POV: Fedora

Shut your mouth. I am not done talking. I glared right at her.

Veronica did not even flinch. She just looked up into Stefan's eyes with a sweet, fake smile.

Actually, that sounds like a very nice idea. You are so smart, baby. A dark chuckle left his chest.

He leaned down and kissed her lips.

I know, baby. Her smile grew even wider.

No, you cannot be serious! My heart pounded in my chest. Stefan, look at me. Ignore her and mark me. It is almost time!

A cold smirk crossed his face. He grabbed Veronica by her waist.

I know it is almost time. That is exactly why you will wait right there and enjoy the show. Consider it your punishment for slapping her.

His large hands pressed hard against her backside, pulling her body completely against his.

No, Stefan, please! Tears rolled down my dirty cheeks. You know the truth. If I do not get the mark tonight, I will die.

This cannot be a punishment! Fine, you can punish me tomorrow. I will do anything you want. Just please do not let me die.

He did not even look at me. He just captured her lips in a deep, hungry kiss. He lifted her easily into his arms and carried her straight to the large bed.

A sudden, sharp pain tore right through my skin. A loud scream ripped from my throat. I grabbed my neck hard. The burning fire was getting worse. I fell to my knees, panting for air while the whole room spun around me.

I could not stay here. If this was really my end, I needed to die alone in the dark forest. Anywhere but in this room.

I forced my shaking legs to stand. I almost fell back down, but I dragged myself toward the heavy door.

Grab her. Make her watch. Stefan's deep voice boomed through the room.

No! Let me go! I thrashed and kicked.

The big guards at the door rushed in. They grabbed my arms with rough hands.

They did not care that I was already dying in pain. They forced me down on my knees and pulled my head up, making sure my eyes stayed wide open.

Veronica got on her knees right on the mattress.

She pulled his pants down. She took his dick into her mouth, moving perfectly.

Stefan leaned back against the pillows. He closed his eyes, a low groan vibrating in his throat.

Veronica turned her head to the side. Her dark eyes locked perfectly with mine.

A pure look of victory danced on her face as she kept going. She wanted me to see everything.

Suddenly, Stefan grabbed her shoulders.

He threw her flat onto the center of the bed. He grabbed the thin fabric of her skirt and ripped it completely open.

Beg for it. His voice held pure command.

Take me, Alpha. Take me hard. She let out a loud, dramatic moan.

He pushed his fingers deep inside her. Her moans grew louder.

Beg louder. A wicked smile touched his lips.

Her body shook against the sheets. Use me! Harder than you ever touched that useless girl on the floor. Ruin me, please, Alpha daddy!

Stefan kicked his pants away. He got over her body and pushed inside with brutal force. Veronica screamed out loud, throwing her head back, but her eyes quickly found mine again.

He grabbed her hips and flipped her over fast. He pulled her arms behind her back, trapping her wrists tight. He moved even faster now.

The loud smacks of his skin hitting hers echoed in the room. He hit her backside hard, leaving red marks. She kept shouting, but he showed no mercy. He was totally lost in his own pleasure.

I remained trapped on the cold floor. I was literally dying, and the man holding my heart was taking another woman right in front of me.

It was the absolute worst humiliation of my entire life.

A fresh wave of pain hit my chest again . This time, it felt like a hot knife tearing my heart open.

I looked at the big clock on the wall through my blurry eyes.

One single minute remained.

I could not bear it anymore. Even if I survived tonight, I had nobody to run to. My whole world was completely shattered.

Living with this broken heart was too much. I could not stay alive for this pain, but I refused to die like a weak animal in front of them.

My stomach turned violently. I choked and threw up dark, warm blood all over the shiny floor. My insides felt like they were boiling hot.

The gross sight shocked the two strong guards. Their tight grip loosened for just one second.

I spun around fast.

I kicked the closest guard right between his legs with all my remaining strength. He dropped to the ground with a loud groan. I pulled my arms free and ran straight for the huge open window.

Do not let her get away! Stefan's angry roar shook the walls.

I ignored him. I jumped out the window and grabbed the rough stones on the castle wall. I climbed up blindly until I reached the flat roof. I ran toward the high, scary cliff at the back of the castle.

Loud emergency bells started ringing below. Dozens of guards rushed out into the dark night.

