Chapter 6
Blair’s POV
Right then, a gust of wind roared across the deck, stirring up massive waves. The cruise ship lurched violently.
I opened my mouth, but before I could say another word, my voice was swallowed by screams and crashing waves.
Christian frowned and glanced at me. “What did you just say? The wind’s too loud–I couldn’t hear you.”
I was about to repeat myself when Carrie suddenly clutched his arm, pouting, “It’s so dangerous out here! I’m scared…
Let’s go back to the cabin.”
They all immediately gathered around her, escorting her back.
I followed behind them, walking alone.
I glanced back at the dolphins disappearing into the horizon and let out a soft, bitter laugh.
Maybe this was fate.
They would never know what I had wished for–that I’d never see any of them again for the rest of my life.
They had never truly cherished me. Everything I gave, all my love and loyalty, meant nothing to them. And they sure as hell
wouldn’t know that I’d already made up my mind… to disappear from their lives for good.
The day Carrie received the invitation to the socialite ball, all four men were “busy.”
“Lysander, Orion, and Zayden are flying to Paris to get that pink diamond for me,” Carrie chirped, waving the invitation with
a sugary smile.
“And Christian’s got some important alliance talks for his pack. Blair, will you go with me? Please?”
She blinked at me, putting on that helpless, wide–eyed act. “It’s been five years since I’ve gone to one of these. I’m scared
I’ll mess up.”
“I’m not going,” I shot back immediately.
But before she could even respond, the men had already made the decision for me.
“Carrie’s health isn’t great. Go with her,” Lysander said coldly, like it was an order.
“You know these kinds of events best,” Orion added, adjusting his glasses. “Make sure Carrie doesn’t embarrass herself.”
Zayden didn’t even wait–he shoved me into the car. “Take care of her. Don’t cause trouble.”
The door slammed shut with a bang. Through the window, I saw them standing there, their faces etched with concern and worry for Carrie, and I couldn’t help but find it absurd and laughable.
They only ever cared about whether Carrie was hurt or upset, never once asking if I was okay with it.
That night, Carrie wore a stunning red gown, basking in the attention like she belonged center stage.
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“Here, drink for me.” She handed me a glass of champagne, smiling sweetly. “If I show up tipsy, what do you think they’ll do?”
My fingers clenched around the glass, knuckles white.
She was doing it on purpose.
And I knew–if anything happened to her, they’d come for me first.
Glass after glass, my head started to spin.
“Oh no, Blair… are you drunk already?” Carrie gasped, all fake innocence. “Let me help you lie down.”
I tried to push her off, but she was stronger than she looked.
Way stronger. She dragged me down a long hallway, out of the ballroom, and shoved me into a strange hotel room.
“Have fun,” she whispered in my ear, voice sugary sweet and laced with something sickening. Then the door shut behind
her.
I collapsed to the floor, dizzy and barely conscious.
A man I’d never seen before–a werewolf–walked toward me, loosening his tie, that disgusting smirk on his face.
“Ms. Swan paid good money to have me take care of you–personally.” He chuckled, reaching for me. “And damn, you’re even better in person.”
I tried to fight, to scream, but my body wouldn’t respond. The alcohol had numbed everything. His grip was like iron around my wrist, his breath hot and sour against my neck.
Just as he lunged, Carrie’s voice rang from outside the door, delighted and surprised. “Christian? What are you doing here? Didn’t you have an important meeting tonight?”
His voice cut through the door–steady and cold, just like always. “I didn’t feel right leaving you alone. I came to take you
home.”
He paused, then asked, “Where’s Blair?”
“She’s in the bathroom,” Carrie replied smoothly.
Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I threw myself at the door. “Christian! Help me!”
Silence.
Then Christian’s voice again, lower this time, suspicious: “Are you sure she’s in the bathroom? I thought I just heard her.”
“I didn’t hear anything,” Carrie said quickly, her voice tight. “She’s definitely in there. But if you don’t believe me, we can go check… even though it’s time for my meds. I’ll wait if you really want to-”
I felt my heart sink.
I already knew how this would end.
He’d do what he always did. He’d take care of Carrie first, bring her back for her meds.
Just like all those times before.
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Christian was silent for a few seconds before finally speaking. “No need. I’ll take
you
back for your meds.”
Their footsteps faded away.
My chest caved in with the weight of it. My wolf whimpered in my soul, then fell silent.
Behind me, the stranger tore at my collar.
I shut my eyes, reached blindly to the nightstand, and my fingers found a crystal ashtray. I smashed it into his head.
Bang!
He crumpled to the floor.
I staggered up, stumbling barefoot into the hallway.
The hallway was empty. I ran–heels long gone, bloodied feet slapping against the freezing tile, but I didn’t care.
Rain lashed down as I stumbled onto the highway–only to be met with a blast of blinding headlights.
Bang!
The impact sent me flying, crashing onto the ground yards away.
“Christian, I think we hit someone!” Carrie’s panicked voice drifted from inside the car. “Should we check?”
I lay in the pouring rain, barely conscious, and heard Christian’s voice–calm and detached. “Don’t worry. I’ll have Finn take
care of it.”
Then, without a pause, he stepped on the gas. “You need your meds.”
The car sped away, tires splashing water–and blood–all over my face.
I couldn’t move. I could only lie there, watching the taillights fade into the distance.
Rain washed the blood from my body, carrying it down the gutter… like it was washing away the last of my strength.
Chapter 6
