Chapter 24
Tori's POV:
Noah's expression changed from cold indifference to shock, then to calculating hunger.
"Your first shift?" he'd murmured, stepping closer.
I backed away, a growl building in my throat, but he just smiled wider.
"You think shifting is going to save you?" he sneered, circling me like I was prey. "You're just a pathetic little Omega. Your fur doesn't change what you are."
"Actually, this works out perfectly," he said, his voice dropping lower as his eyes gleamed with cruel intent.
"Since you're so eager to embrace your wolf tonight, I might as well claim you properly. A permanent mark will teach you your place."
He began to shift again, his bones cracking as he transformed, clearly intending to force a mating bond—to mark me as his property forever.
The thought of being tied to him, to my brother's killer, ignited something primal and ferocious within me.
When he lunged for my throat, expecting to dominate an inexperienced Omega, I reacted with a speed and strength that surprised us both.
My jaws clamped around his throat just as his had closed around Ryan's moments before—before he could even lay a finger on me.
His eyes widened in shock and fear—emotions he'd never expected to feel toward someone like me. He never even had the chance to resist.
Just one decisive bite, and the life drained from him in seconds.
Noah's body crumpled beside my brother's, his blood mixing with Ryan's on the floor.
In the sudden silence that followed, I shifted back to human form, my body naked and trembling, surrounded by death and betrayal.
That night changed everything.
Two deaths. One accused murderer.
The Pack Law Council deliberated for less than a day before delivering their verdict: excessive force in self-defense.
I wiped away tears I hadn't realized were falling. Tracy whined again, sharing my pain.
And in the nightmares that still came, night after night, painted in crimson.
---
Morning light filtered through my curtains, harsh and unforgiving.
I dragged myself to the bathroom, wincing at my reflection—bloodshot eyes stared back at me, the white almost completely overtaken by red veins. Dark circles hung beneath them like bruises.
Thank goodness it was Saturday. No need to go to school looking like this.
I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the memories along with the tear stains.
Just as I was heading back to my room, my phone buzzed with a text from Morgan.
Rise and shine, sleepyhead! Mall trip? See you in an hour?
My first instinct was to decline.
I was exhausted, emotionally drained. But then images from my nightmare flashed through my mind again—blood pooling on hardwood floors, the light fading from Ryan's eyes, Noah's shocked expression as my teeth closed around his throat.
Sure. See you soon. I texted back.
Anything was better than being alone with those memories right now.
After quickly tidying up, I went out the door.
One hour later.
"There you are!" Morgan waved enthusiastically from the mall entrance, her brown curls bouncing as she practically skipped over to me. Her energy was as overwhelming as always.
"Hey," I managed a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.
Morgan tilted her head, studying my face. "Rough night?"
"You could say that."
She linked her arm through mine, steering me toward the first shop. "Well, today is going to be better. I need your help with something important."
"What's the mission?" I asked, letting her pull me along.
"Mom's birthday is next week, and I need to find her something amazing." She grinned. "If I get something Mom really loves, she might let me skip some chores for a week. Strategic gift-giving!"
For the next two hours, we wandered from store to store.
Morgan rejected a cashmere scarf ("Too generic"), a leather handbag ("Way over budget"), and a set of artisanal bath products ("She's allergic to lavender").
"Maybe we should take a break," I suggested after the sixth store.
My energy was flagging, but Morgan's determination seemed inexhaustible.
"Just one more place," she promised, pointing to a boutique with elegant displays and subtle lighting. "Moonlight Treasures. They have beautiful jewelry."
The shop was quiet, with just a few customers browsing under the watchful eyes of immaculately dressed sales associates.
Morgan and I moved to a display case filled with necklaces.
"Oh my god, Tori, look!" Morgan whispered, pointing to a delicate silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant.
Small blue stones were set along the curve of the moon, catching the light.
"It's perfect. Mom loves anything with moons on it."
I checked the price tag and winced. "It's...a little steep."
"If I use next week's allowance, I think I can just barely afford it," Morgan said, her eyes not leaving the necklace.
She waved to a sales associate. "Excuse me, could we see that necklace please?"
Just as the associate reached for the display case, a manicured hand shot out and snatched the necklace first.
"I'll take this one," a familiar voice announced.
We turned to see Mia Price, her lips curled into a smug smile. She dangled the necklace in front of us, the pendant spinning and catching the light.
"Mia," I said, my voice flat. "Morgan saw it first."
"Did she?" Mia's eyes widened in mock surprise.
"I didn't realize there was a line for browsing." She turned to the salesperson. "Gift wrap, please. And add it to my father's account."
Morgan stepped forward, her usually cheerful demeanor replaced by pure indignation.
"Put it back," she growled, her voice dropping to a dangerous tone I rarely heard from her.
"That necklace is mine. I saw it first, and if you know what's good for you, you'll hand it over right now."
Mia laughed, the sound sharp and cutting.
"Please. I saw you checking the price tag. This store is a bit out of your league, isn't it?"
Her gaze traveled from Morgan's sensible boots to my secondhand jacket.
"Maybe try the discount stores on the lower level? They have cute plastic jewelry that might be more...accessible for you both."