Chapter 7

At the mating announcement ceremony that night, all of high society was there.

I stood in a corner of the ballroom, wearing a simple black dress.

The Alpha’s command was a cage, and my body was its prisoner. I had to smile. I had to stand tall. I had to play my part.

Vivian was the star of the night.

She wore a custom champagne-colored gown, her diamond necklace sparkling under the lights.

Killian stood beside her, a dark king in his tailored suit.

"My friends!" The old Alpha raised his glass. "Tonight, we witness a momentous occasion!"

Thunderous applause.

"My son, Killian, will unite with the lovely Miss Vivian!"

More applause.

Vivian leaned shyly into Killian's embrace.

The moment they kissed, my heart clenched violently.

"You look like you need a distraction," a smooth voice said beside me. "Care for a dance?"

I turned to see a handsome Beta male. Dark brown hair, a gentle smile.

"I'm not a very good dancer."

"That's alright, I'll lead." He offered his hand. "I'm Marcus, from the Seattle pack."

I glanced at the dance floor.

Killian and Vivian were sharing the first dance. They spun together, a perfect picture.

"Alright."

I took Marcus's hand.

We moved slowly onto the dance floor.

Marcus was a gentleman, his movements smooth and light.

"You're very beautiful," he whispered in my ear. "But you look very sad."

"It's a happy occasion."

"For some, yes," he said, twirling me. "But your eyes tell me you have a story here."

I didn't answer.

But for some reason, dancing with a stranger felt… freeing.

No pressure. No pain. No complicated emotions.

Just then, I felt a burning gaze on me.

From across the floor, Killian was staring right at me.

Vivian was still talking to him, but he wasn't listening.

His eyes were murderous.

"Your ex?" Marcus noticed.

"My ex-boss."

"He doesn't look happy."

"He doesn't like his... assets... having a life of their own."

Marcus laughed. "Then he should be thrilled. You're not on the clock tonight."

The music played on. We kept spinning. Killian's gaze followed my every move.

The ballroom doors exploded inward. Chaos erupted.

A dozen men in black rushed in.

Rogues.

"Everyone on the ground!" the lead Rogue shouted.

Screams erupted.

Guests scattered in panic.

"Protect the Alpha!" The guards sprang into action.

In the chaos, a huge decorative pillar started to tilt.

The crystal chandelier above swayed violently.

"Look out!" Marcus shoved me out of the way, getting hit by falling debris himself.

The pillar came crashing down, right where I had been standing.

I closed my eyes, waiting for death.

I blinked, the dust clearing. And then I saw it.

I saw Killian's broad back. He hadn't moved toward me. He had thrown himself in the opposite direction, shielding Vivian with his own body.

And me… a sharp piece of silver-plated debris sliced across my back.

Blood gushed out. Pain seared through my body.

I collapsed to the floor, the fire in my back spreading.

Blood soaked through my black dress.

"Vivian, are you okay? Are you hurt?" Killian was already checking Vivian, his hands frantically moving over her.

"I-I'm fine, just scared," Vivian whimpered against his chest.

"It's okay, I'm here." He stroked her hair. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

I forced myself to walk, one painful step at a time, toward the exit. No one noticed me.

All eyes were on Vivian.

Blood ran down my legs, leaving a red trail on the marble floor.

"Freya!"

Marcus's voice called from behind.

I turned. His forehead was bleeding.

"You're hurt."

"So are you."

"Let me take you to a hospital."

I shook my head. "No, I'll be fine."

"But…"

"Thank you for the dance tonight," I gave him a small smile. "It was the first time I've felt happy in years."

I took one last look back through the shattered doors. Killian was murmuring to Vivian, stroking her hair. Then he pressed a kiss to her forehead—a display of tenderness he had never once shown me.

I turned and disappeared into the night.

Killian’s eyes locked onto the crimson trail I left on the marble. An icy fist squeezed his heart. His wolf screamed at him. Follow her. Follow our Mate.

But he didn't move.

He just stood there as the doors swung shut, erasing me from his sight.