Till Death Do Us Lie

They told me an alpha’s daughter must choose a man to take the rank and position of Alpha of her pack.

Why?

They said I was too fierce, too headstrong, that this was my father's last wish.

Was it?

They picked out potential partners and pushed their top choice forward.They said he's the best man for the job.

Was he?

Lies.

In this labyrinth of deceit and manipulation, a twisted game of power and betrayal is at play. They think I have nothing but they're wrong.

I have two men ready to stand by my side.

Julian Knight, my bodyguard. A man they don't realise is ready to d!e for me.

And Quade Steele, the Lycan King. A man as dangerously powerful as he is handsome, offers me his partnership. I know he has his own agenda, but what is it?

I'll pay any price for revenge because I am the very storm that will destroy them all.

I’ll reclaim what’s mine, turn the world on its axis, and become the ultimate master of the very game created to ruin me.

My name is Layla Blackwell and I'm nobody's b!tch.

1. His True Colours

~ LAYLA ~

The sound of my heels resonates in my ears as I approach the entrance to the grand Pack Hall. I cast a fleeting glance around the large marble hall that glitters with crystal chandeliers and ornate gold frames. The sound of music escapes the banquet hall.

I am dressed to fit in – or perhaps stand out in a strapless satin red ballgown. One that is perfect for the evening but also exceeds all those around me. With every step I take, I steal attention, earning whispered compliments that flutter past me like a pleasant song.

With my chin up, I keep my gaze ahead, masking the storm that rages within me.

Reaching the doors, the man guarding the entrance blocks my way.

“Luna, we-we didn’t know you would come,” Bryan, my fiancé’s loyal assistant, says; a flash of panic in his eyes.

“I don’t need to inform you of my coming, now do I, Bryan? Where is your Alpha?”

He swallows hard as he bows his head. “He is inside, Luna. Would you like me to notify him of your arrival?”

“No need.” Smiling, I tilt my head. “He won’t like this surprise, anyway.”

~ A FEW HOURS EARLIER ~

“This is as much my wedding as it is yours, Logan. Can you at least try to pretend to be interested?” I ask, suppressing my irritation.

“Not again, Layla, can’t you just wait until I get home? I have a pack to run. Don’t you realise how much work an alpha has to do?

“I do, but we’ve been putting it off for too long. Our wedding is next week. At least I need you to accompany me to pick out a wedding dress, since you didn’t like the ones I chose.”

“Wedding dresses are all the same. I told you to just pick one with long sleeves and a modest neckline. These meaningless things are not my job. I don’t have time to waste like you.”

His attitude makes my anger rise and I purse my lips.

“Waste? This is our wedding. We are the Alpha and Luna. This wedding is a very big deal!” I snap, my voice rising.

Logan sighs. “I know what you want, Layla, but I’m really busy. Look, your father who was supposed to be the alpha died and left me with a mountain of paperwork. I’m trying to catch up. I really don’t have time to think about anything else.”

Thinking of my father, I fall silent.

I left the pack a few years ago and was living on my own when I received a call from my uncle nearly two months ago, informing me of my father’s demise in a rogue attack. The news had devastated me, especially as I had left the pack after a huge argument with my father.

Upon my return, my uncle told me my father had always hoped that I would marry Logan. They were a family we knew, one who was wealthy. My father thought Logan was the right one for me and for the future of the pack.

I had felt guilty for abandoning my father despite his harsh expectations, and so after a few dates with Logan, I decided to accept the proposal that all the elders also approved of.

“Weddings are a big deal for women.” Logan now sits back in his seat, placing his file down, and sighs softly. “I know you will never understand, but running a pack is not easy.”

“I know, so let me help you with it. I am equipped to do this stuff, and then we can discuss our wedding together and work on the pack together,” I say, wishing he would simply let me.

But Logan shakes his head. He always refuses to share anything about the pack with me, let alone let me help.

“Look, Layla. What am I supposed to do if you aren’t able to even plan one small event? Who cares if everything isn’t perfect? It’s just a wedding. I am already an alpha, and you are my luna. That’s the important thing to me. We can’t be so selfish; this wedding is meaningless.”

His words sting. We are doing this to portray a united strong front for exposure.

“Is it so selfish that I want my future husband to accompany me to choose a wedding dress, so we look good together? Am I asking for too much?”

Logan sighs, “Let’s not talk about it today. I have a lot to do. You should head home.”

“Will you join me for dinner? Perhaps we can discuss the menu for the wedding then?” I ask with a forced smile.

“No, I have far too much to do,” Logan replies dismissively, pressing a button. “Julian! Get in here!”

I turn when the door opens and my bodyguard steps inside.

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Send her home.”

“Ma’am?” he steps forward, and I raise my hand, my breasts heaving with rage.

“I can manage on my own.” Without another glance back at my fiancé, I storm out of his office.

~

Unlocking the door, I push it open, shivering as I step inside.

“Luna, you’re back! And drenched! Oh my, you will catch a cold!” Nadia, my old nanny who is now my housekeeper, exclaims as she rushes over. “What’s wrong?”

She knows me too well.

“I’m fine, Nadia. I had a little argument with Logan, but don’t worry, we are fine. He apparently has too much work to do that was left pending since Dad’s death.” I try to force a smile, hoping she doesn’t see right through me.

Nadia is like a mother to me. I lost my mother a long time ago and now I have lost my father. I can’t imagine losing Nadia. She’s the only family I have.

“Did you prepare dinner? The Alpha won’t be joining us,” I ask as we both head upstairs and enter my bedroom.

“Dinner? Oh, forgive me, Luna, but I didn’t prepare anything. I heard from Julian that the Lunar Ball was moved to tonight… I thought you would feast there.” She looks confused, fumbling over her words.

