The day passed in a haze for Hailey. The familiar room in her parents' mansion felt like a cage, and the walls seemed to close in with every moment. Her father’s demands still echoed in her mind, mingling with the disillusionment that filled her heart after confronting her mother. She hadn’t felt this alone in a long time. But she wasn’t, not entirely.

As the evening sun dipped low, the door to her room creaked open cautiously. Hailey’s head snapped up, her tear-stained face illuminated by the warm glow streaming in from the hallway. Two figures slipped inside, quietly closing the door behind them. It was Tehila and Amirah, her closest maids, faces etched with worry.

“Hailey…” Tehila whispered, rushing over to her.

Hailey’s composure crumbled. She reached out for Tehila, her shoulders shaking as she clung to her old friend. “I… I can’t believe this is happening,” she murmured, her voice breaking.

Amirah knelt beside them, rubbing Hailey’s back comfortingly. “We had to come, even if it meant sneaking past the guards,” she whispered, her dark eyes full of sympathy. “We heard the rumors… that your father plans to force you to mate with Ryker. Is it true?”

Hailey nodded, biting her lip to keep fresh tears at bay. “They don’t care about what I want. They only see a union with Ryker as some twisted form of power, even if it means breaking me to make it happen.” She paused, swallowing hard. “Varian… he’s nothing like they think. He’s kind, protective, everything I’d ever dreamed of, but they won’t listen.”

The maids exchanged a glance, their expressions softening. “Then we’ll accept whoever you choose,” Tehila said firmly. “If Varian treats you well, then he’s who we want for you, too.”

Hailey’s heart swelled at their loyalty, and for the first time since her return to the Poldark pack, she felt seen. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Stay strong, Hailey,” Amirah urged, squeezing her hand. “We’ll do our best to come by when we can.” She reached into her pocket, pulling out a few coins, and gave Hailey a small wink. “These are for the guards. They won’t tell the gamma we were here.”

The two women hugged her tightly, promising to check back as soon as it was safe. When they left, the room felt emptier than ever, but a spark of hope warmed Hailey. She wasn’t completely alone here.

Yet the relief was short-lived.

---

It wasn’t long before the silence was shattered. Hailey hadn’t even had time to compose herself fully when the door flew open. Ryker stepped inside, accompanied by two guards. Hailey tensed, a sense of foreboding chilling her to the core.

“What’s going on?” she demanded, forcing her voice to stay steady.

Ryker smirked, his icy gaze cutting through her. “You’re moving quarters, Hailey,” he said simply, his tone dripping with malice. “Alpha’s orders.”

Hailey’s heart pounded. “I’m not going anywhere with you,” she replied defiantly, clenching her fists.

Ryker’s expression darkened. He gave a small nod to the guards, who stepped forward, grabbing Hailey’s arms. She struggled, thrashing and kicking, but they overpowered her, dragging her toward the door. “Let go of me!” she shouted, feeling the anger surge through her. “How dare you! My own parents wouldn’t let you do this!”

But Ryker only laughed. “You think your parents care about what happens to you? They’re the ones who gave permission for this arrangement.”

The words hit her harder than any blow could. Her own parents… allowing this? Her body went limp for a moment, her resistance weakening as the betrayal sank in. But the spark of defiance quickly flared back to life, and she renewed her struggle.

“Get your hands off me!” she screamed, but her voice fell on deaf ears. They dragged her down the corridor, her protests echoing down the hallways, as maids and guards turned a blind eye. It was like her home had transformed into an enemy territory overnight, and she was the only one who hadn’t seen it coming.

They led her up the staircase to Ryker’s quarters, his personal space looming like a dark shadow in her mind. The heavy door shut behind her with a cold finality, and the guards released her, stepping back. She was alone, trapped in the wolf’s den.

Hailey ran to the door, pounding on it until her hands hurt. “Let me out!” she cried, her voice raw. “You can’t do this to me!” She kept shouting, hoping someone, anyone, would hear her pleas and take pity. But the walls absorbed her cries, casting her desperation back in hollow silence.

She slid down to the floor, her heart heavy. “How could they do this to me?” she whispered, a numbness settling over her. She thought of her parents—their smiles, their voices, the affection they’d once shown her. Had it all been an illusion? Had she ever truly known them?

Her chest tightened painfully, and her mind drifted to Varian. Did he know what had happened? Would he come for her? She had no idea if he even knew where she was. But she clung to the hope that he would sense her absence, that he would come for her, no matter the distance or danger. “Varian…” she murmured, wrapping her arms around her knees.

For now, she would have to endure. She’d survive this night and however many more it took until she was free. She closed her eyes, imagining Varian’s warm gaze, his reassuring touch, and let herself be lulled by the thought of him, praying he’d find her soon.

---

As the midnight hours stretched on, Hailey began inspecting every inch of Ryker’s room, a mischievous glint in her eye. If she was going to be trapped here, she might as well make it memorable. She eyed his polished furniture with a grin, muttering to herself, “I wonder if the infamous Alpha Ryker has ever dealt with a she-wolf redecorating his quarters... with claw marks.” She took a sharp breath, dragging her nails lightly over his fancy dresser. “Oops,” she whispered with a smirk, imagining his reaction. Perhaps revenge would be best served with a few scratches.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for joining me on this thrilling journey with Hailey and Varian. Your support and excitement mean the world, and it’s what keeps this story alive! Each chapter is crafted with you in mind—bringing moments of passion, tension, humor, and unexpected twists that I hope you enjoy as much as I enjoy creating them.

Hailey’s world is complicated, filled with betrayal, loyalty, and forbidden love, and your feedback has made this journey even more rewarding. As she faces new challenges and stands up for her freedom and her heart, I can’t wait to see what you think of her growth and strength.

So, grab a cozy seat, keep those comments coming, and stay tuned—there’s so much more to come, and I promise it will be worth the wait!

With all my gratitude,
[Pearly Starr]

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