Bound by the Alpha's Betrayal

CHAPTER 5

Raven's POV

Summoning every ounce of courage I could gather, I made my way to the gym. My heart pounded in my chest, but I clenched my fists, refusing to let fear get the best of me. Kane. That bastard had taken everything from me—my dignity, my status, my place in my pack. But he wouldn't take my will. I had something to prove now.

As soon as I stepped inside, my body trembled. My eyes landed on the tennis table—this was the place where Kane had f****d me like a w***e in the past one year, took away my innocence and my stupid self thought it was love.

I quickly regained my composure and focus on the reason why I had come. Then I saw him, he was alone, shirtless, his toned body glistening with sweat as he worked the punching bag. The moment he noticed me, a smirk played on his lips.

Asshole.

I couldn't feel his scent anymore. I guess the mate bond is broken. But then, the effect he had on me were just the same, or even worse. I felt the thrill over my body, my n*****s hardened and my cunt tingled.

"Well, well," he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "If it isn't my ex-mate. I thought you left the academy for good."

I held my ground, my gaze steady. "Why do you care?" I shot back, crossing my arms. "Besides, I'm not the type to run away from my problems."

He chuckled darkly and closed the distance between us. "That's funny," he said, his dark eyes scanning me. "Because you sure as hell ran from me."

I swallowed hard, refusing to let him see how much he still affected me. "Tell me something, kane," I said, my voice steady. "Did you ever love me at all? Even for a second?"

His smirk deepened, and he titled his head, pretending to ponder over the question. "Love?" He scoffed. "That word doesn't exist in my dictionary. My world is built on what someone can offer me. That was why I choose someone as strong as Ava. A lot of people are threatening my position as Alpha and I need someone whose strength I can depend on."

A pang of pain shot through my chest, but I forced myself to remain indifferent. I can be strong too. If he had explained to me, I could've taken my training session more seriously. I could change my dream from a girl who believes in fairytale to a powerful warrior.

I didn't say anything. I nodded slowly, absorbing his cruel words.

Kane stepped even closer, his breath hot against my skin. "But that doesn't mean we can't still have fun," he muttered, his fingers grazing my arm. "It's just been three days, but I miss your p***y so much, Raven."

My stomach churned with disgust. Was he being serious? I slapped his hand away, and glared at him. "You're vile," I spat.

He chucked, unbothered. "You can call me whenever you want, but we both know I was the best you ever had."

I tightened my jaw. "Does Ava know how obsessed you still are with your ex-mate?"

He smirked. "We have an arrangement. She doesn't care who I f**k, and I don't care who she does too."

I narrowed my eyes. "You two are perfect for eachother."

Kane leaned against the boxing ring ropes, arms crossed over his chest. "So, tell me Raven. Why are you here?"

I straightened up, my voice firm. "I want to join the tournament."

For a moment, there was a deafening silence. Then, he burst into laughter. "You must be joking," he said between chuckles. "You? Raven Cross? In the tournament? You're so funny, Raven."

"I'm serious," I said firmly.

Before Kane could respond, the gym doors swung open, and Ava started in, flanked by Lyra and Beth. Her eyes locked with mine, and she let out an exasperated sigh. "What the hell are you doing here, Raven?"

"She wants to join the tournament," Kane informed her with a smirk.

Ava scoffed, folding he arms. "Don't waste your time. You'll never make it past the first round."

I returned her glare with one of my own. "You don't get to lecture me on what I can or can't do."

She hissed. "You are no longer a Cross. Did you forget you are now an Omega and Omegas can't participate in the tournament."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Who made that law? Anyone can join in the tournament as long as Kane approves it. And besides, father might have declared that I am an Omega but have you forgotten my mother has the Alpha blood." Then I stepped closer, poking a finger on her chest. "If anyone gets to lecture me about rank, then it shouldn't be you. Your father was a Rogue and you only get to become this important because of your mother schemes."

Tension cracked through the room as anger and disbelief etched on her face. She clenched her fists together like she was barely holding herself from lunging at me. I watched from the corners of my eyes, how her minions opened their mouth in surprise. She must have told me a different story. Likely told them, I was the adopted daughter and she was the real daughter.

Yes, I had succeeded in putting her in her place. I have been quiet for too long but not anymore.

Kane watched our exchange with mild amusement before stepping forward. “Alright, Raven,” he said, his voice filled with mock sincerity. “You want in? Fine. But there’s a condition.”

I narrowed my eyes, and then turned towards him. "What condition?"

His smirk turned predatory. "You'll sign a contract."

I stiffened. "What kind of contract?"

Kane leaned in, his lips grazing my ear. "One that allows me access to your p***y anytime, anywhere, anyday."

My breath caught in my throat as Ava, who seemed to have recovered from her shock laughed cruelly. My hands curled into fists as pure rage bubbled inside me.

Kane straightened, his eyes gleaming with challenge. "So, what's

it going to be, Raven Cross?"