Three Fated Hearts: Another Chance

By Nisha T.

To say I was scared shitless is an understatement. I was so busy talking to myself that I didn’t realize Paul had walked up on me in the clinic. Suddenly my mouth goes dry as I stare at him. His jeans are tight enough that I can make out his `muscles, and his V-neck is stretched across his body with his arms crossed. I move my tongue along my lips, and I watch his eyes watch that action. This can’t be real…..he can’t really be into me. I’ve let my mind create magnificent delusions. “I….I’m sure there are many other things you could be doing.” Paul drops his arms and saunters up to me, a smirk on his face. He stands behind me, and I can feel his breath on my neck.
“I’m a retired Alpha, so I have a lot of free time. That being said, who would pass up the chance to spend time with a beautiful woman? To add to that, you’re a doctor, so I get free medical instruction. It’s a win/win for me.” I swallow but immediately wish I hadn’t. That just made my mouth even drier. Paul brushes against me as he reaches toward the table, running his fingers along my materials. “Why do you have raw chicken here?”
“We…..well, it is a tool….a trick….a ttttt-teaching aid. I use the chicken to help me with sutures.” If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear Paul just sniffed my neck. I must be really losing my mind.
“Do I make you nervous, Nikki?” Oh hell, how am I supposed to answer that question?
*****
She's always been a doctor and a mate. She tried to do right by her family, but sometimes, that isn't enough. She has been lied to, and her family is broken.

He was an Alpha who commanded respect. He treated others with care and assumed he would be treated the same. He has been betrayed, and his family fell apart.
They have known each other for years, yet had never looked at each other romantically until now. As they get closer, their feelings grow. Is it this easy to love again? Will they be able to feel for each other? Will something come between them? This is the journey of Nikki Franks and Paul Attwater.
*A Three Fated Hearts extension that can be read as a stand-alone but would be more fun if read after the first book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Jan 10, 2025

Book preview

CHAPTER 1 Returning Home

~Nikki~

I can’t believe how much fun I just had. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself so thoroughly. I laughed and danced until I couldn’t anymore. I never actually considered what life could be like if I got away from Stuart. Now I don’t have to think about it, I can live it, and it’s good.

A warm hand makes contact with my knee, sending butterflies to my stomach. I really need to get laid if a simple touch is enough to get me going. Are you okay? I nod. We’re here. I look around and realized that we are, indeed, back home. I swear the trip from the airport was quicker than ever before.

The car door opens for me, and a hand waits. I grab the hand, and the driver helps me out of the car. Paul follows behind me and walks me to the door. I had so much fun this weekend. Thank you for making it a good time. I look at Paul, his smile warming my heart.

No, thank you. You helped me remember what fun was. Paul leans in and kisses me on my forehead.

I will see you later. He turns and walks down the steps and to the left. I’m still staying in the packhouse. I considered going back to my home, but there are too many memories there, and many of them aren’t good ones. After everything died down, Paul had a house built not too far from the packhouse. It was completed while he took the time to travel. I guess the packhouse held even more memories for him than my house did for me. I walk inside and upstairs to my room, determined to get some sleep.

~Paul~

There are no words to describe the complete difference between this weekend to other events in the past. I was finally able to sit back and truly enjoy an event. I didn’t have to play politics or listen to the complaints about other Lunas. The difference between my ex and Nikki is monumental, not that I’m trying to compare the two.

Nikki was never someone I was able to get to know in the past. She always stayed to herself, not really dealing with many people. I would see her at the clinic, with the kids, or with Stuart. I hated that I never pushed to get to know her. I always tried to know all of my members, personally. Maybe, if I had pushed the issue, I could have spared her some of the mess she had to deal with.

I open my door and immediately catch the scent of freesia. The table by the door is filled with flowers, and I couldn’t help but smile. This has to be my daughter-in-law because my sons would never think to have the place smell good when I get back. I take another whiff of the flower before moving toward my room. I want to check out the new house, but I’m too tired. It can wait until the morning.

I kick my shoes off and get rid of my pants and top. I pull the covers back and slip in, placing my phone on the nightstand. I close my eyes, but before I can drift off, my phone rings. I feel around for it, refusing to open my eyes. Hello?

Paul…..baby? FUCK! How the hell did she get this number? I’ve changed it a few times over the past couple of months, and she gets it every time. PLEASE! Don’t hang up! I swear she was reading my mind because that’s exactly what I was about to do.

Make it quick, Kim.

I……I miss you so much. I miss the kids, our family. I swear she just won’t quit. She misses her family so much, yet built that family on a lie. It’s her lie that has everything the way it is right now, and she’s just going to have to live with that. The silence stretches between us; the only sound that can be heard is breathing.

Is that it?

Paul…..Paul, please….. I end the call and place my phone back on the nightstand. I guess I will just start blocking numbers because I’m sick of changing mine. I’ll figure it out in the morning; right now, I need to sleep.

