RAMON’S POV

The guard I had instructed to lock up Beta Blane, just to serve as an example for all others who planned to go against my orders, stood at the centre of my room, waiting for me to dismiss him. His posture was rigid, shoulders squared, eyes fixed on the floor. The lantern on my desk cast long shadows across the wooden walls, making the room feel smaller and heavier than it was.

By now, word would have spread around the pack. The alpha’s beta had been arrested. If he could be, then there was no one above reproach. The thought should have brought me satisfaction, a sense of restored order, but it only left a bitter taste in my mouth. I pulled away from the window where I had been staring out at the dark treeline, the night air cool against the glass, and turned to the guard.

"See that he is released in three days time. When he’s free, bring him directly to me."

"Yes, Alpha." He bowed deeply, his movements precise and respectful, before walking out of the room. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the space quiet once more.

I thought I was going to feel good. At least some sense of relief. So why was my anxiety rising? Why did I feel like I was continuously making mistakes? The questions gnawed at me, circling like vultures in my mind. It was a very dicey situation I was in. I try my hardest not to fall into temptation when Sonia is around, but one innocent bat of her lashes, and I’m tempted to kiss her to ecstasy. The memory of her soft lips, the way she had melted against me in the archival room, made my jaw tighten.

I tell myself Blane would not do anything to jeopardise my status as the alpha, then he goes and does the opposite of my orders, and I find myself wanting to tear him apart. So many contradictions. Surprisingly, the one constant was Lorena. It was easy with her. She was obsessed with me, and I could control her whichever way I wanted. Probably the reason why I get annoyed when people even remotely suggest she controls me. How can she? When I own her? She’s literally mine to do whatever the heck I want with her.

Shaking my head, the thoughts of Lorena and every other thing that wasn’t of urgency vanished. I needed to see my sister. To ensure that Sonia had not done something horrendous to her. The worry for Ivy sat like a stone in my chest, heavy and unrelenting.

I walked out of the room and closed the door behind me. The hallway was dimly lit by wall sconces, their flames flickering softly. The guards on patrol stopped and bowed when I walked past them, their heads lowering in unison. I waved a hand, signalling for them to go ahead with their duties. Their footsteps resumed behind me, steady and disciplined.

When I arrived at Ivy’s room, I was told she had been transferred to another room. The news made my steps quicken. In order not to seem rather suspicious, I went round the sick ward first. I had been too obvious with the way I handled Ivy’s situation. I couldn’t afford for people to start to get curious about our relationship. It wasn’t because I was ashamed of her. She knew more than anything I wanted to introduce her to the world as my sister. She just didn’t want that to happen yet, and I couldn’t fathom why. Since that was the only thing she ever truly asked of me, I decided it was best to listen to her.

I made an attempt to go to the next ward, but stopped midway. My wolves were getting sicker, and not healing as fast as they usually would. The sight of so many occupied beds made my stomach twist. I didn’t know why it took me this long to discover what was happening. The pack doctor was either losing his touch, or there was something sinister going on in the pack. The rooms were unusually filled with wolves. This had not been the case in years. To top it off, I had yet to see him anywhere. Shouldn’t he ideally be going around in search of how to make the clinic filled with fewer wolves?

"Where’s the pack doctor?" I asked a guard standing by one of the doors. The young wolf straightened immediately at my approach.

"He’s in Ivy’s new room." He pointed in its direction, his voice respectful but quick.

I was pointed in its direction, and I immediately was on my way. My boots echoed down the corridor, the sound sharp against the quiet night. On getting to the room, I pushed the door open and stepped in. The pack doctor, who was feeding a barely awake Ivy some liquid, turned his head. The room smelled of fresh herbs and warm broth, a comforting contrast to the earlier stench of burns and medicine.

He acknowledged my presence with a slight nudge of his head before he continued feeding Ivy. She looked fragile in the bed, but there was color returning to her cheeks. I drew closer, astounded that she was finally awake. Although her eyes were barely open, there was a significant improvement in her appearance. The blisters had dried, and her breathing seemed steadier.

"How’s she doing?" I asked, my voice low.

"Very good, Alpha Ramon. That Sonia girl is a miracle worker. This is the first time since the fire Ivy has been conscious enough to eat something. Look at her body too, her scars are drying up!"

My eyes went to every direction he pointed out, as I observed carefully. He was right. She looked way healthier than she had looked the last time I saw her. The relief that washed through me was unexpected, warm and deep. Could he be right about the Sonia thing, though? I don’t know why I was finding it hard to believe she was an actual healer. It was easier to consider her a spoiled brat who thought of only herself. Daily, she had managed to disprove those narratives.

If I couldn’t hold on to that picture, what would be my justification for wanting to crush her, just to get a rise out of Fenris? Everything would be much more simpler if she was as evil as her best friend made me believe. The conflict twisted inside me, pulling in opposite directions.

Speaking of her best friend, I think it’s time to actually hear from her again. The thought of Lorena made my jaw tighten slightly.

My eyes returned to Ivy. The pack doctor had placed her head back on the bed. He planted a kiss on her forehead before straightening up. The gesture was gentle, almost fatherly.

"She’s a fighter," he said, and smiled. The lines on his face deepened with the expression.

"Yeah, whoever did this to her better be one too. When I get them, they would be for death," I replied. My voice was cold, laced with promise.

The pack doctor chuckled. "You really care about her, don’t you? That’s a good thing. She knows that wherever she is, and no matter the condition, she has a big brother ready to turn the world for her. Probably like Sonia when she thinks of her brothers."

"You mean the cowards!" I scoffed. The word felt sharp on my tongue.

His smile broadened, further irritating me. "I don’t think you believe they’re cowards. You may be rivals, but it’s not bad to be honest."

"In the spirit of honesty then, what are you doing to my wolves? Why are they not healing?" I shot directly, my eyes narrowing.

He stopped, and turned to me fully. "I already told you, Ramon. I’m not as sharp as I used to be. People my age are already retired. You need to start finding a new doctor."

"What does that have to do with the fact my wolves are not healing?" I scrunched my face in wonder, frustration building.

"It does in fact have everything to do with it. I need to rest. I’ve been doing this since the days of your father. I’m tired, Ramon. If you don’t find a replacement soon, I don’t think Fenris would be the least thing you’ll be worried about. There’s nothing as bad as a failing pack, Ramon. Illness is a big sign of one."

He turned towards the door and began to leave. His footsteps were slow, weighted with exhaustion.

"What do you suggest I do?" I asked defeatedly. The words tasted bitter.

"You’re the one who saved the pack from ruins and built it up again. I don’t think you need my opinion on what to do."

He walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering scent of Sonia. She had been in this room. One whiff, and now I was rock solid. The familiar pull hit me hard, making my body react despite everything. I clenched my fists, staring at the empty doorway, the conflict raging louder inside me than ever.