Chapter 9.

Zora’s heart skipped a beat—she didn’t know what to expect. She stepped into the bathroom, which was as large as her bedroom back at Moonclaw Pack. 

If Trent wasn’t a blood-sucking bastard, this place would have been a dream come true. She was a gold digger; she had dreamed of building large wealth with Dane only for Dane to betray her with his mate. 

Her gaze swept over the expensive fixtures and glossy marble. She sighed. She had no idea how much pain she was about to endure under the vampire’s control.

The Jacuzzi had already been prepared. Steam curled from the water’s surface. She dipped her hand into the soap as if she were checking her nightmare.

Slowly, she undressed and sank into the warm tub. Memories of Moonclaw Pack washed over her like a wave. She wondered what kind of spell Alicia had cast on Dane or how strong the mate bond was to wish her death, and she burst into tears. She didn’t think anyone could hear her—not with the soundproofing in this luxurious prison.

Her tears merged with the water, her emotions spinning into a whirlwind of grief, betrayal, and rage. Dane’s promises haunted her—what he had been and what he had become.

If she ever made it out alive, she would tear him apart.

A bitter smile curved her lips at the thought; she knew there was no escape route here. Who ever survived a vampire’s bite?

Taking revenge on Dane would be impossible!

She was so lost in thought that she couldn't hear that someone entered the room.

Zora stepped into the room, startled to find Trent seated on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on the ancient compass in his hand.

Zora couldn't move her legs forward; she stood numb in the doorway, her heart pounding.

Trent stood up, walking closer to her, his gaze focused on the old compass, turning it slowly. The needle didn’t move. Not even a twitch.

He clenched his hand on his and closed it in anger. 

“Who are you? Why is this not working?” He asked, anger evident in his voice.

Zora swallowed; she was gripped by the fear. She stared at the compass he was holding. "What does the compass have to do with her?” She trembled slightly.

“Zora. From the Moonclaw Pack. I don't know why it is nothing working,” she said, tears welling up in her face.

“That’s not what I asked,” he said quietly.

She looked away. “That’s all I am.”

Trent removed the strand of her hair that nearly covered her face. His hand touched her face. Trent quickly withdrew his hand and stepped back. He had a feeling he couldn't explain. 

Zora felt a jolt of electricity through her body; her eyes turned crimson red. All the fear he had for Trent disappeared instantly. Why was she feeling like this? 

A long silence stretched between them. Zora had crawled out of fear; she stepped forward and tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck.

“Go ahead,” she whispered. 

“Suck it,” she said, closing her eyes.

“Suck what?” 

“My blood. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

Trent’s eyes darkened, but not with hunger for her blood but with anger. He clenched his jaw and turned away, forcing his voice to remain calm. “I don’t feed directly from people.”

Zora’s eyes widened open. “What?”

“I take blood in drops; that is why Freya was asking for your blood information.” His voice was steady, but it felt like he was forcing himself to talk.

“And she didn't get enough information from me,” Zora said, arching her brows. 

“Yes, because I don't want her to. And for some reason… I didn’t feel the thirst when I saw you. Your blood has no effect on me.”

Zora’s eyes widened. “What… what does that mean?”

“I don’t know.” He looked at her for a long moment. 

“I’m actually looking for someone; she is the only one...” He paused, not wanting to divulge his secret to her. He couldn't trust her yet. 

“I can't drink your blood,” he said finally.

“That means I am saved,”

“Yes, but not totally,” 

Then, completely out of nowhere, he said, “Marry me.”

Zora stared at him in disbelief. “What? Is this another punishment?”

“No, I have my reason for wanting you by my side until I found…,” 

“What?” Zora asked, furrowing her brows in confusion. 

“Stop asking questions,” he groaned.

“I'm sorry, Alpha, I can't live again. My heart has been shattered into a thousand pieces,” she said.

 “I don’t think this heart can love again.”

“This isn’t a love story, Zora,” Trent said simply. 

“This is a transaction for mutual benefit. You marry me for protection against your stupid husband, and I benefit from….”

“What is it that you want to benefit from me?” 

“You asked too many questions. I will set you free once I see her.” He threw a document onto the bed. 

“What if I said no?” 

Trent chuckled bitterly and closed the space between them. 

“Then you waste your mother-in-law’s effort of getting you this freedom,” 

Zora was in a state of shock and confusion. 

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of his words. How on earth was Glenda involved? If she was? Did she know that he is a bloodsucker? Why does Dane sacrifice her to be fed on?

“She sent you?” 

She shook her head slowly, backing away. “Why didn’t she tell me?” She muttered under her breath. 

The realization hit her: Glenda saved her from her son. Tears began to stream down her eyes as she looked at Trent. All her fears disappeared but were replaced with the agony of missing Glenda in her life.

“The water system in this pack is not faulty, so cry more. You cried a lot in the bathroom.”

Zora quickly fought back the remaining tears; she knew most alphas hated seeing people in tears. 

“It’s a contract marriage. You won't like your ex-mother-in-law's effort to go to waste, so don’t bother arguing.”

Zora laughed bitterly. “What exactly are you gaining from me? I have nothing. I’m an orphan. An omega. I don’t even know where I come from.”

“You won't go through the stress of saving me just to keep me aside; let me know what I will be losing,” 

Trent was stunned at the sudden transition of emotion; minutes ago she was crying, and some minutes later questioning his decision. 

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. You’re not completely useless. Something’s… off about you.” He trailed off. “And again, your mother-in-law submitted all her jewelry, clothes, and everything valuable she had to me,” he explained. 

“You will be my light; I don't want to talk about my discovery yet.”

Zora was in shock when she heard what Glenda had sacrificed; her heart ached at her loss. She heaved a sigh and collected the document. She glanced through it over and over; she noticed that there was no specific date for her freedom. It was stated in the contract that he would divorce her until he found her. “Who is she? How soon would she be found?” she asked inwardly. 

“Why would I have to be a substitute again? Is being a substitute better than being dead?” She thought, staring at Trent.

“No emotion, no love; I won't care for you, and you should not do the same. Your only duty is to be my wife in public and always by my side. No emotion should be attached to it because I can never love you.”

Zora felt a surge of anger within her as he kept mentioning emotion on and on as if he had seen her as someone hungry for love. She quickly applied her signature and said, “Same here too, I can never love a man again in my life.” 

He didn't know why he felt heartbroken after hearing her declaration. 

“Better!” Trent clenched his fist and stomped out.