ALPHA ONYX: Chapters 11-20

Book 1

Chapter 11: Joker.

My gaze snapped to his, finding him already staring at me. He wore a fitted black shirt that accentuated his muscular chest and delicious abs. My eyes lingered on his hair, a messy mane that beckoned for my fingers to run through it, trailing down to his biceps and over the rigid muscles of his hard, sexy body. In that moment, I realized how much I had missed the sight of his irresistibly stupid face. What am I even saying? Ughh... Bollocks.

My gaze fixed on his lips, curled in a knowing smirk. “Like what you see, angel?”

The heat radiated from my neck to the tip of my ears, turning me into a head-to-toe tomato. He reached out and gently untucked my bottom lip from between my teeth.

“Those lips must taste really good... if you keep chewing on them like that.”

The tingles from his touch sent shivers through me, reaching all the way to my core. He gracefully picked up my hoodie from my lap and extended his hand.

Oh, blimey. This reminds me of that SpongeBob episode. Where his brain had a full-on meltdown after forgetting his own name. Now, I’m in a pickle, wondering if I should take the hands of this bloke who isn’t even human. I mean, he kidnapped me, for crying out loud! He arched an eyebrow at me as if challenging me to not accept. Do I accept his hand, or do I pull a Scooby-Doo and run for my life?

Against every screaming instinct, I reluctantly place my small hand in his, and wouldn’t you know it, those delightful tingles decide to throw a party up my arm. I shoot him a suspicious look—did he feel that too or was it just my nerves playing tricks?

“Alpha Onyx,” Landon greets with a respectful nod, “Can I get you something?”

“That wouldn’t be necessary,” the big bad wolf replies, completely ignoring my attempt to reclaim my hand. Note to self: werewolves have an iron grip.

“Thanks for the drink,” I said to Landon before I could be dragged away.

He smirked and replied, “Anytime, Luna,” and winked. Wyatt’s grip tightened, but his expression remained impassive.

The little scene catches the attention of Easton, the other guy in the room. I try to sneak a glance at his face, but good old Wyatt decides it’s prime time for a werewolf-guided tour to the elevator.

As we strut through the lobby, everyone we pass stops and stares as if we’re a pair of bloody unicorns covered in glitter, prancing around like we own the place. Correction, though—I’m the real unicorn in this spectacle.

I shoot a glare at Wyatt, silently demanding an explanation for the impromptu parade, but his expression remains stoic. It’s like he’s the ringleader of the cosmic circus, and I’m the unwilling star of the show.

Sensing my discomfort Wyatt placed his hand on my lower back. It’s not just any touch; it’s a possessive, protective claim that makes it clear I’m under his supernatural wing. His touch is both comforting and unsettling. I shoot him a sideways glance.

“Why are they staring?” I mutter. “I’m not a bloody museum exhibit.” I grumble, attempting to sidestep, but his grip tightens ever so slightly.

“You’re not just any exhibit. You’re the main attraction. What did you expect?”

“I expect not to be manhandled and put on display.”

His grip tightened again, and he leaned in. “Baby you’re not being manhandled. Consider it a VIP escort.”

I snorted. “VIP escort? More like a one-way ticket to aggravation. And I’d appreciate it if you’d loosen your grip. I’m perfectly capable of navigating without an escort.”

“By all means, drama queen, lead the way.”

I shot him another glare, determined to ignore his infuriating charm. If looks could kill, he’d be a goner by now.

As the elevator doors closed, Wyatt expertly entered a code and punched in 47 for the penthouse.

The ride up was a symphony of awkward silence, the only sound being the elevator’s soft hum. No one dared to break the silence, and I wondered if the elevator itself was in on some conspiracy, refusing to play any elevator music to ease the tension.

The doors finally parted, and without so much as a backward glance, Wyatt strolled out, leaving me behind like a forgotten accessory.

As I stand there, contemplating whether to follow Wyatt my internal monologue kicks into overdrive.

Do I go?

What if it’s a trap?

He’s your kidnapper, for crying out loud.

And you came running right back to him.

The man could be dangerous. Scratch that; the man is dangerous, not to mention some kind of beast from the Underworld.

I can practically hear the therapy bills piling up. I need vodka. Lots of it. Maybe I’ll check myself into a clinic when this is all over. Symptoms - Chronic Folly-monia (Daft as a rock and apparently hormonal).

What am I thinking?

Am I thinking?

Clearly not, I’m here with a man who threatened to shoot me and murder my family. Oh, and let’s not forget he has four legs and a bloody tail!

Should’ve thought about this before leaving the house, Luna.

“Are you coming?” he asked, clearly irritated.

I saunter out of the elevator, shooting him a glare that could rival a thunderstorm. He brushes me off, striding towards the bar in the living room. The place is massive, boasting breathtaking views of the Seattle skylights. And oh, there’s a pool! If he’s planning to murder me, at least I’ll go out with a view.

“What were you doing with Landon?” he demands, pouring himself a drink.

I stroll over to the sofa, running my fingers over the smooth leather. “What’s it to you? Where is Zuri?”

He takes a sip, eyeing me like I’m a puzzle he’s trying to solve. “What’s it to you? Why were you with Landon?” I can see where this is going.

“Why should I answer you?” I retort, feeling like a cat cornered by a particularly smug dog.

He finishes the amber liquid in his glass and sets it down with a thud. “One, the only way out is with that elevator, and it uses a special code.” He stalks towards me like a predator closing in on its prey and stopping behind me.

My breaths turn shallow, fingers fidgeting nervously as my heart flutters like a captive bird. Despite the absence of his touch on my body, I could feel the heat radiating off him against my back.

“Two,” he purrs, his voice a sultry whisper, “we’re alone... and no one can hear that pretty mouth scream.” His warm breath fans the side of my neck, a seductive caress that sends shivers cascading down my spine. The air crackles.”And three, I always get what I want,” he declares, brushing his nose against my hair, inhaling deeply.

My pulse quickens, I gather the courage to respond, my voice a breathy whisper, “And what is it that you want?”

He chuckles a low, throaty sound that sends ripples of anticipation through me. “I want answers.”

“And if I choose not to give you those answers?”

“I have my ways of persuasion.”

“This is the part where you threaten to shoot me or something?” I murmur.

He snickers darkly, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. Not the good kind. “You know what I am. Do you really think I need a gun?” The wanker’s got a point.

His fingers glide up my arm leaving a trail of tingles in their wake. Gently, he pushes my hair to the side, and my breathing hitches. I was trapped between him and the sofa, nowhere to escape. “What—I should go find Zuri.”

“Should you, now?” he teases, his voice dipping into a sultry tone.

His lips, soft and intoxicating, brush the back of my neck and skim over my shoulders. My body shudders involuntarily. I should slap him or do something right about now.

“Y-yes,” I stammer, my voice timid and small.

“That won’t be necessary,” he breathes against my skin, his lips tracing a heated path from my neck to my shoulders. I bite my lips, fighting the urge to let out a desperate moan begging for release. His lips are soft and moist, leaving feather-light kisses that send a shiver down my spine. This is bad. Very bad.

He entwines my hair around his fist, tilting my head back with his other hand securely on my hip. His tongue trails down the side of my neck, back up to my earlobe, where he nibbles teasingly. I shiver, pressing my legs together. It was as if he was silently challenging me to not moan. He smirks against my ear, leaving lingering kisses from my neck to my jawline, then to the corner of my mouth. Biting and sucking his way to my lips.

Wetness pools between my legs as I stifle yet another moan. This is wrong, so wrong. I need to tell him to piss off and let me go, so I can find Zuri. Despite my resolve, I’m caught off guard by his lips on mine.

The kiss starts gentle and soft, morphing into a dominant one. He nibbles on my bottom lip, silently asking for entrance. Without hesitation, I parted my lips, and it was like an explosion of fireworks. It’s mind-blowing and hot. His tongue slides into my mouth, caressing mine, exploring and tasting every inch as I moan into the kiss. A low, victorious growl vibrates in his chest. He tightens his grip on my hair and hip, not in a painful way, but in an exciting and possessive manner. Cheeky bastard.

His kiss was demanding, hungry, and passionate, sending shockwaves through my entire being. Never in my whole life had anyone kissed me with such fervour. My stomach did backflips.

He nibbles down my neck, biting and sucking until he finds my sweet spot. A moan escapes my mouth, a testament to the sweet torment he’s unleashing.

Sweet almighty!

He smirks and sucks harder on that spot, but nothing prepared me for what happened next. His teeth barely graze my skin, precisely hitting that spot, and a tingling sensation detonates all over my body. It’s like being struck by lightning, and the sensation spreads like hellfire, a ravenous flame growing in my core. I shudder uncontrollably, feeling myself clench, and an unconscious, louder moan escapes me as I wrap my arms around his neck.

My body is begging for him to bite it, an infuriating itch to have him sink his teeth into that spot. The worst part is, I have no clue why. Somehow, I know he does. I reach for his hair and tug. He growls, sending shivers through me. I feel myself getting wetter, and my nipples harden. He presses into my ass letting me feel just how hard and ready he was for me. I fight the urge to grind back on him.

He runs his tongue from the base of my neck to my jawline, kissing and nibbling his way to my nape before claiming my lips once more. This kiss is more passionate, deeper if that’s possible. The bloody prat is a phenomenal kisser.

Oh heaven.

My core pulsates, and I can feel myself dripping down my thigh.

He broke our kiss, both of us left panting for air, lips red and swollen. “Are you wet for me?” he purred in my ear.

My eyes widened at his question, the haze of desire momentarily clearing. Get a grip of yourself, Luna! “NO!” I squealed.

“You sure?” His hand trailed the waistband of my jeans teasingly, his voice dripping with lust.

“Y-Yes.” My voice sounded like a squeaky toy.

Brilliant.

He brushed his nose against the side of my neck and inhaled deeply. “I can smell you.” I instinctively crushed my thighs together. The arrogant smirk on his face grew. “I bet those panties are covered in your essence. Why don’t you show me how soaked you are?”

I slapped his hand away and spun around to face him. Bloody brilliant. I gulped, realizing just how close he was. Bad move. “You think rather highly of yourself, don’t you? Sorry, but you’re not my type, mate.” My bravery wavered as I saw the impish twinkle in his eyes. Bollocks. I gulp.

He leaned in, resting his hands beside my hips on the sofa, effectively caging me in. My breathing hitched. There was nowhere to run. His hard, heated body wasn’t touching mine…But boy did I want it too.

“Not your type, huh? So... you wouldn’t mind if I check?” He moved his fingers over my jeans button, undid it, and trailed his fingers down my zipper, toying with me. “Not going to stop me?” he grinned wickedly, like the devil he is.

What was I waiting for? Him to touch me? Pfft. “I-I-Sto—”

“Too late.”

He pulls my zipper down, slides his hand into my panties, grasping me with a low growl in his throat. I gasped at his touch.

Holy mother sweet Mary!

He slid two fingers into my wetness, pumping slowly in and out, with his thumb circling my clit painfully slowly. We both could hear just how soaked I was.

His fingers were skilled. He was too good at that. I threw my head back, fingers digging into the sofa, letting out soft, breathy moans. He held my hip firmly, preventing me from bucking against his touch as he quickened his pace. I could feel the pressure building within me.

Yes! Yes!

He purred in my ear, “You lied,” and then removed his hands, stepping away from me leaving me breathless and wanting more.

He smirks at me and sucks his fingers. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and my cheeks felt like they were on fire.

“You taste better than I dreamt you would,” he winks and walks over to the elevator, entering his code.

This is the part where my jaw hits the floor. What in the bloody hell? Did he just? Son of a biscuit. Bad dog! I stomp over to the elevator.

“How—who do you think you are? How dare you touch me!” I try to sound disgusted, but who am I kidding?

My face turns redder than a basket of beets when I realize what I’m accusing him of. One, I could’ve stopped him if I wanted. And two, I’m more annoyed that he stopped rather than what he did.

Ahhhhhh!

He cups my chin firmly but gently, “Talk to me like that again and I’ll bend you over the sofa, and bury my face into that dripping pussy.”

Please? “You-You—” I stutter.

He chuckles and brushes his thumb over my bottom lip, “You want that, don’t you, angel?” he inhales, and his eyes darken with playful mischief. I swallow, unable to respond. I can feel my core clench, aching for him.

He growls, “Stop biting your lips,” and removes my lips from my teeth. Specks of gold are sprinkled about in the blue of his eyes, trying to break whatever little control he has left.

Fascinating.

He removes his hand from me and takes a deep breath with his eyes closed. When he reopens them, he seems more in control and back to his arrogant self.

“We’re having visitors. I suggest you use the bathroom,” he nods down the hall, which I assume is the bathroom, “Unless you want them to smell just how wet I make you.” he winks arrogantly.

I hiss, “You’re a pig!”

He smirks, undeterred, “No baby, I’m much worse.”

I scoff, rolling my eyes, “Yeah, right. You’re the worst kind of wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

He steps closer, a cocky grin on his face, “Wolf or not, I’m the one who left you wanting more.”

I cross my arms, feigning nonchalance, “Well, don’t flatter yourself. I’m not that easy to impress.”

He raises an eyebrow, “Oh really? I seem to recall a certain someone begging for more just a moment ago.”

My cheeks heat up. “You—well, that’s not the point!”

He leans in, his voice a low growl, “The point is, you can’t resist me.”

I tilt my chin defiantly. “Watch me.”

“Challenge accepted.”He smirks. “I’d hurry if I were you.”

As he walks away, I mutter under my breath, “Bloody infuriating mutt.”

I stomp off horny and angry. Angry more so in myself. This git is a real bloody joker. If he was in Gotham Batman would be toasted.

---

Chapter 12: Denial.

I stood under the warm water, I couldn’t help but shake my head at the absurdity of the situation. I’m literally dealing with a wanker who can transfer into a wolf.

A real wolf.

A werewolf.

A great kisser.

Ugh.

I should have stopped him.

But you didn’t.

Not like I wanted to kiss the wanker.

Keep telling yourself that.

It’s like my internal compass is malfunctioning, leading me straight into the lair of the most frustrating ‘Not-human-being-slash-fable’ on the planet.

Quickly drying off, I decided there was no point in putting back on the wet knickers. Into the trash, they went. I couldn’t believe I was in this situation. A frustrated huff escaped me as I got dressed.

He’s obnoxious, cocky, and drives you up the wall. Yet, the universe seems to be playing some sick joke because, against my better judgment, there’s this weird attraction simmering beneath the surface. Ugh, hormones, you traitors.

I can’t be the only one feeling this, right? It’s like being stuck in a romantic comedy, and I’m the protagonist who can’t make sense of her own feelings.

He kidnapped me!

Teased me.

He’s rude.

Can someone please hand me a guidebook on how to deal with this hot mess, because right now, I’m just a girl, standing in front of her own confusion, asking it to make sense?

“Stupid Luna,” I grumbled, half-mad at him, half-mad at myself. If only life had a fetch button to retrieve us from such absurd predicaments.

Oh, I know! I’ll just pretend it never happens. Once I get back to my everyday life, all these hairy situations will just be a fur-gotten memory.

I got this.

Landon, Zuri, Kristoff, Lake, and Wyatt were all sprawled on the sofa, revelling in laughter and casual banter. Wyatt, surprisingly, looked at ease, his usual smug demeanour replaced by genuine relaxation.

He looks good.

No! He doesn’t look good.

“There you are,” Zuri’s voice echoed from the living room drawing everyone’s attention to me.

Bollocks.

“Luna,” Landon nodded at me, a gesture that caught everyone off guard, except for Wyatt. My name rolled off his tongue in an unexpected dreamy way.

“Landon,” I responded with a sweet smile.

There was a subtle twitch in Wyatt’s jaw. Or were my eyes playing tricks on me?

“What exactly were you doing in my brother’s room?” Kristoff grins. Wait, that was his room? Why on earth would he send me there? “Not that I couldn’t guess,” he added, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. A blush crept across my cheeks as I unconsciously bit down on my lip. Note to self: Kristoff is the mischievous troublemaker among the lot.

Lake intervened with a swift smack to Kristoff’s head before asking, “How are you, Avaluna?”

“Fine? Um, ah, it’s just Luna. Or Ava… Whichever,” I stammered, suddenly feeling the room temperature rise. Landon smiled at me, and I could feel my cheeks growing warmer.

“I um, er, I need a drink.” I bolted past them to the kitchen. The entire time, I sensed Wyatt’s eyes on me, silently daring me to look back at him.

Nope. Not happening wofie.

I poured myself a glass of water from the faucet and when I turned around there was Zuri.

“Bloody hell,” I jump, nearly spilling my water. “How are you so quiet in those?”

“It’s a wolf thing.” Zuri took the water glass from me and handed me a glass of champagne, her eyes glinting mischievously looking effortlessly chic in black leather pants, a crop top, and killer heels. “What’s going on between you and Alpha Landon?”

I took a sip of the bubbly drink, trying to play it cool. “Nothing.”

Zuri raised an eyebrow. I sighed, relenting a little. “We had a drink while waiting for Wyatt. That’s it.”

“Look at you, first-name basis with not one... but two alphas,” she teased. “Landon is gorgeous.”

“Oh, I hadn’t noticed,” I lie through my teeth.

“Sure,” she smirked. “The man is some serious eye candy.” She wasn’t wrong. I took a sip of my champagne before facing the others.

