Chapter 3

That night, the shock caught up with me, and I spiked a high fever.

Through the haze, I saw my mother, Eleanor. She had come to take care of me, even though I rarely spent time with her. I had been living in Herman's pack all along.

I regretted leaving her alone for a man who wasn't worth it.

A knock came at the door. Herman appeared, bringing the cold air in with him, carrying several kinds of medicine.

When he saw I was awake, he rushed over and took my hand. "You're finally up."

He touched my forehead and handed me some medicine and water. "Your fever's going down. Take some more medicine and you'll be fine."

He squeezed my hand tightly. "You scared me to death. I waited for you for so long, and your phone was off.

"I thought you'd passed out on the side of the road again, like last time."

Once, I'd lost my keys and couldn't get home. I was too scared to be alone, so I wandered the streets instead.

I happened upon two werewolves fighting over territory, blood everywhere, and it frightened me so badly I fainted on the spot. Herman was the one who found me unconscious by the road.

When I woke up, he held me so tightly that his voice cracked. "From now on, no matter what happens, never leave my sight. Whatever happens, don't be afraid. I'll always be with you."

Herman fed me milk and wiped a drop from the corner of my mouth.

"Yesterday was my fault. I didn't think you'd be that scared. I should've told you first. But the haunted house was Clara's prize for winning the bet, and when she got bored of it, I couldn't force her to stay. It was my mistake, and I'm sorry. But I have a surprise for you. Once my father passes the Alpha title to me, we'll get married. I've been looking at a new house. I'll take you to see it tonight."

I'd told him before that I dreamed of living on a beautiful estate after we got married.

Back then, Herman had brushed it off. "What's so great about a place like that? There's nothing around. Downtown is way better."

Now he was using that dream to make up for what he'd done.

But I no longer felt excited about it.

I agreed anyway. That evening, I followed the address he gave me to a quiet estate far from town.

I waited for hours. Eventually, the road emptied and every house around me went dark.

The estate's security guard asked me again, "Ma'am, where are you trying to go?"

"I don't know." Herman hadn't told me which house. I pulled out my phone to call him.

Three hours earlier, he'd said he was already on his way.

I dialed his number. No one picked up.

Another hour passed. Even the security guard turned off the light in his booth. The entire estate was pitch black, and I was completely alone.

Then Herman finally texted me.

"You're such a fool. The house I bought isn't even here. I just thought this place was remote enough to train you, so I sent you the location. Joey, tonight's challenge is to walk down the mountain alone. Don't bother calling a cab. There aren't any out here at night."

Another one of his tests, designed to make me braver.

At the same time, Clara posted on Instagram. The photo showed her and Herman building a snowman together.

The caption read, "Here's to having you by my side on this day, every year."

I checked the date. Today was Christmas.

I liked her post. Then I sent Herman a new message.

"Herman, let's break up."

Once again, I was alone on a dark, empty mountain. But this time, I wasn't afraid. I walked down the mountain alone.

Herman, you're not that important.