Alethea
Life has a way of surprising you, they say, and for once, I believe them. Over the past three years, I’ve learned to squeeze the lemons life tossed my way and make something sweet. It hasn’t been easy, but here I am, standing, and thriving.
Selena has been my rock through it all; her unwavering support is the glue holding me together. And then, there’s my son-my miracle, my anchor. He came into my life when I needed him most, and he’s the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.
His blonde hair catches the light like spun gold, and his piercing green eyes are so distinct, it draws attention wherever we go. Strangers stop mid-aisle at the grocery store, their faces softening as they lean in to say hello or admire him. He doesn’t just light up my world; he turns heads, makes people pause, smile, and forget their troubles for a moment.
And yet, even with his laughter echoing in our little home and his tiny hand curled around mine, there’s a shadow I can’t quite shake. Who is his father? The answer remains a puzzle, one I haven’t been able to piece together no matter how hard I try.
Still, I’m grateful. I am grateful for the chance to start anew, to meet new people, and to create memories that stitch together the life I’m building, one heartbeat at a time.
Sometimes, I get this nagging feeling in my gut that Selena knows more than she lets on. It’s easy to brush aside when she’s so caring and warm.
“Have you seen our new boss?” Amelia says, practically swooning as she leans on my desk. “Oh my gosh, that man is drop-dead gorgeous. The kind of man who can make you wet just by staring at you.” Her dreamy tone is almost contagious, though I stifle a laugh.
Amelia has a way of making every day at work brighter. Sweet, bubbly, and full of life, she’s been my constant source of laughter since I started here. She’s a werewolf-though her story is anything but typical. She lost her parents in an attack years ago but was lucky enough to be adopted by a kind human family. They know about her werewolf origins and love her just the same.
As for me? Well, at twenty-two and still human, I’ve all but concluded that I’ll never shift. Maybe I’m not one of them after all.
“Oh, Ammy,” I say with an exaggerated eye roll, “can you stop drooling over a man who isn’t yours for once?”
She collapses into one of the chairs in my office, throwing her head back with a dramatic sigh. “Oh, Ally, I can’t help it! Gorgeous men are my weakness. It’s like they have this… power over me. I think I need to get laid. Like, soon.”
The coffee I’m sipping shoots out of my mouth, and I cough, wide-eyed, as her words sink in.
“Ammy!” I sputter.
She grins wickedly, completely unfazed. “Oh, come on, Ally. It’s been, what, how many years now? I bet your poor clit is crying out for attention.”
I choke on air this time, my cheeks flaming as I wave my hands to silence her. “Amelia!”
Her laughter fills the room, light and unbothered, as she watches me squirm. This girl… she’s impossible.
“Oh, shut up, Amelia. Speak for yourself,” I say, rolling my eyes in mock irritation.
But Amelia isn’t one to back down. She leans forward, her mischievous grin widening. “Ally, I know what you’re doing, and trust me-it’s not working. I dare you to get laid with a stranger tonight.”
I laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “Oh my goodness, are you nuts?” My lips curl into a half-smile despite myself, her words lingering longer than they should. The idea isn’t entirely ridiculous. After all, I have no memory of how I got pregnant or what my first night was like. Maybe letting go for once wouldn’t be so bad.
Amelia doesn’t miss a thing. “See? I know you want it,” she teases, nodding toward my flushed cheeks.
I smirk, the decision bubbling up faster than I expected. “Let’s do it tonight then,” I say, surprising even myself. A small thrill runs through me at the thought. Maybe I do need to loosen up for once.
Amelia practically leaps out of her seat, doing a happy dance right there in my office. “That’s my girl!”
“Calm down,” I mutter, shaking my head, though her enthusiasm is infectious.
“How’s my sweet little Declan?” Amelia asks, her voice softening, her genuine affection for him shining through her words.
His name brings a smile to my face, warmth blooming in my chest. “Oh, he’s fine. He can’t stop asking about you,” I say, focusing on the files she brought in.
Amelia’s eyes light up. “Really? That’s such a relief. I intend to leave a lasting effect on that cute, green-eyed cutie-and I’m happy I did.” She coos, clasping her hands together dramatically.
I chuckle, shaking my head at her antics. “Trust me, you’ve made an impression.”
“Good,” she says with a wink. “Now, let’s get ready for tonight, Ally. You’re going to remember this one.”
I work at TechSpark, a fast-paced company where innovation meets execution. It’s the kind of place that thrives on ambition, and I’ve managed to climb the ladder faster than most. Dedication and hard work have been my foundation, and every step up has been earned.
Right now, we’re deep into developing a health and fitness app, something that’s been in high demand. The pressure is intense, and I’ve been handed the sole responsibility of bringing this project to life. It’s exhilarating.
“So, how’s it coming along with the app?” Amelia’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. She leans against my desk, her usual mischief replaced by genuine curiosity.
“Coming along fine,” I reply, glancing at my screen. “I’ll have to present it to the boss soon.”
“Perfect,” she says, her grin returning. “Tonight, I’m picking you up.”
I arch a brow, feigning indecision. “Hmm… I don’t know-”
She steps closer, wagging a finger at me. “Don’t you dare? We’re going clubbing tonight, and that’s final.”
I sigh, tossing my hands up in defeat. “Okay, okay, girl. You win.”
“Good.” She winks, spinning on her heel and strutting out of my office like she’s already won the lottery.
I shake my head with a soft chuckle and turn back to my work. But the thought of tonight lingers, stirring something I can’t quite name. Maybe it’s excitement. Or maybe it’s that quiet voice in the back of my mind warning me that tonight could change everything.
And for better or worse, I’m not sure I’m ready.