Maria stared at Mrs. Spencer, her brows furrowed in confusion. "So what do I need to do for my safety, and why would anyone want dead?" she asked, her voice low and strained.
"Firstly," Mrs. Spencer began, her gaze intense, "you need to be careful with what you share and with whom. We don’t know who your enemies are or why they’re after you. Don’t stay out late, and most importantly, never reveal anything you’re being told here. No one must know that you’re alive. If asked how you recovered, just say you woke up and found yourself on the street. Nothing more."
Maria nodded slowly, her mind racing. "Okay, ma’am. I’ll do exactly as you said. But... how will I co here if I need to again?"
Mrs. Spencer’s expression softened. "I’ll give you a ring. Keep it hidden from everyone, but close to you at all tis. If you’re in danger or need to co here urgently, put the ring on your middle finger and rub it gently across your face. Help will co."
She reached into the bag she carried and pulled out a small, glistening ring covered in tiny, diamond-like stones. Holding it out, she smiled warmly. "Make sure you keep this safe, Maria. One day, you’ll need it. And when that day cos, just rember the instructions."
Maria took the ring carefully, gazing at it with wide, awestruck eyes. Despite everything she’d been told, she still felt the weight of uncertainty in her chest.
Mrs. Spencer must have noticed her unease. She placed a gentle hand on Maria’s back. "Whatever’s troubling you... it will be fine, Maria. Trust ."
Maria managed a small smile and lay back on the bed. The nurse, noticing her struggle, quickly moved to assist her.
"When will I be able to leave here?" Maria asked, looking up at the nurse.
"As soon as your wounds are nearly healed and we’re sure you’re strong enough to walk. But from what I see, two to three days, and you’ll be ready," the nurse said gently.
Maria’s face lit up at the news. The thought of being able to return to the outside world filled her with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She still didn’t know what happened after the night she was shot.
Mrs. Spencer and the nurse gave her a few more words of comfort before quietly exiting the room. Maria watched them leave, her mind still swirling.
In as much as I don’t care for Bernard or his family—especially his mother—I hope they’re safe. I just pray the battle was won by them. I can’t wait to see Elijah Simons punished for all he’s done, she thought, her expression turning tense.
---
anwhile, in the pack house, Beta Gilbert and Victoria sat together in the living room. Bernard walked in from his room, his expression weary.
After a quick round of greetings, he got straight to the point.
"Dad, Mom... It’s been two days without any word about Maria. What are we going to do about this?" he asked, clearly troubled.
"That’s what your mother and I have been discussing," Beta Gilbert responded. "I’ve given it a week. If there’s still no news by then, we’ll have no choice but to involve the police."
Bernard nodded thoughtfully, then added, "Okay... And Elijah Simons? When are we taking him to face the elders and the rest of the pack?"
"That still depends on Maria’s return. If she doesn’t show up, then we’ll have a stronger case—treason and the kidnapping of the Luna of the Alpha’s pack," Beta Gilbert explained with conviction.
Bernard agreed silently. The plan made sense. But even as they discussed, his thoughts were elsewhere.
All that matters to now is getting the rule book. Once it’s in my hands, I’ll be the only power and voice in the entire pack, Bernard thought with a quiet smirk.
Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and imdiately smiled.
"Hello, Bernard? I’m already at the place you said we’d et. Have you forgotten we had a date? Where are you now?" Cassandra’s voice ca through, tinged with worry.
"I’m sorry, Cassandra. I’m on my way right now. I’ll be there soon," Bernard replied quickly. Without another word, he sprang to his feet and rushed out, leaving his parents behind in the living room.
As Bernard stood up and rushed out to his car, his sudden movent left his parents stunned. He didn’t bother to say a word about where he was going or who he had spoken to on the phone. His urgency and silence raised concern.
"Do you have any idea what just happened?" Beta Gilbert asked his wife with a puzzled look.
