Chapter 11. Caught Between Fear and Hope

Ella sat on the edge of the bed, her body aching, her mind spinning with confusion. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the faces of the rogues who attacked her… their cruel smiles, their hungry eyes. She shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself as a chill ran down her spine.

She shouldn’t be here. She didn’t belong here.

The Shadow Fang Alpha had saved her… for reasons she didn’t understand. But his kindness terrified her. No Alpha had ever shown her compassion before. Not Kaden. Not his father. Not anyone.

They only saw her as weak. Worthless. Disposable.

She had spent her life being rejected, abused, treated like dirt. Why should this Alpha be any different?

She stood up, her legs trembling beneath her as she staggered toward the window. Outside, the sun was setting, the sky painted in shades of gold and crimson. The air was cold, crisp… unforgiving.

But it was better than staying here. Better than getting her hopes up, only to be crushe