AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter contains sensitive content, including depictions of non-consensual sexual violence and domestic abuse. It may be deeply triggering for some readers, particularly survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Please proceed with caution.
•Ace's Office•
Ace's POV
I had spent the entire morning traveling to Timberline Village searching for my mate, and now I was paying the price—rushing to complete the work I had neglected. The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, each second a reminder of how little time I had left.
The door burst open without warning, the sharp sound cutting through the silence like a knife. I looked up, startled, to see my father standing in the doorway. His broad shoulders filled the frame, his presence commanding and suffocating all at once.
"Why are you still in your office?!" His voice boomed, sharp and accusatory, making me flinch. His words were like a whip, snapping through the air and leaving no room for excuses.
I straightened in my chair, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "What do you mean, Father? I'm working," I replied, my voice steady despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. My fingers clenched around the pen in my hand, the cool metal biting into my skin.
He stopped in front of my desk, his towering figure casting a shadow over me. "Your mate—Ovelia—will be your wife by tomorrow evening. You should be spending time with her tonight, not buried in paperwork. Mark her already and fulfill your duty." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "But Father, you know I still have my girlfriend, Eliana. It's my wolf who chose Ovelia, not me. I don't love her yet." The words tumbled out, laced with desperation.
My father's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "That's exactly why I've told you repeatedly to break up with her. Eliana is not your mate; your wolf rejects her. And you—" he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl, "—are destined to marry a human. That is your fate, Ace. Whether you like it or not."
Damn that fate! Anger burned inside me, hot and irrational.
"But Father—" I started, but he cut me off, extending his clawed hand, a warning glimmering in his gaze.
"You will do your duty as the next Alpha King of this kingdom," he snarled, his voice low and venomous. "I don't want to do this, but if you don't sleep with Ovelia or mark her tonight, I'll have no choice but to order someone to hurt Eliana. Do you understand me?"
The threat hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy and suffocating. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of rage and helplessness surging through me. I wanted to scream, to lash out, but I knew better. My father's word was law, and he never made empty threats.
Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, the door slamming shut behind him with a deafening crash. The sound reverberated through the office, leaving a hollow silence in its wake.
I rose abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor, and storm. I needed to see Ovelia. The very thought of her sparked a mixture of confusion and anger; she was my mate, yet my heart ached for Eliana. I clenched my fists at my side, every step echoing the turmoil within me.
•Ovelia's Room•
Ovelia's POV
Ann stepped out of the room, leaving me alone. For a moment, a fragile bubble of relief formed. The air felt lighter, and the oppressive weight of my family's constant cruelty momentarily lifted. I sank into the softness of the bed, letting out a shaky breath.
The sudden, loud knock on the door shattered the fragile peace. My heart leaped into my throat. Startled, I hurried to open it, finding Ace standing there. The relief evaporated, replaced by a chilling premonition.
He looked at me with an intensity that froze me in place. Before I could speak, he lifted me effortlessly and tossed me onto the bed.
"Take off your clothes!" Ace commanded, his voice firm and unwavering.
A wave of disbelief washed over me. Fear gripped my chest, and a cold shiver ran down my spine at the abruptness of his words.
"Don't make me repeat myself!" he snapped, anger lacing his tone, sending a jolt of panic through me.
I stared back at him, my eyes wide with terror, unable to find my voice. The air felt thick with tension as he reached for my clothing, his hands hovering dangerously close, ready to tear away the fabric that protected me.
He smiled, a chilling grin that sent a shiver down my spine as he tore off every piece of clothing I wore. As my vulnerability was laid bare, I caught the surprise in his eyes when he noticed the bruises that marred my skin.
With a swift motion, he settled himself on my thighs, preventing any chance of escape. Gripping my wrists with his left hand, he pushed me back against the bed with a force that left me breathless, caught between fear and anger.
Facing him, I felt exposed and vulnerable. Slowly, he leaned in, his gaze piercing into me, and whispered with a mix of disdain and control, "You're so weak and fragile."
His words hung in the air, heavy with a mocking tenderness that made my heart race. I could feel the weight of his presence, a confusing clash of fear and defiance swirling inside me.
"Why are you doing this to me?" I asked, my heart racing and confusion swirling in my mind.
"Because my wolf desires it, and because you're my soon-to-be mate," Ace replied, his tone confident yet gentle, as if revealing a truth we both needed to accept. His words ignited a whirlwind of emotions within me.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as Ace traced his tongue across the bruises that marred my skin, starting from my arms and moving up to my neck, chest, and stomach. Each touch was tender and painful, a confusing juxtaposition tugging at my heart.
