Chapter 10

My muscles ached.

Even after I had left the training grounds, I could still feel the weight of Lucian's body pressing me into the dirt, the way his golden eyes burned with something dark and possessive.

I hated how easily he got under my skin.

Hated that I could still feel him.

Damn him.

I stormed through the halls of the Midnight Fang Pack's stronghold, ignoring the lingering stares of the pack members. News of my fight with Lucian had already spread. Some looked at me with surprise, others with amusement.

But I didn't care.

I needed space.

Needed to remind myself why I was fighting so damn hard.

I pushed open the doors to my chamber, stepping inside—only to freeze.

I wasn't alone.

A figure stood near the window, his back to me. He was tall, his frame lean but powerful, his posture rigid.

I knew who he was before he even turned around.

"Took you long enough, little Beta."

My breath caught.

Ronan.

My stomach twisted. I hadn't seen him since—

Since everything fell apart.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed, slamming the door shut behind me.

He turned slowly, his sharp blue eyes locking onto mine. "I came for you."

My heart pounded.

Ronan. Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack. My past. My mistake.

And now, my enemy.

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay steady. "You shouldn't be here."

Ronan smirked, his gaze sweeping over me like he was assessing every inch of me. "Neither should you."

I clenched my fists. "Leave. Now."

He took a step closer. "Is that really what you want?"

I refused to let him see my hesitation. "Yes."

His smirk deepened. "Funny. You didn't say that last time."

I inhaled sharply, anger flaring in my chest. "That was before."

"Before you ran?" His voice was smooth, taunting. "Before you chose him?"

I stiffened.

Ronan chuckled darkly. "You think Lucian will let you go?" He tilted his head. "No, little Beta. You're just trading one cage for another."

My pulse pounded. "I don't belong to him."

Ronan's smile faded. "And yet… you stay."

I swallowed hard. "Why are you really here?"

His gaze darkened. "Because I don't like sharing what's mine."

The air between us grew thick.

A chill ran down my spine.

I had spent so much time fighting Lucian, trying to resist his claim, that I had almost forgotten the danger lurking in the shadows.

Ronan had never been the kind to let go.

And now, he was here.

And he wasn't leaving without a fight.