Chapter 18
I stormed off, wanting nothing more than to retreat to the safety of my room and shut the world out for a moment. My mind was racing, the weight of everything crashing down around me—Bryan, Jake, my entire life being one big secret. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice Jake moving until I felt a strong hand grab my arm, pulling me back.
I stopped abruptly and glared at his hand on my left arm, trying to yank it free. But of course, it was no use. His grip was firm, his strength overwhelming, and I was just human—or, at least, I used to think I was. Now, I didn’t even know what I was anymore. My frustration flared, and I turned my glare up at him, only to find him staring back with the same intensity.
'What the hell is his problem?' I thought bitterly, feeling a strange mix of fear and anger swirling inside me. Jake’s dark eyes were locked on mine, annoyance practically radiating off him. He looked like he was about two seconds away from snapping, and I suddenly felt very small under his gaze. There was something about him that both intimidated and infuriated me at the same time.
Without saying a word, he pulled me even closer, so close that I could feel the heat of his body and smell the faint scent of something woodsy, earthy. "Listen," he began, his voice low and dangerous, "that little heart-to-heart moment back there was cute, but it’s not why I brought you here. You need to understand something. Bryan is your trainer, whether you like it or not."
I opened my mouth to argue, a surge of rebellion rising up in me. "But... I don’t want him as my—"
Before I could finish, Jake’s hand tightened painfully around my arm, cutting me off mid-sentence. I gasped in surprise, the sharp pressure making my eyes water. His grip was like iron, and I had no doubt it would leave a bruise. "Never cut me off when I’m speaking," he growled, his voice like thunder, making me flinch.
"Alpha, you’re hurting her!" Bryan’s voice suddenly broke through the tension, and I glanced over to see him stepping forward, his face full of concern. He was visibly trying to hold himself back, but I could see the anger brewing in his eyes.
Jake’s reaction was immediate. His gaze snapped to Bryan, his eyes darkening with fury. "Move one step closer, warrior, and I’ll rip your head off your shoulders," he snarled, his voice cold and venomous. I froze, my heart hammering in my chest as the air around us seemed to thicken with the threat.
Bryan’s jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might ignore the threat and step forward anyway. But then he stopped, his hands balling into fists at his sides, the tension rolling off him in waves. He looked like he wanted to say something, to defend me, but even he knew better than to push Jake when he was like this.
Jake loosened his grip on my arm just slightly, but it still hurt like hell. His gaze never left mine as he spoke again, his voice low and dangerous. "Answer me, witch," he spat, the last word dripping with disdain. I felt my throat tighten in fear, my mind screaming at me to say something, to do anything to make this stop.
I nodded frantically, my head bobbing so fast it made me dizzy. "Yes... I won’t do it again, I’m sorry," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might explode, and I could feel the sting of unshed tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. Jake’s mood was like a storm, unpredictable and violent, and I had no idea what would set him off next. One moment, he was teasing and smug, and the next, he was this... this terrifying monster.
I looked down, trying to hide the fear that was now clear on my face, but Jake wasn’t having any of it. His hand shot up to grab my chin, forcing me to look at him. His grip was surprisingly gentle this time, but it didn’t ease the fear gnawing at my insides. "Listen carefully," he said, his voice softer but no less threatening. "I am not your friend, Prisca. Don’t think for one second that just because you’re my mate, I’ll tolerate your disrespect."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. The coldness in his tone was like ice, cutting right through any hope I had of finding an ally in him. He continued, his finger jabbing angrily in Bryan’s direction. "I don’t care about your little vendetta against this mutt. You will train with him starting tomorrow morning at eight. You will follow my orders and respect me because I am your Alpha now."
The finality of his words sank in like lead, and I felt my heart sink with it. "And don’t think for one second that I won’t punish you if you disrespect me again." His voice was so cold, so cruel, that I couldn’t help the shiver that ran down my spine. "Do you understand me?"
I swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Yes... I understand," I whispered, my voice shaky. I didn’t dare argue with him. Not now. Not when his eyes were so dark and soulless that I could barely stand to look at him.
Satisfied with my response, Jake finally released my arm. I mentally sighed in relief, though the pain still throbbed in my skin where his fingers had dug into me. But his hand didn’t leave my face. He kept his grip on my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze once more. His eyes were still hard, still full of anger. "Now, get out," he said slowly, his voice deadly quiet.
The weight of his command hit me like a physical blow, and I stumbled back as soon as he let go, my legs feeling like jelly beneath me. I didn’t need to be told twice. Without another word, I turned and fled the room, my heart racing in my chest, tears threatening to spill over as I made my way down the hall. I didn’t dare look back. Not at Jake, and not at Bryan.
As I reached the safety of my room, I slammed the door shut behind me, leaning against it for support as I tried to catch my breath. My arm throbbed, and I glanced down to see the angry red marks where Jake had gripped me. I touched them gingerly, wincing at the tenderness.
I had no idea what tomorrow would bring, but one thing was clear—Jake wasn’t the teasing, arrogant Alpha I had thought he was. He was something much darker, and I wasn’t sure how I would survive under his command.
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