Chapter 3

I found Blake at the training grounds.

The sun caught the gold in his hair, making him look every bit the "War God" the pack worshiped.

"Evelyn, we need to sever the bond," he said before I could speak.

His voice was laced with a pity.

"Acacia needs a strong Alpha to stabilize her new shift. You... you should find a nice human Omega to settle down with."

"Is it because she’s stronger?" I asked, staring directly into those eyes.

"Or have you just been waiting for an excuse to crawl into her bed?"

A flash of guilt, then anger, crossed his face.

"Stop being so pathetic, Evelyn. It’s for the future of the Pack. Just be the bigger person for once to step aside."

"Step aside?" I let out a dry, jagged laugh.

"I've bled for this pack for eighteen years, Blake. You’re not choosing the Pack. You’re choosing the shiny new toy."

Acacia appeared then, draping her arms around his neck.

"Darling, don't waste your breath on the wolf-less. We have an engagement ring to pick out."

As they walked away, the cold void in my chest didn't break.

It ignited.

A flicker of something dark and ancient pulsed in my veins, answering the betrayal with a silent, deadly promise.