CHAPTER FOUR
995 Words
Celeste's POV
I stormed out of Dorian's room, trembling, not from fear, but from sheer rage.
My fists clenched so tightly my nails dug into my palms. I cursed him in my heart, over and over again.
You arrogant bastard, I hope the mate bond eats at your soul the way you've trampled mine.
How dare he offer me the role of one of his mistresses—like those four empty-headed she-wolves I had seen walking out of his bed, reeking of s*x and perfume.
The very thought made bile rise in my throat. I was no one's leftover!
"You may have rejected me, Dorian Maddox," I whispered to myself, my voice trembling with fury, "but it will be the biggest mistake of your pitiful life."
Selah, my wolf, growled her agreement in my mind.
He is unworthy. The bond will haunt him long after we're gone.
I walked briskly through the eastern corridor, the stone floor echoing under my feet.
As I passed one of the side rooms, hushed voices reached my ears.
Curious, I slowed down.
"Did you hear? Jack Darwin is actually coming to the ceremony," one voice whispered.
My heart skipped. I pressed my back against the wall, just beside the ajar door, and listened.
"Really? The Alpha of the Daggerclaw Pack? Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I overheard the Gamma confirm it to the steward. Apparently, King Alaric had another engagement, so Jack is coming in his place."
Another voice chimed in, full of awe.
"He's a legend. They say his pack has ten times the wealth and warriors of ours. He doesn’t even need allies, he is the alliance."
A snicker followed. "Unlike our dear Dorian, who isn’t fit to lick Jack Darwin's boots."
They all burst into quiet laughter.
I bit my lip to keep from smiling. For the first time in ages, someone else was openly mocking Dorian, and it felt glorious.
"But you know what they say about Jack," one said, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "That he likes virgins."
"Oh yes," another giggled. "He takes them back to Daggerclaw. No one really knows what happens to them, though."
There was a pause.
"Maybe they're lucky. Maybe he gives them a better life. Anything would be better than this place."
"You think he might choose one of us?" someone asked with a nervous laugh.
"I don't know. But I'm dressing my best. If he’s looking for someone to take, it won’t hurt to look irresistible."
They began listing their outfits and beauty charms, voices fading as they walked farther down the corridor.
I stood still, my mind racing.
Jack Darwin, a name wrapped in mystery, fear, and power. The man who could break Dorian's pride with a glance. The one Alpha even the Royal Council didn’t challenge.
Could he be my way out?
A small flame of hope flickered in my chest.
It had been so long since I had felt it.
If Jack was truly coming, and if I could just speak with him, maybe he would listen.
Maybe he would see through the lies surrounding my parents' death. Maybe, just maybe, he would offer me an escape from this cursed pack.
But even the hope I felt came with fear.
"Everyone knows Jack takes virgins to Daggerclaw," I murmured to Selah.
Yes, she replied solemnly. But no one knows what happens to them. Not truly. Except Dorian. And he would never speak the truth.
"What do you think?" I asked quietly.
I think we must be cautious. But this may be the only chance we get. Fate opens few doors, and fewer still for wolves like us.
A lump formed in my throat. I straightened my back and wiped away the tear that threatened to fall.
If this was fate, then I would walk toward it with my head held high.
I made my way toward the banquet hall, half in a daze. The manor bustled with preparations.
Banners were raised, servants rushed, trays of wine and sweets lined every table.
But all I could think about was the man everyone whispered about, Jack Darwin.
When I reached the banquet wing, two armored guards stepped into my path.
"Servants are not allowed inside," one said without looking at me.
I nodded silently, then turned and slipped into the shadows of the hallway arch. Just near the pillar, I crouched, watching and waiting.
A fresh batch of she-wolves sauntered past, dressed in gowns that shimmered with silver thread and sapphire gems.
"He's here?" one asked breathlessly.
"They say his entourage just passed the outer gates. Any moment now."
"Gods, what if he chooses me? I heard he only touches the purest."
I shifted uncomfortably. Their shallow fantasies grated on my nerves.
Then again, neither did I.
The idea of giving my body to someone like Jack Darwin, someone I knew nothing about, chilled me to my core.
I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to trade one cage for another.
But I needed to leave.
I needed the truth. I needed freedom!
If Jack Darwin was the path, then I would walk it. Carefully. With eyes open.
I turned to leave, already forming a plan in my head—one that didn’t involve surrender, only strategy.
But then, a sudden presence behind me made the hairs on my neck rise.
I turned.
A group of male werewolves blocked the corridor, forming a semi-circle.
Their leader stepped forward, leering.
I instinctively stepped back, my eyes narrowing.
“What do you want?”
Another figure closed the distance between us with a smirk playing on his lips. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
“I don’t have time for this,” I snapped, my voice sharp with warning.
But before the words had even settled, one of them lunged at me, very fast and ruthless.
Pain exploded across my back and my knees buckled.
The world spun.
And then, all I could see was darkness!
- Writer
