“It seems this is your first night here at the pack house.” Daniella observes, to which I nod in confirmation, prompting smirks from both of them.
Feeling indignant, I lash out at them, threatening legal action for their unprofessional behavior. However, before I can act, they restrain me, urging me to calm down.
“Please, young madam, calm yourself. We mean no harm, and our duty to protect you doesn’t warrant disrespect. Remember, we’re werewolves just like you.” Isabella reminds me, her tone firm yet reassuring.
Taking a deep breath, I glance at the wall clock, noting the early hour of 4 am. “Can I request an audience at the Alpha’s office? I can’t endure this noise any longer.” I express, seeking a solution to the disturbance.
“Are you certain that’s the only concern you’ll raise with the Alpha?” Isabella probes, her grip still firm on me.
Taking a moment to consider her question, I admit, “I’ll also inform him about how you both withheld the truth from me.”
“I’d advise against that course of action. In fact, I urge you not to leave this room at all. We’re not your servants; we’re here to protect you, and we hold more power than you realize. Don’t attempt to intimidate us.” Daniella retorts, her tone assertive.
“Release my hands.” I request calmly, preferring not to escalate the situation.
“Let her go, Dan.” Isabella instructs her companion, who complies but not without a final shove, causing me to tumble onto the bed with a loud thud. A bruise forms on my wrist upon impact, serving as evidence for the Alpha come morning. Climbing back onto the bed, I drift off to sleep, the events of the night weighing heavily on my mind.
As I awaken the next morning, the events of the previous night replay in my mind, fueling my frustration. Casting a disdainful glance at my guards, I stride out of the room, expecting them to follow. Despite my seething anger, they remain silent, offering no reference to the altercation.
Confronting them head-on, I exude an air of intimidation. “Where is the Alpha’s residence?” I demand, my tone laced with skepticism.
They guide me deeper into the pack house, and although I entertain suspicions, my instincts compel me to trust them. After all, why would the female wolves tasked with my protection deceive me? Dismissing any contrary thoughts with a dismissive gesture, I show them my defiance.
Upon reaching a particular room, I balk at the surroundings. “This place seems too rugged and quiet. It doesn’t resemble the Alpha’s dwelling, and it feels like we’re nearing the outskirts of the pack house.” I protest.
“Please, enter, Clarissa.” Isabella commands, her tone firm. In a fit of rage, I lash out, delivering a sharp slap to her chin, causing her to wince in pain, yet she remains stoic, refraining from uttering a word.
As I enter the room, I assert my authority, reminding them of their subordinate position. “Don’t presume to command me-you’re my subordinates. And you, Daniella, heed my warning.” I assert before stepping inside. However, my confidence wavers as they lock the door behind me, clutching the keys.
Surveying the eerie surroundings, I voice my confusion. “Where are we? Why have you brought me to a graveyard?” I demand, my apprehension growing.
Isabella’s chilling response sends shivers down my spine. “Because once we kill you, we’ll bury you and make our escape.” She declares, brandishing wolfsbane from her pocket. Reacting swiftly, I grab her hand, letting out a piercing scream.
In a fit of rage, Daniella strikes me hard across the chin for my outburst, fueling my anger further. With a surge of adrenaline, I retaliate, delivering sharp slaps to both of them, my wolf instincts threatening to take control.
Despite the chaos, I manage to wrestle the keys from Isabella’s grasp, sprinting towards the door with agility. They pursue me relentlessly, their intent clear. Just as they close in, I burst out of the building, colliding with Jason, my heart racing with fear and adrenaline.
“Jason!” I exclaim with relief upon seeing him, my heart racing with gratitude.
“Clarissa, what are you doing here?” He inquires, concern evident in his voice as his three security guards approach.
“The wolves assigned to me have been causing trouble.” I explain, frustration evident in my tone. “I asked them to bring me to you, but they brought me to this place instead.”
The Alpha nods silently, signaling one of his guards to discreetly investigate the situation inside the building and confirm my account.