Wyatt lounged on the sofa, running his fingers through his hair, his biceps flexing. He looked so... hot. My gaze involuntarily travelled down to his lips, still a little red. Oh, what I would give to have them against mine. He took a sip of his drink and winked at me. Caught red-handed checking him out again. I spun around so fast I gave myself whiplash. Zuri had her glass in hand, leaning against the fridge, watching me with a knowing smirk.

“What?” I mumbled, taking a gulp of my champagne.

“I wouldn’t go there if I were you.”

“Go where?”

“He’s not into humans. Then again…” She gives me once over.

“Then again?”

“Then again, maybe he just hasn’t met the right human.”

“He’s not my type.” I emptied my glass.

“Denial.”

I shot her a mock glare. “I am not in denial.”

She poured me another glass. “You’re practically composing a sonnet with your eyes over there.”

I snorted. “A sonnet?” More like a grocery list. Biceps, check. Brooding expression, check. Red lips, check. “First of all, no one says that anymore. And secondly, even if I were, it would be a sonnet of scepticism and disbelief. ‘Oh, werewolf, thou art a figment of the imagination, a creature born of moonlit madness.’ See? Perfectly reasonable.”

She chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “Shakespearean scepticism. Impressive.”

I rolled my eyes. “This isn’t impressive; it’s absurd. I can’t believe all of this is real. It’s like living in a fantasy novel written by someone with a questionable sense of reality.”

“Well, if it helps, he kept staring at you too.”

“He is?” I asked, a little too excitedly. Zuri burst into laughter, pushing off the fridge. “Don’t worry, you’re not the first or last human female who wants to jump the big, bad alpha.”

I frowned, feeling a mix of embarrassment and disgust.

The thought of another woman with Wyatt didn’t sit well with me. My heart sank a little in my chest. I mean, it’s not like I fancy him or anything. After all, he did nab me at gunpoint, and he’s not exactly your run-of-the-mill human. How on earth would that even work? Imagine our hypothetical offspring, part werewolf, part me. Bloody hell, what’s gotten into me? I’m daydreaming about a future with a bloke I barely know, who’s got more in common with a golden retriever than with me. I need a reality check, like, yesterday. I shook my head, trying to dislodge the absurd thoughts of a werewolf-human hybrid offspring from my brain. The situation was already bonkers without adding a family tree with fur. I took a deep breath. Get a grip, Luna. You’re not writing a supernatural romance novel. You’re living in one.

This night was getting more complicated by the minute. I checked the time on my phone, 2:37 am.

Bollocks.

“Hey, wait. Where is my car?” I trailed behind Zuri.

“Why?” she glanced over her shoulder while walking towards the guys.

“It’s getting late, and my parents will freak out if I’m not back by morning.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Wyatt declared.

“What? Why? You can’t keep me here against my will.” I folded my arms and glared at him defiantly.

“You snuck out of your home and came here of your own free will if I recall.”

“And I’m leaving on my own free will.”

“No,” he deadpanned and strode over to the bar behind the sofa, pouring another drink. Everyone fell silent, witnessing our interaction with mixed emotions.

“No? Who do you think you are?”

“Someone you shouldn’t use that tone with,” he shot back just as hotly.

“Or what, huh? You’re going to bite me!” Everyone stiffened and held their breath.

Brilliant Luna, not like he’s literally part wolf! Maybe he’s vegetarian.

He swallowed his drink in one shot. “Yes,” he admitted, sauntering towards me.

I stumble backwards, trying to mask the nervous flutter in my chest. “You’re ridiculous. I’m leaving, whether you like it or not.”

His eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint. “Try to walk out that door, and you’ll find out just how serious I am.”

Zuri exchanged glances with the others, unsure whether to intervene or enjoy the impending showdown. I squared my shoulders. “You’re not the boss of me, Wyatt.”

“Shit,” Landon, Kristoff and Lake mumble.

“Oh boy,” Zuri said simultaneously.

Wyatt’s lips curled into a wicked smirk, a glint of something dark and sinister reflecting in his piercing blue eyes. “No, but I am the one in charge here.”

The tension in the room thickened as our staring contest continued. Maybe it was my stubborn nature, or perhaps it was the challenge written all over his face, but I wasn’t about to let him dictate my every move.

“I only came here to make sure Zuri was good. Now, I’m leaving.”

Wyatt’s smirk deepened, his eyes holding a spark of amusement amidst the darkness. “Oh, baby, intentions don’t always pave the way. You stepped into my territory, and now, well, leaving isn’t as simple as walking out the door.”

I crossed my arms, unyielding. Terrified but unyielding nonetheless. “I don’t recall signing up for a tour of your territory.”

He leaned in, the scent of arrogance mingling with something more primal. “Life, princess, has this nasty habit of weaving unexpected tales,” he murmured. “It gives you treasures you never dared to conjure in your wildest dreams, whispers of desires you never knew were even possible.” With a gentle yet possessive tug, he wound his fingers through my hair, tilting my head back so our eyes locked. “Things you never realize you were missing until they’re firmly in your grasp.”  A gulp caught in my throat, the heat radiating from his body sending shivers down my spine, intoxicating and unsettling. “All my years on this rock, and just when I thought I’d seen it all, conquered it all,” he sneered, his lips dangerously close to mine. “Life unfolds its twisted games. Vanilla and apples,” he spat out the words like a curse.”It’s not just you who’s been screwed by life’s wicked games,” he murmured.” Life’s no fairy tale, baby. It’s a brutal, raw affair.”

“Does that mean you’ll let me go?”

A shiver ran down my spine, part fear and part undeniable attraction to the enigma before me. “Letting you go?” he mused, lips curling into a wicked grin. “Princess, life’s not about freedom—it’s about survival. And I’m your best chance at that.”

“Survival? The only dangerous thing here is you.” His grin morphed into something even more smug. “That’s not a compliment. You can’t hold me hostage.”

He chuckled, the sound a dark melody. “Holding you hostage implies I want something from you. Then again, who knows, I might just eat you like the wild animal you think I am.” The irony wasn’t lost on me. He dipped his head to my ear and whispered, “I had the utmost pleasure in tasting just how deliciously sweet those lips are, but you need to stop biting them before you make me do something you’ll regret.” His eyes drifted to my lips and back to mine, twinkling with lust. “Then again, maybe not,” he smirked at me and walked away.

---

Chapter 13: James Bond Movie.

I exhaled a breath I didn’t know I was holding. My heart was beating a mile per second. He left me all hot and bothered, and he didn’t even kiss me this time. Ugh! Bastard.

“The hunters are scouring the city for you two,” Landon said as he slipped his phone back into his jacket pocket. The concerned tone seemed to strike a nerve in Wyatt for some reason. “Why are they after her?” he asks Wyatt.

“What about my parents?” I ask. “Are they alright?”

“They’re safe,” Lake answers.

“Safe how? Like a Wolfie protective program or something?”

Zuri facepalms herself. Kristoff chuckles. Lake can’t help but crack a smile, and even Landon seemed entertained. Wyatt arches an eyebrow like he didn’t know what to do with me.

I can think of a few things.

I’m hopeless.

“I can hide her in my pack,” Landon suggested.

Wyatt’s gaze hardened, a glint of possessiveness flaring in his eyes. “They won’t find her. Not while she’s under my protection.”

Landon shot me a sceptical look, clearly not buying into Wyatt’s declaration. “You already have a lot on your plate. They know she’s with you.”

“You think you can protect her better than me?” The air in the room seemed to thin as Wyatt’s azure blue eyes flickered with specks of gold.

Landon had a flicker of fear in his eyes, but he didn’t back down. “I’m saying she doesn’t need protection by a pack that’s already in the spotlight. Maybe it’s time for a different approach.”

The tension between them hung thick in the air, and I found myself caught in the crossfire.

Wyatt’s jaw clenched, a silent battle playing out in his intense gaze. “Different approach? Your pack might attract less attention, but it also comes with its own set of complications.”

Landon stood his ground, undeterred by Wyatt’s imposing presence. “Complications we can handle. We’re not afraid of a fight,” Landon asserted.

“Neither am I,” Wyatt shot back.

A charged silence enveloped the room as the two of them locked eyes, an unspoken challenge lingering in the air.

“He has a point, Alpha,” Lake spoke up.

“Does he now?” Wyatt responded without breaking eye contact with Landon. He wasn’t too thrilled with Lake’s suggestion.

Kristoff cleared his throat, a hint of fear in his eyes. “Alpha, what Lake means is that Landon’s pack could offer us an extra layer of protection, and it’s not about questioning your capabilities. We have a lot on our plate right now and can’t afford any mistakes.”

Wyatt’s jaw tensed, but he finally tore his gaze away from Landon to address Kristoff. “Mistakes. Mistakes that will soon be rectified. Until then she’s under my protection.”

“I get it, Alpha Onyx,” Landon says, “I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. I just want to help.”

“Then do your job and find out how those fuckers found my gammas,” he snarls.

“Where are my parents?”

“Heading for the airport,” Zuri answers.

“Airport? Where are they going?”

“On vacation.”

“Vacation?”

“The hunters can’t hurt them without proof.”

“So what? They’ll be stalking my parents across the country.” The expressions on their faces confirmed my suspicion. “Are you kidding me?”

“After a few days, they’ll realize they know nothing and move on,” Zuri explained.

“How do you know they won’t hurt them?”

“Because we’re tracking the hunters that are tracking them,” Kristoff added.

“Oh, splendid! The hunters can enjoy a lovely vacation on my parents’ tail.”

Wyatt shot me a sharp glance, his patience clearly wearing thin. “We’re doing everything we can to keep your parents safe.”

“Then why not put them in a safe house or something?”

“Because that would indicate that they know something,” Wyatt said. “After a few days, they will realize they know nothing and move on. It’s a waiting game.”

As I was about to question him, a crimson warning light bathed the entire penthouse in its glow, accompanied by the stern voice of a female AI, proclaiming, “WARNING. WARNING. CODE 1-8-4. CODE 1-8-4. SECURITY BREACH. UNAUTHORIZED USER ASCENDING. ACTIVATING ALPHA-BETA PROTOCOL.”

Before I could wrap my head around the situation, Wyatt seized my arm and dragged me into his room with the rest of the crew trailing behind. A sleek black shield descended over the windows and elevator door, sealing us off.

What in-the-resident evil?

“What’s happening?”

Wyatt secured his bedroom door, punching in a code to activate yet another black metal barrier. No one bothered to answer me. Instead, Zuri dashed to the bookshelf, revealing a secret armoury stocked with an impressive array of weapons. She swiftly filled a bag with firearms and ammo. Meanwhile, Lake, Kristoff, Landon, and Wyatt geared up with bulletproof vests and guns. There I stood in the midst of the chaos, heart in my hand, observing them as they move with a calm agility that makes it seem like they’re baking a bloody cake.

Wyatt handed me a vest, “Put this on.” I stared at it, struggling to comprehend the chaos. Annoyed, he growled and suited me up himself. “I don’t have time for this shit,” he snapped.

“Then tell me what the bloody hell is going on? Why do I feel like I’ve stumbled into a James Bond movie?” I finally found my voice, slapping his hands away.

“We’re under attack,” he said matter-of-factly, catching the bag Zuri tossed at him. She donned a vest and armed up alongside the guys.

“Attack? By who?”

Wyatt gestured to the 50-inch flat screen displaying footage from the elevator and lobby. Men armed to the teeth shooting up the lobby. Meanwhile, wolves are feasting on people.

“Ar-are those wolves…”

“Rogues,” Wyatt gritted.

“Shit,” I followed Landon’s gaze to a monitor beside him. Heavily armed men were on their way to us.

“Should we ring up the Ghostbusters or summon the paranormal patrol or something? I mean, is there a supernatural 911 we can dial for a crisis like this?”

Wyatt smirked, “Oh sure, let me just grab my Ouija board and ask for backup.”

I rolled my eyes. “This feels like a crossover episode of the X-Files and Scooby-Doo.”

Zuri chimed in, loading her shotgun, “Well if Mulder and Scully show up, I’m out. I’ve got no time for government conspiracies.”

Kristoff, adjusting his bulletproof vest, added, “And I’m not about to split my Scooby Snacks with them either.”

Landon carrying a bag of weapons, winked at me, “Who needs the supernatural police when you’ve got this handsome bunch of werewolf protectors, right?”

I sighed, “Alright, so no supernatural speed dial. What’s the plan then?

“Neutralize anything that crosses our path,” Wyatt declared, a tad too gleefully.

It was scary.

Zuri smirked.”Guess it’s a ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ kind of night.”

Kristoff added, “And here I thought my evening would involve Netflix and chill.”

“Well, at least you’re getting some action,” Zuri teased.

“I get that you lot are more of the claws-on kind but what if things go south?”

Wyatt’s eyes gleamed with a sinister edge, “Hell would freeze over before I let those pitiful human pricks and their vermin playthings best me.”

An explosion shook the building.

“They’re inside.” Zuri tossed a detonator to Wyatt.

“I thought this place was more secure than the White House.”

“Someone betrayed us,” Landon growls. “They triggered the lockdown from the inside.” He grabs my hand, leading me to the bathroom with Zuri and Kristoff

“Don’t worry, LuLu. They’re messing with the wrong pack. We’re known to carry big things,” Kristoff winked.

“Not everyone,” Zuri adds.

“Would you like to find out, sugar lips? I’m not shy.”

Wyatt entered the bathroom with Lake. His gaze flickered to my hand in Landon’s, a faint twitch in his jaw. He closes the door and slaps a timer on it, counting down from 60 in red.

“Zuri, Lake, handle the hunters. Alpha Landon and I will deal with the Rogues. Kristoff, take her to the car. We’ll meet you as soon as we can.” Wyatt pressed a tile, revealing a secret passage between the walls.

Yep, James Bond.

“You can’t be serious?” I raised an incredulous eyebrow. “I mean, there are hundreds of rogues out there, and what about their fancy werewolf-killing-silver bullets? I’m pretty sure the nearest 24/7 florist is not on standby for a supernatural showdown.”

“Don’t worry we can take care of ourselves,” Landon smiles at me.

Wyatt seemed irritated. “Let’s go.”

“We’re going this way.” He motioned to the left as the others went straight.

I followed him down a narrow tunnel to the end. With a push, it opened onto a different floor, the distant sounds of gunshots echoing from above.

“Where is everyone?” I ask following him to the emergency stairs exit. “Hiding. The hunters are more concerned with taking out the high ranks.”

“Who are in the penthouses.”

“Yep.”

“So if everyone here are werewolves why not fight?”

“Just being werewolves doesn’t automatically make us all fighters. Besides, the hunters aren’t your average humans. And let’s not forget about their fancy bullets and gadgets.” He held the door open for me and we ran down the stairs as fast as we could.

I hate cardio.

He sniffs the air and stops me.

“What is it?”

“Rogues.” He took the safety off his gun and held my hand as we cautiously descended the stairs. It all happened so fast. A rogue lurched at us and he shot it in the head. I squeal.”We have to move, they know we’re here.” We ran down a few more flights of stairs until we came to another door. He gently pushes it open and sniffs the air. We bolted down the empty hallway to an elevator.

“Where are we going?” It dings open and we rushed in. “Twenty-first floor. Private Garage.”

“You think they’re ok?” I know he heard the worry in my voice.

“Trust me, they are messing with the wrong alpha,” he said confidently.

“How do you know?”

“I know my brother. And I can honestly say, that killing that prick is harder than it looks. If anyone can pull this off, it’s him. But he’s probably more pissed that your panties are in the trash, and he’s not with you.” he winks.

I felt my cheeks on fire with my eyes wide. Call the fire department.

“I-Um-Uh-”

“Don’t sweat it, Lulu. You’re not the first female who wants to mount my big bro like a bull and ride him into the sunset.”

I frown. “So I keep hearing,” I mumbled under my breath.

We arrive in a dark parking lot with a row of vehicles all covered. He yanks the cover off a midnight black Audi Q8.

“Get in,” I hopped into the front seat and couldn’t help but admire the smooth, buttery feel of the leather. It even had that classic new car smell. “Buckle up, Lulu.” Without waiting for me to finish, he floored it.

“You’re the first human who isn’t afraid of my brother,” he said, a mix of shock and intrigue evident in his tone as he took a sharp, screeching turn. I clung to my seat for dear life, desperately trying not to bring up my champagne.

“He’s not that scary,” I replied, shouting a bit over the revving engine.

“Besides, I’ve dealt with scarier things—like trying to open a bag of chips silently at midnight.”

He shot me a puzzled glance. “That’s a first.” As we navigated the twists and turns, he chuckled. “You’ve got guts, Lulu. Most folks wouldn’t dare speak to him the way you do. We’re surprised you’re still breathing. No offense.” Another screeching turn.

“Because he hates humans.”

“Hate isn’t the word I would use.” From his tone, I’d say it’s much worse.

“Maybe he’s misunderstood?”

He chuckles. “ I see why he likes you.”

“He likes me?”

This time he laughs. “You’re alive aren’t you.” He came to a screeching halt just as Zuri, Lake and Wyatt emerged guns blazing. Zuri was wearing a blood-soaked t-shirt and Lake had on a pair of shorts. Wyatt, on the other hand, was still in the same clothes, now drenched in blood.

“Go!” Wyatt orders as they jump into the car.

I scanned him for any wounds and sighed in relief when I saw none. I had no idea why I did that. He was a werewolf of course he had like super healing abilities.

“Where is Landon?” I asked once they were settled in the car and we were out of the garage.

“With his pack,” Wyatt snapped.

 Wow! What was that about?

