Chapter 14 – The Alpha’s Rules

(Jasmine's POV)

The moment Draven left the room, I collapsed onto the bed, breathless and furious.

The whole night felt like a blur of madness.

One moment, I was dancing with a mysterious stranger.

The next, I was taken, driven away to an isolated mansion, and now I was expected to stay here like it was normal.

I clenched my fists.

No.

I refused to accept this.

I refused to let him win.

I exhaled sharply and stood up.

First step: Figure out how the hell to get out of here.

I walked toward the door, twisting the handle—

Locked.

I muttered a curse, then moved to the balcony.

It was high. Too high.

My stomach twisted.

Jumping wasn't an option.

I would have to find another way.

The next morning, I woke to the faint sound of voices outside my door.

Not just one or two—many.

People talking, laughing, moving through the house as if this was just a normal day for them.

For them.

Not for me.

For me, this was a nightmare I hadn't woken up from yet.

I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples.

The events of last night came crashing back—the ball, the dance, Draven's touch, his claim, the way he took me.

And now, I was here.

In his house.

In his world.

I pushed back the covers and stood up, ready to find a way out of this place.

Then—a knock on the door.

Before I could even answer, it swung open, and a young woman stepped inside.

She was around my age, her long brown hair tied in a loose braid, her bright hazel eyes warm but careful.

She gave me a small smile.

"Good morning, Miss Jasmine. Breakfast is ready. The Alpha is waiting for you."

My stomach twisted.

"The Alpha."

I gritted my teeth.

The way she said it— Like he was someone to obey.

I hated it.

I hated all of this.

But right now?

I needed to play along until I figured out a way to get the hell out of here.

I nodded stiffly. "Fine."

The woman—**Lena, she introduced herself as—**led me through the halls.

And that's when I saw it.

The house wasn't empty.

It was alive.

People moved through the halls, talking, carrying things, working. Some were dressed casually, others looked like guards or warriors.

And when they saw me—they smiled.

Not fake smiles.

Not wary ones.

Just polite greetings, nods, acknowledgments.

Like I belonged here.

Like I was one of them.

I ignored the uneasy feeling curling in my stomach.

This wasn't normal.

I didn't belong here.

And I needed to remind myself of that.

Lena led me down a wide staircase, through a hall, and into a massive dining room.

And that's where I saw them.

Draven.

Kade.

Elias.

And—someone new.

A woman, sitting beside Kade, with long, curly dark hair and warm brown eyes. She looked at me with genuine curiosity and kindness.

I paused at the entrance.

Draven looked up immediately, his silver eyes locking onto mine like a magnetic pull.

I fought the urge to glare at him.

"Finally awake," Elias mused, leaning back in his chair. "We were starting to think you were hibernating."

Kade smirked. "Or plotting our deaths."

I raised a brow. "You assume too much. I could've just been sleeping in peace."

Elias chuckled. "Doubtful."

The woman beside Kade smiled, standing up.

"You must be Jasmine," she said warmly.

I hesitated, nodding.

She extended her hand. "I'm Lyra. Kade's mate."

Mate.

That word made my stomach twist.

I shook her hand briefly, then took the empty seat as far from Draven as possible.

Elias leaned forward, grinning. "Alright, flower girl, time for your favorite part—house rules."

I groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

Kade chuckled. "Trust me, it's better if you hear them now instead of breaking them later."

I crossed my arms. "Oh? What happens if I break them?"

Elias smirked. "Depends on which one. Some come with funny consequences. Others… well, let's just say Draven isn't known for being lenient."

Draven shot him a look. "Get on with it."

Elias grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, here we go. Rule number one: You don't leave the territory alone."

I narrowed my eyes. "And if I do?"

Kade sighed. "You won't."

Lyra smiled gently. "It's for safety reasons, Jasmine."

I wasn't buying that for a second.

Elias continued. "Rule number two: If you want to spar in the training yard, you have to clear it with Kade first. Last time someone 'accidentally' sparred without permission, we lost half a wall."

Kade muttered, "I will not be rebuilding another damn wall."

I blinked.

What kind of place was this?

"Rule number three," Elias went on, "if you ever cook, you're feeding everyone. If not, you have to deal with the complaints of hungry wolves, and trust me—we do not handle hunger well."

Lyra sighed. "Don't listen to him. You don't have to cook."

Elias pouted. "Way to ruin the fun, Lyra."

I rolled my eyes. "Are these actual rules or just things you made up?"

Elias grinned.

"Bit of both."

Draven finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.

"Rule number four. When I call for you, you come."

I stiffened.

I met his gaze, challenging. "Excuse me?"

Draven didn't blink.

"When I summon you, you will listen."

I let out a sharp laugh. "Yeah. That's not happening."

Kade winced.

Elias muttered, "Oh, she's gonna be fun."

Draven's silver eyes burned into mine.

"You'll learn, Jasmine," he said simply. "One way or another."

I clenched my jaw.

Lyra quickly tried to diffuse the tension.

"Why don't we focus on breakfast first?" she suggested.

Elias nodded. "Good idea. Let's eat before Jasmine breaks something—or someone."

I barely touched my food.

I was too tired.

Too drained.

And most of all?

I wanted out of here.

This wasn't my home.

This wasn't my life.

And no amount of 'rules' was going to change that.