LOGINLayla’s POVThe forest feels different the moment I cross through the hidden path. It’s quieter here, the cold air like a blanket that softens every sound. Even my boots thumping against the stone sounds muffled.The soft crunch of snow and the whistling of the wind are the only sounds around me. I
The glare Alexander sends my way has no semblance of mercy or pity. The fire blazing in his eyes is pure, unadulterated loathing. Is this the same man I once loved?“Are you trying to make this worse?” Alexander demands, grabbing my shoulder. I pull back, nearly tripping under the weight of Ben’s bo
Layla’s POVThe pain subsides a bit as the medicine filters into my system, but I’d be lying if I said it completely healed me. It’s more like a quiet burning instead of a raging fire now, but the gashes along my body are still open and sore.So, I start bandaging myself up. I apply topical medicine
“I didn’t destroy anything,” he says. “You did that the moment you stopped acting like the Luna this pack needed.”For a split second, I can’t breathe.“I stopped?” I whisper, stepping into his space once again. I strike his chest, right over his heart, hard enough that he actually sways this time.
Layla’s POVThe silence doesn’t last long when the whispers begin spreading like wildfire. I can feel the warriors’ eyes on us, but I don’t look away from Alexander.Not when I’ve finally decided to speak my mind.Alexander’s grip on Camila’s waist tightens, his entire body stiffening as my words re
Alexander’s POVThe scent hits me from more than a mile away.“That smells like—”“Blood,” I growl. “A lot of it.”“It’s coming from the direction of the camp,” the commander announces, pointing to the left.The camp… Camila and Layla are back at the camp.My wolf rams against the barrier in my mind
Layla’s POVWhat is she doing here?That weight of suspicion that’s been hanging over me ever since Camila showed up grows even heavier. She smiles as she talks with one of the other Alphas and his Beta, no doubt letting her sweet act come out.She’s trying to poison their minds, to turn them agains
Layla’s POVLike the gentleman he is, Vincent escorts me back to the ballroom. The gown he provided swishes around my feet, like water crashing on the shore. My nerves shake, but I force myself to enter the ballroom with my head held high.I won’t give them the chance to tear me down when I’ve done
“Layla.”I grit my teeth at the achingly sweet voice before turning to find Camila climbing the stairs after me. She holds two glasses of dark red wine. I try to read her body language and facial expressions, but her fake smile keeps me from truly reading her.“I wanted to offer you congratulations
Layla’s POV“This is an event for Lunas. It has nothing to do with a Delta.”Alexander’s words feel like a knife to my heart as they echo in my mind. Was that really what he thought? I have stood at his side at this banquet for years, merely holding his future Luna’s place.Apparently, that’s what I







