《A Broken Alpha Heiress' Revenge》


 in Vengeance 1

    Riley¡¯s POV


    ¡°You gave ckmaw Pack¡¯s Alpha daughter Tessa false information. You lured her into the ck Forest, and now she lies in aa after being mauled by Rogues. You deserve to die.¡±


    I froze.


    Maddox¡ªmy mate¡ªstood in front of me, his voice like ice, his eyes filled with contempt. Behind him, peeking from the safety of his shoulder, my adoptive sister Scarlett watched me with a victorious smile.


    She did it. She set me up.


    But no one cared.


    Tessa was found on the brink of death, her body bloodied, surrounded by signs of a violent Rogue ambush. The scent markers left behind pointed to one culprit¡ªone of Alpha ric¡¯s daughters from the Ebonw Pack.


    Everyone knew there were two.


    One was Scarlett, the sweet, perfect daughter raised under Luna Zara¡¯s gentle care, groomed for Pack leadership, adored by all.


    The other was me.


    I¡¯m Riley.


    The daughter who disappeared fifteen years ago. The one raised by Rogues.


    Three years ago.


    The Ebonw Pack raided our Rogue settlement. Their Alpha stepped into the clearing, caught my scent, and froze. He said I smelled like his ¡°little pup.¡±


    He took me back.


    And then it came true.


    I had a father. A mother. A tall, handsome Alpha brother¡ªKael Vale. A real family.


    But the little princess wasn¡¯t me.


    It was Scarlett.


    The girl they adopted when I vanished. The Beta-born child a seer had imed could ¡°heal¡± my mother¡¯s grief. She was epted as their own, cherished without question.


    And when I returned, they didn¡¯t want to choose.


    So they simply didn¡¯t.


    I was tolerated. A ghost in the family mansion. A name without a ce.


    And worse, I was iplete.


    My wolf¡ªmy birthright¡ªbarely stirred inside me. Sometimes, I could feel her pulse in my blood, like a whisper. But mostly, she slept. And that made me weak in their eyes. Unworthy.


    So when someone had to be med for Tessa¡¯s suffering, they all looked at me.


    Because Scarlett? She would never.


    But me? A rogue-born, half-wolf disgrace? Of course I would.


    I turned to Kael¡ªmy brother.


    He had been the first to arrive at the scene of the attack. I had followed right behind him, just in time to see him stoop, pick something up, and quietly slip it into his pocket.


    I saw what it was.


    Scarlett¡¯s earring.


    The same global limited edition he gave her when she shifted for the first time.


    He knew.


    He knew the truth.


    So I looked at him now, heart pounding, throat dry, begging for just one word. One truth. One shred of loyalty.


    ¡°Kael¡­¡± My voice cracked. ¡°You too?¡±


    He stared at me, and for a moment, I saw the conflict in his eyes.


    Then he exhaled, looked me dead in the face, and said, ¡°Even now? Still lying when you¡¯re already as good as dead?¡±


    My heart shattered.


    I didn¡¯t even have time to react before Alpha Ronan charged forward.


    His boot connected with my stomach, and I flew across the floor like a rag doll. Pain exploded in my ribs, sharp and burning, like every bone inside me had been cracked in half by his Alpha strength.


    I gasped for air and looked up¡ªat my father, Alpha ric.


    He stood still, expression unreadable, eyes locked on me like I was nothing.


    Beside him stood Luna Zara. My mother.


    I pleaded with my eyes, silently begging her to step forward. To say something.


    She hesitated.


    And then looked away.


    Another kick came. Then another. I curled into myself, not from fear, but from despair.


    ¡°Send her to the Werewolf Prison, waiting for the verdict of the Werewolf Court.¡± Ronan snarled, his voiceyered with Alpha authority that burned against my skin like acid.


    My breath caught in my throat.


    No.


    Anything but that.


    I had never been to the Werewolf Prison, but I¡¯d heard the stories. Torture. Chains. Madness. No sunlight. No mercy.


    Death would be kinder.


    Two warriors grabbed me by the arms and began dragging me across the ground. My knees scraped against the dirt, and tears welled in my eyes¡ªnot from pain, but from betrayal.


    From Maddox.


    From Kael.


    From them all.


    Then Ronan crouched beside me and leaned in close, his breath brushing my cheek like frostbite.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure someone takes good care of you in there,¡± he whispered. ¡°For what you did to my sister.¡±


    And just like that, myst hope died.

 in Vengeance 2

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The chains around my wrists were cold and tight.


    Each step I took toward the courtroom echoed louder than thest, like the world was announcing my humiliation.


    Two guards walked beside me¡ªone on each side, hands firm on my arms, like I was some kind of feral beast.


    Just before I reached the heavy oak doors, I saw them.


    My father.


    My mother.


    Kael.


    Standing in the corridor as if they¡¯d just arrived by chance. But I knew better. They were waiting for me.


    ¡°Stop,¡± my father said quietly to the guards. ¡°Give us a moment.¡±


    The guards hesitated, then stepped back.


    I stood still.


    What was left to say?


    ¡°We need your help,¡± Alpha ric said.


    I blinked. My lips parted.


    Help?


    Then Luna Zara stepped forward, her expression soft¡ªnot with motherly warmth, but with practiced diplomacy.


    ¡°Scarlett can¡¯t survive this, Riley,¡± she said. ¡°You know that.¡±


    It hit me like a p.


    A cruel, unbelievable twist.


    ¡°She¡¯s never known pain,¡± Kael added gently. ¡°She¡¯s not like you.¡±


    Not like me.


    ¡°You grew up with Rogues,¡± he continued. ¡°You¡¯re strong. You¡¯ve endured worse than prison.¡±


    My heart clenched.


    ¡°You want me to take the me,¡± I whispered.


    They didn¡¯t deny it.


    Kael stepped closer, lowering his voice. ¡°I swear, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re protected in there. You won¡¯t suffer.¡±


    Iughed.


    A bitter, hollowugh that scraped my throat raw.


    So this was love? This was family?


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said. ¡°For finally showing me exactly what I am to you.¡±


    Then I turned without waiting for a reply.


    The doors opened.


    The courtroom wasrge, circr, made of dark stone and shadow. On the high tform sat the Council of Elders¡ªand at the center, in his ck uniform and silver crest, was Maddox.


    My mate.


    My judge.


    My executioner.


    Our eyes met for a brief moment. There was something flickering behind his mask of calm¡ªa glimmer of guilt? Of doubt?


    No. Just calction.


    Maddox was a Council Judge. An authority. A symbol of justice.


    And he would rather protect Scarlett than defend his own mate.


    Tessa¡¯s family was seated nearby, grief-stricken. Alpha Ronan red at me with rage barely restrained beneath his skin.


    One by one, the witnesses spoke.


    Twisted truths. Skewed assumptions. Convenient silence.


    Maddox presided over it all, pretending not to know the scent of my soul.


    Pretending he couldn¡¯t feel the bond between us telling him I was innocent.


    He never looked back at me.


    Finally, the verdict fell from his lips like a dagger to the heart:


    ¡°Riley of Ebonw Pack, you are sentenced to five years in Werewolf Detainment for your crimes against the ckmaw Pack and endangering the life of an Alpha heir.¡±


    My knees almost gave out.


    Five years.


    Five years in that ce.


    No trial bybat. No second chances.


    Just exile.


    Just silence.


    Just betrayal.


    I was dragged out of the courtroom. My body felt numb, as if every word I had heard had turned into a weight pressing down on my bones.


    And then I heard footsteps.


    Click. Click. Click.


    Scarlett.


    She stepped into the hallway, her arms folded, her expression smug and shining like victory.


    ¡°Prison suits you, Riley,¡± she said sweetly, her voiceced with venom. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s practically your second home, isn¡¯t it? Rogue-born and all.¡±


    I stared at her, my breath shallow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she continued. ¡°Five years will fly by. And when youe back¡­ well, if youe back¡­ you¡¯ll find I¡¯ve done such wonderful things with the life you wasted.¡±


    She leaned in.


    ¡°They all chose me. Even him.¡±


    She didn¡¯t say Maddox¡¯s name. She didn¡¯t have to.


    I looked away, swallowing down the scream rising in my throat.


    ¡°See you never, sister,¡± she whispered, then walked off, herughter echoing down the corridor like a curse.


    The guards pulled me forward again.


    Step by step, toward the gates of the prison.


    Toward the darkness.


    Toward the ce they thought would break me.


    The cell door creaked open. The stench of blood, rust, and mildew hit me like a wall. The floor was damp. The walls were stained.


    And then¡ª


    Agony.


    It hit me out of nowhere.


    A blinding, soul-tearing pain erupted in my chest, like ws digging into my heart and ripping it apart from the inside.


    I screamed, copsing to my knees.


    My wolf whimpered deep within me¡ªthen howled in pain.


    And through the storm of torment, I heard it.


    His voice. Maddox. Through the bond.


    But it wasn¡¯t warmth or apology that reached me.


    It was ice.


    ¡°I reject you as my mate.¡±


    The bond snapped like a shattered bone.


    The silence that followed was louder than any scream.


    My hands trembled against the stone floor.


    Tears blurred my vision¡ªnot from the pain of rejection, but from the truth it carried.


    He chose them.


    He chose her.


    And now, I had no mate. No family. No name. No one.


    Only rage.


    Only darkness.


    Only the fire that began to smolder in the broken ruins of my heart.


    This is my hell.


    And if I survive it, I swear¡­


    I will make them all burn.

 in Vengeance 3

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Time dissolved in that cell¡ªhours bled into days, days into the endless gray of existence. I lost track of seasons, of the moon¡¯s cycle, even of my own reflection in the polished metal sink.


    My knuckles scraped concrete as Harper¡¯s boot mmed into my ribs.


    ¡°Choose, mutt¡ªshank across the face or ten ps?¡±


    Her breath reeked of rotting meat, but I kept my eyes fixed on the rusted drain in the corner.


    Five years in this pit, and I¡¯d learned the first rule of survival: when wolves bare their teeth, show your throat before they tear it out.


    ¡°ps,¡± I croaked, voice rough but steady.


    The first blow snapped my head sideways, blood flooding my mouth with copper heat. I counted each strike like a prayer.


    Seven.


    Eight.


    Nine.


    ¡°Pathetic,¡± Harper muttered, spitting at my feet before storming off with her pack of hyenas.


    I stayed hunched, the sting on my cheek already fading beneath the deeper ache of memory.


    This is how I¡¯ve lived for 1,825 days¡ªchoosing the lesser evil, swallowing my pride like broken ss.


    My mind wandered, as it always did, to day one at Ebonw Pack.


    Kael had cornered me in the library, his cologne sharp like pine needles.


    ¡°Blood or not, Scarlett¡¯s my only sister,¡± he said, voice low and threatening as his fingers mped around my wrist, leaving bruises.


    ¡°Touch her again, and I¡¯ll make the Rogues look like babysitters.¡±


    I¡¯d nodded like a fool, still naive enough to think family meant protection.


    Howughable.


    He¡¯d rather see me in chains than believe I hadn¡¯t lured Tessa into the ck Forest.


    Maddox¡­


    I squeezed my eyes shut, but his face floated up anyway¡ªhis smile, the one that made my ribs ache.


    The first time we met, his pupils dted, his wolf howling in recognition.


    ¡°Mate,¡± he whispered, pressing a daisy behind my ear.


    Those early days were all fireflies and stolen kisses.


    Until Scarlett started spraining her ankle on our dates. Until every birthday dinner came with an ¡°urgent¡± call from her.


    And he always left¡ªmurmuring apologies that tasted like ashes.


    My parents?


    Father never looked me in the eye.


    Mother flinched every time I tried to hug her.


    Once, I baked them a pie with wild berries I¡¯d foraged.


    I found it in the trash, untouched.


    On the counter, Scarlett¡¯s macarons sat pristine, waiting for praise.


    And Tessa¡­


    She and Scarlett were inseparable.


    I saw them sharing a pic by theke the day she was attacked.


    So why would Tessa follow me into the ck Forest?


    A guard¡¯s baton mmed against the bars.


    ¡°Visitation,¡± he grunted.


    I didn¡¯t move.


    Didn¡¯t even lift my head.


    I¡¯d stopped looking forward to those words years ago.


    Here, the rules allowed family visits once a month.


    Sixty months. Sixty chances.


    Not once had anyonee. Not my parents. Not Kael. Not even Maddox.


    I used to sit by the ss, brushing my hair with my fingers, pretending the bruises weren¡¯t so bad.


    I¡¯d stare at the hallway, waiting for a silhouette that never appeared.


    Not a letter. Not a whisper. Not even a lie.


    Eventually, I stopped hoping.


    Stopped pretending I mattered to anyone.


    Stopped being Riley¡ªthe daughter, the sister, the mate.


    And became something else entirely.


    I pressed my forehead to the cold wall, breath ragged, fists clenched.


    Let them live their perfect little lives.


    Because one day, that door would open.


    And when it did, I wouldn¡¯t be walking out as the girl they threw away.


    I¡¯d be walking out as the storm they never sawing.


    The ng of a deadbolt jolted me from a fitful sleep, the sound ricocheting off the walls like a gunshot.


    ¡°Prisoner 4729,¡± a voice boomed, followed by the scrape of heavy steel. ¡°Stand and face the door.¡±


    I pushed myself up from the cot, bones creaking like rusted hinges. The guard¡¯s uniform was stiff and starched, his expression unreadable. But there was something different about his stance. Then I saw the warden behind him, holding a sheaf of papers. His usual scowl was reced by a cold, neutral mask.


    ¡°Riley Ebonw,¡± he began, clearing his throat. ¡°By order of the Werewolf Corrections Board, your sentence has been served in full. Effective immediately, you are granted release from¡ª¡±


    The rest of his words bled into static. My eyes fixed on the open doorway, a rectangle of blinding light beyond. For five years, that threshold had been a taunt. A mirage.


    Now it gaped before me¡ªreal, raw, and waiting.


    ¡°¡ªproceed to intake for processing.¡±


    He extended a clipboard, but my hands trembled too hard to take it.


    I stepped forward. Each footfall was leaden.


    The air beyond the cell felt different¡ªthicker, richer,ced with forgotten scents: antiseptic, metal¡­ and freedom.


    As I crossed the threshold, the guard snapped a bracelet around my wrist.


    I braced for the shock cor.


    But it was only a in tracking band, humming faintly with suppressed magic.


    ¡°Good luck,¡± the warden muttered under his breath.


    I didn¡¯t answer. Couldn¡¯t.


    My gaze locked on the glowing red EXIT sign ahead¡ªa beacon zing through the long corridor.


    For 1,825 days, I¡¯d survived by crawling. By choosing pain over pride.


    Now, stepping into the courtyard, sunlight hitting my face for the first time in years, something deep inside me stirred¡ª


    Something ancient. Something wild.


    Something that hadn¡¯t whispered in a long, long time.


    The door creaked open, and I squinted against the light.


    They thought they¡¯d broken me.


    They thought I¡¯d crawl forever.


    But as the fresh air filled my lungs, I smiled.


    Let them tremble.


    The storm has just stepped outside.

 in Vengeance 4

    hapter 4


    Riley¡¯s POV


    The prison gates groaned open like the jaws of some ancient beast.


    Light hit my face for the first time in five years. It should have felt warm.


    It didn¡¯t.


    The clothes I wore when I entered¡ªnow sagged off my body, hanging loose over skin stretched too tightly across brittle bones.


    I limped forward, one foot dragging behind the other. Not because I wanted pity.


    Because that¡¯s all my body had left to give.


    A ck Bentley idled at the curb. The window slid down with a soft mechanical whir.


    Kael.


    His gaze dragged over my legs, a sneer curling his lips.


    ¡°Still pretending to be weak after five years in a cell?¡±


    His voice was sharp, cold¡ªlike ss dipped in poison.


    My throat tightened. The sting behind my eyes caught me off guard.


    My brother.


    The one I once tried so desperately to please.


    I said nothing. Just kept limping past him.


    Kael stiffened behind the wheel.


    In his memory, I was the eager puppy, always rushing to serve him, always begging to be seen.


    He remembered me waiting outside his office with homemade soup during winter storms.


    He remembered me massaging his shoulders when he came homete, pressing slippers to his feet with trembling fingers.


    He remembered the girl who adored him like a god.


    But that girl died somewhere between the prison bars and the courtroom bench.


    ¡°Get in,¡± he snapped.


    When I didn¡¯t move, he huffed and softened his tone¡ªjust a touch.


    ¡°Mom and Dad arranged a wee dinner for you.¡±


    Mom and Dad.


    The words felt foreign now.


    Three years in that house taught me a bitter truth: I was never their daughter.


    Not really.


    I was the inconvenient reminder of a life they tried to forget.


    And Scarlett? She was their sun, moon, and stars.


    I said nothing. Just kept walking.


    Kael cursed, mmed the door, and came after me.


    His hand mped down on my wrist and yanked hard.


    ¡°Are you done ying this little drama?¡±


    I stumbled, hitting the ground hard. Pain shot through my leg like a knife. I tasted blood.


    Kael towered over me, face twisted in disgust.


    ¡°Still acting fragile? Five years wasn¡¯t enough to knock the lies out of you?¡±


    He yanked me to my feet like I was garbage.


    ¡°You lured Tessa into that forest. You know what happened to her. And you still dare to act like a victim?¡±


    I looked up at him from the ground, swallowing the scream in my throat.


    ¡°You were convicted because of evidence. Because the scent at the scene was yours.¡±


    ¡°And Scarlett¡¯s?¡± I whispered.


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    Because he knew.


    He knew the earring he¡¯d found in the mud wasn¡¯t mine.


    He knew the message came from Scarlett¡¯s device.


    And yet, he stood in court and said nothing.


    He yanked me to my feet, sneering.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think your time¡¯s up. Tessa¡¯s still unconscious. Until she wakes, your guilt remains. And you still owe Scarlett an apology.¡±


    Apology?


    I didn¡¯t answer. Just pulled my arm free, stepped away.


    The distance stung him more than my words could.


    ¡°Come home,¡± he said again, trying to make it sound like an offer.


    Like it meant something.


    ¡°Riley.¡±


    My heart clenched.


    That voice.


    Even after all these years, I knew it immediately.


    Maddox.


    He stepped into view¡ªshoes polished, suit immacte, face carved from the same cold stone as always. But it was the voice that gutted me.


    ¡°Congrattions on your release,¡± he said, like this was some kind of graduation ceremony.


    If someone else had said it, I might¡¯ve forced a smile. Might¡¯ve said thank you.


    But not him.


    Not the boy who once swore to protect me.


    Not the man who stood in court and helped condemn me.


    Not the one who begged me¡ªbegged me¡ªto take the fall so Scarlett wouldn¡¯t have to suffer.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t survive prison,¡± he¡¯d said.


    ¡°But you¡­ you¡¯re strong, Riley. You¡¯re used to pain.¡±


    I nearly vomited.


    This man¡ªthis mate¡ªhad stood in the courtroom and watched them drag me away.


    He¡¯d looked me in the eye as the sentence was read and said nothing.


    Worse.


    He¡¯d rejected me through the bond the moment the cell door closed.


    I still remembered that pain. The mindlink tearing like muscle off bone. His voice saying,


    ¡°I reject you.¡±


    And now?


    He wanted to pretend we were still something?


    He reached out. ¡°Riley, I came to take you ho¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going home with Kael,¡± I said, cutting him off without looking at him.


    Just loud enough for him to hear the contempt in every syble.


    Kael blinked in surprise.


    Maddox¡¯s hand froze mid-air.


    I walked away¡ªlimping, trembling, barely holding myself together.


    But I didn¡¯t look back.


    Not because I wanted to go home with either of them.


    I didn¡¯t want to go anywhere with anyone.


    But the truth was, I was still on a leash.


    One month. That¡¯s how long my observation periodsts.


    One wrong move, one excuse, and the Vale family could have me thrown right back into that werewolf prison.


    And this time, I wouldn¡¯te back out.


    So I walked. Not for Kael.


    Not for Maddox.


    Not even for myself.


    I walked because the system was still watching.


    And for now, I had to y the part.

 in Vengeance 5

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The car ride was silent, but the silence wasn¡¯t empty.


    It was loud with everything Kael wasn¡¯t saying. Everything he refused to acknowledge.


    I sat in the back seat, the worn denim of my prison jeans rough against my skin.


    My gaze drifted over the interior.


    Fuzzy pink seat cover on the passenger side.


    Strawberry bear plushies lined up perfectly on the dashboard.


    A woman¡¯s photo swinging from the rearview mirror¡ªshe was older now, softer, her smile bright and confident. Coddled. Protected. Untouched.


    Scarlett.


    She looked like she belonged.


    Like this car, this world, had been molded around her.


    And somehow, she still made it look like I was the outsider.


    I turned my face away from the mirror.


    But my eyes caught on the shopping bag next to me.


    A feathered white gown peeked through the open top, so pristine it didn¡¯t even look real.


    It didn¡¯t belong to me.


    I didn¡¯t need to ask.


    Everything in this car screamed that I didn¡¯t belong.


    My fingers curled, self-conscious. The calloused pads of my prison hands brushed over the cheap fabric of my jeans.


    Scarlett got couture.


    I got correctional uniforms and a criminal record.


    Outside, the trees blurred past, and Kael finally decided to speak.


    ¡°Mom and Dad¡­ they really missed you these past five years. They cried every day. The stress turned their hair gray,¡± he said, like it meant something. Like it fixed anything.


    He didn¡¯t stop there.


    ¡°When we get home, don¡¯t start with your old attitude. I don¡¯t want to see any rivalry with Scarlett. Don¡¯t make things difficult. If you behave, the Ebonw Pack won¡¯t treat you unfairly.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    Silence stretched, thick and ufortable. He checked the rearview mirror, eyes flicking back to me.


    ¡°Riley. I¡¯m talking to you. Did you hear what I said?¡±


    I looked up. Calm. Cold. Tired.


    And then I spoke¡ªmore words than I¡¯d said since leaving prison.


    ¡°In ordance with Article 48 of the Werewolf Corrections Code, inmates are entitled to visitation once per month by close family members.¡±


    ¡°Once per month. For five years. That¡¯s sixty possible visits.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get one.¡±


    I met his eyes in the mirror. My voice didn¡¯t rise. It didn¡¯t need to.


    ¡°Not once did you or our parentse to see me. Not for thirty minutes. Not for three minutes. Not even a letter.¡±


    He faltered.


    For the first time, he didn¡¯t have a ready excuse.


    His hands clenched on the steering wheel, the bones of his knuckles glowing pale.


    Then, weakly¡ª¡°You were too difficult. They thought if they didn¡¯t visit, you¡¯d learn your lesson. They wanted you to reflect. They did it for your own good.¡±


    For my own good.


    Right.


    Just like it was ¡°for my good¡± when they let Scarlett frame me for luring Tessa into that Rogue-infested forest.


    Just like it was ¡°for my good¡± when I was sentenced while my own mate stood silent.


    Just like it was ¡°for my good¡± when they fed me to the wolves and called it justice.


    I didn¡¯t answer. I just turned back to the window and let the scenery wash past me.


    Eventually, the car pulled into the Ebonw Pack estate.


    Kael hopped out first, grabbing the dress bag from the back seat like it was a sacred relic.


    He walked off briskly, forgetting I even existed¡ªuntil, halfway to the door, he froze.


    As if just remembering he had a sister.


    He turned back, awkwardly clearing his throat.


    ¡°Go change. You¡¯re expected in the banquet hall.¡±


    And then he disappeared through the marble front doors.


    The house loomed before me like a mausoleum. Familiar in outline, but dead in every corner.


    Five years hadn¡¯t made this ce feel any more like home.


    If anything, it was colder than I remembered.


    I stepped through the front doors and made my way down the same hall I¡¯d once scrubbed on my hands and knees.


    To my room.


    If you could even call it that.


    No windows. No warmth. No sunlight.


    Just a folding cot, an old desk, and boxes stacked to the ceiling.


    This was the storage room.


    They let Scarlett pick her own wallpaper.


    I got mold and shadows.


    I closed the door behind me, breath catching.


    Kael told me to change into something proper.


    I let out a dryugh.


    Proper?


    The only clothes I owned were the ones on my back¡ªcheap, shapeless, faded from too many washes in cold prison water.


    The T-shirt and jeans I¡¯d bought five years ago with the money I made bagging groceries on winter breaks.


    I remembered the way I beamed as I modeled them for Kael.


    He¡¯d scowled like I¡¯d insulted him.


    ¡°What are you wearing? Can¡¯t you dress like Scarlett? Throw that away. You look like a joke.¡±


    Back then, I¡¯d swallowed my hurt. I¡¯d tried again and again. Hoping. Reaching.


    But not anymore.


    I wasn¡¯t the same girl who begged for scraps of affection.


    Not the same sister who clung to a family that never wanted her.

 in Vengeance 6

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Scarlett¡¯s elegance was paid for¡ªin full¡ªby wealth, privilege, and attention.


    Me? I had nothing.


    The Ebonw Pack never gave me their love, nor their resources. Yet somehow, it was still my fault I didn¡¯t turn out ¡°graceful¡± enough. They brought me back into their home, but never into their hearts.


    Sometimes, I wondered if my only purpose here was to make Scarlett¡ªthe impostor¡ªlook more beloved.


    They say the unloved one is always the outsider. That fit me perfectly.


    I stood in the cramped storeroom I¡¯d called home for three years. My eyesnded on the only outfit I had left¡ªa blue-and-white high school uniform. The same one I wore the day I was dragged away in handcuffs.


    Five years ago, I¡¯d received an offer from the country¡¯s top university. Instead of celebrating, the Ebonw couple threw avish send-off party for Scarlett.


    The entire city¡¯s elite had been invited. Scarlett wore a million-dor designer gown and a diamond tiara, smiling like the fairytale princess she always pretended to be. I stood nearby in in clothes, watching it all fall apart as the police led me away. That night should¡¯ve been my beginning. Instead, it marked the end of everything I thought I knew.


    Five minutester, still in my uniform, I made my way toward the Ebonw estate¡¯s ballroom.


    Servants passed by, throwing confused nces my way.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that girl? Why is she dressed like a schoolkid?¡±


    ¡°Probably some part-time server from the hotel. Looks like a summer job.¡±


    ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Vale really went all out for Miss Scarlett¡ªinviting the Empire Hotel¡¯s head chef and all.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they really adore her.¡±


    One of them stopped as they walked past me. ¡°You¡¯d better change into the proper uniform. The guests are important¡ªdon¡¯t embarrass the household.¡±


    Then she walked off, just like that. As if I was invisible.


    I stood still.


    Kael told me this was a wee-back dinner. He didn¡¯t say they¡¯d invited outsiders.


    Was this really meant to honor me? Or was it just another twisted way to parade my shame?


    They arrested me in front of the city¡¯s elite. Now they wanted to wee me back in front of the same people?


    I turned to leave.


    But Kael appeared at the end of the hall.


    His eyes fell on me. His face twisted.


    ¡°I told you to change,¡± he barked. ¡°What the hell are you wearing? Do you even understand what kind of event this is?¡±


    I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut me off.


    ¡°You came out of prison looking like a disaster, and now you want to stand here looking pitiful again? Trying to make people pity you, to paint us as monsters? Riley, you¡¯re disgusting. You haven¡¯t changed one bit.¡±


    He reached for my arm.


    I stepped away.


    He missed.


    ¡°You¡¯re seriously dodging me now?¡±


    I looked him in the eye. That same hateful, disgusted re I¡¯d endured for three years. Back then, it tore me apart. Now, it felt¡­ empty.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a dress,¡± I said.


    ¡°Then buy one!¡± he snapped.


    ¡°I have no money.¡±


    Kael¡¯s face turned red with rage.


    ¡°You lived here for three years. We gave you everything¡ªfood, a roof, clothes. You got half a million transferred into your ount every month. That¡¯s eighteen million in total! Don¡¯t tell me you couldn¡¯t afford a damn dress.¡±


    I didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°I never got a single cent.¡±


    He sneered. ¡°Liar. You think I won¡¯t prove it?¡±


    He pulled out his phone and called the finance department.


    ¡°You¡¯re on speaker,¡± he said. ¡°Tell me how much we transferred into Riley¡¯s ount each month.¡±


    A pause. Then: ¡°Miss Riley? Sir, we never made any deposits into her ount.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kael¡¯s voice cracked.


    ¡°Luna Zara said Miss Riley came from¡­ a less privileged background. She was concerned money would lead her astray. Since Miss Riley lived on the estate with all her basic needs covered, the allowance was canceled.¡±


    I stood silent.


    But I felt him cracking beside me.


    ¡°And¡­ Luna Zara raised Miss Scarlett¡¯s allowance to a million a month. Said it was topensate for Riley¡¯s return. Surely you were aware of that, sir?¡±

 in Vengeance 7

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The crowd was growing around us.


    Everyone had heard the voiceing from the speakerphone.


    Stunned silence followed. Even the music in the distance felt like it had dulled to a whisper.


    The Ebonw Pack might not be the most powerful in the South, but they were certainly one of the most respected elite packs. In circles like these, it was unheard of for a daughter of the house to receive nothing¨Cnot a single cent in allowance each month. But here I was. The only daughter by blood. Not even a dime to my name.


    And suddenly, everything about me made sense to them. The worn¨Cout high school uniform. Theck of even a halfway decent dress for a formal event. The hollow eyes.


    They started whispering.


    ¡°No wonder she looks like that¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she the real daughter? And Scarlett¡¯s the adopted one?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t get a penny? Not even once?¡±


    ¡°Wow¡­ the Vale family¡¯s really something.¡±


    They weren¡¯t wrong. It wasughable. Born into privilege, yet stripped of everything. Scarlett¨Ctheir darling¨Cwas pampered with a monthly allowance of a hundred thousand. While I, their actual daughter, was left with nothing but an old school uniform and the sting of forgotten birthdays.


    I stood there silently, watching the truth finally sink in for them. For Kael. For my so¨Ccalled parents.


    Kael, his face turning crimson with shame and disbelief, tried onest time to salvage the family¡¯s dignity.


    ¡°Even if finance didn¡¯t send you money, surely Mom and Dad gave you some personally, right?¡± he snapped, clinging to denial.


    I smiled, not kindly. My gaze slid to Alpha ric and Luna Zara¨Cmy ¡°parents.¡± ¡°If they did, you can ask them directly. After all, you never believed a word I said. But surely, you¡¯ll believe them.¡±


    ric looked like he¡¯d been punched. His shoulders stiffened, avoiding my eyes.


    ¡°I thought¡­ I assumed you two were giving her money,¡± he muttered, voice barely audible.


    Luna Zara looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her whole. Tears welled in her eyes¨Ccrocodile tears, if you asked me. ¡°Sweetheart, if you were struggling, you should¡¯ve said something. I would have helped you right away,¡± she said, voice trembling. ¡°It¡¯s my fault for not noticing sooner, but please know¨CI¡¯ve always loved you just the same as Scarlett.¡±


    I stared at her, my expression void of emotion, only a faint smile lingering at the corners of my mouth.


    The woman who had ordered the finance department to cut me off. Who increased Scarlett¡¯s allowance out of pity¨Cfor her, not for me. The same woman now pretending she hadn¡¯t noticed my threadbare clothes, my shrinking presence, my desperation.


    She wasn¡¯t blind. She simply didn¡¯t care.


    This whole disy of remorse was for the audience. Nothing more.


    And


    And fortunately, I¡¯d already shed my illusions. I had no expectations left, which meant they had no power over me.


    I caught Kael¡¯s flicker of guilt¨Cand just as quickly, the frustration overtook it. ¡°What, you couldn¡¯t just say something?¡± he barked. ¡°We¡¯re not mind¨Creaders, Riley! If you needed money, all you had to do was ask. You think we¡¯d just let you go without?¡±


    ¡°I did ask,¡± I said quietly, my voice like ice. ¡°You just didn¡¯t care.¡±


    He opened his mouth to argue¨Cbut I saw it, that flicker of doubt.


    A memory was returning.


    I saw it in his face.


    An afternoon, years ago..


    We were all in the living room. I approached, fingers twisting the hem of my too¨Csmall school blouse, cheeks burning.


    ¡°Dad¡­ Mom¡­¡± I had murmured. ¡°Can I¡­ have five thousand? For school¡­ tuition¡­?¡±


    Kael had mmed his newspaper down. ¡°Money, money, money¨Cthat¡¯s all you ever talk about!¡± he¡¯d snapped. ¡°Is that what you came back to this house for? To leech off us? If the Vales weren¡¯t rich, would you have stayed away?¡±


    I remember my hands trembling. My voice had broken when I whispered, ¡°I just need it for school¡­¡±


    He scoffed. ¡°You want money? Scarlett just got top ten in her ss. What did


    ¡°I¡­ I was first¡­¡±


    ¡°First from the bottom, I bet,¡± he barked, rolling his eyes. ¡°Unbelievable.¡±


    I had felt so humiliated I ran from the room.


    <i>you </i>get?¡±


    Later, I overheard them chuckling as Scarlett tugged Kael¡¯s arm. ¡°Brother, I did so well this month! Can I have a reward?¡±


    He had immediately brightened. ¡°What does my baby sister want?¡±


    ¡°I saw a purse¨Cten thousand. Can I have it?¡±


    ¡°Of course! If Scarlett wants it, even a hundred thousand is worth it!¡±


    And I¨CI was forgotten.


    Snapped back to the present, I saw Kael¡¯s face contort with a storm of emotions.


    ¡°Is that what you¡¯re remembering now, Kael?¡± I asked softly. Coldly.


    He flinched at the use of his full name. Not ¡°brother.¡± Not anymore.


    That word had died the moment they let me rot in prison.


    He clenched his fists, scowling. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like you deserved a reward! You were failing all your sses! Coming inst- how dare you even ask for money!¡±


    I tilted my head, my voice sharp as ss. ¡°I was first in my year. All three years of high school.¡±


    His expression cracked.


    I smiled coldly. ¡°But of course you didn¡¯t know that, did you? You don¡¯t even know what school I went to.¡±


    His face turned pale. ¡°You weren¡¯t at Halston Academy?¡±


    Halston Academy¨Cthe most prestigious private school in Mooncrest City. Scarlett¡¯s school. The school he just assumed I


    went to.


    He turned abruptly to ric and Luna Zara, his voice hoarse. ¡°Did you transfer her into Halston when she came back?¡±


    Neither answered.


    ric¡¯s face went ashen, his lips moving uselessly.


    Luna Zara just stood there, eyes wild, lips trembling, mascara streaking.


    Their silence said everything.


    And in that silence, Kael¡¯s carefully constructed world began to crumble.


    He looked at me, barely able to breathe. ¡°Riley¡­ then where did you go to school all these years?¡±

 in Vengeance 8

    Riley¡¯s POV


    My life had already been destroyed, and now he suddenly cared about my education?


    How ironic.


    I had spent my entire youth chasing the light¨Cten years of studying until my fingers bled, just to rewrite the fate I had been handed. I dreamed of breaking through my circumstances with nothing but sheer determination. My dream was Ashmoor Academy, the most prestigious institution in the Werewolf Alliance. I wanted to be abat instructor, stand at the front of a ssroom, and help kids like me escape the chains of their birth.


    But dreams are fragile things.


    The Vale family crushed mine with one careless decision. A single false usation, and I was sentenced to five years in hell. All my hard¨Cearned potential, all those sleepless nights¡­ buried.


    Because in their world, effort meant nothing. Power and bloodline ruled all.


    The ache in my chest red as I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, but I barely noticed.


    ¡°Mooncrest Academy,¡± I said softly.


    The moment those three words left my lips, the atmosphere shifted. Alpha ric. Luna Zara. Kael. Their faces went pale.


    Because Mooncrest wasn¡¯t just any school. It was the top¨Cranking academic institution in Mooncrest City. Entry wasn¡¯t bought with gold or influence¨Cit demanded scores.


    Unlike Halston Academy, where Scarlett had studied.


    I smiled bitterly. ¡°I didn¡¯t go to Halston Academy with Scarlett. We were never ssmates. Never even had breakfast together. Mooncrest¡¯s morning study sessions started at six. I left home every day at four a.m., riding my old bike for two hours just to get there on time.¡±


    I took a breath. ¡°I never came home for lunch¨Cthere wasn¡¯t time. And I had no money, so I just drank water and pushed through until the day ended. When I finally got home, you¡¯d all already eaten. I ate leftovers, if there were any. And when I did, you called me a stray. A parasite. Greedy, disgusting.¡±


    Luna Zara started to cry. ¡°Riley¡­ I didn¡¯t know it was this bad. I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    I looked at her, calm as still water. ¡°You have nothing to apologize for,¡± said coolly. ¡°You didn¡¯t raise me. I was just the daughter you abandoned. I don¡¯t expect anything more from you.¡±


    Her sobs choked in her throat.


    My memories burned behind my eyes-


    Riley<i>, </i>I know you¡¯re stronger than Scarlett. You survived Rogue Pack. I know you¡¯ll adapt to prison too. Please¡­ take the me for her. For your sister.


    That voice had haunted me for five years.


    Kael snapped, trying to save face. ¡°We may have neglected you, but that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re meless. You¡¯ve always hated Scarlett. You used every chance to retaliate against us. You¡¯re bitter, jealous, mean.¡±


    I didn¡¯t even blink.


    Luna Zara grabbed his arm. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to her like that.¡±


    But Kael shook her off. ¡°She framed Scarlett over Tessa¡¯s disappearance in the ck Forest, and now she¡¯s putting on this show in front of the guests. She¡¯s maniptive, vindictive, and ungrateful.¡±


    Zara looked at me, eyes darting like a trapped animal. I knew that look. Guilt.


    She had deleted the only surveince footage that could have cleared my name.


    172


    ¡°Enough.¡± ric finally


    epped in, his Alpha authority darkening the air. ¡°Riley, if you wereing home today, why didn¡¯t you say something? We could¡¯ve prepared a proper dress.¡±


    I stared at him.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know I was being released today?¡±


    He blinked. ¡°Of course not. If we had, I¡¯d have sent the driver. How did you get home?¡±


    ¡°Alpha Kael picked me up. He said you were throwing me a wee banquet.¡±


    Gasps spread across the hall.


    ¡°Wee banquet? Isn¡®


    today Scarlett¡¯s birthday party?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what my invitation said¨CScarlett Vale¡¯s birthday celebration.¡±


    ¡°What kind of family throws a release party for a convict?¡±


    The whispers started. Gossip buzzed like flies.


    The


    Kael¡¯s face burned red. He opened his mouth but couldn¡¯t say a word.


    And there it was¨Cthe truth. I wasn¡¯t being weed. I was a footnote in Scarlett¡¯s day. An afterthought.


    What did I expect?


    Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them back and turned to leave. I¡¯d had enough.


    But fate wasn¡¯t finished humiliating me.


    A blur of whitece came barreling into me. I didn¡¯t even have time to dodge.


    CRASH.


    Pain exploded in my elbow and leg as I hit the ground hard. My breath caught, my limbs screaming.


    When I opened my eyes, I saw them.


    Alpha ric. Luna Zara. Kael.


    Hovering over Scarlett, whoy at the center of their protective circle, wailing like a porcin doll.


    ¡°Scarlett, are you okay? Did she hurt you? Did Riley hurt you?!¡±


    Kael¡¯s voice cracked with rage. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you, Riley? Can¡¯t you even watch where you¡¯re walking?!¡±


    I stared up at them, lying on the cold marble floor.


    My blood seeping out.


    My dignity gone.


    My crime? Being born into the wrong life.

 in Vengeance 9

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The moment Kael opened his mouth, rage shot through me like wildfire.


    I pushed myself off the ground, hands stinging from the marble floor. Pain red in my knee, nearly knocking me off bnce. I steadied myself with a breath and met his gaze.


    ¡°Wow, Kael. You really don¡¯t need facts to smear me anymore, do you?¡± My voice was sharp, venomced. ¡°She ran into me, and yet somehow, I¡¯m to me again. Why? Because using me is free now? Doesn¡¯t even cost you a thought?¡±


    ¡°You¨CHis expression darkened.


    ¡°There are dozens of people here,¡± I cut him off. ¡°All of them saw what happened. So which one of us needs their eyes checked¨Cyou, or me?¡±


    He nced around, suddenly aware of the crowd¡¯s silence. Mooncrest City¡¯s elite stood frozen in ce, watching. Some with frowns, others with expressions carefully neutral.


    They didn¡¯t like me. I was the girl with a prison record, the stain on the Ebonw name.


    But even they had limits.


    Someone finally spoke. ¡°Kael¡­ it really was Scarlett who bumped into her. We all saw it.¡±


    Another voice joined. ¡°Yes, it wasn¡¯t Riley¡¯s fault.¡±


    A ripple of agreement followed, low but growing.


    Kael¡¯s face turned an ugly shade of red.


    To him, this wasn¡¯t about truth.


    This was about control.


    I was ruining Scarlett¡¯s birthday brunch¨Cthe precious illusion of a perfect daughter, perfect family.


    He knew me too well.


    He thought I was vengeful. Dangerous. Capable of anything.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong.


    But not in the way he thought.


    ¡°Even if she did hit you,¡± Kael said, voice tight, ¡°it was an ident. You could¡¯ve moved. But no¨Cyou stood there on purpose.¡±


    The air left my lungs in a rush. My ears rang.


    Move?


    I could barely walk without limping. I hadn¡¯t taken a full step without pain since the day they dragged me out of court like a criminal.


    Ah.


    That¡¯s right.


    Kael didn¡¯t believe I was injured.


    He thought I was faking it.


    Just like he thought I faked everything else.


    He only saw Scarlett on the ground, weeping.


    Never saw that I¡¯d gone down with her.


    If they liked painting me as a viin¨Cfine.


    Let them watch.


    I yanked up my sleeve.


    Gasps scattered like sparks across the room.


    Blood streaked down my elbow. Raw, torn skin peeked through the shredded fabric. My palm was ripped open, bright red and still leaking. Droplets slid from my fingertips and sttered onto the floor.


    I raised my arm, high, for all to see.


    ¡°Do I look like someone who threw herself into the floor for fun?¡± My voice trembled, not from fear¨Cbut fury. ¡°You think I


    my brother?¡± like bleeding in front of a hundred people just to earn one more insult from


    The tears welled, uninvited. My eyes burned, turning the world red and ssy.


    Scarlett froze, mascara dripping down her cheeks.


    ?


    She wasn¡¯t used to losing.


    Kael¡¯s pupils constricted. He couldn¡¯t look me in the eyes.


    For once, shame had a grip on him.


    Zara gasped and rushed forward, gently cradling my arm as if it weren¡¯t her words that wounded me most.


    ¡°Oh, Riley¨Csweetheart, you¡¯re hurt. Does it sting?¡± She blew softly on the injury like that would erase the years of silence. Like a motherforting a paper cut.


    I wanted tough in her face.


    Then Scarlett piped up, her voice fragile and trembling, eyes full of tears. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Riley. I didn¡¯t mean to. I was just so upset¡­ my dress, the one Kael had custom made¡ªit was damaged. I panicked and ran too fast. I didn¡¯t mean to bump into you. Please, don¡¯t be mad at Kael. He was just worried about me.¡±


    She turned those wide eyes on me¨Cso full of sorrow, so delicate in her misery.


    So convincing.


    If I hadn¡¯t known better, I might¡¯ve pitied her too.


    But I did know better.


    She hadn¡¯t changed.


    Not in five years. Not in fifteen.


    ¡°You mean,¡± I said coldly, ¡°that because Kael was worried about you, he had the right to use me without evidence?¡±


    Scarlett blinked, startled by the venom in my voice.


    She cowered into Zara¡¯s arms, tears spilling again. ¡°You¡¯re misunderstanding me¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it like that¡­¡±


    Zara tightened her arms around her, sighing heavily. ¡°Riley, you¡¯ve got it wrong. Scarlett is a sweet girl. She wouldn¡¯t ever do something malicious. Today is her birthday. Please, just say sorry and let it go.¡±


    Say sorry?


    Let it go?


    I raised an eyebrow, voice smooth and dangerous. ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time, is it? Are you sure I¡¯m the one misunderstanding, Luna Zara? Or should I remind you what happened five years ago-¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Her voice wavered. She paled.


    I smirked. ¡°Thought so.¡±


    There it was again.


    That ugly, familiar choice.


    Scarlett in her arms.


    Me alone.


    Like always.


    I squared my shoulders and turned toward the door, every step jarring against the pain shooting through my legs.


    I¡¯d made it two paces when Kael grabbed my arm.


    ¡°Exin it.¡±


    I jerked around to face him, voice brittle with disgust. ¡°Exin what?¡±


    ¡°The dress,¡± he said tightly. ¡°Scarlett¡¯s gown. What happened to it?¡±


    I followed his gaze.


    Feathered white fabric shimmered under the lights¨Cexcept for one jagged edge where ayer had been torn out.


    Fabric like that didn¡¯t fall apart by itself.


    ¡°Let me guess,¡± I said. ¡°You think I ruined it?¡±


    ¡°You were the only one in my car. The dress was hanging there. And now¡ª¡±


    ¡°Now it¡¯s damaged, so it must be my fault?¡±


    Scarlett began crying again, voice cracking. ¡°Why would you do that, Riley?¡±


    Zara sighed. ¡°I know you¡¯re angry. But you can¡¯tsh out like this.¡±


    I let out a sharpugh.


    And then I said the one thing they hadn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°Kael¡¯s car has a dashcam.¡±


    Everything stilled.


    ¡°If you want to use me of tampering with the dress,¡± I continued, ¡°then pull out your phone. Show everyone the footage.¡±


    Scarlett stiffened beside her mother.


    I turned to Kael. ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing to hide, right? I demand you y the video.¡±


    The crowd was already whispering.


    Scarlett¡¯s voice came out shaky. ¡°There¡¯s no need to check the camera¡ª¡±


    Zara jumped in, ¡°Riley, that¡¯s enough. Don¡¯t make this any more embarrassing than it already is.¡±


    ric finally spoke for the first time, voice low. ¡°This ends here. Go clean your wounds.¡±


    No.


    Not this time.


    I ripped my arm from Kael¡¯s grasp. My voice rang out like a whip.


    ¡°No one touches that video? Why? Because it would prove I didn¡¯t do it? Because it would mean someone else¨Csomeone you actually care about¨Cwould have to take the fall?¡±


    They flinched.


    And I didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of the truth. I want it shown. Right now. In front ofatory person


    I turned in a slow circle, meeting the eyes of the entire ballroom.


    ¡°Why are you all afraid?¡±

 in Vengeance 10

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I let my eyes sweep across their faces¨Cone by one.


    ric. Zara. Scarlett, Kael.


    Each of them flinched beneath my stare, unable to meet my gaze. Even Kael, all fire and fury a second first.


    ago,


    broke


    eye contact


    I knew what they were doing. What they were hoping for.


    That I¡¯d fall silent again.


    That I¡¯d back down. Again.


    But I didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said coolly, my voice cutting through the silence like a de. ¡°Since none of you will say it, I will.¡±


    I stepped forward.


    ¡°The gown Kael picked up was perfectly intact. The dashcam can prove I never touched it, never even looked at it during the ride. But somehow, by the time Scarlett slipped it on, it was torn.¡±


    I turned toward the guests, toward the room filled with powerful families and polished reputations.


    ¡°So tell me,¡± I asked, louder now, ¡°who really damaged the dress?¡±


    My voice dropped to a quiet, dangerous hush.


    ¡°And more importantly¨Cwhy is everyone so afraid of checking the damn footage?¡±


    No one moved.


    Because they knew. If the truth came out, they couldn¡¯t pin this on me.


    Couldn¡¯t let me be the scapegoat.


    Not again.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s the problem, right?¡± Iughed bitterly. ¡°If the dashcam proves I¡¯m innocent, then who¡¯s left to carry the


    me?¡±


    I looked straight at ric and Zara.


    ¡°To carry the me¡­ to take the fall¡­ to take the punishment meant for someone else.¡±


    Thatst sentence hit like a grenade.


    Zara¡¯s tears came quickly, but they didn¡¯t move me.


    ¡°Riley¡­ it¡¯s not like that. You¡¯re my daughter too. I¡¯ve always-¡±


    I cut her off with a single look.


    A sharp, dead¨Ccold stare.


    And this time, she had no defense.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you call me anymore,¡± I said. ¡°It means nothing.¡±


    I turned and walked away.


    And when I reached the hallway corner, fate twisted the knife once more.


    He was there.


    Maddox.


    Leaning against the wall like he¡¯d been waiting for me.


    I didn¡¯t slow down.


    Didn¡¯t look at him.


    But just as I passed, his voice drifted past my shoulder¨Clow and familiar.


    ¡°I believe you. Riley.¡±


    It didn¡¯t soothe me.


    It gutted me.


    Because belief meant nothing now.


    Not when it came toote.


    Back in the storeroom. I stood in the doorway for a long time.


    Then I stepped inside.


    Sat on the fold¨Cup cot, the same one I¡¯d slept on for three years.


    I felt hollow.


    Not angry. Not even hurt anymore.


    Just¡­ emptied.


    I stared at the wall, the faded uniforms, the ceiling with water stains.


    This had been my world.


    But not anymore.


    I gathered my things¨Ca stic bag, worn shoes, a faded T¨Cshirt.


    I was leaving.


    Then, just as I reached for the door-


    It opened.


    And standing there was the only person in this house who¡¯d ever treated me like I mattered.


    Mia.


    She was older now, maybe sixty, her greying hair pulled back tight, her Omega scent faint but distinct¨Ca soft blend of rosemary and iron.


    ¡°Miss Riley¡­¡± Her voice trembled. ¡°You¡¯re really back?¡±


    I froze.


    My lips parted. ¡°Mia?¡±


    No one else called me that anymore.


    Not Miss Riley.


    Just Riley.


    Just that girl.


    But Mia always remembered.


    In a house that treated me like an unwanted stain, she was the only


    one who saw me as hers.


    I remembered those summer nights¨Cwhen the storeroom boiled like an oven and she snuck in an old fan she¡¯d bought herself. I remembered her tucking an electric nket under my thin mattress during winter, whispering, ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone.¡±


    I blinked away tears I didn¡¯t have the strength to shed.


    Mia looked at the stic bag in my hand. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    I nodded.


    She didn¡¯t try to stop me.


    She just stepped forward and took my arm. ¡°Sit. Let me clean that wound first.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I muttered. ¡°Just a scratch.¡±


    Her jaw tensed. ¡°Riley¡­ you¡¯ve said that since you were sixteen. But it¡¯s never been just a scratch.¡±


    She led me back to the cot, her movements gentle but practiced.


    Mia, like most Omegas in elite households, had learned to be invisible. Soft¨Cspoken. Careful.


    But with me, her hands were steady. Her voice carried steel.


    She cleaned the cut with warm water and antiseptic from the old metal cab, wrapped it tightly, then looked me in the <i>eye</i>.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten since yesterday. Let me make you a bowl of noodles, then you can go wherever you want.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat anything from this house.¡±


    She didn¡¯t argue.


    Just nodded.


    She understood.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need money.¡± She pulled a thick envelope from her apron pocket and pressed it into my hand. ¡°Take it.¡±


    ¡°Mia-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fight me. I¡¯ve been saving it for years. I was going to use it when I left this house¡­ but now I know you need it more.¡±


    I wanted to refuse.


    But I couldn¡¯t.


    Because she was right.


    And because her hand, calloused and shaking, was still wrapped around mine like I was her child.


    She looked me in the eyes again, hers ssy with tears. ¡°I¡¯m an Omega. I can¡¯t stop them from hurting you. But I can help you walk away.¡±


    Her voice cracked.


    ¡°You were never meant to belong to this ce, Riley, You¡¯re meant to tear the whole damn thing down.¡±


    I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood.


    Then I whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    And meant it more than anything I¡¯d ever said.

 in Vengeance 11

    Kael¡¯s POV


    The moment the footage ended, I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    Fifteen minutes.


    That was how long it took to drive Riley home from the prison.


    Fifteen minutes of her sitting motionless, her hands resting on herp, body pressed against the window like she wanted to disappear into the ss.


    She never even nced at Scarlett¡¯s dress hanging beside her.


    Not once.


    And yet, we used her again.


    I leaned back in the driver¡¯s seat, the luxury leather suddenly feeling suffocating. My chest ached, like something heavy was lodged there, impossible to cough up.


    Riley¡¯s voice echoed in my ears. Cold. t. Final.


    Her


    eyes


    when she looked at me¨Cno hate, no sadness, just absence.


    Like I didn¡¯t exist anymore.


    Like her brother had died a long time ago.


    But I remembered¨Chow she used to smile at me every time I came home.


    ¡°Gege¡¯s back! You must be tired, I made you tea.¡±


    She used to beam.


    Now she couldn¡¯t even look me in the eye.


    I pressed my fingers against my temple. The headache had been building all day, but now it pulsed like a war drum.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I sat there.


    Until I heard her voice.


    Sofi. Familiar.


    ¡°Mia, it¡¯s fine. Go back inside.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go, but you call me if anything happens, alright?¡±


    I sat up like I¡¯d been struck.


    There she was. Riley.


    Standing outside the vi gate, her stic bag in hand. Mia by her side.


    Leaving.


    Without a word. Without a fight.


    Just walking away.


    I threw the door open, barely aware of how loud I was. ¡°Riley! Where are you going?!¡±


    My voice cracked through the quiet courtyard like thunder.


    Mia flinched. ¡°Young Master! You-¡±


    I shot


    Tho


    a


    re. She fell silent.


    I turned back to Riley, barked out, ¡°Stop right there.¡±


    She didn¡¯t.


    She didn¡¯t even pause.


    She just kept limping forward like I was air. Like she didn¡¯t hear me.


    And then it hit me-


    She didn¡¯t hear me.


    I ran toward her, heart pounding. grabbed her arm. ¡°Are you deaf? I told you to stop!¡±


    She turned, startled, her expression shifting when she saw it was me.


    I realized it then.


    She was deaf. At least partially.


    Something in her eyes told me everything I needed to know.


    I¡¯d never asked.


    Never wondered why she didn¡¯t respond¡¯sometimes.


    Just assumed she was ignoring me.


    She yanked her arm back. ¡°Let go.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± I snapped. ¡°You ruined Scarlett¡¯s birthday party and now you¡¯re storming off like some tragic heroine? Grow up, Riley.¡±


    I didn¡¯t mean to grab her so hard.


    But I did.


    Itched onto her arm and pulled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. You¡¯reing back inside-¡±


    ¡°Let me go!¡± she shouted, her voice trembling.


    Tears welled in her eyes. Her body jerked against mine, and her injured leg buckled with the effort. She could barely stay upright.


    Mia was hovering nearby, begging, ¡°Young Master, she¡¯s still hurt¨Cplease, don¡¯t pull her like that-¡±


    I loosened my grip a little.


    But didn¡¯t let go.


    ¡°I saide home


    ¡°I¡¯d rather die on the streets than live another day under that roof!¡± she cried.


    And something in me snapped.


    Anger¨Crage¨Cguilt¨Ceverything boiled over.


    I didn¡¯t think.


    I just acted.


    My foot movedshed out¨Cand struck her in the leg.


    ¡°WILL YOU COME HOME NOW?!¡±


    She screamed.


    The sound carved into me like a knife.


    She dropped.


    Copsed into the pavement like a puppet whose strings had been cut.


    Her arms wrapped around her leg, her whole body curled up like a wounded animal, lips trembling, face white as bone.


    She was crying.


    Not screaming. Not sobbing.


    Just leaking tears like her soul was bleeding through her eyes.


    Mia fell to her knees beside her. ¡°Miss Riley?! What happened?! What¡¯s wrong?!¡±


    Riley couldn¡¯t answer.


    She was shaking, mumbling incoherently, her voice low and broken: ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ don¡¯t hit me¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    Over and over.


    Her voice was small.


    Terrified.


    Like she wasn¡¯t even here anymore.


    Like her mind had gone somewhere darker. Farther.


    I stood frozen.


    Heart pounding.


    No¨Cmming.


    ¡°What¡­ what are you saying?¡± I murmured.


    She looked up at me, her eyes ssy and lost.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ please don¡¯t hit me again¡­¡±


    Mia pushed me aside with strength I didn¡¯t know she had, her fingers fumbling to roll up Riley¡¯s pant leg.


    And then I saw it.


    Her leg.


    It was ruined.


    Scarred. Crooked. Twisted in ways no bone should ever be. The skin bore every memory it never wanted to keep¨Cred, purple, bruised, raw, old.


    There were scars that hadn¡¯t faded.


    Wounds that had never healed.


    I stared.


    And stared.


    And stared.


    ¡°¡­What the hell happened to her?¡± I whispered.


    She was fine five years ago.


    When they dragged her away in handcuffs, she was whole.


    Now?


    Now she was¡­ this.


    Mia¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°She was in prison. You think it was a safe ce for a girl like her? An Omega?¡±


    My throat tightened.


    My heart cracked open.


    And I realized¨CI had never once asked.


    7


    Never once wondered.


    What happened to my sister after I let them take her away.


    She wasn¡¯t even twenty.


    And I handed her over like a problem to be erased.


    I lunged forward and scooped her up.


    She was so light.


    Too light.


    Like someone who¡¯d gone hungry for far too long.


    I didn¡¯t stop to think. Just ran¨Cthrough the courtyard, into the house.


    But the second I reached the main hall¡­¡±


    I froze.


    I didn¡¯t even know where her room was.


    I¡¯d lived here all my


    life.


    And I didn¡¯t know where my sister slept.


    ¡°Mia,¡± I said, my voice hoarse. ¡°Where¡¯s her room?¡±


    She hesitated, then pointed down the servants¡® corridor.


    ¡°This way, Young Master.¡±


    I followed.


    The hallway was narrow. Damp.


    It smelled like dust and mildew.


    The deeper we went, the harder it became to breathe.


    And then Mia opened the door.


    The smell hit me first.


    Then the sight.


    A room the size of a closet. Stained walls. No windows. A single broken fan in the corner. A fold¨Cup cot pressed against the wall, surrounded by piles of junk.


    I stared.


    Stared like the world had ended.


    ¡°She¡­ she lives here?¡± I choked.

 in Vengeance 12

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The room was barely a room at all.


    Cramped. Damp. Mold clung to the walls like parasites. A single folding cot upied the far corner, surrounded by a scatter of worn clothes and lifeless daily necessities. The sour scent of mildew hung in the air, thick and suffocating. Cobwebs draped the ceiling like a burial veil.


    Kael stood at the doorway, fists clenched at his sides.


    His heart pounded with a fury he didn¡¯t quite understand¨Cnot yet. Not fully.


    ¡°Mia,¡± he growled, his voice tight and low, ¡°what the hell is this? Who let her live in a ce like this? She¡¯s my sister!¡±


    Mia flinched, clearly startled by his sudden outburst. ¡°Young Master¡­ it was you who told us to arrange her stay here. Don¡¯t you remember?¡±


    Kael¡¯s mouth opened, a retort forming.


    Then-


    Nothing.


    No words.


    Just silence.


    The memory crashed down on him.


    Eight years ago, when Riley had first been brought home.


    He had told her to choose a room.


    She picked the one beside his own. He¡¯d refused..


    ¡°That¡¯s my future study,¡± he¡¯d said curtly.


    She picked the one next to Scarlett¡¯s. Again, he refused.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be Scarlett¡¯s art room. Pick another.¡±


    She offered to stay in the attic.


    ¡°No way,¡± he had said. ¡°You¡¯re still a daughter of this house. People wouldugh if they knew you were staying in an attic.¡±


    Then Mia had spoken. ¡°There¡¯s only the storage room left¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine. Clean it out. She can stay there temporarily.¡±


    He never checked again.


    In his mind, it was just another guest room¨Cwell¨Clit,fortable.


    But now, seeing the truth with his own eyes, the lie shattered like ss.


    Three years she lived here.


    Three years in a mold¨Cridden cage while servants enjoyed their own full rooms.


    Kael couldn¡¯t breathe.


    He couldn¡¯t think.


    The guilt hit him in waves, cold and merciless.


    Mia wrung her hands, voice trembling. ¡°The storage room is too damp. Maybe¡­ maybe we should let Miss Riley sleep in my quarters tonight.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    The word came like a whipcrack.


    Kael tightened his hold on Riley¡¯s unconscious form, jaw taut with tension and shame.


    ¡°Tell Theo toe. Tell him to meet me in my room.¡±


    He didn¡¯t wait for a response. He turned, carried Riley through the vi like a man possessed.


    Behind him, Mia¡¯s eyes misted with relief.


    Atst, she thought, the young master sees her.


    Five minutester, the bedroom door mmed open.


    Theo stepped in¨Chis voice preceding him, dry with sarcasm. ¡°Kael, for the love of the Goddess, how obsessed are you with your sister? Scarlett¡¯s sick and you drag her all the way to your-¡±


    His words stopped cold.


    Because it wasn¡¯t Scarlett on the bed.


    It was Riley.


    Her face pale as death, her frame limp and crumpled, curled against the pillows like a wilted flower.


    Theo¡¯s smile vanished.


    His brows drew together, and the temperature in the room seemed to plummet.


    ¡°I don¡¯t heal convicts,¡± he said, slinging his satchel over his shoulder. ¡°You know my principles.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my sister,¡± Kael said tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t call her that again.¡±


    Theo¡¯s lips curled into a smirk¨Cmocking and sharp. ¡°Is that so? Because as far as I recall, your ¡®sister¡® nearly killed the ckmaw Pack¡¯s heiress and got a five¨Cyear sentence for it. I don¡¯t care what she is to you. I don¡¯t heal poison with legs.¡±


    Kael¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice low and steady. ¡°Check her. At least her right leg.¡±


    J


    The two men stared at each other¨Cone cold with pride, the other burning with shame.


    In the end, Theo looked away first.


    He sighed<i>, </i>long and reluctant. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll examine. But I¡¯m not promising miracles.¡±


    He knelt beside the <i>bed</i>, dropped his satchel, and lifted the nket with clinical disinterest.


    ¡°Honestly,¡± he muttered as he began unrolling the bandage, ¡°I don¡¯t know what spell she cast on you to make you act like a damn knight-¡±


    He stopped speaking.


    His hands froze..


    Because whaty beneath the nket was not a leg.


    It was devastation.


    Riley¡¯s right leg was deformed¨Cbone twisted at an unnatural angle, skin stretched tightly over the sharp ridges. Faint bruises stained the pallid flesh, scars ovepping like broken ss. One gash hadn¡¯t even closed. A raised, jagged seam ran across her calf like a monstrous centipede.


    Theo stared.


    He reached out, almost hesitantly, his fingers brushing the skin with the lightness of reverence.


    ¡°She¡­¡± he said hoarsely. ¡°Her leg¡­ has it always been like this?¡±


    Kael¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°No. She was fine. The entire time she lived here. That leg was never injured.¡±


    That was all Theo needed.


    He didn¡¯t speak, just resumed his examination with a grim face and shaking hands.


    Minutes passed. The silence was oppressive.


    Finally. Theo stood and said in a raw voice, ¡°We need to talk. Outside.¡±


    Kael followed him to the study.


    Theo didn¡¯t sit. He stood by the window, arms crossed tight, as though afraid he¡¯d shatter from within.


    ¡°Do you know how strong werewolves¡® bone is?¡± he asked quietly.


    Kael blinked. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°The tibia and fib¨Cshin bones¨Care some of the densest bones in the body. To break them like that? It takes high¨Cenergy trauma. Car crashes. Falling from multiple stories. Or¡­ being beaten with something very heavy.¡±


    Kael froze.


    Theo looked him dead in the eye. ¡°There¡¯s no sign of surgical treatment. No healing intervention. That leg was broken and left to rot¨Cthen healed on its own, in the wrong position. You want to know what that feels like? It¡¯s like someone hammering nails into your bones every time you move.¡±


    The world tilted.


    Theo continued. ¡°And that¡¯s not all. Her body shows clear signs of chronic malnutrition. Muscle wasting. Repeatedsh trauma. Most of these wounds areyered¨Cold and new. Someone wasn¡¯t just punishing her. They were making a point.¡±


    Kael couldn¡¯t feel his hands.


    His fists clenched. Then released. Then clenched again.


    ¡°She was in prison,¡± he whispered. ¡°She was just a girl¡­¡±


    ¡°She still is.¡±


    Kael staggered back a step.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± he croaked. ¡°Can her leg¡­ can it be saved?¡±


    Theo shook his head.


    ¡°Toote. That damage is permanent. Three years ago¨Cmaybe. But now?¡± He exhaled shakily. ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can do but stop it from getting worse.¡±


    Kael stared into nothing.


    He didn¡¯t even hear Theo leave.


    By the time he sank into the chair, he was trembling.


    He fumbled for a cigarette, but his fingers shook so hard he couldn¡¯t light it.


    The lighter fell to the floor with a hollow tter.


    Finally, Kael crushed the cigarette between his fingers and buried his head in his hands, breathing like a man suffocating


    under guilt.


    He stayed like that for a long, long time.


    Then, slowly, he sat up.


    Face pale.


    Jaw clenched.


    Eyes like ice.


    He grabbed his phone, dialed a number with mechanical precision.


    ¡°Luca,¡± he said, voice t and emotionless, ¡°I want a full report on Riley¡¯s time in prison. I don¡¯t care how long it takes or what it costs. I want everything¨Cevery name, every day, every injury.¡±


    He paused.


    Then added, cold as death:


    ¡°Leave nothing out.¡±

 in Vengeance 13

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    After ending the call, Kael Vale sat stiffly in the high¨Cbacked leather chair in his study. The lights were dim, but his thoughts were darker.


    He had just learned what truly happened to Riley during her five years in the rogue prison.


    And it was worse than anything he could¡¯ve imagined.


    He stood up slowly, as if gravity had doubled its pull on him. Step by step, he walked to the door of the guest room¨Chis room now, where Rileyy unconscious, healing.


    But he couldn¡¯t bring himself to open it.


    That single door might as well have been a mountain. A barrier between his cowardice and her pain.


    She had always been a problem to him.


    A burden.


    A threat to Scarlett¡¯s ce.


    So why was his chest tightening like his wolf was wing at his ribs?


    Just then, a young servant wolf came running. ¡°Alpha Kael, the banquet is starting. The Luna¡¯s celebration is about <i>to </i>begin.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s birthday banquet.


    Kael closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded.


    He turned and left Riley behind again.


    The ballroom inside the Ebonw mansion gleamed like a dream. Light from hundreds of crystal orbs rained down in gold hues. The air was thick with perfume, status, and perfectly polite deception.


    Scarlett stood at the center, wearing a shimmering pale pink gown. Her golden hair curled like a doll¡¯s, and her smile was delicate and soft. She was surrounded by noble wolves¨CAlphas, Betas, even pack Elders.


    All of them adoring her.


    All of them blind.


    She blew out the candles on a six¨Ctiered cake shaped like a blooming moonflower. Glittering ribbon cannons exploded, and the room erupted in apuse.


    Kael stood in the crowd.


    But all he could see was Riley.


    Curled up on that narrow bed. Her body frail. Her leg bent at a painful, unnatural angle.


    He reached for a ss of sparkling wolfwine and downed it in one gulp.


    Then another.


    And another.


    Theughter faded around him. Every cheer felt like ws against his ears. His vision blurred, and his feet grew heavy.


    Stumbling out of the hall, he found his way to a washroom and copsed over the sink, emptying his stomach.


    He stared at his reflection¨Cwet hair, pale skin, haunted eyes.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do this,¡± he whispered to himself. ¡°You didn¡¯t hurt her.¡±


    But that was a lie.


    He¡¯d let them.


    He turned on the tap, washing cold water over his face until his skin stung.


    Then his phone rang.


    Luca.


    Kael snatched it up. ¡°Talk.¡±


    ¡°I have the full report,¡± Luca said, voice low. ¡°But¡­ Alpha, you might want to sit.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m standing. Say it.¡±


    Luca hesitated, then began.


    ¡°Riley was regrly beaten. pped. Denied sleep. Forced to drink toilet water. They made her crawl through dominance rituals. Sometimes they¡¯d stab her with silver needles meant for embroidery training. When she disobeyed¡­ they broke her.¡±


    Kael¡¯s fists clenched.


    ¡°Needles?¡± he bit out.


    ¡°They had her doing ¡®rehabilitation work¡® in the stitching units. That¡¯s where they came from.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°The worst incident¨Csix wooden batons, thicker than a grown male¡¯s forearm. Snapped across her legs. Her tibia was shattered. She was hospitalized, barely conscious.¡±


    Kael¡¯s jaw clenched so tight, his teeth groaned under pressure. His ws unsheathed without him realizing it.


    ¡°And¡­ the inmates who did it were rewarded with sentence reductions.¡±


    Kael¡¯s voice dropped to a growl. ¡°Someone ordered it.¡±


    ¡°Yes. We traced it. It was Alpha Ronan.¡±


    Kael¡¯s blood turned to ice.


    Ronan.


    The Alpha Heir of the ckmaw Pack, Tessa¡¯s elder brother.


    Kael knew that Ronan was doing this <i>to </i>Riley in order to avenge his sister.


    Kael didn¡¯t speak for a long time.


    ¡°Alpha?¡± Luca prompted softly.


    Kael¡¯s voice, when it came, was dead calm. Cold as the Frostfang borders.


    ¡°Terminate all contracts with ckmaw Pack.¡±


    ¡°Alpha¨Cour trade lines will suffer.¡±


    ¡°I said do it. And those rogues whoid a hand on Riley¨Cmake sure they never leave prison alive.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±


    Kael hung up and dropped the phone to the floor.


    He leaned forward, his breathing heavy. Memories of Rileyughing, once. Then screaming. Then begging, in her dreams.


    He staggered out of the bathroom and back down the hallway.


    He stopped in front of her door again.


    His hand reached for the knob.


    Then-


    He heard her voice.


    A whisper.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ please don¡¯t hurt me¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­.¡±


    His heart shattered.


    He turned away again.


    And this time, he ran.


    Later That Night


    The mansion was still.


    His phone rang, and rang, and rang.


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    Until it cut off.


    Across the estate, Alpha ric¨CKael¡¯s father¨Cwas jolted from sleep by the sound of his own device.


    He picked it up, groggy. ¡°Hello?¡±


    Something was said.


    Then he sat up like lightning.


    ¡°What did you say?!¡±


    His mate, Luna Zara, groaned beside him. ¡°What is it now?¡±


    ¡°Kael just canceled the Ebonw¨Cckmaw Pack alliance. Ebonw Pack lost ten billion credits in less than a night!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°He just called me himself demanding answers.¡±


    Snarling, ric threw on his robe and stormed down the hall.


    With a loud crash, he kicked open Kael¡¯s door.


    ¡°Kael Vale, are you trying to destroy the Ebonw Pack?!¡±

 in Vengeance 14

    Third Per


    POV


    The door mmed open.


    Alpha ric


    His worde


    stormed in, already shouting. ¡°Kael Vale, get up right now! Why the hell did you unterally terminate-¡±


    caught in his throat.


    Lying in the center of Kael¡¯s massive bed was Riley.


    Pale.


    sleep.


    groggy,


    her limbs tangled in silken sheets, she blinked against the dim morning light, clearly startled from a restless


    ric stood frozen, the fury in his expression slowly morphing into stunned disbelief.


    Behind him, Luna Zara gasped aloud. ¡°Riley? Why are you sleeping in your brother¡¯s bed?¡±


    Brother?


    For a heartbeat, Riley forgot where she was. The scent of cedar and smoke, Kael¡¯s scent, still clung to the sheets. It was surreal.


    Why had he brought her here?


    He had always hated her. For years, she had been forbidden from even stepping past the threshold of his room, while Scarlett had wandered in and out as if she owned the ce.


    Now, suddenly, this.


    ric¡¯s expression darkened again as he scanned the room, clearly searching for his son.


    But Kael was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± ric demanded, his voice sharp and clipped.


    Riley didn¡¯t answer. Her face was unreadable as she slowly rose from the bed, her movements hindered by her injured leg. She limped toward the door, expression impassive.


    But ric and Zara stood in her way, blocking the exit.


    Riley paused, brows slightly furrowed. ¡°Step aside.¡±


    10


    ric¡¯s jaw clenched. His earlier anger, fueled by the crumbling alliance with Ronan¡¯s ckmaw Pack, surged forward in full.


    ¡°I¡¯m your father,¡± he snapped. ¡°Is this how you speak to your elders? No shame, no discipline. Just like always. A disgrace.¡±


    Zara tugged on his sleeve. ¡°ric, please-


    He cut her off. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t she in her own room? What is she ying at? This is the very first night she returns to Ebonw, and she¡¯s already causing problems.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not a child anymore,¡± he growled. ¡°And even if Kael is her blood brother, sneaking into his bed like this¨Cwhat the hell is she thinking?¡±


    Luna Zara¡¯s face paled. ¡°Enough! Don¡¯t say another word.¡±


    But the implication lingered, venomous and vile.


    Riley¡¯s fingers curled at her sides. She felt it¨Cthe bitter sting of humiliation, the slow burn of betrayal rekindling in her chest. The way ric looked at her¨Cit wasn¡¯t the gaze of a father. It was the stare of a hunter sizing up a threat.


    Her voice was


    but cold. ¡°Are you


    done?¡±


    Her father¡¯s breath caught. Riley¡¯s tone had the razor edge of someone who had long since stopped begging to be loved.


    ¡°Then step aside. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ric refused to move,


    ped down on her forearm. Without warning, she was When Riley attempted to edge past them, a cold, brutal grip mped down on her forearm. Without warning, she was shoved backward.


    She crashed to the floor with a muffled cry, her injured leg twisting beneath her.


    The pain was immediate and blinding.


    ¡°ric!¡± Zara shrieked. ¡°You¡¯ve lost your mind!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not going anywhere until I get some answers.¡±


    Riley pushed herself upright with shaking hands, biting back the pain. She lifted her head, forcing herself to meet ric¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you call Kael if you¡¯re so desperate for answers?¡± she said through gritted teeth. ¡°Maybe he can exin why I¡¯m here. Because I sure as hell can¡¯t.¡± here.


    Zara fumbled for her phone, quickly dialing. The ringing began¨Cnearby.


    From the study next door.


    The two of them turned in unison and burst into the adjacent room.


    The lights were off. The scent of alcohol hung heavy in the air.


    Zara turned on the lights.


    Kael was slumped against the wall, legs sprawled, surrounded by empty whiskey bottles. His eyes fluttered open at the intrusion, and he squinted against the sudden brightness.


    ric was livid. ¡°Look at yourself. Look at what you¡¯ve done.¡±


    Kael didn¡¯t answer. He only lifted <i>a </i>bottle, realized it was empty, and let it drop with a hollow clink.


    ¡°Why did you dissolve the alliance with ckmaw?¡± ric roared. ¡°Do you know what this means for Ebonw? For Scarlett?¡±


    Kael¡¯s eyes gleamed with something like contempt. ¡°Did Ronan consider all that when he turned the prison into hell for Riley?¡±


    Everyone fell silent.


    Kael rose, swaying slightly but focused now. ¡°He ordered his people to beat her. They snapped her bones. Forced her to drink from toilets. Zapped her with silver needles. You want to know why she limps? Her leg was shattered with wooden clubs. That¡¯s why.¡±


    Zara staggered back, hand pped over her mouth.


    ric blinked, stunned.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± he said weakly.


    Kael pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few times, then held it out.


    Their own phones buzzed simultaneously.


    ric¡¯s eyes scanned the screen. Cold, clinical notes. Hospital logs. Surveince stills. Photographs of injuries that should never have been inflicted in a licensed detainment facility.


    Zara sobbed openly.


    ric stared at the images, color draining from his face. ¡°You¡­ were too rash. You should¡¯ve consulted us. Ending the alliance


    like that will cost us-


    ¡°It already cost us,¡± Kael said quietly. ¡°It cost her five years of her life.¡±


    ric¡¯s phone rang again. He stepped aside to answer it.


    His expression copsed into horror. ¡°What?¡±


    Zara moved toward him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve lost ten billion,¡± he muttered. ¡°Overnight.¡±


    Zara¡¯s knees gave out. She caught herself on the desk. ¡°What are we going to do?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one option,¡± ric said after a pause. ¡°We need to restore the alliance. Grovel if we must.¡±


    ¡°And the price?¡±


    ric hesitated.


    Kael¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ric exhaled. ¡°Ronan says¡­ Riley has to kneel before his sister¡¯s hospital bed and beg for forgiveness.¡±


    A chilling silence fell.


    Then Scarlett¡¯s voice rang sweetly from behind them. ¡°Sister, it¡¯s sote¨Cwhy are you loitering by Kael¡¯s study door?¡±


    Riley turned slowly, her eyes meeting the girl who had taken her ce.


    Scarlett¡¯s smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes.

 in Vengeance 15

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I looked at Scarlett calmly.


    She hadn¡¯t even touched me, but she shrank back like she¡¯d seen a ghost, trembling as she whispered, ¡°Sister, please don¡¯t look at me like that. You¡¯re scaring me.¡±


    Kael¡¯s hand suddenly shoved me hard.


    ¡°What are you trying to do to Scarlett?¡± he barked.


    1 staggered back from the force, my injured leg wobbling under me until I mmed into the second¨Cfloor railing. I could¡¯ve fallen if I¡¯d lost my bnce just a little more. But no one cared. No one even flinched.


    Alpha ric and Luna Zara both immediately moved to shield Scarlett, staring at me like I was some feral wolf about to pounce.


    Kael opened his mouth to scold me, then hesitated. Maybe he remembered the bruises, the wounds, the prison scars that hadn¡¯t yet faded.


    I smiled faintly. Not out of amusement, but out of a bitter realization.


    This was my family.


    The second Scarlett showed a trace of weakness, I became the viin. The


    enemy.


    Once, I used to crave their approval. One word, one look could send my emotions spiraling. But now? Their judgment didn¡¯t even graze the surface.


    1 said nothing. Let them, guess. Let them paint their own versions of the story.


    ¡°Did you hurt yourself?¡± Kael asked, the concern in his voice


    I raised


    most jarring.


    my head and looked at him, confused. Since when did he speak to me like that?


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied. A little bump like that was nothing. It couldn¡¯tpare to having your bones shattered and reset wrong.


    ¡°You heard everything just now, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    I gave a small nod.


    He said nothing more!


    That was it?


    He¡¯d dismantled a multi¨Cmillion¨Cdor alliance with the ckmaw Pack because of me. The fallout would ripple across both packs for months. And all he wanted was a nod?


    I saw it in his eyes. The glimmer of hope. The way he waited for even the smallest trace of gratitude.


    But I had none to give!


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m heading back.¡±


    I turned and limped down the stairs. Slow but steady. I wouldn¡¯t fall.


    Kael leaned on the banister, ked on me, pain etched across his face. It shouldn¡¯t have been like this, I could hear him


    thinking. You used to care.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he called after me.


    I paused.


    His voice softened, trembled even. ¡°Riley, my stomach hurts.¡±


    172


    I almostughed.


    So this was the olive branch?


    I nced up, met his eyes. ¡°Kael, if you¡¯re unwell, call a Healer. I¡¯m


    For your caretaker.¡±


    His face crumpled as if I¡¯d stabbed him. He dropped to his knees, clutching th


    railing, the pain in his body no match for


    what now clouded his heart.


    But I didn¡¯t stop.


    Alpha ric roared, ¡°Riley! Get back here! Go fetch your brother¡¯s medicine, now!¡±


    Luna Zara cried, ¡°Riley, you always helped him before. How could you be so heartless now? He¡¯s your blood!¡±


    Even Scarlett dared speak. ¡°Riley, I know you carry resentment for what happened. But you can¡¯t y with Kael¡¯s life like this. You know better than anyone what medicine he needs.¡±


    I stopped once more.


    And then I turned.


    They expected tears. Repentance. Instead, they saw a smile. A cold, cutting thing.


    ¡°So you knew,¡± I said quietly. ¡°All those times I helped him, you noticed. You remembered. You just didn¡¯t care. Because it was expected. It was convenient.¡±


    Their silence confirmed everything.


    ¡°That stops today. Whatever happens to the Ebonw Pack is no longer my concern. You never treated me like one of you. So don¡¯t expect me to act like I am.¡±


    Luna Zara¡¯s face crumpled as she sobbed. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. You¡¯re my daughter. I carried you for ten months, prayed for you, bled for you.¡±


    Alpha ric¡¯s face darkened. ¡°You ungrateful child! We should¡¯ve left you with the rogues when we had the chance. All you¡¯ve brought to this house is chaos and shame.¡±


    Zara tried to caim him, tugging at his sleeve, but he shook her off.


    Scarlett yed her part wlessly, eyes glistening. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Dad. I deserve Riley¡¯s anger. I took her ce as the real daughter of the Ebonw Pack. If she wants me to suffer, I will. Just please don¡¯t fight because of me.¡±


    Tears streamed down her cheeks as she choked on her own sobs.


    I let them finish.


    Then I said, ¡°Are you done? I¡¯m going to bed.¡±


    Alpha ric exploded. ¡°You say you don¡¯t care about this family? Then whye back at all? You think we owe you something?¡±


    His voice dropped, venomous. ¡°Let me be clear¨Cjust because we brought you into this world, doesn¡¯t mean we owe you a damn thing.¡±

 in Vengeance 16

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I knew it long ago¨Cthey never cared about me. But hearing Alpha ric¡¯s words still sent a sharp ache through my chest.


    He couldn¡¯t even pretend to love me. Not for a second.


    I kept my expression impassive. On the outside, I looked as stubborn and cold as ever. No one could tell how badly I was bleeding on the inside.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I said.


    ric¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    I lifted my eyes and looked at the four figures watching from the second¨Cfloornding.


    ¡°I said fine. I¡¯ll leave the Ebonw Pack. Starting today. I sever all ties. Don¡¯t worry, Alpha ric, Luna Zara¨CI won¡¯t cling to you.¡±


    Even if I die out there, I¡¯ll nevere crawling back. That was the vow I made in my heart.


    I turned. No more hesitation. I had no illusions left about this ce. Three years of pain had taught me better than to hope for love that never existed.


    Each step away from them was agony. My leg throbbed with every movement, but I kept going. For the first time in years, there was light ahead of me. Not hope. Not happiness. Just freedom.


    I flung open the front door and didn¡¯t look back. Not once.


    Behind me, Kael¡¯s voice broke through the air like a whip.


    ¡°Riley! You get back here right now-!¡±


    The roar echoed through the manor, fierce and desperate.


    But I didn¡¯t turn around.


    I couldn¡¯t hear it clearly anyway. My right ear hadn¡¯t worked properly in years, and with the door closed behind me, it all became a faint blur.


    It didn¡¯t matter what he shouted. None of it did anymore.


    For the first time in years, I felt the weight lift. My body was tired¨Cso, so tired¨Cbut my spirit felt lighter.


    Five minutes into my walk, I spotted someone approaching from the opposite direction.


    At this hour?


    I instinctively stepped into the shadows beneath a flickering streemp.


    As the figure drew closer, I recognized the tall, lean silhouette. Theo.


    Kael¡¯s friend. The so¨Ccalled Healer.


    My stomach turned.


    I remembered the first time I met him. He looked me up and down like I was a stray mutt, then sneered, ¡°So this is the long- l?st sister? Doesn¡¯t look like much. If it weren¡¯t for her eyes, I¡¯d say you picked her up off the street.¡±


    Kael didn¡¯t defend me. He just exhaled through his nose, like he agreed.


    That hurt more than Theo¡¯s words ever could.


    I was fifteen. Just a girl trying to belong. And they made sure I knew I didn¡¯t.


    Theo passed right by me now, oblivious to my presence in the dark.


    I watched until he disappeared inside the manor.


    Probably here to treat Kael. Again.


    1 stepped out from the shadows and moved faster. I had a n.


    Originally, I wanted to find a cheap motel and rest for the night. Then, tomorrow, start looking for work.


    But now? That wasn¡¯t enough.


    I needed to leave the city. Leave Ebonw behind.


    I¡¯d heard them in the study. ric wanted me to bow my head and kneel before Ronan¡¯satose sister¨Cto pay didn¡¯tmit.


    They all knew it was Scarlett who pushed her.


    They were willing to sacrifice me for the good of the pack.


    Again.


    I¡¯d already paid five years. I¡¯d lost a leg. Lost an ear. Lost a kidney.


    I had nothing left to give.


    And now Kael had burned theirst bridge, and they¡¯de for me to make it right.


    No. I had to get away. Far away.


    for a crime I


    Ronan was still the most terrifying wolf I¡¯d ever known. I¡¯d suffered in the dungeons because of him. I would not survive round two.


    I counted the money Mia gave me. Two thousand credits.


    Tears burned my eyes.


    Mia was the only one who¡¯d ever treated me like I mattered.


    I gged down a cab.


    ¡°Where to?¡± the driver asked, leaning out the window.


    ¡°How much to get to Southpoint Station?¡±


    ¡°Middle of the night? That¡¯s far. Five¨Cfifty.¡±


    I climbed in without hesitation.


    My n was simple. Take the night train out of Mooncrest City. Get to Ironhold, far in the northern frontier. A ce so cold, so remote, that no one from the Ebonw Pack would bother to follow.


    They¡¯d never look for me in a dead¨Cend city with no pack ties, no economy, and no future.


    But that was fine.


    I didn¡¯t need a future. I just needed peace.


    I stared out the window as the city flew past. ss towers sparkled with runes and lights. Signs glowed with the names of elite packs and magical academies.


    So beautiful. So out of reach.


    The cab reached the station after two hours.


    I bought a ticket with my ID¨Cmiraculously, there was one seat left on the 1:00 a.m. train.


    Just one more hour.


    The waiting room was almost empty. I curled up in a corner, arms


    my knees.


    Somewhere in the distance, an announcement droned over the speakers. I


    dn¡¯t catch it.


    I was tired. My leg throbbed. My ears buzzed. I drifted.


    Then another announcement. This time clearer.


    ¡°Passengers traveling on line seventy¨Ctwo to Ironhold, please proceed to tform three. Final call.¡±


    My eyes snapped open. I leapt to my feet.


    It was time.


    My escape was seconds away.


    I joined the line at the gate, heart racing.


    When it was my turn, I handed over my ticket-


    Only to feel a cold, firm hand close over mine.


    The ticket was yanked back.


    I turned.


    My heart stopped.


    Kael.

 in Vengeance 17

    Chapter <i>17 </i>


    Riley¡¯s POV


    I shouldn¡¯t have been surprised to see Kael Vale at the station.


    But I was


    He stood there like a shadow from my past, his eyes lit with fury, his presence coiling around me like a cold serpent.


    I froze.


    ¡°Sote at night¡­ where exactly were you nning to go, Riley?¡± His voice was low, deadly calm.


    I didn¡¯t answer. I just wanted to run. ¡°Let go of me.¡±


    But Kael didn¡¯t let go.


    He grabbed me hard, dragging me away from the ticket gate with terrifying strength. My bag fell, scattering my things across the floor. The crowd stared but no one moved to stop him.


    ¡°Help! I don¡¯t know him! He¡¯s a kidnapper!¡± I cried out.


    My voice echoed through the station, raw with panic.


    Some people hesitated. One or two stepped forward¨Cuntil Kael turned and said coolly, ¡°She¡¯s my sister. She ran away from home. It¡¯s a family matter.¡±


    And just like that, the spell was broken.


    They backed off


    ¡°I¡¯m not his sister!¡± I screamed. Tears blurred my vision. ¡°I¡¯m not!¡±


    But no one came.


    Desperation wed at me. I scanned the crowd until my gaze locked with a middle¨Caged woman¡¯s. She looked uncertain but not hostile.


    ¡°Mom!¡± I sobbed. ¡°Mom, help me!¡±


    Her expression changed instantly. Her instincts kicked in.


    She stormed toward us, wedging herself between me and Kael. ¡°Let go of her right now!¡±


    Kael flinched, caught off guard.


    ¡°This is a family matter,¡± he growled.


    ¡°She¡¯s calling for help,¡± the woman snapped. ¡°I heard her. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re her blood¨Cshe doesn¡¯t want to go with you.¡±


    He tried to grab me again, but a small army of women closed in. One called him a monster. Another kicked him in the shin. They formed a shield around me, protective and furious.


    I couldn¡¯t hold back the sobs anymore.


    The woman who¡¯d stood up for me gently wrapped an arm around my shoulders. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, sweet girl. If you don¡¯t want to go, then you don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°You


    ¡°You knew he wasn¡¯t a trafficker?¡± I asked, stunned.


    ¡°Of course. That suit alone costs more than my car. But sweetheart, it doesn¡¯t matter. Even if he¡¯s your brother¨Cif he¡¯s hurting you, he has no right to take you. Blood means nothing without love.¡±


    Her words shattered something inside me.


    I could only whisper, ¡°Thank you. Thank you.¡±


    She gave me a little push forward. ¡°Go. Get as far away as you can. Never let


    I ran.


    I didn¡¯t feel the pain in my injured leg. I didn¡¯t feel the cold.


    ¡­


    hyone like that touch you again.¡±


    I only felt the desperate need to flee. Kael had found me at the station¨Che¡¯d find me in Garkh too. I couldn¡¯t go there. I couldn¡¯t use my ID. I couldn¡¯t let them catch me again.


    Behind me, I heard Kael shouting my name. I didn¡¯t look back.


    I saw the station exit ahead and pushed myself harder.


    Almost there. I was almost free.


    Then a hand came out of nowhere, covering my mouth with a cloth soaked in something sharp and chemical.


    The world tilted.


    As darkness closed in, I heard a mocking voice.


    ¡°She really doesn¡¯t make things easy for you, does she, Kael?¡±


    Then: ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re going home.¡±


    When I came to, I was in the back of a car.


    Kael was beside me, pale and furious.


    ¡°So you¡¯re awake.¡±


    I turned my face away and grabbed for the car door.


    Locked.


    ¡°Trying to jump out? Don¡¯t bother.¡±


    I faced him again. ¡°You think this makes you powerful? Dragging me back like a prize?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer. He didn¡¯t need to. His expression said it all.


    That he¡¯d won.


    That he always would.


    I clenched my fists. ¡°You can keep me in chains if you want. But if you think I won¡¯t run again, then you don¡¯t know me at all.¡±


    His face darkened.


    ¡°Try me.¡±


    Oh, I would.

 in Vengeance 18

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Riley met Kael¡¯s furious gaze with cold defiance.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already lost everything,¡± she said. ¡°What else would I be afraid of?¡±


    Kael¡¯s eyes narrowed. It was the first time he¡¯d ever truly seen it¨Cthat look of disgust in Riley¡¯s eyes. At him.


    She used to worship him. Obey without question. For three years, she had followed him like a shadow, clinging to his every word.


    And now?


    Now she stared at him like he was nothing.


    He¡¯d turned on Ronan for her. Endangered the alliance with the ckmaw Pack¨Csacrificed even Scarlett, all for Riley. What more did she want?


    ¡°If you try running again,¡± he said, voice low and furious, ¡°I¡¯ll fire Mia.¡±


    Riley¡¯s heart seized.


    Mia¨Cthe only person in the Ebonw Pack who had ever shown her an ounce of kindness. Her daughter, Carmen, was in university. Mia worked herself to the bone to make that happen.


    Riley¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°Fire your own housekeeper. It¡¯s none of my concern.¡±


    If she pretended not to care, maybe Mia would be safe.


    Kael chuckled darkly. ¡°Oh? Then maybe I¡¯ll have Carmen expelled, too.¡±


    Carmen. The same girl who, five years ago, had biked through a storm to bring Riley her entrance exam pass. Carmen had fallen, broken her arm¨Cand Riley had barely made it to the test in time. The pass had been found in the trash.


    Without Carmen and Mia, Riley would have had no future at all.


    Her entire body tensed, but Kael mistook her silence for submission.


    ¡°Heard she¡¯s on schrship,¡± he added coolly. ¡°Shame if that disappeared-


    Smack.


    The p echoed inside the car.


    Theo jerked in his seat. ¡°Whoa.¡±


    Kael¡¯s head snapped sideways. His expression shifted from disbelief to seething rage.


    He lunged.


    His hands closed around Riley¡¯s throat like iron vices, mming her against the seat. She choked, gasped, wed for air. Her face turned violet, lungs burning.


    ¡°Kael!¡± Theo barked. ¡°Let her go! You¡¯ll kill her!¡±


    ¡°Let her die,¡± Kael growled, but his grip loosened.


    ¡°Not in my car,¡± Theo snapped. ¡°I like this car.¡±


    Kael threw Riley aside.


    She copsed in a heap, coughing violently, her ribs aching.


    ¡°That was yourst warning,¡± Kael hissed. ¡°Next time, Mia and Carmen suffer.¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t answer. She didn¡¯t even look at him.


    The rest of the drive passed in silence.


    When they returned to the Ebonw Pack estate, Luna Zara rushed to the car, face etched with maternal worry.


    She reached for Riley.


    Riley flinched away.


    Zara¡¯s hand hovered midair before she slowly withdrew it, forcing a soft smile. ¡°Riley, your father didn¡¯t sleep a wink. We¡¯ve all been so worried.¡±


    Scarlett ran up beside her, linking arms. ¡°You really scared us, sister.¡±


    Riley said nothing.


    She walked right past


    them.


    Kael¡¯s voice rang out behind her. ¡°Riley! Don¡¯t you see how much they care?¡±


    She stopped.


    Turned.


    Took in Zara¡¯s silk robe, her glossy hair, Scarlett¡¯s freshly painted nails.


    ¡°Did they worry before or after their spa night?¡±


    Silence.


    Zara¡¯s gaze shifted.


    Kael opened his mouth, but no excuse came.


    Riley walked inside.


    That night, Kael tossed and turned in his pristine bed.


    Eventually, he crept to the supply closet where Riley slept. He stood outside the door for thirty minutes, unable to knock. In the end, stomach cramping with guilt, he retreated.


    Morning came.


    Riley woke feeling better than she had in days. Across the estate, the Vale family looked haggard, especially Kael.


    Dark circles ringed his eyes.


    They gathered for breakfast.


    Alpha ric¡¯s tone was firm. ¡°Riley, you¡¯ll go to the ckmaw Pack house today. Ronan expects sincerity. Make sure he sees it. Our alliance depends on this.¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t respond.


    Zara ced a calming hand on ric¡¯s arm. ¡°Let her eat first.¡±


    Servants brought out avish breakfast: smoked salmon, truffle eggs, fresh¨Cpressed juice.


    Each te was set before ric, Zara, Kael, and Scarlett.


    None for Riley.

 in Vengeance 19

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The atmosphere in the dining hall dropped to freezing.


    Everyone¡¯s movements halted as though suspended mid¨Cbreath.


    Alpha ric¡¯s brows drew together, but he said nothing.


    Zara shifted ufortably in her seat, clearly caught off guard.


    Kael, however, mmed his utensils down with a sharp ng, making a nearby servant flinch.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± he barked.


    The servant, pale and trembling, bowed her head. ¡°Master Kael, the household has only ever prepared four portions¡­ I didn¡¯t realize-¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t realize what?¡± Kael¡¯s voice was a low growl. ¡°That my sister is back under this roof? Or did <i>you </i>know, and decide she didn¡¯t deserve to eat?¡±


    The woman opened her mouth, but Kael cut her off.


    ¡°You¡¯re dismissed.¡±


    Terror flickered in her eyes. She turned instinctively to Scarlett, silently pleading. But Scarlett merely kept her head down, expression unreadable.


    ric cleared his throat. ¡°Mia, prepare another te.¡±


    Mia gave a relieved nod and hurried to the kitchen.


    Scarlett, always quick to seize an opportunity, pushed her te toward Riley. ¡°Here, sister. You can have mine.¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t look at her. She didn¡¯t say a word.


    But she also didn¡¯t refuse.


    She picked up a fork and began to eat with calm, measured movements, as if nothing had happened.


    Scarlett stared at her, clearly expecting something. A nod. A word. Gratitude.


    Riley gave her nothing.


    The silence stretched. Scarlett¡¯s hopeful expression withered into a pout.


    ric rapped his knuckles against the table. ¡°Riley.¡±


    Still eating.


    He cleared his throat pointedly. ¡°Riley.¡±


    Zara stepped in, gentle but firm. ¡°Riley, your sister gave you her food. Shouldn¡¯t you say thank you?¡±


    Riley finally set her fork down.


    She looked up, sweeping her gaze across the table, her eyes sharp as shattered ss.


    ¡°Thank her?¡± Her voice was calm¨Cdangerously so. ¡°Should I thank her for stealing my life? For framing me? For five years in


    a cell?¡±


    A crackling silence followed.


    She leaned forward slightly, her voice now a de. ¡°You all want gratitude over a te of breakfast? For three years I wasn¡¯t given one. I ate your scraps¨Cif anything was left. I came home to insults. And not once, not once, did any of you offer me


    thanks or apology.¡±


    ¡°You demand more of me than you¡¯ve ever demanded of yourselves.¡±


    Zara looked hurt. ¡°But that¡¯s all in the past. Can¡¯t you just¨Clet it go?¡±


    ¡°The past lives in my body,¡± Riley said. ¡°It lives in my limp, in my car that barely hears, in every scar. You don¡¯t get to tell me when to forget.¡±


    Zara clutched at her chest, as if Riley¡¯s words had physically struck her.


    ric lost his patience.


    ¡°I am your father!¡± he roared, rising to his feet. ¡°You will show respect!¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m your daughter!¡± Riley shot back, standing too. ¡°Yet you¡¯ve treated me like dirt beneath your boots. You never wanted me back. Don¡¯t pretend now.¡±


    ¡°You think I came back here by choice? You dragged me here to fix your problems with the ckmaw Pack.¡±


    Her eyes red with fury.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your pawn.¡±


    ric¡¯s face turned crimson. Without warning, he lifted his hand and struck her across the face.


    Smack.


    The force of it knocked her against the table, tes and silver crashing to the floor.


    Riley¡¯s head snapped sideways, lip split open. Blood slid down her chin and dripped onto the pristine white tablecloth.


    Her right ear¨Calready damaged¨Crang with deafening static.


    She didn¡¯t cry out.


    She didn¡¯t cry at all.


    But her chest rose and fell like a storm was building beneath her ribs.


    Kaei stared at her, unmoving. Zara wrung her hands but stayed seated. Scarlett blinked in stunned silence.


    Then Riley stood¨Cslowly.


    And flipped the entire table.


    Dishes, cutlery, sses¨Call of it went flying in a thunderous crash.


    Everyone backed away, stunned.


    Scarlett shrieked. Zara gasped. ric looked ready to explode.


    ¡°You think this is about rebellion?¡± Riley shouted. ¡°It¡¯s not. It¡¯s about survival. I¡¯ve done everything to earn a ce here, and you still spit on me.¡±


    Zara tried to approach. ¡°Riley, please. We¡¯re still your family-¡±


    Riley shoved her arm away. ¡°You are a prison sentence with a family name.¡±


    ric pointed a shaking finger. ¡°You disgrace this house. You¡¯re an ungrateful, disobedient child!¡±


    Scarlett peeked from behind him, her voice trembling with faux remorse. ¡°It¡¯s all my fault, sister. I never meant for any of it to happen¡­¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t hear her.


    She didn¡¯t hear any of them.


    All she could hear was the high¨Cpitched hum in her right ear, the chaos in her chest, the thundering echo of her heartbeat.


    She stumbled for the door, vision blurring, limbs shaking.


    Then everything spun.


    And she copsed.


    Kael moved fast¨Cfaster than anyone thought possible¨Cand caught her before her head hit the ground.


    His voice cracked. ¡°Riley¡­¡±


    Zara rushed forward. ¡°What¡¯s happening? Is she-?¡±


    ric scoffed. ¡°She¡¯s pretending.¡±


    Kael¡¯s head whipped around. ¡°Pretending? She passed out! You¡¯re more concerned about your damn ego than your own daughter¡¯s condition.¡±


    And with that, he lifted Riley in his arms and carried her upstairs without looking back.


    ric shouted behind him, ¡°If she weren¡¯t mine, she wouldn¡¯t have the privilege of talking to me at all!¡±

 in Vengeance 20

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I woke up in Kael¡¯s room. Again.


    The first thing I saw was Mia, perched at the edge of the bed, gently dabbing a cool salve over the swelling on my cheek with a cotton swab. Her eyes were full of worry.


    When she noticed I was awake, she leaned in and mouthed something.


    ¡°Miss Riley, does anything else hurt?¡±


    Her voice was muffled and distant. The p from ric had worsened the hearing in my already damaged right ear- everything now sounded like I was underwater.


    But I could read her lips.


    I hadn¡¯t known how to do that before I went to prison. Back then, I hadn¡¯t needed to. But after losing most of the hearing in my left ear. I¡¯d had to teach myself¨Cpainfully, desperately¨Cso I could understand the orders barked <i>at </i>me.


    Misunderstandings led to beatings. Lip reading kept me alive.


    I blinked back the sudden sting of tears and forced a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mia. Just¡­ really hungry.¡±


    The look that crossed her face¨Cpure guilt and concern¨Cnearly broke me.


    ¡°What would you like to eat?¡±


    ¡°Clear broth noodles.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it right away.¡±


    She rushed off.


    I pulled myself upright, leaning against the headboard, my gaze drifting to the window. I don¡¯t know how long I sat there before the door opened again.


    I thought it was Mia.


    It wasn¡¯t.


    Zara stepped into the room.


    She met my indifferent gaze and flinched slightly but didn¡¯t retreat. Instead, she sat down beside me.


    ¡°Riley, I made you some clear broth noodles myself. Please, try it.¡±


    She reached to feed me.


    I moved away. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    I took the bowl and chopsticks.


    The broth was light, the noodles perfectly tender. Finely chopped green onions floated on top alongside a single soft¨Cboiled egg. No extra spices, no garnishes. But the scent hit me like a punch to the chest.


    I took a bite.


    Familiar.


    So familiar.


    The warmth of the broth slid down my throat and curled in my belly like a memory.


    ¡°How is it?¡± she asked gently.


    I paused mid¨Cbite. ¡°You made this?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Even Scarlett has never had noodles I made myself. You¡¯re the first.¡±


    She smiled as if expecting praise, pride shining in her eyes.


    But I couldn¡¯t feel touched. I couldn¡¯t even pretend.


    Instead, I gave a small, coldugh and kept eating.


    She didn¡¯t know, of course, what clear broth noodles meant to me


    *


    Back in high school, during my first winter at the Vale estate, I returned home one night soaked in snow. No lights were left on for me. Everyone was asleep. The food had gone cold.


    That night, I threw up everything I ate and curled up alone in agony.


    Until Mia woke up.


    She found me. Took care of me. Made me my first bowl of hot, clear broth noodles.


    After that, she started leaving the porch light on. And every night, she¡¯d warm something simple¨Cporridge, dumplings, noodles¨Cjust for me.


    Everyone in the Vale family knew Kael had a sensitive stomach. No one ever cared that I developed one too. No one noticed that being back here, starving half the time, had eroded my health.


    At the rouges¡® pack, I never had stomach problems.


    Only when I returned to my ¡°home¡± did I start getting sick.


    I finished the entire bowl¨Cevery drop of broth.


    Zara beamed. ¡°Did you like it?¡±


    I looked straight at her lips. Then I cut to the point.


    ¡°If you have something to say, say it. No need to sugarcoat anything.¡±


    The temperature in the room dropped.


    Her smile faltered. ¡°Riley, I¡¯m trying. Why can¡¯t you just let go of the past?¡±


    I said nothing. Just stared. Watched the twitch in her lip, the guilt she tried to hide.


    ¡°Tell me what I need to do,¡± she pleaded. ¡°What will it take for you to forgive me?¡±


    Still silence.


    Because I knew it didn¡¯t matter. Even if I answered, she wouldn¡¯t do it.


    She kept talking. Kept ying the part. But I remained cold.


    Finally, she sighed heavily. ¡°Riley, I know you¡¯re upset. But you can¡¯t let your emotions cloud your judgment. The Vale family


    is in trouble. If we don¡¯t fix things with ckmaw, we could lose everything. You¡¯re one of us. You should help us.¡±


    There it was.


    The real reason for the visit,


    She didn¡¯t care about the noodles. She didn¡¯t care about me.


    She wanted to use me to clean up their mess.


    And the most insulting part? She brought Mia¡¯s noodles and pretended they were hers.


    I felt nauseous.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    Zara blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You or me. Someone leaves. Now.¡±


    She stood, shocked. ¡°How did you be so unreasonable?¡±


    I snorted. ¡°Five years of beatings and istion will do that.¡±


    ¡°You had a roof over your head-¡±


    I snapped. ¡°I had prison walls! You let me take Scarlett¡¯s fall. You deleted the footage. You ruined my life. Don¡¯t talk to me about love.¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± she muttered. ¡°You¡¯repletely irrational.¡±


    ¡°Good. Then stay out of my life.¡±


    ¡°Good


    She fled, unable to meet my eyes any longer.


    I stayed in Kael¡¯s room the rest of the day.


    That night, ric came storming in.


    He raged about losses. Ten billion gone in one day. All because I refused to grovel at Ronan¡¯s feet.


    I smiled through his tirade.


    That smile nearly gave him a stroke.


    As he left, Kael lingered.


    He gave me one long, unreadable look before following the others out.


    At the time, I didn¡¯t understand what it meant.


    Not until morning.


    When I woke, the hearing in my right ear had started to return¨Cfaint, but there.


    I came downstairs and overheard two maids whispering.


    ¡°Mia didn¡¯te today?¡±


    ¡°Heard something happened to her daughter. School¡¯s threatening to expel her.¡±


    My heart stopped.


    I looked toward the sofa.


    Kael sat there casually, reading the paper.


    He turned. Met my gaze.


    And smiled.

 in Vengeance 21

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Those warnings echoed like thunder in my skull.


    My chest heaved with fury, and the strands of hair on my forehead trembled with the force of it. I red at Kael, my so- called brother, with a look that could y a wolf¡¯s hide.


    ¡°Was it you?¡± I demanded, my voice razor¨Csharp.


    Kael sat leisurely, fingersced over hisp like the purebred Alpha heir he was bred to be. His expression remained unreadable¨Ccold, superior.


    ¡°Was what me? I¡¯ve no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± he replied smoothly.


    I took a threatening step forward, barely able to keep my wolf from surging to the surface.


    ¡°Did you order the council to expel Mia¡¯s daughter from her academy? Did you threaten her?¡±


    His gaze narrowed, something dangerous glinting in those pale gold irises. I could see it¨Che didn¡¯t like how much I cared for someone who wasn¡¯t blood. Someone who wasn¡¯t him.


    ¡°And if I did: What would you do about it?¡± he sneered.


    ¡°I will tear you down, Kael,¡± I said, voice low, trembling with barely restrained rage. ¡°I will burn everything down, even if it takes me with it.¡±


    Kael¡¯s expression twisted. ¡°I¡¯m your brother. Is that how you treat your Alpha blood?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer. I didn¡¯t need to. He could see the truth in my eyes.


    Then his phone rang. Kael checked the screen and lifted it to his ear, eyes never leaving mine.


    I saw the flicker of something behind his gaze¨Csatisfaction.


    He pressed the button and Mia¡¯s voice spilled out through the speaker.


    ¡°Master Kael, please, I didn¡¯t know who else to call. The school¡­ they¡¯re talking about expelling Carman. She¡¯s worked so hard, she¡¯s a good girl. If she¡¯s expelled now¨Cplease, can¡¯t you help?¡±


    I didn¡¯t need to hear the whole thing. I could read the desperation on her face.


    Because I was staring straight at her, through the pack estate¡¯s exterior gate camera.


    Someone had locked her out, left her at the iron bars like a stranger. But she didn¡¯t hang up. She stood there, face pressed close to the callbox¡¯s camera, praying someone would answer.


    I saw her lips moving. I understood every word.


    I¡¯d learned to read lips in prison¨Cwhen my wolf was cored, my hearing gone, and silence was moremon than kindness.


    Kael muted the call and looked at me. ¡°Help her? Fine. But you¡¯re going to ckmaw Pack House. You¡¯ll kneel beside Ronan¡¯s sister¡¯s bed and apologize. Beg for forgiveness.¡±


    My throat closed up. ¡°You want me to beg the wolves who put me in a cage?¡±


    Kael¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°You want Mia¡¯s daughter to finish school, don¡¯t you?¡±


    My hands trembled.


    Fine,¡± I said hoarsely. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Kael turned back to the phone, voice honey¨Csweet. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mia. Everything will be fine.¡±


    Then he stood. ¡°I¡¯ll drive.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a cab,¡± I snapped.


    ¡°I¡¯m faster.¡±


    ¡°Looking at you makes me sick¡±


    The blownded. Not physically¨Cbut Kael flinched like he¡¯d been struck. Then, with a roar, he kicked the coffee table, sending porcin crashing across the floor.


    ¡°Riley, you¡¯ve gone too far!¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond. I turned and left.


    Outside the manor gates, I ran straight into Theo Hale.


    He leaned against his car, sunsses low on his nose, and gave me a slow once¨Cover.


    ¡°Damn. You look like you got hit by a bus. Twice.¡±


    I brushed past lum.


    Theo frowned. Once, I used to wait on him like a maid¨Cpouring tea, smiling like a fool. He¡¯d barely noticed me.


    Now I ignored himpletely.


    ¡°Where are you going? Need a lift?¡±


    I said nothing.


    He jogged to catch up and grabbed my wrist. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m talking to you. You deaf or-¡±


    I wrenched my arm away. ¡°If it makes you happy, Theo, you can think of me as deaf. Or mute. Or dead. I don¡¯t care. Just pretend I don¡¯t exist.¡±


    He looked genuinely taken aback. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a lunatic,¡± I snapped. ¡°Stay away from me.¡±


    I left him standing there, confused.


    Behind me, he called out, ¡°Crazy bitch.¡±


    N


    The ckmaw Pack infirmary towered like a fortress¨Ccold and sterile. The Alpha¡¯s sister, Tessa,yatose in a private wing.


    I stepped into her room.


    My breath hitched.


    I remembered Tessa as a stunning she¨Cwolf. Curled golden hair, fierce smile, voice like a silver bell.


    But now-


    She was pale and skeletal. Her once radiant skin clung to brittle bones. Her magic¨Cgone. Her light¨Cextinguished.


    Ishould¡¯ve felt nothing. She¡¯d always hated me, always chosen Scarlett.


    But I pitied her.


    Because I knew exactly what it felt like to be alive and buried.


    She had hated me based on lies¨CScarlett¡¯s lies.


    Scarlett had pushed her.


    ric had seen it. He¡¯d watched. And instead of stopping it, he let me take


    They knew I hadn¡¯t done it.


    me.


    But I had been in the wrong ce. At the wrong time. The only one who knew the truth.


    So they buried me instead.


    And now, here I was, standing over the broken shell of the woman I supposedly tried to kill.


    Kael wanted me to grovel. Ronan wanted blood.


    But I¡­


    I wanted justice.

 in Vengeance 22

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The silence in the room pressed in like iron.


    I stood there, barely breathing, eyes fixed on the fragile body in the hospital bed. She hadn¡¯t moved. Not once. Not even a twitch.


    ¡°Tessa,¡± I said softly. My voice didn¡¯t shake¨Cbut inside, my wolf was restless.


    ¡°It¡¯s Riley,¡± I continued. ¡°You hated me enough to recognize my voice, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond, but I kept talking anyway.


    ¡°I heard someatose wolves retain awareness. A flicker of consciousness somewhere behind the stillness. If that¡¯s true, maybe you¡¯re in there. Maybe you can hear me. If so, when are you going to wake up?¡±


    The antiseptic tang of the ward stung my nose. Stark white walls and bone¨Cwhite sheets made her look even more withered. Tessa had been a me once¨Ca golden Alpha¨Cto¨Cbe with sharp teeth and a brighter smile. She¡¯d been everything I wasn¡¯t allowed to be.


    Now she was just¡­ quiet.


    I eased down into the chair beside her. My eyes didn¡¯t leave her face.


    ¡°You know they all think I did this to you. But you and I both know who really pushed you.¡±


    ¡°I served five years for what Scarlett did. Five years. You¡¯ve been asleep, but I¡¯ve been in hell.¡±


    My voice thickened, pain creeping in despite the calm facade. ¡°They used silver needles. They beat me. They took a kidney.¡± I pressed my palm to my side, remembering the phantom ache.


    ¡°Your brother made sure they ¡®looked after me.¡® Every`scar I have is for your justice.¡±


    Sunlight cut through the curtain ts, sshing the floor in strips of gold. It didn¡¯t reach me. It never did.


    I swallowed, hard.


    ¡°I remember the first time I saw you. You wereughing, radiant in designer clothes, practically floating through the halls like


    a princess. I was so jealous. You had everything¡ªa loving family, respect, safety.¡±


    ¡°I came back to the Ebonw Pack thinking I¡¯d found home. I was wrong. I was nothing but an intruder. An Omega they didn¡¯t want.¡±


    I let out a shaky breath ¡°Now, I¡¯m not even that. I¡¯m just a convict. A scapegoat.¡±


    My throat burned.


    ¡°But you know the truth. You were there.¡±


    A tear escaped before I could stop it.


    I wiped my face roughly and stood. ¡°Tessa, you need to wake up. Not for me. For yourself. For the truth.¡±


    I turned to leave¨Cand froze.


    He was there.


    Ronan.


    His tall frame blocked the doorway, d in a sharp ck suit that only made the lethal aura around him more pronounced. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, features carved from marble¨Ccold, perfect, and terrifying.


    My heart jackhammered in my chest. Every nerve screamed danger. I couldn¡¯t move.


    He started walking.


    Each step was calcted. Measured. A predator closing in.


    I stumbled back until I hit the edge of Tessa¡¯s bed with a dull thud. He kepting.


    The room shrank with every breath I took. Air thinned. The scent of him¨Cpine, cold steel, and something ancient¨Ccurled around me like smoke.


    I had nowhere to run.


    ¡°Aipha Ronan¡­¡± I managed, voice barely above a whisper.


    His eyes flicked over me, slow and merciless. ¡°You¡¯re afraid of me.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t deny it.


    The memories were too loud.


    He¡¯d orchestrated my torment in prison. Every cruelty hade with his silent consent. I could survive the others¨Cbut not


    him.


    I kept my gaze on the floor, trembling from the inside out.


    I spoke to Tessa,¡± I said quickly. ¡°I did what Kael asked. May I leave now?¡±


    ¡°Kael doesn¡¯t speak for me,¡± Ronan said. His voice was a de¨Cprecise and deadly.


    He stepped closer. I flinched.


    He stared down at me like I was something beneath his boot. ¡°You think a five¨Cyear sentence settles your debt?¡±


    My blood turned to ice.


    I wanted to run.


    But I couldn¡¯t move.


    I couldn¡¯t fight him.


    So I did the only thing left to do.


    I dropped to my knees.


    ¡°I¡¯m guilty. I wronged your sister. Please forgive me.¡±


    My head struck the floor. Hard.


    Again. And again.


    The impact reverberated through my bones, but I barely felt it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    I kept repeating it. A broken mantra. The words tumbled from my lips like blood.


    Ronan said nothing.


    Then he spoke.


    ¡°Do you know what I see when I look at you, Riley?¡± he said, voice low. ¡°I see a wolf who should have died five years ago. I see


    a liar wearing guilt like a badge. And I see weakness.¡±


    He crouched, bringing his face level with mine.


    ¡°Tessa trusted Scarlett. Just like I trusted you. And both of you betrayed us.¡±


    I tried to meet his eyes. but his re burned too hot.


    ¡°Do


    you


    think kneeling fixes what was taken from her? What was taken from me?¡±


    My lips parted, but no sound came.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± he growled, ¡°what else should I take from you to make us even? Another kidney? Or maybe your voice?¡±


    A sob escaped my throat. I couldn¡¯t stop it.


    My forehead hit the ground again.


    ¡°Please¡­ no more¡­¡±


    Ronan watched in silence. His fists clenched at his sides.


    This wasn¡¯t satisfying him. It wasn¡¯t enough.


    Because breaking me wasn¡¯t the point.


    Watching me shatter¨Cagain and again¨Cwas.

 in Vengeance 23

    Ronan¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    She knelt in front of me, blood smeared across her face, hair matted to her skin, hands trembling as she mmed her forehead against the floor.


    Over and over.


    Bang <b>Bang </b>Bang


    Each sound echoed like a hammer in my skull.


    ck


    I should¡¯ve felt satisfaction. This was what she deserved¨Cthe girl who lured my sister into <i>the </i>Forest, <b>who </b>left Tessa


    half¨Cdead andatose in a hospital bed. This was justice.


    But watching her grovel, filthy and broken, didn¡¯t feel like justice. It just felt¡­ wrong.


    Annoying.


    Pathetic


    Disgusting


    My temples throbbed. My fingers itched <b>to </b>crush something.


    ¡°Get <b>out</b><b>,</b>¡± <b>I </b>snapped.


    She didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Are you deal?¡± My voice rose. ¡°I said get out!¡±


    Still nothing. Her head just kept hitting the floor, leaving a smear of red that stained the marble like a curse. It was like she couldn¡¯t even hear me¨Clike she wasn¡¯t <b>even </b>here.


    I stepped forward<b>, </b>grabbed her arm, ready to drag her out like the disgrace she was. But the second my hand moved, she flinched. Hard.


    She recoiled like she¡¯d been electrocuted, curling into herself, arms thrown over her head.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hit me!¡± she cried. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, don¡¯t hit me!¡±


    I froze.


    For a split <b>second</b><b>, </b>my breath caught. Her voice¨Craw, terrified, broken¨Cripped through the room like a de.


    What the hell had they done to her?


    <b>No. </b>No<b>, </b><b>I </b><b>wasn¡¯t </b>going there. I wasn¡¯t softening.


    She wasn¡¯t the victim,


    Tewa <b>was </b>


    Tessa¨Cthe bright, fearless, brilliant sister I raised. The one who followed Riley¡¯s message into the woods. The one we <b>found </b>barely breathing. Ripped <b>apart</b>.


    matter if <b>we </b>shared <b>a </b>Pack


    <b>And </b>Riley<b>? </b>She was the one with Rogue <b>blood</b>. Raised by criminals. Born in shadows. It didn¡¯t n game. That girl was a stain.


    That voice. That flinch. That relles.


    She wasn¡¯t faking it. <b>You </b>can¡¯t fake that kind of <b>fear</b>.


    535 PM


    +B Pearls


    For the first time, I hesitated.


    <b>And </b>like a damn fool, my mind betrayed me¨Cshing back to years ago, when I first heard her name. Riley Vale, the prodigy from Mooncrest <b>Academy</b>. The girl who beat me in every single physicspetition, year after <b>year</b><b>. </b>The one who walked onto the national stage <b>with </b>dirt <b>on </b>her shoes and brilliance in her eyes.


    She never smiled much, but when she did, it lit up the whole damn auditorium.


    I hated her back then too.


    Not because she was a Rogue. Not because she was dangerous.


    Because 1 couldn¡¯t catch up to her.


    Because she didn¡¯t care about the spotlight, and somehow, <b>that </b>made her shine even brighter.


    And then the <b>Ebonw </b>Pack brought her home.


    The real daughter of the Vale family. The one with Alpha blood.


    And just when I thought maybe¨Cmaybe she could be something more than a rival, more than a threat¡­


    Tessa ended up in aa.


    And Riley was to me.


    So why the hell was my hand still frozen midair?


    Why was <b>I </b>hesitating?


    Her body was curled tight, shoulders trembling. She wasn¡¯t looking at me anymore. She <b>wasn¡¯t </b>even present.


    She was back in prison. Or wherever the hell they sent her. Reliving something I¡¯d never seen. ey sent her. Reliving something I¡¯d never seen.


    I lowered my arm slowly, the weight of it suddenly unbearable.


    ¡°You can go,¡± I said, quieter this time.


    My voice sounded foreign to my own cars.


    She didn¡¯t move.


    Part of me wanted to grab her again. To throw her out. To scream until she remembered who she hurt.


    But <b>another </b>part¨Cone I didn¡¯t want to name¨Cjust stood there, watching the girl who used to be a legend, now reduced to a ghost


    I clenched <b>my </b>jaw, Turned <b>away</b>.


    ¡°Leave,¡± I said again, this time with steel in my voice.


    She wasn¡¯t hearing a damn thing I said.


    I could see it in her face¨Cnk, distant, <b>smeared </b>with <b>blood </b>and tears. Her eyes were <b>ssy</b>, wide with panic, scanning for something, anything to hold on to..


    Then she lifted a trembling hand and roughly wiped her <b>face</b>, smearing crimson across her cheek. Her gaze snapped to my <b>mouth </b>


    And then¨Crity.


    She read my hips. Understood.


    ¡°Leave.¡±


    Her body flinched. For a second, she looked like she couldn¡¯t believe it.


    <b>115 </b><b>PM </b>


    <b>? </b>


    Was that hope flickering in her eyes?


    +8 Pearls


    The girl who had crawled in here like <b>a </b>shattered thing¨Cnow staring at me like she¡¯d been <b>handed </b>a second chance at life. As if my <b>dismissal </b>was mercy, not disgust.


    Her lips trembled. ¡°I¡¯ll go. Right now,¡± she choked out, voice raw, hoarse¨Cmore breath than sound.


    She scrambled up from the floor, using both hands and knees. Her injured leg buckled, nearly giving out beneath her. Twice she stumbled, nearly fell t again.


    But she forced herself upright.


    Didn¡¯t <b>even </b>look back.


    She bolted.


    Like a hunted <b>animal </b>finally released from the cage.


    And I let her.


    I didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t call her back. Just stood there, jaw <b>tight</b>, fists clenched, watching her figure disappe until there was nothing left but silence.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I stood there before I turned and sat beside the bed.


    into the hallway.


    The air in the room had grown heavy again, thick with the sterile scent of medicine and something deeper¨Cgrief.


    I reached out, fingers brushing <b>over </b>the outline of my sister¡¯s face.


    Tessa¡¯s cheeks had grown hollow.


    Her once bright eyes remained closed,shes unmoving, <b>sunk </b>into bruised shadows.


    So still.


    Too still.


    ¡°I let her go, Tessa,¡± I murmured, my thumb tracing the curve of her pale brow. ¡°Just like that. After everything she <b>did </b>to you. I let her walk.¡±


    I swallowed, throat dry.


    ¡°Would <b>you </b>hate me for it?¡±


    But there <b>was </b>no answer<b>. </b>


    There never was


    Only the quiet hiss of the venttor. The steady beep of the machines. The crushing weight in my chest.


    I¡¯d told myself for months <b>that </b>I hated Riley.


    <b>That </b>I wanted her to pay.


    But when I looked her in the eyes just now¨Csaw how broken she was, how terrified, how ruined¨CI didn¡¯t see a <b>predator</b>, I saw a ruin


    And still. I couldn¡¯t figure out whether that made things better or worse.


    I leaned forward and pressed my forehead against the edge of the mattress. ¡°I should¡¯ve finished her,¡± I whispered.


    <b>3:35 </b>PM

 in Vengeance 24

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    The fluorescent lights of the Healer¡¯s Ward burned into my eyes. I could barely see through the blood and tears that blurred my vision, but I didn¡¯t stop..


    I couldn¡¯t.


    I stumbled down the corridor, mming into walls <b>and </b>brushing past startled wolves. Some of them gasped, others recoiled at the sight of me¨Cbloodied, limping, barely upright¨C<b>but </b>I didn¡¯t care.


    Let them look


    Let them see what the Ebonw Pack does to its own.


    There was only one thought in my mind: get away from Ronan. As far as possible. Before he changed his mind and decided he hadn¡¯t had enough<b>. </b>


    I ran harder, heart pounding, lungs burning. My injured leg screamed with every step, but I ignored it.


    So I didn¡¯t see the <b>man </bing out of the private consultation room.


    Not until I mmed straight into him.


    The impact jolted me back, and I nearly fell to the floor¨Cbut a strong arm snapped around my waist, steadying me before I hit the ground.


    ¡°<b>Riley</b><b>.</b>¡±


    That voice.


    Familiar. Sof. Careful.


    Terrifying.


    I looked up <b>and </b>found myself staring into Maddox¡¯s eyes.


    <b>His </b>amber gaze reflected the panic in mine, like he¡¯d already seen the fear before I even knew it was there.


    He reached for me like I was something fragile.


    But all I felt was revulsion.


    I shoved <b>him </b>away with all the strength I had left.


    He barely budged, but he let go. I turned without a word and tried to walk away, only to feel his hand mp down on my


    Wri


    Firm. Unyielding


    Just like him in the courtroom five years ago.


    ago.


    ¡°You¡¯re hurt,¡± he said, voice low, <b>gaze </b>flicking to the blood on my forehead. There <b>was </b><b>a </b>flicker of something¨C<b>guilt</b>? Concern? I didn¡¯t care,


    He had no right to look at me like <b>that</b>.


    No right to act like I mattered.


    Who did this to <b>you</b>?¡± <b>he </b><b>asked</b>, eyes narrowing. ¡°Tell me, Riley, I¡¯ll make them pay.¡±


    I almostughed.


    He was serious. He thought <b>this </b><b>was </b>how it worked.


    1:35 PM ¡¤


    +8 Pearls


    But I remembered it all¨Chow he had stood across from <b>me </b>in the Court of Elders, <b>not </b>beside me. How his voice, once soft and warm, became the de <b>that </b>slit my throat,


    He was the one who defended Scarlett. Who called me a liar. Who listed every false usation like it was scripture, until they <b>caged </b>me <b>like </b>a <b>rogue </b><b>and </b>threw away the key.


    He could¡¯ve been my shield.


    Instead, he helped gut me alive.


    Now he wanted to protect <b>me</b>?


    I kept my eyes <b>on </b>the floor, <b>silent</b>,


    ¡°You¡¯re still mad at <b>me</b>, aren¡¯t you?¡± His voice cracked.


    He didn¡¯t wait for <b>an </b>answer. ¡°I had my reasons, Riley, I didn¡¯t want to hurt you. I had no choice¨Cplease, just let me exin.<b>¡± </b>


    Exin?


    As if an exnation could give me <b>back </b>the years I lost.


    As if words could fix a shattered leg, a deaf car, a missing kidney.


    As if anything could erase the humiliation of sining in that courtroom, looking into his eyes, and realizing I waspletely


    alone.


    I tried to pull away again, <b>but </b>his grip didn¡¯t loosen.


    So I lifted my gaze and looked <b>him </b>in the eye.


    Cold. Empty. Done.


    ¡°Let go,¡± I said tly.


    He didn¡¯t. His hand only tightened slightly, like he thought I¡¯d crumble if he held on long enough.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to a healer,¡± he murmured. ¡°Let them patch you up, okay?¡±


    His voice was almost a whisper, soft and trembling, like he was shared I might disappear.


    It made my skin crawl.


    i didn¡¯t want softness. I didn¡¯t want sympathy. Not from him.


    ¡°Did you not hear me?¡± I said, louder now, icecing every word. ¡°Let. Co.¡±


    Something in my tone must¡¯ve hit him, because he flinched like I¡¯d struck him.


    I saw the pain in his eyes.


    Good


    He deserved it.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    I had reached my limit. My fury boiled over.


    Vithout thinking. I <b>yanked </b>my head to the side¨Cand mmed it into the wall.


    Blood erupted down my face. Pain exploded behind my eyes.


    Still, I didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Let go I <b>hissed</b>, blood running down my chin. ¡°Or do I keep going?¡±


    <b>3:35 </b>PM


    0


    +8 Pearls


    He was frozen, horrified.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>think I won¡¯t? I mmed my head again. <b>Thud</b>.


    And <b>again</b>. Thud.


    The sound echoed through the hallway. Sharp. Sickening.


    I didn¡¯t care.


    If hurting myself was the only way to make him let go, I¡¯d do it again.


    And again.


    His face had gone pale as bone,


    ¡°You¡¯re insane,¡± he choked. ¡°You¡¯d hurt yourself¨Cjust to get <b>away </b>from me?¡±


    Was that really so hard to believe?


    I said let go,¡± I growled, the taste of iron on my tongue.


    Blood dripped from my forehead onto <b>his </b>arm. I saw itnd. Watched him flinch.


    He finally released me.


    I stumbled back, nearly copsing. But I caught myself before he could touch me again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you daree


    I didn¡¯t wait for a reply.


    I turned and limped away, dragging my useless leg behind me. Every step felt like knives under my skin, but I didn¡¯t stop. I wouldn¡¯t stop.


    Behind me, I heard nothing. No footsteps. No pleading.


    But I knew he was still there.


    Following Watching


    Like a ghost too cowardly to speak.


    I didn¡¯t want to go home¨Cnot yet.


    The Vale estate would only bring more cruelty, more silence, more me.


    So I copsed onto a bench outside the Healer¡¯s Ward <b>and </b>stared nkly at the road beyond the trees, where the moonlight painted the <b>pavement </b>silver.


    I didn¡¯t cry.


    There were no tears left in me.


    I was just fired.


    Behind me. Helt his presence again. Maddox, Watching. Hovering-


    I didn¡¯t look <b>back</b>.


    But when a strange woman approached me with a quiet voice and a small medical bag. I knew it was him.


    ¡°I saw <b>your </b><b>wound</b>,¡± she said softly. ¡°Mind if I help?¡±


    I stared at the supplies¨Cgauze, disinfectant, cotton <b>swans</b>.


    3:35 PM c

 in Vengeance 25

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    By the time I returned to the Ebonw Pack manor, the night had fallenpletely. The courtyard was quiet under the cloak of darkness, the scent of roasted meat and pine smoke drifting faintly through the wind.


    Mia was already <b>standing </b>outside the front <b>gate</b>, her wrinkled hands anxiously wringing the hem of her apron. The moment she saw me limping toward her, her tense shoulders sagged in relief and she rushed forward.


    ¡°Miss Riley! Thank the Moon Goddess, you¡¯re finally back.¡± Her voice trembled with a mix of concern and affection.


    Before I could answer, her gaze swept over me, catching the gauze on my forehead, the <b>blood </b>crusted around the edges, and the bruises creeping up my arms. Her eyes filled with pain.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± she <b>asked</b>, reaching out carefully.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I said quietly, shaking my <b>head</b>. My throat was dry, and even that small lie tasted bitter.


    Mia wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Are you really? You look like-¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡±1 cut in gently but firmly, trying to push down the heat rising behind my eyes. I needed to be strong. Not for me¨Cfor Carmen. ¡°How¡¯s Carmen? Did anything happen while I was gone?¡±


    Her expression shifted, softening with a smile. ¡°She¡¯s okay now. Thanks to Master Kael, the <b>school¡¯s </b>decided not to expel her after all.¡±


    I froze.


    So that¡¯s how he wanted to y it..


    Mia sighed in deep gratitude,pletely unaware of the poison underneath <b>it </b><b>all</b><b>. </b>¡°<b>You </b>know, Miss Riley, Master Kael isn¡¯t a bad person. He helped a lot behind the scenes, If the two of you could <b>just </b>talk things through¡­ he really would make a good brother<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    I didn¡¯t respond. I just stared at her, lips curling into a faint, bitter smile.


    A good brother?


    Kael Vale had always been two¨Cfaced. Charming in public, ruthless in private. And somehow, <b>he </b><b>made </b>even those he hurt feel like they owed him something.


    He used Carmen to get to me. This time it was her next time it could be Mia. That¡¯s who he was.


    And still, I couldn¡¯t <b>walk </b>away. Not without leaving the people I cared about behind.


    I forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯m d she¡¯s okay.¡±


    Then I walked toward the manor.


    Inside, the grand dining hall was lit with golden warmth. I could hearughter before I even stepped in


    Kael, Scarlett, Alpha <b>ric</b><b>, </b>and Luna Zara were all seated around the table, eating and <b>chatting </b>like the perfect Pack family.


    A roast boar, honey¨Czed root vegetables, and fine wine sat on polished tes. The air was full of warmth, clinking ssware, and carefully crafted lies.


    And the moment Lentered, the mood shifted.


    Kael¡¯s eyes snapped to me, the smile on his face vanishing like smoke, ¡°Oh. So you remembered where the Pack lives.¡±


    His words dripped with sarcasm, no concern in sight. Just contempt.


    Luna Zara frowned slightly and gave him a warning nce. ¡°Kael, don¡¯t speak to your sister like <b>that</b>.¡±


    Then she turned to me with a forced warmth. ¡°Riley, don¡¯t <b>mind </b><b>him</b>. Come, eat with <b>us</b><b>.</b>¡±


    15 PM ?


    I shook my <b>head</b>. ¡°No need. You go ahead.¡±


    She persisted, still trying to wear her mask. ¡°Skipping dinner isn¡¯t good for your health. Just <b>have </b>a little.¡±


    I nced at the table¨Cempty tters, stripped bones, half¨Cdrunk sses.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood for leftovers,¡± I said tly.


    Her smile froze.


    * +8 Pearls


    Tension immediately thickened the room. Alpha <b>ric¡¯s </b>face darkened as his gaze cut across the table toward me.


    Scarlett, ever the little angel, set down her utensils with practiced gentleness. ¡°<b>Riley</b>, we waited a long time. When youe, we thought you¡¯d already eaten. We just <b>started </b>a moment ago, really.¡±


    ¡°<b>Yeah</b>,¡± Luna Zara jumped in, nodding. ¡°Everything here is your favorite.¡±


    That was a lie. I could smell the seafood from across the room.


    I took a slow breath, letting the fury simmer just below the surface.


    didn¡¯t


    ¡°Really? Then tell me something. Out of six dishes and a soup, three of them are things I¡¯m allergic to: crals, shrimp, and pineapple. I thought you said it was all my favorites?¡±


    Zara¡¯s expression faltered. Her eyes darted <b>away</b>..


    I didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°You never even asked me <b>what </b>I liked. You never remembered. You just <b>sa </b>


    said whatever sounded nice.¡±


    Kael mmed his chopsticks onto the <b>table</b>. The noise cracked through the air like thunder. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Riley. Mom and <b>Dad </b>were worried about you. Scarlett too. Don¡¯te <b>back </b>here acting like the whole world owes you something¡±


    I looked at the faces around me. All so perfectlyposed, so hollow,


    They wanted peace? They wanted quiet?


    They should¡¯ve left me the hell alone.


    I smiled, slowly. Coldly


    ¡°You said everything was just prepared, right? Then tell me why are all the tes empty? Want me to lick them clean?¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s expression twitched.


    I turned to Zara. ¡°Or maybe you can remind me what exactly are my favorite foods??


    She opened her <b>mouth</b>, but nothing came out.


    I chuckled darkly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll remind you. I don¡¯t have favorite foods, Luna <b>Zara</b>. I was raised not to be picky. Anything <b>that </b>didn¡¯t make me sick was good enough.¡±


    I <b>took </b>a step closer to the table, eyes locked on Kael now.


    ¡°But I do avoid <b>what </b>I¡¯m allergic to. <b>You </b>knew that. You all knew <b>that</b>. And <b>you </b>still served it.¡±


    My voice dropped to <b>a </b>near¨Cgrowl. ¡°Is <b>that </b>what you call kindness?¡±


    Karl¡¯s face darkened, the fury in his eyes barely restrained.


    ric rose slowly <b>from </b>his seat, the weight of the Alpha thick in the air. ¡°<b>You </b>ungrateful brat. We gave you a roof, food, a second chance-¡±


    ¡°I never <b>asked </b>for any of it. I cut in. ¡°Did I beg you to bring me back? Did I ask to be paraded as your long¨Clost daughter, just to be treated like dirt in my own home?¡°


    <b>3.35 </b>PM


    His voice boomed. ¡°We gave you lif


    life!¡±


    I stared him down, rage searing through every nerve.


    ¡°Then maybe you shouldn¡¯t have.¡±

 in Vengeance 26

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Alpha ric was <b>trembling</b>.


    His fists clenched tightly on the edge of the table, chest heaving with each ragged breath as if trying to hold back an explosion.


    +B Pearls


    Across from him, Luna Zara had broken into tears, her face pale with distress. Her hand clutched her chest as she sobbed.


    ¡°Riley,¡± she choked out, voice cracking with pain, ¡°that¡¯s not true¡­ Your father <b>and </b>I¨Cwe had you because we loved you. You have to believe that¡±


    Iughed.


    It wasn¡¯t augh filled with joy. It was cold, hollow. A sound scraped from the bottom of a ruined heart.


    ¡°Love?¡± I echoed.


    I gestured to my head, where fresh gauze still clung to a crusted wound. ¡°I walked in like this. <b>Mia </b>noticed. And yet the two people who in <b>to </b>love me didn¡¯t say <b>a </b>word<b>.</b>¡±


    My voice rose, sharp and unfiltered. ¡°Not one of you asked what happened. You just sat there. Eating, Laughing, <b>Judging </b>me.¡±


    My eyes burned <b>as </b>rage swelled in my chest.


    ¡°Has it been ten minutes? Maybe more. Ten minutes since I walked through <b>that </b>damn door. And not one of <b>you </b>asked about my injury.¡±


    ¡°Did you not see it?¡± I snapped. ¡°Or did you just choose not to care?¡±


    I turned my re on Luna Zara, watching her flinch beneath it. ¡°You say you love me¨Cbut you stood there and watched them ruin me. I <b>lost </b>my hearing. My leg. My kidney. My future. You let it happen. You let it all happen and now you say <b>you </b>love me?¡±


    My words echoed off the walls like des, cutting through the air<b>, </b>slicing straight into their polished lies.


    L


    ¡°Where was your love when I was locked away like <b>a </b>rabid stray?¡± I shouted. ¡°When I was dragged into that courtroom. already convicted by your silence?¡±


    Tears finally spilled from my eyes, hot and unstoppable, clouding my vision.


    Luna Zara took a hesitant step forward, her arms slightly extended like she wanted to embrace me.


    <b>I </b>stepped <b>back</b>.


    She froze mid¨Cstep, her eyes flickering <b>down </b>to the <b>gauze </b>and the blood staining my clothes, her breath catching like she¡¯d <b>only </b>now realized I wasn¡¯t bluffing.


    Kael narrowed his <b>eyes</b>, <b>scoffing</b>.


    ¡°Well, that <b>exins </b>the dramatics,¡± he muttered. ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯ve been ying the victim tonight. A little blood to gain. attention! You¡¯ve really lost your edge, Riley.¡±


    Hisugh <b>was </b><b>sharp</b>, <b>grating</b>. ¡°You¡¯re not fooling anyone with this poor¨Clittle¨Cme act. Stop trying to manipte everyone.¡±


    una Zara¡¯s expression faltered. She looked between me and Kael, visibly


    y torn.


    ¡°Kiley, is that true?¡± she asked softly, brows furrowing ¡°Did you were you just trying to scare us?<b>¡± </b>


    <b>Alpha </b>ric scoffed <b>from </b>the head of the table, his voice thunderous. ¡°Typical. A wolf can¡¯t change its blood. No matter how well we <b>raise </b>her, she still reeks of the rogue blood she was raised <b>in</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    And just like that, I froze.


    3:15 PM


    Speed 8+


    For a moment, my brain didn¡¯t process what I¡¯d heard. I stood there <b>in </b>stunned silence, the words crashing into me like <b>a </b>frozen tide.


    Maniptive. Attention¨Cseeking. Worthless.


    That¡¯s all they saw when they looked at me.


    Not a daughter. Not a victim. Not a girl who¡¯d been mutted and left for dead.


    Just an inconvenience..


    A mistake.


    My spine stiffened, and I swallowed back the sob rising in my throat.


    ¡°Think whatever you want,¡± I said, my voice cold, steady, almost detached. ¡°I¡¯m done trying to exin myself to people <b>whot </b>never really wanted me.¡±


    I turned ommy heel and walked toward the side hallway, toward the old storage room I¡¯d imed because <b>no </b>one else in this house wanted to see my face.


    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Kael snapped.


    His voice cracked like a whip, the force of an <b>Alpha</b>¨Cin¨Ctraining trying to reim control<b>. </b>


    I stopped. Slowly turned.


    The look I gave him must have hit its mark, because for the first time tonight. Kael faltered. His mouth opened, then closed again, like he forgot what he was about to say.


    I stared at them all¨Cat Alpha ric¡¯s cold fury, at Luna Zara¡¯s crumpled disappointment, at Scarlett¡¯s tremulous concern- and 1 saw them for what they were


    <b>Not </b><b>family</b>.


    Not Pack


    Just strangers who shared my blood but not my pain.


    Scarlett clung to <b>Luna </b>Zara¡¯s arm. ¡°Mom¡­ her eyes¡­ they¡¯re scary.


    Zara patted her daughter¡¯s <b>hand</b>, her own face <b>pale</b>. ¡°She¡¯s not the same girl we brought back. Something¡¯s <b>changed </b>in her.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s feral.¡± ric spat. ¡°Ungrateful. If I had known she¡¯d grow into this, I¡¯d have left her in that Rogue camp to rot.¡±


    ¡°ric!¡± <b>Zara </b>snapped. ¡°She¡¯s still your daughter<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°I gave her too much grace, that¡¯s the problem!¡± he roared, the sound echoing down the corridor like a whip crack. ¡°She needed discipline from day one! If I¡¯d set the rules, she wouldn¡¯t be this wild!¡±


    I heard it all. Every <b>word</b>.


    Even <b>as </b>I shut the storage room door <b>behind </b>me, their voices still rang in my cars.


    I slid down <b>against </b>the door, body trembling, arms wrapped tightly around myself.


    The <b>room </b>was pitch¨Cck. Cold, Smelled of cedar and <b>dust</b>.


    I curled into <b>a </b><b>ball </b>on the thin cot, burying my face in my knees as tears streamed freely down my cheeks.


    So this <b>was </b><b>what </b>it felt like.


    To realize home was just another cage.


    They¡¯d carved out a <b>space </b>in the Ebonw manor for me, sure¨Cbut <b>not </b>a ce in their hearts. Not really.


    I wasn¡¯t Riley, their <b>daughter</b>.


    I was a walking reminder of a mistake they regretted iming.


    I cried until my <b>throat </b><b>burned </b><b>and </b>my shoulders ached.


    Eventually, the sobs softened, my body gave into exhaustion, and Iy <b>t </b>on the cot, staring into the void above me.


    Sleep pulled at my edges like a tide, but it offered no peace.


    <b>In </b>my dreams, the prison came back.


    The fists. The boots. The pain.


    My voice cracked as I screamed in my sleep.


    ¡°Help me. <b>Mama</b>, please. <b>Mama</b>¡­¡±


    But no one came,


    Except¡­


    A hand. Warm, Gentle. Calloused.


    Someone was stroking my back.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, pup. You¡¯re safe


    <b>now</b>¡­


    Mama¡¯s here¡±


    That <b>voice</b>. It wasn¡¯t <b>Luna </b>Zara¡¯s,


    It was older, Softer. Full of quiet love.


    Mia<b>. </b>


    Even <b>in </b>my dream, I leaned toward the sound, toward thefort. My muscles loosened slightly, the screams died on my lips.


    Somewhere far away, I felt her hand keep patting my back, slow <b>and </b>steady.


    <b>When </b>I woke, <b>the </b>light <b>through </b>the small window was pale and blue.


    I sat up slowly, <b>dazed </b>and hollow.


    For a split second, I thought I¡¯d dreamed the whole thing¨Cthat Luma Zara had held me and whispered soft things.


    But no.


    1 let out a soft, bitterugh.


    Even in dreams, I couldn¡¯t pretend she loved me.


    Only <b>Mia </b>ever stayed.

 in Vengeance 27

    Author¡¯s POV


    The Ebonw Pack dining hall was unusually quiet that morning.


    +8 Pearls


    Alpha ric, Luna <b>Zara</b>, Kael Vale, and Scarlett had already taken <b>their </b>seats¨Cbut none of them had touched their food yet. For once, the usual tter of silverware and forced pleasantries was absent.


    When Riley finally emerged from the corridor, the atmosphere shifted. Luna <b>Zara </b>immediately stood, walking briskly toward her with <b>a </b>strained smile.


    ¡°Riley, you


    must be starving. Come, have some breakfast,¡± she said warmly, <b>grabbing </b>her hand and guiding her to the table, Alpha ric upied the head seat. To his right sat Kael; to his left, Zara. Scarlett, as always, nestled close to her mother.


    The only remaining seat was between Kael and Scarlett. Neither of them were wee options, but if Riley had to choose. she¡¯d rather sit beside Kael.


    At least she knew his malice was honest.


    Riley sat down silently, expression unreadable. She picked up her spoon and began eating the small bowl of dumplings in front of her delicate wolfbone broth with wild herbs, prepared by Mia. She didn¡¯t say a word. Didn¡¯t look at any of them,


    All four members of the Alpha family watched her.


    Alpha ric¡¯s eyes were hard, his jaw clenched <b>tight</b>, restrained only by Zara¡¯s silent warning nce.


    Zara, for her part, wore a tight, polite <b>smile</b>, clearly torn between managing appearances and managing the brewing tension. She opened her mouth, likely to remind Riley to greet her elders, but whatever she had nned to say died on her lips.


    Scarlett, ever the peacemaker<b>, </b>tried a softer approach. ¡°Sister, <b>Mia </b>made this especially for you,¡± she chirped, forcing a sweet smile. ¡°Is it good?¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t reply. She didn¡¯t even nce at her.


    Kael drew a sharp breath through his nose, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check. His lips curled into a tight, disingenuous smile.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he said, voice low but tense, ¡°when you¡¯re done with breakfast, take that damn <b>bandage </b>off your head. You¡¯re not actually injured. Walking around <b>like </b><b>that </b>makes it look like someone in this house abused you.¡±


    Riley¡¯s hand paused slightly, spoon mid¨Cair. The corner of her lips twitched¨Cnot in amusement, but in bitter contempt. Then she resumed eating, as if he <b>hadn¡¯t </b>spoken at all.


    <b>She </b>finished her meal quickly. After wiping her mouth with <b>a </b><b>napkin</b>, she stood.


    ¡°I¡¯m done,¡± <b>she </b>said coldly. ¡°Enjoy the rest of your breakfast.¡±


    Kael mmed his palm on the table. ¡°What the hell is your problem, Riley? Do you think we owe you something? You walk around with that miserable face like the whole Pack <b>has </b>wronged you.¡±


    Riley turned to look <b>at </b>him, eyes like cracked ice¨Cvoid of warmth or expression.


    That look only enraged Kael further.


    He stood, grabbed her arm, and with a sharp, angry gesture, ripped the bandage from her forehead.


    Tll <b>prove </b>you¡¯re faking.¡± he growled. ¡°You¡¯re addicted to ying the victim.¡±


    The moment the gauze came off, the scab beneath tore open. Fresh blood gushed from the wound, sliding down Riley¡¯s <b>face </b>in thin, crimson rivers.


    The room fell silent.


    Karl¡¯s hand dropped like it had touched fire. His <b>pupils </b>contracted.


    <b>36 </b>PM.


    He hadn¡¯t expected real blood.


    Zara gasped, eyes filling with tears. ¡°Riley¡­ What happened to your head?¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes gleamed for a heartbeat with something unreadable¨Csatisfaction, maybe¨Cbut she quickly masked it with a frightened expression.


    ¡°Are you okay, sister?¡±


    But Riley didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t cry out. Didn¡¯t even blink. The blood streaked down her pale cheeks, soaking into her cor, but her gaze remained hollow, unflinching.


    She looked at them like they weren¡¯t her family at <b>all</b>.


    Like they were monsters.


    ¡°Is this what you wanted?¡± Her voice was hoarse, distant. ¡°Does this satisfy you?¡±


    No one answered.


    <b>Alpha </b>ric¡¯s face didn¡¯t even twitch. ¡°It¡¯s just <b>a </b><b>scratch</b>,¡± he said gruffly. ¡°No need to be dramatic.¡±


    The silence that followed was deafening


    Riley¡¯s fingers curled around the edge of the table, knuckles white with pressure. The table creaked under her grip. threatening to buckle.


    Kael, Scarlett, and Zara all immediately moved to steady the table¨Cclearly remembering thest time Riley lost control and flipped it.


    ¡°Calm down,¡± Zara said quickly. ¡°Your father didn¡¯t mean it that way. He just¨Che just didn¡¯t realize it was that serious. He cares. We all do¡­¡±


    Even she didn¡¯t <b>seem </b>to believe her <b>own </b>words.


    Riley stared straight through her, gaze sharp enough to pierce bone. Zara looked away<b>, </b>unable to meet her eyes.


    The air <b>was </b>thick with tension.


    Blood continued to drip from Riley¡¯s head onto the tablecloth, bright and vivid against white linen.


    ¡°Care?¡± she echoed. ¡°What a lovely word.¡±


    <b>She </b>turned slowly, her voice quiet but soaked in contempt.


    ¡°<b>Thank </b><b>you </b>so much for your concern, Alpha ric. Luna Zara. I¡¯ll treasure it.¡±


    Without giving anyone the chance to respond, she turned and walked out of the room.


    Kael sat back down, jaw clenched. He shoved his bowl away, appetite gone. ¡°I¡¯m heading to the office,¡± he muttered, already storming out the front door.


    Inside his car, Kael leaned <b>back </b>in the leather seat, staring at the blood¨Cstained gauze in his palm.


    Something twisted deep inside his chest¨Ctight, unfamiliar.


    Riley had left the house just fine yesterday morning


    But <b>that </b>night, she returned <b>with </b>a head wound.


    What the hell happened?


    He closed his eyes, mind shing <b>back </b>to her pale face and dead eyes. His stomach churned.


    3:36 PM


    She¡¯s still my sister.


    o matter <b>y </b>


    No


    <b>what </b><b>she </b>did five years ago,


    She¡¯s still a Vale.


    Hands clenching on the wheel, Kael finally reached for his phone and <b>made </b>a call.


    <b>Ronan</b>,¡± he said through gritted teeth. ¡°Was it you? Did you hurt Riley?¡±


    There was a beat of silence.


    Then <b>came </b><b>the </b>voice on the other end¨Ccalm, emotionless, unreadable. ¡°Is that why <b>you </b>called me?¡±


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you,¡± Kael snarled. ¡°I don¡¯t care what she did in the past¨Cshe¡¯s paid for it. She¡¯s the daughter of <b>Alpha </b>ric. It¡® you ever touch her again-


    Click.


    <b>Ronan </b><b>hung </b>up without a word.


    Kael cursed and Inurled <b>the </b><b>phone </b>onto the passenger seat. ¡°Fuck!¡±


    He sat in the car for a long time, jaw clenched, throat dry.


    Finally, <b>he </b>started the engine and drove to the Pack¡¯s central tower¨Cbut work was impossible. All he could see was her face.. Her blood.


    After nearly an hour of fidgeting <b>and </b>frustration, he picked up his phone again <b>and </b>dialed Mia.


    ¡°Mia. <b>How </b>is she? Did someone treat her wound? Riley¡­ is she okay?¡±

 in Vengeance 28

    Karl¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, young Alpha,¡± Mia¡¯s voice came gently through the phone. ¡°I¡¯ve already cleaned and dressed Miss Riley¡¯s


    wound.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± My voice came out t.


    <b>I </b>hesitated for a second, then added, ¡°Clear out my bedroom. Riley¡¯s not staying in that damn storage room anymore.¡± There was a pause on the line. Then her voice softened with <b>relief</b>. ¡°Yes, young Alpha. I¡¯ll get started right away. Miss Riley has truly suffered these <b>days</b>¡­.. it¡¯s time she had a proper ce to rest.¡±


    I hung <b>up</b>.


    My phone screen stayed <b>dark </b>in my hand for a long time.


    <b>She¡¯s </b>


    s my sister. My blood. No matter how difficult <b>she¡¯s </b>be, that bond still exists. Still matters.


    She¡¯ll understand this, won¡¯t she? She¡¯ll see I¡¯m <b>trying</b>.


    Maybe she¡¯ll even smile again. Maybe things will go back to the way they used to be¨Cwhen she¡¯d bring food to my office. without fail, no matter how tense things got between us.


    Even when I snapped at her. Even when I defended Scarlett and hurt Riley in ways I didn¡¯t realize at the time¡­ she still came, lunch in hand, with that quiet little smile <b>that </b>didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes..


    Luca would knock <b>and </b>say, ¡°Miss <b>Riley </b>is here.¡±


    I¡¯d pretend not to care, keep typing like nothing happened.


    But I always waited for her.


    Always.


    That memory sat heavy in


    chest


    now, warm and hollow at the same time.


    Maybe tonight<b>, </b>she¡¯ll do it again. Maybe she¡¯ll see I¡¯ve changed.


    When the sun went down and the headquarters started to empty, I stayed. Staff filtered out one by one, footsteps fading into silence. I remained in my office, tapping at meaningless reports, checking the time every few minutes.


    Any moment now.


    Luca came in, knocking lightly. ¡°Alpha Kael, everyone¡¯s headed out. Aren¡¯t you going to dinner?¡±


    I leaned back in my chair. ¡°My sister¡¯s bringing food.¡±


    He grinned. ¡°Must be nice, having a sister who dotes on you, I wouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    I <b>didn¡¯t </b>respond. <b>Just </b>offered azy shrug <b>and </b>a <b>half</b>¨C<b>smile</b>.


    <b>But </b>as the minutes dragged on. then an hour¡­ then two¡­ my smile¨Cfaded..


    The building started to refill with night shift staff. Still no Riley.


    A cold weight began to settle in my gut.


    Talled home.


    After a few rings, <b>Mia </b>picked up.


    ¡°Mia,¡± I said tightly. ¡°When did Riley leave the house<b>?¡± </b>


    She sounded confused. ¡°She didn¡¯t, <b>young </b>Alpha. <b>Miss </b>Riley has been in her room <b>all </b>day.¡±


    My grip on the phone tightened.


    She never left?


    She didn¡¯t bring me anything?


    That <b>can¡¯t </b>be right.


    +8 Pearls


    She used to love doing that.


    Even when I hurt her without realizing¨Ctaking Scarlett¡¯s side, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time¨Cshe still showed up with food. Like nothing <b>had </b>happened. Like some part of her still believed in me.


    And now she didn¡¯t<b>? </b>


    That stupid hope I¡¯d been feeding all day suddenly turned bitter in my throat.


    It <b>had </b>all been in <b>my </b>head.


    A delusion. A fantasy where she forgave me, where things could go back to normal.


    She¡¯s not <bing </b>back.


    Not to me.


    Not like before.


    Mia¡¯s voice broke through again, cautious. ¡°Would you like me to fetch her?¡±


    ¡°No, I said quickly. Sharply. ¡°Forget it.¡±


    I ended the <b>call</b>.


    A <b>minute </bter, Luca walked back in¨Cdamn good timing, as always.


    ¡°So?¡± he said, <b>half</b>ughing. ¡°What did Miss Riley bring you today? Don¡¯t tell me she made you wait again-


    I shot him a look that could¡¯ve frozen fire.


    His <b>mouth </b>snapped shut.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Alpha </b>Kael, this folder is the info you asked me topile a few days ago on the Eastwood sector. Reliable sources say thatnd will be auctioned off in two weeks.¡±


    I muttered, ¡°<b>Leave </b>it.¡±


    After Luca left, I staredinkly at the desk for a long while before starting to deal with the work at hand.


    The new policy nned to develop Eastwood into amercial district. As long as the policy held, securing <b>that </b></divnd would be <b>a </b><b>guaranteed </b>big win.


    But we weren¡¯t the only ones eyeing it.


    The Stormridge Pack from Northhaven also showed <b>serious </b>interest.


    Scarlett was betrothed to Ronan, and a joint development between ckmaw and Ebonw on Eastwood would be a perfect


    What I wasn¡¯t sure about was Stormridge¡¯s attitude.


    Stormridge was one of the most powerful <b>Packs </b>in the northern capital, with a heritage <b>far </b>exceeding <b>that </b>of Ebonw. If they decided to take Eastwood all for themselves, then Ebonw and the ckmaw would be out of luck.


    Work was a


    a mess. Family <b>was </b><b>a </b>mess.


    I felt like my head was about to explode.


    +8 Pearls


    I stared at the desk.


    About the bandage soaked in my sister¡¯s blood.


    I¡¯d seen it with my own eyes.


    Who the hell did that to her?


    Was it Ronan?


    That smug bastard from the ckmaw Pack!


    My fists curled until <b>my </b><b>knuckles </b>ached.


    Riley might¡¯ve messed up. Might¡¯ve made enemies. Might¡¯ve torn this family apart.


    But <b>she¡¯s </b>still my sister.


    Still Ebonw blood.


    And she didn¡¯t deserve to be thrown around like some rogue trash because that bastard lost his precious little Tessa.


    I barely made it through <b>the </b>rest of the day.


    Midnight came. I didn¡¯t go home.


    I drove straight to the Silverfang Den¨Cone of those upscale dens where bored nobles drank away their honor and wolves. forgot who they were for a <b>night</b>.


    It was dark inside. Loud music, Low lights. Shadows dancing on leather couches. The air thick with <b>alcohol</b>, perfume, and Pack musk..


    I went straight to the bar and dropped onto a stool.


    ¡°Something strong,¡± I said.


    The bartender gave me a look, then slid me a ss. I tossed it back without thinking. The burn hit my throat hard. It helped. Barely.


    I downed another.


    And another.


    Riley had <b>changed</b>.


    So much.


    Too much


    She used to look at me like I was her brother. Like I mattered. Like my approval meant something.


    Now she barely looked at me at all.


    <b>She </b>didn¡¯t even try anymore.


    And it pissed me off more than I wanted to admit.


    I mmed my <b>ss </b>down and reached for another.


    But someone beat me to it.


    A pale, long¨Cfingered <b>hand </b>slid across the <b>bar </b><b>and </b>snatched it <b>first</b>.


    I turned, pissed off. ¡°The hell-


    The guy didn¡¯t respond.


    +8 Pearls


    Just threw the drink back like water.


    a


    It took my eyes a second to focus under the strobe lights.


    <b>And </b>then I saw him<b>. </b>


    Ronati


    The prince of the ckmaw Pack.


    My blood boiled.


    ¡°You bastard,¡± I growled. ¡°You split my sister¡¯s head open. You call yourself a man?¡±


    I swung


    He didn¡¯t flinch


    Just moved. Effortless. Quick..


    My


    y punch missed, and I stumbled into the bar like a damn drunk.


    1


    Liquor flew, sses ttered.


    I turned again, ready to go for round two¨Cbut he <b>caught </b>my wrist and mmed it <b>into </b>the <b>bar</b>, hard enough to rattle my


    bones<b>. </b>


    ¡°If you want to act like a <b>feral </b><b>mutt</b>,¡± he said coldly, <b>¡°</b>go do it on your


    ir own t


    turf. Not in my <b>den</b>.¡±


    ¡°You think you¡¯re <b>innocent</b><b>?</b>¡± I spat. ¡°Youid a hand on Riley. <b>That¡¯s </b>a line you don¡¯te back from.¡±


    His eyes narrowed, cold as moonlight.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t touch her,¡± he said. ¡°But even if I did it would be what she owes. To Tessa<b>.</b>¡±


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 29

    Author¡¯s POV


    Kael mmed his <b>palm </b>against the bar, his voice hoarse with fury. ¡°That¡¯s bullshit! Thew already gave Riley five years- she¡¯s paid her dues!¡±


    Ronan¡¯s icy expression didn¡¯t waver, ¡°<b>Paid</b>? She served her time and walked out alive. My sister will spend the rest of her life in a hospital bed, barely breathing. <b>And </b>you want to call it even?¡±


    His voice dropped, low and venomous. ¡°As long as Tessa remains trapped in that shell, Riley¡¯s debt is far from paid?


    ¡°<b>Shin </b>up!¡± Karl growled. His eyes were bloodshot, his <b>voice </b>rasped from the strain. ¡°Riley was beaten in prison. She was mocked, stabbed, forced to kneel until her knees bled. Her leg was shattered. You ever seen someone go from a bright¨Ceyed.


    girl to.., to that? Cold. Quiet. Hollow. She was sunshine. Now she¡¯s shadow. How is that not enough?!¡±


    He staggered backward, knocking over a stool behind him. His bnce was gone, but he didn¡¯t notice. His chest heaved with every breath. ¡°She¡¯s a cripple now. Is that what you wanted?! Are you happy?!¡±


    Something flickered in <b>Ronan¡¯s </b>gaze¨Cguilt? No. Not guilt. But something like a flinch passed behind <b>his </b><b>eyes</b>.


    He shouldn¡¯t feel <b>anything </b>for her.


    <b>She </b>hurt Tessa. She ruined everything. She was the reason for the endless nights spent by <b>a </b>motionless body in the Frosthelm. medical ward.


    He had no right to pity her.


    He swallowed it down. ¡°She deserved every second of that sentence. Don¡¯tpare a few bruises to my sister¡¯s ruined future. Tessa was brilliant. She was meant to lead, to innovate, to serve the Pack Council with honor¨Cand Riley stole <b>that</b>.¡±


    Ronan¡¯s voice turned cruel. ¡°And don¡¯t forges, Karl¨Cit was you who testified against her. You backed Scarlett. You helped bury her. <b>You </b>think <b>she¡¯s </b>forgotten that? You think <b>she </b>doesn¡¯t hate you for it?¡±


    Kael <b>flinched </b>like he¡¯d <b>been </b>pped.


    He had hoped Riley woulde out of prison with new perspective. Stronger. Wiser.


    He <b>hadn¡¯t </b>known <b>she¡¯d </be out broken.


    The anger erupted again¨Cwhite hot. He <b>swung </b>at Ronan.


    <b>Ronan </b>dodged <b>easily</b>, stepping aside like a breeze. Kael mmed into the <b>bar</b><b>, </b>panting, dizzy.


    ¡°<b>More</b><b>,¡± </b>he gasped at the bartender. ¡°Give me something stronger.¡±


    The man poured silently. Kael grabbed the <b>ss </b>and downed it, liquor spilling from the corners of his mouth.


    Ronan sat beside him, knuckles white around his own drink. He looked calm, but his thoughts were chaos.


    Riley¡­ why couldn¡¯t you have just stayed the perfect little <b>prodigy </b>you were meant to <b>be</b>?


    The <b>music </b>throbbed around them. <b>Lights </b>spun, peopleughed, bodies danced¨Cbut the world outside was crumbling.


    <b>Back </b>at the Vale manor, things weren¡¯t much better.


    Scarlett sobbed tito <b>Luna </b>Zara¡¯s arms. Her delicate frame trembled with each breathless hup.


    <b>Zara </b>stroked her <b>hair </b>gently, but her <b>eyes </b>glinted with <b>disapproval</b>.


    <b>Alpha </b>ric¡¯s face was carved from stone. He pointed at Riley, voice thunderous. ¡°You pushed her. You wanted to paralyze her like you did Tessa That¡¯s what you¡¯ve be. A savage. A threat. Kneel and beg for forgiveness.¡±


    Riley stared at him, numb,


    She didn¡¯t even flinch when he called her savage.


    Pears


    She¡¯d stopped expecting kindness from him long ago.


    But still something twisted inside her. Something old and sharp and buried deep.


    ¡°You watched Scarlett shove Tessa five years <b>ago</b>. You did nothing. You watched me get sentenced for it. Again, you did nothing. <b>And </b><b>now</b>, you let her throw herself down a flight of stairs just to frame me again, and still¨Cyou. Do. Nothing.¡±


    Her voice was calm. Too calm.


    <b>ric¡¯s </b>face darkened with rage. ¡°How dare you-


    ¡°Am I really your daughter? Or was I just some mistake you never wanted to im? You protect Scarlett like she¡¯s your blood. Maybe she is.¡±


    The words hit like a p.


    ric¡¯sposure shattered. He roared, snatching his belt from around his waist.


    Zara gasped. Scarlett clung tighter to her.


    He raised the leather and brought it down hard.


    The crack of impact echoed through the room.


    Riley didn¡¯t scream, She didn¡¯t cry. She only staggered back, her shoulder aze with <b>pain</b>.


    The second strike came. Then the third.


    She dropped to her knees, arms bracing her weight, body trembling.


    Mia burst into the room. ¡°Alpha, please! She¡¯s already injured-


    ¡°<b>Move</b>,¡± ric snarled.


    Mia didn¡¯t move. She knelt beside Riley, shielding her with her own back. The next blownded on her.


    Riley gasped. ¡°Mia, don¡¯t-


    ¡°You¡¯re the Alpha¡¯s daughter, Mia whispered. ¡°You don¡¯t deserve this.¡±


    <b>That¡¯s </b>when it happened.


    Riley¡¯s eyes widened,


    Something inside her cracked¨C<b>no</b><b>, </b>awakened.


    Her blood <b>ran </b>hot, her vision doubled. The lights blurred. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. The pain vanished, reced by something primal.


    The scent of anger. The tang of iron. The feeling of her bones pulling, reshaping.


    Her woll


    For the first time in five years, the creature inside stirred.


    And it <b>was </b>furious.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 30

    Riley¡¯s POV


    My fingers trembled as I shielded Mia with my body, her cries echoing in my ears as Alpha ric¨Cmy father¨Craised the belt again. The painshed across my back, fire blooming along my spine, but I barely felt it.


    Something inside me had cracked open.


    A voice growled in my mind, low and vicious.


    ¡°Let me out.¡±


    I froze.


    <b>The </b>voice wasn¡¯t mine.


    ¡°Nyra,¡± I whispered without thinking. The name came to me like a memory from another life.


    ¡°They hurt us. Again. Again. <b>And </b><b>again</b>. You won¡¯t stop them. But I will


    My vision blurred. Heat rushed through my veins, pulsing in time with my heart. My nails ckened, lengthening into curved ws. My teeth ached¨Cno, grew. My spine stretched, bones shifting, cracking, I could feel my ears sharpening, hear every heartbeat in the room. My pupils split and narrowed, golden and gleaming like molten metal.


    ¡°Kill them.¡± Nyra hissed. ¡°Make them pay?


    ¡°<b>I </b><b>am </b>still trapped and unable to shift, but I will give you the power.¡±


    I shoved Mia aside, ignoring her gasp, and staggered to my feet. Blood dripped from my arm where the belt had torn skin, but I barely noticed.


    I limped <b>into </b>the kitchen<b>. </b>


    The moment my hand closed around the hilt of the knife. I knew it wasn¡¯t me anymore.


    We were one.


    When I stepped back into the living room; the entire Vale family went still.


    ¡°Riley, put that down!¡± Luna Zara cried.


    I didn¡¯t answer. My grip tightened on the de. My gaze locked onto Alpha ric.


    ¡°You touch Mia again<b>, </b>I snarled, my voice deeper<b>, </byered with Nyra¡¯s resonance, and I¡¯ll tear out your throat.


    As I lifted my head and met <b>Alpha </b>ric¡¯s eyes, <b>the </b>full force of his Alpha aura mmed into me.


    The air thickened like a storm front crashing through the room. My lungs refused to expand. My limbs trembled¨Cnot from fear, but from the sheer weight of his dominance. Even Scarlett, cowering behind the couch, whimpered and bowed her


    head.


    ¡°You dare raise a de <b>in </b>my house?¡± ric roared. His voice cracked through the air like a thunderp, resonating with years of unquestioned authority.


    He took a step forward, and the power of his wolf surged, pressing down on everyone in the room. Luna Zara stumbled back. Mia whimpered. The chandelier trembled overbead


    But I didn¡¯t flinch.


    Nyra surged within me like a wildfire refusing to be snuffed out.


    ¡°Let him roar. He¡¯s not our <b>Alpha </b>anymore,¡± she growled. ¡°We are


    A low snarl escaped my throat¨Cferal, unrecognizable, mine and <b>not </b>mine.


    I took a step forward, cutting through the weight of his <b>dominance </b>like a de through fog. My body trembled, but I kept <b>walking</b>. Nyra¡¯s power pushed back against his <b>aura</b>. The pressure on my chest lessened. The fear in my limbs evaporated.


    He tried again.


    ¡°Put the de down, Riley, ric ordered, voice thick with <b>Alpha </bpulsion.


    My ears rang. My knees almost buckled¨Cbut I didn¡¯t obey,


    Instead, I smiled.


    ¡°No.¡±


    A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that girl anymore.¡± I said. ¡°The one you locked away. The one you silenced. The one who bowed <b>her </b>head.¡±


    My ws gleamed under the chandelier. I held them up for all of them to see.


    ¡°This bloodline you¡¯re so proud of? It runs through me too. But I¡¯m done letting it <b>chain </b>i


    ric¡¯s lips curled into <b>a </b>sneer.


    me-


    ¡°You expect me to believe this show? You¡¯re clearly performing for attention, but it¡¯s pathetic.


    He took <b>a </b>step closer, nostrils ring.


    ¡°I don¡¯t smell a wolf on you, Riley. Not <b>a </b>single trace.


    He tilted his head mockingly.


    ¡°Or maybe there¡¯s something. Faint. Sickly. Like she¡¯s dying. I¡¯d wager you <b>haven¡¯t </b>evenpleted your shift, <b>have </b><b>you</b>?¡±


    His voice dropped into a cruel whisper.


    ¡°Keep defying me, and you might just kill your wolf before she ever gets free.¡±


    Nyra snarled. My chest constricted¨Cnot from fear, but fury.


    11ook another step.


    ¡°You <b>were</b>,¡± <b>I </b>said softly, ¡°but I don¡¯t feel your power anymore.¡±


    Everyone froze.


    I was panting. My eyes burned. My fingers ached from gripping the knife too hard.


    But Nyra <b>was </bughing-


    ¡°He¡¯s scared now. They all are. Good.¡±


    ¡°Riley, please¨CLuna Zara tried to step between us.


    I <b>shoved </b><b>past </b>her.


    ¡°I¡¯m done asking nicely. I¡¯m done surviving. I want justice


    ¡°You¡¯re going to kill someone!¡± Zara screamed.


    Maybe that¡¯s <b>what </b>it takes!¡±


    Scarlett whimpered behind the couch.


    *She deserves it, Nyra <b>hissed</b>. ¡°She ruined us. Let me end her.¡±


    My body shook. I raised the knife again.


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°No,¡± Luna <b>Zam </b>cried, wrapping her arms <b>around </b>me. ¡°Riley, please. Please don¡¯t. I know I failed you. <b>But </b>I¡¯m still n


    mother.


    I froze.


    ¡°You¡¯re not,¡± I <b>said </b>tly. ¡°You¡¯re just the one who <b>gave </b>birth to me.¡±


    Her eyes widened in horror.


    I held up my free hand. My ws gleamed under the chandelier.


    ¡°You want repayment for giving me life? Fine. I¡¯ll give it back.¡±


    I mmed <b>my </b><b>hand </b>onto the table, <b>spreading </b>my fingers <b>wide</b>.


    ¡°A child owes nothing to a parent who only gave her <b>pain</b>.¡±


    Send Gifts


    €19

 in Vengeance 31

    Karl¡¯s POV


    The moment I stepped into the Vale estate, the scent of blood hit me like a punch to the gut. Then something else¨Cfear. Raw, stifling fear.


    Before I could take another step, the door flung open.


    Scarlett crashed into my chest, trembling like a leaf. She looked up at me, tears streaking her face. ¡°Kael, save me! Riley¡¯s gone crazy¨C<b>she </b>tried to kill me¡°¡±


    My mind reeled, still fogged by the alcohol, but those words cut through it like ice water. I stepped forward, but then I heard


    it-


    Zara¡¯s scream.


    I turned sharply. My gaze snapped to the living room, where Riley stood in the center, her left hand dripping blood, the knife slick with crimson. <b>A </b>finger¨Cher own <b>damn </b>fingery on the <b>floor</b>.


    My heart lurched,


    ¡°Riley!¡± I shouted<b>. </b>¡°What the hell are you doing?!¡±


    She didn¡¯t even flinch. Her face was nk, <b>distant</b>¨C<b>as </b>if her soul <b>had </b>checked out.


    ¡°That¡¯s the debt of birth repaid,¡± she said to <b>Zara</b>, her voice eerily calm. ¡°We¡¯re even now.¡±


    Zara paled, her lips moving without sound. I moved to approach Riley, but Scarlett clung to me again, sobbing harder.


    ¡°She¡¯s insane, Kael! She said we <b>all </b>have to die! She


    I shoved her off.


    She stumbled back, her mouth open in shock.


    I didn¡¯t care.


    I rushed toward Riley, just in time to see her raise the de again¨Cthis time aimed directly at ric..


    ¡°You beat me half to death<b>, </b>she growled, stalking toward him. ¡°Now you can die with me.¡±


    ric backpedaled, his face pale, his limbs trembling. I¡¯d never seen him like that our father, our Alpha, reduced to a frightened old wolf. But then I sensed it too¨Cthe surge of dominance, thickening in the air like a storm.


    He wasn¡¯t just afraid. He <b>was </b>about to shift.


    The power crackling off him was enough to freeze most Betas where they <b>stood</b>. If he shifted <b>now</b>, Riley wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. She¡¯d be dead in seconds.


    Zara must have realized it too. Her face twisted with horror. She stepped forward, not toward him¨Cbut toward her. Riley lunged.


    ¡°Kael! Stop her!¡± ric roared.


    I had <b>no </b>choice


    <b>surged </b>forward and wrapped my arms around her from behind, locking her elbows down. Her strength surprised me¨Cshe thrashed and kicked like <b>a </b>cornered <b>beast</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°Riley! Stop! You¡¯ll kill someone¨Cdamn it, <b>you¡¯ll </b>kill yourself!¡±


    She screamed, her voice not quite human. Her eyes were wild, glowing faintly gold. My arms trembled holding her.


    And then <b>Zara </b>struck


    3 36 §²§®


    Her palm cracked across Riley¡¯s cheek like a whip. The sound rang out like a gunshot,


    Everything stopped.


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°<b>What </b>are you trying to prove? Zara¡¯s voice sliced the air like a de. ¡°Ever since <b>you </b>came back, this house <b>has </b><b>known </b>nothing but chaos. You want to die? Fine! Just don¡¯t drag the rest of us down with you!¡±


    Riley froze. Her breath hitched. She stared at Zara as if she didn¡¯t recognize her.


    The knife slipped from her fingers.


    ¡°You want to <b>know </b><b>what </b>regret looks like, <b>Riley</b>? Take a good look. Because you¡¯re the one destroying this family.¡±


    Riley¡¯s lips parted, but no <b>sound </b>came.


    Then her knees buckled.


    I caught her before she hit the floor.


    Her head lolled against my shoulder, her eyes fluttering closed. Blood smeared across my chest. I could feel her going cold.


    ¡°Riley¨CRiley! <b>Stay </b>with me!¡±


    Mia burst into the room, pale and shaking. ¡°Young Alpha¨Cshe¡¯s lost too much blood. You have to take her now!¡±


    I didn¡¯t hesitate.


    I lifted her into my arms, holding her like I used to when she was a pup afraid of thunder. Mia snatched something off the floor¨Cher finger¨Cand followed close behind.


    ¡°Open the damn gates!¡°I bellowed to the guards outside.


    ric¡¯s voice snarled behind me, full of venom. ¡°Let her die out <b>there </b>like the rabid thing she is.¡±


    I didn¡¯t stop. Didn¡¯t even look back.


    But I heard the p.


    Zara. Furious. Screaming.


    Good.


    Let him feel it for once.


    The hospital lights were cold and sterile. I sat hunched in the emergency room waiting area, my shirt soaked with her blood, hands clenched into fists.


    Every second dragged.


    Mia sat beside me, her hands twisted in her apron. I could tell she wanted to <b>speak</b>, but I couldn¡¯t handle small talk. Not now. Finally. I looked up. My voice came out low. ¡°Mia¡­ <b>what </b>happened? Why did she¨Cwhy did Riley do this?¡±


    <b>Mia¡¯s </b>eyes welled with tears.


    ¡°She tried to hold it in, young Alpha. For days. But they kept pushing her. The Alpha¡­ your father¡­ he beat her, tried to force her woll to <b>subinit</b>. And Scarlett.¡±


    She looked away.


    I swallowed the lump rising in my <b>throat</b>.


    I¡¯d known they were cruel. But this? I hadn¡¯t seen. Hadn¡¯t wanted to.


    My gaze drifted to the emergency room door.


    And for just a second<b>¡­ </b>I smelled it.


    Something beneath the <b>blood</b><b>. </b>


    A scent. Faint, but <b>undeniable</b>.


    +8 Pearls


    Wolf.


    Not <b>just </b>any wolf.


    <b>Alpha</b>¨Cblooded.


    It shimmered in the air like a pulse of heat, brushing <b>against </b>my senses¨Cferal, feminine, raw¨Cand then it vanished.


    I blinked,


    <b>Had </b>I imagined it?


    leaned <b>back </b>slowly, heart pounding.


    Riley had never shifted. We all thought she couldn¡¯t. That she was defective. Broken.


    But now¡­


    Now, I wasn¡¯t so sure.


    Send Gifts


    264

 in Vengeance 32

    Kael¡¯s POV


    Mia¡¯s words hit me like <b>a </b>w to the chest.


    ¡°Miss Riley was beaten, young Alpha. By the Alpha himself


    I had already noticed the bruises¨Cangry red welts <b>and </b>purpling stripes cutting across Riley¡¯s too¨Cpale skin. But <b>all </b>my focus had been on her severed finger. I hadn¡¯t truly seen the rest.


    Now I did. And I couldn¡¯t unsee it.


    My fists clenched <b>as </b>I tried to breathe through the storm building inside me.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked, voice low, struggling to stay in control. ¡°Why did he <b>hit </b>her?¡±


    Mia hesitated, eyes darting toward the closed doors of the operating room. I could see the conflict warring in her gaze. She didn¡¯t want to speak¨Cbut she was more afraid of what would happen if she didn¡¯t


    Scarlett imed Riley pushed her down the stairs.¡± Mia said finally. ¡°Alpha ric didn¡¯t even question it. Just¡­ snapped. Took his belt and-¡±


    She trailed off, eyes watering.


    I shut my eyes.


    It <b>wasn¡¯t </b>like I didn¡¯t know <b>what </b>my father was capable of when he was angry. I just never imagined it¡¯d be turned on Riley like this. Not to this degree.


    Mia¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Young Alpha¡­ forgive me, <b>but </b>don¡¯t you think the whole <b>pack¡¯s </b>been too harsh on her? Even you¡­¡±


    I looked up sharply.


    She flinched and bowed her head.


    Good. She should. I wasn¡¯t in the mood for lectures.


    But the guilt crept in anyway.


    Because she was right.


    I¡¯d seen Riley¡¯s pain. F¡¯d ignored it.


    Now it was bleeding all over me.


    I stood and paced outside the emergency ward, every second dragging like a chain around my throat.


    <b>Finally</b>, the door opened, and Theo Hale¨Cour lead healer¨Cstepped out, pulling down his <b>mask</b>.


    ¡°Is she- My voice cracked.


    Theo <b>gave </b>a short nodito Mia. ¡°Take her to recovery.¡±


    Mia bowed and wheeled Riley¡¯s bed toward the private ward,


    When we were alone, Theo turned to me, face grim.


    ¡°It looks worse than it is,¡± he said. ¡°The injuries are mostly superficial. The finger was reattached. She¡¯ll heal


    1 exhaled <b>slowly</b>.


    But Theo didn¡¯t <b>move</b>. He looked troubled.


    I knew that look


    336 PM <b>d </b>


    1


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked.


    He hesitated.


    Theo. <b>Say </b>it.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°While treating her<b>, </b>I noticed an old scar. Lower left side of her back. It¡¯s <b>clean</b>, surgical. Maybe a year old.¡±


    I <b>frowned</b>. ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°Kael. Riley¡¯s missing <b>a </b>kidney.


    Everything inside me stilled.


    ¡°What


    ¡°Her left kidney. It¡¯s gone. Removed cleanly, with precision. Likely during her time in confinement. I don¡¯t know how the hell it happened¨Cthose records are sealed tighter than a vault¨Cbut it¡¯s gone.¡±


    My legs almost gave out


    Theo saw <b>it </b>and reached for me, but I waved him off.


    I stumbled <b>back </b>a step, then caught myself. My chest heaved with every breath, the air feeling thick, poisonous.


    She¡¯d lost a kidney.


    In prison.


    And we¡¯d <b>never </b>known.


    No¨Cworse.


    We¡¯d never asked.


    Theo stepped forward. ¡°Kacl¡­ that <b>kind </b>of trauma? It might exin something else.¡±


    I looked up.


    ¡°Riley¡¯s wolf¡±


    My heart skipped.


    <b>¡°You¡¯ve </b>always wondered why she never shifted. Why her bond with her wolf never formed. Well, if her body <b>was </b>mutted, if her wolf was forced into deep submission from pain or betrayal, it could suppress the transformation.¡±


    He paused.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t reject the wolf. The wolf was caged¡±


    Based on the faint trace of wolf pheromone I just caught from Riley, it suddenly all made sense.


    I had always <b>assumed </b>she was too weak toplete her shift¨Cbut it wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t have a wolf.


    Her wolf had been trapped all along¡­ because she was missing a damn kidney.


    I¡¯d forgotten¨Cshe carried pure <b>Alpha </b>blood. She was supposed to have a powerful Alpha wolf.


    I stood there, reeling. My sister <b>had </b>been torn apart, piece by piece, inside and out, while I sat on my throne and believed every word Scarlett fed me.


    I didn¡¯t deserve the title of Alpha.


    Theo ced a hand on my shoulder, then walked off.


    I stood <b>there </b>a long time.


    +8 Pearls


    Eventually, I went to her.


    At the threshold of her room. I hesitated. I wasn¡¯t ready to face her¨Cnot like this. Not when the truth <b>had </b>stripped me bare.


    I heard Theo¡¯s voice from inside<b>. </b>¡°You¡¯re awake!¡±


    A long silence. Then a rustle of sheets.


    ¡°You know, every time I see you, you¡¯re covered in wounds. It¡¯s like you¡¯ve made it your thing


    Send Gifts


    264

 in Vengeance 33

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    I stared at the ceiling, numb and hollow. The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the hospital room, and the cold IV fluid. snaked into my arm. My entire body ached, but the pain barely registered¨C<b>just </b>another echo beneath everything else.


    Theo¡¯s voice <b>came </b>from the side of the bed, low and clinical. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    <b>A </b>soft rustle of paper, the sound of a stool being dragged closer.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to act like this,¡± he <b>said</b>. ¡°You scared <b>a </b>lot of peoplest night.¡±


    Still, I stayed quiet,


    Theo let out a breath, his tone shifting. ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°How do I look?¡± I asked tly, turning my head toward him.


    He flinched. ¡°Like hell¡±


    I didn¡¯tugh. I didn¡¯t even smile. I let the silence stretch until he broke it again<b>. </b>


    ¡°Your injuries weren¡¯t life¨Cthreatening. The finger was reattached. You¡¯ll need some time to <b>heal</b>¡­ but physically, you¡¯ll


    recover.


    Physically.


    He didn¡¯t mention the emotional <b>damage</b>. Or the kind of wound that wasn¡¯t visible under a hospital gown.


    He hesitated, then said, ¡°When I was treating your back, I noticed an old scar. About the length of a hand. Lower left side. Riley you¡¯re missing a kidney.¡±


    I didn¡¯t react


    He continued, slower this time. That scar¨Cit¡¯s been there for at least a year. Probably longer. I don¡¯t know what happened in that prison<b>, </b>but it wasn¡¯t just bruises <b>and </b>cold floors, was it?¡±


    I turned away from him.


    Theo pressed, ¡°Do you even know when it happened?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    ¡°You should¡¯ve told <b>someone- </b>


    I cut him off. ¡°You think they didn¡¯t know?¡±


    He went still.


    I looked at him, my voice steady despite the tightness in my throat. ¡°The reason <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t shift all these years¡­ it wasn¡¯t because I <b>was </b>weak or broken. It was because they took a part of me. A piece of my body. And maybe¡­ a piece of my wolf.¡±


    He swallowed hard, clearly shaken.


    ¡°You stood there and asked why I didn¡¯t dodge the belt,¡± I whispered. ¡°Theo, I couldn¡¯t even run.¡±


    He looked away, ashamed. But then¨Clike always¨Che couldn¡¯t leave it alone.


    ¡°You¡¯re not exactly easy to help,¡± he muttered.


    Iughed, dry and bitter. ¡°And you¡¯re not exactly helpful.¡±


    His jaw clenched. ¡°You¡¯re always the victim, huh?¡±


    <b>I </b>stared at him. ¡°Get out.¡±


    He blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Out.¡±


    His mouth twisted into a sneer. ¡°You know what? Maybe everything that¡¯s happened to you¨Cmaybe it fits.


    I closed my <b>eyes</b>.


    The door mmed shut behind him.


    Author¡¯s POV


    Back at the Ebonw estate, the morning sun filtered through the tall windows, illuminating the spacious kitchen in golden. light


    Mia was carefully packing wolfbone congee and a few other tonic dishes into insted containers. She had been up since dawn preparing food that would <b>nourish </b>Riley¡¯s body¨Cwhat little was left of it, anyway.


    Just as she <b>reached </b><b>for </b>the silver lotus <b>and </b>bloodroot soup, a delicate <b>hand </b><b>shot </b>out and <b>grabbed </b>the bowl.


    Mia looked <b>up </b>and froze. Scarlett.


    Scarlett raised the bowl and smirked. ¡°This looks nice. I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    Mia quickly stepped forward. ¡°Miss Scarlett, that¡¯s for Miss Riley. She¡¯s still recovering.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And who are you to tell me what I can or can¡¯t eat in my own house<b>?</b>¡±


    Mia hesitated. She knew better <b>than </b>to challenge her openly. But she <b>had </b>to try.


    ¡°Miss Riley needs <b>it </b>more. The doctor said her internal bnce is still unstable-¡±


    ¡°Oh, because the broken little bird needs special treatment now?¡± Scarlett snorted. ¡°Please. She¡¯s not even a proper Ebonw. She didn¡¯t <b>shift </b>until yesterday. If that.¡±


    Mia flinched.


    ¡°You think just because the Alpha let her stay here that she¡¯s earned anything? My father still says she¡¯s <b>an </b>embarrassment.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s still his daughter,¡± <b>Mia </b>murmured.


    ¡°Barely.¡± Scarlett sneered. ¡°And don¡¯t <b>forget</b>, I¡¯m the one he chose to inherit the northern estates.¡±


    Before Mia could respond, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall.


    ric and <b>Zara </b>entered.


    ¡°What¡¯s this noise?¡± ric¡¯s voice was sharp as a whip crack.


    Scarlett immediately switched gears, voice trembling, eyes shining with unshed tears. ¡°Father, Mia said I wasn¡¯t worthy of eating the family <b>food </b>because I¡¯m adopted.¡±


    Mia¡¯s jaw dropped¨C1 never said¡ª¡±


    Zara¡¯s face twisted with disgust. ¡°Is that true, Mia?¡±


    I swear¨C1 just <b>said </b>Miss Riley needed it for recovery-


    ric mmed a hand on the counter. ¡°You dare question who¡¯s worthy in this household? Scarlett is my daughter in all the ways <b>that </b>matter Riley? That little criminal should be grateful she hasn¡¯t been <b>cast </b>out like the stray she is.¡±


    He snatched the bowl from <b>Mia¡¯s </b>hands and shoved it into Scarlett¡¯s.


    <b>And </b>with that, she sauntered off.


    Mia stood frozen in ce, trembling.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 34

    Karl¡¯s POV


    Outside the hospital room.


    +8 Pearls


    Theo and I ran into each other head¨Con. He didn¡¯t bother hiding his annoyance. ¡°I¡¯d advise you not to go in there. She¡¯s pissed off, and if you walk in now, all you¡¯ll get is yelled at.


    I didn¡¯t <b>answer</b>. My eyes locked on the hospital bed through the narrow ss window. Riley¡¯s frame was so small, so bruised, it was like staring at the aftermath of a war. My wolf growled low in my chest, a restless thrum of fury.


    ¡°How¡¯s <b>she </b>doing?¡± I asked, my voice hoarse from everything I hadn¡¯t said.


    Theo scoffed, ¡°She had enough energy to argue with me, so I¡¯d say <b>she¡¯s </b>fine.¡±


    Then he <b>paused </b>and looked at me more seriously: ¡°Why did your dad beat her like that, anyway? That was.. excessive.¡±


    1 clenched my jaw but didn¡¯t speak. I couldn¡¯t.


    Seeing my silence, Theo kept poking ¡°What, was it because she <b>hurt </b>Scarlett or something-?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. I cut him off sharply, the words like a whipcrack. My brow furrowed <b>deep</b>, my entire body tense.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t?¡± he pressed.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t,¡± I repeated coldly.


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± He raised his hands and backed off. ¡°I¡¯ve got stuff to do anyway. You should go home and get some rest.¡± I didn¡¯t respond. I just kept staring at Riley through the window like I could somehow reach her <b>across </b>the ss.


    It was a long time before I finally turned and walked away, my steps as heavy as my heart.


    The moment I stepped into the kitchen of the Vale estate, I caught the scent first. Not just the lingering aroma of herbs and. wolfberries in a tonic, but something sharper¨Cburni pride, fear, and old <b>blood</b>.


    Mia stood stiffly near the counter, her eyes wet, <b>hands </b>clenching a cloth that had long since stopped wiping anything. Across from her stood Scarlett, holding a porcin bowl of tonic. The steam curled upward like smoke from a wildfire.


    I <b>knew </b>what it <b>was</b>. I¡¯d smelled it yesterday in Riley¡¯s hospital room. The same tonic Mia made to help her recover,


    Scarlett always said she hated it¨Cbird spit, she called it. Said it made her gag


    But now? She was guarding it like a prize.


    ¡°That¡¯s for Riley, <b>Mia </b>said. Her voice <b>was </b><b>calm</b>, but I could hear the quake in her chest.


    Scarlett snorted<b>. </b>¡°You forget your <b>ce</b>, Mia. You¡¯re a servant. This isn¡¯t your decision.


    My jaw clenched.


    Mia stayed quiet, but Isaw the fury in her. She didn¡¯t say it, but <b>I </b>could feel it in her scent. She was reliving everything Riley had suffered the orphanage, the prison, the injuries, the <b>missing </b>finger. The fact that she had to beg for her own recovery.


    And here Scarlett was<b>, </b>holding that bowl like it was a trophy. Like Mia hadn¡¯t spent hours preparing it before dawn.


    gripped the railing at the top of the stairs.


    <b>CRASH </b>


    A vase exploded against the marble floor below.


    Scarlett shrieked. Zara and ric jumped.


    I was already descending, each step slow, deliberate. My boots echoed like war drums.


    337 PM


    Scarlett¡¯s smug smile vanished, She clutched the bowl tighter, shrinking back.


    I didn¡¯t stop


    I reached her, snatched the bowl from her hands<b>, </b>and hurled it at the <b>floor</b>.


    It shattered, herbal broth sttering across tile and cabs.


    <b>Scarlett </b>screamed.


    ¡°You were smiling.¡± <b>I </b><b>said </b>coldly, staring into her widened eyes. ¡°What was so funny?¡±


    T¨CI wasn¡¯t!¡± she stammered, <b>grabbing </b>onto Zara¡¯s arm.


    Zara turned pale. ric¡¯s expression darkened.


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°You weren¡¯t smiling?¡± I challenged, stepping closer. ¡°So I imagined it? The same way Riley imagined being framed? Imagined being beaten until her bones cracked? Imagined carving off her own finger in this very house?¡±


    Nobody answered.


    I turned to Zara, You knew Scarlett hated that tonic. You knew Riley needed it more <b>than </b>anyone in this house. And you let her have it


    <b>Zara¡¯s </b>mouth opened, but no sound came.


    ¡°She¡¯s your daughter!¡± I snapped ¡°<b>She¡¯s </b>your blood.¡±


    Her face crumpled. Tears welled in her eyes.


    ¡°If you really cared, you¡¯d be in that hospital room right now, not babying the girl who damn near drove her sister to suicide.¡± ric growled, low and warning. That¡¯s enough. You forget who you¡¯re talking to?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I said. ¡°I know exactly who I¡¯m talking to. <b>An </b>Alpha who let his daughter rot in prison. A Luna who let her scream in silence. <b>And </b>a so¨Ccalled sister who steals from her while she bleeds.¡±


    My voice was a snarl now.


    Zara shook her head. ¡°Kael¡­ you¡¯re out of line.¡±


    ¡°No. 1 hissed. ¡°This whole pack is.¡°.


    I turned, stormed out the door, and mmed it behind me. But in my chest, I carried the weight of Riley¡¯s silence. And I knew <b>this </b>wasn¡¯t over.


    It was just beginning.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 35

    Author¡¯s POV


    ric¡¯s roar still echoed through the Vale estate when his words struck like venom in the <b>air</b>:


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°What sin did Imit to deserve a daughter like Riley Vale? She¡¯s rotten to the core. She¡¯s hated for a reason. She¡¯s always been cursed¡±


    His tone was venomous, <b>his </b>lies stacking one atop another <b>as </b>if he truly believed them.


    ¡°She chopped her finger off willingly! No one forced her! In fact, I think she should lose both hands¨Cmaybe then she¡¯ll stop pushing <b>people </b>down the <b>stairs</b>!¡±


    It was madness. Unrepentant. Cruel.


    Kael met his gaze from across the room, not with rage but with cold, quiet disappointment¨Cdisappointment that cut sharper <b>than </b>any de.


    ¡°You want to talk about sins?¡± Kael said, his <b>voice </b>low but unwavering. ¡°When Mom gave birth to Riley, she begged you to stay awake and keep her safe. You fell asleep, remember? That¡¯s how she was stolen. That¡¯s how all of this started.¡±


    His hists clenched at <b>his </b>sides.


    ¡°If she¡¯d grown up with them, gotten the love and education she deserved, she wouldn¡¯t be like this. She wouldn¡¯t be broken. But she didn¡¯t. She grew up in Rogue settlemnes just like an orphanage while they coddled a stranger. And now you call her unworthy?¡±


    Kael took a step forward.


    ¡°She was born into the Vale family and raised like a stray. And now you dare say


    v she deserves this?¡±


    rie¡¯s face turned beet red. His body trembled with rage. It wasn¡¯t guilt¨Cit was the <b>loss </b>of control that infuriated him.


    ¡°You¡± he bellowed. ¡°You ungrateful little bastard!¡±


    Before Kael could brace himself, the p came. ric¡¯s hand cracked across his face with Alpha strength, splitting the inside. of Kael¡¯s mouth <b>and </b><b>sending </b>blood trickling down his chin.


    The sharp, metallic taste didn¡¯t dull the ache in his chest.


    Any lingering hope <b>Kael </b>had for this man¨Cthe father he once admired¨C<b>was </b>snuffed out.


    Heughed. It was a bitter, hollow <b>sound</b>.


    ¡°She must regret evering home,¡± Kael said quietly, wiping the blood from his mouth.


    Then he turned to <b>Mia</b><b>. </b>¡°Go. Take the food to Riley. Get her whatever she wants. If anyone dares stop her, I¡¯ll cut off their hands myself.


    His voice <b>was </b>as cold as the steel buried in his tone. <b>Mia</b>, eyes ssy, nodded firmly, ¡°Yes, young Alpha. I¡¯ll go now.¡± Kael didn¡¯t <b>wait </b>another second. He turned and left without sparing anyone else a nce.


    Mia was just about to follow when Zara¡¯s voice stopped her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going top


    Zara gently removed Scarlett¡¯s clinging arms from around her waist and straightened her shoulders.


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes widened slightly in panic. Kael¡¯s threat had clearly been for her, and she knew it. If she¡¯d realized Kael was on <b>the </b>second floor watching the entire scene, maybe she wouldn¡¯t have tried to steal Riley¡¯s food.


    Now It was toote.


    Scarlett turned pitiful eyes toward Zara. ¡°<b>Mom</b>, I want toe too. I want to visit Riley¡±


    | +8 Pearls


    Zara hesitated but eventually said, ¡°She¡­ she doesn¡¯t want to see you right now. Stay here.¡±


    And with that, she and Mia left.


    Scarlett was left alone with ric.


    Her tears vanished. Her pout twisted into a scowl.


    ¡°She¡¯s poisoned him,¡± Scarlett snarled. ¡°Kael used to hate her. Now he¡¯s threatening me over her! You¡¯ve got to do something before she takes them both away from me!¡±


    Her voice had sharpened, shrill and venomous¨Cgone <b>was </b>the fragile, innocent girl she pretended to be. Now she sounded like a petnt snake who¡¯d <b>lost </b>her bite.


    ric sat heavily on the couch, arms crossed, face dark as a thunderhead. Then slowly¡­ he smirked<b>. </b>


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said. ¡°That mongrel pup won¡¯t get far.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You have a n<b>?</b>¡±


    ric nodded. ¡°The Stormridge Pack from Northhaven <b>is </b>arriving soon to bid on the Eastside territory. If they¡¯re serious about the project even the Ebonw Pack and ckmaw pack working together won¡¯t be enough to outbid them.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Are you saying we should marry Riley off to one of them? You¡¯re going to reward her by marrying her into a royal bloodline?¡±


    ricughed darkly. ¡°<b>Reward</b>? No. The Alpha heir of Stormridge¨Che¡¯s a monster. Sterile. Violent. Dominant to the point of sadism. Rumor has it he breaks wolves the way one breaks wild dogs.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s lips parted in surprise, then curled into a delighted smile.


    ¡°So we send Riley to him. Let him tame her.¡±


    Send Gifts


    264

 in Vengeance 36

    Author¡¯s POV


    Back at the Vale estate, Scarlett¡¯s excitement only grew the longer ric spoke.


    +8 Pearls


    Sheughed coldly. ¡°If <b>that¡¯s </b>the case, then perfect. With Riley¡¯s crippled body, I doubt she¡¯dst a day under that Stormridge Alpha¡¯s hands. She¡¯ll die before I even lift a finger.¡±


    Scarlett leaned in close to ric, her eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°When are you nning to act, Father? Just don¡¯t let Kael find out. He¡¯spletely on Riley¡¯s side now. If he knew, he¡¯d raise hell.¡±


    ric scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it. You keep ying innocent. Don¡¯t slip up.¡±


    Scarlett nodded eagerly. ¡°I¡¯m just waiting to watch that little bitch scream for mercy when Northhaven¡¯s Alpha gets his hands on her.¡±


    At the hospital, Riley sat upright in bed, staring nkly out the window. Her body was still aching, wrapped in gauze <b>and </b>shadows of exhaustion.


    The door opened. Zara walked in with Mia close behind, carrying a thermos of hot food.


    Riley slowly turned her head. Her eyesnded on Zara¨Cand chilled over.


    Zara approached cautiously and sat beside her, her tone soft. ¡°Sweetheart, you must be hungry. I brought-


    ¡°You¡¯re <b>not </b>my mother,¡± Riley said tly.


    Zara¡¯s breath caught. The air seemed to still between them.


    ¡°Whether you ept it or not, I am your mother. <b>That </b>won¡¯t change.¡±


    ¡°It already <b>has</b>,¡± Riley replied, her voice cold as the frost ¡°Birth without care is no bond at all. I gave you back what I owed. <b>That </b>was the end.¡±


    Zara¡¯s eyes welled with tears. ¡°You really hate me that much? What do I have to do, Riley? Tell me. What <b>will </b>make forgive <b>me</b><b>!</b>¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t answer.


    Not because she <b>didn¡¯t </b>have one¨Cbut because there was nothing left to say..


    Zara tried topose herself. ¡°Just eat something, okay? We can talk after-


    ¡°Leave.¡±


    The word cracked like <b>a </b>whip.


    Zara flinched. ¡°Riley, <b>please</b>¡­


    Riley didn¡¯t raise her voice. <b>She </b>didn¡¯t <b>have </b>to..


    ¡°Looking at you kills my appetite.¡±


    you


    Zara stumbled to her feet like she¡¯d been struck. Her hand flew to her mouth to muttle the sob threatening to break free. She rushed out the door.


    Outside, she copsed against the wall, trembling, holding back her tears with a force that made her shoulders shake. She wept silently<b>, </b><b>ashamed </b>to let the <b>nurses </b>see her fall apart.


    Minutes passed. When she looked back into the room through the ss <b>pane</b>, her heart twisted.


    <b>Mia </b>sat by Riley¡¯s side, <b>feeding </b>her gently with a spoon. Riley¨Ccold, silent Riley¨Cwas <b>smiling</b>,


    A real <b>smile</b>..


    Her eyes glowed softly. Her lips moved in conversation. She wasughing. With Mia.


    Zara¡¯s heart clenched.


    She had never seen that smile directed at herself. Not once.


    Not even as a child.


    It was Mia who received her daughter¡¯s warmth.


    A truth settled over her <b>like </b>ash: Riley didn¡¯t want her. Might never forgive her. Might never even try.


    She waited <b>until </b><b>Mia </b>stepped out.


    Mia jumped slightly, startled to see Zara still <b>there</b>. ¡°Luna Zara, I thought you¡¯d already gone.¡±


    ¡°Go on ahead,¡± Zara said curtly. ¡°I¡¯ll stay.¡±


    Mia hesitated. ¡°Luna, Riley is very tired. Maybe it¡¯s better if-¡±


    Zara¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Are you telling me when I can see my own daughter?¡±


    Mia lowered her gaze. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ll wait downstairs.¡±


    <b>Zara </b>didn¡¯t wait. She pushed the door open.


    Riley didn¡¯t react.


    But this time, she didn¡¯t send her away either.


    She turned her face toward the window again, as if preparing for a storm.


    And deep inside, her wolf stirred again¨Cquiet, alert, ready.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 37

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    I didn¡¯t look at her when she stepped inside. I didn¡¯t need to. I could feel her energy shift the moment she crossed the threshold¨Chesitant, nervous,yered <b>with </b><b>a </b><b>desperation </b>she tried to hide behind <b>motherly </b>guilt.


    She was quiet at first, maybe hoping I¡¯d soften. I didn¡¯t.


    Before she could sit beside me, I pointed at the <b>chair </b>across the room.


    ¡°Sit over there.¡±


    She froze. For a heartbeat, I thought she <b>might </b>argue. But she didn¡¯t. She obeyed.


    Good.


    She needed to understand: whatever thread once connected us had already frayed to nothing.


    She hadn¡¯t even opened her mouth when I said, ¡°I know why you¡¯re here. <b>You </b>want me to forgive you. Maybe that¡¯s not impossible. But if you want redemption, you¡¯ll have to earn it¡±


    Her eyes lit up with hope, as if I¡¯d thrown her a lifeline. ¡°Riley, anything. Just tell me what you need me to do.¡±


    ¡°I smell the alpha pheromones in you, Riley, you have a wolf¡±


    Her voice was trembling with emotion, her wolf¡¯s scent shifting <b>from </b>guilt to something almost hopeful.


    I almost pitied her.


    <b>Almost </b>


    ¡°Is that so?¡± I said, t and calm.


    She nodded eagerly. ¡°Please, Riley. Just trust me this once. I promise, I won¡¯t fail you <b>again</b>.¡±


    I stared straight <b>into </b>her eyes.


    Then I said it.


    ¡°Get Scarlett out of the Vale estate. Cut all ties. Formally, permanently. No daughter of yours, no Luna training, no inheritance.¡±


    She flinched <b>like </b>I¡¯d pped her.


    Her fingers twisted into the hem of her coat, her eyes darting toward me with uncertainty, then fear. ¡°Riley¡­ she¡¯s lived with us for


    years. Your father and I raised her like our own. To just cast her out¨Cwhat <b>will </b>the pack think? What will the Elders say?¡±


    Iughed.


    Cold. Empty.


    ¡°If she¡¯s done nothing wrong, then why¡¯d you erase the security footage?¡±


    Her mouth mped <b>shut</b>.


    I had her


    ¡°You care more about appearances than justice,¡± I continued. ¡°When the Enforcers dragged me away in front of the entire <b>Council</b>, where <b>was </b>your concern about the Vale family¡¯s reputation then? Or was it only embarrassing when I survived?¡± She winced like the <b>words </b>cut deep. Good. Let them bleed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve always <b>loved </b>Scarlett like gold,¡± I <b>said</b>. ¡°And me? Just a weed growing where you didn¡¯t want <b>one</b>.¡±


    +B Pearls


    Her eyes wellest again. She clutched her chest like my words physically hurt her. ¡°Riley, please¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. I don¡¯t need you to lie again.¡±


    Her wolf was trembling inside her¨CI could smell the shift, the way it recoiled in guilt and shame.


    ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t do it,¡± I said, voice cold as stone. ¡°So don¡¯t bother pretending <b>you </b>would¡¯ve.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she surged forward, grabbed my <b>hands</b>¨Cchuched them like a drowning wolf ¡°Please, Riley, just give me one more chance. I¡¯ll do anything. Anything! Just don¡¯t shut me out again.¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer right away. I let the silence stretch.


    Let her drown in it.


    Then quet her eyes and said, ¡°Fine. One more chance.¡±


    Her breath caught. Her fingers squeezed mine. ¡°<b>Thank </b><b>you</b>¨Cthank you-


    ¡°But I addell, voice razor¨Csharp, ¡°if you want forgiveness, if you want to keep Scarlett in your precious house, you¡¯re going to climb all 999 kreps of Sacred Howl Ridge to the summit temple. Kneel. Prostrate. <b>And </b>beg the Moon Priest for a blessed protection charpe Then bring it back to me,¡±


    She paled instantly.


    The <b>climb </b>to Sacred Howl Ridge wasn¡¯t for the faint of heart. <b>Even </b>warriors trained in endurance struggled toplete the ascent. The elevation was brutal. The stone stairs <b>were </b>steep, uneven, sacred. Most wolves attempted the <b>climb </b>as part of aing¨Cof¨Cage trial¨Cat sixteen.


    She was fifty. A Luna intitle. A stranger in truth.


    Her lips trembled. ¡°Riley, that climb is dangerous. 1¨CI¡¯m not as strong as I used to be. Even the Alpha hasn¡¯t done it since his twenties. What you¡¯re asking..¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t <b>even </b>close to what you <b>owe</b><b>,</b>¡± I said.


    I didn¡¯t yell. I didn¡¯t growl.


    I just looked at her.


    <b>And </b>I watched her break.


    Just a little.


    Enough to make me wonder if she would actually do it.


    Enough to <b>make </b>my wolf, Nyra, growl softly in the back of my mind: She won¡¯t climb. She¡¯s already chosen the other one.


    I didn¡¯t answer her.


    Because I <b>knew </b>Nyra <b>was </b>right.


    But still I wanted to give her the <b>choice</b>.


    Let her fail on her own this time.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 38

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Zara <b>stood </b>there, almost in tears, her voice trembling. ¡°<b>Riley</b>, please. Onest chance. Whatever you want¨Ctell me. I¡¯ll give it <b>to </b>you I swear.¡±


    I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly, steadying the turmoil inside me.


    When I opened them again, I was ready.


    ¡°Fine.¡± I said coldly. ¡°Onest chance. But if you fail me again¨Cif you lie, hesitate, or make excuses¨Cwe¡¯re done. Forever. You¡¯ll be nothing more <b>than </b>a stranger.¡±


    She nodded eagerly, as if she¡¯d been waiting her entire life to hear that from me. ¡°Yes, of course. Anything. Just tell me what you need.¡±


    I looked her dead in the eyes. You raised Scarlett for twenty¨Cthree years. She¡¯s worn designer clothes, driven imported cars, traveled the world, and had every privilege thrown at her feet. <b>You </b>spent more than a fortune on her.


    Zara blinked, unsure. ¡°Are you asking for money?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking for the only thing you can give,¡± I said without emotion. ¡°I want ten million credits. That¡¯s all. Give me that, <b>and </b>I¡¯ll forgive everything.¡±


    She looked stunned. Ten million was <b>a </b>lot, even for her. Not impossible, but not something she could just hand over today.


    But


    what </b>I had demanded before¨Cto cast out Scarlett and sever the blood¨Cbonded tie of guardianship¨Cthis wa


    <b>a </b><b>walk </b><b>in </b>the park


    She was so terrified I might change my mind that she didn¡¯t even hesitate. ¡°Okay. I agree. I¡¯ll get it for you.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Good. Then <b>leave</b>. I¡¯m tired¡±


    She practically fled in relief, clinging to the promise of redemption like it was a lifeline.


    I watched her and a small smirk curled at the corner of my lips.


    That <b>was </b>always the n.


    I never expected her to exile Scarlett. And climbing the sacred nine hundred and ny¨C<b>nine </b>stairs at <b>Ashfang </b>Temple? Please. I knew she couldn¡¯t do it.


    I gave her impossible choices first <b>so </b>that when I <b>finally </b>asked for the money she¡¯d jump at the chance.


    She would never have agreed to ten million upfront. Not when she couldn¡¯t even bear to give me a proper allowance before.


    But now?


    Now, I <b>had </b>what I needed,


    The next <b>day</b>, Mia returned <b>as </b><b>usual </b>to bring me food¨Cbut this time, she wasn¡¯t alone.


    Carman came with her.


    She was only twenty, <b>but </b>she radiated a light I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. There was no <b>pain </b>in her eyes<b>, </b>no cynicism¨Cjust the brightness of a <b>young </b>she¨Cwolf with a <b>future</b>.


    I was only three years older<b>, </b>but in my reflection, I barely recognized myself. My eyes were hollow. My skin pale and bruised. My hands scarred


    Carman¡¯s gazended on my bandaged hand, and her eyes <b>filled </b>instantly with tears. She stepped forward and gently cupped my wrist, her fingers trembling. ¡°Riley¡­ What did they do to you¡­


    The bruises were still vivid. The belt wounds from rie¡¯s rage cut across my


    y arms in ugly<b>, </b>swollen marks.


    Carman¡¯s <b>voice </b>cracked. ¡°You can¡¯t stay


    y with them. The Vales <b>are </b>monsters. Leave them. Please,¡±


    +8 Pearls


    I knew she meant it. She <b>and </b>Mia were the only ones who ever visited me in prison. Not Kael. Not <b>Zara</b>. Not Theo.


    Just them.


    <b>And </b>for that <b>I </b>would protect them with everything <b>I </b><b>had</b>.


    I gave her a small smile. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll listen to you, Carman.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Really?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Really.¡±


    <b>But </b>before I walked away from the Vale estate for good, <b>I </b>needed to make sure <b>they </b><b>had </b><b>a </b>way out too. If Kael ever tried to use them against me again¨CI wouldn¡¯t <b>survive </b>it.


    So I shifted the topic. ¡°How are your sses<b>?</b>¡±


    She beamed. ¡°Pretty <b>good</b>. <b>I¡¯ve </b>been <b>making </b>the Dean¡¯s List every semester.¡±


    I felt a flicker of warmth. ¡°That¡¯s my girl. Do you want to study abroad?¡±


    She hesitated. The light in her eyes dimmed.


    I¡¯d love to,¡± she admitted. ¡°But there¡¯s no way. Mom¡¯s already doing everything she can just to keep me in school here. Studying overseas? That¡¯s a luxury we can¡¯t afford.¡±


    I leaned forward. ¡°What if¨Cjust what if¨Cyou didn¡¯t <b>have </b>to worry about money? Would you go?¡±


    Carmanughed softly, shaking her head. ¡°In a heartbeat. But dreams don¡¯t work like that, Riley. It¡¯s just a fantasy.¡±


    No. Not a fantasy.


    A n.


    Once I got that <b>ten </b>million, they were the first ones I¡¯d send <b>away</b>. Carman would finish her education in another country- far from the Vale Pack. Far from ric. Far from Kael. Far from <b>pain</b>.


    And Mia would go <b>with </b>her. She deserved peace.


    I would tie up thest of my loose ends.


    Once they were safe¨Cno one could use them against me.


    And then?


    I¡¯d burn the <b>rest </b>down<b>. </b>


    Let the Valese for me if they dared.


    Because <b>this </b><b>time</b><b>, </b>I wasn¡¯t afraid to take everyst one of them with me.


    Send Gifts


    264

 in Vengeance 39

    Author¡¯s POV


    That morning. Scarlett came downstairs after washing up, only to find the dining room eerily quiet.


    The <b>breakfast </b>table had already been set¨Csteaming meats, warm bread, and freshly poured blood¨Corange tea¨Cbut Alpha ric, Luna Zara, and Kael were nowhere to be


    Scarlett¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. She turned to a housemaid <b>standing </b>nearby. ¡°Where¡¯s my <b>father</b>? <b>And </b>Kael? They didn¡¯te down yet?¡±


    The maid <b>responded </b>promptly. ¡°Alpha and the young Alpha left at dawn. Something urgent with the Northern Territory council. Luna Zara had a few bites, then left as well.¡±


    Scarlett nodded absently. Her father and Kael had been constantly tied up with the approachingnd tribunal concerning the contested,eastern ridge bordering the Stormridge Pack. But her mother leaving this early? That was strange.


    ¡°Did <b>she </b>say where she was going<b>?</b>¡±


    The maid <b>hesitated</b>, ¡°Not exactly. But¡­ she took several chests from the vault. The ones holding her personal ceremonial bone relics. <b>And </b>a few Alpha¨Clevel crest essories. Looked like she was heading toward the Nightfang Exchange.


    Scarlett¡¯s expression shifted.


    The Nightfang Exchange was no ordinary market¨Cit was where rare magical items, enchanted jewelry, and heirloom¨Clevel totems were traded or pawned, often for


    sums,


    Her mother pawning things? Her most prized Alpha¨C<b>heirloom </b>relics?


    That didn¡¯t make sense.!


    Zara wasn¡¯t one to part with her treasures, not even for internal Council politics.


    Unless


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes narrowed. A sinking feeling churned in her stomach.


    Unless it was for Riley.


    She left the estate at once, driving straight to the Lunar Crest za, The Eastern Ridge auction g <b>was </bing up in a few days, and she was scheduled to make <b>a </b>grand appearance. If Riley dared try and steal the spotlight¨Cor worse, her family¡¯s assets¨CScarlett would make sure she was destroyed socially before that ever happened.


    She stepped into one of the most exclusive designer halls in the city. A boutique reserved for the elite of the packs. The moment she entered, attendants rushed to greet her.


    ¡°Miss Scarlett! What a <b>divine </b>surprise. You¡¯vee at the perfect time. We¡¯ve just received several custom gowns¨Cfresh off the courier from the Parisian Pack Enve. One of them is made entirely from whisper¨Csilk and lunar thread. It¡¯s practically singing your name<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Scarlett smirked, preening slightly as she trailed her fingers over the delicate gowns shimmering under moonlight¨Cfiltered chandeliers.


    She already pictured it¨Cher arrival at the Eastern Ridge G jaws dropping, eyes burning with envy. She¡¯d wear dominance <b>like </b><b>a </b>second skin.


    Finally, she chose a gown covered in ck stardust crystal embroidery¨Cdramatic, bold, lethal. Just like her.


    As she <b>was </b>about to move to the fitting room, one of the staff suggested, ¡°Miss, we also just acquired some high¨Ctier essories¨Cw¨Ctipped culls, jeweled fang pendants, and a rare runed alpha <b>brooch</b>. They¡¯d pair beautifully with your


    Take me to them,¡± she <b>said</b><b>, </b>already <b>walking </b>


    When she reached the relic disy wall, she froze.


    Her eyes locked on a few <b>pieces </b>sitting behind a velvet rope.


    Bone¨Ccharmed bracelets. An old silver sigil crest. A ceremonial hairpin made from shadow antler.


    All pieces she¡¯d seen before.


    Her mother¡¯s.


    Scarlett¡¯s pupils dted slightly. ¡°These.. where did thesee from?¡±


    The staff, <b>oblivious</b><b>, </b>replied casually, ¡°Oh, those? A noble Luna came by earlier. She said she needed to trade in some private family items. Seemed urgent.¡±


    Scarlet¡¯s jaw tightened.


    <b>So </b>it was true.


    Zara had traded off her ancestral heirlooms¨Cjust to get money.


    And now she was on her way to the hospital.


    Scarlett didn¡¯t need to be told what for


    She grabbed her phone and called her mother.


    The line connected. <b>Zara¡¯s </b>voice came warm <b>and </b>unsuspecting, ¡°Sweetheart, are you up already?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Mom. Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the healing ward. I thought I¡¯d visit Riley. She needs support right now.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s tone was deceptively sweet. ¡°Okay, be careful on the road.¡±


    The moment she ended the call, she dialed ric.


    ¡°Dad, listen to me. Mom just traded off a bunch of our ancestral totems¨Cand she¡¯s heading to give the money to Riley. <b>Stop </b>her before she hands it over.¡±


    ric growled on the other end. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Scarlett hung up <b>and </b>smiled.


    Let them fight each other all they wanted.


    She¡¯d stille out on top.


    At the hospital, Zara¡¯s demeanor was radiant.


    Riley could tell the moment she entered¨CZara had seeded. Her request, the one million lunar credits, must have been<b>. </b>fulfilled.


    <b>Cara </b>sat beside her bedside, beaming, and ced a small rune¨Clocked pouch into Riley¡¯s hands. ¡°Darling. I told you- whatever it takes, I¡¯ll do it. Inside is the full amount you <b>asked </b>for. From now on, we forget the


    past.¡±


    Riley stared at the pouch. A <b>million </b><b>lunar </b>credits. Freedom. Power.


    She reached for it¨Cwhen the door mmed open.


    ric stormed in, eyes zing.


    Before Riley could move, he pped the pouch from her hand and snatched it away.


    Zara jumped to her feet. ¡°ric! What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°You should¡¯ve consulted me!¡± he barked. ¡°You want to hand our family fortune to the girl who nearly gutted me?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that much,¡± Zara tried to soothe him. ¡°<b>She¡¯s </b>our daughter-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not fit to carry our <b>name</b>!¡± ric snarled. <b>That </b>little traitor should be grateful we let her live!¡±


    Riley¡¯s injured hand <b>throbbed </b>from where he struck her. But she didn¡¯t wince.


    She just stared at him, eyes burning with defiance.


    +8 Pearls


    ric met her gaze and sneered. ¡°You want money? Fine. You can have it¨Con one condition. <b>You </b>ept the bond. You¡¯ll be mated off to the Stormridge heir. The credits will be your dowry.¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t move. But her wolf stirred deep inside her, growling in disgust.

 in Vengeance 40

    Riley¡¯s POV


    They said family was supposed to protect you. But as I stood in that sterile hospital room, every word out of ric¡¯s mouth twisted that lie a little deeper into my bones,


    ¡°She¡¯s a danger,¡± he spat. ¡°Anyone who dares lift <b>a </b>knife against her own father will do it again.¡±


    Zara¡¯s voice was <b>tight </b>with hesitation, but she didn¡¯t argue. Not really. She never did when it involved Scarlett. Not when it meant <b>choosing </b>between me and her precious adopted jewel.


    ¡°She¡¯s your daughter too, <b>ric</b><b>,</b>¡± she whispered, voice <b>trembling</b>.


    <b>¡°</b><b>And </b>exactly for that reason, <b>she </b>needs to be gone.


    Gone


    Like trash. Like a burden.


    Like a weapon they couldn¡¯t control.


    They wanted to marry me off. To bind me to the Alpha of Stormridge Pack from Northhaven¨Cbecause I was expendable, and they needed a business deal. That¡¯s what I was to them: leverage with a heartbeat.


    <b>Zara </b>looked back at me before they walked out¨C<b>guilt </b>in her eyes, but no courage in her bones. She said nothing. -Cowards<b>, </b>all of them.


    They thought I couldn¡¯t hear through these thin hospital walls. They forgot I was a wolf too.


    The second the door closed, I clenched my fists so hard my healing fingers throbbed in protest. My ws nearly pierced my own palm<b>. </b>


    ric wanted to use me to broker a merger.


    Zara just didn¡¯t want Scarlett to suffer.


    And me!


    I was just a pawn with a price tag.


    Laughter burst from my chest, hollow and sharp. The kind ofughter that didn¡¯t bring relief¨Conly a burning rity.


    Fine. If they wanted to use me, I¡¯d let them think they¡¯d won. But they¡¯d regret underestimating me.


    <b>I </b>slipped out of the room.


    My leg was still dragging slightly from the injury, but the burn of betrayal gave me enough strength to limp through the corridor without stopping. I didn¡¯t know where I was going. I just needed to breathe


    I pushed open the stairwell door, expecting silence.


    But there was someone already there.


    A man leaned against the wall, <b>half</b><b>¨C</b>shrouded in the shadows. The scent of smoke <b>hung </b>in the air¨Crich, dry<b>, </b><b>with </b>a hint of crushed pine ash. Not <b>cheap </b>cigarettes. Something darker. Earthier.


    My steps slowed as I looked up.


    He stood on the uppernding, half a flight above me, but it wasn¡¯t the angle <b>that </b>made him look like <b>a </b>god.


    It was everything.


    The way his suit clung to a tall, broad¨Cshouldered frame <b>built </b>like it had been honed for battle. The subtle silver lining on his cuffs. The glint of <b>a </b>si ring on his right hand. But more than that¡­..


    His face.


    Moonlight through the stairwell window sliced across sharp cheekbones, a defined jawline, <b>and </b>lips shaped like a cruel promise. His eyes, <b>deep</b>¨Cset and impossibly dark, watched me like a predator sizing up something unfamiliar¨Cbut not uninteresting.


    His aura was crushing.


    Not <b>wild</b>, not reckless¨Ccontrolled. Deliberate. Dangerous


    He was the kind of man you felt before you saw,


    <b>And </b><b>my </b>wolf¡­ stirred.


    It blinked inside <b>me</b>. Awake. Alert. Curious.


    I should¡¯ve turned around. Should¡¯ve excused myself <b>and </b>found another corner to suffer in peace.


    But I didn¡¯t


    Because he was looking at me <b>too</b>.


    Our gizes <b>met </b>across the <b>stairwell</b>. Neither of us <b>moved</b>.


    Then his brow lifted just barely, and he exhaled another long stream of smoke. The scent curled toward me, invasive and heady. It made <b>my </b>lungs tighten


    1 stopped halfway down the stairs, clutching the railing with a tremble I hoped he couldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, his voice deep, quiet. Measured. Like thunder you only heard once it passed.


    He made a motion to put out the cigarette.


    But something inside me¨Csomething sharp and bitter and reckless¨Csnapped.


    ¡°<b>Wait</b>,¡± I said hoarsely. ¡°Do you have another?¡±


    His head tilted. His eyes didn¡¯t widen. He wasn¡¯t surprised.


    <b>Just </b>intrigued.


    ¡°Thought you didn¡¯t like the smell,¡± he said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t, I admitted. ¡°But I need something to burn.¡±


    He studied me for a moment longer, then reached into the inner pocket of his coat and pulled our the silver tin. He tossed it


    to me.


    I caught it with one hand, wincing at the jolt it sent up my sore wrist.


    He watched that too.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>don¡¯t look like you should be walking,¡± he said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like someone who loiters <b>in </b>stairwells,¡± I <b>shot </b>back.


    He <b>smirked</b>. It <b>was </b>a <b>small </b>thing, but it was lethal.


    ¡°I <b>don¡¯t </b>loiter,¡± he <b>said</b>, ¡°I wait. There¡¯s a difference.¡±


    I pulled out a cigarette, lips trembling as I raised it to my <b>mouth</b>. I didn¡¯t even smoke. But I needed the taste of something bitter. Something that wasn¡¯t blood.


    He thcked a me for me.


    The fire caught.


    A DIOKENT Alpine ni


    ss nevenge

 in Vengeance 41

    Riley¡¯s POV


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said, my voice barely audible, husky <b>from </b>fatigue and something heavier I didn¡¯t care to name.


    I mimicked his motion, cing the cigarette between my lips, though I¡¯d never smoked a day in my life. It wasn¡¯t about nicotine. It was about pretending I wasn¡¯t on the verge of falling apart.


    The sound of a lighter broke the stillness. Then his hand appeared¨Clean, strong fingers and a flickering me illuminating the shadows of the stairwell.


    I hesitated, then leaned down, lighting the cigarette from his.


    The first drag hit my lungs like fire<b>. </b>


    I coughed violently, doubling over, the taste of nicotine <b>and </b>ash wing down my throat. I spat the smoke out quickly. blinking away tears.


    He arched a brow. ¡°You don¡¯t smoke¡±


    1 shook my head, trying to steady my breath. ¡°Just figured I¡¯d try it¡­ seemed fitting.¡±


    He didn¡¯t reply. Just leaned back against the wall <b>and </b>stared into the <b>silence </b>like he belonged to it.


