When we are one

Chapter 4 Anika

I wake to the morning sun peering through the sheer curtains.

That’s the best sleep I’ve had in God knows how long.

I stretch, climb out of bed, and head toward the kitchen. I can hear voices—laughter, conversation—but the moment I step into the room, silence falls like a guillotine.

Well... this is awkward.

Everyone in the room—all pack members, I assume—stare at me.

“Anika, you’re awake?” Beta Briar says, breaking the silence with a friendly tone, slicing through the tension like a knife.

“Hi, Beta. Hello, everyone. I’m Anika,” I say, my voice wavering with nerves.

They keep staring. The longer their eyes linger, the smaller I feel.

“Let me introduce you to everyone,” Briar says with a reassuring smile. His warmth breaks the uncomfortable stillness hanging in the air.

“This is Beta Banks, Future Alpha Corbin’s right-hand man. Next to him is his mate, Helena. Across from Helena is Josie, Corbin’s sister. Beside her is Veronica, and next to Veronica is Grace—she’ll be the Future Luna if Corbin doesn’t find his mate by the next Lunar Moon. Luna Olivia will introduce you to the current Alpha. His name is Samuel, but we all just call him Alpha.”

Briar gently places a hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward the dining table. His touch is large and warm, and where it lands on my skin, it sends a tingling ripple through my body.

“Thanks, Briar. I appreciate you trying to make me feel at home,” I murmur. “I haven’t... had one in a long time.” My voice trails off as a vague memory flickers—of a time I was safe, loved, sheltered.

Briar leans in, wrapping me in a hug. It’s firm and comforting, a kind of embrace I haven’t felt since I was a small pup. My body instinctively melts into his. For a moment, I let myself believe I belong here.

But that peace shatters when Corbin walks in.

His gray eyes lock onto mine, and a flicker of disapproval flashes across his face. Whether it’s directed at Briar’s touch—or my response—I can’t tell.

Without a word, Corbin strides across the room, grabs my wrist, and yanks me out.

He leads me into a small office. The air here is warm and smoky from the fireplace crackling in the corner. Shelves lined with books and antique relics fill the room. At the center stands a redwood desk, polished and pristine, and behind it, a dark green velvet wingback chair edged in matching redwood.

A den. A place of authority.

Corbin turns and places a hand under my chin, lifting my face until our eyes lock. His skin is hot—his pulse, rapid. His expression is hard, but it doesn’t scare me. Instead, it lights something fierce and untamed inside me.

I’ve been too many people’s property to fear another man’s glare. I’m done being afraid.

“Listen, little rogue,” he growls, “keep your hands off Briar. The Luna may trust you, but I don’t. I’ve never trusted a rogue—and I don’t intend to start now.”

“Is that a threat, Corbin?” I whisper, my lips just inches from his.

His eyes narrow. I can hear the shift in his breathing, the quickened beat of his heart. I pull my arm free and step back, creating space between us.

“Future Alpha,” I say calmly, “before you come at me with accusations, maybe get your facts straight. I’m a guest of your Luna—not yours. If you’ve got a problem, take it up with her.”

I walk to the door and glance back over my shoulder, giving him a small, defiant smile. He needs to understand: I won’t bow to him.

Back in the dining room, Luna Olivia waves me over to sit beside her. Corbin enters a moment later and takes a seat directly across from me. The Luna continues her conversation, either unaware or unbothered by the charged silence between her son and me.

I meet Corbin’s stare as I calmly tear my bread roll apart, silently letting him know I’m not going anywhere—and I’m not backing down. I can’t tell if he’s impressed or furious.

Probably both.

I understand his opinion of rogues. Most of us are wild, untrusting, survival-driven. But that doesn’t make it hurt any less to be labeled one—especially when I never got to choose.

I once had a pack.

I was wanted. Loved.

Until I wasn’t.

Being sold on the black market wasn’t my decision. I didn’t give up on my family—they gave up on me.

How could someone like Corbin understand that? He has everything. Family. Friends. A future Luna already in place. All wrapped up in loyalty and privilege.

I’m a lone wolf.

Corbin is not.

Period.

“Anika, dear,” Luna Olivia says gently, “how are you settling in? You look radiant this morning. And it’s about time you joined us, Corbin. Late as usual.”

“Thank you,” I reply with a grateful smile. “It’ll take some time to settle, but everyone’s been kind. I’m truly thankful.”

“Well, that’s lovely to hear. Do you have any plans for today? I was thinking we could go shopping, then enjoy lunch in the garden.”

“I hadn’t thought that far ahead,” I admit. “But that sounds wonderful. Are you sure? You must be busy.”

“Not today, Anika. Today, I’m all yours.”

After breakfast, I return to my room. Waiting on the bed is a white summer dress, a pair of tan slip-on shoes, and brand-new undergarments—elegant, simple, and clearly bought just for me.

I take another shower. The second one since arriving.

I scrub hard, as if I can wash away the filth of the underworld. The stench. The memories. The feeling of hands that weren’t mine.

The hot water scalds my skin. I cry out softly as it burns. My bones ache like they’re trying to fuse together, and tears stream down my cheeks. I don’t stop scrubbing. I want to peel away every layer of that place.

Eventually, the water cools, soothing my raw skin. I lower my head, resting it against the wall, and sob quietly into the sound of the falling water.

Then... I feel him.

Corbin.

I lift my head. He stands there, holding out a towel. He says nothing.

I step into it. Into him.

He wraps the towel around me, pulling me into his arms. He carries me to the bench at the foot of the bed and sits me down. For a long, suspended moment, we just look at each other.

In his eyes, I see it—pain. Real. Unspoken.

I want to ask him about it.

But before I can, he walks away.

Leaving me alone once again.