DAPHNE

Back to the wedding

I stand face to face with the Alpha, my husband-to-be and I feel so small.

Ezekiel Hawthorne towers over me. Damien wasn't lying, Ezekiel is annoyingly good-looking. He's the kind of man who doesn't have to try to turn heads. Still, I'm not here to be charmed.

His raven hair is neatly styled, like everything about him is planned and perfect. His piercing grey eyes lock onto mine, and it feels like he’s looking straight through me. And his lips, unfortunately, are stupidly full, shaped like a heart, but there’s no warmth in them. Just the slightest twitch, like he’s fighting back... what? A smirk? A scoff?

His gaze slowly sweeps over me from head to toe and back up again.

Then, he snorts, like he's found something amusing.

What is that for? I narrow my eyes at him. Go ahead and laugh now, Alpha. Let’s see if you’ll still be smiling when I’m the one holding the knife.

The ceremony begins. The officiant, a human dressed in deep blue robes steps forward and speaks about unity. He talks about how this marriage is meant to be a symbol of peace between the witches and werewolves.

Then comes the alliance contract. Ezekiel and I take turns pressing our thumbs onto the parchment, sealing it with magic and blood.

After that, it's time for the vows.

I take a breath and read the words I was told to say. Words about loyalty, trust, and a future together. But deep down, I know the truth, that I don’t mean a single word, and I never will.

***

[At Grey City]

Tucked deep inside the forest, we finally arrive Grey City, the werewolf pack, and it's nothing like I expected. Growing up, I was told werewolves lived in the wild because they were animals, and I believed it. But, standing here now, I see how wrong that was. Grey city looks just like any human town. There are houses, schools, factories, even tall streetlights and paved roads. High tech security cameras sit on every corner, mixed with old carved stones. Werewolves walk around in jeans, hoodies and sneakers. Kids chase each other, laughing, just like human children. If I didn’t know better, I'd think this was a normal city full of normal people, except it’s freezing cold. The kind of cold that sinks into your bones.

A young boy, probably no older than eighteen meets at the edge of the city. He introduces himself as Caelum and tells me he's been instructed to take me to the Alpha's house.

He talks a little too much and smiles a little too easily for my liking, especially when every other werewolf we pass stares at me like I don’t belong.

They glare at me like I broke into their world, like I forced their Alpha to marry me.

Caelum takes me round the Alpha's massive mansion, pointing out rooms and hallways like a cheerful tour guide. He shows me my bedroom, the kitchen, the training wing, on and on, he goes but I'm not paying any attention to him. My mind is elsewhere, already planning. I need to find out what the Alpha knows, what he did to Natalie. And if he hurt her, I’ll make sure he regrets it.

"This is the Alpha's study." Caelum mentions, his voice breaking through my thoughts.

I snap to attention. The Alpha's study? That's the I can get information.

"Can I take a look inside?"

He shakes his head. "Sorry. Only the Alpha’s allowed in there."

"Ah." I glance at the door, noting the simple lock. "Okay." I say with a smile, already making a note to return later, alone.

As we walk further down the hallway, Caelum speaks again.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Can witches really erase people's memories completely?"

"Yes." I reply with a nod. It’s one of the natural gifts witches are born with.

Caelum lets out a gasp like I've just told him magic is real for the first time.

"Do you want me to try it on you?" I tease, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope, I'm good!" He blurts, quickly covering his eyes with both hands.

I laugh under my breath. He's too easy and a little too cute to mess with.

We keep walking and Caelum hurries to keep pace with me.

"Honestly, there's a lot I want to know about the witches." He adds, glancing sideways at me.

"You're the first werewolf who actually cares to know." I respond, still walking.

"I've always thought that witches were kind of special."

I stop and turn toward him. I'm about to ask what he means by that when a guard suddenly appears from the corner.

"The Alpha is waiting for you in the dining hall." He annouces.

