AMBER

"I am sorry, Agni. I failed you. You always told me to be strong and be myself but I guess I was so blinded by my desire to get some love and acceptance, I didn't notice where it would lead us." I mumbled while rocking back and forth on the soft seat.

They had locked me up in the piano room after forcing me to sign the paper so that I wouldn't run away. Not that I had a choice. They would find me and if I rejected the pack bond, I would turn into a rogue.

I didn't want to be a rogue. There were rogue hunters assigned by the Council everywhere and if they found me, I would be sent to the Haven’s Edge. The Edge was a messed up place where rogues were beaten up or turned into slaves. Women were trafficked to other high-ranking wolves and I didn't even want to think about what was done to them. It was worse than a person's nightmare.

If I was powerful, they wouldn't have been able to force me into anything. My life wouldn't have been this terrible. I had trained hard when I was with Agni, but I put all my strength into the wrong places. It went into caring and protecting a bunch of heartless people who didn't deserve to be protected.

I was going to be with a dangerous man who might kill me. If he doesn't, his pack surely would. But I would have to survive. At least I had to try.

Suddenly the door sprang open, startling me and Cooper stepped in. He looked around the large room and his eyes found me. "Amber." He exhaled in relief and locked the door behind him.

A chill ran down my spine as he approached me. Why was he here?

"I looked for you everywhere but I couldn't find you. Finally, Abby told me where you are so I ran here." He said and before I could speak, he pulled my hand. His eyes fell on the mark on my hand, "Did they do that to you?!"

I was shocked to see anger blazing in his eyes. My jaw clenched and I yanked my hand away.

"Don't touch me." I spat and he looked taken aback by my response.

He ran his hands through his hair and spoke, "Amber look, I am sorry for what happened out there. I–I didn't have a choice."

I raised a brow, "Why? Did they threaten you?"

He exhaled and looked around, avoiding my sharp gaze on him, "It's complicated. I can't explain–"

"Yes, Cooper." I interrupted him, "You seriously can't explain why you cheated on me for so many years, that also with Abby." I said and looked away.

"Did she tell you that? Fuck!" He slammed his fist against the wall, "See, she tried to seduce me and I was–it just happened."

I scoffed, "It just happened? I don't think one person can cheat on someone for so many years. Stop trying to defend your actions, Cooper. It's not going to make it right."

I used to be naive and thought that the times he canceled on me were because he was busy training. He was the Alpha's son so he had a lot to work on. I should have been a little doubtful.

"I know, I know. I screwed up. But try to understand why I did it. Amber, you know how my pack is. I kept a good relationship with Abby because it came with privileges." His eyes sparkled as he spoke, "I finally got the power I deserved. You know, Dad said he would hand over his Alpha title to me and not to Lydia because I have managed to gain a powerful alliance!" Excitement flashed through his eyes like a maniac who had finally received the gold he was chasing for so long.

Cooper's dad, the current ruling Alpha of the pack of West, the Drevine Pack, had a bad relationship with Copper. He looked down upon his son's capabilities because Cooper always lived a flamboyant life, running away from responsibilities. So he had declared he would make his younger sister Lydia the future Alpha of the pack.

When I met Cooper, he was in a difficult place and he used to share how his dad's indifference towards him hurt him. I used to relate to him because Dad was no different and that's how I connected with him. But I made a mistake. I thought he would work hard for his position but it turned out that he took the other path, which was to marry my sister and hence create a powerful alliance with the West and South.

The West was going through an economic crisis and the alliance with the South would benefit them a lot.

"No, Cooper. I don't get it. If you were hell-bent on marrying my sister for power, then why did you approach me? You could have simply gone for her. Why put me through all of this?!" I demanded with my voice cracking a little.

"I know, I am sorry. I shouldn't have done what I have done but–" he sighed again, "It was a bet."

"What?!"

"Yeah, my friends in Drevine dared me to date you. Initially, I thought it would be just a fun dare–"

"You thought it was funny to play with my feelings just because of a dare?" I said and gritted my teeth. Goddess, how could I not see through any of that?

"No! Not at all. I would have told you before it got worse but–"

"But what?! You thought it would be funnier to watch my heart break? To mark me and then reject me?!"

"Of course not, Amber." He flinched at my outbreak. "I-I thought it would be a small affair but then I fell in love with you."

Silence.

I was speechless.