I pause from the door to the ensuite bathroom and look back at her sharply.

“What?”

Nadia looks pale as she looks at me nervously. “Yes, all alphas and lunas will attend too. I don’t know why, but Alpha Logan asked it to move to tonight. Did you… not know?”

The yearly Lunar Ball, a place where so many important figures will be, it was the first big ball of the year, and with our pack hosting it, I should be there with our new alpha.

I feel as if I’ve been doused in an icy bucket of water.

“Logan didn’t tell me anything. He was most likely planning to attend the ball alone,” I say with a bitter smile.

“I‘m afraid that might not be true, Luna,” Nadia murmurs. “There is something you need to know.”

“What is it?” I ask, keeping my emotions bottled inside.

She sighs heavily. “Alpha Logan is cheating on you.”

“That’s not possible. My father wanted this; he wouldn’t have chosen wrongly.” Am I reassuring her or myself?

She looks at me sadly. “At first I thought he would treat you well, like the queen you are. He even showed promise, but in recent weeks, I don’t think he is doing a good job of that.”

Nadia motions at me to wait before she hurries out of the room and returns with a small bag. “Please forgive me, Luna, but I found this from his pocket. They are not yours and most definitely not mine. I am certain he is having an affair.” With those words, she takes out pink panties from the bag.

My eyes glimmer with rage. I can tolerate his attitude if he’s busy or tired, but I will not tolerate being made a mockery of. How dare he demean me by having an affair.

Turning, I walk to my wardrobe and yank it open.

“Luna, what are you doing?”

“I will be attending the Lunar Ball tonight. Help me prepare, Nadia.”

2. An Insult I Won't Forgive

~ LAYLA ~

“Luna, we-we didn’t know you would come,” Bryan says.

“I don’t need to inform you of my coming, now do I, Bryan? Where is your Alpha?”

“He is inside, Luna. Would you like me to notify him of your arrival?”

“No need. He won’t like this surprise anyway.”

Brushing past him, I enter, and it doesn’t take me long to spot Logan. He doesn’t notice me. His back is towards me, his hand resting precariously low on the bare back of a woman in a blue dress. Something tightens in my chest, and the burning fire of rage ignites within me as I watch his fingers play with the fabric of her dress.

“Logan,” I say as I approach them, and as predicted, he removes his hand extremely quickly as he turns around, along with the woman. I instantly recognise her. His secretary and my ex-best friend, Sadie. They frantically put distance between one another, making me feel worse.

“Layla, why are you here?” Logan asks, now taking my arm and tugging me to the side as if not wanting people to realise who I am.

“Excuse me? Can’t I be here? I am your Luna or have you forgotten? I am the one who should be by your side instead of bringing some random, unranked side piece?” I ask, my voice ice cold.

“Lay…Luna Layla, please don’t misunderstand. I was just here to help Alpha Logan,” Sadie explains innocently as she comes over to us.

“Help? With what exactly?” I ask coldly.

“Layla, don’t cause a scene.” Logan’s hold on my arm tightens. “I only asked Sadie to come alone because you weren’t feeling well and couldn’t be here.”

“I couldn’t be here? I wasn’t feeling well? Don’t gaslight me, Logan. You didn’t tell me! Had you asked, you would have seen me in the front line.” I almost snarl.

Sadie gasps as she covers her mouth. “I’m so sorry, Alpha, Luna… I just wanted to help and make things easier-”

“Enough, Sadie.” I hiss. Logan’s grip only grows tighter – painfully.

“I just… I know that the Alpha has so much going on, someone has to take care of him, and since you-”

“I said enough.” My eyes flash and she shuts up, as if something in them made her decide against arguing with me.

“You weren’t yourself at the office, Layla, so I took the initiative,” Logan adds, his eyes hard.

“Weren’t myself… I haven’t been myself since the day I agreed to marry you. Save your excuses. I’m not a fool. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” I tug free from Logan’s hold, glancing down at the red fingerprints that are stamped on my arm from his far too tight grip.

Spinning on my heels, I walk over to the bar to grab a much-needed drink.

I might have acted like I didn’t care, but it does hurt.

He’s constantly lying. Why?

What have I not done for him?

I take up one of the pre-made drinks and sit down, crossing my legs gracefully, trying to control my emotions that are running rampant. I glance back at Logan, who doesn’t even seem bothered, as he murmurs something to Sadie before the duo join the crowd and begin chatting with a few guests.

Where did I fail?

After everything I learned, I should break off this engagement. I don’t want to be his luna either. He needs to get out of my pack. But he would still be able to get half of my parents’ assets. Becoming Alpha and Luna is stronger than marriage in our community. But this pack is mine, and so is everything else that he has taken from me.

I will have to talk to my uncle about this. How could my father want this? Logan is nothing special.

“Layla, is that you?”

I turn to see none other than three lunas of neighbouring allied packs.

“That’s Luna Layla to you, Chloe,” I remind her.

“Luna? I thought Sadie is soon-to-be Luna!” She giggles as one of the others swats her arm jokingly.

“Ah, don’t be so insensitive, Chloe, until it’s official anyway. But really, Layla, if you ARE the Luna, then why aren’t you over there with Alpha Logan?” Mary chimes in snidely.

“Oh, I’m sorry, it’s just that Alpha Logan has forgotten you. Every one of us knows you weren’t even meant to be here, yet you shamelessly showed your face,” Chloe mocks.

The conversation with my so-called luna acquaintances makes me want to laugh. They are the ones who used to surround me wanting to be acknowledged, yet here they are showing their true colours.

“Chloe,” I take up my glass as I adjust my legs and toss my hair over my shoulder. “How is your fiancé, Alpha Flynn, doing? He’s been borrowing an awful lot of money for the past three years from my pack. I do hope he finds a solution to his ever-growing financial problems.”

