CHAPTER 11Alpha Perrin “No scar at all? It’s completely gone?” I asked, staring at the guard who now looked perfectly fine. “It’s nothing short of a miracle,” the doctor replied. “The leg was beyond saving, marked for amputation due to its inability to heal and the lack of a cure.” He inspected the guard closely. “But now, he’s completely fine.” “It seems the healer’s magic worked,” the guard added respectfully, glancing at me. “Otherwise, how else can one explain how I healed so suddenly, Alpha?” I stroked my chin, studying the guard’s fully healed leg. The scar was completely gone, and he looked as if he hadn’t been on the brink of death from wolfsbane poisoning. “And you are absolutely sure none of the medicine you gave him caused this?” I asked the doctor again, needing confirmation. He shook his head. “For a wolfsbane poisoning that severe, none of the medicine I have would have worked,” he admitted. I let out a deep breath, processing his words. So, she wasn’t us
Quinn's POV (Few minutes earlier )A spy? A freaking spy? I stared at the note in my hands, reading it over and over again as if the words would magically change into something less ridiculous. Why in the world would my father want me to spy on Alpha Perrin? What the hell was he up to? And more importantly—why did he think I would be remotely good at this? One wrong move and Perrin would wipe out our entire pack without breaking a sweat. Was this really a risk anyone was willing to take? Because I, for one, was not. I was still trying to wrap my head around it when a voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “What took you so long?” The head maid stood at the bottom of the stairs, arms crossed, her expression as stiff as the apron wrapped around her waist. I barely had time to react before she continued, “I said thirty minutes. You are two minutes late. I will let it slide since it’s your first day, but next time, I expect you to be on time.” Two minutes? I swallowed a sigh
CHAPTER 13QUINN POV One of her friend sitting behind her, a blonde with nice features, stood up from her sit, walked over to Gianna and whispered something in her ear. Gianna’s laugh was like nails on a chalkboard.“Well, well, well," she said, taking a step back and tilting her head. "Let’s see how good you really are at your job. Maybe a little test, hm?"Before I could react, Gianna pushed me in the chest. It wasn’t soft and the way she did it made me lose my balance. My foot twisted and before I could catch myself, I felt my ankle snap beneath me.I gasped, falling hard on the ground. The pain that shot up my leg made me wince . They erupted in laughter, the sound of it ringing in my ears. It felt like the world was spinning around me as I tried to pull myself up, wincing with every movement. “Oh, darling, did you hurt yourself?" Gianna cooed, bending down to look at me with fake concern, her lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "Guess that’s what happens when
CHAPTER 14QUINN POVDo you really think I have time for your joke right now?” Alpha Perrin asked. His tone was serious, and damn it, for a moment, I could feel the fear taking over. But then I remembered—no, I couldn’t let myself be scared. Not by him. He had turned me into a slave for just one mistake. One mistake. I had tried to help him, and yet, he threw me aside. Well, now he was going to have to work for my help.“I couldn’t save the guard on my first attempt,” I said, voice cold as I met his gaze, holding it. “And instead of giving me a chance, you threw a maid uniform on me and decided I was useless." I paused, giving him the full force of my look, not backing down. “I want an apology.”Alpha Perrin let out a scoff as he settled into his usual chair. His movements were smooth, like he was in control of everything. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. The smoke curled up around him as he took a long drag, exhaling slowly.I couldn’t help but stare.
Quinn POV "Why are you late?" I walked into the training ground, and the first thing I saw was Alpha Perrin's disapproving stare. A few shirtless guards stood around, looking nervous, probably because their alpha was overseeing everything."I had a little trouble finding my way here, but I promise it won’t happen again," I said, trying to sound as sincere as possible.Perrin didn’t respond right away. His eyes stayed on me for a few seconds, then he sighed and said, "Go back to training, everyone."The guards immediately got back to work, and Perrin looked at me and said, "Just follow their lead. Soon you’ll catch up." His tone was dismissive.And here I thought I would get some special lesson or something. Turns out, I was just supposed to follow them? How... interesting.I moved to the back and watched the rest of the men move with precision, like every step had been rehearsed. I tried to follow their lead, but it was actually a lot harder than it looked, and it left me frustrated
Quinn POV I stepped into the room and let out a sigh, my body drenched in sweat, every muscle hurting. I felt exhausted, making it impossible to reach my wolf. I tried, but the connection was weak—nonexistent. She had never been through this kind of training before, and it was all too much for her. For both of us. Before I could even catch my breath, the door creaked open. I turned just as Alpha Perrin stepped inside, his eyes sweeping over me. “You did well,” he said, his voice as calm as ever. “Gianna is skilled, but you still managed to bring her down. That’s impressive.” I let out a tired scoff, rubbing the back of my neck. “Didn’t feel impressive. She nearly broke my ribs.” Perrin’s lips twitched like he was holding back a smirk. “You will live.” Then, before I could respond, he added, “Get ready for tonight.” I frowned. “What’s happening tonight?” “There’s a gathering,” he said simply. “Alpha convergence, Pack leading families from different regions are coming to