"Yeah. I fell in love with you. You were so kind and supportive. I would tell myself every single day that I would break up with you, but I guess I was getting too attached to you."

"Really? And what about marking me?" I pointed at my neck, "You knew how it would affect us both, and yet you marked me!"

"Come on, baby, it's not a big deal. My friends mark girls now and then. I couldn't just let you hold my mark while I got married to Abby. They wouldn't have let me marry her. So I did what I had to."

"Seriously, Cooper? It was not a big deal? How can you say that after all the pain you caused me!"

"Fucking shut up!" He growled and I stiffened, "I am trying to be reasonable with you and here you are, acting like some stupid schoolgirl! You forget that I went through the pain too, okay? So stop acting like a victim here!"

I was shocked at the change in his tone. What kind of person had I been dating for so many years? Was he wearing a mask all this while I thought that he was a good person?

"I am not acting like a victim! It's you who cheated on me. You betrayed me, rejected me in front of an entire crowd, and at this point, you are saying that you felt the pain? You destroyed five years of my life and all you can say is that it's not a big deal?!" I growled back. I wanted to punch him right in the face.

Cooper growled back in his Alpha tone and a cold sweat broke out across my forehead.

"Don't you use that fucking tone with me, Unlucky freak!" He smirked, "What are you even acting so entitled for, huh?" He asked.

I held the edge of the window as I stammered under his presence, "W-what do you mean?"

His smirk grew and he took a step closer to me, the heel of his shoes clicking against the marble floor, "You are just a pathetic girl who is hated by everyone in the pack. You murdered your own mother, you endangered the life of others. No one wants you, Amber."

He leaned closer and grabbed me by the chin. "I did you a favor. You should be thankful to me for eternity because no one in their right mind would love someone like you." His words cut through my heart like a blade.

"Th-that's not true. I–I…" My lips trembled.

He grinned an evil one that spooked me to the core, "You…are…just…unlovable, Amber. Accept it. And I cared for you." He ran his index finger down my neck and what used to feel like a loving touch felt like a stinging burn. I just wanted to get away from him and wash my entire body until it had no traces of him.

"Stop it. Please…" I didn't want to beg, but his aura and the way he looked at me scared me.

"I still care for you, baby. I talked with Abby and she's fine with my proposal."

"What proposal?" I felt an icy drop of sweat slide down my back.

"Once the Valeford pack learns that you are wolf-less, they would want nothing to do with you, right? I'll take you under me."

"I don't want to do anything with you," I said while pinching the bridge of my nose in disgust.

He laughed menacingly, "Don't be so petty, baby. How are you going to spend your days with your ugly husband? I know you will regret it and run back to me. I will be there for you, I promise." He inched closer to my lips and dug his nails into my lower lip.

I yelled in pain and tried to fight him, but my body couldn't move. The aura of his rank pressed over me and since my fight back at Dad’s office had left me exhausted, I was powerless against him.

"I'll take care of you after that ugly crap rejects you. You will be a good girl and warm by bed then, right?" He asked and placed one hand on the neckline of my dress. "Maybe I should make it easier. I will taint your body a little and when that beast will smell me on you, he will want to reject you immediately. Nobody likes used goods." He chuckled and my knuckles turned white.

Cooper and I had our share of intimacy when we were in a relationship but after he had unmarked me, I was pretty much like a virgin again. But if he did what he said at this moment, then anybody with good senses could smell him on me.

He tore my sleeves and I used all my strength to push him away, but I was no match for his strength.

"No! Stop it!" I launched a punch right at his face but he held my wrist and I yelled in pain as he twisted my hand, especially in the area which was already bruised. My healing was slower than others because I lost my wolf so he used that opportunity and pushed me.

I fell onto the floor with a thud and my body trembled in fear as I saw his wolf flash in his eyes.

"You are mine to ruin. It is better if you accept it already! " He stomped on my foot and I yelled in pain.

Black dots danced in front of my vision and the room spun as I struggled to hold onto my consciousness. Was there no hope left for me? Was my luck going to screw me up even if I tried to change it?

My eyes felt heavy and tears ran down my face as I witnessed my own destruction.

"It's okay, Amber. Just relax there. I will be quick–"

Just when I thought there was no hope left, the locked door shattered right in front of my eyes. Through the gap emerged a tall figure draped in a tailored black three-piece suit. My heart raced as I caught sight of his face concealed under a matching black mask.

