Perfect Timing

Perfect Timing
Gwen Stallone

I grinned as I stared at Shanella lying on the ground, her unconscious body sprawled against the dirt and dry leaves. The forest was quiet except for the faint sound of crickets, and I felt a rush of satisfaction in my chest. For once, I was in control. For once, I wasn’t the victim.

The sound of crunching leaves behind me made me turn. Terence emerged from the shadows, his presence as intimidating as ever. His tall, muscular frame was hard to ignore, his black leather jacket blending with the night. Beside him was his adopted son Joseph, carrying a thick coil of rope. Lucas followed close behind, his expression serious but calm.

“Perfect timing,” I said, stepping back to give them space.

Terence’s lips curved into a slow, satisfied grin as his eyes landed on Shanella. “Good job, Gwen. You did exactly what I asked.”

Joseph crouched down without hesitation and started tying Shanella’s wrists and ankles. Lucas helped him, silent but efficient. Watching them work was strangely satisfying.

Terence glanced at me again and smirked. “Do not worry, Gwen. I will never let Shanella go. She is my mate now.”

I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest. “I don’t care what you do with her, Terence. As long as Billy doesn’t find out that we were never allies, and my name stays clean, that’s all that matters to me.”

Joseph straightened after securing Shanella’s ankles and looked at me with mild concern. “But Gwen, you used Shanella’s car. If Billy finds it abandoned somewhere, he’ll suspect something. That could lead him straight to you.”

I let out a short laugh. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll drive it back to the coffee shop. I’ll leave it there, nice and neat, like nothing ever happened. Billy will just think she stopped for coffee and then disappeared on her own. Let him blame rogues or whoever he wants.”

Lucas finally spoke, his deep voice breaking the silence. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Gwen. If Billy finds out what really happened, there will be war between your pack and his.”

I met his gaze without flinching. “Then make sure he never finds out. That’s your job, isn’t it? To clean up Terence’s mess?”

Terence chuckled darkly, clearly amused by my boldness. “I like your spirit, Gwen. You’re not afraid to speak your mind. That’s rare for a she-wolf.”

“I’m not here to impress you,” I shot back. “I just want my life back. Shanella ruined everything—she made Billy turn against me, made everyone doubt me. Now she’s out of the picture.”

Joseph lifted Shanella’s limp body and carried her to the black SUV parked nearby. He laid her gently in the back seat, though there was nothing gentle about the situation. Lucas shut the door with a heavy thud.

Terence stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “You know, Gwen, if you wanted her gone for good, I can make that happen. You just have to say the word.”

My heart thudded, but I kept my face neutral. “I didn’t say kill her, Terence. I just want her gone long enough for Billy to stop chasing after her. Once he realizes she’s not coming back, he’ll come running to me again.”

Lucas arched a brow. “You’re sure about that? You really think Billy will forgive you after all this?”

I looked away, staring at the dark trees surrounding us. “He might hate me now, but once Shanella is gone, he won’t have anyone else. He’ll have no choice but to see me again. And when he does, I’ll be the only one left who truly cares about him.”

Terence laughed softly, clearly enjoying my determination. “You’re ruthless, Gwen. I respect that.”

I shot him a sharp look. “I’m not ruthless. I’m just tired of being blamed for things I didn’t do. Shanella framed me, made me look like the villain. Billy didn’t even give me a chance to explain. Do you have any idea how that feels?”

Joseph leaned against the car and shrugged. “Feels like you just turned the tables. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.”

Lucas glanced at Shanella in the back seat, then back at me. “You better hope she doesn’t wake up before we get far enough away. The moment she starts screaming, someone could hear.”

“She won’t wake up for hours,” I assured him. “I used the whole bottle. Lucas, stop worrying. Just do your part.”

Terence put a hand on my shoulder, his grip surprisingly firm. “You did well tonight, Gwen. You’ve proven that you can be trusted. From now on, you’ll have my protection.”

I stiffened under his touch. “I don’t need your protection, Terence. I can protect myself. All I need is for you to keep Shanella out of my way.”

His grin widened. “Consider it done. She’s mine now, whether she likes it or not.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Don’t get cocky. You’re only doing this because you wanted her for yourself. Don’t pretend this is a favor.”

Joseph let out a low whistle. “Damn, Gwen. You really don’t hold back, do you?”

I smirked. “Why should I? I’ve been holding back for too long. Tonight, I’m done being the victim.”

Lucas got into the driver’s seat of the SUV and started the engine. The headlights lit up the trees, casting eerie shadows across the forest floor. Joseph climbed into the passenger seat.

Terence opened the back door, glancing one last time at me. “Drive safe, Gwen. And remember—you asked for this.”

“I know what I asked for,” I said firmly. “Just make sure you deliver.”

He climbed into the SUV, and within seconds, the car was gone, taking Shanella with them. The night grew quiet again, and I was left standing by the side of the road, breathing hard.

For a moment, doubt tried to creep into my mind. What if Billy never forgave me? What if he found out and hated me even more?

I shook my head and pushed the thoughts away. No. This was the only way. Shanella had to disappear. Only then could I fix everything.

I walked back to Shanella’s car, slid into the driver’s seat, and started the engine. Her scent lingered faintly in the interior, making my stomach twist. I gripped the steering wheel tighter.

“Soon, Billy,” I whispered to myself. “You’ll see I was right all along.”

As I drove toward the coffee shop, the night air felt colder, but I kept my chin high. I was Gwen of the Moon Fang Pack. I wouldn’t break. Not now. Not ever.