When you say off...

Emily’s POV

I miss him so much. Hunter looked desperate to touch me, and I felt his want.

His hands touching my body, I kept replaying it over and over in my head. A longing twisted inside me, sharp and sweet, making it hard to breathe. I wanted him so badly it hurt, but guilt pressed at me too, heavy and confusing. Was it wrong to let these memories take over? I couldn’t tell. My mind swirled with thoughts of Hunter, unable to quiet the ache in my chest. I needed to rest.

Nolan was sleeping on a mattress on the floor. The door was locked. I didn’t want him to be out there on a chair. He needs rest, too.

I trust him. My gut feeling tells me to, and I know he will protect me. Okay, sleep, I told myself, and I closed my eyes, thinking of Hunter.

In the dream, as always, I run, but when I turn my head, I see his face. I scream, then I tumble again.

Emily, a voice calls me. I open my eyes to see Nolan.

You’re dreaming, he said. Come on, we have to go; there is a meeting today, and Alpha wants everyone there.

This is not good, I told myself. Not good.

Seeing Hunter with Isabella, his arm around her waist, feels so painful, knowing last night he touched me, needing me. The image of him holding Isabella in front of everyone twists the knife deeper, and I can't stop wondering if he's playing with me or just with her for the pack. I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster, happy when I remember our time together, then suddenly sad and lost.

Tonight we will have the ceremony, he started. Isabella will be the luna of the pack.

Word has it you won’t let her in your bed, someone said.

Show your face if you have something to say, Hunter growled.

No one did—Kaden’s instigators.

I felt a hand on my shoulder: Mr. Ben, Hunter's grandfather.

Emily, please be careful, he whispered. Nolan is watching, but Kaden is getting stronger. I warn Hunter, but he seems off.

When you say off…

Like, he doesn’t hear me, it's weird. If it gets too much, and you have to leave, go east. The woods past the pack house get dense, and the ground rises under your feet. After the elevation, the air turns colder and the trees thin out, letting in pale silver light at dusk. I have a house there—old logs, moss at the base, always smelling like damp pine. Sometimes crows gather on the roof, calling to each other when the wind shifts. Hide there. Then he turned and limped away.

After the meeting, everyone went back to doing chores. I thought about my last two dreams. I think I have a brother, and the man’s face seemed familiar.  I wanted to search for him, but I made a promise to Hunter. I bury the hurt deep in my heart. I stayed for him. And because I loved him.

Hunter’s POV

I open my eyes to see her with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Good morning, Alpha, she said, sitting on the bed. then handed me the coffee as I sat up. Took like three gulps. Her hand was touching my body.

Pax whimpered. What is wrong with him?

She took my boxers down and started to lick my cock. I felt a sick twist in my gut, the urge to push her away warring with the pounding in my chest. I closed my eyes and imagined Emily—her warmth, her voice, the way she looked at me when no one else was watching. Guilt and anger tangled inside me. The response was immediate; my body betrayed everything, and my mind was screaming. Shame burned hot under my skin. I will not open my eyes; just let it ride. There is no comfort in this, only a hollow ache I try to ignore.

I came into her mouth, thinking of Emily, as I was thinking of our encounter. Isabella was pleased. Good, maybe she gets off my back.

Let’s stay a little longer in bed, you and me…I was about to protest, and everything seemed slow motion. She fucking put something in my coffee.

Fucking bitch. I pushed her, and she laughed.

Stupid Alpha. You can even get your cock to get up for me, but don’t worry, he will. He will fuck me as I like it. Now, look at me, you will announce the ceremony tonight. " I have a surprise," she said. "Shhhh." I can’t spoil it.

Her laugh gave me chills. I’m going to fucking kill her, I know that. Pax is howling in my head, danger. Too late, whatever she gave me made me weak. Made him weak.

" Get dressed, she tells me. Or I can help you. Now you listen and be a good boy.

I felt paralyzed, my brain foggy and thick as mud, every thought dragging slowly and heavily. It was like something was pressing down on me from the inside, smothering the wolf in me, shutting out Pax completely. I tried to force my limbs to move, to break free, but only a dull tremor went through me, no strength, just numbness, like my own body wasn’t mine anymore. Panic flared, sharp and useless, trapped behind the haze. This wasn’t right. I tried to call Pax again, desperately, but nothing came back. I was fading, losing control, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it. This is not going to end well.

I gave my speech and looked in the crowd, my eyes blurry, but I saw her, my Emily, talking to my grandfather.

She needs to go somewhere safe. I wanted to go to her. Isabella grabbed my middle tight. Smile and kiss my cheek.

Why do I listen to her? It's like I have no will. Then the reality of it hit me. And I knew what would happen next. And one person was running the show:

Kaden.

For months, he has been waiting for this chance, hiding behind smiles and empty words. Now, watching me fall under Isabella's control, I feel his satisfaction, cold and sharp. He wants the pack, wants me gone, and this is his move. Whatever he's planning, it's more than just power play. There is real danger here, and I know he's willing to destroy anyone in his way, including Emily.