Chapter Three
371 Words
The first attack came that night.
Not on Lena.
On Rafe.
A west-side pack convoy exploded on the bridge dividing territories. Dozens dead. The mark left behind wasn’t Volkov.
It was hers.
Someone framed her.
Rafe stood over the burning wreckage, fury contained but lethal.
“They’re calling for retaliation,” his beta warned.
If war broke out, the city would drown in blood.
And Lena would be hunted by every pack.
He found her before the others did.
Abandoned church. North district.
She had already heard.
“You think I did this?” she demanded.
He stepped into the shadows.
“I know you didn’t.”
She blinked.
“Then why are you here?”
“Because whoever did wants war.”
“And?”
“And they used your name.”
She went still.
“My brother,” she whispered.
“Yes.”
The word felt like a blade between them.
Rafe moved closer.
“You want him alive?” he said.
“Yes.”
“Then we work together.”
She laughed once, bitter.
“You expect me to trust you?”
“No,” he said calmly. “I expect you to survive.”
Their wolves pressed against their skin, restless.
“You’re alpha,” she said. “You protect your empire.”
“I protect what’s mine.”
“And what am I?”
He stepped into her space.
“An asset.”
Her pulse jumped.
“And if I refuse?”
His hand caught her wrist—not rough, but firm.
“Then the other packs will tear you apart before sunrise.”
Her breathing hitched.
Not fear.
Awareness.
“You don’t scare me,” she said quietly.
“I’m not trying to.”
His thumb brushed the inside of her wrist.
Her wolf surged.
He released her instantly.
Control.
Always control.
“Three nights,” he said. “We find who’s moving against us.”
“And if I find out you’re lying?”
His eyes darkened.
“Then you can put a blade through my heart.”
She studied him.
He wasn’t begging.
He was offering terms.
Finally—
“Three nights,” she agreed.
Outside, sirens wailed.
Inside, something more dangerous sparked.
- Writer