Despite my blurred vision, the sheer force of his presence overwhelmed the piano room as he stepped forward. His powerful aura seemed to fill every inch of the space, leaving no room for any other aura. "Get your hands off my wife!" he growled, his voice a low, commanding rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

RAYMOND

“Mate!” my wolf growled.

Fury ignited in my chest as I saw my mate lying helpless on the floor. I arrived to find my mate lying helpless on the floor, with torn clothes and a fearful aura that told a lot had happened before..

Fuck!

I landed in the Brimsard Bay pack a few days back and arrived late at the Alpha’s house. Three hours and thirty seconds later.

I had no interest in this marriage of convenience since I wasn’t marrying the girl of my choosing, but someone whom Stephan had chosen. Not that I doubted his choice. He knew what he was doing. But my main reason to accept the deal was something else–

The Alpha’s crown.

He made a contract that stated once I signed the marriage papers; I was to be promoted to the rank of the new Alpha of Valeford. I concluded that handling an annoying girl for the rest of my life in return for controlling everyone in Valeford was not a terrible deal.

I still wondered why he had to push me into marriage, but then I realized it had to do with ensuring a powerful alliance with the Brimsard Bay pack.

Honestly, it didn’t matter as long as I got to step into Alpha’s position.

I wasn’t the type who was keen on sharing my personal life with a partner. Relationships were a hassle, and I always had my eyes on the prize, so women never entered the picture. The emotional investment was a waste of time, a thought my wolf didn’t approve of as mates was important to them.

My wolf, Ash, kept blabbering that one day we would find our mate and the day I would lay my eyes on her, I wouldn’t be able to resist the pull of the bond. Never did I think that an animal’s words, who chased his own tail, would be true. Amber Blackwaters, the girl I was married to, turned out to be my fated mate.

I never listened to my gut, but today it wouldn’t stop screaming, forcing the thought of finding my mate in my head. Also, Ash had been acting restless and kept pushing me to search for her. Since I remembered I couldn’t just kill my wolf to silence him, I resorted to ignorance.

But the moment I set foot in Alpha Tyler’s estate, I felt it in my bones. It was like lightning had struck my body, causing every single strand of hair to stand in anticipation of what lay ahead. The sweet scent of vanilla, subtle but impactful in the southern warm air, pulled me towards the manor like it was calling my name.

There were only a few countable things in the world that made me zone out. One of them was a beautiful, melancholic tune played on the violin. This one felt similar, only except for its effect reached deep into my chest.

My ears cut off Alpha Tyler’s voice, who was giving me a welcome speech, and stormed through the clean foyer, my heart thudding under my ears like loud drums. It was not just the scent, but the overwhelming sense of fear and pain that crawled over my skin like spiders.

I knew something was off the moment I felt her presence. Tyler had stated before that he wouldn’t be holding any ceremony for our wedding, which I was fine with because it wasted less of my time.

But it also struck me as something odd. Which father didn’t want to throw a wedding ceremony for his precious daughter? Tyler didn’t seem to be the one who lacked money, so why didn’t he arrange for anything at all?

It all made sense now.

When I searched for my mate around the silent, white halls of the manor, I saw Tyler and a black-haired lady who shared some striking similarities with him appear in front of me.

She was his daughter. But not the one I was looking for.

“Um, hello? Does the North know no manners? You ignored the Alpha and entered straight into our home, taking no one’s permission. Who the hell do you think you are?” She complained in a shrill voice while crossing her arms. Definitely a brat. If she knew whom she was speaking to, she wouldn’t have dared to even look me in the eye.

Tyler raised his arm to stop his spoiled daughter. “No need to get so hostile. After all, he is your brother-in-law.” His lips curved into a thin smile, one that hid malice and an ulterior motive behind it.

The brat’s eyes widened with shock before they held a glint of mockery in them. “I see. You must be here to take my dear sister.” I didn’t miss the slight change in her tone when she spelled ‘sister’.

I didn’t have time for small talk.

“Where is she?” I asked in a bitter tone, my impatience level rising with each passing second.

“My, my. Already so impatient to see her?” She laughed before her facial muscles morphed into fake curiosity. “Tell me though. Why do you wear a mask? Is it to hide your ugliness?”

I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Abby, stop insulting our guests.” Tyler scolded, but the way he delivered the statement, it didn’t seem like he was an inch bothered by how she spoke to me. The people of the Southern pack had loose screws if they thought they were above us.

