Chapter twelve

Serafine's POV 

My mind was still processing why Saskia's cousin was kind to me when the door slammed open, and Alpha Bran stormed in.

Just like always, he was furious.

My heart skipped.

What did I do wrong again?

Grayson’s head bowed low in respect. I forced myself to follow, ignoring the dizziness that washed over me when I stood.

A certain kind of energy flared in the room as Alpha Bran's irises glowed gray, bringing an instant chilling feeling on me. 

His gaze locked on Grayson. “What are you doing here?”

“I just came to check on her,” Grayson replied calmly.

Bran growled, his jaw clenching. “No one visits or helps her without my permission.” He snarled.

His words struck me like a whip.

Grayson nodded. “Understood, Alpha.” he turned, moving slowly toward the door. 

I barely had time to suck in a breath before Bran was in front of me.

“You never learn, huh?” he sneered. His hand shot out, gripping my arm and yanking me upright. Pain exploded through my shoulder.

I bit down on my lip hard enough to taste my blood. “You disobeyed me, again,” he added.

Tears burned behind my eyes, blurring my vision, but I refused to let them fall. I would not cry for him. I would not give him that satisfaction. I kept my face blank, even as my body betrayed me with a sharp wince.

“Alpha,” Grayson called quietly, Bran’s head snapped toward him. “If she’s given any more punishment, she won’t survive.”

Bran was silent, as if thinking what his fiancée’s cousin said. He released me, and stepped back like he was disgusted by the contact.

“Go to the kitchen.” He ordered.

“Yes, Alpha,” 

He turned and stormed out, slamming the door so hard that the walls shook.

I swayed as strength drained from my body. Grayson rushed and caught me. 

“Easy,” he murmured. He helped me sit back on the bed gently. 

Fear wrapped around my ribs. Every breath I took hurt.

“Thank you,” I said faintly.

He nodded quietly. 

Then I straightened, forcing my voice to be steady. “Please… leave.” His brown eyes locked on me. “Please,” I repeated. “Don’t come here again. Bran flared up because he saw you inside my room. He'd commanded me not to let anyone inside my room.”

Grayson nodded slowly. “I understand. Take care of yourself.” 

I watched his back as he moved toward the door. 

How could a man be quiet, understanding, kind, and gentle all at once? It was surreal.

I blinked when he stopped and turned back. 

“No one is going to save you. Only you can.” he said and left.

But his words etched deep in my heart.

I sat still for long, staring at the empty space, his words echoing in my mind.

I pushed myself off the bed, ignoring the pain in my back, and picked up the tray, containing my breakfast. Grayson’s words continued to ring in my mind as I ate. 

When I finished, I wiped my face, squared my shoulders, and walked toward the kitchen. My mind was made up. No one was going to save me.