"We'll talk later." Caelum murmurs before stepping back.

I nod and follow the guard down the hall, trying to steady my thoughts.

The guard opens the door to the dining hall, I step inside. Ezekiel is already there, sitting on the side of the long table. He has changed out of his formal clothes, and now wears a plain black shirt, but even in something that simple, he still looks sharp, too sharp. The kind of man who doesn't need to be intimidating. The moment the door clicks shut behind me, my heart starts to beat faster for no good reason. I quickly remind myself that my knives are still hidden on me. I'm safe. There's nothing to be afraid of.

I walk to the table and take the seat directly opposite him, facing him. As I settle in, my eyes fall on the meal spread between us, it's a full feast like this is a real marriage and not just a peace treaty.

I keep my face blank, but my mind stays alert. This is enemy territory. I shouldn't forget that.

"Why did you stay with the humans even after your term as a collateral ended?"

It's the first time I hear his voice. It's low, smooth, and annoyingly deep. I glance up at him. Seriously? That's the first thing he says to his new bride?

"I see you did a background check on me." I mutter, arching a brow.

"I had to know the woman I was marrying." He replies evenly.

"Oh? Yet you never bothered to show up to any of the meetings I arranged."

"I'm sure my aide explained..."

"That you were too busy?" I cut him off sharply.

He gives a small nod. "Yes."

"Busy with what, if I may ask?"

"Busy with my pack." He answers, his voice strangely calm, like we're chatting about the weather. As he speaks, he slowly undoes his cufflinks on his sleeves, as though I'm not even worth his full attention. "Some of us have responsibilities. Not everyone has time to play human."

My mouth falls open. Did he just insult me to my face?

"Play human?" I echo, leaning slightly forward. "Is that what you think I was doing?"

Ezekiel looks up, his grey eyes are unreadable. "I don’t assume. I speak from what I see."

"And what exactly did you see?" I challenge, crossing my arms.

"A witch pretending to be human. Playing house in a world that isn't hers."

I laugh, but there's no humor in it. "At least I wasn't hiding behind politics to avoid a meeting."

His lips twitch again, that almost smile that's more mockery than mirth. "You’re feisty. No wonder my father hated your kind."

"Good thing he’s dead then." I reply, sweetly.

A flicker of amusement crosses his face, like my words somehow entertained him. "You’ve got claws, princess."

"And I’m not afraid to use them."

His gaze lingers on me, slow and assessing. "Good. You’ll need them where you are."

I raise an eyebrow. "Is that a threat, Alpha?"

"No." He says, reaching for his glass. "Just a promise."

I scowl at him as he takes a slow sip of his wine.

"Let's eat." He murmurs, rolling up his sleeves to his elbows.

My eyes drift for a second to the thick veins running down his forearms, and I find myself shamelessly staring.

"Eat." He repeats, this time it sounds more like an order.

My mind reacts quickly as I tilt my head slightly. Why is he so eager for me to eat when he hasn't even touched his food? That can only mean one thing, the Alpha is trying to poison me. He must really want me dead. Too bad for him, I want the same.

"I'll wait." I utter, keeping my voice calm. "You have to eat first."

He arches a brow, there's a hint of challenge in his eyes. "Why?"

"It's witch custom." I say. "The bride must watch her husband eat before she takes a bite, It's a sign of trust." I lie smoothly. There is no such custom.

"This is Grey city." He points out, setting his glass down. "Your custom don't work here."

I shrug, folding my arms. "Still, I'm a witch. I can't just throw my tradition overnight, can I?"

Ezekiel stares at me for a long second, like he's trying to figure me out, before reluctantly picking a spoon.

I smirk and slide my plate over to him, switching it with his. "Eat."

For a moment, I think he's going to drop the spoon and refuse to eat. But then, he scoops up a bite of food and starts eating.

I narrow my eyes, watching him chew. I expect to see him choke and collapse but nothing happens. Maybe the food isn't poisoned.

