Claimed by the Alpha King

of the storm he left behind. Rowan stood frozen, her fists clenched so tightly

d," she muttered

r. It clung to her like an invisible shackle, refusing to let her g

thing, anything, to regain control of her spinning thoughts. Her hands trembled

here? What did

ed in her mind

arp, as if saying it would make it

r defiance. The bond didn't care about her independence or her hatred for him. It only care

t her mind remained in turmoil. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting th

e on the outskirts of town. The streets were quieter now, the bus

trees. It was her sanctuary, a place where she could breathe withou

and leaned against it, closing her eyes. For a moment,

peace di

gh the small space,

art sank. She didn't need to a

se racing. Maybe if she

ock, loude

alled through the door, lo

her breath. "Go

replied, completely

he small room like a caged animal.

nt of amusement in his tone. "You can e

he door, fury blazing in

he lock clicki

revealing Dominic standing there, calm as

her voice rising. "You

ehind him as if he owned the place. "

t.

eeping over the small cottage. "

him, her body taut with an

able. "Do you really think you can keep push

sed to back down. "The bond doesn'

d his face. "You can't fight wh

well try," s

ke. The air between them was thick with tension, the kind that

e," he said finally, his vo

y are yo

his eyes locking onto

f guard by the sudden sh

re," Dominic said. "He k

ed. "I don't mean

darkening. "You mean everything, R

s. Malachi Darkfang. The traitorous beta who w

he said, though h

ready sent scouts into your territory. It's on

to believe him, but something in his

e to do?" she asked,

id without hesitation

rotect me? Or keep me

int smirk. "Does it matte

She hated him for putting her in this positi

" she said, though the words f

en nodded. "Fine. But when the danger com

and left, the door cl

her hands shaking. She didn't trust D

long to decide