“I’ll use it to protect you, me, and the pack.”
“And you think they’ll listen to me?” His tone is gentle, comforting.
“They might start listening to you if you send a letter to the Lycan council to investigate… before they can cover their tracks,” I counter.
He studies me for a long moment, then nods once. “I’ll send the letter. It will take around one week for the Lycan council to arrive. But, Selena…“ He steps closer, and this time his fingers brush my wrist, sending sparks racing up my arm.
That felt good. Let him touch us some more.
No. He’s not our mate. Plus we need to protect him too.
“It’s better to learn sooner, rather than later. We start our lessons today.”
I swallow hard. “Today?… Okay.”
His smile is dangerous, a predator’s grin. “I hope you’re ready.”
Before I can respond, he pulls out the chair at his desk and gestures for me to sit. “After you.”
Over the next few days, Rylan trains me relentlessly, law, power, alliances, enemies. I listen. I learn. I remember.
I hate this part,my wolf mutters.
It keeps us alive, I remind her.
For now, she replies, sharp with promise.
This time… I prepare.
*****
One week later, the Lycan council arrives.
We walk the corridors toward the Alpha’s office, and I realize Rylan is my strongest ally. I vow to protect him in this life. But there is a slight change in how he treats me. He seems… more caring.
It’s dangerous, but I need him. And if I’m honest with myself, I want him near. My wolf purrs when Rylan’s close.
I can’t be passive this time. I won’t wait for Candice to destroy me again. This time, I control the narrative.
We reach the Alpha Roland’s office, and Rylan knocks with more force than necessary. The sound echoes through the hallway.
“Enter,” comes Alpha Roland’s command.
Careful,my wolf warns.They smell strong.
I already know.
Rylan pushes the door open but stays slightly behind me, a silent presence at my back. I step into the room, immediately dropping my gaze in deference.
Alpha Roland sits behind his massive desk, Luna Vivienne perched elegantly on a chair beside him. Across from them stand two tall figures, one male and one female.
“Alpha Roland, Luna Vivienne, Lycan Councilmen,” I murmur, my voice carefully modulated to convey respect tinged with fear. “Thank you for seeing me.”
The man rises, crosses to Rylan, and pulls him into a bro hug. “It’s good to see you. It’s been too long.”
“Likewise.”
The Lycan council members sniff the air, look at me, and exchange a glance.
