Chapter 5: It’s Beneath Me
(Charlotte's POV)
Gabriel’s grip tightened around my wrist as we entered the Combat Arena dressing room. His presence was like a heavy, oppressive blanket, suffocating me even before he slammed the door shut behind us.
He didn’t speak at first, just stood there, his golden eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. His aura flooded the small room, dominating the air with the force of an Alpha-wolf’s authority.
I tried to suppress the way Cora whimpered in my mind. She was conflicted—betrayed by the former mate our bond had once tied her to and yet drawn to the dominant aura that still felt too familiar to ignore.
“You’ve taken desperation to a whole new level,” Gabriel’s voice broke the silence. His tone was sharp and coated with mockery, every word cutting
