Evaline:
He stopped merely inches away from me, and despite my anxious inner self, I found myself inhaling his strong scent that took me by surprise.
He smelled like - storm and spiced amber - if I had to put it into words.
It was like the sharp, electrifying scent of an approaching storm, carrying the raw energy of lightning and the briny bite of sea salt.
But also, there's this warmth beneath the cold. The deep, resinous scent of amber added a subtle but undeniable presence, something rich and lingering.
Without realizing it, without even meaning to do it, I found myself inhaling deeply and taking in his unique but irresistible scent. And as I did, my body actually started relaxing, leaving me stunned.
Unfortunately, this peaceful moment didn't last for long as I made the mistake to look up at his face and found his cold orbs fixed on me.
My breath trapped in my throat, and my heartbeat started pounding against my ribs like a frantic bird trying to escape its cage.
I didn't dare move. Didn't dare to breathe too loudly.
And if the burning anger in his deep green eyes was anything to go by, I had every reason to fear him.
I forced my hands to remain steady. I had known he didn't trust me, none of them did. But now, after seeing the way his expression had darkened upon finding me with Lily, I realized just how wary he was of me.
And considering how important Lily seemed to be in this mansion, I could see why my presence near the child had only fueled his anger.
He took a slow step closer, causing his boots to echo against the marble floor.
I fought the urge to shrink away.
"Stay away from Lily," he said in a controlled voice, but his tone left no room for argument.
I nodded stiffly. It wasn't like I had a choice.
"Do you think I'm a fool, Evaline?"
His question caught me off guard, and I hesitated before shaking my head. "No, Alpha."
River's eyes narrowed. "Then you should know that I see exactly what you are doing."
I swallowed. "I don't know what you mean."
His jaw clenched at my response. "You have already caused enough chaos in my home. First Oscar, then Draven, both my brothers are furious, and do you know why?"
I didn't answer.
He took another step forward, coming really close. His towering frame was casting a long shadow over me.
"Because of you."
I felt my pulse spike and my throat drying at the sharpness in his tone.
"You have been testing their patience, pushing them, making them angry. And now, they want you dead," he revealed coldly.
My breath hitched and I felt my body going numb for a moment.
"I can handle my brothers when they are angry, but when both Oscar and Draven come to me demanding the same thing…" His eyes gleamed with something dark, something unforgiving. "It makes me wonder if I should finally listen."
I forced my hands to remain still even as a cold shiver ran down my spine.
They wanted me dead. I had known Oscar and Draven hated me, maybe Kieran too. But for them to go so far as to demand my execution…
I clenched my fists.
I should have stayed quiet. Should have bowed my head and let him walk away. But something inside me snapped.
I had done nothing wrong. And I was tired of being blamed for things I had no control over.
"I never went anywhere near your brothers on purpose," I said in a steady voice despite the fear curling in my gut. "I have done everything I could to stay out of their way."
River's expression darkened. "And yet, you still managed to anger them. That tells me one thing - you are a problem, Evaline."
His words were sharp, precise, and designed to cut. But I had spent too many years being wounded by words to let them make me bleed.
I lifted my chin slightly, digging my nails into my palms. "If my existence alone is enough to make them angry, then that sounds like their problem," I said. I was just unable to stop myself.
And I knew that I made a mistake... a huge one.
River's eyes turned cold. "Watch yourself," he warned. "If you keep testing my patience, I will kill you myself."
The words should have sent terror crashing through me. And yet… a bitter laugh almost escaped my lips.
The words I wanted to say were right there, at the tip of my tongue.
Then do it.
Kill me.
End this miserable existence.
I had nothing left.
No pack. No family. No freedom.
What was I even fighting for anymore?
But just as the thought solidified in my mind, something else shattered through me. My hand twitched over my stomach as the unspoken truth settled in my chest like a heavy stone.
I might not be alone.
There was a chance, however small, that another life existed within me. It was a life I hadn't chosen, a life I didn't know if I even wanted.
But… it was still life.
And for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to throw it away.
I pressed my lips together. My heart was pounding so loudly I swore he could hear it.
He was watching me carefully, as if trying to decipher my thoughts. But after a long, heavy pause, he exhaled sharply and turned on his heel.
"I expect you to remember what I said," he called over his shoulder. "If you make my brothers angry again, I won't stop them next time."
I stayed silent, watching as he disappeared down the hall.
Only when I was certain he was gone did I allow myself to breathe. I let out a shuddering exhale and pressed my hands against the cool marble floor in an attempt to steady myself.
I was trembling.
Whether from fear, anger, or something else entirely, I wasn't sure.
All I knew was one thing... I couldn't stay here.
River had just made it painfully clear, if I remained in this mansion, I wouldn't survive. Whether it was Sera, Oscar, Draven, or even River himself… someone would kill me eventually.
And if I really was pregnant… I wasn't just fighting for my own life anymore.
I needed to escape.
But how?
My heart pounded against my ribs as I closed my eyes, taking a slow, steadying breath.
I had no allies. No resources. No plan.
But I was going to find a way.
I had to.