    I sank down onto the stairs, the concrete cold beneath me. The cigarette trembled between my fingers as I forced myself to <b>take </b>another drag¨Cshallower this time.


    Didn¡¯t help.


    Didn¡¯t ease the ache in my chest or the weight in my bones.


    It was the kind of <b>silence </b>that didn¡¯t <b>need </b>words. The kind that swallowed sound, leaving behind only questions no one wanted to answer.


    He smoked in silence too. When he finished, he crushed the butt beneath his heel and rose.


    Step by step, he ascended the stairs, boots echoing like a <b>war </b>drum.


    And just before he reached the exit, he turned back.


    He looked at me¨Creally looked. At the hunched shoulders. The gauntface. The spark at my fingertips that barely passed for fire anymore.


    Then he walked <b>away</b>.


    And I sat there for a long time<b>. </b>


    Eventually, I stood. My body felt like stone. I just wanted to lie down. To not feel anything anymore.


    But when I opened the door to my hospital room, any hope of rest was obliterated.


    He was there.


    Maddox.


    Sitting by the window, sunlight casting a halo around him <b>like </b>some divine lie. His tailored clothes. His clean¨Ccut face. <b>That </b>soft, familiar scent that used to bringfort.


    Now it made my stomach twist<b>. </b>


    He stood the second he saw me. ¡°Riley-¡±


    1 stepped aside, letting him <b>reach </b><b>out</b><b>, </b>and then brushed past his hand like it meant nothing.


    His hand hovered in the air for a beat, then curled into a fist. ¡°Where <b>did </b>you go<b>?</b>¡±


    Letoutes us the best and turned my back to him.


    ¡°Tho


    te met agam ¡°Do you want fruit? I can peel you an apple


    +8 Pearls


    Myugh was humorless ¡°The honorable Judge Maddox is a busy man. If you¡¯re here, it¡¯s not to peel fruit. Just get to the


    That but him I didn¡¯t care


    He sighest ¡°Did you pushy Scarlett down the stairs?¡±


    Estibald¡¯ve known.


    Not a word in five years. Not a visit during my sentencing But now that Scarlett had a scratch on her porcin skin, suddenly he had done for me.


    1 lookest at bins, voice cold. ¡°Yes, I did it.¡±


    e reeled slightly. You¡¯re not even going to deny it?¡±


    Why should I? You¡¯ve <b>not </b><b>here </b>for the truth. You never were.¡± I <b>gave </b>him a t, bitter smile. ¡°So what¡¯s next? Another sentence? Five years? Ten? Just tell me how long this time, and I¡¯ll pack my bags¡±


    He stared <b>at </b>me, stunned silent. ¡°Riley.. you are <b>my </b>mate and I¡¯d never want to hurt


    Inearlyughed.


    But it wasn¡¯t funny


    ¡°You¡¯ve already done worse,¡± I


    Is


    dangerous. You rejected me as your mate. And now you want to talk about <b>what </b>you would <b>never </b>do?¡±


    id souly. ¡°You stood on the witness stand and let them cage me like a beast. You called me


    His jaw clenched. ¡°I came to check on you.¡±


    I turned my back, ¡°I don¡¯t need your concern.


    His voice cracked. ¡°What do you want from <b>me</b>. Riley? You think I haven¡¯t suffered too? I¡¯ve been trying to reach you ever since you were released, but you won¡¯t <b>even </b>look at ine. What do you want me to do?!¡±


    I finally looked at hun eyes like ice. ¡°I want you to understand what it means to be falsely used. To be betrayed by the people who were supposed to protect you


    He froze


    I didn¡¯t stop. ¡°You talk about pain <b>like </b>you invented it. But I lived it. Maddox. Every minute of those five years, <b>And </b>you want me to move on! Let it go? Just because it¡¯s convenient for <b>you</b>?¡±


    His eyes were red ¡°Scarlett saved <b>my </b>life. She paid for my education. I owed her


    ¡°No¡± My voice <b>was </b>steel. ¡°You repaid that d by sentencing the wrong person. Don¡¯t tell <b>me </b>about honor. You weaponized the <bw </b>to bucak me


    He opened his mouth, then closed it.


    I


    1 stool. ¡°If you¡¯re not here to put me <b>back </b>in chains, then get out. If you are¨C<b>well</b>, I¡¯m not afraid of prison anymore.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to hurt you¡± <b>he </b>whispered


    That <b>you </b>already have¡±


    He stepped forward ¡°Please, Riley-


    +8 Pearls


    He moved too fast.


    His hand mped over my mouth. His weight crushed me into the mattress. I thrashed, trying to break free, but he was


    stronger<b>. </b>


    He was always stronger.


    His hand shifted, covering not just my mouth¨Cbut my nose.


    Panic exploded in my chest.


    I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    Couldn¡¯t scream.


    The world spun, stars bursting behind my eyes.


    And then-


    ¡°LET HER GO!¡±


    <b>Mia¡¯s </b>voice.


    A sh of silver.


    The ng of a thermos crashing against his head.


    He let go.


    doll.


    And in the same second¨Che snapped. Maddox whirled <b>and </b>kicked Mia across the room like a rag d She hit the wall with a sickening <b>thud</b>.


    ¡°MIA!¡± I screamed<b>, </b>staggering toward her, blood roaring in my ears.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 42

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The thermos hit the ground with a loud ng, hot soup bursting from its <b>mouth </b>in every direction. Some of it sshed straight onto Mia.


    Her scream pierced the air, high and sharp.


    I turned my head in time to see her stumble back, clutching her red, blistering arm. Her face twisted in pain, and angry welts had already begun to form.


    ¡°Mia!¡± My vision went red. Fury roared in my chest, hotter than any scalding soup ever could. I didn¡¯t <b>think</b>. I just moved.


    The apple on the nightstand was heavy in my hand, but not nearly as heavy as the hatred building inside me.


    I hurled it with all the force 1 had.


    It struck Maddox squarely in the shoulder, and he jerked backward a step.


    GET OUT Isergamed, voice shaking with rage. ¡°I never want to see your face again!¡±


    His expression shifted¨Cfirst disbelief, then something uglier


    ¡°You want me to leave?¡± His tone turned sharp, mocking. ¡°You <b>think </b>you have the right to tell <b>me </b>anything?¡±


    He took a step closer, face darkening. ¡°I protected you, Riley. All your life. When you were bullied at the Ebonw, who fought for you? When you <b>cried</b>, who wiped your tears? <b>You </b>wanted fruit, I brought it. I gave you everything I had! What have you ever done for me?¡±


    Trembled¨Cpart rage, part disgust. ¡°You think that carns you the right to hurt me?¡±


    ¡°I made you who you are!¡± he started. ¡°Back in that pack, you were just a scared little girl until I stood up for you. You didn¡¯t tell me to leave then.


    He took another step.


    My hands closed around the handle of the fruit knife in the basket.


    ¡°Don¡¯te closer<b>.</b>¡±


    He froze, eyes narrowing on the de. ¡°Riley, you¡¯ve lost your mind. You¡¯d really use that on me?¡±


    ¡°I am mad. Because you made me this way!¡± I shouted.


    <b>The </b>knife trembled in my hand, but I held it between us like a shield. My breathing was ragged. My pulse roared in my ears. like a storm.


    <b>And </b>then it happened.


    Something inside me snapped.


    My vision blurred¨Cnot from tears, but from the sudden surge of something ancient and wild. It started in my chest, spreading out like wildfire.


    My skin burned


    My limbs lockedl


    Pain wracked through my bones like they were being broken and rebuilt all at once. My scream echoed <b>through </b>the room- half¨Chuman, half¨Cbeast.


    Maildos stepped back, eyes wide ¡°What the hell-¡±


    Then I wasn¡¯t Riley anymore.


    I shifted.


    Fur exploded <b>across </b>my body, white as snow and glowing under the flickering hospital lights. My bones cracked, reshaping. stretching, <b>snapping </b><b>into </b>something massive.


    A <b>snow</b>¨Cwhite wolf, twice the size of a normal one, now stood in the middle of the room¨Cmy fur bristling, my eyes glowing


    silver.


    Maddox <b>stumbled</b>, genuine fear now <b>recing </b><b>his </b>arrogance. ¡°R¨CRiley?<b>¡± </b>


    I snarled and lunged.


    My ws raked across his chest, slicing through his shirt and skin like paper. He crashed into the IV stand with a gasp, blood blooming through the <b>fabric</b>.


    ¡°Riley, stop!¡±


    Another strike. Another growl. I didn¡¯t care what he had to say. He wanted to see the monster? Fine. Let <b>him </b>meet the white wolf cursed to live in <b>chains</b>.


    My jaws snapped near his throat, just enough to make him scream. He scrambled back, slipping on the spilled soup, crawling toward the door Hke the coward he <b>was</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ one of them¡­¡± he gasped. ¡°A highblood¡­


    I could¡¯ve ended it. Could¡¯ve torn him apart for every betrayal. Every lie<b>. </b>


    But something held me back.


    I wasn¡¯t him.


    I wasn¡¯t a killer.


    And <b>then</b>¨Cmy strength wavered.


    The rush of power that <b>had </b>surged through me now started draining fast. My legs buckled. My vision dimmed. Maddox had already fled, his blood marking a trail on the floor.


    I stumbled. The pain of the <b>shift </b>mming into my muscles. Bones twisting back to human, fur receding


    My knees hit the cold floor.


    And then¨Carms,


    Mia¡¯s arms.


    She <b>caught </b>me before I copsed fully, wrapping herself around my <b>naked</b>, shaking frame with trembling hands. ¡°Riley!¡± she cried. ¡°Stay with me!¡±


    I tried to answer-


    But darkness swallowed me whole.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 43

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I woke up not to the antiseptic scent of a hospital <b>ward</b><b>¡­ </b>but to the cloying sweetness of <b>artificial </b>roses <b>and </b>pastel¨Ccolored<b>. </b>


    curtains<b>. </b>


    Myshes fluttered. The bed was too soft, the pillow too scented. Everything around me was pink. Frills, Lace. A chandelier dripping fake crystal tears above my head.


    What the hell¡­?


    I sat up <b>too </b>fast.


    <b>Pain </b>seared through my shoulder like lightning, I hissed under my breath, clutching at the bandage. The white gauze was clean, but not fresh¨Cblood was already beginning to soak through..


    I pushed back the nket and climbed out of bed.


    Barefoot.


    Weak.


    But awake.


    I crossed the room and opened the door¨Cand then it <b>hit </b>me.


    Ebonw Pack estate.


    I was back.


    Not in the dungeon. Not in the hospital. Not alone.


    Back here


    In Kael¡¯s old bedroom¨Cthough someone had turned it into a frilly nightmare. Pink satin on every <b>wall</b>. Princess wallpaper. Stuffed wolves on the shelves. Like some designer had tried to cover up history with pastel lies.


    My grip on the doorknob tightened.


    I looked down over the stairwell.


    The living room was full.


    Father¨CAlpha ric¨Csat at the head of the pack like always, arms crossed and jaw¨Ctight. Luna Zara by his side, back straight, expression unreadable, Scarlett practically glued herself to Mother¡¯s side, and Kael sat stiffly on the armrest, watching something with barely restrained <b>tension</b>.


    And then¨CRonan.


    Of course he was here. Ronan is Scarlett¡¯s fianc¨¦, serving as a bridge between the two pack alliances, so he will appear here


    The ckmaw Pack¡¯s <b>Alpha </b>heir, looking every inch the polished predator¨Ctailored suit, emotionless expression, golden eyes that missed nothing.


    Scarlett was the first to notice me.


    Her voice pitched high, sugarcoated as always. ¡°Riley! You¡¯re finally awake.¡±


    <b>Awake</b>!


    I stared down at them, heart still <b>sluggish </b>in my chest, blood like ice in my veins.


    I hadn¡¯t been sleeping<b>. </b>


    I had been <b>unconscious</b>. I¡¯d shifted. For the first time in my life, I¡¯d felt my wolf¨Creally felt her¨Cand now she was gone.


    I called to her, mentally, desperately.


    Nothing answered.


    Scarlett¡¯s words twisted that truth into something soft <b>and </b>stupid.


    Like I¡¯d just taken a long nap.


    I said nothing-


    I simply looked at her. Cold and <b>still</b>.


    <b>She </b>shrank beneath my stare, her voice trembling. ¡°D¨Cdid I say something wrong?


    Of course not. Not in their eyes.


    Zara instantly reached to soothe her adopted daughter, stroking her back like I was the bully. She didn¡¯t say a word to me, but her look said enough: You¡¯re scaring your sister again.


    Then <b>Father </b>spoke.


    <b>And </b>like always, he didn¡¯t bother softening the blow,


    ¡°You¡¯re really standing there ring at your sister?¡± he snapped. ¡°You¡¯re over twenty already. You sleep like the dead, and when you¡¯re <b>awake</b>, you¡¯re either stuffing your face or sulking. We brought you home yesterday and you were out cold. One full day and night passed, and still¨Cnothing but sleep. You tell me, Riley, <b>what </b>exactly are you good for?¡±


    His voice rose with each word.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got no mate. No job. No wolf. Nothing. Just <b>dead </b>weight on this Pack.¡±


    There it was.


    The truth under the venom.


    No wolf. No <b>value</b>.


    They still believed it.


    Didn¡¯t matter that I¡¯d shifted. They didn¡¯t see it. Didn¡¯t feel it. And now, neither could L.


    My father thinks thest time I bared my ws in front of him was just for show.


    He still believes I¡¯m weak and powerless.


    Also <b>it </b>seems my dear former mate Maddox hasn¡¯t told them that I¡¯ve shifted into a white <b>wolf</b>.


    That¡¯s fine.


    It¡¯s only fair they witness it with their own eyes.


    So I stared down at him, my voice cool. ¡°Are you done, Alpha ric?¡±


    The room tensed.


    He blinked, caught off guard. Probably expected me to cry<b>, </b><b>or </b>at least look ashamed.


    Instead, I turned to go back to the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t <b>you </b><b>walk </b>away from me!¡± he roared. ¡°Come down here. We have something to discuss.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to.


    Every instinct in me screamed to stay away from them. From this whole polished performance of a family.


    <b>But </b>then I remembered.


    The million¨Cdor deal.


    My ticket out.


    So I descended the <b>stairs</b>, each step measured. I took a seat in the middle of them all, like I was on <b>trial</b>.


    I guess <b>I </b><b>was</b>.


    Father sipped his tea, voice casual. ¡°You¡¯re not a child anymore. It¡¯s time you stop leeching off the Pack and do something useful. Your mother and I have arranged a match.¡±


    My stomach tightened.


    ¡°Northridge. The Stormridge <b>heir</b>. You¡¯ll marry into their family. It¡¯s a <b>good </b>match for someone like you.¡±


    Someone like <b>me</b>.


    Meaning: a daughter without <b>a </b><b>wolf</b>. A daughter they couldn¡¯t parade. A daughter too troublesome to keep.


    He kept talking.


    -Your manners are poor. Your temper is worse. But you are still technically our <b>blood</b>. We¡¯ll prepare a decent dowry. The rest


    up to you.¡±


    <b>is </b>


    Ronan¡¯s knuckles went white on the teacup. I saw it¨Cthe moment he realized exactly what kind of trade had been made.


    His eyes didn¡¯t flicker.


    But his energy <b>changed</b>.


    Luna Zara reached across the table,ying <b>a </b>hand on mine like we were close. ¡°We¡¯ll miss you<b>, </b>sweetheart. But girls your age don¡¯t stay single forever. It¡¯s time. You don¡¯t want to be left behind, do you?¡±


    I slid <b>my </b>hand <b>away </b>slowly, letting my silence speak for itself.


    If this match were so desirable. why hadn¡¯t they given it to Scarlett?


    Because I was expendable.


    And she was the precious, sweet¨Cmannered she¨Cwolf with perfect lineage and a sob story the Elders adored.


    They knew I wouldn¡¯t refuse.


    Because I couldn¡¯t afford to.


    I said nothing.


    But Kael exploded.


    ¡°Wait¨Cwhat? You¡¯re marrying her off to him<b>? </b>Without even talking to me?¡±


    ric¡¯s face <b>darkened</b>.


    Zara quickly cut in. ¡°Kael, this isn¡¯t your concern-¡±


    ¡°The hell it isn¡¯t!¡± he snapped. ¡°Riley doesn¡¯t even know him. She¡¯s not¨Cshe¡¯s not like Scarlett. She hasn¡¯t even fully shifted. She¡¯s not ready-


    ¡°Enough!¡± ric thundered.


    Kael¡¯s <b>jaw </b>clenched. His fists curled.


    And then¨Ceveryone looked at me.


    Waiting for my answer.


    1 lifted my <b>chin </b><b>and </b>met Kael¡¯s gaze. My voice rang clear.


    ¡°I ept.¡±


    The room froze.


    <b>Zara¡¯s </b>lips parted in joy. ric <b>gave </b><b>a </b>satisfied grunt. Scarlett blinked like she didn¡¯t expect me <b>to </b>say yes, kael¡¯s <b>face </b>crumpled with something dangerously close <b>to </b>heartbreak.


    And Ronan?


    His cup shattered.


    ss sliced into his palm, blood blooming bright and fast.


    Scarlett gasped. ¡°<b>Ronan</b>! You¡¯re bleeding¨CMia! Get the med kit!¡±


    But he didn¡¯t flinch.


    He didn¡¯t move<b>. </b>


    He just stared at me


    Like he <b>was </b>trying to see something through the <b>fog</b>.


    His blood dripped steadily onto the white carpet, spreading like a rose in bloom.


    And I¡­


    I didn¡¯t look away.


    Didn¡¯t <b>move </b><b>a </b>muscle,


    Didn¡¯t feel a thing.


    He stared at me like I was a stranger.


    And maybe <b>now </b>I was.


    Because the girl who once skipped her only national academicpetition to care for him during a 39¨Cdegree fever<b>? </b>


    She was gone.


    That Riley¨Cthe one who cried when he was sick, who dragged him to a clinic on her back, who held his hand while he slept? Buried. In the same grave where they¡¯d put her future.


    All that was left now¡­ was this.


    A girl who would marry <b>for </b>survival <b>and </b>never look <b>back</b>.


    <b>Send </b>Gifts

 in Vengeance 44

    Ronan¡¯s POV


    Blood seeped through the gauze on my palm <b>again</b>.


    Mia had just finished wrapping it up, but the second Kael stormed out and Riley stood there like the world couldn¡¯t touch her, 1 clenched my fist <b>too </b>tightly,


    Again.


    I didn¡¯t even feel it.


    Just a dull, distant throb. A whisperpared to the chaos inside my chest.


    Scarlett was gone upstairs¨Cfollowing her parents, trying to ¡°smooth things over,¡± no doubt. The room emptied out in minutes, like they couldn¡¯t wait to let the dust settle.


    Now it was just me.


    And Riley.


    <b>She </b>stood across the room, her hands clenched at her sides, her chin lifted like a wolf ready for the next hit. She looked¡­ tired. <b>Not </b>the kind of tired that could be fixed with sleep. The <b>kind </b>that <b>seeps </b><b>into </b>the bones after years of holding yourself together while everyone else tried to tear you <b>apart</b>.


    I stood. I didn¡¯t <b>even </b>know why.


    She moved too¨Ctoo fast, too sudden¨Cand bumped hard into the edge of the coffee table.


    She winced, but didn¡¯t make a sound.


    She didn¡¯t <b>even </b>nce back.


    She just walked away.


    Not to Kael¡¯s room. Not even to her assigned bedroom. She headed toward the far end of the hall¨Ctoward the old supply. closet the Pack used to throw things they didn¡¯t want.


    Of course.


    The e unwanted daughter returns to the unwanted room.


    Before I realized I¡¯d moved, I <b>was </b>already behind her<b>. </b>


    The second she stepped inside, I mmed the door open. She jumped, turned¨Cand I kicked it shut, hard.


    My hand shot out.


    Pinned her to the wall.


    Her breath caught, chest heaving against my palm.


    Our faces were <b>inches </b><b>apart</b>.


    Close enough for me to see the way her pupils red. Close enough to smell the faint trace of antiseptic and blood under the synthetic rose perfume clinging to her hair.


    She trembled under my <b>hand</b>. Not from <b>weakness</b>. From trying too hard not to show fear.


    I hated how much I noticed that.


    I hated how it still made me want to protect her.


    I should¡¯ve walked away. Should¡¯ve said nothing.


    But my voice came <b>out </b>anyway¨Csharp, biting, soaked <b>in </b>something I refused to name.


    ¡°So you¡¯re really that eager to get married?¡±


    Her lips parted, her eyes shing. She shoved at my chest with both hands¨Csmall, pale fists that didn¡¯t budge me <b>an </b><b>inch</b>.


    Ronan.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business, R


    My name in her mouth didn¡¯t sound like it used to.


    No softness.


    Just, finality.


    I leaned closer, unable to stop myself.


    ¡°None of my business? After what you did to Tessa? After what you did to my family? You think you <b>can </b>just walk out of here and marry into Stormridge like none of it matters?¡±


    I could feel my voice rising, heat crawling up my neck.


    But I couldn¡¯t stop.


    I didn¡¯t want to stop.


    She went still.


    And then<b>, </b>her <b>voice</b>¨Ct, cruel¨Ccut through the air.


    ¡°Better Stormridge than this house. Better being a stranger¡¯s bride than your family¡¯s burden.¡±


    The words hit harder than I expected.


    And then she looked <b>me </b>in the


    eye.


    ¡°Tell me, Ronan¡­ Is the Stormridge heir more dangerous than you?<b>¡± </b>


    That made my breath catch,


    Just for a second,


    <b>I </b>saw the flicker in her gaze. The fear. The memory of that night,


    Of what I did.


    of how low I sank <b>when </b>they told me what she did to Tessa¨Cand I believed it. Of how I stood in that courtroom and let her


    <b>fall </b>


    I¡¯d buried that memory for years.


    Now it stood between us again, more <b>real </b>than ever.


    She looked at me like I was <b>a </b><b>a </b>monster.


    And maybe I <b>was</b><b>. </b>


    Maybe that¡¯s why stepped closer again¨Cuntil there was nowhere left to go.


    Because this wasn¡¯t just about jealousy. It was about control. Territory. Duty.


    The alliance between ckmaw and Ebonw had to happen. That much was clear.


    <b>As </b>the heir to ckmaw, I would have to choose a daughter of Alpha ric..


    IT


    you asked me who I wanted¨Cit would¡¯ve been Riley.


    Always Riley.


    But she attacked my sister Tessa. She went to prison.


    My mate can¡¯t carry that kind of stain.


    <b>But </b>that doesn¡¯t <b>mean </b><b>she </b>can belong to someone else.


    ¡°You think I¡¯ll let you marry him?¡± I asked, voice like gravel. ¡°You think I¡¯ll just watch you <b>walk </b>away after everything?¡±


    She didn¡¯t flinch<b>. </b>


    Bubher voice was <b>low </b>now. Cold.


    ¡°Who marry has nothing to do with you.¡±


    Iughed.


    Short. Biner. Twisted.


    ¡°In what world, Riley? You think you¡¯re free? You think because you¡¯ve been paroled you¡¯re clean?¡±


    I reached out again, not to hurt¨Cjust to remind her. My fingers brushed her shoulder, just above the bandage. <b>She </b>didn¡¯t cry out, but her body flinched.


    I hated that.


    Hated how her <b>pain </b>still felt like mine.


    ¡°You¡¯re still marked by what you did. And as long as my sister doesn¡¯t wake up, you belong to the ckmaw Pack. <b>You </b>belong


    to me.


    Her eyes widened.


    She looked up at me like I¡¯d struck her.


    And still she said nothing<b>. </b>


    Just stared.


    <b>And </b>in her silence, something inside me cracked.


    I remembered her tears when I had a fever. I remembered her skipping her only national academicpetition to sit by my bedside. I remembered how she used to whisper her dreams of Ashmoor Academy at midnight.


    And I remembered that I¡¯d crushed every one of those dreams.


    Her eyes <b>now </b>were nothing like the girl I knew. Just grey ss, frozen to survive.


    1 loosened my <b>grip</b>.


    Slowly.


    Carefully.


    <b>Like </b>I <b>was </b><b>afraid </b>she might shatter if I touched her too long


    Her breath came out <b>shaky</b>, but steady. <b>She </b>didn¡¯t <b>move</b>.


    And I¡­..


    I couldn¡¯t look at her anymore.


    1 let go


    The warmth of her body slipped out from under my palm. She didn¡¯t say thank you. She didn¡¯t curse me.


    She just stood there. Quiet. Proud. Unbreakable.


    I turned away before she could see the worst of it


    Before she could see that the <b>Alpha </b>heir of <b>ckmaw</b>¨CScarlett¡¯s fiance, their future alliance¡¯s keystone¨Chad almost begged a convicted trautor to stay.


    And worse?


    That a part of him still wanted her to say yes..

 in Vengeance 45

    Author¡¯s POV


    <b>Inside </b>the Study Ebonw Pack


    The study was thick with tension.


    Kael Vale stood in front of <b>Alpha </b>ric and Luna Zara, his voice rising with disbelief. ¡°Dad, Mom¨C<b>you </b>know exactly <b>what </b>kind of reputation the Stormridge heir has. How can <b>you </b>still force Riley to marry into that Pack? She¡¯s your <b>blood</b>. Even if you¡¯ve never shown her the same love, how can you send her into something that could destroy her?¡±


    ric mmed his palm on the desk with a resounding thud. ¡°Enough! Watch your tone. What do you mean destroy her! <b>With </b>her background, being epted by Stormridge is a gift. A rare one. She should be grateful.¡±


    Kael stared at his father like he no longer recognized the man. His lips trembled. ¡°Her body¡¯s already broken, Dad. Prison destroyed her health. You¡¯re giving her <b>to </b><b>a </b><b>male </b>known for violence, aggression¨Cand you expect her to survive that?¡±


    <b>Just </b>imagining Riley¨Cfrail and wounded¨Cthrown into the hands of a brutal Alpha made Kael¡¯s heart twist with both fury <b>and </b>Jdread.


    ric¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°If she doesn¡¯t go¡­ <b>what</b>, you want Scarlett to marry him instead?¡±


    Kael froze.


    He turned his gaze toward the girl standing silently beside them¨CScarlett, with her downturnedshes and soft trembling lip. She looked up at him, eyes filled with sorrow, and he flinched.


    y to be sacrificed.


    He didn¡¯t want Riley


    But sacrificing Scarlett?


    ¡°I¡­ I just¡­ Kael faltered.


    ¡°There is no just.¡± ric cut him off, his voice a bit calmer <b>now</b>, but no less firm. ¡°In a few days, thend auction at East Borough will begin. Stormridge <b>Pack </b>is hell¨Cbent on acquiring <b>that </b>territory. Even if Ebonw and ckmawbine forces, we still might not outbid them<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    He leaned forward, voice heavy. ¡°The regional council has already designated East Borough as a central economic zone. When it¡¯s developed, all majormerce will shift there. Whoever owns it¨Ccontrols it. And if Stormridge wins it¡­ Ebonw will lose its foothold in Mooncrest¡±


    ric¡¯s jaw tightened as he continued, ¡°We can¡¯t fight the Stormridge Alpha, So we do the only thing we can¨Cwe join them. <b>An </b>alliance through marriage is the most direct path.¡±


    <b>Kael¡¯s </b>knuckles were bone white from how hard he clenched his fists. The guilt gnawed at him.


    Zara wiped away a tear, voice low and trembling. ¡°Kael¡­ Do you think this is easy for us? We¡¯re not heartless. We haven¡¯t slept. for days thinking about <b>this</b>. But the Pack¨Courpany¨Cfeeds hundreds of wolves. We can¡¯t afford to be sentimental.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m her mother,¡± she whispered. ¡°I carried her for nine months. I know how fragile she is¡­ I love her, <b>Kael</b>. Just as much as you do. But sometimes love <b>means </b>sacrifice.¡±


    ¡°Stormridge might not be as bad as the rumors say,¡± she added weakly. ¡°Maybe¡­ maybe their Alpha heir isn¡¯t as cruel as they


    im


    Kael <b>said </b>nothing.


    He understood the logic. He understood the stakes. But that didn¡¯t make it right. The silence hung heavy over the room¨Cuntil Scarlett¡¯s soft sob broke through<b>. </b>


    Til go,¡± she said, voice hoarse. ¡°I¡¯ll marry <b>into </b>Stormridge in Riley¡¯s ce<b>.¡± </b>The three of then turned toward her.


    Scarlett stood with tears <b>pooling </b>in hershes, but she forced a smile. ¡°If marrying him will help the Ebonw Pack then I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯m not even your real daughter. When Riley came home, I should¡¯ve stepped aside.¡±


    Her voice cracked ¡°But I <b>loved </b>you both too much. I <b>couldn¡¯t </b>leave. I know <b>now</b>¡­ I should¡¯ve done something sooner.¡±


    Karl¡¯s heart twisted.


    Scarlett smiled again, even as her tears fell freely. ¡°Even if you <b>don¡¯t </b>see me as your daughter after this¡­ I¡¯m <b>willing </b>to do. what¡¯s best for the family.¡±


    Zara broke down, pulling Scarlett into her arms. ¡°Don¡¯t say such things! You¡¯ll always be my daughter, my baby girl. I would never let you marry someone so dangerous. You have a future with Ronan. You¡¯re already promised.¡±


    She stroked Scarlett¡¯s hair gently. ¡°<b>Don¡¯t </b>worry. When the East Borough project stabilizes, we¡¯ll <b>finalize </b>your marriage with the ckmaw heir. You were <b>meant </b>to be his Luna.¡±


    Scarlet blushed, eyes shyly bright with <b>anticipation</b>,


    Watching the mother¨Cdaughter disy, ric finally smiled. ¡°Go back to Ronan. Spend time with him. Your mother <b>and </b>I need to speak <b>with </b>Kael¡±


    Scarlett and Zara left the room hand in hand.


    Kael stood frozen, watching them go.


    Riley was to be offered up¨Cagain.


    She had always been the one who could <b>endure</b>.


    She was always <b>the </b><b>one </b>expected to endure.


    <b>Kael¡¯s </b>heart twisted painfully


    Behind him, ric slumped into his chair and rubbed his temple. ¡°<b>Kael</b>, I know you care for your sister. <b>But </b>this is bigger than you or her. The survival of Ebonw rests on this marriage. None of us have a choice.¡±


    Kael closed his <b>eyes</b>,


    ¡°I know¡­

 in Vengeance 46

    Scarlen¡¯s POV


    I looked toward the sofa but didn¡¯t see Ronan, nor Riley anywhere around.


    Just as I was wondering, Ronan appeared from the far end of the first¨Cfloor corridor.


    I froze for a moment¨Cwhy would Ronan go that way?


    Then it hit me.


    The storage room at the end of the hall was Riley¡¯s ¡°room.¡± Could it be¡­.


    A dark thought rose inside me, a sharp and bitter hatred bubbling up.


    Riley, you shameless bitch. How dare you seduce Ronan right under my nose? Seems like I haven¡¯t taught you a proper lesson


    yet.


    Thought my face wore a sweet smile, my words were sharp and poisonous when I called <b>out</b>, ¡°Ronan, where have <b>you </b>been?¡±


    He answered casually, ¡°Just wandering around. It¡¯ste, I¡¯m heading back.¡±


    His expression was calm, unreadable.


    I tried to persuade him, ¡°Why not stay for lunch?¡±


    ¡°No, thanks.¡± Without another nce, he left the Vale pack house.


    My eyes followed his retreating figure until <b>he </b>disappearedpletely.


    Then I nced at the closed door at the corridor¡¯s end, my eyes narrowing. Jealousy slithered inside me like a venomous snake.


    Turning to Mom, I said cheerfully, ¡°Mom, it¡¯s almost mealtime. I¡¯ll go <b>upstairs </b>to call Riley down.¡±


    Mom nodded with a contented smile, watching me run upstairs <b>with </b>an indulgent gaze.


    But my real goal wasn¡¯t to call Riley for lunch.


    I needed to check if she was actually in Kael¡¯s bedroom.


    I pushed the door opch¨Cand as I expected, Riley wasn¡¯t there.


    The room was decked out in high¨Cend princess style decor.


    I clenched my teeth in fury.


    Since Riley was hospitalized, Kael had immediately hired people to renovate the room.


    I¡¯d underestimated Riley. She¡¯d only been home a few days and already stolen Kael¡¯s attention away from me.


    A cruel light shed in my eyes.


    If she <b>wasn¡¯t </b>in Kael¡¯s room, then she must be in the storage roofn.


    The thought of what might be happening between her and Ronan in that cramped, dark space nearly set my sanity aze.


    Kael¡¯s affection belongs to the


    Ronan belongs to me too.


    Riley, you shameless wretch. You¡¯re trying to snatch what¡¯s mine. You deserve to die.


    Hatred zing like wildfire, I had my n in an instant


    I stomped down the stairs.


    Mom <b>saw </b>I <b>was </b><b>alone </b><b>and </b>asked, ¡°Scarlett, where¡¯s your sister?¡±


    I put on a disappointed face. ¡°She¡¯s not <b>in </b>Kael¡¯s room. Probably back in her own room.


    Mom¡¯s expression stiffened.


    She already knew Riley was living in that windowless, damp storage room.


    When Kael took Mom there, her heart almost shattered.


    She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Riley <b>living </b><b>in </b>such a dark, cold ce for three whole years.


    So when Kael renovated his room in that princess style to surprise Riley, Mom fully supported it, hoping to mend their mother¨Cdaughter rtionship.


    But since Riley woke <b>up</b>, she <b>had </b>neither thanked them nor shown <b>any </b>gratitude.


    And now she¡¯s gone back to that storage room, like she¡¯s deliberately stabbing a knife in Mom¡¯s heart, refusing to let her rest.


    Mom looked sad and angry, frustrated by Riley¡¯s stubbornness and cold attitude..


    She was about to head for the storage room when I stopped her.


    ¡°Mom, I should go,¡± I said, ¡°Since Riley and I are closer in age, it¡¯s better if I talk to her.¡±


    Mom nodded and sat back down. She agreed¨Cwhy should she, as the elder, <b>stoop </b>to beg a rebellious junior?


    I turned, but the moment I faced the storage room door, my expression hardened like stone.


    Without <b>knocking</b>, I pushed the door open.


    ¡°Wow! Sleeping soundly in broad daylight, aren¡¯t you lucky, sis?¡±


    Riley¡¯s cold eyes snapped open, icy as ever.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Get </b>out!¡± she said tly.


    Iughed, scorn dripping from every word. ¡°Get out? As if you have the right!¡±


    Crossing my arms, I looked her up and down with utter disdain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think being Mom and Dad¡¯s ¡®real¡® daughter gives you the right to boss me around. Take a look¨Cwho do they actually care about?¡±


    ¡°Born with a <b>silver </b>spoon or <b>not</b>, you¡¯re <b>still </b>an unwanted bastard<b>.</b>¡±


    I lifted my chin high, <b>as </b>if Riley were some worthless dust beneath my feet.


    ¡°Listen carefully. Ronan¡¯s mine. Not some trash like you.¡±


    Riley sat <b>up </b>slowly from the fold¨Cout bed, then stood <b>and </b>faced me calmly.


    ¡°Yours<b>? </b><b>You </b><b>can¡¯t </b>even keep him.¡±


    ¡°If you could, Ronan wouldn¡¯t be chasing me all the <b>way </b>to the storage room¨Cand I wouldn¡¯t be stopped from marrying the prince of the Stormridge pack.¡±

 in Vengeance 47

    Riley¡¯s POV


    My lips curled slightly as I leaned toward Scarlett, voice dripping with mockery.


    ¡°Want to know what Ronan told me?¡±


    Scarlett gritted her teeth, ¡°What did Ronan say to you?¡±


    ¡°He said the prince of the Stormridge Pack isn¡¯t someone I should mess with. But Ronan¨Che said I¡¯m allowed to mess <b>with </b>him.¡±


    Her expression twisted in pain, instantly turning fierce and ugly.


    Before I could react, Scarlett raised her hand and pped at my face, shouting. ¡°You shameless bitch!¡±


    I barely dodged, then swung my palm back hard against her cheek¨Cno mercy.


    Growing up. I¡¯ve done all the hard, dirty work. My strength isn¡¯t something a pampered heiress like Scarlett canpare to.


    The p cracked her lip, blood immediately dripping down, staining the carefully chosen white dress she wore.


    Scarlett froze, eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at me.


    When reality hit, hatred surged inside her like a tidal wave, drowning out everything else. She probably wished she could kill me right there.


    ¡°You bitch, how dare you hit me? I¡¯ll make you pay dearly for this!¡±


    She screamed and fled from the storage room.


    Mom was calmly sipping tea in the living room. Scarlett¡¯s scream made her jump to her feet.


    The next moment, Scarlett came <b>rushing </b>in, clutching her face, sobbing, ¡°Mom<b>, </b>help me-


    Her cries were full of helplessness, like the world was crashing down on her.


    Mom hurried over, steadying Scarlett as she examined the injury with concern.


    When Scarlett lowered her hands, the vivid red palm print was impossible to miss.


    ¡°Scarlett, what happened?¡±


    Mom¡¯s voice trembled with anger. She had no doubt who was responsible.


    Scarlett sobbed, her tears streaking down her face. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s Riley. I just went to call her for hunch, and without a word, she hit me. What did I do wrong? Why does she hate me so much? Sniffle¡­¡±


    Mom¡¯s <b>whole </b>body shook with rage. ¡°Riley,e out here right now!¡±


    I wasn¡¯t surprised by Mom¡¯s shout¨CI¡¯d expected <b>this </b><b>the </b>moment I pped Scarlet. But I didn¡¯t regret it.


    Calm and steady, I stepped out to face Mom¡¯s fury.


    ¡°Riley, how could you hit Scarlett? She¡¯s your sister!¡±


    Mom¡¯s words were <b>about </b>how I could hit Scarlett¨Cnot why I did it.


    <b>That </b>told me everything. She didn¡¯t <b>care </b>why I hit her. She only cared that Scarlett <b>got </b>hurt.


    She was quick to me me, no <b>questions </b>asked.


    I looked Mom in the eye, a bitter smile tugging at my lips<i>. </i>


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know why I hit her, Mrs. Vale<b>?</b>¡±


    Mom faltered, momentarily lost for words. But when she looked down at Scarlett, still crying in her arms, her heart.


    hardened.


    ¡°No matter what the <b>reason</b>, you can¡¯t hit someone. Look at your sister¡¯s face¨Cwhat have you done? Riley, stop being so willful Apologize to your sister¡±


    ¡°No matter what the reason.


    I knew Mom was biased. Asking her to be fair was pointless.


    She¡¯d <b>protect </b>Scarlett no <b>matter </b>what, even if it meant sacrificing me¨Cher own daughter.


    Still, I refused to give in. ¡°What if I said she hit me first, and I was just defending myself?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Scarlett¡¯s always been so well¨Cbehaved. She wouldn¡¯t hit <b>you </b>for no reason. You¡¯ve only been home a few days and already caused chaos. I think you¡¯re doing it on purpose¡­


    Her words poured out like gunfire, eager to pin the me on me.


    gaze grew, the weaker her words sounded.


    But the colder my gaze


    ¡°Well? Why¡¯d your stop talking?¡± I clenched my fists tight. ¡°Don¡¯t you have <b>the </b>guts to say it? Or are you too scared?¡± ¡°Since Mrs. Vale <b>won¡¯t </b><b>say </b>it, I will.¡±


    ¡°You call your perfect daughter the one who, five years ago, lured her best friend into the ck Forest¨Cgot her attacked by Rogues, and left her in aa ever since.¡±


    ¡°You call her perfect, yet on the day I came home, she framed me for ruining her birthday dress, humiliating me in front of everyone at Mooncrest City


    ¡°You call her perfect, but she did it again, framing me for pushing her down the stairs, so my father punished me with a belt. I had to cut off my finger to repay that debt, and even in the hospital, she didn¡¯t stop¨Cshe told Maddox <b>everything</b>.¡±


    ¡°What? She¡¯s just waiting for Maddox to sue me?¡±


    My words hit Mom like knives. Her chest tightened painfully; tears started falling uncontrobly.


    ¡°Riley¡­¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Vale!¡± I raised my voice sharply. ¡°Do you really not know what Scarlett has done? Or are you just pretending?¡±


    ¡°Do you not know the hell I¡¯ve been through? Or are you d to <b>see </b>me suffer?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s <b>not </b>like that¡­ Mom sobbed, crocodile tears failing to soften me, only fueling my disgust<b>. </b>


    ¡°You¡¯ve done all these things, yet you still try to deny it? Treating me like an idiot,ughing behind my back while I wait for your mother¡¯s love like a <b>fool</b>¨Cdoes that make you proud? Do <b>you </bugh in the middle of the <b>night</b>?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. Riley, please listen to me. I <b>love </b>you just as much as I love Scarlett,¡±


    I burst outughing¨Ca bitter, painfulugh that shook my whole <b>body </b>and made the wound in my shoulder throb sharply. Pain <b>brought </b>me rity,


    ¡°<b>You </b>say you love me, but you¡¯re the one who drove me insane.


    ¡°I, Riley Vale, <b>was </b>the top student at Moonerest Academy <b>five </b>years ago, the provincial champion, an Ashmoor University. schr.


    And now? What am I? A madwoman, a cripple, a prisoner who will never hold her head up again.¡±


    ¡°My fate was sealed by you. You chose to shelter Scarlett <b>under </b>your wing, and you chose to push me into hell. What right do you have to say your <b>love </b>for <b>us </b>is equal?¡±


    Moin shook her <b>head </b>desperately, ¡°No, <b>that¡¯s </b>not true.¡±


    + Pearls


    Scarlett put on her innocent little act, tears welling up as s


    she looked at me.


    ¡°Sis, I know you hate me. You bully me alone, but why does Mom have <b>to </b><b>join </b>in?¡±


    Mom held Scarlett, crying with her, ¡°Scarlett, stop it. It¡¯s all Mom¡¯s fault.¡±


    They clung to each other, crying in unison.


    I watched the two of them, cold and detached¨Cnothing but a pitiful show.


    Just <b>then</b>, <b>Kael </b>and Dad came out of the study.


    Dad didn¡¯t hesitate. He snarled at <b>me</b><b>, </b>¡°You ungrateful brat. Youe home and start causing trouble <b>again</b><b>. </b>When you were in the hospital, your mother and sister worried themselves sick, unable to eat or sleep. Do you have no heart?¡±


    I looked Dad dead in the eye, no respect, only endless contempt.


    My cracked lips curved into a smirk that said more than words could.


    Dad¡¯s face <b>darkened </b>with rage; veins bulged on his <b>forehead</b>.


    He stormed down the stairs, raising his hand to strike me<b>. </b>


    Kael quickly stepped in, blocking him.


    ¡°Dad, calm <b>down</b>. Let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Dad red fiercely at me, ¡°Kael, let go. I have to teach this disrespectful girl a lesson today!¡±


    Kael held Dad tightly, not letting him get closer.


    I <b>stared </b>at Dad with utter disgust¨Cthe man was the epitome of ¡°bite the hand <b>that </b>feeds.¡±


    He¡¯d been scared witless when I fought him with a knife, yet just dayster, he dares to raise a hand again.


    I could feel the pure hatred radiating from him. Unlike Mom and Kael¡¯s controlled coldness, <b>this </b>was raw, visceral loathing.


    He was supposed to be my father, but he looked at me like a sworn enemy.


    Dad shouted, ¡°Apologize to your mother and Scarlett now!¡±


    ¡°Apologize? Why should I?¡± I shot back.


    Dad¡¯s eyes bulged, ¡°You hurt Scarlett and made your mother cry. Don¡¯t youthink you owe them an apology?¡±


    ¡°I hit Scarlett because she deserved it. As for Mom crying, that¡¯s her problem¨Cshe¡¯s done plenty of shameful things, not


    mine¡±


    Dad trembled with rage, lunging at me again.


    Kael held him back desperately, ¡°Riley, can you just say less<b>?</b>¡±


    I crossed my arms <b>and </b>sneered, ¡°Dad¡¯s about to hit me. I can¡¯t even talk back?


    ¡°Riley,¡± Kael frowned, disapproving. ¡°He¡¯s still your father.¡±


    I <b>scoffed </b><b>coldly</b>, ¡°My <b>father </b>died a long time ago. I¡¯m an orphan.¡±


    Dad¡¯s fury exploded like a volcano. His eyes wide, veins pulsing, cheeks puffed out like a toad.


    <b>He </b><b>shook </b>his finger at me, screaming. ¡°You curse upon this house. Ever since you came back, there hasn¡¯t been a single peaceful day. You¡¯re <b>just </b>here to collect debts!¡±

 in Vengeance 48

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls:


    Hearing his furious usations, a cold smile curled on my lips as I shot back, ¡°I refuse to take the title of bad luck charm. Honestly, Alpha ric fits that name far better.¡±¡°¡±


    ¡°<b>Back </b>then, you were like a dead weight,pletely ignoring me the moment I was born. How else could I have been stolen. away and turned into an orphan? If it weren¡¯t for you insisting on <b>adopting </b>Scarlett, I wouldn¡¯t have been schemed against by that fake heiress once I came back to the Vale family.¡±


    ¡°The chaos in <b>this </b>house, the turmoil tearing us apart¨Cit¡¯s all because of you, a useless coward. Yet you have the nerve to <b>pin </b>every <b>fault </b>on me, <b>a </b><b>weak </b><b>woman</b>.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not just a curse, you¡¯re a spineless failure.¡±


    Each word cut into <b>him </b>like a de.


    Alpha ric, as the Alpha of the <b>Ebonw </b>Pack and head of the Vale family, was used to <b>being </b>worshipped, living high <b>above </b>everyone else,


    Though he was over fifty, he kept himself in great shape¨Ctall,manding, definitely not someone you¡¯d call a loser.


    But here he was, being roasted by his own daughter, chest heaving with rage, breathing short <b>and </b><b>sharp</b>.


    He tried to speak, but something seemed to catch in his throat. No words came out.


    -I wasn¡¯t about to hold back. ¡°What do you mean ¡®you? If I were you, I¡¯d be too ashamed to live the moment I lost my child.


    But look at yourself¨Cno guilt, livingfortably, <b>and </b>still daring to hit and scold me. Why? Because you¡¯re old, so you think you¡¯re right?¡±


    The fire inside me red brighter. No more pretending. No more bending under their torment,


    If they won¡¯t let me live in peace, then I¡¯ll make them pay.


    Alpha ric¡¯s eyes bloodshot, rage swelling like a raging bull as he wrenched free from Kael¡¯s grip and raised his fist to strike. Luna Zara and Kael <b>exchanged </b><b>a </b>nce but didn¡¯t move to stop <b>him</b>¨Calmost daring him to ¡°teach me a lesson.¡±


    <b>Just </b>as his fist came down, I suddenly revealed my ws¨Clong, sharp, gleaming under the light.


    A powerful alpha aura burst from me, filling the room with an oppressive energy that made everyone stagger back. Their breaths <b>caught</b>. Eyes widened.


    I locked <b>eyes </b>with Alpha ric<b>, </b>cold as ancient ice, and growled low, ¡°Try to move again. You want to hit me? Let¡¯s see who¡¯s faster your fist or my ws.¡±


    The raw force of my wolf energy crashed over him like a tidal wave.


    Alpha ric¡¯s face twisted in shock and disbelief.


    Scarlett gasped, stumbling back as <b>if </b>seeing a ghost.


    Luna Zara¡¯s eyes went wide, almost afraid to believe what they saw.


    Kael¡¯s <b>mouth </b>fell open in shock.


    They¡¯d always thought I was just putting on a show, pretending to have any wolf blood in me.


    But now, the sharp gleam of my ws and the surge of wolf power made it painfully clear¨Cthis was no <b>act</b>.


    ¡°This¡­ this can¡¯t be,¡± Alpha ric whispered, clutching her chest. ¡°You¨Cyou¡¯re missing <b>a </b>kidney! Your wolf should be dying!¡±


    Scarlett staggered forward, voiceced with disbelief and venom. ¡°No way¡­ You really have a wolf?¡±


    Kael frowned, staring at me like I was a puzzle with too many missing pieces. ¡°No, <b>that </b>wasn¡¯t fake. That pressure¡­ it felt like at full¨Cblooded <b>Alpha</b>. But¨Chow? What the hell did you take, Riley? Some kind of ck magic <b>potion</b>? Is that how you faked this disy?


    Alpha ric staggered, gasping under the overwhelming pressure.


    Then, with a heavy thud, he copsed to the floor.


    Luna <b>Zara </b>rushed to his side, shaking <b>him </b>frantically. ¡°Alpha ric! What¡¯s wrong? Don¡¯t scare me!¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s tears dried as she red at me, eyes filled with fear and hatred. ¡°Riley, <b>you </b>did this to him.¡±


    I shrugged casually, a faint smile ying on my <b>lips</b>.


    <b>Mia </b>stepped forward nervously. ¡°Miss Riley, what¡¯s happening? Why did he copse¡±


    ¡°Hyperventtion,¡± I said tly. ¡°Too much <b>carbon </b>dioxide expelled from his lungs, causing blood alkalosis. His blood pH rose¨Cbasic respiratory alkalosis.¡±


    Mia blinked, confused. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°It means his breathing went haywire. Basically, he passed out.¡±


    Everyone stared at me, stunned¨Cnot just by my knowledge, but by <b>the </b>undeniable proof of the wolf inside me,


    Even after their insults, none of them dared move. Not <b>when </b>the air still buzzed with my aura. Not when their <b>old </b>scapegoat now stood taller than any of them.


    ¡°<b>Miss </b><b>Riley</b>, what do we do now?¡± Mia asked anxiously.


    -What d


    do


    you mean ¡°do something? If he can be helped, fine. If <b>not</b>¡­ then he can g


    Send Gifts


    go to hell


    €10


    264

 in Vengeance 49

    Riley¡¯s POV


    ¡°Riley!¡± Kael¡¯s voice snapped across the room like a whip.


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°You think this is strength?¡± Kael spat, voice shaking with fury. ¡°You think shing ws and a bit of borrowed aura makes you unstoppable?¡±


    That¡¯s not real power, Riley. It¡¯s desperation. <b>And </b>it reeks.¡±


    He pointed <b>at </b>me, eyes narrowing. ¡°Just like I told them¨Cyou probably used some <b>kind </b>of ck magic tonic to force your wolk out. That scent? It¡¯s unstable. Fading. A trick.¡±


    ¡°Wolves like us earn power through blood, through battle, not shortcuts. Keep chasing easy paths and you¡¯ll destroy yourself.¡±


    His words were like a desperate mantra, a way tofort himself¨Cdenying the truth of my strength while trying to shove me back into the box they¡¯d always <b>kept </b>me in


    1 looked at him coldly and said quietly,


    ¡°Then pray I don¡¯t take the hard path. Because if I do, you¡¯ll be the first one down.¡±


    ¡°Keep dreaming. Riley<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>


    You¡¯ll burn out within arlett sneered <b>from </b>behind <b>him</b>. ¡°Whatever you took to summon that wolf of yours? It won¡¯tst.


    Zara¡¯s voice followed, soft but <b>sharp </b>like the edge of a poisoned dagger. ¡°No amount of dark magic <b>can </b>rewrite fate. You were born to kneel, not rule. And when <b>that </b>twisted power turns on you¨Cdon¡¯t expect anyone to catch you.¡±


    ¡°Mark my words,¡± Scarlett added, eyes gleaming with bitter fire. ¡°That wolf will devour you from the inside out. It¡¯s not strength. It¡¯s a curse.¡±


    I didn¡¯t even flinch<b>. </b>


    I walked straight into the dining hall, pulled out a chair, and sat down like I hadn¡¯t heard a damn thing. I picked up my fork and started eating slowly, deliberately, like their panic and screeching didn¡¯t exist.


    The roast venison was delicious¨Ctender, marinated just right, juices still warm from the hearth.


    Funny, <b>isn¡¯t </b>it?


    I¡¯ve lived twenty¨Cthree years. And this was the first time I¡¯ve ever tasted meat this rich, this full of vor.


    In the orphanage? We were lucky to get dry bread and overcooked stew.


    Back at the Ebonw estate? I only got cold leftovers¨Csometimes even discarded bones scraped clean by others.


    It was only when I was thrown into prison that I tasted actual warm, decent food.


    If Ronan hadn¡¯t ordered the guards to ¡°look after me,¡± I would¡¯ve sworn <b>that </b>a cell was still better than this damn house.


    I chewed slowly, savoring each bite, letting the vor sit on my tongue before swallowing


    When I finally spoke, my voice was calm and crisp, cutting like ice.


    ¡°You think your <b>opinions </b>matter to someone <b>who </b>crawled out of a grave you dug<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°<b>Save </b>your breath. You¡¯ll need it for the next time I knock the <b>air </b>out of yo


    <b>your </b>lungs.


    ¡°My heart? You¡¯re <b>asking </b>if <b>I </b><b>have </b>one? That¡¯s rich,ing from a family that trampled mine until there was nothing left Why? Because I¡¯m treating you the same way you treated me, and <b>now </b>it¡¯s suddenly a problem?¡±


    Zara¡¯s tears flowed freely now. ¡°Riley, how can you be so heartless? Your father¡¯s barely breathing, and you still <b>have </b>the nerve


    I didn¡¯t even look at her. I stabbed another piece of meat and ced it in my mouth.


    Chapter 4U


    8 Pearls


    They say when you¡¯re dying, your senses sharpen Eremembered thus from prison. Ed almost died there too. But here, in this ding, surrounded by people whas calles themselves family, Frealized something else


    My soul <b>shied </b>long before Lever set foot in a cell.


    I swallowed and met Zara¡¯s tearful gaze with utter indifference,


    ¡°You want to talk about heartless? Let me remind you what heartless really looks like


    I was the Spring Moon Festival during my final year at Monnerest Academy. I was burning up with fever¨Cthree days <b>and </b>ights of pure hell. I couldn¡¯t shift, couldn¡¯t move, couldn¡¯t even crawl from the freezing storage rooms they locked me in.


    No water. No food. Just cold shadows and silence.


    It Mia <b>hasn¡¯t </b>returned from her husliy and found me <b>half</b>¨Cdead on <b>the </b>floor, I¡¯d be rotting beneath the Ebonw Pack¡¯s sacred tree by now.


    And when she confronted ric and Zara?


    Maric shrugged, ¡°She¡¯s taking it. Always is. Trying to win sympathy again. I know her game¡±


    Zarasighed, ever so gentle. ¡°Riley really shouldn¡¯t stay in her room three days without eating. It¡¯s <b>not </b>healthy for a young


    She knew. They knew.


    But they didn¡¯t litt a w.


    I remember dragging myself to the kitchen to find water, and Laverheard everything


    That night, the frost in my veins was no fever¨Cit was the truth finally settling into my <b>bones</b><b>. </b>


    They didn¡¯t care if Llived or died.


    Hell, even Scarlett¡¯s <b>mutt </b>was worth more than me.


    When that decrepit old hound fell ill weekster, the entire family went into mourning. They spent tens of thousands on herbal healers, rune¨Ccharged diagnostics, moonstone therapy¨Cyou name it.


    The dog died of old age, obviously. It was eighteen. Could barely <b>walk</b>,


    But they cried like they¡¯d lost a firstbor


    They held a moon¨Cblessed funeral, <b>Chanted </b>prayers. Burned sacred sage.


    <b>And </b>then Scarlett sand it was <b>my </b>fault.


    That I¡¯d cursed her dog by being sick near it.


    Of course, ric believed her.


    He forced me to kneel barefoot in the snow to ¡°repent.¡°


    It was during my heat cycle. I was still ate bloomer, barely had my moon blood then.


    1 fainted <b>Agalli </b>


    Atia <b>saved </b>me. Again.


    That <b>sickness </b>lingered for weeks. My cycles were dyed for months after. <b>And </b>when they returned, they brought pain sharp enough to make me wish I never shifted at all.


    All of that¡ªbecause of them.


    And like a fool, I used to still want their approval.


    Scarlett¡¯s <b>voice </b>snapped <b>through </b>my haze. ¡°If anything <b>happens </b>to Father, I swear I won¡¯t forgive you!¡±


    I set my fork down¨Chard.


    The ng echoed in the room.


    ¡°Forgive me? You must be delusional¡±


    I stood and walked slowly toward her, every step deliberate, steady


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t remember? You broke into my room first. You threw the first punch. You ran to Zara, sobbing lies. Your precious father saw your crocodile tears and flew into a rage. Now he¡¯s copsed.¡±


    I raised my voice with each word,,


    ¡°He¡¯s suffering from <b>aura </b>imbnce and spirit chamber overload because he lost control of his wolf. Because you set the fire and watched it burn. And now you want to pin the ashes on me?¡±


    I reached her and, without warning, pped her across the face¨Chard.


    Another <b>neat </b>red print bloomed beside the <b>one </b>I¡¯d left earlier,


    ¡°Perfect symmetry,¡± I sneered.


    <b>Zara </b>screeched and lunged at me, but I stepped aside. She tripped and <b>hit </b>the ground hard.


    Kael finally snapped. He shoved me backward, fury in his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s ENOUGH!¡±


    1 stumbled, but Mia catight me.


    Kael¡¯s hand hovered midair¨Cthen dropped. So did his concern.


    He pulled his <b>hand </b>back slowly, like I burned him.


    ¡°You still think I¡¯m the viin here?¡± Iughed bitterly. ¡°ric¡¯s turning purple on the floor, and <b>you </b>haven¡¯t even summoned a healer. You¡¯re just standing there waiting for him to die so you can finally take his ce as Alpha, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°SHUT UP!¡± he roared, voice cracking.


    Then make me.¡±


    As we traded barbs, ric¡¯s limbs began to stiffen. His face twisted, eyes rolling back. The telltale signs of lunar suffocation- when a wolf¡¯s spirit detaches from their breath due to emotional overload. The sacred breath <b>stops </b>syncing with the body, and without swift intervention-


    Death follows.


    Scarlett screamed. ¡°Do <b>something</b>! He¡¯s going to die!¡±


    Kael fumbled with hism, trying to reach Theo,


    No answer.


    Zara <b>was </b>pacing, hands shaking like brittle leaves in the wind.


    And me?


    Istood above them all, watching it unfold <b>like </b>a bad dream finallying true.


    A part of me wanted to let him go.


    But if he died, they¡¯d me me. Take my money. Hunt me like prey.


    I sighed and turned to Mia.


    ¡°Bring me a stormleaf sack from the kitchen,¡± I ordered.


    She blinked. ¡°A what?¡±


    ¡°Top shelf. Behind the healing salts.¡±


    Mia ran and returned momentster with the woven dark¨Cblue p


    pouch.


    +8 Pearls


    I stepped forward and pulled it open, cing it gently over ric¡¯s face.


    Everyone lost their minds.


    Scarlett screeched. ¡°You¡¯re killing him! You witch¨Cyou¡¯re trying to suffocate him!¡±


    I shoved her back. ¡°Be quiet if you don¡¯t know what the hell you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    They gaped at me in silence.


    ¡°Stormleaf is a grounding herb,¡± I exined coldly. ¡°It traps a wolf¡¯s own breath <b>aura</b>. He¡¯s over¨Cventted¨Chis body¡¯s expelled too much primal energy <b>and </b>lost bnce. He¡¯s not dying. He¡¯s resetting.¡±


    I <b>nced </b>at Scarlet.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you ce top ten at Halston Academy? What, no basic understanding of wolf physiology?¡±


    She flushed but <b>said </b>nothing-


    A few tense minutester, ric stirred.


    He ripped off <b>the </b>sack and gasped for breath, his pupils finally returning to center.


    Then, like the brute he <b>was</b>, heunched up¨Ctrying to attack me,


    ¡°Careful,¡± I said icily. ¡°Lose control again<b>, </b><b>and </b>next time, I¡¯ll let the spirits finish what they started.¡±


    ¡°<b>You </b>ungrateful-


    I turned away, already heading for the stairs.


    ¡°Stay out of the upstairs rooms!¡± he bellowed. ¡°You belong in the storage den!¡±


    I stopped halfway up the steps.


    Then turned slightly and looked down on him.


    ¡°Before, I stayed out of guilt,¡± I said. ¡°Now, I stay out of pity: I saved your pathetic life. That room? It¡¯s your debt to me. Be grateful I don¡¯t charge more. Because if I did¡­¡±


    I smiled coldly.


    ¡°I¡¯d be taking this whole damned house.¡±


    ric¡¯s eyes bulged. ¡°You¨C1¡±


    Kael hurriedly shoved the stormleaf sack back <b>over </b>ric¡¯s head


    I watched him wheeze into the bag, the pouch inting and deting like a balloon.


    li was almost funny.


    I smirked to myself.


    Turns out, once you stop giving a damn, you get to enjoy the chaos.


    And for the first time in years, I was starting to feel alive.

 in Vengeance 50

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The moment I closed the door <b>behind </b>me, I copsed onto the bed with a long, weary sigh.


    Moon above, how I¡¯d missed the feel of an actual mattress.


    If I hadn¡¯t been stolen at birth, if fate had yed fair just once, I¡¯d have woken up on a bed like this every single morning for thest twenty¨Cthree years. Not on concrete. Not on wood. Not on moldy nkets <b>in </b><b>a </b>storage closet.


    I closed my eyes and tried to absorb the rare silence. The rare stillness. For once, no screaming, no threats, no footsteps. outside my <b>door</b>.


    Just¡­ quiet.


    Ten minutes passed¨Cmaybe more¨Cbefore I heard the knock.


    Three taps, Rhythmic. Gentle. Predictable.


    I didn¡¯t even have to guess.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Mia stepped inside. careful as ever, holding a bowl that steamed like a dream. The smell hit me first¨Crich, warm,forting<b>. </b>¡°Miss Riley,¡± she said softly, ¡°you should eat something. You barely touched your dinner earlier.¡±


    I sat up, epting the bowl with a nod, but didn¡¯t eat right away. Instead, I nced at her..


    ¡°They all think my wolf showed up because of some ck magic tonic,¡± I said<b>, </b>voice low and almost bitter. ¡°Even Kael. No one¡¯s asked how or why. Not even you.


    <b>Mia </b>met my eyes, unflinching.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t <b>need </b>to ask,¡± she said simply.


    I blinked. ¡°Why not?¡±


    She sat beside me, hands folded in herp. ¡°Because the day you took that belt for me the day you raised your arm and your ws came out just to shield me¡­¡± Her voice trembled, just slightly. That¡¯s when I knew, Your wolf never left.¡±


    I looked away. Something hot and sharp twisted in my chest.


    ¡°I just didn¡¯t know what they did to you,¡± she continued, quieter now. ¡°What they put you through in that prison. What kind of pain would make an Alpha wolf go so quiet¡­ so still.¡±


    She reached out and gently touched my bandaged hand.


    ¡°But I never once believed she was gone. Only that you were protecting her. Or maybe she was protecting you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t trust my voice<b>, </b>so I said nothing.


    She gave <b>a </b>small<b>, </b>sad smile. ¡°They can talk about curses and potions all they want. I saw <b>what </b>real strength looks like. And it <b>wasn¡¯t </b>borrowed. It was yours.¡±


    <b>I </b>sat up, leaning against the headboard <b>as </b>she handed me the bowl. It was her usual sunfire noodles¨Chandmade, served in clear broth, topped with moonleaf <b>greens</b>, a poached egg, and just enough wild chive oil to make your mouth water. The scent alone made my stomach grumble.


    I blinked <b>quickly</b>, suddenly fighting the sting behind my eyes.


    ¡°Thanks, Mia,¡± I murmured, my voice cracking


    She was the only one in this house who had ever treated me like <b>I </b>mattered. She noticed when I <b>was </b>cold, She brought me


    +8 Pearls


    food when I was locked away. She stood between me and ric¡¯s lists more times <b>than </b>I could count.


    If not for her¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have survived..


    ¡°Truly,¡± I added, my fingers tightening around the bowl. ¡°I¡¯m still alive because of <b>you</b><b>.¡± </b>


    Her eyes welled up, but she smiled gently.


    Then, after a pause, she whispered. ¡°Miss Riley¡­ maybe you should run. Tonight. Slip away while they¡¯re distracted.¡±


    Her words hit like a gust of wind through my already cracked defenses.


    Fora split <b>second</b>, I wanted to say yes. Gods, I wanted to say yes.


    But then Nyra stirred inside me.


    ¡°Run?¡± her voice was faint, almost a sigh. ¡°You¡¯ve run enough. We both have. You know what must be done.¡±


    I exhaled slowly and looked back at Mia. ¡°I can¡¯t,¡±


    Her face crumpled. ¡°Why not? You don¡¯t owe them anything. You- Her voice broke. ¡°<b>You </b>don¡¯t know what he did while you were unconscious.


    I didn¡¯t need to ask. I already knew.)


    Nyra¡¯s presence pulsed gently in my chest, coiled but aware, She never truly slept¨Cnot when danger was near.


    Mia tried to keep her voice calm. ¡°They dragged you out of the hospital bed, Riley. The wound on your shoulder split open. You bled through your gown, and he still forced you <b>into </b>the car like you were <b>a </b>sack of grain.¡±


    I swallowed hard.


    Nyra growled softly in the back of my mind. ¡°Cowards. Bastards. They will pay, Riley. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    I forced a smile onto my lips. ¡°Maybe marrying into the Stormridge won¡¯t be so bad.¡±


    Mia stared at <b>me</b>, horror on her face. ¡°You <b>can¡¯t </b>mean that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t, I whispered.


    But she and her daughter were the only two people in the world I cared about.


    And I knew one thing as long as they remained within ric¡¯s reach, I would never be free. So I had to stay. I had to y along until I had what I needed.


    One <b>million </b>credits. <b>That </b><b>was </b>the bride price.


    Enough to <b>get </b>Mia and her daughter out of the country,


    They were my weakness. My soft spot. If they stayed, the Vales would always have a chain around my neck.


    ¡°I should eat this before it gets soggy,¡± I said, changing the subject <b>and </b>shoving a mouthful of noodles into my mouth before <b>Mia </b>could argue.


    She watched me<b>, </b>sadness etched into every <b>line </b>of her face.


    Late the entire bowl¨Csoup and all.


    When she left with the empty dish, my smile dropped instantly.


    I sat in the silence and made a silent vow.


    ¡°Just a little longer, Mu. Hang on. Once I get that money, I¡¯ll burn this house to the ground if I <b>have </b>to.¡±


    The next seven days <b>passed </b>in uneasy calm.


    I barely left my room except to eat. I avoided everyone else like the gue. Even Scarlett, for once, kept her distance.


    But I knew it couldn¡¯tst.


    That morning, after brushing my hair and slipping on something simple, I opened my bedroom door and nearly ran face-


    first into Zara.


    <b>She </b>was smiling. Too widely. Too fake.


    n her hands was a glossy shopping bag-


    1 froze. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Zara kept her tone light, sugary sweet. ¡°I just wanted to give you something. A gift.¡±


    She held up the bag like it was the moon itself. ¡°I <b>had </b>this dress specially picked for you. For tonight<b>.</b>¡±


    I didn¡¯t <b>take </b>it.


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood for charity, Zara, Just say <b>what </b>you want and go.¡±


    The fake smile twitched. ¡°Riley, do we really have to keep fighting? I¡¯m still your mother.¡±


    I let out a sharp. humorlessugh<b>. </b>¡°You¡¯re my mother now? Since when? When you ignored me in the storage room? When you let your husband beat me bloody?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you


    want to try on the dress?¡± she asked weakly. ¡°Let me be a mother <b>to </b>you, just once?¡±


    ¡°Why now?¡± I snapped. ¡°What¡¯s <b>so </b><b>special </b>about tonight? Wait¨Clet me guess. There¡¯s a banquet. Some public event where you want me <b>to </b>show up like a good little daughter, arm candy for the Stormridge heir.¡±


    Her <b>silence </b>was answer enough.


    I stepped back and crossed my arms. ¡°If you really cared, you¡¯d give me money. I could buy my own dress. Something I actually like. But no, you want me to <b>wear </b>your pick, smile on cue, and impress your precious guests.¡±


    ¡°You think I want to sell you off?¡± <b>she </b>whispered, eyes welling with tears onmand.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I said bluntly. That¡¯s exactly what you¡¯re <b>doing</b><b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to help,¡± she pleaded.


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to look like you care. But you don¡¯t. You never have.¡±


    I could see it in her eyes¨Cguilt and shame fighting for dominance,


    ¡°Let me guess,¡± I <b>said</b>. ¡°The banquet¡¯s tonight, right? The Stormridge prince will be there, and you want me to dazzle him with my charming <b>personality</b>?¡±


    ¡°Riley¡­


    <b>¡°</b>Save it,¡± I cut in, stepping forward. ¡°We both <b>know </b>I don¡¯t have a choice. You want me to go because you think it¡¯ll make you look good. <b>And </b>if I refuse, you¡¯ll <b>find </b>a way to punish me<b>.</b>¡±


    She said nothing.


    That silence told ine everything.


    Nyr?stirred again, her voice low and lethal. ¡°Let me out, Riley. Let me <b>speak </b><b>through </b>you. Let me show them <b>what </b>a real Alpha looks like¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± I whispered back. ¡°Soon¡±


    <b>Zara </b>tried to smile again, but I could see the cracks.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You¡¯ve </b>always wanted to be epted,¡± she said gently. ¡°Maybe tonight¡¯s your <b>chance</b>.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± I murmured, reaching for the door.


    ¡°Riley-


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± I said without looking back. ¡°I¡¯ll wear the damn dress.¡±


    And I will.


    Because when I burn this family to ash, I want them all dressed for the asion.


    Send <b>Gifts </b>

 in Vengeance 51

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I didn¡¯t say anything.


    Just reached into the shopping bag and pulled out the dress.


    ?


    +8 Pearls


    Red. Spaghetti straps. Generic cut. The <b>kind </b>of thing you¡¯d find in the clearance bin of any downtown <b>boutique</b>. Cheap, boring, <b>and </bpletely forgettable.


    Even when they tried to pretend they cared¨Cthey couldn¡¯t be bothered to do it <b>right</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°How <b>thoughtful</b>, Luna Zara,¡± I said,cing each word with sarcasm, dragging out ¡°thoughtful¡± like a knife across ss.


    Her smile twitched. She knew exactly what I meant


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it,¡± she said awkwardly, ¡°I <b>can </b>find something else. Something more your taste.¡±


    I tossed the dress back at her. ¡°You do realize I¡¯m still covered in bruises, right? You want me to <b>show </b>up at a formal event looking like I walked through <b>a </b>warzone?


    my back. And


    The welts ric left behind with his belt had faded, but the shadows were still there¨Con my arms, my <b>thighs</b>, the worst of it¨Cmy shoulder¨Cstill bore the angry red stretch of half¨Chealed scars. A strappy dress like this would put every mark on disy.


    Zara blinked like she¡¯d only just remembered. ¡°I¨CI didn¡¯t think-


    ¡°Yeah, I figured. You don¡¯t think much when ites to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, truly,¡± she murmured, lowering her eyes. ¡°I wasn¡¯t being considerate. <b>I </b>apologize.¡±


    ¡°Forget it. Just give me the money. I¡¯ll buy my own dress¨Cone that actually fits.¡±


    My body had never <b>caught </b>up with me. Years of malnourishment behind cell doors will do that. Where I should¡¯ve filled out, I never did. I was small, <b>fragile</b>¨Clooking. <b>Thin </b>in ways that screamed neglect.


    Everyone in the Ebonw Pack had model¨Cperfect genes. ric stood at 6¡¯1. Kael Vale was even <b>taller</b>. Zara had once been a beauty queen at Mooncrest Academy.


    Met


    I barely hit 53, with bones like bird wings and not a curve in sight. If I didn¡¯t have this face¨Cone that mirrored <b>every </b>sculpted feature of theirs¨Cno one would believe I was the Ebonw heiress at all.


    The dress Zara bought <b>wasn¡¯t </b>mine¨Cit <b>was </b>tailored to Scarlett¡¯s measurements,


    Of course it was.


    She turned red <b>from </b>neck to ears and fumbled inside her purse before shoving a card at me. ¡°There¡¯s¡­ ten thousand credits on here. If it¡¯s <b>not </b>enough, <b>just </b><b>ask</b>.¡±


    And with <b>that</b><b>, </b>she <b>practically </b><b>ran</b>.


    I didn¡¯t waste time. Threw on a hoodie <b>and </b>left the estate, gged a hover¨C<b>cab </b>straight to the <b>Nightshade </b><b>Mall</b>.


    But I <b>didn¡¯t </b>goed a dress boutique.


    I walked into a suit tailor¡¯s shop


    Formal. Functional. Full coverage.


    Exactly what I needed.


    The assistant helped me pick a fitted ck suit. I took it into the changing room. As I zipped it up and turned to face the marror, something caught my attention just outside the door.


    139 PM <b>d </b>


    +8 Pearls


    A guy. Young. Slim. <b>Clean</b>¨Ccut. No Pack crest visible, but judging by the leather briefcase and polished shoes, he worked for someone high up.


    He held up a <b>ruined </b>jacket. ¡°<b>You </b>really can¡¯t fix it?¡±


    The tailor grimaced. ¡°It¡¯s Moonfang silk, <b>sir</b>. Top grade. <b>But </b>the burn is right through the chest. You¡¯d need <b>a </b>master stitcher to reweave the fibers, and even then it won¡¯t be perfect.¡±


    The guy cursed under his breath. ¡°Damn it, Our Alpha has a summit tonight¨Cthis was supposed to be his custom piece.¡±


    He looked like he was about to cry.


    I nced at the jacket in his hands. It was exquisite. Rich texture<b>. </b>Tailored to someone broad in the shoulders and lean at the waist, I¡¯d only seen this level of craftsmanship a few times¨Calways on visiting Alphas from the Stormridge Pack or Northhaven.


    <b>Moonfang </b>silk could cost a small fortune per yard.


    And repairing it would cost even more.


    He turned¨Cand <b>caught </b><b>sight </b>of me.


    my bones.


    I was still in my ck suit, brushing invisible <b>lint </b>from the sleeve. The <b>shoulders </b>gave me power I didn¡¯t have in The clean <b>lines </b>skimmed my <b>waist </b>and made my pale skin glow like polished pearl. Under the lights, I didn¡¯t look like a victim. I looked like someone in control.


    He rushed over, desperation in on his face.


    ¡°You¡¯re the tailor <b>here</b>, right? Can you help?¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°This <b>jacket</b>. Please. If you can patch it before sundown, I¡¯ll pay anything. Anything¡±


    I should¡¯ve told him no.


    But the way he looked at me¨Clike I mattered¨Clike he needed me¡­ it made something flicker deep inside. Something <b>I </b>hadn¡¯t felt in a long time.


    ¡°Say yes,¡± Nyra whispered faintly<b>. </b>¡°Let them see what your hands can do. Let them remember who you are.¡±


    ¡°Can I¡­ embroider something over it?¡± I asked cautiously.


    He hesitated. ¡°Like a <b>patch</b>?


    ¡°More like a crest. I could use Moonweave¨Csomething <b>detailed</b><b>. </b>Artistic.¡±


    The man looked torn.


    ¡°You know Moonweave?¡± he asked, eyebrows rising.


    ¡°I learned it¡­ a while <b>ago</b>.¡±


    I didn¡¯t tell him I learned it behind prison <b>bars</b>. That the warden saw potential in my hands and put me under a master seamstress <b>who¡¯d </b>been jailed for stealing royal silks.


    That <b>those </b>womenbroke me, starved me, beat me¨Cbut never let anyone ruin my fingers.


    Beordse my <b>hands </b>meant profit.


    I


    I didn¡¯t know if I was any good. Maybe I was just better than the rest of the broken women I stitched beside.


    But I could try.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said atst, teeth clenched. ¡°You¡¯re right. The hole¡¯s visible anyway. Might <b>as </b>well make it art.¡±


    He handed over the jacket like he was handing me hisst breath


    I took it and sat down, rolling up <b>my </b>sleeves.


    ¡°Do you have thread?¡± I asked the <b>tailor</b>.


    She brought over a box of high¨Cend silks¨Cck, gold, crimson.


    I chose gold.


    Moonweave embroidery required precision.


    +B Pearls +8


    Before stitching. I split one thread into forty¨Ceight slivers¨Ceach thinner than a hair. The assistant¡¯s <b>jaw </b>dropped. The guy with the jacket looked like he¡¯d seen a ghost.


    1 let the needle glide between my fingers, In. Out. Under. Over<b>. </b>


    It was meditative. Addictive.


    I stitched in silence¨Cjust me, the thread, <b>and </b>the silk.


    Each movement was deliberate. The threads formed the shape of a flower. <b>A </b>peony, bold and unfurling. Layer uponyer of golden petals shimmered under the light. I added tiny silver strands in the center, mimicking <b>morning </b>dew.


    The whole thing pulsed with life.


    When I finished, I sat back <b>and </b>exhaled slowly.


    The guy took the jacket with trembling fingers¨Cand gasped.


    ¡°This¡­ this is unreal. You didn¡¯t fix it¨Cyou elevated it.¡±


    The staff all crowded around, murmuring admiration.


    I smiled. faint and tired. ¡°d it¡¯s good enough.¡±


    ¡°<b>Good </b>enough<b>? </b>It¡¯s perfect.¡± He looked dazed. ¡°What do I owe you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I said, ¡°Call it a <b>favor </b>to the Moon. I needed something good today. This helped.¡±


    He thanked me <b>again</b>¨Cprofusely¨Cand hurried out with the jacket,


    When I stepped outside, the sky had gone dark.


    Streemps lit the sidewalk in soft golden hues,


    I gged another hover¨C<b>cab</b><b>, </b>returned to the estate¨Conly to find it empty.


    ric, Zara, Scarlett, and Kael were already gone.


    I didn¡¯t care.


    In fact, I was halfway back up the stairs when a ck SUV pulled up, window down, driver ring.


    ¡°Get in,¡± he snapped. ¡°<b>Alpha </b><b>and </b>Luna said to bring you to the auction.¡±


    I didn¡¯t move.


    He frowned ¡°Well¡±


    I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Get out. Open the door.¡±


    He scoffed ¡°<b>You </b>don¡¯t have hands?¡±


    Wrong answer


    3:30 PM


    I took one step <b>toward </b>him<b>. </b>My presence alone made him flinch.


    ¡°Remind them.¡± Nyra purred. ¡°Remind them who you are.¡±


    They still hadn¡¯t figured it out.


    This wasn¡¯t about me begging to be epted.


    This <b>was </b>about them needing me to marry into Stormridge for the Pack¡¯s survival.


    They needed me.


    Send Gifts


    264

 in Vengeance 52

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I slidy¡¯t spare the driver <b>another </b>nce.


    ? +8 Pearls.


    Turned around and walked straight back into the Ebonw estate, heels echoing against the marble like a deration of <b>war</b>.


    He barked at me like a nutt, thinking just because he <b>drove </b>for <b>Alpha </b>ric, he could speak down to me. Guess he forgot- Tm not a slog. I¡¯m the daughter they buried and now suddenly need.


    Tetum weat


    Which <b>he </b>did.


    It didu beven take a full minute before I heard his panicked footsteps behind me. Gone was the arrogance he was all smiles now, practically <b>groveling</b>.


    ¡°Miss, please¨CAlpha and Lama are waiting for you at the summit. If you don¡¯te now, we¡¯ll bete.¡±


    didn¡¯t answer.


    it down on the leather couch, poured myself a cup of jasmine tea, and sipped it slowly. Deliberately.


    The driver hovered like a fly in summer heat, pacing and fidgeting like a rogue in heat season.


    ¡°Please.¡± he tried again, nearly begging, ¡°it¡¯s my fault. I spoke out of turn. But the summit¡¯s already begun¨Cif we don¡¯t leave dow, we¡¯ll miss it entirely.¡±


    I finally looked up, locking eyes with him.


    ¡°Know your ce.¡± I said quietly. ¡°You¡¯re a driver, not a Pack Elder. If it¡¯s <b>not </b>your concern, stay out of it.<b>¡± </b>


    He paled ¡°Yes, Miss. I understand.¡±


    No, he didn¡¯t. But at least he pretended to.


    I


    finished thest sip of tea and checked the clock. 8:00 PM sharp. The summit must¡¯ve already started.


    I let another thirty minutes tick by just to be petty. Then I rose, set the cup <b>down </b>gently, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    He looked like he¡¯d just been pardoned from a death sentence. Practicaly sprinted to the SUV to open the door for me.


    This time, I didn¡¯t argue. Slipped into the <b>back </b>seat, one leg crossed over the other, and leaned back with my eyes closed. Nyra stirred faintly inside me.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve made him crawl,¡± <b>she </b><b>growled</b>.


    ¡°No.¡± I answered silently. ¡°Thatester. After I¡¯ve <b>won</b>.


    Third Person POV


    At the same time, the summit was already halfway through


    The Ebonw delegation <b>sat </b>clustered in the front row of the Silverfang Auction Hall¨CAlpha ric, Luna Zara Kael Vale, and of course, Scarlett


    Atari¡¯s jaw was locked tight, face stormy with barely leashed <b>fury</b><b>. </b>¡°Where the hell is that ungrateful brat? It¡¯s been over thirty


    Zata twisted her hands in herp. ¡°ric, <b>do </b>you have her number? Just call her.¡±


    If I had it, don¡¯t you think I would¡¯ve already tried he snapped. ¡°You don¡¯t have it?¡±


    ¡°Thought you had it, she hissed, visibly flustered.


    340 PM


    Kael <b>groaned </b><b>and </b>pulled out his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll call the driver.¡±


    The line connected quickly.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± <b>Kael </b>barked. ¡°The summit started half an hour ago.


    The driver¡¯s voice was hesitant. ¡°We just left the estate, Young Alpha¡­¡±


    ¡°You what?¡±


    Kael¡¯s voice exploded like a whip crack.


    ¡°We told you to pick her up before the summit began!¡±


    ¡°She¡­refused to leave. <b>I </b>tried-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what she did,¡± <b>Kael </b>growled. ¡°She better be here before the final lot is announced.¡±


    He hung up without waiting for a response.


    Across the row, Scarlett was paying attention to something else entirely.


    Her gaze <b>had </b>been fixed all night on one man¨Cthe Stormridge heir from Northhaven.


    Lucien Duskgrave.


    +8 Pearls


    He stood alone, detached from both council and crowd, like a phantom who tolerated no presence but his own. There were whispers everywhere, of course.


    That he was


    was cursed.


    That he couldn¡¯t bond with a mate.


    That every Luna chosen for him either ran, died, or lost her mind before the mating bond could fully seal.


    They said he was born during a blood eclipse¨Can omen of doom¨Cand marked by a red peony on his chest, one that no healer could erase and no silver could <b>scar </b>


    The blood peony. The mark of the Lonely Alpha.


    They said he was destined to live without love. To rule without mercy. That even the Moon Goddess herself turned her face from him.


    Scarlett had believed the stories.


    Until now.


    Until she saw him in the flesh.


    He was breathtaking


    Angr cheekbones piercing silver eyes, a jaw carved like it belonged to a god of war. And that suit¨Cgods, that suit.


    It wasn¡¯t just expensive. It was <b>divine</b><b>. </b>


    Midnight<b>¨C</b>ck. Hand¨Cstitched. And across his chest, a single, blood¨Cred peony embroidered with <b>such </b>precision it looked


    Scarlett¡¯s breath caught.


    No one who dressed like that no one who looked like <b>that </b>could be <b>as </b>monstrous as the rumors imed. Could they!


    Jealousy twisted in her gut like poison.


    +8 Pearls


    Riley.


    That monster¡­ was supposed to marry B


    Riley, the forgotten daughter. The girl who¡¯d spent half her life in chains, then returned like a ghost the Pack wished would disappear again.


    Why should she be gifted a <b>man </b>like <b>that</b><b>? </b>


    Scarlett¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line.


    If the Stormridge Prince was truly as cruel as <b>they </b>said¨Cso be it. Let Riley rot in that marriage.


    But if the rumors were wrong¡­ if this Prince was powerful and desirable¡­ then Riley didn¡¯t deserve him.


    No.


    Scarlett wouldn¡¯t stand by <b>and </b>let Riley get a single shred of happiness.


    Not when she¡¯d spent her whole life <b>stealing </b>scraps of attention that rightfully belonged to her.


    She grabbed her phone and typed out a message quickly.


    The driver nced at <b>Riley </b>through the rearview mirror. She was leaning back in the <b>seat</b><b>, </b>eyes closed, serene andposed.


    But in his eyes, a cold glint flickered.


    He had just received the message.


    And it came from Scarlett.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 53

    Author¡¯s POV


    Inside the auction <b>hall</b>, the atmosphere was electric.


    +8 Pearls


    A massive screen projected the blueprint and development n of the East Ridge territorynd that had be the centerpiece of tonight¡¯s bidding war. The crowd leaned in, eyes zing with ambition.


    The auctioneer¡¯s voice rang out clearly, ¡°Up next, we present the most anticipated item of the evening¨Cthe East Ridge territory. Located near Moonshade Bay, thisnd boasts exceptional spiritual energy and strategic significance. Starting price 10 billion lunar stones. Each raise must be no less than 100 million.¡±


    Whispers turned into murmurs, and murmurs into tension¨Csoaked silence.


    Everyone knew: securing thisnd meant controlling the beating heart of East Haven¡¯s future.


    Kael Vale, heir to the Ebonw Pack, was the first <b>to </b>raise his paddle. ¡°Ten point five billion,<b>¡± </b><b>he </b>announced with calm authority.


    Representing the Vale family. Kael had been sent with a clear directive from <b>Alpha </b>ric: win this auction, at all costs.


    Before <b>his </b>voice had even faded, Ronan Duskcliff, the brooding heir of another powerful ckw, raised the <b>stakes</b>. ¡°Eleven


    billion<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    With two Alphas¨Cin¨Cwaiting taking the lead, the crowd¡¯s blood heated. Paddles flew up like war banners, each bid more aggressive than thest.


    But as the numbers climbed past 20 billion, smaller families and corporations began bowing out, resigned to watching the


    titans sh.


    Then, just as the bidding showed signs of slowing, <b>a </b>voice rang out from the front.


    Thirty billion,¡± said a man with calm detachment<b>, </b>holding up his paddle.


    Gasps rippled through the room.


    It was Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s assistant¨CStormridge Pack¡¯s right hand beta, speaking on behalf of the enigmatic and feared Northern Alpha heir.


    <b>Lucien </b>himself sat rxed in the front row, draped in a tailored steel¨Cgrey suit that clung to his broad shoulders like it had been <b>woven </b>for a god. His silver eyes were unreadable, his presence a cold andmanding as the northern snows he


    hailed from.


    The Ebonw Pack looked stricken.


    They¡¯d expected the Stormridge Pack to show strength¨Cbut this <b>was </b>annihtion.


    Everyone else had <b>raised </b>their bids in cautious millions or single billions. Stormridge raised <b>it </b>by ten.


    Karl¡¯s face darkened. He leaned toward <b>Ronan</b>, voice <b>low</b>. ¡°We¡¯ll need tobine resources.


    Ronan gave a short, reluctant nod.


    Karl stood and <b>raised </b>his paddle again. ¡°<b>Thirty</b><b>¨C</b>five billion.¡±


    He shot Lucioara defiant nce.


    Lucien didn¡¯t even spare him a look.


    His asistant raised the paddle. ¡°Forty¨Cfive <b>billion</b><b>.¡± </b>


    The room fell into stunned silence.


    Karl¡¯s knuckles whitened around the bidding paddle. ¡°Fifty billion¡±


    Assistant: ¡°Sixty¡±


    Kael: ¡°Sixty¨Cfive.¡±


    Assistant: ¡°Eighty¡±


    Gasps erupted.


    Ronan and <b>Kael </b>both stood up. Their stunned expressions were mirrored across the entire auction hall.


    Eighty billion<b>? </b>


    Kael growled, ¡°Lucien Duskgrave, are you insane?¡±


    Atst, Lucien turned his head slightly, his gaze as cial as ever.


    ¡°Bid <b>again</b>,¡± he said calmly.


    It wasn¡¯t a challenge. It wasn¡¯t a threat. It was a fact.


    <b>Bid </b>if you dare¨Cbut I won¡¯t stop.


    The sheer confidence in his <b>tone </b><b>sent </b><b>a </b>chill down <b>Kael¡¯s </b>spine.


    +8 Pearls


    Even <b>united</b>, Ebonw and ckw¡¯s war chests wouldn¡¯t stretch beyond a hundred billion¨Cnot without crippling their packs financially.


    Alpha ric sat like a stone statue in the back, lips pressed into a tight line. His fury was palpable, but his hands were tied.


    Ronan, too, looked pale beneath his steady exterior. His pack had liquidated assets just to fund this one shot at expansion.


    Kael gritted <b>his </b>teeth. ¡°Eighty¨Cfive billion.¡±


    The assistant didn¡¯t even blink. ¡°One hundred billion.¡±


    Sience fell, absolute <b>and </b>final..


    Kael and <b>Ronan </b>exchanged a long look¨Cdefeat written clearly on both their faces.


    They had lost.


    ¡°One hundred billion once. One hundred billion twice. One hundred billion¨Csold!¡± the auctioneer called out, dropping the hammer with a thunderous p.


    Stormridge <b>Pack </b>had imed the East Ridge.


    Lucien Duskgrave sat hack, still as a mountain, not a flicker of emotion on his face.


    Ebonw and ckw could only simmer in <b>their </b>rage and humiliation.


    The night belonged to the North.


    Send Gifts


    264

 in Vengeance 54

    Author¡¯s POV


    As expected, the Stormridge <b>Pack¡¯s </b>Duskgrave family¨Ca lineage of Alpha royalty¨Chad dominated the auction without blinking. Dropping one hundred billion credits as if it were nothing, they crushed thepetition with terrifying ease. Kael Vale exchanged a nce with his father, Alpha ric of the Ebonw Pack. Both understood what had to be done. There was only one way now to tie themselves to the East Crescent project¨Cby marrying Riley to Lucien Duskgrave, the enigmatic Alpha prince of Stormridge.


    Kael rose, adjusted his suit, and approached Lucien with practiced calm, extending a hand. ¡°The Duskgrave name precedes you, Alpha Lucien. And tonight proves the legends true.¡±


    Lucien didn¡¯t show much expression but epted the handshake with cold politeness.


    Alpha nic followed, forcing ? <b>grin </b>so wide it folded his weathered face. ¡°Now that the auction is over, how about we continue the conversation in the banquet hall? Perhaps over some wine?¡±


    Lucien gave a brief nod. Before he turned, he flicked a subtle nce at his Beta, Duke


    immediately followed the auction host toplete the transfer paperwork.


    By the time they reached the banquet hall, Riley had also just arrived.


    The driver spotted Scarlett first. He rushed over to her, slipping something small and discreet into her hand. ¡°Scarlett, here¡¯s what you asked for.¡±


    He vanished just as quickly.


    Scarlett turned her gaze to Riley, who was scanning the opulent <b>banquet </b><b>hall</b><b>, </b>unaware of the danger stalking her.


    Scarlett grabbed a ss of juice from the refreshment <b>table </b>and discreetly poured the powder from the packet into it. After giving it a swirl, she waved over a passing <b>server</b>.


    ¡°Please deliver this drink,¡± she said, nodding in Riley¡¯s direction with a smile.


    The server nodded and carried the ss over to Riley.


    Riley <b>didn¡¯t </b>think much of it. It wasn¡¯t unusual for servers to offer <b>drinks </b>at formal gatherings like this. Besides, she hadn¡¯t eaten anything all evening. Starving, she took the drink, grabbed a few pastries from the dessert table, <b>and </b>started nibbling while sipping the juice.


    Scarlett watched as she drank, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.


    She sauntered over, hips swaying like a predator closing in. ¡°Look at you, stuffing your <b>face </b>like you¡¯ve never seen <b>real </b>food before. Embarrassing


    Riley was just about to take another bite when she heard that smug, nasal voice.


    Her gaze sharpened. ¡°Scarlett Are you begging to get pped tonight?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better back off before I smash this <b>cake </b>in your face. Let¡¯s see <b>who¡¯s </b>more embarrassed then.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s smirk froze, fury bubbling beneath her skin, She wanted to w the smug expression off Riley¡¯s too¨Cbeautiful face.


    But not yet. Not when victory was moments away


    After all, Riley had just drunk the spiked juice.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be so smug in <b>five </b>minutes Scarlett sred


    Riley narrowed her eyes. ¡°What the hell does that mean?


    Scarlett leaned in, lips barely moving, mouthing the <b>words </b>That juice was drugged. Get ready to make a scene, whore.


    +8 Pearls


    Chapter <b>54 </b>


    She thought Riley wouldn¡¯t catch it..


    She was wrong


    Riley knew how to read lips¨Cand those words cut through her like a de.


    Her pupils contracted in shock. <b>And </b>right on cur, the heat began to bloom beneath her skin¨Crising, surging, crashing over her in violent <b>waves</b>,


    Her face flushed crimson. Panic set in.


    Scarlett¡¯s triumphant stare only made it worse.


    Riley lunged for her, but Scarlett dodged <b>easily</b>, folding her arms and grinning like a viper ready to strike.


    ¡°Aw, what¡¯s the matter, slut<b>? </b>Losing control already?¡± Scarlett tainted. ¡°You think you can marry Lucien Duskgrave? prince of Stormridge? Let¡¯s see how much he wants you after tonight¨Cwhen you¡¯re stripping naked and writhing in front of


    That every elite Alpha in the room¡°.


    Herughter rang <b>out</b><b>, </b>sharp <b>and </b>cruel..


    The world tilted. The chandeliers overhead flickered and warped, casting strange shadows across the hall.


    The fire beneath Riley¡¯s skin made her want to tear her clothes off. Every fiber of her being screamed to escape<b>, </b>to run, to find cold water¨Canything-


    She dug her <b>nails </b>into her arms<b>, </b>wing her own skin, trying to use <b>pain </b>to stay lucid.


    No one noticed her struggle. Everyone else was mingling, drinking,ughing.


    She couldn¡¯t fall apart here. Not in front of them.


    She turned and bolted for the exit, heart thundering.


    But Scarlett wouldn¡¯t let her go that <b>easily</b>. She darted forward and grabbed Riley¡¯s arm, putting on a sweet, fake smile,


    ¡°Riley,e on. Dad and Mom are over <b>there</b>. Let¡¯s go say hi together, yeah<b>?</b>¡±


    Riley fought her grip, but the heat was making her limbs weak and sluggish, From across the banquet hall, Alpha ric, Luna Zara, and Kael heard Scarlett¡¯s and looked over.


    voice


    ¡°There she is Zara beamed. ¡°Riley,e here, sweetie. I want to introduce you to Alpha Lucient¡±

 in Vengeance 55

    Riley¡¯s POV


    My body was trembling uncontrobly now, the drug coursing through my veins like wildfire. Beads of sweat gathered on my forehead, dripping down my temples.


    I bit down <b>hard </b>on the tip of my tongue, forcing <b>a </b>jolt of pain to keep myself grounded, then yanked my arm free from Scarlett with all the strength I had left. I didn¡¯t expect the force of it¨Cshe stumbled backward and crashed into a side table. knocking over sses of wine and delicate pastries. The sound shattered the hum of conversation around us, and heads turned instantly.


    Gasps erupted from the guests, but I didn¡¯t care.


    Limping, staggering, I fled toward the exit, <b>runing </b>out the furious voices of Alpha ric and Luna Zara as they barked my name behind me.


    I couldn¡¯t stop. I had to get out,


    Somewhere in my blurred vision. I caught a flicker of someone watching me. A tall man in a ck suit. For a second, his golden eyes narrowed as if something about me felt familiar to him. But he didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t remember. Why would he


    I pushed past the banquet doors.


    Every step <b>was </b>a battle. My legs felt like iron weights, and my bnce was gone. I crashed into more flower arrangements, vases shattered in my wake, but I didn¡¯t stop. I couldn¡¯t. I needed somewhere dark, quiet¨Csomewhere to ride <b>this </b>out. Then suddenly, a figure blocked my path.


    ¡°Riley? Did you drink?¡± Maddox¡¯s voice. Familiar, confused, too close


    He stepped forward <b>and </b>pressed a hand to my <b>burning </b>forehead.


    The moment his <b>cool </b>fingers touched <b>my </b>skin, something inside me cracked wide open.


    The drug surged. My body moved on instinct¨Cmindless, starving for relief from the unbearable heat. My hands rose, clinging to his shoulders, pulling him closer.


    My face burned hotter. My vision blurred further. I could barely see his face, but I knew that voice. <b>That </b><b>scent</b>. Maddox. His body stiffened under my touch, and I <b>could </b>feel the moment hesitation wed at him, He should¡¯ve pulled away. But he


    didn¡¯t.


    We were close. Too close. I could smell his cologne¨Csharp, <b>clean</b>, familiar. I could see the soft down on his cheekbones under the goiden light, the way his wolf¨Cdark eyes <b>traced </b>my face like he was trying to remember every line.


    His hand slipped around my waist. I felt the strength in it. The security. The betrayal.


    A thousand memories surged forward. Nights spent wrapped in <b>that </b><b>same </b>embrace, Warmth. Love. <b>Pain</b>.


    And then the knife he¡¯d plunged into my back.


    1 gasped, blinking away the heat¨Cinduced <b>haze</b><b>, </b>and his face swam into view¨CMaddox. The man <b>who¡¯d </b>once held my heart. then shattered it.


    ury


    Deanbreak. I shoved him away with everything I had left. My hand struck his <b>cheek </b>with a loud, satisfying crack. ¡°<b>Stay </b>the hell away from me,¡± 1 mapped, my voice raw with loathing


    The look on his face was hollow. <b>Ashen</b>. He didn¡¯t speak. Couldn¡¯t.


    ? didn¡¯t give him a chance.


    I turned and bolted toward the elevator, stumbling, dragging my legs beneath ine. I barely made it inside before the doors closed, sealing me off from the cluos,


    3:40 PM d


    +8 Pearls


    Leaning against the wall, I panted hard, the fire inside me growing more savage by the second. I was losing the fight.


    By the <b>time </b>I reached the lobby, I could hardly hear anything. The sounds of the hotel were muffled, distant, like I was underwater.


    I stumbled out the doors.


    The <b>night </b>air didn¡¯t <b>help</b>. The world spun violently, and the lights blurred into ghostly streaks. My knees gave out. I <b>fell </b>


    forward.


    And crashed into something hard. Solid. Warm.


    A body.


    The impact bounced me back, but before I hit the <b>ground</b>, I reached out and <b>grabbed </b>the cor of the man in front of me.


    He fell with me, pulled down by my weight, and wended in a tangled heap.


    I blinked, dazed¨Cand looked up.


    Straight into a pair of cold, piercing eyes.


    Silver¨Cflecked. Sharp. Regal.


    My breath caught.


    He was the tall man I¡¯d seen earlier¨Cthe one who¡¯d watched me <b>as </b>I stumbled out of the banquet hall.


    And the same man I once begged for a cigarette outside the hospital, when my world was falling apart.


    I tried to call out to Nyra. My wolf. My anchor. My <bst </b>defense.


    Please, I pleaded inwardly, wake up¨Chelp me


    But there was nothing. No answering growl. No protective surge of instinct.


    Just silence.


    The bond between us felt muted, like someone had thrown a thick, suffocating nket over it.


    Panic twisted in my gut. Nyra had never ignored me before. Even in the darkest moments, she was always there¨Csnarling. pacing, wing to protect me.


    Now! <b>She </b><b>was </b>gone.


    The realization hit me like ice: Scarlett hadn¡¯t just drugged me. She¡¯d <b>used </b>a witch¡¯s brew¨Csomething brewed to suppress the


    wolf inside.


    My blood wasn¡¯t just boiling from heat and humiliation¨Cit was cursed.


    And without Nyra. I was defenseless.


    Alone


    And falling deeper into the fire.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 56

    Author¡¯s POV


    ¡°Alpha, the East District property transfer isplete..¡±


    Duke approached the sleek ck vehicle with a folder in hand and a proud smile on his face¨Conly for <b>his </b>words to die abruptly in his throat.


    Because what he saw made his brain freeze..


    There was his notoriously cold and untouchable Alpha, Lucien Duskgrave, pinning a girl to the hood of the car in a rather scandalous position.


    The girl wasn¡¯t just any girl either¨Cher cheeks were flushed like ripe peaches, her breathing ragged,shes fluttering against damp skin. Her soft hands, clearly driven by the <b>drug </b>coursing through her, fumbled clumsily at Lucien¡¯s chest.


    Then came a rip.


    A button popped off and rolled onto the pavement. The front of Lucien¡¯s shirt tore <b>open</b>, revealing a chiseled, toned chest bathed in moonlight.


    Duke stood frozen, eyes bulging, mouth open in a perfect ¡°O¡± expression stunned beyond recognition.


    His thoughts raced, Boss? The same Alpha who was practically celibate, who didn¡¯t even flinch when courted by she¨Cwolves from noble lineages? The same Lucien Duskgrave who¡¯s immune to feminine wiles is now¡­ doing this¡­ in public?


    Then, another thought struck him like a lightning bolt.


    The Matriarch!


    Lucien¡¯s grandmother had been worrying herself into old age over his love life. She even sent Duke on a mission to ¡°find him someone decent.¡±


    And now.. this?! This was divine intervention. A live¨Caction romance blooming on the hood of a luxury car.


    Quick as a fox. Duke whipped out his phone, snapped a photo with a swift click, and sent it straight to the Matriarch. His lips curved into <b>a </b>satisfied smirk.


    She¡¯s going to be thrilled.


    Just as he was relishing the idea of bing the family hero, Lucien¡¯s sharp re sliced through the moment. Without a word, the Alpha delivered a precise, controlled chop to the back of the girl¡¯s neck.


    Riley, the writhing, drugged young wornan, slumped into his arms and went <b>limp</b>.


    Duke¡¯s sinirk vanished. His hopes crumbled into dust.


    Wait¡­ what?!


    <b>This </b>wasn¡¯t how these things went in all the Alpha romance novels he¡¯d read. Wasn¡¯t this the part where the <b>Alpha </b>carried her into the backseat with burning eyes and growled, ¡°You¡¯re <b>mine</b>¡°?


    Why did Lucien <b>always </b>ruin good <b>narrative </b>flow?


    Duke blinked slowly, confused, until Lucien shot him a t look. ¡°Seen enough?¡±


    Jolted Lark to reality, Duke coughed awkwardly and <b>stepped </b>forware was just <b>about </b>to begin <b>reporting </b>the transaction


    details when his eyesnded on Riley¡¯s unconscious face.


    ¡°Wait, her?¡±


    Lucien arched an eyebrow. ¡°You know her?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the girl who stitched the peony into your suit, Alpha,¡± <b>Duke </b>said, a <b>hint </b>of surprise <b>still </b>in his voice.


    <b>Understanding </b>flickered in Lucien¡¯s eyes. ¡°So it¡¯s her.¡±


    +8 Pearls


    e feeling settled in his chest.


    His gaze lingered on the delicate features of the unconscious woman in his arms. A strange feeli


    The East District project was critical for his expansion into the Ebonw¨Cdominated trade lines. <b>His </b>appearance tonight <b>had </b>to be impable¨Cwhich was why that particr <b>custom </b>suit had been prepared for weeks.


    Only, a week ago, a small burn had appeared mysteriously near the chest seam. It had clearly been sabotage, likely from one of the rival Packs that feared Stormridge¡¯s influence spreading into the city.


    He¡¯d sent the suit for repair, not expecting much. That <b>embroidery</b>¡­


    The peony that had reced the damage was exquisite. The craftsmanship was rare, elite¨Creminiscent of a masterpiece he¡¯d <b>once </b>spent thirty <b>million </b>on at an auction: a silk tapestry called Longevity in Pines and Cranes. It had been a birthday gift for his grandmother, who <b>still </b>treasured it above all.


    He¡¯d tried to acquire more from the same artist, only to learn there were only two surviving works by that mysterious. embroiderer.


    Longevity in Pines and Cranes, and one unfinished piece called Blush of the Nation.


    Thetter had been nearlypleted when, for unknown reasons, the embroiderer had abruptly vanished a month ago- disappearing from both the trade registry and the <b>artisan </b>circles.


    And now<b>, </b>here she was.


    Passed out. In his arms.


    Lucien¡¯s fingers brushed a strand of hair from Riley¡¯s damp cheek.


    His eyes darkened.


    He had questions now. Many. And he would get answers.


    Starting with her.

 in Vengeance 57

    Third Person¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Alpha?¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Lucien Duskgrave snapped out of his thoughts, ncing down at the intricate peony stitched in vibrant silk across his chest, then to the unconscious girl in <b>his </b>arms.


    If her embroidery skills were truly exceptional, perhaps <b>she </b>could evenplete The Blooming Grace. That way, he might surprise his grandmother again during this year¡¯s Mooncycle Festival.


    Without further hesitation, <b>he </b>scooped Riley into <b>his </b>arms and ced her gently in the car. But the moment he touched her. he <b>sensed </b>something was terribly wrong. Her body was <b>too </b>hot, her breathing shallow¨Cclearly drugged.


    ¡°Hospital. <b>Now</b><b>,</b>¡± he ordered.


    When Riley woke up again<b>, </b>she was in a sterile, white hospital room.


    The unbearable heat that had consumed her was gone. Her mind was clear. Too clear.


    She sat up slowly, and with each second, the memory of Scarlett¡¯s poisonous smile and what she <b>had </b>done at the banquet <b>wed </b>deeper into her heart.


    Burning with rage, Riley pulled off the thin nket, got out of bed, and left the hospital.


    When Duke returned with hospital documents and a few daily necessities, the room was empty. The bed <b>was </b>cold.


    Half an hourter, Riley arrived at the Ebonw Pack estate by taxi.


    The moment she pushed open the door, she didn¡¯t even have time to <b>stand </b>straight before Alpha ric¡¯s furious roar mmed into her like <b>a </b>storm.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerveing back, you disgrace of a daughter!¡±


    Before his words finished echoing, a teacup came flying toward her.


    <b>Riley¡¯s </b>eyes narrowed¨Cshe sidestepped easily.


    The porcin shattered on the floor with a sharp crash.


    Alpha ric stormed toward her, veins bulging. ¡°How dare you dodge?! I¡¯ll beat some manners into you, you ungrateful


    wretch!¡±


    Scarlett stepped in, all feigned sweetness and concern. ¡°Dad, calm down. I¡¯m sure Riley didn¡¯t mean it.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>She pushed you down at the banquet in <b>front </b>of the entire Stormridge nobility, got you filthy and humiliated! She did it on purpose¨Cshe¡¯s jealous! Jealous of <b>you </b>and wants to ruin our Pack¡¯s name!¡± ric¡¯s voice cracked like thunder. ¡°Riley, get on your knees!¡±


    But Riley didn¡¯t flinch.


    She stood tall, eyes locked on <b>ric¡¯s </b>with an icy defiance.


    ¡°Why should I kneel? Scarlett drugged me¨Cshe wanted to ruin me in front of everyone. And instead of questioning her, you¡¯re ming me?¡°:


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes welled with tears instantly. ¡°I was the one who got pushed in front of everyone, and I didn¡¯t <b>even </b>me you. How could you lie like this?¡±


    ric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Still lying? Scarlett <b>has </b>always been kind <b>and </b>obedient. She would never stoop to such filth. If you don¡¯t apologize right now, I¡¯ll teach you what it means to be part of this Pack!¡±


    Zara hesitated, eyes flickering, but in the end she sided with ric. ¡°Riley, <b>just </b>say you¡¯re sorry. Don¡¯t let this tear us apart.¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Kael Vale¡¯s expression was cold. ¡°You <b>went </b>too <b>far </b>today. Apologize to Scarlett.¡±


    Riley looked around at the faces that were once familiar. Now, they felt like masks.


    The fire inside <b>her </b>exploded.


    Herposure cracked, <b>and </b>all the grief, betrayal, and rage she¡¯d buried for years surged out of her like a tidal wave.


    Her eyes turned bloodshot. Her wolf pulsed beneath her skin.


    You all side <b>with </b><b>her</b>. Always her. Fine.¡±


    She snapped.


    Riley lunged toward the coffee table, grabbed the heavy crystal ashtray, <b>and </b>before anyone could react, she had tackled. Scarlett to the floor.


    Then she struck.


    ¡°AHH- Scarlett screamed, her face twisted in horror.


    The ashtray crashed down again and again, Riley¡¯s face twisted with fury.


    ¡°Die. All of you¨Cjust die!¡±


    ric roared and leapt forward. ¡°Stop it, you <b>crazy </b>bitch!¡±


    He raised his hand to strike her¨Cno hesitation, no hesitation at all.


    But Mia, the housekeeper, rushed over and threw herself in front of Riley.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Alpha</b>! No! If you injure her, the alliance with Lucien will fall apart!¡±


    ¡°Move, now!¡± ric bellowed. He grabbed a flowerpot off the table <b>and </b>raised it high, aiming for Riley¡¯s head.


    There was no love in his eyes¨Conly the urge to crush herpletely


    Every time he struck Riley, it was never discipline. It was annihtion.


    <b>Mia </b><b>stood </b>firm between them, refusing to let ric go further.¡±


    Riley¡¯s ashtray kept swinging, blood already staining Scarlett¡¯s golden curls.


    Kael rushed forward, grabbing Riley¡¯s arm and yanking her <b>back</b>.


    ¡°Enough! How long are <b>you </b>going to keep acting like a lunatic<b>?</b>¡±


    But Riley¡¯s mind <b>was </b>no longer hers.


    She had snapped.


    And the only thing holding her back now¡­ was <b>revenge</b>.


    Send Gifts


    264

 in Vengeance 58

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The moment Kael grabbed my arm, <b>yelling </b>at me to stop, something inside me snapped.


    All the anger, the betrayal, the years of silent suffering¨Ceverything exploded at once.


    I didn¡¯t think. I didn¡¯t hesitate.


    I hurled the ashtray with all the rage I¡¯d bottled inside for years.


    It struck Kael square in the forehead.


    A dull crack.


    A ssh of blood.


    He staggered backward, clutching his face, blood streaming down between his fingers. The look in his eyes wasn¡¯t just shock-


    it <b>was </b>fear.


    Good. He should be afraid.


    But I wasn¡¯t done. Not even close.


    I turned my gaze to Scarlett.


    She was cowering on the floor, blood already matting her golden hair, smearing across her jaw where I¡¯dnded the first


    blows.


    But the sight didn¡¯t satisfy me.


    It infuriated me.


    She was still breathing,


    I <b>lunged</b>.


    mmed into her. My fists rained down like a storm unleashed¨Cleft, right, left¨Ceach strike more <b>vicious </b>than thest. I didn¡¯t care about the blood, the sound of bone beneath skin, the gasps from the others.


    She shrieked, tried to curl into a ball, but I grabbed her by the hair and mmed her head against the marble floor.


    ¡°You think you can ruin me and get away with it?¡± I snarled, not even sure if it was my voice or Nyra¡¯s anymore. ¡°You drugged me. You framed me. <b>You </b>took everything.¡±


    ¡°Riley, stop! You¡¯ll kill her!¡±


    That was Luna Zara¡¯s voice. Distant, Powerless.


    I didn¡¯t stop. I couldn¡¯t.


    I wasn¡¯t Riley anymore


    Nyra had risen.


    I felt here to the surface like a tidal wave, crashing through my bones.


    My body stretched unnaturally, bones cracking, fur erupting across my skin, my fingers lengthening into ws. Painnced through me, but I weed it. It felt right.


    I felt <b>like </b>freedom.


    Casps exploded all around the room.


    She¡¯s¨Coh Goddess¨Cshe¡¯s shifting!¡±


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°No one told me she was <b>a</b>¨Cwait, is <b>that- </b>


    ¡°She¡¯s a white wolf!¡±


    I could hear them. I wanted them to <b>hear</b><b>. </b>


    Because I wasn¡¯t just any wolf.


    I was the forbidden <b>kind</b><b>. </b>The <b>kind </b>whispered about <b>in </b>old scrolls and elders¡¯ fireside tales. The white¨Cfurred omen-


    Pure¨Cblooded. Cursed. Untamed.


    And now they <b>had </b>awakened me.


    I turned to them, letting my words echo through the <b>mind</b>¨Clink.


    ¡°Dark magic potions don¡¯t turn anyone into <b>a </b>white wolf.¡±


    ¨C


    Nyra howled a sound <b>that </b>split the <b>air </b>and made the very walls tremble. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ss chandelier above us. The lights flickered.


    Everyone froze.


    Even Alpha ric¨Cstone¨Cfaced and alwaysposed¨C<b>took </b><b>an </b>unconscious step back. Luna Zara¡¯s lips parted in disbelief. Warriors around the hall stiffened, their hands halfway to their weapons but <b>unable </b>to move.


    I turned on Scarlett.


    She whimpered beneath me, trembling like prey sensing death. Her golden wolf should have burst through her skin by now -any true¨Cblooded she wolf would¡¯ve transformed in the face of danger. But Scarlett justy there.


    Still human.


    Pitiful. Weak.


    And that <b>was </b>when I realized it.


    ¡°She can¡¯t shift,¡± Nyra sneered through me. ¡°She <b>never </b>could,¡±


    Scarlett shook her head, sobbing. ¡°No¨Cno, 1-1 can¨C<b>just </b>not now, not here-


    Lies.


    All lies.


    Maybe her wolf was stunted. Maybe her bloodline <b>was </b>impure. Maybe she¡¯d sold her soul for magic that suppressed her true


    form


    But she was <b>no </b>warrior<b>. </b>She <b>wasn¡¯t </b>even a wolf. Just a spoiled little girl who thought power was inherited like jewelry.


    I raised my <b>ws</b>, curved and glowing faintly in the chandelier light.


    One final <b>strike</b>. A <b>kill </b>blow. Justice for the years she stole from me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this!¡± someone screamed.


    But I was already longing


    Then¨Cpain


    White¨Chot


    Something pierced <b>my </b>side with <b>a </b>sickening thunk. A sharp sting spr


    I stumbled, my vision blurring


    <b>like </b>wildfire through my bloodstream.


    My head snapped toward the source. Luna Zara. Standing there, arm extended, a silver injector in hand. Her fingers trembled, her lips moving silently in some prayer or curse,


    The <b>suppressant</b>.


    I felt it immediately.


    Like ice flooding my <b>veins</b>. Like Nyra being ripped from my body. She snarled, thrashing inside me, refusing to go down without a light..


    But even she couldn¡¯t resist the venomced in silver.


    My transformation reversed. My bones cracked again¨Cthis time in agony. Fur receded. Strength fled. My body copsed. Naked. Vulnerable. Trembling.


    The floor beneath me <b>was </b>slick with blood¨Chers, mine, maybe both.


    Scarlett crawled away, barely <b>able </b>to move, leaving a trail behind her like <b>a </b>wounded animal.


    No one reached for ine


    Not ric. Not Kael. Not Zara,


    They stared at <b>me </b>like I was some abomination.


    Only Mia ran forward, clutching a nket, tears streaking her face. She knelt beside me, her small hands shaking as she <b>covered </b>my bare <b>body</b>.


    ¡°Riley she whispered, but I couldn¡¯t answer. I was shaking too hard. Cold. Empty. Weak.


    But even in that darkness, one truth burned brighter than the pain.


    They had seen her.


    They had <b>all </b>seen Nyra.


    They saw what we could do when pushed.


    They wanted to treat me like a monster?


    Finc.


    Next time, I wouldn¡¯t stop.


    Next time, not even a <b>Luna¡¯s </b>syringe <b>would </b>save them.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 59

    Luna Zara¡¯s voice sharp as ss<b>, </b>¡°I always thought that Riley¡¯s been using ck magic to amplify her wolf¡¯s scent. I¡¯ve seen the signs for weeks. The instability, the surges. <b>She¡¯s </b>ying with fire.¡±


    Zara reached into her coat and pulled out a sleek silver syringe, the liquid inside swirling <b>with </b>dull blue shimmer. ¡°That¡¯s why I carried a wolf suppressant shot. I knew the day woulde when she¡¯d lose control.¡±


    Alpha ric watched the scene unfold, expression unreadable. Then, with a huff of breath, he waved his hand dismissively. ¡°So what if she¡¯s <b>a </b><b>white </b><b>wolf</b>? She¡¯s missing a kidney. Her wolf will <b>always </b>be weaker than the rest¨C<b>half </b>of <b>what </b>it could be. Barely <b>alive</b>. Hanging by a <b>thread</b>.¡±


    There <b>was </b>no awe in his voice. No fear. Not even disappointment.


    Just disgust.


    ¡°Take her outside, ric barked. ¡°Toss her out. She needs to cool off <b>and </b>wake up from whatever delusions she¡¯s living in¡±


    ¡°Alpha¨Cplease, Mia begged. ¡°She¡¯s unconscious. The suppressant will stop her wolf from healing the trauma. If she bleeds. lout in the cold-¡±


    -She brought this on herself,¡± he snapped. ¡°Let her taste the consequences. Maybe next time she¡¯ll think twice before using <b>tricks </b>to fake strength she doesn¡¯t have.¡±


    Zara and Kael didn¡¯t object.They simply knelt beside Scarlett, brushing her hair back with shaking hands, murmuring softforts like they couldn¡¯t even hear the begging behind them,


    A few guards hauled Riley¡¯s limp body to the door. Cold wind howled through the hall <b>as </b>the estate gates opened. A few minutester, the sound of her body hitting the wet stone path echoed back into the entryway like thunder.


    Rain poured like liquid knives from the night sky as Riley stumbled out of the Ebonw Pack estate. Her legs were barely able to support her weight, her body burning with fever, blood still dripping from the gash on the back of her head where Luna <b>Zara¡¯s </b>blow hadnded.


    The estate gates loomed behind her, silent and cold. No one <b>followed </b>her. No one called out her name.


    She was discarded.


    Just as she reached the edge of the property, the sound of frantic footsteps pulled her from her haze.


    ¡°Miss Riley!¡±


    <b>Mia</b><b>, </b>soaked to the bone, her white hair stered against her wrinkled face, broke through the rain like a ghost of hope. She¡¯d been waiting outside all this time, in the storm, in the cold¨Cbecause she never once gave up on Riley.


    At the sight of her, Riley¡¯s tears finally broke loose. ¡°Mia¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ It¡¯s all my fault¡­ I dragged you into this¡­¡±


    But Mia didn¡¯t waste breath on scolding or pity. She rushed forward, catching Riley just before her knees buckled again..


    ¡°You silly pup, Mia murmured, her <b>voice </b>hoarse. ¡°You think I care about consequences when my girl¡¯s bleeding out in the


    rain


    She crouched, her fraif body shaking. ¡°Up. On my back. I¡¯ll get you to a healer. Now.¡±


    Riley tried to refuse¨CMia was too old, too thin¨Cbut before she could protest again<b>, </b>Mia had already knelt in the mud, offering herself <b>as </b><b>a </b>shield against the storm.


    Tears antxed with rain on <b>Riley¡¯s </b>cheeks as she leaned forward and <b>gently </b>wrapped her arms <b>around </b><b>Mia¡¯s </b>neck.


    The old housekeeper rose slowly, every step a battle, every inch forward a <b>war </b>against time and age. The rain battered them from all sides, soaking their clothes, chilling their bones<b>, </b>but Mia refused to fall.


    With her spine bent and feet slipping through the muddy road, she carried Riley down the long path leading away from the


    Ebonw estate


    Her breath came in shallow gasps, her teeth clenched against the cold.


    +8 Pearis


    ¡°Just <b>a </b>little longer, sweetheart,¡± she panted. ¡°Hold on for me.¡±


    Riley was slipping again. The fever roared in her blood. Her vision wavered. Her body felt like it was floating¨Cdisconnected, heavy, fading


    Cars roared past the roadside, their lights gleaming off the rain¨Cslicked asphalt. Mia reached the curb <b>and </b>began waving both arms desperately.


    ¡°Please!¡± she cried. ¡°Stop! Someone help us!¡±


    But none did.


    Vehicle after vehicle sped past, sshing water across them, drenching them further. Riley¡¯s <b>blood </b>mingled with the dirty puddles, painting the road with streaks of crimson.


    <b>Mia </b>stumbled forward <b>and </b>almost fell, <b>but </b><b>she </b>gritted her teeth and pushed on, her knuckles white where they clung to Riley¡¯s legs.


    Just as her legs began to buckle beneath her, a sleek ck Rolls¨CRoyce rolled up to the curb. It came to a smooth, deliberate


    halt


    The rear <b>window </b>lowered


    Inside sat a man whose very presence exudedmand. His cold, aristocratic features were barely visible in the shadows, but his silver¨Cgold eyes gleamed through the <b>dark </b>like a predator¡¯s in moonlight.


    Lucien Duskgrave.


    The Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack


    His gaze swept over them¨Cfirst Mia, then the broken girl clinging to her back. Recognition shed in his eyes when he saw Riley¡¯s bruised and bloodied face.


    His expression didn¡¯t change. It rarely did


    But his door opened.


    Mia practically copsed in front of him. ¡°Please, sir¨Cshe¡¯s dying. Her family has disowned her. She has no one else. You¡¯re the only one who stopped.¡±


    Lucien <b>said </b><b>nothing</b>.


    He looked <b>down </b>at Riley again.


    Her scent hit him like a whisper from the past¨Cwildflowers and ozone, with something deeper buried beneath. Something ancient. Something pure.


    The White Wolf.


    He tilted his head, almost curious.


    Without a word, he gave a single nod.


    His Beta, Duke, stepped out from the driver¡¯s seat and helped Mia seule Riley gently <b>into </b>the backseat,


    Lucien slid in beside her, watching <b>as </b>her fevered body trembled uncontrobly. Her head lolled against the leather, blood still seeping from the wound beneath her damp hair.


    She looked nothing like the fierce creature he¡¯d glimpsed at the <b>banquet</b><b>. </b><b>And </b>yet¡­ she was unmistakable.


    He reached for a nket stowed beneath the <b>seat </b>and draped it over her shivering form, watching closely as she curled into it


    ith <b>a </b>soft, pained whimper.


    ¡°Drive,¡± he said calmly.


    The engine


    eroared to life.


    +8 Pears:


    Inside the car, silence hung heavy, broken only by Riley¡¯s uneven breathing. <b>Rain </b>battered the windows as they sped toward the hospital.


    When they arrived, Riley was immediately rushed into emergency


    care.


    Lucien remained in the shadows of the corridor, his arms crossed, eyes unreadable.


    Mia clung to the nurses, begging them to hurry. Her heart pounded as a doctor finally emerged from the double doors, his scrubs soaked in sweat and urgency.


    ¡°She¡¯s <b>lost </b><b>a </b>dangerous amount of blood and is suffering from severe infection. We need consent to operate. Who¡¯s the legal guardian?¡±


    Mia hesitated. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m just her housekeeper¡­ Can I¡ª¡®


    The doctor shook his head. ¡°We need family. Or a mate bond. Otherwise, she¡¯s legally unapanied.¡±


    <b>Mia¡¯s </b>hands trembled as she pulled out her phone. She tried Kael Vale¡¯s number first.


    Blocked.


    <b>Then </b>Luna <b>Zara¡¯s </b>


    Straight to voicemail.


    <b>She </b>dialed <b>again</b>¨CScarlett, <b>ric</b>, even the Ebonw <b>Pack </b>front line.


    None answered.


    Desperate<b>, </b>she called Kael onest time.


    He picked up.


    ¡°What?¡± he snapped, still nursing the bandage on his forehead.


    ¡°Please, Alpha Kael¨CRiley¡¯s dying. She¡¯s hemorrhaging. They need consent to operate-


    ¡°She brought this on herself,¡± Kael snarled. ¡°I told you, she¡¯s not my responsibility anymore.¡±


    <b>The </b>line went dead.


    Mia stood in the hallway, drenched and shaking. She turned to Lucien with tears in her eyes. ¡°Please,¡± she whispered. ¡°Sir¡­ if there¡¯s anything in you that still believes in honor, please save her.¡±

 in Vengeance 60

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    As someone who had served the Ebonw Pack for over a decade, Mia could instantly tell¨Cthe man standing before her wasn¡¯t just wealthy. He came from power, old and dangerous.


    There was an effortless dominance in the way he stood, his cold eyes scanning Riley¡¯s blood¨Csoaked figure. An Alpha through and through. And to Mia, right now, he looked like <b>a </b>lifeline.


    The doctor was growing impatient. The patient¡¯s condition is critical. If we dy surgery any longer, she may not survive, Where¡¯s the family? We need someone to sign!¡±


    Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. His eyes flicked to the blood¨Cred peony embroidered on his suit¨Cand symbol <b>from </b>a halfpleted tapestry called Heaven¡¯s Fragrance. For reasons he couldn¡¯t exin, that detail pulled his thoughts toward Riley.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sign, <b>Lucien </b>said calmly.


    The doctor paused, studying him. Tall. Impably dressed. A chilling <b>grace </b>clinging to every movement. His presence didn¡¯t belong in this sterile, fluorescent¨Clit hospital corridor¨Cit demanded attention, reverence.


    ¡°You are.


    ?¡± the doctor asked cautiously.


    That gave Lucien pause. What was he to her? A stranger who¡¯d seen her <b>twice</b>?


    Before he could answer, Mia cut in without hesitation, ¡°He¡¯s my Miss¡¯s <b>fianc¨¦</b>.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s gaze lingered on Mia for a long second. She looked terrified, desperate, but honest.


    He didn¡¯t correct her.


    Instead, he stepped forward <b>and </b>signed his name in a smooth, confident hand.


    The doctor rushed into the operating room, and Mia turned to Lucien with tear¨Cbrimmed eyes. ¡°Thank you, sir. Truly, thank you. <b>Without </b><b>you</b>, she would¡¯ve been <b>lost</b>.¡±


    Lucien said <b>nothing</b>. He took a seat on the bench, long legs crossed, expression unreadable as ever.


    The hours dragged on. Morning light crept into the sky, pale and indifferent. The doors to the OR remained closed. Lucien hadn¡¯t moved.


    Then¨Chis phone rang


    He opened his eyes slowly, no trace of exhaustion on his aristocratic face. Even in this setting<b>, </b>he exuded an aura of cold- bloodedposure.


    The caller ID read: Grandmother.


    ¡°Grandmother, he answered curtly.


    ¡°Lucien, my boy!¡± The elderly voice on the other end was delighted. ¡°So you finally found yourself a mate and didn¡¯t even tell your grandmother?¡±


    Mate


    Lucien¡¯s brow¨Clified. He had no idea <b>what </b>she was talking about. Probably another one of her tricks to corner him into settling down.


    ¡°Do you need something?¡± he asked dryly.


    ¡°Can¡¯t a grandmother call her grandson for no reason?¡±


    ¡°<b>I¡¯m </b>at the hospital,¡± he said, tone cooling further. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing urgent-


    ¡°<b>Hospital</b>?¡± She gasped. ¡°Is it your mate? Is she hurt? I¡¯ming right away. You tell me where you are, darling.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call youter.¡± He hung up before she could respond.


    Northhaven ¨C Duskgrave <b>Manor </b>


    Matriarch Duskgrave sat back in her velvet <b>armchair</b>, <b>frowning </b>at the disconnected line. Her white hair was swept up into an elegant knot, <b>and </b>her sharp eyes held far too much energy for someone her age.


    This stubborn boy,¡± she muttered. ¡°Always so cold. Not a drop of warmth like his grandfather.¡±


    She nced at Mrs. Beck, her longtime housekeeper. ¡°People keep saying he¡¯s <b>a </b>womanizer, but I¡¯d be relieved if he were. Then at least I¡¯d know <b>he </b>likes women.¡±


    Mrs. Beck chuckled.


    ¡°<b>At </b><b>his </b><b>age</b>, most Alphas already have pups crawling around. He doesn¡¯t even date! For a time, I wondered if he swung the other way!¡±


    Mrs. Beckughed politely, though she¡¯d heard this speech a hundred times.


    <b>¡°</b>Do you w


    want to know how I found out he has a <b>mate</b>?¡± the matriarch asked slyly. She opened her phone and showed Mrs. Beck a message <b>thread </b>with Lucien¡¯s assistant. Duke.


    A photo filled the screen.


    Riley, pinned against the hood of Lucien¡¯s <b>ck </b>Rolls¨CRoyce. The streemps cast golden halos around their bodies. Her hands fisted in his cor. The pose¡­ was intimate. Telling.


    The matriarch: practically squealed with joy. ¡°That¡¯s our future granddaughter¨Cinw!¡±


    Mrs. Beck leaned in. ¡°She¡¯s very pretty. A bit thin, though<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± <b>the </b>matriarch nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll fix that Start packing. I want to go to the coast <b>the </b>moment the rain stops.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe to travel today,¡± Mrs. Beck warned gently. ¡°The forecast says heavy storms all week in Mooncrest. It wouldn¡¯t be proper to meet your future granddaughter¨Cinw soaked to the bone.¡±


    The matriarch relented, sighing. ¡°Alright. But we¡¯ll leave the moment the skies clear. This girl is too precious to let slip away.¡± ¡°<b>And </b>bring all the tonic herbs¨Cginseng, deer antler, spiritroot. We¡¯ll rebuild her strength before winter. This year, we nourish her. Next year, she gives us pups!¡±


    Her joy was boundless


    <b>Mrs. </b>Beck smiled indulgently. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since you were this happy.¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy¡± the old woman beamed. ¡°That boy of mine was about to be a monk. Now, maybe I¡¯ll get great- grandchildren before I die.¡±


    She sped her hands together,ughing like a young girl in spring.


    Mooncrest ¨C Ebonw Estate


    <b>Hack </b>at the Pack mansion, Luna Zara <b>had </b>finally remembered her eldest <b>daughter</b>.


    After a night of calm, guilt gnawed at her.


    She recalled Riley copsing, blood gushing from the back of her head, and her heart twisted,


    ¡°Why is that girl so stubborn?¡± she sighed. ¡°Scarlett¡¯s so gentle <b>and </b>sweet. Why can¡¯t Riley just ept her?¡±


    She wandered downstairs<b>. </b>


    THE DIVOUSTama <b>carps </b>Haumany were party siti yumu? IuMy spout33, HSIE DAS nuguis LiIOS TAM TIUVET


    <b>Zara </b>hesitated, then walked to the old storage


    room.


    Riley was thrown outst night¨Cby now, she should be back..


    Zara knocked lightly.


    No answer.


    ¡°Riley?¡± she called. ¡°Are you awake?¡±


    Still nothing.


    She opened the door. It creaked open¨Cunlocked.


    The room was empty.


    Her stomach dropped.


    Heart racing. Zara lifted her skirts and ran upstairs. She shoved <b>open </b>the door of the room they¡¯d redecorated for Riley. The bed was untouched.


    Perfectly made.


    No scent of her daughter. No warmth. No sign she¡¯d ever returned.


    Zara stood frozen in the doorway, the silence louder than thunder..


    Her mind shed back <b>to </b>Riley¡¯s pale face, soaked in blood, eyes fluttering shut as she copsed.


    A cold dread began to bloom in her chest.


    And for the first time in years, Luna Zara felt fear.

 in Vengeance 61

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Zara rushed to grab a maid, her voice rising with <b>panic</b>.


    <b>¡°</b>Where¡¯s Riley?¡±


    The maid shook her head nervously. ¡°We <b>haven¡¯t </b>seen Miss Riley since this morning. Luna.¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Zara staggered back, her strength leaving her in <b>a </b>wave of dread. She leaned against the wall, her breathing shallow. Just then. Kael Vale stepped out of his room and immediately noticed her disheveled state.


    ¡°<b>Mom</b>?¡± he asked, concerned. ¡°Are you okay? What happened?¡±


    Zara looked up at him, her eyes red. Her lips trembled. ¡°She¡¯s gone. Riley¡¯s gone.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>What do you mean gone?¡± Kael¡¯s voice tightened. ¡°We <b>only </b>sent her out to cool off¨Cshe should¡¯ve been backst night!!¡±


    Zara sank to the ground, tears pouring down her face. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I¡­ I injected her with the suppressant. She was losing control again. But I didn¡¯t mean to hurt her. Gods¨C<b>what </b>if she¡ª¡±


    Kael suddenly remembered Mia¡¯s call the night before. He pulled out his phone and tried calling. Blocked. He handed it to Zara with <b>a </b>frown.


    ¡°Try calling Mia.¡±


    Her hands trembled <b>as </b>she dialed. Blocked as well.


    Kael exhaled sharply. ¡°Let¡¯s check the surveince.¡±


    They hurried to the security room. As the footage yed out, the horror on their faces deepened.


    There was Riley, barely conscious, her body streaked with blood, stumbling into the rain. Behind her was old Mia, no umbre, carrying the girl on her <b>back </b>through the storm like she weighed nothing.


    Zara let out a broken sob, covering her mouth. ¡°Riley¡­ my child¡­¡±


    Kael¡¯s fists clenched as he stared at the screen. ¡°She must¡¯ve taken her to Moonhaven Hospital. Let¡¯s


    Moonhaven Hospital<ol><li>go.</li></ol>


    Kael <b>drove </b>like a madman through the thunderous rain. The windshield wipers squealed with effort but barely made a


    difference.


    Zara sat in the passenger seat, <b>hands </b>wrung <b>tight </b>in herp. Her <b>lips </b>moved in a breathless prayer. ¡°Let her be okay.. please, let her be okay.¡±


    Riley stirred in the hospital bed, her eyelids fluttering <b>open</b>. Her head throbbed, but it was nothingpared to the agony deep in her chest. She stared at the ceiling, memories shing <b>in </b>cruel rity.


    Zara¡¯s cold expression.


    The sharp prick of the suppressant <b>syringe </b>driving into her neck.


    let¡¯s face, pale and untouched<b>, </b><b>as </b>Riley¡¯s own ws came out, moments from <b>raking </b>across her.


    And then the ulence. The usations


    almost shredded her own sister someone had shouted.


    ?tuir wolf¡ªshe should ve told us from the beginult


    ¡°You know the rules,¡± Kael <b>had </b>snapped ¡°No ws against kin. Not in Ebonw


    3:41PM 0


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°And Scarlet? She didn¡¯t even shift<b>. </b>She stood there, didn¡¯t retaliate. That¡¯s what true restraint looks like,¡± Zara h


    had added.


    They had praised Scarlett like she was the shining star of the Pack. Noble. Selfless.


    But none of them seemed to care¨Cor notice¨Cthat Scarlett hadn¡¯t shifted because she couldn¡¯t.


    Her scent was wrong. Just slightly off. Riley <b>could </b>sense it now that her senses were sharper¨Cnow that the suppressant was fading from her bloodstream.


    Scarlett had a wolf¡¯s scent, yes.


    But <b>no </b>wolf inside.


    Riley had sensed that emptiness only once before¨Con the day she was handed to Zara by the cloaked woman with <b>ck </b>eyes and a voice <b>that </b>dripped with spells.


    A witch.


    Scarlett¡¯s ¡°wolf was fabricated. <b>An </b>illusion. A calcted lie.


    And if Riley¡¯s instincts were right that witch hadn¡¯t just been giving Zara a child.


    She¡¯d been nting <b>a </b>weapon.


    Just as Riley wiped away the tears stinging her vision, the hospital door creaked open.


    She expected Mia.


    But in walked Zara, followed by Kael. Both pale<b>. </b>Both visibly shaken.


    Zara gasped when she saw her awake. ¡°Riley¨Cyou scared me half to death!¡±


    ¡°Why would you sneak off like that? It was storming. You could¡¯ve died out there.¡±


    She stepped forward to hug her, but <b>Riley </b>sat <b>up </b>and pushed her back without hesitation.


    Zara froze.


    Kaci flinched.


    Riley¡¯s eyes were t. Cold. There was no hatred, no rage. Just¡­ nothing,


    That nothingness sent a jolt of panic through Zara. ¡°Please,¡± she whispered. ¡°I know I went <b>too </b>far. But I was trying to protect Scarlett. She¡¯s your sister¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not my sister, Riley said, voice low, firm.


    <b>Zara¡¯s </b>face crumbled. ¡°You were about to <b>hurt </b>her. You transformed in front of family. That¡¯s <b>not </b>who we raised you to be.¡±


    ¡°You raised me to be silent,¡± Riley muttered.


    Kael stepped in, voice sharp <b>with </b>authority. ¡°Thews are clear. No ws <b>against </b>family. And you¡¯re a white wolf, Riley. <b>You </b>have responsibilities. Poweres with restraint.¡±


    He motioned toward Zara ¡°She didn¡¯t sleep all night. We searched all of Stormridge for you. We were terrified.¡±


    But Riley just turned away..


    Karl¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°What do you want from us, Riley?¡°


    ¡°What will make you satisfied?¡±


    3:41 PM


    Only the sound of rain tapping the hospital window answered.


    But deep down¨CKael already knew.


    And it terrified him.


    Because nothing terrified a Pack more <b>than </b><b>a </b><b>white </b>wolf with nothing left to lose.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 62

    Riley¡¯s POV


    ¡°How many times have y


    on Peads


    <b>you </b><b>made </b>a scene in the one <b>month </b>since you were released from prison?¡± Karl¡¯s voice rang sharply. through the <b>hospital </b>room<b>, </b>cold and full of <b>judgment</b>. ¡°The whole family has been spoiling you, tolerating you, loving you- yet you keep pushing us away, again and again<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    His words were like <b>sharp </b>needles, pricking at my ears.


    ¡°Why did Mom inject you with the <b>suppressant</b>, huh? Wasn¡¯t it because you attackeil Scarlett at the banquet like a feral roppan You shoved her in front of the whole Pack and disgraced our <b>family</b>. Then you had the audacity to strike her again after we got home.¡±


    ¡°You were in the wrong, Riley. Don¡¯t tell me <b>a </b>mother doesn¡¯t have the right to discipline her own daughter¡±


    I sat there, staring at him in <b>silence</b>. My mouth curled into a slow, bitter smile, but my eyes remained icy. What was the point <b>in </b>arguing? In this house¨Cthis pack¨C<b>they </b>never cared about the truth. Scarlett <b>was </b>always the saint in their eyes. The victim. The golden child.


    <b>And </b>me? I was the rabid white wolf no one wanted to im.


    So I said nothing.


    But someone outside the room <b>couldn¡¯t </b>bear it an


    The door burst open, and Mia stormed in. Her usually kind face was tight with fury, her eyes bloodshot, breath unsteady.


    She shoved past Zara and <b>Kael</b>, heading straight for me. The insted container in her hands mmed down on the bedside table with <b>a </b>sharp thud.)


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough,¡± she growled. ¡°Enough of this cruelty.¡±


    My chest clenched as I watched her trembling hands and the quiver in her voice. I knew what wasing¨CMia never raised her voice. Not unless it truly mattered.


    ¡°Last night, if it weren¡¯t for that kind gentleman who helped carry her out of the estate, your daughter would¡¯ve died from infection <b>and </b>blood loss. <b>She </b>hasn¡¯t eaten a bite, hasn¡¯t sipped a drop of water since waking. <b>And </b>what do you do? <b>You </b>show up here to yell at her? To scold her for fighting <b>back</b>?¡±


    She looked like she might shatter from sheer rage.


    <b>¡°</b>What kind of Alpha <b>family </b>treats their blood like this?¡±


    <b>Kaci </b>opened his mouth, but she cut <b>him </b>off


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare. <b>You </b>think the whole Pack loves her? That you¡¯ve tolerated her? What a joke.¡±


    ¡°She <b>was </b>tortured in prison for five years. I saw the scars on her back with my own eyes. Not one of you visited her. Not once.. And thest time your father beat her with a belt until she bled, who stopped him? No one.¡±


    She turned to Zara, voice rising with righteous fury. ¡°You forced your own daughter to cut off a finger to repay a debt she never owed! And you still stand there <b>and </b>say it was for her own good?¡±


    <b>Zara¡¯s </b>face had turned ashen, her lips parted in silent horror.


    Even Karl was stunned, looking at me like I was a stranger.


    ¡°Every time she¡¯s wronged, you defend Scarlett without asking a single question,¡± Mia continued. ¡°You scold Riley, punish her, <b>humiliate </b>her. And now you dare to say it¡¯s out of love)¡±


    I couldn¡¯t speak My throat was tight.


    I reached out and gently touched Mia¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I whispered. ¡°They¡¯re not worth your anger


    Because they weren i


    +8 Pearls


    I had cried enough tears for them in my life.


    Zara <b>finally </b>seemed toe back to herself. Her voice was shaky as she tried to exin, ¡°Mia¡­ we didn¡¯t mean to hurt her. Riley is just¡­ so impulsive, so disobedient. We¡¯re trying to help her-


    ¡°Help her?¡± Mia <bughed</b>, and the sound <b>was </b>raw, ¡°Look at her now. Is this what ¡®help¡® looks like to you?¡±


    She pointed to my bandaged arm and bruised corbone.


    ¡°You never loved her. Zara. At least admit that. You didn¡¯t raise her¨Cyou never bonded with her¨Cand maybe that¡¯s <b>understandable</b>. But <b>not </b><b>loving </b>her doesn¡¯t give you the right to destroy her.¡±


    Zara went pale and turned her eyes to me, seeking something¨Cguilt, sorrow, even recognition.


    I gave her <b>nothing</b>.


    Not a nce.


    <b>Not </b>a flicker of emotion.


    Instead, I turned my eyes to <b>Mia</b>¨Cthe only one <b>who </b>had ever protected me. And I <b>looked </b><b>at </b>her like she was my mother.


    Because, in every way <b>that </b>mattered, she was


    And Zara? She <b>meant </b>nothing to me anymore.


    I watched as realization began to dawn in her. The regret. The fear,


    <b>That </b>was when she truly started to panic..


    ¡°Riley¡­ no matter what, I¡¯m still your mother,¡± she whispered, reaching for my hand.


    I pped hers away. ¡°Legally, I have nothing to do with the Vale family.¡±


    The <b>words </bnded like a thunderp. Zara froze, eyes wide with disbelief.


    Kael¡¯s face contorted with anger. ¡°Riley, must you say such cruel<b>, </b>pointless things?¡±


    I turned to <b>him</b>, <b>calm </b>as ever. ¡°Pointless? I don¡¯t think you understand. The Pack registry¨Cthe official family ledger¨Chas never listed my name. Isn¡¯t that right, Zara?¡±


    His gaze snapped to her. ¡°Mother? That¡¯s not true.. right? She came back eight years ago. Her name should¡¯ve been added. long ago.


    Zara¡¯s lips trembled. Her hands fluttered uselessly at her sides,


    She couldn¡¯t deny it.


    She <b>wouldn¡¯t </b>dare lie.


    Karl¡¯s


    s jaw clenched as the truth hit him like a hammer. ¡°You never added her to the Pack¨Crecord? She¡¯s not even registered


    <b>as </b>one of us?¡±


    Zara crumbled<b>, </b>sobbing <b>into </b>her hands. ¡°I¡¯m <b>sorry</b>, Riley¡­ I¡¯m so sorry¡±


    I stared at her, unmoved.


    <b>Sorry </b>didn¡¯t mean anything when <b>the </b>betrayal was carved into your bones.


    <b>And </b>I¡¯d spent my whole life learning to bleed quietly.

 in Vengeance 63

    Riley¡¯s POV


    ¡°Heh


    FRIS


    A coldugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. It echoed through the sterile hospital room, sharp as broken ss. ¡°No wonder the maids in the Ebonw Pack look down on <b>me</b>,¡± I said, my voice low, brittle with irony. ¡°They call Scarlett Young Lady, and me? Just ¡°Miss Riley. And they¡¯re not wrong.¡±


    I turned my


    y gaze on Luna <b>Zara </b>and Kael Vale¨Cmy so¨Ccalled mother and brother.


    ¡°Because neither of <b>you </b>ever intended to acknowledge me as one of your own.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always just been a guest <b>in </b>your house. A stray wolf at your doorstep<b>.</b>¡± I tilted my head. ¡°Not family. Not truly.¡±


    My voice dropped further, t <b>and </b>void of warmth. ¡°So why are you still here?¡±


    Zara flinched. <b>Then</b><b>, </b>in the blink of an eye, her expression shifted. The motherly sorrow vanished, reced by cold Luna resolve. She straightened her spine, her jaw set firm.


    ¡°Whether you ept it or not. Riley, you are my daughter,¡± she said. ¡°I carried you in my womb for ten months. You have Ebonw blood running through your veins. And that bond can never be broken.¡±


    ¡°Being born of our Packes with responsibilities. Sacrifices. As a Vale, you owe your life to this Pack.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond.


    She stepped closer, voice cold as iron. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what you promised me and Alpha ric. If you dare go back on your word and jeopardize our alliance with Alpha Lucien Duskgrave, then everything you hope to gain¨Cyour freedom, your future, the one million promised¨Cwill vanish.¡±


    There it was.


    The real reason she came.


    Not concern. Not remorse.


    Just the deal.


    The arrangement.


    The damn marriage pact with the Stormridge Pack¡¯s Alpha heir, Lucien.


    She hadn¡¯te to check if I was still bleeding inside.


    She¡¯de to make sure the bride was still intact.


    I had long since stopped hoping she¡¯d see me as her <b>daughter</b>. What was the <b>point</b><b>? </b>I <b>was </b>leverage to <b>them</b>. A rare white wolf they couldn¡¯t tame¨Cso now, <b>they¡¯d </b>sell <b>me </b>off instead.


    Her words didn¡¯t surprise me. I had anticipated every single one.


    ¡°If you¡¯re finished,¡± I <b>uid </b>coolly, ¡°please leave<b>.</b>¡±


    I turned my face away from her. I didn¡¯t want to see their <b>expressions</b>. Not their guilt. Not their lies.


    ?ara i breath caught. She stood there for a moment too long. <b>Maybe </b><b>she </b>still thought I¡¯d cry, beg, scream<b>. </b>But I didn¡¯t.


    There were no more tears left in me for them.


    When she finally spoke again, her voice was icy. ¡°You look fine to me. Recover quickly. <b>Your </b>father and I will schedule the meeting with Alpha Lucien You¡¯ll do your dury


    She turned and left without another nce.


    Karl lingered. His dark <b>eyes </b>searched my face¨Cfor what, I didn¡¯t know. Forgiveness? Weakness?


    He found neither.


    He sighed and followed her out the door.


    Silence settled over the room like snow. Suffocating. Heavy.


    I sat


    in <b>that </b>quiet, my <b>hands </b>clenched in the sheets, heart beating hollow in my chest.


    I wouldn¡¯t cry..


    Not, for them.


    Not anymore.


    Then-


    ¡°Miss Riley, you must be starving.¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Mia¡¯s voice cut <b>through </b>the fog like warm light. She opened the insted container, and the scent of slow¨Csimmered bone broth filled the room, <b>soothing </b>something raw in me.


    I took the bowl in my hands and sipped. The warmth traveled down my throat, but it tasted like nothing.


    Almost without meaning to, I whispered. ¡°Carmen¡¯s lucky¡±


    Mia paused.


    ¡°She¡¯s got you for a mother.¡±


    Her eyes glossed over, but she blinked fast, keeping the tears at bay. She sat beside me and took my hand.


    ¡°Miss Riley,¡± she <b>said </b>gently, ¡°let¡¯s leave. You, me, and Carmen. We¡¯ll disappear. Go somewhere the Vales will <b>never </b>find us. Somewhere peaceful¡±


    God, how I wanted that


    The mere thought made my chest <b>ache</b>.


    But I couldn¡¯t


    Not yet.


    If I ran now, they¡¯d crush Mia<b>. </b>They¡¯d revoke Carmen¡¯s Ashmoor schrship, destroy her future. And the deal with Lucien still hung over me like a chain made of silver.


    No


    Td marry him.


    I¡¯d take the moncy.


    Then I¡¯d leave¨C<b>and </b>I¡¯d <b>take </b>Mia and Carmen


    with me.


    Far away from the Ebonw Pack. Far from ric, Zara, Kael<b>, </b><b>and </b>all their lies.


    But I couldn¡¯t tell her that


    So I said nothing Just kept sipping the soup. It was warm, but it <b>tasted </b>like <b>ash</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed,¡± she said softly ¡°You¡¯re not the same girl I <b>picked </b>up <b>from </b>Mooncrest Penitentiary. I saw it the moment you crossed the gate. You were already nning to leave.¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>Why </b>haven¡¯t you. Riley?¡± she asked quietly. ¡°Did they threaten you?¡±


    My throat tightened. I stared into the soup.


    ¡°No,¡± I whispered.


    But even I didn¡¯t believe it.


    And I could see from her face¨Cneither did she.

 in Vengeance 64

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Morning sunlight spilled through the narrow gap in the curtains, casting a pale gold strip across my hospital bed.


    +8 Pearls


    Maybe it was the rest, or maybe the meds had finally kicked <b>in</b><b>, </b>but my headache wasn¡¯t as <b>sharp </b>today. My mind felt less foggy, more aware.


    1 got up slowly, slipped on the slippers Mia had brought me, and stepped out of the room. I just wanted some <b>air</b>. <b>A </b>moment of quiet.


    But the universe had other ns.


    Just as I turned the corner into the hall


    Sweet Coy. <b>Familiar</b><b>. </b>


    Scarlett.


    hallway. I heard a voice <b>that </b>grated on my nerves like ws on bone.


    1 looked up¨Cand sure enough, there she was, walking shoulder to shoulder with Maddox.


    She wore a white dress, her makeup <b>light </b>and watery like she was trying to embody innocence itself. A thick bandage wrapped around her forehead, and her whole posture screamed frail and delicate. The kind of look that begged for <b>sympathy</b>.


    Herughter died the second she spotted me. She flinched, like she¡¯d seen a ghost. And then, softly¨Cso softly it made my skin crawl¨Cshe said. ¡°Riley¡­¡±


    Maddox paused 100, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. Maybe guilt. Maybe pity. I didn¡¯t <b>care </b>to dig<b>. </b>


    I stopped, just for a beat.


    And then I kept <b>walking </b><b>Right </b><b>past </b>them.


    Like they were air.


    But Scarlett, <b>as </b>always, wasn¡¯t content to be ignored. She edged closer with that same mock¨Ctimid expression she always wore when she was pretending <b>to </b>be fragile.


    ¡°Are


    you


    feeling any better?¡± she asked. ¡°Maddox and I came to visit you¡­ Where are you going?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer.


    Didn¡¯t even <b>look </b>at her


    But she kept inching closer. Kept needling at me with her fake concern. She wanted a reaction. She needed one. So I gave it to her.


    I walked up, calm and measured¨Cand pped her clean across the <b>face</b>.


    The sound echoed in the corridor like a whipcrack. Her <b>dainty </b>little body stumbled backward from the <b>force </b>of it, <b>the </b>pristine makeup on her cheek <b>smudging </b>beneath the vivid red of my handprint.


    Maddox caught her before she could fall. His arm went around her waist, and with <b>his </b>other hand, he shoved me.


    Hard


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you, Riley?¡± he snapped. ¡°Scarlett came here because she was worried about you. And you just- hat her Without even listening? What is wrong with your


    His voice was raised, sharp with anger. A few nurses turned their heads as they passed.


    1 staggered slightly from his push.


    <b>1:47 </b>PM ¨C ?


    And then I pped him too.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± I hissed.


    The shock on his face was almostical. His eyes went wide <b>as </b>if he couldn¡¯t believe I¡¯d actually done it.


    But I wasn¡¯t done.


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°You want to know what¡¯s wrong with me?¡± I said. ¡°I want to know what Scarlett thinks she¡¯s doing, shoving her fake little wounded doe¡® act in front of me like I¡¯m supposed to care.¡±


    ¡°She knows I hate <b>her</b>. She knows I want nothing to do with her. But she keeps getting in my face. So yeah. I pped her. And I¡¯d do it again<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°And you¨Cwhat the hell are you, Maddox? What gives you the right to step in like you¡¯re some noble protector?¡±


    He just stared at me like I¡¯d grown another head<b>. </b>


    The boy I used to follow around like a puppy. The one I used to call ¡°my Maddox.¡± My big brother figure. My first love.


    He looked at me like he didn¡¯t recognize me anymore.


    Hell. I didn¡¯t recognize him either.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed,¡± he said finally, his voice tight. ¡°You¡¯re not the Riley I knew. What happened to you?¡±


    Iughed. Laughed because if I <b>didn¡¯t</b>, I¡¯d scream.


    ¡°You¡¯re really gonna pull <b>that</b><b>? </b>Five years, Maddox. Five years locked up in a cell for a crime I didn¡¯tmit. You think that doesn¡¯t change a person?¡±


    ¡°You let them throw me in there. You stood next to Zara <b>and </b>said nothing when shebeled me unstable. You defended Scarlett <b>while </b>I was in chains.¡±


    I stepped closer.


    ¡°You Don¡¯t Know. Me.7


    Scarlett let <b>out </b>a trembling sob behind him, her eyes all ssy and wet. ¡°Maddox, are you <b>okay</b><b>?</b>¡± she whispered, conveniently loud enough for me to hear.


    Then she looked at me again, tears brimming.


    ¡°You hit me. And now you <b>hit </b><b>Maddox</b>? He came because he was worried about you, Riley. Is this how you treat people who


    Her <b>voice </b>shook, her bottom lip trembling like a scared little pup.


    But her eyes-


    They were shining with satisfaction.


    She was loving this.


    She was ying the victim while I <b>stood </b>here, hands shaking with rage.


    I raised my arm again. Just to watch her flinch.


    She squeaked and darted behind Maddox, pecking out from behind his shoulder like some terrified cub.


    ¡°Ruley, you¡¯re being so cruel.¡±


    Enough


    ¡°Looks like thest lesson from the White Wolf wasn¡¯t enough for you¨C<b>you </b>want to experience it again?¡± I stared him.


    <b>42 </b>PM


    ¡°Enough, Riley. Scarlett already told me¨Cyour White Wolf is just a ck magic illusion. Stop lying to yourself.¡±


    Maddox grabbed my wrist this time, harder. His grip was tight, fingers <b>digging </b>into my skin.


    +8 Pearls


    He <b>growled</b>. ¡°No one¡¯s going to put up with your tantrums forever. Yoush out like this <b>again</b><b>, </b><b>and </b>don¡¯t expect me to just stand here <b>and </b>take it¡ª


    Smack.


    Another p.


    Lused my free hand this time.


    His sentence ended right there.


    The crack of <b>palm </b>against cheek rang louder than thest.


    He stood, stunned.


    His jaw clenched. His eyes flickered, wild and unfocused.


    Then I hit him <b>again</b>.


    Third time.


    Harder.


    His head jerked sideways, and the flush that bloomed on <b>his </b>face was near violet. The once¨Cpristinewyer, the golden boy <b>of </b>the werewolf courts, now stood red¨Cfaced and speechless.


    ¡°Still want to act like my keeper?¡± I said, eyes like frost. ¡°You think you matter in this? You¡¯re not my mate. Not my Alpha. You¡¯re nothing.¡±


    I stepped around him.


    ¡°I may not be loved in the Ebonw <b>Pack</b>,¡± I said without turning back, ¡°but at <b>least </b>I¡¯m still Scarlett¡¯s sister. On paper. <b>And </b>if I want <b>to </b>p some sense <b>into </b>my baby sister, <b>that¡¯s </b>family business. You? You¡¯re just a spectator. Keep your nose out.¡±


    Maddox stared at me, open¨Cmouthed, like I¡¯d gutted hun.


    <b>His </b><b>voice </b>cracked when he finally managed, ¡°You hit me¡­¡±


    There was disbelief there. Hurt. Like I¡¯d just killed something sacred.


    He¡¯d once been everything to me


    And now!


    He


    a stranger I couldn¡¯t stand to <b>look </b><b>at </b>


    I said nothing


    Just met his gaze.


    And in mine, he saw the truth-


    That whatever part of me had once cared about him, had once thought he was a hero-


    That part was gone


    Buned with the girl he helped send to prison.


    And I


    ver digging it up


    again.

 in Vengeance 65

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Those five years in prison.


    Do they even know what I went through?


    Every single day was darkness. A void. A hell that never ended. And the person who started it all¨Cthe one who pushed me off the edge¨Cwas <b>Maddox</b>.


    After what he did to me, after all the betrayal and cruelty wasn¡¯t pping him the least he deserved:


    I could see it his eyes turning red around the edges, like he <b>was </b>on the verge of tears. He looked at me like he <b>was </b>begging to find a glimpse of the old Riley in my eyes.


    But all I had for him <b>was </b>cold, bitter contempt.


    Scarlett stood quietly beside him, her expression soft and sweet, but I knew better. I <b>saw </b>the satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. She was reveling in the chaos, hoping this would be the final wedge between Maddox and me.


    Still, <b>she </b>yed her role.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, Maddox,¡± she said gently, tugging at his sleeve like some helpless flower. ¡°Riley¡¯s probably just¡­ angry. That¡¯s


    all-


    Then, as if remembering she was supposed to be the victim, she turned to me with teary eyes, her voice full of trembling innocence. ¡°Sister, if <b>you </b>must me someone, me me. It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t havee. If hitting me helps, then¡­. then hit me again.¡±


    I almostughed. The way her voice quivered, <b>how </b>pitiful she sounded¡­. Anyone unaware of who she truly was would probably fall for the act.


    But not thE.


    I let out a dry, coldugh, ¡°Save it, Scarlett. You think I¡¯ve forgotten what you did? Every lie, every trap¨CI remember it all. One by one.¡±


    I¡¯d get her back. Just not now. Not while Mia and Carmen were still vulnerable.


    But when the time came?


    I¡¯d drag her to hell with me.


    My body wouldn¡¯tst much longer anyway. I <b>could </b>feel it¨Cevery <b>scar</b>, every bruise lingering beneath the surface. I <b>had </b>maybe a few years left.


    <b>So </b>when I died. I was taking her with me.


    I red at both of them with unfiltered disgust. ¡°You two make me sick. Don¡¯te here again. Don¡¯t pretend you care. Just stay away from me.¡±


    arlett flinched, but not because she was scared. I <b>saw </b>the venom sh in her eyes when she realized I¡¯d caught onto her act. Sell, she tried to maintain her image.


    ster, how can you say that


    I raised my hand slightly


    the shut up immediately.


    The way she cowered behind Maddox, peeking at me with wide eyes and quivering <bshes </b>like some cornered cub¨Cit was pathetic. A little too perfect.


    Maddon just stood there, staring at me like I was someone else entirely. He looked like he wanted to speak, to reach for me, maybe even to apologize.


    +8 Pearls


    But he didn¡¯t move.


    And after a long, awkward silence, he finally muttered. ¡°Riley- you¡¯re not yourself today. I¡¯lle see you again in a few days.¡±


    His voice was hoarse. Like saying that hurt more than he expected it to.


    Then he turned and walked away. Scarlett <b>trailing </b><b>behind </b><b>him </b>like a smug little <b>shadow</b>.


    The second they left. I finally exhaled.


    ¡°Foul energy,¡± I muttered under my breath.


    Whatever calm I¡¯d managed to scrape together this morning had shattered. My mood hadpletely tanked.


    I just wanted to get out of this damn hospital, breathe some real air, and pretend¨Cfor five minutes¨Cthat I <b>wasn¡¯t </b>still stuck <b>in </b>the middle of a nightmare.


    But then I looked up.


    And locked eyes with him.


    Dark, prating, and <b>cold </b>as the northern winds-


    Ronan Duskcliff.


    No. No, no, no.


    Why was he here?


    What did he want?


    I couldn¡¯t breathe<b>. </b>


    He started walking toward me, slow and deliberate, like a predator zeroing in on prey. The pressure rolling off of him was suffocating


    My heart began to pound wildly. My lungs felt tight. Every nerve screamed for me to run¨Cbut my legs wouldn¡¯t move.


    was the one person I couldn¡¯t deal with right now.


    Ronan was


    The one person I feared most.


    He <b>wasn¡¯t </b>like Maddox or Scarlett or even Kael. <b>Ronan </b>didn¡¯t use lies or maniption. He used force. Raw, brutal, terrifying


    force


    He was ruthless.


    Unforgiving.


    A nightmare dressed in a tailored <b>suit</b><b>. </b>


    The moment I uw <b>him</b>, the memories came flooding <b>back</b>.


    The beatings. The cold stone floor. The way they¡¯d yank my hair back in prison and <b>hiss </b>in my ear-


    ¡°Don¡¯t me us. Your beloved Alpha Duskcliff <b>said </b>if we yed nice with you, he¡¯d cut our sentences. We¡¯re <b>just </b>following


    order¡±


    They never said his name outright, <b>but </b>I knew.


    It had to be Konan


    Only he had the power to pull strings like that behind bars.


    I used to think he was gentle. Refined. A quier Alpha heir who loved books and chess and <b>ssical </b>music.


    But that version of him¡­ was <b>a </b>lie.


    A well¨Cconstructed mask.


    The real Ronan <b>was </b>ice and steel <b>and </b>vengeance.


    My blood ran cold.


    I took a step back.


    Then <b>another</b><b>. </b>


    But he didn¡¯t <b>stop</b>..


    He kept closing the distance between us, like a shadow I couldn¡¯t outrun.


    <b>Panic </b>surged in my chest. My vision blurred. I stumbled back on shaky legs¨Cand nearly fell.


    But his hand shot out Fast. Unyielding.


    He caught me by <b>the </b>waist and pulled me flush against his chest,


    Hard.


    Too hard.


    His hand gripped my side, and for a moment, he just held me there.


    Like he owned me.


    Like he <b>always </b>had.


    +8 Pearls


    I could feel the calluses on his palm, the quiet strength in his fingers. Even through the hospital gown, <b>his </b>grip was like iron.


    His brows furrowed slightly.


    Too thin, his eyes seemed to say.


    Too fragile.


    His concern wasn¡¯tforting¨Cit was terrifying<b>. </b>


    My heart hammered against my ribs. My body wanted to break free, but my limbs refused to obey.


    I could smell his cologne¨Cclean, sharp, unmistakably him. His presence swallowed mine whole.


    I tried to struggle. To breathe<b>. </b>To <b>think</b>.


    But nothing worked.


    He tilted his head slightly, his ck eyes scanning mine. I could feel the heat of his gaze,


    Like a storm brewing just beneath his <b>calm</b>.


    ¡°Running away?¡± he murmured.


    The sound of his voice¨Clow, smooth, maic¨Cwas somehow worse <b>than </b>a <b>shout</b>.


    thered into <b>my </b>spine like frost.


    I pushed against <b>him </b>with shaking hands, pressing into the <b>solid </b>wall of his chest.


    ¡°Let let me go,¡± 1 whispered, hating how weak <b>my </b>voice sounded.

 in Vengeance 66

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    To Riley, Ronan Duskcliff was like a de suspended at her throat¨Cone wrong move and she¡¯d bleed. Only distance could offer her <b>any </b>safety from a creature like him.


    Ronan stared at her, his dark gaze filled with something unfamiliar¨Chesitation? Pity? But it vanished almost as soon as it surfaced, reced by his usual cold, ruthless indifference.


    ¡°What <b>are </b>you so afraid of?¡±


    He was the noble heir of <b>the </b>ckmaw Pack, the favored Alpha heir. And now he stood torn between two women¨Chis own sister and the girl he¡¯d secretly cared about for three long years.


    Riley should have been thest person to act wronged. And yet, there she was, cowering like a wounded pup. The worst part? He still felt something. He still cared.


    He hated himself for it.


    Especially <b>when </b>his sister¨CTessa-was lying unconscious in a hospital bed, her life shattered.


    And Riley <b>was </b>the one med for it all.


    Suddenly Ronan shoved her away, hard.


    Caught off guard, Riley stumbled back. Her shoulder mmed into the wall, painncing through her already¨Cinjured body like wildfire. If <b>not </b>for that wall, she would¡¯ve copsedpletely.


    She gritted her teeth against the agony, refusing to <b>make </b><b>a </b>sound. <b>But </b>the strain on her pale face, the sweat soaking her temples, betrayed her suffering


    Ronan¡¯s <b>hand </b>twitched.


    He almost reached for her.


    Almost


    But he stopped himself.


    What was he doing? Why was he hesitating?


    Seeing her in pain <b>made </b>something twist inside his chest, something he couldn¡¯t naine¨Cregret? <b>Guilt</b>? Old affection refusing


    to die?


    Riley slowly steadied herself. Then, taking a deep <b>breath</b>, she turned and began to <b>walk </b>away.


    One step. Two steps<b>. </b>Three


    Ronan didn¡¯t move.


    Didn¡¯t stop her.


    Didn¡¯t call her <b>back</b><b>. </b>


    Each step made her heart race faster, but also lighter. It felt like she was walking away from death¡¯s grip.


    But then


    Riley Ronan called, his voice low¨Csofter than she¡¯d ever heard it. Like a breeze whispering her name.


    She didn¡¯t respond


    Not because she was ignoring him¨Cshe simply didn¡¯t hear him. After the head injury inflicted by Luna Zara, her hearing had.


    +8 Pearls


    worsened. Even the one good car failed her at times,


    Ronan¡¯s brows furrowed. He raised his voice. ¡°Lucien Duskgrave isn¡¯t someone you can handle. Don¡¯t marry him.¡±


    His <b>voice </b>was sharp <b>now</b>, ringing with urgency.


    Lucien¨Cthe Alpha heir of Stormridge¨Cwas a ruthless tactician, forged in blood and power. No mate of his would be spared the brutal demands of his lineage.


    Riley didn¡¯t look back.


    She still didn¡¯t hear him.


    She just wanted to e escape. To get back to her room to shut the door, to breathe.


    Ronan stood there, watching her limp away, each uneven step cutting deeper into his chest. The space between them felt like an uncrossable abyss, but the thought of letting her go. it burned.


    He wanted to chase her.


    To stop her.


    But just as he took a step forward, his phone rang.


    He hesitated.


    Then fished it out of his pocket.


    It was Tessa¡¯s doctor.


    He answered immediately<b>, </b>voice tense. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°<b>Alpha </b>Duskcliff, you shoulde quickly. Your sister is showing signs of waking up.¡±


    Joy surged through him like wildfire. He nced toward the direction Riley had gone<b>, </b>eyes lingering a second too long. There was still something there¨Csomething <b>that </b>hadn¡¯t died. But it would have to wait.


    He turned and ran toward Tessa¡¯s ward, heart hammering in anticipation.


    When he burst into the room, he was breathless, eyes searching. ¡°Doctor, <b>how </b>is she?¡±


    The physician gestured to the monitors. ¡°We¡¯re detecting active brainwaves. And her fingers have twitched multiple times. Your sister is conscious, though unable to respond physically


    ¡°She can hear me?¡± Ronan asked, eyes widening.


    ¡°In theory, yes. She¡¯s <b>in </b>a locked¨Cin state¨Cmind <b>awake</b>, body unresponsive.¡±


    Ronan sat by <b>the </b>bed, grasping her frail hand. ¡°Tessa can you hear me?¡±


    Her eyes fluttered. Her fingers curled <b>just </b>slightly.


    He choked back a sob.


    ¡°You¡¯ve finally responded. You <b>have </b>no idea how long I¡¯ve waited¨C<b>how </b><b>afraid </b>I was I¡¯d lost you forever¡±


    ut then his joy gave way to the storm building beneath it. His gaze darkened. He leaned close to her ear, voice dropping to whisper


    PL


    ¡°Tell me was it Riley who did this to you!¡±


    Five years ago, he¡¯d already gotten the answer. But a part of him still clung to hope. That it had been an ident. That Riley


    But when Tessa¡¯s eyes glistened with fresh tears, thest of his hope died.


    ¡°It was her?¡± he asked again, voice as cold as a winter wind.


    Tears streamed <b>down </b>Tessa¡¯s cheeks, silent and steady


    She wanted to scream<b>. </b>To tell him it wasn¡¯t Riley. That it had been someone else.


    That it <b>had </b>been Scarlett.


    But she couldn¡¯t move. Couldn¡¯t speak.


    Pearls


    Ronan¡¯s jaw clenched. The pain in his chest twisted like a knife. He <b>had </b><b>once </b>seen Riley as brilliant, <b>kind</b>¨Ca girl <b>who¡¯d </b>inade even the darkest ces feel like house,


    But <b>how </b>all he could see was betrayal.


    Still, somewhere deep inside him<b>, </b>something whispered: No. Not Riley. It was someone else.


    But Tessa¡¯s silent crying drowned out that voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make her pay,¡± <b>he </b>vowed through gritted teeth. ¡°<b>Even </b>if she¡¯s already served five years¨Cit¡¯s not enough. Not for this<b>. </b>I will get justice for you, Tessa¡±


    Even as the words left his lips, his heart broke.


    Because part of him still didn¡¯t want to believe it.


    And part of him¨Cdeep, dangerous, defiant¨Cstill belonged to Riley.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 67

    Third Person¡¯s <b>POV </b>


    A few more days passed. That morning, the rain in Mooncrest <b>finally </b>stopped.


    <b>Back </b>in the Stormridge Pack from Northhaven<b>, </b>Matriarch Duskgrave could hardly stay seated.


    ¡°Mrs. Beck, is it <b>still </b>raining in Mooncrest?¡± <b>she </b>asked impatiently.


    ¡°No more rain,¡± Mrs. Beck replied with a <b>smile</b>, clearly reading the Matriarch¡¯s excitement.


    ++8 Pearls


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go! If we leave now, we¡¯ll arrive by noon. I can finally see my future granddaughter¨Cinw this afternoon!¡± <b>she </b>beamed.


    Just thinking about the girl who had managed to make Lucien¨Cthe stoic Alpha Prince¨Cfall in <b>love </b>made Matriarch Duskgrave feel <b>younger</b>.


    A she wolf who could melt Lucien¡¯s cold heart must be obedient, well¨Cmannered, and incredibly <b>rare</b>.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s ready, Matriarch. Let¡¯s set off, Mrs. Beck said, gently helping her up.


    The two departed immediately. The whole journey, Matriarch Duskgrave couldn¡¯t <b>stop </b>talking about Riley¨Cher voice light <b>with </b>joy, lips curled into a constant smile.


    But once they arrived in Mooncrest, joy quickly turned to disappointment¨CMatriarch Duskgrave fell ill from the sudden climate change.


    She was old, after all, and her body couldn¡¯t handle the strain.


    Mrs. Beck grew anxious. ¡°<b>Matriarch</b>, shall we call the young Alpha to pick you up?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she waved a <b>hand</b>. ¡°What if Rileyes with him and sees me like this? Pale, bedridden<b>/</b>weak¨Cwhat kind of <b>first </b>impression would that be? She¡¯ll think Lucien¡¯s <b>a </b>clingy boy tied to <b>his </b>granny. What if she backs <b>off</b>? Lucien¡¯s not the kind to fall in love twice!¡±


    Mrs. Beck blinked. ¡°It can¡¯t be that serious¡±


    ¡°It is. We can¡¯t lose her. We finally have a Luna candidate. I¡¯ll never forgive myself if I scare her away.¡±


    With that, she insisted, ¡°Let¡¯s go to Mooncrest First <b>Pack </b>Hospital. Once I¡¯m recovered, we¡¯ll call Lucien. I want to meet her at my best.¡±


    Mrs. Beck had no choice but to help her toward the hospital, while the Matriarch muttered, ¡°Curse these old bones, messing up <b>such </b>a precious moment.¡±


    Riley¡¯s POV


    The past few days had been¡­ peaceful.


    My head injury had almost healed. I should¡¯ve been discharged already, but I wasn¡¯t ready to go back to that suffocating ce -the Ebonw Pack estate. Not yet.


    So I stayed.


    Iy there, staring nkly out the window, <b>just </b>watching the gray sky <b>part </b>to reveal fading sunlight.


    Two nurses came in to change my bandages


    When they peeled the gauze away, I didn¡¯t flinch. Pain didn¡¯t register anymore. I¡¯d long since learned to ignore it.


    As they worked, they chatted, assuming I wasn¡¯t listening


    ¡°A muracle, truly¡±


    ¡°Right? Five years.


    a patient.


    143 PM


    <b>? </b>


    ¡°She can¡¯t move yet, but her mind¡¯s


    back.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t be long before she fully recovers.¡±


    I turned so fast, one of them jumped.


    ¡°Did I hurt you?¡±


    0


    I locked <b>eyes </b>with her. ¡°The girl you¡¯re talking about¡­ is her name Tessa ckmaw?¡±


    They blinked in surprise. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    Tessa was awake.


    Iughed. Then I cried.


    ¡°Are you <b>okay</b>?¡± one asked, clearly startled.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy.¡± I choked out. ¡°Just¡­ happy for her.¡±


    They finished dressing my wound and left, exchanging a nce, but asking nothing more.


    Tears streamed down my face..


    Five <b>years </b>of lies<b>. </b>


    Five years of <b>pain</b>.


    Five years in prison for a crime I didn¡¯tmil


    Scarlett pushed her. Not me.


    But I was the one who took the fall.


    Now, <b>Tessa </b><b>was </b>awake. She could speak. She could tell the truth.


    I had to see her.


    I had just stood up when <b>Mia </b>walked in carrying a thermal lunch container.


    ¡°Miss Riley, where are you going?¡±


    I turned to her, my voice trembling with emotion.


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°Mia, Tessa¡¯s conscious. She can prove I didn¡¯t lure her into the ck Forest with fake messages that night at the Halston Academy <b>banquet</b>, It <b>was </b>Scarlett.¡±


    Mia gasped. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°I heard the nurses. I need to see her.


    ¡°But Riley the Duskcliff <b>family </b>still <b>mes </b>you. If they find you near her room, they night think you¡¯re trying to harm her


    again


    1 faltered. For a second.


    Then realization hut me like thunder.


    If I knew then Scarlett might know too.


    And Scarlett She¡¯d kill to keep Tessa silent.


    I have to get there before she does. Tessa needs protection. She¡¯s not safe¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Rong with you.


    343 PM


    Mia looked at me, worry in her eyes, but she nodded. ¡°I¡¯m


    We ran


    But just as we reached Tessa¡¯s room, someone blocked the door.


    I froze.


    The Ebonw Pack¡¯s driver. Scarlett¡¯s personalckey.


    The same man who drove me to the auction. The one who¡¯s served her <b>since </b>she was a pup.


    If he was here¡­ then Scarlett was already inside..


    My <b>rage </b>boiled over.


    1 stepped forward, voice like steel. ¡°Move.¡±


    He didn¡¯t.


    He just stared down at me with scorn in his eyes and sneered like I was dirt under his booL


    Scarlett was ahead of me.


    Again.

 in Vengeance 68

    Third Person¡¯s <b>POV </b>


    Riley¡¯s anger surged like wildfire. ¡°I said move!¡±


    Her voice rose sharply,ced with desperation and fury. She stepped forward and shoved the driver with everything she had -but the man didn¡¯t budge. He was built like a brick wall, broad and unyielding.


    <b>And </b>then, with no warning, he raised his hand.


    was massive, <b>like </b>a b of <b>stone</b>, and it came flying toward her face with terrifying speed.


    Wind whistled with the force of it


    Mia, who had been following behind Riley, <b>saw </b>the attack unfold in an instant. Her eyes widened in horror.


    Without thinking, she rushed forward.


    Smack!


    The blownded squarely on Mia¡¯s cheek. Her frail body flew sideways, hitting the <b>ground </b>like a crumpled leaf in the wind. ¡°<b>Mia</b>!¡± Riley¡¯s voice cracked as she dropped to her knees beside her. Her eyes shimmered with fury <b>and </b>grief. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Blood welled at the corner of Mia¡¯s mouth, but she forced herself upright. With <b>trembling </b>fingers, she pointed at the driver, her voice rough and shaking,


    ¡°You¡¯re just a driver for the Ebonw Pack¡­ how dare you raise your hand against the Alpha¡¯s daughter?¡±


    The driver sneered, his lip curling in disdain.


    ¡°Alpha¡¯s daughter?¡± he scoffed, ¡°Don¡¯t make meugh. The Ebonws have one daughter, and her name is Scarlett. This one¡¯s nothing but trash.¡±


    Riley¡¯s fists clenched until her nails dug into her palms. Her whole body trembled¨Cnot from fear, but from the humiliation, the injustice, the helplessness that had followed her like a shadow ever since she returned to the Pack that cast her out.


    Down the corridor, just outside the hospital wing, two figures stepped out of the elevator.


    Matriarch Duskgrave<b>, </b>regal and sharp¨Ceyed despite her cane, paused mid¨Cstep. Her gaze locked onto the scene unfolding before her¨CMia on the floor, a man towering over a bruised young girl with fury <b>in </b>his eyes..


    ¡°Who¡¯s <b>that </b>girl?¡± the Matriarch murmured, narrowing her eyes. ¡°She looks familiar


    Mrs. Beck followed her gaze, then blinked.


    Recognition hit her like lightning-


    ¡°That¡¯s her,¡± she whispered. ¡°That¡¯s the girl I told you about. From the South Haven train <b>station</b>¨Cthe one who called me Mom¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave turned to her, startled. ¡°The same girl!¡±


    Mrs. Beck nodded, heart pounding. ¡°She was being dragged away by her brother that night. She was terrified.¡±


    The Matriarch fell silent, eyes never leaving Riley. The girl looked thin and worn, but there was something in her- something wild <b>and </b>unbroken. Protective


    Atud right then, that very girl was being threatened <b>again</b>.


    The driver raised his fist


    Riley flinched


    Bat someone moved faster


    Matriarc?r Duskgrave HumanIYA ISA <b>MAEN</b>, LIKE crack.


    ¡°You filthy coward!¡± she bellowed. ¡°You <b>think </b>you cany hands on a defenseless girl in broad daylight? Try it again. I dare you.¡±


    She struck him again. And again.


    The driver stumbled back, caught off guard, face twisted in pain and disbelief as the old woman rained blows on <b>him </b>with surprising strength.


    But rage burned <b>hot </b>in his chest.


    ¡°Crazy old bat!¡± he growled. ¡°You wanna die?!¡±


    He grabbed the cane with one powerful tug and yanked it free of her grip.


    Without hesitation<b>, </b>he raised it aiming for her head.


    Time slowed.


    Riley¡¯s breath caught in her throat.


    And then, instinct took over.


    She lunged.


    <b>Thud</b>.


    The cane struck her back with <b>a </b>sickening sound. Pain exploded through her spine, white¨Chot and unbearable.


    But she didn¡¯t let go.


    She wrapped her arms around the Matriarch, shielding her.


    The Matriarch¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she looked down at <b>the </b>girl trembling in her arms,


    ¡°You¨Cyou protected me?¡± she whispered, stunned.


    Riley winced, biting down on <b>the </b>pain. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said, though her voice trembled.


    ¡°You¡¯re pale as death, the Matriarch said, voice <b>tight </b>with emotion. She hadn¡¯t known this <b>girl </b>before. But now, something in her heart cracked.


    Riley swayed, pain threatening to drag her under,


    <b>But </b>still, she didn¡¯t move.


    The driver raised the cane again, his face twisted with fury, ready to bring it down once more.


    And this time¡ªhe <b>wasn¡¯t </b>aiming to scare.


    He meant to kill.


    Riley¡¯s vision blurred. Her back <b>throbbed </b>with blinding <b>pain</b>, her knees nearly buckling. She could barely breathe.


    But then-


    Something <b>snapped</b>.


    Not just in her bones


    In her blool


    A deep, ancient power surged up from her core¨Cwild, uncontroble, furious. The humiliation. The abuse. The betrayal. The abandonment. All of it ignited <b>like </b>dry leaves catcling fre


    +8 Pearls


    Her fingers wed into the air. Her spine arched, and a feral growl tore from her throat¨Ca sound no human could ever


    make.


    The hallway fell silent.


    Time froze.


    And then-


    Riley exploded into <b>white </b>light.


    Bones cracked. Skin shimmered. The air around her trembled with raw, <b>untamed </b>energy.


    The driver staggered <b>back</b>, his eyes widening in horror.


    Before him stood not a beaten girl¨Cbut a <b>massive </b>white wolf, <b>tall </b><b>and </b><b>radiant</b>, fur like moonlight, eyes glowing with unearthly silver.


    Gasps rippled through the corridor.


    Someone screamed.


    Matriarch Duskgrave took a shaky step back, her cane forgotten. ¡°A¡­ white wolf¡±


    Mrs. Beck¡¯s hand flew to her <b>mouth</b><b>. </b>¡°That¡¯s impossible.


    Riley snarled, her massive paws digging into the floor tiles, her body crouched low¨Cready to strike.


    The driver didn¡¯t even have time to <b>run</b>.


    <b>With </b>a roar that shattered <b>ss </b>down <b>the </b>corridor, Riley lunged.


    She mmed him into the wall like he was made of paper. He crumpled to the floor, groaning in terror, eyes filled with a fear <b>he </b><b>had </b>never known.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 69

    Riley¡¯s POV


    My ws were inches from tearing into his throat.


    +5 PeanS


    The bastardy slumped against the corridor wall, dazed from the impact. Blood trickled down his temple, mixing with dirt and ceramic shards. I didn¡¯t even remember grabbing the potted nt, but the crash of it shattering against his skull still rang in my ears like thunder.


    He groaned, trying to get up.


    I stalked closer, my hackles raised, breath hot and heavy.


    He daredy a hand on Mix. He dared raise a cane at the old woman <b>who </b>had shielded me¨Csomeone I didn¡¯t even know. He dared call me nothing.


    I wasn¡¯t <b>nothing</b><b>. </b>


    I was the damn white wolf of the Ebonw Pack, and for once in my life¨CI wasn¡¯t going to run.


    A snarl built in my chest, low and deadly. My muscles coiled.


    I was ready to end this.


    ¡°Riley, stop!¡±


    Mia¡¯s voice cut through the haze <b>like </b>a whip.


    1 <b>froze</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°Put your ws down,¡± she choked <b>out</b><b>, </b>clutching her bruised check, <b>eyes </b>wide with panic. ¡°You know thew. No bloodshed among Pack unless ordered by Council. You show those ws now¨C<b>and </b>they¡¯ll lock you up again. For good this time.¡±


    Her <b>words </b>hit harder than the blow to my back.


    The Rogue Tribunal. The istion cells. Cold steel <b>chains </b>digging into my wrists.


    No. Not <b>again</b><b>. </b>


    My snarl died in my <b>throat</b>. I forced the shift back, bones creaking, limbs trembling as fur receded. My vision blurred, but I stayed upright.


    My breath came in ragged gulps.


    I <b>was </b>shaking


    Mia reached out, steadying me with <b>both </b>hands, then out on my clothes. ¡°It¡¯s over. Let¡¯s <b>go</b><b>.¡± </b>


    Still dazed. I turned and pushed open the hospital room door¨Cjust in time to walk into a nightmare.


    The air inside was thick with panic. I saw her¨CScarlett¨Cws digging into another girl¡¯s throat. Her name hit me a <b>second </b>


    Tema


    Her lips were blue, her eyes ssy. Her hands scratched helplessly at Scarlett¡¯s wrists, trying to breathe.


    switch flipped inside me


    1 charged forward with a scream, grabbing Scarlett by the hair and yanking her back with every ounce of fury I had left. ¡°Let go of her, you psycho!¡±


    Scarlen shrieked, her grip finally loosening. We both stumbled back, crashing into each other, wing, kicking. <b>Gone </b>was her usual trembling and sweet act¨Cwhat surfaced now was Ieral, vicious, real


    Her nails raked down my arm, slicing skin <b>open </b>like ribbons.


    ¡°Crazy b*tch!¡± she screamed, scratching, kicking, iling


    ¡°Keep going.¡± I snarled, ¡°and I swear, I¡¯ll <b>show </b>you what a real Luna looks like.¡±


    +8 Pearl


    Mia and Mrs. Beck lunged in, each grabbing one of Scarlett¡¯s arms and <b>holding </b>her down as she thrashed and howled like a cornered animal.


    I dropped to my knees beside Tessa.


    She wasn¡¯t moving.


    Her face had gone ashen<b>. </b>


    No breath. No heartbeat I could feel.


    No..


    No.


    Tessa?¡± My voice cracked as I shook her. ¡°Tessa¨Cwake up!¡±


    Nothing


    ¡°Tessa!¡± I screamed, hands flying to her face, <b>then </b>her chest. ¡°Breathe! Please¨Cbreathe!¡±


    My whole world cracked open. The only person who could prove my innocence.. was slipping away before my eyes.


    ¡°Mia!¡± I turned, <b>sobbing</b>. ¡°Call the doctors! Get help! Now!¡±


    Mia let go of Scarlett instantly, bolting for the door


    But the doorway <b>was </b>already blocked.


    Three men.!


    Towering. Dangerous.


    And one of them, leading the charge, looked like he was carved from rage itself.


    Dark brows <b>drawn </b>tight. Eyes like knives.


    His voice hit me like <b>a </b>p.


    ¡°Riley Vale, what the hell are <b>you </b>doing to Tessa?!¡±


    I blinked up, stunned by the venom in his tone.


    Ronan Duskcliff


    His fury mmed into the room like a shockwave. Behind him were <b>guards</b>¨Carmed, tense.


    I opened my mouth to speak, but the words wouldn¡¯te. The sob stuck in my throat turned into a whimper.


    He didn¡¯t wait for an exnation.


    He stormed forward, grabbed me by the arm, and ripped me away from <b>Tessa¡¯s </b>body.


    stumbled backward-


    Straight into another chest.


    Hand <b>Familiar </b>Burning hot


    My breath caught


    I looked up.


    And met Maddox¡¯s eyes,


    Cold. Piercing. Nothing like the ones that used to gaze <b>at </b><b>me </b>with gentle curiosity.


    His hands tightened on my shoulders¨Cnot withfort, but judgment,


    Pain bloomed across my chest deeper <b>than </b><b>any </b><b>wound</b>. The look in his eyes wasn¡¯t anger.


    It <b>was </b>disappointment.


    ¡°Riley¡­¡± His voice was low, full of thunder. ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    I could barely hear myself. ¡°I didn¡¯t¨CIt wasn¡¯t me. She¨CScarlett¨Cshe was-¡±


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°Is this really who you are now?¡± Maddox¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°Where¡¯s the girl I knew? The girl who once believed in justice? In kindness Bring her back to me, please


    I looked at him through the veil of my tears, my skin still stinging from Scarlett¡¯s ws.

 in Vengeance 70

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Maddox never admitted he stopped loving me.


    Not once.


    +8 Pearls


    Not even now¨C<b>when </b>his hand released my shoulder like I was something that disgusted him, something unworthy of being touched.


    My arms hung uselessly at my sides, trembling. My knees threatened to give. I felt <b>like </b>someone had hollowed me out and left nothing but <b>skin</b>.


    ¡°Maddox.¡± My voice cracked¨Choarse, broken, full of the ache I <b>could </b>no longer hide..


    But the moment I opened my mouth, everything spilled out <b>at </b>once. I couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore.


    ¡°IT WASNT ME!¡±


    The scream tore from my throat, raw and ragged.


    But he didn¡¯t believe me


    None of them did.


    Maddox¡¯s eyes darkened¨Cnot with concern, but with judgment. Cold. Condemning. Like he wasn¡¯t looking at the girl he used to call his mate, but at a criminal caught in the act.


    Then¨CKael.


    His fingers seized the back of my head so roughly my neck jerked. He forced me to face the hospital bed.


    ¨C¡°Look!¡± he snarled. ¡°Look at what you did, Riley!¡±


    Tessay there like <b>a </b>ghost¨Cher skin gray, her lips tinged blue, her throat covered in bruises.


    ¡°You want to deny this too?¡± Kael¡¯s voice cracked with fury. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t <b>you</b>, then who left those marks on her neck? Scarlett? <b>You </b>really expect us to believe <b>the </b>same lic¨Cagain?¡±


    His voice trembled with disbelief.


    ¡°No,¡± I whispered, shaking my head, blinking through tears, ¡°I didn¡¯t¨CI didn¡¯t do this-¡±


    ¡°You just <b>woke </b>up <b>and </b>tried to kill her?¡± he spat. ¡°You couldn¡¯t wait even an hour before trying to silence the only witness!¡±


    Witness.


    That word struck me like lightning.


    Tessa was the only one who could clear my name.


    And now they thought I¡¯d tried to kill her.


    Maddox¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°Just like five <b>years </b>ago¨Cyou lured her into the ck Forest with that fake message, <b>knowing </b>the Rogues were hunting in the area. She¡¯s been in aa ever <b>since</b>. All because you were jealous of her friendship with


    I flinched


    My heart pounded so hard I could barely breathe.


    Scarlett stood behind them, quiet, tearful, covered in scratches from our fight. Her eyes were red. Her voice trembled.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t me,¡± she whimpered, voice catching on a sob. ¡°Riley just¨Cjust attacked her out of nowhere. I tried to stop her, <b>that¡¯s </b>how the scratched me


    She held up her arms, revealing my <b>w </b>marks.


    I couldn¡¯t believe what I was hearing.


    ¡°You liar.¡± I croaked. ¡°You almost killed her¨C1¡±


    But <b>the </b>room was no longer listening to me.


    Kael, Maddox, Ronan¨Cone after the other, they circled in, voices rising like a pack ready to tear me <b>apart</b>.


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t changed.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s worse.


    ¡°She should¡¯ve stayed locked up.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    Their voices blurred into static. My ears rang.


    +8 Pearls


    It was just like five years ago. The same people. The same usations. No matter what I said, no matter how loud I screamed


    I was always the viin in their story.


    I felt my head spin.


    My legs buckled.


    Suddenly, I was falling through time¨Cback to that cursed night in the ck Forest. The smell of blood. The Rogues. The silence after the scream. And their voices, echoing like wolves howling in judgment¨Ccalling me a monster, a liar, a killer.


    And now it was happening again.


    Scarlett¨Cthe <b>real </b>monster¨Cwas crying pretty tears, and I was the one they wanted to see burn.


    I barely felt it when Kael <b>shoved </b>me.


    I barely registered the sting in my ribs when Ronan grabbed my arm and mmed me into the <b>wall</b>.


    The wind was knocked clear from my lungs. My back screamed in pain. My vision shed white.


    He was shouting something.


    using, Cursing.


    Then his hands wrapped <b>around </b>my throat.


    Tight


    Too tight.


    My body jerked.


    I wed at his <b>wrists</b>, <b>but </b>I was too weak. Too <b>slow</b>.


    My lungs seized, desperate for air.


    ¡°P¡ªplease_¡± I rasped, ck dots dancing in my <b>vision</b>.


    The room swam. My knees <b>gave </b>


    Everything faded.


    But I forced the words out, onest <b>time</b>,


    ¡°Get the dortor.¡±

 in Vengeance 71

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Matriarch Duskgrave was furious beyond words.


    At eighty years old, she had never seen such unreasonable and reckless people.


    No wonder the girl fought desperately to escape¨Csurrounded by a group of violent fools like this, who wouldn¡¯t run?


    If it were her, she would have fled long ago.


    With anger and urgency, the matriarch mmed her cane against Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s arm.


    Ronan yelped in pain and instantly released his grip on Riley¡¯s neck.


    Seizing the moment, Matriarch Duskgrave pulled Riley into her arms tightly, growling, ¡°If you don¡¯t call the doctor soon, the patient will be beyond saving!¡±


    Ronan¡¯s body trembled. He shot Riley a dark re but made no further objections and stormed out to find a doctor.


    Riley watched his retreating figure, only then realizing something was terribly wrong.


    With all themotion in the ward, no doctor or nurse hade to check on the situation.


    It was impossible.


    Unless the medical staff had been sent away beforehand.


    Her eyes darted to Scarlett, who just happened to sh a victorious gleam.


    A chill ran down Riley¡¯s spine.


    If this was Scarlett¡¯s setup, then Ronan wouldn¡¯t find a doctor anytime soon.


    No, she couldn¡¯t just wait to be helpless.


    Tessa¡¯s life depended on it.


    Five years ago, she had already been framed once.


    This time, she couldn¡¯t let history repeat itself¨CTessa had to be saved immediately.


    ¡°Madam, please let me go. I have to save Tessa,¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave hesitated, worry etched across her face, but finally loosened her grip.


    Riley took a step forward toward Tessa.


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    Suddenly, Kael Vale blocked her path with a sharp step, Maddox appeared from the other side to intercept.


    Kael¡¯s gaze was icy as he scolded, ¡°Riley, how much longer will you keep this up? You tried to kill Tessa just now. Now, in front of all of us, you want to finish her off? How did you be so cruel¨Ca venomous woman full of malice.¡±


    Maddox wore a deeply disappointed expression as he added, ¡°Riley, I advise you to stop immediately. If you persist, what awaits you won¡¯t just be a few years in prison. With the ckmaw Pack¡¯s power, you¡¯ll rot in jail forever. Even though we used to be mate, I won¡¯t show you any mercy.¡±


    ¡°Step aside! If you don¡¯t save her now, it¡¯ll be toote. Do you really want to watch her die?¡± Riley shouted, panic and fury burning in her voice.


    Kael and Maddox remained unmoved.


    Scarlett feigned innocence beside them, ¡°Riley, even if you dislike Tessa, you can¡¯t take her life. Even if she wakes and exposes your past crimes, you served five years in prison. Thew won¡¯t pursue you anymore. There¡¯s no need to eliminate her.¡±


    Kael clenched his fists and sneered, ¡°Look at you, Riley. You¡¯re acting like a madwoman. You deserve to be locked up for life.¡±


    Maddox furrowed his brow. ¡°How long will you persist in this madness? Do you want to send yourself straight to jail?¡±


    Their relentless stance ignited a roaring fire of anger within Riley.


    She knew reasoning was useless.


    No more words.


    Her form twisted and morphed.


    In a sh, Riley shifted into her wolf form.


    Blood¨Cred eyes zing, fangs bared, ws shing through the air.


    She was no longer the frightened girl.


    She was Nyra¨Cthe white wolf.


    The ward filled with the scent of wild fury.


    Kael and Maddox staggered back, startled and cautious.


    But Riley¡¯s strength was still weak¨Cher transformation recent and iplete.


    Maddox shouted, ¡°Riley! The Wolf Code forbids showing your ws to pack members! If you don¡¯t calm down, you¡¯ll be sent to the Wolf Prison again!¡±


    Riley¡¯s fierce growl filled the room as thick,manding pheromones radiated from her, forcing everyone to instinctively take a step back, giving her the space she needed.


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    ¡°This ends now,¡± she whispered, eyes still burning with fierce determination.


    Finished


    With the path cleared, she stepped forward toward Tessa¨Cthe only one who could prove her innocence- ready to do whatever it took to save her.


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 in Vengeance 72

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Kael Vale felt a surge of anger and dread.


    His own sister had just nearly torn him apart with her ws.


    He had no doubt that Riley hadn¡¯t held back.


    If he had been a moment slower, the wounds wouldn¡¯t have been mere scratches¨Cthey could have been fatal.


    Still shaken, Kael recoiled and kept his distance, unwilling to get any closer.


    Maddox was equally stunned, frozen in ce as he stared at Riley with disbelief. The bright, cheerful girl he once knew was gone¨Creced by someone fierce, wild, and barely restrained.


    ¡°Riley¡­ how did you be like this?¡± Maddox whispered, voice heavy with confusion and pain.


    Riley didn¡¯t care what they thought of her. Her mind was focused on only one thing¨Csaving Tessa, the only person who could prove her innocence.


    At that moment, Matriarch Duskgrave,Mia, and Mrs. Beck rushed in, stepping between Riley and the others.


    As Riley¡¯s scent flooded the room, Nyra¨Cher wolf spirit¨Cemitted a calming pheromone that subtly urged the others to step back. Only when a clear path was made did Riley force her ws back into her hands, shifting back toward her human form.


    Matriarch Duskgrave quickly draped a heavy cloak over Riley¡¯s shoulders, shielding her from the cold hospital air.


    Mia¡¯s voice was steady and clear: ¡°Mistress Riley, do what you must. I stand with you.¡±


    Mrs.Beck nodded in agreement, her eyes full of trust and encouragement.


    This disy of support touched something deep in Riley¡¯s heart. Tears welled up and spilled down her


    cheeks.


    Her own family had never believed her, never stopped hurting her.


    But strangers, and a few loyal friends, had shown her warmth when she needed it most.


    Though abandoned by blood, she was not abandoned by the world.


    She didn¡¯t know whether this was luck or fate.


    Words of thanks flooded her mind, but there was no time to say them.


    Riley spun around, leaving behind the bloody memories of her w marks, and strode toward Tessa¡¯s


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    bedside.


    Her hands moved with purpose and strength, beginning powerfulpressions on Tessa¡¯s chest, as she cried out, ¡°Tessa, you have to wake up! You can¡¯t die! I¡¯ve already paid for your crimes with five years locked away. Do you want me to be sentenced to death because you die now?¡±


    She was no stranger to death.


    But she could not bear the thought of dying while her enemies thrived.


    Time passed in agonizing seconds. Sweat drenched Riley¡¯s brow and soaked through her clothes.


    Her arms grew numb, almost useless, but her will burned fiercely as she pressed on, precise and relentless.


    Watching the stillness of Tessa¡¯s face, Riley¡¯s heart broke.


    Wake up¡­ please wake up¡­


    She carefully pinched Tessa¡¯s nose, took a deep breath, and delivered a slow<b>, </b>steady breath into her lungs.


    Scarlett watched with a sinister smirk, her hope fading as she believed Tessa was beyond saving.


    Kael and Maddox exchanged conflicted nces.


    If Riley truly wanted Tessa dead, why risk everything to save her?


    Was this some cruel game?


    Their distrust twisted into cold contempt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think your fake rescue will wash away your crimes, Riley,¡± Kael spat.


    Maddox sighed heavily, ¡°Riley, you¡¯ve disappointed me.¡±


    But Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s booming voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°Enough!¡± shemanded, silencing the room with her authority.


    Riley felt her strength ebbing, limbs heavy and numb.


    Gritting her teeth, she pressed harder on Tessa¡¯s chest and tried again to breathe life into her.


    Just as hope was fading, Tessa coughed sharply, expelling the breath she¡¯d been holding.


    Her eyes fluttered open slowly.


    Relief flooded Riley, tears streaming down as she sped Tessa¡¯s hand tightly.


    Before she could speak, Ronan Duskcliff burst in with the healer.


    His face lit with joy at Tessa¡¯s awakening¨Cuntil his eyesnded on Riley.


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    His smile vanished, reced by a furious re.


    ¡°Riley! Stay away from my sister!¡±


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    A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge

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    Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s furious roar echoed through the room, causing Riley to flinch but quickly steady herself.


    Tessa had awakened. Finally, Riley¡¯s name would be cleared of murder.


    Now, the ones who should be afraid were not her¨Cbut Scarlett.


    And Kael. Maddox, Ronan¨Cthe ones who had wronged her.


    Curiosity flickered in Riley¡¯s eyes. She wondered what their faces would look like when they learned the truth.


    She straightened her back, never feeling more confident than in this moment.


    A faint, almost mocking smile curled on her lips as she locked eyes with Ronan.


    Her calm gaze made his heart skip a beat.


    In that instant, he realized Riley had changed.


    Her entire aura had shifted, inside and out.


    Once, she had cowered before him like a frightened wolf before a hunter.


    Now, she stared at him boldly, her eyes dripping with scorn, as if he were aplete failure.


    Riley stood beside Tessa¡¯s bed, one hand holding onto the frail figure lying there.


    Both were painfully thin and pale; even the bruises on their necks looked eerily simr.


    For a moment, Ronan felt a strange pang of empathy, as if Riley and Tessa were bound by the same suffering.


    A creeping fear settled in his chest¨Cone he dared not analyze, fearing it would consume him utterly.


    He tore his gaze away and forced down the emotions threatening to burst forth<b>, </b>signaling the healers to examine Tessa.


    The room fell into a suffocating silence.


    All eyes focused on Tessa, except for Riley¡¯s, which burned with fierce determination at Scarlett.


    Scarlett¡¯s face was pale and trembling, like a startled prey, her body shaking uncontrobly.


    In her mind, she screamed, Why is Tessa still alive? Why can¡¯t she just die?


    Scarlett¡¯s fear was not only over the failed attempt to kill Tessa but also that every word she and her father had whispered in secret had been heard.


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    If Tessa spoke out, Scarlett and her father would have no hope left.


    This was why Scarlett had lured Tessa into the ck Forest, trying to end her life.


    Finished


    As everyone¡¯s attention was fixed on Tessa, Scarlett tried to edge toward the door, intending to alert her father and escape with her family.


    But a ghostly voice stopped her cold.


    ¡°Miss Scarlett, where do you think you¡¯re going? Don¡¯t you want to see your best friend safe and sound?¡±


    Scarlett froze, eyes wide with terror as they met Riley¡¯s mocking gaze.


    All attention shifted to Scarlett.


    Her face drained of color, eyes wild with panic.


    Kael and Maddox noticed the change and exchanged questioning looks.


    Kael asked with concern, ¡°Scarlett, are you alright? Why do you look so pale?¡±


    Scarlett nervously twisted her hands, avoiding eye contact, stammering, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not feeling well all of a sudden.¡±


    Maddox stepped closer gently. ¡°If you¡¯re unwell, I¡¯ll take you to see a healer.¡±


    He reached to guide her away.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Riley¡¯s shout cracked through the room, making Scarlett and Maddox jump.


    Maddox frowned, about to admonish her, but Riley¡¯s cold re cut him off.


    ¡°There¡¯s a healer right here. Taking her out means waiting in line and wasting time.¡±


    Her words silenced Maddoxpletely.


    Though he disliked Riley¡¯s domineering tone, he couldn¡¯t deny the logic.


    The healer finished examining Tessa and announced, ¡°Congrattions, Tessa¡¯s awakening is a blessing in disguise. While being strangled, her survival instincts kicked in. Originally, she was only conscious, but fully waking would have taken much longer. The near¨Cdeath struggle elerated her recovery.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to the timely rescue, she avoided suffocation and death.¡±


    The simple exnation settled over everyone.


    It meant that although Tessa had been unconscious for five years, her body was weakened, unable to resist attacks. But her mind¡¯s fight saved her life.


    Kael exhaled deeply and turned to Riley, his anger barely contained.


    ¡°Riley, what do you have to say now?¡±

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    Riley let out a coldugh, her voice steady and calm. ¡°Alpha Ronan, that question shouldn¡¯t be for me. You should be asking Scarlett. And in case you¡¯ve forgotten, Tessa is alive because I saved her. No one had more reason to keep her alive than I did.¡±


    Mia stepped forward to back her up. ¡°Alpha, while you were out fetching the doctors, our youngdy was the only one desperately trying to save your sister. If you don¡¯t believe her, you can ask Kael Vale and Counselor Maddox. They saw everything.¡±


    Ronan turned his gaze to the two men. Their faces were stiff, their expressions unreadable, but far from confident.


    ¡°Hah.¡± Riley let out a scornful snort. ¡°And you still think I was the one trying to kill Tessa? If I really wanted her dead, why would I risk everything to bring her back? The one who¡¯s been hurting her all along is Scarlett. But the three of you were too blinded by her act to see it.¡±


    Scarlett staggered backward in fear, her voice trembling, ¡°It wasn¡¯t me! It really wasn¡¯t! Don¡¯t listen to her lies!¡±


    Riley narrowed her eyes and sneered. ¡°Still trying to deny it? Fine. Why don¡¯t we just ask Tessa herself?¡±


    She didn¡¯t spare another look at Scarlett. Instead, she walked steadily to Tessa¡¯s bedside, leaned slightly, and whispered, ¡°Tessa, it¡¯s me, Riley. Do you remember me?¡±


    Tessa had been in aa for five years<b>. </b>Riley feared she might¡¯ve lost her memories¨Cthat was the only reason she asked.


    Her gaze locked on Tessa, refusing to miss even the smallest shift in her expression.


    And then it happened.


    The moment Tessa¡¯s eyes met Riley¡¯s, tears burst forth like a broken dam. Big, hot tears spilled down her pale cheeks, one after another.


    Her lips trembled. It was clear she had a thousand things to say¨Cthings that had been buried deep inside her. But when she opened her mouth, no words came out. Only muffled sobs and broken gasps filled the


    silent room.


    Riley froze.


    This wasn¡¯t the reaction of someone who didn¡¯t recognize her.


    But if Tessa remembered her, why was she crying?


    ¡°Tessa, don¡¯t cry. Tell them the truth first,¡± Riley urged anxiously,


    It wasn¡¯t the tears she was afraid of¨Cit was Ronan¡¯s tendency to always assume the worst of her.


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    Sure enough, before she could say more, Ronan¡¯s furious voice exploded across the room. ¡°Riley! You scared Tessa to tears, and you still dare to pretend you¡¯re innocent?!¡±


    He stormed forward, grabbed her slender wrist<b>, </b>and yanked her away from the bed.


    ¡°How much longer are you going to torment her?!¡±


    Tessa¡¯s eyes widened as she watched her brother manhandle Riley. Her tears flowed even more fiercely.


    But Ronan didn¡¯t notice.


    Instead, he turned back to Tessa, his tone softening. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Tessa. Just speak up. Your brother¡¯s here now. I won¡¯t let Riley hurt you.¡±


    Riley stumbled from the force of his shove, barely catching herself before she fell.


    Tessa panicked. Her hands wed at the nket, her lips trembling with desperation. She wanted to scream the truth¨Cwanted to tell Ronan what Scarlett had done. She wanted to defend Riley, the only one who had stood by her.


    But her throat felt sealed shut, like a chain was wrapped tight around it. She couldn¡¯t force out a single word.


    Her gaze bounced helplessly between Riley and Ronan, heart twisting in agony.


    Riley had never hurt her. Yet she had taken the fall, spending five years behind bars while the real culprit roamed free¨Cand nearly finished the job today.


    And now, after everything, Ronan was still pointing fingers at the wrong person. was still pointing fingers at the wrong person.


    Five years ago, Ronan had loved Riley deeply. But now? He treated her like a traitor.


    Tessa wanted to shout. Wanted to break through whatever curse kept her silent. But her body wouldn¡¯t obey.


    The harder she tried, the more her tears streamed.


    Her pitiful state only fueled Ronan¡¯s rage. His chest heaved with fury, desperate to direct the firestorm building inside him.


    And once again, he turned on Riley.


    ¡°What did you do to her?! Why can¡¯t she speak?!¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t have the answer.


    Tessa was awake¡ªsomething she had prayed for day and night. This was supposed to be her redemption, her proof of innocence. But now Tessa was awake¡­ and still silent.


    ¡°Tessa, say something!¡±


    ¡°Tell them! Tell them it wasn¡¯t me who lured you into the ck Forest that night! Tell them it wasn¡¯t me who attacked you today¨Cit was Scarlett! Say it! Why won¡¯t you say it?!¡±


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    ¡°Enough!¡± Ronan roared, eyes locked on Riley, burning with anguish. ¡°You¡¯ve scared her enough! How long are you going to keep pretending?!¡±


    ¡°Mmph¡­ Ah¡­ uhh¡­¡± Tessa sobbed harder, helpless and furious<b>. </b>


    You idiot, she wanted to scream. Stop yelling at Riley. Stop hurting her. One day you¡¯re going to regret this.


    A thousand truths burned in her heart.


    But when she opened her mouth-


    Nothing came out.


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    16:45 Thu, Aug 7 M G

 in Vengeance 75

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The hospital room was in utter chaos.


    Riley took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. Her eyes turned sharply to the doctor. ¡°Doctor, why can¡¯t Tessa speak?¡±


    The physician did another round of quick checks. ¡°Physically, her condition is stable,¡± he exined. ¡°But after five years in a vegetative state, her neural andnguage systems have significantly degenerated. It¡¯spletely normal that she can¡¯t speak right away. With rehabilitation, she¡¯ll recover the ability to talk.¡±


    So that was it.


    Ronan Duskcliff and the others finally let out the breath they had been holding.


    But Riley stood there, as if thunderstruck.


    She could wait¨Cbut Scarlett wouldn¡¯t. Scarlett would do everything in her power to silence Tessa before she could fully recover.


    If anything happened to Tessa during this fragile period, Riley knew she¡¯d be the first one med.


    No matter what it took, the truth had toe out today.


    She turned and looked toward Scarlett. As expected, the she¨Cwolf had visibly rxed. Her lowered eyes darted rapidly as if scheming her next move.


    Riley clenched her jaw.


    Scarlett. Today, I¡¯ll make sure you never rise again.


    Her mind worked fast¨Csecondster, she had a n.


    She stepped toward Tessa¡¯s bed, ready to <b>act</b><b>, </b>but just as she reached out, Ronan moved to block her path, eyes dark with warning. ¡°Riley, what are you trying to do now?¡±


    Riley looked him square in the eye, her voice unwavering. ¡°I know how to get Tessa to tell us who lured her into the ck Forest and left her for the rogues.¡±


    Ronan froze. For once, he didn¡¯t know whether to believe her.


    Kael Vale stepped forward and grabbed Riley¡¯s arm. ¡°Riley, enough. Tessa¡¯s awake and that¡¯s all that matters. Let¡¯s not dwell on what happened earlier. We¡¯ll drop the usation¨Cyou almost strangled her, but we¡¯ll let it go.¡±


    Maddox approached as well, sighing, ¡°Riley, after everything, you should know better. Apologize to Tessa and Scarlett, and let¡¯s end this here,¡±


    Riley¡¯s gaze turned cold as she stared at her older brother and her first love¨Cboth of whom she now loathed


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    An Alpha and a Lycan Tribunal member¨Cwolves who should represent justice and wisdom. And yet, when it came to Scarlett, they abandoned all reason.


    ¡°You two pretend to be objective, but all you¡¯re doing is shielding Scarlett. What? Are you that afraid I¡¯ll expose her for what she really is in front of everyone?¡±


    ¡°Riley!¡± Kael snapped, raising his voice.


    But hers cut back louder. ¡°Shut up, Kael!¡±


    Maddox stepped forward, but she turned on him like a storm. ¡°And you¨Cdon¡¯t you dare speak. The two of you have no right to lecture me. You don¡¯t get to decide what I do next.¡±


    ¡°Push me one more time, and I swear I¡¯ll p you both just to make myself feel better.¡±


    Kael and Maddox¡¯s expressions soured, clearly humiliated. But they knew what Riley was capable of. If they kept pushing, they¡¯d only embarrass themselves further.


    Without hesitation, Riley shoved Scarlett toward Tessa¡¯s bed.


    The moment Tessaid eyes on Scarlett, her already pale face drained of all color. Her body trembled uncontrobly, and her eyes filled with a terror and hatred so intense, it was almost tangible.


    Anyone with half a brain could see it¨Cthere was no affection, no trace of friendship in her eyes. Only raw fear and fury.


    Ronan¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Tessa? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Riley scoffed. ¡°She¡¯s looking at her would¨Cbe killer. That¡¯s what¡¯s wrong.


    ¡°Stop ndering her!¡± Kael barked again.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see if I¡¯m ndering anyone,¡± Riley replied, her eyes shing with confidence.


    She looked back at Tessa<b>, </b>her tone soft but firm. ¡°Tessa, I know you can¡¯t speak yet, and I¡¯m not asking you to. All I need is your eyes. If what I say <b>is </b>correct, blink once. If I¡¯m wrong, blink twice. Blink once now if you understand.¡±


    Tessa blinked once, clearly and deliberately.


    A victorious smile broke across Riley¡¯s face.


    Scarlett, your end starts now.


    Scarlett¡¯s heart began to race. ¡°Sister¡­ I¨CI¡¯m not feeling well. I need to see a doctor.¡±


    Riley ignored her entirely.


    Mia stepped in without a word and helped Riley hold Scarlett in ce.


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    Then, Riley asked clearly, her voice cutting through the tension like a de, ¡°Five years ago, the day Ebonw Pack threw a celebration for Scarlett¡¯s enrollment¨Cwas it me who lured you into the ck Forest?¡±


    Tessa looked straight into Riley¡¯s eyes, guilt swimming in her gaze. Then she blinked¨Ctwice. Without a trace of hesitation.


    Ronan stood frozen, as if lightning had struck him.


    It wasn¡¯t her?


    It¡­ really wasn¡¯t Riley?


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    Finished


    For years. Ronan Duskcliff had believed with absolute certainty that Riley was the one who had harmed his sister. He hated her so deeply that he had been willing to use every resource at his disposal to destroy her, going so far as to see her imprisoned for a crime she didn¡¯tmit.


    But now, Tessa¡¯s reaction¨Cso raw and visceral¨Chit him like a silver¨Cforged hammer straight to the chest, shattering the foundation of everything he had believed over the past five years.


    His fists clenched tightly at his sides, knuckles pale from the pressure.


    If Riley truly hadn¡¯t been the one to hurt Tessa¡­ then what had all those years of revenge been for? What did that make him?


    Kael Vale, Alpha of the Ebonw Pack and Riley¡¯s biological brother, stared at Tessa with wide eyes, disbelief carved across his face. He had always favored Scarlett, tuning out Riley¡¯s protests, even helping drag her down when she was at her weakest. He had stood in court and testified against his own sister, iming with full confidence that Riley was the attacker.


    Now, the world spun beneath his feet, and his legs nearly gave out.


    Maddox, a respected member of the Lycan Tribunal, looked equally stunned. As aw wolf, his duty was to seek truth and uphold justice¨Cbut when it came to Scarlett, he¡¯d let personal bias blind him. He had even tried to convince Riley to take the me for what happened to Tessa. He couldn¡¯t fathom back then that sweet, delicate Scarlett could be the real monster.


    He¡¯d epted the Ebonw Pack¡¯s narrative without question.


    Now he saw how wrong he¡¯d been.


    Sweat beaded on Maddox¡¯s brow. His gaze flitted nervously between the others, guilt tightening around his throat.


    Riley watched all of them, her sharp eyes recording every flicker of their shame. She had once believed their pain would bring her a sense of satisfaction.


    It didn¡¯t.


    Instead, bitterness welled up in her chest like poison. Even if her name was finally cleared, those five years- those blood¨Csoaked, soul¨Ccrushing five years¨Cwould never leave her. The damage done would haunt her forever.


    She didn¡¯t want just justice. She wanted them to suffer too.


    If she had to drown in that pain, they would drown with her.


    She turned toward Tessa again, voice steady and unforgiving, ¡°Tessa. Tell them. Was it Scarlett who lured you into the ck Forest that night?¡±


    Kael, Maddox, and Ronan all froze, holding their breath.


    ¡ª


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    Finished


    Suddenly, none of them wanted the answer.


    Because if it was yes, then every belief they¡¯d clung to would copse. They would be forced to face a truth. they¡¯d never prepared for¨Cand their own roles in that cruel deception.


    Kael stepped forward, his voice sharp. ¡°Riley, that¡¯s enough. Tessa¡¯s only just woken up. She needs rest. Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    He reached out to grab her, but Riley slipped out of his grasp like smoke.


    Maddox, ever the peacemaker, gave a nervous smile. ¡°Riley¡­ Kael¡¯s right. This isn¡¯t the time. Let¡¯s not upset her. We¡¯ve already¨Cdisturbed her enough for one day, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Her eyes turned to ice. ¡°Oh, I see. You¡¯re scared. Scared to know the truth. Scared that your precious Scarlett isn¡¯t the pure little saint you convinced yourselves she was. Scared to admit you¡¯ve all been yed for fools.¡±


    Their jaws clenched. But neither Kael nor Maddox said another word.


    They couldn¡¯t. Not after everything.


    She turned then to Ronan, who had been watching silently, struggling with the war inside him.


    Her gaze pierced through him, sharper than any de.


    Ronan Duskcliff, don¡¯t you want to know who really hurt your sister? Or are you going to stand there like a coward and protect the wrong person again?


    His face turned ashen. He was caught in a storm¨Cguilt, doubt, rage all swirling together. If what Riley implied was true¡­ then his hatred had been misced all along. The punishment he¡¯d dealt her had been unjust. Unforgivable.


    But if he knew the truth¡­ could he live with it?


    Riley saw his hesitation and nearlyughed. So this was the kind of brother who imed she could never repay the sin he thought she¡¯dmitted. And now, standing at the edge of truth, he balked.


    He couldn¡¯t even stand up for his own sister.


    She took a bold step back and moved beside Tessa, forming a silent but resolute alliance.


    ¡°Tessa,¡± she said clearly. ¡°Tell them. Was it Scarlett who lured you into the ck Forest that night¨Cthe one who caused youra?¡±


    Her voice rang with the weight of justice long denied.


    The moment of reckoning hade.


    Tessa¡¯s eyes fluttered shut¨Cdeliberate. Definite.


    One clear answer.


    Scarlett began to shake uncontrobly. Her limbs trembled, and she seemed to copse inward, curling like


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    16:46 Thu, Aug 7 M G.


    prey that had just been spotted by a predator.


    The room fell into a deafening silence<b>. </b>


    The truth, after five years buried, had finally begun to surface.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    ·Ë

 in Vengeance 77

    ** Finished


    Fear flickered in the eyes of Kael Vale, Maddox, and Ronan Duskcliff. None of them wanted to face the truth. All they wanted was to escape.


    Riley took in their distressed expressions with a twisted sense of satisfaction. For the first time in five years, she felt the cold thrill of vengeance. Her lips curled upward slightly.


    But just as Tessa¡¯s eyelids began to flutter¨Cjust as the long¨Cawaited truth was about to be revealed¨Ca sharp,manding female voice rang out.


    ¡°What do you all think you¡¯re doing crowding a patient¡¯s room like this? Don¡¯t you know she needs rest?¡±


    A woman in a white coat stormed in, her tone filled with outrage. Right behind her trailed Alpha ric and Luna <i>Zara </i>of the Ebonw Pack.


    eyes <i>lit </i><i>t </i>


    The moment Scarlett spotted the woman, her like a wolf seeing her pack leader. She nearly lunged forward into the woman¡¯s arms to cry her grievances, but held herself back at thest second.


    When the woman¡¯s gazended on Scarlett, it turned gentle¨Calmost doting. But the moment she looked at Riley and the others, her demeanor hardened into stone.


    ¡°Are you all deaf? The patient needs rest. Get out,¡± she snapped.


    The doctor Ronan had called in earlier quickly stepped forward and asked with deference, ¡°Dean, I didn¡¯t know you wereing. Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t shown up, I suspect this entire room would¡¯ve been torn apart. All of you¨Cout. Now.¡±


    Her tone left no room for discussion.


    Riley stood her ground, her gaze never leaving the three wolves¨CKael, Maddox, and Ronan¨Cwhose shoulders visibly rxed. She hadn¡¯t expected it, but they all looked relieved.


    Kael was the first to speak. ¡°The Dean¡¯s right. We weren¡¯t thinking. Let¡¯s give Tessa space. Come on,¡± he said, tugging Scarlett toward the door.


    But Riley¡¯s voice rang out, sharp and unyielding. ¡°No one <b>is </b>leaving until the real attacker is identified.¡±


    Kael paused mid¨Cstep. He turned back, clearly annoyed. ¡°Riley, that¡¯s enough. Can¡¯t we talk about this at home? You¡¯re making a scene in a hospital.¡±


    She let out a bitterugh, full of mockery. ¡°Right when the truth is about toe out, you want to run home? How convenient.¡±


    ¡°Today, we unmask the real culprit. No one walks out until then.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Kael trembled with frustration. Scarlett, tucked safely in his arms, looked like a fragile flower on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Riley,¡± Scarlett said, voice quivering with calcted innocence. ¡°I¡¯ve always seen you as my real sister¡­ but


    X


    Finished


    Chapter <i>77 </i>


    why do you keep targeting me? If I did something wrong, just tell me. I¡¯ll change. Please¡­¡±


    Her sobs began, soft and pitiful.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Riley snapped, raising her hand to p her.


    Before the blow couldnd, the Dean¡¯s hand mped around Riley¡¯s wrist, yanking her back and shoving her away with surprising strength. Pain radiated through Riley¡¯s arm.


    ¡°This is a hospital, not a courtroom,¡± the Dean barked. ¡°Take your disputes elsewhere. The patient needs peace, not your theatrics.¡±


    Her re held more than warning¨Cit held disdain.


    Behind her, Alpha ric and Luna Zara said nothing, but their judgmental stares spoke volumes. If Riley caused any more trouble, they were ready to drag her out by force<b>. </b>


    Riley drew in a breath, trying to calm herself.


    She narrowed her eyes at the Dean.


    Just moments ago, Tessa had been about to name her attacker. But at the exact moment of truth, this Dean had appeared¨Ctoo conveniently.


    Though she addressed the room atrge, her gaze had been fixed on Riley. And when Riley moved to punish Scarlett, the Dean had stopped her with nearly bone¨Ccrushing strength.


    There were too many coincidences. Riley didn¡¯t believe in coincidence.


    This Dean wasn¡¯t just a bystander.


    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship to Scarlett?¡± Riley demanded. ¡°Why <b>is </b>it that you only protect her?¡±


    The Dean¡¯s expression faltered for a split second before regainingposure. ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous. I¡¯m simply doing my job¨Cmaintaining order in my hospital.¡±


    Riley scoffed. ¡°Order? You mean protecting Scarlett.¡±


    ¡°The patient hasn¡¯t asked anyone to leave. She¡¯s not tired. You¡¯re the one pushing us out¨Cbecause you¡¯ve got something to hide.¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth,¡± the Dean snapped, her voice rising with fury,


    ¡°I¡¯m just stating the truth. You might be the Dean, but you have no authority to silence a witness, especially not one who¡¯s about <i>to </i>name the wolf who nearly got her killed. If you keep trying to stop her, I¡¯ll have no choice but to suspect you¡¯re shielding a criminal.¡±


    ¡°She will name the one who harmed her. And no one¨Cno one¨Cis stopping that from happening.¡±


    Her voice rang like a de through the tense room.


    The Dean¡¯s face darkened, veins twitching along her temple. If she could¡¯ve torn Riley¡¯s tongue out right


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    then, she would have.


    Finished


    ¡°You¡¯re being unreasonable,¡± she hissed. ¡°If you don¡¯t calm down, I¡¯ll call security and have you removed.¡±


    Riley stepped forward instead, her eyes locked onto the Dean¡¯s like steel on steel.


    ¡°Go ahead. Call them. Then everyone in this hospital will know¨Cthe Dean of Mooncrest Medical is protecting a would¨Cbe murderer. Let¡¯s see how long you hold onto that title after that.¡±


    <b>Send </b>Gifts


    ve years.


    His fists clenched tightly at his sides, knuckles pale from the pressure.


    If Riley truly hadn¡¯t been the one to hurt Tessa¡­ then what had all those years of revenge been for? What did that make him?


    Kael Vale, Alpha of the Ebonw Pack and Riley¡¯s biological brother, stared at Tessa with wide eyes, disbelief carved across his face. He had always favored Scarlett, tuning out Riley¡¯s protests, even helping drag her down when she was at her weakest. He had stood in court and testified against his own sister, iming with full confidence that Riley was the attacker.


    Now, the world spun beneath his feet, and his legs nearly gave out.


    Maddox, a respected member of the Lycan Tribunal, looked equally stunned. As aw wolf, his duty was to seek truth and uphold justice¨Cbut when it came to Scarlett, he¡¯d let personal bias blind him. He had even tried to convince Riley to take the me for what happened to Tessa. He couldn¡¯t fathom back then that sweet, delicate Scarlett could be the real monster.


    He¡¯d epted the Ebonw Pack¡¯s narrative without question.


    Now he saw how wrong he¡¯d been.


    Sweat beaded on Maddox¡¯s brow. His gaze flitted nervously between the others, guilt tightening around his throat.


    Riley watched all of them, her sharp eyes recording every flicker of their shame. She had once believed their pain would bring her a sense of satisfaction.


    It didn¡¯t.


    Instead, bitterness welled up in her chest like poison. Even if her name was finally cleared, those five years- those blood¨Csoaked, soul¨Ccrushing five years¨Cwould never leave her. The damage done would haunt her forever.


    She didn¡¯t want just justice. She wanted them to suffer too.


    If she had to drown in that pain, they would drown with her.


