Stepford Wives ( Molly Starlite)

Kaylie’s POV

Chiko’s idea to visit the old witch, the one married to the retired Beta of Black Amous Pack feels like a rare spark of brilliance in this swirling mess of dark magic, curses, and political tension. The plan makes sense. We need help, and if anyone can counter Huiwi’s magic and whatever nightmare Alpha Alex is conjuring, it’s her.

But let’s be real, getting our husbands on board? It’s imposibble, that’s about as likely as finding a unicorn doing laundry in the backyard.

Ever since we started carrying their precious little offspring, the men have gone full werewolf -dad mode. We’re talking laser-focused protectiveness, like bodyguards on steroids. Sneaking away unnoticed? Nearly impossible. Lucas can smell trouble in the air like a bloodhound. Beta Jenson practically writes caution manuals for fun, and Gabriel? He’s on edge 24/7, ready to pounce at the tiniest hint of danger. Asking permission to go on a secret witch-hunt would be like trying to convince a cat to enjoy bath time.

“It’s a brilliant idea, Chiko,” I sigh, already picturing the fight that would follow. “But Lucas? He’d never go for it. The second he hears ‘black magic,’ he’ll roll his eyes so hard they might get stuck. My husband doesn’t do mysticism, he’s Captain Logic. Mr. ‘If-it-can’t-be-measured it doesn’t exist.’”

I mimic his voice, “‘No need to panic, Kaylie. Let’s tighten security and discuss diplomatic options with Alpha Alex.’” Then I scoff. “To Lucas, black magic is about as believable as flying pigs on roller skates.”

“Huh… there’s no logic when it comes to black magic,” Rose chimes in with her usual poetic flair.

That earns matching grins from me and Chiko.

“We don’t need their permission, Kaylie. We sneak out,” Chiko says, eyes sparkling like a kid plotting mischief. “The alphas are tied up in that closed-door meeting all day. We have the perfect window. We can be back by dinner. Just imagine it: three rebellious schoolgirls on a secret mission. I’m overdue for a break from this Stepford Wife life anyway.”

I burst out laughing. That phrase hits home, Stepford Wives to the core.

“I mean, seriously,” Chiko continues, raising her brows. “Gabriel treats me like I’m hauling around an egg. ‘Don’t walk too fast,’ ‘Are you warm enough?’ ‘No, you’re not lifting that!’ It’s like I’m being monitored by security cameras 24/7. I haven’t had a moment of fun in five months.”

“I hear you,” I nod. “Seven months in, and I feel like a fragile antique vase about to shatter. Even when we… you know… make love. Lucas moves like he’s performing a ballet. I have to beg him to go harder, and he just shakes his head. I swear, I haven’t hit a full climax since I grew this bump!”

That sends us all into fits of laughter.

“Same here,” Rose says, raising a hand like she’s in confession. “It’s sweet, the way they protect us, but also …ugh! . We’re still us! We’re wild, free, untamable women who just happen to be growing babies. Doesn’t mean we’re ready for retirement.”

“Exactly!” I beam. “And besides, meeting this witch isn’t just about chasing myths. It’s preventative care. Doctors don’t just treat illness, we prevent it. Better safe than sorry, right?”

“Who's driving?” I ask, now fully on board.

Chiko raises her hand like she’s back in high school. “I am. I brought my car earlier. Full tank. Let’s roll.”

“Alright,” I say. “We leave after lunch. That way the guys won’t suspect a thing. That’s a plan! Let's go back to Lucas's mansion to whip up a lunch fit for royalty. " I declare with a mischievous twinkle in my eye. " After lunch, we'll make our move to find a witch to counter Huiwi's black magic.” I say, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of our adventure.

Chiko nods in approval. “Kaylie, you’re the brains of this operation. I follow what your command”

Rose squints. “Wait. What about Liana? She’ll notice we’re gone.”

“She won’t rat us out,” I say confidently. “Liana will be our side. Besides, I’ll tell her the truth. She’s my sister-in-law and she knows when something’s serious. She’ll keep our secret.”

Liana is married to Toby, my cousin on Dad’s side and honestly, she’s become one of my closest allies. Uncle Ted, Toby’s dad, is my father’s twin. The whole vampire-wolf scandal in my family history is a story in itself. But the result? A bond tighter than any bloodline could guarantee. Liana will have our backs.

“Then it’s settled,” I say, standing tall and dramatic, like I’m about to deliver a war speech. “We return to Lucas’s mansion. We cook like queens. We serve like saints. We smile like Stepford Wives. And after lunch we disappear.”

Laughter bubbles out of us like soda shaken up too long.

As we stride toward the mansion, heads high, grins wide, the thrill of our covert mission tingles beneath our skin. I can already picture it: Lucas, mid-bite, completely clueless while I plan a magical intervention under his nose. I wonder if he’ll catch the sparkle of rebellion in my eyes as I set his lunch plate down.

Maybe this is foolish. Maybe we’re about to set ourselves up for a colossal belly flop.

But maybe just maybe. we’re doing exactly what needs to be done. Time to find out.