He released my wrists, and without hesitation, he turned his focus lower, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine as he began to lick my most intimate part.
"You're so wet," Ace observed, his voice low and taunting.
Heat surged to my face at his words, a deep blush staining my cheeks. I grabbed the bedsheet tightly, my fingers curling into the fabric as a wave of conflicting emotions washed over me. The sensations coursing through me were indescribable—a maddening mix of pleasure and chaos. I fought to keep my moans at bay, the intensity of what he was doing sending me into a whirlwind of ecstasy and confusion.
I looked at him, desperation clawing at my voice. "Please stop. I can't hold it anymore," I pleaded, my eyes searching his face as he continued to lick me with a teasing expertise.
Ace paused, meeting my gaze with a sly smile that sent shivers down my spine. Then, without warning, he slipped two fingers inside me, thrusting in and out with an intensity that left me feeling utterly helpless and degraded. He resumed his ministrations on my sensitive areas, quickening the pace.
"Ughhh!" The sound escaped my lips involuntarily as I instinctively grabbed onto his head, the sensations overwhelming me. A wave of pleasure surged through me, and despite my attempt to hold back, I felt myself spiraling into that exquisite release.
I gasped for breath, fighting back a sob, silent defiance burning in my chest despite the overwhelming terror. As he withdrew his fingers, a mix of relief and dread washed over me. Ace hopped off the bed, his silhouette imposing as he stood tall. To my horror, he began to remove his shirt, and before I could comprehend what was happening, he transformed—his body swelling, muscles rippling beneath a thick layer of fur.
The sight of him shifting into a werewolf sent a jolt of fear through me, the primal power radiating from him both awe-inspiring and terrifying. My heart raced, each beat echoing the panic that surged within me. I was caught between the allure of his strength and the instinct to escape.
As he stepped closer, I noticed him reveal himself, his massive form hardening in anticipation. My mind reeled, caught in a whirlwind of disbelief and fear. Time seemed to freeze as he prepared to take me, my breath hitching in my throat as I realized I was at the mercy of this creature—this man who was no longer entirely human.
"Please, no! That won't fit," I exclaimed, panic rising in my voice.
My heart raced as I felt a wave of dread wash over me. His sheer size loomed in my mind, and I could hardly comprehend what was about to happen. I pleaded with him, my fear palpable, hoping he would reconsider despite the storm brewing between us.
He smiled, a wicked glint in his eyes as he slowly pushed himself inside me. I felt a sharp pain as something tore, the stinging sensation overwhelming. I realized that I was bleeding, and the fear pooled in my stomach, mixing with the intense discomfort.
"Oh, so you're still a virgin," Ace remarked, his voice laced with a teasing arrogance.
"Of course! Please, pull it out. It hurts," I pleaded, my voice trembling as I met Ace's gaze. I could see the smirk creeping across his face, an unsettling mix of amusement and satisfaction.
With a sudden surge, he began to move, his pace quickening with a relentless fervor. The sensations took over, and I felt my mind starting to unravel. I wrapped my arms around him, lost in the conflicting feelings of pleasure and pain, letting out a soft moan that revealed more than I intended.
Ace leaned in, capturing my lips with his, igniting a fire within me. His mouth trailed down to my neck, where I felt the heat of his breath as if he was about to bite down. A rush of anticipation swept through me, mingling with fear. Suddenly, to my shock, he shifted back to his human form.
"I'll give you a little strength. Kick him with all your might."
I heard her voice again.
In a moment of clarity, I felt a strength surging to my body, and I kicked Ace away with all my strength, sending him sprawling off the bed.
He stood up, fury radiating from him, and his face twisted in anguish and anger. The room pulsed with tension, and I could feel my heart racing, the reality of what had just happened crashing down around us both.
"You wretch!" he exclaimed, his anger reaching a boiling point.
Without warning, he yanked me down from the bed, his hand tightening around my throat as he lifted me off the ground. The pressure around my throat made it hard to breathe, panic setting in as I gasped for air. Then, a ferocious throw slammed me against the wall.
The impact jolted through my back, and I fought back the urge to cry out. I bit down on my lip hard to stifle my pain, but the agony radiating through my spine was unbearable, and hot tears slipped down my cheeks despite my best efforts to hold them back. Every instinct screamed at me to get up and run, but I felt leaden and weak, unable to move.
"I can give you more strength if you release me," her voice again coming up in my mind
Before I could respond, another voice cut in, firm and urgent: "It's not the time to release her. Endure this. Stay alive."
Why can I hear another voices inside my mind? Am I going insane?
As I struggled to regain my composure, I looked up through my teary vision to see Ace approaching me, his face a mask of fury.
