Denderick’s POV
I could still feel the warmth of Aria’s embrace lingering on my skin as I walked toward the pack house, but nothing could prepare me for what I was about to see.
The night air was cool against my face, but the ache in my chest burned hotter with every step I took away from Aria and Edward. Seeing them, holding them-it should have brought me peace, but instead, it only increased the longing I’d tried so hard to push aside.
The image of Edward’s tiny hand curled around the bracelet I’d given him was seared into my mind, a constant reminder that I might not be there to see him grow up, to guide him, to protect him. And Aria… the thought of leaving her behind was a pain I couldn’t even begin to describe. I’d do anything to keep them safe, but the reality of what lay ahead filled me with a dread I couldn’t shake.
As I approached the pack house, I noticed Liam standing by the door, his silhouette sharp against the dim light. He looked up as I neared, but something was off.
Liam was always so steady, so calm, yet now he was fidgeting with the edge of his coat, his gaze shifting nervously from side to side.
“Are you ready for the meeting?” I asked.
Liam nodded, but the response was almost too quick, too automatic. “Yes, Alpha. I’m ready.”
I frowned, studying him more closely. “Is everything alright? You seem… distracted.”
For a moment, he hesitated, his eyes brightening with something I couldn’t quite place. Then he forced a tight smile. “Don’t worry about it. I’m fine.”
But I did worry. Liam was my beta, my closest friend, and his sudden unease set off alarm bells in my mind. This wasn’t like him. I knew Liam well enough to know when something was wrong, and right now, something was wrong.
“Liam…” I started, but he shook his head, cutting me off.
“Alpha, it’s nothing. Let’s just focus on the meeting.”
Reluctantly, I let it go, though the nagging concern remained. Whatever was bothering him, I’d get to the bottom of it soon enough. But for now, the meeting had to take precedence.
We climbed into the carriage, together. I kept glancing at Liam, hoping he’d open up, but he remained tight-lipped, his fingers drumming an uneasy rhythm against his leg. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was looming just out of sight, something that had Liam on edge.
As we rode through the forest toward the meeting venue, I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Aria and Edward. And then to Liam-why was he so agitated? What could be troubling him to this extent? I wished he would talk to me, and confide in me, but instead, I was left in the dark.
The carriage finally came to a stop at the gates of Alpha Kieran’s territory, which was the venue for the meeting. I pushed aside my worries, forcing myself to concentrate. The Council meeting was too important to be distracted by anything else.
We stepped out of the carriage, the cool evening air brushing against my skin. Together, Liam and I walked toward the entrance of the pack house, the gravel crunching beneath our feet. As we neared the door, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up-a sense of unease settling deep in my gut.
And then, there he was. Alpha Logan. The sight of him made my blood boil, the memories of what he’d done to Aria flooding back with a vengeance. The way he’d treated her, the cruelty he’d inflicted… I could barely stand to be in the same space as him.
I felt Liam freeze beside me at the sight of Logan, then continued walking. As we approached him, Logan glanced at Liam, and something even darker ignited in his eyes.
Did he know something that I didn’t?
“Oh, Denderick,” Logan drawled, a sneer twisting his lips. “How’s your dirty breeder doing?”
I gritted my teeth, my anger flaring to life. The desire to slam him against the nearest wall was almost overwhelming, but I forced myself to stay in control.
“She’s better for being away from you, Logan,” I spat back.
Logan’s eyes flashed with something dark, but he didn’t respond. I knew if I didn’t walk away now, I’d lose control, and that was exactly what he wanted. No matter how much I despised him, I couldn’t afford to give him the satisfaction of seeing me lash out.
Reluctantly, I turned and headed inside, Liam following a step behind. My jaw was clenched so tight it hurt, but I kept walking, pushing the anger down as best as I could. I couldn’t let him get to me. Not now.
Inside, the pack house was warm, the soft glow of candles illuminating the dark wood and stone walls. I was about to head to the meeting room when Liam caught my arm.
“Alpha,” he said quietly, his voice strained. “I… I think I need to take a few minutes away from the meeting. I’m not feeling well.”
I frowned. Liam was never one to back out of his duties, especially not at a time like this. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
He nodded, though he looked anything but fine. “Yes, I just need a moment to rest.”
I hesitated, knowing I needed him at full strength for this meeting, but if he wasn’t well, it wouldn’t help to have him there. “Alright. Go rest in one of the rooms. I’ll manage the meeting.”
Liam bowed slightly, gratitude in his eyes, before turning and walking away. I watched him go, a knot of unease forming in my chest. Something was wrong, but I had no choice but to let him go.
My beta never turned up for the meeting.
When the meeting finally ended, I stepped out into the cool night air, relieved to be free of the stifling room. But as I looked around, expecting to see Liam waiting for me, my heart sank. He was nowhere in sight.
I frowned, scanning the area, but there was no sign of him. Where could he have gone? He should have been back by now.
And then I saw it. The lifeless body sprawled on the ground just a few feet away, blood pooling beneath it, glistening in the moonlight. My breath caught in my throat, a cold dread washing over me.
It was Liam.