"Ava, you can't avoid this forever." Despite Rogan's hard tone, I could hear a faint trembling beneath it.
With the silver moonlight creating lengthy shadows throughout the room, I turned away from the window. I answered, "I'm not avoiding anything," but it was difficult for me to tell the lie.
He took a step closer and remarked, "You have been silent since the medallion broke." His presence was consoling and oppressive at the same time. "Your eyes show it to me. Something is bothering you. Speak with me.
His deep, dark eyes searched mine as I looked at him. I desired to inform him. to reveal all of the thoughts that had been racing through my head ever since the southern border finding. However, how could I?
"How do I make a decision?" Before I could stop them, the words came out, vulnerable and unvarnished.
Rogan's forehead wrinkled as he froze. "Select?"
I couldn't say it out loud, but I thought, Between you and them. Rather, I stated, "Between what's easy and what's right." Between defending my loved ones and defending this pack.
He clenched his jaw. "You are aware of my position if you are discussing your family. They are a part of you, so I will defend them. However, if you're asking me to ignore Victor's plots—
"That's not what I'm asking!" I yelled, startling us both with how sharp my voice was. I inhaled, attempting to regain my composure. "Please give me some time. Now is the time to determine how to end this without losing everything.
Rogan took a step toward me and touched me. "Ava, time is what we lack. Victor becomes bolder every second we wait. You've witnessed his abilities.
"I understand," I muttered. However, what if I am the cause of his actions? What if it's more about me than the pack or power?
Rogan tightened his hold on my hand as his gaze grew gloomy. Victor makes his own choices. You cannot be held accountable for his insanity.
However, I could. I secretly knew that Victor's passion was motivated by retaliation as much as control.
We were interrupted by a tap on the door before Rogan could say anything further. A young member of the pack came in, his face strained and pallid.
He said, "Alpha, Luna," referring to both of us. "We have been informed. Victor's group is heading for the eastern boundary. They have established a barrier.
Rogan's face became stern. "How many?"
The young man answered, "Dozens." They have also seized hostages. They are requesting that you, Alpha, and Luna meet with them.
I felt sick to my stomach. "Me?"
"Yes," he replied with a somber nod. "Luna, you were particularly mentioned. Victor claims he won't engage in negotiations until you are present.
Rogan's protective instincts flared and he muttered beneath his breath. He's attempting to lure us in. It is obvious that this is a trap.
Before I could give it much thought, I blurted out, "I have to go."
"No," replied Rogan sternly. "Definitely not. It's too risky.
I countered, "They have hostages, Rogan." "This cannot be disregarded."
"I'll take care of it," he declared. "You're not going to fall into Victor's trap."
"And what if this is something that only I can stop?" I moved closer to him and asked. "What if the only way to save those people is to speak with him?"
His ferocious and unwavering gaze met mine. "Ava, I can't let you go."
With a gentle yet stern tone, I stated, "And I can't live with myself if I let innocent people die."
Silence filled the room as we gazed at one another, the decision's weight bearing down on us.
Rogan finally let out a sigh and combed over his hair. "All right. We do things on my terms, though. You'll be by my side the whole time, and we're going to leave if something doesn't feel right. Don't argue.
"Agreed," I murmured, feeling a wave of comfort.
However, a knot of uneasiness formed in my gut as we were ready to depart. This felt improper in some way—too calculating, too intimate.
When we got there, the air was heavy with tension and the eastern border was covered in mist. On the opposite side of the clearing, Victor's group stood with their faces obscured by shadows. Victor stood in the middle of the gathering, his grin as icy and jagged as a knife.
His voice brimmed with phony warmth as he called out, "Ava." "It's great to see you."
"Victor," I answered, maintaining a steady tone.
The gentle touch of Rogan's palm on my back served as a silent reminder that he was there.
Victor's grin widened as his gaze shifted to Rogan. "Are you not always the obedient Alpha? defending your property.
"Simply put," Rogan remarked icily. "You requested to meet. Here we are. What are you looking for?
I felt the weight of Victor's attention as his eyes returned to me. "It's really easy," he stated. "I want Ava to remember her place in the world."
With a steely voice, Rogan declared, "She belongs here."
Victor laughed. Does she? Because she appears to be caught in the midst from where I am standing. She is caught between her birth family and the group she has chosen.
My breath caught, and I noticed Rogan's eyes flicker with uncertainty.
"What are you discussing?" With a stern voice, I asked.
Victor grinned more broadly. "Oh, Ava. Didn't you tell him? Regarding the agreement you reached to keep your family safe? Regarding the secrets you have been holding onto?
Rogan tensed up next to me, and I could sense his attitude change.
"What deal?" he said in a low, menacing voice.
"I didn't—" Victor interrupted me before I could finish.
Victor said, his voice brimming with satisfaction, "She knew you would never forgive her, so she didn't tell you." Rogan, she promised me something. to be there for me when I needed them. And here we are now.
Desperation gnawing at my chest, I turned to Rogan. “It’s not what he’s making it sound like. I didn't turn on you.
"What did you do then?" Rogan's tone was controlled and icy as he asked.
Victor clapped his hands before I could respond, and several of his supporters moved forward, bringing the hostages into sight.
"Your move, Ava," Victor remarked with a ruthless grin. "Either save yourself or save them. And what will it be?
The clearing was silent except for the sound of my racing heartbeat. I felt Rogan’s eyes on me, waiting for an explanation, a choice.
And in that instant, I realized there was no proper solution.
“I...” My voice faltered, and Victor’s grin widened.
“Tick-tock,” he said, his tone mocking.
The hostages’ fearful eyes fastened onto mine, and I knew I couldn’t delay any longer.
“I’ll go with you,” I said, the words searing like venom.
Rogan gripped my arm and snarled, "No."
“I have to,” I murmured, turning to him. “It’s the only way to stop this.”
But even as I said it, I knew the storm it would unleash.
Victor’s laughter echoed through the clearing, and I felt the ground shift beneath me, the world splintering apart.
“Wise choice,” Victor said, his eyes gleaming with triumph. “But don’t think for a second this is the end.”
Rogan's voice was broken and low as he turned to lead me away, and I felt his hand leave mine.
“Ava... don’t do this.”
I glanced back at him, my heart shattering, but I couldn’t answer.
Because the decision had already been made.