Chapter 2

Ariana walked into her father’s room without knocking, as she always did, despite his repeated warnings.

“Ariana! How many times have I told you to—”

“Knock before entering,” she interrupted with a smirk, her voice dripping with playful defiance. “I know, Dad, but I enjoy barging in like this.”

She stepped away from the door and pulled off her mask, shaking her head slightly to let her long, dark hair fall freely over her shoulders. The dim glow of the room’s fireplace cast flickering shadows over her sharp features, emphasizing the fierce determination in her eyes.

No one had ever seen her face except for her father and Justin. Outside the walls of their pack, she was known only as the masked warrior—an enigma, a ghost, a legend whispered about in fear.

Mr. Jeffrey sighed, running a tired hand through his graying hair. His once-powerful frame, still strong but weighed down by the years and losses, sagged slightly as he patted the seat beside him. “Come sit here.”

Without hesitation, Ariana crossed the room, her boots making soft thuds against the polished wooden floor. She sank onto the cushioned bench beside him, folding one leg over the other.

“What brings you here, Ariana?” he asked, his piercing gaze searching hers.

“You asked me to prepare our warriors for an unexpected battle, which I have done,” she replied, her tone serious now. “You also mentioned that the pack we’re up against is the strongest and our superior. I need more details about them.”

Mr. Jeffrey exhaled deeply, his face darkening. He leaned back against the headboard, his fingers drumming on his knee. “Whenever you asked about your mother, I told you she died trying to save me. But what I never told you—what I never wanted you to bear—is that she was murdered.”

Ariana stiffened, her jaw tightening.

“The pack we’re fighting now is the same one responsible for her death,” he continued, his voice colder than the wind outside. “For years, I’ve wanted revenge, but I had to raise you first. Now that you’ve grown, I want you to be the one to avenge her.”

A heavy silence stretched between them. Ariana’s heartbeat thudded in her ears. She had always known that her mother died protecting their family, but she had never imagined it was a targeted attack.

“Why did they attack us in the first place?” she finally asked, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.

Mr. Jeffrey clenched his fists. “They were desperate to be the most powerful pack. They wanted to dominate all others, so they struck us first. Now, only two packs remain in New York.”

“Which ones?”

“Ours and theirs,” he answered gravely.

Ariana nodded, inhaling deeply. “I need to know everything about them—their strengths, their weaknesses. I don’t want to put our pack in danger.”

Mr. Jeffrey studied her carefully. His daughter had inherited her mother’s fiery spirit, but she also carried a wisdom far beyond her years.

“What do you plan to do now?” he asked.

“After training in the Lushes, I’ll head back to my house in the city,” she said firmly. “I’ll ask around and see if I can gather intel on them.”

Her father’s expression hardened. “What you’re planning is dangerous, Ariana!” His voice was sharper now, laced with concern. As much as he wanted revenge, risking his daughter’s life was something he could never accept. Everyone in the pack knew how much he loved her—she was his only weakness.

Ariana reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. “Dad, you don’t have to worry about me. This isn’t my first time living alone.”

“I know, but infiltrating enemy territory is different,” he countered.

“Dad…”

“How about you take Justin with you?” he said, his voice softer now. “He’s your only friend, and with the two of you together, I’ll worry less.”

Ariana smiled. “Okay, Dad.” She stood up, kissed his cheek lightly, picked up her mask, and left.

As she walked down the hallway toward her room, she spotted Justin stepping out of his. His tall, muscular frame was relaxed, but the moment he saw her, he straightened up.

“Done talking with your dad?” he asked, stretching his arms.

She nodded. “He gave us an assignment. You’re coming with me to the city. We’ll stay at my house, but our real goal is to learn more about the enemy clan.”

Justin’s brows furrowed. “That won’t be easy. How do you plan to do it?”

“I have a few connections in the city. They might help. I’ll send you my address, but I won’t be heading home right away—I have something to check first.”

“Is it important?”

“Very.”

“Then let me drive you there first,” Justin suggested.

Ariana considered it for a moment before nodding. “Good idea. Let’s go.”

“Wait, don’t I need to pack my stuff?”

“My men will handle that,” she said.

Justin blinked. “You have warriors in the city?”

Ariana smirked. “I’m like a mafia werewolf girl—I have my own pack there. I only return here because of you and Dad. When I was old enough, I moved to the city and built my own clan.”

Justin looked impressed. “Does your father know?”

“He doesn’t, and I want you to keep it that way until I secure our victory.”

Justin chuckled. “Fine, princess, I’ll keep your secret.”

They laughed before setting out for New York.

The journey was long, but Ariana remained deep in thought. The city lights soon came into view, casting a golden glow over the skyline. As they entered her pack’s territory, the streets were quieter, a contrast to the chaos of downtown.

“Ariel!” Ariana called the moment she stepped out of the car.

A tall, athletic woman with piercing green eyes and a commanding presence approached.

“Ariana,” she greeted with a nod.

“This is Justin,” Ariana introduced. “Justin, meet Ariel—my most trusted companion.”

Justin nodded.

“He’ll be staying with us. Show him around while I head out,” Ariana instructed.

“When will you be back?” Justin asked.

“Not long. Once I return, we’ll plan our next move. Ariel will be joining us.” Ariana turned to Ariel. “I need you to call my father and inform him that we’ve arrived.”

Ariel nodded.

“Thank you for managing the pack in my absence,” Ariana added. “I’ll take over from now, but I still need your help.”

Ariel gave her a firm nod.

Ariana removed her mask.

Justin raised a brow. “You’re not wearing it?”

“She doesn’t wear it in the city,” Ariel replied before Ariana could answer.

Justin looked at her in surprise. Ariel smirked. “Don’t be shocked. I’m lucky to have seen the face behind the mask.”

Ariana rolled her eyes. “I need to go.” Without another word, she disappeared into the night.