Charlotte stepped out of her office and found Georgia lingering near the door. After a brief pause, she said gently, “Georgia, come inside and change. There’s a private bathroom here–go take a shower.”
Thank you, Charlotte,” Georgia replied wearily. She needed the rest arid did not refuse.
Watching Georgia enter, Charlotte turned back to the private room where Preston and Thane awaited.
She was about to report when Thane’s sharp laughter drifted through the door, causing Charlotte to frown.
“Alpha Preston, your club’s impressive. Why the sour face? If it were mine, I’d never leave,” Thane joked with a wide grin.
Preston replied coldly, “There are plenty of clubs like this in Gabbs.”
“is that so?” Thane’s eyes sparkled with eagerness. Then let’s enjoy the night. I hear Gabbs rivals Las Vegas for fun.”
“You should rest, Alpha Thane,” Preston suggested firmly.
The old Alpha of the Shadow Eclipse Pack had died, leaving Thane to inherit leadership. Their territories bordered those of Dark Spike near the Stillwater Range.
Preston had invited Thane to Gabbs to negotiate a truce and ease tensions.
But Preston grew annoyed by Thane’s carefree attitude.
“What did you say?” Thane’s tone hardened, surprised by Preston’s dismissal.
“I said you should rest, Alpha Thane.” Preston rose, moving toward the door but pausing to say, “Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the Stillwater Range. I won’t allow my pack to suffer casualties.”
Thane’s smile vanished. “The Stillwater Range is our land. There’s nothing to debate.
“Clearly, we see this differently,” Preston said flatly. “We’ll settle this tomorrow.”
“How dare you!” Thane’s voice thundered. “That territory belonged to the Shadow Eclipse Pack when my father was alive!”
“Alpha Thane, you stand on Dark Spike land. If I were you, I’d watch your tone–unless you want to leave in one piece.” Preston’s voice was icy as he exited.
Exhausted, Georgia shed the wolf costume and changed in Charlotte’s office, sweat clinging uncomfortably to her brow
She entered the bathroom but didn’t use the bathtub Charlotte offered. Instead, she turned on the tap and washed her
face.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. In the mirror, she caught Preston’s reflection. His sudden presence stiffened her limbs.
Her hands curled into fists.
“Mr. Hill,” she said softly.
Preston sneered, “Who’s this weak, pathetic werewolf in the mirror? It’s you, Georgia.”
Her heart cracked. Teeth clenched, she held her silence.
Reading her stubborn defiance, Preston sensed a flicker of the old Georgia beneath the ruin.
“Why do you look at me like that? Am I wrong? Even humans wouldn’t demean themselves here by howling like dogs. You’ve disgraced all werewolves.”
Her face paled.
Did she want dignity? But she was a rogue without a pack, a prisoner for three years.
Without surrendering her pride, she would have starved on the streets of Gabbs.
Preston studied her every twitch, every flicker of emotion.
He didn’t know what he expected.
Chapter 19
“You’re right, Mr. Hill.” Georgia bowed her head, accepting his humiliation without protest.
Preston’s fury deepened at her silence, his eyes darkening.
His mind churned–usually cool and reserved as Alpha, now frayed and restless
“Preston, don’t look at our mate like that. She’s scared,” Luca, his wolf, whispered inside his mind.
“Shut up, Luca!” Preston snapped, clutching his head.
But Luca persisted gently, “Look how beautiful she is. She needs comfort. Why don’t you hold her?”
“She is not our mate!” P
Preston barked.
“She is. Can’t you smell her? That scent–intoxicating.”
Despite himself, Preston inhaled. Her fragrance mingled fir, cedar, and a hint of rose–sweet yet tempered by the cool
forest aromas.
He was drawn in, step by slow step.
The scent tightened its grip, intoxicating and urgent.
Luca’s pleading grew softer but no less persistent.
Preston’s hand lifted, resting lightly against Georgia’s pale cheek, thumb tracing the fragile contours.
Staring at their reflection, Preston’s awareness returned.
“If you h
had been obedient back then, you wouldn’t be like this now. Don’t you agree, Georgia?”
10
