Chapter 4: Claimed by death himself
1255 Words
Ariel’s POV
If only Ray hadn't rejected me I wouldn't have gotten myself into such a mess.
I couldn't sleep thinking of ways I could stay away from Everett. I had the mate bond with Ray but with Everett I felt something stronger and I was so confused.
Gosh! I needed fresh air.
I had barely stepped out of my house that morning before two warriors blocked my path.
"Alpha Ray wants to see you," one of them said.
It wasn’t a request.
I swallowed hard as I eyed them with my pulse quickening. I wanted to refuse, but I knew better so I followed them.
When I entered Ray’s office in the packhouse, he was waiting for me.
His sharp gray eyes studied me carefully, like he was assessing what was left of me after the past few days.
"You look exhausted," he mused, leaning back against his chair.
“Why did you call me here?" I clenched my fists.
Ray tilted his head. "Do you know what you’ve done, Ariel?"
"What are you talking about?" I stiffened.
He smirked, but there was no humor in his expression.
"You’ve put a target on your back," he said, standing up and walking around his desk. "Because of you, Everett killed three of my men. Because of you, the pack is questioning my authority."
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stand my ground. "I never asked him to do that, how is it my fault? They knew better yet they harassed me."
Ray stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Why would they? And even if they did, why didn't you report instead? Now I have a problem to deal with."
I banged my hands on his table as I leaned towards him. "Then deal with him. I have nothing to do with Everett."
Ray studied me for a long moment before he smiled.
"You want to survive this, Ariel?" He asked in a murmur.
"What?" My stomach twisted. “What do you mean?”
He reached out, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to meet his gaze.
"Be mine," he said. "Publicly."
My breath caught. "W-what? You rejected me."
Ray’s smirk deepened. "If you become my concubine, it will settle things. The pack will see you as mine. Everett won’t be able to claim you. And most importantly, I’ll have leverage over him."
I felt sick. This wasn’t about me. This was about controlling Everett.
"You want to use me," I whispered.
Ray chuckled. "Oh, Ariel. I thought you already knew what kind of man I am."
I took a shaky step back.
No.
No, I wouldn’t let him do this. I opened my mouth to refuse, "Refuse me, and I’ll make sure Everett is killed." He said and my words stuck in my throat.
Cold fear slammed into my chest.
He was serious.
Everett might have scared the entire pack, but if Ray truly wanted him dead, he would find a way.
And I…
I couldn’t let that happen.
I hated myself for even considering it.
But the words left my mouth before I could stop them.
"What do you want me to do?"
I left Ray’s office feeling sick.
Tears burned behind my eyes as I walked out into the hallway. My breath was shaky, my chest was tight. I could feel thousands of needles being pierced into my heart.
I needed to get out of here. I needed to breathe, but the moment I stepped outside I saw him.
Everett was there. My heart stopped.
He was leaning casually against a wall, his sharp blue eyes locked onto me.
His posture was relaxed, but I knew better.
There was nothing calm about the storm in his gaze.
I turned quickly, hoping to walk past him but he grabbed my wrist.
I gasped as he pulled me with him.
"Everett…"
He didn’t stop. He didn’t look back.
He dragged me through the hallways, past confused pack members.
Until we reached his room.
He shoved the door open and pulled me inside.
Slam.
The door shut behind us.
My breath came in sharp, shallow gasps.
Everett was furious. He stared at me like he was barely holding himself together.
And then I heard his voice. “Why are there tears in your eyes?”
"What the hell did Ray say to you?"
I swallowed hard, backing up slightly. "It’s…"
"Don’t. Lie."
His voice was low, sending a shiver through me.
Tears welled in my eyes.
I didn’t want to say it.
I didn’t want him to know. But the words tumbled out before I could stop them.
"He wants me to be his concubine. If I don’t… he’ll have you killed."
Silence.
Everett’s expression didn’t change, and then, he let out a dark, quiet laugh.
It sent chills down my spine.
"And you were going to do it?" His voice was soft, but there was fire underneath it.
"I—"
"Answer me, Ariel."
His eyes burned into mine.
I couldn’t lie.
So I shook my head.
Yes.. uhm, No," I whispered.
Everett exhaled sharply. He stepped closer, the heat of his body making my skin tingle.
His hand reached out, fingers trailing slowly along my jawline.
"Good," he murmured. “You are not allowed to leave me even at the cost of my life.” I sucked in a sharp breath.
His touch was gentle. Almost possessive.
"Everett…" I whispered.
He tilted his head, studying me.
Then, in a voice so soft I almost didn’t hear it… "I’ve always wanted you."
My stomach flipped.
Really?
His words hit me like lightning.
I stared at him, wide-eyed. "W-what?"
Everett smirked. "Since high school. Since before you even looked at me twice. But I knew I was too deep into something Dangerous and if I ever came close, you’d get hurt."
He leaned in, lips just inches from mine.
"So I stayed away," he murmured. "Because you were too damn precious."
My pulse raced.
“I even let my brother have you thinking he'd protect you but that i***t.
I had never seen him like this.
Raw. Intense. Devastating.
"Do you feel something for me, Ariel?" He asked in a whisper.
I could barely breathe.
I nodded.
His fingers tightened against my jaw.
"Say it," his voice was low but it felt more like an order.
I exhaled shakily.
"Yes," I admitted.
Something flickered in his gaze.
“I…” he didn't let me finish before he kissed me.
It wasn’t gentle.
It was wild, demanding, and overwhelming.
His hands tangled in my hair, pulling me closer as his mouth devoured mine.
I melted into him, my body igniting.
I felt myself burn for him like no other.
His grip on me tightened like he was claiming me.
Like he was saying, You are mine.
“Tell me you won't let any man get close to you.” He muttered in between the kiss and I nodded but then, his breath hitched.
He went still.
His eyes glazed over.
I realized he was mind-linking someone.
Then, without another word he grabbed my wrist again.
And he dragged me toward the packhouse.
Straight to the pack hall.
They were having a meeting with all the elders but my dad wasn't there and in front of everyone, Everett let out a quiet, dangerous chuckle.
“A meeting to do away with me?” He smiled.
“I don't care about whatever you do but…” he looked Ray in the eye and continued, "She’s mine."
- Writer
