Chapter 5
“ Nicola, I’ve had enough of you.”
Alpha Nicola froze, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. His lips parted as if he wanted to retort, but nothing came out.
I flexed my hand, the sting in my palm from the slap still fresh. Turning to the two elders standing awkwardly by the doorway, I nodded curtly.
“Uncle, Aunt, I’ll take my leave.”
They exchanged uncertain glances, but I didn’t wait for their response. The air was stifling, heavy with unspoken tension, and I needed to get out.
The moment I stepped outside, my legs wobbled, and I crumpled to the pavement. The searing pain on my cheek reminded me of the full force Alpha Nicola had used when he hit me.
“Damn it,” I muttered, pressing my palm to my throbbing face. I should’ve slapped him again while I had the chance.
Nicola had always been like this—quick to believe the worst about me, never on my side. Take Sasha, for instance. Sweet, manipulative Sasha.
When she’d been locked in the basement, crying for help, I was the one who got her out.
But the moment she saw Nicola, she threw herself into his arms, sobbing about how I had locked her there.
And Nicola? He didn’t even question it. He just believed her.
At some point, I’d stopped bothering to defend myself. Explaining was pointless when someone was determined not to listen.
The lies piled on, one after another, until I couldn’t keep track of the nonsense he accused me of anymore.
“Uh, hey… do you need help? Like, should I call an ambulance or something?”
The unfamiliar voice snapped me out of my bitter thoughts. I squinted up to see a man dressed head-to-toe in black—jacket, jeans, cap, and mask.
His cautious tone matched his hesitant posture as he stood a few feet away.
I blinked, my vision blurring slightly. “Either you’re a celebrity in disguise… or a creep.” My voice came out slurred.
Before I could hear his response, my body gave out entirely, and I collapsed.
When I opened my eyes again, I was greeted by the stark white of a hospital ceiling and the faint, unpleasant smell of disinfectant.
And then there was the golden halo.
A head of wild, golden curls rested on the bed beside me. I stared at it, mesmerized, before I reached out and gently ran my fingers through the soft, springy locks.
The texture was addictive—like petting a cloud.
The head jerked upright, and the man sitting there instantly straightened. His pale blue eyes widened in surprise as our gazes met.
I froze, my hand still mid-air. The flush on his cheeks deepened, and he hurriedly adjusted the mask over his face, but I’d already caught a glimpse.
Alpha Goden.
Handsome in a way that was almost unreal—his features were sharp, his eyes an intense shade of silver, glowing with an inner fire.
His pack was the largest, and the most prosperous. Every territory he touched flourished, every pack under his rule lived in peace. It wasn’t just the strength he commanded that made him legendary—it was the kindness he showed to those loyal to him. He was known for his generosity,
Before I could say a word, my phone buzzed obnoxiously from the side table.
I sighed. Of course. I grabbed it, already regretting my decision to answer. “What, Nicola?”
His voice, hoarse and trembling, came through the line. “Elisa… Sasha had a miscarriage. My child… my first child is gone. How could you be so heartless?”
I let out a breathless laugh, the kind that comes when rage bubbles so fiercely it leaves you numb. “Heartless? Oh, Nicola, I’m just getting started.”
He continued, oblivious to my simmering fury. “You don’t understand what this means to me. It was my first—”
“Nicola, let me stop you right there.” My voice was icy now, each word cutting. “You think I care? You think, after years of being your personal scapegoat, I give a damn about you or your drama? Grow a brain, Nicola.”
I ended the call before he could respond, my chest heaving with unspent anger.
“Uh… maybe you shouldn’t get so worked up,” a quiet voice said from beside me.
I glanced at Goden, who was nervously fidgeting with the strap of his mask.
“The doctor said you’ve got a nasty bruise on your face,” he added softly.
I studied him for a moment, then smirked. “Well, you’re here now. And as it happens, I could use your help.”
His brows lifted in surprise. “Me? ”
