Chapter 7
Miles didn’t even glance up, his gnarled fingers still polishing the silver frame with tender care-as if the smiling faces within could still feel his touch.
Sierra, however, lunged forward and struck Blake hard across the face.
“How dare you ask about her? How many times did I beg you to change? If I were Lena, I would’ve slit your throat in your
sleep!”
Her voice broke.
He was her brother. Seeing him like this-broken, bleeding, should have torn her apart.
But for seven years, she’d pleaded with him. Be kind to Lena. She loves you more than anyone in the world.
And every time, he’d sneered, accusing Lena of manipulating the family, of using them as leverage against him.
She’d even confronted Hannah once-only for the she-wolf to run straight to Blake.
She’d never forget his wrath that night.
“If you harass Hannah again, I’ll never step foot in this pack! You all adore Lena so much? Fine. Let her rot as a glorified
widow!”
Tears streamed down Sierra’s cheeks. She couldn’t forgive Blake.
And she couldn’t forgive herself.
Those sweet girls had followed her everywhere, their tiny voices chirping “Aunt Sierra!” as they shoved half-eaten candies
into her pockets.
Blake didn’t resist the blow. Blood trickled from his split lip as he rasped,
“I didn’t mean-I just thought they needed discipline-”
“DISCIPLINE?!” Sierra hurled a crystal tumbler at his head. It struck his temple with a sickening crack, sending crimson
rivulets down his ashen face.
“They were perfect! Lena raised them alone for five years, and they were kinder than you’ve ever been! Who were you really punishing, Blake? Them? Or HER?”
Blake didn’t wipe the blood away.
“I never wanted to hurt her. I just-I couldn’t stand being controlled anymore! My whole life, you and Grandpa dictated
everything-even my mating!”
His voice shattered.
“Lena’s grandfather saved yours, so I had to repay the debt with my freedom-”
Miles’s laugh was ice.
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“We forced you?” The old Alpha’s eyes held nothing but contempt. “You were fated mates. You pursued her first. All I did was bless what the Moon Goddess herself ordained.”
“You chose her. And now you blame us?” A disgusted shake of his head. “Even now, you’re still a coward.”
Blake froze.
Then, like a puppet with cut strings, he crumpled to the floor.
It was true.
He’d loved her first.
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The rebellion, the cruelty-none of it had been about Lena. Only his own bruised pride.
“I’m sorry,” he choked out, crawling to Miles’s feet. “Please, Grandpa-just tell me where she is-”
Miles stood, turning toward the staircase.
“She doesn’t want you.”
Blake’s forehead hit the marble with a dull thud.
Silence.
Then, slowly, he pushed himself up. His eyes were hollow.
“Then I’ll find her myself.”
The words were a vow-and a curse.
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