Continuing to speak to keep up the pretense that we haven’t entered the building yet, I suddenly witness the Alpha’s Personal Guard swiftly dragging my guards out. Their hands have already transformed into claws, their eyes turning a menacing shade of red with each passing moment.
Aware that they are on the verge of shifting, I hold my breath, hoping to defuse the situation before it escalates further.
“Please, don’t let them shift. It won’t end well.” I implore, my voice filled with urgency. However, Jason intervenes before I can finish.
“Take them to the disciplinary council of wolves. They should be considered for exile, along with other penalties.” Jason commands his guard, who promptly obeys.
Distraught, I interject, “I’m sorry for speaking out. Please don’t send them into exile. I’m begging on their behalf.” I plead, almost falling to my knees, but the guard remains steadfast, pausing only briefly at my plea.
“Don’t bother pleading.” Jason responds sternly. “I appreciate your honesty. Do you know what bringing you here signifies?” He questions.
“I don’t really know.” I admit, shaken by his words.
“It means they intended to kill you-more precisely, to behead you and conceal your death, making you another forgotten victim of the pack. They were cunning enough to execute the plan partially, but not entirely.” Jason reveals grimly, his words sending a chill down my spine.
As Jason’s third personal guard returns with news of the executed actions, I listen intently to their conversation. It’s a relief to know that the threat has been neutralized, but I can’t shake off the feeling of betrayal and disappointment towards my former guards.
“It’s fine that you told me. Thank you.” I murmur, grateful for Jason’s support and understanding, despite his guard’s interruption.
Curiosity piqued, I turn to Jason with newfound confidence. “How did you find me? How did you know I was here?” I inquire, eager for answers.
Jason’s response is cryptic yet reassuring. “I won’t answer your question, but remember, I’ll always be there to protect you. Just be careful not to get yourself into more trouble.” He assures me before disappearing without a trace. His departure is swift, unlike Alex’s vanishing acts, almost like a fleeting breeze. It leaves me awestruck by his speed and mysterious presence.
Breathing heavily, I take a moment to collect myself, the eerie sounds still ringing in my ears like a haunting melody. It dawns on me that I’m still standing in front of the unsettling building, my heart racing with fear and confusion.
With a surge of adrenaline, I sprint away from the building, my mind reeling with questions about its resemblance to my room and the mysterious voices I heard during the night. Despite being without my guards, the bustling activity of wolves around me offers some semblance of safety. Nevertheless, I’m determined to make it home.
Running with all my might, I navigate unfamiliar paths, praying I don’t accidentally leave the pack house. Though intentional departure wouldn’t necessarily be regrettable for me, I’m not one to make careless mistakes.
Suddenly, a middle-aged man intercepts me, questioning my destination and guiding me onto the correct path. Grateful for his assistance, I follow his directions, running for what feels like an eternity until I finally arrive at my doorstep.
However, my relief is short-lived as I push open the door, only to be met with the sight of strangers occupying my bed. Shocked and bewildered, I struggle to comprehend the intrusion into my sanctuary.
Feeling a mix of fear and skepticism, I confront the strangers in my room, their assurances of being friends with Alex and Jason failing to quell my unease.
“How did you get in here? What do you want from me? I have nothing.” I assert, my tone firm and resolute.
“We’re here to greet you. We have ample resources.” They reply with a sinister chuckle, their words dripping with insincerity. Despite feeling slighted by their condescending tone, I choose to ignore it for the time being.
As they depart, deliberately dropping a large picture in their wake, I eye the image warily. Upon closer inspection, I notice a symbol resembling an inverted version of the Alpha’s mark. Intrigued, I examine the picture further, discovering a small note hidden beneath it.
“Join our team. We oppose the Alpha. Join our team.” The note reads, its message sending a chill down my spine. Unsure of their intentions and wary of the consequences, I’m faced with a weighty decision that could alter the course of my fate within the pack.