Chapter 18
The Shadow Wolf’s Judgment
Qiana’s tears ceased, her hands limp at her sides, her gaze filled with confusion. She didn’t understand the sudden shift in Benjamin and Adam’s demeanor. Before, their concern had been immediate whenever she displayed distress. Now, they were unmoved. Her tears held no power over them.
Her healing wolf, usually a source of comfort, felt weak and useless. She couldn’t confess her taunts and deliberate attempts to sabotage me.
Her lips pressed together, she pleaded with Adam, desperate.
“Adam, I didn’t do anything. Believe me! Lanie helped me so much; I’m grateful. Why would I hurt her?”
“If you’re still in love with her… I… I can move out…” She squeezed out a few more tears, playing on Adam’s usual empathy.
“Maybe Lanie’s upset that I moved in. She stopped liking me before, maybe it’s happening again…”
She was attempting to manipulate them, banking on Adam’s usual leniency. If they didn’t press the issue, she could find a way to win them
back.
Was it only because I’d been with them for two decades longer? If I had her background, I wouldn’t resort to such tactics. But this time, Adam was unforgiving. His shadow wolf, usually subtle and elusive, now radiated a palpable coldness.
He sneered, a mocking smile playing on his lips.”You’re playing with fire.”
“Those who know me know I’m not as easygoing as you think.” He slammed Qiana’s head onto the table, his grip tightening around her neck.
His shadow wolf’s power surged, a chilling presence.
Benjamin’s voice was a chilling whisper in Qiana’s ears.”Qiana, you’re fired. I’ve contacted your family; they’ll be here soon. You should prepare yourself.” With a few taps on his communicator, he’d sealed her fate.
“No! Don’t let them come! I’ll talk! I’ll tell you everything!” The suffocation wasn’t as terrifying as Benjamin’s threat. She was terrified, bordering on panic.
Adam released his grip.”Speak.”
“Cough… cough…” Qiana coughed, gasping for air.”I… I can show you my communicator!” She unlocked it and handed it over.”I didn’t do anything. You’re mistaken.” She was relieved she’d deleted the incriminating messages.
Benjamin didn’t take the communicator; a single glance told him she wasn’t being truthful. His guardian wolf sensed the lingering scent of
deceit.
Adam snatched the communicator, sending it for forensic analysis to recover deleted data. Qiana felt the world collapsing. She clung to Adam, begging,
“No… don’t do it…”
But Benjamin and Adam gave her no more chances. They’d been more than generous, but Qiana hadn’t cherished that kindness.
Benjamin ordered a full investigation into everything Qiana had done that involved me over the past few months. His guardian wolf, usually gentle, now felt a righteous anger at Qiana’s treachery.
The weight of Qiana’s betrayal hung heavy in the air, a chilling reminder of the consequences of deceit within the pack.
