chapter 7

The next morning, Ruby went to the small kitchenette in the suite. To thank the Alpha for his kindness, she prepared a pot of warm tea.

She made her way toward Dexter’s private study. The door was slightly ajar. Dexter was standing by the massive window with his back to her, his powerful frame looking rigid and tense. He stood there for a long time, staring out at the vast Moon Shadow forest with a deep, vacant gaze.

Ruby stepped inside as quietly as possible, carrying the tray. She set it on the desk, but just as she turned to leave, Dexter moved abruptly.

She accidentally brushed against his rock-hard arm as he spun around. The teapot rattled against the tray.

"I’m sorry, I didn't mean to," Ruby said, bowing her head.

But instead of letting it go, Dexter moved with lightning speed. He seized both of her shoulders with crushing force. With one powerful shove, he slammed her back against the wall.

Dexter pinned her there, boxing her in with his arms, trapping her between the cold stone and his searingly hot body.

His face was inches from hers. His breathing was heavy and erratic. Ruby could see flashes of golden-gold bleeding into his deep blue eyes.

"What's wrong with you?" Ruby asked. She couldn't understand why his mood had shifted so drastically since last night.

Dexter didn't answer. Instead, his hand rose to her face. His rough fingers traced her jawline before sliding down to her throat, where her pulse was racing.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling the intoxicating scent of lilies and snow from her skin.

Ruby stayed frozen. A strange, heated sensation began to coil in her stomach; her body was reacting instinctively to his presence. Inside her head, Lilian let out a low howl, acknowledging the dominance of the man before them.

Dexter’s hand slid down to her waist, but he suddenly stopped. He felt her ribs protruding beneath her thin gown. His fingers moved to her arm, sensing how small and fragile it was.

He pulled his face away, his gaze shifting to one of pure hatred and irritation.

"I don't like thin, frail things," Dexter growled, the disgust clearly aimed at himself. "You’re nothing but skin and bones. No meat, no strength for me to be proud of. Why would fate give me someone who looks like she’ll snap if I touch her too hard?"

Ruby winced. The words cut deep. "I’m like this because my family never fed me! Give me time and I will—"

Before she could finish, Dexter silenced her. He crushed his lips against hers in a rough, demanding kiss.

Stunned and confused, Ruby could only stand there, her hands bunching the fabric of his black shirt.

Suddenly, Dexter shoved her away with a jerk that nearly sent her to the floor. He stepped back, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as if he had just tasted something bitter.

"This is wrong. All of it is wrong," Dexter said, his voice turning ice-cold again. "I am the Alpha of the strongest pack. I need a queen who can stand tall beside me, not a weak slave like you."

Dexter looked at her with a gaze that shattered her hope. "I reject you as my mate, Ruby. I don't want a weak partner. You may have your wolf now, but don't ever expect me to welcome you into my bed or seat you beside my throne."

"I, Alpha Dexter—"

Lilian let out a roar of agony, feeling the wound of Vargr’s rejection. But Ruby didn't let herself fall or slump to the floor. She refused to be a victim a second time.

"I don't accept your rejection," Ruby said.

Dexter knitted his brows. He looked genuinely shocked by her defiance. "What did you say? You have no right to question my decision. I am the Alpha. I decide who is worthy of standing by my side."

Ruby stepped forward, closing the distance he had just created. She didn't care about the suffocating aura of intimidation radiating from him. "If the universe destined me to be the mate of an Alpha as powerful as you, it means I am your equal. Fate doesn't make mistakes. You’re just too blind to see what’s right in front of you."

Dexter let out a hollow laugh. He looked her up and down with blatant condescension. "My equal? Look at you. You’re scrawny, covered in scars, and you only got your wolf yesterday afternoon. You’ll be nothing but a burden."

"I'll make sure you eat those words!"

Dexter stepped in close, his face hardening. He gripped her jaw, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Don't get cocky. I could crush you in an instant if I wanted to. Get out of here before I change my mind and toss you into the woods."

Ruby didn't flinch. Instead, she countered his grip by pressing her palm against the Alpha's broad chest. She could feel his heart hammering unevenly. "Hmph. You’re lying to yourself." His body wanted her, even if his brain refused.

Suddenly, Ruby stood on her tiptoes. In a move Dexter never saw coming, she crashed her lips into his.

She kissed him with the same demand he had shown her earlier. She poured every ounce of emotion, rage, and recognition of their bond into that kiss. Dexter froze in shock for a split second, but then Vargr’s instincts took over. He kissed her back savagely, his hand moving from her jaw to the back of her neck, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

Dexter let out a growl against her lips—a sound that signaled his wolf was kneeling to its mate.

But Ruby was the one to break the kiss first. She pulled back, looking at a disheveled Dexter as he struggled to catch his breath.

"That’s just the beginning, Alpha," Ruby whispered against his lips.