Chapter 36 Zephyrine When the carriage rolled to a stop inside Hue Pack territory , I didn't move . My eyes stayed fixed on nothing , my thoughts heavier than the air around me . They'd come for me , told me to follow . I'd gone without a fight . Dessyn had been worried , but I'd told her I'd be fine . Finished But " fine " was a lie , not because of the rogues or the slander everyone now believes , but because of the mark that's no longer on my skin . Why did he come into my life like a storm , drop a bomb of obsession , mark me without the Moon Goddess's blessing , without my consent , and then vanish ? Why ? " Come on out , Nyroth's voice came from the side . I turned , saw his hand extended toward me . I stared at it for what felt like an eternity before my gaze moved up to his face . This was new . Nyroth never wanted to hold my hand in public . Once , the only time he did , he'd frowned , muttering why my palm felt so calloused , irritation in his tone , as if the work I'd done for him was something to be ashamed of I stepped down from the carriage on my own , bypassing him without a word . The hallway felt colder than I remembered , and stepping into the living room , a place I never thought I'd see again felt almost surreal . No Olivia . No Pamela . No audience for their usual insults . " Come in . Nyroth's voice was closer now . Before I could react , he took my wrist and pulled me into my chamber , locking the door behind us He stood in front of me, eyes roaming over me , jaw tight . Jealousy radiated from him . " Listen , Zeph . There's talk out there and ... " " You started it . " I cut him off . " I know you did . " " I can explain . " I don't need your explanation ," I said quietly , my voice steady . " Not anymore . " Our eyes locked , tension crackling between us then his jaw clenched . " Why ? Because of Apex ? " he demanded and I rolled my eyes . " Because of him , now you suddenly won't care ! Really ?" I didn't have the strength to argue . Not anymore . I turned for the door , but his hand shot out , slamming me against the wall . His breath was warm against my neck . " Nyroth ... " " I heard you kissed him , " he muttered darkly . " You must love how rough he is . How ungentle . How obsessed . Was it true he talked you ? Stood outside the White Pack and just stared ? " Stalked ? Is that the word they were using now ? Someone in White Pack had clearly been running their mouth . " And why do you care ? " I asked . P P Chapter 36 Finished He froze . Slowly , he stepped back , color draining from his face , Sweat gathered at his brow . He dropped onto the bed , raking a hand through his hair . " You don't care about me . Nyroth . " I said . " We don't care about each other . I won't apologize for going to another man while I'm still mated to you . Let's break the bond . Tonight . As you promised , " " I'm not rejecting you . " His voice was cold . His gaze even colder . " Try all you want , Zeph , but I'll never reject you ." Frustration burned in my chest . " What do you want from me ? I've given you everything . I built your power . You're Alpha because of me . I've asked for nothing but this , my freedom . End it tonight and we can .. " " So you can feel less guilty lying with Apex ? " I swallowed hard . " I thought you already believed I wasn't a virgin ." Don't , " he warned . " I thought you believed I'd spread my legs for him already ," I said , voice steady . He went still . Then he rose , closing the distance between us again , eyes searching mine . " I lied , Zeph ," he murmured . " I lied about the rejection . It's not happening tonight . Not next full moon . Never . You're mine . And I'll be the one protecting you from that psycho stalker who's obsessed with you . " He turned to leave , but my voice stopped him , bitter . " You'll lose your life , Nyroth . You can't stand against Apex Blood . " He faced me , shock flickering in his eyes . " Is that a threat ? " It's a warning " His jaw tightened . " Thanks for the heads - up . The rogues want blood . They want me to hand you over , take you to the Rogue Pack . If I allowed it , they'd maim you . Break you while you're still breathing . But I won't let that happen . You're my mate ." I almost laughed . Almost got emotional at the feigned concern . " I'd rather go with the rogues than owe you anything . " I said flatly . " Is that so ? " He stepped closer , scoffing . " You think Apex will come save you ? " My eyelids flickered . Doubt clawed at me . " He's not coming . Zeph . The Lycan Kingdom gate is locked . Tomorrow afternoon , you face the council . So choose now . Me . or the rogues . " Send Gifts 2.2K 目 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.