Chapter 3

Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity as I stood there. The warriors and assembled wolves shifted restlessly, murmuring among themselves. I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, jaw locked, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing fresh tears.

The doors finally swung open again.

Darren strode back in, but he was no longer alone. A tall, curvaceous blonde woman walked beside him, her steps confident and graceful. She wore a deep crimson gown that hugged her body, the fabric rich and luxurious. Her big green eyes were fixed on Darren with blatant possessiveness, a look that made my stomach twist violently.

Darren purposely guided her up the steps of the dais and walked her past me. The move was intentional and a fresh wave of humiliation crashed over me as I was forced to stand one step away, to create space for her.

Her green eyes slid over me slowly, taking in my ragged shift, my tangled hair, the dirt and dried blood still streaking my skin. She turned up her nose in clear disdain, a small, satisfied smirk playing at her lips.

Her hand slipped possessively through Darren’s elbow, pressing herself against his side as she leaned in to whisper something into his ear. Whatever she said made his ocean-blue eyes lift and lock directly with mine. They sparkled with dark amusement, as if she had told him a private, cruel joke at my expense.

The hall erupted into low chuckles and whispers.

To make matters worse, upon sitting, Darren sat in my dead father’s seat and she sat on my chair. It was my spot, and it wouldn’t go unnoticed by my pack members.

Dismissing them both outright, I glanced down the length of the table, filled with hunters, demons, foxes and the wolves of varying breeds Darren had brought with him. There wasn’t a single person seated at the table that I recognized from my pack, and none of my father’s upper class werewolves were here.

“We begin. Each of you will introduce yourselves and state your role under the new order. Speak clearly.” Darren’s voice cut through the room, deep and commanding. 

One by one, they rose and introduced themselves.

I stood silently through it all, fists clenched at my sides, as I listened to them introduce themselves as the new rulers and warriors of my pack. The mockery from earlier felt almost gentle compared to this fresh layer of cruelty.

Just as I was still listening, out of the blue the woman beside Darren turned her attention to me.

“Lyra, isn’t it?” She asked, her venom-laced tone grating over my nerves. “I’m Seraphina. Darren and I spent a lot of time together over the past ten years so......” She went on without even waiting for my response.

She paused but I didn’t say anything still waiting for her to continue. Instead she reached for Darren’s hand, threading their fingers while staring at me. The entire room went silent, and the tension at the table was growing until one who had introduced himself as the Leif laughed.

I did my best to ignore the pathetic attempt to make me jealous but it was hurting.

Darren wasted no time. He shifted the conversation back to the rules of the meeting with cold authority, dividing territories, assigning new betas, and declaring the new order. His voice filled the hall, but I barely heard the words. All I could focus on were the whispers and jeers swirling around me.

 “Finally. Look at her standing there in rags. She deserves this fall. The spoiled little princess who thought the pack owed her everything. Her father’s arrogance brought this on them all.” From the left, Elias, one of the former Haralson rivals who had always resented my father’s rule, leaned in toward his companion. His voice carried just far enough for me to hear.

 “Moon goddess works in mysterious ways. Now she’s just another broken bitch at the new Alpha’s feet.” The other man snickered.

Darren’s warriors were far louder and crueler.

Garrick, the big scarred one with the nasty grin, lounged against a pillar and called out during a brief lull, “What’s the matter, spoiled princess? Cat got your tongue? You had plenty to say when you rejected our Alpha years ago. Too good for him then, weren’t you? Now you’re nothing but his pretty war prize in a sack.”

Laughter rippled through the ranks. Another warrior nearby joined in. “Bet she’s regretting it now. Standing there silent like a good little slave. Rejected the strongest wolf in the realm and ended up owned by him anyway.”

“Careful, boys,” a third one added with a dark chuckle. “Alpha might share his new toy if she behaves.”

I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, forcing myself to remain perfectly still and silent. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not here. Not while they all watched. My wolf thrashed inside my chest, desperate to lash out, but I knew any reaction would only feed their amusement.

Darren never silenced them. He continued the meeting as if my public degradation was simply part of the proceedings. Every so often his gaze slid to me cool and laced with dark satisfaction.

The meeting stretched on. I stood there for what felt like hours, mute and exposed in my plain clothes, while old rivals gloated and new conquerors mocked the fallen princess who had once dared to reject their Alpha.

When it finally ended and the hall began to empty, Darren rose slowly. He stepped close, tilting my chin up with two fingers so I was forced to meet those icy ocean-blue eyes.

“You did well, little wolf,” he murmured, voice low and intimate. “Silent and obedient. Just as you should be from now on.” His thumb stroked my jaw once before he turned then gestured to two of his guards. “Take her to the old Alpha’s quarters. Lock her inside. She stays there until I decide otherwise.”