Chloe tenses and her face turns ashen. “H-how did you know that?”

Ignoring her, I look at Mary. “And you, Mary, how are you coping knowing your fiancé has fathered a child with an omega maid?” I laugh gracefully, not masking the hint of mockery from it. “How about you handle your own affairs? Has it not crossed your small minds that maybe I can be here without anyone’s permission?”

“B-But…” Mary stutters.

“Really ladies, please act like the lunas you are supposedly meant to be. If I were you, I’d use this energy on bettering your own packs. After all, there’s clearly work to be done there.”

“Luna Layla!” Rosetta, the third luna, gasps. “An insult to our packs is an insult to our alphas and the peace treaty.”

3. A Handsome Stranger

~ LAYLA ~

“Yes! You can’t do that!” Chloe exclaims as she stumbles and knocks into my back. She grabs hold of my hair as she tries to keep her balance. Pain rips through my head, but I simply place my hand at the back of my head, not reacting until she regains her balance. “Sorry!”

I spin the bar stool slowly, turning to face the three women, unphased. I rest my elbow on my thigh and place my knuckles under my chin.

“Then I’d beware if I were you… The Jade Pack is far stronger than all three of yours combined. You do not want to insult the Luna of it, because in case any of you have forgotten, I am the one who has alpha blood running through my veins.”

My eyes glimmer, and I exude a little of the power that I hold, making all three step back before they turn and hurry off. I raise an eyebrow at the few people who had witnessed the exchange before I swivel my stool back towards the bar and wave my hand.

“Get me some vodka,” I say to the bartender, who nods quickly, hastening to obey. “Make it a bottle.”

He’s quick to place the shot glass and a bottle in front of me, bowing politely.

“A little early to be drinking so much, wouldn’t you agree?” a deep husky voice says as the scent of cedarwood, vanilla and lemon fills my nose.

I turn to see who that sexy voice and enticing scent belong to, and find myself gazing at a man in a well-fitted shirt that emphasises a very muscular chest. And from the way the white fabric stretches over it, I’m sure he has his nipples pierced. I can see tattoos through the few buttons that are left open.

I blush as my gaze goes up and I find myself staring into a pair of hazel-green eyes, his dark hair is brushed back, a single strand falling over his forehead. He has a short beard, a chiselled jaw and he oozes power.

“That would depend on how well one can hold their liquor. Tell me… are you a weak drinker?” I ask, tilting my head and arching a brow.

A smirk curls at the corner of his lips as he takes the seat beside me, “Is that a challenge, beautiful?”

My heart skips a beat and for a second, I go blank, not knowing what to reply.

“I… guess it is,” I say lightly.

“I’ll take a bottle too,” he says and I tilt my head.

“Off to a strong start, I see. I hope you can keep it up, handsome,” I counter, my gaze flicking to Logan, before turning back to the man whose eyes are fixed on me.

I smile gracefully, not wanting him to realise I was looking at Logan.

The bartender is quick to place a second bottle and shot glass down. I pour us both a glass from the bottle I had requested.

His eyes are on me, following my every move. Feeling the intense gaze, my eyes snap up to his, and for a split second I feel as if he was checking me out. But if he was, he was quick enough to look away in time.

“For a moment back there, I thought you might need a little help with the other ladies, but you seem to be able to handle yourself well,” he says as he picks up his shot glass.

“Of course, Alpha Drakon’s daughter has not fallen so low that she can be knocked down by such petty remarks.” I sigh softly.

Our eyes meet and he nods slightly, those piercing deep eyes burning into mine. Without another word we clink our tiny shot glasses, and tilting my head back, I knock it down, making my throat burn as the strong liquid rushes down my throat. We follow with a second round.

He refills the glasses the third time and I glance back to see Logan once again, very infatuated with Sadie.

Does he not care that I’m right here?

“So, you are Layla Blackwell, the daughter of Alpha Drakon. Years ago, I used to hear a lot about you, then you disappeared and now you have mated, chosen an alpha and will marry for the sake of your pack.”

My pack… No one ever called it that…

My stomach flutters with a strange emotion, and I almost smile at him.

“Yes, a ridiculous move on my behalf, but I am still that woman, regardless of what others might think.”

I just need to find myself again.

He nods, taking another shot, and my gaze dips to his neck as he downs it. He drinks like it's plain water…

“I look forward to seeing and hearing about that woman again.”

“My father… You said you knew him?” I ask. I rarely heard from people who knew my father anymore, what with Logan keeping me isolated.

“My parents did. I saw him a couple of times before he died.”

I nod slowly. I wish he was here, wish I could talk to him one last time.

“So, you gave your fiancé your pack and title, yet he clearly doesn’t seem to have any respect for you. You’re here… and he’s over there with another woman. One would think she’s his Luna.” His voice is low, but the hint of mockery makes defiance burn inside of me.

How dare he mock me!

“Respect? You don’t know anything about us,” I reply, turning away.

“I know what’s in plain sight, Luna Layla. As the hostess of this function, would you do me the honour of one dance?”

My eyes widen as I stare at him, not expecting that, but he means it. Taking his last shot he stands up and offers me a hand.

I hesitate, my stomach fluttering and I glance back at Logan, my heart squeezing when I see him whisper something to Sadie, who has her hand on his chest.

Well, if he can spend time with whoever he wants, then so can I.

“Sure, one dance won’t hurt,” I say, placing my small hand into his large one as I slide off the stool, realising he is even taller than I had thought.

I tilt my head back to look up at him, “I didn’t get your name…”

“Quade Steele.”

4. Anything

~ LAYLA ~

Quade Steele?

My entire body freezes up as I stare at the man before me. The realisation of who the man actually is makes me numb with shock.

