Chapter 22
Amy looked down at her feet as she continued to speak. “I’ve been taking a potion to hide it. It makes it seem like I have a wolf, but it’s been taking a toll on my health. I’ve always been too afraid to stop taking it though, even if it hurts me in the long run.”
“Why would you do that? If it’s making you sick, you should stop,” I said.
“I wish I could. My pack has a big reputation, and the damage it would receive if everyone learned the pack’s Luna was in wolf dormancy might be irreversible. If I can help my pack, then I will keep taking the potion to protect them.”
I knew nothing of potions that would affect a wolf in dormancy like that. I wondered why Logan had never said anything about them to me. It would have been the simplest way to
silence anyone who would speak out about us.
Amy continued. “Truth is, I envy you. Alpha Logan must truly love you to support you at the risk of public opinion. Although today, I think you made me a little braver too.”
I took Amy’s hands in both of mine and found they were cold and clammy. I gave them a little squeeze.
“I truly hope so. You shouldn’t have to put yourself at risk like that. It’s one of the things I want to change. We don’t have to hide anymore,” I said to her. She smiled weakly at me.
“Thank you, Emily. I wish you all the best. If you ever need any help, I hope that you’ll reach
out to me,” she said. She handed me a business card.
“Thanks, I will,” I replied. She gave one final bow of her head, and then she turned to leave. I looked down at the glossy card where her name was printed in embossed letters.
Having her approach me made me feel lighter than air. I was on the right track to helping people like me.
I decided to go and find Logan. I figured he might be in the office, as he usually was, and so I headed upstairs. As I took the steps, I started to hear two men talking up on the second
1/2
floor.
It was Logan and his father. The two of them were talking in the office, and the door was slightly cracked open. As I walked closer, their words became clear.
“Was this your plan all along, son? You were using Emily’s identity to gain the public’s favor. That’s why you didn’t have her take the wolf potion.”
“All is going according to plan.” Logan’s words were a dagger straight through my heart. I couldn’t breathe.
Logan’s father laughed. “Well played. I didn’t believe those claims of true love anyway.”
“Yes, father.” Another cold stab dug its painful edge into my chest.
“You’re doing well. Keep it up, and seize this opportunity to keep growing your image. The Alpha King election is coming up soon, and the unsung masses will soon be shouting your name if you play your cards right.”
“I will do my best.”
“Still, you’d better be careful with that girl. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to reject her and find a proper mate. It’s possible that wolf dormancy is inherited. We can’t risk your pups having a deficiency, can we?”
Silence. For a long time. Too long. Then came Logan’s cold answer.
“Yes, father.”
That stab to the heart nearly brought me to my knees. Instead, I dug my fingernails into the palms of my hands. It managed to keep me on my feet.
From the beginning, our relationship was a contract. But his words cut me down to the core.
But why?
