Ruby's POV
"Two months later"
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Two long and uneventful months had passed since my confinement to my room. The time I spent all by myself was almost suffocating, but it had given me enough time to think, plan, and prepare. The competition that would decide my future as the Alpha's mate was just a week away, and I had been going through rigorous preparations, both mentally and physically.
During my isolation, I had taken every opportunity to gather information about the competition. The only interactions I had were with the maids who brought me my meals and tended to the room. I had developed a rapport with one of them, Amelia, who shared some insights about the competition.
Amelia was kind-hearted, always willing to share stories and information. As she entered my room with the tray of food, she began to explain, "Miss Ruby, you know this competition is more than just a test of physical strength. It's about bond
Ruby's POVI frowned in confusion."Why would you say that?" I asked, taken aback by his advice.Vincent leaned back, his expression serious. "I feel like Gonzalo doesn't have your best interests at heart. The fact that he came to see you secretly... It makes me think he's desperate to become your mate, not because of love, but because of what he'll gain from it."I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Vincent had crossed a line, and I felt a surge of anger. "I didn't expect that kind of advice from you. Besides, you don't have the right to suggest anything to me."His demeanor shifted as he sighed, clearly becoming upset. I could sense the tension in the room. I couldn't let his unwelcome advice pass unchallenged. "Maybe my father was right to restrict you from seeing me," I stated firmly.Vincent's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and regret. Without another word, he stood up an
Ruby's POVI sat with my back still against the door, I couldn't shake the thought that was still raging within me. Vincent's words still echoed in my mind, leaving me confused and wary of the upcoming competition. I wasn't ready to face the challenge of choosing a mate while dealing with the weight of his unsolicited advice. I wondered how our relationship would change after his unwelcome intrusion into my thoughts.Suddenly, I heard the distant sounds of music, and my heart skipped a beat. It was the same music I had heard on the night of the festival, a memory that was forever etched in my mind, for that was the night I had met Ethan, and it had marked a significant turning point in my life. I moved towards the window, my curiosity hightend.Though the window was still barred, I could see glimpses of the festivities down below. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere were unmistakable. It was the Night
Ruby's POVAs we took our seats, I noticed Elena's gaze locked on me, and I returned the stare with equal intensity. The silent tension between us was palpable. The room seemed to buzz with unspoken words and unsolved mysteries.Alpha Ralph's eyes flickered between Elena and me, his expression remaining neutral. I couldn't figure out his thoughts or feelings. He was as enigmatic as ever, and it left me anxious and on edge.My father, oblivious to the unspoken tension, continued to engage in friendly conversation with Alpha Ralph, welcoming him and his pack to our home. Their interactions were polite and cordial, but beneath the surface, there was a world of complexity.Despite my father's warm welcome, I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped between the past and the future. The necklace hung as a silent reminder, a testament to the tangled emotions that bound Alpha Ralph and me. The competition
Gonzalo's POVThe months had passed in a blur, each day more unsettling than the last. There had been no sign of Teresa or her father, Drako, since the day of their daring escape. The pack was on high alert, and I couldn't help but feel that we were trapped in a web of uncertainty and danger.I sat alone in my office, staring out the window at the gathering of my pack members outside. They were laughing and teasing one another, the atmosphere light and carefree. It was a stark contrast to the weight that had settled on my shoulders.I couldn't fully hear their conversations, but it was clear they were having fun, something I was supposed to be glad about, but it made me feel even more unsettled, the frown on my face was evident. This was a scene that should have comforted me, knowing that my pack was strong and united. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were vulnerable, that the enemies we faced might be lurking within our own
Ruby's POVAlpha Michael ordered the maids to begin serving the dishes for the feast, the room filled with the aroma of delicious food. The long table was laden with a variety of dishes, a true feast before the upcoming competition. The pack members around us chatted excitedly, their voices creating a lively atmosphere.My father turned to me, a warm smile on his face. "Ruby, this feast is in honor of Alpha Ralph and his pack. It's a time for us to share in the spirit of camaraderie and competition."I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "I understand, Father. I'm just not sure I'm ready for all of this."Alpha Michael patted my hand gently. "You're stronger than you think, my pumpkin. You have the spirit of a true leader. You'll see this through."I appreciated his words, even if they didn't fully dispel my anxiety. The competition would change everything, an
Ruby's POVMy father's question hung in the air, leaving me with a sense of unease. His words were direct and carried the weight of expectations."Why would you talk like that, Dad?" I replied, trying to buy some time to process his inquiry.Alpha Michael's gaze was unwavering as he continued, "I need to know, Ruby, have you already made your decision? If that's the case, it would significantly affect the competition."I paused, the complexity of my feelings weighing on me. "Dad, it's not that simple. I haven't made a final decision."My father's eyes reflected his understanding, though he still seemed concerned. "Then why is Alpha Ralph wearing the same necklace as you? It seems to indicate a level of intimacy."I took a deep breath, knowing that the time had come to reveal the truth about the necklace. "Alpha Ralph rescued me from the Moonshade Pack when everything was going from bad to worse. He p
Gonzalo's POVThe next day arrived with a mix of trepidation and determination. As the sun's first rays broke over the horizon, I felt the weight of the plan I had devised for the safety of my pack. The competition at Alpha Michael's Pack was drawing near, and the days leading up to it were crucial.I had called Lucas to my office early in the morning to discuss the details of our plan. We needed to ensure that the pack's safety wasn't compromised during my supposed absence. I knew that the decision to act like I had left the pack but still remain close by was a risky one, but it was a risk I was willing to take."Lucas," I began, my voice low and serious, "today is the day we put our plan into action. We must make it convincing that I've left the pack. The key is to ensure no one s
Gonzalo's POVThe pack member lay unconscious on the forest floor, and anger simmered within me. His actions threatened the safety of our pack, and I couldn't afford to show mercy, not when the stakes were so high."Fucker," I muttered angrily as I couldn't contain my frustration. This betrayal was a reminder of the danger we faced from within.Lucas and I stood over the fallen pack member, our expressions determined. We knew that the time had come to reveal our operation and confront any potential threats within the pack.Back at the pack territory, we had gathered the necessary pack members, and Lucas asked the question that lingered in the air, "What should we do, Alpha?"I took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger that had boiled up within me. "We need to call everyone. I know every member of this pack, and if there's anyone working for Drako or with bad intentions, they should speak up