Chapter5
The deafening crack of my smartphone shattering against the marble floor jolts the room into a stunned silence.
Stephnie leaps away from him like a startled rabbit.
“Sister! You’re awake!”
Stephnie’s voice drips with false concern as she rushes to my bedside. “Does it still hurt? It’s all my fault…”
A humorless laugh bubbles up from my throat.
“Your very presence in this room makes every nerve in my body howl in agony. How could I possibly heal?”
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Her sobs escalate into a pitiful wail, but I see the triumphant glint in her eyes as she shoots a longing glance at Frank over her shoulder. She scurries out of the room, leaving behind a trail of sickly – sweet cherry blossom perfume.
Frank takes a step towards the door, then stops, his broad shoulders tense.
“The fire… it happened so fast. I couldn’t-”
“Save it.” I turn my face to the window.
On the day of my discharge, I limp into the study, my injured leg throbbing with every step.
–
The ancient leather bound bookshelves seem to whisper secrets as I yank open a drawer, revealing a coiled black whip.
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This is no ordinary punishment tool.
“Fetch Frank,”
“As my butler, you failed in your duty,” I growl, the whip unfurling with a menacing snap.
“According to the laws of the Pack, you must pay the price.”
For a heartbeat, I think he’ll refuse.
But then his gaze flicks to the door, and I know he’s thinking of Stephnie.
His shoulders slump in defeat.
“Do what you must.”
The first strike whistles through the air.
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But before it can land, a blur of white fur darts into the room.
“NO!” Stephnie, transformed into her wolf form, leaps between us. The whip strikes her side, and the scent of burning fur fills the air.
She yelps in pain.
Frank catches her as she collapses. His wolf is on the verge of breaking free, his canines fully extended, his eyes glowing a feral yellow.
“You’ve gone too far,” he snarls.
I stare at the pair of them, my hands shaking so violently that I almost drop the whip.
The smell of Stephnie’s blood, mixed with Frank’s seething anger, is suffocating.
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“Get out,” I manage to choke out.
Without another word, Frank scoops up Stephnie and storms out.
I sink to my knees, the shards of glass cutting into my skin.
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