Chapter 3: Forced Back Into His Bed

BUTTERCUP

I sat there on that damn couch, my legs still trembling and his words ringing in my ears.

“I’m sorry, little one.”

The door had barely closed behind Draven before I jumped up. My dress was wrinkled, my thighs sticky, and my chest felt like someone had punched a hole right through it. I couldn’t stay here, not in this mansion. Not even for an extra second.

I wiped my face, fixed my hair the best I could, and marched toward the door. “Screw this. I’m leaving here.”

My hand had just touched the handle when the door flew open. Draven stood there, breathing hard like he’d run back. His messy black hair was even more messed up from my fingers. Those silver eyes locked on me with that intense look that always made my knees weak.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, his voice was low and dangerous.

“Away from you,” I snapped, trying to push past him. “I’m done being your dirty little secret, Draven. Move, please.”

He didn’t move. Instead, he stepped inside and shut the door behind him with a soft click. “You’re not leaving this mansion tonight.”

“Watch me.” I tried to shove him again, but it was like pushing a wall. “You chose Seraphina in front of everyone. You don’t get to tell me what to do anymore.”

Draven’s hand shot out and caught my wrist. “As your Alpha, I command you to stay.”

The power in his voice hit me like a wave. My body wanted to obey even while my mind screamed no. I hated how easily he could do that. “Don’t you dare use that Alpha shit on me. Not after everything.”

“You think I want this?” He pulled me closer until our bodies touched together. “You think I enjoy hurting you? But I can’t let you walk out there right now. It’s dangerous. The rival packs are watching. And I... I can’t let you go.”

His scent drizzled around me. That familiar mix of cedar. My traitorous body reacted instantly. “Then explain it to me properly. Stop fucking me and running away like a coward.”

Draven’s grip tightened. “You want the truth? Fine. The bond with Seraphina is real. The Goddess picked her. But every time I close my eyes, I see you. Every time I touch her, I wish it was you. That’s the fucked up part.”

I laughed bitterly, tears stinging my eyes again. “So what? I’m supposed to be happy being your side chic while she gets the title? The respect?”

“You’re not a side chic.” He backed me up against the wall, one hand sliding up my thigh under my dress. “You’re the one I can’t quit.”

I grabbed his shirt, bunching the fabric in my fists. “Then quit her and choose me.”

“I can’t.” His voice cracked just a little. “But I also can’t stay away from you.”

Our mouths crashed together. This kiss was rougher than before. His tongue pushed past my lips as he lifted me, carrying me straight to his private bedroom down the hall. The same bed where he’d taken me so many nights before.

He dropped me on the soft sheets and climbed over me. His hands were everywhere. “Tell me to stop,” he said against my neck, biting down. “Tell me you don’t want this.”

“I hate you,” I whispered, even as I pulled his shirt off, exposing that strong chest with the claw tattoo. “I hate how much I still want you.”

Draven groaned and yanked my dress down, exposing my breasts. His mouth closed over one nipple, sucking hard. “Then hate me while I fuck you, Buttercup. Because I need you right now.”

I arched into him. “Make it hurt. I want to feel something besides this emptiness.”

He did. He pushed my legs apart and thrust inside me in one hard stroke. We both gasped. He moved faster and deep like he was trying to brand himself into me. The bed squeaked with every powerful thrust.

“Fuck, you’re so tight,” he growled, looking down at where we were joined. “Still mine. Say it!”

I moaned, my nails raking down his back. “I’m not yours anymore. You gave that up, remember.”

“Liar.” He angled his hips and hit that perfect spot over and over. “Your body knows who it belongs to.”

Sweat slicked our skin. I wrapped my legs around his waist and I pulled him deeper. “Draven... I’m gonna...”

“Come for me,” he demanded, slamming into me harder. “Let me feel it.”

I climaxed around him, crying out his name as waves of pleasure crashed through me. He followed seconds later, burying his face in my neck as he came deep inside.

For a moment, everything felt right. His weight was on me, his breath on my skin, his arms were holding me close.

Then his phone rang on the nightstand.

Draven tensed. He pulled out of me slowly and reached for it. I watched his face change as he read the screen.

“Seraphina,” he muttered.

My heart skipped a beat. I pulled the sheet up over my naked body, suddenly feeling cheap. “Of course.”

He answered the call. “Yeah...I’m coming.” His voice was cold and controlled now, nothing like the man who’d just been inside me. He hung up and started dressing quickly.

I sat up, clutching the sheet. “You’re really going to her? After all this?”

Draven sighed at the door. His shoulders were tight. “She’s waiting for me. The pack expects me.”

Tears burned my eyes but I refused to let them fall again. I didn't want him to see me cry. “Then go to your real mate, Draven. Don’t let me stop you.”

He looked back at me one last time and I saw regret moving past his face. Without another word, he walked out, leaving me alone in his bed that still smelled like us.

I watched the door close behind him and my heart started cracking all over again as the Alpha went to his Luna.