Erika
Even though my blood was boiling every night and day, I knew how to restrain myself. I needed to gather more evidence, to ensure I wasn’t misjudging the situation, because I couldn’t allow myself to be trapped in Alpha Rufus’ lies again.
That day, Alpha Rufus told me he had to leave for a few days to attend to business with the Emerald Earth pack’s alliance in the West. I knew that meant he would be far from me, but all I could feel was an ever-growing suspicion.
"Just a few days," he said gently, pressing a kiss to my forehead like a loving husband. "I’ll miss you, my Luna."
I responded with a flat smile, hiding the storm raging inside me. "I’ll miss you too," I said, though I felt nothing at all. The moment his convoy disappeared down the road leading out of Emerald Earth, I immediately acted on my instincts. Like a wolf sensing something was wrong, I moved quickly.
I ordered one of the Elite Hunters to track Alpha Rufus, to gather information on his habits, the places he frequented with Madeleine. His work paid off.
He handed me photographic evidence, video recordings, and a list of reservations for places Alpha Rufus and Madeleine had visited together. Armed with this, I began my search inside the pack house. I scoured his office, inspecting every corner for any hidden compartments belonging to Alpha Rufus.
Just as I was about to give up, my body leaned against the bookshelf. My elbow accidentally nudged a thick, worn-out book, its cover torn and faded. My wolf instincts flared. I reached out and pulled the book.
A section of the bookshelf shifted open, revealing a dark corridor just wide enough for one person. I lifted my claws, igniting a flame in my palm to light my way. My steps halted when I reached a small room containing a desk and a safe.
On the desk, I found documents I had never seen before. Among them were letters from Madeleine to Rufus—letters I had no interest in reading. My wolf growled with fury when I discovered torn pages from a book listing werewolves with elemental powers like mine.
Beside the torn pages lay an open, ancient book detailing rituals for sacrificing hearts… my kind of heart.
My breath hitched.
Our hearts were considered priceless, capable of granting a wolf to those born without one. My hands trembled; my claws nearly unsheathing. I already knew who this ritual was meant for.
Madeleine Holmes.
Alpha Rufus’ mistress.
The only Dud-wolf in the Emerald Earth pack.
"You will never get away with this."
I put everything back in place and left the hidden room, my fury radiating through me. I didn’t look back, even though my chest felt unbearably tight.
But when Alpha Rufus returned, he changed his game.
He approached me with excessive affection, trying to distract me with sweet words spoken in a breathy, loving tone.
"My Luna, I missed you so much. I felt so far from you," he murmured, his voice filled with false sincerity.
I could sense the negativity clinging to him—like a predator soothing its prey. But I already knew Rufus’ game.
"Really? Do I always ignite your passion, Alpha?"
"I’ve always loved how ‘hot’ you are, Erika." His whispered words, laced with desire, would have made any she-wolf weak in the knees. But not me.
Alpha Rufus would burn in the flames of his own deceit.
But not yet.
I already had proof of his lies. Elite Hunter Erick had given me photos of Alpha Rufus with Madeleine on a yacht.
I shuddered when Alpha Rufus’ arms wrapped around me—his scent still carried Madeleine’s pheromones. His lips claimed mine with intensity, even though I had seen with my own eyes how his tongue had been tangled with hers under the sunlit deck.
I gazed at him calmly, though inside, my wolf clawed to be unleashed. Go on, tell me you’ve always loved me, Alpha Rufus, I mused silently, keeping my expression unreadable.
"I would give you my whole heart just to prove that I truly love you, Erika."
Rufus’ eyes glowed a burning yellow. In his embrace, I could feel his body trembling.
I dragged my claws across his shirt, slicing through the fabric until a low groan escaped him. I carved a continuous line right over where his heart beat, leaving behind a trail of blood before the wound healed instantly.
"You’re being naughty, Luna."
"I’ll be whatever you want me to be tonight, Alpha Rufus Hawkins."
Rufus kissed me. I no longer felt any love for him, even as his hands undressed me in sync with our kiss. In my heart, I cursed every hint of desire in his eyes.
I could hear his groan as I clawed his back. The heat from the fire I gave him made him flinch for a few seconds, but he continued to ravish me. A thought crossed my mind—I would give him flames far greater than this.
Even as our bodies entwined, I felt nothing. My skin burned with heat, betraying me, but my soul—my soul was detached. I was bound to him by fate, but I wanted nothing more than to sever that tie.
He had no idea I already had enough proof to destroy him.
And this time, I wouldn’t cry.
I wouldn’t let my heart be taken for that wretched bitch.
Not for her.
Not for anyone.
Not when I carried a pup inside me.
When I awoke the next morning, the first thing I did was remove Rufus’ hand from my stomach. I had spent the entire night suppressing my disgust, enduring the heat of our mating bond just so I could keep up my act.
But I had made it through.
"Moon Goddess, guide me so I may uncover the truth."
I reached for my phone and dialled a number—one that belonged to someone who had always helped creatures like us.
"Burton Law Firm, I’d like to schedule an appointment."
