Chapter 9
“What do you mean!” I asked, puzzled.
“When your mom called for help after you fainted, Alexander rushed out, picked you up, and carried you away. He doesn’t allow any male werewolf to
close to you. If it hadn’t been for Xander, you’d still be lying in his place.”
“What?” I tightened my grip on the blanket in shock.
Relax Alexander said he just didn’t want you dying there. Bad for their family reputation.”
1 see” That sounded like the Alexander I knew. I gave a bitter smile. The events of last night felt like a dream.
After taking my medication and resting for a while, I got up and packed a bag. I avoided Monica on my way out, knowing she’d be in tears otherwise.
As I stepped out of the mansion, the maids averted their eyes, as though contact with me would bring bad luck.
I stood under the portico, gazing at the darkening sky. The day was finally coming to an end. Autumn came early to the Pack, and the evening wind was brisk and chilling. I gripped the strap of my bag tighter and quickened my steps.
The Windsors‘ mansion was a sprawling garden–style mansion in the best part of the Pack. To avoid interference, the family had long since bought up the entire piece of land. They built a private park around it, sometimes opening it for events.
No subway, no bus foures, and very few taxis. Even at a fast pace, it would take me twenty minutes to reach the nearest station.
As I walked under the streetlights, a car horn sounded behind me. Instinctively, I moved to the side. But the car pulled up alongside me.
“Ms. Lancaster, please get in the car.
The window rolled down, revealing a familiar face. It was Alexander’s assistant, Keith.
I froze for a moment, my gare flicking to the back seat. A hand adorned with a red jade ring tapped on a knee–a gesture of impatience. Alexander
head. Thanks, bur I had no desire to get involved with him again. I shook
my
Safe travels, Alexander,”
I adjusted my bag and kept walking. Behind me, Keith swiftly got out of the car and blocked my path. His polite smile was measured, his tone calm. “Ms. Lancaster, please get in the car. This is for your own good. Mr. Alexander said walking away with your luggage like this would be bad for everyone If you refuse, I’ll have to use my own methods. Believe me, you wouldn’t want to experience the methods of a werewolf.”
I tightened my grip on my bag and glanced at the darkened car window. I could see nothing. But I knew Alexander was watching. His ruthless reputation in the Pack preceded him, and I had experienced it firsthand in my previous life. If I challenged the outstanding alpha, the outcome was predictable.
The heat drained from my body, leaving me cold and trembling. I had worked too hard for this second chance at life. I wouldn’t risk angering Alexander
again
I nodded and moved toward the front seat. But Keith guided me into the back Settling in, I caught the scent of alcohol lingering in the car. Suspicious, glanced at Alexander. His tall frame leaned against the seat, eyes half–closed. Most of his face was hidden in shadow.
Cold. Dangerous.
Even though I’m not a werewolf, I can still feel the terror this man brings.
He lifted his eyelids slightly and murmured, “Leaving?”
His tone was emotionless, but it pressed down on me like a weight in my throat. It took me a moment to recognize the sensation. It was exactly how he had spoken when he punished me in my previous life “Leave? It won’t be that easy.”
Swallowing my hatred, I shifted slightly and was about to respond when my phone rang.
It was Monica
I hesitated, fearing another lecture about missed opportunities. But Alexander’s gaze was already on me, his brow slightly furrowed. Reluctantly, I answered.
“Ava! Are you trying to drive me crazy? Have I ever mistreated you? Why are you running away from the Pack?”
Monica’s voice trembled with emotion, each word heavy with helplessness. She knew she couldn’t protect me
Mom, I’ll be fine. I’ll take care of myself.”
Jum, be careful.” Monica sighed in defear.“Ava, maybe Ryan could help set up a blind date. Having someone to rely on is better than being alone.”
And the lectures resumed. I cast a sideways glance at Alexander, unable to make out his expression, though my anxiety mounted. Hurriedly, I mumbled a goodbye.
Don’t dismiss me so easily. I’m doing this for your own good. It’s settled. In a few days, you’re going on a blind date…”
“Mom! I’m hanging up now. I told you I don’t like werewolves!”
I ended the call. In my previous life, Monica had tried to arrange dates, but everything had fallen apart after my entanglement with Alexander. Speaking of Alexander, had he overheard?
If he had, it didn’t matter. He wouldn’t care.
But the car grew unnervingly silent, the atmosphere so tense that a pin drop could be heard. Streetlights fractured through the branches, casting fragmented light across Alexander’s sharp features. I sat stiffly, my fingers clenched.
A fains sneer broke the silence.
“A blind date? Don’t like werewolves?
“Ava, was anything you said last night true?”
