Logan’s POV
As I sat down for breakfast in the dining hall the next morning, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The food on my plate looked as unappetizing as ever, but I forced myself to eat anyway. I needed the energy to deal with everything that was happening.
The door to the dining hall creaked open, and I looked up, only to see Erinne walk in with a smug expression plastered on her face. She was dressed in a way that left little to the imagination, her attire befitting the mistress she’d so eagerly agreed to become. Two slave girls trailed behind her, carrying trays of food and accessories, like some sort of twisted entourage.
I leaned back in my chair, not bothering to hide the disdain in my voice. “I see you’ve made yourself comfortable already,” I remarked, raising an eyebrow as I took in her appearance.
Erinne smirked as she sauntered over to the table and took a seat beside me. “Why not? A girl has to get used to her new role, right?” she said.
I watched as she motioned for the slave girls to serve her, a sense of irritation bubbling up inside me. She was already playing the part as if she had truly earned it.
“I hope you remember that this is temporary,” I murmured, keeping my tone cool. “Your position here isn’t guaranteed. You are just a mistress, nothing more.”
She picked up a piece of apple, biting into it with deliberate slowness before responding. “Of course, Alpha. But temporary or not, I might as well enjoy it while it lasts.”
I shook my head, leaning forward as I pushed my plate away. “Let’s cut to the chase, Erinne. We both know you’re not here for a leisurely breakfast. Where is Aria? You promised to tell me her location.”
Erinne took her time, wiping the corner of her mouth with a napkin, clearly enjoying the power she held over me at that moment. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to lash out at her.
“Aria…” she began, her voice laced with mock sympathy, “Aria is quite the mystery, isn’t she?”
I gritted my teeth. “Enough games. I want answers.”
She leaned back in her chair, twirling a strand of her hair as she studied me. “Why are you so desperate to find her, Alpha? You know the truth now. The child isn’t yours. She deceived you, used you, and ran away the moment she had the chance.”
Her words stung, but I couldn’t let her see that. “You’re right,” I replied. “She did deceive me. But that doesn’t mean she gets to escape without consequences.”
Erinne’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction and curiosity. “And what consequences are those? Are you planning to punish her for breaking your heart? Or is it something more… personal?”
I didn’t answer immediately, my mind racing. Of course, I wanted Aria to pay for what she’d done, but there was more to it than that. I needed to get that child back, or the Council of Alphas would kick me out of this packed house and strip me of my Alpha title.
“Tell me where she is,” I demanded. “And tell me everything you know.”
Erinne tilted her head, pretending to think it over. “Well, since you asked so nicely… I suppose I can share a few details.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “I’m not in the mood for your games, Erinne.”
She sighed, waving her hand dismissively. “Fine, fine. Here’s what I know. Aria… she’s no innocent victim, Alpha. She’s been playing this game longer than you think.”
I crossed my arms, waiting for her to continue.
“She didn’t just run away because she was scared of you or because she felt guilty. No, she had this planned from the start. She knew exactly what she was doing, right from the moment she set foot in your pack.”
“And what exactly was she planning?” I asked, my voice tight.
Erinne’s eyes sparkled with malice. “She was planning to leave you the moment she secured her safety. And she wasn’t alone in this plan. She had help.”
“Help? From who?”
Erinne leaned closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a deep, dark secret. “Alpha Denderick.”
The name sent a jolt of anger through me, and I barely managed to keep my composure. “Denderick? Why would he help her?”
Erinne chuckled softly as if I were missing something obvious. “Because, Alpha, Aria isn’t just some random breeder. She’s someone with connections, with power. And Denderick… well, let’s just say he has his reasons for wanting to keep her close. She’s carrying his child, after all. She has the key to making him secure his place as the Alpha of his pack, as you well understand.”
I rubbed my chin in thought, trying to piece together the puzzle in my mind. It made sense, in a twisted way. Denderick had always been like a thorn in my flesh, always looking for ways to gain more power and influence. And how he had snatched Aria from me so easily.
“And where is she now?” I demanded. “That is the most important thing I need to know.”
Erinne shrugged, feigning innocence. “I cannot tell you that for now. But I do know she’s no longer in your territory. She’s gone, Alpha, and she’s not coming back.”
My fists clenched at my sides, the urge to break something rising within me. “If you’re lying to me, Erinne…”
“I’m not,” she interrupted, her tone surprisingly serious. “I have no reason to lie. I’ve given you what you wanted, and now I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain.”
I stared at her, my mind whirling with anger and confusion. I needed to find Aria, to make her pay for her betrayal. But now, I also had to deal with Denderick, and that complicated things even further.
“Do you think you can trust her, Alpha?” Erinne asked, her voice cutting through my thoughts. “Do you think she ever cared for you? Or was it all just a lie? Did she lie that she was carrying your child to protect herself and herself alone?”
I didn’t answer, not because I didn’t know what to say, but because I couldn’t let myself admit the truth. I had been a fool, and now I was paying the price.