(Audrey’s POV)
I stared at the car’s display as Mrs. Shadowcrest’s voice filled the interior, hurling accusations about Emma’s injuries. My first reaction was bewilderment, followed by amusement.
Vicious? When they kidnapped me and hurt me from head to toe with silver-laced ropes, I didn’t see them reflecting on their own actions. Now, I’m merely having Marcus Reed replicate my injuries onto Emma Shadowcrest, and suddenly it’s considered crossing a line?
Is a rich pack daughter’s body precious, while lone wolves are born to be trampled on? How hypocritical.
“Audrey Winter!” Mrs. Shadowcrest continued shouting through the speakers. “I know it was you who orchestrated this attack! Emma was ambushed by Marcus Reed’s wolves after leaving your healing practice!”
Her voice rose to a pitch that made me wince. “She has the same wounds as you claimed to have after being ‘kidnapped’! What kind of sick revenge is this?”
I caught Florian watching me with curious golden eyes, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. Before I could respond, he leaned toward the speaker.
“Mrs. Shadowcrest,” Florian’s lazy drawl cut through her tirade. “I find your accusation quite interesting, considering I’ve been with Audrey all afternoon at her healing practice.”
His lie was so smooth, so effortless, that even I almost believed it.
“She hasn’t interacted with anyone suspicious during that time,” he continued. “How could she possibly orchestrate an attack while in my presence?”
There was a moment of hesitation from Mrs. Shadowcrest, her breathing audible through the speakers.
“You’re protecting her,” she stated flatly. “Why would you do that?”
“I’m simply stating facts,” Florian replied, sounding bored. “But please, continue your theory. It’s quite entertaining.”
“She’s the only one with motive!” Mrs. Shadowcrest insisted. “After what Emma did-”
She abruptly cut herself off, seeming to realize she was about to implicate her own daughter.
“After what Emma did?” Florian prompted, his golden eyes gleaming with interest. “Do tell.”
Mrs. Shadowcrest hesitated again, clearly trapped in her own argument. “Emma… may have been involved in Audrey’s kidnapping. And perhaps played a role in her mate bond severance from Arthur Moonstone.”
I couldn’t believe she’d actually admitted it, even in such vague terms.
Florian raised an eyebrow and glanced at me. “Well, if Audrey was indeed responsible for this attack, which I’m not saying she is, it sounds like Emma deserved it.”
“Florian Stormhowl!” Mrs. Shadowcrest’s outrage vibrated through the car. “How dare you! Your pack elders specifically instructed you to look after Emma!”
“Mere courtesy between ancient bloodline packs,” Florian dismissed with a wave of his hand that Mrs. Shadowcrest couldn’t see. “Nothing more.”
I watched this exchange with fascination. The territorial politics were intricate, with relationships and alliances I couldn’t even begin to understand as a lone wolf.
“Enough of this!” Mrs. Shadowcrest finally redirected her anger back to me. “Audrey Winter, admit what you’ve done!”
I took a deep breath, weighing my options. Denying involvement wouldn’t help-she already believed I was guilty. Why waste energy on futile arguments?
“Would you believe me if I denied it?” I asked calmly.
“Of course not!” she snapped.
“Then what’s the point of this conversation?” I replied. “If you’ve decided I’m guilty regardless of what I say, then so be it.”
My pragmatism reflected my understanding of my limited resources as a lone wolf. I had no pack to back me, no powerful Alpha to defend my honor. And honestly, I didn’t mind taking credit for Emma’s suffering, even if I hadn’t directly planned it.
“So you admit it?” Mrs. Shadowcrest demanded.
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