(AMARI'S POV)
Talon was still speaking. Casually too. Almost like he was telling a story.
He explained that his Uncle's death was predicted due to prior attacks and that it was important that his empire was protected. Through a wife. Through me.
"He had no mate nor pup, that means the council will take everything—the territory, the accounts, the alliances. But a widow holds it all until she remarries or dies. That's why I had to marry you for him."
I remained silent. Weak to the core.
"We will get married after some time has passed. But for now, you need to know that you are the widow of the late Alpha Kaelen Blackwood." He said grabbing my shoulders.
His touch sent a rush of adrenaline down my spine. I pushed him back instantly.
"Goddess!" I exclaimed
Suddenly, my senses were on alert. This was not a dream. This was a nightmare.
"I don't believe." My lips trembled.
He took a step forward. "You must calm down and think of all I have said."
"No." I protested holding myself tightly in fear as I moved back. "You used me. And you killed him—the real Kaelen."
"I didn't kill him." Next thing he grabbed me. I protested strongly. I fought and pushed back, cried loudly. But he was stronger than me. His hand went over my mouth, cutting off my scream.
"Be quiet." He ordered under a controlled tone. "He was going to die. People were trying to kill him. Not me."
"Get away from me." I wanted to shout but it came out muffled. Desperately, I dug my teeth in to his hand. He groaned in pain and let me go. I scrambled away but he was already on his feet, blocking the doorway while he rubbed his bitten hand.
"I'll scream my lungs out." I warned, breathing heavily. "I'll tell your wicked plan! I want nothing to do with you."
He smoothed his clothes. "I can fix things to seem like the plan was your whole idea."
A chill ran down my spine.
"No." I whispered.
"You have nothing, Amari." He rolled his eyes. "I deny ever knowing you. Besides, the only people who met me were your family and friends. And with your low standard of living and your family's debts… you are willing to do anything for money."
I felt my knees wobble slightly but my feet were frozen.
He closed the distance between us. "Watch this." He shoved a phone screen in my face.
My stomach sank as I saw Al. My brother.
Two men held him and his head was bent over while he stood limply.
My knees gave out. I staggered against the wall.
"Jets are faster than trains." He said softly. "Not only did I rid the house of our wedding pictures, it wasn't hard to get to your brother. His involvement in a local gang robbery today shows what your family is capable of, don't you think?"
I sank to the ground, curling in to myself.
"He's home now. Don't make do things I'd rather not do." He warned.
I saw a flash of cruelty in his eyes.
"Please." Was the only word I could mutter.
"Here's what you'll say. Kaelen Blackwood met you three days ago during a project in your village. He fell in love with you and married you. He promised to come back for you by the weekend. Anything more or less, you will have a brother to bury as well as a husband."
I said nothing.
"I'll be here in the morning. Be ready to cooperate." He turned around to leave.
"Why?" I heard myself call out. "Why did you choose me? Why choose to do this to me?
He walked away. And just like that. He was gone. And I was alone with my thoughts.
Talon's voice.
The truth about my dead husband.
The threat.
The forced plan.
The video of Al.
My brother didn't keep bad company. Talon was using him. Just like me.
And it was all my fault. I let a monster close to my siblings. This was worse than a nightmare.
I had failed Rudina and Al.
Something I never did.
I had to find a way to get my siblings somewhere safe. I jumped in to action, heading to the room Rudina was sleeping in.
She looked peaceful and I hated that I had to wake her up to an even worse nightmare.
"Ru, please wake up." I gave her a very firm shake and her eyes sprang open.
"What's wrong, Ari?" Her sleep voice was alerted. She could sense my urgency.
"I need you to leave. Now." I told her, gently leading her out of bed.
"What's going on? Leave to where?"
"You need to get home for Al. Right now. Then you both must find Tenisha." We were out of the room now, walking quickly down the hallway.
"You both? What about you?"
"I just need you to get ahead first. Your wolf senses can get you away, I know you can do it." I said to both of us.
"My wolf?"
I wasn't pausing. "Now is the time to put your training in action. I have a plan, to distract—
"Amari, please stop." Rudina burst out and planted her feet on the ground. I stopped too.
We were in the living room now.
I noticed Rudina's lips trembling, her stubborn chin set.
"I don't know what is going on here but I'm not leaving you behind." She said firmly, in a shaky voice.
I wanted to burst in to tears then. But I bit my lip instead.
"I would love more than anything to come with you." I brushed her hair gently. "But if you don't do this, Al will be in danger."
My voice cracked. I cleared my throat.
"What's wrong, Ari?" Tears filled her eyes.
I released a shaky breath. "Rudina, I'm in a big hole."
Her arm went around me. "Talk to me.." shw cajoled softly.
"They have Al." I said, my voice breaking. "If we both stay here, we all die."
Rudina's eyes widened. A sharp knock broke the tension. We looked up sharply just as the door opened.
Vanessa, the woman from last night, stood at the doorway.
"Excuse me." She greeted. Something about her seemed less composed than the day before. "I need you to come with me,"
Her voice was calm. But her eyes weren't. They looked urgent. My heart started racing.
"Wh-where to?" I dared to ask.
"You'll see." She crossed the room in quick strides and took my arm.
"My sister-"
"She's fine. It'll only be a moment" She didn't even glance back as she spoke; she just pulled me quickly out the door, behind her. I used my free hand to keep my veil tightly wrapped over my head.
We stepped outside— And she stopped. I nearly crashed into her.
Then she turned to me, her eyes bright but still puffy.
"Your husband survived the accident."
My heart stopped.
"Kaelen…is alive."
The world became still.
Alive?
Vanessa stepped aside.
And then—
I saw him.
He stood in the courtyard, like he owned the air itself.
Tall. Still. And with his back to us.
My heart skipped— then slammed violently against my ribs.
Then he turned around. And our eyes met.
Sharp. Sudden.
My breath hitched. Heat tore through me.
He started to walk towards me. Slowly. Controlled. Yet, dangerously.
Though heavily bandaged around his forearm and across his chest, he felt overwhelming. Powerful. Imposing.
And yet, I couldn't look away.
As he came closer, he watched me with the unwavering focus of a gaze, dark and thick as spilled ink.
He stopped a step away. Close enough for me to feel that heavy presence.
His gaze flickered over me once before settling.
Dark. Heavy. Possessive.
"Mother," he said calmly, not taking his eyes off me.
"I'd like a moment with my dear wife?"