CHAPTER SIX
779 Words
Jack’s POV:
I could tell he was trying too hard.
Dorian’s forced charm clung to him like a cheap cologne.
His tone was too friendly, his posture too deferential. His laugh was loud, hollow, and desperate—grated on my ears.
I hated people like him.
From the moment I arrived at the Shadow Hollow Pack estate, he hadn’t stopped orbiting me like a lost pup.
Flashing his teeth, praising my reputation, pointing out useless luxury accommodations he’d “specially prepared.”
I might’ve been impressed if I hadn’t already known the type: insecure, immature, all bark and no bite.
I leaned back in the ceremonial hall’s seat of honor and said nothing.
My silence spoke more than any platitude ever could.
Dorian kept jabbering.
“I trust everything I’ve arranged meets your expectations, Alpha Darwin.”
I looked away, more interested in the gleam of the chandeliers than his face.
It didn’t help that my father and Dorian’s guardian had grown oddly close these last two months.
I remembered overhearing one of their conversations, the way they praised Dorian like he was the next High Alpha.
As if he hadn’t built his reputation on stolen women and empty pride.
Even worse, my last girlfriend, a beautiful, flirtatious she-wolf, had somehow landed in Dorian’s bed.
She never admitted it, but I knew.
So, yes. I hated this Dorian.
"I assume my privacy will be respected?"
"Absolutely. And..."
He mumbled something I hadn't heard clearly enough. Not even bothering to clarify, I dismissed him with a cold look.
He bowed slightly, then scurried off.
I rubbed my temples.
The full moon wasn’t due for another night, but already the first pulses of pain were swelling behind my eyes.
“Let’s go,” Rael, my wolf, murmured.
“Soon.”
But then my assistant approached, whispering that a “gift” had been arranged in my quarters—a personal offering from Dorian.
I should’ve guessed. That boy always tried to bribe his way to power.
Still, curiosity prickled.
“I’ll check,” I said curtly and made my way toward the guest wing.
---
Celeste’s POV:
The door slammed shut behind me, and I was flung forward, landing hard against the edge of a bed.
I gasped, trying to sit up, but strong hands pressed me down as they bound my wrists and ankles to the posts.
My heart pounded.
“Stop—what are you doing?” I screamed.
But no one listened.
They shoved a cloth into my mouth, tying it tightly behind my head.
The door slammed again, and suddenly, I was alone.
The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from a single lantern on the far wall.
The scent of lavender incense filled the air—too sweet but too wrong.
I yanked at the ropes. Nothing gave. My skin already burned from the pressure.
Tears welled in my eyes.
What was happening?
Why was I here?
Then I heard voices outside the door—two she-wolves, giggling and whispering.
They were familiar voices and I could figure out that they were pack members.
“…poor thing doesn’t even know,” one of them said.
“Know what?” the other whispered.
“That Jack Darwin is a monster. The virgins given to him never come back. They say he toys with them until they die. He torments them to death.”
My blood ran cold.
“What? That’s just rumor—right?”
“Not this time. I recently heard it from one of Alpha Dorian’s personal assistants.
The virgins that disappear? It’s not because they found paradise. They found hell.”
My breath quickened.
I thrashed in panic, but the bindings held firm.
“Wait, do you think he’s going to—?”
A loud knock struck the door.
They shrieked and fled.
No. No, no, no!
I wish this was a dream.
So Jack Darwin wasn't who I thought he was.
And then, could Dorian be giving me to him, to Jack Darwin?
This is a cruel revenge!
So this was what Dorian meant by “teaching me a lesson.”
He had rejected me as a mate, and now he was offering me up like a lamb to slaughter.
I had once hoped Jack Darwin might help me escape the Shadow Hollow Pack.
That his influence might pull me from the nightmare I've endured in the pack since my parents' death.
But now…
Now, it seemed the real nightmare was him.
I closed my eyes, praying it was all some horrific dream.
That he’d look at me, see my fear, and show mercy.
Within seconds, the door creaked open.
- Writer
