200 Reasons to Never Look Back

I had just barely laid down when Ryan sent me a voice message. "Clare needs a ride to Silverfang Club. Take her there."

I frowned and replied impatiently, "Can't she get a ride herself?"

It was the second time I had turned down one of his orders today. I could hear the irritation bubbling in his voice.

"Can't you even do one small task?"

Not wanting to argue, I gave in.

Only then did he sound satisfied. "See? Was that so hard?"

By the time I changed and came downstairs, Ryan was already outside in the courtyard. Standing beside him was Clare, wearing a low-cut top.

"Hurry up. Clare's got somewhere to be. Don't keep her waiting."

Clare flashed me a smile. "Thank you, Daisy."

Then, she turned and wrapped her arms around Ryan. She kissed him long and slow before finally making her way to the car.

She plopped into the passenger seat, turned toward me, and let the sarcasm drip from her voice. "Sorry. Alpha Ryan just couldn't keep his hands off me. Honestly, it's exhausting."

I stayed silent.

That only seemed to fuel her. "You really don't get what he wants. You're old and flat. No wonder he never wants to sleep with you."

I said nothing the whole ride, and eventually, she ran out of steam.

But just before we reached the club, a rogue with a silver blade in his hand swerved his car straight toward us. I yanked the wheel hard, but it was too late. We were hit.

The impact slammed me into the side window. Pain exploded in my leg like it had been torn open.

Clare started screaming as well.

I turned to check on her and saw only a scratch on her hand, yet she was acting like she was dying. For a second, I thought perhaps she really was hurt.

Only when the pack's healers arrived and pulled us out did I realize that my calf had been sliced by a fragment of the silver blade.

Meanwhile, Clare just had a bit of scraped skin, and it was already healing.

While the healers were packing up, Ryan arrived. He almost flew over, throwing himself beside Clare as he asked if she was hurt.

Pouting, Clare replied, "My arm hurts."

Ryan immediately ordered the guards to get her to the emergency treatment room and bring in the head healer. He passed by me twice but didn't spare me a glance.

I lowered my head and let out a quiet laugh. The pain in my leg was nothing compared to the disappointment sinking into my heart.

They sent me to the regular treatment room, where I had to wait. While I sat there, I overheard the trainee healers whispering in the corner.

"Did you see how worried Alpha Ryan was over Clare? He's calling the head healer for a scratch. OMG!"

"Where do you find an Alpha that gentle and powerful? I wish I could marry him."

I closed my eyes and answered in my head, "Marrying Ryan doesn't bring happiness."

When it was finally my turn and the healer rolled me toward the room, I saw Ryan walking down the hallway with Clare in his arms.

He finally looked at me, but with a frown. "Don't you watch the road when you drive? If Clare weren't lucky, she could've died."

Clare chimed in softly, "It's my fault. I asked Daisy to drive me to the club. That's why the accident happened."

Ryan pulled her closer and said affectionately, "Don't blame yourself. You didn't mean to. And you're hurt, too. Come on. Let's get you something to eat to calm your nerves."

The healer walked over then and said I could be brought in for treatment.

Ryan glanced back at me, probably just remembering I had also been in that wrecked car. Then, Clare tugged on his sleeve, and he forgot all over again.

The treatment went smoothly enough. After that, the trainee healer asked me if I had any family they should contact.

I paused for a moment before answering softly, "No, I don't have any family."