MasukValerieMy head is a mess. I am overwhelmed trying to think of the reason Sebastian said all those things about me. I may have been apart from him for years, but I'd like to believe I know him well. He’s not the type to spread lies. He could be spineless and ruthless a t times, but he’d never ruin my reputation just for the fun of it.Someone cooked up those stories about me. If Sebastian believes it, then a lot of evidence must have been shown to him. One person comes to mind. Celeste Blackthorne.She’s a schemer. I know all her lies, including the fact that she never had a shattered bond to begin with. I wasn’t a reputable doctor in Bloodcrest for nothing. I could tell that beneath that weak front she put up, there were a lot of lies buried. But I didn't expose her. How could I? Everyone in the pack was on her side. The outcome wouldn’t have changed even if I had let them know that she was pretending.But Celeste couldn’t have pulled such a big scam off on her own. Someone bigger a
Kai“You never listened to me when I suggested joining the council, what changed all of sudden?” Peyton asks, a teasing undertone in his voice. “You were so adamant about leaving Ashville on its own that I gave up trying to convince you.”“No man is an island,” I tell him. “I deduced that quite later than you wanted.”“Alpha Kai, I don't think that’s the only reason.” He straightens, a knowing smile lining his face. “I heard a rumor. Valerie won’t be allowed to stay in Ashville if you’re not a member of the council. I’d like to believe that’s your driving factor for giving in.”It probably is, but it doesn’t mean I didn't weigh the pros and cons of my decision. Peyton has been right all along. Being on the council has a lot of advantages.It’s the day I officially become a member. Behind the wheel, Peyton stops the car in the parking lot of the hall and unfastens his seatbelt. “Should I wait here till you’re done, or you’ll like to drive with your Luna?”Resisting the urge to roll
Valerie“Seraphina, you’re suspended from duties till I say otherwise,” Kai instructs. “You’re to receive fifty lashes and be locked up for three days, with no food or water. I’m sure you know why you deserve such punishment.”Seraphina’s eyes widen in horror. She forces a chuckle, looking around, dazed. “Kai, that’s too harsh. You heard Jasper. I did it because he wanted me to. What exactly is my crime here?”“I do not believe a word Jaser says.” Kai crouches to her level, his voice calm. “I know my brother. He said all that he did to get you out of trouble, but I know he isn't such a schemer. I gave you a chance to say the truth, but you overlooked it. For that, you have to pay.”“This is too much,” she cries out. “Fifty lashes is a lot.”“You’re a warrior.” the words are out before I can stop them. “You can handle that much.”Kai snaps a finger. With that, three hefty guards advance and pull Seraphina away. I block out her screams and walk away, desperate to get out of there. It h
Valerie“With all due respect, Alpha, there’s no reason for you to keep me tied up like this. I only followed the rules of the land. We have treated spies a lot worse than I did in the past. Why is it a problem when I treat Valerie this way?”Seraphina has been claiming to be right all day. According to her, she handled the situation according to Ashville’s laws. Lady Juliet is in a bind. As for Kai, it’s hard to tell what he’s thinking. Seraphina glances down at the chains on her hand, her lips curved up in a smirk. “You know you have no casse against me, Kai. why don’t you let me go?”I can’t help the bitter laugh that leaves my lips. “Seraphina, you accused me wrongly. You can’t frame me to be a spy without evidence.”“You were in a building which is out of bounds to everyone but the Alpha and section leaders. Even though I am a distinguished warrior of this pack, my access there is limited. Not everyone knows the password of that building. How did you get it?”“It was open.”“Di
ValerieFor once after so many hours, there’s light pouring into the room. The place had been so dark throughout it was starting to get on my nerves. Tears stream down my cheeks as I stare at Kai. His jaw clenches. I feel his anger emanates from him in waves.Lady Juliet and the triplets rush in, their faces lined with worry. As soon as she sees me, Lady Juleit lets out a scream. “Valerie, what happened to you?”Kai rises to his full height, exhaling. As if on cue, the guards around sink to their knees. “Alpha!” the announcement in unison. “She was brought here as a spy. We were instructed to detain and interrogate her.”“Who ordered that?”The guards exchanged glances, obviously holding back on saying the truth. I force a weak smile. It hurts so much that a wince leaves my lips. Seraphina had done a good job of making me believe that Kai had me locked up.“Do not make me repeat myself.” The Alpha’s voice is calm, unusually calm. It unnerves even the guards. They bow deeper, their h
ValerieI can’t feel my legs. I can’t feel anything. My arms are numb. I don’t know how long I have been like this. For hours, I have struggled with lightheadedness. It’s probably due to the excessive loss of blood. I don’t know how long I can hold out again.“You still won’t confess?” seraphina say for the upteenth time. “You will not? You were caught red handed, Valerie. You snuck into Ashville, tried to seduce the Alpha just so you could get access to critical information. Won’t you confess?”“Why are you doing this, seraphina? You know I am innocent.”“I am not blinded by sentiments, Valerie. If the Alpha will make reckless decisions because of you, I will keep him in check. That is my duty as a warrior.”“You were demoted, weren't you?” I sneer. “Is that why you’re mad at me? I didn’t cause that. You chose to use your position to abuse me because you think I am here to take your place, and Kai taught you a lesson.”“Kai?” she scoffs, her eyes darkening. Rolling her eyes, she sm







