Fake Concern

Fake Concern
GWEN

I forced myself to look calm as I stepped into the Golden Fur Pack’s main hall, even though my heart was racing. Every step I took echoed on the stone floor, reminding me of the secret I carried. I had to act normal. I had to make Billy believe me.

Billy was already there, pacing like a restless wolf. His broad shoulders were tense, and his golden eyes glowed faintly with anger. The air smelled of his frustration, sharp and hot. The moment he saw me, he stopped pacing and turned to face me, his expression dark.

“Gwen,” he said, his voice low but full of power, “tell me where Shanella went after you met her. And don’t even think about lying to me.”

I swallowed hard and forced my body to tremble slightly, just enough to look like I was scared of his anger — not of the truth. “Billy, I swear on the Moon Goddess, I don’t know where Shanella went after we met.” I clasped my hands together and let my eyes shine as if on the verge of tears. “Yes, I saw her earlier at the coffee shop, but she left first. I… I went to the mall after that.”

His jaw tightened. He took one slow step toward me, his presence radiating dominance. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to see her in the first place?”

I bit my lip, lowering my head. “Because I just wanted to talk to her about my pack. I wanted her advice.”

Billy narrowed his eyes. “Advice?”

“Yes,” I said quickly, nodding. “She’s strong, Billy. Everyone listens to her. I thought if she becomes Queen of all packs, she might be able to help Moon Fang Pack grow stronger. I was only thinking of my pack’s future.”

His growl rumbled through the hall, making my wolf Gigi stir inside me. Careful, Gwen, she warned. He’s close to snapping.

“I should’ve been with you,” Billy said through clenched teeth. “You should have told me before you met her. Now Shanella is missing!” His voice cracked with frustration.

I widened my eyes and covered my mouth. “Missing?!” I let my voice shake. “Billy, I swear I had no idea. She was perfectly fine when I saw her. She even told me she’d visit Moon Fang Pack soon — when she became Queen of all packs. She sounded so happy. Why would she just vanish?”

Billy turned away from me, running a hand through his hair, his claws half-extended from stress. “Brad is furious. Alpha Ethan is preparing a search party. They think someone abducted her.”

I gasped softly, then stepped closer to him, reaching for his arm. “Do they think I had something to do with it?”

He didn’t answer immediately, which told me everything I needed to know. Finally, he muttered, “Brad suspects everyone. Even me.”

I let my lip tremble and my shoulders slump. “Billy, please… you know me. I would never hurt Shanella. She’s your friend, your pack sister. I just wanted her help. That’s all.”

He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes glowing gold. I held my breath, letting him read my face, hoping he wouldn’t catch the scent of my lies.

At last, he exhaled slowly and turned away. “Fine. But stay out of this, Gwen. I’m going to Moon Crest Pack to help Brad. If Shanella’s in danger, I need to be there.”

I nodded quickly, pretending to be supportive. “Of course, Billy. Go. Help them. Bring her back safe.” I forced a soft, sad smile. “I’ll stay here and keep everyone calm. You don’t need to worry about me.”

He gave me one last searching look before storming out of the hall. The moment the door shut behind him, my fake expression fell, replaced by a grin.

“Oh, Billy,” I whispered, laughing softly. “Soon you’ll know Shanella is gone, and then everything will finally fall into place.”

You enjoy this too much, Gigi said dryly.

“Yes,” I murmured under my breath. “Because if Shanella is out of the picture, no one can stand in my way. Not Brad, not Alpha Ethan, not even Billy.”

I walked outside, into the cool night air. The moon hung high, its silver light bathing the pack grounds. My wolf stretched inside me, restless, but I held her back. I needed control now more than ever.

One of the pack warriors approached me, his nose twitching nervously. “Luna Gwen, should we send scouts to help with the search party?”

I shook my head, putting on a mask of calm concern. “No. Let the Moon Crest Pack handle it. We must respect Alpha Ethan’s command. But keep your ears open. If you hear anything, report to me immediately.”

He bowed his head and left, and I turned away, my grin returning.

When I reached my room, I sat on the edge of my bed and stared at the moon through the window. My reflection in the glass showed a woman who looked like the perfect mate — worried, dutiful, cooperative — but I knew better.

“This is just the beginning,” I whispered. “And I won’t stop until Shanella is completely gone. When Terence is done with her, she’ll never be able to return here. Billy will have no choice but to see me as the only one who truly stands beside him.”

My wolf was silent, but I could feel her approval simmering beneath the surface.

“Yes,” I said softly, smiling to myself. “This is how we win.”

But my victory was short-lived. Later that night, just as I was brushing my hair in front of the mirror, a loud knock echoed through my door. My heart skipped, but I quickly smoothed my expression before opening it.

Brad stood there, his face twisted with fury, and beside him was Alpha Ethan, radiating power.

“Gwen,” Alpha Ethan said in a commanding tone, “we need to talk. Now.”

Brad’s golden eyes blazed. “Where is Shanella? You were the last one to see her. Tell us everything.”

I forced a calm smile. “Of course.”