Or they thought that I had no power over Valeford, since I didn’t share Stephan’s blood, unlike his other two sons. I wouldn’t blame them. No one except my pack knew about it, as the news was yet to be released.

Her eyes did a once-over before they looked back at me. “Don’t worry, your physique makes up for it. Wouldn’t expect anything less from what everyone calls the ‘Mad Beast’ of the North.” She giggled, placing a hand on her lips, and I noticed the glistening wedding ring on her middle finger.

“Why don’t you wait in the living room? We can have a pleasant talk. Amber is taking her time to get ready. Girls, you know.” He laughed, the lie clear on his face.

“Just let me out!” Ash growled inside my head. Unlike me, he didn’t have the patience as he was getting eager to see his mate and it was increasing with each second because the smell of fear was getting intense. She was in danger.

I tilted my head and scrutinized Tyler with a sharp look. “You know, there is a saying that goes in Valeford.”

He raised his brows. “Really? What is tha–”

“It’s not the growls of the beast you should fear, but his silence.” I unleashed my aura. They both stiffened at the sudden change in the atmosphere, and Tyler’s eyes widened in shock. “I want Amber. Right. Now.”

Just then, I heard a scream and whipped my head toward its source. Fuck!

I didn’t pay attention to those two and found myself in front of a locked, medium-sized double door. The smell was the strongest behind those closed doors. I took three steps back before sprinting forward and landing a kick on the door.

Light flooded my eyes the moment the door shattered and adjusted to a petite figure lying on the floor, its tangled blonde hair glistening under the sunlight like waves of molten gold. The face of its owner looked up, and I witnessed a beautiful pair of big hazel eyes that pleaded for help.

Anger. An emotion that I was quite close to when I was young, but years of experience in the battlefield taught me that any emotionally driven move could become your weakness. So I shut that part of me, only for it to awaken by one glance from a woman whom I just met.

“Keep your hands away from my wife,” the words spilled out of my lips without my consent and I would have blamed Ash for taking over me, but I knew they were my own thoughts.

The black-haired trash who was going to do something worse to Amber if I hadn’t stepped in looked at me with intrigue. “Wife?” My fist clenched at his throaty voice.

Imagine how good he would look with blood dripping down his mouth because I ripped his tongue out.

He started laughing, “So you are the ugly dog everyone has been talking about?”

I was quite used to people calling me ‘ugly’ because I wore a mask most of the time. It had nothing to do with my facial insecurity. I wanted to make sure the air I inhaled was devoid of germs and it helped me blend in, since my enemies knew a lot less about my appearance.

“And you must be the piece of trash no one talks about because you have nothing worth mentioning except how you target women to show your strength.” I retorted and watched him grit his teeth in anger.

I struck a nerve. Impressive.

Before he could spell another annoying alphabet, I moved closer and let my fist meet with his face. The sound of a bone cracking streamed in my ears like music. The attack took him by surprise and he tumbled back, holding his bleeding nose before he lost balance and fell to the floor with a thud.

I looked at my gloved hand before I kneeled down and extended it to Amber, who was trembling like a leaf. She stared at me with those big, frightened eyes before staring at my hand, confusion evident on her face. I noticed the little mole she had on the right line of her jaw and how soft her soaked cheeks appeared under the sunlight.

Goddess, she was beautiful.

She had a natural charm that only belonged to her, but those cuts and bruises ruined it.

How did you stay calm again when every inch of your body felt like lighting the manor on fire?

Yeah, count backward. Ten, nine, eight—

Her fragile hand trembled as she slowly placed it on mine, and I clenched my teeth when I saw a brownish-blue spot on her wrist. Someone had applied a lot of pressure on her wrist and, by the looks of it, it wasn’t very recent.

Burn the manor down. Kill everyone and take her away.

No, calm down. SEVEN! SIX! FIVE–

She gazed at me. Those honey eyes read out a melancholic story, like the music on a violin, and for a second, I saw the image of a boy with big gray eyes that held the same look. The boy had walked through hell, knowing how it looked, how it smelled, how it hurt. It was me.

I had to take a deep breath to remind myself I was breathing. A familiar pain blossomed in my chest like someone had punched it.

Amber Blackwaters could be many things, but she was not the annoying girl whom I had to handle for years. Then what was she?

