Chapter 21
In the aftermath of the sex that day, with our bodies intertwined and still quivering, I realized that our relationship had forever changed.
After that, we start looking for each other only for sex. Ignoring the fact that I was prohibited from entering the training grounds, I would make my way there and call for him. Although I never call for him, Axton can always read the expression in my eyes. With a knowing smirk, he would effortlessly pull me along to some unknown destination.
Our secret meetings began innocently, with stolen glances and subtle teasing smiles. Our conversations llowed effortlessly, punctuated by stolen kisses every now and then. Nevertheless, the daylight hours proved powerless in keeping us apart, as we surrendered to our desires with the fervor of wild rabbits. Whenever we could, we would speak away, consumed by an insatiable and unyielding hunger for each other.
The weight of the whispers and rumors is always with me, no matter where I go.
I am branded as a whore, an utter disappointment to my pack, yet their judgment fails to affect me. Let them talk. Let them judge. All that matters is that when I’m with Axton, none of it matters. His arms become my sanctuary, shielding me from the sting of Zeke’s rejection, offering a fleeting taste of happiness in a world that has turned its back on me. There are times when I’m alone with my thoughts, and during those moments, I can’t shake the feeling that I might be making a mistake. Is the price I’m paying worth the experience of having sex with an Alpha from another pack? 1 can feel the guilt gnawing at me, its sharp teeth sinking deeper with every passing moment.
But then I remember the intensity in Axton’s eyes, the longing that mirrors my own, and I find the strength to push my doubts aside. Within his arms, I discover respite from the internal storm, a safe space where thoughts of Zeke and the hurt he brought dissolve into the background.
However, deep down, I am aware that this cannot endure indefinitely. Eventually, the truth will be revealed, and we will be forced to confront the repercussions of our choices. But for now, I’ll cling to this fleeting moment of happiness, savoring each stolen kiss, each whispered promise, until the day we’re ripped apart by the merciless grip of destiny.
1
Stepping onto the training grounds today, I am immediately struck by the vast expanse of open space. The air is alive with the sounds of grunting exertion and the thud of bodies hitting the ground. Standing on the outskirts, I could see the determination etched on the faces of the members of the Blackacre pack as they went through their rigorous training regimen.
But today, there was an unmistakable presence in the air that sent shivers down my spine and made me hold breath. Standing at the center of it all was Zeke, his commanding presence filling the space. Like a dark cloud, his my presence cast a shadow over the training grounds, his eyes unwavering as they fixated on a figure in the distance. As I followed his gaze, a sense of uncase washed over me when I saw who he was fixated on. It was Axton. I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread as I watched him go through his drills, his face contorted with unwavering determination. In that moment, I found myself frozen, unsure of whether to break the silence by calling out to Axton. My hand trembled near my mouth, undecided. I couldn’t help but notice the intensity of Zeke’s eyes, fixated on Axton’s every move, as if burning a hole into his back with a laser beam. He stared at him with a challenging gaze, as if daring him to stumble, to show weakness, to prove his worthiness to the rest of his pack.
My throat suddenly felt parched as I swallowed nervously, fully realizing the lurking danger in the shadows. Zeke was no longer just the Alpha of the Thornholde pack, he was a threat, a predator stalking his prey, and Axton was squarely in his sights.
I took a step back, feeling my heart racing in my chest as I desperately tried to comprehend everything.
What was Zeke planning?
Chapter 21.
Why was he suddenly taking such an interest in Axton and the Blackacre pack?
Just as I was about to turn and leave, a sudden, cold hand grabbed my shoulder, causing a surge of fear to race through my body. My heart pounded in my chest as I spun around, my senses on high alert. And there she stood, Nadia, her smile sending shivers down my spine, a mix of sweetness and danger.
“Huh? What do we have here? Maya, why are you lurking around the training grounds when you know perfectly well it’s forbidden? I know you’re capable of higher intelligence than what you’re demonstrating right now. Although I don’t want to betray your trust, your actions are forcing me to tell Zeke about what you’re doing
My throat suddenly went dry, and I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the silence as I searched for a response. With a piercing stare, Nadia delved into my eyes, meticulously scanning for any vulnerability she could exploit for her own benefit. I was determined to keep my anxiety hidden, not allowing her to see the true extent of my unease.
I kept my face straight, my eyes focused aliead, refusing to give away any emotion.
“I was just leaving.”
I couldn’t help but notice how Nadia’s smile expanded, her eyes never breaking contact with mine.
“Oh, Maya, always so eager to please,” Her words were laced with condescension as she said them. Her eyes wandered towards Zeke as she absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “I find it quite fascinating that you have decided to disregard Zeke’s orders in this way. Do you want to worsen your current situation by getting yourself into more trouble? I truly want to be of assistance to you, but it’s crucial that you have the determination to help yourself.”
With clenched fists, I struggled to contain the overwhelming desire to unleash my fury upon her. However, I was determined not to let her witness my emotional unraveling, knowing it would only bring her satisfaction. With so much at stake, I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.
