Chapter 5

Cecilia The rain had stopped by the time I drove off the property. In the rearview mirror, the gates of Blood Moon Pack faded from sight. For the first time in eight years, I felt true relief. Pulling out my cell phone, I sent Dora a message, "Dear Dora, I assume you've received that survey. Remember our agreement - the five million must be transferred into my account by noon tomorrow. Otherwise, I don't mind letting everyone know how Luna of Blood Moon Pack used underhanded tactics against a human daughter-in-law." The phone quickly vibrated. dora's reply came surprisingly fast, "You bitch!" I laughed softly and sent another message, "Is the tea warm enough? If it's not hot enough for you, I can always come back and refill it." Turning off my cell phone, I took a deep breath. I may be destined to be the underdog in this game with the wolves, but I'll never make it easy for them.Xavier betrayed me, Dora humiliated me, so in return, I'll make them pay the price they deserve. Money? It's nothing to them. But it was worth the deal to make the high and mighty Luna suffer, and to show the man who betrayed me the true colors of his mother. "Goodbye, Blood Moon Pack," I said, stepping on the gas. ... The road stretched before me as I drove through the increasingly heavy rain. My thoughts scattered like the droplets hitting my windshield, memories of eight years flashing through my mind—eight years of being treated as less than, eight years of hoping for a mating ceremony that would never come. Suddenly, a flash caught my eye as a yellow motorcycle swerved dangerously in front of my car. My heart leaped into my throat as I slammed on the brakes. Bang-- The impact came from behind, sending me lurching forward. My forehead connected with the steering wheel with sickening force. Sharp pain radiated from my temple, and when I looked up, the rain-blurred world had turned crimson. I grabbed a tissue and frantically wiped the blood from my eyes. The yellow motorcycle was long gone, vanished into the downpour like a ghost. "Knock, knock—" Someone was at my window. I lowered it, raindrops immediately splashing onto my lap. Outside stood a distinguished-looking man in his early fifties, wearing glasses and holding a sleek black umbrella. His expression conveyed genuine regret—something I hadn't seen from a wolf in a long time. "Miss, I'm terribly sorry. We're at fault for rear-ending you," he said with unexpected politeness. "My employer is on a tight schedule. Would you consider exchanging contact information? You can send us a list of damages, and I assure you we'll cover everything." "I'd prefer to have the police handle this," I replied, my voice strained. The day's events had pushed me to my emotional limit—the confrontation at Xavier's, discovering his betrayal, and now this accident. I'm running out of patience today and don't have the extra energy to accommodate anyone. I stepped out into the rain, wincing as droplets hit my wound. The back of my car had a significant dent where the Bentley had collided with it. Frowning, I took photos for evidence and called the police. The man accepted my decision without argument and returned to the Bentley to report to whoever waited inside. The rain intensified, pounding against the pavement. My white blouse clung to my skin as I stood exposed to the elements, one hand pressed against my bleeding temple while I spoke with the emergency operator. I returned to my car to escape the downpour, but my clothes were already soaked through. Within minutes, police arrived, followed by a silver Maybach that pulled up almost simultaneously. Stepping out again into the rain, I noticed another person exiting the Bentley besides the older man—a tall, lanky figure with a silhouette as angular as a Greek sculpture. His skin was tinged with aristocratic pallor, and his eyes were sharp and deep, with a wild glint underneath.. When he caught me staring, he returned my gaze with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine, awakening something primal within me. A strange familiarity washed over me... "Give it to her," his deep voice commanded, removing the suit jacket draped over his arm and handing it to the older man. Without another glance in my direction, he strode to the Maybach and disappeared inside. The older gentleman hurried over with the jacket. "Miss, you're soaked through. Please take this." Looking down, I realized with mortification that my blouse had become practically transparent. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I gratefully accepted the jacket and slipped it on. "Thank you." The older gentleman spoke quietly with the police officer while the Maybach pulled away, cutting through the curtain of rain. I caught only a fleeting glimpse of the stranger's aristocratic profile, but the impression lingered. The jacket still held his body heat and carried a distinct scent—sandalwood mixed with something wild and untamed that instantly calmed my frayed nerves. After the police finished their report and we exchanged information,the older gentleman offered to accompany me to the hospital for my head wound. I declined politely, my initial anger having subsided. "I apologize for being difficult earlier. I've had a terrible day, and I took it out on you. It wasn't your fault." I gestured to the jacket. "I'll have this cleaned and returned to you." The older gentleman nodded graciously. ... As I drove myself to the hospital, Xavier was frantically trying to reach me. I laughed coldly - this man was always like that, disappearing when I needed him, and then showing up when I didn't want to see him. Just like now, knowing that I hate his "protector" attitude, he has to play the hero at a time like this. After eight years, he never learned to read my mind, or rather, he didn't care to understand the feelings of a human being. When he should have been by my side, he chose someone else; when I had already decided to let go, he acted like he cared. Heh, what a poorly thought out guy.