Chapter 5

"What are you talking about, Audrey?"

Walker's voice trembled, lacking confidence, but he kept up his act in front of me.

I sighed and showed him my phone. "Ursula sent me a message. She kept bragging about how much you love her, saying her arm was reattached and that silver blade was fake."

Walker's hands shook, his back soaked with cold sweat.

I pretended to look heartbroken. "She told me to try stabbing you. You're an alpha, more sensitive to silver. If nothing happens to you, then she was right."

I sighed again.

I collapsed in front of Walker.

Before I blacked out, I heard his desperate, sobbing cries.

When I woke, he dragged the rogue wolf who tried to kidnap me and threw him at my feet. "He drugged you! How dare he drug you!"

Walker was too furious to maintain his usual calm. He slapped the rogue wolf with every word. "How dare you!"

Walker grabbed a knife and cut off the man's head, then threw himself at me, rubbing his face against mine. "Audrey, it's my fault. Please forgive me! I just wanted you to rely on me more. I didn't think he'd do this to you!"

I looked away.

The truth was, I secretly took the drug when Walker wasn't looking.

I wanted to see if he'd choose his friend or me.

Clearly, to keep his revenge plan on track, he needed to keep me close.

I stared at the terrified head on the floor and smiled.

Walker's anger seemed genuine, but he was a fool who didn't even trust his own allies.

I reached up and patted his head. "I forgive your recklessness, Walker. But don't do this again. It hurts me."

Walker shook his head quickly. "Never! I'll always love you!"

I nodded and showed him my phone. "Emily's coming soon."

I caught the flash of excitement in his eyes as he grabbed my hand. "Audrey, you actually called your sister! Is this your surprise for me?"

He kissed me gently and clapped his hands. "I brought someone for you too, as my way of making it up to you."

Ursula walked in, her lips pursed. At Walker's signal, she bowed to me. "I'm sorry, Audrey. I was wrong to provoke you! But I have one request-I want to move into your home. The Moon Goddess's decree means Walker can't live without my pheromones."

I didn't know why Ursula suddenly changed her tune, but I was sure Walker promised her something to make her swallow her pride.

Perhaps, on their bonding day, he'd present my head as her gift?

Ursula's attitude was far from sincere, but Walker wanted me to accept her apology immediately.

I smiled. "You don't need my approval. I'm moving out soon."

Walker's face darkened as he grabbed my hand, demanding, "Audrey, what do you mean? We're about to bond. Where are you going?"

I pressed my lips together, looking at him calmly.

I was going home with Emily, of course.

To bond with another alpha.