Suddenly, a new thought strikes me. What if the wine is poisoned instead?

Just as he reaches for his glass, I snatch it out of his hand and switch it with mine. "Drink this instead."

Ezekiel looks at the wine, then back at me. His lips part slightly as if to speak, but no words come.

One look at his face, and I know I'm right. The wine is poi...

He lifts the glass and drinks the wine.

What? I look down at the food, trying to figure out what I might've overlooked, when a strong hand clamps around the back of my neck, yanking me forward. "What the..."

Before I can finish, his face is already inches from mine. He seizes my lips with rough urgency, prying my mouth open with his tongue and pushing the wine from his mouth into mine.

I try to pull away, but his grip is too strong. I struggle, pushing at his chest, but he doesn't let go, not until every last drop of wine in his mouth is in mine.

Then, just before he pulls back, he bites my lower lip, like he wants me to know who's in control.

"Now," he murmurs, his deep voice like velvet smoke. "We can both die together." And he smiles, like the devil himself.

DAPHNE

My heart thunders in my chest, I'm unsure if it's from fear, shock, or something else I don't want to name.

His eyes don't leave mine, not even for a second. They're sharp, daring me, like he's waiting to see what I'll do next. And for the first time, I see him chuckle, which only tells me he's messing with me.

I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, scowling at him. "Are all werewolves this insane, or is it just you?"

He leans back in his seat, completely unfazed. "You're the one who thought the food was poisoned. I just helped ease your doubts."

If I didn't already plan to kill him, I would now.

He stands up, ready to leave, like we didn't just have whatever the hell that was. I'm so consumed by anger, I'm not even thinking straight, and before I know it, I grab the glass and hurl it at him. He dodges it easily, like he knew I'd do that. He doesn't even turn around, he just walks out of the dining room like nothing happened.

Cocky bastard.

"Breathe in..." My voice is shaky. "Breathe out..." I force air into my lungs. I breathe in and out again. Natalie's voice echoes in my head. 'When you panic, breathe, Daph. Just breathe.'

Once I've calmed down, my focus shifts. I remember why I'm really here, to find my dear friend. I rise from my seat and quietly leave the room. Strange, there are no guards at the door or in the hallway. It feels off, but I don't stop.

I head toward the Alpha's study room. When I spot two guards walking in my direction, I quickly hide into a shadowy corner, holding my breath. I don't move until I'm sure they've passed. Then, I approach the study door, glancing around carefully before I pull out a small hairpin from my hair and kneel by the lock.

Natalie taught me this trick when we were kids. Back then, I was locked in the collateral zone because the humans believed I was a threat to their world. Natalie hated how bored I was and figured out a way to sneak me out. I thought she used magic the first time, but it was just a lockpick. She saw how fascinated I was and taught me how to do it.

I hear the soft click of the lock and smile as I carefully push the door open and slip inside, closing it behind me.

I step into the dimly lit study, my eyes scanning the room. Tall shelves packed with neatly arranged books line the walls. I can't help but wonder what secrets they hold. Are they about werewolf history? Pack politics? Or something darker?

I move to the Alpha's desk, where stacks of organized files sit like guards. Without wasting time, I pull out the chair and switch on his computer. It's password protected, of course. Well, I'm a data analyst. Cracking a password like this is child's play.

My fingers dance across the keyboard, working fast, and in less than a minute, I'm in. I search for Natalie Jackson, nothing comes up. I frown and try again. This time, I search for Good Time Magazine, the company where Natalie worked. Still, nothing comes up.

I lean back, frustrated. "He must have hidden it." I mumble. "He's meticulous with his secrets."

I shuffle through the files on the desk, but they are useless, just budget reports and boring political documents. Nothing about Natalie, nothing personal, nothing dangerous.

Letting out a sigh, I try to think. That's when I notice three drawers built into the desk. My fingers twitch with curiosity. Maybe this is where the real secrets are kept.

