Karla’s POV
After the bonding ceremony ended, exhaustion hit me like a freight train. I practically melted into Nikolai’s arms, my body finally giving in to everything I’d been holding back
For a moment, I forgot this was supposed to be Take. Forgot we’d only just met. His warmth felt so natural, so safe, that when he started to lean down–maybe to kiss the top of my head–1 almost let him.]]
Then my phone buzzed.
The message on the screen made my blood turn to ice. I jerked away from Nikolai so fast I nearly fell off the car seat
“What’s wrong? His voice was immediately alert, concerned. “Did your former pack contact yo
I couldn’t answer. Couldn’t do anything but stare at the words Ophelia had sent me, each one like a knife between my ribs.]
“Stop the car!” I shouted to the driver
Nikolai caught my arm as I reached for the door handle. “Kaela, what happened? Did I do something wrong?
The genuine worry in his voice almost broke me. Here was this incredible man–dangerous, powerful, feared by everyone–and he was worried he’d somehow upset me
“It’s not you.” I managed, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “It’s Ophelia. I need to handle something. Can you go back to your territory? I’ll.. I’ll take a cab home after.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, to come with me and tear apart whatever was causing me pain. But after a moment, he nodded.
“Don’t push yourself too hard,” he said softly. “You just had brain surgery, and removing that bracelet took a lot out of you. Promise me you’ll be careful-
The gentle concern in his voice made something tight in my chest loosen. When was the last time someone had worried about my wellbeing without wanting something in return?
“! promise.” I said, and meant
Twenty minutes later, I was sitting in the coffee shop Ophelia had specified, reading her message for the hundredth time. My nails bit into my palms hard enough to draw blood.
Meet me at Moonrise Cafe on Fifth Street. We need to talk about your new mate’s future. Coque alone, or everyone will see just what kind of Luna he really handed with. You know what I’m talking about
She walked in like she owned the place, designer heels clicking against the floor as she made her way to my table. The smug satisfaction on her face made me want to rip her throat out with my bare teeth
“Well, well” she sain, sliding into the seat across from me. “Look who’s still breathing. Three years wearing that wolf bone bracelet, and you’re will here. I have to admit, I’m impressed. Most wolves would have been dead within months.“]]
“Cut the shit, Ophelm. What do you want?“||
She laughed, the sound like laroken glass. “Straight to the point. I always did like that about you, sister dear. Very well. Delete those photos from the auction, apologize 10 Soren, and leave your hybrid. Cu back to being the pathetic little victim we all know you really are. ]
“And if I don’t?”
Her’sande turned predatory Then your precious Nikolai gets to see exactly what kind of damaged goods he bonded with. The full unedited footage from your tune in the Shadowlands. Every hundlisting second
My blood turned to e. “How do you have that?”
“You dunk Soren broadcasting it in the medical center was the only copy? I’ve had this insurance policy for three years, just waiting for the right
oment to use it. She leaned forward, eyes glittering with malice. “Imagine how your new mate will feel when he realizes he bound himself to park’s used goods. Think he’ll still want you when he sees you begging those animals to stop?”
For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The old Kaela–the broken, desperate girl who’d spent three years accepting abuse–would have crumbled. Would have done anything to keep that video from seeing daylight.||
But something had changed in me. Maybe it was surviving the bracelet’s curse. Maybe it was Nikolai’s genuine care. Maybe I was just tired of being afraid.
“Go ahead.” I said, surprised by how steady my voice sounded. “Send it.“[
Ophelia blinked, clearly not expecting that response. “What?”
I said send it. Post it everywhere you want. I don’t give a fuck anymore.“[]
The truth was, I did care. The thought of Nikolai sering me at my most broken, most vulnerable, made me want to crawl into a hole and die. But I was done letting this psychopath control my life.
“You’re bluffing,” she said, but uncertainty flickered in her eyes
Try me.” I stood up, gathering what was left of my dignity. “I’m done being your victim, Ophelia. I’m done being anyone’s victim,”
I was halfway to the door when I saw him
Shren stood in the entrance, looking like he’d been there for a while. His face was pale, expression unreadable as his eyes moved between Ophelia and
Ophelia’s confident mask cracked when she noticed him. Her face went white, lips trembling as she tried to form words that wouldn’t come
Then she recovered, launching herself toward Soren with practiced desperation
intimate photos of me online! She’s
“Saren! Thank God you’re here. I was just trying to reconcile with Kaela, but she’s threatening to release those in completely lost it–I think honding with that hybrid has affected her mind!”
The lie rolled off her tongue su smoothly, I almost admired the performance. Almost.
But Soren wasn’t looking at her. He was staring at me with an expression I couldn’t read.
And I realized he’d heard everything.