    She turned toward Tessa again, voice steady and unforgiving, ¡°Tessa. Tell them. Was it Scarlett who lured you into the ck Forest that night?¡±


    Kael, Maddox, and Ronan all froze, holding their breath.


    ¡ª


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    Suddenly, none of them wanted the answer.


    Because if it was yes, then every belief they¡¯d clung to would copse. They would be forced to face a truth. they¡¯d never prepared for¨Cand their own roles in that cruel deception.


    Kael stepped forward, his voice sharp. ¡°Riley, that¡¯s enough. Tessa¡¯s only just woken up. She needs rest. Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    He reached out to grab her, but Riley slipped out of his grasp like smoke.


    Maddox, ever the peacemaker, gave a nervous smile. ¡°Riley¡­ Kael¡¯s right. This isn¡¯t the time. Let¡¯s not upset her. We¡¯ve already¨Cdisturbed her enough for one day, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Her eyes turned to ice. ¡°Oh, I see. You¡¯re scared. Scared to know the truth. Scared that your precious Scarlett isn¡¯t the pure little saint you convinced yourselves she was. Scared to admit you¡¯ve all been yed for fools.¡±


    Their jaws clenched. But neither Kael nor Maddox said another word.


    They couldn¡¯t. Not after everything.


    She turned then to Ronan, who had been watching silently, struggling with the war inside him.


    Her gaze pierced through him, sharper than any de.


    Ronan Duskcliff, don¡¯t you want to know who really hurt your sister? Or are you going to stand there like a coward and protect the wrong person again?


    His face turned ashen. He was caught in a storm¨Cguilt, doubt, rage all swirling together. If what Riley implied was true¡­ then his hatred had been misced all along. The punishment he¡¯d dealt her had been unjust. Unforgivable.


    But if he knew the truth¡­ could he live with it?


    Riley saw his hesitation and nearlyughed. So this was the kind of brother who imed she could never repay the sin he thought she¡¯dmitted. And now, standing at the edge of truth, he balked.


    He couldn¡¯t even stand up for his own sister.


    She took a bold step back and moved beside Tessa, forming a silent but resolute alliance.


    ¡°Tessa,¡± she said clearly. ¡°Tell them. Was it Scarlett who lured you into the ck Forest that night¨Cthe one who caused youra?¡±


    Her voice rang with the weight of justice long denied.


    The moment of reckoning hade.


    Tessa¡¯s eyes fluttered shut¨Cdeliberate. Definite.


    One clear answer.


    Scarlett began to shake uncontrobly. Her limbs trembled, and she seemed to copse inward, curling like


    213


    16:46 Thu, Aug 7 M G.


    prey that had just been spotted by a predator.


    The room fell into a deafening silence<b>. </b>


    The truth, after five years buried, had finally begun to surface.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    ·Ë


    274

 in Vengeance 78

    As soon as Riley spoke, the Dean¡¯s entire body tensed. Her hand, already outstretched toward the emergency summoning rune, froze midair.


    Finished


    ric, seeing the Dean flustered, stepped forward with a glint of concern in his eyes. He stormed toward Riley, grabbing her arm roughly. ¡°You insolent girl! Haven¡¯t you made enough of a disgrace of yourself today? Get out of here¨Cnow!¡±


    Riley yanked her arm free, her eyes zing with fury. ¡°You want to talk disgrace? You and Zara have spent five years protecting Scarlett¨Can adopted daughter¨Cwhile your true¨Cborn daughter rotted in a prison cell for a crime she didn¡¯tmit. If you two aren¡¯t ashamed, why should I be afraid? Today, I¡¯m taking justice


    back!¡±


    ¡°You¡ª!¡± ric¡¯s face turned a dangerous shade of red, but under Riley¡¯s determined gaze, he found himself helpless.


    Zara, visibly shaken, pleaded with tears in her eyes, ¡°Riley, enough, please. Can we just go home and talk about this? There¡¯s no need to keep making a scene.¡±


    Riley turned toward her mother with ice in her stare. ¡°Home? So you can bury the evidence and protect Scarlett again?¡±


    ¡°You really are a pair of perfect parents¨Cso devoted to your foster daughter, terrified she might suffer the consequences of her crimes. But your real daughter? You never feared my pain.¡±


    With each bitter word, ric¡¯s face grew darker, while Zara had already burst into full sobs, barely able to stay upright.


    ¡°Riley, no! You¡¯re my daughter¨CI carried you for ten moons! I would never want you to suffer. Everything I did¡­ it was for your own good!¡±


    For her own good? Riley almostughed.


    ¡°For my good, you let me rot in prison? You let them take everything from me while you stood silent?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve carried the me for five years,¡± she said through gritted teeth. ¡°All I want is for Tessa to speak the truth¨Cfinally. And if you really care about me, Luna Zara, you¡¯ll stop protecting the one who did this.¡±


    ric and Zara fell silent, shame silencing their protests.


    They knew the truth.


    ric had seen Scarlett lead Tessa into the ck Forest that day.


    Zara had seen the surveince stone, watched Scarlett abandon Tessa as the rogues closed in.


    Back then, Riley had no proof. Her cries for justice had fallen on deaf ears.


    But now Tessa, the victim herself, had awakened. And Riley would never let this chance slip through her fingers.


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    The Dean watched the rising panic in Scarlett¡¯s eyes and nearly trembled from the sight. Her heart broke for her. But Riley¡¯s unrelenting pressure sent the Dean into a cold fury. She pointed a sharp, trembling finger. ¡°If you don¡¯t stop this madness<b>, </b>I will call the Pack Enforcement Bureau!¡±


    Riley let out a chillingugh. ¡°Oh, please do. That way I can tear off the mask of your precious Scarlett in front of the enforcers.¡±


    Of course, the Dean had no real intention of involving the Bureau. She grit her teeth, eyes full of venom.


    Something about the Dean¡¯s behavior gnawed at Riley.


    But now wasn¡¯t the time to dig deeper. All that mattered was clearing her name.


    Riley stepped forward. ¡°Well? You said you¡¯d call them. What are you waiting for?¡±


    The Dean hesitated, clearly trapped.


    Riley pulled out hermunication rune¨Ca slick, silver Howler Stone embedded with the sigil of the Northern High Council. ¡°If you won¡¯t call them, I will. After five years, it¡¯s about damn time we bring the truth into daylight.¡±


    She lifted the stone, ready to summon the enforcers.


    But arge hand suddenly mmed into hers, knocking the stone from her grip. It shattered on the floor with a piercing crack.


    Before Riley could react, the same hand struck her across the face¨Chard enough to send her flying into Tessa¡¯s bed.


    Pain exploded through her cheek, her ears ringing.


    ¡°You disgraceful child!¡± ric roared like a furious Alpha. ¡°Is dragging the Ebonw name through the dirt the only way you¡¯ll be satisfied?!¡±


    He raised his hand again, eyes wild, fists trembling with rage.


    Riley couldn¡¯t focus on him¨Cher gaze shot immediately to Tessa.


    Tessa had just awakened from years as a soul¨Ctrapped shell. She was already frail. Riley¡¯s fall had jostled the bed¨Cand worse, struck Tessa.


    She had copsed, unconscious again.


    ¡°Tessa! Tessa!¡± Riley¡¯s voice cracked with panic as she reached for her. ¡°Don¡¯t do this, please¨Cjust hold on a little longer!¡±


    If Tessa didn¡¯t name Scarlett now, it might never happen. And without that, Riley¡¯s truth would vanish again.


    ric, Zara, Kael, even Maddox and the Dean¨Cthey all let out small sighs of relief.


    But Ronan was the first to act. He shoved Riley aside and rushed to Tessa¡¯s bedside.


    16:46 Thu, Aug 7 M \ S


    0


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    ¡ª


    Finished


    ¡°Tessa¨Cwake up! Come on, little moon, don¡¯t scare your big brother like this!¡±


    He shook her gently, his voice cracking. But no matter how he called, Tessa didn¡¯t respond.


    Pain contorted Ronan¡¯s face. Then he turned to Riley with eyes full of me and fury.


    ¡°This is all your fault,¡± he growled. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t kept pushing¨Cif you hadn¡¯t dragged this out¨CTessa wouldn¡¯t have copsed! If anything happens to her, I swear I¡¯ll make you pay.¡±


    But Riley didn¡¯t hear him.


    L


    Her hands were trembling, tears blurring her vision.


    Because this time¨Cit wasn¡¯t just about vengeance.


    It was about truth.


    And the truth had just passed out in her arms.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    274

 in Vengeance 79

    Finished


    Ronan scooped Tessa into his arms in a sh and growled. ¡°What are you standing around for? She needs help¨CNOW!¡±


    The hospital director¡¯s eyes shed¨Cjust a flicker of something smug and dark¨Cbefore she grabbed the healer by the wrist and barked, ¡°Clear the corridor! Move! Move!¡± The staff scrambled to obey as she ushered Ronan and Tessa out of the room.


    Riley made to follow, but ric blocked her path.


    ¡°You disgraceful creature!¡± he snarled, his canines extending as anger surged. <i>¡°</i>Get back to the estate before I drag you there myself!¡±


    Everyone¨Ceveryone¨Cwas stopping her. Stopping her from finally unveiling the truth, from finally destroying the web of lies that had stolen five years of her life.


    Riley¡¯s vision blurred. The world tilted.


    And then-


    Sheughed.


    It started small, but quickly morphed into something raw and unhinged. Her voice rang across the hospital room, wild and hollow.


    ¡°You all ruined me. All of you!¡±


    ric recoiled for a moment¨Conly a moment¨Cthen roared in fury and lunged at her. He raised a wed hand, intent on knocking the madness out of her.


    But Riley didn¡¯t dodge.


    Her bones cracked.


    Muscles tore and reformed.


    A surge of heat burst from her spine as silvery fur exploded across her body.


    In a sh, Riley shifted into her wolf.


    Not the calm, controlled shift of a trained Alpha.


    No¨Cthis was raw. Instinctual. Triggered by years of repression and betrayal.


    Her silver¨Cwhite wolf, massive and glowing with the rage of a hundred moons, snarled with fangs bared and eyes glowing like twin moons.


    Casps filled the room.


    ric froze.


    16:46


    hu, Aug


    X


    He was a wolf too¨Cbut he hadn¡¯t expected this. Not here. Not now,


    Finished


    The others¨CZara, Kael, Maddox¨Chadn¡¯t shifted. Whether from fear, restraint, or unwillingness to vite supernaturalw by shifting within a human hospital, they remained trapped in their fragile human forms.


    Thew was clear: unauthorized shifting in human¨Cupied areas would draw the full wrath of the Werewolf Tribunal.


    But Riley? Riley no longer cared aboutws.


    She pounced.


    Her fangs sank deep into ric¡¯s arm before he could shift. He screamed¨Chis voice no longer the Alpha¡¯s growl but that of a man in agony.


    Blood sprayed. The scent of betrayal filled the air.


    Riley tore into him again¨Cthis time across his shoulder.


    ric tried to shift, but pain slowed him. Before he could finish, she mmed him against the wall, ws tearing through muscle and cloth alike.


    ¡°You took everything from me!¡± she howled through their mind link, her wolf¡¯s voice a storm of grief and fury. ¡°Now I¡¯ll take it back.¡±


    He managed to shove her away¨Cjust enough to stagger toward the exit.


    But Riley was already airborne again.


    This time her fangs sank into his side, and he howled¨Clegs buckling.


    In desperation, Zara lunged between them.


    ¡°Riley, stop¨Cstop, please!¡±


    Riley¡¯s eyes snapped toward her mother.


    But there was no recognition. Only hatred.


    Zara flinched. She had never seen her daughter like this¨Cher wolf so terrifying, so pure in its wrath.


    Kael tried to grab Riley from behind.


    He wasn¡¯t even a threat.


    She spun, shing across his arm with a single swipe of her ws. Flesh split. He screamed and fell back, blood sttering across his shirt.


    Maddox tried next. ¡°Riley¨Cdon¡¯t do this! You¡¯ll be hunted!¡±


    But Riley¡¯s wolf didn¡¯t care.


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    16.46


    One by one, they had turned their backs on her.


    They¡¯d let Scarlett frame her.


    10


    X


    Finished


    They¡¯d let her rot in a cell.


    Riley¡¯s eyes locked onto Scarlett, who was already scrambling backward.


    ¡°P¨Cplease¡­¡± Scarlett whimpered. ¡°Sister, I¨CI didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡±


    ¡°Sister?¡± Riley¡¯s wolf growled, blood dripping from her maw. ¡°You led Tessa into the ck Forest. You watched the rogues tear her apart. You wore my face, stole my name¡­ and now you want mercy?¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s legs gave out beneath her as Riley advanced.


    Desperate, she threw Zara forward as a shield.


    Zara gasped.


    Riley couldn¡¯t stop in time.


    Her ws raked across Zara¡¯s stomach, shing deep. Blood soaked through the Luna¡¯s gown.


    Riley staggered back in horror for just a heartbeat¨Cher wolf blinking as if suddenly aware of what it had done.


    Zara copsed to the ground, staring in disbelief¨Cnot at the wound, but at Scarlett.


    ¡°You pushed me,¡± she whispered, hand trembling over her abdomen. ¡°You¡­ you pushed me to save yourself¡­¡±


    Scarlett didn¡¯t respond.


    She ran.


    Without a backward nce.


    Zara¡¯s tears flowed freely¨Cwhether from pain or heartbreak, none could tell.


    Riley¡¯s wolf stood amidst the carnage, fur matted with blood, chest heaving.


    And then sheughed again.


    Augh that didn¡¯t belong to a girl or a wolf¨Cbut something else entirely.


    ¡°You really are the perfect family,¡± she growled. ¡°You love your little Scarlett so much¡­ you¡¯d die for her.¡±


    Her voice echoed like a curse.


    ¡°To be used as a shield by the daughter you chose¡­ what a beautiful bond you have.¡±

 in Vengeance 80

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Iughed.


    ¨C


    ÈÕ


    OX


    Finished


    At first, it was just a low, bitter sound scraping from my throat. But then it grew¨Clouder, harsher, echoing off the blood¨Csttered walls of the infirmary like a dying beast¡¯s cry.


    Tears streamed down my cheeks, hot and bitter, mixing with the blood on my face. I could taste both salt and iron. It felt like I¡¯d wed my way out of a grave just to die all over again.


    I pointed to myself, shaking.


    ¡°Me. Your blood. Your daughter. I¡¯ve groveled, begged, done everything to earn a ce in this cursed Pack. I¡¯ve humbled myself, torn myself apart, just to hear you say I was enough. But what did I get?¡±


    Alpha ric stood there in silence. Luna Zara clutched her side, blood oozing between her fingers. Kael Vale sat slumped by the wall, blood pouring from his arm. Maddox lingered behind them, unreadable as ever.


    ¡°You never saw me,¡± I snarled. ¡°No matter what I did, it was never right. I could bleed for you, and it¡¯d still be worthless. But Scarlett?¡±


    A bitter grin twisted my mouth.


    ¡°She could serve you poison, and you¡¯d say it tasted like moonlight. You¡¯d worship her every breath. But when death came knocking, who ran?¡±


    Úæ


    I turned slowly to Luna Zara, whose wide eyes swam with tears. ¡°She did. She left you all behind without hesitation. Tell me¨Chow does that feel<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Iughed again¨Cmanic and raw. I heard it echo back at me from the tiled walls like the cries of a she¨Cwolf gone feral.


    Kael groaned, his pain painting his face in fresh agony.


    Luna Zara whispered, ¡°Riley¡­¡± like it was a name she hadn¡¯t said in years. As if it suddenly meant something.


    It was toote.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that,¡± I spat.


    Tears blurred my vision, and the fire inside me cooled to ashes. I knew what I¡¯d done. I knew what it meant.


    I¡¯d spilled blood.


    In front of witnesses.


    There was no going back.


    7,


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    Frushed


    They¡¯d report me to the Wolf Tribunal. The Pack Courts would call for my execution¨Cor worse, send me back to that prison. Five years in that cell had nearly killed me once. I wouldn¡¯t survive it a second time.


    Since the day I was released. I¡¯d tried everything¨Crunning, fighting, seeking justice. I¡¯d tried to end ric and Scarlett both, but fate hadughed in my face.


    I wasn¡¯t the monster. But they¡¯d turned me into one.


    And Scarlett? She still got everything. A warm home. Power. A Luna¡¯s fake crown. The admiration of fools.


    While I¨CRiley Vale, rightful daughter of the Ebonw Pack¨Cwas left with scars no one could see and pain no one wanted to believe.


    I couldn¡¯t kill Zara. Or Kael. Not really. Because despite everything, somewhere deep in my bones, they had once meant something.


    And I hated myself for still feeling that.


    My life was a sick joke. A tragedy with no end. A wound that would never close.


    And suddenly, I was done.


    Done with the pain.


    Done with hoping.


    Done with trying to prove I deserved to exist.


    I turned toward the window.


    Step by step, I walked to the edge.


    The wind outside tugged at my hair and bloodied shirt. I climbed onto the ledge, letting my legs dangle into


    the void.


    All it would take was one movement.


    One jump.


    No more fear.


    No more dungeons.


    Just silence.


    Behind me, voices broke the air.


    ¡°Child, please don¡¯t-!¡± Matriarch Duskgrave cried, stepping forward with a trembling hand. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous up there!¡±


    ¡°Riley, sweetling,¡± came Mrs. Beck¡¯s voice, tear¨Cchoked. ¡°There¡¯s no pain thatsts forever. Come back down. Please.¡±


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    Mia¡¯s sobs were unbearable. ¡°Miss Riley¨CAlpha girl¨Cdon¡¯t leave us. Whatever happens, I¡¯ll stay by your side. Come down, baby, please¡­¡±


    I turned my head slowly, the madness in my eyes fading for the first time.


    I saw them.


    The three women who had stood by me when no one else did.


    And somehow¡­ it softened something in me.


    I smiled¨Cbloody, broken, but real.


    ¡°Mia.¡± I whispered, looking straight at her. ¡°You¡¯re the only warmth I ever had in that house. If you hadn¡¯t saved me when I came back to Ebonw, I would¡¯ve died that winter.¡±


    ¡°You patched my wounds. You let me hide in the kitchen. You fed me when I was locked in the cer. You gave me my second chance.¡±


    Tears welled in Mia¡¯s eyes. ¡°Baby girl¡­¡±


    ¡°I always dreamed that if I made it out,¡± I said, voice cracking, ¡°I¡¯d repay you. I¡¯d buy you a house. I¡¯d send Carmen to Ashmoor Academy, maybe even abroad someday.¡±


    ¡°But all those dreams died the moment they locked me in that cell.¡±


    ¡°They took everything from me¨Cmy future, my wolf, my health. I¡¯ve got one kidney, a shattered leg, and no way back to Ashmoor. I¡¯m a broken mess of scars, and nothing¡¯s ever going to fix that.¡±


    Mia sobbed, and Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s eyes were ssy.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± the Matriarch offered gently. ¡°They don¡¯t want you, Riley? Fine. I do. I¡¯ll protect you from


    them all.¡±


    But I shook my head. ¡°You¡¯re too kind. If I go with you, the Ebonw Pack will make you pay.¡±


    I turned to Mrs. Beck¨CMrs. Beck who once stood between me and the enforcers at Mooncrest¡¯s train station, shielding me like a mother wolf.


    ¡°I never forgot what you did,¡± I whispered. ¡°I called you ¡®Mom¡® that day. And you acted like one. Just for a moment¡­ I believed I mattered.¡±


    I locked eyes with her, and a soft breath left my lips.


    ¡°Mom,¡± I whispered again, and the word was everything. ¡°Thank you.¡±


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    274

 in Vengeance 81

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    She treasured that word-¡°Mom¡°-with all her heart.


    But in the end, it had all been wishful thinking. Her mother never wanted her. Never valued her. That was why, after being released from prison, Riley had never called Luna Zara anything but ¡°Mrs. Vale.¡±


    And that single word-¡°Mom¡°-now spoken to someone else, shattered Mrs. Vale.


    Tears finally broke free from Mrs. Beck¡¯s eyes the moment Riley uttered it.


    Luna Zara flinched. The wistful warmth in Riley¡¯s voice had, for a fleeting second, made her think the girl was calling out to her.


    She looked at Riley, dazed, eyes glimmering with confusion and pain. But Riley never spared her a nce.


    ¡°Riley¡­ I¡¯m your mother,¡± she whispered to herself.


    Why would she rather call a stranger that word than her own birth mother?


    The realization that she had truly lost Riley¡¯s love sliced through Zara¡¯s chest like ws. It hurt worse than any de.


    Riley¡¯s tears kept falling.


    ¡°Living hurts,¡± she said softly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to keep fighting.¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave stepped forward, her voice quivering with panic. ¡°Child, please, don¡¯t do anything rash! If you jump, my heart will shatter. You¡¯re still so young, and there¡¯s so much beauty left in this world. Just hold on.¡±


    ¡°Sweetheart,¡± Mrs. Beck added, near tears herself. ¡°Don¡¯t cry for people who don¡¯t deserve you. If you want, I¡¯ll be your mother. You can be my daughter.¡±


    ¡°Please, Miss Riley,¡± Mia begged, sobbing. ¡°Pleasee down. Don¡¯t leave us.¡±


    Riley looked at the three women. Gratitude and sorrow mixed in her gaze,


    ¡°I know you care about me,¡± she whispered. ¡°But I¡¯m so tired. I¡¯ve fought so long, and no matter how hard I try, the world always finds a new way to hurt me.¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave bit her lip. ¡°I swear to you, child, if youe down now, I won¡¯t let anyone hurt you again. I¡¯ll make sure everyst one of them pays for what they did.¡±


    Riley gave a broken smile. ¡°Justice? There is no justice. Not for people like me. Even if they pay, my life won¡¯t be restored.¡±


    Her voice cracked. ¡°I¡¯ll never be whole again.¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ for everything.¡±


    And with that, she closed her eyes and leaned back.


    Like a puppet with its strings cut, she fell.


    ¡°No!¡±


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    The three women screamed in unison.


    At thest second, Maddox lunged forward, catching Riley around the waist and yanking her back through the window.


    She copsed in his arms, unconscious.


    Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia rushed forward, encircling Riley with protective arms and whispered prayers.


    Maddox trembled as he held her close, afraid she¡¯d slip through his fingers. It was only then that he realized how frail she¡¯d be. Bones pressed through skin. She weighed almost nothing. Like a ghost.


    Tears spilled from his eyes and fell onto her bruised and bloodied face.


    Kael Vale stood frozen. The image of Riley falling haunted him like a waking nightmare. Her despair etched itself deep into his bones.


    Luna Zara crawled toward Riley, choking on sobs.


    ¡°Riley¡­ my daughter¡­¡±


    But Mia blocked her path, eyes zing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch her,¡± she hissed. ¡°Don¡¯t you even pretend to care. She ended up like this because of you¨Call of you from the Ebonw Pack! You don¡¯t deserve to call her your daughter. None of you do. Get away from her!¡±


    She shoved Luna Zara back.


    The Luna copsed on the floor, weeping.


    Just then, footsteps pounded from the hallway.


    Scarlett burst into the room, nked by the head medic and two enforcers from the Pack Judiciary.


    Scarlett pointed at Riley, eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°That rogue tried to kill someone! She should be arrested immediately!¡±


    As long as Riley was behind bars, Scarlett could silence Tessa, eliminate every loose end, and keep her perfect life.


    She smiled inwardly, already savoring the image of Riley in chains.


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    The head medic red at Riley as if she could rip her apart right there..


    ¡°She attacked a patient under our care! She stabbed multiple Pack members! Take her away before she murders someone!¡±


    The enforcers stepped forward, pulling out enchanted restraints.


    But before they could grab her, Luna Zara stood up despite her injuries.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch her.¡±


    Her voice was low, but full of unshakable resolve.


    For once, she wasn¡¯t afraid.


    She would not let her daughter suffer again.


    Kael followed suit, his injured arm dripping blood.


    ¡°My sister didn¡¯t try to kill anyone.¡±


    Though exhausted and pale, his tone was firm.


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Mom? Kael? She stabbed you! She stabbed both of you!¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Kael snapped. ¡°I said no. She stays. We¡¯ll handle this as a family. Your lies have done enough.¡±


    The enforcers hesitated.


    The tension in the room was suffocating.


    Scarlett trembled with fury, hiding her rage behind a mask of worry.


    Kael turned to the enforcers. ¡°This is a Pack matter. Stand down.¡±


    Slowly, the enforcers lowered their weapons.


    Scarlett¡¯s n¨Cfor now¨Cwas ruined.


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    Riley¡¯s body had long since been broken beyond repair¨Cthere was no way she could survive another prison


    sentence.


    Even Tessa, now in a vegetative state, had made it clear that Riley wasn¡¯t the one who harmed her That meant Riley had spent five years in prison for a crime she didn¡¯tmit.


    She had borne punishments that were never hers to bear.


    A crippled leg, a missing kidney¨Cher once healthy body had been reduced to this fragile shell.


    She had once been the top student at Mooncrest Academy, a brilliant schr with a bright future. But all of that had been taken from her the moment she stepped into the prison.


    Now, watching Maddox cradle her emaciated form in his arms, Kael Vale felt as if every breath he took came with searing pain. He couldn¡¯t stop picturing her five years of suffering behind bars, the endless. torment she must have endured.


    ¡°Kael¡­¡± Scarlett tried to speak, but Kael silenced her with a deadly re.


    The enforcers¨Cwolf¨Cshifters responsible for upholding packw¨Cunderstood this was more than just a family matter. After briefly checking the wounds of Kael and Luna Zara, they took their leave, knowing it wasn¡¯t their ce to intervene further.


    The moment the enforcers left, all the tension holding Kael and Luna Zara upright gave way. Exhaustion crashed over them like a tidal wave.


    Zara, having lost too much blood, finally copsed with a heavy thud, her body falling into the pool of blood beneath her.


    Kael, ghost¨Cpale and barely standing, swayed on his feet.


    Scarlett exchanged a nce with the Matron of the medical center¨Cthere was unmistakable


    disappointment in both their eyes. Still, theyposed themselves quickly and called for aides to take Kael and Zara away for urgent care.


    Once they were gone, silence nketed the room.


    Maddox looked down at the unconscious Riley, anxiety etched into every line of his face. Instinctively, he bent to lift her into his arms.


    But Mia blocked him, fierce as a mother wolf protecting her pup. She shoved him back, her eyes zing. ¡°Don¡¯t think that saving her just now erases the fact that you helped send her to prison five years ago. You, the Ebonw Pack, and Ronan Duskcliff¨Cnone of you are innocent!¡±


    Maddox stumbled back, as if her words had struck a vital blow. He felt as though the air had been knocked out of him.


    Mia¡¯s usation cut like a de.


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    His lips parted, searching for a defense, but every word he might¡¯ve said felt shallow. Useless.


    Finished


    In his mind, he couldn¡¯t stop seeing the moment Tessa¨Cbeloved daughter of the ckmaw Pack¨Chad finally confirmed that Riley was innocent. That memory echoed like thunder, each repetition a hammer striking his guilt¨Cridden heart.


    He had once believed Scarlett to be sweet and harmless. There was no way, he¡¯d thought, she could harm her best friend.


    Riley, on the other hand, was stronger. Resilient. Always able to endure. She was Scarlett¡¯s older sister¨Cwhat harm coulde from her taking the fall?


    He had told himself that five years was nothing. Riley would be twenty¨Cthree when she got out. Still young. She could start over.


    He¡¯d never imagined that those years would ruin her. That she¡¯d be beaten. Maimed. Broken.


    Now that the truth was out, regret consumed him.


    Maddox could only stand and watch as Mia knelt and gently carried Riley on her back, treating her like the most precious treasure in the world.


    With the help of Matriarch Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck, they left the hospital room slowly, step by agonizing


    step.


    Maddox remained frozen, like a statue carved from grief. The sunlight filtering through the windows lit his figure, but none of its warmth reached him.


    His soul had already fled, leaving behind only a hollow shell, trembling beneath the weight of guilt.


    ¡°Riley¡­¡± he whispered finally, his voice hoarse and choked. Tears welled in his eyes¨Csomething no one had ever seen from him before.


    When Riley awoke, the sky outside was pitch¨Cck.


    The hospital room was dim. The only light came from the hallway beyond the door¡¯s frosted ss, casting a faint patchwork of shadows on the floor.


    the door


    Shey in bed, staring nkly at the ceiling, her body motionless, as if the soul had been drained from her. She didn¡¯t blink, didn¡¯t move, for what felt like an eternity.


    Then, slowly, she pulled back the covers and climbed out of bed. Her body moved with the stiffness of someone ancient, decayed.


    She opened the door and stepped out without a sound, her footsteps unsteady as she wandered through the quiet corridor.


    Dim lights cast her silhouette against the walls¨Csmall, broken, and utterly alone.


    She kept walking, without knowing where she was going.


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    Eventually, she found herself on a pedestrian bridge. She came to a stop, looking down at the ck, silent


    Aug


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    river below.


    The night wind whispered against her skin.


    She raised one leg and began to climb over the railing.


    Then, a deep male voice called out, ¡°Suicide?¡±


    She paused. The voice was vaguely familiar, but her mind was so numb, she barely registered it.


    Still, she kept moving, beginning to haul herself over.


    The voice came again¨Ccalm, emotionless. ¡°If you¡¯re going to kill yourself, could you at least pick somewhere more private?¡±


    That time, she hesitated again. Did it really matter?


    Finished


    The man¡¯s voice continued, casual but oddly sharp, ¡°If I walk away, I seem heartless. If I interfere, I¡¯m meddling with fate. Either way, there¡¯s nothing in it for me.¡±


    Finally, she turned her head.


    And her eyes met his.


    It was him¨Cthe man from the stairwell. The one who¡¯d offered her a cigarette when she was at her lowest.


    He stood there beneath a flickering streemp, cigarette between his fingers. Smoke curled upward, catching in the breeze. The faint light traced the edges of his chiseled features, cloaking the rest in shadow.


    With a flick of his long, elegant fingers, he tapped ash onto the pavement.


    Even that simple gesture looked impossibly refined.


    ¡°Want one?¡± he asked, lifting the cigarette toward her with a raised brow.


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    Riley¡¯s POV


    I looked at him, and there wasn¡¯t a ripple of emotion in my gaze¨Cjust a still, lifeless void. A deadke inside<ol><li>me.</li></ol>


    After a moment, I slowly lowered my leg and turned to face him. My voice came out hoarse, as if scraped by sandpaper.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to interfere with my fate, then why are you here stopping me?¡±


    The man took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled slowly. Smoke curled upward, catching the moonlight and swirling between us like a veil. His eyes locked onto me through the haze.


    ¡°Life¡¯s like a y,¡± he said, his tone calm and unhurried. ¡°Sometimes all it takes is one more audience member to change the story. I¡¯m curious¨Cif you don¡¯t die tonight, what kind of tale you¡¯ll end up telling.¡±


    I blinked, momentarily stunned. His face remained cold and detached, so indifferent it chilled me.


    Most people either cared or didn¡¯t. He¡­ hovered somewhere in between, like he could walk away and forget me ever existed.


    And yet his words, not quite a plea, not even encouragement¨Cstill managed to crack something inside<ol><li>me.</li></ol>


    No one really wants to die. Not deep down.


    If life could still be beautiful¡­ who wouldn¡¯t want to stay and see it through?


    ¡°My story¡¯s already ruined,¡± I murmured, eyes dropping to the pavement. ¡°There¡¯s nothing left worth watching.¡±


    He didn¡¯t seem fazed.


    ¡°Not necessarily. The best parts usuallye at the end.¡±


    I went silent. My gaze dropped to my body¨Cbruised, scarred, aching. For a while, I just stared. Thinking.


    Then I looked up again, and for the first time in a long while, there was a faint flicker of light in my eyes.


    ¡°Do you think I could really start over?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± he replied. ¡°If you want to, you can. Anytime.¡±


    His words settled into me like the first warmth after a long winter. It wasn¡¯t hope exactly¡­ but it was close. A small crack of sunlight in the endless dark.


    A gust of night wind whipped through the bridge, and I shivered involuntarily.


    He noticed.


    16.48 Thu Aug 70C


    Without a word, he shrugged off his ck jacket and held it out to me.


    ¡°Put this on. Don¡¯t catch a cold.¡±


    I hesitated. Then took it.


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    It smelled faintly of smoke, clean cotton, and something else I couldn¡¯t quite ce¨Csomething masculine and steady. The warmth wrapped around my shoulders like a shield, and for a second¡­ I felt safe.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°You really want to thank me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I nced at him, confused.


    ¡°You said thank you, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ yes?¡±


    He looked at me with a strange expression, like he was both amused and vaguely entertained. His eyes- sharp, unreadable¨Cnarrowed slightly.


    Then he asked. ¡°You practice Moonweaving?¡±


    My brows furrowed. How did he know that?


    He tilted his chin slightly toward me.


    I looked down¨Cand froze.


    Right there, stitched into the chest of the jacket I was wearing, was a lunar bloom sigil.


    And not just any bloom.


    Mine.


    I recognized the stitchwork instantly¨Cwoven threads enchanted beneath moonlight, petals inked with ancient lunar patterns, glowing faintly under the right light. It was unmistakably mine.


    I jerked my head up, staring at him.


    How¡­?


    He didn¡¯t say anything. He didn¡¯t need to.


    ¡°Your Moonweave is impressive,¡± he said eventually, his voice still cold, but with an odd note of reverence. He pulled out his phone and tapped it.


    A photo filled the screen. It was another piece of Moonweaving¨Cthis one etched onto silk, shimmering in its unfinished brilliance.


    ¡°This sigil is clearly crafted by a true daughter of the old packs,¡± he said. ¡°But it¡¯s iplete. The weaver


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    didn¡¯t finish it. If you couldplete it for me, that¡¯ll be your thank you.¡±


    I stared at the screen, stunned.


    I knew this pattern. I knew every glowing strand.


    It was mine.


    I had started weaving that sigil while imprisoned¨Cquiet nights, moonlight filtering through iron bars. I hadn¡¯t finished it because I¡¯d been released before I could.


    But¡­ how had it gotten into his hands?


    ¡°Sir,¡± I asked, voice trembling, ¡°where did you get that Moonweave?¡±


    ¡°Pack auction house,¡± he said simply. ¡°I bought it.¡±


    A Pack auction? My Moonweaving? I thought I must¡¯ve misheard.


    I knew I was skilled. The guards used to whisper about my hands like they were sacred. But I¡¯d always assumed I was just¡­ good enough. Nothing more.


    And yet¡­


    I clutched his phone tightly. My voice shook as I whispered, ¡°Do you mind me asking¡­ how much did you pay for it?<b>¡± </b>


    He studied me for a moment, then replied, ¡°Twenty million.¡±


    I nearly dropped his phone.


    Twenty million?


    Twenty. Million.


    He said it so casually, like he hadn¡¯t just dropped a bomb.


    And that wasn¡¯t even the end of it.


    ¡°That was actually a discount,¡± he added. ¡°This piece was supposed to rival the Moonwoven Pines tapestry I boughtst year for thirty million. But since this one was iplete, its value dropped. Still¡­ the sigil on your jacket¨Cit matches wlessly. If youplete this piece, no one would ever tell it wasn¡¯t woven by a single soul.¡±


    Moonwoven Pines¡­


    My mind reeled. I had crafted that too.


    My hands shook. Without meaning to, I swiped the screen again.


    There it was.


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    A majestic silver crane perched beneath moonlit pines. Threads gleamed as if blessed by a lunar priestess. Every stitch in that piece¨Cmine.


    I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    He went on, calm as ever.


    ¡°I gave that one to my grandmother as a solstice gift. She adored it. So when I saw another Moonweave by the same hand, I had to im it.¡±


    Thirty million?


    Thirty. Million?


    My throat went dry. My vision blurred. I couldn¡¯t process it.


    Those numbers¡­ I couldn¡¯t even fathom them.


    And they were attached to something I made with my hands?


    No wonder the prisoners never touched my fingers, no matter how cruel their beatings.


    No wonder the guards shielded me each time I took up the Moonneedle.


    My hands¡­ weren¡¯t just skilled.


    They were sacred.


    A wave of sorrow followed the shock¨Ccold and bitter and suffocating.


    If I had known¡­


    If I had known what my Moonweaving was truly worth, maybe I wouldn¡¯t have endured all that begging, all that degradation, for ten million promised by the Vales.


    The weight of those years, every humiliation, every tear I shed believing I was nothing¨Ccrashed down on<ol><li>me.</li></ol>


    My eyes burned. I bit my lip, trying to hold it in.


    But it was toote.


    The tears came anyway.


    And all I could do was clutch his phone, shaking under the grief of everything I could¡¯ve been¨Cand wasn¡¯t.


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    274

 in Vengeance 84

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The more Riley held it in, the more it hurt.


    She finally broke down, leaning over the edge of the Moonbridge railing and sobbing uncontrobly under the silver light of the waxing moon.


    Lucien Duskgrave¨CAlpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack¨Cfroze.


    In all his twenty¨Ceight years, never had a woman cried in front of him. Not like this. Not raw, broken, and loud enough to shake hisposure.


    With a long sigh, he pulled out a cigarette and offered it to her.


    ¡°Want one?¡±


    Riley lifted her tear¨Cstained face, her voice thick and nasal. ¡°Are you trying tofort me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he answered inly.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t even like smoking,¡± she hupped between sobs.


    There was a beat of silence. Lucien¡¯s brow twitched as if instinctively reacting, but then smoothed out again -as if afraid she¡¯d think he was annoyed.


    His lips parted. ¡°Then let me buy you a drink.¡±


    ¡°Waaah-¡± Riley cried harder, her voice trembling. ¡°Will drinking stop it from hurting?¡±


    ¡°It might.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯ll drink. But I don¡¯t have any money.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll cover it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such a good man¡­¡± she mumbled.


    Lucien blinked.


    Good man?


    That was the first time anyone had described him that way.


    He had always seen himself as cold. Detached. A creature who acted solely on intent and strategy, not sentiment. He didn¡¯t care for opinions, reputations, or anyone¡¯s approval. In his eyes, there were no true ¡°good¡± or ¡°bad¡± people in this world¨Conly shifting interests and necessary means.


    Those whispers about him being ruthless, calcting, merciless?


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    They were how he survived. How he maintained control.


    But in this moment, the words ¡°You¡¯re a good man,¡± spoken through a girl¡¯s drunken sobs,nded like a strange force pressing directly on his chest.


    He allowed a faint smile to touch his lips.


    Well, if the little she¨Cwolf had already given him a ¡°good guy¡± badge¡­ he might as well y the part to the end.


    ¡°Wait here,¡± he said, turning away.


    Riley leaned back against the rail, watching him with bleary eyes. She saw him stride across the bridge and pop open the trunk of a sleek obsidian car parked nearby.


    His gazended on two bottles of wine tucked neatly in the back.


    They were meant for a business deal in the East District¨Ca rare vintage, expensive even by Alpha standards.


    He grabbed one and returned to her, holding it out like a peace offering.


    ¡°Drink.¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t hesitate. She uncorked the bottle and took a long, unapologetic swig straight from the mouth.


    Watching her gulp like a warrior, Lucien¡¯s lips quirked into something close to amusement.


    From the car, his Beta¨CDuke¨Cnearly dropped his tablet.


    Was she seriously drinking that wine like it was water?


    That wasn¡¯t just any bottle¨Cit was a blood¨Caged Romani Conti, worth more than half a million credits. A treasured bottle that some Alphas would offer as a dowry.


    And she was guzzling it like ale.


    Duke¡¯s mouth fell open. His Alpha¡­ wasn¡¯t stopping her. In fact, there was a ghost of a smile on his usually frozen face.


    He had never, in all his years of service, seen Lucien show even the slightest softness toward a woman.


    Quickly, Duke pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of them¨CRiley standing beneath the moonlight on the bridge, drinking straight from a priceless bottle, while Lucien stood beside her, silent but protective.


    He sent the photo <i>to </i>Matriarch Duskgrave immediately.


    Back at the Stormridge estate, Matriarch Duskgrave had been on the brink of losing her mind.


    She wasn¡¯t alone¨CMrs. Beck, Mia, Kael Vale, Maddox, and Ronan Duskcliff had been frantically searching for Riley since her sudden disappearance. For two hours they¡¯d scoured Mooncrest, afraid she might do


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    something irreversible.


    When Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s phone pinged, she nearly dropped it. The moment she opened Duke¡¯s message and saw the photo, her lungs filled with air again.


    She saw the girl¡¯s face clearly in the photo¨Cit was Riley. She was Riley!


    So Riley was the mate her grandson had chosen. Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s eyes welled with tears. She thanked the Moon Goddess, grateful that her own kindness had ended up saving her future granddaughter¨Cinw.


    But then she saw Riley¡¯s flushed face, the sorrow in her bodynguage, the desperate way she clung to the


    bottle.


    Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s eyes welled up.


    ¡°That poor girl¡­¡± she murmured. ¡°How much pain must she be in to drink like that¡­¡±


    Tradition dictated that nobleborn girls¨Cespecially those of Luna lineage¨Cshould never drink in public.


    But she could only feel pity.


    ¡°Let her drink,¡± she whispered. ¡°If it dulls the ache even for one night, let her forget everything.¡±


    Wiping her eyes, she quickly called her grandson.


    By now, Riley had nearly finished the first bottle. Her face was red, her breathing unsteady, but there was a strange liveliness in her cheeks¨Ca pulse of warmth that hadn¡¯t been there earlier.


    She picked up the second bottle.


    Lucien¨Cstill silent, still watching¨Copened his mouth, about to tell her to slow down.


    His phone rang.


    He answered.


    ¡°Lucien, is Riley with you?¡± Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s voice rang through the line.


    Riley? he thought. So that¡¯s her name.


    He nced at the girl, who was already working on the second bottle like a seasoned fighter downing her potion before a battle.


    ¡°She¡¯s a good girl,¡± the Matriarch said firmly. ¡°And I love her like my own. She¡¯s just¡­ suffered too much.¡±


    A pause.


    ¡°Take her home with you tonight. To your ce. Stay with her. Don¡¯t let her be alone,¡±


    Another pause¨Cthen steel edged into Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s voice,


    ¡°And don¡¯t you dare hurt her. If you do, you¡¯ll have to answer to me.¡±


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    He didn¡¯t answer right away.


    His eyes lingered on the young woman now sprawled on the bench beside the bridge, still gripping the bottle.


    The moonlight caught her dark hair, her flushed cheeks, her raw vulnerability.


    Riley.


    Her name was Riley.


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    16:49. Thu Aug 75 C


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 in Vengeance 85

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    Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s POV


    The longer my grandmother spoke, the more emotional she became¨Cuntil her voice broke entirely and she started crying.


    I gripped the phone tighter, her sobs cutting through the night like ws to the chest. My throat tightened with something I couldn¡¯t name¨Csomething ufortably close to guilt,


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of her,¡± I said softly, trying to ease her worry. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grandma.¡±


    But she still wasn¡¯t convinced.


    ¡°Lucien,¡± she pleaded tearfully, ¡°Riley¡¯s in a fragile ce right now. Please¡­ be patient with her<i>. </i>Comfort


    her.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°And she¡¯s suffered too much, that poor child,¡± she continued, as if the floodgates had broken open. ¡°Talk to her more. Don¡¯t let her bottle everything up. She needs someone to really see her. To guide her out of all that pain.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    She kept going¨Cconcerned reminders to prepare sobering soup, to make sure the nkets were pulled up over her at night, to keep the windows shut so she wouldn¡¯t catch a chill. Her voice was trembling with emotion. She cared about Riley in a way I hadn¡¯t fully realized until now.


    And I listened. I listened to every word, nodding silently even though she couldn¡¯t see it.


    By the time I hung up, Riley was drunk. Properly drunk.


    She tossed the empty bottle aside. Her legs wobbled beneath her. I reached out instinctively, catching her before she could fall.


    She leaned against me, soft and warm and helpless, her head tipped up, eyes zed with confusion.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she slurred.


    I quickly ended the call and steadied her. ¡°You¡¯ve had too much to drink.¡±


    But it was like she didn¡¯t hear me. She lifted her finger and pointed it shakily at my face, squinting.


    ¡°You¡¯re Kael Vale, aren¡¯t you?¡± she dered, voice loud and angry. ¡°You¡¯re Kael. Vale!¡±


    Her emotions flipped like a switch. She scowled, brow furrowing in raw, unfiltered hurt.


    ??


    ¡°I hate you, Kael. You¡¯re not my brother anymore. Get out. I don¡¯t need a brother like you.¡±


    Then she pushed me. Or at least tried to. Her strength wasughable, kitten¨Clight. But the force threw her


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    off bnce, and she started to tip backward.


    I caught her again, my arm sliding around her waist automatically.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Kael Vale,¡± I said calmly.


    She blinked up at me, confused. ¡°You¡¯re not?¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Then¡­ you¡¯re Maddox,¡± she used, voice trembling. ¡°You¡¯re Maddox, and you¡¯re no better.¡±


    Her cheeks puffed in frustration, and she stared at me like I was the worst kind of traitor.


    Fintsheet


    ¡°You were supposed to protect me,¡± she mumbled, voice cracking. ¡± You promised you¡¯d always keep me safe. But you took her side. You helped Scarlett hurt me.¡±


    Her breath hitched.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d studyw to protect me. That you¡¯d put the bad people in jail. But I was the one you put


    there¡­¡±


    Her voice brokepletely, and tears fell fast and heavy, glistening beneath the moonlight.


    ¡°I worked so hard for you. I paid your tuition. I took every job I could find so you could get your damn degree. And I did it all without ever telling you. I didn¡¯t want to bruise your pride¡­¡±


    She choked, fists trembling in the air.


    take th


    ¡°I gave you everything. My heart. My hope. And you let me take the fall for her. You let them throw me in a cell for something I didn¡¯t do.¡±


    The bridge was silent except for her sobs.


    And the moonlight¨Cgoddess, the way it wrapped around her¨Cmade her look like something half¨Cangel, half¨Cghost. Fragile. Shattered. Still fighting.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°I want to cry,¡± she snapped, still hupping between gasps. ¡°I don¡¯t need your fake kindness.¡±


    She shoved at me again, stumbling back a few steps, barely staying upright. But she was determined not to fall.


    She pointed at me with shaking fingers.


    ¡°Maddox, I hate you. I¡¯ll never forgive you. Not in this lifetime. You¡¯re a bastard¡­¡±


    The breeze stirred her hair, swept the tears from her cheeks, and carried her scent to me¨Cbitter with pain, sweet with buried strength.


    And I just¡­ stood there.


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    Fint bed


    Watching.


    For a man who prided himself on never feeling, never folding. I was folding now. The iron wall I¡¯d built around my chest had a crack.


    She didn¡¯t even know who I was.


    But she¡¯d cried herself into exhaustion.


    When her knees buckled and she slumped forward, I stepped in without thinking and caught her in my


    arins.


    She was so small. Barely reached my chest. And gods, she was light¨Ctoo light. Like the weight of everything she¡¯d been through had hollowed her out from the inside.


    Her head drooped against my chest, hair tangled across her cheek.


    I held her tighter and nced down. The moon stretched our shadows across the pavement like threads, weaving us together in quiet defiance of the world.


    In the car, Duke was driving in silence.


    Then I asked, ¡°You told Matriarch Duskgrave?¡±


    His tone was neutral, but I caught the nce he threw me through the rearview mirror.


    I didn¡¯t answer right away. Just stared out the window, Riley curled into my arms<b>. </b>


    Duke coughed, then chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Boss, I just wanted her to stop worrying¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk so much,¡± I said tly.


    Dukeughed nervously. ¡°I did it for you, you know. She was practically summoning the Elders.¡±


    He peeked at Riley again in the mirror, then muttered, ¡°She¡¯s pretty. You two look good together. But damn, she¡¯s tiny.¡±


    I shot him a look sharp enough to make him flinch.


    He shut up.


    Riley¡¯s breathing had evened out, though she still made the asional huping sound.


    I frowned and gently patted her back, unsure why I even bothered.


    She murmured something unintelligible in her sleep, her words little more than breath.


    I looked at her for a long time.


    Too long.


    I didn¡¯t like the way she made me feel. Unmoored. Human.


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    I pulled out a cigarette. Flicked it between my fingers, halfway to lighting it.


    Then paused.


    nced at her again.


    And slid the cigarette back into the case.


    Outside, the lights of Mooncrest blurred past like falling stars. My reflection in the window looked cold. Distant. Familiar.


    But something inside me wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Duke,¡± I said finally. ¡°By tomorrow, I want a full report on her.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Because whatever she was running from¡­


    I needed to know.

 in Vengeance 86

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Kael Vale. Maddox, and Ronan Duskcliff had searched all night..


    They scoured every street, every possible corner of Mooncrest, but there was no trace of Riley.


    * Finished


    When they finally returned to her hospital room, only to find the bed empty and cold, something inside each of them snapped.


    Ronan¡¯s face flushed red with a mix of anguish and guilt. His body shook as his wolf wed beneath the surface, pacing violently in his chest.


    Then, like a predator gone mad, he turned toward Kael, eyes gleaming with fury. Without warning, he lunged forward andnded a brutal punch across Kael¡¯s face.


    ¡°This is your fault!¡± Ronan snarled, voice like a snarl tearing through the air. ¡°Your pack never treated her like one of your own! If the Ebonws hadn¡¯t cast her out¨Cshe wouldn¡¯t have reached this point! She wouldn¡¯t have disappeared into the night thinking she was alone!¡±


    Kael staggered back several steps, blood trickling from his split lip. His breath came heavy. His wolf roared behind his ribs.


    Justst night, Riley had stood on the edge of that rooftop¨Cready to end it all.


    Kael¡¯s expression twisted. Then, with a growl of his own, he swung back, knuckles connecting hard with Ronan¡¯s jaw.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re any better?¡± Kael shouted. ¡°You¡¯re the one who let her rot in a cell for five years! The one who stood silent while she was torn apart from the inside out. We may not have loved her right, but at least we didn¡¯t break her!¡±


    Each word stabbed Kael like fangs into flesh. He had already decided to be a better brother. To make things right.


    But she was gone.


    Why was she so stubborn? Why couldn¡¯t she be more like Scarlett¨Cobedient, soft, easy?


    Why did she have to be¡­ Riley?


    Tears shimmered in Kael¡¯s furious eyes, but his fists didn¡¯t stop swinging.


    Across from him, Ronan was shaking, veins bulging at his temple. ¡°I didn¡¯t let that happen!¡± he bellowed, his voice cracking. ¡°You think I wanted her to suffer? You think I could bear it¨Cwatching here out of that ce covered in scars she didn¡¯t deserve?¡±


    ¡°Then what did you do, huh?¡± Kael spat, eyes zing with judgment. ¡°You watched. You let it happen. And you call yourself a man?¡±


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    Ronan lost it. With a snarl, he shifted¨Cnot fully, but enough that the feral edge took over. His ws burst through his skin. His canines lengthened. His eyes glowed the deep gold of a threatened Alpha.


    Kael¡¯s own wolf howled in response, bursting forward in a sh of fur and rage. The hospital walls blurred as the two Alpha¨Cbloods collided in a flurry of fangs, ws, and snarls.


    Furniture shattered under their weight. The scent of blood and dominance filled the air. They weren¡¯t just fighting each other¨Cthey were fighting their own failures, their guilt, the unbearable truth that they had lost


    her.


    A white wolf.


    A once¨Cin¨Ca¨Cgeneration soul.


    And now she was gone.


    Maddox cursed under his breath and rushed to pull them apart. ¡°Enough!¡± he shouted, trying to wedge himself between the two snapping wolves.


    But Kael, lost to rage, flung him off with a savage jerk of his arm. Maddox staggered backward, chest heaving.


    Before he could catch his bnce, Ronan¡¯s wild swing hit him square in the shoulder, sending him crashing


    into the wall.


    Maddox clenched his teeth, pain shooting through him, but it wasn¡¯t just physical.


    It was fury. And heartbreak.


    ¡°You¡¯ve both lost your damn minds!¡± he roared. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?!¡±


    Kael whipped around, eyes bloodshot, and pointed a shaking finger at him.


    ¡°You grew up with her! You were supposed to protect her! And yet it was your hand that signed the papers that locked her away. Why?!¡±


    Every syble hit like a hammer.


    Maddox paled.


    His throat tightened, and the memories¨Cthose dark, gutting truths¨Crushed in like a storm.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± he growled, voice hoarse. ¡°Shut the hell up-


    But Kael didn¡¯t. Couldn¡¯t.


    And in that moment, Maddox¡¯s restraint broke.


    He lunged,nding a solid punch straight into Kael¡¯s jaw. Kael reeled, blood spraying from his mouth.


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Kael roared.


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    The room descended into utter chaos. The floor was littered with broken ss, overturned IV stands, and shards of metal. Blood smeared across the linoleum tiles. Shirts were torn. ws were out. The three of them fought like wild wolves in a pit, pain driving every blow, guilt fueling every swing.


    They didn¡¯t notice when the door creaked open.


    They didn¡¯t hear the soft gasp.


    Mia stood silently in the doorway, a duffel bag in one hand. Her eyes swept across the wreckage, her lips curling in disdain.


    She said nothing. Just stared.


    Riley had loved all three of them¨Ctrusted them.


    And in return, they had given her betrayal, torment, and five years behind bars.


    Now, they dared mourn her like she was dead.


    Pathetic.


    They didn¡¯t even know she had been found.


    Matriarch Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck had already received word. Mia had onlye to gather Riley¡¯s belongings and finalize her discharge paperwork.


    She hadn¡¯t expected to walk into this madness.


    She turned coldly and walked away without a word.


    They didn¡¯t deserve to know.


    Not yet.


    Not until they bled a little more.


    Eventually, the chaos burned itself out.


    Kael slumped into a chair, face bruised and hands trembling, burying his face in his palms. His shoulders quaked in silence.


    Ronan leaned against the wall, gasping for air, his golden eyes hollow and distant.


    Maddox stared out the window like a man who had forgotten what it meant to live.


    Three powerful men.


    Three Alphas.


    And none of them had been strong enough to protect her.


    Not the rarest wolf of them all.


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    Not their white wolf.


    Not Riley.


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    At the Duskgrave Estate.


    Lucien Duskgrave stood silently in front of the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window, a thick stack of documents in his hand.


    Duke, his ever¨Cefficient Beta assistant, had worked through the night to dig into Riley¡¯s past. Every record. Every file. Every secret.


    Lucien had read it all.


    His expression was grim.


    Every word on the page felt like a de. Riley¡¯s twenty¨Cthree years of life had been nothing short of a tragedy written in blood..


    She had grown up in the rogue orphanage system, never knowing the warmth of family. Then, at fifteen, she was found and brought back to the Ebonw Pack, only to suffer three more years of cold silence and calcted neglect.


    She was a prodigy¨Ctop of her ss at Mooncrest Academy for three consecutive years. A dominant force in physicspetitions, a record¨Cbreaking score of 741 in her final exams¨Cenough to make her a star even at Ashmoor Academy, the most prestigious institution in the werewolf world.


    And yet, all of it was stolen.


    False usations. A prison sentence.


    Her dreams, her dignity¨Cripped from her by those she trusted.


    Lucien was never one to be easily shaken. His world was one of strategy, discipline, and bloodlines. But even he couldn¡¯t stop his brow from furrowing as he read her file.


    Behind him, Duke felt the Alpha¡¯s aura darken like a storm front. He said nothing, but the weight in the air was suffocating.


    Riley¡­ What kind of strength did it take to survive all that? So small. So thin. Yet she¡¯d endured twenty¨Cthree years of hell.


    Before either of them could say a word, Matriarch Duskgrave arrived, nked by Mrs. Beck and Mia.


    Lucien immediately tucked the documents toward Duke. ¡°Put these away. Don¡¯t let Grandmother see.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Alpha,¡± Duke said swiftly, disappearing with the file.


    ¡°Grandmother,¡± Lucien greeted, ¡°what brings you here?¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy. ¡°Where¡¯s Riley?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s still asleep,¡± Lucien replied.


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    Matriarch Duskgrave frowned and headed upstairs, concern written all over her face.


    Lucien didn¡¯t think much of it. Riley had drunk too muchst night¨Cit made sense she¡¯d still be sleeping.


    But momentster, Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s panicked voice rang down the stairs.


    ¡°Riley! What¡¯s wrong, child?! Don¡¯t scare me like this!¡±


    Lucien¡¯s heart seized. He bolted upstairs.


    Riley was curled tightly on the bed, her skin flushed crimson, her body radiating a dangerous heat. Her lips were dry and cracked, her breath ragged. She clutched the bedsheets in agony, as if fighting off something ravaging her from the inside.


    Matriarch Duskgrave stood nearby, frozen in distress. Mrs. Beck and Mia were on the verge of tears.


    Seeing Riley like this¨Cit was as if knives had pierced through their chests.


    Lucien didn¡¯t hesitate. He strode forward, scooped her into his arms, and charged down the stairs.


    She was burning up¨Cliterally. Her body heat scorched his arms like fire.


    ¡°To the hospital,¡± he ordered sharply.


    The household sprang into motion.


    In the car, Mia suddenly spoke, voice urgent. ¡°Not the First Hospital. Go to the Second.¡±


    Lucien nced back.


    ¡°Alpha ric, Maddox, and Ronan Duskcliff are all tied to the First. If they see her again, things could spiral. That pack has brought her nothing but pain. Let¡¯s not risk it.¡±


    Duke mmed the gas pedal down, sending the vehicle speeding toward Mooncrest¡¯s Second Hospital.


    They made it in under twenty minutes.


    Coincidentally, Theo Hale¨Cnow one of the lead physicians at the First Hospital¨Chad just finished an academic conference at the Second. He wasughing with a few fellow doctors, exchanging thoughts about new treatment techniques, his usual careless arrogance masked by his medical brilliance.


    As they exited the hospital lobby, Lucien swept past them, cradling Riley tightly and Mrs. Beck followed, gasping for air.


    Theo¡¯s steps halted midugh. His brow furrowed.


    Was that¡­


    No, it couldn¡¯t be.


    Matriarch Duskgrave, Mia,


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    That woman¨Cthose long dark strands flowing from Lucien¡¯s arms, the way she trembled¨Clooked too much like Riley.


    But the Second Hospital? The Ebonws never used this facility. They¡¯d always gone to the First.


    He shook his head. Probably just a mistake. He¡¯d been overworkedtely¨Chis eyes were ying tricks on him.


    He turned back to his group, brushing it off with a chuckle.


    Meanwhile, in the emergency room, Riley was already being examined.


    After a flurry of activity, one of the doctors approached Lucien with a furrowed brow.


    ¡°You¡¯re her husband, correct?¡±


    Lucien blinked, caught off guard. ¡°I¡¯m not-¡±


    ¡°He is!¡± Matriarch Duskgrave interjected before he could finish. She stepped forward, face pale with worry. ¡°I¡¯m her grandmother¨Cinw. Doctor, how is my granddaughter¨Cinw doing?¡±


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 in Vengeance 88

    At Mooncrest Second Hospital, the tension was suffocating, the doctor had barely walked out of the emergency ward before his temper exploded.


    Finished


    ¡°What kind of pack family are you?¡± he barked, eyes zing as he looked at Lucien and the others. ¡°Do you know what you¡¯ve done? This girl only has one kidney! And you still let her drink like that? Were you trying to kill her?¡±


    The words hit like thunder.


    ¡°One kidney alone already puts massive strain on her body. Now, her blood alcohol level is dangerously high. If the remaining kidney hadn¡¯t been so healthy, she could¡¯ve suffered multiple organ failures¨Cmaybe even died.¡±


    ¡°You got her here just in time. She¡¯s stable for now, but this is still extremely serious. We¡¯ll do our best to keep her safe.¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave staggered, nearly copsing, and had to be held up by Mrs. Beck.


    Mia¡¯s eyes widened in shock, her whole body frozen. One kidney?


    How could that be? Their Luna, their beloved Riley¨Chow could she only have one kidney?


    The doctor returned to the ward, leaving a stunned silence behind him.


    Matriarch Duskgrave turned with trembling lips and a broken voice. ¡°Mia¡­ How could Riley only have one kidney?¡±


    Mia was still in shock. ¡°That¡¯s impossible¡­ When she was sentenced to the rogue prison five years ago, she waspletely healthy¡­¡±


    That sentence fell like a bomb in the middle of the room.


    Lucien, Matriarch Duskgrave, and Mrs. Beck all froze.


    Healthy before prison. One kidney after.


    There was only one horrifying conclusion.


    Lucien¡¯s mind flicked back to the confidential documents Duke had retrieved. There had been no mention of a missing organ, but the abuse Riley had endured during those years¡­ it all made sense now.


    Who could harbor such hatred against such a fragile, young woman? What kind of twisted cruelty could take this from her?


    Even Lucien, a hardened Alpha who had seen the worst of war and betrayal, felt a bone¨Cdeep fury rising


    inside him.


    But with that fury came something else¨Csomething that chilled them all to the bone.


    ¡°She only has one kidney¡­¡± Mrs. Beck whispered, voice trembling. ¡°But¡­ we¡¯ve seen her shift.¡±


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    The room went deathly still.


    ¡°She¡¯s a wolf,¡± Mia confirmed, voice full of awe. ¡°I saw her that day in the ward¨Cbleeding, cornered, barely conscious¨Cand then she shifted. I didn¡¯t believe my own eyes.¡±


    ¡°But that shouldn¡¯t be possible,¡± Matriarch Duskgrave whispered, almost reverently. ¡°A wolf needs both kidneys functioning to channel the energy required for transformation. It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s a biologicalw of our kind.¡±


    And yet, Riley had done it.


    In the face of everything¨Cimprisonment, torture, betrayal, and now this devastating revtion¨Cshe had still awakened her wolf.


    Lucien lowered his gaze, hands clenched into fists at his sides. His jaw was tight, his chest heaving.


    She had no business surviving. No reason she should have be a wolf.


    And yet¡­ she did.


    Not just a wolf¨Ca white wolf.


    A miracle.


    A warrior.


    ¡°She¡¯s stronger than any of us,¡± Lucien murmured, voice heavy with guilt and awe. ¡°We should¡¯ve protected


    her.¡±


    No one argued. No one could.


    Because they all knew¨CRiley wasn¡¯t just another Alpha.


    She was the one who had endured the unendurable and still rose, still shifted, still howled under the moonlight with the blood of warriors running through her veins.


    A survivor. A legend in the making.


    Meanwhile, at Mooncrest First Hospital¡­


    Kael Vale looked nothing like the proud heir he once was. His beard was unkempt, eyes hollow with regret. He dragged himself toward his father¡¯s recovery room like a ghost.


    Just as he reached the door, Dean Elira ckthorn stepped out. Her face was flushed and her lips oddly swollen. She jumped, clearly startled to find Kael at the entrance.


    ¡°Young Alpha Kael,¡± she greeted with an awkward smile, avoiding eye contact.


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    Kael merely grunted, not even sparing her a nce. His mind was drowning in chaos. He brushed past her and entered the room<b>. </b>


    Inside, Alpha ric Vale was fastening his robe, looking rather¡­ satisfied. Kael thought nothing of it¨Che assumed his father had juste out of the bathroom.


    He sank into a chair like a man defeated.


    ric frowned. ¡°Still no sign of that ungrateful girl?¡±


    Kael¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°Her name is Riley. And she¡¯s your daughter.¡±


    ric scoffed. ¡°She tried to kill me. She¡¯s no daughter of mine.¡±


    Kael turned toward him, disbelief in his eyes. ¡°She¡¯s missing, possibly dying somewhere alone in the wild. And you don¡¯t care?¡±


    ¡°Let her die. Maybe then I¡¯ll finally have peace.¡± ric waved him off.


    Kael stared at him, stunned by the inhumanity.


    ¡°She gave everything to this family. You used her and cast her aside. Now you want her dead just to avoid guilt?¡±


    ric leaned back, cold and dismissive. ¡°She was never valuable. Even if she threw herself at Lucien Duskgrave, he wouldn¡¯t want her. What Alpha wants a damaged she-


    Kael¡¯s hands tightened into fists.


    ¡°Forget her. Focus on getting Duskgrave to back the Eastern Border development. That¡¯s what matters.¡±


    Kael looked at his father like he was seeing a stranger. ¡°Dad¡­ if you¡¯d given even half the love you gave to Tessa to Riley, she might not have ended up this broken.¡±


    At the mention of Tessa, ric¡¯s face darkened.


    ¡°She¡¯s the one who caused all this. Don¡¯t act like I¡¯m the viin.¡±


    Kael¡¯s voice trembled now, barely above a whisper. ¡°Was it true¡­ what I suspectedst night? You always knew Riley wasn¡¯t the one who lured Tessa to the Darkwoods. You knew she wasn¡¯t the reason the rogues attacked.¡±


    ric flinched, his eyes betraying the truth Kael had feared.


    ¡°You knew,¡± Kael whispered. ¡°You knew it was a lie, and you let her take the me. You made me testify against my own sister.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being dramatic. That was years ago. Let it go.¡±


    ¡°Let it go?!¡± Kael¡¯sugh was hollow, bitter. ¡°You told me to say she was guilty. You made me look her in the eye and call her a traitor.¡±


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    ¡°She is my sister. And I destroyed her with my own hands.¡±


    Kael wiped away the tears that now ran freely down his face. ¡°No wonder she can¡¯t forgive me. No wonder¡­¡±


    ric mmed the table beside him. ¡°Enough! We can¡¯t change the past. Focus on the deal with Duskgrave. That¡¯s all that matters now.¡±


    Kael looked up, his eyes colder than ever. ¡°That¡¯s all that¡¯s ever mattered to you, hasn¡¯t it?¡±


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    274

 in Vengeance 89

    At the Ebonw pack house, tensions reached their breaking point.


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    Kael Vale¡¯s eyes burned red, his chest heaving with fury as he red at Alpha ric. Every word he spoke trembled with rage. ¡°You let Riley carry the weight of a false usation. You let her rot in a rogue prison for something she didn¡¯t do. She was tortured. Her leg was shattered. They took her kidney. And you-¡± his voice cracked, ¡°you just let it happen. Don¡¯t you fear the wrath of the Moon Goddess?¡±


    ric trembled with rage, his hand pointing at Kael as his voice rose. ¡°How dare you speak to me like this? Everything I¡¯ve done was to protect the Vale name. That girl was weak, troublesome. If she had to be sacrificed, then so be it!¡±


    ¡°Sacrificed?¡± Kael let out a bitterugh. ¡°She lost a leg. A kidney. She lost everything while we livedfortably. And you feel no shame?¡±


    ric¡¯s face twitched at the mention of her missing kidney, but he forced himself to remain stoic. ¡°She probably picked a fight in prison. Maybe she got injured and the healers had no choice. Either way, it¡¯s her own fault. She was always reckless.¡±


    Kael stared at him in disbelief. ¡°You don¡¯t even care if she lives or dies, do you?¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± ric snapped. ¡°Right now, our business alliances matter more. Did you get Alpha Lucien¡¯s contact like I asked? Set up a meeting. That¡¯s what¡¯s important.¡±


    Kael rose slowly, his eyes filled with bitter resolve. ¡°I used to admire you, Father. I believed in your strength, your judgment. But not this time. This time, I¡¯ll find the truth myself. I¡¯ll clear Riley¡¯s name, even if it means walking away from this family.¡±


    ric¡¯s face turned dark. ¡°You walk out that door and investigate this, don¡¯t ever call yourself my son again! And forget about inheriting anything from the Vale legacy.¡±


    Kael didn¡¯t look back. He walked out with unwavering determination. All he could think of was Riley¨Cthe sister he had failed. He needed to find her. He needed to make things right.


    He had barely reached the hallway whenScarlett Vale, their family¡¯s darling, walked in carrying a silver thermos.


    ¡°Father, I made your favorite bone broth,¡± she said sweetly, stepping into the room with a radiant smile. Her eyes caught Kael¡¯s, and her smile faltered.


    Kael¡¯s eyes narrowed. The events of the previous day were still vivid in his mind. His instincts screamed that something was wrong.


    But Sedarlett, ever confident in her role as the golden daughter, offered a soft smile. ¡°Brother, you¡¯re here too. Would you like to join us?¡±


    Kael didn¡¯t answer. He marched forward, grabbing her by the shoulders.


    ¡°Riley¡¯s gone,¡± he said, voice like thunder. ¡°Are you happy now?¡±


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    Scarlett froze, her face turning pale. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what you mean¡­¡±


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    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me!¡± Kael growled, his grip tightening. ¡°You wanted her gone. Now you have what you always wanted¨CRiley out of the picture, and the spotlight all to yourself.¡±


    Scarlett burst into tears, trembling as she whispered, ¡°How can you say that? I¡¯m your sister¡­ You¡¯ve always known I love this family.¡±


    And Kael had believed that, once. He¡¯d defended her, trusted her, even when Riley was dragged away in


    chains.


    He¡¯d believed her innocence.


    But yesterday, he¡¯d seen the cracks. The way she¡¯d looked when cornered. The way she hadn¡¯t denied what truly happened the night of the rogue ambush.


    Kael shoved her back, pinning her lightly to the wall. Scarlett cried out in pain as her back hit the stone.


    From the bed, ric roared, ¡°Let go of her!¡±


    He struggled to rise, and in doing so aggravated his wound, gasping in pain as he reached for the cane by the bedside.


    ¡°Unhand your sister!¡± ric bellowed, and with a surprising burst of energy, pped Kael across the face.


    The impact sent Kael¡¯s head reeling sideways.


    Just then, Theo entered the room.


    He¡¯d returned from ate consult and had stopped by to check on the Vale Alpha after hearing of the family¡¯s injuries.


    Instead, he found chaos.


    He quickly stepped between them, pulling Kael back with a frown. ¡°Kael, your father¡¯s still healing. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Kael¡¯s breath was ragged. He said nothing for a moment, then quietly told Theo about Riley¡¯s disappearance, his fears, and what had happened during the previous day¡¯s confrontation.


    ¡°Riley has one kidney,¡± Kael said, barely above a whisper. ¡°Her wolf form shouldn¡¯t even be possible. But we¡¯ve all seen it. She¡¯s a fighter. She¡¯s survived what should¡¯ve broken her. And now¡­ she¡¯s missing. I don¡¯t know how much more she can take.¡±


    Theo¡¯s expression shifted. His mind reyed the fleeting image he¡¯d seen that morning¨CLucien carrying a girl through the ER doors at Mooncrest Second Hospital. Her scent had been familiar. So had the fall of her hair.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he murmured to himself.


    Could it have been her?

 in Vengeance 90

    Finished


    Back in Mooncrest First Hospital, Theo stood beside the tall window at the end of the corridor, his fingers. tapping absently against the ss. Though he had just returned from a weeklong academic exchange in Northern territory, his mind was far from focused on medicine.


    He had almost said something to Kael moments ago¨Cabout what he thought he¡¯d seen in the emergency bay of Mooncrest Second Hospital. A sh of a familiar figure in the arms of Lucien Duskgrave. A limp she- wolf with matted hair and skin far too pale.


    He had convinced himself it wasn¡¯t Riley Vale.


    But now, doubt crept in like frost.


    Theo hadn¡¯t been oblivious to the whispers surrounding the Vale family. Though he¡¯d buried himself in academic lectures and clinical rounds, the gossip among nurses and junior healers traveled far and fast.


    In the mere two months since Riley¡¯s release from the rogue prison, she had been hospitalized several times¡ªeach time gravely injured. Once with whip marks across her back and a shattered pinky; another time, unconscious with a severe head wound and signs of infection.


    Every time, it was Riley.


    Never her adopted sister, Scarlett.


    And yet the pack always insisted it was Riley who ¡°caused trouble,¡± who ¡°hurt¡± Tessa.


    If Riley was the abuser¡­ why was she the one always lying broken on a hospital bed?


    Theo remembered that night weeks ago¨Cwhen Riley fled to Southend, trying to catch a train to other territory. She had been barefoot, bleeding, and terrified. And he¨Clike Kael¨Chad dragged her back.


    He¡¯d believed then that he was helping. That the pack needed her to e to her senses.¡±


    Looking back now, he saw it for what it was: a desperate escape from a ce she never saw as home.


    His guilt coiled like a serpent around his heart.


    She had tried to run. Again and again. And every time, they forced her back¨Conly for her to end up more broken than before.


    Theo¡¯s expression darkened, his jaw clenched.


    ¡°Where could she have gone this time?¡± Kael had asked earlier, brows furrowed in worry. ¡°She¡¯s weak, has no money. What if she¡¯s hurt again¨Cout there alone?¡±


    Theo had only given a vague, ¡°Maybe,¡± in reply. But inside, he was seething.


    Because Kael still didn¡¯t get it.


    Riley wasn¡¯t ¡°just being difficult.¡± She wasn¡¯t running from responsibility. She was running for her life.


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    He thought back to the report: Riley had a missing kidney. With such apromised body, she shouldn¡¯t even be capable of shifting into her wolf form.


    And yet, during thest lunar re, she had.


    Several witnesses saw her half¨Cshift¨Cfur white as snow, eyes zing silver. It defied logic.


    But what broke Theo¡¯sposure even more than her resilience¡­ was his own role in her suffering.


    He had mocked her.


    Dismissed her.


    Believed every lie Scarlett fed the pack.


    The realization hit like a hammer: he had been someone¡¯s weapon, wielded blindly.


    Through the frosted ss of the infirmary door, he saw Alpha ric gently stroking Scarlett¡¯s hair as she cried into his chest. The scene churned his stomach.


    The so¨Ccalled ¡°father¡± had never once visited Riley in the hospital.


    But Scarlett? One sniffle and he came running.


    Theo turned away sharply.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got rounds,¡± he muttered to Kael, and stalked down the corridor.


    But he didn¡¯t head toward the patient ward.


    He made for the security office.


    Riley¡¯s case was riddled with inconsistencies¨Cand Theo wanted the truth.¡±


    The door to the monitoring room was locked, but he keyed in his staff code. A monitor flickered to life, showing rows of timestamped footage.


    He began typing in the timestamp from the prior night. The moment when Riley was said to have ¡°attacked¡± Scarlett.


    A red message blinked onto the screen: ¡°VIDEO FILE MISSING.¡±


    Theo frowned, tried another angle¨Cfrom the hallway outside the room.


    ¡°VIDEO FILE MISSING.¡±


    His frown deepened.


    These videos weren¡¯t simply corrupted. They had been manually deleted.


    And only a handful of people in the entire hospital had clearance to do that.


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    Someone was covering tracks.


    His mind moved fast.


    He pulled up the staff login records.


    Only one name appeared on the ess log during the deletion window¨CDean Elira ckthorn, the Pack Medical Alpha and hospital administrator.


    Theo¡¯s stomach turned.


    Why would Dean ckthorn help erase evidence? And who put her up to it?


    The pieces weren¡¯t all there yet, but one thing was certain: Riley was no longer safe under pack protection.


    She hadn¡¯t been for a long time.


    Theo exited the room with urgency in his stride.


    He had one more stop to make.


    At the end of the ward, he knocked on a heavy door. A nurse opened it, nodded, and let him in.


    Inside, in the dimly lit VIP recovery suite, Tessay in bed, her pale skin glowing faintly in the moonlight through the blinds. Her expression was vacant, eyes unfocused, like someone deep in thought¨Cor memory.


    Theo stepped inside quietly.


    ¡°Tessa,¡± he said gently.


    Her gaze flicked toward him, guarded.


    ¡°I need to ask you about what happenedst night. And I want the truth.¡±


    She blinked slowly, then looked away, lips pressing into a tight line.


    Theo stepped closer, but there was no softness in his voice now.


    ¡°Did Riley really attack you? Or were you just afraid she¡¯d speak before you could bury her again?¡±


    Tessa didn¡¯t respond..


    But her silence was louder than a scream.


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    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge

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    Theo Hale stood at the edge of the dimly lit room, watching the she¨Cwolf in the hospital bed. Tessa ckmaw looked more like a porcin doll than the feared daughter of the ckmaw Pack. Pale. Fragile.


    Hollow.


    He exhaled slowly, then stepped closer. ¡°Tessa,¡± he said softly, his voice a careful blend of warmth and resolve. ¡°I know what happened in your room yesterday.¡±


    Tessa didn¡¯t respond. She didn¡¯t flinch. She just stared at the ceiling, expression vacant.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want justice for yourself?¡± Theo asked, his tone tightening. ¡°For Riley?¡±


    She wanted it. Goddess, she did.


    But the truth was clear¨Ccarved into the expressions she had seen yesterday. Alpha ric. Luna Zara. Kael Vale. Maddox. Even her own brother, Ronan Duskcliff. All of them had shielded Scarlett.


    All of them had silenced her.


    They stopped her from speaking when she had the chance. Held her back. Warned her with their eyes, their words, their unspoken threats.


    Scarlett wasn¡¯t just the pampered foster daughter. She was the golden child of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s carefully constructed facade.


    And Riley Vale?


    She was the stain they tried desperately to scrub away.


    So no¨CTessa couldn¡¯t trust them. And she didn¡¯t trust Theo Hale either. He¡¯d always been friendly with the Ebonws. He had never stood on Riley¡¯s side before.


    So shey still.


    Theo kept talking, trying everything¨Clogic, sympathy, even anger. But Tessa remained silent, unmoved. She was the perfect picture of a lifeless puppet.


    It frustrated him deeply.


    Until he changed tactics.


    ¡°Riley¡¯s missing.¡± Theo said suddenly.


    That word¨Cmissing¨Cshattered something in the room.


    Tessa¡¯s pupils dted, just for a second. Her fingers twitched. Her eyes, once dull, flickered with a pain so raw it nearly made Theo flinch.


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    He caught it. That flicker of soul.


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    And he pressed forward.


    ¡°She disappearedst night,¡± he said, voice low. ¡°No one knows where she is. ric, Maddox, even Ronan- they¡¯re all searching. But you know what¡¯ll happen if they find her first.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s breath hitched. Her throat made a strangled sound¨Cmore sob than word. And then tears. Hot and fast, trailing down her temples into her dark hair.


    She tried to speak, but nothing came out. Her vocal cords failed her¨Ceither from trauma or magic Theo couldn¡¯t see. All she managed were broken, muffled vowels and the desperate thrash of a silent scream.


    Theo stepped closer, grabbing a tissue and gently wiping her tears.


    ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself,¡± he said softly. ¡°Just rest. When your strength returns, you can still speak the truth. You can help clear Riley¡¯s name.¡±


    Tessa wept silently, curled like a dying ember, while Theo gave her onest nod and turned to leave.


    By the time he stepped out into the hallway, Theo¡¯s mind was spinning.


    He was going to the Second Mooncrest Hospital to follow a lead. But as he approached the hospital¡¯s underground garage, he spotted two familiar figures through the windshield¨CDean Elira ckthorn, the sharp¨Ceyed Pack Medical Alpha who ran Mooncrest First Hospital, and a man standing too close to her: Scarlett¡¯s driver.


    Theo¡¯s brows lifted.


    Strange pair, he thought. Elira was always professional to a fault. Why would she be meeting with a lower- ranked enforcer?


    Still, he didn¡¯t stop. He had other things to do.


    He drove through thete afternoon traffic of Mooncrest, heading toward the Second Hospital¨Cbut halfway there, a thought struck him like lightning.


    He parked at the curb beside a flower shop.


    Today was a weekend, and the ce was packed with couples and sweet scents.


    Theo¨Ctall, lean, dressed in casual cks and a fitted ck tee¨Cwas instantly noticed. With his styled dark hair and effortless swagger, he gave off that careless heir vibe that turned heads.


    A young florist immediately rushed over. ¡°Sir, shopping for someone special?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he muttered, hands in his pockets.


    He didn¡¯t want to admit it even to himself, but visiting Riley empty¨Chanded didn¡¯t sit right. She¡¯d been. through too much¨Cand he¡¯d treated her like trash for years,


    This bouquet was his¡­ apology. Sort of.


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    He wasn¡¯t the kind of guy to say I¡¯m sorry. But maybe the flowers could say it for him.


    ¡°Is it for a man or a woman?¡± the florist asked sweetly.


    ¡°Woman,¡± Theo replied.


    The florist grinned knowingly. With his looks and aura, she assumed it was for a lover.


    ¡°Leave it to me, sir. I¡¯ve got just the thing to help you win her heart.¡±


    He gave her a skeptical look but didn¡¯t stop her.


    As the florist disappeared to prepare the bouquet, Theo stepped out for a smoke.


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    He leaned against the post, cigarette between his lips, gazezy but sharp. Passersby slowed down. Girls nudged each other and giggled. A few bold ones lingered, whispering.


    One particrly brave girl approached, phone in hand, clearly about to ask for his contact.


    Before she could speak, the florist rushed out with a flourish.


    ¡°Your order¡¯s ready, sir!¡±


    She handed him an enormous bouquet¨Cny¨Cnine perfect red roses, wrapped in crimson silk.


    Theo stared at it.


    Even a romantic idiot knew what red roses meant.


    This wasn¡¯t a neutral bouquet. It was a full¨Con confession.


    Seriously? He groaned internally. She¡¯s a patient recovering from trauma, not someone I¡¯m about to propose to.


    He wanted to return it. Badly.


    But people were watching. And Theo Hale, prideful Alpha¨Cborn and one of Mooncrest¡¯s top¨Cranking Pack physicians, wasn¡¯t about to be seen making a fuss over flowers in public.


    Besides¡­ Riley probably didn¡¯t even know what red roses symbolized.


    She¡¯ll just think they¡¯re pretty.


    With that self¨Cjustifying thought, he took the bouquet.


    The florist winked. ¡°Go get her, Alpha.¡± ¡ó¡õ¡ó


    Theo sighed.


    Yeah. Thanks.¡±


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    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge

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    Theo¡¯s POV


    I slid back into the car, cing the enormous bouquet of red roses on the passenger seat. The overwhelming floral scent filled the space, sweet and heavy¨Calmost too much.


    Finished


    I nced at the flowers, imagining the look on Riley¡¯s face when she saw them. Maybe she¡¯d freeze, startled. Maybe her eyes would well up with tears, her lips would tremble, and she¡¯d finally realize I wasn¡¯t such a bastard after all.


    A smirk tugged at my lips.


    Yeah, right.


    I pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward Mooncrest Second Hospital. I wasn¡¯t on staff there, but I¡¯d dropped by enough for research coboration that most of the nurses knew me. Can¡¯t say it hurt that I¡¯m easy on the eyes¨Cpeople tend to remember that.


    The moment I stepped into the lobby with a massive bouquet of crimson roses in hand, every nurse at the station turned to stare, eyes wide and brimming with curiosity. The air was practically vibrating with gossip.


    ¡°Dr. Hale, bringing flowers for a patient?¡± one nurse teased, grinning like she¡¯d just caught a live soap opera.


    I gave her my trademark half¨Csmile. ¡°Yeah. For someone very sick. In the head.¡±


    Sheughed, probably thought I was joking.


    I approached the desk. ¡°I¡¯m looking for someone¨CRiley Vale. She should¡¯ve been admitted recently.¡±


    The nurse blinked, then nodded. ¡°Room 312, third floor.¡±


    She didn¡¯t say more, but I caught the glint in her eyes. Riley must¡¯ve left an impression¨Cand not just because of her injuries.


    As I made my way to the room, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling gnawing at my gut. Last time I saw her, she was barely hanging on. If anything happened again¡­


    I pushed the door open, expecting to see her lying in bed¨Cpale, weak, maybe asleep.


    But the room was empty.


    My heart stuttered.


    Had she run away again?


    Then came the sound of water flushing. A secondter, the bathroom door opened, and she stepped out, dressed in hospital scrubs.


    She froze.


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    Her face went stark white, panic ring in her eyes. And then¨Cjust like that¨Cshe turned and bolted.


    Hell no.


    I tossed the bouquet onto the bed and lunged forward, grabbing her wrist before she could get far. ¡°What the hell, Riley? You act like I¡¯m here to drag you off to the dungeons.¡±


    ¡°Let me go!¡± she cried, struggling against me. Her voice trembled with fear. ¡°Did the Ebonw Pack send you? Did my father-?¡±


    I let go immediately, stunned by the sheer terror in her voice.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not here on anyone¡¯s orders,¡± I said, trying to sound calm, reasonable. ¡°I just¡­ wanted to see if you were okay.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed. ¡°You expect me to believe that? You¡¯ve always taken their side. You all want me gone.¡±


    Gods.


    I sighed and grabbed the bouquet from the bed, shoving it at her. ¡°Would I have brought you flowers if I wanted you dead? Seriously, do you even hear yourself?¡±


    She flinched as the weight of the bouquetnded in her arms. Ny¨Cnine blood¨Cred roses. A romantic gesture,pletely inappropriate for someone recovering from a trauma¨Cinduced copse.


    Her hands trembled. And then, to my absolute horror¨Cshe started crying.


    ¡°What now?¡± I snapped, voice harsher than I intended. ¡°Is it the roses? You don¡¯t like red? Say something, damn it, don¡¯t just cry.¡±


    I rubbed the back of my neck, frustration bubbling. ¡°Fine. Tell me what kind of flowers you like, I¡¯ll buy them. I¡¯ll buy a damn greenhouse if that¡¯s what it takes to get you to stop looking at me like I kicked your puppy.¡±


    I reached forward, intending to take the bouquet from her and chuck it in the trash¨Cmaybe I could salvage a shred of dignity.


    Then the door creaked open behind me.


    ¡°I seem to havee at the wrong time.¡±


    I turned.


    The man who entered the room was tall, with a rigid posture and a cial expression. He wore a custom- tailored suit like it was part of his skin, and those gold¨Crimmed sses perched on his nose did nothing to soften the storm in his eyes.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked, tone defensive.


    He ignored me.


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    His eyes were locked on Riley, or more precisely¨Con the bundle of roses she still cradled like a shield. His gaze darkened slightly as he stepped forward and, without a word, took the bouquet from her arms and ced it neatly on the table beside her bed.


    Then, with a gentle tone that made my skin crawl, he said, ¡°You must be hungry. My grandmother made this herself.¡±


    He opened a polished thermos and began arranging food on the tray table like this was his damn kitchen.


    I stood there, feeling like a third wheel to my own intentions.


    Who the hell was this guy to waltz in here, steal the scene, and act like Riley was his mate?


    I nced at Riley, waiting to see if she¡¯d protest. She didn¡¯t. She looked stunned. Caught between us like prey between two predators<b>. </b>


    ¡°Riley,¡± I said, sharper than I meant to, ¡°I came to see how you were doing. That¡¯s all.¡±


    She blinked at me. ¡°Why? What do you want?¡±


    The coldness in her tone hit harder than I expected.


    I was here with roses. She looked at me like I¡¯d brought a weapon.


    I clenched my jaw, masking the sting. ¡°So now I can¡¯t visit without an agenda? Great.¡±


    The man remained silent, but I could feel his gaze pressing down on me like a silent threat.


    I didn¡¯t like him.


    And I didn¡¯t like how Riley looked at him either¨Clike she didn¡¯t know whether to be afraid or grateful.


    But I wasn¡¯t going anywhere.


    Not yet.


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    Riley¡¯s POV


    I lowered my gaze.


    To someone like Theo Hale, I didn¡¯t even have the right to exist in his line of sight¨Cmuch less expect


    concern.


    Every time we crossed paths, his words cut sharper than a de. If that¡¯s the reception I always got, why would I ever look forward to seeing him?


    And now that he¡¯d found me here¡­ it could only mean the Ebonw Pack wouldn¡¯t be far behind.


    Those lunatics had already tried to trade me off like livestock¨Cwanted me to marry into the Duskgrave family from Stormridge Pack, all for a stake in some damned Eastward development project.


    I almost agreed. For Mia¡¯s sake. For Carmen¡¯s.


    But ever sincest night, when I learned my embroidery sold for a fortune, something shifted inside me.


    I didn¡¯t want to keep swallowing dirt just to survive. Not anymore.


    But that required time¨Ctime to stay hidden, to make enough with my own hands to protect the only people who¡¯d ever treated me like I mattered. Once I could get Mia and Carmen out of Mooncrest safely, I¡¯d have nothing holding me back. No weaknesses left to exploit.


    If it came down to war with the Ebonws, I¡¯d burn the whole damned Pack down and not flinch.


    I tried to focus on the soup in front of me¨Cpigeon broth with goji berries¨Cbut it tasted like nothing. Like chewing on air.


    Theo was still here, hovering like a storm cloud. His brows were scrunched, clearly pissed I wasn¡¯t groveling at his feet. The great Hale heir wasn¡¯t used to being unwee, clearly.


    I watched out of the corner of my eye as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a cigarette. Typical.


    But before he could even light it, a low,manding voice stopped him cold.


    ¡°Don¡¯t smoke in here.¡±


    Lucien Duskgrave. I now knew his name.


    And even though hisst name was exactly the same as that of the infamous fianc¨¦ from the legends, I told myself it had to be a coincidence.


    They said the Alpha of Stormridge was old, hideous, and cursed¨Cevery mate he¡¯d ever taken had died because of him.


    But Lucien¡­ the man standing in front of me¡­


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    Lucien¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t loud, but it crackled with Alpha dominance so strong even I felt it brush against my skin like static.


    Theo visibly stiffened. ¡°And who the hell are you to tell me what to do?¡±


    Lucien didn¡¯t blink. ¡°This is a hospital.¡±


    Theo bit down on his lip and shoved the cigarette and lighter back into his pocket like a sulky pup.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t say anything,¡± he grumbled, gesturing toward me. ¡°Why are you acting like her handler?¡±


    I froze mid¨Csip, caught in the crossfire. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t like the smell of smoke.¡± I admitted softly.


    Theo¡¯s expression crumpled in disbelief.


    He barked augh. ¡°Seriously? Who even is this guy, Riley? You¡¯re defending him like he¡¯s your mate or something. I¡¯ve known you for eight years and never even heard you mention him.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond. What could I say?


    I didn¡¯t even know who Lucien truly was¨Cnot yet. Only that he¡¯d helped me, twice now, when no one else had.


    Theo fumed in silence for a few moments, then turned on his heel and stomped toward the door like a sulky child.


    ¡°Theo¨Cwait!¡±


    He paused, hand on the handle, but didn¡¯t turn back.


    Still, my voice must¡¯ve meant something, because the air around him seemed to soften just a little.


    ¡°Please,¡± I said, my voice low, almost pleading. ¡°Don¡¯t tell the Ebonws I¡¯m here.¡±


    His shoulders tensed, then slumped.


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± he said, quieter now. ¡°And I won¡¯t tell Maddox. Or Ronan either.¡±


    Relief surged through me so fast it left me dizzy. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Just two words, but Theo looked like he¡¯d been handed a crown.


    ¡°Just get better,¡± he muttered, a little sheepishly. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll¡­ stop by again sometime.¡±


    And with that, he left.


    The silence that followed was like snowfall. Still. Clean.


    I picked up my spoon again and resumed eating, more rxed than I had been in days. Across the room, Lucien sat by the window, sunlight streaming across his profile, casting soft shadows over his angr


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    He looked like he belonged in a different world. One of marble mansions and ancient power. Everything about him¡ªhis posture, his focus, the way he turned pages of his book with deliberate care¨Coozed quiet strength. Controlled elegance.


    I nced at him more than once, though I tried not to make it obvious. The way the sunlight reflected off his gold¨Crimmed sses made his eyes seem even deeper, darker.


    There weren¡¯t many people who made me feel safe.


    Fewer who made me feel¡­ seen.


    Lucien was both.


    Most of the wolves I¡¯d known from high¨Cranking families were cruel behind their politeness, dressed in silk but rotted at the core. Maddox. Ronan. Even Theo, for years. The Ebonws, especially.


    But Lucien?


    He was different.


    Steady. Composed. Not just powerful¨Cgracious.


    And that scared me more than I wanted to admit.


    Suddenly, Lucien looked up from his book, catching me in the act of staring. His eyes locked with mine, and I forgot how to breathe.


    ¡°Still hungry?¡± he asked gently.


    I snapped out of it, checks burning. ¡°No, it¡¯s good. Really good. Your grandmother cooks very well.¡±


    I hesitated, biting my lower lip. The memory ofst night surfaced¨Cme guzzling down two entire bottles of his wine without offering him so much as a drop.


    That car he drove¡­ a Rolls¨CRoyce. Which meant those wines probably cost more than my yearly rent.


    Crap.


    ¡°Aboutst night¡­¡± I started awkwardly, fidgeting with my spoon. ¡°Those two bottles of wine¨Chow much were they? I¡¯ll pay you back.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile. He looked at me for a long beat, and then said,pletely deadpan, ¡°Five hundred thousand a bottle.¡±


    My spoon ttered into the bowl.


    What?


    He said it so casually, like he wasmenting on the weather. Five hundred thousand?


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    Was he serious?


    My heart sank to my stomach.


    And then¡­ the tiniest flicker of mischief shed behind his sses.


    Oh no.


    He was messing with me.


    Lucien Duskgrave was teasing me.


    <b>Send </b>Gifts

 in Vengeance 94

    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge


    Lucien¡¯s POV


    She blushed, crimson from her cheeks all the way to the tips of her ears.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll repay you,¡± she said, her voice soft but firm.


    I closed my book and looked at her¨Creally looked at her. She was trying her best to stayposed, but I could see the panic hiding behind hershes. The way her fingers gripped the spoon a little too tightly. The way she couldn¡¯t hold my gaze for more than a few seconds. All of it¨Cdelightful.


    ¡°And how exactly do you n to do that?¡± I asked, my tone light, as if the question wasn¡¯t already loaded.


    She was broke. That much was obvious. The hospital bill for a Mooncrest VIP ward alone could make a lesser wolf bankrupt. And yet, here she sat, her dignity as intact as ever.


    She hesitated, cheeks burning even more. ¡°I can do Moonstitch embroidery,¡± she said, barely above a whisper. ¡°If you give me time, I can sell my work to earn the money.¡±


    I almostughed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need money, Riley,¡± I replied coolly, leaning back in the chair, resting my chin on my hand.


    She blinked, confused and embarrassed. Of course she hadn¡¯t considered that someone like me¨CLucien Duskgrave, Alpha Prince of Stormridge¨Chad no interest in coin. For someone who drives a Rolls¨CRoyce and casually opens bottles worth more than most Omegas make in a


    use was repayment in copper and cloth?


    The real truth?


    I didn¡¯t need money.


    What I needed was¡­ different.


    Something much moreplicated.


    Because I was cursed.


    year,


    A blessing twisted into a lifetime sentence by the Moon Goddess herself.


    Most Alphas waited eagerly for the bond¨Ca golden thread that would pull them toward their fated mate. A maic connection that ignited the moment their eyes met.


    But me?


    The Goddess marked me differently.


    She said I would have a mate. One. Only one.


    But she also said I¡¯d never know her¨Cunless she fell in love with me first.


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    No bond. No spark. No scent recognition. Nothing.


    Not unless she loved me¨Cdeeply, truly, irrevocably.


    It was a punishment. For what, I never asked. I didn¡¯t care.


    But the rest of the world? The Packs? The She¨CWolves who carried titles like weapons and used their wombs like war strategies?


    They caught wind of my curse.


    And they came in droves.


    Because what better target than a cursed Alpha Prince?


    If I couldn¡¯t recognize my mate, if she might as well be a stranger among thousands¨Cthen why not settle for power? For bloodline? For the throne?


    They circled me like vultures, each one trying to out¨Ccharm thest. Each one secretly hoping I never found my mate. Because as long as I remained cursed, I was vulnerable.


    I grew tired of it.


    So I told my Beta to start a rumor. One that would sink deeper than any fact.


    Lucien Duskgrave¨CStormridge¡¯s cursed Alpha. Hideously old. Twisted in mind. Perverse. Mate¨Ckiller. A monster who buried a dozen Lunas before they bloomed.


    Let them talk. Let them stay away.


    I preferred solitude over sycophants.


    And now, here sat Riley Vale, with her storm¨Cwrecked eyes and pride¨Cshattered spine, offering to stitch her way out of debt like an innocentmb in a den full of wolves.


    If only she knew what she was offering.


    She looked down at her bowl again, her soup untouched.


    ¡°That¡­ then what do you want from me?¡± she asked, cautious.


    My eyes lingered on her face.


    What did I want?


    I wasn¡¯t entirely sure. Yet.


    But I knew this much¨CGrandmother had been pressing me to settle down. The pressure had only grown worse over the past year. Every month, a new Luna candidate showed up at the estate with somevish gift and a pedigree longer than a king¡¯s sword.


    I was tired of the games.


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    And Riley¡­ she was quiet. She was desperate. But more importantly¨Cshe didn¡¯t want anything from me.


    That made her valuable.


    She wouldn¡¯t cling. She wouldn¡¯t plot. She wouldn¡¯t beg for a title.


    And the more I watched her, the more I realized how perfectly she could y the role of the dutiful ¡°chosen one¡°-the one woman I allowed into my orbit, if only to silence the bloodhounds of court.


    ¡°There are things more valuable than money,¡± I finally said, letting the words fall like bait into still waters.


    She looked at me, confused.


    ¡°You said you could finish the Moonstitch scroll,¡± I continued. ¡°Blooming Grace, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Good. Grandmother¡¯s birthday is in a month. If you canplete it without a single thread out of ce. I¡¯ll consider your debt paid.¡±


    Her eyes lit up.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± she asked, voice tinged with cautious hope.


    I nodded once. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    She smiled¨Cactually smiled. ¡°I promise I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    I leaned back slightly, watching her face.


    ¡°Once you¡¯re discharged, you¡¯ll stay at the Duskgrave estate,¡± I added, almost offhand.


    Her spoon paused. Her gaze snapped up.


    ¡°L¨Clive with you?¡±


    I didn¡¯t let the smirk reach my mouth.


    I merely folded my hands together and said evenly, ¡°I paid two million for the scroll. I won¡¯t risk you botching it unsupervised.¡±


    She bit her lip, and then nodded. ¡°Okay. That¡¯s fair.¡±


    I inclined my head slightly. ¡°Rest well. You¡¯ll need steady hands.¡±


    She ducked her head again, shy, and finally began eating her soup.


    I reopened my book and leaned into the light spilling through the window. Every now and then, I felt her eyes flicker toward me.


    Let her watch.


    Let her feel safe.


    Because the more she trusted me, the closer she¡¯d get.


    And if¨Cjust if¨Cby some divine mercy, she turned out to be the one¡­


    Then she¡¯d never leave.


    Because this time, I¡¯d make sure-


    That love would find me first.

 in Vengeance 95

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    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Outside the infirmary, Duke stood stiffly, as though he¡¯d just chewed a mouthful of bitter herbs. The lines of his face were practically twisted in knots.


    Just moments ago, he¡¯d received a call from ric of the Ebonw Pack.


    How the man had even gotten his number was beyond him, but the obsequious tone that rang through the receiver still echoed in his ears. It left a sour taste in his mouth.


    Thest time the Ebonw Pack tried to forge an alliance at a gathering¨Cpushing their daughter into a mating arrangement with Lucien Duskgrave¨Cit had already made Duke want to retch. Now, they had the gall to send women to ¡°apany¡± his Alpha to dinner?


    Desperation wasn¡¯t even a strong enough word. It was insanity.


    Duke muttered under his breath, ¡°They tortured their own daughter until she was half¨Cdead, and now they want to curry favor? What a charming bunch.¡±


    He nced through the hospital window.


    Inside, Riley sat quietly at a small table, spoon in hand, sipping soup like a ghost had finally allowed her peace. Across the room, Lucien lounged by the window, sunlight casting a halo around his tall, sharp frame as he read.


    The scene was¡­ surprisingly serene.


    Though Riley had fallen from grace, it was clear she was different from the rest of the Ebonw Pack. A single flower blooming from rotting soil. A rare one.


    Duke felt a pang of sympathy. It wasn¡¯t often the Stormridge Alpha Prince took a genuine interest in anyone -especially not someone with Riley¡¯s history. That alone said enough.


    Meanwhile, across town in first Mooncrest Healers Hall, ric Vale was fuming.


    He hurled hismunicator onto the bed, the device bouncing once beforending with a muted thud.


    His face was so dark it could smother a fire.


    ¡°Father?¡± came a sweet, calcted voice.


    Scarlett Vale, draped in cream silk, approached the bedside with practiced delicacy.


    ¡°Did Prince Lucien reject the offer again?¡± she asked with a tilt of her head.


    ric clenched his fists.


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    ¡°That arrogant bastard refuses everything. First, he declined the mating proposal with that useless girl Riley. Then, even after I invited him to a private feast¨Cwith handpickedpanions, no less¨Che still turned me down.¡±


    His chest rose and fell in furious waves.


    Scarlett frowned. ¡°But I heard he has a reputation for indulgence¡­ for enjoying she¨Cwolves. Why would he refuse you twice?¡±


    ric¡¯s lip curled. ¡°Maybe the rumors are wrong.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s expression shifted subtly. Her gaze sharpened.


    ¡°Father¡­ what if the gossip is false? What if Lucien Duskgrave doesn¡¯t care for she¨Cwolves at all?¡±


    ric paused, considering. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Whether he does or doesn¡¯t¨CDuskgrave is the gatekeeper to the Eastern Ridge project. If we can¡¯t secure his support, the Ebonw Pack has no standing left in the Alpha Council.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes glinted.


    ¡°Then we change tactics,¡± she said smoothly. ¡°I heard Matriarch Duskgrave is holding her birthday celebration in Northhaven next month. If we prepare an offering that touches her heart¡­ we may yet forge a connection.¡±


    ric¡¯s brow lifted. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ not a bad idea.¡±


    ¡°If we win over the Matriarch,¡± Scarlett continued, ¡°Lucien will have no choice but to acknowledge the alliance. We just need to send a gift worthy of her attention.¡±


    ric grimaced. ¡°She¡¯s the Matron of the oldest bloodline in the North. What could we possibly give that hasn¡¯t already crossed her table?¡±


    Scarlett gave a secretive smile. ¡°If we understand her personal taste¨Cwhat makes her heart move¨Cwe¡¯ll find the answer. I want to go to Northhaven myself.¡±


    ¡°You want to scout her preferences?¡± ric asked, instantly reading her intention.


    Scarlett nodded. ¡°This project isn¡¯t just about the Pack¨Cit¡¯s about our future. Once the elders see we¡¯ve brought in Eastern Ridge, they¡¯ll pressure your mate to relinquish her remaining shares. When that happens¡­ the Ebonw Pack will be ours. Entirely.¡±


    ric didn¡¯t hesitate.


    ¡°Go,¡± he said. ¡°You should lie low anyway. I¡¯m sure Ronan suspects you already.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s expression darkened.


    Yes. Ronan had interfered when his sister tried to use her. At first, she thought he was protecting her. Now, she saw it for what it was¨Che was trying to protect Riley.


    He¡¯d always liked that little runt, hadn¡¯t he?


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    Even after everything.


    Scarlett¡¯s mouth twisted. ¡°Ronan is only shielding her because he¡¯s ashamed. Once Riley is proven innocent, he¡¯ll look like a fool. And he knows it.¡±


    But Scarlett had another reason for going to Northhaven.


    She wanted to see Lucien Duskgrave for herself.


    It had started that night at the auction.


    She hadn¡¯t meant to look. Hadn¡¯t nned to. But the moment her gazended on Lucien Duskgrave across the room, every thought in her mind screeched to a halt.


    Tall. Impossibly still. His silver¨Cringed eyes unreadable under the low chandelier light, like a beast held in check by the thinnest thread of restraint. He hadn¡¯t spoken. He hadn¡¯t needed to.


    She¡¯d seen many Alphas in her life. Fought them, outwitted them, used them.


    But Lucien? He wasn¡¯t like the others. He was¡­ terrifying. And maic.


    A prince by title. A storm by nature.


    Scarlett had told herself it was just curiosity. Just strategy. Just politics.


    But days passed. Then weeks. And still, that one nce haunted her like a brand on her skin.


    Yet Lucien wasn¡¯t without infamy.


    The rumors whispered of a Moon Goddess curse¨Cone that sealed off the mate bond entirely unless the chosen mate fell for him first, without fate¡¯s nudge. It was said none had ever seeded. That Lucien¡¯s aura devoured those who darede close. That dozens of she¨Cwolves, from noble to rogue, had tried and failed.


    Some even imed he¡¯d ¡°cursed¡± them to death.


    And still, packs sent their daughters. Still, mothers schemed to see their line tied to the Stormridge throne. Why?


    Because if the curse was real¡­ then Lucien¡¯s true mate might never find him. And that meant the position. beside him was open¨Cif only one dared to take it.


    Scarlett did.


    She needed to see for herself. To confirm whether the monster in the rumors was real¨Cor if Lucien Duskgrave was simply a legend shaped by fear.


    And if he turned out to be everything they said¡­ then she¡¯d make him hers anyway.


    And Riley? Riley would never get near him again.

 in Vengeance 96

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    Luna Zara stormed in, her face pale with fury.


    ¡°ric Vale!¡± she snapped. ¡°Riley has been missing for weeks! How can you sit here plotting like nothing has happened?¡±


    ric didn¡¯t even flinch.


    ¡°If that filthy little wretch wanted to leave, let her. She¡¯s nothing to this Pack.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s your daughter!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a stain on the Ebonw name,¡± he snarled. ¡°And the sooner she disappears, the better.¡±


    Luna Zara opened her mouth to protest again¨Cbut Scarlett stepped in.


    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure we get what we want.¡±


    And she would.


    Riley Vale had stolen enough already.


    Now it was time for the ¡®real¡® daughter to im what was hers.


    Luna Zara felt as if her heart had plunged into an icy cer the moment ric¡¯s ruthless words hit her. Tears welled up swiftly in her eyes, swirling painfully before spilling over.


    Her voice trembled as she choked out, ¡°Riley is our daughter too. How can you be so heartless toward her?¡±


    ¡°She was lost because of you when she was little. She suffered so much¨Cdon¡¯t you feel even a shred of guilt?¡±


    ric¡¯s face twisted into a mocking sneer. ¡°Heartless? Guilty? Don¡¯t forget, it was you who deleted the surveince footage that could have proved her innocence. You destroyed the only evidence that cleared Riley. If anyone is cruel, it¡¯s you.¡±


    Zara¡¯s body shook, struck to the core by his words. Pain and regret etched deeply across her face, tears streaming endlessly down her cheeks.


    She sobbed, voice breaking with helplessness<b>, </b>¡°I¡­ I did it for Scarlett. She was so young, it was unintentional. I just didn¡¯t want her to bear such a heavy burden at such an early age¡­¡®


    ¡°Now you me me?¡± ric spat. ¡°I was foolish then¨Care you any less so now?¡±


    Nearby, Scarlett immediately threw on the most pitiful expression she could muster and clung to her mother, tears filling her eyes. ¡°Mom, I never meant it. I regret it every day. If I had known how badly Riley would be hurt, I would have confessed no matter what.¡±


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    Seeing her daughter so broken, Zara¡¯s anger softened, reced by aching tenderness. She gently stroked Scarlett¡¯s hair and said softly, ¡°Scarlett, I¡¯m not ming you. You¡¯re my daughter. No one knows you better than I do.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes, however, glinted with cold mockery beneath the tears. So easy to fool. Just a few false tears, a little performance¨Cand they¡¯re all wrapped around my finger.


    Her nce flicked to the infirmary door, where Dean Elira ckthorn stood. Their eyes met briefly, both shing triumphant smiles. Elira even secretly gave Scarlett a thumbs¨Cup.


    Scarlett¡¯s heart swelled with satisfaction. This was strategy¨Cdistract and conquer. To have Luna Zarapletely fooled was intoxicating.


    ric noticed Dean Elira standing just out of Zara¡¯s line of sight. With a subtle flick, Elira lifted the hem of her uniform coat, revealing the sheer ck stockings beneath¨Cjust for a moment, just for him.


    His expression softened imperceptibly, recalling her warmth earlier that day. A hunger stirred within him, but with Zara present, he kept it well hidden.


    He gave Elira a subtle nod.


    Luna Zara, meanwhile, was oblivious to these silent exchanges. She cradled her daughter gently, whispering soothing words, unaware of the betrayal unfolding just outside the room.


    ric scowled and muttered, ¡°I fear nothing but your crocodile tears. I¡¯ll send men to find that wretched girl immediately.¡±


    He pulled out his phone, seemingly sending orders to find Riley. Yet the message was actually meant for Elira, and the crude tone made her blush and weaken in the knees.


    Throughout this, Zara remained focused onforting Scarlett, unaware of the hidden games being yed between her mate and the dean.


    After some time, Zara sighed quietly, thinking of the events five years ago. How could she me Scarlett?


    It all felt like fate.


    When Scarlett finally calmed down, she smiled sweetly at her mother. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry. I was foolish. You¡¯re still injured, yet youfort me. Please get some rest in your room. Don¡¯t overexert yourself.¡±


    Zara¡¯s heart softened further, exhaustion ebbing away. She gently patted Scarlett¡¯s back and said warmly, ¡°My foolish girl, I¡¯m fine. As long as you¡¯re well, I can rest easy.¡±


    Then she turned to ric with a stern look. ¡°ric, send more people to search for Riley. She is our daughter, no matter what she¡¯s done. We cannot simply abandon her.¡±


    Send <b>Gifts </b>

 in Vengeance 97

    Although ric was reluctant, he still gave a perfunctory nod in response.


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    After Zara finished giving her instructions, she left the hospital room with Scarlett.


    At the door, they ran into Dean Elira ckthorn, who wore a friendly smile.


    Zara returned the smile politely, her tone gentle yet courteous. ¡°Dean Elira, what a pleasant surprise.¡±


    Elira responded warmly, ¡°Yes, I just tried to visit Lady Zara in her room but missed her. So I came to check on Master ric instead. I didn¡¯t expect to see you both here.¡±


    ¡°Lady Zara looks much better. I¡¯m sure you are on the mend,¡± Elira added with concern.


    Zara expressed her gratitude. ¡°Thanks to your care, the injury to my abdomen isn¡¯t serious.¡±


    Elira¡¯s tone turned slightly serious. ¡°Even if it¡¯s not serious, you must rest well. Your healthes first.¡±


    Scarlett immediately tugged at Zara¡¯s arm, pouting yfully, ¡°Mom, you have to listen to the doctor. Let me take you back to your room.¡±


    Zara nodded, allowing Scarlett to support her as they slowly walked back to the hospital room.


    Watching them leave, Elira¡¯s eyes sparkled with barely concealed satisfaction.


    Once Zara and Scarlett were out of sight, Elira closed the door behind her and locked it firmly.


    ric had been waiting anxiously inside. His eyes glinted with urgency.


    To avoid being seen, he pulled Elira into the bathroom, swiftly tearing off her ck stockings and pressing her against the wall with barely contained passion.


    Elira met his enthusiasm without hesitation, her gaze filled with desire and abandon.


    Soon, muffled sounds of their fervent encounter filled the bathroom¨Clow, urgent,sting for a full five minutes before fadingpletely.


    When Elira stepped back into the hospital room, her expression was calm andposed, the earlier satisfaction vanished without a trace.


    ¡°This is getting worse by the day,¡± she muttered under her breath.


    For the next three days, Riley remained in Mooncrest Second People¡¯s Hospital, recovering.


    Theo, as if by agreement with fate, appeared at her hospital door every day on time, always carrying arge bouquet of flowers.


    Riley was reluctant to see him, fearing the Ebonw Pack might notice ande searching for her.


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    Early on the fourth day, Duke helped herplete the discharge procedures.


    ¨C


    No more than half an hour after she left, Theo showed up with flowers only to be left empty¨Chanded.


    When he learned Riley had already been discharged, his nostrils red with anger.


    ¡°Riley! I visit you every day, and you can¡¯t even bother to tell me you¡¯re leaving?¡±


    What made Theo even more furious was that he had no way to contact her.


    His frustration boiled over; he tossed the flowers into a trash bin and stormed out of the hospital.


    Riley sat quietly in the backseat as Duke drove through the streets of Mooncrest.


    Soon, the car stopped at a red light.


    She turned her face slightly toward the window and slowly rolled it down.


    A gentle breeze caressed her face, bringing a coolness that seemed to sweep away the heavy shadows weighing on her heart.


    Closing her eyes, she let the wind soothe her, a faint smile ying at the corners of her lips moment of peace.


    The light turned green, and the car slowly moved forward.


    Just then, a ck Maybach sped past on the oppositene, brushing alongside Riley¡¯s car.


    The driver nced back by chance and caught sight of Riley raising her window.


    Though only her profile was visible, the driver immediately recognized her.


    Maddox¡¯s heart leapt violently in his chest, almost bursting out of his throat.


    He shouted her name, ¡°Riley-!¡±


    His voice cut sharply through the noise of the street, drawing surprised looks from passersby.


    In that moment, Maddox forgot everything else.


    a rare


    Traffic rules, his safety¨Call he could think about was catching Riley and never letting her go again.


    He mmed the steering wheel hard, reckless of the chaos around him.


    The car swerved abruptly, causing surrounding vehicles to brake and honk loudly.


    A loud crash followed as Maddox¡¯s car collided violently with a neighboring vehicle, jolting harshly.


    But Maddox seemed oblivious to the damage.


    He flung open the door and dashed toward the direction Riley had gone, shouting desperately, ¡°Riley, don¡¯t go-!¡±


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    The driver of the other car jumped out, furious.


    ¡°Can you even drive? You hit my car and want to run?¡±


    Grabbing Maddox¡¯s shirt, the man shouted angrily.


    But Maddox shrugged off the grip without hesitation.


    With no regard for consequences, Maddox punched the man to the ground and continued running after Riley.


    Inside the car, Riley had just rolled the window back up when a loud crash echoed from behind.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>

 in Vengeance 98

    As soon as Riley heard the crash behind them, she instinctively turned her head. Duke nced into the rearview mirror, his brows knitting together. ¡°Looks like there¡¯s been an ident,¡± he muttered.


    Riley¡¯s heart sank. She could¡¯ve sworn she heard someone calling her name through the chaos.


    A wave of dread swept over her. ¡°Duke, drive. Quickly.¡±


    Suppressing the anxiety threatening to rise in her chest, she urged him <i>to </i>speed up.


    It wasn¡¯t until they safely arrived at the Duskgrave estate that she finally let out the breath she¡¯d been holding.


    Outside the vi, Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia were already waiting. The three women looked like anxious hens awaiting their lost chick¡¯s return. The moment they spotted Riley, they rushed forward.


    But when they saw how pale she looked, their concern deepened instantly.


    ¡°What happened to you, child?¡± Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s voice trembled with maternal worry.


    ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± Mia stepped in, cing a hand gently on Riley¡¯s forehead.


    Mrs. Beck¡¯s gaze scanned her face. ¡°You look absolutely dreadful.¡±


    Surrounded by their sincere concern, Riley was genuinely moved.


    She shook her head slightly, just about to speak when Duke answered in her stead. ¡°Miss Riley was frightened by the ident earlier.¡±


    All three women gasped.


    ¡°An ident?¡± Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s face turned ghostly pale. She immediately took Riley¡¯s hand. ¡°Did you get hurt? Let me see!¡±


    Riley quickly grasped her grandmother¡¯s hands to calm her down. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Grandma. It wasn¡¯t us. Someone else crashed.¡±


    Only then did the tension in their faces begin to ease.


    ¡°Thank the Moon Goddess,¡± Mia murmured. ¡°You scared us half to death.¡±


    But the so¨Ccalled ¡°someone else¡± who crashed ¨C Maddox ¨C had already been subdued by the local patrol


    enforcers.


    Even as they cuffed him, his eyes searched wildly, desperate to catch onest glimpse of Riley.


    He didn¡¯t fully register the severity of what he had done until he was forced into the back of the patrol vehicle. Only then did it dawn on him: he had made a colossal mistake.


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    Back at the Duskgrave estate, Duke was reporting to Lucien Duskgrave, the Alpha prince of the Stormridge


    Pack.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien,¡± Duke said respectfully, standing in the office. ¡°While escorting Miss Riley from the hospital, we passed a multi¨Ccar collision. I thought I heard someone shouting her name. I had the enforcers investigate. One of the drivers was Maddox.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s expression remained unreadable. He sat behind his sleek desk, long legs crossed, his elegant fingers tapping lightly on the surface. The sound was sharp and rhythmic.


    Duke continued, ¡°He¡¯s now in custody. Since the incident didn¡¯t cause any casualties, the enforcer¡¯s ruling will likely be a fine between 200 and 2,000 marks, a suspension of his driver¡¯s license, and up to 15 days in detention.¡±


    He hesitated for a beat, then asked, ¡°Would you like us to influence the oue?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s eyes flickered coldly. ¡°Go with the maximum sentence.¡±


    Duke gave a small nod. ¡°Understood. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Just as he reached the door, Lucien¡¯s voice called him back.


    Duke turned, surprised. ¡°Yes, Alpha?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s eyes narrowed, his thoughts drifting to Riley ¨C the years she had lost, the pain she had endured, all because of Maddox. Prison. A shattered leg. A missing kidney.


    Fifteen days in custody? That was far from enough.


    Duke noticed his Alpha¡¯s darkening expression and asked cautiously, ¡°Is there something more you wish to be done?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s tone was cial. ¡°Make sure he¡¯s¡­ well attended to inside. I don¡¯t want him walking out looking the


    same.¡±


    Duke¡¯s pupils dted ever so slightly. The message was crystal clear.


    The Alpha was protecting his future Luna ¨C and making a statement.


    He suppressed a flicker of excitement. If Miss Riley knew what Lucien was doing for her behind the scenes, she¡¯d be overwhelmed.


    ¡°Consider it handled, Alpha,¡± Duke said with a smirk before quietly exiting the room.


    Left alone, Lucien pulled out a cigarette and lit it with practiced ease. The tip glowed softly in the dim study.


    As he drew in a slow breath, the smoke swirled and danced, cloaking his face in mystery. The scent curled in the air like a predator¡¯s warning.


    There was no warmth in his expression ¨C only the icy resolve of an Alpha who would tear down anyone daring to touch what was his.


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    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge

 in Vengeance 99

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    Lucien¡¯s POV


    I leaned back in the chair, legs crossed with ease, one hand resting casually on the armrest, the other flicking ash from my cigarette with idle grace. The whole room smelled faintly of tobo and cold silence. I wasn¡¯t in a hurry to move¨Cuntil I heard Mrs. Beck¡¯s voice calling from outside the study.


    ¡°Young Alpha, dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Coming,¡± I called out.


    With a slow exhale, I snuffed the cigarette into the ashtray and rose. Before heading out, I opened the study window to let in a breeze, dispelling thest traces of smoke clinging to my clothes. Riley had just been discharged. Her body was still healing¨CI wouldn¡¯t let even the smell of smoke make her feel ufortable.


    I adjusted my shirt cuffs and made my way downstairs.


    The moment I reached the foyer, I saw Grandma, Mrs. Beck, and Mia all flocking around Riley like mother wolves guarding a precious pup. The sight hit me harder than I expected. Grandma was holding Riley¡¯s hand the same way she used to hold mine when I was younger¨Cfull of warmth, pride, and love.


    ¡°Riley, don¡¯t feel shy here. This is your home now. If there¡¯s anything you want to eat, just tell me. I¡¯ll have Mrs. Beck make it for you,¡± Grandma said with a kind smile.


    Mrs. Beck emerged from the kitchen, holding a steaming te. ¡°Riley, I didn¡¯t know your favorite dishes, so I just made what I¡¯m good at. Please try it.¡±


    Mia chuckled. ¡°Good choice. Our young miss loves braised meat.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then have as much as you want,¡± Grandma said cheerfully. She picked up her chopsticks and ced a piece in Riley¡¯s bowl, her eyes full of expectation. ¡°Go on, give it a try.¡±


    Riley looked dazed, caught off guard by their care. Her eyes glistened slightly¨Clike she was trying not to cry. She whispered, ¡°We should wait for Lucien¡­¡±


    Grandma waved her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t wait for that brat. If you¡¯re hungry, you eat.¡±


    I walked in right on cue and raised a brow. ¡°Ouch. Looks like I¡¯m no longer her favorite.¡±


    Grandma gave me a sharp look. ¡°At least you remembered to show up. I figured you were nning to


    starve.¡±


    I held up my hands in surrender. ¡°My bad. Needed to air out the smoke,¡±


    I was about to sit across from Riley, butGrandma grabbed my arm and shoved me down beside her.


    I nced at Riley, whose wide eyes mirrored my own surprise.


    ¡°Alright, time to eat!¡± Grandma announced, then turned to Riley again and started piling more food into her


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    bowl.


    Mia and Mrs. Beck followed suit like synchronized warriors, leaving Riley¡¯s bowl looking more like a mountain. She looked overwhelmed, unsure of where to even start.


    I leaned in and said softly, ¡°If they keep going, you won¡¯t need dinner for a week.¡±


    I split her food in half into a side te and smiled at her surprise.


    ¡°Eat up.


    You¡¯re way too thin.¡±


    That made Grandmaugh so hard her eyes turned into slits. ¡°Well, well, my grandson¡¯s finally grown a


    heart.¡±


    Mia and Mrs. Beck giggled too, covering their mouths like gossiping hens. Riley¡¯s cheeks turned bright red, and she ducked her head, silently nibbling her food.


    The meal was warm in every way. Grandma sat at the head of the table, Riley to her left, and I beside her. Mia and Mrs. Beck sat opposite, sharing stories and gently urging Riley to eat more.


    She looked a little shy, but the glow in her eyes told me she felt it too¨Cthis rare, quiet moment of belonging.


    By the time dinner ended, Riley tried to get up and help with the dishes, but the others wouldn¡¯t hear of it.


    ¡°You just got out of the hospital,¡± Mrs. Beck scolded gently. ¡°Let us handle it.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mia chimed in. ¡°We¡¯ve got this. Go rx.¡±


    Grandma didn¡¯t waste the opportunity to push her back down next to me. ¡°You two are young. Go talk. Get to know each other better.¡±


    With that, she herded Mia and Mrs. Beck into the kitchen like sheepdogs.


    Silence settled in the living room as Riley and I sat side by side on the sofa. She looked unsure, her fingers nervously twisting in herp.


    I finally broke the silence. ¡°Embroidery uses all sorts of tools. There¡¯s this specialty shop I know that carries every color of silk thread and some decent quality hoops. I can take you there tomorrow, if you¡¯d like.¡±


    Her eyes lit up. The tension in her body melted instantly. She nodded, a smile ying on her lips. It was subtle, but real.


    And in that moment, watching the way her smile bloomed like something delicate and unexpected¨CI felt it.


    I wanted to be the reason she kept smiling like that.


    Not out of gratitude.


    But because she was finally home.

 in Vengeance 100

    Riley¡¯s POV


    ¡°Thank you, Lucien,¡± I murmured softly, barely meeting his gaze.


    When he didn¡¯t smile, Lucien always looked intimidating¨Chis sharp jawline and icy golden eyes exuded the kind of Alpha authority that could silence a room. But when he did smile, it was like the winter sun breaking through a blizzard¨Crare, brilliant, and almost impossible to look away from.


    I stared a second too long. My breath caught.


    From the kitchen, I could feel the not¨Cso¨Csubtle nces. Matriarch Duskgrave, along with Mia and Mrs. Beck, were pretending to be busy, but I could see their shadows moving behind the archway, peeking around the corner every few seconds like curious pups.


    ¡°You see that?¡± the Matriarch¡¯s whisper floated in. ¡°He¡¯s so soft with her. Our Lucien finally found his match.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the Alpha smile this much,¡± Mrs. Beck agreed in a hushed tone. ¡°He always looked like he wanted to maul someone before.¡±


    Every time I turned around, their heads would vanish like lightning, nging pots to make it seem like they were working. It was adorable and embarrassing.


    Lucien and I sat across from each other in the sunlit sitting room, a light breeze drifting in from the open window.


    I felt my cheeks flush, looked away. Was I imagining things?


    We stood up together. Matriarch¡¯s delighted squeal made me jump.


    ¡°I told you! They¡¯re going out together!¡± she beamed. ¡°Look at that, an actual date!¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen our Alpha act like this since he was a pup,¡± Mrs. Beck added,ughing so hard she nearly dropped a dish.


    Matriarch Duskgrave, wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, smiling at me like I¡¯d just been chosen by the Moon Goddess herself.


    Lucien drove through the heart of Silvermist City in his sleek obsidian car. It purred like a beast beneath us, graceful yet powerful. We arrived shortly at the Moonthread Den, a boutique nestled between a runestone engraver and an elixirs apothecary.


    Lucien parked, came around to my side, and held the door open. His hand hovered protectively over my head as I stepped out.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± he said.


    I thanked him again, quietly.


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    The boutique was everything I imagined¨Cwarm wooden shelves lined with shimmering silk threads in every color imaginable. Stacks of rune¨Cetched needles, enchanted to resist tearing, glimmered in ss cases. Rolls of enchanted mooncloth, soft as mist, caught the sunlight from the windows.


    I waspletely absorbed.


    Lucien followed silently, always a step behind, his golden eyes never straying from me. When I reached too. high, he plucked the item down without a word. When I hesitated, he offered gentle suggestions.


    We spent nearly thirty minutes there, and I gathered everything I needed¨Cthreads blessed under the Blood Moon, a crescent¨Cshaped hoop crafted from lunar silver, and a fresh set of charm¨Cinfused pins.


    As we stepped outside, the warmth of the sun touched my skin, and I let out a content sigh.


    But the peace shattered in an instant.


    ¡°Well, well¡­ what are the odds?¡±


    That voice. My blood turned cold.


    Lucien stiffened beside me as a tall male figure strode forward from across the cobblestones. Ronan Duskcliff.


    My breath hitched. My body reacted before I could think¨CI clutched Lucien¡¯s arm tightly, seeking warmth, protection, anything. My legs trembled. My lungs felt like they¡¯d shrunk.


    I hadn¡¯t seen Ronan for days. Not sincest time we gathered in Tessa¡¯s ward. Not since he ruined everything.


    I hid behind Lucien, making sure Ronan couldn¡¯t see my face, though I noticed he was still trying to get a clear look at me.


    Ronan was my nightmare.


    I hated him.


    I feared him instinctively¨Cevery fiber of my being recoiled at his presence, screaming for me to avoid him.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien,¡± Ronan said smoothly, though his gaze didn¡¯t shift from me. ¡°What a surprise to see you here. And¡­ this must be yourpanion?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s voice dropped several octaves, calm but ice¨Ccold. ¡°Do you need something, Alpha Duskcliff?¡±


    Ronan¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Just passing by. It¡¯s rare to see you in town these days, Lucien. Thought I¡¯d say hello.¡±


    He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing on me like he was trying to see past my changed appearance. I lowered my gaze, tucked closer into Lucien¡¯s side, heart pounding like war drums.


    Lucien¡¯s arm slipped around me, drawing me in, shielding me fully.


    ¡°She¡¯s none of your concern,¡± he said, voice nowced with warning.


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    Ronan hesitated. For a moment, it looked like he might say something more. But Lucien¡¯s stance- dominant, protective, powerful¨Cmust¡¯ve changed his mind.


    With a shrug, Ronan turned away. ¡°Another time, then.¡±


    I didn¡¯t breathe until he vanished around the corner. My legs nearly gave out.


    Lucien caught me before I fell.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked softly, his voice now a balm instead of a de.


    I nodded weakly, eyes stinging. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see him¡­ not here.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t have to deal with him again,¡± Lucien promised. ¡°Not while I¡¯m here.¡±


    And just like that, I realized¨CI wasn¡¯t alone anymore.


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    Lucien held Riley close as they stepped out of Moonthread Den, only to find Ronan still standing nearby.


    A flicker of annoyance passed through Lucien¡¯s eyes. He wrapped his coat tighter around Riley, shielding her facepletely from view.


    Riley¡¯s heartbeat thundered in her chest. She clutched the edge of his coat with white knuckles, her nails digging into her palms.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien,¡± Ronan called out, stepping forward with an air of forced politeness. ¡°Leaving so soon?¡±


    Lucien didn¡¯t hesitate. His voice was steady,manding. ¡°My mate isn¡¯t feeling well.¡±


    At those words, Riley¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The title rolled off his tongue so naturally, yet it sent a tremor through her soul. Her face burned as she pressed closer to Lucien, her ear against his chest, where his heartbeat matched her own¨Cfast, strong, and protective.


    The tension was palpable. Even the air seemed to thicken with the weight of dominance and threat.


    Lucien narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flickering in their amber depths. ¡°She¡¯s not in a condition to greet anyone, especially not you.¡±


    With that, he effortlessly scooped Riley up into his arms.


    Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.


    Lucien opened the car door in a swift motion and gently ced her in the back seat, his frame hovering protectively above her.


    Their breaths mingled in the narrow space between them. Riley could feel his warmth against her skin, hist scent grounding her.


    He lowered his head slightly and murmured near her car. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here.¡±


    His voice, soft and resolute, soothed the turmoil inside her.


    Then he stood, closed the door, and turned to face Ronan.


    The air shifted.


    Ronan took a step closer, a gleam of suspicion in his eyes. He couldn¡¯t see the woman¡¯s face clearly, but something about her scent tickled his memory.


    Lucien¡¯s stance stiffened. His posture was no longer just defensive. It was territorial.


    If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be going,¡± Lucien said, his tone now unmistakably frigid.


    Ronan hesitated.


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    There was something nagging at him. A scent¨Cfamiliar, almost maddeningly so.


    He inhaled again.


    The scent was buried beneathyers of Lucien¡¯s Alpha pheromones, but still faintly there. Riley.


    Finished


    But¡­ no. That couldn¡¯t be. Riley had been scrawny, hollow¨Ceyed, with bruises under her skin and despair in her bones.


    Yet the woman Lucien shielded was nothing like the ghost of the prisoner he remembered.


    This one was fuller now, curves soft and healthy under the folds of Lucien¡¯s coat. Her once dull skin now glowed with quiet vitality. Even the air around her shimmered with new strength, the kind that came from being cared for¨Cnot pitied, but protected. Loved.


    Lucien had given her that. And Ronan didn¡¯t recognize what he¡¯d once broken because she was no longer


    broken.


    But instincts were instincts.


    Ronan moved.


    With a sudden motion, he yanked open the car door.


    A cold gust swept inside.


    Riley flinched, shrinking back.


    Ronan leaned in, eyes seeking her face-


    But he never got the chance.


    Lucien¡¯s fist collided with Ronan¡¯s jaw, sending the other Alpha stumbling back several steps.


    Ronan wiped the blood from his lip, stunned. He was rarely touched¨Cand


    Fury overtook him.


    ever like this, not in public.


    He lunged.


    The sound of fabric tearing echoed through the street as both men began to shift.


    Bones cracked. Muscles contorted. Flesh tore as fur erupted from skin.


    Lucien¡¯s form expanded¨Csleek midnight fur, like woven obsidian under sunlight. He was bigger than Ronan remembered, more solid, with a terrifying, quiet strength. His eyes zed with golden fury.


    Ronan¡¯s wolf emerged secondster,rger in height perhaps, with a brutish, bulkier frame and a coat of storm¨Cgray. But size alone meant nothing.


    Lucien moved like a shadowe alive. Precise. Lethal.<ol start="16"><li>16.</li></ol>


    They collided with a snarl.


    ws shed. Fangs snapped.


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    The street became a battlefield.


    Riley sat frozen in the car, both hands clenched to the door frame as the two Alphas fought like ancient titans.


    Each time Lucien was hit, her heart stopped. Every blownded on him felt like itnded on her.


    She could hardly breathe.


    None of this would have happened if not for her.


    Lucien-


    The man who had treated her not as a burden, but as a person.


    He had apologized the moment she coughed from the smoke in his study and never smoked near her again.


    When she¡¯d tried to take her own life, he¡¯d stopped her. When she was half¨Cdead from alcohol poisoning, he rushed her to the infirmary and paid her medical fees without question.


    He never asked anything of her in return. Not even gratitude.


    Why?


    Because Lucien wasn¡¯t like Ronan. He wasn¡¯t a monster with a charming smile. He was good. And he was being punished because of her.


    Tears burned in her eyes.


    Ronan had ruined her once before. In prison, he¡¯d sent wolves to ¡°discipline¡± her.


    For years, even the sound of his name triggered tremors in her chest. The scent of his cologne made her flinch. His voice could shatter her from the inside out.


    But not now<b>. </b>


    Not anymore.


    Something shifted inside her¨Csomething fierce and primal and unbreakable.


    Lucien¡¯s kindness had done what therapy and time could not: it had made her feel safe again.


    Not weak. Not broken.


    She wasn¡¯t the helpless girl Ronan had locked away.


    She was Riley.


    A survivor. A white wolf.


    She clenched her fists, nails drawing blood.


    And this time, she wouldn¡¯t let him win.


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 in Vengeance 102

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Finished


    A sharp crack rang out as Lucien mmed Ronan into the pavement, ws sinking deep into his opponent¡¯s shoulder. But Ronan¡¯s brute strength allowed him to twist free, retaliating with a vicious swipe that tore through Lucien¡¯s side.


    1 gasped, watching blood stain Lucien¡¯s obsidian fur.


    No more.


    Lucien was fighting for me.


    And I¨CI was just watching.


    Frozen.


    Again.


    Like I had been in that cell. Like I had been when they dragged me through those corridors, chained and bleeding, for ¡°discipline.¡± Like I had been when Ronan watched it all with that twisted little smile and did nothing.


    No. Not again.


    I couldn¡¯t lose Lucien. Not him. Not the only one who ever looked at me and saw more than damage.


    A heat surged through me so suddenly I could barely gasp. It spread like fire through my limbs, my chest, my skull. I dropped to my knees.


    Nyra controls.


    I couldn¡¯t breathe..


    The world exploded in light.


    Paws.


    I looked down.


    White.


    And I was angry.


    Ronan didn¡¯t even see meing..


    Iunched from behind, my jaws unhinging with a sound that didn¡¯t belong in this world. I sank my fangs into the thick muscle of his throat, right where wolf met man. His blood gushed hot against my tongue, but I didn¡¯t let go.


    He roared¨Cmore from shock than pain¨Cand I bit down harder.


    Then I threw him.


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    I don¡¯t know where the strength came from. All I knew was I needed him away from Lucien. Away from me.


    Ronan¡¯s body sailed through the air like a broken doll and crashed headfirst into a jagged stone. The impact echoed like thunder. His body twitched¡­ then went still.


    His wolf form shimmered, copsed in on itself, and left behind his human body¨Cnaked, bruised, unconscious.


    Unmoving.


    I shifted back.


    The transformation left me breathless. I copsed to the pavement, gasping, shaking, my skin still tingling from the white wolf¡¯s rage.


    I stared at Ronan¡¯s body. At the blood pooling beneath his head. At his too¨Cstill chest.


    ¡°No¡­¡± My voice came out broken. ¡°No, no, no¨Cwhat have I done?¡±


    I pulled my knees to my chest, curling into myself. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to- I didn¡¯t want-¡±


    They¡¯re going to send me back.


    That was my first thought. My only thought.


    Back to the prison. Back to the chains. Back to being nothing but a file and a cage.


    I was shaking so badly I didn¡¯t even feel Lucien until his coat was around my shoulders and his arms were around me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to,¡± I whispered again, because maybe if I said it enough, the moon would hear me. Maybe the gods would believe me.


    ¡°Riley,¡± Lucien said, his voice low, firm, like a hand on my spine. ¡°Breathe.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°I think I killed him,¡± I choked. ¡°Lucien, I killed someone¨Che¡¯s going to die because of me-¡±


    ¡°No, he¡¯s not.¡±


    His hand cradled the back of my head, tucking me into his chest. He smelled like blood and ash and the forest in autumn. He felt like safety.


    ¡°You did what you had to do. He came for you. And you stopped him.¡±


    ¡°But I wasn¡¯t supposed to fight like that¨CI wasn¡¯t supposed to be like that. I¨Cwhat if they see me as a threat? What if-¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯ll protect you,¡± he interrupted, without hesitation. ¡°Always.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to believe him.


    But I did.


    Because he had never once broken a promise to me.


    His voice deepened in that strange, silent way I was still getting used to. A mind¨Clink.


    ¡°Duke. Now. Bring a medic. Quietly.¡±


    I heard the answer ripple back in his mind, clear and obedient.


    Lucien stayed with me. Didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t flinch. Just held me as if I wasn¡¯t a killer. As if I was still someone worth saving.


    Finished


    A few minutester, Duke arrived with a healer. I didn¡¯t look up¨CI didn¡¯t want to see anyone¡¯s judgment.


    But the healer knelt beside Ronan and checked his pulse.


    ¡°He¡¯s alive,¡± she said. ¡°Barely. But he is.¡±


    I exhaled so sharply I almost passed out.


    She touched his neck, frowning. ¡°His wolf isn¡¯t healing the wound. The bite¡¯s too deep. He¡¯s been marked by a White Wolf. That kind of wound¡­ his body won¡¯t regenerate on its own.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± I asked, my voice so small.


    She nced up at Lucien. ¡°It means he¡¯ll live. But not without help. We¡¯ll need to get him to Mooncrest¡¯s. primary pack hospital. Now.¡±


    Duke nodded and called in the transport.


    They loaded Ronan up and drove him away, unconscious and bleeding.


    Still alive.


    I was still staring at the space where his body had been when Lucien crouched beside me again.


    ¡°You did well,¡± he said.


    I blinked at him. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You fought back. And you won.¡± His hand found mine, firm and warm. ¡°You¡¯re strong, Riley. Stronger than any of them thought. Stronger than they wanted you to be.¡±


    ¡°But I hurt him.¡±


    ¡°He was going to hurt you. Again. Don¡¯t you see?¡± He leaned closer, his forehead brushing mine. ¡°Anyone who tries to harm you is my enemy. And now, yours too.¡±


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    I swallowed the lump in my throat. ¡°They¡¯ll hate me.¡±


    ¡°Then let them hate you from under your feet,¡± he growled softly. ¡°Because you are a white wolf, Riley. Your are rare. You are powerful. And from now on¡­¡±


    His eyes burned with gold.


    ¡°¡­.anyone who dares to hurt you will answer to us.¡±


    And for the first time in years, I believed it.


    I wasn¡¯t weak anymore.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    274

 in Vengeance 103

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The walls of the hospital room felt like they were closing in.


    Ronan Duskcliff sat alone in the dim light, motionless except for the rhythmic tightening of his jaw. His body bore the marks of the battle¨Cbruises along his ribs, torn muscle along his corbone, and the bandages wrapped tightly around his throat, still seeping the faintest traces of blood.


    But it was not pain that consumed him.


    It was the rage.


    He nced down at the money still scattered across his bed. Neatly stacked bills. Ten thick bundles. Ten thousand credits. Tossed onto his hospital sheets like a tip for a street performer.


    The message had been clear: You¡¯re worth this much. No more.


    Delivered by Duke, Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s smug and ever¨Cloyal Beta. The bastard hadn¡¯t even looked nervous walking into the room, despite knowing he was facing an Alpha who¡¯d just been humiliated in public.


    ¡°Medical expenses,¡± Duke had said with mock sympathy. ¡°Our Alpha wanted to be generous.¡±


    And the worst part? Duke hadn¡¯t even said Lucien¡¯s name. Just our Alpha¨Cas if Ronan wasn¡¯t one.


    Ronan let out a low growl, ws threatening to extend from his fingers before he forced them back with effort. Losing control now would only add to his shame.


    No¨Che needed rity. He needed answers.


    Because it wasn¡¯t just the money.


    It wasn¡¯t just Lucien¡¯s punch to the jaw.


    It was what happened next.


    He closed his eyes, trying to recall every second. The street outside Moonthread Den. The way Lucien had stood over the she¨Cwolf in his arms, shielding her face, his pheromones flooding the air like a wall of fire. Ronan hadn¡¯t seen her¨Ccould barely scent her¨Cbut something about the situation had prickled at the back of his mind.


    So he¡¯d opened the car door. Just a look. Just a glimpse. Just enough to satisfy the question wing at him.


    And then¨Cdarkness<b>. </b>


    Something had struck him from behind like a boulder hurled by a god.


    The impact had shattered his awareness in an instant, knocking the air from his lungs. He didn¡¯t even have time to shift fully before jaws closed around his throat¨Cnot Lucien¡¯s. No. This scent had been foreign. Strange. Ancient.


    His wolf had screamed. Not in anger, but in fear.


    A white wolf.


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    The image haunted him¨Cmoonlight¨Cbright fur streaking past his vision, fangs stained red, a raw power that didn¡¯t belong to any Pack he knew. She hadn¡¯t just attacked him¨Cshe¡¯d dominated him.


    And then she was gone.


    Ronan had once vaguely heard Scarlett mention that Riley was a white wolf, but her wolf spirit was iplete. So he didn¡¯t connect the powerful, muscr white wolf that defeated him with Riley.


    When he came to, Lucien was standing between them, golden eyes alight with possessive rage, body taut like a drawn bowstring, one hand on the she¨Cwolf¡¯s back, the other held out like a warning to stay away.


    That wasn¡¯t the posture of a Pack Alpha protecting a subordinate.


    That was the posture of a male standing over his mate.


    Ronan inhaled sharply. The truth began to click together like steel teeth of a trap.


    A white wolf.


    In Mooncrest territory.


    Protected¨Cimed¨Cby Lucien Duskgrave.


    Ronan had heard whispers, long ago. Folktales passed between elders when the moons were full. White wolves were said to be celestial¨Cborn. Wolves of prophecy. Wolves of ruin. Most believed they had all died out. Some said they¡¯d never existed at all.


    But now?


    Now, one had bitten him. And left a wound his wolf couldn¡¯t heal.


    The shame would have been enough to crush a lesser Alpha.


    But Ronan¡­ Ronan wasn¡¯t just angry.


    He was intrigued.


    He stood up slowly, limbs aching, head still pounding. His body was bruised¨Cbut his mind was sharp. Cold. Focused like a de honed in silence.


    Lucien had a secret.


    A dangerous one.


    And in the game of territory, secrets were weapons.


    He reached toward the nightstand, grabbing his phone with bloodied fingers. The screen flickered to life, casting a pale glow over his face. He scrolled until he found the number, and pressed dial.


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    The line connected almost immediately.


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    ¡°Alpha,¡± came the voice on the other end¨Ccrisp, efficient. His Beta. Loyal. Quiet. Deadly when required.


    ¡°I need eyes,¡± Ronan said, his voice hoarse from the wound but firm as stone. ¡°There was a white wolf at Moonthread Den. Female. Fast, strong, unregistered.¡±


    There was a pause. ¡°A white wolf?¡±


    ¡°You heard me.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think they-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you thought. I was bitten. Deep. I still can¡¯t shift. That means this isn¡¯t a rogue. It¡¯s something else. Something powerful.¡±


    His Beta¡¯s tone shifted. ¡°You think Lucien¡¯s protecting her?¡±


    ¡°I know he is.¡± Ronan¡¯s eyes narrowed, pacing to the window. ¡°I want her identity. Her origin. Who she¡¯s bonded to. Any rumors, rogue sightings, rogue rescues, any sealed records. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s from the Pack archives or the old prisons. She wasn¡¯t on the Council register. That means someone¡¯s hiding her.¡±


    ¡°And the official route?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Ronan¡¯s voice cut through the line like a whip. ¡°No Pack Elders. No bureaucrats. This stays off the grid. Use back channels. Pay whoever needs paying. I want to know who she is¨Cand why Lucien would risk his throne to keep her hidden.¡±


    His Beta didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll begin tonight.¡±


    Ronan ended the call and tossed the phone onto the bed.


    The wind howled outside the window, brushing against the ss like ws against bone.


    He stared at his reflection in the pane¨Cbloodied, half¨Cdressed, humiliated¡­ but not broken.


    ¡°Enjoy your illusion of victory, Duskgrave,¡± he murmured, his voice nearly a growl. ¡°Because once I uncover what you¡¯re hiding¡­¡±


    His eyes glinted with cold satisfaction.


    ¡°I¡¯ll burn your kingdom from the inside out.¡±


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    Ronan Duskcliff sat on the edge of his hospital bed, his bandaged head still throbbing. But the physical pain couldn¡¯tpete with what haunted him more deeply¨CRiley.


    It had been four, maybe five days since she vanished without a trace.


    No updates. No whispers. No leads.


    She had no money. No Pack. No allies.


    She¡¯d disappeared wearing tattered clothes and carrying fresh wounds¨Csome he¡¯d inflicted himself. The image of her bleeding and barely able to stand kept wing at his mind.


    Where could she have gone?


    Where would a wolf like that hide?


    Frustrated, Ronan reached for his phone and dialed Kael Vale¡¯s number. It rang once. Then twice.


    No answer.


    He called again. And again.


    Each time, the silence on the other end only sharpened his anxiety into a de.


    ¡°That bastard¡­¡± Ronan growled and mmed the phone down on the bedside table. ¡°What the hell is he doing?¡±


    Miles away, within the crumbling walls of Ebonw Pack¡¯s ancestral estate, Kael Vale wasn¡¯t doing anything productive. In fact, he could barely move.


    Drunk beyond recognition, he was curled up on the bathroom floor, body wracked with nausea. Every muscle spasmed, and his stomach felt as though it was being torn apart from the inside.


    The bitter stench of vomit filled the air as he clung to the toilet, dry heaving until he copsed backward, forehead slick with sweat.


    Pain shot through his gut like ws shredding him open.


    ¡°Sh*t,¡± he croaked, dragging himself toward the living room on trembling arms. He stumbled to the sofa and copsed face¨Cfirst onto the cushions, curling up like a wounded animal.


    ¡°Riley¡­¡± he whispered through gritted teeth. ¡°My stomach¡­ the pills¡­¡±


    From the hallway, Luna Zara and Alpha ric stepped into the room. One look at the scene and Zara gasped.


    Empty liquor bottlesy scattered across the floor, the sharp sting of alcohol thick in the air. Kael¡¯s face had lost all its color. His lips were pale and cracked. His eyes sunken with guilt and exhaustion.


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    Zara rushed to his side, kneeling beside him with trembling hands. ¡°Kael, baby, what did you do to yourself?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer¨Conly curled tighter, one arm wrapped around his stomach, the other reaching toward an empty bottle as if searching for something to numb the pain.


    ric stood at a distance, his expression carved from stone. But when he heard Kael whisper Riley¡¯s name again, his eyes darkened with rage.


    ¡°That cursed girl again?¡± he snapped. ¡°Still thinking about her? What the hell did she ever give you, other than shame?¡±


    Zara turned sharply. ¡°ric!¡±


    But ric didn¡¯t stop. His fury had been building for days.


    ¡°She¡¯s gone. Good riddance. With a reputation like that, she¡¯d be better off rotting in some Rogue pit!¡±


    He stormed to the table, mming his palm down hard enough to shake the empty sses. ¡°You think she¡¯s worth mourning? Compared to Scarlett? Compared to your real sister?¡±


    Zara¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°She is his sister too-¡±


    ¡°She was nothing until we dragged her out of that filthy orphanage!¡± ric snarled. ¡°Don¡¯t forget why we brought her back! Not out of kindness. Not out of guilt. We needed her.¡±


    His voice dropped to a cruel whisper, eyes gleaming with calction.


    ¡°And now¡­ it turns out the little rat¡¯s got white wolf blood in her veins.¡±


    Zara froze.


    Kael stirred faintly on the couch.


    ¡°Yes,¡± ric continued coldly. ¡°Rare. Almost extinct. Do you know what that means? Her blood alone is worth more than everything in this house. The Council would pay anything to study her. And her organs?¡± He gave a slow, sinister smile. ¡°Still pure. Still usable.¡±


    Zara turned away<i>, </i>tears burning her eyes. She couldn¡¯t listen to this. Not again.


    But ric wasn¡¯t finished. He forced his voice into a gentle tone, feigning concern.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send scouts. She couldn¡¯t have gotten far, not in her condition. We¡¯ll find her¡­ bring her back. For Kael¡¯s sake<i>, </i>of course.¡±


    Kael didn¡¯t respond. His head lolled back, barely conscious. Pain twisted his features, but somewhere deep inside, the guilt had settled.


    He remembered the quiet way Riley used to brew his teas. The way her small hands would press against his stomach after every meal. The way she¡¯d hold back her own pain just to soothe his.


    When she was around, his stomach hadn¡¯t hurt.


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    When she left¡­ it had never stopped.


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    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he murmured, barely audible.


    Zara brushed back his damp hair and cradled him gently. ¡°Shhh. Don¡¯t think about it right now.¡±


    But Kael knew.


    He¡¯d done this to her.


    He¡¯d handed Riley over to wolves who never cared if she lived or died. And now¨Cnow that she was gone¨Cit was as if some great piece of his soul had been torn out and left to bleed.


    He closed his eyes, silently praying that she was still alive.


    Somewhere.


    Even if he¡¯d never deserve her forgiveness again.


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    Kael Valey curled on the sofa in his darkened room, the thick shadows outside the Ebonw Pack estate casting long fingers across the floorboards. His hands clutched a pillow tightly against his chest, and his face was buried deep within it, muffling the sound of the asional, involuntary sob.


    But even with the fabric pressed against his face, he couldn¡¯t block out the visions in his mind.


    Riley.


    Every thought, every breath, every beat of his heart seemed to summon her. Her silhouette. Her voice. Her soft hands patting his back during another of his stomach re¨Cups. The way her eyes held no me even when she was the one hurting.


    And now she was gone.


    It had been days since she vanished, and still, not a single whisper of her whereabouts. Kael¡¯s mind tormented him with cruel possibilities¨Cstarving on the streets, copsing from pain, hunted by Rogues¡­ or


    worse.


    A new wave of guilt crashed through him.


    Why hadn¡¯t I done more? Why didn¡¯t I believe her?


    If he had stood up for her when she was dragged through the courts like a criminal¡­


    If he had protected her when everyone else turned away¡­


    If he had just shown her <i>a </i>fraction of the kindness she so freely gave¡­


    Maybe she wouldn¡¯t have left. Maybe she would still be here.


    And now¡­ after five years in that cursed prison, her body was permanently damaged. Her wolf hadn¡¯t fully healed. And yet he¨CKael Vale¨Chad dared to question her loyalty? Her worth?


    The pain in his gut twisted viciously, but it was nothingpared to the ache in his chest.


    From the doorway, Luna Zara watched with wet eyes as her son broke down in silence. She stepped inside slowly, cing a hand on his shaking back, gently rubbing circles in a futile attempt to soothe him.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Kael,¡± she whispered. ¡°We¡¯ll find her. Your father¡¯s already sent scouts.¡±


    Kael didn¡¯t respond. His shoulders trembled, his body racked with guilt and physical pain.


    Zara cast a nce toward the hallway, where Alpha ric stood, arms crossed. His face was impassive, but the hard glint in his eyes betrayed his irritation,


    ¡°She made her choice,¡± he muttered. ¡°She ran. If she wants to live like a Rogue, let her.¡±


    Zara shot him a warning look. ¡°Not now,¡±


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    But ric wasn¡¯t finished. He stepped forward, lowering his voice just enough that Kael could still hear.


    ¡°And don¡¯t forget who let her into this house. She brought nothing but chaos. Fighting with Scarlett. Disrespecting elders. Do you really think she¡¯s not out there plotting something now?¡±


    Kael flinched.


    Zara ignored her mate¡¯s bitter words and pulled a nket over Kael¡¯s trembling form. ¡°Rest, sweetheart. I¡¯ll have the kitchen prepare you something warm.¡±


    A whileter, a young she¨Cwolf servant arrived with a tray and a soft voice. ¡°Alpha Kael, I brought some millet and pumpkin porridge. It¡¯s good for your stomach.¡±


    Kael slowly sat up, his movements sluggish and shaky. The familiar scent wafted toward him¨Csweet and earthy¨Cbut the moment the porridge touched his tongue, he grimaced and pulled away.


    ¡°It tastes wrong.¡±


    The servant blinked. ¡°But it¡¯s pumpkin millet porridge. It¡¯s always the same.¡±


    Kael shook his head, setting the bowl aside with a tter. ¡°No. The one I used to have¡­ it was different. Smoother. Richer. It helped.¡±


    Understanding dawned on the servant¡¯s face. ¡°Ah¡­ you mean the one Mia used to make.¡±


    Kael stilled.


    ¡°Mia always said it wasn¡¯t about the ingredients, but the time and care. She simmered it on low heat for two hours, stirring it constantly to bring out the rice oils. Said that was how it truly ¡®nourished the gut. And-¡± the servant hesitated, ¡°¨Cshe said she learned the method from the young Miss. From Riley.¡±


    Kael¡¯s heart clenched painfully.


    Riley¡­ who had grown up in an underfunded rogue settlement, yet still managed to learn how to make porridge that soothed his pain better than any medicine. Riley, who had remembered he had stomach issues and gone out of her way to share what she knew with Mia, All for him.


    ¡°She told Mia¡­ that if she didn¡¯t have time to care for you herself, at least someone else should.¡±


    The words sliced through Kael¡¯s guilt like ws through flesh.


    After Riley was imprisoned, Mia had continued the porridge ritual for a time. But without Riley¡¯s gentle reminders, the effort had waned. Days stretched into weeks between proper meals. Slowly, Kael¡¯s stomach condition returned¨Cand worsened.


    ¡°Make it like she did.¡± Kael rasped. ¡°Exactly like she did.¡±


    The servant bit her lip. ¡°Alpha Kael, I¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know the full method. Mia said it required constant attention. Stirring, watching for consistency. No one else has the time. It takes over two hours¡­.¡±


    ¡°Then make time,¡± he snapped, his voice suddenly sharp. ¡°If you can¡¯t do it, bring Mia back.¡±


    The servant stepped back with a nervous nod and quickly retreated from the room.


    Kael dropped back against the cushions, staring up at the ceiling with hollow eyes.


    Even in absence, Riley¡¯s presence lingered in everything.


    The food. The air. The aching silence.


    And now that she was gone, only pain remained.

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    Kael Vale¡¯s mouth was dry, his chest heavy with bitterness. There was no point waiting anymore.


    ¡°The porridge¡­ forget it,¡± he muttered hoarsely. ¡°Just get me my stomach medicine.¡±


    The servant hesitated, clearly distressed. ¡°Alpha Kael¡­ we¨Cwe don¡¯t know where your medicine is kept. And we don¡¯t know the type you usually take. It was always Mia who handled it for you.¡±


    Kael¡¯s head fell back with a thud against the couch cushion, a deep groan escaping him. The pain in his gut surged like a tide crashing against the shore, relentless and merciless. His fingers dug into his abdomen as though he could physically hold the pain in ce.


    The servant, her expression full of helplessness, offered a quiet sigh and carried the untouched bowl of porridge away.


    The room was swallowed once again in suffocating silence.


    Kael remained curled on the sofa like a wounded beast, his hollow gaze fixed on the ceiling. No medicine. No porridge. Just agony¨Craw and endless.


    Minutes passed. Hours, maybe.


    It wasn¡¯t until the pain finally dulled to a throbbing ache that Kael managed to force himself upright. Outside the windows, thest rays of dusk had long vanished, and the estate was wrapped in the hush of night. His parents were already asleep.


    Dragging his feet, he made his way to the kitchen and poured himself a ss of warm water. The heat trickled down his throat and pooled in his stomach, offering a faint reprieve from the dull ache.


    But even then, his feet didn¡¯t carry him back upstairs.


    Instead, they led him to the storage room.


    The moment he pushed the door open, a rush of musty air, tinged with the scent of damp wood and old fabric, swept out to greet him. Kael wrinkled his nose, hesitating before stepping in. The dim overhead light buzzed faintly above, casting long shadows that danced across the concrete floor.


    His eyes slowly adjusted to the gloom. In the far corner, wedged between old crates and unused furniture. sat a small wooden desk. Scuffed and out of ce amidst the luxury of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s estate, it looked as if it had been plucked from another world entirely.


    And in a way, it had.


    Kael approached and ran his fingers along its surface. The desk was covered in books¨Cweathered textbooks and worn notebooks with frayed corners. Every one of them belonged to Riley.


    Her high school years, captured in ink and paper.


    He pulled a random book toward him and flipped it open


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    Pages after pages of notes greeted him. Tiny handwriting, neat and consistent, filled the margins with highlighted key points and underlined exnations. Even under the flickering light, the intensity of her effort shone through.


    Kael swallowed hard.


    He could see her there, hunched over this very desk, lips pressed together in focus, eyes shining with determination. She had once told him, the day she came home from Mooncrest Prison, that she used to be the top student at Mooncrest Academy.


    He hadughed it off.


    But now¡­ now the truthy in his hands.


    Riley had fought her way to the top not just in school¨Cbut in life. She had believed that knowledge could be her way out. That her future didn¡¯t have to be defined by her bloodline or her ce in the Pack.


    Until they threw her behind bars and burned everything she built.


    Kael exhaled shakily and opened the desk drawer.


    What he found inside sent a jolt through him.


    Dozens of award certificates.


    Each one a vibrant red or gold, each proiming her excellence¨CBest Student, Outstanding Pack Cadet, First in ss, Regional Academic Champion. The list was endless. He stared, stunned, as he beganying them out one by one.


    Twelve years. From primary school to high school.


    It was a quiet legacy. A lifetime of silent struggle.


    These weren¡¯t just pieces of paper. They were her voice¨Ccrying out, I worked for this. I earned it. I mattered.


    And they had all ignored it.


    Kael¡¯s throat tightened. His hands began to tremble as he touched each certificate like it was something sacred. Because to him, they were. He had never seen her this way¨Ctruly seen her.


    To think¡­ all this time, while they hadbeled her difficult, jealous, and dangerous, she had been quietly carrying the weight of a world that had never once been kind to her.


    Kael suddenly couldn¡¯t bear it.


    He shoved the stack of certificates back into the drawer, breathing hard, guilt crashing into him like a tidal wave. He gripped the edge of the desk to keep himself grounded, to keep from screaming.


    But curiosity gnawed at him.


    He reached for the second drawer.


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    A crimson envelope. The seal of Ashmoor Academy¨Cthe most prestigious academic institution in all the werewolf territories.


    With shaking hands, he pulled it out.


    The gold letters gleamed at him mockingly.


    ¡°Admission Granted.¡±


    His mind nked.


    No one¨Cno one from the lower¨Cranking wolf families ever got into Ashmoor. Even many noble¨Cblooded heirs failed. And Riley¡­ she¡¯d made it. Despite the abuse. Despite the poverty. Despite being born to a forgotten branch of the Ebonw Pack and locked away in a pack that never wanted her.


    She had done it..


    And they had let it rot here. In a drawer. In the dark.


    Kael¡¯s knees nearly buckled. He sank into the chair, the letter trembling in his hand. His heart thundered in his ears, rage and regret twisting through every nerve.


    ¡°This¡­ this can¡¯t be real¡­¡± he whispered.


    But it was.


    The evidence was right in front of him.


    He was the fool. They all were.


    And now¡­ it might be toote to make it right.


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    Ashmoor Academy.


    The name alone was sacred. It was the pinnacle of academic achievement across all werewolf territories¨Can institution countless students across the four quadrants of the realm would die to enter. Tens of thousands tried each year, and most failed, leaving behind only broken dreams and bitter regrets.


    And Riley¨Cthe sister Kael Vale had misunderstood, condemned, and cast aside¨Chad been epted.


    His hand trembled as it reached out for the letter, as though it were something divine and fragile all at once. The moment his fingers brushed the thick parchment, his entire body shuddered. It felt like electricity surged through him, leaving behind a trail of frozen disbelief and rising panic.


    Memories assaulted him in waves.


    He remembered the way he hadn¡¯t believed her¨Chow easily he¡¯d let her be painted as the viin. How he stood silent as their parents misjudged her again and again. And worst of all, how he had stared into her eyes in court and pointed at her, calling her the culprit, sentencing her with words sharper than any de.


    Her expression then¨Cdevastated, disbelieving¨Cburned itself into his mind now like a cursed brand.


    His body began to tremble uncontrobly. His breaths came short and fast, like someone drowning in guilt and trying desperately to find air. The spinning sensation in his head worsened until his knees gave out, and he copsed onto the desk chair, as if the truth itself had crushed him.


    ¡°I destroyed her¡­¡± he choked out, the words barely a whisper. ¡°I destroyed her life with my own hands¡­¡±


    Tears came suddenly and without restraint. Hot streams slid down his cheeks and sshed onto the letter, blurring the golden Ashmoor crest. He made no effort to stop them. His entire being felt hollow, a shell filled with shame and self¨Cloathing.


    Slumped in the chair, Kael stared ahead with empty eyes, his soul cracking beneath the weight of his guilt. The letter in his hands wasn¡¯t just a symbol of what Riley could have been¨Cit was a testament to everything he had stolen from her.


    The damage he had done was far deeper than he had ever imagined.


    His vision dimmed, and for a terrifying moment, he nearly lost consciousness. The ck edges of exhaustion crept in, but he fought against it, breathing heavily, grounding himself in the pain he deserved.


    Only when the dizziness finally receded did he raise a shaking hand to wipe at his face, roughly smearing away the tears. He exhaled, preparing to return the letter to its drawer¨Conly to pause when something caught his eye.


    There, buried in the corner, was a worn, faded leather¨Cbound notebook.


    A journal.


    Kael froze.


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    His rational mind told him to stop¨Cto leave it alone. That nothing good coulde from reading her innermost thoughts. That if the letter had shattered him, the journal might annihte what remained.


    But his heart, heavy and desperate, reached for the book anyway.


    As he opened the first page, a photograph slipped out.


    A family portrait.


    His breath hitched.


    In the photo, Alpha ric and Luna Zara sat proudly in the center. Scarlett nestled beside Zara, smiling with that sweet perfection she always wore. Kael himself stood next to his father, hands in pockets, eyes aloof.


    And off to the side¨Cawkwardly distant¨Cstood Riley.


    The arrangement was no ident.


    The moment he saw it, memories came rushing back like floodwaters breaching a dam.


    It had been taken on a spring holiday. The skies were clear, the flowers in the garden had just bloomed, and Scarlett had suggested they take a family portrait among the blossoms. Everyone had gotten ready. Then someone remembered that Lucky¨Ctheir beloved golden¨Cfurred wolfhound¨Cwas missing.


    Riley had gone to retrieve him.


    She had carried the old hound in her arms, her eyes bright and hopeful as she asked Kael, ¡°Big Brother, what are you doing?¡±


    He had barely looked at her. ¡°Just taking a family photo.¡±


    She had smiled. So hopeful. So eager.


    During the photo, she had tried to stand beside him¨Cthinking, foolishly, that she belonged. He remembered the way his skin had crawled with difort. He hadn¡¯t allowed any girl other than Scarlett to stand near him back then.


    Without a thought, he had pushed Riley away.


    He didn¡¯t even notice the flicker of hurt in her eyes.


    Afterward, Scarlett suggested a short vacation. A celebration for the family. Their parents agreed instantly. They packed their bags, and with Scarlett, Kael, ric, Zara¨Cand Lucky¨Cthey left for the Northern Isles.


    They stayed away until thest day of the holiday.


    When they returned, Riley confronted them.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take me?¡± she had asked, voice trembling with confusion and heartbreak.


    Kael, exhausted from the trip, had snapped. ¡°You¡¯re not one of us. Why would we bring you?¡±


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    And that was it. The first true fracture.


    He remembered how angry she had looked.


    How sad.


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    In that same household, their pet hound had its own private room, maintained even after Lucky passed away. The room was still cleaned regrly, its toys untouched, preserved like a shrine.


    But Riley¨Ctheir own blood¨Chad no ce.


    She wasn¡¯t treated like a sister. Not even like a servant.


    She was just a mistake that everyone wanted to forget.


    Kael stared at the photo in his hands. They had all stood there smiling, with the perfect illusion of family. Even the hound had been in the center.


    And Riley? She had been pushed aside like she didn¡¯t belong.


    And the cruelest part?


    She had still smiled for the camera.

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    Even the family¡¯s wolfhound had been taken on that spring vacation.


    Groomed monthly, fed imported kibble enriched with omega oils and calcium tablets, pampered with more love and resources than most orphaned pups in the Eastern Wilds could ever dream of¨CFubao had lived like royalty.


    But Riley?


    She had been left behind like an afterthought.


    They¡¯d spent five¨Cfigure sums each month on Fubao¡¯s well¨Cbeing. But Riley? She couldn¡¯t even afford her tuition unless she worked part¨Ctime and relied on academic schrships.


    The contrast was absurd. Cruel.


    A montage of memories surged through Kael Vale¡¯s mind like a broken projector, flickering in bursts¨CRiley standing by the garden gate, clutching her books tightly as the family drove off for their trip; Riley eating reheated leftovers while the family feasted; Riley trying to patch her torn uniform while Scarlett got silk- lined cloaks imported from the capital.


    The ache in his gut exploded.


    A violent, scorching pain tore through his abdomen like a de, and before Kael could register what was happening, a thick mouthful of blood burst from his lips, sttering across the desk¨Cacross Riley¡¯s photo.


    His hands scrambled in a panic, trying to wipe it away.


    ¡°No, no, no¡­¡±


    But the more he wiped, the worse it got. The blood only smeared deeper, staining Riley¡¯s face until it looked as if she were soaked in crimson.


    It was mockery. Divine punishment.


    Her life¨Cher existence in the Vale family¨Chad been soaked in blood since the beginning.


    Kael stumbled back, barely breathing, his chest constricting with guilt so suffocating it made him dizzy. He mmed the journal shut, threw it into the drawer, and yanked it closed with trembling fingers.


    He gripped the bloodied photograph in his hand, desperate to leave the storage room, to escape the ghosts wing at his soul.


    But as he stood, the world tilted dangerously.


    The spinning came fast. His vision darkened. Then he copsed.


    He hit the floor with a thud, pain radiating from his gut like shards of ice. More blood spilled from his lips, pooling beside his head. His fingers twitched against the cold stone, and he groaned, helpless.


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    His hand wed for his phone.


    It took three tries before he could dial.


    The line clicked.


    ¡°Kael? What¡¯s going on?¡± Theo¡¯s voice came through, groggy but alert.


    Kael opened his mouth, but no words came. Just choking coughs. More blood.


    Theo¡¯s voice rose in rm. ¡°Kael?! What the hell happened¨Care you injured?!¡±


    After a long silence broken only bybored breathing, Kael finally whispered in a voice that barely resembled his own.


    ¡°I¡­ I was wrong¡­ I was so wrong¡­¡±


    Theo froze on the other end.


    The pain. The sorrow. It was like Kael¡¯s soul had cracked.


    ¡°I saw her awards,¡± Kael whispered. ¡°Her Ashmoor letter. The portrait. Gods, what have I done¡­¡±


    Theo didn¡¯t know what to say. He¡¯d never heard Kael like this¨Cnot even when Kael had broken three ribs. during a border skirmish. This wasn¡¯t physical pain.


    This was grief.


    ¡°I¡¯ming to you now. Don¡¯t move. Don¡¯t hang up.¡± Theo said firmly, already throwing on his coat.


    The line went dead.


    Kaely motionless, staring nkly at the ceiling, his blood and tears pooling beneath him.


    Memories flooded in¨CRiley shivering in the hallway during a snowstorm because she had no proper coat. Riley looking longingly at the locked study where Kael and Scarlett prepared for academicpetitions. Riley quietly sewing her own uniform after Scarlett ¡°identally¡± tore it.


    Every slight. Every cruelty,


    He hadn¡¯t noticed.


    Hadn¡¯t cared.


    Now, all he could see was her face, eyes hollow with betrayal.


    The photograph in his hand, soaked in his own blood, pulsed like a curse. He could almost hear her voice:


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take me?¡±


    By the time Theo arrived, the manor was quiet¨Ctoo quiet.


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    His urgent knocking woke Lord ric and Lady Zara, who blinked sleepily at their Beta¡¯s grim expression


    Something was wrong.


    ¡°Kael.¡± Theo said quickly. ¡°Where is he?¡±


    They searched every hallway, every guest room, every chamber. Nothing.


    Theo¡¯s phone rang. He picked it up¨Cand a shrill ringtone echoed faintly through the walls.


    They followed the sound to the storage wing.


    The door was ajar.


    Theo stepped in first.


    The scent hit him like a wall.


    Blood.


    Heavy. Metallic. Drenched in guilt.


    His boots crunched slightly on the stone floor as he stepped inside. His heart plummeted.


    There Kaely, copsed beside a dark pool of blood, his face pallid, his lips stained crimson. His hand was clenched tightly around a photograph, crumpled and wet with blood and tears.


    Theo dropped to his knees beside him. ¡°Kael?! Kael, wake up!¡±


    Kael didn¡¯t respond.


    Theo tried to heal Kael, but Kael¡¯s wolf hadpletely shut itself off, leaving Kael unable to establish any connection with him.


    Behind him, ric and Zara froze in the doorway.


    For one brief moment, all the carefully maintained illusion of noble dignity shattered.


    Zara gasped, stumbling back, a trembling hand covering her mouth.


    ric¡¯s face twisted into something between horror and fury.


    Their son¨Cthe one they¡¯d raised to be the pride of the Vale name¨Cwas lying broken on the ground, all because of the daughter they¡¯d tried to erase.


    ¡°Go get the Awakening Healer!¡± Theo barked. ¡°NOW!¡±


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    When Kael Vale copsed in a pool of his own blood, both Alpha ric and Luna Zara were stunned. They stood frozen at the threshold of the storage room, unable to process the scene before them.


    Zara¡¯s eyes welled up with tears almost immediately.


    ¡°He was perfectly fine this morning¡­ How did thingse to this?¡±


    But as her sobs intensified, a sudden realization flickered across her face. Her weeping halted abruptly, and her eyes scanned the cramped, damp storage room¨CRiley¡¯s former ¡°bedroom.¡±


    Instead of feeling guilty that Kael had once forced his sister to live in such squalor, her mind twisted the scene into me.


    ¡°This is all Riley¡¯s fault! That ungrateful girl kept provoking Kael¨Chow could she do this to her own brother? If something happens to him, I swear I¡¯ll never forgive her!¡±


    ric, as if finally given a ce to direct his rage, let out a furious snarl.


    ¡°That cursed girl! Since the day she returned to the Ebonw Pack, we¡¯ve known no peace! Kael loved her- trusted her¨Cand she repaid him by turning our home upside down!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s always been like this,¡± Zara added, voice shaking with fury. ¡°A poisonous brat who brings nothing but misery. Look what she¡¯s done now¨CKael¡¯s life could be in danger!¡±


    Theo Hale¡¯s jaw clenched. The rage bubbling in his chest was nearly uncontainable. Here Kael was- copsed, bloodied, possibly dying¨Cand these two could only think to curse Riley.


    He stepped forward, shielding Kael¡¯s body with his own.


    ¡°Enough! This isn¡¯t the time to assign me. Help me carry him¨CNOW!¡±


    Without waiting for them to respond, Theo bent down and lifted Kael¡¯s upper body with trembling arms. ric and Zara, startled out of their fog, stumbled forward to help. Together, the three of them got Kael


    into the car.


    Even during the frantic drive to Mooncrest First Hospital, the couple wouldn¡¯t stop muttering curses against Riley. If not for the need to have someone present to sign for emergency surgery, Theo would¡¯ve thrown them both out of the vehicle.


    Inside the hospital, Ronan Duskcliff was wandering the dimly lit corridor, his head still wrapped in gauze. Insomnia had driven him out of bed, and now the sterile quiet of the ward weighed heavily on his shoulders.


    The sound of rapid footsteps and urgent voices shattered the silence.


    Two gurneys raced down the hall¨Che pressed back against the wall, watching them rush past.


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    The first figure was unmistakable: Kael Vale, unconscious, deathly pale, with blood crusted at the corners of his mouth. The second¡­ Maddox<b>. </b>


    Maddox¡¯s leg was twisted at a grotesque angle, and he howled in pain as the medics tried to steady him.


    Ronan¡¯s breath caught. His already pale face turned ashen.


    He turned instinctively, trailing the gurneys down the hall until they vanished through the double doors of the emergency ward.


    There, outside the ER, stood ric and Zara. They paced like caged animals, radiating anxiety.


    When they noticed Ronan¡¯s approach, ric frowned, eyeing the gauze on his head.


    ¡°Alpha Ronan, what happened to you?¡±


    ¡°Just a minor injury,¡± Ronan muttered. ¡°What happened to Kael?¡±


    ric, his fury barely contained, snapped, ¡°That damn girl Riley happened! Who knows what venom she spewed to Kael¨Che coughed up blood!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s already left the Pack, and she¡¯s still cursing us from the shadows¨Cabsolutely vile!¡±


    Zara chimed in with a sob, ¡°She¡¯s like a demon child, always bringing misfortune. We tried everything to help her, but all she¡¯s ever done is cause pain. And now this¡­ Now Kael might die because of her!¡±


    Ronan said nothing. He stood in silence, his expression unreadable. But his eyes darkened as he absorbed every word.


    Was this the truth? Or was it just anotheryer of the web spun by the Ebonw Pack?

 in Vengeance 110

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    Ronan Duskcliff stood silently, his face calm yet unreadable¨Cneither fully convinced nor skeptical of the usations made by Alpha ric and Luna Zara. His eyes lowered slightly, as if deep in thought, and he said nothing.


    Suddenly, a dry, raspyugh shattered the heavy silence, echoing down the dim corridor like the howl of a wounded wolf.


    Alpha ric, Luna Zara, and Ronan all turned instinctively. Pushed forward by a nurse was Ronan¡¯s sister Tessa, her frail figure seated in a wheelchair.


    The sight of her caused ric and Zara¡¯s pupils to constrict sharply. The fierce arrogance and harsh words they had just thrown at Riley vanished instantly, reced by palpable dread and fear.


    ric¡¯s face paled, sweat beading down his temple, while Zara¡¯s body trembled as if gripped by an invisible hand clutching her heart. Her eyes were wide and filled with terror.


    They knew the truth better than anyone.


    Scarlett had cunningly lured her deep into the ck Forest under the pretense of a peaceful walk. Once isted in the shadowy, twisted woods, Scarlett struck with ruthless cruelty, leaving Tessa severely injured and unconscious.


    She was found dayster by hunters, barely clinging to life, and had since been trapped in a vegetative state, her body broken but her spirit slowly stirring beneath.


    Zara had never witnessed the attack, but when Tessa begged for help before slipping into unconsciousness, Zara coldly turned her back and immediately used Riley of causing her fate.


    Together, Zara and ric conspired to me Riley, fabricating lies to cover Scarlett¡¯s heinous betrayal.


    Zara even deleted the only surveince footage that could have proved Riley¡¯s innocence.


    The guilt they carried was as heavy as iron chains, and seeing Tessa alive¨Cthough fragile¨Cfilled them with a deep, gnawing anxiety.


    ric, experienced in the brutal politics of the Ebonw Pack, masked his inner turmoil quickly, but the unease hidden behind his calm eyes was like a river of darkness flowing beneath a frozenke.


    Zara was lessposed¨Csince marrying into the Ebonw Pack, she had be a delicate, frightened wife, easily shaken.


    Her trembling voice broke the silence, ¡°What¡­ what do you want now?¡±


    Tessa¡¯s eerie smile faded into a hollow, haunting nkness. Years of unconsciousness had drained the blood from her face, leaving hollow cheeks andrge, ghostly eyes that seemed to pierce the shadows like a wolf stalking its prey.


    Ronan rushed forward, concern carved into his features. ¡°Tessa, you shouldn¡¯t be up yet. Your body isn¡¯t healed. You need rest.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s gaze locked onto Ronan¡¯s with icy intensity, eyes sharp as silver daggers.


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    ¡°Tessa, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Ronan¡¯s voice wavered as he searched her impassive expression.


    Though she had just awakened after five years trapped in darkness, she fought tirelessly to speak¨Cfor Riley¡¯s sake, to clear her name and reveal Scarlett¡¯s true nature.


    What cut her deepest was that Ronan, her own brother, had never once asked who destroyed her life.


    Had he asked, she could have blinked or nodded, or given any sign.


    It was Scarlett.


    Her brother needed to avenge her, to send Scarlett to justice.


    But no question ever came.


    The brother who once cradled her like a cherished pup had be distant, cold, and cruel- unrecognizable and despised.


    Her heart shattered into a thousand bloody shards.


    With a twisted, grim smile, Tessa summoned all her remaining strength to force two rasped words from her parched throat:


    ¡°Retribution.¡±


    Her voice was faint and cracked, but in the oppressive silence, it rang out like silver ws tearing flesh, sinking deep into every soul present.


    Then a dry, wildugh erupted¨Cmadness and pain entwined in a haunting howl.


    Ronan¡¯s face went pale as death.


    He burned with rage and sorrow but dared noty a hand on his own sister. Instead, he snapped at the nurse, ¡°Wheel her away! She¡¯s too weak <i>to </i>cause a scene.¡±


    The nurse hurriedly pushed the wheelchair.


    Tessa slumped back, powerless, but her eyes never left Ronan¡¯s. The loathing and hatred zing there were as tangible and sharp as silver fangs, aimed straight at his heart.


    Though broken in body, her spirit screamed silently, repeating over and over like a cursed wolf¡¯s howl ¨C¡°Retribution¡­ Retribution¡­¡±


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 in Vengeance 111

    Finished


    Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s head throbbed as if split by a thousand sharp ws. He kept telling himself that everything he had done to Riley was for Tessa¡¯s sake yet the only thing he gained in return was Tessa¡¯s cold, burning hatred.


    ¨C


    ¨C


    He didn¡¯t understand how things had spiraled so far out of control.


    Ronan remained rooted to the spot, watching as Tessa¡¯s fragile figure slowly vanished at the end of the corridor. Yet her resentment lingered in the air like a bitter scent, wing at his mind, refusing to let go.


    Time slipped away unnoticed.


    Eventually, the emergency room doors creaked open. Theo Hale removed his mask, exhaustion etched deep into his features. ¡°Kael Vale suffered a perforated stomach. He¡¯s out of immediate danger, but needs to stay under observation for now.¡±


    Alpha ric and Luna Zara exhaled in relief. But the momentary calm shattered as Zara¡¯s tears welled anew. ¡°This is all Riley¡¯s fault. If not for her, Kael wouldn¡¯t be suffering like this¡­¡±


    Theo¡¯s patience snapped. His voice dropped cold and sharp, cutting through their self¨Cpity. ¡°Stop deceiving yourselves. Riley is the one who¡¯s been hurt. Kael¡¯s condition is a product of his own guilt eating him alive.¡±


    ¡°If you truly cared about Kael, you¡¯d reflect on how you¡¯ve treated Riley all these years.¡±


    With that, Theo turned away from the stunned couple and pushed Kael¡¯s gurney back into the ER.


    In another room nearby, Maddox was wheeled out, his entire lower leg swathed in thick bandages. The narcotics still dulling his senses kept him unconscious, but his furrowed brow betrayed the agony coursing through him even in sleep.


    After emergency treatment, Kael had already slipped into unconsciousness.


    Ronan¡¯s gaze darkened as he watched both men vanish behind hospital doors. Ever since Riley¡¯s disappearance, those who had wronged her seemed cursed¨Cone after another, misfortune following close behind.


    He thought of the truth¨Cthat Riley was innocent, that she was not responsible for Tessa¡¯s broken body. And the harsh years Riley had endured behind cold bars. The weight in his chest grew heavier.


    Was this¡­ retribution?


    A wolf¡¯s justice, wing back at those who had once inflicted pain.


    Ronan lingered outside the ward for a long time, feet dragging, weighed down by dread and guilt. His first thought had been to return to his own room, but the haunting image of Tessa¡¯s deranged expression kept him rooted.


    He changed course and entered Tessa¡¯s room instead.


    There, shey motionless on the bed, eyes wide open, staring into the void outside the window.


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    She had refused to close her eyes since waking from her five¨Cyear slumber.


    Five years lost to darkness, five years stolen from the world.


    Closing her eyes meant surrendering once more to that living nightmare of nothingness¨Cthe empty husk


    she had be.


    Ronan approached softly, voice low and cautious. ¡°Tessa¡­¡±


    She gave no sign.


    He tried again, voice tinged with desperation. ¡°It¡¯s me, your brother. Are you not d to see me?¡±


    d?


    A bitter, mocking smile curled at Tessa¡¯s cracked lips.


    If Ronan truly cared, he wouldn¡¯t have defended Scarlett.


    If he truly cared, he would have pursued justice for the sister who had been shattered, and for Riley, who had paid dearly for another¡¯s sins.


    But he wasn¡¯t here to see her recovery¨Che was here to witness her suffering.


    A cruel hypocrisy more poisonous than any fang.


    There was another cruel truth gnawing at her: since waking, neither father nor mother hade to see her


    once.


    Before her fall into the void, her parents had been devoted.


    She refused to believe they would simply ignore her awakening.


    The only exnation was that Ronan had concealed her recovery from them.


    He feared that if her parents found out, they would demand answers¨Cwould pry into the dark secrets that might shatter the fragile fa?ade protecting Scarlett.


    For Scarlett¡¯s sake, Ronan had spared no effort <i>to </i>bury the truth.


    Hadn¡¯t he once imed not to care for Scarlett?


    Hadn¡¯t he pursued Riley relentlessly through high school for three years?


    Hadn¡¯t he nned to break off the engagement with Scarlett for Riley¡¯s sake?


    Yet when Scarlett¡¯s monstrous acts were on the verge of exposure, her ¡°beloved¡± brother turned his back.


    He chose to deceive their parents.


    He chose to let his sister suffer in silence.


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    He chose to allow Riley to carry thebel of attempted murder.


    Laughable.


    Absolutelyughable.


    A wolf who abandons his own blood is no brother.


    And those hollow words-¡°It¡¯s me, your brother. Are you not d to see me?¡°¨Cfelt like the sharpest betrayal, mocking her shattered spirit.


    Tessa¡¯s heart, fragile and bleeding, curled inward, torn between the wolf¡¯s fierce instinct to survive and the ghost of betrayal cutting through her soul like a silver de.


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    Tessa remained silent, refusing to even nce at Ronan. Her sole desire was for her shattered body to heal as quickly as possible.


    Ronan¡¯s smile faltered, the cracks beginning to show beneath his forced calm. Yet he stubbornly masked his frustration, speaking to her with an air of helplessness. ¡°Still mad at your brother, huh?¡±


    He paused, then continued, voice softer but firm. ¡°I know what¡¯s in your heart. Tessa. But I can¡¯t do what you want.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my flesh and blood. Everything I¡¯ve done has been for you.¡±


    For her?


    A bitter, hollowugh curled behind Tessa¡¯s cracked lips. For her¨Cmeaning letting her suffer and swallow every injustice? For her¨Cmeaning allowing the real culprit to roam free?


    Before she even awakened from that endless void, Riley was crushed beneath the weight of me.


    Now that she was awake, where was the justice? Where was Scarlett behind bars?


    Was love¨CRonan¡¯s love¨Cjust another form of cruelty?


    If she could move, she would have pped him hard across the face.


    Atst, Tessa¡¯s eyes snapped toward him¨Ceyes aze with loathing and venomous hate.


    She wanted to shout ¡°Get lost!¡± but her body betrayed her; mute and motionless, she could only send her fury in a zing re.


    Ronan, however, dismissed it as childish stubbornness. He reached out, brushing a pale strand of hair from her face, coaxing softly, ¡°Tessa, please don¡¯t be difficult.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still too weak. Anger won¡¯t help your body heal.¡±


    Knowing full well she didn¡¯t want to hear this, he pressed on regardless.


    A surge of rage exploded in Tessa¡¯s chest, scorching hot and wild.


    Go away. Just go away!


    Her mind screamed in torment.


    She hated Ronan with every fiber of her being¨Cfor his blind loyalty, for his cold heart, for her own helplessness trapped in a broken body.


    Her eyes burned with fury, as if willing to incinerate the brother who had betrayed her sopletely.


    Ronan¡¯s gaze wavered under her hateful stare. Uneasy, he averted his eyes and busied himself with tidying the bedside table, muttering, ¡°Once you¡¯re stronger, I¡¯ll send you abroad. The healing there will be better.¡±


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    Each word felt like a serrated fang digging into Tessa¡¯s raw wounds.


    Go abroad?


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    Right now, all she could think about was exposing the truth¨Cclearing Riley¡¯s name and bringing Scarlett¡¯s monstrous treachery to light.


    Yet Ronan¡¯s mind was elsewhere, plotting to send her away, to silence her before she could roar.


    Her chest heaved violently with every breath, as if the fire within threatened to consume her.


    She fixed Ronan with a venomous re¨Chis face, once familiar, now as repulsive as a traitor¡¯s snarl. She wished she could tear him limb from limb.


    Summoning every ounce of strength, her throat burned like wildfire as she strained to force out a single word.


    ¡°Leave!¡±


    Ronan froze, unprepared for such fierce defiance from his broken sister.


    Surprise flickered in his eyes before he sighed heavily. ¡°Tessa, you¡¯ve grown up. It¡¯s time to be sensible.¡±


    That sanctimonious tone poured fuel onto Tessa¡¯s zing fury.


    Her trembling hands clenched the sheets until her knuckles whitened, the seething hatred tightening its grip on her.


    Her lips quivered, desperate to speak but only managing ragged breaths.


    Unmoved by the storm within her, Ronan babbled on.


    ¡°Scarlett grew up with you. You were spoiled, and she was the only one who stayed by your side. I don¡¯t want to see you lose your only friend.¡±


    ¡°And I believe Scarlett. What happened back then wasn¡¯t intentional. She must regret it deeply. Let¡¯s just stop digging into it, okay?¡±


    ¡°You two are friends. Don¡¯t you remember how kind and innocent Scarlett is?¡±


    Every syble was a dull de dragging across Tessa¡¯s bleeding heart.


    Her wide eyes pierced Ronan as if he were a stranger.


    In her soul, she screamed: Friends? The woman who turned me into a lifeless husk, who imprisoned Riley with lies¨Chow could she be a friend?


    Scarlett kind and innocent?


    The cruelest joke she had ever heard.


    If not for overhearing that wicked father¨Cdaughter conspiracy by ident, maybe she too would have


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    believed in Scarlett¡¯s fa?ade.


    But the truth wed its way out: it was that vile secret that condemned her to this fate.


    Even more absurd, the fools who called themselves her family¨Cher mother and Kael¨Ccontinued to shield Scarlett, burying their own daughter and sister beneath lies and pain.


    One day, they would drown in regret for their foolishness.


    Retribution.


    It wasing.


    It alwayses.

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    The Duskgrave estate stood silent under the early morning sun, but inside, a quiet warmth had taken root ever since Riley arrived. The girl who had once been starved for affection now basked in the steady, nurturing love from Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia. Their devotion was a balm to Riley¡¯s fractured spirit.


    Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s greatest joy these days was indulging in endless shopping sprees¨Cnot for herself, but for Riley. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, and handbags filled the vast closets, each piece carefully selected to adorn the young woman as if she were a queen of the Stormridge Pack.


    ¡°My granddaughter¨Cinw is young and beautiful. It would be a shame not to dress her in finery worthy of her.¡± the matriarch often dered with a proud sparkle in her eyes.


    Even though Riley rarely left her room, the matriarch¡¯s enthusiasm never waned. Meanwhile, Mrs. Beck and Mia took turns preparing all manner of delicious meals, hoping to coax some strength back into the pale girl.


    In just a few short days, Riley¡¯s face had regained some color. Though still slender, the heavy shadows of sorrow that once cloaked her had begun to lift. The light of a fragile hope glimmered behind her eyes.


    Yet, apart from mealtimes, Riley remained cloistered within the confines of her room, retreating behind a door she rarely opened. Concerned for her mental well¨Cbeing, the matriarch had several times tried to coax her out, but Riley resisted.


    It was Lucien who finally put a stop to the attempts. ¡°Grandmother, the matriarch¡¯s birthday is just a month away. Riley is preparing a special gift for her. Please let her have her space.¡±


    Hearing this, Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s eyes brightened with warmth and understanding. She relented, her heart quietly moved by the girl¡¯s thoughtfulness, and chose not to disturb Riley any further.


    One crisp morning, as Lucien ate breakfast overlooking the sprawling grounds, his phone buzzed with a call from Duke, his trusted aide.


    He moved away from the table and answered, voice calm. ¡°Hello?¡±


    On the other end, Duke¡¯s tone was sharp and efficient. ¡°Sir, Maddox¡¯s leg has been broken by operatives I deployed. He remains unconscious in the hospital. What are your next orders?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s eyes darkened at the mention of Maddox, thewyer who had maliciously sent Riley¨Can innocent -into the pack¡¯s prison. His expression tightened, muscles twitching in suppressed rage.


    ¡°If a man cannot serve justice, then he is no longer worthy of the title.¡±


    Duke knew Lucien well enough to expect this. Maddox had abused thew¡¯s power, betraying not only Riley but the very pack he was sworn to protect. Maddox owed hisw degree to Riley¡¯s sacrifices¨Cduring her harshest high school years, she had worked tirelessly, winning contests and taking on extra jobs to fund his education.


    But Maddox had no gratitude. Instead, he condemned Riley to five years of torment behind bars. How could he live with such guilt? How dare he walk free while Riley suffered?


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    Duke quietly mourned the fate of Maddox. Crossing the powerful matriarch and Lucien was a dangerous game¨Cand Maddox was losing.


    Without hesitation, Duke set to work gathering evidence of Maddox¡¯s illegal dealings. He tapped hiswork, collecting proof of bribery, misconduct, and ethical breaches, funneling it swiftly to the Stormridge Pack¡¯s legal council and the broaderwyers¡® guild.


    Under Duke¡¯s meticulous orchestration, Maddox¡¯s license was stripped away without mercy.


    When the anesthetic wore off, Maddox¡¯s agonized screams echoed through the sterile hospital room as the pain from his shattered leg overwhelmed him. He writhed, desperate to escape the torment.


    But the physical pain was only the beginning.


    The news of his disbarment,pounded by a multi¨Cmillion credit penalty for his crimes, sent his world spiraling into darkness.


    Though Maddox had been practicingw for only five years, his reputation had allowed him to secure a luxurious home and a sleek car in Mooncrest, the bustling heart of the city. But with fines this steep, his savings were quickly depleted.


    His assets¨Chome, vehicle, bank ounts¨Cwould soon be seized to cover debts. After paying surgery and hospital fees, barely ten thousand credits remained on his card.


    When Maddox was discharged, he was a broken man¨Cnot only in body but in spirit and fortune.


    Meanwhile, within the sprawling Duskgrave estate, Riley continued her quiet recovery. The pain and betrayal of the past still haunted her nights¨Cechoes of iron bars, bloodied memories, and whispered lies- but for the first time in years, she could glimpse a future where justice might yet be served.


    The wolves of Stormridge were stirring. Retribution was in the air¨Cand it wasing for those who had wronged her.


    Lucien Duskgrave knew it too. He had watched her from afar for days, never pressing her, never demanding more than she could give. But in her silence, he saw something smoldering. Not weakness, but will. And so one morning, without warning, he appeared at her door.


    ¡°You¡¯re healing,¡± he said simply, voice deep and steady. ¡°But healing isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    Riley met his gaze. Her face was still pale, her frame too thin, but her eyes no longer looked like they belonged to a broken woman. They belonged to a survivor. A storm.


    Lucien tossed a simple ck training tunic onto the bed. ¡°Come outside. Nyra needs to awaken.¡±


    It had been years since she shifted freely. Since she let her white wolf rise. Five years in a silver¨Ccaged cell had robbed her of strength, blurred the bond between her human soul and Nyra¡¯s primal one. When she closed her eyes at night, she could still feel the cold steel cor that once choked her wolf into silence.


    But no more.


    That morning, beneath the towering pines of Stormridge, Riley stepped barefoot into the training circle. Her limbs trembled as she fought the fear, the pain, the doubt¨Cbut when she reached inside, Nyra stirred.


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    Weak, but alive.


    Lucien watched in silence as her shift began. The transformation was slower than it should have been, her breath hitching, her body slick with sweat. But she didn¡¯t give up. White fur shimmered beneath her skin. Bones cracked and reshaped. And when she finally stood before him, a shimmering white wolf with silver- tipped ears and haunted eyes¨CLucien exhaled.


    ¡°Good,¡± he murmured. ¡°Again.¡±


    They trained at dawn and dusk.


    Riley ran until her legs gave out. She fought Lucien¡¯s wolf, took bruises, got tossed into the dirt. Her instincts were dulled, her movements rusty¨Cbut every time she fell, she stood up again. With a snarl. With a fury that made the very earth beneath her tremble.


    Nyra, once silenced and shackled, began to respond. Her eyes grew brighter. Her form more solid. Still weak¨Cbut no longer fading.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting stronger,¡± Lucien told her one evening, as they sat beneath the twilight sky, both panting, both bloodied.


    Riley wiped a smear of dirt from her cheek. ¡°Not strong enough.¡±


    He tilted his head. ¡°Not yet. But you will be.¡±


    Because Riley knew¨Cif she wanted revenge, if she wanted truth, if she wanted freedom¨Cshe couldn¡¯t just survive. She had to be the thing they feared most.


    A white wolf reborn.


    Not the Omega they discarded. Not the criminal they locked away.


    But the storm they never sawing.


    And this time, she wouldn¡¯t be alone. Lucien was beside her now. Not just as her Alpha Prince, but as her ally.


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    Finished


    After weeks of training with Lucien, I could feel the change in my body¨Cstronger muscles, faster reflexes, and the stirring power of my wolf, Nyra, pulsing just beneath the surface of my skin.


    I wasn¡¯t the same girl who had stumbled into the Duskgrave estate with hollow eyes and shackled hope. No. Now, when I looked in the mirror, I saw someone reiming her strength¨Cpiece by piece, w by w.


    But there was more to healing than just fighting. I knew that. That¡¯s why, today, I wasn¡¯t training in the forest. I was at my desk, sunlight spilling through the tall windows of my room like a golden blessing, focused on a different kind of battle.


    Abor of love.


    The gift I was making for Matriarch Duskgrave.


    She¡¯d taken me in when I had nothing but scars¨Con my body, in my soul. She¡¯d wrapped me in warmth I hadn¡¯t known in years. For the first time since my mother ¡®died¡®, someone except Mia looked at me like I mattered. Not because of my bloodline or some cursed prophecy¨Cbut just because I was me.


    So, I poured every ounce of that gratitude into this gift.


    My fingers moved swiftly across the silk fabric, a needle held between them like a dagger. I was stitching a peony¨CMatriarch Duskgrave¡¯s favorite flower¨Cinto the center of a deep crimson tapestry. It wasn¡¯t just thread and silk. It was my soul in every stitch.


    Nyra stirred within me as I worked, lending me calm, steady focus. She was still weak, recovering from years of suppression, but even she understood the importance of this offering. It wasn¡¯t just embroidery. It was a deration.


    A promise.


    I¡¯m not broken anymore.


    Each time the needle pierced the fabric, I could feel my heartbeat steadying. I used soft rose threads for the outer petals, slowlyyering in bolder shades¨Ccrimson, wine, gold¨Cuntil the bloom looked almost real, like it might sigh under the weight of its own beauty.


    I didn¡¯t even realize Lucien was behind me until I felt his presence like a warm shadow. He didn¡¯t speak. He never did when I worked. Just stood there, silent and watchful, the ever¨Cpatient Alpha Prince.


    I didn¡¯t stop.


    It wasn¡¯t until I tied off thest thread and let the needle fall with a quiet clink that I leaned back, my spine aching, my eyes burning.


    A soft breath escaped my lips.


    It was done.


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    My own version of Glory in Bloom, inspired by a centuries¨Cold Stormridge pattern I¡¯d once seen in a book. I had recreated it from memory¨Cand heart.


    The scent of ink, silk, and morning sun filled the room. I rolled the tapestry gently and ced it inside the velvet¨Clined box Lucien had given me. ckcquered wood, engraved with an intricate crest of the Duskgrave lineage¨Cit looked regal, powerful. Fitting for the woman who had given me a second chance.


    As I stood, my knees buckled slightly¨Cnumb from hours of stillness. I caught myself against the desk, wincing.


    How long had I been working? I nced at the window. The morning mist was beginning to lift from the mountains beyond.


    Another all¨Cnighter.


    I ran a hand through my hair, tried to blink away the fatigue. The sunlight bathed my skin in warmth, chasing away the chill. I stretched slowly, each joint cracking like old wood in a storm.


    And just as I stepped into the hallway, carrying the gift box in both hands, I saw a tall figure in a ck suit waiting for me.


    Lucien?


    No¨Che turned, and I saw it was Duke.


    Lucien¡¯s right hand. Loyal, deadly, and always watching.


    I stiffened instinctively. Thest time Duke had shown up without warning, someone had ended up in a hospital¨Cor worse.


    He offered me a polite nod. ¡°Miss Riley. The preparations for the Matriarch¡¯s celebration are nearlyplete. Lucien asked me to ensure your gift is ced securely in the inner vault until the banquet.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said softly, tightening my grip on the box.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure when you¡¯d finish your embroidery,¡± Duke said as he stepped into the hallway, ¡°so Alpha Lucien has already escorted the Matriarch to the banquet hall.¡±


    I gave a small nod. Of course. A celebration that grand couldn¡¯t begin without the Duskgrave name at the forefront.


    My gaze drifted to the antique clock on the drawing room wall¨Cits gilded hands pointed at ten.


    I blinked, suddenly conscious of how haggard I must look after pulling an all¨Cnighter hunched over the tapestry. ¡°Could I have a moment to clean myself up?¡± I asked, trying not to sound embarrassed. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be right to show up to the Matriarch¡¯s birthday like this¡­¡±


    Before I could even finish the sentence, Duke snapped his fingers.


    And just like that, a group of stylists swept in through the door, carrying makeup kits and garment bags like a mini army.


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    ¡°Alpha Lucien anticipated your concerns,¡± Duke said with a faint smirk. ¡°He had a full styling team on standby. They¡¯ve been instructed to have you banquet¨Cready in under thirty minutes. You¡¯ll arrive before the celebration begins at eleven.¡±


    He turned to the lead stylist, a tall, mboyantly dressed man with a velvet choker and sculpted brows, ¡°Andi, she¡¯s yours.¡±


    Andi ced a perfectly manicured hand on his hip and looked me up and down with a dramatic sigh. ¡°Moon above¡­ this is the one that caught Alpha Lucien¡¯s eye? He¡¯s all dominance and dark fury, and she¡¯s- what is this¨Ccelery wrapped in shadows?¡±


    I blinked, caught between augh and a groan.


    He tutted and stepped closer, inspecting me like a disappointed art critic. ¡°Dry skin, dull eyes, cracked lips¡­ Sweetheart, are you sure you¡¯re not a ghost pretending to be a girl? Even I have more feminine charm, and I¡¯m two martinis away from challenging a rogue to a duel.¡±


    I gave him a deadpan look. ¡°Charmed, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Duke¡¯s jaw ticked. ¡°Andi, if you¡¯d like to keep this job and your tongue, I suggest you remember who you¡¯re working for.¡±


    Andi rolled his eyes so hard I thought they might roll out of his head. ¡°Fine, fine. Sheesh. Everyone¡¯s so sensitive in this pack.¡± He turned to me and offered a big, theatrical grin. ¡°Let¡¯s get you un¨Cdead, darling.¡±


    I caught Duke¡¯s gaze. He gave me a quick, silent reassurance: Don¡¯t take it personally. He hates every woman


    Lucien notices.


    Ah. That made more sense. He didn¡¯t hate me, he hated the threat 1 posed.


    That made two of us.


    Andi pped once. ¡°Lights on. Chair ready. Time to resurrect this Luna.¡±


    They moved like professionals¨Cfast, efficient, precise. A makeup artist gently cleaned my face with a cotton pad, smoothing away the fatigue I didn¡¯t even realize had settled in my bones.


    Next came the foundation¨Clight and cool against my skin¨Cmasking the shadows beneath my eyes. Concealer erased my exhaustion like a spell.


    A brow pencil traced soft lines where my eyebrows had once been full of emotion but nowy dulled by grief and time. The stylist didn¡¯t change their shape, just enhanced them¡ªbringing a sharp grace to my expression.


    Soft pink and warm browns dusted my eyelids, deepening my gaze without making it harsh. Myshes were brushed until they fanned like wings, and the eyeliner traced a soft flick at the corners¨Csubtle, but fierce.


    Then came the blush. Just a touch¨Cdelicate and flushed like someone had whispered a secret against my cheek. Finally, a glossed rose tint to my lips.


    Andi stepped back with a dramatic flourish. ¡°Now we¡¯re getting somewhere.¡±


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    He turned to the racks of gowns, humming thoughtfully, fingers fluttering over silks and satins like he wasmuning with them. ¡°No, no¡­ too mature¡­ too brooding¡­ ah¨Chere.¡±


    He held up a pale pink gown, all floating chiffon and delicate embroidery. It shimmered faintly in the light, as if it were spun from dawn itself.


    ¡°This,¡± he dered, ¡°is the one. You¡¯re not a warrior tonight. You¡¯re the Alpha¡¯s star¨Ccrossed phoenix.¡±


    The dress clung to me like moonlight¨Clightweight, soft, flowing with every breath I took. When I stepped in front of the mirror, I barely recognized myself.


    Gone was the girl buried by shadows and silence.


    In her ce stood a young woman with eyes that knew pain, but also grace. Her skin glowed, her lips were soft as petals, and her body¨Cstill thin, but no longer fragile¨Cwas held like she belonged to the stars.


    Andi pinned up my hair into a low chignon, leaving soft wisps curled around my ears and neck. A string of freshwater pearls settled against my corbone, and with it, something in my chest settled too.


    I looked at my reflection, and for a moment, I forgot the dungeons of Ebonw, the betrayal of my bloodline, the five years in chains.


    I saw me.


    The real me.


    The one who existed before the pain, before the prison, before the lies.


    ¡°I used to smile like that,¡± I whispered, brushing my fingertips across my lips. ¡°Before everything burned.¡±


    And now, I was back.


    No longer the outcast.


    No longer the prey.


    Lucien had given me shelter. The Matriarch had given me dignity. And I had given myself permission to rise again.


    This was just a birthday banquet.


    But for me?


    It was war paint.


    And I was ready.

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    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge


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    Truth be told, Riley was stunning¨Ctruly breathtaking. But the years of abuse and neglect had carved deep shadows into her soul. No matter how carefully she smiled or how still she stood, the self¨Cdoubt inside her always managed to seep through her pores, like a lingering scent of fear no shift could hide.


    More than once, when the Matriarch of the Duskgrave Pack showed her kindness, Riley¡¯s expression would flicker with a haunted look. As if she wanted to say: I don¡¯t deserve this.


    And anyone else¨Cany rogue orphan or broken omega¨Cwearing that look might¡¯ve seemed pathetic. Small.


    Weak.


    But not Riley.


    Duke, Alpha Lucien¡¯s second¨Cinmand, had seen what she came from. Knew the scars beneath her skin. And after learning the full breadth of her story¨Cfrom the betrayal of her family to the five years locked. away for a crime she didn¡¯tmit¨Chis only response was a quiet, burning ache in his chest.


    She had survived.


    She had wed her way back from ruin with nothing but grit and grace.


    Now, the Matriarch and Alpha Lucien had given her a ce. A home. And Duke? He believed she would only rise higher from here.


    He stepped forward and gave her a respectful bow, gesturing toward the door like she were royalty. His eyes, usually sharp and calcting, now held genuine warmth. A silent promise: We serve those who have survived fire.


    Riley¡¯s throat tightened.


    There was no mockery in his gaze. No pity. Only pride.


    And that made her eyes well up, a thin sheen of emotion blurring the world around her for just a moment.


    So this is what it felt like¨Cto be protected. To be treasured.


    She drew in a slow, deep breath, steadied herself, and lifted her chin with renewed confidence.


    She was no longer the omega pup cowering in the Family Vale dungeon.


    She was the woman Alpha Lucien had personally entrusted to the pack.


    She walked toward the waiting ck Lycan SUV parked just outside the manor, her long gown brushing softly against the marble floor.


    Duke quickly stepped behind her, lifting the hem of her dress so it wouldn¡¯t snag or drag.


    The driver stood ready beside the vehicle, white gloves immacte, and opened the door with practiced


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    elegance. He even held a hand above her head to shield her from the doorframe¨Can instinctive act of deference reserved only for the most honored females of the pack.


    Just behind them, Andi stood at the doorway, arms crossed, his expression a whirlwind of mock jealousy and admiration.


    ¡°Little she¨Cwolf¡¯s got all the luck,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°Spoiled like a Luna on her coronation day.¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t reply. She slid into the back seat, smoothing the front of her gown. But the moment her eyes scanned the car¡¯s interior, she froze.


    The inside of the vehicle was¡­ pink.


    No, not just pink¨Csoft, fluffy, impossibly plush. It was like the interior had been doused in moon¨Cblushed velvet.


    Even the front passenger seat was wrapped in faux fur, embroidered in silver thread with the words:


    ¡°Riley¡¯s Seat.¡±


    And there, dangling from the rearview mirror, was a charm¨Ca photo of her sitting in the Duskgrave sunroom, sipping tea in the afternoon light. She hadn¡¯t even noticed someone had taken that picture.


    She looked so peaceful.


    So happy.


    Her throat clenched as she ran her fingers lightly over the fluffy cushion beside her. It was soft, warm- exactly like the affection tucked into every thread of it.


    Her thoughts flicked to another memory, darker and distant.


    The first time she¡¯d stepped into Kael¡¯s car after being released from prison. It had reeked of his precious adopted sister¨CScarlett¡¯s perfume on every seat, her designer bags tossed casually in the back. Riley had sat there in second¨Chand jeans, the humiliation thick in her lungs like smoke.


    Back then, she never imagined she would sit in a car that smelled like her.


    Like home.


    Duke, sensing her silence, turned slightly from the front seat, his tone light but sincere. ¡°Everything you see <b>was </b>arranged by the Matriarch herself. Do you like it, Miss Riley?¡±


    Riley¡¯s eyes shimmered again.


    Of course it hadn¡¯t been Lucien¡¯s doing¨Che was far tooposed for soft¨Cpink fluff. But the fact he allowed it, even encouraged it, spoke volumes.


    ¡°I love it,¡± she whispered, running her fingers along the silk¨Clined armrest. ¡°It¡¯s perfect.¡±


    Her hands fluttered to herp, brushing the soft fabric of the gown she wore. This was the first time in her


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    life she had ever worn something so delicate, so expensive. A far cry from the threadbare dresses she used to borrow from shelters or the uniforms she wore in prison.


    She no longer looked like a forgotten pup trying to survive in a world too cruel for innocence.


    Now, she belonged.


    Just as Riley was about to close the door, Duke turned and called toward the manor.


    ¡°Andi! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Andi made a dramatic face. ¡°Ugh, why would I willingly witness Lucien being all starry¨Ceyed over another girl?¡±


    Duke pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°You¡¯re Miss Riley¡¯s exclusive stylist tonight. What if her makeup smudges? Who¡¯s going to fix it?¡±


    Andi paused.


    ¡°Lucien specifically requested you from North City. Said he only trusted you with this job.¡±


    That did it.


    Andi practically floated toward the car. ¡°Well, if my Lucien wants me to be there, who am I to deny him?¡±


    He sashayed toward the vehicle, opened the front passenger door with ir-


    Only for the driver to stop him with a polite but firm smile. ¡°Apologies. That seat is reserved. You¡¯ll need to sit in the back.¡±


    Andi blinked, then narrowed his eyes. ¡°Reserved for who?¡±


    ¡°Miss Riley,¡± the driver said without hesitation. ¡°The Alpha¡¯s orders.¡±


    Riley gave a soft, breathyugh as Andi pouted and stomped dramatically into the back seat beside her.


    And as the car pulled away from the Duskgrave estate, Riley turned her face toward the sunlight streaming in through the tinted window.


    For the first time in years, she didn¡¯t dread what came next.


    She was going to the banquet not as a servant.


    Not as a prisoner.


    But as someone worth watching.


    And tonight, the whole pack would see it.


    Aug

 in Vengeance 116

    Finished


    Andi froze for a beat. Then he shot the driver a venomous re before mming the passenger door shut with an exaggerated huff. With a pout, he stomped around the car and dropped into the back seat, arms crossed and brimming with indignation.


    The car rolled forward, smooth and silent as a panther, but the tension inside was palpable.


    Andi kept stealing daggered nces at Riley, his nose ever so slightly wrinkled in dramatic disapproval. Riley, in turn, could only offer a helpless smile, unsure whether tough or sigh.


    Duke cleared his throat and spoke with the authority of a Beta trying to herd a particrly unruly pup. ¡°Andi, cut the attitude. Tonight, your only job is to protect Miss Riley¡¯s look. She needs to be wless. You¡¯re the only one Alpha Lucien trusts with that.¡±


    Andi straightened, smoothing an invisible wrinkle in his sleeve. ¡°Of course. If I¡¯m involved, she¡¯ll stay radiant through a hurricane, much less a highborn feast.¡±


    Riley couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at his ir, the tension easing. ¡°Thank you, Master Andi. Truly. I wouldn¡¯t have made it through tonight without your help.¡±


    At that, Andi¡¯s posture softened. His lips quirked upward, though he tried to maintain his usual high¨Cand- mighty front. ¡°Hmph. At least you have taste. You stick to what I say, darling, and you¡¯ll outshine every Luna¨Cin¨Cwaiting in that banquet hall.¡±


    Outside the tinted windows, the world blurred into streaks of silver and gold as the Duskgrave convoy sped through the city. Soon, the great ck Lycan¨Css Rolls¨CRoyce glided toward the Grand Celestia Hotel¨Cthe most luxurious venue in the Northern Territories.


    4


    The vehicle shone like obsidian under the morning light, polished to perfection, its family crest of the Duskgrave Pack etched into its side in shimmering silver.


    The moment the car halted at the entrance, attention shifted.


    L


    The air rippled with interest as heads turned. Alphas, Betas, and highborn daughters of noble packs paused mid¨Cconversation to watch.


    The driver exited first, his motions crisp and respectful, opening the rear door with a smooth, trained hand.


    First to emerge was Andi, who stepped out with all the theatrical grace of a purebred show wolf. His hips swayed, his eyes glittered, and he clearly reveled in the stolen nces from passersby.


    But the main event had yet to appear.


    Duke rounded the vehicle with elegant precision and extended his arm, posture perfect, his bearing that of a warrior¨Cescort assigned to royalty.


    A pale, slender hand emerged from the car, and the murmurs around the entrance silenced instantly. Every breath stilled.


    Then Riley stepped out.


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    Golden sunlight bathed her figure, gilding the delicate tendrils of hair that framed her face. Her long gown shimmered like morning mist over rose petals¨Csoft, ethereal, and achingly graceful. The sheeryers of the dress fluttered with each breath of wind, trailing behind her like a living aura.


    Her every step was elegance¨Cneither rushed nor hesitant, but purposeful and poised, a she¨Cwolf raised from ashes to stand among kings.


    Her brows were smooth arches of dusk, her eyes luminous pools that held both tragedy and resilience. Her lips, touched with the hue of wild roses, curled into the barest smile¨Cenough to steal hearts and silence.


    scorn.


    Gasps rippled through the gathering crowd.


    Not a single whisper stirred the air.


    The banquet entrance, moments ago alive with chatter and prideful boasts, now hushed under the sheer force of her presence.


    Even the pack guards at the hotel entrance bowed their heads slightly¨Cnot because they had to, but because something primal in them demanded it.


    The driver bent swiftly, lifting the hem of her gown to protect it from the stone steps. Behind her, Andi preened with pride, as if her transformation were the greatest masterpiece of his career.


    All eyes followed as the group began to ascend the steps toward the grand hall.


    But not all gazes were warm.


    Among the crowd stood members of the Family Vale. ric Vale¨CRiley¡¯s father¨Cstood frozen, disbelief and fury twisting across his aging features.


    He hadn¡¯t expected her.


    Not here. Not like this.


    Not radiant, not proud, not powerful.


    His jaw clenched, rage seething behind his narrowed eyes. That cursed little mutt. He had tried to throw her to the wolves¨Cliterally and figuratively¨Cand somehow, she had survived. Worse, she had risen.


    Dressed like a Luna. Standing beside the Duskgrave heir¡¯s Beta. The Matriarch¡¯s personal car.


    It was unforgivable.


    She¡¯d defied the fate he wrote for her¨Cand now dared to steal the spotlight on the most important night in the Northern Pack calendar.


    Whore, he thought viciously. She wants more than Lucien. She wants a ce at the top. She wants all of them. Every highborn name. Every powerful male in the room. She¡¯s here to seduce and w her way into the bloodline.


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    Beside him, his wife¡¯s expression was moreplicated.


    Zara Vale frowned, arms crossed tightly. She felt no joy at seeing her daughter looking so well. No pride. Only bitterness.


    Since Riley had vanished, their precious son Kael had fallen apart. Booze, fights, and humiliation became his norm. Zara had spent sleepless nights worrying¨Cfor him.


    Not for the daughter she¡¯d cast away.


    And now, to see Riley reemerge not in chains but in silk, adorned in jewels and glory, was too much.


    Before anyone could stop her, Zara stalked forward¨Cshoving through the gathered nobles¨Cand raised her hand in a high arc.


    With a snarl, she struck.


    A sharp crack echoed at the entrance.


    Gasps followed.


    ¡°Riley Vale!¡± Zara screamed, voice sharp and venomced. ¡°You ungrateful little witch! We¡¯ve suffered while you waltz around like royalty! Your brother nearly died because of you!¡±


    For a heartbeat, silence stretched, taut and electric.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


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 in Vengeance 117

    hapter 117


    Riley¡¯s POV


    The p came with wind.


    Sharp. Swift. Cruel.


    Zara wasn¡¯t holding back. Not a shred of shame, not even with half the Northern Pack elite standing around us. She intended to strike me down in front of them all¨Cto remind everyone that in her eyes, I was nothing more than a disobedient, ungrateful mutt.


    The air thickened as a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. I could feel every gaze sharpen, every breath held in anticipation of the blow.


    But it nevernded.


    Duke¡¯s hand caught hers mid¨Cair with a strength that rattled the bones in her wrist. And before anyone could process what was happening, he flung her arm aside with enough force to send her stumbling back. several steps.


    The sound of her heels scuffing against the stone echoed like a warning shot.


    Somewhere in the crowd, someone gasped again. Another murmured, ¡°She touched the Duskgrave escort?¡± The implication lingered unspoken: She tried to strike Lucien¡¯s chosen guest?


    Zara caught herself just before she hit the ground. Her face, once wless underyers of powdered pride, now flushed with burning humiliation. Her eyes¨Cthose eyes that never held warmth for me¨Cstared at me in disbelief, as though I¡¯d just betrayed her in the cruelest way possible.


    But I wasn¡¯t the one who¡¯d betrayed anyone.


    My gaze found hers¨Ccalm, cool, and utterly detached.


    No fear. No pleading. No ache for her approval.


    She wasn¡¯t my mother anymore. She was just another threat in a world full of them. Another wolf who tried to cage me, then cried when I learned to bite back.


    I watched her flinch under my stare.


    She¡¯d expected me to crumble. To cry. Maybe even to fall to my knees like the obedient daughter she thought I still was.


    But I didn¡¯t flinch.


    And that terrified her more than anything.


    11


    Her voice wavered, trembling like a thread about to snap. ¡°Riley¡­ how¨Chow could you let himy hands on me? I¡¯m your mother!¡±


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    A humorless smile curled my lips. Cold. Precise. Like the edge of a knife sliding across old wounds.


    Finished


    ¡°Oh? So you do remember you¡¯re my mother,¡± I said, voice soft as winter frost. ¡°Interesting. Because I don¡¯t recall any mother who greets her daughter with a p to the face at her first public appearance in months.¡±


    I tilted my head slightly, eyes never leaving hers<b>. </b>


    ¡°Or perhaps¡­ was that your idea of a gift? A warm maternal gesture, Vale¨Cstyle?¡±


    Gasps and whispers rose like static in the air.


    Zara¡¯s face paled. I didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the kind of love you¡¯re offering, might I suggest you reserve it for your real daughter¨CScarlett?¡± I said smoothly. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be honored to be pped senseless in front of half the Northern Territory.¡±


    Theughter was quiet at first¨Cmuffled, awkward. But it spread. I heard one Luna whisper something behind her fan. I didn¡¯t care.


    I stood taller.


    I let them see me.


    Let them see the she¨Cwolf who refused to bow to the blood that tried to bury her.


    Zara¡¯s face went red, then white, then a mottled flush of rage. ¡°I¨CI only struck you because I care! You ran off without a word! You could¡¯ve died out there! And now you show up looking like a¡ªlike a¡ª¡±


    She gestured to my gown with disgust, spitting the next word like it poisoned her tongue.


    ¡°Like a courtesan! Wearing clothes worth more than your life! Where did you get them? Did you sell yourself to buy that dress? Is that how you survived this past month?¡±


    My jaw clenched.


    She wasn¡¯t even trying to hide the usation.


    The gasps grew louder now, a few growls curling through the audience¨Csome scandalized, some just hungry for blood.


    ¡°You¡¯re my daughter,¡± she sneered. ¡°I have every right to correct you if you¡¯ve lost your shame.¡±


    Every word she threw dripped like venom¨Cand I could feel the fury coil in my chest like a beast begging to be unleashed.


    I took a slow step forward.


    Then another.


    Her mouth moved, but I was no longer listening. My wolf¨CNyra¨Cstirred inside me, quiet but seething.


    ¡°Concern?¡± I echoed with a scoff. ¡°Zara Vale, don¡¯t insult me. You¡¯ve never lost a night of sleep over me. The


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    only time I ever heard you speak my name was when you were ming me for something Scarlett did.¡±


    ¡°You beat me. Starved me. Locked me away when I didn¡¯t obey. You let them throw me in a cell without asking a single question.¡±


    ¡°And now that I¡¯m not crawling back with dirt under my nails and fear in my eyes, now you care?¡±


    I shook my head, slowly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your guilt. And I certainly don¡¯t need your ps.¡±


    Zara staggered back like I¡¯d struck her.


    But I wasn¡¯t done.


    ¡°I¡¯m not the same girl you pushed into the shadows. I don¡¯t need your approval to exist. I don¡¯t need your name. I have my own. Riley of the Ebonw Pack. Daughter of no one. Survivor of all.¡±


    That silence? It came again. Sharper. Deeper. Reverent.


    Then-


    ric Vale¡¯s voice sliced through it like a dagger. Harsh. Mocking.


    ¡°You arrogant little mutt.¡±


    I turned slowly to face him.


    He stood behind Zara, face twisted with contempt, lips curled in a sneer so familiar it made my wolf bristle.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve left you in that orphanage to rot. You were a mistake from the beginning. And now, look at you -parading around like some highborn bitch in heat, desperate to catch a mate at the feast. You think a silk dress makes you worthy?¡±


    I didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care how many gowns you wear. You¡¯ll always be filth,¡± he spat. ¡°And if you think I¡¯m going to stand here and let you shame the Vale name at the Duskgrave Matriarch¡¯s birthday, you¡¯re out of your cursed mind.¡±


    ¡°You ungrateful wretch. I took you in when no one else would. And this¨Cthis is how you repay me?¡±


    Every word was a p.


    But I didn¡¯t bleed anymore.


    I let the rage in his voice wash over me like a cold wave, and when it passed, I was still standing.


    Still smiling.


    And no longer afraid.

 in Vengeance 118

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    A wave of murmurs surged through the gathered crowd like wildfire, every whisperced with disdain as their eyes darted to Riley Vale.


    The pack wolves, the ranked Alphas, the Lunas, and elders¨Cnone of them even tried to hide their judgment. Their sharp gazes flicked between Riley and her kneeling parents, as though weighing blood ties against honor.


    And for once, honor was winning.


    ric Vale saw it. He felt it.


    And for a second¨Cjust a second¨Che reveled in it.


    You little bitch, his eyes seemed to say. I raised you. I named you. And I¡¯ll break you right here.


    ¡°Too long have I tolerated your shamelessness,¡± ric hissed, his voice dark and venomous as he stepped. forward. ¡°A disobedient pup shames the Alpha. And today-¡± he raised his hand, a broad, calloused thingced with violence ¡°¨CI¡¯ll teach you what it means to defy your blood.¡±


    Zara moved too, rushing toward Riley, her movements frantic and unhinged. ¡°Riley, don¡¯t be foolish! Stop humiliating us like this! Come here and-!¡±


    But neither of them reached her.


    Before their feet could cross the final distance, two shadows moved faster than any of them could react.


    With a grunt and a pair of dull thuds, both ric and Zara were sent flying to the ground¨Cric by Duke¡¯s boot to the chest, Zara by the sharp strike of the driver¡¯s foot hooking behind her knees.


    The crowd gasped as the two elder Vales crumpled to the marble like sacks of old grain.


    Zara tried to rise first¨Conly for the Duskgrave Estate¡¯s elite security to rush forward, pinning them both to the floor in seconds. ric snarled like a cornered beast, veins bulging along his neck, his face a flushed mask of shame and fury.


    ¡°I am the Patriarch of the Vale family! I sit on the Alpha Council! You will regret this insult!¡±


    His voice roared through the hotel foyer, but it echoed hollow.


    No one moved to help him.


    Riley stood a few paces away, her posture regal, chin lifted. Her expression didn¡¯t waver¨Cnot even as Zara began to cry.


    Tears streamed down the woman¡¯s face, smearing what little grace she had left.


    ¡°Riley, please¡­ we¡¯re your parents! You¡¯re just going to stand there and let these savages treat us like this?¡±


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    That word again¨Cparents.


    So convenient now. So fragile on her tongue.


    Riley¡¯s eyes narrowed. Memories surged up like shadows<b>¨C</b>cold meals, locked doors, Scarlett¡¯s smug smirk as Riley was dragged away in chains, the bloody knuckles she wore after each prison fight.


    ¡°You only remember you¡¯re my parents when I¡¯m useful,¡± she said coldly, voice calm, but cutting. ¡°Where was this concern when I was locked in that rogue cell for a crime I didn¡¯tmit? When I came home to broken ribs and blood on my sheets, and you told the pack doctor to say nothing?¡±


    Zara whimpered. ric growled.


    ¡°And now that I have power¨Cnow that I¡¯ve found a ce where I¡¯m valued¨Csuddenly I¡¯m your daughter again?¡±


    Her gaze dropped to the sight before her: the proud Alpha couple of Vale Pack, pressed to the polished marble floor like beaten dogs.


    There was no pity in her heart.


    Only satisfaction.


    She turned slightly. ¡°Duke,¡± she said quietly, ¡°did Lucien send them an invitation?¡±


    Duke straightened beside her, his face carved in steel. ¡°No, Miss Riley. Their names were not on the list.¡±


    She gave a soft hum. ¡°Then why are they here?¡±


    His eyes flicked to the head of security. ¡°Exin. Now.¡±


    The guard captain paled. Beads of sweat formed instantly on his brow. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m terribly sorry, Miss Riley. I must¡¯ve¡­ I didn¡¯t realize they weren¡¯t on the official- I¡¯ll remove them immediately!¡±


    But before he could bark the order, Lucien¡¯s driver stepped forward, calm andposed as ever.


    ¡°There¡¯s a service alley behind the cast wing,¡± the man said coolly, not even looking at the Vales. ¡°Drag them there.¡±


    The captain blinked. ¡°Sir, the¨Cwhat?¡±


    The driver¡¯s gaze turned cold. Sharp. Predatory.


    ¡°Drag them to the alley,¡± he repeated. ¡°And break their knees. Both of them. I don¡¯t want the Vales wandering into ces they don¡¯t belong again.¡±


    The hotel went silent. Even the chandeliers seemed to stop swaying.


    The captain¡¯s lips parted. ¡°B¨Cbreak their¡­?¡±


    ¡°They weren¡¯t invited,¡± the driver said tly. ¡°They attacked a marked guest of the Duskgrave heir. That is not just disrespect. That is pack treason.¡±


    213


    17:04 Thu, Aug 7: C


    No one dared argue.


    The Vale name had weight. But the Duskgrave name wasw.


    ¨C


    X


    Finished


    The security team didn¡¯t need to be told again. They mped muzzles over ric and Zara¡¯s mouths to muffle the screaming and began dragging them across the tiled floor toward the service entrance..


    ric thrashed. Zara cried. Their eyes were wild with disbelief, fury¨Cand fear.


