Chapter 10
1234 Words
Chapter 10
ZIMA'S POV
STORM
His hands slid up, tracing along my neck and down, sending sparks across my skin. He stepped closer, nudging me gently against the wall. My breath came out shaky, but I didn’t want to pull away. I think I loved feeling this way. It was calmer than the weight of being called a murderer.
Inside me, my wolf stirred with a hungry purr, her need pressing against mine. She wanted more, no doubt about it.
His lips brushed my neck, soft at first, then his tongue traced lower, a slow stroke that made chills scatter down my spine.
“Will you let me take it off?” he whispered, fingers brushing the edge of the coat. “It reeks of Damon. Don’t say no.”
Every part of me wanted to say yes but the first picture that hit me was from ten years ago. My father’s head, severed by King Aiden’s sword. The memory burned through the haze of desire, and my chest tightened.
“So because you helped me in court, you think you can have me without the coat? Really?”
“The f**k, Zee?” His voice cracked as he stepped back, eyes flashing. “Why would you say that?”
“No, because all of a sudden you want me naked,” I said, my voice shaking.
“All of a sudden?” His brow arched, eyes burning into mine. “Zee, I’ve been wanting that since the first day you walked in here.”
Heat climbed up my neck, and I spun toward the closet. “You should excuse me. I want to get dressed.”
“Fine,” he muttered, leaning back with a smirk. “But don’t blame me if your clothes catch fire the second you put them on.”
***
A soldier escorted me to King Aiden’s office. He sat behind his desk, a thick pipe in hand, smoke curling lazily around him.
“You kept me waiting,” he said.
“I’m sorry. I had to wash the stench off me,” I replied.
“Good,” he muttered, turning his chair to face me. “Come, sit.”
The office was cloaked in shadow, the air heavy with smoke and power. A large portrait of Aiden with his two sinfully handsome sons hung on the far wall, their eyes seeming to follow me. Dark wood lined the room, polished but oppressive, as if it absorbed every whisper. He waved the soldier away, then rose slowly, his gaze locking on me like a predator preparing to strike.
“Earlier, I told you that you looked familiar,” he said.
I nodded, hiding the tremble in my hands. He must never know I am the daughter of Alpha Ravenhall the pack he destroyed years ago. If he did, what would become of me?
“I went through your records,” he continued, “and discovered you are connected to someone dear to me.”
My heart skipped, but I forced myself to stay calm.
“You are from the Draco family.”
Relief swept over me. So my false identity had worked. I had been registered under my sister’s husband’s name, Alpha Kael. For now, my secret was safe.
I smiled faintly, trying not to reveal too much. He moved closer, perching on the edge of the table so his face was level with mine.
“One of your sons asked you to bail me out of court?” I asked, straightening my back.
“No,” he said firmly. “I bailed you because I am interested in you. None of my sons has the authority to meddle in matters of judgment.”
“Ooh…” I murmured. Inside, I screamed Darius’s name.
“You have a crush on one of my sons?” he asked, eyes narrowing.
“No, I don’t,” I answered quickly.
“You’d better not,” he warned. “That is the most dangerous path a girl can take.”
“So rich, coming from their father,” I shot back.
“Yes, and that is because I have your best interest at heart,” he said, leaning even closer.
I glanced at the portrait on the wall, struggling to keep my breathing steady. “What about their mother?”
“Long dead,” he replied without hesitation, his eyes cold and unfeeling. “And now, I need a new woman.”
My stomach knotted. “I am too young,” I whispered, my voice breaking.
A slow, twisted smile spread across his face. “I like them young,” he said darkly, his words crawling over my skin like poison.
My chest tightened, fear clawing at me. “No…” I forced the words out, shaking my head. “I could never be your replacement, sir.”
“His eyes hardened. “Then prepare yourself for exile.”
“You should at least let me choose. Don’t you care if I already have a mate?” I asked, my voice trembling.
His eyes darkened. “I am not a king to be rejected. I take whatever I want, no matter what stands in my way. My children… they are unworthy of my throne. I need someone to continue my name. You will give me a new heir.”
“No,” I whispered, heat rising in my chest. “That will never happen.”
A cold smile touched his lips. “By the weekend, I will take you to a party. Be prepared.”
He bent closer, his breath grazing my neck. “I will make it worthwhile,” he murmured, his voice low and dangerous.
Then he straightened, his command final. “You may leave.”
I stood up on shaky legs and walked to the door. This family may be the end of me. What do I even do? How can I kill this man? How can I get back my twin sister he stole from me? Maybe I should play along and wait for revenge. But then… what about Darius? He has been good to me. Do I throw all of that away? My thoughts ran wild, each one chasing the other with no answers.
Down the corridor, a sharp sneer cut through the silence. I spun around. Damon stood there, his lips twisted in a mocking smile.
“It’s called madness to laugh at nothing,” I said coldly.
“It’s called madness to think I laugh without reason,” he shot back.
“There is no reason for you to laugh,” I retorted.
He stepped closer, eyes glinting. “I just watched my prey make a pact with the devil. Tell me, why wouldn’t I laugh?”
My chest tightened. “What prey? What devil?”
“The prey,” he said, pointing at me, “is the lost wolf standing right here. And the devil… is the man whose office you just left.”
I swallowed hard. “What do you even want, Damon? What?”
“I just love how you’re being tossed around like a wave,” he snapped.
“Maybe I should marry your father. Then at least I’d have the right to give you a proper slap across the face.”
His smile twisted as he stepped closer. “Family slut,” he hissed. “That’s all you’ll ever be.”
- Writer
