She’s POV
Isten on the edge of Lydia’s bed, my hands timbling as her story settled into my bones like winter frost. The horror of what shed andure own past pain reem almost trivial.
My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin, responding to the mocktail of emotions surging through me shock, heartbreak, mid a rage so pure it boined white–hot in my chest.
“That bastard,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “That absolute bastard ”
My fingers curled into fists, nails digging into my pales. How could Rodrigo stand there at the trials, playing the grieving widower, when he’d nechestrated Lydia’s destruction?
The hypocrisy made me sick.
“Lydia,” I said, turning to face her folly. “A man like that doesn’t deserve your love. He never did. My mice grew stronger, fueled by protective fury. “Be doesn’t deserve to be Alpha King either. We’re going to beat him in this election. We’re going to destroy that monster”
I reached for her hands. My fingers traced along her wrist until they found the red coral bracelet, still there after chains.”
these years. The smooth beads felt like
Do you still hate him?” I asked softly, stroking the bracelet with my thumb.
-won peace. “Don’t worry about me, Skye. I wont let Rodrigo affect
Lydia shook her head slowly. “It was many years ago. Her voice carried the weight of hard–w my emotions anymore.” A bitter smile touched her lips. “In fact, I won’t let any man affect my emotions again.”
She lifted her wrist, the coral catching the lamplight. I keep this bracelet as reminder. Every time I see it, I remember not to make stupid mistakes. Not to trust so blindly.”
“If Rodrigo tries anything–if he even looks at you wrong–Adrian and I will protect you,” I said fiercely. “You re pack now. You’re family.”
“Thank you.” Lydia’s voice softened with genuine warmth. Then her dark eyes sharpened, studying me with the analytical gare come to reDT 16 “Speaking of complicated men… what’s going on with you, Alpha Adrian, and Alpha Leon?”
I released a long, exhausted sigh that seemed to come from my toes. “I don’t want to deal with relationship drama right now either. The third trial is in two days.” I stood, smoothing down my clothes. All I want to focus on is winning this election.”
Leaving Lydia’s room, I felt the wei
weight of her story pressing down on my shoulders.
As I turned the comer toward my room, I nearly collided with a solid wall of muscle. Adrian stood there, obviously returning from a late training session, his hair still damp with sweat.
1 froze, awkwardness Blooding through me like ice water. After our fight last night, I didn’t know what to say. Besides, I probably shouldn’t sleep in his room tonight, even though I’d promised him a few days ago that I’d stay by his side 24/7 during the election
Adrian broke first. “Why are you still up? His voice was carefully neutrall, but I caught the concern underneath.
“I was talking with Lydia.”
His expression shined, understanding dawning. “About Alpha Rodrigo this afternoon?”
I nodded, swallowing hard.
I know everything now. The words can put thick with emotion, God, Adrian, what she went through. Someone like Lydia, someone so good, she didn’t deserve any of that.”
1/2
Chapter 148
Addon’t chealden dropped sli
He leaned against the wall, amber eyes distant with memory.
“Before you joined us, she was part of our pack council, but the wasnt like Venus–all outgoing and worn. Lydia kept everyone at avers langeli, la, you’ve been with us the shortest time, but she opened up to you more than she ever did with the rest of us.
“Her nose.” I said quietly. Do you think reconstructive surgery might be possible?”
Adrian scratched his head.
I honestly don’t know. I’ve wondered, but I never dared ask what she wanted. She terms… not to care about it.” Ilis mike grew determined. “But if the wants surgery. I’ll find the money. I’ll search the whole world for the best plastic surgeon.”
“No woman doesn’t care about her appearance,” I said firmly “Look at men–even Alpha Xavier uses beauty face masks every day.”
“What’s wrong with men using face masks? Xavier’s voice made us both jump. His door swung open, revealing the Alpha in silk pajamas and, indnically, a green face mask. “You have no idea–all the Hollywood actors are using ‘beauty butt masks‘ now! I can share some with you if you’d like“.
“No, thanks!” Adrian and I spoke in perfect unison
Despite everything. I almost laughed.
Then it hit me like lightning. Alpha Xavier!” I smacked my forehead. “You have connections to the best plastic surgeons in the world”
Xavier raised one perfectly groomed eyebrow. “Yes?”
“I need to ask yeu à favor,” I said, hope blooming in my chest. After the Alpha King election ends, could you introduce me to the best reconstructive surgeon you know?”
Chapter Comments
Jamie
poor Lydia! that nasty Luna deserved what she got.
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