Victoria shook her head slowly. "No, I’m just as shocked. Bernard used to share everything with , but since becoming Alpha, he’s changed. His movents are unpredictable and he hardly speaks about anything anymore."
"He ntioned a na... Cassandra. Do you know who that is?" she asked, concern furrowing her brow.
Beta Gilbert sighed and leaned back into the couch. "We’ll just have to wait until he returns. That’s the only way we’ll get answers."
They both tried to relax and passed the ti with quiet conversation, sipping wine as the evening carried on.
***
At the restaurant...
Cassandra sat at a table, looking absolutely stunning in a sleek black dinner gown that hugged her figure gracefully. Her outfit was perfectly matched with her purse and shoes.
The subtle lighting of the restaurant bounced off her soft makeup, making her glow like a star.
When Bernard entered and caught sight of her, he paused for a mont, admiring her from a distance. His eyes lit up with admiration as he slowly approached.
But Cassandra didn’t return the warmth. Her arms were crossed and a displeased expression covered her face.
"Is this how you treat ladies, Bernard?" she asked, visibly annoyed.
Bernard bowed his head slightly. "I’m so sorry, Cassandra. Please forgive . Things got complicated back ho, and I couldn’t make it here on ti."
Cassandra scoffed lightly. "You make it seem like you’re only here because I reminded you. If I hadn’t called, would you have shown up at all?"
"I swear, that’s not the case. I just got caught up. It won’t happen again. I promise," Bernard said earnestly.
Her expression softened, and she eventually cracked a smile. "Alright... just don’t make it a habit."
Bernard smiled with relief. "Thank you. You look... breathtaking."
"Thanks," she said, blushing slightly. "What happened to your eye?"
"This? Just a silly accident at ho. It’s healing well," Bernard replied, carefully avoiding the truth.
"Good to know. I missed seeing you these past few days," Cassandra said, her voice more affectionate.
"I missed you too. I needed to clear my head. Now I want to spend as much ti with you as possible... my beautiful goddess," Bernard replied with charm.
Cassandra giggled at his flattery. Then Bernard looked serious.
"Can I ask you sothing important?"
She nodded. "Of course."
"Are you willing to sacrifice your friendship with Maria... for ?"
Cassandra blinked, surprised by the question. "Why are you bringing up Maria? I thought this evening was about us."
"It is. But we can’t ignore that she’s your friend. She won’t be happy knowing about us. I need to know where you stand."
Cassandra thought for a mont. "I’ve already made up my mind. My happiness cos first, and being with you makes happy."
Bernard’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. "I’m glad to hear that. I’ve fallen for you, Cassandra. But I need so ti to wrap things up with Maria, so we can go public without drama."
"I understand," she nodded. "I’ll follow your lead and keep things private for now."
"There’s sothing about Maria that makes separation difficult. But I can’t go into details here. I promise I’ll explain everything when the ti is right."
"Okay. I’ll wait," she replied, taking his hand gently.
Just then, a waiter approached, followed by two waitresses. They placed two bottles of wine on the table and revealed a container filled with roses and soft lights. The roses were arranged to spell: "Cassandra, the one I love!"
Cassandra’s eyes sparkled as she saw it. She gasped and hugged Bernard tightly, her earlier irritation forgotten.
Music filled the air, and the two of them got up to dance. Bernard looked completely smitten as they moved together in rhythm...
---
Mr. Frederick was on his way out to his car when one of his guards ca hurrying toward him.
"Good morning, sir!" the guard greeted politely.
"Morning. What is it?" Mr. Frederick asked.
"There’s sothing I need to report. A lady ca by not long ago, claiming this property belonged to her late parents. I told her this house was bought legally by you, and advised her to make proper inquiries instead of spreading false claims."
Mr. Frederick frowned. "Wait... are you saying Maria ca here?"
His question seed to catch the guard off guard, as the man stared at him, surprised by his reaction...
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