Danica’s POV
"Trouble in paradise?"
Kendrick's voice dripped with amusement as he leaned against the nearby wall, arms crossed over his chest, a smug smirk plastered on his face.
I clenched my fists. I was in no mood for his games. "Go away, Kendrick."
But of course, he didn’t. He was like a shadow, appearing at the most inconvenient times, always ready to stir trouble.
"Come with me," he said smoothly, stepping closer. His voice was low, persuasive. "You deserve better than a man who’s too much of a coward to fight for you."
His words hit a nerve, making my chest tighten. My throat burned as I tried to suppress the emotions threatening to overwhelm me.
Nicholas had broken my heart. There was no denying that. But did that mean I should just leave everything behind? My Pack? My role as a warrior?
I was torn.
Kendrick watched me carefully, his eyes filled with calculation. "You don’t have to decide now," he murmured, tilting his head. "But when you’re ready, my offer stands."
His words lingered in the air, tempting, dangerous. I swallowed hard, my mind clouded with doubt. Would leaving with Kendrick be the right choice?
Just as I was about to respond, a deep growl filled the air.
"She’s going nowhere with you."
The voice was unmistakable.
Nicholas.
My breath hitched. I squeezed my eyes shut. Of all the times for him to show up, now was the worst.
Kendrick, however, looked delighted. His smirk widened as he turned to face Nicholas. "Of course, she will," he said casually. "Especially after knowing the truth about you and Celeste."
His words slammed into me like a punch to the gut.
I stiffened, my heart pounding violently in my chest. My gaze snapped toward Nicholas, searching his face for something, probably a denial or an explanation.
Just anything. But what I got was silence.
Nicholas didn’t speak. He didn’t argue. He didn’t even flinch. His silence was worse than a confession. Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I refused to let Kendrick see me break. This was planned. It had to be.
Was Beta Doris in on it, too? Or was this just Celeste’s doing?
It didn’t matter. I could feel my resolve crumbling, my heart shattering into pieces. Without another word, I turned on my heels and fled.