THIRTY TWO

Michael's POV

I couldn't shake off the feeling of restlessness. I had to find Ruth, but I had no idea where to start. I had tried everything, from tracking her scent to searching for her in the most remote corners of the world.

As I walked through the forest, I stumbled upon a clearing. And there, in the centre of it, stood Cynthia. Her eyes gleamed with malice, and her smile sent shivers down my spine.

"You'll never find her," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "She's gone, Michael. And you'll never see her again."

I growled, my instincts taking over. I wanted to attack her, to make her pay for what she had done. But I knew I couldn't. I had to keep my cool, had to think clearly.

"Why are you doing this, Cynthia?" I asked, my voice low and even. "What do you want from me?"

Cynthia laughed, the sound sending chills down my spine. "I want everything," she said. "I want your pack, your power, your heart."

I snarled, my anger boiling over. "You'll never have any of it," I spat. "I'