009

Ember's POV

Immediately we stepped inside the pack house, my breath hitched momentarily. I took a deep breath, the heavy air pressing down on me.

My step father's scent lingered literally everywhere, suffocating, overpowering and strong. His thick presence loomed over us, it was a reminder that I was trapped.

Zane tightened his grip around my wrists, it was the only thing that kept me connected to him as he dragged me as though I was a prisoner through the halls of the pack house.

The surroundings were icy, it hadn't changed a bit but it seemed as though everyone had long forgotten who I was or who I used to be in the pack.

My heart bled but I took a deep, shaky breath, trying to keep a straight, emotionless face. I didn't want to show any weakness because if I did, it would become worse.

Zane had not said a word ever since we returned, not even sparing me a glance. Whenever our gazes met, he always shifted it away almost immediately.

But as much as he tried to avoid me like a flame about to burn him whole, his scent still lingered in my nostrils, calling out to me. I could feel his wolf snarling beneath his skin, but his facade still didn't change.

Finally, when we arrived at the east wing, the servants rushed in almost immediately. My room hadn't changed a bit, it was suffocating and small, a little window giving the room a little ventilation.

I didn't say anything to Zane , there was no need. I could already feel the tension hovering above the air.

servant, tossing it to my bed corner and it tasted off, like they wanted me to suffer as I ate it.

My body ached, weak and throbbing and my wolf? She was silent. I couldn't even tell if she was still in there or if she had also given up on me.

**************

My step father, Alpha Magnus, greeted Zane and me like it was a big deal. He seemed really pleased with himself, smiling in a way that made me uncomfortable.

Everyone watched, looking cold and hungry for something to go wrong. "Zane," my step father said loudly, "Welcome back. You've been away too long."

Zane stood stiffly next to me, his jaw tight. He pulled away, hiding behind his usual wall. He wouldn't touch me or even look at me. He barely acknowledged me, and I didn't feel bad about it.

Not yet, anyway.

But the moment was ruined, and the atmosphere got tense. My father's eyes moved to the crowd, focusing on Kaela. That woman. She moved through the crowd, swaying her hips in a way that made every man stare.

She was everything I wasn't; bold, confident, and sexy. She stepped forward, smiling when she caught my eye.

The kind of smile that said, I'm going to cause trouble. And I wasn't sure if she was talking to me or Zane.

"Zane will be tied to Kaela," Alpha Magnus announced, his voice booming like a command, "For his own good."

I almost choked on my food. It felt like a punch to the face. My father's voice was smooth and controlling, making me feel trapped. Kaela's smile grew, her eyes fixed on Zane with a hungry look.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest, like something was torn and hurting, but I couldn't do anything.

Later that night, when the house was quiet, and the bad feelings still lingered, I walked through the gardens.

The moonlight shone through the trees like sharp blades, and I felt its pull, felt the wildness in me wanting to escape.

I didn't think about the danger. I didn't think about the risk. I needed him. Zane.

I found him training in the dark, his body moving smoothly, strength showing under his skin. He didn’t notice me until I was right in front of him, standing there with anger in my eyes.

Before he could say anything, I pushed him against the nearest tree, my hands on his chest, fingers gripping his shirt. “Do you want her?” I said harshly, my voice rough. “Does she make your cock twitch?”

He didn’t answer, his eyes dark with anger. His breath was uneven, the tension strong between us. I could feel it, the way he was fighting himself, fighting me. But I was done with this.

I was done with the games. With one quick motion, I dropped to my knees, pulling his pants down. The air smelled like sweat and night, and I was overwhelmed by the desire to claim him, to make him feel the way I’d been feeling for too long.

I didn’t wait for him to say what he wanted. I didn’t care. My lips wrapped around him, and I took him in with desperation, tears stinging my eyes.

I knew he was holding back, but I didn’t give him a choice. I wanted him to break. “I know you want me,” I whispered, my voice rough. “Fuck my throat and lie to me after.”

He groaned above me, his hands tight in my hair, pulling me deeper, pushing into me with strong force. I felt his heat, his cock pulsing against the back of my throat, and I took it all. I took it because I needed to.

I needed him to feel it, needed him to break. The sound of his groan, deep and rough, sent heat through my body.

He was losing control.

I knew it. And when he finally came, spilling down my throat with a curse, I could taste it, feel it, and it left a bitter sweetness.

He pulled away fast, his chest rising and falling, his eyes wide with guilt. “We can’t keep doing this,” he said, his voice shaking with emotion. “You’ll die. I won’t bury you.”

I stared at him, the taste of him still on my lips. I wanted to yell at him, to tell him he was the one who’d already buried me.

But I didn’t. Instead, I stood there, silent, as he turned away, leaving me with nothing but the cold night air.

I heard soft footsteps behind me. I looked back, my heart sinking when I saw Kaela standing there, smiling smugly.

“How cute,” she sneered, her voice full of disdain. “She still thinks she’s his mate.”