I pull open the first drawer and find a small black box sitting beside a file. Curiously, I open the box and blink at the glittering diamond pendant inside. "The Alpha must have bought this for his lover." I mutter, letting the lid fall shut. I flip open the file next and it's all about me. Every little detail. The jerk really did run a background check on me.

I slid both items back into place and close the first drawer.

The second drawer opens with a soft creak, revealing a black leather journal. Of course, black again, this Alpha seems to have a thing for the color. I flip through the pages, they are blank, just like Natalie's journal. "Seriously?" I grumble, giving it a shake. That's when three photographs slip out and fall to the floor.

My heart skips as I drop the journal and pick up the first picture. It's me, sitting in my favorite coffee shop, a plastic coffee cup in hand, smiling like I didn't have a care in the world. I pick another picture and it's even worse. I remember the day this picture was taken, it was during my interview for the analyst job five years ago. The exact outfit, the nervous and forced smile.

"How the hell does he have a picture of me from five years ago?" I pick up the last photo, my chest tightening. It's me and Natalie, standing side by side, laughing.

My breath catches, this isn't just about politics. He's been watching me for a long time.

I hear footsteps from outside and it jerks me back to the moment. I scramble, shove the pictures back into the journal, toss it in the drawer, and power off the computer. My hands shake as I rush to arrange the files on the desk. When I hear door click, panic sets in. I look around to find good hiding spot.

As the door knot twists, I run and hide in between the rolls of shelves. I hold my breath so my heartbeat won't be heard.

I hear footsteps enter the room, followed by the soft rustling of papers. I don't dare peek to see who it is, but deep down, I already know, it has to be that stalking son of a bitch, the Alpha.

The sound of footsteps starts again, and a moment later, the door opens and closes.

I listen, but I hear nothing. Just silence, complete silence. Whoever it was must have left. Slowly, I let out the breath I've been holding, waiting until my heartbeat calms down before stepping out from between the shelves.

But the moment I step out, I nearly scream.

Standing in front of me is Ezekiel. He leans against the bookshelf with his arms folded, like he's been waiting for me to slip up.

For the second time today, he's caught me off guard, playing games I didn't know we were in. His expression gives nothing away, but there's no mistaking it.

He was expecting me here.

And now, I've been caught.

DAPHNE

I wonder what he's going to do to me. Is this the moment he kills me? My fingers slide toward the sleeve of my dress where I've hidden a knife, just in case.

Then he speaks. "Come in."

The door creaks open. His red-haired aide walks in and heads straight to the computer. He switches it on and clicks on it, his brows rising in surprise.

"She hacked into the system." He whispers, glancing at Ezekiel. "She searched for Good Time Broadcasting and Natalie Jackson."

"Natalie Jackson." Ezekiel repeats the name slowly, as though he's trying to recall where he's heard it before. "You may leave." He adds, without looking at his aide.

Once the door closes, his gaze on me sharpens.

"Sneaking into my study and hacking my computer is a punishable offense."

I ignore the warning. "How long have you been watching me?"

He squints, slightly tilting his head, like he didn't hear me well.

"I saw the photos." I press. "Of me. Of Natalie. You know her, don't you?"

"Who?"

"Natalie Jackson." I grit out. "Where is she? Where did you do to my friend?"

He doesn't answer right away. His silence makes my blood boil.

"Why do you think I know this person you're talking about?" He asks, his voice is calm and collected.

"You had a photo of me and her, you creep." I blow up. "And her journal had your fucking name in it. Your fucking full name, Ezekiel Hawthorne, with a date. The same day she went missing, she was supposed to meet you."

He remains silent for a moment, tapping his foot slowly on the floor like he's weighing what to say. "That's not enough proof that I had anything to do with her disappearance." He replies calmly, stepping toward me.

I instinctively step back, drawing out my knife. I unsheathe it and point it at him. "Don't you dare come any closer." I warn.

