SHE WILL RUIN YOU
1080 Words
Chapter 4: The Pack’s Disapproval
The towering gates of Blackthorne Manor loomed ahead, the iron twisted into the shapes of howling wolves. Beyond them, the estate stretched across the land, its dark stone walls rising like a fortress against the silver moonlight.
Inside the carriage, Selene stirred, her silver eyes flickering open as they rolled past the gates. The effects of Lucian’s blood still pulsed through her, sharpening her senses.
She could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the whispers of the wind outside, even the wary murmurs of wolves who had caught her scent.
She smirked. They’re afraid.
Lucian, on the other hand, hadn’t spoken since she’d fed from him. He was stiff, his golden eyes unreadable, his jaw clenched in a way that told her he was fighting something.
Selene licked her lips. She could still taste him. The heat of his blood, rich and intoxicating, lingered on her tongue.
She hated that she wanted more.
The carriage jolted to a stop.
A rush of cool night air swept inside as the door opened. Lucian stepped out first, his massive frame blocking part of her view. The moment his boots hit the stone path, the courtyard shifted.
Wolves emerged from the shadows—dozens of them. Some stood on the grand staircase leading to the manor’s entrance. Others lingered in the dark corners, watching, waiting.
The scent of their unease thickened.
Selene stepped out next, chains clinking as she moved. She took her time, slow and deliberate, letting them get a good look at her. Letting them see the fangs, the unnatural silver of her eyes, the bruises on her wrists from the silver bindings.
A predator’s smirk curved her lips.
Let them stare.
The murmurs started immediately.
“She reeks of blood.”
“A vampire? Here?”
“Has he lost his mind?”
A blonde wolf broke from the crowd. Broad-shouldered, sharp-featured, his blue eyes burning with fury. He moved with authority.
His Beta.
“Lucian.” His voice was sharp. “Tell me this is a joke.”
Lucian met his gaze evenly. “Ryker.” His tone was calm. “It’s not.”
Ryker’s attention flickered to Selene, his expression darkening. “You brought a leech into our home?”
Selene tilted her head, gaze playful. “You say that like I wanted to be here.”
A ripple of tension spread through the gathered wolves.
Ryker’s hands flexed at his sides, claws threatening to extend. “She doesn’t belong here.”
Lucian exhaled sharply. “She is mine.” His voice rang through the courtyard, silencing the pack.
Selene stilled.
The words shouldn’t have meant anything. She was a prisoner, nothing more. But the way he said it—low, possessive—sent an unwanted shiver down her spine.
The murmurs returned, this time louder.
“She’s his?”
“This isn’t right.”
“Vampires can’t be trusted.”
Another figure pushed forward—a woman, tall and lean, her emerald eyes flashing with fury.
Selene recognized her instantly.
Lucian’s second-in-command.
Or perhaps… something more.
“This is madness,” the woman hissed, crossing her arms. “A vampire in our home? Have you completely lost your instincts?”
Lucian sighed. “Not now, Camille.”
Camille’s jaw tightened. “Then when? When she turns on us? When she drains one of our own?” Her gaze snapped to Selene, sharp and accusing. “Tell me, leech—how long do you think you can hold back before the hunger takes over?”
Selene smirked, slow and deliberate. “I don’t know. Would you like to test it?”
A snarl ripped from Camille’s throat as she lunged.
Selene barely had time to react before Lucian moved.
His arm shot out, catching Camille mid-step, his grip locking onto her shoulder.
His power rolled through the courtyard like a storm.
“Stand down.”
Camille froze.
The pack stilled, the weight of his Alpha command pressing down on them. Even Selene felt it—a force brushing against her mind, raw and absolute.
She hated the thrill it sent through her.
Lucian’s gaze flicked to Camille. “I won’t say it again.”
Camille’s hands curled into fists, but she stepped back, barely concealing the rage in her eyes. “You’re making a mistake.”
Lucian exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Maybe.” His golden eyes darkened. “But it’s my mistake to make.”
The tension in the courtyard thickened.
Then Ryker stepped forward, his voice lower, controlled.
“Lucian.” His stare was steady. “She’s dangerous.”
Lucian met his gaze. “So am I.”
The words cracked through the air like a whip.
A few wolves shifted uneasily.
Ryker exhaled sharply. “You know the rules. Vampires are not welcome here.”
Lucian’s voice was calm. “And yet, here she is.”
Selene watched the silent war between them. She could see the battle in Ryker’s eyes—the urge to challenge him. To question his leadership.
Then, finally, Ryker let out a low growl and turned on his heel, storming toward the manor.
Camille lingered, her glare cutting through the space between them.
Her voice was quiet, but sharp. “She’ll ruin you.”
Lucian’s expression didn’t change. “You’re dismissed.”
Camille’s nostrils flared, but she obeyed, disappearing inside after Ryker.
The pack hesitated, then slowly dispersed.
Selene smirked. Pathetic.
She turned to Lucian, arching an eyebrow. “Charming friends you’ve got.”
Lucian exhaled. “You’ll find I don’t care much for their approval.”
She tilted her head. “And yet, they look at you like you’ve betrayed them.”
He didn’t answer.
Selene took a slow step forward, deliberately testing the space between them. “Tell me, Alpha,” she murmured. “What is it about me that’s worth losing their trust?”
Lucian’s jaw tightened.
For a brief second, something flashed in his eyes—something dark. Something unspoken.
Then, just as quickly, it was gone.
He turned away. “Come. You’ll need a place to stay.”
Selene lifted her wrists. “Oh? No dungeons?”
His lips curved slightly. “Not unless you ask nicely.”
She scoffed but followed him inside.
The wolves hated her.
She would use that to her advantage.
And when the time came—when their Alpha’s guard was finally down—she would make sure they regretted ever letting her in.
- Writer
