Alina POV:
I woke to the smell of antiseptic. The Alpha Command left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Two days later, Jaxon discharged me.
"Get dressed," he said, tossing a garment bag. "We have an appearance to make."
"I can barely walk."
"It's the Pack Anniversary. Rumors are spreading that I'm mistreating my father's savior's daughter. You will come, smile, and show everyone you are fine."
The bag contained a grey dress. Dull. Invisible. An Omega's dress.
The ballroom glittered with crystal and gold. I stood in the corner, leaning on a cane, a ghost at my own funeral.
Jaxon stood center stage with Krystal. She wore a scarlet gown that hugged every curve.
"Tonight, I celebrate the future," Jaxon announced.
The screen behind them flickered. A montage played: Jaxon and Krystal in Paris, on a yacht, hiking trails my father showed me. Places he promised to take me.
The Mate Bond bled. A physical tearing sensation.
I limped to the garden for air. My mother's Irises were gone. Replaced by rows of white roses.
"Do you like the renovation?"
Krystal stood there, holding champagne. Flanking her were two massive dogs-Rogue-blood hounds from the Nexus labs. Glowing green eyes, rippling muscles.
"You destroyed my mother's garden," I whispered.
"I improved it." She snapped her fingers. "Attack."
The hounds lunged.
I screamed, raising my cane. Useless. The first beast slammed me into the rose bushes. Thorns tore my skin. Jaws clamped on my injured leg.
"Jaxon! Help!"
The patio doors flew open. Jaxon rushed out.
"Krystal!" he shouted.
He saw us. Me, bleeding on the ground. Krystal standing feet away, feigning terror.
"Jaxon, help me!" Krystal screamed, dropping her glass. "The dogs went crazy! She provoked them!"
Jaxon didn't hesitate. He ran to her.
He shielded Krystal, turning his back on me.
"Get them off!" I sobbed. The hound's teeth sank deeper. Burning spread through my veins. Wolfsbane-laced saliva.
Security finally tranquilized the beasts.
I lay in the dirt, blood staining the white roses red. Jaxon was checking Krystal for scratches she didn't have.
"Jaxon..."
He looked at me with annoyance. "Get her to the infirmary. And clean up this mess. It's ruining the party."
He kissed Krystal's forehead.
The Jaxon I loved died three years ago. This man was a monster.
