Seraphina’s POV
My mind raced. I was the Gamma’s sister, practically family to Sid, the Alpha of Emerald Howl Pack. I’d spent half my childhood chasing after Eason and Sid.
There was no way I’d ever hurt Sid, let alone order an attack on him.
So who the hell came up with this insane lie?
I glanced around. Everyone in the terminal—travelers, soldiers, even the customs officers—looked grim as they watched the news. Their expressions told me all I needed to know: they believed every word.
Shit.
Even more terrifying was the fact that Sid hadn’t cleared my name. Which meant… something really had happened to him.
But who could hurt Sid and frame me for it?
Nora and Liam were mentioned in the news. They were captured. What about Trent? And Eason?
Eason was the fucking Gamma! How could he let this ridiculous lie spread under his nose?
Panic gripped my chest as the line moved forward. I noticed how carefully the officers were checking the IDs and faces of everyone in line. Too carefully.
Wait a minute…
If they were saying I ordered an attack on Sid, that probably meant I was on a wanted list.
The soldiers at the airport, the tense atmosphere, the overly thorough checks—they weren’t just here for security.
They were here for me.
The realization hit me like a punch to the gut.
I’m a fugitive in my own pack.
The line moved again, and I felt the officers’ scrutiny inch closer. My heart pounded. There were only two people ahead of me.
Suddenly, I turned and bolted.
“Hey! Watch it!” someone grumbled as I bumped into them.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, weaving through the crowd.
Thankfully, the terminal was busy, and I slipped away unnoticed.
One thought consumed me: I can’t let anyone know I’m back in Emerald Howl Pack until I figure out what’s really going on.
________________________________________
I found an empty seat near the gates and sat down to plan my next move. That’s when I noticed a yawning airport staff member walking into a quiet restroom.
An idea struck.
I stood and followed her.
Luckily, it was just the two of us. As soon as she exited a stall, I knocked her out with a single blow.
Apologizing silently, I stripped her uniform and took her badge. After stashing her in the furthest stall, I ditched the rest of my luggage in a trash can.
When I walked out of the restroom, I was dressed as airport staff, with a mask covering my face.
I headed for the staff exit. As I’d hoped, there were no soldiers, just a sleepy guard manning the post.
My heart pounded as I swiped the stolen ID and pushed the door open.
“Hey, Joanna!” the guard suddenly called out.
Don’t panic.
I kept walking, pretending not to hear him.
“Joanna! What the hell?”
I stopped and turned slightly, trying to appear casual.
“Why the hell are you wearing a mask?” he asked, his voice suspicious.
Rasping, I replied, “Just a little cold.”
He squinted at me, clearly unconvinced. My heart pounded so loudly I thought he’d hear it.
Was he going to call the soldiers? Did he see through me?
Then he muttered, “Your phone’s buzzing. Don’t bring it to work again, or I’ll report you.”
Relief flooded me as he sat back down, already half-asleep again.
Only then did I notice my phone vibrating in my pocket.
“Oh…got it. Thanks,” I said quickly, gripping my phone and slipping through the door.
________________________________________
I was officially on Emerald Howl Pack territory now.
There was no time to celebrate. Ducking into a quiet corner, I answered the phone without even checking who it was.
“Hello?”
A cold voice spoke, each word sharp and deliberate:
“No one breaks a promise to me and gets away with it. You’re the first.”
My blood ran cold.
It was Asher.
I froze, my heart hammering in my chest.
“Now tell me, Seraphina,” he hissed. “What am I supposed to do with you after you betrayed me like that?”
