LILY
My claws are coming through my skin and little droplets of blood are splattering on the beige carpet.
Grace f*cking Cummins.
I hate this woman.
I’ve hated her for years.
She’s born of a lowly wannabe Alpha to some backwoods pack with maybe a dozen families tied to its lineage.
They’re not powerful.
They aren’t wealthy.
They’re country mutts.
Exactly the kind of wolves that belong in the last century. Not in a modern world. And Grace, she always acted so proud. Like her commitment to the old ways made her better than everybody else.
Dumb bitch.
Grace could never be luna of a pack as rich and prominent as Sean’s. He needed a real luna. A she-wolf who was smart and forward-thinking. One who wouldn’t just navigate the human world but who would rise to the top of it.
Like I’ve done.
I watch Sean carefully. His face is emotionless.
Jason Reed, the highest ranking Alpha in our region… he looks furious.
I’m incredulous. Why the hell would Jason be anything but thrilled to see Grace punished?
He attended my sister’s funeral. He didn’t cry, but Alpha Reed was as cold and calculating as any wolf born in the last century. He didn’t show emotion about anything.
But now I’m seeing anger on his handsome face which I’d never seen before.
Not even for my sister.
But it was because of... Grace?!
No.
No.
The very woman who was responsible for my sister’s—his fiancee’s—accident and death!?
I turn and look at Sean standing next to me, and see the same disbelief in Sean's eyes.
We’re at the doors of the ballroom.
The splashing has stopped.
The only sound is Grace’s sputtering and choking. The occasional whimper as Greg yanks her hair.
Alpha Reed’s beta Terrence rushes over and takes in the scene. He glances at us then back to Jason.
“Sir, your dinner reservation in the Emerald room is ready. Might I suggest you and Alpha Stevens enjoy your meal. I will handle this…situation.”
“I don’t like noise, Terrence.”
“I know, sir.”
“I trust that nothing else will disrupt my evening.”
“I’ll see to it, sir. Personally.”
Jason nods. His expression is banked once again. He looks bored. He holds out a hand for us to precede him.
Just before the door to the ballroom closes, he says one last thing to his beta. “Terrence…I expect you’ll know how to handle this.”
“Of course, sir.”
* * * * * * * * *
GRACE
I think I heard Jay’s voice, but I’m not sure.
The tone had sounded like his, but Jay’s voice is always level, even. I’ve never heard him as angry as the man I’d heard hollering.
Would I see him again?
The thought of leaving this world without saying goodbye saddens me.
My clothes are drenched. My shirt is torn.
The setup from Mia and Maria.
The assault from Greg.
Seeing Sean and Lily.
Thinking I heard Jay’s voice.
“I’m a little overwhelmed,” I say softly.
The man takes my hand and helps me to my feet. To one of the wolves beside him, he says: “Please bring the car around and drive Miss Cummins home.”
“Yes sir.”
“What the f*ck!?” It’s Greg. He’s nearly out of the ballroom but he’s overhead everything.
I shudder. But I admit, I’m shocked too.
Alpha Reed has no cause to help me. If anything I’d expect him to behave like Lily, blaming me for Jennifer’s death and wanting to see me suffer for it.
“How many times must I explain this,” the man says as he guides me toward a different exit. He speaks loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Mr. Reed wants a quiet evening! There is nothing more to talk about. He’ll punish the lot of you for this disruption! If any of you know what is good for you, you’ll shut up now.”
I don’t have to be told twice. I’m already speechless.
I allow this man to escort me out of the country club. So many people turn and stare, but this man is a pillar of professionalism. He doesn’t respond to the people asking him questions and when a few employees try to stop him, the rest of the security team sweeps in.
Before I’m guided outside, I feel a familiar presence. I stop and spin around.
“What’s wrong?” he asks me.
But I just shake my head.
“Let’s get you to safety,” he says.
I’m led into a car, my clothes soak the seats of the limousine.
Two wolves are added security in the vehicle.
I close my eyes as they drive and try to block out everything.
