Chapter 9

• The ride back to the Alpha's pack was a somber journey. Ariana sat in the backseat, her gaze fixed on the passing trees and the white-knuckled grip on her seatbelt. Her eyes welled up with tears, her cheeks stained by their salty trails, and her face reflected the torment in her heart. The weight of her dire situation bore down on her like an unrelenting burden, and her sobs flowed silently.
• The Alpha, who was behind the wheel, had been mostly silent during the ride. He couldn't ignore Ariana's tears any longer. He glanced at her through the rearview mirror and, finally turned his head toward Ariana.
• With a voice that shattered the silence, he commanded, "Quiet, Ariana. I expect strong children from you, not weaklings who cry."