chapter Twenty–Seven: Conflict of Interests
Alex had to practically drag me down the stairs back to the
party. We walked back into the room and I couldnt stop
myself from dwelling on what my fathers passcode could
- be. If I could just get my hands on the antidote I would be able
to leave and never set foot in this place ever again.
My eyes scanned the crowd, landing on Black who was standing
on the other side of the room. The mask had been good for
more than just disguising him, it also made it easy to pick him.
out in a room full of people.
I made it halfway across the room before noticing my father
was watching me. I stopped next to Theo, but my father.
continued staring. My anxiety started to grow as Father nudged
Daniel and gestured toward us.
“Something bothering you?” Theo whispered in my ear.
I found it fascinating he could still read me so well even through.
the mask.
“100m worried we may have been noticed,” I whispered back,
slightly nodding toward the two.
Theo turned his head and took in the scene.
“I cant blame them, you re captivating,” he replied in a
low seductive tone. “Let them look. Reacting to their attention
will only give them more of a reason to pry. Dont worry, 10
♦ll take care of everything.”
His words reassured me that everything would be alright. As
long as I kept calm, everything would be over soon. My heart
started to beat fiercely as I watched Daniel making his way.
toward us through the groups of people.
I was about to get Theo✪✪s attention again when someone.
burst into the room yelling.
“Alpha Eric! Wheres the Alpha?” the soldier shouted,
causing all the guests to fall silent and direct their attention.
toward the interruption.
“Here, now, whats going on?” my father replied, hurrying.
over to speak with the injured soldier.
It looked like he had been involved in a fight. His uniform had
been ripped to shreds and his left hand was clutching a serious-
looking injury. Blood seeped out of other cuts visible to
everyone in the room. Theo and I moved in closer to find out
what happened as the other guests whispered around us. It was safe to say, to my absolute relief, we were no longer the center
of attention.
Alex slid up next to me just in time, as he had been heading for
the open spot right beside me. “Were being attacked on the
border. They came out of nowhere, we never saw them coming,
the soldier explained, panting through his pain.
“Who? Who is attacking us?” my father asked sternly.
My father sounded concerned, causing a moment of unease in
the room. I was worried. I didnt even live here anymore, but
I couldnt stop myself from caring about what was going on
at the border. The injured soldier hadnt replied fast enough,
and my father grabbed him by the shoulders and started
shaking him.
“Answer me, damn it! Who is attacking us?” he bellowed.
The poor messenger just shook his head, unable to identify the
enemy. I found myself compelled to rush up and prevent my
father from hurting the guy. Before I had a chance, Alex reached.
over and took me carefully by the arm. I suspect he could feel
my intentions, or maybe it was something he would have done.
Alpha Eric dropped the soldier to the floor. “I must go see what
s going on at the border. Please, enjoy the rest of the party and I will be back for the grand ceremony.”
He then hurried out of the room, leaving stunned guests and the injured man on the floor. I turned to Theo and had a moment of
suspicion. He hadnt reacted at all to the ordeal that had
just played out before us. I couldnt help but wonder if he
had something to do with what was going on.
“Dont think that way,” Aurora scoffed.
Nice for her to suddenly make herself known. As annoyed as I
was by her scolding, she was right. Theo wouldnt do
anything if he thought it would put me in danger.
The party came to an end with no sign of my father. The guests
dispersed to prepare for the upcoming ceremony. Theo and I
had been provided a room in part of the building I had never
seen. It was only reserved for the “elite” guests who would.
come to visit. As soon as we were behind closed doors I
removed the stuffy mask.
All I could think about was how to get my hands on the antidote
and who was attacking the Dark Moon pack. I looked over to
find Theo studying me closely. He hadnt removed his mask.
yet, and I found it difficult to read him.
“I can see this is really bothering you,” he said, closing the
distance between us before I was able to blink. “If you want me
to help them, all you need to do is say so.”
“100”
Before I could say anything, the door to our room flew open and my father rushed inside. Theo acted quickly and stepped. between my father and me. I quickly put my mask back on and, lucky for me, the old man hadnt seen my face.
“Alpha Cade, I require your assistance,” my father announced, his Alpha tone booming in his voice.
Theo straightened his back and approached Father as an equal,
holding his gaze with a strength only an Alpha has.
“When I chose my youngest daughter to take on the role of Alpha of our pack, I promised her I would do everything in my power to give her a ceremony to remember. She s been
through so much and worked hard to earn her position,” my
father explained..
Aurora growled in the back of my mind and I could feel anger
clouding my judgment.
“What would I have to gain from helping you, Alpha Eric?” Theo
replied coldly.
“Any assistance you need in the future will be provided from the
Dark Moon pack, no questions asked,” my father answered,
expecting an instant agreement.
“I need to think about it,” he answered, causing my fathers
elaster Twenty Seven Conflict of Interests
expression to drop.
“Ill await your answer, then,” Father stammered before
storming out of the room.
Alex hurried over and closed the door, turning around while
mocking Alpha Eric.
“Ill await your answer,” he mocked in a high–pitched goofy
voice. “Mia❖❖s my perfect little princess, after all.”
I couldnot hide my frustration, even with the mask covering
my flushed cheeks and tear–filled eyes. Theo shot Alex a look,
causing the doctor to stop his taunting.
“Im sorry, Samantha. The guy just gets under my skin. Do
you really want us to help that spoiled brat after she stole the
position of Alpha from you?” he asked kindly.
I was torn, so many emotions were hitting me at the same time
and I couldnt think clearly. On one hand, I still care about
what happens to the pack. Not everyone had treated me
horribly. But on the other hand, it would mean helping the people
who had abused me for years. I turned toward Theo. He had a
spark of anger in his eyes, looking more menacing than ever.
“What do you think?” I asked, determined to follow his lead.
