Elle’s POV
I stared at Ivy’s family, feeling a mix of disbelief and disgust wash over me. They were all just… sitting
there. Calm. Almost satisfied.
David was getting his ass kicked by his wife, and none of them seemed remotely angry about the fact that he was married. What the hell was wrong with these people?
“You know,” Sophia said quietly beside me, tucking her phone away, “David drives a pretty nice car for someone in his position. BMW, latest model. That suggests he’s got some serious werewolf backing.”
The pieces suddenly clicked into place, and I felt like an idiot.
Ivy wasn’t some innocent victim. She was a calculating bitch who’d played everyone – including me and Brad. I thought back to our first meeting, how she’d tried to use reverse psychology to keep me away from the Blair family. Then after Stella became my godmother, how she’d been cold until she realized I didn’t want the Blair fortune and had Alpha protection.
We’d all been played. Brad and Sophia had probably figured it out ages ago, but Brad had let me walk into this mess because he wanted me to come to him for help. Wanted to prove his value as an Alpha.
And Ivy’s family? They were all in on it.
I felt sick to my stomach. What a fucking waste of time.
“That bitch,” I muttered under my breath.
“Which one?” Sophia asked with a smirk.
Before I could answer, the shouting escalated behind us. David’s wife Linda had gone completely feral, clawing at David like a rabid animal while he tried to dodge her attacks. It was pathetic- two humans making complete fools of themselves in front of werewolves.
And then Ivy, who’d been watching from the sidelines like it was entertainment, suddenly decided David
needed her help.
“Get off him, you crazy bitch!‘ Ivy shrieked, grabbing Linda’s hair and yanking hard.
I watched in disgust as Ivy – who’d just had surgery and should barely be able to stand – threw herself into
a three–way brawl. So much for being too weak to defend herself.
The three of them rolled around on the ground, scratching and pulling hair like animals. In front of werewolves. The secondhand embarrassment was overwhelming.
Jesus Christ,” I said, turning away. “This is humiliating
It’s about to get worse,” Sophia warned.
Linda broke free from the tangle and stumbled backward, her face twisted with rage. She reached into her purse and pulled out a sharp kitchen knife.
I’m gonna kill you both!” she screamed. “You fucking homewreckers!”
Ivy’s eyes went wide with terror. For all her scheming, she clearly hadn’t expected things to get this violent. She scrambled to her feet and started running.
“Elle!” she screamed, heading straight for me. “Help me!
And that’s when I realized this was all part of her plan too. Ivy wasn’t running randomly – she was deliberately bringing the danger to me. Trying to make me her human shield while she hid behind me like
a coward.
I felt Brad tense beside me, his Alpha instincts kicking in as he sensed the threat to his mate. His eyes flashed gold for a split second, and I knew he could easily disarm Linda before she got anywhere near us.
But then something strange happened.
Linda came charging at us, knife raised, while Ivy dove behind me like I was a fucking meat shield.
“Elle, save me!” Ivy wailed dramatically.
Brad moved then, but not fast enough. Not nearly fast enough for an Alpha who could probably catch a bullet if he wanted to. The knife sliced across his forearm, drawing blood, and he staggered backward with
a pained grunt.
My heart stopped.
“Brad!” I screamed, reaching for him.
Linda and David both went white as sheets, finally realizing what they’d done. You don’t hurt an Alpha werewolf. Ever. Not if you want to live.
“Oh shit, David gasped. ‘Lisa, you’re fucked! You just injured Brad Rayne! The whole fucking city can’t
save you now!”
Linda dropped the knife and collapsed to her knees, trembling. She knew exactly what this meant.
I pulled Brad’s arm toward me, examining the cut. It was bleeding, but not too deep. Still, seeing his blood
made my eyes burn with tears.
“You idiot!” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “Why didn’t you just dodge? You could have moved!”
Brad looked at me with such tender eyes, like he was savoring my concern. “If I’d moved, you would’ve gotten hurt. This is nothing compared to keeping you and the baby safe.”
His voice was rough with “pain,” though something about his expression seemed almost… satisfied?
“I’d give my life for you,” he continued dramatically. “What’s a little cut?”
More tears fell as I touched his face. “Does it hurt?”
Brad’s eyes practically gleamed with triumph. “Not anymore. Kiss me and I’ll forget all about it.”
I wanted to roll my eyes at his shameless flirting, but I was too worried about the injury to care.
Martin and Stella rushed over, frantically calling for the doctor. Nobody wanted to be responsible for an
injured Alpha.
The sight of Brad bleeding because of me made my chest tight with guilt and love.
“Elle, Brad said softly, putting on his most pathetic expression. “I’m hurt. Can I stay with you tonight at the Blair house? I need you to take care of me.”
I can’t believe he’s using this trick again!
But I couldn’t bring myself to say no.
“Of course,” I whispered.
Then Brad’s entire demeanor shifted. The wounded, vulnerable act vanished completely, replaced by the cold, commanding presence of an Alpha.
Ivy, who’d been trying to approach us, froze mid–step as Brad’s golden eyes locked onto her. The temperature in the courtyard seemed to drop ten degrees.
“Since Ivy has proven herself unworthy of the Blair family name, Brad said, his voice carrying absolute
authority, ‘she’s no longer suitable as an heir. Isn’t that right, Martin?”
It wasn’t a question. It was a command.
Martin nodded quickly, not daring to contradict an Alpha. “Yes, of course.”
Ivy’s parents opened their mouths to protest, but one look from Brad shut them up completely. The Alpha’s presence was overwhelming, making every human in the vicinity feel like prey.
“This matter no longer concerns Elle,” Brad announced, taking my hand possessively. “She’s tired. She
needs rest.”
We walked away from the chaos.
Behind us, Ivy and David’s family were left to sort out their own mess. None of us gave a damn what happened to them after this humiliating display.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
