Filthy Wolves

Chapter10

Amanda



I stepped out of the shower, water droplets still clinging to my skin as I wrapped a towel tightly around my body. It's early in the morning and I only have an afternoon class.

" The hell?"

Ashton was sprawled across my bed, a scowl etched on his face.

"f**k," he growled, slamming shut the book he'd been flipping through. His eyes raked over me, lingering on the places where the towel clung to my damp skin.

My cheeks burned, a mix of anger and embarrassment. "What the hell are you doing in my room?" I snapped, clutching the towel closer.

Ashton sat up, his jaw clenched. "Looking for you, obviously. We have pack business to discuss."

"Ever heard of knocking?" I shot back, my irritation growing. "Or, I don't know, waiting until I'm dressed?"

He smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Where's the fun in that?"

I glared at him, trying to ignore the way his gaze made my skin tingle. "Get out. Now."

"Make me," Ashton challenged, leaning back on his elbows. His eyes darkened as they trailed over my body again. "Actually, why don't you lose the towel instead?"

My jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me? Get lost, Ashton. To hell with you and your pack business!"

I turned towards my closet, intending to grab some clothes and retreat to the bathroom. But before I could take a step, I felt Ashton's presence behind me. His hands gripped my waist, and suddenly the world spun. I found myself flat on my back on the bed, Ashton looming over me.

"What do you think you're doing?" I hissed, my heart racing. I was acutely aware of how little the towel covered, how close Ashton was.

He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. "Teaching you a lesson about respect, Amanda. You can't just tell me to get lost."

I squirmed, trying to push him off, but he caught my wrists and pinned them above my head. "Let go of me, you jerk!"

Ashton chuckled, the sound sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. "Not until you hear me out. We need to talk about your role in the pack, and you're going to listen."

I glared up at him, my anger warring with a confusing mix of fear and... something else I didn't want to name. "Fine. Talk. But get off me first."

He considered for a moment, then slowly released my wrists and sat back. I scrambled to sit up, adjusting my towel and putting some distance between us.

Ashton's eyes never left mine. "You need to start taking this seriously, Amanda. Your actions affect all of us now."

I crossed my arms, still fuming. "And barging into my room is supposed to make me take you seriously?"

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "Look, I know this isn't ideal for you. But you're part of this now, whether you like it or not. We need to work together."

I sighed, feeling the fight drain out of me. "I didn't ask for any of this, Ashton."

His expression softened slightly. "I know. But here we are. So, are you ready to listen now?"

I nodded reluctantly, wrapping my arms around myself. Ashton reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He handed it to me, his face unreadable.

"What's this?" I asked, unfolding it with trepidation.

"Rules," Ashton replied, his voice cool and detached. "As our... lady, you need to follow these strictly."

I bristled at the term 'lady' but bit my tongue. My eyes scanned the list, growing wider with each line. "You can't be serious," I muttered.

Ashton leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Dead serious. Your clothing, your behavior, your speech – it all needs to reflect your position now."

I read aloud, disbelief coloring my voice. "Revealing and alluring attire at all times. No modest clothes. Defer to pack members in public. Speak only when spoken to during pack meetings." I looked up at Ashton, incredulous. "This is insane!"

He shrugged, unmoved by my protest. "This is your life now, Amanda. The sooner you accept it, the easier things will be."

I crumpled the paper in my fist, anger flaring again. "And if I refuse?"

Ashton's eyes hardened. "Then you put yourself and your mother at risk. Is that what you want?"

The fight left me in a rush. I smoothed out the paper, my hands shaking slightly. "No," I whispered. "That's not what I want."

"Good," Ashton said, standing up. He moved towards the door, then paused, looking back at me.

I stared at the list, my mind reeling. "You're basically making me a w***e," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ashton's eyes glinted with a mix of cruelty and something else I couldn't quite place. "You are," he confirmed, his tone matter-of-fact.

The bluntness of his words hit me like a physical blow. I felt my face flush with anger and humiliation. "How dare you—"

"Save it," Ashton cut me off, his voice sharp. "This isn't up for debate. You made your choice when you agreed to be our lady. Now you live with the consequences."

I stood up, clutching the towel tightly around me. "I didn't agree to this," I hissed. "I didn't agree to be paraded around like some trophy."

Ashton's eyes narrowed. "No? Then perhaps you'd prefer we revisit the alternative. I'm sure your mother would love to hear about your... indiscretions."

I felt the blood drain from my face. The threat hung in the air between us, heavy and oppressive. Ashton watched me, his expression impassive, waiting for my next move.

After what felt like an eternity, I lowered my gaze. "Fine," I muttered, defeat coloring my voice. "I'll do it.”

A small, satisfied smile played at the corners of Ashton's mouth. "Smart girl," he said, his tone almost approving. "Now, get dressed. I’ll wait outside."

He turned to leave, but I called out, "Wait." Ashton paused, looking back at me with a raised eyebrow. I swallowed hard, forcing the words out. "What... what should I wear?"

Ashton's eyes raked over me once more, considering. "That little black dress in your closet should do nicely," he said finally. "The one with the low back. And heels. You know how to walk in them, don't you?"

I nodded mutely, my cheeks burning with embarrassment and something else I didn't want to examine too closely.

"Good," Ashton said, his voice low and almost... hungry. "Don't disappoint us, Amanda. You might find you enjoy your new role more than you think."