Chapter 2

Erin's POV

"Trespassing into my territory, are you tired of living?"

My fingers were still gripping the photo frame, but they had started to tremble. I didn't even need to turn around to know who was speaking. The voice alone carried enough authority to make my heart beat irregularly in my chest.

I slowly tore my gaze away from the photo to see Derek standing in the doorway, his imposing figure blocking any escape route. His piercing steel-gray eyes stared directly at me, the intensity of his gaze making me feel pinned in place.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammered, carefully placing the frame back on the nightstand. "I was looking for Bradley's room. I must have gotten lost."

"This side of the stronghold is clearly marked as a private area," Derek said, his voice unnervingly calm yet carrying an unspoken threat. He walked into the room gracefully. "For you to have made it this far shows either remarkable stupidity or deliberate disrespect."

My cheeks burned with humiliation. I stood up from the bed, desperate to leave, but my legs felt as weak as jelly beneath me.

Just then, I noticed a woman appear behind Derek, her long black hair cascading down her back like a midnight waterfall. She wore an elegant beige dress that accentuated her graceful curves.

"Is everything alright, Derek?" she asked, her voice melodious but curious as her gaze fell on me.

"Just an intruder," Derek answered without turning to look at her. "Nothing for you to worry about, Mya."

This must be his fiancée from the Silverpine Clan.

She stepped around Derek to get a better look at me, her perfectly arched eyebrows rising slightly in surprise. Up close, she was even more beautiful—high cheekbones, full lips, and eyes that reminded me of polished amber.

"Who are you?" she asked, her gaze appraising me.

Before I could answer, Derek cut in, "She's just someone who's about to leave." His tone left no room for argument.

My heart hammered in my chest. I had never felt so small, so insignificant. I began to inch toward the door, eyes downcast.

"I really am sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was just looking for Bradley."

"Bradley isn't here," Derek stated flatly. "And even if he were, that wouldn't give you the right to invade my private space."

I nodded quickly, desperately fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. As I hurried to my feet, my hand bumped the photo frame, knocking it to the floor. The glass shattered, fragments scattering across the hardwood floor.

"I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, immediately dropping to my knees to pick up the pieces. In my panic, I grabbed too carelessly, and a sharp edge sliced into my index finger. I winced as blood welled from the cut.

Derek's nostrils flared slightly, his eyes flashing with something dangerous as the scent of my blood filled the air. For an instant, his mask of composure slipped, revealing something primal underneath.

"Leave it," he commanded, his voice rougher than before. "Get out. Now."

I rushed past them, ignoring Mya's curious stare as I fled the room.

Just then, I heard the woman speaking to Derek. "Did you see that, Derek? Her fashion sense is so cheap."

My eyes blurred with unshed tears as I ran down the hallway.

---

I found myself standing in the main hall of the stronghold, breathing heavily, my heart still racing from the encounter. I pressed my injured finger against my jeans, trying to stop the bleeding.

"Are you alright, dear?" a gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I looked up to see an elegant older woman watching me with concern. Her silver-blonde hair was arranged in an elegant updo, and she wore a tailored navy blue dress that radiated quiet elegance. Something in her eyes—warm and intense—reminded me of Bradley.

"I'm fine," I replied automatically. "Thank you for asking."

This was Bradley and Derek's mother, Judy Stone. Bradley had introduced me to his parents at his birthday celebration last year. I knew his mother to be a good person.

I immediately straightened my posture, wiping away any trace of tears with my uninjured hand.

"Ah, our new Enforcer's sister." She stepped closer, her gaze falling to my hand. "You're hurt."

Before I could protest, she took my hand in hers, examining the wound with gentle fingers. "Nothing serious, but we should clean it. Come with me."

She led me to a small side room equipped with a first aid kit. As she expertly cleaned and bandaged my finger, I could see through the doorway into the main hall.

Preparations for tomorrow's ceremony were in full swing. Flowers hung from wall sconces, silver ribbons glittered in the light of crystal chandeliers, and clan members bustled about.

"The joining of two powerful clans is always a significant moment," Judy commented, following my gaze. "You've met Mya, I presume?"

"Mya seems... lovely," I said, not knowing what else to say.

Judy's smile was measured. "She's the daughter of the Silverpine Clan Alpha, a qualified werewolf female. This union has been planned for years. It will bring great strength to both our clans." She finished bandaging my finger and patted my hand gently. "There, much better now."