“The Lycan King, Quade Steele?” I breathe.

He smirks, “At one point I wondered if you were pretending to not know me, but it’s obvious you really have lived away from society for far too long.” He taunts, leading me by the hand towards the dance floor.

He’s the illegitimate son of the previous Lycan King himself. I know he has lived isolated from the Lycan family. In fact, rumours say that he was thrown out of the Steele household at the age of fifteen and others say that he left of his own accord, vowing that one day he would get his revenge, and he did.

Rumours say he built his own kingdom in the business world too. With money came power. Relying on his quick wit, ruthlessness, and power, he overthrew his father, defeated many of his brothers who were next in line for the throne, and took the Lycan throne for himself.

The Lycan King has many people who bow down to him, wanting him as their ally since he is the ultimate power. But for every person who tries to flatter him and earn his favour, there are two more who hate him and want him dead.

“Yet here you are alone. Where is your luna?” I ask, spotting Sadie and Chloe staring at me as they whisper behind their hands, but I choose to ignore them.

He’s right. I have been away from society for far too long. Did he even have a queen?

He now places his hand on my waist, the other taking my hand.

“Is that your way of asking if I have one?” he purrs, his low voice making my stomach flutter pleasantly.

“You haven’t answered,” I counter softly. Our eyes remain locked as we begin moving to the music.

“I don’t.”

We move across the ballroom in perfect sync, and I try not to think of Logan, who has now brought Sadie onto the dance floor, or the way he keeps touching her body.

My heart skips a beat as Quade’s fingertips brush my bare back before he twirls me out and then back against him.

“You dance rather well,” I compliment, looking up at him.

“As do you. One would think you might be a little rusty since you haven’t attended such an event in a long time,” he remarks teasingly.

“It really has been a long time…” I’ve forgotten this feeling… the one where I’d be on the dance floor, free.

“I can assure you, you have been missed.” His eyes burn into mine and I quickly look away as we continue to cut through the dance floor. Gaining ever-growing attention.

The silence between us is too much, and I bravely gaze up at him again.

“I may not have been around, but I know we’ve tried to put a peace treaty forward between our pack and yours.” We are currently neutral, which is something that always worries Logan.

“I’ve never really been interested in your fiancé’s proposal, but if the true leader suggests something I can’t refuse, then perhaps I might agree to an alliance between the Jade Pack and Obsidian Pack.”

“I don’t have much to offer, but once I manage to fix my affairs, it would be profitable for you, too. I would be willing to give you anything you wish.” I try to reason as he spins me out.

“Anything?” he asks huskily as he spins me back into himself. My heart hammers as his arm wraps around my waist, his lips close to my ear. “Even yourself?”

I gasp, pulling away, only for him to pull me tightly into his arms once more, my chest crushed against him. His hold tightens. “Don’t move…” he murmurs the command.

“But I-”

“Trust me.”

I swallow hard, looking around as he reaches behind me, and that’s when I realise my zipper has come partially undone.

I stay there, unmoving, as he slowly slides the zipper up. I’m unable to look away, as if his hazel eyes have a hold on me…

Only when I hear a stifled giggle, do my eyes snap to Chloe and I realise she did this! When she stumbled, it was on purpose. She tried to humiliate me!

“Thank-”

“Layla! Do you really have no shame?”

I turn at the venomous tone pulling me away. Logan stands there looking absolutely enraged, but he is not brave or stupid enough to go up against the Lycan King.

“You misunderstand, Logan, my zi-”

“You should not embarrass your Alpha… Excuse us,” Logan seethes. Taking my arm he guides me off the dance floor, his nails digging into me.

“You’re hurting me,” I say quietly, trying to free myself, at the same time trying not to cause a scene.

He ignores me, yanking me into a side room. The moment we are inside, he pushes me roughly and I stumble over the hem of my dress.

“Logan!”

There’s a terrifying look in his eyes as he takes his jacket off, tossing it aside. He rolls his sleeves up as he advances on me.

“You have insulted me by dancing like a whore with another man.”

“Oh, insulting you? What about you having your hands all over Sadie?”

“So that’s what this is about. Were you trying to make me jealous?” he sneers. “I knew you were desperate, Layla; I just didn’t realise you would drop to such levels to win me back.”

“Win you back?” I scoff. “You aren’t even worthy of me. Why would I ever waste time trying to make you jealous?”

“Layla! You will show me respect!” Logan hisses, as he grabs me by the back of my hair, yanking my head backwards.

“You are even more pathetic than I thought,” I reply, my eyes blazing despite the pain in my head. I grab his hand that is knotted into my hair, digging my nails into his skin. “Let go of me,” I command venomously.

“Don’t make me hurt you,” he spits, getting up in my face.

I clench my teeth, refusing to give him even a tiny bit of acknowledgement that he’s hurting me.

“If you dare-”

“Layla!” he thunders, raising his hand to strike me and bringing it down with full force.

I flinch, waiting for the impact, but it never comes.

My eyes fly open to see the tattooed hand that has a grip on Logan’s forearm before he’s pushed away from me roughly.

Quade.

Logan staggers as he is forced to let go of me and I stumble, only for Quade to catch me.

His eyes are hard as he glares at Logan, power and rage exuding from him in waves.

“She said let go.”

5. Accusations

~ LAYLA ~

I exhale slowly. Logan has never raised his hand at me before, but to know he’s capable of it disgusts me further.

“You should not interfere in our matters,” Logan says, his eyes flashing as he runs his hand through his hair.

“And you should not treat your woman like this,” Quade counters quietly.

“What happens between us is none of your business. She disrespected me - her alpha. It is up to me how I punish her.”

My brows furrow as I look at him. I made him an alpha.

