Chapter 188
+25 Points
The Packhouse was a mess. Men were hanging long curtains of silver and black. Women were carrying huge boxes of expensive food and bottles of wine.
The Gala was only two days away. Everyone in the pack was talking about it. It was supposedly a party to celebrate our strength. They didn’t know it was a trap. They didn’t know that Annabella and her father wanted to steal the souls of their leaders.
I walked down the stairs, trying to look like a woman who had given up. I kept my shoulders slumped. I didn’t fix my hair. I wanted Annabella to think I was defeated. I wanted her to think her plan to steal Astor was working.
“Oh, good! You’re awake!” Annabella’s voice chirped from the living room.
I walked in. Annabella and Ovelia were standing next to a tall mannequin. On the mannequin was a dress. It was a dull, muddy brown color. It had no sparkle and no style. It looked like something a servant would wear to a funeral.
“We picked out your dress for the Gala,” Annabella said. she was wearing a bright, beautiful gold dress that made her look like a star. “Since I’m doing all the planning, I thought I should help you with your fashion too.”
I genuinely wanted to kick her ass but I had to calm myself down.
Ovelia nodded, sipping her tea. “It suits you, Faith. It’s quiet and it doesn’t draw too much attention. Since you’re a runner, you shouldn’t try to stand out.”
I looked at the brown dress. It was an insult. They wanted me to look like a shadow while Annabella stood next to Astor looking like a queen. My wolf was pacing in my head, ready to
rip the dress to pieces.
‘Let her think she won‘ I told my wolf. It’s just a piece of cloth.
“Thank you,” I said. My voice sounded flat and sad. “It’s very simple. I’ll wear it.”
Annabella’s eyes lit up with triumph. She didn’t expect me to agree so easily. She thought I would fight her. When I didn’t, she felt even more powerful.
“Good!” Annabella said. “I’ll have the tailor fix the hem. You can wear some plain shoes with it. I’ll be wearing the family jewels, of course. Astor said I should look my best since I’ll be standing by his side to greet the guests.”
That was a lie. I knew Astor didn’t say that. But I had to pretend I believed her.
זיון
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Chapter 188
+25 Points
“I’m sure you’ll look lovely,” I said. I turned and walked towards the kitchen. I could hear them whispering and giggling behind my back. They thought I was a broken woman.
In the kitchen, I saw Alice. She was helping the Omegas prepare some appetizers. When she saw me, she gave me a tiny, secret nod.
“Luna,” she said loudly. “Would you like to check the menu in the pantry? I have some questions about the meat.”
“Fine,” I said, acting like I didn’t care.
I followed Alice into the large walk–in pantry. As soon as the door closed, Alice grabbed my arm. Her eyes were full of worry.
She reached into her pocket. She pulled out a small pouch. Inside was a dark, dried root. It smelled like the earth and old magic.
“I don’t know why you need this but I’m glad I could help.”
“Thank you.” I said.
I walked out of the pantry and back into the main house. I saw Astor walking toward his office. He looked at me for a split second. His eyes went from warm and feeling to cold and hard. He looked like he hated me.
“Faith,” he said. His voice was like a slap. “Did you see the menu? Make sure it’s done right.
Don’t embarrass me.”
“I’m doing my best, Astor,” I said, my voice trembling. I was a very good actress.
“Your best isn’t good enough lately,” he snapped. He walked past me, and for a second, his hand brushed against mine.
In that tiny second, I felt him push a small piece of paper into my palm.
I kept walking, my heart racing. I went to the bathroom and locked the door. I opened my hand. The paper was small and crinkled.
‘I love you.‘
I felt a rush of warmth. He was still with me. I tore the paper into tiny pieces and flushed them down the toilet.
Annabella thought she was the one playing the game. She thought she was the one who was smart. She thought she was the one who had the Alpha and the Pack.
But the Gala wasn’t going to be her big victory. It was going to be her funeral.
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< Chapter 188
+25 Points >
I walked out of the bathroom and found Marco and Isabella in the hall. They looked sad. They’ve been asking if me and Astor are fighting.
“Mommy?” Isabella asked. “Do we have to go to the party?”
“Yes, sweetie,” I said. I knelt down and hugged them both. “But I want you to stay close to your grandparents. Don’t go anywhere with Annabella or your father. Do you understand?”
“We don’t like her,” Marco said. “She smells like bad flowers.”
I don’t understand what that means but I’m guessing thing can you feel that she is bad news.
“I know,” I said. “But be brave for two more days. After the party, everything will be back to normal. I promise.”
“Is Daddy going to be nice again?” Marco asked.
“Yes,” I said, a tear almost falling for real this time. “Daddy will be back very soon.”
I spent the rest of the day pretending to be a ghost. I let Annabella tell me what to do. I let Ovelia criticize my manners. I even let the tailor measure me for that ugly brown dress.
Every time Annabella smiled at me, I just looked at the floor. I let her feel like she was the Queen of the world.
The stage was set. The trap was ready. Annabella thought she was the hunte
