Chapter 34
Amica
Tespect Dane to take me back to Deckard, but as the ride stretches longer, it becomes clear that’s not his plan. The road we’re on started to look familiar, and a feeling settles in my gut.
He’s taking me back to his house
The Ironclaw mansion looms abeul, its dark, menacing silhouette sending a chill through me. As we drive through the gates, a wave of irritation and dread washes over me.
I hate this place.
Every stone of this mansion, every twisted tree in the yard, every smirking face of its pack members–all of it reminds me of everything I despise. The servants, Cameron, Dane, the bitches he was sleeping with.. I hate them all
Dane parks the car and wastes no time. He grabs me roughly, dragging me inside. His grip is unyielding, and though I resist, it’s no use. The moment we step into the house, the heavy air suffocates me, filling my lungs with memories I wish I could forget.
im and shoves me inside. The door slams shut behind me, the sound echoing in my ears like a final
Without a word, he hauls me to my former room verdict
The lock clicks, sealing me in
I stand frozen, staring at the all–too–familiar space. The walls seem to close in on me as memories I’ve fought to bury resurface–nights spent crying myself to sleep, days filled with loneliness and despair.
My chest tightens, and rage bubbles up, threatening to spill over. I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I fight the urge to scream.
I want to explode
I couldn’t hold it in any longer. A scream ripped from my throat as I swept everything off the dressing table, sending it crashing to the floor. The sound of glass shattering barely cased the storm raging inside me
What the hell is hes
rup to now!
Moments later, the door creaked open, and there he was–Dane. He strolled in casually, a smug grin plastered across his face, as if he hadn’t just dragged me back into this nightmare
“Wow, Amica“” he exclaimed, his voice oozing with mock sincerity. “I never thought I’d get the chance to talk to you again. You look good, I must say. Dressed like royalty, no les
He sauntered closer, lus tongue darting out to lick his lips
os like the snake be was
“What do you want from me this time, Dane!” I yelled, my voice trembling with anger. “Are you planning to sell me off again to the highest badder?”
His grin widened, clearly enjoying my fury.
“Oh, come on now,” he said, spreading his arms in mock innocence. “Don’t act like I didn’t do you a favor. You’re mated to the Alpha of the Bloodbane pack! If anything, I wish I were in your position right now.”
The audacity. My blood boiled at his words, and before I could stop myself, I spat back, “Then why don’t you put on a dress since you wish to be a woman, you fucking pussy!”
Dane moved closer, his hand landing on my face with a sharp sting
“You will not talk to me like that!” he yelled, his voice laced with anger. “I might not be your mate anymore, but I still have as much control over you!”
But his words no longer carried the weight they once did. I stared him down, unflinching. I wasn’t afraid of him anymore. That feart It was a thing of the past. He doesnt own me. Not now, not ever again. He was nothing more than a bloody kidnapper.
“What do you want from me, Dane! Why am I here?” I demanded, my anger simmering beneath my skin.
“The real question is why did you run away from the Bloodbane castle” he retorted, a smirk creeping onto his face. “What happened? Do you know that your mate is looking for you! He’s sent men all over Blackwater City in search of you. You must be feeling like some important shit right.
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Chapter 34
now–such a lucky ass!”
There was a glint in his eyes, twisted admiration masking malice.
“Tell me is the Alpha not fucking you like I used to?” he sneered, his tone venomous
Before I could respond, he sat beside me on the bed, far too close for comfort. His hand, uninvited and revolting, began to slide from my leg up to my thigh.
Disgust churned in my stomach as his touch ignited an uncontrollable rage inside me.
I brush him off, irritation bubbling within me
“That is none of your business!” I snap.
“Of course it is,” he retorts. “I sold you to the Alpha for a good token, and now you run away… Don’t you realize how that tarnishes my reputation What the hell is wrong with you, Amica? Why do you haunt me even when you’re not here?”
“Listen, you fool,” I say, my voice sharp with anger. “You have no right to bring me here. I do not belong to you anymore!”
“Oh?” he smirks. Then why did your new mate call me first to ask for help finding your He knows you’ll always be mine. He knows I am your first love, and you’ll always come running back to me. And let me tell you something Amica, I did miss you. There are nights when all I can think about is you. Even when I’m with other women. I imagine your face,” he says, has tone dripping with twisted affection.
“If Alpha Deckard asked for your help to find me, then why the hell am I here? Take me to him instead of dragging me to this depressing house!” 1 frustrated
Dane pauses, his eyes narrowing as though trying to read me. “Oh wow he mutters. Then, as if a realization strikes him, he scoffs. “I see what’s happening here. Don’t tell me you’ve started to have feelings for Deckard? Of course, you have. He’s richer and more powerful than I am. Women are scum!” he yells, his voice echoing in the dim room.
“You sound hurt, Dane,” I retort, my tone mocking “But you shouldn’t bet you sold me, remember?
