Nathaniel's grip on Rain tightened, his fingers digging possessively into Rain's waist as he pressed him against the cold stone wall. The scent of blood and smoke clung to the air, a stark contrast to the warmth of Rain's breath as he panted softly. Their eyes met—an unspoken war waging between them, one of dominance, defiance, and something far darker.
"Still fighting me," Nathaniel murmured, his lips ghosting over Rain's ear, his voice dripping with amusement and something deeper. "Tell me, Rain, do you think you can truly escape me?"
Rain clenched his jaw, his heart hammering against his ribs. He refused to give Nathaniel the satisfaction of seeing his fear, of seeing how his body trembled under the Alpha King's touch—not out of fear, but something far more dangerous. Something he had been running from for far too long.
"You're delusional if you think I belong to you," Rain spat, his silver eyes flashing with defiance. "This bond means nothing."
Nathaniel chuckled, low and rich, the sound sending a shiver down Rain's spine. "Lies, little wolf. You feel it just as I do. You burn for me." He leaned in, his fangs grazing the sensitive skin of Rain's neck, making him stiffen. "Deny it all you want, but your body betrays you."
Rain cursed himself for the way his pulse quickened, for the heat pooling in his stomach, for the unbearable ache growing within him. He hated Nathaniel for this, for making him feel so powerless, for making him want something he should loathe. But it was undeniable. The bond was suffocating, intoxicating, consuming him bit by bit.
With a sharp intake of breath, Rain shoved against Nathaniel's chest, breaking free for a mere second before the Alpha King grabbed his wrist, twisting him back against the wall.
"You forget your place, pet," Nathaniel growled, his golden eyes darkening with something primal. "You are mine. Every inch of you belongs to me."
Rain hissed, his fangs bared. "I will never be yours."
Nathaniel smirked, his grip tightening just enough to make Rain gasp. "You already are. You just haven't accepted it yet."
The room crackled with tension, their heavy breaths mingling in the charged air. The firelight cast long shadows across Nathaniel's sharp features, making him look even more predatory. Rain's chest rose and fell rapidly, his mind warring against his body, against the pull that threatened to shatter his resistance.
Then, the door burst open. Again...
A scout rushed in, his eyes wide with urgency. "Your Majesty, we have a problem."
Nathaniel exhaled harshly, clearly displeased at the interruption. He didn't release Rain, but his gaze flicked to the scout, his expression dark. "Speak."
"The rogue faction has made their move. We have reports that they're closing in. It appears they've found him." The scout hesitated before continuing, "They know about Rain."
A cold silence settled over the room. Rain felt his blood run ice cold. Nathaniel's expression darkened further, something dangerous flashing in his eyes.
"Is that so?" Nathaniel drawled, his fingers finally releasing Rain, though his presence still loomed over him. "Then let them come."
Rain swallowed, his mind racing. He had been so focused on escaping Nathaniel that he had ignored the larger threat looming in the shadows. If the rogue faction truly knew about him, about what he was, then he was in more danger than he had realized.
Nathaniel turned to Rain, his golden eyes burning with possessive fury. "You wanted to run, little wolf?" His smirk was sharp as a blade. "Let's see how far you can go before they rip you apart."
To Be Continued...