CHAPTER 17QUINN POV“Couldn’t they have gone a little easier on your makeup? Now I have to walk around with you looking like a circus act.” He sighed, running his fingers through his hair, while I rolled my eyes so hard I almost pulled a muscle.“And just when I was about to thank you for catching me before I fell flat on my face back there…” I said, staring out the car window like it held all the answers, not interested in engaging with Alpha Perrin. “By the way, I saw how you were staring at me back there. If anything, you looked smitten.”“Smitten?” He scoffed, looking at me like I just suggested we take a trip to the moon. “I stare when I’m appalled, not when I’m admiring. Don’t get it twisted.”The urge to strangle him was like a sweet, sweet melody in my head, but I restrained myself. Barely…He had been surprisingly chill with me lately, letting my sharp tongue fly without much backlash. But I knew why, he needed me for his legs, or whatever. Who knows what he would have don
QUINN POV How long has he been standing there? Just how much has he heard? A chill ran down my spine as I stared at Alpha Perrin’s face. He was waiting patiently waiting for me to explain myself. What am I going to do? What should I say? My mind was blank, my body frozen in place. My heart pounded so fast it didn't feel normal. “I asked a question. I expect an answer.” His tone was with impatience, his voice sharp as he repeated himself, waiting for one of us to break. I swallowed hard, my thoughts spiraling out of control. If he knew, if he figured out the truth, that he had married the wrong sister—he would burn our entire pack to the ground. He would destroy everything. From the stories I have heard and from my own brief experience with him, Perrin did not tolerate deception, betrayal, or mistakes. And this? This was all three in one. “I will ask one more time.” His voice was darker now, the calm slipping away as his frustration grew. “What were you talking about
PERRIN The stench of blood permeated the walls, long after the battlefield had gone silent.Even days later, it seemed to be seeping into everything - soil, stone, air. It brought back terrible memories of an earlier time, another night when I was too young and far too innocent.When I had believed in the word "alliance."When I had believed in mercy.---Seventeen was the age at which, one dark night, my parents were murdered.It was a violent attack, completely without reason- the rogues had come easy in the storm, covered from rain and wind; when the alarms were sounded from our warriors, the packhouse was already alight.I had already fought. I was too young to be Alpha but was old enough to know what bleeding for your people meant.I held my mother while the last of her life slipped away. The waning light in her eyes: the message came from my father, torn throat whispering:"Protect them."I did what I could: the youngest, the eldest, the too wounded to stand - huddled them toge
QUINNShall I say they felt extraordinarily long? Indeed, they did.Waking every morning with a wish for peace inside, it was but a wish-I would never find it. Though Perrin lay beside me, holding me as if nothing else mattered, whispering false, insincere promises that I was safe now, worry would not leave my heart leaden and mind restless. I should be happy. I had Perrin. I had returned to the pack. Freedom.Deep inside, I felt that something was amiss. It kept gnawing away at me — all that had happened. About Theodore. About the lies. About the danger I didn’t see coming.And always, the voice in my head said:What if it happens again?That day, Perrin had gone out on pack business, and I sat alone on the wall-less bed, gazing into the empty expanse around me. Only the old, relentless ticking of the clock could be heard that day throughout the unusual quietness in the house. My heart felt tight in my chest.I couldn't take it anymore.It was answers I longed for. I needed help. I
QUINN POVThe days that followed seemed quiet but heavy. The events left me unable to stop thinking about everything that had happened. Theodore’s duplicity, how he deceived me, and how Perrin finally found me. My heart felt like it was still catching up to all the pain and the shock.But Perrin stayed close. He never left me alone, not once. When I woke up, he was there. His hand was in mine when I walked.“Are you okay?” he asked me over and over.I would nod. I was trying to be okay. I had to be.The pack circled around us, stepping away. Everybody seemed to know something big had happened, but no one asked questions. They stared at me with soft eyes and sometimes sad smiles, but Perrin kept them all away. He knew I needed time.I sat outside the pack house on the steps one morning. The sun warmed my face, and Perrin was quiet, simply holding my hand.“I’m sorry,” I finally said after a long silence.He turned his head fast. “Why?”“For that day when I hugged him,” I whispered. “Fo
