Seeing the coldness in Benedict’s eyes, I realized just how blind I had been. How could I have ever loved someone like him?
I felt a sharp sting in my chest, but I refused to show weakness in front of him. Gritting my teeth, I wrenched my wrist free from his grasp, squared my shoulders, and turned toward the stairs.
I had only one thought in my mind—I needed to leave. I needed a plan. My pack was gone, my title stripped, and my mate had betrayed me. But I wouldn’t stay trapped here. I would find a job, save money, and escape this nightmare.
I grabbed a simple dress from my closet and fixed my hair into a loose braid, securing it with the only possession I had left from my mother—a silver hairpin shaped like a crescent moon. I didn’t care about appearances anymore. Once, I had dressed to impress Benedict and his family, hoping to earn a place among them. Now, I had nothing to prove.
When I descended the stairs, Benedict barely spared me a glance. His indifference cut deeper than his cruelty. “Let’s go.”
The car ride to his family estate was silent. I kept my eyes on the passing trees, their towering forms casting long shadows across the road. My wolf stirred within me, restless. I hated being near Benedict.
As we neared the estate, another car—a sleek black Range Rover—roared past and skidded to a stop in front of us. My breath hitched.
I knew that car. My pulse pounded in my ears as the door opened and a tall figure stepped out.
Elias Blackwood.
My mate’s step-brother.
The moment his golden eyes met mine, I froze. My wolf whimpered, caught between fear and something else. Elias had always been unpredictable, his presence both commanding and dangerous. He was the heir who walked away, the Alpha who refused his birthright, the rogue who built an empire in the shadows.
Benedict stiffened beside me. He had always despised Elias, hated that their father once wanted him to lead. But Elias had rejected the pack, choosing exile over submission. Now, he was more powerful than ever, his influence stretching far beyond the pack’s borders.
I kept my head down as he approached, praying he wouldn’t acknowledge me. Benedict wasn’t one for mercy. If he knew the full extent of what had happened between me and Benedict, he might see me as weak. And weak wolves didn’t survive in his world.
“Benedict.” His voice was deep, rough like gravel. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
Benedict’s jaw clenched. “It’s a family dinner.”
Elias gaze flickered to me for a second before he turned away. “Right. Enjoy.” He strode past us, his steps unhurried, his posture relaxed. But I knew better. Elias was never relaxed. He was always calculating, always hunting.
I let out a slow breath as he disappeared into the house.
“Don’t talk to him,” Benedict muttered, his grip tightening around the steering wheel. “Stay away from him, Felicia.”
I almost laughed. He had no right to tell me what to do, not after everything he had done. But I bit my tongue. I wasn’t here to fight. I was here to survive.
Inside the estate, the air was thick with tension. The elders were gathered, their gazes flicking between Benedict and Elias. I kept my expression neutral, greeting them with forced politeness.
“Felicia,” Benedict’s grandmother said, her sharp eyes pinning me in place. “You’ve been married for a while now. When can we expect an heir?”
My stomach twisted. I had long since abandoned any hope of a future with Benedict, and the thought of carrying his child made my skin crawl. But I couldn’t say that. Not here. Not yet.
Before I could answer, Elias spoke. “Pressuring her like that is outdated, don’t you think?”
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to him.
Benedict tensed beside me, his hands curling into fists. “This is none of your business.”
Elias smirked, leaning against the fireplace. “Everything about this pack is my business.”
I swallowed hard. Elias’s gaze flickered to me again, and for a moment, I thought I saw something in his expression. Amusement? Curiosity? Pity? I couldn’t tell.
Benedict grabbed my arm, his grip firm. “Come on. Tell them.”
I yanked free. “Don’t touch me.”
A hush fell over the room. The elders exchanged glances, some disapproving, others intrigued. Benedict’s grandmother narrowed her eyes. “Felicia—”
“I’m tired,” I interrupted. “I’ll excuse myself.”
Without waiting for permission, I turned and walked away. I could feel their eyes on me, feel Benedict’s fury burning through my back. But I didn’t care.
As I stepped into the dim hallway, I heard footsteps behind me. A strong hand caught my wrist—not rough like Benedict’s, but firm, steady.
I turned and saw Elias, my heart pounding. His grip was gentle, his eyes unreadable. “You need to leave,” he murmured.
My breath caught. “What?”
“Benedict won’t let you go easily,” he said, his voice low. “If you don’t act now, you’ll never be free.”
I searched his face, trying to understand why he was saying this. Why he cared.
“What do you want from me?” I asked.
His lips curved into a half-smile. “I want you to work for me—it’s your only way to escape him. Trust me, Felicia, this is your way out.”
A shiver ran down my spine.
