Chapter 8 Vivian's POV Get 5 > Menu I wake up the next morning and drag myself into the shower . The water scalds pleasantly against my skin , washing away the last remnants of yesterday . I wait for breakfast to appear , but unsurprisingly , no one brings anything . Feeding me doesn't seem to be on anyone's list , and I'm certainly not going to beg Alpha Orion for scraps . I slip into my slacks , feeling the smooth fabric against my skin , and prepare to head into the woods to hunt . I don't need anyone's permission . Just as I'm about to step out , a voice stops me. Familiar . Unwelcome . Beta Alder . Fantastic . Of all the people in this pack , I didn't want to run into him . I pause and let him catch up , standing there silently . " Where are you going ? " he asks , his tone neutral , but curious . " To the woods , " I answer simply . He tilts his head , eyes narrowing slightly . " I like it there , " I add , shrugging . He nods as if that explains everything . " Did you go to the clinic to get checked ?" he questions , concern evident in his voice . I shake my head . " No need . I heal fast , " I reply . He nods again , seemingly satisfied . " By the way , " he says casually , a small smile tugging at his lips , " your wolf ... it's beautiful . " I freeze , momentarily caught off guard . He's... being nice ? Too nice . That makes me wary . Could this be a trap ? I don't let my guard down . " Thank you , Beta Alder , " I say politely , trying to edge away , wanting to leave him behind . " Vivian , " he says again , more insistently this time . I grit my teeth but stop , letting him speak . " Do you mind joining me for breakfast ? I'm heading into town , and there's a diner there I think you'll like . " I feel a small spark of excitement . Maybe life here isn't as miserable as I thought . I allow myself a tiny smile , though caution still gnaws at me . " Sure , " I reply , a little happy , but guarded . His sudden kindness doesn't sit right with me , yet I decide to give him the benefit of the doubt - for now . We walk toward the car park , the ground hard beneath our feet . I notice murmurs around us . People aren't whispering insults ; instead , there's admiration in their glances . A small flicker of pride sparks inside me . " How are those guys ? " I ask eventually , curiosity breaking through my caution . 03.14 : 33 3.12 % < Chapter 8 Get 5 Menu " Still in the clinic , " Alder says with a laugh . " You really tore them up . Everyone's laughing at them . Most of the warriors were thrilled to see you take down the Gamma and Delta . I consider myself lucky Alpha Orion didn't make me fight you - I might've ended up in the clinic too . " I blink , surprised . Somehow , the chaos I caused has made me famous . Alpha Orion tried to humiliate me , but instead , he inadvertently boosted my reputation . I let a small laugh escape me . I glance around , wondering where Orion is , but I don't ask . Better to leave him out of this moment . We climb into the jeep , and I slide into the passenger seat , leather cool beneath me . Alder hands me a pair of sunglasses to shield my eyes from the wind . I put them on , feeling a little smug and powerful , like I own the world . The diner is small , unassuming , and packed . People glance our way , and I catch the admiring looks . Girls watch Alder with obvious interest , and men stare at me , eyes lingering far too long . A few are attractive , dangerously so , but I remind myself - I am forbidden from having a boyfriend . Looking is punishment enough . I sit and focus on the table , ignoring the attention . The waitress arrives , bright and cheerful , and I quickly place my order , hungry and eager for something indulgent . A double beef cheeseburger , fries , and a soda . I bite into the burger , letting satisfaction wash over me. For the first time in a long time , I feel a spark of genuine happiness . " Sorry we got off on the wrong foot , Viv , " Alder says suddenly . I look up at him and smile faintly , indicating it's fine . " I've never seen a wolf with your strength , besides Alpha Orion . You're on fire , Viv . I can see why Alpha requested you , " he adds , completely unaware of the effect his words have on me . My smile falters slightly . " I'm just an insurance policy for him , " I mutter , taking a sip of soda , keeping my voice casual . " So , what have you been doing for fun here ? " he asks , leaning forward slightly , curiosity lighting his features . " Nothing much , " I reply , bored . " Watching television , going on runs , swimming in the lake , sleeping . " " You must be very bored , " he observes , and I nod in agreement . " Do you like fighting ? " he asks next . I hesitate , unsure how to answer safely . " It depends , " I say finally , choosing the safest response . " Would you like to come with me on errands ? " he asks , and my heart leaps . Finally , someone sees my worth . Excitement floods me . " Yes ! " I exclaim , unable to contain myself . 14:33 3.27 % < Chapter 8 Get 5 Menu " I'll talk to Alpha about it . I'm sure he won't mind , " he says casually . My chest tightens . My excitement falters . Alpha Orion doesn't trust me enough to grant such freedom . I'm nothing to him . Speaking of the devil , I'm about to take a bite of my burger when Alpha Orion enters , flanked by another striking man . Dirty blonde hair , piercing green eyes , the kind of presence that silences a room . The ladies stare . Why does every man in Orion's territory look so impossibly perfect ? I immediately avert my gaze , forcing myself to focus on my food . " Can we do this more often ? " I ask Alder quietly . He nods , smiling . Alpha Orion strides past without acknowledging us . His companion , however , pauses to nod at Alder , who stands immediately in respect . " Alpha Thorne , good morning , " Alder greets formally . The man nods politely in return . " Hello , " Thorne says , turning his gaze to me . He extends his hand . I hesitate , then shake it . The moment our skin touches , a mild , sweet electricity courses through me . I catch his intense green eyes and realize he felt it too . " Hi , " I manage , voice steady despite the sudden heat coursing through me . " What is your name ? " he asks , unwavering . " Vivian Blackwood , " I reply . He tilts his head , expression softening . " Are you related to Alpha Remus Blackwood ? " he asks , and I nod . " He was my uncle . He's dead now , " I answer , and I watch him glance briefly at Orion . " Your insurance policy ? " he asks Orion . I cringe , grateful Orion doesn't respond . " Do you mind if I join you , Viv ? " Thorne asks gently . " Not at all , " I reply , though a shiver runs through me as he sits beside me . The instant our skin brushes , electricity pulses again , hotter this time . My body betrays me , and I silently plead for control . Kova is flipping somersaults inside me , and I have to keep it together alone . 14:33 Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.