The Alpha's Desire Series Book 4 by Black Barbie

In the world of Alphas, power is law and mates are claimed, not chosen.

One reckless night binds her to a pack ruled by violence and secrets. Marked by an Alpha who thrives on control, desired by others who refuse to let fate decide for them, she becomes the spark that ignites old rivalries and new wars.

Each Alpha wants something different.

Protection. Possession. Revenge.

None of them are willing to lose.

As the mate bond tightens and blood is spilled in her name, she learns the truth love is not the danger. Power is.

Because in a world where Alphas never share, the greatest sin is wanting more than one… and surviving it.

Prologue

The sharp echo of heels striking polished marble filled the room, each step measured, deliberate.

Then she appeared.

A slender figure slipped into his line of sight, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a slow, dangerous smirk.

The dress she wore clung to her like a second skin, sinfully precise, outlining every curve. Her caramel-toned skin shimmered under the soft lighting, glowing with an almost hypnotic warmth. And those hazel eyes… they locked onto his, unflinching, meeting the intensity of his jade-green gaze without hesitation.

“You finally decided to grace me with your presence,” he murmured, his voice deep and smooth, laced with something darker beneath.

His gaze dragged over her slow, unapologetic, from head to toe as though he owned the right to do so.

“Eyes up here.”

Her voice was soft, but stripped of emotion.

Dominique didn’t respond immediately. He simply watched her, calm on the surface, though tension coiled beneath as Inés stepped closer. Her fingers hovered near his shoulder before gliding downward, brushing lightly across his chest.

The touch was barely there.

And yet, his body reacted instantly muscles tightening.

She didn’t stop.

A faint, knowing smirk curved her lips as her hands traced lower, over the firm planes of his chest and down along the defined lines of his abs. His breath hitched, sharp and involuntary.

Her smile deepened.

“Untie me,” he growled, the sound low and commanding, vibrating through the air like a threat wrapped in silk.

Her gaze lifted, meeting his.

His jaw was tight, brows drawn together in restrained fury. Veins stood out along his neck, but it was his eyes that held her attention the pupils blown wide, swallowing the green until only thin rims of jade remained.

Wild. Untamed.

“But you look good this way,” she said lightly.

She stepped back, taking her time as she looked him over.

Silver chains bound him, biting into his skin with a faint, burning glow. The top buttons of his grey shirt hung open, exposing his chest. His dark hair was tousled, disheveled but his eyes… they held a richness that could ruin anyone who dared linger too long.

“What kind of f*cking spell did you put me under?” Dominique snarled, his voice edged with irritation and something dangerously close to disorientation.

A soft laugh spilled from her lips, sweet and airy, and it sent his pulse racing against his will.

“Oh, I learned it just for you,” she replied, almost playfully. “And I’d say I did quite well.”

Her gaze flickered briefly to his wrists, where the chains burned against his skin.

Then she stepped closer again.

Close enough to feel the heat between them but not touching.

“Does it hurt?” she asked, her tone deceptively innocent.

“Do you really think that’s enough to hurt me?” he shot back coldly.

Her eyes lit with quiet excitement.

“You see…” she murmured, her voice lowering as she rose onto her toes, leaning in close. Her breath brushed against his ear, warm and intimate.

“You once told me… pain and pleasure go hand in hand.”

Her lips barely grazed his skin before she pulled away.

His gaze burned into hers as she smiled, her fingers lifting to trace the sharp line of his jaw.

“I hope you’re enjoying yourself,” she whispered.

The glint in her eyes sent his heart slamming hard against his ribs.

His lips pressed into a thin line. He held himself rigid, as if even breathing her in would undo what little control he had left.

She cupped his jaw deliberately, forcing his eyes to meet hers again.

“Cat got your tongue?” she teased softly, echoing words he’d thrown at her countless times before.

But this time… everything had shifted.

His eyes darkened.

“Careful, little witch,” he warned, his voice rough with restrained heat. “You’re playing with fire. It will burn you.”

He would never admit it but this version of her, bold and fearless, was unraveling him.

