The Turning Point

As we walked down the corridor, my heart pounded with fear. I had to stay calm, stay smart. This was my chance to change everything.

As the car door closed behind me, I took a deep breath. This time, I wouldn't let anyone manipulate me. I would definitely fight back.

The car started moving, and the reality of the situation began to sink in. We were actually headed to Alpha Albrecht's mansion.

The thought shook my entire being.

What was he planning to do with me this time around? Why had he ordered his men to pick me up from the hospital so suddenly?

I glanced at the men sitting on either side of me. Their expressions were stern, giving nothing away.

I could feel my pulse quickening, panic bubbling up inside me. I had to stay calm. I had to play along, at least for now.

A thought crossed my mind. 'What if he's planning to torture me as usual? Or worse?'

The memories of the future, of the pain and suffering, were still fresh in my mind. I couldn't let that happen again.

Not tonight. I had to find a way to avoid his wrath.

The car's engine hummed, and the city lights blurred past the windows. The mansion wasn't far now.

I took another deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Just then, a strange sensation stirred within me.

'C-a-t-r-i-o-n-a...'

The feeling was faint, like a whisper of my name at the edge of my consciousness. I frowned, confused.

'Could that be... my wolf?!' I exclaimed, trying to keep my cool in between these men.

In the future, I never had any connection to my wolf. I had always felt different, weaker. But now, there was something there, something stirring.

I closed my eyes, focusing inward, trying to block out the smell of cold, sterile antiseptic and the distant murmur outside the car.

'Is that really you, Elora?' I asked silently, hoping for a response. There was nothing but silence.

I sighed, opening my eyes. Maybe it was just my imagination, or maybe... maybe something had changed with my return to the past.

The car slowed down, and I realized we were almost at the mansion.

The giant gates of Alpha Albrecht's estate came into view, and my heart pounded harder.

"Stay calm, Catriona. Don't let him see your fear." I whispered.

The car came to a stop, and one of the men opened the door for me. "We're here," he said gruffly.

I nodded, stepping out of the car.

The mansion was just as intimidating as I remembered, with its tall, imposing structure and the cold air of authority that surrounded it.

As we walked up to the entrance, I could feel my resolve strengthening. No matter what happened tonight, I wouldn't show weakness.

That's my number 1 rule. I wouldn't let Alpha Albrecht break me again. Never!

The front door opened, and there he was, his two hands in his black pant pockets as he stood in the foyer, his icy blue eyes fixed on me.

I forced myself to meet his gaze, my chin held high.

"Catriona," he called out, his voice as cold as ever. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, Alpha," I replied, controlling my jerking hands.

He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Follow me!"

I walked behind him, my steps measured and careful.

As we moved through the mansion, another memory began to flood back. I remember this day vividly.

On this very day, I had been dragged behind Alpha Albrecht, my resistance earning me his wrath.

The creak of the door to the Alpha's room brought me back to the present. We entered, and the door shut behind us with a finality that made me whimper in fear.

Another clear memory popped up; I had been forcefully thrown onto the bed by the Alpha because I wasn't submissive to his touch.

This time, things would be different.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost missed the intensity of his gaze, a searing reminder of the man who held my fate in his hands.

The same man I now had to deceive for the sake of survival. Alpha Albrecht stood before me, his deadly aura radiating power and authority.

He was glaring at me, expecting tantrums, resistance, and the usual defiance. But this time, I was too submissive compared to how I used to behave.

"What's going on with you?" His voice jolted me back to reality, the deep timbre sending a chill through my bones.

I knew I had to act quickly.

Before he could say another word, I forced myself to undress, each button a small act of defiance against my fear.

My fingers trembled violently, betraying the calm facade I desperately tried to maintain.

I slipped my blouse off my shoulders, revealing my pale skin marred with bruises and hickeys. His eyes widened slightly, taken aback by my sudden compliance.

I kicked off my shoes and unzipped my skirt, letting it fall to the floor.

Standing before him in just my white panties and bra, I could feel his gaze burning into me.

Every scar, every mark on my body was exposed under his scrutiny. The rawness of my body caught his sight.

"What are you doing?" His voice was low, almost a growl.

"I… I'm doing what you want, Alpha," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "I'm not resisting."

He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing.

"Why the sudden change, Catriona? You've never been this… obedient."

I met his gaze, my heart drumming. "I've realized that fighting you only brings more pain. I don't want to suffer anymore." I replied.

His eyes scanned my body, lingering on the bruises and marks.

I could see the wheels turning in his head, trying to understand my sudden shift in behavior.

His hand reached out, fingers brushing against a particularly dark bruise on my arm. I flinched but held my ground.

"You're different," he muttered, more to himself than to me.

"Yes, Alpha," I whispered, lowering my gaze.

He tilted my chin up, forcing me to look at him. His eyes were filled with suspicion, curiosity, and something else I couldn't quite place.

"You're hiding something," he said, his voice a dangerous whisper.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. "I'm not, Alpha. I'm just… tired of fighting."

He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Get dressed!"

I blinked, surprised by his command. If I remember correctly, he actually forced his way into me on this day.

So, What has changed now?