“If you touch me again, I’ll rip your throat out!” Victoria snarled at the guard who blocked her path. Her blonde hair whipped around as she turned, searching for someone with actual authority.
The two guards stood firm at the packhouse entrance, unmoved by her threats. The taller one spoke calmly, “Alpha’s orders, Miss Victoria. No exceptions.”
“This is absurd! I’ve been coming here for years!” Victoria’s voice carried across the courtyard, drawing curious stares from passing pack members.
When she spotted Ezra approaching, relief washed over her face. “Ezra! Thank the Moon Goddess. Tell these idiots to let me through.”
Ezra glanced at the scene, his expression unimpressed. Instead of helping, he grasped Victoria’s elbow and pulled her away from the entrance.
“What are you doing?” she hissed, yanking her arm free. “I need to see Zayn!”
Ezra led her toward a secluded corner of the courtyard. “Lower your voice. Creating a scene won’t help your cause.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Is it true? That little mute Brightpaw bitch is living in the packhouse now?”
“Watch your tongue,” Ezra warned. “Yes, Lily has moved into the packhouse. By Zayn’s order.”
Victoria’s face contorted with rage. She spat on the ground. “I should have killed her when I had the chance. That weak, useless—”
“Careful,” Ezra cut her off, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. “Those words could be considered treason now. If Zayn heard you speaking about his mate like that—”
“Mate?” Victoria laughed bitterly. “He rejected her! Everyone saw it!”
Ezra sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “Things have changed. Zayn has made his choice, and as his pack, we follow. Even you, Victoria.”
Victoria’s perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms. “This can’t be happening. I’ve been by his side all these years. Through everything. And now he chooses her?”
For a moment, vulnerability cracked through her anger. Ezra’s expression softened slightly. Victoria had been instrumental during their years of enslavement. She’d brought Zayn comfort when he needed it most.
“Listen,” Ezra said, lowering his voice. “Fighting won’t get you anywhere. If you want to win back Zayn’s favor, you need to be smart.”
Victoria’s eyes lit up. “What do you suggest?”
“The full moon is in two weeks,” Ezra said carefully. “You know how difficult these times are for Zayn.”
Victoria nodded. Everyone in the inner circle knew about Zayn’s painful transformations during full moons. His wolf became nearly uncontrollable, filled with bloodlust and rage.
“Help prepare for that night,” Ezra continued. “Show Zayn you still care for his well-being. It might soften his resolve.”
Victoria’s expression shifted as she considered his words. “The silver chains will need reinforcing. And the isolation chamber needs to be prepared.”
“Exactly,” Ezra nodded. “Take charge of those preparations. Prove your loyalty to him.”
Victoria’s red lips curved into a smile. “That’s not a bad idea. Especially since that girl will be useless during his transformation. She doesn’t even have a wolf.” f|re(e)web.n\ovel. (c)o.m
Ezra frowned at her tone but didn’t correct her. If focusing on Lily’s perceived shortcomings motivated Victoria to help with the full moon preparations, so be it. .com
“How is she, anyway?” Victoria asked, her voice dripping with false concern. “I heard she was injured.”
“She’s unconscious,” Ezra replied. “Talia gave her something for the pain.”
Victoria scoffed. “Of course she is. Weak little thing couldn’t handle a single whipping. Zayn endured much worse under her father’s command.”
“That’s not fair—” Ezra began.
“No, what’s not fair is that she gets to live in luxury while the rest of us suffered for years,” Victoria cut him off. “What’s not fair is that Zayn is blinded by whatever spell she’s cast on him.”
She paced back and forth, her anger building again. “A weak little runt like her will never be able to bear a healthy pup. Can you imagine? The Alpha’s bloodline weakened by her tainted genes?”
Ezra’s eyebrows shot up. “Victoria—”
“I won’t let that happen,” she continued, her voice hardening with resolve. “I won’t let her give him children. Never.”
The venom in her voice made Ezra step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “What exactly are you planning, Victoria?”
She blinked, as if suddenly remembering who she was talking to. Her expression smoothed into a pleasant smile. “Nothing drastic, Ezra. Don’t worry.”
“Victoria,” Ezra’s tone was warning. “Whatever you’re thinking, be careful. Don’t hurt Zayn in the process.”
“Hurt Zayn?” Victoria looked genuinely offended. “Everything I do, I do for him. I would never hurt him.”
Ezra studied her face carefully. Victoria had always been ambitious, but her loyalty to Zayn had never been in question. Still, jealousy could make people dangerous.
“Just remember your place,” he said finally. “Zayn has made his choice. Whether you like it or not.” fre.eweb novel\.c om
Victoria’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “For now, perhaps. But things change.”
She straightened her dress, composing herself. “I’ll begin preparations for the full moon immediately. The silver chains, the reinforced room, the sedatives—everything will be perfect.”
Ezra nodded cautiously. “Good. I’ll inform Zayn of your assistance.”
“Thank you, Ezra,” Victoria said sweetly. “And don’t worry. I know my limits. Everything I do, I do it with Zayn’s wellbeing in mind.”
As she walked away, her hips swaying confidently, Ezra couldn’t shake the feeling that he had just made a terrible mistake. Victoria was resourceful and determined—a dangerous combination when fueled by jealousy.
He watched her disappear around the corner, wondering if he should warn Zayn. But what could he say? That Victoria was unhappy? Everyone already knew that. That she might cause trouble? Without proof, it would seem like he was creating problems where none existed.
Ezra sighed heavily. He would keep a close eye on Victoria in the coming days. Whatever she was planning, he wouldn’t let her hurt Zayn—or Lily. The pack had suffered enough turmoil. They needed stability now, not more chaos.
With one last look in the direction Victoria had gone, Ezra turned and headed back to the packhouse. He had a message to send to his brother and a full moon to prepare for. Whatever Victoria was planning would have to wait. For now, at least, he had more pressing concerns.