“So, you’re going to challenge me now?” Quade’s voice becomes deadlier as he advances on Logan, who steps back, his face paling. “Your fucking king?”

“No, I… you don’t know her. She isn’t the type of woman you would want to be tangled with. She only danced with you to try to make me jealous.”

“That’s a lie!” I snarl.

“You admitted it, Layla! You said if it’s ok with me to dance with someone else then so can you!” He looks at Quade, whose cold eyes remain fixed on Logan.

“Apologise and get out of my sight,” he says coldly.

Logan’s gaze snaps to mine, and I know he’s silently promising me that there will be repercussions.

“I am sorry, Alpha Quade.” Logan lowers his head before he grabs his jacket and turns away.

The door closes, leaving only me and Quade here.

“Thank you, Alpha Quade,” I say, meeting his cold gaze.

“If you only accepted my offer to dance to make your fiancé jealous, then you should have picked someone else. I don’t have time to entertain such rubbish,” Quade says icily. He turns, about to leave, and I don’t know why, but I stop him.

“Wait!” I feel humiliated by what Logan did. I can’t let Quade misunderstand. I need his support if I want to get my pack back.

I place my hand on his forearm, quickly removing it when he looks down at it.

“I wasn’t using you like Logan said. Look. I would like for our packs to be allies. I plan to take back my pack… would you be interested in an alliance if I proved to you it’s worth your while? I mean no disrespect when I say that although you are king, your allies are few. With a pack as big as mine behind you, it will only strengthen your power, too.”

He looks at me quietly for a while, as if trying to determine the truth of my words.

“For the sake of your father, I will give you a chance to prove yourself.”

“I will show you I’m a good ally.”

Taking note of my bruised arm, where the bruise is darkening already, Quade takes the jacket from him and places it around my shoulders. His scent engulfs me.

There’s a knock on the open door and a man enters.

“Alpha, you called me?”

“Eddie, this is Layla Blackwell, daughter of Drakon Blackwell. I need you to drop her off tonight.”

“Luna Layla. Come along.” Eddie bows his head to me respectfully.

“You won’t be coming?” I ask, and Quade smirks.

“Trust me, there’s nothing more dangerous than riding in the same car as me.”

~

After I got in the car driven by Beta Eddie and left the venue, I decided not to go back to my own home, knowing that Julian would be angry if he realised what had happened. But right now Logan is the alpha he is pledged to, so instead I spend that night at a hotel.

Early in the morning, I ask Nadia to send some clothes with Julian. Changing, I return home with him.

“I need help with getting all my belongings removed from here. I plan to return to my parent’s home as soon as possible.” I inform him, skimming through my work emails.

“Understood, but what happened, Ma’am? If you don’t mind me asking.” he asks.

“I can’t say. Just support me silently,” I murmur.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

I best get Nadia to help me too, so I can get out of here swiftly. Entering the house, I place my bag down when Logan steps out of the lounge.

To my surprise, he’s still in the clothes he was wearing last night, and he reeks of alcohol.

“Where were you all night?” he asks, approaching me.

I cock a brow, brushing past him. “That’s none of your business,” I retort as I take the stairs.

“I am your fiancé and alpha! What is wrong with you, Layla? You’re my luna, yet you were out all night with that bastard Lycan! Tell me, did you have fun being a pathetic whore?!” he growls. I step back, pulling free from his attempt to grab me by the elbow.

“I am not like you, Logan! I am not a cheat, but I also will not stay with one. Let alone a man who was about to hit me!’’ I snarl as I take down two large suitcases from on top of the wardrobe.

“What are you doing?” he asks venomously.

“Leaving you.” I declare the obvious.

“You can never leave me!” he shouts, pushing one of the suitcases onto the floor.

He’s about to go for the second suitcase but I push him away.

“Watch me!” I retort defiantly. He grabs hold of my chin.

“I won’t let you, Layla.”

“There is nothing you can do to stop me. I’m leaving and I will take everything that is mine back! This entire union was a mistake,” I say coldly.

“Listen to me, Layla, you’re overreacting. Do you think the elders and your uncle will accept this? This pack just got a proper leader. Do you really think that you are capable of running this pack? Do you think you can do what I do?”

I pause, my heart thumping. I may not know everything, but I will learn. I’m not useless!

“Layla! Look at me.” Logan grabs hold of my arms as he pulls me close, but I feel nothing but coldness wash over me. “Layla?”

I don’t respond as I try to pull free when he shakes me. “Stop acting like this, Layla, you’re scaring me, babe. You love me, I know you do. You’re the luna, my luna, don’t let yourself get carried away over Sadie, she means nothing. You don’t need to be jealous, at the end of the day I am tied to you and soon we’ll be married-”

“We will never be married! Let go of me!” I snarl, feeling repulsed. “I am not Sadie, who is ready to be your cheap whore!”

“You were the one who captured everyone’s attention! You looked incredible last night, and that dress you were wearing…” his hand runs down my back and my blood boils, my heart pounding.

How dare he!

“Let’s make up, babe. After all, there’s nothing that a morning romp won’t smooth out!” He grunts as he pushes me onto the bed.

“I said no!”

He ignores me as he climbs on top of me, and in that moment I feel sick with the realisation that someone you might have been ok to bed, could overnight become someone you want a hundred miles away.

He grabs my top, ripping into it.

“Logan, get off!”

He raises his hand, slapping me across the face, making my body go numb for a second as the pain jars through me.

He… hit me….

I’m brought back to reality the moment he reaches for my bra.

“I. Said. STOP!” I scream as I use my full force to try to throw him off me, my eyes burning with rage and something that feels close to fear, when the door is thrown open and he is ripped off me and thrown into the far wall.

Julian!

He stands there towering over Logan, his hands balled into fists.

