Layla found herself in a state of contentment within her new pack. She diligently attended to her duties, enjoyed the company of Annabelle and Lisa, and found her nightmares becoming less frequent. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the positive change in her life. Since the incident at the beach, where Annabelle couldn't stop talking about the Alpha, Layla saw little of his attention. She had managed to develop a good rapport with the pack members, and they accepted her without much question.However, not everyone in the pack shared in Layla's happiness, especially a close friend of Annabelle named Elena, who had returned from her mission representing the pack. Elena was a formidable warrior, and her mere presence intimidated Layla. Her large stature and perpetually stern expression made Layla anxious, so she made a point to avoid Elena whenever possible.Layla looked up from across Annabelle in the sunroom as Elena joined them. Elena shot a glare at Layla before sitting down bes

The next day, Layla was hardly awake when Annabelle came and dragged her out of bed. Layla quickly changed clothes and put on sandals that Annabelle had prepared for her. Annabelle pulled her out of her room and down the hallway to the training ground, where a few warriors were waiting. Annabelle pushed Layla towards Elena, and Layla felt her heart race, unsure of what was happening. She had assumed she would be fighting against Elena.However, Annabelle beamed down at her and said, “Watch and learn.” Then, Annabelle greeted Elena and dashed away from them before Elena could return her greeting.Layla moved a bit to the left to leave some breathing space between herself and Elena. She focused her attention on what was happening in the training circle. This was the first time she was surrounded by the pack's warriors, and it brought back terrible memories. She closed her eyes and wiped her face to regain focus. This wasn't about her. They weren't going to attack her. With that in mind

After Layla managed to get to her room in one piece, a knock sounded at her door. She groaned, wondering who it was. Perhaps Annabelle checking up on her to see if she was okay? She dragged herself to the door and opened it to find Lisa standing there with a bowl of hot water, giving her a small smile."I guessed you'd be needing this, and I was right," Lisa told her as she looked Layla up and down."You're wet.""I am. Thanks a lot, Lisa," Layla said, grateful for Lisa's thoughtfulness."Should I help you carry it to the tub and prepare the bath?"Layla couldn't ask that of Lisa, who had already done so much. "No, thanks, really, Lisa. You're a lifesaver.""You're welcome," Lisa said, passing the bowl to Layla. "You can skip kitchen duty today. I'll have your meal delivered to you soon.""You don't have to," Layla replied. "I'll come for it myself. Thank you.""Are you sure about that?" Lisa asked, wearing her playful look."Yes.""Okay, see you later," Lisa said and walked away.Lay

Layla desperately wanted to pull her hand away from his grasp, but his hold remained firm. He knew that if she managed to break free, she'd likely run away without looking back. So, he held on tightly, causing her to break into a nervous sweat. Demetrius couldn't help but wonder what he had said to trigger such a strong reaction in her."I am your second chance mate, Layla," he calmly declared, though he couldn't hide the indifference in his tone. Layla's heart sank at his words. Was the Alpha playing some cruel game with her emotions?"Liar!" she yelled, tugging at her hand with the little strength she had left. She felt the shame of her body's betrayal taking over."Calm down, Layla," Demetrius implored, attempting to soothe her. "Don't you feel it? It's the bond between us.""No," she boldly lied, though her eyes gave away her deception. "No!"Desperation filled Demetrius as he called out to her, and in a bold move, he pulled her trembling body closer, hugging her despite her strug

Elena stared at Lady Annabelle as if she had grown two heads. What was she talking about? She knew it was rude to bang on her door like that, but Layla was really messing with her brain, and she needed to put an end to it. She was still standing in front of Lady Annabelle's chamber, arguing."What did Lady Annabelle just ask me? If I've killed Layla? Or does she wish I could do that to end her misery?" Elena thought. But she knew how angry that would make the king and how sad Lady Annabelle would be. "What?" she finally asked when she found her voice."I asked if you've killed Layla," Lady Annabelle repeated."I wish," Elena sighed."So, you haven't killed her yet. Good. So, what's the matter? Why are you here?" Lady Annabelle asked, rubbing her face in exasperation."How could you ask me to train her? She is wrong in every way I try to look at her," Elena complained."What angle have you just discovered now?" Lady Annabelle inquired, intrigued."Her wolf has never defended her. How