JAIME'S POV
Throughout the night, I was unable to sleep.
I pace back and forth, restless. There's only one person on my mind - Carissa. I bite back a growl. Why can't I shake this ridiculous concern for her? She's just an omega.
Just an omega.
The words feel hollow even as I repeat them in my head. My wolf stirs restlessly, a deep growl rumbling in my chest. It doesn't care about ranks or titles; it only knows what it feels. Protectiveness. Guilt. The strong pull of the mate bond. Something deeper that I refuse to name.
I drop onto my bed and run a hand through my hair, feeling frustrated. I shouldn't care this much, but every time I see her—her timid eyes, her small frame—it's like something inside me cracks a little more.
Suddenly, an idea sparks in my mind. It's reckless, impulsive, and yet I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. My wolf perks up, urging me on. Before I can overthink it, I jump out of bed, grab my jacket, and head straight to her room.
I walk down the quiet hallways of the palace till I get to where her room is hidden.
Her door creaks open as I step inside. The room is a bit dark but the light coming in from the small window illuminates her small figure curled up on the bed. She looks so fragile, so worn out. Dark circles shadow her eyes, and I wonder if she even slept last night.
I know why she looks like this. There's only one reason she might have been up all night.
Kaine. Did he sleep with someone else?
"Carissa," I call softly.
She stirs, blinking up at me in confusion.
"Alpha?" she whispers, sitting up quickly. Her voice is hoarse. Her movements are hurried as if she's afraid I'll reprimand her.
"Relax," I say, stepping closer. "I brought you something."
Her eyes move to the small vial of medicine in my hand. I set it on the table beside her.
"For the ache," I explain. "You look like you could use it."
She hesitates. Her small fingers brush over the vial before she finally picks it up.
"Thank you," she murmurs. She looks at me then looks away.
"Drink it," I urge.
Carissa hesitates again, and for a moment, I wonder if she thinks it's a trick. My chest tightens at the thought. Does she not trust me? I watch as she takes a small sip.
"Better?" I ask.
She nods, setting the vial down. "Yes. Thank you, Alpha."
I clear my throat "Get dressed. We're going out."
Her eyes widen. "Out? Where?"
"You'll see," I reply as I turn around "Get dressed now"
I hear the rustle of fabric behind me, and my jaw tightens. My wolf prowls restlessly, too aware of her presence. I should leave the room, but I don't. Not until I'm sure she's ready.
It takes every self restraint in me not to turn around. My cock twitches at the thought of it, of seeing her naked. I wonder how she looks underneath those uniforms.
"Alpha," her voice calls hesitantly, "I'm done."
I turn around, and instantly regret it.
She's standing there in a simple dress, but it clings to her form in a way that makes my breath catch. Her hair is slightly curly and I feel a jolt shoot through me.
Damn it.
I tear my gaze away, muttering something about checking outside, and leave the room abruptly. My chest heaves as I try to get myself under control.
What the hell is wrong with me?
My wolf growls in amusement. It knows the truth I've been trying to deny. The bond is there. It's strong, no matter how much I fight it.
But I can't give in. Not now. Not ever.
We're not in the same rank.
I can't be tied to someone like her.
Taking a deep breath, I push the door open again.
"Let's go," I say.
She follows without a word, and I can feel her nervous energy as we walk down the hall. My wolf's protective instincts flare, and I know I'm walking a dangerous line.
How much longer can I resist this pull before it breaks me?
I lead her downstairs and to my garage. With a press of a button, the doors slide open, revealing my collection. Dozens of cars, polished to perfection, lined up like soldiers ready for battle.
Carissa's sharp intake of breath is music to my ears. She steps forward, her wide eyes scanning the rows of shiny machines. "You—this is yours?"
"Every single one," I reply, folding my arms across my chest.
She turns to me in awe "Did you... build these yourself?"
I smirk, feeling proud of myself. "Some of them, yes. The others, I restored. What? You didn't think an Alpha could get his hands dirty?"
Her lips twitch as if she's suppressing a smile. "I didn't say that."
"Good," I mutter, already walking toward my favorite car. A sleek, black muscle car with a roar that could make anyone's heart race. I open the driver's side door and gesture for her to get in on the passenger side.
"You're driving?" she asks.
"Scared already?" I taunt.
Her chin lifts. "Not even close."
We'll see about that.
The engine roars to life as I grip the wheel. The vibrations run through my palms. Carissa's fingers dig into the leather seat as I accelerate. The car shoots out of the garage like a bullet.
"Alpha Jaime—" she starts, her voice strained.
I ignore her. The thrill of the speed and the adrenaline coursing through me is something I can get high on alone. The highway stretches ahead and I push the car faster.
"Alpha Jaime! Please, slow down!" she yells, clutching the armrest.
I glance at her, smirking. "You know what to do. Reject me and my brother, and I'll stop."
Her eyes widen. "What?"
"You heard me," I say "Reject us, Carissa. Say it. And this time, you have to mean it."
Her breath catches, and she looks out the window. The landscape blurrs as we speed past. She closes her eyes, her chest rising and falling as she takes a deep breath. When she opens them again, they're steady, unshakable.
"No," she says
I clench my jaw in anger. Did she just defy me? How dare she?
I take a sharp drift around a curve and the tires screech against the asphalt. She doesn't flinch, doesn't scream.
Her composure only fuels my frustration. I push the car harder, taking turns that should send her over the edge. But she sits there, calm and collected, as if daring me to try harder.
"Damn it!" I cuss under my breath, slamming my foot on the brakes.
The car skids to a stop in the middle of the road. I grip the wheel tightly to the point where my knuckles turn white.
Carissa turns to me with a smirk playing on her lips. It's my smirk, mocking and confident.
"You done?" she asks in a teasing tone.
I stare at her as my chest heaves heavily. My wolf snarls inside me. My wolf and I aren't used to people disobeying us or taunting us.
The smirk on her lips looks.....fuck! she looks so relaxed and confident that it almost turns me on. I can't decide whether I want to strangle her or kiss her senseless.
Without another word, I whip the car around and drive back to the castle.Back in the garage, I park the car and get out, slamming the door behind me. Carissa follows, still wearing that infuriating smirk.
"Don't get too cocky," I snap at her "The games have just begun."
Her expression doesn't falter. If anything, her smirk deepens.
"I look forward to it, your highness" she says in an almost mocking tone, before walking out of the garage with her head held high.
I stand there, fists clenched, muttering curses under my breath. She's going to drive me insane.
But damn it, I can't stop thinking about her.