    And Riley?


    She simply watched.


    For once in her life, she was no longer the girl on the ground begging for mercy.


    She was the one standing tall while her abusers crawled.


    Somewhere behind her, she heard Andy whistle low. ¡°Damn, girl. That¡¯s what I call justice.¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t smile.


    But her wolf did.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    274

 in Vengeance 119

    Finished


    The driver stood at the mouth of the alley, unmoved by the lingering stench of blood or the echo of broken bones behind him. He lit a cigarette, his eyes cold, his heartbeat steady¨Cas if scenes like this were nothing more than routine.


    By the time the cigarette burned down to the filter, the screaming had stopped.


    The head of the Silverfang¡¯s security unit approached cautiously, bloodstained and breathless, his hand trembling slightly as he tossed away the bloodied steel rod he¡¯d used.


    ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± he murmured.


    The driver nodded once, calmly flicked the butt of his cigarette to the ground, and ground it beneath his boot.


    ¡°Good,¡± he said, pping the man on the shoulder. ¡°Then I¡¯ll pretend you never let two traitors from the Ebonw Pack into the Matriarch¡¯s birthday g.¡±


    The security captain forced out a shakyugh. ¡°Won¡¯t happen again. I¡¯ll double¨Ccheck every guest list from


    now on.¡±


    The driver didn¡¯t smile. He just stared¨Ccold and sharp, like a de held to the throat.


    ¡°You know Lucien Duskgrave hates having loose ends,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Or letting anyone hold leverage over his bloodline.¡±


    The captain¡¯s face paled instantly. ¡°Y¨Cyes. I¡¯ll erase every recording. Surveince, street cams, alley feeds- I¡¯ll wipe the blood, too.¡±


    Satisfied, the driver waved him off. ¡°Do it.¡±


    Momentster, two broken bodies were dragged out of the shadows¨Cric and Zara Vale. The so¨Ccalled patriarch and Luna of the disgraced Ebonw Pack. Blood stained the stone beneath them, trailing behind their limp forms like a red river.


    The driver watched with a thin smile.


    For what you did to Riley Vale¨Cher broken legs, her broken heart¨Cthis is only the beginning.


    Meanwhile, a luxury wolf¨Chide¨Clined car glided toward Mooncrest. Inside sat two women of striking


    contrast.


    The first wore blood¨Cred silk and carried herself like a queen. Her figure was sensual and her beauty sharp as a de. Years hadn¡¯t dulled her appeal¨Cinstead, she wore age like armor. One nce was enough to mark her as a Luna of influence and wealth.


    Beside her sat Scarlett Vale. Her white dress clung delicately to her figure, her dark hair styled into an elegant knot. She radiated a false innocence¨Clike a poisonous flower hiding beneath snowy petals.


    [0


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    Finished


    She had spent thest month embedded in Northhaven, gathering intel. Her target: Lucien Duskgrave, the Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack.


    The rumors were wild. That he was cursed. That no woman could please him. That he was dangerous beyond reason.


    Scarlett had her doubts.


    But the truth was far moreplicated¨Cand infinitely more dangerous.


    Lucien Duskgrave wasn¡¯t some broken heir. He was divine, in the terrifying way only Alpha royalty could be. Cursed, yes¨Cbut not crippled. His fate was tied to an ancient bloodline hex:


    Until his fated mate loved him first, he would remain forever unbonded,


    It was a cruel twist. One that prevented him from iming by dominance or lust. Love had toe from the other side first.


    Lucien had learned to weaponize the curse.


    Long ago, a she¨Cwolf¨Chis childhood friend¨Cspread whispers that he was¡­cking. That he was impotent. That no woman survived his bed unscathed.


    Lucien didn¡¯t correct the rumors.


    He let them spread like wildfire, because for the first time in his life, the obsessive flocks stopped.


    But when she crossed a line¨Cwhen the rumors touched his name too deeply¨Che ended her.


    Within weeks, her family¡¯s empire crumbled. Their ancestralnds were sold. She was cast out of the Northern packs and sent into exile, forced to live among rogues in the eastern destion.


    Last anyone heard, she was living on scraps. Depressed. Forgotten.


    And now?


    No wolf dared mention her name.


    Scarlett licked her lips at the thought. She wasn¡¯t afraid of Lucien. No, she wanted him.


    That other she¨Cwolf was a fool.


    Lucien didn¡¯t need resistance. He needed submission.


    She would be the perfect Luna¨Cnot because she¡¯d challenge him, but because she¡¯d give him what he wanted:


    Obedience. Softness. Control.


    Scarlett smiled, leaning into the leather seat of the car, the wind from the Mooncrest highway whispering


    past.


    17.04 Thu, Aug 7 M


    Lucien Duskgrave was a weapon.


    And she?


    She nned to sheath him.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    O


    274


    ȯ


    X


    Finished

 in Vengeance 120

    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge


    Scarlett Vale never doubted her charm.


    To her, men were puzzles¨Cand she always held the final piece.


    Lucien Duskgrave would be no different.


    She had conquered Maddox.


    She had bent Ronan Duskcliff to her will.


    And now, she would make the Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack fall at her feet¨Cjust like the rest.


    No man had ever resisted her for long. Certainly not one cursed by fate.


    Scarlett cast a sidelong nce at the regal woman seated beside her in the luxury car. d in crimson velvet, with raven¨Cck waves cascading down her shoulders and a golden lupine crest glinting at her throat, Lady Seraphina Duskgrave was the image of High Luna elegance¨Crefined, authoritative, and cold as polished obsidian.


    The world believed she was Lucien¡¯s mother.


    Scarlett believed it too.


    In truth, Seraphina was his stepmother. And though she wore the Duskgrave name with pride, she bore no love for the bastard prince her husband had fathered before their union.


    Lucien was a reminder of the one stain on her otherwise wless lineage¨Ca boy born of another she¨Cwolf, fated by the Moon Goddess herself, and more beloved by the aging Alpha King than she could ever ept.


    But Scarlett Vale? She didn¡¯t know any of this. Not yet.


    To her, Seraphina was a gateway. And she knew how to open gates.


    She smiled sweetly, all softness and sunshine. ¡°Lady Seraphina, why did you leave Stormridge so suddenly ande all the way to Mooncrest? We were having so much fun in the North.¡±


    She used her title with respect¨Cbut not too much. A calcted closeness. Familiar, but not overreaching.


    From the moment Scarlett met her, she had crafted the perfect role: the charming, unthreatening southern pup with wide eyes and silken praise.


    And Seraphina had let her y it.


    Scarlett remembered their first meeting¨Chow she¡¯d gasped in admiration, eyes sparkling like a pup seeing her first full moon. ¡°Your skin¡¯s unreal, your posture, your power¡­ You walk like royalty. If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d think you were the Moon Matron herself.¡±


    ttery¨Cexpertly dosed.


    72%


    0


    X


    ¨C


    Finished


    And Seraphina, who was surrounded by wolves that feared her more than adored her, had found it¡­ amusing.


    Now, Seraphina¡¯s crimson lips curved slightly. ¡°My mother¨Cinw¡¯s birthday. The old matron turns eighty today. I came out of duty.¡±


    Scarlett widened her eyes with feigned surprise. ¡°What? You¡¯re married? Gods, I was about to introduce you to my brother. He¡¯s going to be devastated when he hears Stormridge¡¯s most beautiful she¨Cwolf is already imed.¡±


    A ghost ofughter escaped Seraphina¡¯s throat. ¡°You truly think I look young enough to be unmarried?¡±


    Scarlett tilted her head and pouted. ¡°You don¡¯t look a day over thirty, I swear. I¡¯m twenty¨Cthree¨Cyou couldn¡¯t be more than three or four years older.¡±


    Seraphina let out a soft exhale. Not quite augh. More like a breath caught between indulgence and


    weariness.


    ¡°Scarlett, there¡¯s something you should know.¡±


    Scarlett leaned in eagerly. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m forty¨Ceight. I married into the Duskgrave.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes widened in dramatized disbelief. ¡°No way. If you¡¯re forty¨Ceight, then I must be a century old.¡±


    Seraphina¡¯s gaze drifted out the window for a brief moment¨Ctoward the distant tree line of Mooncrest, where the estate loomed like a shadowed fortress. ¡°I¡¯ve had many years to learn the art of appearances.¡±


    Scarlett clutched Seraphina¡¯s arm. ¡°You have to teach me your secrets. If I can age like you, I¡¯ll have Alphas fighting duels over me until I¡¯m ny.¡±


    Seraphina gave her a long, unreadable look. Her smile was polite, but her eyes held something else- calcting. Cold. Amused.


    She knew what Scarlett was doing.


    And she wasn¡¯t stopping her.


    ¡°You¡¯re a clever girl,¡± Seraphina said quietly. ¡°But cleverness isn¡¯t everything in the North. You¡¯d do well to remember that.¡±


    T


    Scarlett blinked, momentarily thrown. ¡°Of course, Lady Seraphina. I¡¯m only trying to learn from the best.¡±


    She tucked herself closer, resting her head lightly against the woman¡¯s shoulder with practiced familiarity. ¡°Still, I meant it. You¡¯re radiant. I hope one day I can carry myself the way you do.¡±


    Seraphina didn¡¯t respond.


    Her thoughts were already drifting elsewhere¨Cto Lucien. The cursed prince. The one she had never called


    son.


    17:04 Thu, Aug 7: S


    12%


    D


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    Finished


    He¡¯d grown into a powerful Alpha, feared and desired across the continent. But to Seraphina, he was always the obstacle. The reminder that no matter how many titles she wore, the bloodline would never be hers.


    And now this pretty little Southern fox was circling him, wagging her tail and calling her sister?


    Seraphina smirked to herself.


    Let her try.


    Scarlett Vale might think herself a clever yer.


    But Seraphina Duskgrave had buried more ambitious wolves than this one¨Cwithout ever breaking a nail.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>

 in Vengeance 121

    <b>Seraphina </b>Duskgrave¡¯s greatest regret in life was not bearing a child for the Duskgrave bloodline.


    Not because shecked the <b>strength</b><b>, </b>or the devotion, or the lineage.


    But because the Moon Goddess had taken that ability from her¨Cviolently, and without mercy.


    +8 Pearls


    Her expression darkened as the memory surfaced like rot under her wless skin. If her <b>child </b>had survived that night, they would have been in their twenties now¨Cstrong, beautiful, heir to everything.


    But all of it had been stolen.


    Stolen by that bastard, Lucien.


    A flicker of <b>raw </b>hatred red in her eyes. No one in the backseat noticed, but the scent of her fury¨Cbitter iron and scorched. roses¨Cwas impossible for any wolf to miss


    It had been his mother who cursed her womb. His mother who, in a fit of defiance and dark magic, had caused her miscarriage and left her barren. And now that damned child <b>had </b>grown into the heir of Stormridge. The entire Duskgrave empire¨Cevery silver¨Cmarked crest, every blood¨Cforged alliance¨Cwas in his hands.


    Not hers. Not her future son¡¯s.


    And worst of all? There was nothing she could <b>do </b>about it.


    She could only smile through her perfect teeth and watch as that cursed mutt inherited <b>the </b>world she had fought for.


    Her knuckles whitened <b>as </b>her <b>mind </b>turned to another betrayal¨Cone far more recent.


    She had seen the message just three nights ago. A photo, forwarded by her mother¨Cinw, Matriarch Duskgrave, to her


    husband.


    A girl.


    <b>Young</b>. Delicate. The kind of soft¨Cfaced vixen old wolves thought could soothe broken dy


    And her <b>husband¡¯s </b>reply!


    She¡¯s promising. If Mother approves, I have no objection.¡±


    Seraphina nearly shredded the phone with her ws.


    They <b>hadn¡¯t </b>even divorced her yet. And already, they were shopping for recements. Disgust twisted her features.


    No one¨Cno girl, no <b>matriarch</b>, no cursed heir¨Cwas going to push her out of the Duskgrave <b>estate</b>. She had fought tooth and w to be the <b>Luna </b>of Stormridge. She¡¯d driven Lucien¡¯s mother to <b>madness</b><b>, </b><b>manipted </b><b>courts</b>, buried secrets. No one would take that from her.


    <b>Not </b>while she still drew breath


    Scarlett Vale, sitting beside her, felt the shift in Seraphina¡¯s energy. The older woman had gone still¨Ctoo still. Her eyes<b>. </b>weren¡¯t just <b>distant</b>, they were burning <b>with </b><b>something </b>Scarlett <b>couldn¡¯t </b>name.


    She immediately stopped speaking.


    Smart girl. Serana thought bitterly. But still so very naive.


    The luxury car came to a smooth halt before the Mooncrest <b>Grand </b>Hotel


    Scarlet and Seraphina <b>stepped </b>out, both <b>graceful</b>, poised¨Cexpecting eyes to turn toward them. Expecting admiration. Deference


    Instead, the hotel staff barely blinked.


    <b>343 </b>PM PP


    Guests hurried past. A few gave a quick nce. No one bowed. No one whispered in awe. The silence was deafening.


    -8 Pearls


    Scarlett¡¯s practiced smile faltered for half a second. But she recovered quickly, adjusting the hem of her gown <b>and </b>tucking herself beside Seraphina once more.


    Seraphina, however, was seething.


    In Stormridge, she was a queen. Wherever she walked, wolves dropped their gazes and offered their throats. But here in Mooncrest? Nothing. Not even a growl of respect.


    Of course, she didn¡¯t know what had happened just an hour earlier.


    That the entire venue had already been shaken by another she¨Cwolf¡¯s arrival¨CRiley Vale, daughter of the disgraced Ebonw Pack, whose emergence had left a trail of stunned whispers and bared throats in her wake..


    Next to <b>that </b>storm. Seraphina and Scarlett were a quiet drizzle.


    But Seraphina straightened her spine, adjusted her blood¨Cred shawl, and stepped forward. Let them ignore her for now. Once she was <b>inside</b>, once they knew who she was, they woulde crawling


    She had seen it happen a thousand times.


    They approached the entrance¨Cbut stopped short.


    <b>A </bmotion at the <b>door</b>.


    A tall male wolf <b>in </b>a tailored ck suit stood just beyond the threshold. his sharp features twisted in irritation.


    Ronan Duskcliff, <b>Alpha </b>of the southernmost ckmaw Pack, heir to the Duskcliff <b>name </b>and Lucien¡¯s long¨Cstanding rival.


    The security captain stood firmly between him and the entrance. ¡°Apologies, Alpha Ronan. Without a formal invitation, I cannot allow entry.¡±


    The security officer, a seasoned beta with scars on his jaw, looked nervous but resolute. He¡¯d already been reprimanded for letting in unregistered guests once today. If he made the same mistake again¨Cespecially with someone from the Duskcliff family¨Che might not survive the week.


    Ronan¡¯s tone dropped, low and dangerous. ¡°Name your price.¡±


    The officer shook his <b>head</b>, sweat <b>starting </b>to form along his temples. ¡°Sir, this <b>isn¡¯t </b>about coin. It¡¯s the rule of the House.¡±


    With a growl, <b>Ronan </b>reached into his coat and pulled out a check. ¡°One million credits,¡± he said, tossing it at the guard¡¯s


    chest ¡°Now move.¡±


    The <b>man </b>caught it instinctively, nced down¨C<b>and </b>then crumpled it in his fist.


    ¡°No.¡±


    The growl that escaped <b>Ronan¡¯s </b>throat made two omegas nearby flinch. ¡°Don¡¯t push me.¡±


    The officer squared his shoulders. ¡°With all due respect, Alpha, the <b>Duskgrave </b><b>Pack </b>doesn¡¯t <b>take </b>bribes. <b>And </b>if I let you in without clearance. I won¡¯t live to spend that money.¡±


    Ronan¡¯s jaw tensed. <b>His </b><b>nostrils </b><b>red</b>.


    Scarlett watched the scene unfold, her interest piqued. She <b>knew </b>Ronan well. Knew <b>his </b>rage, his pride.


    And she knew exactly what this was really about.


    This wasn¡¯t about the party. It never was


    about the crown The Pack. The blood feud


    And Ronan hade to draw first blood¨Cin public


    3.43 PM P P.


    Seraphina remained silent, her expression <b>unreadable</b>. But beneath the surface, her satisfaction simmered.


    Let the cursed boy deal with this mess.


    Let the bastards tear each other apart.


    She would <b>watch</b>. And when the time came, she would pick the bones clean.


    <b>Send </b>Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 122

    Ronan Duskcliff had never been denied entry anywhere in his life.


    +8 Pearls


    And yet here he was, standing at the edge of the Mooncrest Grand Hotel¡¯s g hall, blocked by a glorified Beta with a clipboard <b>and </b>far too much self¨Cimportance.


    His expression was storm¨Cdark. The muscles in his jaw ticked dangerously.


    <b>This </b><b>wasn¡¯t </b>just any night. This was the Stormridge Matriarch¡¯s eightieth year.


    Every key figure in the werewolf world was inside that room. Investors. Alphas. Elders. Kingmakers.


    And Ronan needed them..


    The Duskcliff Pack had been hemorrhaging alliances for months. Stock value plummeting. Old partners backing out.


    He needed to <b>mend </b>the cracks¨Cand tonight was the perfect chance. If he could charm Lady Duskgrave, maybe even strike at deal for the Eastern Wastnds redevelopment, he could stop the bleeding.


    He had to get inside.


    But <b>no </b>matter <b>how many </b>credits he waved or how <b>low </b>his voice dropped, the security wolf didn¡¯t budge.


    <b>Then</b>, a <b>familiar </b>voice drifted toward him likevender smoke.


    <b>¡°</b>Brother Ronan?¡±


    He turned, startled.


    Scarlett Vale stood a few paces away, arm linked with a strikingly regal she¨Cwolf in deep crimson silk¨CLady Seraphina Duskgrave herself.


    Ronan blinked, ¡°Scarlett? What are you doing here?¡±


    The young she¨Cwolf gave <b>him </b>a sweet, practiced smile. ¡°I¡¯m here with my dearest friend. Her mother¨Cin¨C<bw </b>is the guest of


    honor tonight<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    She turned, yfully tugging on Seraphina¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Dearest, you¡¯re the <b>Alpha </b>Prince¡¯s <b>wife</b>. <b>Can¡¯t </b>you help my poor <b>brother </b>


    Brother¡® The guard¡¯s ears twitched. <b>That </b>word <b>again</b>. Too <b>casual</b>. Too intimate.


    Seraphina, ever the performer, smiled coldly. ¡°The Matriarch is my <b>mother</b>¨Cinw. You¡¯re blocking her <b>bloodline</b><b>. </b>


    The <b>Beta¡¯s </b>face shifted from defiance to rm. ¡°Apologies<b>, </b>Lady Seraphina! I didn¡¯t realize¨Cof course, I didn¡¯t mean any disrespect. But I do still need to <b>confirm- </b>


    She didn¡¯t let <b>him </b>finish.


    From her clutch<b>, </b>she produced a shimmering gold¨Cembossed invitation¨Cthe unmistakable mark of a direct Duskgrave heir.


    Most wolves had simple crimson parchments. Cold was for the bloodline.


    The <b>guard </b>bowed deeply, inspecting the seal, then stepping aside. ¡°My deepest <b>apologies</b>, Lady Duskgrave. Please, <be </b>in¡±


    Seraphina raised her chin with cool elegance. ¡°They¡¯re both my guests. They enter with


    There was a flicker of hesitation in the Beta¡¯s eyes¨Cbut he nodded. ¡°Of course


    And just like <b>that</b>, Konan was in


    They stepped through the arched doors into the grand ballroom¨C<b>and </b>were instantly swallowed by a <b>sea </b>of golden light and murmuring voices


    41PM p p.


    +8 Pearls


    A massive crystal chandelier cast <b>halos </b>across the marble floor. She wolves in flowing gowns moved like colored mes between silk¨Cdraped tables. The <b>air </b>was thick with perfume and pheromones¨Cpower, beauty, and the unmistakable tension of a thousand hidden agendas.


    Ronan¡¯s eyes scanned the room. His <b>Alpha </b>instincts kicked in¨Csizing up rivals, sniffing our opportunity.


    He spotted a few key investors from the Western Dominion, and with a brief nod to Scarlett <b>and </b>Seraphina, <b>moved </b><b>away </b>to


    <b>engage</b><b>. </b>


    Scarlett watched him go without a word. Her focus was elsewhere.


    She was searching for him.


    Lucien


    Her breath hitched slightly. That was the only reason she hade tonight..


    Not for the Matriarch. Not for some ¡°celebration.¡± She wanted to stand beside Lucien Duskgrave¨Cno, she wanted to <b>own </b>that space beside him.


    But the ballroom was too full. Too loud. <b>And </b>he was nowhere to be seen.


    Her heart, once light with anticipation, now sank with unease.


    Why isn¡¯t he here?


    She excused herself from Seraphina with a soft, ¡°I¡¯ll just freshen up, and slipped out of the ballroom.


    The corridor outside the banquet hall <b>was </b>quiet, gilded with antique sconces and lined with dark oak doors. Scarlett lingered near the restrooms, hoping he might pass by.


    <b>Ten </b>minutes. Nothing


    So she drifted toward the upper level, <b>where </b>the private lounges and guest suites were reserved for direct descendants and inner¨Ccircle guests.


    <b>Just </b>as she turned the corner¨Cshe froze


    From the end of the corridor, a door creaked open.


    And out stepped Piley Vale.


    Scarlett¡¯s <b>breath </b>caught in her <b>throat</b><b>. </b>


    She hadn¡¯t seen her in days.


    And yet, there she stood, bathed in soft gold light, dressed in a gown so ethereal it looked conjured from moonlight.


    The pink chiffon fluttered around her inyered waves, like clouds dyed in dawn. Her <b>skin</b>, fair <b>and </b>huminous, held the faintest rosy


    flush. Her lips, painted a soft cherry red, curved with serene detachment. Loose <b>tendrils </b><b>framed </b>her face, caught against a <b>tiara </b>of pale silver and crystal thorns.


    Scarlett stood stunned.


    Riley looked <b>like </b>a princess <b>from </b>an ancient prophecy. No¨Cworse. She looked like something meant <b>to </b>be worshiped.


    Behind her, a well¨Cdressed male attendant¨Clikely a steward or escort¨Cwas carefully adjusting her <b>train</b><b>. </b>


    The contrast <b>was </b>unbearable


    Scarlett¡¯s jaw tightened.


    What the hell is she doing here?


    And why does she look <b>like </b>that?


    343 PMP P.


    +8


    A Pearls


    Riley met her gaze briefly. Cool Unmoved. A slight arch of her brow the only acknowledgment.


    Then, without a word, she turned and descended the <b>stairs </b>toward the ballroom.


    Scarlett remained frozen in ce, heart pounding <b>with </b>something between rage and dread.


    She hade here to <b>shine</b>. To capture Lucien¡¯s attention.


    But now, a ghost from the <b>past </b>had returned¨Cwrapped in silks and power¨Cand threatened to steal the entire night.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 123

    +B Pearls


    The moment Scarlett Valeid eyes on Riley descending the hallway, her blood surged with fury.


    She hated seeing her like <b>this</b>¨Cethereal, glowing, untouchable.


    Everything about Riley tonight <b>was </b>wless, her luminous <b>skin</b>, the soft waves of her pale hair, theyered gown of blush silk that caught the corridor¡¯s light like <b>moonlit </b><b>mist</b>. A living daydream<b>. </b>


    Scarlett¡¯s <b>nails </b>curled into her palm.


    Riley <b>had </b>inherited every advantage¨Cbeauty, bloodline, and now,


    en presence..


    And she had tried everything to ruin her.


    To humiliate <b>her</b>. To erase <b>her</b>. To <b>shred </b>her face and strip her pride.


    <b>And </b>yet here Riley stood. Untouched. Radiant,


    As if five years in a prison cell had done nothing but sharpen her into something more dangerous,


    Scarlett¡¯s lips curled with spite. She¡¯s here for Lucien, she thought. That must be <b>it </b>


    The idea made her stomach churn.


    Riley cast her a single nce¨Cbrief, expressionless. Then looked away as though Scarlett was nothing but a dust mote.


    No sneer. No retort. No recognition.


    That indifference was worse <b>than </b>contempt.


    Riley tightened her grip on <b>the </b><b>velvet</b>¨Cwrapped gift box in her hands and turned to herpanion. ¡°Let¡¯s go, <b>Andy</b>¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s rage ignited.


    How dare she ignore her. Like the past never happened. Like Scarlett was the one <b>who </b>didn¡¯t belong here.


    She waited until Riley¡¯s footsteps drew closer, then let her mask drop.


    The corridor <b>was </b>e


    empty. Perfect.


    Her voice cut through the silence, sharp and <b>poisonous</b>.


    ¡°Well, well Dressing like a Luna already, are we?<b>¡± </b>


    Riley didn¡¯t stop


    Scarlett¡¯s voice pose


    ¡°Whoring yourself <b>out </b>at a Matriarch¡¯s birthday party, hoping some <b>Alpha </b>will forget <b>your </b>prison <b>record</b>? You might fool strangers Kiley, but we know what you really are¡±


    Her words echoed through the hallway like a p


    But Riley didn¡¯t flinch


    Scarlett¡¯s breath came faster She <b>wanted </b>a reaction. Needed one


    Biley¡¯s silence was unbearable.


    This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go.


    She was supposed to scream Cry Break down Just like always


    +8 Pearls


    Just like when the family would turn on her. When Scarlett yed innocent, <b>and </b>the others shielded her like a wounded pup.


    But Riley had changed. She <b>wasn¡¯t </b>ying that game anymore.


    Scarlett snapped.


    With a snarl, she lunged forward and yanked Riley by the hair.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re better than me now??¡± she screeched, her ws digging toward Riley¡¯s scalp. ¡°Let me remind you what really are¡ªnothing but a stain on the <b>Vale </b>name!¡±


    <b>you </b>


    <b>Riley </b>staggered, caught off <b>guard</b>, but didn¡¯t cry out. Her fingers went instantly to Scarlett¡¯s wrist, trying to break the grip.


    ¡°Let her go!¡± Andy shrieked.


    The petite Betaunched forward, grabbing a fistful of Scarlett¡¯s curls and yanking them back with all <b>his </b>strength. ¡°You absolute lunatic! She¡¯s the <b>Luna¡¯s </b>guest, not your chew toy!¡±


    Scarlett screamed in pain and released Riley, stumbling backward.


    At that exact moment, a male voice thundered from down the corridor.


    ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡±


    All three turned.


    Ronan Duskcliff stood like a storm at the end of the hall¨Ctall, broad¨Cshouldered, his Alpha aura pulsing in <b>waves </b>of restrained violence.


    Andy blinked. His anger dissolved instantly into girlish awe.


    Good gods. <b>That </b><b>man </b><b>was </b>carved from marble and dipped in danger.


    He immediately let <b>go </b>of Scarlett¡¯s <b>hair</b>, smoothing down his sleeves and trying <b>not </b>to stare.


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears <b>the </b>moment she recognized Ronan¡¯s voice.


    In a heartbeat, she switched gears¨Cfrom fury to fragility.


    ¡°Ronan,¡± she whimpered, staggering toward <b>him </b>like a frightened doe, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¨CI was just trying to talk to her, and she got so angry¨CI think I ruined her hair and she¡­¡±


    Her voice cracked, and tears spilled like a broken dam. She threw Riley a trembling nce of fear. ¡°Please don¡¯t be mad at Der It <b>was </b>my fault 1-1 <b>was </b>too loud ¡±


    Haley narrowed her eyes


    ssic Scarlett


    <b>Konan </b>frowned His gaze flicked from Scarlett¡¯s tears to Kiley¡¯s unbothered calm<b>, </b>and his jaw clenched.


    <b>You </b>went too far. Miley¡± he <b>said </b>coldly ¡°This is <b>a </b><b>family </b>event. What the hell were you thinking?¡±


    Andy¡¯s mouth fell open


    What


    ¡°You have got to be <b>joking</b>¡± he snapped ¡°She was the one who attacked us! Pulled her <b>hair </b>like some feral wolf! <b>And </b>now you¡¯re ming Riley?¡±


    <b>Ronan </b>eyes slid to Andy with <b>disdain</b>. ¡°This isn¡¯t your pack. Stay out of it.¡±


    Then he turned back to Riley His tone dropped, sharp andmanding


    ¡°Apologize to Scarlet¡±


    Andy took a step forward, fists clenched. ¡°You arrogant-!¡±


    <b>But </b>Riley raised a hand, Calm. Controlled.


    -No,¡± she said quietly


    Ronan¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°No<b>?</b>¡±


    Riley met <b>his </b>gaze, steady and sharp.


    +8 Pearls


    You <b>came </b>in halfway through a scene and assumed the ending. If you want to talk about honor, Alpha Duskcliff, perhaps learn what actually happened first.¡±

 in Vengeance 124

    Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s gaze wasced with <b>primal </b>dominance as it pinned <b>Riley </b>Vale to the wall.


    ¡ú +8 Pearls


    His eyes¨Ccold, calcted, and merciless¨Cburned into her like she was not a person, but territory. Something he <b>had </b>marked once<b>, </b>and now <b>had </b>returned to <b>reim</b>.


    ¡°You¡¯ve bullied Scarlett before,¡± he said lowly, each word like ice splintering into her skin. ¡°Don¡¯t act innocent in front of me, Riley. I <b>know </b>exactly <b>what </b>kind of she wolf you are.¡±


    He took a step <b>closer</b>, his broad frame crowding her space, the air <b>tightening </b>with his scent¨Crich cedar and fury.


    ¡°If you apologize to her right now,¡± he continued, ¡°I might pretend this little outburst didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    ¡°But if you don¡¯t. His lips curled into a cold <b>smile</b>. ¡°I have ways to make you regret it.¡±


    Riley stared up at him, her expression unreadable.


    Not hurt. Not angry. Just..quiet.


    That only made him angrier.


    Once, years ago, <b>this </b>same girl would <b>have </b>looked at him with fire and tears. Would <b>have </b>pushed back. Fought him with <b>that </b>same brilliance that made her unforgettable.


    But now? Now she didn¡¯t even care.


    Five years in the Rogue prisons had stripped her of illusions¨Cbut forged her <b>into</b>: steel.


    She didn¡¯t flinch at Ronan¡¯s usations.


    Didn¡¯t tremble at his threats.


    In her <b>mind</b>, he <b>was </b><b>just </b>another Vale man who thought his opinion <b>defined </b>her <b>worth</b>. And she was done letting them.


    <b>But </b><b>Andy</b>, standing nearby, was nowhere near asposed.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡± he snapped, stepping forward with fists clenched. ¡°You <b>speak </b>like you¡¯ve got fangs growing from your skull instead of sense. Did you even see what happened?¡±


    <b>Andy </b>jabbed a finger toward Scarlett, who was <b>hiding </b>behind Ronan like <b>a </b>wounded pup. ¡°Your precious little damsel attacked Riley. Grabbed her hair like a feral wolf <b>And </b><b>you </b><b>want </b>her to apologize?¡±


    Ronan¡¯s gaze flicked to <b>Andy </b><b>with </b>disgust.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even <b>pack</b>. This doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±


    Before Andy could reply. Riley ced a hand gently on <b>his </b>arm.


    ¡°It¡¯s not worth it¡± she said softly. ¡°The Matriarch¡¯s celebration is about to begin¡±


    She turned her <b>voice </b>cool as ever. ¡°Don¡¯t waste your <b>breath </b>on people who stopped mattering <b>five </b>years <b>ago </b>


    Konan stiffened


    Not because of the words¡ªbut because of the way <b>she </b>said them. As if he never <b>mattered</b>.


    That cut deeper than he cared to adnat


    He didn¡¯t want her forgiveness. But being ignored: Being discarded!


    That he couldn¡¯t tolerate


    His handshed uus¨Cfaster <b>than </b>Riley anticipated¡ªand caught her by the wrist,


    30PMP P.


    One sharp tug, and she stumbled back against the corridor wall, the impact jarring the <b>breath </b>from her lungs.


    The gift box in her arms tumbled to the floor.


    +8 Pearls


    The embroidered cloth inside¨Ca delicate heirloom piece she¡¯d spent weeks stitching for Lucien¡¯s grandmother¨C<b>spilled </b>across the tiles.


    ¡°Apologize<b>, </b>Ronan snarled, pressing her against the wall, fury thick in his voice. ¡°Now¡±


    Riley¡¯s eyes widened in shock, then narrowed with loathing. She pushed against him, but his body was like stone <b>unyielding</b>.


    <b>Andy¡¯s </b>shriek split the air.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone rabid! Let her go!¡± He lunged forward <b>and </b>shoved Ronan with all his strength.


    Ronan <b>didn¡¯t </b>even budge. He turned, expression dark, and mmed a boot into Andy¡¯s ribs.


    Andy hit the floor with a <b>groan</b>, curling <b>in </b><b>pain</b>.


    Riley gasped, torn between fury and fear. But before she could move to help, a shadow passed over the fallen embroidery.


    Scarlett bent down, picked it up¨Cdelicately, almost lovingly¨Cand inspected it.


    Riley¡¯s blood ran cold.


    ¡°Put <b>that </b>down, she said sharply, voice trembling with restraint.


    Scarlett smirked.


    ¡°I was just trying to help,¡± she said sweetly, but her ws dug into the delicate threads, warping the shapes Riley <b>had </b>painstakingly stitched. ¡°Is this¡­a gift for the old <b>Luna</b>? How quaint.¡±


    ¡°Scarlett, Riley warned, stepping forward.


    But Scarlett pulled <b>back</b>, clutching the <b>fabric </b>closer.


    Riley didn¡¯t think. She lunged.


    The p echoed like a whip crack


    Scarlet reeled, staggered, one <b>hand </b>flying to her <b>face</b>.


    A perfect red imprint bloomed across her cheek, blood <b>beading </b>at the corner of her mouth.


    Her eyes widened in stunned disbelief Not at the pain¨Cbut that Riley <b>dared </b>strike her in front of Ronan


    Her tears came <b>instantly</b><b>, </b>as <b>though </b>summoned onmand


    ¡°<b>Ronan </b>she fat me,¡± she sobbed. ¡°I tried to help, and she just¨Cshe <b>snapped</b>!¡±


    Ronan growled low in <b>his </b>throat, struding toward them.


    But Riley didn¡¯t <b>look </b>at <b>him</b>. Her eyes were locked on the embroidery now crumpled in Scarlett¡¯s grip


    Scarlett¡¯s agris clenched ughter crushing the stitches further


    Riley saw red


    With <b>a </b><b>smart</b><b>, </b><b>she </b><bunched </b>herself forward, <b>ws </b>out, tackling Scarlet to the floor.


    ubes tumbled


    blur of <b>ulk </b>surls, and ws.


    343 PM P P .


    ¡°GET OFF HER! Ronan roared.


    He grabbed Riley around the waist, yanking her off like she weighed nothing.


    Riley thrashed in his grip, snarling like a wolf finally pushed too far<b>. </b>


    ¡°You <b>bastard</b>! Let go of me!¡±


    He dragged her to a side room and kicked the door shut <b>behind </b>them.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Send Gifts


    29

 in Vengeance 125

    The heavy wooden door mmed <b>shut </b>behind them with a thunderous bang.


    +8 Pearls


    In the next instant, Ronan Duskgrave shoved Riley Vale hard against the door, <b>his </b>muscr frame radiating heat and fury as it caged her in.


    ¡°Have you lost your mind. Riley?¡± he growled, his voice low, gravelly, and full of Alpha authority. His face hovered inches from hers, his scent¨Cdark pine and aggression¨Cthickening the air.


    Riley was trembling, but not out of fear. She <b>was </b>seething-


    Her chest heaved as she <b>stared </b>back at him with eyes zing in defiance. ¡°Let go of me!¡±


    But Ronan didn¡¯t loosen his grip. Hisrge hand was mped around her wrist like iron, ws barely sheathed, his wolf on the verge of surfacing.


    ¡°What <b>the </b>hell are you trying to do?¡± he demanded, his eyes glowing faintly amber.


    Riley¡¯s breath evened. Her voice turned ice cold.


    ¡°No,¡± she hissed. The real question is¨C<b>what </b>are you trying to do?¡±


    ¡°I was locked in a rogue prison for five years. Five years. I lost my future. My health. My name. Everything I worked for- burned to <b>ash </b>because of you and your precious Vale pack.¡±


    ¡°I became this¡­¡± Her voice cracked, but she forced the rest out, this broken thing. And you stand here asking me what <b>I </b>


    Her eyes locked onto <b>his</b>, daring him to deny it<b>. </b>


    ¡°All I¡¯ve ever wanted,¡± <b>she </b><b>said </b>slowly, each word soaked in venom, ¡°<b>was </b>to stay the hell away from you people. Is <b>that </b>too much to ask?¡±


    For a split second, something flickered in Ronan¡¯s eyes¨C<b>guilt</b>? Regret?


    But Riley was past caring.


    She gave a bitterugh. ¡°You crushed my wings, Ronan<b>. </b>Do you even know <b>what </b>it feels like to be grounded when you were bom to soar?¡±


    ¡°I used to ask myself¨C<b>what </b>did I do <b>wrong</b>? What sin did Imit to deserve this? But <b>now </b><b>I </b><b>get </b>it. I was too good. Too strong Too fast. <b>Too </b>amart And that scared the hell out of you.¡±


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t handle a she wolf being better than <b>you</b>¡±


    Ronan¡¯s face paled


    cracked, revealing <b>the </b><b>shame </b>he¡¯d buried deep, even from himself.


    And Kiley saw it She saw the truth in his silence


    ¡°You hated that the gut running brude you in training could outpace you That the <b>warrior </b>you couldn¡¯t catch up to <b>was </b>the same girl <b>you </b>were falling for So you broke her¡±


    ¡°Because if I was ordinary she spat, then maybe just <b>maybe </b>you could believe I belonged to you¡±


    ¡°Stop¡± Konan snapped, his voice dangerously close to trembling ¡°That¡¯s not true¡±


    That I Haley¡¯s vane ruse cutting through the air like a de ¡°You couldn¡¯t <b>stand </b>to see ine shine. You wanted me small. Obedient Powerless


    stop it Kaley he barked 1 sand stop


    But she didn¡¯t stop.


    You¡¯re a coward, Ronan Duskgrave. You destroyed the girl who once loved you¨Cjust to feel superior.¡±


    The words hit like ws raking across his chest. Ronan staggered back a step, his breath unsteady.


    But then his wolf snapped..


    In a <b>sh</b>. he surged forward and kissed her¨Chard and unforgiving


    His mouth crushed against hers, not out of love, but out of desperation. Possessive. Punishing


    Riley froze, stunned. For a heartbeat<b>, </b>she couldn¡¯t even think. Then rage flooded every vein in her body.


    She struggled violently, fists pounding his chest. ¡°Get off me!¡±


    +8 Pearls


    But Ronan wouldn¡¯t budge. His arms locked around her, his body pressing her deeper against the door like he could consume


    her whole.


    He wasn¡¯t kissing her¨Che was iming her.


    And that was the final straw.


    Riley¡¯s wolf surged beneath her <b>skin</b>, a blinding sh of white heat <b>wing </b>to the surface.


    Her eyes burned gold. Her canines lengthened. She could feel the transformation pressing <b>against </b>her bones.


    But she held it back.


    Not here. Not now.


    Today is Lucien¡¯s grandmother¡¯s birthday.


    <b>Andy </b>worked so hard on my look.


    I can¡¯t let this turn into a bloodbath.


    But her restraint <b>had </b>limits.


    She bared her teeth¨Cand bit <b>down</b>.


    Hard


    Ronan <b>groaned </b>in pain <b>as </b>blood bloomed on his lip. He recoiled just enough, and <b>that¡¯s </b>when Riley <b>pped </b>him.


    The <b>sound </b>cracked through the room like thunder.


    He staggered back, touching his jaw, blood <b>staining </b>his fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting¡± Kiley spat, wiping her lips with the back of her <b>hand </b>¡°You <b>make </b>me sick¡±


    The <b>words </b>sliced through him far deeper than her teeth or p ever could


    Eight years


    He had loved her for right long, wasted <b>years</b><b>. </b>


    He never turbed another woman


    He waited


    waited for her


    s imprisoned, even after the world called her a traitor, he sull dreamed of the day she¡¯de ba


    10PM PP.


    +8 Pearls


    And now


    Now she looked at <b>him </b>like he was filth.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m disgusting?¡± he choked, voice rough. ¡°I-¡±


    Riley didn¡¯t give him the chance to finish.


    ¡°<b>You </b>don¡¯t get to y the <b>victim </b>now, Ronan,¡± she said coldly. ¡°You were never my mate. <b>You </b>were just the boy who envied the girl he couldn¡¯t keep up with<b>.¡± </b>


    Then she walked past him<b>, </b>shoulders <b>straight</b>, leaving behind the shattered <b>remains </b>of <b>what </b>used to be love.


    And behind her. Ronan stood alone in the silence¨Cbleeding, humiliated, and for the first <b>time </b>in his life<b>, </b>unwanted.


    Send Gifts


    294


    1

 in Vengeance 126

    +8 Pearls


    Just as Riley Vale stepped out of the <b>private </b>suite, her eyes locked on a chaotic scene at the corridor¡¯s end.


    Andi was tugging desperately at the embroidered silk scroll, <b>while </b>Scarlett Vale clutched it to her chest, both refusing to let


    Then-


    ¡°Rip¨C1¡±


    The unmistakable <b>sound </b>of fine silk being torn cut through the <b>air </b>like a de.


    Andi froze. hands trembling. His lips parted, but no words came out. He could only stare in stunned horror at the ruined remains of the embroidery now sagging between them.


    Scarlett, for a brief moment, allowed a flicker of schadenfreude to <b>cross </b>her face.


    But then, like flipping a switch, her expression twisted into a mask of innocence. Her wide doe eyes filled with tears as she turned to Riley and whimpered, ¡°Sister, I didn¡¯t mean to! He tried to snatch it from me I <b>only </b>wanted to help protect it for


    you


    Riley¡¯s breath caught in her throat.


    The image of the delicate embroidery being torn into shreds¨Cthat <b>she¡¯d </b>spent weeks sewing by <b>moonlight</b><b>, </b>every thread a symbol of silent redemption¨Cblurred her vision.


    That wasn¡¯t just silk.


    It was the <b>two</b>¨Cmillion¨Cdor gift <b>that </b><b>Alpha </b>Lucien Stormbourne had personally entrusted her to deliver to the Elder Matriarch:


    The symbol of reconciliation.


    The only thing that could justify her presence here.


    And now it was destroyed.


    She saw red.


    With her wolf howling in her blood. Riley lunged.


    She seized Scarlett by the <b>hair </b>and mmed her head against the marble wall.


    ¡°Die Scarlett!¡± Riley snarled. ¡°You ruin everything you touch!¡±


    Scarlett shrieked in pain, <b>blood </b>sttering <b>against </b>the white stone as her <b>scalp </b>cracked open. She copsed against the wall.


    obbing and clutching her head


    Andi stumbled back, eyes wide in shock<b>. </b>¡°Oh my goddess.


    He had never seen Riley like this


    Not even during her worst days behind the bars


    Then came the thunder of heavy boots


    Konan Duikgrave emerged from the room like a storm. His gaze swept over Scarlett¡¯s bloodied face, then shot to Kiley¡¯s gembling form


    ¡°What the hell are <b>you </b><b>doing </b>he barked, storming forward <b>and </b>shoving Riley off her sister.


    Kiley staggered but <b>caught </b>herself. Her eyes burned with fury


    14 PM


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m the one making a scene now?¡± she shouted, <b>voice </b>shaking. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it your precious Scarlett <b>who </b>tore Who wed at my hair and spat on my name¨Cand you defended her!¡±


    up my work?


    Ronan¡¯s jaw clenched.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care who started it, he growled. ¡°This is the Elder¡¯s birthday celebration¨Cif you can¡¯t control yourself-


    Riley cut him off with a <b>sharp </bugh. ¡°Control myself?¡±


    ¡°You stood there and watched while she destroyed everything I had left. <b>And </b>now I¡¯m the one causing trouble?¡±


    She bent down and picked up the torn embroidery, holding it out like a bloodied offering. Her hands shook as she held the two shredded halves before <b>Ronan¡¯s </b>face..


    ¡°This was handcrafted,¡± she said through gritted teeth. ¡°This was the piece Alpha Lucien <b>won </b>for two million silver marks to honor the Matriarch.¡±


    Ronan¡¯s eyes narrowed, voice going cold. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s smile stiffened. ¡°T¨Ctwo million?¡± <b>she </b>stammered. ¡°That can¡¯t be right.. it¡¯s <b>just </b>a piece of cloth-


    Riley¡¯s gaze sharpened into daggers.


    ¡°This piece of cloth was designed by Elder Sera of the Northern Weavers, embroidered by my own hands over weeks. It was gifted to Alpha Lucien. He entrusted me to deliver it as a gesture of goodwill on behalf of Stormridge.¡±


    Then she turned her burning gaze to Scarlett.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t just tear silk, Scarlett¨Cyou insulted <b>an </b><b>Alpha¡¯s </b>honor.¡±


    <b>Ronan¡¯s </b>expression twisted with disbelief. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, and for the first time <b>tonight</b><b>, </b>he looked afraid.


    If Lucien found out¡­.


    Scarlett paled, her lips trembling-


    ¡°I¨CI didn¡¯t know-


    Andi couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He stepped forward, spitting fire,


    ¡°You <b>think </b><b>everyone </b>lives in your <b>shallow </b><b>little </b>world of lip gloss <b>and </b>pity money, don¡¯t <b>you</b>?¡±


    ¡°She offered you something priceless, and you think you can <b>buy </b>your way out of it with your daddy¡¯s allowance? One million silver? Are <b>you </b>out of your freaking <b>mind</b>?¡±


    Scarlett flinched. ¡°I was <b>just </b>trying to help


    ¡°Help¡± Riley¡¯s voice sliced through the lie. ¡°<b>You </b>grabbed it like a hyena in heat. You wanted to destroy it


    ¡°<b>You </b>never expected anyone <b>would </b><b>give </b>me something <b>so </b>valuable You couldn¡¯t stand that it <b>was </b><b>me </b><b>and </b>not <b>you </b>So you ruined


    She took a step closer, the power beneath her skin <b>dangerously </b>close to snapping


    <b>Konan </b>felt it¨Cthe white wolf stirring inside her


    Her aura fiared, brashing the edges of Alpha strength, a blinding slummer behind her irises. For a moment, he thought she might <b>shin </b>right then and there


    But she didn


    he inhaled once. Twice


    Today was the Matranch¡¯s <b>birthday </b>


    She couldn¡¯t let blood stain the celebration.


    And she wouldn¡¯t let Scarlett or Ronan see her lose control again.


    +8 Pearle


    So she straightened her shoulders, raised her chin, and with deliberate slowness.. tore the <b>ruined </b>embroidery once more. night down the center.


    ¡°Now,¡± she said coldly, dropping the <b>remains </b>at Scarlett¡¯s feet, ¡°it¡¯s worthless.¡±


    Then she turned her gaze on Ronan¨Csharp, using, <b>final</b>.


    ¡°Remember this, Ronan Duskgrave.¡±


    ¡°You may <b>think </b>you¡¯re still the boy I once admired. But now I know the truth.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not strong. You¡¯re not noble. You¡¯re just a man <b>too </b>weak to stop the wolves in your own home from <b>tearing </b>others apart.


    Then she turned to Andi.


    -Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Andi looked at her like <b>she </b><b>was </b>glowing, eyes wet with admiration and fury. He scooped up what was left of the embroidery, shoved it into his bag, and followed Riley down the corridor like a knight behind a queen.


    Behind them. Scarlett knelt on the ground, blood <b>still </b><b>trailing </b>down her temple.


    Ronan stood frozen.


    And the remnants of Stormridge¡¯s goodwilly shredded <b>at </b>their feet.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 127

    Riley Vale took <b>a </b>deep <b>breath</b>, her expression like stone carved by ice.


    +8 Pearls


    She had no desire to waste


    e more words with <b>Ronan </b>Duskcliff or that two¨Cfaced <b>snake</b>, Scarlett. Her tone was low, steady, and cold <b>as </b>the northern wind.


    ¡°Andi,¡± she said sharply, ¡°call Prince Lucien. Tell <b>him </b>toe. Now.¡±


    Andi nodded with grim resolve, already reaching for hismunicator when Ronan moved faster than lightning, snatching it from his hand.


    ¡°No,¡± Ronan barked, his Alpha aura crackling in the air.


    Lucien Duskgrave could not find out¨Cnot yet. Not before Ronan figured out a way to clean this up. If the Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack learned what had happened here, not only would Ronan lose ess to the East Hollow Project, <b>but </b>the Duskcliff name might never recover.


    Andi tried to snatch it back, furious, but before the two could struggle further, the sharp clicking of heels echoed across the corridor.


    A woman¡¯s voice rang out with practiced elegance,ced with ice. ¡°Scarlett, <b>darling</b>, the banquet is about to start. Why on earth are <b>you </b>still out here? We¡¯ve been looking everywhere.¡±


    Scarlett straightened. Her eyes darted toward the end of the <b>corridor</b>.


    Lady <b>Seraphina </b>Duskgrave walked toward them, nked by half a dozen high¨Cranking she¨Cwolves¨CLunas and noblewomen from the inner circles of the Council Packs. Seraphina¡¯s gown shimmered in moon¨Csilver threads, her posture proud <b>and </b><bmanding</b>, her every step echoing polished dominance.


    But when her gazended on Riley, her expression turned <b>dark</b>, venomous.


    ¡°There you are, you filthy little tramp.¡±


    Riley blinked, startled by the venom in the woman¡¯s voice.


    Before she could <b>ask </b>whether she was being mistaken for someone <b>else</b>, Seraphina snapped toward her entourage, ¡°That¡¯s the one. The Omega slut who¡¯s been <b>seducing </b>my mate Ford.¡±


    Gasps fluttered among the women behind her like startled birds.


    Seraphina <b>stormed </b>forward, high heels cking like thunder across marble. Without warning, she raised her hand, aiming p directly at Riley¡¯s face.


    Riley stepped <b>back </b>instinctively, dodging the <b>blow </b>with ease.


    ¡°This must be a mistake,¡± she said, voice tight but controlled. ¡°I don¡¯t <b>know </b>you, and I¡¯ve never-


    ¡°Don¡¯t y innocent, you little whore, Scraphina snarled. ¡°You <b>think </b>you¡¯re special because you¡¯ve been in <b>Alpha¡¯s </b>bed


    you know how many like you I¡¯ve seen?¡±


    Do


    The women bnd her didn¡¯t need further prompting One by one, they joined in, their voices rising like a <b>pack </b>circling a wounded ders


    ¡°Look at her¨Cclearly a heat¨Caddled stray,¡± scoffed a woman in a gold gown ¡°Probably climbed her <b>way </b>into the Stormindge Pack¡¯s teritory on her back¡±


    ¡°Shreeks of desperation <b>You </b>can smell a from here spat another, her lips curling in disdain


    Te seen cleaner bitches in the Silverfang Den, a third chimed, and a wave of cruelughter followed.


    They shoved her Hard


    +8 Pearls


    Riley, thin from years in captivity, staggered back. Someone elbowed her ribs. Another grabbed her arm and shoved. She nearly lost her bnce-


    Andi caught her.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Andi snapped, eyes zing. ¡°Touch her again and I swear, your whole damn estate will be begging for scraps. within a moon cycle.¡±


    The women didn¡¯t even flinch.


    What are you gonna do, little pet?¡± one sneered. ¡°Run back to your Beta boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°A trash Omega slut and her sissy little <b>sidekick</b>. How <b>quaint</b><b>.¡± </b>


    Andi trembled with fury<b>. </b>


    And Ronan?


    Ronan Duskcliff stood back. Watching. Silent.


    He knew Riley wasn¡¯t lying. She had just been released from Wolf <b>Prison</b>. Since her release, she¡¯d either been under house arrest at the Eborw estate or recovering at Mooncrest Hospital. There was no way she could¡¯ve seduced anyone.


    And especially not Ford, Lucien¡¯s father,


    And yet he said nothing.


    Riley¡¯s ws itched beneath her <b>skin</b>. Her wolf snarled inside her, thrashing against her ribs.


    She <b>could </b>shift.


    She could let her wolf out.


    They¡¯d see what a real threat looked like when the white wolf¨Cthe cursed wolf¨Cunleashed her fury.


    But not today.


    Not <b>on </b>Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s 80th birthday.


    <b>And </b><b>not </b>after <b>Andi </b>had spent <b>hours </b>helping her prepare, carefully crafting her look, her dress, her hair¨Cso she could <b>enter </b>that ballroom with dignity.


    She clenched her fists <b>and </b>forced the shift down.


    Her bones ached. Her magic buzzed under her skin like <b>static</b>.


    But she would not shift,


    She stepped forward instead, <b>brushing </b>past Lady Seraphina with barely contained <b>rage </b><b>in </b>her voice.


    ¡°You <b>thank </b>I¡¯m scared of you?¡± she said, voice low <b>and </b>deadly calm. ¡°You think you can break me with <b>words </b><b>and </b>whispers I¡¯ve already survived worse than any of you could ever imagine¡±


    <b>she </b>paused, her re sweeping across the wolves surrounding her.


    ¡°<b>You </b>call me a tramp A whore A stray But all I see are bored wives in expensive gowns, clinging to men who don¡¯t <b>even </b>love


    you


    You want to tear <b>the </b>down to feel powerful Fine But don¡¯t <b>mistake </b>your status for strength¡±


    idis jaw dropped. Even Scarlen went <b>pale </b>


    But Holey wasn¡¯t finished


    may


    of have wealth<b>, </b>or a <b>bloodline </b>you recognize. But I have something none of <b>you </b>do¨Ctruth. And that <b>truth </b>is ens


    to burn your paper crowns to <b>ash</b>¡±


    +8 Pearls


    She turned to Seraphina, eyes zing like stormfire. ¡°If your mate prefers me over you, maybe the problem isn¡¯t me. Maybe it¡¯s the fact <b>that </b>even Alphas get tired of sleeping next to poison.¡±


    The corridor went silent.


    The women stared, stunned.


    And Riley?


    She walked <b>away</b>.


    Head <b>high</b><b>. </b>


    Eyes forward.


    Unbroken.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 128

    D


    +8 Pearls


    Scarlett put on her best mask of <b>worry</b>, her voice trembling as she stepped forward and tugged gently at Lady <b>Seraphina </b>Duskgrave¡¯s sleeve


    ¡°Lady Seraphina, she¡¯s my sister. Her name is Riley Vale. Maybe¨Cmaybe there¡¯s some misunderstanding here?¡±


    Hearing <b>this</b>, the fury <b>in </b>Seraphina¡¯s eyes only intensified.


    So this shameless hussy was Scarlett¡¯s sister? That made everything worse.


    Scarlett had long been her confidante. Ever since they grew close, Scarlett had frequently, almost innocently, spoken of being mistreated and bullied by her elder sister.


    Seraphina had already harbored distaste for the infamous Riley Vale. But when she realized the same woman who had <b>once </b>dared raise her <b>hand </b><b>against </b>Scarlett <b>was </b>now also the one in the photo Matriarch Duskgrave had <b>sent </b>her <b>husband</b>¡ªit was as if oil <b>had </b>been poured <b>onto </b><b>an </b>open me.


    She loathed Riley Vale with every fiber of her being.


    And she knew Andi.


    That mboyant little peacock might act harmless, but he was one of the North¡¯s most sought¨Cafter stylists. Some of the Stormridge Pack¡¯s most iconic looks <b>had </be from his hands.


    Though stylists like him were impossible for most to <b>book</b>, the Duskgrave family <b>could </b>get anyone. Yet <b>today</b><b>, </b>it wasn¡¯t Lady Seraphina he¡¯d dressed¨Cit <b>was </b>Riley.


    The rage twisted in her gut like a curse.


    Was <b>that </b>old bat. Matriarch Duskgrave, really so disappointed in her after all these years? Seraphina had been married to Lucien¡¯s father Ford for over two decades, living under the weight of judgment, enduring cold nces <b>and </b>hushed rumors. And yet, she had never won the matriarch¡¯s favor,


    And now this?


    That woman was grooming a new Luna¨Ca <b>young</b>, fertile one.


    A recement.


    Her eyes dropped to Riley¡¯s t <b>stomach</b>. She imagined her swelling with <b>his </b>heir.


    Her vision went red.


    She couldn¡¯t bear it. Wouldn¡¯t


    No woman would give the Duskgrave bloodline <b>an </b>heir if she couldn¡¯t.


    That right belonged to her¨Cand her <b>alone </b>


    She hadn¡¯t been barren by choice. It was that cursed brat Lucien¨Conly five years old when he pushed her down the stairs.


    her pregnancy and her womb in a single, <b>vicious </b>moment. The doctors said it had been <b>an </b>ident.


    She knew better


    She would not let <b>Riley </b>give him another.


    cream that was more beast that <b>woman</b>. Seraphina lunged <b>forward </b><b>and </b>grabbed Riley by the hair, yanking her head.


    down hard


    ¡°You think fucking your little tail will make men crawl after your she shrieked ¡°Il teach you what happens to whores who mistake <b>lust </b>for power


    344 Pup p


    +8 Pearls


    Riley gritted her teeth, pain shooting through her scalp. <b>She </b>grabbed at Seraphina¡¯s hands. ¡°Let go! I don¡¯t even <b>know </b>your husband


    But no one was listening.


    Andi tried to intervene but was instantly surrounded by a pack of feral <b>Lunas</b>. They scratched at him with manicured ws, drawing blood across his cheeks and arms until his face was streaked with crimson.


    ¡°Back off¡± he shouted. ¡°Do you even know who she is? She belongs to Lucien Duskgrave! If you touch her again, he will bury you and your pack with a singlemand!¡±


    His voice boomed down the corridor.


    Everything went still for a <b>second</b><b>. </b>


    And then Seraphinaughed.


    A loud, manicugh.


    ¡°She belongs to Lucien? My stepson? The one who hasn¡¯t looked at a single woman in thirty years suddenly <b>has </b><b>a </b>little Omega peta


    Her eyes gleamed. wild and unhinged.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re good,¡± she hissed, pulling harder. ¡°But not good enough.¡±


    The crowd surged again.


    Insults flew like daggers.


    ¡°Filthy bitch!¡±


    ¡°Bedwarmer


    ¡°<b>Gold</b>¨Cdigging mutt


    Riley fought to stay on her feet, but Seraphina¡¯s grip was ruthless. Someone mmed <b>a </b>heel into the back of her calf¨Csharp,


    She stumbled


    Thud


    She hit the ground hard, her knees mming into the marble floor <b>with </b>a sickening <b>crunch</b>.


    Before she could catch her breath, two hands grabbed her arms and wrenched her upright <b>again</b>, forcing her into <b>a </b>kncel


    Seraphina released her hair Riley¡¯s long <b>dark </b>strands <b>fell </b>across her face in tangled <b>waves</b>, blood trickling down her lip.


    She could feel every sneer every side look piercing her <b>like </b>arrows. Her wolf whampered inside, not from <b>weakness</b>¨Cbut


    rom the weight of injustice. The need to <b>rip </b>and tear surged <b>just </b>beneath the surface.


    <b>But </b>she held back


    Seraphina stood tall towering over her eyes alight <b>with </b>vicious triumph


    m¡ªSLAP


    Her hand cracked across Riley¡¯s left cheek. The sound echoed like a whip anap through thedor


    Riley¡¯s head snapped to the side. Her check blossomed red instantly


    HPMP P


    SLAP¨Cthe other cheek <b>this </b>time,


    Riley¡¯s head reeled


    Her face burned. Her ears <b>rang</b>. Her mouth tasted of blood.


    SLAP


    SLAP


    SLAP


    Again. <b>And </b><b>again</b>.


    And again<b>. </b>


    By the fifth strike<b>, </b>Riley no longer felt the <b>pain</b><b>. </b>Only numbness.


    Her eyes stared nkly at the ground.


    D


    +B Pearls


    Her knees dug <b>into </b>the cold stone. Her hair hung like a curtain, sticky with blood and sweat. The hallway around her buzzed and blurred, voices blending <b>into </b>a cruel, faceless mob.


    And Seraphina?


    She smiled.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 129

    +8 Pearis


    <b>Andy </b>tried to push through the wall of furious she¨Cwolves, his <b>usually </b>polished appearance now in ruins¨Chis face <b>was </b>streaked with bloody scratches, his designer <b>coat </b>ripped <b>and </b>dangling from his shoulders. He fought like mad, but he was no <b>match </b>for the pack¨Cborn strength of the matriarchs surrounding Riley.


    Just three meters away, Ronan Duskcliff stood still, watching it all unfold with a chilling calm. His expression betrayed nothing, but his eyes shimmered with a storm of emotion.


    He hated seeing her like this¨Cbroken, bloodied, humiliated.


    And yet, he did nothing.


    Riley Vale was too stubborn, Too proud. Too <b>wild</b>. He¡¯d told her before¨Che didn¡¯t need a <b>Luna </b>who fought back against her fate, who wed her way through the world like a rogue. No, he wanted a docile mate. A quiet one. <b>One </b>who knew her ce.


    He was waiting. Waiting for her to look up at him and beg.


    Just say the word, Riley, he thought. Just beg. And I¡¯ll protect you.


    Their eyes locked,


    In her pain¨Czed gaze, he saw it all¨Cdisdain, betrayal, and cold, seething rity.


    And Riley saw through him too. She saw the sick expectation lurking in his eyes. The twisted pleasure of control. The silent chant behind his silence<b>: </b>


    Beg me.


    Her lip curled in a <b>blood</b><b>¨C</b>smeared sinile. Contempt gleamed in her eyes like <b>broken </b><b>ss</b>.


    Never.


    <b>Even </b>if it killed her, she¡¯d never give him that satisfaction


    Ronan¡¯s chest tightened like <b>a </b>steel trap. Shame, anger, and some twisted form of regret boiled in his veins. He took a hesitant step forward¡ªbut the coldness in Riley¡¯s eyes struck him like a p. And so, he froze.


    Meanwhile, Lady Seraphina Duskgrave was snarling like a beast <b>unchained</b>,


    ¡°You dare smile? You think this is funny, you filthy slut?¡±


    With a scream, she lunged at Riley, wing at <b>the </b>remnants of her dress.


    Two other noble she¨Cwolves joined her, ripping fabric <b>and </b><b>skin </b>with the <b>fury </b>of scorned mates. Riley¡¯s gown shredded beneath their ws, leaving welts and torn <b>skin </b>in their wake.


    ¡°Strip her!¡±


    ¡°She wants attention Let¡¯s give it to her!¡±


    The blows rained down like hail Fists Heels Nails Words.


    Slur seductress Whore.


    They dragged her across the marble floors, leaving streaks of blood behind her hump body. What remained of her gown. fluttered in tauters, exposing the bruised, <b>pale </b>skin of her back and shoulders Her dignity. Her identity. Her humanity- stripped to front of thein all


    Drag her to the ballroom Scrana shrieked ¡°Let the males see what kind of filth, she really is!¡±


    Some the wolves besitated ¡°But its Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s birthday..


    ¡°I am Dhuskgrave a daughter¨Cinw Seraphina snapped. To as I say!¡±


    ¡°Do


    24 pp.


    0


    +8 Pearls


    They grabbed Riley again, her body a ragdoll in their ws.


    Behind them. Ronan still didn¡¯t move. Scarlett clung to his arm, whispering poison into his ear.


    ¡°She brought this on herself, Brother Ronan. You can¡¯t risk our alliance with the Stormridge <b>Pack </b>over her¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond. Not really. He just stared, guilt tightening <b>like </b><b>a </b>noose. He told himself again and again.


    She deserved it. She provoked Seraphina. She refused to submit. This was her fault.


    Andy, bloodied and barely able to <b>stand</b>, suddenly screamed, ¡°Let her go, or you¡¯ll answer to Prince Lucien!¡±


    The name hit <b>the </b>air like lightning


    Everyone froze¨Cmomentarily.


    Then scoffed.


    ¡°Lucien Duskgrave!¡± Seraphina cackled<b>. </b>¡°That boy¡¯s been <b>in </b>the North for three months and already found himself a ything? I don¡¯t buy it. And even if it were true¨Che¡¯ll never choose her.¡±


    Her ws descended <b>again</b>, raking across Riley¡¯s bare shoulder-


    And that was thest straw.


    A growl ripped through the air.


    No¨Cnot a growl.


    A roar. A guttural<b>, </b>primal, chilling sound <b>that </b>echoed off the stone <b>halls </b>of the Duskgrave Estate.


    Seraphina spun <b>around</b>, but it was already toote.


    The scent of <b>ozone</b>. Of ancient power. Of winter storms.


    In <b>a </b><b>sh </b>of blinding silver¨Cwhite light, Riley¡¯s broken body contorted and shifted.


    Bones cracked


    Flesh melted.


    ws burst from bloodied fingers.


    Before anyone could scream, a massive white wolf lunged from the center of the pack.


    <b>She </b><b>was </b>huge¨Ctwice the size of a normal she¨Cwolf¨Ccoated in fur like new¨Cfallen snow, stained red from her own blood. Her eyes zed like molten moonlight, full of pain, fury, and vengeance.


    Kiley¨Cthe trueborn white wolf of the Ebonw Alpha bloodline¨Chad finally awakened.


    <b>And </b><b>she </b>was pissed.


    With a snarl <b>that </b>made even the guards <b>flinch</b>, she mped her jaws <b>around </b><b>Seraphina¡¯s </b>throat <b>and </b>threw her back ten feet The <b>Alpha¡¯s </b>mate crashed into a <b>marble </b>column with <b>a </b>sickening <b>crack</b><b>, </b><b>sliding </b>down <b>in </b>a heap.


    The ballroom exploded into screams. The nobles scattered, feels clicking, gowns <b>ring</b>, trying to flee


    Riley didn Lchase them


    She stalked toward Seraphina, blood dripping from her <b>maw </b>


    One paw. Another Each step deliberate Each breath vibrating with barely¨Ccontained <b>wrath</b>.


    The Lady of Stormridge coughed, tried to rise¨Cand the white <b>wolf </b><b>pounced</b>.


    344 PM P P-


    ws sank into her shoulders. A warning growl rumbled low and deadly <b>in </b>Riley¡¯s throat.


    Then she opened her jaws-


    Just as the door burst open.


    A cold, sharp wind swept into the corridor.


    And with it came Ford.


    Lucien¡¯s father.


    +8 Pearls:


    He stood tall in the threshold, the shadows curling around him like loyal hounds. His eyes¨Cice blue, ancient,manding- locked onto <b>the </b>scene before him.


    The white wolf.


    Seraphina bloodied beneath her.


    Dozens of nobles cowering.


    And Riley glowing like vengeance incarnate.


    ¡°Seraphina<b>, </b>what are <b>you </b>doing?!¡±

 in Vengeance 130

    Ford¡¯s voice cut through the chaos like <b>a </b>de of ice.


    It wasn¡¯t loud, but the weight behind it silenced the room.


    +8 Pearls


    Displeasureced every syble as he strode further into the grand <b>ballroom</b>. ¡°And here I thought this was supposed to be Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s birthday celebration<b>. </b>When did it turn into Lady Seraphina¡¯s personal farce?¡±


    The nobles parted for him instinctively. No one dared block the path of the Stormridge Pack¡¯s Alpha Prince. His towering figure <b>radiated </b>dominance, his piercing gaze sweeping across the crowd before <bnding </b>squarely on the disheveled, bloodied figure of Riley still crouched low in her wolf form, fangs bared, breathing heavily over the nearly unconscious Seraphina.


    A silence thicker <b>than </b>smoke filled the hall.


    Lady Seraphina, however, seemed to have lost all reason. She broke into a shrillugh, voice hoarse but triumphant. ¡°What farce? I merely caught this slut in the act! She seduced my husband¨Cdestroyed my family!¡±


    With one bloodied <b>hand</b>, she pointed directly at Riley. ¡°This is the bitch who¡¯s been climbing into Ford¡¯s bed behind my back!


    The crowd gasped, <b>some </b>eyes darting toward Ford Duskgrave, who stood a few <b>paces </b><b>away</b>, his expression <b>ashen</b><b>. </b>He <b>quickly </b>stepped forward and mped a hand over Seraphina¡¯s mouth. ¡°Have you lost your mind?!¡±


    His <b>voice </b>was low but <b>furious</b>. ¡°Today is my mother¡¯s eightieth birthday. This <b>is </b><b>a </b>noble event¨Cyou¡¯re disgracing the <b>Duskgrave </b>name!¡±


    Seraphina shoved his hand away, herposure <b>cracking </b>into wild hysteria. ¡°Disgracing it? I¡¯m the Luna of this family! <b>That </b>she¨Cwolf seduced you and ruined our marriage! Why shouldn¡¯t I <b>expose </b>her here, in front of everyone?!¡±


    Her voice echoed off the ornate walls, bouncing between the crystal chandeliers and long banquet tables.


    Eyes turned once more toward Riley, whose wolf form still trembled with rage. Her snowy fur, streaked with blood and torn silk, was a stark contrast to the velvet and gold d¨¦cor of the hall. Her ears twitched. Her lip curled.


    The <b>tension </b>was on the brink of exploding¨Cagain.


    <b>But </b>then-


    A colder <b>voice </b><b>slid </b>into the room like poison.


    ¡°When did this celebration be about you, Lady Seraphina?¡±


    The entire hall seemed to freeze in <b>ce</b>.


    Seraphina¡¯s body stiffened. Her eyes slowly turned¨Conly to find <b>Lucien </b>Duskgrave standing at the edge of the crowd, <b>the </b><b>ss </b>doors behind him still swaying from his entrance.


    The Northern Prince


    He was dressed in midnight ck, lus long coat <b>soaked </b>from the rain outside, silver embroidery catching the candlelight like steel. His jaw was sharp, expression unreadable, but his eyes¨Cthose infamous <b>silver</b>¨Cblue eyes¨Cwere glowing with thinly veiled fury


    All the heat dramed from Seraphina¡¯s face in an instant


    Earlier in her blind rage, she hadn¡¯t even considered whether Lucien would appear. She¡¯d been consumed with punishing Kiley, desperate to reim some twisted arme of control


    But now that Lucien was here, she felt as though she¡¯d walked barefoot into a blizzard.


    She stumbled to her feet, trying to smooth her bloodied gown ¡°1¨CLord Lucien of course the celebration is for the Matriarch 1-1 <b>was </b>just trying to lighten the mood.!


    +8 Pearls


    Lucien¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°By dragging a half¨Cdead she¨Cwolf through the halls and using her of adultery in front of fifty noble witnesses<b>?</b>¡±


    Seraphina¡¯s mouth opened, then closed. No sound came out.


    Lucien turned slightly, his gaze flicking to Riley. His wolf eyes softened for a fleeting second¨Cjust long enough for those who watched closely to catch it.


    ¡°She¡¯s not your threat, Lady Seraphina,¡± Lucien said, voice barely above a whisper, but with the power of amand. ¡°Your insecurity is


    That <b>struck </b>deeper <b>than </b>any p. Seraphina¡¯s face flushed red, then ghost¨Cwhite. Ford stepped forward, as if to defend her, but one look from Lucien halted him in his tracks.


    ¡°You¡¯ve humiliated the Duskgrave family,¡± Lucien continued. ¡°You disgraced my grandmother¡¯s birthday. You led others in attacking an unshifted wolf in the middle of a formal gathering.¡±


    He didn¡¯t raise his voice. He didn¡¯t need to<b>. </b>


    The crowd had gonepletely silent.


    Lucien¡¯s next worths were cold <b>and </b>final. ¡°From this moment on, you are no longer recognized as the Luna of this Pack.¡±


    Seraphina staggered back as if struck. ¡°No you can¡¯t..¡±


    Lucien¡¯s expression was carved in ice. ¡°I already <b>have</b>.¡±


    Whispers <b>broke </b>out across the room like wildfire.


    Ford looked <b>as </b>though he might protest¨Cbut Lucien turned to him too. ¡°If you still wish to stand beside her, so be it. But <b>know </b><b>this</b>: I will personally ensure she is exiled from Stormridge within the hour.¡±


    Seraphina copsed to her knees.


    Behind her, Riley finally shifted back. Her human form emerged from the glow of the transformation, skin pale, covered in wounds and bruises. Her dress was <b>in </b>tatters. Her hair was matted with blood.


    <b>And </b>yet she stood taller than any of them.


    ¨C


    Proud. Unbroken.


    Her eyes met Lucien¡¯s. She gave him a single nod¨Cone that said everything and nothing<b>. </b>


    Lucien crossed the room and draped a cloak over her shoulders, his <b>hand </b>lingering protectively on her <b>back</b>.


    -She <b>under </b>Stormridge protection now,¡± he said, facing the crowd. ¡°Touch her <b>again</b>, and you answer to me.¡±


    Silence.


    Kiley Vale, once the forgotten daughter of the <b>Ebonw </b>Pack, now stood surrounded by royalty. <b>Beaten </b>but not <b>bowed</b>.


    And the first crack in the Duskgrave empire had just been made.

 in Vengeance 131

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    The moment I stepped into the grand hall, the scent of blood hit me like a thunderp.


    Not just any blood¨Cno,


    +8 Pearls


    This was the kind of blood <b>that </b>reeked of <b>humiliation </b>and <b>pain</b>, the kind that came from a she¨Cwolf being torn <b>apart</b>, not just physically, but soul¨Cdeep.


    My wolf snapped awake, howling inside me. My instincts surged like wildfire as I strode toward the center of the chaos.


    Several <b>high</b><b>¨C</b>ranking noblewomen <b>were </b>standing there, pale and jittery. One of them offered me a nervous smile.


    <b>¡°</b>Alpha Lucien we were just ying around. It was just a harmless¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just a <b>joke</b>,¡± another chimed in weakly.


    I didn¡¯t <b>spare </b>them a nce. My eyes locked onto the battered body crumpled on the cold marble <b>floor</b>.


    Riley


    Her dress <b>was </b>in shreds, her pale skin marked with bruises and w scratches, blood matting her hair, face swollen beyond recognition¨Cand yet, I knew her.


    No matter what they did to her, I would always recognize her.


    My white <b>wolf</b>.


    My <b>heart </b>clenched, rage flooding every inch of my body.


    Without hesitation, I shrugged off my custom¨Ctailored coat <b>and </b>knelt beside her. As gently as I could, I draped it over her trembling, blood¨Csoaked body.


    <b>Gasps </b>rippled <b>through </b>the <b>room </b>behind me.


    They¡¯d never seen me like this.


    Lucien Duskgrave¨Ccold, controlled, untouchable¨Ccradling a woman soaked in filth and blood like she was the most precious thing in the world.


    Because she was.


    I scooped her into my arms. Gods, she was light. Too light. Like all the strength had been drained from her bones.


    Then, she stirred.


    blood


    Hershes fluttered, blood sticking them together, and she cracked open her eyes to look at me. Her lips curved into a fragile smile


    ¡°Alpha.¡± Her voice was barely audible. ¡°<b>You </b><b>came </b>for me.


    That smile¨Cgods, that smile¨Cstabbed through my chest like an iron de.


    My <b>throat </b>burned. I swallowed hard and whispered, ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m here.¡±


    I could feel every <b>shiver </b>of her broken body through my shirt. Her shoulder des were so <b>sharp </b>they felt like knives under her skin. My hold on her tightened instinctively.


    Then, I looked up


    And the room went silent


    +8 Pearls


    I <b>didn¡¯t </b><b>need </b>to raise my voice: One look was enough to silence even the most arrogant nobles. My fury bled into the air <b>like </b><b>a </b>storm cloud thick with lightning.


    My gaze <bnded </b>on <b>Lady </b><b>Seraphina</b>¨Cthe woman who once tried to manipte her way into my <b>pack </b>and my lineage.


    She froze under my stare. Her eyes widened with recognition, then horror. She <b>knew</b>.


    She had gone too <b>far</b>..


    ¡°Seal the hall,¡± I said, my voice icy and <b>calm</b>. ¡°No one leaves until 1


    I turned to the pack enforcers standing at the edges. ¡°Anyone whoid a hand on my girl better pray their limbs are worth enough to cover her pain.¡±


    My Beta. Duke, was already rying the order through hisms.


    <b>And </b>that¡¯s when Seraphina broke.


    She let out a shrill scream and rushed at ine like a cornered beast. ¡°Lucien, please! She seduced your father! I only did <b>this </b>to protect the honor of¡ª¡±


    ¡°Seduce?¡± Lechoed with a cold, bitterugh.


    I turned and walked toward her, step by step, forcing her to retreat until she mmed into the banquet table behind her.


    ¡°Looks like Lady <b>Seraphina </b>needs a refresher,¡± I said, ¡°on how to tell the difference between truth and lies.¡±


    I leaned in close, letting my words <b>fall </b>like des


    ¡°Just like thest time¡­ when I had to remind <b>you </b>of the difference between a <b>miscarriage </b>and a surgically removed womb.¡±


    She gasped, stumbling as her hands gripped the tablecloth. Her manicured <b>nails </b>tore deep grooves into the velvet, and her scent was drowned in fear.


    I didn¡¯t spare her another nce. I turned back to Riley, still cradled in my arms, and walked toward the side exit.


    The ck marble beneath my feet was now streaked with blood¨Cher blood¨Cand each step I took felt like it etched <b>itself </b>into my bones<b>. </b>


    As I approached the head of the table, my <b>grandmother</b>, Matriarch Duskgrave, rose from her seat, her face stormy with pain and fury


    ¡°<b>Grandmother</b>,¡± I said quietly, ¡°May I borrow your ceremonial cloak?¡±


    Without <b>hesitation</b>, she unsped the heavy embroidered <b>cloak </b>from her shoulders and held it out to me. Her voice trembled with anger as she said, ¡°Take it. And Lucien¡­ make sure no one who <b>harmed </b>our girl <b>walks </b>out of here untouched.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± | promised.


    I draped the cloak around Riley, covering herpletely. The rich crimson <b>fabric </b>with golden embroidery wrapped her like


    second skin Only a sliver of her pale <b>ankle </b>showed¨Cwhite as <b>snow </b>against bloodstamed <b>silk</b>.


    Sdence fell again. <b>No </b>one dared <b>move </b>


    I turned and walked out the <b>grand </b>hall¡¯s double <b>doors</b>. The final glint of chandelier light caught on Seraphina¡¯s twisted face


    betour the doors <b>shut </b>bnd me


    She stood there shaking, lips moving wordlessly, until she finally turned to her husband.


    1 Turin¡¯s wrong¡± she stanumered, voire shaking ¡°That woman she¡¯s your mistress, isn¡¯t she? That white wolf you¡¯ve been <b>hiding </b>shar <b>your </b>whore?¡±


    Because the truth had already burned its way into every wall of that cursed hall


    And now. vengeance would follow


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 132

    +8 Pearls


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Ford¡¯s expression darkened <b>instantly</b>, his brows furrowing in displeasure. ¡°What nonsense are you spewing now?¡±


    Lady Seraphina Duskgrave snapped like a beast cornered, screaming in his face, ¡°Nonsense? I saw the pictures your mother sent you! It was that bitch Riley! You <b>even </b>said that as long as she was satisfied, you had no objections!¡±


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know? <b>Your </b>family just wants to rece me because I can¡¯t give you <b>an </b>heir! You¡¯re all so desperate to <b>find </b>someone young <b>and </b>fertile¨Clike I¡¯m the one to me!¡±


    ¡°Is it my fault I can¡¯t-


    BANGI


    A thunderous p of a cane on wood silenced her. The sound echoed through the ballroom like a whip crack. Matriarch Duskgrave stood <b>at </b>the head of the long table, her face pale with fury, her aged hand trembling around her cane.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± she thundered. ¡°I sent those pictures to Ford so he¡¯d recognize his future daughter¨Cinw!


    The words crashed <b>into </b>the ballroom like a bolt of lightning.


    Lady Seraphina¡¯s smug expression froze mid¨Csentence.


    Gasps erupted across the room.


    The socialites who <b>had </b>helped Seraphina strip Riley and beat her now stood petrified, color draining from their faces. The realization hit like a guillotine: <b>they </b>hadn¡¯t assaulted some lowborn rogue¡­ they hadid their hands <b>on </b>the mate of the Stormridge <b>Alpha </b>Prince.


    Dead silence fell.


    Because everyone <b>in </b><b>Northhaven </b>knew what Lucien Duskgrave was capable of.


    And they especially knew <b>what </b>happened to anyone who dared hurt what was his.


    The phrase Lucien had uttered earlier-¡°Think carefully about whether your body parts are worth more <b>than </b>the pain <b>she </b>endured¡°<b>-now </b>became <b>crystal </b>clear.


    Those women, who had moments ago gleefully <bughed </b>and wed at Riley, now trembled like autumn leaves <b>in </b>a blizzard


    <b>Some </b>fell to <b>their </b>knees in panic, crawling <b>toward </b><b>Matriarch </b>Duskgrave in a desperate bid for mercy.


    ¡°Matriarch, we didn¡¯t know please, it was all a misunderstanding.


    ¡°Forgive us, please!¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave didn¡¯t even <b>nce </b>their way.


    ¡°You daredy a hand on the girl I¡¯ve already <b>acknowledged</b>? Hurt her until her bones were nearly broken¨Cand now want to leave?¡± she sneered Do you think this is a tavern <b>brawl </b>you can slink <b>away </b>from?¡±


    Their husbands¨Cpowerful Beta heirs, merchants, councilmen¨Clud already rushed forward upon hearing the full truth Kage twisted their faces as they stared at their wives in dishclief and fury


    ¡°Youid hands on her?¡± one of the men growled, pping his mate across the face. ¡°You stupid fool, do you know w you se douet


    In an instant chas exploded The menshed out at the <b>women </b>who had shamed their names and dragged their families anto doo Screams echoed through the ballroom¨Cnot of Kiley <b>this </b>time but of the very women who had Laughed while kicking her


    But


    <b>Ban </b>the real terror still lingered in the air¨Cthick and suffocating¨Cas they all waited for Lucien <b>Duskgrave </b>to return.


    PMP P.


    He hadn¡¯t spoken of punishment yet.


    But that silence was worse.


    +8 Pearls


    Lady <b>Seraphina </b>sat frozen on the floor, her nails digging into her arms, eyes wild with fear. Images of Lucien¡¯s ruthlessness over the years yed through her mind like a nightmare reel.


    She remembered the stories.


    Of how he¡¯d handled rogues who chim of how, at only five years <b>old</b>, he¡¯d pushed her down the marble staircase after


    she¡¯d caused his mother¡¯s death. How he¡¯d ordered doctors to take her womb¨Chow he¡¯d ensured she¡¯d never bear a child <b>again </b>


    He was <b>no </b>longer <b>the </b>boy she could lie to.


    He had be a monster draped in civility, <b>and </b>that monster wasing back.


    Ford watched Seraphina trembling, her body like a wind¨Cstruck leaf. A sliver of pity stirred in him. No matter how wrong she¡¯d been, she was still his wife. And Riley <b>was </b>just a girl. A younger generation. Surely this didn¡¯t need to be a blood feud


    He sighed heavily, stepped up to Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s side, and attempted a softer tone.


    ¡°Mother, today¡¯s your eightieth birthday. Let¡¯s not escte this. Lucien <b>has </b>always been impulsive. Maybe we should all just¡­ calm down.¡±


    But Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s response was anything but calm.


    She turned with fire in her ancient eyes and mmed her cane hard against Ford¡¯s thigh.


    THUD


    He staggered slightly, stunned.


    ¡°You still <b>have </b>the gall to speak up for her?¡± she hissed. ¡°If <b>it </b>weren¡¯t for <b>you </b>bringing that <b>trash </b>into this family, do you <b>think </b>Riley would have suffered like this?¡±


    ¡°My <b>granddaughter</b>¨Cinw¨Cwhom I handpicked¨Cwas humiliated, stripped, nearly killed at my own birthday banquet, <b>and </b>you <b>ask </b>me <b>to </b>stay <b>calm</b><b>?!</b>¡±


    Ford clenched his jaw, the sting of <b>humiliation </b>sharper <b>than </b>her cane. He nced around at the <b>crowd </b><b>and </b>then, <b>in </b>an effort to preserve some dignity, marched to the grand doors of the ballroom and tried to force them open.


    They <b>didn¡¯t </b>budge.


    ¡°Duke,¡± he called <b>out </b>sternly, voiceced with authority. ¡°Open this door. Now.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s assistant remained calmly near the <b>control </b><b>panel</b>, <b>still </b><b>smiling </b>


    ¡°If the Chairman doesn¡¯t want Alpha Lucien furious. I <b>suggest </b>he <b>remains </b><b>right </b>where he is.¡±


    Ford¡¯s tone sharpened ¡°I can <b>have </b>you dismissed in five seconds


    Duke nodded. ¡°I believe <b>you</b><b>. </b>But for now I serve someone else.¡±


    Ford¡¯s fare turned an angry shade of red, fists clenched, but there was <b>nothing </b>more he could do


    The others watched in hormar as even the Chairman was being openly denied.


    Fear spread like wildfire


    Lady Seraphina crumpled to the floor, her designer dress ruined her mind <b>broken</b>.


    The other sociales, now ck and <b>blue </b>from their husbands fury whimpered and <b>prayed </b>Lucien might take pity


    <b>But </b>none dared speak again.


    +8 Pearls


    The air inside the grand ballroom had turned to ice, thick with dread. And everyone understood the same terrifying truth:


    Lucien Duskgrave wasn¡¯t done yet.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 133

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    As soon as Riley stepped into the bathroom. I turned toward my men without missing a beat


    <b>¡°</b>Clothes. Salve. Surveince, I ordered. ¡°Last two hours. Every hallway. Every private room.¡±


    They didn¡¯t need rification.


    When a Duskgrave speaks, especially the Alpha Prince of Stormridge, you move.


    +8 Pearls


    Within minutes, everything was delivered to the suite¨Csoft robes spun from moonweave <b>silk</b>, formted for sensitive wolf skin. A case of high¨Cgrade healing salves,ced with wolfsbane extract for <b>inmmation </b>and rapid recovery. And a tablet with the hotel¡¯s surveince footage already queued.


    I dismissed the rest.


    I needed to see it with


    <b>my </b>own eyes.


    and the first flicker of movement sent a slow burn through my chest.


    As <b>I </b>sat, the screen lit up,


    Scarlett


    Snarling like a feral pup, dragging Riley by her hair, expression twisted with malice.


    And Ronan Duskcliff¨Cgutless little <b>coward</b>¨Cjust watching. Not just watching. Shoving her. Locking her in. Feeding her to the pack like prey.


    The next frame hit harder than any punch. Scarlett, ripping apart the ceremonial embroidery from Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s <b>hand</b>. The very crest meant to be gifted before the Elders¡® Council. A direct insult to our bloodline.


    Then came the worst p


    part<b>. </b>


    Seraphina and her clique of overdressed vultures descending on Riley like she was meat left in the woods. Blows, ws, fury. And Riley¨Cgods, she didn¡¯t even fight back at first.


    The rage coiled in my chest, silent <b>and </b>lethal. I felt my fangs begin to press <b>against </b>my <b>gums</b>. My grip on the tablet turned. nay knuckles bloodless.


    Then I saw it


    Ronan¡¯s face¨Csplit lip, blood dripping.


    Good girl. I thought, pride and fury mixing like wildfire in my veins. She¡¯d gotten one hit in. Just one. But I could smell it the shift in her. She wasn¡¯t going to be anyone¡¯s chew toy ever <b>again</b><b>. </b>


    I was about to rewind, to memorize every face <b>that </b><b>would </b><b>pay</b>, when the soft click of the <b>bathroom </b>door pulled <b>my </b>attention


    I looked up¨Cand <b>stilled</b>.


    Riley


    Wrapped in white, her <b>robe </b>clinging to her damp skin. Her hair, <b>dark </b><b>and </b>still wet, framed her face like <b>ink </b>against


    parchment. Her eyes, gods above¨Cthose <b>eyes </b>Tired, <b>wary</b>, but unbroken. <b>Long </bshes <b>still </b><b>kissed </b>with water droplets. Her lips, toured Slightly swollen


    My wall growled low inside me


    The thought alone made my vision tint with red


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°Come here,¡± I said. My voice was quieter than I intended, but it came out rough,manding. There was no room for refusal


    She obeyed.


    Not out of fear, but instinct. The way a true she¨Cwolf responds to a tether she doesn¡¯t fully understand yet.


    She sat on the edge of the bed, fingers gripping the hem of her robe like it might shield her from the world.


    Lapproached with the salve and <b>a </b>sterile pad. Dipped it. Reached for her face¨Cand froze.


    Her scent.


    It wasn¡¯t just soap or oil or steam.


    It was her.


    Moonlight and moss, pine needles after rain. A scent touched by the gods, meant to haunt. It wrapped around me, quiet <b>and </b>constant, and for a moment, I just breathed it in.


    -Lucien?¡± she whispered. Fragile, unsure.


    I looked at her, the bruise blooming across her cheekbone.


    ¡°It¡¯ll sting.¡± I warned, voice like gravel scraping stone. ¡°Brace yourself.¡±


    I bent close. Closer than I needed to. I wanted her to feel my breath. My presence. I wanted the scent of me to wrap around her too.


    The moment the salve met her skin, she flinched. Just <b>a </b>little. She didn¡¯t pull back.


    I watched hershes tremble. Her breath catch. The way she clutched her robe like it was <b>a </b>shield and I was the storm.


    She didn¡¯t know it yet¨Cbut I was the <b>storm</b><b>. </b>


    And she was the only one I would ever protect from it


    ¡°Did <b>that </b>hurt?¡± <b>I </b>asked, my voice brushing her throat.


    ¡°N¨C<b>no</b>,¡± she said, eyes darting away. ¡°It¡¯s <b>okay</b>.¡±


    I murmured, ¡°I¡¯ll be gentle.¡±


    I treated each bruise like it <b>was </b>a wound carved into my own flesh.


    When I finished with her face, I didn¡¯t stop.


    I took <b>a </b>towel. gently pressing it to her hair. Then I pulled out the dryer¨CAlpha Prince or not¨Cand began drying it myself. My ws retracted as I ran my fingers through her damp strands, careful not to pull or rush.


    She didn¡¯t flinch


    Didn¡¯t protest


    She just ut there, eyes closed, as if trying to memorize the feel of peace.


    Sled never had this. That much was obvious. <b>No </b>one had ever treated her like she was so


    And under my protection, no wolf would ever touch her again.


    I wrapped a nket around her shoulders once her hair was dry and <b>took </b><b>a </b>seat beside her.


    345 PM PP


    She turned her face toward me<b>, </b><b>voice </b>like wind through ash leaves. ¡°Thank you¡­ <b>Alpha </b>Lucien.¡±


    It hit me harder than I expected.


    She hadn¡¯t said it like a title.


    She¡¯d <b>said </b>it like a vow


    +8 Pearls


    I looked at her¡ªnot just as a victim or a survivor¨Cbut as mine. Not in <b>chains</b>. Not in possession. But mine in purpose.


    She would not walk <b>this </b>road alone <b>anymore</b>.


    She was pack.


    She was Stormridge.


    And anyone who <bid </b>a w on her would feel the full weight of a Duskgrave¡¯s wrath.


    Ronan. Scarlett. Lee. Every smug <b>face </b>on that screen. They thought this night would end like the others.


    But it wouldn¡¯t.


    Not with me here.


    Not with Riley under my protection.


    This was no longer about justice.


    It was about retribution.


    And I¡¯d burn the world to give it to her.


    Send Gifts


    294


    A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge

 in Vengeance 134

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    I wasn¡¯t fully <b>awake </b>when Lucien helped me to my feet. My limbs still ached, bruises nestled deep in my muscles like <b>ghosts </b>refusing to fade. His low voice-¡°Sleep¡°-still echoed in my <b>mind</b>, soft as mist, heavy <b>as </b>amand. I remembered the <b>way </b>his fingers lingered on my temple, the weight of the nket he¡¯d wrapped around me. In those moments, I felt less like prey. more like something sacred.


    But the moment we stood outside the banquet hall, <b>and </b>the heavy <b>double </b>doors opened again, the spell shattered.


    <b>Lucien </b>stood beside me like a shadow at my back¨Csolid, silent, eternal. He didn¡¯t say a word, didn¡¯t need to. His presence. alone pulled the room¡¯s attention like gravity. But this silence wasn¡¯t protection. It was permission.


    It <b>was </b>my turn now.


    The sound of our entrance echoed like a warning bell across the marbled floor.


    And then the whispers began.


    Gasps. A few stifled cries. I heard a crystal ss shatter to the ground.


    Every head turned.


    They had expected me to be gone. Destroyed. Disgraced. They <b>had </b><b>assumed </b>Ronan had <b>taken </b>what he <b>wanted</b>. That I <b>had </b>crawled away afterward like some wounded Omega with nothing left but shame.


    But I was here.


    <b>And </b>I <b>wasn¡¯t </b>the same girl they remembered.


    I wore the pale blue moonweave gown Mairiarch Duskgrave had given me with her own hands. The dress floated around my frame like starlight spun into silk, long enough to cover the bruises that still <b>marked </b>my <b>skin</b>, but cut just high enough to remind them I <b>had </b>nothing to hide.


    My hair was freshly dried, my <b>face </b>calm, <b>eyes </b><b>clear</b>. They <b>couldn¡¯t </b>see the wounds beneath¨Cbut I knew they felt them. I carried them like a <b>second </b>skin, like armor. <b>And </b>with every step I <b>took</b>, the fear in their eyes deepened.


    1


    They <b>didn¡¯t </b>see Riley, the forgotten daughter of the Ebonw Pack, raised in the mud <b>and </b>blood of rogue camps.


    They saw something else.


    A storm. A reckoning


    Their <b>past </b>sins, <b>wrapped </b><b>in </b>flesh and <b>walking </b>toward them <b>with </b><b>unshakable </b>purpose.


    I heard the whispers swell, rising like a tide


    ¡°Is dit her?


    shar¡¯s supposed to be in the infirmary-


    ¡°Gods she looks like the Matnarch ¡±


    Tharrys flicked between me and the man at my side. I ucien¨Ctaller than any male in the room, dressed us all ck, his


    ession carved in stone. He didn¡¯t speak He didn¡¯t re But his silence dared anyone to look too long, to breathe the wrong way to question why he stood beside me.


    They were afraid


    Good


    feri


    Letter the clull of knowing they¡¯d chosen the wrong side


    swept the room like a de.


    My gaze sa


    It found Scarlett instantly,


    +8 Pearls


    She was still in her party dress, though the hem had bunched awkwardly from all her <b>pacing</b>. Her heels clicked nervously. against the floor as she turned<b>, </b>eyes wide, mouth slightly open. Her curls were no longer pristine¨Cshe¡¯d run her hands through them too many times. Her mascara had smudged beneath her lowershes, and her usual <b>mask </b>of arrogance was cracked.


    For a moment, she froze.


    Then¨Ctoote¨Cshe tried topose herself, straightening her spine, tilting her chin, as if nothing had changed.


    <b>But </b>everything <b>had</b>.


    Lucien¡¯s voice broke the air like a de.


    ¡°Miss Scarlett¡¯s hair looks a little messy.¡±


    His words were cool, precise, almost idle.


    But in this room? It was the drop of blood in the water.


    My <b>lips </b>curved¨Cnot <b>in </b>cruelty, but something colder.


    I lifted <b>a </b>single finger and pointed toward her.


    <b>Shave </b>it off¡±


    I didn¡¯t shoul


    I didn¡¯t need to.


    In the silence <b>that </b>followed, my voice hit harder than a war drum.


    Scarlett flinched like I¡¯d <b>struck </b>her. ¡°No! You can¡¯t-¡± she cried, but she barely got the words out before the <b>guards </b>moved.


    Two of Lucien¡¯s pack warriors¨Cstorm¨C<b>ck </b>armor, faces emotionless¨Cstepped forward. Scarlett tried to <b>back </b>away. She clutched at a nearby chair, but they pulled her forward with effortless strength.


    She screamed


    They forced her to her knees at <b>my </b>feet,


    I took my time <b>walking </b>toward her, each step <b>slow </b>and steady, the room splitting <b>open </b>like water before <b>me</b><b>. </b>


    <b>She </b>looked up at me, her lower lip trembling. Her voice <b>was </b>soft, pathetic: ¡°Sister why? Why would you <b>have </b><b>Alpha </b>Lucien


    I smiled, just slightly.


    ¡°<b>You </b>still think this is his <bmand</b>?¡± I asked ¡°<b>No</b>, Scarlett. This is me. My voice. My choice.¡±


    Shock flickered in her eyes.


    <b>And </b>I <b>in </b>that <b>moment</b>, <b>she </b><b>finally </b>saw it <b>the </b>girl she thought she could <b>ruin </b>was gone. This was someone che now


    ¡°You tore the embroidery my mother left me. You dragged me into a room with Ronan Duskchft. You stood there while they


    cat me <b>and </b><b>you </b>smiled¡±


    1 took another step


    ¡°You wanted me broken. But you forgot something I leaned forward just enough for her to feel my breath.


    I¡¯m not yours to barrak.


    345PM P. P.


    +8 Pearls


    I turned to face the room¨Cthe women <b>who </b>had cheered Scarlett on, who had mocked me, struck me, spat on my name.


    To those of you who raised a hand <b>against </b>me¨Cyour turn ising.¡±


    They lowered their heads, each one pale and trembling-


    Scarlett wasn¡¯t done.


    Still clinging to thest tool in her <b>arsenal</b>¨Ctears¨Cshe turned toward Lucien.


    ¡°Alpha¡­ I didn¡¯t mean it. She¡¯s overreacting, she¡¯s confused. I didn¡¯t-


    Lucien didn¡¯t even uncross his arms.


    ¡°You¡¯re beneath <b>her </b><b>now</b>,¡± he <b>said</b>, voice like frost <b>cracking </b>stone. ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath.¡±


    The guards moved.


    Scarlett screamed.


    I didn¡¯t look away. Not this time.


    Because this wasn¡¯t vengeance.


    This <b>was </b>bnce<b>. </b>


    And as I turned toward the Matriarch¡¯s empty seat, her final words echoed in


    ¡°Anyone who hurts my granddaughter¡­ will pay.¡±


    And they would..


    Tonight, it begins.


    1 am Riley Vale.


    Blood of Ebonw.


    <b>my </b>


    mind:


    And I take back <b>everything </b>you stole from me¨Cpiece by piece, name by name.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 135

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    sas


    The moment the de touched Scarlett¡¯s scalp, I <b>saw </b>her whole body jolt like she¡¯d been struck by lightning. It <b>was </b><b>as </b>if the cold steel <b>wasn¡¯t </b>just shaving away her precious hair¨Cit was <b>scraping </b><b>straight </b><b>down </b>into her soul.


    ¡°Please! No! Don¡¯t-!¡± she screamed, thrashing in pure desperation.


    Her cries echoed off the stone walls of the <b>grand </b>banquet hall, sharp and raw like a wounded <b>animal</b>. The sound might¡¯ve made others <b>flinch</b>, but I stood firm, unmoved. I had been silent too long. Too many days, too many years. And tonight, I <b>wasn¡¯t going </b>to <b>look </b><b>away</b><b>. </b>


    One lock at a time, her long, glossy ck hair fell to the floor¨Cthose perfect strands she used to toss with pride every time she humiliated me. She treated them like a crown, a symbol of her status <b>and </b>superiority. But now, scattered at her feet, they looked more like the ashes of a fallen empire.


    Scarlett writhed and fought against the guards holding her, but their grips were iron¨Cd. Her wild movements earned her a <b>nasty </b>scrape on the scalp, <b>and </b>blood trickled down the side of her face. It trailed over her pale skin in a crimson are, as if <b>Imarking </b>her defeat for all to see.


    Her scream¨Chigh¨Cpitched and broken¨Csplit through the air. But I didn¡¯t flinch. I didn¡¯t blink. I didn¡¯t feel sorry. Not for a single second.


    This was justice.


    The room <b>had </b>gone deathly still. Those who onceughed at my humiliation now looked like ghosts, pale and shaking Especially the women who had struck me alongside her. They stood frozen, unable to look <b>away </b>from the brutal scene, terror etched deep into every <b>line </b>of their faces.


    Scarlett¡¯s beauty was her power. And I had just taken it from her with a single nod.


    I didn¡¯t enjoy cruelty for cruclty¡¯s sake¨Cbut in this <b>world</b>, <b>wolves </b>only understood power. <b>And </b>if I didn¡¯t make an example of her now, they¡¯d do it to me again.


    Across the room, I saw Lady Lee¨Conce smug, now hollow¨Ccopse to the floor. Her legs <b>gave </b>out beneath her, eyes wide and vacant like her soul had fled the room. It probably had.


    Then, chaos erupted.


    Ronan Duskcliff¨CScarlett¡¯s supposed ¡°protector¡°-charged through the crowd like a rogue without a leash.


    ¡°Stop Stop it now!¡± he roared, eyes wild.


    He only made it halfway before <b>Duke </b>mmed a foot into his chest, sending him flying backward. He crashed to the floor with <b>a </b>thud that <b>made </b>the chandeliers rattle.


    In a blink, two of Lucien¡¯s men had him pinned <b>down</b>, <b>face </b>to the cold marble. He shouted and <b>thrashed </b>like a <b>madman</b><b>. </b>


    Lucien Dusk grave, <b>how </b><b>dare </b>you treat Scarlett like this! I <b>won¡¯t </b>forget this!¡± he bellowed, rage clouding every word.


    Lucien didn¡¯t even nce hin way.


    I did


    And <b>when </b>he realized his words hadn¡¯t rattled Lucien, he turned them on me.


    ¡°Kiley Stryer sister Your own blood! How can you just stand there and let them do this to her? What kind of person are


    your


    looking


    Iced my head slightly, husking down at him with a calmness that <b>must¡¯ve </b>driven <b>him </b>insane. ¡°It¡¯s been over a month, hasn¡¯t


    I said wuttly ¡°Your stress <b>the </b>stundld be able to speak by now Did she <b>not </b>tell you who hurt her! Or did you never


    +B Pearls


    His eyes went nk.


    The truth hit him harder than any punch ever could.


    He had <b>exiled </b>his own sister, shipped her off to another country¨Cjust so he wouldn¡¯t <b>have </b>to hear the truth. Just so he could keep believing <b>that </b><b>what </b>he did to me <b>was </b>justified.


    Coward


    ¡°You don¡¯t <b>want </b>answers, Ronan. You wantfort,¡± I whispered. ¡°But you don¡¯t deserve it.¡±


    He snapped again. ¡°I once considered making you my fianc¨¦e. A union between Ebonw and ckmaw was meant to be How foolish of me to ever think you were the <b>one </b>I¡¯d choose!, Riley! And you¨Cyou¡¯re unting yourself with another mant like some shameless whore!¡±


    I almost <bughed</b>. ¡°Fiance?¡± I echoed. ¡°Is that what you call yourself now?¡±


    His <b>words </b>couldn¡¯t touch me anymore. I looked at him and saw nothing. Not even hatred<b>. </b>Just a pathetic, powerless man who thought he could shame me back into submission.


    You want me to stop?¡± I asked coldly. ¡°You want me to protect her? After what she did to me?¡±


    His expression <b>twisted </b>in disbelief, but I didn¡¯t wait for a reply.


    Lucien¡¯s


    ¡®s voice broke the <b>tension</b>. ¡°Too loud.¡±


    Duke didn¡¯t hesitate. He ripped off one of his socks and shoved it into Ronan¡¯s mouth without so <b>much </b><b>as </b>a blink.


    The sight was almostical¨C<b>this </b>once¨Cproud heir gagging on the <b>stench </b>of his own desperation, restrained like the beast. he truly was.


    He gurgled <b>and </b>thrashed, but the guards held him down like he weighed nothing. He couldn¡¯t spit it out. Couldn¡¯t scream. All he could do was watch¨Cwatch as Scarlett¡¯s hair was stripped away strand by strand.


    She copsed when it was done, nothing left in her expression but hollow <b>shame</b>. Blood dried on her scalp, and the air <b>grew </b>colder


    And then, silence.


    I turned my gaze slowly toward the four <b>wealthy </b>women who¡¯d helped Seraphina beat me. They <b>shrank </b>back, huddled bnd their mates like cubs behind a den wall. I could smell the fear pouring off them.


    One of them stammered forward, her voice cracking, ¡°Alpha <b>Duskgrave</b>¨Cwe didn¡¯t <b>know </b>she was your woman. If we <b>had </b>known, we never would¡¯ve-


    I stepped forward before she could <b>finish</b>. ¡°So if I weren¡¯t his, it would¡¯ve been okay?¡± My <b>voice </b>was <b>calm</b>. <b>Even</b>. <b>But </b><b>each </b>word sliced like a w


    She flinched, ryes wide, ¡°N¨Cno, I mean.. we just¡ª¡±


    ¡°You think <b>rank </b>makes abuse eptable!¡± I <b>said</b>. ¡°You think I was less deserving of respect because I had no pack? No title?


    They had nothing to say


    And that was the worst part. Because it was true.


    They wouldn¡¯t have cared if Lucien hadn¡¯t imed me It Matriarch Duskgrave hadn¡¯t wrapped me in that ceremonial cloak In their eyes power was the <b>only </b>shield worth recognizing.


    I wasn¡¯t fading any mor I was weak. And tonight, <b>the </b>Stormndge Pack learned what happened when you strike a white wolf and leave her breathing


    <b>You don¡¯t </b>get lorgiveness

 in Vengeance 136

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°1¨Cit was just a misunderstanding!¡± one of the women stammered, her face stiff <b>with </b>a fake smile. ¡°We heard she seduced Alpha Lucien and acted in the heat of the moment. It wasn¡¯t personal! We meant no <b>real </b>harm¨Csurely you <b>can </b>forgive that


    <b>Another </b>immediately chimed in, nodding fervently. ¡°Yes, yes, exactly. We were misled. Please, Miss Vale, we didn¡¯t <b>know </b>who


    you were¡­


    Their mates¨Cthose smug highborn Alphas who <b>had </b>stood by <b>as </b>I was dragged and beaten¨Cnow stepped forward with practiced ease, their faces full of hollow remorse.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien,¡± one said with forced humility, ¡°we¡¯ve already scolded them. They understand they were wrong.¡±


    Lucien didn¡¯t respond.


    So I did.


    I took <b>a </b>single step forward. The echo of my heels on the <b>marble </b>silenced them faster <b>than </b>a roar ever could.


    ¡°Scolded¡°¡± I repeated, my voice low, measured. ¡°That¡¯s your idea of justice? They shredded my robe. Left me bloodied and <b>exposed </b>in front of a pack of strangers. And you think a few hollow apologies will erase that?¡±


    The women paled.


    Their husbands faltered, unsure whether to beg or bargain.


    Lucien stayed silent beside me, a looming shadow of power¡ªbut he didn¡¯t interfere. Because he knew. This was mine.


    ¡°You should have thought of consequences,¡± I continued, gaze like a de, ¡°before you raised your hands against <b>an </b>Alpha¡¯s daughter. Before youughed while I bled.¡±


    The first woman¡¯s face crumpled. ¡°Please, Miss Vale¨C<b>have </b>mercy. We know we were wrong!¡±


    I tited my head, letting the silence stretch. Letting their fear ferment.


    ¡°<b>You </b>all seem so sorry now,¡± I mused. ¡°But I¡¯m a believer <b>in </b>bnce.¡±


    They looked hopeful for a heartbeat.


    Then I spoke again.


    ¡°<b>You </b>like using your hands so much? Then you¡¯ll pay <b>with </b>one finger each. Ship them, too¨Clet the rest of the world see <b>what </b>happens when wolves attack their own.¡±


    Screams erupted instantly.


    The women clutched their husbands in terror. <b>The </b>men began <b>shouting</b>, begging, stumbling over <b>one </b>another to shield their wives from the guards who stepped forward at my <bmand </b>


    ¡°No¨Cplease! That¡¯s too much¡°¡±


    -Star didn¡¯t


    ¡°We¡¯ll pay any fine! Just not <b>that </b>


    But I was done with tes


    I was done with weak men and their excuses


    Chor of the husbands dropped to lus kuces before Lucien¨CAlpha of Stormridge judge at war councils, and now, my silent


    endurer


    J45 PM p p


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°<b>Alpha </b>Lucien, please, this punishment is too cruel! My wife <b>was </b>ignorant. I¡¯ll offerpensationnd, silver, <b>whatever </b>you


    Lucien arched an eyebrow. He hadn¡¯t moved. Hadn¡¯t even unsheathed a w.


    But his voice, when it came, was ice:


    ¡°You said anything?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± <b>the </b>man gasped. ¡°Anything¡±


    A pause.


    ¡°Even bankruptcy?¡± Lucien asked.


    Dead silence.


    Every breath in the banquet hall vanished.


    Even the chandeliers seemed to dim.


    The man froze, as if struck by lightning. The light in his eyes died a <b>slow</b>, sputtering death.


    Wives could be reced.


    But an Alpha¡¯s empire? That was irreceable.


    I saw the moment greed triumphed over love. The <b>subtle </b>clench of his jaw. The way <b>his </b>hand slipped from his wife¡¯s.


    I gave a sharp nod. ¡°Do it.¡±


    The guards surged forward. The women screamed, struggled, cried. Tears streaked their powdered faces, leaving <b>trails </b>of ruined vanity behind


    They were dragged to the side of the ball and forced to kneel beside a long, polished table.


    1 followed.


    One of the guards held down a trembling arm. Another ced a de¨Csilver¨Cted, ceremonial<b>, </b>glinting cruelly under the lights <b>onto </b>the polished wood beside it.


    1 picked it up.


    It wasn¡¯t Lucien¡¯s hand that reached for justice.


    It was mine.


    I walked <b>toward </b>the first man, the one who had groveled <b>seconds </b>before, his eyes wide, sweat beading at his <b>temple </b>Toller


    hum the de


    He stared at me as though I were a ghost..


    ¡°Discipline your mate¡± I said coldly. ¡°This <b>time</b>, you¡¯ll take <b>responsibility</b>¡±


    He reached for the knife with a trembling hand, but pulled back at the <bst </b>second, too afraid to act


    His wife subbed ¡°Don¡¯t¨Cdon¡¯t do it! Just let them punish me, not you!¡±


    He looked at her


    Then looked at me


    Then slowly¨Cpathetically¨Coffered the kude back


    I met Lucien¡¯s eyes, then turned to the guards, ¡°Do it.¡±


    The woman shrieked as they forced her arm down again. I didn¡¯t look away¨Cnot once- as the de came down


    There was a cry. A ssh of crimson.


    A silence deeper <b>than </b>death.


    Lucien stepped beside me, his scent like <b>pine </b>and winter steel, calm and quiet and deadly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t flinch,¡± he murmured.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t afford to.¡± I replied.


    He said nothing for <b>a </b>while.


    Then, softly. ¡°They¡¯ll never forget this <b>night</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°No I said. ¡°But neither <b>will </b>¡±


    Because this was the <b>night </b>I stopped being their prey.


    The night Riley Vale reimed her ce in the bloodline.


    And I wasn¡¯t done yet.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 137

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The woman¡¯s se


    scream fore


    through the banquet


    hall like a howl under a blood <b>moon</b>.


    Sharp Guttural. Animal,


    +8 Pearls


    <b>Then</b>¨C<b>thud</b>.


    Her body seized once before copsing backward in a graceless heap. She had fainted from the pain.


    But mercy was a luxury she¡¯d forfeited.


    Without hesitation, <b>one </b>of the Stormridge guards stepped forward and hurled <b>a </b>bucket <b>of </b>ice water over her face. The sound of it sshing against her skin was crisp¨C<b>almost </b>theatrical.


    She woke with a gasping jolt, only toy eyes on her own bloodied hand. Where her thumb had once been, there was only ruined flesh, swollen and pulsing. Her shriek <b>this </b>time was weaker, hoarse, but no less full of horror.


    The man who had done it¨Cher husband¨Cstood paralyzed beside her, the bloodied de still clutched in his trembling hand. His pupils <b>had </b>shrunk to pinpricks. His knees buckled, and he crumpled with a sob, the knife ttering uselessly to the floor beside him.


    His <b>tears </b>flowed unchecked. But I felt nothing. Not a flicker of guilt.


    Around us, the banquet hall <b>had </b>gone deathly quiet. The scent of fear¨Csharp, sour, distinctly lupine¨Chung thick in the <b>air</b>. I could hear hearts pounding, lungs holding back sobs, the shuffle of expensive heels trying to edge toward the shadows


    Not a soul dared to speak.


    Not when the air wasced with dominance <b>and </b>retribution.


    Not when Riley Vale stood with her chin raised and blood on her hands.


    The other three couples looked as though the Moon Goddess herself had cursed <b>them </b>on the spot. The husbands shook like leaves in winter <b>wind</b>, their wives sobbing, clutching at each other, hoping in <b>vain </b>to be invisible.


    <b>Lucien </b>said nothing. He didn¡¯t need to. <b>He </b>was my shield now but I was the sword.


    They turned to me then. Not to him. To me..


    ¡°Miss Vale¨Cplease,¡± one of the <b>remaining </b>women <b>cried</b>, her voice <b>cracking</b>. ¡°We didn¡¯t know. We didn¡¯t <b>mean </b>for it to go <b>this </b>Tar Please have mercy!


    Another stumbled forward, nearly copsing to her knees. ¡°We <b>were </b>wrong. We admit it. You <b>want </b>punishment? Fine! Just not <b>like </b>this¡±


    I stepped forward slowly, the hem <b>of </b>my moon¨Cblue <b>gown </b>whispering across the marble. Every eye <b>followed </b>me. Every heartbeat seemed to pause


    I looked down at them¨Cthose <b>same </b>women who had once looked at <b>me </b>like filth


    Who had tom my <b>robes</b>.


    Who had struck me


    and called me a rogue <b>niult</b>.


    me


    ¡°You think mercy is yours to beg for My voice didn¡¯t tremble ¡°Where was <b>that </b>mercy when you pinned tue down <b>and </b>Laughed


    They solid harder


    45PM p p.


    +8 Pearls


    One of the <b>husbands </b>tried to shield his wife, stepping in front of her like a knight made of paper. ¡°We¡¯ll do anything.¡± he pleaded. ¡°Just name it.¡±


    I smiled. Not kindly.


    ¡°You <b>said </b>anything?¡±


    His eyes lit with fragile hope. ¡°Yes.¡±


    rawl¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± I said coolly. ¡°Then <b>crawl</b><b>.</b>¡±


    Their expressions cracked. Shocked. Disbelieving.


    You heard me. I continued, voice calm and brutal. ¡°On your hands and knees. All of you. Snarl your apologies like the she wolves you pretend to be. Show your belly. Bare your throat. Then drag your tongues across this floor and scrub your sins. from it. That is the only redemption I will allow.¡±


    One of the women sobbed, ¡°That¡¯s¨Cinhuman.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I said, eyes gleaming. ¡°It¡¯s wolf.¡±


    The hesitationsted less than a breath. Under the weight of mymand¨Cstrengthened by Lucien¡¯s silent <b>dominance </b>behind me they dropped. Four <b>high</b><b>¨C</b>society women, crawling like mutts before the <b>pack </b>


    They lowered their heads, bared their throats, and began to growl apologies¨Clow, forced, <b>humiliating</b>. Their growls trembled with shame and terror. The sound echoed across the hall like a dirge.


    Then they licked.


    Tongues scraped over the marble. <b>Blood </b><b>and </b>tears smeared into <b>the </b>polished surface as they dragged themselves forward <b>inch </b>by <b>inch</b><b>. </b>For each step, they repeated broken apologies¨Csnarling through clenched jaws, sobbing, sputtering as saliva and pride pooled at their knees.


    I stood above them, unmoved.


    Let every wolf in this hall see what true justice looks like.


    Let them remember the sound of <b>groveling </b>socialites, once so high and mighty, now <b>licking </b>the floor beneath my feet like conquered bitches.


    When they finally copsed in exhaustion, I said <b>coldly</b>. ¡°Take them outside.¡±


    The guards didn¡¯t throw them out like trash.


    They paraded them


    Made them crawl across the <b>banquet </b>carpet and into the open street, where the evening <b>pack </b>traffic <b>had </b>begun to gather Where <b>dozens</b>¨Chundreds of <b>wolves </b>could see <b>what </b><b>had </b>be of them.


    They didn¡¯t shiniek. They couldn¡¯t. Their voices <b>had </b>broken <b>from </b>too much <b>groveling </b>


    I didn¡¯t need them to scream.


    <b>I </b>needed them to be seen


    Humiliated not just by <b>pain</b>¨Cbut by submission.


    When the <b>doors </b>closed <b>again</b><b>, </b>the hall exhaled.


    A beat of silence


    Then I turned my gaze to her


    The true orchestrator. The one who¡¯d whispered <b>lies </b>and stirred cruelty with manicured ws.


    She dropped before I could say a word, copsing at my feet like her legs had vanished.


    Miss Vale. I beg you. Please. I was wrong. I¨CI was jealous, and foolish and cruel, but I never meant to-


    I raised a hand. She silenced instantly.


    The sound of her knees mming into marble echoed like a final verdict.


    +8 Pearls


    Blood oozed from her forehead as she threw herself down again and again in desperate bows. ¡°Please please forgive <b>me</b><b>. </b>


    I <b>didn¡¯t </b>speak for a long moment. Just watched her.


    Her tears meant nothing to <b>me</b>.


    Her trembling meant nothing.


    ¡°I should make you howl your shame to every wolf in this city,¡± I said coldly. ¡°I should brand you.¡±


    But <b>just </b>before the <b>words </b>could leave my mouth, I stopped myself


    Because Seraphina was still Lucien¡¯s blood.


    <b>And </b>though she had betrayed everything her family should have stood for, I would not cross the line. Not this one. This was his Pack. His house. His shame to deal with.


    I stepped back¨Cnot in fear, not in surrender¨Cbut in principle.


    I turned to Lucien, my voice calm and <b>steady</b>.


    ¡°She¡¯s yours.¡±


    The weight of my words settled over the hall like storm clouds.


    Lucien hadn¡¯t moved through any of this. He had simply watched¨Csilent, calcting <b>But </b><b>now</b>, his <b>icy </b>gaze shifted toward Seraphina<b>, </b>and something colder than winter began to stir behind his eyes.


    Seraphina lifted her face to <b>him</b>, blood and tears streaking her once¨Cpristine features


    ¡°Lucien please.¡±


    But his silence was deafening.


    He stepped forward slowly, <b>like </b>the ude rising before it crashes.


    ¡°You dishonored the Duskgrave <b>name</b>,¡± he said, <b>voice </b><b>low </b><b>and </b><b>sharp </b>as <b>broken </b>ss. ¡°You lifted <b>ws </b><b>against </b>my <b>mate</b>. <b>And </b>then <b>you </b>groveled <b>not </b><b>because </b><b>you </b>regret it <b>but </b><b>because </b>you lost.¡±


    Her breath hutched


    carn didn¡¯t shout. He didn¡¯t need to


    ¡°You <b>should </b>have <b>thought </b>of that before you shamed my blood,¡± he said icily


    Then he looked to the guards.


    ¡°Take her to the private <b>lounge</b>. She still owes me more¡±


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 138

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    + Pearls


    Duke gave a crisp nod before signaling to the Stormridge guards behind him. They moved instantly¨Ctwo towering wolves in <b>dark </b>suits, each with the presence of a sentry <b>and </b>the strength of executioners.


    Without hesitation, they seized <b>Seraphina¡¯s </b>arms like iron <b>shackles </b>snapping shut. Her screams erupted the moment <b>she </b>was tom away from the hem of <b>my </b>


    y coal.


    ¡°No! Let go of me!¡± she shrieked, voice jagged <b>and </b>shrill.


    Her feet kicked wildly, heels scraping across the marble floors, her manicured ws leaving screeching trails like an <b>animal</b>/ dragged <b>to </b>ughter.


    The <b>hall </b>had been filled with <b>tension </b>before. <b>Now</b>, it cracked open<b>. </b>


    <b>Seraphina </b>knew me. Far too well.


    She¡¯d spent over two decades in the Duskgrave family, ying the role of Luna with a <b>smile </b>stitched out of venom. And in those years, she had learned a hard <b>truth</b>:


    If I dared do something publicly, it meant I¡¯d already ounted for the consequences.


    If I did something in private¨Cwell, then <b>there </b>were no limits.


    Just like earlier. I hadn¡¯t lifted a de <b>myself </b>when it came to those rogue wives¨CI¡¯d simply made their husbands do it. Under <b>pack </bw, <b>that </b>counted as nothing more <b>than </b>a domestic dispute. Nothing to investigate. Nothing to trace back to me.


    I didn¡¯t have to leave blood on my hands. I left it on theirs.


    That <b>was </b>the kind of Alpha I was. The kind <b>Seraphina </b>feared most.


    ¡°Lucien!¡± a voice rang out


    Ford


    My father in name only,


    He stormed forward, his voice thick with fury and disbelief. ¡°You can¡¯t do this. She¡¯s your stepmother!¡±


    I turned my head slowly, meeting his gaze with <b>nothing </b>but frost.


    ¡°Oh? So attached, are we?¡± My voice was smooth,ced with cold steel. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take her <b>ce</b>, then?¡±


    The air changed


    It was subtle¨Clike winter winds curling into the bones. Even the warmest corners of the banquet hall felt suddenly frigid, as if the blood moon itself had passed <b>over </b>


    e flushed crimson, from his neck to his ears. Like a rooster cornered in a <b>pit </b>fight, too proud to admit he¡¯d already


    ¡°You will noy another finger on her he bellowed ¡°No matter what she did. I won¡¯t allow it!¡±


    He stepped in front of Seraphina, arms outstretched <b>like </b>a shield made of wet paper. He might¡¯ve thought it noble.


    I found at pathetic.


    Seraphina¡¯s eyes lit with a flicker of hope. She iwed at Ford¡¯s sleeves, sobbing like a <b>broken </b>thing ¡°Save me. Ford! Dont let


    then take me


    45 PM p p.


    ¡°So touching.¡± I said <b>coldly</b>. ¡°Fine. <b>Take </b>them both.¡±


    The guards didn¡¯t even hesitate.


    +8 Pearls


    Two of them stepped forward and seized Ford¡¯s arms. The <b>man </b>resisted, twisting and jerking, <b>barking </b>threats <b>that </b>fell t in the cars of wolves <b>who </b>no longer saw him as their leader.


    ¡°I¡¯m your father, Lucien! <b>You¡¯ll </b>regret this!¡±


    ¡°<b>Mother</b>! Are you just going to stand there and let him betray his blood?!¡±


    His words were meant for my grandmother¨C<b>Matriarch </b>Duskgrave¨Cwho had been watching in silence from her chair of carved obsidian. The regal lines of her face twitched, <b>but </b>she said nothing<b>. </b>


    Only when I nced her way did she finally open her mouth.


    ¡°Lucien¡­


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing, Grandmother.¡± I said, my voice respectful but firm.


    ¡®She exhaled a long, slow sigh. Then she nodded once and closed her eyes again.


    She understood.


    She remembered.


    She was there the day my mother died¨Cdriven to madness <b>and </b>despair by the woman Ford now cradled in his arms. Seraphina <b>hadn¡¯t </b>just taken her ce. She had spar on <b>her </b>memory.


    I¡¯d been five years <b>old</b><b>. </b>


    A child.


    But even then, I had picked up a knife.


    To barged into their wedding chambers, ready to kill both of them.


    The adults pulled me away before I couldnd the strike¨C<b>but </b>not before I made a promise <b>that </b>silenced the entire house


    can kill you now, and thew won¡¯t <b>touch </b>me. I¡¯m too young.


    I¡¯d <b>said </b>that with blood in my eyes. <b>And </b><b>from </b>that moment on, Seraphina had never stopped trembling in my presence


    Not even now


    The doors to the <b>private </b>room mmed shut. Momentster, the screams began


    <b>Seraphina¡¯s </b><b>voice </b>tore through the silence, a raw, animalistic wail <b>that </b>sent a ripple of unease through every noble in the


    Then came Ford¡¯s <b>voice</b>¨Crage turning into panic.


    <b>The </b>sounds from behind the door grew sharper, crueler <b>Crashes </b>men Bones, maybe I didn¡¯t need to <b>know </b><b>the </b>


    details


    Eseryone the


    They were frozen in ce


    Even Kaley¨Cwho stood at my side like a me wrapped in <b>silk</b>¨Cshowed no reaction. She didn¡¯t need to


    Because this wasn¡¯t about vengram anymore


    3:45 PM


    Minutes passed.


    D


    +8 Pearls


    Or hours. The screaming faded, leaving only the rhythmic thrum of blood in the ears of <b>those </b>who still had the nerve to


    listen


    Then the door creaked <b>open</b>.


    <b>Duke </b>stepped out first.


    Behind him, <b>Seraphina </b>was dragged into view¨Cthough ¡°dragged¡± was generous. She was a heap of broken limbs, <b>her </b><b>arms </b>and legs bent at grotesque angles, the bone clearly shattered beneath ruined <b>skin</b>.


    Her face¨Conce the pride of the Duskgrave household¨Cwas shed beyond recognition. Blood dripped from her cheeks like tears. Her mouth, now a cavity of <b>raw </b>flesh, bled freely. Every tooth was gone. She couldn¡¯t even scream anymore.


    She wasn¡¯t a Luna.


    She wasn¡¯t even <b>a </b>wolf.


    Just a <b>carcass </b>breathing on borrowed time.


    Ford followed.


    No injuries to the body, no visible marks.


    But <b>his </b>eyes..


    Empty. Hollow. Like a soul had been ripped from him and thrown into the Abyss.


    The guards held him upright, <b>but </b>his legs had already given up.


    There were no more protests.


    No more pleads.


    No more delusions of control.


    Only silence.


    The entire banquet <b>hall </b>had fallen <b>into </b>a frozen hush. Nobles stared, wide¨Ceyed and pale. None of them would ever forget


    And <b>that </b>was the point


    1 turned <b>my </b>eyes back to the gathering.


    Let them tremble. Let them remember that the Duskgrave <b>name </b>meant something again


    That I¨CLucien Duskgrave¡ªwas no longer the boy with <b>a </b><b>knife</b>.


    I was the Alpha now


    And there would be no more mercy


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 139

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    Ford¡¯s lips <b>quivered</b>, but not a single word left his mouth. His entire body trembled as though gripped by an invisible frost, eyes zed <b>over</b>, spirit hollowed out. Whatever dignity remained in <b>him </b>had long since shattered¨Cjust like his mind.


    The damage was done.


    Not to <b>his </b>flesh, but to the one thing wolves never fully recover from.


    His spirit.


    I took slow, measured steps toward the wreckage thaty before me¨Cmy once¨Cproud father and the <b>woman </b>he chose over blood.


    My shoes clicked softly against the marble, the sound crisp and elegant amidst the silence. I stood over them like the reaper over a battlefield, hands sped behind my back.


    ¡°I suppose it¡¯s lucky my <b>men </b>intervened,¡± I said, voice <b>light </b>as a breeze. ¡°From what I can see, Lady Seraphina attempted to harm herself in a fit of emotional rage. Likely to punish her beloved mate


    I offered a slight smile, almost gentlemanly. ¡°Fortunately, <b>we </b>stopped her. Otherwise¡­ who <b>knows </b>what tragedy might have unfolded?¡±


    My smile didn¡¯t <b>reach </b><b>my </b>eyes.


    It never did.


    Around the room, I could feel their stares¨Ceyes wide with disbelief, throats too dry to speak.


    Oh, they knew.


    They knew the truth, everyst one of them.


    But none had seen it with their own eyes. None 1 had evidence. And in the world we lived in, without evidence, there was no


    usation


    The rumors <b>had </b><b>followed </b>me for years-¡°Lucien Duskgrave, the cold<b>¨C</b>blooded prince of Stormridge.¡± Tonight<b>, </b><b>those </b>whispers evolved into truth. Reality had shown itself, brutal and blinding.


    And every soul present realized one thing:


    I wasn¡¯t the kind of Alpha you crossed.


    I ulted my chin and swept my gaze across the hall¨Cslowly, deliberately, letting my eyes meet every face


    Each noble dropped their gaze the <b>moment </b>our eyes <b>locked</b>. As if my gaze <b>alone </b>could summon fate,


    Let them think that


    Let them fo


    Let it settle deep into their bones that Lucien Duskgrave¨Cheir to Stormridge, born <b>under </b>blood moon <b>prophecy</b>¨Cwas <b>not </b>a male to provoke


    du


    I rassed une hundzily, <b>as </b>if brushing away slust.


    Take them back to Norturach,¡± I said


    My guards obeyed without hesitation. They stepped forward and seized Ford and <b>Seraphina </b>again¨Cno gentleness this time They dragged them like discarded reluse like prey unworthy of a second <b>look </b>


    Seraphon¡¯s broken body slid across the floor, leaving behind a streak of crunson <b>that </b>glistened under the chandeliers


    145 PM p p.


    +B Pearls


    Ford? He didn¡¯t resist.


    He couldn¡¯L


    His eyes were still wide, unfocused, head lolling between his shoulders like a puppet with its strings cut.


    The double doors shut behind them, <b>swallowing </b>their shame into the night


    And the banquet fell silent once more.


    But not for <b>long</b><b>. </b>


    Every gaze slowly, inexorably, turned to the two still kneeling before me.


    Scarlett Vale and <b>Ronan </b>Duskcliff.


    The traitors.


    Scarlett trembled so hard her <b>shoulders </b>jerked with every breath. Her once¨Cglossy <b>hair </b>was gone¨Cshornpletely, her scalp raw and exposed to <b>the </b>air.


    It had been Riley¡¯smand.


    Not mine.


    She <b>had </b>grabbed Riley¡¯s hair during a petty outburst. She thought it would go unnoticed.


    It didn¡¯t.


    But even that wasn¡¯t her real crime.


    No, her real offense was <b>far </b>more vile.


    She destroyed Riley¡¯s moon embroidery.


    A masterpiece¨Cmonths of effort and devotion, stitched by hand under candlelight and starlight. Every thread had beenced with patience, <b>pain</b><b>, </b>and quiet power. It wasn¡¯t just art. It was a piece of Riley¡¯s soul,


    Scarlett <b>found </b>it. <b>Tore </b>it apart with scissors.


    She knew exactly what she was doing.


    <b>And </b>that¡¯s why she was kneeling here now


    I saw her lips moving¨Cmouthing silent prayers to the Moon Goddess<b>, </b>to fate, to <b>anything </b>that might dy the inevitable.


    She had good reason.


    chair¨Cpull warranted a shaved scalp, <b>what </b>did desecrating my <b>mate¡¯s </b>sacred work deserve!


    She knew the answer


    That was why her breathing came in shallow gasps. Why her <b>knees </b>knocked against the floor. Why she shook <b>like </b>a leaf trapped in frost


    Beside her. Honan looked no better. The once¨Cproud heir of Duskcliff House was sweating through his silk. His shirt clung to hum soaked and rampled


    I could see it in his eyes¨Cthe dawning horror that his hole power ys and <b>smug </b>maniptions hadnded <b>hum </b>far beyond


    He had supported Scarlett¡¯s schemes


    +8 Pearle


    And now he would answer for them.


    1 approached them slowly.


    The sound of my steps¨Csharp, echoing¨Crang through the banquet hall like war drums.


    Tap Tap Tap


    I stopped just short of them.


    They didn¡¯t <b>dare </b>look up.


    ¡°You think yourselves wolves?¡± I asked, voice smooth and cold. ¡°You think your games make you clever?¡±


    Scarlett whimpered. Ronan lowered his head.


    ¡°You tried to humiliate my chosen mate. You destroyed what she created. And you conspired to fracture the unity of Stormridge PackTM


    I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out mymunication crystal¨Ca direct channel to the Enforcers of the Lycan


    Tribunal


    Their version ofw.


    1 tapped a rune, <b>and </b>the <b>glow </b>pulsed gently in my palm.


    ¡°This is Lucien Duskgrave,¡± I said. ¡°Alpha <b>Regent </b>of Stormridge. I¡¯m reporting two <b>nobles</b>¨CScarlett Vale and Ronan Duskcliff -for willful destruction of a Luna¨Cbound artifact and conspiracy against Pack unity.¡±


    A cold silence followed.


    Then the voice on the other end answered:


    ¡°Acknowledged Warrant confirmed. Tribunal enforcers will arrive within the hour.


    I ended the call.


    Then let my eyes drift back to the traitors kneeling before me.


    ¡°I could punish you now,¡± I <b>said </b>softly. ¡°I could make you bleed for every stitch Riley had to sew. For every tear she hid when she found what you did.¡±


    Scarlett choked on a sob. Ronan flinched.


    ¡°But I won¡¯t.¡± I continued. ¡°Because I want the entire <b>Tribunal </b>to see the truth. I want the <b>Elders </b>to pass <b>judgment </b>in front of all four Terniones


    1 stepped <b>back </b>


    ¡°And when they do¨CI will be there when your <b>names </b><b>are </b>erased from the <b>Pack </b><b>Registry</b>.¡±

 in Vengeance 140

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    The moment Lucien¡¯s voice rang out, <b>the </b>entire banquet hall plunged into a stunned silence, followed by hushed gasps and


    The usation hit like a thunderp.


    Theft.


    In packw, that wasn¡¯t a light offense¨Cit was a serious crime, especially when the stolen item was considered a rare lunar. heirloom. Minimum punishment? Three cycles in confinement. Maximum? Ten. Maybe more, if the Alpha decided to press the full weight of the Tribunal¡¯s wrath.


    And this wasn¡¯t just <b>any </b>stolen object.


    It was the Moonthread Tapestry. My Moonthread Tapestry.


    The piece I had poured over three moon cycles <b>into</b>¨Cspinning silver¨Cdusted threads under moonlight, weaving each sacred glyph by <b>hand</b>, infusing every stitch with the traditions of our lost northern line. It <b>wasn¡¯t </b><b>just </b>art. It was history. Memory. My pain turned into something beautiful.


    And Scarlett had torn it apart like it <b>was </b>nothing but a curtain.


    Whispers rippled through the hall. Every gaze flicked to Scarlett¨Cformerly so proud, now <b>bald </b><b>and </b><b>shaking </b>on her knees  beside Ronan Duskcliff. Her wide, hollow eyes betrayed the same thing everyone else was beginning to realize.


    This <b>wasn¡¯t </b>just humiliation anymore.


    This was justice.


    Scarlett¡¯s lips parted in disbelief. She looked ready to faint.


    I could practically feel her mind spiraling <b>into </b><b>panic</b>¨Cprobably picturing the cold cells <b>beneath </b><b>the </b>Tribunal¡¯s barracks, the scent of rusted <b>chains</b>, and the hollow¨Ceyed criminals who never came back the same.


    She should be afraid.


    I know I had been.


    Her body jerked violently, trying to twist <b>away </b>from the enforcers <b>nking </b>her, but they didn¡¯t even flinch. They¡¯d pinned rogues stronger <b>than </b>her without breaking a sweat.


    ¡°No¡± Please!¡± she screamed, her voice raw with desperation. ¡°I wasn¡¯t <b>trying </b>to hurt anyone¨CI didn¡¯t <b>know </b>it was hers! I can pay for it! My parents¨Cthey¡¯ll send gold right now! Please, Alphia, I beg you!¡±


    Tears streamed down her face, streaking <b>through </b>the dirt <b>and </b><b>shame</b>.


    didn¡¯t


    But Lucien Lucien didn¡¯t even blink.


    Instead, he turned to me


    And just like that¨Chus expression softened.


    The sharp cold steel of his <b>anger melted </b>into something warm Gentle. Like he could fold the whole world into his hands if I


    askedm to


    He looked at me as if I was the only one in the room


    ¡°As you <b>wish</b>, moonflower, he said quietly just for me. ¡°Is this justice enough!


    My throat tightened I stared up at him heart twisting


    He hadn¡¯t done this for politics


    Not for power.


    He did it for me.


    +8 Pearls


    To erase the echoes of what I had lost¨Cthose five miserable years stolen from me when I¡¯d been locked away, falsely used of the very crimes Scarlett had orchestrated. She¡¯d watched me get dragged out in front of all our so¨Ccalled family andughed behind her dainty hand. While I screamed my innocence, she flourished.


    Now she was the one in chains.


    Now she was the one begging.


    And yet I didn¡¯t smile.


    I just nodded, voice barely <b>a </b>whisper, trembling with emotion.


    <b>Yes</b>.¡±


    A single <b>word</b>. But it carried everything I felt.


    The pain. The relief. The vindication.


    Lucien turned back without another nce at her.


    <b>Beside </b>her, Ronan Duskcliff had been ring at me <b>this </b>whole time¨Chis eyes bulging with fury and disbelief, as if he couldn¡¯t <b>understand </b>how I could stand there and let <b>this </b>happen to his precious Scarlett.


    He tried to speak¨Ctried to <b>curse</b><b>, </b><b>maybe</b>¨C<b>but </b>the cloth stuffed in his mouth <b>made </b><b>his </b>words a muffled mess.


    ¡°Mirrph! Mmm! Mhhmm<b>!</b>¡±


    He writhed, eyes <b>wild</b>, <b>sweat </b>beading on his brow. Two guards struggled to keep him <b>still</b>.


    Lucien¡¯s ¨C


    Elias, looked down at him with clear annoyance. No sympathy. No hesitation.


    Without a word, he lifted a boot and mmed it straight into <b>Ronan¡¯s </b>abdomen.


    Ronan¡¯s body folded with a <b>grunt</b>, curling like a wounded pup. He gasped for air, eyes rolling back for a moment.


    1 felt nothing-


    Absolutely nothing


    Lucien moved next, stepping <b>toward </b>him like a shadow descending


    His polished ck boots clicked against the marble floor as he stopped before Ronan, then slowly raised his foot <b>and </b>hooked at under Ronan¡¯s chin¨Clifting it just enough to <b>force </b>eye contact<b>. </b>


    ¡°Svarlett thought herself clever,¡± Lucien said coldly. ¡°And you stood <b>with </b>her. <b>You¡¯ll </b>follow her into <b>the </b>cells.¡±


    Ronan¡¯s pupils <b>slirank </b>to pinpricks. His entire body began to tremble.


    Coward.


    He wasn¡¯i <b>shaking </b>hike that five years <b>ago </b>when I <b>begged </b>him to listen. When I pleaded for him to believe I hadn¡¯t pushed Scarlet down the stairs. When I cried, screaming <b>that </b><b>she </b>had framed me, and he looked me in the eye and chose her


    anyway


    He didn 1 thnch then


    was pathetic


    145PM P P ¡¤


    +8 Pearls


    <b>Good </b>


    Let hum rot.


    Let him understand what it means to be voiceless. Powerless. Alone.


    A ripple passed through <b>me</b>, like something old and bitter finally beingid to rest.


    The doors to the hall creaked open, and the <b>Lycan </b>Enforcers arrived atst.


    Dressed in sleek ck leather, armed with lunar¨Cetched restraints and icy efficiency, they spoke only briefly with Lucien before striding forward. Their leader, a broad¨Cshouldered male with Tribunal sigils across his shoulders, <b>gave </b>a short nod.


    Then they pulled Scarlett and <b>Ronan </b>to their feet and locked the cuffs around their wrists.


    ¡°No! No, please!¡± Scarlett sobbed as she kicked her legs and twisted like a snared rabbit. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything! Don¡¯t let them take me¨CRiley, please! Please say something! I¡¯m your sister!¡±


    Sister?


    Not anymore


    She had burned that bridge the moment she framed me.


    Her <b>wails </b><b>echoed </b>as <b>she </b><b>was </b>dragged across the floor, heels scraping like a child refusing bedtime.


    I stood there, rooted, unmoving, <b>as </b>the chaos melted into silence.


    <b>was </b>then.


    For a moment<b>, </b>all I could think about¡­ was


    Five years ago.


    Another banquet. Another crowd of nobles too eager to watch someone fall..


    That time, I had been the one shackled. The one yelling, ¡°It wasn¡¯t me! It was Scarlett!¡±


    I remembered the sting of my mother¡¯s p¨Cthe sound still thundered in my memory.


    ¡°You evil <b>thing</b>.¡± she¡¯d screamed. ¡°Framing <b>your </b><b>own </b>sister like that. We saw you do it. Me <b>and </b><b>your </b>father both<b>.</b>¡±


    I remember how Scarlett had stood behind her,


    mirk curling her lips when no one else was the same wide¨Ceyed innocence she always <b>weaponized</b>. The same


    Now the smirk was gone


    And for the first time in years. I felt clean.


    Trled slowly letting the moment <b>soak </b>into my skin.


    Lucien came to stand beside me, his hand brushing inine


    ¡°I told <b>you</b>¡± he murmured. ¡°No one hurts <b>you </b>and walks away¡±


    I looked up at <b>lum</b>¨Cmy <b>shield </b><b>my </b>justice¨Cand finally allowed myself to <b>smile</b>.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 141

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    Five years ago, Scarlett was the star of the Moonfeast Ceremony. The pack¡¯s golden girl. The treasured little princess of the Ebonw bloodline. <b>And </b>I was the dirty secret they locked away¨Cthe trueborn daughter <b>cast </b>out in favor of a wolf with prettier lies.


    Now, five yearster, the tides had turned.


    Scarlett¡¯s wrists were bound in <b>wolfsilver </b>cuffs, her face pale and streaked <b>with </b>mascara as the enforcers dragged her out of the banquet <b>hall</b>. Her screams rang in my ears <b>like </b>a long¨Cawaited melody..


    Beside her was Ronan Duskcliff, his usually proud jaw clenched shut by the stifling humiliation. The sock they¡¯d gagged him with had been ripped out by one of the officers. As they passed, he shot me a look of stunned betrayal.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he growled<b>, </b>his voice raw <b>with </b>disbelief. ¡°How could you turn into this? I¡¯m so disappointed in you. Don¡¯t expect my forgiveness.


    Forgiveness?


    I blinked slowly at him, my pulse as steady as stone. I had survived five years in the Iron Cells while he yed Alpha¡¯s golden heir and pretended my blood meant nothing. He watched me fall, and now he thought his forgiveness <b>was </b>a gift I should


    crave!


    What kind of delusion was that?


    ¡°Ronan,¡± I said, my voice low and cold, like the snow¨Ctipped peaks of Winterhowl, ¡°has anyone ever told you that you¡¯re like a dying moonflower?¡±


    I reached out and casually wiped my finger across the crimson wine that had bled onto the banquet tablecloth. The color reminded me of blood spilled unjustly. My blood.


    ¡°Still dressed in petals of nobility, trying so hard to shine. But at your core? You¡¯ve already rotted.¡±


    He flinched. Good.


    <b>Five </b><b>years </b>had turned me <b>into </b>something harder. Sharper. Stronger. While he remained a coward hiding behind thefort of lies.


    ay from him, uninterested in <b>hearing </b><b>another </b><b>word</b>. I¡¯d <b>wasted </b><b>too </b>many breaths on men like him.


    I turned away


    Out of the corner of my <b>eye</b><b>, </b>I <b>saw </b>him <b>nce </b>at <b>Lucien</b><b>¨C</b>Lucien Duskgrav?, the <b>Alpha </b>Regent of Stormridge, now standing silently by my side. The tailored lines of his suit hugged his broad frame like armor. His presence <b>was </b><b>a </b>de <b>sheathed </b><b>in </b>velvet, cold <b>and </b>elegant. Ronan¡¯s gaze lingered on the way Lucien¡¯s hand lightly brushed my lower back, protective. possessive, unapologetic.


    Jealousy darkened Ronan¡¯s <b>face</b>. I saw it¨Cthe fury that he¡¯d lost something he thought was his, though he never truly <b>imed </b>me, never truly saw me,


    But he wasn¡¯t <b>part </b>of my <b>world </b>anymore. He never had been.


    The enforcers dragged him and Scarlett <b>away</b>, their protests falling on deaf ears No one in the banquet hall dared stop it. Not ater what Lucien had revealed. Not after what they had done to me


    And just like


    in the room slufted


    Tengon melted Conversations cautiously resumed Heads turned in <b>my </b>direction¨Cnot with pity, but with reverence Awe The women stared at me like I <b>was </b>the herome of some ancient legend, the men gave Lucien wary, respectful nods: They¡¯d all seen what power looked like¨Canal what it protected


    Soon the gifs began flowing again, brought forw and in ornate boses lined with velvet and wollhan silk.


    The Pack Matriarch Lucien¡¯s grandmother, sal regally at the head of the banquet, smiling <b>as </b>she epted each present with


    46 PM P P


    soft words and knowing eyes.


    <b>And </b>then it <b>was </b>my turn


    I took a breath, but it <b>caught </b><b>in </b>my throat.


    +8 Pearls


    Every step I took toward her felt like I was carrying the weight of those five years in the Iron Cells with me. Not just shame, but something more dangerous. Guilt.


    When I finally stood before her, I bowed my head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Matriarch.¡± I whispered. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I wasn¡¯t able to protect the moonthread embroidery Lucienmissioned for <b>your </b>Lunar Jubilee,¡±


    The painting wasn¡¯t just a gift. It had been mine. I¡¯d spent countless nights crafting it by hand¨Ceach moon¨Cthread stitch woven <b>with </b><b>pain </b>and hope. My own tears had soaked into that cloth more <b>than </b>once.


    <b>And </b>Scarlett had destroyed it.


    Not by <b>ident</b>.


    But because she knew it mattered to <b>me</b><b>. </b>


    In the short time I¡¯d been in the <b>Duskgrave </b>estate, the Matriarch had treated me not as an outsider, but like family. She¡¯d ordered the healers to tend my leg, sent rare root tonics to help repair the damage wrought by prison chains. She¡¯d ensured. warm <b>meals </b>reached my quarters, made by her own chef. She never looked at me like I was broken.


    She called me beautiful, even when the mirror showed me scars.


    She


    called me kind, even when my soul burned with <b>rage</b><b>. </b>


    She said Lucien was lucky to <b>have </b>found me¨C<b>when </b>I¡¯d been told all my life that I was cursed.


    I swallowed, lips trembling. ¡°I failed <b>you</b>. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    The Matriarch stood slowly and came to me, her hands soft as she sped mine. ¡°No, child,¡± she said. ¡°You did nothing wrong. The ones who wronged you are the ones who should feel shame. The gift may be gone¨Cbut your heart was in every stitch. I felt it. And <b>that </b>is enough for me.¡±


    Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. My chest clenched painfully. She was too kind. Far too kind to someone like me.


    But before I couldpose myself, Lucien¡¯s voice cut through the hall like a de.


    ¡°It was


    s your mistake.¡±


    The Matriarch¡¯s head snupped toward <b>him</b>, eyes wide with shock. I could almost hear her internal gasp¨Che¡¯s so blunt, doesn¡¯t he ser how crushed she <b>looks</b>?


    were on me, unreadable but intense.


    But Lucien didn¡¯t flinch. His


    s eyes were on


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 142

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    My grandma shot me a <b>re </b><b>sharp </b>enough to skin flesh from bone.


    +8 Pearls


    If looks <b>could </b>kill. I¡¯d have dropped right there in front of the entire pack, <b>the </b>proud Alpha Regent of Stormridge felled by a slip of a she¨Cwolf with tearstained eyes and a mouth too honest for her own good.


    But I didn¡¯t flinch.


    ¡°I¡¯m sentencing you to redo the embroidery,¡± I said coolly, lifting a brow. ¡°You¡¯re not to leave the estate until the piece is


    finished.¡±


    Riley¡¯s eyes shot up to mine, shimmering and damp, like twin moons on the verge of drowning. Something flickered inside me at the sight¨Csomething warm and unwee, curling under my ribcage and tightening <b>its </b><b>hold</b>.


    Damn it.


    I tugged at my cor, the silk of my shirt suddenly too close, too stifling. My tie felt like a leash <b>I </b><b>didn¡¯t </b>remember fastening. I could feel my pulse in my throat.


    She didn¡¯t argue. Didn¡¯t pout. Just gave me the smallest nod, lips parting <b>as </b>she rasped out a soft, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Like I¡¯d offered her freedom instead of a sentence.


    The corner of my mouth quirked, unbidden. Not a full smile¨Cgods forbid¨Cbut a crack in the armor nheless.


    She really <b>was </b>easy to fool.


    She is still as innocent as when I first saw her in the hospital corridor.


    1 narrowed my eyes slightly, letting them roam <b>across </b>her features. Delicate. Pale. A wolf too breakable for this world¨Cbut she¡¯d survived hell and somehow walked out looking untouched.


    Deceptive, that kind of strength.


    The <b>Matriarch </b><b>was </b>watching me from her seat like a hawk, and I could almost hear her <b>thoughts</b>: <b>That </b>boy is finally catching on. Took him long enough to mark what¡¯s his.


    She wasn¡¯t wrong. Though my way of marking wasn¡¯t the <b>usual </b>fang¨Cto¨C<b>neck </b>disy. I preferred mine through inked contracts and locked doors, a <b>quiet </b>kind of <b>iming </b>


    A binding <b>she </b>didn¡¯t even notice until the threads wrapped <b>around </b>her throat.


    1


    Eventually, I was dragged off by a <b>throng </b>of <b>councilmen </b>in <b>charcoal </b>suits, the <b>kind </b><b>that </b>reeked of politics <b>and </b>pertune. Numbers Trade deals Pack alliance <b>talks </b>I listened, responded, made the right expressions.


    But my mind wasn¡¯t there


    It was on her


    When I finally turned back toward the banquet hall, something made me pause


    There


    the second¨Cfloor terrace, curled like a <b>lost </b>cub against the <b>iron</b>¨Crailed <b>balcony- </b>


    was her


    Riley


    She was alone. Her body slumped forward, chan resting on folded arms, her hair catching the moonlight like silver thread. She looked small Breakable


    My chest tightened again, the same damned tug I¡¯d been feeling since the first time I caught her scent in that corridor


    I walked to her in silence, not caring that I¡¯d left <b>my </b><b>guards </b>and andes confused behind me


    +8 Pearls


    Up close, I could see the red mark on her cheek, left by resting too long against her sleeve<b>. </b>Her breathing was shallow but even. She hadn¡¯t stirred.


    I hesitated


    Touching her <b>always </b>came with consequences¨Cfor both of us.


    But then the wind shifted, and I caught that <b>faint</b>, lingering scent of blood and crushed herbs¨Cher scent¨Cand the decision made itself


    I took off <b>my </b>coat, wrapped it <b>gently </b><b>around </b>her shoulders, <b>and </b>bent down.


    She, murmured something I couldn¡¯t <b>make </b>out, then leaned instinctively toward me, curling slightly as if seeking warmth.


    My arms moved without thought. I lifted her easily, <b>cradling </b>her to my chest, careful not to jostle her sleeping form.


    She fit against me perfectly.


    Like she belonged there.


    Like the gods had carved <b>that </b>spot out just for her.


    As I turned to leave the balcony, footsteps approached from the far end of the hall. I didn¡¯t have to look to know who it was.


    ¡°Alpha Regent, my assistant¨CDuke, the nosy bastard¨Cgrinned far <b>too </b>widely for his own good. ¡°You¡¯re really <b>taking </b>care of Miss Riley, huh? If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d say you were-¡±


    ¡°Careful.¡± I warned, voice <b>low</b>.


    He paused mid¨Cstep. ¡°What? I was just going to say you were fond of her.¡±


    I tilted my head, casting <b>him </b>a look that made younger wolves flinch. ¡°<b>And </b>I was just about to say your bonus this quarter <b>has </b>been revoked.¡±


    His jaw dropped. ¡°Wait, what-


    ¡°For speaking without permission<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°Alpha Regent,¡± he groaned. ¡°I <b>just </b>reced my boots. You know I was counting on-


    ¡°Speak again.¡± I said, arching a <b>brow</b>, ¡°<b>and </b>I¡¯ll revoke your sock stipend too.¡±


    He <b>shut </b>his mouth instantly, <b>sulking </b>like a pup denied dinner.


    I smirked


    The memory of Ronan Duskcliff with Duke¡¯s <b>sock </b><b>shoved </b>in his mouth was still fresh in my <b>mind</b>, and spirits above, it was satisfying. The arrogant <b>mutt </b><b>had </b>finally gotten <b>a </b><b>taste </b>of helplessness.


    Maybe next time, he¡¯d think twice before trying to ruin what belonged to me.


    Because Kiley!


    She did


    Even if she <b>didn¡¯t </b>realize it yet


    1 slutted her gently in my arms, her head resting against my chest now, a soft sigh escaping <b>her </b>lips <b>as </b>it she could sense the heartbeat beneath her ear


    Intened my hold and kept walking


    Let the world stare Let them whisper.


    Stormindge i future Laura had been humiliated, exiled, and forgotten.

 in Vengeance 143

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    ¡°My Alpha, about the socks¡­ <b>Can </b>I get reimbursement?¡±


    ¡°Approved,¡± I said tly.


    +8 Pearls


    Duke grinned like I¡¯d just <b>handed </b>him a promotion. ¡°<b>Alpha</b><b>, </b>you¡¯re the most handsome man in the world in my eyes.¡±


    ¡°Keep talking and you¡¯ll be the only one left at headquarters doing overtime.¡±


    He snapped his mouth <b>shut </b>immediately and trailed behind me in silence, practically wagging his <b>tail</b>.


    The night outside had thickened into a pitch¨Cck shroud, stretching across the mountains like a predator on the hunt. Streetlights flickered like distant embers, and the moon hung low¨Cnearly full, silver and sharp like <b>a </b><b>de</b>.


    The ck Rolls¨CRoyce gleamed under the lights. My driver noticed us and quickly stepped forward, holding the door open with practiced precision.


    1 adjusted the girl in my arms. Riley. Her name lingered in my mind like a forbidden spell.


    She was curled up against my <b>chest</b>, soft and limp,pletely unaware of the storm she slept through<b>. </b>Her breathing was steady, almost fragile, and hershes fluttered against her cheek like trembling feathers.


    I hadn¡¯t meant to carry her this far.


    I should¡¯ve let one of the omegas take her to her room, but something about her asleep like this¨Cso vulnerable, so trusting- kept my arms locked in ce.


    Then, out of nowhere, a shadow lunged at us, slicing through the warm amber glow of the overheadmps.


    A fist came flying toward my face.


    It never reached me.


    There was a sickening <b>crack </b>as Duke intercepted the attack <b>midair</b>. Bone snapped. The assant let out a low grunt of pain and copsed to one knee, breath hissing through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Lucien Duskgrave!¡± the man spat, struggling in Duke¡¯s grip. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you? You crippled my parents! You sent my sister to prison! <b>What </b>more do you want from us?¡±


    I narrowed my eyes, my senses sharpening. <b>That </b>voice was painfully <b>familiar</b>.


    ¡°Kael Vale,¡± I said slowly, <b>recognizing </b>the man beneath the disheveled mess.


    Once the proud eldest <b>son </b>of the Vale <b>family</b>, now reduced to <b>a </b>shadow¨Chis tailored suit wrinkled beyond saving, cor torn, his face gaunt and peppered with stubble. He looked like he hadn¡¯t slept in <b>days</b>. The <b>bags </b>under <b>his </b>eyes <b>were </b><b>so </b><b>dark</b>, <b>it </b>looked like someone had socked him in both eyes.


    Tharely registered his presence before Riley stirred in my arms.


    <b>She </b>let <b>out </b>a <b>small </b>whimper, her brow twitching. Then hershes fluttered <b>open</b>, and her eyes¨Cstill zed with sleep¨Cmet


    Shut


    She <b>blinked </b>rapidly, taking in our closeness, the warmth of my embrace. And then <b>she </b>saw her brother¨Cbruised, raging.


    chackled in Duke¡¯s hold


    <b>¡°</b><b>Alpha </b>put me down¡± she said softly, almost shyly


    Thesitated


    But I felt her tense. The moment between us shattered. I let her slide from my arms.


    She smoothed the folds of her dress, clearly flustered, and avoided my gaze. The cold air rushed in between us.


    +8 Pearls:


    Kael saw it <b>all</b>. <b>The </b><b>flicker </b>of something tender <b>that </b>passed between me and his sister. His jaw tightened like a coiled spring.


    ¡°Riley!¡± he barked, voice hoarse <b>and </b>cracking. ¡°Mom and Dad are still in <b>the </b>hospital! You¡¯re standing beside the bastard who had their legs broken¨Cand you¡¯re acting like it doesn¡¯t matter!¡±


    Riley¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.


    She stared at her brother with a calm that unnerved even me. No tremble. No panic. Just a deep, bone¨Cdeep weariness in her


    gaze


    ¡°Family?¡± she repeated, as if tasting the word for the first time<b>. </b>Her voice <b>was </b>soft, but it cut sharper than any dagger. ¡°When have I ever had one?¡±


    Kael froze.


    ¡°I was just your burden. A stain on your perfect pack reputation. You used me, abandoned me, and when I <b>finally </b>had something of my own, you let them take it from me.¡±


    He opened his mouth. <b>Nothing </b>came out.


    Riley stepped forward, just once.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been beaten, locked up, and left to rot. For what? Loyalty to a name that only brought me <b>pain</b>? You want to talk about <b>family</b>, Kael? Family doesn¡¯t throw their <b>own </b>into a prison cell. Family doesn¡¯t let their adopted rogue daughter take my ce and watch silently while I disappear.¡±


    Her words were steady, but I could hear the strain. I knew the signs¨Cevery wolf in <b>this </b>cursed world had their <b>limit</b>. Hers had been broken a long time <b>ago</b>.


    I stepped forward, my voice like ice.


    ¡°You should be <b>d </b>it was only your parents¡® legs.¡±


    Kael turned toward me, eyes bloodshot, body trembling.


    ¡°You like her, isn¡¯t it?¡± he hissed. ¡°You think this justifies what you did to <b>us</b><b>?</b>¡±


    I <b>took </b>a step closer, each movement deliberate, <b>exuding </b>the quiet power that had made entire <b>rogue </b>packs submit without a


    word


    Kael flinched even if he tried to hide it. He wasn¡¯t used to looking up at someone who could end him in a single breath.


    ¡°She¡¯s under my protection,¡± I <b>said</b>, voice low and clear. <b>That </b><b>means </b>anyone whoys a <b>hand </b>on her¨Canyone <b>who </b>schemes bnd her back, <b>locks </b>her up, starves her, humiliates her¨Canswers to me.


    Karl¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°<b>You </b><b>think </b><b>because </b>you¡¯ve <b>got </b>power, you can just rewrite what¡¯s right and wrong?


    I


    ¡°No,¡± I said. ¡°I <b>think </b>because I <b>have </b>power, I don¡¯t need to exin myself to people like you.¡±


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 144

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    Tve already <b>paid </b>with a broken leg and a stolen organ,¡± I said quietly, voice like steel wrapped <b>in </b>silk. ¡°That <b>should </b>be more <b>than </b>enough to repay them for the so¨Ccalled ¡®gift of life.¡±


    Kael¨Cno, I refuse to call him my brother anymore¨Cstared at me like I¡¯d pped him. The <b>words </b>weren¡¯t meant to wound. but they cut deep anyway, slicing through the falsehoods he still clung to like a coward hiding from a storm.


    The truth had long been exposed, and I had no intention of dressing it up anymore.


    But still, he tried. He pointed at Lucien like <b>an </b>animal backed into a corner. ¡°You¡¯d really choose to stand by him?¡± His voice trembled with rage. ¡°You¡¯re <b>siding </b>with the very wolf who had our parents¡® legs broken? Riley, what the hell is wrong with you?!¡±


    I <b>didn¡¯t </b>answer <b>right </b>away. Maybe because, deep down, I didn¡¯t know how to exin it in a way Kael could understand. How do you exin falling for someone whose entire being <b>is </b>carved out of fire <b>and </b>fury, and yet somehow still manages to <b>hold </b>you like you¡¯re made of <b>ss</b>?


    Lucien wasn¡¯t perfect. He was lethal. And maybe <b>that¡¯s </b><b>what </b>made me feel safe.


    But silence, to someone like Kael, was as good as <b>an </b>admission.


    ¡°You¡¯ve lost your damn mind,¡± he spat, the veins in his neck bulging, face red with disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re a full¨Cgrown <b>she</b>¨Cwolf now. Can¡¯t you tell right from wrong?¡±


    He stepped forward, fists clenched, rage boiling just beneath his skin. ¡°They had their legs broken, Riley! Can you even imagine how much pain that is?!¡±


    Iughed.


    I didn¡¯t mean to,


    It just slipped out..


    But it wasn¡¯t joy. It wasn¡¯t mockery. It <b>was </b>something colder¨Cemptier.


    ¡°Can I imagine the pain?¡± I repeated, lifting my gaze <b>and </b>meeting his eyes.


    Kael¡¯s breath <b>caught </b><b>in </b><b>his </b><b>throat </b>the moment he looked down and remembered. His eyes flickered to my leg¨Cthe one that never healed right, the one <b>that </b>reminded me every <b>damn </b>day of what I¡¯d survived.


    Yeah, I could <b>imagine </b>the pain <b>just </b>fine.


    ¡°I <b>don¡¯t </b>need to imagine it,¡± I said, <b>voice </b>calm butced with <b>venom</b>. ¡°I lived it.¡±


    Karl took a <b>shaky </b>step back, the wind knocked from him by nothing but my words. <b>His </b>mouth opened, but whatever excuses he was ready to conjure died on his tongue.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe Lucien had anything to do with what happened to <b>your </b>precious parents,¡± I added, casting a sideways <b>nce </b>at the man who stood beside me like a shadow I¡¯d chosen for myself


    Lucien¡¯s expression was unreadable¨Cstone¨C<b>faced</b><b>, </bposed¨Cbut his eyes glittered <b>with </b>something <b>warm </b>Something dangerous.


    ¡°With me? No he <b>said</b>, almost amused. I¡¯ve been with Riley all day. <b>Ask </b>Duke<b>.</b>¡±


    Duke, ever the obedient beta, nodded eagerly ¡°Our Alpha hasn¡¯t left her side. I¡¯d bet my tail on it


    We turned to the driver, and Lucien gave him a sharp nod. The driver didn¡¯t even <b>blink</b>. ¡°The Vale <b>couple </b>slipped down the steps outside the hotel idental fall. <b>Broke </b>both legs


    My eyebrow arched.


    Jou w


    Lucien tilted his head slightly.


    Even Duke paused <b>mid</b>¨Cbreath.


    Seriously?¡± I muttered.


    ¡°Absolutely.¡± the driver said without missing a beat. ¡°I witnessed it.¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Karl exploded. ¡°Bullshit!¡± he roared. ¡°Those steps are barely ten high! No one breaks both legs falling from <b>that</b>!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to take my <b>word </b>for it,¡± the driver said<b>, </b><b>still </b>maddeningly calm. ¡°Ask the guards. They were watching.¡±


    A small group of security guards had clearly been eavesdropping <b>and </b>now stepped forward, their faces full of strained professionalism <b>and </b>fake smiles.


    ¡°We all saw it,¡± the captain said quickly. The elder Vale couple took a tumble. Clean fall. No one touched them.¡±


    ¡°Yep, echoed the rest. ¡°Totally saw it. Self¨Cinflicted.¡±


    Kael¡¯s mouth opened and closed, disbelief etched into every angle of his face. He looked like a wolf whose world had just spun off its axis.


    I let my lips curve into a cold, cruel smile. I wasn¡¯t proud of it but damn, it felt good.


    ¡°Familiar feeling, isn¡¯t it?¡± I asked softly, stepping toward him. ¡°When everyone around you spins the same lie, and no matter how much <b>you </b>scream the truth no one listens.¡±


    His


    eyes w


    widened in realization, the


    memory


    of


    five years ago crashing over him like a tidal wave.


    Back then, it was Kael and his perfect little Vale family, lining up to lie. Dismissing <b>every </b>word I said. Ignoring the bruises. Ignoring the pain.


    Back then, I screamed too.


    No one listened.


    Tonight, I didn¡¯t have to scream.


    Kael staggered back, looking around for something¨Canything¨Cto prove he wasn¡¯t insane. His gaze locked on a security camera high on the wall. His eyes lit up with desperate <b>hope</b>.


    Then Lucien <b>spoke </b>Calm. Low, ley.


    ¡°My people clean up after themselves,¡± he said, <b>his </b>tone like a <b>de </b>sliding through silk.


    The implicationnded like a death sentence. Even if there was footage, it was gone.


    Just like the footage five years ago <b>that </b>could¡¯ve saved me.


    The <b>faint </b>sound of water <b>sshing </b>behind us drew <b>my </b>attention. The fountain lights hade on, illuminating the koi fish below <b>like </b>tiny golden ghosts.


    Lucien idly turned his <b>ring </b>around his finger, then flicked a nce at the driver.


    ¡°Well done¡± he <b>said</b>. ¡°Double <b>your </b><b>bonus </b>thus quarter¡±


    The driver grinned. Thank you. Alpha. Then, turning to me, <b>he </b>added with a <b>wink</b>, ¡°I owe this one to <b>you</b>. Miss Riley¡±


    Karl looked like he might actually fain from rage.


    You, you mona


    His words trailed off, swallowed by the <b>night </b>and the low <b>hum </b>of the city


    A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge

 in Vengeance 145

    Kael Vale¡¯s POV


    Her eyes didn¡¯t flinch.


    Not a single flicker of emotion. Not even disgust. Just¡­. nothing.


    I stared at Riley like a desperate man clinging to a cliff¡¯s edge, hoping for a hand that would never reach <b>back</b>.


    +8 Pearls


    Once upon a time, those eyes were filled with light whenever they looked at me¨Cpure, unguarded, full of the kind of admiration a little sister had for her big brother. She used to run to the door when I came home, barefoot on cold <b>floors</b>, always smiling, always eager


    ¡°Kael, you¡¯re home! You must be tired. Sit down, let me rub your shoulders!¡±


    Those memories used to warm me. Now, they burned like acid in my throat.


    What the hell had I done?


    I struggled beneath the boot pressing against my back, trying to push up, trying to lift my head to meet her gaze, but Duke the bastard assistant¨Cheld me firm like I was nothing more than a rogue caught stealing from a pack¡¯s <b>food </b>store.


    I looked up from the dirt like a dog begging for scraps.


    ¡°Riley.¡± I choked, throat dry, pride bleeding out of me by the second. ¡°I¡¯m your brother. You re really going to stand there and watch an outsider treat me like this?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer.


    <b>She </b>didn¡¯t even look at me.


    She stood there, spine straight despite her thin figure, calm and detached like a Luna <b>handing </b>down judgment to a disobedient warrior. There was no softness in her anymore. No trace of the girl who once cried <b>when </b>I scraped my knee, or <b>clung </b>to my arm during thunderstorms.


    This Riley? She was cold steel forged in fire. A she¨Cwolf sharpened by betrayal.


    <b>And </b>for the first time, I realized she wasn¡¯t pretending.


    She had truly,pletely, <b>shut </b>me out.


    My throat tightened with something I couldn¡¯t name¨Crage, maybe, or grief¨Cbut it curdled inside me, bitter and sharp. 1 couldn¡¯t let it end likeshis.


    ¡°Forget <b>our </b>parents for a second.¡± I snapped, my <b>voice </b>breaking with fury. ¡°You let them <b>shave </b>Scarlett¡¯s head <b>like </b>soine <b>damn </b>prisoner, <b>you </b>know how much she values her appearance! And you still have the nerve to stand there like you¡¯ve done nothing wrong?¡±


    I emphasized the words-¡°like always¨Cbecause I needed to believe she hadn¡¯t changed. That the version of her I remembered was still somewhere inside. That if I pushed hard enough, maybe she¡¯d crack


    She didn¡¯t


    ¡°You think I did it?¡± <b>she </b>said quietly. ¡°Then fine. Let it be so


    No anger. No defense. Just quiet <b>dismissal</b>. Itnded harder than a p.


    Lclenched my fists, the need to scream <b>building </b><b>in </b><b>my </b>chest. ¡°You won¡¯t even deny it??¡±


    She just looked at me Like I was a stranger shouting in the streets.


    ¡°You <b>thank </b>this is over! Im going to get Scarlett out of that hellhole she didnt <b>want </b>your stupid embroidery. You ruined it yourself and med her because you¡¯re still the same vindictive little-


    46 PM P P


    +B Pearls


    ¡°Enough,¡± she cut <b>in</b>. Not <b>with </b>words, but with movement.


    She turned to the man beside her. Lucien Duskgrave.


    She tugged lightly on his sleeve. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to him anymore. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    <b>Lucien </b>looked down at her, and damn it all, the expression on his face made my skin crawl.


    Wolves like him weren¡¯t capable of gentleness.


    <b>And </b>yet, he looked at Riley like she was something sacred. Untouchable.


    ¡°Get in the <b>car</b><b>,</b>¡± he said softly.


    She obeyed, moving <b>like </b>mist¨Cgraceful, quiet, gone.


    A driver¨Cone of Lucien¡¯s people, no doubt¨Cstepped forward and carefully shielded her as she entered the vehicle, even adjusting her gown so it wouldn¡¯t snag.


    I lost it.


    ¡°RILEY!¡± I roared; struggling against Duke¡¯s hold. ¡°GET OUT HERE! YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST LEAVE?! YOU THINK YOU CAN LET SCARLETT ROT IN JAIL WHILE YOU RIDE OFF WITH A MURDERER?!¡±


    Lucien turned then. Slowly. Like a predator bored of ying with its prey.


    He stepped toward me, towering like a stormcloud with eyes.


    He grabbed my jaw in one hand¨Chis grip was cold, strong, inescapable. <b>I </b><b>had </b>no choice but to meet his gaze.


    His <b>eyes </b>were ck. Not from color, but from weight. Depth. A bottomless cold that I felt in my bones.


    ¡°You care about Scarlett?¡± he asked, voice soft but slicing. ¡°You love her, little Vale?¡±


    I recoiled, <b>blinking </b>rapidly, heart thundering in my ears. ¡°What¨CWhat are you talking about?¡±


    He smiled.


    Not kindly.


    ¡°Disgusting.¡± he murmured. ¡°Absolutely disgusting¡±


    I didn¡¯t know if he was mocking me¡­ or if he <b>saw </b>something I¡¯d been too afraid to admit, even to myself.


    How absurd. How utterly insane.


    Like Scarlett She was my sister. My little sister,


    Not by blood, no¨Cbut what did <b>that </b><b>matter</b>? I grew up with her, protected her, <b>watched </b>her cry,ugh, grow.


    I treated her like family Like my own blood.


    W


    that <b>a </b>sin <b>now</b>? Was caring for her suddenly something dirty and shameful?


    Lucien let go, <b>and </b>I stumbled back, fists clenched, heart pounding with fury. My <b>knees </b>hit the cold ground, <b>but </b>I didn¡¯t feel the pain


    All I could feel was the burn of humiliation rating me <b>alive </b>


    The pack shadows moved around me, brushing <b>past </b><b>like </b>I didn¡¯t exist


    I looked up onest time, just in time <b>to </b>see Riley¡¯s silhouette vanish behind tinted gl


    Than

 in Vengeance 146

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The car door <b>shut </b>with a heavy <b>thunk</b>, <b>sealing </b><b>away </b>the cold, the <b>chaos</b>, <b>and </b>the brother I no longer recognized.


    +8 Pearls


    Lucien slid <b>into </b>the seat beside me, the leather creaking beneath him, and the air instantly filled with the quiet dominance of <b>an </b><b>Alpha</b><b>. </b>His presence <b>always </b>shifted the energy of a room¨Cor in this case, a car. But tonight, I didn¡¯t flinch. I didn¡¯t shrink <b>away</b>. I was too exhausted to keep pretending I wasn¡¯t broken.


    He didn¡¯t say anything at first. He didn¡¯t start the engine. He just <b>sat </b>there beside me, one elbow propped against the window, his face half¨Cshadowed by the dim overhead light.


    My <b>hands </b>were clenched in myp, bloodless and white. My nails were digging into my palms so deep I thought they might draw blood.


    ¡°Riley, Lucien said atst, his <b>voice </b>low, calm. Not the cold tone he used in court. Not the aloofness he wore like armor. This was something gentler. <b>¡°</b><b>Are </b>you okay?¡±


    I shook <b>my </b>head, barely. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    He exhaled through his nose, clearly not buying it. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be. Not right now.¡±


    My lips trembled, <b>and </b>I bit down hard to steady them. ¡°He said I was evil. That I hurt his family. That I ruined her life.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s <b>jaw </b>tensed.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t remember,¡± I <b>whispered</b><b>. </b>¡°He <b>doesn¡¯t </b>remember what they did to <b>me</b>. Or maybe he does, and he just doesn¡¯t


    Silence stretched between us.


    Then, <b>without </b>warning. Lucien reached out <b>and </b>pulled me against him.


    I stiffened¨Cjust for a <b>second</b>¨C<b>but </b>then my body <b>gave </b>out, slumping into the solid warmth of his chest. His <b>scent</b>¨C<b>pine</b>, wind, and something faintly smoky¨Cwrapped around me<b>, </b>grounding me in a way I <b>hadn¡¯t </b>expected.


    ¡°<b>You </b>were brave,¡± he murmured near the crown of my <b>head</b>. ¡°<b>I </b><b>saw </b>the way you looked at him. You weren¡¯t <b>afraid</b>. <b>Not </b>anymore¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of being afraid.¡± I whispered.


    He rested his chin lightly on my <b>hair</b>. ¡°Good. Because I don¡¯t want <b>you </b>hiding anymore.¡±


    His words echoed inside me.


    I don¡¯t want you hiding anymore.


    For a <b>moment </b>we just sat there. His heartbeat <b>was </b>steady beneath my check, the <b>kind </b>of rhythm <b>that </b>made you forget the world could hurt you


    Then he pulled back slightly, enough to meet my eyes. His gaze <b>was </b><b>steady</b>, <b>serious</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°Have you thought about going <b>back </b>to school?¡°


    The question caught me off guard ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Ashirpoor Academy.¡± he said. ¡°You always wanted to go there, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    My breath hatched I hadn¡¯t heard that name in years. <b>Not </b>since before everything went wrong


    Before prison


    Before Scarlett


    Before I lost everything.


    ¡°My voice faltered. ¡°That dream <b>died </b>a long time ago.¡±


    +B Pearls


    Lucien¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Dreams don¡¯t die. They <b>just </b>get buried <b>under </b>the weight of pain and fear. But they¡¯re still there, You¡¯re still that girl who wanted to be abat instructor. I know you <b>are</b>.¡±


    I looked <b>away</b>, my throat tightening. ¡°Even if I wanted to, it¡¯s toote. My record¨Cmy name¨Cit¡¯s ruined.¡±


    He smiled, <b>slow </b><b>and </b>sure. ¡°Luckily, you know someone who <b>has </b><b>friends </b>in high <b>ces</b>.¡±


    1 blinked. ¡°You mean<b>¡­</b>?¡±


    ¡°Ashmoor¡¯s headbat <b>trainer </b>used to be my professor,¡± he said. ¡°<b>Alpha</b>¨Clevel, war¨Ctested, and loyal to <b>a </b>fault. If I asked she to take a look <b>at </b>you, she <b>would</b>. No questions asked.¡±


    My heart began to beat faster, ¡°You¡¯d do that for me?¡±


    ¡°Riley, you have to believe in yourself. Even with a vital organ missing, you were still able to summon your wolf. You¡¯re stronger than you think. You belong on the battlefield¨Cnot trapped inside the Vale family.¡±


    Lucien leaned in slightly, eyes burning with something fierce. ¡°Riley, I would tear down kingdoms for you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to say. <b>The </b>Riley from six months ago would have cried. She would¡¯ve sobbed and begged for this chance. But I wasn¡¯t her anymore.


    I <b>had </b>steel in my spine now. Pain in my blood. And a <b>future </b>I¡¯d thought I would never get back.


    ¡°Do I have to say yes right now?¡± I asked quietly.


    ¡°No,¡± he said. ¡°But if you want it¨Cif you want <b>to </b>fight for it¨CI¡¯ll be there. Every step of the


    way.¡±


    I looked down at my hands. The same hands that had bled for a family who never wanted me. That had fought to survive behind bars. That had stitched together hope, thread by trembling thread.


    I nodded once.


    ¡°I <b>want </b>to fight¡±


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 147

    Kael Vale¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    I watched as the ck SUV disappeared into the night, its red taillights cutting through the darkness like a wound that would <b>never </b>close. I couldn¡¯t move. My knees buckled beneath me, and I copsed onto the cold pavement, my breath <bing </b><b>in </b>shallow gasps.


    Riley was gone.


    And this time¡­ it was final.


    She hadn¡¯t <b>even </b>looked back.


    I¡¯d spent years convincing myself that blood meant something, that what we had¨Cwhat we used to have¨Cwas enough to keep her tethered to me, to this cursed family. But I was wrong.


    I¡¯d destroyed it all. With my own hands. With my cowardice.


    By the time I managed to drag myself into my car, my fingers were numb from the night air. The engine roared as I sped through the darkened streets of Stormridge, pushing the limits juseto feel something, anything beyond the gnawing pit <b>in </b><b>my </b>chest.


    When <b>I </b>arrived at the hospital, the air reeked of antiseptic and pain. The sharp, anguished criesing from the Ebonw Pack¡¯s private ward nearly split my skull open.


    My parents¡® morphine had worn off.


    Father¡¯s <b>guttural </b>screams shook the walls. ¡°Pain pump! Give us the damn <b>pain </b>pump, now!¡±


    Mother was curied in a fetal position, tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°I can¡¯t¨CI can¡¯t take <b>it </b>anymore,¡± <b>she </b>sobbed to the nurse hovering helplessly at the foot of the <b>bed</b>.


    But I couldn¡¯t let them have it. Not yet


    Not after everything


    I stormed into the room, and before the nurse <b>could </b>even lift the <b>pump</b>, I growled, ¡°No. Don¡¯t touch them.¡±


    My voice came out raw¨C<b>more </b>feral <b>than </b><b>human</b><b>. </b>The nurse froze, wide¨Ceyed. My father¡¯s <b>pain</b>¨Cflushed face turned from pleading to furious.


    ¡°Are you insane?¡± he barked ¡°You want us to die in agony?¡±


    A bitter <bugh </b>tore out of my throat. I didn¡¯t even know where it <b>came </b>from. It just burst out¨Cloud <b>and </b>cracked and manic.


    I was losing i


    The sound of shattering <b>ss </b>rang out <b>as </b>I swept an entire tray of medicine off the cab, sending <b>ss </b><b>vials </b>scattering across the tide like spilled blood.


    The room went silent.


    All eyes on me


    <b>¡°</b>You know who char had to suffer without a <b>pain </b><b>pump</b>?¡± I <b>roared</b>, <b>chest </b>heaving. ¡°Riley. In a rogue prison. With her leg chattered, her bones protruding and no one to even set jt¡±


    Father fine bed


    Shey in a cell bleeding and broken, because of you. Because of Scarlett. Because you chose your precious adopted daughter over your blood¡±


    Mothers hp trembled ¡°Karl she¡¯s always been so stubborn Always starting hights¡ªof course she got herself hurt You know


    lip


    +B Pearls


    how girls like her get treated in prison. She brings it on herself.¡±


    ¡°Brings it on herself? My voice cracked. ¡°You think she chose to be beaten until she <b>couldn¡¯t </b>walk? That she wanted to lose everything? Her education? Her future? Her <b>dignity</b>?¡±


    Mother covered her face and sobbed, and for a brief second, guilt pierced through me.


    But then I saw Riley¡¯s face again¨Cpale, drawn, eyes dead with exhaustion, <b>standing </b>behind Lucien Duskgrave like he was the only thing left keeping her upright.


    She didn¡¯t cry. She didn¡¯t scream. She ju


    just looked at me like I <b>was </b><b>a </b>stranger.


    <b>A </b>stranger she loathed.


    ¡°She¡¯s gone,¡± I <b>said </b>quietly. ¡°She¡¯ll nevere <b>back</b>.¡±


    Father tried to sit up, teeth clenched against the pain. ¡°Don¡¯t be dramatic. She¡¯s a selfish brat, always was. Everything was fine until <b>she </b>started making trouble.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡± 1 spat. ¡°You ckmailed her into <b>taking </b>the fall for Scarlett. She had a full schrship to Ashmoor Academy¨Cdo you remember that? She could¡¯ve been a battle instructor by now. But instead, she spent five <b>years </b>in that hellhole so you wouldn¡¯t lose face in the Pack Council.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous,¡± Father hissed. ¡°Scarlett didn¡¯t even <b>want </b>that stupid embroidery <b>award</b>. Riley must¡¯ve sabotaged it to make her look bad.¡±


    I turned to him slowly.


    ¡°You think <b>this </b>is about a piece of thread?¡± My voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°<b>You </b>think <b>that </b><b>was </b>her breaking point? Do you <b>have </b><b>any </b>idea what it does to <b>a </b>person to be discarded like garbage by the ones she called family?¡±


    They stared at me, stunned into silence. For once, the <b>two </b>of them didn¡¯t have a response.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want <b>anything </b>to do with us now,¡± I continued, almost calmly. ¡°And I can¡¯t me her.¡±


    Mother whimpered. ¡°But we raised her¡­¡±


    ¡°<b>You </b>raised her to serve. To be lesser. You paraded Scarlett around like a <b>daughter </b>of honor and shoved Riley into the <b>shadows</b>.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not even our blood-


    ¡°She¡¯s my sister.¡± I growled. ¡°And whether or not she ever forgives us, she deserved better than what you gave her.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t <b>look </b>at them anymore.


    I turned <b>and </b>walked out, leaving their broken bodies <b>and </b>worse, their excuses, behind me


    Let them suffer for one night. Riley <b>had </b>suffered for <b>years</b>.


    Let them scream:


    Let them feel what it was like to be <b>unheard </b>


    Because I finally understood <b>what </b>she¡¯d felt all along


    And by the Moon. 1¡¯d never forgive myself for being part of it


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 148

    +8 Pearls


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Kael Vale¡¯s fist came down hard on the <b>metal </b>side <b>table</b>, the loud ng echoing off the sterile <b>walls </b>of the Stormridge Pack infirmary


    ???


    His father flinched at the outburst. Even while confined to a hospital bed with both legs broken, Alpha ric still tried to keep his spine straight, his <b>jaw </b>clenched <b>in </b>defiance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget,¡± ric snarled, voice hoarse with pain and rage, ¡°you were the one <b>who </b>testified against Riley at the High <b>Tribunal</b>. You were the one who pointed the finger, Kael. Don¡¯t you dare try to pin this on me and your Luna.<b>¡± </b>


    Kael <b>froze</b>. His heart pounded like a war drum. Those words hit harder <b>than </b>any blow his father had ever struck him with.


    How could he forget?


    The memory was carved into his bones¨Cstanding in that cold courtroom, Riley¡¯s golden eyes burning with disbelief <b>and </b>betrayal as he, her own brother, had dered her guilty. Even then, a part of him knew the truth. But he hadn¡¯t fought <b>for </b>her.


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t remember?¡± Kael growled through gritted teeth. His canines <b>sharpened</b>, ws flexing involuntarily as his <b>wolf </b>stirred beneath the surface, agitated by his guilt. ¡®Every night, I hear her screams from that cell. Every Damn. Night. You think these broken legs are punishment? No. They¡¯re karma.¡±


    He turned his cold, furious gaze on his father. ¡°You destroyed her. And you made me help.¡±


    Luna Zara, lying in the next bed, winced. The pain in her legs must¡¯ve red again, but it was nothingpared to the look she gave her son¨Cequal parts disgust and disappointment.


    ¡°How dare you speak to your Alpha that way,¡± ric spat, his pride still more intact than his bones, ¡°You¡¯ve been brainwashed by that girl¨Cshe¡¯s nothing but <b>a </b>defect. A stain on the Ebonw bloodline.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call her <b>that</b><b>, </b>Kael hissed. His voice dropped low, a predator¡¯s growl rumbling in his chest. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare.¡±


    <b>ric </b>surged forward, ignoring the agony in his <b>legs</b>. Veins bulged in his neck, face red with fury. ¡°Get out! Get out before 1 make you<b>!</b><b>¡± </b>


    <b>hut </b>Kael <b>didn¡¯t </b>move. He stood still, like a monolith carved of stone and regret.


    ric¡¯s breath became ragged, his body trembling from both pain and rage. His eyes fluttered, <b>and </b>for a moment, Kael thought he might faint. A sliver of satisfaction curled in Kael¡¯s gut.


    Was that <b>wrong</b>? Maybe.


    But <b>watching </b>the Alpha who¡¯d once ruled their pack with an iron fist now reduced to this¨C<b>sweating</b>, <b>gasping</b>, helpless¨Cit felt like a sliver of justice.


    ¡°You two did everything to break Riley,¡± Kael said, quieter now. ¡°<b>You </b>framed her. You locked her <b>away</b>. You let Scarlett take everything that should¡¯ve belonged to her <b>and </b><b>you </b>expected her to <b>thank </b>you?¡±


    <b>Luna </b>Zara¡¯s voice quivered. ¡°We were just trying to <b>protect </b>the pack.¡±


    Karl scoffed. ¡°<b>No </b>You were trying to protect Scarlett. The perfectughter. The <b>fake </b>one¡±


    Zara¡¯s eyes welled with tears. ¡°Scarlett never wanted to <b>hurt </b>Riley-¡±


    She let Riley take the fall for her Kael snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t act <b>like </b><b>you </b>don¡¯t know <b>that</b>.¡±


    Zara fell silent. Her hand clutched the bedsheet <b>tightly</b>, knuckles white. The silence thickened until she finally <b>spoke </b>again, this time with a tremor of maternal worry


    ¡°Marder¡¯s returning from Northhaven today She¡¯sing to pay respects to Matriarch Dusk <b>grave</b>. You need to call her. Tell


    +8 Pearls


    Karl blinked ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If Riley sees her,¡± <b>Zara </b>pressed, ¡°she¡¯ll retaliate. You know how she is¨Cvengeful. She¡¯s dangerous now,


    ric grunted in agreement. ¡°Scarlett¡¯s still <b>weak </b>from her <bst </b>recovery cycle. She <b>won¡¯t </b>survive another confrontation


    Kael stared at them. The same parents who once celebrated Riley¡¯s birth with pride now feared their own daughter like <b>a </b>rogue beast.


    Good. They should.


    He thought of Scarlett¡¯s bruised face <b>back </b>in the tribunal¡¯s holding <b>cell</b>. He <b>hadn¡¯t </b>dared tell Zara what had happened. That Riley had left those bruises after Scarlett begged for mercy. <b>That </b>it had <b>taken </b>three Enforcers to pull her off.


    His voice <b>was </b>t when he <b>said</b>. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    Without waiting for another word, Kael turned and left the room.


    Each step out of that infirmary hallway felt heavier than <b>the </b></divst. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was guilt¡­ or something deeper. Regret had hollowed him out, and now all that remained was duty.


    He stepped into the fluorescent¨Clit corridor¨Cand stopped short.


    Theo <b>Hale </b>stood near the exit, arms crossed. The <b>silver </b>Omega¡¯s <b>sharp </b>eyes locked on <b>him</b>.


    ¡°Kael, Theo <b>said</b>. ¡°You¡¯re leaving <b>already</b>?¡±


    Kael nodded. ¡°I¡¯m going to find Riley.¡±


    Theo¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but his stance <b>straightened</b><b>. </b>¡°You <b>know </b>where she is?¡°.


    ¡°No. But I¡¯ll find her.¡±


    There <b>was </b>a <b>pause</b>. A beat of understanding passed between them¨Cboth men bound to the same girl in different ways.


    ¡°I¡¯ming with you, Theo said.


    Kael narrowed his eyes. ¡°Why<b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°I need <b>answers</b>,¡± ¡°Theo replied. ¡°About her past. Her <b>medical </b>history. Her missing records. <b>And </b>I <b>think </b>she¡¯s the only one who


    has them¡±


    <b>Kael </b>studied him for a moment. Then nodded.


    They didn¡¯t trust each other, notpletely. But they both trusted Riley <b>more </b><b>than </b>anyone else. <b>And </b>maybe, for now, <b>that </b>was enough


    Together, they left the infirmary <b>and </b><b>vanished</b>

 in Vengeance 149

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    Ashmoor Academy was nestled in the cradle of the northern hignds, its ancient stone towers wrapped in a steady mist that smelled of frost, pine, and old magic. The kind of ce built <b>not </b><b>just </b>to <b>train </b>warriors¨Cbut to forge legends.


    But as I pulled the car into the gated drive, my eyes weren¡¯t on the battlements or the looming archway that bore the academy¡¯s sigil.


    They were on the girl sitting beside me.


    Riley had been silent most of the ride. Not the tense silence of a girl plotting escape, but the <b>kind </b>of quiet that came from exhaustion¨Cthe bone¨Cdeep weariness of someone <b>used </b>to <b>fighting </b>alone.


    <b>I </b>didn¡¯t press her.


    Not yet.


    The moment we <b>arrived</b><b>, </b>an attendant escorted us to the academy¡¯s medical wing. I¡¯d called ahead. Told them Riley needed a full exam before we made any decisions about her training path. I might¡¯ve pulled some strings. Technically, the chiefbat instructor was semi¨Cretired.


    But for me, she made an exception.


    She always did,


    ¡°Lucien Duskgrave,¡± said <b>a </b>sharp <b>voice </b>as we entered the white¨Ctiled room. ¡°Still dragging half¨Cdead wolves through my doors, I sec.


    1 smirked. ¡°<b>You </b>love the drama, Maeryn<b>.¡± </b>


    Warden Maeryn Voss snorted as she stepped forward, her cane tapping with authority on the cold tile. Her hair was silver- white and braided back in <b>a </b>warrior¡¯s twist, her broad shoulders still carrying the posture of a frontline general. Despite the crow¡¯s feet <b>around </b>her eyes, the force of her presence crackled like live wire¨Cold magic wrapped in a lifetime of battlefield instinct. She <b>wasn¡¯t </b>just Ashmoor¡¯s senior instructor¨Cshe was its legend.


    Her gazended on <b>Riley</b>, appraising and <b>sharp</b>.


    ¡°You must be the Vale girl,¡± she said, not <b>unkindly </b>


    Riley shifted uneasily. ¡°Just <b>Riley</b><b>.</b>¡±


    Marryn gave a short nod. ¡°Come. Let¡¯s see <b>what </b>the world¡¯s carved out of you?


    She led Riley into <b>a </b>side chamber


    I waited in the hall, pacing. <b>Minutes </b><b>passed</b>. Then <b>nearly </b>an hour


    Finally, the door opened.


    Macryn stepped out first, her expression unreadable.


    Kiley followed behind her, eyes distant, face pale


    Something in my chest tightened


    I stepped forward ¡°What is ir


    Marry¡¯ni looked at me with an intensity I hadn¡¯t seen in years. ¡°You were right to bring her here. But it¡¯s worse <b>than </b>I thought¡°


    I tensed ¡°Tell me everything¡±


    She gestured me into her offer Riley remained behind in the <b>waiting </b>room perched <b>silently </b>on the edge of a bench like a


    + Pearls


    wraith made flesh


    Once inside. Maeryn closed the door and dropped her usual steel facade.


    ¡°She¡¯s bleeding magic,¡± she said without preamble. ¡°Or rather¨Cher wolf is,¡±


    My heart froze. ¡°What?¡±


    She tapped a glowing diagnostic chart <bid </b>out across her desk. It shimmered with faint blue runes, a spectral image of Riley¡¯s wolf form projected in pale light.


    ¡°She¡¯s unstable. Her wolf is severely weakened, barely anchored to her physical form. The <b>reason</b><b>?</b>¡±


    She pointed to a <b>faint </b>distortion on the image¡¯s lower right quadrant.


    ¡°She¡¯s missing a vital organ.¡±


    ¡°A kidney,¡± I said grimly.


    Maeryn nodded. ¡°Correct. Her <b>human </b>body has learned to cope, but her wolf? Her wolf is still bleeding. You of all people understand how spirit and body must remain in harmony for a shifter to function at full strength¡±


    I clenched my fists. ¡°What does that mean for her training


    ¡°It means she¡¯s not ready. Throw her into high¨Cimpactbat drills now, and she could copse <b>mid</b>¨Cshift. Or worse¨Cher wolf could try to tear <b>away </b>from her, instinctively seeking safety.¡±


    She paused, then added in a quieter voice, ¡°And Lucien¡­. even in this state¡­ she still managed to summon her wolf¡±


    I looked up sharply.


    Maeryn¡¯s voice lowered <b>in </b>awe. ¡°Do you <b>understand </b>what <b>that </b>means? I¡¯ve trained thousands of warriors. I¡¯ve seen Alphas lose their shift over emotional trauma. But Riley¡­ she¡¯s iplete, fractured¨Cand her wolf still came when called. That kind of soul¨Cbond doesn¡¯t just survive. It fights. She¡¯s rare, Lucien. One in a thousand.¡±


    I exhaled slowly, her wordsnding like hammers.


    ¡°She¡¯s meant <b>to </b>be on the battlefield,¡± Maeryn said. ¡°But not like this. She¡¯s fire wrapped in broken bones.¡±


    ¡°Is there a way to fix it?¡± I asked.


    ¡°There is,¡± she <b>said</b>, expression hardening. ¡°Find the missing piece. Her wolf is searching for it. If we <b>can </b>locate the kidney¨Cif it¡¯s still viable¨Cwe might be able to graft it back. A spirit¨Cbound transnt. Difficult. Dangerous. Not exactly legal. But possible¡±


    My throat tightened ¡°Can I tell her?¡±


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>should. But be careful with hope. If the donor was unwilling or if too much time <b>has </b>passed there may be no reiming it. If it was sold, altered, discarded¨Cthere¡¯s a hundred ways this <b>could </b>go wrong


    I stood up, mind racing


    hallway. Riley lifted her head when I approached. Her eyes were searching mine before I even <b>spoke</b>.


    ¡°So I


    she asked her voice trying for steadiness. ¡°Am Lin!¡±


    I sat beside her, dowe but not touching


    ¡°There¡¯s aplication.¡± I said quietly. ¡°Your wolf she¡¯s <b>weak</b>. That¡¯s why your shifts hurt. Why you¡¯re tired all the time. It¡¯s


    Her hips parted slightly ¡°So Im not strong cough


    and closer, letting th


    rai pu my voice do what my hands <b>coulda </b>1. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than anyone I¡¯ve ever met. But your wolfplete you had a kidney removed didn¡¯t you?¡±


    A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge

 in Vengeance 150

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Lucien¡¯s words echoed in my chest long after he stopped speaking.


    I¡¯ll <b>find </b>it. <b>Even </b>if I have to tear the world apart to do <b>it</b>.


    +8 Pearls


    For the first time in years, someone was <b>willing </b>to fight for me. Not just beside me¨Cbut for me. And it wasn¡¯t out of guilt or pity. It was because he believed I was worth saving


    The idea <b>was </b>foreign. Beautiful. Terrifying.


    When Lucien stepped away to make a <b>call</b>. I found myself staring at the closed office door down the hall. <b>Behind </b>it, Warden. Maeryn Voss¨Cthe legendarybat instructor of Ashmoor¨Cwaited. She¡¯d seen through me with a single nce. She¡¯d read the truth of my wolf like a battlefield wound.


    I stood.


    <b>My </b>legs still trembled slightly, but I walked anyway<b>. </b>I wasn¡¯t done <b>hiding</b>¡ªbut I was done running


    I knocked once.


    ¡°Come in,¡± came the clipped voice from the other side.


    <b>The </b>room was warmer than I expected¨Clit by a flickering firece and lined with ancient weapons, maps, and shelves stacked with dusty tomes. Warden Voss stood near the window, back straight, cane resting lightly in her grasp. She didn¡¯t look surprised to see me.


    ¡°Riley Vale,¡± she said. ¡°I figured you mighte.¡±


    I swallowed, stepping inside. ¡°I just wanted to <b>say </b>thank you. For¡­. telling me the <b>truth</b>. For treating me like I wasn¡¯t broken.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow. <b>¡°</b>You¡¯re not broken. You¡¯re battle¨Cworn. That¡¯s different.¡±


    I let <b>out </b><b>a </b>shaky breath. ¡°I want to fight. I don¡¯t <b>want </b>to wait around anymore. Even if my wolf is weak, even if I¡¯m missing a piece¡­ I¡¯m tired of being powerless.¡±


    Her gaze softened, just a fraction.


    ¡°You remind me of someone I trained long ago,¡± she <b>said</b>. ¡°He was raw. Furious. Always walking the edge of self¨Cdestruction. But <b>that </b>fire It kept him alive.¡±


    ¡°Lucien I guessed.


    gave a short, amused nod. ¡°That pup was chaos in a <bbat </b>ring. <b>You </b>should¡¯ve seen the bruises he left <b>behind</b>. But he had something <b>most </b>others <b>didn¡¯t</b>¨C<b>resolve</b>. You have it too. And <b>once </b>your wolf <b>is </b>whole, I¡¯ll <b>train </b>you myself¡±


    My heart skipped


    <b>¡°</b>You inean uF


    Marryn¡¯s expression turned serious ¡°I don¡¯t make promises I won¡¯t keep. But I don¡¯t train cowards, either So if you¡¯re serious if you¡¯re willing to face the truth of what was <b>taken </b><b>from </b>you¨Cand fight to reim it¨CI¡¯ll be waiting¡±


    She gudded oner ¡°Then get <b>yourself </b>ready Vale girl. The battlefield¡¯s no ce for hesitation


    ¡°Tilbe


    I unanager a small situle. Til br back?


    As left her office, the ache in my chest was still there but it was different now <b>Not </b>the hollow <b>throb </b>of loss


    ssure of purpose


    Lucien was already waiting <b>near </b>the car, his coat met, there was no need for words.


    He opened the passenger door for <b>me</b>.


    +8 Pearls


    dusted with fine <b>snow</b>. He looked up as I <b>approached</b>, and when our eyes


    The <b>ride </b>down from Ashmoor was quiet, but not <b>heavy</b>. The silence between us had shifted. It wasn¡¯t filled with ghosts


    anymore.


    Just the flicker of something new.


    Maybe hope.


    We <b>drove </b>through the thickening dusk, <b>pine </b>trees blurring past the windows, the sky turning a <b>deep </b><b>shade </b>of indigo. And when the towering silhouette of the Duskgrave estate finally came into view, nestled in shadow and stone, I didn¡¯t feel the usual spike of dread that came with approaching unfamiliar territory.


    I felt something strange.


    Safe


    Lucien parked the car and nced at me before cutting the <b>engine</b>,


    ¡°You¡¯re quiet,¡± <b>he </b>said.


    ¡°I was just thinking¡­¡°I turned to him. ¡°Thank you. For taking me to Ashmoor. For not giving up when I would¡¯ve.¡±


    He studied me for a moment, then gave a rare, crooked smile. I told you, Riley, You¡¯re not alone anymore.¡±


    I opened the door, the cold air wrapping around me like a second skin. And as I stepped onto the Duskgrave grounds for the second time, I realized something


    This wasn¡¯t the end <b>of </b>anything.


    It was just the beginning


    Send Gifts


    10


    294

 in Vengeance 151

    Third¨CPerson¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    The moon hung low over the northern woods, shrouded by a thin veil of cloud. The trees lining the road swayed restlessly, their branches whispering secrets in a <bnguage </b>only wolves could understand. Inside the ck SUV speeding down the gravel path, silence stretched taut between the two men in the front seats.


    Theo Hale gripped the steering wheel with <b>one </b>hand, the other drumming impatiently <b>against </b>the window frame. Beside <b>him</b>, Kael <b>Vale </b>sat stiffly, eyes glued to the darkness beyond the windshield, lips <b>drawn </b>in a hard line.


    They were on their way to the Duskgrave ancestral home¨Ca ce rarely visited by outsiders, let alone disgraced heirs like Riley.


    But that wasn¡¯t what preupied Theo¡¯s mind.


    It was a document he had stumbled <b>upon </b>three weeks ago while auditing medical archives for the Ebonw Pack¡¯s internal health registry. Most of the files were <b>routine</b>¨Cvination records, bloodline verifications,bat injuries. <b>But </b>one name had caught his eyes


    Riley Vale.


    She had been just fifteen.


    And she¡¯d been in the pack hospital for a renalpatibility test.


    Theo hadn¡¯t been <b>able </b>to stop thinking about it since.


    At fifteen, Riley had just returned to the Ebonw Pack. Fresh from the Rogues. Unimed. Unwanted. The pack elders barely acknowledged her existence. So why had she been taken in <b>for </b><b>something </b>as serious¨Cand specific¨Cas a kidney match


    test?


    <b>And </b>if she had only gone in for <b>testing</b>¡­ why did her current medical records show she was missing a kidney?


    That <b>wasn¡¯t </b><b>standard</b>. That wasn¡¯t something you just forgot.


    ¡°Why would a girl like her be evaluated for organ donation?¡± Theo muttered under his breath, more to himself <b>than </b>to Kael.


    Kael, preupied, didn¡¯t respond. His brows were furrowed deep in thought, and his hands were clenched into fists on hisp. He¡¯d barely spoken since they left the hospital¨Conly mentioned that they were going to find Riley


    And that this time, he wasn¡¯t going to fight her


    He was going to beg


    The idea of Karl Vale¨Conce the heir of the Ebonw Pack, always proud and cold¨Clowering himself to beg his sister for anything, would¡¯ve beenughable if the circumstances weren¡¯t so grim.


    Theo gave him a sideways <b>nce</b>. ¡°So let <b>me </b>get this straight<b>. </b>You¡¯re going to <b>ask </b>Riley to help clean <b>up </b>Scarlett¡¯s mess?


    sighed, his voice rough ¡°Scarlett <b>was </b>arrested. Theft. Apparently Riley reported her for stealing some <b>ancient </b>embroidery worth twenty million*


    Theo¡¯s eyebrows shot up ¡°Twenty million Goddess. <b>That¡¯s </b>ridiculous<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡± Kael said, his voice rising ¡°Riley¡¯s being pety. <b>We </b>all know she¡¯s still mad about the past, but dragging Scarlett into


    this! It overkill¡±


    Theo gave a dryugh ¡°Pentyr You think being sold <b>out </b>and imprisoned is something people get <b>over </b>after a few <b>years</b>!¡±


    el looked like he was about to argue, but then thought better of it


    The didnt press further He didn¡¯t care to debate <b>inorality </b>with someone who hadn¡¯t lived Raley¡¯s nightmare


    347 PMP p.


    Instead, he returned to his thoughts.


    Riley¡¯s kidney


    Her weakened wolf.


    +8 Pearls


    He hadn¡¯t told anyone yet, but <b>when </b>hepared the hospital logs from Riley¡¯s time in the infirmary, he noticed something even more disturbing.


    The timing


    Riley¡¯spatibility test had happened just one week <b>before </b>Scarlett underwent a mysterious ¡°life¨Csaving operation¡± <b>that </b>the pack never spoke of in detail. The files surrounding Scarlett¡¯s case <b>were </b>redacted¨C<b>even </b>for someone like Theo.


    It didn¡¯t take a genius to connect the dots.


    Theo¡¯s jaw clenched.


    ¡°Tell me something.¡± he said suddenly, breaking the silence. ¡°Why was Scarlett in the hospital a year after Riley came home? Didn¡¯t she have some kind of emergency surgery?¡±


    Kael shifted. ¡°Yeah, some autoimmune <b>thing</b>. Her kidneys were failing. The elders said it was hereditary


    ¡°<b>And </b>she made a full recovery?¡±


    Kael nodded. ¡°She bounced back within months. Stronger than ever.¡±


    Theo said nothing, but his chest tightened.


    Because someone else paid the <b>price</b>,


    He had no proof Not yet. But his <b>instincts </b>screamed it: Riley hadn¡¯t just been mistreated. She¡¯d been used. Treated like a resource. Like livestock. They¡¯d taken her in not out of guilt or obligation¨Cbut because they needed something from her.


    And she¡¯d given it, willingly or not.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Karl <b>said</b>, his tone lighter, trying to shift the mood. ¡°Don¡¯t act like this is your battle. I¡¯m the one who screwed up with Riley. I¡¯ll talk to her. You¡¯re just along for the ride.¡±


    Tiseo forced a smile. ¡°Yeah. Just here to make sure you don¡¯t run your mouth and get <b>kicked </b>out.¡±


    Kael chuckled, the first real sound of amusement he¡¯d made all night, ¡°<b>Fair</b>.¡±


    But Theo wasn¡¯tughing.


    Because he had too many questions and not enough answers.


    And deep down, he had the sinking feeling <b>that </b>the secret buried inside Riley¡¯s missing kidney¨Cher fading wolf¨Cmight be the key <b>to </b>unraveling everything the Ebonw Pack <b>had </b>tried to cover up


    And if that meant breaking somews? Burning <b>down </b>old alliances?


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 152

    +8 Pearls


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Night fell heavy over the Duskgrave estate, cloaking the mansion in a <b>silence </b>that bordered on <b>reverent</b>. The moon hung low and pale above the rooftops, its light casting long, silver streaks over the carefully paved paths of the garden below.


    ne in and Inside, <b>warm </b>light spilled from the windows of the second <b>floor</b>. Shadows danced behind the velvet curtains, moving out of the frame like ghostly figures


    Lucien stood quietly outside Riley¡¯s room, a steaming <b>mug </b>of warm milk in his hand. The rich scent of honey and wolfmint curled <b>upward</b>. His <b>other </b>hand hovered near the door, hesitating¨Cjust for a moment¨Cbefore knocking softly.


    Once.


    Twice.


    Three times


    No answer.


    He frowned. Riley was rarely <b>a </b>deep sleeper, not with her instincts as <b>sharp </b>as they¡¯d grown in recent weeks. He pressed the handle. The door opened easily <b>under </b>his touch.


    Inside, the room was still. Quiet. A soft golden glow from the bedsidemp bathed everything <b>in </b>muted warmth. There, at the far end. Riley stood in a white nightdress, her figure outlined against the ss of the tall windows. She stared out at the garden, unmoving, her long hair drifting slightly in the <b>night </b><b>air</b>.


    Lucien¡¯s voice lowered. ¡°Riley?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond. Not a flinch. Not a breath of acknowledgment.


    Frowning now, Lucien crossed the <b>room</b>. He set the milk on her writing desk and moved toward her, the familiar tension of protective instinct pulling taut beneath his skin.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he said again, louder now, firm but gentle. ¡°It¡¯ste. You should rest.¡±


    Sull <b>nothing </b>


    Only the sound of wind brushing <b>against </b>the <b>windowpanes</b>.


    He reached out and ced a <b>hand </b>gently on her shoulder.


    Riley jolted like she¡¯d been struck by lightning.


    Her body flinched away violently, and her injured leg <b>gave </b>out beneath her. She stumbled backward, off <b>bnce</b>.


    Lucen caught her before she could fall, his arm snaking firmly around her waist. Her handy clutched instinctively at his chest


    she looked up eyes wide wild with a panic he hadn¡¯t seen in weeks


    The softness of her frame trembled against him, <b>her </b>scentced with <b>adrenaline </b>and something deeper¨Cfear. Not of hum but of something long¨Cburied


    They stood their in silence for <b>several </b>heartbeats, neither speaking Only breathing


    exact moment, a ck Bentley pulled up outside the estate gates. The tires whispered across <b>the </b><b>gravel </b>as the <b>engine </b>died Two figures stepped out


    Kari Vale


    And Theo Hale


    wrapped


    expression changed <b>instantly </b>


    ats, they fa drawn. <b>But </b>when Karl looked up toward the second floor of the estate, lus


    147 PM P P


    +8 Pearls


    Behind the ss of the tall window, in the amber light of Riley¡¯s room, stond Lucien Duskgrave¨Chis arm still wrapped around Riley¡¯s waist, their bodies close, too <b>close</b>. From that distance, it looked like an embrace. An intimate one.


    Karl¡¯s eyes widened. Rage exploded in his chest like wildfire.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he roared, his voice cutting through the quiet like a de. ¡°<b>You </b>shameless thing¨Cwho the hell allowed you to live under his roof?¡±


    His shout echoed through the courtyard.


    Theo¡¯s <b>head </b>snapped <b>up</b><b>, </b><b>his </b>gaze following Kael¡¯s.


    He saw it too. The silhouettes. The closeness. The tension.


    His <b>breath </b>caught, jaw tightening <b>as </b>he tried toprehend what he was seeing. For a brief second, disbelief clouded <b>his </b>thoughts. But then came understanding¨Cand with it, aplex storm of emotions he couldn¡¯t quite <b>name</b>.


    Still, Theo,reached out and grabbed Kael¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Wait. Calm down. You don¡¯t know the full story <b>yet</b>. There could be-¡±


    ¡°Full story?¡± Kael¡¯s voice cracked <b>with </b>fury. ¡°Theo, look at them! Are you blind?¡±


    Theo didn¡¯t answer. His eyes stayed on Riley¡¯s window.


    Inside, Lucien was already helping Riley steady herself. His hands had never strayed from respectful. But the scene had been witnessed¨Cand misread.


    Kael, however, was beyond reason.


    He took a step toward the estate gates, pointing upward as <b>his </b>voice rose to a roar, fueled by years of guilt, confusion, and wounded pride.


    ¡°Riley Vale, <b>have </b>you no shame left in your blood? Are you so desperate for a male that you¡¯d throw yourself at a <b>Stormridge </b>Alpha like some heat¨Cstruck stray?¡±


    The words sliced through the night like a de.


    Riley froze.


    For a moment, at felt like <b>the </b>world stopped <b>breathing</b>. The hatred in Kael¡¯s voice still rang in her ears, <b>each </b><b>word </b>soaked in contempi, dragging her back into the <b>years </b>of <b>humiliation</b>, control, and whispered usations <b>that </b><b>had </b>once defined her life.


    Her fingers clenched at her <b>sides</b>, <b>nails </b>digging into her palms. <b>But </b>this time, she didn¡¯t <b>shrink</b>. She didn¡¯t run.


    She turned her head slowly <b>toward </b><b>Lucien</b>, her brows <b>furrowed</b>, <b>voice </b>trembling¨Cnot with fear, but disbelief


    Your the Alplu?¡± she asked, voice low but sharp, almost a whisper. ¡°The one from the rumors?¡±


    She stepped back half a pace, eyes narrowing <b>as </b>a bitter realization settled in her chest.


    The one they <b>say </b>is <b>rudiless</b>¨Cviolent¨Cand cursed? The very one the Vale family tried to force me into a mating <b>alliance </b>


    with


    Lucien didn i deny i


    Instead, he took a <b>slow </b>step <b>forward</b>, has eyes locked onto hers, glowing faintly under the moonlight pouring through the


    ¡°Yes¡± he said quietly ¡°That a me¡±


    A shonterugh slipped from Riley¡¯s lips She shook her head in disbelief arms crossing protectively over her chest


    in


    ¡°Well<b>, </b>that something she said sarcasmced with fatigue ¡°We almost went on a matchmaking meeting Vale <b>politics </b>


    nurried


    den¡¯s mouth curved


    1 IT PU


    ¡°Then maybe,¡± he said, <b>voice </b><b>low </b>and sure, ¡°that was the only intelligent decision the Vale family ever made.¡±


    Riley blinked, caught off guard.


    +8 Pearls


    He stepped closer, the storm in his eyes softening¨Cjust slightly. ¡°Because I would have never let them hurt you again, Riley. Not once. Not if you¡¯d been mine.¡±


    Lucien turned slowly toward the window, <b>still </b>standing protectively in front of Riley. His face remained calm¨Cbut the air around <b>him </b>shifted.


    Power pulsed in the room. The <b>Alpha¡¯s </b>aura rising.


    Riley, breathless, leaned heavily against the edge of the windowpane. She didn¡¯t speak, didn¡¯t shout <b>back</b>.


    She didn¡¯t need to.


    Because this wasn¡¯t the girl Kael Vale had once known. This was the woman who¡¯d survived betrayal, captivity, and the slow rot of abandonment.


    Lucien stepped forward, drawing the curtain closed with a quiet finality.


    Outside, Kael stared at the closed window as if it had personally insulted him.


    Theo ced a hand on his shoulder.


    But Kael shrugged it <b>off</b>, eyes burning red under the moonlight. ¡°He¡¯s seducing her. Manipting her. Just like all those other wolves before him.¡±


    Theo said nothing.


    Because deep down, a single <b>thought </b>was taking root¨Cone he hadn¡¯t wanted to consider.


    What if Lucien wasn¡¯t manipting her?


    What if she had chosen him<b>? </b>


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 153

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The silence came back like a ghost I <b>thought </b>I¡¯d buried.


    +8 Pearls


    It started as a distant numbness¨Ca soft ringing in the back of my skull¨Cbut quickly swelled into the kind of silence that pressed against my eardrums like a scream I couldn¡¯t hear. No footsteps. No wind. No voices. Just the cruel quiet I <b>thought </b>I¡¯d left behind in prison.


    <b>Lucien </b>hade in.


    But I hadn¡¯t heard it. Not the creak of the <b>hinges</b>, not the sound of his boots on the floorboards. Nothing. His mouth <b>had </b>moved, his brows furrowed like <b>he¡¯d </b>said something sharp. Urgent.


    But I hadn¡¯t caught it.


    Because I couldn¡¯t hear him.


    My hearing had been failing more and moretely¨Cespecially when I was exhausted, when my wolf Nyra <b>was </b>too weak to hold it together. The beatings in prison had left more than scars or my skin. Sometimes it was like my <b>ears </b>just.. stopped working. <b>And </b>tonight, they had.


    I didn¡¯t want Lucien to know. Didn¡¯t want to see <b>the </b>pity in his eyes, the way everyone used to <b>look </b>at me like I was broken beyond <b>repair</b>.


    So I forced Nyra to rise<b>, </b>even though she barely stirred. I tapped into the dregs of her <b>power</b><b>, </b>enough to <b>make </b>out fragments of <b>sound</b>¨Ca muffled syble here, the low hum of Lucien¡¯s voice there¨Cbut nothing clear.


    It wasn¡¯t enough.


    So I fell back on what I¡¯d trained myself to do since prison: watch. Study. Read lips like my life depended on it.


    <b>Because </b>it had.


    And still does<b>. </b>


    Lucien¡¯s lips moved again, and I focused hard, catching the shape of his words even <b>as </b>the world around us blurred into nothing.


    I think he was asking if I was <b>okay</b>..


    I <b>didn¡¯t </b><b>answer</b>.


    Couldn¡¯t


    Not with <b>the </b>way my <b>throat </b><b>closed </b>up, <b>the </b>way my chest constricted.


    Then I heard it¨Csharp and sudden, slicing through the void.


    Karl


    His voice wasn¡¯t always clear to me these days, <b>but </b>when he screamed, when he <b>spat </b><b>poison </b>into the air, somehow it still reached me


    urse that refused to die.


    car to the Goddess Riley Vale! Keep whoring around <b>with </b><b>that </b>Stormridge Alpha<b>, </b><b>and </b>one day when you die in his bed, don¡¯t expect the Ebonw Pack to im your corpse! We won¡¯t bury your shame!¡±


    His voice thundered through <b>the </b>nighat, wild and unhinged, shattering the silence like ws raking across stone. I didn¡¯t need to look out <b>the </b>window to know he was outside. I could feel <b>his </b><b>rage </b>pulsing <b>through </b>the walls like a storm begging for something to destroy.


    D


    + Pearls


    But I didn¡¯t thuch. Not this time


    Not when Lucien¡¯s arms were suddenly around me, grounding me with a steadiness I didn¡¯t know I needed His hand was pressed firm but gentle all of my back, holding me


    against the close¨Ctoo close. I could feel every inch of him through the flimsy fabric of <b>my </b>sleep shirt. The heat of his body, the power in his frame, the tension simmering just beneath his


    He looked down at me, his gaze sweeping over myce.


    And I¡­ I just stood there. Watching him. Breathing him in. Trying to pretend the whole world wasn¡¯t tilting underneath


    Irel


    I shouldn¡¯t be here<b>. </b>


    Not when I now knew exactly who he was.


    Lucien Duskgrave.


    The infamous Alpha of Stormridge.


    The male with the curse in his blood and a body count in his past. The one they whispered about in Ebonw Pack halls like


    a warning. A predator wrapped in velvet, cursed to bring ruin to every she¨Cwolf who ever dared love him.


    I knew now. The signs were too obvious. The surname. The stories. The rumors l¡¯il once scoffed at and dismissed as campfire tales.


    But he was real.


    And he was holding me like I was something fragile. Precious.


    And Goddess help me.. a part of me felt happy.


    Happy


    Even though I should¡¯ve been terribed. Even though every instinct in me¨Cevery broken <b>shard </b>of logic¨Cscreamed <b>that </b>


    was the moment to run.


    Because this was the Stormridge Alpha with bloodied hands and a dark legacy.


    <b>But </b>instead of fear, there <b>was </b>this flutter in my chest. This ridiculous little flicker of something I couldn¡¯t quite name.


    Fate


    No.


    Something softer.


    My heart raced like it wanted to leap straight out of my chest.


    His scent was everywhere¨Ccedarwood, smoke, and something <b>darker</b>, more dangerous. A scent that shouldn¡¯t have been.forting, but was I hated how safe it made me feel. How easily my body leaned into <b>him</b>, like I didn¡¯t <b>know </b>better. Like 1 hadn¡¯t been taught what happened when <b>you </b>trusted the wrong <b>male </b>


    Th¨Cthank you¡± I murmured, barely louder than a breath¨Cthough whether he actually heard it or only saw it on my lips, I


    didn¡¯t know


    Lucien didnt say anything


    I tried to step back, but my body wouldn¡¯t obey My legs were trembling, unsteady¨Cespecially the right one That old injury from prison was ring up again, like at always did when I was on edge. I lost my <b>bnce </b>for a moment.


    Laren caught me instantly


    He pulled me tighter against lum, enveloping me in warmth and something stronger¨Csomething that felt like protection. Not the kind that locked you in a cage for your own graad The kind that stool between you <b>and </b>the rest of the world <b>and </b>


    darest it to try agai


    ?


    +8 Heads


    ? was smallpared to him, almost swallowed by his broad frame. Myce was buried against his chest, only my wide. startled eyes visible as I <b>stared </b><b>past </b>his corbone.


    He didn¡¯t loosen his grip.


    Didn¡¯t move a muscle.


    Lucien exhaled sharply, his breath brushing my hair as he pulled me closer, cradling me like I was something wounded but


    The warmth of his embrace burned against the ice buried deep inside my chest.


    I didn¡¯t want this. I couldn¡¯t want this. Not from him. Not from anyone.


    Because no one stays


    Because no one means it.


    But Goddess, it felt good. To be held like this. To be looked <b>at </b>like I wasn¡¯t broken beyond repair.


    He must¡¯ve known <b>what </b>I <b>was </b><b>thinking</b>. He always seemed to


    But then¨Cjust <b>as </b>I thought he¡¯d release me¨Cbe <b>didn¡¯t</b><b>. </b>


    Instead, he shifted closer and let his lips brush against the side of my <b>throat</b>.


    Tune stilled.


    A jolt shot through my entire body like lightning on a dry night. My breath hitched. My fingers clenched instinctively in the fabric of his shirt, trying to anchor myself, trying not to <b>unravel </bpletely


    Lucien didn¡¯t <b>kiss </b>me¨Cnot really


    It was a touch, <b>a </b>breath, a im made without words.


    <b>And </b>it set my whole boily on fire.


    I could barely breathe.


    Downstairs, Karl¡¯s shouting had fallen silent¡ªat least for a moment. But I knew he was still there. <b>Watching- </b>


    Judging


    This rage would only grow worse after this. He would twist this into something vile, something shameful.


    But for once. I didn¡¯t care


    For once. I wasn¡¯t afraid of what they thought


    Not when Lucien held me like I was worth fighting for


    his


    Not whens presence was louder than their cruelty


    Still, reality crept back in


    I pulled away slightly. finally finding my voice, my shame, my trembling sense of control


    Marien I whispered staring up at hun ¡°you you can let go now.¡±

 in Vengeance 154

    +8 Pearls


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Outside the grand silhouette of Duskgrave Manor, Kael Vale stood rigid, fists clenched at his sides, amber eyes zing with fury. His <b>usually </b>aristocraticposure had shatteredpletely the moment he saw what was happening inside.


    His <b>voice </b>cracked through the night like <b>a </b>whip.


    ¡°Open the door! Now!¡± he roared, storming up to the manor¡¯s gate, mming his fists against it with a madness only shameful desperation could summon. ¡°<b>Lucien</b>, you filthy bastard! Get your hands off my sister!¡±


    ¡°You think she¡¯ll be happy with a <b>wolf </b>like you? You¡¯re cursed¨Cviolent¨Cpoisoned from bloodline to soul!¡±


    Inside the manor, the warmth of golden light spilled down the grand <b>staircase</b>. From behind the heavy oak doors, Mrs. Beck and Mia stepped into view. The two seasoned servants of the Duskgrave household exchanged a knowing nce.


    They had heard every word Kiel shouted. And they were utterly unbothered


    Especially after hearing what he¡¯d said about Lucien kissing Riley.


    ¡°Oh, <b>Matriarch </b>is going to love this,¡± <b>Mia </b>whispered, her eyes twinkling with barely concealed delight.


    They didn¡¯t argue.


    They <b>didn¡¯t </b>open the door.


    They simply turned and walked away¨Cto deliver this delightful piece of gossip to the old matriarch herself.


    When Matriarch Duskgrave heard the news, she practically glowed.


    ¡°Well, finally,¡± she beamed. ¡°I thought that boy would die celibate at this rate. Took him long enough.¡±


    Back outside, Kael fumed. The door <b>had </b>been mmed in his face, <b>and </b>the silence inside was deafening.


    He continued yelling obscenities at the second floor,pletely forgetting the real reason he hade.


    Next to him. Theo Hale stood quietly, his <b>sharp </b>eyes fixated not on <b>Kael¡¯s </b>tantrum but on Riley¡¯s shadow through the window.


    Riley sometimes responded to Kael¡¯s curse words, but most of the time she ignored them.


    She wasn¡¯t reacting at all.


    Not to the screaming


    <b>Not </b>to the usations.


    Not even when her name was barked like a curse through the night.


    It struck Theo with <b>sudden </b>rity¨Ca hollow thud in his chest.


    She couldn¡¯t hear it


    Upstairs, in the softly lit bedroom, Lucien held Riley close. His hand rested firmly at the curve of her waist, not possessive, but grounding¨Clike a silent promise. Riley¡¯s body remained tense against his chest, her heart beating wildly as she tried to understand what was happening between them<b>, </b>


    Her sleep dress clung to her slight frame, <b>and </b>Lucien¡¯s heat seeped through every fiber, branding her skin <b>with </b>his scent- cedar, snow, and faint tobo. That intoxicating blend muddled her thoughts.


    She whispered a thank you, her voice barely audible, tremulous with uncertainty


    Lucien <b>said </b>nothing


    3:41 PM p p.


    Instead, he simply gazed down at her. Not with lust¨Cbut with something deeper. Something primal.


    The shouting outside went unanswered


    Lucien knew <b>now</b>¨CRiley wasn¡¯t ignoring it


    She was deaf to it.


    <b>And </b>that realization hit him harder than Kael¡¯s insults ever could.


    His jaw tightened.


    +8 Pearls:


    He drew her closer, as if shielding her from all the noise, all the pain, all the past she had never spoken aloud. He could almost feel the bruises of her memory against his chest.


    ¡°Lucien..¡± Riley murmured again, her voice trembling as she pushed at his chest¨Cfeeble, uncertain.


    But Lucien didn¡¯t let go.


    Instead, his lips trailed slowly up the side of her throat, his breath like wildfire skimming her skin. Riley¡¯s pulse fluttered wildly beneath his mouth, heat flooding her cheeks until her entire body felt alight.


    She tried to pull away again.


    He finally eased his grip¨Cjust enough to let her breathe, though his arms remained loosely wrapped around her shoulders.


    ¡°You should get some sleep,¡± he murmured, his voice <b>a </b>softmand.


