Chapter 43

Maxine's POV

One night, I decided it was time. The packhouse was quiet, everyone asleep. I gathered what little I had and slipped out of my room. The moonlight tossed eerie shades, but I pushed my fear aside and crept through the halls.

Just as I reached the outer gate, a hand grabbed my arm, pulling me back with a force that nearly knocked me off my feet. I turned to see one of Liam’s guards, his expression was a mix of anger and disappointment.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he growled, dragging me back toward the packhouse.

Panic surged through me. “Please, let me go,” I begged, trying to pull away. “I can’t stay here anymore. I’ll die. Please.”

He tightened his grip. “You know I can’t do that. You belong to the Alpha.”

Tears stung my eyes as I was forced back inside. Liam was waiting for me, his expression was cold and calculating.

“You thought you could run away?” he asked, his voice eerily calm.

I didn’t answ