She gasped theatrically, feigning innocence. Her thumb brushed over his lips slow, deliberate before she brought it to her own mouth. She pressed a kiss to it… then dragged her tongue lightly across it.

The reaction was immediate.

His eyes turned darker, something primal surfacing as he strained against the chains, a low, frustrated sound escaping him.

Her smile widened.

Damn it… he had never seen her like this before so alive, so unrestrained. And worse… he was completely under her spell.

“Fire, you say?” she murmured thoughtfully, lowering her gaze.

His followed instinctively.

A curse slipped under his breath.

“The fire in your pants seems far more urgent,” she added, amusement dancing in her eyes, those hazel depths now flickering with hints of violet mischief.

She was enjoying every second.

Even in heels, she barely reached his height but tonight, that didn’t matter.

Tonight, she held the power.

“Do you want me to help you?” she asked softly, lifting her gaze to meet his with wide, deceptively innocent eyes.

Dominique swallowed hard, caught off guard.

Would she?

The boldness in her tone made it impossible to resist.

“Why not,” he rasped, his voice rough, his eyes locked onto hers with unfiltered anticipation.

Inés hesitated.

Just slightly.

He caught it the subtle movement of her throat as she swallowed, the flicker of nerves she tried to mask.

Then she stepped forward, closing the distance until her body brushed against his.

A low sound rumbled in his chest satisfaction, raw and instinctive.

Her hand trembled faintly as it hovered near his belt.

He noticed.

And he waited.

Impatient. Burning.

Every nerve in his body screamed with need whether from the spell, the drug, or her… he couldn’t tell anymore.

All he knew was that he wanted her.

Badly.

“Go on,” he urged, his voice thick, unsteady.

“You want this?” she asked softly, her gaze locking with his deep, searching, full of something dangerous.

“I do.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them.

His jaw tightened.

Damn it.

Magic.

She had forced the truth from him.

Inés tilted her head slightly, then rose onto her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

He froze.

Was this real? Or was he losing his mind?

At this point… he didn’t care.

Dream or not he wanted more.

“Inés”

“Go f*ck yourself.”

Her voice was smooth. Final.

She stepped back, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.

His eyes widened.

No.

She wouldn’t

“Witch!” he snarled, fury blazing in his gaze.

“Alpha,” she replied sweetly, lifting a hand in a casual wave before turning and walking away.

And just like that

She left him there.

Bound. Burning. Furious.

No one had ever humiliated him like this.

No one.

His jaw clenched, rage simmering beneath the surface.

The little witch would pay for this.

Blurb

Chapter 1

Chapter 5

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

Chapter 2

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She struggled to wrench her arm free, but his grip was unyielding, tight enough to promise bruises blooming beneath her skin.

His scent wrapped around her rich cologne layered with something raw, earthy. It would have been pleasant… if it belonged to anyone else.

“Let go. You’re hurting me,” she said, her voice strained as she tried again to pull away.

He didn’t release her.

Her body trembled uncontrollably, the shivers worsening when he stepped closer. His chest brushed against hers, and she flinched instinctively, shoulders curling inward. Tears gathered along her lash line as fear swallowed her whole. She bit down on her lower lip, hard, desperate to keep the whimpers from slipping out.

What if crying made it worse?

What if it provoked him?

Her lip quivered anyway. Her lashes fluttered with the sting of pain as the tears she tried so hard to hold back finally spilled, one trailing down her cheek, then another, then another. She kept her gaze down, refusing to look at him, teeth digging into her lip to stay silent.

That was when Dominique knew.

She was hiding something.

He trusted his instincts more than anything, and right now, they were screaming at him. She wasn’t being honest.

He could have been lenient.

Under different circumstances, maybe he would have been.

But this wasn’t just anyone.

This was about Henri.

The same bastard who had attacked Damien… who had abducted Jacqueline, tried to kill her unborn child, would have succeeded, would have marked her through one of his filthy men if they hadn’t gotten there in time.

Henri had crossed a line.

And Dominique would not could not ignore anything that might help him take that man down.

A soft sniffle broke through his thoughts.

