Chapter 2

Lena Novak pov

“I wish you could break my mother's seal,” I muttered.

Looking at me, he sighed disparagingly, then said, “I'm a healer, Lena, and not a spellcaster. There is a witch coven in the Black Forest under the high king's castle that you can locate and ask for help, but you would have to contend with wild beasts there as well.”

Nodding in disappointment, I told Jacob I had to return to the Alpha's kitchen to help prepare the evening meal, then stepped out of his home.

The fall weather had chilled the air, causing me to shiver, then curse at the jolt of pain from my injuries.

“I need to stop getting myself in these predicaments or my back will become hamburger,” I murmured as I headed toward my father's house.

I glanced up at the huge castle nestled high in the mountains. The wolf king Ash Ravenhurst's residence. He was said to be an ugly, ravenous beast that ripped the women to pieces who were sent to him. All in hopes of finding the one that could cure his bone-solidifying curse.

“With the winter chill in the air, he will be expecting tributes from all the packs soon,” I mumbled as I entered the side door to the kitchen. My stepsister and I were never chosen for the selection, so I didn't think much of it.

“Where have you been? You were absent for lunch prep,” Mary, the head of the kitchen staff, growled.

“She smells like salve and must have gotten injured,” Alex said softly, giving me a sympathetic smile.

I nodded to him and asked Mary what she needed done.

“The lady of the house is having an announcement celebration tonight, so go to the wine cellar and bring up a crate of red. Afterwards, bring up the good china since Gareth's parents are arriving to celebrate with Alpha.”

“They're going to discuss the marriage and mating bond of both children,” I answered, cringing at their congratulations.

Holding my hand up to stop them, I explained, “It's between Gareth and Rosalie. They were caught in bed together this morning.”

I was surprised to see even Mary shake her head and the sympathy in her eyes.

Marrying Gareth Drake would have gotten me out of this hell hole, and they all knew it.

Exhaling slowly, I furrowed my brow, watching Sarah, a younger woman with her breathing altered, rush into the kitchen.

“Your boyfriend is in your room destroying your things, Lena! I asked him what he was doing, and he shoved me out into the hall.”

Waving me off, Mary told me to go see what was going on.

After thanking her, I hurried to my small room amongst the house staff with Alex on my heels.

Opening the door, I huffed at seeing Gareth rummaging through one of my chests.

“What are you doing?!”

He turned to me and growled, “Give me back the ring I gave you. It's a family heirloom and should go to my future wife.”

Crossing my arms, I scowled back at him.

“You're going to give the ring you proposed to me with to Rosalie? Wow, you really are a horrible man.”

I stepped toward my bed and lifted the thin mattress. Underneath lay a ring, a crystal, and my notebook.

I grabbed the ring and threw it at him.

“Now leave! I never want to see you again, Gareth,” I asserted as I glanced around the scattered mess he'd made.

Gareth caught the ring and rolled it in his palm.

“Lena, if you had just given me your innocence, I wouldn't have had to go to your willing sister. Offering a powerless female marriage was my generosity, and you should have given yourself to me.”

“Is that your reasoning? You truly are despicable, and I'm glad this happened now and not after I was wed to you,” I huffed in annoyance.

I wasn't powerless. I could feel something within me trying desperately to break free from the seal, but no one would believe that if I told anyone.

Gareth stomped past Alex and me in a rush to give his heirloom to his new bride.

“Come on, Lena, let's clean up your room quickly, then head back to the kitchen.”

Nodding slowly, I exhaled as I scanned the mess.

“It's just unfolded clothing, and I can tend to it after chores. Come with me to the cellar for the items Mary asked for,” I said softly, and Alex told me Okay.

He had always been there for me through everything, and I had overlooked his friendship by being obsessed with Gareth.

“I'm sorry, Alex, for everything,” I sighed softly.

Patting my back for reassurance, he shook his head and said, “Your mom saved my life, and I promised her I would keep you safe. I failed in my promise, and you were hurt by those assholes.”