Chapter 22
None of us had much appetite.picked at a plate of tender meat, barly tasting it. Freya sipped wine nervously white Scarlett devoured a fruit tart, seemingly the only one with any interest in foot.
After the meal, more silent attendants appeated and separated us. I was led down a different hallway than my friends, but I could still feel our mind–link connection. At least they hadn’t bound us with silver to block that.
Stay strong, I sent to them both. We’ll find each other again.
The room they’d assigned me was spacious but not extravagant. A large canopied bed dominated one wall, while comfortable seating and a writing desk filled the rest of the space. Wide windows looked out over the mountains, bars preventing any thoughts of escape.
I sank onto a sofa and exhaled deeply. How had I ended up here? Just days ago, I was Luna of Pineridge Pack, Matthew’s wife. Now I was a “tribute” in the Alpha King’s fortress, separated from everything I’d known.
My thoughts drifted to Matthew. I hoped he was okay, that he’d move on and forget me. If the Alpha King ever granted me freedom, I wouldn’t return to Matthew. Not after he’d chosen Isabelle over me. The betrayal still stung like an open wound.
The sound of the doorknob turning snapped me from my thoughts. My muscles tensed, primed for fight or flight even though both options were impossible.
He stepped into the room, and the air instantly changed – becoming thicker, heavier with his presence. Augustin Levenston, the Alpha King of Clifflands, wasn’t formally dressed as he had been in the throne room. He was wearing a loose cotton shirt, with the buttons not fastened all the way up, giving off a lazy vibe. Even though he had on long pants, you could still make out his well- developed leg muscles.
His dark eyes, flecked with silver, locked onto mine. I forced myself not to look away despite the pressure of his dominance rolling over me in waves.
“Bold,” he remarked, his deep voice rumbling through the room. “Do you know what happens to those who look me in the eyes without permission?”
I swallowed but kept my gaze steady. “Perhaps you should educate me.”
One corner of his mouth twitched. “How old are you?”
“Twenty–five,” I answered.
He nodded slowly. “Mature. Bold and beautiful.” He moved closer, his scent filling my nostrils. “No woman has ever captured my attention like you have. Why did you surrender yourself?”
“It was better than having your men destroy everything I care about
He studied me, head tilted slightly, “You have Luna potential. Leonardo chose well, though he was too weak for you.”
The casual dismissal of Matthew sparked a flare of anger. I knew Matthew had betrayed me, but hearing this stranger judge him
fanned an unexpected protective instinct.
“I wouldn’t waste your type on entertainment,” he continued.
I couldn’t stop the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. “I suppose the King doesn’t touch used goods.”
His movement was so swift I barely registered it. Suddenly, he was directly in front of me, one large hand gently circling my throat.
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Chapter 22
His grip was light but the threat unmistakable. I forced myself to meet his gaze despite my racing heart.
“Never say that again, Berry.” Ife said. His thumb traced my pulse pont. “You are mine.
He released me, but didn’t step back. Instead, he leaned closer, his nose brushing against my neck as he inhaled deeply, taking in my scent. Then, without another word, he turned and left.
I collapsed to the floor, my heart hammering so hard I could feel it my fingertips. My hands trembled as I touched my throat where his fingers had been.
What? I asked Seraphine, but my wolf was equally stunned.
Chapter Comments
Suzie Cue
who is leonardo??
