Five Alphas Kneel for Me (Isabella) novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Of ere, I knew thar dept of Alexander’s madness. In my past life, Emily, that cunning she–wolf, was a master manipulator, ently playing the victim, weasing lies that painted me as the aggressor.

That food, Alexander, always believed her, his fury turning against me.

Sometimes, he’d confine me to the cold, damp earth–celler for days, leaving me to starve and succumb to despair.

My wolf howled in silent agony at the memory, its fur bristling with the phantom chill of the darkness.

Other times, he’d hire brutish pack members to corner me in secluded glades, pushing, threatening, tearing my clothes–simulating an assault, relishing my terror. The stench of their malice still haunted my senses.

Worst of all, after Emily’s deceitful accusations landed me before the Pack Council, Alexander bribed the guards and other prisoners to torment me. They dragged me to a foul, fetid latrine, forcing me to drink putrid water, inflicting even worse indignities…

The sheer horror of it still threatened to overwhelm me.

These memories crashed over me like a frigid wave, their icy grip suffocating. I squeezed my eyes shut, biting my lip until it bled, my body trembling with the residual trauma.

My wolf whimpered, seeking comfort in the shadowed recesses of my mind.

Suddenly, a strong hand covered mine, its warmth a stark contrast to the icy tendrils of fear.

The familiar scent of Grayson–musky, earthy, with a hint of pine- settled over me, grounding me in the present.

I opened my eyes; Grayson stood beside me, his deep, amber eyes glowing with an intensity that both captivated and unnerved me.

His imposing form cast a reassuring shadow over my trembling form.

He cupped my face in his large hand, his touch soothing, muffling the echoes of Jared’s desperate words.

But Jared’s voice still echoed in my mind, a curse I couldn’t shake.

“Isabella, don’t be deceived by Grayson; he doesn’t care about you! He only desires vengeance against the Miller family; he’ll use you, allow Alexander to harm you, then exact his revenge on Alexander; he doesn’t care about your safety! You are in danger; return; I’ll protect you! Isabella…”

Jared’s desperate plea faded as Smith’s guards dragged him away, their brutality a horrifying echo of Alexander’s past cruelty.

Grayson finally removed his hand, looking at me with a gentle expression. “Why so late?” His demeanor was calm, as if nothing had transpired.

The controlled composure of his wolf was impressive.

I drew a deep breath, striving for composure, aiming for a relaxed tone.

“The new moon ritual preparations.

Just refining some details. Almost complete.”

“The household has prepared a late–night repast.

Do you desire it now or later? Carter Forest cake, baumkuchen, brownies…”

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< Chapter 168

“Now, I admitted, my wolf’s craving for sweetness undeniable. I hadn’t tasted such delights since Emily’s arrival.

The Miller brothers only indulged her, and if I dared to request even a crumb, they’d sneer, “Isabella, enough! Don’t act so pathetic! Emily cannot finish the cake! Are you so envious you want it all?! Cease!”

But they didn’t understand…

Even if Emily left the cake uneaten, even if she discarded it or offered it to the servants, she would never share it with me. The scent of the sugary treats brought up memories of a time where I was utterly alone.