Bound by Alpha's Deception: My Step-Brother's Secret Vengeance novel Chapter 7

"Why the hell did you do this?" he snarled.

"I explained everything to you—after today, Rosiane would be driven from the Dreadhowl territory forever. Why would you warn her of our hunt?"

"Now she’s missing! How the hell do you expect this ceremony to go on without her?"

Eloise hadn't expected this sudden challenge from Percival. Her normally composed expression faltered, revealing a flash of panic in her eyes.

Quickly recovering, she allowed tears to well up.

"Percival, you're hurting me..." she whimpered, tilting her head to expose her throat.

"How could you think I‘ll do that’? When would I have even had the opportunity to be alone with Rosiane? I've been your loyal mate for years. I know your plans intimately and would never sabotage them—especially on our bonding day!"

"Did Rosiane say something to you? Are you really going to take the word of that half-blood over me? She probably hoped to drive us apart so she could maintain her hold over you!"

These accusations were familiar—Eloise had whispered similar things many times before.

"A half-blood like her would never truly care about you. She's clearly after the Dreadhowl territory and awaiting the moment you let your guard down so she can challenge for dominance!"

"What worthy offspring could come from an interloper? Her gifts were merely bait for larger prey. Her target wasn't just you—she and her vixen mother have been circling the entire Dreadhowl hunting grounds!"

"Don’t be fooled, Percival! The nights she pretended to be sick? The times she sought you out in the rain? They were all just acts to gain your sympathy!"

Previously, Percival had accepted Eloise's words without question.

Especially since after Hannah joined their pack, Alpha Alfred passed territorial control to him.

He had never once doubted Eloise's assessment.

He had consistently viewed Rosiane as an enemy stalking his inheritance.

But now with Rosiane gone, he couldn't reconcile these accusations with the gentle pack-sister he had known.

During their six years together...

Rosiane had focused solely on her studies and pack duties.

Even when she worked on pack business with sensitive documents before her... She had never once attempted to glimpse them.

In their daily interactions, she deliberately avoided discussing pack hierarchy or territory rights.

How could such a wolf be the calculating predator Eloise described?

After a long moment, he released a heavy breath.

Sensing his hesitation, Eloise grew agitated.

"Percival, what's wrong with you? You’re not actually believing her, are you? Remember your plan—today is the final step in your revenge."

"You swore you’d advange for your mother"

"I'll release the memory-captures now. The pack has gathered, and Hannah seems distracted by something—perfect timing! We'll destroy her standing forever, catching her completely off-guard!"

Percival softened his approach, his voice losing its edge.

"Hannah, has Rosiane arrived yet? Has she responded to your calls?"

"Percival... there's something you should know."

"Rosiane won't be attending today. Three days ago, she arranged passage across the Great Waters. Her vessel departed at dawn, and I've been monitoring the journey..." her voice broke. "The vessel was caught in a silver storm. It's been lost."

As she finished speaking, she dissolved into heartbroken howls.

Percival felt his control slipping.

He recalled their encounter at the Boundary Shamans.

So that's when she had begun planning her escape from him.

The brutal truth lay before him, yet he refused to accept it.

Only one thought consumed him.

No. Rosiane wouldn't leave like this.

His plan wasn't complete. And his revenge against Rosiane hadn't even begun.

He wouldn't allow it—he would not permit Rosiane to simply vanish from his territory!