Invitation.

Chapter 2

Cara’s POV

I thought it was over.

I thought once Liam was gone that day, once the bruises Mateo had left on my skin had all healed, that it would be back to normal

Of course, I was wrong.

One of Liam's men showed up right in the cafeteria,

He didn't mince words.

" Liam feels sorry for what happened that day," the man said. Low voice. Deadpan. "So he bought new goods for you."

Silence.

My uncle stiffened beside me. His hand on the counter tensed.

The man continued, “You need to go to the pack house”

The tension in the room snapped like a whip.

I didn’t even need to look at my uncle to know what he was thinking.

Everyone here knew it wasn’t that fucking simple. No one—especially not a Wilson—gave out shit for free.

“I’ll go with her,” my uncle said immediately.

The man's face didn't change. "He said she has to come alone."

Mateo gave a low, mocking laugh. "Of course she does," he sneered, stepping right in front of me, blocking my path.

His eyes gleamed with something ugly, something cruel. "Listen to me, you bitch." His voice dropped lower, colder. "If you dare cause any more trouble, I'll rip your fucking head off myself.

"Let me get him," Cornell growled. "I'll show him who's boss."

"No, Cornell," I replied silently. "Stay calm."

But Cornell was furious. " The bastard deserves that."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm Cornell down. "Not now," I whispered.

***

I didn't want to be here.

The moment I stepped into the pack house, I felt like an outsider. Dominance hung heavy in the air, the scent of powerful wolves lingering in the grand hall.

The walls were lined with portraits of past alphas, their eyes seeming to follow my every step. I remembered when these walls used to feel so welcoming.

.I was born into this pack, and Caleb’s parents—the former Alpha and Luna—always treated me like family. They made me feel welcome, like I truly belonged.

.

But that was Liam's father, Alpha Marcus, defeated the old Alpha Now, the portraits seemed to stare down at me accusatory, reminding me I wasn't welcome here anymore.

Now, I just wanted to grab the goods and leave.

But of course, Liam had other plans.

He stood waiting for me near the large window overlooking the training ground.

His eyes found mine when I entered the room. "You're here," he stated, his expression unreadable. "Thank you for the compensation. I am here to get the goods," I stated, my tone flat.

"No hurry there," he grinned. I tucked my fists to my sides without a word in response.

Liam turned back to the window, observing the warriors training below. His voice was near casual when he spoke again.

"Your father was a respectable hero, you know."

I stiffened.

"Even though he was on the opposite side," continued, glancing at me. "I cannot deny that.I heard that the ones that refused to surrender built a new pack. Caleb is now the Alpha"

At the mention of Caleb,The pain of rejection came flooding back to me

I said nothing.

"I don’t think Caleb is the real problem, though," mused. "There's someone else helping him. Someone strong. A real tough bastard."

He turned to face me fully now, his golden eyes studying me too closely.

"They call him Alec," Liam said slowly. "Have you ever heard of him?"

I kept my face blank but Cornell prowled restlessly inside me. Of course, I know. I am “Alec”.

As I guessed, he did not recognize me.

Liam was staring straight at me then, asking if I knew her.

But before even a word would come out his hand shot, grasping at my arm.

A spark shot through my skin, the mate bond flaring to life between us.

Fuck.