    Riley gave a faint nod and turned toward the window, about to close the curtains when Lucien moved again. In <b>one </b>swift motion, he <b>swept </b>her off her feet and carried her effortlessly to the <b>bed</b>.


    She didn¡¯t struggle.


    She didn¡¯t even protest.


    Her body simply surrendered to the safety of his arms, though her heart still waged war with itself.


    <b>Kael¡¯s </b>angry <b>voice </b>carried through the walls<b>, </b>a distant echo now.


    Lucien ignored itpletely.


    He ced a <b>ss </b>of warm <b>milk </b>on the nightstand and handed it to her.


    Under his gaze, Riley drank every drop


    When she handed it back, Lucien gave her a rare smile¨Ccrooked, teasing, almost boyish¨Cand then strode back to the window


    Kael was still there.


    Lucien met <b>his </b><b>gaze</b>, cool <b>and </b>unbothered.


    Their eyes locked


    Karl¡¯s face contorted in rage. ¡°She¡¯s not well, Lucien. She can¡¯t handle¨Csomeone like <b>you</b>.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s lips curved <b>into </b><b>a </b>slow, dangerous <b>smile</b>. Then, <b>without </b>a <b>word</b>, he yanked the curtain shut, cutting off the outside world


    Kael staggered back like the rejection had physically <b>struck </b>him.


    Inude Lucien turned <b>back </b>toward the bed


    Riley sat tucked beneath the feather soft <b>duvet</b>, her hands clenched <b>tightly </b>around the edge. Her cheeks were stained at delicate rose, but her eyes never left Lucien¡¯s retreating figure.


    ¡°Lucien she called our <b>softly </b><b>as </b>he neared <b>the </b><b>door</b>.


    He paused


    +8 Pearls


    Only half of his face was lit by the bedside <bmp</b>, the other lost in shadow. His cor <b>was </b>slightly open, <b>revealing </b>a sliver of his corbone beneath his ck shirt.


    He turned <b>his </b>head toward her. ¡°Yes?¡±


    The air between them thickened.


    Riley swallowed hard, staring at <b>him </b>like <b>he </b><b>was </b>a puzzle too dangerous to solve. ¡°Why¡­ Why are you being so kind to me?¡±


    The question slipped from her lips before she could stop it. But it had been buried inside <b>her </b>chest for too <b>long</b>.


    Lucien¡¯s eyes softened, just a fraction.


    He crossed the room again and sat on the edge of the bed.


    The mattress dipped beneath his weight, and Riley tensed, <b>breath </b>stilled.


    He studied her in silence for a moment.


    Then he said. ¡°Maybe because I see you.¡±


    Her <b>breath </b>caught.


    ¡°And maybe,¡± he added, his voice a whisper of something far more dangerous, ¡°I don¡¯t like the idea of anyone else trying to break what¡¯s already been shattered.¡±


    Riley <b>didn¡¯t </b>reply.


    She couldn¡¯t.


    Because for the first time, someone hadn¡¯t asked her to exin her scars.


    He had simply stepped into the <b>dark</b>¨Cand sat beside her.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 155

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s lips parted, his voice low <b>and </b>smooth as velvet.


    Parce que je veux t¡¯¨¦pouser


    +8 Pearls


    The French sybles slipped through the air like the resonant hum of a cello, brushing <b>against </b>the tension of the moment like silk over steel.


    Riley Vale¡¯s pupils shrank slightly. The soft glow of the bedroom lights caught the subtle sheen on Lucien¡¯s <b>lips</b>, making them gleam with a rose¨Cgold hue. <b>But </b>in her ears¨C<b>only </b>silence.


    Nyra¡¯s powerpletely disappeared.


    If Riley <b>had </b>still been able to catch a few of Kael¡¯s furious curses earlier, <b>now </b>she couldn¡¯t <b>hear </b><b>a </b>single sound at all.


    A strange silence enveloped her like a thick fog¨Cunnatural, heavy, and absolute.


    She blinked, disoriented. The world around her moved¨CLucien¡¯s lips, the lightning outside, even <b>Kael¡¯s </b>mouth twisting in rage through the ss¨Cbut it all unfolded inplete, suffocating stillness.


    A faint ringing echoed in her ears, then dulled into a vacuum. Just the <b>crushing </b>quiet that reminded her, mercilessly, of what she had <b>lost</b>.


    Her throat tightened. She had known it wasing¨Cthis silence.


    The doctors had warned <b>her </b>before she left prison: the repeated <b>blows </b>to her ears, the fractures left untreated, the ruptured <b>eardrums </b><b>that </b>never fully healed. The guards never cared how hard they struck her¨Cespecially when they pped her for not answering fast enough, for flinching, for daring to look them in the


    §ã§å§ã.


    Every p had chipped away at her world, and now, it <b>had </b>finally copsed.


    She swallowed the bitterness that <b>rose </b>in her throat.


    She hadn¡¯t understood him. Not even a <b>word</b>.


    But she smiled anyway, Carefully, <b>gently</b>, as if pretending the ache in her chest didn¡¯t exist. <b>As </b>if she <b>hadn¡¯t </b>just been reminded of everything shecked¨Cespecially now that her hearing was gone.


    Lucien saw it¡ªjust the faintest hitch in her expression, a hesitation sosmall it might¡¯ve gone unnoticed by anyone else. But not by him. His wolf noticed too, stirring uneasily inside his chest, sniffing qut her sadness like a <b>trail </b>of blood in the snow.


    He watched the trembling of hershes, the <b>fragile </b>shadow they <b>cast </b>beneath her <b>eyes</b>. A chuckle rumbled softly from <b>his </b>throat, too low for her to hear


    ¡°Willing¡± he asked.


    Thas¨Cshe understood. She could read his lips.


    <b>And </b>though her heartbeat faltered in fear, Riley nodded without hesitation. ¡°I do¡±


    Outside the <b>manor</b>, thunder cracked against the sky like the <b>heavens </b>bearing witness. Lightning lit up the ss behund her. <b>shing </b>across Lucien¡¯s <b>face </b>and illuminating the wildness beneath hisposed exterior. A flicker of something ancient starred in lys irises¨Chis cursed wolf, awakened.


    She lived him <b>just </b><b>like </b>that


    Lucien felt a sharp twist in his gut Her trust hit him harder than any battle wound ever had. She was too pure Too fragile


    Too easy to break.


    ++8 Pearls


    But her answer¨Cthat soft, unknowing ¡°yes¡°-meant more to him than she could everprehend. She <b>had </b><b>just </b>agreed to marry the Alpha of Stormridge Pack, the <b>man </b>whispered about in terrified <b>half</b>¨Ctruths. The one the Vale <b>family </b>once tried to force her upon. The one cursed by the Moon Goddess herself to never find his fated mate¨Cunless she fell in love with him


    And tonight she¡¯d said yes.


    She <b>was </b>his.


    He turned off the lights with a quiet <b>flick</b>. letting the room <b>fall </b>into a soft, warm darkness. Riley <b>curled </b>under the nkets, her silhouette peaceful¨Cblissfully unaware of how her decision had just altered both their fates.


    Downstairs, the <b>old </b><b>stone </b>hallways of the Duskgrave estate echoed under Lucien¡¯s steady footsteps. As he entered the drawing room, three pairs of eager eyes snapped up to meet <b>him</b>.


    Matriarch Duskgrave¨Chis <b>grandmother</b>¨Cwas practically glowing. ¡°Lucien, where¡¯s Riley?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s resting¡±


    ¡°What were you two doing in there?¡± she asked, half¨Cknowing, half¨C<b>prying </b>


    Lucien answered inly, folding his <b>tall </b>frame into a leather armchair, long legs crossed with quiet elegance. ¡°I proposed. She agreed.¡±


    There was a full beat of silence.


    ¡°You what?¡± the Matriarch nearly choked, her eyes <b>as </b>wide as full moons.


    ¡°How did you even propose?¡± asked Mrs. Beck, her voice caught between horror and awe.


    Lucien arched a brow. ¡°I <b>asked </b>if <b>she¡¯d </b>marry me. She <b>said </b>yes.¡±


    Mia, the old caretaker, blinked in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s it? No ring? No ceremony? No wolves howling in celebration?¡±


    The women shared a look of stunned disbelief. But their shock slowly melted into soft smiles.


    ¡°She¡¯s been through too much,¡± Mia murmured, her eyes misting. ¡°Maybe simple is exactly what she needed.¡±


    But Matriarch Duskgrave had other thoughts. She scowled fiercely. ¡°You¡¯re <b>lucky </b>she¡¯s not the kind to ask for more. You better make it up to her. I want a proper ceremony. Moon¨Cblessed. Pack¨Cwitnessed. Understood?¡±


    Lucien gave a <b>faint </b>nod, though his wolf snarled in disdain at the idea of fanfare. He <b>didn¡¯t </b>care for traditions. He only cared that she <b>was </b>lus now.


    Later that night, with the estate <b>nketed </b>in quiet and only the <b>distant </b>echoes of Kael Vale¡¯s fury still ringing from the outer gates, Lucien remained <b>alone </b>in the <b>dim </b>drawing room. <b>Thunder </b><b>grumbled </b><b>like </b><b>some </b><b>ancient </b><b>beast </b><b>outside</b><b>, </b><b>and </b>his <b>cursed </b>wolf shifted restlessly beneath his skin.


    He thought back to that moment upstairs.


    Her delicate lips <b>shaping </b>the words ¡°I do¡±


    Her eyes brimming with <b>trust </b>she had no reason to <b>give </b>


    Her body still fragile from years of suffering, trembling in his arms


    He i never meani te propose¨Cnot yet. But the words hade unbidden, rising from somewhere deep and primal.


    Parce que je veux tepouser


    Because I want to marry <b>you </b>


    Not because the Pack needed


    Chapter 15S


    But because his wolf had <b>chosen</b>.


    +8 Pearls


    And for the first time in years, the curse didn¡¯t feel so absolute. Not <b>when </b>Riley Vale <b>was </b>upstairs sleeping with his scent on her skin. Not when her agreement rang louder in his memory <b>than </b>any pack blessing ever could.


    The storm raged on, <b>but </b>inside, Lucien¡¯s world <b>had </b>gone quict¡ªseuled.


    Because tonight, the Moon finally <b>gave </b><b>him </b>something <b>he </b>never <b>thought </b>he¡¯d have.


    Hope


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 156

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Riley hadn¡¯t truly fallen asleep,


    +8 Pearls


    She quietly slipped out from beneath the covers, her bare feet <b>making </b>no sound against the wooden floor. Crossing the dimly lit bedroom, she approached the window and drew the curtain open just enough to peer into the stormshed courtyard


    below.


    Outside, Kael Vale was pacing and shouting like a rogue wolf driven mad by grief and rage. His eyes burned gold beneath the rain, his face contorted with fury and desperation as he snarled up at the manor.


    By his side. Theo stood in silence, rain dripping from his cloak, jaw set in frustration.


    Riley¡¯s expression remained utterly cold. Her gaze was like frost in the dead of winter¨Csharp, silent, merciless.


    She knew exactly why Kael hade.


    Not for her.


    Never for <b>her</b>.


    He was here for Scarlett¨Chis precious adopted sister, the one who had spent thest five years feeding off Riley¡¯s suffering. The one rotting in the dungeons now.


    Looking at the fire zing in Kael¡¯s eyes, Riley could almost taste his panic. No doubt he feared Scarlett was suffering- <b>Perhaps </b>even¡­ being punished.


    The corner of her mouth curled upward¨Cnot with warmth, but with quiet mockery. It was a smile devoid of softness, like moonlight on a frozenke: beautiful, distant, and utterly untouchable.


    <b>Kael </b>Vale hadn¡¯t see Riley, he still stood drenched at the wrought¨Ciron gates, <b>his </b>expression twisted with fury. Every sh of lightning painted his features in stark relief¨C<b>wild</b>, desperate, unhinged. Rain streamed down his face, mingling with sweat and the blood from a shallow cut above his brow, where he¡¯d punched the iron gate in rage.


    The front doors of the estate groaned open. Lucien Duskgrave stepped into the storm.


    Kainshed at his broad shoulders, soaking through his ck <b>shirt</b>, making it cling to his muscr <b>frame</b>. Water traced the ridges of <b>his </b><b>back</b>, sliding down like rivers over carved stone. His silver¨Cringed irises glowed faintly under the lightning- calm, lethal.


    Kael¡¯s wolf stirred restlessly beneath his <b>skin</b>. His <b>Alpha </b><b>aura </b>surged in a burst of rage. ¡°You bastard,¡± he <b>snarled</b>, <b>voice </b><b>cracking</b>. ¡°<b>Give </b>Riley back to me. <b>You </b>don¡¯t deserve to be anywhere near her


    He charged like a mad bull, fury fueling <b>every </b>stride. His fist flew toward Lucien¡¯s face


    Lucien didn¡¯t <b>flinch</b>. His arm shot up, blocking the blow with effortless precision. <b>Rainwater </b>rolled off his forearm, <b>glinting </b>over the taut lines of muscle and <b>veins</b><b>. </b>


    From the second¨Cstory window, Riley watched the sh<b>, </b>even though she couldn¡¯t bear what they were saying, her knuckles white <b>as </b>she clutched the edge of the <b>curtains</b>. Her heart pounded <b>as </b>Kael lunged again¨Conly for Lucien to twist his body with predatory grace, <bnding </b>a <b>punishing </b>side kick that sent Kael sprawling across the <b>muddy </b><b>gravel</b>.


    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b>don¡¯t deserve to call yourself her brother<b>,¡± </b><b>Lucien </b><b>said </b>coldly.


    Kael staggered to his feet, lips curled in a <b>snarl</b>. ¡°And you do?¡± he spat. ¡°You¡¯re no better. You know her body can¡¯t handle intimacy¡ªshe¡¯s <b>weak</b>, she¡¯s <b>fragile</b>¨Cand yet <b>you </b>you still <b>touched </b>her.¡±


    Il?cien¡¯s gaze turned to ice, his presence crackling with dangerous stillness Rain slid over the <b>hard </b>angles of his <b>face</b>, making lus already chiseled features sharper. He looked like a storm incarnate¨Cbeautiful, merciless.


    ¡°She¡¯s deal. Karl Her leg <b>is </b>shattered Her kidney¡¯s gone¡± His voice was quiet, but it hit like thunder ¡°And you dare talk to me about cruelty!¡±


    +8 Pearls


    Karl froze


    Lucien turned without <b>another </b>word, disappearing into the manor, leaving Kael rooted in ce like he¡¯d been struck by a bolt of lightning.


    Kael¡¯s lips parted, trembling. ¡°Deaf..¡± he repeated hoarsely. ¡°What did you <b>say</b>?¡±


    But Lucien was already gone.


    ees gave out beneath him, his body <b>copsing </b>into the mud. His hands trembled. ¡°No¡­ no, that¡¯s not possible. She¡¯s


    Kael¡¯s knees gave


    not¡­


    <b>But </b>the <b>signs </b>had been there¨Cthe way she never flinched at his shouts, the <b>way </b>she always watched lips, <b>the </b>absence of response even when he screamed her <b>name</b>.


    The truth hit <b>him </b>like a tidal wave, dragging his pride and denial into the abyss. Rain pelted <b>his </b>face, but it couldn¡¯t hide the tears that <b>now </b>streamed <b>from </b><b>his </b>eyes.


    He wed his way upright, shoving off the helping hand of Theo. His eyes locked on the darkened window above¨Con the silhouette barely visible through the curtains.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he rasped: ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know¨C1 didn¡¯t see¨CI didn¡¯t.. His voice cracked, broken beyond recognition.


    ¡°I¡¯m <b>so </b>sorry!¡±


    <b>Lightning </b>streaked overhead again as Kael dropped to his knees with a wet, sickening thud in the mud. The storm <b>didn¡¯t </b>relent¨Cit screamed with him, as if nature itself had turned its fury on his guilt.


    Windshed his face. Rain mixed with blood <b>as </b>he lowered his head and mmed his forehead to the earth.


    Again.


    And again.


    <b>Thick </b>red welts rose beneath his hairline. His vision blurred, but he didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°She can¡¯t hear you,¡± Theo said quietly, shielding his eyes against the rain.


    ¡°She can see me!¡± Kael howled, voice fraying at the edges. ¡°She can see what I¡¯m doing, and that¡¯s all I have left!¡±


    Thunder swallowed the sound of his anguish.


    <b>On </b>the second floor, Riley stood silently, her expression unreadable as she gazed down at the man who had <b>once </b>sworn to protect her. There was no triumph in her eyes. No pity. Just an icy stillness¡­and a <b>wound </b>that went far deeper <b>than </b>sound<b>. </b>could reach.


    Send Gifts


    <b>294 </b>

 in Vengeance 157

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    I stood at the window, fingers curling around the edge of the heavy <b>curtain</b><b>, </b>peering through the narrow gap. Rain streaked down the <b>ss </b>in thick sheets, blurring the <b>world </b>beyond, but even through the downpour, I could see Kael


    He was kneeling in the mud, soaked to the bone, his posture wild and desperate. His mouth moved in broken, frantic patterns. I couldn¡¯t hear a word¨Cmy world had gone <b>quiet </b>long ago¨Cbut I didn¡¯t need to. His face <b>said </b>everything.


    Remorse. Rage, Guilt


    But I¡¯d seen this show before.


    Kael wasn¡¯t new to apologies<b>. </b><b>Every </b>time he knelt, every time he cried, it was always the same script. One minute, he¡¯d weep for <b>what </b>he did to me. The next, he¡¯d raise his voice and defend the very people who broke me¨Cespecially her.


    And every time, I was expected to forgive.


    Not anymore.


    My expression remained <b>still</b>, carved from the frost that clung to my bones. Whatever flicker of empathy I once felt for Kael had long since turned to ash.


    He wasn¡¯t here for me.


    He was here for her. For Scarlett. His precious little sister, rotting in a prison she earned.


    He hadn¡¯te for justice.


    He¡¯de because his conscience bit back for the first time.


    A cold smile tugged at my lips. The kind that held no humor, only quiet, worn¨Cout contempt.


    I turned away from the <b>window</b>. There was only one person in this house who mattered to me now.


    Lucien


    It was because of me that he got into a fight with Kael in <b>the </b><b>first </b>ce. And Lucien had a curse¨Cone older <b>than </b>most wolves could remember, one <b>that </b>forbade him from iming his true ntate¡­ unless she fell hopelessly in love with him first.


    And I¨Cgoddess help me¨CI <b>was </b>dangerously close.


    I hurried <b>toward </b>the bedroom door, my weakened leg dragging <b>slightly </b>behind me, but I didn¡¯t stop. My <b>heart </b>pounded harder with each step as I raced down the stairs.


    Then the <b>door </b>creaked <b>open </b>


    Lucien stepped into the <b>manor</b>, framed by the storm behind him.


    He looked like something out of a <b>fever </b>dream. His ck shirt <b>clung </b>to his body, soaked through, revealing <b>every </b>sculpted inch of his chest <b>and </b>abdomen beneath Rain dripped from <b>his </b><b>hair</b>, tracing rivulets down his jaw and corbone. Even drenched, he moved like a king¨Csilent, <b>elegant</b>, and deadly.


    ¡°Lucien I gasped, my voice catchung.


    I rushed toward him, but I misstepped¨Cmy bad leg gave way


    4 sudden drop Weightlessness I fatted as the world tipped sideways<b>. </b>


    But before I hu the ground, arms caught me


    ms mes


    Strong Steady Familiar


    +8 Pearls


    Lucien


    His scent wrapped around me¨Cpine and storm and something darker, more primal. He cradled me effortlessly, my body pressed against his chest, his heartbeat loud and thunderous under my palm.


    For a moment, there was only us. The storm faded. The house vanished. All I could feel was the heat of <b>his </b>skin<b>, </b>the tension in his muscles, and the emotion swimming in his eyes as he looked down at me.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± he asked, voice raw with <b>concern</b>.


    I shook my head, <b>still </b>breathless.


    He eased me down, but didn¡¯t let me go. His hand lingered on my lower back, the other trailing down to my wrist, where my <b>pulse </b>fluttered like wings.


    And then, slowly, deliberately, he pulled off the silver ring from his finger.


    The one he¡¯d worn since the day I met him.


    My breath hitched as he slid it <b>onto </b>mine.


    The cold metal kissed my skin.


    Right over my middle finger.


    My lips parted, but no words <b>came </b>out


    Tears pricked the corners of my eyes¨Cnot because I was sad, but because something inside me cracked open, something I thought had died long <b>ago</b>.


    Outside, <b>Kael </b>was still shouting into the storm, his face contorted in agony as he knelt in the mud, begging forgiveness that would nevere.


    But I couldn¡¯t hear him.


    Because in this moment, my world was <b>quiet</b>.


    <b>And </b>Lucien¡¯s heartbeat was the only sound I needed.

 in Vengeance 158

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    The downpour outside was relentless, but even that couldn¡¯t mask the scent of her night¨Cblooming jasmine


    +8 Pearls


    soft, delicate, and slightly sweet, like


    nothing more than noter a storm, I could hear Kael shouting in the distance, his voice hoarse and desperate, but it was


    to me now.


    My focus was entirely on her.


    Riley


    I watched from the shadows of the corridor as she sprinted down the stairs, her limp barely slowing her down, that <b>stubborn </b>determination etched into every fragile step she took. She was running toward me. Me- the man she should have feared The cursed Alpha she didn¡¯t fully understand. And yet, she came


    She <b>always </b>came.


    She blinked, confused, watching as I pulled the ring from my finger- the silver one I had worn for years, engraved with the sigil of the Duskgrave <b>line</b>. It was more than a ring. It was a legacy. A curse. A vow.


    And I <b>slid </b>it onto her finger.


    Her breath hitched. She stared down at the simple <b>band</b>, watching it slide past her knuckle and settle perfectly against her


    skin.


    A perfect fit.


    <b>Just </b>like her.


    Her mouth parted, but no words came.


    ¡°Wearing this means you¡¯re mine,¡± I said softly, voice low, rough with restrained emotion. ¡°And that I¡¯ll protect <b>you</b>. Always.¡±


    <b>She </b>looked up at me, <b>trembling</b>.


    I could see the war in her <b>eyes </b>disbelief, wonder, fear, <b>and </b>something that looked dangerously close to hope. She wanted to. believe me. She wanted to trust me. But she¡¯d been broken too many times to fall so easily.


    Still, she didn¡¯t take the ring off.


    Didn¡¯t say no.


    That was enough.


    For now.


    I picked her up gently and carried her upstairs, ignoring the dull <b>ache </b>in my muscles, the way the rain had soaked me to the bone She didn¡¯t protest. Her head rested against my shoulder, her fingers still curled around mine.


    Back in her room, Iid her down on the <b>bed</b>, adjusting the pillow behind her, smoothing her hair from her forehead.


    She looked so small in that moment, <b>but </b>not weak. Never <b>weak </b>


    She was quiet as I pulled the <b>nket </b>over her, but I saw how her fingers lingered on the ring ¨C how her <b>thumb </b>kept <b>brushing </b>oser the cool metal like it grounded her.


    I didn¡¯? say anything else I didn¡¯t need to


    I turned off the light and left the room, letting the darkness wrap <b>around </b>her <b>like </b>a second promise


    Down the hall. I returned to my own chambers


    Steam still clung to the frosted ss of the shower, the air thick with redar and heat 1 toweled off my hair slowly, every


    motion precise Calm


    <b>But </b>inside?


    Inside, I was a storm.


    +8 Pearls


    The wolf beneath my <b>skin </b>paced restlessly, ws skimming bone, fangs bared in satisfaction. She¡¯d epted the ring. She


    not by the mate bond, <b>not </b>yet. But by <b>me</b>. By choice.


    was marked now


    ¨C


    <b>And </b>that meant more.


    The mate bond was instinct.


    This was will.


    I dropped the towel and walked to the window, pulling open the heavy curtains. Rain <bshed </b><b>against </b>the ss, and down


    below. I saw <b>him</b><b>. </b>


    Kael


    Soaked. Broken. On his knees


    His fists <b>mmed </b>into the mud as he screamed up at <b>Riley¡¯s </b>window, voice cracking with remorse. He looked like a beast trying to rip its own heart out dramatic, pathetic, and utterly predictable.


    I watched him with detached interest, lighting a cigarette and leaning against the window frame. Smoke curled around my face as I exhaled slowly, watching the scene unfold like a y I¡¯d seen too many times.


    Guilt. Repentance. Self¨Cpity.


    A performance<b>, </b>all of it.


    My lips twisted into <b>a </b>faint smirk<b>. </b>


    if he thought Riley was the same na?ve girl he used to manipte, he was in for a brutal awakening.


    She belonged to me now.


    And I would destroy anyone who tried to take her from me whether they wore the mask of a repentant brother, a jealous ex, or even a corrupted <b>Alpha</b>.


    I flicked ash into the tray and murmured to myself, ¡°Kael Vale is far too idle. I <b>should </b>find him something to do.¡±


    I reached for my phone.


    Tapped Duke¡¯s number.


    No answer


    Strange.


    1 frowned, hit redial Sull nothing. The third call went unanswered too


    I nced at the time¨C10:03 pm.


    Duke wouldn¡¯t be asleep. Not now. Not with how I trained him


    Interesting.


    Fleaned back into the <b>chair </b>again, gaze slipping <b>back </b>to the <b>storm </b>outside.


    Karl was still kneeling Sull bleeding Still calling out a <b>name </b>she <b>couldn¡¯t </b>even hear


    And Hairy was upstairs sleeping in my bed.


    A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge

 in Vengeance 159

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    +8.Pearls


    As for why Lucien couldn¡¯t reach his Beta, Duke¨Cat this very moment, the male was tearing through the rain¨Cslicked streets of Mooncrest like <b>a </b>shadow on wheels.


    The sleek ck Maybach cut through the storm like a predator through underbrush, tires hissing against the drenched pavement. It finally <b>came </b>to a stop at the gates of Ashmoor University.


    Inside the car, the scent of aged sandalwood shed with the lingering jasmine in the air¨Cdelicate traces of the young she- wolf sitting in the passenger seat.


    Duke¡¯s sharp gaze slid toward her from the corner of his eye.


    Tears clung to hershes like crystal shards, and her white T¨Cshirt, damp with spilled liquor, clung to her frail frame. Her corbones jutted out beneath her pale <b>skin</b>, and the outline of her shoulder des looked as fragile as bird <b>wings</b>.


    She nced at him and whispered, ¡°Thank you¡­ for bringing me back.¡±


    Her voice was soft, Honest. It carried none of the practiced seduction he was used to hearing from the females of the city.


    Duke raised a brow, amused. ¡°You really are a student,¡± he muttered, lips quirking with dry humor.


    The girl¨CCarmen¨Cpressed her lips together and fidgeted with her fingers, looking painfully out of ce, like a rogue pup in <b>a </b>court full of nobles.


    He watched her silently for another beat before adding, ¡°If you are <b>a </b>student, you really shouldn¡¯t be hanging around ces like Silverfang Den. If I hadn¡¯t been there tonight, you might not have made it out unharmed.¡±


    She dipped her head in shame <b>and </b><b>gave </b>a soft, barely audible, ¡°Mm.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t meant to end up there.


    The pay at the bar was <b>just </b>too good <b>to </b>pass up. Her mother had been cast out of the Ebonw Pack, and Carmen had <b>taken </b>it upon herself to help ease the burden. Even if it meant risking everything.


    She gathered her courage, nodded, and whispered, ¡°I¨CI should go.


    Her <b>hand </b>reached for the door.


    ¡°<b>Wait</b>,¡± Duke said abruptly.


    Carmen froze, startled, ncing back at him.


    He reached behind his seat and pulled out a sleek, silver¨Ctrimmed umbre. In the soft glow of the interior lights, it gleamed -sleek, branded, expensive.


    He handed it to her.


    Carmen blinked, stunned by the gesture. ¡°Thank <b>you</b><b>¡­</b>¡±


    Just <b>as </b>she was about to step out, <b>she </b><b>paused </b>and turned back <b>to </b>ask, ¡°Sir, how should I return <b>the </b>umbre?¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Duke replied <b>easily</b><b>, </b>already shifting his attention to the console.


    <b>But </b>Carmen looked down at the <b>small </b>emblem on the handle¨Can unmistakable Stormridge sigil. <b>She </b>shook her head firmly


    This undre, it¡¯s too valuable. I have to return it¡±


    A brief, amused <b>glint </b><b>passed </b>through Duke¡¯s eyes. ¡°Alright, then I¡¯lle collect it myself¨Ctomorrow morning¡±


    Carmen, not picking up on his teasing tone, nodded earnestly. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll wait for you outside the gate.¡±


    She opened the door and stepped out, pausing once more to nce <b>back</b><b>. </b>¡°Sir be safe on your way home.¡±


    +8 Peads


    Then she turned and disappeared into the misty sillite of the campus, the umbre suapping open above her like a


    shield


    <b>Duke </b>watched her retreating figure until it <b>vanished </b>into the shadows of the university. Only then did he shift gears and <b>case </b>the Maybach back into motion<b>. </b>


    He hadn¡¯t expected the night to take such a turn.


    There was something oddly refreshing about Carmen¨Cthe stubborn innocence, the blunt gratitude, thepleteck of guile. A rare find in a city full of ambition and lies. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure why, but she made the rain feel a little less heavy.


    His fingers drummed against the wheel <b>as </b>the car cruised smoothly through the storm. Raindrops drummed against the windshield in a steady rhythm, half¨Clulling, half¨Cmaddening


    Reaching for his phone with one hand, he flicked the screen on¨Conly to see three missed calls from Lucien <b>Duskgrave</b>.


    <b>Duke </b><b>winced</b>. ¡°Sh¡°t¡±


    He hit the call¨Cback button and put it on speaker, bracing himself


    Back at Duskgrave Manor, Lucien answered on the first ring-


    ¡°Well,¡± came the Alpha¡¯s dark drawl, ¡°your nightlife seems¡­ entertaining¡±


    Duke <b>gave </b><b>a </b>half¨Cgrin. ¡°You always did say <b>nothing </b>escapes you, <b>Alpha</b>,¡±


    Lucien didn¡¯tugh.


    He never did when it was business.


    ¡°We¡¯re done entertaining.¡± Lucien said coolly ¡°Kael Vale¡¯s gonen far toofortable. Time to bankrupt the Ebonw <b>Pack¡¯s </b>preciouspany. Give him something else to cry about.¡±


    Duke blinked. ¡°You want to crash Vale Industries?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s tone was as casual as it was lethal. ¡°By sunrise.¡±


    There was a long pause.


    Duke pulled the phone away from his ear, stared at it like it <b>had </b>just grown fangs, then sighed and muttered, ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding


    He knew <b>his </b><b>Alpha</b><b>. </b>When Lucien made a decision, it <b>wasn¡¯t </b>up for debate.


    Though Vale Industries was a mid¨Ctier operation, dismantling a pack¨Crun corporation in <b>a </b>single <b>night </b>would require a perfect storm¨Clegal threads, supply chain sabotage, digital warfare¡­ the whole <b>arsenal </b>


    And he was Just


    our exhausted Beta who¡¯d spent the night peeling drunk she¨C<b>wolves </b>off a girl who barely weighed ny <b>pounds </b>soaking wet.


    Sull, he¡¯d signed up for this life.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Duke said atst. ¡°I¡¯ll start with the contracts tied to their Northern shipping routes. Their exports to ckmaw territory are already unstable¡±


    Lucien gave a quiet grunt of approval and hung up


    Duke tossed the phone into the passenger seat and let out a <b>long</b>, soul¨Cweary groan.


    ¡°One of these days,¡± he muttered to no one. ¡°you¡¯re going to be the death of me¡±


    Then he mmed the gas


    The Mayat surged forward like a predator on the hunt, <b>rain </b>shearing off its sides <b>as </b>it hurtled through the city The


    blurred past, and


    es were already falling into i


    by omm. lining up


    +8 Pearls


    G


    249 PMP P.


    copse.


    He didn¡¯t feel pity for Kael Vale.


    Not anymore.


    All that mattered now was obedience.


    <b>And </b>speed.


    Becausee sunrise, there¡¯d be nothing left of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s empire but ashes and regret.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 160

    Karl¡¯s POV


    The rain didn¡¯t stop


    It <b>came </b>down like a curse from the Moon Goddess herself¨Ccold, relentless, and unforgiving


    + Pearls


    I¡¯d been kneeling outside the Duskgrave estate for what felt like a lifetime. In truth, it had only been two hours, but every minute in that storm felt like a de slicing through my spine.


    My knees were numb. My lingers too still to curl. My wolf was silent.


    <b>And </b>my heart? <b>Shattered</b>,


    I wasn¡¯t here to make a scene. I wasn¡¯t here to beg for pity. I was here because I¡¯d wronged her¨CRiley. My little sister. My


    blood


    My adopted sister offended my biological sister<b>, </b><b>and </b>I want to ask for her forgiveness, Riley has always been easy to coax. As long as I am a little gentler to her, she will do exactly <b>what </b>I say. But I don¡¯t know why this time, she seems really heartbroken.


    I deserved the pain.


    It was the only thing that made sense anymore.


    The downpour blurred everything¨Cmy vision, my thoughts, my pride.


    I don¡¯t remember falling.


    One second I was kneeling¡­ the next, the world tilted sideways. Cold water rushed up to meet me, soaking into my clothes and lungs. Then, <b>ck </b>


    When I came to, it wasn¡¯t the <b>rain </b>I felt¨Cit was heat. Clean, dry, sullocating heat.


    Hospital lights.


    I blinked against the brightness, my throat burning, my body aching in ces I didn¡¯t know could ache. My <b>limbs </b>felt like they were made of lead. The IV line tugged slightly as I shified, and a dull beep rang from some monitor nearby.


    Then, my phone rang


    A <b>shrill </b>buzz that cut <b>through </b>my skull like ws on stone.


    I fumbled for it, pressed it to my car, my voice a <b>rasp</b><b>. </b>¡°Hello<b>¡­</b><b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°<b>Alpha </b>Karl! Finally! Where the hell have you been?! I¡¯ve been calling all night!¡± It was Luca¨Cmy assistant, his voice cracking under pressure. ¡°You need to get to thepany. Now. It¡¯s it¡¯s over. Thepany¨CVale Industries¨Cit¡¯s gone. We¡¯re bankrupt


    I bolted upright. Pain ricocheted through my skull, but I didn¡¯t care. ¡°What did you just say?!¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI sand we¡¯re finished! The board¡¯s in chaos, the banks froze our assets, the media¡¯s already outside. We¡¯re under investigation for tax fraud And <b>Alpha</b>. His voice dropped, trembling. ¡°The council <b>has </b>been alerted¡±


    I stared nkly at the white walls around me ¡°Impossible. We were tine <b>yesterday</b>. We just <b>signed </b>off on the new trade route with the ckmaw border fleet. There¡¯s no way we could¡¯ve copsed overnight.¡±


    But deep down, I knew that wasn¡¯t true.


    The truth?


    We¡¯d been bleeding for months


    Debt Corruption False reports. The <b>fa?ade </b>I helped build to keep the pack¡¯s reputation intact was crumbling because of


    ¦°


    +B Pearls<ol><li>me. Because I was too arrogant to admit that Riley <b>had </b>seen it all first. That her <b>warnings </b>weren¡¯t paranoia¡­ they were prophecy.</li></ol>


    Lucien.


    My teeth ground together.


    Stormridge¡¯s infamous Alpha. Riley¡¯s <b>so</b>¨C<b>called </b>savior.


    He¡¯d done this<b>. </b>


    He must¡¯ve.


    No one else had the power¨Cor the motive¨Cto tear down Ebonw¡¯s <b>pride </b><b>in </b>a <b>single </b>night.


    I ripped the IV from my arm, blood dripping down my wrist. The nurse outside shouted something, <b>but </b>I was already pulling on my coat. Hospital <b>gown </b>still clinging to me like shame, I didn¡¯t care.


    I had to see it for myself..


    The ride to thepany was a blur<b>. </b><b>The </b>streets still slick with rain, <b>the </b>sky a murky gray like it hadn¡¯t yet decided whether to <b>give </b>me a second chance or bury me for good.


    When I arrived at the Vale Industries tower, it wasn¡¯t the chaos that got <b>me</b>¨Cit was the silence.


    Nol


    lights on. No staff rushing through the doors. <b>Just </b>cold wind and wet concrete.


    And the cops


    Three enforcers from <b>the </b>Lunar <b>Tribunal </b>stood at the front gate.


    <b>One </b>of them stepped forward. ¡°<b>Alpha </b>Kael Vale!¡±


    I squared my shoulders. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Vale Industries <b>is </b>under investigation for severe tax vitions and regtory fraud,¡± the <b>wolf </b>said. ¡°You are listed as the registered Alpha¨Cowner <b>and </b>legal representative. You¡¯ll need toe with us.¡±


    His words didn¡¯tnd right.


    Registered Alpha¨Cowner?


    Legal representative?


    That <b>wasn¡¯t </b>possible.


    I <b>was </b>never made the <b>formal </b>head of thepany. My father was the founder. The true Alpha of Ebonw¡¯s <b>financial </b>arm.


    I was just the heir. The name on the documents was never supposed to be mine.


    ¡°<b>What </b>the hell do you mean I¡¯m the legal <b>representative</b>?¡± I <b>snapped</b><b>. </b>¡°<b>That¡¯s </b>impossible.


    <b>But </b>even <b>as </b>I said it, pieces were falling into <b>ce</b>.


    The <b>day </b>Father left for <b>the </b>Western Territories.


    The emergency documents he pushed in front of me.


    ¡°Just sign it, Kael We need a name to secure the deal before the council interferes


    Igned it without reading i


    I thought it was temporary


    I thought I was just holding rein until he <b>came </b>back


    My <b>own </b>damn name.


    <b>And </b>Goddess¡­ <b>what </b>if this was always the <b>n</b><b>? </b>


    What if my father never <b>intended </b>toe <b>back</b><b>? </b>


    What if I¡¯d been made a <b>scapegoat </b>from the beginning?


    The enforcers moved in.


    I didn¡¯t resist.


    There was nothing left to fight for.


    Only one face haunted me now¨C<b>Riley¡¯s</b>.


    My little sister.


    The one I locked away. The one I called a traitor. The one I beat <b>and </b>betrayed to protect a lie.


    +8 Pearls


    She <b>once </b>warned me to be cautious after learning about it¨Cbeing the legal representative of apany is no easy task. But I brushed it off as her showing <b>off </b>some petty tricks in front of me. I didn¡¯t listen to her. In fact, I coldly warned her to mind her <b>own </b>business.


    I didn¡¯t listen.


    <b>Now </b>the world was burning, and I was the fool kneeling in its ashes.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 161

    Third Person¡¯s <b>POV </b>


    At the Duskgrave <b>Estate </b>


    J


    +8 Pearls


    Moonlight filtered faintly through the heavy storm clouds still hanging above the Stormridge mountains, but inside the Duskgrave estate, warmth pulsed from the hearth<b>, </b>casting flickering shadows across the marble floors.


    Duke stumbled through the front doors of the manor, soaked in exhaustion, dark circles beneath his eyes heavy like bruises. Without <b>a </b>shred of decorum, he copsed onto the velvet¨Clined sofa <b>with </b><b>a </b>theatrical sigh.


    ¡°<b>Aaah</b>¨Cfinally. Heaven.¡±


    Mrs. Beck, who had been dusting the shelves with practiced efficiency, nced over and smiled indulgently. She was used to his antics by now. ¡°Another all¨Cnighter?¡±


    Duke groaned, <b>barely </b>managing to keep his eyes open. ¡°All¨C<b>nighter</b>? Please. That wasn¡¯t work, <b>that </b>was <b>a </b>soul¨Cextraction ritual. If Alpha Lucien had ruled in ancient times, I swear he would¡¯ve been a tyrant. He¡¯s draining me dry before I even hit thirty


    A low, maic voice echoed <b>from </b>the staircase above.


    ¡°Duke, it sounds like <b>you </b>have quite a fewints about your Alpha.¡±


    The sound alone made Duke jolt upright as if struck by lightning. He snapped into a straight posture, grinning like a loyal mutt, eyes twinkling with faux sincerity.


    ¡°Not at all! <b>You¡¯re </b>the sun in my sky, Alpha. Every day working under you warms my cold, withering heart.¡±


    He clutched his chest dramatically. Mrs. Beck and <b>Mia</b><b>, </b>standing by the dining <b>room </b>arch, both chuckled softly at his s antics. The whole estate seemed lighter for a moment<b>, </b></divughter chasing away the remnants of the storm outside.


    Lucien descended the <b>stairs</b>, <b>sharp </b>in <b>a </b><b>ck </b>cashmere sweater and cks, his aura cool andmanding. He took the armchair opposite Duke<b>, </b>resting his elbows on his knees as he asked calmly. ¡°How did it <b>go</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Duke straightened, pride flickering in <b>his </b>tired eyes. ¡°The Ebonw Pack¡¯s empire? Crumbled. Kael Vale didn¡¯t even <b>have </b>time to beg. But that¡¯s not all. I made a rather¡­ interesting discovery.¡±


    Lucien appeared disinterested, reaching for the folded <b>financial </b>bulletin atop the coffee table. He leaned backzily, eyes skimining the headlines <b>as </b>he murmured, ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    Duke, eager to impress, cleared his throat. ¡°Turns out, <b>Kael¡¯s </b>father, Alpha ric Vale, sold off all his stock in the Vale Holdings <b>months </b><b>ago</b>. <b>Liquidated </b>it. <b>And </b>guess where the money went?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s eyes remained on the page. ¡°Surprise <b>me</b>.¡±


    To a single ount under a name you¡¯ll know¨CDean Elira ckthorn.¡±


    Now that got his attention.


    Lucien set the paper down with a soft rustle. His expression was unreadable, but <b>his </b>gaze sharpened like a dagger <b>drawn </b>from its sheath


    <b>Duke </b>continued. ¡°The Elonw Pack¡¯s ounts were already riddled <b>with </b>holes <b>Tax </b>evasion, embezzlement, <b>copsed </b>trust funds. Even if we hadn¡¯t


    ownership of the shed them, they would¡¯ve imploded within weeks. But the kicker! A few months ago, the legal


    group was quietly transferred¡±


    Lucien¡¯s brow arched faintly ¡°To Karl?¡±


    ¡°Exactly All under ric¡¯s instructions. He set <b>his </b>own son up as the scapegoat¡±


    Lucien leaned back into the chair, azy smirk curling at the edge of his lips <b>ric </b>Vale what an impressive coward.¡±


    141PMP P.


    +8 Pearls


    Duke shrugged, still baffled. ¡°Honestly, I <b>don¡¯t </b>get the guy. He built apany from the ground up, only to sell it for scraps. and leave <b>his </b>son to take the fall. For a woman, no less.¡±


    Lucien tapped the armrest with two fingers, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. ¡°<b>And </b>Kael?¡±


    ¡°Arrested, most likely. The Tribunal <b>was </b><b>already </b>waiting outside thepany tower when he showed up. As the legal representative, he¡¯ll be prosecuted for tax fraud. Might serve real time, too.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but there <b>was </b>an unmistakable chill in his <b>eyes</b>. ¡°Shame. I was hoping he¡¯dst a little longer


    Duke stretched with a yawn, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t <b>think </b>he had another round in him. Looked like he¡¯d already been ttened by the world.¡±


    Just then, amotion stirred at the front entrance.


    ¡°I need to speak with Riley. Now. It¡¯s urgent,¡± <b>came </b>a familiar voice¨Clow, anxious, and insistent.


    Duke, half¨Casleep, frowned. ¡°Who the hell is that?¡±


    Mia nced toward the door. ¡°It¡¯s healer Theo Hale.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Duke asked, brows knotting in confusion as he turned to Lucien for rity.


    Lucien didn¡¯t even need to look. He¡¯d recognized the voice the moment it pierced the manor¡¯s calm.


    His tone was cool and indifferent as always, but firm. ¡°Let him in.¡±


    Send Gifts


    294


    A Broken Alpha Heiress Revenge


    +8 Pearls

 in Vengeance 162

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The moment Lucien¡¯s voice fell, the front doors of the manor burst open with a loud bang. Theo Hale strode in, rainwater still clinging to the hem of his coat, a thick file clutched tightly in his hand


    His eyes swept urgently <b>across </b>the grand entry hall, scanning for Riley like a wolf who¡¯d caught her scent.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Riley?¡± he demanded, his voice <b>sharp </b>with adrenaline.


    <b>Mia</b>, who had just been arranging a <b>vase </b>on the <b>entry </b>table, blinked at him in surprise. ¡°Doctor Theo, the young miss is still resting.¡±


    ¡°She needs to wake up¨Cnow,¡± Theo said, stepping forward, his tone urgent. ¡°It¡¯s important. I need to speak with her.¡±


    Mia hesitated, her eyes flickering toward Lucien <b>as </b>if seeking guidance. Though she was not <b>a </b>servant of the house, even she knew when amand could not override the Alpha¡¯s will.


    Lucien¡¯s <b>gaze </b>locked onto Theo with the chilling stillness of a predator. His voice was quiet, but there was <b>no </b>mistaking the authority thatced every syble. ¡°If <b>this </b>is about the Ebonw Pack¡¯s fall, you can <b>leave</b>. I¡¯ll handle it myself.¡±


    Theo stiffened. That tone¨Cso superior<b>, </b>so unyielding<b>¨C</b>always set his teeth on edge.


    He¡¯d grown <b>up </b>surrounded by powerful people, but none exuded this particr kind of dangerous calm. Wealth, strength,mand¨CLucien Duskgrave had it all. And Theo hated how insignificant the man made everyone else seem inparison.


    Still, Theo lifted <b>his </b>chin in defiance. ¡°You were the one who took down the Ebonw Pack, weren¡¯t <b>you</b>?¡±


    Then, after a beat, he added pointedly, ¡°Aren¡¯t you <b>afraid </b>Riley will hate you for it?¡±


    The entire room stilled.


    Lucien, Duke, Mia, even Mrs. Beck all turned toward Theo with unreadable expressions. <b>Their </b>silence was heavier <b>than </b>the rain still dripping from his coat.


    A flicker of doubt crossed Then¡¯s mind. <b>Maybe </b>Riley didn¡¯t hate Lucien for <b>what </b>he did. Maybe she understood.


    He swallowed hard and forced his voice to steady. ¡°I¡¯m not here to argue. I¡¯m here because I found something. About her missing kidney¡±


    The room froze.


    Lucien¡¯s eyes, cold <b>as </b>steel, sharpened into lethal focus. A storm began to churn behind them¨Ca threat far greater <b>than </b>the


    one <b>outside</b>.


    <b>Even </b><b>Duke</b>, who¡¯d been halfway to falling asleep <b>upright</b><b>, </b>jolted fully <b>awake</b><b>, </b>spine straight <b>as </b>a <bnce </b>


    Mrs Beck <b>gasped</b>, while <b>Mia </b>covered her mouth with both <b>hands</b>.


    From the stairwell above, Matriarch Duskgrave¨Cwho had just begun her descent for breakfast¨Cstopped <b>mid</b>¨Cstep. Her hand trembled slightly on her cane


    Lucien¡¯s <b>voice </b>cut <b>through </b>the <b>tension </b>like a de. ¡°Mia Wake her¡±


    But before she could move, a quiet sound from the <b>stairs </b>interrupted them.


    <b>Kiley </b>stood on thending her expression pale, her eyes wide and <b>ssy</b>.


    Her bearing hadn¡¯t returned yet, but she saw Theo¡¯s <b>mouth </b>and knew everything.


    <b>kalory</b>¡±


    The words ¡°missing <b>kidney</b>¡± <b>echoed </b>like a curse through her mind. That wound¨Cdeep and brutal¨Cwas one she had buried. but never healed from A part of her had always wondered what had happened, who had done it, and why


    Now, finally, she might have an answer.


    +8 Pearls


    She descended slowly, her steps heavy with disbelief, her entire body drawn tight like <b>a </b><b>bowstring</b>. When she reached the bottom, she didn¡¯t speak. She simply walked straight up to Theo and grabbed his arms with both hands.


    Her nails dug into his flesh.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± she whispered, her voice cracking with urgency. ¡°Tell me the truth, Theo. Is it real? Do you know where it went? Who took it? Who has it?¡±


    Her words came out in a desperate rush<b>, </b>eyes burning with the fire of a year¡¯s worth of torment <b>and </b>unanswered questions.


    Theo winced at the pressure of her grip, but he didn¡¯t pull away ¡°Riley, <b>calm </b>down. I¡¯ll tell you everything, I swear. But you have to take a breath-


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me to calm down!¡± she snapped, though her <b>voice </b>trembled more from pain than anger.


    Yet, <b>when </b>her eyes locked with his¨Cwhen she saw the concern there¨Cshe forced herself to <b>inhale</b>. To hold herself together. She couldn¡¯t break down. Not now.


    Not when the truth was finally within reach.


    Theo looked down at her, his chest tight. Goddess, what had they done to this girl? Even standing there, broken and trembling, she had the strength of a warrior. But <b>that </b>didn¡¯t make the injustice any less monstrous.


    And then<b>, </b>Lucien spoke.


    His voice was softer now. But it held something else, too¨Csomething gentler. Protective.


    ¡°Come here, bunny.¡±


    It <b>was </b>the first time he¡¯d ever used a pet name for her.


    The entire room turned toward <b>him</b><b>. </b>


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 163

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    I forgot she couldn¡¯t hear me


    +8 Pearls


    Riley had her back to me,pletely unaware of what I¡¯d said. The weight of her silence struck me like a sharp snap of cold wind¨CI¡¯d spoken, and she hadn¡¯t even llinched. That¡¯s when it hit me she didn¡¯t hear me. Of course she didn¡¯t.


    Without a word, I walked over and took her hand.


    turned at the contact, her eyes flickering up to mine just as I mouthed, ¡°Don¡¯t panic. Sit down¨Cwe¡¯ll take this slow¡±


    She nodded, her fingers trembling slightly in mine, and followed me to the couch.


    The moment we sat down, her attention snapped back to Theo Hale like a wolf tracking prey. Her gaze never left him¨Cnever even blinked, like she was terrified that if she did, she¡¯d miss some vital truth that might finally exin everything.


    Theo settled across from us and cleared his <b>throat</b>. He tried to keep his voice steady, but I could hear the strain buried beneath it


    ¡°Riley I know you want answers. I wish I had more to give. I don¡¯t know who took your kidney. I don¡¯t know who <b>has </b>it now. But I do know this¨Cit didn¡¯t happen randomly. Someone targeted you long before you ever went to prison¡±


    Heid the file folder on the table. One by one, he began pulling out sheets, cing them neatly between us.


    ¡°These records¨Cthey¡¯re from apatibility screening. A renal match evaluation, done right years ago. I need you to <b>look</b>. Was this your test? And if it was¡­ who brought you in for it?¡±


    Riley reached out with shaking hands, as if the papers might explode on contact. Her eyes devoured the information.


    Light years age.


    I uw the moment the realized what that date meant. The way her pupils dted. The way her spine stiffened.


    ¡°Eight years ago, she returned to the Ebonw Pack¨Cto the family that had abandoned her. That was when her <b>so</b>¨Ccalled parents <b>took </b>her to the Moone rest Central Hospital. Told her it was just a physical Routine check¨Cup, they¡¯d said<b>. </b><b>A </b>precaution. They were concerned for her


    She believed them


    She thought¨Cgods, she thought they cared.


    But it was


    freeze, then begin to tremble¨Cfirst slightly, then uncontrobly. Her entire body shivered <b>as </b>the <b>realization </b>


    They didur bring her back out of love.


    They brought her back to harvest her


    She was just a donor to them. A walking organ <b>bank </b>


    at burned: cks down her checks. And in that moment, I swore I <b>could </b>feel her


    heartbeak like it was my own


    ¡°Fight years ago the day after I came back they took me to Mooncrest Central I thought it was just a full¨Cbody checkup¡­ It it wasn¡¯t Was it Her voice cracked ¡°They <b>nned </b>that from <b>the </b>start.


    149 PM P P.


    She looked up at Theo again. They didn¡¯t love me. They never did. But this? This is what I was worth to <b>them</b>?¡±


    Her voice faltered, drowned in disbelief and betrayal. Her lips quivered, her fists clenched in herp. She wasn¡¯t crying out of <b>sadness</b>¨Cno. This was grief sharpened into rage. Into hate.


    And gods, it took everything in me not to burn the <b>Ebonw </b>Pack to the ground right then.


    Everyone was quiet¨CDuke, Mia, even Matriarch Duskgrave who¡¯d joined us in silence. No one knew <b>what </b>to say. They were all staring at Riley like she might shatter<b>. </b><ol><li>on the other hand, felt the pressure building in my chest like <b>a </b>storm. My blood ran ice¨Ccold. My breathing slowed to a lethal rhythm.</li></ol>


    They hurt <b>her</b>.


    They carved her apart.


    And they did it with smiling faces <b>and </b>parental concern.


    I¡¯ve seen monsters in my time¨Cbut Abaric <b>Vale </b>and his families redefined the <b>word</b>,


    Still¡­ I couldn¡¯t lose control. Not yet.


    I forced myself to stay focused.


    ¡°One year ago.¡± I said, my voice cutting through the room like a de, ¡°who in the Ebonw Pack was hospitalized<b>?</b>¡±


    All eyes turned to Theo.


    He blinked, ran a quick mental scan<b>. </b>¡°No <b>one</b>. Not that I know of¡­¡± <b>Then </b>he paused. ¡°Wait. Scarlett. She was overseas a year ago. Only returned recently.¡±


    My jaw clenched.


    Coincidence? No. I didn¡¯t believe in those. Not in this game.


    ¡°We¡¯ll know soon enough,¡± I said coldly. ¡°Get the travel records.¡±


    Duke shot up from the couch, <b>almost </b>knocking it backward. His fingers grazed the worn edge of the medical documents. ¡°I¡¯ll find out everything¡±


    I nced at him.


    ¡°No,¡± I said. ¡°You need rest. This goes to Caelum.¡±


    <b>Duke </b>hesitated mid¨C<b>step</b>, surprise flickering <b>across </b><b>his </b>face.


    But I didn¡¯t look away. Didn¡¯t blink.


    <b>I </b><b>sat </b>forward, elbows on my knees, my voice <b>low </b><b>and </b><b>unwavering</b>.


    This wasn¡¯t just another mission now.


    This was war.


    And I would raze every stone of the Ebonw Pack before I let them touch Riley again.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 164

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    Caelum Knox was known throughout the rogue territories as ¡°the Reaper.¡± He once single¨Chandedly infiltrated a cartelpound deep in the jungles beyond ckthorn Valley and eliminated every target without backup. A former warhound. <b>from </b>the Eastern Front, his legend was still whispered in rogue circles <b>with </b>fear.


    After retiring from active service, Lucien Duskgrave had personally recruited him¨Cnot as a driver, though that was the title outsiders knew¨C<b>but </b>as the Shadow Enforcer of the Stormridge Pack. Whenever Lucien needed something done quietly. quickly, and without loose <b>ends</b>, Caelum was the one who moved.


    Despite his quiet demeanor, those who understood Lucien¡¯s true power knew Caelum was his sharpened fang, the one that struck in the dark.


    Duke, Lucien¡¯s second assistant, knew <b>his </b>Alpha well. The moment Lucien assigned the task to Caelum, Duke realized <b>this </b>time. Lucien was <b>truly </b>enraged.


    If Caelum moved, secrets long buried¨Ceven from eight generations back¨Cwould be unearthed. The Ebonw <b>Pack¡¯s </b>filth,nd everything the Vale family had done to Riley, would soon beid bare.


    <b>Duke </b>slowly sat back down, and a heavy silence cloaked the entire room like thick fog. It wasn¡¯t just the <b>calm </b>before a storm it was the feeling of breath being held, of judgment approaching


    Riley sat rigid on the couch, her mind a storm of <b>chaos</b>. Her gaze swept across the people around her¨Ceach looking at her with eyes full of <b>sorrow</b><b>, </b><b>rage</b>, and pity.


    Her heart twisted painfully in her chest, clenched by an invisible hand that wouldn¡¯t let go. The <b>grief</b>, the betrayal, the shame -it surged through her like crashing waves, each one higher than thest.


    She was suffocating.


    She wanted to cry, to scream, but she clenched her jaw. She wouldn¡¯t fall apart. Not here. Not now. She didn¡¯t want to make anyone worry, Didn¡¯t want them to see just how broken she truly was.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll head upstairs,¡± she whispered, her voice nearly inaudible.


    She stood, but the world tilted. The air around her swirled, her vision blurred, and her knees buckled slightly.


    Lucien, Duke, and Theo moved in unison, all three men rising instinctively to steady her.


    Lady Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia also took a step forward, concern etched into their faces.


    But Riley forced herself to stay upright. Her pride, battered as it <b>was</b>, kept her <b>standing</b>.


    She gave them a <b>strained </b>smile, her lips trembling. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just stood too fast, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Her voice was hollow, the smile paper¨Cthin. But she waved them <b>off </b>and turned toward the stairs.


    ¡°Miss Riley, Mia called gently, ¡°breakfast <b>is </b>ready just a few bites, please?¡±


    Riley caught the movement of Mia¡¯s lips and shook her head. ¡°No appetite. You all go ahead.¡±


    Her steps were <b>slow </b><b>and </b>unstable, each one as though she were walking through fog.


    Mia¡¯s heart twisted as she watched her limp away, the scars of her past still etched into her every movement. The thought that someone¡ªher own family¨Chad not only neglected her but <b>stolen </b>a piece of her body¡­


    It was unforgivable


    Tears welled in Mia¡¯s eyes <b>as </b>she turned away, <b>unable </b>to bear it.


    But Riley didn¡¯t return


    349 PM P


    +8 Pearls


    She walked into the embroidery room¨Ca <b>small</b>, sunlit space Lucien had chosen for her himself. ¡°If you¡¯re tired, he¡¯d once said, ¡°stand here, look at the <b>garden</b><b>, </b>breathe in the air. Let it soothe you. This room suits you.¡±


    And it had Before.


    Now, the sunlight felt <b>cold</b>. The scent of the blooming roses¨Cfiery red<b>, </b>soft pink, snowy white¨Cwas nothing but noise. Even <b>the </b>fresh air couldn¡¯t pierce the dark cloud <b>that </b>swallowed her.


    She moved to the embroidery frame and stared at the unfinished Peony of Eternal Bloom she¡¯d begun days ago. It was vibrant, detailed, <b>and </b>filled with hope when she started it.


    Now it looked gray.


    Her fingers trembled as she reached for the needle. She forced herself to focus on the fine lines, the <b>colored </b><b>thread</b><b>, </b>the rhythm.


    But on the third stitch, <b>a </b>single tear slipped from her eye andnded on the fabric.


    Panicked, she wiped it <b>away </b>with her sleeve.


    But more followed. She tried to stop them, swallowing <b>hard</b>, breathing fast¨Cbut her tears betrayed her, one after another, <b>falling </b>like broken <b>beads </b>of <b>pain</b>.


    Then¨Cstab.


    She pierced her finger. Blood welled from the tip, red and furious, and bloomed on the silk like a cursed flower. It spread, mixing with the tears already staining the cloth.


    And in that moment¨Cher strength shattered.


    Riley copsed over the table, shoulders shaking as she finally, fully broke down<b>. </b>Her sobs echoed in the quiet room, raw and unrestrained.


    A storm <b>had </b>been building inside her for years¨Cand <b>now</b>, it was <b>here</b>.


    And no <b>garden</b>, no sunlight, no gentle breeze could save <b>her </b>from it.

 in Vengeance 165

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    All those years of pain, injustice, and silent despair finally erupted like a dam that could no longer hold. Riley¡¯s sobs echoed within the room, <b>raw </b>and shattering, each cry dragging shards of anguish to the surface. Her shoulders trembled violently as she copsed over the embroidery table, her fingers still stained with blood from the earlier prick, crimson blooming across the silk fabric like a cursed omen.


    Unbeknownst to her, Lucien Duskgrave had been standing quietly behind her for a long while.


    He had not announced his presence. He didn¡¯t need 10.


    As <b>Alpha </b>of the Stormridge Pack and heir to one of the oldest Lycan bloodlines, he had walked through fire, war, and political deception. <b>But </b><b>none </b>of those battles had ever pierced him as deeply as the sight before him now¨CRiley, a she¨Cwolf already <b>wounded </b>far too many times, finally crumbling under the weight of her grief.


    He reached out, instinctively wanting to pull her into <b>his </b>arms. But his hand lingered in the air, frozen.


    He didn¡¯t <b>know </b>if she would wee the contact. Would it soothe her or push her further into darkness? She couldn¡¯t hear him. Her world <b>was </b><b>silent</b>. And in that silence, she wept.


    Lucien¡¯s chest ached. Not from helplessness¨Che had long since learned to move past that emotion¨Cbut from fury. Fury at a world that had allowed her to be broken this way. Fury at the Ebonw Pack. Fury at the so¨Ccalled ¡°parents¡± who had treated her like nothing more than a vessel¨Can organ donor to <b>be </b>gutted and discarded.


    Soft, broken cries escaped from between her arms.


    ¡°What did I do wrong?¡± she choked out, her voice hoarse and cracked. ¡°Why did they treat me like this?¡±


    ¡°You knew I wanted to belong¡­ to have a family. And yet you used that against me. Am I really¡­ so unlovable?¡±


    <b>Lucien¡¯s </b><b>hand</b>, still suspended, slowly lowered back to his side¨Cthen clenched into a tight fist. The skin around his knuckles turned white as bone.


    He bent down slightly, whispering¨Cuselessly, but with <b>all </b><b>the </b>quiet conviction he could muster, ¡°You are not unlovable.¡±


    ¡°<b>You¡¯re </b>everything they aren¡¯t. Strong. Brave. Worthy,¡±


    ¡°We all <b>see </b>it. We <b>all </b>see you.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re the monsters. Not you*


    But she couldn¡¯t hear a word of it. Her sobs continued, gut¨Cwrenching and starp, as if each one was being torn from her soul.


    The room filled with the sound of her crying. <b>And </b>just outside the open door, <b>three </b>women <b>stood </b>frozen in


    in ce.


    Matriarch Duskgrave, usually <b>as </b>steady andposed as the mountains surrounding Stormridge, now stood with tears pooling in her ancient <b>eyes</b>. The regal silver in her hair shimmered faintly in the light, but even her long¨C<b>held </b>strength faltered in the face of Raley¡¯s sorrow.


    Beside her, Mrs. Beck and <b>Mia </b>stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions mirroring the same raw, maternal ache.


    Not far off in the sitting room, Duke and Theo <b>had </b><b>heard </b>it too.


    Duke¡¯s hands slowly curled into <b>fists</b><b>. </b><b>His </b><b>normally </b>tired <b>eyes </b>were now sharp with unfiltered rage. He gritted his teeth, jaw tight. Those fucking parasites, he muttered under his breath. ¡°How dare they¡­


    All thoughts of rest vanished from his <b>mind </b>Fury <b>burned </b>through his veins, scorching away any remaining fatigue. In the next breath, he turned, storming out of the manor with thunder in lus steps. The ck SUV¡¯s door mmed behind him, <b>and </b>


    the engine, the car tore down the gravel path, leaving <b>only </b>a fading roar and a cloud of dust in his wake


    Back inside. Then stood rooted to the floor


    350 PM p p.


    e tu boles


    His lungs felt crushed. The room itself seemed heavier. saturated with something dark and unbearable. The sound of Riley crying so full of heartbreak and helplessness¨C<b>was </b>like a de driving deeper into his chest with each passing second:


    His thoughts spiraled. He had mocked her before. Doubted her. Caught her with Kael when she was trying to escape her hellish <b>family</b>. <b>And </b>now, every cruel word, every condescending nce, came back to haunt him.


    A <b>wave </b>of <b>shame </b>rolled through him.


    He had been blind Willfully blind.


    <b>And </b>Riley¡­she had suffered <b>all </b>of it in silence.


    Without saying a word. Theo turned and left the sitting room. His steps were swift and unsteady, his throat dry, his heart pounding <b>with </b>a shame he couldn¡¯t <b>shake</b>.


    In the embroidery room, the light shifted as clouds slowly covered the sun. The once warm morning had turned grey, mirroring the storm <b>within </b>Riley¡¯s heart.


    She still clutched the fabric, tears now streaking freely down her cheeks. Her entire frame trembled as her sous softened into hoarse, broken gasps. She wanted to disappear. She wanted to scream. She wanted someone toe tell her that this¨Cthis entire nightmare¨Cwasn¡¯t real.


    But no such relief came.


    Only the warm, unmoving shadow of Lucien Duskgrave behind her. Silent. Resolute.


    He could do nothing to erase the past.


    But he would burn the future to the ground before letting anyone hurt her <b>again</b>.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 166

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    +8 Pearls


    Carmen stood at the gates of <b>Ashmoor </b>Academy, her fingers clenching the handle of her <b>umbre</b>. Mist curled around her feet like wary shadows, and though the clouds <b>above </b>hadn¡¯t broken, there was a trace of light in her <b>gaze</b>¨Chopeful, <b>tentative </b>


    The sharp purr of an engine cut through the morning silence.


    A sleek, ck Maybach tore through the rain¨Cslicked <b>road</b>, <b>spraying </b>water <b>into </b>the air. The vehicle was unmistakably elite- one only seen among high¨Cranking <b>Alphas</b>. Its tinted windows reflected the dull gray sky, its presence <bmanding </b>


    Carmen¡¯s breath caught.


    That car¨Cshe recognized it.


    Her heart leapt and a smile bloomed across her lips, the kind so rare it made her <b>look </b>almost too young, too untouched by the cruel world of pack politics. She raised her umbre and <b>waved with </b>enthusiasm, fully believing he had returned for her.


    Duke had said he would.


    ¡°I¡¯ll retrieve the umbre myself tomorrow morning,¡± he had told her with quiet <b>precision</b>, his voice smooth and unreadable.


    But the car didn¡¯t stop.


    <b>Like </b>a streak of shadow, the Maybach passed by without pause. The gust from its speed blew her hair across her face, and her umbre twisted under the force of it. She stood stunned, her smile falling away as quickly <b>as </b>it <b>had </b>formed.


    She turned slowly, her gaze locked onto the departing car. Her eyes narrowed at the license te.


    There was no mistake.


    It was his


    So much for his word.


    So much for being different from the rest of the arrogant wolves in the Ebonw Pack. Just another promise from <b>a </b>man too <b>important </b>to remember a girl like her.


    The light in her eyes extinguished, reced by something colder¨Cmore calcting


    Carmen¡¯s lips curled into <b>a </b>smile again, but this time it was <b>sharp</b>, almost predatory. A smile honed by betrayal and long nights of silence. She had <b>seen </b>what people like Duke were capable of. She¡¯d seen <b>what </b>the Ebonw Pack did to Riley¨Ca betrayal so deep, it poisoned Carmen¡¯s blood.


    She had learned then: <b>no </b><b>one </b>wasing to save her. And she didn¡¯t need them to.


    Arrogance made people predictable. And predictable people were easy to manipte.


    She¡¯d learned <b>how </b>to survive long before setting foot in Ashmoor Academy. Her mother <b>Mia </b>had scrubbed <b>packhouses </b>to the bone Riley had been discarded like trash by those <b>who </b>imed nobility and honor. Carmen had watched it all¡ªand remembered every name, every slight.


    Til be strong enough to tear free from this city, she whispered to herself, her <b>voice </b>quiet and lethal. I¡¯ll <b>take </b>Riley and Mom away from Mooncrest, to a ce where no one can find us Where we don¡¯t have to bow to <b>Alphas </b>or bloodlines


    The words were a vow etched into her bones.


    onest <b>nce </b>at the gate where the Maybach disappeared, Carmen turned and headed <b>back </b>to the dormitory Her steps were firm now, each one echoing with silent resolve.


    She would <b>not </b>wait for kindness. <b>She </b>would not wait for men like Duke to remember her


    Inade the dormitory,ughter rang out¨Csharp, grating and unmistakably cruel.


    350 PM p p.


    ¡°She¡¯s <b>out</b>. She won¡¯t be back any time soon. Hurry up before Carmen the psycho catches us.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, who does she think she is? Just a little servant¨Cborn rat trying to <b>act </b>all <b>Luna</b><b>¨C</b>like¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s from the gutter. And you know what they say¨C<b>trash </b>always stinks.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s whyisfying. Let¡¯s scrub the toilet with her toothbrush.¡±


    it¡¯s so


    ¡°I¡¯ll use her towel to wipe my paws.¡±


    ¡°<b>I </b><b>already </b>poured toilet water into <b>her </b><b>shampoo</b>. <b>Wanna </b>add more?¡±


    Carmen froze in the hallway, just before the door. She¡¯d heard every <b>word</b>.


    They didn¡¯t <b>know </b>she was <b>there</b>.


    +8 Pearls


    They never believed someone like her <b>could </b>hold power. That someone with no name, no title, and no pureblood pedigree could rise above their cruelty.


    Her fingers found the charm around <b>her </b>neck¨Ca tarnished <b>pendant </b>that <b>had </b>once belonged to her father.


    Carmen still remembered his final words before he disappeared: ¡°Wolves with broken chains bite the hardest.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t understood them then.


    Now, she did.


    Carmen¡¯s eyes turned razor¨Csharp in an instant, gleaming with a coldness <b>that </b>belonged more to a predator than a teenage girl. Her lips, however, curled upward into an eager grin. She looked electrified, like a she¨Cwolf seconds away from sinking her fangs into prey. Her presence exuded <b>a </b>dangerous, almost feral energy¨Csomething primal and uncontainable.


    Ever since those malicious rumors started spreading¨Cwhispers that she was some wealthy Alpha¡¯s mistress¨Cher reputation at Ashmoor University had rotted beyond repair. Students sneered. Professors stopped looking her in the eye. The air changed when she entered a room.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for Kael Vale, she would <b>have </b>been expelled.


    But she <b>wasn¡¯t </b>like her mother. She didn¡¯t feel gratitude for that intervention.


    Because she wasn¡¯t stupid.


    She knew exactly who started those rumors.


    Kael had orchestrated <b>it </b>all. That fake act ofing to her rescue had nothing to do with her¨Cit was all to manipte Riley. her sister. Carmen had seen through his schemes from the start.


    Ebonw <b>Pack </b><b>wolves</b>, she thought with venom. Arrogant cowards who crushed others just to make themselves feel powerful


    After the rumors took root, the girls in her dorm¨C<b>those </b><b>who </b>used to share friendly conversations andte¨Cnight <b>snacks- </b>suddenly showed their fangs. They <b>came </b>from privileged packs, born into Beta bloodlines or future council houses, and the moment they sensed weakness, they pounced


    They thought Carmen was soft. Quiet Easy.


    They had no idea <b>what </b>she¡¯d be

 in Vengeance 167

    +8 Pearls


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Carmen <b>had </b>lived through Riley¡¯s ruin. She had watched the light fade from her sister¡¯s <b>eyes </b>after Alpha ric and his family tore her apart piece by piece. Carmen wasn¡¯t the same girl she had been in <b>junior </b>high.


    She had be something new¨Csomething sharp, vengeful, and ready to strike.


    Carmen stood against the hallway¡¯s icy concrete wall, <b>arms </b>folded, waiting.


    She didn¡¯t need to hear what they were doing inside.


    She already knew.


    Ten minutes passed.


    Long enough.


    Her toothbrush had been jammed deep into the dorm toilet, its bristles scraping the rim as one of the girlsughed. Her towel had been dragged across the bathroom floor and used to mop up grimy water. Her shampoo <b>and </b>body wash had been tainted with toilet water¨Cagain<b>. </b>


    ¡°Almost done. Let¡¯s clean up and head to the dining hall,¡± one of the girls chirped.


    Then came the sound that froze every muscle in the room.


    Click.


    The dorm door opened slowly, and a sudden, deathly silence nketed the air inside.


    Carmen stood in the doorway, one hand still on the knob, a crooked <b>smile </b>ying on her lips. She leaned casually against the frame, eyes scanning the wreckage of her belongings.


    ¡°Well,¡± she said smoothly, voice like velvet over a de. ¡°You three seem to be having a great time.¡±


    The <b>three </b>girls inside stood frozen. Their perfect makeup seemed to crack along with their courage. The blood drained from


    their <b>faces</b>.


    Carmen stepped into the room.


    And locked the door behind her with a slow, deliberate click.


    Panic shed in their eyes like lightning in <b>a </b>storm.


    ¡°Y¨Cyou¡¯re back early?¡± one of them stammered, lips trembling underyers of glossy lip <b>stain</b>. ¡°We¨Cwe were just tidying up a bit for you-


    Carmen chuckled.


    The sound was brittle, sharp, <b>and </b>bone¨Cchilling. It cut through the silence like the snap of a frozen branch in the dead of


    Winter


    Her peach¨Cblossom <b>eyes </b>shimmered with a <b>kind </b>of quiet <b>madness</b>.


    ¡°Oh If <b>you </b>liked my toiletries that much, you only had to ask.¡± Her voice was light, almost <b>kind</b>¨Cbut beneath it thrummed a power that made the walls seem to press in ¡°They¡¯re yours now.¡±


    The girls shifted uneasily. They couldn¡¯t read her. They <b>didn¡¯t </b>know what came next. <b>And </b>that terrified them more than any


    oven threat


    Then Carmen raised her hand and pointed directly at the bathroom door


    ¡°Inside All of you


    Her voice dropped to ice.


    ¡°I want to see you use everything Toothbrush. Shampoo. Body wash. Towel. Everything. While I watch.¡±


    Their lip quivered, ¡°N¨Cno, we can use our own, really-


    The smile vanished from Carmen¡¯s face.


    What reced it was pure frost.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking¡±


    From her coat pocket, Carmen pulled out a butterfly knife.


    +8 Pearls


    With <b>a </b><b>flick </b>of her wrist, the de danced through the air in a deadly bloom of metal. She twirled it with practiced grace, the sharpened edges catching the dim overhead light with every motion.


    The girls backed into the corner like trapped prey.


    They whimpered, ¡°P¨Cplease don¡¯t do anything crazy¡­ we were wrong, okay? We¡¯re sorry-


    Carmen didn¡¯t blink.


    ¡°Sorry?¡± she said sweetly. ¡°One sorry to erase everything? I must look very easy to fool.¡±


    She advanced one step.


    ¡°You remember what I told you two months ago?¡±


    The girls shuddered in unison.


    Of course they remembered.


    Carmen had once cornered them in the hallway, her knife cold against the small of their backs, whispering in a voice that <b>haunted </b>their nightmares:


    ¡°You can bully me, but I can kill you. One life for three. That¡¯s a trade I¡¯m happy to make.¡±


    Tears welled up in their eyes now. They clung to each other, their pride shattered, their bravado long gone.


    And Carmen just watched.


    Smiling.


    Eventually, under hermand¨Cand her <b>knife</b>¨Cthey filed into the bathroom. They scrubbed their teeth <b>with </b>the tainted <b>brush</b>, <b>washed </b>their <b>hair </b>with the contaminated <b>shampoo</b>, rubbed their bodies clean with the towel they had desecrated.


    Carmen remained in the doorway, arms folded, <b>watching </b>in serene silence.


    Her


    r smile was still there, but it had no warmth. No life.


    Only control


    ¡°Good girls,¡± she said atst. ¡°Now we understand each other,¡±


    Because that¡¯s the <b>truth</b>, wasn¡¯t it?


    Snakes needed <b>fangs</b>.


    Not to strike, but to survive


    Because


    And Car


    ¨C matter how much <b>you </b>covered, begged, or hid¡ªthere would <b>always </b>be someone waiting to strike first.


    350 PM p p.


    Chatter 167


    48 Pearls


    She¡¯d rather be the first to bite.


    As the girls sobbed and scrambled to their beds. Carmen turned toward the door, her expression unreadable. She ran a <b>hand </b>through her dark hair and exhaled slowly.


    Her thoughts shifted back to the Maybach


    The man who <b>had </b>promised her a return


    <b>Duke </b>


    He had driven past like she didn¡¯t <b>exist</b>.


    <b>But </b>she wouldn¡¯t let <b>that </b>be the end.


    Her fingers flexed slightly, as if already imagining grabbing his cor.


    Looks like I¡¯ll be heading to <b>the </b>Silveng Den tonight, she <b>thought </b>coldly.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 168

    Third¨CPerson POV


    +2 Pearls


    Sunlight filtered through the mottled leaves outside Mooncrest First Pack Hospital<b>, </b>casting shifting shadows across the sterile corndor Inude, the air was thick with disinfectant, but it couldn¡¯t mask the stench of rot hospital always associated with the


    Ebonw Pack


    A sleek ck car pulled up to the emergency bay. The door swung open, and Duke stepped out, expression grim. He moved with purpose, trading his tailored suit for a doctor¡¯s white coat and <b>slipping </b><b>a </b>surgical mask over his <b>face</b>, revealing only his sharp, calcting eyes.


    No one questioned his presence. He belonged in every room he entered, whether bymand or by <b>force</b>.


    He made his way down the corridor and pushed open the door to Alpha <b>ric¡¯s </b>recovery suite.


    The so¨Ccalled patriarch of the Ebonw Pack was lounging against the pillows like some bloated monarch, fingerszily swiping across his phone screen. He barely looked up <b>as </b><b>Duke </b>entered, mistaking him for yet another physician on the morning rounds.


    ric smirked at his phone, clearly enjoying a flirtatious exchange. The recipient? Dean Elira ckthorn, no doubt. The way his lecherous smile curled at the edges was enough to make any decent wolf retch.


    Duke¡¯s hands clenched into fists.


    All he <b>saw </b>was the monster who had destroyed Riley¡¯s life and twisted the fates of two generations for power.


    He stepped forward¨Csilent, swift.


    Before ric could react, Duke yanked out a foul¨Csmelling sock from his <b>coat </b>pocket and rammed it into <b>the </b>Alpha¡¯s mouth with brutal force.


    ric¡¯s eyes went wide, confusion turning to horror.


    His fingers shot up to pull the sock free, but Duke¡¯s hand mped down like an iron vice. With a sudden jerk, he seized both wrists <b>and </b><b>crack</b>! crack!


    The sound of dislocating joints echoed in the sterile air. The Alpha let out a muffled scream of agony, <b>writhing </b>as white¨Chot <b>pain </b>surged through his arms.


    Duke didn¡¯t stop.


    He punched ric <b>square </b>across the <b>face</b><b>, </b>over <b>and </b>over, his knuckles colliding with bone <b>and </b>cartge until the <b>Alpha¡¯s </b>features were barely recognizable. Blood sprayed <b>across </b>the crisp hospital sheets. The freshly¨Chealed bones in ric¡¯s leg- shattered once again under Duke¡¯s boot


    Another crack¨C<b>this </b><b>one </b>deeper. <b>Final </b>


    The Alpha of the Ebonw Pack let out a strangled gurgle before going limp, his body slumping <b>like </b>a broken puppet.


    Finally


    Duke exhaled. The rage that had festered in him for years, that had kept him <b>awake </b><b>at </b>night, <b>was </b>momentarily silenced. He straightened, chest heaving<b>, </b><b>as </b>if he had just exorcised a demon from <b>his </b><b>soul </b>


    Then he turned.


    And saw Theo Hale standing in the doorway.


    Theus fare was pale, eyes wide behind his sses. For once, the doctor had no smug words, no side remarks


    ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡± Theo muttered ¡°The room has surveince What were <b>you </b>thinking


    Duke didn¡¯t flinch. He raised a brow


    150 FM p P


    ¡°So what¡¯s the noble healer going to do? Turn me in?¡±


    Theo <b>nced </b>back at the bloodied <b>wreckage </b>of Alpha ric, then at the door. His lips pressed into a tight line.


    ¡°Go. I¡¯ll take care of the footage.¡±


    Duke stepped toward him and pped a <b>hand </b>on his shoulder.


    ¡°Knew I liked you for a reason. Drinks on me tonight<b>.</b>¡±


    The night descended on Mooncrest in a ze of neon and thumping bass.


    +8 Pearls


    Inside Silverfang Den, the city¡¯s most <b>notorious </b>bar, music pounded like war drums. The crowd was wild, half drunk, half feral. Exactly the kind of ce where secrets disappeared.


    Duke and Theo sat in <b>a </b>shadowed corner booth, downing one <b>ss </b>after another.


    Duke drank to burn <b>away </b>the image of Riley¡¯s suffering¨Cthe memory of her bloodied hands and broken voice.


    Theo drank for different reasons.


    Each sip dulled the memory of <b>his </b>own cruelty¨Cthe sharp words he¡¯d once hurled at Riley, the way he hadughed at her pain alongside Kael Vale. Now every bitter drop reminded him of what a <b>coward </b>he¡¯d been.


    A fool.


    A traitor in healer¡¯s robes


    Hours blurred. sses clinked Laughter grew louder.


    Eventually, Theo copsed sideways onto the leather couch, passed out cold.


    Duke, still somewhat lucid, stumbled toward the bar¡¯s exit, breath fogging in the chill air outside. He pulled off his sses, tugged at his cor, and dropped heavily onto the curb.


    He needed the


    cold.


    He needed to feel something other than rage.


    But he wasn¡¯t alone.


    From a shadowed corner of the bar, Carmen had been watching the two men all night, her expression unreadable. Now, seeing Duke alone and exposed, she moved.


    She approached <b>with </b>the grace of a predator.


    Duke looked up <b>just </b>in time to see <b>a </b>slender girl step into the glow of the streemp. She held an umbre in her hand, and her voice was sol¨Calmost innocent.


    ¡°Sir, your umbre.¡±


    Her <b>tone </b>was gentle, almost <b>hesitant</b>. Her eyes were wide, shimmering like the sea under moonlight.


    She looked like a harmless, polite girl offering <b>a </b><b>kindness</b>.


    But Duke¡¯s instincts twitched


    He knew a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing when he saw one.


    Carmen similed sweetly


    <b>Inude </b>the <b>bar</b>, Theo Hale <b>stirred </b><b>on </b>the <b>couch</b>¨C<b>just </b><b>in </b>time to feel a burning sting <b>across </b><b>his </b>cheek


    Carmen¡¯s p echoed like a whip track.


    She stood over him, eyes zing with fury.


    She knew him. Theo had once stood by Kael Vale, <b>had </b>once called Riley names,ughed at her tears.


    Carmen would never forget that.


    ¡°Trash, she muttered.


    Then she turned on her heel and left Theo bleeding and stunned, stalking after Duke.


    1


    +8 Pearls


    s


    Because any man who was friends with <b>those </b>monsters from the Ebonw Pack¨CKael Vale, Theo Hale, even Duke¨Cwas no better than the rest.


    <b>Send </b>Gifts

 in Vengeance 169

    Third¨CPerson POV


    -5 Rearts


    Outside the Silverfang Den, the wind rolled low across the alley like a lurking beast, brushing past the neon signs and rattling loose beer bottles in the gutter. The buzz of the city dulled behind the door, but Carmen didn¡¯t mind. Her eyes were fixed on the man sitting alone by the curb¨CDuke.


    He looked like he had fallen from grace, albeit elegantly


    His tie was <b>half</b>¨Cloosened like a dying snake curled against his corbone. He had taken off his gold¨Crimmed sses <b>and </b>was leaning <b>back </b>slightly. letting the night air cool his flushed skin. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing sharp lines and a dancer¡¯s strength that rose and fell subtly with every breath


    Carmen¡¯s gaze trailed to his throat.


    That pale, graceful neck, marked faintly where his sses had pressed earlier, was an invitation¨Ca promise of vulnerability Her fingers twitched involuntarily. Something primal stirred within her, not unlike a <b>wolf </b>scenting prey in the dark woods. She didn¡¯t even try to suppress the thought: That <b>neck </b>must feel divine under my fingers


    It wasn¡¯t desire. Not really. It was the thrill of domination.


    She moved forward, slipping from the shadows like moonlight through fog. Her steps were light, calcted, the white shirt she wore clinging softly to her spine, outlining every sharp curve of her body. Her face, however, was innocence painted to perfection¨Cwide eyes, bowed lips, and <b>a </b>voice like velvet snowfall.


    ¡°Sir.. your umbre.¡±


    She offered the sleek ck umbre forward with both hands, lowering her gaze like a well¨Ctrained Omega approaching a dominant Alpha<b>. </b>


    Duke tilted his head <b>upward</b>, his vision still foggy with liquor. His cheeks were flushed, shadows clinging under his eyes. He looked up at her, blinking slowly, trying to focus.


    Carmen¡¯s <b>smile </b>deepened, subtle and indulgent.


    His throat moved as he swallowed, the line of his Adam¡¯s apple sliding beneath perfect skin. Her stare locked <b>on </b>it like a predator watching a heartbeat beneath fur.


    Before she could stop herself, her hand lifted¨Cdrifting closer to his throat, as if drawn by invisible threads.


    Just as her fingertips were about to <b>graze </b><b>his </b>skin, Duke¡¯s voice rumbled through the haze, hoarse and dazed.


    ¡°You who <b>are </b>you?¡±


    So He¡¯d forgotten her already.


    Or was it the alcohol talking?


    Carmen¡¯s


    ¡®s lips curved <b>into </b>azy, teasing smile. Her fingers twirled mid¨Cair and instead of reaching for his neck, she redirected her <b>hand</b>¨Cgently but firmly gripping his jaw. She tilted his chin <b>up</b>, studying his flushed face as if examining a rare, exotic beast


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember me, sir?


    Her voice was honeyced mockery,


    Duke¡¯s mind was a maze of haze and bourbon He frowned, <b>waving </b><b>off </b>her hand clumsily and attempting to <b>stand</b>. His polished shors scraped against the pavement as he stumbled forward, <b>nearly </b>crashing to the ground


    Carmen¡¯s reflexes were fast


    She reached out and <b>caught </b><b>him </b>around the waist, her palm sliding <b>across </b>hard muscle. Her brows lifted slightly¨Ctight.


    carved abis Nice. She gave an experimental squeeze.


    Duke winced, letting out a pained grunt, his brow furrowed.


    ¡°G¨CGet off, he slurred,


    ying to push her away


    + Pearls


    Carmen released hum¨Csharply


    He crashed to the concrete <b>with </b>a heavy thud, the <b>sound </b>echoing off the alley walls. That fall seemed to <b>shake </b>some of the hare out of his brain. He groaned, propping himself up with one hand, trying to reorient himself.


    <b>From </b>above, Carmen watched, the corners of her lips curled in amusement. <b>But </b>when Duke looked back at her eyes clearer now, pupils adjusting¨Cher expression shifted instantly.


    Gone was the mischief,


    In its ce bloomed a mask of worry, her posture folding down into concern <b>as </b>she crouched beside him.


    ¡°Sir, are you alright?¡± Her voice trembled slightly, as if she were genuinely <b>distressed</b>.


    Duke blinked, adjusting his sses. Now that his vision was no longer swimming, he could finally see her face¨Cyoung. beautiful, full of anxious energy. Her hand was still clutching the umbre like it was thest thing tethering her to sanity.


    ¡°You?¡± he said, recognition dawning.


    Her eyes lit up with staged delight. ¡°So you do remember me!¡±


    Duke¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    <b>Carmen¡¯s </bshes fluttered, and she nced away shyly. Her tone dropped, soft as a whisper. ¡°I¡­ I wanted to return your umbre<b>. </b>


    She raised it slightly, as if <b>that </b>small gesture exined everything.


    Duke¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    He wasn¡¯t <b>that </b><b>drunk </b>anymore. <b>And </b>he <b>wasn¡¯t </b><b>an </b>idiot.


    After so many years serving beside <b>Lucien </b>Duskgrave, the <b>Alpha </b>Prince of the Stormridge Pack, he had <b>learned </b>to sniff out <b>arabition </b>behind sweet smiles, to hear liesced in innocent tones. The number of <b>women </b>who had tried to get close to them through ttery or favors? Countless,


    And <b>now </b>here she was. Another girl with a cute face and a story too clean to be real.


    ¡°You knew I¡¯d be here tonight?¡± His voice, still gravelly from drink, took on a sharper edge. ¡°How?¡±


    Carmen¡¯s eyes dropped. Hershes cast shadows over her cheeks. Inside, her mind raced.


    So he <b>was </b>sharper than she expected. This one wasn¡¯t the type to be led around by the nose. Not <b>so </b>easily, anyway


    Still, <b>she </b><b>had </b>prepared for this.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 170

    +8 Pearls


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    When Duke looked up, the calcting gleam that had briefly shed in Carmen¡¯s eyes waspletely gone. Her expression <b>had </b>shifted wlessly¨Cher gaze now wide and clear, her voice trembling ever so slightly, like that of an earnest, helpless student.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you this <b>morning</b>,¡± she said softly, clutching <b>the </b>umbre tighter. ¡°So I thought maybe I¡¯d <b>find </b>you here.¡°


    <b>There </b>was an innocence in her tone, but beneath ity a kind of quiet persistence.


    Duke frowned, trying to summon rity through the haze of alcohol. Morning- yes, he¡¯d driven past Ashmoor University on <b>his </b>way to report to Lucien Duskgrave. His mind <b>had </b>been clouded by anger, storming over Ebonw affairs¨Che hadn¡¯t spared a second thought for the <b>promise </b>he¡¯d <b>made </b>to this girl <b>about </b>picking up the umbre.


    He <b>gave </b>a tired <b>nod</b>, some of the tension in his shoulders <b>casing </b>¡°I see that¡¯s why.¡±


    He tried <b>to </b>stand, but his knees <b>buckled </b>beneath <b>him</b>. His body was heavy with drink, and his limbs no longer obeyed.


    T¨CI¡¯ll help you,¡± Carmen said, rushing forward.


    <b>Duke </b>nced at her again. She was trying <b>hard</b>, genuinely straining to support him.


    What he didn¡¯t <b>know</b>¨Cwhat <b>Carmen </b>would never say aloud¨Cwas that she hadn¡¯t juste


    She¡¯d looked into <b>him</b>.


    o return the umbre.


    Duke, assistant to Prince Lucien of the Stormridge Pack. Loyal. Sharp. Trusted by one of the most powerful heirs in the werewolf world. He wasn¡¯t just some forgetful rich guy. He was a potential weapon¨Cor at least, a key.


    She¡¯d started digging the moment she saw that ck Maybach outside Ashmoor University. And the more she uncovered <b>about </b>Duke¡¯s position, the more she knew: he <b>was </b>her way in.


    After <b>all</b>, wasn¡¯t it always the people behind the throne who made the best targets?


    Carmen had learned the <b>hard </b>way¨Csince Riley was dragged down by the Ebonw Pack and her mother discarded like refuse¨Cthat brute force wasn¡¯t always the most effective path <b>to </b>vengeance. <b>But </b>infiltration? That she could do.


    And if Duke happened to have the kind of face that made her <b>stomach </b>flutter, well¡­. that was just fate <b>making </b>things easier.


    She didn¡¯t need to love <b>him</b>. She just needed him to look at her like she mattered.


    <b>Back </b>on the sidewalk, Cannen managed to half¨Ccarry, half¨Cdrag Duke toward his car. His tall frame leaned heavily on her slender one and he groaned <b>as </b>his head lolled back <b>against </b>the headrest when she finally got him into the back seat.


    ¡°You drive?¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°Yes¡± she answered simply


    He fished his keys from <b>his </b>coat and handed them to her without <b>another </b>word ¡°Take me home.¡±


    Carmen slid behind the wheel, her expressionposed, calcting The moment his <b>eyes </b>closed and his breathing deepened she turned her head <b>ever </b><b>so </b>slightly¨Ctoward the luxury apartmentplex address he¡¯d muttered:


    Her lips curled


    Perfec


    The Maybach pulled up to one of Mooncrest¡¯s wealthiest districts¨CStormridge <b>Alpha </b>Quarter, where political elites and ancient bloo¨Cllines made their dens


    Carmen helped Duke up the <b>stairs</b>, scanning the entranceway and hallway for <b>cameras</b>. Her senses sharpened<b>, </b>she could almost feel the presence of surveince near the front. But when they reached the bedroom¨Cspacious, warm¨Ctones, and


    350 PM P P


    impably decorated¨Cshe found <b>none</b>.


    Good


    She dropped him unceremoniously onto the bed.


    +8 Pearls


    The <b>wolf </b>inside her was calm, but her mind spun with strategies. The room smelled of cedarwood and something distinctly


    male. His scent.


    Carmen¡¯s gaze flicked to the bedside drawer, the gleam of metal¨Cmaybe a weapon inside. She made note of it and then turned back to the man passed out on the bed.


    ¡°Sir?¡± she called sweetly.


    No answer.


    ¡°Sir?¡± she repeated, louder this time.


    Still nothing. His breathing was deep and even.


    So she moved.


    She tore at her own shirt, letting the <b>buttons </b>scatter across the room like the <b>beginning </b>of chaos. Tugged her hair loose. Let it fall messily across her face. She mussed the bed, scratched at her corbone <b>until </b>it bloomed red, <b>then </b>stumbled out of the <b>bedroom</b>, dragging sobs from her throat


    ¡°Don¡¯t¨C<b>don¡¯t </b>touch me! Please¨C1¡±


    Her voice echoed down the hallway, high¨Cpitched and full of feigned terror.


    She bolted out the front door and into the street, shirt gaping open in the cold night air, a trembling silhouette under the <b>glow </b>of themplight. Thete¨Cnight wind caught her hair as she walked with stumbling <b>steps</b>, sobs wracking her <b>shoulders</b>.


    To anyone watching, she looked like a broken <b>thing</b>.


    But Carmen¨CCarmen wasn¡¯t broken.


    She <b>was </b>ying the long game.


    And tonight, she <b>had </b>just ced the first piece on the board.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 171

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Carmen hadn¡¯t walked far when she suddenly sensed it.


    A <b>faint </b>footstep. A presence.


    Someone was following her<b>. </b>


    Tch


    +8 Pearls


    She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. Was it a rogue from outside the borders? A drunk predator from another <b>pack</b>? Or just someone with poor timing and worse instincts?


    She had originally nned to head straight <b>back </b>to Ashmoor University. But now


    A more interesting idea bloomed in her mind.


    Without changing her pace, Carmen let her sharp gaze flick subtly around <b>the </b>moonlit street. There¨Cmounted on a stonemppost <b>was </b><b>a </b>gleaming wolf¨Ctech surveince <b>orb</b><b>, </b>glowing with <b>that </b>signature silver¨Cblue core. It was linked to the Stormridge Guard Network.


    Her lips curled


    As long as she remained within that range<b>, </b>whoever was behind her wouldn¡¯t dare make a move.


    But she didn¡¯t <b>want </b><b>to </b><b>stay </b>safe


    She wanted to bait him.


    Purposefully, Carmen turned <b>and </b>strolled into a <b>narrow</b><b>, </b><b>shadow</b>¨Cdrenched alley just outside the surveince¡¯s view. The cobblestones were damp, <b>and </b>the walls of ancient stone rose on either side like silent witnesses.


    She moved calmly, pulling amunication stone from her satchel¨Cengraved with a sigil that allowed direct contact to the Mooncrest Watch <b>Division</b>.


    She <b>activated </b>it with her blood imprint, her voice trembling as she whispered, ¡°Patrol? <b>This </b>is Carmen Hawthorne. I¡¯m at <b>Raven </b>Hollow Alley, just west of the Stormridge Quarter. I¡¯m being followed¡­ Please <b>send </b>a <b>guardian </b><b>quickly</b>¡­ I¡¯m <b>scared</b>..


    As the enchantment closed, silencing the spell, she slipped the stone <b>back </b>into her <b>cloak</b>.


    Just <b>as </b>she stepped <b>back </b>into the half¨Clight, her <b>stalker </b>emerged from the darkness at the end of the alley. Under the pale moon, she could make out his frame¨Ca tall, <b>broad</b><b>¨C</b>shouldered male, hood low, <b>reeking </b>of damp fur and <b>bad </b><b>intentions</b>.


    Carmen smiled.


    ¡°Oh Followed me all <b>this </b>way? What¡¯s the matter? Did I <b>catch </b>your eye, handsome?¡±


    The man froze, confused. He clearly hadn¡¯t expected <b>such </b><b>a </b>reaction.


    She sauntered toward him with sugar on her voice. ¡°<b>There¡¯s </b><b>an </b>inn just down the street. Why don¡¯t we go there together?¡±


    The man <b>blinked </b>¡°What the ?¡±


    Before he could step back Carmen was close enough to loop her arms loosely around his <b>neck</b>, <b>warm </b><b>breath </b>fanning against


    ¡°Come on. Alpha¡± ale purred. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to y!¡±


    Her touch was light, her tone teasing¨Cbut her heart was coleil <b>like </b>a serpent


    The male <b>grinned </b><b>his </b><b>gaze </b><b>raking </b>over her ¡°Didn¡¯t expect a sweet <b>little </b>thing like you to be this cagerTM


    C


    350PM P


    ¡°Oh?¡± she said sweetly, catching the glint of lust in his eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡°I like it fine,¡± he breathed, <b>hands </b>twitching toward her waist.


    And that was when she struck.


    With the precision of a trained Ashmoor student, she drove her knee straight into his groin.


    The <b>man </b>screamed, crumpling like wet parchment. He hit the cobblestones <b>hard</b>, gasping, clutching himself.


    +8 Pearls


    Carmen took three graceful steps back. hair tousled, shirt torn just enough to sell the illusion. She stood still, watching him writhe.


    ¡°Little bitch¡­he spat through the pain. ¡°You think this is over? I¡¯ll tear your throat out!¡±


    He lunged toward her <b>again</b>, full of rage and humiliation.


    Carmen let out a shrill, practiced scream and turned on her heel, sprinting back toward the <b>main </b>road.


    The predator chased her blindly.


    <b>They </b>broke into the open street, just before the Stormridge Alpha Quarter gate¨Cwhere crystal¨Clitnterns illuminated every angle and enchanted cameras whirred silently atop the gate towers. Two sentries stood post nearby.


    Perfect


    Carmen let herself slow


    She let him grab her wrist.


    ¡°Let go of me¨CNO¨CHELP¡ª!¡±


    Her scream cut through the midnight air like a de.


    ¡°You scream <b>now</b><b>? </b>Toote, whore-!¡± the <b>man </b>snarled, yanking at her already¨Ctorn shirt, the fabric shredding under his ws.


    <b>Carmen </b>copsed to her knees, covering her chest with her arms. Her pale skin shimmered under the <bmplight</b>, body trembling, eyes wide and glistening with fear<b>. </b>


    The patrol wolves arrived in a blur of steel <b>and </b><b>silver </b><b>sigils</b>.


    <b>Two </b><b>guards </b>leapt between them, pinning the rogue male to the ground, shackling him in anti¨Cshift restraints as he bellowed in fury


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch <b>me</b>! I didn¡¯t do anything-


    Carmenddled in silence, hair a tangled <b>curtain</b>, eyes wide with tears¨Cyet behind that mask, her lips curled into the faintest most satisfying smile


    Everything <b>was </b>going exactly <b>as </b>nned


    The Next Morning ¨C Duke¡¯s Apartment


    Morning sunlight filtered <b>through </b>the heavy <b>velvet </b>curtains of the Stormridge high¨Crise, slicing across Duke¡¯s face <b>like </b><b>a </b>


    He groaned, suelding his eyes <b>with </b>one hand. His temples pounded <b>as </b>if a war drum was beating inside his skull.


    Everything ached. His mouth was dry His head <b>was </b>full of fog <b>and </b>static


    330 PM p p.


    +8 Pearls


    His bed sheets were tangled, the floor littered with <b>unfamiliar </b>objects¨Cshirt buttons, strands of hair that weren¡¯t his, and a broken perfume vial that didn¡¯t belong to anyone who lived here.


    Duke¡¯s expression darkened.


    Something wasn¡¯t right.


    He reached for the console embedded in his nightstand and called up the internal camera records of the apartment.


    There she was.


    Carmen Hawthorne. The girl from Ashmoor University. The one with the umbre.


    She was shown helping him in¨Cstruggling with <b>his </b>weight. guiding him gently.


    Duke sighed with relief¡­ <b>until </b>the footage changed.


    There she was again,ter¨C<b>tears </b>pouring down her <b>face</b>, clutching her shirt, running our the door.


    ¡°What the hell¡­¡± he muttered, eyes narrowing.


    He hit pause, stared at the frozen <b>image</b>.


    <b>Was </b>this real?

 in Vengeance 172

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Duke¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, golden irises almost glowing from shock.


    Had he really lost controlst night? Did <b>his </b><b>wolf </b>act on its <b>own</b><b>? </b>


    No. No. Absolutely not.


    He wasn¡¯t <b>that </b><b>kind </b>of man. He wasn¡¯t <b>that </b><b>kind </b>of wolf.


    And yet the surveince footage didn¡¯t lie. Carmen Hawthorne had entered his apartment¡­ and then fled in tears, disheveled and terrified.


    He gritted his teeth.


    Duke couldn¡¯t <b>remember </b>a damn thing fromst night¨Cbut the ache in his temples told him he had indeed been dangerously.drunk. <b>And </b>the look on her face in that recording?


    He couldn¡¯t ignore it..


    He had to find her.


    +8 Pearls


    After a quick wash <b>and </b>a change into a navy blue <b>patrol </b>jacket, Duke headed to the door¨Conly to halt when his eyesnded. on the ck, high¨Cgrade wolfskin umbre resting <b>against </b>the <b>entrance </b>bench.


    <b>The </b>Maybach crest.


    Memory flickered¨Cthe girl¡­ standing at the bar¡¯s entrance¡­ her hand offering the umbre¡­


    He must¡¯ve asked her to bring him home. Gods.


    He cursed under his <b>breath</b>.


    What the hell had he been thinking? He didn¡¯t <b>even </b>know her name. They¡¯d only met twice.


    Duke grabbed <b>his </b>coat and exited the suite.


    Inside the lift, the idle voices of two older pack matriarchs reached his ears.


    ¡°Did you hear what happenedst night? A rogue tried to corner a young she¨Cwolf near <b>the </b>Alpha <b>Quarter </b>gates.¡±


    ¡°i saw it on the patrolwork this morning! If the guards hadn¡¯t arrived¨CMoon Goddess bless her¡­¡±


    ¡°Girls these days¡ªwhat are they doing out <b>past </b>moonrise? No sense of safety¡±


    The chill ran up Duke¡¯s <b>spine </b>like a de.


    They couldn¡¯t possibly mean¡­


    The one who helped him home!


    A crung sense of <b>guilt </b>surged <b>through </b>Jum. If she was attacked because of <b>him</b>¨Cbecause he <b>asked </b>her to bring him home.


    He turned around at once and headed to the Stormridge Guard Hall.


    Within <b>minutes </b>he was hunched over the console, reviewingst night¡¯s perimeter footage


    There she wa


    D


    3:50 PM p p.


    +8 Pearls


    Her blouse torn, face pale, clutching herself <b>as </b>she stumbled toward the gate, a rogue male dragging behind her. Her eyes wide <b>with </b>fear. Her body trembling. The guards tackling the male secondster.


    Duke¡¯s stomach twisted <b>into </b>knots.


    It was real.


    He clenched the edge of the desk until his knuckles turned <b>white</b>.


    She nearly got vited. Because of him.


    He had to find her. Now.


    But <b>there </b>was one problem¨Che still didn¡¯t know her full name.


    So he took the next step. He went to the Watch Commander¡¯s Office and requested the incident report. His status as Beta- Assistant under <b>Alpha </b>Storm allowed him direct ess.


    There


    he found it.


    Carmen Hawthorne. Ashmoor University. Emergency contact recorded. Location: the Lunar Crest Caf¨¦.


    Lunar Crest Caf¨¦ ¨C Across from Ashmoor University


    The afternoon sun poured in through the high crystal windows, bathing the wood¨Cpaneled walls in soft golden light. The warmth did little to calm the tension at the small corner table where Duke sat across from Carmen.


    She looked¡­ fragile.


    Her hands were clenched around her dress sleeves, knuckles pale, shoulders curled inward. Her eyes darted <b>around </b>nervously, as if she expected danger to leap from everyer.


    Duke¡¯s throat tightened.


    She looked like a frightened fawn cornered by a beast.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± <b>Duke </b>finally <b>said</b><b>, </b>voice rough with guilt. ¡°Forst night.¡±


    <b>Carmen¡¯s </b><b>lips </b>trembled as she tried to lift her cup of herbal brew. The porcin clinked <b>against </b>the saucer from the tremor in. her hands. Her fingers barely steadied the <b>handle</b>.


    She looked like she¡¯d been through hell.


    And Duke felt like the one who¡¯d dragged her into it.


    If he hadn¡¯t let himself get <b>drunk </b>


    If he hadn¡¯t asked her to bring <b>him </b>home¡­.


    If she hadn¡¯t been <b>walking </b><b>back </b>alone through the lower <b>alley </b>outside the patrol grid


    ¡°I was-¡± he began <b>again</b>, I <b>was </b><b>drunk</b>. That¡¯s not an excuse, but it¡¯s the truth¡±


    Carmen shook her head <b>quickly</b>, stammering. ¡°T¨Cit¡¯s it¡¯s <b>not </b>your fault, sir <b>I </b><b>know </b>you¡¯re a good person.¡±


    Her voice benke, and tears welled in hershes She <b>blinked </b>them back <b>quickly </b>curling in on herself even more <b>like </b>a pup weathering a storm


    Duke inhaled sharply, guilt ripping through him. He reached into his coat <b>and </b>ced <b>a </b>carved wooden token on the table Sturridge payment sigil etched with his personal crest


    ¡°It¡¯s apensation token¡± he said quietly ¡°There¡¯s a hundred <b>thousand </b><b>marks </b>linked to a From my personal vault. For the


    piciend


    150 P P P ¡¤


    <b>Carmen </b>didn¡¯t <b>speak. </b>Her head dropped <b>lower</b>, <b>and </b>her <b>long </b><b>fringe </b>veiled <b>most </b>of <b>her </b><b>face</b>.


    Duke <b>assumed </b>she was offended. That he¡¯d insulted her pride.


    What he didn¡¯t see <b>what </b><b>no </b>one saw¨C<b>was </b>the flicker of glee behind those loweredshes.


    Hook Line. Sinker.


    +8 Pearls


    Carmen wanted tough <b>with </b><b>triumph</b><b>, </b>but she kept her body perfectly still. Her fingers trembled with perfectly calcted grace Tears clung to hershes, unfallen. It was an art


    She <b>had </b>pulled it off.


    Shallow wounds, deep rewards.


    Inside, she was already <b>nning </b>her next move. The moment the token was hers, she¡¯d begin preparations.


    Tomorrow, she¡¯d vanish. With these money. <b>She </b>and Riley would finally leave this cursed territory. Away <b>from </b>the packs. <b>Away </b>from hierarchy. Just them, free.


    As for <b>Duke</b>?


    Carmen spared him a nce.


    He really <b>was </b>her type¨C<b>refined</b>, powerful, oblivious,


    But no man, no matter how attractive, couldpare to what Riley had given her purpose.


    She wrapped her <b>arms </b>around herself and let out a faint sob.


    Across the table, Duke looked at her helplessly, guilt sinking deeper into <b>his </b>bones.


    Neither noticed the surveince raven perched just beyond the caf¨¦ window, its mirrored <b>eyes </b>glinting in the sun.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 173

    +B Pearls


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Duke softened his voice, mistaking the silence in Carmen¡¯s eyes for lingering trauma. ¡°This isn¡¯t meant to shame you,¡± he <b>said </b>gently, sliding the polished golden sigil across the table. ¡°I truly <b>want </b><b>to </b><b>make </b>things right.¡±


    Carmen slowly raised her gaze, tear¨Cfilled eyes shimmering with watery light. Her fragile, pitiful <b>face </b>looked like it had endured the cruelest injustice.


    ¡°I.. nothing happened. You don¡¯t need to give me anything, my lord,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°Take it.¡± Duke said earnestly, pushing the sigil <b>closer</b>. ¡°Otherwise. I¡¯ll never have peace¡±


    Carmen wanted to snatch the crest immediately¨Cone sh of <b>that </b>sigil, and she¡¯d have ess to enough gold to fund her escape and Riley¡¯s journey.


    But the act had to go on<b>. </b>


    She hesitated visibly, brows furrowed, lips <b>trembling </b>like she was torn between dignity and desperation.


    <b>Duke </b>remained patient. ¡°It¡¯s not charity. It¡¯spensation. Please.¡±


    Just as Carmen slowly reached for the sigil, eyes wet, a sharp voice tore through the still air behind them.


    ¡°Well, well, look who we have here! Isn¡¯t this Ashmoor¡¯s prized schrship pup, Carmen Hawthorne?¡±


    The shrill female voice carried a venomous delight.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to see you here, little Carmen,¡± a mocking male voice followed. ¡°Found yourself another noble wolf to leech from<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Duke and Carmen turned around simultaneously.


    A young she¨Cwolf and herpanion¨Cboth unknown to Carmen¨Cstood <b>smirking </b>behind them.


    The she¨Cwolf <b>wore </b>a <b>thick </byer of powder, trying hard to hide the meanness in her eyes, while the male wolf lounged with <b>an </b>arrogant smirk, clearly enjoying the moment.


    Carmen narrowed her <b>eyes</b>.


    Since that incident with Kael Vale that nearly got her expelled from <b>Ashmoor</b>, it felt like every wolf at the academy believed. she <b>was </b>fair game Some whispered, some taunted. She could ignore it¨Cuntil someone got in her way.


    Like now.


    A chill passed through her gaze.


    Those two just ruined her best shot at <b>iming </b>that sigil<b>. </b>


    The pair turned their attention to Duke, who clearly hadn¡¯t expected such a <b>public </b>scene. Their mocking expressions faltered when they <b>saw </b>him <b>up </b>close.


    Duke, in his crisp midnight<b>¨C</b>blue tunic marked with Beta sigils, looked like nobility incarnate. His pale gold hair, perfectlybed shimmered <b>under </b>the soft sunlight. His golden¨Crimmed lenses sat neatly on a chiseled <b>nose </b>The strength in his jawline, the dignity in his posture¨Che exuded grace and danger.


    The gazes dropped to the rune¨Cbound crest <b>on </b>his wrist¨Ccrafted by the Silverfang artisans. The sigil pulsed taintly, a signi of lus rank and wealth


    jealousy red in the male¡¯s eyes


    ued


    alf¨Cblood? She didn¡¯t deserve a woll like <b>that </b><ol><li>p.</li></ol>


    8 Pearls


    ¡°Sir, you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re dealing with,¡± the she¨Cwolf sneered. ¡°She¡¯s been crawling around nobles¡® dens since spring¡±


    ¡°Almost got banished for it,¡± the male added eagerly. ¡°If her dying mother hadn¡¯t begged the Headmaster on her knees, she wouldn¡¯t <b>even </b><b>be </b>at Ashmoor¡±


    ¡°Now she¡¯s wing for your coin,¡± the girl said. ¡°Don¡¯t fall for her tears.¡±


    Their words dripped with calcted venom. They hadn¡¯t seen what Carmen had endured, yet they paraded their nder like truth


    Duke turned to Carmen, eyes filled with unease <b>and </b>disbelief.


    She was <b>so </b>close.


    Carmen clenched her jaw, forcing her hands to tremble in perfect rhythm with her rising chest.


    If she took the gold now, and Duke found out what Kael had done. he might turn on her. Worse, he might discover the truth about Riley<b>. </b>


    She couldn¡¯t risk it.


    Not for money. Not yet.


    She bit her tongue hard, coppery blood flooding her mouth.


    Tears welled again. She pushed Duke¡¯s hand away.


    ¡°I never¡­ I never wanted your money,¡± she whispered brokenly. ¡°Last night was an ident. It wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±


    Then she bolted from the table, shoving <b>past </b>the couple and dashing for the door.


    Duke stood up immediately.


    But the <b>male </b>wolf stepped in front of him, <b>blocking </b>his <b>path</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°She¡¯s lying,¡± <b>he </b>said coldly. ¡°Girls like her don¡¯t deserve sympathy.¡±


    <b>Duke </b>s <b>golden </b>eyes <b>darkened</b><b>. </b>


    ¡°Are <b>my </b>affairs <b>yours </b>to judge?¡± he <b>asked</b><b>, </b>voice <b>low </b>and dangerously calm.


    The wolf flinched.


    Duke stepped past him <b>and </b>strode toward the exit.


    Carmen had already crossed the road, nearly <b>back </b>within the university¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°Carmen¡°¡± he shouted, the name rolling off his tongue from memory.


    Carmen froze.


    Her back stiffened, the fury in her gaze burning like wildfire. She clenched her <b>fists</b>.


    Damn it!


    She had almost seeded¨C<b>almost</b>. Those two rotten mulis cost her a clean victory:


    Still, there unght be a second chance.


    She turned around, masking her rage instantly.


    But what <b>the </b><b>saw </b>next stopped her dead.


    Across the street afaraboyantly dr d male wolfunched himself at Duke- linging to him <b>like </b>a cub to its size.


    3:51 PM


    +8 Pearls


    YOU ABANDONED ME!¡± the wolf wailed. ¡°I WAS LOCKED IN THAT BATHHOUSE FOR TWO DAYS! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU?


    Duke staggered backward, nearly knocking over a streetmp.


    He blinked down at the wolf sobbing into his chest.


    ¡°Andie?¡± he asked, stunned.


    The <b>wolf </b><b>was </b>a mess¨C<b>hair </b>in dreadlocks, cheeks scratched, clothes shredded. He reeked of damp stone and fermented sweat.


    Duke grimaced.


    Andie, <b>usually </b><b>immacte </b>and proud, now looked like he¡¯d been dragged through <b>a </b><b>sewer</b>.


    ¡°I TOLD YOU NEVER TO LEAVE ME!¡± Andie continued, punching Duke¡¯s chest weakly like a jilted mate.


    Carmen stared.


    Mouth open.


    Eyes round.


    What. The actual. Hell.


    So¡­ Duke wasn¡¯t interested in <b>women</b>?


    No <b>wonder </b>he was so¡­ well¨Cmaintained.


    She scoffed and turned on her heel, storming back into campus without another nce.


    ¡°Waste of time,¡± she muttered. ¡°Stupid pretty boy. Just wanted to make himself feel better.<b>¡± </b>


    If he gave her the gold, it was probably just to clean his conscience,


    Disgusting-


    The week passed quietly.


    But Carmen hadn¡¯t forgotten.


    She was just waiting for the perfect night.


    And <b>on </b>a moonless evening, beneath the thick canopy of the Mooncrest forest, she struck.


    Draped in ck, face hidden beneath a <b>cloak</b>, she waited like a <b>shadow</b>.


    When the couple from the cafe strolled in,ughing and whispering, she moved


    The male didnt even see iting


    A single, brutal kick


    He crumpled, howling in agony


    The she¨Cwall turned, screamed-


    Toute


    Carmen raised a stone b, brought it down hard.


    Again


    d


    And again


    Her <b>cloak </b>fluttered like <b>a </b>vulture¡¯s wings in the dark.


    The forest swallowed the sound.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 174

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    A sharp, bone¨Ccracking thud split the silence of the woods.


    ? +8 Pearls


    behind


    The girl¡¯s shriek was cut short as four front teeth flew from her mouth, mingling <b>with </b>a spray of blood. Her nasal bone cracked audibly, and she copsed next to her boyfriend, her screams of agony echoing through the moonlit grove Ashmoor Academy.


    <b>Carmen </b>stood above them, expression <b>calm</b>, her breathing steady. No <b>panic</b>. No hesitation. She had <b>executed </b><b>this </b><b>like </b>a well- rehearsed maneuver.


    With <b>a </b><b>cold </b>gleam in her <b>eyes</b>, she turned, swiftly <b>vanishing </b>into the shadows of the trees. Momentster, she crouched beside a half¨Cburied rock, stripped off her jacket, gloves, and face <b>mask</b>, tossing the bloodied garments into a shallow pit. She flicked open a lighter, and with a <b>hiss </b>and crackle, mes devoured the evidence until nothing remained but ash <b>and </b>scorched soil.


    The next day, the couple reported the attack, but despite the pack patrol <b>and </b>enforcers sweeping the scene, not a single clue was found. No scent trail. No witnesses. No silver to catch. Carmen had nned this <b>too </b>well.


    Her attack wasn¡¯t driven by the frustration of losing a million¨Ccredit payout¨Cthough it certainly stung. No, it was because of Riley,


    Her sister.


    Every day Lucien Duskgrave kept Riley locked inside the Duskgrave estate, was another day she suffered under <b>a </b>gilded cage of silence and <b>secrets</b>. Carmen couldn¡¯t allow that. Anyone who dyed her mission to save Riley would pay <b>in </b>blood. That couple had chosen the wrong night to interfere.


    While Carmen was settling scores in her own ruthless way, Riley remained trapped in the Duskgrave manor.


    For seven days, she hadn¡¯t stepped beyond the stone walls. <b>Each </b>morning, she resumed work on <b>Matriarch </b>Duskgrave¡¯s cherished <b>embroidery </b>project¨Ca sprawling silk rendering of a white peony, the sigil flower of <b>the </b>Stormridge Pack.


    By the seventh day, Caelum Knox finally returned.


    In the high tower office of the <b>Duskgrave </b>estate, Lucien stood silently behind his <b>broad </b>oak desk. <b>The </b><b>air </b>around him was thick, cold, the way it always felt before a storm broke.


    <b>Caelum </b>ced a thick leather¨Cbound folder onto the desk. <b>The </b>weight of the truth thudded against the wood.


    ¡°All the intel on the Ebonw Pack is here,¡± Caelum said, his voice low.


    Lucien said nothing at first. He opened the folder with slender fingers. <b>Page </b>after page revealed names, dates, medical records, education histories¨Cdetails Riley herself had likely never seen. <b>And </b>with each turn of the <b>page</b>, his brows drew closer together, the fury in his golden eyes simmering hotter.


    He had known the Ebonw <b>Park </b><b>was </b>ruthless.


    But this this was monstrous.


    The <b>truth </b>wed at his gut. Riley had been not merely neglected, but gutted, drained, betrayed. Her so¨Ccalled family had sold her off, used her, imprisoned her, discarded her


    Alpha r


    Scarlett


    sted deeper into his chest like a silver <b>knife </b>


    Atst, he stood, gathering the entire folder under one arm. Caelum frowned slightly


    ¡°<b>Alpha</b>.¡± he said, ¡°this file. it¡¯s too cruel. Riley may not be ready to face it.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s voice was colder than the wind on the Frostfangs


    +B Pearls


    ¡°She¡¯s <b>endured </b>cruelty all her life without understanding why. If she must suffer, let her at <b>least </b>suffer knowing the truth.¡±


    Then <b>he </b>strode out of the study, leaving Caelum behind.


    For the first time in years, Lucien Duskgrave¨Cwar <b>hero</b>. Alpha heir, ruthless tactician¨C<b>hesitated</b>.


    He stood before Riley¡¯s embroidery chamber like a warrior before <b>battle</b>, palm hovering over the wooden door. He imagined her reaction, confusion, horror, heartbreak. Each possibility tore deeper into his core


    Behind him, Caelum watched, eyes wide with disbelief. He had served under Lucien during the Rogue Purges, <b>had </b>seen him kill with a flick of his wrist. But now, for a woman. Lucien hesitated.


    And Caelum understood why.


    He¡¯d read the same file.


    The Ebonw Pack weren¡¯t wolves¨Cthey were parasites.


    Even in the blood¨Cdrenched world of werewolf ns, this kind of familial betrayal was rare. <b>Parents </b>stealing from their child, siblings conspiring against her. It was unspeakable.


    Then, <b>without </b>warning, the door creaked open.


    Riley stood in the <b>doorway</b>, framed by sunlight.


    At first, confusion flitted across her face¨Cbut then her eyes locked onto <b>Caelum </b>and then dropped to the folder in Lucien¡¯s


    hand


    Her breath caught.


    ¡°You found it¡± she rasped, voice hoarse from days of silence.


    Lucien nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. ¡°Everything. It¡¯s all here. Do you¡­ want to know?¡±


    The weight of his words pressed against her chest.


    Truth Or ignorance.


    The folder felt like it might explode in his hands


    Riley¡¯s fingers twitched at her side. The cor of her simple dress fluttered with <b>her </b>shallow <b>breaths</b>. Despite all she¡¯d


    endured despite her <b>burning </b>curiosity¨Csomething in her hesitated. She could feel the <b>truth </b><b>vibrating </b>off the folder like <b>dark </b>magic, ready to swallow <b>her </b>whole


    Her voice cracked


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 175

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.


    ¡°I want <b>to </b>know,¡± I said


    My voice trembled, but there was no mistaking the determination behind it.


    <b>Lucien </b>hesitated, just for a second, before handing me the thick stack of


    papers<b>. </b>


    I reached out with slow fingers, feeling as if the weight of those pages could crush my chest.


    +8 Pearls


    The moment I flipped to the first page, my eyes scanned the printed words¨Cand the blood drained from my face.


    Each line carved open memories I had tried for years to suppress. Every vague suspicion, every pain that once lingered. without a name, <b>was </b>now written in ck and <b>white</b>.


    I had always believed I was kidnapped after birth. <b>Taken </b>by traffickers.


    But the truth was so much worse.


    It wasn¡¯t strangers who had stolen me.


    It was my own father¨CAlpha ric of the Ebonw Pack


    I wasn¡¯t lost. I was abandoned.


    He left me in the Rogue¨Cinfested bordends like discarded trash.


    All those years I barely survived in <b>that </b>brutal,wless <b>ce</b>. it <b>was </b>by his design.


    And Scarlett¡­


    I <b>had </b>always thought <b>she </b><b>was </b>an adopted child taken in to fill the void I left


    But the records told a crueler tale..


    Scarlett was no orphan, She was the child of Alpha ric and Dean Elira ckthorn¨Cthe High Matron of Mooncrest First Hospital.


    The same woman who had performed my mother¡¯s <b>prenatal </b>care.


    The same <b>woman </b>who¨Cafter I was gone¨Cappeared at <b>Luna </b>Zara¡¯s doorstep with a baby in her arms <b>and </b>a prophecy in her


    mouth


    ¡°Thus child will mend the Luna¡¯s broken heart.¡±


    They believed her


    Zara raised Scarlett <b>as </b>her owIL


    All while 1¨Cher true <b>daughter</b>¨Cwas rotting in the dirt and shadows among Rogues


    ric hund arranged everything


    astant out in make room for the child he had with his mistress


    And then step by step, he helped Elira rise to power


    I couldn¡¯t stop the snarl rising in my throat.


    ¡°ru I growled through clenched teeth


    Tears blurred my <b>vision</b>, hot and feral


    I bit the inside of my cheek and forced myself to read <b>on</b>.


    Elira was born with a degenerative kidney condition. Coincidentally, she was a perfect match with Zara


    When <b>Zara </b>underwent a <b>cesarean </b>to deliver Riley, ric ordered Elira¡¯s surgery at the same time.


    The surgeon¨Calready bribed¨Cremoved one of Zara¡¯s kidneys during the operation and transnted it into Elira.


    My vision tunneled.


    So <b>that </b>was why Zara always looked so frail after my ¡°return¡± to the pack.


    Why she never <b>had </b>energy. Why she always clutched her lower back.


    And every time I shed with Scarlett, she would say:


    +B Pearls


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t carried you, my body wouldn¡¯t be this broken. Can¡¯t you just get along with her? Must you fight her? Are you trying to kill me from <b>stress</b><b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    No. It wasn¡¯t childbirth <b>that </b>ruined her body.


    It was the fact that her <b>kidney </b>was ripped out to save her husband¡¯s mistress,


    And she punished me for it.


    For <b>what</b>?


    For being the one who was betrayed?


    I let out a bitterugh.


    A deep, broken sound tore from my chest. It wasn¡¯t amusement. <b>It </b>was despair.


    Was this <b>fate¡¯s </b>idea of justice?


    A cruel kind of irony!


    <b>My </bughter echoed through the room, <b>a </b>sound no wolf ever wanted to <b>make</b>¨Ctoo close to a death¨Chowl.


    Lucien stood quietly, his usual icyposure reced with <b>something </b>like grief.


    He opened his mouth <b>as </b><b>if </b><b>to </b><b>say </b>something, but <b>no </b>words came.


    Caelum turned his head away, jaw clenched, unable to keep looking at me.


    Slowly, <b>my </bughter died into a hollow sigh.


    It carried twenty years of suffering.


    You always told me I was a curse


    A debt sent to punish you


    But it wast


    It was r


    one who came to collect¨Cyour health, your pride, your


    ider what you¡¯ll feel when you learn the truth.


    Your cherished adopted daughter is the product of your husband¡¯s infidelity.


    That your own kidney keeps your husband¡¯s distress alive.


    That your beloved mate <b>threw </b>away your child and crowned his bastard <b>as </b>your heir,


    I closed my <b>eyes </b><b>and </b>imagined her face when she found out.


    The horror. The devastation.


    And I won¡¯t lie¡ªsomewhere <b>in </b>my battered heart. I felt satisfaction.


    I wiped away the tears streaming down my cheeks and looked <b>back </b>down at the documents.


    The next <b>part </b>made my blood run cold.


    I had always thought the Ebonw Pack¡¯s power was built by ric¡¯s ambition and strength.


    But no


    He was nothing more than a gilded parasite. A charming leech.


    A low¨Cborn wolf who married up.


    1 <b>thought </b>he became ruthless only after his affair.


    But the truth was clear now-


    He had always been <b>this </b>monster.

 in Vengeance 176

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I <b>had </b>always believed <b>Alpha </b>ric only turned cruel after falling for his mistress and fathering Scarlett.


    That perhaps somewhere, before betrayal twisted his <b>soul</b>, there had been a shred of decency.


    But the truthid bare in those papers said otherwise.


    ric <b>had </b>never <b>changed</b>.


    He had always been a predator.


    The kind of wolf who stalked his prey from the shadows<b>, </b>waiting for <b>the </b>perfect moment to strike.


    +8 Pearls


    Zara¨Cmy <b>mother</b>, <b>the </b>rightful Luna of the Ebonw Pack¨Chad been born into power, the only daughter of a ruling bloodline. She <b>was </b>raised in light, wrapped in luxury, taught tomand.


    ric? He crawled out of a backwater den, born to a ghost of <b>a </b>woman who vanished after giving birth. He wed <b>his </b>way into Ebonw University with nothing but ambition and cold hunger in his eyes.


    And when heid eyes on Zara¡­..


    He didn¡¯t fall in love.


    He found his golden ticket.


    Their ¡°love story was a farce. Every encounter, every nce, every whispered promise¨Cstaged. nned.


    He knew exactly what he was doing.


    Zara¡¯s father¨Cmy grandfather¨Csaw through him instantly. A lifetime in leadership had sharpened his instincts. He forbade the match outright.


    But Zara had never known rejection. Never known wolves who lied with pretty words.


    Blinded by what she thought was love, she rebelled.


    She fell pregnant before even graduating from the Academy. With ric¡¯s child.


    Cornered, my grandfather was forced to allow the union¨Cbut not without conditions<b>. </b>


    ric would <b>marry </b>in and take the Ebonw name. A true mating bond, bubon Ebonw terms.


    ric smiled, bowed his head, and <b>agreed</b>.


    But inside¡­ he seethed.


    He saw it <b>as </b><b>humiliation</b>.


    An <b>Alpha </b>forced to surrender <b>his </b>name.


    He buried that rage deep, waiting


    When Karl¡ªmy brother¨Cwas born, my grandfather demanded the boy take <b>Zara¡¯s </b>name. Not <b>ric¡¯s</b>.


    That was <b>the </b><b>final </b>insuli


    But ric yed the long game. He whispered poison into Zara¡¯s ears, sowing distance between her <b>and </b>her father


    He made himself the victim, the <b>poor</b>, rejected mate


    <b>Zara </b>believed him


    She even promised that their next child would bear his name.


    And ric? He pretended to be moved.


    But every breath he took <b>was </b><b>soaked </b>in resentment.


    That was when she came into the picture¨CElira ckthorn.


    A healer. A prophet. A maniptor cloaked in moonlight.


    <b>She </b>saw in ric what few dared to see¨Cambition that bordered on madness.


    <b>And </b>he saw in her not just an aplice.


    But someone who could help him destroy everything the Ebonw name stood for.


    Their affair wasn¡¯t a slip.


    It was w


    War.


    He orchestrated Elira¡¯s pregnancy.


    He wanted it.


    He wanted to look Zara in the eyes while hiding a child that would one day rece hers.


    When Zara bore me¨Chis second daughter¨Che didn¡¯t hesitate.


    He handed me over to the Rogues.


    Not out of panic.


    But calction.


    I was just a girl.


    To him, that meant I had no value.


    As


    A son he might¡¯ve kept


    <b>But </b><b>a </b>daughter?


    He discarded me like broken <b>armor</b>.


    Then, in the aftermath of his betrayal, Elira appeared at Zara¡¯s side¨Carms cradling a newborn¨CScarlett.


    <b>iming </b>the <b>Moon </b>Goddess had chosen <b>this </b>child to ease her heartache.


    <b>Zara</b>, <b>drowning </b>in grief, epted her.


    And ric watched.


    Watched <b>as </b>my mother nursed another wolf¡¯s daughter, believing her to be her own <b>salvation</b>.


    ife reveled in it.


    In the bes


    The cruelty didn¡¯t stop there.


    When I was born. Zara <b>lost </b><b>a </b><b>kidney </b>duringbor.


    But that wasn¡¯t a medicalplication.


    It was an operation


    +8 Pearls


    351PM p p.


    The attending surgeon <b>had </b>been bought and paid for.


    Under ric¡¯s order, my mother¡¯s kidney <b>was </b>carved from her body¡­ and imnted into Elira.


    Zara never knew


    And still<b>, </b>she med me.


    Every <b>word </b>she flung at me after I returned from the Rogues cut deeper now.


    Finished


    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, I¡¯d still be <b>strong</b>. You broke me. You and your constant defiance¨Cwhy can¡¯t you be more like Scarlett?¡±


    Scarlett


    The daughter of the woman who stole her health.


    The daughter my father raised as Ebonw¡¯s heir.


    And the truth?


    It wasn¡¯t just about Elira¡¯s illness.


    Scarlett <b>had </b>inherited her mother¡¯s condition¨Crenal failure.


    And ric?


    He needed a donor.


    That <b>was </b>why he brought me back.


    Not out of guil


    Not <b>to </b>reunite a family.


    But to carve out my body, piece by piece.


    A match for Zara meant a match for Scarlett.


    He even had me imprisoned¨Cframed for a crime I didn¡¯tmit.


    Because no one mourns <b>a </b>convict.


    No one asks questions when <b>a </b><b>criminal </b>vanishes under the knife.


    All those <b>years</b>¡­.


    He had been liquidating the Ebonw holdings.


    Transferring assets to Elira¡¯s name.


    nning to take the money and flee the continent-


    Leaving Zara <b>and </b>Kael to drown in debt.


    He even ined to strike a final deal with Lucien Duskgrave¨Cone <bst </b>heist before disappearing for good.


    But fate, as <b>always </b><b>has </b>ws of her own.


    The deal <b>copsed</b>.


    Lucien broke his legs.


    And the wolf who thought he¡¯d outyed everyone <b>was </b>left crawling


    Just like he¡¯d once left me

 in Vengeance 177

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The second page shattered something inside me.


    Finished


    Every <b>paragraph </b>I <b>read </b>was like a hammer, breaking through thest bits of denial I didn¡¯t even realize I was still clinging to.


    Until that moment, I had thought <b>ric¡¯s </b>evil had a limit¨Cthat at the very least<b>, </b><b>his </b>depravity had been born out of desperation, of a twisted sense of love or loyalty to that woman, Elira ckthorn, and her daughter Scarlett.


    But I had been so, so wrong.


    The document didn¡¯t just tell a story¨Cit exposed a monster.


    ric hadn¡¯t just manipted Zara, betrayed her, or used her.


    He had destroyed her.


    He orchestrated the death of her father¨Cthe former ruler of Ebonw¨Cby <b>pushing </b><b>him </b>from a construction tower and <b>staging </b>it <b>as </b>an ident.


    He watched as <b>Zara</b>, the proud and beloved daughter of the most powerful bloodline in the territory, copsed under the weight of her father¡¯s death and the loss of her newborn daughter¨Cme.


    He stole her kidney under the guise of a medical emergency and had it secretly transnted into Elira¡¯s body, all to save <b>a </b>woman who was never supposed to exist in her world.


    He allowed Kael¨Cmy brother¨Cto be set up as the legal face of the Ebonw Holdings, only toter make him the fall guy when thepany faced legal scrutiny.


    He ensured Kael would rot in prison, <b>used </b>of crimes that were never <b>his</b><b>. </b>


    And <b>as </b>for me?


    I was the mistake ric buried.


    The girl he discarded like a piece of trash at the borders of Rogue territory.


    The daughter <b>whose </b>name he never wanted spoken <b>again</b>, whose very existence was erased, so his lie of a legacy could shine brighter.


    My hands were <b>shaking </b><b>violently </b>as I gripped the documents tighter, fingernails digging into my <b>palms </b>until I felt the warm sting <b>of </b>blood.


    How could someone do this¨Cget away with this¨Cand still sleep soundly at night?


    How could he, after <b>ruining </b><b>so </b><b>many </b><b>lives</b>, after <b>killing</b>, <b>lying</b>, framing, stealing¨C<b>how </b>could he n <b>to </b>escape to <b>another </b>country with his little counterfeit <b>family </b>and live in peace while we were all left in ruins?


    No


    No, I couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    I drew in a slow, ragged breath, <b>trying </b>to steady the storm building inside my chest.


    But the moment I turned to the next page, my breath caught¨Cfrozen mid¨Cthought¨C<b>as </b><b>a </b>single sentence exploded like thunder across my mind


    ¡°In the first month of Zara¡¯s second <b>pregnancy</b>, her father administered a permanent sterilizationpound to ric without his knowledge.


    For a moment. I stared nkly at the words.


    351PM P P


    Finished


    I blinked.


    Read them again.


    And again


    Then it hit me.


    He was <b>sterile</b><b>. </b>


    He had been sterile before I was even born.


    Which meant


    Scarlett wasn¡¯t his.


    Neither was the boy Elira gave birth to yearster.


    His entire ¡°family,¡± the legacy he had built his empire around, the children he treated as his pride and joy¨Cnone of them were his blood.


    None of them.


    Theughter that burst from my chest wasn¡¯t human¨Cit was <b>feral</b><b>, </b>sharp¨Cedged, cracked with years of rage and pain and, finally, justice.


    He <b>had </b>spent decades building a throne of bones, <b>a </b>kingdom of lies, only to find out he had crowned <b>another </b>man¡¯s children.


    I leaned closer, eyes <b>wild</b><b>, </b><b>as </b><b>I </b><b>read </b><b>the </b>next name that appeared <b>in </b><b>the </b>document¨Cand I froze again.


    Caden ckthorn.


    Scarlett¡¯s driver.


    Elira imed that he was her cousin and begged bic to find a decent job for her cousin, so Caden became Scarlett¡¯s driver, <b>how </b>ridiculous.


    The one who <b>had </b><b>always </b>treated me like I was a parasite.


    The one <b>who </b>looked <b>at </b><b>me </b>with disdain, who never missed <b>an </b>opportunity to remind <b>me </b>I didn¡¯t belong.


    And now I knew why.


    He wasn¡¯t just a driver.


    He was her father.


    <b>Not </b>just by blood¨Cbut by intention.


    The rest of the report unfolded like <b>a </b>tragedy written by the Moon Goddess herself.


    Caden, whose real name <b>was </b>once Caden Wilson, had married Elira long before she stepped into Mooncrest¡¯s elite circles.


    They were nobodies¨C<b>an </b>orphan girl with <b>medical </b><b>dreams</b>, and a Omega¨Cranked young man with nothing but a loyal heart.


    They loved each other fiercely, lived <b>simply</b>, and might have <b>lived </b>happily¨C<b>until </b>Elira¡¯s body began <b>to </b><b>fail </b>her


    Renal failure


    No donor


    No funds.


    No hope.


    Finished


    Until fate or perhaps something far darker¨Cled Zara into her hospital <b>ward</b>, heavily <b>pregnant </b>with me, <b>apanied </b>by <b>her </b>mate. ric


    Elira had ess to Zara¡¯s medical profile.


    She knew the match was perfect.


    But it was Caden who proposed the solution.


    Let ric <b>think </b>he was seducing her.


    Let him believe he was the one in control.


    Let her be his mistress, worm her way into his life, and buy herself more time.


    Time to live.


    Time to carry the child she was already secretly bearing¨CCaden¡¯s child.


    Scarlett.


    The girl the Moon Goddess said would one day break Zara¡¯s heart.


    The girl Elira delivered<b>, </b>wrapped in lies, <b>and </b>handed over to a grieving <b>Luna </b><b>as </b>a ¡°miracle.¡±


    Every line of the document burned into my memory like fire etched into bone.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 178

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Finished


    From <b>that </b>moment on, everything unfolded just the way they had nned¨Clike a spell perfectly cast, dark, twisted, and horrifyingly seamless.


    Elira ckthorn survived the transnt.


    And not only that¨Cher daughter, Scarlett, the child she <b>had </b>with Caden ckthorn, was brought into the Ebonw household by ric himself, right under Zara¡¯s broken heart and blind trust.


    Caden, unable to bear being apart from the daughter he and Elira had created in secret, changed his surname to ckthorn, iming to be Elira¡¯s younger brother.


    Elira, ever the skilled maniptor, introduced him to <b>ric </b>with a perfect mix of motherly concern and calcted charm.


    ¡°I just worry so much about Scarlett,¡± she <b>had </b>said, her voice trembling with practiced fear. ¡°She¡¯s still so young. I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll be mistreated in this <b>unfamiliar </b>home. My <b>brother</b>, Caden, has always been protective <b>of </b>her. If he could work for the Ebonw estate, maybe as her driver it would give me peace of mind.¡±


    <b>And </b>ric, the so¨Ccalled Alpha, nodded without <b>hesitation</b>, never questioning the story, never seeing the truth.


    And just like that, <b>Caden </b>was <b>brought </b>into the pack.


    Every day, he picked up and dropped <b>off </b>Scarlett from the Halston Academy,


    Every <b>day</b>, he stood at <b>Elira¡¯s </b>side.


    Every day, he yed the role of the devoted uncle, the ever¨Cloyal driver.


    But the truth was¨Cthey were a family.


    A true family.


    <b>And </b>they were living happily under the roof of the very woman they had all helped destroy.


    <b>Elira¡¯s </b>health <b>stabilized</b>, her career soared, and her ce by ric¡¯s side was secured.


    And not long after, she got pregnant <b>again</b>¨C<b>this </b><b>time </b>with a boy.


    That child is now twenty, studying overseas under a new <b>name</b>, protected <b>and </b><b>pampered</b>, <b>receiving </b>millions in monthly ¡°allowance from the man who still believed <b>him </b>to be <b>his </b>only biological son.


    ric had <b>no </b>idea <b>that </b>the boy bore no trace of his blood


    That none of the children he <b>raised </b><b>as </b><b>his </b>heirs <b>were </b><b>his </b>own


    That the woman he thought he¡¯d conquered had belonged to another <b>man </b>all along.


    And worst of


    The only <b>five </b>minutes he ever <b>had </b>to offer her in bed¨CElira had mocked behind his <b>back </b>for years.


    The longer I stared at the documents, the more twisted the story became


    But I couldn¡¯t look away


    The truth was like blood¨CI needed to see every drop spalled, every lie uncovered


    This wasn¡¯t just setgeaner


    was justur


    astemp p.


    ric, you thought you had won.


    That you <b>had </b>outyed Zara, Kael, <b>and </b>me.


    <b>That </b>you had rewritten your ce in this pack¡¯s history with lies, betrayal, and cruelty.


    But look at you now,


    Your one and only son sits rotting in a prison cell, framed by your <b>own </b>hand,


    All the wealth you siphoned off over the years¨Cgone. Hidden under the name of a


    Your legs, broken. Your <b>name</b>, disgraced.


    a woman who never


    loved


    you.


    Finished


    You deserve it.


    You deserve every second of your downfall.


    The satisfaction that surged in my chest was so intense it bordered on euphoria.


    One moment, Iughed¨Cuncontrobly, breathlessly¨Crelishing the image of ric being reduced to a pathetic<b>, </b>humiliated. shell of a man.


    But then theughter twisted, tangled with pain.


    A tightness gripped my heart, and I remembered everything Zara had lost¨Cher mate, her father, her daughters.


    I remembered the coldness of the Rogue caves, the hunger, the humiliation.


    The way Scarlett used to <b>smirk </b><b>when </b><b>the </b>guards kicked me <b>down</b>, the way Elira¡¯s hand lingered too <b>long </b>on <b>ric¡¯s </b>shoulder.


    Tears blurred my vision. My knees buckled.


    I would have hit the <b>floor </b>if not for someone catching me.


    Familiar hands


    Steady, warm, and strong


    Hooked up


    Lucien


    His deep green eyes were filled with concern, <b>the </b>kind of w


    ¡°Tmn fine.¡± I whispered, forcing a <b>shaky </b>smile.


    I wasn¡¯t


    But I would l


    Because now I had the truth


    And the truth was a weapon


    <b>that </b>made my throat tighten.


    Once I steadied myself, I met Lucien¡¯s gaze again, this time with a spark of cold resolve


    I want to go to the infirmary¡± I said quietly. ¡°I want to see Zara


    He didn¡¯t ask why. He didn¡¯t need to


    be to let her


    The full truth


    About Scarlett. About ric. About everything.


    Let her taste the betrayal.


    Let her look into her mirror and see the ghosts of every wrong she ever overlooked.


    Lucien opened his mouth to speak, but just then, hism crystal pulsed to life¨Ca message from the Council


    The Eastern Bordends Expansion n was being reviewed again.


    They needed him. Urgently


    <b>I </b>could see the apology in his eyes before he even said a word.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go with you,¡± he muttered, <b>jaw </b>clenched. ¡°They want me in the council tower now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I said, my voice calmer now.


    He turned to Caelum¨Cwho had remained quiet until now, <b>leaning </b>against the wall like <b>a </b>silent sentinel.


    ¡°Caelum.¡± Lucien ordered, from this moment forward, you¡¯re her shadow. You <b>don¡¯t </b>let her out of your sight.¡±


    Caelum didn¡¯t even flinch.


    He simply nodded.


    And with that, the tides turned


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 179

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    On her way to the Mooncrest Medical Center, Riley found herself unable to calm down.


    Finished


    Images of Zara¡¯s face shed repeatedly in her mind¨Chow would the proud Luna of the Ebonw Pack react when faced with the truth? The woman who once ruled over packnds with grace and power, who believed she was blessed by the Moon Goddess herself, would finally see that she had been nothing more than a puppet in bic¡¯s meticulously crafted <b>y</b>.


    Riley hade here not just to confront the past, but to make sure Zara understood every lie she had swallowed and every betrayal she had endured. She wanted Zara to feel the same helplessness and <b>pain </b>she once did¨Cthe agony of trust torn apart by deception.


    When she arrived at the hospital, Riley took a deep breath and steadied her emotions. Her footsteps were firm and sharp as she strode toward Zara¡¯s room, the corridor echoing with the sound of her determination.


    She pushed open the door, and what met her eyes was a far cry from the powerful Luna of the past.


    Zara, the once regal matron always dressed in elegance, now looked like a wilted bloom¨Cpale, hollow¨Ceyed, <b>and </b>stripped of hermanding presence. Her legs were casted, and her <b>aura </b>dimmed. The Luna <b>had </b>been reduced to a fragile, caged patient.


    She had already learned from her <b>assistant </b>that both <b>Scarlett </b>and Kael¨C<b>her </b>¡°beloved <b>daughter </b>and heir¨Chad been imprisoned. The news had left her in a frenzy, <b>but </b>her injuries made her powerless, <b>unable </b>to leave her room<b>, </b>her <b>frustration</b>. mounting like a storm behind her ribs.


    <b>And </b><b>then </b>Riley entered


    The moment Zara¡¯s eyes met Riley¡¯s<b>, </b><b>a </b>ze of hatred ignited. To her, the girl standing before her was the root of it all. Her shattered legs, her children in <b>jail</b>, her crumbling name¨Ceverything was Riley¡¯s fault.


    Zara thrashed in her bed, the fury in her bones driving her like wildfire. ¡°You little wretch!¡± she screamed <b>hoarsely</b>, ¡°I should <b>have </b>let the Rogues tear you apart when they had the chance! If anything happens to Scarlett or Maddox, I¡¯ll drag you to hell myself?¡±


    But Riley, used to such venom, <b>didn¡¯t </b>flinch. Her expression was nk, her golden eyes <b>calm </b><b>and </b><b>unreadable</b>, like the <b>still </b>surface of ake concealing the darkness beneath. She stood at a distance, arms folded, letting Zara <b>exhaust </b>herself


    For nearly an hour, Zara raged, cursed, <b>and </b>sobbed. But Riley remained still, an unmoving statue, letting her drown in her own bitterness.


    Atst, Zara copsed against the bed, gasping for <b>breath</b>, her strength <b>sapp?d </b>


    Only then did <b>Riley </b>speak, her voice soft, mocking


    ¡°<b>Luna </b><b>Zara</b>¡± she said coolly. ¡°I <b>brought </b><b>something </b>interesting Would you care to <b>take </b>a look?¡±


    With <b>that </b><b>she </b><bid </b>a <b>thick </b><b>file </b>on the edge of the <b>hospital </b>bed.


    Zara snatched at it with trembling hands<b>, </b>intending <b>to </b><b>shred </b>it <b>apart </b>without reading a word.


    But Riley¡¯s voice stopped her ¡°Are you sure <b>you </b>don¡¯t want to see what secrets your perfect little family¡¯s been hiding all these years!


    Zatas eyes narrowed suspicion flickering in the depths of her <b>pain</b>. Against her better judgment, she <b>nced </b>down¨Cand the moment her eyes skimmed the <b>first </b>page, her face isisted in disbelief


    ¡°No, that¡¯s a lie she shrieked finging the papers from her Lap ¡°You forged this, you venomous brat! You¡¯re trying to


    Her denial was loud violent¨Cbut the tears rolling <b>down </b>her <b>cheeks </b>told another story. Her body trembled, as if <b>struck </b>by


    lightning


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t do this to me


    me¡­ He said he loved me¡­ bic wouldn¡¯t he couldn¡¯t_¡±


    But the documents in herp didn¡¯t lie.


    Finished


    She had always believed her life was wless¨Cher mate loyal, her children her pride, her marriage blessed. But now, the truth loomed like a jagged moon above her: bic had never been hers.


    He had <b>never </b>loved her.


    Everything had been orchestrated¨Cthe birth of Riley, the sudden death of her father, the <b>convenient </b>way <b>bic </b>imed the Ebonw fortune after Zara¡¯s fall.


    Even Scarlett, the girl she¡¯d raised and adored, wasn¡¯t hers by blood. She was the child of <b>Elira </b>ckthorn¨Cthe director of Mooncrest Hospital¨Cand bic. Sent <b>to </b>Zara by a so¨Ccalled Seer, who imed the child would heal her shattered <b>heart</b>.


    What a cruel prophecy. What a devastating lic.


    Every piece fell into ce now. Riley¡¯s disappearance. Her father¡¯s mysterious death just days after her birth. The way bic seized control of the pack and erased every trace of Zara¡¯s power, all while Zara poured her soul into raising someone else¡¯s


    child.


    Through it all, Zara had clung to her faith in bic, even convincing herself that motherhood could erase the cracks <b>forming </b>around her heart.


    Now, her world had caved in<b>. </b>


    Zara¡¯s once proud eyes clouded with disbelief. She stared at <b>Riley</b>, who stood like


    like a shadow from the past, unmoved by the


    chaos.


    And Riley?


    <b>Riley </b>had waited a long time for <b>this</b>.


    This was only the beginning.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 180

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    But the truth was far more brutal than Zara ever imagined.


    Finished


    During her cesarean section years ago, <b>bic </b>had bribed the healer¨Csecretly removing one of her kidneys without her knowledge.


    And all these years, Zara had poured unconditional love into Scarlett, her supposed <b>adopted </b>daughter. She <b>had </b>even forced Riley, her true¨Cborn daughter, to take the fall for a <b>crime </b>she nevermitted¨Call so Scarlett could stay safe and untouched. Riley had suffered alone in the dungeons of Mooncrest for five long years, branded a criminal, tortured by both fate and family<b>. </b>


    Now, she finally knew¨CScarlett wasn¡¯t an orphaned pup the Moon Goddess had gifted her in her grief. She was bic¡¯s illegitimate child, born of his secret affair with the very <b>she</b>¨Cwolf who¡¯d stolen everything from Riley.


    Each revtion struck Zara like a hammer to the chest, crushing her until she could hardly breathe. Her world copsed in. an instant. The hospital room blurred before her eyes as despair and helplessness surged over her like a tidal wave.


    Her thoughts spiraled back to Riley¨Cher <b>real </b>daughter, the one she had discarded. After returning to the Ebonw Pack, Riley had been treated like an intruder, a stain on the family name. She had endured scorn, humiliation, and <b>constant </b>


    forment.


    While bic¡¯s bastard daughter was cradled in luxury, her own daughter had been left to bleed¨Cabandoned, humiliated, and betrayed<b>. </b>


    Were bic and that woman¨Cckthorn¨Csmirking all these years, proud of their maniption?


    ¡°<b>Aaah</b>!¡± <b>Zara </b><b>suddenly </b>clutched her head and screamed.


    bic¡­ How could you be <b>so </b>heartless?


    Everything she had done to Riley now rebounded on her, each act of cruelty bing <b>a </b><b>de </b>turned inward.


    Shame. Regret. Remorse. They wrapped <b>around </b>her <b>throat </b>like <b>a </b>noose.


    It <b>took </b>a long while before she could lift her tear¨Cstreaked face <b>and </b>meet Riley¡¯s eyes. Despair filled her gaze, and for the first time, so did pain and guilt.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it,¡± Zara <b>croaked</b>, her voice <b>trembling</b>. ¡°You forged this, didn¡¯t <b>you</b>? You hate <b>that </b>we <b>loved </b>Scarlett more than <b>you </b>so you¡¯re taking revenge<b>. </b><b>That¡¯s </b>it. That has to be it¡±


    Her head <b>shook </b>violently as if trying to fling the truth away. Her golden hair whipped about, and her eyes stared desperately at Riley¡¯s face, looking for a crack, a flicker of falsehood


    <b>But </b>all she found was indifference¨CRiley¡¯s expression <b>was </b><b>as </b>calm <b>and </b>cold as a frozen <bke</b>, not even a ripple of emotion in


    She was right about one thing


    Riley was here for revenge


    That¡¯s why Riley had deliberately hidden the truth about Scarlett¡¯s parentage She wanted Zara to <b>suffer </b>wanted her to feel the pain of rasing someone else¡¯s child with love and pride while discarding her own blood <b>like </b>trash


    She would not allow Zara the satisfaction of knowing <b>bic </b>had been used <b>and </b><b>yed </b>for a fool by ckthorn and her lover. No lu Kiley i eyes those who had hurt her dulu deserve <b>truth</b>. They deserved torment


    Aud night now, Zara was unraveling


    The man she mated with had stolen her <b>kidney</b>. The father who raised her had died by bic¡¯s ws. Her daughter had been turned into a scapegoat and sent to prison¨Conly to <b>have </b>her own organs harvested to <b>save </b>the hte of bic¡¯s mistress¡¯s chuld.


    Finished


    <b>¡°</b><b>bic</b>, <b>how </b>could you do this to me!¡± <b>Zara </b>cried, her voice breaking into a jagged wail that pierced the silence like a dying. wolf¡¯s howl


    It <b>was </b>a cry of agony, soaked in betrayal and anguish.


    Her heart was being shredded, piece by <b>piece</b>, every truth tearing through what little strength she had left.


    Riley watched from afar. She felt a flicker of satisfaction, but it quickly faded into a familiar emptiness.


    There was no joy in this victory¨Conly sorrow.


    Sorrow for <b>having </b>a mother like <b>Zara</b><b>. </b>


    Zara, the once¨Crevered Alpha¡¯s daughter, <b>had </b>been reduced to a deluded, love¨Cblind <b>woman</b>¨Cone who had fallen prey to al lowborn maniptor like <b>bic</b>, a wolf who wore charm like a mask and built empires atop the corpses of others


    If she had been born into an ordinary family¨Cjust one free of power, pride, and schemes¨Cperhaps her life wouldn¡¯t <b>have </b>ended in such ruin.


    Riley no longer wanted to look at her.


    She turned <b>to </b>leave.


    But Zara, in a frenzy, reached out and grabbed her wrist with all the strength she had left, tears pouring down her face.


    ¡°Riley¨Cdon¡¯t go! Please! You¡¯re all I have now. I was wrong¨CI know I was wrong! Please forgive me¡­


    Her voice cracked with every word, her entire body trembling with desperation.


    But Riley¡¯s face remained unchanged¨Ccold and unyielding.


    ¡°Forgive me. She¡¯d heard it <b>too </b><b>many </b>times. The words had long lost their weight


    Her gaze dropped to Zara, and for the first time, there <b>was </b>no pity in her eyes¨Conly rity.


    ¡°Luna Zara,¡± she said, voice calm as steel, ¡°you did nothing wrong. The mistake <b>was </b>mine¨Cbelieving in you, believing in all of


    you


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve seen your true fares. I¡¯ll never believe <b>again</b>.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You don¡¯t have to worry. <b>Even </b>if I die out there <b>alone</b>, I won¡¯te crawling back. I¡¯ve already returned the <b>favor </b>of <b>giving </b>me life¨Cwith blood. From now on, we are nothing to each other.¡±


    She yanked her wrist free and walked toward the door without <b>looking </b>back,


    ¡°No¨CRiley, please! Please, just one more chance!¡± <b>Zara¡¯s </b>scream tore <b>through </b>the room.


    She ignored her <b>injury</b>, tried to <b>crawl </b>out of bed, tried to chase after her daughter¨Cbut it was toote.


    Deep down, she knew it.


    If Haley walked out now there would be <b>no </b>more second chances


    Their bond as mother and daughter had been severed.


    Send Gifts


    294


    B

 in Vengeance 181

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Zara¡¯s tears streamed uncontrobly down her cheeks, falling in heavy drops onto the hospital sheets, blooming into dark stains like blood.


    Desperate, she struggled wildly and¨Cwith a loud thud¨Ctumbled from the hospital bed onto the cold floor.


    But she didn¡¯t feel a thing.


    Shey sprawled on the ground in utter disarray, her once¨Cproud form crumpled, eyes locked onto Riley¡¯s retreating figure, her gaze brimming with desperate hope¨Choping, praying, that Riley might turn back, might nce at her with even the smallest flicker of care.


    But she didn¡¯t.


    Riley didn¡¯t stop walking. She didn¡¯t even pause at the sound of the fall.


    And even if she had heard it, she wouldn¡¯t have looked back.


    When Riley¡¯s silhouette vanished at the threshold of the room, Zara¡¯s pupils dted in horror. Her face twisted in <b>fear </b>and despair.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t go-!¡±


    ¡°Come back¨CRiley<b>, </be back! Please, I¡¯m begging you-!¡±


    Zaray there on the floor, trembling violently, her body wracked with sobs<b>. </b>


    Her tears fell like a dam broken. Her hands stretched forward, wing at the air in futility<b>, </b><b>as </b>if she could drag Riley back just by willing it hard enough.


    ¡°Riley! Riley-!¡± she screamed hoarsely<b>, </b>each cry soaked in heartbreak and crushing regret<b>. </b><b>Her </b>voice <b>grew </b>ragged and sharp, echoing painfully in the sterile room. But there was no answer. No one came.


    Riley was gone.


    Out in the corridor<i>, </i>Riley walked forward step by steady step, her pace unwavering, her mind resolute.


    But when she reached the corner of the hall, she suddenly halted.


    Caelum Knox stopped behind her<b>, </b><b>a </b>flicker of confusion in his sharp amber eyes. ¡°Miss Riley, <b>is </b>something <b>wrong</b>?<b>¡± </b>


    Riley stood at the perfect vantage point¨Cjust ahead<b>, </b>she could see <b>bic¡¯s </b>hospital room.


    Her eyes narrowed slightly. A glint of icy cunning shed in her gaze, like <b>a </b>silver de catching the moonlight. Then her lips curled into a smile¨Csubtle, knowing, and darkly amused.


    She murmured, ¡°Take a guess. What do you think the Zara will do next<b>?</b>¡±


    Caelum Knox thought for a moment before answering calmly, <b>¡°</b>She¡¯ll likely <b>go </b>confront bic.¡±


    Riley chuckled softly. There was no warmth in that sound.


    ¡°I thought the same. And a show like that¡­ how could I possibly miss it aftering all this way?¡±


    There was a flicker of surprise in Caelum Knox¡¯s eyes.


    He¡¯d known Riley for just over a month. In that time, she had always <b>struck </b>him <b>as </bposed and graceful. But in this moment¨Ccalcted merciless in her justice¨Cbe saw another side of her A side forged in fire and betrayal


    He couldn¡¯t help but feel a quiet awe. Beneath her seemingly gentle exterior <b>was </b>a spine of steel Anyone who had once underestimated this she¨Cwolf would pay dearly for it.


    3:52 PM P P ¡¤


    And sure enough, not long after, they saw Zara being wheeled with urgency straight into bic¡¯s room.


    Riley¡¯s eyes gleamed. Like a hunter catching the scent of prey, she picked up her pace and followed swiftly behind.


    Caelum Knox trailed closely, ever¨Cvignt.


    Inside the hospital room, bic¡¯s expression was as dark as storm clouds over the ridge.


    Finished


    Moments earlier, he had received grim news from his secretary¨Cnews that had shattered what little peace he had left.


    The Ebonw estate, once the most powerful in the Southern Territories, had copsed overnight.


    Kael¨Chis heir, his son¨Cwas sitting in a prison cell, charged with embezzlement, tax fraud, and illegal pack fund transfers.


    And Scarlett, his precious daughter, had been arrested by the Lycan Tribunal for robbery.


    The fall of the Ebonw fortune, he could tolerate. That was a part of his calcted n¨Che¡¯d ced Kael as the legal owner of their shady operations years ago, just in case things turned sour. That was the cost of shielding himself.


    But Scarlett?


    Scarlett getting locked up was uneptable.


    His darling girl, the only one who reminded him of his youth and his ambition¨Csitting behind silver bars like amon rogue?


    ¡°Damn that girl¨CRiley!¡± he seethed, bloodshot eyes gleaming with fury. ¡°<b>If I </b>still had my legs<b>, </b>I¡¯d drag her back myself!¡±


    As he furiously mulled over how to bail Scarlett out, the door burst open.


    Zara stormed in, seated in her wheelchair, her eyes red and wild.


    bic froze for a moment, surprised by her sudden appearance.


    But then his expression shifted¨Ccalcting, sly. A new idea sparked in his scheming mind.


    If he wanted to save Scarlett, it would take gold. Lots of it.


    The embroidery Scarlett destroyed was valued at over twenty million. They¡¯d have to pay every coin of it to the Lunar Trade Guild.


    But money alone wasn¡¯t enough.


    With someone like Lucien involved¨CRiley¡¯s future mate and a judge of the High Lycan Tribunal¨Cgetting Scarlett out would require heavy bribes, hush money, and political favors.


    It would cost at least forty or fifty million.


    Technically, he still had that kind of wealth. Years ago, he¡¯d already funneled every coin of the Ebonw fortune into ounts under ckthorn¡¯s name.


    But that money was meant for their future abroad¨Cfor new identities,vish estates, endless pleasure.


    To waste it now, just to protect the illegitimate daughter of a dead empire?


    His gut churned with rage at the thought.


    Not <b>because </b>of the risk.


    But because he hated spending money when he wasn¡¯t the one holding the leash.

 in Vengeance 182

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    So it was no surprise that bic Ebonw¡¯s eyes, gleaming with greed, locked onto Zara like a starving wolf eyeing prey.


    All the assets he had managed to smuggle out¨Cthe gold, the artifacts, the pack holdings¨Cwere either under his own name or that of the Ebonw estate. But Zara¡¯s personal holdings? He hadn¡¯t touched a single silver coin of them.


    She still held shares in the Council¨Cregted Northern Territories Trading Syndicate, not to mention a hidden vault of pure moonstone and the ancient Ebonw manor¨Cofficially registered under her name.


    Selling those alone would easily raise the five million he needed to buy Scarlett¡¯s way out of the Lycan Tribunal¡¯s clutches.


    What a perfect opportunity.


    He would save his precious daughter and bleed that cold¨Chearted woman dry in the process. Let her know what it felt like be used and discarded¨Cjust as she had done to his pride years ago.


    bic¡¯s expression darkened further as he recalled his humiliation.


    to


    He had once been a brilliant young warrior¨Cvaledictorian of the Ebonw Academy, top of his ss in strategy andbat, destined to ascend through the ranks of the High Court and carve his name into the history of the packs.


    But that dream was shattered when the elder of his pack had demanded he marry into the Ebonws. Not as a free Alpha, but as a consort. A glorified servant.


    A male Luna.


    The shame of it still burned.


    If Zara had truly loved him<b>, </b>she would have offered herself with dignity and gifted the Ebonws hernds, her title. But instead, she had demanded he bend his knee. Submit.


    He could never forgive that.


    And that was why he¡¯d done what he had to do¨Cwhy he had ensured the old Ebonw ruler died suddenly, ¡°identally.¡± It was the only way to break the chains.


    His eyes flickered with venomous satisfaction.


    For years, he had tolerated Zara, yed the dutiful husband. He¡¯d even endured her arrogance,


    But now that Scarlett was in danger, it <b>was </b>time she repaid him¨Cfor everything.


    He schooled his features into a pained grimace, let his shoulders sag just so, and when Zara entered the room, he pitched his voice low and strained, full of grief and helplessness.


    ¡°My love you¡¯re finally here.¡±


    In the past. Zara would have rushed to his side the moment she saw his weary eyes. She¡¯d always been weak to his act


    Today, she didn¡¯t move.


    She stood there gripping a few sheets of parchment¨Cdocuments Riley had delivered earlier¨Cand her eyes were cold. Frigid. Like the heart of a dead cier.


    bic frowned, confused by her silence, thinking her mood sour from her injury.


    fhe sighed dramatically and continued, ¡°Scarlett¡¯s been arrested. By the Tribunal¡±


    He rubbed his temples as though the weight of the world rested there. ¡°Zara, our daughter can¡¯t survive in a dungeon like that She¡¯s never even been outside the manor without an escort. Can you imagine het in a cell? With rogues? Withunals?¡±


    3:52 PM P P .


    He shook his head, feigning anguish.


    Zara¡¯s eyes burned red. But it wasn¡¯t sorrow.


    It was fury.


    Scarlett couldn¡¯t handle prison?


    And Riley could?


    She swallowed the bile rising in her throat. ¡°And what,¡± she asked coldly, ¡°do you intend to do to save Scarlett?¡±


    Finished


    bic stiffened. There was something off in her tone¨Ctoo formal, too detached. She never called their daughter ¡°Scarlett.¡± She used to say ¡°our pup.¡±


    Now she said her name like she was a stranger.


    He narrowed his eyes.


    The bitch is getting bold.


    Let her. Once he wrung her dry of her holdings, she¡¯d be nothing. Just a broken old she¨Cwolf with no title, no children, no wealth, and no allies. When that day came, he¡¯d toss her to the rogues. Let them do as they pleased.


    He nearlyughed at the thought¨CZara, former Luna of Ebonw, reduced to a gutter ything.


    Instead, he kept his face smooth, voice soft.


    have your holdings. A few shares in the trade guilds, your vault¡­ and that old manor from your father.¡±


    ¡°Zara,¡± he began, ¡°the Ebonw ounts have been frozen. Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s dogs made sure of that. But winter mirruzufferies Muer


    you still


    He took a deep breath, as though the words pained him. ¡°We could sell those. Gather what we can. Use it to buy Scarlett¡¯s freedom.¡±


    He smiled faintly, ying the concerned father to perfection. ¡°Moneyes and goes. But our family¨Cus, together¨Cthat¡¯s worth everything.¡±


    He thought his performance wless.


    But the greed in his eyes betrayed him. His hunger was visible in every twitch of his <b>jaw</b>, every flicker in his gaze.


    And Zara saw it all.


    Saw through him like she had finally removed the veil from her eyes.


    She understood now.


    bic wasn¡¯t asking. He <b>was </b>nning to strip her of everything and then toss her away like she never mattered.


    There was no family in his words.


    No love


    Only profit.


    Only schemes.


    She tightened her grip on the papers in her hand, knuckles white.


    She¡¯d thought losing her daughter once was the worst pain in the world.


    She had been wrong


    It was realizing that the wolf she had loved, trusted, and handed her entire life to had never loved her back.

 in Vengeance 183

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The moment Zara realized the full extent of ric¡¯s deception, her rage erupted like a volcano long kept dormant.


    Had she still been in the dark, she might¡¯ve agreed to his n without question. Might¡¯ve foolishly believed his concern for family. But now that the veil had been torn away¨Cnow that she knew he had schemed against her for years, drained her trust, her love, her blood¨Cand now intended to use her wealth to rescue the bastard child he¡¯d made with his mistress<b>? </b>


    Zara¡¯s fury exploded.


    Her face flushed crimson, eyes burning like wildfire, her aura igniting with the raw, untamed energy of a mother wolf pushed beyond the brink. She looked every bit the Luna she once was¨Cpowerful, wrathful, and ready to kill.


    With a sharp thrust, she rolled her wheelchair forward and mmed to a stop right before ric.


    Without a word of warning, she raised her arm and struck him hard across the face.


    The sound of the p echoed in the cold, sterile room like a whip crack.


    2


    ¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Zara screamed, her voice raw, her words trembling with grief and betrayal. ¡°You lied to me for decades<b>! </b>You took my father from me, had my son imprisoned, destroyed my daughter¡¯s life¡ªand you even stole one of my kidneys! Now you want me to pay for the freedom of the brat you made with your mistress? You sick, vile mutt! <b>I </b>should rip your throat out right now!¡±


    Her voice hit the walls like lightning, and her arms iled, ws bared like a she¨Cwolf gone feral. The pain<b>, </b>the betrayal, the years of silence¨Call of it erupted in a torrent of violence.


    The hospital lights above flickered stark and pale. Zara¡¯s once¨Cgroomed hair now fell in wild tangles. Her eyes were bloodshot, wide, feral¨Cno longer the gentle Luna, but a grieving mother, a betrayed mate, and a woman on the edge.


    ¡°You soulless dog!¡± she shrieked. ¡°You brought ruin to everything we built. You tore our family apart!¡±


    Sheunched herself forward, arms like talons, trying to rake his face open.


    ric winced as her nails dug deep, sharp lines of blood appearing across his cheeks. He grabbed her wrists, but even in a wheelchair, Zara fought like a rabid alpha. Her strength shocked him¨Cher madness terrified him.


    ¡°Zara, have you lost your mind?!¡± ric bellowed, staggering back.


    Zaraughed¨Ca shrill, broken sound that didn¡¯t resembleughter at all. ¡°Yes! Yes, I¡¯ve lost my mind!¡± she screamed, her voice trembling with raw hatred. ¡°You stole everything from me! My family, my body, my soul! And now you dare to ask what¡¯s wrong with me?!¡±


    ric froze for a moment. There was something in her eyes he hadn¡¯t seen before.


    Awareness.


    She knew.


    Somehow, she had found out the truth about the <b>past</b>¨Cthe secrets he thought buried, the blood he thought washed clean. But quickly, heposed himself, forcing confusion into his features.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°You¡¯re not making any sense.¡±


    That did it


    Zara¡¯s rage soared past the breaking point.


    With trembling hands, she pulled a bundle of documents from herp and hurled them in his <b>face</b>.


    ¡°This!¡± she spat. ¡°This is what I¡¯m talking about You bastard¨Cread it! You really thought I¡¯d never find out?¡±


    3.53 PM P P ?


    Finished


    ric caught the papers instinctively and nced down. As his eyes scanned the words¨Cbank transfers, medical records, forged signatures¨Chis face drained of color.


    He staggered backward like a man struck by lightning.


    All his careful lies.


    All his buried sins.


    All of it was there, spelled out in ck and white. Undeniable. Inescapable.


    Zara stared at him with eyes full of heartbreak and disgust.


    Thirty years. She had given him her youth, her love, her loyalty. She had forgiven him again and again, even when their daughter disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Even when Kael was sentenced for crimes she now suspected he nevermitted. Even when her health declined mysteriously after childbirth.


    She had stayed silent.


    Stayed loyal.


    But this¨Cthis <b>was </b>the end.


    ¡°You-¡± Her voice cracked. ¡°You never intended to protect me. You never loved me.¡±


    Then her voice dropped into <b>a </b>whisper<b>, </b><b>so </b>soft it sounded like thest dying flicker of hope.


    ¡°So that¡¯s why¡­ all these years, you never marked me.¡±


    Her voice broke on thest word.


    ¡°You said it wasn¡¯t the right time, that you were waiting. You said it was because we were already mated in spirit. But it was all lies, wasn¡¯t it? I wasn¡¯t worthy enough. I was just¡­ convenient.¡±


    ric didn¡¯t answer.


    He couldn¡¯t.


    Because it <b>was </b>true.


    Zara¡¯s tears spilled freely now, but there was no weakness in them¨Conly fury. Her sorrow was a storm. And he <b>was </b>standing in <b>its </b>eye.


    ¡°Beast!¡± she screamed.


    Like a wild she¨Cwolf, she lunged again, ws ripping down his throat and neck, tearing open the skin. Blood poured from his wounds, seeping into the cor of his hospital gown.


    ¡°You took my father! You took my son! You took my daughter!¡±


    Lach ory came with a fresh blow, her hands leaving long, red trails down his flesh. Her strength came from agony, and there was no stopping her now.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 184

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    0


    Zara¡¯s voice trembled with a grief so deep it cracked through her soul.


    Finished


    ¡°What did I ever do to deserve this?¡± she cried hoarsely. ¡°Thirty years, ric. Thirty years of being your mate¨Cdid it mean nothing to you?¡±


    ric Vale could barely shield himself from her fury. His legs, still broken and weak from the savage beating he had received days ago from Duke, hadn¡¯t yet healed.


    That was the curse of it.


    Ever since the fight with Duke, ric had been unable to shift into his wolf. Something had snapped inside him that night- not just bones, but the fragile tether to his beast. Whether it was the brutal force of the injuries, a bacsh from a spell cast during the scuffle, or a sign that his wolf had begun rejecting him after years of betrayal and moral rot¡ªhe did not know. All he knew was that when he reached inward now, there was only silence. His healing had slowed to a crawl, no better than


    human¡¯s.


    For a werewolf who once wielded power with impunity, it was a terrifying weakness.


    a


    Now, facing a storm of rage from the mate he had betrayed beyond redemption, he could only il, helpless and cornered.


    ¡°Zara, enough!¡± he choked out, arms waving clumsily in the air as her nails tore across his face.


    But she didn¡¯t stop.


    The fire in her eyes had be <b>a </b>consuming inferno.


    She leapt forward, her fingers mping around his throat like steel traps.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to live after what you¡¯ve done! You¡¯re a monster!¡± Zara¡¯s entire frame shook with hatred. Her ws dug in deeper, her eyes glowing with feral energy, no longer the mate he once controlled¨Cbut a mother wolf driven by vengeance.


    ric gasped, his eyes rolling back, lips turning blue. His tongue lolled from his mouth as his arms thrashed in the air. Oxygen fled his body with every second she held him, and panic twisted his body like a dying animal.


    Outside the hospital room, Riley stood silently, watching the unfolding chaos through the ss.


    She had never seen her mother like this<b>. </b>


    She had assumed Zara, broken <b>as </b>she was<b>, </b>would choose <b>silence</b>, or retreat. That <b>she </b>would weep behind closed doors, too proud to cause a scene.


    But now she understood.


    There was no forgiveness in <b>Zara </b>anymore<b>¨C</b>only righteous fury.


    Riley¡¯s lips curled in a cold smile. Only when the de cut your own flesh did you understand pain. And now, finally, Zara understood.


    Inside, Zara¡¯s face twisted in anguish. Her hands shook, but her grip remamed iron¨Cstrong around ric¡¯s throat.


    Her world had crumbled into ruin.


    She had never cared for money¨Cshe had always had plenty. But what she treasured most had been loyalty, love, her family.


    And ric had destroyed all of it:


    Her father? Poisoned by ric


    Her son Kael? Framed and locked away, the key thrown into the abyss.


    3:53 PM <b>PP</b>.


    Her daughter Riley? Abandoned, unloved, reced by a child not her own.


    Her own body? Harvested¨Cvited¨Cher kidney stolen, for ric¡¯s bastard.


    Zara¡¯s screams tore through the sterile air as she squeezed harder.


    ric¡¯s vision darkened. His body convulsed violently, and he groped blindly around the nightstand¨Cdesperate for something, anything.


    His fingers brushed metal.


    A fruit knife.


    Driven by primal survival, he didn¡¯t think. He just plunged the de forward.


    A wet, sickening shhk filled the air.


    Zara¡¯s scream pierced the room like shattered ss.


    Her body flung backward as pain exploded from her left eye. Blood sprayed across ric¡¯s face, hot and thick.


    The knife had pierced her face¨Cher eye.


    Finished


    She fell hard to the floor, writhing in agony, her cries echoing like thest howls of a dying wolf. Blood pooled beneath her, her hands clutching her face as her body twisted uncontrobly.


    ric gasped for air, greedily pulling breath into his burning lungs. His chest rose and fell in ragged jerks as he blinked the blood out of his own <b>eyes</b>.


    When he looked down at Zara, his breath caught in his throat.


    Her left eye was gone.


    The de still jutted from the socket, and blood streamed through her fingers, down her arms, staining her hospital gown.


    She writhed, screeched, pleaded in pain¨Ca sight that would haunt any decent man.


    But ric Vale?


    He felt only relief.


    And soon, calction.


    He staggered back from the bed, muttering, ¡°It¡ªit wasn¡¯t my fault. She attacked me. This is¡­ this <b>is </b>self¨C<b>defense</b>.¡±


    His voice trembled, but the panic in his <b>eyes </b>had begun to fade.


    He looked down at the woman he had spent three decades pretending to love. Now lying in a pool of her own blood. And yet, in his heart, there <b>was </b>no sorrow. No regret. Only cold, twisted rity.


    After all, they were still legally mated.


    This? This would be brushed off as domestic violence. A tragic misunderstanding. He¡¯d get a p on the wrist, maybe a lecture from the Elders¨Cthen walk free,


    He would be <b>fine</b>.


    And Zara?


    She was done.


    He wiped the blood from his mouth and opened hismunication stone.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he said as the call connected. ¡°Elirae to <b>my </b>room Now¡±


    3:53 PM P P.


    His voice was casual, almost bored.


    Finished


    ¡°That bitch Zara found out about us,¡± he continued, lips curled in disgust. ¡°She tried to kill me. I stabbed her in the eye. Bring someone to drag her out¨CI don¡¯t want to see her. Filthy thing.¡±


    The words spilled out of his mouth without a pause.


    But across the room, Zara heard every word.


    Writhing on the floor, blinded on one side, she red up at him, the only eye she had left burning with a hatred so potent it made the air feel colder.


    Her voice was barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of a curse.


    ¡°ric Vale¡­ you will die in agony.¡±


    ricughed.


    He threw his head back and howled with cruelty, the sound shrill, inhuman. His bloodied face twisted in something resembling glee.


    ¡°Die?¡± he sneered: ¡°Bitch, if it weren¡¯t for your shares in the pack council and what little name you still have, you think I¡¯d have let you live this long?¡±


    He spat on the ground, blood mingling with saliva.


    ¡°You were just a means to an end.¡±

 in Vengeance 185

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    ric¡¯s lips twisted into a grotesque grin, blood still streaked across his face like war paint. His yellowed teeth showed as he let out a low chuckle, the corners of his mouth curling like a serpent slithering through shadows.


    ¡°I slept beside you for thirty years, and every single night was a curse,¡± he spat, eyes gleaming with cruelty as he looked down at the one¨Ceyed she¨Cwolf crumpled on the floor. ¡°Especially when we mated¨CMoon above, you were like a dead fish. Cold. Unresponsive. Disgusting.¡±


    His voice grew louder, crueler, echoing in the sterile room like venom.


    ¡°You think you couldpare to Elira?¡± he sneered, shaking his head smugly, as if mocking Zara with every syble. ¡°You¡¯re not even worthy of licking her paws.¡±


    ¡°I never loved you,¡± he dered without hesitation. ¡°If your father hadn¡¯t been the Alpha of Ebonw, if you hadn¡¯te with a pack alliance and shares¨Cha! I wouldn¡¯t have spared you a second nce.¡±


    ¡°You were stupid, Zara. And I took advantage of it. Thanks to your trust, I now own what¡¯s left of the Ebonw seat. Once I¡¯m discharged, I¡¯ll leave this cursednd with the she¨Cwolf I truly love and my children¨Cour real children. What can you possibly do to stop me?¡±


    Heughed wildly, tossing his head back like an unhinged beast. The blood on his face seemed to crawl, twisting down his cheeks like parasitic leeches. The veins bulged at his temples, mirroring his glee. The more he spoke, the deeper his ws drove into Zara¡¯s shattered heart.


    Every word shed at her soul like silvered des. And then¡­ something in her broke.


    Her body, wracked with pain just moments ago, suddenly surged with unnatural strength. Adrenaline¨Cno, rage¨Cpulsed through her like wildfire.


    She stopped feeling the searing agony in her inangled eye. The throbbing in her ruined legs vanished.


    All she felt now was vengeance.


    Her breath rasped through gritted teeth. Her chest rose and fell like a beast ready to charge. Her bloodied hands mmed into the ground, veins bulging beneath pale, bruised skin as she forced herself upright.


    ric¡¯sughter faltered.


    He blinked. Once. <b>Twice</b><b>. </b>


    And then he saw her.


    Zara stood, looming blood pouring down her face. Her once¨Cgentle features were contorted in a mask of pure fury, her <b>jaw </b>clenched so ughtly her teeth cracked audibly. Her one remaining eye <b>was </b>aze¨Cwild, feral, unforgiving


    She looked like something risen from the underworld. And ric. finally felt <b>fear</b>.


    ¡°You monster,¡± she rasped, voice hoarse, cracking under the weight of hate. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you


    Sheunched hersell at <b>him </b>with frightening speed. He barely had me to scream before her wstched onto the knife still wet with her blood


    With strength only a mother stripped of everything could summon, she plunged the de downward


    <b>A </b>scream tore from ris¡¯s throat¨Cshrill, high¨Cpitched, animalistic.


    <b>The </b>de but <b>its </b><b>mark </b>


    His howl echoed through the room as his groan exploded in crimson.


    Zara stabbed again. And again.


    3:53 PM P P


    The knife rose and fell like the swing of judgment itself. Her movements were robotic, endless, deranged.


    Finished


    ¡°You like screwing around, don¡¯t you?¡± she shrieked, maniacalughter slipping past her lips. ¡°Here! Let me make sure you never do again!¡±


    shes and stabs became a blur. Blood sprayed across the bed, across her face, dripping from her fingers.


    ric thrashed, limbs jerking in agony. His legs kicked wildly, then spasmed, then slowly stilled. The bedsheets beneath him. soaked red, the metallic stench of blood thickening the air.


    Out in the corridor, Riley remained frozen, eyes fixed on the horror unfolding inside.


    She felt nothing.


    No pity.


    No sorrow.


    She had been raised in that house<b>. </b>That same bed had once been hers. And now, watching her so¨Ccalled parents rip each other apart like rogue beasts fighting over <b>a </b>carcass<b>? </b>


    It felt like justice.


    One had stolen her life. The other had abandoned her to darkness<b>. </b>


    Now one <b>was </b>blind. The other¡­. emascted.


    Was <b>it </b>extreme?


    Yes.


    But it <b>was </b>also deserved.


    A soft smirk curled across her lips. Her shoulders loosened for the first time in days. The pressure in her chest eased.


    Riley inhaled deeply, savoring the carnage.


    Only evil can devour evil, she thought to herself. And that was the natural order of things.


    Then¨Cfootsteps. Urgent. Rapid.


    From the far end of the corridor, Elira stormed forward, nked by startled medics and two warriors from her shadow unit.


    Riley¡¯s eyes widened, but she had no time to flee.


    In a heartbeat, arge bgure moved.


    Caelum Knox stepped in front of her, his massive frame shielding herpletely. He pressed her gently into the corner between him and the wall, his scent enveloping her like a protective shroud.


    Riley stayed silent lowering her head, letting her golden hair shield her face


    <b>Elra </b>didn¡¯t notice her Her attention was locked on the carnage inside.


    The door swung open.


    And even the seasoned medics, used to battlefield wounds and rogue attacks, stumbled back in horror


    The room looked <b>like </b>a bloodbath


    rsy writing <b>in </b>a crimson pool his lower body utterly destroyed Zara crouched beside him, her entre bgure drenched in gore the knife still clutched in her urembing hard. Her face was streaked in red, her gown tattered, her <b>one </b>eye gleaming with madness


    Elra gasped hands Rying to her mouth as the scene registered


    Finished


    3:53 PM P P ?


    She looked at ric¡¯s ruined body¨Cspecifically his groin¨Cand nearly copsed.


    She had no love for him. Not really.


    But¡­ that?


    That was permanent.


    He was done.


    And though she was stunned, the horrorsted only a moment. She steadied herself. After all, what did she expect?


    A man who would betray his Luna, his son, his entire bloodline¨Chow could she have ever trusted him with her heart?


    Deep down, she had always known ric was a rabid wolf¨Cjust waiting to turn on her.


    She had feared he would kill her one day, just like he had tried to erase Riley.


    And now¡­ she knew he never would.


    Because there was nothing left of him to fear.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 186

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    To Elira, Alpha ric was never deserving of love¨Conly maniption. A heart as ck as his was made for using others, not for receiving true loyalty.


    She couldn¡¯tprehend what kind of cursed bloodline had given rise to such a monster.


    Dean Elira ckthornposed herself quickly. Her gaze sharpened as she turned toward the stunned medical staff.


    ¡°Well? Don¡¯t just stand there¨Csave him!¡±


    Snapping to attention, the medics rushed to ric, fumbling to stabilize the blood¨Csoaked Alpha and wheel him out of the


    room.


    Not far away, Luna Zara copsed to the floor, unconscious and drained, her rage having consumed thest of her strength.


    Dean Elira ordered her taken to the operating room as well¨Cnot out of mercy, but because the medics were watching. As the Dean of the Mooncrest Medical Wing, even she had to pretend she cared about saving the disgraced Luna.


    Once the chaos cleared and silence returned to the hallway, Caelum Knox stepped to the side, revealing Riley, who had been shielded behind his tall, imposing frame.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell Alpha ric the truth?¡± Caelum asked quietly. ¡°That Scarlett isn¡¯t even his blood? If he knew¡­ it¡¯d destroy him.¡±


    Riley gave <b>a </b>soft<b>, </b>cool smile. ¡°That¡¯d be letting him off easy.¡±


    ¡°He loves draining people dry. So I¡¯ll y by his rules¨Clet the she¨Cwolf he loves bleed him of every ounce of value he has.¡±


    She folded her arms, her eyes calm yet icy. ¡°Scarlett¡¯s locked in a <b>cell </b>now. He¡¯ll do anything to get her out. Even if it means selling off what remains of the Ebonw legacy.¡±


    ¡°And just when he thinks he¡¯s sacrificed everything for his daughter-¡± <b>Her </b>voice dipped, poisonous sweet. ¡°I¡¯ll tell him the rest of Dean Elira¡¯s pups? Not even his.¡±


    ¡°He sent his real son, Kael Vale, <i>to </i>prison for them. Imagine how that will taste when the truth hits<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Caelum arched a brow. ¡°You don¡¯t pull punches<b>.</b>¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Riley replied, her tone casual.


    The two exchanged a quiet smirk.


    They left the medical wing, heading for the parking lot. But just as they turned a corner, a figure rolled toward them in <b>a </b>rusted wheelchair.


    The man was barely recognizable. His once¨Cpolished appearance <b>was </b>gone, reced by sunken cheeks, hollow <b>eyes</b>, and tattered clothing. He looked like a wolf who¡¯d <b>been </b><b>cast </b>from his pack and left to rot.


    It was Maddox¨CRiley¡¯s former mate.


    He hadn¡¯t seen her in nearly two months<b>. </b>And now, suddenly, here she <b>was</b>¨Ctransformed.


    Riley looked different. Her face was fuller. Her hair sleek and glossy Her <b>skin </b>glowed. She <b>was </b>no longer the girl who had once cowered beneath the weight of the Ebonw name.


    She looked free.


    And Maddux? He was nothing but a shadow of who he once was.


    The difference between them was humiliating


    3:53 PM PP.


    Finished


    He had once been proudmanding courtrooms, respected across Mooncrest and beyond. Now he couldn¡¯t even walk.


    And standing next to Riley was a towering, broad¨Cshouldered male whose presence radiated raw dominance.


    A surge of jealousy roared through Maddox¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± he growled, eyes burning as he looked at Riley like a wolf who¡¯d just caught his mate in another male¡¯s bed.


    Riley didn¡¯t even flinch. She nced at him with chilling detachment¨Cas if she were looking at a stranger begging on the street¨Cand then turned her gaze away.


    Maddox had lost control of his emotions ever since those two guards at Silverfang Den shattered his legs under orders from Duke.


    After that came the disbarment. His license revoked. His career annihted.


    Thest pieces of his life¨Chis car, his condo, his savings¨Call gone in days.


    Now he lived in a damp, mold¨Cinfested basement, the stench of decay and failure clinging to him like fleas.


    Even during his worst years, he had never known this level of shame.


    But through all of it, he clung to one thought: Riley.


    He dreamed of her forgiveness. Of their past.


    And now, here she <b>was</b>.


    With another male.


    Like he never mattered.


    Maddox wheeled forward with a jolt, blocking her path. His voice cracked as he repeated the question, desperate and angry.


    ¡°Riley, I asked you<b>¨C</b>who <b>is </b>he?<b>¡± </b>


    Riley¡¯s gaze narrowed. She sighed, tired of the scene already.


    ¡°Who he <b>is</b>¡­ has nothing to do with you.¡±


    Her voice was like a dagger dipped in silver.


    The wordsnded with a force that knocked the breath from Maddox¡¯s lungs. His mouth opened, but no words came.


    The wolf she once was¨Cgentle, soft¨Chearted, eager to please¨Cwas gone,


    And he had no ce in the world she now walked.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 187

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Finished


    Maddox¡¯s fingers curled tightly around the metal frame of his wheelchair, knuckles paling from the strain. The biting cold of steel seeped into his bones, but it was nothingpared to the icy dread gnawing at his heart.


    Was she drawing a line between them?


    He wouldn¡¯t allow it.


    ¡°What do you mean it doesn¡¯t matter?¡± Maddox snapped, voice trembling with disbelief. ¡°Riley, we¡¯re mates!¡±


    Riley let out a mockingugh. ¡°You may have been my ¡®mate, Maddox, but you sure as hell weren¡¯t my father. You don¡¯t get to tell me who I see and do you need I repeate again that you have rejected me five years ago?¡±


    Maddox¡¯s face flushed with rage. His eyes red, locking onto Caelum Knox, who stood protectively at Riley¡¯s side. Envy burned in his gaze like a wildfire, a feral growl rising in his throat.


    ¡°You forgot our promise?¡± he spat, voice strained and low. ¡°You said when I made something of myself, you¡¯d stay by my side.¡±


    Riley¡¯s expression twisted with bitter amusement. Theugh that left her lips was sharp as a silver de. But deep down, a wave of sorrow rolled beneath her mocking tone¨Ca sorrow for the girl she used to be.


    She had believed in Maddox.


    Back then, in the cold halls of the Ebonw where they clung to each other like broken twigs in a storm<b>, </b>she had thought they¡¯d never part.


    It was one sentence from him¡ª¡°I¡¯ll studyw, and send everyone who¡¯s ever hurt you straight to the cells.¡± That promise had bewitched her.


    She worked herself to the bone to help him.


    She ved away at part¨Ctime jobs, entered every schrshippetition at Mooncrest Academy, and scraped by with the bare minimum. And every coin she earned? She sent it to Maddox¨Canonymously¨Cso his pride wouldn¡¯t suffer.


    She thought she was helping him survive. Helping him climb.


    In her dreams, Maddox would one day rise as one of Mooncrest¡¯s most respected legal Alphas, standing before the Council, protecting her like a silver¨Ccloaked guardian.


    But reality¡­ was cruel.


    Maddox hadn¡¯t sent her tormentors to prison. He¡¯d sent her.


    And worse¡ªhe spent her hard¨Cearned money not on books or food, but on thousand¨Cdor sneakers, luxury jackets from rogue¨Chunting brands, watches worth a month¡¯s wage, and gifts for Scarlett.


    Scarlett¨Cpampered, spoiled, and utterly unimpressed by Maddox¡¯s pathetic attempts at courtship¨Cthrew those gifts to the house staff like scraps.


    Riley, raised in poverty, had never known the brands. She hadn¡¯t realized that Maddox had dressed like a young heir for years, building himself a false identity as a born elite while feeding off her sacrifice.


    It wasn¡¯t until Caelum Knox¡¯s investigation into the Ebonw Pack revealed that Scarlett had impersonated Riley to send Maddox anonymous donations¡­ that Riley saw the truth.


    He wasn¡¯t the same wolf she once loved.


    He <b>was </b>greedy Vain Selfish


    ite was the very kind of male she now despised


    <b>3:53 </b>PM PP.


    Her eyes darkened. Her voice dropped into a growl.


    O


    ¡°A promise?¡± she hissed. ¡°Maddox, do you honestly think you deserve to speak that word?¡±


    ¡°You threw me into prison. You handed me over like I was trash.¡±


    ¡°You really think I¡¯d forgive you?¡±


    She stepped closer. Her presence radiated Alpha blood now, cold andposed.


    da


    ¡±


    Finished


    ¡°I¡¯ve made it very clear how I feel about you. So spare me the delusion. You don¡¯t even deserve to be called a stranger. At least strangers don¡¯t make me sick to my stomach every time I see them.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s face twisted, a flush of shame and fury climbing his throat. His breath came in ragged gasps. His entire body trembled, humiliated and cornered.


    ¡°No¡­ No!¡± he snapped. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me! You did that to yourself! If you hadn¡¯t lured Tessa into the ck Forest¨Cif she hadn¡¯t been attacked by rogues and fallen into thata¨Cyou never would¡¯ve been sentenced! You brought it on yourself!¡±


    Riley¡¯s gaze turned cial, her patience vanishing like mist under moonlight.


    Smack!


    Her hand connected with his cheek, the crack echoing through the air like thunder. His head snapped to the side.


    ¡°Are you blind? Or justpletely delusional?¡± she hissed, voice low and vibrating with fury. ¡°Tessa woke up. She remembered everything. And she cleared my name the moment she could speak.¡±


    ¡°She told them it wasn¡¯t me who led her into that forest¨Cit was Scarlett. Scarlett set her up. Scarlett left her to die!¡±


    Her chest heaved with rage, the storm in her heart breaking free.


    ¡°And you¨Cyou knew! You knew, Maddox! You helped cover it up. You pinned it on me to save Scarlett. To keep me under your damn leash.¡±


    ¡°You ruined my life.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s mind nked. He couldn¡¯t process it.


    He didn¡¯t want to.


    Because if he admitted he had been wrong five years ago¡­


    Then he had truly destroyed everything between them.


    So he clung to the lie. Tried to make it true. He wanted her to carry that false guilt forever¨Cwanted her to need him. Depend on him Belong to him


    He couldn¡¯t stand the thought of losing her


    Especially not to someone like Caelum


    He had known that Ropan Duskcliff once loved her. And back then, when he saw the growing closeness between them, he panicked


    He couldn¡¯t let her go<b>. </b>


    So <b>instead </b>he destroyed her


    fr let the world brand her a criminal


    Because if she was hated cast aside, beuken¨Cthen maybe she¡¯de crawling back


    Maybe then she¡¯d be hus again


    3:53 PM P P .


    He wasn¡¯t just obsessed.


    He was possessed.


    Even now, seeing her beside another wolf, Maddox¡¯s control shattered. The beast inside him howled.


    He would rather ruin her than watch her be loved by someone else.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    294

 in Vengeance 188

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I saw it the moment his eyes dropped to my left hand¨Cthe ring.


    A simple obsidian band, snug on my middle finger. Lucien¡¯s promise.


    And just like that, Maddox snapped.


    His knuckles turned white where they clutched the arms of his wheelchair, the metal creaking beneath his fingers.


    ¡°What the hell is that ring?!¡± he growled. ¡°Are you engaged?¡±


    Finished


    His voice climbed into a snarl, pure territorial rage. ¡°Who the hell gave you permission to bond with some stray male?!¡±


    His eyes burned, pupils dted like a wolf ready to shift.


    ¡°Your heart should belong to me. Only me. I¡¯m the one who can make you happy¨Cnot him. But no¨Cwhile I was crawling through hell, you went and opened your legs for another mutt!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting! A low¨Cborn she¨Cwolf in heat, missing a kidney and still this damn desperate for a mate?! First Ronan Duskcliff, and now this bastard? Tell me, Riley¨Chow many males have you slept with? Huh? Tell me!¡±


    His words dripped venom, filthy and rabid. He spoke like I was his property¨Chis possession.


    If this had been months ago, maybe I would¡¯ve burned with shame, maybe even rage. But not today.


    Today, I felt nothing but a frigid kind of rity.


    I nced at the ring again. A tail ring that Lucien had worn once¨Cnow resized and resting on my hand. A symbol.


    And just to spite Maddox, I leaned into Caelum¡¯s arm, wrapping myself around him like I belonged there.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± I said sweetly, letting the words drip with triumph. ¡°We¡¯re together.¡±


    Then I rested my other hand gently on my stomach.


    And I¡¯m pregnant.¡±


    His breath hitched like someone had punched the wind from his lungs.


    The word pregnant struck harder than a silver de. I felt Caelum go rigid beside me, probably dying a little inside¨Cbut he stayed silent.


    (Stars help him, he better y along.)


    But Maddox<b>? </b>


    He crumbled.


    He looked like someone had gutted him and left him to bleed in the snow.


    His lips parted, then closed again¨Cno sound came. Just a strangled wheeze. His eyes turned wild, bloodshot, locked on my belly as if he could burn a hole through it with hate alone.


    ¡°You¡­¡± he gasped ¡°You¡¯re shameless!¡±


    Then came the explosion. Full volume. Full madness.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know what it means to be a worthy she¨Cwolf! Carrying some mongrel¡¯s pup before a proper bonding ceremony? Are you not afraid? That male¡¯s family could use the pup against you! You think he¡¯ll protect you forever?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve disappointed me. You¡¯ve ruined yourself. I wouldn¡¯t take you back even if you begged. Your womb¡¯s already spoiled.


    <b>3:53 </b>PM P P .


    tainted with another male¡¯s seed. You¡¯ll never be worthy of my legacy. Never!¡±


    ¡°You make me sick.¡±


    His words tore through the air like ws.


    I stood tall. My spine straight, my eyes locked on his twisted, contorted face.


    I didn¡¯t flinch.


    Finished


    ¡°Maddox,¡± I said coldly, ¡°I must¡¯ve been blind not to see how pathetically backward you are. I used to think you were clever. Now I wonder if you ever learned the difference between honor and poison.¡±


    ¡°If I had known that under your ¡®elite student¡® mask hid a self¨Crighteous, misogynistic leech, I would¡¯ve never sent you a damn coin¨Dlet alone every cent I earned.¡±


    That hit him. I saw it in his eyes¨Cthe disbelief.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± he rasped. ¡°What do you mean you sent me money?¡±


    He raised his voice, desperate, like volume could drown out the rising panic wing at his insides. But his voice shook.


    He already knew.


    I leaned in, dropped my voice to a deadly whisper.


    ¡°Your tuition, your luxuries, every overpriced shirt, every brand¨Cname coat¡­ That was me. I funded your precious reputation. I bled for it. I worked three shifts and scraped every coin just so you wouldn¡¯t have to suffer.¡±


    ¡°And what did you do with it?¡± My voice cracked with disgust. ¡°You used my money to y rich boy on campus, chasing praise, chasing power¨Cand worst of all, you used it to spoil Scarlett. Gifts, lies, fake promises. All with the blood money of the girl you abandoned.¡±


    His shoulders slumped. The proud posture crumbled.


    I could see it¨Cthe flicker of memories shing in his head. The nights he unted his wealth. The fake smiles from ssmates. The lies.


    He thought it was all him.


    Now he knew better.


    And the shame¡­ it settled on him like a curse.


    Good


    Because that¡¯s all he ever deserved.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 189

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    ¡°No, this isn¡¯t true! You¡¯re lying, you¡¯re deceiving me¡ª¡±


    Finished


    Maddox shouted at Riley, his voice sharp with desperation. ¡°You were just a high school student back then! How could you have been sending me ten thousand every month?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know who really supported me,¡± Maddox sneered. ¡°It was Scarlett. Only a wealthy heiress like her wouldn¡¯t care about a mere ten thousand. And you? You were never epted by the Ebonw Pack. Not a single coin did they give you. So how could you possibly support me?¡±


    It was clear Maddox had always known about Riley¡¯s difficult situation within the Ebonw Pack.


    Yet when Riley suffered countless injustices there, Maddox had simply brushed it off with a dismissive, ¡°You¡¯re just too sensitive.¡±


    He knew full well the Pack hadn¡¯t given her anything, but while he had ten thousand every month, he never bothered to spare even a hundred for her.


    How foolish she must have been¨Cto hand over every penny she earned without reservation, all to him.


    A wave of profound sorrow surged through Riley¡¯s heart as she said coldly, ¡°You never participated in anypetitions. Of course you don¡¯t know that the prize for first ce in the Mooncrest Academy Physics Tournament was hefty.¡±


    ¡°I truly regret giving you all my prize money back then. If I had kept that money for myself, how much easier my life would¡¯ve been. No one understands that better than you¨CMaddox, the ¡®topwyer¡® who always wore brand names from head to toe during college.¡±


    Her voice was quiet but sharp as a de, cutting straight through Maddox¡¯s pride and shaming him deeply.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I don¡¯t believe you. You¡¯re lying¡­¡± Maddox clung to hisst thread of denial.


    Riley had no more patience to waste on his nonsense. Her expression calm, she said lightly, ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯m lying to you.¡±


    With that, she turned without hesitation, taking Caelum Knox¡¯s arm and walking away, refusing to argue any further.


    Her indifferent attitude was like salt poured on Maddox¡¯s wounds, fueling the raging fire <b>of </b>anger inside him.


    He desperately pushed his wheelchair, wheels scraping sharp arcs against the floor, trying to catch up.


    ¡°Riley, stop right there! Don¡¯t walk away¨Cexin yourself!¡± he shouted hoarsely.


    But Riley neither heard nor wished to hear him.


    Soon, Riley and Caelum got into the car. Caelum started the engine, and the vehicle sped away from the hospital.


    Maddox stared nkly at the fading tail lights, his body copsingpletely into the wheelchair<b>, </b>eyes hollow and lost.


    He kept muttering ¡°Impossible,¡± but deep down, he knew the harsh truth.


    He hade to the hospital for a checkup on his leg injury, but now, all his thoughts were consumed by Riley¡¯s words¨Che had no mind left to care about his own legs.


    At this moment, all he wanted was to see Scarlett¨Cto get to the bottom of the truth


    Scaricu, the heiress of the Ebonw Packs Mooncrest territory, had shocked everyone at the Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s banquet by attempting to steal embroidery worth twenty million She was arrested on the spot.


    Everyone at the banquet witnessed the scene, and it made the headlines that very night.


    Maddox had seen the news, so he knew Scarlett was locked up in the holding facility


    3:53 PM <b>P </b>P ?


    Inside the detention center, dim yellow lights flickered in the oppressive air thick with tension.


    Maddox and Scarlett sat opposite each other, separated by cold, unyielding iron bars.


    Finished


    He couldn¡¯t imagine that the proud girl who once carried herself like a swan, full of arrogance and grace, would fall so low.


    Her head was shaved;rge patches of damaged scalp exposed raw skin beneath the scabs, leaving a shocking pattern like a patchy Mediterranean, contrasting starkly with the sparse new hair growth¨Caughable and pitiful sight.


    Her innate pride and haughtiness had vanished without a trace. Now she looked like a featherless peacock¨Cdisheveled and broken.


    When Scarlett¡¯s eyes caught sight of Maddox, a flicker of hope sparked within her¨Ca hope that the topwyer might be able


    to save her.


    But when she saw Maddox in his wheelchair, his clothes wrinkled and his face etched with fatigue and hardship, that flicker of hope was instantly extinguished, sinking deep into despair.


    Yet Maddox was the first visitor she had seen in days. Though he looked worse for wear, she still put on a pitiful act, pleading softly, ¡°Brother Maddox, please help me.¡±


    Back then, when Scarlett was <b>as </b>pure and beautiful as a water lily, her pitiful expressions were genuinely heart¨Cwrenching.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 190

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Now, Scarlett¡¯s head was shaved, revealing a bizarre patchy scalp like a Mediterranean pattern. Her skin was dull and lifeless, and her entire being was worn down and haggard¨Cutterly unrecognizable from the proud heiress she once was.


    Such a sight stirred not a shred of pity in Maddox.


    Gripping the cold iron bars tightly, Maddox¡¯s eyes fixed on Scarlett. His voice was low but burning with tell me who was it that really supported me all those years ago?¡±


    Scarlett hadn¡¯t expected Maddox¡¯s visit to center on this question. Her eyes flickered, but she quickly face calm as she lied without hesitation, ¡°Of course, it was me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend!¡± Maddox bellowed. ¡°Riley says it was her. Are you lying to me? Why would you do this?<b>¡± </b>


    His gaze was sharp, as if trying to peel back everyyer of Scarlett¡¯s disguise.


    The truth was out.


    ac ¡°Scarlett.


    herself, her


    Scarlett¡¯s heart clenched. Seeing Maddox¡¯s furious, almost feral expression¨Clike he wanted to tear her apart¡ªshe knew the pretense was over.


    A wild, bitterugh escaped her lips,ced with madness and triumph. ¡°It took you five years to figure it out? You really are stupid.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! It was Riley who supported you all along. Can you believe she sent you all her money anonymously, while she herself went hungry and cold? And you? You spent her money on shy brands, pretending to be some rich heir at Halston Academy. Hahaha¡ª¡±


    At the thought of all the suffering Riley endured, Scarlettughed harder, head thrown back.


    ¡°Do you know how much satisfaction I got every time I saw you buying me gifts with Riley¡¯s, money, trying to win me over?¡±


    ¡°That wretched girl¨Chow could she everpare to me? Betrayed by her own father, brother, and childhood friend¨Cit¡¯s what she deserves! Why was she born a noble heiress, while 1¡­¡±


    Her voice cracked suddenly, eyes shing venomous hatred.


    She was nothing but the daughter of a doctor and a driver.


    Taking away Riley¡¯s life, watching that heiress struggle beneath her feet, gave her a twisted sense of pleasure.


    Maddox listened to Scarlett¡¯s venomous rant, feeling as if a knife had been plunged into his heart. Pain twisted his face until it was nearly unrecognizable, and he growled through clenched teeth:


    ¡°Scarlett!¡±


    His roar nearly shattered the icy bars. Veins bulged on his neck as he wished he could shred this woman who destroyed his life and hurt Kiley to pieces.


    ¡°You poisonous woman!¡±


    His voice was hoarse, seething with fury erupting from the depths of his soul. In that moment, he was a beast unleashed.


    But Scarlett threw back her head andughed even louder. In her current disheveled state, she looked like a demon.


    Once, Maddox was the illustrious elitewyer of Mooncrest, ambitious and full of promise. Scarlett had valued him greatly as


    useful tool, sweet¨Ctalking tum with a gentle and charming facade


    But now. Maddox was confined to a wheelchair, dressed in cheap, wrinkled clothes, his face pale and tired, reeking of unwashed filth from days without a proper bath


    3:54 PM P P .


    To selfish Scarlett, he was no longer worth pretending to please.


    Finished


    ¡°If you weren¡¯t so hopelessly stupid, how else could I have used you? You have no right to me me¨Cme yourself for being blind and foolish beyond cure!¡±


    She paused, a sinister smile curling her lips, and continued coldly, ¡°Let me guess¨Cyou only found out it was Riley supporting you because she told you herself, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    She sneered, eyes sharp and cruel. ¡°Riley must¡¯ve broken your heart so badly that no matter how much you begged, she refused to forgive you, right?¡±


    She clutched her belly and burst into a sharp, derisiveugh. ¡°Oh, how pitiful you are! Hahaha¡ª¡±


    Maddox, having lost all use to her, became her target for venting.


    Scarlett was a deeply selfish woman. Trapped in her miserable state, she could not bear the pain and sought others.


    She poured out all the dark emotions pent up inside onto Maddox, watching his face twist with rage, guilt, and remorse. sick thrill bubbled up inside her.


    to offload


    <i>it </i>


    onto


    A


    Maddox shook the iron bars violently, eyes zing with a ferocity that seemed ready to devour Scarlett whole.


    ¡°Poisonous witch¨Cvile woman¨Cyou¡¯ll rot in hell¡ª¡±


    His mind reyed every moment Scarlett had deceived him.


    He had used the money Riley earned with such hardship to win Scarlett¡¯s favor, and even caused Riley to serve five years in prison¨Call for Scarlett.

 in Vengeance 191

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Regret consumed Maddox, sharp and relentless like a swarm of wolves gnawing at his heart.


    Finished


    ¡°I won¡¯t suffer? I¡¯m the heiress of the Ebonw Pack, and my parents and brother love me dearly. They¡¯ll find a way to get me out soon enough,¡± Scarlett lifted her chin arrogantly, eyes dripping with disdain.


    Maddox¡¯s face twisted in response, then curled into a mocking smile.


    ¡°Heiress of the Ebonw Pack? Don¡¯t make meugh. Didn¡¯t you know your pack¡¯s empire has already fallen? Your brother¡¯s in custody, your parents crossed the Stormridge Pack¡¯s Alpha and ended up crippled. They¡¯re barely surviving ¨C how would they even have time to care about you, their fallen princess?¡±


    Maddox felt a dark satisfaction rise within him.


    She tormented him, so he¡¯d return the favor.


    He expected shock or desperation from Scarlett, but she only smiled coldly, almost amused.


    ¡°They may have fallen, but that¡¯s none of my concern. My real parents¡® bloodline is strong and wealthy; they won¡¯t stand by and watch me rot in here.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s expression stiffened as he fixed her with a prating stare, desperate to see through her lies, to prove this was just bluster.


    ¡°Save your tricks. If your real parents had that kind of power, why was I the one stuck in the Ebonw den with you for all those years?¡±


    His teeth clenched, voice bitter with resentment.


    Scarlett leaned backzily, regarding him like a fool. ¡°You really think you can draw secrets out of me? You overestimate yourself.¡±


    ¡°All your so¨Ccalled skills were wasted on Riley. Do you know why they made you my defense? Because you and Riley grew up together only by breaking her could you break me.¡±


    Her tone was full of cruel satisfaction. ¡°Otherwise, why would a clueless rookie like you get picked to defend someone like me, an Alpha¡¯s daughter?¡±


    ¡°I could have hired anywyer and won that case. Anyone else would¡¯ve risen to fame overnight in Mooncrest. But you? You just rode on the Ebonw name and thought you were some big shot!¡±


    ¡°Honestly, sometimes I almost pity Riley. A love¨Cstruck fool with a useless pack mother, a deadbeat brother, and you ¨C her so¨Ccalled mate who stabbed her in the <b>back</b>.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault she got framed and thrown in the brig it was yours and those closest to her who led her to <b>ruin</b>¡±


    Scarlett never saw herself <b>as </b>wrong, to her, this was just the natural order of the <b>pack</b>: the strong survive, the weak perish.


    If people were wise and trusted Riley more, she wouldn¡¯t have manipted them so easily.


    They weren¡¯t even blood¨Cwhy should she give up everything for Riley¡¯s return?


    To crush the true heureas beneath her paws <b>was </b>hier victory


    She crossed her arms watching Maddog¡¯s face condort with hatred and regret


    ¡°hus Just sat up Maddus bellowed like a mand beast


    but never remorse for his own mustakes


    His eyes Iniged toodation and wild weariest you¡¯re a demon I was used you¡¯re the one who ruined everything


    ¡°A demon?¡± Scariest socered. ¡°This world¡¯s a jungle and I¡¯m just surviving Bedes, didn¡¯t you want me the Ebonw


    3:54 PM


    heiress


    ¨C


    for my blood and status? You turned a blind eye to Riley¡¯s heart because you were greedy.¡±


    Finished


    ¡°I used you, sure. But I never forced you to unt Riley¡¯s money, pretending to be some wealthy prince at Halston Academy.¡±


    She shot him a mocking look, speaking each word like a de: ¡°You knew Riley was beaten, humiliated, and tortured in the brig broken leg, needle pricks ¨C and you did nothing.¡±


    ¨C


    Her words hit like a hammer to Maddox¡¯s heart.


    He had to admit he¡¯d been blinded by vanity,mitting unforgivable sins.


    Riley¡¯s grades at Mooncrest Academy had been ster¡­

 in Vengeance 192

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    The radiance emanating from Riley was far too dazzling,pletely overshadowing Maddox¡¯s own light.


    She wasn¡¯t just intelligent, determined, or tenacious¨Cshe was a white wolf.


    A rare, coveted bloodline. A symbol of purity and power blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.


    And he he was just a omega¨Cborn orphan from the backwoods of Ebonw Pack.


    A flicker of jealousy stirred deep within him. All he had ever wanted was to dim Riley¡¯s brilliance.


    After all, Riley was just a woman. What good was being a white wolf if she couldn¡¯t even protect herself?


    After graduation, she would only end up married with children¨Cbing a wife and mother tending to the pack¡¯s den.


    As for himself, Maddox was no stranger to ambition or money. He had the sharp tongue of awyer, a silver¨Ccoated wolf form, and the wits to climb.


    He could easily provide for Riley.


    So why did she have to be so high¨Cminded?


    Why did she have to shine so unbearably bright?


    These thoughts he buried deep within, knowing they were shameful. Knowing that the world revered the white wolf bloodline. But in his heart, he loathed that Riley¡¯s light made him feel small.


    He told himself he wasn¡¯t wrong¨Cbut he also knew that speaking those thoughts aloud would bring only contempt.


    So he said nothing when the Vale family hurt her.


    Said nothing when Kael forced her to kneel.


    Said nothing when ric dismissed her as a burden.


    He watched, silently, while they tried to break her¨Cwhile they locked up a rare white wolf like amon rogue.


    A part of him wanted her broken.


    He wanted her to fall, to be humbled, to lose that glow that always made everyone choose her.


    He told himself it was for her own good.


    Once her wings had been clipped¨Conce the world ground her brilliance into the dirt¨Che would be there. To offer warmth To be the <b>only </b>hand she could hold onto


    Then. Riley would have no choice but to depend on him, and would never <b>again </b>dream of bing a schr, a mentor, or a pack professed


    Breaking her wings, dimming that divine white me¡ªit was all so she¡¯d stop flying away.


    He would be her safe haven, her anchor, the one who fed and clothed her


    Wasn¡¯t that enough


    Bot what Madras ever expected was that despite all the inhuman torture Kiley endured in the pack¡¯s prison, despite every seat and every brokennches and remained unyielding


    Leen dulled even turned sh all racated that sie antero bytu


    She and only refused to depend us bus¨Cshe grew to hate him with every liter of her being


    3:54 PM <b>P </b><b>P </b>.


    Finished


    They had spent a long time together in the Ebonw, bonded by deep ties, yet Riley had coldly abandoned him without a second thought.


    To Maddox, her cruelty was unfathomable.


    Now she had found a wild mate, clearly prone to violence, and was carrying


    carrying his pup.


    How shameless she was!


    He resented Riley for her reckless mind, and he hated Scarlett even more for using him.


    If it weren¡¯t for Scarlett¡¯s constant scheming, he and Riley would never have


    ee to this tragic point.


    Maddox was utterly consumed by fury, recklessly shaking the iron bars of the prison cage.


    The ng of metal echoed loudly, groaning under the strain as if it might be torn apart at any moment.


    His eyes bulged like bronze bells, his face twisted violently by rage, features almost dislocated in a terrifying snarl¨Clike a demon risen from the depths of the underworld.


    ¡°You damn wretched bitch!¡± Maddox roared hoarsely. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    His madness resembled a rabid wolf unleashed.


    Scarlett watched Maddox¡¯s feral rage with delight flooding her heart like an unstoppable flood.


    Sheughed a sharp, piercingugh that shed eerily with his roar.


    The more Maddox raged, the more wildly sheughed.


    ¡°Come then! If you¡¯ve got the guts, kill me!¡± Scarlett taunted, eyes full of scorn and mockery. ¡°You pathetic coward¨Conly now realizing your mistakes, but it¡¯s toote!¡±


    Sheughed as she deliberately writhed her body, unting her victory before him.


    Theirmotion quickly drew the attention of the wardens.


    Two pack enforcers arrived swiftly, one on each side, restraining Maddox.


    Sull, Maddox struggled fiercely, kicking wildly and twisting desperately, trying to break free and charge Scarlett again.


    ¡°Let me go! Let me go!¡± he screamed, voice raw and breaking. ¡°I¡¯ll kill her! I swear I¡¯ll kill her!¡±


    His hateful gaze never left Scarlett, as if he wanted to burn her to ashes with his re alone.


    Scarlett¡¯s smile grew even brighter as she watched Maddox being dragged away. She even made a mocking face at him and sheered. ¡°You <b>can </b>stewin your regret out there. When I get out, I¡¯m leaving this pack to enjoy life elsewhere, while you¨Cjust rot in <b>your </b>endless misery¡±


    ¡°Wretch-


    Maddox¡¯s curses faded down the long corridor as he was hauled from the holding den, until nothing remained but silence.


    Outside, rugha had already deepened.


    Maddox sat despondently in huis wheelchair


    The dum surfights cast wrak glummers on his face, worn and exhausted beyond his years.


    Everything was over


    Onte prosperous and respected bus career was to shattered bis huge w


    3:54 PM <b>P </b><b>P </b>?


    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge

 in Vengeance 193

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Stormridge Pack ¨C Duskgrave Estate.


    Finished


    Soft amber light spilled through the arched windows of the Duskgrave manor, casting warm glows across the garden path and bathing the stone courtyard in a peaceful glow. Inside the grand estate, Matriarch Duskgrave sat in her high¨Cbacked armchair, her expression tender as she looked at the young woman beside her.


    ¡°Riley, dear, your health is fragile. Go on up and get some rest,¡± she said kindly, voice gentle like falling snow.


    Riley shook her head slowly, her fingers tightening slightly around the velvet of the armrest. ¡°I¡¯ll wait a little longer for Prince


    armrest. ¡°I¡¯ll wait


    Lucien.¡±


    The old Luna¡¯s heart softened. She had long grown fond of Riley¨Ckind, quiet, strong despite all she had endured. Her eyes inadvertently dropped to the ring on Riley¡¯s finger, and her smile brightened, deepening the wrinkles etched into her face.


    That ring. It had once belonged to Lucien¡¯s biological mother. For years, Lucien had guarded it as if it were a sacred relic. When he was a pup, he wore it around his neck with red thread. As he grew, he began wearing it on his little finger, never once parting with it.


    Now, it was on Riley¡¯s finger. That alone was proof¨CLucien had made his choice. He¡¯d chosen his mate, not out of duty, but with his whole heart.


    ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll go up,¡± Matriarch Duskgrave said, rising with some effort and offering Riley a warm nod. ¡°But don¡¯t wait too long, child.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t, Matriarch Duskgrave,¡± Riley replied softly, watching the elder disappear slowly up the stairs with the help of Mrs. Beck.


    The living room fell quiet.


    Riley curled up slightly on the plush couch, staring out into the night. Her thoughts wandered, far from the glowing hearth and thefort of this new home.


    Back at the Ebonw Pack manor¨Cher childhood house¨Cthere had been no warmth. After school, she had returned to darkness. Not the kind that came from the absence of light, but the kind that came from being unwanted.


    She would stand silently in the cold entry hall, too afraid to turn on the lights. No one greeted her. No one asked if she¡¯d caten. She¡¯d listen to the ticking of the clock and the silence between its beats, aching for someone to care.


    It had been Mia, the elderly housemaid, who once left the kitchen light on for her. Just that small, quiet act had warmed Riley¡¯s frozen heart. It was one of her few memories of tenderness in the Ebonw home.


    Because she had <b>once </b>known what it meant to be forgotten, Riley now cherished every glimmer of care from the Duskgraves.


    She wanted to wait for Lucien, like the fifteen¨Cyear¨Cold girl who once waited by the door in winter, hoping someone¨Canyone -would remember she was there


    Time passed slowly. The estate was hushed, peaceful. Only the grandfather clock¡¯s ticking broke the silence, marking each minute¡¯s passing with patient resolve.


    When fatigue finally overcame her, Rileyy down gently on the couch, <i>her </i>delicate body curling into itself like a pup seckingfurt She closed her eyes, letting sleep pull be under


    That was the sight Lucien Duskgrave turned heine to


    The <b>Alphia </b>prices of sormridge stood quietly in the doorway, his keen eyes sweeping the rosa His grandmother <b>and </b>Mrs. Beck had clearly retired for the nigh


    Only Kiley restated¨Caming like a me kept turning past for hun


    bomething in has normally cold rapryssion saturd


    3.54 PM P P ?


    His footsteps lightened as he approached her.


    Finished


    Carefully, he leaned down, strong arms slipping under her shoulders and knees. She was so light, so breakable, as he lifted her against his chest.


    Lucien carried her up the staircase with slow, sure steps. At the bedroom door, he paused, then gentlyid her on the bed. His hands drew the covers over her like handling fine silk, each movement measured and quiet.


    ¡°Miss Riley,¡± he murmured lowly, a ghost of warmth in his voice, ¡°may you have a good dream tonight.¡±


    Then he turned, tall and silent as a shadow, and left the room¨Cclosing the door with barely a click.


    But Lucien didn¡¯t return to his own quarters.


    Instead, he walked down the hall to the study, his long legs swift, his posture sharp with purpose. He sat at his heavy desk, flicked on themp, and the glow lit up the cold nes of his face.


    He began reviewing the documents waiting for him¨Cpack affairs, trade routes, court reports. The only sound in the room was the faint scrape of pen on parchment.


    Fifteen minutester, the silence shattered with a sharp ring.


    He answered at once. ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°Alpha Prince,¡± came Duke¡¯s voice from the other end, tight with urgency. ¡°I spotted Maddox.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    After dropping Lucien off, Duke had driven toward his own den. On the way, he remembered he¡¯d run out of cigars. He pulled over to a corner shop¨Cand there, in a shadowy alley, he heard a soft, broken groan.


    Drawn by the sound, he followed it, turning into the alleyway. Under the dim pack lights, he found Maddox copsed in a pool of blood, face swollen, ribs jutting out, a picture of misery.


    Earlier that day, Caelum Knox had already ryed Maddox¡¯s vile threats and taunts to Lucien. Duke had been there. They had both heard what Maddox dared say to Riley.


    Now, seeing him half¨Cdead and discarded like trash, Duke hesitated only for a second before calling Lucien.


    Lucien¡¯s voice dropped in temperature, like frostyering a de. ¡°Take him to the pack hospital. Don¡¯t let him die.¡±


    Duke paused. ¡°You want him¡­ alive?¡±


    ¡°Alive,¡± Lucien repeated. ¡°But don¡¯t let him live well.¡±


    A chill crawled down Duke¡¯s spine.


    Then Lucien added lips curving into something cold and inhuman. ¡°His legs are gone anyway. No point keeping them. <b>Have </b>the medics amputate.


    Duke froze


    Even over the call the silence rang louder than thunder. The very suggestion made his stomach twist


    Still, far lowed his head instinctively ¡°Understood. Alpha


    He hung up


    In the study. Lucien remained motioniras staring into the shadows beyond the <b>Lamps </b>glow His expression was unreadable- but share us these <b>storn </b>colored eyes fury sunnered Fury as puse for what had been dose to Baley but for what Maddas repreared


    A man t¨¹r Maddox didn¡®) deserve the cry of a clean dril


    He would suffer

 in Vengeance 194

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Finished


    Although Maddox¡¯s legs had been broken, if given proper treatment and time, his werewolf regeneration would have allowed a full recovery.


    But fate had a crueler n for him tonight.


    No one knew who had found Maddox¨Cnor who had beaten him so savagely hey barely alive. Had Duke not arrived in time, the rogue alley rats might have been feasting on his carcass by dawn.


    After hanging up the call, Duke obeyed Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s order without hesitation, arranging for Maddox to be discreetly moved to a private facility under Stormridge Pack control.


    Meanwhile, the one responsible for turning Maddox into a broken mess was calmly shedding her bloodstained gloves and ck coat in a shadowed alley nearby. Every move Carmen made was clinical, deliberate¨Cdevoid of emotion.


    She struck a match.


    The sharp hiss of fire filled the silence.


    The fabric curled and ckened instantly as mes devoured the bloodstained evidence. The firelight danced across Carmen¡¯s face¨Can expressionless mask carved from ice and shadows.


    She was pale, cold, stunning.


    There was nothing soft about her beauty. It was refined like a de¨Csharp, ruthless, and dangerous to touch. Her eyes were deep voids, her lips unmoving, her posture erect beneath a ckbat jacket that clung to a figure made for speed and death. She looked less like a girl and more like a weapon forged under a blood moon.


    Only once the mes had reduced everything to ash did the heat inside her chest finally cool.


    So why had she done it?.


    The answery an hour in the past<b>. </b>


    It was Friday evening. With the weekend approaching, Mooncrest fell into a lull. Mia¨Cwho had been fully absorbed in caring for Riley for weeks¨Cfinally carved out time to see her own daughter.


    They met at Moonshadow Tavern, a wolf¨Cowned wild¨Cgame restaurant near the edge of Stormridge territory, known for rare meat and blood¨Cinfused wine.


    Carmen sat across froin her mother, tearing into seared venison as she casually inquired about Riley¨Cher beloved ¡°sister.¡±


    Mia¡¯s expression softened <b>as </b>she spoke. She told of Lucien¡¯s quiet protectiveness, Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s approval, Mrs. Beck¡¯s careful tending Riley had finally found somewhere to feel <b>safe</b>.


    And Carmen felt her tightly coiled nerves begin to loosen.


    But then Mia spoke of the findings Caelum Knox had uncovered.


    About Maddox


    About the humiliation, betrayal, and selfish cruelty he had inflicted on Riley for years.


    The chopsticks th Carmen¡¯s hand snapped in half.


    A chilling silence fell over the table.


    Her expression never changed. But her blood boiled


    Anyone who had ever hurt Riley¨Canyone¨Cwas already dead in Carmen¡¯s mind. Their bodies just hadn¡¯t caught up <b>yet </b>


    354 PM P P


    Fate, it seemed, agreed.


    As Carmen walked out of the tavern, the scent hit her nose before her eyes caught up.


    Maddox<b>. </b>


    In a wheelchair. Slowly wheeling past the window, too broken and too arrogant to realize death was stalking him.


    It was destiny.


    ¡°Mom, Dean just messaged me,¡± she lied. ¡°Urgent notice from Ashmoor Academy. I¡¯ll stay in the dorms tonight.¡±


    Mia, none the wiser, nodded in concern. Carmen kissed her cheek, then vanished into the shadows.


    She tailed Maddox quietly.


    Once the streets emptied, she struck.


    A sack went over his upper body. Her fists followed.


    He screamed. She didn¡¯t stop.


    Finished


    She dragged him into the filth¨Cridden alley like trash. Found a jagged stone. Smashed it into his knees. Again. And again. Until the only sound left was the wet crunch of bones.


