Chapter 2

I floated in the corner and watched Madison run in. She ignored the guards trying to stop her.

"Miss, you can't come in here!" one of the guards called out. He followed behind her with a helpless expression.

"It's fine. Stand down." Keith looked at Madison. His voice suddenly turned so gentle it almost didn't sound like him.

The guard froze. "But Alpha, that's against protocol. Outsiders aren't allowed–"

"How dare you?"

Keith's tone carried unquestionable authority, yet his eyes never left Madison.

"She's with me."

The Alpha who was known for being strict and impartial showed such open favoritism. The guard opened his mouth as if to argue, but in the end, he lowered his head and stepped back.

Keith gently stroked Madison's head. "What's wrong?"

He looked at her. There was a slight frown on his face. "Didn't I tell you to stay home and rest?"

"I was scared." Madison lifted her head. Her eyes filled with tears. "After hearing about this terrible incident, I started having nightmares. I dreamed about those rogues. I dreamed they were tearing open my stomach. Keith, I'm so scared."

Her voice broke as she leaned against his chest.

Keith tightened his arms around her. His other hand patted her back softly. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. No one would dare hurt you."

"But–"

Madison lifted her head from his arms and glanced at the remains on the autopsy table. She immediately shrank back again.

"That shewolf. She was with pup too, wasn't she? I heard her pup was–"

"Don't overthink."

Keith interrupted her. His voice was filled with concern.

"You're different from her. Her mate was irresponsible, but I'll protect you."

Irresponsible.

Floating in the air, I heard that word and couldn't help but laugh.

Yes, we were very different.

She was the one being protected, while I was the one abandoned.

He treated her like a treasure. I was nothing but a nuisance to him.

Madison rubbed against him like a weak animal seeking shelter.

Suddenly, she seemed to recall something and looked up. "Oh right. I received a warning from Juliet today."

Keith frowned. "What did she say?"

"She–"

Madison bit her lip and looked hesitant.

"She told me to stay away from you. She said I wasn't worthy of carrying your pup, and she said if I didn't leave you on my own, she'd make me regret it."

Keith's expression darkened.

"Don't be angry." Madison quickly grabbed his arm.

"Juliet only acted like that because she loves you too much. I don't blame her, really. I'm just scared she might try to hurt my pup."

Her voice grew softer and softer until it was barely a whisper.

Keith took a deep breath and tried to suppress his anger, but his tone had already turned colder.

"She wouldn't dare."

"Don't get upset." Madison rested her head on his shoulder. Her voice was soft and gentle. "She's just heartbroken. After all, I took you away from her."

I stood in the corner and watched the performance unfold. My heart felt completely numb.

Each time, Keith would believe her without question. How was I supposed to prove something I had never done?

"Alright, don't think about it anymore." Keith ruffled her hair. His voice returned to that same gentle tone. "I'll take you home. The smell of blood here is too strong. It's not good for the pup."

Madison nodded and obediently followed him outside.

Once they reached the doorway, she suddenly turned back and glanced at the remains on the autopsy table.

It was only a brief second, but I saw it.

There was no fear in her eyes. There wasn't pity either. Instead, there was a fleeting flash of triumph and a cold smile hidden beneath her fragile mask.

I had seen that look before.

It was the same look on the faces of the rogues who tore open my stomach.

My soul trembled suddenly.

Could she have something to do with my death?