Chapter 166 PIPER The mirror in my room reflected the bruise on my cheek .
It was light , but I could still see it even after putting on powder to hide it .
I didnt like that it was still there .
It reminded me of Warricks anger and my mistake in trusting him .
A knock sounded on my door , loud and eager .
I knew it was him before I even opened the door .
Warrick didnt wait to be invited in , I then stepped across the threshold , and as soon as I turned the knob .
T Piper , he said , his voice low but filled with irritation .
What you doing up here ? You should be with the others showing unity .
are I crossed my arms and kept the door open behind him .
Unity , Warrick ? Like what you showed mest night when you grabbed me ? His face became serious and for a moment , I thought he might deny it .
Instead , he let out a sharp breath , his hands moving at his sides .
Chapter 166 Youre making this a bigger deal than it is .
Am I ? I moved a bit closer , making him look at me .
Because I dont believe its right to leave marks on me at all .
He tried to reach for me , but I stepped back .
Piper .
he said , his voice bing gentler .
You know how much stress Im under .
You know what this alliance means for both our packs .
I cant have you doubting me all the time .
That doesnt give you the right to touch me like that .
I said , my voice trembling even though I tried to stay calm , as I stepped up to him .
His jaw tightened but he didnt respond immediately , he stepped back from me and looked away .
I wont tolerate it I continued , stepping closer again .
Not once .
Not ever .
If it happens again Warrick , Ill end this engagement myself , alliance or no alliance .
His eyes shed as he shot his gaze to me , a dangerous mix of anger and something else , something that made my stomach You wouldnt dare , he said , his voice low and cold .
1 forced myself to hold his gaze even though every instinct screamed at me to kok away , for me to give up and not push too hard , for me to walk away , but I didnt … I am not weak .
Chapter 166 Try me , I growled .
3/7 陷 The tension between us was a physical thing , crackling in the air like a storm about to break .
Finally , Warrick exhaled and turned away , pacing the room with sharp , deliberate steps .
Youre too emotional , he said , not looking at me .
You always have been .
But okay .
If it means that much to you , Ill keep my feelings in check .
For now .
For now ? My voice was louder than I had wanted .
He turned back to me , and I couldnt tell what he was thinking .
This isnt just about us , Piper .
Its about staying alive .
Remember that ! he clicked his tongue and stormed out of the room .
I watched him leave , I balled my fists so tight , that my knuckles turned white .
I stormed to the door and mmed it shut after him .
Survival ? I thought , as I walked to my bed and I slumped on it in a seated position .
I believed I could deal with Warrick .
I believed that I was strong enough to make this partnership work for the pack .
But now , in the quiet of my room , I wasnt so sure .
4/7 Chapter 166 Knock .
I turned to the door and stared at it for a while , wondering who it could be .
The knock this time was gentle , unsure .
Piper ? Evanders voice .
My heart skipped and I took a steadying breath before opening the door .
He stood there , his scarred face partially darkened in the dim hallway light .
But his eyes , those lc eyes that always seemed to see straight through me were sharp and full of concern .
I saw him leave , he said , stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation .
What happened ? Nothing .
I said quickly as I went to the mirror to fix the powder on my cheek .
Piper .
His voice was gentle but strong .
I turned to look at him with my arms crossed , What do you want me to say , Evander ? That Warrick got angry ? That I messed up ? That I thought I could do what was best for the pack and ended up in a worse spot than before ? His jaw tightened and he moved a bit closer .
Chapter 166 I want you to say youll let me help , he said , his voice quiet .
I looked at him , not sure how to reply .
You dont have to do this by yourself , he said , looking straight at mc .
I understand what it feels like to be stuck , Piper .
I know how it is to believe you have no other choices .
But you do .
You always have .
I swallowed hard , his words striking me like a strong blow .
Why do you care so much ? I asked quietly .
His face changed , looking less tough for a moment .
Because Ive seen what happens when people like Warrick dont have anyone to stop them .
He reached out , his hand close to my cheek but he didnt touch me .
You deserve better , he said , his voice almost a whisper .
I felt a lump rise in my throat and I looked away , blinking rapidly to keep the tears at bay .
I can handle him , I said , my voice steadier than I felt .
Evander didnt argue , but his silence spoke volumes .
Chapter 166 If he tries anything again … 6/7 Ill handle it , I said , cutting him off , as I looked at him again .
I dont need you to fight for me , Evander .
His lips were tight , but he nodded .
Just remember , he said , his voice soft but strong , Youre not alone , Piper .
Not while Im here .
He started to walk away , but before he got to the door , I called out to him .
Evander .
He stopped and looked back at me .
Thank you , I said , my voice very quiet .
He nodded once and then left the room , leaving me alone with my thoughts .
As the door closed , I sat on the edge of my bed , my hands shaking .
Warricks words were in my mind , but so were Evanders .
I wasnt quite sure which one scared me more .