Chapter 3

Veronica POV

“You’re insane!” Dever screamed, his face turning an ugly shade of red.

But I didn’t care. Not anymore.

Only one man held my gaze– the man with the mismatched eyes. It was obvious he called the shots.

“Do we have a deal?” I asked him, trying hard not to blink.

Kade snickered, making his way to me. “We already own you, princess. You’re in no position to make any demand.”

I ignored him. My eyes were already feeling the brunt of going to war with a stone-cold monster. “Deals go wrong all the time,” I said slowly. “I might just save you all the trouble and end my life right here.”

I was bluffing. There was no way I was going out without letting Dever feel every bit of pain he’d caused me. 

I caught the twitch of Klaus’ eyelid, and a ghost of a smile touched my lips. He was listening.

“I see only one way out of this,” I continued, letting my smile grow wider. “My way. There’s no middleman again.”

Dever laughed, drawing the room’s attention. 

“You’re good, Vee,” he said between laughs. “I’ll give you that. You almost fooled me, too. But Kade was right about me planning everything to the detail. Did you really think I’d give two notorious rogues a cure that would make them stronger? So they could burn the realm down?”

My stomach turned to ice. “What did you do, Dever?” I whispered, scared I already knew the answer.

He wouldn’t. He couldn’t be so callous.

He straightened, his lips curling into a sneer.“Wolfbane. I gave it to you in small doses. enough not to alert your wolf. You made it too easy– so blinded by love, visiting the clinic every week like a good little mate. I crippled her right under your nose. And you did nothing.”

My knees buckled as I made sense of what he was saying. He was behind her loss, not the attack.

“She’s useless to you. I made sure of it. Just a broken, overpriced porcelain doll.”

Rage flooded my veins. My chest burned with it. But I couldn’t let it show. If they knew he was telling the truth, they’d have no use for me. I turned away, forcing my breathing to steady. Play the game, Veronica.

I turned back, glaring at Dever. “Don’t flatter yourself. You landed right where I wanted you to.”

He blinked, confusion flickering in his eyes. Good.

“Why do you think I’m here, in this room, standing with them?” I pressed on. “I knew about your plan a long time ago. Your gambling debts, your little affair. I just needed to hear it from you. You think you crippled her? She’s been here all along—ten steps ahead.”

His face paled. “That’s a lie—”

I glared at Dever, raising my voice to address the brothers. “Who would you rather believe? The one with something to lose… or the one who’s already lost everything?”

His mask cracked. “You whore!” he roared, lunging at me. I braced myself, ready for the impact.

“Enough.” The single word from Klaus stopped Dever in his tracks.

“I try to end all my meetings without bloodshed,” Klaus spoke, storming towards Dever. “Today will not be an exception. Right there,” he pointed to a corner. “That’s your money. Take it and leave.”

Dever opened his mouth to protest, but decided against it. He grabbed the suitcase in the corner and made for the door.

He paused at the door, glaring. “This isn’t over, I promise you. If you plan to take Silverclaw, be ready for war. Be ready to lose everything.” his eyes rested on me. “Even in my death, Silverclaw would never be yours.”

Then he was gone.

I stared at the door long after it closed, my chest aching. I wasn’t prepared to face the reality I found myself in. All the deceit, pain and now the two men behind me. I needed to get out of here.

“Reconsidering, partner?” his voice sneaked up on me. 

I spun around, startled. Klaus was behind me, like a shadow. Dishevelled, I took a step back, too quickly, and nearly tripped.

His hand shot out, steadying me. Burning me.

I jerked away as soon as I found my footing. “No,” I said, avoiding his eyes. “I’m not.”

“Good,” he said quietly, taking a step towards me. “I haven’t had the chance to introduce myself. I’m Klaus Grey. You’ve met my brother Kade.” 

He took another slow step. I matched it backwards, my heart pounding. “And you,” his voice dropped a notch, “are the woman holding our cure.”

“I am,” I lied, meeting his gaze. “If you already knew that, why have me working your fields when I should be finding a cure?”

“I needed to break you first,” he mummured, his eyes lazily roaming my body.

I lowered my gaze, afraid I might snap if I had to watch him lurking over me. His thumb hooked my chin, tilting my head to expose my neck. “I knew you’d try to take revenge for your mate. Was in your eyes… the night we met”

He dropped his hand, and I stepped out of his reach. What night?

“I’ve been watching you and your little friend. You’re brave, I’ll give you that. But what happened today changes everything. No more games.”

He looked at me again, his expression unreadable. “You were bluffing earlier, Veronica. But now… you’ll find a cure for my brother and me. Or die trying. And I promise you—your death won’t be as merciful as you threatened.”

I couldn’t speak. Not with his gaze burning into me. 

“Kade will show you to your quarters and guide you through your duties while you’re here,” Klaus said, dismissing me. “Kade?” he stopped mid-step, swearing. “Mother goddess!”

He rushed past me, disappearing behind the shelves. I followed hesitantly, my heart racing.

And then I saw it.

Kade. But he wasn’t himself. His body was twisted, fur sprouting from his arms and legs and fangs hanging out of the side of his mouth. He was huge, like nothing I’d ever seen. I moved closer, frowning when I heard the groans. They were quiet, almost soft and painful to hear. 

“Oh goddess,” I whispered, my hands flying to my mouth

.

Klaus was on the ground beside him, trying to hold him down. He raised his head, and I gasped at the raw pain in his eyes before he masked it. 

“Get out!” he growled, his voice breaking like thunder. “Now!”

I stumbled back, frozen. 

“And let’s get one thing straight, Veronica,” his voice was cold as ice. “If you plan to take over Silverclaw, you’re going to do so with Kade by your side. As your husband.”