Chapter 0065

The first light of dawn barely touches the horizon when the vehicle finally halts. The door creaks open and I rise stiffly, my muscles screaming from hours of confinement. Before me stands a crumbling packhouse, its sagging roof and broken windows whispering of decades-long abandonment.

Victor's grip tightens around my arm as he leads me forward. "Welcome to your new home, Evelyn."

I survey the rotting porch beams. "Charming. Did you bring me here for demolition work? Because I specialize in destruction, not renovation."

Inside reveals a pathetic attempt at rehabilitation. A flickering bulb dangles above a rust-stained sink - proof of electricity, if nothing else. The living area boasts nothing but moth-eaten cushions and a couch that reeks of mildew. Faded rectangles on the wallpaper mark where framed pack photos once hung.

Victor spreads his arms. "The last remnants of Obsidian Moon Pack."

My eyes narrow. "Your original pack?" His slow nod carries the weight of buried memories.

"Correct. And with your help, we'll rebuild it stronger than before. Unstoppable."

"Let me process this insanity." I tick points off on my fingers. "Alpha Cassian destroyed your pack twenty years ago. As the exiled Beta heir, you think his death magically makes you Alpha now? And your master plan involves recruiting rogues and... what, exactly? Me?"

His smile turns predatory. "Rogues are temporary. You're the key to permanent power."

"Explain."

"As my mate, you'll bear heirs with Guardian blood. Our offspring will be invincible - strong enough to defend this territory forever."

Bile rises in my throat. "You're delusional. I'd rather die than be your mate."

"Your consent would be... convenient." His fingers trail down my neck. "But unnecessary. Once the bond takes hold, your body will betray you. We'll create the mightiest pack this continent has ever seen."

I laugh bitterly. "So your grand scheme is kidnapping a teenage Guardian to play breeding stock in your sad little fantasy? Pathetic."

"You're already here, little mate."

Before I can react, his fangs sink into my marking spot. White-hot agony erupts across my shoulder as my vision tunnels to black.

Pain drags me back to consciousness. 'Selene? Are you there?'

Silence.

I blink against the dim light, taking stock of my prison. Wrists shackled above my head to an iron bedframe. A scarred dresser stands sentinel across the room. My skin smells of cheap soap, my torn clothes replaced with a button-down that reeks of Victor. The implications make my stomach churn.

Testing my legs brings relief - no evidence of further violation.

The door swings open. Victor's silhouette fills the frame. "Sleep well, mate?"

"True Alphas don't need to chain their mates," I spit. "They earn loyalty."

His chuckle raises goosebumps. "Our pack lacks females, Evelyn. These warriors deserve mates. I've promised to find them - whether their future partners come willingly or not."

"Romantic."

"You'll understand soon." He perches on the mattress, fingers toying with my buttons. "The bond's pull is irresistible."

I bare my teeth. "Touch me and lose a hand."

"Let's test that theory." He yanks the collar aside - and freezes.

His roar shakes dust from the ceiling. "WHERE IS IT?"

I smirk. "Happy eighteenth birthday to me... in six months. Marks don't stick on minors, Beta." The title drips with venom. "You've abducted the wrong girl."

Victor's rage morphs into something more terrifying - calculated patience. "Then I'll simply remark you every forty-eight hours until your birthday." He traces my jawline. "Pray you come of age quickly, little mate."

The door slams shut, leaving me alone with the echo of his threat.