Semua Bab Love is Hell; Mate is Heaven: Bab 341 - Bab 350

Lydia’s POV“We’re almost there,” Victor finally said.The car was too quiet. The silence had been thick for the last hour, making the drive from the motel feel longer than it was. We had four people stuffed into the SUV, but no one wanted to speak. Victor drove, his hands tight on the steering wheel. Tristan was beside him, pressed against the window. He looked like a kid on a field trip, his eyes wide and curious as the small-town buildings zipped past. It was his first time seeing the world outside the Silverwood territory. I could almost hear him wishing Victor would pull over.In the back, Wendy was a statue next to me. She hadn’t moved since we left this morning. I didn’t know if she was sick or just scared. She spent the entire night curled up in the back seat alone. Last night, Victor had kicked her out of his room. The hostility between them was sharp enough to cut the air. I kept thinking about the d

Mabel’s POV“That way is the garden,” I said. My hand swept toward the archway. “That’s the main living room, and the dining room is right after.”I kept my gaze forward, focusing on the dark wood trim of the hallway. Tristan, Wendy, and Lydia walked behind me. Two of our pack girls, Dawn and Zina, trailed them with the luggage. It felt odd to host people I knew from my past life, especially Tristan and Wendy. I didn't see Victor much at the Silverwood pack, but the other three were familiar. I was glad they didn't seem to recognize me.A few weeks can change a person. I had gained weight. My skin was clear now. My hair was healthy. I wasn't wearing those terrible, oversized clothes from the attic. I hoped the change was enough to keep me safe. I kept my face politely blank as we reached the guest hall.I stopped near the first door. “The next four rooms on the right are yours,” I explained.

Lydia’s POV“Were we fine last night?”Wendy's voice was too cheerful. It sounded fake. I watched her repeat my own question, and a hollow ache settled in my chest. Fine. Were we ever fine? Not since she slept with Alpha Zane. Not since she slept with my father. I could not say those thoughts aloud. Not yet.“I guess we were fine,” I said. I kept my voice flat. “But I woke up, and you were gone. Commander Victor was in our room. Tell me, Wendy, what happened? Why was he there?”I did not say, In my bed. On top of me. Inside me. The words burned my throat. I just stared at her. “Where did you go?”A sick idea flashed in my mind. Did Wendy go to find my brother, Tristan, last night? Was that why Victor ended up with me? Alpha Gregory to a teenager like Tristan. Gross.Wendy tilted her head, a small, knowing smile touching her lips

Mabel, Victor, and Lydia’s POV“Are you sure this is the right office?” Lydia’s voice was too bright, cutting through my nerves.I kept my back straight, leading the way. Lydia and her bodyguard, Victor, were right behind me. Every step brought us closer to Zane’s study, and the tension was a cold knot in my stomach. This was it. The first meeting. I wanted it to be the last. I hoped they would hate each other on sight. A tiny, mean part of me knew that was a fantasy.I felt Zane’s anxiety, a low thrum through the shared pack bond. He was watching us on the security feed. He knew we were coming. Knowing the Alpha was a nervous wreck actually made me feel a little better. I took a slow breath and smoothed my skirt.What’s the worst that can happen?Navy’s words from last night echoed in my head: Vivian, Tanisha, and I will help you hide the body. Vivi

Mabel’s POV“Is my mate jealous?” Zane’s voice was too cheerful. It had a singing lilt to it.He closed the distance between us, wrapping his arms around my waist. His nose nudged my neck. “Are you, kitten?”I hated that he could feel my emotions. Even so, I had no plan to admit the truth. “Hmph! Who would be jealous of you?”Zane chuckled, a warm sound that vibrated against my back. “I enjoy that you’re so possessive of me, but there is no need. I spoke with Lydia like she was welcome because my wolf urged me.”Traitor! Zane’s wolf snarled in his mind. Zane ignored the sound. He wasn't exactly lying, after all.“Kitten, you have to believe me. No woman even comes close to you.”I felt the honesty in his tone. My fight faded. I gave his chest a weak punch. “If you get close to Lydia like that again, I mi