I gently pressed her hand and helped her stand on her feet before covering her body with my black coat. Her dress was in a terrible condition and by its design it seemed to be her wedding gown.

What were they doing to you, Amber?

Did Tyler hate his own beautiful daughter to ruin her wedding like this? Definitely yes.

But why?

She had the same facial structure as his, so she wasn’t illegitimate like me. Then why?

Her sister Abbie, the brat, was the complete opposite and seemed to be the apple of Tyler’s eye. A power division between siblings? Probably.

The trash hurt Amber for no reason—or he had a reason. He had a wedding ring on his finger, just like Abbie’s. They were probably married and yet Abbie allowed her husband to rape Amber?

What kind of disgusting family was this?

Fuck! I could have saved Amber sooner if I had done a little research.

“I told you so!” Ash huffed in annoyance. He had the right to be.

“What the fuck?!” the piece of germ shouted from behind, “You fucking ugly face! You dare to touch the future Alpha of West and South!”

So, I was right. He was married to the brat. Totally deserving.

I looked past my shoulder and saw him trying to get back his balance, his hand covering his bleeding nose.

So he was the Alpha’s son of the Drevine pack in the West. Either their training camp wasn’t efficient or he had bunked the classes because he had no reflexes or skill. He would be dead the second he stepped into an actual battle. Compared to him, our training camp beginners were far better.

“Be grateful that I only broke your nose. Because I had been planning on breaking a lot more for what you did.” I retorted, and he looked back at me with raised brows that appeared quite comical in my perspective.

His eyes fell on Amber before he asked, “You are going to fight me for what? Her?” He started laughing. “You don’t even know what she is. She’s an unlucky bitch who only brings bad luck. Take my advice and leave her to me. You don’t have to carry the burden.”

A nerve popped into my head. How about his head decorated on my shelf? Very satisfying.

But the scent of sadness that came from Amber took my attention over. She looked down, clutching the edge of my coat for support.

She believed what this germ said? How many times had she heard this accusation for her to start believing in it?

I gently wrapped an arm over her shoulder and pulled her closer. The proximity caused sparks to travel down my spine, and her sweet scent overwhelmed me. Her wide eyes traveled up to meet me and there was a subtle tint of red on her cheeks. She had felt it, too.

I had to control the urge to kiss her face at the moment. How could someone call a beauty like her unlucky? A man would be the luckiest to call her his. And now that I had seen her, she was mine.

“And mine too!” Ash growled, feeling dejected.

I reluctantly turned my head to see the germ. “Bad news for you, I don’t care what a germ like you who only spreads diseases has to say about my beautiful wife.” I let go of Amber’s shoulder and stepped closer to him. I pulled him by his collar and landed five fast punches.

“You harmed what belongs to me. You will pay for every single suffering you had put her through,” I growled, my eyes flashing a part of my wolf before my punches became harder and faster. The trash bag couldn’t fight back.

“Stop this!” Tyler’s voice roared, and I let go of his stained collar, letting him drop to the floor. His face turned into a bloody pulp from taking all the punches and he was close to losing his consciousness.

I looked again at my right glove and made a tsk sound with my lips. His dirty blood was on my glove. Disgusting.

“How dare you attack my husband like that?! Who the hell are you to do that?” The Alpha’s brat barked.

Tarr, my beta, skipped a step as he entered the piano room through the destroyed door and walked towards me. I told him to keep those two distracted because I knew they would get in my way. It would have led to bloodshed if that happened.

“Sorry, but they weren’t interested in listening to my summer one-night stands,” Tarr joked and handed me a handkerchief and a bottle of sanitizer.

“Apologies for hitting your husband, but as the Alpha of Valeford and Amber’s husband…” I pulled out my gloves and tossed them right at the top of the trash’s face.

Everyone’s eyes widened when they heard the word ‘Alpha of Valeford.

I rubbed my hands with the sanitizer to make sure there was no trace of that filth’s blood and looked up at them with a look that scared my enemies the most, “... I believe I have the right to kill him for touching my wife.”

*************************

AMBER

Silence hung in the air as the truth settled into our heads. I recognized my breath escape through my parted lips as I stared at the man who was feared by most in the country. Raymond Dawson, a name that resonated with power and authority, was none other than the Alpha in Valeford. It made sense now how his presence held so much command to it and challenged Dad, an esteemed Alpha, without any fear.