    By the time she was done, Maddox couldn¡¯t even whimper.


    Now, she stood beneath the flickeringmp at the end of the alley. Her long shadow stretched across the pavement. She exhaled slowly and pulled out her phone to summon a ride.


    Before she could press the button, headlights sliced through the night.


    She narrowed her eyes against the re.


    An obsidian¨Cck Porsche rolled to a slow, deliberate stop in front of her.


    The driver¡¯s door swung open.


    Out stepped a man in his early twenties, tall and lean, dressed in expensive streetwear. His tousled dark hair and crooked grin made him look like trouble wrapped in silk.


    ¡°Carmen,¡± he drawled, voice low and familiar. ¡°Waiting for a ride? Need a lift back to the manor or the academy?<b>¡± </b>


    Carmen stiffened.


    She knew that voice.


    Jace Hale.


    The smirking bastard who had once tried to pour whiskey down her throat at Silverfang Den. The same brat who¡¯d slurred about some heartbreak before tossing red wine across her chest when she refused to entertain his drunken nonsense


    A minor heir from a lesser Mooncrest¡¯s pack. Spoiled Reckless. Forgettable,


    He had no idea who she was <b>that </b>night


    But she remembered everything


    And if face dough she¡¯d let that gu


    He was a foul


    Not toni But Moun


    Very soud


    3:54 PM P P ?


    Carmen¡¯s expression didn¡¯t shift. Her gaze slid up to meet his, cold and unreadable.


    Then she smiled.


    And just like that, Jace¡¯s grin faltered.


    Because deep inside, something primal whispered that he¡¯d just looked a predator in the


    And it was already toote.

 in Vengeance 195

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Back at the Silverfang Den, Jace Hale had been surrounded by a few other Stormridge elites¨Cyoung wolves from powerful families, all drunk and arrogant. When Carmen refused toply with their demands, they began to get handsy.


    She was already prepared to smash a bottle over their heads when, unexpectedly, Duke stepped in.


    He looked sharp in his tailored suit, clearly not the average drunk in the bar. Sensing an opportunity, Carmen instantly shifted gears, adopting the guise of a delicate, helpless littlemb. The kind of girl a self¨Crighteous noble might want to save.


    That little performance bought her more than a getaway¨Cit gave her leverage.


    Sheter returned the umbre Duke had lent her, a small gestureced with calcted intention. That move aloneid the groundwork for the game she yed afterward, subtly leading him on while keeping her ws hidden.


    Carmen thought she¡¯d never have to cross paths with Jace Hale again. But fate had other ns.


    Every time she stepped outside the academy gates, it seemed, she¡¯d run into him or one of his cronies.


    Jace might have been too drunk to remember her from that night, but his friends certainly hadn¡¯t forgotten. They felt humiliated that she hadn¡¯t agreed to drink with them, and even more so after she¡¯d made a scene in public.


    So, when they spotted her again at a shopping mall, they pounced¨Cdragging her into a men¡¯s restroom, intending to ¡°teach her a lesson.¡±


    They had no idea who they were dealing with.


    By the time Carmen was done with them<b>, </b>one had a butterfly knife wound in his thigh, another had swallowed a toilet full of water<b>, </b>and thest was begging for his mother while she beat him with the bathroom mop until his nose broke.


    She¡¯d left them there like garbage, wiping her hands clean.


    The next day, however, those men somehow tracked down her name and school. They threatened her<b>, </b>saying if she didn¡¯t agree to apany them at the Den again, they¡¯d make sure she wouldn¡¯t survive another week in Mooncrest.


    Carmen didn¡¯t scare easily.


    They tried to corner her a third time¨Cthis time in a private booth lined with expensive liquor. Jace had leaned back in the plush seat, grinning arrogantly as he pointed to the fifty bottles before her.


    ¡°Drink all of these,¡± he sneered, ¡°and we¡¯ll call it even.¡±


    They expected her to panic. To cry. To beg.


    They didn¡¯t know Carmen.


    The second they let their guard down, she grabbed a bottle and smashed it across one of their heads. Blood sprayed, panic erupted. Then came the butterfly knife¨Cshing silver under the dim club lights.


    Before they could run, she had them drinking the rest of the liquor themselves<b>, </b>bottle after bottle, their faces pale and terrified


    ¡°Remember,¡± she whispered coldly, pressing the de to one of their necks, ¡°I¡¯m not someone you scare. I¡¯m someone you survive¨Cif you¡¯re lucky.¡±


    You want to report me to the authorities?¡± she added with a dark smile. ¡°Go ahead. Just be ready. Because when I¡¯m out. I won¡¯te for justice¨CI¡¯lle for blood.¡±


    What none of them knew was that these spoiled wolves were heirs to several of Mooncrest most powerful families. They were used to bullying others, never being bested¨Clet alone by a woman.


    And Carmen wasn¡¯t just any woman. She was chaos wrapped in silk, violence in high heels.


    3:54 PM P P .


    3 E


    Finished


    After being publicly beaten and privately threatened, those arrogant brats vanished. Not even a whisper of retaliation followed.


    Strangely enough, they developed a strange admiration for her.


    Privately, they began referring to her with something that sounded disturbingly like reverence: ¡°Alpha Carmen.¡±


    Now, standing under the cold glow of a streemp, Carmen flicked her butterfly knife in one hand with bored elegance as Jace Hale stepped out of his shy Porsche.


    He wore a charming grin, but Carmen saw right through it.


    ¡°Waiting for a ride?¡± he asked, shing teeth like he thought himself suave. ¡°Need a lift back to campus?¡±


    Her expression didn¡¯t change, but the de in her fingers spun faster, glinting under themplight.


    ¡°You here to start something,¡± she said tly, ¡°or just looking to die?¡±


    Jace stiffened.


    To be fair, he didn¡¯t exactly dislike Carmen. In fact, he was obsessed with her. That face¨Cso cold and sharp it could slice- drove him insane. And that temper? That explosive, unrestrained violence?


    Hotter than hell.


    Sure, she scared him. But she also thrilled him.


    Women in his world were all sugar and submission. Carmen was blood and fire.


    He chuckled nervously, hands raised in mock surrender. ¡°You¡¯re funny, Carmen. I just saw you standing alone. Thought I¡¯d offer a ride, is all.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± she murmured, not missing a beat as the de danced over her knuckles.


    ¡°Y¨Cyeah,¡± Jace stammered. ¡°Just being¡­ friendly.¡±


    Carmen tilted her head, her gaze like a dagger slicing through the lies on his tongue. ¡°Not nning to <b>ask </b>me to pour drinks for your rich friends again?¡±


    He paled. ¡°Of course not! I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    She stared him down for a moment longer, then, with a slow smirk<b>, </b>folded the knife shut and slid it back into her jacket.


    jace exhaled like he¡¯d been holding his breath underwater.


    Carmen didn¡¯t smile, but the corner of her mouth lifted¨Cjust a touch. Not warmth. Amusement, maybe. Or warning.


    ¡°Where are you headed?¡± Jace asked, still trying his luck.


    Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if gauging whether he was still full of shit.


    The night wind stirred her dark coat, and she stepped forward, each movement elegant, predatory.


    ¡°I don¡¯t ride with wolves who cry when they get scratched,¡± she murmured, then brushed past him and disappeared into the shadows, heels clicking softly behind her.


    Jace stood there a while, unsure whether he wanted to run¡­ or follow.


    One thing was clear.


    He¡¯d never met a wolf like her.

 in Vengeance 196

    Finished


    Jace trailed after Carmen for a while before she finally spoke, her voice as the moonlight on a winterke. ¡°Then drive me back to Ashmoor.¡±


    Jace, the notorious rich rogue of Mooncrest, immediately scrambled to open the car door for her, a half¨Ceager grin hanging on his face.


    Carmen had just lifted one foot to enter the car when a ck Maybach screeched to a halt in front of them.


    The passenger door was flung open, and a tall man in a dark suit leapt out like a shadow unchained. In the blink of an eye, he yanked Carmen behind him and threw a solid punch at Jace¡¯s face.


    Carmen blinked. Even she hadn¡¯t expected Duke to suddenly show up.


    Her pupils dted in surprise, but she quickly regainedposure, slipping once again into her cool, detached aura like a second skin.


    Jace, too stunned to react, took the punch square on his cheekbone. A dull crack echoed as Duke¡¯s fistnded with ruthless precision, the force snapping Jace¡¯s head to the side. A bruised flush bloomed immediately, deep violet spreading like rot under the skin.


    Reeling, Jace staggered back a few steps, nearly copsing.


    He steadied himself, panting, fury rising in his eyes. ¡°Who the hell are you?!¡±


    Duke said nothing. His thin lips remained pressed into a hard line, and a dangerous gleam lit up in his storm¨Cgrey eyes. Without hesitation, he drove another punch into Jace¡¯s gut.


    Jace let out a low groan, doubling over. His pride¡ªone nurtured by privilege and bloodline¨Cburned hotter than the pain. No oneid hands on the Mooncrest elite. No one, except Carmen. And now this bastard?


    He threw a kick at Duke¡¯s knee, teeth bared.


    Carmen, by now, had retreated a few steps and leaned leisurely against Duke¡¯s Maybach, arms crossed, watching the scuffle with mild interest.


    Jace¡¯s kick nevernded.


    Duke caught his ankle midair, twisted, and mmed him onto the pavement in one clean, brutal motion. The sound of impact echoed in the still night.


    Standing over him, Duke¡¯s voice <b>was </b>like a de¨Clow, cold, absolute. ¡°If you want your family to survive the season, stay the hell away from Carmen.¡±


    The wind picked up, lifting strands of Carmen¡¯s ink¨Cck hair as she studied Duke.


    Veins bulged along his neck, his jaw clenched tight, and the tension in his frame radiated power. The gold¨Crimmed sses on his face gave him a deceptive refinement, but his fists told another story¨Cone of violence, efficiency, and control.


    Carmen¡¯s eyes narrowed. One word popped into her mind: dangerous.


    She flicked a lock of hair around her fingerzily, her gaze traveling across the sharp cut of Duke¡¯s waistcoat and the lean muscle beneath.


    Wide shoulders. Tapered waist. Long legs. A wolf in schr¡¯s clothing.


    If she hadn¡¯t already known he batted for the other team, she might have been interested.


    Duke turned, his eyes locking with hers. For a moment, Carmen didn¡¯t shift her gaze. And Duke saw it¨Cthe sh of something far from the soft, helpless image she¡¯d once presented.


    No. This was not the same girl he¡¯d seen trembling outside the Silverfang Den, scared and desperate.


    3:54 PM P P.


    Finished


    He blinked. Was he imagining it?


    Carmen quickly noticed the change in his expression and dropped the mask. In the next heartbeat, her body tensed, eyes flicking downward, hands gripping the hem of her coat with practiced innocence. Her lips quivered ever so slightly, and her entire demeanor screamed vulnerability.


    Duke exhaled slowly.


    Must¡¯ve been the light. Or his imagination.


    He walked to her without a word, opened the door, and shoved her gently into the passenger seat. Then he circled around to the driver¡¯s side and slid in.


    Tires screeched against asphalt as they peeled away, leaving Jace lying on the curb, one hand over his bruised ribs.


    Watching the Maybach disappear, he wailed with theatrical despair.


    ¡°Carmen¨CYou said I¡¯m your little wolf! How could you ride off with the guy who just wrecked my face? That¡¯s so cold¡­ so


    cruel¡­!¡±


    Inside the car, silence stretched thin between Carmen and Duke.


    His hands were clenched around the steering wheel, his jaw tight.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be out thiste by yourself,¡± he said, voice clipped. ¡°You have any idea what would¡¯ve happened if I hadn¡¯t passed by?¡±


    ¡°No one asked you to stop,¡± she muttered under her breath.


    But Duke didn¡¯t hear it¨Cor pretended not to.


    ¡°This is the third time,¡± he ground out. ¡°First time at Silverfang Den¨Cyou were dragged into a booth with five drunk pack heirs. I pulled you out. Second time, back alley near Mooncrest Station¨Cif not for the patrol, who knows what those Rogues would¡¯ve done. And tonight? Carmen, are you trying to get yourself killed?¡±


    She turned her head to look out the window, lips pressed into a silent smile. The streetlights flickered past, one by one, reflecting in her eyes like slivers of cold moonlight.


    ¡°Some things,¡± she whispered, ¡°aren¡¯t as dangerous as they look¡±


    Duke¡¯s jaw ticked. He didn¡¯t understand her.


    He wasn¡¯t supposed to


    But that was the whole point.


    Carmen never wanted to be understood¨Conly underestimated. And that made her all the more lethal.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 197

    Duke spoke with a tone of lingering fear.


    Finished


    If he hadn¡¯t run into the injured Maddox earlier and rushed him to the healers, he would¡¯ve been home by now¨Cand wouldn¡¯t have arrived just in time to stop Carmen from being harassed.


    ¡°You¡¯re still a student at Ashmoor Academy. Do you have absolutely no sense of safety, walking around the streets alone thiste?¡±


    Carmen listened to his constant scolding with a cold expression. Her response was simple: ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Had she not known that Duke was close friends with Thoe Hale, she might¡¯ve actually thought better of him.


    But s.


    People flocked together for a reason. Anyone who could get along with someone like Theo Hale was no doubt just as untrustworthy.


    Duke frowned. He wasn¡¯t saying all of this to get a thank¨Cyou. He wanted her to understand that she shouldn¡¯t be wandering alone at night. It wasn¡¯t safe.


    He opened his mouth to say more but paused when he caught her reflection in the rearview mirror. Carmen had turned her head, her gaze fixed calmly on the fleeting lights outside the car window, her demeanor as distant as frost.


    The rest of the ride was silent.


    Eventually, the car pulled up in front of Ashmoor University of Technology¡¯s gates<b>. </b>


    The campus entrance was deserted, bathed in the faint glow of the old streemps. Therge iron gates were locked, and the light in the guard post was already out.


    Duke let out a sharp breath. ¡°Out.¡±


    Carmen didn¡¯t react to his attitude. She opened the car door without a word and walked straight toward the campus gates.


    Only to find them tightly shut.


    Her brows furrowed slightly.


    She hadn¡¯t realized she¡¯d missed curfew.


    Well then. Time to go home.


    She turned and began walking down the road, her long shadow stretching behind her under the streetlights.


    Duke remained seated in the car<b>, </b>watching her retreating figure with disbelief.


    She¡¯d rather walk all the way back alone than ask him for help?


    He was angry¨Cbut more than that, worried.


    It was already past eleven. What if she ran into trouble again?


    Duke cursed under his breath, started the engine, and slowly pulled up beside her. He rolled down the window,


    ¡°Get in.¡±


    Carmen kept walking ¡°I don¡¯t need your help.¡±


    He mmed his hand on the horn. The sharp honk pierced the night air and startled her.


    She turned, ring. ¡°Are you insane?!¡±


    PM


    Finished


    ¡°I should be asking you that!¡± Duke snapped back. ¡°You¡¯re a girl, walking alone at midnight? What if that bastard from earlier had done something to you? Even if you made it back to school, you¡¯re locked out. Were you nning to sleep on the sidewalk?!¡±


    Carmen stared at him with cool, steady eyes, her stubbornness unyielding.


    Duke met her gaze, his voice softening. ¡°Just get in. I¡¯ll take you wherever you need to go.¡±


    He was giving her a way out. No need to make things harder for herself.


    Besides, her house was over thirty kilometers away. If she walked, she¡¯d end up with blisters.


    Carmen finally got in. The rest of the ride passed in silence, save for a few directions she muttered now and then.


    Soon, they reached her home.


    A rural area, quiet and dark. Only the asional bark of a stray dog broke the stillness.


    But when she reached her gate, she realized¡ªit was locked.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± she muttered.


    Her mother wasn¡¯t home. She must have returned to the Duskgrave estate again.


    And in her rush to leave the dorm, Carmen hadn¡¯t brought her house key.


    Now her only option was a nearby motel¡ªexcept there wasn¡¯t one in the area.


    She looked up at the starless sky, utterly speechless.


    Duke, still in the car, saw her standing there with that defeated look on her face and couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t tell me¡­ you forgot your key on purpose, just to find an excuse toe home with me?<b>¡± </b>


    Carmen¡¯s face remained nk <b>as </b>she stared him down.


    Duke immediately regretted the joke. After what had nearly happenedst time<b>¨C</b>after how close he¡¯de to crossing a line -he knew she probably wanted nothing to do with him.


    He straightened up, all humor gone. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take you to <i>a </i>hotel.¡±


    Carmen didn¡¯t refuse.


    The ride felt heavier now.


    Carinen stared out the window, her face like still water. Streetlights slid across her features, casting fractured shadows.


    Duke nced at her <b>in </b>the mirror. Her expression was emotionless, cold. He sighed.


    Yeah. She <b>was </b>still scared of him after <bst </b>time.


    Understandable. She was <b>a </b>university student¨Cyoung, a bit na?ve, and probably not used to men who didn¡¯t know how to joke properly


    He made <i>a </i>silent promise to himself:


    No more thoughtless jokes.


    No more crossing lines.


    She already had enough trouble in her life. He didn¡¯t want to be one more.

 in Vengeance 198

    Finished


    Duke never would¡¯ve guessed that the only reason Carmen hadn¡¯t already made a move on him¡­. was because she mistakenly thought he was gay.


    The car pulled up outside a low¨Ckey yet refined inn near the edge of Mooncrest. Duke got out first, opened the passenger door for her, and escorted her inside to handle the check¨Cin personally.


    Once the room was arranged, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ck card he hadn¡¯t managed to give her thest time. He extended it toward her without hesitation.


    ¡°About what happened before¡­¡± Duke¡¯s voice was low and sincere, tinged with regret. ¡°I was out of line. This card¨Cit¡¯s a small gesture. I hope you¡¯ll ept it.¡±


    He kept his tone soft, non¨Cthreatening, but when Carmen hesitated, he forced the card into her hand.


    Carmen blinked, momentarily taken aback.


    She hadn¡¯t expected him to actually go through with it.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t need this,¡± she said coldly.


    But only she knew how much she needed that money.


    Still, an image had to be maintained¨Cher persona couldn¡¯t shatter so easily.


    When it was time to perform<b>, </b>she performed well.


    ¡°You take it.¡± She tried to hand it back.


    Duke had expected her to refuse. This girl¨Cstubborn and willful¨Cstill carried the untainted pride of a university student.


    A million credits? She turned it down without even blinking.


    It only made Duke see her in a better light.


    At least all the running around tonight hadn¡¯t been for nothing.


    He shoved her hand away. ¡°I said take it. If you don¡¯t want it, throw it in the trash.¡±


    His voice held a quiet dominance. His gaze was unyielding.


    ¡°It¡¯ste. Get some rest,¡± Duke said as he turned to leave, arching a brow at himself. In his mind, his performance just now had been perfect¨Ccold, cool, confident. Surely enough to leave a deep impression on the girl.


    He didn¡¯t realize Carmen was watching his retreating figure with a smirk dancing on her lips.


    Amused.


    She had one thought: Sp dumb. So clueless. But so fun.


    Just for being this entertaining, she¡¯d forgive the fact that he was friends with people like Kael Vale and Theo Hale.


    As long as he didn¡¯t mess with Riley, she¡¯d let him be.


    Feeling more than satisfied, Carmen tucked the card into her pocket like a precious trophy.


    Tomorrow, she¡¯d go find Riley and discuss their ns for leaving Mooncrest behind.


    Ber mother had told her that the Duskgrave wolves treated Riley well.


    But Carmen had learned¨Cnever trust men.


    Especially not rich, possessive Alphas.


    3:54 PM P P.


    Finished


    Today they doted on you like a goddess. Tomorrow, they could destroy you without blinking¨Ctaking back everything they once gave and more.


    Carmen knew: after what Riley had been through, she probably didn¡¯t trust men anymore either.


    That night, Carmen slept peacefully. No dreams.


    By the time the early sunlight touched the rooftops, she was already up and moving.


    Yesterday, her mother had given her the address of the Duskgrave estate.


    Her connection to Riley wasn¡¯t just sisterhood.


    For Riley, the entire Ebonw Pack had been nothing but cold faces and sharp tongues¡ªexcept for Mia, the old housekeeper.


    And Carmen.


    Carmen had once biked through a torrential rainstorm to deliver Riley¡¯s exam admission slip the morning of her Mooncrest Academy entrance exam. She¡¯d broken her wrist in the process.


    Because of that injury, Carmen¡¯s own Mooncrest Academy entrance exam had suffered. She missed the chance to get into Mooncrest Academy and insteadnded at Halston Academy.


    Riley had med herself for that for years.


    Neither Mia nor Carmen had owed her anything¨Cbut they¡¯d both treated her with real warmth.


    That was why, when the Ebonw wolves tried to use Mia and Carmen to threaten Riley after she got out of prison, she had kept silent, enduring everything, just to protect them.


    And for Carmen, Riley wasn¡¯t just a sister. She had been a mentor.


    Before Riley, Carmen¡¯s grades had been average at best.


    But with Riley¡¯s help¨Cpersonal tutoring, three years straight, through storms and hardship¨CCarmen rose to the top of her ss.


    From first year to third, she¡¯d ranked number one in the grade. Her academic awards lifted a massive financial burden off her mother¡¯s shoulders.


    Even when the wrist injury ruined her chances at Mooncrest, Riley hadn¡¯t given up on her.


    While in prison, Riley had asked her mother to pass down all three years¡® worth of her hand¨Cwritten notes to Carmen.


    Those notes had helped Carmen, despiteing from a regr high school, get into Ashomoor University¨Cone of the top- ranked universities in the city.


    Now, it was Carmen¡¯s turn to repay the favor.


    And for Riley, she¡¯d fight the entire world if needed.


    Send Gifts


    294

 in Vengeance 199

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Duskgrave Estate.


    TEM


    D


    Finished


    When Riley opened her eyes, she felt the disorientation of waking somewhere unfamiliar¡ªuntil the scent of night¨Cblooming roses and clean linen grounded her. She was in her room. Somehow, during the night, Lucien must have carried her up from the lounge.


    A flush crept up her neck.


    Ever since arriving at the Stormridge Pack¡¯s stronghold, it felt like all she¡¯d done was burden Lucien. He was an Alpha prince -untouchable, powerful, refined. And she was¡­ a fallen daughter of the Ebonw Pack, stripped of status and shadowed by betrayal.


    She wanted to repay him somehow. But what could she offer someone like Lucien Duskgrave?


    Riley exhaled slowly. No more debts. Today, she¡¯d do at least one thing for him.


    After washing up, she padded down the stairs. Before entering the kitchen, she cracked the vi¡¯s heavy front door open, allowing the fresh morning air to slip inside. If Duke or Caelum Knox arrived, she wouldn¡¯t hear the doorbell¨Cand she refused to miss their arrival again.


    The silence of her world was different now. It wasn¡¯t peaceful¡ªit was hollow. Every quiet moment felt like a reminder of what had been taken from her.


    So she focused on the only thing she could control: breakfast.


    Outside, Carmen stood at the gates of the Duskgrave estate.


    She lifted her eyes to the towering marble fa?ade, breath catching in her throat. The estate looked less like a home and more like a fortress carved from moonlight and stone¨Cits columns thick and ancient, its walls etched with sigils of dominance and Stormridge lineage.


    White roses sprawled in the front garden, their petals heavy with dew, each one as pristine and sharp¨Cedged as cut ss. The air smelled of wildflowers, old money, and the kind of power only a royal¨Cblooded Alpha couldmand.


    Carmen had never felt smaller. But she straightened her spine.


    Is Riley really okay in a ce like this<b>? </b>she wondered.


    She rang the bell.


    Nothing.


    Frowning, she hesitated¨Cthen pushed. The door creaked open.


    She stepped inside.


    The estate was silent except for the distant,forting aroma of congee simmering in bone broth. Following the scent, she reached the kitchen threshold and froze.


    There she <b>was</b>¨CRiley.


    Standing before the stove, back straight, sleeves rolled up<b>, </b>quietly stirring the pot as steam curled around her like a second


    skin.


    Riley, Carmen called softly


    No response.


    Carmen stepped closer, voice rising, ¡°Riley? It¡¯s me¨CCarmen.¡±


    3:54 PM P P.


    Still nothing.


    Finished


    Riley stirred the congee slowly, lost in rhythm, her entire focus on the small silver pot as though nothing else in the world existed.


    Carmen¡¯s heart pounded. Something was wrong.


    ¡°RILEY!¡± she yelled, voice bouncing off the marble walls.


    No reaction.


    But Carmen didn¡¯t miss it¡ªher wolf felt it. The stillness in Riley was wrong. Her body moved, but her ears¡­ did not.


    Her eyes widened. Riley couldn¡¯t hear her.


    Back at the infirmary, she¡¯d seemed fine. But now? The truth hit her like a de to the gut¨CRiley had gone deaf.


    Her nails dug into her palms as fury surged through her chest. Maddox. Kael Vale. Theo Hale. Scarlett. The whole cursed Ebonw lineage.


    What did they do to her?


    Then¨CRiley turned.


    Their eyes met.


    Her gaze lit with surprise, then warmth, and her mouth curved into a soft smile. ¡°Carmen? What are you doing here?¡±


    That single moment, that soft voice¨CCarmen¡¯s fury vanished beneath the wave of relief and affection.


    She forced a bright smile. ¡°Missed you. So I came.¡±


    But her gaze never left Riley¡¯s face. She studied every flicker of emotion, every twitch of the jaw, every shadow beneath her


    eyes.


    Riley¡¯s expression remained gentle <b>as </b>she reached for Carmen¡¯s hand, her touch warm and grounding. ¡°Come sit. The congee¡¯s almost ready.¡±


    She turned to guide her toward the living room, but Carmen held her ground.


    <b>¡°</b>I¡¯ll help in the kitchen.¡±


    Riley chuckled, a sound as soft <b>as </b>falling <b>ash</b>. ¡°The oil and smoke¨Cno need. I¡¯ve got it.¡±


    Carmen hesitated. She wasn¡¯t entirely convinced. Riley had heard her¨Chad responded to her. So had she imagined the earlier silence?


    Trying to sound casual, she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Seeing her persistence, Riley nodded and turned back to the pot, continuing to stir gently. ¡°Then you can fry a few eggs.¡±


    Carmen moved to the stove silently, still watching Riley with narrowed eyes.


    Something wasn¡¯t right. Her instincts told her the truth still hid beneath that calm expression, and Riley¡­ Riley had always been good at wearing masks.


    <b>But </b>if there was one thing Carmen <b>was </b>sure of¨Cit was that no matter what happened next, she would tear through anyone who dared to hurt the girl who once carried her books home in the rain and <b>gave </b>up everything to protect her.


    The wolves of Ebonw had buried Riley once. They wouldn¡¯t get a second chance.

 in Vengeance 200

    Carmen stepped back instinctively, moving to stand protectively behind Riley.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like eggs,¡± she said calmly, her voice t.


    Based on the past, Carmen knew Riley would usually respond gently¨Cperhaps ask what she¡¯d prefer to eat instead.


    But Riley only said, ¡°They¡¯re in the fridge.¡±


    A short answer. But itnded like a stone in Carmen¡¯s heart.


    Finished


    There was no warmth in it¨Conly detachment. And it confirmed Carmen¡¯s deepest suspicion: Riley couldn¡¯t hear her. She hadn¡¯t truly responded¨Cshe had read her lips.


    Her hearing was gone.


    Carmen¡¯s chest tightened with a surge of pain. If Riley had lost her hearing, it must¡¯ve happened in prison¡­ and Carmen couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of hell she must have endured inside.


    Her fists clenched at her sides, nails biting into her palms. Rage boiled in her blood like wildfire.


    Those who had hurt Riley¡ªKael Vale, Maddox, the rest of the Ebonw Pack¡ªthey didn¡¯t deserve mercy. They deserved to


    burn.


    Still holding her fury beneath the surface, Carmen moved to the fridge, retrieved some eggs, and set to work. The skillet hissed and crackled as the eggs hit the pan, releasing a rich aroma that soon filled the air.


    Behind her, Riley carefullydled thick, fragrant congee into a ceramic bowl. Her steps were quiet, but Carmen noticed the limp¨CRiley¡¯s gait was uneven, each movement a subtle wince.


    It was like watching someone tread barefoot over broken ss. Every step made Carmen¡¯s chest ache deeper.


    Then-


    A shriek shattered the quiet. ¡°You filthy bitch! What are you doing here?!¡±


    The next instant, the ceramic bowl slipped from Riley¡¯s hands, crashing to the floor in a stter of hot porridge and shards.


    Riley gasped, stumbling back.


    Carmen rushed from the kitchen, <b>eggs </b>still in hand, and what she <b>saw </b>ignited her fury.


    A heavily made¨Cup woman¨Cher <b>face </b>twisted in hatred¨C<b>was </b>lunging toward Riley with <b>her </b>hand raised.


    The porridge had sshed across Riley¡¯s wrist, leaving red scald marks. The pain etched across her face broke something in


    Carmen.


    And then¨Cshe snapped.


    Carmenunched forward with speed only a she¨Cwolf could possess. With the sizzling egg still hot from the pan, she mmed it against the woman¡¯s powdered <b>face</b>.


    A scream tore from the woman¡¯s throat¨Cshrill, feral, filled with disbelief.


    Boiling yolk and oil dripped down her cheeks, melting her makeup into grotesque smears.


    The woman staggered back, wing at her <b>face</b><b>. </b>Carmen didn¡¯t stop. <b>She </b>surged forward, grabbed a fistful of dyed hair, and drove her knee into the woman¡¯s ribs with deadly precision.


    The woman copsed to her knees with a thud


    Carmen¡¯s grip tightened. She forced the woman¡¯s face into the ruined congee and shattered porcin on the floor, grinding her down until the scent of blood filled the air.


    3:55 PM P P.


    The floor beneath her reeked of dominance, violence, justice.


    Finished


    The woman screamed, cursed, iled¡ªbut Carmen¡¯s stance was unmovable, her wolf raging beneath her skin, demanding retribution.


    ¡°Touch her again,¡± she growled low, voiceced with venom, ¡°and you¡¯ll be dining through a straw for the rest of your pathetic life.¡±


    Behind her, a man finally recovered from the shock. With fury in his eyes, he lifted a foot, aiming to kick Carmen off.


    But Riley moved first.


    Despite her pain, she stepped between them, raising her arm like a shield. Her voice rang out sharp andmanding: ¡°Alpha Duskcliff¨Cthis is the Duskgrave estate. Not your territory.¡±


    The man froze. His eyes burned as he stared at Riley like she was a ghost risen from his deepest nightmares.


    This was Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s father.


    He and his mate had just returned from their overseas tripst night¨Conly to learn that Lucien had thrown their beloved son into prison.


    It was a humiliation they couldn¡¯t swallow.


    They had rushed here at dawn, hoping to plead with Lucien for mercy.


    But thest person they expected to see¡­ was Riley.


    The name alone was a wound.


    She had turned their daughter, Tessa, into a vegetable. And now, she was free.


    During her five years in prison, they had sent pack members to torment her, hoping to break her spirit.


    Yet here she stood. Alive. Defiant.


    And their daughter¡¯s blood was still on her hands.


    Mrs. Duskcliff had snapped the moment she saw Riley.


    But she hadn¡¯t expected Carmen.


    A wild wolf with fire in her <b>eyes</b><b>. </b>


    Now, the mighty Duskcliff matriarch knelt in a puddle <b>of </b>steaming porridge and blood, her pride shattered, her body trembling.


    And Mr. Duskcliff¡¯s murderous gaze bore into Riley<b>, </b><b>as </b>though trying to resurrect the past and bury her with it again.


    But this time¡­. Riley didn¡¯t lower her eyes.


    This time¡­ she <b>wasn¡¯t </b>alone.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 201

    D


    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Mr. Duskcliff bared his teeth, fury radiating from every pore. ¡°You arrogant little bitch,¡± he snarled, voice low and venomous. ¡°Don¡¯t think walking out of prison means you¡¯ve escaped justice. You dared to harm my daughter¨Cnow you¡¯ll pay.¡±


    With that, he raised his hand to strike Riley across the face.


    Carmen turned her head sharply, horror shing through her eyes. ¡°If you touch her, I swear I¡¯ll rip that hand off!¡±


    But she was toote.


    Except¡­ the blow nevernded.


    Mr. Duskcliff¡¯s hand froze mid¨Cair¨Ccaught, held immobile by a muchrger hand.


    It wasn¡¯t by his own will that he stopped.


    Riley and Carmen both turned their eyes toward the figure behind him.


    There stood Lucien Duskgrave, dressed in nothing but a loose ck sleep shirt that hung open at the cor, exposing a lean, scarred corbone and part of his bare chest. His ink¨Cck hair was tousled, and yet he looked like the very embodiment of a highborn Alpha¨Cpowerful, untouchable.


    His aura hit the room like a storm rolling in over blood¨Csoaked ins.


    There was nothing soft about him. Only razor¨Csharp dominance, the silent snarl of a predator who didn¡¯t need to bare his teeth to make you bow.


    His deep, silver eyes locked on Mr. Duskcliff, glinting like ice under moonlight.


    Mr. Duskcliff grunted, trying to wrench his hand free. The veins in his neck bulged, his face turned a furious red¨Cbut he couldn¡¯t move an inch.


    Then¨Csnap.


    Lucien dislocated the arm with terrifying ease.


    A sharp scream tore from Mr. Duskcliff¡¯s throat as he crumpled to the ground, the limb hanging uselessly at his side.


    Above him, the chandelier cast stark shadows across Lucien¡¯s chiseled features. He looked down at Mr. Duskcliff as if he were nothing but carrion.


    In that moment, the man felt the cold grip of true fear wing up his spine.


    He opened his mouth, trying to stammer something¨Canything. ¡°L¨CLord Duskgrave¡­¡±


    But Lucien didn¡¯t even look at him.


    His attention had already shifted¨Cto Riley.


    In just a few strides, he was at her side.


    Without asking, he took her hand.


    The skin was pale, but marred now by angry, red scalding. The porridge had left a painful burn, and small blisters had started


    to rise


    Lucien¡¯s jaw clenched.


    He sat her down on the leather couch, his movements quick but careful.


    Just then, Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia stepped into the living room.


    3:55 PM <b>P </b>P


    The moment the Matriarch saw the burn on Riley¡¯s arm, her eyes darkened. ¡°What happened to her?!¡±


    Finished


    Mrs. Beck¡¯s breath hitched. Since the moment Riley had called her ¡°Mama,¡± she¡¯d treated the girl like her own¨Cgentle, loving, overly protective. A cough, a sneeze¨Cshe was always the first to worry.


    Now, seeing Riley injured so badly, she nearly lost herposure.


    Without a word, she rushed to get the medical kit.


    Mia spotted Carmen and blinked. ¡°Carmen? What are you doing here?¡±


    Her eyes then fell to the wreckage on the floor¨Cthe shards of shattered porcin, the spilled porridge, the woman trembling behind the couch, and the blood.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Carmen didn¡¯t hesitate. She told them everything¨Chow Mr. and Mrs. Duskcliff had barged in, how Mrs. Duskcliff had attacked Riley, and how she had defended her.


    By the end, Mia¡¯s eyes burned with disgust as she turned her re on the intruders.


    The Matriarch¡¯s cane mmed into the floor with a thunderous ¡°thud,¡± echoing through the dead¨Csilent room.


    ¡°You daree into my pack¡¯s home andy a hand on my grandson¡¯s mate?¡± Her voice was cold enough to freeze rivers. ¡°You think the Duskgrave name means nothing?!¡±


    Lucien was already tending to Riley¡¯s wound.


    He cradled her wrist gently in hisrge hand, his every movementced with concern and reverence. He applied the salve and bandaged it with tender precision.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± he asked, voice soft but taut.


    Riley looked up at him, her expression calm, unreadable. She shook her head.


    But he could feel her pain anyway. His jaw ticked. A storm brewed behind his eyes.


    The room remained still<b>¨C</b><b>so </b>still that one could hear the faint ticking of the old grandfather clock in the hall.


    All eyes were on Riley¨CMatriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, Mia, and Carmen. All of them stood like sentinels, encircling her in silent protection.


    As for Mr. and Mrs. Duskcliff, they stood off to the side, ignored, humiliated. The icy pressure of the pack¡¯s judgment hung over them like a de.


    Ten full minutes passed before Lucien finished tending to Riley.


    He closed the medical kit, slowly stood, and lifted his gaze.


    Now, he looked at them.


    Now, the storm arrived.


    His voice dropped low. Dangerous. Controlled. ¡°You better give me a reason I shouldn¡¯t tear you both limb from limb.¡±


    The fury wasn¡¯t loud¨Cit didn¡¯t need to be. It was felt. In the air. In the bones.


    Mr. Duskcliff¡¯s lips twisted. ¡°Lucien¨Cwe didn¡¯te to stir up trouble,¡± he growled through clenched teeth. ¡°We came for our son. For Ronan But when <b>we </b>saw her,¡± he gestured toward Riley with venom, ¡°the one who put our daughter in aa


    we lost our tempers.¡±


    He spat the next words.


    She deserves everything she got¡±


    3:55 PM P P ¡¤


    A beat passed. Then two.


    And then, Lucien smiled.


    It was the kind of smile wolves give before they tear out a throat.

 in Vengeance 202

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Lady Duskcliff didn¡¯t care anymore that her silk robes were torn, her hair wild, or that she looked like a deranged she¨Cwolf dragged through mud. Her eyes burned with desperation as she cried out, ¡°Alpha Duskgrave, that woman is nothing but a cunning little viper! Five years ago, she was just eighteen¨Cand already she tried to kill our daughter!¡±


    Her voice cracked with rage<i>. </i>


    ¡°And now she¡¯s using some despicable trick to seduce you! You mustn¡¯t be fooled!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Exactly!¡± Lord Duskcliff jumped in, his tone sharpening with indignation. ¡°We didn¡¯t hit her for no reason¨Cit was for vengeance, for Tessa! And also for you, Alpha. Think about it¡ªif word gets out that the heir to Stormridge is courting a former inmate¡­ what would that do to your standing?¡±


    The threat in his voice was thinly veiled.


    A warning wrapped in concern¨Cif Lucien continued to shield Riley, he would not hesitate to spread the scandal across every Alpha council and political gathering in the continent. Let the world whisper that the Duskgrave heir had fallen for a tainted she¨Cwolf. That he was mated to a traitor.


    But Lord Duskcliff had never understood Lucien Duskgrave.


    He had no idea that Lucien would rather let the world think he was impotent than let any woman get too close. That Lucien had long since silenced every whisper about his private life with calcted indifference.


    He cared nothing for appearances.


    And no one¨Cnot even an elder Alpha<b>¨C</b>could threaten him.


    Lucien¡¯s lips slowly curled into a cold smirk. It wasn¡¯t joy. It was mockery, razor¨Cedged and brutal. His silver eyes cut through the Duskcliffs like shards of ice, and his voice was a de wrapped in velvet.


    ¡°Lately, I¡¯ve been quite preupied with our East Ridge development,¡± he said casually. ¡°Almost forgot all about the Duskcliff Group.¡±


    At those words, both Lord and Lady Duskcliff froze.


    The arrogance, the condescension¨Cthey vanished from their faces like melting snow. The color drained from their skin. Their confidence cracked under the weight of dread.


    Lord Duskcliff¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°W¨Cwhat are you implying, Alpha?¡±


    Lucien didn¡¯t answer. He pulled out his phone from his pocket<b>, </b>elegant <b>as </b><b>ever</b>, and dialed.


    He said calmly to his assistant, ¡°begin full¨Cforce disruption of Duskcliff operations. Immediately.¡±


    The words struck like thunder.


    Lady Duskcliff gasped. Lord Duskcliff took a step back as if he¡¯d been physically struck, horror overtaking him.


    He couldn¡¯t believe it.


    Lucien Duskgrave had just dered war over a single woman.


    Did he not understand the scale of what he was doing?


    The Duskcliff Group had been rooted in Mooncrest for decades¨Cone of the most powerful corporations in the region. Their business stretched across every industry. Their legal, financial, and political reach was <b>vast</b>.


    But Lucien spoke of toppling them as if he were discussing afternoon tea Calm. Detached. Certain


    Because he could


    3:55 PM P P.


    Finished


    Lord Duskcliff had spent his life navigating the brutal hierarchies of the upper echelons. He knew exactly what the Duskgrave name meant. Stormridge wasn¡¯t just a pack. It was a dynasty. Ancient, ruthless, and untouchable. If Lucien gave the order, the pack¡¯s allies would move like silent wolves under moonlight¨Cclean, efficient, devastating.


    He tried onest desperate appeal. ¡°Alpha Duskgrave, we acted out of love for our daughter! Surely that¡¯s something even you can understand. Is Riley worth this¨Cthis war?¡±


    Lucien leaned back into the leather couch, his toneced with dangerous amusement. ¡°Love for your daughter?¡± he repeated softly, tasting the words as if they were bitter herbs.


    ¡°Then perhaps,¡± he said, ¡°you should be more interested in uncovering the truth, rather than falsely using the one person who¡¯s suffered the most.¡±


    Both Duskcliffs stared at him, struck dumb.


    ¡°What¡­ do you mean?¡± Lady Duskcliff asked, her voice brittle with confusion.


    Lucien exhaledzily, like a predator bored with a hunt. ¡°Your daughter, Tessa¨Cshe¡¯s awake.¡±


    The wordsnded like a lightning strike.


    Lady Duskcliff blinked rapidly, her breath catching. Lord Duskcliff staggered back half a step. The news left them reeling.


    But Lucien wasn¡¯t finished.


    He tilted his head, voice silk and steel. ¡°Though it seems your precious son¨CRonan¨Chas been hiding her. Perhaps you should visit the holding cells and ask your ¡®beloved boy¡® why that is.¡±


    Silence.


    Dense. Suffocating.


    The implications were too clear to ignore.


    If what Lucien said was true¨Cif Tessa had woken, and Ronan had kept it hidden¨Cthen everything they believed for five years had been a lie. Riley hadn¡¯t lured Tessa into the ck Forest. She hadn¡¯t fed her to the rogues. She had been framed.


    And they had punished an innocent girl.


    They¡¯d let Riley bleed in prison. Ordered beatings. Set traps. Turned a blind eye to every torment.


    The real culprit had gone free.


    Lady Duskcliff¡¯s voice broke the silence<b>, </b>wild and unraveling. She shook her head like a madwoman, eyes bloodshot. ¡°No! It was her! It had to be her!¡±


    Lucien¡¯s eyes narrowed, and in them danced a cold, murderous gleam.


    ¡°You have one day,¡± he said tly, ¡°to bring me the truth. In twenty¨Cfour hours, I expect you on your knees, begging for forgiveness at Riley¡¯s feet.¡±


    He stood, casting a shadow over them both. His power roared through the room like a storm wind.


    ¡°If I¡¯m satisfied,¡± he added, ¡°the Duskcliff name remains. If I¡¯m not¡­ then your empire ends.¡±


    His gaze cut like a de through the room.


    And with two final words, he dismissed them.


    ¡°Get Out


    The guards moved at once, herding the stunned and hollow¨Ceyed Duskcliffs toward the doors.


    As they stumbled out into the dark of night, they looked like ghosts¨Ctwo wolves who had once prowled at the top of the food chain, now shattered and humiliated.


    3:55 PM PP.


    And behind them, in the Duskgrave estate, the true Alpha returned to his mate¡¯s side. Silent. Watching. Waiting.


    Because war had already begun.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    294


    Finished


    355 PM P P.


    A Broken Alpha Heiress¡® Revenge

 in Vengeance 203

    Finished


    After leaving the Duskgrave estate battered and humiliated, Lord and Lady Duskcliff stopped by Mooncrest General Hospital to treat their wounds. But as soon as the gauze was wrapped and the blood wiped clean, they headed straight to the holding facility where their son, Ronan Duskcliff, awaited his fate.


    Inside the reinforced holding sector, the stale air pressed heavily on the lungs. Dim, flickering lights cast long shadows through the iron bars, painting the concrete with broken, uneven lines. The scent of metal, old blood, and desperation lingered like ghosts.


    Lord and Lady Duskcliff sat side by side outside the reinforced cell. The thick bars between them and their son felt like more than steel¨Cthey were a chasm carved by years of lies, pride, and the irreversible cost of blind vengeance.


    Ronan looked nothing like the heir of the ckmaw pack.


    His once¨Cgroomed hair hung in tangled tufts. Unshaven, his face bore the shadow of days unwashed. He was gaunt- shoulders,hunched, lips dry, eyes sunken. The former gleam of dominance, of cunning confidence, was gone. What remained was a hollow shell.


    Even they, who had raised him, had never seen their son so broken.


    Once, Ronan had been the pride of the ckmaw Pack.


    Sharp. Charismatic. A natural¨Cborn Alpha, Wherever he walked, attention followed. Strength in every step. But now?


    Now he looked like a wolf who¡¯d lost his bond to the moon.


    Lady Duskcliff¡¯s eyes filled with tears. Her voice trembled as she reached toward the bars, as if she could touch him through them.


    ¡°Ronan, how are you holding up in here?¡±


    Lord Duskcliff cleared his throat, his voice rougher butced with paternal pain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll get you out soon.¡±


    But Ronan couldn¡¯t meet their eyes.


    His gaze was fixed downward, expression right, breathing shallow.


    He was terrified they¡¯d ask.


    Ask about Tessa.


    And of course, they did.


    Barely a minute had passed before Lady Duskcliff leaned forward, voice tense with unspoken dread.


    ¡°Ronan¡­ tell me the truth. Did Tessa wake up?<b>¡± </b>


    His heart nearly stopped.


    He swallowed hard ¡°Ny¨Cshe didn¡¯t.¡±


    But his voice cracked. The lie was weak, thinner than air.


    Lady Duskcliff narrowed her eyes. She wasn¡¯t a fool ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. We were just at the Duskgrave estate Lucien said she¡¯s awake¨Cand that she cleared Riley¡¯s name. She said it herself¨CRiley didn¡¯t lure her into the ck Forest That attack wasn¡¯t her fault.¡±


    Hogan¡¯s face went bone white.


    He opened his mumal but no sound came out.


    T


    3:55 PM P <b>P </b>¡¤


    ¡°Is she awake?¡± Lord Duskcliff asked, his tone now sharp, direct, Alpha¨Clike. ¡°Is she awake, and did you hide her?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± Ronan stammered, trying to find an anchor in the flood of panic.


    Finished


    Even now, he was still trying to protect Scarlett. In his eyes, Scarlett had always been gentle, obedient, soft¨Cspoken¨Cthe perfect mate. He couldn¡¯t imagine her capable of leading Tessa into the cursed forest that night, of letting rogues tear into her and leave heratose.


    No. That wasn¡¯t the Scarlett he knew.


    So he had stopped Riley from digging into the past. He had hidden Tessa¨Cshipped her overseas under sedation¨Cand locked the truth away.


    Because if Tessa spoke?


    Scarlett would fall.


    And if Scarlett fell¡­ he¡¯d never be able to face Riley again.


    Because Ronan Duskcliff loved her.


    Even now, even after the prison, the scars, the broken bones. He loved her enough to ache when she averted her gaze. To burn when he saw Lucien stand by her side.


    Love, after all, <b>was </b>never rational.


    It was selfish.


    And he was selfish to the bone.


    But Lord Duskcliff <b>saw </b>through it all.


    He had raised this boy. He knew the look in his eyes¨Cthe flicker of guilt, the tremble of fear. He knew a lie when it stood trembling before him.


    ¡°We¡¯ll know the truth once we check the hospitals,¡± he said coldly. ¡°You think we won¡¯t find her? You think we¡¯ll just let this go?¡±


    Ronan fell silent.


    Because he knew the truth was already slipping out of his grasp.


    And when it did¨Cwhen Tessa pointed to Scarlett <b>as </b>the one who had led her to that cursed clearing near the ck Forest, where rogues prowled and shadows whispered¨Ceverything would copse


    Scarlett would face prison.


    Riley would be proven innocent.


    And Ronan? He would lose everything.


    He lowered his head pain cutting through every word. ¡°Yes. She¡¯s awake.<b>¡± </b>


    The admission cracked the silence like thunder.


    Lord and Lady Duskcliff froze.


    Relief and dread surged in equal measure.


    Their daughter their precious pup¨Chad survived. But that also meant. Lucien had told the truth And everything they had done to Piley¨Cevery punishment, every smear, every act of cruelty¨Chad been for nothing.


    No, worse than nothing


    They had hurt the wrong girl


    3:55 PM P P .


    Let the real threat walk free.


    Lady Duskcliff¡¯s lips parted, but she couldn¡¯t speak. Her throat was tight. Her eyes burned.


    She stared at her son through the iron bars, disbelieving.


    Ronan lowered his head even further, no longer able to look at either of them.


    He had betrayed Riley.


    He had lied for Scarlett.


    And now, everything was falling apart.

 in Vengeance 204

    $


    Finished


    Lord Duskcliff drew a steadying breath, forcing calm into his voice before asking again, ¡°Then tell me¨CTessa didn¡¯t say Riley was the one who harmed her?¡±


    Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s face turned pale. Memories flooded back: the chaos in the hospital, Riley¡¯s desperate attempts to dere her innocence, the confusion in her eyes¨Cher grief as deep as a fresh wound. He had ignored it all, even stopping Tessa from naming Scarlett as the assant.


    That image still throbbed in his chest, and guilt had be a physical ache.


    Ronan¡¯s voice emerged fractured and burdensome, every syble drenched in regret. ¡°No¡­ it wasn¡¯t Riley.¡±


    Lady Duskcliff¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Then who?¡± she demanded fiercely. ¡°Who had the heart to guide Tessa to the frost? If she hadn¡¯t been strong, she would¡¯ve died!¡±


    Ronan remained silent. He¡¯d grown up beside Scarlett; he knew her well enough to be certain she would never do such a cruel thing. It was more likely Tessa had slipped by ident¨CScarlett never intended harm. And as for Riley¡­ what had Riley even gained from confessing? She would have spent five more years behind bars, and yet she bore the weight withoutint.


    The truth Ronan buried wasn¡¯t Riley¡¯s silence¨Cit was everyone else¡¯s deception: Kael Vale fabricating evidence, the luna Zara of the Ebonw Pack deleting critical footage, Maddox¨Chis own defense attorney¨Cspinning lies, and Ronan himself refusing Riley a chance to speak her truth.


    All of them had pushed her into the abyss.


    Yet now, he med her for refusing to clean that abyss.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you tell us?¡± Lady Duskcliff shrieked, her voice raw with betrayal.


    Ronan stared down at the floor. He couldn¡¯t speak.


    Seeing Tessa¨Ca fragile girl, fragile for five long years¨Cheld in hospital beds, bits of herself fading after each day¡­ the rage in Lord Duskcliff¡¯s heart boiled over. He lurched forward, slipping his fingers through the irons and grabbing Ronan by the


    cor.


    ¡°Tell me! Tell the truth¨Cwho did this?¡± Lord Duskcliff demanded, eyes wild with anger.


    Ronan¡¯s silence only stoked the mes further.


    Then Lord Duskcliff struck. A flurry of blows rained down, each p branded with the weight of the family¡¯s broken heart.


    ¡°You ungrateful pup!¡± he hissed. ¡°Do you even care about your sister?¡±


    ¡°You know how much your mother and I fought just to keep you alive¨Cridiculed in the presence of the Duskgrave family- only because of you!¡±


    ¡°Alpha Lucien <b>gave </b>us one day. One day to prove the truth¨Cor the Duskcliff name copses!¡±


    Lord Duskcliff spat the words through clenched teeth ¡°And you still won¡¯t speak!¡±


    Tears streaked down Lady Duskcliff¡¯s face as she joined her husband, her voice trembling <b>between </b>mourning and pleading ¡°Boman. if you can tell me who did this.. just tell me where Tessa


    Ruman lowered tas brad further, grief and shathe shing in his eyes. Finally, has voice energed ragged and hollos ¡°Tessa. I acat her to jsemite sare tuary <b>in </b>Mnd¡±


    The wards echoed like a death knell


    ¡°Tator Lord Duski spet dropping his son. ¡°Tessa is your blood she wakes aftes Bve your want yous you seat her away! Do you even have a heart!


    He stood wer has sun, towering with fury ¡°Yum teed to pray she¡¯s safe Because if anything happen to her it won¡¯t be past


    <b>3:55 </b>PM P <b>P </b>?


    the Duskcliff name that dies. It¡¯ll be you.¡±


    Without another word, he turned to Lady Duskcliff.


    C


    ¡°Come. We go get her. I will look her in the eyes and ask¡­ who dared harm my cub. And they


    will pay.¡±


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>


    Finished


    Side by side, Lord and Lady Duskcliff¨Ccrossed the courtyard toward the waiting carriage, their rage burning hotter than the forged steel of Stormridge¡¯s pack gates.


    294

 in Vengeance 205

    Finished


    Ronan Duskcliff stared at the retreating backs of his parents, despair slowly drowning his eyes like an approaching storm.


    ¡°Scarlett didn¡¯t mean to¡­ I swear,¡± he murmured to himself.


    His legs gave out, and he slumped onto the cold iron bench, arms limp at his sides, eyes clouded with disorientation. Even now, he couldn¡¯t understand how everything had spiraled this far out of control.


    He had always believed he was protecting the pack¨Cmaintaining order, soothing Riley¡¯s growing hatred toward Scarlett.


    But in trying to suppress the fire, he had only fed it. Now Riley loathed him more than ever. And that lunatic Lucien Duskgrave was openly targeting him.


    He was supposed to be the heir of the mighty ckmaw Pack, the next Alpha of a legacy built in blood and honor. Now he sat caged like a rogue.


    His brows tightened further. If Riley hadn¡¯t stirred up trouble at Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s celebration, none of this would¡¯ve happened. He and Scarlett would still be safe, untouched.


    But that woman¡­ five years in prison had stripped her of all the softness he once remembered. She¡¯d be cold, unpredictable.


    He couldn¡¯t know¡ªcouldn¡¯t possibly imagine¨Chow much shame woulde with that belief once Tessa returned and the truth shattered everything he thought he knew.


    Every thoughtless word he had spoken in Scarlett¡¯s defense¡­ every silent betrayal of Riley¡­ would be knives. Knives that would drive deep into his own heart¨Crelentless, merciless.


    And the guilt¡­ would be eternal.


    Even if he fell to his knees one day, begging Riley for forgiveness, she wouldn¡¯t even spare him a nce.


    That kind of indifference¨Cof being discarded like nothing¨Cwould be worse than death itself.


    And yet, even now, Ronan Duskcliff clung stubbornly to his version of the story. As if none of it had been his fault.


    At the Duskgrave Estate, all eyes were locked onto Riley.


    Not a soul in the room tried to hide their concern. Even a minor burn on her wrist had sent a wave of unease rippling through the high¨Cranking wolves of the Stormridge Pack.


    Matriarch Duskgrave gripped Riley¡¯s wrist gently, her old but steady hands trembling with worry. ¡°Lucien,¡± she said firmly. ¡°take her to the pack infirmary. Now<b>.</b>¡±


    To Riley, such warmth was foreign. Bewildering


    But oh, how she longed to stay wrapped in it.


    The genuine concern, the affection that didn¡® demand something in return it seeped into the deepest cracks of her heart, tempting her to believe just for a moment¨Cthat she could belong here. That perhaps the rest of her life could be spent near dus fiercely protective Matriarch and Lucien


    But logic¨Ccold and ruthless¨Cstruck back like a bucket of ice water.


    Riley know


    ties she knew what datriarch Dusk grape truly waited for her to bond with Lucion. But Kiley¡¯s body, her soul had bera fractured beyond repair. She was no longer a whole woman, no longer a worthy make


    She can¡¯t be so sritish She condida can someone like Lasien Dakgave to the ribs of a dying wolf


    She poorly pulled back her act and spoke with quins sisty, ¡°Me I¡¯ve already treated the torts. It¡¯s nothing versus, tudy Plewer, dar trouble your


    Bus the sides would rebandum panded 14 wilver brows And gether ¡°But as a child, If i was you


    3:55 PM P P ?


    Finished


    regret not treating it properly. And your health¨Cgoddess above¨Cwe still haven¡¯t done a full diagnostic since your release. You¡¯re too thin. Pale. We must get it done.¡±


    Ever since learning of the horrors Riley endured in prison¨Cher injuries, the fact that she¡¯d lost a kidney¨CMatriarch Duskgrave had made Riley¡¯s health her constant worry. But the affairs of the


    ne Pack had dyed her ns again and again.


    Now that Lucien was finally home, she was determined not to wait any longer.


    Riley¡¯s eyes flickered with unease.


    Tent through with those tests¡­ the scars, the damage, the truth about


    She knew the Matriarch¡¯s concern was real. But if they her hearing loss¨Cnone of it could remain hidden.


    And she didn¡¯t want them to see her as weak. As a burden.


    ¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to disrupt this fragile peace, this beautiful illusion that she still had a ce in their world.


    ¡°I promise¡­ I¡¯m fine,¡± she said, firmer this time, her expression unwavering.


    Matriarch Duskgrave exhaled heavily, finally nodding¨Cthough her eyes remained stormy with reluctance.


    She reached out again, brushing her thumb gently over Riley¡¯s hand with motherly tenderness. ¡°If anything hurts¨Canything


    at all¨Cyou must tell me immediately, do you understand? You don¡¯t have to bear it alone anymore.¡±


    Riley nodded obediently. But her gaze dropped to the floor, veiling the shimmer of tears that had welled in her eyes.


    She would not let the Matriarch see her cry. She would not let this precious kindness be a burden for those who had given her sanctuary.


    When she raised her head again, the tears were gone¨Cswallowed by a resilient, gentle smile that warmed the hearts of those around her.


    Send <b>Gifts </b>


    294

 in Vengeance 206

    Riley¡¯s gaze swept slowly across the room, lingering on each face.


    In their eyes, she saw nothing but sincerity andpassion.


    Finished


    For the first time in a long while, a warmth bloomed quietly in her chest. In that fragile, fleeting moment, she dared to believe that perhaps the Moon Goddess hadn¡¯t been entirely cruel to her.


    Yes, fate had dealt her a bitter hand¨Cborn to a bloodline that abandoned her, cast into the cold shadows of pain and falsehood¨Cbut still¡­ she had found this. A circle of people who treated her with unguarded kindness.


    And that warmth¨Cso rare, so precious¨Cwas enough to shield her from the coldest winds of the world.


    A radiant, genuine smile broke across her face¨Clike sunlight after a long storm.


    Golden light spilled through the tall windows of the Duskgrave estate, casting a soft halo around her. The morning sun kissed her skin, bathing her in a gentle glow that made her look impossibly serene¨Chealthy, even.


    Matriarch Duskgrave watched her with a loving gaze. ¡°You must be hungry, child. Come, I¡¯ll make breakfast with Mrs. Beck and Mia.¡±


    She didn¡¯t wait for Riley¡¯s polite refusal¨Cshe simply rose to her feet and left with a decisive warmth, calling out to Carmen cheerfully, ¡°Come sit, dear. Spend some time with her.¡±


    The grand sitting room fell silent, leaving only three behind¨CRiley, Lucien Duskgrave, and Carmen.


    Carmen¡¯s thoughts were a storm¨Cchurning with urgency, anxiety, and questions. But Lucien¡¯s presence was like an invisible mountain pressing down on the room. Regal,manding, effortlessly dominant. The air around him hummed with power.


    She opened her mouth¨Cbut the words died before they reached her lips.


    Her eyes flicked toward Riley and quickly looked away again. Then she smiled sweetly and said, ¡°Riley, <b>I </b>saw the garden outside earlier¨Cthere are so many beautiful blooms. Will youe walk with me? I¡¯d love to see them up close<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    Kiley, unsuspecting, rose to her feet with a gentleugh and took Carmen¡¯s arm. ¡°You¡¯ll love them. Alpha Lucien had them specially selected and nted¨Ceach flower chosen for its bloom cycle and scent.¡±


    There was a lightness <b>in </b>her tone¨Ca subtie lift, unintentional but clear. She didn¡¯t say she adored him, didn¡¯t fawn. But in her words was a quiet admiration that could not be missed.


    Carmen¡¯s chest ¨¹ghtered.


    She nced sideways at Riley¡¯s soft expression, at the light flush on her cheeks, and her heart clenched with worry


    Condld i be Riley had fallen for him?


    Lucien Duskgrave was no doubt remarkalde¨Cpowerful,posed, devastatingly handsome¨Cbut Carmen¡¯s instincts screamed danger.


    Str dared a nce at the man himself


    He was seated, ne leg crossed eyes half¨Chdded as he watched the two when Not moving Not smiling


    But watching


    A predator waiting in steme


    Carmen strerred Thock was like a panther tracking prey. She forced herself to breads evenly, bet heart pounding


    bum and they surgeped in the garden did shat appresive weigh tally b


    Carmen reinased shaky best casing scary. Datgeous That man was dang The Kid sal who once marked


    3:55 PM P P ?


    Finished


    Before she could dwell on it further, Riley was already leading her between bursts of color. The flower beds stretched across the courtyard like a tapestry of wild beautyvender, moon¨Croses, sunthorn lilies, and nightshade bloom mingled in striking harmony. Their scents wove together into something so heady and lovely it made Carmen briefly forget where she


    was.


    Then, she stopped.


    ¡°Riley,¡± she said softly, voice grave.


    Riley turned, surprised by her serious tone. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to leave this ce?¡± Carmen asked, eyes filled with urgency and hope.


    Riley didn¡¯t answer immediately. Her smile faded, reced by quiet contemtion. A long silence settled between them, heavy with emotion.


    Carmen grew more anxious by the second.


    ¡°You asked me once¨Cat the hospital¨Cif I¡¯d ever thought of studying abroad. I didn¡¯t give you a real answer then, but I¡¯ll give you one now: Yes. I want to go. I need to go. But not without you. I want to leave this ce¡ªwith you and my mom. We could start over. A new life. One where the Ebonw Pack, the Duskcliffs, even Maddox¨Cthey won¡¯t be able to hurt you ever again.¡±


    Carmen looked around, lowered her voice, and added, ¡°I know the Duskgrave family has been good to you. I see that. But Riley¡­ those highblood families, theye with rules. With power ys. And that man¡­ Alpha Lucien¡­ he¡¯s not just some kind aristocrat.¡±


    She locked eyes with Riley.


    ¡°He¡¯s dangerous.<b>¡± </b>


    Riley had been watching her intently the whole time, lips pressed together, reading every word that passed from Carmen¡¯s mouth.


    She knew<i>. </i>


    She knew Carmen spoke from the heart.


    And she also knew Carmen wasn¡¯t wrong.


    The Duskgrave family owed her nothing. She had no blood ties to them. Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s matchmaking efforts were gentle but unmistakable. And Riley¡­ was painfully aware she didn¡¯t belong here forever.


    Lucien Duskgrave was brilliant Imposing. A king among wolves.


    And she¨Cscarred, maimed, half¨Chealed¨Cwas little more than a shadow of what she once was.


    He deserved more. Better.


    Not someone like her, broken in both body and soul


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 207

    Riley knew her condition all too well.


    She didn¡¯t have much time left.


    So why drag Lucien Duskgrave into the pit of her inevitable ending?


    W


    Finished


    There was no reason to entangle someone like him¨Can Alpha born under a silver moon, destined for greatness¨Cwith someone like her, flickering like a dying ember.


    ¡°I understand, Carmen,¡± she said softly, her voice carrying a depth of rity that only those who had made peace with death could possess.


    Carmen¡¯s eyes lit up immediately. ¡°Then¡­ you¡¯lle with me?¡±


    Upstairs. The embroidery room.


    The view of the garden below was perfect from here¨Cintentionally so.


    Lucien had insisted the embroidery room be ced right above the garden. He¡¯d said that when Riley grew tired of stitching, she could rest at the windowsill and breathe in the rich fragrance of the flowers below, the scent and view soothing her spirit.


    Now, Lucien Duskgrave stoodzily against the open window, his tall frame outlined by the gentle light of the overcast sky. His eyes followed every movement in the garden below¨Cevery step Riley took, every word she shared with Carmen.


    He listened.


    The shadows in his eyes deepened, and his brow arched slightly in intrigue.


    Well well¡­ Mia certainly raised a sharp one, he mused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.


    He had expected Riley to be approached by unworthy males with hidden intentions.


    He hadn¡¯t expected Carmen to be the one to whisk her away.


    Still, there was no fury in Lucien¡¯s posture. He remained utterly calm¨Calmost entertained¨Cas he listened.


    Then came Riley¡¯s answer:


    ¡°I I¡¯ll go with you¡±


    Carmen gasped ¡°Really?¡± she whispered in disbelief, joy spreading across her face like sunrise. She rushed forward and hugged Riley tightly, unable to hide her excitement. ¡°When do we leave? Tomorrow? I¡¯ll book the flight right now.¡±


    Riley couldn¡¯t hear Carmen¡¯s words, but she could read her lips and feel her emotions.


    Sull, she gently stepped back from the embrace, her gaze soft but unwavering.


    ¡°I said I¡¯ll go. BuL.¡±


    Carmen froze, sinile faltering. ¡°But what?¡±


    Riley hesitated. Her voice was lower now, hesitant, Isurdened I promised Alpha Lucien, I promised I would finish the Elegy of Putties for Matriarch Duskgrave¡±


    Stir luwred her eyes, guilt casting a shadow over her features. He spent twenty million credits to win the piece at her birthday aucun and because of my mistake Scarlets alreded it I need to make it right.¡±


    Cummin¡¯s barath caught


    had heard <b>about </b>the <b>incident </b>in on the full co


    at the cational <b>Ali </b>


    355 PM pp.


    #2


    Finished


    ¡°And Lucien Riley added, her voice barely above a whisper, ¡°He saved me When I had no one, when I was ready to end it all¨Che was there. That night when Gu Yilin woke up, I was ready to jump I would have, if he hadn¡¯t shown up¡±


    She didn¡¯t mention the two million credit vintage whiskey she¡¯d drank out of spite. Or the hospital bills be quietly paid afterward.


    Every kindness. Every debt.


    She carried them all


    Carmen¡¯s fists clenched as she swallowed a rising lump in her throat. She had never known Kiley hade that close to death


    If Lucien Duskgrave hadn¡¯t been there


    She didn¡¯t dare finish the thought.


    Quietly, she asked, ¡°Then after you finish repaying him, will youe with me?¡±


    Riley¡¯s answer came with a gentle smile, ¡°Yes¡±


    She had her skill now¨CMoonwave embroidery, a dying art reborn in her hands. That alone could sustain her in any country, in any city. Even across the sea, she would not fall to ruin again.


    Above, Lucien listened without moving, the smirk never leaving his face. His gaze was unreadable¨Clike ake at midnight, hiding what swam beneath.


    So, you¡¯ve made your n, little flower.


    You intend to vanish.


    But did I ever say you could leave me?


    His grandmother had already epted Riley as her future granddaughter¨Cinw.


    And the ring on Kiley¡¯s finger¨Cthe one his mother once wore was not a simple gesture.


    It was a vow


    You are mine, Kiley, Oath¨Cbound Soul touched. No one walks away from me.


    sull, Lucien made no move to confront her. He didn¡¯t need to.


    Let her try to run


    He¡¯d rather see hey realize on her own that even if she fled the Stormridge Pack, even if she crossed oceans¨Cher heart would find its way back to him


    The next morning


    Rain winspered against the windows of the Dusk grave estate, soft and steady, like a luby from the clouds. The gray sky filised through the ss casting a dum gentle light over the polished floors and quet halls


    Riley stirred from sleep he senses adjusting to the rhythm of raindrops and the muted hum of the estate awakening


    she moved through des morning rutine with quirt grace Washed Dressed Descended the grand staircase for breakfast where warmth and catre med be like old friends.


    Abes the head sip of his tea where to return to shur detyrus, sand already focused on thread and wi


    Bin pot dar erved.


    Warmrung Persi


    3:55 PM P P .


    Wrapped tightly around her wrist.


    Riley froze.


    That touch¨Csearing and electric¨Cignited every nerve


    senses.


    5


    Finished


    in her body. Her heart leapt violently in her chest as heat flooded her


    She turned, eyes wide with confusion and disbelief, and found herself face¨Cto¨Cface with the storm.


    Lucien Duskgrave.


    His eyes, silver¨Cflecked and dangerously calm, bore into hers.

 in Vengeance 208

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Finished


    Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s lips parted slightly, and the sound of his voice rolled through the air¨Clow, maic, edged with the kind of dominance only an Alpha prince could wield.


    ¡°Riley. Sit.¡±


    My heart skipped a beat.


    That one word¨CRileynded differently now. He didn¡¯t call me Miss Vale anymore. Somewhere along the way,¡± dropped the distance, the formality. What reced it was something warmer¡­. and far more dangerous.


    he¡¯d


    Every time he spoke to me now, it was with intention. He never let me hide. Always brought at him.


    me closer. Always made me look


    I swallowed. ¡°A¨CAlpha Lucien¡­¡® is something wrong?¡±


    He didn¡¯t look away. ¡°Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s parents just arrived¨Cwith Tessa.¡±


    The room went


    still.


    Thunder couldn¡¯t have hit harder.


    I felt the blood drain from my face, my lungs freezing mid¨Cbreath. After all these years¨Cfive years of silence, of waiting, of enduring¡ªthe moment had finallye.


    Caelum had already uncovered the truth. I had the facts<b>. </b>The evidence. But none of it mattered¡­ not until Tessa said it aloud.


    Tessa. The girl whose silence sentenced me.


    She was the only one who could free me now¡ªwith words that should¡¯ve been spoken five years ago.


    Lucien¡¯s hand found mine, grounding me. I let him guide me down beside him on the long leather sofa, my pulse drumming like war in my veins.


    He turned his head, voice calm andmand absolute. ¡°Mrs. Beck. Open the gate. Let them in.¡±


    Outside, past the wrought¨Ciron fence of the Duskgrave estate, I knew they were already standing there.


    Lady Duskcliff. Lord Duskcliff. Soaking in the cold rain.


    Tessa sat between them.


    They didn¡¯t run Didn¡¯t knock Didn¡¯t beg.


    They just stood there, letting the storm hit them, as if that could somehow wash away the blood on their hands.


    I¡¯d imagined this day a hundred times. A thousand. But not once did I picture them looking so¡­ hollow.


    Tessa sat in her wheelchair¨Cpale, quiet, stripped of all that arrogance she once wore like a crown Now, she looked like someone who had finally seen the wreckage of what she¡¯d done


    Mrs. Beck opened the door. Her voice was calm, polur. You maye in


    The Duskelfly jolted. As if her words carried more <b>power </b>than any alpha¡¯s howl


    and you say did mor


    Just yesterday twy were ready to shamar or again To strip me bars of diguay. Itury were still certain I was the vim


    Now!


    3:55 PM P P ¡¤


    Finished


    Now they knew.


    I hadn¡¯t hurt Tessa<b>. </b>


    I hadn¡¯t lured her into the Forest that night.


    I hadn¡¯t left her to bleed out under the ws of a rogue wolf.


    And I certainly hadn¡¯t earned the five years of torment they saw fit to deliver.


    Tessa¡¯s eyes flicked to her parents. Her voice, when it came, was steadier than mine would¡¯ve been. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We owe her that much.¡±


    She wheeled herself inside.


    Lady and Lord Duskcliff followed like ghosts, their shadows stretched long and broken behind them.


    When they finally stepped into the living room¨Cand saw me, sitting tall and still at Lucien¡¯s side¨Cit was like the floor was ripped out from under them.


    They dropped to their knees.


    Two Alpha¨Cborn wolves.


    Kneeling.


    ¡°For what we¡¯ve done¡­¡± Lord Duskcliff said, his voice cracking, ¡°Riley, we are sorry.¡±


    Lady Duskcliff sobbed. ¡°We thought you hurt Tessa.. We were wrong¡­ So wrong..¡±


    Tears ran down her face, soaking the cor of her coat. She looked older. Frailer. Like time itself had punished her in my ce.


    Maybe it had.


    But even then¨Cit wasn¡¯t enough.


    Not for what I¡¯d endured.


    I looked at them. My voice was steady, but there was fire beneath it.


    ¡°A single apology?¡± I asked. ¡°Is that all you brought me?¡±


    The silence was suffocating


    ¡°Do you think that makes up for what happened to me in that prison?¡±


    I stood slowly, the words wing their way up my throat. ¡°Every day, I was pped. Forced to kneel. Forced to drink <b>toilet </b>water like an animal. They stabbed me. Beat my legs until my bones shattered¡±


    Lady Duskcliff whimpered.


    Lord Duskcliff¡¯s head dropped even lower


    1 didn¡¯t stop


    ¡°Do you want to know who paid the guards to do that? Who bribed the inmates to make my life hell I stared dirently as Trosa. To talved Alpha Daskchiff And your baber Konan¡±


    Leckerbies were whate fuis clenched tight at his sides


    They even stul <b>a </b>kidney an for,¡± I used ¡°I went in brady Song Full of dreams. And i came out half check¡±


    Uit currydung My fundry My trendom May busty My diguity¡±


    Finished


    3:55 PM P P ?


    I could feel my voice breaking, cracking with years of buried pain. ¡°And now you think a single ¡®sorry¡® will fix that?¡±


    I turned away. The tears in my eyes weren¡¯t weakness. They were fury¨Cburning, vengeful, and pure.


    ¡°You destroyed me,¡± I whispered. ¡°All of you.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯ll carry that with you for the rest of your lives.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s hand found mine again, warm and firm. ¡°You don¡¯t have to forgive them,¡± he said, his voice low and rough.


    And I wouldn¡¯t.


    Not today.


    Not tomorrow.


    Maybe not ever.


    Because some wounds weren¡¯t meant to heal.


    And some scars were meant to be seen.

 in Vengeance 209

    Finished


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Each word from Riley Vale fell like a stone, and with every usation, Lord and Lady Duskcliff looked as though the weight of a mountain had been dropped onto their shoulders.


    Their faces turned even paler, lips trembling, desperation wing at their throats as they instinctively tried to defend themselves. But the words never came¨Cchoked back by the cruel, inescapable truth.


    Because the truth was this: Riley¡¯s permanent injuries were no ident.


    They had ordered it.


    They had orchestrated her suffering from the shadows.


    And now, guilt wed through their bones, devouring them alive. All they could do was look at her¨Ceyes pleading, full of regret¨Cas if praying she might give them one final chance.


    But forgiveness was not something Riley granted to those who had carved their names into her pain.


    The damage was done. No matter how sweetly they worded their remorse, no apology could erase the five hellish years she had survived behind bars<b>. </b>


    She was here, alive, sitting in front of the very wolves who had sentenced her to rot¨Cnot because of their mercy¡­


    ¡­but because of her own unbreakable will.


    She had wed her way through blood and torment, refusing to die beneath a false conviction.


    She had lived for this moment. For the truth.


    For vengeance.


    She wanted every lie burned away under moonlight. She wanted every coward and conspirator to be exposed. She wanted the ones who protected Scarlett Vale to feel their regret like a dagger twisting in their gut,


    And so, as Lord and Lady Duskcliff wept and begged for her forgiveness, Riley remained cold as winter frost.


    Without a flicker of hesitation, she reached down and rolled up her pant leg.


    The room <b>went </b>still


    There, in the quiet glow of Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s estate, her disfigured leg <b>was </b>revealed.


    ¡°This ing¡± she said, her voice low and calm¨Ctoo calm, ¡°was shattered during my third year in prison¡±


    Her left stan was twisted grotesquely, bones healed without alignment. A monstrous scar stretched across her skin, dark red and raised like a bloated centipede wrapped around her calf¨Cugly and cruel


    ¡°They bruken with six iron rods And no une gave me treatment. I screamed. I bled, I writhed on the floor while the guardsugard Whiir the other mummates watched <b>me </b>suffer like <b>an </b>animal¡±


    The story s her voice drepened.


    ¡°I <b>to </b>three and for it to begin braling Without a doctor Without even <b>a </b>snt.¡±


    Lord Dustrli copsed back to <b>the </b>ground, <b>as </b>it her words had struck harm in the bears Lady Dusk hat let out a broken VEK 4 Dab digguy so the tartale for


    baca a suge ss at Kibry¡¯s leg evealed the 4th tones bad never been at The Bature bad fused uslyyers of list what was wrapping and the damage l?rs gustempat vagy


    ¡°Ruby Lady Druskos base with tears web we was a We er hent expect forgiversas frust bet is


    3:56 PM PP.


    Finished


    atone. Please.¡±


    She dropped to her knees and lowered her head, mming her forehead into the floor in a painful, echoing thud. Her sobs tore through the room.


    ¡°Just give us a chance to pay for what we¡¯ve done.¡±


    Even Lord Duskcliff¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, ssy with tears he could no longer hold back.


    And Tessa¨CTessa of the ckmaw Pack¡ªstood frozen, tears spilling freely as she stared at Riley¡¯s leg. Her voice trembled.


    ¡°Riley¡­ it¡¯s my fault. If it hadn¡¯t been for me, none of this would¡¯ve happened. I¡¯m the one who should be begging for your forgiveness.¡±


    Riley closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in deep, dragging the centuries¨Cold rage back down into the cage of her chest.


    ¡°No,¡± she said, opening her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re not the one I me. You¡¯re a victim too.¡±


    She looked at Tessa, her voice heavy.


    ¡°But I need to know¨Con the day of Scarlett¡¯s Ascension Banquet¡­ what really happened?¡±


    Tessa¡¯s hands curled into fists at her sides. Mention of Scarlett Vale lit a ze of fury behind her eyes, but when she looked back at Riley, her expression was only sorrow.


    ¡°She was my best friend,¡± she said bitterly. ¡°And she tried to kill me.¡±


    The room was silent but for the sound of rain beyond the windows.


    Lucien stood still, jaw clenched. Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia looked stunned and pale. Even they hadn¡¯t heard what had truly happened that night.


    And as Tessa spoke¨Cdescribing the events of that cursed night five years ago¨CLord and Lady Duskcliff, despite having already learned the truth, could not stop trembling.


    The facts were undeniable. And they were horrifying


    Scarlett Vale and Alpha ric had not nned for Tessa to be harmed that night.


    Their original target¡­ had always been Riley.


    Their n had been to stage a grand ¡°ident¡± during the banquet. To injure Riley publicly¨Cseverely enough to justify a hospital transfer.


    Once there, no matter the extent of her injuries, the Ebonw Pack¡¯s n was to dere her brain¨Cdead.


    Alpha ric, as her legal guardian, would then sign the organ donation forms himself


    Their gual?


    To harvest both of Riley¡¯s kidneys for Scarlett


    And it didn¡¯t end there


    Her heart. Her liver Her eyes. Every viable organ would¡¯ve been stripped from her body¨Cwhile she was still technically alive.


    Kiley sat fruar


    titan trad always saxpected that Scarlet and Alpha ric were after her kidney. But this thus was something else


    This was stupider maparrading as tragedy.


    That was premeditated murder


    Lier hands tredded fixen <i>fra </i>fran rage that pudest likeva itwough ber YENIA.


    D


    3:56 PM P P .


    Finished


    She looked at Lucien, whose eyes were molten gold, barely holding back the beast inside him. His ws had unsheathed.


    Lady Duskgrave stood in silence, expression like carved stone.


    Mrs. Beck covered her mouth.


    Mia wept.


    No one in the room spoke.


    Because what Scarlett and Alpha ric had done¡­


    Was monstrous.


    And Riley?


    Riley was supposed to be their sacrifice.


    Their offering.


    Their spare parts.


    <b>Send </b><b>Gifts </b>

 in Vengeance 210

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Finished


    ric¡¯s ambition knew no bounds. He didn¡¯t just want my kidneys¨Che nned to donate my entire body after death, have meid out on some cold b as a cadaver for medical students, wrapped in the lie of altruism.


    And the timing was perfect for his performance. That night¨CScarlett¡¯s Ascension-


    there. Every Alpha, Luna, Beta, and councilman witnessed it firsthand: Alpha t the entire Mooncrest elite was


    His daughter, Scarlett, would be saved from kidney failure.


    He¡¯d beuded as a hero.


    A ¡°noble father.¡± A ¡°phnthropic Alpha.¡±


    ¡°selfless


    sacrifice.¡±


    His image would skyrocket, and the Vale Group¡¯s grip over Mooncrest would tighten. The shareholders would eat it up- every drop of it. Then he¡¯d turn that favor into pressure. Use them to force Luna Zara into handing over her shares.


    Once he had that, once the pack¡¯s heart and finances were under his thumb, he could break her mind, piece by piece. And the world would only pity him more¨Ca tragic, devoted mate who stood by his Luna through her descent into madness.


    Eventually, she would die.


    And Elira ckthorn¨CScarlett¡¯s mother¨Cwould take her ce at his side.


    Kael? He was never part of the endgame. Talented or not, ric nned to cut him outpletely. Every drop of inheritance would go to Elira, Scarlett, and the bastard child he kept overseas.


    Kael would work himself to the bone for the Vale name¡­ and never see a single coin for it.


    That was the brilliance of ric¡¯s scheme¨Cfive birds with one blood¨Csoaked stone:


    Save Scarlett.


    Be a legend.


    Shatter Zara.


    im Elira.


    Erase Kacl.


    And the best part? I was supposed to die for it.


    It would¡¯ve worked too¡ªif not for Tessa


    That night the banquet was crowded beyond belief. She hated the press of bodies, the scent of wine and sweat, so she snuck upstairs to find an emply restroom.


    She wasn¡¯t meant to bear anything


    But she did


    Every word


    Scaricu ry. Their whispered n to lead me to ¡°adental brain death, sign off the paperwork<b>, </b>and carve my busty sport in trupi of the whole damo cary under the banner of science and sacribire


    Thans mares i <b>ped </b>the say have been gentle even natte aurat that gut, she beard enough to know whes thing bared car spes


    She pushed


    3:56 PM P P.


    Finished


    Scarlett noticed.


    And so, Tessa had to die.


    Scarlett lured her into the ck Forest with some excuse, some sweet lie¨Cand when they got deep enough, the Rogues sprang the trap. She¡¯d had them waiting there for hours. It was Elira who covered the scene, dousing the air in a rare alchemical tincture to mask the real scent trail¡­ and redirect it to me.


    Everything would¡¯ve gone as nned, if Tessa hadn¡¯t dropped that earring.


    Alimited edition one¨CKael¡¯s gift.


    And if they hadn¡¯t forgotten the surveince camera tucked high in the trees near the southern ridge.


    But ric didn¡¯t care.


    He had faith.


    He believed Zara and Kael were just blind enough¨Cjust loyal enough¡ªto ignore every red g. That all he needed were a few carefully ced words¡­ or better yet, a few of Scarlett¡¯s tears.


    And gods help me, he <b>was </b>right.


    That¡¯s all it took.


    One trembling sob, and my own blood offered me up like amb to the ughter.


    It wasughable.


    So Scarlett pointed her finger at me.


    And that, ironically, is what saved me.


    Had she not shifted the me so quickly, I would¡¯ve been pronounced brain¨Cdead within the hour. My organs harvested. My body dissected. A footnote in ric¡¯s legend.


    Instead. I was thrown in prison.


    Tried. Sentenced Locked away.


    Tomured.


    Humiliated.


    But I stayed alive.


    And that made all the difference.


    Because in that cell¨Ccused and spat on, starved and broken¨C4 still breathed.


    <b>In </b>the twisted, brutal maze of their lies, prison became my salvation. The lesser evil


    Because the other path? It was worse far far worse


    So when <b>i </b><b>finally </b>crawled out of that bell, the truth still clinging to my bones like dried blood. I emerged not whole bit


    And now, aiandling here in Lucien¡¯s Janor wish the sath burning through every le they ever buits, I shouls) feel triumphant


    But dush


    <b>Besmet </b>Bve years a day get ir ie chcia


    The screantang in slegs


    3:56 PM P P ?


    Or live screaming behind bars.


    0


    And now that I know everything¨Cevery betrayal, every de¨Cthey carved into my back¡­


    That¡¯s what hurts most of all.


    Finis

 in Vengeance 211

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I had hated the ckmaw Pack for five long years.


    But now, after hearing the truth, I couldn¡¯t even bring myself to resent them anymore.


    Because without Tessa, there would be no me standing here today.


    I had already died five years ago.


    My body had been hollowed out¨Cemptied of life.


    +8 Pearls


    What was left of me was meant to be ¡°donated¡± as a cadaver, preserved and prepared, so medical students could slice me open under the guise of education¡­


    So that Alpha ric could stand before the world as a selfless hero.


    His daughter would be cured of her kidney failure.


    His reputation as a great and noble Alpha would be set in stone for generations.


    How could I still hate the ckmaws after that?


    If not for Tessa, I wouldn¡¯t have survived at all.


    In the end, she took my ce in that twisted bargain, and in doing so¡­ she saved my life.


    I couldn¡¯t even bring myself to hate her parents.


    A sharp ache pierced through my chest, the kind that makes your vision blur and the world around you fade.


    I thought I had grown used to not being loved, after all the cruelty I had endured.


    But when the truth wasid bare before me, I realized I wasn¡¯t prepared for it.


    Alpha ric<b>¨C</b>my own father¨Chad been willing to carve me open and take what he needed, like I was nothing more than a vessel.


    He had thrown me into a filthy rogue settlement <b>as </b><b>a </b>child, leaving me to starve and fend for myself.


    When I was finally brought back to the Ebonw Pack, I was ignored, cast aside like I was invisible.


    Eighteen <b>years </b>of hardship, and he never once cared.


    And now, <b>even </b>after all of that, he still wanted my life.


    I was his blood. His daughter.


    How could a father be capable of such viciousness<b>? </b>


    What kind of darkness had raised Alpha ric into the kind of man who could ughter his own kin without a shred of mercy?


    What had I done so wrong that I had to be the sacrifice for this scheme?


    And for one fleeting moment, I was almost grateful.


    Orateful that he had abandoned me when <b>I </b><b>was </b>little.


    If I had grown up in the Ebonw Pack, would <b>I </b>have turned out like Scarlett¨Ccold, maniptive<b>, </b>and venomous<b>? </b>


    Or like Kael Vale¨Cblind and foolish<b>, </b>clinging to <b>false </b>loyalties?


    No. I didn¡¯t want to be cruel.


    12:24 <b>AM </b>P.


    0


    +8 Pearls


    I didn¡¯t want to <b>be </b>a fool.


    All I ever wanted was a simple life.


    Why was that so impossible to have?


    This conspiracy hadn¡¯t only destroyed my life¡ªit had dragged Tessa into a tragedy she never asked for, and it had brought endless grief to her family.


    In that instant, I stopped hating the ckmaws.


    In fact¡­ I felt like I owed them.


    They had once been a proud, happy family.


    Now, their daughter was no longer the same¨Cshe had awoken from years in aa, but her body was frail, her lifespan likely shortened.


    Their son had been ensnared by Scarlett¡¯s games and was now sitting in a detention cell.


    I wiped my tears, forcing myself to stand so I could go to Tessa¡¯s parents<b>. </b>


    But the moment I rose, a tearing pain ripped through my chest, my head spinning violently.


    My knees buckled, and I felt myself falling.


    ¡°Riley-!¡±


    The voices of Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia rang out in rm.


    The three elder women had been shaking with rage ever since Tessa had told her story, their eyes red from holding back


    tears.


    All of them reached out to <b>catch </b>me-


    But Lucien Duskgrave <b>was </b><b>faster</b><b>. </b>


    His arms swept me up before I hit the ground, his scent¨Cstormwinds and steel¨Cclosing around me like a shield.


    I tilted my head back to look <b>at </b>him, but my <b>tears </b>blurred everything.


    The harder I tried to see his face<b>, </b>the harder the tears fell.


    ¡°Lucien¡­¡± My voice came out raw<b>, </b><b>as </b>if it didn¡¯t even belong to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± His <b>gaze </b>locked on mine<b>, </b><b>steady </b>and unshakable.


    ¡°My heart. it hurts<b>.</b>¡±


    Five words.


    Yet theynded like a de in his chest<b>. </b>


    It was the first time I had ever told him I was in pain.


    Not even that night I drank myself to the hospital had I said it.


    Not when Caelum Knox unearthed the truth about my <b>past</b>.


    But now<i>¡­ </i>it spilled out of me, and I couldn¡¯t stop it.


    Lucien brushed away my tears with his thumb, his eyes holding mine with unyielding certainty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Whatever you decide to do, I will stand behind you¨Cno questions, no hesitation. You will never need <b>to </b>look over your shoulder again.¡±


    12:24 <b>AM </b>PS


    +8 Pearls


    I understood what he meant.


    And that understanding broke the dam inside me.


    For the first time, I didn¡¯t want to hold myself back.


    I threw my arms around his waist, burying my face in the warmth of his chest, whispering over and over, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    If it weren¡¯t for him, I wouldn¡¯t have survived this far.


    Without Lucien, I might have been destroyed by the Ebonw Pack long before the truth ever surfaced.


    The sound of my sobs filled the entire room.


    I could feel the emotions ripple through everyone there¨CTessa¡¯s parents included.


    Dyskcliff and his mate¡¯s eyes glistened with unspoken grief.


    Their daughter had taken the blow meant for me, and they had already taken their vengeance once.


    But looking at me now, they couldn¡¯t summon hatred.


    Not for someone whose life had been nothing but cruelty and loss.


    It was a long time before the tears finally stopped.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 212

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Outside the estate gates, a deep, practiced voice suddenly called out.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien, are you home? I¡¯m Scarlett¡¯s father¨CAlpha ric. I came here to personallypensate you for the embroidery that was destroyed.¡±


    +8 Pearl¡¯s


    Alpha ric¡¯s lower body was useless now, his oncemanding frame confined to a wheelchair. Caden ckthorn stood behind him, pushing him forward with steady, deliberate steps.


    The money in ric¡¯s hands had been scraped together from selling thest property under his own name.


    In truth, he shouldn¡¯t have needed to part with it at all¡ªevery coin and asset he¡¯d owned had long been transferred into Elira¡¯s name. If she wished, she could have easily released enough to smooth the path for Scarlett.


    But Elira was a woman of calcted greed. Once something entered her grasp, she never gave it back.


    When she learned that Alpha ric still had a property in his name, she had leaned close, her voice dripping with persuasion.


    ¡°ric<b>¡­ </b>once Scarlett <b>is </b>free, the three of us will leave Mooncrest behind and head overseas to join our son. That property will be of no use to us then. Better to sell it now¨Csecure her release¨Cand when she walks out, we¡¯ll board the first ne. Won¡¯t that be perfect?¡±


    ric hadn¡¯t even thought twice before agreeing.


    When Elira received the news, she had been so pleased she celebrated with Caden in the back seat of a car in the hospital parking lot.


    It was thest drop of value wrung out of Alpha ric.


    No money, no home¨Cnothing left.


    Once they left the country, he would be left to wander the streets until the end of his days.


    A fool to the very <bst</b><b>. </b>


    And now, <b>that </b>sarne fool¨Cshuffled around like a pawn¨Cwas being driven by Caden to the Duskgrave estate.


    ric¡¯s n <b>was </b>simple: pay the full <b>value </b>for the shredded National Bloom¨Ctwo million¨Cand ask Lucien Duskgrave to release Scarlett.


    Just a little longer, Scarlett, he thought. Your father is about to bring you home..


    He clung to that fantasy<b>, </b>a smug smile creeping onto his <b>face</b>.


    After all, who could resist the lure of gold?


    In his mind, Lucien¡¯s anger was <b>easy </b>to exin¨CScarlett had disrupted Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s birthday banquet, embarrassing him in front of the elite. But an Alpha prince was still a businessman, and businessmen always loved profit.


    Once the money was in his hands, surely Lucien would let Scarlet go.


    And when they were safely overseas, ric intended to hire someone to sabotage Lucien¡¯s East Ridge project¨Cmake him bleed everyst coin until he was ruined.


    ric was <b>never </b>the kind to forgive and forget. Anyone who crossed him had to pay in pain.


    His self¨Csatisfied smirk had barely formed when another car came tearing up the drive<b>, </b>screeching to a halt behind Caden¡¯s.


    The door was flung open, and a woman burst out¨Cbandages wrapped around one eye, moving like a beast gone mad.


    Her one remaining eye burned with venomous fury, locking onto Alpha ric the way a viper marks its prey.


    +8 Pearls


    ¡°ALERIC-!¡±


    Her roar tore through the air as she closed the distance and, without warning, delivered a resounding p that cracked against his face.


    ¡°You murdered my father, sent Kael Vale to prison, and stole Riley from me! And now¨Cyou dare sell the house I gave you to save that bastard¨Cborn whelp of a mistress? I¡¯ll tear you apart!¡±


    It was Luna Zara¨Cthough now she looked nothing like the poised Luna she once was. Dressed in a hospital gown, skin as pale as ash, her empty eye socket wept fresh blood, staining the gauze crimson.


    Her entire face was twisted with rage, a creature risen from the depths of the Underworld.


    She wed at ric, nails like talons raking bloody lines across his cheeks.


    Trapped in his chair, ric couldn¡¯t move fast enough to avoid her.


    ¡°Caden! Pull this lunatic off me!¡± he barked.


    Caden, Scarlett¡¯s biological father, lunged forward. The deal to save his daughter was finally within reach¨Che couldn¡¯t allow Luna Zara to ruin it.


    But before his hand could close on her arm, arger, stronger hand caught his wrist in a crushing grip.


    Caden¡¯s head snapped up¨Conly to meet the cold, hard gaze of Theo.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡± Caden demanded.


    Theo¡¯s presence wasn¡¯t coincidence.


    When Luna Zara had discovered ric leaving the hospital, she had been desperate to follow. Theo had been the one to drive her, tailing ric¡¯s car all the way to the Duskgrave estate.


    And Theo¡¯s eyes now burned with disgust.


    Only yesterday, he had seen it¨CElira and Caden together in the back seat of a car in the hospital parking lot and had sex like beasts. The image had seared itself into his mind, leaving him frozen in disbelief at their betrayal.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 213

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    §ã


    ´º


    +8 Pearls


    The bitter feud between Luna Zara and Alpha ric had be the most talked¨Cabout scandal in Mooncrest Medical Center.


    In her fury and hunger for revenge, Luna Zara had dragged every sordid truth into the open¨Chow Alpha ric and Dean Elira ckthorn had been entangled for years, how Scarlett was not his true¨Cborn heir, and how Caden ckthorn¨Cric¡¯s ¡°driver¡°-was in fact Elira¡¯s own brother by blood.


    Theo Hale, however, knew nothing of Caden¡¯s true identity. He still believed the male to be Elira¡¯s actual younger brother.


    That was why, when he caught sight of the ¡°siblings¡± tangled together in such depravity inside a parked car, the sight had nearly stopped his heart. Disgust rose like bile in his throat, his wolf pacing and snarling within.


    Theo Hale was a male of unshakable principle, one who despised vitions of bloodlinew with every fiber of his being.


    mping a steel¨Cstrong grip on Caden ckthorn¡¯s arm, Theo didn¡¯t hesitate¨Chis fist drove forward in a brutal arc, connecting squarely with the Omega¡¯s face.


    The blownded with a sharp crack, and Caden¡¯s head snapped back as blood burst from his nose.


    Without breaking stride, Theo¡¯s leg whipped upward, his boot mming mercilessly into Caden¡¯s groin.


    A guttural cry tore from the Omega¡¯s throat. He crumpled, curling in on himself, both hands cupping the injury as his breath came in ragged gasps.


    Alpha ric¡¯s fury ignited instantly. He shoved Luna Zara aside, bellowing, ¡°Are you out <b>of </b>your damned mind?¡±


    Ignoring the w marks raked across his face, ric turned toward Caden with frantic urgency. ¡°Caden, are you hurt?¡±


    In his mind, Elira and Caden were bonded by a tragic sibling devotion¨Corphans from youth, surviving by relying on one another. He still clung to the romantic notion that Caden had sacrificed his own education, working from an early age so that Elira could finish her studies<b>. </b>


    If Elira <b>ever </b>learned that he had failed to protect her brother, she would be devastated. Scarlett, too, respected her uncle deeply¨Calways quoting the old saying, ¡°A mother¡¯s brother is second only to the father.¡± ric had agreed wholeheartedly.


    To him, Caden was a rare gem of a brother¨Cinw¨Cover forty<b>, </b>still single, having forsaken a mate and pups of his own for the sake of his <b>sister </b>and niece.


    Now, ric snarled at Theo Hale, his voice dripping with venom.


    ¡°If you¡¯ve damaged him¨Cif he can¡¯t sire pups <b>because </b>of you¨Cyou and I will have a reckoning you won¡¯t survive!¡±


    Theo¡¯s lips curled into something <b>that </b><b>wasn¡¯t </b>quite <b>a </b>smile. His gaze on ric was the kind one might give aplete fool.


    ¡°You still have the nerve to worry about him? I saw him rutting with your mate with my own eyes<b>. </b>Maybe worry about your own damn dignity first.


    At first, Alpha ric¡¯s mind rejected the usation outright. But something in his expression shifted, as if an unpleasant thought had taken rool, His <b>gaze </b>swung sharply toward Luna Zara, and the fury in his eyes burned hot enough to blister.


    ¡°You vile creature,¡± he spat. ¡°I should¡¯ve known no wolf from your bloodline could be trusted. I¡¯m away from the den handling the Ebonw Pack¡¯s affairs, and you¨Cunable to stand the loneliness¨Cdrugged Caden, taking advantage while he was half¨Cconscious to force yourself on him.¡±


    You¡¯re a disgrace. A she¨Cwolf who won¡¯t tend to her den or raise her pups, but runs off to rut like amon stray¨Cyou make <b>me </b>sick to look at.¡±


    Theo¡¯s jaw tightened, the sheer absurdity of the usation making his wolf bristle.


    Lunja Zara¡¯s chest heaved, her hands trembling as rage and regret tangled inside her. How had she ever been blind enough to choose this male¨Ca deceitful, venom¨Ctongued cur¨Cover her own pride? He had betrayed their bond, abandoned Riley to <b>an </b>orphanage, and then, with no shame, dragged home the little whelp sired with his mistress, forcing Zara to raise her for two


    12:24 <b>AM </b>


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    decades.


    And now he dared to twist the truth to paint her as the guilty one.


    ¡°ric, I¡¯ll tear you apart!¡± she snarled,unching herself toward him, ws shing.


    Before she could reach him, the heavy oak gates of the Duskgrave estate swung slowly open.


    Mia stepped out, her expression unreadable, voice cool as she said, ¡°Weren¡¯t you here to see Alpha Lucien?¡±


    The air outside froze, tension spiking.


    ric¡¯s eyes lit briefly with triumph. He tore Luna Zara¡¯s grasp from his sleeve¨Conly for his brows to knit when he realized it wasn¡¯t the Alpha Prince himself but a mere servant Mia.


    ¡°You old crone¨Cwhat are you doing here?¡± he sneered.


    Mia gave no answer, only meeting his gaze with a depth that was impossible to decipher.


    ric¡¯s pride prickled. She was nothing but a servant¨Chow dare she look at him like that? He nearly barked at her, but the thought struck him that they stood on Duskgrave ground, and any insult to a servant here would be an insult to Alpha Lucien


    himself.


    So instead, he exhaled sharply through his nose. ¡°Caden, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Caden¡¯s breathing had steadied somewhat, though pain still shadowed his features. As he pushed ric¡¯s wheelchair past Theo Hale, Caden shot the healer a re sharp with unspoken warning.


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    Third Person¡¯s POV


    ¨C


    The warning in Caden ckthorn¡¯s re was unmistakable a silent threat that seemed to say: Speak one more lie, and I¡¯ll make sure you never draw breath again.


    But Theo Hale barely spared him a nce. Turning to Luna Zara, he said with an easy calm, ¡°Luna Zara, let¡¯s head inside.¡±


    And so, the four of them crossed the threshold into the grand hall of the Duskgrave estate.


    Alpha ric had rehearsed his opening words countless times before arriving.


    Every sentence had been sharpened in his mind, ready to serve his purpose.


    Yet the instant he stepped into the hall and saw who was inside, his pupils constricted violently, and a shock like a lightning strike roared through his mind, wiping it clean.


    Tessa?


    How could she be here? Hadn¡¯t Ronan Duskcliff already sent her abroad?


    A ripple of unease slid through him. His n had been simple once the ckmaw Pack¡¯s little exile reached foreign soil, he would acquire a gun and arrange for Tessa¡¯s ¡°idental¡± death. No witnesses. No loose ends.


    But she was here. Alive. Standing before him.


    That bastard Ronan had sworn she was locked away in a fortified manor, guarded day and night, with no chance of escape.


    Then his gaze shifted and when it fell upon the ckmaw Alpha pair, recognition struck. Of course. They must have brought her back themselves.


    ¨C


    Now they stood across the room, their eyes burning with a hatred so pure it felt like ws raking down his spine.


    His


    gut


    sank like a stone into dark waters.


    Tessa had told them something. Something damning.


    ¨C


    Sweat pricked along his brow, his wolf restless with unease. He could not meet their gaze instead, he wrenched his eyes away, searching for safer ground.


    But when his focusnded on the two elder women present, the air seemed to thin, his bnce swaying.


    What in the moon¡¯s name¡­<b>? </b>


    He knew those faces. When <b>Tessa </b>had awakened in <b>the </b>infirmary, these <b>two </b>had been there ¨C siding with Riley against him. At the time, he¡¯d dismissed them as harmless elders, mere household staff or idle visitors.


    Now he saw clearly.


    The one standing, dressed in the same uniform as Mia, was indeed <b>a </b>servant.


    But the one seated in stately finery, her presencemanding the entire room¡­


    Matriarch Duskgrave. Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s grandmother.


    The realization mmed into him like a hammer blow. He had insulted this elder Lucien¡¯s blood- without knowing it.


    ¨C


    If she remembered, if she decided to stand against him¡­.


    Scarlett¡¯s release from the Stormridge Pack¡¯s holding cells would be impossible.


    And then his eyes fell upon Riley.


    The little wretch sat beside Lucien Duskgrave as though she belonged there, the Alpha Prince¡¯s dark aura wrapping around her like a mantle.


    <b>12.25 </b><b>AM </b>P


    0


    O


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    How? How had ite to this?


    Unless¡­ unless his earlier idea had been correct. When he¡¯d first sought to tie Riley to Lucien for political gain, perhaps she¡¯d already wormed her way into his favor.


    Yes. That had to be it.


    She was a climber, a gold¨Cchasing she¨Cwolf who knew exactly how to bare her throat to the right male.


    Alpha ric¡¯s thoughts spun with calcting speed, but outwardly, his mask slipped only for a heartbeat. Then he forced a genial smile.


    ¡°Well, Riley, you¡¯re here too. You¡¯ve been away from the Ebonw Pack for so long, not a word home¡­ You¡¯ve had your old man worried.¡±


    ¨C


    The truth was, he had never cared for her an unwanted pup, useless in his eyes. But she had always craved family affection. And if she still did, he could use that weakness, twist it until she agreed to plead for Scarlett¡¯s release.


    But Riley¡¯s answering gaze was pure ice, threaded through with hatred so sharp it could y skin from bone.


    ¨C


    If she had wanted him dead after reading the truths Caelum Knox had unearthed, that was nothingpared to now not since Tessa had told her the full story.


    She no longer wished for his death.


    She wanted him alive¡­ <b>so </b>she could drag him through every hell imaginable.


    Yes. It was time for him to know. Time to watch his proud world copse when he learned that his most beloved pup was not of his blood, that every careful scheme had only served another¡¯s gain.


    Her smile was a de. ¡°You¡­ worried about me?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Alpha ric replied, stili oozing false warmth. ¡°I¡¯m your father.¡±


    The word father drew a collective sneer from the room.


    Tessa¡¯s father, voice like venom: ¡°You call yourself a father? You breed a daughter for the sole purpose of cutting out her kidney to <b>save </b>your mistress¡¯s brat?¡±


    Tessa¡¯s mother, eyes zing: ¡°You slice open your own pup¡¯s chest for her heart, gut her for her liver, strip her for every organ she can spare and


    you think you deserve the title of father?¡±


    ¨C


    Mia¡¯s voice <b>was </b>cold steel: ¡°And when there was nothing left, you offered her body to the healer¡¯s college, so they could carve her apart in the name of science all to burnish your name and legacy. That¡¯s what kind of father you are.¡±


    ¨C


    Each usation struck like <b>a </bsh across his back, one after another.


    Alpha ric staggered beneath the weight of their words, <b>his </b><b>face </b>draining of color. His gaze skittered <b>over </b>the assembly, searching desperately for an ally, but finding only condemnation.


    For the first time, the unshakable Alpha of Ebonw Pack felt the sky falling in on him.


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    430

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    <b>O </b>


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    Alpha ric had always known keeping Tessa of the ckmaw Pack alive woulde back to ruin him.


    If he¡¯d known things would spiral like this, he should have ended her when she¡¯d still been locked in that endless, vegetative


    silence.


    Who could have predicted that a wolf trapped in darkness for years would ever awaken?


    The muscles in ric¡¯s jaw twitched with tension, though he forced himself to stand tall, masking the sudden thundering of his pulse.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand a word you¡¯re saying,¡± he said tly.


    A cold, humorlessugh slipped from Tessa¡¯s lips, her voice carrying the edge of a de. ¡°Isn¡¯t this exactly what you and Scarlett whispered about upstairs five years ago?¡±


    Her words were venom, but she wasn¡¯t finished.


    ¡°Not just that¡ªyou plotted to drive yourwful mate into madness, wear the mask of the devoted husband, and once you seized full control of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s holdings, you nned to kill her and wed your precious mistress, Dean Elira ckthorn. As for Kael Vale? You wanted him chained for life to serve your mistress and her children, with not a single coin from your estate to his name when you were gone.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie,¡± ric snapped, a note of panic threading his voice. ¡°The lot of you are conspiring to frame me.¡±


    ¡°Frame you?¡± Tessa¡¯s sunken eyes widened, the gaunt hollows of her face making her stare all the more haunting.


    ¡°I heard every word between you and Scarlett. That¡¯s why you shoved me from the balcony¨Cyou thought the fall would kill me. But I lived. And my survival ruined your n, so you pinned the attempt on Riley, making her take the fall for your crime.¡±


    She shifted her gaze to Luna Zara, her voice dripping with scorn.


    ¡°Alpha¡¯s mate, you truly are the perfect wife for him¨Cand the perfect mother for Scarlett. Riley could have cleared her name. But you¡­ you destroyed the security footage that would have proved her innocence, ensuring she was thrown into the dungeons for five long years to rot in the dark.¡±


    Luna Zara froze, her blood running cold, every bone in her body trembling.


    She had thought the betrayals she¡¯d already uncovered¨Cric casting Riley out, causing her father¡¯s death, keeping a mistress, and cing the mistress¡¯s pup in her arms to raise¨Cwere the worst blows she could bear.


    But this truth¡­ this was cruelty of another breed.


    Five years ago, ric and Scarlett, wolves without conscience, had tried to murder Riley. When they failed, they branded her with the blood¨Cguilt of attempted murder.


    And Luna¨Cgoddess help her¨Chad destroyed the one proof that could have set the girl free, then convinced Riley to take the punishment in Scarlett¡¯s stead.


    Her breath came faster and faster, her heart mped in an iron fist. The pain tore through her chest, sharp and relentless, a metallic taste flooding her mouth.


    She couldn¡¯t hold it back¨Cblood spilled past her lips with a harsh cough. Her knees buckled.


    Through the dimming haze of her vision, she looked toward Riley, guilt carving deep furrows in her soul.


    Her hand lifted, trembling, desperate to touch the girl¡¯s face¨Cto convey the apology she could never voice.


    But the darkness swallowed her before her fingers could reach. She copsed hard onto the cold floor, herst sight the unyielding figure of Riley seated on the couch, unmoved, her eyes like shards of winter ss.


    Once, Riley would have risen. Once, there had been warmth.


    Luna Zara understood now¨Cshe had destroyed it herself.


    12:25 AM PS


    Riley¡­ it¡¯s your mother who wronged you.


    Her


    eyes slid shut, and consciousness left her.


    Riley didn¡¯t so much as flinch, letting Luna lie where she fell.


    The silence shattered as the heavy doors to the Duskgrave pack¡¯s grand hall opened.


    Duke entered first, his steps crisp, his presence all business.


    Behind him came Scarlett, Dean Elira ckthorn, and Ronan Duskcliff.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± Duke announced to Lucien Duskgrave, the Stormridge prince, ¡°everyone you requested is here.¡±


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    Lucien¡¯s gaze swept the room, his tone dark and edged with anticipation. ¡°Good. The yers are all assembled¡­ let the show begin.¡±


    Few understood his meaning, and fewer still dared to ask.


    Tessa and her mother turned their eyes on Scarlett, hatred sparking like wildfire.


    In contrast, Alpha ric¡¯s chest loosened in visible relief at the sight of his beloved daughter freed from the holding cells.


    So his influence still carried weight¨Cenough to force even the Stormridge heir¡¯s hand.


    His expression softened, paternal warmth sliding into ce, but the moment his eyes caught on her shaven scalp, rage zed hot and unrestrained.


    ¡°Scarlett, who dared do this to you?¡± His voice was a growl. ¡°Tell your father. I will see to it they pay in blood. I¡¯ll show them what it means to cross the daughter of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s Alpha.¡±


    Scarlett, however, had gone utterly still, frozen the instant her eyes locked on Tessa.


    Fear poured into her veins like ice water.


    And when she met the burning stares of Tessa, her mother, and her father, her heart lurched violently in her chest.


    They knew<b>. </b>


    Tessa must have told them everything about what happened five years ago.

 in Vengeance 216

    For a moment, all words seemed to choke in the throat, caught by an invisible hand-


    ¡°Scarlett, don¡¯t be afraid. Tell your father¨Che will avenge you.¡±


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    -no one could utter a single syble.


    Alpha ric¡¯s voice broke the silence, but before Scarlett could respond, a low, icy voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°It was me. What kind of revenge does Alpha ric n to take against me?¡±


    ric stiffened, eyes wide in disbelief as he turned to see Lucien Duskgrave lounging casually on the sofa. His long legs were crossed with effortless grace, his demeanorzy but imbued with an innate regal authority.


    Lucien was like a predator toying with its prey¨Caloof, superior, untouchable. Though seated, his gaze bore down from an impossible height, calm and indifferent, yetmanding undeniable respect.


    That look was like gazing upon trash.


    Even ric, steeped in arrogance, couldn¡¯t help but doubt himself in that moment. Had Lucien truly released Scarlett from the holding cells out of respect for ric¡¯s status?


    Suddenly, the prince¡¯s earlier words echoed sharply in his mind: ¡°The real show is about to begin.¡±


    A show<b>? </b>


    ric¡¯s instincts screamed that whatever Lucien meant, it wouldn¡¯t bode well for him.


    As self¨Cdoubt gnawed at him, Tessa¡¯s mother¨Cher eyes bloodshot and wild with fury¨Ccould no longer contain herself.


    Like a lioness defending her cub, she lunged toward Scarlett and delivered a resounding p across her face.


    The force sent Scarlett¡¯s head snapping sideways, five distinct fingers branded sharply on her pale cheek.


    ¡°My daughter was guided to the forest by you,¡± Tessa¡¯s mother hissed through trembling lips. ¡°And yet you dare to frame Riley? You¡¯re no human¨Cyou¡¯re a monster!¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s actions had left Tessa a vegetable for five long years<b>. </b>And Riley had endured unimaginable torment while the Ebonciaw Pack¡¯s traitors¨CScarlett and ric<b>¨C</b>mocked them all behind their backs.


    The ckmaw family had been yed like fools, their fury and sorrow all aimed at innocent Riley.


    Five years of blind vengeance<b>, </b>a lifetime destroyed¨Cnot just Riley¡¯s, but Tessa¡¯s too.


    Tessa had been just fifteen when she became a vegetable, a promising student admitted to Mooncrest Academy¨Cthe most elite high school in Mooncrest<b>, </b>where only two from the upper echelons had been epted: Riley and Tessa herself.


    Riley¡¯s university years were spent behind bars.


    Tessa¡¯s high school and university dreams were confined to a hospital bed.


    How could Tessa¡¯s mother not hate the woman who ruined her daughter¡¯s entire life?


    Her hatred was so fierce she wished she could tear Scarlett apart limb by limb.


    She raised her hand again<b>, </b>ready to strike, but Ronan Duskcliff grabbed her arm firmly.


    ¡°Mom, how can you hit Scarlett without knowing the whole story?¡±


    Pain flickered across Tessa¡¯s mother¡¯s face. ¡°Tessa was attacked into this state. Doesn¡¯t that justify my anger?¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡± Ronan¡¯s voice was resolute. ¡°You Knew Scarlett¨Cyou know her kindness. She would never harmed Tessa. There must be some misunderstanding. Maybe Tessa lost her direction¡­¡±


    Ronan!¡±


    Before he could finish, Tessa¡¯s voice cut sharply through the room.


    12:25 AM P


    Her icy re fixed on Ronan was not that of a sister to her brother, but of a sworn enemy.


    How could Ronan still defend Scarlett at this moment?


    He was the one who imed to love Riley but had inflicted the deepest wounds upon her.


    He was the one who wanted to break off the engagement with Scarlett back then.


    Now, when the truth was revealed, he scrambled desperately to exonerate her.


    Tessa¡¯s disgust for Ronan was profound¨Chis behavior hurt her more than Scarlett ever had.


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    ¡°Ronan,¡± she shouted, voice raw with fury and pain, ¡°I¡¯m telling you clearly now: it was Scarlett who forced me to the forest five years ago. Riley was innocent!¡±


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t me! I swear it wasn¡¯t!¡± Scarlett shook her head desperately, tears brimming as the fresh red handprint on her face made her look like a victim of the cruelest injustice.


    ¡°Ronan, please, you have to believe me.¡± Her voice cracked with sobs.


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    Ronan Duskcliff was thest person to want to see Scarlett cry. His eyes sharpened with warning as he fixed Tessa with a severe look.


    ¡°Tessa, you can¡¯t just say things like that. This concerns Scarlett¡¯s reputation. And I believe Scarlett would never do such a thing.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s anger red instantly. ¡°Her reputation? What about Riley¡¯s?¡± She clenched her fists, her eyes burning with resentment.


    If she could stand, she would have struck Ronan without hesitation.


    ¡°Do you want to know why Scarlett lured me into the ck Forest? Why I was attacked by Rogues?¡± Tessa¡¯s voice cracked with bitter hatred.


    ¡°Because those two¨CScarlett and Alpha ric¨Care nothing but beasts. They conspired to destroy Riley. They didn¡¯t care if she lived or died. Their n was to trap her in a hospital, dere her brain dead, harvest her kidneys for Scarlett, and donate the rest of her organs. Even Riley¡¯s body was to be donated as a cadaver for medical students.¡±


    ¡°They wanted me silenced because I overheard their scheme. Then they framed Riley with attempted murder to cover their tracks.¡±


    Breathing heavily from the fury, Tessa shouted the five¨Cyear¨Cold truth directly at Ronan. Her face flushed crimson, voice ragged from exhaustion and rage.


    Ronan¡¯s expression copsed as if struck by lightning. The truth shattered everything he believed.


    In his twenty¨Cplus years, he had never met such ruthless cruelty.


    He shook his head in disbelief. ¡°Impossible. You¡¯re lying. Even if Scarlett and ric nned this, no hospital would cooperate.¡±


    His eyes lit up suddenly, catching a supposed w in Tessa¡¯s story.


    ¡°Exactly! Hospitals don¡¯t cooperate with evil plots. You must be delusional from being a vegetable for five years. Riley¡¯s the one who hurt you, and you¡¯re mixing up the truth, ming Scarlett.¡±


    He turned to his parents with an exasperated tone.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, don¡¯t be fooled by Tessa¡¯s lies. This <b>is </b>clearly a misunderstanding. Let¡¯s take her home. Causing a scene in someone else¡¯s house-¡±


    Before he could finish, Mrs. Duskcliff fiercely shook off his hand and pped him across the face.


    ¡°How did I raise such a fool who can¡¯t tell right from wrong?¡± she scolded bitterly.


    Ronan turned away, bloodshot eyes zing red with humiliation.


    ¡°How can you not believe the ring evidence that hospitals wouldn¡¯t help Scarlett and ric harm someone?¡±


    His gaze suddenly snapped to Riley, who sat coldly observing the scene. He ground his teeth in fury,


    ¡°You¡¯ve turned me against my own family. Are you satisfied now?<b>¡± </b>


    Riley had long since endured Ronan¡¯s foolishness.


    Foolishness, she knew, could be far worse than malice.


    She had tried to exin, but Ronan had deaf ears. Even when Tessa testified, his doubts remained.


    His self¨Crighteous attitude¨Cthat everyone else was blind but he alone saw clearly¨Cmade Riley want tough bitterly.


    ¡°Since <b>you </b>say hospitals would never cooperate with Scarlett and ric, I¡¯ll show you proof of exactly why they did.¡±


    Riley opened the drawer of the coffee table and pulled out a document.


    12:25 AM P


    She rose slowly, limping slightly, and walked toward Ronan.


    As she approached, his heart suddenly hammered fiercely.


    Her eyes were too steady, her expression too calm¨Csomething told him this wasn¡¯t going to end well.


    Standing in front of him, Riley met his gaze without flinching and handed over the papers.


    ¡°Read this. Then you¡¯ll understand why the hospital wasplicit.¡±


    Ronan instinctively avoided her eyes. Masking his inner panic, he scoffed coldly.


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s see what tricks you have.¡±


    He snatched the document from her hand and flipped through the pages quickly.


    With each turn, his hand began to tremble uncontrobly, and his breathing grew shallow.


    The director of Mooncrest¡¯s top hospital was none other than Scarlett¡¯s biological mother¨Cand ric¡¯s mistress.


    No wonder Scarlett and ric had been so confident the hospital would cooperate.


    Scarlett stood beside Ronan, watching the papers with equal rity.


    Her pupils dted sharply; fear and shock overwhelmed her.


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 in Vengeance 218

    Scarlett never imagined that her entire lineage would be uncovered so thoroughly.


    +8 Pearls


    This time, fear truly gripped her¨Ca visceral, cold dread that Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s reach extended even to secrets buried over twenty years ago.


    Her mind churned with a single desperate thought: she couldn¡¯t stay here any longer. She had to run. Now.


    With a sudden pivot, Scarlett bolted, every muscle screaming to flee.


    But before she could escape, an iron grip like a bear¡¯s mped down on her shoulder, the pressure intense enough to crush bone.


    Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s voice grated through clenched teeth. ¡°Scarlett, you haven¡¯t exined yourself yet. Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    Pain blossomed across Scarlett¡¯s shoulder, tears stinging her


    ¡°Ronan, you¡¯re hurting me.¡±


    eyes.


    That one sentence ignited a torrent in Ronan¡¯s chest¨Cyears of suppressed fury and grief breaking free like a flood.


    ¡°You feel pain?¡± he snarled.


    ¡°When you pushed Tessa into the ck Forest, did you think she wouldn¡¯t feel pain?¡±


    ¡°When you conspired to imprison Riley, bribed the rogues in that hellhole of a prison to torment her¨Cdid you think Riley wouldn¡¯t feel pain?¡±


    ¡°And you, ric, and Dean Elira ckthorn,¡± he spat, his finger stabbing the air toward the cold woman standing nearby, ¡°when you plotted to carve Riley¡¯s organs from her living body, did you think she wouldn¡¯t scream?¡±


    Rage burned in his eyes as he flung the documents hard into Scarlett¡¯s face.


    ¡°Lying bitch! You¡¯ve been deceiving me all along!¡±


    Tears spilled uncontrobly down Ronan¡¯s cheeks¨Cwhether for his own foolishness or for the betrayal of Riley, he could no longer tell.


    Then, with a sharp <b>p</b>, he struck Scarlett hard, sending her crashing to the floor.


    <b>¡°</b>Scarlett-¡±


    In unison, Dean Elira, Caden ckthorn, and Alpha ric gasped and rushed to Scarlett¡¯s side.


    But Ronan had no time for them. His eyes, burning with regret and pain, sought Riley.


    Words to pour out, apologies to make¨Cbut the wounds he¡¯d inflicted were too deep.


    Moments ago, he had sworn to defend Scarlett.


    But it had all been a lie, born from his blindness.


    Scarlett¡¯s acting had fooled him, made him a victim of her maniption.


    Desperation drove him to reach out, to pull Riley into an embrace heavy with regret.


    But Riley¡¯s brow furrowed in disdain. She recoiled from the touch, repulsed.


    Her injured legs trembled, making it impossible to escape quickly


    Just as Ronan¡¯s arms were about to envelop her, a strong, graceful hand shot out and encircled her waist with steady, unyielding strength.


    A rush of sharp cedar and faint tobo scent surrounded her as she was drawn into Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s protective embrace.


    12:25 AM <b>P </b>


    Without hesitation, Lucien¡¯s boot shot forward, delivering a brutal kick that sent Ronan sprawling across the floor.


    ¡°My people,¡± Lucien¡¯s voice dropped icy and low, ¡°you don¡¯t get to touch.¡±


    Ronany sprawled, struggling to rise, pain and desperation etching his face.


    ¡°Riley¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­ Please forgive me¡­¡±


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    Riley was silent, buried against Lucien¡¯s chest, her breath steady despite the chaos around her.


    Ronan¡¯s pleas fell on deaf ears, his hope copsing into despair.


    She would never forgive him.


    His chance with the girl he loved was lost forever.


    The sight of Riley and Lucien locked together in quiet solidarity stung Ronan like a poison.


    Summoning hisst shred of strength, he staggered to his feet, fists clenched tight.


    ¡°Let go of Riley!¡± he roared.


    ?


    Lucien didn¡¯t even nce at him as he held Riley closer and began to step back.


    Ronan¡¯s fury exploded¨Cbloodshot eyes zing as he charged forward.


    ¡°I said, let go of Riley-¡±


    Before he could reach them, Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s booming voice cut through the tension like thunder.


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s hand swung, delivering a hard p to Ronan¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Ungrateful whelp, how long will you keep embarrassing yourself?¡±


    Mrs Duskcliff¡¯s disappointed voice followed.


    ¡°Ronan, you have failed us.¡°¨C


    From the shadows, Tessa sneered coldly, venom dripping from every word.


    ¡°I¡¯m ashamed to call you my brother. Having you as <b>a </b>brother is a curse that hassted eight generations. From now on, you¡¯re no longer my brother¨Cand I¡¯m no longer your <b>sister</b><b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s not my fault. Scarlett used me. I¡¯m just another victim,¡± Ronan cried, shaking his head wildly, desperate to justify himself.


    But Riley¡¯s forgiveness was gone<b>, </b>vanished like smoke on the wind.


    His family¡¯s rejection only deepened his agony.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 219

    0


    Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s mind buzzed wildly, bloodshot eyes burning with fury and confusion.


    Unable to direct his anger at Riley or his own family, he unleashed it mercilessly upon Scarlett and Alpha ric.


    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault-¡±


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    With a savage punch, Ronan sent Alpha ric sprawling to the ground. Without hesitation, he turned on Scarlett, raining down fists and kicks.


    ¡°Wretched bitch, die, die, die¡­¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s cries filled the room, desperate and broken.


    Caden ckthorn¡¯s protective rage ignited instantly when he saw his daughter being beaten. He lunged at Ronan to stop the assault.


    But Ronan was a powerhouse, his strength amplified by the storm of emotions inside him. He overwhelmed Caden with brutal force, pinning him to the ground in a relentless barrage.


    Dean Elira ckthorn¡¯s heart shattered witnessing the chaos. She stepped forward to aid Caden, only to be kicked aside by Alpha Duskcliff.


    Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s paternal instincts waged war against his sense of order¨Che couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch his son destroy everything.


    The room descended into total chaos¨Ca primal pack fight with no clear leader or order.


    Tears streaming, Dean Elira nced pleadingly at Alpha ric.


    ¡°ric, why are you still looking at those damn papers? Help Caden!¡±


    But ric¡¯s mind was a nk storm.


    When Ronan had mmed him to the floor, ric caught sight of the scattered documents. Now, holding them, his hands trembled uncontrobly.


    ck ink on stark white pages spelled out a brutal truth.


    Scarlett was not the daughter of ric and Dean Elira.


    The boy from abroad was not his blood.


    Both children belonged to Dean Elira and Caden.


    More shocking still, Caden <b>was </b>not Elira¡¯s brother but her husband¨Cthey were legally mated.


    Elira used a magic potion to hide the scent of her matched mate.


    Suddenly, ric recalled a cryptic warning from Theo Hale at the Duskgrave estate gate.


    The one who betrayed him was not Luna Zara, but Dean Elira.


    Red¨Crimmed eyes zing, ric stepped deliberately to Dean Elira, voice trembling.


    ¡°Elira, exin yourself!¡±


    The events had spun far beyond what Dean Elira had anticipated.


    Earlier that day, she had gone to the detention center with hopeful anticipation, longing for ric to bring good news.


    She dreamed that if ric could persuade Lucien to release Scarlett, she could joyfully bring her home.


    But there was no call from ric. Instead, Duke arrived with Scarlett and Ronan in tow.


    12:25 AM P


    +8 Pearls


    Only now did Dean Elira grasp the cruel truth¨Ceverything had been meticulously orchestrated by Lucien Duskgrave.


    His n was to gather them all in one ce and publicly unravel the past.


    Her heart hammered like a war drum.


    If the documents proving Scarlett and the boy were not ric¡¯s blood were confirmed, their family¡¯s fate would be sealed.


    Yet Dean Elira was a woman forged for survival. Even amid the chaos within, her face betrayed nothing but calm.


    Taking the papers from ric¡¯s trembling hands, she casually flipped through them before bursting into a sudden, mirthlessugh. She tossed the papers carelessly onto the floor.


    ¡°ric,¡± she whispered, eyes locked on his, ¡°do you believe me¡ªor do you believe Riley?¡±


    ric, his anger simmering dangerously close to eruption, froze at her words.


    Their eyes met, and in hers, he saw unwavering sincerity and a love that never faded.


    Elira sighed deeply.


    ric, don¡¯t you see? Today is a trap Riley and the Duskgrave pack set for us.¡±


    ¡°Riley hates what happened to our daughter. She forged those documents to turn you against me.¡±


    ¡°You cannot fall for it. If we tear ourselves apart, we¡¯ve yed right into her paws.¡±


    ¡°My feelings for you have never wavered¨Cyou know that better than anyone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the Dean of Mooncrest¡¯s Hospital now. Many sessful wolf have tried to win me, even some young wolves barely in their twenties, eager to im me as their own. But I¡¯ve turned them all away.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that proof enough of my heart¡¯s loyalty to you?¡±


    Her words cut like the howl of a lone wolf under a blood moon¨Csharp, clear, and impossible to ignore.


    Dean Elira reached out, taking ric¡¯s hands in hers, eyes softening with genuine affection.


    ¡°Together, we¡¯ve survived pack wars, betrayals, and bloodshed. We won¡¯t let a ghost from the past tear us apart now.¡±


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 220

    D


    +8 Pearls


    Alpha ric¡¯s sharp gaze softened as it locked onto Dean Elira ckthorn¡¯s delicate, yet unyielding face. Her voice, low and steady, cut through the storm of his doubts like a clear wolf¡¯s howl in the night.


    ¡°ric,¡± she whispered, ¡°from the moment our paths crossed, my heart imed you. All these years, it has beaten only for you. Even as your strength wanes, my loyalty does not. I am yours¨Cnow and forever.¡±


    A deep, primal relief surged through ric¡¯s chest. The fierce fire of anger that had consumed him flickered and died, his taut nerves finally loosening. But then, a sharp, gnawing painnced through his legs¨Cthe fractures from hisst battle still raw and unhealed.


    His form wavered, swaying like a wounded wolf on uneven ground, and Elira was immediately there¨Csteadying him, guiding him into the familiar embrace of the wheelchair.


    He gripped her hand tightly, a silent pact between mates. ¡°Elira, I trust you.¡±


    At those words, Elira¡¯s heart st¨ªlled, though a razor¨Csharp edge of bitterness cut through her thoughts.


    What a blind fool, she thought, eyes darkening like a midnight hunt.


    Only a naive she¨Cwolf like Luna Zara¨Clost in dreams of love and devotion¨Ccould be so thoroughly fooled by bic¡¯s cunning.


    Had Zara not been shielded by her pack¡¯s wealth and a father¡¯s fierce protection, she would have long since been torn apart by the world¡¯s cruelty.


    Riley¡¯s fall was the tragic howl echoing from Zara¡¯s blind mistakes.


    Elira¡¯s nce flicked subtly toward Caden ckthorn, their loyal shadow.


    A ghost of a wolfish grin tugged at Caden¡¯s lips as he saw ric¡¯s doubts crumble.


    ric¡¯s eyes, now burning with disdain, snapped to Riley. ¡°You thought you could poison my bond with Elira through your deceitful pack games? You¡¯ve severely misjudged me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve prowled the business world for nearly three decades. Your petty tricks are nothing but fleas on my hide.¡±


    ¡°You carry the Zara blood¨Cvenomous<b>, </b>sly, and treacherous to your core. Your arrogant snarls make my stomach churn.¡±


    ric expected Riley to shrink beneath his biting words. Instead, she met his fury with cold, wolf¨Clike pity¨Cas if he were a mangy pup unworthy of her strength or time.


    His face twisted, rage rising like a storm wind. ¡°What is that look?!¡±


    Riley¡¯s lips curved into a savage smile. ¡°ric, you¡¯re hopelessly blind. The proof snarls right before your eyes, but you refuse to see it. Instead, you cling to Elira¡¯s carefully spun web of lies.¡±


    ¨C


    ¡°If your own eyes deceive you, tell me why doesn¡¯t Scarlett carry your mark? Why does she bear the unmistakable scent and features of your driver, Caden?<b>¡± </b>


    The room¡¯s eyes snapped sharply to Caden¨Cthe loyal wolf who prowled the edges of the pack¡¯s domain, unseen yet always present.


    Now, in Riley¡¯s words, they saw it too: Scarlett¡¯s nose and mouth were cut from the same fierce mold as Caden¡¯s.


    ric¡¯s expression stiffened¨Chis wolf¡¯s pride stung.


    Elira was quick to recover, her voice calm and sharp as a fang. ¡°It¡¯s said that nephews often mirror their uncles. What¡¯s unnatural about Scarlett resembling her uncle?¡±


    ric let loose a bitter chuckle, rough as a growl. ¡°Only the corrupt see rot where none exists.¡±


    Riley¡¯s mockery deepened, ice sharp as winter teeth. ¡°Then let¡¯s settle this like true packmates¨Ca DNA test. Now.¡±


    Her words fell like a howl into the tense silence, freezing Elira, Scarlett, and Caden where they stood, caught in the crossfire


    of destiny.


    +8 Pearls


    Riley¡¯s fierce eyes locked onto ric¡¯s. ¡°If you¡¯re so certain Scarlett is your blood, will you face the truth in the test?¡±


    ric¡¯s knuckles whitened as he gripped the wheelchair¡¯s arms, his face draining of color. Yet no words came.


    ¡°Afraid?¡± Riley taunted, wolfish grin widening. ¡°Or shall Scarlett prove her bond to Caden instead?¡±


    ric¡¯s silence screamed his dread.


    If Scarlett wasn¡¯t his daughter, all his sacrifices¨Cwounding his own mate, son, and daughter¨Cwould be a bitter howl lost to the wind.


    He wasn¡¯t defying the test out of doubt¨Che was shackled by fear of the truth.


    Suddenly, Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s cold voice sliced through the tension like a silver dagger.


    ¡°Good timing¨CDr. Theo is here. Duke, gather hair samples from ric, Scarlett, and Caden. Deliver them to Theo at once.¡±


    Duke stepped forward, a shadow among wolves.


    Caden¡¯s heart pounded like a war drum. Once the truth wed free, none of them would leave the Duskgrave territory unscathed.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 221

    e


    Finished


    Caden knew the only option left was to escape¨Ctake his mate and daughter away from this nightmare as fast as possible.


    Caden¡¯s mind sharpened with resolve. Without hesitation, he swung a fierce punch toward Duke.


    But before his fist couldnd, Duke¡¯s iron grip mped onto Caden¡¯s wrist. With brutal force, Duke twisted, wrenching Caden down onto his knees with a sickening crack.


    A sharp, gut¨Cwrenching scream tore from Caden¡¯s throat as his shoulder dislocated. Power instantly shattered.


    trained from him, his resistance


    reach him,


    Dean Elira ckthorn¡¯s heart clenched at the sight. She moved to help Caden ckthorn, but before she Duke delivered a merciless kick to her abdomen.


    Could window


    Pain exploded through Elira¡¯s body. She doubled over, clutching her stomach, curling into a tight ball on the cold floor, writhing in agony¨Chelpless to rise.


    Duke sneered, swiftly plucking a strand of Caden¡¯s thick ck hair.


    Without pause, he strode over to Alpha ric.


    ric¡¯s eyes shed with pain and fury¨Che struggled to resist¨Cbut Duke¡¯s cold voice cut through the chaos,


    ¡°This is the price for defiance. You saw it with your own eyes.¡±


    ric¡¯s body trembled, realizing the futility of struggle. Reluctantly, he allowed Duke to pull a strand of his hair.


    Next was Scarlett.


    Though Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s men had shaved her head recently, her hair had just begun to regrow at the sides.


    Scarlett¡¯s entire body shook violently, terror flickering in her eyes as Duke yanked three strands of hair from her scalp.


    All the strands were handed to Dr. Theo Hale.


    ¡°Doctor, the task is yours now,¡± Duke said curtly.


    Theo Hale, who had witnessed this brutal disy, stood stunned.


    The truth behind Riley¡¯s abandonment to the orphanage was far more cruel than he¡¯d ever imagined.


    At just twenty¨Cthree, Riley had endured a lifetime of unrelenting pain and betrayal.


    How could Alpha ric¨Chis own blood¨Ctreat his daughter with such merciless cruelty?


    To think ric had once spat harsh words at Riley, the only sane soul left in the Ebonw Pack, made Theo¡¯s blood boil with guilt.


    He cursed himself for trusting the twisted tales spun by Kael Vale and Scarlett instead of seeing the truth with his own eyes.


    Taking the hair samples, Theo spoke with solemnity, ¡°Give me an hour. I promise I¡¯ll uncover the truth clearly.¡±


    As he turned to leave, a sudden grip seized his ankle.


    Looking down, Theo found Dean Elira ckthorn crawling toward him, desperation etched into every line of her face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go, she gasped hoarsely.


    Theo¡¯s gaze hardened with disgust.


    With a powerful shove, he cast her aside and strode toward the <b>exit</b>.


    Elira, frantic, crawled forward, shouting, ¡°I¡¯m the dean! If you disobey me, I¡¯ll <b>have </b>you fired immediately!¡±


    Theo halted mid¨C<b>step</b>, a sardonic smirk curling his lips.


    n


    THE


    29


    3:33 PM


    ¡°You probably don¡¯t realize the Hale Corporation holds shares in the Mooncrest First Peop


    Hospital, do you?¡±


    ¡°The fact that I¡¯m a doctor is because I love healing. If I wanted, that dean¡¯s seat would never be yours.¡±


    Finished


    The longstanding business ties between Ebonw and Hale Corporations had been thedder Elira climbed to power, but Theo¨Celdest son of the Hale family¨Cheld the real control.


    Her threats wereughable at best.


    With a final nce at Riley, Theo¡¯s eyes were filled with both regret and steadfast resolve¨Cas if silently vowing: I failed you before, but from now on, I will protect you with everything I have.


    Then, without hesitation, he left.


    The room fell into suffocating silence¨Can oppressive weight pressing down on every soul.


    Suddenly, Scarlett snapped, like a cornered wolf desperate to flee.


    She bolted toward the door, only wanting to escape the nightmare she found herself trapped in¨Cevery second longer was unbearable.


    Scarlett¡¯s fear wasn¡¯t for Riley, nor for the Ebonw revtions or even her own bloodline¡¯s betrayal.


    No the true terror was Lucien Duskgrave.


    The memory of his ruthless hand at Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s birthday still haunted her.


    That man was no ordinary Alpha prince¨Che was a predator forged of ice and shadows.


    Every enemy of Riley had paid a brutal price¨Cfingers severed, faces disfigured, teeth shattered in savage battles.


    Lucien¡¯s wrath even shattered his own father¡¯s spirit, leaving the elder broken and haunted.


    Scarlett could not bear to imagine what monstrous vengeance Lucien would unleash next, all in the name of protecting Riley.


    She shuddered¨Cknowing the ck forest held darker secrets than any could imagine.


    Five years ago. Tessa, had been lured deep into the shadowed woods¨Ca trapid by Rogue wolves.


    There, beneath the ancient trees¡® cold, watchful eyes, Tessa had been ambushed and left battered, her howls swallowed by the night.


    That forest was no ce for the weak.


    Now, faced with Lucien¡¯s iron justice, Scarlett¡¯s instinct screamed to run¨Cflee the pack, flee the wolves.


    But she knew better.


    The forest belonged to the strong. And soon, all would be revealed under the blood moon¡¯s gaze.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 222

    C


    Scarlett sprinted toward the door, yanking it open with desperate force.


    Sunlight flooded in, pouring over her like a call to freedom, a beacon urging her toward the light.


    For a fleeting moment, a flicker of hope and escape softened Scarlett¡¯s fearful face.


    But that hope shattered instantly when she saw the man blocking the threshold.


    A small, sharp dagger traced under her chin, lifting it, forcing her backward step by step


    As Scarlett retreated, the man holding the de came fully into view.


    Finished


    Tall andmanding, his figure was cloaked in a sleek ck suit that entuated broad shoulders and lean, powerful legs.


    His expression was cold and unreadable¨Cespecially his eyes, burning with the icy fire of a seasoned warrior who had witnessed countless battles and spilled rivers of blood.


    This man was none other than Caelum Knox.


    ¡°Go back,¡± Caelum¡¯s voice cut through the room like a bullet, hitting Scarlett¡¯s heart with brutal precision.


    Her pupils dted; her smile froze in ce.


    Reluctantly, she turned and returned to Dean Elira and Caden¡¯s side.


    Alpha ric watched the scene with a sinking heart.


    Scarlett¡¯s instinctive retreat revealed the deeper bond she shared with Caden, her driver.


    Amid the tension, Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s gaze fell painfully on Riley.


    His legs buckled, and with a heavy thud, he sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face.


    ¡°Riley¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± Ronan sobbed.


    Riley¡¯s face remained calm, silent.


    That cold calm pierced Ronan deeper than any anger could¨Cbecause it meant she had long since given up caring in the slightest<b>. </b>


    on him. no


    longer


    His body wavered, barely holding together.


    ¡°Riley, I¡¯ll make amends. I¡¯ll make it right. Even if you want my kidneys, I¡¯ll give them to you¨Cjust please don¡¯t turn away from me, please,¡± Ronan pleaded, voice breaking.


    But Riley only averted her gaze, indifferent to his desperate words.


    To her, his pain was <b>as </b>hollow as the air she breathed¨Cmeaningless.


    Frustrated, Ronan began to bow his head wildly against the floor<b>, </b>each strike thudding with painful finality.


    Soon, blood trickled down his bruised forehead.


    Alpha Duskcliff turned <b>away </b>in silent agony, unable to bear the sight.


    But Tessa sneered harshly.


    ¡°Ronan, does this look familiar? Like when you forced Riley to kneel by my bed, begging for forgiveness<b>?</b>¡±


    Ronan froze, eyes wide in disbelief.


    Tessa¡¯s voice dripped with venom.


    ¡°Even though I <b>was </b>unconscious then, I was aware. I heard everything you did to Riley over these five years,¡±


    <b>3:33 </b>PM P.


    Finished


    ¡°Do you know how every time you spoke about her miserable time in prison, yet stood by doing nothing, it felt like salt poured into my wounds?¡±


    ¡°All that suffering¨Cit should have been Scarlett¡¯s to bear.¡±


    ¡°How cruel you¡¯ve been to Riley, yet so merciful to Scarlett. What right do you have to im you


    ¡°You¡¯re not worthy. Riley will never forgive you.¡±


    ¡°You got yourself into this mess. No one else to me.¡±


    Ronan¡¯s world spun, ckness swallowing his vision.


    He copsed, crumpling to the floor.


    Lady Duskcliff wanted to help, but the bitterness in Tessa¡¯s eyes stopped them.


    Their hatred silently aimed at Scarlett and the others.


    love Riley?¡±


    The room sank into a suffocating silence that stretched on until Theo Hale hurried back, clutching the DNA test results.


    He stormed to Alpha ric, mming the papers down in front of him.


    ¡°Here. This should finally put your doubts to rest.¡±


    Two reportsy on the table: oneparing Scarlett and ric, the other Scarlett and Caden.


    ric¡¯s trembling hands picked up the papers, scanning every line.


    All hope shattered instantly.


    The results were undeniable¨Cno blood rtion between Scarlett and ric; instead, Caden ckthorn Scarlett¡¯s true father.


    The blow hit ric like a lightning strike, his body reacting with paralysis in half his limbs.


    At that moment, Luna Zara¨Clong unconscious¨Cstirred awake.


    Her first thought was to find Riley. ¨C


    Eyes burning with desperation, she scanned the room until theynded on Riley, sitting quietly on the sofa.


    Ignoring her own frailty and disheveled state, Luna Zara forced herself to move toward her.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 223

    Finished


    Zara¡¯s hands trembled as she pushed against the cold floor, legs weak and trembling. She crawled forward in agonizing. staggering steps toward Riley, barely able to move.


    Tears spilled freely from her eyes, streaming down her cheeks in silent sobs.


    ¡°Riley¡­ Mom was wrong. I¡¯ll never stand with Scarlett again. Please forgive me. Your brother¡­ he¡¯s in prison because of that scum, Alpha ric. Now, all I have left is you.¡±


    Luna Zara¡¯s voice cracked with despair, raw and broken. As a mother, she knelt before Riley, pouring out her regret in desperate tears¨Cher pitiful figure embodying utter hopelessness.


    But Riley¡¯s expression remained icy and indifferent, just as before.


    She lifted her gaze coolly toward Luna but quickly averted her eyes, refusing to engage.


    That cold dismissal stabbed info Luna¡¯s heart like a sharpened fang.


    In that moment, Luna Zara felt the true meaning of ¡°there is no greater sorrow than a broken heart.¡± Riley had given up on herpletely¨Cno hope for forgiveness.


    The realization tore Luna Zara apart.


    Her voice shook as she cried out, ¡°Riley, are you really so merciless? You don¡¯t want your own mother anymore?¡±


    But Riley¡¯s gaze was elsewhere, oblivious to Luna Zara¡¯s words.


    It was exactly this cold silence¨Cthe refusal to acknowledge¨Cthat deepened Luna¡¯s anguish.


    Standing nearby, Mia¡¯s face darkened like storm clouds, fury shing in her eyes as she confronted Luna.


    ¡°Luna, you have no right to call Riley heartless. During those three years Riley lived in the Ebonw Pack¡¯s shadows, you never once cared for her.¡±


    ¡°You knew she suffered fifteen brutal years in the Rogue settlement. When Riley finally returned to the pack, you ignored herpletely.¡±


    ¡°You funneled riches to Scarlett¨Cmillions every month¨Cyet not a single coin reached Riley.¡±


    ¡°Scarlett paraded around like a queen every day, while Riley¡¯s only outfit was the worn Mooncrest Academy uniform she wore year¨Cround. You saw it all but turned a blind eye. Not once did you buy her a new dress in those three years.¡±


    ¡°Scarlett and Riley were born on the same day, yet every birthday party and gift was only for Scarlett.¡±


    ¡°Riley would leave early and returnte from Mooncrest Academy, often going the whole day without a warm meal, while you all sat together, feasting andughing. When I offered to bring Riley food, you forbade me¨Csaying she wasn¡¯t hungry because she refused to eat at home.¡±


    Mia sneered bitterly, eyes filled with contempt.


    ¡°A high school girl, in the prime of her growth, overwhelmed with study¨Cstarving herself to the point of gauntness, hair dry and lifeless¨Cand you have the heart to say such lies?¡±


    ¡°You never struck Riley like Alpha ric, nor framed her like Scarlett did, but your cold indifference is far worse.¡±


    ¡°I remember every cruel thing you¡¯ve done, Luna. How dare you use Riley of heartlessness<b>? </b>How dare you say she doesn¡¯t want you as her mother? Ask your own conscience¨Chave you ever fulfilled even the smallest duty of a mother?¡±


    Those words had been suffocating Mia¡¯s soul for years.


    In truth, during the five years Riley spent wrongfully imprisoned, Mia had often thought of abandoning the Ebonw Pack


    But Carman, her youngest, was still in high school and needed support.


    Even after Carman entered university, expenses grew heavier.


    D


    <b>3:33 </b>PM


    Despite the Ebonw Pack¡¯s cruelty, the pay was decent.


    Finished


    More than that, Mia feared that if she left, Riley would have no one left to truly


    care


    for and protect her upon release.


    So, though resentful, she endured.


    Eventster proved her decision was right.


    When Luna Zara, desperate to protect Scarlett, injected Riley with a wolf inhibitor¨Cbreaking her skull¨CMia had risked everything to smuggle Riley away.


    By chance, they encountered Lucien Duskgrave, the Stormridge Pack¡¯s Alpha Prince, whose protection likely saved Riley¡¯s life.


    All these memories¨Ceach bitter wound¨Cwere etched deep into Mia¡¯s


    Now, with the chance to finally speak her truth, Mia felt a strange relief wash over her.


    Matriarch Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck, who had only known of Riley¡¯s hardships in the Ebonw Pack, stared at Luna Zara with undisguised disgust<b>. </b>


    Ronan and his parents, hearing this, were stunned beyond belief.


    As parents themselves, with a daughter to protect, they could not fathom how Luna Zara could behave so heartlessly.


    Send Gifts


    440

 in Vengeance 224

    Finished


    Now, learning of Riley¡¯s tragic ordeal¨Cwrongfully imprisoned and viciously betrayed by those unaware of the truth¨CRonan and his parents were overwhelmed with guilt and heartache. Their eyes burned with sorrow as they nced toward Luna Zara, whose presence now seemed utterly repugnant.


    Ronan, copsed and broken on the floor, was crushed beyond words, too ashamed to face Riley. Meanwhile, Alpha ric, confined to his wheelchair and partially paralyzed, surprisingly shed tears of regret.


    Scarlett was not his daughter. For over two decades, he had been deceived, sacrificing his true daughter¡¯s happiness to raise a stranger¡ªan outsider with no blood ties. The very same stranger he had battered and scorned relentlessly.


    TOHRE


    Scarlett, this wild runt, had been pampered and raised like a princess, while his own flesh and blood¨CRiley¨Cwas cast aside into the orphanage¡¯s shadows, forgotten and alone.


    He had sent Riley to prison in Scarlett¡¯s ce.


    He had allowed his own daughter¡¯s kidneys to be harvested for that illegitimate spawn.


    Had Scarlett, that little viper, been mocking him behind his back all along?


    Had Dean Elira ckthorn and Caden ckthorn conspired to call him a fool behind closed doors?


    The crushing weight of this bitter truth pressed down on Alpha ric like an unbearable mountain, choking the very breath from his lungs.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ ahh¡­¡± he tried to speak, desperate to confess his guilt and remorse, but all that escaped was incoherent babbling, saliva dribbling uncontrobly down his chin, sounds no one could understand.


    Luna Zara was dragged back into the dark past by Mia¡¯s harsh words.


    Scenes of her cruelty toward Riley shed like a relentless, tormenting film behind her eyes.


    Her gaze turned hollow, those memories stabbing her heart like jagged needles¨Cagonizing pain slicing through every fiber of her soul.


    She saw a young Riley, d in tattered Mooncrest Academy uniforms, quietly watching Scarlett surrounded by adoring crowds, her face a mask of longing and loss<b>. </b>


    And yet Luna Zara had turned a blind eye, bestowing every shred of love and care on Scarlett alone.


    ¡°No, no..¡± Luna Zara whispered brokenly, clutching her head, trembling violently.


    How she wished this were only a nightmare, that she could wake and rewrite her mistakes¨Cto mend the wounds she had inflicted on Riley.


    She remembered the pleading look Riley gave her when beaten by Alpha ric¨Cthe silent call for help she had cruelly ignored.


    Now that gaze haunted her like a vengeful specter, leaving her trapped with no escape.


    She pounded her chest in anguish, wishing time could reverse.


    If she could, she would hold Riley close, buy her fine clothes, throwvish birthday parties¨Cmake her the happiest daughter


    alive.


    But time was merciless, never turning back


    She could not undo her sins; the scars she carved into Riley¡¯s life had branded her soul forever¨Can agony impossible to erase.


    Tears spilled uncontrolled her cries raw and desperate, as if pouring out years of pent¨Cup remorse.


    The proud woman was gone¨Conly a broken mother consumed by pain remained.


    Suddenly. Luna Zara spun around in madness, storming at Alpha ric with fists flying.


    3:33 PM P.


    D


    Finished


    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault! You abandoned our daughter to the Rogues! Riley should have lived a life filled with happiness and love. You stole her destiny!¡±


    ric, defenseless, took the blows¨Chis face bruised and swollen, one eye c


    crooked, mouth twisted.


    As Luna paused, her gaze caught the DNA test clenched tightly in ric¡¯s hand.


    Her eyes locked onto the paper, and when she read the truth, shock froze her.


    Then, wildughter burst forth¨Csharp and deranged.


    ¡°Ha! Ha ha ha¡ª¡±


    ¡°ric, look at how pathetic you are! Scarlett isn¡¯t your daughter at all¡ªshe¡¯s your driver Caden¡¯s child. You¡­ you¡¯re lower than a servant! Ha ha ha¡ª¡±


    Herughter convulsed uncontrobly, tears flooding her cheeks in torrents.


    ric had mercilessly hurt Riley for a stranger¡¯s sake¨Cbut Luna Zara herself was no less guilty.


    Knowing Scarlett was not her true child, she still favored the outsider, blind to Riley¡¯s suffering.


    That thought fueled Luna Zara¡¯s fury.


    She mmed the DNA report against ric¡¯s face.


    Then trembling, she knelt to gather the scattered papers.


    Every word weighed heavily, striking her like a brutal hammer¨Cnearly crushing her breath.


    Atst, the truth surfaced: Riley¡¯s tragic fate was rooted in Dean Elira ckthorn¡¯s inherited kidney disease.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 225

    Finished


    Because Dean Elira ckthorn desperately clung to life, she schemed relentlessly to seduce Alpha ric, causing Riley to lose a kidney, be separated from her true daughterhood, and even dragging her son into a legal nightmare thatnded him.


    behind bars.


    Luna Zara¡¯s mind was fracturing¨Ctorn between tears andughter, her expression unraveling into madness.


    ¡°ric, you always imed marrying into the Ebonw Pack was a humiliation,¡± she spat bitterly, voice trembling with rage, ¡°How does it feel now? Betrayed by the woman you loved?¡±


    ¡°You abandoned your own flesh and blood for another¡¯s daughter. You sent Riley to prison, turned her into a prisoner ofbor. You drove the Ebonw Corporation to bankruptcy, funneling every penny you cashed out straight into Elira¡¯s ounts. You even dragged your own son into this mess¨Cmaking him a legal scapegoat for sins he nevermitted.¡±


    ¡°ric, you¡¯re truly the model ¡®husband¡® and ¡®father, aren¡¯t you? Hahaha-¡± Luna Zara¡¯s bitterughter cracked like ice.


    With fury, she tore the documents in her hands to shreds and flung the pieces like cursed offerings onto ric¡¯s broken form.


    The shredded papers drifted down like ashes, covering the once¨Cmighty Alpha now reduced to a crippled husk.


    Each word Luna uttered was a dagger, mercilessly driven into his heart.


    ric hade to Ebonw University with a singr goal¨Cto make


    a


    name for himself.


    In the years before meeting Elira, despite the shame of being an ounder married into the pack, he had enjoyedfort- wealth, status, a devoted wife, a brilliant son, and the power of the Ebonw empire.


    Now, those old slights from his father¨Cinw seemed trivialpared to the humiliations inflicted by Elira, Caden ckthorn, Scarlett, and the rest.


    ric was drowning in grief, wanting to atone, but unable even to form words.


    His sorrowful eyes locked onto Riley¡¯s.


    This time, his remorse was genuine.


    He had been so wrong¨Ccatastrophically wrong.


    Had he known he¡¯d lose everything and be left paralyzed, he would have dly endured endless nagging from the old Ebonw patriarch.


    His gaze was the most sincere it had ever been.


    If he could stand now, he would kneel at Riley¡¯s feet without hesitation.


    If he could speak, he would humbly beg for her forgiveness.


    But even these humble wishes were beyond him.


    He was nothing more than a puddle of broken flesh, slumped helplessly in his wheelchair.


    Ever since losing her hearing, Riley¡¯s vision had sharpened remarkably.


    One nce was enough to read ric¡¯s tortured thoughts.


    Apologies? Regrets? Redemption?


    Ma


    She wanted none of it.


    These were just pathetic attempts to soothe broken egos, clinging to life after losing everything


    Had there been any other way, ric would never have bowed to her.


    <b>3:33 </b>PM


    Riley¡¯s past was scarred by his cruelty.


    ¡£


    Why should she forgive the one who wounded her so deeply?


    She did not just refuse forgiveness¨Cshe believed ric¡¯s punishment was too mild.


    D


    Finished


    Her hatred burned hot for ric, Kael Vale, Scarlett, Luna Zara, Dean Elira, Caden ckthorn, Maddox, and Ronan Duskcliff.


    They were the executioners who deliberately hurt her for Scarlett¡¯s sake.


    As for Ronan¡¯s parents, Riley felt no hatred but no warmth either.


    Their cruelty was not for Scarlett, but for Tessa of the ckmaw Pack.


    Riley¡¯s sharp gaze swept the room.


    No one dared meet her eyes¡ªeach bowed in shame.


    Her voice was calm yet resolute as itnded on Alpha ric.


    ¡°You showed me no mercy, but I will show you no injustice. Return to where you came from.¡±


    ric¡¯s pupils dted in panic.


    What did she mean?


    Was she sending him back to the mountains?


    No, he would never return.


    The savage Rogue ns there were merciless.


    Once a proud wolf who left the wilds in glory, he was now a disgraced beast, aughingstock among his kind.


    Returning would drown him in whispers and scorn.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ Riley, please¡­ don¡¯t do this. I am your father¡­¡± he whimpered.


    But Riley¡¯s words were merciless.


    She was sending him to the Rogue gathering grounds.


    A ce he had once attacked with brutal force¨Cnow, a death sentence awaiting him.


    For Alpha ric, the wild would be a harsher prison than any cage.


    Send Gifts


    440

 in Vengeance 226

    Riley¡¯s POV


    ¡°Ah¡­ ah¡­ Riley, don¡¯t do this to me¡­ I¡¯m your father!¡±


    Father?


    Finished


    The corner of my lips curled into a silent, bitter smile. From the moment he cast me aside, I stopped having a father.


    I met Alpha ric¡¯s eyes, my own amusement never reaching their depths. ¡°You and Scarlett share such deep father- daughter affection. I wouldn¡¯t dare tear you apart. Why not let Scarlett follow you into the Rogue territory? She can take care of you there¡­ good father that you are.¡±


    Scarlett trembled violently, her scentced with fear.


    I knew why.


    She once told me, with false pride, how she had flown over thosewless Roguends in her private jet¨Cdark forests stretching endlessly, the shadows deep enough to swallow you whole. If she were thrown in there, she¡¯d never make it out. And more likely than not, she¡¯d end up in the clutches of unmated, feral males who would im her by force.


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t want to!¡± Scarlett shook her head desperately, tears welling in her eyes. But her pleas didn¡¯t even scratch me.


    I turned to Luna Zara. ¡°The Luna¡¯s mate is a cheating Alpha, her son rots in a cell, and the stress has shattered her mind. Send her to the psychiatric ward.¡±


    Zara froze as if struck by lightning, her breath catching.


    She was shaken, yes¨Cbut far from insane.


    She simply never imagined I would <i>dare </i>to treat her this way.


    She knew exactly what a ce like that was. The stench of unwashed fur, the screams in the night, the endless chaos of the truly broken. A normal wolf went in¡­ and never came out the same.


    ¡°Riley<i>¡­ </i>I¡¯m your mother. Are you sure you want to do this to me?¡±


    I smiled faintly. ¡°The Luna is mistaken. I¡¯m simply returning your mercilessness to you, exactly as you taught me. Isn¡¯t that what you always wanted?¡±


    ¡°No, Riley, please¨Cgive your mother a chance. I¡¯ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I swear it, I vow on the Moon -if I fail¡­¡± Her voice trailed off as I cut her short, cold and clean.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    My gaze softened¨Conly when it shifted to the Duskgrave family.


    ¡°I have a grandmother now. Mrs. Beck. Mia. And my fianc¨¦¡­¡±


    As if hearing my unspoken call, Lucien Duskgrave reached for my hand, lifting it for all to see. The silver light from the ring on my middle finger glinted like a de. His voice was firm, steady, absolute.


    ¡°Riley has long epted my proposal. For the rest of her life, she has me.¡±


    The tightness in my chest made my eyes sting.


    Lucien didn¡¯t look away when he told Duke, ¡°Do as she says. Send them where they belong.¡±


    ¡°No¨C1 Zara¡¯s wail cur through the air like ws raking stone. ¡°Riley! I can¡¯t live in a ce like that!¡±


    Iughed softly. ¡°I survived in prison I¡¯m sure the Luna will find a way to survive in a ward¡±


    She shook her head violently ¡°No¡­ no, I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t go to that ce!


    ¡°Riley, please¨CI beg you¨Cjust forgive me this once. Anything you want. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    I stared down at her tear¨Cstreaked face, my lips pressed into a thin line.


    Finished


    Zara¡¯s desperation spilled out in waves, her eyes wide and glistening, as if drowning and reaching for thest branch before the river swallowed her whole. She tried to crawl closer, her trembling hands stretching toward me.


    But before she could touch even the hem of my coat, Duke stepped in, grabbing her wrists and tearing her away.


    ¡°Riley!¡± Zara¡¯s sobs turned into full¨Cthroated cries. ¡°I¡¯m begging you! Can¡¯t you pity me just this once?¡°.


    ¡°Pity you?¡± My voice cut sharper than ws. ¡°Coming from <i>you</i><i>, </i>that¡¯s almost funny.¡±


    I bared my teeth. ¡°At the auction that nig


    Scarlett drugged me, when I nearly lost everything¨Cdid <i>you </i>pity me?¡±


    Her eyes widened, the scent of her fear spiking as the memory mmed into her.


    That night.


    She, ric, and Kael Vale stood there¨Cwatching me, wounded and humiliated¨Cnot to protect me, but to defend Scarlett. They used me of lying, of scheming, of tarnishing the reputation of their precious daughter.


    I¡¯d snapped. I¡¯d thrown myself at Scarlett in a blind fury.


    And then¡­


    Zara¡¯s posture crumpled as if the bones had been ripped from her frame. She couldn¡¯t even meet my eyes.


    I let my lip curl into a cold, knowing smile. ¡°Do you remember now, Luna? You gave me the wolfsbane suppressant that night -do you even understand its side effects?¡±


    Her pulse stuttered.


    ¡°That night, the rain was pouring, and you threw Mia out into the storm. She begged you, for my sake, for the sake of your own <i>blood</i><i>. </i>But the four of you stood there¨Cunmoved. Uncaring. Watching me suffer.¡±


    I stepped closer, letting her feel my shadow over hers. ¡°So tell me why should I


    ¨C


    care now, when you never did?¡±


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 227

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Finished


    ¡°You left me lying on that cold, unforgiving floor¡­. ignored, discarded like a wounded pup in a storm. If I hadn¡¯t woken halfway through, forcing my weakened body to crawl out of the Ebonw estate that night, I would have died there. There¡¯d be no vengeance today¨Cno reckoning¨Cjust another unmarked grave in your territory.¡±


    My voice stayed calm, but every word was a w raking across Luna Zara¡¯s pride.


    ¡°I used to think¨Cover and over¨Cmaybe I wasn¡¯t good enough. Maybe that¡¯s why you hated me so much. Why you wanted me gone.¡±


    A humorlessugh escaped me. ¡°But then I realized¡­ it wasn¡¯t me. It¡¯s you. You¡¯re not normal. None of you are. I¡¯m not even giving you back the pain you burned into me¨Cpiece by piece. I¡¯m just putting you where you belong. You should be grateful.¡±


    My words hit her like a sledgehammer. I could see it in her eyes¨Ceach memory of her cruelty reying, cutting her like a dull de.


    Only now, in the weight of this moment, did she seem to realize she didn¡¯t even have the right to apologize to me. What she had done to her own blood¡­ it was enough to damn her to the deepest, darkest level of the Rogues¡® wastnds.


    She didn¡¯t deserve forgiveness. She didn¡¯t deserve pity.


    Because while I was living like prey under her roof, she never once spared


    me even a nce of mercy.


    Duke dragged her away. Her body sagged like an empty shell, heels scraping across the polished floor, leaving scuff marks like blood trails. Her eyes were hollow, her soul already fled.


    Then it was Alpha ric and Scarlett¡¯s turn.


    ric was already drowning in despair. If I could turn my own mother into a hollowed¨Cout shell, what chance did the architect of my entire hell have?


    He couldn¡¯t move. Couldn¡¯t speak. Just stared at me with the eyes of a dying wolf begging its predator for mercy.


    I had none to give.


    If killing him wouldn¡¯t bring the entire Mooncrest Council down on me, I¡¯d have dly skinned him alive and fed his hide to the crows.


    ¡°Get them out of my sight,¡± I told Caelum Knox<b>, </b>my voice a frostbitten de.


    Caelum moved toward Scarlett.


    She flinched the second his shadow fell over her. ¡°No! I¡¯m not going to the Rogues¡®nds!¡±


    Caelum didn¡¯t bother arguing¨Cjust grabbed her like a misbehaving pup by the cor.


    Her legs kicked wildly, panic widening her eyes until they looked like a startled deer¡¯s.


    Right before Caelum reached the door, she screamed, ¡°Riley, you can¡¯t do this to me! Your kidney is still in my body! Let me go, and I¡¯ll give it back!¡±


    Caelum froze, ncing at Lucien Duskgrave and me for a decision.


    Scarlett¡¯s hope red. She looked straight at me, thinking she¡¯d found the one weapon that could sway me.


    Everyone thought I¡¯d take the offer. That I¡¯d fold.


    Instead, Iughed¨Csoftly, coldly.


    ¡°Why,¡± I asked, ¡°would I take it back now?¡±


    Confusion rippled through the room.


    D


    e


    @


    D


    <b>3:33 </b>PM


    Scarlett blinked. ¡°You¡­ you don¡¯t want it back?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I want it,¡± I said, my tone silky and slow, ¡°just not today.¡±


    Finished


    I let my words sink in. ¡°I¡¯m happy now. One kidney is enough for me to live well. But you? You only have one. If I took mine back now, you¡¯d die instantly. That¡¯d make me a killer¨Cand I¡¯m not giving you the easy way out. I¡¯ll let you rot in the Rogues¡®nds first. I¡¯ll watch you wear down¨Cbody and soul¨Cuntil you can barely crawl. Then, when you¡¯re nothing but a husk¡­ I¡¯ll take it. Legally. And I¡¯ll have my kidney back and your death in one perfect stroke.¡±


    Her face drained of all color, fear bleeding into her scent so strongly every wolf in the room could taste it.


    she finally understood¨CI hated her down to my marrow.


    This wasn¡¯t about spilling her blood quickly. This was about making her beg for death.


    ww


    She¡¯d never survive out there. Not the cold, not the hunger, not the males who roamed withoutws, looking for something soft to im. She¡¯d be dragged into a den, torn apart night after night until her body couldn¡¯t take the strain.


    And then¡­ maybe, if she was very lucky, she¡¯d die before I came for what was mine.


    Scarlett began to thrash, pure terror making her movements frantic.


    But no one moved to help her.


    <b>Send </b>Gifts

 in Vengeance 228

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Finished


    ¡°No! You can¡¯t do this to me!¡± Scarlett screamed, thrashing like a trapped fox. ¡°Even if you torture me to death, I¡¯ll never agree to donate my organs. You¡¯ll never get my kidney.¡±


    I arched a brow. ¡°Dead wolves don¡¯t get to agree to anything. All it takes is your dear parents¡® signatures after you¡¯re gone, and I¡¯ll have what¡¯s mine.¡±


    The way she froze¡­ she looked at me as if you might ha


    cruelty from her¨Cand from ric.


    crawled straight out of Hel¡¯s den. She had no idea that I learned this kind of


    They once plotted to leave me brain¨Cdead, to harvest my organs like I was nothing but livestock. Now I would repay them in kind. Scarlett would learn exactly what it felt like to be gutted alive without a de ever touching her¨Cbecause I was going to make sure she felt the hole before she died.


    She shook her head violently. ¡°No! My parents won¡¯t agree!¡±


    Se from


    a fresh kill.


    Elira and Caden red at me, fury bleeding into the air like


    ¡°You filthy little bitch,¡± Elira spat, voice trembling. ¡°Over our dead bodies.¡±


    I smiled slowly, a predator¡¯s grin. ¡°If you refuse, I have other Ways that involve your precious son overseas.¡±


    ways


    They both stiffened.


    ¡°Guns are legal there. So is wolfsbane in certain doses. I wonder¡­ what should I do with him first?¡± I tilted pondering an art piece, letting the pause stretch until the room went still.


    my


    head as if


    Then my eyes lit up. ¡°Since my kidney matched Scarlett¡¯s so perfectly¡­ do you think your son and I would be a match too?¡±


    ¡°You stay away from him!¡± Elira roared, her eyes nearly glowing with rage. ¡°He¡¯s never harmed you¨Che¡¯s innocent!¡±


    ¡°Innocent?¡± I echoed, my voice ice¨Ccold. ¡°Every meal he eats<b>, </b>every roof over his head, every coin in his pocketes from Ebonw pack¡¯s blood money. He lives fat andfortable on the spoils of your sins. That makes him just as guilty. Father¡¯s debt, son¡¯s payment. One kidney is a small price.¡±


    My words mmed into her, and I could see the moment her defiance cracked. Her scent soured with fear.


    ¡°No¡­ you can¡¯t¡­ you can take it out on us, but not him. He doesn¡¯t even know¡­¡± Her voice broke, and for the first time, I saw true panic in Elira¡¯s eyes.


    I knew why. She loved Caden to the point of madness. She¡¯d slept with another male for his sake, shared herself to keep her mate alive, endured degradation for his survival. She¡¯d do anything to keep him breathing.


    And she¡¯d do anything to keep his bloodline intact.


    Her gaze slid to Scarlett, and I saw the decision settle like a death sentence. ¡°Scarlett¡­ don¡¯t me me. I have no choice.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re my mother!¡± Her voice cracked, a howl tearing from her throat. ¡°If you agree to this, you¡¯re signing my death!¡±


    Elira turned to me, her voice low, raw. ¡°I¡¯ll sign the donation papers the moment she dies. Just promise me you won¡¯t touch my son.¡±


    cam was part sob, part snarl, the sound of a wolf whose own pack had turned on her. ¡°You can¡¯t! I¡¯m your


    ¡°Ma-¡± Scarlett¡¯s scream daugluer


    She broke then Twenty¨Cthree years of being the pampered golden pup, of basking in the warmth of a mother¡¯s protection- gone in one breath The pain in her scent was sharp enough to sting my nose, and the way she looked at Elira as if her heart had been torn out and left bleeding on the floor


    She wept, thrashed, begged, but I didn¡¯t flinch.


    No one in the room moved to help her.


    D


    Finished


    Because every single wolf here knew¨Ceverything she was enduring now¡­ I¡¯d already lived through.


    ric and Zara had destroyed me again and again for her sake. Now, the moon had shifted, the hunt had changed hands. The cherished pup was prey, and the broken outcast was the one holding the fangs.


    And gods, it was satisfying.


    The na?ve, desperate wolf who once begged for scraps of affection from her so¨Ccalled family had died in that cell. The day I walked out of prison, I had no ns for vengeance¨Conly to cut the Vale out of my life entirely.


    But they wouldn¡¯t let me go. They chased, they cornered, they bared their teeth until I was forced to bare mine in return.


    Now my heart was nothing but scar tissue, pieced together not by blood, but by the ones who¡¯d shown me real pack-


    ¡±


    Lucien, Mia, Matriarch Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck. They had given me warmth where my birth pack had given me frost.


    And that warmth was the only reason I could wield this cold, clean cruelty without flinching.


    Send <b>Gifts </b>

 in Vengeance 229

    Riley¡® POV


    Their presence¡­ Lucien, Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, Mia¡­


    They were the reason I hadn¡¯t gone full monster.


    The reason I hadn¡¯t dragged my enemies down into the grave with me.


    Finished


    They¡¯d kept one small, stubborn spark of conscience alive in me. They let me believe¨Cjust barely¨Cthat there was still something in this world worth protecting.


    But even that hope was like a dying ember, a candle in a storm. One wrong gust, and it would be gone forever.


    Lucien reached across the low table, took a thick envelope from Duke, and tossed it onto the dark wood with a casual flick of his wrist.


    ¡°The agreement¡¯s here,¡± his voice was deep, resonant¨Can Alpha¡¯smand disguised in silk. ¡°Sign it, and you two can leave.¡±


    He was talking to Dean Elira and Caden.


    The pair blinked at him, surprise flickering in their eyes. They hadn¡¯t expected the Stormridge Alpha Prince to let them walk


    out.


    But when they saw what was written¡­ I smelled the shift in their scent, the sudden plunge into despair.


    Every asset, every drop of wealth, transferred to me¨Cno loopholes, no conditions.


    Without their hoarded gold, they were nothing. And their son abroad? He¡¯d be just as vulnerable.


    Still, they didn¡¯t have a choice. Not with Lucien in the room. His reach was long, and if they didn¡¯tply¡­ their precious boy would pay in blood.


    Dean Elira¡¯s hands trembled as she picked up the pen. The scratch of her signature was a wolf¡¯s scrap of property Alpha ric had stolen from me was nowing back where it belonged.


    Lucien slid the papers toward me, his expression solemn.


    The envelope felt heavier than stone in my hands¨Cbecause it wasn¡¯t just wealth. It was justice.


    death howl in ink. Every


    I looked up, meeting those warm, velvet¨Cdark eyes. The kind of gaze that could melt frost from a winter night. My chest tightened with an ache I didn¡¯t want to name.


    He¡¯d nned this from the start. He¡¯d wanted me to have back everything the Ebonw Pack had ripped away from me. He¡¯d been ready for this moment long before I was.


    ¡°Lucien¡­ thank you. You¡¯ve done so much for me, I don¡¯t even know how to repay you, my voice cracked, the words rough in my throat.


    A slow smile curved his lips. ¡°You really want to repay me?¡±


    I nodded Hard.


    I already owed him too much. He¡¯d pulled me off that bridge when I¡¯d been ready to let the current take me. He¡¯d given me shelter, paid for my treatment, stood in my corner when I had no pack left to call my own.


    Now this. This was beyond anything I could bnce.


    ¡°Anything you ask.¡± I said, my voice steady this time. ¡°I¡¯ll give it everything I¡¯ve got.¡±


    The gleam in his eyes deepened, a hunter savoring the moment the trap snaps shut. ¡°Then bring this wealth as your dowry¡­ when youe to the Duskgrave estate as my mate.¡±


    The words were calm, deliberate¨Cyet theynded in me like a thunderp.


    <b>3:33 </b>PM P P


    My face burned.


    0


    0


    D


    Finished


    Last time, he¡¯d spoken in Italian. I hadn¡¯t understood, but somehow I¡¯d said yes anyway. Now¡­ there was no mistaking him.


    I should have been happy¨Cgods, I wanted to be happy. But the tears came anyway, unstoppable.


    Because the moon had given me the right male at the wrong time.


    I loved him. I loved his grandmother. I wanted, more than I¡¯d ever wanted anything, to belong to their pack.


    But my body was broken. And an Alpha like him deserved a strong, unscarred mate¨Cnot someone who¡¯d been gutted by life and stitched back together with too many jagged


    The tears fell harder.


    Lucien¡¯s brows drew together, and he reached for a cloth, wiping my cheeks with careful, almost reverent hands. ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± he murmured.


    I tried to stop. I couldn¡¯t. The truth was, even after bringing Scarlett to her knees, there was no joy in me.


    Because once I finished embroidering The Imperial Bloom, I¡¯d be leaving with Carmen¨Cfar from Mooncrest, far from him, far from everything in Stormridge that had be home.


    The thought was a de in my chest.


    And I broke.


    I lunged into his arms, burying my face against his scent¨Cwolf, cedar, the faint heat of iron.


    He froze for half a heartbeat, then wrapped me in those strong arms, one hand moving slowly up and down my spine. ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± he whispered, knowing I couldn¡¯t hear him, but saying it anyway.


    That¡¯s when I felt it¨Canother presence.


    Ronan Duskcliff stood there, his gaze sharp enough to cut.


    The jealousy was rolling off him in waves, fouling the air.


    ¡°Duskgrave,¡± he growled, his voice carrying that dangerous Duskcliff Pack edge, ¡°let her go. She¡¯s mine¨Cwe have a betrothal. I¡¯in her fianc¨¦.¡±


    I almostughed.


    Because that im¡­ was more pathetic than anything Scarlett had ever said


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 230

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Finished


    Though Riley was the true¨Cblood daughter of the Ebonw Pack, the one who had been promised to Ronan Duskcliff in a formal mate¨Cbond arrangement had always been Scarlett.


    Back then, when the Duskcliff family and the Ebonw Pack had sealed that engagement, Alpha Duskcliff and Lady Duskcliff already knew Scarlett was not ric¡¯s blood.


    And yet, they had still agreed to the match¨Cbecause Scarlett had been the jewel of Ebonw¡¯s den at the time, celebrated, fawned over, her scent carried like perfume across every pack gathering.


    What Alpha Duskcliff had not expected was the venom thaty coiled in her heart.


    But for Ronan, a male of Duskcliff blood, only the true¨Cblood daughter of Ebonw was worthy to stand at his side.


    The moment he learned Riley¡¯s true lineage, he had imed her in his mind as his


    rightful mate.


    And yet¨Cdespite that silent im¨Che had never once stood for her, never once offered her the shield and loyalty a bonded wolf should give. There had been no defense, only suspicion and cold usations.


    Now, watching Riley fold herself into Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s embrace, head tucked against the Alpha Prince¡¯s chest as though he were her solid mountain, Ronan¡¯s jealousy red into a feral ze. His control frayed, and the words burst from his throat before his mind could catch them.


    ¡°Duskgrave, release her! She¡¯s mine¨Cshe¡¯s my intended!¡°.


    Alpha Duskcliff, Lady Duskcliff, and Tessa froze, the air around them heavy with shame. Their scents soured; they might as well have been wolves wishing for a burrow to crawl into.


    Lucien¡¯s voice was quiet when it came, but his gaze was pure steel, a de drawn and ready. He lifted his spear Ronan with that cold, hunter¡¯s stare.


    His mouth curved, but there was no warmth in it¨Conly mockery.


    eyes from Riley to


    Then, with deliberate slowness, he lifted one hand to cradle the back of Riley¡¯s head, his fingers threading through her hair like an unshakable im.


    And before anyone could breathe, he bent and took her mouth in a kiss.


    The kiss was hard, dominant¨Ca predator¡¯s seal¨Cand Lucien didn¡¯t care that the Duskcliff Alpha family and half the room were watching. His lips moved against hers<b>, </b>coaxing and consuming all at once, and his gaze never once left Ronan.


    The message was clear She¡¯s mine. You were never in the running.


    Ronan¡¯s heart kicked hard in his chest, his hands trembling with rage.


    ¡°You¨Cbastard! I told you not to touch her!¡±


    He lunged, fist raised.


    But Alpha Duskcliff moved faster, intercepting his son with a snarl. The sharp crack of palm against cheek rang through the den like the snap of a breaking branch.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s voice was a growl, thick with fury. ¡°Are you not shamed enough already?¡±


    Ronau¡¯s fists stayed clenched, but his eyes gleamed wet. ¡°Father¨Che¡¯s stealing my mate!¡±


    ¡°Your mate?¡± Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s lips peeled back from his teeth. ¡°Riley epted the Alpha Prince¡¯s proposal. That makes her his intended As for your mate¡­


    He hesitated, the muscle in his jaw ticking, the words tasting of ash your mate is Scarlett¡±


    The truth hut like a winter gale.


    Finished


    Ronan¡¯s shoulders sagged, his entire frame losing that furious tension, and yet his gaze stayed locked on Lucien.


    Lucien¡¯s arms tightened, pressing Riley into him until her flushed face was hidden against his chest. Then, without hurry, he bent and swept her off her feet as though she weighed nothing.


    He didn¡¯t look at Ronan again. He simply turned and carried her toward the staircase, every step an Alpha¡¯s victory stride.


    Ronan¡¯s voice cracked as he shouted after her. ¡°Riley!¡±


    No response¨Cshe couldn¡¯t hear him.


    ¡°RILEY!¡±


    THE


    Desperation drove him forward, but Alpha Duskcliff was there again, blocking his path, a wall of muscle and authority.


    Upstairs, a door closed with a soft finality, cutting Riley from view.


    Cold spread through Ronan¡¯s chest like frostbite, hisst scrap of hope splintering.


    He didn¡¯t dare imagine what would happen behind that closed door¨Cbut the image came anyway, burning his mind. Lucien¡¯s mouth, Lucien¡¯s hands, Lucien¡¯s dominance unchecked. The thought made him sway, ck creeping at the edges of


    his vision.


    If not for Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s steady grip on his arm, he would have hit the floor.


    Ronan clutched his face in both hands, dropped to a crouch, and his voice broke into a low, keening sound. ¡°I was wrong¡­ Riley¡­ just look at me, once more¡­¡±


    Only his grief¨Cfilled cries filled the room now.


    Alpha Duskcliff and Lady Duskcliff stood in silence, their own guilt souring the air. They had wronged Riley too. They had no right to seek her gaze, no right to ask for forgiveness.


    Her mercy in sparing them was more grace than they deserved.


    Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s eyes hardened, his voice snapping like a whip. ¡°Enough. You¡¯ve no right to weep. We leave. Now.¡±


    Send Gifts


    440

 in Vengeance 231

    Finished


    Alpha Duskcliff yanked Ronan up from the floor, his grip as unyielding as steel shackles. The younger wolf was still crying, the sound raw and feral, but the Alpha¡¯s patience had run dry. Without slowing, he dragged him toward the manor¡¯s


    entrance.


    Lady Duskcliff followed, her expression unreadable, pushing Tessa¡¯s wheelchair.


    Tessa turned her head upward, eyes finding the high windows of the manor. Riley¡­ you must be happy, she thought, the words echoing in her chest like a prayer.


    Yet the moment they stepped outside, Ronan nted his feet. He stood unmoving beneath the shadow of the manor, head tilted back, calling out for Riley¡¯s forgiveness. His voice cracked, almost a howl.


    Alpha Duskcliff¡¯s temper snapped. His palmshed out¨Conce, twice¨Cthe strikes sharp enough to leave Ronan reeling. Only then did the Alpha haul him away by force.


    When they finally returned to the ckmaw pack, grim news was waiting: the Duskcliff Group had been hammered by Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s Stormridge Pack until it was teetering on the edge of copse. It hadn¡¯t gone bankrupt outright, but the ruin was close enough to taste.


    The entire household fell into heavy, choking silence.


    Then Tessaughed¡ªa cold, mirthless sound. ¡°This is retribution,¡± she said. She¡¯d seen iting from the moment she awoke to find Ronan defending Scarlett, blind to reason, willing to let others bleed for her.


    If not for the twist of fate that had ced Riley in her path, the ckmaw pack would already have fallen like the Ebonw Pack. Riley had spared them for Tessa¡¯s sake alone.


    She turned to her father. ¡°I need your driver.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Her eyes sharpened, predatory. ¡°The prison. Everyone else knows the truth. Kael Vale doesn¡¯t. As one of the aplices who threw Riley into a cell, he doesn¡¯t deserve to live out his days in peace.¡±


    Without waiting for an answer, she turned her wheelchair and rolled out the door.


    Deep in Mooncrest, in the sterile white halls of a mental institution, Luna Zara fought like a wild thing against the orderlies holding her down. ¡°I¡¯m not insane! Let me out!¡±


    It took two to pin her while a third bound her to the bed. Fear widened her eyes. ¡°Do you know who I am? I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    The sentence withered on her tongue.


    Once, she¡¯d been the celebrated daughter of the Ebonw. Then she¡¯d be Luna to Alpha ric of the Ebonw Pack. Now?


    Her father was dead. Alpha ric had betrayed her. Her son was in prison. Her daughter¡¯s eyes held only hatred.


    She was nothing.


    ¡°I¡¯m begging you,¡± she rasped, ¡°I¡¯m not sick.¡±


    The doctor didn¡¯t nce at her. ¡°Everyone says that. If you weren¡¯t sick, you wouldn¡¯t be here,¡±


    Tm telling you-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be sick soon enough,¡± he cut in, sliding a needle into her arm. Cold chemicals flooded her veins, pulling her into a fog.


    And as the world warped and dimmed, a terrible realization struck her: So this is what Riley felt. That helpless, caged despair when no one believed the truth


    <b>A </b>single tear slid down her check before her eyes closed.


    Finished


    3:33 PM


    But if she thought Riley¡¯s choice was cruelty, she was wrong. Had Riley wished, there were far worse fates¨Clike the one that had imed Scarlett.


    The Rogues had dragged Scarlett deep into the wilds, their jeers echoing in the dark. She had fought, bitten, wed, tried to run¨Ceach time earning only a savage beating.


    As the heir to Omega, she waspletely unable toplete her shift. To deceive Alpha bic, Elira kept injecting her with wolf pheromones, giving her the illusion of being the perfect golden child.


    And now, she couldn¡¯t evenplete the transformation on her own.


    inthin


    viar


    a


    .


    In the end, they shattered her legs to keep her still, chaining her like an animal in a sty, passing her between them whenever their hunger rose.


    And as for why those same Rogues hadn¡¯t torn Alpha ric and Scarlett apart when they dared to step into Rogue territory-


    It wasn¡¯t mercy.


    It was vengeance served slow.


    They remembered the night Alpha ric, in all his power, had stormed their stronghold, leaving their kin broken in the dirt. To kill him quickly would be too kind. Instead, they chose to keep him breathing¡­ so they could watch him rot.

 in Vengeance 232

    Scarlett had been in the Rogues¡® den for mere months when her belly began to swell.


    Finished


    Whispers coiled through the ranks of her captors, but no one knew¨Cperhaps no one cared¨Cwhose pup she carried. The scent of pregnancy was faint beneath the stench of unwashed fur and old blood, but to wolves, there was no hiding it.


    TH


    At first, she had thought the life inside her might save her. Even in thewless hierarchy of Rogues, there were codes¡ª unspoken, fragile¨Cabout harming a female heavy with young. She clung to that sliver of hope like a drowning wolf to driftwood.


    Pho


    But these Rogues were not bound by the same rules as pack wolves. They were older than honor, filthier than decay, and cruelty was their only tradition.


    The first night they came for her, her body was sluggish with exhaustion, her belly already taut. She thought they might hesitate. They didn¡¯t.


    R


    They tore at her clothing, teeth and ws shing in the dim torchlight. Their growls rattled the thin walls of the den, heavy paws pinning her like prey. The air was thick with musk, blood, and the sour tang of her fear. She bit her lip until it bled rather than give them the satisfaction of her screams.


    Night after night, they returned. Each time, she woke sore, bruised, her skin carrying the stink of them no matter how hard she scrubbed in the freezing creek outside. The pup kicked at first¨Csmall, frantic movements against her battered ribs¨Cbut as the days blurred into weeks, the kicks grew weaker.


    The night it stopped, she knew before the pain came.


    The cramps started like ws raking her from the inside out, building until she doubled over on the cold floor, her breathing in ragged snarls. The Roguesughed from the shadows, their amber eyes glinting with amusement as scarlet spread beneath her.


    When the scent of fresh blood filled the air, it wasn¡¯t grief that silenced them¨Cit was beasts as the life slipped from her womb, the pup never taking its first breath.


    hunger. They watched like carrion


    Shey there for hours, shaking, the world reduced to the copper taste in her mouth and the hollow ache in her belly. By dawn, her body was emptied, and her hope was gone.


    After that, her life followed a rhythm as cruel as the moon¡¯s pull on the tides: beatings, snarls, forced submission. And when her body betrayed her with another pregnancy, the cycle began anew.


    Twice more she carried pups. Twice more she lost them. Her womb had be a battlefield scarred by too many losses, cursed with the scent of death before life could take root.


    The Rogues were not gentle when she was with child. If anything, they seemed to delight in breaking her while her belly was round, as if defying the very instinct that should have made them protect their young. Their ws scored her skin, their teeth bruised and tore. When she fell, they left her there in the dirt, twitching under the cold gaze of the moon.


    By the time the beatings stopped¨Cwhether from boredom or because her body could no longer quicken¨Cshe was no longer the same female who had once strutted through moonlit ballrooms.


    Months in the den had reduced her to less than prey.


    Scarlett had been born into privilege, her every whim indulged, her beauty polished like a jewel to be disyed. She had dreamed of a mate who was an Alpha of wealth and influence, of living in sprawling estates where servants moved like shadows and her word wasw.


    Now she slept in a burrow dug into the earth, the walls smelling of damp and rot, the ground beneath her stained dark from countless nights of vition. She was handled not with the reverence of a treasured mate but with the rough, careless greed of males who saw her only as flesh to be used.


    The old Rogues¨Cmatted fur, yellowed fangs, reeking of rot¨Cwere the worst. They did not rush. They savored. Their breathing wasbored with age, their ws crooked, but their cruelty was practiced. They liked to whisper filth in her ear, to make her watch as they licked the blood from their fingers.


    Her body became a map of their dominance bruises blooming purple and yellow, thin scars from shallow cuts, deeper ones where ws had sunk too far. She stopped healing cleanly Each mark lingered, a permanent record of her captivity.


    3.33 PMP ¡¤


    0


    0


    Finished


    Her mind did not fare better. The Scarlett who once schemed and smiled her way into every elite gathering had been yed raw, her ambition reced with the nk stare of an animal too tired to run. She began to lose time, staring at the wall for hours, hearing nothing but the echo of her own heartbeat.


    Sometimes she wouldugh without meaning to, a sound that made even the Rogues pause¨Csharp, broken, humorless.


    Her hair, once a cascade of polished silk, hung in uneven, filthy tangles. Her nails were cracked and dirt¨Ccaked, her skin pale beneath the grime. Her scent had changed, too¨Cgone was the honeyed floral perfume of a high¨Cborn female. Now she reeked of smoke, blood, and the permanent musk of her captors.


    That


    In the moon¡¯s cycle, months passed. But it felt longer¨Can endless winter that gnawed at her flesh and spirit alike.


    T


    By the time the Rogues left her alone, she could no longer carry life. The healers in any civilized pack would have called it ¡°habitual miscarriage,¡± but here, in the shadows beyond thew, it was simply another victory for her tormentors.


    Scarlett did not mourn this. She had nothing left to mourn with.


    Her eyes, once bright with calction, were now vacant, reflecting nothing. The she¨Cwolf who had entered the Rogues¡® den


    was gone.


    What remained was an echo¨Cempty, brittle, and haunted.


    And that¡­ was another tale.


    Send <b>Gifts </b>

 in Vengeance 233

    Finished


    Back to that day¡¯s Stormridge Pack¡¯s manor, Lucien Duskgrave pushed open the door to Riley¡¯s chamber, the weight of her in his arms nothingpared to the weight of the things he hadn¡¯t said.


    Her scent¨Clight, faintly tinged with herbs from the healer¡¯s salve¨Cclung to him. He set her down gently upon the bed, careful not to jar her leg. The mattress dipped beneath her slight frame, the furs folding around her like a protective cocoon.


    He murmured a few low words meant to soothe, his voice rougher than usual, the kind of tone a wolf uses to calm a skittish mate. Then, without lingering, he turned to go.


    From start to finish, his face remainedposed¨Cat least, it would have seemed so to anyone watching. But if Riley had looked closely, she might have noticed the truth betrayed in the faint, unnatural flush painting the tips of his ears.


    Riley¡¯s chest warmed at the sight of him retreating, a pulse of sweetness spreading through her. But the feeling soured almost instantly, as though the taste of it had been spoiled by a bitter root.


    She thought of her own body¨Cof what the ric had taken, of what could never be restored. The hearing she had lost in one ear. The limp she couldn¡¯t hide on cold days. The absence of a kidney, a reminder carved into her with steel and pain.


    What Alpha would want a mate so scarred?


    What Alpha prince would bind himself to someone like her?


    The thoughtnded heavy in her chest, pulling her shoulders in, making her fists curl into the nkets. She could hear the faint sound of his footsteps fading down the hall, and in the hollow that followed, a dangerous little ember of thought flickered to life.


    Maybe¡­ maybe I could try.


    Maybe I could heal.


    If there was a chance to mend what was broken¨Cto walk without the limp, to hear fully again, to reim strength in her body -then perhaps she could stand beside Lucien without shame. Without the constant fear of being pitied or discarded.


    The ember red, lighting a spark of resolve in her eyes.


    She shifted slightly, feeling the pull in her damaged leg, the familiar dull ache that came with the movement. She didn¡¯t care. She would find a way.


    Some wounds might never truly vanish, but she would fight to make them smaller, weaker, until they could no longer be used against her.


    Across the manor, Lucien stepped into his own chamber. The air here was cooler, scented faintly of pine from the branches ced by the window. He moved without thinking into the washroom, the soft pad of his bare feet muffled by the thick rug.


    The mirror caught him as he reached for a towel. He paused, almost startled by the reflection that stared back¨Ca man whoseposure was intact everywhere except for the betraying crimson still staining the edges of his ears.


    He almost didn¡¯t recognize himself.


    He gripped the sides of the marble basin, his head lowering for a breath. Then it came, unbidden¨Cthe memory of the kiss.


    It hadn¡¯t been an ident. He could admit that to himself now. It had been deliberate, calcted even, meant to provoke Ronan Duskcliff, to draw that protective fury to the surface,


    But the moment his lips had touched hers, the n had shifted into something entirely different.


    Warmth. Softness. The faintest catch of her breath.


    He had tasted defiance and vulnerability in the same breath, abination more intoxicating than any drink.


    Slowly, almost without realizing, his lips curved.


    His long fingers rose to trace the shape of his mouth, as though confirming the memory was real. The sensation lingered there ghostlike, a heat that no amount of cool water could wash away.


    3:34 PM


    A low chuckle escaped him, deep in his chest.


    Finished


    So this was what a kiss truly felt like¡ªnot the idle fantasies he¡¯d allowed himself during long, restless nights, but the reality. Raw. Unfiltered. Far better than any imagining.


    The first he had ever given.


    And if he could have it every day¡­ if he could feel that warmth, taste that mix of sweetness and fire again and again¡­


    The thought rooted itself in him with quiet certainty.


    He didn¡¯t like certainties when it came to people. Wolves were unpredictable, even dangerous, when granted too much space in his heart. He had learned that lesson young. But with Riley-


    No. He didn¡¯t finish the thought.


    Instead, he pulled off his shirt, tossing it aside as the cool air licked over skin that still burned faintly from being too close to her. He poured water from the jug into the basin, sshing it onto his face, trying to douse the heat.


    It didn¡¯t work.


    By the time he toweled himself dry and straightened, the flush had eased from his ears¨Cbut the restlessness had not.


    Across the hall, Rileyy on her side, eyes open in the dark.


    She didn¡¯t know that Lucien¡¯s thoughts were tangled with her as tightly as hers were with him. She didn¡¯t know that the kiss had marked him just as surely as it had unsettled her.


    All she knew was that she would heal.


    Not for him.


    Not yet.


    But for herself¡ªso that when the day came, she could stand before the world, before any Alpha, without bowing her head.


    And perhaps¡­ so that she could take another kiss without feeling unworthy of it.


    Send Gifts


    440


    W

 in Vengeance 234

    Mooncrest Prison


    Finished


    The stink of damp stone and old blood clung to the air, thick enough to coat the back of the throat. Pale shafts of winter light nted through the barred windows high above, but they brought no warmth to the corridor.


    Kael Vale moved through it slowly, each step weighted by the heavy iron shackles that bound his wrists and ankles. The chain dragged between his feet, its links clinking against the stone floor¨Cclink, clink, clink¨Ca hollow, mocking rhythm that echoed down the hall like the beating of a funeral drum.


    Once, he had carried the bearing of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s heir¨Cstraight¨Cbacked, chin lifted, the wolf in his blood radiatingmand. Now his head was shaven, the proud line of his shoulders bowed under invisible weight. The thin gray of the prison uniform hung from him like an insult, stripping him of name and rank.


    He had expected this day to bring familiar faces. His parents, perhaps¨CLord and Lady Vale, stone¨Cfaced with disappointment. Or Scarlett, still stubborn enough to meet him despite the ruin between them.


    He had not expected her.


    Tessa of the ckmaw Pack sat behind the reinforced ss, posture perfect, her expression carved from a cier. She did not fidget. She did not blink more than she needed to. Her presence cut through the stale air like the edge of a de.


    The sight of her jolted his heart against his ribs. He tried to hide it by looking away, but it was toote. The shame was already written in the tense lines of his body.


    The day she woke from hera, he had known.


    Not in his mind¨Chis mind had fought it, denied it, grasped for excuses¨Cbut somewhere deeper, in the primal ce where a wolf cannot lie to itself, he had known Riley was not the one who hurt her.


    But to acknowledge that meant facing the truth: he had sworn under oath that his own sister had tried to kill Tessa.


    He had handed Riley over to chains, to a life without freedom, to the pain that had maimed her body. To admit he¡¯d been wrong was to stare directly at the ruin he¡¯d made of her life.


    The weight of that was something he had not been ready to bear.


    Still, when Tessa¡¯s cold, unblinking gaze found him, he found himself moving forward, drawn into her orbit like prey toward the predator¡¯s den.


    The guards guided him into the visiting station. The ss wall divided them, thick and unyielding, framed by the metal casing that anchored it into the stone. A battered ck telephone receiver waited on each side.


    Kaei sat heavily on the stool. The chain at his ankles scraped the floor. He lifted the phone with a hand that felt stiff and clumsy. Tessa mirrored him without looking away.


    For several heartbeats, they simply sat there¨Chis breathing shallow, hers measured and slow, like a wolf scenting the wind before the strike.


    She broke the silence first.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Her voice was low, edged in steel. ¡°Cat got your tongue?¡±


    Kael¡¯s gaze fell, his shoulders curling inward, as if the very air around her had weight.


    The look stirred no pity in her¨Conly a colder kind of satisfaction. In her eyes, he was no Alpha, no heir. He was a coward hiding from the truth.


    You don¡¯t have anything to ask me?¡± she pressed, each word deliberate, sharpened to pierce.


    He swallowed. His mouth worked, but his voice was thin when it finally emerged. ¡°I already¡­ have a sense of the truth.¡±


    Her lips curved, but the expression carried no warmth¨Conly contempt. ¡°A sense?¡± She gave a short, humorlessugh. ¡°Don¡¯t <b>make </b>meugh, Kael. You don¡¯t know a damn thing¡±


    <b>3:34 </b>PM P.


    Finished


    Something in her tone made the hairs on his arms rise. There was more beneath her words¨Csomething waiting to be unsheathed.


    And then she began.


    In clipped, measured sentences, she told him everything.


    How Dean Elira ckthorn had woven her lies like a spider spinning silk, deceiving Alpha ric until he believed Riley was a threat. How, on those lies, Alpha ric had abandoned Riley to the Rogue settlement, cutting her from the Pack as though she¡¯d never been blood.


    She spoke of the long years that followed, of how Riley had been called back after fifteen winters¡ªnot out of love or duty, but because she could be used.


    Every foul detail. Every piece of the rot festering beneath Ebonw¡¯s proud name.


    Her voice was steady throughout, but her eyes never left him, pinning him like a wolf holding its prey down with a paw until thest breath.


    By the time she finished, Kael¡¯s hands were clenched so tightly around the receiver that the chain between his manacles rattled.


    The sound seemed to snap something inside him.


    He mmed his fist against the ss with a snarl, the impact sending a dull thud through the reinforced barrier. His voice tore out of him in a raw roar that shook the receiver in his grip.


    ¡°Lies! You¡¯re lying! You¡¯re trying to trick me!¡±


    The outburst bounced off the stone walls, echoing down the empty row of visitation booths.


    Tessa didn¡¯t ever flinch.


    She leaned back slightly in her chair, her expression settling into something almost bored¨Cas if his denial had been the most predictable part of the entire conversation.


    On her side of the ss, the wolf in her eyes said: You can rage all you want. The truth won¡¯t change.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 235

    .


    ¡°Lies? You¡¯re already rotting in a cell, Kael Vale. Why would I bother lying to you?¡±


    Finished


    Tessa of the ckmaw Pack¡¯s voice was cold enough to frost the ss between them. ¡°I came here for one reason¨Cso you¡¯d know. You wronged Riley in ways no brother ever should. It¡¯s my responsibility to tell you the truth. Kael Vale, for Scarlett, you tore into your own blood without restraint. Now¡­ do you regret it?¡±


    Regret didn¡¯t begin to cover it.


    The words were knives, sinking deep into his chest. Kael felt as though ws had raked across his heart, leaving it shredded and raw.


    He had once convinced himself that five years ago, perhaps Scarlett had simply guided Tessa to the forest in panic, an ident she was too afraid to admit.


    But this truth was a beast he had never imagined¨CScarlett, together with Alpha ric of the Ebonw Pack, had plotted to take Riley¡¯s kidney, to harvest her organs, to offer her body to the University¡¯s anatomy halls like discarded prey.


    If Tessa hadn¡¯t overheard their n, Riley would have died before the moon of that year had even waned.


    EL


    Even spared from death, Riley had been framed, cast into a wolf prison where she was beaten and abused for five long years, her wolf weakened, her body broken.


    Kael¡¯s voice cracked, his breath ragged. ¡°No¡­. it can¡¯t be¡­ You¡¯re saying this just to make me suffer, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    The chains on his wrists nged as he mmed his palms against the reinforced ss, his eyes bloodshot, pupils blown wide


    like a cornered wolf gone feral.


    Tessa, unmoving in her wheelchair, simply regarded him as one might watch a rabid animal exhaust itself.


    A hoarse, guttural roar tore from his throat. ¡°Ahhh!¡± Then, with a sharp crack, he smashed his forehead against the ss.


    Two prison guards burst in, trying to restrain him.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± Kael snarled, struggling against their grip. His gaze locked on Tessa, wild and desperate. ¡°Bring Riley to me! I¡¯ll ask her myself¡ªI need to hear it from her-¡±


    Tessa¡¯sugh was low and without mirth. ¡°Riley will not see you. And you, Kael Vale¡­ will taste the life she endured here. Everyst drop of it.¡±


    With that, she hung up the phone, turned her chair, and rolled away.


    Kael¡¯s pupils shrank. ¡°Tessa¨Cdon¡¯t you dare walk away! I want to see Riley!¡°¡±


    But she never turned back. Her scent¨Csharp and cold¨Clingered for only a moment before it, too, was gone.


    Kael copsed to the ground, the fight leaving his limbs. His lips moved in a frantic whisper, over and over.


    ¡°No I don¡¯t believe it¡­ you¡¯re lying¡­¡±


    The words soon blurred with tears that fell hot and unchecked.


    ¡°Riley little sister¡­. I was wrong. Give me one more chance. When I¡¯m free, I¡¯ll spend my life making this right.¡±


    But he didn¡¯t yet understand¨Cby the time the prison gates opened for him, Riley would already be gone from his world, never to cross his path again.


    Perhaps it was vengeance settled, or perhaps simply the truth finding air atst, but that night Riley slept with a peace she hadn¡¯t known in eight years. No dreams. No shadows. Only warmth.


    When the dawn was still a pale smear over Mooncrest, she stirred.


    She rose, washed quickly, and padded downstairs with a lightness in her step she hadn¡¯t felt in years.


    172


    e


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    In the kitchen, Mia stood at the counter, apron tied snug, a pot already steaming.


    Finished


    Hearing movement, Mia turned¨Cand her eyes lit with surprise. ¡°Miss Riley, you¡¯re up early today. Hungry? I¡¯ll fix you some noodles right now.¡±


    Riley shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. I want to make breakfast¡­ for Lucien and Matriarch Duskgrave.¡±


    Her voice was soft, but there was a quiet pride in it. ¡°I can¡¯t do much here. This is one way I can give back.¡±


    Mia¡¯s hands fluttered in protest. ¡°No need, dear. I¡¯ve got it. Out you go¨Cthe kitchen¡¯s too smoky.¡±


    But Riley slipped her arms around Mia¡¯s, voice dipping into yful warmth. ¡°Please? Lucien and the Matriarch have been so kind to me. The least I can do is this. Teach me your recipe for sunshine noodles? Yours are the best I¡¯ve ever smelled.¡±


    Her head rested lightly against Mia¡¯s shoulder, the gesture so close, so earnest, that it melted the older she¨Cwolf¡¯s resolve.


    ¡°All right, all right. I¡¯ll teach you. And when Lucien tastes them, he¡¯ll feel the warmth all the way to his core.¡±


    Riley¡¯s cheeks colored faintly. ¡°I knew you were the best, Mia.¡±


    Thepliment was well¨Cced. Mia grinned, the lines at her eyes softening.


    The two worked side by side, wolf and wolf, in the simple rhythm of chopping, stirring, and boiling.


    Half an hourter, five bowls of steaming noodles sat on the counter¨Cbroth clear and fragrant, noodles lying neatly in the white porcin, each crowned with a golden fried egg, scattered with bright green onions andtro, a few drops of aromatic oil glistening on the surface.


    It was then that Lucien Duskgrave, Matriarch Duskgrave, and Mrs. Beck stepped into the dining hall, drawn by the scent.


    Send Gifts

 in Vengeance 236

    Finished


    Mia¡¯s smile was warm as she called out, ¡°Alpha Lucien, Matriarch, you must taste this¨CMiss Riley made these noodles herself.¡±


    Matriarch Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck both turned their eyes toward Riley, affection shining in their gazes.


    ¡°Oh, my sweet cub, so thoughtful,¡± the Matriarch chuckled, her voice carrying the gentle authority of an elder wolf. ¡°I¡¯ve always loved noodles, and with looks and scent like this, they¡¯ll be perfect.¡±


    Mrs. Beck nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Indeed. Just the aroma alone could tempt any wolf. If she opened a shop, it would be packed every full moon.¡±


    Mia straightened her shoulders, pride in every line of her face. ¡°First time making sunshine noodles, and they¡¯re nearly better than mine¨Cafter decades in the kitchen. That¡¯s our Miss Riley, clever in everything she tries.¡±


    The Matriarchughed, the sound deep and satisfied. ¡°Exactly why I knew she¡¯d be the perfect mate for our Alpha.¡±


    The three elder she¨Cwolves circled her with words like warm pelts, piling praise higher and higher.


    Riley¡¯s cheeks burned crimson. They were exaggerating¨Cbut the joy in their voices still curled warmly in her chest.


    ¡°Matriarch, Mrs. Beck, please try my cooking. If you like it, I¡¯ll make it for you often.¡± She nced toward Lucien Duskgrave, eyes bright with anticipation. ¡°Alpha Lucien, you should try it too.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s gaze fell on the few sprigs oftro floating atop the broth. His brow furrowed¨Cjust enough for a wolf¡¯s sharp eye to notice¨Cbut he said nothing, sitting down without a word.


    Riley¡¯s heart beat faster, her eyes fixed on him.


    In


    The scent oftro rose instantly, sharp and green, filling his mouth as he took the first bite. For an Alpha whoseposure was legendary, the slight stiffness in his jaw was almost imperceptible. He swallowed without flinching, forcing the difort down, and gave a faint smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Her eyes lit like antern in the dark.


    Lucien nodded once. ¡°Really.¡±


    Riley¡¯s lips curved upward. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it.¡±


    To receive such praise the first time she cooked this dish¡­ it surprised her<b>, </b>warmed her. Perhaps she really did have a knack for cooking.


    She picked up her chopsticks, tasting her own work. The rich broth mingled with the bite oftro and the fragrance of sesame oil, and her eyes softened, nearly closing in contentment.


    Sunshine noodles¨Cher favorite, no matter how many seasons passed. Perhaps because, in the coldest winter of her life, Mia had served her this same dish, and it had warmed her through to her bones.


    As she savored the vor, she didn¡¯t notice the Matriarch and Mrs. Beck exchanging startled nces while Lucien ate. They seemed on the verge of saying something, but the sight of Riley¡¯s smile kept their words caged behind their teeth.


    Because of old injuries and a weakened stomach from her years in the Ebonw Pack, Riley ate slowly. By the time she had finished a single mouthful, she looked up to see Lucien¡¯s bowl empty.


    Her eyes widened in surprise¨Cthen glowed with quiet happiness.


    Would you like another bowl, Alpha Lucien? I can make more.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s reply was immediate. ¡°No. I have work to attend to. You finish your meal.¡±


    He rose from his seat, movements smooth, precise, already turning toward the door.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien,¡± Riley called after him. ¡°<b>take </b>Caelum with you. I¡¯m not going out today, and I¡¯ll feel better knowing he¡¯s with


    D


    Finished


    you.¡±


    Lucien inclined his head in acknowledgment. ¡°All right.¡± With that, the tall Alpha strode from the house, the door closing behind him.


    In the car, Lucien leaned back against the leather seat, a flicker of fatigue in his eyes. He loosened his tie, revealing the edge of reddened skin spreading beneath his cor.


    From the driver¡¯s seat, Caelum Knox caught the sight in the rearview mirror and frowned. ¡°Alpha¡­ did you eattro?¡±


    He knew well¨CLucien Duskgrave was allergic. Even the smallest taste would bring a rash to his skin like wildfire through dry grass.


    Lucien exhaled through his nose, the sound controlled but heavy. ¡°Find a pharmacy.¡±


    Back at the Duskgrave estate, Riley set down her chopsticks and turned to the Matriarch. ¡°I¡¯ll be going out for a while with <i>Mia</i>.¡±


    The elder wolf tilted her head. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you weren¡¯t leaving the den today?¡±


    Riley had indeed told Lucien as much. That was precisely the point¨Cshe¡¯d needed Caelum out of the house.


    Otherwise, the loyal wolf would shadow her every step.


    ¡°Carmen called earlier,¡± Riley exined smoothly. ¡°There¡¯s an event at Ashmoor Academy for parents, and I thought I¡¯d go with Mia to see her.¡±


    The Matriarch considered, then nodded. An open school event was hardly dangerous territory for their she¨Cwolf.


    Once they were outside, Mia nced at her, brows knit. ¡°Miss Riley¡­ why did you lie to the Matriarch?¡±


    Riley¡¯s expression darkened, her tone quiet but firm. ¡°Mia¡­ I need to go to the Ashmoor to meet professor Maeryn. For a full examination.¡±

 in Vengeance 237

    Finished


    Maeryn Voss, the famed hybridbat instructor at Ashmoor Academy, was equally versed in magic as she was in battle. Riley had met her once before. On that asion, Maeryn had told her¨Cquietly but firmly¨Cto return once she had found her missing kidney, promising to run another examination.


    Now, with Mia at her side, Riley stepped onto Ashmoor¡¯s grounds. She retraced the path toward the professor¡¯s office from memory, her heart heavy with a mixture of hope and dread.


    But when she reached the door, it wasn¡¯t Maeryn who greeted her¨Cit was a young man with clipped brown hair and the crisp posture of an assistant.


    ¡°You¡¯re Riley, right?¡± he asked without surprise. ¡°Professor Maeryn said you¡¯de today. She told me to tell you she¡¯s not here¡ªshe¡¯s giving a medical lecture at Mooncrest Hospital. She asked that you meet her in the treatment wing there. She¡¯ll be expecting you.¡±


    Riley blinked. ¡°She knew I¡¯de?¡±


    The assistant only smiled faintly. ¡°She said you¡¯d understand once you spoke to her.¡±


    The hospital.


    The word lodged in Riley¡¯s chest like a stone. Still, she turned away without another question, her limp carrying her back down the marble corridors and out to the waiting car.


    Mia was quiet beside her during the drive, sensing the tension tightening every line of Riley¡¯s body.


    When they reached Mooncrest Hospital, the air smelled faintly of antiseptic and warm metal. The treatment wing was hushed, lit with the sterile white glow of magemps.


    And there¨Cstanding at the far end, sleeves rolled to her elbows, her silver¨Cstreaked braid over one shoulder¨Cwas Maeryn Voss.


    ¡°Riley,¡± the hybrid greeted, her voice calm yet expectant, as though this meeting had been inevitable.


    Her hand came to rest lightly on Riley¡¯s head, and a soft white healing glow spread through the air, brushing against the edges of Riley¡¯s spirit. But as Maeryn¡¯s senses swept deeper into the young she¨Cwolf¡¯s body, her expression began to harden.


    The furrow in her brow deepened, deeper still.


    When Riley emerged from the treatment room some timeter, her eyes were hollow, the life in them dimmed to embers. Maeryn¡¯s words still rang in her ears¨Ceach sentence another w sinking into her heart.


    ¡°Your body¡­ years of malnutrition, severe blood and qi depletion, and old battle¨Cwounds that never healed. It¡¯s been carrying too much for too long.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re missing a kidney, and the imbnce has left your wolf¡¯s energy crippled¨Cmultiple organs are showing signs of decline.¡±


    ¡°I once thought that if we reced your kidney and nourished your body, you might recover. But there¡¯s something else¡­ something far worse.¡±


    That was when Maeryn told her the truth.


    Eight years ago¨Con the day Alpha ric of the Ebonw Pack had ¡®weed¡® Riley into his household¨Che had caught a trace of Alpha wolf pheromones on her scent. Fearing her wolf might awaken and one day challenge his authority, he¡¯d acted in secret. Without her knowledge, he had slipped into her food a rare, insidious wolf toxin¨Can assassin¡¯s poison from the old lupine wars.


    The toxin was a patient killer. Ity dormant for up to eight years, gnawing at flesh and bone in increments too small to notice. It disrupted the body¡¯s healing, fouled the wolf¡¯s spiritual core, corrupted the flow of qi. By the time symptoms showed, the damage was irreversible¨Cdeath arriving as the organs failed one by one.


    For ric, it had been a perfect safeguard. If his n to harvest her organs failed, she would still meet the same end. And until then, she would remain too weak, too crippled, to ever be a threat.


    3.34


    D


    Finished


    ¡°Your hearing loss,¡± Maeryn went on, ¡°isn¡¯t simply from a ruptured eardrum. The toxin has devoured the nerve tissue¡ªit cannot be repaired. Even with an artificial cochlea, your brain may no longer process sound properly. And after so long in silence, your speech patterns may also be affected.¡±


    ¡°The toxin has also invaded your legs. Even if the bones were broken and reset, you could only hope to walk without a limp- not to run.¡±


    Every wordnded like a blow.


    Riley understood then¨Cmeat once cooked could never return to fresh flesh. Her body was beyond restoration. She would never bear children like other females, never share in a mate¡¯s bond the way she had once dreamed.


    ¡°How long do I have?¡± she had asked, voice steady though her ws bit into her palms.


    Maeryn hesitated. ¡°If you take care of yourself¡­ four, maybe five years. Your kidney transnt cannot wait. And I will search for a cure to the toxin¨Cbut I will promise nothing.¡±


    Four or five years. She might not see her thirtieth winter.


    Before leaving, Riley made Maeryn swear to keep the toxin a secret¨Cespecially from Lucien Duskgrave. Maeryn agreed, her heart twisting for the young she¨Cwolf. She had the spirit of a white wolf born for battle, yet fate and her own blood had betrayed her.


    Mia followed her closely as they left, eyes burning with tears she could barely contain. ¡°Miss¡­ don¡¯t lose hope. We will find a way.¡±


    But Riley limped onward in silence. Mia realized with a jolt¨Cshe hadn¡¯t heard her. Her hearing was gone,


    They passed the gates of Mooncrest Hospital when a low male voice


    ¡°Riley!¡±


    cut


    through the air.


    Mia swiped at her eyes and turned. There, in pale hospital garb, stood Ronan Duskcliff, blocking their path. His face was gaunt, his eyes bloodshot.


    The only reason Ronan was here at all was the night before¨Cafter learning the full truth, he¡¯d drunk himself into alcohol poisoning. Lord Duskcliff and Lady Duskcliff had dragged him to the hospital before his liver gave out.


    Now, seeing Riley, he stepped forward and seized her thin shoulders. His voice cracked.


    ¡°You¡­ you came to see me?¡±

 in Vengeance 238

    Riley¡¯s POV


    0


    My gaze was empty, unfocused, until it finally sharpened¨Candnded on him.


    Ronan Duskcliff.


    Hatred surged through me like a predator breaking from its cage. I didn¡¯t bother hiding it; my lips curled in disdain.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even have enough time in this life to hate you fully,¡± I said, my voice cold as frost over a grave.


    His face drained of color, his mouth trembling. ¡°You¡­ hate me that much?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± I snapped, the growl in my chest almost slipping past my human voice. ¡°I hate you! I wish you¡¯d die-¡±


    Because if it weren¡¯t for them, I wouldn¡¯t be like this.


    I wouldn¡¯t be half¨Ccrippled, my wolf poisoned and caged, my body decaying from the inside out.


    And now¨Cnow I finally knew why.


    D


    Finished


    Just few minuts ago, the truth had been shoved into my hands in the form of sterile hospital paper and cold, clinical words.


    Alpha ric had poisoned me.


    Eight years ago. On the very day he brought me back.


    I could still see it if I closed my eyes¨Cmy younger self stepping off the transport, thinking my nightmare was finally over. Thinking maybe, just maybe, the Alpha of the Ebonw Pack had forgotten what I truly was.


    But he hadn¡¯t.


    He¡¯d smelled my wolf instantly, hidden beneath the prison soap and stale air. And instead of chains, he¡¯d given me something far worse: wolfbane.


    Not enough to kill me¨Cno, that would have been too merciful. Enough to rot me slowly from the inside, its venom lying in wait, patient as a viper.


    Eight years. Eight years of a slow death ticking away inside me, and I hadn¡¯t even known.


    I thought my weakness was my fault. My failing. But it had been him all along. Him, and the cruelty of letting me believe I <b>was </b>free when he¡¯d already set the hourss running out.


    If I hadn¡¯t been thrown into prison back then, I would have gone to Ashmoor Academy like I¡¯d dreamed.


    Five yearster, I would have graduated, taken a good position, built a life with pride.


    And if I¡¯d met Lucien Duskgrave then, I wouldn¡¯t have felt so small, so unworthy.


    I finally liked someone¨Ctruly liked someone¨Cand yet I couldn¡¯t stand at his side.


    Couldn¡¯t give him a future. Couldn¡¯t even give him myself.


    Hot tears burned my eyes and slid down my cheeks before I could stop them.


    Why is my life this cursed? Sometimes I wish I¡¯d never met him at all-


    Because then I wouldn¡¯t have to endure the ache of knowing we could neverst.


    Revenge <b>was </b>supposed to feel good.


    It didn¡¯t


    No amount of blood or justice could piece my body back together.


    ¡°Ronan Duskcliff,¡± I said, my voice low and sharp, ¡°don¡¯t ever show your face to me again. I despise you.¡±


    It hit him like a de between the ribs.


    Those three words¨CI despise you¨Ckept echoing in the air like a cruel chant.


    Suddenly, he lunged forward, crushing me into his arms as if he could fuse my body into his.


    Finished


    ¡°Riley, don¡¯t do this to me¡­ please,¡± he begged, his voice shaking. ¡°I love you. Hit me, curse me, anything¨Cjust give me one more chance.¡±


    I shoved at him, but he only held me tighter.


    ¡°You got your revenge on me yesterday,¡± he said, his voice breaking. ¡°My debt to you is paid. Let¡¯s start over. I swear, for the rest of my life, I¡¯ll spend every breath making it right. Please¡­ believe me.¡±


    But his repentance meant nothing to me.


    It was toote.


    3


    The river had already run dry, and a shattered bond never bes whole again.


    My voice was ice. ¡°Let go of me.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he rasped, stubborn as a wolf with its jaws locked on prey.


    A bitter smirk pulled at my mouth. ¡°I have something to show you. Then I want you gone.¡±


    He hesitated, then slowly released me. ¡°What is it?¡±


    I mmed the thick stack of test reports into his chest.


    He looked confused, but began flipping through them one by one.


    With each page, I saw his pupils dte, his breathing grow ragged, his hands start to shake violently.


    ¡°No¡­ this can¡¯t be real. I don¡¯t believe it.¡±


    But the tears betrayed him, spilling over even as he denied it.


    Then his knees buckled, and he copsed with a thud at my feet.


    He clutched my waist like a drowning man clinging to thest piece of driftwood, sobbing, ¡°Riley¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m so, so sorry¡­¡±


    I didn¡¯t look at him. I didn¡¯t need to. I already knew what was pouring out of his mouth¨Cmore apologies, more regret, all of it useless.


    My gaze stayed fixed on the far end of the hospital corridor. People passed by, some staring at us with curiosity or pity. <b>I </b>couldn¡¯t care less.


    I was already dying.


    What use was anyone¡¯s opinion?


    When he looked up at me again, he froze.


    I saw the horror in his eyes at the emptiness in mine¨Cthe dead stillness that no amount of begging could stir.


    Then, in a sudden burst of desperation, he grabbed my hand and mmed it against his own face.


    ¡°Hit me,¡± he gasped. ¡°If it makes you feel better, keep hitting me.¡±


    I stood there, unmoving, my hand limp in his grip.


    His voice cracked, and the sound was almost feral. ¡°If I¡¯d known what my actions would do to you¨Chow they would shorten


    0


    O


    your life, tear you apart¨CI never would have¡­¡±


    Toote.


    Always toote.


    No matter how he wed at the past, it wouldn¡¯t change. He had set the trap, and now I was rotting in it.


    He kept forcing my hand to strike him again and again.


    Smack. Smack. Smack.


    PINT


    ich


    The sharp sound echoed down the hall, drawing more stares.


    1


    D


    Red marks bloomed across his pale skin, but I felt nothing.


    I was no longer the girl who could feel anything for him¨Conly the poisoned wolf, counting down the days until her body gave outpletely.

 in Vengeance 239

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Mia¡¯s patience finally snapped. With a sharp step forward, she shoved Ronan Duskcliff hard.


    He hadn¡¯t expected it, and the force sent him sprawling onto the cold, unforgiving floor.


    s


    Mia¡¯s hands immediately went to Riley¡¯s, cupping them with care. Her eyes darkened when she saw the damage-her palms were raw, flushed a furious red, and already swelling.


    Rage sparked in Mia¡¯s chest. She turned her gaze on Ronan, and the look she gave him could have frozen a full-grown wolf in its tracks.


    ¡°If you truly wanted to atone, you¡¯d stop haunting my Miss like a curse,¡± she hissed, her voice cutting as steel. ¡°You know she despises you. And yet you keep wing your way back into her life. That¡¯s not penance-that¡¯s cruelty.¡±


    She thrust Riley¡¯s wounded hand toward him, as if daring him to look. ¡°Tell me, Alpha¡¯s son-was this punishment for yourself¡­ or just another way to hurt her?¡±


    Ronan¡¯s gaze locked onto her palm, and a pain sharper than silver spread through his chest. He shook his head, desperate, speechless-his wolf howling inside him, but finding no words to bridge the gulf he¡¯d created.


    He stared at Riley, eyes flooded with plea and regret, yet she wouldn¡¯t spare him so much as a nce.


    His chest tightened, breath growing shallow. His wolf thrashed against its cage of guilt, but even so, not a single apology made it past his lips.


    To Mia, the sight was nothing but empty theater.


    Where had all this so-called love been before?


    Riley had proven her innocence time and again since leaving the prison, yet Ronan had never believed her -not once. Instead, he¡¯d stood beside Scarlett, shielding her like a favored mate.


    That wasn¡¯t love. That was poison in silk¡¯s disguise.


    Mia¡¯s gaze swept over him with cold contempt before she wrapped a steadying arm around Riley and walked her past him.


    Ronan¡¯s hand shot out, grasping for her-but he caught only air.


    He tried to follow, to force onest chance at redemption, but his stomach twisted violently and his chest burned as if pierced by a de.


    With a hollow thud, he copsed to the ground, his wolf¡¯s eyes still locked on Riley¡¯s retreating figure.


    ¡°Riley-!¡±


    8:14 pm ADD


    s


    She never turned back. She left him there in the dust of the hospital corridor, the bonds between them in


    ruins.


    Outside Mooncrest Hospital, Riley walked beside Mia, her steps mechanical, as though moving through fog.


    They were almost to the bus stop when something by the trash bins caught Riley¡¯s attention.


    A man-no legs, only stumps beneath ragged trousers-was picking through heaps of refuse with trembling hands.


    Atst, he unearthed a mold-speckled bun, clutching it as though it were gold, devouring it in desperate bites.


    His clothes were filthy, hair matted into knots from months-perhaps years-without washing. He kept his head bowed, long strands hiding most of his face.


    Flies swarmed in the damp autumn air, but he seemed oblivious.


    Riley¡¯s gaze softened despite herself.


    In the wolf packs, some pups were born into gold-lined dens, destined for strength and status. Others were born into hunger and blood, every step a fight to survive.


    This man-though young from what little of his skin she could see-had already lost more than most could bear. No legs meant no hunt, no run, no freedom. Only scavenging, just to keep breathing.


    Autumn¡¯s chill wasn¡¯t yet biting, but winter would be merciless.


    A bitter smile ghosted across Riley¡¯s lips. Her own life was shattered beyond repair-what right did she have to pity another?


    And yet¡­ perhaps because she knew what it was to walk through darkness with no hand to hold, she could not look away.


    She stepped into a nearby convenience store and returned momentster with bread and water. She¡¯d left herself only enough coins for bus fare; the rest she ced in the paper bag.


    Kneeling slightly, she set the offering before him. ¡°That bun¡¯s gone bad. You¡¯ll get sick. Take this instead.¡±


    Inside the bag was not just food and water-but money.


    The man froze mid-bite.


    He went rigid, as though struck by lightning, and did not lift his head. Beneath the tangle of hair, his eyes -hidden-were wide with something fierce and raw: fear, shame, disbelief.


    Riley bent further, voice gentle as snowfall. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Take it.¡±


    Still, he didn¡¯t move. His thin frame trembled, and for a moment she wondered if he¡¯d been beaten enough times to fear even a kind hand.


    Don¡¯t be afraid. I mean you no harm.¡±


    She reached to take the ruined bun from his hand.


    pup.


    The man¡¯s gaze flicked to her fingers-slender, pale, and bloodless from cold-and something in him cracked. His wolf¡¯s heart clenched with a sudden, unbearable ache, and tears broke free before he could stop them.

 in Vengeance 240

    His tear fell with a soft plop,nding squarely on the back of Riley¡¯s hand.


    s


    She froze, a pang of sorrow twisting in her chest. In that instant, she thought-this man must have been starved of warmth for so long that even the smallest flicker of kindness from a stranger had bloomed into something vast and overwhelming inside him, enough to draw tears.


    Riley took a deep breath, snatched the moldy bun from his grip, and tossed it into the garbage. Then she shoved the bread, water, and the bills into his arms.


    From start to finish, the man never once lifted his head to look at her, never spoke a word.


    Riley had been about to offer a few words of encouragement, but just then, the bus arrived.


    ¡°Miss, let¡¯s get on,¡± Mia urged, gently tugging her.


    Riley cast the man onest deep nce before boarding the bus with Mia.


    It wasn¡¯t until the bus had rumbled away from the stop that the man finally gathered the courage to raise his head. His face came into view-Maddox.


