"Young Miss, Alpha is calling you for dinner," my maid's voice called from outside my room, her knocks punctuating the announcement.

"I don't want to," I replied, without opening the door.

"I'm afraid Aria and Noah won't eat if you don't," she said.

I sighed and opened the door. The maid, startled by my sudden appearance, took a step back.

"Where are they?" I asked.

"In the dining room with Alpha," she replied.

I nodded and went to the dining room. My twins were already eating with their uncle.

"That maid lied to me," I muttered.

"She didn't lie. I sent her," Jason said, his eyes falling on me.

I sat at the table near him. Aria and Noah looked up.

"Mommy, are you in a bad mood?" Noah asked.

I shook my head and began to eat. I wasn't in the mood to talk; I felt unwell, the lingering rage from Adrian's words and actions consuming me. I wanted to release it, but couldn't.

"Is everything okay?" Jason asked.

"Hmm."

"Are you mad at me?" he asked softly.

I turned to him. "No, brother. I just don't feel well."

He placed his hand on my forehead. "Do you have a fever?"

"No. Your temperature is normal. What's wrong with my little baby?" His concern was evident in his voice and eyes.

"I'm fine, brother. I just need some fresh air."

"Then go to the forest. It'll do you good."

I froze. "Forest?"

He nodded and resumed eating.

"Will Mommy go alone? Uncle Eric isn't here," Noah worriedly interjected.

I saw his concern. He was protective of me.

"Don't worry. No one can harm your mommy here. It's our pack," Jason reassured him, then murmured to me, "Even if someone dares, they'll get death in return."

I understood his unspoken threat. I focused on finishing my dinner. Aria remained silent; I'd scolded her earlier for seeing Adrian, forbidding any further contact.

"Good night," I said to my twins and brother after dinner.

"If you want, I can send someone with you. Eric's busy with tomorrow's party," Jason offered as the children left.

"Brother, Eric isn't my bodyguard. I didn't like what you said about us to others. It'll destroy my friendship with Eric."

He stared at me. "I want you to be happy, Natalia."

"I am happy. I don't need anyone. Considering your actions with Adrian, he'll likely stay away. I won't go near him."

Jason fell silent. I left the pack house and headed for the forest.

The cold night air chilled me, but I continued walking. I realized I'd gone quite far from the pack house, but I knew my way back; this was my pack's territory.

I looked up at the moon, partially obscured by clouds and trees. Then I heard crunching behind me. I listened intently. Footsteps approached. I turned to see two unfamiliar men.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

They scanned me, their hungry eyes lingering on me. I recognized them.

"Rogues!"

How had they gotten past the border guards?

They smirked, approaching me. "The forest at midnightsuch a stunning sight. What's a beauty like you doing here? Homeless?"

I stepped back. "Stay away."

They laughed, lust in their eyes. They reminded me of the rogues I'd escaped from in the Crystal Blood Pack. I turned and ran, their laughter echoing behind me.

"Don't run. You won't be able to run if we shift," they shouted.

I ran until I reached a lake. Trapped, I looked up at the moon.

"Don't waste our time," one said, approaching. The other flanked me. "We won't kill you, but we'llenjoy you daily."

They laughed, their eyes roaming over my body. I looked at my reflection in the lake.

"Why are you so silent?" one asked, confused.

I exhaled, shaking my head. "Nothing. Just looking at my reflection. It's been a while since I shifted," I murmured, surprising them. They looked at my reflection—my wolf—their eyes widening in horror. Their bodies trembled.

"Ablack wolf with blue eyes!" one stammered in fear.