When the hating started

Nathan, however, devised a more plausible explanation for Mark's vanishing act, asserting that he had conducted an impromptu inspection of the guard posts.

When the two culprits finally returned to their respective chambers, only Judith was ensnared in the trap of discovery.

At that moment, her father's visage contorted with fury, and an abrupt panic seized Judith.

It was the first time her father had unleashed such a roar, and in that instant, she recognized it as the bellow of his wolf.

'Tell me, where were you!' he bellowed once more, and Judith resorted to deception. 'I was kidnapped!' she lied.

Serena, her head bowed and eyes fixated on the ground, snapped her gaze upward to meet the penetrating stare of their future leader.

This fabrication could either spare them both or condemn them to rigorous training until the Alpha's anger had dissipated—an ordeal that could span a decade, an entire decade.

'By whom?' her mother interjected, her voice trembling with fear, while her father scoffed dismissively, deeming the claim too preposterous.

'By the future Alpha of the Ace pack,' Judith whispered, shutting her eyes tightly.

Kidnapping was an extreme term to employ, but it was the first word that materialized in her mind, and altering it would betray her falsehood.

She knew that once her father accused Mark's father of the fabricated transgression, Mark would become furious.

Word of their unauthorized trespass had not yet reached the other packs. They had the option to escalate the matter, yet they chose silence.

Probably, if they revealed that two future Alphas had breached their defenses, it could pose a threat to all the packs.

It might expose vulnerabilities in their security and invite attacks from other packs.

Due to these concerns, the packs remained unaware that Judith and Mark had visited not only their pack but all the others as well.

Mark was also recounting the events to Nathan when he got to his room.

Immediately, his father barged into the room, glaring at the two boys.

'Do you realize that your little joke could cost you your titles? How dare you kidnap the future Alpha of Hilltop?' The young men stood bewildered, unable to find suitable words as their father continued his tirade.

'You are fortunate that Judith returned home unharmed. Do you understand the potential war that could have ensued?'

Mark's mind raced, realizing that Judith had fabricated the narrative of their kidnapping.

Anger began to well within him, a tempest brewing, yet he restrained himself, unwilling to inflict further harm than had already been caused.

'As punishment, you both shall clean all the armor and swords. Do not go anywhere near the guns. Ensure that the training halls and equipment are spotless.

You are forbidden from leaving the training halls and are solely responsible for your training and that of the pups.'

At that moment, both boys began to harbor a growing animosity toward Judith.