CHAPTER 4

~Paige~

I crept into Audrina's room last night, the blackness surrounding me as I tiptoed across the floor. There she was, sleeping sweetly on the bed, completely ignorant of the storm developing in my mind.

“Just look at her,” I hissed, quietly walking towards her.

“All innocent and charming; too bad you won’t know what hit you.” I whispered, fighting the need to let out a bitter laugh.

I just couldn’t stand her, and if there was any length I had to go to make sure that she was removed from our lives for good, I would do it.

“You don’t deserve to live, but I’m going to keep you alive for a little while till you beg for death.” I muttered, a sly grin tugging on my lips.

Bastards weren’t supposed to have a chance at happiness, and I was going to prove that to her.

With a steady hand, I retrieved the syringe containing the potion I had taken from the evil witch and said, “This will do the trick for now.”

Gripping the syringe securely, I approached her bedside, my pulse racing with expectation. This was my opportunity to teach her a lesson and to show the consequences of ever trying to steal my shine with her birth.

Without hesitation, I poured the medicine into her arm, watching as it took effect and transformed her dreams into a nightmare of my own design.

A wave of satisfaction passed over me as Audrina tossed and turned in her sleep. This was only the start of her punishment, the first move in a larger scheme to hold her accountable for her careless behavior.

"I mean, who pairs up their siblings with a wealthy alpha these days? I'm actually a good sister." I asked no one in particular, laughing bitterly as I did so.

"But don’t worry, I will never allow you to stay with me again."

I walked out of her room, leaving her to bear the repercussions of my resentment with a sly smile on my lips.

However, as soon as I entered the corridor, I heard footsteps getting closer, and my heartbeat quickened despite my fear of being discovered.

I immediately ran to a shadowy nook to wait to find out who it was.

The footsteps got closer as I forced myself up against the wall, resonating down the dimly lit hallway. With adrenaline pumping through my veins, my heart was thumping with fear as I got ready for whatever was going to happen.

I was relieved to hear footsteps approaching—not hers. Rather, there was none other than George, our father, walking down the hallway into his office. I felt a chill run down my spine at his proximity, a reminder of what would happen if my deeds were found out.

Peering around the corner, I watched as he passed by. He seemed lost in thought, his brow furrowed with concern, likely preoccupied with the events unfolding within our pack.

Once he was out of sight, I let out a silent breath of relief, my pulse gradually returning to normal. But as I turned to leave, a voice from behind me caused me to freeze in place.

"Paige, is that you?"

The sound of Audrina's voice sent a jolt of fear coursing through me. How had she woken up so soon? Had she seen me administering the potion? Panic gripped my chest as I struggled to come up with a plausible excuse.

Summoning all the composure I could muster, I turned to face her, forcing a smile onto my lips. "What are you doing up? It’s late, you know." I asked, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied me, a flicker of suspicion crossing her features. "I could ask you the same question," she replied, her tone cool and collected. "I heard someone in my room just now. Were you there?"

I swallowed hard, my mind racing for a response. "Me? In your room? What exactly would I be doing there?" I scoffed, attempting to feign innocence. "I was just on my way to the kitchen for a glass of water. You must have been dreaming."

Her gaze bore into mine; her expression was unreadable. For a moment, I feared she might see through my facade and uncover the truth. But then, to my relief, she seemed to relent, a sigh escaping her lips.

“Dreaming? No, it felt too real.” She countered, causing me to roll my eyes.

“You know this house is old; it must have been the pipes or the creaky sounds from these old floorboards.” I told her.

“I don’t know.”

“It just felt strange, and I feel funny as well.” She murmured, her brows furrowing.

The time was almost up.

Forcing a smile, I attempted to ease the tension by saying, “You’re probably just tired.”

“Why don’t you go back and get some rest? You can turn on the lights if you are scared, or I could assign one of the maids.

“No, there won’t be any need for that; I’ll be fine by the morning.” She finally relented.

That was before she rendered an apology, which I didn’t need: "I must have been imagining things. Sorry for bothering you with my questions."

“No need to be sorry; I’m used to you sleepwalking.” I lied, planting the idea in her head.

She turned and went away at that point, leaving me standing there with a mischievous gaze on her back. However, certain negative thoughts crossed my mind, but I waved them off.

“This isn’t the first time I have tried, but it’s definitely going to be the last,” I mumbled.

“Before the week runs out, everyone is going to know how much of a whore you are.”

“And as for father? He would not even care enough before disowning you.” I added, fighting the urge to burst into hysterical laughter again.

For now, though, all that mattered was that I had avoided a bullet. I sighed with relief that I had escaped discovery, but I also had a sneaking suspicion that my next plan would be successfully carried out very soon.