Parker’s POV

The morning drive to Obsidian Moon Pack felt longer than usual. Derek’s cryptic phone call from the night before kept replaying in my mind. Something about a researcher who would shock me, someone I needed to meet immediately. His urgency had been unusual, even for him.

When I reached the pack border, Derek stood waiting, his posture tense with anticipation. The moment he saw me, a knowing smirk crossed his face.

"Took you long enough," he said, falling into step beside me.

"Marriage keeps me busy," I replied, though we both knew that wasn’t entirely true. These days, being away from home felt more like relief than obligation.

"Right, well forget about wives for now. You’re about to have your world turned upside down," Derek said, running his hand through his hair nervously.

I raised an eyebrow. "What’s got you so worked up? Is this researcher some kind of celebrity?"

"Something like that." His grin widened, but there was something else in his expression. Anticipation mixed with concern.

We made our way to his office, the familiar luxury of the pack house surrounding us. His father had always been obsessed with perfection, constantly redecorating to maintain an image of wealth and power. The oversized windows behind his mahogany desk offered a commanding view of the territory below.

"She should be here any minute," Derek announced, practically bouncing on his feet as he adjusted his black suit. I noticed he’d doused himself in cologne and his hair was styled more carefully than usual.

"You’re acting strange, even for you," I observed, settling into one of the leather chairs facing his desk.

He ignored my comment, rushing to his seat and shuffling papers around as if he’d been working all morning. The performance was almost amusing until footsteps echoed in the hallway outside.

The door opened, and time seemed to freeze.

A woman entered wearing a perfectly tailored chocolate-brown suit that hugged every curve. Her hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders, and when she lifted her gaze, familiar green eyes met mine through long, dark lashes. My chest tightened as recognition hit me like a physical blow.

Bella.

Gone was the shy, bookish girl who used to help me with homework. In her place stood a confident woman whose presence commanded attention. Her hourglass figure was accentuated by the fitted jacket, and the way she moved in those heels suggested she owned every room she entered.

"Bella," I breathed, rising from my chair without conscious thought.

She barely glanced in my direction, setting her files on Derek’s desk with practiced efficiency. Her dismissal stung more than I expected.

"Meet our researcher, Bella Vance," Derek announced, clearly enjoying my stunned expression.

She settled into her chair with fluid grace, crossing one leg over the other. The simple movement drew my attention to the curve of her hip before I forced myself to look away, heat rising in my cheeks.

"I’m Parker," I managed, my voice coming out rougher than intended.

"I know who you are." Her tone was crisp, professional, completely devoid of warmth.

The coldness in her voice hit harder than any physical blow. This wasn’t the girl who used to sing me to sleep over the phone when nightmares kept me awake. This wasn’t the friend who took punishment meant for me, who sacrificed her own reputation to protect mine.

"Your pack is experiencing the same illness affecting the children?" she asked, opening her files without meeting my eyes.

I struggled to focus on her question instead of the memories flooding back. "Yes, the symptoms match what other packs have reported."

"Mr. Parker, I need you to pay attention. Children are dying. This requires your full concentration."

Her sharp rebuke made my jaw clench. "I assure you, I take this very seriously."

"Good. Then tell me about the progression of symptoms."

For the next several minutes, I explained what we’d observed. The nightmares that plagued children before their transition, growing worse until death claimed them within months. Our pack had managed to extend that timeline to a year, but it only delayed the inevitable. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"I understand there’s medication that slows the disease’s progression," she said, twirling her pen between manicured fingers. Even her nail polish matched her outfit perfectly.

"We developed a treatment that buys time, nothing more," I admitted, the weight of failure heavy in my voice. "It gives families a chance to prepare, but it doesn’t save anyone."

Derek leaned forward, and I caught the calculating look in his eyes. "Bella, we need to know about your children. Are they human-born or do they carry rank?"

My heart stopped. "You have children?"

The question exploded from me before I could stop it. Images flashed through my mind unbidden. Bella leaving without explanation. The night that changed everything between us. Her confession that still haunted my dreams.

She finally looked directly at me, and for a moment, her professional mask slipped. Something raw and vulnerable flickered in her green eyes before the wall slammed back into place.

But I could see the truth in her eyes now. The real reason she’d returned. The desperation carefully hidden beneath her professional exterior.

She wasn’t here just as a researcher.

She was here as a mother.