QUINNI didn’t see Perrin for days. Theodore told me why Perrin couldn’t come every day.“He’s busy with the pack,” Theodore said one morning.“He’s dealing with some urgent business,” he told me the following day.“He’s making sure everyone is safe,” was his justification that day.I started to worry. If Perrin could he would have come to visit me. Something didn't feel right.One night, I sat by the window as the sun set. The sky went orange and pink and there was no joy. I missed Perrin. I missed his voice, his touch, his being.I turned to Theodore. “I want to see Perrin,” I said adamantly.He looked surprised. “He’s busy, Quinn, with serious business. He'll come when he can."I shook my head. "No. I need to see him now."Theodore sighed. “I know, but it’s not safe yet."Safe from what?" I asked. “You said everything was safe.”He hesitated. "There are still threats. We need to be cautious."I didn't believe him. I felt trapped.That night, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about
QUINN POVDays passed, and I did not see Perrin. I asked Theodore about him every day but he always had an excuse as to why Perrin couldn’t join.“He’s occupied with the pack,” Theodore said one morning.“He’s dealing with some urgent matters,” he told me the following day.“Making sure everybody’s safe,” was his excuse the next day.I started to worry. If he could have, Perrin would have come to see me. Something didn't feel right.One evening, I was sitting next to the window as the sun went down. The sky turned orange and pink, and I felt no pleasure. I missed Perrin. I mourned his voice, his touch, his presence.I turned to Theodore. I want to see Perrin,” I said adamantly.He looked surprised. “Quinn, he’s busy doing some very important stuff. He'll come when he can."I shook my head. "No. I need to see him now."Theodore sighed. “I know, but it’s not safe yet.”"Safe from what?" I asked. You told me “the danger was over.”He hesitated. "There are still threats. We need to be cau
QUINNHe paused for a moment before saying, “I didn’t bring you here to hurt you, Quinn. I did it to keep you safe.”“I know,” I said. “But I need to see him. Please.”Theodore stared down, pondering.Finally, he nodded. “Okay. I’ll take you back.”Relief flooded me. I wasn’t sure what awaited me when I returned to the pack, but I had to face it. With Perrin. Together.We hopped back in the car and began the long drive home. My pulse raced the entire trip there.When the pack house came into focus, I noticed the damage. Some trees were broken. The fence had scorch marks. It really had been a battle.Theodore parked way in the back, like he didn’t want anyone to see him.“You’re going to be fine from here,” he said. “If you need me again… you know how to find me.”So I nodded and opened the door and stepped out. I turned once to look at him. “Thank you. For trying.”He gave me a sad smile. “Always.”Then I ran.I dashed all the way toward the main hall, the rhythm of my heart exploding
QUINNThe wind was strong. I was still in the garden, dwelling on what Theodore said. So much had already happened, and my heart was weary. I needed some peace, just a little peace to think.But I didn’t get it.Suddenly, a loud howling erupted in the distance. The air changed. I glanced around, feeling danger in the air. As a few guards rushed past me, I heard one of them yelling, “We’re under attack!”What?Before I could get out of the way, someone caught my arm. I spun around, ready to fight, but stopped when I saw Theodore.“Come with me,” he said, hurriedly. His eyes were wide, serious. “It’s not safe here.”“What do you mean?” I asked. “Where’s Perrin?”“He’s holding the line. He’s battling with the other warriors to defend the pack,” Theodore said, motioning for me to follow. “He told me to get you to safety.”It didn’t sound like Perrin. He would have never left without saying anything. Still, I followed. Maybe it was really bad.Theodore took me to the back gate. A black car
QUINNTheodore’s words stuck with me long after we went our separate ways, their echo a whisper of something I hadn’t experienced in years: agency in my own life.But I didn’t run.Instead, I stayed.Because as much as Theodore had been a respite, I wasn’t prepared to leave Perrin behind. Not yet.But something had changed between us. Not merely because of what we’d gone through, but because the Perrin was attempting — actually attempting. He asked questions rather than issuing orders. He preferred listening to talking. And sometimes, if we sat there together in silence long enough, I could feel him hoisting up the guilt he carried around like another layer of skin.He no longer attempted to conceal it. And perhaps it was that honesty, that quiet vulnerability, that finally had the walls between us start crumbling.One night, curled on the window seat in our room, I finally said what I’d never thought I’d say out loud.“I hated you for so many years.”Perrin didn’t flinch. He nodded—o
PERRINFor weeks, Quinn and I had been walking ghosts under the same roof.We would nod to one another, ghostly pale...well, something like this, as we passed in the hall; maybe emit a few meaningless words when necessary; maybe eat when necessary or not at all-somehow one of us would make an excuse to leave, while the other pretended not to notice.I did not know how things were coming to be.Maybe it had something to do with Theodore. Or maybe it was the simmering fear that neither of us wanted to acknowledge. Or maybe it was both of us slowly drifting away and refusing to admit it.What hurt the most was that I loved her, and it seemed that it did not matter anymore.Some nights I would lie awake with her just a few feet away, curled upon the edge of the bed as if afraid to take up space. I would watch her breathe and wonder whether that would be the beginning of the end.And part of me, the one I hated, had already begun to ready itself.---Neither of us ever voiced it, but I kne