“What about the hunters and rogues?”

“Dead.” Wyatt pulls out his phone.

He was angry and spoke very hot, very angry Italian. My hormones are out of control. I mentally facepalm myself. “Are you ok?” I ask Zuri. “How’s your stomach?”

“Better.” she smiles at me. I glance at Lake, who nods letting me know he is ok. Lake was shouting at someone too on the phone but in Russian. How many languages do they speak? We drove for a few hours. Lake and Wyatt are on the phone shouting at people. While Kristoff keeps sneaking glances at Zuri through the rearview mirror. Suddenly my back pocket began to ring.

“What the fuck is that?” Wyatt growls. I pull my phone out of my pocket and mum popped up on the screen.

“It’s my mum, she must be wondering where I am.”

“Don’t answer it,” he warns.

Fat chance. “Mum?”

“Sweetie, where were you? Went into your room, and you weren’t there.” Wyatt shakes his head no at me, with a look that says, ‘Say anything and you’re dead meat.

“Just needed some fresh air.”

“Anyway, sweetheart, your father and I have some news. Remember that sweepstakes I entered? Well, turns out I won! The letter got lost in the mail, so we had no clue until the hotel called to confirm. It’s an all-inclusive trip around the country, hitting up some cosy B&Bs, and we’ve got tickets to Dubai, Japan, and Bora-Bora. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and there were only two tickets. We had to leave right then and there.”

“Mum, it’s cool. Go have fun.”

“We wanted to stay home with you. We hardly get to see you. And we won’t be back before school starts.”

“Mum, seriously, I’ll survive. Don’t worry about me.” Wyatt gives me a look that screams, wrap it up I resist the eye-roll urge.

“But you’ll be all alone at the house, especially with those wolf attacks.”

“I’ll be fine, Mum.”

“And if those detectives come back, don’t open the door!” Dad chimes in from the background. “There’s something fishy about them.”

“I won’t.”

“Honey, our plane is boarding. We love you. We’ll call you when we land.”

“Love you too—hey!!!” Wyatt snatches my phone and sends it flying out the window. Bad dog! “Was that necessary?”

“Your phone can be tracked. Putting all of us at risk,” Wyatt retorts, his expression unapologetic.

I huff, crossing my arms. “There are other ways to handle it, you know. Maybe like, ‘Hey, let’s turn off the location settings’ instead of launching it into the abyss.

“This isn’t child’s play,” Wyatt replies sharply, eyes focused on the road.

I glare at him. “You could’ve at least warned me.”

“Would you have handed it over willingly?” he smirks, and I scowl.

“That’s not the point.”

“Your point is irrelevant. Now quiet. I need to think.”

Someone’s not getting a kibble.

The drive was an uncomfortable silence. No one bothered to strike up a conversation with me, and honestly, I had nothing to say. Who am I kidding I had plenty to say—I just wasn’t in the mood to share my thoughts with Mr. Jerk Face. Zuri and Lake were glued to their phones while Kristoff and the knob were engaged in a back-and-forth, trying to find a route that made sense.

I drummed my fingers on the armrest, contemplating whether I should break the silence or enjoy the rare moment of peace. After all, it’s not every day you get a front-row seat to a supernatural road trip with a bunch of werewolves.

I felt myself being lifted, surrounded by tingles. “What are you doing?” I groggily asked.

“Shh, go back to sleep,” I was too exhausted to argue, and he was warm and smelled good. Unconsciously, I snuggled into his chest and drifted back to sleep.

---

Chapter 14: Royally Screwed.

I groaned as I woke up from the blinding sunlight streaming in through the massive glass wall, followed by the soft hum of the motorized blinds ascending. As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, the details of the room came into focus—dark wooden ceilings, navy blue walls—all bathed in a warm morning glow.

This definitely is not my room.

Summoning the strength of a sloth on a Monday, I begrudgingly sat up, legs hanging over the bed like a protest against the early hour. This wasn’t a bedroom; it was a luxury condo with an overachieving living room, leading out to a veranda that overlooked a beautiful garden and a pond. I need tea, it’s too early for such scenic beauty. In my tea-deprived haze, I absentmindedly embarked on a phone hunt. It took me a minute to remember that Wyatt the knobhead had sent it flying. I let out a groan, collapsing back on the bed, yanking the blanket over my face. Who needs an alarm clock when you’ve got blinds on a precision-timed mission to awaken you with the subtlety of a marching band?
Someone cleared their throat, and I jolted up, hastily shoving the blanket from my face. And there he stood, in black sweats that hung just low enough to make my heart race, a wife-beater accentuating those sculpted biceps. His body glistened, hair deliberately tousled and wet, as if he’d just stepped out of a steamy shower.

That wasn’t the only thing a bit damp around here.

It was like a tantalizing sight straight out of a fantasy, leaving my breath caught in my throat and my heart racing. I couldn’t help but drool a little as my eyes greedily roamed his god-like, muscular physique. Thoughts of his body pressed against mine, that kiss—oh, get a grip! I mentally scolded myself, trying to regain composure.

He snapped his fingers in front of my face, jolting me back to reality. Brilliant, I’d spaced out, caught in the act of gawking at him.

Bollocks.

My face flushed with warmth as he chuckled, a half-smirk playing on his lips, attempting to conceal his amusement. The air seemed to crackle with electricity, and his intense azure blue eyes locked onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine. In that moment, as his gaze swept over me, my skin tingled with awareness.

“As much as I love you staring at me like that, I’m starving. Come on,” he said, striding to the living room.

Hold up, he loves me staring at him? “I wasn’t staring,” I mumbled like a child, though we both knew I was lying through my teeth.

“Sure, you weren’t,” he shouted out without turning back.

Suddenly it dawned on me, I was clad in nothing but a soft oversized black T-shirt that smells like a certain smug arrogant wolf. Wait a doggie-gone minute, did he...?

I gasped, realization hitting me as I stomped off behind him. “What happened to my clothes?”

There was a dark wooden oak table set for two. How had I not seen that before or smelled the aroma of freshly ground coffee and bacon. He pulled out a chair for me. “You were all wet,” he smirks. I glare. “I thought I’d do you a favour and get your clothes cleaned up. They’re in the bathroom.”

“How-how-dare you!?”

“Calm down, I didn’t touch you anywhere inappropriately. Not that you’d mind.”

“That is not your place to say.” My anger fueling each step, I jab my finger into his chest. I feel nothing but hard muscle, but I was too far gone to stop myself from poking the wolf. Hell, if I wasn’t so vexed, I would probably enjoy touching his rigid-hard chest. “You don’t know what I’d bloody mind or not!”

He let out a low warning growl, snatching my finger. A tingling sensation shot up my arm. “I know...” Specks of gold danced in the pool of his azure blue orbs. “You’re not wearing anything under here.”

“You had no right.” I yank my finger out of his grasp and step back. My heart racing for different reasons.

“Says who?” he suddenly starts taking slow, predator steps towards me.

“Says me.” I stumbled backwards.

“I didn’t think you’d want to sleep in those tight jeans.” He licks his luscious lips. I clench. “Not that I didn’t love seeing you in them.”

“Here is an idea, you could’ve woken me.” I should sound angry but instead, I sound breathy.

“Nah. Where is the fun in that?”

“Perv.”

“Perv?”

“You heard me.” My legs collided with the edge of the bed, sending me tumbling backwards with an unexpected yelp.

“I did,” he said, a sly grin playing on his lips. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Ever wonder what I do to those who dare to challenge me?”

No, I shake my head.

“I carve away at them,” he whispered, his words sending a shiver through me and not the good kind. “Bit by bit, until they’re desperate for mercy. And then, you know what happens next?” He loomed over me, arms resting on either side of my head, trapping me beneath his hard heated body. My breath caught as his intoxicating scent hit me. His lips brushed against my ear. I shudder— hard. “Depending on how merciful I feel, I grant them sweet release,” he murmured, a promise lingering in the air.

His gaze held mine, a silent challenge that set my senses on fire. The atmosphere crackled with an intensity that left me breathless, the air thick with anticipation.

“If you think that’s going to scare me, think again buddy.” He scared me and I’m pretty sure he saw through my fake bravery.

“Is that so?” His fingers traced a path up my leg, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. Why wasn’t I putting a stop to this? My hand found its way to his chest, a feeble attempt at creating distance, but the contact ignited a cascade of sparks that surged through my body. All I can think about is how good he feels and smells.

Bloody hell.

“You should be afraid of me,” he whispered, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. I swallowed hard, unable to deny the magnetic pull he had over me. “You have no idea what I want to do to you.”

“I think I have some idea,” I mumble.

He smirked, his eyes locking onto mine with a predatory gleam. “Only some idea?” he teased, his lips grazing my neck.

A soft gasp escaped me as the sensation sent shivers through every nerve in my body. His hands, possessing a captivating blend of strength and gentleness, traced the contours of my body. I felt like a moth drawn to the flame, unable to resist the pull of something both terrifying and irresistible.

“Why do I feel like you enjoy the fear?” I managed to whisper as I squirmed beneath him.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze locking onto mine. “Fear is just another facet of desire,” he said, his eyes smouldering with intensity. “And I enjoy every nuance.”

“You wouldn’t hurt me.” I had no idea why I said that. It took both of us by surprise. His hand froze in its spot on my hip.

“You don’t know me.”

“I know if you wanted to hurt me you would have never set me free.”

He paused, the air thick with unspoken tension. “Perhaps,” he conceded, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. “But freedom doesn’t always guarantee safety.” His lips curved into a sly smile, and he leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “Then again, you did come back to me.”

Why that… “I didn’t com— return to you, I’m here because of Zuri.”

“Hm.” Something flashed across his face too quickly for me to read.

“Hm what?”

“Nothing.” He pushed off from the bed leaving me high and wet. Now I know why people buy leashes. “Breakfast is getting cold.”

Looks like he really knows how to hound me. “Answer me,” I demanded sitting up. “Hey you, I am talking to you!”

He halted in his tracks, his fist clenching. Oh, I think I’ve done it now. I never did know when to shut up. The room hung in a charged silence, his gaze meeting mine with an intensity that left me breathless. Bollocks. I swallow the lump in my throat.

“I answer to no one, especially not to pretty-eyed human, no matter how fuckable you are.” He sneered, the arrogance in his tone slicing through the air.

I glared daggers at him. “I’m not one of your toys.”

He chuckled menacingly. “We’ll see about that, won’t we?”

“Oh, please,” I leapt off the bed, “I’m not here to be your ‘fetch’ or ‘roll over’ kind of girl. Try that leash on someone else.” His smirk faltered for a moment, and I took the opportunity to add, “Guess you’re barking up the wrong tree with your little power play. On that note…” My frustration fueled each step as I stomped towards the bedroom door. I yank the door open only to have him slam the door shut.

“Bloody hell, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded, his tone daring me to defy him.

“Away from you. I thought that much was obvious.” I shot back, my eyes blazing with defiance.

His smirk widened as if my resistance amused him. “You can’t just walk away, princess. It’s not that simple.”

Watch me, I thought. My hand tightened into a fist, and I met his challenging gaze with a steely determination. “Try me.”

His eyes flickered with a mixture of irritation and intrigue. “You’re not leaving until I say so.”

“I don’t take orders from arrogant assholes.”

In an instant, his demeanour shifted, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. Before I could react, he closed the distance between us, trapping me against the door. His presence was overwhelming, and the air crackled with tension.

“You have no idea what you’re dealing with.”

“Maybe not, but I know when it’s time to walk away.” I glared at him, determined not to let fear show. This bloke literally can rip me apart and here I am mouthing off like a prate.

His hand brushed a strand of hair from my face, a touch both infuriating and strangely intimate. “You’re not going anywhere, not until I decide.”

I took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of strength. “Watch me.” I place my hand on his chest and push, ignoring the tingling sensation that shot through me. “Move.”

“I could kill you right now.”

“Charming. I can’t begin to imagine why someone would want to kill you.”

“You never make anything easy, do you?” he murmured, catching me off guard. Before I could react, he hoisted me up. My legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, and my arms found their place around his neck. In that moment, our bodies pressed together, a closeness that ignited a fire within. I was never more aware of not wearing any knickers than I am at this very moment. “You are the most stubborn human I ever met.”

Overwhelmed by his scent, his touch, his warmth, I stammered, “What are you—”

Before I could finish, he silenced me with a kiss that sent shockwaves through my entire being. His lips pressed against mine, nibbling at my lower lip a little too hard but not hard enough to draw blood. I gasp and whimper—I should stop this.  

He’s not human.

I should push him away.

He’s a werewolf.

I should run.

I should scream.

But his mouth covers mine, his tongue tangles with mine creating a storm of desire that eclipsed any rational thought. I found myself kissing him back with a passion so fierce, so reckless, it shocks the shit out of me. If I thought our first kiss was phenomenal this one is off the charts.

Our kiss was desperate, urgent. I moaned into it. The next thing I knew, my back met the soft sheets, with him nestled between my thighs. I could feel him growing firm against my core, a sensation that sent a wave of heat through me. His lips were a taste of heaven, his tongue a sweet indulgence.

I was about to pass out when he finally pulled back, leaving us both breathless, and me lost for words.

I kissed a werewolf— twice— and I liked it.

“You’re not easily controlled,” he admitted his voice low and edged with frustration and desire.

“I don’t intend on being controlled,” I pant.

He chuckled darkly. “You drive me up a fucking wall, you know that? You have no idea all the things I dreamt of doing to this sweet, sick little body.”

“Wy-Wyatt.” I stutter out as his fingers suddenly rub over my folds gently. Anger flashed in his eyes for a second or maybe I imagine that.

He smirks. “What’s wrong princess? Wolf got your tongue?” He teased and began circling my entrance.

I could feel my body respond to him, a sweet warmth coursing through me like an electric current. Waves of pleasure cascaded down my spine, creating an explosion of sensations in the very core of my being. “I hate you.”

“I fuckin’ hate you too.” He slid one finger inside, moving slowly in and out.

Unconsciously, my legs widen, inviting his touch to delve even deeper. His finger moved with a delicious rhythm, a tender exploration that sent shivers of pleasure through every inch of my body. Simultaneously, his thumb traced teasing circles on my clit intensifying the building ecstasy.

My breaths grew heavier, the tingling sensations from his touch unravelling my senses. The world around us faded, and I surrendered to the intoxicating melody of his fingers. In that moment, time seemed to stand still.

“Wy-Wyatt,” I moan, biting my lips. My brain was mush and all I could focus on was his fingers doing unholy things to me down there. But it felt amazing. It now dawned on me how much I enjoyed his touch.

A little too much.

“Yes, baby?” He picks up his pace as one hand pushes my shirt up, and his mouth latched on to my hardened nipples. He sucks and chews on them which made my body arch upwards. I moan, my fingers finding his silky black hair. He bites, sucks and kisses my breast all the way to my collar bone, and up my neck. I tilt my head back giving him better access. His pace increased inside me.

I felt the familiar wave of pleasure building within me. His touch intensified as he pressed harder onto my clit, skillfully sliding a second finger inside, finding that elusive sweet spot. His teeth grazed down the side of my neck, reaching the sweet spot between my collarbone and shoulder.

Two for two.

I shudder— hard.

He bites down on that very spot drawing out a louder, embarrassing moan. A low approving growl rumbling in his chest. My body, against all reason, begged him to bite down harder. Don’t ask me why—it was a strange, unfamiliar feeling. It was as if somewhere deep within my soul wanted—needed him to do it. His body tense as he let out a growl that vibrated against my skin. His teeth sank into that tender spot, and a mixture of pleasure and pain surged through me. I knew he left a mark but I didn’t care. He suddenly jerks back as if stopping himself from sinking his fangs deeper into my neck. This is the part where I should be sprinting for the hills, not practically handing out invitations for a bite. What is this, a bloody low-budget version of Twilight with extra absurdity?

Yet I couldn’t deny the desire that pulsed with every beat of my heart, as if some primal instinct within me had been awakened. He fingers me faster, and with each rhythmic thrust, the pressure inside me soared higher and higher.

“Come for me,” he growls against his mark on my neck.

That did it. I screamed out his name unable to contain the pleasure exploding over me. My entire body clenches as I came harder than I ever did in my entire life. His mouth landed on mine, muffling my shrilling screams. He forces his tongue in my mouth kissing me vehemently, caressing and sucking my tongue. I moan out in his mouth as my core clenched around his expert fingers repeatedly. He thrusts his fingers faster inside me automatically sending me into a second orgasm.

“That’s it, angel, come for me, show me how much you miss me.” I would have rolled my eyes at him if I wasn’t busy gushing ‘round his hand. A scream of pleasure ripped from my throat as I came once more. My body quivering from an overpowering orgasm rolling through me. Suddenly he stopped and my eyes opened.

He withdrew his fingers and sucked on them, a devilish glint in his eyes. “Never thought breakfast could be so tasty,” he mused, licking them clean while holding my gaze with a wicked smirk. “I owe you that one from the other night.”

I lay there, still panting for a breath, a strange mixture of shock and satisfaction settling within me. I couldn’t believe that just happened. My heart raced wildly as I sat up, my face now redder than a tree of apples on a bright sunny day. I officially lost whatever little pride I had left but it was worth every second.

Is electrotherapy still a thing? Clearly, today’s events required some form of intervention, preferably one involving a reset button.

“Ava?” He stared down at me. It was the first time he had said my name. No one had ever made my name sound so appealing as if he was savouring each syllable. I didn’t think he knew it.

