Chapter 10

Mabel’s POV

I don’t know why I always find myself here—on the edge of something I can’t take back. The tension in the air is thick, stifling, like I’m suffocating under the weight of a truth I’m not sure I’m ready for.

Zane’s eyes are sharp, scanning me like he knows every inch of my thoughts. His smirk makes my skin crawl, but I’m trying my best to stand tall.

“You wanted privacy,” he says, stretching his legs out lazily on the couch. His voice is smooth, almost mocking. “So, here we are.”

I try to steady my breath. This is ridiculous. “Considering... our future relationship, I think it’s time we talk openly.”

His brow arches slightly, and he leans back, crossing one leg over the other. “Future relationship?” His voice holds a trace of amusement.

I narrow my eyes. How does he not get it? Or is he just playing dumb for fun? Either way, he’s about to hear exactly what I’ve been thinking. “You’re here because I’m supposed to be your Luna,” I spit out, forcing the words to land in the air between us.

Zane chuckles softly, rolling the idea around in his head like it’s some kind of joke. He tilts his head, studying me closely. “My Luna? What makes you think you’re the one?”

My heart skips. Is this how this is going to go? He’s challenging me? After everything?

“I’ve spent my whole life being trained for this role,” I say, trying to keep the edge out of my voice. “I know what it takes to manage the packhouse, to care for the pack... everything. I’ll make things easier for you.”

Zane slides lower into the chair, his smirk widening. He watches me with amusement, but there’s something about the way he moves—calm and effortless—that makes me tense up. “You’re eager to relieve me of my burden, huh?” he drawls, and I nod, my voice steady.

“Exactly. I’ll handle everything.”

Zane’s lips curl in that way I can’t stand. “Well, if you’re so eager to relieve me, how about you start by putting that pretty mouth of yours to good use?”

The words hit me like a slap, but I’m frozen for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest. He’s not—he can’t be—asking me that.

I don’t even know how long I stay still, processing what he means. But when I do move, it’s slow, careful. My hands tremble as I step forward, closer to him. His eyes follow my every move, and I swallow hard, feeling the weight of this choice.

I tell myself it’s just a test. He’s not really expecting me to do this, is he?

But the tension in the room tells me otherwise.

When I drop to my knees, it’s like the room shrinks around me. I can barely think straight as my fingers fumble with the buttons on his pants. He lifts his hips slightly, making the job easier—he’s so used to getting what he wants, just like this.

I tell myself this is just another role to play. I’m not weak. I can do this.

As I look at him, my mind screams at me to stop, to run, but my body doesn’t move. His gaze holds me captive. The smirk on his lips says it all—he’s testing me.

I pull his pants down and my eyes widen. He’s already... There’s no way this is happening.

But it is. And I can’t back out now.

Before I can stop myself, I’m already taking him in. My mind is somewhere else—anywhere but here—while my body does what’s been asked. And he’s... pleased, I can tell. His body shifts with pleasure, and a low hiss escapes his lips. I hear it, but it’s like my body is detached from it all.

I’m not thinking anymore.

There’s no warning when the door creaks open.

I freeze, my breath caught in my throat.

Mabel.

Her wide eyes lock on mine, her face draining of color as she stands in the doorway. She’s caught me. Caught us. My gaze meets hers, and I feel something twist inside me, something unexpected.

Mabel’s eyes flick to the towels in her hands, then back to me, but she doesn’t move. She hesitates, like she’s not sure if she should retreat or proceed.

But I’ve already seen her.

“Stop!” I shout, but she’s already retreating. She doesn’t even look back as she hurries down the hallway, her steps light and quick.

My chest tightens. She’s seen.

And the consequences? I don’t even know what they’ll be.