The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 7

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 7: Battle at Home**

**Thora’s POV:**

I could feel his gaze piercing through me, a weighty presence that made my skin prickle. As he turned his head, I pressed my lips together, resolutely ignoring the jagged wound that marred my side. With deliberate care, I began to pull on the oversized dress shirt that lay waiting for me.

As a warrior forged in the fires of the apocalypse, I had endured injuries that would have left most paralyzed with pain. This, a mere scratch in comparison, was nothing I couldn’t handle.

But urgency gnawed at me; I needed to return to Silverleaf Pack without delay.

My grandfather had bestowed upon me the title of the next Alpha. The rest of the pack, however, would relish the opportunity to see me fall, to witness my demise out here in the wild. If I lingered any longer, I knew trouble would inevitably come knocking.

The man loomed nearby, his eyes never leaving me as I struggled into the shirt. His brows knitted together, a look of concentration etched on his face, as if he were trying to decipher the enigma that was me.

The shirt hung off my frame like a sail, far too large for my petite stature, but it was a vast improvement over my tattered, bloodied school uniform.

“I’m ready to leave,” I declared, my voice steady as I locked eyes with him.

If he dared to go back on his word, I was prepared to unleash everything I had, even if it meant facing death in the process.

Yet, to my surprise, he held true to his promise. He regarded me with a long, unwavering look, then stepped aside.

“You may go,” he said, his voice calm and measured.

As soon as the words left his lips, I rushed toward the door, my heart racing with the hope of freedom.

But just then, a sharp jolt of pain shot through my broken leg, causing me to stumble violently. I crashed to the floor, the impact reverberating through my body.

Grinding my teeth in frustration, I forced myself to rise, grimacing as I examined my calf. The bone had been set back into place, but each movement still sent waves of agony coursing through me. At least I could walk—barely.

I straightened my back, squared my shoulders, and limped toward the exit with determination.

Just as I reached the door, his voice called out to me, the hint of amusement dancing in his tone. “Thora.”

I halted, a frown creasing my forehead.

Of course, he knew my name. With the power he possessed, discovering my identity would have been a simple task.

“Thora,” he repeated, almost relishing the sound as if it were a fine wine. “We’ll meet again. Very soon.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. That was not a prospect I welcomed.

I was already burdened with enough troubles; the last thing I needed was to become entangled with someone like him. That would only serve to complicate my already chaotic life.

Stepping out of the grand, opulent estate, I was greeted by a car waiting patiently at the curb.

“Ms. Green, I’m here to take you back to Silverleaf Pack,” the driver said respectfully, holding the door open with a courteous gesture.

“If she really got hurt, it’ll be hard to explain to Dad. But… if word spreads to the Council that she was ruined by rogues—or even involved with them—Dad couldn’t defend her. When that happens, the position will naturally be mine.”

“Yes, Dad!” Hazel chimed in eagerly, her voice laced with excitement. “I told Thora to stay away from rogues, but she never listened. She even claimed that hanging around them was better than being treated like a failure by us. Now look at her, too ashamed to come home! I bet she did something disgusting out there.”

“Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!” Norman’s voice rose, filled with disdain rather than concern.

“I’m going to the elders right now to report her. I’ll tell them she slept with rogues and disgraced the family. We’ll strip her of her status as the future Alpha immediately!”

“Yes, yes, do it now! Before she comes back!”

Laurel’s tone sharpened with anticipation. “I’ve already had someone draft a disownment letter. Once the elders sign it, she’ll be nothing but a homeless, half-breed stray.”

BANG!

I couldn’t endure another moment of their venomous words. My patience snapped like a brittle twig. I kicked the door open, the sound echoing through the room.

Silence engulfed the space. Every single one of them froze, shock etched across their faces.

My gaze swept across the room, taking in the sight of my father, my sweet little stepsister, and that venomous stepmother. Then, a cold smile crept across my lips.

“Sorry to disappoint you all,” I said, my voice slicing through the stillness. “I’m alive—and I brought back proof that I’d been fooling around with the rogues.”