The glittering chandeliers and lively music at the party had lost their charm. I felt like an outsider among the laughter and elegance. Darius was nowhere to be seen, probably still with Princess Fraulein. I couldn’t bear to stay another moment.
Without saying a word to anyone, I slipped outside, the cool night air hitting my skin. A cab waited nearby, and I waved it down.
“Cornelia Village,” I told the driver as I climbed into the backseat.
The cab started moving, the soft hum of the engine the only sound. I leaned my head against the window, watching the lights of the city blur past. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by everything that had happened.
But then, an uneasy feeling crept over me. My hands grew clammy, and my heartbeat quickened for no apparent reason.
Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt.
“What’s wrong?” I asked the driver, trying to mask my fear.
He didn’t answer, his eyes wide and fixed on something ahead. I followed his gaze and gasped. Three massive figures stood in the middle of the road, their glowing eyes piercing the darkness.
Werewolves.
My stomach twisted in fear. Before I could think of what to do, the wolves lunged at the car. Their claws scratched at the doors, their snarls echoing in my ears.
“Drive! Please, drive!” I screamed at the driver, but he was frozen in terror.
I clutched the door handle, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. This couldn’t be happening.
Just when I thought all hope was lost, blinding headlights lit up the road. Another car screeched to a halt behind us.
A familiar figure stepped out, exuding confidence and authority. Vincent Doyle.
“Back off!” he commanded, his voice a low growl that sent chills down my spine.
The wolves paused, their snarls turning into uncertain whines. Vincent stepped closer, his posture radiating dominance. The wolves backed away slowly, their massive bodies retreating into the shadows until they disappeared.
I stared at him, stunned. “How… how did you do that?”
Vincent turned to me, his expression calm. “Get out of the cab. I’ll take you home.”
I didn’t argue. My hands shook as I climbed out of the car and into his. As I buckled my seatbelt, I glanced back at the cab driver, who still looked like he’d seen a ghost.
“Let’s go,” Vincent said, his tone firm yet gentle.
The ride home was quiet. I kept stealing glances at Vincent, trying to piece together what had just happened.
“You’re safe now,” he finally said, breaking the silence.
I nodded. “Thank you. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t shown up.”
He shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. “You don’t need to thank me. Just be careful next time.”
When we reached my house, I hesitated before stepping out of the car. “Thanks again,” I said softly.
Vincent handed me a small card. “Here’s my number. If you’re ever in danger, call me.”
I took the card, feeling a strange warmth in his gesture. “I… I will.”
He gave me a nod and added, “Stay safe, Ingrid.” Then he drove off, leaving me standing by my door, my mind a swirl of emotions.
Inside, I leaned against the door, trying to process everything. My life had turned upside down in just a few hours.
Before I could gather my thoughts, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Darius.
“Ingrid,” he said, his voice steady but distant. “Where are you?”
“I went home,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
There was a pause before he said, “I’m staying with Princess Fraulein tonight. She had too much to drink, and I need to make sure she’s okay.”
The words felt like a dagger to my heart, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Okay. Take care of her,” I said, ending the call before he could say anything else.
I sank onto the couch, my chest tight with frustration.
Out of habit, I opened my social media app and searched for Princess Fraulein’s profile. Her latest post was the final straw.
A picture of her and Darius, his arm casually draped around her shoulders. The caption read [Reunited with the Alpha once again.]
Jealousy and anger churned inside me. I was nothing more than a secret, an afterthought in Darius’s life. Meanwhile, he was openly reconnecting with someone like her—a princess.
My gaze drifted to the card Vincent had given me. His words echoed in my mind: “You don’t need to let him treat you this way.”
Before I could talk myself out of it, I grabbed my phone and dialed Vincent’s number.
He answered on the second ring. “Ingrid?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “Your offer… about marrying you. I’ll do it.”
There was a pause, and then he said, “Good. You won’t regret this.”
There was silence on the other end, and then Vincent’s calm voice came through. “Just call me when you're ready.”
As the call ended, I stared at my phone, unsure if I had just made the boldest or most foolish decision of my life.
