Wrong Time.

The music ended, followed by a loud cheer from the crowd. Vulvan gently released his grip from my waist and led me to our seats. He pulled the chair for me to sit, and I muttered a small, “Thank you.”

He cleared his throat.

“Not bad for someone claiming she's a bad dancer. he had this smug on his face. That was fun, wasn’t it? We should try that again,” he said, sipping his wine.

“I’d rather not. That was mentally tasking,” I lied, even though I had fun.

He chuckled.

“Mentally tasking? What was mentally tasking was me leading you. I’m sure I’ve broken a toe by now with how many times you stepped on my feet.”

I frowned.

“How is that my fault? I warned you I didn’t know how to dance, but you insisted. Serves you right,” I snapped, my voice laced with annoyance.

How dare he act like this was all on me? I had to calculate every step at some point. Does he even know how awkward that was? I clearly had no idea what I was doing at first, but eventually, I let myself go and allowed Vulvan to lead me.

My favourite part was when our warm bodies melted into each other and his embrace wrapped around me. His scent filled my nose, comforting and intoxicating. But I wasn’t going to admit that to him—it would only boost his ego.

I stood up, alerting Vulvan. who had been lost in thought for minutes.

“Where to?” he asked, curious.

“I’m going to the restroom. I need some fresh air—away from you,” I said, pretending to be annoyed.

He glanced at the crowd like he was searching for someone. After a short hesitation, he said,

“Get all the fresh air you want, but come back to me.”

I rolled my eyes. He may be my mate and Alpha, but what the hell kind of order was that?

“Or else what?”

He smirked and closed the distance between us. His lips leaned toward my ear. I instantly regretted asking.

“I’ll spank the hell out of you until your ass cheeks turn red.” A shiver ran down my spine. I gulped hard. My body heated up down there, and a shameful part of me liked the idea of being spanked by him. Why was my body reacting this way? It wasn’t right, but all I could think of was the bittersweet feeling of it.

I should have just kept quiet and did what he said. Now, I’d stirred up the lion. And I was starting to regret it—curse my big mouth.

“So be a good girl and do as I say… unless you want that spanking,” he added with a hint of lust in his voice, his eyes drifting to my cleavage.

“I’d be stupid to give you that kind of opportunity,” I replied, rolling my eyes. He was so full of himself.

I was about to walk away when he gently grabbed my hand.

“I’m serious, Zara. This place may look peaceful, but it can be dangerous. I have enemies—even among these people—waiting for a chance to strike. If you notice anything strange, come straight back.”

He sounded serious.

“Alright, I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone,” I assured him. Honestly, I didn’t want to get spanked either.

After using the restroom, I washed my hands and prepared to return to Vulvan before he sent a search party after me. I hadn’t taken long. He was just exaggerating. What could possibly go wrong?

I was about to turn toward the stairs when I stopped dead in my tracks. My breath hitched like it had suddenly become difficult to breathe.

That same nightmare… "that terror that haunts me… stood right in front of me.

Savik.

What the hell was he doing here?

Shit.

The ball was meant for titled Alphas and Betas. That explains it. He had that same menacing look—the one that could kill. I knew I was in trouble. The fact that he was here meant he’d been following me. And all I could think about now… was Vulvan. I had never longed to see his face the way I did now.

“Someone doesn’t look happy to see me,” Savik said with a twisted grin.

I glanced around, desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of Vulvan. He noticed.

“Don’t bother. He’s busy with other important things,” he said with fake sadness, taking a step toward me.

I wanted to move as well but stopped myself. I wanted to show that I wasn’t the same Zara who used to be scared of him. But deep down, that scared little girl still lived in me.

“You look well. Not that skinny anymore. prittier. Vulvan must be taking good care of you,” he said, playing with my hair.

“Didn’t think you were interested in events like this,” I said, trying to sound confident.

“You’re right, I’m not. But I came because of you. Your mate looks healthy—too healthy. No signs of weakness. It seems you didn’t do what I instructed.” I took a breath to steady myself and chose my words wisely. before i utter a word.

He seized my neck. My breath caught.

“What do you think you’re doing? If you hurt me, Vulvan will notice. He’ll ask questions, and I’ll have no choice but to tell him who did it.”

He let out a dark, heinous laugh and looked at me in disbelief.

“You really think threatening me will stop me from snapping your neck. you didn't give him the poison, did you?”

He increased the pressure on my neck. I panicked, trying to think of a way to get out of this.

“The poison is a slow killer. It’s taking longer than expected. just be patient,” I said quickly, my voice shaking.

Still, he didn’t loosen his grip.

Running out of ideas, I blurted,

“Don’t do this, savik. you want all you hard work to be in vien. Vulvan wants your head—desperately. If not for the council not granting him permission, you would have attacked you by now. He’s already looking for ways to implicate you. you still have time to end him silently before he ends you.” He eased the pressure on my neck.

Savik looked at me with disbelief, as if he couldn’t believe I was standing up for myself. Normally, I would just stay still and let him do what he wants, but this time was different.

Now I knew I was in deep shit.

His expression changed. I couldn’t read him anymore. His nose flared. His jaw tightened.