Anila’s POV

The night sky began to brighten, and threads of golden light adorned the eastern horizon, piercing through my eyelids with a blinding daylight.

My head throbbed, and the sensation of a hangover coursed through my body. What had I done yesterday? Was The Lupercalia Full Moon Ritual over? I wish I hadn't consumed so much alcohol.

I rubbed my temples. It seemed like I had a dream yesterday. I hadn't slept so soundly for a long time. It felt good.

"Um……"

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close to chest.

"Ah!" I suppressed my voice, afraid of waking the person next to me.

The man's breath was steady and rhythmic, and his broad chest rose and fell with each breath. The scent that emanated from him carried a faint, woody fragrance. His side profile was chiseled, his eyebrows thick, his nose bridge high and elegant. There was a subtle, playful curl at the corner of his lips. As he slept, he appeared to have a touch more innocence than usual. This man was someone I knew all too well. My soul was startled, and I took in a sharp breath, nearly tumbling from the bed. I covered my mouth with both hands, desperate not to make a sound and wake him.

The man before me was none other than Garrett Percy, the Alpha of our pack. He had an unpredictable, decisive and fiery personality. If he were to discover that I had gotten drunk and ended up in his bed, he might very well kill me. No, it would be his mate, Liz, who would want to kill me. I hadn't been this close to him since I was a child.

Garrett, his exterior is flawless. But deep down, he is rotten.

"Darling, how long will you keep watching him? Waiting for Garrett to kill you?" I heard the soft voice in my ear. This was my wolf, Semanth, my most trusted friend.

My sanity was awakened by her.

"Let's go.I feel him waking up!"

Semanth's voice became increasingly urgent, which made me nervous.

I, who have always been calm and composed, almost panicked.

When putting on my clothes,I found that there were still liquids and blood on my underwear.

I staggered out of the room without looking back.

And then I turned into a wolf and ran back to the palace quickly.

Upon returning to my room , I change into human form.

I rushed into the bathroom, desperate to rinse myself off.

I leaned against the wall and slid down weakly, letting the shower spray the cold water on me.

A Sudden burst of sadness overwhelmed me that I covered my face and started crying.

The shaking shoulders could not restrain the tears from rolling down.

Semanth wanted to say comforting words, but she didn't know how.

I picked up the brush and scrubbed the skin until it was red and bleeding.

So filthy, how did I become so dirty?

Originally, I had intended to give my precious first time to the person I loved. However... Damn it! This is the biggest mistake of my life. I submerged myself in the bathtub, my face entirely immersed in the water, leaving only my nose above the surface for breathing. Only then could my overheated mind calm down...

I am Anila Clive, the first female Beta of our pack and the most unpopular Beta in the political circles due to the perceived traitor by the Clive family. I should never have taken on this responsibility. Yet, despite opposition from many, Garrett compelled me to assume the position.

He saved me, and in doing so, he saved the entire Clive family from imminent destruction. To him, I am a trustworthy and easily controlled Beta. I've been by Garrett's side for as long as I can remember, up until now. I am merely his instrument.

I rose, wrapping a towel around my body and left the bathroom, feeling sore all over, especially between my legs, where I felt the pain of being torn.

Knock, knock. My door was knocked on. Cautiously, I grabbed the wolf fang blade hidden under my pillow and held it near the door without making a sound.

It was only four or five in the morning when I left the inn. Who could it be at this early hour?

"Anila, you don't need to be so on edge all the time. I can smell Dr. Johnny's scent," Semanth said.

I relaxed upon hearing her words. I was just afraid that Garrett might send the Shadow Guard to assassinate me.

"Darling, you know Alpha Garrett's promiscuous nature. Even with Liz, he's still fooling around outside. He might not even remember who he was with last night," Semanth, a gentle and caring wolf, tried to comfort me.

"Hmm? I'm certain I saw Anila returning to her room. Did I make a mistake?" The voice was indeed Dr. Johnny.

"Perhaps I made a mistake. I should leave," he said when he noticed he was about to exit. Without thinking, I opened the door. He stood there with wide eyes, frozen in place. I had opened the door without thinking, forgetting that I was wearing only a towel.

"Sorry, Dr. Johnny. I heard a noise outside while I was showering, so I..." I blushed and lowered my head, turning away from him.

He closed his eyes, draped his coat over me, and said, "Girls can be quite impulsive."

His coat smelled like him, and he turned his face away, daring not to look at me. "I was just worried that you drank too much at the tavern yesterday. I brought a hangover remedy for you. It might help."

He was so gentle...

Dr. Johnny waved and signaled for me to hurry back inside. I gladly accepted the hangover remedy. "Thank you, Doctor. I'll go change now."

Dr. Johnny nodded quickly, bidding me farewell with a warm smile.

As he walked away, just as I was about to close the door, I felt a pair of menacing eyes piercing straight into my heart like a cold blade. I quickly locked the door, leaned against it, and sat on the floor with the wolf fang blade still tightly in my hand.

That look... could it be Garrett? Is he planning to kill me?