“Yes, I remember!” he snaps, his voice rising. “But I never sold you to become his Luna. I thought you were going there to be his his sex slave or something But Luna” He lets out a bitter laugh, blowing a dismissive raspberry. “Does he even like you? I doubt he does!”
I sit there, watching Dane pace the room like a madman, his thoughts spinning out of control, his anger and confusion boiling over
“Listen, Amica,” Dane says, his tone shifting to something more serious. “I brought you here to ask you some important questions, and the quicker you give me answers, the quicker I release you.”
“Okay, ask your questions,” I reply, crossing my arms. Then, as my stomach growls loudly, I add truthfully. “But before that, can I get some food? I’m starving
His eyes widen slightly, and he nods enthusiastically. “Oh really? Of course! Without hesitation, he rushes out of the room.
As soon as the door closes behind him, I hear faint voices. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I quietly tiptoe to the door. Peeking through the crack, I spot Dane talking to Cameron just down the hallway.
“She’ll have no choice but to tell me everything she knows,” Dane says, his voice low but urgent. “She’s a member of the bloodbane pack now. The Apex Circle has their yearly gathering in a few days, which means they’ll announce their new members. Deckard promised to look into my application, I need to be sure that he did. That’s why we need someone on the inside
“Are
you sure she’ll talk? Cameron asks skeptically, his arms crossed as he leans against the wall.
Dane’s voice drifts through the crack of the door, sharp and calculating. “She doesn’t have a choice. She’s to be the Luna of the most powerful pack in Blackwater City. And I’m disappointed I didn’t know this earlier–I could have sold her for so much more! She must tell me everything she knows. The entire city is in disarray because this damn girl is missing!”
Cameron stays silent for a moment before Dane continues, “We still have the upper hand for now She doesn’t know the advantage she holds, she doesn’t realize the power she’ll gain as Luna. But I’ll make sure that never happens!”
Cameron chuckles lightly, leaning in closer. “I don’t think she can become as powerful as you’re imagining, Deckand doesn’t even like her. She had to run away from him because he treats her like garbage. It’s clear as day.
Dane grins, a sinister edge in his voice. “Then let’s hope it stays that way. We’ll do everything we can to keep it like
I step back from the door, my chest tight with anger and confusion. What the hell is he planning? Why is he so desperate to stop me from becoming Luna” And what does he think I know that’s so valuablet
Chaser 34
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I glama vgs, manyemang my eyes. “What wout of question te doar
“Well” he begins, feigning innocence, “he’s pamestul mul on nously weakbir; than 1 min. M least that miss he must make your happy. Lalud your a favor.
Dane huffs, throwing his hands up in stock exasperation. “The best you can do is show a bit of appreciation
like? What does he think about tw?
I smirk, saving the chances twist the ki “He bringly talks about yan?” I say ally
His face falls slightly, but he quickly monks it with a loved gem. “Marly, hole” be munters, his code laced wili beritation. I take another bite of food, pretending not to inther his slisappotatoent
“Oh, shoot op, bachy” Dane snaps, his voice filled vel cenou. “I know you’ve never warned anything penal tear me, bui
gove hum a mile. That makes me more impostat to him thank you’ll ever be. So tell me -The Apes Cinde Tonk he talk to you about it Who are that new Alphas set to be announced as niendiers?
I stay at hoon, stamused by the sheet alisonday of his words. He’s worse thanti remen
has convamed him entirely
“Listen, Dane,” Ubegin, keeping my voice as calm as proosable, “I knew nothing abosit what you’r
rdebusional. His longer for power
But he cuts me off before I can finish. “Of couse you don’t he barks, pising finisly. “Why so I even inthest Deckard is armun stone. Visa shakl kuone better–you tan away from him. And where did you cut tip? Back in my anal” He bites his lips, a sinister
“You kidnapped me!” I remind him
His pacing halis, and he states at
“Oh, please,” Dane says, his tone dripping with mockery, “tell me you weren’t elated when you found out I was the one to fad you best Annica, I know you. I know you miss me, and truthfully.. I nabos yout loo“.
I didn’t understand how the conversation stilled in this. His words felt like poison, each one making my skin crank.
He sat on the bed, far ton close to me, and his hands reached out, touching for in ways that made my stomach churn with disgust.
“Get your hands off me, Dansel” I snaps, glaring at him. “Deckard will find me, and you do not want to know what he’ll do to you if he finds ou you’ve laid a lundon me”
Daur lets enit a low chuckle, completely unbothered by my waning “Oh, forget Deckard, my love, but this what you His hand lingers, and | flinch, inching away as he leans in closer. “I rensender the way you tried the day I made you sign the divorce papers. I know you haven’t gotten.
He leans forward pressing his lips on mine, Out of tiles I slam his face with my hand as hand as I can…
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