Bound by Alpha's Deception: My Step-Brother's Secret Vengeance novel Chapter 8

Percival's fist clenched tightly, his eyes fixed on the news displayed on Hannah's communication stone.

"I will find her,Aunt Hannah. I swear it by the Moon."

Rosiane’s mother hesitated, lifting her tear-streaked face to meet his eyes.

"Percival, haven't you always... resented Rosiane's presence in the pack?"

"The Mating Ceremony is important to your standing. What's done is done. Don't jeopardize your position—I can search for my daughter alone."

She turned to leave, shoulders hunched in submission.

But Percival caught her wrist, his eyes rimmed with red.

"Was there anything unusual before she left? When exactly did she go? Did she..." his voice caught, "...did she leave any message?"

"Two nights ago—after you left with Eloise. She said she needed space away from the den. The pack territory felt... suffocating to her."

"I didn't question her further. She seemed deeply distressed, but I assumed she feared Alpha Alfred's displeasure. I never imagined today would bring..."

Tears fell freely down Hannah's face, her grief too powerful to contain in human form.

Before Percival could respond, she produced an ornately carved wooden box from behind her.

"You commissioned this for Rosiane, didn't you? I’m sorry… she isn’t here to accept it. I’ll hold onto it for her. It's a beautiful piece—the rare silver moonstone would have delighted her."

"You should take it back. The ceremony will begin soon. Don't keep Eloise waiting."

"To be honest, I used to be afraid that you’d hurt Rosiane. She lost her father young, and she’s always been the kind to keep her pain locked inside. Watching you guard her all these years eased my fears. She responded to you differently than to anyone else—she trusted you completely. Percival, you've been a worthy pack-brother to her."

"If her spirit watches from the Eternal Hunting Grounds, I know she would wish happiness for your union today."

These words shattered the last fragments of Percival's composure.

Hannah's words echoed painfully through his heart.

Worthy pack-brother?

Did he deserve such a title?

If he had truly been worthy, would Rosiane still be alive?

Would she have felt the need to flee on his Mating day?

If he had never crafted this revenge hunt, would Rosiane be standing beside him now, genuinely celebrating his union?

Percival's face hardened into a cold mask of dominance. He shook off her grip with a single fluid movement.

"Eloise Hawthorne, heed my final warning. Rosiane is my pack-sister. Guard your tongue when speaking of her!"

"For each day she remains lost, our union will be delayed another day. For each month, another month. Pray to the Moon Goddess she returns safely—or you will feel my displeasure as well."

He turned sharply, stalking from the ceremonial hall with predatory purpose.

Alpha Alfred's called him with demands for explanation by communication stone.

He blocked them all.

As he got out, Lloyd appeared, breathing heavily from the chase.

"Percival, what are you doing?"

"You've spent six years orchestrating this Mating Ceremony. By walking away now, how will Alpha Alfred face the allied packs? What becomes of Eloise's position?"

"Let them handle their own concerns! This ceremony was his demand, not mine! I refuse to believe Rosiane would leave this way—this must be her challenge to me, her own form of revenge!"

"Whether she walks among the living or the Eternal Hunting Grounds, I will bring her back to Dreadhowl territory where she belongs!"