CHAPTER 6

SONIA’S POV.

Once we were a safe distance from my kingdom, I nudged his wolf, but he ignored me, so I tugged at his fur more forcefully, causing him to growl in irritation.

He stopped running, letting me jump down from his large wolf form.

I adjusted my wedding gown before bowing down as a sign of respect to the Lycan King and also for helping me out of my kingdom.

"Thank you for saving me, but I can find my way," I said firmly, my head still lowered.

Michael shifted into his human form and spoke, his voice commanding. "Look at me, Sonia.”

I looked up to find him standing there, completely naked. His body was a work of art sculpted and adorned with scars, both large and small. Each scar told stories of battles fought and won. But what drew my attention the most was the intricate tattoo covering his left hand.

I tore my gaze away from his body; I noticed his intense stare as if he could see through me.

“What did you say, Cherry?” Michael’s voice was low, sending shivers down my spine.

“I said I want to find my way from here,” I replied, maintaining my composure.

Michael stepped forward, closing the distance between us until we were only a few inches apart.

“Can you at least put some clothes on?” I said, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. Despite being exposed to many naked men during my training, I had never been so flustered by someone’s nudity before.

He smirked and gently lifted my chin with his hand, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Why does it bother you?”

I frowned. “It’s just common courtesy to dress appropriately,” I scolded. “Don’t you have any atoms of good manners?”

Michael chuckled at my response.

“Where I come from, good behavior is overrated. I was a spoiled, troublesome child for a reason,” he admitted with a smile.

I shook my head in irritation. “And you were also annoying. Even now, you are still the same old Michael – causing trouble wherever you go.”

He scoffed. “Aren't you being a little ungrateful? I just saved you from your biggest nightmare.”

“Anyway,” he continued, “seeing as you are incredibly bothered by my handsomeness, I should put on some clothes before you faint from my overwhelming sexiness,” he teased, his smirk widening.

“Always so full of yourself,” I muttered under my breath.

Michael's guards stepped forward, presenting him with an expensive robe which he draped over his body.

“You are coming with us,” he stated firmly.

“No, I am not,” I declared, crossing my arms together.

“And where would you go? You hardly know anywhere beyond your home and your school,” he remarked.

I hated how he was right. I had spent the last sixteen years in a boarding school nestled in the mountains, far away from civilization. While I had learned about all the kingdoms and their Alpha, it was all theoretical knowledge, confined to textbooks and paintings.

“I’m sure I will manage to find somewhere to stay in the meantime before I come back to reclaim my pack,” I replied, trying to sound confident.

Michael studied me for a moment before speaking. “Let’s say I agree to let you go. You won’t survive out there on your own. There are many rogues who prey on innocent ladies like you.”

I frowned, hating that he still thought of me as weak. “You seem to forget I am not the same girl from sixteen years ago. All my years of training weren’t for nothing. I can take care of myself just fine.”

“Cherry, I don’t doubt that you can take care of yourself,” he said softly, stroking my cheek, “but I will be worried if you are away from me.”

“Then don’t worry,” I replied, stepping away from his touch and walking away.

“Sonia, please come with me. I’ll protect you, I promise. And when the time comes, I will help you reclaim your kingdom,” Michael said, holding my hands.

“I don't trust you, and I have been disappointed by the men in my life. They have proven to be untrustworthy,” I said sadly.

Michael leaned forward, his breath brushing against my neck as he whispered softly, sending chills down my spine. “The men in your life might have disappointed you, but I’m different, Cherry. I will give you my loyalty,” he promised.

“So what do you say?” he asked with pleading eyes.

Could I dare to trust him? Could I allow myself to rely on someone else again?

With a deep breath, I turned to face him fully. “Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to find my own path,” I replied softly.

“Okay, Cherry. I guess this is goodbye,” he said with a smile.

I nodded and turned to leave. After a few steps, I turned back, half expecting Michael to stop me, but he merely watched me in silence. I sighed in relief when suddenly I felt a sharp sting at the base of my neck. I instinctively reached back and found a small dart protruding from my skin. I removed the dart and turned to see one of Michael’s guards still holding the blowgun close to his mouth.

I instantly became weak, and my body was paralyzed. My eyes widened in shock when I realized what was happening—I was being drugged with a sedative. I collapsed, but just before I touched the ground, Michael rushed to my side, carrying me in his strong arms.

“I’m sorry, my cherry, but I can’t let you go,” Michael’s voice echoed, his words sending a chill down my spine. “You belong to me now, Sonia.”

I tried to protest, but my voice failed me. Helpless and paralyzed, I could only glare at him before Slipping into darkness.