His gaze dropped to his hand still wrapped around her arm. His hold was firm, too firm but her arm… it was delicate. Fragile. He could break it without even trying.

His eyes lingered on her slender wrist, on the way her small fingers weakly tried to pry him off.

She was too fragile.

Too breakable.

And yet, she hadn’t said a word. Not a protest beyond the first. She endured it, swallowing the pain instead of reacting.

Force wasn’t working.

Not with her.

With a sharp exhale, Dominique released her abruptly, dragging a hand down his face before pressing his palm against his forehead. His other hand rested on his hip as he let out a breath, slow and heavy.

She watched him, frozen, fear etched into every inch of her face.

She thought he was going to hurt her.

Turning his back to her, he gave her the opportunity.

And she almost took it.

Her trembling hand reached for the doorknob.

She barely touched it before he turned.

The sudden movement made her jerk back instantly, as though burned.

His gaze caught the fear in her eyes raw, unfiltered.

He paused.

So that’s how it was.

She was afraid of him.

Good.

That meant he could change tactics.

“I’m sorry.”

The words came out quieter than expected.

He dragged a hand over his face again, as if the apology itself surprised him.

Inés stilled completely, staring at him in shock.

Did he just apologize?

“Sit down,” he said, stepping aside, giving her space.

She didn’t move.

Instead, she rubbed her arm, wincing faintly. The throbbing had already set in she knew it would bruise.

Dominique exhaled, then crossed the distance again. His large hand wrapped around hers, and she jolted at the contact but he was already pulling her toward the center of the room.

Before she could resist, he guided her down onto the couch.

Her eyes widened almost comically when he lowered himself in front of her.

Crouching.

Both hands braced on either side of her, resting on the couch near her hips.

He noticed her reaction.

And almost smirked.

But he masked it well, letting his expression settle into something resembling regret.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated. “I shouldn’t have hurt you like that.”

She didn’t respond.

Didn’t move.

Just sat there, stiff as stone.

No one had ever done this before, no man had ever lowered himself in front of her, looking up at her with something that resembled guilt.

It was unfamiliar.

Disorienting.

For a fleeting second, it almost felt like she had control.

“I didn’t mean to be rough,” he continued, his tone softer now. “But Henri… he’s hurt my family. And I can’t sit back while he’s still out there.”

His eyes never left her.

He watched everything.

Every blink. Every shift of her fingers. Every uneven breath.

She lowered her gaze, fidgeting slightly with her hands.

He had seen this before.

Every liar he had ever interrogated had looked like this hesitant, avoiding eye contact, trying to hold their story together.

And every single one of them had cracked.

Eventually.

Looking at her now, small, trembling, refusing to meet his gaze it was obvious.

She wasn’t telling him everything.

But what was she hiding?

Had Henri sent her here?

Was she planted to gather information? To kill someone?

It could be anything.

And that innocent face of hers… it would fool anyone.

Faces like that made the best weapons.

“I need your help,” Dominique said, leaning closer, trying to catch her eyes but she ducked her head even lower. “Tell me everything. Help me find him.”

“I don’t know anything,” she said, her voice barely steady. “H-he ran.”

He noticed it then.

Her hands were shaking.

Was it fear?

Or him?

Reaching out, he cupped her chin, lifting her face toward his

But she reacted instantly, springing to her feet so abruptly that he had no choice but to stand as well.

And just like that, his height swallowed her again.

Towering.

Oppressive.

“I want to leave,” she said.

“You’re lying,” he hissed.

Her eyes snapped up at that.

Confusion flickered across her face.

What was he?

One moment ruthless. The next… apologetic. Then back to something dark and dangerous.

Her heart stumbled under the weight of his gaze, those cold, piercing eyes boring into her.

Before he could push further

The door opened.

Damien stood there.

His eyes darkened the moment he noticed the tears still streaking her cheeks. His gaze shifted to Dominique, sharp with accusation, as he stepped inside.

“Go, Inés. Arianna’s waiting for you,” Damien said firmly. “And wipe your tears.”

She didn’t hesitate.