“Julian!” I whisper as I get to my feet, only to stumble, Julian turns and I fall straight into his arms. His familiar warmth and scent makes me feel safe.

“Nadia, take her.” he orders, his voice low and menacing.

Nadia pulls me into her arms as Julian steps inside the room, shoving Logan, who is trying to come after me.

“How dare you- I am your alpha!” Logan thunders, staggering to his feet.

“Not mine. Touch her again and I won't hold back.”

My heart races as I stare at his back, how is he defying him? Even Logan looks stunned

“Come let's go, it’s going to be alright,” Nadia whispers fearfully to me.

She rubs my back, soothing me, and in that moment I realise I need to get out of here as fast as possible, before it’s too late.

“Nadia, pack my things. We are leaving today.”

6. Clash

~ LAYLA ~

“Just have the locks changed please,” I say to Julian. It’s the following day, and I have moved back into my parents’ old home.

“Understood.” He lowers his head before he leaves, and I sigh heavily as I look at the boxes that are piled to the side. I really had persuaded myself to accept Logan as my alpha and husband, but after this no way.

I had packed everything and taken it into what I thought was our home, only for everything to go down the drain.

“Here, dear.” Nadia hands me a mug of green tea and I accept it, thanking her. I take a sip just as the doorbell rings.

“It’s your uncle,” Julian says from the hallway.

I nod, placing my mug down, “Let him in.” It’s time I asked Uncle Drew exactly why he pushed for me to make Logan my mate and why Dad thought it was the perfect decision. Did neither of them see that he wasn’t worth it?

“Layla!” Uncle’s voice is as jovial as ever as he hurries into the room, worry etched on his face. “Goddess, I was so scared! What is all this?”

He hugs me before looking around at the boxes.

“I’m unpacking,” I state the obvious, picking my mug up again.

His face falls, his shiny dark brown hair is combed to the side to cover his balding patch, and he is rather portly and short. He really is the opposite of what Dad was. But he is dressed pristine in a suit and a striped shirt, whereas Dad was usually in sweats and t-shirts.

“Now, Layla, don’t make hasty decisions. Please stop this nonsense and return home. We have a wedding to prepare for. We can’t have you doing things like this. Logan is going out of his mind.”

I snort. “Is he now? Well, he made his bed. This marriage is not happening,” I say firmly.

“Oh dear, I wish you understood the importance of this union. You two are already Alpha and Luna. Once you marry, it will become completely solid.”

I purse my lips. “Actually, Uncle, I had a question regarding my marriage. You said to me that this marriage would make Dad proud, that this was what he would have wanted. Is that true? Did my father really want me to marry someone?” I ask, observing him.

I’m not sure if it is my disdain for Logan or something else, but it doesn’t really make sense. Not after how Dad raised me…

Uncle nods slowly. “Yes, he always liked Logan and his family, but no, he never thought to arrange your marriage. I myself would have preferred you to choose a good man, date and then decide.” He admits as he takes out his handkerchief and wipes his brow.

I don’t get it; I was pushed into someone. Everyone said I had to as soon as possible.

“But we had no other option, Layla.” He looks at me, a small frown on his face.

“Why not?” I ask.

He hesitates, as if not sure he should share the answer with me. “Well… the pack had too much debt, I… Look, you’re old enough to understand, but your father- he had- never mind.”

“Uncle, tell me whatever it is that you’re keeping from me. I’m not a child!” I push.

Sighing heavily, he looks at me. “Your father had an extreme gambling addiction, one that saw us lose everything we had, and well, the pack ended up accumulating a lot of debt. To save this pack I sought out this proposal. Logan’s family, the Dartmouth’s, have a lot of money and your father… he- he also used pack funds and the money of the pack members. Not only did he set his own family up for ruin, but everyone who thought he was protecting their money. This was the only solution I saw.”

He appears to be telling the truth, but perhaps it was the undying love and respect I had for my father. But I can’t bring myself to accept this. How can a man who spoke of values and honesty be a gambling addict?

“I want to check the pack and family accounts,” I say suddenly. Until I see proof of this, I won’t believe it. I’m certain we had plenty of money. If Dad was such a spender, then how did he manage never to use even a cent from the account he had set up for me?

“Of course, you have every right to do so, you are welcome to go to the packhouse and check them at any time you wish. You are the Luna, dear. I just wish I didn’t have to expose that truth to you,” he admits with a regretful smile. “I best be off. There’s work I need to attend to.”

I nod before he gives me a hug and leaves.

“I never knew your father to be a man with bad habits,” Nadia remarks quietly.

I nod. “Neither did I,” I reply, taking out Beta Eddie’s card that he had given to me before I had entered the hotel the night of the ball. I think I’ll ask for some help; he did say if I needed anything to give him a call.

Dialling the number, I wait as it rings. After a few rings it’s answered by Beta Eddie.

“Hello?”

“Hello, this is Luna Layla… I was wondering if I could leave a message to be passed to your Alpha?”

“No need.” My heart sinks until he continues. “He’s right here. I am passing him the phone.”

“Oh! Ok, thank you.” I let out a silent sigh of relief and waited until the deep velvety voice of the Lycan King could be heard.

“I wasn’t expecting a call so soon. Usually, a woman wouldn’t dare call me so brazenly.”

I smile at the mocking tone and roll my eyes. “Well, I’m not one of your conquests, now am I? But I am calling to ask for some help.” I admit.

“I’m listening.”

“Well, I’ve known my father to be an incredibly honourable man. However, I was told today that he had an extremely bad gambling habit and that we were in a lot of debt. I don’t know how true this is because I’m certain our pack has money, and I can’t see my father like that, but your family knew him. Did you ever hear that he was a gambler?

There’s silence before I hear a sigh.

