Chapter 5

Verena

I’m pacing the floor of a gorgeous apartment, but the luxury of the place fades into the background as I think about who it belongs to.

So I found Alpha Niklaus King and oh my Goddess, no one ever mentioned just how handsome the man is. He’s a great deal taller than Lucan, and older. With blue eyes so light that they look grey like mine, and a body built to be a weapon. Slicked back jet black hair and an air of cocky confidence around him, I can see why he rules this part of the city.

Being older means he has more knowledge than Lucan, and I am sure that must piss him off immensely.

However, that’s the least of my worries. I don’t know what will happen to me once Alpha Niklaus finds out what I told him is true; stupid me didn’t think about the repercussions. I know he’ll want me to tell him how exactly I knew what no one else knew.

There’s no way I can tell him I know that information because I learned it over the course of five years… in the future. Might as well throw me in a padded cell right now. So I’ll have to lie, I guess. The only issue with that is I fucking suck at lying.

I’m so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I didn’t hear the footsteps behind me until it felt like someone was watching me. When I spin around, he’s standing there … his button-down shirt and forearms covered in someone’s blood.

“I’ve just come from a very … fruitful interrogation,” he says and I nearly snort at the word he used. More like a torture session and from the looks of things, Alpha Niklaus is quite adept at it.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

He smirks. “Oh, more than I was looking for … and thanks to you, little spitfire, my sister is still alive,” he says, slowly walking toward me and I take a step back. “What astounds me, though, is my uncle didn’t know who you were.”

I swallow deeply. “Why should he know who I am?”

Alpha Niklaus lifts one shoulder in a shrug. “I thought you were perhaps close to Lucan, seeing as you had such good information,” he says, then he crosses his arms. “But as far as he knows … you’re a nobody. Care to explain?”

I glance down at his hands and forearms, and know now why he decided to walk in here looking like that. It’s a scare tactic; ‘if you don’t want to end up like this, you better speak’. But I’ve had my share of intimidating techniques. In fact, I was married to someone who gaslit the hell out of me.

Blood doesn’t scare me; not my own, and definitely not someone else’s.

“I am nobody. I used to be in Crescent Fang pack up until 6pm today; then I turned Rogue,” I say, trying to sound confident and failing.

“Why did you leave?”

“Because I no longer saw him as my Alpha, not after finding things out about him. I vowed to never serve an Alpha who takes pride in killing innocent people,” I say, clenching my jaw.

Lucan is as responsible for my death as Anabella is; he may not have wielded that dagger, but he was the reason behind it. He just couldn’t let go of her and made her think she had a space in his life even after we were married and claimed each other.

Alpha Niklaus’ eyes seem to widen at this, and I see a sliver of understanding in his eyes before he masks it again. “Admirable. So, are you going to tell me how you know these things?”

“Are you going to keep me locked up here?”

“Depends. You’re of an enemy pack. How can I trust you? You've just shown me that even my blood relatives can’t be trusted, so why should I extend that same courtesy to you?” he says, making so much damn sense that I hate him for it.

I sigh. “Listen, I didn’t come here to argue with you or to force you to believe me. But I have information that can save your family members. Although…” I trail off, frowning. “I don’t know how Lucan will react, knowing his plans have failed,” I say.

Shit, I didn’t stop to think how this might ripple into what my future was.

I replaced my blue dress for a black one, and Lucan seemed ready to devour me. But changing an entire plot to kill Kristina King … what will the repercussions be?

“Well, lucky for you, no one knows my sister got out of the hotel, so I’m sure he still thinks she’s dead,” he says, cocking his head to the side. “Now, will you tell me your name and what exactly your plan is here?”

“My plan …” I trail off and the ice around my heart nearly melts at the thought of how much hurt I’m carrying. “Is to see Lucan lose everything he holds dear. And my name … Is Verena.”

He’s quiet for a few seconds, giving me a once over that makes me feel naked, before he nods. “Well, Verena, thank you for saving my sister’s life. For that, I owe you. Do you seek asylum in my territory?”

“Yes, Alpha,” I answer immediately, and he lifts an eyebrow at me.

“Granted, but until I can trust you, I will have to monitor you closely. That includes close surveillance in this apartment, as well as someone who will be following you. In exchange, you can stay here, free of charge, until you’re ready to leave,” he says, flooring me.

I didn’t expect him to be so kind; in fact, I expected him to have me strung up with silver chains and leave me there to rot. The Alpha who sees no difference in men or women, who kills indiscriminately … is offering me a place to stay free of charge.

The tail and constant surveillance doesn’t bother me, that was a given. But still…

“From the look on your face, it’s safe to say you weren’t expecting my brand of kindness,” he says with amusement colouring his tone.

I shake my head. “No, not with … everything I heard about you. Thank you … I’ll repay you—”

“Bullshit, you will do no such thing. You saved my sister’s life, kitten. I am indebted to you,” he says, then he takes a step back. “I’ll see you soon.”

Holy shit, that nickname shouldn't make me feel this... I don't know, turned on?

“Wait, Alpha Niklaus,” I call him and he stops just as he turns. He looks at me over his shoulder. “I don’t suppose you … have any job openings in this hotel, do you?”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “Goodnight, Verena,” then he walks out.

I put my hands on my hips and huff. Well, I suppose I can’t expect more than free board here, so I’ll need to find a job. I have to go fetch my luggage in the car I drove over here and with my savings, I can buy some food for at least a week.

So I guess I’m not that useless.

Well, this is the first step into a life I am not used to and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. But five years of pain has made me stronger, and it’s made me want to survive and live for me.

I will never allow a man to control me. Not ever again.