Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Rhea’s eyes clouded with memories, a shadow passing over her face. “True and not true. He’s a complex man, one driven by forces none of us can understand. But make no mistake–he will kill without hesitation if he sees it necessary. And if you‘ re not what he expects…”

Marissa’s heart sank, but she forced herself to nod. “I understand. Thank you, Elder Rhea.”

She left the kitchens, feeling the weight of Rhea’s words pressing down on her. Everywhere she went, it was the same. Any mention of the Alpha King made even the strongest warriors tense, their eyes shifting away. The mere whisper of his name struck fear into the hearts of everyone in the pack, and the thought of being bound to him, of tying her life to his, felt like a death sentence all its own.

As she wandered through the packhouse, her thoughts tangled, she noticed movement by the Alpha‘ s private library, a place most werewolves avoided without invitation. She frowned as she caught a flash of movement, a slim figure slipping from the library doors and quickly moving down the corridor. Her wolf stirred within her, sensing something amiss.

It was Ivy.

Marissa watched as Ivy slinked down the hall, her gaze darting around as if she were afraid of being caught. Suspicion flared in Marissa’s mind. Why would Ivy be in the Alpha‘ s private library? That was where Alpha Caleb stored important records and documents, things that were meant for only a select few.

Feeling a mixture of curiosity and caution, Marissa followed Ivy at a distance, keeping to the shadows as Ivy disappeared around the corner. When she finally turned back, her face had that same innocent look, though Marissa could see the faintest glint of something else in her eyes–something sharp, calculating.

Without hesitating, Marissa found Caleb by the training grounds, his laughter carrying through the air. She approached, her expression serious.

“Alpha,” she began, keeping her voice. steady, “I saw Ivy coming out of your private library. She was sneaking around, like she didn’t want to be seen.”

Caleb glanced at her, his expressions. unreadable before he turned back to her.

The Alpha raised an eyebrow, his mouth curving in a small, doubtful smile.

“Marissa, are you sure? Ivy has no reason to sneak into my library.”

“I’m sure, she replied firmly, her tone insistent. “I saw her with my own eyes.

He sighed, crossing his arms as he looked at her. “Maybe you saw her near the library, but it doesn’t mean she was doing anything wrong. You‘ re letting this whole thing with Ivy get under your skin, Marissa.”

Marissa felt a flash of frustration. “This isn’t about her, Alpha. It’s about the fact that she was in a place she had no reason to be. Why can’t you see that?”

Caleb’s gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained cautious. “Marissa, you’ve been under a lot of stress lately. Maybe it’s making you see things that aren’t there.”

She clenched her fists, feeling a surge of bitterness as she looked at him. It was the same as always; he was blind to Ivy‘ s schemes, deaf to her concerns. “Fine,” she said coldly, forcing herself to keep her voice steady. “Ignore me, as usual.”

She turned away, swallowing the hurt that rose in her chest. Every time she reached out, every time she tried to protect him, he would dismiss her, brushing off her words. as if they meant nothing. And Ivy… Ivy was always there, a sweet, innocent face hiding whatever dark secret she was weaving.