LOGINAdrian's POVI left the examination room. Silas appeared immediately."Alpha, this was my oversight."My tone was ice. "Go to the Punishment Hall. Thirty lashes.""Yes, Alpha."He drove me back to the pack house first, then left.I collapsed onto my bed, utterly drained.My mind replayed every intimate moment I'd had with Lina since coming back from Africa.She was a key.But I was no longer the lock she fit.My phone buzzed for what felt like forever before I finally gathered the strength to answer. "Speak.""Adrian, my father managed to contact a healer in England. A pack doctor wolf from a pack that's been around for centuries. He's treated dying wolves before — even ones with wounds as bad as yours. If anyone can save you, it's him."This should have been good news delivered directly by Dr. Cooper. But his daughter Freya had decided to use it as leverage to get closer to me instead.
Lina's POVI escaped to the restroom to fix myself.The mirror showed everything—the bite mark on my neck, still raw and red. My eyes reflecting that shimmering mix of longing and devastation.I covered my face with both hands and let out a soft, broken sob.When I finally left the restaurant, I ran straight into Chloe."Lina! What are you doing here?" Her voice was bright with surprise.I forced a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Meeting a client.""But you quit K&S, didn't you? Mandy told me you went to work at some historical restoration studio. You still meet clients there?""Yeah.""It's getting late. Let me drive you home!""No need. I have my car."The car was a gift from Jasper for my eighteenth birthday. I rarely drove it—it had been sitting in the Lockwood Pack garage all these years.When I quit and moved out to rent my own place, Elena had insisted I take it."Lina
Author's POV"Where's Dad?" Chloe looked up from her corner, suddenly realizing her father had vanished.Taylor glanced around. "Bathroom, maybe?"Elijah refilled Mandy's glass. "He said he needed air. Went outside."He personally handed the drink to Mandy, his voice dropping. "I can't drink tonight. Will my dear sister drink for me?"A mocking smile curved across Mandy's striking face. "Is that a threat?""How could it be?" Elijah swirled his own glass, heat flickering in his eyes. "Call it... interest on a debt."Mandy's hands clenched into fists.Taylor quickly intervened, worried these two would cause a scene and ruin his carefully laid plans. "I'll drink it for Mandy.""Seems I'm not welcome here." Elijah's tone went cold."Cross, don't start shit!" Taylor hissed.Mandy snatched the glass from Elijah's hand and downed it in one motion. "Satisfied?"The heat in Elijah's eyes intensified. "My sist
Adrian's POV"Either Jasper gives up everything and marries her."My voice came out rough, scraped raw by the words I was forcing myself to say."Or she leaves Ravenport and starts over. Free. Just Lina Ward living her own life."I stood on the top floor of Rose Haven, the words hanging in the air like smoke. Maybe I was talking to Derek and Silas behind me. Maybe I was just talking to myself.I was forcing Jasper to make a choice—the final choice. If he truly loved her, he'd have to put her first. Above everything else. Above pack politics and family expectations and his own ambitions.No matter which option she chose, I wouldn't let Lockwood Pack fall. I'd make sure of that much, at least."She chose neither option." The words tasted like ash in my mouth. Self-mockery twisted through my chest as I continued."She chose to sell herself instead. Made herself into a bargaining chip for Hayes Pack. All to save the Lockwoods
Lina's POVI stood outside the Black Olive Restaurant, feeling a wave of grim determination settle over me.I'd called Matthew Hayes—the Alpha's son I'd been set up with on that blind date months ago. The one I'd rejected because I was still married to Adrian.When I'd mentioned a potential business collaboration on the phone, Matthew had been immediately interested. Eager, even."Miss Ward!" Matthew stood when I approached the table, his eyes sharp with curiosity.I sat down and pulled out the contract I'd prepared, sliding it across the table."If you're ready to move forward, Mr. Hayes, we can sign this right now. Don't worry—Alpha Victor has already reviewed it. Once we sign, it's binding."Matthew's eyes narrowed as he studied me. "I have to admit, Miss Ward, I'm impressed. You even got Alpha Victor on board.""Very few people in our circles know that Adrian and I got married and divorced," I said evenly.
Lina's POVI met his icy gray gaze head-on."Force him to choose between pack interests and me?"The realization crashed over me like a wave of ice water. He knew. He knew that Jasper and I had only been together for three months before an arranged marriage tore us apart.And now he wanted me to go through that same torture again?But Adrian was the one who'd saved me from that painful Chapter of my life. He'd been my hero. I'd fallen in love with him, been willing to charge into battle for him, to become the perfect Alpha's mate that high society demanded.And what had he done?Thrown me away.And now he wouldn't let anyone else have me either.He was going to make me the discarded choice. Again."Adrian Storm!" The fury in my chest was too much to contain. "What gives you the right?!"My hand flew up before I could stop it, connecting with his face with a sharp crack that echoed through the parking garage.







