Chapter 13: Whispers of Loyalty

Alaina

“That's not the answer I was expecting,” Adrian said coldly. His hand suddenly shot forward, rough fingertips gripping my chin with surprising firmness.

I froze, breath hitching as his piercing eyes locked onto mine. There was an edge in his stare, one that made my instincts scream. Fear tangled in my chest like vines, but I held his gaze.

“Whatever it is you're scheming,” he murmured, leaning in, his voice low and almost predatory, “if you’re here with some hidden agenda, it won’t work. Do you want to know why?” His breath was warm against my skin. “Because I can read your body language like a book.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I jerked back, instinct taking over, and pushed him away with trembling hands.

“I didn’t ask for any of this,” I said, voice steady despite the tremble in my heart. “You’re the one who dragged me into this mess. Not the other way around.”

Adrian’s jaw flexed. He didn’t respond right away. Just stared. And then, a smile curled on his lips, empty of warmth, sharp with something unreadable.

“You’re different,” he said finally, voice barely above a whisper.

I hugged myself, the tension in the air tightening around me like a noose. “Can we please talk about something else?” I exhaled slowly, trying to release the weight pressing against my chest. “I don't want to ruin my chance at having a place to stay.”

He didn’t respond right away. So, I took the lead.

“What made you finally reach out to me?” I asked, shifting on my feet. “I never got to ask.”

He rubbed a hand along his jaw, pausing as if considering whether to share the truth. “I ran a test,” he said at last. “I spread a rumor, told them the Blackwood Pack was going bankrupt. I wanted to see who would stick around, who would fight beside me. Turns out, most of them wouldn’t. They scattered faster than I expected. No meetings. No discussions. Just... plans to leave.”

There was disbelief in his voice, but also something more, hurt, maybe.

I nodded slowly, letting that sink in. “The Pack Games are this week, aren’t they?” I asked softly. “They’re supposed to strengthen unity, right? One pack. One goal.”

His eyes flicked to mine, emotion flickering in their depths. For a heartbeat, I thought he might say something meaningful. But he held it back, swallowed it like it didn’t deserve air.

“Yes,” he said finally. “The Games are tomorrow.”

From what I’d seen since arriving in the Blackwood Pack, there was a strong system in place. Adrian’s leadership was obvious, his presence left no room for doubt. But a structured pack didn’t guarantee loyalty. That kind of bond had to be earned, nurtured.

We stepped into the courtyard. My gaze caught on a tall, striking man speaking to a group of wolves with confident authority.

“Who’s that?” I asked, watching him intently.

“My Beta,” Adrian said, not even looking. “Issac. He’s the one who spread the bankruptcy rumor. I told him exactly what to do. I know what he’s doing now, and why.”

Issac was magnetic. Azure blue hair framed a chiseled face, and his eyes are dark and intense, commanded the attention of everyone around him. It was obvious that he was used to being listened to.

“You’ll get results with tactics like that,” I murmured, keeping pace beside Adrian as we headed toward the castle. “But there are other ways to test loyalty. Ways that don’t burn trust in the process.”

Adrian didn’t even flinch. “I don’t need alternatives,” he said coolly. “My way works.”

I didn’t argue. There was no point when his mind was this set. Still, a small knot of unease twisted in my gut.

As we entered the castle, I couldn’t help but take it all in. It was surprisingly grand for something that had only existed for a year. The structure was sturdy, impressive. The hallways pulsed with energy, warriors, strategists, and a few familiar rogue faces. Adrian had clearly attracted strength from the shadows.

“I see why they follow you,” I admitted. “But it might be wise to talk to them before the Games. Bring them together. Make them feel like they’re part of something. Remind them what they're fighting for.”

We stopped in the center of the marble lobby. I faced him, eyes searching his.

“And don’t forget the basics—food, supplies, security. You can’t build a future without ensuring the present is stable.”

He smiled faintly. “You’re good with words.”

But he wouldn’t look at me.

“Are you even listening?” I asked. My frustration slipped through.

He met my gaze finally. And for once, he looked… unsure.

“I heard you,” he muttered. “But I’ve got this. The ones I trust? They’re trained. I don’t need to micromanage every move.”

I wanted to believe him. Really, I did. But doubt clawed at the back of my mind.

“Do you think I’m ready?” I asked softly. “That I know enough now to be part of this?”

His silence spoke volumes.

“When will I be given a room?” I added, more forcefully. “And maybe… something to eat? I haven’t exactly had a full meal since I got here.”

Adrian opened his mouth, but a sudden voice cut through the air.

“Alpha.”

Three women approached. Omegas. They were beautiful, blonde hair, eyes like clear skies, wearing matching smiles that didn’t quite reach their eyes.

He barely acknowledged me as they stepped closer, their hands brushing his like they had every right to touch him. My chest tightened, something bitter and sharp rising in my throat.

“Hey,” he greeted them softly, too softly.

They circled him like moths to a flame, and I stood there, forgotten. Their eyes slid past me like I was invisible.

“Who’s the newcomer?” one of them whispered, not even bothering to lower her voice.

I stiffened. The air around me thickened with something unspoken, and I realized then—being here didn’t mean I belonged.