Chapter 24 Zephyrine Apex pushed open a chamber door and stepped aside for me to walk in . It's wide and comfortable , with a bed at the corner . A statue near to the windows . A table sat beside the bed where a few women's necessities lay scattered . Few combs , pins , a golden brush . A wardrobe stood against the wall . It didn't look recently used , but the room was tidy and warm . I stood in the middle , breathing out shakily , " The dress is in the wardrobe . Should I bring one for you ? " he asked behind me . slowly . I turned to face him , aware we were completely alone now . Nothing between us but heavy , unspoken tension . didn't respond right away . I stared at him , wondering if this was his plan all along . " I never knew you had mistresses , " I muttered at last , unable to stop the words . He raised an eyebrow , genuinely confused . " Mistresses ? " " You don't wear hair ornaments ," I said , pointing at the jeweled pins on the table . He followed my direction , then looked back at me . " They're for Serena . " Serena ' I'd never heard that name before . One of his women ? I was still wondering when he searched my eyes and took a step forward . I held my ground . He came closer , too close , and the tension between us sparked dangerously . His hand lified , reaching toward my neck , but I stopped him with my words . " I'm not ready to be your next mistress . " He paused , staring into my eyes as though deciphering my meaning . Then his hands gripped my waist anyway . Apex leaned in , his lips nearly brushing mine but I pushed him away , and he let me . He stepped back , eyes unreadable . I exhaled shakily . " Take me back , I demanded . He stood still , watching me . " You're ... jealous ? Why ? " I stiffened . The word struck me like a blade . So bold of him . " Why should I be ? " I snapped . " How would I know ? " he said , genuinely baffled . I set my jaw and moved toward the door , but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him , slamming me against his chest . I fought his grip , but all that struggle only burned hotter between us . He was powerful in a divine way . I knew this . After a few seconds , he let me go , and I pushed him back . " Take me back , or I'll walk home myself . " He paused for a long moment , as if trying to figure out what he'd done wrong . Chapter 24 : " Fine ," he said . " Change your dress , and I'll take you back . " Im not wearing one of your mistress's dresses " It's Serena's , he corrected quietly . I glared at him . " And who is serena " My sister . " 1 froze . And just like that , the strange firy in me dissolved into thin air . Oh I blinked , lowering my gaze , feeling my cheeks flush with heat . Gods . Did I just throw a fit over nothing ? I didn't know your sister's name is Serena , " I muttered . He stared in silence . He always stared more than he spoke . #Finished " My sisters and I came here when our father became ... unbearably abusive , he said quietly as he approached me . " I wouldn't bring mistresses here . It's the only place I have good memories ." His palm cupped my neck . gently tilting my chin so our eyes met . He was close now . Too close . His lips hovered over mine . His gray eyes searched me , and the faintest smile curved his lips . " You are jealous . " I'm not . I tried to sound firm , but the words came out soft and weak . Silence stretched between us . Then , as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his gaze dropped to my lips . " I was thinking about you ," he whispered . " I couldn't sleep . Your eyes , your voice ... your lips . " Hear pooled between my thighs , and I knew I should run . But I didn't . I stayed in his arms , and when his other hand slipped around my waist . I let him draw me forward . He leaned in , almost kissing me but I pulled away at the last second , my heart pounding . I'm still mated to Nyroth . I ... I can't do this . That was the thought on my mind until I saw him still watching me , silent as always . Then something broke inside me . I rushed back into his arms . He caught me at once , lifting me onto the table , his grip firm at my waist . He leaned down , one hand bracing my neck , and his lips almost claiming mine when I went breathless and suddenly confessed . " I have a mate, " He froze . His eyes found mine slowly and I watch his jaw tensed , carved in stone . " Alpha Nyroth of Hue Pack , " I said , voice low . " He was the one across me the day we arrived in the Lycan Kingdom . " Apex pulled away without words , his movements slow and clipped with rage . IPM p p . Chapter 24 He walked to the window in silence , then , without warning , shoved over the state in a quiet , violent outburst . My heart clenched " I plan to reject him ," I added , forcing my voice steady . " Under the full moon . In two nights . He turned then and just like that , everything blurred . The restraint . The morality . The line . Finished He came at me fast , grabbing my waist with a heated , possessive grip . One hand on my neck , his body pressing between my thighs His eyes burned into mine and I could barely breathe . He leaned closer . " What's your name ? " I asked , heart thudding . " Everyone calls you Apex , but that's not your name . Tell me your real name ... if you really want to kiss me tonight . " He paused Then he swallowed hard , the weight of lust heavy in his eyes . " Lycannar . The name hadn't even finished forming before his mouth was on mine , kissing me like he owned me . Like he'd waited all his life for this . When he pulled away to breathe , our foreheads touched . Our breaths tangled , Then his lips trailed down to my neck , his fingers sliding under my dress , and I leaned back trembling , heart racing . Send Gifts 2.2K W The Rogue Is A Female Alpha Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.