Not even for a second.

She rushed past them and out of the room.

Dominique watched her go, a thought nagging at him.

Why hadn’t she used her magic to escape?

“I don’t trust her,” he said flatly.

“We’ve already heard all three of their statements,” Damien replied. “They match. They’re not lying. And they’re willing to help us against Henri.”

He sighed.

“She’s hiding something,” Dominique insisted.

“Do you have proof?” Damien asked. “Can you prove it?”

Dominique’s jaw tightened.

“I will,” he said. “Just wait.”

He turned toward the door.

“I’m never wrong about people.”

—

Present

Dominique cast one last look at the cottage before turning away.

She’d come back.

Eventually.

And when she did

He’d be watching.

This time, he wouldn’t miss anything.

He would find the evidence he needed.

And when he did, he would show everyone exactly what she was.

A liar.

“That witch,” he growled under his breath, his voice cold as he kicked a heavy stone. It skidded across the ground before plunging into the pond with a sharp splash.

All because of her.

He’d been forced to take a damn cab from the hospital earlier. And to make it worse, that useless driver had dumped him halfway down the highway, claiming there was no signal beyond that point.

No signal.

Dominique had been left there, stranded like some helpless civilian.

He’d walked actually walked before swallowing his pride and asking a stranger for a ride.

Him.

Reduced to that.

The humiliation still burned in his chest. Sitting in a cab alone had already been bad enough, but asking for a lift? Unforgivable. His Mustang would’ve disowned him on the spot if it had a soul.

And it was all because of that hazel-eyed witch.

He couldn’t even shift into his wolf in that area the woods were crawling with hunters.

His jaw tightened.

He should’ve taught her a proper lesson.

But where the hell had she gone?

He had seen it the faint shimmer of gold lining the portal as it vanished beneath the pond’s surface.

Her portal magic.

It irritated him more than he cared to admit.

And then there was the crying the trembling, the act.

Did she really think he’d fall for that innocent façade like everyone else?

Pathetic.

Turning on his heel, Dominique strode back into the cottage, his expression dark as he glared at everything in sight the table, the walls, the empty space that felt too still without her presence.

Cécile wasn’t back yet.

That much was obvious.

And that complicated things.

Dominique couldn’t just leave Inés alone not when she had information now.

At first, he hadn’t wanted to bring her to the hospital at all. But then Charlotte’s voice had come through the phone shaking, desperate and he hadn’t had a choice.

Now Inés knew about Gérard.

And that alone made her a liability.

He was certain of it sooner or later, she would contact Henri. She would pass along everything she had learned.

That was exactly why he hadn’t wanted to involve her in the first place.

But he’d been forced into it.

His phone rang, the sharp sound cutting through the silence. He answered without hesitation.

“Where are you?” Damien’s voice came through.

“I’m at Cécile’s place,” Dominique replied, his tone clipped.

There was a pause.

Then, “How did you even find that place?”

“I figured it out,” he said flatly.

Another pause.

“Where’s Inés?”

There was a shift in Damien’s voice subtle, but there.

Dominique’s jaw clenched.

“We’re… having a conversation,” he said coolly.

“Put her on the phone.”

Dominique shut his eyes briefly, irritation flaring.

His brother knew him too well.

“She’s not here,” he admitted, his voice hardening. “And before you start lecturing me she opened one of her damned portals and disappeared.”

“What the hell did you do?” Damien snapped.

Dominique exhaled sharply, already annoyed.

“Nothing,” he said. “I came to talk. Civilly. She’s the one who decided to vanish.”

“You expect me to believe that?” Damien muttered.

“You’re too trusting,” Dominique shot back. “I’m not.”

“And yet you trust Santiago and Arianna.”

“That’s different,” Dominique replied sharply. “I spoke to her alone. She lied.”

“You scared her, Dominique.”

—

Past

He had opened the door for her like a gentleman.

A lie, of course. There was nothing gentlemanly about him.

He thrived on interrogation.

The petite girl stepped inside, her hazel eyes flickering nervously as he closed the door behind her.

