Chapter 7

Elena's POV

“Hey, girl.” The two betas chorused, raising their heads in unison.

I was standing still, looking at what Mila would try to do. I remembered what happened to that rogue in the forest yesterday because he crossed me. Honestly, I didn't want the same for Mila, for I knew she would swiftly learn her place and never cross me again.

“First, bring that bottle in your hand. And next, tell us how you want to die,” one of the detas demanded.

I was shocked to hear this, my jaw clenching. I rose onto my toes, bracing myself with the hope that it was only bullying.

“You would be wise not to lay hands on me unless you seek your own undoing. I am sure you know my father,” Mila argued.

One quickly bent to whisper into the other's ear.

“Misbehaving toward Elena right now is a great offense to this pack. If you get yourself into trouble this way, even your father will reject you,” one deta retorted.

“Let me go peacefully, or show me what you've got up your sleeves. Either way would be interesting,” Mila bellowed while folding her arms casually.

“What a charade. We shouldn't be exchanging words with you.” Both launched forward and grasped each of her arms.

“Iiich, screeeech!” Mila screamed. “Mommy, I'm in danger here!”

Camela scurried out.

“What is going on here?” Camela demanded.

“Mum, Elena has set me up. Tell them to leave me,” Mila protested.

“She is following us to the pack house to explain herself to Varlok.”

“You know what? She's just being immature. I'm sure she doesn't know how to conduct herself in situations like this,” Camela pleaded.

One of the betas snatched the bottle from her hand and pushed her vigorously. She staggered until she fell flat on the ground.

Camela quickly dragged her back inside the healer's building.

“What are you trying to do?” Camela's voice slid into my ears.

“Mum, I don't trust that con, Elena. She's up to something no good,” Mila argued.

“Don't you know...” she charged, her voice becoming faint as she dragged Mila inside.

We turned to leave as we threw ourselves into the car and drove away. Then I began to wonder why the only thing my stepsister could do at this moment in my life was defend herself when I'm obviously the one who needs defending. Defending from the ominous signs of Alpha Varlok's past deeds reoccurring in my life.

Varlok's POV

I opened the letter, which had Golden's name written in the address section on its front.

I had been invited to the marriage ceremony between Golden and Mila. As his uncle, I must show up at the occasion. What luck on his side! I felt jealous briefly, but I am sure everyone shouldn't end up like me in the family—unmated at this age.

I was thinking that Elena hadn't been returned to her place when I heard the jarring of the door. She was now being restrained between two deta's arms in front of me.

They bowed sharply after taking a few steps toward me. I made a quick wave of my hand, and they moved past me.

Immediately, the detas began finding their way out of the house, unlike other days. It was as if they had somewhere they urgently needed to go.

I entered the room where Elena was locked in to check how quickly her wounds were healing since using the healer's potion.

I didn't want my rage to rekindle after all. But if the wound didn't look like it would heal very soon, the detas would have a few more questions to answer from me, which could lead them into trouble.

I had become very furious when I was told a rogue was able to roughen up Elena right under their noses. Their carelessness sometimes made me question why the people of the town praised them and regarded them as being strict with my rules.

I moved closer to her, my steps heavy. Cringing, she maintained the same look as though I were a stranger.

Trying to cover her upper arms and chest, she resisted as I pulled her arms apart. To my surprise, the wound was healing fast. I found it hard to notice that a wound had ever been there.

After that, I left and went upstairs. After a brief sleep, I woke up to my phone ringing. It was Beta Harla calling.

“Hey, Varlok.”

“Hello. How are you, friend?” I replied.

“We need to hold an important meeting together. Just the two of us,” he said, his voice sounding urgent.

“Important? Did you notice an incoming attack against our pack?” I demanded, confused.

“No. It's Mila and the whole of Gamma Gad's family. Please, where can we meet?”

“Okay. Fine. Let's meet in the pack admin room at the pack hall,” I suggested.

“I'll be right there shortly,” he agreed.

Immediately, I stood up. It was already afternoon. I wanted to prepare myself for Harla's arrival. I rushed into the bathroom, then came downstairs. The omega servants were carrying dishes of food to and fro in the dining hall.

Mum crossed paths with me.

“Varlok, since Elena will eventually become your new Luna, she should join me and the head cook in the kitchen already,” she bellowed carelessly.

I only paused my steps to show I had listened to her but did not utter a word because I would only be repeating myself. Elena needs to prove herself first. That's the point.

To my surprise, Harla was already waiting for me in the reception room when I hurriedly drove to the pack's admin room.

We sat across from each other at the long admin table.

“Mila is probably up to something no good with Elena. I received a report of how Mila attacked Elena in front of Kiara's house today. The detas who tried to protect her for you while taking her the healer's potion gave me the report,” Harla frankly pointed out.

“Attack? But Mila is her stepsister. What was the reason for her attack? Maybe there's an unresolved problem between them.”

“I don't think so because the report says that Mila collected Elena's healer's potion while launching verbal attacks, suggesting that she mistook the potion for something against herself,” Harla argued.

“I understand you. I think I should meet with Gad to hear what he has to say concerning what is going on within his family. It hasn't yet been the two months I'm waiting for, and all these things are shattering what was supposed to be a simple wait,” I replied to Harla.

This news actually makes it sound like some of our pack members are becoming scoundrels, and I can't let that define us—not even if it comes from Gad's family.

I was still in the middle of the meeting when I received a call that someone was waiting at home to see me. Immediately, I knew who it was, and I smiled.