"
His eyes narrowed on my faceβsomething flickered there, something dangerous.
Then he spoke, his voice cold as winter. "Don't let me see you again."
His guards shoved me aside, and the vehicles drove away. I stood there shaking, my mind reeling.
That face, those eyes. Oh goddess. What had I done?
