Hearing his words , my heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird . " He must choose , Celeste . And we know who it will be , " said my wolf . I knew , with certainty , that Xavier would choose Vivian . Though I'd braced myself for his ultimate abandonment , a bitter , acrid taste still welled up in my throat . He does not value us , Celeste . We are nothing to him . * But Xavier didn't hesitate , his voice ringing with conviction . " I won't choose . I want them both ! " I was stunned , my wolf momentarily silenced by his unexpected declaration . Vivian , however , was furious , her jaw clenched tight , her eyes flashing with resentment . Yet , tears streamed down her face , a performance meant to sway him . " Alpha Xavier , don't worry about me . This is all my fault . Let me end it . " She suddenly lunged , deliberately bumping into Graham . He stumbled , his grip loosening , dropping his lighter . Flames erupted , licking at the gasoline - soaked ground , engulfing Vivian in a fiery inferno . Enraged , Graham shoved Vivian deeper into the flames , then slashed through my ropes with a brutal stroke . Both of us were now in danger . As I plunged into the icy depths of the sea , I saw Xavier surging forward . But not towards me . Towards Vivian , consumed by the flames . " Vivi ! " He bellowed . He plunged into the fire , dragged Vivian out , and carried her to safety . I sank beneath the waves , the cold water stealing my breath , my vision fading . He'd made his choice . Loud and clear . I awoke with a gasp , disoriented , blinded by harsh light . I was strapped to an operating table in a Healing Den , the air thick with the metallic tang of blood . Xavier loomed above me , his eyes blazing with fury . " Celeste , why did you conspire with Graham ? Did you actually think you could deceive me ? I'm so disappointed ! " My blood ran cold . I stared at him , utterly bewildered , struggling to understand what he was talking about . Xavier continued , his voice cold . " Vivi told me everything . You plotted to hurt her . How vicious you My heart sank , shattering into a million pieces . are ?! " 2.7 % < Chapter 8 He believed her , blindly , unquestioningly . " He will never trust us , Celeste . We are always the villain in his eyes , " said . my wolf . Menu I didn't know what lies Vivian had made up , what poisonous whispers she'd used to convince Xavier that I was the architect of this entire nightmare . " It wasn't me . I didn't ... " My throat was raw , burning from the saltwater I'd swallowed . I tried to explain , to reason with him , but Xavier exploded . " Enough ! Don't even try . Save your pathetic excuses . " My body went numb , frozen by his blind hatred . What was the point ? He would believe Vivian's lies , no matter what I said , no matter what proof I offered . Why waste my time explaining ? " So ? " I raised my eyes to meet his , a sneer twisting my lips , a desperate attempt to mask the devastation within . " How will you punish me for her misfortune ? " My defiance only fueled his rage , causing it to erupt like a volcano . " An eye for an eye . A burn for a burn . " His veins bulged in his temples . " Vivi's scarred . She needs a skin graft ! Give her yours ! You will make up for what you have done to her , Celeste ! With flesh ! " your I froze , paralyzed by his cruelty , the sheer malice in his eyes . I couldn't believe he was saying this . I could not believe he would do this to me . " I won't ! " I shouted , " I will never accept this ! " I tried to leap off the table , to escape his insane wrath , but Pack Enforcers pinned me to the cold surface . Xavier , utterly heartless , delivered the final blow , his voice devoid of emotion . " This isn't up for discussion . You owe her everything . " Then he turned and strode out of the Healing Den , leaving me alone with my pain . < Chapter 9 Menu Chapter 9