Locked it.

The sound alone made her flinch.

“Relax,” he said casually, walking further into the room. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

Another lie.

If she posed a threat to his pack, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Inés remained where she stood, not daring to move deeper into the room. She shifted her weight slightly, her gaze fixed on the floor as though it held all her attention.

Dominique studied her in silence for a moment.

She was small barely reaching 5’6 making her seem even more fragile beside his 6’2 frame.

And she was beautiful.

There was no denying it.

Her caramel-toned skin carried a soft glow, her wide hazel eyes almost too expressive. Her lips were full, her face delicately shaped. Long, jet-black hair fell straight down her back, reaching her waist like a dark cascade.

His gaze dropped briefly.

Baggy clothes.

Hiding.

Interesting.

When she finally looked up, their eyes met.

His cold jade gaze clashed with her warm, uncertain one.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Inés.”

He waited.

She swallowed.

“Inés Colin,” she added quietly.

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

The same age as Charlotte.

“I’m going to ask you a few questions,” he said evenly. “I expect honesty. I’m not cruel to those who tell the truth… but liars?”

His voice dipped slightly.

“I show no mercy.”

The warning hung in the air, sharp and deliberate.

She stiffened, lowering her gaze with a small nod.

He could see it she was uncomfortable. The locked door, the enclosed space, his presence it was all too much for her.

“Tell me everything,” he continued, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the couch. “Where you were born. Your parents. Siblings. I want it all.”

She hesitated just for a second.

Then she spoke.

“I was born in the Black Blade pack,” she said, her voice flat. “My mother was a witch. She died giving birth to me. My father was a wizard… he raised me until I was seven. Then rogues killed him while protecting me.”

A pause.

“Alpha Henri took me in after that. My father had been his advisor, so… he kept me. Raised me.”

Her tone didn’t change.

“So I could become his weapon.”

Another pause.

“I don’t have any siblings.”

Dominique watched her closely.

“Was Henri kind to you?”

“No,” she murmured, barely audible.

“It’s rare,” he said slowly, “a witch and a wizard. You should be powerful.”

She didn’t respond.

Interesting.

He tilted his head slightly, studying her.

Timid. Quiet.

But that meant nothing.

If she was hiding something, he would find it.

He moved.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Closing the distance between them.

Her head snapped up, panic flashing across her face.

“W-what are you”

Her back hit the door.

She twisted instinctively, reaching for the handle

But he was faster.

He grabbed her arm, yanking her back toward him.

“I told you not to lie to me!” he thundered, his grip tightening painfully around her arm.

Her eyes widened, shock freezing her in place.

He watched her reaction carefully.

Every flicker. Every shift.

It was a tactic.

If she hadn’t lied, she would’ve denied it outright.

But shock?

Hesitation?

That meant something.

A slow, dangerous smirk spread across his lips.

“So…” he murmured, his voice dropping. “You did lie to me, Inés.”

“Why did you leave without my permission?” he ground out, his voice sharp enough to cut.

“I’m not obligated to ask for it,” she shot back, straightening as she shoved his hand away. Her glare locked onto his, fierce and unyielding, their faces so close their noses nearly brushed.

She had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze, while he loomed over her, towering, seething.

“First, you barged into m-my house looking for Cécile, and w-when you didn’t find her, you dragged me to the hospital,” she snapped, anger lacing every word. “You knew I can’t even control my magic.”

His eyes narrowed, a silent warning.

“And yet,” he rasped, “you saved him. Only someone skilled in magic could’ve done that.”

“Move,” she bit out, her teeth clenched. He was too close far too close.

Her breath hitched as she instinctively leaned back, flinching when he stepped even nearer, invading every inch of her space. His body hovered just a breath away from hers, forcing her shoulders to draw in.

“Make me,” he murmured.

God, she couldn’t stand him.

These past months without him had been the closest thing to peace she’d ever known. And now he’d found her, found the one place she thought was safe. He wouldn’t stop. Not until he’d made her life unbearable again.

“Dominique”

“Inés.”

She hated the way her name sounded on his lips too smooth, too deliberate. Distracting in the worst way.

