Chapter 3

- Emory - 

The days that followed were thick with tension. We sat late into the night, poring over maps, legal documents, and whispered strategies. Our minds were set: we needed Alice back, and we had to do it carefully. An alliance with the Ice Meddow Pack was risky, perhaps even dangerous, but it was the only way to ensure her safety—and to prevent further chaos.

Finally, we devised a contract—strict, binding, and clear. We invited Dominic and Alice to meet again, this time with a formal agreement. My voice was steady, my resolve firm. “You win, we will agree to an alliance, but I want her back. No more games.” I hung up before Dominic could answer, knowing he will attend. 

A few days later, under the guise of diplomacy, Dominic agreed to meet. He arrived with Alice, who looked exhausted—her eyes red-rimmed, her face pale. She carried a single suitcase, a battered thing that looked like it had seen better days. She had been allowed almost nothing—her father’s cruelty had left her feeling like a waste, a burden he was eager to discard.

Ivan waited at the pack houses entrance, arms crossed, eyes sharp. When they arrived, Me and my father were already waiting inside the office, expressions unreadable but tense.

The door swung open, and Dominic entered, dragging Alice behind him, her arm grasped tightly in his hold. She looked away, trying desperately to hide her busted lips and trembling hands. I could hear her heart hammered in her chest, and she fought the urge to shrink further into herself.

Dominic forced her to sit next to him, his grip on her arm unrelenting. She sank into the chair, cheeks burning with embarrassment and fear. She tried to hide her injuries, pressing her hand to her face, hoping no one would notice the swelling or the blood seeping from her cracked lip.

My gaze immediately locked onto her, anger flaring like wildfire. My fists clenched, muscles taut with rage. The sight of her—so vulnerable, so hurt—ignited a fierce protectiveness i struggled to contain. Matthias, sensing the brewing storm, gave me a subtle signal—calm, hold back. This wasn’t the time.

Dominic, all smiles, pulled the sheaf of papers towards him, a quick skim through as if he was reading it—his voice smooth and confident. “Let’s get this over with. I’ve reviewed the terms, and I’m ready to sign.”

He didn’t bother to read the contract carefully; he was already planning to walk away with what he wanted. The agreement was a simple alliance—one that would bind their packs and secure Alice’s future, or so he thought.

Everyone nodded in agreement, signatures exchanged, and the contract was sealed and tucked away in a safe place. The atmosphere felt heavy with victory—Dominic’s smug smile betrayed his confidence.

But the moment was quickly shattered. Dominic rose abruptly, a cruel smirk on his face. “Well, I suppose I should take her home,” he said, voice dripping with mock civility. He reached for Alice’s chin, forcing her to look at him. Her eyes flicked away, her face trembling.

“Don’t be a baby,” Dominic sneered as he grabbed her hair roughly, pulling her to her feet. “Finally rid of you. You’re nothing but a burden—worthless.”

I saw her cheeks flush with humiliation as he dragged her toward the door. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, but she refused to let them. Every instinct inside me screamed—fight, protect, intervene. But I held myself back, knowing this wasn’t the moment.

Then, without warning, Dominic’s hand swung hard, striking her cheek. The blow sent her stumbling back, pain blooming instantly. I clenched my fists tighter, my heart pounding in my chest. “Stop crying,” he barked. “I’m glad I finally got rid of you.”

I moved instantly, stepping forward to place myself between her and him. My eyes flashed with fury, but I kept my voice steady and cold. “If you lay a finger on her again, I swear—”

“Your not the Alpha yet, act your title, boy,” Dominic sneered, laughter echoing in the room.

Dominic chuckled as he climbed into his car, leaving her standing there—shattered, empty, feeling like nothing more than a pawn in his game of power.

I watched him drive off, the taillights fading into the night. My jaw clenched harder. Inside, protective instincts roared—rage that I wanted to rip him apart. But I knew better. Instead, I moved swiftly to her side, placing myself between her and that monster.

“You’re safe now,” I said softly, though my voice trembled with fury. “No one will lay a finger on you again.”

I couldn't imagine the pain she had been dealing with, what that monster had done to her. I feared that she wouldn't let go of that life easy and that she may see me an another enemy, i wanted her to feel safe with me, what if she didnt want me?

Her eyes lifted to mine, and in that moment, I saw something fierce ignite—an unspoken fire that both terrified and drew me in.