What exactly do I say here? Thanks for orgasm Sir Werewolf, come again.

“What is wrong with you?”

“Too many things.” Something flashed across his face too fast for me to read. The lines etched on his forehead and the subtle clenching of his jaw suggested whatever it was, it wasn’t good. “Eat.” He heads for the door.

Me?

I would glare at my subconscious if I could. I need real help.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“Miss me already?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Stubborn,” he shakes his head, opening the door.

“Are we just gonna pretend like this didn’t happen?” I blurt out, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Well, there goes my subtle approach to discussing the whole fingering extravaganza.

He halts. “No one has to know,” he winks cheekily. “I won’t tell a soul. I won’t let them know you begged for my touch. I won’t tell them how your slick pussy soaked my fingers, and I won’t tell them how you screamed my name. It’ll be our dirty secret.” With that said he shut the door behind him.

Am I mad?

Absolutely.

Do I regret it?

Yeah, maybe. A tad. Kinda. Who am I kidding? The wanker took me to O-town like Niagara Falls, and that, folks, grinds my gears. I don’t even know if I’m into him or not.

I mean, am I?

Does he fancy me?

Why would he, though? He’s basically a bloody werewolf Adonis. What’s he doing with a plain Jane like me? Probably has a lineup of girls ready to pounce on his— charm.

What am I doing? I fell back on the bed with a loud frustrating groan. Life was easier without him and his dog-eat-dog drama. You know what gets under my skin the most? It’s not just that he’s an incredible kisser or the fact that he’s got some serious finesse with his fingers. It’s that tiny part of me that feels safe and calm when he’s with me. Deep down there is this certainty that he would protect me no matter what. A false sense of security, if you may.

Maybe because he’s part dog? Guard dogs do make you feel pretty safe. Like Mr Goldie my golden retriever. Even though he was scared of people... He was just shy. RIP Mr. Goldie, the timid but lovable legend. This is a bad idea, Luna. You don’t even know the bloke. And let’s not forget the not-human part. Talk about barking up the wrong tree. The fact is, I’m royally screwed.

---

Chapter 15: Human Special.

I  yank my jeans and slip on the comfy bedroom slippers I nicked from the bathroom before bolting out of the room. I half expected him to lock me in. I shot daggers at his back as I followed him.

“Who do you think you are?” he ignores me, opening the front door. “This isn’t over.” He slams the door shut, turns around, and now we’re in a full-blown glaring showdown. Every fibre in me might be yelping, “Apologize, you fool!” but instead, I double down. Apologizing to a werewolf with the emotional depth of a puddle feels like a crime against common sense.

“You can’t just go about kidnapping people like it’s some dodgy hobby! That’s not how the world works mate.” There is that twitch again. “Meanwhile my parents are on vacation with some hunter geezers tailing them, and you, playing spy on the hunters. It’s like a bad CW show, and I haven’t got a clue what the bloody hell’s going on. Lost doesn’t even begin to cover it. And surprise, surprise, I actually have a life that doesn’t involve being kidnapped by you. Again.”

“So, is it the kidnapping or you coming for me that’s got your panties in a twist? Oh, that’s right you’re not wearing any.”

I scoff, refusing to give him the satisfaction of embarrassing me. “Oh, I’m absolutely thrilled about both. It’s like a dream come true—kidnapped and charmed by a walking furball.” If embarrassment could kill someone, I’d be a goner. “For all you know, I could’ve been faking it,” I retort, desperately trying to save face.

He just laughs, and even his laugh is infuriatingly sexy. Ugh. “No one can fake being that wet.”

“Well, I can,” I fire back, determined not to let him see how much he’s getting under my skin.

He smirks. The nerve of this wanker. “Is that so? You’re a real method actor, then. Admirable.”

I roll my eyes, but there’s this annoying heat crawling up my neck. “I don’t appreciate being kidnapped, and I certainly don’t appreciate you acting like it’s some kind of bloody service you’ve done me.”

“You’re welcome,” he says like he just held the door open for me.

“Oh, thank you, kind sir, for the wonderful kidnapping experience. Truly, the Yelp reviews are gonna be glowing.”

“I aim to please.”

“Kidnapper of the Year award, right here. Your mother must be so proud. And FYI kidnapping isn’t exactly the key to a girl’s heart.”

He smirks, the very definition of smugness. “Oh, I think I found that key, I believe twice?”

“I wanna leave,” I declare, crossing my arms like I’m staging a prison break.

“No,” he replies, all authoritative and annoying.

“Why not?”

“You’re not going anywhere. You’re in my territory now.”

“Bloody great, a territorial werewolf. What’s next, a sign that says ‘Beware of Werewolf’?”

“You think you’re clever. But you’re not leaving until I say so.” I can’t help but picture him howling at the moon in all his ridiculous glory.

“I have a life to get back to. And just so you know, kidnapping is so last season. Let’s try something new, like letting me go.”

“You mean to that little boyfriend of yours. Thought you dumped him.”

“I did not dump him,” per se, “We’re just, you know, on a break.” Totally normal, right? “I mean, people do it all the time. It’s like a thing. A thing that doesn’t mean anything bad. It’s just, like, a break. A break from being all couple-y and stuff. And, like, it’s not that I don’t care or anything. I do. But life gets complicated, you know? And breaks are, like, a thing that happens when life decides to be a hot mess. I didn’t plan for it. It just sort of happened. So, yeah, no need for judgment or accusing me of relationship crimes. It’s all perfectly normal. People take bloody breaks, relationships take breaks. It’s, like, in the relationship handbook.” Probably, if there was one. “it’s just a break. Totally fine.”

“You’re quite defensive about your ‘break.’”

“Well, you’ll be defensive too if your relationship advice came from someone who probably thinks howling at the moon is an ideal date night activity,” I retort, not holding back. “And what’s it to you anyway? Are you jealous?”

“If I was jealous, bits and pieces of him would be scattered throughout his house.”

“Is that your idea of coping with jealousy? Very mature.”

“I don’t get jealous.”

“Sounds like something someone jealous would say.”

He sighs. “Go eat Ava,” he orders, opening the door. “I don’t want your food. And I don’t even drink coffee.”

“What do you drink?”

“Not that it’s any of your business but I like tea. Black. How long do you plan on keeping me here?”

His eyes flash an obsidian black colour. What in-the-kennel? Is he some kind of demon? No, git he’s a werewolf, my subconscious snaps at me.

“You’re not going anywhere until I decide what to do with you.”

“Well, if you’re looking for a sidekick, I’m afraid I’m all booked up.” Don’t piss off the demon eyes wolf. “And I can take care of myself. I once survived a spin class with an over-enthusiastic instructor.”

“You’re in way over your head.”

“Oh, spare me the cryptic warnings. I’ve got a busy schedule to keep, and being a werewolf’s hostage isn’t on the agenda. And if you don’t know kidnapping is still illegal and, last time I checked, frowned upon.”

He leans in, close enough that I can feel his breath on my cheek. I shudder as the memories of his fingers inside me invade my head, a lingering heat that sends a tingle down my spine.

“Maybe I enjoy living on the edge,” he whispers, and all I can think is bloody hell, why does he have to be so infuriatingly yummy and smell so good? When he pulls back, he asks, genuinely curious, “Must you fight me on everything?”

“Will you let me go?”

“Do you really want me to?”

My first response should be yes! A no-brainer, then why did I hesitate?

Why am I hesitating?

“Didn’t think so,” he smirks knowingly.

I roll my eyes, refusing to let his smirk get under my skin. “I’m not some damsel in distress. I won’t be your plaything, Wyatt.”

He leans in, his gaze intense. “Good, because I’m not the prince charming here to rescue you. You have no idea what you’re dealing with, Ava. This world is not a fairytale.”

“Al-alpha,” a timid voice stammers, catching our attention.

We both turn our gaze to find a girl, head bow, clad in the skimpiest black maid outfit that I thought only existed in lingerie catalogues. The fabric hugs her form provocatively, leaving very little to the imagination. The dress is adorned with lace frills, and the skirt barely grazes the thighs, making it more suitable for a risqué masquerade ball than a typical domestic setting. The golden tray she’s holding seems almost too heavy for her. On it rests a flowery teapot and a cup. But what caught my attention was the black leather collar around her neck and the bruises on her slender arms.

“Leave it in the kitchen,” he orders coldly. The poor thing almost drops the tray; she looks like she’s seen a ghost.

“Ye-yes, alpha,” she squeaks, scurrying away faster than a cat caught in the rain. I assume she’s headed for the back door, probably trying to escape the big bad wolf.

“What was that?” I ask the disgust in my voice hard to miss.

“Your tea.”

“Kidnap a lass and then offer her food and a spot of tea. How utterly charming. Next, you’ll be asking me to join you for a game of cricket in the backyard, I presume? But that’s not what I meant. Is she your pet?” The word left a nasty taste in my mouth.

“What do you know about pets?”

“Well, judging by the attire, I’d say the wrong person is wearing the flea collar.”

He nods with a look on his face that could curdle milk. The next thing I know, he hoists me over his shoulder like I’m a sack of potatoes.

I yelp, “Put me down!”

“No.”

I roll my eyes, even though the world is spinning from this absurd upside-down view. “Oh, brilliant. Kidnapped and now treated like human luggage. That's really classy, Wolfie. You must be the talk of the forest.”

He growls, the sound low and menacing. “You really know how to push your luck.”

“Must be a talent. Are my parents alright?”

“Yes,” he replies curtly.

“Are the hunters going to hurt them?” I press, anxious for some answers.

“Those pricks, as slimy and pathetic as they are, they still live by a code,” he says cryptically.

“To protect humans,” I add, hoping for a straight answer. He doesn’t respond.

He drops me, or more like tosses me on the bed. I bounce a few times before regaining my balance. I shoot a death glare at his retreating figure.

“Real smooth, Mr. Kidnapper Extraordinaire. Should’ve warned me about the impromptu circus act. I would’ve brought my own trapeze.”

He grumbles something unintelligible, and I can’t help but revel in the small victory of irritating him. After all, if you’re going to be kidnapped, might as well make it as inconvenient as possible.

Someone clears their throat. Standing by the door was the maid. Her blonde hair was tied up in a neat bun, accentuating the delicate curve of her neck. Baby blue eyes cast downward. She was pretty, with a slender frame that hinted at having missed a few dinner bells, like a lot.

“Your tea is ready, miss,” she mumbles, her voice as timid as a mouse, head still bowed.

“No, thank you.” I cringe at how harsh my tone comes out, immediately softening. “I mean, I’m not hungry. Sorry,” I say with a sheepish grin. “I’m Luna.” Her eyes widen, and she quickly raises her head in shock, then speedily drops her gaze. “Um, no, not that Luna. My name is Avaluna, but everyone calls me Luna.”

She nods, understanding. “Your tea is ready.”

“I’m not—”

“Please,” she glances up at me, fear in her eyes, and drops her gaze once more. “If I don’t serve you, the Alpha will punish me.”

Punish her? “What is this, a medieval court or something?” She remains silent, not even a smile.

“Tough crowd,” I mumble. “Lead the way.”

We head to the writing room because apparently, the Alpha is also a fan of parchment and quills. She pours my tea with an air of practised grace.

“Would you like any sugar?”

“No, thank you.”

She nods and steps aside, head bowed, hands behind her back like some proper maid to the queen or something.

“What’s your name?”

“My name?” she looks shocked as she looks up. “Um, it’s Amber.”

“You have a bit of an accent? Scottish?”

“Aye.” She stares at me, clearly curious but too scared to ask.

“What do you want to know?”

“You’re not scared of him?”

“Of Wyatt?”

She gasps in horror. “You call the Alpha by his name?”

I smirk. “Well, it’s either that or ‘Your Highness,’ and I’m not really into monarchy. Plus, I figure if you’re going to be a part of my kidnap narrative, we might as well keep it casual, right?”

Amber blinks, seemingly surprised. “Casual with the Alpha?” she whispers as if it’s some forbidden concept.

I chuckle, taking a sip of the tea. Bloody hell this is good. “Why not?”

She nods, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and curiosity. “You’re not like the others.”

“Others?”

“Captives. They usually tremble in fear, too scared to even look at him directly.”

“He kidnaps other women?” I didn’t know if I was jealous or disgusted.

“Humans. You know what they are,” her gaze lands on my neck. “Where is your collar?”

I nearly choked on my tea. “I beg your pardon?”

“All humans must wear a collar. It’s pack law.”

“Pack law?”

“It’s death or be collared.”

I set my tea down, incredulous. “Die or be collared? That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

Amber lowers her eyes, a mix of sympathy and fear in her gaze. “It’s about survival. The collar protects you, marks you as under the Alpha’s protection. Without it, you’re fair game for other packs.”

I scoff, crossing my arms. “Protection? More like glorified dog tags. What’s the Alpha so afraid of? Losing his human collection?”

Amber’s voice drops to a whisper. “It’s not fear. It’s control. It’s a symbol of submission.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Submission? Sorry, but I’m not into werewolf BDSM. I’ll pass on the collar.”

She looks genuinely concerned. “Luna, you need to understand. Refusing the collar puts you in danger. The Alpha’s control is absolute.”

“I don’t do well with absolutes. He can keep his collar. I’m not anyone’s possession.”

Amber hesitates, then nods solemnly. “Your choice. Just be careful. The Alpha doesn’t take defiance lightly.”

“Well, tough cookie.” I finish my tea.

“Where are you going?” The fear in her eyes returns as she quickly jumps in my way.

Leaving. “For a walk?” I try to sidestep her, but she swiftly jumps in front of me, arms out like a barrier.

“Please, you can’t leave. The Alpha wouldn’t hurt you…” The fear in her eyes tells me all I need to know.

“Then come with me? Leave this place. You have rights, you know.”

She drops her arms, shoulders slumped. “Not anymore. Pack law trumps everything. If I leave, they will hunt me down and—” Tears well up in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Luna, but I can’t let you leave.”

I sigh, the weight of her predicament sinking in. “This is all so messed up, you know? Just a day ago, I was blissfully unaware that werewolves even existed. Turns out, there’s a whole universe of supernatural beings right under our noses. Honestly, how does everyone not know about this supernatural world? It’s like the world’s biggest secret club, and I was just handed the craziest membership card without even asking for it. Now hunters are stalking my parents—”

“The hunters know you know?” she gasped, jaw drooped.

“My parents don’t know anything. They think they do.”

“We don’t talk about them,” she glances around, half-expecting someone to jump out at us, then whispers, “Hunters.”

Protect humans.

“No.”

“No?” I furrow my eyebrows.

“I know what you’re thinking. Hunters can’t help humans sold and collared by a pack.”

“You were sold?” Now it was my turn to have my eyes nearly pop out of my face.

“Let me guess, lass. You live in a nice house, with a white picket fence, a lovin’ family, and a college girl with a cute boyfriend. You probably have your whole life mapped out, down to your bairns’ names. Not all of us are so lucky to have that privilege. My father was a drunkard who sold me for a bottle of whiskey. I was payment of a debt and no one, not even the hunters can free me. Unless they want to go to war with the supernatural. And not even they are that stupid.”

“I’m sorry...” I frown. “And my boyfriend and I are on a break.”

“You dumped him.”

“No,” I scoff. “A break. People do take breaks you know. Relationships are complicated. We needed space, time to figure things out. It doesn’t mean it’s the end.”

“Sure.”

It’s a break, people! Ugh. “You don’t have to live like this. There’s a whole world out there beyond whatever this is.”

She shakes her head, the desperation evident in her eyes. “It’s not that simple. They’ll find me, and the consequences will be worse than staying.”

I reach out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, she flinches. “I’m sorry.” I drop my hand with a frown. “No one deserves to live in fear.”

She glances at the door as if considering the possibility, but the fear still holds her back. “I can’t, Luna. I wish I could, but I can’t.”

“I know what you said about the hunters—”

“Shush,” she looks around frantically in a panic state. “Please, don’t say that word they can hear everything. And trust me they can’t help me—”

“Why not?”

“—because it’s written.”

“Written by who? Congress?”

“An agreement signed in blood by the Kings and the Hunters. It cannot be broken, and if it is, the penalty is death.”

“Ah, the timeless tradition of signing agreements in blood. Very civilized.”

“I know you want to help, but don’t worry about me, Luna. Worry about yourself. The Alpha is not a kind man— not a man at all. He’s worse than all of them combined, a darkness that devours everything in its path.” Amber’s eyes widen as she speaks, the fear in her voice adding weight to her words. She glances around as if expecting the shadows themselves to tremble at the mere mention of the Alpha.

“He commands a power that reaches beyond our understanding, a force that binds us to his will. Crossing him is not an option. Death would be a mercy compared to what he could unleash upon those who dare defy him,” she continues, her voice now a mere whisper, as if uttering the Alpha’s name might summon him. I shiver, a chill running down my spine.

Her words linger in the air like a haunting melody, a warning replayed in my head as I watch her walk out of the room.

“I carve away at them, bit by bit, until they’re desperate for mercy.”

“A darkness that devours everything in its path.”

I know he’s dangerous, but I never thought he would hurt me. Call it stupidity or maybe just my rebellious ovaries acting up, but facing the reality of Wyatt’s cruelty sends a chill down my spine. My mind races, caught between the fear of the unknown and the inexplicable attraction that lingers beneath the surface.

I need to get out of here before I end up as dog chow. My life’s not a menu. The human surprise is off the menu buddy boy.

---

Chapter 16: The Garden.

