Chapter 5 Five

(Zarah)

I was told to stay in one of the room downstairs-Far enough from Ryker. Far enough from the rest of them.

I cooked in silence. Ate alone.

No one told me I didn't belong there, and no one tried to make me feel welcome either.

I avoided Ryker in the best way I could.

One afternoon, I sat on the rooftop, legs dangling over the edge, staring down at the courtyard below. Everyone looked so small from up here-busy, loud, alive. And yet, no one noticed me.

That was the point.

"Hi."

The sudden voice behind me nearly made me fall.

I half turn around.

A tall guy stood there, hands in his pockets, relaxed like he hadn't just scared the life out of me.

"I'm Jake," he said casually, stepping closer. "Head of security around here."

I didn't respond. Just watched him, waiting to see if this was some sort of trick.

He didn't seem put off by the silence. "You're Zarah, right? Alpha Ryker's sister."

Me? Ryker's sister? May the Moon goodness forbid it.

Jake raised an eyebrow. "Is she mute?" he muttered under his breath, not exactly quiet.

I looked away, jaw tight. But I didn't leave.

He sat down beside me, legs stretched out like he had all the time in the world. He didn't seem to notice-or care-that I hadn't said a word.

Jake started talking anyway. Something about how the training grounds had been expanded. How Ryker was impossible to please. How the kitchen staff made terrible tea today. I tuned him out, staring at a bird circling above the treetops.

"You read books, right?" he asked suddenly.

That made my head turn, just slightly.

He caught it. "Ah. That got your attention."

I didn't speak, just gave a small nod, cautious.

He grinned. "Good. I've got something you might like."

Jake stood up and dusted off his pants, then looked back at me, tilting his head. "Well? Come on. Let's go get it."

I hesitated, eyes narrowing. Was this a trick?

But something about the way he said it made me stand.

I followed him quietly, keeping a few paces behind.

When we reached the room, he pulled out a key and unlocked the door.

"Welcome to my room," he said with a small smile.

I stepped inside slowly. The first thing I noticed was the shelf-tall, packed with books. Without thinking, I walked over, drawn to it like a magnet.

"All these. They are yours?" I asked softly, the first words I had spoken in days.

Jake blinked, surprised, "She talks," he said with a grin. "Yeah. All mine."

I picked a book off the shelf and clutched it to my chest. "Thanks," I murmured, already heading for the door.

But when I opened it-

Silver eyes met mine.

I backed away by a step.

His eyes shifted-silver bleeding into red, then blue. The terrifying mix that always meant danger.

He walked in and I felt cold.

He gripped my chin, hard enough to hurt. "What are you doing here?" His voice was scary.

I didn't answer. I couldn't.

"Al–Alpha, there's nothing happening," Jake stammered, stepping forward, hands raised. "I swear, we were just-"

"Theo!" Ryker's voice cut like a blade. "Take him to the cellar."

"No, Alpha-please," Jake begged, eyes wide with panic. "Please, don't do this!"

Ryker yanked me by the arm, dragging me along. "Watch closely," he snarled, "and see what your recklessness costs."

"Aaaaah!.." Jake's voice filled the cellar from being punished by electrocution.

"Alpha Ryker!" I fell to my knees, crawling toward his feet, tears streaking down my face. "Please-please stop this! He's going to die!"

"Then let him," Ryker spat without even glancing at me. "Theo. Turn it up."

Theo hesitated-but one look from the Alpha and he obeyed.

Jake's screams grew louder.

His body jerked violently against the restraints, his screams hoarse now, his voice nearly gone.

"Stop!" I cried, slamming my fists against the bars. "Please-he didn't do anything wrong!"

Ryker finally looked at me, "You think I care about his innocence?" he said quietly. "You carry my family name and that means you are mine."

"I'm not yours!" I shouted, the words bursting out before I could stop them. "You made that very clear."

His gaze darkened even more, "You don't get to say that," he growled. "You live under my roof, carry my name, and until I say otherwise-you are mine."

"If this is what being yours means, I rather die." I shot back.

Jake groaned behind us, barely conscious. Even Theo looked shaken.

Ryker's jaw clenched, "...Enough," he said at last.

Theo blinked. "Alpha?"

"Turn it off," Ryker barked, stepping back.

Jake slumped forward as the current died, he passed out.

I rushed toward him, cradling his face. "Jake... Jake, I'm so sorry-"

"Get him out of my sight," Ryker growled.

Then he walked over to me, pulling me up forcefully, "If you ever walk into another wolf's room uninvited again, I'll make sure you never forget the consequences."

He let go of me and I fell to the floor.

He was already walking away, when I threw one of my shoe at him-the thud sharp against his back.

"Why do you hate me so much, Ryker?" I choked out, tears spilling. "I've never done anything wrong to you."

He turned back, closing the distance until his face hovered just inches from mine.

"The fact that you're breathing-That irritates me," he said coldly.