(Audrey’s POV)
I stood frozen between Nathan and Arthur, the tension crackling like electricity in the night air. Arthur’s grip on my wrist was unyielding, his fingers circling my skin like a silver shackle. His eyes burned with an intensity that made my wolf Grace whimper despite her defiance.
“Come on,” Arthur said, tugging me toward his black Maybach. “We have matters to discuss.”
I planted my feet firmly on the ground, refusing to budge. “Let go of me.”
Nathan stepped forward, his shoulders tensing. “She doesn’t want to go with you, Moonstone.”
Arthur’s lip curled into a mocking smile. “After eight years of loving me, she suddenly doesn’t want my company? I find that hard to believe.”
My heart stuttered in my chest. How could he be so confident? Yes, I had admitted my feelings for him from our Inter-Pack Academy days, but that was before everything-before Victoria, before the loss of our pups, before his countless betrayals.
“Eight years was enough,” I snapped, pulling against his grip. “I’ve wasted enough time on someone who never valued me.”
“Never valued you?” Arthur’s eyebrow arched. “Who protected you from Howard? Who took a silver wound for you?”
“Let. Go. Of. My. Wrist.” I emphasized each word, Grace bristling beneath my skin.
His response was to tighten his hold, his Alpha presence intensifying around us like a storm cloud. “Your defiance is new, Audrey. I wonder where it comes from.”
He pulled me toward the car with a sudden jerk that nearly made me stumble. Nathan moved to intervene, but Arthur’s free hand shot up in a warning gesture.
“Stay back, Snowfang,” he commanded. “This is between me and my mate.”
“Soon-to-be ex-mate,” I corrected, still struggling against his grip.
Arthur ignored my correction, forcing me toward his car with relentless determination. The black Maybach gleamed under the moonlight, its engine purring softly in the night.
Nathan followed us, his wolf presence pulsing with protective energy. “Audrey, do you want me to call pack security?”
Before I could respond, Arthur turned to face him, his Alpha presence expanding so forcefully that I felt my knees weaken.
“Your pack is calling you back, Snowfang,” Arthur said, his voice carrying an Alpha’s command. “Don’t waste your time here.”
Nathan’s expression wavered momentarily, a flash of something like defeat crossing his features. But his wolf eyes flashed with defiance.
“She doesn’t want to go with you,” he repeated, standing his ground despite Arthur’s intimidating presence.
Arthur pushed me toward the open car door. “Get in.”
“No!” I protested, trying to twist away from his grip.
He leaned close, his breath hot against my ear. “Get in, or I’ll carry you in. Your choice.”
The threat wasn’t empty. I knew he would do exactly as he promised, causing an even more humiliating scene. Reluctantly, I slid into the passenger seat, Grace howling with indignation inside me.
Before Arthur closed the door, Nathan made one final remark:
“Your mate mark is fading, Moonstone. Soon you’ll have no leverage over her.”
Arthur’s face contorted with rage as he slammed the car door shut. He circled around to the driver’s side, his wolf just beneath his skin, golden eyes flashing as he dropped into the seat beside me.
The moment he was inside, I lunged for the door handle, desperate to escape. But Arthur was faster, grabbing my arm and pulling me back.
“Let me out!” I demanded, struggling against his superior Alpha strength.
“No,” he growled, starting the engine with his free hand.
I reached again for the door handle, causing Arthur to brake abruptly as he pulled me back toward him. The sudden stop threw me against the leather seat.
“So eager to return to him?” Arthur mocked, his voice a low growl. “What’s the rush, Audrey? What did you two discuss in his car earlier today?”
“Nothing! And it’s none of your business,” I snapped, straightening myself. “I just want to go back to my territory house.”
“Your territory house?” He laughed coldly. “Don’t forget who gave you that house.”
The car began moving again, pulling away from my territory house-my sanctuary. With each meter, my anxiety grew.
“Where are you taking me?” I demanded.
“Home.”
That single word sent a chill through me. He meant the Moonstone Pack House-his home, not mine. Not anymore.
“That’s not my home,” I said firmly. “I haven’t lived there since-“
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