CHAPTER 9: THE TRUTH REVEALED

RYAN

The last day of the mating ceremony was a grandiose spectacle, with the pack bustling in preparation for the grand feast and the air humming with anticipation. However, I didn't care about any of that; all I could think about was Hailey. Her words from the night before resonated in my head: Wolfless, Outcast, Dangerous, Lies, everything. I didn't need to see her to know the truth; the subtle hint of her scent that pervaded Flora told me that Hailey wasn't just my mate; she was special, and she was here, somewhere, waiting for me to find her. I spent the morning observing the pack, noting the careful balance of power Marissa had over the omegas and their deference to Thomas. Although it was obvious who was in charge of this pack, their dominion would soon come to an end. It was a sumptuous feast. Silver goblets filled with wine, platters of enough food to feed an army, and elaborate floral arrangements decorated the long tables. Their faces lit up with joy, and the pack assembled in their best clothes. My wolf, however, was agitated and growling beneath the surface. Logan spoke softly as he leaned towards me as I sat down at the head table. "Alpha, I can attest to that. Here, Hailey works as a maid. However, they have concealed her since yesterday. I tightened my jaw. They wanted to keep her away from me. "Now, where is she?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper. "She has been tasked with work in the"kitchen," Logan remarked. "But I don't think she'll be there for very long." I looked around the room and nodded. If Thomas or Marissa thought they could keep her from me, they were terribly mistaken. When I smelt it again, it was a heady blend of rain and wildflowers, and the celebrations were well on. She was there when my head snapped towards the source. Hailey. She walked cautiously through the crowd while holding a tray of drinks. She stood out like a blaze in the darkness despite wearing a plain uniform and having her red hair pulled up in a simple braid. Clawing at the surface, my wolf lunged forward. Mine. I got up from my chair, attracting the attention of all those seated at the table.. Marissa narrowed her eyes and smiled artificially as she said, "Alpha King." "Is something wrong?" I moved away from the table and stared at Hailey, ignoring her. The sounds faded to a faint hum as the room appeared to blur around her. As our gazes locked, she froze, her face changing from one of surprise to one of terror. "Hailey," I stated in a forceful yet hushed voice. Her hands faltered with the tray, and I briefly feared she might run away. Then, though, she came towards me as though attracted by some unseen force. Everyone in the room grew silent as they watched her.

HAILEY

My heart stopped as Alpha Ryan called my name. No matter how much I wanted to disregard it, his voice was an order. My hands were shaking as I placed the tray on a nearby table, and my feet seemed to be moving on their own. His dark eyes stared into mine with such intensity that it was difficult to breathe, creating an electric atmosphere between us. His voice was low enough for me to hear him enquire, "Is it true?" I was burdened by his inquiry, even though I had no idea what he meant. "I have no idea what you're talking about," I said in a barely audible whisper. He took a step closer and answered, "Yes, you do." "You belong to me." My breath caught as our relationship dissolved. No matter how much I wanted to, I couldn't deny it. "Alpha King Ryan," interrupted Marissa with her voice Sharp and brittle, Marissa broke through the tension. You must be mistaken. Hailey is merely a maid without a wolf. His icy, cruel eyes turned to Marissa. "But she's my mate nonetheless." The chamber echoed with a collective gasp.

RYAN

Marissa lost her temper and looked to Thomas for solace. Thomas hurriedly answered, "That's not possible," and moved forward. "She is nothing at all. An orphan. Alpha King, you are not deserving of your attention. I growled, and the noise drowned out any more protests. "Enough," I stated in an authoritative tone. "You dare to doubt a mate's bond? Do you dare to ask me a question? Like a fish out of water, Thomas's mouth opened and closed in a panic. "I would never—" With my patience running low, I yelled, "Then stand down." Rotating, I snapped, my patience wearing thin. I turned back to Hailey and held out my hand and said, “Come with me.” Her eyes searched mine, fear and uncertainty fighting with something deeper. She slowly put her hand in mine, and the sparks of our bond ignited the moment our skin touched. “She can’t leave,” Thomas blurted, desperation leaking into his voice. “She belongs to this pack. She’s done things—she’s dangerous!” I rounded on him, my wolf charging forward. “You’ve already said too much, Thomas. Hailey is my mate. She belongs to no one but me.” The weight of my words silenced him, and I turned to Hailey, my voice softening. “Go pack your things. You’re leaving with me.”

HAILEY

The room buzzed with whispers as I slipped away, my chest thumping with my heart. I was shocked by what had just transpired. I was the mate of Alpha King Ryan, the strongest wolf of all. But doubt began to creep in as I crammed my little possessions into a frayed bag. I desired independence, but would he grant it to me? With my luggage firmly grasped in my hand, I made my way back to the main hall and noticed Thomas whispering to Marissa. Their words were too low for me to hear, and their features were masks of fear and rage. However, the weight of Thomas's stare struck me like a blade when his eyes shifted to me. It wasn't over, whatever they were planned. Not quite yet.