I needed to sleep so that I can battle prop

it. She worked alongside me, occasionally muttering about ungrateful pack members and the arrogance of the

spite did

down a tray of herbs. Her tone was cas

ed, sensing the te

ols, and..." She hesitated, her

ssed, my sto

cking on eligible females. H

t eligible, am I? He'd never pick someone like me. I don't even have a wolf so I don't

need to understand how this pack operates. Tadhg doe

. Tadhg, the Alpha's son, barely acknowledged

-

oned me to the main hall. Niamh was wa

oice lacking its usual edge. "Co

dliness was as unnatural as the idea of Tadhg seeking

the center, his towering frame commanding attention. His wolf

oom. She gave me a subtle nod, her si

smile saccharine. "Good luck," she whispe

w, refusing to r

arrowing. His gaze swept over me, apprais

han," he said,

ied, keeping

a smirk. "No wolf. No

arper than any blade.

" I said quietly, my voice t

is eyes. "Approval? You think this is about approval? I wonder what

tes?! Tadhg and I?!?! What are

ffocating. "I reject you, Aoife. Y

cry as a wave of rejection swept over me. The pack's whispers faded into white noi

-

e bond, yet his rejection struck as if I did. Tears pricked my e

ht of the pain crush me. But then, like a flicker

li

hing I valued. He was corrupt, just like his father, and I despised him for it

possibilit

s gaze. His smirk faltered for a moment, surprise flickering

said, my voice

brows knitting t

ck, my hands trembling but my chin held high.

murs, the pack members e

d and mocking. "Oh, this is rich," she said, clapping

ach step felt like a small victory, a reclaimi

r things. A mate like Tadhg wo

Tadhg, I have passed. Should you want to pair me next time, pair me wit

-

waiting. She took one look at

" she sai

ing back spilled over. "It hurt," I whispe

ng over my hair. "But you're stronger th

t. I was free. Tadhg wouldn't be able to weigh me down. If he had accepted me,

ut it sends shudd

che in my chest still lingered. But bene

ion define me. I wouldn't let

out, my chance to leave this li

whatever it too

-

time, more intense and dee

swer the pull that stirred something deep with

that this choice wou