~Kimberly~

I sigh, placing the phone to my temple. I knew it would be hard to get through, but he’s giving no wiggle room. I just want my life back. I want Paul and my sons back in my life. I have to figure out how to make that happen. I toss the phone on the bed and let my body follow. These past few months have been torturous, and I just want it all to be over.

Kim, babe? Where are you? I roll my eyes and huff. I can’t believe that I’m stuck with him. I should have gotten rid of him when I first found out that he was my mate. If I had done that, I wouldn’t be without my men now. I remain quiet and listen to the doorknob jiggle. His scent hits me, and I want to gag. I used to love the scent of leather and sage, but now, I can’t really stomach it.

The bed dips next to me, and sparks erupt on my back. Stuart starts to rub small circles on my back, and I feel myself relaxing completely. How was your day? Is everything okay? If I stay like this, I know what will happen, and I don’t want it. I sit up and reach for my phone. I sit on the edge of the bed before getting up.

I have errands to run. I don’t wait for a response. I just leave the room as quickly as I can. I need to get my family back and shed the dead weight.

~Stuart~

More and more, I regret holding on to Kim for so long. I had a good mate, even if she was chosen. She gave me children, and we had a good life. I had to mess it all up, trying to keep that woman by my side, even if it was at a distance.

I’m almost certain that Kim’s trying to get back in with Paul and her kids. What I don’t understand is why she hasn’t rejected me yet. If what I’m offering isn’t good enough for her, she needs to let me go. I know I could have rejected her a while ago, but I always felt that I needed to do everything I could to make it work. She’s my fated mate, and that isn’t something I’m really ready to part with at this point. If she decides that she’s done with it, there’s nothing I can do.

I’m constantly replaying everything that happened in the last few months. So much has changed so quickly that I’m just now able to sit and hash through it all. I’ve been to visit Aida a few times, and my heart breaks every visit. I hate seeing her so lost to the world. I’ve realized that I may have played a part in where she is now. I’ve always doted on my twins, and I think I did too much all of their lives.

I’ve also been thinking about Portia all this time. She could have killed me, but she didn’t, and that says a lot. It’s been my own shortcomings that caused a rift between Portia and me. I should have been better; I should have treated Portia as my child and not the enemy. She didn’t ask to come into this world, and I’ve been treating her horribly.

I grab a beer and sit on the couch. I seem to do deep reflection many days lately. I’m constantly replaying the events in my life and reevaluating my choices. I doubt Portia will ever welcome me, but I need to figure out if my mate is worth all of this trouble or not.

CHAPTER 2 Breakfast

~Nikki~

I bounce in the bed, and it makes me wonder if I’m back on the plane. The journey to the wedding was bumpy at best. MOM! I feel an arm around me, and the comfort is wonderful. I pop an eye open and look at my daughter. She’s so beautiful; love and happiness agree with her.

I owe her so much in the way of an apology. I feel I could have done more to stand up for her, but I was scared. Stuart could always be a more than opposing figure and could be abusive if he deemed it necessary. I let my fear take over, and that caused me to not be there for my daughter like I should have been.

I trail my eyes down my daughter’s body until I see the baby bump. My eyes start to mist while I reach out and touch her belly. My baby is having a baby, and I’m beyond excited. I can’t wait to be a grandmother. Tia takes my hand and moves it around her belly until I feel movement. I look up at Tia, and she has a huge smile on her face. Baby missed its grandma. I laugh and wipe my eyes.

No….no not grandma. I don’t like that.

What do you want to be called?

I don’t know. I will think about it and let you know. I hear a grumble and stop. I know it wasn’t my stomach. Tia is blushing and holding her belly.

I guess I need to eat. I laugh and get out of bed.

Let me just throw some clothes on and I’ll join you.

Tia and I talk on the way to the dining room. She filled me in on all I missed while I was gone, which wasn’t much. I never really left the pack often over the years, but after everything that happened, I just needed some space.

When we make it to the dining room, the twins are sitting at the head of the table, and Tia’s seat is waiting between them. Lynn is sitting at the table as well, and she gives me a big smile when she sees me. I take a seat at the table, and a plate is placed in front of me.

How was your trip? Landon is eating with eyes trained on me. Lincoln is busy feeding my daughter. It’s cute and gross at the same time.

It was really fun. Exactly what I needed. I’m glad I’m back though. I wouldn’t miss the birth of my grandchild for anything.

I agree. I had to make sure I got back in time to see my grandbaby come into this world. I feel my heart start to flutter, and I struggle to keep a smile off of my face. I can smell Paul’s musk, and I just want to rub my face in it. Paul sits across from me and gives me a big smile. Morning, Nikki.

Morning Paul. I swear my voice squeaked that out, but no one was looking at me crazy so maybe I imagined it.