“I’m not trying to cause trouble,” With a tight jaw, I forced the words out, my voice shaking with suppressed rage. “I just… I just wanted to see how things were going. That’s all.”
A momentary hesitation crossed Nadia’s face, her smile wavering as a hint of uncertainty flashed in her eyes, only to be swiftly replaced by a mock expression of sympathy
“Don’t worry, I believe what you’re saying, no need to defend yourself,” With a sickeningly sweet voice, she said those words, her arms raised in defense, even though it’s a fact that I would never harm her. “But you really should know better than to defy Zeke’s orders. You wouldn’t want to make things even worse for yourself, now would you?”
I could feel the intense heat of anger building inside me, ready to consume me entirely. As if she had any right to judge me, she had the audacity to speak to me in such a condescending manner. How could she act so nonchalant, as if she hadn’t been the one to betray me, leaving me heartbroken and robbed of my True Mate?
Right as I was about to walk away from Nadia, she lets out a sudden, car–splitting scream that stops me in my tracks. “Babe! How are you doing, do you need some help?”
All around us, heads turned to look in our direction, curious gazes scrutinizing our every move. With each beat, my heart hammered harder against my chest, while a suffocating blanket of dread settled over me.
With a sudden burst of anger, Zeke stormed towards us, his eyes filled with fury, his expression turning colder than ice as it landed on me. His gaze bore down on me, heavy and intense, making it difficult to catch my breath. It dawned on me that I had gotten myself into trouble; fully understanding that I had no valid reason for defying his explicit instructions, but I found myself rooted to the spot, unable to look away from the intensity of his stare. “What is the meaning of this?” Like a knife, Zeke’s voice sliced through the air with a sharp and commanding tone. There was an undeniable authority in his tone that made it clear there was no room for disagreement, and his words were filled with a smoldering rage that sent a shudder through me. “Why are you here, Maya? My orders were clear-
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you were not to come near these training grounds. Yet, here you stand, blatantly disobeying me once
As I tried to explain myself, my throat felt as dry as sandpaper, causing me to swallow hard in an attempt to moisten it. However, I couldn’t think of any excises or valid reasons that could rationalize my disobedience. As Zeke’s patience wore thin, I could only stand there, feeling rooted to the spot, my heart thumping in my chest.
“L… I don’t know,” With my voice barely audible, I finally managed to stammer out what I wanted to say. “I just… I wanted to see how things were going. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. This is so unfair, I should totally be allowed
to watch-”
Frustration welled up inside Zeke, his narrowed eyes and clenched jaw revealing his inner turmoil.
“You have no right to be here, Maya! In order to ensure maximum focus and effort, this training session was designed to be distraction–free. Are you incapable of understanding something so basic ?” His voice erupted in a low, dangerous shout. “Your audacity knows no bounds as you defy my orders and dismiss my authority as your Alpha, despite being banned from these grounds. Who do you think you are, acting so superior?”
His words struck me like a blow, and I could feel guilt and shame flooding my entire being, knowing that my reckless. actions had led me to this point. But even as I hung my head in shame, a part of me couldn’t help but feel a simmering anger building inside me. The audacity of his words, demeaning me and disregarding my worth, left me incensed and insulted.
I was his True Mate until just a few days ago. Just a few days ago, he couldn’t keep his hands off me, showering me with declarations of love. What happened to the guy I used to be head over heels for?
Is it really possible for someone to change so fast?
“I’m sorry, Alpha,” My voice was a mere whisper, drowned out by the rapid thumping of my heart in my cars. “I didn’t mean to disobey you.”
“Your behavior, Maya, is not excusable, Even though you were aware of the potential consequences, you decided to go against me. By bringing dishonor upon yourself and our pack, you have sealed your fate and will suffer the consequences.”
The chill that ran down my spine served as a grim reminder that I was about to confront the full intensity of his fury. As fear consumed me from within, a tenacious defiance welled up, propelling me to resist his disapproval with unwavering resolve,
“I understand.” My voice remained steady, even as my limbs trembled uncontrollably. “And I accept whatever punishment you deem fit.” Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Zeke’s eye twitched, a telltale sign of his mounting stress. As I stand here, a strange feeling washes over me, as if someone is watching my every move from afar. When I shift my gaze, I catch Axton’s attention, causing him to freeze and regard me with an anxious expression.
With a slight movement of his mouth, he silently mouths some words, his expression filled with worry.
You okay?
I nod eagerly, and I feel Zeke’s gaze fixated on me. When he turns to look and sees that I’m looking at Axton, he scoll’s loudly in response. Jealousy and frustration are evident on his face, causing his eyes to darken.
“Maya, I’ve always wanted nothing more than for you to have whatever brings a serious punishment, just as you wanted. I must say, I do make for quite a kind and generous Alpha, don’t you think?” joy and fulfillment. You’ll be in for
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