The Alpha's Warning and a Rival's Fury

I entered my bedroom, my mind racing with a mixture of emotions. Freedom was finally within my grasp, yet the price was leaving my mother behind with these monsters. With trembling hands, I pulled my duffel bag from under my bed and started gathering my most essential belongings.

Clothes, toiletries, a few cherished books, and the small wooden wolf my father had carved for my sixteenth birthday. I ran my fingers over the smooth surface, remembering his proud smile when he presented it to me. Tears threatened to spill, but I blinked them back. I couldn't afford to break down now.

From downstairs, I could hear muffled voices—Adrian's commanding tone cutting through the Bennetts' protests. Whatever he was saying to them, it sounded serious. Part of me wanted to eavesdrop, but I knew I needed to focus on packing.