ALEX

 I’ll never forget the look on Valek Deveraux’s face when I make my decision. But I don’t even have time to see it through the blur in my own eyes, or to register it before Reid starts tugging me away.

"Come on," he mutters smugly. Pain throbs where he holds me, and I hate that I don’t pull away. 

I hate that I don’t fight.

I look back once.

Then again.

Valek doesn’t move.

He doesn’t even look back at me.

"You're not going to cry, are you?" Reid huffs, half-amused.

I don't answer.

What would I even say?

At this point in my life, it almost feels safer to be in my enemy’s pack than to be in a home where all my packmates do is scorn me. Where my lover says nothing, where my father stays silent while I'm bullied, like I’m not his only daughter. 

Like I don't exist beyond the talent I bring to the game.

He promised he’ll never force me to return to the pack against my will, but I’m back in town and the first person he sends my way is the Alpha of the pack.

Ironic.

And Reid. 

I don’t ask why he’s here spontaneously. 

I don’t even ask how he knows I will return today. 

We push through the glass doors into the cold air outside, and I immediately shudder.

Leaning against the hood of Valek’s jeep, arms crossed, is Valerie Deveraux, pale blonde hair, silky straight, black leather fit and high boots.

Her lip curls when she sees me.

"Oh, look. The golden bitch arrives."

Reid’s grip on my wrist tightens slightly. “Ignore her.”

We continue walking to his SUV.

But she’s already pushing off the Jeep and coming closer. 

“I told Valek you hadn’t changed,” she sneers. “Told him it was a fucking waste of time picking you up. You’re still the same pathetic mutt who left us when shit got real.”

“Val,” Reid warns, jaw tight.

Valerie scoffs. “Oh, please. You two deserve each other. Cowards and losers. I told you Reid, that you’ll finally find someone—”

“Say one more word,” Reid growls, stepping in front of me, “and I’ll rip your tongue out right here.”

He’s not bluffing. 

I know it. 

But she doesn’t seem fazed. 

Valerie Deveraux is just as fearless as Valek.

She cackles mockingly. “Go ahead. Protect her. She’s good at hiding behind people. Bet you don’t even know your daddy’s dying, do you?”

My chest twists.

She steps closer, eyes gleaming. “Didn’t think so. He never told you? That’s what happens when little dogs run with their tails between their legs. You have one chance to be back at the pack but if you leave with—”

"Reid," I whisper.

I don’t want to be here anymore. 

Especially not with Valerie already losing her temper, and just seconds away from throwing fits. 

I beg Reid through the blur of my eyes when he peeks back at me over his shoulder. 

Valerie’s voice is rising now. “You lose access to the pack. You lose access to your father.” She is shaking with rage, “You lose your fucking access to the team, Russo.” 

Reid doesn’t flinch. “Move.”

She steps even closer, eyes wild. “You really think we’re going to lose her again? After we built her up, she’s gonna throw it away for the asshole who tanked her career?”

Reid’s jaw tightens. “Last warning.”

“She’s not leaving,” Valerie spits. “Not with you. She’s our best center. You think I’m letting you steal her out of spite?”

I freeze.

This was never about me.

Just the game.

Reid tries to grab the door handle.

Valerie shoves his chest back. “You don’t get to wreck her life twice.”

Reid shoves her out of the way, and opens the car door. “Get in now.”

I climb into the back seat.

And the sound shuts off.

Like someone hit mute on the whole world.

Outside the glass, Valerie’s mouth is still moving, her arms flailing wildly. 

I slump into the seat, and pull my knees to my chest.

Tears slip down before I can stop them.

One of Reid’s men tosses my duffel into the trunk. Another loads the last suitcase.

Reid slides in beside me. The door clicks shut.

He stares at me.

Like he wants to say something, but he doesn’t know if he should.

I don't look up.

And I don’t stop crying.

~~~

    The Paxton pack is miles from the city. Ragriz’s a little closer to the human border. This? This feels like nowhere. Nothing but trees, long stretches of road, and silence thick enough to choke on. 

During the ride, Reid doesn’t say anything, he looks like he is fuming, jaw clenching, eyes blazing red.

His phone chimes all through the ride and his hand tightens around it so hard his knuckles are pale. 

By the time we pull into his estate, my eyes are swollen as shit.

Reid doesn’t look at me right away. Just grits, “Get yourself together,” like it’s a favor.

The car stops.

He opens the door before anyone else can, and steps out.

I wipe my face, trembling now as I reach for the handle. I don't know if it's the ride, or the fact that I'm stepping into another pack that doesn’t belong to me.

But Reid doesn’t wait. 

He slams his door and starts walking.

I want to ask, what now? 

What do I do now that I’m here?

But I’m not even given the chance to say a word. 

One of the men opens my door. “Let’s go.”

I blink at him, still catching my breath as I step out. Another one’s already unloading my things from the trunk.

“Keep close,” the first man says. “Don’t stop, don’t speak, just walk.”

When I hear the gasps, I almost retreat into the car. 

People are everywhere. 

Spread out across the huge estate like they’d been watching from the moment we pulled in. Some lean on balcony rails, others linger by the steps and garden paths. Their clothes are all shades of black and grey. 

Reid’s inner circle maybe. 

One guy standing near a motorcycle has dried blood down his jaw like he forgot to wipe it off, he grins at me when our eyes connect. 

I feel like I’m being walked into a mafia’s territory rather than a pack with families. For a second, my mind runs wild with thoughts. 

I should’ve never come to Crystal Falls.

I should never have gotten into Reid’s car.

I chose this.

I came home with a demon.

And just as I expect, they start murmuring. 

“Who the hell is that?”

“She’s not one of ours.”

“She doesn’t smell like pack.”

“She human?”

“Nah. Look at her eyes. She’s something.”

“Think she’s a rogue?”

“A rogue? He wouldn’t—”

“Why would Reid bring her in?”

“His mate?” 

“What about—”

“—Shh!”

My stomach clenches as Reid’s men fall into place. One ahead, one behind, both close. I realize they’re shielding me from the attention.  

They don’t say anything, but they move in sync. 

I keep my head down.

We pass two girls sitting on the low stone edge of a fountain. One nudges the other, not even bothering to hide it.

“She’s shaking.”

“She should be.” 

“If Reid brought her in, and he’s got his men guarding her... that means he’s got his eyes on her.”

I gulp.

The voice drops to a whisper, “We all know how that ends.”