CHAPTER 99
ZION
"Why the fuck is she here?" I growled, my voice laced with anger, fists clenched at my sides.
"Shouldn't she be at home, wallowing after the day she's had?" My body practically vibrates with the urge to hit something—someone. The anger surges through me, hot and relentless, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
"No clue. Looks like Claire dragged her along," Clark mutters, glancing in her direction.
"Fucking Claire." My jaw tightens, teeth grinding together. "You need to get your twin under control." My voice is low and controlled, but the fury in me is barely contained. The words hang in the air like a threat.
His eyes narrow, but he's smart enough to keep his mouth shut. He may be my best friend, but right now, the space between us feels razor-thin. I’m a hair’s breadth away from turning him into a punching bag if he doesn’t shut the hell up.
Ronald’s voice cut through the noise, laced with surprise.
"Well, well, seems like Winter's got more guts than we gave her credit for. Instead of cowering at home, she showed up."
A bitter laugh escapes me, sour and full of disdain, as my eyes find her across the backyard. There she is, standing with that same defiant posture like she’s not completely broken. Maybe I went too easy on her today—let her off when I should’ve crushed her spirit completely.
But tomorrow... tomorrow’s going to be a whole different kind of hell for her. The thought of it sends a twisted, savage satisfaction coursing through me, curling in my gut. She won’t escape this time. Not without paying for every damn second of defiance.
My gaze cuts through the crowd, seeking her out like a predator locking onto its prey. Winter. She stands there, chin lifted, eyes glaring into mine with a fire that would have most people shrinking back. But I’m not like most people. Her fury only fuels the fire inside me, igniting an inferno of anger that pushes me forward.
I take her in, her expression, the way she holds herself. She’s trying to show me something—trying to prove that she’s strong. But I see it for what it is—her mask, her resistance, and it only makes me want to break her more. I won't let her think she’s won.
Her eyes flick to Harry, a flash of confusion crossing her features before her face hardens once more. Then, like she’s preparing for battle, she starts walking toward us, Claire trailing closely behind. Her every step is deliberate like she’s trying to show the world she’s not afraid—like I’m supposed to care.
As soon as she’s close enough, I step forward, cutting her path with all the force of a wall. The air between us thickens, charged with tension. I lean in, close enough that she can feel the heat radiating off me, my lips curling into a smirk that drips with mockery.
"Snowflake," I purr, my voice smooth and low, taunting her as she gets within earshot. "Missing me already, sweet cheeks?"
Her eyes snap with pure hatred, narrowing as her lips curl into a snarl.
Without hesitation, she spits out, "Fuck you." And just like that, she turns her back on me, her focus shifting entirely to Harry.
My smirk falters, just a flicker, but it's enough to burn. She dismisses me completely, ignoring the hell I’ve been waiting to rain down on her. She’s not breaking. She’s not cowering. She’s turning her back on me like I don’t matter, and that sends a spike of rage straight to my chest.
I watch them, my fists clenching at my sides, the fury building with every second she spends walking away. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but whatever it is, it’s enough to pull Claire into the mix. She storms up behind Winter, throwing me a glare that could slice through steel before grabbing Winter’s hand. Without a word, the two of them turned their backs on me completely, slipping into the crowd with a purposeful distance between us.
I stand there, fists still clenched, my mind a whirlwind of anger, confusion, and something else—something darker, something I don’t want to acknowledge. My smile fades, the satisfaction replaced by a gnawing, simmering frustration. She’s not playing the part I’d given her. She’s not shattering like I thought she would.
Instead, she’s here—standing strong, eyes still burning with defiance. The beast inside me snarls, unsatisfied, hungry for more. This wasn’t the reaction I expected, and it’s driving me insane.
If she wants a fight, I’ll give her one. I’ll bring hell to her doorstep and make her regret every moment of defiance. No one, not even Winter, turns their back on me and walks away unscathed. I’m going to make sure of it.
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