Chapter 4: Elise Returns for Revenge

Elise's POV

The taxi driver cruised through Rustvale's familiar streets as I stared out the window. Exactly one year had passed since I fled this place and all its pain. Time hadn't healed my wounds as I'd foolishly believed. Instead, something darker had taken root inside me.

"I hate this city," Amber, my wolf spirit, growled in my mind, perfectly echoing my thoughts.

"We're here, ma'am," the driver announced, pulling up to the hospital entrance.

After paying, I stood frozen, staring at the imposing building, trying to steady my breathing. This facility, tucked away in a secluded area, was specifically designed for werewolves with medical staff who understood our unique physiology. Had it been for any other reason, I would never have returned to Rustvale. But Jake, my godson, had been diagnosed with a tumor, and Zoe had called me in tears, completely falling apart.

I'd do anything for them. When they asked me to come back, I dropped everything.

Inside, I headed up to Jake's floor. Since this was the same hospital where I'd given birth to Lily, I knew exactly where to go.

Jake was watching cartoons when I entered his room. Despite his upcoming surgery, he appeared calm, even smiling. Zoe, however, looked exhausted. Running our design branch while caring for a sick child had clearly taken its toll. That was another reason I'd returned—to handle business matters so she could focus on Jake.

"Elise, you're here!" an excited voice pulled me from my thoughts.

Zoe's eyes snapped open. Relief and joy instantly filled them.

"Hey, little boy," I greeted, kissing Jake's forehead.

Turning to Zoe, I opened my arms. She practically collapsed into them with a relieved sigh.

"God, Elise, you have no idea how much I've missed you. Phone calls are nothing compared to having you here," she sobbed.

"I'm here now, and I'll stay as long as you need me," I promised softly, rubbing her back.

She pulled away, wiping her tears, then studied me intently. "You're different somehow, but I can't put my finger on it."

I offered a tight smile. She had no idea just how different I'd become.

"I missed you so much. I'm glad you came," Jake said, making my heart clench.

I tried not to think about Lily. The pain from those memories was something I actively avoided.

"I'm here now, and I brought you tons of presents," I said.

"Really? That's awesome! The doctors say I'm a brave little cub, and once I'm better, I can have any ice cream flavor I want."

His infectious joy momentarily melted the ice around my heart. Jake filled me in on everything I'd missed, especially about his new friend Oliver who visited him daily.

At the name, I shot Zoe a questioning look. She nodded, confirming it was indeed Vivian's son. After that, conversation flowed easily for about three hours before I left to stop by the office.

Just as I was leaving the room, I came face to face with Noah. The last person I wanted to see.

"Elise?" he asked uncertainly, like he'd seen a ghost.

I didn't answer, just gave him a death glare. We had nothing to say to each other.

As I moved to step around him, tiny arms wrapped around my waist. I looked down to see Lily's head.

Shit. I wasn't prepared for this. She was my daughter, and I loved her, but I wasn't ready. I was still in a dark place, unable to reconcile my buried love with the pain.

I wanted desperately to hug her back, but I couldn't. I was afraid of her rejection, afraid she would push me away, afraid she still hated me.

Her hateful words still echoed in my ears—calling me an evil witch, saying she would pray to the Moon Goddess to punish me and send me to hell.

I untangled myself from her embrace and walked away without a word. It made me a monster, but I couldn't shake the darkness inside.

As I hurried away, I collided with someone.

"Sorry..." I began, then froze.

Vivian stood before me, still beautiful, as if she hadn't destroyed my life a year ago.

"Elise? Oh my God, it's really you... how are you?"

I stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" I asked, completely baffled.

"Nothing, why?"

"You seem to think we're friends. Let me remind you, we are not and never will be. You took everything from me, and I'm back for revenge. I'll be your personal hell, Vivian. When I'm done, you'll wish you were dead." My voice turned icy.

With that, I deliberately bumped her shoulder as I passed, leaving her shocked.

I headed straight to Amber Designs. The company had thrived after I left, even opening another branch where I'd been hiding.

I was about to enter when two security guards blocked my path.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I snarled.

"What does it look like?" one shot back.

"Do you know who I am?"

"The president? Wait, maybe the first lady," the other mocked.

I dug my nails into my palms in frustration. "I'm the CEO of this company."

"You sure don't look like it," the dark-haired one sneered.

I admit I wasn't looking my best in worn jeans, a wrinkled shirt, and sunglasses. I'd flown straight here.

"I bet you're some groupie who slept with someone high up," the other one said with disgust.

We were attracting attention. As I tried to move past them, the taller one grabbed me roughly.

"Get your hands off me!" I shouted, slapping him hard.

The sound echoed through the lobby. His eyes turned dangerous until a voice stopped him.

"What the hell is going on here?" Marcus, our general manager, shouted.

"This woman is causing trouble," the guard answered.

Marcus turned and gasped when he saw me.

"What kind of people are you hiring now, Marcus? The kind who disrespect women and get physical with them?" My voice was cold and controlled.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry, Elise... this won't happen again," he stammered.

The guards paled as my name registered.

"It definitely won't happen again because they're fired. Get them out of my company."

As I strode past, they begged for another chance. I ignored them.

"What are you all waiting for? Get back to work, or suffer the same fate!" I shouted, sending everyone scrambling.

I was done being the nice girl. I would become the villain they accused me of being.

There's nothing more dangerous than a woman who's been humiliated. Noah and Vivian would pay. I'd make sure everyone who hurt me tasted hellfire. I'd watch them burn.