Aria’s POV
The departure was scheduled for the next day. I barely had time to pack. Grayson woulde with me, but he’d have to fly back a few dayster. After all, there was still the summit and a room full of Alphas needing his attention.
I barely slept that night, tossing and turning under the weight of anxiety and dread.
At dawn, I got up, grabbed the small suitcase I’d packed, and headed downstairs with Grayson.
To my surprise, Delh was already there.
She stood up the second she saw us, visibly tense. “I… I just wanted to say goodbye to Aria.”
Grayson frowned, but I tugged on his sleeve. “Can you give us a minute?”
He didn’t say anything, just picked up my suitcase and stepped outside.
Delh let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks. God, I really thought he was gonna have the guards toss me out. So… how are you feeling? Ready <b>for </b>
this?”
“Not really. Something about this whole thing feels… off,” I whispered. “I, Alpha Otto, the way they’re connected… I don’t know. But what
other choice do I have? Otto’s the only one who can help me right now.”
“To be honest, after that tea party, I gave me weird vibes too.” Delh squeezed my hand. “Anyway, be careful, okay? If something happens and Grayson can’t get to you in time, just call me. I’ll find a way to help.”
“Thanks. Take care of yourself… and your baby.”
We said goodbye. Then I got in the car. It drove Grayson and me straight to the airport.
Barely an hourter, our ne touched down in a small border town wedged between Red Stone and White River Packs.
It felt like apletely different world from home. zing sun, dry heat, sand in the air…everything felt harsh and strange.
The streets were almost deserted. I couldn’t see a single person on the street. The whole ce had an eerie, hollow vibe.
I sat in the backseat, staring out the window, my heart sinking lower with every passing minute.
“It’s just three months<i>,</i><i>” </i>Grayson said, holding my hand.
I forced a smile back.
Yeah. Just three months.
But god knows what can go wrong in three months.
The car finally pulled up at the medical center in the middle of the city. The heavy iron gates creaked open, letting us drive in. I couldn’t help but notice the enormous lock bolted onto the entrance.
Behind it were several massive white buildings. This must be Alpha Otto’s research facility.
As our car rolled to a stop, Otto, I, and a few people in white coats were already waiting outside.
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“Well, well, wee,” Otto pped slowly. But there’s not a trace of warmth on his face. “What an honor to have you here.”
I red at I. “What is she doing here?”
She gave me a calm little smile. “I’m here as a neutral third party, making sure everything runs smoothly. Or would you rather I stay in Red Stone with Grayson?”
God, I hated her.
“Alright, let’s not stand around in the heat. Come on in,” Otto muttered.
We walked inside together. Yeah, it was definitely cooler. But the blinding white walls, ceilings, and floors…it all made me uneasy.
And it was too quiet. Where were all the patients?
“So… where is everyone?” I asked one of the doctors walking beside us.
“This is a research facility. We don’t have many patients. And those we do have are spread across the buildings. You won’t really see them around,” he replied.
Otto nced back at me with a smirk. “Not many people are lucky enough to get me as their personal doctor.”
I rolled my eyes internally. I sure as hell didn’t feel lucky.
We were led into an office. Otto sat down across from us and said, “So. Let’s talk treatment. As I mentioned before, the issue is neurological toxins. We’re going to eliminate them. Step by step.”
“And how exactly do you n to do that?” I asked, trying not to sound nervous.
“Through a mix of physical therapy and medication. The nurse will give you injections as scheduled. They’re designed to boost your wolf’s
vitality.”
“And you’re sure these injections are safe?” Grayson asked in a hard tone.
Otto scoffed and rolled his eyes, clearly too proud to respond. One of the doctors stepped in instead. “Don’t worry. All medications have been through safety trials. We would never put Miss Collins in risk.“/
“Go on,” Grayson said sharply.
“The physical therapy is the most important part,” Otto said gruffly. “Five sessions over the next three months. I’ll personally oversee each one. It involves microcurrents to stimte your nerves and connect with your wolf. The goal is to enhance her strength.”
Microcurrents.
Nerve stimtion.
Physical therapy.
Every word made my skin crawl.
I swallowed. “So… you’re gonna zap me with aser gun or something?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, little girl,” Otto snapped. “Of course not. We’ll ce a helmet–like device on your head. You’ll be asleep during the entire
process. You won’t even feel a damn thing.”
And how exactly was that supposed to make me feel better?
12342 Sun, Tu Aug
If I was unconscious, they could do whatever they wanted. Otto could crack open my skull and I wouldn’t even know.
And as for the meds…if they switched them for poison, I’d never see iting.
“If you don’t trust me,” Otto growled, “then get the hell out already. I’m about to waste three months of my life on you. I don’t need a disobedient patient.”
“Watch your tone,” Grayson snapped. “And listen—I may not be staying here full time, but I’ll being back often to check in. If Aria doesn’t improve–or worse, if she gets weaker—you, yournd, and everyone on it will pay the fucking price.”
Otto’s hands clenched into fists. His whole face darkened in fury.
“Don’t think I’m bluffing,” Grayson continued coldly. “I’ve already sent more troops to the border. The moment something feels off, my
soldiers will move, and your Pack will be turned to ash. Got it?”
Otto’s face turned red with rage. I jumped in quickly, “Otto gets it. Hey don’t worry, Grayson, I’ll be here keeping an eye on things.”
That fake bitch.
She being her might only make things worse.
Grayson stood up. “Then start prepping for the treatment now. Aria?”
I stood too and followed him out.
Outside, the car was still waiting. He turned to me and cupped my face in his hands.
“I’m sorry I have to leave so soon,” he whispered in a soft tone. “…Fuck. I hate leaving you here all by yourself.”
I ced my hand over his. “I’ll be okay. You don’t always have to treat me like a kid. I’m just… worried.”
“You’re worried Otto will hurt you,” he finished for me. “But he won’t. Not unless he wants to sacrifice his entire Pack. And besides… I’s
here.”
“I highly doubt your ex–wife is going to be any help,” I muttered. “Forget it. I’ll figure it out.”
He leaned down and kissed me, slow and lingering. “Take care of yourself for me, will you? Ande back to me safe. I’ll be praying to the
Moon Goddess day and night.”
“I will.” I rose on tiptoe to kiss him back. “Nothing can keep us apart.”
He left.
I watched his car drive off through the iron gates, my heart feeling heavier by the second.
Looks like I’d be fighting this battle alone.
I turned around slowly, my mind spinning with everything I’d just heard.
That treatment n scared the hell out of me. And the worst part? I didn’t have anyone around who knew anything about healing, no one to advise me, no one to tell me what was normal and what was wrong…
BANG.
I mmed straight into someone.
MAZE SUN<b>, </b>
<b>Auy </b>
??
“Oh–sorry,” I mumbled, rubbing my head.
I’d bumped into a guy who looked like a janitor. I barely nced at him before trying to move past.
But suddenly, he grabbed me. And yanked me into a nearby utility room.
WHAT THE-
I opened my mouth to scream, but he pped a hand over it and tore off his mask.
“Shhh! Don’t scream! I can’t let them know I’m here,” he whispered urgently. “It’s me–Malik!”
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