Sarah stepped into her beautiful new home. The floors sparkled, the living room was perfectly furnished—everything looked ideal. But beneath the pleasant domestic scents lurked something else. Something WRONG.
Her wolf stirred beneath her skin, bristling. It was otherworldly, yet strangely familiar—it was ancient, primal. DANGER.
Her eyes swept the room, landing on the mantle. Family photos smiled back at her. There was David, her new husband, in their wedding pictures from just last month. And beside him—a younger man in his early twenties. Dark dreads. Mesomorphic build.
Jake, she thought. The son David spoke about so warmly.
Then—footsteps. Slow. Measured. Majestic. Coming from the stairs.
The scent slammed into her fully now.
She froze, eyes locked on the staircase. Her wolf pressed against the inside of her chest like a caged storm.
David stepped beside her, puzzled.
"Honey, is everything okay?"
Submit… or flee, her wolf whispered.
He finally arrived downstairs—and with him came the overwhelming presence of an Alpha.
He stood still for a moment, reading the room.
"Hey, Dad," he said casually to David, a bold smile stretched across his face. His gaze slid to Sarah.
"Wow... she's even prettier in person." He chuckled lightly. "Isn't my dad the luckiest man in the world?"
He walked forward, hand extended in greeting.
Sarah's body stiffened. Her face held a strange mix of fear and defiance. The closer he came, the more the weight of his presence pressed down on her.
She reached toward him—hesitantly. But before their hands could meet, her body gave in. She collapsed.
"Is everything alright, my love?" David asked in panic, rushing toward her.
Jake was faster. He caught her effortlessly and laid her on the couch with care.
"Ma'am, are you alright?" he asked, concern etched into his voice.
David pulled out his phone.
"911? My wife just collapsed!"
"I'm alright… it's OK," Sarah murmured, still dazed.
"Are you sure you're okay, honey?" David asked.
"Dad, I really think we should still take her in for a check-up," Jake added, his tone more serious now.
"I said I'm fine, goddamn it!" she snapped, suddenly standing.
What's he playing at? Sarah thought, her eyes flicking briefly to Jake, then darting away.
"Sorry… I've just been busy. Haven't had much sleep lately," she said with a weak smile, masking the storm brewing inside.
Busy? Jake frowned. She just had a whole one-week pre-wedding bash.
Sarah avoided his eyes. She glanced toward the door—like she was waiting for someone... or ready to bolt.
"Don't worry, dear. Let me take you upstairs so you can rest a little," David said warmly.
"Oh yes, that would be lovely," she replied quickly, eager to escape the tension.
Jake sat still, silently watching them both—especially Sarah.
I knew he shouldn't have gone for someone so young, he thought bitterly. She's definitely here for his money… Damn. What do I do? I've never seen the old man this happy in years.
"You guys have fun. I'll be out for a while," Jake said, rising from the couch.
"Anything the matter?" David asked.
"No, Dad. I've got plans with a friend," Jake replied gloomily.
"Alright. Be safe—and come home soon. But not *too* soon," David said with a wink.
"Ah, Dad…" Jake muttered, uncomfortable, as he stepped outside.
David chuckled to himself. "He almost never leaves the house…"
Sarah heard that and stiffened. Panic buzzed through her veins.
What have I gotten myself into? What if he calls his pack? What if he knows I'm Obsidian? Will he inform the Alpha? What if they find me? Maybe they were right—no one escapes the Alpha…
"Honey, you sure you're okay?" David asked, pulling her from her spiral.
"Oh yes, yes… Let's go have some fun, like he said," she purred, voice low and sultry. "Might just be your lucky day…
I might even let you do that thing you've been begging for."
David's eyes widened. "Oh—oh, I like the sound of that."