Chapter 41

Raven’s PovIt was the fourth day.Four fucking days in this cell.Kaylin or Kaelan, whatever name this psycho bastard claimed, thought he was breaking us by feeding us once a day and letting us rot in here. But he didn’t know me. Not really. I came from suffering. I grew in it. This wasn’t punishment, it was memory.The food? Pathetic. But I ate it. Miguel did too, even though he barely spoke unless it was something sarcastic or blunt. I think it was his way of coping, and honestly, I respected that.The same maid kept bringing the meals, Naomi. The one who had taken me to the dining hall that first night. She always looked nervous, like she was waiting for something to explode. I started making small talk with her when I could, soft, seemingly casual questions that I layered with smiles I didn’t mean. I had a plan. And if she was part of it, even better.That morning, or maybe evening, who knew anymore…Naomi showed up empty-handed.“I just wanted to let you know,” she whispered. “Ki

Chapter 42

Alessio’s PovYou know when people say someone is stubborn? They’ve clearly never met Raven. Because that woman doesn’t just redefine the word, she eats it for breakfast and spits it back in your face like it means nothing.It’s been two fucking days. Two days of watching her pale, unconscious body lie in that damn bed without a single twitch. And yes, the healer said she’d wake up on her own accord. “Give it time, Alpha,” she said. “She’s strong.”Yeah, strong and stupid. Who the hell poisons themselves as part of an escape plan? What made her think that kind of risk was worth it?I ran my hand through my hair and let out a frustrated breath. I haven’t slept properly. I haven’t eaten properly. I just sit here, watching her like a lunatic. I only leave to take a quick shower so I don’t smell like a wild dog. Then I come right back like some idiot who has nothing better to do.And I don’t even know why.Is it because I care?No.No. That can’t be it.I mean, come on, who would care abo

Chapter 43

Raven’s PovMy mind was screaming at me to stop. Every nerve, every instinct, was on high alert, but my body—traitorous, eager, betraying me in the worst way—was already moving on its own. I found myself pulling closer to Alessio even as he closed the distance between us, his hands pressing against the curve of my waist like he had every right to hold me there. We melted into each other, like heat meeting gasoline.And then I moaned.A real, unfiltered sound escaped my lips, raw and aching for more. I hated that I wanted this. I hated how good it felt.Before I knew it, we were no longer standing. I didn’t even remember how we got to the bed. My back was against the mattress, Alessio’s body pressing into mine, his mouth on my neck, branding me with every slow, deliberate kiss. His lips traveled lower, and my breath caught in my throat. My fingers dug into his shoulders as my body burned.But just as his touch dipped past the edge of reason, something snapped inside me.“Stop,” I gaspe

Chapter 44

Raven’s PovJust as I muttered the word, “yes,” Alessio didn’t smile, nor did he react, he just stared at me.“What?” I asked, frowning at the strange look on his face.He stepped forward suddenly and slipped his arm around my waist.I blinked. “You don’t get to do that.”“But we’re dating now,” he said with an infuriating tilt of his head, like that made it make sense.“That doesn’t mean you get to hold me anytime you want to,” I muttered, trying to push his hand away.“Raven, my Luna,” Alessio murmured, eyes twinkling, “You said no sex. So the least I can do is hold you anytime I want. You know what? Come with me.”He dropped his arm and took my hand instead, tugging me forward.I resisted. “Where are you taking me? You don’t get to just take me somewhere—”“I don’t get to?” Alessio turned to me with an expression between mock hurt and mild amusement. “Why do you keep saying that? I don’t get to kiss you, I don’t get to touch you, I don’t get to take you anywhere. Raven, we agreed,

Chapter 45

Raven’s Pov“Are you mad?” I blurted, staring across the table at Alessio.He didn’t flinch. “Why would I be mad?”I squinted at him. “You just casually said you’re going to make me fall in love with you. What makes you think I’d ever let that happen?”“You don’t have to get all worked up,” he said, leaning back like this was a joke to him. “If I didn’t think you were going to work with me or if my plan didn’t matter—I wouldn’t even bother saying it.”“So your plan,” I scoffed, “is to spend quality time resisting the urge to sleep with me, make me fall for you, and then what? Dump me?”“Not all men are like that,” he said calmly, eyes fixed on mine. “I don’t know what men have done to you that you won’t tell me about, but… not everyone is the monster you think they are.”“Whatever,” I muttered, stabbing a piece of food with my fork. “I’m never falling in love with any man. Especially not you.”He raised an eyebrow. “Why do you have a particular problem with me?”“I don’t have a proble

Chapter 46

Raven’s PovIt had been a long walk.Since there was no mobile technology in Silvercrest—no cars, no phones, no hint of civilization—I couldn’t help asking, “Why don’t you people just, I don’t know, join the modern world and import a few gadgets? Just a suggestion.”Alessio didn’t even break stride. “Because then we wouldn’t be unified anymore. Technology divides. And I won’t have my pack scattered. Neither do they. We’re not trying to go extinct, Raven.”Fair point. But still…“The car is waiting on the other side,” he added.“What if I get tired before we get there?” I mumbled.“I’ll carry you,” he said so casually, like it was already a done deal.That made me stop. “What makes you think I’d let you carry me?”He took a step closer. His eyes sparkled with that infuriating glint. “You don’t have to agree.”“Oh no. No, no—don’t even think about it!” I warned, stepping back. “We’re outside!”“Yes,” he said simply, “and everyone should know you’re my queen.”And just like that, he swep