Todos os capítulos de WICKED PROVIDENCE: Capítulo 81 - Capítulo 90

Preston Hale caught the inquisitive flicker in her amber eyes but didn't recoil, responding with a magnanimous nod of his head."Of course, my lady. I can escort you to the Alpha's inner sanctum now."Yet, Madison Clarke hesitated, her fingers twisting the hem of her cloak. She took a step back toward the torch-lit hall. "Actually, forget it. The trek through the lower valley has ruined my appearance. I am not fit for an Alpha's presence. I should return to my den, wash the scent of travel away, and change into my silks.""As you wish," Preston agreed, a polite smile masking his true thoughts.Feeling a surge of triumph, Madison preened, saying with a haughty tilt of her chin, "I used to think that although Hudson relied on your blade, you lacked the instincts to see the true hierarchy of this pack. You never seemed to show me the deference I deserve. Now, I see you are learning who will soon hold the Luna’s title. I had thought of having you reassigned to the border outposts once Hud

Observing Avery’s serene reaction to the grand office, Harper Bennett felt compelled to remark, "Alpha Lawson took it upon himself to carve out this sanctum for you. He knew your wolf preferred the scent of cedar and high altitudes, and he ensured every detail was tailored to your comfort. Avery, I must say, I’ve never seen the Alpha pay this much attention to anyone’s sanctuary. He doesn’t even provide himself with this much luxury."Avery offered a soft smile and motioned for Harper to extend her gratitude to the Alpha.After a brief pause, Avery signed her thoughts: Jerome likely gave the command, but Grant’s generosity is beyond measure. I view him as the brother my spirit never had. I am profoundly touched."Just as a brother?" Harper inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.Avery nodded affirmatively, her gaze sincere. She continued to gesture, expressing her deep appreciation for the Lawson family, even if their bloodlines didn't entwine.Harper gave a thoughtful nod, her f

Confused by his uncharacteristic gentleness yet sensing the predatory tension bleed out of his frame, Avery remained motionless. A surge of concern—one she knew was dangerous to harbor—pulsed through her. She made a sharp, inquisitive gesture, demanding to know what rot was eating at his wolf, for his symptoms mirrored a deep, silver-veined sickness.Hudson, his strength slowly returning as her proximity acted like a balm, hooded his eyes. He replied with an icy arrogance that mocked his recent fragility. "What does it matter to a dormant wolf like you? The more you scent the truth, the more the burden will crush you."Avery’s brow furrowed. Even while clinging to her for stability, his hubris remained unshakable, making it impossible for her to offer him true empathy. Slowly, the exhaustion of the night weighed on her; the rhythmic drumming of the mountain rain against the stone battlements acted as a lullaby, dragging her into a heavy sleep.With the agonizing pressure in his skull

“Oh, acting like a True-Blood?” the man sneered, his lips curling to reveal yellowed teeth. “Let’s see how much fight is left in your spirit when I’m through with you.”With a bruising grip, the man twisted Avery’s wrist, his other clawed hand raised to strike her across the face.Suddenly, a sickening thud echoed through the corridor as a forceful kick landed squarely in the man’s spine. The attacker let out a guttural yelp of pain and spun around, a snarl forming on his lips—only to choke on his own breath when he saw the towering figure standing behind him.Hudson Montgomery stepped into the light, his presence radiating the sheer, suffocating pressure of a High Alpha. Without a word, he delivered a devastating blow to the man’s jaw.“Do you realize whose territory you stand on?” Hudson’s voice was a low, lethal vibration. “Seeking a blood-feud in my Stronghold is a quick way to find yourself in a shallow grave.”The man collapsed to his knees, his wolf whimpering submissively with

“She doesn’t look like the type to hunt for a common beta,” one sentinel whispered, eyes scanning Avery’s refined features. “She’s the ward of a High Alpha; why would she lower herself to a stray?”“You don’t understand the desperation of an Omen,” a high-ranking female from a rival pack spat. “Her wolf is dormant. She’s a defect. Hudson is purging her from his bloodline, and she has no kin to claim her. If she wants to keep her place in a High Stronghold, she has to ensnare someone. First, it was the Hayes heir, then the Beta Grant Lawson—but they were just playing with her. No Alpha of worth would mate with a silent curse, so she’s resorted to the dregs.”“It’s foul,” another added, pulling out a communication crystal. “I’ve memorized her scent and her face. I’m broadcasting this to every pack on the Ridge.”The judgments hit Avery like physical blows. The pack’s cruelty, fueled by their religious fervor for pure bloodlines, turned predatory.“A mute wolf must be an interesting toy,