Chapter 24

I just didn’t know where to start. There were so many things I wanted to say, and I’d thought about what I finally would when I got a chance since Alpha Glenn originally told me he would think about it after the wedding got interrupted.

Now, sitting in front of them, I found the words impossible to find. My hands twisted, pulling at each other as my heart rate sped up and my breath came out shorter and harsher.

“Harper,” Alpha Glenn’s soft tone broke through my anxiety, “It’s going to be okay, we just need some more details about what’s been going on.”

I nodded, deciding that there was nothing else I could do but let it still out of me like water from a dam that finally gives away under pressure.

“Mason is abusing me, and I’m really scared. At this point, I don’t know how else I’ll be able to get away from him. When I first moved to the West to go to school, he immediately started pursuing me. I didn’t think he was genuine at first, but he persisted until I finally agreed to go on a date with him.

“Things started off fine. Well, to me anyway. I’ve had a friend point out that he’s always seemed possessive and I just didn’t notice. Maybe I just thought it was normal because we’re fated mates –”

I abruptly stopped. Were Mason and I really fated mates? It was something I always accepted because he told me it was true and I thought he loved me, but after realizing he wasn’t who I thought, there’s a good chance that it’s not true at all. A lie.

Luna Michelle cleared her throat. “I’m sorry for being so forward, but you haven’t shifted yet, have you?”

My cheeks flamed, but I shook my head.

“Then, you don’t really know that you’re fated mates,” she continued. “Did he tell you that?”

I nodded.

“Harper, have you considered that he might be lying to you? I don’t want to be too blunt, but I don’t think he would abuse you if you were fated mates.”

It wasn’t too forward because that was exactly the conclusion that I was starting to draw. Hearing that someone else thought the same thing helped me get a little clarity. Before I could say anything, Alpha Glenn cut in.

“I also know that the Ridgeway Pack has been attempting to establish a partnership with the White Fang Pack for years now, but Alpha Levi has resisted working with them until this point.”

I chewed on my lip. It seemed plausible that Mason lied to me for the opportunity to get in Levi’s good graces. That’s also most likely why I caught him lying about how Levi felt about him. Relations with the White Fang Pack wouldn’t only help Ridgeway financially, but Mason within the alpha community.

“Things have gotten really bad the past few weeks. He even caught me by surprise and blood cursed me. He’s been using it to hurt me when I don’t do exactly what he wants or when I try to get away,” I explained.

The color drained from both the alpha and luna’s face as they heard my confession. Most likely, the reality of what has been going on is a lot worse than they originally thought. I didn’t exaggerate anything to gain their sympathy. If they would help me, I wanted them to do it because they knew the truth and agreed that it was too much to bear. Of course, I hoped the truth would be enough.

Alpha Glenn watched her with serious eyes. “Messing with a blood curse is dangerous. Depending on how strong he really is, he’ll always know your exact location until it’s gone, but getting rid of it is a whole other problem.”

“We do have people who might be able to help with that, but it wouldn’t be an easy process,” Luna Michelle said.

I nodded, listening and considering what both of them were telling me. “I understand that talking to me, much less actually helping me escape, comes with risks for both of you and your pack. I know I’m asking a lot, but if you did decide to help me, then I don’t care. I’ll do anything to finally be free of him.”

The alpha and luna looked at each other for a few moments before nodding and looking back at me with a new resolve in their eyes.

“The only way that we’ll be able to help you is if cut ties with the White Fang Pack and become a rogue,” Luna Michelle said.

I inhaled sharply. I didn’t feel like I was a part of the White Fang Pack, and hadn’t for a long time, but the thought of something so extreme still tugged at my heart. To escape Mason, I’d also have to sever the last bond that I had with Levi.

She continued. “I know it’s a lot to take in and consider, but it’s the only way. I’m so sorry for everything you’ve gone through. We want to help you, but it won’t be without sacrifice.”

Could I really cut ties with what little family I had? Levi may not have been perfect, but he did take me in and make sure that I was taken care of when my parents died. But I’d always been a burden on him. Without me to worry about, then Levi would be able to focus more on his life and what makes him happy and the White Fang Pack. After everything he’d sacrificed for me over the years, he deserved that.

“Alright, I’ll do it,” I told them with a nod. This would be the best for everyone.

“Today?” Luna Michelle asked.

I nodded again, but the lump in my throat prevented me from saying anything.

“Keep your phone close,” Alpha Glenn told me. “We’ll message you when we’ll be able to meet again and get you out of there.”

I managed to choke out my thanks before standing up on shaky legs and go back to the bus stop. The ride passes in a blur, my thoughts are too occupied with what I would have to do. I couldn’t wait any longer, I knew that. If I wanted to break free of Mason, I would have to talk to Levi as soon as possible.

When I arrived back at the pack house, I didn’t go in straight away even though I knew that was dangerous. I wouldn’t get another chance to talk to Levi and sever the bond.

My hands trembled as I took out my phone and pressed on his contact. The line only rang a couple of times before he picked up.

“Harper? Are you okay?” He sounded breathless.

His life would be so much better once I wasn’t a burden on his shoulders anymore.

“Yeah, I need to talk to you,” I said.

“What is it?”

“I want to sever ties with the White Fang Pack.” The words flew out of my in a rush. I thought they would be too hard to say if I thought about them for too long, it was better for everyone to just get it over with so that we could all move on. No matter how painful it was.

Silence. I bit my lip and held my breath, stopping myself from saying anything else. I couldn’t stop the tears that leaked out of the corner of my eyes. I didn’t want to say goodbye to him forever, but it was the only way.

“Fine.” His voice is low and deadly. He’d never talked to me like that before. “If you want to completely abandon me so that you can bind yourself solely to Mason and his pack, then have it your way and never come back.”