I cursed myself as I hurried back to the east wing, each step fueling my anger. Many others could handle the arrangements—people who actually belonged in this pack. But no, he insisted that I do it. How would he expect his subordinates to help me set everything when I'm the object of their scorn?
I stopped in the hallway, slapping my cheeks lightly, trying to clear my head. Of course, this was Darius I was dealing with. He was expecting I'd handle it by myself.
But maybe I could use this to my advantage.
The week flew by in a haze of preparations, demands from Vera, and sleepless nights. Every time I thought I had things ready, she’d demand changes. But I gritted my teeth and kept going, knowing that this was my only chance.
Then the rogues came. I thought I lost it, but an opportunity presented itself that I never expected.
Sinister howls echoed through the forest, followed by the blaring siren. Panic surged through the packhouse as warriors clashed with the invaders, trying to protect the pack from the vicious attack. I had just returned from the temple, my arms full of supplies, when the chaos erupted. I sprinted toward the packhouse with the others, only to find the doors locked.
Vera’s doing, no doubt. She boasted about her strength in many ways but she always ran first in actual fights.
Panic gripped me as I ran around the side of the house, heading for the back door near the kitchen. But that, too, was locked. My heart raced, fear clawing at my throat as I stood there, helpless. And then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him—a rogue, eyes wild, teeth bared.
I wasn’t a fighter. I’d never been one. But in that moment, survival kicked in. I dodged his attacks, my breath coming in sharp as I ran, desperate to get away. But he cornered me, backing me up against a tree in the middle of the battlefield. My heart pounded in my chest as I braced myself for the end.
Then a familiar howl cut through the chaos. Darius was back.
Our eyes locked across the battlefield. I silently begged him for help, my heart aching with the need for him to save me. But then, a scream rang out from inside the packhouse, and without hesitation, Darius turned and ran inside.
My heart sank. I knew he was repulsed by having a half-breed like me as his mate, but he could've at least tried to save me for once.