“Please stay inside,” Amber pleaded with a sad smile as she left to go back to the main house. Apparently, I was in his house AKA the Alpha’s house. She didn’t even bother explaining what the main house was and I didn’t ask. Not that I’d be sticking around long enough to care.

“Sure thing, mate.”

She frowned, as if she knew but was too afraid to confront me. The moment she vanished from sight; I dashed to the front door. I half expected it to be guarded by laser beams or a moat filled with sharks, but when I turned the knob and it graciously cooperated, I couldn’t help but imagine my own victory theme playing in the background. With a triumphant yank, I swung the door open, expecting sweet freedom. Instead, my grin did a complete 180 when I found myself face to face with none other than my dear captor, standing there, arms crossed and eyebrows raised as if he’d been patiently waiting for my grand escape attempt. Talk about a buzzkill.

“Oh, hi,” I squeal out. I clear my throat, attempting to mask my guilt. “What brings you by?”

He lives here, ya git.

“Where were you going?”

“Going? Who, me?” I point a finger, feigning innocence. “I wasn’t going anywhere. Just needed some fresh air.” I inhale deeply. “See? Bye.” I go to slam the door in his face, but he puts out his palm, stopping the door from shutting.

“You are a terrible liar.” He arches an eyebrow.

I huff, crossing my arms in a mock display of innocence. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Just enjoying the view, you know, the lovely werewolf mansion aesthetic.”

His gaze remains steady, unyielding. “You really think I’d believe that?”

I bat my eyelashes, adding an extra layer of innocence. “Believe what you want, Alpha. I’m just a helpless maiden appreciating the architecture. Can’t a girl catch a breath of fresh air without being accused of plotting an escape?”

He sighs as if dealing with my antics is a daily struggle. “You’re impossible and you’re anything but helpless.” He mumbles the ending under his breath. I wasn’t sure if I heard him correctly. He narrows his eyes. “I’ll say this once if it wasn’t already implied, leave this house or try that shit again and I’ll gag, bound, and throw you in the fuckin’ dungeon. Do I make myself clear?”

Who even has a dungeon in this day and age? “Crystal.”

He arches his eyebrow at me in a ‘why are you still standing here?’ way. Suppressing the urge to roll my eyes, I slowly turn around and make my way back to the room where I woke up. My mind races, concocting a plan more daring than my feeble attempt moments ago. The door slams shut behind me and I hear a click. He didn’t. I turn back around to the door and reach for the knob, confirming my suspicion—the bastard locked me in. Son of Wolfie’s uncle.

But there are like a million windows in this place. A grin creeps onto my face. Amateur move, Alpha. I strut confidently toward the nearest window, ready to unveil my grand escape. I approach the nearest window, fingers itching to get out of this place. I reach out, fingers dancing over the frame, expecting the window to yield to my touch. Reality, however, has other plans. The window wouldn’t budge for shit. It’s like wrestling with a stubborn jar of pickles—each attempt met with a frustrating lack of progress.

Who bolts down their own windows? What if there was a fire?

I tried several with no such luck. After every failed attempt I cursed out his name. The only one that budges is the window in the bathroom. But not even a mouse could fit through that one. And even then mousy better have some wings.

I let out a squeal of frustration, hurling my bedroom slipper at the clock in the bathroom. The poor clock cowers on one side, a casualty of my vexation. As I move to fix the clock, a small bag tumbles out, as if the universe decided to throw me a bone. Well, isn’t that convenient? Inside, three neatly rolled joints cosied up to a lighter. How perfectly serendipitous.

My gaze flickers between the lavish clawfoot tub and the joint in my hand. Well, when in Rome... or, in this case, when held captive in a werewolf mansion with a clock as my only adversary.

I set the bag aside, quickly filling the tub with warm water and liberally squirting a generous amount of bubble bath. The room is soon enveloped in a cloud of lavender-scented froth. As the tub reaches the perfect depth, I dip my toe in for a quick temperature check before gracefully lowering myself into the sea of bubbles.

Joint in hand, I leisurely take a hit, the soothing warmth of the water and the fragrant bubbles creating an oddly tranquil atmosphere. The absurdity of my situation isn’t lost on me as I recline in the clawfoot tub, inhaling deeply and exhaling a puff of smoke that mingles with the bubbles. Sometimes, a girl just needs to unwind, even if it means doing so as the hostage of a hot-deranged-werewolf.

“Found his stash?” Zuri’s voice slices through the hazy atmosphere as I choke on the smoke, hastily extinguishing the joint in the ashtray beside the tub.

“H-hey, heyyy...” I cough, frantically fanning the air with my hands, attempting an innocent look that’s about as convincing as a fish riding a bicycle.

“In the alpha’s bathtub, smoking his pot, huh?”

My eyes widen, realization hitting me like a ton of bubbles. Why is a tiny strawberry dancing around her head like little ballerinas? Strawberry ballerinas, aww.

“Luna? Luna?” She waves her hand in front of my face.

“Wait, this is his room?”

Zuri laughs, thoroughly amused. “You didn’t know?” The horror on my face is all the confirmation she needs. She continues to laugh, shaking her head.

“He didn’t say anything. I thought it was the guest room.”

“That explains your scent all over his den,” she smirks, arms folded across her chest as she leans on the doorframe. Den? “I’m surprised he didn’t nail you.”

“Zuri!” I squeal, flinging a towel her way.

She catches it with a giggle, unfazed. “What? The alpha never just sleeps in a bed with a female without her riding him into the sunrise. Or slept all night with one, period.”

One of the strawberries starts beating on the strawberry behind him or her. Does strawberry even have a gender? What was in that joint?

“Luna? Hello?” Zuri snaps her fingers.

“How did you know he didn’t sleep somewhere else?” I argue.

She rolls her eyes, expertly counting off points on her fingers. “Please. First,” she holds up her index finger, “He only sleeps in his den.” That word again. “Second,” another finger joins the party, “His scent is still fresh, which means you slept together.” She squeals with a teasing edge, “The alpha doesn’t allow anyone to sleep in his den, not even his whores. I’m shocked he let you.”

I cringe at the word whores. What did I expect? The man is a Greek god or in this case—a Greek wolf— of course, he’s not single.

I roll my eyes, attempting to brush off the awkwardness. “Well, he didn’t exactly give me a tour when he kidnapped me.”

Zuri chuckles, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Kidnapped, huh? That’s one way to put it. But hey, you got a private bath and some premium weed out of it. Not bad for a kidnappee.”

I shake my head realizing the absurdity of my situation. “Yeah, top-notch hospitality.”

“So, what’s the story? Did he sweep you off your feet with his alpha charm?”

I snort. “More like he growled at me, shoved me into his car, and brought me here.”

Zuri raises an eyebrow. “And yet, here you are, lounging in his bathtub.”

“When in Rome, or the alpha’s den, as the case may be.” One of the strawberries poofed away. Bloody hell.

“What are you looking for?”

“Looking for? Ah, nothing.” Strawberry MIA.

She laughs, shaking her head. “You’re a piece of work, Luna.”

“What exactly is a den anyway?”

“A wolf’s den is our own personal, private, sacred space. We choose very carefully who we let into our den. It’s a wolf thing.”

“How many wo-wolves... has he let into his den?” Okay, why I care who he lets into his stupid den is beyond me. But there’s this gnawing feeling pestering me to know the answer.

“Hardly anyone. But that’s not what you mean, is it?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Let’s just put it this way. He rarely lets a female into his den, but when he does, she knows she can’t spend the night. It doesn’t matter the number of females he fucks; they’re all irrelevant.” I cringe inwardly. Talk about a horn dog. “When a wolf chooses a mate, it’s forever. We mate for life.”

“Like soulmates?”

“Kind of. But it’s a little more complicated. When you choose a mate, you’ll mark each other, announcing to the world that you’re taken, loving and protecting that person until the day you die.” Zuri’s eyes soften. She wants that. She wants a mate. I smile at her. “They won’t be able to be apart. It actually hurts them and causes great pain. Mates are also a wolf’s biggest weakness. That’s why male wolves are extremely protective and possessive of their mates. The stronger the wolf, the more territorial and dominant they are.”

“Do you have a mate?” Is that a blackberry joining the party? Next thing you know, they’ll start a berry dance party, and I’ll be the only one without a fruit dance partner.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Not my thing. Mates make you weak. I don’t need some airhead going all caveman and shit on me.” Why do I have a feeling she’s lying?” Come on, get dressed. The alpha won’t be too happy if he catches my scent in his den. Get dressed and meet me downstairs. Oh, I brought you some clothes, they’re on the bed.” she shouts back walking out the room, “Don’t make me come back and drag your high ass out of the tub!”

“I’m not high,” I protest. “Maybe just a little bubbly.” I giggle.

“Ass. Out. Tub. Now Bubbles!” she shouts out before shutting the bedroom door on her way out

When she said she brought me some clothes, she meant a whole bloody wardrobe—several bags filled with all the latest brands. Expensive lace lingerie that cost more than my car. Jeans, leggings, skirts, shorts, dresses, shirts, tanks, and the list goes on. Not to mention the nine pairs of shoes. Even makeup, all in my shade. I settled on rose-pink leggings, a white tank top and a pair of Vans.

I skip down the stairs to find Zuri on the sofa in the living room, surfing channels. I plop down beside her. “So do all his hostages get a brand-new wardrobe?”

She scoffs. “Count yourself lucky he didn’t put you in the hole.”

Hole? I wasn’t even about to go there. “What happened to the strawberries?” There were only blackberries dancing around her head now.

“Strawberries? How stoned are you?”

“Fruit platter.” We giggle. “He sent you to watch me didn’t he?”

“You catch on quick.”

“I have my moments.” I take the remote flipping through the channels, not really paying attention to what’s on.

Zuri finally looks at me, raising an eyebrow. “So, are you planning an escape or just enjoying the perks of being the alpha’s special guest?”

I snort. “Escape? Please. I’m just here for the five-star treatment.”

She chuckles. “You’re an odd one. Not many humans would—” She halted realizing what she was about to say.

“Humans like Amber.”

“She has a roof over her head, food in her belly and clothes on her back. What is there to complain about?”

“Sure, just ignore the fashion statement of bruises on her arms, the chic dog collar accessory, and the latest trend in malnutrition. Clearly, she’s just living her best life, right?”

“That’s just how things are.”

“Humans aren’t pets or slaves. We are more than that.”

“You’re right.”

I furrow my eyebrows. “I am?” The blackberries were now blueberries.

“You’re also food.”

“We are not snacks,” I scoff. “we have complex emotions, dreams, and the ability to binge-watch TV shows.”

Her gaze bore into mine, questioning my concern. “Why do you care so much? Humans have enslaved their own kind for centuries. History is littered with instances of human exploitation, from ancient civilizations to more recent atrocities. Slavery, oppression, discrimination. Isn’t it hypocritical to only find fault when it’s us?”

Yeah, duh. “We’ve evolved, learned from our mistakes, and fought against the very injustices that stain our past. We’ve made strides in recognizing the value of freedom, equality, and basic human rights.”

“Not in this world. And the quicker you realize your place, the better.”

“Pray tell, what is my designated place in this magnificent spectacle of existence?”

“A Prey. A pawn in the never-ending chess game of life, created to dance to the tunes of those higher up the food chain.”

“Well, aren’t we the lucky ones? A starring role in the riveting drama of ‘The Hunted.’ I suppose I should start practising my sprinting skills.” I stand. All the blueberries poof away.

She follows suit. “I didn’t come here to fight with you.”

“No just to stop the prey from escaping.”

“There is no escaping. I’m here to make sure you don’t get yourself killed. The only thing keeping you from a flogging is the alpha’s fondness for you. Any other wolf would’ve happily doled out punishment for your insolence by now. This is all uncharted territory for you, Luna, and trust me, you haven’t seen anything yet. You’re the first human I’ve encountered that I can genuinely rely on. Your help hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I’ll be indebted to you forever.”

“Then help me.”

“I can’t.”

“What happened to indebted to me forever.”

“He’s my alpha; this is my pack. I’d choose death over betraying them.”

“That’s a bit melodramatic, isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry Luna.” There was an awkward silence between us before she said, “How about a tour?”

“What is there left to see?”

“I didn’t say inside.”

“Wyatt said I can’t leave.”

“Calling him by his name now?”

“He’s not here.” I shrug, recalling how he didn’t seem bothered when I screamed it earlier, although I’m not about to admit that to her.

She giggles. “You just did.” My cheeks blaze, hotter than a branding iron in the fire. “Don’t worry; the Alpha’s house is soundproof,” she teases.

In retaliation, I stick my tongue out at her. Her laughter echoes as we make our way out the door.

“Where are we going?”

“The garden but we can’t stay long.”

“I know, I know.”

She continues to glance at me as we stroll along the stony path. “I don’t think I can outrun a werewolf, so there’s no need to keep checking on me.” There were oranges now twirling around her head.

“I know that.” She pauses, hesitating for a moment before admitting, “He’s different around you.”

“He is?”

“At first, I thought he was just weird because of the whole being kidnapped thing, but—”

“Wait, he was kidnapped.” All the oranges ran away screaming. What, can’t oranges poof? Fruitist.

“Fuck. I wasn’t supposed to say that. Please don’t say anything.”

“I won’t promise. Who would kidnap him?”

Zuri lets out a sigh of relief. “Exactly, who would kidnap the Alpha? But apparently, someone thought it was a good idea. Didn’t end well.”

I don’t suppose it would. As we continue walking, a heavy silence settles between us, broken only by the crunching of stones beneath our feet. I can sense Zuri’s unease and couldn’t help but wonder where those oranges ran off too.

What did I hit, a fruit basket? Fruit basket pot. Teeheee.

“He managed to escape, obviously,” she finally adds, her voice low. “But it changed him. Made him more guarded, more... different.”

I glance at her, trying to read the emotions in her eyes. “Different how?”

“He used to be more carefree, open. Now, he’s like a locked book, and you’ve somehow found the key.”

I furrow my eyebrows. “Me? Why would I be the key?”

Zuri smirks. “I have no idea, Luna. But there’s something about you. It’s both fascinating and a bit terrifying.”

“I—” I gasped when I saw the quaint white picket fence covered in a beautiful mixture of pink, purple and white hydrangeas. “Oh my… Can we go in?”

“Only for a moment.”

“Deal.” I squeal in delight, jumping up and down like a kid in a candy store.

Zuri opens the gate, and we step into a world that steals my breath away. Carnations, rose bushes, gardenias, freesias, shrubs, and more—all perfectly arranged, creating a living masterpiece. In front of us lies a pond, encircled by rocks and flowers with lily pads gracefully floating. A wooden bridge at its centre beckons us towards a dirt path leading into the woods. There was even a white wooden gazebo, adorned with blooming flower vines with a swing.

“Wow,” I gasp, inhaling the rich scents of blooming flowers, feeling the warmth of the sun, and hearing the melodic symphony of birds and bees. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper. I wanted to cry.

“You like gardens huh?”

“I love gardens. I suck at it, but I bloody love it.”

“It’s the Luna’s.”

Luna? Wait, didn’t she say he didn’t have a mate? My heart plummeted like an anchor in my stomach. I turned to Zuri, a swirl of emotions churning within me. “I thought he—”

“Hello dears,” a woman greeted us, clad in garden gloves and armed with shears. Her beauty was undeniable, marked by a dazzling smile and a sense of familiarity that I couldn’t put my finger on. Long strands of sunflower-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, accentuating her rosy beige complexion. Her nose had a celestial grace leading down to thin, pink lips. She had soft, brown eyes infused with specks of forest green reflecting her years of wisdom. The only hint of her age was the gentle crow’s feet that appeared at the corners of her eyes when she smiled.

“Luna,” Zuri bowed her head, her eyes filled with adoration and love as she smiled at the woman.

The feeling seems mutual, as the woman embraces Zuri with a warmth that speaks of familiarity.

“I heard about the incident. How are you, darling? Did your mother have a look?” Her tone drips with genuine concern.

“Did she ever. Dad had to pry her away with a crowbar,” they laugh together.

“That’s your mother, alright.”

“I feel a lot better. Thanks to Luna.” Zuri nods in my direction. The woman arches an eyebrow at Zuri, silently asking the unspoken question that everyone seems to be asking these days.

“It’s Avaluna, but people call me Luna. You can call me either one,” I say, a hint of shyness colouring my words.

She chuckles at me, “What a beautiful accent. Which part of England are you from, Avaluna?” she hands Zuri her shears, gracefully removing her gloves as she walks towards me.

“Shirton Oxford. But my family moved here eight years ago.” A few feet from me, she halts and sniffs the air.

Her eyes widen briefly. “You’re human?” Her friendly tone vanishes.

“Luna, she’s—” Zuri started, but the woman raised her hand, silencing her with a stern look. Zuri shot me an apologetic smile.

“Why are you here?” she demanded, the warmth replaced by a cold, intimidating glare.

“W-Wy— I mean, Alpha Onyx—”

“She’s with me mother,” I never been happier to hear that sexy baritone voice than I am now. He strides past me, bestowing a kiss on her cheek. “Mother, what brings you here?” Softness tinges his tone.

“Can’t a mother visit her son and tend to the garden? It’s been forever.”

“I saw you just a week ago.”

“Don’t sass me, boy.” A playful smack lands on his arm. “And why do you have a human? After your last pet, I didn’t think you’d choose another.”

Pet? He had a pet.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet,” he shrugs.

