“Freya?” Gwyneth’s sweet voice floated through the door, fake as always.
When I didn’t answer, the door opened anyway. Gwyneth stepped inside like the Alpha’s house belonged to her alone.
“Sister, I know you’ve been … going through things. But it’s my birthday, and all the pack members are asking where you are. You need to come greet everyone. Even if Father is angry with you… you’re still his daughter.”
I stayed silent and kept folding clothes.
“Freya, please? I’m just trying to keep our pack peaceful.”
Then another voice followed. Deeper. Colder. His.
“Where are you going? Why can’t you act normal for once—”
“You are my warrior, not my Alpha. Don’t forget your place.”
My words cut through the air like claws, and Gareth stopped, his expression empty and unreadable.
I hadn’t seen him since the night he sold my legacy, the night he humiliated me in front of the whole pack. The night the male who had once been my fated mate treated me worse than a rogue.
“Lady Freya, you have everything,” he finally said, tone formal.
“The Silverfang Pack has a tremendous legacy. You don’t need to fight with your sister or torment her. The least you can do is show up for one night. Just behave.”