“No, it’s the first. Who told you that?”

“My uncle and he definitely wouldn’t make it up. I know your family was good friends with my father…’’ I frown as I sit down on one of the boxes.

“I could look into it, but I wouldn’t suggest discussing matters on the phone. I’ll pick you up tonight.”

I open my mouth, not expecting that. “W-where will we go?”

“Like I say, let’s not talk about such matters on the phone. I’ll see you outside your place at 8pm.”

“That’s late-”

“I never realised you were such a good girl and went to bed on time,” he mocks, but something about the way those words are said makes my stomach flutter.

“Of course not, I actually sleep quite late! Eight is fine,” I retort. “Goodbye, Alpha Quade.”

Goodbye, Alpha Layla.” He imitates my tone mockingly before the line goes dead.

I stare at the phone, my heart thumping at what he called me.

Alpha Layla.

It has a nice ring to it.

I smile and somehow, I’m looking forward to tonight.

~~~

Eight o’clock arrives and I am ready, not wanting to keep them waiting, and step outside into the cold. I have barely shut the door when a sleek black Lamborghini pulls up. Before the doors even slide up, I know it’s not Beta Eddie. Quade’s face comes into view, and I bend down.

“I thought you said it would be dangerous to get into a car with you?”

“It is, but the choice is yours,” he says looking at me intently, and I wonder if my plain clothes and make-up-free face has surprised him.

“Yes, I’m not the Layla of the ball right now,” I say, getting in.

“You look as beautiful as you did last night… I never knew you wore glasses.”

Self-conscious, I push them up my nose, pouting. “Well, I do.”

He smirks. “It’s not often I see a werewolf wearing glasses. Were you exposed to Elksall?”

“The poison? No, I have worn glasses for years.”

“Well, regardless… you look sexy.”

The moment the door shuts he zooms off, leaving me feeling a little confused. Sexy? This guy finds everything sexy, or he’s simply very good with words.

A few minutes later, he breaks the silence. “I did a little background check on your father; however, I haven’t currently found anything…” He trails off, turning to look out of his window. “Fuck.”

I look out of the window, my eyes widening when I see several black cars gaining on us.

“What on earth?”

“I told you there’s many people who want me dead. Buckle up.” The words are barely out of his mouth when he hits the gas, throwing me back into my seat as he zooms down the road at an extremely dangerous speed. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”

He grunts as a car slams into his side of our car, and I look up to see they’ve all caught up!

“Duck!” he shouts before the sound of gunshots fills the air.

“Goddess!” I exclaim as we swerve to the right and I’m thrown into him. He pulls out a gun, lowering the window a little, my own heart skipping a beat as shot after shot is exchanged.

Quade is dealing with them, but that’s when I see the car that’s pulling up from our right. Everything moves in slow motion as I see the masked man from within the car to the right raise his gun.

For a split second my eyes meet his cold ones, and I realise what he’s about to do. Turning, I fling my arm around Quade, hearing a shot ring out, hunching forward just as the bullet shatters through the windshield and hits its target.

I gasp as pain shoots through my arm, an animalistic growl ripping through the Lycan King’s teeth as the car careens out of control and I drop back in my seat, blood gushing down my upper arm.

“Layla!”

7. Shot

~ QUADE ~

I swerve to the left, hitting my car into the side of one of the attacker’s cars, the move throwing her against the window.

“Fuck!”

“I’m fine.” She presses her trembling hand to her upper arm, blood spilling down her hand and wrist. Her soft voice is breathy and for a moment I stare at the blond, petite woman.

“You’re crazy.”

“I’ve been told,” she responds with a small smile despite the pain she’s no doubt in.

I can’t help but smirk as I lower my window and fire a round of shots at the tyres of the chasing cars. Satisfied when two spin out of control and are forced off the road.

I press my foot down to the floor, zooming through the traffic with precise concentration. One wrong move at this speed and we could both be dead.

I spare her a fleeting glance, once again reminding me of someone… I turn my attention back to the road, satisfied that I’ve left the attackers far behind.

“I guess we have a little change of plans,” I say, not slowing down as I run my fingers through my now messy hair.

“Oh?”

“You need that tended to, we’ll head back to my place. I have a trusted doctor who will take a look at you. I’ll still get the answers you are looking for.”

“Thanks, I do owe you,” she says, glancing out at the speeding cars. I cock a brow.

“Do you though? You just took a bullet for me.”

“Selfish reasons,” she replies with a small smile despite her colour getting paler.

I don’t think so… it was an impulsive reaction, not a planned, thought-out one; but that only fuels my assumptions of her.

She may not remember me… but every moment that passes with her, I’m certain it’s her… those glasses… the blond hair?

Or am I just being too hopeful?

I don’t slow down, needing to get home fast. Pressing a button on my earpiece I call Eddie.

“Get Luther on call, I have someone with me who’s been shot through the upper arm, appears to be a rifle firearm used, and it was a mid-range shot. Bullet has exited. Possible bone tissue damage.”

“Understood!”

“Wow, you figured that out while driving at 200 miles per hour? I’m impressed,” she murmurs breathlessly.

I smirk despite the dire situation as two more cars come out of nowhere, clearly waiting for me. They try to box me in. Their cars are larger, although that can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

“Hmm, I think I impress you pretty often, or you’re just easily impressed,” I remark, lightly turning the car and she’s thrown into me.

She gasps as I reach over, holding her in her seat as I turn the car dangerously, causing the two cars behind us to crash into one another as my car spins violently.

I remain calm; the sky illuminated with the explosion as I gain back control, the smell of gasoline and burned rubber filling my nose as I keep driving.

“I’m not easily impressed, but what would really impress me is if you didn’t end up getting us killed tonight.” She chuckles weakly.

