No

Chapter 5

“Kneel.”

The words fell into the hall like a command from above. The pressure was so powerful that the weaker wolves also fell to their knees, while the strong ones could barely remain standing.

The weight of the word settled. Gasps rang out across the hall. The elders stiffened. The air tightened, tension thickened with disbelief.

Damian’s head snapped up. He met the eyes of the alpha and his heart dropped. His face morphed into shock.

“What?” he breathed out.

Lucero narrowed his eyes on him. Those dark orbs seemed to say, “Don't make me repeat myself.”

Damian’s jaw flexed. He was so insignificant that the alpha didn't waste words with him. Damian wanted to refuse.

It was humiliating.

He glanced at Anais.

‘Why did he have to kneel before this fatso?’ he thought in disgust. Anais looked away as soon as her eyes met his.

Lucero noticed this little interaction. He shielded Anais from his sight. A flicker of something dangerous crossed his eyes, reminding everyone in the room exactly who he was.

“Or should I make you?” His voice was calmer, almost quiet.

And that made it worse.

Damian's jaw tightened.

His hands curled into a fist by his side. His shoulder went rigid with resistance. For a second it looked like he wasn't going to do it.

His brain screamed in protest but he couldn't withstand the pressure.

Slowly, he bent his knees.

The sound of fabric rubbing against each other and hitting the floor seemed too loud.

Wolves looked from one to another. They began whispering. An angry gaze was directed at the woman in the oversized jacket.

Anais' breath caught in her throat.

This wasn't how she imagined the night to be. She could describe in particular how she was feeling. But whatever it was, it was not satisfying.

“Apologies.” Lucero’s voice sounded again.

Damian’s head fell to his chest. A soft, insincere voice rang out.

“…I apologize.”

His words hung in the air. The alpha didn't move. He didn't indicate whether the apology was accepted, but the message was clear.

He didn't accept it.

The whispers quietened down. They all waited for the alpha’s next move. Some were excited about watching a drama. Some of the young males were eagerly waiting for Damian to be beaten up or dismissed from his position by the alpha.

Damian clenched his teeth.

“I apologize for my words and actions. They were inappropriate and foolish.” he forced out again, louder this time.

Lucero nodded.

He was satisfied but he couldn't just let the world walk off like that.

“Until you learn from your mistakes, you will not represent your house in public matters.”

A ripple of shock followed the announcement immediately.

This wasn't the punishment they expected but it was way worse than any physical punishment.

Temporarily, he was a beta but only a beta in name.

Damian stiffened, humiliation pressed on his head.

“Stand and leave now,” Lucero ordered.

Damian didn't delay. He shuffles to his feet. Each step towards the exit felt heavier than the last one.

When he passes by Lucero and Anais, he slows down. His gaze found hers. The look in his eyes wasn't anger, wasn't embarrassment, it was murderous.

A silent promise. This isn't over.

Before she could react he looked away, he raised his chin up and walked out with his remaining dignity.

Anais looked away from the door And then she felt it.

Eyes.

She turned to see her sister, mother, and father all staring at her. Their eyes were sharp and accusing. As if saying, “it's all your fault. Everything. All of this.”

They looked as if they were given a chance they would tear her into pieces.

Her chest tightened.

This was getting worse and if she continued to linger it would not stop.

She didn't think. Her fingers moved before she realised. She reached out, grabbed the edge of his shirt, and tugged.

Lucero stiffened.

He looked down at the woman who had fear in her eyes. When she noticed him, she looked up and whispered.

“Stop. Please.”

Not for them. Not for Damian. But for herself.

She just wanted to leave. She didn't want to be the center of hate and anger any longer.

At that moment the pressure in the room eased. Wolves were finally able to breathe better. To her relief, he listened.

“Let's go.”

The words were simple and final. Leaving no room for negotiation.

“Wait—”

The words barely left her lips before he grabbed her wrist and pulled her out. His grip was tight, cutting off blood flow.

She stumbled behind him, caught off guard.

Pain shot up her arm, and a sharp wince escaped her.

Anais bit her lips and glanced at her hand. Her skin was already getting darker around the area he gripped.

“Move faster.” His command came from above her head.

The crowd at the entrance parted instantly as they walked by. No one dared to stop him. Whispers followed them out,

“she seduced him”

“she planned it”

“she trapped the alpha”

They all called her names but at this point, it didn't matter.

Their words filtered into Lucero’s ears. He clenched his fist. She winced again but this time he didn't stop until they got outside.

The night air hit her face the moment they were outside but it didn't wake her up from her misery. They got a sleek back car, polished to perfection. Its presence was as commanding as the man who led her to it.

He let go of her hand and opened the door. She hesitated, just for a second before getting in.

He shut the door, went round to the other side, and got into the driver's seat.

The drive was quiet. Just the hum of the engine and occasional street noises.

In the enclosed space his scent lingered in the air. His jacket was still around her shoulders.

Anais sat stiffly, hands clenched together, painfully aware of every small movement he made

Her thoughts raced. The car moved.

She had no idea where he was taking her.

It felt like hours when the car finally came to a stop. When she looked up, she froze.

A house….No…A BLOODY MANSION stood before her. It stood tall and silent, lights glowing softly against the night. The size alone was enough to make her feel like an ant.

She looked out of place.

Unworthy of entering.

“Get out.” she heard him say beside her. She blinked, realising she had just been staring with her mouth open.

She got out, slowly, more cautious.

Lucero led the way.

If she thought the outside was impressive and oppressive. Inside was worse.

Everything was polished and expensive. She felt like a small stain.

She shuffled from one foot to the other. Unsure where to stand.

Lucero watched her carefully. He took in a deep breath to fill his lungs with her scent. He brought her here, to his private space because he wanted her scent everywhere.

A bright idea came to him.

“You can stay until this is sorted out.” his voice broke the silence. It echoes around the wide space.

Anais snapped out of her reverie. She glared at him.

“I don't need your pity nor your charity.” she spat.

A beat passed.

Then, he let out a humorless sound.

“Pity?”

The word was not rushed, not aggressive either.

He laughed and ran a hand through his hair.

“Minutes ago.” he started. “You had an entire room tearing you apart, and you stood there and took it.”

He stopped and added in disgust.

“Like a fool.”

Anais gasped. Eyes widening. He continued.

“Where was this energy? This anger, where was it?”

Anais opened and closed her mouth. Her eyes move around, searching for an excuse.

He was right.

“I've been watching you.” he dropped his key in a bowl that looked like crystal. “I know you are not as weak as you pretend to be.”

Her stomach dropped. She took a step back when he took a step towards her.

“They think you are worthless. That can be corrected.” He stepped closer again. She took another step back.

“How?” she was able to squeeze out. Her heart started to pound. Too fast. Too loud.

A small, sinister smile curved on his face.

“I'll make it known.” His eyes moved from her head to her toes and back at her. “That you are mine.”

This wasn't a suggestion. It was a decision. Her breath caught in her throat.

“You don't have to endure again. I'll take you as my mate.”

There wasn't a trace of doubt in him.

As if he already knew what she would say.

He felt that there was no other option that was as good as what he just said.

Silence followed.

Reality crashed in.

The space between her brows fused into a frown.

She looked at him. Really looked. At that confident smile. That certainty.

Something inside her snapped.

“No.”