Chapter 3

Fenrik's POV

“Hello, brother,” I said, flashing a crooked smile as Rhunar stepped into view. “Didn’t expect to find you here at the cinema.”

His jaw tightened the moment he saw my hand wrapped around Agatha’s. “Let her go, Fenrik,” he said, voice low but firm as he moved closer.

I raised an eyebrow, my grin widening. “What are you going to do, Rhunar? Run off and tell Daddy dearest?” I tilted my head, enjoying the twitch of irritation in his jaw.

He was right in front of me now, our shoulders nearly touching. We both growled low under our breaths—just enough for only us to hear. Every nerve in my body buzzed with the urge to throw a punch. But I stopped myself.

Not here. Not now. This was a public space, packed with humans and wolves alike. And I’d just returned after seven long years. Starting a fight on day one wasn’t exactly how I planned to announce my comeback.

“Alright then,” I said, lifting my hands in mock surrender. “Here.”

I let go of her wrist and watched as Agatha rushed to Rhunar’s side. Like always.

I stayed rooted in place, watching the two of them walk off. But my eyes didn’t leave her—not for a second.

Agatha.

She was different now. Not the small, quiet girl who followed her mother into the pack house all those years ago. She had grown. And damn, she looked radiant. Her hair caught the light like flame. Her skin glowed with warmth.

I remembered her first day clearly. I was fifteen. She was ten. Timid. Small. Frightened. Yet something about her had tugged at me in a way no one else ever had.

She was the first omega I ever liked.

But she never saw me—not really. Just like everyone else, she looked at me and saw the troublemaker. The odd one. The pack’s black sheep. And maybe I leaned into it a little too much—causing chaos, stirring fights. It made people notice me. It made me feel alive.

But today, seeing her again?

It stirred something else entirely.

I had only just returned, and already my plans were ruined. My shirt, once crisp and clean, was now dripping green thanks to Agatha’s clumsiness. Great. So much for meeting up with… what was her name again? Stacy? Nancy? Didn’t matter anymore. A little fun before heading home had turned into a stain-soaked disaster.

Now I had to return to the one place I swore I’d never set foot in again—home. Or as I like to call it: hell.

A disappointed father who barely acknowledged I existed.

A mother too soft-hearted for her own good.

An annoying little sister who never shuts up.

And the golden boy—Rhunar. The brother who smiled and took everything that was supposed to be mine.

The moment my car rolled into the driveway, I didn’t even get the chance to turn off the engine before someone stepped into my path.

“Stay away from her, Fenrik.”

I leaned out the window, not even surprised. “I don’t know who you’re talking about,” I lied with a smirk. “But if it’s Agatha—don’t count on it. I won’t be staying away.”

Rhunar stood in front of me, radiating that self-righteous Alpha energy like he was born wearing a crown. It made my blood boil.

“At least say hi first, little brother. What, no welcome home?” I stepped out of the car, slowly, intentionally, letting my presence press against his.

“You are no brother of mine,” he said, eyes cold and sharp. “Dad made it clear—you weren’t supposed to show your face here again. So why are you back, Fenrik?”

I chuckled, low and dangerous. “You don’t get to ask questions. This is my land. My pack.”

I took a step closer, our noses almost touching.

“Did you really think I’d just sit back and let you steal what was mine? I’m the rightful Alpha, Rhunar. I will take back everything that belongs to me—including her.”

That’s when he snapped.

He grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked me forward, fists clenched so tight q knuckles turned white. “Nothing here belongs to you. Agatha is mine. This pack is mine. And if I see you anywhere near my mate again, I’ll rip your damn head off.”

I didn’t flinch. I didn’t blink.

I just smiled.

“Watch me, brother.”

And just like that, the war that ended seven years ago had begun again.

The morning sun spilled through the curtains, brushing warmth across my face. For the first time in a long while, I woke up smiling. Not because I was home—hell no. But because I saw her again. Agatha. Even if it was just for a moment, even if she looked at me like I was trouble… she still looked.

I stretched, took a long shower, and padded down the stairs barefoot, hoping to grab something quick from the kitchen. The house was unusually quiet—no father barking orders, no fake smiles from my little sister. Word was they’d all gone out of town for some high-ranking pack meeting. Good. Less drama to deal with.

But the second I stepped into the living room, my heart paused.

Agatha.

She was sitting on the couch, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. Her presence was like a punch to the gut—soft but undeniable.

“Well, look who decided to show up this morning,” I said with a smirk, moving closer.

Her body went stiff. She didn’t even need to speak; everything about her posture screamed unwelcome.

“Hey, about last night,” she began, avoiding my gaze. “I’m really sorry. I’ll pay for the dry cleaning.”

I shrugged casually. “No need. Threw the shirt out—it’s useless now. I don’t wear things twice.” A lie. The shirt was hanging in my closet like some kind of twisted trophy.

“But,” I added with a grin, “you will have to make it up to me.”

Her jaw clenched, and for a second, I thought she might throw something at me.

“Let me guess,” I said, cocking my head. “You’re here for your prince charming?”

A flicker of something passed over her face. Embarrassment? Guilt? Either way, it hit me harder than I expected.

“Yes—uh—no,” she stammered. “Rhunar and I have a school project.”

I leaned against the couch, watching her like a hawk. “He’s not here. Left early with his precious little mate, Lya.”

There it was—the flicker of pain she tried so hard to hide. I smelled the jealousy before I saw it. It was bitter. Familiar.

“You know,” I said, stepping a little closer, “I always thought you and Rhunar would be mates. You followed him around like a lost puppy.”

She backed up instinctively. I followed—slow, deliberate.

“You turned eighteen this month, right? That means you’ve found your mate.” My voice dropped, eyes locked on hers. “So… who is he?”

She swallowed hard. “It’s none of your business.”

But her face said everything. She’d found him. And he didn’t want her.

“Did he reject you?”

That shattered her.

She stumbled, legs wobbling beneath her. I caught her before she hit the floor, holding her tighter than I should have.

Her breath trembled. Her eyes wouldn’t meet mine.

“If you were my mate, Agatha…” I whispered, voice low, lips inches from her cheek, “I would accept you in a heartbeat.”

I lifted her chin so she had no choice but to look at me.

“All you have to do… is accept me.”