Lana's POV
"I wasn't trying to fool you," I said carefully, keeping my voice calm, controlled. "I wouldn't risk my life just to lie to you."
His hand paused mid-motion before he slowly returned whatever he'd been reaching for back into his coat pocket. I exhaled silently, just a little.
"I'm truly a rogue," I continued, watching him closely.
He scoffed, his expression twisted with contempt. "I thought you had something better to say. Rogue or not, you're still just an animal."
I shook my head, the old pain bubbling up from the cracks in my chest.
"No," I said firmly. "I'm not just any rogue. I'm vengeful." My voice trembled, not from fear, but from the rage I'd buried deep for too long. "I was betrayed by my own family, by my mate. Everything I loved was taken from me. So believe me when I say… I want to destroy my kind. If I could wipe them out myself, I would."
His eyes narrowed. Then, without a word, he pulled the object from his pocket a sleek, silver device. A scent checker.
He stepped closer, holding it to my neck. I didn't flinch.
A low beep sounded, and the small screen lit up with confirmation. He studied it for a moment, then nodded, satisfied.
"See?" I said softly. "I wasn't lying."
He tucked the device away, his gaze still fixed on me.
"So," he said slowly, "how are you going to help me?"
A slow smile crept across my lips as my mind began to weave a plan risky, dangerous, but just maybe… the key to my freedom.
"I have something powerful," I said, keeping my voice low and deliberate. "An amulet of time crafted to protect wolves. It can help you with whatever you're planning."
I studied his face, searching for confusion, doubt, or even greed. His brows furrowed slightly, eyes narrowing in thought.
"I think I've heard of that before…" he muttered. "But how do I know you're not lying?"
"My life," I said without hesitation. "I give you my life as collateral. If I betray you, you can kill me."
His lips curled into a cold smirk, amused by my boldness.
"Where's the amulet?" he asked, stepping closer.
"It's not with me," I answered. "It's hidden in the pack's territory. You'll have to free me so I can steal it for you."
He was silent for a moment, thinking. Then, slowly, he reached for the chains. The metallic clink echoed in the room as he began to unlock them, one by one.
"You'd better not try anything clever," he warned, his tone sharp. "The injection we gave you if you make a wrong move it'll activate. Your body will shut down, and you'll be dead in seconds."
I gave a small nod, keeping my expression calm, composed.
"I won't be foolish enough to test that," I said. But inside, my mind was already spinning, calculating every possible move.
He unchained me, the silver links clattering to the floor like dead weight. I tried to stand, but my legs buckled beneath me numb and trembling. I had been tied for far too long. Pain laced through my muscles as I forced myself upright, summoning every ounce of strength I had left.
"Move," he barked, pressing the cold barrel of a gun to the side of my head.
So he still didn't trust me. I didn't blame him I wasn't sure I trusted myself either.
"Ava, are you there? Can you help me?" I reached out through the mind link, my heart racing.
"Yes, I'm here. I'm not weak," she answered, her voice strong and steady exactly what I needed.
Drawing from her strength, I willed the shift. To my shock, it happened.
Bones cracked. Muscles stretched. Fur rippled across my skin.
I transformed.
The man stumbled back in horror, his eyes wide. "What the—"
I didn't wait. I lunged at him, teeth bared, claws flashing.
He fired.
Pain exploded in my shoulder as the bullet tore through flesh. But I didn't stop. Fueled by rage, betrayal, and Ava's fierce spirit, I pounced.
He screamed just before my body collided with his.
"The injection why isn't it working?" I muttered under my breath, panic tightening my chest. With a final, desperate lunge at him, I managed to break free and sprint toward the door. But another shot rang out. I froze. He was still alive? I had thought he was dead. I had no idea he was this strong.
Fueled by adrenaline and fury, I turned back. I had to finish him once and for all. No more mistakes.
As soon as he stopped moving, I didn't waste another second. I hurried to the door, heart pounding. I knew others had to be nearby. The gunshots would've echoed through the building. They'd be coming. And fast.