I felt the rough fabric of his expensive coat under the pad of my fingers. Alpha or not, his presence was almost hypnotic, his exuding aura pulling me into a trance.

Dad’s pupils dilated, and he said, “But, I heard–”

“You heard what you needed to hear. After I signed the marriage papers, they crowned me as the Alpha. That was the deal with Stephan. I suggested keeping it a secret because I wanted to test the South and their loyalty toward us. Seems like you didn’t pass the test, Tyler.” My savior clicked his tongue, and I was shocked by how he was so brave to call my dad by his first name. It was considered disrespectful to call the Alpha with his first name until and unless they were very close to him.

“But how can this be possible?!” Abby roared in anger and pointed at Raymond, “How can someone illegitimate and ugly like you be the Alpha?!”

“Ugly?” the tall, black-haired man standing beside Raymond asked with his brows raised and turned to look at him, “Who? Him?” He pointed his thumb and then laughed, shaking his head, “People take rumors too seriously nowadays.”

My husband handed him the handkerchief and raised his hand to his mask. I held my breath in anticipation of what my husband looked like.

Once he took off the mask, I froze. Cold gray eyes that reminded me of the stormy sky stared back at me, knocking the breath out of my lungs. He was the most strikingly handsome man I had ever laid my eyes on. His face was chiseled and sculpted to perfection, with a sharp jawline.

Who were the ones who said that he was ugly? Had they no sense of taste? If Agni was here with me, she would have completely agreed with my thoughts. He was a living Adonis, carved like a sculpture.

“Wha–my Goddess!” Abby had the same reaction, but gradually her face turned glum when realization sunk in. She had missed the opportunity to be the Luna of the most handsome and powerful man in Valeford. I was not big on comparing people, but I couldn’t help but think how Cooper’s looks and skills didn’t stand even close to Alpha Raymond’s.

Remembering the devil, I looked at the floor where Cooper was lying. Watching my husband beat him before he could abuse me made me feel better. But I thought he wouldn’t simply bother with what happened to me, given how cold his reputation was.

Was I mistaken?

Dad sighed. His lips curved into a manipulative smile. “Alpha Dawson, you should have told me earlier. Why don’t we look past such minor incidents since now we are allies? I wholeheartedly apologize for my behavior.” He bowed slightly.

Raymond retorted with a stern look, “If you are so keen to continue our alliance, then apologize to my wife.”

“What?!” His eyebrows shot up as quick as his response to Raymond’s demand. My breath caught in my throat. Was I hearing right?

“To instill such torment on my wife, that also on the day I came to receive her, is unacceptable. "It is unacceptable to inflict such torment on my wife, especially on the day I came to receive her," he said. I looked at my dad, whose face contorted in anger upon hearing that one of our family members was tortured like this. We Dawsons have a reputation to uphold, and this will certainly harm our status.”

“Alpha Dawson, ask me for anything else, but I am not going to bow my head in front of this nuisance! You don’t know anything about her yet, that’s why you are taking her side. I am sure when you will learn the truth, you will realize what a big piece of shit she is–”

“Enough!” Raymond growled, the walls shaking under his voice. In that moment of a clash between the two Alphas, it was clear that Raymond’s aura outshone Dad’s.

“You have crossed the line by insulting my wife. I reject the alliance between us!” He shouted in his Alpha voice and I gasped.

The tall man whirled his head at him with wide eyes. “Alpha, don’t take such a rash decision.”

Dad narrowed his eyes while his posture was calm. “Listen to your Beta, Alpha Dawson. You cannot simply reject the alliance without facing consequences. It’s breaking the Alpha Code and the council will come after you.” He warned.

The Alpha Code was a constitution that consisted of a set of rules and regulations the Alphas were supposed to follow. If any of them broke those rules, the Council of Lycanthropes took matters into their hand and punished the pack.

Raymond didn’t look concerned by Dad’s words, “So be it. I hope they do come after us because I have a lot to tell them about the South and the West…” he turned to look at Cooper. “The West is going to face the North’s wrath now that they have afflicted our Luna.”

“Alpha, are you sure–” The beta stopped as Raymond raised his hand.

“I said what I said. I won’t be changing my decision. Facing the Council is far better than having an ally like Tyler.”

Dad gritted his teeth before saying, “You will regret this, Raymond. I hope you come to your senses soon because my invitation will remain open.”