“I’m not your chauffeur,” she muttered under her breath.

Just because she could open a portal didn’t mean she existed to serve him. He’d expected her to take him straight back to his pack house but she hadn’t. She’d left.

Quietly.

And that had clearly infuriated him.

“Did he contact you?” he asked suddenly.

Her brows drew together.

She didn’t need clarification. She knew exactly who he meant.

“I’ve told you before, and I’ll say it again,” she said, her voice firm despite the tremor in her chest. “I have no contact with Henri. If anything, he wants me dead for leaving his pack.”

Dominique clicked his tongue.

She tried to hold herself together to appear calm, unaffected but inside, her heart trembled violently. His presence alone was enough to keep her nerves stretched thin.

He thrived on it.

On the fear she refused to show.

“Keep pretending,” he said coolly. “Play innocent all you want. It won’t last. Sooner or later, I’ll expose you.”

The casual way he said it as though he hadn’t just accused her of something she hadn’t done made her stomach twist.

“I’m not”

“Time for your punishment.”

His smile was sudden.

And dangerous.

Her eyes widened just as he grabbed her, hauling her effortlessly over his shoulder. She let out a sharp cry, pounding her fists against his back as he strode out of the cottage without hesitation.

“Let go!” she screamed, panic clawing its way up her throat. “Put me down!”

He stopped abruptly.

Before she could react, he shifted her, lifting her off his shoulder and catching her in his arms, holding her bridal-style.

She gasped.

Their eyes met.

“This is for leaving me behind,” he said flatly.

Her head snapped toward the dark pond nearby, dread flooding her veins.

“No”

But he didn’t listen.

Without a second thought, he tossed her in.

Water exploded around her as she plunged beneath the surface.

She broke through seconds later with a loud gasp, choking for air as her heart thundered wildly in her ears. Her lungs burned as she struggled to breathe, her body trembling violently.

It was freezing.

A cough tore from her throat as she wrapped her arms tightly around herself, trying to contain the shivers racking through her body. Tears blurred her vision, hot against her cold skin.

She hated him.

So much.

Ever since she escaped that nightmare of a life, Dominique had made sure to become another one.

He never trusted her.

Not once.

The way he looked at her like she was something rotten, something dangerous like he was just waiting for her to prove him right.

She had been relieved to leave the Ancient Blood Pack, to stay with Cécile, believing distance would free her from him.

But now

He knew where she was.

And he wouldn’t stop.

Her chin trembled as she fought back tears.

Dominique crouched at the edge of the pond, staring down at her soaked, shaking form.

“I’m not soft like my brother,” he said coldly. “So don’t expect kindness from me.”

His jade eyes moved over her, slow and assessing, lingering briefly at her throat as it bobbed with a shaky swallow before flicking back to her face.

She refused to meet his gaze.

Even now, even terrified, she wouldn’t give him what he wanted.

“Tell me what you’re planning with Henri,” he pressed, his voice tightening, “and I won’t hurt you.”

“G-go to hell,” she spat, her voice trembling but defiant.

His brows lifted slightly surprised.

Then his expression darkened.

“Maybe I should bring hell to you,” he hissed, rising to his feet.

Before he could take another step

A portal opened beneath her.

The water swallowed her whole.

—

Inés stumbled out onto solid ground, collapsing onto the rough forest floor as she coughed violently, water spilling from her lips.

Her hands pressed into the dirt as she fought to breathe, her chest heaving.

Tears burned behind her eyes, but she forced them back.

Slowly, she dragged herself backward until her spine hit the trunk of a tree. Resting against it, she closed her eyes briefly, trying to steady herself.

She had opened the portal just far enough into the forest, away from the cottage.

Away from him.

She couldn’t be near that man.

Not anymore.

She hated him for doubting her. For refusing to see her for anything other than a threat.

Everyone else in his family had shown her kindness. Trust.

But not him.

Never him.

What gave him the right?

Just because he was powerful, he thought he could control everything everyone.

Not her.

Never her.

She would learn.

She would master her magic.

