Chapter two

~JESSICA POV~

Cold water splashes over me, jolting me awake from a vivid nightmare. I scream as my body struggles to adjust to the shocking chill.

I'm in a dark, unfamiliar room with only a sliver of light seeping through the window above. And right in front of me, a familiar face stares back – Alpha Tristan. His presence confirms that my nightmare was all too real.

"Again," Tristan mutters, his large frame leaning against the doorway, his eyes fixed intently on me.

The towering man with a scar on his face approaches me, carrying another bucket of ice water. He splashes it over me violently, and I try to move, my body stiffening in shock.

"Ugh...!" I suppress a scream, but it's a struggle. I'm bound to the chair with ropes wrapped tightly around my stomach!

Tristan's dark eyes roam over me with intensity. "Leave," he orders the man, who bows and exits immediately.

"Hmm." Tristan strides towards me, his fingers closing around my chin like a vice. "Normally, I wouldn't bother to watch you get drenched,"

"Then why are you here?" I demand, my voice steady despite the fear simmering beneath. "You've already destroyed my pack, my family." My chest heaves, and my body trembles from the cold, but I refuse to back down.

"Because you're my mate," Tristan purrs, his thumb brushing against my lower lip. I jerk my head to the side, goosebumps erupting on my skin.

"Look at me." Tristan's grip on my chin tightens, forcing me to face him.

"Let go of me." I glare at him, while he regards me with an unreadable expression.

"You can feel it, can't you?" he whispers, his face inches from mine. "The mate bond that connects us. It's roaring, isn't it?" His words send a shiver down my spine, and my stomach twists into knots.

"I, Jessica Ambrose, reject you, Alpha Tristan Leroy, as my mate," I declare, my voice firm.

Tristan's face darkens. "I do not accept your rejection," he states, releasing my chin and standing up straight.

"Why?!" I scream, tears blurring my vision, my heart pounding fiercely with rage. "Our packs have never had bad blood. My uncle never hurt your pack or your family, so why did you kill him? Why did you take my family, my home, away from me?"

Tristan's expression remains impassive, unmoved by my outburst. I'm left breathing hard, shivering with anger and grief, while his eyes show no hint of remorse.

"Do I need to answer your questions?" He says, his voice icy cold. "You should accept your fate. Your fate is to be my mate, to serve me for the rest of your life."

"I'm going to kill you!" I scream, fury coursing through my veins. "I'll wipe out your pack, and I'll make sure you feel the same pain you've inflicted on me. I'll avenge my pack!"

Tristan's eyes narrow filled with disappointment. "You talk as much as Richard," he says, his tone dripping with disdain. "I'm awfully disappointed."

I'm stunned, my ears ringing from his words. "What?" I breathe, outrage and shock warring for dominance.

"Your uncle died because of his mouth, princess," Tristan says, his voice low and menacing as he stalks towards me. He leans in close, his face inches from mine.

"And you..." His fingers brush against my cheek, sending a spark of heat through my icy body.

Why is my body reacting to him like this? I hate this!

Tristan's hand cups my face, his touch gentle. "You need to put that pretty mouth of yours to good use," he whispers. "Don't worry, I'll teach you."

My eyes widen in outrage, and before I can think, I slam my forehead against his nose. "Get away from me, bastard!"

Tristan doesn't flinch, his grip on my face unshakable. His touch remains gentle, even as my head throbs with pain. He's unscathed, except for the reddening of his nose.

"Do you want me to hurt you, princess?" He asks, his brow raised in amusement. His fingers brush against my lower lip, sending a spark of heat through my body. I'm frozen, unable to move away from his touch despite my growing revulsion.

I hate this. I hate him.

"You've already hurt me," I spit, trying to keep my voice steady. "You can't do worse than you already have, bastard."

Tristan's lips purse, and he nods as if he understands. His calm demeanor only fuels my anger.

"You're going to serve me, princess," he says, his voice dripping with condescension. "You'll be my slave in every way. I expect you to act like one."

His eyes never leave mine as he licks his lips, his gaze burning with intensity. "Don't think about acting smart,"

A deep frown etches my face. "You really think I won't ruin you?"

Tristan's smile grows wider. "Behave yourself, Princess."

My anger boils over. "I dare you to say that again."

He frowns, but I want more. I want to see tears in those dark onyx eyes, to witness pain carved on his face. But instead, he resumes his taunting, rubbing my lower lip, and that heat spreads through my body even more fiercely.

"Do you really think you're in a position to threaten me?" he asks, his voice dripping with amusement.

"I will avenge my pack," I growl, struggling fiercely against the chair. But it doesn't budge, and neither does he. Instead, he smirks, then chuckles, shaking his head as if I've just told a joke.

Rage courses through me, and I clench my fists. But then, his demeanor changes in an instant. He stops chuckling, his smile vanishes, and his face turns serious. His eyes go dead, and he says, "I'm looking forward to seeing you try, princess."