Will you be going to the clinic today? It takes me a minute to realize that Paul is speaking to me; my daydreams are taking up precious mental space.

Uh, I may check in, but I don’t think I’m scheduled. Paul nods at me, but something in his eye- I need to stop playing myself. There is nothing between us. Hell, our kids are fated to each other so there’s that.

How was the wedding, dad?

It was actually better than I thought it would be, Lincoln. It was nice connecting with old friends and nice making new ones. I did learn one thing though….

What’s that?

Doc Nikki here sure can cut a rug. The fork in my hand falls out and clatters on my plate. I can feel my face heating up and eyes are turning to me.

Mom, you were at the same wedding as Paul? I gulp and nod knowing that if I tried to use my voice, it wouldn’t go well. How fun! And here you were worried that you wouldn’t know anyone. I turn and give my daughter a weak smile. I can feel butterflies in my stomach because Paul has his eyes trained on me. Goddess, I don’t know what to do right now and when this happened, but I think I have a crush on my former Alpha.

~Paul~

The minute I laid eyes on her, I knew I made a good decision to eat in the packhouse instead of my new kitchen. The minute I opened my eyes this morning, my mind was flooded with images of Nikki. I never noticed her before, but that isn’t surprising. I have always been loyal and faithful. There was never anyone who could take my eyes off my mate. Now that I’m mate less, I’m noticing people I never would l have before and Nikki is on the top of that list. Hell, let’s be honest, she’s the only one on that list.

I want to spend more time with her, but I have no idea where this is coming from. Nikki is funny and sweet. She is gorgeous, of course. She’s super smart, but I hate to admit I’ve never seen her in action at the job. I’ve never actually witnessed her take care of others. Hey, Nikki? She looks at me as if she was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. I swear there is a bit of blush on her cheek, but I can’t be sure. How about I shadow you at work? I want to find some things to do around here, and I’ve never really spent much time in the clinic. I watch Nikki and she looks completely flustered and I find it to be so cute.

Uh….sure. That….that will be fine. I know I’m on schedule to….tomorrow. I give her a big smile and I know I saw her blush this time.

Good, I can’t wait. I push my plate away and stand. I’m going to spend some time getting my new place together. I will see you kids later. If you need me, just holler. I take a few steps. I will see you soon, Nikki.

~Moon Goddess~

I lean back in my chair and can’t help the smile on my face. This is going better than I hoped. Did you need anything, Goddess? I keep my eyes on the book I’m using to watch my children in the Emerald Lake Pack. "

No, Angel. I don’t need anything at the moment. I’m just enjoying watching my children. Angel leans down and look at the book.

Isn’t it risky for them to grow feelings for each other? What happens when they find second chance mates?

They already found them, so it won’t be an issue. Angel looks confused and I laugh. I close the book and push it to the side. Sometimes, Angel, I have to help my children in less obvious ways. The mate bond is my usual mode of help, but in this case, I felt it would do more harm than good. They both have been through so much, I wasn’t sure they would accept the bond if it presented itself. This way, they can get to know each other naturally and the bond can grow from there.

So…..they won’t ever feel the bond? I shake my head. I forget that sometimes everyone doesn’t understand how I go about getting these things worked out.

They will feel the bond; the sparks and smell the scents. It will happen once they join together….once they choose each other. Angel sighs and leans against the desk.

I guess it’s just weird to me. I mean their children are mated to each other. Doesn’t that make things complicated? I pat Angel on the knee and rise from my chair.

There are times when things like that don’t matter. Nikki and Paul are meant for each other. I would have put them together sooner, but things have to happen in their own time. Just trust me when I say this match will work and everyone will accept it. I make my way out of the library and out to the garden for a little stroll.

CHAPTER 3 Crushing at the Clinic

~Nikki~

I tossed and turned all night in anticipation. I feel like I did when I was in high school and had a crush on a guy. This is ridiculous because I’m a grown-ass woman, and I shouldn’t be crushing on my former Alpha, my daughter’s father-through-mate. I should be ashamed and disgusted at my actions, but I just can’t seem to get there.

I swear you are acting like a hussy!

Who, me?

Yes, you! Why are you encouraging things?

Look here, human, I have nothing to do with your desires! You make your own choices; I just so happen to agree with this choice. Aluma is right; of course, I just want someone to blame. I don’t know what’s come over me, but I think I really like Paul.

I take extra care in getting dressed today. I want to make sure I look good. I put on a dark blue Wonder Woman scrub top along with dark blue bottoms. I like having the fun scrub tops, and there were many times they appealed to my patients, making my day easier. I’ve let my hair grow out, so instead of a pixie cut, it’s now in a bob. I think this looks suits me pretty well, so I may keep it this short for a while.

The hair hack was because my mate, at the time, said that I needed a new look. He wasn’t touching me and was barely looking at me. He said I looked stale and needed to do something different. I decided to cut my hair, and