His lips twitch. "So you came armed."

"You think I'd walk into the den of wolves empty-handed?"

He moves forward again, unfazed.

"I said stay back!" I shout, gripping the knife tighter. "Oh, I forgot to mention, my knife is laced with wolfsbane." I tell him as I try to keep my voice steady. "We both know how dangerous that is for your kind."

I expect to see him fidget or afraid, however, he remains annoyingly calm, heaving a sigh as he lazily drag his fingers across his eyebrow.

"Put that down." He mutters in a low warning tone.

"Where is my friend?" I demand, standing my ground. "Where's Natalie?"

"She could be lying dead somewhere." He replies without blinking.

My heart drops. "You killed her?" My voice cracks and a lump rises on my throat. "You monster... How could you..." Tears sting my eyes before I can finish. "You don't even feel remorseful, do you?"

He stares at me with no emotions. "I've killed too many to feel anything like remorse."

"Yeah? Just like you murdered your own father." I throw the words at him like daggers.

He ignores me like he didn't hear me. "Is your missing friend the only reason you broke in here?" He asks instead. "Or are you here for something else?"

"What are you talking about?"

"To spy on us." He answers. "You were sent here as a spy." He starts tapping his foot on the floor again, deep in thought. "I kept wondering why Richard would send his daughter straight to the wolf's den."

"Don't you dare speak my father's name with that filthy mouth." I hiss.

"I could kill you right here." He says quietly.

"Just like you killed my friend?"

His lips curl into a dark, mocking smile. "Seems like you're ready to join her wherever she is."

I glare at him fiercely. I can't stand the sight of the monster who hurt my friend. "I think it's time to send you to hell where you belong." I whisper.

Then I charge forward, fast as lightning, as I drive my knife into his chest.

But what happens next shocks me. He doesn't even move or dodge my attack. I expect him to at least fight with me but he doesn't. He just stands there, staring at me with empty eyes like I didn't just stab him.

I yank the blade out and slam it into him again, harder this time. A low groan escapes his lips and his hand grabs my shoulder in reflex.

The wolfsbane must be working. Without wasting a second, I stab him again and again, deeper each time, not giving his body any chance to heal.

His groan grows louder now, knees buckling, head dropping low. Maybe he's not as powerful as they say...

But then, a cold, sharp laughter escapes his mouth, the kind of laughter that freezes my blood.

"What the..."

Before I can finish, his hand flies up and grips my neck. In one brutal motion, he lifts me and slams my back against the wall, knocking the breath from my lungs.

My head crashes against the wall, sending a sharp pain through my skull. And in that moment, I realize he's fooled me, again. This is the third time today. The wolfsbane hadn't worked on him. Those groans? They were just an act.

His grip tightens around my neck and I feel the sharp sting of his claws as they pierce through my skin. I look up at him, searching for his usual grey eyes, but they are gone. In their place are deep, blood-red eyes. Cold and merciless, like death, like the end.

A wave of panic surges through me and my heart races. I grab at his hand, trying to pry him off, but he's too strong. I can barely breathe. I fear for my life.

"Funny how you thought a little wolfsbane could kill me." He mutters, voice like poison. "How did someone this foolish even survive the human collateral zone?" He gives a low, cruel chuckle. "Then again, you just confirmed what I've been suspecting."

His words barely register as I’m too busy gasping for air. His grip isn’t loosening. Seems like he really means to kill me.

"I kept wondering," he continues, as calm as ever. "why would you stay with the humans after your time as collateral was over? Why wouldn't you live among your own kind? And your father… why does he keep throwing you into danger? It's almost like he wants you dead, but doesn't have the guts to do it himself."

"Shut up." I choke out.

He pauses, then lowers his face closer.

"Now, I know why."

No, he can't know. Please, I beg silently. He couldn’t have figured it out...

"You." He says, his red eyes burning through me. "You're not a witch."