I frown slightly. She’s turning paler. Is she hurt somewhere else? Or was there poison? Her eyes flutter shut; she needs to stay awake.

“And if I do manage that, do I get a reward?” I ask, keeping my arm pressed against her so she doesn’t topple forward. Her breasts press against my arm, although I try not to focus on them.

“You’re always bargaining… what do you want?” she breathes.

Stay with me, girl.

“A kiss,” I say, hoping it jolts her awake.

Her eyes widen but a quick swerve around the corner makes her whimper as she clutches her arm. I need to get her home fast.

After a few minutes, we reach the winding path that leads up to my mansion.

“Open the gates!” I command.

The black gates to my home open wide and we zoom through, my valet already waiting. I instantly open the doors and get out, walking around to her side where she’s about to attempt getting out, her face is extremely pale, and she’s broken out in a sweat.

“Sorry, I- I’m bleeding on the seat,” she mutters.

“They’ve been covered in blood more times than you can imagine. Here, I got you,” I say quietly as I scoop her up in my arms. She doesn’t weigh anything. Her small figure fits nicely in my arms as I turn and hurry past Eddie.

“What happened, Quade?” Eddie asks as he jogs to keep up with me.

“We’ll talk later. Where is Luther?” I ask, carrying her upstairs and taking her to the medical suite.

“He’s on his way! He’ll be here at any minute”

“Go see if he’s here now! “I command, making Eddie turn and rush down the hall.

Fuck!

Placing her on the operating table, I feel that my anger has nowhere to go.

It was so close. If it wasn’t for her, that silver bullet would be in my head right now.

Since I returned to the Steele family to claim what is rightfully mine, being targeted is my new norm. I thought a last-minute meeting at night would not attract their attention, but they are bloodthirsty vultures. My carelessness cost her, and she was shot instead of me.

I clench my fists and look at her curled up on the table. Her blood has stained an area of ​​the white sheet beneath her already.

“Why did you do that?” I growl, making her eyes widen.

“I need you alive to help me, remember? I told you I’ll show you that I’ll be an ally worth having,” she murmurs, her eyes meeting mine, but she’s becoming drowsy.

I shake my head. What am I supposed to reply to that? “Just stay awake,” I murmur, combing my fingers through her blond locks, and brushing them back from her face.

There’s something about her…

“Alpha, I apologise for the delay.” My doctor, Luther’s, voice comes, and I move my hand away, glancing at him as he pulls on a pair of medical gloves.

“Just get to work,” I answer curtly.

“Right away. You may wait outside the room, Alpha,” he says as he begins assessing the wound.

I nod slowly, somewhat not wanting to leave her there. She’s already fallen unconscious. Frowning, I turn and step outside, glancing back at the figure on the operation table.

“She’ll be fine,” Eddie says quietly. I don’t reply; I’m not supposed to care, but she intrigues me.

~

Two hours have passed, but it feels far longer. I ordered for her to be moved to my room once she has been stitched up, she’ll be much more comfortable there.

Eddie sits silently across from me, but he’s wise enough to stay silent. I’ve already sent my men to go find those men or any trace of who may have sent them.

My enemies are countless, and who knows which one sent those men after me.

“May I ask something, Quade?” Eddie asks quietly.

We’re alone and I don’t mind him addressing me by my name.

“What?” I ask, taking a gulp of my whiskey.

“The woman… is she of some importance to you? I mean, you have gone out of your way to help her.”

“She saved me, I owe her this much.”

“But she has a purpose, right? She might use this against you. I know you won’t allow anyone to take advantage of you, but I don’t know, I don’t want her to use you.”

“It’s a deal, we each get what we need. None of my help is free,” I answer shortly. I know why he’s concerned, but only a fool wouldn’t learn from their mistake.

“She asked to meet up and then you guys were attacked, I don’t think that can just be a coincidence,” Eddie murmurs.

“What are you insinuating?”

“I mean, this attack might not be directed at you, but at… her.”

“Time will tell,” I reply quietly. “But I cannot deny that she also intrigues me…”

“A woman intrigues you. That has not happened since-”

My eyes flash and he instantly falls silent as rage ripples through me.

There’s a knock on the door and we both turn to see Luther standing there.

“Alpha, may I have a word?”

I stand up and he steps back from the door as I stride over and exit the drawing room.

“What is it?” I ask. “Is she fine?”

“She’s resting, but I did want to discuss her test results with you.”

I cock a brow as I swipe the file from his outstretched hand and skim through it.

“What is it?” I ask, her wound has been tended to and there’s no concern of any permanent or long-term issues there.

“Well… She’s been exposed to consistent low levels of Elksall for an extended period of time. I decided to do a thorough test after I noticed she wears spectacles,” Luther explains as I scan the results.

“A low amount so she wouldn’t really feel it… but over the years, it has done damage,” I murmur.

“Or from birth,” Luther adds quietly. “Elksall is not something that you can be accidentally exposed to. It’s a well-thought-out ploy. Whoever did this had a long game plan.” Luther admits.

Frowning, I stare at the results before I snap it shut.

“Don’t tell her about these results. I think I will look into it myself first.”

He nods. “Yes, Alpha, as you wish,” he says.

I head back out and motion to Eddie, who is standing there, to follow me. I pass him the file as we walk down the stairs to the main entrance hall.

“What is this?” he asks, baffled.

“Layla Blackwell’s file. Find anything you can on her background as well as who was chasing us. I want answers, Eddie, and don’t bother showing your face until you have some answers. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Alpha, you got it. I’ll find this information.”

“Excellent, then I’ll wait for the answers,” I reply, watching as Eddie walks off, breaking into a run as he says something through his earpiece.

As for my own questions, I will find the answers on Layla Blackwell… one way or another.