Ace's POV
My wolf was a storm inside me, his rage clawing at the edges of my mind. He wanted Ovelia—needed her—in a way that made my skin crawl. The primal lust was overwhelming, a fire I couldn't extinguish. I clenched my jaw, trying to suppress the growl rising in my throat, but it was no use. My wolf was in control, and I was just a passenger in my own body.
Then I saw her. Ovelia. Her wide, fearful eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, the haze lifted. I snapped back to myself, the weight of what I'd done crashing down on me like a tidal wave.
What the hell am I doing? I thought, my chest tightening. She didn't deserve this. None of this. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on her.
I strode toward her, my fists clenched so tightly my nails dug into my palms. Without thinking, I slammed my hand into the wall beside her head. The plaster cracked under the force, and pain shot through my knuckles as blood welled from the split skin. I barely registered it. My eyes were fixed on Ovelia, her face pale, her body trembling. Tears streamed down her cheeks, silent but relentless.
Damn it. Damn it all! My mind screamed. Sorry won't fix this. Nothing will.
I dropped to my knees in front of her, my breath coming in ragged gasps. She flinched as I reached for her, her small frame shaking like a leaf in a storm. Gently, I lifted her into my arms and carried her back to the bed. She felt so fragile, so breakable, and yet I'd been the one to hurt her.
"Ace, please… stop," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper. It was the sound of someone who had already given up, who expected nothing but pain.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "I can't stop now," I murmured, my voice low and rough. It wasn't just my wolf driving me—it was the guilt, the anger, the twisted need to prove something to myself. I turned her onto her stomach, my hands trembling as I brushed her hair aside. My tongue traced the sore spot on her back, a pathetic attempt at soothing the wounds I'd inflicted.
This is all my fault, I thought bitterly.
Ovelia's POV
Ace's expression shifted, the anger in his eyes softening into something else—something darker, more possessive. He pushed himself inside me, his movements deliberate and controlled. He pinned my hands behind my back, holding me down. His touch was gentle, almost tender, but it didn't ease the fear coiling in my chest.
Waves of pleasure crashed over me, unbidden and unwelcome. I hated myself for the soft moans that escaped my lips, for the way my body betrayed me. Tears streamed down my face, hot and relentless, as the conflicting sensations tore me apart. Pleasure and pain, desire and despair—it was too much. My mind was a battlefield, and I was losing.
Just as I reached the edge, Ace pulled away, releasing himself outside of me. It was a final act of dominance, a reminder that even in this, I had no control. I felt hollow, like a shell of the person I used to be. Violated. Powerless.
"I'll take a shower first," he said, his voice cold and detached. He didn't look at me as he stood, his broad shoulders tense, his footsteps echoing sharply against the floor. The bathroom door clicked shut, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence.
I lay frozen on the bed, my body trembling as if the room had turned to ice. The opulent surroundings—the silk sheets, the gilded mirrors, the crystal chandelier—felt like a cruel joke. This wasn't a sanctuary; it was a gilded cage, a prison designed to suffocate me. My heart felt like a stone in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of what had just happened.
The loneliness was a sharp, icy pain, but it was nothing compared to the burning wound of Ace's violation. A wave of nausea rose in my throat, the taste of terror clinging to me like a second skin. I gripped the sheets tightly, the fabric twisting in my hands as if it could anchor me to something real.
"Do I really deserve this?" I whispered, my voice breaking. The words hung in the air, unanswered. I felt like a ghost, drifting through these lavish halls, haunted by the violence I had survived. And tomorrow, I would have to smile for the people, pretending everything was fine. The thought made me want to scream.
Ace's POV
The water was scalding hot, but it did nothing to cleanse me. My wolf was furious, its growls reverberating in my mind, a constant reminder of the betrayal I had committed. You hurt her, it snarled, its voice a low, menacing rumble. She is your mate. How could you do this?
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I tried to silence the voice. "I don't love her." I muttered under my breath, my voice trembling with frustration.
My wolf had chosen Ovelia, and the bond between us was undeniable. It was a primal pull I couldn't ignore, no matter how much I wanted to.
And yet, the thought of Eliana—her gentle touch, her laughter—tore at me. Was this my fate? To be bound to a woman I didn't love, while the woman I loved remained out of reach? The frustration, the anger, it fueled my actions, a twisted justification for the pain I inflicted.
As the steam filled the bathroom, I leaned against the wall, my head bowed as the weight of my choices pressed down on me. I could still feel Ovelia's trembling body beneath me, the way she had tried to stifle her sobs. The memory made my stomach churn, but I pushed it aside, burying it deep where I wouldn't have to face it.