Chapter 140
She’s POV
Rydech eyes widened when he saw Adrian’s face as we approached the ear.
Bruises were already forming along his jaw, the skin around his tight eye beginning to swell.
“What happened?” Ryder asked, gate darting between us. In the third
wo days away? Why would ynu-
“hat drive,” I cut him off, sliding into the backset, Take us back to the hotel.
Adrian climbed in beside me, maintaining a deliberate distance. His eyes fixed on the window, expression unreadable save for the muscle twitching in his clenched jaw. I’d never seen him like this–coll, withdrawn, almost flightening in his silence. This wasn’t the warm man I’d fallen for
“So…” Ryder attempted after a few minates of uncomfortable silence. “Did you guys mert Alpha King Thomas? I heard he’s nearly seven feet tall–is that
“Yes,” I answered flatly, staring at my hande
“Where’s Lydia?” Ryder tried again. “Shouldn’t she be with you?”
Alpha Xavier will bring her back later.”
I suck a glance at Adrian. His profile was rigid, eyes dark and stormy as they reflected the passing streetlights. His fingers drummed against his thigh- lightly controlled rhythm betraying his inner turmoil.
ence stretching between us like a physical barrier.
Ryder finally seemed to understand that conversation want welcome. He focused on driving, the silence
When we arrived at the hotel, I quickly thanked Ryder and moved toward the entrance, eager to escape to my room and process everything that had happened. I needed space, needed to think
A strong band wrapped around my waist, stopping me
“Where are you going?” Adrian’s voice was deceptively soft.
o my room,” I replied without turning. I thought you might want some time alone.”
Tor
“Why would you go back to your room?” His grip tightened slightly. “Aren’t you sleeping in mine tonight?”
I finally turned to face him. His expression had transformed from cold detachment to something possessive, almost predatory.
“Adrian, I-
“Let’s talk upstain,” he interrupted, guiding me firmly toward the elevator.
The ride up was excruciating. Neither of us spoke, but could feel waves of anger radiating from him. His scent had changed–sharper, more dominant, with notes of aggression I’d never detected before.
Once inside his suite, he locked the door and turned to me. His movements were measured, controlled, but his eyes betrayed the storm within.
“Did you really resist him?” Adrian asked, his voice dangerously low as he stepped closer.
He captured my chin between his fingers, riding my face up. “Leon. Did you actually resist him, or was that just for my benefit?”
Anger flared in my chest. “Are you seriously asking me that? You’re going to believe his manipulative bullshit?”
1/3
Chapter 140
“He’s your mate.” Adilan growled, the word mate dripping with contempt: “Your blood esili in his. Don’t tell me you felt nishing.
Something dark Mashed in Adrian’s eyes. Without warning, he lifted me off my feet and tossed me is the bed. I bounced against the attra momentarily stunned.
“Then prove it to me,” he demanded, looming over mr.
Before I could respond, he was on the bed, his weight pinning me down. His hands grabbed at my dress, tearing at the f
- fabric with characteristic
His fingers grated my skin, rough and urgent, as he pulled the pieces may. He leaned in, his lips crashing against mine in a forceful kiss, stealing my
breath
I tried to turn my head, but his hand gripped my jaw, hobling me in place. Its other hand slid down my body, fingers brushing over my chest and stomach, leaving a trail of heat.
Then, with a sharp tur, he tore my panties off, the sound of ripping fabric echoing in the room. His body pressed closer, his intent clear as he positioned himself, trying to push himself into me. His breath was hot against my ear, heavy with need,
His fingers dug into my hips, pulling me against him, his touch both familiar and foreign. He kissed my neck, lips trailing down to my collarbone, sucking hard enough to leave marks. His hands reamed lower, exploring my thighs, sperading them with a possessive grip.
My ski My skin burned under his touch, a mix of desire and fear. His eyes, dark with hunger, locked onto mine as he pressed himself closer, his arousal enidest. He whispered my name, voice thick with lust, his fingers teasing sensitive skin.
I used to love his touch, his kisses, but the way he treated me now only brought pain.
“Adrian, stop!” I pushed against his chest. ‘Not like
e this!”
He wasn’t listening. His eyes had taken on an amber glow–his wolf rising close to the surface.
“You’re mine,” he growled, his mouth descending to my neck, teeth grazing the sensitive skin where a mating mark would be placed. “I should have marked you already.”
Terror shot through me–not of Adrian himself, but of what this meant. A mark given in anger, in jealousy, would bind us forever in the worst possible way. This wasn’t love this was possession.
Stop it! I shouted, struggling harder.
ill make you forget him,” Adrian muttered, his voice deeper, rougher. ‘I’ll make sure everyone knows you’re mine.”
When his teeth pressed harder against my neck, preparing to break skin, something in me snapped. I summoned all my strength and slapped him hard across the face.
The crack echoed in the sudden silence.
Adrian froze, blinking rapidly as if waking from a trance. He stared at me, then at my torn dress, horror dawning in his eyes as he realized what bed almost
done.
\‘Skye…he whispered, voice breaking. “I didn’t mean-
1 scrambled away from him, clutching the ruined fabric of my dress against my body, bears streaming down my fare.
“I am not a trophy to be fought over, I said, my voice shaking with rage and hurt. “I’m not fome possession for you and run to compete for
I fled to my own room, slamming the door behind me and sliding down against it as sobs wracked my body.
The tattered remains of my dress hung from my shoulders–a physical reminder of how quickly trust could be torn apart.
