Chapter 7
Bran’s hand lingered under my clothes. “Don’t worry, I’ll get Alex out” .
In response, I looped my arms around his neck, pressing my body against his.
My hand crept down his pants‘ waistband.
I had already took some of the fresh, red- colored juice from a box in the fridge and carefully smeared it on the sheets and in the bathroom.
He noticed that and asked about my cycle, I looked away.
That night, in his embrace, I stared wide- eyed into the darkness, watching day turn to night.
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Suddenly, Bran’s phone rang.
Eyes still shut, he answered.
“I have to go,”
“Okay,” I replied, no questions asked.
He kissed my cheek and left.
As soon as Bran was out the door, Laura cornered me.
Learning his family background, her face paled. “With his family, is he serious about you?”
“He’s got money and power, and he’s kind. I asked him to save Alex.”
“Do you like him?”
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“If he saves Alex, I will.”
Laura’s face turned ashen.
She choked out, “Do you even know what you’re doing?”
“Alex has endured so much suffering in there, yet he never tells us, just to spare us from worry. No one can stop me from saving him.”
Laura broke down into sobs, filled with self- loathing for her own powerlessness.
I sat beside her, calmly yet firmly putting my arm around her shoulders.
“We’ve sought fairness, but now I realize that everyone plays dirty. I’m not upset; I’ve just become a bit less conscience – bound than
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before.”
Laura wept, covering her face with her hands.
My eyes were rimmed with red, but I stubbornly held back every single tear.
Just then, a sudden knock on the door echoed through the room.
I thought Bran had forgotten something.
But the moment I opened the door, my breath caught in my throat.
Standing right there at the doorway was Ryder.
I tried to slam the door.
Ryder, quick as a wolf’s leap, grabbed the
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frame.
Laura’s voice broke the tension: “Ryder?”
…… Auntie,”
Memories flooded in.
From age eighteen, as a young werewolf, I’d been bound to Ryder.
Five years of full moon howls, battles as wolves, and shared dreams played out like a tragic saga. He’d been my future.
“Outside,” I said, heart pounding.
Ryder’s eyes bored into mine. “Why hide Alex’s trouble?”
“Bran will fix it,” I snapped.
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“Bran? I’d move mountains for you!” he roared.
“I have a boyfriend. I don’t need you, I stated firmly.
“Boyfriend?”
“You forgive his cheating, not my one mistake?” he hissed, madness tinging his voice.
I took a breath. “It’s not simple. He’s my now, you’re my then.”
Despair filled Ryder’s eyes.
“Don’t say you love him. Our bond was unbreakable,.
“Love’s not the point. His liking is enough.”
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Ryder sneered, “Likes you? He’s been all over other women in Vegas. I’ve got photos of him cozying up to models on a yacht. Wanna see?”
“Ryder, this is getting tiresome.”
He stepped close.
“One affair or a hundred, I don’t care. As long as I’m his girl, I’ll turn a blind eye.”
Ryder growled, “I can help your brother.”
I snapped, “Cut the crap. You’re no better than him. You have a fiancée. You want me as your mistress?”
He fell silent.
I cut him off, “Don’t say he won’t marry me. If he’s engaged, I’m out. We’re just using each
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other.”
Ryder lunged, seizing my arm. “Do you know what you are?”
“A principled deal – maker, a whore!
“Drop the act. You’re worse than Bran. You, a werewolf with a fiancée, threatening your
ex?”
Ryder’s grip weakened as he rasped, “What if I break the engagement?”
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