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
My heart abruptly sank when I heard Gary's words. So as it turned out, not only couldn’t I save Stacey, I was also going to carry the crime of stealing.I tugged on Lionel's sleeve without much thought and shook my head. "No, I didn't do it...!"In that moment, I could almost forget all the difficulties between us because I knew he was the only one who could help Stacey and me. For that reason, I was willing to show him my vulnerability.There were times when we had to learn to show weakness, even though it was pathetic."Yeah! Rylee couldn’t have done it! You're well aware that she doesn't even need that necklace!" Franz defended me."Ry... Rylee?" Linda exclaimed, shooting me an incredulous look before looking at Franz. "You called her Rylee? I-isn't she Jenna?!"Linda and Gary exchange glances, surprise clearly on their faces.Franz shot me a chagrined look, flushing with shame.Gary calmed down quickly. He smiled and said, "Alpha Lionel, shouldn't you give us an explanation? Why d
Lionel seemed to sense the fear and anxiety churning in me. He tightened his hold on my shoulders then pressed his broad chest against my back and said in a low voice, "Don't be afraid, Rylee. I'll protect you."I didn't respond to his words. I could only feel the burning pain from the mark on my shoulder.When we exited the villa, I saw a limousine parked at the front. A chauffeur was standing by the car, looking respectfully at us."Get in. I'll take you back," Lionel said softly.I left his arms, but I didn't get into the car."Thank you for helping me today. But there is no need for our noble Alpha to step into my business anymore."I tried to speak to him in the coldest and most distant tone I could muster in a vain attempt to hide the obvious mark on my neck that now represented our deep relationship.Lionel furrowed his brows and tried to take my hand, which I avoided."Lionel, if you still feel any guilt and remorse for me, you would let me go and leave me alone," I whispered,