Raymond didn’t pay heed to his words and turned at me, his steel eyes melting into silver, “Let’s go, wife.” He said.

A while later, I stood outside the packhouse with my luggage. There wasn’t much I had to carry, so it was only one suitcase that had all my essentials. Angela helped me to pack them while I looked at the trees lining the estate.

I couldn’t believe Alpha Raymond broke the alliance because of me. I thought he would be cold and uncaring towards me, maybe even worse than Cooper, but I was fairly mistaken. But what concerned me was the consequences he would have to face now that he broke the code.

I really was unlucky. I just caused trouble wherever I went.

I heard the soft footsteps of Angela before she stood in front of me with a warm smile. She took my hand and placed a small white bottle on my open palm. “These will help with panic attacks. I don’t know how they will treat you in the North, but I will pray to the Goddess so that she protects you.” She cupped my face and placed a kiss on my forehead.

Tears welled at the corner of my eyes. I was going to miss her so much and I didn’t know if I could ever see her again. I stepped closer and embraced her in a farewell hug. She rubbed my back before whispering, “Stay safe.”

“Please come with me,” the words came out without a second thought.

She chuckled, “I am not allowed to. I am a part of this pack.”

“But what if they mistreat you after I am gone?”

“You don’t have to worry about that. You have more problems to deal with as you’re going to step into new territory. I will be fine.” She winked and my shoulders slouched. I wished I could ensure she was safe, but it was wishful thinking.

If I survive the North, I promise to come back and take Angela with me somewhere safe.

We walked towards the SUVs that were lined up to escort the Alpha and his men. Before getting in, I looked past my shoulder and saw a figure standing behind the window of the packhouse manor. It was Abby and even though I couldn’t make out her expression; I was sure it wasn’t one of joy.

Just then, her voice reached my head through the link. “I won’t let you get away with this, bitch.” She warned, and my blood ran cold.

I looked back at the window, and she was gone. I hoped we would never see each other again.

With Raymond, I stepped into the backseat, and as soon as everyone settled in; we drove off. I saw Angela’s waving hand disappear and get replaced by the line of sprinting trees on the dirt driveway.

A soft sigh escaped my lips. Despite the warm and cozy interior of the backseat, my body felt like it was resting on a slab of ice. He was here, my husband, sitting right beside me—-a man who could kill me at this instant, and no one would know.

His intense gaze bore into my face, each point of contact feeling like the prick of a thousand needles. My hands trembled as I rubbed them against each other, my palm slick with sweat.

I wasn’t sure what to make of him, since his act of saving my face was totally opposite to the rumors. Maybe he was simply doing it for show and later he would realize what I am and start hating me? Yes, that sounded more believable.

I was sure that he wasn’t that interested in me, despite how he acted in front of the rest. Why would he even be?

“There is nothing special about you,” Cooper’s words echoed in my head. I wanted to believe that it wasn’t true, but how could I when I watched the man who had marked me, stayed so long with me, reject me in front of everyone like I was nothing? It made me wonder if I was really that hateful.

Nobody liked me. Raymond would be the same–

“Is there anything making you uncomfortable?” His voice startled me and jumped out of my seat in panic.

“Eek!” I whipped my head at the Alpha in fear, “I-I am sorry! I won’t do it again.”

He looked at me silently with a raised brow, and I realized that he was simply asking me if I was uncomfortable. My ears turned hot, and I shook my head.

“I–I mean I am fine. Totally fine,” I said in haste, hoping that he wouldn’t lash out at me. “I am really grateful for what you did, Alpha!” My voice came out a little shaky and loud than I intended it to be. This was the result of my lack of confidence.

Silence.

He just stared at me.

Goddess, I was sure he hated me now. He would definitely tell me now that he didn’t care about me and it was better if I stayed away.

I looked down at my hands, which were clutching my black slacks tightly. I had changed into more decent clothing after I was told to pack my bags and get ready to accompany him.

“I know I am a burden for you,” I spoke again, with the intention of letting him know that I knew my place and wasn’t expecting anything from this marriage. If I could be on his good side, then my chances of survival will increase, even if for a little, “I will make sure to not bother you with anything and keep my distance. I–” I stopped when I looked up.

He didn’t look very pleased with my words. Did I say something wrong? Maybe I should have just stayed silent.

The Alpha leaned down, his face invading my personal space, “But what if I want you to stay close to me?”

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