Erica
Isighedinresignation,my shoulders slumping as I trailed behind Grant. My eyes narrowed, making my reluctance clear, and my lips pressed into a thin line. The last thing I wanted was another encounter with Alpha Declan, but it wasn't like I had much of a choice.
As we walked through the pack grounds, I couldn't help but take in the flurry of activity around me. Werewolves of all ages bustled about, some sparring in the practice area in the distance, while others carried out various tasks with a sense of purpose. Laughter and conversation filled the air, weaving an undercurrent of camaraderie that made me feel even more like an outsider. My presence didn't go unnoticed. A young werewolf with dirt smeared on his face paused mid-play, curiosity glinting in his eyes as he tilted his head. Another, a woman with sleek black hair, eyed me warily before whispering something to her companion, who then shot me a disdainful look. The weight of their gazes made my skin crawl, and I resisted the urge to wrap my arms around myself.
"Can you walk any slower?" Grant asked, shooting a glance over his shoulder.
"Sorry," I muttered, quickening my pace despite my reluctance. "Just taking in the sights, I guess."
"Trust me, You'll get used to it, eventually. They will too," he said, his tone laced with bitterness.
"Promise?" I asked, the word slipping out before I could stop it. Grant hesitated, then gave me a small, reassuring smile.
"I promise." The words did little to quell the unease churning in my stomach, but I managed to nod and follow him the rest of the way in silence. Every step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the knowledge of what awaited me in Alpha Declan's office. I'd been through enough to know that whatever it was, it wouldn't be pleasant.
"Here we are," Grant announced as he stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. "Ready?" "About as ready as I'll ever be," I replied, forcing a tight smile onto my face. The truth was, I wasn't ready at all. But there was no turning back now.
Grant pushed the heavy wooden door open, and we stepped inside. Alpha Declan sat behind a massive oak desk, his hands clasped together as he eyed me with an unreadable expression. Beta Gregg stood to his right, arms crossed over his broad chest, his gaze more curious than hostile. Liam leaned against the far wall, a warm smile gracing his handsome features as he took in my presence. It was clear they each held their own opinions of me, and I braced myself for whatever interrogation or confrontation might come next.
"Ah, Miss Hallows, thank you for joining us," Alpha Declan said, his voice smooth but commanding. “Please take a seat.” He indicated a leather chair in front of his desk. I sat in the chair and looked down at my hands while fumbling with my fingers. I could feel the Alpha’s eyes on me but I was refusing to look up. I really wanted to get this over and done with so I could go and wallow in the misery that my life had become.
“That’ll be all Grant, thank you,” the Alpha said without looking up at the door. I turned and looked around at Grant in fear. He wasn’t staying? He shot me a weak smile but then nodded to the side.
“Yes Alpha,” he said and closed the door, leaving me alone with the three imposing men.
I glanced around nervously and noticed Liam watching me intently. He straightened up from the wall and took a few steps towards me, his brown eyes softening with genuine concern.
"How are you holding up, Erica?" he asked, attempting to bridge the gap between us. But I wasn't quite ready to let him in. My body stiffened, and I looked away, focusing on a spot just past his left shoulder.
"I'm fine," I muttered, not bothering to hide the edge in my voice.
"Are you sure?" Liam pressed gently. "It can't be easy, being thrust into a new pack like this."
"Like I said, I'm fine." My words were sharp, like shards of glass that I hoped would deter him from prying any further. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not when the stakes were so high.
"Alright, then," Liam conceded, stepping back with an air of disappointment. I knew I'd hurt him, but I couldn't allow myself to feel guilty for it. Not now. Alpha Declan cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to himself.
"We have some matters to discuss, Erica," he stated, his dark eyes boring into mine. I looked back at him and tried not to back down.
“Like what?” I asked, my voice unsteady. What fresh hell did he have for me now?
"I understand that you've been spending most of your time confined to your room." He leaned back into his chair, steepling his fingers. "Is everything alright?"
“Peachy,” I snapped, not bothering to hide the sarcasm. My anger bubbled beneath the surface, threatening to spill over. "I mean, aside from being ripped away from my old life and dropped into this one." Declan frowned, clearly taken aback by my outburst.
"I know this transition hasn't been easy for you," he admitted, leaning forward again. "But it's important that you make an effort to integrate with the pack. You can't spend your entire life hidden away in your room."
"Can't I?" I retorted, crossing my arms over my chest defensively. "I have no choice about being stuck here. What difference does it make where I sit and stare at the walls?"
"Erica," Alpha Declan said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "You are not stuck here. But you must understand, we need to protect you. To do that, we need to know where you are and what you're doing."
"Protect me?" I snorted derisively. "Or control me?" Declan's jaw tightened, and I could tell he was struggling to maintain his patience with me. I knew I was pushing him, but the constant feeling of helplessness had worn me down. It was hard not to lash out when I felt so trapped.
"Both, if necessary," he said finally, his voice like ice. "But my primary concern is your safety, Erica. You may not believe that right now, but in time, I hope you will."
“Sure thing,” I said with a roll of my eyes. Did he really think that I would believe this bullshit?
Despite the anger simmering in my chest, I couldn't help but notice the Alpha's struggle to maintain his composure. He clenched his fists by his sides, and the muscles in his jaw twitched with suppressed emotion. It was clear that my defiance made him uncomfortable, but he was determined to keep a level head.
