Escape

Before I can respond, Beta Pride swiftly intervenes. "She passed in childbirth, Alpha Thane. It's a painful memory for us both and why my Makayla is so dear to me."

I would think he meant those words if I didn't know better. Maybe Beta Pride has his eyes set on a future in the arts. His devotion to his own act this evening is downright award-winning. That sad look on his face… you'd never know he curses my mother every single day and beats her daughter whenever he can.

The mask is slipping. It's now or never.

"Thank you for the opportunity to meet you," I say, and then, with tightly controlled composure, I turn and exit.

Racing out of that suffocating study, I gasp for breath, and my body trembles with relief. The promise of the night air calls to me. I crave it against my clammy skin.

Every step brings me closer to freedom, away from the oppressive walls of the packhouse and the critical gaze of everyone who wishes me dead.

Pushing through the exterior doors, I nearly weep when