Semua Bab Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate: Bab 11 - Bab 20

(Penelope)Edward’s warm hand enclosed mine as he led me through the crowd. Pack members leaned close to exchange theories about the confrontation they’d just witnessed.I refused to look back, but Dominic’s gaze burned holes between my shoulder blades. The weight of his stare sent conflicting emotions swirling through my chest.“Breathe,” Edward murmured close to my ear. “We’re almost outside.”I nodded stiffly, focusing on placing one foot before the other. The grand hall seemed endless, faces blurring as we passed. Only when the cool night air hit my skin did I realize how desperately I’d needed escape.“Thank you,” I said, inhaling deeply. “That was…”“Intense?” Edward suggested, releasing my hand once we reached the stairs.“Understatement of the century,” I replied dryly. “I apologize for dragging you into my drama.”Edward shrugged. “I’ve experienced worse. Though your ex-mate seems particularly volatile.”“He wasn’t always,” I admitted grudgingly. “Or maybe he was, and I just

(Penelope)On Saturday afternoon, I packed the last of my documents into my leather portfolio. The Black Forest council meeting demanded formal attire, and I’d chosen a navy blue suit that projected authority while remaining comfortable for the long session.“Everything’s ready,” I muttered to myself, checking my appearance one final time in the mirror.My phone alarm chimed, reminding me I needed to leave in fifteen minutes to arrive on time. The council wouldn’t wait, especially not for a female Alpha-Heir still proving herself worthy of respect.A small knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.“Come in,” I called, expecting Marcus or one of the pack assistants.Instead, Debbie’s head peeked around the door, her green eyes wide and hopeful. She bounded into the room wearing her favorite yellow dress, hair neatly braided—clearly dressed for an outing.“Are you going somewhere, sweetheart?” I asked, zipping my portfolio closed.“With you!” she announced proudly, twirling to show off

(Penelope) The council hall fell into silence after Alpha Kenneth’s revelation. Black eyes. Wolves that wouldn’t shift back. The implications sent chills racing down my spine.Alpha Gregory from the Western Lakes territory stood gravely. “Kenneth isn’t alone in his encounter. We captured one of these…abominations last week.”“Captured?” Alpha Benjamin looked shocked. “Is it still alive?”“If you can call it that,” Gregory replied grimly. “The creature fights against restraints day and night. Don't sleep. Barely eats. Just snarls and strains against silver chains that should have weakened any normal wolf.”“What about communication?” asked a female Beta from the southern territories. “Have any shown signs of intelligence or recognition?”Gregory shook his head. “Nothing recognizably sentient. It’s as though the wolf has consumed the human entirely.”“That’s not possible,” my father interjected firmly. “The balance between wolf and human is fundamental to our nature. Nothing can perma

(Penelope)I tucked my empty plate away and stood to leave when a heavy hand clasped my shoulder.“Leaving so soon?”I turned to face Alpha Reginald, one of the oldest members of the council. His silver hair slicked back against his scalp. His watery blue eyes raked over me appreciatively, lingering too long on places they shouldn’t.“Council business calls,” I replied coolly, stepping back to break his contact.“Surely you have time for one drink?” He produced a crystal glass of ruby-red wine, extending it toward me. His yellowed smile stretched across his face. “A toast to our new partnership against these mutant threats.”My instinct screamed to decline, but pack politics demanded certain courtesies. Reginald controlled three southern hunting grounds that Iron Mountain needed access to.“One quick drink,” I conceded reluctantly.He pressed the glass into my hand, his fingers lingering against mine unpleasantly. “Penelope, I’ve always admired your beauty and leadership, as well as a

(Penelope)“Edward met Debbie?” I repeated. “Without asking me first?”My father’s brow furrowed. “I didn’t realize you’d object. He’s your arranged mate, after all.”“Potential mate,” I corrected sharply. “And Debbie is my daughter—my responsibility. No one meets her without my permission.”“Penelope,” my father said soothingly, “you need to see the healer. We can discuss Edward’s visit afterward.”I shook my head stubbornly, ignoring the way it made the world swim. “I need to see Debbie first.”“The drug in your system—”“Is fading,” I insisted, though my unsteady legs argued otherwise. “I promised her bedtime stories.”My father sighed, recognizing the futility of arguing with me on anything concerning Debbie. “At least let me help you to the house.”I accepted his support reluctantly as we made our way up the stone path to the main house. Pack members nodded respectfully as we passed, though their gazes lingered on my disheveled appearance.“What exactly did Ryan tell Edward abou