Chapter 16 – The Alpha’s Warning

(Jasmine's POV)

The walk back to the mansion was silent.

Draven didn't restrain me.

He didn't have to.

I was still reeling.

From how easily he caught me.

From the way his touch had left my skin burning.

From the way he had looked at me—like I was his, like I had always been his.

I hated it.

I hated him.

And I hated that my body still remembered the way he had pressed against me.

His heat.

His scent.

The low, rough way he had murmured, "You feel it, don't you?"

I clenched my fists.

I refused to feel anything.

I refused to give in.

And next time?

I would make sure there wouldn't be a next time.

The moment we stepped through the entrance, everyone was waiting.

Kade.

Elias.

Lyra.

Several other pack members.

I could see the relief in their eyes.

The hidden amusement in Elias's smirk.

The frustration in Kade's stiff posture.

I lifted my chin, refusing to let them see my shame.

I had tried.

Draven let go of me and walked ahead, rolling his shoulders.

Kade was the first to speak.

"How far did she get?"

Draven smirked, turning slightly toward me. "Farther than expected."

I glared.

Elias let out a low whistle. "Damn, flower girl. I'm actually impressed."

Lyra stepped forward, her expression somewhere between concern and amusement.

"You could have gotten hurt," she said softly. "You don't know what's out there."

I crossed my arms. "I don't need protecting."

Kade sighed. "You do if you keep making dumb choices."

I shot him a glare. "You call wanting my freedom dumb?"

Elias grinned. "It's cute that you still think you have a choice."

I took a step forward, but Draven's voice cut through the air.

"Enough."

Silence fell instantly.

Everyone froze.

I felt it again—the weight of his presence.

Draven turned to me fully, his silver eyes burning with something dark and unshakable.

I swallowed hard.

"Come with me," he said, voice low, firm.

I hesitated.

Then, realizing I had no other option, I followed.

Draven's Office

Draven shut the door behind us.

I crossed my arms.

"I'm not going to apologize," I snapped before he could say anything.

Draven let out a low chuckle.

"Good," he murmured. "I wasn't expecting you to."

I blinked.

Okay. Not what I thought he'd say.

He walked to his desk, leaning against it, arms crossed over his broad chest.

"You're smart, Jasmine," he said smoothly.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to figure out where this was going.

He tilted his head slightly. "You knew how to watch. To listen. You picked your moment well. You even gave yourself a distraction."

I clenched my jaw. So he had noticed everything.

"But," he continued, silver eyes locking onto mine, "you made one mistake."

I swallowed hard.

"And what was that?"

Draven smirked. "You thought you could outsmart me."

I took a slow breath.

"You won't always be right," I murmured, voice steady.

Draven pushed off the desk, closing the space between us in three slow steps.

His presence suffocated the air around me.

I held my ground.

Refused to step back.

Refused to show weakness.

His hand lifted—soft, slow.

He traced one finger down my arm, then along my wrist.

A shiver raced up my spine.

I hated him for making me react.

For making my skin remember his touch.

"Try again if you want," he murmured, voice dangerously low.

I swallowed hard.

He leaned in, his breath hot against my cheek.

"But next time, I'll make sure you never think about running again."

My breath hitched.

I clenched my fists.

"You can't break me," I whispered.

Draven's smirk was slow, dark.

"No, little flower," he murmured, his thumb grazing my lower lip.

"I wouldn't dream of breaking you."

His eyes darkened, silver flashing.

"I just plan to make you mine."

My stomach twisted.

I hated how the air felt too thick between us.

How every word sank deep into my bones.

How he said it like a fact—like something inevitable.

I glared up at him.

"You're delusional."

Draven let out a low chuckle.

His hands trailed to my waist, fingers pressing in just enough to make me breathless.

"Maybe," he mused, lips just near my ear.

"But you haven't pushed me away."

I stiffened.

Hated that he was right.

His hands lingered a second too long.

Then—he stepped back.

Cold air rushed between us, but it was too late.

My body still felt branded by his touch.

Draven turned away, walking back toward his desk.

His silver gaze flickered back to me.

"Go back to your room, Jasmine," he murmured.

His voice was calm. Commanding.

I clenched my fists.

I hated listening to him.

But I hated staying in this room even more.

So I turned and walked away.

But just as I reached the door, his voice stopped me.

"Oh, and Jasmine?"

I hesitated.

Turned my head slightly.

Draven smirked, his silver eyes glowing in the dim light.

"If you run again…"

His voice dropped to a whisper.

"I'll catch you in your bed next time."

My breath stalled.

Heat crawled up my neck.

I whipped around, scowling. "Go to hell."

Draven just chuckled.

I slammed the door behind me.

And the worst part?

My pulse was still racing