Chapter Eighteen: Into the Alpha’s Den

Avery's POV

It took something from me to say those words. Every breath. Every shred of strength. Every principle I had ever sworn to live by.

I could still feel the moment in my bones. The cold edge of Lucian’s sword at Lena’s throat, the thin line of blood forming beneath the steel, the terrible realization that he would not hesitate if I had remained silent.

I did not know if what I had said back there was the right thing to do or if I had even meant it.

But I said it.

I said it to save Lena.

The words still echoed in my head, heavy and irreversible.

I will be in your bed tonight.

Even now, I could not believe they had come from my own mouth.

What had I done?

My stomach twisted at the thought of what awaited me. I had spoken in desperation, driven by the need to stop the sword from falling, but desperation did not undo promises, not with a man like Lucian.

Perhaps Lena would hate me for it. Perhaps she would never forgive the humiliation of being spared that way. But I would rather bear her anger than watch her die.

I lifted my head slowly. A single candle burned near the bed. That was when I noticed it. Something had been placed there.

A pale garment lay folded neatly atop the dark covers. For a moment, I simply stared at it, my mind slow to understand what my eyes were seeing.

I took a hesitant step closer.

It was a nightdress, if it could even be called that. The fabric was so light that it barely held shape. It was made of silk shining gently in the light.

I reached out slowly and lifted it. The material slipped through my fingers like water. The gown was nearly weightless, and the silk was see-through.

My throat went dry. If I wore this, there would be nothing hidden.

I did not need to ask who had sent it.

Lucian.

Of course, he had prepared this. When I go to his chamber tonight, this is what he expects to find me wearing.

I lowered the gown slowly onto the bed again, staring at it as if it might somehow disappear if I looked long enough.

But it remained there, pale and waiting. Just like the fate I had promised myself to.

I picked up the gown and slipped it over my head, letting the thin material fall over my body.

I told myself over and over that this was for Lena. That whatever happened next, it would mean she lived.

But before I could move another step, I froze. My breath caught mid-step, fingers tightening around the silk in my hands.

“What?” I whispered under my breath.

Oh, now you hear me? the voice came again, sharp, feminine, and laced with something between amusement and annoyance. After everything, you choose now to listen?

My heart slammed harder against my ribs.

I let out a shaky breath, dragging a hand through my hair. “Oh, wow… see who finally decided to show up,” I muttered silently to the voice in my head.

A pause. Then a soft, almost mocking hum.

You’re welcome.

“Where have you been?” I muttered under my breath, barely moving my lips.

Watching, she replied lazily. Waiting to see if you had any sense at all. And tonight, she added, you just walked willingly into his den.

“Not willingly,” I murmured.

Her response came instantly. Your heartbeat says otherwise.

“I’m afraid of what awaits me in that room.”

A soft, knowing laugh echoed in my mind. You feel him, she continued, quieter now, more observant. That pull... that pressure in your chest. That isn’t just fear.

I am not fully awakened, she continued. Not yet. That only happens when we find our fated mate.

“What does that have to do with this?” I whispered.

Everything.

My pulse stuttered.

And we will find him soon, she added. I can feel it.

“Get out of my head. I have to go now.”

Lucian’s door loomed ahead. My hand hovered at the latch. For a moment, I imagined him standing just beyond it. Waiting. I forced my hand to turn the handle. The door opened with a faint creak, and I stepped inside.

His shadow danced on the wall. I didn't need light to know he was there. I stepped further inside, the door clicking softly behind me.

“I’m here,” I whispered, though I didn’t know if he’d needed me to say it.

“I know,” he replied. “Your scent gave you away from the doorway.”

His voice dropped, low and commanding. “Come closer.”

My legs moved almost on their own, each step heavier than the last, heart hammering against my ribs.

He let a beat pass, just long enough for my skin to feel every inch of the space between us. “Or must I come to you?”

I froze for a heartbeat, then stepped forward again, closing the distance.

The candlelight caught him fully. He was naked. His cock already hard, waiting, like it knew exactly what it would do to me: destroy me.

“Enough,” he murmured. “Now, strip.”

My hands shook as I lifted the thin silk over my shoulders. I loosened the ties, letting the gown fall inch by inch over my body. My breath hitched as the gown fell to my feet, leaving me bare in front of him. Cold air kissed my ass and nipples.

I stood still, waiting for his next command.

“On your knees,” he commanded, and I obeyed without thinking. The floor was cold against my skin, but my mind was consumed entirely by him, by the fear.

“Do not speak. Do not move, unless I give you permission.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, Alpha.”

“Now crawl to me.”

He held my wrist firmly, guiding me forward. On my knees, I crawled closer, my mouth at the same level as his thick, hard cock.

He grabbed my hair, yanking my head toward him. “Suck it like your life depends on it.”

I hesitated, pulling my head back. “I haven’t done this before.”

“You’ll learn. Now. Suck it.” He moved closer, pressing his cock against my lips.