Franz and Stacey came running over as I stood staring at my father.My father's gaze swept over us and stopped on Franz. He frowned and asked, "Why are you here?"Franz didn't answer. He simply looked away awkwardly.My father sneered. "I see. You were the one who helped Rylee get away."Franz didn't deny it.My father roared angrily, "You're the Beta of the Blood Shadow Pack, yet you're hooking with these Rogues! Have you decided to become a traitor?!"Franz remained silent. Stacey moved to my side and whispered, "It doesn't make sense. This place is well hidden, so unless someone leads them here, there's no way they could have found us."I looked over to Cara, who was standing behind my father.Cara panicked and avoided my gaze.Just then, my father said loudly to everyone, "Yes, you've guessed it right. Miss Cara has a deep sense of justice and volunteered to lead the way for us. She's now a valued guest of our pack because of her dedication to catching the sinner! Of course, every
"Okay, then, I'll come with you," I said, straightening up and walking toward my father.Stacey took my arm and said, "Rylee, I go with you."I knew I couldn't dissuade her. Even if I refused her, she would find a way to come along, so I simply nodded.It seemed that my father didn't mind taking one more person on the road, and he simply turned to Franz and asked, "Are you going to stay here?"Franz shook his head, with an awkward look on his face. "I'll leave with you then."***My father left after dropping Stacey and me off at his villa in Blood Shadow Pack. Before he left, he assigned two guards to me."For your safety," he said in a dignified manner. Obviously, these men were here to keep an eye on me and prevent my escape.I pushed open the living room door and found a man sitting on the couch. He was about forty years old, and he looked imposing. When he heard the noise, he turned towards us."Gamma Gary!" greeted the two guards behind me respectfully.Gary stood from the couch
An hour ago.Stacey placed the diamond tiara on my head. Looking at the reflection in the mirror, she whispered, "Oh, honey, you look beautiful."I smiled. "Thank you, Stacey."I straightened my dress and moved to leave my room. Just as I opened the door, I saw my mother standing in the doorway, her hand poised to knock.A silent moment passed before my mother asked awkwardly, "Are you ready?"I nodded, and she lowered her hand and licked her dry lips before saying with pleading eyes, "Could I speak to you for a moment?""Alright, but not for too long," I said.Stacey left, and my mother entered the small, cramped bedroom. Her eyes roamed over the worn furniture, and she pursed her lips."How could your father let you live in a place like this?" Mom choked.My mother had been caring for Jenna in the hospital and had not been to see me, so she didn't really know what was happening with me.If she cared a little more about me, she wouldn't have been ignorant about my situation.But this
(Lionel's POV)I took in the shattered ankle cuff and the empty room before me and threw a rare tantrum. I never imagined that the damned woman would escape!'Fuck! I told you to be gentle, but no, you had to put on that stupid brooding face of yours! Where did that get us? Look! Our mate is missing!' My wolf, Lay, accused and nagged me.I frowned, forcing myself to calm down and think rationally. I leaned against the cold door and studied the room the woman had been in.I noticed the uncomfortable iron bed and looked away, only to see moldy food on the table.Had she not eaten for days?My heart clenched tightly for some unknown reason.'You miss her,' Lay said, seeing through me. My first reaction was to deny Lay's words, but then I felt ridiculous running away from my own true thoughts.'You really should think about the sisters' real identities.' Lay snorted. 'I've never spoken to that sick wolf before, not a single time. Blegh! But Rina... Oh, man. That's one hot she-wolf!'Rina?
Lionel jerked his head toward me. His eyes, which were always firm and confident, were now filled with shock."I-is… Is that true?""Does it matter?" I said, shaking my head and laughing bitterly. "There's no going back for us."After saying that, I took a deep breath, leaned toward Franz, and said, "Come on, let's go. I don't want to see his face."Franz nodded, turning to leave with me.When I couldn't feel Lionel's presence anymore, I gulped in a large mouthful of air like a drowning person who had broken the surface."Rylee, every word I was speaking from my heart," Franz suddenly stopped and said.I bit my lip, recalling Franz's confession and suddenly feeling a little embarrassed."Franz, you know that I-""You don't have to reject me in a hurry," Franz interrupted, scratching his head. "Regardless, I won't let you be forced into a marriage with the northern pack. I'll find a way to take you away. We'll have a long time ahead of us, so you can take your time and think about it."
It was my second blood draw today, so I gave the doctor my left hand and hid the marks on my right arm that had been left behind by the needle previously.As blood flowed from my arm into the tube, I trembled violently, and my face scrunched up. Perhaps my face had turned ghastly as the doctor asked worriedly, "Are you okay?" I struggled to answer through the pain and dizziness and managed to grit out, "I'm fine."The doctor sighed at my stubbornness but continued to draw blood from my arm.Lionel stood by my side with a concerned look on his face."Does it hurt?" Lionel asked. Before I could answer, he continued, "How about we stop for today?"Lionel raised his hand to stop the doctor, but I stopped him. I looked at the doctor and said, "Go ahead.""Rylee..." Lionel's voice was a little hoarse. I turned away, not wanting to talk to him.After the blood draw, I leaned back against the chair, panting roughly. It was cold, and my arm hurt, but it was nothing compared to the pain in my
(Stacey's POV)"Get out of the way."The man before me was at least a head taller than me. He had a decent-looking face, but his eyes were filled with lust and cruelty.I knew who he was. It was Blood Shadow Pack's Gamma, Gary. He chuckled and reached his hand toward me, wanting to touch my face."Don't be so angry, baby."His voice was low, hoarse, and creepy, like a demon. I slapped his hand away harshly and yelled, "Don't touch me!""I'm giving you a chance, you know? Many girls would kill to climb into my bed. You're just a Rogue, so you should feel honored at my attention."I glared at him angrily. I couldn't understand how someone who appeared this decent could say such disgusting things."Don't look at me like that. It only makes me want to fuck you more," Gary said and laughed. "If you get down on your knees and blow me, I can get rid of your Rogue status. I can also give you wealth and glory beyond your imagination!"Disgusting!I resisted the urge to hurl and shouted, "I to
"Alpha?" Gary said, clearly surprised by Lionel's arrival.Lionel ignored him and walked straight toward me. He pulled me out of Franz's arms and wrapped his arm tightly around my shoulder, glaring at him."Let go of me!" I hissed lowly.Lionel lowered his head and whispered, "Don't move."His tone was not harsh, and he didn't sound angry. In fact, it sounded alluring, and it made goosebumps rise on my skin."Give her back!" Franz said, a dark look on his face. He grabbed my wrist, trying to pull me away from Lionel.Lionel gave him a sidelong glance and spoke solemnly, letting a little Alpha intimidation seep into his voice, "Are you trying to steal from your Alpha?" Franz's hand shook, but he didn’t let go. "I only want you to respect her wishes. You're well aware that she hates you.""You have no right to interfere in our affairs! Know your place! You're my Beta!" Lionel domineeringly said as he reminded Franz of his sovereignty and tightened his grip on me.I hated how Lionel was