And one day

She would return every ounce of this treatment back to him.

With interest.

Tilting her head back, she stared through the gaps in the trees, where fragments of the sky peeked through.

A soft, broken sigh slipped past her lips.

“If you were here, Mom…” she whispered, her voice fragile. “Things wouldn’t be like this.”

A single tear escaped, trailing silently down her cheek before she wiped it away.

Wrapping her arms tightly around herself, she tried to hold in what little warmth remained.

Her head throbbed.

Her body felt empty.

She had already drained herself saving Gérard and now this.

Dominique had pushed her past her limits again.

Heartless.

Cruel.

A true Alpha in the worst way.

She had to stay away from him.

No matter what.

“Open your mouth, Inés.”

The man’s grin was sharp, unsettling. His voice crawled over her skin, sending a violent shiver down her spine as she struggled against him.

But no matter how hard she fought, her body refused to obey.

She was suspended upside down.

Her hair hung freely toward the ground, strands swaying as blood rushed painfully to her head. The black ropes binding her wrists and ankles cut into her skin, biting deeper with every strained movement.

Her vision blurred.

Her head spun.

Her eyes, glassy with unshed tears, darted wildly as she twisted her face away from his grip.

His response was immediate cruel.

He yanked her head back into place, fingers digging in before forcing his thumb into her mouth.

“Your resistance is… entertaining,” he murmured, his tone laced with twisted amusement as his thumb pressed against her tongue.

Revulsion surged through her.

Without hesitation, she bit down hard.

He hissed, jerking his hand back, his expression darkening as a low growl rumbled from his chest.

“So, you don’t appreciate my kindness?” he sneered.

Before she could react, the ropes were cut.

Her body dropped.

She hit the floor at an unnatural angle, pain exploding through her limbs as a broken cry tore from her throat.

A hand clamped around her ankle.

He dragged her effortlessly, mercilessly across the floor toward the center of the room.

She screamed.

Begged.

Pleaded for someone anyone to hear her.

But no one came.

The blue-eyed monster only smiled.

“Easy now, little pigeon,” he cooed, his voice sickeningly gentle. “Everything’s going to be just fine.”

His hand slid up then tightened around her throat.

Her eyes flew open.

Inés bolted upright in bed, gasping for air.

Her chest heaved violently as sweat clung to her skin, beads forming along her forehead and trickling down her temples.

Another nightmare.

Her trembling hand pressed against her chest, as though she could quiet the frantic pounding of her heart.

The sound of it roared in her ears.

Her hazel eyes darted frantically around the darkened room, scanning every shadow, every corner making sure she was alone.

Only when silence answered her did she move.

She slipped out of bed, her legs unsteady, and made her way to the bathroom. Gripping the edge of the sink, she leaned forward and splashed cold water onto her face, dragging in shaky breaths.

When she looked up, her reflection stared back at her exhausted, hollow.

The dullness in her eyes was impossible to ignore.

Dark circles framed them, betraying nights filled with terror instead of rest.

With a quiet sigh, she turned away.

Her bare feet padded softly against the floor as she moved into the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of water and drank it in one long gulp.

Still, it did little to help.

She felt drained.

Weak.

And she knew exactly who to blame.

That Alpha.

Her jaw tightened.

How dare he drag her to the hospital against her will?

She had told him clearly that she hadn’t yet learned how to control her magic. And yet, he ignored her, forcing her to help, forcing her into something she wasn’t ready for all to save that man.

Gérard.

She exhaled slowly.

Despite everything… she was glad she had succeeded.

She didn’t know him, not really but she had done it for Charlotte Ruiz.

Charlotte and her family had given her something she had never truly known before shelter, safety, support. After everything she had escaped, everything she had endured, they had taken her in without hesitation.

She owed them.

That was the only reason she had agreed to save Charlotte’s mate.

He had been poisoned dying.

And only magic could pull that poison from his body.

She had done it.

A miracle, really.

And yet… it didn’t erase the anger simmering inside her.

That arrogant, insufferable man.

He could have asked.

He could have treated her like a person.

