Chapter 2

Sophia POV:

I was halfway to the exit when a hand clamped down on my shoulder.

"I wasn't finished speaking to you," August growled.

I spun around, shrugging his hand off. "Do not touch me."

"You have an attitude for someone who owns nothing," August spat. "I'm trying to help you, Sophia. You think you can survive out there alone? Without a pack?"

He loomed over me, using his height to intimidate. He was trying to use his Alpha aura-a pressure that wolves use to dominate others.

But I felt... nothing.

Since my dormant blood had started to stir three years ago, the pressure of regular Alphas felt like a gentle breeze.

August frowned, confused that I wasn't cowering. He grabbed my wrist, pulling me closer.

"Let go!" I pulled back sharply.

The movement caused the sleeve of my oversized grey sweater to slide up.

The sunlight caught the bracelet on my wrist.

It was exquisite. Made of pure moonstone, glowing with an inner, ethereal blue light. It was a gift from Ryder on our mating ceremony. A protective artifact blessed by the Lymerian Elders.

Hailey gasped. Her eyes widened with greed.

"That bracelet..." she whispered. She looked at August. "That looks like the Moon Goddess's Tear! The artifact from the history books!"

August looked at it, then scoffed. "Don't be stupid, Hailey. That's a priceless artifact owned by the Royal Family. This?" He gestured to my wrist. "This is a cheap glass knock-off she probably stole from a gas station."

"It's pretty though," Hailey whined. "I want it. It would match my eyes."

"Give it to her," August commanded, holding his hand out.

"Are you insane?" I stared at him in disbelief. "This is mine."

"You are a Rogue in my territory!" August shouted. "Everything you have is subject to confiscation. Give it to Hailey, and I won't have you arrested for vagrancy."

"No."

August's patience snapped. He lunged, grabbing my wrist again, his fingers digging into my skin. He yanked the bracelet violently.

"No!" I screamed.

*Snap.*

The delicate silver chain broke. The bracelet fell from my wrist, clattering onto the asphalt.

But August's nails had dug too deep. Three long, red scratches appeared on my forearm. Bright red blood welled up.

The scent of my blood hit the air. It was sweet, metallic, and potent.

*Bzzt. Bzzt. Bzzt.*

My phone in my pocket exploded with vibration.

Ryder.

He felt it. The Mate Bond transmits physical pain. He knew I was hurt.

I clutched my bleeding arm, staring at August. A flash of heat surged through my veins. It wasn't just anger. It was primal.

For a split second, my vision shifted. The world turned sharp, high-contrast.

August stumbled back. He blinked, looking at my eyes. "What... what was that?"

"What was what?" Hailey asked, bending down to pick up the bracelet. She frowned. "Ugh, it's heavy. Definitely glass."

August shook his head, looking pale. "I thought... I saw her eyes turn silver."

"Don't be ridiculous," Hailey laughed. "She's human. Probably just a reflection of the sun."

August reached into his pocket and pulled out a checkbook. He scribbled something hastily, tore it out, and threw it at my face. The paper fluttered to the ground, landing in a puddle.

"There," he sneered, regaining his composure. "Five hundred dollars. That's more than enough for your fake jewelry and a bus ticket out of town. Don't let me see you at the Alpha Summit in three days. If you try to beg for food there, I'll throw you in the dungeon myself."

I looked at the check in the mud. Then I looked at August.

"You think money fixes this?" I asked, my voice trembling not with fear, but with suppressed rage.

I bent down, picked up the check, and tore it into tiny pieces. I let the confetti rain down over his polished shoes.

"Keep your money, August," I said, my voice dropping an octave, sounding strange even to my own ears. "You're going to need it for your medical bills."

"Is that a threat?" August laughed, but it sounded nervous.

"It's a promise."

I turned and walked away. This time, he didn't stop me. He was too busy staring at his knees, which were shaking uncontrollably for reasons he couldn't understand.

*