*NEW* Chapter XXII

Lydia's POV

The woman looked me up and down multiple times, her silence making me uneasy. I hesitated before asking politely, "Do we know each other?"

She smiled—a wide, knowing grin. "Arabella," she said. "Derek's former mate."

I blinked in surprise. "But... you were kicked out. Why are you here?"

Arabella's smile didn't falter. "Curiosity, I suppose. I wanted to see Derek's next victim."

Her words sent a shiver down my spine. "Victim?" I echoed, wondering what she meant.

Arabella's expression darkened as she spoke of Derek's ruthless nature. It wasn't anything I didn't already know, but why had she come all this way just to tell me that? Before I could question her further, her gaze shifted, her eyes narrowing as she stared into mine, as if searching for something.

Uncomfortable, I stepped back, intent on leaving. But before I could go, Arabella grabbed my arm. "Wait," she urged, studying my eyes with unnerving curiosity.

"You're scaring me," I admitted, tugging my arm free.

Arabella snapped back to reality and let out a heavy breath. "Reject Derek," she warned. "Leave him for good. I can help you escape this world, but first, you need to get rid of his mark."

I hesitated, uncertainty gripping me. In the end, I nodded reluctantly, though my mind remained clouded with doubt. Arabella promised to contact me again before disappearing into the night.

A chill crept up my spine. What had she seen in my eyes?

Back at the villa, I sat in the living room, lost in thought. When Derek walked in, relief flickered across his face. "I couldn't find you at the party," he said. "I was worried."

"I just wanted to take a walk," I replied. "It wasn't that far, and I didn't think it would be dangerous."

The house felt empty without Vanessa and Caleb, and even Fabian was nowhere to be seen. Boredom settled over me. "Derek, I want to visit the women who helped me after I passed out in the woods. I'd like to bring them something as a thank you."

Derek's expression hardened instantly. "No."

I frowned. "Why? They were kind to me."

"Witches aren't trustworthy," he said sharply.

"But they helped me."

His jaw clenched. "I don't trust them. And I don't want you near them."

I wasn't going to give up that easily.

Fabian' POV

I was obsessed with the wolf in the woods. She kept crossing into our territory shamelessly, and I vowed to catch her. I began waiting at the same spot every night, having noticed that her trajectory always led her through one specific place.

After countless nights of searching, I found a hidden stash of female clothing. She would have to come back for them sooner or later. And then, like clockwork, there she was again.

This time, she wouldn't get away.

I crouched in the shadows and watched as she shifted. Her transformation was mesmerizing—her limbs elongating, fur receding, muscles rippling beneath flawless skin. The moonlight painted silver streaks over her curves as she emerged, entirely bare, her body dripping with raw, untamed beauty.

I swallowed hard, my breath hitching. Before I could stop myself, I was staring.

A sharp snap in my mind brought me back. I stepped forward, voice hard. "Why do you keep invading our territory?"

She turned slowly, completely unbothered, her gaze sharp and knowing. "I owe nobody an explanation," she said smoothly. "And I've done nothing wrong."

"It's etiquette not to take wolf form on another pack's land," I snapped. "You should know that."

She smirked, crossing her arms. "Who do you think you are? You're in my territory now. You should behave."

I narrowed my eyes. "Then show me to your Alpha."

For the first time, hesitation flickered across her face. She had been bluffing.

Her confidence wavered, but before I could react, she bolted, trying to escape the trap I had set.

Not this time.

I lunged after her.