As we neared the estate, another car—a sleek black Range Rover—roared past and skidded to a stop in front of us. My breath hitched.
I knew that car. My pulse pounded in my ears as the door opened and a tall figure stepped out.
Elias Blackwood.
My mate’s step-brother.
The moment his golden eyes met mine, I froze. My wolf whimpered, caught between fear and something else. Elias had always been unpredictable, his presence both commanding and dangerous. He was the heir who walked away, the Alpha who refused his birthright, the rogue who built an empire in the shadows.
Benedict stiffened beside me. He had always despised Elias, hated that their father once wanted him to lead. But Elias had rejected the pack, choosing exile over submission. Now, he was more powerful than ever, his influence stretching far beyond the pack’s borders.
I kept my head down as he approached, praying he wouldn’t acknowledge me. Benedict wasn’t one for mercy. If he knew the full extent of what had happened between me and Benedict, he might see me as weak. And weak wolves didn’t survive in his world.
“Benedict.” His voice was deep, rough like gravel. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”