Chapter 2

Less than two hours after Lucas informed the pack of my decision to return, I received confirmation. In three days, a helicopter would come to extract me. I wanted nothing more to do with Alpha Ryland Palmer. Gritting my teeth, I managed to pull on my jeans and stumbled out of the pack infirmary, searching for a place to hide out for the next few days.

But it felt like every pack member was dissecting me with their eyes. I kept my head down until a rogue blocked my path.

"Hey there, beautiful. Remember me? You were quite the party the other night. Ready for round two?"

He slung an arm around my shoulder and started making sleazy comments, his eyes shamelessly roving over me. Memories of two nights ago flooded my mind. I shoved him away as hard as I could, but he only became more aggressive. The pack members around us started whispering, alternating between watching me and glancing at their phones.

"Is she really pulling a stunt right here in the pack square? Quite the show," someone remarked.

Another even joked with the rogue, "When you’re done, maybe I could get a chance?"

Panicking, I pleaded for help from those around me, but no one stepped in. The rogue kicked me to the ground. Lying there in despair, I grabbed at the hem of the only other woman’s skirt, hoping for her help. She pushed me away with disdain, as if I were diseased.

Curled up on the cobblestones, I closed my eyes. Clutching a stone, I was ready to defend myself if necessary. Then I heard Lilly’s voice.

"Alpha Ryland, you're devious. With this ‘damsel in distress’ stunt, she'll be forced to go along with your plan."

"Don’t overdo it," Alpha Ryland’s voice replied, "She’s going to be your Luna eventually."

The voices faded as the rogue attacked again. At the last moment, Alpha Ryland kicked him away, scooping me up from the ground.

"Your injuries aren’t even healed. Why are you out here?" Alpha Ryland scolded, holding me close.

"The photos are already online. I’m doing my best to contain them. No matter what happens, I’ll have your back, okay?"

Alpha Ryland sighed as he looked at me. Seeing my reluctance to return to the infirmary, he brought me to his den.

The shrill ring of a phone shattered the silence between us. Alpha Ryland stepped away to answer in the living room. When he returned, he handed me a Victorian-style dress from the closet.

"Lilly means well. She found a top healer from another pack for you. Let’s go see him."

A chill ran down my spine. Calmly, I pushed Alpha Ryland back. "I’m fine. I don’t need healing."

He frowned, his alpha aura pressing down on me. "Penelope, be reasonable! We’re all trying to help."

Despite my protests, Alpha Ryland insisted on taking me to the car. His driving was reckless, and even lying flat in the passenger seat, every bump pulled painfully at my wounds, bringing back memories from two nights ago.

With a sudden stop, the car came to a halt, and Alpha Ryland opened my door, pulling me out. Pack members glared maliciously, whispering vile comments. I could only cover my ears in shame, feeling like I belonged in the shadows.

Head down, I let Alpha Ryland lead me. As soon as we entered the consultation room, Lilly rushed to greet us.

"Penelope, I’ve found a healer from another pack. He’ll help heal the damage caused by that rogue."

The healer’s gaze unsettled me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Alpha Ryland positioned me at the center of the room, the bright lights making me uncomfortable.

"Relax," the healer said soothingly. "I know sitting's uncomfortable right now, so I’ve arranged a bed for you. Lie down however you’re most comfortable."

I fixed my eyes on the clock, counting the seconds. One... two... three...