Chapter 6

OCTAVIA

I paced back and forth in my room, my mind spinning like a wheel stuck in mud. I could just smell trouble in the atmosphere. I wasn’t a fool. I could already tell Alpha Dorian suspected me. Every word I’d spoken to him felt like he was taking account of them. He’d probably already started digging into my story, turning over every lie I’d carefully planted.

And if he found out the truth, if he found out why I was really here, then it was game over for me. My mission, my only chance at freedom… gone. Even Dory.

I couldn’t let that happen. Not yet. Not when I hadn’t even gotten close enough to do what I’d been sent here for. Maeron would have my head.

I raked a hand through my hair, blowing out a long breath, trying to calm the panic growing in my chest. I needed to think. To act fast. Somehow, I had to get his trust before everything fell apart. But how could I do that when he didn’t even look like the kind of man to trust anyone so easily? His eyes were cold, sharp, and to be honest, quite intimidating for comfort. He wasn't going to make this mission easy for me, I could already tell.

A sudden knock on the door made me freeze mid-step.

I frowned, turning toward the door, and forcing my voice to sound calm. “Who is it?”

Silence.

I waited a moment, then crossed the room and opened the door slowly.

Standing there was a female around my age, with curly red hair and a smile so bright it felt like sunlight itself was standing right in front of me. Before I could react, or ask what she wanted, she threw her arms around me and hugged me so tight it knocked the breath from my lungs.

“Oh Goddess, you poor thing! I’m so sorry about what happened to your pack!” she rushed out, her voice soft but bubbling with energy. She held me closer, her hand rubbing my back. “I know you must have been through so much, but don't worry, you’re safe now. Really, you’re completely safe here. No one would dare step into Shadow Crescent territory to hurt you. Our pack have a reputation, you know. No one would want to risk it, no matter who they are. You’re going to be okay, I promise.”

I stood completely frozen in her arms, my eyes wide and my mouth slightly open, completely caught off guard. No one had hugged me like this in… years. Except if I counted Dory. I didn't remember when last it was that anyone hugged me like this, not since I lost my entire family as a child. It felt almost like a completely new feeling for me.

As if noticing how tense I was, she pulled back then, her cheeks flushed when she saw my stunned face. “Oh! Sorry… I didn’t mean to overwhelm you.” She let out a small, embarrassed laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m Vanessa, by the way. Beta Colton’s younger sister. I, um… heard about you from my brother last night and thought I’d come see you this morning, you know, just to help lessen the boredom.”

It took me a second to find my voice, and I cleared my throat, nodding my head. “Thank you… Vanessa. That’s very kind of you.”

“Oh, don’t mention it!” she said, waving a hand. Then her eyes lit up. “Hold on, I actually brought you something!”

She turned, reached into the corner of the hallway, and picked up a large bag. She held it out toward me, still smiling.

I stared at it, suspicion tightening my gut. What was in the bag, and why was she giving it to me? “What’s this?” I asked simply, keeping my voice low and calm.

Vanessa giggled. “It doesn’t bite, you know! Go on, take it.”

After a moment, I slowly reached out and cautiously took the bag.

“Good! There you go!” she said brightly. “It’s just some clothes and shoes for you to wear.”

I blinked, confused. Clothes and… “But… I didn’t send for any clothes. Or shoes for that matter.”

“I know, silly,” she laughed again, her voice light and teasing. “They’re mine! I figured you’d need something to change into after the state in which you arrived here last night, so… It’s nothing fancy, really. But it should fit.”

The thoughtfulness caught me off guard, making my chest tighten in a way I didn’t like. Who was this girl? I wasn't used to any sort of kindness, and definitely not from strangers. I came here on a mission, and a very deadly one at that. Not to mingle and make friends. I couldn't afford any sort of distraction, but looking at this girl, I had a feeling she was going to be a problem.

“Thank you,” I managed softly, feeling completely awkward and uncomfortable with the situation.

“You’re welcome!” she chirped, brushing it off like it was nothing. Then her eyes grew curious. “Um… do you mind if I come in?”

I blinked again, surprised. She wanted to come in? People didn’t usually ask to be around me. As a matter of fact, I couldn't remember the last time anyone wanted to be anywhere near me. Except Dory… and that was different.

“Uh… sure,” I said, slowly stepping aside for her to pass.