But no he had to storm in like a brute, dragging her away like she belonged to him.

That jade-eyed beast.

Her thoughts lingered there longer than she intended.

With a frustrated sigh, she shook her head.

Leaving the Ruiz mansion had been necessary.

She had come here this isolated place, far from everything to learn control. To understand her magic under Cécile’s guidance.

Cécile had seen what others hadn’t.

She had recognized the instability in Inés’ power and offered to teach her to help her understand what she was, what she could become.

And Inés had agreed.

Out here, she had found a fragile kind of peace.

No past chasing her.

No Alpha watching her with cold, judging eyes.

At least… that’s what she thought.

Because somehow

He had found her.

Even Cécile had insisted this place was hidden, unknown to outsiders.

And yet, he had still managed to track her down.

The past few months had been quiet.

Calm, even.

But not entirely.

The nightmares hadn’t stopped.

The visions hadn’t eased.

Each one drained her a little more.

She exhaled heavily and opened a drawer, her gaze falling on a pack of cigarettes.

For a moment, she considered it.

Then she shook her head and closed it again.

She didn’t need another crutch.

Turning back toward her room, she had just begun to settle when

A loud banging shattered the silence.

Her entire body went rigid.

The sound came again.

Her heart leapt into her throat.

She didn’t need to guess.

She knew.

Holding her breath, she rushed toward the front door only to stop short as the handle turned.

Unlocked.

The door burst open.

And he stepped inside.

Her hazel eyes widened, colliding instantly with his.

Jade green.

Burning with fury.

Dread curled tightly in her chest.

Of course he had come.

Of course he wouldn’t let it go.

She had left him at the hospital walked away without a word.

And now he was here.

Like a predator tracking its prey.

The door slammed shut behind him with enough force to rattle the walls.

The air shifted.

Heavy.

Dangerous.

Her chest tightened painfully.

Cécile wasn’t here.

She had gone out days ago in search of rare herbs and hadn’t returned.

Which meant

Inés was alone.

Completely.

He had come earlier that morning looking for Cécile. When he didn’t find her, he had taken Inés instead dragging her to the hospital, forcing her hand.

And now

He was back.

Her breath caught as he moved toward her.

Slow. Intentional.

With every step he took, she stepped back.

Once. Twice.

Until her back met the wall.

She swallowed hard.

She wouldn’t lie to herself.

She was afraid of him.

She didn’t understand why he hated her so much.

Even now, the memory of their first meeting lingered vividly.

She had arrived at his pack with Santiago and Arianna, all three of them fleeing the nightmare they had escaped from Henri’s pack.

She hadn’t known then that simply coming from there… being what she was… would be enough for him to despise her.

A witch.

She remembered wandering through the gardens that day, nerves twisting inside her.

And then

She felt it.

That gaze.

Cold.

Unforgiving.

When she turned, she saw him for the first time.

Those glacier-like jade eyes.

Unreadable.

Unwelcoming.

Tattoos traced up his neck, disappearing beneath his shirt. Silver rings adorned his fingers, and ink marked the skin of his left hand wild, deliberate.

Everything about him screamed danger.

And now

Months later

Nothing had changed.

Except perhaps the faint beard shadowing his jaw.

She swallowed again as he closed the distance between them.

Her breath hitched.

He stopped just inches away.

Towering over her.

Imposing.

Like judgment waiting to fall.

“Now… now, little witch,” he murmured, his voice low, rumbling like distant thunder against her skin. “No need to be afraid.”

A pause.

“Just tell me why am I here?”

Because you’re arrogant. Cold. Insufferable.

The words burned at the tip of her tongue.

But what left her lips instead was

“I don’t know.”

Her voice was steadier than she felt, held together by sheer will.

Being this close to him… it unsettled her.

Too much.

He had no sense of boundaries. No restraint.

“You don’t know?” he echoed, a mocking growl lacing his tone.

“No,” she replied sharply.

His jaw tightened.

In the next second, his hand shot out, gripping her chin and forcing her face upward.

Their eyes locked.

And the tension between them snapped taut.