chapter 3

Lord Victor straightened his jacket, composure restored though tension still lined his face. "Let me properly introduce you. Sarah, Mia - these are my sons, Matthew and Zander Hawthorne."

"I'll gather your other brothers." Victor's footsteps echoed as he left the study.

Zander's lip curled. "Well, isn't this just perfect? Daddy's new toy brings her daughter who can't tell two people apart and gets my brother beaten."

"Zander," Matthew warned, still holding his side.

"What? You're bleeding because she couldn't keep her mouth shut." zander stalked closer to Mia. "Or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing. Get in daddy's good graces by playing victim?"

Sarah stepped forward. "How dare you speak to my daughter that way-"

"How dare I?" Zander's laugh held no humor. "You're the one who jumped right in with accusations. Didn't even look twice before throwing Matthew under the bus."

Matthew pushed off from the bookshelf, wincing. "That's enough."

"No, it's not enough." Zander's green eyes blazed. "They waltz in here, thinking they own the place. Next thing you know, she'll be crying wolf about every little thing-"

"I said I was sorry," Mia's voice shook. "I made a mistake-"

"A mistake that got my brother beaten." Zander's fingers curled into fists. "But I guess that's what gold-diggers do best, right? Cause trouble and play innocent?"

Zander's jaw clenched, fresh blood welling from his split lip. His golden eyes fixed on Mia with barely contained anger, though he remained silent.

The grandfather clock in the corner ticked heavily through the silence, marking each second of tension that stretched between them.

Lord Victor returned with two more men in tow. The air in the study shifted as Aiden and Liam entered, their presence commanding attention.

"These are my eldest sons." Victor's hand settled on the taller one's shoulder. "Aiden heads our legal department at Hawthorne Industries."

Aiden's steel-gray eyes swept over Mia and Sarah. His tailored suit emphasized broad shoulders as he gave a curt nod.

"And this is Liam, chief of surgery at Metropolitan Hospital."

Liam's dark eyes lingered on Mia's face, his expression unreadable. The sleeves of his white dress shirt were rolled up, revealing strong forearms crossed over his chest.

"You've already met Matthew and Zander." Victor's tone hardened. "Zander teaches theoretical physics at the university."

Matthew snorted. "Yeah, we've met alright."

"Enough." Victor's voice cut through the tension. "Sarah and Mia are family now. You will treat them with respect."

"Father-" Zander started.

"This is not up for discussion." Victor's eyes flashed. "Your brothers will ensure your safety and comfort, Mia. Won't you, boys?"

Aiden straightened. "Of course, Father."

"Whatever you need," Liam added, though his expression remained guarded.

Zander said nothing, just pressed the cloth harder against his split lip.

"I expect all of you to help Mia adjust." Victor's gaze swept across his sons. "She'll need guidance learning our ways, understanding pack dynamics. This is your responsibility now."

The brothers exchanged loaded glances, an undercurrent of tension crackling between them. Zander's jaw clenched, while Aiden and Liam maintained carefully neutral expressions. Only Mattew's eyes betrayed a flicker of something more - a mix of anger and something else Mia couldn't quite read.

The study emptied gradually, Lord Victor escorting Sarah to discuss wedding arrangements while Aiden and Liam departed with measured steps. Zander lingered at the doorway, his golden eyes meeting Mia's before he too disappeared down the hall.

Matthew circled Mia like a predator. "Must be nice, having everyone wrapped around your little finger already."

"I don't want trouble." Mia backed away, her spine hitting the bookshelf.

"No? Could've fooled me." Mattew's fingers traced along the spines of leather-bound books. "Wonder what mommy dearest would think if she knew about your mate's bond disaster with Tarlose."

"She already knows."

"Does she know everything?" His lips curved into a cruel smile. "About how you threw yourself at him? How you begged-"

"I told her everything." Mia's chin lifted. "Every humiliating detail."

"Right." Matthew leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. "And I'm sure you didn't leave anything out. Like how you practically crawled after him-"

"Back off." Mia shoved him away. "She won't believe your version anyway. I made sure she knew the truth before we came here."

Matthew's eyes narrowed. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Getting your story in first?"

"It's not a story. It's what happened."

"Well, here's what's going to happen now." Matthew's fingers wrapped around her wrist. "You're in our territory. Our house. Our rules. One wrong move-"

"Let go of me."

"Make me." His grip tightened. "Oh wait, you can't. Just like you couldn't stop Tarlose from-"

Mia yanked her arm free. "You don't scare me."

"No?" Matthew's laugh echoed through the study. "Give it time, little mouse. Give it time."

Matthew's fingers curled around Mia's wrist, yanking her closer. "You think this is over? That daddy's protection will save you?" His breath ghosted across her face, hot and threatening. "I made your life hell at school, and I'll do it again right here."

Mia tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. The leather of his jacket creaked as he pressed her against the bookshelf.

"Every day, every moment when no one's watching." His eyes glinted with malice. "Did you forget how I spread those rumors about you? How I turned the whole school against you?"

"Let go of me." Mia's voice came out steady despite the tremor in her hands.

"Or what?" His lips curved into a cruel smile. "You'll run to Victor? To your mommy?" His free hand traced the outline of her jaw. "They can't be everywhere, all the time."

The shelves dug into Mia's back as she tried to create distance between them. The scent of his anger filled her nostrils - sharp and acrid.

"Remember how easy it was to convince everyone you were desperate? Pathetic?" His fingers pressed into the soft flesh of her wrist. "This house has so many dark corners, so many places where accidents happen."

"You're hurting me."

"Good." He leaned closer, his mouth next to her ear. "That's just the beginning. By the time I'm done with you, you'll wish you'd never set foot in this house." His grip loosened, but the threat in his voice intensified. "I'll make sure every servant, every guest, every person who walks through these doors knows exactly what kind of person you are."

His hand dropped away from her wrist, leaving angry red marks on her skin. "Sweet dreams, little reject. Don't forget to check under your bed tonight."