I let out a shrill scream, my eyes shutting tight as I felt myself being violently lunged off the ground. One minute, I was praying to the Moon Goddess for my life, the next, I was weightless and dizzy. My eyes fluttered shut, and my vision went dark.
“Ouch,” I winced, muttering gibberish. Fluttering my eyes open, the bright light in the room flooded into my eyes, making them sting. I shut them again before snapping them open, staring blankly at the white ceiling, wondering how I’d ended up on a bed.
Scratching the sides of my face, the flashes of the morning’s events dawned on me. Breakfast with the Lycans, Ryder’s kiss, meeting Isabelle… and then the rogues’ attack. After the rogues’ attack, I didn’t remember more.
Rogues’ attack? I could almost feel that sharp knife on my skin. With a shriek, I jumped off the bed, my PTSD taking hold of me as my eyes scanned the room frantically.
That was when I saw him-Ryder, staring at me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. I frowned, expecting his usual stupid smirk, but instead, his turquoise eyes blazed with anger. Rolling my eyes, I wondered how long he was going to keep creeping on me. But I swallowed hard, backing down as my mind raced to piece together what had happened.
The only memory I had of that near-death experience was the rogue getting close to me, and then… nothing. Maybe I’d fainted; at least that would explain why I was on the bed, since everything after that was a blur.
I couldn’t even look him in the eye. I was too scared to see the anger in his eyes; I could already feel them drilling holes into my head. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to say anything. The silence was making me uneasy. If only he’d shout at me or something-anything-rather than remain quiet.
With each passing second, I was withering under his intense stare, feeling like he was seeing through my soul.
“R-Ryder, I-I’m s-sorry,” I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper.
With a scoff, he shook his head, his expression unyielding. “Sorry?” he repeated, his tone questioning, as if my apology was somehow inadequate.
“Sorry isn’t enough, Vixen,” he said finally, his voice firm but controlled. “I gave you a simple order. Just one thing: stay in your room until I’m back. But what did you do?”
Biting my lips nervously, I felt a bit relieved that he was at least saying something. Even though my heart was racing with anticipation and fear, I managed to speak out.
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. “I… I didn’t know you were heading to the border,” I stammered, my eyes carefully avoiding his.
Ryder’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t know? You didn’t know we were heading to the border?” Palming his forehead, I took that as an opportunity to look at him; he looked tired.
I shook my head, feeling a wave of defensiveness wash over me. It’s not like I had an absurd reason for going after him; besides, he didn’t tell me why I had to go to my room.
“No, I didn’t know. I only realized when I reached the clearing. I just wanted to talk to you about-“
I trailed off, recalling the fact that it was Isabelle’s revelation about their engagement that had driven me to confront him. Would he think it was dumb, considering the result of my actions?
Folding his hands over his chest, he stared at me for a long time, his expression darkening. My lips tightened. Was I only going to look stupid? Was I going to say I wanted to talk to him about how I’d discovered he was engaged to Isabelle? About how I’d been so pissed off that I’d defied a simple order over something so trivial that nearly cost me my life?
It was only now that I rummaged over my actions that I realized how hasty I was. Moving closer to me, the smell of his cologne growing stronger, he paused a few feet before me and cleared his throat.
“You know what I’ve concluded? You didn’t have any reasonable cause to pull that dumb stunt. If you did, you’d have said something smart by now! Maybe you’re oblivious to the fact that you would have gotten killed if I wasn’t fast enough.” Ryder was yelling, his voice breaking with emotion, and I flinched each time his outburst grew louder.
“By the Moon Goddess, Jasmine, you’re so hasty and reckless. You have no idea what’s going on, do you?” His voice was softer now, laced with disappointment.
Stubborn at heart, I felt a surge of anger at his words, but deep down, I knew he was right. I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t know the dangers that lurked in his world. All I knew was that I wanted an explanation from him… I should have waited.
But it seemed like he was already tired of me. “You’re impossible, Jasmine,” he sighed, shaking his head. “I don’t know what to do with you.”
No one’s words had ever left an impact on me like his did. A pang of hurt spread through my chest at his words.
“I’m sorry. Maybe I can help,” I suggested, trying to keep my voice steady, even though I was certain I had just said the most stupid thing in history. We both knew I couldn’t help.
Ryder snorted. “You think you can help? You think you’re ready for my world? You’re under my care, not the other way around.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, looking him straight in the eye.
Ryder’s expression softened slightly, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of hope. But then his mask slipped back into place, and he turned away from me.
“Just stay in your room, Jasmine. Please.” It seemed like he was already tired of me. No one’s words had ever left an impact on me like his did; a pang of hurt spread through my chest at his words.
I took a deep breath and sipped my wine, my fingers tapping expectantly against the wooden table. I was still looking forward to seeing Jasmine, the excitement growing in my chest like a child on Christmas Eve. I wanted to introduce her to the important personalities in the pack… My body tensed as her scent filled the room.
Raising my eyes slowly, I was too stunned to move or say anything. Managing to remain composed, I traced her features slowly with my gaze. The dress had a lot of details, yet it was beautiful on her, hugging her waist and hips before flaring into a short train. She looked like a fucking Luna… I could feel pride swelling in my chest.
Flustered and nervous, her eyes darted about. Sensing her tension, I beckoned her forward with a subtle nod.
But she didn’t move; her feet remained rooted to the spot. Normally, I would have been irritated, but I knew the impression Lycans gave off, especially the ones gathered around my table.
I nodded again.
This time, she didn’t appear nervous. No, she remained rooted to the floor, a defiant look on her small face. Seraphina, wide-eyed, warned her in hushed tones, but she shook her head. The murmurs were steadily increasing, and I was already losing my patience.
“No,” she said loudly, and a hush followed.
“What game is she playing now?” Ace hissed.
“This stubbornness is going to land her in trouble with me,” he warned, his voice heavy with anger and impatience.
The room fell silent, all eyes on her. A few glanced back at me. Clenching my jaw, I sent her a cold stare meant to convey my message, but either she didn’t get the memo, or she was being stupidly stubborn. She jutted her chin forward, putting on the bravest face she could muster. I knew she was waiting for me to make the next move, expecting something dramatic.
I scoffed.
Waiting for what seemed like an eternity, I folded my arms and leaned back against my chair. I wasn’t going to budge. As annoying as it was, I was somewhat amused.
Frustrated and tired, she gathered her gown and turned to head back toward the entrance, ignoring Seraphina’s pleading gaze. I was done with this stupid game.
Just as she was about to turn fully, I cleared my throat.
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