Chapter 5

Annie glanced at me and said, “Go on.”

I hesitated, my heart thudding in my chest. “What if he’s angry?” I whispered.

“Don’t keep him waiting,” Annie said sharply. “That’ll only make it worse.”

I swallowed hard and slowly pushed the door open. The room was dim, lit only by the sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Bookshelves lined the walls, packed with books, and a large wooden desk sat in the center of the room.

Behind the desk sat Alpha Ronan. His presence was overwhelming. He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto me as I stood frozen in the doorway.

I studied him carefully as he sat behind the desk. His black shirt stretched tightly over his broad chest and muscular arms, as if it could barely contain his strength. His features were sharp, and there was an intensity in his eyes that made me feel small. He was undeniably handsome, but the aura around him was nothing short of terrifying.

“Come closer,” he ordered, his voice deep and commanding.

My legs felt like jelly, but I forced myself to move. I walked slowly until I was standing in front of his desk, my hands clasped tightly in front of me.

He didn’t say anything at first, just leaned forward slightly and studied me. His dark eyes traveled from my head to my toes, his expression unreadable.

He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes never leaving me. Then he spoke, his voice cold and sharp. “What happened to your legs?”

My heart skipped a beat, and I looked down at the bruises on my legs. Panic filled me. I couldn’t tell him the truth, couldn’t let him know about the beatings from my former mate and stepmother.

“I fell,” I lied, my voice shaky. “It’s nothing.”

He didn’t say anything at first, just kept staring at me, his eyes narrowing slightly. It felt like he could see right through me, like he knew I was lying. But he didn’t press further.

Instead, I gathered the courage to ask the question that had been burning inside me. “Why did you attack my pack?” My voice was soft, almost a whisper. “Why did you kill all those people?”

His expression darkened, and his gaze turned icy. “They deserved it,” he said flatly, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

My chest tightened, and anger bubbled up inside me despite my fear. “No one deserves to die just because you think so,” I whispered under my breath, not intending for him to hear.

But he did.

Before I could even process what was happening, he stood up from his chair in one swift motion. His large frame loomed over the desk as he reached out, his hand grabbing me by the throat.

I gasped, my hands flying up to his wrist, trying to pry his fingers off. His grip was firm, and I could feel his strength. His dark eyes had turned black, filled with fury as he glared at me.

“Do you know who you’re talking to?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I am your Alpha. You will show me respect.”

I couldn’t breathe, my vision blurring as I choked out an apology. “I-I’m sorry,” I managed to say, my voice barely audible.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, he finally let go. I stumbled back, coughing and gasping for air, my hand instinctively going to my throat. My legs felt weak, and I struggled to stay standing.

“Get out,” he barked, his voice like a whip.

Without thinking twice, I ran out of the office. My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest, and my legs wobbled with every step. Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I couldn’t let anyone see me like this—weak and broken.

By the time I reached my room, my breathing was heavy, and my whole body felt like it was weighed down by sadness. I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, finally letting the tears stream down my face.

I had been through so much. Too much. First my mate at River Moon rejected me, and now Alpha Ronan, my second mate, hated me too. No one wanted me. Not even the ones the Moon Goddess had chosen for me. It felt like the universe was punishing me for something I didn’t do.

And to make it worse, I didn't even have my wolf. The moon goddess must really hate me. I was just a weak shewolf without a wolf whom nobody wants.

I wiped my face with shaky hands and took a step toward the bed. I wanted to collapse and cry until there were no more tears left. But then I saw it—a piece of paper lying neatly on the blanket