EMILY’S POV
My mother’s words “The Alpha of the Cortez Pack”, hung in the air of the living room, not as praise, but as a command. A verdict.
I was done being the victim they could break. Now, I had to be the weapon they feared.
I straightened up, pulling away from Rudy’s comforting hold.
“She’s right.” I said, my voice sounded tired but steady. I wiped the last trace of moisture from my cheeks with the back of my hand.
“This ends now, not with more tears, but with a structure they can’t ignore.”
Rudy watched me, his warm brown eyes filled with a concern that suddenly felt too soft. “What do you mean, Emily?”
“I mean our little arrangement just graduated.” I walked to the large window, my reflection in the glass showing a woman that is about to spread, her wings like a phoenix and