    That night, battered and barely conscious, he¡¯d been dragged to the hospital by Duke on Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s orders. The Alpha Prince of Stormridge hadmanded that Maddox¡¯s legs be taken. But when the doctor saw him, they revealed the truth-both legs had already been smashed to pulp. His bones were shattered beyond repair, shards piercing through skin and muscle.


    Even without Lucien¡¯s order, amputation had been inevitable.


    When Maddox was wheeled out of the operating room, both legs were gone from the thigh down. When the anesthetic wore off, he awoke to agony so raw it stole his breath. The moment he realized what had been done to him, the world went gray.


    He had no coin to pay for his treatment. The hospital kept him one day before casting him out. Even his wheelchair vanished, leaving him to drag himself across the ground with what was left of his body.


    By day, he scavenged in trash heaps. By night, he curled up on park benches. A life worse than a stray dog¡¯s.


    And yet nothing cut him deeper than seeing Riley again like this.


    She hadn¡¯t recognized him.


    Spirits above, he wanted to reveal himself-wanted to tell her everything. But in this state? Legless, filthy, broken? How could he?


    He clutched the bag she¡¯d given him to his chest, his eyes glued to the bus as it carried her away. Tears streamed unchecked down his gaunt face.


    Kiley. I was wrong


    8:14 pm


    s


    When would she forgive him? When would she remember? When would she¡­ take him home?


    Curling into the shadow of the trash bin, Maddox whispered hoarsely to the empty air, ¡°Riley¡­ I failed you. I¡¯m paying for it now.¡±


    Now he knew-what it meant to have your legs smashed. The white-hot agony.


    Now he knew-what it felt like to be spat on, pitied, dismissed.


    Now he knew-the hollow ache of hunger.


    Back then, she had worked herself to the bone,peting in every tournament during the busiest season of her schooling just to win schrships-just to hand all her money to him so he could study in peace.


    And now¡­ she was still the same. Giving him what little she had left.


    Riley¡­ have you already forgiven me?


    Images flooded his mind-Riley trailing behind him like a shadow, eyes bright with trust. And him, swearing to protect her for life.


    The tears came again, unbidden.


    ¡°If I¡¯d known it would end like this,¡± he rasped, ¡°I never would¡¯ve gone intow. Maybe if I hadn¡¯t be awyer, we wouldn¡¯t be here now.¡±


    He muttered to himself for a long while before tearing open the bread, devouring it in desperate bites.


    Riley¡­ even for you, I have to stand up again.


    When Riley returned to the Duskgrave estate with Mia, Matriarch Duskgrave was arranging flowers on the sofa. The moment she saw Riley, she set them aside and beamed warmly.


    ¡°Riley, you¡¯re back.¡±


    By the time she stepped inside, Riley had already smoothed her expression into something bright and easy, hiding all trace of earlier pain.


    ¡°Grandmother,¡± she greeted with a smile.


    But the old wolf¡¯s joy faltered the moment her gaze fell on Riley¡¯s reddened eyes. Concern deepened the lines on her face.


    ¡°Riley¡­ your eyes-why are they so red? Have you been crying? Did someone hurt you? Tell me, and I¡¯ll see to it myself.¡±


    A rush of warmth swelled in Riley¡¯s chest, so sharp it almost brought fresh tears.


    Indeed-those who truly cared could read you with a single nce. Those who didn¡¯t¡­ never would.


    8:14 pm

 in Vengeance 241

    Once, in the Ebonw Pack, Riley had been forced under Ronan Duskcliff¡¯smand to kneel before Tessa of the ckmaw Pack¡¯s sickbed and kowtow until her forehead split open and bled. The thick white bandage that covered her injury had been ringly obvious, yet not a single member of the Ebonw Pack had spared her a nce.


    Now, her eyes were merely red and faintly swollen from crying, yet the elderly Matriarch Duskgrave spotted the difference instantly.


    Riley drew in a slow breath, forcing back the wave of hot emotion threatening to spill over. She lifted her face into a gentle smile and exined lightly, ¡°A gust of wind blew some grit into my eyes just now. I rubbed them for a while, that¡¯s all.¡±


    The Matriarch¡¯s shoulders eased with relief. Riley¡¯s body was fragile-she always feared that some wolf without sense or manners might try to bully her. But even a grain of sand in the eye could cause harm. She quickly turned to Mrs. Beck. ¡°Bring the eye drops.¡±


    ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯m fine, truly.¡±


    The Matriarch ignored her protests, pulling Riley down onto the sofa with an unyielding gentleness and making her rest her head upon herp. Her arms cradled Riley¡¯s slight frame, protective and warm-like she would hold her own granddaughter.


    The wolf in Riley stirred with a small, instinctive sound of contentment, her nose catching the faint, soothing scent of elder-blood pack warmth. She almost broke then, almost let the tears fall.


    Before they could spill, the Matriarch tilted the small bottle, and a cool drop touched Riley¡¯s eye. Under that cover, her tears finally escaped, slipping freely down her temple.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± the Matriarch asked sharply, concern shing like a defensive snarl.


    Mrs. Beck and Mia moved closer, three sets of eyes fixed on Riley.


    She gave a small, lightugh. ¡°The drops are just cold.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± The Matriarch exhaled slowly. ¡°Be good. Just bear with it until I¡¯m finished.¡±


    Riley smiled and kept her gaze steady on the older woman. Each drop slid down her cheek, mingled with the salt of her own tears.


    The Matriarch frowned. ¡°Why do they keep running out?¡±


    ¡°Maybe my eyes don¡¯t absorb water,¡± Riley teased softly.


    That drew a small chuckle from the older wolf. ¡°You always know how to make me smile.¡±


    Riley closed her eyes, hiding the turbulence inside her. She slid her arms around the Matriarch¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re so good to me,¡± she murmured. I want you happy every day. Even if I¡¯m gone¡­ you


    mustn¡¯t grieve. Wolves survive without their own, and you will too. As for Lucien¡­ he¡¯s a good man. He¡¯ll find someone better suited than me. I¡¯m only a brief shadow in his life.


    She pressed her face into the warmth of the Matriarch¡¯sp, letting that steady, protective heartbeat soothe the restless ache inside her chest.


    Feeling her cling like that melted the Matriarch¡¯s heart into something soft and unguarded. She stroked Riley¡¯s back. ¡°Grandmother also wants you to be happy every day.¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Riley¡¯s voice was muffled, almost drowsy.


    ¡°Did you tire yourself out ying outside?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡±


    ¡°Then rest here.¡± The Matriarch made no move to release her.


    Half-sprawled in the elder¡¯sp, Riley¡¯s frail body-unfit for the endless stamina of a healthy wolf-began to yield to exhaustion. Under the soothing rhythm of the Matriarch¡¯s touch, she drifted into a light, vulnerable sleep.


    Only when she was deeply under did the Matriarch gently ease her head onto a cushion. Mia moved quickly, covering her with a light nket.


    The three women-Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck, and Mia-stood in silence for a long moment, watching Riley¡¯s peaceful face, before stepping away with quiet, padded footsteps, like wolves leaving a sleeping pup undisturbed.


    ¡°Matriarch, what shall we prepare for dinner? The young master will be back soon,¡± Mrs. Beck asked.


    The Matriarch¡¯s gaze softened on Riley. ¡°Cooking will wake her. Better to order food for Lucien tonight.¡±


    Mrs. Beck blinked. ¡°¡­Takeout?¡± She doubted the Alpha prince of Stormridge had ever touched such a thing.


    ¡°And for Miss Riley?¡± she asked.


    The Matriarch turned to Mia. ¡°Riley loves your porridge. It¡¯s gentle on the stomach. Cook some millet porridge-quietly.¡±


    Once again, the depth of the Matriarch¡¯s favoritism toward Riley shocked the two household wolves. Yet, rather than resent it, they weed it.


    When Lucien Duskgrave returned, the household gathered at the table.


    Before Riley sat a steaming bowl of thick, golden millet porridge, the grains broken down into a smooth, fragrant cream. The Matriarch had even asked Mia to steam her a delicate egg custard.


    In contrast, Lucien¡¯s ce was set with four rich, heavy dishes-oily, salty, and high in heat. Even the rice looked dry and unappetizing, itsck of sheen standing in stark difference to Riley¡¯s gentle, nourishing meal.


    8:15 pm SDD

 in Vengeance 242

    Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s sharp amber eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second.


    ¡°This¡­ was made by Mrs. Beck?¡±


    Mrs. Beck shook her head.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s from Mia?¡±


    Mia also shook her head.


    His brow twitched. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­ it was you, Grandmother?¡±


    The Matriarch smiled at him, her expression full of calm authority.


    s


    ¡°I specially ordered takeout for you, Lucien. The reviews for this ce are excellent. Come, taste it.¡±


    Lucien fell silent.


    Why¡­ suddenly feed him takeout?


    His gaze flicked to Riley¡¯s ce setting-porcin bowl filled with steaming millet porridge and a tender, glistening egg custard-before dropping to his own te: four oil-slicked, sodium-heavy dishes, each smelling like a greasy punch to the senses.


    He opened his mouth, but the words stayed lodged in his throat. Instead, he lowered his head and began


    to eat.


    And truth be told¡­ the vor wasn¡¯t bad. Grandmother had been right; the seasoning had bite, and the


    meat was rich.


    Night deepened, and the Mooncrest estate fell into the stillness of the sleeping Pack.


    Except for Lucien.


    The Alpha Prince was pacing a miserable path between his bed and the bathroom. Six tripster, his usually unshakable expression was pale and stormy, his steps unsteady. He sank onto the mattress, staring into nothing.


    That morning-Riley¡¯s noodles. Cntro. His allergy had red.


    That night-the Matriarch¡¯s carefully chosen takeout. Now he was paying the price, body purging in rebellion.


    Through clenched teeth, he muttered, ¡°Grandmother¡­ what in the moon¡¯s name did you feed me?¡±


    Lucien Duskgrave had been raised in the highest standards of the Stormridge Pack-no tainted food, no careless cooking, not a speck of foreign bacteria allowed past his lips. One careless evening, and his gut¡¯s bnce had been shattered.


    8:15 pm


    s


    That he wasn¡¯t already dehydrated into a husk was a testament to his Alpha resilience.


    By the time the clock ticked past four a.m., he finally copsed into a brief, exhausted sleep.


    Itsted less than three hours.


    The shrill ring of his phone carved through the predawn quiet.


    He fumbled for it, voice hoarse and edged with fatigue. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Alpha,¡± Duke¡¯s crisp voice came through the line, ¡°the East District project needs your personal attention today. I¡¯ll be there to pick you up shortly.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Lucien exhaled, trying to gather himself.


    Duke hesitated. ¡°Alpha¡­ you don¡¯t sound well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± The answer was short, final. He hung up.


    He forced himself upright, only for the edges of his vision to darken. He breathed through it, jaw tight, and swore silently: Never again. Never touching takeout again.


    After a brisk wash, he emerged in a fitted ck suit, opening his bedroom door-


    -and was immediately assaulted by the fresh, unmistakable scent oftro.


    Danger.


    Downstairs, Riley greeted him with the soft, sweet smile she wore so effortlessly. ¡°You¡¯re up, Mr. Duskgrave? Perfect timing. I made spring noodles. Come, eat.¡±


    His eyesnded on the steaming bowl, and his instincts told him she¡¯d been generous with the portion.


    Her smile deepened. ¡°You¡¯re up earlier today, so you don¡¯t have to rush like yesterday. Take your time. If it¡¯s not enough, there¡¯s more in the kitchen.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s jaw tightened imperceptibly. He should tell her about his allergy, he knew. But the open, hopeful light in her eyes¡­ it made the words die before they could leave his mouth.


    It¡¯s just an allergy. He¡¯d take medicine after.


    Even so, his steps toward the table were hesitant.


    Just as he sat down, the doorbell rang.


    Relief flickered across his gaze. Duke must have arrived early. Perfect-he could take the bowl, hand it off, and not waste Riley¡¯s kindness.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it,¡± he said.


    Riley couldn¡¯t hear the bell, but she read his lips and quickly shook her head. ¡°No, Mr. Duskgrave, you eat.


    8:15 pm


    I¡¯ll get the door.¡±


    Lucien stayed seated, gaze fixed on the entryway, waiting for Duke¡¯s tall frame to appear.


    The moment he saw who it was, his hopes crashed.


    Not Duke. Carmen.


    s


    The young she-wolf bounded in like an eager pup, pulling Riley into a tight embrace the instant the door opened. Her voice was full of unrestrained warmth.


    ¡°Riley, I missed you so much.¡±


    And then she bent, inhaling deeply at Riley¡¯s neck. ¡°Mmh¡­ you smell amazing.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s golden eyes narrowed, a strange, territorial irritation prickling under his skin.


    Riley blinked in surprise. ¡°Carmen, it¡¯s not Sunday. What are you doing here?¡±


    Carmen grinned, pulling back but still close. ¡°No sses this morning, so I thought I¡¯de see you.¡±


    8:15 pm

 in Vengeance 243

    s


    Carmen¡¯s voice carried a yful lilt as she looked at Riley. ¡°From now on, whenever I don¡¯t have ss, I¡¯lle see you, alright?¡±


    She looked every bit the carefree, mischievous girl, yet in her eyes there was a fleeting sh of something deeper-concern, protectiveness, and an unspoken vow. She just wanted to see Riley smile.


    Riley¡¯s expression softened, as though speaking to a child she cherished. She ruffled Carmen¡¯s hair with gentle fingers. ¡°Of course. I¡¯d love nothing more than to see you every day.¡±


    How could she not like someone as pure as Carmen? The girl¡¯s presence alone lightened her mood.


    Riley took her hand and led her inside. ¡°Sit down for a moment. There¡¯s still noodles in the pot. I¡¯ll get you a bowl.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too good to me,¡± Carmen teased, grinning wide. ¡°If I were a man, I¡¯d snatch you up and marry you.¡±


    Riley shot her a mock re. ¡°You talk too much.¡±


    Carmen only stuck out her tongue in reply, her scent-light and sweet-mingling with Riley¡¯s calm, warm presence. The two of them moved like they¡¯d known each other all their lives, a closeness that made Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s eyelids twitch.


    When Carmen passed him, she merely nodded in greeting before trotting after Riley into the kitchen.


    From the kitchen came Riley¡¯s voice, steady and low, ¡°Why are you following me in here?¡±


    Carmen leaned against the counter, her tone turning syrupy. ¡°Because I finally get to see you. I¡¯m not wasting a second.¡±


    Her yful whine coaxed a quietugh from Riley, the sound carrying like a warm ember in the winter air. The two continued chatting, the kitchen filling with the easy rhythm of their words-while Lucien sat alone at the table, feeling almost like an intruder in his own territory.


    That was when Duke walked in from outside.


    ¡°Alpha, are we ready to go?¡±


    Carmen froze mid-step, the voice cutting through her lighthearted mood like a de. It sounded far too familiar.


    She turned, eyes narrowing toward the dining room-where a man in a silver-gray suit and gold-rimmed sses was walking toward them with smooth, confident steps.


    Recognition struck her like lightning.


    It was him. The man who had once handed her a million without blinking-Theo Hale¡¯s and Kael Vale¡¯s ally. What in the moon¡¯s name was he doing here, calling Lucien ¡°Alpha¡±?


    8:15 pm D


    Her heart thudded wildly, wolf instincts coiling tight.


    s


    As if sensing her gaze, Duke nced toward the kitchen. Carmen jerked her head away immediately, shoulders stiff, every muscle tensed as though ready to bolt.


    His eyes lingered on her, assessing. Something about her back looked¡­ familiar.


    Before he could speak, Riley emerged with a steaming bowl of noodles. ¡°This is Carmen, Mia¡¯s daughter.¡±


    Mia¡¯s daughter? She looked around Riley¡¯s age.


    The name tickled at his memory-Carmen. He stared longer, the shape of her shoulders, the line of her jaw, his instincts prodding him to press further.


    But Riley¡¯s voice broke the tension. ¡°Duke, have you eaten? Want to sit and have some?¡±


    He opened his mouth to answer, but Lucien¡¯s deep voice cut through from the table.


    ¡°He¡¯s eaten.¡±


    Lucien stood, sweeping the bowl of noodles in front of him as if iming prey. ¡°The Eastside project is urgent. I¡¯ll take this and eat on the road. Duke, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Without another nce, he strode out, Duke casting onest long look at Carmen before following.


    Outside, Lucien thrust the noodles into Duke¡¯s hands.


    ¡°For you.¡±


    Duke looked down. A lush heap of freshtro floated on the broth. He couldn¡¯t help the smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Such a shame, Alpha. Best part of the dish, and you can¡¯t have it.¡±


    Lucien slid into the driver¡¯s seat with the slow menace of a predator turning its head. ¡°Seems I¡¯ve been docking your pay too lightly.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Duke raised a brow, amused.


    ¡°Your mouth still runs even when it¡¯s full.¡±


    Duke¡¯s chuckle died instantly.


    Back inside, Carmen finally let out the breath she¡¯d been holding. She carried her bowl to the table, but instead of sitting beside Riley, she deliberately took the seat across-so she could read her lips.


    As they ate, she kept her tone casual, but her heart was still beating a little too fast. ¡°Riley¡­ the man who came in earlier-who is he?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Alpha Lucien¡¯s Beta. Duke,¡±


    8:15 pm D

 in Vengeance 244

    Carmen froze when she heard Riley¡¯s answer, her chopsticks suspended mid-air.


    So¡­. Duke was one of Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s people?


    Then why had he been running with Theo Hale?


    s


    Her mind snapped back to the day she¡¯d conned Duke out of a hundred thousand credits. The heat of unease curled low in her stomach.


    She had no qualms about bleeding arrogant, predatory Alphas for every coin they were worth-wolves like that deserved it. But Duke¡­ he had been different. Quiet. Sharp-eyed. Protective of Riley.


    And Carmen had never wanted to cheat anyone who might protect Riley.


    Now the money burned in her memory like a brand. She wanted it gone-back in Duke¡¯s hands before Riley ever found out. Because if Riley learned she¡¯d taken it, there would be more than disappointment in those storm-gray eyes. There would be distance.


    She ducked her head, emotions shifting too fast to name. Mechanically, she kept lifting noodles to her lips, but every bite tasted like ash.


    After the meal, Carmen stayed to help Riley clear the dishes.


    She was quiet-unnaturally so-and because Riley¡¯s hearing was lost to the world, she didn¡¯t speak much either.


    The kitchen was filled only with the sound of running water and the faint clink of ceramic.


    When everything was put away, Riley led her into the embroidery room.


    It was where Riley lived, aside from the necessary hours spent eating and sleeping.


    Bolts of colored thread filled the shelves, sunlight catching on their sheen. Riley sat at her frame, hands steady and precise, pulling life from silk with each stroke of the needle.


    Carmen¡¯s chest ached.


    ¨C


    Riley excelled at everything she touched, even this a skill she had learned behind iron bars, in a ce where wolves were stripped of rank, name, and pride. In five short years she had risen to a master¡¯s level, yet if she¡¯d never been caged with her brilliance, an Mooncrest High graduate like her could have ruled any path she chose


    Carmen took a seat nearby, her gaze fixed on Riley. The morning sun spilled over Riley¡¯s shoulders, turning her hair to molten gold, her skin to porcin. She looked like something out of an old noble¡¯s portrait-an Alpha¡¯s daughter born in another century.


    Unable to resist, Carmen pulled out her phone and snapped a picture. She tucked it away quickly, then sat again in silence, mind racing


    She had to find a way to return Duke¡¯s money.


    s


    And she had to figure out how to make enough in one year to fund her escape abroad, all before Riley finished this massive piece.


    By the time she surfaced from her thoughts, it was already midday.


    Carmen stayed for lunch with Riley before heading straight back to Ashmoor Academy.


    That afternoon passed in its usual rhythm-Riley stitching, Carmen sitting through lectures.


    When the sun dipped low, bleeding orange across the horizon, Carmen left ss to find her phone buzzing.


    She didn¡¯t bother masking her irritation when she answered.


    ¡°Carmen, miss me?¡± The voice on the other end was slick with false charm.


    ¡°If you¡¯ve got something worth saying, spit it,¡± she snapped.


    There was a pause. ¡°¡­Wow. Harsh.¡±


    In the Hale household, Jace Hale sat with his father and older brother, phone on speaker. Carmen¡¯s voice crackled through the room, drawing a round ofughter from both the elder and younger Hale men.


    The reason for the speakerphone was simple-this was a ¡°family meeting,¡± called by Alpha Hale himself, with one purpose: deciding which son would finally step into thepany and prepare to inherit the pack¡¯s sprawling business empire.


    Theo Hale leaned back in his chair, uninterested. ¡°I¡¯m a doctor. I¡¯m not trading my work for boardrooms and power games.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m too young,¡± Jace saidzily. ¡°I want to y a few more years. You¡¯re nowhere near retirement, Dad- why panic now?¡±


    The Alpha¡¯s growl was low and sharp. ¡°Because one son hides in a clinic and the other runs wild with rogues and drunkards. When I step down, which of you will lead? You think I can hand the pack to strangers?¡±


    Jace grinned at his brother. ¡°You should quit the clinic. Running the pack¡¯s business empire would give you more time for golf. And my luxury-filled life depends on you, big brother.¡±


    Theo shot him a t look. ¡°I heal people. I don¡¯t runpanies. You go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather have my fangs pulled.¡±


    ¡°Then neither of us will.¡±


    Alpha Hale¡¯s nostrils red. The very idea that the future of the Hale Pack-the empire his forefathers had built-might crumble because his heirs refused the call¡­ it was almost enough to make his wolf rise.


    8:15 pm


    s


    ¡°Fine,¡± he said atst, voice dripping with menace. ¡°If you won¡¯t inherit, you¡¯ll marry. And then you¡¯ll give me grandpups. If I can¡¯t trust my sons, I¡¯ll raise my sessors from the cradle.¡±


    8:15 pm S

 in Vengeance 245

    s


    Jace Hale¡¯s mind instantly conjured up Carmen¡¯s striking face-beautiful, yes, but with a sharpness in her eyes that promised she could gut a man without breaking a sweat.


    He swallowed hard. Winning over a she-wolf like her would not be a short hunt; it would be a long, dangerous chase, the kind that left teeth marks on your soul.


    So, with that thought, he spoke. ¡°Why go through all that trouble, Dad? You¡¯re only fifty. Why don¡¯t you and Mom just have another pup for us? Give me and Theo a little brother. Right, Theo?¡±


    Theo Hale nodded without hesitation. ¡°Jace is right. Dad, instead of waiting for us to settle down, you should get to work on expanding the pack yourself.¡±


    The words hit Alpha Hale like a double blow to the ribs.


    ¡°You two little bastards,¡± he snarled, his Alpha authority crackling in his voice, ¡°all day long you avoid real responsibilities-no running thepany, no mates, no pups-what the hell do you n to do with your


    lives?¡±


    Then his sharp amber gaze locked on Theo. ¡°Especially you, Theo. Your brother¡¯s still young and stupid, but you¡¯re pushing thirty. You¡¯ve never even had a mate. Tell me the truth-do you even like females?¡±


    Theo¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°¡­Dad, what are you talking about? I don¡¯t have a mate because I¡¯m busy working. How does that make me into someone who prefers males?¡±


    Theo scoffed. ¡°Jace doesn¡¯t have a mate, and you¡¯re not using him of anything.¡±


    ¡°I do have mates,¡± Jace fired back instantly. ¡°Well¡­ I had one. Just broke up. If I wanted another, I could have one in minutes.¡±


    Theo¡¯s smirk was pure provocation. ¡°Sure you could.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not bluffing. This wolf¡¯s charm is lethal when I want it to be.¡±


    Alpha Hale¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Jace replied, lifting his chin with pride.


    Theo cut in with a wolfish grin. ¡°Why don¡¯t you prove it? Call her. Let us hear.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Watch and learn,¡± Jace said, pulling out his phone-only to have it snatched away by Theo in one swift, predatory move.


    The top of his contacts list revealed a pinned name: My Goddess Carmen.


    Well, well.


    If a she-wolf had earned the title of ¡°Goddess¡± from the cocky Jace Hale, she must have sunk her ws deep into him.


    8:15 pm


    Theo, without an ounce of mercy, tapped the call button and flicked it to speaker.


    s


    Jace¡¯s pulse spiked. His wolf wanted to bolt. He moved to end the call, but before he could, Carmen¡¯s voice came through-cool and unamused.


    ¡°Yeah? What do you want?¡±


    Jace forced his voice into something casual. ¡°Carmen, miss me?¡±


    Surely, she¡¯d soften at his tone. Surely-


    ¡°Cut the crap.¡±


    The words hit harder than ws to the throat.


    Jace¡¯s face flushed crimson while Alpha Hale and Theo nearly doubled overughing.


    When theughter finally died down, the Alpha¡¯s look said it all: This is your idea of a strong pull with females?


    Jace wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole. Still, he forced a tight smile. ¡°That¡¯s just¡­ yful banter between mates. You old wolves don¡¯t understand young romance.¡±


    Neither Alpha Hale nor Theo bought it. The irritation in Carmen¡¯s voice had been sharp as fangs.


    ¡°What? You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Jace challenged, puffing up.


    Theo¡¯s grin widened into something predatory. ¡°If you can get her toe here, we¡¯ll believe you. Right, Dad?¡±


    Alpha Hale nodded. ¡°Your brother¡¯s right.¡±


    The Alpha¡¯s priorities had narrowed to two things: securing the family¡¯s legacy and seeing his sons mated.


    Years ago, he hadn¡¯t worried. His sons had the looks, the status, the bloodline-females should have been lining up to be marked. But now? Theo was nearing thirty without even a shadow of a mate bond, and Jace¡­ well, Jace cycled through she-wolves like a restless predator that never imed territory.


    Worse, the younger one ran with dangerouspany. Only weeks ago, he¡¯de home bloodied, his head split open after a fight. The Alpha had no illusions-one day, that recklessness could get him killed.


    If a steady she-wolf like Carmen could anchor him, the Alpha would wee it.


    ¡°What¡¯s this girl¡¯s background?¡± Alpha Hale asked.


    Jace hesitated, then said, ¡°Student at Ashmoor Academy.¡±


    The Alpha¡¯s brows rose. That alone elevated Carmen in his eyes. Only the most disciplined and intelligent wolves-or humans-earned a ce there. If his son could bond with such a female, the Alpha would throw the full weight of the Hale family¡¯s approval behind her.

 in Vengeance 246

    The Alpha Hale¡¯s smile softened, a calcting warmth glinting in his eyes.


    ¡°Well, it just so happens we¡¯ve got nothing pressing at home today. Why don¡¯t you invite that girl over?¡±


    Jace Hale felt his stomach sink. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to bring Carmen here-Moon above, if it were that easy, he would¡¯ve done it long ago. But Carmen was not the type toe running just because someone asked; she was all ws and teeth, and she answered to no one.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of Mooncrest, Carmen stood at the base of the lecture hall steps, her phone pressed to her ear. The line had gone dead. No voice, no excuse, just silence.


    Her mood, already simmering, curdled further. With an exasperated huff, she hung up, shoving the device into her jacket pocket and stalking toward the campus dining hall.


    The scent of dozens of wolves-young, restless, and loud-hit her before she even stepped inside. Noon rush. Lines snaked past the counters. Carmen stood in the queue, her sharp gaze fixed ahead, until finally she had her prize: a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup, the broth rich and fragrant.


    She carried it to a shadowed corner, set down her tray, and began to eat in peace. Or she tried to.


    Whispers slithered to her ears from the next table over.


    ¡°Look at her.¡±


    ¡°Tch. Heard she was some Alpha¡¯s kept whore. Disgusting.¡±


    ¡°Right? Still has the face to show up here. If it were me, I¡¯d have crawled into a hole by now.¡±


    ¡°Being kept sounds pretty damn good to me-get paid to lie around? She¡¯s got it easy, and she¡¯s rich. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    Theirughter grated like ws on stone.


    Carmen¡¯s chopsticks paused for the briefest flicker of a moment, her golden eyes narrowing. Then, as if the words hadn¡¯t even touched her, she resumed eating.


    Gossip was old news. Venom had been spat her way for years; she¡¯d built up her own kind of armor. In less than a year, she and Riley would be gone from this ce. These petty jackals weren¡¯t worth her time.


    But apparently, ignoring them only emboldened them. A scrap of scallionnded on her shoulder. Then a clove of garlic. Then a piece of ginger root.


    The scent of onions and broth clung to her hair and skin, invasive and sour.


    Slowly, Carmen set down her chopsticks. She rose, bowl in hand, turned-


    -and in one fluid motion, upended the remaining noodles over the head of the girl behind her.


    A shriek tore through the dining hall, sharp as a wolf¡¯s death cry. Heads turned-those eating, those in line


    -every pair of eyes drawn to the spectacle.


    Noodles clung to the girl¡¯s hair, broth dripping down her face, her expression a mix of outrage and disbelief.


    Carmen dropped the empty bowl onto the table with a dull thud and turned to leave.


    ¡°Carmen! Don¡¯t you dare walk away!¡± one of the girl¡¯s friends barked.


    She didn¡¯t even nce back.


    Being ignored in front of so many witnesses seemed to snap the girl¡¯s temper. ¡°Are you deaf? You humiliated my friend and think you can just¡ª¡±


    She lunged, fingers wing for Carmen¡¯s hair.


    But Carmen was already moving. She caught the girl¡¯s wrist mid-strike, her grip like iron, and in a single fluid motion flipped her clean over her shoulder.


    The girl hit the ground with a bone-jarring thud.


    Carmen¡¯s boot came down on her chest, pinning her like prey beneath a predator¡¯s paw.


    ¡°Had enough of your little performance?¡± Her voice was low, edged with frost.


    The girl wheezed under the pressure, her face flushed crimson.


    Carmen looked down at her, gaze cold and unblinking, the way an Alpha might regard a trespasser on her territory-calm, patient, and promising violence.


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m sorry¡­¡± the girl choked out, tears springing to her eyes.


    Carmen¡¯s lips curved in a humorless smile. ¡°Pathetic. You need to be beaten to remember your ce.¡±


    Gasps rippled through the crowd.


    No one had ever seen this side of her-the dangerous, coiled force that lived beneath her polished, academic exterior.


    One wolf in the crowd dared to speak up. ¡°Carmen, that¡¯s enough. Everyone saw. If this gets to the Dean, you could be expelled.¡±


    ¡°Tell her,¡± Carmen said with a derisive snort.


    She stepped away, but another voice called after her, sharper, colder. ¡°You hit someone and still think you¡¯re untouchable? You¡¯re not fit to call yourself a wolf.¡±


    Carmen stopped. Slowly, she turned, each step toward the speaker a deliberate, prowling threat.


    The girl¡¯s bravado wilted instantly. ¡°Wh-what are you doing?¡±


    8:15 pm S


    s


    Carmen didn¡¯t answer. She simply drew back her hand and pped her hard across the face, the crack echoing off the walls. Then she grabbed the nearest te of cold leftovers and mmed it into the girl¡¯s


    face.


    ¡°This,¡± Carmen said, her voice a razor-edged whisper, ¡°is what untouchable looks like.¡±


    Rice and broth dripped from the girl¡¯s chin, her makeup smeared beyond recognition. She was too stunned to even defend herself, her eyes welling as she began to cry.


    Around them, mutters of disapproval rose, but Carmen didn¡¯t spare them a nce.


    Her temper had been a hair triggertely-ever since Riley¡¯s troubles had begun, it had been harder to keep the wolf under her skin from answering insults with teeth.

 in Vengeance 247

    Anyone foolish enough to provoke Carmen always ended up as her personal punching bag.


    If Riley¡¯s nature was pure and unyieldingly kind, Carmen was her perfect opposite-pure venom, honed cruelty wrapped in a deceptively human shell. She moved through the cafeteria with the lethal stride of a predator, her dominance so tangible that the three girls passing by her froze mid-step. They stered on sharine smiles, but Carmen didn¡¯t so much as nce at them, gliding past without a flicker of acknowledgment.


    Only after she disappeared through the doors did the trio release shaky breaths, exchanging wide-eyed nces. They knew the truth of her nature better than anyone. Once, she used to put on a sweet fa?ade outside the dorms. Now, she didn¡¯t bother hiding the wolf beneath the skin.


    Those two idiots who had poked her today? They¡¯d practically begged to be hunted.


    A short whileter, Carmen pushed open the door to the Principal¡¯s office, not bothering to knock. She strolled inside with the insolence of an alpha walking into her own den, dropping into the couch like she owned it.


    ¡°I just beat up three girls in the cafeteria,¡± she said tly, her gaze as cold as moonlit snow. ¡°They mighte whining to you soon. You know what to do.¡±


    The Principal¡¯s stomach knotted at the sight of her. Were it not for the noose she¡¯d strung around his neck, he would have thrown her out long ago. But now, with his secrets-his sordid affairs with a student- curled in her ws, all he could do was bare his teeth in a weak smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Carmen. I know.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± she smirked, sharp and humorless. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave the clean-up to you.¡±


    He kept that false smile stered on his face until she was gone. Only then did his expression curdle into misery. Damn Kael Vale. If he¡¯d known Carmen would be this much of a thorn, he never would have taken his bribe and schemed to expel her over ¡®conduct vitions.¡¯ Kael had changed his mind at thest minute, and now here he was-cored by a wolf in human form.


    Half an hourter, just as Carmen predicted, three battered girls came storming in to demand justice. The Principal took one look at their tear-streaked, noodle-smeared faces, and his simmering frustration boiled over. He mmed a palm onto his desk and unleashed a tirade so loud it shook the windows. The girls stood frozen, blinking through their tears, unable to fathom why the supposed victims were being yed alive instead offorted.


    Carmen left campus with her temper still smoldering, every passerby looking like prey in her eyes. She was halfway to deciding where to cool her head when the roar of an engine split the air.


    A sleek ck motorcycle screeched to a stop in front of her, the scent of gasoline and adrenaline mingling with the driver¡¯s wild, untamed alpha musk. The man dismounted with the easy arrogance of someone who¡¯d never lost a fight, tugging off his helmet to reveal unruly hair and a smirk that carried the sting of


    mischief.


    ¡°Carmen,¡± Jace Hale greeted, voice pitched low like a wolf coaxing another into trouble.


    Her gaze was cool, indifferent. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    s


    Jace had originally been sent by his father to bring Carmen to the Hale estate, but ns had shifted. A call from his friends had pulled him toward something more exciting-a street race, with the added bait that his ex, the oh-so-perfect Selene Ashford, would be there.


    Selene Ashford. The female who had dared to dump him.


    It wasn¡¯t love that had driven him to drink after the breakup; it was pride. An alpha¡¯s pride. And it burned. Now, he had a n. If he brought Carmen-sharp, dangerous Carmen-it would sting Selene¡¯s ego and salve his own.


    ¡°I¡¯m headed to a race,¡± he said, leaning casually on the handlebars. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    ¡°Not interested.¡±


    She turned to leave, but his voice caught her. ¡°What¡¯ll it take to change your mind?¡±


    Carmen paused mid-step, one brow lifting. ¡°Money.¡±


    That one million she¡¯d been denied still left a sour taste. She needed new prey to bleed, and Jace was ripe for the taking.


    ¡°How much?¡± he asked, already grinning.


    ¡°How much are you willing to give?¡±


    ¡°That depends on your performance,¡± he replied smoothly. ¡°Act as my girlfriend tonight, and I¡¯ll give you ten grand. How¡¯s that?¡±


    Ten thousand in one night. Easy prey, easy kill.


    Carmen¡¯s lips curled-not in a smile, but in the kind of expression a wolf makes when it scents blood on the wind.

 in Vengeance 248

    Carmen hardly hesitated before readily agreeing.


    s


    Jace Hale handed over the helmet, and Carmen took it steadily, securing it on her head with practiced ease. Then, without fuss, she climbed onto the bike behind him, her hands naturally wrapping around his


    waist.


    Jace lowered his gaze, catching sight of the firm grip at his hips. A slow, involuntary smile curved his lips, and his eyes gleamed with an unrestrained joy.


    ¡°Carmen, you¡¯re holding on tight,¡± he teased softly.


    With a subtle twist of the throttle, the bike growled-a deep, powerful rumble like a beast awakening from slumber-propelling them fast toward the eastern outskirts.


    The roads near Mooncrest¡¯s Eastside were mostly empty, thanks to the new development project underway. The wide, smooth pavement stretched like a racetrack designed for speed and dominance.


    By the time Jace and Carmen arrived at the starting line, a crowd had already gathered-almost entirely male, save for one woman who stood out sharply.


    She was young, barely out of her twenties, dressed in a flowing white dress that contrasted sharply with the throng of rough wolf men. Her long ck hair fell straight and glossy over her shoulders, and her face bore the faintest touch of makeup that highlighted her pure, untouched beauty-like a white lotus blooming amidst thorny brambles.


    Carmen¡¯s heart clenched with a deep loathing the moment she saw her.


    Not for any surface reason, but because the woman¡¯s look and aura mirrored Scarlett perfectly. The innocent facade masking a heart of venom-capable of poisoning everything in her path, including Carmen herself.


    Scarlett¡¯s shadow had darkened Carmen¡¯s past, and she bore no affection for any woman who shared that poisonous charm.


    As Carmen stepped off the bike, two men quickly jogged up to her.


    ¡°Carmen.¡±


    ¡°Carmen¡¯s here.¡±


    She recognized them faintly-Jace¡¯s packmates, the same two who had once tried to corner her in a bar¡¯s dark bathroom, only to end up with bloody wounds after Carmen fought back with a knife and a broken bottle. Names she didn¡¯t know, but faces she never forgot,


    Carmen responded with a brief hum, her face an unreadable mask of cool detachment.


    Her icy demeanor immediately drew attention from another group standing nearby,


    They scrutinized her from head to toe-simple white shirt, jeans, and white sneakers-like a naive college


    3:16 pm


    s


    girl just out of Halston Academy.


    One of the men smirked and threw out a taunt, ¡°Hey! Is this Jace Hale¡¯s new girlfriend? Still in school, huh?¡±


    Another joined in with a sneer, ¡°Girl, don¡¯t let that serious face fool you. Jace isn¡¯t exactly a saint.¡±


    Laughter erupted around them.


    The woman in white-the lotus among wolves-stared at Carmen without blinking.


    Carmen saw the hostility burning in her eyes but remained unmoved, refusing to acknowledge the provocation.


    Her indifferent silence only irritated the men further.


    ¡°Hey beautiful, how about you introduce yourself?¡±


    Mortimer who spoke popped a piece of gum, pulling the white-dressed woman closer into his embrace, his gaze daring Jace.


    Jace¡¯s jaw tightened, a sh of fury sparking in his dark eyes.


    Selene-always Selene-had dumped him, only to throw herself into the arms of his fiercest rival.


    Jace stepped forward, cing himself protectively in front of Carmen.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a race you want, then race. Cut the crap.¡±


    The challengers¡¯ eyes glinted with predatory amusement, as if they had just spotted fresh prey.


    ¡°Sure, a race it is. But we¡¯re changing the rules this time.¡±


    Jace frowned, wary. ¡°What kind of rules?¡±


    Mortimer smirked wickedly, fixing his gaze on Carmen with a hint of malice.


    ¡°This time, each rider carries a woman. If I lose, I hand over my woman to you. If you lose, you hand over yours to me. What do you say?¡±


    Jace¡¯s face went pale with rage, ready to refuse outright, but a sudden tug on his arm stopped him.


    Carmen¡¯s lips curled into a cryptic smile-half amusement, half challenge-as she looked directly at the


    man.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    If they wanted to y dirty, she would dly oblige.


    ¡°Carmen,¡± Jace said with concern, ¡°the speeds will be fast. You might not be used to it.¡±


    s


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    She climbed back onto the bike.


    Across from them, Selene settled coquettishly on her rider¡¯s bike, her gaze sharp and mocking as if to say, ¡°You¡¯re going to lose.¡±


    But winning or losing wasn¡¯t Carmen¡¯s goal tonight¡ªshe was waiting for the right moment to strike.


    Both sides readied themselves.


    With a sharpmand, ¡°Go!¡±


    Two bikes tore forward like wolves unleashed-fast, fierce, and hungry for the hunt.

 in Vengeance 249

    The motorcycles roared forward at blinding speed, slicing through the air with a fierce whistle. Carmen held Jace Hale¡¯s waist tightly, feeling the heat radiating from his body and the intense vibrations pounding through the bike¡¯s frame as it tore across the open road.


    The world blurred, rushing backward in a dizzying rush.


    The two bikes raced neck and neck, neither willing to yield an inch.


    Ahead, a sharp curve appeared. Suddenly, Jace shouted, ¡°Carmen, hold on tight!¡±


    Her grip around his waist tightened instinctively.


    Without slowing down, Jace leaned into the turn with a masterful precision.


    Their bodies tilted together with the bike, carving out a sleek, thrilling arc through the bend.


    In that perfect moment, they surged past their rival-a clean, graceful overtake that left the other man and Selene far behind.


    The engines thundered over the empty stretch, echoing off the openndscape.


    Jace¡¯s voice rang out, electrified with exhration. ¡°Carmen, how¡¯s that for a rush?¡±


    For once, a rare smile flickered beneath Carmen¡¯s helmet-a fleeting, haunting glimpse of softness that made her even more captivating.


    She was about to answer when suddenly a ck Maybach appeared in her line of sight.


    That car was all too familiar-the vehicle of Duke.


    As the motorcycles and the Maybach brushed past each other, Duke¡¯s sharp eyes caught a glimpse of Carmen. His pupils constricted sharply.


    Though her face was hidden beneath the helmet, the clothes she wore were unmistakable. Duke had seen her that very morning in the Duskgrave kitchen-same outfit, same silhouette.


    His gaze tracked the speeding bike, desperate to catch a clearer look, but the furious speed quickly put the rider out of reach.


    Duke instinctively pressed harder on the elerator-but just then, a deafening swarm of motorcycle engines roared up behind him.


    Six or seven ck bikes shed past like bolts of lightning, quickly filling the wide road and leaving no room for escape.


    Duke had no choice but to ease off the gas.


    Watching the wild pack of riders ahead, he thought to himself: It must be my imagination.


    8:16 pm DD


    s


    Carmen was Mia¡¯s daughter and was close to Riley-there was no way she¡¯d be running with these reckless street wolves.


    Maybe it was just the coincidence of simr clothing.


    With that rationalization, Duke let go of the chase, slowing his car to let the ck-d pack streak away.


    Up front, Jace Hale¡¯s bike tore through the road like a hunting wolf.


    His lithe form leaned forward, hands steady on the handlebars, eyes sharp behind the helmet¡¯s visor, glowing bright with fierce joy.


    He¡¯d gone all out today to impress Carmen, showing off his expert skills with every twist and turn. There was no doubt he looked absolutely killer right now.


    A triumphant smile tugged at Jace¡¯s lips as he called out, ¡°Carmen, how¡¯s my riding?¡±


    He waited eagerly for praise, imagining her voice dripping with admiration.


    Instead, Carmen¡¯s reply came cold and t, ¡°Sharp curve ahead. If you don¡¯t want to die, focus on the road.¡±


    Jace: ¡°¡­¡±


    Carmen was still as indifferent as ever.


    Yet strangely, her ruthless coolness was intoxicating to him¡ªirresistible.


    Born into privilege, Jace had never been challenged like this before. Women flocked to him, ttering and fawning, but none had dared speak to him with such bluntness.


    Carmen was like a fierce, wild light breaking into his dull, pampered world, and he was hopelessly drawn in.


    He never imagined he¡¯d fall for a woman so cold, so merciless¡ªand yet she¡¯dpletely won him over.


    Even when she scolded him, he found a strange pleasure in it, wondering if he might have a bit of a masochist streak-because every time Carmen snapped at him, his spirits lifted.


    But Carmen was oblivious to Jace¡¯s tangled feelings.


    The bikes surged through the bend, Carmen¡¯s arms tightening around Jace¡¯s solid waist.


    She nced back instinctively, finding no sign of Duke¡¯s car. Relief flooded her chest.


    Good-she¡¯d shaken him off.


    She was terrified Duke might recognize her and report back to Riley.


    Riley was too good, too pure-Carmen could never show her this side, not if she wanted to protect that fragile light.


    8:16 pm


    That was why, around Riley, Carmen always yed the obedient girl.


    s


    Not just a mask-when with Riley, her heart truly calmed, and the cold hardness she wore around others melted away.


    Like a ck lightning bolt, the motorcycle ripped across the empty highway.


    Without surprise, Jace Hale and Carmen crossed the finish line first.


    8:16 pm DD

 in Vengeance 250

    s


    Jace Hale ripped off his helmet, tousled hair wild and untamed like a wolf shaking off the wind. He shot Carmen a cocky nce, eyes gleaming with fierce pride.


    ¡°Carmen, how¡¯s that? Feel the thrill? Think I¡¯m worthy enough to be your mate?¡±


    Carmen¡¯s face was a still, coldke-calm and unreadable.


    Slow and deliberate, she drew out herm talisman, flicked it open, and brought up her payment seal.


    ¡°Pay up.¡±


    The confident smile on Jace¡¯s lips snapped shut like a trap.


    ¡°Carmen, you¡¯re brutal! I was just showing off, and you can¡¯t spare me even a shred of praise? You wound me deep.¡±


    Her hawk-like eyes pierced him, sharp and unyielding.


    Jace¡¯s heart mmed hard against his ribs, his face flushing beneath her stare.


    He quickly lowered his head, pretending to fiddle with his own talisman-but inside, his pulse raced wild and untamed.


    Damn her cold gaze-it¡¯s like being stared down by a hunting alpha. I¡¯m hooked. I want more of that icy fire. If only she¡¯d focus that look on me alone.


    Flustered, he sent the wolf-coin purse to Carmen-enough to cover a month¡¯s worth of status as her mate.


    ¡°Wolf-coin transferplete: Three hundred thousand silver.¡±


    The crisp chime echoed. Carmen blinked, slightly caught off guard.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Jace chuckled sheepishly, scratching his neck.


    ¡°Heh, didn¡¯t you say ten thousand silver a day for being my mate? Here¡¯s 300 thousand-make it thirty days. How¡¯s that sound?¡±


    A faint, almost hidden curve tugged at Carmen¡¯s lips-a rare flicker of amusement.


    For a heartbeat, she found his awkward sincerity almost¡­ endearing.


    She stepped closer, grasping his cor, forcing his head down so their eyes met.


    Jace¡¯s heart tripped, heat flooding his cheeks, ears burning crimson.


    ¡°C-Carmen, what are you?¡± He stammered, thoughts racing with reckless images. Was she about to seal this with a kiss? I¡¯m not ready!


    8:16 pm 30


    But if Carmen was taking the lead, he surrendered.


    Eyes closing, he puckered his lips nervously, eager and trembling for her touch.


    Carmen held back a smile at his goofy eagerness and said with icy coolness,


    s


    ¡°Thirty days pass, and if you still want a mate-and the coin¡¯s good-I¡¯m yours whenever you call.¡±


    She released him with a shove that shattered his fantasy.


    Jace stared after her, deted and wounded.


    He¡¯d just gifted 300 thousand silver to her-and not even a kiss to show for it.


    One by one, others arrived at the finish line.


    Jace spotted his rival approaching, a mocking curl at the edge of his lips.


    ¡°You lost.¡±


    Mortimer snorted, shoving Selene toward Jace.


    ¡°Here-take her.¡±


    Selene stumbled into Jace¡¯s arms, but he recoiled like she was coated in poison, pushing her away with


    contempt.


    ¡°What am I supposed to do with her? I never imed her.¡±


    Mortimer¡¯s eyes narrowed, voice dripping with venom.


    ¡°We agreed-if I lose, Selene¡¯s yours. If you lose, your mate¡¯s mine.¡±


    His gaze then locked onto Carmen-open, predatory-he whistled low and crude.


    ¡°Hey, beauty-what¡¯s your name?¡±


    Carmen didn¡¯t flinch, didn¡¯t spare him even a nce.


    Mortimer¡¯s face darkened, frustration bubbling over.


    ¡°Answer me, deaf or just dumb?¡±


    Since learning Riley couldn¡¯t hear, Carmen had grown fiercely protective of that word.


    She spun around, eyes like twin des of ice shing at him.


    ¡°My name? What right do you have to know?¡±


    Mortimer froze, then smirked with dark amusement.


    8:16 pm DD


    s


    ¡°Jace, this one¡¯s got spirit. How ¡¯bout you hand her over? You want Selene, right? Let¡¯s trade.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell wants Selene? You think I¡¯m some scavenger, collecting scraps?¡± Jace¡¯s rage red, face burning like wildfire.


    He yanked Carmen behind him, shielding her like a wolf guarding his mate.


    Then he shoved Selene back toward the man, voice low and fierce.


    ¡°Your woman¡¯s your problem. I want no part of her. My mate? She¡¯s worth ten thousand times more than that.¡±


    Selene¡¯s eyes welled with tears, vulnerability flickering behind her defiant mask.


    ¡°Jace¡­ how can you say that?¡±


    Jace rolled his eyes, voice sharp as fangs.


    ¡°Did you think I raced for you? Don¡¯t tter yourself.¡±


    1:16 pm DD

 in Vengeance 251

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± Selene spat back, her eyes burning with spite.


    s


    ¡°Not a chance. I just want you to see how good my mate is now. Stop gilding your own lies,¡± Jace growled, voice low and rough as a wolf¡¯s warning.


    ¡°You-¡± Selene¡¯s face flushed red and then pale in rapid waves. She bit her lip hard, tears welling, voice trembling with wounded pride. ¡°Mortimer, look at him-he¡¯s bullying me.¡±


    Mortimer clicked his tongue, shooting Jace a sharp re. ¡°Jace, you¡¯re crossing the line. I told you before- if I lose, Selene¡¯s yours. You don¡¯t want her? That¡¯s spitting in my face.¡±


    ¡°I never said I wanted her. Are you crazy? Let¡¯s go,¡± Jace snarled, impatient.


    Jace grabbed Carmen¡¯s arm, pulling her and two of his pack brothers to leave.


    ¡°Think you¡¯re allowed to walk away?¡± Mortimer¡¯s eyes narrowed into slits, warning sharp as ws.


    ¡°Do I need your permission to move?¡± Jace shot back, eyes shing steel.


    Mortimer¡¯s expression darkened instantly. With a sudden roar, he raised his hand, and several burly wolves stepped forward, fanning out to block Jace¡¯s path like a living barrier.


    ¡°Jace Hale, you don¡¯t leave without Selene. Nobody moves. His voice was hard,ced with menace.


    For weeks, Mortimer had been the one bowing under Jace¡¯s shadow. Finally, he¡¯d stolen Selene-his prize. his release-and savored his triumph. Losing today stung deeply. Worse still, Jace had rejected his ¡®gift¡¯ like it was trash. Mortimer had assumed Jace cared for Selene; only to learn she was nothing more than a broken toy in Jace¡¯s eyes.


    Anger zed in Mortimer¡¯s eyes, mes licking from his gaze.


    Jace¡¯s brows knit into a fierce scowl, his patience snapping. With a savage jerk, he shoved Mortimer¡¯s blocking hand aside. ¡°Step back.


    Mortimer staggered, caught off guard by the force, nearly toppling


    ¡°You dare push me?¡± Mortimer snarled, rage ring. He lunged.


    Jace twisted aside the attack, countering with a solid punch to Mortimer¡¯s shoulder.


    Fangs bared and fists flying, the two tangled in a brutal scrap-muscle and fury shing in rawbat.


    Chaos erupted as pack members swarmed, drawn into the brawl, the air thick with snarls and growls.


    Seizing the moment amid the chaos, Selene slithered through the crowd to Carmen¡¯s side.


    Gone was the fragile white lotus facade; instead, a predator¡¯s sneer curled her lips, eyes alight with venomous challenge.


    13


    116 pm DD


    ¡°The leftover toy you¡¯re clinging to,¡± she hissed, voice dripping poison


    Carmen nced at her coldly, indifferent. Her gaze returned to the fight, unconcerned.


    Selene¡¯s face twisted in fury at the dismissal. ¡°I¡¯m talking to you¡±


    Carmen remained unmoved, expression unreadable.


    19 Free Coins


    ¡°Damn bitch,¡± Selene spat. ¡°Because of you, Jace humiliated me just now. You¡¯re nothing but a poor little student ying innocent.¡±


    She despised purity-the kind that shone like moonlight amid the muck she waded in.


    With a sudden, vicious swing, Selene¡¯s palm cracked sharply against Carmen¡¯s cheek.


    Cold steel ignited in Carmen¡¯s eyes-two piercing des of frost. Instinctively, her hand dove into her cloak pocket, fingers closing around the butterfly knife¡¯s familiar cold grip.


    Dare strike me without cause? I¡¯ll pierce you through.


    Just as Carmen prepared to draw her de, a screeching halt shattered the tension.


    A sleek ck Midnight Wolf ¨C Duke¡¯s armored cruiser rolled smoothly to a stop at the roadside.


    The window slid down, revealing Duke¡¯sposed, sharp-featured face.


    Carmen? It really is you,¡± Duke said quietly.


    Her heart mmed like a war drum.


    Frozen in ce, hand still clutching the knife, she found herself suddenly powerless.


    Duke had seen her-would he tell Mia? Or worse, Riley?


    Before she could react, Selene¡¯s p rang out, striking Carmen so hard she staggered.


    Pain red fierce and burning, but Carmen barely registered it-her eyes darted to Duke.


    His gaze tightened, urgency shing.


    He leapt from the cruiser, shoving Selene aside and moving swiftly to Carmen.


    ¡°You okay?¡± he asked, concern threading his voice.


    Carmen tried to speak, lips moving, but no words formed.


    Duke nced at the snarling pack brawl behind them, then at the red mark on Carmen¡¯s face.


    Without hesitation, he grabbed her arm, guiding her away from the chaos.


    Her steps faltered as he pulled her along, the cruiser¡¯s engine growling as it roared off.


    8:16 pm D


    Jace, distracted by the fight, bellowed after the Maybach, voice filled with raw possessiveness:


    ¡°Stop the damn car! She¡¯s mine!¡±


    s


    8:17 pm D

 in Vengeance 252

    :¡¢?


    s


    Carmen sat in the passenger seat, her head bowed, dark strands of hair falling in disarray along her cheeks. Beneath them, the raw red imprint of a hand burned against her skin¡ªan ugly mark stark against her paleplexion.


    Her fingers twisted together in herp, knuckles whitening with the tension. Every so often she dared a nce at Duke, hands steady on the wheel, eyes fixed on the road ahead. She parted her lips to speak more than once but closed them again, the words crumbling in her throat.


    The car was so silent she could hear the hum of the engine and the faint whisper of tires against asphalt. For a wolf used to the chatter of a pack, this stillness felt suffocating. Each second seemed to stretch into an eternity. Her mind whirred, grasping for a lie-something believable-but Duke asked nothing.


    And that, somehow, made the knot in her gut worse.


    Finally, the vehicle rolled to a stop. Duke unfastened his belt, stepped out, and moved toward the house without a word.


    Carmen drew a deep breath and followed him inside, her steps instinctively lighter, as if she were intruding on the Alpha¡¯s den.


    Duke settled onto the sofa, long legs braced, forearms resting on his knees, his gaze steady and unreadable. There was an edge of appraisal in his eyes¡ªan assessing weight that made her shift on her feet.


    After a long pause, he broke the silence. ¡°Sit. I¡¯ll get the med kit.¡±


    His voice was level, controlled, but there was something in it¡ªan undertone ofmand that resonated in her bones, the way an Alpha¡¯s voice would.


    She hesitated before lowering herself to the couch. It was her second time in Duke¡¯s home, and it was as spotless as she remembered-sharp lines, clean surfaces, everything in its ce.


    Of course it is, she thought, forcing down an awkward flicker of amusement. The man was precise in every move, every word. It fit.


    But another thought intruded, sharp and inappropriate¡ªmemories of him, the faintest hint of soap and steel on his skin. She shifted ufortably. For Moon¡¯s


    8:17 pm


    sake, she needed to focus.


    s


    Duke returned, kneeling in front of her with the med kit. He uncapped the salve, the faint herbal scent of wolfsbane and mint curling into the air. His fingers were careful as they brushed her hair aside and began applying the balm.


    The closeness rattled her. Carmen could hear his heartbeat-slow, steady, strong. The scent of him wrapped around her: clean, masculine, touched with the faint wildness that no wolf could ever mask.


    She tried to ease the tension by speaking, her voice a careful murmur. ¡°About what happened today¡­ please don¡¯t tell my mother or Riley.¡±


    His hands stilled for the briefest moment. Then his gaze lifted to hers, sharp as a de. ¡°Were you threatened?¡±


    Her breath caught. ¡°What? No.¡±


    ¡°The biker,¡± Duke said, eyes narrowing, ¡°the same male who tried to get you to serve drinks at the Silverfang Den. If you weren¡¯t under pressure, why are you with someone like that again?¡±


    ¡°I-¡°The words faltered.


    ¡°If he¡¯s threatening you, I can make sure he never does it again.¡±


    Her pulse stumbled at the cold promise in his tone. She shook her head quickly. ¡°No. He didn¡¯t threaten me.¡±


    Truth was, she still had her own ns for Jace Hale. ns that required him breathing and owing her.


    Duke studied her in silence, the weight of his stare making her shift back slightly. Then she pulled a small ck card from her pocket and held it out to him.


    ¡°Your money. I¡¯m returning it.¡±


    He didn¡¯t take it immediately, eyes narrowing. ¡°I don¡¯t want coin. What is it you think I want? You?¡± His voice dipped, rich and dangerous. ¡°Or do you think I¡¯d threaten to bare to the pack what happened between us?¡±


    The moment he said the words, something traitorous inside her stirred. She liked his face-liked it far too much. The lean, refined lines, the hint of danger in his


    3:17 pm


    s


    eyes. At Ashmoor Academy, males with beauty and strength were everywhere, but she¡¯d never cared. Yet with Duke¡­ she had cared from the first moment she¡¯d seen him, even if sheter learned he preferred thepany of males.


    She set the card firmly in his hand. ¡°No. I don¡¯t want you, and I won¡¯t tell anyone what happened. But I need you to promise me the same-especially with Riley. Her health is fragile, and I won¡¯t have her worrying about me.¡±


    Their eyes locked. Duke¡¯s gaze was a storm-controlled but deep, carrying the weight of someone used to holding secrets and power alike. The longer she looked, the more unsteady her pulse became, each beat echoing like a drum in her ears.

 in Vengeance 253

    s


    Carmen turned her face away, rising from her seat with every intention of leaving.


    But before she could take a step, Duke¡¯s hand shot out like a striking hawk, fingers wrapping firmly around her wrist. His grip was warm, unyielding, the way an Beta¡¯s warning might feel before the bite.


    She froze mid-stride, ncing back at him in question.


    ¡®Are you in some kind of trouble?¡± His voice was low, edged with something more han casual curiosity. ¡°If you are, you can tell me. For the sake of Mia and Miss Riley, I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    He tilted his head as he spoke, the pale column of his neck catching the light, Adam¡¯s apple shifting with each measured word. There was an understated power


    n that movement, an awareness of his own presence-predator calm, but ready to strike.


    Carmen¡¯s gaze lingered a fraction too long before she forced herself to look away, ocking down the restless pull in her chest. He was beautiful, yes¡ªbut that didn¡¯t change the fact that he preferred men. She wasn¡¯t that desperate.


    A sharp, humorlessugh slipped past her lips as she wrenched her hand free.


    ¡®What trouble could I possibly have? Worry about yourself first. My business doesn¡¯t need your meddling.¡±


    Her sudden shift from softpliance to snapping defiance made Duke¡¯s brows lift slightly. A moment ago, she¡¯d been pliant as a kitten; now she was showing her ws. Strangely enough, he found the change¡­ amusing.


    Rising to his full height, Duke stepped forward. His tall, broad-shouldered frame threw a shadow that swallowed her whole,


    Carmen¡¯s instincts red at the proximity-this was too close, too much. She stepped back automatically.


    But he followed,


    ¡°Why are you backing away?¡±


    8:17 pm D


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I just don¡¯t like people standing too close.¡±


    s


    ¡°Really?¡± Hisugh was low, more like the rumble of a wolf testing the air. ¡°That¡¯s not what it looked like in the East Outskirts when you had your arms wrapped tight around that man¡¯s waist.¡±


    The words were sharpened with something almost like jealousy, though Carmen told herself she imagined it. Duke didn¡¯t care who she touched-why would he?


    ¡°That has nothing to do with you,¡± she said tly.


    ¡°No?¡± His tone cooled to a dangerous softness. ¡°First time we met, I pulled you out of trouble. Second time, I nearly took you for myself. Now you think you can just walk away?¡±


    Step by step, he pressed her back until her spine met the wall.


    She narrowed her eyes. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡±


    For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she¡¯d misjudged him entirely-if maybe the man wasn¡¯t as indifferent to her as she thought.


    But before she could decide, a sudden pounding rattled the door.


    Bang. Bang, Bang.


    A voice, fierce with worry, broke through.


    ¡°Carmen! Are you in there? Did that bastardy a hand on you?!¡±


    It was Jace Hale.


    Her pulse jumped. Seizing the distraction, she shoved Duke back and rushed to the door, pulling it open.


    Jace stood there, eyes wild, his scent bristling with protective instinct. He grabbed her arm, scanning her quickly from head to toe.


    ¡°You¡¯re not hurt?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s just go.¡± Carmen¡¯s words were clipped; she turned to leave, tugging him along.


    Behind them came Duke¡¯s voice, cold enough to freeze the air.


    ¡°Carmen.¡±


    The sound made her shoulders stiffen. She didn¡¯t turn.


    Then his hand caught hers again. His grip was like iron.


    s


    ¡°You¡¯re a top schr at Ashmoor Academy. You¡¯re really going to waste yourself running with this kind ofpany?¡±


    Jace bristled instantly, stepping forward.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? I¡¯m her boyfriend. Whatever¡¯s between us is none of your business.¡±


    Duke¡¯s gaze snapped back to Carmen.


    ¡®He¡¯s your boyfriend?¡±


    She hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded. ¡°Yes. Now let go.¡±


    He didn¡¯t. His fingers tightened instead.


    ¡®If he¡¯s really your boyfriend, why did he make you work the Silverfang Den? Whye to me for help?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my business,¡± she bit out.


    ¡°Carmen-¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Her voice sharpened. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll prove it.¡±


    In one swift movement, she caught Jace¡¯s cor and pulled him down until their noses brushed.


    Jace froze, startled, every muscle gone taut. From Duke¡¯s angle, it looked like a kiss -too close, too intimate to be mistaken for anything else.


    Duke¡¯s jaw clenched. His hands balled into fists, knuckles whitening.


    Carmen stepped back, meeting his gaze. ¡°Now do you believe me?¡±


    3:17 pm


    s


    The darkness in Duke¡¯s expression deepened. His eyes had gone cold, but beneath the frost there was something vtile, something that looked an awful lot like a wolf¡¯s barely leashed rage.


    3:17 pm SD

 in Vengeance 254

    s


    Carmen avoided Duke¡¯s gaze, her fingers tightening around Jace Hale¡¯s wrist as she pulled him toward the exit with long, decisive strides.


    Behind them, Duke¡¯s eyes narrowed, tracking the way their hands remained sped. The sight sent a surge of heat and fury rushing through his chest, the beast inside him wing for release.


    Bang!


    His fist mmed into the doorframe with enough force to splinter the wood.


    ¡°Carmen,¡± his voice was low, edged with a growl, ¡°you¡¯ve got some nerve.¡±


    Jace rode his motorcycle in brooding silence, jaw locked, the wind whipping against his face. He could still feel the ghost of Carmen¡¯s closeness back in that room¡ªhow she¡¯d leaned in as though to kiss him, but their lips had never actually touched.


    He¡¯d realized in that instant: she had only used him as a prop, a tool to rile that other male.


    The thought made his chest feel heavy, like a stone lodged behind his ribs.


    Without a word, Jace pulled the bike to a halt in front of the Silverfang Den. He didn¡¯t bother asking if she wanted to return to Ashmoor Academy-his mood was too dark for that.


    He dismounted, caught her wrist in a firm grip, and all but dragged her inside.


    The Silverfang Den pulsed with low, predatory energy. Blood-red lights shed over writhing bodies, the air thick with the mingled scents of sweat, musk, and liquor. The bass of the music throbbed like a heartbeat, primal and unrestrained.


    Jace pushed Carmen into a shadowed booth in the corner, his presence looming


    over her.


    Her reaction was instant-her boot shot up, pressing firmly against his chest, halting him in ce. Her gaze was cial, her voice sharp as a w¡¯s edge.


    ¡°Looking for a fight?¡±


    :17 pm


    s


    The strobe lights flickered over her features, revealing a beauty edged with danger, an Alpha¡¯s challenge in every line of her body.


    Whatever wolfish bravado Jace had gathered vanished under that stare. He exhaled heavily, shoulders loosening, and slumped down beside her, letting his head fall against her shoulder.


    *Carmen,¡± he murmured, voice softer now, ¡°I really do like you.¡±


    Her lips curved in something that was not quite a smile. ¡°Affection doesn¡¯t put meat on the table.¡±


    ¡®It can,¡± he said quickly, desperation seeping into his tone. ¡°If you¡¯d just give me a chance, I¡¯d take care of you for the rest of my life.¡±


    Sheughed, short and cold.


    The phrase was one she¡¯d heard before-from Maddox-back when he¡¯d sworn to protect Riley forever, promising that once he became a warrior, he¡¯d hunt down anyone who hurt her.


    Those words had turned to ash. The man had turned into a monster.


    Carmen had long since learned: a male¡¯s promise of protection was the biggest lie in the pack.


    She stood, straightening her jacket. ¡°Jace, lines like that might fool a na?ve pup. Not me.¡±


    ¡°Entertain yourself. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    But before she could take a second step, a figure lurched into her path and dropped to his knees.


    The reek of strong liquor hit her nose first. Then his arms locked around her waist in a desperate grip.


    Her eyes sharpened. The drunken wolf clutching her was none other than Ronan Duskcliff.


    His pupils were blown wide, breath ragged, voice hoarse with some tangled mix of sorrow and longing.


    s


    ¡°Riley¡­¡± he rasped, using a name that didn¡¯t belong to her. ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t stand this anymore. Please forgive me.¡±


    His voice cracked, a sound raw enough to scrape bone. ¡°I¡¯ll change, I swear it. Juste back to me. Don¡¯t give your heart to Lucien Duskgrave-give it to me. I need you, Riley. I can¡¯t live without you.¡±


    Tears streaked his cheeks, and his grip tightened like iron.


    Carmen¡¯s expression went icy, the steel in her voice making the nearby wolves pause mid-step. ¡°Let. Go.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± he cried, almost snarling. ¡°I¡¯ll never let go again. Please¡­ just one more chance.¡±


    Her patience snapped. One hand fisted in his hair, she yanked his head back and struck him across the face with a sharp crack.


    ¡°Now you regret it?¡± she spat. ¡°Where was this when Riley was broken by your hands and your pack¡¯s treachery? When you left her crippled for life?¡±


    Her boot drove into his chest, sending him sprawling onto the sticky floorboards. She stepped forward, nting her heel over his heart.


    ¡°Look closely, Ronan,¡± she said, voice low and lethal. ¡°I¡¯m not Riley. But hear this¡ª Riley will never forgive you.¡±


    ¡°If you truly feel remorse¡­¡± she leaned her weight into the heel pressing against him, ¡°¡­then do the only thing that might matter. Die.¡±


    He was too far gone in drink to heed the danger, his hands still scrabbling to grab her ankle.


    ¡°Riley¡­ please¡­ I can make it right¡­¡±


    Carmen tore her foot free, leaving a reddened mark on his skin where her boot had scraped him.


    ¡°Make it right?¡± she hissed. ¡°You think a few empty words and a tear-stained plea can erase what you did?¡±


    Riley had been light itself-gentle, untainted. And yet the Ebonw Pack, the Duskcliffs, and Maddox had torn her life to pieces.


    8:17 pm 3D


    s 4


    ¡°When you joined in to destroy her,¡± Carmen¡¯s voice was a whipcrack in the music- thick air, ¡°did you ever stop to think this day woulde? She was pure, she was trusting-how did you stomach shattering her?¡±


    8:18 pm DD

 in Vengeance 255

    s


    Carmen¡¯s vision burned red, her mind shing with the image of Riley limping, her once-bright ears dulled to silence. It was like a hundred silver-tipped needles stabbing straight into her heart.


    She inhaled sharply, forcing her wolf back under control. Her voice was like ice cracking across a frozen river.


    ¡°Do you think your words change anything now? If you truly knew what you did, you¡¯d be dead already. Death is the only real atonement.¡±


    Without warning, she drove her boot hard into Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s ribs, sending him sprawling. Her movements were sharp, precise¡ªpredator¡¯s fury barely contained¡ªbefore she turned and walked away without a flicker of hesitation.


    From the shadows of the booth, Jace Hale finally rose to his feet. He stalked toward Ronan, his golden wolf¡¯s gaze cold and merciless.


    ¡°If you im to love someone and still destroy them¡­ you deserve exactly what you got.¡±


    He didn¡¯t spare another nce before striding after Carmen.


    ¡°Carmen-where are you going?¡± he called, catching the faint trace of her scent in the air.


    ¡°Not your concern. Don¡¯t follow me.¡± She didn¡¯t slow, didn¡¯t turn.


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe at night. Let me-¡±


    She spun on him, her eyes gleaming with a feral warning. ¡°I¡¯m in no mood, Jace. Stay away unless you¡¯re looking to bleed. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll pretend to be your girlfriend again.¡±


    Then she stepped out into the Silverfang Den¡¯s entrance, the night wind cutting across her face, cold and sharp as her own detachment.


    A sleek ck luxury car rolled to a halt at the curb, its purr deep and expensive. The doors opened, and a man and woman stepped out. The male¡¯s sharp,manding features marked him as one of the ckmaw Pack¡¯s power-holders


    -Ronan¡¯s father. At his side was a refined woman with anxious eyes, Ronan¡¯s


    8:18 pm DD


    mother.


    s


    They moved quickly toward the bar, but before they could reach the entrance, a lone figure stepped out of the shadows, blocking their way.


    ¡°Move,¡± the Alpha male growled, his tone steeped in impatience.


    The woman didn¡¯t budge. Instead, she smiled without warmth, her eyes dark with something feral. ¡°Alpha Duskcliff¡­ Forgotten me so soon? Strange. I¡¯ve been counting the days since I got out, just to see your face again.¡±


    A flicker of recognition froze his expression. He took in her features-a woman in her mid-thirties, dressed inly, but a jagged scar carved down one side of her face, making her presence all the more brutal. Her scent carried the weight of blood and old violence.


    ¡°It seems you do remember me,¡± she said coldly.


    Ronan¡¯s father and mother exchanged a look, their faces draining of color. Harper.


    She¡¯d entered prison around the same time as Riley. Back then, Harper¡¯s ws were already bloodstained-business rivalries had turned to street attacks, and one fight ended with her driving a de into a rival¡¯s ribs, even taking a hatchet to him in broad daylight. Twenty years was her sentence.


    She should still be rotting in a cell.


    But once she was inside, the Duskcliffs had approached her. Their offer was simple -make Riley¡¯s life in prison hell, and they would shorten her sentence.


    Harper had epted without hesitation. From then on, Riley¡¯s days had been nothing but agony-beatings, humiliation, a predator¡¯s torment without respite. She wasn¡¯t the only one. ric of the Ebonw Pack, Dean Elira ckthorn, and Scarlett had also sent their own wolves to break Riley,


    And now Harper stood here, free.


    The Alpha Duskcliff of the ckmaw Pack stepped back, instinctively treating her like a threat-his wolf recognizing the danger. His mate covered her mouth, fear sharpening her scent. ¡°What¡­ what do you want?¡±


    Harper¡¯s lips curled into a smirk that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. She stepped closer, the air between them thickening with killing intent.


    8:18 pm DD


    s


    Œ‘


    ¡°What do I want? You truly have forgotten, haven¡¯t you, Alpha?¡± She jabbed a w- tipped finger into his chest. ¡°I did your dirty work in the pit. Now, I¡¯m out. I want my payment.¡±


    His jaw tightened. ¡°We gave you your payment-your sentence was reduced.¡±


    Harper¡¯sugh was sharp and cruel, the scar on her face twisting with the motion. ¡°That? That¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m out now, with nothing in my hands. I¡¯m not greedy. One hundred thousand moon-coins, and I vanish from Mooncrest forever.¡±


    Once, the ckmaw Pack could have paid that without blinking. But now, after Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s relentless dismantling of their holdings, they were bleeding out-pack coffers empty, the family on the brink.


    His mate snapped, her voice trembling with both fear and defiance. ¡°This is extortion. We could call the Enforcers.¡±


    Harper¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Do it. And when they lock me up again, I¡¯ll tell them everything about our deal. Every. Single. Thing.¡±


    The Alpha male¡¯s wolf stiffened-he knew she wasn¡¯t bluffing. Exposure would mean disgrace, ruin, and possibly his own cell in the dungeons beneath the Council¡¯s Hall.


    He stood silent for a long moment, then finally bared his teeth in a grimace. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll get you the money. But when you leave Mooncrest, you stay gone.¡±


    Harper¡¯s eyes glinted. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve no interest in wasting my second life here.¡±


    3:18 pm DD

 in Vengeance 256

    s


    Carmen¡¯s fists clenched so tight her ws nearly pierced her own skin. Her nails dug deep into her palms as she stood in the shadows, listening to every word.


    Riley¡¯s life-her future-had been shattered beyond repair, and the one who had helped destroy it now dared to talk about ¡°enjoying her second chance¡±?


    Had Harper ever asked Riley if she agreed?


    A shard of frost shed through Carmen¡¯s amber eyes, sharp as a winter moon over a frozen tundra.


    She turned without a word and strode into the dim-lit caf¨¦ beside the Silverfang Den.


    Inside, the air was thick with the hum of old machines and the faint scent of burnt coffee. Screens glowed faintly, casting cold blue light over the rows of hunched patrons. Carmen scanned the room with a predator¡¯s quick, precise gaze, then slipped into an empty seat.


    Her fingers danced over the keyboard with supernatural speed, each keystroke a calcted strike. Lines of code streamed across the screen like flowing silver runes, the monitor¡¯s light carving her profile in sharp relief-predatory, unyielding.


    Minutester, she stopped.


    Every surveince feed within a kilometer radius had frozen, the signal scrambled, frames locked as if time itself had stuttered. The disruption would vanish in exactly one hour-long enough for her to finish what she came to do.


    Carmen rose and walked back into the night.


    By now, Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s parents had already fled in their sleek ck car, its engine growling like a caged beast as it vanished into Mooncrest¡¯s sprawling shadows.


    Only Harper remained at the Den¡¯s entrance, her scarred face lit with the gleam of greed and self-satisfaction.


    Herughter-high, jagged, and edged with madness-split the quiet night like ws on ss.


    8:18 pm DD


    s


    Carmen¡¯s gaze narrowed, her stare as cold and weighty as the winter stars. She studied the woman the way a wolf studies prey¡ªmarking every weakness, every point to strike.


    ¡°Never thought it¡¯d be this easy,¡± Harper gloated to herself, her voice grating and smug. ¡°Just roughing up some useless little thing in prison, and now I¡¯ve got more coin than I ever made running my business. Back then, I could barely scrape a few hundred a month. This? This is a hundred thousand moons in one go.¡±


    Her grin stretched, wolfish and feral. ¡°Shame that little wretch got out before me. If she hadn¡¯t, I might¡¯ve gone back in just for the fun of it-and earned even more. Still¡­ this¡¯llst me a long time. When it runs out? I¡¯ll just squeeze the Dusks again.¡±


    ¡°You sound very proud of yourself.¡±


    The voice behind her was low, carrying the kind of pressure that curled around the spine like an alpha¡¯s growl.


    Harper stiffened, her mirth cut short. She whipped around, eyes narrowing. ¡°The hell-¡±


    Carmen stood there, framed by moonlight, her stance loose but predatory, her gaze unflinching.


    Harper sneered, trying to shake off the unease prickling at her skin. ¡°What, you think staring¡¯s gonna scare me? Keep looking at me like that and I¡¯ll gouge your


    eyes out.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s lips curved-not into a smile, but into something sharper, hungrier. In the shadowed street, it was an expression that could freeze the marrow.


    Harper had spent her life preying on others-before prison, in prison, after prison. She was used to fear. But this¡­ this wasn¡¯t fear she saw in Carmen¡¯s eyes. This was the look of a predator who had already decided how she was going to take you apart.


    ¡°You¡¯re looking for death,¡± Harper snarled, raising her hand, ws curling, ready to strike across Carmen¡¯s face.


    But Carmen didn¡¯t move. She didn¡¯t even blink.


    Then-sh of steel.


    8:18 pm DD


    A narrow de slipped into her palm, and before Harper¡¯s hand couldnd, Carmen drove the knife straight through the center of her palm.


    Schhhk.


    s


    The sound was wet and final. Blood welled and spilled hot against the night air.


    Harper screamed-a raw, high sound that echoed down the street, her knees hitting the ground hard.


    Carmen¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. She twisted the de slowly, deliberately, until Harper¡¯s scream broke into a choked sob.


    Bending down, Carmen¡¯s voice was a low, silken whisper by her ear. ¡°Feels good, doesn¡¯t it? Hitting someone who can¡¯t fight back. You should know.¡±


    Harper shook her head wildly, her face ghost-pale. ¡°Please¡­ please, stop¡­ I-I was wrong-¡±


    Carmen tilted her head, her wolf¡¯s grin sharp and merciless. ¡°Stop? Why? When you were pounding your fists into Riley¡¯s ribs, when you made her bleed, when you broke her bones-did you stop?¡±


    Harper whimpered.


    ¡°No,¡± Carmen said, her tone colder than the Mooncrest winds. ¡°Now you want mercy? That¡¯s not how the world works, little scavenger. That¡¯s called double standards.¡±


    3:18 pm

 in Vengeance 257

    s


    Carmen wrenched the de free. Blood sprayed in a hot arc, the scent of iron thick in the damp night air. Harper¡¯s body convulsed violently, her knees buckling as she sagged toward the grimy ground, nearly losing consciousness.


    With a grip like steel, Carmen fisted Harper¡¯s hair and dragged her step by deliberate step into the shadowed depths of the alley. The darkness there was heavy-like tar, swallowing the pale sliver of moonlight whole.


    Harper¡¯s entire frame trembled as though she¡¯d been plunged into ice water. The arrogance and gloating she¡¯d worn moments earlier had evaporated, leaving only raw fear.


    So she could feel fear, Carmen thought coldly.


    Not so long ago, Harper had strutted about, bragging about how she had tormented Riley behind prison walls.


    Now the tables had turned. The predator was prey, and her bravado had rotted away into pitiful pleading.


    Pathetic.


    The sound of Harper¡¯s ragged breathing filled the narrow space.


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Harper choked out, her voice shaking.


    ¡°Oh, nothing much,¡± Carmen replied, her tone almost yful. ¡°Just your eyes. Your tongue. Your hearing. And maybe I¡¯ll take the tendons in your hands and feet while I¡¯m at it.¡± She smiled faintly, the curve of her lips making Harper¡¯s stomach knot. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡±


    Each word made Harper shake her head harder. ¡°No! I don¡¯t want that! I¡¯ve never done anything to you-why would you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who said I need a reason?¡± Carmen tilted her head in mock curiosity.


    ¡°Please¡­ let me go¡­ I can pay you-¡±


    The offer made Carmenugh-low, sharp, and humorless. ¡°I don¡¯t want your coin, Harper. I just want you broken.¡±


    8:18 pm DD


    s


    Harper copsed fully, a sobbing heap on the ground. Tears and snot streaked her face, her breathing in shallow gasps.


    The butterfly knife spun smoothly between Carmen¡¯s fingers, the sound of the de clicking and locking echoing off the alley walls. Harper¡¯s eyes went wide with panic as she tried to crawl backward, but Carmen¡¯s hand shot out, seizing her ankle in a bruising grip.


    ¡°No! Let me go¡ª¡±


    Carmen¡¯s gaze chilled to ice. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d take my eyes? Let¡¯s see how you like it.¡±


    The de shed. She drove it into Harper¡¯s left eye, swift and merciless. Harper¡¯s scream split the night. Carmen twisted the knife, then withdrew it only to plunge it into the other eye, crimson spilling down Harper¡¯s cheeks in hot rivulets.


    The sound of Harper¡¯s body thrashing against the filth of the alley floor barely registered to Carmen. Her focus was razor-sharp, her anger a steady, burning


    current.


    ¡°Your tongue, next.¡±


    Forcing Harper¡¯s mouth open, Carmen slid the de inside. A practiced jerk severed the muscle, and Harper¡¯s screams dissolved into wet, choking gurgles as blood poured from her mouth.


    Then Carmen stooped to pick up a jagged piece of stone. ¡°The ears, Harper. You remember what you did to Riley? You¡¯ll know it now.¡±


    One swing. Two. The cartge gave way under the unrelenting blows, blood sttering across the cobblestones. The world fell silent for Harper¡ªnot from mercy, but from the damage done.


    She was drifting toward unconsciousness when Carmen cut the tendons in her wrists and ankles. The moment the steel sliced through, Harper¡¯s body seized and shuddered violently, dragging her back to awareness with another strangled cry.


    Even then, Carmen wasn¡¯t done. She brought the stone down again and again on Harper¡¯s ruined limbs until bone gave way with a sickening crack. Flesh tore, blood pooling thick around the broken wreck that had once been a wolf.


    Only then did Carmen stand.


    8:18 pm


    s


    Her hands were soaked scarlet, blood dripping from her ws-because somewhere during the frenzy, her human form had given way to her wolf. Midnight fur rippled under the moonlight, her golden eyes burning with vengeance. Her breath came in slow, controlled exhales, steam curling from her muzzle.


    ¡°This,¡± she growled, her voice a guttural rumble through sharp fangs, ¡°is the justice you earned. And it¡¯s still far less than what Riley endured.¡±


    She turned to leave the alley-only to halt.


    A figure stood at the mouth of the passage, the pale glow of a distant streemp outlining the breadth of his shoulders.


    Carmen¡¯s wolf stilled. Her hackles rose-not from threat, but from something older, deeper.


    Her chest tightened. The bond snapped taut.


    Her wolf snarled inside her mind, the sound both wild and reverent.


    Mate.


    8:18 pmSDD

 in Vengeance 258

    s


    The man caught the shift in her stance, his voice breaking through the tension like a de.


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    Carmen froze. The dagger in her hand lowered, its tip dripping crimson.


    ¡°Duke?¡±


    A faint nod. His amber eyes held something unreadable-an emotion caught between warning and something far deeper.


    ¡°You saw everything?¡± Her voice came out raw, rasped from the weight of adrenaline and rage.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He didn¡¯t look away. Didn¡¯t flinch. Just stood there, his gaze steady and impossible to read.


    For a long moment, silence pressed down between them. The wind curled through the narrow alley, carrying the copper tang of fresh blood.


    Finally, Duke broke it.


    ¡°Carmen¡­ what you just did is a crime.¡±


    Her lips twisted. ¡°What? Going to call the Stormridge enforcers on me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± His answer came without hesitation.


    ¡°Then move.¡± She shoved at his chest, but his hand shot out, gripping her wrist.


    The strength in his hold was Beta-born-unyielding. No matter how she twisted, she couldn¡¯t break free.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± His voice left no room for refusal.


    ¡°And why would I?¡± she bit back.


    His gaze flicked to her bloodstained shirt. ¡°Unless you want to stroll back into Ashmoor Academy looking like you¡¯ve juste from a ughterhouse¡­¡±


    8:18 pm DD


    s


    Her eyes darted down. The streetlight made the stters on her clothes ze


    scarlet.


    She stilled. Didn¡¯t fight when he pulled her toward the ck SUV waiting at the alley¡¯s mouth.


    The engine roared, and they sped through Mooncrest¡¯s neon-drenched streets. Streetlights and Pack banners bled together in the ss, painting Carmen¡¯s profile in cold light.


    When they reached Duke¡¯s apartment, he opened the door, motioning her inside.


    ¡°Shower. Now.¡± His tone was calm, but there was an undertonemand, but not Packmand. Matemand.


    She said nothing, just stalked past him into the bathroom.


    Water hissed behind the closed door. Duke lowered himself into the chair by the floor-to-ceiling windows, poured himself a ss of deep red wine, and let it roll slowly in the crystal. The city¡¯s nightscape stretched beyond the ss, but his thoughts weren¡¯t on the view. They were on the woman behind the bathroom door -and the bond burning at the edges of his restraint.


    When she emerged, Carmen was in a white robe, hair damp and clinging to her cheeks, drops sliding down skin too pale under the warm light. She looked like a shard of moonlight-cold, untouchable.


    Duke¡¯s gaze darkened, lingering a beat too long.


    Carmen didn¡¯t seem to notice. She crossed the room, snatched the wine from his hand, and tipped it back in one swallow. Then she took the bottle and drained it without pause.


    Her cheeks flushed quickly, her eyes unfocusing.


    ¡°More?¡± she asked, voice husky.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡±


    He stayed silent.


    8:18 pm DD


    s


    She turned, heading for the kitchen, yanking open his liquor cab to pull out a bottle of white spirit. She twisted the cap, but his shadow was already there, cutting


    her off.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m done thinking. Give me the damn bottle.¡±


    ¡°Alcohol destroys the body.¡± His eyes narrowed.


    ¡°My heart¡¯s already destroyed. What¡¯s one more thing?¡± Her voice broke, and her eyes rimmed red.


    ¡°Do you even know who that was back there?¡± she demanded. ¡°She¡¯s the one who beat Riley in prison-shattered her eardrum, broke her legs. Riley¡¯s life ended in that cell, and yet that piece of filth walks free.¡±


    Her voice trembled with rage. ¡°She took a hundred thousand from Ronan Duskcliff¡¯s


    ¡®s parents, swore she¡¯d live out her ¡®new life. You tell me, Duke, is that fair?¡±


    ¡°I gave her what she gave Riley-worse than that. Deaf. Crippled. Blinded. Tongue shattered. Hands and feet useless. If she survives, she¡¯ll be nothing. Nothing.¡±


    Herugh was sharp, high-splintering. But the tears cut through it, shining tracks down her cheeks.


    ¡°No matter what I do, Riley will never be the same. Why does the Moon Goddess let good wolves suffer like that?¡±


    Duke already knew Riley¡¯s history-he¡¯d investigated it himself-but hearing Carmen say it, tasting the grief under her rage, made his chest tighten.


    ¡°She was still top of her ss at Mooncrest High, working two jobs, feeding the vultures of the Ebonw Pack, paying Maddox¡¯s tuition, tutoring me. All while they bled her dry.¡±


    His voice softened, almost a vow. ¡°It will get better.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± Her tone was t, final. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ll take everything from the ones who hurt her. Tenfold. A hundredfold. If thew won¡¯t touch them, I will.¡±


    ¡°Carmen-¡±


    >>


    8:18 pm DD


    s


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ¡®Carmen¡¯ me.¡± She tried to drink again, but he caught the bottle and set it aside.


    ¡°Enough. Bed.¡±


    She grabbed his shirt cor, dragging him down into her unsteady breath. ¡°Who do you think you are?¡±


    His eyes locked on hers, something primal flickering there.


    ¡®Duke. Your mate.¡±


    Her drunken lips fumbled over it. ¡°Duke¡­? What kind of name is that?¡± She squinted, swaying in his grip. ¡°Sounds like ¡®Dick. I hate it. Disgusting.¡±


    The bond between them red, hot and undeniable. Duke¡¯s jaw clenched. She night fight it¡ªmight hate him for what fate had bound between them-but he would not let her walk away.


    Not now. Not ever.


    1474

 in Vengeance 259

    Duke¡¯s temple throbbed at the drunken, slurred word.


    ¡°Dick.¡±


    s


    The sound made his wolf bristle. With a growl curling low in his throat, he seized Carmen¡¯s wrist and pinned her to the cold tile wall. His eyes burned gold, the mate-bond thrumming between them like a live wire.


    His Adam¡¯s apple shifted twice before he ground out, each word edged in Beta authority.


    ¡°Not Dick. Duke.¡±


    Carmen scowled at the sudden confinement, twisting against him. Her movements were fast, sharp-yet the contact between their skin only sent another jolt of that cursed, maic pull straight to her core.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s Dick or Duke¡­¡± she muttered, yanking her arm free and snatching the bottle from the counter.


    Before he could stop her, she tilted her head back and poured a mouthful of liquor down her throat.


    It didn¡¯t make it far. Duke¡¯s hands mped down on her shoulders, his voice dark withmand.


    ¡°Stop. Spit it out. Now.¡±


    She shook her head, fighting him, the scent of alcohol hot on her breath.


    The kitchen was too small for both their tempers. They shoved against each other -two forces neither willing to yield. Then her footing slipped.


    In a heartbeat, she crashed against him, sending them both into the counter.


    And suddenly-her lips were on his.


    The liquor in her mouth spilled into his, the burn chasing down his throat before his mind caught up. Shock widened his eyes, but his wolf surged in savage triumph at the taste of her.


    8:18 pm DD


    Heat pooled in his chest. His pulse thundered.


    s


    Duke pushed her back as if distance could smother the fire licking at his restraint. His finger trembled as it pointed at her.


    ¡°What¡­ what the hell was that?¡±


    A cough tore from his chest, but her reaction made him falter.


    Her wide eyes filled with tears, her voice breaking.


    ¡°You hate me. Just like everyone else.¡±


    Her words came in a tumble-Kael Vale¡¯s venomous rumors at Ashmoor Academy, the sneers, the insults; Riley¡¯s silent suffering and stubborn bravery; every betrayalyered on her shoulders until they weighed her down like chains.


    ¡°Now even you,¡± she whispered, ¡°my own mate¡­¡±


    Thest word was a knife to his gut.


    The bond between them pulsed hard enough to steal his breath. It wed at his will, whispering protect her, im her, never let her go.


    He took a step toward her, but she lifted her head, her tear-bright eyes locking with his-wolf to wolf.


    ¡°You know¡­ from the first moment I saw you, I liked you-hic-¡±


    The hup cut off her words, but Duke¡¯s heart mmed against his ribs. From the first moment?


    His chest felt too tight. The air between them grew heavy, scented with her-warm skin, salt tears, sharp liquor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t-¡± he began, but she broke over his voice with a sobbing murmur.


    ¡°I¡¯m a woman. Why won¡¯t you?¡±


    His brows pulled together, confusion and heat battling inside him. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    He reached out, brushing a hand over her hair in a rare, gentle touch. ¡°Enough. Let


    8:18 pm DD


    me get you water.¡±


    She didn¡¯t seem to hear. Her gaze slid down his throat, pupils darkening.


    s


    Before he could react, her hands shot out, gripping his neck with surprising, feral strength. He stumbled back, his spine hitting the counter.


    And then-her mouth was on his throat.


    Her lips grazed his Adam¡¯s apple, followed by the sharp press of teeth.


    A growl ripped from deep in his chest, half warning, half something darker. The mate-bond roared to life, flooding him with heat, strength, want. Every nerve lit up under her touch, every instinct screaming to answer in kind.


    His control snapped like dry kindling. With a swift, instinctive motion, he reversed their positions, caging her against the counter, the predator in him demanding dominance.


    Her fingers skimmed his neck, dragging fire in their wake.


    Duke¡¯s breathing grew ragged, chest rising and falling in hard pulls, his wolf wing just beneath his skin.


    Then-sanity wed its way back.


    He forced himself to straighten, dragging in sharp breaths. If he stayed too close, he¡¯d give in. And she was drunk.


    Carmen, flushed and wild-haired against the counter, looked at him with usation in her eyes.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you¡­ with me?¡±


    The bond snapped taut between them, hungry and impatient. His wolf wanted to answer her with action, but Duke¡¯s jaw clenched.


    8:18 pm DD

 in Vengeance 260

    s


    Under the silver wash of moonlight spilling in through the kitchen window, Carmen¡¯s drunken tears glittered like dew.


    She had found a face that fit every detail of her aesthetic, a presence that made her wolf perk up and her heart tighten in her chest-and yet, this male, her mate, Duke, seemed to have no interest in women.


    What Carmen meant to say was, Why can¡¯t you respond to a woman-why do you only prefer men?


    But the liquor dulled her tongue and tangled her words. All she managed to repeat. over and over, was, ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±


    Those two words hit Duke like silver to the gut.


    For a male wolf, for an Beta-blooded man, it was a goad to his pride, a w at his


    core.


    Even with his legendary self-control, every repetition scraped at his patience until it snapped. His amber gaze darkened, the faint golden ring of his wolf shing.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never even tried,¡± he growled, voice low and edged, ¡°so how exactly do you know I can¡¯t¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I saw it with my own eyes,¡± she muttered stubbornly, her tone thick with wine. ¡°When it¡¯s a woman, you just¡­ can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You saw-?¡± His lips curled in a humorlessugh, a dangerous sound. ¡°You saw nothing, Carmen.¡±


    Her lower lip trembled, her eyes glistening with wounded defiance. ¡°You can¡¯t¡­ you just can¡¯t¡­¡±


    Something inside Duke gave way with a deep, resonant crack, like a tree trunk splitting under a storm. His wolf pushed forward, close to the surface, the Mate Bond between them thrumming with tension.


    ¡°You want proof?¡± His voice dropped into a gravelly rumble, every syble vibrating with dominance. ¡°Then I¡¯ll make sure you feel exactly how wrong you are.¡±


    8:19 pm DD


    s


    In one fluid motion, he hoisted her over his shoulder, ignoring her startled gasp. His strides were purposeful, heavy with intent, until he reached the bedroom. With little gentleness, he tossed her onto the mattress.


    Her robe, already loosened from their earlier struggle, gaped open; the hem had ridden up to bare the pale, smooth length of her thighs. The air between them thickened with the scent of her-ripe with wine, tears, and the faint sweetness of arousal that called to his wolf like a beacon.


    Duke¡¯s eyes darkened further, the gold burning bright in the depths. He caged her beneath him, his voice a dangerous murmur.


    ¡°Beg me, and I¡¯ll let you go.¡±


    But instead of yielding, Carmen looped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to the vulnerable hollow of his throat. She sucked hard on the skin above his pounding pulse, marking him with a bruised crescent before pulling back, breathless.


    The Bond snapped taut between them, heat surging through every nerve in his body. Duke¡¯s control shattered.


    ¡°This,¡± he rasped, tearing the robe from her shoulders, ¡°is what you wanted.¡±


    He pinned her to the bed, breath fanning her cheek, his lips skimming down the curve of her jaw to her ear. His wolf¡¯s low growl rumbled in his chest as he tasted her, each kiss deepening the pull of the Bond.


    The night turned molten, their heartbeats pounding in time like war drums. The Mate Bond sang in both of them-wild, inexorable, primal.


    By the time sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the sheets in gold and shadow, Carmen¡¯s body ached as though she¡¯d been run through the grueling gauntlet of a pack challenge. Every muscle protested.


    Worse, the deep, tender ache between her thighs made her hiss in a sharp breath.


    Her head pounded, and when she finally managed to peel her eyes open, the first thing she saw was Duke¡¯s sleeping face-sharp, elegant features softened in repose,shes casting shadows across his cheekbones.


    8:19 pm DD


    Her mindgged several seconds behind before panic hit.


    This wasn¡¯t her bed. This wasn¡¯t her room.


    s


    The events of the night were a blur, but the soreness was evidence enough. Her gaze swept lower, catching on the bruises and bites marring his neck and chest- her work, every one of them. The wolf inside her stirred with satisfaction, recognizing its im.


    She swallowed hard and lifted the edge of the nket, her face ming as her eyes locked onto the unmistakable sign of what had transpired between them.


    They¡¯d mated.


    Her mate.


    Duke.


    The Bond¡¯s echo pulsed faintly at the edge of her consciousness, still warm from the night before.


    Heart hammering, she moved slowly, praying not to wake him. Her clothes, torn and blood-specked,y discarded. She grabbed his shirt-too big, smelling unmistakably of him¡ªand slipped it over her head.


    Without a sound, she slipped from the room.


    Half an hourter, Duke stirred, the absence of her scent by his side pulling him instantly from sleep. His wolf bristled at the emptiness.


    She was gone.


    And the Mate Bond thrummed, restless and unfinished.

 in Vengeance 261

    With a careless flick, Duke threw back the nket-and froze.


    That vivid ssh of crimson, blooming against the stark white sheets like winter plum blossoms on snow, made his eyes narrow.


    His mind betrayed him instantly, dragging him back into the fevered haze of the night before. The taste of her breath, the desperate way her nails raked down his back, the primal im in every gasp-Carmen beneath him, the bond between them thrumming until it burned through bone and blood.


    The corner of his mouth curled into a slow, dangerous smile.


    Reaching for his phone, he dialed her number, already imagining the ways he might tease her, coax her, push at the edges of herposure until she snapped and said his name like a plea.


    But the call didn¡¯t go through.


    He tried again. And again.


    Still nothing.


    His smile thinned into a sharp line. A coldugh rumbled in his chest.


    Carmen, you¡¯re bold-using me and then vanishing like the wind? Do you think your mate is someone you can just discard?


    His wolf bristled, pacing behind his ribs. She¡¯s ours. She can run, but she can¡¯t hide.


    ¡°Mia¡¯s at the Duskgrave estate,¡± he murmured darkly. ¡°Let¡¯s see where you think you can run now,¡±


    At the same time, life at the Duskgrave estate had been unusually quiet-and blissful-for Riley,


    Most days were spent in the sunlit sitting room, embroidery hoop in hand, her thoughts full of the piece she was determined to finish soon.


    At first, she would wake early, eager to prepare breakfast for Lucien-especially the


    s


    So, Riley had surrendered to his will, allowing herself the luxury of sleeping until the sunlight woke her.


    This morning, Lucien had already left for his duties, the Alpha prince¡¯s scent still faint in the air. She sat at the table alone, eating her breakfast when Mia approached with a gentle smile.


    Miss Riley, I¡¯ll be taking a day off tomorrow,¡± Mia announced.


    Riley tilted her head. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    It¡¯s Garmen¡¯s birthday,¡± Mia said fondly. ¡°It¡¯s been too long since we¡¯ve sat down ogether, just the two of us.¡±


    At the mention of Carmen, Riley¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Then let¡¯s celebrate together! We hould have longevity noodles. When she¡¯s done with her sses tonight, let¡¯s go pick her up.¡±


    Mia¡¯s smile warmed. ¡°Alright.¡± She reached for her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll message her now.¡±


    Carmen was sprawled across her dorm bed, staring at the ceiling.


    Moon and stars above-how had she ended up tangling with Duke?


    Yes, he was devastatingly handsome, but that didn¡¯t excuse her from losing every shred of self-control. The memory of her drunken self clinging to him, taunting him-it made her want to bury herself in a hole.


    Her phone chimed.


    It was a message from Riley:


    [Carmen, we¡¯ll pick you up after ss tonight]


    Carmen frowned. Why the sudden escort? Surely they weren¡¯t bringing her to the Duskgrave estate-if she ran into Duke there, she¡¯d die of embarrassment.


    [Pick me up for what? Where are we going?) she typed back.


    8:20 pm S


    [To a restaurant. Longevity noodles.] came the reply.


    She blinked. [Longevity noodles? Riley, your birthday already passed.]


    Across the estate, Riley let out augh, showing Mia the message.


    s


    ¡°This girl¡¯s been so buried in her studies she forgot her own birthday,¡± Riley said.


    Mia chuckled. ¡°She takes after you-quiet, disciplined, never giving me trouble. Always focused, always determined.¡±


    Riley nodded. Carmen¡¯s beauty was matched only by her heart, and she had worked hard ever since she¡¯d been admitted to Ashmoor University. Riley only wished she¡¯d never be taken advantage of for her kindness.


    [Silly girl, it¡¯s your birthday tomorrow. You forgot?] Riley sent back.


    Carmen stared at the screen. Oh. She had forgotten.


    Well, spending her birthday with Riley sounded perfect. She typed back: [Alright, see you tonight.]


    The thought lifted her mood instantly, pushing away the awkward memories ofst night. So she¡¯d slept with her ¡°gay¡± mate-so what? It wasn¡¯t as though he¡¯d been passive; in fact, Duke had been more relentless than her. Her body still ached from it.


    No one took advantage of anyone, she told herself. If anything, I was generous enough not to reject a stir-stick like him.


    But even thinking of him sent an odd shiver down her spine-not disgust exactly, but a raw awareness, like the echo of his scent tangled with hers. The mate-bond pulsed faintly under her skin.


    Scowling, she sprang off the bed and grabbed her toiletries. She needed a shower. A long one. She would scrub away his scent.


    She didn¡¯t notice that her wolf, deep inside, didn¡¯t want it gone at all.


    8:20 pm DD

 in Vengeance 262

    s


    Night had fallen over Mooncrest, the crisp autumn air carrying the faint tang pine and distant rain.


    of


    Riley had taken extra care with her appearance that evening, choosing a cream tweed jacket that hugged her frame, pale blue jeans, and spotless white sneakers. Her hair was swept into a yful bun, a touch of makeup brightening her already fresh features. Beside her, Mia adjusted her scarf as they stepped toward the door, ready to head out.


    But before they could leave, the sound of a powerful engine rolled into the driveway. A sleek ck Maybach eased to a stop. Lucien Duskgrave, Stormridge Pack¡¯s Alpha Prince, stepped out first, his gaze sharpening the instant itnded on Riley.


    His eyes-wolf-sharp,manding¨Dlingered on her like a territorial im.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± His tone was cool but threaded with that quiet, possessive authority only an Alpha could wield.


    Riley¡¯s lips curved. ¡°Tomorrow is Carmen¡¯s birthday. Tonight Mia and I are taking her for longevity noodles.¡±


    At that, Duke lifted a brow. ¡°Miss Riley, Mia¡­ why don¡¯t I drive you?¡±


    The words were polite. The glint in his eyes was not.


    Carmen, he thought, I wonder how you¡¯ll face me afterst night.


    At the gates of Ashmoor University, Carmen waited, the glow of the streemps painting her features in warm gold. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, scanning the road. Ten minutes passed before the Maybach appeared, sleek and imposing.


    Her stomach tightened the moment she recognized it. Duke¡¯s car.


    In an instant, heat bloomed under her skin as memories from the previous night surged-heat-slick skin, ragged breathing, the undeniable pull of their mate-bond snapping into ce when neither of them had expected it. This morning, she¡¯d stood in the shower until her skin flushed from the water, scrubbing at the marks Duke had left over her corbone and down her ribs-scattered ims in the


    3:20 pm DD


    s


    shape of his hunger. At least he¡¯d spared her neck; facing the world with a visible bite would¡¯ve been unbearable.


    She turned sharply on her heel, ready to flee back into the safety of the campus, but Riley¡¯s voice stopped her.


    ¡°Carmen!¡±


    Her body went rigid. Slowly, she looked back to see the rear window rolled down. Riley and Mia sat inside, smiling warmly at her.


    And in the driver¡¯s seat, Duke leaned back in a posture of deceptive ease, eyes locked on hers. The scent of him¡ªpine smoke and something darker-seemed to cut through the autumn air, reaching for her wolf and tugging. His mouth curved in that slow, dangerous way she remembered fromst night.


    ¡®So,¡± he said, voice a silken de, ¡°you¡¯re Mia¡¯s daughter. What a surprise.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s pulse skittered. She dropped her gaze, unable to meet the heat in his eyes. The bond thrummed between them, alive, insistent¡ªher wolf bristling, torn between retreat and the urge to press closer.


    Mia, oblivious, called out, ¡°Come on, Carmen! Don¡¯t just stand there.¡±


    She swallowed hard, fighting the instinct to refuse. But when she opened the rear door, she found the back already full-Riley, Mia, and Lucien taking up the space. Lucien¡¯s gaze flicked over her once, unreadable, before he closed his eyes and settled back.


    ¡°Up front,¡± Riley and Mia said together.


    The moment Carmen opened the passenger door, her eyesnded on a bouquet of blood-red roses, still dewy, the scent rich and intoxicating.


    Duke¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Heard it¡¯s your birthday tomorrow. On the way here, I thought you might like these. For you, Carmen.¡± He put deliberate weight on for you, letting the bond hum through every syble.


    The heat that surged to her ears was instant and impossible to hide. She gathered the roses into her arms, using them as a shield against his gaze.


    ¡°¡­I like them,¡± she managed, her voice low, before staring determinedly out the


    window.


    8:20 pm DD


    s


    The Maybach glided into motion, the silence between them thick as the night outside. But Duke¡¯s attention never wavered, his wolf prowling just beneath his skin. Every flicker of her scent, every restless shift in her seat fed that primal satisfaction¡ªshe might pretend otherwise, but the bond was there, burning in both of them.


    And he intended to see how far she could run before she realized there was no outrunning a mate.


    1:20 pm DD

 in Vengeance 263

    s


    Duke¡¯s fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, the rhythm casual, yet there was nothing casual about the tension simmering inside the car.


    Beside him, Carmen clutched the bouquet of deep crimson roses against her chest as if it were a shield, their scent mingling with the intoxicating pull of Duke¡¯s scent that seemed to fill every corner of the vehicle. She kept her gaze fixed out the window, but the awareness between them was a living, breathing thing-raw, electric, undeniable. The bond thrummed in the air, tugging at her wolf, reminding her who sat only inches away.


    Just when she thought she could endure the ride in strained silence, Duke moved. His right arm slid onto the center console withzy precision, but the shift was deliberate. In the next heartbeat, his palm found the curve of her waist-her soft, delicate waist his wolf had already imed as his-and his fingers pressed into the hollow of her back. A slow, teasing knead sent a jolt of heat tearing through her body.


    A breathless sound escaped her before she could stop it, low and unguarded.


    Her head snapped toward him, eyes wide, but Duke¡¯s gaze stayed trained on the road, his face the picture of innocence. Only the faintest curve at the corner of his mouth betrayed him, and his hand remained exactly where it was-possessive, unyielding, infuriating.


    Carmen¡¯s heart raced, her wolf straining toward him even as her mind screamed for space. She bit down hard on her lip, fighting to keep her breathing steady. She couldn¡¯t let Riley or Mia, seated in the back with Lucien Duskgrave, notice anything amiss.


    But Mia¡¯s voice still cut into the moment.


    ¡°Carmen, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine-just¡­ the roses, a thorn pricked me,¡± Carmen blurted, tilting the flowers so they hid Duke¡¯s hand from view.


    He gave a soft, private chuckle, his eyes glinting with the kind of mischief only a mate could get away with.


    The rest of the ride stretched on like an eternity, each second a battle against the


    8:20 pm DD


    pull of the bond and the heat in her blood. By the time they reached the restaurant, Carmen¡¯s skin was damp with a fine sheen of sweat.


    +10 Free Coins


    The moment the car stopped, she was out the door, her movements quick and almost frantic.


    ¡°Carmen, slow down,¡± Mia called after her, but Carmen only tossed over her shoulder, ¡°I¡¯ll just¡­ be in the restroom.¡±


    Inside, she sshed cold water over her face, gripping the sink and watching her reflection-flushed cheeks, wild eyes, and that traitorous tremor in her hands.


    Get a grip, she told herself. He¡¯s just a wolf. Your mate. The one whose scent is under your skin. The one who-damn it¡ªshouldn¡¯t be able to rattle you like this.


    When she finally stepped out, she didn¡¯t get far before colliding with a solid wall of heat and muscle.


    Duke.


    His arm came around her instantly, locking her against him as if he¡¯d been waiting there just for this. ¡°Well now,¡± he murmured, his voice a low rumble against her ear, ¡°throwing yourself into my arms already, little wolf?¡±


    His breath slid over the sensitive skin of her neck, and Carmen¡¯s wolf shivered at the intimate burn of it. She shoved at his chest, but his hold only tightened.


    ¡°You just can¡¯t leave me alone, can you?¡± she hissed, her voice trembling with equal parts fury and something far more dangerous.


    He didn¡¯t answer. Instead, with the kind of effortless strength that only an Beta- blooded wolf could wield, he backed her into the nearest restroom stall. The door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in a small, charged space that felt far too


    warm.


    ¡°Duke!¡± she snapped, her chest rising and falling sharply. ¡°This is the women¡¯s


    restroom-¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s here,¡± he said smoothly, his nose brushing through her hair, inhaling deeply as if he were starved for her scent. His wolf pushed forward, sending a pulse down the bond that curled hot in her belly.


    Her hands pressed against him, but he caught them easily, pinning them above her


    8:21 pm DD


    +10 Free Coins


    head against the stall wall. The proximity made the bond ze to life, his heat seeping into her, his presence filling every inch of her awareness.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± she demanded, though her voice cracked under the weight of his nearness.


    His lips curled into a slow, wicked smile. ¡°What I want? You know damn well. Or did you think you could use me, take everything I gave youst night, and then walk away?¡± His voice was rough, a dangerous growl beneath the words, and his eyes glowed faintly with the feral light of his wolf.


    ¡°That-¡± she began, cheeks burning. ¡°That was an ident. We can just¡­ pretend nothing happened.¡±


    Hisugh was low and humorless. ¡°An ident? No, little wolf. That was fate. That was the bond snapping into ce. And I¡¯m not letting you forget it.¡±


    8:21 pm D


    DD

 in Vengeance 264

    +10 Free Coins


    Under the dim lighting of the restaurant¡¯s washroom, Duke¡¯s voice was low and edged with a dangerous growl.


    ¡°Carmen, do I look like the kind of male who gets used and tossed aside?¡±


    His words cut straight through her, leaving her momentarily speechless. The bond between them thrummed-hot, demanding, relentless-making it impossible to think clearly.


    The truth stung. Last night, she had been the one insisting on drinking, pushing past her limits until the liquor burned away her inhibitions. Most of the night was a haze, blurred by alcohol, but one image stood in stark, humiliating rity: herself, straddling him, moving with a hunger she couldn¡¯t disguise.


    She winced inwardly.


    Spirits above¡­ she¡¯d been starving.


    Starving enough to throw herself at a male she¡¯d once assumed waspletely uninterested in females-worse, her mate.


    Heat scorched her cheeks, and she turned her head away, unable to meet Duke¡¯s piercing gaze.


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±


    Duke¡¯s lips curved in a humorless smile. He remembered all too well her slurred confession-how she¡¯d told him she¡¯d fallen for him the moment they met. No wonder she¡¯d been so reckless in bed, no wonder she had tasted of pure, unrestrained desire.


    Truth be told,st night had been unlike anything he¡¯d ever experienced. The raw passion, the way their wolves had all but tangled in the bond-it had lodged in his mind and refused to leave.


    And now? The female who had set his blood on fire wanted to pretend nothing happened.


    Uneptable.


    1:21 pm DD


    +10 Free Coins


    Without warning, Duke dipped his head and imed her mouth in a hard, searing


    kiss.


    Carmen froze, eyes going wide. She was about to push him away when footsteps and voices echoed from the washroom entrance. Her pulse spiked. She shot him a warning nce-someone wasing.


    Duke didn¡¯t release her. In fact, his hand slid boldly beneath her shirt, fingers brushing heated skin as if daring her to react.


    The footsteps came closer, apanied by the shrill gossip of two unfamiliar female voices.


    16


    ¡°¡­I swear I just saw Riley.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t she locked up?¡±


    ¡°Looks like she¡¯s out now.¡±


    ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought the Mooncrest Academy¡¯s star schr would end up a killer? Guess you can¡¯t judge by appearances. Back then, she acted all sweet and quiet. What a fraud.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Being smart doesn¡¯t help now. She¡¯s just another criminal. In high school, she was so full of herself-turned down the ss heartthrob like he wasn¡¯t worth her time. Bet she regrets it now.¡±


    ¡°You mean him? He¡¯s doing great these days-he¡¯s a sales manager at the


    Duskgrave Corporation. I wonder how she¡¯ll feel when she finds out at tomorrow¡¯s reunion.¡±


    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s not in the reunion group chat, so she probably doesn¡¯t know. Should we invite her?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I want to see her face when she realizes what she missed out on.¡±


    Theirughter rang sharp and cruel before fading as they walked away.


    Every word had reached Carmen¡¯s ears-and Duke¡¯s.


    Her wolf bristled, ws itching to rake into those two petty females. She would have stormed out right then and there if Duke¡¯s arms hadn¡¯t still been locked


    around her.


    8:21 pmD


    +10 Free Coins


    When the footsteps finally faded, she hissed through clenched teeth, ¡°Let me go, Duke.¡±


    He didn¡¯t loosen his grip, his face buried against her hair, inhaling her scent like an addict feeding a craving.


    Frustration red, and she drove her knee sharply upward.


    ¡°Ungh!¡± He doubled over slightly with a low groan, the bond between them humming with his mix of pain and desire.


    ¡°Carmen, are you trying to murder your own mate?¡±


    She ignored him, shoving the door open and storming out. Her voice was a snarl.


    ¡°Those two bitches talking behind someone¡¯s back-stand the hell still and face me!¡±


    But by the time she reached the hall, they were gone.


    Still seething, she stalked toward the restaurant. As soon as she stepped in, she spotted them-two overpainted, smug-looking females-standing in front of Riley, their smiles dripping with venom.


    Her hands curled into fists. Every instinct screamed at her to put them in their ce, but with Riley and Mia watching, she forced herself to smooth her clothes and rein in her wolf.


    By the time she crossed the floor, the pair had turned and walked away.


    ¡°Riley,¡± Carmen said, voice still tight with suppressed fury, ¡°what did they just say to you?¡±


    8:21 pm DD

 in Vengeance 265

    +10 Free Coins


    ¡°They¡¯re my old ssmates from Mooncrest Academy,¡± Riley said softly, her gaze calm but distant. ¡°They wanted to invite me to tomorrow¡¯s reunion, but tomorrow is your birthday¡­ so I refused.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s shoulders eased at once, the tension uncoiling from her chest.


    She had been ready to tear someone apart if Riley had been bullied.


    As long as she was around, no one in the Nine Realms couldy a finger on Riley without paying the price.


    ¡°Carmen¡­¡± Riley tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly as they studied her lips.


    ¡°What?¡± Carmen asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Your mouth¡­ it¡¯s so red. A little swollen, too.¡±


    Carmen froze.


    The bond between her and Duke hummed faintly at the back of her mind, and she could almost feel his smugness through it. That damn wolf¡­


    It had to be from when Duke had kissed her in the restroom earlier.


    She wanted to say she¡¯d been bitten by a stray mutt, but she knew Riley wouldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°¡­Got bitten by a mosquito,¡± she said instead, tone t.


    Duke, of course, chose that exact moment to stroll past, his voice azy drawl. ¡°Guess that mosquito¡¯s got taste¡­ managed to bite your upper and lower lips evenly. Perfectly symmetrical.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s jaw twitched. She didn¡¯t dignify him with a response.


    A stifledugh escaped Riley, and even Mia covered her mouth to hide her grin.


    Lucien Duskgrave raised a brow at Duke but didn¡¯t say a word¡ªthose storm-dark Alpha eyes said enough. He¡¯d already pieced the truth together.


    The five of them settled at the table.


    Soon, steaming bowls of long-life noodles were ced before them. Carmen pushed the noodles around with her chopsticks, but each mouthful tasted like ash. Her appetite was gone.


    They were halfway through the meal when Lucien spoke, his voice smooth butmanding. ¡°After dinner, Duke will take Miss Carmen back to her dorm.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s head shot up, eyes wide. ¡°Alpha Lucien¡­ and you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already called for the driver. He¡¯ll take the rest of us.¡±


    Her pulse kicked into overdrive. This was a trap.


    They had all arrived together¡ªso why in the Moon¡¯s name was she suddenly being singled out to leave with her mate?


    She tried for diplomacy. ¡°I can call a cab myself. Duke should take you all instead -you¡¯re more than one person.¡±


    Before Lucien could reply, Riley¡¯s voice cut in gently. ¡°Carmen,st night there was a brutal assault near the Silverfang Den. The victim¡¯s eyes were gouged, tongue cut out, limbs destroyed¡­ Found at dawn. Doctors tried to save her, but she didn¡¯t survive.¡±


    Her tone was calm, but her eyes brimmed with worry. ¡°It¡¯s not safe at night. Let Duke take you then we¡¯ll all feel better.¡±


    Mia nodded in firm agreement. ¡°She¡¯s right. I know you don¡¯t like troubling others, but your safety matters most.¡±


    Carmen forced a faint smile. If only they knew¡­ the ¡°brutal killer¡± they spoke of was sitting right at their table, quietly sipping tea.


    She hadn¡¯t meant to kill her outrightst night-she¡¯d wanted her to live in agony. Shame she hadn¡¯tsted till morning.


    She kept her head lowered, fingers moving under the table to send a quick message to Jace Hale.


    Fifteen minutester, a reply lit her screen-he was already outside.


    8:21 pm DD


    +10 Free Coins


    Setting down her chopsticks, she said, ¡°Mia, Riley, I¡¯m done. You keep eating, but I have to get back before curfew.¡±


    Riley¡¯s smile was warm. ¡°Alright. Tomorrow, after ss, we¡¯re celebrating your birthday at the Silverfang Den.¡±


    Carmen nodded, rising from her seat and striding toward the door.


    Duke was on his feet instantly, following her scent trail.


    But when he stepped out of the private room, Carmen was already sliding onto the back of Jace¡¯s motorcycle.


    His wolf growled low, a sh of fury surging through the bond. ¡°Carmen! Stop!¡±


    She didn¡¯t even nce back, only gripping Jace¡¯s waist and saying, ¡°Drive.¡±


    Jace smirked over his shoulder at Duke, eyes gleaming with challenge, before lifting one hand to flip him off. Then the bike¡¯s engine roared, and they vanished into the night like a streak of silver lightning.


    Duke¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. ¡°Run, little wolf. You won¡¯t get far from me.¡±


    The motorcycle tore through the streets, night wind whipping past. Carmen pressed closer to Jace¡¯s back, her body moving with the lean of the bike.


    ¡°Hey, Carmen,¡± Jace shouted over the wind, ¡°if you¡¯re feeling better tonight, want me to take you to a bar?¡±


    +10 Free Coins

 in Vengeance 266

    Carmen¡¯s reply was ice-cold.


    ¡°Not interested.¡±


    ¡°Then where do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°Take me back to Mooncrest Academy.¡±


    Jace Hale¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°It¡¯s still early. How about-¡±


    He didn¡¯t get to finish.


    A sudden, blinding re burst from behind them, followed by the deep, predatory growl of a powerful engine-low and guttural, like the snarl of a Beta on the hunt.


    The vehicle was fast-too fast-closing the distance in mere heartbeats until it ran neck and neck with Jace¡¯s bike.


    Carmen turned her head, and her gaze locked with Duke¡¯s.


    The mate-bond snapped taut between them, a sharp, invisible tether that yanked at her chest. Her wolf stirred restlessly under her skin, heart pounding against her ribs. She could almost taste his scent on the wind-oak, smoke, and something darkly electric that made her want to lean in even as she cursed herself.


    Damn it. Was he some kind of cursed shadow? Why couldn¡¯t she shake him off?


    ¡°Faster,¡± she urged, voice sharp with urgency butced with something she hated to admit-fear, and not entirely of him catching up. ¡°Just don¡¯t let him catch us. I don¡¯t care where we go.¡±


    Jace twisted the throttle, and the bike roared, surging forward toward the outer ring road.


    But Duke¡¯s ck Maybach was relentless, its speed rivaling the bike¡¯s with the same predatory precision she¡¯d felt in their bond-a Beta bearing down on his


    mate.


    Even through the re of his headlights, she felt his gaze like ws down her spine, the weight of his im pressing into her soul. The tether between them


    8:21 pm DD


    burned hotter, pulling, demanding.


    +10 Free Coins


    In one fluid, aggressive motion, Duke swung the Maybach into a sweeping arc, tires screaming against asphalt, sparks spitting from the friction.


    The car slid into their path, blocking them entirely, forcing Jace to a halt.


    Jace yanked off his helmet and strode toward the car, fury in every step.


    ¡°What the hell is your problem?¡± he snarled.


    Duke didn¡¯t waste words. He stepped out, swung, and his fist connected with Jace¡¯s jaw, sending the rider sprawling.


    Before Jace could recover, Duke¡¯s boot drove into his ribs with a thud that made Carmen flinch. The mate-bond red in her chest at the violence, her wolf baring its teeth in a confused snarl¡ªhalf anger, half primal satisfaction at seeing another male bested.


    Without another nce, Duke stalked toward her.


    She red, amber eyes burning.


    ¡°What the hell do you want? I told you alreadyst night was an ident. We pretend it never happened, and I¡¯m fine with that. You¡¯re a grown man; stop being so damn petty!¡±


    Her words came fast, defensive, but the bond didn¡¯t care. The air between them was thick with his scent, with the low thrum of their connection.


    He stopped in front of her, reached out, and caught the back of her head in a grip that was all Beta-unyielding, certain. The mate-bond surged like lightning down her spine.


    His mouth crashed onto hers.


    The taste of him hit her like a drug, her wolf pushing forward with a sharp, needy growl in her chest. She wrenched away, pping him hard.


    ¡°Enough! What the hell is wrong with you?¡±


    Duke¡¯s head turned from the blow, but a slow smirk curved his mouth. His pupils were blown wide, the bond sparking like a wildfire between them.


    8:21 pm


    He bent, scooping her up over his shoulder with ease.


    +10 Free Coins


    ¡°Put me down! You lunatic!¡± she shouted, pounding her fists against his back. Her wolf was a traitor, wing to get closer even as she fought him.


    The Maybach¡¯s headlights cast them in harsh white light-Duke¡¯s tailored suit catching the gleam, Carmen¡¯s hair and skirt whipping wildly in the wind, her scent tangling with his until it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began.


    The rest of the world blurred into nothing. The bond had no room for anyone else.


    Duke reached the car, yanked open the back door, and tossed her inside.


    Before she could scramble away, he was there, bracing over her, the heat of his body caging her in. The locks clicked shut, final as a mate-mark.


    Carmen¡¯s breaths came quick, shallow, her pulse echoing in her ears.


    ¡°What¡­ what do you want from me?¡±


    His eyes burned into hers. ¡°What I want? You can¡¯t feel it?¡±


    His voice was low and rough, the growl of a wolf barely holding himself back. The bond between them pulsed, alive, urging her to submit, to stop fighting what they


    were.


    She turned her head, refusing to meet his gaze.


    A coldugh rumbled from him.


    ¡°Still defiant? Then I¡¯ll make you listen.¡±


    His hand slid along her side, and her wolf shivered at the contact even as her mind screamed no.


    ¡°Stop! You¡¯re insane-Jace is still outside.¡±


    Duke¡¯s gaze darkened, the Beta edge in his voice sharpening.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± he murmured, his scent wrapping around her like chains. ¡°Let him watch. Let him see you¡¯re mine.¡±


    8:21 pm DD

 in Vengeance 267

    +10 Free Coins


    Carmen¡¯s amber eyes zed with defiance, her voice sharp as a fang¡¯s edge.¡±You¡¯ve got no shame. I still have mine.¡±


    Duke¡¯s low chuckle was a dangerous sound, carrying the weight of a predator who knew exactly where the prey¡¯s escape routes were.¡±Afraid?¡± he drawled.


    His fingers brushed along her cheek, the warmth of his touch sliding down to the hollow of her corbone. The contact carried the faint crackle of the bond between them¡ªan electric hum that no amount of denial could sever. It thrummed in her veins, hot and dizzying, as if her wolf was betraying her by leaning into it.


    Color flooded her face, spreading down her neck. Her breathing stuttered, much to Duke¡¯s satisfaction.


    ¡°Want me?¡± His smirk was a dark, knowing sh against his face.


    She cursed him in her heart. She had thought Duke was theposed, polished Beta who served the Stormridge Pack¡¯s Alpha Prince. But beneath the crisp suit and the refined manners was a wolf who didn¡¯t care for rules-a wolf who would take what he imed.


    Grinding her teeth, she spat, ¡°You need to stop. I¡¯m not even a man-why do you hound me like this?¡±


    That actually made him blink, caught off guard.¡°You¡¯re not a man, no,¡± he said slowly, his tone dipping lower. ¡°If you were, I wouldn¡¯t want you.¡±


    Carmen narrowed her eyes, recalling what she¡¯d seen before. ¡°Don¡¯t lie. I saw you with that pretty-boy male wolf from another pack, all cozy. You still want to im you¡¯re not into men? Or are you both ways? Do you just¡­ eat whatever you can catch?¡±


    Her disgust was sharp enough to cut. ¡°Ancestors, you¡¯re sick.¡±


    Duke actuallyughed-rich and dangerous.¡±We¡¯ve already been together, Carmen. You still can¡¯t tell I¡¯m a straight wolf?¡±


    His smirk turned sharper. ¡°Looks like I wasn¡¯t thorough enoughst night. Maybe I should fix that¡ª¡± His hand slipped boldly under the hem of her skirt.


    She gasped, grabbing his wrist. ¡°Stop. Please.¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    Before Duke could reply, the pounding of fists against the car window shattered the moment.¡± Duke! Let her go!¡± Jace Hale¡¯s voice was raw, desperate. ¡°If you touch her, I swear-¡±


    Duke¡¯s hand stilled, but his attention didn¡¯t shift to Jace. Instead, he leaned closer to Carmen, his voice a low growl meant for her wolf¡¯s ears alone.¡±You don¡¯t like it here? Then we¡¯ll go home. Finish this properly.¡±


    In one smooth motion, he ripped his silk tie from his cor and bound her wrists. The bond¡¯s pull only intensified with her struggle, the mate-thread tightening like a living thing between them.


    ¡°Behave,¡± he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. ¡°Or I¡¯ll take you right here. And your little knight outside will get a front-row seat.¡±


    Carmen turned her face away, refusing to look at him. The mate bond might have been burning molten through her, but she clung to Riley¡¯s story-how believing in a mate had nearly destroyed her. She would not fall into that trap.


    Duke¡¯s hand ruffled her hair in mock affection. ¡°Good girl.¡±


    Then he straightened, pushed open the door, and stepped out.


    Jace was there instantly, eyes bloodshot, fists clenched. ¡°What did you do to her?¡±


    Duke¡¯s gaze was cold steel. ¡°She¡¯s my mate. My woman. What I do with her is none of your business.¡±


    The word mate hit Jace like a punch, his wolf snarling in protest. He swung, but Duke¡¯s look froze him mid-step. It was the kind of look that came from a wolf who had fought, killed, and walked away without a scratch.


    ¡°Still sore from the beating I gave you earlier?¡± Duke¡¯s voice was a lethal purr.


    Jace didn¡¯t move as Duke slid back into the driver¡¯s seat. The Maybach¡¯s engine growled to life, and momentster the car was nothing but a streak in the night.


    Inside, Carmen sat up as best she could, wrists still bound. ¡°Take me back to Ashmoor Academy.¡±


    ¡°Home,¡± Duke corrected, eyes never leaving the road. ¡°Where we¡¯ll finish what was


    3:21 pm DD


    started.¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    Carmen¡¯s jaw clenched, the mate-bond thrumming between them like a chain she wanted to break, even as her wolf refused to let go.


    8:21 pm

 in Vengeance 268

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    I walked side by side with Lucien along the quiet street, the night air cool against my skin. Mia had already been sent home by the driver, and for once I allowed myself the luxury of breathing freely, of pretending that I could simply be a she- wolf taking a stroll rather than someone whose world had been torn apart.


    Neither of us spoke, yet the silence wasn¡¯t ufortable. It lingered between us like the soft brush of fur against fur, steady and grounding. We walked until the road carried us to a bridge, and there my steps faltered.


    The breeze teased strands of hair across my face as I leaned against the railing, eyes drawn to the dark river below. The sound of the water brought memories crashing back-memories of the night when despair had nearly imed me. I had stood in this very spot, ready to let the current swallow me whole.


    ¡°Lucien,¡± I whispered, my voice carrying the weight of that moment, ¡°do you remember this ce? If I hadn¡¯t met you here that night¡­ I would have been gone.¡±


    I turned to him, earnest gratitude in my gaze. ¡°You¡¯re my savior. My fated turning point. My¡­ benefactor.¡±


    The Stormridge Alpha prince¡¯s usually cold expression softened, his tone gentled like a wolf brushing its mate with his muzzle. ¡°Do you recall what I told you that night?¡±


    I furrowed my brow, remembering. ¡°You said life is like a stage y. That sometimes all it takes is one more witness for the story to change. You said you wanted to see how the y would unfold if I chose to live.¡±


    My throat tightened. ¡°At the time, I didn¡¯t believe you. I said my y was already ruined, not worth watching.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s lips curved into a rare smile, a warmth that cut through the night like fire in a den of shadows. ¡°And yet here you stand. The darkest part has already passed. The best acts are always saved forst, Riley. You¡¯ve endured the worst¡ªnow it¡¯s time to im the happiness that waits.¡±


    His words should have soothed me, but a sharp pang twisted in my chest. If only


    8:21 pm SDD


    +10 Free Coins


    my body weren¡¯t broken. If only time hadn¡¯t been stolen from me. The truth¡ªmy truth¡ªwas that my life was measured in grains of sand slipping far too quickly through an hourss.


    I lowered my head to hide the ache in my eyes.


    Lucien¡¯s senses were razor sharp. I felt his attention on me, the way an Alpha always perceives the smallest shift in another¡¯s emotions. His lips parted, as if he would speakfort-


    ¡°Riley?¡±


    The sound of that voice froze me. My head snapped up, and my gaze collided with Maddox.


    He sat in a wheelchair, a nket draped across useless legs, a file clutched in his hands. His hair was slicked back neatly, his face groomed, his frame wrapped in a ck suit. It was almost impossible to reconcile this polished man with the broken wolf I had once seen digging scraps from a trash bin.


    Lucien¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. He, too, remembered the disgrace Maddox had fallen into.


    But Maddox¡¯s gaze was fixed on me alone. Possessiveness burned in his eyes, the same suffocating im he¡¯d always tried to have on me. ¡°Riley,¡± he breathed, relief and hunger twining in his tone. ¡°You don¡¯t know how I¡¯ve searched for you.¡±


    The fragile peace of my evening shattered. Disgust curdled in my gut. Of all wolves to cross paths with, it had to be him.


    I seized Lucien¡¯s hand, fingers tightening around his warmth, and turned to leave.


    But Maddox shoved his chair forward, blocking my path with predatory speed despite his crippled body. ¡°Riley, are you not d to see me?¡±


    Myugh was sharp, bitter. ¡°Maddox, you framed me. You let me rot in Wolf dungeons for five years to protect Scarlett. You destroyed me, d? No, I despise you.¡±


    His smile twitched, faltered, but then smoothed over with practiced charm. ¡°That was the past. I didn¡¯t know the truth back then, I swear it. We used to be mated, you and I. You know how deeply I cared for you.¡±


    8:21 pmSD


    +10 Free Coins


    my body weren¡¯t broken. If only time hadn¡¯t been stolen from me. The truth-my truth-was that my life was measured in grains of sand slipping far too quickly through an hourss.


    I lowered my head to hide the ache in my eyes.


    Lucien¡¯s senses were razor sharp. I felt his attention on me, the way an Alpha always perceives the smallest shift in another¡¯s emotions. His lips parted, as if he would speakfort¡ª


    ¡°Riley?¡±


    The sound of that voice froze me. My head snapped up, and my gaze collided with Maddox.


    He sat in a wheelchair, a nket draped across useless legs, a file clutched in his hands. His hair was slicked back neatly, his face groomed, his frame wrapped in a ck suit. It was almost impossible to reconcile this polished man with the broken wolf I had once seen digging scraps from a trash bin.


    Lucien¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. He, too, remembered the disgrace Maddox had fallen into.


    But Maddox¡¯s gaze was fixed on me alone. Possessiveness burned in his eyes, the same suffocating im he¡¯d always tried to have on me. ¡°Riley,¡± he breathed, relief and hunger twining in his tone. ¡°You don¡¯t know how I¡¯ve searched for you.¡±


    The fragile peace of my evening shattered. Disgust curdled in my gut. Of all wolves to cross paths with, it had to be him.


    I seized Lucien¡¯s hand, fingers tightening around his warmth, and turned to leave.


    But Maddox shoved his chair forward, blocking my path with predatory speed despite his crippled body. ¡°Riley, are you not d to see me?¡±


    Myugh was sharp, bitter. ¡°Maddox, you framed me. You let me rot in Wolf dungeons for five years to protect Scarlett. You destroyed me, d? No. I despise you.¡±


    His smile twitched, faltered, but then smoothed over with practiced charm. ¡°That was the past. I didn¡¯t know the truth back then, I swear it. We used to be mated, you and I. You know how deeply I cared for you.¡±


    8:22 pm DD


    +10 Free Coins


    ¡°Cared?¡± I spat. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been blinded by bonds, I¡¯d have seen the rot under your skin long ago. You were never worth the time, the coin, or the devotion I gave you.¡±


    The rejection twisted his expression into something ugly. For all his polished surface, Maddox¡¯s soul had already warped beyond recognition.


    His gaze slid to Lucien, towering and unyielding at my side. Hatred red. ¡°So that¡¯s it. You won¡¯t ept me because of him?¡±


    His voice rose, venom dripping with every word. ¡°When did you be so faithless, Riley? I saw another male take you to the healers for a pregnancy test not long ago. And now this? Did you cast him aside along with the bastard pup, only to crawl into this Alpha¡¯s arms? Is that who you are now?¡±


    A growl rumbled low in Lucien¡¯s chest, the Stormridge prince¡¯s eyes shing with a deadly glint. His hand twitched, ready to strike.


    I stopped him with a touch, slipping my arm around him, pressing close in silent im. Shaking my head, I met Maddox¡¯s fury with calm, almost serene defiance. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want to believe, then yes. Think whatever you like.¡±


    I watched the wordsnd. He had expected me to shrink, to defend myself, to deny. Instead, I smiled-light, content, as though his usations meant nothing. As though I had chosen another male and never looked back.


    That smile drove him mad. Rage zed across his features, trembling through his crippled frame. His fingers wed at the wheelchair¡¯s arms until the metal creaked under his grip.


    But I no longer cared. Maddox was nothing more than a ghost of my past, a broken wolf gnashing his teeth at shadows. My heart, my loyalty, my fragile hope for the future-those belonged elsewhere now.


    And I had no intention of ever giving him another piece of me.

 in Vengeance 269

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    Maddox forced himself to swallow down the storm of rage wing inside his chest. His hands tightened around the worn leather of his wheelchair, but when he finally spoke, his voice was deceptively calm-almost coaxing.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he said, his tone heavy with a false patience, ¡°you¡¯ll never find happiness with a man like him. You¡¯ve never fought in the real world, never bled in its shadows. You don¡¯t understand how vicious men of his kind can be. Alphas born into power-especially one like Lucien Duskgrave-don¡¯t see women as mates, but as passing ythings.¡±


    His gaze swept over her with deliberate contempt, pausing on the faint scars that told the story of her suffering. The corners of his mouth curled into a sneer. ¡°Look at you. A branded criminal, a cripple cast out by the world. Do you truly believe an Alpha Prince would see you as anything more than a novelty? You¡¯re nothing but a fleeting curiosity to him. Once the shine wears off, he¡¯ll discard you like spoiled meat.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s voice softened as he leaned forward, eyes gleaming with a twisted hunger disguised as tenderness. ¡°But me, Riley-we were raised in the same shadows. You limp, I¡¯ve lost my legs. We are the same. We were meant for each other. Have you forgotten the years I stood beside you? The devotion I gave you?¡±


    His words dripped with the poisoned sweetness of maniption, meant to bind her in chains of guilt and memory.


    Riley¡¯sugh cut through the night like the snap of a wolf¡¯s jaws. It was cold, merciless, and sharp enough to bleed him. ¡°Devotion? You call it devotion to throw me to the dungeons of Wolf¡¯s justice system, to let me rot for five years while you yed loyal dog to Scarlett?¡±


    Her silver eyes glinted under the moonlight, the disdain in her gaze as sharp as a de. ¡°You knew me, Maddox. You knew who I was, yet you turned your back, poured filth over my name, and chose her lies over my truth. That is not devotion. That is betrayal.¡±


    She stepped closer, her voice low,ced with venom. ¡°And don¡¯t you darepare yourself to me. I may limp, but my spirit isn¡¯t crippled. You? You¡¯re a wolf who chewed off his own leg to save himself, then expects others to worship his


    8:22 pm


    cowardice. I wouldn¡¯t lower myself to call you a mate.¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    The words hit Maddox like ws raking across raw flesh. His blood surged, his vision darkened at the edges, and his breath grew ragged. His body trembled violently, as though his fury might rip him from his chair.


    ¡°Riley,¡± he hissed, his mask of patience cracking. ¡°You¡¯re ungrateful. Everything I said, everything I¡¯ve done-it was for your sake! If it were anyone else, I wouldn¡¯t waste a breath.¡±


    Riley¡¯s eyes narrowed, and a cruel smile tugged at her lips. She looked at him as though he were nothing more than a pitiful, broken wolf howling into the void.


    ¡®If it were anyone else, Maddox, they¡¯d have already ripped your throat out for daring to spit such poison. The only reason I don¡¯t dirty my hands is because you¡¯re not worth the bloodstain.¡±


    Her voice dropped,ced with venomous finality. ¡°Let this be thest time we cross paths. If fate throws us together again, don¡¯t speak to me. Even hearing your voice nakes my skin crawl. You sicken me to my very bones. Believe me when I say this: I despise you. I despise you so much that even a single nce in your direction Feels like filth on my eyes.¡±


    Without another word, Riley turned, her hand slipping into Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s. The Alpha Prince towered over her with an aura of storm-forged steel, his presence radiating silent menace toward the crippled wolf in the chair. Together, hey walked away into the night, their silhouettes merging into the shadows of Stormridge¡¯s streets.


    Maddox sat frozen, his fingers crushing the armrests of his wheelchair until his knuckles nched bone-white. His chest heaved as he watched Riley vanish with another male, his heart bleeding with bitter rage.


    She was gone. The girl who once gave him everything-her loyalty, her devotion, her heart-had slipped from his grasp as though she had never belonged to him at all. And worse still, she had given the pieces of herself that once belonged to Maddox¡­ to Lucien.


    The thought gnawed at him like carrion crows feasting on a corpse. He couldn¡¯t ept it. He wouldn¡¯t. Even if Riley carried the stain of another¡¯s child, even if her body and soul were no longer untouched, Maddox¡¯s obsession had sunk too deep to ever let go.


    8:22 pm


    +10 Free Coins


    His jaw clenched until his teeth ground together, and he gripped the thick envelope on hisp with such violence that the paper nearly tore. Within ity his key to wing his way back into power-an ugly divorce case, his client a sales manager under the mighty Duskgrave conglomerate. If Maddox won, the client would devour his wife¡¯s fortune, leaving Maddox with over a million in reward¡­ and a foothold within the pack¡¯s corporate empire.


    His lips twisted into a snarl, the madness in his voice a growl not meant for mortal


    ears.


    ¡°Riley¡­ you won¡¯t walk away from me. Not into his arms. Not into anyone¡¯s. If I can¡¯t have you, I¡¯ll burn the very world around you until you have nowhere left to run.¡±


    The night carried his whispered vow away, but the madness in his eyes burned brighter than the moon overhead.


    8:22 pm DD

 in Vengeance 270

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    The night air was cool, heavy with the lingering scent of asphalt and city smoke. Riley walked beside me, her shadow stretching long under the streemps, thin and fragile like she might disappear if I looked away too long.


    I halted, my instincts screaming that if I didn¡¯t make her see the truth now, I might lose her to the poison Maddox had tried to pour into her head.


    I turned her gently by the shoulders, forcing her to face me. The light caught her profile, gilding her soft features in gold. She looked too breakable for this world, too pure for the venom of a man like him. My chest ached with the need to protect her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him,¡± I said, voice low but steady. ¡°To me, you¡¯ve always been more than enough. I¡¯m not here to y games with you, Riley.¡±


    The words burned my throat, because I remembered the truth: at first, I had approached her because my grandmother favored her, because I was sick of women wing at me for status and power. Keeping Riley close had been¡­ convenient.


    But somewhere along the way, convenience had turned into something else. Being with her soothed the restless storm inside me. Her quiet, her gentleness, her unshakable honesty-every movement, every smile, carried a pull I couldn¡¯t resist.


    Her amber eyes widened faintly at my words. She smiled, but it was thin, strained. ¡°I didn¡¯t take Maddox¡¯s words to heart.¡±


    I didn¡¯t believe her. She¡¯d endured years of scorn, branded a cripple, a convict, less than worthy of anyone¡¯s regard. She wore her scars like armor, but I could see the crack beneath.


    And I hated it. I hated that she still thought she wasn¡¯t worthy of me.


    Hershes lowered, hiding her eyes, and my wolf growled deep inside me. That look-the way she folded into herself-meant she was nning something. Distance, Escape.


    No.


    8:22 pm


    Not from me.


    ¡°Your leg must hurt after walking this long,¡± I said softly, crouching without hesitation. ¡°Get on. I¡¯ll carry you.¡±


    She froze. The silence stretched between us, thick with her unshed tears.


    +10 Free Coins


    Her family had never cared for her pain. Not Kael Vale, who mocked her limp on the day she was freed. Not Alpha ric, who cast her out of Ebonw Pack as if her blood meant nothing.


    It had always been my family-the Stormridge Pack, my grandmother Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck in our kitchens-who saw her, who tried to ease her suffering.


    And still, she tried to deny herself even the smallestfort.


    Her voice cracked as she whispered, ¡°Lucien, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± I cut her off, sharper than I intended, but I couldn¡¯t let her speak the words I feared. Words of farewell. ¡°Just¡­ get on.¡±


    After a heartbeat¡¯s hesitation, she did. She leaned into me, light but trembling, her arms settling around my shoulders.


    I rose easily, her weight no burden at all. To me, she was precious, not fragile. My wolf pressed closer to the surface, satisfied with the contact, possessive of the way she melted against my back.


    The cedar scent of my own skin wrapped around her, and I felt her breathing slow. Her body loosened, sinking into me like she finally trusted the strength that held her.


    I carried her down the long stretch of road, step after steady step, and the silence between us was thick but not ufortable. She fell asleep against me, her breaths even, her heart beating in rhythm with mine.


    By the time Caelum Knox pulled up with the Rolls Royce, Riley was gone to dreams.


    I lowered her into the back seat as if she were spun ss, adjusting her until she lookedfortable. My fingers lingered on her cheek longer than they should have, tracing the warmth of her skin.


    8:22 pm DD


    Mine. My wolf rumbled in approval.


    +10 Free Coins


    But even as I closed the door quietly, a knot coiled tighter in my chest. Because I knew-Riley was already nning to leave me.


    And the thought of that¡­ made something primal inside me snarl with defiance.


    8:22 pm

 in Vengeance 271

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    The next morning, sunlight poured through the windows, warm and bright.


    Today was Carmen¡¯s birthday. Mia and I had woken early and climbed into Lucien¡¯s sleek ck car, headed for the grand Silverfang Den.


    The Den wasn¡¯t just any ce-it was the most luxurious hotel in all of Mooncrest, a stronghold where only the most powerful of Stormridge Pack¡¯s allies and elites gathered. Its very walls carried an air of dominance, as if even the stone recognized the wolves who passed through.


    When we arrived, Lucien leaned down to me, his voice low but firm. ¡°Riley, you and Mia go ahead to private room 101. I have a client here I must see first. When I¡¯m done, I¡¯ll join you.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°Go on, Lucien. Don¡¯t worry about us. It¡¯s still early, we¡¯ll wait in 101.¡±


    He gave me onest look, as if reluctant to leave me even for a breath, then strode off with the silent confidence only an Alpha Prince could wear.


    Mia and I followed the attendant down a long corridor lined with crimson carpets soft enough to swallow each step. The walls glittered with gilded sconces, and the air smelled faintly of oak and amber-a scent that screamed wealth and old power.


    When the attendant pushed open the door to 101, my breath caught.


    A massive redwood table gleamed under the light, polished smooth as still water, its surface adorned with arrangements of fresh roses and delicately ced silverware. Every detail whispered of refinement. On the walls hung paintings I was certain cost more than I had earned in my entire life, their strokes powerful andmanding. Above us, a crystal chandelier rained soft light down, turning the entire space into something out of a pce.


    Even Mia, who had spent decades serving in the Ebonw Pack¡¯s manor, froze at the sight. Her hands fidgeted nervously. ¡°This ce¡­ it¡¯s too fine. I almost don¡¯t dare sit.¡±


    I smiled gently at her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mia. Lucien chose this for us. We¡¯ll sit, as he intended.¡±


    have set foot in a ce like this. Wolves like me weren¡¯t meant to breathe air this the strange weight in my chest. If not for him, I would never rarefied.


    We sat quietly, waiting for Lucien to return. Barely five minutes passed before I caught the echo of footsteps outside, too loud, too many, the careless shuffle of wolves who had no respect for silence. Voices followed, brash and mocking.


    ¡°Was it 101 or 107?¡±


    ¡°No, definitely 101. The ¡®ss idol¡¯ booked it. He¡¯s already a sales manager for Duskgrave Holdings right after graduating-can you imagine?¡±


    ¡°Duskgrave Holdings! The capital¡¯s most feared Alpha line. For him to already hold such a title-gods, his power must be something else.¡±


    Laughter followed, smug and sharp. ¡°He even secured a Stormridge Super-VIP room. That¡¯s not something just anyone can touch.¡±


    I stiffened. Stormridge Pack¡¯s most exclusive rooms didn¡¯t open for outsiders. Whoever this wolf was, he was either bluffing¡ªor had made himself useful to the Duskgraves.


    The door burst open without so much as a knock. A crowd spilled inside-men in slick suits or carefully pressed casual clothes, hair greased and shining like wet fur. Heavy chains swung at their throats and watches gleamed on their wrists. The women trailed in after them, their dresses low-cut and glittering, shoulders bare, the air thick with their perfume. The scents shed together-jasmine, musk, rose, synthetic sweetness¡ªso heavy it wed at my nose until I felt faint.


    I blinked, caught between shock and disbelief. Why were they here-in our room?


    They froze, too, when they saw me and Mia seated at the table.


    The pause didn¡¯tst long. A woman in a scarlet dress sneered, her lips curling. ¡°Riley? What are you doing here? Last night you turned down our invitation, said you were busy. And now you¡¯re already here before us?¡±


    My stomach dropped. Recognition hit-the same wolf who had mocked me in the washroom yesterday.


    Before I could answer, another in yellow chimed in, her voice dripping venom. ¡°Some people love to pretend they¡¯re too pure for us, but the truth shows, doesn¡¯t


    8:22 pm


    +10 Free Coins


    it? The moment she learned the idol was hosting at the Silverfang Den, she came running.¡±


    Her eyes rolled, her disdain sharp as ws. The others joined in, their gazes crawling over me with that same contempt.


    The men, though-their stares were different. They drank me in, eyes shing with the same hungry glint I had seen too many times before. Back in Mooncrest High, they used to whisper about me when they thought I couldn¡¯t hear-too thin, too pale, but still the prettiest in ss. The kind of beauty that made them restless.


    Now, after months of healing in Stormridge, my body had regained strength, my skin carried the glow of health again. My hair, ck as raven feathers, flowed down my shoulders like silk. No jewelry, no heavy paints on my face-just me. But still, I felt the weight of their gaze, predatory and unashamed.


    ¡°Riley, you¡¯ve only grown more beautiful since school,¡± one murmured.


    A scoff cut him off. ¡°What good is beauty when she¡¯s a convict?¡±


    That set the others off, cruel grins shing.


    ¡°Ha! A female wolf doesn¡¯t need brains or honor. Even if she¡¯s crippled, or broken, there will always be males eager to breed her.¡±


    Laughter erupted, sharp and jeering, a sound that scraped against my bones.


    Mia shot up from her seat, fury radiating off her small frame. ¡°Enough! Get out! This room is not for the likes of you!¡±


    Theughter faltered for a moment before turning meaner. They stared at her, eyes gleaming with scorn.


    ¡°Your room?¡± one man echoed, chuckling darkly. ¡°This is a Stormridge Super-VIP suite. Not even the Alphas of smaller packs can book these. And you expect us to believe you two nobodies belong here?¡±


    Another sneered at me, his words sharp as knives. ¡°Riley Vale-always the pauper. In school you couldn¡¯t even afford lunch. You¡¯d sip cold water like a starved pup. We offered you leftovers, and you turned up your nose, like you were better than us. Always pretending.¡±


    Theirughter returned, louder this time, filling the room like a pack of jackals


    circling blood.


    8:22 pm D

 in Vengeance 272

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    The venom in their voices coiled around me like a nest of snakes.


    ¡°She¡¯s always been filth. Now she dares strut in here like she belongs?¡± one of them sneered, spitting on the polished floor as though the very air I breathed offended him.


    ¡°Riley, just admit you crawled here to fawn over our golden boy. Stop pretending you¡¯re above it. You¡¯ve always been a fraud-ying saint while rotting underneath.¡±


    ¡°Brains don¡¯t save a wolf with a ckened heart. Top of Mooncrest High or not¡ª you ended up caged, a criminal. A disgrace.¡±


    Their jeers swarmed like gnats, buzzing around me, relentless, insidious. They circled the table and, without hesitation, imed the seats as if the space was theirs.


    One swaggering brute, the reek of cheap cologne clinging to him like rot, dropped into the chair beside me. His hand slithered across my shoulder, fingers digging in like ws. His grin was a mask-lecherous, foul.


    ¡°Tell me, Riley. What do you crave? Steak, wine? I¡¯ll buy you whatever you want. You look starved. After prison food, surely your pretty mouth hasn¡¯t tasted anything fine.¡±


    The dominance in his touch stung like an insult. My wolf snarled inside me. I whipped my arm, snapping his hand away with a force that made him stumble. My voice came low, cold, carrying the bite of steel:


    ¡°Keep your hands off me.¡±


    The man¡¯s face darkened instantly, rage boiling. He surged to his feet, jabbing a sausage-like finger inches from my face.


    ¡°You dare shame me in front of everyone? You should be grateful I even acknowledge you. Without me, you¡¯ll never set foot in the Stormridge¡¯s finest hall again!¡±


    3:22 pm 36


    A chorus rose in his defense.


    +10 Free Coins


    ¡°Yeah! When Zao offers you favor, you kneel and thank him. You¡¯re lucky he even looks at you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget-he may have scraped the bottom in Mooncrest¡¯s exams, but he¡¯s a foreman now. Hemands wolves on sites, rakes in hundreds of thousands a year. More than you¡¯ll ever see.¡±


    Zao-the bloated fool, drunk on his own ego-preened under their praise. His hands shed before me, heavy with gaudy gold rings. He shoved them under my nose like trophies, the gems catching the chandelier¡¯s light, as if their gleam could blind me into submission. Then, with a flourish, he mmed down his phone and a ring of keys¡ªthe BMW emblem winking like he¡¯d just flung down the crown of a kingdom.


    Mia sat stiff beside me, her difort rolling off her in waves, her hands twisting in herp. My own disgust simmered hotter, tighter. Their noise was nothing but the mor of carrion crows.


    I pulled out my phone. Lucien¡¯s number sat pinned at the very top of my contacts, my one lifeline, my tether to strength. I was seconds from calling him when the brute moved fast.


    Zao¡¯s hand shot out, snatching the device from me.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? A scrap of metal?¡± He sneered and, before I could react, he hurled it to the ground. The sound of shattering stic and ss cracked through the air.


    Pieces scattered across the plush carpet like bones picked clean.


    The phone Lucien had given me.


    A gift. A link to him. Precious. Sacred. And now, reduced to debris at the feet of jackals.


    ¡°Oh look at that-worthless junk. Breaks with a flick. What, did you drag it out of a scrapyard?¡± Zao¡¯sughter was joined by the hyena howls of the others, their cruelty feeding off each other.


    Something inside me snapped.


    The wolf surged.


    8:23 pm 00 DD


    10 Free Coins


    My hand moved before thought. The p rang sharp, echoing like a whip-crack across the chamber. His head snapped sideways, the bloom of my strike reddening his flesh instantly.


    ¡°You filthy swine,¡± I hissed, every wordced with venom. ¡°Look at you. A pig parading in gold, stinking of arrogance. You think I¡¯d take your cast-off scraps? Pathetic.¡±


    Again and again, my palm met his face, each strike fueled by fury, by insult, by the sight of my shattered phone on the ground. His skin went scarlet under my blows, swelling, puffed and raw like some grotesque mask.


    Gasps rippled through the room. The pack of jackals froze, theirughter strangled in their throats. Eyes wide, mouths ck, they stared in disbelief.


    They hadn¡¯t expected me to bite back.


    But I was no one¡¯s prey.

 in Vengeance 273

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    In their memories, I had always been the quiet one-the shadow in the corner, the lone wolf no one cared to approach.


    Back in Mooncrest High, every hour of my life was consumed by study. Even when the others went out during holidays,ughing and drinking under the neon lights of Mooncrest, I kept to myself.


    Three years of silence. Three years of solitude.


    If my face had been in, if my grades hadn¡¯t stood so far above theirs, perhaps I truly would¡¯ve been invisible. But because I was beautiful and because I excelled, my refusal to blend in only marked me as more of an outcast. A wolf walking alone will always be noticed.


    By the time my ssmates snapped out of their shock, my hand had already struck across Zao¡¯s bloated face six times in quick session. The sound of each p cracked through the air like ws against bone.


    Zao finally came to his senses, his piggish eyes bulging with fury.


    ¡°You filthy bitch,¡± he roared, jowls shaking, ¡°you darey a hand on me? You¡¯re asking for death!¡±


    He raised his thick arm, ready to strike me down.


    And then the door to the private room burst open.


    ¡°Who is Miss Carmen?¡± A woman¡¯s gentle voice carried into the space.


    Every head turned. A hotel server stood there with a polished smile, pushing a silver cart. Atop it rested a cake so pristine it looked almost holy under the dim lights.


    ¡°Excuse me, who is Miss Carmen?¡± she asked again, her voice sweet but careful.


    Kaman, dressed in blood-red silk, stepped forward at once, the pronunciations of ¡®Carmen¡¯ and ¡®Kaman¡¯ were so simr that she thought it was calling her name.. ¡°That would be me.¡±


    8:23 pm DD


    Her brow furrowed with confusion. ¡°Is there some mistake?¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    The server nced her over-her bright dress, her heavy perfume, the smug tilt of her chin-and clearly decided she must be the one. After all, the President of the Duskgrave Corporation himself had ordered the exclusive 101 suite for Miss Carmen¡¯s birthday.


    No ordinary woman would dare turn away such honor.


    The server¡¯s smile grew warmer, and she pushed the cake toward Kaman. ¡°Miss Carmen, this is a gift from Silverfang Den, prepared especially for you. We wish you a happy birthday.¡±


    Kaman froze. Birthday? Hers wasn¡¯t for another two weeks.


    But then her painted lips curled into a triumphant grin. Of course. It had to be the ¡°ss idol¡± from back in school-now a so-called rising star in the Duskgrave Corporation-who arranged this to impress her.


    Yes. That had to be it.


    Lifting her chin, Kaman pretended to ept the gesture graciously. ¡°Thank your manager for me, then.¡±


    The server bowed slightly, her tone unfalteringly polite. ¡°It¡¯s our pleasure.¡± And with that, she wheeled her cart away, leaving the air heavy with envy as all eyes turned toward Kaman.


    But before the bitter taste of their ttery could fade, Zao¡¯s rage boiled over. His meaty hand seized a tter from the table, and with a guttural snarl, he hurled it toward my head.


    ¡°Ungrateful whore! You dare humiliate me? I¡¯ll smash you into the floor!¡±


    My wolf reacted instantly. I reached for the fork on the table, ready to drive it into his arm if he came close enough. But before I could strike, Mia-my loyal Mia- threw herself between us.


    The sound of shattering porcin ripped through the room as the te broke


    across her skull.


    ¡°Mia!¡± I cried out, my heart stuttering.


    8:23 pm


    +10 Free Coins


    She staggered but held her ground, shielding me with her frail body. Blood trickled down her temple, yet she whispered fiercely, ¡°Young Miss, I¡¯m fine. Go. Find Alpha Lucien.¡±


    Laughter erupted around us-cruel, mocking, the sound of carrion crows circling a wounded wolf.


    ¡°Did you hear that? She thinks she knows Alpha Lucien Duskgrave!¡± one of them jeered.


    ¡°Know him? Ha! The Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack? The man who stormed into Mooncrest half a year ago and imed the East Expanse with a billion-gold investment? He¡¯s Mooncrest¡¯s most powerful wolf now. And she thinks she could be anywhere near him?¡±


    ¡°Pathetic. But if she begs Zao prettily enough, maybe our ¡®ss idol¡¯ will let her watch Alpha Lucien from a distance.¡±


    ¡°Please. Our idol wouldn¡¯t even waste a nce on trash like her.¡±


    And then-


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t waste a nce on what kind of trash?¡±


    The words cut through the room like a de, cold and sharp.


    The door swung open again, and a man stepped inside.


    Dressed in a white id suit, his presence filled the room effortlessly. His features were striking, undeniably handsome-handsomer than any other man here. No wonder they had once called him the golden boy of Mooncrest High.


    But my wolf bristled. His charm was surface-deep, like polished silver hiding rust beneath.


    And I could already sense-the night was only just beginning.


    8:23 pm DD

 in Vengeance 274

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Aaron¡¯s looks might have been above average, but nothing more.


    +10 Free Coins


    Mooncrest High was five years behind them now. Back then, even if his arrogance had already been budding, there had been a trace of youthful rity in his eyes. Now, after stepping into the world of adults, his gaze was filled with cunning calction. He wore the scent of a petty wolf who thought himself Alpha, radiating the smug air of a jackal that had tasted scraps of power.


    ¡°Aaron, you¡¯ve finally arrived.¡±


    Instantly, the group shifted, a pack of sycophants swarming toward him as if he were some crowned Alpha. Their voices dripped with ttery, tails metaphorically wagging.


    Aaron yed the part, his mouth forming humble phrases like ¡°Everyone is too polite,¡± but his chin tilted skyward, pride swelling in every line of his posture.


    ¡°Aaron, why sote? We¡¯ve been waiting forever.¡±


    He smirked, savoring the moment. ¡°I was speaking with Alpha Lucien about business.¡±


    The im was only half-true. He had indeed crossed paths with Lucien, but ¡°speaking of business¡± was nothing more than standing on the fringes, fetching tea like a servant pup. He had merely lingered at the edges of Lucien¡¯s meeting over the East District project until the Alpha had dismissed him without a second nce.


    Yet fortune-or so he believed-had shifted. As Aaron left, he stumbled across a young she-wolf pushing an empty service cart.


    He had asked, with all the pomp of self-importance, ¡°Have my guests arrived?¡±


    The girl had replied with dutiful respect, ¡°Sir, are your friends the group of wolves in their twenties? There is a Miss Carmen among them?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s ears had pricked, and he¡¯d nodded eagerly. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s them.¡±


    8:23 pm


    ¡°Your friends are in Private Room 101.¡±


    Aaron had blinked. Room 101? He had reserved 107.


    ¡°Not 107?¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    ¡°Sir,¡± she exined patiently, ¡°Alpha Lucien reserved 101. Your friends were moved there.¡±


    The words struck him like a thunderp. Alpha Lucien¨Dreserving a suite for him? Aaron¡¯s chest swelled, every nerve alight with giddy triumph. Lucien had noticed him. Lucien had cleared the way, granting him the Super VIP chamber in the heart of the Mooncrest¡¯s most prestigious hotel.


    Aaron didn¡¯t question it. Why would he? His vanity devoured the thought whole. He strode toward 101 with head high, only to find his ssmates already gathered there.


    Their ttery rained on him like honey, feeding his ego until he could barely keep his paws on the ground.


    ¡°Everyone, sit. Let¡¯s begin,¡± he announced, basking in the glow of his false authority.


    His gaze locked on Riley the moment she moved.


    The she-wolf he had chased for years in high school, his unattainable goddess. No amount of courting or disys of bravado had swayed her then. She had always been untouchable, her wolf¡¯s dignity sharp as steel, her spirit beyond the reach of petty suitors.


    And yet-here she was, sitting before him once again.


    His eyes lingered too long, his wolf stirring with hunger. Time had only honed her beauty, her face carved sharper than memory, her aura fierce and unyielding. Desire wed at him, the same itch he had carried since youth.


    Yes, he was married now-but what did that matter? His mate was nothing more than a brood sow, an heiress with clumsy paws and dull eyes. Sleeping beside her was like curling next to livestock. He had already nned her ruin: take every coin of her inheritance, leave her stripped of fortune, and then return to chase women like Riley, women who matched the fantasies of his wolf.


    8:23 pm D


    ::


    +10 Free Coins


    He smirked openly, gaze crawling across Riley as though undressing her with his eyes. Every wolf in the room caught the heat of it, the stink of lust rolling from him like a rutting beast.


    ¡°Riley Vale,¡± one of the ssmates jeered, emboldened by Aaron¡¯s presence. ¡°You came here uninvited, wasn¡¯t it for the chance to finally greet our mighty ¡®ss idol¡¯? Now that you¡¯ve seen him, shouldn¡¯t you go over and pay your respects?¡±


    Riley¡¯s lip curled. She felt the weight of Aaron¡¯s stare, a look that sought to peel flesh from bone, leaving her spirit raw. The revulsion in her chest rose like bile.


    She narrowed her eyes. ¡°Aaron¡­ are you certain you booked this room?¡±


    Aaron raised his brows, smirking with confidence. ¡°Of course. I booked it myself. You think I¡¯d forget?¡±


    Riley¡¯s silence deepened. Doubt crept at the edges. Could Alpha Lucien have misremembered? No. It didn¡¯t matter. She needed to leave-now. She had to find Lucien and rify before this charade rotted further.


    She tugged at Mia¡¯s arm, turning toward the door.


    But the others moved, wolves forming a wall of bodies, blocking her exit with smirks and taunts.


    ¡°You¡¯re already here, don¡¯t run.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Dropping the pure act already?¡±


    ¡°Enough with the pretense. You¡¯re only making it worse.¡±


    A hand shoved Riley¡¯s shoulder. She staggered, off-bnce, the urn of rage inside her threatening to burst.


    Her body tilted, momentum driving her forward-straight into Aaron¡¯s waiting


    arms.


    And the bastard smiled, his arms closing around her like a trap snapping shut.


    8:23 pm DD

 in Vengeance 275

    The taunts cut through the air like poisoned daggers.


    ¡°See? I told you she came here tonight just to throw herself at Aaron.¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    ¡°Tsk, tsk. So many of us watching, and she doesn¡¯t even blush. Her face must be thicker than a fortress wall.¡±


    ¡°Back in Mooncrest High, Aaron pursued her, and she refused him again and again. But now that he¡¯s got money, she¡¯s crawling back, desperate as a bitch in heat.¡±


    ¡°Say less. If Aaron wants her, then let him y. She¡¯s practically begging for it¡ª would be a waste not to.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. She¡¯s an ex-con, a stain on her pack¡¯s honor. With a record, no decent work will ever take her. Selling her body might be the only way she survives.¡±


    The words dripped venom, tearing at the air around Riley.


    Mia, trembling with rage, snapped, ¡°Shut your filthy mouths! Mydy isn¡¯t what you say she is!¡±


    ¡°Lady?¡± someone sneered. ¡°Ha! More like workingdy. Don¡¯t dress her shame in silks.¡±


    Riley writhed in Aaron¡¯s iron grip, desperate to free herself, but his arms only tightened around her. His strength pressed in like a cage, and for the first time in years, she felt truly cornered.


    For Aaron, it was intoxicating. The moment Riley¡¯s body collided with his, heat surged through his veins like wildfire. She smelled of wild rain on stone, an earthy, primal scent that made his wolf stir restlessly. She was softer than he remembered, dangerously soft. And the lure of her scent was worse than any intoxicant¡ªit stripped him of reason, leaving only hunger.


    He smirked, lips brushing the shell of her ear. ¡°Riley,¡± his voice was a low growl, meant for her alone, ¡°all these years, and you¡¯re still this tempting. Since you¡¯re here, why rush off? Stay. Indulge me.¡±


    His breath, hot against her neck, sent a violent shudder down Riley¡¯s spine. Every


    8:23 pm DD


    +10 Free Coins


    instinct in her screamed to shift, to w her way free, but she forced herself to stay in control. Her stomach roiled; nausea wed at her throat. The predator in him was too close.


    She thrashed, but Aaron¡¯s hold was merciless. His wolf had tasted her nearness, and he would not release his prey so easily.


    The door creaked open.


    All eyes turned as a figure appeared-sleek ck hair falling like a curtain over a pale face, a white dress swaying with each deliberate step. Selene Ashford.


    Her gaze swept the room with icy disdain, then froze on the sight of Aaron holding Riley. The expression that spread across her face was pure venom-shock, fury, disbelief.


    ¡°Selene?¡± Aaron¡¯s voice cracked into the silence. For a moment, he faltered. But then, regaining hisposure, he loosened his hold on Riley and stepped toward the neer, lips curving into a practiced smile. ¡°You¡¯re finally here. We¡¯ve all been waiting for you.¡±


    Selene didn¡¯t even nce at him. Her eyes, cold and sharpened like a de, locked solely on Riley.


    Since being abandoned by Mortimer and Jace Hale, she had wed for security, for another male strong enough to shield her. Aaron was supposed to be that step -a rung on thedder she had chosen with care.


    He wasn¡¯t the strongest yet, no. A sales manager under the mighty Duskgrave banner was still smallpared to the wolves she had once clung to. But he had promise, connections. He was divorcing his wealthy mate, a Mooncrest heiress. With her gone, Aaron would be free-and rich. A perfect stepping stone.


    Selene had already woven the threads of her future: once tethered to Aaron, she would gain proximity to Lucien Duskgrave himself, Stormridge¡¯s Alpha prince. With her beauty and her maniptive charm, she was confident she could lure his attention. If she could not marry into a bloodline as ancient as the Duskgraves, then she would at least feed from their table. Even crumbs from the high table of Stormridge were worth more than all her years of strugglebined.


    But now? Now that Riley stood in her way-pressed against Aaron¡¯s chest, drawing his wolf¡¯s hunger as though by instinct-her vision of that future cracked like ss.


    8:23 pm DD


    +10 Free Coins


    Her lips peeled back in a snarl. ¡°You little whore,¡± she spat, voice thick with hatred. ¡°You dare seduce my man? Do you want to die tonight?¡±


    Riley¡¯s stomach sank. So this was Aaron¡¯s woman. She shook her head quickly, her voice cutting through the chaos, ¡°You¡¯re mistaken. I didn¡¯t seduce him. He was the one who-¡± She pointed sharply at Aaron, ¡°If you¡¯re his mate, then leash him. Don¡¯t use me.¡±


    But Selene wasn¡¯t listening. To her ears, Riley¡¯s words were nothing but provocation.


    With a scream, she lunged, swinging her handbag like a weapon, eyes zing with madness. ¡°Slut! I¡¯ll tear your face off! Dare touch what¡¯s mine and you won¡¯t live to regret it!¡±


    The blow arced through the air, aimed straight for Riley¡¯s skull.

 in Vengeance 276

    +10 Free Coins


    Riley¡¯s first instinct was to raise her arm, shielding herself from the blow. The sharp crack of Selene Ashford¡¯s jeweled clutch striking her forearm sent pain shooting up her bones, but she refused to cry out.


    Mia surged forward, her fury palpable, only to be seized and mmed down against the table, her arm pinned cruelly beneath someone¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Stop this madness!¡± Mia cried, her voice trembling with rage. ¡°My Lady is betrothed-she has a rightful mate. She would never debase herself by chasing another male!¡±


    Selene¡¯s lips curled into a venomous sneer. ¡°Betrothed? And yet she clings to my Aaron like a heat-starved wench. Tell me, Riley-does your mate not satisfy you? Or do you simply crave every male¡¯s touch?¡±


    The venom in her words dripped like acid, her insults sharp enough to y skin.


    Riley¡¯s ws itched to tear free, to shred Selene where she stood. But before she could summon her strength, Zao-his bloated frame reeking of ale and sweat¡ªtched onto her wrist. His piggish eyes glittered with spiteful satisfaction, the memory of her earlier defiance still burning his pride.


    He had wealth. Influence. A thousand reasons, in his mind, to believe Riley should have fallen at his feet. That she hadn¡¯t-that she had struck him-had turned his lust into vindictive malice.


    With Zao¡¯s bulk pinning her, Riley couldn¡¯t evade the next onught. Selene¡¯s blows rained down, her clutch scraping Riley¡¯s skin until crimson welts appeared across her cheek.


    Mia¡¯s eyes went bloodshot, her voice hoarse as she screamed, ¡°Her betrothed is Lucien Duskgrave, Prince of the Stormridge Pack! Harm her, and none of you will live to regret it!¡±


    The name cracked across the room like a whip. For a heartbeat, silence reigned.


    Thenughter.


    Wild, mocking, unrestrainedughter that shook the very walls of the Silverfang


    Den.


    8:23 pm DD


    +10 Free Coins


    ¡°The Alpha Prince of Stormridge, betrothed to a convict bitch?¡± one sneered.


    ¡°If that¡¯s true, then I¡¯ll eat wolf scat with a smile,¡± another jeered.


    ¡°Riley, stop ying the goddess. You¡¯re nothing but filth dressed in white.¡±


    The derision spread like wildfire, the pack of former peers howling at her expense.


    Aaron coughed, feigning restraint, though his eyes shone with malice. ¡°Enough. We¡¯re all packmates from Mooncrest High once. No need to kill her.¡±


    Selene turned sharply, suspicion shing in her eyes. ¡°Aaron. Do you like her? Is that why you¡¯re shielding her?¡±


    He paled, shaking his head so fast it was almost pitiful. ¡°No-never. She¡¯s nothing to me. If you want to break her, Selene¡­ do it. I won¡¯t interfere.¡±


    A cruel satisfaction curved Selene¡¯s lips. She raised her hand again, but another woman stopped her, grinning wickedly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your ws on her. Look at this cake. Wouldn¡¯t it be more fitting to smear this little fraud in sugar and cream?¡±


    The room erupted with savage agreement. Hands reached for tes and slices, hurling them with vicious glee.


    Thick frosting struck Riley¡¯s face, smothering her nose and mouth. She gasped, choking as cream clogged her throat and the tang of fruit syrup stung her eyes. More cakes followed, sttering her hair, her white dress, her skin until she was drenched in sticky humiliation.


    Still-Riley did not break. Her body shook, but not from surrender. Beneath her skin, her wolf wed and snarled, demanding she fight, demanding she tear their throats out for every ounce of shame they cast upon her,


    Mia¡¯s face was crushed against the table, her tears falling helplessly as she screamed, ¡°Stop! Stop, you monsters!¡±


    The mob onlyughed harder, their jeers filling the air.


    ¡°Look at her now! The proud Ebonw princess, reduced to a frosted mutt!¡±


    ¡°Maybe this will remind her not to act so pure.¡±


    uey s vi


    her veins, hot as molten iron.


    And then-


    )


    Thest restraint inside Riley snapped.


    A guttural growl tore from her throat, low and resonant, shaking the air itself. Her bones cracked and lengthened, fur bristling as her frame exploded into the sleek, lethal form of her wolf.


    Silver streaked through her midnight coat, her eyes zing molten gold.


    The room fell silent-then erupted in chaos.


    ¡°Sh-she shifted!¡± someone shrieked. ¡± White Wolf!¡±


    Riley lunged.


    Her ws raked across the table, splintering wood as she tore herself free from Zao¡¯s grasp. With a savage snarl, she mmed into him, her weight pinning him to the ground. His scream was cut short by her fangs snapping inches from his arms.


    Selene staggered back, face pale. ¡°Y-you¡ª¡±


    Riley¡¯s head whipped toward her, lips peeled back to reveal gleaming teeth. She stalked forward, each step a promise of blood. Selene¡¯s bravado crumbled; she scrambled away, shrieking, clutch raised like it could shield her from a predator born to kill.


    The others fared no better. Aaron tripped over himself in his haste to flee, while the red-dressed woman who¡¯d offered the cake weapon was hurled into a wall, Riley¡¯s paw swiping her aside like prey unworthy of attention. tes shattered, bodies scrambled, panic reigned.


    Only Mia stayed still, her eyes wide but full of desperate relief.


    Riley prowled the ruined den, her growls reverberating through the air. These were no longer ssmates-they were trespassers in her hunt, and she marked them with tooth and w, driving them to the edges of the room until none dared


    to move.


    Her chest heaved. The copper taste of blood-hers and theirs-hung heavy in the


    8:23 pm DD


    air. Her wolf wanted more, demanded she finish it. End the threat.


    But before she could strike again, the heavy oak door burst open.


    The force of it silenced everything.


    +10 Free Coins


    Lucien Duskgrave stepped through, shadow and fury incarnate, his dominance mming into the room like a stormfront. The cowards froze, their terror now shifting from Riley¡¯s wrath to his.


    Riley¡¯s wolf turned at once, her golden eyes locking on him. A shiver of recognition passed through her-mate, Alpha, anchor.


    And in that moment, her wolf relented.


    The silver-furred predator dissolved back into flesh and blood. Bones cracked, fur receded, leaving Riley human once more, naked and trembling, her body streaked with frosting, blood, and sweat. She copsed to her knees, her strength drained by the shift and the battle.


    Lucien¡¯s gaze seared her. His fury was no less for finding her already victorious. If anything, the sight of her battered body¡ªso defiant, so near breaking¡ªignited his rage to something unstoppable.


    He moved with lethal precision. In three strides he reached her, his boot mming into Zao¡¯s chest with a thunderous crack. The piggish man flew backward, hitting the ground in a heap, groaning in agony.


    Lucien loomed over the room, his eyes a storm of midnight fire, daring anyone to move, daring anyone to breathe wrong.


    And Riley, weak though she was, lifted her chin. Her body shook, but her eyes¡ª wolf-bright and unyielding-met his.


    She was bloodied. She was exhausted. But she was not broken.


    She would never be prey.


    C

 in Vengeance 277

    Riley stood amidst the wreckage of her pride, her body still smeared with frosting and blood. Yet even drenched in humiliation, her back remained straight, her wolf¡¯s fire flickering in her eyes.


    Lucien Duskgrave swept into the Silverfang Den like a storm breaking through steel. He paid no heed to the cream coating her hair and skin. Instead, his arms wrapped around her with startling gentleness, shielding her battered frame. One hand stroked her trembling back, the other reaching to drape his jacket over her shoulders, cloaking her in his scent¡ªan Alpha¡¯s mark of possession and protection.


    Riley sagged against him, her fingers clutching the fabric at his chest as if grasping thest tether keeping her upright. She was weak from the earlier shift, her body straining against the aftermath of ws and fangs, but her spirit refused to bow.


    Every gaze in the room locked on Lucien.


    The men and women who only moments ago had reveled in Riley¡¯s degradation stood frozen. The Alpha Prince of Stormridge was no rumor, no distant figure of Legend-he was here, tall and unyielding, his tailored ck suit sharpening the Lethal cut of his shoulders, his dark eyes zing with dominance so potent it sucked the breath from their lungs.


    For a beat, silence reigned. Then-defiance, desperate and brittle.


    You-who the hell are you to strike our ssmate? Do you want to die here?¡± one male spat, voice shaking.


    Another scoffed, clinging to bravado. ¡°You look sharp in that suit, but do you know where you¡¯re standing? This is Silverfang Den¡¯s supreme VIP chamber. Our Aaron is favored by thepany that runs this ce-daring to cross him is daring to cross the whole pack of allies at his back.¡±


    A girl sneered, venom dripping from her words. ¡°Are you Riley¡¯s friend? Then let me warn you-she¡¯s filth. She seduced Selene Ashford¡¯s mate, and she¡¯s nothing more than a convict. Touch her, and you¡¯ll be smeared with her disgrace.¡±


    Their voices ovepped, sharp, desperate, ugly.


    Aaron, who had lingered smugly in the background, now stood pale and hollow-


    +10 Free Coins


    eyed. His triumph evaporated, reced by a sheen of sweat across his brow as his gaze locked on Riley nestled against Lucien¡¯s chest.


    It couldn¡¯t be real. Riley¡ªthe girl he¡¯d sought to crush-was shielded by the Alpha Prince himself.


    Lucien¡¯s cold eyes swept the room. Wherever his gazended, spines bowed, shoulders hunched, the air thick with instinctive submission. Wolves knew when a predator greater than themselves had arrived.


    Atst, his stare pinned Aaron. ¡°You. Are you the one they call their top wolf?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s legs trembled, but he forced a fawning smile. ¡°I¡ªI am. Alpha Prince, what brings you here?¡±


    Lucien¡¯s voice was a de of ice. ¡°This chamber was reserved by me-for my pack¡¯s celebration. Tell me-why should I not ask why you¡¯re here?¡±


    The words detonated like thunder.


    Faces drained of color. Shock gave way to horror. The room full of posturing heirs and sycophants now understood¡ªthe man shielding Riley wasn¡¯t just another wolf with influence. He was the Alpha Prince of Stormridge.


    And Riley¡­ the woman they had smeared with cake and blood¡­ was his betrothed.


    Panic cracked through the crowd. The men bent their spines, forcing smiles of submission. The women¡¯s gazes shifted, greed and envy swirling as they took in the sight of Riley draped in Lucien¡¯s jacket.


    Selene Ashford herself tried to adapt, her twisted expression smoothing into a sharine smile. She stepped forward, voice honey-sweet. ¡°Alpha Prince, we were only protecting you. This woman-Riley-she was shamelessly clinging to Aaron. We couldn¡¯t stand by and allow her to dishonor your name, so we punished her.¡± She flicked her hair, trying to draw his attention, her eyes shining with desperate


    allure.


    But Lucien¡¯s gaze did not flicker to her once. To him, Selene was nothing more than a shadow on the wall.


    His attention remained fixed on Aaron, his tone low and lethal. ¡°I asked again¡ª who permitted you to im this chamber? Who dared touch what belongs to me?¡±


    8:2


    +10 Free Coins


    Aaron swallowed hard, his smile trembling. ¡°Alpha Prince, I swear, I didn¡¯t know. I would never have trespassed if I knew this was yours. They-¡± He thrust a hand toward his ssmates, desperation bleeding from every word. ¡°They brought me here. They said it was free. I only followed.¡±


    The others flinched, betrayal burning like acid in their veins.


    ¡°You liar!¡± one spat. ¡°It was you who told us this chamber was reserved for your pack!¡±


    ¡°You boasted you had the Alpha Prince¡¯s backing!¡± another howled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t turn on us now, Aaron-you dragged us here!¡±


    Lucien watched their squabbling with cool disdain. Then his verdict fell like a death-knell. ¡°You are finished. You are stripped of your post. Effective immediately.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s knees buckled. ¡°Alpha Prince, please-I didn¡¯t mean-please, grant me another chance-¡±


    Lucien¡¯s gaze turned cial. ¡°Did you grant my betrothed a chance to exin? Did you grant her mercy when you spat on her name?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s breath stuttered. No answer came.


    Lucien tilted his head toward his Beta, Caelum Knox. ¡°Spread the word. Anypany allied to Stormridge who dares employ you will be considered an enemy of my house.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face drained of thest vestige of color. His wolf shrank into nothing. His future-obliterated in a single decree.


    And Riley, trembling but unbroken, tightened her grip on Lucien¡¯s jacket. In her veins, humiliation burned alongside pride. She was no longer alone. No longer


    prey.


    The Alpha Prince had arrived-and the Stormridge Pack¡¯s shadow now covered


    them all.

 in Vengeance 278

    +10 Free Coins


    Several of the students still trapped in the suffocating private box tried to raise their voices in protest, desperation tainting their words.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien, please¡­ Riley already punished us herself-she turned, she became the White Wolf! We were humbled, beaten down. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    ¡°She struck fear into us¡ªnone of us will dare cross her again,¡± another pleaded, clutching his swollen cheek where Riley¡¯s ws had raked. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s not the same girl. She¡¯s stronger. Fiercer. We learned our lesson.¡±


    Their voices trembled, the scent of their fear rolling thick across the air, but beneath it lingered a trace of defiance¡ªas if appealing to mercy would spare them he weight of Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s wrath.


    But the Alpha Prince¡¯s expression did not soften. His voice, when it came, was a ow growl that silenced every whimper.


    Lucien Duskgrave turned sharply, his voice carrying themanding weight of ar Alpha as he addressed the Silverfang Hotel¡¯s manager.


    ¡®They seem to enjoy cake so much. Then give them what they crave. Order a five- tiered cake for each of them-every day for a month. No one leaves until everyst crumb is gone.¡±


    With that decree, he swept Riley into his arms and strode from the suffocating air of the private box, leaving the pack of trembling parasites behind.


    Themand was no jest. Sweet as cake was, forcing it down day after day,yer uponyer, would rot their pride and bloat their bodies until they could barely look at themselves in the mirror. It was a punishment dressed in sugar, crueler than the bite of fangs.


    At the entrance of the hotel, Lucien¡¯s path crossed Duke and Carmen.


    Carmen¡¯s sharp eyes instantly fell on Riley. The young she-wolf¡¯s hair was disheveled, her dress torn and stained, cream smeared across her cheek. Rage burned through Carmen¡¯s chest.


    ¡°What happened to her?¡±


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    Mia, still red-eyed with fury, exined in detail what had transpired within the private box.


    Carmen¡¯s fists clenched until her knuckles cracked. Riley-her Riley-seemed cursed to attract jackals and vermin wherever she went. Lucien¡¯s punishment, thoughced with Alpha authority, felt far too merciful in her eyes. These creatures deserved a torment that would etch itself into their bones forever.


    Her gaze sharpened, a glint of killing intent shing like moonlight on a de.


    Duke, standing beside her, caught the darkness in her expression. He had witnessed Carmen¡¯s methods before-bloody, merciless, and more beast than human. He gripped her arm, his brow furrowed, shaking his head in silent warning.


    But Carmen tore her arm free and strode toward the den of offenders, her steps echoing like war drums.


    Inside, the atmosphere thickened with dread. Carmen¡¯s butterfly knife spun gracefully between her fingers, catching the dim light, throwing shards of silver across her cold, expressionless face.


    The hotel staff had already lined up the monstrous cakes. Five tiers each, white frosting gleaming, the sweetness cloying in the air like a death sentence.


    ¡®Well?¡± Carmen¡¯s voice was low and chilling, slicing through the silence. ¡°Eat.¡±


    Aaron¡¯s face drained of all color. His hands trembled as he tore away a hunk of cake, shoving it into his mouth. His cheeks bulged grotesquely, his throat straining as he gagged, the sickly sweetness clogging his senses. He nearly choked, eyes rolling back, the sound of his strangled swallow echoing pitifully.


    He dared a nce at Carmen, pleading silently, but her gaze was an executioner¡¯s -icy and merciless.


    Before he could falter, her boot connected with his leg, forcing him to his knees. The cake fell from his hands.


    ¡°Pick it up,¡± she ordered, her de now kissing the soft flesh of his neck, drawing a thin bead of blood.


    Aaron¡¯s body shook, but he obeyed, scooping the soiled, dust-caked slice from the floor and cramming it past his lips. His tears mixed with cream, dripping down his


    chin.


    Selene Ashford, who had once strutted with arrogance, now faced a torment she had never imagined. She stared at Carmen-this viper of a woman who had stolen Jace Hale¡ªand then at Riley, the she-wolf who had now imed the protection of Lucien Duskgrave. Selene¡¯s stomach twisted with bitter hatred. Both women had ruined her carefullyid ns, both had stolen what was hers.


    But the sight of the towering cakes before her sent her already queasy gut into revolt. She forced a bite past her lips, the overwhelming sweetness coating her tongue. Within moments, her throat convulsed, and she gagged, bile rising.


    ¡°Ugh-¡± She doubled over, retching onto the floor.


    Carmen¡¯s gaze cut to her like a de. ¡°Did I permit you to waste it?¡±


    Selene froze, eyes wide, as Carmen¡¯s knife lifted in warning. The young woman¡¯s obs shook her shoulders, but she bent down, trembling, scooping the filth she had lisgorged back into her hands. And under Carmen¡¯s unyielding stare, she forced it nto her mouth, gagging on her own shame.


    Around them, Zao and the others whimpered. Their stomachs bulged grotesquely beneath their fine clothes, skin stretched tight. With every bite, their bodies creamed, yet they did not dare stop.


    P-please¡­¡± Aaron¡¯s voice broke, choked with cream and sobs. ¡°We can¡¯t¡­ we can¡¯t eat anymore¡­¡± His face was a grotesque mask of smeared frosting, his eyes swollen with tears.


    Carmen¡¯s lips curled into a smile colder than winter. ¡°Now you beg? Toote.¡±


    The de shed, slicing into Aaron¡¯s thigh with precision. He screamed, copsing fully to the floor, his body quaking with pain. Yet even then, he continued to shovel cake into his mouth, desperate, broken.


    The others followed suit, their faces twisted in silent horror, their tears carving lines through frosting and vomit. The air grew thick with sounds of choking, gagging, and muffled cries.


    Carmen strolled among them like a predator through a ughterhouse, the knife twirling between her fingers. Every time someone slowed, she carved another warning into their flesh.


    3:24 pm GD


    +10 Free Coins


    Duke stood at the doorway, staring. This was not the Carmen he had once known. That girl had smiled sweetly, feigned innocence. But this¡ªthis was her truest form: a serpent with fangs of steel, a she-wolf cloaked in vengeance.


    Riley, though carried from the room by Lucien, left behind a scent that lingered like wildfire. It was her tormentors¡¯ fear that fed Carmen¡¯s cruelty. And though Riley had not needed to raise her ws this night, her silent defiance had sparked a reckoning none would forget.

 in Vengeance 279

    Carmen stood silently in the Silverfang Hotel¡¯s private box, her gaze fixed on the trembling figures before her as they devoured the towering cakes. To her, it was not a grotesque sight but a wless performance¡ªan execution of punishment wrapped in sugar.


    Only when thest crumb vanished, when each parasite copsed to the floor clutching their swollen stomachs, too weak to lift a finger, did Carmen incline her head ever so slightly. Satisfied, she turned and left without a word.


    At the entrance, Duke fell into step beside her.


    ¡°Carmen, do you have sses this afternoon at Ashmoor Academy?¡± he asked softly.


    Her tone was ice. ¡°Why?¡±


    He hesitated, then lowered his voice. ¡°Your birthday hasn¡¯te yet. If you¡¯re free¡­ perhaps you coulde to my home. I¡¯d like to celebrate it with you.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s sharp eyes met his. She saw only the raw sincerity in Duke¡¯s gaze. For a heartbeat, she faltered, but then hershes lowered.


    ¡°No need,¡± she said tly, stepping past him.


    But Duke¡¯s hand shot out, mping around her wrist with desperate strength.


    Her brow furrowed, irritation shing. ¡°Something else?¡±


    His voice cracked, the words spilling out with frustration. ¡°Carmen, why must you always treat me so coldly? Before, you held me at a distance because you believed I was bound to others-misunderstanding me. But now? What excuse remains?¡±


    Why?


    The answer twisted bitterly inside her chest. Because there was never a future for them.


    Soon, she would be leaving Stormridge with Riley and their mother, bound fornds far beyond the Ebonw Pack¡¯s reach. Carmen had long ago sworn never to give her heart recklessly, never to hand over her soul to a man. That was the


    weakness of fools, of love-drunk she-wolves.


    She had watched Riley suffer, seen how blind devotion destroyed. Carmen would not fall into the same pit. Passion burned hot, yes, but it always cooled to ash.


    And once she was abroad, surrounded by the allure of tall, golden-haired Alphas from foreign packs, Duke¡¯s familiar face would lose its power to stir her blood. A single tree was never worth forsaking an entire forest-she reminded herself of this with steely resolve.


    But she would never say such things aloud.


    Instead, her lips curved with cold dismissal. ¡°Why take it seriously? It¡¯s only a game.¡±


    She let the words hang, then added with deliberate cruelty, ¡°You¡¯d best not tie yourself to me. Don¡¯t forget-I am no innocent. Blood already stains my hands. Perhaps soon the enforcers of the Pack Council wille knocking. Stay too close, and it will drag you under with me.¡±


    With that, she tore her wrist free. There was still work to be done.


    Before she left Stormridge, every soul who had dared to harm Riley would be dealt with-thoroughly and permanently. Even if chains or death awaited Carmen in he end, at least her sister would never again fear wolves dressed as men.


    Duke stood rooted as she walked away, his chest tight with helpless anger. His voice rose, raw and pleading, though the wind threatened to carry it off.


    Carmen, next year-on this very day-I swear I¡¯ll give you the grandest birthday you¡¯ve ever known!¡±


    Carmen¡¯s steps faltered. A strange, unwee warmth surged in her heart. Yet she did not look back.


    From that day forward, life appeared to fall into rhythm again.


    But for the offenders trapped in the Silverfang Hotel¡¯s private box, peace was an illusion.


    Every evening after her lessons at Ashmoor Academy, Carmen arrived without fail, slipping into the shadows of the 101 VIP box. She was no guest but a warden- watching, calcting, ensuring everymand of Lucien Duskgrave was obeyed.


    +10 Free Coins


    The suite wasvish, outfitted with dining hall, lounges, and washrooms. Without them, the prisoners¡¯ filth would have turned the chamber into a rotting den within days.


    Even so, for Zao, Aaron, Selene Ashford, and the rest, this month was no less than the hellfire of the Moon Goddess¡¯s own judgment.


    Day after day, the cakes were brought in. Towering. Gleaming white with frosting. Sweetness heavy as poison in the air. And day after day, they ate until their bodies trembled on the brink of copse.


    Their bellies distended, skin stretched, throats gagging on every mouthful. Yet Carmen¡¯s presence ensured none dared resist. Whenever one faltered, her cold eyes and the sh of her knife reminded them what failure cost.


    If vomit rose, they swallowed it back in terror. The one time Aaron dared retch, Carmen had forced him top up the bile and frosting from the floor like a beaten dog, her boot pressing cruelly to his back.


    So they learned. Better to choke down the sugar than face the she-wolf¡¯s wrath.


    Each night, the Silverfang Den became their purgatory. And Carmen, the merciless sentinel, made certain their suffering never ended too soon.

 in Vengeance 280

    Each day, the captives were forced to devour an entire five-tier cake, one per


    person.


    The torment twisted their bodies with grotesque speed, their frames swelling like balloons overfilled with air.


    The women¡ªonce vainglorious and alluring¡ªhad been proud of their wasp-thin waists and seductive curves, never allowing their weight to creep beyond a hundred pounds. Selene Ashford and the red-dressed girl had unted their beauty like weapons, knowing how easily men could be ensnared by it.


    But after a month of relentless indulgence forced down their throats, their bodies betrayed them. Their weight surged past one hundred and fifty pounds, their flesh split with deep, jagged stretch marks, like centipedes crawling across their skin. The once-envied curves became grotesque bulges, their beauty rotted away by excess sugar and despair.


    The men fared no better.


    Aaron, once Mooncrest High¡¯s golden boy, had been lean and striking at one hundred and forty pounds. Now he staggered under the burden of two hundred, his face bloated, his former handsomeness dissolved into greasy ruin.


    Zao, who had always been heavy, was reduced to a waddling heap of fat, so swollen he could barely stand, copsing often like a mound of flesh without form.


    Carmen stood before them, her amber eyes glinting with predatory satisfaction. The storm of rage that had burned inside her since Riley was wronged had begun to ease as she watched their transformation into grotesque shells of themselves.


    A cold smile touched her lips.


    ¡°Consider this mercy,¡± she said, her voice edged with Alpha steel. ¡°Since none of you delivered true harm to Riley, I will let you crawl away with your lives. But if you dare touch her again¡ªyour lives are forfeit.¡±


    The broken pack of youths nodded frantically, cowed and trembling. They had tasted Carmen¡¯s cruelty and no one among them had the will to defy her again. All swore to behave, desperate to be rid of the nightmare.


    8:24 pm ED


    She dismissed them with a sharp gesture. ¡°Get out of my sight.¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    The captives stumbled away, reeking of fear and sweat, none daring to look back. Aaron, Zao, and the others were too crushed in spirit to even imagine revenge. They all knew Riley was now under Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s shadow. With the Stormridge Pack¡¯s Alpha Prince at her side, retaliation meant suicide.


    But Selene Ashford was different.


    Her heart was a cauldron of venom. Beauty had been her greatest weapon, her source of power. Now, stripped of it, she was nothing but a bloated shell. Her vanityy in ruins, her pride scorched to ash. And so her hatred turned sharp, buried deep where no one could see.


    That madwoman Carmen was untouchable for now. But Riley? Even she had a white-wolf, but she found her wolf was weak. Riley was a perfect target.


    If she destroyed Riley, wouldn¡¯t both Lucien and Carmen taste despair? The thought slithered through her mind like a serpent, coiling tighter with every heartbeat.


    Her lips curved in a silent snarl. Carmen. Riley. You bitches will choke on your arrogance. I will see to it.


    Through all of this, Riley remained blissfully unaware. She had stayed within the safety of her home, quietly practicing embroidery, untouched by the storm Carmen had unleashed on her behalf.


    But Maddox¡¯s fortune had soured.


    He had been waiting to handle Aaron¡¯s divorce case, eager for the payout of a million in legal fees. But Aaron had vanished without a trace, Calls went unanswered, numbers shut off. Maddox, desperate to escape his own decline back into poverty, grew frantic. Without that case, his future looked as grim as the gutter he had once wed his way out of.


    Then, by chance, fate threw Aaron into his path.


    At first, Maddox nearly passed him by, failing to recognize the swollen, wheezing man shuffling along the street. Aaron had grown so grotesquely bloated, his former charm buried underyers of fat. Yet the eyes were the same.


    8:24 pm E


    Maddox stopped dead, disbelief shing across his features.


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    ¡°Aaron? Moon above-what happened to you? In a single month, you¡¯ve¡­ you¡¯ve be this?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s gaze flickered with shame. Once proud of his reflection, he now avoided mirrors, despising the man he saw. He had lost everything-his looks, his job, his pride. All that remained was his wife and the hollow shell of his former life.


    He muttered without strength, ¡°Don¡¯t concern yourself with me.¡± His voice was faint, his breathbored, as though each word weighed as much as his swollen body.


    But Maddox pressed on, desperation sharpening his tone.


    ¡°We had an agreement! The divorce case-you wanted your wife¡¯s estate. Without proof of her infidelity, we have nothing to work with. Do you think you can just disappear and leave me with nothing?¡±


    Aaron¡¯s shoulders sagged, but his silence was louder than words.


    Maddox¡¯s frustration burned. He saw in Aaron not only a ruined man, but the ruin of his own ambitions. And he was not prepared to let go so easily.

 in Vengeance 281

    Aaron was seething with frustration.


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    In his current pitiful state, if he truly divorced, not a single she-wolf of beauty or worth would ever look at him twice.


    Worse, Lucien Duskgrave-the ruthless Stormridge prince-had already made it known that anypany allied with the Duskgrave name would never employ him.


    Aaron was finished in Mooncrest.


    No, he couldn¡¯t divorce his wife now. Not yet.


    Drawing a ragged breath, Aaron growled, ¡°I¡¯m not divorcing. Now get out of my sight.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s heart sank the moment he heard those words.


    ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re not divorcing? We had a deal! I would win you that divorce in court, strip your mate of her wealth, and you¡¯d pay me a million. How dare you go back on your word!¡±


    Aaron¡¯s temper, already frayed, snapped. He longed only to drag his heavy body home, copse into bed, and force his wife to take him to a healer once his strength returned. But Maddox clung like a parasite, needling him endlessly.


    Fury surged through him, his wolf thrashing inside his broken shell. His face twisted with rage as he roared:


    ¡°Are you deaf, cripple? Whether I divorce or not is none of your damned business!¡±


    Maddox¡¯s own life had long soured, leaving him bitter, twisted.


    To be cursed and spat on in public by this bloated excuse of a male-this disgraced wolf who once strutted with pride-was more than he could stomach.


    ¡°It was you, you disgusting pig, who begged me to free you from your mate-bond. And now you me me? Look at yourself! In a single moon cycle you¡¯ve eaten yourself into ruin. Don¡¯t tell me you haven¡¯t been rutting around, catching the filth


    8:26 pm


    of rogues. That¡¯s the only way a wolf ends up in your condition.¡±


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    The insult wed deep into Aaron¡¯s pride. With a snarl, heunched himself at Maddox.


    Maddox, crippled but venomous, struck back.


    A swollen, breathless wolf, and a legless cripple.


    The sh was grotesque-yet for a moment, strangely even.


    Onlookers-wolves and humans alike-formed a loose ring, amused murmurs rippling as they watched the once-respected descend into savagery.


    But neither had the stamina for truebat. Their blows grew sluggish; their lungs-burned.


    Momentster, both staggered apart, bruised and swollen, more pathetic than victorious.


    Aaron spat blood, gave a bitter snort, and lumbered away, his heavy frame dragging.


    Maddox copsed into the dirt, struggling with every ounce of his ruined body to w himself back onto his chair. Finally seated, he wheeled himself forward-only to be blocked by a shadow.


    A woman.


    No-a wolf. Heavy-set, broad, with eyes glittering like molten amber.


    Selene Ashford.


    ¡°I heard you desire Riley Vale,¡± she purred, lips curling into a sly smile. ¡°Do you want her? I can help you.¡±


    Maddox narrowed his eyes, suspicion prickling his spine. ¡°Who in the hells are you? And why would you help me?¡±


    Selene¡¯s smirk deepened, her voice dripping with venomous intent. ¡°My name is Selene Ashford. I¡¯ll help you im Riley¡­ because I desire Lucien Duskgrave.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s gaze slid over her, and his mind shed with a darkly gleeful image-


    8:26 pm D


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    Lucien, tormented by this wolf-woman¡¯s obsession, his regalposure shattered before the eyes of every pack.


    The thought filled Maddox with grim satisfaction. If Lucien dared cross him, then let him rot in ridicule, tangled in Selene¡¯s snare.


    Yes. Let the Alpha Prince choke on his own downfall.


    Time blurred. Half a year slipped by.


    For six moons, Selene Ashford and Maddox schemed in secret, hungry to break Riley Vale. Yet the she-wolf remained hidden within the Duskgrave estate, veiled and protected. Their ploys could find no purchase.


    Meanwhile, Riley¡¯s health declined, her body growing frail. But her heart was steeled toward one thing alone-thepletion of her embroidery.


    The masterpiece was her escape, her salvation. Once finished, it would grant her passage to flee, to take Carmen and Mia with her beyond Mooncrest¡¯s borders.


    And atst, after half a year of tirelessbor, the work wasplete. Her heart trembled with pride and grief-but she told no one. Not Lucien. Not Matriarch Duskgrave.


    They would see it only after she was gone.


    Her hands lingered on the silk threads, fingers trembling. The embroidery was her legacy, her farewell to a life that had never embraced her.


    She knew what she had to do next-reim the kidney that had been stolen from her. The urgency of it gnawed at her; her body weakened with each passing day. Yet even as that truth burned in her, the fire of survival flickered low.


    Because she had discovered something far crueler than theft: a slow-working wolf- poison had been sown into her very veins. No healer could draw it out. No remedy could cleanse it.


    Death was inevitable.


    And with each moonrise, her desire to cling to life withered.


    She would take back what was hers-the organ, the dignity-but she would not chain herself to false hope. The poison would im her, whether in a week or in a


    8:26 pm S


    year.


    Better, then, to leave.


    S


    +10 Free Coins


    Better to go before the wolves of Stormridge mourned her too deeply. Before Lucien¡¯s piercing eyes softened. Before those who truly loved her-Carmen, Mia, even Caelum in his silent way-were shattered by her decay.


    She would give them distance. She would leave them memories instead of grief.


    Now that her task was done, Riley turned to her final resolve.


    The first ce she would go-before her escape-was the asylum where her mother was caged.


    Scarlett had conspired. Kael Vale had betrayed. But her mother¡­ her mother had abandoned her first.


    For half a year, the woman had been locked away. Riley needed to see her. She needed to witness what became of a mother who had cast aside her blood.


    Only when every wound-giver met their ruin could Riley rest in peace-even in death.


    When Riley prepared to leave the manor, Caelum Knox, her appointed shadow, was unyielding. He would apany her, whether she wished it or not.


    The ck-armored warrior ignited the car¡¯s engine, steering through Mooncrest¡¯s sprawling streets toward the asylum.


    Outside, the world rushed by in a blur of lights and motion. Within, Riley sat silent, her gaze fixed beyond the ss. Her thoughts tangled-vengeance, sorrow, the bitter anticipation of facing her mother¡¯s fallen form.


    At the asylum, guided by white-d healers, Riley Vale and Caelum Knox walked the narrow halls, each step echoing like a drumbeat toward fate.


    1:26 pm ED

 in Vengeance 282

    +10 Free Coins


    The corridor stretched long and narrow, iron-barred yards nking either side.


    Inside those cages, the broken remnants of wolves lingered in their madness.


    Some sat lifelessly on benches, eyes zed, lips moving with ceaseless whispers to phantoms only they could see.


    Others trudged in slow, mechanical loops, heavy steps dragging them through an endless cycle, as though chained to an invisible wheel of torment.


    And some fought shadows¡ªsnarling, swinging their arms at empty air¡ªfaces contorted with terror and fury, as if forever trapped in battle against unseen enemies.


    Riley Vale followed the white-d healers down the corridor until they emerged nto a garden, a bleak courtyard where the moonlight itself seemed to recoil.


    And there, at the far edge, sat a woman.


    Her hair, once rich and dark, was now streaked with silver and tangled. Her skin sagged and coarsened, robbed of all the refinement she had once unted as the Luna of the Ebonw Pack. She looked a decade older than her years, a specter of ruin.


    In her arms, she cradled a doll-no more than a crude facsimile of a child. Rocking it gently, she hummed a tune of no name, her voice cracked but tender, as though the rest of the world had been erased and only that false babe remained.


    Luna Zara.


    Riley¡¯s breath stilled in her throat. Her amber eyes, sharpened by both grief and vengeance, fixed upon the pathetic figure.


    Zara¡­ Have you ever thought-because you chose a wretched male, because you rushed into marriage with Alpha ric-you dragged your bloodline into the abyss?


    A son, Kael Vale, left rotting in prison. A daughter, Riley herself, maimed and scarred for life. And Zara-half-blind, spirit shattered, reduced to rocking a doll in


    a madhouse.


    8:26 pm ED


    It might have been a life of brilliance. Instead, it was ashes.


    +10 Free Coins


    You deserve it, Riley thought coldly, lips curling into a humorless smile. You deserve every shard of ruin that found you.


    Her chest seethed with scorn. To have such a mother was her life¡¯s greatest shame.


    She loathed Alpha ric. But she loathed Zara just as deeply.


    Riley¡¯s gaze cut like steel as she watched Zara kiss the doll¡¯s cracked porcin cheek, murmuring words that dripped with delusion.


    ¡°My precious pup¡­ my sweet Riley. Mama will always protect you. No one will ever take you away again. You must believe me, pup. Mama loves you¡­ more than anything.¡±


    She kissed the doll again, as though it were Riley herself-the child she had forsaken.


    Riley¡¯s sneer deepened. Toote.


    Toote to cherish what she had thrown away. Toote to repent for abandoning her daughter when she was swallowed by the dark.


    Riley had note here forfort, nor forgiveness. She hade to watch. To see the wolf who had wounded her brought low.


    She had seen enough.


    Just as she turned to leave, the air broke with sudden violence.


    A mad wolf lunged at Zara, ws swiping the doll from her arms. He tore away, shriekingughter as he bolted through the yard.


    The moment Zara¡¯s arms emptied, herposure detonated.


    ¡°No! My daughter-stop! Give her back! Give my pup back!¡±


    Her voice ripped through the asylum, feral and raw, shaking with the full force of maternal hysteria.


    She surged after him, blind to reason, blind to the weakness of her body. But the crippled wolf ran swift, fueled by mania, and Zara¡¯s stumbling chase fell short.


    ¡°My daughter! My Riley!¡± she howled, voice cracking into blood.


    The lunatic turned, grinning with jagged teeth at the sight of her anguish.


    ¡°She cries! She cries! How fun, how fun!¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    He lifted the doll high, then smashed it to the ground with savage glee. Porcin cracked, limbs shattered.


    Each impact echoed like a hammer on Zara¡¯s soul.


    Her eyes flooded red. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll tear you apart, you filth!¡±


    She hurled herself forward again, but the mad wolf scooped up the broken doll and fled anew, his cackles ringing like carrion-birds in the night.


    Zara chased, wild and desperate, until her path staggered¡ªand she froze.


    Her one good eye locked upon the figure standing beyond the madness.


    Riley Vale.


    Her daughter.


    Not the porcin mockery, not the falsefort in her arms. The real one-flesh and blood, gaze of molten gold, standing in the moonlit garden like judgment itself.


    Zara¡¯s lips parted, her chest heaving with torn breath. The doll slipped from her shaking fingers.


    ¡°Riley¡­¡±

 in Vengeance 283

    When Luna Zara¡¯s gaze fell upon Riley, she froze where she stood.


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    Her eyes locked on Riley¡¯s figure, flickering with recognition, confusion, and a fleeting haze, before finally settling into a sharp, startling rity. Tears spilled down her weathered cheeks, yet her lips curved into a trembling smile.


    She reached out a trembling hand.


    ¡°Riley¡­ my little Riley, you¡¯ve finallye to see me?¡±


    Riley¡¯s face remained cold, her gaze as detached as frost upon stone. She looked at Zara as though she were nothing more than a stranger.


    Stumbling forward, Luna Zara muttered desperately, her voice fractured yet full of yearning:


    ¡°Riley, my daughter, my sweet girl¡­ stay with me, don¡¯t leave me again. Please, don¡¯t leave your mother.¡±


    But as she lurched closer, the pack healers stationed nearby intercepted her, barring her path.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± Zara shrieked, thrashing violently with the strength of a cornered wolf. ¡°That is my daughter-you cannot keep her from me!¡±


    Her hands wed the air, her entire body convulsing with wild resistance.


    Riley, however, stood in silence, watching with cold detachment. Once, she had longed for this love-for the warm shelter of a mother¡¯s arms. But standing here now, she saw clearly: all of it was empty. Hollow.


    A bitter smile ghosted across her lips as she whispered, her voice like a shard of ice:


    ¡°Luna Zara¡­ from this day forth, we shall never meet again.¡±


    She turned to Caelum Knox, her voice steady.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Zara¡¯s broken mind still grasped the meaning of those words. Her head snapped


    1:26 pm


    back and forth, shaking violently as she cried out:


    ¡°No-don¡¯t leave! I will protect you! I¡¯ll never lose you again, my child!¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    But Riley did not so much as flinch. She walked away, her back unyielding, her figure receding into the light of freedom.


    Zara¡¯s screams grew feral, the ragged cries of a beast in despair. Her throat tore with the effort, her voice hoarse, guttural, almost inhuman.


    ¡®Don¡¯t go! Don¡¯t leave me¡ª!¡±


    It took several healers to restrain her. Even then, her raw strength nearly broke their hold. Finally, a physician plunged a sedative needle into her arm.


    Zara¡¯s body jerked violently, her breath faltering. Consciousness slipped away, yet ner fading gaze clung to Riley¡¯s retreating back-eyes brimming with a love that came far toote.


    ¡®She¡¯s too unstable,¡± one of the healers muttered. ¡°Restrain her to the bed. If she wakes like this again, none of us will be able to contain her.¡±


    The others nodded grimly, dragging her away without tenderness, leaving only the echoes of her guttural cries behind.


    Outside the asylum, Riley inhaled deeply, tasting the clean bite of free air.


    ¡®Where to now, Miss Riley?¡± Caelum Knox asked quietly.


    Her eyes turned sharp, glinting like the edge of a de.


    ¡°Tomorrow¡­ I will see Alpha ric and Scarlett. My blood has remained in her body far too long. It is time I took back what was stolen.¡±


    Later, back within the halls of the Duskgrave estate, Riley returned to her chambers with heavy steps.


    Though she had walked only a little more than usual, her legs trembled, every muscle weak and trembling. Her body screamed with fatigue, each step a reminder that her time was running out.


    A soft, humorless smile curved her lips.


    8:26 pm


    So little strength remained. So little time.


    At least, the embroidery wasplete. One final promise fulfilled.


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    She had lived in silence for nearly a year now, robbed of her hearing. The silence had eroded her speech as well-too many times, words failed her, trapped on her tongue, unsaid.


    Riley knew she could not stay in the Duskgrave household much longer.


    Tomorrow, once she reimed her kidney from Scarlett, she would leave. Her path was nearing its end.


    Exhausted, she drifted into sleep.


    In the study, Caelum Knox stood before Lucien Duskgrave, the Alpha prince of the Stormridge Pack.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± Caelum reported gravely, ¡°Riley intends to travel into the mountains tomorrow to confront Alpha ric and Scarlett. The roads are harsh. I fear her body won¡¯t endure the journey.¡±


    Lucien sat in silence, his eyes shadowed, his presence heavy withmand. Atst, he spoke, his voice low and resolute:


    ¡°Then I will go with her.¡±


    The next morning dawned bright, sunlight spilling through the windows like golden fire.


    Riley descended the stairs slowly, every step deliberate. In the sitting room, Lucien sat waiting, a newspaper in his hand. When her footsteps reached his ears, he looked up, his gaze softening instantly, warmth piercing through his usual cold


    Caught off guard, Riley faltered, her heart skipping.


    ¡°Lucien,.. you didn¡¯t go to the Pack Council today?¡±


    He folded the paper, setting it aside, eyes never leaving her.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to face Alpha ric and Scarlett today, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Her brow furrowed.


    8:26 pm


    ¡°Caelum told you?¡±


    He inclined his head.


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    Her hands tightened at her side. ¡°Yes. There are things that must be ended. But Lucien¡­¡± her voice faltered, quiet but steady, ¡°if youe with me, will it not dy your duties?¡±


    8:26 pm ED

 in Vengeance 284

    +10 Free Coins


    Lucien Duskgrave only shook his head, his voice steady, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already handed the work over to Duke.¡±


    up


    Riley fell silent for a moment before nodding. She knew once Lucien had made his mind, there was no force in Stormridge-or beyond-that could sway him.


    Caelum Knox already had the vehicle waiting at the gates. When Riley and Lucien stepped inside, he started the engine with practiced ease.


    From the back seat, Riley gazed out at Mooncrest-the city that had been her cage and her sanctuary. Her eyes softened, not out of love for the city itself, but for the few souls she was loath to leave behind-Lucien, and Matriarch Duskgrave. She knew once she stepped away, there might never be a way back.


    The drive was quiet. By the time they reached the foothills of the distant mountains, the sun had already begun its slow descent, casting the path in jagged gold and shadow.


    The mountain road was treacherous-narrow, uneven, and pitted with stones sharp as wolf fangs. Riley¡¯s limp made each step a brutal struggle. She gritted her teeth, determined not to falter, but Lucien saw through her fragile mask with ease.


    He crouched before her, his voice low, a growl softened into something almost tender.


    ¡°Climb on. I¡¯ll carry you.¡±


    Riley shook her head quickly. ¡°These roads are dangerous. If I slow you down¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough,¡± Lucien cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes burned like stormfire. ¡°If you fall, it¡¯ll be on me. Now¡­ up.¡±


    The weight of hismand left her no choice. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Riley pressed herself against his back, feeling the solid strength of him as he rose with ease. His hands locked firmly around her thighs, as though he would never let her slip.


    Caelum led the way, clearing a path over jagged rocks and gnarled roots. The air smelled of damp earth and faint blood-rogue territory.


    8:26 pm


    +10 Free Coins


    Lucien moved carefully, every step measured, even as sweat glistened on his brow and soaked through his shirt. Riley rested her head against his shoulder, guilt gnawing at her chest.


    ¡°You should put me down,¡± she whispered against his ear. ¡°I can walk.¡±


    Lucien only huffed a shortugh. ¡°You¡¯ll stay where you are. We¡¯re almost there.¡±


    His voice was steady,manding, and Riley stilled. She reached up once, brushing the sweat from his temple. His lips curled faintly, exhaustion eased by her touch.


    After what felt like an eternity, the jagged line of ramshackle huts appeared in the distance, half-hidden in the shadows of the mountain. They stood crooked and broken, scars of a ce abandoned by any true Pack bond.


    That was where Alpha ric of the Ebonw Pack and Scarlett had been cast to survive.


    Lucien finally set Riley down, and together with Caelum, they advanced. The closer they drew, the tighter Riley¡¯s chest became. Old memories, sharp and poisonous, surfaced with every step. Lucien¡¯s hand found hers, his grip firm, grounding her.


    But before they reached the first hut, shadows stirred. A handful of Rogues slunk from the brush, their eyes gleaming yellow in the failing light. Scarred, ragged, and half-mad with hunger, they circled, teeth bared and ws flexing.


    One lunged, snarling-only to freeze mid-stride.


    Lucien¡¯s growl thundered across the clearing, low and resonant, carrying the weight of an Alpha¡¯s bloodline. His aura surged outward like a storm breaking over the mountains, mming into the Rogues with invisible force.


    The air thickened, heavy with dominance. Weaker wolves dropped instantly to their knees, whimpering as their throats bared against their will. The one who had lunged choked on his own snarl, his body trembling, eyes wide with terror as his wolf crumpled under the sheer pressure.


    Lucien¡¯s stormfire gaze cut across them, merciless and unyielding. ¡°Try it,¡± he said softly, the promise of death clear in every syble.


    Not one Rogue moved. The hunger in their eyes curdled into fear. With tails


    8:26 pm G


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    tucked and ears pinned back, they slunk into the shadows, the threat of violence dissolved by a dominance they could never hope to match.


    Only when thest had fled did Lucien release the pressure, his hand still steady on Riley¡¯s. Her pulse raced, not from fear-but from the sheer reminder of what he was. Alpha-born. Stormridge¡¯s Prince. Untouchable.


    Caelum, unruffled, gave a small smirk as though he had expected nothing less. ¡°That saves us some trouble.¡±


    They pressed on, Caelum leading them straight to the right dwelling.


    The structure was pathetic-a crumbling y house, its walls split with deep cracks, its roof sagging under missing tiles. The stench of filth and unwashed bodies lingered in the yard where half-starved chickens and ducks scrabbled in the dirt.


    And then, from within, came the voice.


    A man¡¯s roar, harsh and venomous, split the silence.


    ¡°Alpha ric, you used to be so powerful, but now you can only be a puppy among us. Where is the glory you once had when you attacked the Rogue gathering ce?¡±


    The voice grew harsher, spitting hatred like poison.


    ¡°As for you, you bitch! You¡¯re as filthy as that whore of a mother of yours! Two thousand coins I spent to buy that wench, and she had the audacity to defy me, to refuse my bed! If not for the son I needed, I would have slit her throat the first night and fed her to the dogs!¡±


    A cruelugh followed, jagged as broken ss.


    ¡°And the son she gave me? A rotten wolf, a traitor, a cripple. If I¡¯d known, I would have ughtered you both at birth and saved myself the trouble!¡±


    His words dripped with venom, echoing through the broken house.


    And Riley realized, with a cold chill crawling up her spine, that Alpha ric-once the proud leader of Ebonw Pack, the wolf who had hunted Rogues mercilessly- had be their ything.


    8:26 pm GD


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    The Rogues would not grant him a warrior¡¯s death. No-he would be left to rot, tormented slowly, until nothing of the Alpha remained.


    8:27 pm GD

 in Vengeance 285

    ¡°Still want to eat? Eat filth instead!¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    With a vicious snarl, a man hurled another body out of the crumbling house.


    The sound of flesh striking dirt echoed-thud!-dust exploding into the air as the figure hit the ground. The man whonded writhed in the mud, his limbs twisted and useless, unable to rise. His throat worked, producing only guttural, broken


    moans.


    It was Alpha ric.


    Once the proud Alpha of the Ebonw Pack, a man who hadmanded warriors and studied at Ebonw University, now he was reduced to this: a ragged shell dressed in tattered rags, reeking of filth. His frame was skeletal, cheekbones like des beneath stretched skin, every inch of exposed flesh scarred and broken¡ªa living testament to the rogues¡¯ merciless cruelty.


    A gaunt elder emerged from the doorway, skin darkened and weathered by age, eyes as cold as flint. Without a word, he drove his boot savagely into ric¡¯s body.


    ¡°Useless filth,¡± the elder spat, each kick punctuating his venom. ¡°You should have died long ago!¡±


    ric convulsed, trying to speak, but his ruined body betrayed him. His stroke had stolen his voice; his ck mouth spilled only foul-smelling drool as he gurgled in despair.


    It was then the elder finally noticed the neers at the edge of the yard-Riley, Lucien Duskgrave, and Caelum Knox. His gaze lingered on Caelum, recognition shing; he remembered the one who had delivered ric and Scarlett to this forsaken ce,


    ¡°You¡­. what business do you have here?¡± the old man demanded, suspicion in his


    voice.


    Before Caelum could reply, a shrill scream tore through the air, carried from the direction of a crude pigpen.


    The scream twisted into sobs as a man¡¯s voice, dripping with malice, followed.


    ¡°Ungrateful whore! To share my bed is a blessing, and yet you resist me? You¡¯ve already been used by every male in this cesspit of a vige, and still you pretend you¡¯re pure? I¡¯ll beat the defiance out of you!¡±


    The sound of fists and boots colliding with flesh reverberated, followed by the woman¡¯s ragged, desperate cries.


    ¡°I am the daughter of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s Alpha! My father was a leader, my mother a nobledy, my brother a powerful heir! They wille for me-they will rescue me!¡± she screamed, clinging to delusions of her past life.


    ¡°Ha!¡± the man¡¯s cruelughter echoed. ¡°Your father? That cripple in the dirt? He can¡¯t even lift himself from the ground. You think he¡¯ll save you?¡± His voice lowered to a growl. ¡°You barren bitch. Can¡¯t even give a male a pup. The only thing you¡¯re good for is spreading your legs for us.¡±


    He kicked her again, over and over, until his own breath came ragged and shallow. Finally, sweating and panting, he straightened, tugging his torn shirt into ce. As he stepped out of the pen, his eyes found Riley.


    The shift was instant. Hunger gleamed in his gaze, dark and feral. His lips peeled back into a grotesque grin, showing jagged yellow teeth.


    ¡°This one,¡± he rasped, eyes locked on Riley¡¯s form. ¡°She¡¯s strong, healthy. She¡¯ll give sons. How much? Name your price, and she¡¯s mine.¡±


    The lecherous words had barely left his mouth before Lucien Duskgrave moved. The Alpha Prince¡¯s arm wrapped protectively around Riley, his obsidian gaze narrowing into a predator¡¯s re that promised death.


    Caelum¡¯s reaction was swifter, colder. With a snap of movement, his boot connected with the rogue¡¯s chest, sending the man flying through the air. The impact shook the earth as he crashed three meters away, groaning and choking in the dirt. One strike had shattered his arrogance. He no longer dared to breathe a word of im.


    Chains ttered from within the pen-iron links dragging across stone. A figure crawled into view, each movement grotesque and agonizing.


    It was Scarlett.


    Or what remained of her.


    8:27 pm D


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    Her body was wasted, nothing but skin clinging to bone. High cheekbones jutted sharply, eyes hollow and dull as if her soul had long since fled. Her tangled hair was caked with filth, her upper body d in rags while her lower half was bare, stripped of dignity.


    Her legs had been shattered, twisted into unnatural shapes so that she could no longer stand. Like an animal, she dragged herself forward, iron shackles locked to her ankles rattling with every pitiful crawl. Scars marred her flesh in every direction-shes of des,shes of whips, bruisesyered over bruises.


    Scarlett¡¯s lips moved as she muttered to herself, her voice broken and distant.


    ¡°My father, my mother, my brother¡­ they¡¯lle. They love me most. I¡¯m their jewel. They¡¯lle for me. I must eat, I must be strong¡­ eat, eat¡­¡¯


    Her words dissolved into empty repetition, as if the mantra could shield her from the nightmare around her.


    Riley¡¯s breath caught in her throat. She had known Scarlett would be here, but the sight of her-reduced to this, yet still clinging to the shadow of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s glory-was a cruelty sharper than any de.

 in Vengeance 286

    Scarlett dragged her broken body toward the filthy trough. The stench of rot and animal waste clung to the air, thick enough to choke. Inside the trough was not food fit for wolves but scattered, half-molded chicken feed, damp and sour.


    Without hesitation, the once-pampered daughter of the Ebonw Pack seized handfuls of the foul mash. She stuffed it into her mouth, chewing like a starving beast, smearing her gaunt face with grit and filth.


    Riley stood still, her silver eyes sharp as des, watching Scarlett degrade herself. A sneer curved her lips, the cruelty in her voice cutting deeper than any whip.


    ¡°Scarlett,¡± Riley said coldly, ¡°did you ever imagine you¡¯d crawl this low?¡±


    At the sound of her voice, Scarlett froze mid-bite. Slowly, she turned, strands of matted hair clinging to her dirt-streaked face. Her hollow, lifeless eyes locked on Riley.


    For a heartbeat, confusion flickered there-then the old hatred burst forth like fire. Recognition sharpened her gaze, and her body trembled with feral rage.


    With a guttural snarl, she lunged, spit and crumbs spraying from her mouth, her broken limbs jerking with unnatural fury. She aimed straight for Riley¡¯s throat, jaws wide as though she meant to rip it out.


    The iron chain mped around her ankles yanked her down before she could reach her prey. Scarlett¡¯s skeletal frame mmed face-first into the muck, smearing her flesh with filth and animal droppings.


    Yet the chain didn¡¯t dampen her madness. She thrashed on the ground, wing at the dirt, snapping her teeth like a rabid wolf.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you! Kill you!¡± she shrieked, voice breaking into raw, animalistic screams.


    Riley¡¯s gaze was cold as moonlight. ¡°Kill me? You?¡± She let her words drip with disdain, savoring each one. ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a chained cur.¡±


    She stepped closer, her expression alight with grim satisfaction. ¡°I came here today, Scarlett, not to save you. I came to see you rot. To look you in the eyes while you drown in the filth you earned.¡±


    8:27 pmDED.


    +10 Free Coins


    Her voice hardened, sharp with memory and vengeance. ¡°Do you remember? At Ebonw Pack, you whispered poison into every ear. That was my home, but you turned them all against me. My parents. My brother. They all despised me for you. For you, they would have let me rot in a cell.¡±.


    Herugh was jagged, bitter as iron. ¡°Do you know why I endured the humiliation in the prison pits? Why I let them beat me, degrade me, and still lived? Because I waited for this day-to watch you suffer, to watch you crawl like the mongrel you are.¡±


    Scarlett¡¯s frenzy deepened. She thrashed harder, the chain biting into her skin, rattling with each desperate pull.


    ¡°My father is Alpha! My mother is the Pack¡¯s Luna! My brother is a leader!¡± she screamed, her cracked voice trembling with delusion. ¡°They¡¯ll save me-they¡¯ll kill anyone who hurt me!¡±


    Riley barked out a coldugh, sharp enough to cut flesh. ¡°Alpha? Luna? Leader? Your father-Alpha ric¡ªis a crippled husk, rotting in his own filth. Your mother, Luna Zara, blind and lost, howls in a madhouse. Your brother, Kael Vale, is rotting in chains. And you¡ªlook at yourself. A used vessel for Rogues. A toy for their rage. Lower than pigs.¡±


    Scarlett shrieked louder, voice shattering the silence of the Rogue den. ¡°No! No! I am the Ebonw princess! I was born to rule-you¡¯re the curse, you¡¯re the filth- you should die!¡±


    Riley said nothing more. She simply stood, arms crossed, her eyes glinting with cruel satisfaction as Scarlett howled herself hoarse.


    Let her scream. Let her rot. Soon the earth itself would swallow her.


    Then-cold fingers clutched Riley¡¯s ankle.


    She startled, instinctivelyshing out with a swift kick. Her boot connected with a sunken face-Alpha ric¡¯s face.


