Chapter 44
The way he said Adam’s name, dripping with venom, sent a jolt of anger through me. Squaring my shoulders, I met his gaze, refusing to back down. “Yes, Adam. He’s my friend. He helped us. He’s been a good friend.”
A muscle in Jeremiah’s jaw ticked, his eyes darkening with something raw and intense. “A friend?” His voice was a low, cold whisper, each word laden with barely controlled jealousy. “You think I’ll let you walk around with another man by your side?”
Before I could respond, he scooped me up, his strength a reminder of the power he possessed. The world spun as he laid me down on the edge of his bed, his presence looming over me, a mixture of anger and something far more vulnerable in his gaze. “Say his name again,” he challenged, his voice soft but dangerous, eyes smoldering with a blend of anger and a possessive need.
My heart hammered, my breath catching as his hand rested at my throat once more, this time with a softer, almost reverent touch. His fingers traced the curve of my collarbone, and I shivered under his gaze, feeling each beat of my pulse thudding against his hand.
I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died as his lips brushed against mine, a fierce, demanding kiss that left no room for resistance. His kiss was consuming, a mix of frustration and desire that left me breathless, my body instinctively arching closer to him. His hands tightened around my waist, pulling me firmly against him as his lips moved over mine, each kiss deepening the connection between us, leaving me lost in the intoxicating warmth of his touch.
I stared at his pitch-black eyes, and he watched me for a second before his sharp elongated nails ripped off my dress from the bodice, leaving my breasts naked, and my nipples instantly hardened . I moaned as he grabbed them both and sucked them his warm tongue felt amazing. I could feel my wolf come at the surface she loved everything he was doing . My mind completely went blank. I didn't even notice when he pulled my dress off until I was completely naked under him.
His tongue brushed against my mark, and I cried out in pleasure . He took that opportunity to kiss me. I could feel his warm tongue brush against mine. My wolf growled in pleasure, and I unconsciously ripped his t-shirt off . He grabbed my waist as we kissed ,hungry for each other. I felt his naked form against me he was so warm . I moaned as I felt his large,hard manhood against my wet core.
My legs instantly opened wider as I grinded against him . He growled before entering me, making me grab his back. The feeling was euphoric ,at first, it was a bit sore but as he went faster, I wanted more. I found my hips following his rhythm . I was a moaning mess as he went in deeper . I cried out as I released , and he grabbed my hands, holding me tight. I clenched around him ,my core tightening as I came undone, and I felt myself dripping, but he didn't stop. He kept on going fucking me senseless until he said my name "Fuck...Astrid" . He growled, the veins in his arms turning grey as he squeezed my thighs and my ass.
His breathing slowed down as he watched me for a second . I was exhausted, I looked at him wondering how I even felt about this. Did he forgive me ,was he still angry ,did this mean something ?
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I woke slowly, expecting to feel the warmth of Jeremiah beside me, but as my eyes blinked open, I found the other side of the bed empty. A frown creased my face. But, just as quickly, my heart softened when I noticed a tray on the bedside table, laden with breakfast, complete with a small bouquet of wildflowers set beside it. The colors were soft and delicate—an unexpected, thoughtful touch I never thought I’d associate with him. A slow smile crept over my face.
I pushed myself up, reaching for the bouquet first, letting the light fragrance fill the air. It was sweet, almost calming. And then I noticed something else at the edge of the bed—a dress, elegantly draped and unmistakably new. The fabric was white and shone softly in the morning light, almost glowing. The simplicity and grace of it made me catch my breath. My smile grew wider, my heart fluttering with a warmth I hadn’t expected. Perhaps… perhaps he was trying. Perhaps he was finally opening up.
Maybe Jeremiah was learning how to forgive.
With that thought warming me from within, I enjoyed my breakfast, taking my time. It had been a long time since anyone had done something like this for me, and the effort behind it felt genuine. Afterward, I dressed, the fabric of the new dress soft and flowing as it hugged me in all the right places. The feeling of being seen, thought of… It made me feel special. I allowed myself to revel in the feeling for a moment.
Once I was ready, I decided to check on my group. They’d all been through so much, and I felt a pull to help them somehow. My life had been one of constant confinement, always told where to go, what to do—but the rush of adrenaline from facing that creature, the fierce joy of defending those I’d fought beside… I loved it. For the first time, I felt a purpose beyond the walls others had built around me.
But just as I reached for the door, a large figure blocked my path. One of Jeremiah’s guards, tall and stoic, his face as unmoving as stone.
“Good morning,” I greeted with a polite smile. “I’m just heading outside to check on everyone.”
The guard shifted uncomfortably, his gaze lowering. “I’m sorry, Luna,” he murmured. “The Alpha has given strict orders that you’re not to leave the house.”
A flicker of irritation sparked in me. “The Alpha?” I repeated, unable to keep the edge out of my voice. “You’re telling me I’m not allowed to go outside?”
The guard nodded, looking genuinely apologetic. “Please, Luna. I’m only following orders.”
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to breathe evenly. “Fine,” I said curtly, spinning on my heel. Anger surged through me with each step I took toward his office. How dare he lock me in here like some fragile possession?
When I reached his door, I didn’t hesitate. I pushed it open, ready to demand answers, only to find Jeremiah already inside, seated behind his desk, his arms crossed and eyes cold and calculating. My parents were seated nearby, and Trevor leaned against the wall, his gaze dark but calm.
I didn’t care who was watching; I strode right up to Jeremiah, my anger sharpening my voice. “Why would you tell the guards not to let me outside?” I demanded. “I’m not your prisoner.”
Jeremiah raised his eyes, dark and unyielding, and for a moment, his expression softened. But just as quickly, it hardened into that familiar, cold mask. “Careful with your tone, Astrid,” he replied, his voice a low warning. “You’re speaking to your Alpha—and your mate.”
I took a breath, my hands balled into fists. “Then as my Alpha, answer me. Why would you trap me here? Why would you keep me from helping?”
He stared at me for a long, silent moment before leaning back, his gaze turning almost calculating. “Do you think I’ll just let you risk your life again?” he said, his tone a blend of authority and thinly veiled possessiveness. “Why would I let you endanger yourself when you could be carrying my future heir? Or will be soon enough.”
The words struck me like a blow, and I felt my face drain of color. I was stunned, barely able to process what he was saying. Behind him, I could see my mother, her eyes clouded with worry, while my father sat beside her, his gaze steady on Jeremiah, as if watching every move he made.
I found my voice, but it came out strained. “So that’s what this is about? That’s why you—” I broke off, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and hurt. I felt humiliated, my cheeks flushing as I realized what he was implying. “That’s why you—last night…”
Jeremiah’s eyes narrowed, and he pushed back from his desk, standing and closing the space between us. His voice dropped to a softer but colder tone, and his eyes gleamed with something dark. “If that’s what it takes to keep you safe, then yes, Astrid. You’ll stay here, and you’ll bear my heir. Whether you like it or not.”
My stomach churned, a wave of disappointment crashing over me. His words cut deep, leaving a raw ache in their wake. I’d allowed myself to believe—just for a moment—that there was more to him than this ruthless, calculating Alpha. I had hoped he cared, that he’d forgiven me and wanted something real.