The back of my neck caught on fire. The curse was finally eating my soul from the inside.

I refused to let this dark magic win. But I was certain of one final truth. I was dying tonight because of Stefan.

I closed my eyes, took one last breath, and threw my body off the edge of the cliff.

POV: Alpha Michael

Damn! My heavy fist slammed down hard on the wooden table. The thick wood cracked under my anger. What do you mean you have not found the cure yet?

I glared at the row of men in white coats. You all are total failures! It has been two full years. I have paid you endless amounts of money, and you still cannot heal my father.

The lead doctor shook from head to toe. Alpha, we have tried everything. His hands trembled as he held his small board. We have done our absolute best. But his condition is not a normal sickness. You need to calm down.

A hot, burning fire flashed in my eyes. My vision tinted red. You do not tell me to calm down. I stepped closer, towering over the small man. You are not the one watching your father die. Keep your mouth shut and get out.

He turned around quickly, motioning for his team to follow.

Wait. My voice dropped to a dangerous growl.

The doctors froze in their tracks.

I have zero patience left for you. I crossed my arms over my chest. I cannot believe people call you the best doctors in our pack. I am giving your entire team exactly thirty days to find a cure. If my father dies, he will not go down alone. Your whole team will follow him to the grave.

All the color drained from the doctor's face. He bowed his head so low it almost touched his knees. Yes, Alpha. He hurried out the door.

I dropped back into my leather chair. I rubbed my head, letting out a heavy sigh.

Stop trying to fight fate, little boy.

The raspy voice made me jump slightly. I had not noticed Ronan, the oldest elder in our pack, sitting quietly in the corner shadows this whole time.

I know how much you love your father. Ronan tapped his wooden staff gently on the floor. But you have to let him pass on.

I did not even look at him. Are you making another useless attempt to make me give up? I clenched my jaw tight. You already know the truth. I will die before I let him die.

The doctors have no hand in this matter. Ronan stood up slowly. You cannot cure a man struck by dark magic. You know perfectly well this curse can only be broken one way.

My shoulders dropped. How much longer do I have to search for this magical girl? I looked down at my hands. I am really starting to believe your old prophecy is a lie. There is no girl with a special mark who can save him.

You refuse to believe the prophecy, yet you put all your faith in useless doctors? Ronan raised a gray eyebrow.

I grabbed my shirt from the back of the chair and pulled it over my head. I admire your deep wisdom, Ronan. But I will still do things my own way.

I walked out of the room, leaving the old man behind.

I went straight to my private training field. The fresh air usually helped clear my messy thoughts. I wrapped my hands in thick cloth and stepped up to the heavy punching bag.

I threw punch after punch with all my raw strength. Sweat dripped down my face, but I could not stop thinking about my dying father.

Hello, Michael.

I paused, dropping my fists. I knew that sweet, annoying voice anywhere. Lucy. Everyone in the pack thought we were mates since we were little kids. But I only ever looked at her like a sister. I rejected her flirting a million times, but she never gave up.

What do you want, Lucy? I stared blankly at the punching bag, wiping sweat from my neck.

There is a huge pack meeting today with all the neighbor packs. She walked closer, her shoes clicking on the stones. Every Alpha must attend with their Luna. So I was wondering why you have not asked me to go with you yet.

I finally turned around, giving her a very cold stare. I am not going to that meeting, Lucy. Leave me alone.

She stepped right in front of me, blocking my path back to the castle. Michael, you cannot keep ignoring me. A sly, nasty smile crept onto her lips. You know that I know your dark secret. And I know all about how you...

Alpha Michael!

A breathless guard ran up to us, cutting Lucy off. We found something strange down by the shore!

I pushed past Lucy without another glance and followed the running guard.

The smell of salt and wet sand filled the air as we reached the water. A small crowd of pack members stood in a circle. I pushed through them to see what they found.

A girl lay completely still on the wet sand.

She was badly hurt. Her clothes were torn, and a massive, bloody wound covered the side of her neck. She looked like she was barely breathing. Long, wet hair stuck to her pale face.

Even covered in dirt and blood, she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen in my entire life.

I took a step closer, my heart suddenly beating completely out of control. There was something very different about this stranger. Deep inside my chest, my wolf woke up. He clawed at my mind, howling louder than he ever had before.