My jaw drops, and Zuri looks away, knowing how I feel about the whole pet thing.

“You shouldn’t have her roaming without a collar. You know what could happen.” Roaming? Collar? This bitch, literally, she’s part dog.

His jaw twitches: he clenches and unclenches his fist. “That’s why she was supposed to stay in the house. Yet here she is,” he says calmly, but the storm in his eyes tells a different, more ominous story.

“Alpha, it was my fault. She—” Zuri begins, but I interject.

“No, it was mine. I was bored, locked up in that house all day. But I’ll be leaving soon, so it doesn’t matter,” I snap, glaring at him.

For a brief moment, I think I saw him cringe. Did he not want me to leave? Or am I still high on that weed? That’s some really potent stuff. A doggie dealer. I slay myself, silently giggling in my head.

“Watch your mouth, human. This is the Alpha you’re speaking to. Show some respect,” his mother said in a sharp, firm tone.

I cringe; the woman is intimidating and scary. I liked her better when she was all smiles and friendly. The atmosphere shifts as they exchange a look, their eyes turning an ominous black. No one blinks or says anything. If I didn’t know about werewolves, I’d probably be calling the priest and dunking them in holy water.

They just stare at each other. Wyatt seems to be getting irritated, his knuckles turning colourless. His mum, on the other hand, wears it all on her face. I glance at Zuri, and she just shrugs with a deep frown.

His eyes return to their gorgeous azure hue, and he turns to me. “Let’s go,” he says, before kissing his mother’s cheek. He doesn’t spare Zuri a glance, leaving her looking forlorn.

He grabs my arm, sniffs the air, and raises an eyebrow at me. I coyly smile; I know what he smells. Ignoring me, he drags me back to the house.

“This dragging thing is getting old!” I struggle against his vice grip. “Did you hear me?” I huff. “Bad Toto!” I fight and try my best to yank my arm free, but he’s not having it. The stubborn knob growls and tosses me over his broad shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

I squeal and pound his back. “Put me down, you fiend! So, I can kick your pretty-boy face in!”

---

Chapter 17: A Dog’s Betrayal.

He drops me onto the sofa, his strong hands holding mine above my head. “ I’m glad you think my face is pretty.”

“That’s all he got from that? Un-bloody-believable.”

“I think I’ll like it better if you sit on my pretty face, and let me eat that sweet little pussy,” he whispers in my ear, his lips teasingly grazing my skin.

A shiver runs down my spine, and I bite my lip to suppress a moan. Is he bipolar?

But I couldn’t deny the fact that I was actually thinking about it. I couldn’t ignore the tingling warmth from his touch or his intoxicating scent that left me breathless. No, no, no!

He wants to make me a pet. A bloody pet! He’s the animal here, not me. How dare this shithead treat me like this! He didn’t even stand up for me with his mother. On top of that, he’s kidnapped me. Again. And on top, on top of that, all he does is touch me sexually, and he’s not even nice to me. I was more upset that I was pissed at the fact that he wasn’t nice to me. What am I five?

“Get your grubby dirty paws off me! I am not into bestiality.”

“You weren’t screaming that tune this morning.”

“Yeah, well now I need a rabies shot.”

He let out a low menacing growl scaring me still.

Nice doggie.

He buries his head into the crook of my neck, inhaling my scent. One hand clutches my wrist, while the other slowly starts crawling up my inner thigh. I gasped and attempt to shut my legs, but the knob manoeuvred himself with his knee to keep my legs open.
He brushes his soft lips against mine, and I can’t help but shudder. Every touch of his skin against mine feels like a wild explosion of sparks, turning up the heat between us. I shoot him a suspicious look—did he feel that too or was it just my nerves playing tricks?

He smirks as if he’s privy to some secret joke. “Feel that angel?”

I try to pull my hands away from his death grip. “Feel what? Your overconfident ego radiating through your skin?”

My treacherous body needs to know who’s boss here.

He can go eat kitty litter. Make me a pet? The nerve.

“The things I can do to you right now... right here... like this.”

“I didn’t think assault was your style.”

“Assault?” he snickers darkly. “Not like anyone can stop me from taking what’s mine. Your body is practically begging for me, princess.”

His… I scoff. “You’re delusional if you think I’d ever let that happen.”

He leans in, his voice low and menacing. “You’ll learn, angel, resistance only makes it more thrilling.”

I squirmed and tried to kick my way out of his grasp. “Thrilling for who? You’re nothing but a sadistic bully.”

He chuckles, the sound sending shivers down my spine and not the good kind. His chiselled frame pinned me down, thwarting my futile attempts to squirm free. Every inch of his hard, sculpted body pressed against mine, a tangible reminder of his overpowering presence.

“Bully? You have no idea, princess. You’re in my world now, and I make the rules.”

I clench my jaw, frustration boiling within me. “I’ll never be a part of your twisted world. You can’t force me into submission.”

His eyes glint with an unsettling mix of amusement and darkness. “We’ll see about that.” He leans in closer, his lips grazing my ear. “I’ll take great pleasure in breaking you.”

“Screw you.”

“Is that an invitation?”

“In your dreams, asswipe.”

He smirked, the dark glint in his eyes intensifying. “Dreams can become reality, angel.”

I rolled my eyes, my attempt to mask the unease. “Reality check, It’s never happening.”

“Oh, but it will, angel. Sooner or later, you’ll beg for it.”

“You’re delusional. Now get off me, you.” I tried to buck him off me, but it was like trying to move a cement wall. I was surprised he hadn’t crushed me even though we both knew he could. Yet strangely, he held back the full force of his strength.

“Or what?”

I shot him a defiant glare, my frustration boiling over. “I will never want to be touched by an abomination as such as you. You disgust me.” So not true. “You’re nothing but an oversized fleabag.” 

His smirk faded and a growl thundered in his chest. Golden flakes disperse in his captivating azure blue eyes. Like twenty-four karat flakes playing in his gorgeous intense azure eyes. Practically poetic. It shines so brightly with so many emotions, but one stood out the most, longing.

I was freaking terrified, but somehow, deep down, I didn’t think he’d actually harm me.

I mean, he’s a werewolf.

Part animal.

Fictional.

And yet, here he is, his mythical, drop-dead gorgeous ass on top of me. The part of me that thinks we’re safe with this bloke is crazier than a bag of ferrets.

He trails his tongue from my jawline down to the base of my neck, then over my collarbone, all the way to my sweet spot. His teeth suddenly feel like they were—longer, pointier. My heart races, and I find myself breathing heavier than before. I was angry, scared and wet all at the same time, which made no sense. He has an uncanny ability to make me weak.

I’m stronger than this. I won’t be taken advantage of by a mere dog in wolf’s clothing.

Bad dog!

His pointy teeth rest on that spot and pressed down sending volts of electricity through me. I shudder uncontrollably, feeling myself clench. Hard. I want more, please more, my body begging. It was like an irritating itch to have him sink his teeth into that spot.

It was almost instinctive, that my body was begging for this man-wolf-beast to bite my neck. To sink his pointy teeth deep into my neck. I hadn’t realized how much I wanted him to bite me, until now. I wanted to feel him inside me, thrusting hard and fast. I wanted him to hold me, and whisper sweet nothings in my ear. I wanted-I wanted-Bloody hell-I want him! His pointy teeth press deeper into the delicate spot about to break skin, giving me what I wanted, what I needed. In response, I arched upward, my head tilting to the side to grant him better access.

Yes! I moan.

My legs widen unconsciously wanting to feel him inside me. And I wasn’t the only one turned on here, judging by the massive hard-on I felt pressed into my stomach!

He is huge, just putting it out there.

A cascade of tingling sensations detonate across my entire body, short-circuiting my brain. My thoughts melt, my skin tingles, igniting every nerve with an exquisite burst of pleasure. It’s as if a firework display of electric bliss has been set off within me, leaving me enveloped in a wave of delightful shivers. I’m so wet I’m pretty sure I soaked through my leggings.

Can anyone come from a bite?

“Baby,” a voice called, snapping him out of whatever haze he was in because he jerks away from me as if I burned him.

He quickly masked whatever was going on with an ice-cold expression. “Don’t worry princess,” he strokes my face gently, “you’ll never have to feel my touch against your soft skin,” and kisses my forehead, “ever again.”

He got off me and went towards the voice. He didn’t say it in a harsh or cruel way, but it burned. Burned as if someone shoved me into hot lava drenched in gasoline. What just happened?

 A chill settled over me, I felt cold and alone. Rejected and sad.

WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED!?

I raised up from the sofa, and it felt like my heart turned to dust inside my chest. There he was, tangled up with a tall, brunette bombshell in sky-high hooker heels. It was like watching a scene from a messed-up movie—him, a two-timing mutt with his hands all over a skanky slag. They were practically devouring each other’s faces like it’s the bloody zombie apocalypse. I hope he chokes on her tonsils. She moaned into his mouth, and I could feel the bitter taste of bile creeping up in mine. As they broke the kiss, their lips were left red and swollen, a vivid aftermath of their little dirty make-out session.

“Come,” he growls.

“Where are we going?” she purrs.

I gag.

He glances over his shoulders at me with a smirk.

I glared. He wouldn’t.

“My den.”

Right then and there my entire world came crashing down.

Seriously, Toto, not your best move buddy!

I wanted to stop him.

I wanted her in the bloody pound.

Where is the bloody dog catcher when you need one. I didn’t want her in my-his den.

I wanted to scratch my own eyes out as I  watched him stroll in there with her. It felt like someone shoved a rusty spoon into my chest and gave it a good twist.

Once again, I’m just standing around like a complete twit.

Just as I swing the front door open, he materializes out of nowhere. A beautiful nightmare with his shirt unbuttoned, revealing that perfectly defined chest and those washboard abs.

My chest is heaving, and I only now realize I was crying when he raised his hand to wipe my tears away. But then he remembers his words, leaving his hand hovering in the air. The struggle tightens his jaw, his fists clenching, and instead of comforting me, he slams the door shut and locks it.

“You’re not leaving. There are four guest rooms that way.” He guestures in the opposite direction of his den. “Pick one or I will. Don’t try to run either. The borders are all heavily guarded. You won’t make it very far. And if someone finds you wandering alone and unclaimed they won’t think twice before fuckin’ you, and passing you around like some cheap whore.” I cried more like a big baby. In my head, I was screaming and telling him exactly where I’d like to shove her hooker heels. 

“My pack is made up of a lot of unmated males with so much pent-up aggression that they’d love to take it out on a warm cunt. If you don’t want to find yourself being fucked by multiple abominations at once,” Still mad at that, I see, “pick a fuckin’ room and stay in it,” he said with chilling calmness, his fists tightly clenched, knuckles almost ghostly pale.

He pivots and starts striding toward his den. Suddenly, he halts, shooting a glance over his shoulder. “Get some sleep. You’ll thank me tomorrow.” He takes another step, then adds with a sinister pause, “And don’t try any stupid shit. I would hate to put a bullet between those pretty eyes of yours. If I’m feeling particularly generous, that is.”

“What no claws. Or are they neutered, like you?”

Okay that was a lame comeback, but I was jealous.

There I said it.

Bugger off.

He let out deadly growls, stops dead in his track and slowly pivots around. His white knuckles were almost transparent now. I think I hear bones cracking. His face darkens with fury.

I hit a nerve.

Good!

I’ll save him some time before he goes and catches an STD, or several.

“I should shove my cock down that dirty little mouth of yours. Then bend you over and pound that wet pussy till you pass the fuck out. But… I’ve something better waiting for me.” He smirks and walks away.

That hurt.

A wrecking ball wouldn’t have hit me as hard. I hate him, I hate him!

“You’re the biggest dick on the fucking planet!” Okay, I usually steer clear of profanity, but I think an exception is warranted here.

“Why, thank you for noticing,” he replied without bothering to glance back.

I couldn’t help but release a childish squeal, stomping my feet in protest. In response to my little tantrum, he slammed the door shut.

I felt broken, hurt, jealous but most of all betrayed. All feelings I had no business feeling. He’s not my boyfriend. I don’t even fancy him like that. But here I am, drowning in a pool of my own tears, picturing that skank riding off into the sunset with him. Hope they remembered their flea collars. Note to self: burn the bed, the curtains, the rug, hell, just torch the entire room. Maybe even add some holy water for good measure.

I curled up on the sofa. Time to bail out of this hot mess. He can shag a bloody fire hydrant for all I care. May they live happily ever after in flea-infested bliss.

---

Chapter 18: Wolves Are Pigs.

Waking up, I found myself in a bed—nowhere near as plush as my last one— but a bed nonetheless.

Who would… he wouldn’t.

Would he?

Surveying the room, I took in the cream-colored walls, floor-to-ceiling windows adorned with rich crimson drapes, and polished hardwood floors that added a touch of warmth to the space. Definitely not the living room. I half-expected to find evidence of a stripped-down operation or an unexpected flea infestation. To my relief, neither seemed to be the case. The closet, meticulously organized, housed all the stylish clothes Zuri had picked out. When did that happen?

A gentle knock echoed through the room.

“Go away!”

“It’s me,” came a small voice.

Swinging my legs off the bed, I padded over to the door and opened it. “Amber?”

“Good morning, Luna,” she greeted, bowing her head.

“You don’t have to do that with me.”

She offered a quick, forced smile and a nod. “Alpha is expecting you for breakfast.”

I sighed. “Tell him he can—”

The terrified look on her face told me all I needed to know. He sent her here because he knew I wouldn’t want to see her punished for me.

Son of a bitch.

I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Fine, let him know I’ll be there.”

Amber visibly relaxed, her shoulders sagging with relief. “Thank you, Luna. He’s in the dining room.”

I shot her a nod, and as she scurried away, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being manipulated.
I hopped into the bathroom, did my business, and was about to slip into the blue ripped jeans and off-shoulder red crop top. But then it hit me—why the rush? No one specified a deadline. With a smirk, I shut the door and decided to indulge in a nice, long bubble bath instead. Sometimes, a little relaxation was exactly what the chaotic morning needed.

As I made my way to the dining room, a mix of resentment and defiance churned within me. Breakfast with the two-time love-rat or in this case wolf— was probably the last thing I wanted, but it seemed my options were limited.

The bonehead was just sat there, being stupidly fit, scrolling through his daft phone, sipping on his bloomin’ coffee. I reckon he’s got fleas and who knows what else.

“Stop staring at me and eat,” He ordered

He did a double-take when he saw me, his eyes travelling up and down my body. Who’s staring now, shoe muncher? He looked away before I could decipher whatever emotions were stirring in his eyes. I watched as his jaw tightened, apparently annoyed at something. Me?

“I’m not hungry.” Like my life, a living, breathing cliché, my stomach growled.

Bloody hell.

He arched an eyebrow at me, amused. I ignored him, grabbing a slice of toast, and scrambled eggs, and sat at the other end of the table away from him.

“Come closer,” he teased.

“No,” I hiss, biting into my toast with a vengeance.

“Why? Don’t trust yourself?” The nerve of this pooch.

“Sorry, but I prefer my breakfast flea-less.”

He chuckles, a low sound that ruffled my already frayed nerves. “Your loss.”

I shot him a glare, determined not to let his teasing get under my skin. “Oh please, I’ve had better breakfasts in a ditch.”

That can be arranged,” he shot back darkly.

I forgot to chew the piece of toast I bit off and swallowed it whole. Sure, why not give the homicidal cheating twat ideas. Recovering quickly, I retorted, “No thanks, I’ve had my fill of ditch delicacies. Why don’t you take your slag— I mean date from last night. Hear it’s drought season, make sure to walk with your own bucket of water.”

He slammed his fist down on the table, making a cracking sound. I continued eating my toast, nonchalantly ignoring his murderous glare. If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under by now. He stormed out of the room like his hair was on fire.

I glanced around and noticed there was a pot of tea on the table. No way. Did he remember? I checked, and it was black. Just how I liked it. A smile stretched across my face; he remembered. But then reality hit me like a ton of bricks. Wait, no! He shagged that slutbag.

I hate him!

Unfaithful mutt. Unfaithful? We’re not even dating! I scolded myself, reminding my heart to stop acting like it was betrayed.

I was just finishing up my second cup of tea when a tall, dark and handsome bloke entered the room. Well, hello?

“You are to report to the Alpha,” he informed me.

I placed my cup on the table. “Tell him… no.” I smiled politely.

He was taken aback for a moment before his eyes flashed black. “Alpha says, and I quote, ‘Tell her this, exactly like this.’“ He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Get your stubborn ass out of that chair and follow the guard. Don’t make me come there because I’ll do more than spank that beautiful ass of yours.” By the end of his quote, a pink hue graced his cheeks, revealing his embarrassment and discomfort.

“Tell him this and exactly like this.” The guard grimaced. “Nobody died and made you the boss of me! And FYI, you’ll never lay your fungus-infested paws on my stubborn, beautiful ass. Keep dreaming, pup.”

“Do I really have to say-” The guard hesitated, clearly unsure about relaying my message.

I interrupted with a smirk. “Yes, you do. And make sure to add the part about the fungus-infested paws for dramatic effect.”

“I don’t—”

“Leave,” Wyatt strides in the room. The guy bows his head and literally ran out.

“You are the most infuriating insolent female I’ve ever met. And I’ve met a lot.”

“I’m not surprised. What else can I expect from a treacherous unfaithful hound! Calling you a dog is, believe it or not, an actual insult to dogs everywhere.”

“Unfaithful?” He arches a questioning eyebrow.

