Chapter 7 In the Holding Den , I was utterly vulnerable . My human form was weak , my wolf subdued , and the ancient wolf accords were twisted against me . No matter how I explained , the Pack Enforcer remained impassive , sealing my fate . I was locked in pre - trial confinement .. The moment I stepped into the cell block , all eyes turned to me . I suppressed a growl , my wolf bristling at the scrutiny . This felt wrong . This felt planned . A short - furred she - wolf barked , " Newcomer , show respect to your boss here . " The ' Boss , ' with a fierce gaze , sat on a chair , radiating dominance . Before I could speak , she kicked my legs out from under me . I landed hard , the floor scraping against my skin . Show them our strength , Celeste ! Do not yield ! * my wolf shouted . " Slowpup , you want death ? " " The Boss ' then stalked over , grabbing a fistful of my hair , yanking my head back . " So you're the one fighting my sister for a mate ? You're pretty , I'll give you that . But pretty doesn't mean strong . " Understanding hit me like a blow . " Vivian told you ? She's the real blood bond - breaker , the one who poisoned my mate's mind . " " Slap ! " A stinging blow echoed through the cell . " My sister said it : the unloved one is the blood bond - breaker . Alpha Xavier wouldn't have sentenced you to the Holding Den otherwise . " My mind reeled . This was Xavier's doing ? My wolf howled in despair . He had allowed this . The tears I'd stubbornly held back all day finally spilled over , hot and stinging . The she - wolf patted my cheek , her touch surprisingly gentle . " Three days . Let them ' teach ' you respect . " Her eyes glittered , promising pain . The next three days were a living nightmare . Grit and pebbles ground into my food on day one . Day two , I was strung up by my wrists from a bed frame , beaten until my body screamed in protest . Day three , I was stripped bare and brutally assaulted . My wolf recoiled in horror , shielding itself from the violation . When I was finally out , I was dazed , barely aware of my surroundings . I stumbled into a waiting transport , only dimly registering the unfamiliar scent of the driver . This car felt wrong . This car felt like death . The lawyer , supposedly dispatched by Xavier , was actually working for Graham Whitaker , a ruthless Pack rival Xavier had driven to ruin . 2.4 % < Chapter 7 Xavier , in his ruthless pursuit of dominance , had cornered Graham . Now , Graham was striking back , fueled by vengeance . Not only me , but Vivian had also been snatched . Menu The transport lurched and bounced for what felt like an eternity before grinding to a halt at an abandoned stretch of coastline . The salty tang of the ocean filled my nostrils . My heart sank . I told Graham , " Don't do this . We can negotiate . " Graham sneered , hatred burning in his eyes . " Negotiate ? Xavier wouldn't have gone this far if negotiation were an option . " He activated his MindLink , contacting Xavier . " I have your two she - wolves . One hundred million dollars within one day , or I kill one and drown the other . " " You wouldn't dare ! " Xavier growled , his Alpha command ringing with impotent fury . A beat of silence , thick with menace . Xavier's voice , cold and hard as ice . " If anything happens to them , I'll hunt you down and kill you . You will wish you had never been born . " Graham threw back his head and laughed , a harsh sound that echoed across the water . " Alpha Xavier , you're not in a position to make threats . One day . I'm waiting . " We were bound and gagged , helpless . I was suspended above the churning water , Vivian held hostage , soaked in gasoline . Less than a day , Xavier materialized out of the shadows , his eyes blazing with fury . His gaze swept over us , lingering on each of our faces , then settling on Graham . " Graham , let them go . " Graham sneered . " Alpha Xavier , the rules have changed . You'll listen to me now . Where's the money ? " He tightened his grip on Vivian's neck , his claws digging into her skin . Her whimpers were muffled by the gag . Xavier , without hesitation , shoved a black metal strongbox towards him . " $ 100 million . Release them . " Graham had the box opened , confirming the amount of the money within , then smirked , his eyes glinting with malice . " I've changed my mind . You can choose one . One lives , one dies . " < Chapter 8 Menu Chapter 8