Chapter 3

Alessandra's perspective

"Wake up, Alessandra!" I woke up to Carla's urgent whisper.

I rolled onto my side and buried my face in the pillow, mumbling, "No."

"A brawl is going on outside! She hissed, "The alphas are involved!"

That shook me awake.

"Really?" I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and whispered.

"Come on, hurry!" She took hold of my hand and pulled me from the bed. She pulled me out of our tiny, dark room, my feet barely touching the floor.

As we went outside, the chilly morning air struck my face. With the sun just starting to rise, the sky was a blurry blend of deep oranges and dark blues. The packhouse entrance was the source of the disturbance.

"You twin bastards, you don't frighten me!" Vincenzo's voice came out slurred.

The assembled crowd let out gasps.

With my heart racing, I pushed forward. Vincenzo stood swaying unsteadily a few feet from the doors of the pack house. He was obviously inebriated, as evidenced by his bloodshot eyes and the lingering stench of alcohol.

The twins stood calmly and unreadable just outside the doorway. However, I was aware. They had never been so openly insulted by anyone. Just now, Vincenzo signed his own death sentence.

He chuckled sharply and gestured at them with a wobbly finger. "Tell me, how does it even work between you two?"

The whispers increased in volume. I crept forward to see how they would respond. With his arms outstretched, Vincenzo made a slow, inebriated circle.

In stunned silence, the crowd watched.

Respected, talented, and admired, Vincenzo had once been one of our most formidable fighters. However, he changed as a man after drinking. Careless. cruel. He attacked anyone who stood in his way, particularly women.

Normally, werewolves couldn't get intoxicated from human alcohol, but when they combined it with even a small amount of wolfsbane, their system became weaker. If they consumed it in excess, it transformed into poison. deadly.

Antonio said calmly, "Vincenzo, go back inside." His voice was calm but firm, and his arms were folded across his chest.

Vincenzo's head jerked in his direction. "Oh? You're speaking for them, but why? You're their pet.

They were deafening gasps.

Antonio's jaw tightened as he tensed up. One of the twins grabbed his arm, stopping him from moving forward.

Yes, exactly. Proceed. Keep your masters safe. Vincenzo scoffed. "Or should I say your lovers?"

The audience remained silent.

The clearing fell into a heavy, slow silence.

One of the twins then made a movement.

He took a slow, methodical step forward. The surrounding air became oppressively dense. The ground seemed to tremble beneath him with every step he took.

Vincenzo faltered in his drunken bravado. His wolf knew better than to hold his gaze. His head dipped in submission as he whimpered.

He stumbled back and said, "I'm sorry." "I— I didn't mean—"

The twin continued. He put a hand around Vincenzo's throat. Claws reached out and dug into his skin. His neck was dripping blood.

Vincenzo's hands clawed at his wrist, choking him and imprisoning him.

The twins' hold became more firm. He grinned icily and disinterestedly. Savoring the challenge.

I shuddered. My breath caught.

Violent and merciless memories slammed into me.

My dad. Powerless. bleeding. Overhead, a monster with the same deranged grin.

No.

No.

My breathing became labored. My body trembled, and my skin burned.

"What's wrong, Alessandra?" I hardly heard Carla's voice.

The second twin turned, his eyes darting to me. He fixed his gaze on mine.

My pulse pounded as I let out a gasp and lowered my head.

"Go back to your rooms, everyone!" Antonio let out a bark.

After hesitating, the pack gradually scattered.

"Can you walk, Alessandra?" Carla's tone had softened.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My legs were like lead. My mind whirled.

"Yes," I muttered.

I felt the world tilt as soon as I took a step.

Strong arms grabbed me before I hit the ground.

Dazed, I blinked up into Antonio's face.

With a faint smile on his lips, he remarked, "Looks like you need a hand."

Carla blurted out, "She was fine a moment ago." "But she looks sick now."

"Where is your room?"

"Omega wing, left side," she replied.

Antonio loosened his hold and lifted me with ease. "I'll take her."

I stiffened. I quickly glanced at the twins. They continued to observe.

My face was buried in Antonio's chest.

He whispered, "You don't have to be scared." "I will not abandon you."

I had no fear of falling.

They made me nervous.

Ignoring the looks and murmurs from the other omegas, he carried me through the hallways.

"Which room?"

"Left wing," Carla instructed.

Antonio gave a nod.

Willing my heart to slow, I swallowed hard.

"You're okay now," he said. "Just take a nap."

"Thank you," I said.

"It's nothing." He smiled. "Besides, carrying a pretty girl like you doesn't bother me."

Carla gave him a glance.

I gave a trembling breath.

I briefly wished I had someone like him. Someone secure. Someone nice.

Wishes, however, were just that.

Best wishes.

They also never materialized.

Antonio placed me on my bed, and I hardly noticed. My hands were shaking as I held on to the thin blanket underneath me, and my head was still spinning. Beside me, Carla was kneeling and applying a cool cloth to my forehead.

"You're burning up," she whispered.

I wasn't ill.

I was afraid.

"What happened out there?" Carla whispered the question. "You looked like you saw a ghost, but I know Vincenzo is a drunk idiot."

I gave a headshake. I was unable to discuss it. I cannot discuss it at this moment.

Antonio said softly, "You should rest." "Call for me if you need anything."

I nodded, appreciating the justification to shut my eyes. Before the door clicked shut, he and Carla whispered for a moment, and the weight of his presence subsided.

But sleep would not come, not even in the dark.

I was certain that the twins would now remember me.

That was the last thing I wanted.