Emily’s weeping ceased abruptly. She turned to Mason, her eyes widening as she saw he was awake. Her wolf, sensing his vulnerability, shifted into a mode of appeasement.
“Mason!”
She rushed to his side, quickly filling a waterskin.
Gently, she helped him sit up, bringing the waterskin to his parched lips.
His wolf gratefully lapped at the cool liquid.
Once he’d finished drinking, she spoke in her usual self–deprecating tone, laced with carefully calculated self–blame.
“Mason, I am so sorry. It was all my fault. The scene was terrifying, those wolves so aggressive… I… I was frightened, so frightened that I could not bring myself to defend you…” Her eyes welled, her voice trembling just enough to tug at his heartstrings.
“I believe I heard you call Isabella’s name while you were unconscious… Isabella must be far braver than I. No wonder you sought her in your distress… Unlike me, I am good for nothing, I only bring you trouble…”
As she spoke, Mason pictured the chaotic scene in the pack council grounds, Emily’s pale face, her continuous retreat.
A prickle of unease settled within him. His wolf was confused; Emily’s words were a calculated performance.
But witnessing her remorse, his heart softened slightly. The resentment he’d harbored for her silence began to subside.
His throat was still raw, his voice strained, making speech incredibly difficult. His silence, however, was interpreted by Andrew as tacit blame directed at Emily. Andrew’s already sullen expression darkened. He turned sharply to Mason, his words sharp as a wolf’s bite.
“Mason! What is wrong with you?
Are you, like Caleb and Jared, beginning to favor that ungrateful she wolf?” His voice rose, filled with anger.
“She declared it herself, she renounces the Silvermoon Pack! She claims she does not wish to bear our name! And you still side with her?” The harsh rebuke struck Mason like a blow, exacerbating the pain in his wounds.
Frustration and resentment welled up, darkening his expression.
His wolf bristled, sensing a dangerous shift in the pack’s dynamics.
Emily, noticing the change in Mason’s demeanor, felt a jolt of alarm.
Mason had not yet turned his attention fully to me; she could not allow an argument.
If Mason turned to me, it would all be lost.
Her wolf worked frantically, calculating her next move.
18:58
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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