Chapter 272

I felt my aura, which for the last year I have kept securely under wraps because it was still growing, unfurl. I was still so young when everything started. Even then, I was too strong for anyone to really challenge me. But now? Now I was something never seen before. Still, I kept most of it hidden. My power fell in waves; everyone felt it. There were gasps from the crowd, and Vince and this woman stepped back.

I smiled, and I knew it was predatory. I pulled my power back in, clenching my fists as it fought. It wanted free rein. It craved relief. But I was stronger, so I tucked it away and turned back to the crowd. "I started this day with such hope. Hope for our future. Hope for our packs. This was the very beginning of our lives. I got ready with my friends." I turned and stared at the man that had rushed to the side of the stage, my rage burning in my eyes. "I celebrated my twenty-first birthday." I watched him wince. "And I came here for my graduation with my speech prepared and a lightness in my heart. I had followed my father’s last bit of guidance, and now today, here I am graduating top of the school, following everything he had ever taught me, only to be stopped and asked how it feels to hear my father has been branded a traitor." He shook his head, but I pushed. "The answer is honestly, the only people who betrayed anyone are the people in charge of our fucking kingdom." His eyes widened, but I would not back down. I don’t care if this was all a part of my father’s plan. I don’t care if he was okay with this bullshit. I wasn’t, and I let Rowan know it.

He walked out slowly, staring at me with something in his eyes that I no longer recognized or returned. His care, his need for me, it was still plain on his face, but me and my wolves made an agreement, and we were sticking to it. He decided to tarnish my family’s image, our name, for the sake of whatever game he and my father were playing. But fuck that.

I stared back at him with the rage I felt in this moment, and it wasn’t me that looked away, ashamed. He walked to the podium, and I waited for a second before I turned away.

“Ladies and gentlemen, obviously, this has gotten out of hand. This is a graduation ceremony, not an inquisition,” he started, and I snorted. I could feel his eyes on my back, but I kept it turned. The worst insult a wolf could give another is to turn their backs on them, finding them no threat, and that is what I did now, to my king. I could hear his frustration in his tone as he continued, "Gavin Maclean was always a loyal and steadfast wolf. He had never once been considered as a traitor, and I do not know where this all stems from, but I will sort this out." I snorted again. It was clear where this stemmed from: his corrupt council.

There were footsteps from behind, and I knew it was the woman. She cleared her voice, obviously trying to recollect herself. "Yes, Rowan and I will do a deep inquiry into where this all started." But everyone in the room could hear what she wasn’t telling anyone. It was her.

“Who are you?” someone called out. I turned because I wanted to know as well. Rowan’s eyes were pleading with me to understand as she wrapped her hand in his. A giant ring shone on her finger, and I knew…in that moment I knew the truth, and I looked away.

“I’m Verity La’Shen.” Rowan looked ashamed as she said the next words. “I’m the future Queen, Rowan’s fiancee.” Fiancee. I snapped my eyes to Rowan, and I watched the life drain out of him.

“Fiancee?” A round of murmurs went out, but my ears barely caught them. Verity turned to me with a triumphant smile, but I barely noticed it. I was watching Rowan and the desolation in his eyes.

My phone's ringing snapped me out of my trance. I pulled it out of my robe and clicked answer before I even registered the number. “Hello?”

“Amy?” The tiny voice was filled with tears. “Amy, is that you?”

“Yes…who is this?” I frowned as the voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it.

“It’s Carly.” The world froze, and Rowan’s attention zeroed in on me. “There are people here, and my dad…”

She sobbed. “My dad can’t hold them off for much longer.”

The world kicked back into motion. “Hide, baby. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Hurry.” The call disconnected, and I dropped my phone. I looked at Toya, and all my friends stood, pushing their way to the aisle.

“Amy.” Rowan took a step towards me, but I shifted on the spot. Nix stood in my place, and she glanced at Rowan before lifting her lip. She growled, then turned and sprinted out the door.