Chapter 4

Mo’s Pov

I blinked and quickly looked away from Daren. It hit me that I had just worried about Radek. I definitely wasn't caring about him, I was just worried about Daren. At least that was what I believed. 

“I just don’t want father finding out you guys are friends,” I said, brushing invisible lint off my hoodie like it helped me lie better.

Daren rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever. Get out of my room. I need to dress before he starts a morning lecture I'm clearly not ready for.” 

I stood there for a second longer than I should have, then I turned and walked out.

I left him and walked down the stairs, my arms folded and my legs wobbling. What if it was Radek in the bayou last night? What if he didn’t make it out? Did father know he was there?

No. If it were him, father would have come back with a bloodstained blade and a smile. Or maybe he already did, and he's just acting normal until breakfast ends.

My stomach turned. I glanced at the kitchen door. The scent of grilled tomatoes and sausage should’ve been comforting but it wasn’t.

I moved to the table when one of the maids gestured. I took the seat farthest from my father. It was safer that way. I glared at the cutlery, waiting for my father. He arrived and he picked up a fork, and so did I.

Father sat without a word. I watched his hands, there was no blood. His face didn’t look pleased, but it rarely ever did. That didn’t mean anything. He was always in a bad mood and we weren't allowed to crack a joke. We choose our words carefully around our father. 

He glanced at the stairs. “Where’s your brother?”

I opened my mouth to respond, but Daren walked in right on time. “I’m here, father.”

He took his seat. We hadn’t eaten for more than five minutes when father dropped his cutlery and looked at us.

“Here it comes.” I thought to myself. 

“You both understand that the future of this pack rests on your shoulders, don’t you?”

Daren and I nodded, chewing slowly. We didn’t look at each other.

“Good,” father said. “Daren, you’ll be traveling with me to West Oak Ridge for a few days. Ask for exemption from college this week, especially the game.”

Daren’s spoon froze halfway to his mouth. He blinked. “What? Father, no. Hockey's everything to me. You know that.”

“And what about the pack?” Father’s tone didn’t rise, but he sure was already fuming with rage. 

“You’re the next Alpha of Ravenmont, I don't think you have the right to question me.” 

“Father—” 

“I’ve allowed too much freedom already. You've had enough girls all swapped around you. And I think you've played hockey enough too. I promised your mother I would keep you away from the Moonvale pack, I’ve done that, and I’ll continue to. You also need to find a mate this year at the mating ceremony, I can't watch you ruin my reputation and put me to shame!” He growled. 

The silence after that felt so heavy, Daren slowly set his spoon down. I held onto mine so tightly. 

He didn’t fight it any longer. Not like he had a choice anyways. 

For someone who walked around school like he had it all. Status, talent, the girls…he was nothing but a leashed son at home. Father tugged the chain, and he sat. It was no different for me either, but I had better chances. I never questioned my father, I only feared him. 

I looked at Daren, his fist clenched and his jaw tight. He wouldn’t speak, but I could try. 

“Father,” I began, placing my fork down, “if you leave with Daren, I’ll be alone here. I... I’m not used to that.”

“You did just fine last night,” father said, not looking at me. “Coming home drunk, that is.”

My mouth opened, then shut. Drunk? I wasn’t drunk. I was cold and sick, tired too. But definitely not drunk.

Daren cleared his throat. “She wasn’t, I was. I’m the one who had too much.”

“I know that too,” father replied, not even pausing. “Pack your things,” he added. “And pack some manners with them. You’ll need it.”

He wiped his hands with a napkin, stood up and left.

Daren got up next, quietly. No one said anything, not even the maids that stood nearby dared to question my father. 

I stayed seated, staring at my half untouched food. The steam was gone, my appetite too.

Nothing made sense anymore. Father didn't talk about the person he caught at the bayou, but he didn't show any sign of satisfaction. I was partially relieved and I didn't know why. 

And why did I care if Radek made it home or not? Or if father killed him and we just had to await a war from the Moonvale pack.

I looked down at my phone when it buzzed. A message flashed across the screen:

“ou look really pretty from a distance, little wolf. Can’t wait to see you up close.”

I blinked and blinked again.

I was still at the table. The house was quiet, apart from the clink of dishes behind me. I looked around, no windows were open, but someone was watching. In Ravenmont territory? My heart beat once, and hard.

I wasn't trained to be scared of anything, if it wasn't my father. I took a deep breath and stood up, curious.

Radek doesn't call me little wolf. It couldn't be him. Whoever was watching me, was calling for trouble.