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

"Now, what brings you to our stronghold today?" Her tone was friendly but direct.

My cheeks burned again. "I was looking for Bradley. He mentioned he was helping with preparations for the ceremony, and I thought I'd surprise him." I hesitated, then added, "But I got lost and ended up... somewhere I shouldn't have been. Your eldest son wasn't too pleased about it."

Understanding flashed in Judy's eyes, followed by what might have been sympathy. "Ah. Well, Derek can be... forceful. Especially with the binding ceremony tomorrow. Don't take it to heart, dear. He's like that with everyone."

"How are things with you and Bradley these days?" she asked, full of interest.

"He's good to me," I answered, the thought of Bradley making me feel comforted despite everything. "We've been together for almost a year now."

"I see," Judy said, her expression thoughtful. "If I'm not mistaken, you'll be turning eighteen soon?"

"Tomorrow, actually," I confirmed, surprised she knew.

"An important birthday in our world," she nodded. "The age when young werewolves can find their true mates." She looked at me with renewed interest. "Do you believe Bradley might be your mate?"

"I hope so," I admitted. "He's always been... the perfect partner I could imagine."

Judy's smile widened. "Well, we shall see what the moon reveals, won't we?"

She stood up, smoothing her dress. "You're lovely, Erin. I can understand why Bradley would be drawn to you. Your manners reflect well on your upbringing. Don't take today's incident to heart."

I rose as well, thanking her.

"Do you know where I might find Bradley now?" I asked.

Judy considered for a moment. "I heard him talking with a girl named Lily. They had some matters to discuss."

"Lily? Lily Winters?" I asked, confused. Lily hadn't mentioned anything about this.

"Yes, that's her." Judy's tone was casual.

I nodded. If there was something my boyfriend and friend were doing together without my knowledge, it must be about my birthday tomorrow. Perhaps they were planning a surprise for me.

"I should probably go," I said, standing up. "I have an assignment due tomorrow that I should finish."

"Of course, dear." Judy walked me back to the main hall. "Will we see you at the ceremony tomorrow night?"

"Yes, my brother mentioned we received an invitation."

"Wonderful. Be sure to bring your mother. It's time we met." She gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

---

I walked out of the stronghold, the cool breeze feeling refreshing after the tension indoors. The sun was setting now, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. I tried calling Bradley again, but his phone went straight to voicemail. Lily's did the same.

I flagged down a taxi that was dropping off guests at the stronghold gates.

"Where to, miss?" the driver asked.

I hesitated only for a moment before giving him Lily's address. Maybe the two of them were planning my birthday surprise. I smiled at having such a thoughtful boyfriend and friend.

I wasn't going to Lily's to ruin the surprise, but to check on her well-being since she'd been absent from school all day.

By the time the taxi pulled up in front of the Winters' mansion, dusk had fully descended. I paid the fare and walked up the winding path to the front door, my heart beating faster with each step.

I rang the doorbell, and a maid answered.

"Good evening. I'm here to see Lily," I said with a smile.

The maid nodded, recognizing me from previous visits. "Miss Winters is in her room."

"Thank you," I said, already heading for the stairs.

I knew the way to Lily's bedroom by heart—how many sleepovers had we spent in that room over the years? How many secrets had we shared there?

I knocked on her door and then pushed it open without waiting for a response. "Lily?"

The scene that greeted me was strange. Lily stood by her bed, looking flustered. Her room was uncharacteristically messy—clothes strewn about, bed unmade, and a dampness in the air suggesting someone had recently showered.

"Erin!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," I replied, stepping into the room. "I've been calling you all day. Judy told me you were discussing something with Bradley. Why didn't you tell me?"

Lily's face paled slightly. "I—I wanted to surprise you."

Looking at her pale face, I couldn't help but grow concerned.

"What's wrong? Are you sick?" I asked.

Before she could answer, I heard a door open behind me. I turned to see a man stepping out of Lily's bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, water droplets still glistening on his bare chest. His hair was wet, slicked back from his face.

Time seemed to stop. For a moment, I couldn't comprehend what I was seeing. Him. In Lily's bathroom. Half-naked. His expression shifted from relaxed to horrified as our eyes met.

Tears were already blurring my vision before I choked out his name.

"Bradley?" I whispered, my voice breaking.