    Blood spilled from his nose, but he didn¡¯t recoil. His gaze-oncemanding, now sunken and desperate-clung to her. His lips trembled as he forced broken sounds from his throat:


    ¡°Home¡­ take me¡­ back¡­¡±


    8:27 pmGD


    +10 Free Coins


    His voice was wet, slurred, nearly lost to the stroke that twisted his body. But his eyes were lucid-burning with humiliation, torment, and pitiful hope.


    Life among the Rogues had been nothing short of torment for him. Once, he had marched against these wild wolves, leading hunts into their territory. Now, as their captive, they took their revenge slowly. They beat him daily, withheld food and water, left him wallowing in his own waste.


    And now, seeing Riley here, ric clung to her as though she were hisst salvation.


    But Riley only looked down, her face cold as frost, lips curling with venom.


    ¡°Alpha ric,¡± she whispered, voice low and sharp. ¡°Why would you ever believe I¡¯d take you home?¡±


    8:27 pm

 in Vengeance 287

    Riley¡¯s POV


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    ¡°Was it because you abandoned me to Rogues? Or because you carved a kidney out of me just to save Scarlett?¡±


    My voice was ice, every word a de sinking into Alpha ric¡¯s chest.


    ¡°You cold-blooded beast. To harm your own mate and child¡­ whatever fate you¡¯vee to suffer, you earned it yourself.¡±


    A humorlessugh escaped me, sharp as broken ss. ¡°And you still dare beg me? Howughable.¡±


    I drove my boot hard into him. The once-mighty Alpha of Ebonw Pack crumpled in the mud, coughing blood, his body trembling. Yet even beaten and broken, he pawed toward me, his mouth forming garbled pleas, his eyes desperate.


    I stood unmoved, watching him writhe. There was no pity left in me, no thread of daughterly mercy.


    ¡°I already told you. I came here only to witness with my own eyes the ruin of you and Scarlett. Now I have seen it. My heart is finally at ease.¡±


    Terror swam in his gaze, wide and frantic. He wanted to scream that he hadn¡¯t meant it, that it was Dean Elira ckthorn who poisoned his mind, that Caden ckthorn had twisted his hand. That he was a victim, not a monster.


    But no sound came.


    I turned from him, my eyes cutting to Scarlett.


    She looked like a drowned cur, caked in filth, shackled and snarling even in her pitiful state.


    I smiled coldly, ¡°Scarlett¡­ my kidney has served you long enough. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time to return it?¡±


    She froze at my words, caught in my gaze. For the first time, her bravado shattered. Her body shook, and she scrambled backward on hands and knees until she tumbled into the sty, reeking of mud and rot.


    +10 Free Coins


    Step by step, I followed. My body was weak, but my will was iron. She huddled in the corner, arms clutched tight, trembling like prey before a predator.


    How pitiful she looked.


    And how utterly undeserving of pity.


    Above us, the sky darkened. When we had climbed the mountain, it had been bright. Now thunder grumbled in the clouds, lightning shing at the edges. The storm wasing.


    Everyone who had wronged me had fallen. Their punishment was more wretched than my own suffering had ever been. The weight on my chest loosened. My chains broke with the storm.


    I turned to Lucien. ¡°My lord¡­ the rain ising. Let¡¯s take Scarlett and leave this ce.¡±


    Lucien gave a short nod, flicking his gaze to Caelum.


    Caelum¡¯s eyes gleamed with unspoken understanding. He strode to the old man- the cruel patriarch who had once held even Alpha ric in check-and growled, his voice steel and storm. ¡°The key to the chains. Now.¡±


    Power rolled off him, pressing the old wolf t. Wheezing, terrified, the man fumbled the key from his robes and thrust it into Caelum¡¯s hand.


    Without hesitation, Caelum entered the sty. His movements were sharp, merciless, as he utched the lock and seized the chain. With one brutal yank, Scarlett was wrenched from the filth like a hog dragged for ughter.


    She thrashed, shrieking, but her body was wasted, bones jutting under her skin. Her ws raked the earth but found no purchase. To Caelum she was nothing more than a dog on a leash, dragged through the muck.


    Lucien knelt before me, voice low, tender in contrast to the violence around us. ¡°Riley, Get on. I¡¯ll carry you.¡±


    This time, I did not argue. My limbs gave in to the warmth of his strength. Slowly, I climbed onto his back, resting against him as he lifted me as though I weighed nothing at all.


    Together we left the rotting yard, down the twisted mountain path. The storm


    8:27 pm ED


    broke above us, rain hammering down, drenching earth and bone alike.


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    Behind us, I could still hear ric¡¯s broken cries-garbled, wet, a child¡¯s whimper trapped in an old wolf¡¯s throat. His eyes followed me, wild and pleading, snot and tears running into the mud.


    But I never looked back.


    The old man snarled in frustration at his pitiful noise. Seizing a broom, heid into ric¡¯s body with savage blows. ¡°Cry, cry, cry¡ªyour old man¡¯s not dead yet! What are you howling for, you cursed thing?!¡±


    The broken Alpha tried to shield himself, but the strikesnded mercilessly until, finally, he copsed, unconscious.


    The patriarch tossed the broom aside with disgust, muttering curses as he turned away, leaving ric¡¯s body in the storm.


    Rain poured harder, each drop like a spear. Within moments, ric was soaked through, lying motionless in the mud, blood and filth washing from his ruined frame.


    No one spared him a nce.


    Scarlett stumbled as Caelum dragged her forward, her knees shredding on stone, nails breaking, palms torn raw.


    Lucien bore me on his back, every step steady despite the mud sucking at his boots. Each stride sent water sshing high, his strength a constant, unshakable force beneath me.


    And I finally free of the past-let the storm wash my soul clean.


    And I¡¯m about to get my kidney back.


    8:28 pm ED

 in Vengeance 288

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    The storm broke too suddenly.


    +10 Free Coins


    Rainshed against my back, soaking through cloak and shirt until the weight of it dragged at me. I could take it. I¡¯d endured worse hunts, worse wounds. But Riley¡­ Riley was fragile, already wounded, and the thought of this cold seeping into her body twisted my gut with unease.


    This rain came at the worst possible time.


    There was no shelter, no cave, no outcropping strong enough to withstand the tempest. The only way was forward.


    Thunder cracked overhead, splitting the sky. The mountain path narrowed beneath our boots, treacherous and slick with mud. Then came the blinding sh -lightning spearing down, striking a tree ahead with a sound like the gods themselves snapping bone.


    The oak exploded into fire and ash, splitting in half, the smell of char thick in the downpour.


    Riley stiffened against my back, her pulse a quickened thrum where her chest pressed my shoulder. I could feel the unease radiating from her, and my own wolf bristled in response. Danger.


    Caelum¡¯s voice cut through the storm, sharp andmanding: ¡°Alpha, we need to move faster. Too many trees around us. We¡¯re exposed.¡±


    He was right. Our vehicle was too far behind, left at the foot of the mountain where wheels could still turn. Here, among these cliffs, only our legs could carry us forward.


    I adjusted Riley on my back, my grip tightening on her thighs. ¡°Hold on,¡± I muttered, pushing my pace, my boots sshing through water and mud.


    The storm roared, hammering at us. Then-


    A low, ominous rumble. Not thunder. Deeper. Heavier.


    8:28 pm


    +10 Free Coins


    Caelum¡¯s instincts saved us again. His shout was a wolf¡¯s snarl in human form: ¡°Slide! The mountain¡¯s giving way!¡±


    I jerked my head up-and saw it.


    The hillside above us heaved, earth and stone and entire trees tearing loose, rolling toward us in a monstrous wave.


    Before I could move, Riley slipped from my back. My heart lurched.


    She twisted, her strength faltering yet her will like tempered steel, and shoved me with everything she had.


    I staggered forward, my footing breaking against the mud, unprepared for her strike. By the time I righted myself, she was behind me, her face lifted, smiling through the rain-smiling at me like it was thest gift she would ever give.


    ¡°Lucien,¡± her lips shaped the words, though the storm swallowed her voice. ¡°I wish you a long life¡­ with a mate at your side, children at your feet, peace until your final breath¡­¡±


    The world blurred, water and grief burning my eyes.


    ¡®No!¡± My roar split my throat raw. My wolf surged, a storm within a storm, and I lunged back for her.


    Thendslide struck at that moment, a beast of earth and stone crashing down.


    I threw myself over her, arms locking around her body, driving her to the ground as the avnche swallowed us whole.


    The impact ripped the breath from me. Stones and mud battered my back, each strike like a spear. Pain zed down my spine, a thousand knives digging to the bone. I snarled, biting back the sound, forcing my body to shield hers.


    Every muscle screamed, arms shaking, veins bulging as I braced myself against the weight of the mountain. My wolf howled inside me, pouring strength into limbs that should have already broken.


    Caelum¡¯s shout cut faintly through the thunder and chaos. ¡°Alpha! Riley!¡± His voice, strained, desperate, chasing us even as the storm tried to bury us alive.


    Mud sttered, trees cracked, the roar of sliding earth swallowing the world.


    3:28 pm ED


    In my arms, Riley wept-silent tears mingling with rain on her cheeks.


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    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have saved me¡­¡± she whispered, her voice fragile, torn away by the


    storm.


    I tightened my hold, forcing the words through gritted teeth, through pain that threatened to split me apart. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Riley. I¡¯m here. I¡¯ll always be here.¡±


    The weight grew heavier. More earth. More stone. My arms began to bend, inch by inch, the strength bleeding from me. But I would not let her go. Not to this storm. Not to fate.


    A boulder crashed against my back, the shock a white-hot fire that ripped the air from my lungs. Blood filled my mouth, copper sharp against my tongue. My body buckled-just for a moment-then mmed down hard against Riley.


    Her hands reached for me in the dark, trembling, searching until her fingers brushed my cheek. Even blind in this chaos, she sought me.


    Her touch carved pain and sce into me both.


    The storm buried us. Darkness pressed in. But my wolf¡¯s vow burned fiercer than the thunder above:


    If the mountain wanted to take her, it would have to crush me first.

 in Vengeance 289

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    The weight pressed down until my bones screamed.


    +10 Free Coins


    Mud, stone, broken branches-the mountain wanted to bury us, to grind us into nothing. My arms trembled, bent under the crushing force. But even as blood trickled hot down my back, I refused to let go.


    Riley was beneath me. Small. Fragile. Alive only because I was holding the storm back with my own body.


    My wolf roared inside my chest, wing against the confines of my skin. Enough. Enough of human fragility. Enough of bleeding and breaking. She is ours, and nothing will take her.


    I let go.


    The change ripped through me, spine snapping, muscles twisting, ws splitting from my hands. My body stretched and broke and rebuilt itself in fire and shadow. I threw my head back, jaws elongating, teeth piercing through gums, and I howled -the sound rising above the thunder, cutting through the storm like a de.


    The wolf took shape. My wolf. White as lightning, vast as the storm itself.


    The earth that had pinned me moments before now slid harmlessly down my shoulders, breaking over my fur and ws as if I were a boulder rooted into the mountain. I shook, spraying mud in every direction, and forced thendslide back with brute strength and fury.


    Rileyy beneath me, eyes wide, lips parted, rain streaking across her pale face. She whispered my name-my human name-but it didn¡¯t matter. She knew it was <ol><li></li></ol>


    I bent down, nudging her with my muzzle, urging her close. She clutched my fur, burying her fingers deep, and I lifted her carefully onto my back.


    ¡°Alpha!¡± Caelum¡¯s voice broke through the storm, rough with relief and panic. He¡¯d wed his way across the mudslide, his clothes torn, his face streaked with blood and dirt. ¡°I thought-¡±


    8:28 pm ED


    +10 Free Coins


    I cut him off with a growl, deep andmanding, and jerked my head toward the path. No time for words. We had to move.


    He understood at once. That was why he was my shield-brother. He turned, clearing a path ahead with the instinct of a wolf who had marched through war. I followed, every stride of my wolf-form deliberate, steady, Riley¡¯s weight light against my back. She clung to me, her heartbeat fluttering like a wounded bird.


    We pushed through the storm, the mountain groaning behind us, until atst the mud gave way to gravel and the trail widened. My paws dug into the earth, throwing water and dirt behind me, carrying us down the slope with savage speed.


    The night blurred. The storm raged. And then-the faint glow of headlights.


    Our vehicle. The one Caelum had left at the mountain¡¯s base.


    I bounded thest stretch,nding in the mud beside the car. Caelum wrenched the doors open, leaping into the driver¡¯s seat, already starting the engine. I shifted back in a rush of snapping bones, cradling Riley against my chest as I slid into the backseat.


    Her lips were bloodless, her eyes half-lidded. I pressed my forehead to hers, my breath ragged. ¡°Stay with me, Riley. Just a little longer. You¡¯re not leaving me in this storm.¡±


    99


    The car lurched forward, tires skidding against wet rock. Caelum drove like the devil himself was chasing us, every second carved from fate¡¯s knife edge.


    Riley¡¯s pulse fluttered weakly beneath my fingers. Too weak. My wolf snarled, furious at the fragility of flesh, at the gods who would dare make her suffer.


    And then-through the thunder and rain-came a sound. Faint. Raw. Familiar.


    A voice.


    ¡°¡­help¡­¡±


    Caelum¡¯s knuckles tightened on the wheel. His gaze flicked to mine in the rearview mirror. He¡¯d heard it too.


    The sound came again, weaker, as if carried on the wind itself. ¡°¡­ Lucien¡­¡±


    Scarlett.


    8:28 pm ED


    +10 Free Coins


    I mmed a hand against the window, forcing Caelum to a halt. The tires shrieked in protest. Riley stirred faintly against my chest, whispering something I couldn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Stay here,¡± I snarled,ying her gently on the seat. My wolf wed beneath my skin, restless, demanding action. I shoved the door open and leapt into the storm.


    The voice guided me-broken, faltering, but desperate enough to cut through the downpour. I found her slumped against a rock outcropping, her body broken, her breath shallow, eyes ssy with pain.


    Scarlett.


    Her scent was drenched with blood. Her hands wed weakly toward me as if even now she didn¡¯t believe I woulde.


    I crouched beside her, the rain washing crimson from her skin, and pressed my palm to her cheek. ¡°I won¡¯t let you die.¡±


    Her lips trembled. ¡°It¡¯s toote¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡± My voice came out a growl, my wolf seething through every word. ¡°You will live. I¡¯ll drag you back from the grave itself if I have to.¡±


    She tried to shake her head, but I gripped her tighter, leaning close so she couldn¡¯t look away. ¡°Not until what was stolen from Riley is restored. Not until her kidney is returned to her body. Do you understand me? You don¡¯t get to die until then.¡±


    For a moment, something sparked in her gaze-shame, despair, perhaps even the faintest ember of defiance. She breathed out a broken sound that might have been a sob.


    I lifted her into my arms, her weight barely more than Riley¡¯s. My body ached, torn and battered, but strength surged anew. My wolf fed me its fury, its refusal to break.


    Back at the car, Caelum swung the door open, his face pale but resolute. ¡°Hospitals are thirty minutes if we drive like hell.¡±


    ¡°Then drive like hell,¡± I snapped, lowering Scarlett onto the seat beside Riley.


    I sat between them, one arm wrapped protectively around Riley, the other bracing Scarlett against me as the car tore down the mountain road.


    8:28 pm ED


    14:


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    The storm still raged outside, lightning splitting the sky, thunder pounding the earth. But inside that car, I made my vow in silence, my wolf¡¯s growl rumbling low in my chest.


    Riley would live. Scarlett would live¡ªlong enough to make things right.


    Because I was Lucien Duskgrave, Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack.


    And no storm, no mountain, no fate would take them from me.


    Or so I thought.


    We hadn¡¯t driven a mile before the world itself split open.


    A roar like the sky copsing cracked through the night. The mountainside above us convulsed, stones tearing free, trees shattering as roots ripped from the soil. Caelum cursed, mming the wheel, tires shrieking as he tried to outpace the copse.


    But it was toote.


    A shadow darker than the storm fell over us, vast boulders tumbling like the fists of gods. I had one heartbeat to decide.


    My wolf surged, savage and absolute. No hesitation. No fear. Only instinct- protect.


    ¡°Down!¡± I snarled, wrapping my arms around Riley, shoving her against the floor of the car, my body folding over hers. My bones shifted, half-shift dragging ws and fur from my skin as I braced myself between her and the roof. My back arched, muscles screaming as the first stone struck.


    Metal screamed. ss shattered.


    The roof caved inward.


    I roared, a sound torn from my chest, my wolf lending me strength no mortal body could hold. Every ounce of my being poured into holding the weight back, even as steel bent into my spine and the boulders hammered down.


    Pain split me open. Fire raced down my nerves. My vision blurred. But beneath me, Riley was untouched, her soft breath still rising and falling, fragile but alive.


    8:28 pm


    ED


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    Scarlett¡¯s cry was faint, Caelum¡¯s voice lost in the storm, but none of it mattered.


    Only Riley.


    Only her heartbeat.


    The car groaned onest time before the mountain¡¯s wrath consumed it whole.


    And with myst strength, I swore again¡ªthis storm would not take her. Not while a single drop of blood still burned in my veins.


    8:28 pm E

 in Vengeance 290

    Riley¡¯s POV


    My heart clenched so hard it felt like it might tear apart.


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    ¡°Lucien, are you alright? Don¡¯t¡ªdon¡¯t waste your strength on me! I¡¯m nothing but a cripple. I¡¯m not worth this!¡±


    But he didn¡¯t answer, or maybe he couldn¡¯t. He only held me tighter, his body pressed against mine, shielding me from the crushing storm of stone and mud.


    In that suffocating darkness, every breath was ragged, every heartbeat sharp in my ears. I could feel his heart against me-strong at first, steady as an Alpha¡¯s¡ªbut then weaker¡­ slower.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Tears blurred my eyes. Guilt crashed over me harder than thendslide. If not for me, Lucien would never have been dragged into this. He¡¯d never have been broken beneath this mountain.


    ¡°Lucien Duskgrave, you can¡¯t die! You promised me-you said you¡¯d stay by my side!¡± My voice cracked, swallowed by thunder and the grinding avnche.


    His lips brushed my ear. A whisper, so faint I almost imagined it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ be afraid¡­¡±


    Then nothing. His body went still against mine.


    Terror flooded me. The kind that ws and tears, that drowns the soul. I screamed for help, the sound raw and frantic, but no one answered. Only the storm, only the weight, only silence.


    The mud pressed tighter. The air thinned. My lungs burned, my head spun, and the world around me began to fade. Myst thought before ckness took me was his face-his eyes, his strength, his vow to protect me.


    And then there was nothing.


    I woke to the sting of antiseptic.


    Before my eyes even opened, I knew the scent: hospitals. The sharp, sterile tang of


    8:28 pm ED


    +10 Free Coins


    death fought back with human tools. My chest seized, memory mming back- thendslide, Lucien¡¯s body over mine, the weight of stone, his heartbeat weakening.


    I snapped my eyes open. White ceiling. White walls. Machines chirping steadily like false heartbeats.


    I was alive.


    But Lucien-where was he?


    I tried to sit up, tried to throw myself out of the bed, but my body betrayed me. Nothing moved. My limbs were heavy, numb, lifeless. Panic wed at me. Was I paralyzed?


    ¡°No¡­¡± I whispered, voice breaking. Then louder, desperate: ¡°Nurse! Nurse!¡±


    A woman appeared, pushing a wheelchair. Her body was rounder, her face hidden behind a mask. She moved without urgency, without warmth.


    ¡°Lucien,¡± I gasped. ¡°Lucien Duskgrave-where is he? Tell me, is he alright?¡±


    Her voice was t, almost cold. ¡°He¡¯s fine. If you wish to see him, I can take you.¡±


    Something about her tone scratched at me. Familiar. Wrong. But my chest was filled with only Lucien. My mind burned with the need to see him, to know he still breathed.


    ¡°Yes-take me. Please, now.¡±


    She leaned closer, lifted me from the bed with surprising strength, and settled me into the chair. My body sagged, useless, my nerves still poisoned with whatever they¡¯d given me. She wheeled me into the hall, down to the elevator.


    I sagged against the chair, impatient, my wolf snarling inside me to run, to find him, to feel his heartbeat again.


    But then-I saw the button she pressed.


    Bl.


    My heart lurched. ¡°The basement? But¡­ the patient wards aren¡¯t¡ª¡±


    8:28 pm ED


    She didn¡¯t answer. Silence smothered us, thick and heavy.


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    A prickle of fear crawled over my skin. Slowly, I turned my head toward her. And met eyes that burned with hate.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a nurse,¡± I whispered. My chest tightened. My wolf bristled, restless, warning me. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The mask came off.


    I froze. Recognition mmed into me. ¡°Selene Ashford¡­¡±


    I¡¯d only seen her once-at Carmen¡¯s birthday gathering in the Silverfang Den. But her face was burned into memory. The bitterness in her smile, the venom in her gaze. She¡¯d changed-softer, rounder, but those eyes¡­ I would never forget them.


    Her lips curled into a smile that reeked of poison. ¡°Surprised, Riley?¡±


    I swallowed, my hands gripping the useless arms of the chair. ¡°What are you doing here? Where¡¯s Lucien?¡±


    Herugh was sharp, cutting. ¡°You¡¯re still thinking of him? Even when you¡¯re at my mercy? Gods, you really are a whore, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    I tried to rise, tried to summon strength-but my body refused me. My limbs were dead weight, the anesthesia still thick in my veins.


    She saw my struggle, smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t waste your strength. The drugs haven¡¯t worn off yet. You¡¯re not going anywhere.¡±


    My blood ran cold. ¡°Drugs¡­? You-you drugged me?¡±


    Selene leaned close, her breath acrid, her words dripping with venom. ¡°Not me. The doctors. You needed anesthesia for the surgery.¡±


    ¡°Surgery?¡± My voice cracked. My wolf snarled inside me, restless, afraid. ¡°What surgery?¡±


    Her grin widened. ¡°The one where they cut you open. Where they gave back your kidney,¡±


    The words hit me like a de to the chest.


    8:28 pm ED


    +10 Free Coins


    My kidneys are back and I¡¯m aplete wolf now, but Sia, my wolf still weak in my body, it must be that damn wolfsbane.


    Selene¡¯s eyes glittered with triumph, with spite. ¡°You didn¡¯t know? Oh, Riley. All this time you thought Lucien was your shield, your Alpha. Do you know what he endured while you slept? His legs were shattered by the mountain, crushed beyond recognition. And yet¡­ he sat outside that operating room for a full day and night. Broken. Bleeding. Just to make sure your surgery seeded.¡±


    Herughter cut me open. ¡°And for what? You, lying here, helpless. Worthless. Still clinging to him like a leech.¡±


    I wanted to scream. To fight. To rip her throat out with my own teeth. But my body was stone, my limbs dead.


    Inside me, my wolf raged, battering against the cage of anesthesia, howling for Lucien, howling for blood.


    And in that moment, I swore-I would not stay weak. Not for her. Not for fate. Not for anyone.


    Selene seemed to see the rage in my heart. She just sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about shifting. I know you have a white wolf, and now you have got your kidney back. I¡¯ve been nning for a long time to find this perfect time. Now that you¡¯re at your weakest, it¡¯s time to make you pay the price.¡±


    8:28 pm

 in Vengeance 291

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    My chest ached with every breath, each word Selene Ashford spat sinking into me like poisoned ws.


    ¡°Lucien¡­¡± I whispered, my voice trembling, desperate. ¡°Tell me-


    -how is Lucien Duskgrave? What have you done to him?¡±


    Selene¡¯s lips curled into a sneer, her eyes burning with madness. ¡°How would I know-or care? A fool like him deserves death. Better gone than wasting his strength on a filthy thing like you.¡±


    Her words cut deeper than any de. My heart twisted, torn between fear and fury. I wanted to rise, to strike, to tear the smirk from her face with my own teeth -but the drugs still chained my body, leaving me weak and trembling in her grip.


    The elevator chimed, a hollow sound that echoed through the suffocating silence. Ding.


    The doors slid open to reveal the underground parking level, dim and cold, shadows crawling across the concrete like hungry wolves. The air was damp, reeking of oil and dust, and I knew-this was no ce for healing. This was a den of death.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± My voice cracked with panic as Selene shoved me forward. My wolf howled inside me, wing at the walls of my mind, demanding I fight, demanding I protect what was mine. I thrashed as much as my limp body allowed, the wheelchair rattling across the concrete. ¡°Let me go! I need to see Lucien!¡±


    My defiance only enraged her. With a snarl, Selene raised her hand and struck me hard across the face. The sound cracked through the empty garage, and fire exploded along my jaw. Warmth spilled from the corner of my mouth-blood, sharp and metallic on my tongue.


    ¡°Bitch,¡± she spat, eyes zing with hate. ¡°Stop struggling. You fell into my hands- do you think you¡¯ll ever escape?¡±


    She yanked my head back by the hair, forcing me to meet her wild gaze. My scalp burned, tears stung my eyes, but I refused to look away.


    8:28 pm


    +10 Free Coins


    Her voice dripped with venom. ¡°Do you know what he did to me, that Alpha you cling to? Six months ago, Lucien forced me to gorge on sweets, on cakes every damned day until my body broke. I grew heavier, bloated, my beauty ruined. I starved, I wed at myself, and still the weight clung to me. And then-diabetes. Pain. Shame.¡±


    Herugh was jagged, fraying at the edges of sanity. ¡°He ruined me. So now, I¡¯ll ruin him. I¡¯ll make him suffer as I suffered-watching the only woman he loves vanish into the shadows.¡±


    I bared my teeth, every fiber of my being screaming to sink fangs into her throat. My voice came out a growl, raw and trembling: ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡±


    Selene¡¯s grin widened, feral. ¡°And Carmen-oh, sweet Carmen, your precious friend. When she learns you¡¯re gone, she¡¯ll unravel, won¡¯t she? She¡¯ll search until she breaks. I can already picture her scouring the Stormridge borders, screaming your name, her soul tearing apart piece by piece. And I¡¯ll watch her despair, and I¡¯llugh.¡±


    Herughter rang through the garage, sharp and unhinged. I fought against the chair, my wrists aching, my nails tearing skin, but my body refused me.


    Selene shoved me toward a waiting vehicle. Its door swung open with a groan, revealing a figure inside-familiar, despised.


    Maddox.


    The sight of him turned my stomach to ash. My blood boiled, rage searing through the helpless fog of drugs. My voice dropped to a low snarl. ¡°You. Maddox. So this was your scheme all along with her?¡±


    ¨C


    For a heartbeat, I saw hesitation in his eyes. Guilt. Fear. Then it was gone, reced by a polished mask, his lips twisting into that false, charming smile I¡¯d once been too na?ve to see through.


    He leaned forward, his hand lifting as though to caress my face. I jerked away, revulsion ripping through me. His hand fell short.


    Still, he kept smiling. ¡°Riley, you don¡¯t understand. You and I-we¡¯re fated. Star- crossed. Lucien? He¡¯s a prince, a Stormridge Alpha heir. Do you truly believe he sees you as anything more than a fleeting amusement?¡±


    His voice softened, oily with false sincerity. ¡°Come with me, Riley. Be mine, and


    8:28 pm GD


    I¡¯ll give you the happiness you deserve.¡±


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    Myugh was bitter, hollow. ¡°Happiness? With you? Maddox, you are rot disguised as silk. You disgust me.¡±


    His eyes hardened, but he said nothing. Selene snarled, impatient. With cruel hands, she dragged me from the chair and shoved me into the car. My body sagged, numb and unresponsive, but inside my wolf raged, mming against the walls of my skin, demanding blood.


    I screamed, throat raw, the sound tearing from me like a wolf¡¯s death-howl. ¡°Help! Someone-help me! They¡¯re trying to take me¡ª!¡±


    Before I could finish, Maddox pressed a cloth to my mouth and nose.


    The scent hit me instantly-sweet, cloying, poisonous. My lungs convulsed, the world tilting. My wolf recoiled, thrashing, but the drug was stronger.


    No. Not again.


    Memories flooded me, sharp and cruel: the night I fled the Ebonw Pack, running for freedom. The Mooncrest station, the train almost in sight. And then- the hand, the cloth, the darkness. Theo Hale¡¯s trap dragging me back into chains.


    And now-it was happening again. Maddox¡¯s face loomed over me, blurred at the edges, his voice a venomous whisper.


    My chest heaved. My ws tried to tear free, my wolf howled, but my body failed me. The fog thickened, swallowing everything.


    ¡°No¡­¡± My lips barely moved. The word vanished into the cloth. My vision flickered, stars bursting against the ck.


    Lucien¡¯s face burned in my mind. His hands, his warmth, his vow. My Alpha. My


    storm.


    Darkness surged, drowning me.


    And I fell.


    8:28 pm GD

 in Vengeance 292

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    The sterile silence of the hospital corridor was broken only by the click of a door utching. The red light above the surgical ward flickered off, and the door slowly opened.


    Lucien Duskgrave was wheeled out on a gurney, pale and motionless. Caelum Knox, who had been standing guard outside for hours without rest, immediately stepped forward.


    The surgeon removed his mask, his voice calm but edged with gravity. ¡°The patient¡¯s leg bones have been reset. The surgery was sessful. But he must remain in bed for at least a month. Absolutely no weight on his legs during this period.¡±


    Caelum frowned, his wolf restless under his skin. ¡°Why won¡¯t his healing take care of it? He is Alpha-born. His regeneration should outpace any fracture.¡±


    The doctor¡¯s eyes darkened with something close to unease. ¡°Normally, yes. But not in this case. His injuries were sustained mid-shift. The bones snapped while caught between man and wolf form. That kind of rupture distorts the very alignment of spirit and flesh. His natural regeneration cannot decide what shape to knit to-it stalls, caught in the fracture.¡±


    Caelum¡¯s jaw tightened. He had seen it before-rare, brutal. The kind of wound even an Alpha might not walk away from.


    The doctor added, ¡°If we had left him to self-heal, his legs might have fused incorrectly-half human, half wolf. A permanent deformity. Surgery was the only way to guide the bone back into proper alignment. Now, only time and restraint will allow his body to finish what our hands have started.¡±


    Caelum gave a terse nod, then pushed Lucien into a private recovery room. For a time, silence stretched, broken only by the faint rhythmic beeping of machines.


    Atst, Lucien stirred. Hisshes fluttered, and his eyes-still sharp despite the pallor of exhaustion-opened. His first words were not about himself.


    ¡°How is Riley?¡± His voice was hoarse, but the urgency in it was unmistakable.


    +10 Free Coins


    Caelum¡¯s lips twitched into something close to reassurance. ¡°You may rest easy, Alpha. Riley¡¯s transnt surgery was sessful. The organ was her own to begin with; there will be no rejection. Her body just needs time to recover. In fact, she may heal faster than your legs.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s gaze flickered toward his bandaged limbs, silver eyes shadowed but steady. He understood. He remembered thendslide, the way he had forced a partial shift to shield Riley from the falling boulders. His body had paid the price for that choice.


    A faint smile ghosted across his otherwise ashen face. Relief loosened the tension etched in his features. ¡°Good. With her body mended, she¡¯ll no longer carry the weight of guilt. She won¡¯t think of leaving me anymore.¡±


    His eyes hardened, his tone edged with iron. ¡°Her legs and her hearing still need attention. I¡¯ll find the finest specialists in the world, no matter the price. I will see her whole again.¡±


    Then, as if an afterthought, he asked, ¡°And Scarlett?¡±


    Caelum¡¯s expression darkened. Hisugh was sharp, cold, with no trace of pity. ¡°Dead.¡±


    Lucien blinked. ¡°Dead? For the loss of one kidney alone?¡±


    Caelum shook his head slowly, voice edged with disdain. ¡°Her death was no simple matter of a missing organ.¡±


    The memory rose before him vividly.


    Also she was saved by Lucien once, but when the mountainside copsed again, Scarlett had been struck down by falling stone. The massive boulders crushed her lower body, pinning her beneath their weight. Pain had burned through her so violently that, for a fleeting moment, the madness clouding her mind receded. Instinct-the raw, animal drive to survive-forced its way through her delirium.


    ¡°Help me,¡± she had begged, her voice thin and desperate. ¡°Please¡­ I don¡¯t want to die. Save me.¡±


    But Caelum¡¯s focus then had been singr: Riley and Lucien. He had no time for a woman who had long chosen her own destruction.


    Scarlett¡¯s fingers had wed into the dirt, nails shattering one by one until they


    8:29 pm ED


    +10 Free Coins


    were torn and bleeding. She had dragged furrows in the earth as if sheer will might free her, but the stone never relented. Her screams grew weaker, her strength bled out onto the soil, until the light in her eyes guttered and went dark.


    By the time she was carried into surgery alongside Riley, there was nothing left of her but the shallow flutter of a dying breath. When her kidney was harvested, her body gave in entirely, and she perished upon the table.


    Lucien listened in silence. His expression betrayed little¡ªno grief, no pity. Only the cold weight of inevitability. Scarlett had sown the seeds of her own end.


    ¡°She chose her path,¡± he said atst. His tone was t, final. ¡°Caelum, leave me. Go check on Riley.¡±


    Caelum inclined his head, shoulders taut with restrained tension. He obeyed without hesitation, striding swiftly to Riley¡¯s ward.


    Yet when he entered, the sight that met him stopped him cold.


    The bed was empty.


    Sheetsy rumpled, the air still faintly carrying her scent, but the girl herself¡ª gone.


    For a moment his mind went white, nk with disbelief. Riley had just survived surgery. Her body was fragile, too weak to even walk, much less vanish. How could she simply disappear?


    A cold dread settled in his gut. Without wasting another heartbeat, Caelum summoned the attending physicians.


    When the doctors arrived and saw the vacant bed, their faces paled. Panic buzzed through them. Orders flew, and they rushed to pull the hospital¡¯s security footage.


    The monitors flickered to life, and the grainy recording yed.


    There she was. Riley-slumped in a wheelchair, her head tilted, her body limp with exhaustion.


    Behind her, a woman in nurse¡¯s scrubs pushed her through the hall. But she was no nurse. The body beneath the uniform was heavyset, the gait wrong, the face partially hidden by a mask.


    8:29 pm


    +10 Free Coins


    They watched as the imposter wheeled Riley through the hospital corridors, pressed the elevator button, and disappeared into the shadows of the lower levels.


    Caelum¡¯s hands curled into fists, his ws itching beneath his skin. His wolf snarled inside him, rage and fear colliding like thunder.


    She had been stolen. Taken from under their very noses.


    And whoever had dared toy hands on Riley Vale had just dered war on Stormridge Pack itself.


    3:29 pm ED

 in Vengeance 293

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Pain.


    +10 Free Coins


    That was the first thing I felt as consciousness wed me back from the void. The anesthesia had worn off, leaving only the raw, stabbing agony that radiated from my side. My new kidney-my own kidney, returned to me-burned like fire under my skin. Each breath felt like swallowing knives, and a cold sweat broke over me, dampening the thin shift clinging to my body.


    I forced my eyes open.


    Darkness.


    Not the dim haze of nightfall, not the shadow of hospital curtains, but smothering, unnatural ck. Panic fluttered in my chest until I heard the rough rustle of fabric.


    With a harsh ¡°whrrp,¡± the heavy drape was yanked away.


    Light flooded in, searing my vision. And there she was.


    Selene Ashford.


    Her smile was a twisted parody of grace, sharp as a fang. She leaned forward, amusement and malice mingling in her expression. ¡°Riley Vale,¡± she drawled, savoring my name like venom on her tongue, ¡°tell me how does it feel to live like a mongrel in a kennel?¡±


    Her voice slithered around me, mocking, cruel.


    ¡ª


    She began to circle the iron cage that confined me, her heels clicking against the floor with predatory rhythm. ¡°Tsk, tsk. Who would¡¯ve thought the betrothed of Lucien Duskgrave, Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack, would one day be reduced to this? A dog in a cage.¡± Herughter cracked sharp in the air, shrill and grating.


    The words would have gutted anyone else.


    But I¡¯d long since learned what it meant to be beaten, starved, caged, stripped of dignity. Insults slid off me like rain off a wolf¡¯s coat. I had already been made into


    8:29 pm ED


    prey so many times that mockery no longer pierced me.


    +10 Free Coins


    So I sat in the cage, back straight despite the ache in my side, and fixed her with a steady stare. My silence was my answer. My eyes told her the truth: she was nothing but a jester to me. A wolf howling into the void, desperate for attention.


    My calm only fanned her rage.


    Selene spat curses, her voice climbing higher with every breath. She circled, pacing like a restless predator. Ten minutes, maybe more-her voice cracked, her throat rasped, yet she raged on.


    I didn¡¯t give her the satisfaction of a single word.


    When atst she faltered, her lips dry and her fury spent, I let my own words spill, low and cold. ¡°Are you finished?¡±


    Her eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Good. Because now it¡¯s my turn.¡± I leaned forward, my hands curled loosely around the iron bars. ¡°You¡¯ve forgotten what happened six months ago. You¡¯ve forgotten how I broke you then. Do you really think Lucien would forgive this? Do you think he won¡¯t smell your stink of betrayal the moment I tell him?¡±


    The venom in my voice drew her close. Her face twisted, rage burning like wildfire. She leaned so close her hot breath ghosted my skin.


    ¡°Bitch,¡± she hissed, her eyes bloodshot, veins straining in her neck. ¡°You and Carmen ruined me! Took everything from me. I have nothing left to lose. Nothing! Do you hear me? I¡¯m barefoot on broken ss now, and I don¡¯t care if I bleed. If I go down, I¡¯ll drag you with me.¡±


    Her madness radiated off her like heat.


    Her lips peeled back in a grin that showed too much tooth. ¡°I want to watch you die slowly, Vale. I want to watch the Alpha Prince cradle your corpse, watch the light die in his eyes. Oh, the look on his face when he realizes you¡¯re gone will be exquisite.¡±


    My jaw tightened. I narrowed my eyes, letting my own truth cut her. ¡°Then listen well. I¡¯m already dying, Selene. My body is broken beyond repair. But you?¡± I tilted my head, my voice like a wolf¡¯s snarl, quiet but sharp. ¡°You could live decades. Every breath you take is one I can rip away. If I can trade this failing body for your


    8:29 pm


    life, it will be a fair bargain.¡±


    The words struck. I saw the fury re brighter.


    +10 Free Coins


    Her shriek ripped through the room. She mmed her hands against the cage, shaking the iron until it rattled. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll rip you apart, bitch!¡±


    I remained still, watching her unravel. The predator in me stirred, calm in the face of her hysteria. She thought me prey, but her frenzy betrayed her-she was the cornered one, snapping wildly at shadows.


    In truth, I almost weed the thought of death. Death meant freedom. No more pain. No more scars to carry. And I had my vengeance-Scarlett was gone. That knowledge gave me peace.


    Selene¡¯s eyes burned with wild light. Her hands fumbled across the table until her fingers curled around the hilt of a fruit knife. She brandished it with a trembling grip, her chest heaving.


    She was going to stab me.


    I didn¡¯t move.


    But then, atst, the silent wolf in the corner spoke.


    Maddox.


    His voice cracked through the room, heavy with contempt. ¡°Selene, have you lost your mind?¡± His gaze cut between us, sharp and assessing. ¡°Don¡¯t forget why you sought me out. You promised me Riley. And in return, you swore you¡¯d im Lucien Duskgrave for yourself. Now she¡¯s mine, and you¡¯ve yet to fulfill your end of the bargain. So why waste her life before you¡¯ve even secured his?¡±


    The knife stilled in her hand.


    I watched her with cold eyes, caged but unbroken, waiting to see which wolf would bare their fangs first.

 in Vengeance 294

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    I could feel Selene Ashford¡¯s gaze drilling into Maddox, like she had just seen the most ridiculous fool alive.


    ¡°Maddox,¡± she hissed, voice sharp as a de, ¡°you really believed a word I said? Every syble was bait-to find out everything about Riley Vale from your own mouth.¡±


    Her smirk widened, cruel and calcting. ¡°Otherwise¡­ how would I have known one of her kidneys was inside Scarlett? How would I have known she¡¯d thrown Scarlett into the mountains to rot for revenge? How would I have tracked her here, waited until she reimed the kidney, and struck when her body was weakest?¡±


    I felt a cold tremor run through him. Maddox¡¯s face drained of color, disbelief etched into every line. ¡°You¡­ used me?¡±


    Selene¡¯s eyes glinted with merciless amusement. ¡°You, in college, weren¡¯t you the same? Using me, using her, loving only yourself? Men like you are all the same, Maddox-selfish beasts.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s hands shook, rage and shame twisting through him. He lunged, swinging to strike Selene, but she was as slippery as a serpent. She dodged effortlessly, and before he could recover, her hand struck him with a smack that made his skull rattle, his ears ringing.


    ¡°You dare waste your pity,¡± she spat, ¡°don¡¯t forget, Maddox, we¡¯re trapped on the same rope here. Helping me won¡¯t earn Riley Vale any gratitude.¡±


    I didn¡¯t flinch. I just sat there, caged, silent. Every word, every motion they made, burned into me. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, muscles coiling and ws itching beneath my fingertips. My pulse slowed. My senses sharpened.


    Maddox turned toward me. His gaze met mine, and my chest tightened. I could feel his remorse, his longing, as if some invisible hand gripped his heart. His words came, raw, broken, a plea dressed in love:


    ¡°Riley¡­ I loved you too much. That¡¯s why I tried to take you for myself. Don¡¯t hate me, please. I swear, as long as you stay with me, I will never hurt you again.¡±


    8:29 pm ED


    Iughed coldly, low and bitter. ¡°Hypocrite.¡±


    It was enough to set him off. Maddox wheeled himself closer to the cage, clenched, voice rough with fury and despair.


    +10 Free Coins


    teeth


    ¡°Riley Vale! What do you want from me? Look at me! Do you know what I¡¯ve lost because of you? These legs¡­ broken. If it weren¡¯t for you, no one could have done this-Lucien, that monster-he would never have touched me!¡±


    He shook, chest heaving. ¡°I lost my legs because of you, and I¡¯ve never hated you for it. But you¡­ five years in a cage, and now you¡¯re whole, intact, unharmed. You don¡¯t see how much worse my life has been? Even if I made mistakes, even if I wronged you once¡­ I¡¯ve already paid in full. So why do you punish me with your silence?¡±


    My eyes narrowed, ice recing any warmth I had once felt. I saw him for what he truly was-entitled, selfish, blind to the real consequences of his actions. My wolf¡¯s growl rose deep in my chest. He had no idea. No idea what it meant to survive the darkness, to w through the rubble of my own life.


    ¡®You speak as if your suffering cancels mine,¡± I said, voice low, deliberate, my ws pressing into my palms beneath the skin. ¡°You have no right.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s chest heaved. His words spilled like venom: ¡°Back at the Ebonw¡­ we were close. You were kind, innocent. Why have you be so petty, so exacting? You¡¯re unbearable!¡±


    I smiled. Cold. Empty. My wolf curled tight inside me, alert, sensing every twitch of his body, every spike of fear.


    That was his truth, the part he never admitted: he had never understood me, never truly seen the cost of his own selfishness. And now he came here, crawling for forgiveness, expecting me to bow.


    I turned my face away. I would not give him the satisfaction of my gaze. I would not waste my energy on him.


    ¡°Riley!¡± His shout ripped through the room, hoarse and ragged. ¡°What more do you want? You¡¯ve gone too far! I¡¯ve never seen anyone so¡­ dramatic.¡±


    I ignored him. My ears tuned instead to the movement behind the cage. Selene, silent now, was retrieving something. The metallic clink of the kitchen echoed ominously.


    8:29 pm ED


    +10 Free Coins


    She returned, holding a basin of scalding water, steam curling like smoke around her.


    ¡°Riley Vale,¡± she hissed, grin wicked and triumphant, ¡°kneel and beg. Admit your faults, admit you¡¯re a worthless piece of trash, and maybe¡­ just maybe, I¡¯ll let you go.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond. My wolf growled low, tailshing against the cage floor.


    She had lost patience. ¡°Stubborn, are we? Fine!¡±


    The water tilted. The heat hit me like fire. I flinched, tried to move, but the iron bars trapped me. My wolf howled inside me, ws scrabbling, teeth grinding. Sia roared in my mind. I should have shifted, but because I had just had the transnt surgery and the wolfsbane suppressed my body, I had no strength at all.


    Pain red, burning hot, but I endured. Pain was nothing new. Survival was everything.


    And I would survive.

 in Vengeance 295

    Riley¡¯s POV


    +10 Free Coins


    The scalding water hit me like molten steel. Pain red across my skin, white-hot and consuming. I screamed, guttural and raw, the sound tearing from my throat as I curled into myself on the cold floor. My body, already weakened from surgery, could barely withstand the onught. Blisters erupted instantly, the scent of burnt flesh mixing with iron from the cuts and scrapes I already bore.


    Selene Ashford didn¡¯t even flinch. Sheughed-high-pitched, cruel, like a wolf teasing prey. Her eyes glittered with that familiar malice, sharp and predatory.


    Maddox stood nearby, his face twisted with conflicting emotions-rage, regret, helplessness. ¡°Riley¡­ this isn¡¯t necessary,¡± he muttered, voice low and almost strangled. ¡°Just obey her, don¡¯t fight¡­ you¡¯ll spare yourself the worst of it.¡±


    I red at him, teeth gritted. Maddox, you fool. You don¡¯t get to lecture me. Not now. Not ever. You caused your own ruin. My wolf growled low in my chest, a warning I didn¡¯t bother hiding. My body ached, skin on fire, but I refused to give in.


    Selene circled me like a huntress, eyes calcting, lips curled. ¡°Oh, look at you, squirming like some pathetic little pup. Is that all you¡¯ve got, Riley Vale? I thought you¡¯d be stronger. I thought you¡¯d fight back, but here you are, helpless and weak.¡±


    Her words cut deeper than any knife. My wolf surged, coiling within me, ws itching to rend, teeth bared. But my body refused my will. The transformation¡ª the shift¡ªwas far fromplete. I was too weak.


    Selene knelt beside me, tipping my head back roughly by the chin. ¡°I¡¯ve got to admit, it¡¯s almost disappointing,¡± she whispered, almost tenderly, before pping me across the face. Pain exploded in my jaw, a sharp, stinging fire. ¡°But don¡¯t worry¡­ I have plenty more fun nned for you.¡±


    Maddox flinched at the p, jaw tight, fists clenching. He hated seeing me like this. He hated himself even more. ¡°Selene¡­ stop,¡± he said, voice strained. ¡°You¡¯re pushing too far¡­¡±


    ¡°You? Silence!¡± Selene snapped at him, standing tall, eyes burning like twin moons of wrath. ¡°You¡¯ve lost the right to speak for her. You brought her to me, Maddox. You¡¯ve given me every reason to punish her. Every. Single. One.¡±


    +10 Free Coins


    Her words hung in the air like a curse. My wolf growled, my senses sharpening. I could smell her pulse, her fear of nothing, the calm madness in her blood. She wanted control. She wanted me broken. And she would have it if I let her.


    Selene didn¡¯t give me a chance to recover. She yanked a length of coarse rope from the corner and pressed it to my shoulders. The iron bars of the cage kept me pinned, exposed. She tugged and pulled, forcing me to kneel awkwardly, skin tearing in protest. Every movement sent shockwaves of pain across my body.


    Maddox¡¯s protests grew louder, his frustration and helplessness blending into a low growl of his own wolf instincts. But Selene ignored him, whispering threats, calling me worthless, a pup unworthy of surviving in the wild. Her hands were merciless, precise-never careless, always calcted to maximize suffering.


    I tried to focus, centering myself. My wolf wed at the edges of the pain, pushing it back, letting rage fill the cracks. I could hear the distant howls of my pack in my mind, feel their presence through the bond Lucien had tied to me-warning me, feeding me, promising me vengeance.


    Selene¡¯s lips twisted in satisfaction. She paused, crouching before me, and drew something from her pocket-a small, glowingmunication stone. She held it up like a talisman. Her eyes gleamed.


    ¡®Let¡¯s see if our friends are ready for the fun,¡± she murmured. Her fingers tapped the surface. The stone glowed brighter, sending a sharp pulse through the air.


    I felt a cold thrill run down my spine, not of fear, but anticipation. Whatever Selene was summoning, whatever hand she was calling in¡­ my wolf wanted it. Wanted the hunt, wanted the blood, wanted the reckoning that wasing.


    Pain, fury, and instinct mingled inside me. I was trapped. I was vulnerable. But I was not defeated. Not yet.


    Selene¡¯sugh echoed in the empty room as the stone buzzed to life.

 in Vengeance 296

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Outside Ashmoor Academy, two sleek luxury cars gleamed under the morning sun, engines idling <b>with </b>impatient hums. Jace Hale snorted, shooting a re at Duke. ¡°You¡¯re relentless, you know that? Carmen hates you, yet you keep shoving yourself in her way.¡±


    Duke didn¡¯t answer. Instead, his gaze shifted to Theo Hale. ¡°So this is your brother? Clever as you are<b>, </b><b>he </b>looks like a fire spirit wandering lost in the mist. Hard to believe you two share blood.¡±


    Theo¡¯s eyebrows rose, caught off guard. He had never imagined that the girl Jace liked¨CCarmen¡ªwould also be the object of Duke¡¯s interest.


    Jace¡¯s face darkened at Duke¡¯s teasing. ¡°You¡¯re the fire spirit, not him. Your whole family is full of them.¡±


    ¡°Jace,¡± Theo intervened gently, cing a hand on his brother¡¯s shoulder.


    Jace waved him off, displeasure clear. ¡°Brother, why are you defending him? Are you my brother or his? <b>If </b>I¡¯d known, I wouldn¡¯t have brought you along to meet Carmen.¡±


    Their bickering stopped abruptly as Carmen emerged from the school gates.


    Jace immediately waved. ¡°Carmen! Over here!¡±


    Carmen¡¯s stomach sank at the sight of the two. Truthfully, she wanted to disappear rather than confront either one of them. She tried to ignore their presence when Duke¡¯s phone rang.


    He fished it out and nced at the screen¨CCaelum Knox calling. The urgency in his voice made Duke answer immediately. ¡°Caelum, how are the Alpha Lucien and Miss Riley?¡±


    Carmen froze. The name Riley sparked a jolt of fear in her chest. She stepped closer, straining to catch every word.


    Caelum¡¯s voice came through, tense, sharp. ¡°We encountered andslide in the mountains. Alpha Lucien¡¯s legs were crushed.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Duke¡¯s voice cracked with shock.


    Carmen¡¯s heart hammered. ¡°Riley¡­ what happened to Riley?¡±


    ¡°She underwent a kidney transnt sessfully, but¡­ she¡¯s been kidnapped immediately after waking.¡± Caelum continued.


    The words hit Carmen like ice water. Riley had just survived a major operation, her body weak and vulnerable. And now, she was gone¨Ctaken by unknown hands. Fear, anger, and helplessness roared through her, twin fires threatening to consume her.


    Carmen grabbed Duke¡¯s arm, voice trembling. ¡°Take me to her, now!¡±


    Duke wasted no time. He flung himself into his car, engine growling like a predator on <b>the hunt</b><b>. </b><b>Carmen </b>jumped in, gripping the seat as the car lurched forward.


    11:21 Wed<b>, </b>27 Aug DU


    Jace¡¯s face darkened as he watched them speed off. Realizing the severity of the situation, he quickly started his car, Theo beside him, and they followed Duke¡¯s vehicle down the winding roads.


    The cars tore through the streets like hunting wolves, leaving everything else in a blur. Carmen¡¯s knuckles whitened as she clenched her fists, anger and fear mingling, eyes burning crimson with fury. Riley, hold on. I¡¯ming. Anyone who dares touch her will pay


    Meanwhile, three others were mobilizing with the same grim intent. They were Scarlett¡¯s father, mother. and younger brother¨CDean Elira, Caden, and Otto. Without Ebonw Pack¡¯s resources backing them. they had returned to Mooncrest and discovered the truth of Riley¡¯s fate..


    When they learned that Scarlett had been thrown into the mountains, left vulnerable to whoever prowled there, hatred red. They had been waiting for their chance at revenge, and now, with Scarlett reported dead, that chance had arrived.


    The trio¡¯s movements were swift and silent, their wolf instincts honed over years of pack life guiding them. Each step was deliberate, predatory, as if stalking prey in the shadows. They had been given Riley¡¯s location by Selene Ashford, who had coldly informed them of the girl¡¯s capture.


    Selene herself was in high spirits, her smile cruel and sharp. Maddox, by contrast, frowned deeply. ¡°Why call them here?¡± he asked, unease tightening his chest.


    Selene¡¯sugh was icy. ¡°Why? To make Riley suffer, of course. They won¡¯t kill her outright¨Cnot yet. But they will teach her the meaning of pain. I want her alive, trapped in torment, begging for a repriev will nevere.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°You¡¯re insane. They¡¯ll kill her!¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Selene replied, voice low, venomous. ¡°They¡¯ll break her. Every scream, every tear¨Ccaptured on camera. I want the world to watch Riley Vale writhe, to see her suffering etched across every inch of her. This isn¡¯t just punishment¨Cit¡¯s a spectacle. And I will be the one to broadcast it.¡±


    Her eyes glinted with predatory joy as she envisioned the scene. Maddox felt a cold chill creep along his spine, the familiar sting of helplessness. Selene¡¯s wolf prowled just beneath her skin, senses heightened, hunting, reveling in the suffering she orchestrated.


    2


    In the mountains, Riley¨Calready weakened, still recovering from her kidney transnt¨Cwas trapped in the hands of the most merciless predators she had ever faced. Her instincts screamed, her pack senses howled warnings she could barely heed. Every heartbeat, every step, every calcted cruelty brought her closer to despair.


    Selene, triumphant, held up a smallmunication stone, her fingers brushing across it lightly. The device glowed ominously. Her smile widened as she prepared to call in the next wave of torment, her ws and fangs metaphorically sharpening for the hunt toe.

 in Vengeance 297

    Riley¡¯s POV


    Selene¡¯sughter was sharp, cruel,


    ¡°You¡¯re insane,¡± Maddox muttered, his voice low with uncase. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s wrath? That devil won¡¯t forgive this.¡±


    ¡°Wrath?¡± Selene tilted her head, smiling with venom. ¡°I stopped caring about his vengeance the moment I took Riley Vale. You think I care what the Stormridge prince does<b>?</b><b>¡± </b>


    Her words struck like ws dragging over bone.


    ¡°Originally, I even thought about seducing that arrogant wolf,¡± she sneered, ¡°getting something out of him. But he shoved cake after cake down my throat like I was a joke, left me bloated, sick, diabetic¡­ Now I have nothing. Nothing. So tell me, why should I fear him? He should fear me. I can¡¯t wait to watch him shatter when he learns Riley has vanished.¡±


    Her boots echoed on the floor as she came closer. Iy barely conscious, fire burning through my veins. The fever raged so hot it felt like my body was splitting in two. My lips were cracked and dry, my wounds. raw, infection eating into me.


    Maddox¡¯s shadow fell across me, and I felt the tremble in his voice. ¡°She¡¯s burning up, Selene. Please¡­ at least give her medicine.¡±


    The sharp crack of a p resounded, and Maddox reeled back, cheek swelling red.


    ¡°Pathetic,¡± Selene spat. ¡°No wonder she never wanted you. Even I wouldn¡¯t look twice at a spineless mutt like you. Riley doesn¡¯t care for you¨Cso why should you care for her?¡±


    Her words cut deeper than the fever.


    ¡°If I were you,¡± she hissed, leaning close, ¡°I would have taken her the moment she left the prison. She was a branded wolf, a convict. Who would have believed her if she spoke against you? You could¡¯ve broken her, imed her, forced her to stay. But you were too weak, and now she belongs to another. This is your failure.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s jaw clenched. For a heartbeat, I smelled bloodlust on him. Hatred¨Ctoward Selene, toward me, toward himself.


    And then he broke. His voice was low, hoarse, filled with bitter regret. ¡°If I had taken you then¡­ you¡¯d have been mine, Riley. You¡¯d never have met Lucien. You¡¯d have had no Alpha prince at your back. Just me. Just us.¡±


    My heart twisted. No.


    But Selene pped him on the shoulder with a serpent¡¯s grin. ¡°That¡¯s more like it. She¡¯s nothing but a whore of fate. Wolves are everywhere¨Cyet you pine for this one? Then take her. Do it now. Before she dies<b>.</b><b>¡± </b>


    She wrenched open the iron cage I¡¯d been thrown into, seizing my clothes and dragging me out like prey. My body copsed at Maddox¡¯s boots, skin burning, wounds tearing open.


    O


    ¡°Your chance, Maddox,¡± she whispered, eyes bright with hunger. ¡°She¡¯s your first mate. You¡¯ve <b>dreamed </b>of her. Are you really going to waste this moment? When she¡¯s gone, there¡¯ll be no one left to stop <b>you</b>.


    I saw his hand, shaking, reaching for me. Not in tendernesso, it was hunger sharpened by years <b>of </b>bitterness.


    And then¨CSelene¡¯s scent changed. Sharp, chemical. She crouched at my side, pulling a syringe from her belt. The silver liquid shimmered in the dim light.


    ¡°Can¡¯t risk that little White Wolf of yours stirring awake,¡± she purred. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t want the precious <b>mare </b>of Stormridge¡¯s Alpha prince burning me alive, would we?¡±


    Her nails dug into my arm, and before I could fight, the needle plunged into my vein. Cold fire spread instantly, crushing my wolf back into silence, caging her deeper than iron. I screamed, but the sound was only a rasp, too weak, too broken.\


    ¡°There,¡± Selene smiled, tossing the empty syringe aside. ¡°No more wolf. Just flesh and blood. Easy prey.¡±


    Maddox¡¯s hand descended again, and Selene, her eyes fever¨Cbright, pulled out her WolfComm device. The camera lens gleamed as she aimed it at me.


    ¡°Oh, Lucien,¡± she whispered with glee. ¡°Carmen. Stormridge. You¡¯ll all watch. You¡¯ll see her broken. And <b>I¡¯ll </b>savor your despair.¡±


    The fever dragged me under, the world blurring¨Cuntil a sudden pounding rattled the door. Hard. Urgen


    Maddox froze, his ws twitching back. Selene¡¯s grip tightened around her dagger as she stalked tow the door. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    A cool voice answered, muffled through the wood.


    ¡°It¡¯s me. You called us, remember? You said Riley was here.¡±


    Dean Elira ckthorn.


    Selene exhaled, shoulders loosening. She threw the door open. Elira swept in, Caden and their son Otto Wilson at her back. Their eyes fell immediately on me sprawled on the floor, blood soaking through my side.


    Hatred twisted Elira¡¯s face the instant she saw me. She stormed forward, her eyes glowing with savage light. ¡°Bitch. You murdered my daughter. And now you¡¯ll pay.¡±


    Her boot mmed into my back. Pain split through me like lightning¨Cright where my kidney wound had barely held. Flesh tore. Warm blood poured out of me, soaking the ground in a widening pool.


    Darkness wed at me, pulling me down, and I wondered dimly if this was how the White Wolf was meant to die.

 in Vengeance 298

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The sharp, searing pain ripped me out of unconsciousness.


    My body convulsed, cold sweat beading and rolling down my forehead, my skin pale as death.


    As my vision cleared, the first thing I saw was Dean Elira ckthorn¡¯s twisted, hate¨Cfilled face, looming over me like a predator ready to devour its prey.


    Beside her, Caden stood with his arms crossed, smirking down at me with mocking disdain.


    And then¨Canother boy. Younger. A stranger to me. Yet the malice in his eyes as he looked me over was


    unmistakable.


    He clicked his tongue, gaze raking over my body.


    ¡°Well, well. So this is the Ebonw Pack¡¯s trueborn daughter. Not bad. Even beaten down like a dog, that face is still worth ying with.¡±


    A sick thrill glimmered in his eyes as he stepped toward me, rubbing his palms together.


    ¡°It¡¯d be a waste to let her die just like this. Why not let me have some fun first?¡±


    Neither Dean Elira nor Caden stopped him.


    On the contrary, Elira¡¯s eyes lit with cruel satisfaction.


    ¡°Go on,Otto. My son. But be careful¨Cdon¡¯t kill her too quickly. Death would be too merciful for what she¡¯s done to your sister.¡±


    The boy¨COtto Wilsonughed darkly, boasting about his experience with women overseas, as if I were nothing more than another toy.


    Selene Ashford stood nearby, clutching her phone, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she barked, ¡°Do it! Show her what happens to those who cross us.¡±


    Otto reached for me-


    And then Maddox¡¯s voice cut through the room.


    ¡°No! Riley is mine. You don¡¯t touch her.¡±


    Otto froze, his expression twisting with fury. In a blink, he pped Maddox so hard the sound echoed through the room.


    ¡°You? A crippledwyer? You think you can tell me what to do?¡±


    Maddox fell to the floor, his cheek zing red


    Dean Elira sneered down at him. ¡°Pathetic. Once awyer, now not even a man. You can¡¯t <b>protect </b><b>her</b><b>, </b><b>you </b>can¡¯t even protect yourself. Everything you studied¨Cworthless<b>.¡± </b>


    Laughter rang around me, cruel and merciless.


    Maddox¡¯s face turned iron¨Cblue with rage, but he could do nothing. He could only watch helplessly <b>as </b>Otto dragged me toward the bedroom.


    He threw me onto the bed, his weight crushing down on me.


    I choked back a scream, fighting against the agony burning through my body. My wounds throbbed, <b>my </b>vision blurred with fever, but I forced myself to move, to fight.


    My hand fumbled along the nightstand until I felt something cold¨Cmetal. Amp.


    With thest of my strength, I seized it and swung.


    Themp crashed against Otto¡¯s skull. Blood poured instantly, streaking down his face, making him look


    even more monstrous<b>. </b>


    He roared in rage, striking me across the face, again and again.


    Each p split my skin, blood filling my mouth. My vision swam, but I refused to cry out.


    Dean Elira and Caden stormed in at the sound of Otto¡¯s screams. Their eyes zed with fury when they saw his bleeding head.


    ¡°You little bitch!¡± Elira hissed, moving toward me-


    But before she could reach me, a heavy pounding rattled the door.


    ¡°Who is it?!¡± Elira snapped, her face twisting.


    The pounding grew louder, more insistent.


    Caden¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Could it be Lucien Duskgrave¡¯s men?¡±


    Selene paled. ¡°Impossible¨Cthey couldn¡¯t have found us this quickly¡ª¡±


    The banging only intensified.


    ¡°Open the door. Now.¡±


    That voice. Cold. Authoritative.


    My heart jolted. Duke. Lucien¡¯s right hand.


    Panic swept through the room.


    ¡°They¡¯ve found us!¡±


    ¡°Then grab weapons!¡± Caden snarled.


    Knives were pulled from the kitchen.¨CMaddox clutched a rolling pin in trembling hands.


    Otto didn¡¯t stop¨Che tore at my clothes,ughing like a rabid animal.


    21 Wed, 27 Aug ODV


    ¡°Even if I die, I¡¯ll taste you first. Let¡¯s see what Lucien¡¯s precious mate feels like¡°


    The door shuddered beneath relentless kicks-


    And then with a thunderous crash, it burst open.


    Caelum Knox. Duke. Theo Hale. Jace Hale. Carmen.


    They stormed inside, shadows of death in their eyes.


    Dean Elira, Caden, Selene¨Cevery one of them froze, their faces draining of color.

 in Vengeance 299

    Riley¡¯s POV


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    They hadn¡¯t expected so many of them to show up. They knew they couldn¡¯t get away today, and the moment Carmen and the others burst in, chaos erupted.


    ¡°Die!¡± Carmen¡¯s roar cut through the room as she charged straight at Maddox, eyes zing red with fury.


    And then I saw her¨CCarmenunch herself at Otto Wilson. My heart stopped. He was on top of me. The white sheets were stained crimson with my blood. My skin was raw, blistered, and burnt in ces, my face swollen and battered. I could barely breathe, my body trembling violently.


    Carmen¡¯s face contorted with rage, her teeth bared. ¡°You son of a-! How dare you touch Riley! Did you think I wouldn¡¯t find out?!¡±


    ¡°Wait! Wait!¡± Otto cried out, panic in his voice. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me! I didn¡¯t touch her!¡±


    Carmen¡¯s eyes snapped toward him, her pupils narrowing dangerously. ¡°Then who¡ª?¡± ¡±


    ¡°It was Selene Ashford! She made the call, she told me to- Otto stammered, writhing under her fury.


    Carmen froze for a fraction of a second, her chest heaving, before realization struck. Her furious red gaze shifted to Jace Hale, who had just entered behind Duke. His face went pale.


    ¡°You¨CSelene?¡± Jace whispered, stunned. His mind raced, and recognition dawned like a lightning bolt. ¡°It was¡­my ex¨CSelene?¡±


    The truth hit Carmen like a hammer. Rage twisted back into a different kind of focused intensity¨Cshe wasn¡¯t just protecting me; she¡¯d thought Otto had personally attacked me. The fire in her eyes red again, now more precise, targeted.


    Otto screamed, thrashing weakly as Carmen advanced again, de raised. ¡°I swear! It was her call! She¡¯s the one¨CSelene Ashford!¡±


    I coughed violently, tasting blood as my throat constricted. My body shook from pain and adrenaline, but my wolf growled low, instinctively aware that the fight wasn¡¯t truly over.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking for death!¡± she screamed, plunging her de into Otto¡¯s back.


    He shrieked, copsing onto the bed beside me, convulsing, his face twisted in agony.


    Her strikes were relentless, each one a furious blow that left him utterly defenseless. Otto¡¯s body became a torn canvas of wounds under the storm of her attacks.


    I struggled to breathe, shock rooting me to the spot. Tears spilled uncontrobly.


    ¡°Stop¡­ don¡¯t¡­¡± I whispered, my voice hoarse.


    Carmen¡¯s eyes softened for just a moment as she dropped her de and swept me into her arms. ¡°Riley¡­ it¡¯s okay. You¡¯re safe. I¡¯ve got you.¡±


    Outside, the sounds of fighting slowed. Caelum Knox, Duke stormed inside, assessing the scene. Their jaws


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    dropped at the sight of me¨Cexposed, battered¨Cand Otto¡¯s lifeless body.


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    ¡°Carmen¡­ you killed him again?¡± Duke¡¯s voice was tense, concern threading every word. ¡°We could have called the authorities. They¡¯re criminals! You don¡¯t need to-¡±


    ¡°Authorities?¡± Carmenughed, harsh and cold. ¡°These animals hurt Riley. If they go to prison, they¡¯ll be back in a few years. That isn¡¯t justice¨Cit¡¯s mercy.¡±


    ¡°They need to pay with their lives,¡± she spat, her voice deafening in the room. ¡°Every wound they inflicted. on Riley, they will repay in full.¡±


    I clung to Duke, my tears streaming, heart pounding. ¡°What means again?¡±


    Duke¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Those who tormented you in prison¡­ after release, Carmen made sure they wouldn¡¯t hurt anyone again. Do you know what she¡¯s done for you, Riley? Even Maddox¡¯s legs¨Cshe broke them herself to stop him from hurting you further.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Carmen snapped at Duke, fury zing in her eyes. Her warning could have burned steel.


    Caelum stepped in, tugging Duke slightly. ¡°Duke¡­ Riley is under the Alpha¡¯s protection. Speak carefully.¡±


    But Duke¡¯s chest burned with helpless anger. ¡°The person I love is about to be sentenced¡­ and you expect me to stay silent?¡±


    A deadly silence fell.


    Duke took a deep breath and stepped in front of Carmen, taking the knife from her hands.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked warily, scanning him for threat.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you die,¡± Duke said through clenched teeth. ¡°Get out of here, now. I¡¯ll handle this. If the authorities arrive¡­ I¡¯ll cover for you.¡±


    My chest tightened, nearly suffocating from the mix of pain and relief.


    A violent cough tore through me, and blood spurted into my mouth. My vision blurred at the edges, but I clung to Duke¡¯s presence like a lifeline.


    Even in the haze of pain, my wolf growled low in my chest, reminding me the fight wasn¡¯t over. But for the first time in hours, I felt¡­ protected.

 in Vengeance 300

    Third Person¡¯s POV


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    The sharp tang of iron clung to the air. Riley¡¯s breath came ragged, her skin pale against Caelum Knox¡¯s chest as he lifted her in a swift bridal carry. Her limp body looked fragile, but the stubborn spark in her eyes refused to dim.


    Behind them, chaos spread across the room. Only two figures remained sprawled upon the ground- Selene and Maddox¨Cwhile the ckthorn pair, Caden and Elira, had already slipped away into the night.


    Carmen¡¯s gaze fell upon Selene and Maddox with a murderous intensity. Her wolf snarled within her, hackles raised, the urge to rend and tear drowning out every rational voice. In one motion, she seized a knife from the floor, steel glinting under the dim light, and stalked toward them.


    But Carmen¡¯s de was already arcing downward, fury guiding her hand.


    Before the fatal strike couldnd, arger body stepped between.


    Duke.


    His hand shot out, intercepting her wrist. His eyes, usually unreadable, now burned with something primal -devotion, desperation, and a lethal promise.


    ¡°Carmen,¡± he growled, voice raw, ¡°let me do this.¡±


    And then he turned, his arm sweeping with brutal precision. The de tore through flesh. Selene¡¯s scream was cut short, silenced as blood spilled hot and heavy across the floor. Maddox tried to crawl, sobbing, but Duke descended on him like a predator with prey cornered. Blow after blow fell¨Cmerciless, inexorable- until Maddox¡¯s body was nothing more than a broken husk.


    The room froze in horror.


    When the silence finally came, it was thick as fog. Duke dropped the de, chest heaving. His eyes sought Carmen¡¯s, heavy with something that looked almost like sacrifice.


    ¡°You still have your mother to care for,¡± he said, voice thick. ¡°Let me bear this blood. I¡¯ll go to the prisons of the wolves. I¡¯ll take the burden. You¨Cyou still have a future.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s throat tightened. She stared at him, stunned, her wolf caught between sorrow and rage. His words dug deep, carving fissures in her resolve. For the first time, she felt the true weight of his loyalty.


    Her eyes softened, briefly. And then¨Csteel returned.


    She smiled, though it was jagged and broken. ¡°Duke¡­ you don¡¯t understand. I was always meant to walk that path. The moment I lifted this de, the Moon had already marked me.¡±


    Before he could stop her, she snatched back the weapon. In a single, swift motion, she struck down thest trembling form. Blood sprayed, hot against her cheek.


    She looked at Duke, her face half¨Cshadow, half¨Cmadness.¡± I¡¯ll be the prisoner. One more soul on my hands means nothing.¡±


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    Duke¡¯s eyes widened, a storm of pain and fury colliding in his chest. But Carmen only turned away, her voice low, hollow. ¡°We are both damned. At least my damnation was my choice.¡±


    Riley¡¯s world blurred after that, darkness consuming her until the sterile white of hospital walls swam into view. The sting of antiseptic filled her nose. She was faintly aware of Mia¡¯s desperate sobbing voice and the hurried footfalls of Caelum, Theo Hale, and Jace Hale at her bedside.


    But the strongest presence arrived with a rush of power that made even the Alpha heirs draw back.


    Warden Macryn Voss¨CAshmoor Academy¡¯s famed battle instructor, a woman whose aura carried the authority of a hundred campaigns¨Cstepped into the room. Her eyes zed with silver fire as she extended a hand over Riley¡¯s broken body.


    ¡°All people go out, Mia stayed.¡±


    Shemanded, and everyone left, trusting Maeryn¡¯s strength.


    After the room was empty, Professor Maeryn nced at the shattered Riley and sighed.


    Golden light bloomed, soft but fierce, encasing Riley in its glow. The healing energy seeped into her veins, illuminating every fracture, every poisoned scar.


    Maeryn¡¯s expression darkened.


    ¡°Your wolf is copsing,¡± she said grimly. ¡°You had just begun to recover after your kidney was restored. If you had been given time¨Cproper rest, bnce¨Cyour wolf might have strengthened. But the torture, the injections of wolfbane suppressants¡­ the damage is spreading. The wolf¨Cpoison has awakened. It¡¯s devouring you from within.¡±


    Mia sobbed harder. ¡°Please, Professor, there must be a way!¡±


    Maeryn¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°There is¡­ one chance. But it is slim.¡±


    All eyes snapped to her.


    ¡°In the Western ranges, beyond the Rift, grows a herb called Moonshade Veyra. A thousand years may pass before one sprouts. Its essence purges wolf¨Cpoisonpletely. With it, Riley¡¯s wolf could be reborn.¡±


    Mia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Then <i>we </i>go to the Western Pack and demand it.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Maeryn¡¯s voice was like iron. ¡°The Western Pack stands against every eastern bloodline. Especially Stormridge.¡±


    Riley¡¯s weak gaze turned toward her, every breath a battle. ¡°Why¡­ especially Stormridge?¡±


    Macryn¡¯s eyes flickered with old memory. <i>¡°</i>Because their Alpha¨CAedric Stormbane¨Cwas once my student, as Lucien was. Both proud, both destined for greatness. But what began as rivalry turned to hatred. Blood has already been spilled between them. Aedric would rather burn the world than give Lucien a single leaf of Moonshade Veyra.¡±


    The room thickened with silence.


    Riley, however, felt a cold dread spread through her chest. She knew Lucien. If he discovered that her life hung upon Moonshade Veyra, he would not hesitate. He would gather Stormridge¡¯s fangs and march west.


    7 10:13 Thu, 28 Aug


    He would unleash war.


    She could not allow that.


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    Her hand reached for Maeryn¡¯s, weak but insistent. ¡°Promise me¡­ don¡¯t tell him. Don¡¯t tell Lucien.¡±


    ¡°Riley-¡±


    ¡°Promise me!¡± she rasped, her eyes fever¨Cbright. ¡°If he learns, he¡¯ll start a war. Too much blood has already been spilled. I don¡¯t want my name to be the spark that burns the Packs.¡±


    Maeryn looked at her long and hard. In that fragile face, she saw not weakness but the iron heart of <i>a </i>wolf refusing to be a burden. Atst, she inclined her head.


    ¡°I will keep your secret,¡± Maeryn said, her voice solemn. ¡°I will scour the world for another cure. But Lucien must not know.¡±


    When she left the room, her orders were curt and absolute, ¡°Not a word to the Alpha Prince. Not from anyone.¡±


    Mia nodded, though unease shadowed her expressions.


    Inside, Riley¡¯s tears slid silently across her cheeks. She knew she might not survive. But if her death could keep the wolves from another war, then perhaps it was worth it.

 in Vengeance 301

    Riley¡¯s POV


    I was running out of time.


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    My body felt like a broken bow, its string stretched to the limit, ready to snap. Every breath burned through my chest, every movement dragged knives through my veins. And yet, I refused to let my life end


    quietly, like a candle suffocated by the wind.


    I thought of Carmen¨Cher face twisted in bloodlust, her hands dripping with the lives she had stolen for me. Four people. Four corpses staining her soul because of me.


    Because of Riley.


    If I had never stumbled into her world, her wolf would never have been dragged into the shadows of vengeance. If Mia hadn¡¯t been cast out of the Ebonw Pack¡¯s household for my sake, she would still be tending her herb garden with quiet joy. If Lucien hadn¡¯t met me, perhaps his legs would never have been crushed under falling stone. Their fates had shifted because of my existence. I was a curse¨Ca sweeping star that ruined every orbit it touched.


    And now¡­ my wolf whispered that if I was going to die, at least I should make that death mean something.


    Mia had spoken with Caelum, Theo, and Jace, her voice grave as he listed my injuries, but hid the part about my wolfsbane. My body was weak, infection spreading through me like fire licking up dry wood. My organs faltered, one after another, as though my wolf was already preparing for the long silence of the


    grave.


    I forced a smile at the men who watched over me, their worry written inly in their eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± I lied, because what else could I say? They didn¡¯t need the truth¨Cnot yet.


    My gaze settled on Caelum. His loyalty was unshakable, his presence a steady me in the storm. ¡°Caelum¡­ don¡¯t tell Lucien what happened to me. Please. He has enough burdens to bear. I don¡¯t want him to worry.¡±


    He hesitated, his mouth tightening. I saw the war in his eyes¨Cthe instinct to protect Lucien¡¯s heart, shing with the promise to honor my plea. Atst, he gave a single, quiet nod. My chest loosened with relief.


    I turned next to Theo. ¡°You¡¯re a healer, Could you¡­ give me something for the pain? I¡¯m not afraid of death, but¡­ I¡¯m afraid of what it will feel like getting there.¡±


    His hands stilled. For a heartbeat, Theo just stared at me, his wolf flickering in his eyes, as though he couldn¡¯t believe I was the one asking. I never admitted pain. I swallowed it, hid it, fought it. For me to speak the word aloud¡­ it must have broken something in him.


    Atst, his voice came low and hoarse. ¡°I¡¯ll fetch the medicine.¡±


    When he left, I told Caelum and Jace, ¡°I¡¯m tired. Just a little rest, that¡¯s all.¡± My body sagged, too heavy for my bones to hold. They lingered, reluctant, but finally followed Theo out.


    The room fell silent. Only me and the hiss of the monitor beside my bed.


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    21:27 Fri, 29 Aug


    I turned toward the window.


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    The Moon was absent tonight, but the sunlight earlier had been golden, pouring into my room as if the heavens themselves had tried to remind me of warmth. I remembered stretching my fingers into that light, hoping it would thaw the frost lodged deep in my veins. It hadn¡¯t. My body was too cold, my wolf too


    weak.


    But the world outside was beautiful, and the thought of leaving it left me aching in ways no wound ever


    could.


    Theo returned soon after, carrying the small vial. ¡°Here. This will ease it.¡±


    I took the pills obediently, even managing a smile. He lingered for only a few words offort before slipping away again, his wolf sorrow written in the way he avoided looking directly at me.


    When the medicine numbed the sharp edges of agony, I rose. My legs trembled beneath me, but I forced them to move. Every step felt stolen, borrowed from death itself.


    I found myself outside Lucien¡¯s room. Through the ss, I saw him.


    My Alpha. My storm.


    Hey trapped in ster and pain, his proud frame bound, his wolf snarling inside the cage of his body. The Alpha Prince of Stormridge, reduced to stillness. Caelum sat at his bedside, speaking quietly, though I couldn¡¯t hear the words.


    My throat closed. My wolf whimpered.


    This was my fault. All of it.


    If Lucien had never known me, he would still be fierce and unbroken, leading Stormridge with unshakable strength. Instead, I had dragged him into ruin.


    Tears slipped down my face unchecked. I pressed my palm to the cold ss, as though I could etch his image into my skin. I memorized him¨Cthe curve of his jaw, the defiance in his eyes even while broken, the way his presence filled every corner of the room like a tide.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I whispered, though he could not hear. ¡°I can¡¯t even say goodbye. Because if I tried¡­ you would never let me go,¡±


    I turned away, forcing myself down the hall before my wolf shattered into pieces.


    Outside the hospital, the air was bright, almost cruel in its cheer.


    I slipped into the small apothecary nestled between the rune¨Cmarked stone alleys. The scent of herbs, dried moss, and ironwood clung to the air. Behind the counter stood a young omega tending shelves of tinctures and spell¨Cwoven remedies.


    ¡°One vial of Wolfsbane,¡± I said. My voice was steady, though my wolf shuddered at the word.


    The omega froze, eyes darting to me with suspicion. His wolf stirred uneasily¨Che knew what Wolfsbane meant. It wasn¡¯t for healing. It was poison, bane of our kind, ouwed except for sanctioned trials of


    execution.


    21:27 Fri, 29 Aug


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    s


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like a warrior preparing for sanctioned use,¡± he said carefully, nostrils ring at the scent of sickness still bleeding from my pores. ¡°We don¡¯t sell death to the desperate.¡±


    For a moment, I faltered. My reflection caught in the obsidian mirror behind him: a thin figure in tattered clothes, eyes hollow, aura fading. No wonder he denied me. I looked like a wolf already half¨Cdead.


    I left, empty¨Chanded, my chest caving with shame.


    But shadows grant second chances.


    In another shop¨Cone cloaked in incense and shadow¨Ccharms¨CI bought fresh garments, a long cloak that hid my broken frame. A mask of ck silk veiled my face, and smoked ss lenses covered my eyes. By the time I stepped into a different apothecary, no one recognized me.


    This time, the vial slid into my palm easily, its contents dark and shimmering with death. Wolfsbane. The end of wolves, the end of me.


    I tucked it close to my heart and summoned a carriage from the Mooncrest streets. The driver asked my destination.


    ¡°The Tribunal Hall,¡± I answered, my voice low, final.


    The horses stamped nervously at the name. Even they knew the ce was heavy with judgment.


    As the carriage rolled toward the Elder Council¡¯s stronghold, my hand tightened around the vial. If I had to vanish from this world, then I would make sure myst act mattered.

 in Vengeance 302

    Riley¡¯s POV


    The Elder Council precinct loomed before me, austere and imposing. Its white stone walls gleamed under the midday sun, and the


    argent crest of the Council glinted like a sentinel¡¯s eye¨Cwatchful, unyielding, a symbol ofw and order that demanded respect. I took a deep breath, feeling my chest tighten with a mix of fear and determination. This was no ordinary path I was walking; there was no turning back now. Whatevery beyond those doors, I had chosen it, and it was the only way I could protect Carmen.


    I stepped forward, each footfall heavy on the polished steps. My wolf instincts hummed in my blood, coiled and alert, sensing the tension in the air. The lobby was empty except for a lone packwarden behind a wooden dais, his eyes flicking up at me with mild curiosity that sharpened into full attention as I approached.


    ¡°I¡­ I wish to surrender myself to the Council,¡± I said, voice low but resolute.


    The warden straightened, his posture stiffening, tail flicking slightly in agitation. ¡°Surrender? You¡­ what have you done?¡±


    I removed the hood and scarf that had shielded my face, revealing the exhaustion etched into my features. The scars of the past five years weighed on me like chains, each one a testament to the torment I had endured.


    ¡°I killed them,¡± I said, letting the words fall with deliberate weight, tasting like ash in my mouth.


    His amber eyes contracted sharply. Murder. Blood spilled under my ws. His hands moved instinctively toward the Council¡¯s signaling horn, but he hesitated, unnerved by the quiet conviction that radiated from me like heat from a wolf in full winter fur.


    The cold iron shackles mped around my wrists when he finally acted. The sensation was familiar, spine- tingling¨Cnot from fear, but from habit. Five years ago, I had taken the fall for Scarlett, carrying guilt that wasn¡¯t mine. Five yearster, I chose to shoulder Carmen¡¯s survival. The irony cut sharp and bitter.


    They led me into an interrogation chamber within the precinct¨Ca small, circr room built with stone and reinforced oak, the walls echoing like the hollowedir of a mountain wolf. My senses were alert, every scent, every subtle vibration in the air, picked up by my wolf. The warden¡¯s fear, his controlledposure¨Cit all vored the tension like iron in the wind.


    ¡°Sit,¡± hemanded, his voice firm, carrying the authority of the Elder Council. A carved obsidian te and a stylus rested on the table before me, ready to record every word, every confession.


    1 obeyed, hands gripping the edges of the chair so tightly that my knuckles whitened. My pulse thrummed in rhythmn with the memories wing at the back of my mind.


    ¡°Tell me in detail. Who did you kill, where, how, and why?¡± His questions struck like throwing knives. I inhaled slowly, letting the memories sharpen in my mind like hunting des in moonlight.


    ¡°I killed Otto Wilson¡­ Selene Ashford. Maddox¡­ and¡­¡± My voice cracked, raw and hoarse. Each name was


    a shard of memory, bloodied and jagged. The visions surged: Carmen¡¯s eyes zing, the twisted faces of my enemies, the screams, the betrayal.


    The warden¡¯s eyes widened fractionally with each name. He hadn¡¯t expected the woman before him-


    |||


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    21:27 Fri, 29 Aug


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    slim, fragile, almost ethereal¨Cto wield death with such precision. He tried to mask his shock, but the stylus scratched furiously across the obsidian te, desperate to keep pace with the story.


    ¡°Are you certain these four were killed by you?¡± he asked again, probing for a crack in my resolve.


    I met his gaze, unwavering. ¡°Yes. I killed them. Each of them deserved what came to them.¡±


    He scribbled furiously, disbelief etched in every line. ¡°Exin¡­ why?¡±


    I closed my eyes, letting the memories wash over me. The humiliations, assaults, betrayals¨Cthey came back in brutal rity. Otto Wilson¡¯s violence, Selene Ashford¡¯s schemes, Maddox¡¯s treachery, the beatings and torment in the cell when I was med for crimes I did notmit. Each wound, each scar, was real, etched deep into my bones and blood.


    I told the truth. Lies would have been poison; the facts were potent enough, and my wolf¡¯s reasoning was imprinted in every strike, every act.


    The warden continued to probe, asking and repeating questions, testing the boundaries of my resolve. There was no break, no falsehood. My memories were my shield, my wolf¡¯s instincts sharpened as both sword and armor.


    Finally, he closed the te, preparing to have me escorted to a holding chamber pending further investigation. But before he could call for the pack guards, I moved.


    From my coat, I produced the vial of wolfsbane extract. The cork twisted off with a hiss. In one fluid motion, I drank it, the bitter liquid burning a path down my throat like fire and ice entwined. The vial ttered to the stone floor as my body trembled violently.


    The warden froze, eyes wide with horror. ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    But the act wasplete. My wolf roared inside me, furious, protective, instinctively knowing that this was the only way to ensure Carmen¡¯s safety. If I lived, she would face retribution. If I died, the weight would rest solely on me, and justice¨Ceven wolf justice¨Cwould bnce, if only partially.


    Carmen¡­ you are too good for this world. Mia needs you. Lucien, Matriarch Duskgrave, Mrs. Beck¡­ don¡¯t grieve for me. I have walked with death before, and I will walk with it again if it means you live. My life, <b>my </b>suffering, my final breath¨Cthey are yours, and yours alone.


    I felt the wolfsbane begin to work, cold seeping into my veins like the howl of a distant alpha under a blood moon. But even as my body weakened, a strange rity overtook me. I had fought. I had endured horrors few could imagine. I had protected, avenged, survived. And even in my final act, there was power.


    Because I am a White wolf. I am of Alpha blood. And even if the world seeks to break me, even if my body falters, my wolf¨Cmy essence¨Cremains untamed.

 in Vengeance 303

    Riley¡¯s POV


    s


    The fire in my stomach spread like a wildfire, scorching through my veins, radiating into every limb. It was a deep, visceral pain, gnawing at my organs, twisting inside me like knives forged in ice and me. Not even the strongest alchemical sedatives Theo Hale had once administered could dull this agony.


    I bit down hard on my lip, tasting copper, tasting the dark truth of what I had done. A cough tore through me, and a dark rivulet of blood sprayed onto the cold stone floor of the infirmary chamber. It hissed faintly, the smell of iron sharp in my nostrils. Yet, despite the searing torment, a strange smile tugged at the corner of my lips¨Ca smile of bitter release.


    If I died here, it would all end. Carmen would be free of murder¡¯s stain, her wolfborn life untainted, able. to walk proudly again among the Ashmoor Academy and Stormridge circles. Lucien¡­ my prince of the Stormridge Pack¡­ would be able to bury the memory of my suffering, to continue leading his pack without this shadow weighing him down. Mia, my surrogate mother, and Mrs. Beck, who had cared for me as though I were her own, would no longer fear for my survival.


    The thought, cruel as it was, gave me purpose. Even in death, I could offer value to those I loved.


    Tears slipped down my cheeks, stinging in the burning heat of the poison coursing through me. My eyes blurred, and when they opened again, I was no longer in the interrogation room but in the stark white confines of the Stormbrige infirmary.


    The room swarmed with concern, the scents of worry thick in the air. And there he was. Lucien, sitting in a wheelchair, gaunt and pale, his crimson eyes fixed on me as though burning through my very soul. Our gaze locked, and I tried, weakly, to smile. I lifted a trembling hand to touch his face, but my arm faltered halfway, drained of strength.


    He caught my hand, pressing it to his cheek, his voice hoarse with anguish. ¡°Why¡­ why would you be so foolish?¡±


    I swallowed, struggling to keep the pain from my throat. ¡°Lucien¡­ it¡¯s me who dragged you into this. Please¡­ when I¡¯m gone, promise me¡­ forget me quickly, alright?¡±


    The tears he had held back finally broke free, tumbling down his face in thick, unrelenting streams. His shoulders shuddered as theposed alpha fa?ade crackedpletely, revealing the raw, human despair beneath.


    ¡°You promised¡­ you promised you¡¯d be mine,¡± he rasped, his voice quivering with the deep ache of betrayal and helplessness. ¡°How¡­ how could you go back on your word?¡±


    I brushed at the tears streaking his checks, my fingers numb, my lips trembling. Every touch sent a jolt of pain through me, but I couldn¡¯t stop. ¡°Don¡¯t cry..¡± I whispered, the words barely audible, but soaked in all the warmth I could summon.


    Lucien roared, ¡°Professor Maeryn! Go find Professor Macryn, she has to have a way to save her!¡±


    Caelum stood silently to the side, struck by the sight of his Alpha wracked with such pain. After a brief hesitation, he murmured, ¡°I¡¯ve already tried to contact Professor Macryn, but she isn¡¯t in the East. Her assistant said she left temporarily, and they don¡¯t know where she went. She¡¯s currently out of range of them stones, but I¡¯ve left a message. As soon as she returns, she¡¯lle for Riley immediately,¡±


    ?


    O


    23%.


    s


    Then Carmen appeared, rushing through the crowd, her small frame trembling, eyes red and swollen. She fell to her knees beside the bed.


    ¡°Riley¡­ why?¡± Her voice cracked, each syble a knife in my chest.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve taken lives,¡± I said, pressing my remaining strength into the words. ¡°I surrendered myself to the Council. Those whomit crimes must face the consequences. My body¡­ it¡¯s failing. I cannot endure this pain any longer. I chose this path so that none of you would bear my burden.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s gaze sharpened. She saw it immediately¨Cmy intention, as in and raw as the silver crest of the Elder Council.


    ¡°No¡­ this isn¡¯t what I want. I don¡¯t need this from you!¡± She copsed onto the floor, knees giving way, her arms clutching me as though she could physically anchor me to this world. Her wolf instincts, so in tune with mine, sensed the imminence of death and recoiled in terror.


    Her body shook violently, her wails guttural and raw. ¡°Riley¡­ don¡¯t die¡­ don¡¯t leave me¡­ I¡¯d rather die myself than let you go!¡±


    I could feel the poison pulling at me, a tide of cold ice creeping through my chest, filling my lungs with burning shards. The wolfsbane would scar the tissue irreversibly, a death sentence in any other scenario. But Carmen¡¯s fear, her desperate ws on my arms, urged me to speak softly, to anchor her to reason as much as I could.


    I leaned toward her ear, whispering, voice threadbare yet firm. ¡°Carmen¡­ this ends here. Live your life fully.. for me. Don¡¯t let my death be meaningless. This¡­ this is all I can do for you now.¡±


    Her body stiffened, disbelief and grief warring across her features. ¡°Ends here?¡± How could it? Caden, Elira ckthorn¡­ they were still alive. How could this possibly be the end?


    She nodded frantically, tears spilling over like storm¨Cswollen rivers. ¡°I promise¡­ as long as you live, I¡¯ll do everything you ask.¡±


    Her hands clutched mine as if holding me could anchor me to life itself. ¡°Riley¡­ you have to hold on. The healers will save you.¡±


    Each breath was agony, des scraping through my lungs, every inhale a fresh stab of fire. Blood mixed with bile rose in my throat, yet I swallowed it back, unwilling to give her further fear.


    ¡°Carmen¡­ don¡¯t cry¡­¡± I murmured again, voice a ghost of its former strength. My wolf stirred inside me, coiling, alert, desperate to shield her from this moment even as it raged against the helplessness of my failing body.


    She tried to wipe her tears, but they came faster than she could stem, flowing like the mountain streams after spring thaw. Even through the haze of pain, I caught the scent of her fear, of her determination to protect me, and it filled me with warmth and sorrow all at once.


    I could feel life slipping away, but in this small, stark chamber, I sensed a fragile peace. My pack, my bonds, my choices¨Cthey mattered, even here at the edge of mortality. I had walked through darkness ande out biting, wing, surviving. And even as my body betrayed me, my wolt¨Cthe untamed essence of my being¨Cremained unbroken, snarling softly in the shadows, a sentinel over those I loved.


    Because I am Riley. My blood is wolfborn. My will is untamed. And even as my body falters, my legacy will roar louder than any mortal death.


    O


    <


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 in Vengeance 304

    <b>Chapter </b><b>304 </b>


    <b>Third </b>Person¡¯s POV


    Riley¡¯s hand trembled as she lifted her skeletal fingers, fragile and cold, brushing away Carmen¡¯s tears with thest strength left in her body. Her voice was hoarse<b>, </b>faint as smoke in the wind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ cry.¡±


    The more she tried to soothe them, the more unbearable the grief in the room became.


    Carmen, curled against the edge of the hospital bed, could no longer restrain herself. Her sobs shook her slender frame, her shoulders rising and falling with violent rhythm, her breath quick and ragged like she might copse at any second from sheer sorrow.


    Around them, the others¨CLucien, Duke, Caelum Knox, Mia<b>¨C</b>stood stricken in silence, their eyes glistening red, their jaws clenched, unable to contain their grief. Even hardened warriors of the Stormridge Pack had moisture in their eyes, as if the sight of Riley¡¯s suffering tore something deep within them.


    Riley herself felt torn in two. She had not expected to be here, lingering in this half¨Cstate between life and death. She had thought the poison¨Cthe brutal, unforgiving draught of pesticide she had swallowed- would end everything quickly. That was why she had chosen it. Pesticide was nearly impossible to recover from. No healing salve, no wolf¡¯s elerated regeneration couldbat it fully. She had drunk the whole bottle with grim determination, expecting to leave this cruel world behind atst.


    But fate had mocked her. The Moon had mocked her. She had been dragged back into thend of the living, her agony prolonged.


    Now, instead of fading quietly, she had to watch the devastation in the faces of those she cared for most. The sight cut her deeper than any de, the guilt and sorrow wing at her soul until she wanted to


    scream<b>. </b>


    She opened her mouth to whisper something¨Canything¨Cbut instead of words, thick gouts of ckened blood burst forth, spilling from her lips in a torrent.


    The stench of iron filled the air.


    Her body convulsed violently as blood streamed not only from her mouth but from her nose, her ears, even her eyes. The crimson and inky liquid seeped across the pristine sheets, a grotesque contrast against the white, spreading in cruel blossoms of scarlet. Her face twisted in agony, painted with blood, until she looked like a revenant risen from the abyss, a tormented soul wing out of the underworld.


    ¡°Riley-!¡± Carmen¡¯s scream ripped the air, raw, feral, like the howl of a wolf who had just lost her mate. Her voice cracked, shredded by the pain. She lunged forward, but her grief overwhelmed her, and her body gave way beneath it. Her eyes rolled back, and she copsed unconscious to the floor.


    Lucien ¡ªAlpha prince of Stormridge¨Cstaggered, every muscle trembling. His usuallymanding voice now cracked with terror. ¡°Doctor! Healers¨Cnow!¡±


    His shout pierced the sterile air, summoning every medic on duty.


    Riley¡¯s consciousness dimmed. Through the haze of her pain, she saw Carmen¡¯s crumpled form, <b>lifeless </b>


    <b>13 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>304 </b>


    <b>on </b><b>the </b><b>tiles</b><b>. </b>She <b>saw </b>Lucien¡¯s face¨Cashen, wild with despair. She saw Duke¡¯s wide <b>eyes</b>, Caelum¡¯s <b>rigid </b><b>stance</b><b>, </b><b>Theo </b><b>and </b><b>Jace </b>standing hollow with helplessness. <b>The </b>world blurred, <b>slipping </b>away as the <bst </b><b>threads </b><b>of </b>awareness tore<b>. </b>


    <b>Then</b>¨Cckness.


    Chaos erupted in the ward. The sound of boots on the tiles, the sharpmand of healers, the squeal <b>of </b>the bed¡¯s wheels as they rushed Riley¡¯s limp body down the hall.


    The others could only watch as she was wheeled into the surgery chamber.


    Time dragged, every second an eternity. The red light above the operating room glowed like <b>an </b>unholy omen, casting the hallway in a deathly huc.


    Lucien sat in his wheelchair, his once¨Cproud figure slumped, his body motionless. The Alpha prince who oncemanded armies and bent wolves to their knees now looked more like a hollow husk. His <b>tears </b>had long since dried, his muscles numb, his soul suspended in torment. He stared at the light above the door as though sheer will could force it to change.


    The others lingered in silence, every pair of eyes fixed on the same red glow, every breath tight in their lungs.


    Finally¨Cafter what felt like centuries¨Cthe light flickered and went out. The door creaked open, and the surgeon stepped out, his robes stained with sweat, his face drawn with fatigue and quiet dread.


    Lucien¡¯s heart clenched. A wolf¡¯s instinct told him before the words were even spoken: the truth would shatter him.


    Still, his voice, ragged and trembling, broke the silence. ¡°Doctor¡­ how <b>is </b>she? Tell me Riley¡¯s alive.¡±


    The surgeon lowered his gaze, his voice soft, heavy with finality. ¡°We¡­ did everything we could. I¡¯m sorry. She¡¯s gone. May the Moon guide her spirit.¡±


    The words struck like lightning.


    Lucien¡¯s chest constricted as if a steel w had pierced through his ribs. His lungs burned, and his heart convulsed violently.


    ¡°No. No! That¡¯s a lie! Riley can¡¯t be dead!¡± He surged forward, wild and desperate, shoving the surgeon back with a strength born of madness. ¡°You¡¯re the healer of Stormridge! You¡¯ll go back in there and bring her back! She¡¯s not gone! She promised¨Cshe promised me she¡¯d marry me! I haven¡¯t imed her before the Moon, I haven¡¯t taken her home. You will save her!¡±


    His voice, once regal andmanding, was now the raw cry of a wolf stripped of everything, a howl of loss and denial.


    Duke lunged forward, grabbing his shoulders, but even the loyal aide¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°Alpha, stop! Please


    Caelum Knox closed his eyes briefly, grief heavy in his features. His voice, low but steady, broke the final truth into the silence. ¡°Lucien¡­ Riley has gone.¡±


    The words twisted through the air like des.


    <b>2/3 </b>


    Chapter <b>804 </b>


    <b>Lucien¡¯s </b>entire body seized. He coughed violently, and blood erupted from his <b>lips</b>, staining <b>his </b>robes, his <b>strength </b><b>giving </b>way beneath the weight of despair..


    And it was then, as if the Fates had orchestrated the cruelty, that Carmen awoke. She stumbled <b>forward </b>just in time to hear Caelum¡¯s words.


    Her <b>steps </b>faltered. She froze, her eyes locked on the still¨Cswinging doors of the surgical chamber<b>, </b>For a long moment, she didn¡¯t breathe, didn¡¯t move.


    Then, like a ghost drawn by an unseen force, she began to walk forward. Step by step, until she passed Duke without so much as a nce, ignoring his trembling hand reaching for her.


    ¡°Carmen¡± Duke whispered, but his voice broke in futility.


    She did not stop. Her eyes were fixed only on the doors, on the ce where Riley had been carried away, where her soul had been torn from the world.


    She crossed the threshold and disappeared into the chamber.


    Behind her, silence thickened.


    The wolves of Stormridge¨Cproud warriors, heirs, sons of Alphas<b>¨C</b>stood defeated, staring into the abyss Riley¡¯s death had left behind.


    And the Moon hung silent in the heavens, merciless, offering nofort.


    This was no ordinary death. This was the cruel end of a girl who had been abandoned by her own families, cast aside into the Rogus settle. Brought back home only to suffer cruelty, betrayal, false usations, and years imprisoned in the dungeons of the Wolf prison..


    Released, only to be hounded again, scapegoated, cornered at every turn until despair finally drove her to poison.


    The Fates had toyed with her life. The Moon had shown no mercy.


    And now Riley¨Cgood, pure¨Chearted, strong, and undeserving of such torment¨Cwas gone.


    The pack whispered their silent questions, rage burning beneath their grief.¡±


    Why?


    Why would the Moon forsake her?


    Why would such cruelty befall one who bore no malice, who carried kindness in her veins?


    Why would the spirits take Riley when monsters still walked free?


    No one could answer.


    Not even the Alpha Prince of Stormridge, broken and bloodied, could understand.


    Only the silent Moon knew, and she did not speak.


    Chapter <b>305 </b>

 in Vengeance 305

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Riley¡¯s bodyy motionless upon the cold b of the surgical chamber. The harsh white <b>lights </b>above <b>made </b>her skin look even paler than the sheets beneath her, drained of every trace of warmth. The thin hospital gown was torn and stained, streaked with blood both scarlet and ck. Her lips were cracked, still <b>tainted </b>by the poison she had vomited in her final moments.


    When Carmen entered the room, her knees nearly buckled. The sight of Riley¨Conce vibrant, once fierce<b>, </b>once stubbornly alive against all odds¨Creduced to a fragile corpse, gutted her soul.


    Her hands trembled as she reached out, brushing Riley¡¯s hollow cheek with frozen fingertips. The touch was reverent, almost worshipful.


    ¡°Riley¡­¡± Her voice rasped, the sound breaking like a bowstring. ¡°You¡¯ve left me. You really left me.¡±


    Her chest heaved, but no more tears came; she had already cried herself dry. She had nothing left but pain and fury.


    Yet even as her grief consumed her, the doors burst open.


    Lucien Duskgrave staggered in.


    The Alpha Prince of Stormridge, heir of the Duskgrave bloodline, was broken beyond recognition. His hands shook violently as he pushed his wheelchair forward, only to abandon it halfway and drag himself across the floor, his paralyzed legs scraping uselessly against the tiles. His wolf¡¯s howl echoed in the silence, reverberating inside his chest, a desperate call to the mate lying lifeless before him.


    He gathered Riley into his arms, clutching her against his chest, his lips pressed to her bloodied hair.


    ¡°No¡­ no, Moon above, no!¡± Lucien¡¯s voice shattered as he rocked her body. ¡°Wake up, Riley! Please¡­ you promised me. You promised to stay.¡±


    Then¨Csomething impossible happened.


    A faint glow began to emanate from Riley¡¯s body. It shimmered like moonlight through fog, soft but undeniable. Lucien froze, his breath catching as his wolf surged forward.


    Mate!


    The voice of his wolf thundered inside his soul, louder, clearer than it had been in years. His curse shattered like ss. His blood burned with power as his wolf roared, calling for Riley, calling for their m


    to answer.


    But there was no response.


    Riley¡¯s wolf did not stir. Her body glowed, yes, and the curse broke, yes¨Cbut she remained silent, lifeless


    in his arms.


    Lucien gasped as sensation returned to his legs. He was originally very powerful, but the Moon Goddess cursed him to not be able to find his destined mate. But now, he has found it, and his wolf nature has be even stronger. At this moment, his legs are healing rapidly. He stumbled to his feet, staggering as


    <b>1/3 </b>


    Chapter <b>305 </b>


    <b>he </b><b>realized </b>he could stand again, walk again, <b>fight </b><b>again</b>.


    <b>Yet </b><b>none </b><b>of </b>it mattered.


    <b>He </b>pressed desperate kisses against Riley¡¯s cold skin¨Cher eyelids, her nose, her lips¨Ctrying <b>to </b><b>coax </b>life back into her. ¡°Breathe, Riley. Just breathe, damn you! Come back to me! Don¡¯t leave me here <b>alonel </b>


    But she did not move. Her chest did not rise. Her lips stayed cold.


    Lucien howled, a sound so raw and primal that the walls themselves seemed to tremble. The grief of <b>an </b>Alpha whose mate had been stolen was the most terrible sound in the world.


    Carmen copsed to the ground, covering her cars, her own wolf wailing in unison with Lucien¡¯s<b>. </b>Her heart cracked open as she watched Riley remain unresponsive.


    Mia, the old housekeeper who had loved Riley like her own, knelt beside Carmen and wrapped her <b>arms </b>around the trembling girl. ¡°Hush now¡­ child. Don¡¯t shatter yourself. Riley wouldn¡¯t want that¡­¡± Her voice quivered, but she held Carmen tightly as though to keep her from breaking apart entirely.


    Momentster, Matriarch Duskgrave herself entered, her noble figure trembling with grief, tears streaming down her face. Lady Seraphina Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck followed close behind, each pale and broken.


    They had truly loved Riley¨Cloved her for her spirit, her kindness, her unyielding strength. And now, seeing her gone, they mourned as though their own blood had been stolen from them.


    ¡°My granddaughter¡­¡± Matriarch Duskgrave whispered, her voice as fragile as winter wind. She reached for Riley¡¯s still hand but faltered, unable to bear the cold of it.


    Carmen, holding herself steady only through fury, lowered her head. Inside, a vow etched itself into her soul, carved deep as a scar.


    Elira ckthorn. Caden Wilson.


    You will die for this.


    If Riley was gone, if Lucien¡¯s soul was torn apart, then Carmen would carry the burden of vengeance. She would hunt them both, rip them apart piece by piece, andy their blood at Riley¡¯s grave.


    -As dawn broke, the funeral rites of the Stormridge Packmenced.


    By ancient custom, a wolf who died in tragedy was given to the Moon through a sacred ritual of fire and earth, their bodies burned so that their spirits might run free under the Moon¡¯s eternal light.


    Lucien resisted with all his might, refusing to let Riley¡¯s body go. ¡°She is mine! You will not take her fro me!¡± he snarled, clutching her to his chest like a beast guarding his kill. His eyes were bloodshot, his <b>teeth </b>bared, the Alpha power in him wild and unstable.


    But Duke knelt before him, his own tears staining his cheeks. ¡°Alpha¡­ please. It is her right. She belongs to the Moon now.¡±


    Caelum Knox stood at his side, his hand firm on Lucien¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This is the way of our kind. If you her, let her run free beneath the Moon¡¯s gaze. Denying her will only chain her spirit.¡±


    love


    <b>2/3 </b>


    Chapter <b>805 </b>


    <b>Lucien </b><b>trembled</b>, <b>his </b><b>breath </b><b>breaking </b>into sobs. Finally<b>, </b>with a sound <b>that </b><b>was </b><b>neither </b><b>human </b><b>or </b>wolf i <b>something </b>broken in between, he let them pry Riley from his arms,


    Her body<b>, </b>pale and <b>fragile</b><b>, </b><b>was </b>ced upon the funeral bier and wheeled toward <b>the </b>sacred <b>grounds</b>. The <b>pack </b><b>bowed </b>their heads as <b>she </b>was taken away.


    Lucien copsed to his knees, his hands wing the earth, his throat raw from screaming her <b>name</b><b>. </b>


    The bier reached the secluded ce of the Moonlit Pyre, deep within the woods where no outsiders <b>dared </b>to tread. The pack waited outside as the priests prepared the rites.


    And then-


    In the hush, in the shadows unseen, a flicker of darkness moved.


    A shadow slipped between trees, faster than any eye could follow. The bier was left unattended for only <b>a </b>heartbeat¡­ but when the priests returned, Riley¡¯s body was gone.


    Vanished.


    The biery empty, the air tinged with the faintest scent of smoke and shadow.


    None of the pack knew.


    None of them saw.


    The Alpha Prince still knelt in grief, unaware.


    But somewhere, beyond their sight, Riley had been taken.


    By who¨Cor by what¨Cnone could say.


    Only the Moon bore witness.


    And the story of Riley was not yet finished.

 in Vengeance 306

    <b>Chapter </b>306


    It had been one month since Riley was taken from them.


    On that bleak dawn, the pack had gathered in silence as her body was wheeled into the shadowed forest. toward the Moonlit Pyre. Carmen remembered the way Lucien had fought, how his growls had shaken the earth, how even Duke and Caelum Knox had struggled to hold him back. But tradition was stronger <b>than </b>even an Alpha¡¯s grief. Byw<i>, </i>by blood, by vow to the Moon, the dead belonged to Her.


    And so, with their hearts breaking, they had let Riley go.


    From afar, they saw it¨Cthe faint curl of smoke rising above the trees, drifting upward into the gray <b>sky</b><b>. </b>That was the sign, the elders had said. The Moon had imed Riley. Her spirit now ran beneath eternal silver light, free atst from mortal pain.


    But the smoke brought no peace.


    The Duskgrave household locked itself in grief, their mountain vi in Stormridge cloaked in silence. Mrs.Beck wept nightly, her voice hoarse from calling Riley¡¯s name. Matriarch Duskgrave had not once worn her jewels since that day, her hair unkempt, her once¨Cproud smile withered. And Lucien¨CAlpha Prince of Stormridge, heir to one of the oldest bloodlines¨Cvanished into his chambers. He had not stepped outside his door since the funeral. His wolf prowled within him endlessly, restless and wounded, its cries echoing through the stone halls at night like a ghostly howl.


    Carmen knew. She had heard him, each time. His torment carved itself into her own bones.


    But Carmen was not like the Duskgraves. She could not sit idle, drowning in sorrow. She had work to <i>do</i><i>. </i>Now, a monthter, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Duke¡¯s residence, spilling across the sofa where Carmen sat. The golden rays touched her skin, painting her in a fragile glow like a veil of spun silk. To any passing eye, she might have looked at peace, her face warmed with a faint blush, her <i>body </i>restored from the shadows of despair.


    Only Carmen herself knew how false that picture was.


    She had spent thest month under Duke¡¯s roof, refusing to return to Ashmoor Academy. Duke, ever watchful, had taken her in without hesitation. He fed her, cared for her, even kept her distracted with endlessforts. At first, her body had been so frail she could barely stand. Now, her strength had returned, and with it, the fire in her blood.


    Duke¡¯s voice carried from the kitchen, warm and steady. ¡°Carmen, lunch is ready.¡±


    She turned her head, watching as he emerged with careful hands, setting dish after dish upon the table. His gaze softened when it fell on her, heavy with affection, with relief.


    ¡°Come, eat.¡±


    Carmen rose silently and joined him at the table. She ate in silence, her motions slow, deliberate. Duke¡¯s eyes lingered on her with quiet devotion, and when he noticed her bowl empty, he leaned forward to ce another serving onto her te


    For a moment, it might have looked like an ordinary afternoon between two people bound bypanionship.


    13


    <b>Chapter </b><b>306 </b>


    But beneath <b>the </b>surface, the truth <b>was </b>darker.


    Duke<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>Carmen said suddenly, her voice cutting through the stillness.


    He froze, chopsticks poised in the air. ¡°What is it?¡±


    She looked at him directly, her eyes clear, unwavering. ¡°You¡¯ve cared for me for a month. My <b>health </b>is restored. It¡¯s time I returned to Ashmoor Academy.¡±


    Duke stiffened. ¡°Carmen¡­ what if I arrange a leave of absence instead? There is no need to rush back?


    She shook her head firmly. ¡°No. I want to graduate as quickly as I can.¡±


    ¡°But-


    ¡°You¡¯re afraid I¡¯ll go after Elira and Caden, aren¡¯t you?¡± she interrupted, her tone calm, almost too calm. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I promised Riley before she left. I won¡¯t seek them out.¡±


    Duke studied her face carefully, searching for cracks in her resolve. ¡°Are you telling me the truth?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Carmen nodded quickly, her lips tightening. After a pause, she added softly, ¡°If you still don¡¯t trust me, you can drive me to school every morning and bring me home each evening.¡±


    Duke fell silent. He weighed her words, torn between suspicion and hope. Atst, he gave <b>a </b>slow nod. ¡°Very well. If that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    Relief flickered across his face. He believed her. He wanted to believe her.


    Carmen lowered her gaze, allowing hershes to shield the storm that brewed within her <i>eyes</i>. Beneath the mask of obedience, her wolf snarled, restless and vengeful. She would not let Riley¡¯s death go unanswered.


    The truth was, her month of healing had not been only about her body. Each night, while Duke slept, Carmen slipped into the glow of herputer screens, her fingers flying across the keys. She left no trace, masking her trail with the cunning of a rogue hacker. With each keystroke, she unraveled threads, followed whispers, and hunted shadows.


    Bit by bit, she pieced together the trail of Elira ckthorn and Caden Wilson.


    The ones who had destroyed Riley.


    The ones who had shattered Lucien.


    The ones who still drew breath when they should already be ash beneath the Moonlit Pyre.


    A sharp light glinted in Carmen¡¯s eyes as she ate another bite, her expression calm, betraying nothing. Duke thought she was healing, thought she was at peace.


    But inside, Carmen¡¯s wolf bared its teeth.


    Soon, she promised Riley in the silence of her soul. Soon, I will finish what you could not. Soon, their blood will stain the earth, and you will have justice.


    She swallowed the thought with her food, hiding her fury beneath the same mask she had worn for a


    <b>2/3 </b>


    <b>month </b>


    The <b>Moon </b>may have taken Riley, but Carmen still walked the earth. And Carmen <b>did </b><b>not </b>forgive


    <b>3/3 </b>

 in Vengeance 307

    After a full month of relentless tracking, Carmen finally locked onto the scent trail of those two beaut


    <b>A </b>month of breathing while Riley¡¯s blood still cried out from the earth was far too long. Tonight, <b>they </b>would pay<b>. </b>


    The following dawn, sunlight spilled over the towers of Ashmoor Academy. Duke himself drove Carmen to the gates, watching as she slipped into the campus halls before pulling away. He thought she would spend her day buried in lectures. He thought wrong.


    As soon as his car vanished from view, Carmen turned on her heel and quietly left the grounds.


    By nightfall, the city glowed with neon and steel. Duke returned to the Ashmoor Academy gate, waiting at the curb in his car. He checked the time again and again, each minute wing at his nerves. <b>Half </b>an hour passed. Still, no Carmen. He dialed her number¨Cno signal, no answer.


    Something in his chest tightened like a wolf sensing a kill gone wrong.


    But Carmen was nowhere near Ashmoor. She had already crossed into another city, stalking her prey to a run¨Cdown housing block that reeked of mildew and old iron. The stairwell was poorly lit, shadows clinging like wolves to the corners. She stopped before a weather¨Cworn door, lifting her hand. Three sharp knocks split the silence.


    Inside, Elira and Caden were speaking quietly. The sound stilled them both. They shared a wary nce.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Caden growled, voice cautious, wolf¨Ctinged.


    ¡°Your delivery,¡± came the muffled reply, soft and neutral.


    They exhaled, shoulders loosening.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t expect dinner toe this quickly,¡± Elira muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it,¡± Caden said, padding to the door. He swung it open to find a slim figure standing in the gloom, face hidden by a mask, carrying a bag. Judging from the outline, it was a woman.


    He rxedpletely, lips parting to speak¡ª


    And froze.


    Carmen¡¯s eyes snapped up, silver¨Cbright and brimming with hatred. ¡°I finally found you.¡±


    Steel hissed through the air. The de in her hand drove straight into his gut with a wet crunch.


    ¡°You-¡± His eyes bulged wide in shock, blood bubbling on his lips.


    ¡°What about me?¡± Carmen snarled, ripping off her mask to reveal a face twisted by grief and rage, wolf- fire burning in her gaze. ¡°You love hurting my Riley? Then let me hurt you. Tell me how it feels.¡±


    She wrenched the knife free and drove it in again, and again. Each strike a howl of vengeance, each thrust fueled by memory of Riley¡¯s suffering.


    Chapter <b>307 </b>


    <b>With </b><b>a </b><b>savage </b>kick, she sent Caden sprawling backward into <b>the </b><b>room</b><b>, </b><b>blood </b><b>sttering </b>across the waits <b>She </b><b>shut </b><b>the </b>door behind her with a deliberate click, sealing them <b>in</b>.


    <b>Elira </b><b>came </b>rushing at the sound, only to freeze at the sight of her mate crumpled in his <b>own </b><b><i>blood </i></b><b>and </b>Carmen standing there, de dripping red, her clothes already spattered.


    <b>A </b>scream ripped from Elira¡¯s throat. She turned to flee, but Carmen was faster. In a blur she seized Elira by the hair and mmed her against the wall, then threw her to the ground like prey beneath a predator¡¯s paw<b>. </b>


    ¡°You two vermin destroyed Riley,¡± Carmen hissed, voice colder than a moonless night. ¡°Tonight, you die.¡±


    Elira scrambled, crawling, blood matting her hair, tears streaking her face. ¡°Please¡­ mercy! We know we were wrong!


    ¡°Wrong?¡± Carmen crouched low, pressing the edge of her knife to Elira¡¯s throat. ¡°Toote.¡±


    With a vicious flick, she shed¨Cnot deep enough to kill, but enough to sever. Tendons parted. Elira shrieked, body jerking violently as pain racked her frame.


    Caden, half¨Cconscious on the floor, groaned and stirred. His eyes flicked open just enough to see Carmen looming above them, her de glowing with reflected light. Recognition dawned, and terror consumed him.


    ¡°You¡­ it¡¯s you,¡± he rasped, pupils dting in fear.


    Carmen smiled, a slow, merciless curve. ¡°You¡¯re so cruel. I wonder-¡± she tilted her head, gaze glittering- ¡°is your heart as ck as your soul? Or will it bleed red when I tear it out?¡±


    ¡°No! Please! Don¡¯t!¡± Caden begged<i>, </i>voice cracking as panic shredded his pride.


    Elira sobbed, bloodied hands wing at the floor. ¡°We repent! We¡¯ll pay! Just spare us-


    Carmen¡¯s wolf was already prowling beneath her skin, ws scratching, fangs aching to rip. She no longer saw them as people, only as prey, the ones who had brought Riley to ruin.


    She raised her de higher. Steel caught the dull light of the stairwell. Then, with deliberate slowness, she dragged it across Caden¡¯s abdomen. Flesh parted. Blood welled, hot and dark.


    His scream echoed down the narrow hall, sharp and raw, the sound of a man being unmade.


    Carmen¡¯s face was calm, almost serene. ¡°This is only the beginning.¡±


    And in that moment, predator and prey were clear. Carmen was the wolf, and the ckthorns were nothing more than meat.

 in Vengeance 308

    Crimson blood gushed forth, sttering across the warped wooden floor, the metallic scent filling the room like a storm that could drown the senses. Caden¡¯s body convulsed violently, his eyes bulging wide, pupils blown out in pure terror. Fear coated them, thick and ck as tar, drowning out thest of his defiance.


    ¡°No¡­ please,¡± he gasped, voice trembling, his hands slick with his own blood as he tried to hold himself together. ¡°Spare me¨CI¡¯ll do anything, anything you ask!¡±


    Carmen stood above him, her gaze colder than a moonless night, sharper than any de in her hand. Her expression carried no mercy, no hint of hesitation¨Conly the hollow fury of a wolf who had lost her pack-


    sister.


    The image of Riley¡¯s pale body lying on that cold, merciless operating table surged back into her mind, burning like a brand across her heart. Her voice was low, guttural, vibrating with the echo of her wolf.


    ¡°You beg me to spare you¡­ Tell me, who spared Riley?¡±


    Her grip on the de tightened, her knuckles turning white.


    ¡°My Riley,¡± she whispered, her voice breaking into a snarl, ¡°born under the moon of Ebonw blood, destined to be a daughter of a noble pack, to live with dignity, draped in silks, shielded by power. And yet ¡ªbecause of the two of you-¡± she spat the words like venom, eyes narrowing on Caden and Dean Elira ckthorn ¡°-her life was stripped away, her blood spilled, her destiny broken.¡±


    The knife descended again, piercing flesh.


    ¡°AHHHH!¡± Caden¡¯s scream tore through the silence, raw and ragged, echoing off the walls. His body arched, trembling violently, his voice cracking as pain ripped through him like ws through fur.


    Carmen¡¯s face remained unreadable, eyes burning with a cold fire as she cut him again, each strike slow, deliberate, a judgment that would not end quickly.


    ¡°Riley was the gentlest soul in this cursed world,¡± Carmen hissed, the words vibrating with the growl of her wolf. ¡°And she is gone. Tell me¨Cwhy should filth like you breathe when she no longer can? You do not deserve this life. You deserve the pit.¡±


    Her strikes grew crueler, each one carving through sinew and bone. The room grew thick with the reek of blood, iron, and bile until even the air was choking.


    For three relentless hours, Caden remained alive, awake, forced to witness his own body split apart under Carmen¡¯s hand. Piece by piece, she cut him down until he was barely human, his howls echoing until they fractured into whimpers, then silence.


    Dean Elira ckthorn was forced to watch every moment. She was frozen at first, her body rigid, her eyes wide and ssy, like prey locked in the stare of a predator. Too much fear froze her in ce, leaving her <b>as </b>lifeless as a doll carved of wood.


    When atst Cadeny broken, his corpse little more than a ruin on the floor, Carmen turned her eyes toward Elira.


    ¡°You¡¯re next.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b><b>308 </b>


    Those two <b>words </b>struck Elira like lightning splitting a tree. She snapped out of her frozen <b>stupen</b>, gaping, shaking her head violently.


    No¨C<b>no</b>, please!¡± she sobbeil, tears spilling down her face in rivers. She trembled so hard she <b>could </b>barely form words, her body curling in on itself as she wed against the floorboards. ¡°Spare me<i>!</i><i>¡± </i>


    Carmen¡¯s eyes narrowed, cold and unyielding.


    ¡°So even those who wield power in this world of wolves tremble before death. Even monsters can beg like dogs when their lives are threatened. Pathetic.¡±


    Her de shed, glinting in the dull light of the room. She pressed it against Elira¡¯s face, letting the steel kiss her skin. The older woman shook so violently that a wet stain spread across her clothes.


    ¡°Do not fear,¡± Carmen said softly, her lips twisting into a cruel smile. ¡°I¡¯ll reunite you with your beloved. He¡¯s waiting for you in the abyss.<b>¡± </b>


    The de arced downward.


    Elira¡¯s eyes flew wide in terror. ¡°No¨Cyou can¡¯t kill me!¡±


    The knife stopped a breath away from her eye.


    The room fell into suffocating silence.


    Elira dared to open her eyes again, only to find the de poised so close that one twitch would end her. She screamed again and mped her eyes shut, her body quaking with fear.


    ¡°You think you have the right to tell me what I can or cannot do?¡± Carmen¡¯s smile curved darker. ¡°You <i>are </i>nothing. You deserve to die, and every soul who touched Riley deserves to die. I¡¯ll hunt you all, until thest of your line is ashes.¡±


    Her hand pushed the knife closer.


    ¡°No! Wait!¡± Elira shrieked, her voice ragged with desperation. ¡°If you kill me, you¡¯ll never know¨Cthere¡¯s a secret. A secret about Riley.¡±


    Carmen froze.


    The words cut through her rage like a <i>bl </i>


    through bone. Her wolf stilled inside her chest.


    The knife hovered, trembling. Elira cracked her eyes open, heart hammering, and saw Carmen hesitate. Shetched onto that moment like prey grasping at air.


    ¡°If you care about her,¡± Elira said, her voice breaking, ¡°then you need to hear it.¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡± Carmen¡¯s voice was a growl, low and vibrating, eyes shing like molten silver.


    Elira mped her lips shut again, defiance flickering for one heartbeat. If Carmen wanted the secret<b>, </b>she would have to bargain.


    Carmen¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You think silence will save you?¡±


    With a vicious thrust, she drove the de into Elira¡¯s shoulder.


    C


    Chapter <b>308 </b>


    <b>The </b><b>dean </b><b>screamed</b><b>, </b>her <b>voice </b>echoing <b>like </b><b>a </b><b>wounded </b>beast, <b>eyes </b><b>flying </b><b>open </b>in shock.


    ¡°<b>Say </b><b>it</b><b>, </b>Carmen ordered<b>, </b>her tone like steel, her face sttered with blood and <b>shadow</b><b>. </b><b>¡°</b>Or I will make <b>your </b>death slower than his. Every heartbeat will be agony.¡±


    Elira¡¯s resolve cracked. ¡°I¡¯ll speak! I¡¯ll say everything!¡± she howled, tears streaming.


    Carmen wrenched the de free, her lips curling in cold disdain. ¡°Pathetic. Crawl and beg <b>if </b><b>you </b><b>must </b>But if your secret disappoints me, I¡¯ll y you alive and scatter your bones for the crows.


    Terror consumed Elira. In that moment, she realized Carmen was no longer merely a girl of Ashmoor Academy. She was something more. Something monstrous. Something wolf.


    Elira¡¯s voice shook as she began to whisper the truth about Riley¨Ctruth Carmen had never expected<b>. </b><b>The </b>revtion struck her harder than any de could, freezing her in ce, her breath catching in her chest.


    For the first time that night, Carmen faltered.


    The secret was not just about Riley¡¯s suffering.


    It was about Riley¡¯s blood.


    And what still lived within her.

 in Vengeance 309

    <b>Chapter </b><b>309 </b>


    Chapter <b>309 </b>


    Blood pooled across the cold floorboards, seeping into every crack. Elira ckthorn¡¯s body <b>convulsed </b>under Carmen¡¯s de, her cries echoing like a wounded animal¡¯sst howl. But the words <b>that </b>slipped past her bloodied lips struck harder than any scream could,¡±


    ¡°Now¡­ now you know the truth about Riley.¡± Elira¡¯s voice wavered, ragged with pain. ¡°<b>Spare </b><b>me</b><b>. </b>


    Carmen froze. For an instant, her chest constricted, her breath lodged in her throat. Her eyes, already bloodshot, darkened further as if the wolf within her had wed its way to the surface.


    Her snarl ripped from her throat. ¡°You dare lic to me? Riley was locked in Wolf prison five years ago. <b>You </b>expect me to believe she bore a child while shackled like prey?¡±


    Her hand tightened on the knife. Rage consumed her, and the scent of her fury was sharp as steel.


    ¡°You mock her name even with your dying breath?!¡± Carmen roared, mming Elira back against the bloodstained wall. ¡°Riley is my reverse scale. I will not allow filth to drag her through the mud!¡±


    Her red¨Crimmed eyes glowed like coals, veins standing out against her pale skin. She looked less like a woman and more like an avenging spirit, risen from the ashes of a ughtered pack.


    Elira stammered, her voice fractured by fear. ¡°N¨Cno¡­ no trick. It¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Lies!¡± Carmen lifted the de, its tip aimed for Elira¡¯s eye.


    The dean screamed, desperation tearing her words apart. ¡°If you kill me¨Cyou¡¯ll never find Riley¡¯s child! Only I know where the pup is!¡±


    Carmen¡¯s hand faltered mid¨Cthrust, every nerve burning. Her wolf wed at her chest, torn between the hunger for vengeance and the desperate need <i>to </i>protect Riley¡¯s bloodline.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Carmen growled, her voice low, trembling with rage.


    Elira¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°The pup carries Riley¡¯s blood¡­ but she was not carried in Riley¡¯s womb. She was made in secret. Stolen from Riley without her knowing.¡±


    The knife slipped slightly in Carmen¡¯s hand. A sickening silence fell, so thick that only the pounding of Carmen¡¯s own heart could be heard.


    ¡°Exin.¡± Themand was sharp as an Alpha¡¯s order.


    Elira swallowed hard, her body quivering under the weight of Carmen¡¯s gaze. Slowly, haltingly, she revealed the truth.


    Two years ago, when Riley was locked in the depths of Wolf prison, her torment had gone far beyond the theft of her kidney. During that brutal operation, she had been injected with a cruel stimnt¨Cforced ovte, while under heavy anesthesia. Her eggs were harvested, not for her benefit, but for Scarlett and Dean Elira¡¯s twisted survival.


    Those eggs were imnted into a surrogate. A child was born¨Ca little girl who shared Riley¡¯s blood, yet Riley herself had never even known she existed. That child was not meant to be loved, not meant to live freely. She had been bred for one purpose<b>: </b>to serve as a living organ bank. When Scarlett¡¯s frail body or


    Chapter <b>309 </b>


    Elira¡¯s <b>decayed</b>, they nned to take whatever they needed <b>from </b>the girl, <b>Heart</b>, <b>Lungi </b>Kidneys f <b>mattered </b>little to them.


    Carmen staggered back<b>, </b>her body trembling violently. A gush of blood <b>sprayed </b>from her <b>lips</b><b>, </b><b>her </b>wOH howling in anguish <b>as </b>if her soul had been wed apart.


    1:|:??? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?


    Her eyes dimmed, shadows swirling within. ¡°Beasts,¡± she hissed, the word breaking into a <b>growf</b><b>. </b>¡°You are not wolves. You are carrion. Monsters lower than vermin.¡±


    The pain twisted deeper when Elira spat out one more truth, her voice cracking as she rushed to save her own life.


    ¡°Do you know why Riley never recovered her strength after her kidney was stolen? Why her wolf still weakens, even now? It is not only the loss of the organ. From the day she was dragged back into Ebonw<b><i>. </i></b>Alpha ric himself ordered chronic wolf¨Cpoison to be slipped into her veins. Small doses, every <b>day </b>Enough to corrode her spirit, to keep her wolf chained, to make sure she would never rise against him<b>. </b>He feared her Alpha blood, Carmen. He feared what she would be.¡±


    The words struck Carmen like silver knives. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the floor, shaking.


    Her mind raced¨Cmemory after memory aligning with this cruel revtion. Riley¡¯s constant weakness. Her body¡¯s slow copse. The way her wolf never fully emerged, never healed as it should have. The truth had been hidden in in sight, cloaked beneath years of torment.


    Carmen¡¯s vision blurred. She saw Riley¡¯s face, pale and weary, yet always carrying that stubborn spark in her eyes. She saw the girl who should have been celebrated as a daughter of Ebonw, who should <i>have </i>been raised in moonlit honor, condemned instead to misery, betrayal, and slow destruction at the hands of her own blood.


    Hot, scarlet tears streaked Carmen¡¯s face. Blood¨Ctears, thick and metallic, fell like rain.


    ¡°Why?¡± she cried out, her voice raw, echoing like a wolf¡¯s mournful howl under a cursed moon. ¡°What crime did shemit, to suffer like this? She bore the blood of Alphas, and you-¡± Carmen turned her burning gaze on Elira ¡°¨Cyou butchered her like livestock, drained her like a vessel, condemned her child <i>to </i>a fate worse than death!¡±


    Her body shook violently. The wolf inside her wed at her chest, demanding blood, demanding vengeance.


    Carmen¡¯s snarl grew feral, and she drove the knife into Elira¡¯s flesh again and again, each thrust punctuated with her rage.


    ¡°Die! Die for what you¡¯ve done to her!¡±


    Elira¡¯s screams filled the room, shrill and broken, until they dissolved into a wet, ragged whimper.


    But when the dean gasped out her final desperate cry, Carmen halted once more.


    ¡°You¡¯ll¡­ never find Riley¡¯s pup¡­ if you kill me¡­¡±


    The words slithered into Carmen¡¯s fury, coiling tight around her heart. Her wolf raged to finish the kill, but her human side wavered/She could not¨Cwould not¨Crisk losing thest living piece of Riley¡¯s blood. Elira sensed the hesitation. Despite the blood dripping from her wounds, a mad, triumphantugh broke


    <b>Chapter </b><b>809 </b>


    <b>past </b><b>her </b><b>lips</b>.


    <b>¡°</b><b>Hahaha</b>¡­ I struck <b>your </b>weakness. You want that child.¡± Her <b>face </b>twisted, grotesque with <b>pain </b><b>and </b>cruelty ¡°Obey me. Take me to the hospital. Heal me¡ªor you¡¯ll never find where she is. The bastard <b>pup </b>will <b>vanish </b>forever.¡±


    Her arrogance stank in the air, foul and heavy.


    But Carmen only smiled. A smile colder than winter winds, sharper than silver ws.


    She stood, walking into the adjoining kitchen. When she returned, her hands carried a pouch of <b>coarse</b>, white salt.


    Elira¡¯s eyes widened, her face draining of all color. She thrashed weakly against her bonds, terror flooding her scent.


    ¡°No¨Cdon¡¯t! You wouldn¡¯t dare-


    Carmen said nothing. She tore the pouch open and, with merciless precision, poured the salt across Elira¡¯s raw wounds.


    The dean¡¯s scream was inhuman, her body twisting and convulsing like prey in a snare.


    ¡°Talk,¡± Carmen said tly, her voice colder than an Alpha¡¯s judgment.


    Elira writhed, sobbing, wing at the floor until her nails split. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you¨CI¡¯ll say everything¨Cjust stop -please-¡±


    Carmen dropped the salt bag to the ground, her eyes zing like a wolf staring down its speak. Where is Riley¡¯s child?¡±


    prey.


    ¡°Then


    Elira gasped, desperate, shaking violently. ¡°Not yet. If I tell you now, you¡¯ll gut me where I sit. Let me live -let me take you to her myself. Then you¡¯ll know I¡¯ve spoken the truth.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s gaze cut through her lies, cold and unyielding. She could smell the deceit woven into Elira¡¯s words. The dean thought she had found Carmen¡¯s weakness.


    But she forgot¨Cwolves do not bow to prey. Wolves tear. Wolves consume.


    <b>3/3 </b>


    Chapter <b>310 </b>

 in Vengeance 310

    Chapter <b>310 </b>


    Carmen¡¯s de gleamed darkly beneath the dim light, its edge hovering over Dean Elira ckthorn * chest. Blood already slicked her clothes, pooling on the floor, but still Elira¡¯s trembling lips clung to <b>life </b>through words.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you two choices,¡± Carmen growled, her voice low, trembling with the force of her fury. ¡°One<b>¨C</b><b>tell </b>me exactly where Riley¡¯s daughter is, and I will grant you a swift death. Two¨Cyou refuse, and I¡¯ll <b>carve </b>your body apart the way I carved Caden¡¯s. Even if you never speak, it won¡¯t matter. If I tell Lucien Duskgrave, the Alpha Prince of Stormridge, he¡¯ll find the child no matter how deep you bury her.¡±


    The dean¡¯s gaze wavered, trapped between terror and the primal instinct to cling to life. She trembled, <b>lips </b>moving soundlessly before she rasped out, ¡°If I tell you¡­ you¡¯ll really spare me?¡±


    Carmen¡¯sugh was low and hollow. ¡°I¡¯ve ughtered enough that the authorities would hang me a hundred times over. Do you really think I fear mortal chains? But yes¨Cdo as <b>I </b>say, and you¡¯ll find mercy.¡±


    Hope flickered in Elira¡¯s eyes. Faced with survival, she gave up the secret. Her words spilled, broken but clear: Riley¡¯s daughter had been born of her stolen blood. Eggs ripped from her while shey unconscious, fertilized and forced into a surrogate. A child, two years old now, abandoned in a vige far from Ebonw territory, hidden but not protected.


    The truth settled in Carmen¡¯s chest like poison. Riley¡¯s agony was already unbearable, yet it had been deeper still¨Cher body stolen not just for her organs but for her bloodline, her legacy twisted into a living harvest.


    ¡°I told you,¡± Elira whispered hoarsely. ¡°Now¡­ let me go. You promised.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s lips curled into a smile so cold it could have frozen the marrow of any wolf. ¡°You did one thing right, atst. And for that¡­¡± She pressed the de down, plunging it through the dean¡¯s heart in one clean thrust. ¡°I¡¯ll grant you swiftness.¡±


    Elira¡¯s eyes widened, betrayal flooding them. ¡°You¡­ lied¡­¡±


    Carmen tilted her head innocently. ¡°I promised mercy. I never said mercy meant sparing your life.¡±


    The second strike shattered the dean¡¯s heart into ruin. Her scream cut off mid¨Cbreath, copsing into silence.


    When the room stilled, only the stench of blood and the weight of secrets lingered. Carmen rose, her boots sshing through the crimson puddle. She left their bodies for carrion, her wolf pacing beneath her skin, howling in anguish.


    By dawn, others would find Dean Elira ckthorn and Caden¡¯s corpses. By then, Carmen would already be gone.


    The roads blurred beneath her as she drove, rage and grief pulling her forward like a storm wind. Elira¡¯s final revtion reyed in her skull, each word another cut: Riley¡¯s stolen bloodline. Riley¡¯s lost child. Riley¡¯s silent suffering.


    And then the cruelest truth of all¨CElira¡¯s whispered confession about Alpha ric. From the very day Riley had been dragged back into Ebonw, her own father had ordered chronic wolf¨Cpoison to be administered. Doses <b>so </b>small they would not kill, but relentless enough to weaken her spirit, chain her


    <b>Chapter </b><b>810 </b>


    <b>wolf</b><b>, </b><b>corrode </b><b>her </b>strength day <b>by </b>day.


    <b>That </b>was why her wolf had never healed even after her kidney had been restored. That <b>was </b><b>why </b><b>the </b>remained frail, her Alpha wolf stifled beneath invisible chains. Her father, the one who <b>should </b><b>have </b>shielded her, had been the one slowly murdering her soul.


    The truth broke something inside Carmen. Hot tears welled in her eyes¨Cred, thick, streaking down her cheeks like blood itself. ¡°Riley¡­ gods, what else have they stolen from you?¡±


    Her wolf howled in grief, the sound echoing inside her ribs like a dirge.


    By the time Carmen reached the remote vige, the horizon had dipped into twilight. She followed the directions Elira had gasped out, her heart pounding with each turn of the road. When she finally stopped before a crumbling house without so much as a boundary wall, she caught the sharp scent of cruelty <b>in </b><b>the </b>


    air.


    A scream pierced the dusk.


    ¡°Filthy brat! You dare steal from your brother? You¡¯re nothing but swine¨Ceat pig slop and be grateful!¡± Carmen¡¯s head whipped toward the voice. A small figure, no more than two or three years old, was hurled from the doorway like discarded trash. The child hit the dirt hard, curling up and wailing.


    ¡°Momma, Ldidn¡¯t steal! He dropped it, and I was so hungry-¡±


    But her cries were cut off as a heavyset woman stormed after her, a chicken¨Cfeather whip raised high.


    ¡°You dare talk back, mongrel? Born without honor, without blood! I should never have taken you in. You shame my house, you shame my son!¡±


    The whip cracked down. The girl screamed, her tiny body curling tighter, her voice breaking. ¡°Momma, please! I won¡¯t do it again! I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    The blows fell harder, again and again, her skin splitting, blood soaking through her thin, ragged dress.


    Carmen¡¯s heart clenched. The child¡¯s face¨Cthose eyes, that fragile jawline¨C<i>it </i>was Riley reborn, smaller, softer, but unmistakable.


    Her wolf surged forward, eyes zing crimson.


    In two strides she was there, her hand snapping up to catch the descending whip. The woman turned, startled, ring at the intruder.


    ¡°Who the hell are you? Stay out of this, girl. She¡¯s mine <i>to </i>discipline.¡±


    Carmen smiled, though there was no warmth in it, only cold death. ¡°Tell me, is this child¡¯s name really what you call her? ¡®Bitch¨Cspawn¡°?¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering. ¡°How do you know that? Who told you?¡±


    Carmen¡¯s smile widened, sharper, hungrier. ¡°So it¡¯s true. I¡¯ve found her.¡±


    The woman opened her mouth to retort, but the words never came. A sh of steel, the bite of Carmen¡¯s knife, and her belly split with hot pain.


    <b>2/3 </b>


    Chapter <b>310 </b>


    <b>Her </b><b>eyes </b>bulged <b>in </b><b>horror</b>, staring down at the de buried deep in her <b>gut</b>. <b>Carmen¡¯s </b>wrist twisted. <b>grinding </b><b>the </b>steel cruelly inside her.


    <b>Touch </b><b>Riley¡¯s </b>blood again,¡± Carmen whispered, her voice low, guttural, dripping with the <b>snarl </b>of her<b>. </b>wolf<b>, </b>¡°and your precious son will grow up without a mother.¡±


    The woman¡¯s scream split the night.


    And in the dirt behind her, Riley¡¯s daughter sobbed, the wolf¨Cblood of Ebonw shining through her


    tears<b>. </b>


    ¨C f


    <b>373 </b>


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 in Vengeance 311

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    The woman¡¯s face twisted into something grotesque as pain ripped through her belly. ¡°You¡­ you dare kill me?¡± she croaked, her voice broken, trembling with raw


    terror.


    Carmen¡¯s wide, dark eyes blinked innocently, almost doe¨Clike. She looked, for one fleeting second, like a harmless girl ying at rebellion¨Cfragile, harmless, a rabbit trembling in a den of wolves.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered softly, almost sweetly. ¡°Why not? I¡¯ve already killed six. One more makes no difference. And you¡­ you made the mistake of hurting the child of the one I love most<b>.</b>¡±


    Her voice floated like smoke, deceptively light. But to the woman writhing on the floor, it was the whisper of a demon bending close to her ear.


    Blood seeped between her fingers as she clutched at the wound, her back bent with the weight of agony. ¡°Please,¡± she rasped, desperation cracking her tone. ¡°Spare me. My son¨Che¡¯s only a year old. He¡¯s too young to live without his mother.¡±


    But Carmen¡¯s knife never paused. Her wrist twisted cruelly, the de churning deeper, stirring through organs with sickening precision. The woman¡¯s scream tore the night like a beast in a trap.


    Carmen¡¯s eyes hardened to steel. ¡°Your son is small? And my Riley¡¯s child is anyrger? You ask me for mercy when you showed none? No. The only bnce is blood for blood.¡±


    The woman thrashed, sobbing, her pleas tumbling into madness. ¡°Don¡¯t kill me! I was wrong, I¡¯ll repent! I¡¯ll never hurt her again¨CI¡¯ll raise her as my own, I swear it!¡±


    ¨C


    The words ¡°raise her as my own¡°-might have meant salvation to someone else. But one slip of the tongue destroyed herst chance.


    ¡°You dare call her that again?¡± Carmen snarled, eyes zing crimson.


    The words ¡°Bitch¨Cspawn¡± hung in the air like poison. They touched Carmen¡¯s wolf the way fire touches dry tinder. In a sh of fury, she ripped the de free and shed upward, cutting deep across the woman¡¯s throat.


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    Blood fountained hot and violent. The woman copsed like a toppled wall, body seizing as her breath rattled into a wet gurgle. Her eyes bulged, wild with the primal hunger to live. But no wolf, no spirit, no mother¡¯s instinct could save her from drowning in her own lifeblood.


    She died there, wide¨Ceyed and shuddering, thest of her breath spilling crimson into the dirt.


    Carmen¡¯s dagger dripped a scarlet thread that glimmered in the dying light. She wiped itzily on the corpse¡¯s dress before lifting her gaze to the tiny child cowering in the dust.


    The change in her was instant¨Cwhere moments before she had been a blood- drenched Alpha¡¯s executioner, now her wolf softened, the predatory air falling away like a discarded pelt. Her eyes warmed, and when she spoke, her voice was gentler than spring wind.


    ¡°Little one,¡± Carmen whispered, crouching low. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. No one will ever hurt you again.¡±


    The girl¡¯s tear¨Cstained face was pinched and hollow, her body trembling violently from shock. Wide, frightened eyes fixed on Carmen. ¡°A¨Cauntie¡­ who are you?¡±


    Carmen¡¯s hand, slick with another¡¯s blood, cupped the child¡¯s fragile cheek. The gauntness of her face¨Cthose eyes, so hauntinglyrge¨Cstabbed Carmen with memory. She saw Riley¡¯s face after the dungeons, after Ebonw¡¯s cruelty had stripped her to bone and pain.


    Tears welled unbidden in Carmen¡¯s eyes, streaking hot down her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m your mother¡¯s sister<i>,</i><i>¡± </i>she whispered hoarsely. ¡°Your little aunt. You must call me Carmen.¡±


    The girl blinked, confusion flooding her gaze. She pointed at the corpse sprawled in the dirt. ¡°She¡­ she¡¯s not my mother?¡±


    Carmen shook her head, fury rippling beneath her grief. ¡°No. She was a trafficker. A thief. She stole you from your blood.¡±


    The girl¡¯s expression transformed in an instant, terror melting into hope. A trembling smile lit her bruised face. ¡°Auntie¡­ can you take me to my real mommy? I don¡¯t want to stay here. Everyone here hates me. They never feed me. I¡¯m always hungry.¡±


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    The plea shattered Carmen. Her tears broke loose like floodwater. She pulled the frail body into her arms, clutching her tight, as if her embrace alone could shield the child from every cruelty past and future.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never be hungry again,¡± Carmen swore, her voice raw with vow. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to her. I¡¯ll take you home.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s sobs burned her throat, her tears falling hot into the child¡¯s tangled hair. ¡°Gods, Riley¡­ how much more will they take from you?¡±


    Her wolf keened inside her chest, the cry of mourning carrying sharp as steel.


    She rose, child in her arms, determined to carve a path of blood if that was what it took to carry her niece away from this hell.


    But as she stepped toward the doorway, a man¡¯s shadow filled it. His eyes fell on the corpse, then on Carmen, then on the girl she held. His roar was guttural. ¡°You! Did you kill my wife?¡±


    His gaze fixed on the girl, twisted with hate. ¡°Where are you taking that filthy wretch? That¡¯s mine. She belongs here!¡±


    He bellowed toward the vige, voice echoing like a drum. ¡°Murderer! She killed my wife! Someone help!¡±


    The child shuddered in Carmen¡¯s arms, her little body seizing with terror. Carmen¡¯s wolf surged forward, lips curling back over invisible fangs.


    If they tried to take Riley¡¯s daughter now, this vige would drown in blood.


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 in Vengeance 312

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    The child whimpered in a voice so small it was nearly lost in the heavy air.


    ¡°Daddy¡­¡±


    Carmen¡¯s eyes sharpened with murderous light. So this man had beaten Riley¡¯s daughter often enough to earn her fear. That settled it¨Chis death would be slow.


    She stepped toward him, de ready, but before she could strike, a crowd of vigers surged from the shadows and blocked the doorway.


    ¡°Outsider!¡± one growled, teeth glinting in the torchlight. ¡°You dare spill blood in our vige? You won¡¯t leave alive!¡±


    ¡°Hold her! Call the Enforcers!¡± another snarled.


    The man¡¯s spine straightened with new¨Cfound courage, emboldened by the pack¡¯s support. He stomped forward, hand outstretched to rip the child from Carmen¡¯s


    arms.


    But Carmen was already moving. One hand cradled the trembling girl to her chest. The other drew the dagger up, poised to tear his throat open.


    Then¨Csharp, piercing howls split the night. The sound of Council Enforcers closing in. Iron authority threaded through their song, the kind of power that made even seasoned Alphas pause.


    Carmen¡¯s wolf stiffened. Her stomach sank. Escape was no longer an option.


    The pounding of heavy paws and boots followed, and within moments, the Enforcers swept into the vige square. Their presence was overwhelming¨Cck- d warriors, their eyes gleaming with silver fire, des strapped across their backs. Their voices boomed like thunder.


    ¡°Stand down! Lay down your weapon!¡±


    The vigers shrank back in awe, some muttering prayers to the Moon. Guns had no ce here¨Cthese were wolves who wielded w and steel, enforcers trained to break rogues and execute traitors.


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    Carmen¡¯s grip tightened on the man she had seized. Her dagger pressed against his throat, just enough to draw a line of blood.


    ¡°You move, he dies,¡± she warned, her voice low, steady, wolf¨Clike.


    The man quivered, his bravado shattering. ¡°I¨CI won¡¯t move! Please don¡¯t kill me!¡±


    The Enforcers advanced, their formation unbreakable. ¡°Release him. Submit. You cannot fight us all.¡±


    Carmen knew they were right. From the moment she killed her first tormentor, she had epted this fate. Tonight, the circle closed. If death came, so be it. Every enemy of Rileyy in the dirt, their blood spilled. She could leave this world without regret.


    Except for one.


    Her gaze dropped to the little girl pressed against her leg. Riley¡¯s daughter clung to her, trembling, sobbing into the folds of her tunic.


    The wolf in Carmen¡¯s chest keened.


    She bent low, her voice softening. ¡°Little one, don¡¯t be afraid. No one will ever hurt you again.¡±


    The girl¡¯s face was wet with tears, her eyes red from crying. Her tiny hands clutched desperately at Carmen¡¯s thigh.


    ¡°Auntie, are they bad wolves?¡± she asked, pointing at the advancing Enforcers.


    The words pierced Carmen¡¯s heart. She swallowed hard, forcing strength into her tone. ¡°No, child. They are not bad. They are the Moon¡¯s hounds. They will not hurt you.¡±


    But the girl only shook her head violently, pressing herself deeper against Carmen¡¯s leg. ¡°No! They¡¯re scary. I want Auntie. Auntie said she would take me to Mommy. I don¡¯t want thern¨CI only want you.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s throat closed with grief. She had expected screams, rejection, even terror. Not this unshakable trust. To be clung to so tightly, after a lifetime of blood and exile¨Cit was almost unbearable.


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    Tears blurred her vision. She stroked the girl¡¯s hair with her free hand, her smile trembling. ¡°Listen to me, pup. Go to them. They will keep you safe. I cannot.¡±


    But the child wailed louder, small body racked with sobs. ¡°No! I don¡¯t care! You said you¡¯d take me to Mommy! Don¡¯t leave me! Please don¡¯t leave me!¡±


    The words shattered Carmen¡¯s iron will. A howl rose in her chest, broken and grieving. She wanted nothing more than to run, to take this girl far away, to raise her as her own. But she had no illusions. Her blood¨Cstained hands had run their


    course.


    ¡°Pup,¡± she whispered, kissing the child¡¯s damp hair. ¡°I will protect you until myst breath. But I cannot walk where you must. You must go on.¡±


    The girl¡¯s cries filled the night, sharp as ws against Carmen¡¯s soul¡­


    And then-¡°Carmen!¡±


    The name thundered across the square. Carmen¡¯s head jerked up, stunned. Her gaze locked with Duke, who stood among the Enforcers. His eyes zed, not with condemnation, but with anguish.


    ¡°Carmen,¡± he called again, his voice breaking. ¡°Stop this. No more blood. Come with us. Surrender.¡±


    Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. ¡°Duke¡­ I don¡¯t fear death. My only regret is this child.¡±


    She cupped Riley¡¯s daughter¡¯s cheek tenderly. ¡°This is Riley¡¯s pup. Her daughter. When they carved out her kidney, they forced her body to bear eggs. They nned to raise a child only to harvest her organs when needed.¡±


    Her voice cracked. ¡°Riley never even knew. She died without knowing her pup lived.¡±


    Gasps rippled through the Enforcers. Duke¡¯s eyes went wide, the weight of her words striking him like a blow.


    Carmen¡¯s tears poured freely now. ¡°Do you understand? Riley was poisoned from the day Alpha ric dragged her back to Ebonw. Chronic wolfbane¨Cfed to her like medicine. That¡¯s why her wolf never healed, even when her kidney was restored. That¡¯s why she was always weak. Her own blood cursed her.¡±


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    The crowd murmured, horror spreading like wildfire. Even the Enforcers shifted uneasily.


    Carmen sobbed openly, clutching the girl onest time. ¡°She is all Riley left. behind. Please, Duke. Protect her. Don¡¯t let her fall into their hands again.¡±


    The girl lifted her tear¨Cstreaked face. ¡°Auntie, don¡¯t go. Don¡¯t leave me. I¡¯m scared.¡±


    Carmen pressed her forehead against the child¡¯s, her wolf crying itsst. ¡°I love you, little one. You are your mother¡¯s light. Walk in it.¡±


    Then, with the strength of an Alpha, she pried the girl¡¯s arms away, pushing her gently toward the Enforcers. The child screamed, fighting to cling to her, but an Enforcer lifted her carefully, shielding her from the scene.


    Carmen straightened, knife still pressed against her hostage¡¯s throat, her body coiled like a wolf ready for its final stand.


    Her eyes locked on Duke¡¯s. ¡°Take care of her. Swear it.¡±


    ¡°I swear it on the Moon,¡± Duke rasped, his own eyes wet.


    Carmen smiled, broken but fierce. Her wolf howled inside her, a requiem to the


    stars.

 in Vengeance 313

    Carmen exhaled a trembling breath. Her gaze lifted to Duke, her eyes dark with unshed tears. ¡°Duke. For the bond we once shared¡­ protect her. Please<i>.</i><i>¡± </i>


    Duke¡¯s heart roared inside his chest, a storm of grief and rage. ¡°I will. You have my word. Bute with me now. Submit, Carmen, before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    Carmen¡¯sugh was brittle, tinged with bitterness. ¡°Submit? I¡¯ve spilled too much blood. There¡¯s no path back for me.¡±


    Her hair whipped across her face in the night wind, eyes shing with the resolve of a wolf that had already chosen death. She raised her de high, silver catching the moonlight like a shard of winter ice.


    The Enforcers shifted their weight, ready to strike. Their orders were clear: if Carmen made one fatal move, they would tear her down.


    Time thickened. The crowd held its breath.


    Then Carmen moved, dagger poised to end the man¡¯s life.


    But before steel could meet flesh, a blur of ck fur exploded across the square. Duke had shifted mid¨Cstride, his wolf massive, his coat dark as obsidian. He crashed into Carmen with devastating force, his weight pinning her to the ground, ws sinking into the dirt on either side of her.


    Carmen¡¯s dagger ttered from her hand. Her eyes widened as Duke¡¯s muzzle pressed close, his snarl not of threat¨Cbut of desperation.


    ¡°Stop!¡± he thundered through the bond. His voice burned in her skull, raw and guttural. ¡°Do you want them to kill you?!¡±


    She froze<i>, </i>chest heaving beneath his weight. For the first time, Carmen¡¯s fire faltered. Her gaze darted past him to the ring of Enforcers, their weapons raised, their killing intent thick in the air. If she struggled again, they would not hesitate.


    Her lips parted, voice breaking. ¡°Duke¡­ let me go. Don¡¯t chain yourself to my


    fate.¡±


    ¡°Never,¡± his wolf growled, his golden eyes burning into hers. ¡°If you keep fighting, they¡¯ll strike you down. I won¡¯t let you throw your life away here.¡±


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    The Enforcers surged forward, seizing the moment. Shackles of silverced with wolfsbane were sped around Carmen¡¯s wrists, forcing her wolf to recoil in agony. She gritted her teeth, refusing to make a sound, though the fire in her eyes. dimmed as the toxin bit into her veins.


    The vigers whispered in awe and fear. Some spat curses, others wept, but all knew the Council¡¯s judgment was final. Carmen, once a Ashmoor Elite, was now a captive.


    Duke shifted back to human, sweat dripping down his temples, his chest heaving with exertion. He knelt beside her as the Enforcers hauled her to her feet, silver chains glowing cruelly in the moonlight.


    Her eyes met his onest time. ¡°Don¡¯t waste yourself on me, Duke. My path is already written. Death is all that waits.¡±


    He shook his head violently, voice cracking with fury and promise. ¡°No. I¡¯ll fight for you. I¡¯ll stand before the Council myself. I¡¯ll tell them why you did this, why you struck down those who wronged Riley and her pup. I¡¯ll seek clemency for you.¡±


    Her lips curved in a bitter smile, though her eyes shimmered with something softer. ¡°You were always the fool willing to carry my sins.¡±


    As the Enforcers dragged her toward


    waiting transport, Duke¡¯s voice rang


    across the square, carrying the weight of an oath that could not be broken.


    ¡°I swear, Carmen. I will not abandon you. I¡¯ll make them listen. I¡¯ll see you freed.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s heart twisted. For the first time that night, she allowed herself to close her eyes.


    And though her body was bound in silver and wolfsbane, though her fatey in the Council¡¯s unforgiving hands, a spark of warmth lit in her chest at his vow.


    The crowd parted as the Enforcers led her away, their chants and murmurs fading into the wind.


    Above them, the moon bore silent witness, its silver gaze steady and unblinking, as though the Moon Goddess herself waited to see if Duke¡¯s promise could rewrite destiny.


    O

 in Vengeance 314

    The reports spread like wildfire through Mooncrest and the bordering packs.


    ¡¾In recent weeks, the Enforcers of the High Councilpleted an arduous investigation and pursuit, sessfully bringing closure to a string of bloody retaliations¡­ Carmen of Ashmoor Academy, used of multiple killings, was seized alive after resisting arrest. In custody, the Council determined through evidence provided by Duke that all in bore blood¨Cdebts of cruelty¨Cwolves who had brutalized Riley of the Ebonw Pack and her daughter. While her methods were deemed merciless, her acts were not wholly without cause. The Council, weighing both justice and mercy, sentenced her to five years of confinement rather than execution.]


    Public reaction was divided¨Csome called her a monster, others whispered she had only done what every wolf silently wished they could do.


    Duke walked down the cold corridor of the Council¡¯s fortress¨Cprison, chains echoing faintly from deeper cells. His boots struck stone with steady rhythm, but his heart pounded unevenly, knowing she would be behind that door.


    Carmen sat cross¨Clegged on the bunk, her once¨Cwild hair now tied back, her wrists scarred faintly from silver manacles. She looked up when the lock clicked.


    For a moment, she smirked. ¡°I thought the Council would forget about me the second the bars shut.¡±


    Duke stepped closer, jaw tight. ¡°I told you I wouldn¡¯t, You should know me by


    now.<i>¡± </i>


    Her eyes softened, only slightly. ¡°Five years in here¡­ it might as well be a lifetime.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait.¡± His voice was iron, steady as the mountains of Stormridge. ¡°When you walk free, I¡¯ll be there. You won¡¯t <i>be </i>alone again.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s throat tightened. Wolves like her were not supposed to cry¨Cbut the tremor in her hands betrayed her. ¡°You stubborn fool. Don¡¯t waste your life


    chained to mine.¡±


    ¡°I chose this chain,¡± Duke replied, his wolf voice rumbling beneath his words. ¡°And I will carry it until you are free.¡±


    111


    r


    For a long moment, silencey between them, thick with things unspoken. Finally, Carmen¡¯s lips curved in something between a smile and a grimace.


    ¡°Then promise me one thing.¡±


    ¡°Anything.¡±


    ¡°Riley¡¯s daughter¡­ protect her. She¡¯s thest piece of Riley left in this world. Don¡¯t let her grow up alone. Don¡¯t let her forget who her mother was.¡±


    Duke¡¯s chest burned as though his wolf ws scraped against it. He nodded. ¡°On my life, I¡¯ll guard her.¡±


    Carmen leaned back against the wall, her gaze shifting to the barred window where moonlight spilled in. ¡°Then I can endure this cage. Five years, ten¡­ if she¡¯s safe, it¡¯s worth it.¡±


    Far away, in the Stormridge stronghold, grief still hung like a storm cloud.


    The Duskgrave estate had fallen into silence. Lucien Duskgrave, Alpha Prince of Stormridge Pack from Northhaven, was a shadow of himself. Once proud, unyielding, untouchable¨Cnow he sat slumped in the embroidery chamber that still smelled faintly of roses and thread.


    The once¨Cvibrant chamber was now a tomb. In his handy the delicate piece of silk Riley had embroidered before her death, her touch still lingering in every threaded line. Lucien¡¯s fingers traced the pattern over and over, as if by doing so he could summon her warmth back into his arms.


    He had not hunted in weeks. He had not shifted. His wolf paced endlessly in the dark of his soul, restless and grieving. His eyes¨Conce sharp as a de¨Cwere now hollow, as though carved out by sorrow.


    The door creaked open. Mrs Beck stood hesitantly, tray in hand. ¡°My lord¡­ you must eat something.¡±


    Lucien didn¡¯t move. His gaze never left the silk.


    Behind her, Matriarch Duskgrave approached, her once¨Cstraight spine bent with exhaustion. Her voice cracked as she addressed her grandson. ¡°Lucien¡­ I know your pain. I feel it too. Riley was family to us all. But if you continue like this, even your wolf will abandon you. And Stormridge cannot survive without its Alpha


    ¤¯


    19:44 Mon, 1 Sept A


    Prince.¡±


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    Lucien finally blinked, his voice hoarse, unused. ¡°Without her, what is there to survive for?¡±


    The old matriarch¡¯s eyes glistened. She steadied herself against the doorframe. ¡°The pack. The bloodline. The child you might still leave behind. Lucien, you are the heir of Stormridge. If not for yourself, then for the pack, you must rise again.¡±


    Silence filled the chamber, heavy as snow.


    After a long, torturous moment, Lucien¡¯s lips moved. ¡°The Stormridge vault holds my seed. Use it. Let the healers and their sciences find me an heir. I care not who bears it. It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    The matriarch closed her eyes, pain carving deeper lines into her aged face. She had prayed he would never reach this point¨Cwhere even love could not anchor him, and only duty remained.


    ¡°Very well,¡± she whispered, tears brimming. ¡°If this is the path, then the pack will obey. But Lucien¡­ know this. Riley would never have wanted you hollow.¡±


    Lucien said nothing. He stared down at the embroidery, his soul echoing with the memory of Riley¡¯sughter.


    Somewhere deep in his chest, his wolf howled, long and mournful, a cry for a mate lost and a future that felt like ashes./


    And still, beyond grief, the Alpha Prince of Stormridge was being dragged

 in Vengeance 315

    Lucien¡¯s POV


    I had thought my soul had already rotted, buried alongside Riley beneath the earth. For days¨Cweeks, perhaps I had be little more than a hollow shell. My wolf prowled in the darkness of my chest, restless, but even he could not rouse me from the fog of grief.


    The embroidery she had once touchedy in my hands, soft silk threads beneath my calloused fingers. I clung to it like a dying man to air, because it was all I had left of her. Nothing else mattered. Not Stormridge, not the throne, not even my own survival.


    When the door opened, I barely lifted my gaze. It was Caelum. His footsteps were urgent, his scent sharp with adrenaline and dread. He clutched a thick file in his hands, his expression grim.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien,¡± he said, voice low, but edged with something fierce. ¡°I¡¯ve uncovered something¡­ something you must hear.¡±


    I gave him nothing but a hollow look, my voice a rasp. ¡°Say it, then.¡±


    He hesitated for a moment, then drew in a deep breath. ¡°The vault at Stormridge Hospital¨Cthe one where


    years ago.¡±


    your


    seed was


    stored¨Cwas tampered with. Over two


    I only blinked. My lips moved in a t, disinterested murmur. ¡°Oh.¡±


    It was like he had told me the weather, something entirely divorced from the ashes of my world. For what did it matter? Riley was gone. My wolf still howled each night for his mate, and no answer came.


    Caelum¡¯s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing with frustration at my indifference. But then he pressed on, his words striking like ws to the chest.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien¡­ you and Riley have a daughter.¡±


    The world stopped.


    The embroidery slipped from my hands and fell to the floor, forgotten. My breath


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    caught, ragged and uneven. For the first time since Riley¡¯s death, fire surged through my veins.


    My gaze locked on him, sharp as a de unsheathed. ¡°What did you say?¡± My voice cracked, gravel and thunder.


    He nodded fiercely, like a wolf confirming a kill. ¡°Yes. A child. Your child with Riley. Conceived after she was forced¡­ after Dean Elira ckthorn and Caden Wilson manipted her and stole her eggs. They took your seed from the vault. It wasn¡¯t meant to seed, but by chance, by fate¨Cit did. She carried your blood, Lucien. And she lives.¡±


    My body trembled violently. The wolf inside me surged, ramming against the confines of my ribs, snarling, demanding I act.


    ¡°You¡¯re certain,¡± I growled.


    ¡°I have no doubts.¡± Caelum¡¯s eyes glimmered. ¡°I traced it all. When Carmen struck, she found the child, and before her arrested she entrusted her to Duke. Your loyal Duke. The girl is with him now¨Cor at least she was. I¡¯ve been unable to reach him. His line has been silent. That¡¯s why I came. You need to know.¡±


    For the first time in endless days, I felt my spine straighten, my shoulders braced. Life returned to my limbs like blood to a limb long numb.


    A daughter. Riley¡¯s daughter. My daughter.


    It was as though the moon itself pierced the darkness of my chest, lighting the path forward.


    I staggered to my feet too quickly, and the room spun around me. I had not eaten properly in days, perhaps longer. My body was weak, but my wolf snarled at me, driving me upright with sheer will.


    I nearly copsed back into the chair, my breaths ragged, but my hands gripped the armrest like ws into earth. ¡°Where is she?¡± My voice trembled, raw with need. ¡°Where is my pup?¡°/


    Caelum¡¯s throat bobbed. ¡°With Duke. Or so it should be. If he¡¯s hidden her, it is only to protect her until you are strong enough to im her.¡±


    The thought of Duke hiding my daughter churned a possessive fury in my gut. But


    19:44 Mon, 1 Sept


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    beneath it was gratitude. Duke was loyal. If he carried out Carmen¡¯s wish, then my child had been guarded, even while Iy rotting in grief.


    I forced myself upright again, swaying but unyielding. My wolf braced me from within, his growl echoing through my bones.


    ¡°I¡¯ming,¡± I said hoarsely. ¡°Now. Take me to her.¡±


    Caelum reached out as if to steady me, his face tight with concern. ¡°Lucien¡ªyou can barely stand¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± My voice cut sharp as a de. ¡°She¡¯s mine. Riley¡¯s blood and mine. I won¡¯t waste another breath here while my daughter waits.¡±


    The silk embroideryy abandoned at my feet, but the ghost of Riley¡¯s scent clung to me still. For the first time since her death, my heart did not only ache with grief ¡ªit burned with a savage, primal hope.


    My wolf roared inside me, not with mourning, but with purpose.


    I had a daughter. And I would tear down the world itself to bring her home.


    Chapte


    C

 in Vengeance 316

    hapter 316


    Lucien¡¯s POV


    The moment the words left my mouth¨CLet¡¯s go now¨CI froze. No. Not like this.


    I turned toward Caelum, my Beta, my brother¨Cin¨Carms, and asked the question already gnawing at my wolf. ¡°Look at me. Do I seem fit to greet a pup? Do I look like an Alpha or a half¨Cstarved shadow?¡±


    Caelum hesitated, lips pressed tight. His silence was answer enough.


    If I appeared before Riley¡¯s daughter in this hollow, wasted shell, I would only frighten her. A child deserved strength. She deserved safety, not the ruin of a wolf who could barely stand upright.


    ¡°I must wash the stench of grief from me first,¡± I said, voice ragged. ¡°I¡¯ll not face my pup looking like a broken wretch. She will see her father as he is meant to be. As Alpha. As Stormridge¡¯s heir.¡±


    My body was still weak, but my pulse hammered, the wolf in me pacing, restless.


    I forced myself to rise. Caelum reached out as though to steady me, but I shrugged him off and staggered into the washroom.


    Half an hourter, I emerged. My frame was leaner, my face carved by sleepless nights, but I had bound my hair, straightened my posture, donned the ck leathers of Stormridge royalty. I was no longer the husk I had been; I carried myself with the poise of my bloodline, even if beneath the surface shadows lingered.


    The car roared down the dark road, Caelum at the wheel. I sat in the passenger seat, every muscle taut, ws half¨Cpressing through my skin with restraint. My fingers gripped the handle until the leather creaked. The night air beyond the window was thick with ping and the scent of rain, but I smelled nothing except the imagined trace of Riley¨Cherughter, her warmth. And now, a pup.


    Caelum¡¯s voice was quiet but steady. ¡°She¡¯ll be safe, Lucien. Duke is loyal. He would give his life before letting harm touch her.¡±


    I said nothing. My throat was too tight. My wolf growled low, not in denial, but in


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    yearning.


    In my mind, I tried to imagine her face. Would she have Riley¡¯s eyes? My jaw? Would she know me when she saw me? The thought of her voice¨Csmall, calling me Papa¡ªwas enough to drive nails of longing through my ribs.


    If only Riley were here. If only she could stand at my side when we brought our daughter home. A family. Whole, atst.


    When we reached Duke¡¯s dwelling, the car screeched to a halt. I was out the door before the engine quieted, heart pounding like a war drum. Together, Caelum and I knocked.


    Silence.


    Caelum frowned and knocked again, louder. ¡°Duke! It¡¯s Caelum. Open the door.¡±


    No answer.


    My gut twisted. Duke had not reported for weeks, not since Carmen¡¯s sentencing. He had vanished from Stormridge¡¯s halls, and I had told myself he needed space. Now my instincts screamed otherwise.


    I mmed my fist against the wood, my voice breaking into a growl. ¡°Duke! It¡¯s Lucien. Open this door!¡±


    Still nothing. My body swayed, exhaustion gnawing at my knees, and I stumbled against the wall. Caelum caught my shoulder. ¡°Lucien, breathe. Don¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I rasped, though my lungs burned. My wolf wed within, demanding to be unleashed, to tear the door from its frame,


    Caelum¡¯s voice softened. ¡°Perhaps we shoulde back. He could be¨C¡±


    And then-


    A creak.


    The door opened just enough to reveal a sliver of light inside. And then, a head- small, round, crowned with hair the color ofte¨Cautumn wheat, though dull and thin from want of care.


    Two wide eyes blinked up at us, luminous and wet like fresh¨Cfallen dew.


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    ¡°Sir?¡± the little girl asked softly, voice high and sweet. ¡°Who are you looking for?¡±


    My breath stopped.


    The world fell away, leaving only her.


    She was Riley reborn. Her nose, her brows, the curve of her cheeks¨Ceach feature mirrored the mate I had lost, softened in youth, yet seared into me like a de. My chest convulsed, and before I could stop myself, tears blurred my vision.


    I dropped to my knees, trembling, my hand half¨Coutstretched. ¡°I am¡­¡± My voice broke, but I forced it out, low and raw. ¡°I am your father.¡±


    She froze, confusion flickering across her delicate face. Her small hands clutched the doorframe.


    I leaned closer, leveling my gaze with hers, desperate not to frighten her. ¡°Pup,¡± I whispered, softer than I ever thought my voice could be. ¡°It¡¯s me. Your father. I¡¯vee to take you home.¡±


    She tilted her head,shes fluttering, her scent washing over me¨Cfaint but achingly familiar, Riley¡¯s blood woven with mine. ¡°Papa?¡±


    The word shattered me.


    ¡°Yes.¡± My lips trembled into a smile as wet as it was fierce. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m your papa.¡±


    Her eyes widened, and for the first time she smiled¨Ca fragile, beautiful thing. ¡°Papa, are you really here to bring me home?¡±


    I nodded, voice breaking with a joy so sharp it hurt. ¡°I am. You¡¯ll never be alone again.¡±


    Her next words cut like knives. ¡°And¡­ and when we get home¡­ will I see Mama too?¡±


    The world reeled. My wolf howled, grief tearing through me anew. Riley¡¯s face shed in my mind¨Cher smile, her touch, the bond between us severed by fate.


    My chest split with the pain, but I held myself steady for the pup¡¯s sake. I forced a


    19:45 Mon, Sept


    smile, though my heart bled.


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    I drew a shaking breath, my hand trembling toward her small frame. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about Mama, little one. For now¡­ all that matters is that I¡¯m here. And I¡¯ll never let you go.¡±

 in Vengeance 317

    Lucien¡¯s POV


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    My throat felt as though a de had lodged itself there, sharp and merciless. I couldn¡¯t force sound out at first, only the ragged pull of my breath. Grief surged like a flood through my chest, drowning reason, drowning restraint.


    And then I looked down¨Cinto the eyes of my daughter. Eyes wide, bright, filled with expectation so pure it carved me open.


    Steel spikes drove into my heart. My wolf wed inside me, howling against the cruelty of truth. How could I speak it? How could I tell this pup¨Cso small, so fragile¡ªthat her mother, Riley, the very soul of my being, no longer walked this earth?


    But I was Alpha¨Cborn. Lies curdle in the blood. To deceive her would be a wound she¡¯d carry forever.


    So I forced the words out, though they shredded me. ¡°Little one¡­ your mama has gone very far away. But she watches you always from above, and her greatest wish is for you to grow strong and happy.¡±


    She tilted her head, trying toprehend, her young heart catching only the edges of the truth. A flicker of sorrow touched her eyes, but then she smiled with brave sweetness. ¡°Then, Papa, can we go home now?¡±


    The innocence of it broke me further. I pulled her against me, her tiny frame too light, too thin, pressing her against my chest where my heartbeat thundered like a storm. She smelled faintly of Riley¨Cwildflowers and pine, though dulled by hunger and neglect.


    Wolf instincts burned. I would never let her go again.


    Her little hand reached up,/brushing my hair, her voice so soft it nearly undid me. ¡°Papa, don¡¯t cry. If you cry, I¡¯ll be sad too.¡±


    The wisdom in her tone¨Cfar too old for her years¨Cseared me. My arms tightened. ¡°I won¡¯t cry, pup. I promise. I¡¯ll take you home now.¡±


    I moved to lift her, but she squirmed. ¡°Papa, I didn¡¯t say goodbye to Uncle Duke


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    yet.¡±


    I paused, then carried her into Duke¡¯s house.


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    The scent hit first¨Cale, bitter and sharp. But the ce was not chaos. The hearth swept, floors clean. My wolf bristled with pride and pain at once. She had done this. My two¨Cyear¨Cold pup, left alone among grief and drink, had kept the den in order. She had carried burdens no child should bear.


    I found Duke slumped on the floor, hollow¨Ceyed, as though his soul had been torn free the night Carmen was sentenced. My chest ached with old loyalty. I knelt, speaking low. ¡°Duke. We all bear scars, but time drives us forward whether we wish it or not. I give you three days. In three days, you wille back to Stormridge Hall and resume your post. Busy hands forget pain.¡±


    He lifted his head. His gaze was an empty well, lifeless. His lips parted, then shut again. Silence swallowed him.


    I shifted my daughter in my arms, but she pushed free, toddling to Duke. She reached up with her tiny hand and pressed it against his face. ¡°Uncle Duke, you must get better, okay? My papa came to take me home.¡±


    Duke¡¯s vacant eyes blinked, confusion flooding in as he nced from her to me. ¡°Papa?¡± he croaked, like the word itself didn¡¯t belong in his mouth.


    I stepped closer, resting a hand on his shoulder, steady but unyielding. ¡°It¡¯s a long story. She¡¯s Riley¡¯s and mine. Our blood. One day, I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±


    He sagged further, but I could feel his pulse quicken¨Cbeneath my touch. He understood enough.


    I gathered my pup into my arms again and carried her out. The night air felt sharper, cleaner, as though the world itself acknowledged the truth atst.


    The ride back to Stormridge Manor was swift, the car slicing through the darkness. My daughter nestled in myp, wide¨Ceyed, marveling at the leather seats, the flick of lights, every new sound. Her wonder filled the silence, and for the first time in years, the heaviness inside me lightened.


    Home.


    The gates of the Duskgrave estate opened, iron bars groaning as though they, too,


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    recognized her blood. The moment we crossed the threshold, Matriarch Duskgrave and Mrs. Beck hurried forward.


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    I set my daughter down, steadying her on the gravel. ¡°She is mine. Riley¡¯s and mine,¡± I told them, my voice low but resonant with the bond of truth.


    For a moment, they froze. Their eyes widened, disbelief painted across their faces. My grandmother¡¯s hand flew to her lips, her body trembling, and Mrs. Beck swayed, as though her legs had forgotten how to hold her.


    Caelum filled the silence, recounting every step. of the story, each scar Riley had carried, every shadow that had touched this pup. Their faces fell deeper and deeper into grief.


    The Matriarch bent, her aged knees shaking, until she was level with the child. Her eyes brimmed, tears falling freely as she reached trembling arms forward. ¡°Little one¡­e to Great¨CGrandmother.¡±


    My pup hesitated, gaze flicking to me for reassurance. I nodded, my wolf urging her forward.


    She padded into my grandmother¡¯s arms. The Matriarch gathered her as if she were spun ss, clutching her to her chest with a ferocity only blood can summon. Her voice shook with anguish. ¡°Sin upon sin. What suffering Riley endured, and now our little one <i>too</i>¡­ how much cruelty must the Fates demand?¡±


    Tears carved paths down her wrinkled cheeks.


    But my daughter, my fierce pup, reached up again, wiping those tears with her tiny fingers. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Great¨CGrandmother. I¡¯ll be good. I can wash clothes, cook, clean. You won¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Her words cut through me. Too much burden. Too much understanding for one so


    young.


    The Matriarch broke, sobbing into the child¡¯s hair. ¡°You¡¯re already the bravest, most precious treasure we could ever ask for.¡±


    And I stood there, fists clenched at my sides, wolf howling within, swearing silently that never again would she have to carry weight alone. She was mine. She was Riley¡¯s. And she would know what it meant to be loved by the Stormridge Alpha line.


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 in Vengeance 318

    Third Person¡¯s POV


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    The Matriarch Duskgrave¡¯s tears had barely dried when she steadied herself, inhaling the thick scent of bloodline that clung to the child in her arms. Her voice, though softened with tenderness, still carried the Alpha steel that had oncemanded Stormridge warriors.


    ¡°Little one, what is your name?¡± she asked gently, brushing a strand of tangled hair from the girl¡¯s cheek.


    The child¡¯s face lit up in a bright smile. Her voice rang out, sweet yet cutting as a de:


    ¡°My name is Bitch.¡±


    The air in the hall dropped ten degrees. Every wolf present stiffened. Even the mes in the hearth seemed to falter.


    The Matriarch¡¯s gaze darkened, fury shing in her eyes. Her jaw clenched hard enough that her wolf stirred beneath her wrinkled skin. She longed to hunt down whoever had dared brand Riley¡¯s blood with such poison. Her fingers curled into trembling fists¡ªbut when she looked down at the girl¡¯s innocent face, her rage shattered against her grandmother¡¯s heart. She forced her voice into softness.


    ¡°No, pup. That is not your name. That is not what you are. Great¨CGrandmother will give you a new one, a name worthy of who you are. Would you like that?¡±


    m


    The little girl pped her small hands together, her joy bubbling despite the weight in the room. ¡°Yes! Yes!¡±


    The Matriarch turned her head toward Lucien Duskgrave, the Stormridge Alpha Prince, seeking his word. His golden eyes softened, though grief still shadowed his face. He saw Riley¡¯s smile in the child¡¯s lips, her fire in the stubborn lift of her chin. The wolf in him rumbled with longing, and with grief.


    After a moment¡¯s silence, he spoke, his voice rich with memory. ¡°Aurora. She will be Aurora Duskgrave.¡±


    The name was chosen from the marrow of his soul. It was his mourning for Riley,


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    his vow that their daughter would carry the light of dawn even after the longest night.


    The Matriarch¡¯s lips trembled as she repeated it, testing the weight of destiny. ¡°Aurora¡­ Rory, my precious one. Do you like it?¡±


    The child nodded vigorously, eyes crinkling into crescent moons. ¡°I like Aurora! It¡¯s better than Bitch. It sounds like the stars.¡± She grinned, shing milk¨Cwhite teeth.


    Relief swept through the room like a cleansing wind. Yet behind every smile lingered sorrow and rage. How much had Riley suffered, and how much cruelty had her daughter endured to ept such a name?


    From that day forward, Stormridge Manor bloomed anew. Aurora¡¯s presence was like fresh spring rain, stirring life where despair had festered. The Matriarch devoted her days to teaching the pup letters and old pack stories. Mrs. Beck filled the kitchens with scents of roasted meats and sweet pastries, spoiling Aurora until her once¨Cthin frame rounded with healthy weight.


    And Lucien¨CAlpha Prince, battle¨Cforged wolf, scarred by loss¨Chealed in ways he never thought possible. He returned to his duties with Stormridge Pack and its alliances, yet no matter howte the meetings ran, he always came home in time to tuck Aurora into bed. He told her stories of wolves beneath the moon, of Riley¡¯s courage, of the bond that blood could never sever. He took her walking in the gardens under starlight, teaching her how to breathe in the night air like a wolf on patrol.


    In two years, Aurora grew strong, lively, radiant. Her¨Ccheeks flushed with health, her limbs sturdy. By the time she turned four, she was ready to attend Mooncrest Academy¡¯s preparatory school.


    Lucien himself insisted on escorting her every morning and retrieving her every afternoon. To the Alpha Prince, there was no duty greater than this.


    One afternoon, as parents gathered to collect their pups, the courtyard slowly emptied until only Aurora remained beside her young teacher. The pup waited patiently, her hands sped behind her back, eyes calm.


    ¡°Aurora, are you tired of standing?¡± the teacher asked kindly, crouching beside her. ¡°Do you want me to carry you?¡±


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    Aurora¡¯s moon¨Cbright eyes sparkled. She shook her head firmly. ¡°No, teacher. If you carry me, you¡¯ll get tired. I can wait.¡±


    The teacher nearly melted on the spot, her heart seized by the girl¡¯s pure spirit. She thought to herself: So this is the daughter of Lucien Duskgrave¡­ strong, bright, endlessly kind. The bloodline of Alphas runs deep in her.


    But before another thought could take shape, a shadow fell across them.


    A woman appeared, her scent wild, fractured, tinged with madness. Her eyes burned with fevered obsession. Without warning, she lunged and snatched Aurora into her arms, clutching her like prey imed by a starving beast.


    ¡°Riley¡­ my Riley. You waited for me, didn¡¯t you? Mama hase to take home.¡± Her voice shook, sharp with desperation.


    The teacher¡¯s scream split the air. ¡°Who are you? Put Aurora down!¡±


    you


    She rushed forward, but the woman¡¯s grip was iron. Aurora whimpered, shock paling her little face.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Riley¨CI¡¯m Aurora!¡± she cried, her voice cracking with fear. She kicked and squirmed, but the woman¡¯s ws dug deeper.


    ¡°No,¡± the stranger hissed, nails sinking into the child¡¯s skin until red welts bloomed. ¡°You¡¯re my Riley, my little girl. You¡¯re mine. This time, I won¡¯t let anyone steal you away.¡±


    Aurora¡¯s cry pierced the courtyard, wolf¨Cpup instincts wailing for her pack. ¡°Papa! Great¨CGrandmother! Help me!¡±


    The teacher stumbled back, shouting frantically. ¡°Guards! Someone¡¯s trying to steal a child!¡±


    Security wolves from Mooncrest Academy rushed forward, their growls echoing off the stone walls. ¡°Release the girl now, or we¡¯ll tear you down!¡±


    But the woman¡¯s madness was untamed. Her arms cinched tighter around Aurora, her gaze feverish. ¡°She¡¯s mine, My everything. No one will separate us. Riley, don¡¯t be afraid. Mama will protect you this time. No one will take you.¡±


    Aurora¡¯s sobs filled the air as the wolves closed in, a pack on edge, every heartbeat


    |||


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    bracing for blood.

 in Vengeance 319

    hapter 319


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    The woman¡¯s voice cracked as she clutched the trembling child in her arms, tears spilling freely.


    ¡°It¡¯s all Mama¡¯s fault. Mama didn¡¯t protect you¡­ that¡¯s why the bad ones stole you away.¡± Her body shook, desperation radiating from her like a fever.


    Aurora¡¯s tears streamed down her round checks, her little fists clutching the stranger¡¯s tunic. ¡°I don¡¯t know you! Let me go! I want my Papa, I want my Great- Grandmother¡­¡± Her voice broke into sobs, raw and terrified,


    Pain and madness flickered in the woman¡¯s eyes¨CLuna Zara, once mother of Riley of the Ebonw Pack, long broken by guilt. She pressed the child tighter against her chest, as though she could will time itself to turn back.


    ¡°No, you are my daughter. My Riley. Come home with me. We¡¯ll never be apart again.¡±


    Aurora¡¯s wails grew sharper, her wolf¨Cpup instincts calling out for her blood pack. And it was then that Lucien Duskgrave, Alpha Prince of the Stormridge Pack, arrived.


    From the courtyard gates, he caught sight of his daughter ensnared in the arms of a raving woman. The sound of Aurora¡¯s cries tore through him like ws raking down his heart. His wolf surged to the surface, eyes zing gold, fangs lengthening. His blood roared with killing intent.


    In a blur, he crossed the space. His hand mped onto Luna Zara¡¯s arm like an iron vice. With a savage twist, bones cracked beneath his grip. Zara¡¯s shriek split the air as her bnce broke.


    Lucien pulled Aurora free, sweeping her into his arms with the swiftness of a predator reiming what was his. With one brutal kick, he sent the madwoman crashing across the courtyard stones.


    Aurora buried her face into his chest, her tiny hands clutching his neck as her sobs turned frantic. ¡°Papa¨CI¡¯m scared!¡±


    Lucien¡¯s rage melted into anguish. He rocked her gently, one massive hand cradling her back, his voice low and soothing despite the storm of violence in his


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    veins. ¡°No more fear, little one. Papa¡¯s here. I should have been faster. I won¡¯t let anyone hurt you again.¡±


    Aurora lifted her tear¨Cstreaked face, eyes wide and ssy. Through her sobs, her voice carried a child¡¯s fierce conviction. ¡°Papa is the best¡­ the very best Papa in the whole world.¡±


    A softness broke through Lucien¡¯s Alpha ferocity. He pressed a kiss to her damp forehead, whispering against her skin, ¡°I promise. I will never bete again.¡±


    Aurora nodded, her small head tucking beneath his chin, though her little body still shook with fright. Each sob was a dagger to Lucien¡¯s chest. In those days of raising her under Stormridge¡¯s protection, she had never cried like this. Today, a single deranged wolf had managed to terrify his pup. His fury sharpened.


    When his gaze fell upon the woman sprawled on the ground, recognition struck. Beneath the madness, the gaunt features belonged to none other than Luna Zara¡ª Riley¡¯s mother.


    Zara staggered to her knees, reaching out toward Aurora, her voice raw with obsession. ¡°Riley¡­ my Riley¡­¡±


    Lucien¡¯s lips curled in a cold snarl. His wolf growled deep in his chest, every note dripping contempt. Late love is cheaper than ash.


    When Riley had been alive, she had been beaten, scorned, discarded by her own blood in the Ebonw Pack. Not once had Luna Zara raised her voice to shield her daughter. And now, with Riley gone to the grave, Zara emerged, mistaking Aurora for the child she had abandoned. Lucien¡¯s rage was molten.


    ¡°Chain her,¡± Lucien ordered, his tone carrying the weight of an Alpha¡¯s decree. ¡°I never want to <i>see </i>her face near my pup again.¡±


    Caelum stepped forward without hesitation. His grip locked onto Zara¡¯s shoulders, forcing her down. She fought like a cornered animal, her nails wing at empty air, tears streaming. ¡°No! I won¡¯t go back! I only want my daughter! Give her to me -Riley,e back to Marna!¡±


    Her eyes, wild and unhinged, never left Aurora. ¡°Please¡­e with me. Mama misses you. I¡¯ll protect you this time, I swear it¡­¡±


    But Aurora buried herself deeper in Lucien¡¯s embrace, trembling. The Alpha


    III


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    19:40 Wed, 3 Sept <b>1 </b>


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    Prince lifted her, turning away from the scene, shielding her from Zara¡¯s madness. His stride toward the waiting car was swift, each step a vow carved into stone.


    Behind him, Zara screamed, thrashing against Caelum¡¯s grip. ¡°Don¡¯t take her from me! She¡¯s mine! She¡¯s my daughter!¡±


    The warriors of Stormridge closed in, their growls vibrating through the courtyard. Zara¡¯s scent was madness and decay, her wolf broken beyond repair.


    Caelum¡¯s voice cut through her cries like a de. ¡°Your daughter has been dead for two years. What you clutch at is nothing but a ghost.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Zara¡¯s howl shook with denial, her body convulsing. ¡°You¡¯re lying! My Riley is alive¨Cshe has to be alive! She will live forever. She will never leave me!¡± Her voice dwindled into muttering, her form crumpling beneath the Beta¡¯s grip.


    Even when the iron chains were fastened around her wrists and ankles, she continued whispering Riley¡¯s name, as though summoning a spirit that would


    never return.


    Caelum¡¯s face was carved from stone as he dragged her back to confinement. ¡°The Alphamands: guard her well. She escapes again, you answer with your lives.¡±


    The terrified wardens of the Mooncrest asylum swore their oaths, promising vignce.


    Thus Luna Zara was cast back into the iron darkness, shackles biting into her limbs. Never again would she walk free beneath the moon. For the rest of her days, she would be left with nothing but chains, regret, and the endless echo of Riley¡¯s name¨Cher prayers unanswered, her wolf rotting in madness.


    19:40 Wed, 3 Sept @

 in Vengeance 320

    CChapter 320


    Five yearster¡­


    44%


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    The Stormridge Pack had grown quieter in the years since Riley¡¯s passing, but within the walls of the Duskgrave estate, life still pulsed with warmth.


    Aurora Duskgrave was no longer the tiny pup Lucien had once carried from danger. Now, at seven years old, she was already a spark of life within the Pack, her wolf¨Cblood stirring early, her lessons at Mooncrest Academy filling her days. Each morning she trotted into the lower¨Cyear halls with her books pressed to her chest, her braid swaying, and every elder in the academy whispered how sh


    e was bing the mirror of Riley Vale.


    For five years, the Duskgrave household treated Aurora as their jewel. Matriarch Duskgrave spoiled her with heirloom trinkets and wolf¨Clore bedtime stories. Mia baked her favorite honey cakes each week. Even the hardened warriors of Stormridge softened when she ran past them, herughter echoing across the courtyards. For Lucien, she was not only his daughter but his vow made flesh: the one thing in the world he would never fail to protect again.


    On a gray morning, Duke strode toward the iron gates of the Werewolf Detention Bastille. Carmen was waiting on the other side. The gates nged open, and the woman stepped out into the sunlight for the first time in five years.


    Her eyes squinted against the brightness, disbelief painted across her face. She had braced herself for scars, for ruin, for the cruel madness that broke most wolves in the prison. Instead, she was whole. Tired, yes, and thinner than before¨Cbut not broken.


    Every month of those five years, Mia and Duke had been there to see her through the ss walls, <i>to </i>remind her she was not forgotten. Jace Hale hade on rare days, leaning close to the phone to tell her about the training grounds, about the politics beyond the walls, about Aurora learning her first letters. Because of Duke¡¯s influence within Stormridge, no guard had dared to torment her. Compared to Riley, who had endured chains and silence with no one to visit, Carmen had been blessed.


    As she breathed the free air, Carmen¡¯s wolf trembled with shame and gratitude. Riley had suffered alone. I had people. She had no one.


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    Dukeid a steadying hand on her shoulder. ¡°Come,¡± he said. ¡°Mia is waiting.¡±


    At the Stormridge estate, Mia was already running down the steps before the car had fully stopped. She collided into Carmen¡¯s arms, and the two women clung to one another, their tears soaking into each other¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°You¡¯re home,¡± Mia whispered, voice breaking.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be,¡± Carmen replied hoarsely, but Mia shook her head fiercely.


    Then another shadow approached, tall andmanding. Lucien Duskgrave, with Aurora beside him, came to greet her. Carmen¡¯s breath caught when she saw the child.


    Aurora ran forward, flinging her arms around her aunt. ¡°Thank you auntie,¡± she said in her small; ringing voice. ¡°Thank you for bringing me back five years ago.¡±


    Carmen¡¯s arms tightened around her, tears spilling freely now. Aurora¡¯s face, with each passing year, was bing Riley¡¯s reflection. The curve of her cheek, the storm¨Cbright eyes¨Cit was as if Riley lived again through her daughter. Carmen¡¯s wolf keened inside her, mourning and grateful all at once.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much,¡± she whispered, voice trembling. ¡°You¡¯re so strong.¡±


    Aurora only smiled, though her words were innocent. ¡°Mama would be proud, right?¡±


    Carmen broke then, her tears falling unchecked. She nodded, unable to form words.


    Later that evening, as the firelight glowed in the great hall, Caelum burst into the manor. His boots struck hard against the stone floor, his scent sharp with urgency.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien,¡± he called, his voice carrying the weight of storm and blood.


    Lucien rose from his chair/his eyes narrowing. Aurora had already been ushered away by Mia, sensing the tension in the room.


    ¡°What is it?¡± the Alpha Prince asked,


    Caelum¡¯s jaw was tight, his wolf pacing beneath his skin. ¡°The bnce is breaking. The Alliance can no longer ignore it.¡±


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    For five years, the West had been shifting. Once they had kept to their borders, their rivers, their trade routes. Now their ws stretched farther each season. They had cut into southern trade, strangled northern caravans, and sent their fangs into every border they could test.


    Lucien had ignored it. He had made a vow that his world would be only Aurora, her safety, her growth. He had no time for foreign campaigns.


    But now, Caelum¡¯s report shook the hall.


    ¡°Three months ago, the North and South finally rose together,¡± Caelum said. ¡°They forged a war pact to push back the West. At first, they had the upper hand. But¡­¡± He exhaled sharply, anger shing in his wolf¨Cgold eyes. ¡°The West¡¯s army is not what it once was. Their strength has multiplied. The North¨CSouth alliance was crushed in battle outside the Silvermarch ins. Many Alphas have fallen. The West¡¯s banners rise higher each week.¡±


    Lucien¡¯s frown deepened, the weight of his pack pressing against his instincts. <b>¡°</b>And you think Stormridge will be next.¡±


    Caelum nodded. ¡°The West is no longer content with istion. Their hunger is spreading east. And if they take the east, the Stormridge Pack will be forced into war, whether we wish it or not.¡±


    The fire crackled in the silence that followed.


    Lucien¡¯s wolf growled low in his chest. He had promised himself he would not be dragged into politics again, not after Riley, not after Aurora. But the storm wasing to his doorstep.


    Caelum¡¯s final words dropped like a stone into the hall.


    ¡°Word spreads of their champion. A white wolf¨Cborn once in a millennium. A female warrior. Her battle power is said to be unmatched.¡±


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    The gates of Stormbane Citadel groaned open as the war horns faded into the cold dusk air. Aria rode at the head of the column, her armor still streaked with soot and blood. Behind her stretched ranks of battered but triumphant warriors, their howls rising like thunder to the night sky.


    The West had imed another victory. The Northern and Southern Packsy shattered, their armies. broken across the fields. And at the very front of the carnage had been Aria¨Cthe White Wolf whose legend now spread farther than any battle standard.


    As she dismounted, the courtyard erupted. Wolves pounded their chests, warriors bowed low, and the chant rose again and again:


    ¡°The White Wolf!¡±


    ¡°Stormbane¡¯s champion!¡±


    ¡°Aria the Unyielding!¡±


    Aria¡¯s boots struck stone as she walked through the corridor of reverence. Every bow, every howl pressed against her shoulders like iron weights. She was their weapon, their savior, their prophecy made flesh. And yet, beneath the roar of adtion, her wolf shifted restlessly, as if the name they called her was not truly hers.


    From the citadel steps descended Aedric Stormbane, Alpha of the West. Tall, broad, every inch carved by power and ambition, his silver eyes locked only on her. The crowd fell silent as he approached, his presence enough tomand stillness.


    ¡°Aria,¡± he said, his voice a velvet growlced with pride. ¡°You return victorious again. The North and South lie in ruins because of you.¡±


    The wolves cheered once more<i>, </i>but Aedric did not break his gaze. He took her hand before the entire Pack, lifting it high.


    ¡®Look well upon her!¡± he proimed. ¡°The White Wolf stands with the West. With her at our side, no Pack can resist us¨Cnot North, not South, not even the East!¡±


    The courtyard shook with the answering howl. Some fell to their knees. Others reached skyward as though calling down the moon to bless her.


    Aria bowed her head slightly, her expression unreadable. This was the role expected of her: the White Wolf, conqueror of armies. She yed it well, but her chest ached with something she could not name.


    When the noise ebbed, Aedric leaned closer, his voice for her alone. ¡°Aria. You know I will not wait forever. A wolf such as you deserves a mate strong enough to match your fire. Together, we would rule every


    horizon.¡±


    Her throat tightened. He had asked before¨Cafter battles, after victories, when blood and glory still burned in the air. Always he asked, and always she refused him without refusing outright.


    In her mind¡¯s shadows lingered an image she could never banish: the silhouette of a man, faceless yet fierce, a voice whispering her name. Not Aria. Something else. Something older, truer. Every time Aedric¡¯s touch lingered, that phantom red, and her wolf recoiled.


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    She steadied her voice. ¡°There is still the East, Aedric. The Stormridge wolves have yet to kneel. Until that is done, I cannot bind myself to anything else.¡±


    The words were not a promise. Only a dy. But it was enough for the Alpha. His jaw tightened, then softened into a smile sharp as a de. He turned to his Pack once more, raising Aria¡¯s hand as if sealing


    her fate.


    ¡°Soon the East will fall,¡± he dered, ¡°and when it does, the world will belong to the West!¡±


    The courtyard erupted again, a storm of devotion. Wolves knelt, others howled their worship, the name ¡°Aria¡± echoing from the citadel walls like a hymn.


    Aria stood rigid in their adoration, her eyes hard, her wolf restless. She felt none of the triumph they gave her. Only the weight of chains invisible, forged from a name that was not hers, a past she could not touch, and a shadowed memory of someone she could not forget.


    As the crowd dispersed, as Aedric¡¯s smile burned into her back, Aria turned away from the citadel steps, her cloak swirling in the torchlight.


    And when the firelight caught her face, the truth struck like lightning-


    The White Wolf of the West, their champion, their feared conqueror-


    Her face looks exactly like Riley¡¯s.

 in Vengeance 322

    The war drums had quieted, but they still echoed in my bones. We had crushed the alliance of the North and South; their bannersy trampled beneath our ws, their warriors broken across the field. Tonight, the West was drunk on victory.


    Stormbane Citadel glowed with fire and song. The courtyard zed with torches, wolves howled their praises, and the halls brimmed with feasting. All for me. The White Wolf. Their champion.


    I should have been there¨Csitting beside Aedric, letting him lift my hand before the Pack as though I were his destined mate. Instead, I slipped away. The noise, the worship, the weight of belonging to something I did not feel a part of¨Cit strangled me.


    I walked alone through the cold corridors until I reached my quarters. The moment the heavy doors closed behind me, silence rushed in like a wave. My armor was still dusted with blood and ash, but I had no strength to remove it. I sank into the chair by the window, staring out into the night where the moon bled through clouds.


    No matter how they knelt before me, no matter how they whispered my name with reverence, I did not belong here. The West adored me, yet I felt nothing in return. No pride. No home. Only distance.


    Three years ago, I had opened my eyes for the first time in this very stronghold.


    I remembered it vividly: waking to the scent of burning herbs and the low hum of voices. My body had felt like stone, my wolf like a shadow torn apart. And beside me, seated with his silver eyes unblinking, was Aedric Stormbane¨Cthe Alpha of the West.


    ¡°You are safe,¡± he told me. ¡°You are Aria. You were born of the West. Our strongest White Wolf.¡±


    I had believed him because what else could I do? My mind was a hollow cavern, stripped of memory. He told me I had fought bravely, struck down in battle, and dragged home by my mentor, Maeryn. That I had beenatose for two years. That only the Pack¡¯s rarest moon¨Cblessed herb, Moonshade Veyra, had saved me and my wolf, Sia, from death.


    He called my amnesia a wound of war. He said the past would return, piece by piece.


    But it never did.


    Whenever I pressed Sia, she gave me nothing but silence or vague unease. My wolf was as nk as I was, though her strength burned fierce and untamed. She was my only anchor in the confusion. At least that much had survived¨Cthe White Wolf¡¯s power.


    Still, fragments haunted me. Not of parents or a childhood¨CI found myself recoiling at the very thought of parents. The word itself sickened me, filled me with inexplicable hatred. No, the shadows that followed me were not of family.


    They were of him.


    A man who came to me in dreams. Towering, golden¨Ceyed, his presence heavy as thunder. He never spoke clearly, but my chest ached whenever he appeared. Each time I reached to see his face, the dream dissolved, leaving me gasping with tears I could not exin.


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    And so I buried myself in battle. It was easier to wield my ws than to confront the emptiness. Easier to guard the borders, to drown in war cries, than to sit beneath Aedric¡¯s unyielding gaze.


    Because Aedric was always there.


    Alpha. Conqueror. With his sculpted frame and silver eyes that gleamed like steel under moonlight, he was every wolf¡¯s vision of power. His jaw sharp as a de, his hair dark as obsidian, his smile dangerous enough to break oaths. To many, he was perfection¨Cthe kind of Alpha others would dly kneel for.


    And to me? He was a snare.


    I was not blind. I saw the way his eyes lingered, the way his words curled with hunger. I knew he wanted more than my loyalty as a soldier. But my soul recoiled whenever he touched too close. My body stiffened as though betraying something I could not even remember.


    A knock rattled against the door, sharp andmanding.


    ¡®Aria.¡± His voice. Deep. Smooth. Inescapable.


    I swallowed, forcing the calm back into my voice. ¡°Enter.¡±


    The door opened, and there he was¨CAedric, in ck trimmed with silver, the flicker of torchlight gilding his features. Even after battle, he looked immacte, untouchable, as though the blood of war had neverred stain him.


    You weren¡¯t at the feast,¡± he said, stepping into the room. His gaze swept over me, assessing. ¡°Are you inwell?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°My body is sound. I just¡­ needed quiet.¡±


    He came closer, and I stiffened as his shadow fell across me. The scent of steel and cedar clung to him. His hand reached, not for my face but for my shoulders, as if to draw me into his arms.


    I moved without thinking¡ªjust a shift of my weight, a breath of space¨Cbut it was enough. His embrace faltered in the air between us.


    For a heartbeat, his silver eyes burned with something raw. Then the anger broke through, sharp and unmasked.


    Three years,¡± he said, voice low, dangerous. ¡°Three years, and still you recoil from me. What are you waiting for, Aria? A ghost? Some shadow from dreams?<b>¡± </b>


    My chest tightened. His words cut close¨Ctoo close.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± he pressed, his voice rising with frustration. ¡°Are you waiting for Storm-¡±


    He stopped abruptly, as though the next word had betrayed him. But I had heard enough.


    ¡°Waiting for what?¡± I demanded, heart pounding. ¡°What did you almost say? For who?¡±


    His jaw clenched, the fury in his eyes glinting like ice. He said nothing. He only turned, his cloak snapping behind him as he strode out. The door mmed shut, and silence crashed down once more.


    I sat frozen in the emptiness he left, but my mind was no longer nk.


    <b>2/3 </b>


    11:47 pm D


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    Storm¡­


    He had almost said it.


    Storm.


    The word burned in my chest like fire.


    And for the first time in three years, I wondered if the life I had been told was mine was nothing but a


    cage.


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 in Vengeance 323

    Lucien¡¯s POV


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    The council chamber of Stormridge was heavy with voices, each Alpha speaking over the other, each park lord from the East straining to make his concern the loudest. The map stretched across the oak table was littered with markers¨Cred for the West, blue for the North and South, green for us. And every time a red marker shifted, I felt the walls of the East close in tighter.


    The Western Pack had been nothing more than a distant power when I first took my throne. They kept to their mountains, traded when it pleased them, fought when it was in their favor. But five years had changed them. They were no longer content to remain a power in istion. They had devoured the trade routes, starved the South¡¯s markets, crippled the North¡¯s fleets. And now, with both North and South bloodied by theirst failed war, the West turned its eyes to us. To the East.


    To Stormridge.


    ¡°Alpha Lucien.¡± Caelum¡¯s voice cut through the din, clear and steady. He had been at my right hand long enough to know when I was drifting. ¡°You asked about their tactics. Let me show you.¡±


    I inclined my head, forcing myself to focus.


    He spread a series of parchment sheets across the map¨Csketches, notes, reports written by spies who had barely escaped with their lives. ¡°The Western Pack fights unlike the others. Brutal efficiency. They don¡¯t waste motion, don¡¯t waste energy. Their warriors are trained to break lines in one decisive strike. But what truly gives them their edge¡­¡± Caelum paused, his jaw tightening. ¡°Is her.¡±


    My gaze sharpened. ¡°The White Wolf.¡±


    Even the words left a raw ache in my chest.


    Caelum nodded grimly. ¡°She leads the charge. Wherever she fights, the enemy falls. Her strikes are calcted¨Cevery blow meant to kill, not maim. Entire battalions have scattered at the mere sight of her shifting on the field. She is more than a warrior, Alpha. She is a symbol.¡±


    The council murmured uneasily at that. I said nothing, though my pulse was no longer steady.


    White Wolf. The title tasted like ash and longing on my tongue. For years, it had been Riley¡¯s name¨Cher curse, her gift, her fate. A rare creature, destined for greatness, and yet what had she been given? Chains. Scorn. A prison cell. She had been cast aside by the very pack that should have worshiped her.


    And I had not saved her.


    I closed my eyes, Riley¡¯s face shing like lightning in memory. I had thought myself strong once, thought I could shield her from the cruelty of this world. Yet she had slipped through my grasp, bled and broken beneath the very moon that should have blessed her. When she died, the curse upon me shattered, and my wolf surged free again. But it was a hollow victory, bought with the price of my mate¡¯s life.


    Perhaps Ebonw¡¯s ruin had been justice. The Moon Goddess¡¯s punishment for how we treated her chosen white wolf.


    I forced the thought away, jaw tightening. This was not the time to drown in grief.


    ¡°Go on,¡± I said, my voice rougher than I intended.


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    Caelum¡¯s hand hovered over a sketch. The drawing depicted a tall, lithe figure, d in dark armor, a wolf¡¯s head mask obscuring her face. ¡°She never removes it in public. No one has seen her true features. Only her form in battle¨Cswift, unyielding, almost inhuman in grace. He flipped the parchment, revealing written records. ¡°Her history is¡­ nk. Nothing before three years ago. No birth pack. No family. No <i>trace</i><i>. </i>She simply appeared on the battlefield, and from that moment the West began its rise¡±


    My eyes lingered on the final page. A name was inked at the bottom.


    Aria.


    A simple name, almost too in for the legend she was bing. Yet my gaze refused to leave it Something about the curve of the letters made my chest tighten with unease<i>. </i>


    I exhaled slowly, steadying myself. Perhaps it was only because she was a White Wolf. The word alone cut too deep.


    ¡°She is said to rival even an Alpha inbat,¡± Caelum added. ¡°Some call her Aedric Stormbane¡¯s sword. Others whisper she is his mate. Whatever the truth, she is dangerous.¡±


    My wolf stirred inside me, restless for the first time in years. The memory of Riley¡¯s death had left him silent, dulled, chained in grief as I had been. But at the mention of this Aria, the beast within me wed to the surface, teeth bared, eager.


    A challenge. A mirror of what had been lost.


    I flexed my hands against the table until the wood creaked. ¡°If she truly is the core of their strength, then to understand the West we must understand her. And if she bleeds, then so does Stormbane¡¯s ambition.¡±


    The council exchanged wary nces.


    Caelum lowered his voice. ¡°What do you intend, Alpha?¡±


    I leaned back in my chair, gaze hard on the map. ¡°For five years, I have stood aside, guarding only my daughter, giving the world no more of my strength. But the time for istion is over. Stormridge will join the alliance. If the Westes for us, they will find we are not prey.¡±


    Relief rippled through the chamber, though unease still lingered in every pair of eyes.


    Caelum bowed his head, his expression grim. ¡°Then we must prepare for war. The first strike should be a test at their borders. Nothingrge¨Cjust enough to measure their response. And perhaps¡­¡± His eyes flicked to mine, cautious. ¡°Perhaps enough to draw the White Wolf herself.¡±


    I did not answer at once. My gaze had fallen back to that single word, inked in bold strokes on the page.


    Aria.


    I whispered it under my breath, tasting it like a question.


    Something about the name gnawed at me, as though the shadows of memory were stirring, restless and unsatisfied.


    Riley, my wolf growled inside me, her name a scar.


    But Riley was gone. And Aria.. Aria was real.


    I straightened, forcing all hesitation from my voice. Then it is decided. The alliance will move. We will strike the West¡¯s bordends and see what manner of warrior this Aria truly is*


    A murmur of assent rose through the chamber. The strategy began to take shape troop numbers, routes, supplies. But my mind was no longer in the war room.


    It lingered on the face I had never seen, on the mask that hid her. On the possibility that somewhere in this world, a White Wolf yet lived, not cursed but revered.


    But my Riley, my white wolf, was gone.

 in Vengeance 324

    Aria¡¯s POV


    The war table stretched before us like a battlefield in miniature, a sprawl of parchment, inked borders, and crimson markers scattered across the map like spilled blood. Torches guttered along the walls, their mes hissing and bending, shadows wing at the stone ceiling above. Every detail of the chamber whispered war¨Csteel along the walls, armor resting at the ready, and the sharp tang of blood and oil that never seemed to leave this ce.


    Acdric stood at the head of the table, broad¨Cshouldered and unyielding, his palm pressing firmly against thends we had already conquered. His voice, low and measured, carried the weight ofmand.


    ¡°The East,¡± he said, and the word itself hollowed the chamber, dragging the air into silence<i>. </i>


    A ripple of unease moved through the gathered generals. Even the most hardened among them shifted in their chairs, jaws tightening, shoulders stiffening. Their silence said more than fear would have¨Cbecause to speak of the East was to summon an old shadow.


    Stormridge.


    And the Alpha who ruled it¨CLucien.


    Aedric¡¯s gaze swept the table like a de. ¡°Do not underestimate him. Lucien is not like the others we¡¯ve crushed beneath our boots. Hemands more than men. Hemands the storm itself. To face him unprepared is to court death.¡±


    At the mention of his name, something moved in me. A blurred silhouette in the fog of memory¨Ctoo faint to grasp, too haunting to ignore. It was as if some forgotten part of me stirred awake, whispering that I had once known him, once lost him, though such a thought was madness.


    A general cleared his throat, the sound rasping in the tense quiet. He leaned forward, a flicker of defiance -or recklessness¨Cin his eyes. ¡°With respect, Alpha, Stormridge no longer stands as it once did. The Eastern Triad is broken. ckmaw lies fractured. And Ebonw¡­¡± His voice lowered, as though speaking the name invited ghosts. ¡°Ebonw once had a white wolf. A rare one. But¡ª¡±


    The weight of Aedric¡¯s stare cut him off instantly. The words died in his throat.


    My pulse sharpened. My eyes pinned him like prey. ¡°But what?¡± My voice was steady, though fire burned beneath it. ¡°What happened to the white wolf?¡±


    The man shifted uneasily, throat working. ¡°She¡­ she died.¡±


    The simple words struck like ws to my chest. My lungs clenched, as though I had taken the blow myself. A hollow ache expanded inside me, a pain that felt unearned yet undeniable. ¡°How?¡± I demanded, my tone dropping low, my fingers curling into the edge of the table. ¡°How did she die?¡±


    No one answered. Eyes slid downward, avoiding mine. The silence grew heavy, suffocating, as if every man here knew the truth yet feared to breathe it aloud.


    Before I could force it from them, footsteps thundered down the hall. The great doors swung wide, and the chamber shifted as a presence strode in¨Ccalm,manding, undeniable.


    11:25 <b>pm </b>P


    Professor Marryn


    Her cloak swirled around her ankles as her sharp eyes, cold as winter frost, cut straight to me. Her voice rang clear, filling the chamber without effort. ¡°She was betrayed. By her own blood. That is how the white wolf perished¡±


    The words carved into me like a brand. Painnced through my veins, fierce and inexplicable 1 pressed <i>a </i>fist to my side. but the ache remained, gnawing deeper. Betrayed by her own blood. The thought coiled inside me like a serpent, whispering truths I could not ce.


    ¡°Enough.¡± Acdric¡¯s growl shattered the moment, sharp and furious. His gaze locked with Maeryn¡¯s, a warning smoldering in the air between them. Remember what you swore.


    Maeryn¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, but she said no more.


    I barely heard them. My mind was a storm of grief and rage, grief that did not belong to me but felt as though it had been carved into my bones. My heart thundered, each beat echoing with a pain I could not


    name.


    Then the chamber doors burst open again¨Cthis time not withposure, but with chaos.


    A Gamma stumbled in, cloak torn, blood soaking the fabric. His breath rasped in gasps, his eyes wide with urgency. ¡°Intruders on the border!¡± he cried. ¡°By their scent¨Cit is the East!¡±


    The chamber erupted. Gasps broke out, chairs scraped against stone, voices rose in panic.


    ¡°It¡¯s Stormridge!¡± another spat, voice sharp with fear. ¡°It¡¯s Alpha Lucien!¡±


    For a moment, even the bravest of them looked stricken. The air thickened with dread.


    Aedric¡¯s expression hardened. For the briefest second, shock flickered in his eyes, then vanished, buried beneath steel. He straightened, his voice rising above the chaos, firm and unyielding.


    ¡°So, the stormes to us.¡± His tone cut through the room like thunder. ¡°Let it.¡± He mmed his hand onto the table, the map quivering beneath the force. ¡°We are not the ones who should tremble. We have Aria. The white wolf of the West. With her, we are unstoppable.¡±


    All eyes turned to me. Expectant. Trusting. Terrified.


    And in that moment, something ignited inside me. A fire that burned away the fog of doubt and grief. Fear, rage, and sorrow twisted together into something sharper, stronger¨Ca resolve that demanded blood.


    I stepped forward, my voice steady though my pulse hammered. ¡°Then let me prove it. Let me face them.¡± I let my gaze sweep across the room, daring any to challenge me.Then I put on my own mask ¡°I will fight.¡±


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 in Vengeance 325

    Lucien¡¯s POV


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    The night air was sharp, brimming with the scent of pine and blood. My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin as I led the small strike force through the bordends. The earth was damp with an earlier rain, the sky heavy with clouds that threatened a storm. Perfect. The storm was mine to call, mine to wield.


    This was no campaign of conquest. Not yet. Tonight was reconnaissance. A test of the West¡¯s defenses, a taste of their mettle before we bared our fangs fully.


    We moved in silence, shadows weaving through the trees. Every step brought us closer to the Western border, closer to the wolves who had been carving eastward with ruthless precision. Closer to the rumors of their weapon¨Cthe white wolf.


    A legend. A ghost. Some swore she was touched by the Moon Goddess herself. Others whispered she was nothing but smoke, a lie to make cowards tremble.


    But when the first howl ripped through the night, I knew at once that the legend was real.


    The trees around us erupted with motion, shadows breaking free of shadows. Wolves poured in¨Cfaster, sharper, more disciplined than I had expected. Steel shed, ws tore bark, the forest itself seeming to shudder beneath the collision. My men roared, meeting the assault head¨Con.


    And then I saw her.


    At first, only her eyes. Piercing, unrelenting, visible even through the wolf¨Chead mask that obscured her face. They caught the torchlight like twin des. She moved with lethal precision, every strike calcted to kill, every step a dancer¡¯s bnce on the edge of death.


    My wolf jolted inside me, recognition ring like lightning across a storm sky. Her movements- something about the tilt of her shoulders, the ferocity of her strikes¨Cit was achingly familiar. My breath hitched before I forced myself back into focus.


    No. There was no time for ghosts.


    I drew my de, meeting the first of her soldiers. They were skilled¨Ctrained in her image, perhaps¡ªbut my wolf was older, darker, carved by years of blood and the weight of Stormridge. Steel rang against steel, ws against ws. The air thickened with snarls, shouts, the stink of sweat and iron.


    Through it all, I kept her in sight. The white wolf of the West. Masked, anonymous, but impossible to ignore. She cut through the fray like a storm given flesh, her wolf aura crackling in the air, demanding all attention.


    Our eyes locked across the chaos, just for a heartbeat.


    And in that heartbeat, something inside me fractured.


    I knew her. Not her mask, not her title, but the way her body moved as though the battlefield was her birthright. The way her wolf¡¯s presence pushed against mine, fierce and unyielding, like two storms colliding. Memory surged in jagged fragmentsughter in the dark, the glint of golden eyes, the brush of a hand against mine. And then nothing. The images slipped away, too clusive to grasp.


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    A snarl ripped from my throat as I threw off another attacker, de sliding through fur and flesh. I pushed forward, cutting a path toward her.


    She met me in kind. Our sh was not spoken, not nned, but inevitable.


    Steel met steel, ws met ws. Her strength was staggering¨Cshe pressed me back with a ferocity I had not felt in years. Every strike was a death sentence, every feint a predator¡¯s game. My wolf strained against my skin, eager to break free, to meet her wolf fang for fang.


    And yet beneath the violence, that maddening familiarity gnawed at me. I knew this warrior. I knew her the way I knew my own scars.


    But how?


    The battle surged around us, tearing us apart before I could demand the answer. Her soldiers closed in, her wolf aura pushing me back,manding me to retreat. Not with words¨Cno, she never spoke a word -but with sheer, merciless presence.


    My men regrouped, bleeding but alive. This was meant to be a test, not a ughter. I clenched my jaw, forcing my wolf to heel as I raised my hand in signal. ¡°Fall back,¡± Imanded, my voice carrying over the sh.


    We withdrew, step by step, the night swallowing us as the Western wolves howled their victory.


    But I did not feel defeated.


    I felt haunted.


    Long after the sounds of battle faded, long after the forest quieted once more, I could still see her eyes through that mask, sharp and unrelenting. I could still feel the weight of her strikes reverberating through my bones.


    And beneath it all¡ªthe unshakable certainty that I had fought her before. Not here. Not now. Long ago, in a life torn from me by blood and betrayal.


    Aria. That was the name whispered by reports. The white wolf of the West.


    But my heart, traitorous and wild, whispered another name.


    Riley.


    But no¨Cit could not be. Riley was dead. I had seen the smoke rising from her funeral pyre, watched as she was given back to the Moon herself. And Aria¡¯s scent¡­ it bore no trace of Riley. They could not be the same. This was nothing but my grief weaving illusions, my longing ying cruel tricks on me.


    If she truly were Riley, why would she note to me? Why would she strike at me with such merciless precision, showing not a shred of recognition? My Riley would never raise her de against me so coldly.


    No. It was madness. A ghost conjured by memory.


    I exhaled, shaking my head, a bitterugh curling in my throat. I could not see every white wolf and name her Riley. I would drown myself in phantoms if I did.


    ¡°It¡¯s a hallucination,¡± I muttered, self¨Cmockery cutting sharper than any de.


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    Still¡­ when I closed my eyes, it was her eyes¨Cthose sharp, burning eyes¨Cthat followed me into the dark.


    11:38 pm <b>P </b>

 in Vengeance 326

    Lucien¡¯s POV


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    The gates of Stormridge loomed tall and ck against the moonlight when we returned. The storm above had not yet broken, but the clouds hung heavy, as if the sky itself was holding its breath. My men filed in behind me, tired but alive.


    Aurora was the first thing I saw when the doors of Duskgrave manor opened. My daughter stood there in her nightgown, curls wild around her small face, her wide eyes searching desperately for me. She wasn¡¯t alone. The Matriarch, regal even in her age, lingered close, her presence steady as stone. Beside her, Mrs. Beck and Mia wrung their hands, worry etched deep into their features.


    The moment my boots touched the stone steps, Aurora ran forward. The women were quick to follow, surrounding me like a tide. Their hands checked my arms, my chest, even brushing my jaw as if they needed to make sure I was flesh and not a fading ghost.


    ¡°You¡¯re not hurt?¡± Mrs. Beck pressed.


    ¡°No wounds, no broken bones?¡± the Matriarch added, though her sharp eyes already scanned me thoroughly.


    I caught Aurora as she flung herself at me, her small arms wrapping around my neck with surprising strength. My heart softened instantly. For a moment, the storm inside me calmed.


    ¡°Papa,¡± she whispered, pulling back just enough to look into my face. Her eyes, gods, they were Riley¡¯s eyes. ¡°Is it true? Did you fight the white wolf? My teacher says white wolves are gifts from the Moon Goddess herself. Are they really that powerful?¡±


    Her voice was so pure, so unguarded, that for a moment I could not breathe. Against my will, my thoughts dragged me back to the masked warrior I had faced only hours ago¨Cthe way her strikes cut through the night, the way her aura wed at my wolf like an equal. And then further still, deeper, to memories of Riley. The way she had once moved with the same reckless grace. The way her presence had once filled every corner of me.


    The ache was sudden, dangerous. I forced it down.


    I knelt, cupping Aurora¡¯s cheek with a hand still stained faintly with the scent of blood and steel. ¡°Yes, little one. The white wolf is strong. Stronger than most Alphas.¡±


    Her lips parted, her eyes shining with awe. ¡°Did she reallye from the Moon Goddess?¡±


    ¡°She did,¡± I said softly. My voice cracked before I caught it. ¡°And so did your mother.¡±


    Her mouth fell open in wonder. ¡°Mama too?¡±


    I nodded, and when her arms squeezed me tighter, I let out a breath I hadn¡¯t known I¡¯d been holding. ¡°Your mother was one of the strongest white wolves the world has ever seen. And one day, Aurora, you will be too.¡±


    Her face lit with a joy that chased the storm from my heart. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡± I kissed her forehead, tasting salt and rain in her hair. ¡°She watches over you still. She¡¯d want you


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    to remember that.¡±


    The Matriarch¡¯s eyes softened, Mrs. Beck brushed her handkerchief across damp eyes, and for a heartbeat the war felt far away. But only for a heartbeat.


    ¡°Go with Mrs. Beck,¡± I told Aurora gently. ¡°Get some rest. We¡¯ll talk more in the morning.¡± She pouted, but obeyed, casting onest shining smile over her shoulder before Mrs. Beck led her down the hall.


    The Matriarch inclined her head, regal and silent, before stepping aside. She knew I had no luxury for fatherhood tonight.


    I straightened my shoulders and walked into the council chamber. The air inside was thick, waiting. Around the long table sat the lesser Alphas and Betas of the Eastern packs¨Cmen and women who hade here not out of loyalty, but fear. They feared I would falter. They feared the storm had finally broken me.


    They rose when I entered. I didn¡¯t ask them to. Power demands acknowledgment.


    ¡°Sit,¡± I ordered, and they obeyed.


    I stood at the head of the table, my hands braced against the carved wood. ¡°Tonight was not conquest,¡± I began. My voice carried, low and sharp. ¡°It was a measure. A test of the West¡¯s border strength.¡±


    They leaned forward as one, eager. I let them wait, let the silence stretch long enough that their nerves showed.


    ¡°The West is disciplined,¡± I said atst. ¡°Their forces respond swiftly, coordinated, sharper than I anticipated. Their defenses are not scattered. Every soldier fights like a piece of one body, one mind. They do not break easily.¡±


    A murmur rippled around the table. Some frowned, some clenched their fists, but all listened.


    ¡°And the white wolf?¡± someone asked, his toneced with both fear and hunger.


    I let the question hang before I answered. ¡°She is real. And she is dangerous.¡±


    They shifted uneasily. I let my gaze sweep across them, pinning each in turn. ¡°Her presence alone bent the battlefield. Her aura pressed like an Alpha¡¯s¨Cno, stronger. To face her without strategy is suicide. Do not mistake brute strength for victory. If we are to crush the West, it will not be through force. It will be through wit. Through their weakness.¡±


    ¡°Then what is their weakness?¡± one pressed.


    I leaned back, crossing my arms. ¡°That is what I intend to discover.¡±


    Gasps, whispers, a swell of apprehension. I silenced them with a look. ¡°I will infiltrate their territory. Myself. I will see their strongholds, their patrols, their supply lines. And I will find where they break.¡±


    ¡°Alone?¡± Caelum¡¯s voice cut through the chamber. He had been silent until now, his eyes zing with loyalty and defiance. ¡°Then I go with you.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± My answer was immediate, final.


    His jaw tightened. ¡°You cannot expect me to remain behind while you¡ª¡±


    11:38 pm <b>P </b>P S S


    +20 Free Coins


    ¡°I can, and I do.¡± I met his gaze, hard as stone. ¡°More wolves mean arger target. A louder scent. This requires silence. Stealth. I will mask my scent, suppress my wolf. It will take everything I have to keep myself unseen. If I am discovered, I cannot even risk shifting, not without giving away who I am.¡±


    The council stirred, realizing the risk.


    Caelum¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°Then all the more reason you need me.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I growled. My voice cracked like thunder. ¡°Your duty is here. To the pack. To my daughter. If I fall, Stormridge cannot.¡±


    Silence fell heavy. The Matriarch¡¯s face was unreadable, but I saw approval flicker in her gaze.


    Caelum swallowed hard, then inclined his head, though I read the frustration in every line of him. ¡°As youmand.¡±


    I turned back to the table. ¡°Prepare our forces. Hold the borders. Await my return. We will not fight the West in blindness. We will not throw our wolves into ughter. When we strike, it will be precise. And it will be final.¡±


    The storm outside cracked with distant thunder, and I felt it in my bones.


    Aria. The white wolf of the West. Masked, untouchable.


    But not for long.


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