8

I get back to my father's office as quickly as I can while remaining calm. The pain in my chest feels like it is building, but I can't respond to it.

I sit down in the corner Father has designated as mine and close my eyes. Karina's face immediately appears behind my eyelids. Her happy smile and sparkling hazel eyes tease me as the pain in my chest pulses with life.

Suddenly the cord pulling me to her snaps and I grab my chest in a panic before I realize she must have accepted my rejection. Sorrow instantly fills the hole of my broken bond and for the first time in a long time tears well up in my eyes due to the unfairness of my life.

For ten minutes I allow myself to grieve what could have been if my father was a decent man and Alpha before I clean my face and become stoic. Hours tick by but I don't move. I have been trained to remain still and quiet. When the door does finally open I know it is time to leave my home pack for the first time ever.

Two of my father's men have come i