Chapter 4

The laughter around us grew louder.

A young wolf egged him on. "Alpha, why waste your breath on her? Either lock her up or throw her out."

"Yeah—we've got real business to deal with. Word is the Alpha King's showing up today. First time he's attended a gathering like this. We need to secure his protection."

Damon stepped forward, shoving at me.

"You heard them. Get out. This is no place for you."

His push sent me stumbling, nearly falling.

Jaxon stood there watching. Not a flicker in his eyes.

Tina clung to his arm, beaming—like she was watching a show.

Jaxon walked up to me and looked down.

"Alice, if you'd just behaved back then, it wouldn't have come to this. Even if I couldn't give you the Luna title, I would've taken care of you. But no—you had to go mess around with another male wolf."

A flash of guilt crossed Tina's face. She stepped forward and took his arm.

"Alpha, don't bother with her. Let's go back—I'm tired of standing."

Jaxon nodded and gave me one last look.

"Get lost. Don't let me see you again."

They turned to leave. I stood rooted in place, watching their retreating backs.

Then Tina stopped.

She turned around, a glint of malice in her eyes.

"Wait."

She walked back to me, looking me over, then reached out and tugged at my dress.

"Nobody in the pack has worn this in years. Alice, did you dig it out of a trash heap?"

More laughter.

I said nothing.

Tina's eyes darted around. Then she raised her voice.

"Hey, everyone—don't you want to see what happens to a rogue after three years without pack protection?"

The laughter died down. All eyes turned to her.

Tina drew it out, feeding their curiosity.

"I've heard that rogues who can't shift properly start showing signs on their bodies. Patchy fur, scars, all sorts of disgusting things. Alice, you're covering up awfully well—what are you hiding under all that fabric?"

My stomach dropped. I frowned at her.

"What are you talking about?"

Someone in the crowd leered, hunger plain on his face.

"Luna's right—make her strip! Let's see!"

"Yeah! Take it off!"

"I've never seen what a rogue looks like underneath!"

The jeering swelled. I stepped back.

Jaxon grabbed my arm.

"Where do you think you're going? Let them have a look. You said you have a mate, didn't you? Why not invite him to watch?"

I struggled.

"Let go!"

But Jaxon was too strong. More of them closed in, grabbing at me from every direction.

"Come on, let's see!"

A hand tore at my collar.

"No—"

I fought with everything I had, but it was useless.

Jaxon stepped aside, arms crossed, watching. There was even a hint of a smile on his face.

My collar was ripped open. My shoulder exposed.

As the Alpha King's mate, I would not endure this humiliation.

I thrashed harder. My nails raked across one wolf's hand, drawing blood. I used the opening to wrench free.

He lashed out in fury, slapping me across the face.

"You dare touch me, bitch!"

"Keep going!"

Another hand reached for me, pulling my dress upward.

"Let go of me!"

They outnumbered me. My resistance was a joke.

My cries drowned in laughter.

Damon pinned my shoulder. Another wolf gripped my hem.

The spectators formed a ring around us, watching like it was entertainment.

Tina laughed the loudest. Jaxon stood at the front, watching—without an ounce of mercy in his eyes.

Then—

A heavy thud echoed from the edge of the crowd, like something had slammed into the ground.

The laughter cut off. The hands on me froze.

I looked up. Through the gaps in the crowd, I saw a figure walking toward us in the firelight.

His eyes found my torn collar. My bare shoulder. My trembling hands.

Then he raised his gaze, sweeping it across every person present before letting it settle on Jaxon's face.

He spoke. His voice wasn't loud, but it reached every ear with absolute clarity.

"Who gave you permission to lay a hand on my mate?"