Chapter 7
974 Words
*(Third-person POV – focused on the pack house, the morning after Evelyn’s escape)*
Victoria Lang stood in front of the full-length mirror in Kai’s private quarters, smoothing the silk robe over her curves with a satisfied smile. The room still carried the faint echo of Evelyn’s scent—sweet vanilla and wildflowers—but it was fading fast, overwritten by Victoria’s own bold rose and jasmine perfume.
Good.
By tonight, no trace of that pathetic omega would remain.
She turned as the door opened without a knock. Kai strode in, fresh from a brutal training session if the sweat-soaked shirt clinging to his chest was any indication. His eyes were bloodshot, jaw shadowed with stubble he hadn’t bothered to shave. He looked like hell.
Perfect.
“Morning, Alpha,” Victoria purred, crossing the room to slide her arms around his neck. “You were up early.”
Kai didn’t return the embrace. His body was rigid, muscles coiled tight. “Have you seen Evelyn this morning?”
The question was flat, but Victoria heard the edge beneath it. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, letting concern crease her brow.
“No. Why?”
“She didn’t show up for her cleaning shift,” he said, voice rough. “No one’s seen her since last night.”
Victoria let out a soft, sympathetic sigh. “Poor thing. After the humiliation at the ball and then that scene at breakfast… maybe she’s just hiding out, licking her wounds.”
Kai’s eyes darkened. He stepped away, pacing to the window that overlooked the pack grounds. “She wouldn’t hide. Not Evelyn.”
Victoria watched him carefully. She’d known Kai since they were children—knew every tell, every flicker of emotion he tried to bury. Right now, his wolf was riding him hard. She could see it in the way his hands trembled, the way he kept clenching and unclenching his fists.
The rejection was hitting him far worse than she’d expected.
Excellent leverage.
She moved behind him, pressing her body against his back and resting her hands on his tense shoulders. “Kai, sweetheart, you did what you had to do. She was never fit to be Luna. The pack needs strength, not weakness. You made the right choice.”
He didn’t respond at first. Just stared out the window as if he could will Evelyn to appear on the paths below.
Victoria continued, voice silky. “My father already spoke to the eastern warriors. They’re ready to increase patrols and pledge full loyalty once we announce our engagement. Uncle Caleb says the same for the elite guard. Everything is falling into place.”
Kai’s reflection in the glass tightened. “We’re not engaged.”
“Not yet,” she corrected smoothly, fingers tracing soothing circles on his shoulders. “But we will be. The elders are calling a meeting this afternoon to discuss it. They want stability. They want you happy and focused.”
He turned suddenly, gray eyes stormy. “Happy?”
Victoria didn’t flinch. She held his gaze, letting a single tear well in her eye for effect. “I know this is hard. Rejecting a fated mate… no one expected the Goddess to pair you with someone so… unsuitable. But you’re the Alpha. You put the pack first. That’s why everyone respects you.”
She reached up, cupping his cheek. “And I’m proud of you for it.”
For a moment, he leaned into her touch—barely perceptible, but enough to make triumph flare hot in her chest.
Then he pulled away again, raking a hand through his damp hair. “I need to find her. Make sure she’s okay.”
Victoria’s smile froze. “Why? She’s not your concern anymore. You rejected her. The bond is broken.”
“It doesn’t feel broken,” he growled, voice low and dangerous. “My wolf—he’s losing his mind. I can’t sleep. Can’t think. Every breath feels wrong.”
Victoria masked her irritation with concern. “That’s normal after a rejection. It’ll pass. Give it time.”
But Kai was already moving toward the door. “I’m organizing a search party.”
Panic flickered through her, sharp and cold.
If they found Evelyn now—if Kai saw her crying, broken because of him—he might crack. Might take it all back.
She couldn’t allow that.
Victoria stepped into his path, placing a gentle hand on his chest. “Kai, listen to me. If you chase after her now, the pack will see weakness. They’ll think you regret your decision. Everything you said last night—about needing strength, about protecting our borders—will mean nothing.”
He stared down at her, conflict raging across his face.
She pressed her advantage. “Let her go. She’s wolfless. She’ll never survive out there anyway. And when she comes crawling back—and she will—you can decide then if you want to throw her a bone. But right now, the pack needs their Alpha strong. Not chasing after a mistake.”
The word hung between them.
Mistake.
Kai’s jaw worked, but he didn’t push past her.
Victoria smiled inwardly.
She leaned up, brushing her lips against his in a soft, claiming kiss. He didn’t kiss her back, but he didn’t pull away either.
Progress.
As she drew back, she whispered, “Come shower with me. Let me help you forget her.”
His eyes closed for a long moment.
When they opened again, some of the storm had quieted.
Victoria took his hand and led him toward the bathroom, hiding her victorious smile.
By the time the hot water ran and steam filled the room, she was already planning the engagement announcement.
Evelyn Harper was gone.
And Victoria intended to make sure she stayed gone.
- Writer
