Chapter 3 Uninvited guest

Emberlyn's account

My mind reeled, my heart hammering against my ribs in a frantic rhythm that echoed the confusion in my soul. Was Thane truly interested in me, or was this just another cruel game, another way to break me?

I met his eyes, searching for a hint of truth, but all I saw was a dark hunger that sent shivers down my spine. I knew then that I was entering a dangerous game, one with consequences I could only guess at.

Thane's eyes glowed, taking on a darker shade. Unconsciously, I purred. No, my wolf purred. I felt myself growing moist between my legs from his mere touch. Could this be the reason Thane had gifted me a dress today, or did he remember my birthday?

Impossible! He hated everything about me; he always said he hated the fact I shared the same breath with him. A couple of hours ago, he nearly killed me for rejecting him. Did it affect him that much that it changed his personality?

"So plump and soft..." he purred, his eyes devouring every curve of my breast. I swallowed the food in my mouth, tears forming in my eyes. I hadn't eaten all day, but if my mate wanted me, I was willing to submit. It was a decision I was soon going to regret.

Thane rose, towering over me like a great wall, my face pressed against his broad chest, his hands still squeezing my breast. I squeezed my eyes shut, my heart racing. My greatest fear was becoming a reality.

Thane pinched my chin up to make me look into his eyes, but I was too terrified to meet his gaze. "Open your eyes. Look at me," he commanded, and like a loyal fool, I complied.

He leaned in, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "I should just claim you now, shouldn't I? So you never think of rejecting me again." With that, he crushed his lips against mine, his tongue invading my mouth, his other hand tightening possessively around my neck.

I gasped, my breath stolen away. The saucer in my hand clattered to the floor, shattering into pieces, but Thane didn't break the kiss. The hot taste of his mouth mixed with his pheromones clouded my mind. My whole body heated up; I couldn't control myself as I clutched the fabric of Thane's evening wear.

The kiss grew hotter, and before I could comprehend what was happening, Thane ripped the top part of my dress in half, exposing the soft curves of my breast. He tore his lips from mine and trailed his lustful eyes down my chest. "Will making you a full woman be a sufficient birthday gift for you?" His voice was a low growl, thick with hunger.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I bit my lower lip, cheeks burning red. Shame and humiliation battled within me, but I found myself nodding. However, I knew Thane was not asking for my permission; lycan kings never did. Thane lifted his eyes from my chest and met my gaze. For a moment, a flicker of something crossed his face, but he blinked it away. His eyes started shifting between colors.

Confused, I watched as Thane began to retreat, knocking over the dishes and startling me. He shook his head violently, smacking himself. "Let go of my mind!"

Subconsciously, I stepped back as Thane stopped attacking himself and looked at me, his emerald green eyes blazing with fury.

The temperature in the room dropped to zero as realization struck me. All along, I had been interacting with Thane's wolf, not him. Oh no, I was in trouble. I lifted my dress, but before I could act, a hand roughly grabbed my arm.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going?" Thane roared.

My pulse quickened, and images of what he might do to me flooded my mind. Instinctively, I shielded my face, afraid he would strike me, but instead, he shook me violently. "How dare you seduce me? You used your disgusting dragon pheromones to draw out my rut, didn't you? Answer me!"

"I didn't!" I cried, lowering my voice, afraid he would get angrier. "My only crime was not resisting..."

Thane's eyes widened, but he quickly hardened his gaze, even after realizing it was his wolf that caused it all. "You are pathetic," he spat with disdain. "Did you think your foolish tactics would work on me? Even if I were under a spell, I would break it before my flesh meets yours! You disgust me. I hate you."

My lips quivered as heavy sobs wracked my body. I didn't know where I found the strength, but I broke free from Thane's grip and ran out of his expansive chambers. I forgot my cane again, but I didn't care. I bumped into a couple of guards on my way out, my tears blurring my vision.

That night, I cried my eyes out. No matter how much Lyra tried to coax me into talking, I refused to tell her. I could only suffer in silence, my heartache compounded by my hunger and the bruises still healing from the beating I received earlier. I had willingly given myself to Thane only to be rejected by him. I guess today, I got my own fair taste of what rejection felt like. Touché.

A whole week passed before I saw Thane again. He had left the kingdom for one of his dictator expeditions. Of course, he returned victorious, bringing in a new batch of slaves. Some would be sold within the kingdom, while the rest would be sold outside. This time, the slaves were wolves. If they were human, they would all be sold since Thane hated them.

I was in the kitchen helping out, as I usually did. When Thane was away, I was rarely fed because I was everyone's least favorite, so it was good that he was back-even though I didn't want to see him.

I wiped my hands on my dress as I prepared to enter the grand hall. There was a celebratory feast, which meant more leftovers for me. As I entered the hall, pretentiously using my cane as a guide to the table, my heart skipped a beat. I saw another figure intimately seated by the king-a woman, a beta female I recognized well. The woman who had been obsessing over Thane for years... Why was she by his side?