That’s all he picked up from that. Wait, did I say that? “I mean, uh, your—um—girlfriend. You—you’re unfaithful to her. With Miss America-Venereal disease.”

“I don’t have a girlfriend.” He crossed his arms, a smug expression on his face. Again. Why are my insults just flying over his blockhead?

“That’s why!!” I exclaimed with animated frustration, gesturing wildly. “Because you can’t bloody well keep it in your knickers, can you!? I’m shocked it’s still attached and hasn’t snapped off from mistreatment. I actually feel bad for the poor thing. All the vile, minging abyss you stuck him in!” I was yelling at him, my face turning green with jealousy. He remained unfazed, and all that did was provoke me further.

Someone cleared their throat. “Am I interrupting?” Lake asked awkwardly.

“No.”

“Yes,” Wyatt said calmly, simultaneously.

“You’re an idiot,” Zuri chided Kristoff, accompanied by another guy’s laughter. He shared the same champagne brown hair, sun-kissed tan skin , Ocean green eyes as Zuri. The resemblance was uncanny. She did say she had a brother. He towered over her, more muscular, but the family resemblance was unmistakable.
The squabbling ceased as they came to a stop beside Lake. Their eyes shifted from Wyatt to Lake to me and back to Wyatt.

“What did we miss?” Kristoff’s eyebrows creased as a mischievous grin played on his face. The tension in the air was so thick; you could cut it with a knife.

“You’re jealous,” Wyatt stated bluntly, seemingly oblivious to everyone staring at us. “Jealous? Me?” I laughed darkly. The impulse to give him a swift kick in the nuts made my knee itch. How dare he call me jealous? Sure, I am, but I don’t need him flaunting it! Bloody smelly mutt! “That’s all you’ve got? I’ve seen smarter dogs fetching newspapers!”

“Shit.”

“Damn.”

“Ouch.”

“Oh boy.”

“If you were going to be this jealous, you could have asked me to have her leave.”

“Listen here, mate,” I didn’t miss the way his lust spiked in his eyes at the word mate. Bloody Werewolf meaning. “You must still be high on little miss-”

“Venereal disease,” he adds, fighting back a smirk.

I growl at the cocky dipshit; he raised an eyebrow amused, loving my reaction. He was having way too much fun with this. This is all a mind game to him. He wants me like this. Fine, if that’s how he wants to play. “Exactly. Clearly, you’re sick as a dog,” I emphasize the word dog and smirk; as his self-righteous smirk was replaced by his murderous glare. “to think I’m jealous over your Botox plastic Barbie.”

“She didn’t taste like plastic,” he licks his lips and smirks, cocking his head to the side.

You. Ahhhhh! I wanted to rip him a new one. This cheating piece of—cheating? We’re not dating! “You know what? I am jealous.” He knitted his eyebrow at me in a ‘you ok?’ kind of way. Ha, guess he wasn’t expecting that. “I’m jealous of all the people who never had the unfortunate opportunity of meeting you.”

“So, you admit you’re jealous.”

Come on! “Were you born this daft, or did you take lessons?” “Aww, did I offend you? You know, if you had taken her place last night, you wouldn’t be so bitter and jealous right now,” he stresses jealous. My jaw dropped. He thinks I’m bitter and jealous! The nerve of this prat! Okay, I am, but that’s beside the point here. “Probably still be sleeping in my bed.” His eyes shone with lust as he checks me out. “We both know how much you love cuddling.” He winks cheekily.

My rage flared to a new high with a hint of embarrassment mixed in. “The only thing that offends me is your crossbreed face!”

“Then sit on it. So, you won’t be so offended or jealous.” The pink tip of his tongue flickers over his top lip. “It’s natural to be. She’s perfection at its finest. There is no shame if you can’t compete with her.” He strokes his imaginary beard, teasing me, “Then again, maybe you can. Maybe you can’t. There is only one way to prove it,” he said suggestively. My eyes glance over to the others. I forgot about them. They all seem amused and astonished at his behaviour. Evidently, this isn’t their alpha’s normal behaviour. “Can you compete? Can you ride my cock like she did and make me spill myself in-”

I couldn’t listen to another lecherous word from his filthy snout without choking him on holy water! He’s indeed the devil incarnated. He got what he wanted. I’m jealous, plain good old fashion bloody jealous. But there was no way in hell I was admitting that to him. Congratu-bloody-lations, he got a reaction from me, but I’d rather stick pins in my eyes than say it out loud!

I groaned frustratingly, “You know what-” No Luna, this is what he wants, he’s baiting you. I should’ve brought a bloody muzzle. “They say all dogs are loyal; I guess you’re just a special breed!” I stormed out the front door, letting loose a string of profanity under my breath. He’s turning me into a cuss bird.

“Luna,” Zuri chased after me. Breathe, don’t let him get to you. He’s not worth it. You’re better than this. I chanted in my head.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“No,” I grumbled.

“Luna-”

“Who does he think he is? He thinks I care about his tall, plastic slag in her toddler-size dress, hooker heels and ugly extensions.” I boiled. “It’s like she’s auditioning for a role in a low-budget horror movie, ‘Attack of the Killer Hairpieces.’ I mean, really, nothing screams ‘relationship material’ like a woman who raids Barbie’s wardrobe and gets fashion tips from a toddler with a penchant for glitter.”

“Luna—”

“If he thinks I’m jealous he is dafter than a bush in the hinterlands. I don’t care about his walking talking hole on a stick! Probably infested with termites. And how dare he accuse me of being jealous of his real live mannequin with the fashion sense of a circus clown!”

“Luna!” She grabbed my shoulder and shakes me.

“What?!”

Her eyes softened, and I frowned. My eyes filled to the brim with tears ready to pour like a busted dam. “You’re going the wrong way.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.” I sigh and slouch my shoulders.

“Don’t worry about it,” she swung her arm around my shoulder and spun me the opposite way. “Men are pigs.”

I shook my head, agreeing. “True,” I mumbled, wiping away a stray tear. “But at least pigs are useful, they give us bacon.”

---

Chapter 19: Lenient.

Who does he think he is, calling me jealous? I practically wrote the handbook on non-jealousy. I’m so indifferent to the green-eyed monster that it probably thinks I’ve abandoned it. Mr Fluffington – that colossal furball with more hair than a Yeti has some bloody nerve.

And his chew toy—you know what I’m not even going to go there, because you know why, I. Am. Not. Jealous.

So take that Mr. Smarty-Paws, next time you want to toss around accusations, remember that I am the bloody paragon of indifference. The thought of being jealous is as absurd as expecting a goldfish to win the Tour de France.

“Luna?”

“What?”

“I think it’s clean, anymore scrubbing and you’ll erase the tile.”

“Right. Sorry.”

“You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“I’m fine.”

“That tile would disagree.”

“There is nothing to talk about because I’m not jealous. I don’t care who he shags. As far as I’m concerned, he can choke on a rawhide. His accusations are fetching as much interest as a stick thrown into a bottomless pit. I’m not just non-jealous; I’m anti-jealous. My jealousy levels are so low, they’re practically in the negatives. Jokes on you lot, because I’m not the one who has to drive him to the vet to get his monthly rabies shot.”

She giggles. “Normally, my wolf would want me to tear your throat out for disrespecting her alpha. Strangely, she’s silent.” Zuri looked genuinely surprised. “Maybe there’s a reason you’re still breathing after calling an alpha a dog. No werewolf would let an insult like that slide. Who knows, maybe you’re his predestined mate?”

“You think I’d be mated to that disrespectful oaf? I don’t care what the supernatural mumbo-jumbo says, hell will freeze over first.” A mate…  

“Hey, I’m just throwing out possibilities. No need to get all defensive.”

“I’m not defensive,” I said defensively.

“Don’t stress, it’s not real. The predestined mate thing is just tales parents tell their pups to keep them from fucking anything and everything with two legs.”

Is it wrong that part of me is disappointed? Did I want to be his mate? Abso-bloody-lutely not. Not after what he did. And even if he didn’t cheat on me, I still wouldn’t want to be that wanker’s mate. Not even if he were the last werewolf on Earth. Well, maybe then, but only if I had a blindfold and earplugs and brain damage.

“Well, it’s not happening. This is bonkers!” I fling the hard brush into the bucket of soapy water, splashing water everywhere.

The son of a bitch, has us scrubbing the communal shower and bathroom in the gym.

Yuck.

This was the punishment Zuri and I shared for disobeying his majesty’s orders.

“This is a lot more lenient compared to most of his punishments. I’ll take scrubbing soap scum any day,” Zuri remarks while tackling a water stain on the tile.

“Lenient?” I scoff. “He wouldn’t know lenient if it threw a bone at his head.” Zuri shoots me a ‘did you really just say that?’ glare. “Sorry.”

“Most folks who defy him usually end up in the hole—”

“He kills them?” I interject, my eyes widening in shock.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Not all the time.” My mouth gapes open. “The hole is a cold, dark dreadful place where no one wants to end up, but I highly doubt you’ll ever see it.”

“Me? You think he won’t toss me in ‘the hole’?” I air quote the hole. “I won’t be surprised if I end up there before the day’s out. At least it’d be better than watching him prance around with his floozies.” I grumble the last part and pick up my brush.

“Trust me. After all the things I’ve seen and heard, you should be dead by now, but you’re not. The Alpha isn’t known for his forgiving nature. He’s a by-the-book kind of guy and a cruel one at that. But you bring out another side to him. Or it could be because he hasn’t demolished that English muffin of yours yet.”

“You’re so naughty.” I couldn’t help but laugh at her cheeky comment.

“Or has he?” She arched an eyebrow at me with a wicked glint in her eyes.

“My English muffin is off the shelf. And no, he hasn’t.” But boy, do I wish he did. No, I don’t! Get a grip of yourself, woman! I began scrubbing the water scum from the tile wall hoping Zuri didn’t catch the blush creeping up on my cheeks. “He probably has some new incurable wolfman disease after last night,” I mumbled under my breath. “Who knows he might be the first werewolf in history to catch a supernatural STD.”

“True, that would be a legendary achievement.” She chuckled. “But let’s not give him any ideas.”

“Yeah, because we have enough cleaning to do without adding ‘disinfecting alpha’ to the list.”

She laughs, shaking her head.

We spent the whole bloody day scrubbing, bleaching, and trying not to gag. I notice Zuri’s eyes turning that weird obsidian-black colour a few times, especially when random blokes try getting too close. It was like they hit an invisible force field and hightailed it out of there. No one said a word to me, but I could feel their creepy stares checking out every inch of me.

So, I finally asked Zuri what’s up with the demon eyes thing. She called it a mind link, some telepathic pack connection. Bloody brilliant right? By the time night rolled around, we were scrubbed out. My sneakers were trashed from all the bleach and water, my hands were pruney, and my jeans were soaked. It was way chillier than I expected. Fall is definitely creeping in. As we walked past the garden, I took a moment to appreciate its beauty. The vibrant colours and fragrant blooms momentarily eased the fatigue. Then the memory of the she-devil hit, and I couldn’t help but frown.

“Zuri?”

“Sup chica?”

“Why is his mother called the Luna? I thought you said the luna is the alpha’s mate?”

“She’s the Luna until the Alpha chooses a mate. If he chooses a mate.”

“If?”

“Remember how I told you wolves mate for life? The Alpha isn’t exactly a one-woman kind of man.”

I cringe, my chest tightens. “So he’s more of the fetch-and-release kind, huh.”

“You are so lucky he likes you.”

“He does not like me.” He likes me? Well, if he likes me he wouldn’t be raw dogging it with every skank passing by.

Zuri smirks, “Alpha’s got a soft spot for you, whether you see it or not.”

I scoff, “More like a soft spot for adding notches to his bedpost.”

She laughs. “Just remember, in the world of werewolves, it’s not always a dog-eat-dog situation. Sometimes, it’s more of a flirt-and-snarl affair. Oh god, you’re rubbing off on me.”

“Aww. I think this is a huggable moment.”

“Oh no. We’re not hugging. And don’t you ever tell anyone I said that because I will deny it?”

“Definitely a huggie moment.”

“No, get away from me.” She runs.

“Come back.” I chase after her. “I suck at running.”

Despite my protest, Zuri continues to run.

“Come on, slowpoke!” she calls over her shoulder with a mischievous grin.

“Running doesn’t come naturally to everyone, you know,” I manage between breaths. “Alright, no hugs.” I stop to catch my breath, hands on my knees.

“You’re the one chasing a werewolf.”

“Right, I need a scooter.” I pant, acknowledging the irony of trying to keep up with a supernatural sprinter. “Or maybe some rocket boots.”

“I’ll put in a request to the alpha for rocket boots in the next pack meeting,” she replies with a smirk.

“Thanks.” We started walking again. “What happened to his last pet?”

“You don’t beat around the bush do you?”

“Why didn’t you tell me he wanted to make me his pet?”

“It wasn’t my place to say.”

“I know, you’re right. Sorry. Did she leave? Or something happened to her? Where is she?”

“You need to talk to the alpha about that.”

We walk in silence for a moment. “Look, I get it,” I finally break the silence. “I  just need to know what I’m getting into.”

“Just be careful, okay? His past is complicated, and not everyone comes out unscathed. Just remember, not everything is as it seems in our world. Sometimes, there’s more beneath the surface than meets the eye.”

Our steps slowed as we reached his house. Through the French windows, we could see the dining room. Warm light spilt onto the impeccably set table, adorned with gleaming silverware and delicate china. Everyone was elegantly dressed in suits and frocks— laughing and sipping champagne.

At the head of the table, Wyatt was, his presence commanding attention looking even hotter. It’s like he’s got this secret recipe for upgrading his looks over time. You know, like that guy who ages like fine wine and just keeps getting better.

It’s kinda baffling, you know? Most people hit a peak and stay there, but not Wyatt. it’s annoying. Why can’t he be ugly or at least have a receding hairline? Gimme something. Beside him, his mother and a more mature version of him. Now I know where he got his striking looks.

“What’s going on?” I gesture toward the house with my head.

“The Luna has been on a mission to find a mate for the Alpha for a while now. So, she hosts these dinner parties, hoping the Alpha would miraculously fall in love.”

“Didn’t know werewolves have match-making dinner parties.”

“You have no idea.”

I don’t know how I feel about that. I shouldn’t care—I don’t care.

“You good to walk by yourself?”

“You mean the two feet in front of me? How will I ever survive?” I fake gasp at her. She rolls her eyes and playfully shoves my shoulder. “Try not to trip on your way up the steps. Alpha’s not here to catch your clumsy ass.” I rolled my eyes at her. She laughs. “See you later Luna.”

“Bye,” I wave her off.

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw the garden door swing shut. Who could be in the garden this late? Zuri said no one was allowed in the alpha’s garden.

“Hello?” I called out as I scanned the garden.

Maybe I’m just hallucinating from that strong bleach. This is absurd. Nobody would be daft enough to sneak into the Luna’s private garden. The big bad wolf would probably eat them or huff and puff and blow them away. I giggled at the mental image of him huffing and puffing like in the three little pigs. I mean, seriously, who trespasses in a werewolf’s garden? Either they’re incredibly brave or dumb as bricks.

I spun around and crashed into something, or rather, someone.

I yelped and ended up flat on my bum. “Bloody hell, mate,” I muttered, glancing up.

Behold, a giant among men! This bloke could give a mountain an inferiority complex with his broad shoulders, chest that probably had its own postcode and arms that could bench-press small cars. His head was smoother than a newborn’s bum, and a red beard that was out of control covering most of his face, as if it had a life of its own. Tan skin that screamed, “I really should have used sunscreen.”

Like his beard, his eyebrows were on a mission to escape, adding to the wild look. His gaze met mine, and I contemplated whether I could blend into the garden like a chameleon.

I tried to get up, but my limbs had transformed into jelly. “Uh, hi there,” I stammered, my voice reaching octaves only dogs could appreciate. “Nice weather we’re having.”

My survival instincts went into overdrive, screaming at me to run. It was as if my body sensed the predator in him. His dry lips curled into a sinister grin, a malicious gleam in his devilish copper-coloured, beady eyes. His clothes were torn, muddy, and stained with dry blood.

He licked his lips as his eyes roamed my body hungrily. “What do we have here?”

His grin grew three sizes when he saw the fear he instilled in me. I clawed backwards with my hands and legs as he continued stalking toward me, all predatory-like, ready to pounce on his prey—me.

“Now, why does Wyatt have a little human running around without a collar?”

The first thing I noticed was that he didn’t address him as Alpha. Why does everyone keep saying that? Secondly, his thick Italian accent and unnaturally long claws. Does this bloke own a nail clipper?

My heart raced, fear tingling through my veins. “Oh, you know, collars are so last season. I’m more into the free-range human.” I gulp.

His laughter echoed through the garden, sending shivers down my spine. I continued my crab-like retreat, trying to keep a safe distance away from his deadly long claws.

“Free-range human, hm?” he mused.”Well, we can’t have that now, can we? Come.”

“No, thanks. I’m good right here.”

“I wasn’t asking.”

“They’re expecting me for dinner. Sorry, maybe another time.”

“Oh, I insist. Dinner can wait. We have more pressing matters to attend to.”

“The Alpha wouldn’t be too happy. You know how alpha’s are.” I let out nervous chuckles as I continued crawling backwards, and he continued advancing toward me.

His malicious chuckle made my skin crawl. My heart raced as he grabbed me quicker than I could blink, pulling me to my feet with my back against his grimy chest. His claws wrapped around my neck, and I let out a squeal, feeling my heart pounding against my chest, desperate to escape.

