Chapter 5 #2
It takes a sick kind of wolf to do that to another, and Dr. Aspen fits the bill.
I swear he smiled while I was writhing in agony.
He enjoyed it. And now, he’s smiling like he’s the man of the hour with metal briefcases clasped in each hand.
No doubt they’re full of syringes containing the serum he stole, ready to bind mates together for life.
Commander Kane is here, too. At Alpha’s side, half a step behind.
His intensely dark eyes are fixed blankly ahead, jaw tight and a deep crease carved between his brows.
People are usually excited for the full moon run, so looking like someone pissed in his Cheerios must just be the guy’s default expression.
Kinda scary.
Kinda hot.
Still kinda hate myself for rubbing one out in the shower while picturing his face, but that’s a whole other issue for a therapist to unpack someday.
“Welcome,” Alpha greets as he comes to a stop, the deep baritone of his voice carrying effortlessly over the crowd. “I’m sure you’re all eager to get out there and run, so let’s not waste any time.”
Excited murmurs ripple through the pack, tempered by the awareness that we’re still out in the open.
The importance of keeping a low profile and blending in with the human population is drilled into us practically at birth.
Being part of the Chicago pack means constant repression– of our wolves, our instincts, our emotions. Ourselves.
“Hurry up!” my mom hisses with an impatient wave.
Alpha’s already leading the way down a dirt path into the woods, the crowd eagerly falling in behind him.
No one here tonight is quite as eager as Ella Slayter, though– the woman can’t wait to see me mated off to some mindless pack soldier.
Char nudges my arm, giving me a little nod of encouragement, and I drag in a deep breath before starting forward.
Every step I take feels heavier than the last. The trees close in around us, the forest swallowing us up as we trudge the dark path weaving through it.
The further we travel, the more the gravity of my situation starts to really settle in.
My heart pounds out of tempo, my palms slick with sweat.
After what feels like an eternity, the path opens up into a large clearing.
Alpha stops, and I swear even the moon above seems to hold its breath as everyone fans out around him, the air pulsing with anticipation.
“Those summoned for the Pairing, step forward,” he barks.
My stomach drops.
Char grabs for my hand, her fingers tightening around mine. “I love you,” she whispers, eyes going glassy.
I squeeze back. “I know.”
I drop her hand and break away before she can start sobbing again, not even glancing in my mom’s direction as I step past her.
Still, I can feel the way she’s beaming at me, radiating pride as I march forward to hand over my freedom.
My mother has never been proud of anything I’ve done, but I suppose there’s a first time for everything.
Roughly forty people come to stand before Alpha, most of whom look absolutely thrilled to be here.
Dozens of singles, like me, and a few happy couples mixed in that have been given his stamp of approval to seal the deal.
Those couples are a kick in the teeth; a cruel reminder of a future I’ll never have.
Alpha clears his throat, then flashes a wolfish grin.
“I’m sure you’re all eager to hear who you’ll be Paired with tonight, hm?
” he asks, smoothly gesturing to one of his officials to step forward.
The man hands him a tablet and he takes it with a flourish, the screen illuminating the harsh lines of his face as he glances down at it.
Murmurs rise from the crowd behind us, the whole pack buzzing with anticipation. This entire thing is a spectacle designed to dazzle the onlookers.
Alpha’s voice carries across the clearing as he begins reading names from the tablet. Pairs, one after another.
I hold my breath, ears ringing, fingertips going numb. His voice fades to a dull hum in the back of my brain as I stare blankly ahead, eyes glazing over.
Until I hear a name I don’t expect.
“Derek Kane.”
A ripple of excitement moves through the crowd like an electric thread, punctuated by gasps of shock. I barely contain my own.
My vision snaps back into focus, gaze locking on Commander Kane standing dutifully at Alpha’s side.
He’s still got that deep furrow to his brow, jaw locked tight as he stares blankly ahead.
Not exactly the picture of an eager participant, but he’s nailing the whole heartless asshole thing he’s known for.
His rank alone makes him the most desirable match in this Pairing, promising a boost in status that few could ever achieve on their own. Alpha knows it, too– he’s drawing this out, toying with his audience for maximum impact.
And it’s working. Anticipation builds like the slow climb of a roller coaster, ratcheting up, up, up…
The corner of Alpha’s mouth lifts in a smirk. “… Paired with Violet Slayter.”
All the air leaves my lungs on the drop.