“Shh-shhh,” he whispered, stroking my face with his killer claws. I went still, too afraid he’d slice me open.

“P-P-Please,” I whimpered.

A deep chuckle rumbled in his heavy chest. “Oh, baby, begging won’t save you,” he taunted, licking the side of my face with his long, wet, slimy tongue.

“I haven’t had a human in a while.” A disgusting growl rumbles in his chest as his hand travels down my body and gropes my ass.

Filthy hairy flea food! “Get your paws off me!”

He growls not liking my comment. He runs his filthy callous hand over my exposed stomach, under my bra and cups me. I squealed and he tightened his grip on my neck.

“Fuck, you feel so soft. I’m tempted to take you right here.”

“Bugger off asshole!”

“That accent is so sexy. I’m going to enjoy fucking you,” he purred and moved his hand down my body to the waistband of my jeans.

“No, no, no, no, Please,” I started to cry.

This can’t be happening!

“Shh-shh love, you’ll enjoy this.” He shoves his hand down my jeans and clamps one hand over my mouth, muffling my screams as he fingers me.
I squirm and flail in his grip, but it’s like trying to wrestle with a brick wall. He pulled his hand out and sucked his fingers. The sick bastard moans. I felt him hardening against me, poking into my back.

“You taste exquisite, so good.” Before I could sob out my words, he hurls me over his shoulders and bolts for the woods.

“Noooo!” I screamed, pounding his back.

He moves so fast, that my surroundings blur into a nauseating whirlwind. I screamed, fought, and cried; all while being carried on his shoulder through the woods. Suddenly, he came to an abrupt stop, dropping me in the middle of nowhere. I tried to run but he caught me and pinned me down to the ground.

“Please, please, don’t do this!”

He growls,” Stop screaming. I haven’t fucked you yet.”

He unbuckled his pants and I screamed louder. Fear and dread consume me. He ripped my jeans off with his claws and spread my legs open wide. I let out a squeal, like a pig at a barbecue, and tried to squirm away.

“No, no, no, please, don’t do this! Please, let me go!”

“I want to taste you from the source.” He rips my panties off.

My screams grew louder, and the world started to blur. I felt like I was about to pass out. “Get off me! You sick bastard. Wyatt is going to kill you!” I don’t know what possessed me to say that.

It’s not the truth, but he doesn’t need to know that. He came to an abrupt stop, as if I’d stunned him, and let out a low growl. His hand closed around my throat, and his intense gaze bore into my eyes, searching for something, studying me. After a few minutes, a sinister grin crept onto his ugly face. He stared at my neck, as though searching for something, and sniffed me.

He stared deep into my eyes. “Have you ever been in his den?”

My heart skips a beat. “Piss off!”

He grins.”Does he make you feel things when he touches your sexy body? Like sparks emitting from his touches?”

My heart was beating faster. “Go back to whatever hole you crawled out of and die.” I hissed.

His grin grew. “Has he ever tried biting your pretty little neck?” My heart sped up and his grin grew wider if that was possible. “Fucking you would be an even sweeter pleasure. No wonder he hasn’t collared you.”

“The animal here who needs a collar is you!”

“I’m going to fuck you to death,” he growls menacingly.

“Didn’t peg you as a necrophilia enthusiast. Then again, not shocked. No one in the realm of the living would willingly sign up for a cuddle session with an ugly four-legged mutated hairball like you!”

“You’ll regret that!” He spreads my legs. I can feel him shoving his pants down and stroking himself. I screamed and tried to escape but it was futile.

“You’re going to scream his name for me. And when he finds your dead corpse thoroughly fucked, I’ll be sure to let him know how much you screamed for him. And how good it felt in your tight little pussy.”

“Go to hell!”

He growls and begins aligning himself at my entrance, no amount of squirming helped.
Tears streamed down my face, and my screams echoed, but it seemed to have no impact on him. The merciless claws of fear tightened around my throat, choking me with their vise-like grip. This was it—no one to save me.

Suddenly, blood. It filled my mouth, covered my face, and drenched my chest—everywhere. His body crashed down on mine, suffocating me with the weight and crimson cascade. But it was short-lived. He was thrown off me like a rag doll, unveiling something far more terrifying.

Before me stood a creature with eyes gleaming like twenty-four-karat gold, radiating fury that could put Hell’s wrath to shame. His body vibrated with rage, skin as thick as leather and harder than dragon scale, coated in an obsidian black colour like tar. Fangs protruded from his lips, dripping with saliva. His hands transformed into lethal claws—longer and deadlier than anything I’d ever seen—gripping what looked like a heart. That image was the last thing I saw before everything plunged into darkness.

---

Chapter 20: Blind Spot.

~Wyatt Onyx

I felt like the air got knocked out of me with one swift, deadly blow, but it didn’t last long. My wolf surged forward with so much power drawing all the oxygen back into me. Expanding my lungs and swelling my chest wider than humanly possible, buttons on my shirt popped, and I stumbled back.

I can feel us merging into one symbiotically, with nothing but pure feral dominance fueling us. His eyes shone through mine, brighter than the blazing sun, with a singular thought running through our shared consciousness: How dare he lay hands on what is ours! My claws dug into his chest and yanked his still-beating heart out, like plucking candy from a baby. Then hurls his dead body off our angel; like he weighed nothing. The monsters in me were out for blood.

Her screams and helpless cries echoed in my head propelling us into a state of feral rage. The sick fuck was so engrossed in penetrating her, he didn’t see or hear me coming.

Then her eyes met ours. The horror in them made my wolf howl out in my head. He didn’t like how she looked at us.

Like we were a monster to her.

Like we’d hurt her.

We would never lay a hand on her in such a way.

Bruises began to form on her thighs, hips, and neck.

That fucker! I hastily removed my shirt, using it to wipe the blood from her beautiful face before gently covering her with it. I scooped her up in my arms and carried her back to the house.

This is all my fuckin’ fault. Fuck!

Kristoff gawked at me in shock, a hint of fear mingled with admiration in his eyes as I walked past.

The day felt off from the start. When they broke the news that Marco had escaped, I knew something was off. It made zero sense. The bastard escaping was as likely as a cat enjoying a swim. I knew that fucker was lurking somewhere in my territory – a blind spot or he had help.

I mind-linked the doctor to meet me at my den, instructing Lake to clear the house before our arrival. I carried her securely in my arms, heading straight to my room. The doctor awaited us in front of my door, gasping at my presence but quickly composing herself to open the door.

Gently placing her on the bed, I spoke, my voice dropping a few octaves in my symbiotic state. “She’s been...” I pause. “I want a thorough examination of her.” The doctor, visibly terrified and confused, tried to make sense of my state.

I can see the wheels turning in her head, unable to discern exactly what she was gazing at. Truth be told I didn’t either but that was the last thing on my mind right now.

“I expect your absolute discretion. Do I need to tell you what happens if you don’t?”

“N-no, Alpha,” she stammered in fear, bowing her head. Opening her medical bag, she began her work.

Leaving her alone wouldn’t be an option, judging from past experience. I sat beside the bed on the floor, feeling my wolf’s presence separate from mine. He was content with her being in our den, and so was I.

Who the fuck does he think he is? Coming into my territory and touching what’s mine— what the fuck am I saying.

She’s a human.

I drag my hand down my face.

This morning... She was beyond furious, jealousy radiating off her like a heatwave. Completely oblivious to the fact that she was acting like a jealous possessive mate. If she was anyone else that would have annoyed me but somehow in all the dark corners of my twisted mind, it excites me. Sure, I probably should’ve told the damn truth, but I wanted to see how long it’d take for her to snap.

Not very long.

Fuck. I wanted her to admit she was jealous, but my stubborn little mink refused. Watching her turn red in the face was oddly arousing, especially in those jeans. Maybe I should’ve had a say in her wardrobe choices. My instincts screamed to sweep her off her feet, throw her on the table, and dive between those sexy thighs. I could still taste her on my lips and I wanted more.

I’m in deep shit.

A dark laugh escapes my lips.

She couldn’t even let us enjoy a quiet breakfast in peace. Had everything set up because, well, I’m a selfish prick who didn’t mind the view of her in my shirt a bit longer. She had this uncanny ability to push my buttons and challenge the very core of my authority. None would dare, not without using their tongue or worse. If I was feeling generous, it’d be a quick death. Yet, here she was, defying the norm with a spirit that refused to bow down.

Bet I can make her bow down.

My monsters aren’t thrilled about her challenging us, but hurting her is off the table. I knew they wouldn’t lay a finger on her, no matter how much she tested the boundaries. Maybe I was more intrigued than I cared to admit. Her defiance makes me want to force her down her on her knees and shove my cock in that pretty little mouth. I needed— fuck, I needed to come right down her fucking throat.

I adjusted myself.  

What’s even more intriguing is her response to me. The taste of her skin, the sweet aroma of her arousal, the way she bites those enticing lips, and those addictive little moans—all etched into my mind. How am I supposed to think when she’s imprinted in my head like a relentless parasite? Those two weeks without her felt like pure torture. Initially, I didn’t think it was a big deal, but as the days stretched longer, my monster’s patience waned, and begrudgingly, so did mine. The only reason I entertained that foolish summit was fueled by the hope of seeing her again. Not like I wasn’t keeping tabs on her—I’m too much of a control freak not to know.

The doctor completed her examination, and a palpable tension lingered in the air. Hastily gathering her medical supplies, she avoided making eye contact with me. “Some cuts and bruises, but nothing is broken, and she wasn’t... penetrated,” she said that last word almost in a hushed tone.

I nodded in acknowledgement, my focus now solely on the unconscious form of my angel lying on the bed with that fuckers blood on her. The doctor excused herself, making a swift exit, leaving me alone with my turbulent, fucked up thoughts.

I couldn’t shake the rage burning within and the need for vengeance clawed at my insides. Gently reaching out, I brushed a strand of hair from her face, a mix of relief and rage coursing through my veins. Relief that she hadn’t suffered the worst fate, and fury at the mere thought of someone laying a hand on her. My wolf roared within me, demanding retribution for the harm done to our mate— Mate?...

Fuck me…

I must have hit my head because there is no fuckin’ way I am making a human my mate.

I still can’t believe they demanded we assert dominance over her, to bend her to our will, even if it meant marking her. Of all the females we could choose, why a human? There were plenty more willing ones, far less resistant than her feisty ass.

And that ass... Fuck.

The worst part is that I almost lost control and marked her. What made it even more challenging was knowing how much she wanted me to. She’s oblivious to the reasons behind her feelings, and I have no intention of revealing the truth. If I do, I’ll have to confront a reality I’m not prepared for. And it wouldn’t just be a simple bite. What if I lose control? Me, losing control? Never in my entire existence has this been a concern until now.

Until her.

Then Heather showed up just in the nick of time. I had forgotten about her— one of my weekend fucks. Despite her once comforting touch, all it managed to do now was make me sick to my stomach. I was repulsed by her. The only reason I kissed Heather like that was to punish her. However, it backfired like a fucking cannon when I saw her face. Her cute little nose was red as a button, matching her rosy, wet cheeks. The sight of those gorgeous metallic grey eyes of hers, filled with tears, made me want to shoot myself in the fucking head.

I’m a complete asshole. I made her cry just to stroke my ego. I wanted her to beg for my touch, not to witness her heartbreak. I’ve had countless females break down and cry a river because I rejected them. Not even my own Gran’s tears affected me like this. I felt much worse than a piece of shit. My doting wolf didn’t help either. He kept biting at me for hurting her, and deservedly so. I should have told her the truth this morning. She was jealous and hurt. I knew she wanted me to make her leave; it was in her eyes. But as much as her tears hurt, seeing her under him, so weak and scared, killed me.

Taking a deep breath, I clenched my fists, struggling to contain the storm of emotions raging inside. The need to protect her, to ensure her safety, became an all-consuming fire. I couldn’t let her out of my sight – not now. Not ever. And I can’t make her my mate. She’s a human for crying out loud, she shouldn’t have this much effect on me. What the fuck is happening?

I had Zuri take her to the gym. I was certain she’d be safe there. I let them believe it was a form of punishment, a guise to avoid arousing suspicion. Nobody in the pack would dare challenge Zuri’s authority, and the unspoken rule was clear, touching her would be met with deadly consequences. Besides, if Zuri didn’t deal with them, I would. I needed her to fear me because if she did, she’d listen. But with her sharp tongue, it made it extremely hard not to take her at will.

The echoes of their footsteps and hushed whispers reached me before the distinct scent of anxiety permeated the air. As they cautiously approached my den, I could hear them bickering. They were scared, they had no idea what they saw. Can’t say I blame them.

The day turned into an absolute disaster. The Luna insisted on this irrelevant dinner, and now, look at the mess. My angel was almost violated by the very threat I sought to protect her from. When I mind-linked Zuri and she mentioned dropping her off a while ago, I sensed something was off. My wolf paced restlessly in my head, a rare occurrence.

Suddenly, I felt suffocated, and my body inexplicably started to sting. Both my wolf and I were on edge. Now that was rarer than rare. I hurried outside, tracing her scent to the garden. There, I detected another scent mixed with hers—a male scent. Ordering the border patrol to sweep the area, I followed her trail. When they linked me, confirming someone had crossed over the northern border, my worst fears were realized. I ran faster than I thought possible, driven by the agonizing sounds of her screams and cries.

Finally standing at the entrance, Lake cleared his throat. “Alpha, is she going to be alright?”

“Someone helped him,” I responded tersely, without diverting my gaze from her unconscious form.

 The accelerated rhythm of their heartbeats betrayed their disbelief. I thought we had dealt with the mole problem after the ambush, then came the attack on the gammas and now this.

I could see the lecherous stares from those bastards at the bar. I wanted to skin them alive and castrate any male who hardened at the sight of her. Which would have been the entire fucking room. You’d think they’d never seen a hot human before. I couldn’t leave her there any longer, so I arranged the meeting in the penthouse. And once again, my little angel surprised me. I didn’t expect her to let me touch her like that. Five minutes alone and all I wanted to do was bend her over and shove myself as deep as I could go.

“That’s not possible. No one would help him,” Kristoff expressed his disgust at the notion. “We dealt with the mole.”

“No one would sell out their gammas either.”

Silence settled between us as they absorbed the gravity of the situation.

This is a total mindfuck. The traitor was skinned and under a truth spell. No accomplice. Out of the blue, the gammas get attacked, almost meeting their end. Ever since our return, it’s been all about tightening security. And now Marco, that sick bastard, escapes during a guard shift change. And no one saw a fucking thing? All day, we tirelessly searched for that bastard, only to find him on top of my beautiful angel. The mere thought made my blood boil as I struggle to stay in control. Normally, I would revel in the chaos and bloodshed they bring, but the reality is, I’m more afraid of them doing something foolish, like marking her. Strangely, the thought of seeing my mark on her neck stirs a peculiar sensation within me, making my cock harder than it should be.

Kristoff was the first to speak, “We’ll question everyone, again.” I could feel his rage, which is more so related to a certain someone almost dying. I swear he needs to get over her or fuck her.

“No, we need to be discreet. Everyone thinks we found the mole and are done searching. Let them keep thinking that.”

“What are we talking here?” Kristoff asks. “Pulling phone records or bank statements?”

“Both. I want to know the whereabouts of every person for the last two days. Where they go, what they did, who they spoke to, what time they went to bed, how many times they took a shit. We’re missing something here. “The anger within me simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over at the thought of betrayal within the pack. Whoever helped this fuck will wish they were never fucking born. “Find them, and find them quickly. I want answers,” I commanded, my voice firm and laced with a dangerous edge.

They retreated from my den, leaving me alone with my thoughts. All of this chaos for a human. I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. None of it makes sense. I might have some feelings for her, but they’ll fade. All I need to do is wait it out. Sending her away isn’t an option. Not anymore, not after I had a taste. The first time I tasted her in the penthouse I nearly nutted like some prepubescent pup. I was this close to giving her what she wanted, what we both needed— a deep, hard fuck, but I had other shit to do. Fucking her wasn’t a safe play at the moment, I had to protect her.

This is one big cluster-fuck, from my rat problem to the Luna’s mating scheme, and now her back in my life. I don’t need this shit. I don’t need a-a- fuck this. After I have my way with her, everything will go back to normal.

Her pussy can’t be that magical. She’s just a human. Maybe I’ll keep her as a pet? Food? Who knows? This will all blow over after I’ve had my fill of her. She’ll be like all the rest. I chuckle at myself. This little beautiful human is messing with my head on a whole other level. Me! I laugh bitterly.

I need her out of my head so I can focus on the task at hand. Fuck this. This human has no effect on me. Fuck her, literally. I take another deep breath to calm myself. I can feel that part of me which was locked away stirring awake and my craving for blood slowly returning. Whatever happened in the forest did something to me. I need to see her; that witch better fix this.

My gaze fixed on her unconscious form. The raw need to protect her intensified, intertwining with the thirst for blood. Marco’s actions wouldn’t go unanswered. The pack would feel the weight of my wrath. My eyes unconsciously fell on her pink lips which were slightly parted. I wanted nothing more than to hear her moan my name. I was half tempted to wake her. I drag my hand down my face. Nothing good comes from touching her. Who am I kidding, one fuck will never be enough. No matter what I tell myself I knew deep down I couldn’t fuck her out of my system like the others. Once she wakes, I’ll send her back to her room. I will not be manipulated by a human.